Devil Hunter Ranma

By Micronime

http:\www.geocities.com\Micronime

Micronime@hotmail.com

All the characters are the propriety of their respective
owner.

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---- indicate the beginning and the end of a section

**** indicate the beginning and the end of a flashback

""   indicate a speech in Japanese

<>   indicate a speech in Chinese

[]   indicate a thought

Author note :

           This story that your about to read is a crossover
featuring the Ranma 1/2 cast, the Sailor Moon cast and the
characters from Devil Hunter Yohko. The action take place at the
beginning of Ranma 1/2 and after the arrival of Asuza. At
first I wanted to write the plot into " The truth revealed ",
but I a believed the story would have become to complicated.

What as happened before :

                        Ranma and Genma found the valley of
Jusenkyo with the help of the Chinese guide. Before they
could start training ( and get cursed ), the ground of the
valley opened and demons began to emerge from it. After a
quick
run, they arrive to the Chinese Amazon village right in the
middle of the annual tournament.  Genma try to eat a fruit
from the first prize, but Ranma stopped and attract the
attention of Shampoo and Brush who start to fight over the
right to challenge Ranma. Before the fight could reach is
end, Cologne hear Ranma and the guide talk about the demons
at Jusenkyo and she stop the fight ( and everything else in
the village ). Soon after, Ranma, Shampoo, Brush and
Cologne leave to locate the actual position of the demons.
After a short fight with a demon in the forest, the party
return to the village. At the village gate, a winged demon
try to kill Ranma, but Genma use one of the forbidden technique
and slice the Demon in two. Cologne takes Ranma and his father
into her house where a short conversation takes place. When
they return outside the Demons are near the village and Ranma
Shampoo and Brush go to the village gate where all the
Amazons have gathered. So now let get the show begin.

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Chapter 2 : Going home.

11:37, Jusenkyo valley
Qinghai province, China

     The sun was high in the sky and it was slowly drying
the blood that felt on the ground. Blood and corpse could be
seen in all part of the valley. Some of the blood was human
, but it was mostly the blood of Demon. The corpse them were
all inhuman, the Amazons were bringing back their wounded
and the corpse of their fallen, not the demons. Everything
seem to be silent, no more fight between humans and demons,
no even a bird dared to sing... if there was a bird left that
is.

     Suddenly, a girl appeared out of the nearby forest
and ran bare feet on the field of the valley. If she was to
be described in one word it would be beautiful and would still
be a understatement. Her face was the one of a angel, her
eyes seem to contain the purest sea and her hair were wildly
flying into the wind and seem to be long enough to reach the
middle of her back. The striking thing about her hair was
that the were of the color red as if she had washed them into
the blood of the fallen warriors. The only thing that wasn't
of pure beauty were her cloths. The only thing that was
covering was some short of dirty rag. On many this rag would
have make them look like a beggar, but on her it make her
beauty even more noticeable. The sweat that covered her body
gleamed into the sun.

     The next creatures to enter the valley from the forest
had nothing of the beauty nor the purity that seem to radiate
from the teenage girl. They were ugly, beastie and even if
they were all different they were all as repulsive... the
fact that they were brandishing swords and spears didn't help
either. They were only four of them, but it sounded as if a
entire wolf pack was in the valley running and howling. the
tallest one had a blue skin and his face was covered with a
dozen of little horns and was carrying a mean looking sword
and he was also wearing a light leather armour. The next one
was covered with a green fur and was smaller than the blue
demon his most striking feature was his missing right eye and
for all weapon he had a small iron dagger. The third one had
a yellow tint and was about a feet smaller than the green
furred demon and he was wielding a wooden spear and was only
wearing a white rag similar to the one of the girl. The
smallest one was red and was about the height of a human, but
it face was horribly deformed and contrary of the other demons
he wasn't carrying a weapon of any kind.

     The girl ran as fast as she could, but she was
beginning to tire and four demons were getting closer. As the
demons got closer the girl tried to run faster, but as she
was to take a new step she lost her footing and felt face
first into the wet soil. Clawing the ground a few time she
was able to get back on her feet, but before she could resume
running a big red hand grabbed one of her ankle and made her
fall back to the ground. The same demon that hold her first
ankle took hold on the second and rudely turned her around.
The girl tried to get free, but the demon hold was to
strong. In a instant, the demons surrounded her. At that
moment, the red demon released her and stood up on all his
height.

     The girl tried to get as far away a she could which
put right in the center of the circle made by the four
demons. The creature from hell looked at her as she hugged
her knew trying to be as small as she could, hoping against
all reason that they would forget about her if she made as
little as possible. Her fear easily showing on her muddied
face with tears starting to escape from her eyes. The sight
she was given them would have made any human try to comfort
her to them it only made them eager for more. The green
furred demon grabbed the rag that served her of cloth pulled
it of her. The demon brandished up in the air the cloth as if
it was a trophy. The girl for her part tried to cover herself
with her hands, but her breast were quite visible to the four
demons. Quickly forgetting about the rag the green demon and
his fellow started to bring their unholy hands toward the
defenceless girl.

     At that moment, two words were yelled that made the
demons lift their head from the naked girl.

" MOUKO TAKABISHA! "

     The red demons was hit right into it torso by the
yellow beam of light killing him were he stood. The three
remaining demons quickly found the source of the beam and of
the yell : a teenage boy wearing a blood red Chinese shirt
and a pair of black trousers and with his black hair tied back
in a pigtail. Ranma landed on the ground about fifteen feet
from the three demons and the girl. As one the three demons
charged the smaller boy. In less than two seconds Ranma
dodged two sword thrust, jump over a spear and barely avoid
the iron dagger of the green furred demon. Without losing a
instant Ranma send a powerful kick into the face of the
nearest demon which send the green demon a few feet away from
him. The two other demons resumed their effort in fight the
boy.

     The naked girl watched the fight bewitched by the
quick flow of movement. She saw the boy dodge, avoid and
leap over the blow of it opponents. In the corner of her eye
she saw the green demon slowly get back to his feet. At the
same moment the boy disarmed the yellow demon and sends it
spear into the belly of the still recovering green demon. The
red demon took advantage of that moment to thrust his sword
where the boy was. The boy couldn't fully dodge the blow and
was hit on his right arm a bit under the shoulder leaving
there a trail of blood. Forgetting her nakedness the girl
stood up and joined her hand if front of her as if prying.

     Ranma continued fighting trying not to think to the
pain that caused the sword of the bleu skinned demon. The
yellow demon quickly redraws himself from the fight. Ranma
and the remaining demon quickly traded blow. It was as if
Ranma danced around the sword thrust while using the blue
demon as a punching ball.

     The girl saw the yellow demon silently position
himself behind the boy. She wanted to warn him, but she
found that no sound would got further than her throat. She
watched helplessly as the yellow demon threw himself at
the back of her saviour. At the last moment, the boy jumped
over the unarmed demon and landed seven feet away from him.
The yellow demon couldn't stop himself and finished it course
on the sword of the bleu demon. The last demon
unceremoniously threw the dead demon away from him with quick
movement of his sword.

     The two warriors left looked at each other as if
trying to predict their opponent next move. Ranma slightly
changed his position and so did the bleu skinned demon.
Then, without losing another moment the demon started to run
toward the smaller human. When the charging monster was only
at three feet of striking range, Ranma make a quick movement
with his right arm like his father taught him while yelling.

" KIJIN RAISHUU DAN! "

     The blue demon ran past him without striking then
stopped. The sword of the demon broke in two and the top of
exploded into a bloody mess. The demon limply fell on the wet
soil obviously dead.

     Ranma turned around to see how was the demons earlier
interest. Ranma didn't expect to see a naked girl quickly
turned back around. The girl remembered her present state of
unclothing and went back to her earlier position trying to
cover herself as well as she could. Ranma went toward the
small backpack that he threw went he was still airborne.
When he reached it he quickly searched inside tossing aside
the bandages and the medical herbs to finally grab his spare
set of cloth. Ranma still remembered when a demon got lucky
and shredded his clothing. At that time, Shampoo offered him
to give some of her own, the only problem was they were does
she was actually wearing.

     Ranma eyed the set of cloth and judge it to be a bit
to big for the smaller girl, but it would better than what
she had right now. Not daring going to close to the girl,
Ranma quickly threw her the spare set of clothing and turned
back around. Then he went back into the back and this time he
took out a few bandages and the medical herb, it was time to
take care of his wound because it was beginning to sting.
Went he was satisfied with the bandages, he put everything
pack into his back and waited.

     After a few moment of watching the surrounding
wilderness Ranma was surprise by receiving a hug from behind.
Ranma turned around and saw the girl wearing a matching pair
of black trouser and a blue Chinese shirt but where his barely
went farther than his shoulders her went all the way to the
elbows. The girl looked at him for a second before burying
her face into his uninjured shoulder. Ranma could not do
anything else than to hold her and wait for her to end.
Now he regretted to not have let one of the amazons come with
him, they would have done a better job had comforting the
poor girl.

--------------------------------------------------------------

13:17, Outside the Chinese Amazon village.
Qinghai province, China

     Smoke was rising into the cloudless blue sky, the
source of the smoke were a dozen piles of demon corpse burning
and emanated a strong stench. Each pile was guarded by one or
more amazons some of them were trying to purify the air they
were breathing with a piece of cloth over their mouth and
nose. Beyond the burning corpses were the walls of the small
village, there was about thirty amazons trying to repair
the damages made by the previous attack. The last attack had
actually occurred about four days ago, but it didn't last as
long as the other before. There was only over fifty demons
that was on the attack and good part of them were already
wounded or sick.

     From the of the cliff, Ranma looked at what had been
his home for about a month. Here he learned respect women as
fighters. In this village, he learned techniques he never
dreamed of some of them he learned from Cologne like the
Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken and the Hiryu Shouten Ha and from
his father he learned the Saotome Forbidden Techniques. Here
he became more mature and he nearly gotten himself a wife a few
times. A smile reached Ranma face as he remembered when
Shampoo 'accidentally' attacked him thinking he was a demon. He
remembered that he initially nearly fought back, but something
had felt wrong and he hadn't. The smile slowly disappeared as
he recalled himself what was waiting for him at is return.

     Ranma walked down the cliff while holding the girl in
his arm. While crying earlier, the girl felt asleep and
Ranma didn't have the heart to wake her up. It made about two
hours now that Ranma was carrying her in his arms and even if
she wasn't very heavy his arms were getting tired. Near the
base of the cliff Ranma tripped, but he was able to regain
his footing before he could fall. Ranma quickly looked at is
precious burden as she started to stir in his arm, but she
didn't actually wake up. Ranma looked at the smaller girl and
remarked her tears had washed away the dirt and that the tears
had long been dried away. He feels glad that the girl hadn't
been injured by the demons and that happen to be there at the
right moment and act in time.

     As he walked the piles of the burning corpses he
Couldn't help, but to remark the different stare the amazons
were giving to the girl he was carrying. During the first
week a few Amazon tried to challenged him in hope of making
him their husband, but Shampoo and Brush made it clear that
Ranma was to be their. The two Amazon warrior were still
fighting over the right to challenge him first though.

     Ranma stopped at the front gate the time for the
amazons' guards to open them for him. Before entering, he
said to himself.

" Here goes nothing. "

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13:49, Inside the Chinese Amazon village.
Qinghai province, China


     Contrary to the outside, which didn't very hospitable,
the inside of the village had no sign of any battle. The
amazons fought bravely so the demons would not go beyond the
outside walls. The village felt alive because everywhere there
was children playing. Yesterday, the children were been given
the right to go outside after four weeks hiding into the
shelters. It was a sign that the live of the village was going
back to normal.

     That when Ranma remarked a purple haired girl walking
toward him. Shampoo had changed a lot, maybe as much as he
had. She still tried to make him beat her, but it was more
of a game now. They had become good friend with the time and
the battles, but was clear that she wanted more than
friendship.

     Shampoo stopped at a few feet away from Ranma and
looked the sleeping girl in his arm.

< What happened to her? >

     In the last few week Ranma had tried to learn a bit of
Chinese since only a few amazons spoke Japanese. He was proud
of how much he learned.

< Girl attack by demons. >

     He had learn a lot, but he still had a lot to learn.
Shampoo gave another look at the girl before asking.

< Why is she wearing some of your cloth. >

     Before Ranma could answer Shampoo eyes opened wide and
quickly asked.

< She wasn't... >

     Shampoo didn't have to finish her question Ranma knew
what she meant. Many women, which some were amazons, had
been raped by the demons. Brush nearly suffered that fate,
but she was rescued in time.

< No! Killed demon before. >

     Shampoo let escape a relieved sigh then a joyous smile
appeared on her face.

< Ranma let me carry her to the shelter. >

     Ranma didn't see any reason not to and gentle lay down
the red-head into Shampoo's arm. It was a good thing too,
because his arms felt numb. They walked quietly not to wake
the sleeping girl. It only took them few minutes before
arriving at the shelter.

     The shelter was situated in the center of the village,
where the tournament took place nearly a month ago. After the
appearance of the demons, all the nearby villages had been
invaded. All those who survived the initial attack flee their
house in search for security. Hundred of them have fond it
within the walls of Amazon village. Unfortunately, for all
those that reached the village dozen at die on the way.

     While Shampoo lay down the red-head on one of the few
bed that remained free, Ranma looked at the refugees. Many
of them were sick even more were wounded. Not all of them had
wounded in their village, but he had heard stories of demons
attacking the refugees on the various roads they took. About
half of those group had die that way.

     Shampoo was quickly back at Ranma side.

< Girl will need bath. >

     Shampoo nodded.

< And she not the only one. >

     The young Amazon let out a heavy sigh.

< I would kill fifty demons for a hot bath. >

< Even if you were to kill a hundred you wouldn't have a
bucket of hot water. >

     The two teens turned around toward the source of the
voice. Cologne was standing there on her staff.

 " So how was your patrol Ranma? "

     Cologne was one of the Amazons who spoke to Ranma in
Japanese and Ranma answered her in is natal language. That
was what Cologne wanted since she wanted to be understood by
the boy and she wanted to understand him also.

" There is less and less demons in the valley. I only
encountered four that were chasing after a red haired girl. "

" Was she alone? "

     Ranma simply nodded. Cologne took a few second to
think before speaking again.

" I will send another patrol around the valley. She may
have been separated from another group of refugees. "

     Only a few second after said those words, Ranma spun a
caught a backpack. Ranma instantly recognized it as the one
he arrived at the village the first time. They all locked at
the one that threw it. Saotome Genma was standing there with
own back pack on. Cologne was the first to speak.

" What is the meaning of this? "

     By now, a small group had gathered around them,
formed of both Amazon and refugees. All knew Ranma for a
brave warrior and somebody you could count on when needed.

" Ranma and I are leaving. "

     Those who understood Japanese traduced for the other.
Within the crowd, whispers started to circulate.

" Why don't you stay some more? "

     Cologne didn't care about Genma, but he left his son
would be sure to follow. For his age Ranma was the best
warrior she have seen and promised to become even better.

" We have stay here for to long and Ranma has obligation to
fulfill in Japan. "

     All knew that Ranma's obligation was his fianc�e
waiting for him in Japan. That fact had made many Amazon
jealous of that mysterious girl. Shampoo approached Ranma.

" Ranma don't go. Stay with Shampoo. Shampoo make Ranma
very happy. "

     Shampoo had asked Cologne to teach her Japanese. Ranma
estimated that her Japanese was better than his Chinese.
Ranma looked at Shampoo and could not find his voice.

" Ranma put your pack on were leaving now. "

     The tone in Genma left no choice to Ranma. The young
martial artist removed the pack he normally used for patrol
and put his traveling one. At that Shampoo ran thru the
assembled crowd. Genma walked toward the gates of the village
and Ranma started to follow.

" Young Saotome. "

     Ranma stopped and looked at cologne who had spoke.

" Know that you are always welcome here. As gift of our
gratitude take this. "

     Cologne threw something at Ranma and he effortlessly
caught it. The object was an amulet. On it was an iron with
an open eye made from some other metal. Ranma looked at
Cologne for a explication.

" It will warn you if there demons nearby and guide you to
it. "

     Ranma bowed to Cologne before running after his
father. After that Ranma was outside the village's gate
Cologne went to search for her great granddaughter.

     It only took Cologne a few minutes to find Shampoo.
She had ran into her room. She was laying on her bed her head
deep into her pillow.

< Shampoo. >

     The girl raised her head out of her pillow. Shampoo
Turned her head to look at her great grandmother. It was
evident for Cologne that Shampoo had cried.

< If you had stayed longer you would seen the gift I gave
Ranma. >

< I don't care. >

< Then your are not interested in what I have for you. >

     The girl sat on her while looking at her great
grandmother. Cologne took out an amulet identical to the one
she gave Ranma.

< I gave Ranma an amulet like this one to Ranma. It warn
the wearer about the presence of nearby demons. >

     Cologne gave the amulet to the girl. While Shampoo was
looking at it Cologne continued.

< This one do more than that. It also guide the wearer
toward the amulet I gave Ranma. >

     Cologne was nearly crushed by the hug her great
granddaughter gave her. While they stayed like that nether of
then remarked the red head moving away from the window.

--------------------------------------------------------------

16:50, On a road.
Qinghai province, China

      The road, if it could call that way, was a narrow
trail of earth formed by the frequent passage of travelers.
Surrounding the road, was only high grass and few trees here
and there. A dense forest and mountains could be seen from
the road, but there were about ten kilometers away.

      It was on this trail that father and son have been
walking for the last two hours. They were walking at a pace
that they easily kept for hours, but that many would have a
hard time to follow for thirty minutes. At that speed they
covered over twenty kilometers.

      They were presently alone on the road and hadn't met
anybody for over a hour. The people they last encountered
were a group of Amazon guarding the passage to make sure that
no demon could escape the valley and also to warn anyone
trying to enter the valley.

      It was at this distance, that Ranma considered safe,
that he dared to ask the question that he had waited near of a
month to have it answered by his father.

" Pop, you were kidding about me having a fianc�e waiting
for me back in Japan, right? "

      Genma, without slowing down, looked at his son then
looked back toward the road.

" I would never joke about such matter son "

      Ranma nearly felt flat on his face at that short
announcement, but he was able to remain on his feet only
falling a few step behind his father. The words had been said
casually as if he was talking about something without any
importance. The way that his father had already planned his
life without even asking him anything made Ranma angry. It
took him a few second before he asked his next question.

" When were you expecting to tell me about that, pop? "

      The anger was unmistakable in his voice, but it
didn't seem to affect Genma. Genma was in fact thinking about
the future of the anything goes school of martial art and
barely registered his son question. If the older man could
have been more attentive he would have remarked that Ranma was
holding the braid of his back pack so forcefully that his
knuckle were white. It is with the lack of these facts that
Genma answered.

" If I didn't have to tell you at the village I would have
told you on the way to you're fianc�e house. And if
everything went well we would have held the wedding the same
day. "

      After earring his father, Ranma decided to have a
sparring match to show how much he improved in the last
few weeks.

--------------------------------------------------------------

17:31, Juuban train station.
Juuban district, Japan


      The train station was bursting with people. There was
a lot of passengers disembarking the various trains. Many of
them had just catch their train to go home after work. Other
were embarking the various trains and would not come back
before the end of the weekend. And other were just enjoying
the various shop nearby. When a man wearing a white gi and a
boy in a black and red Chinese outfit got off the train, they
attracted the attention of the few around. Maybe it was their
heavy looking back pack or the fact that they were loudly
arguing or maybe it was because neither of them had been IN the
train to begin with.

" I can't believe that you used all the money for train's
tickets in that drugstore just before taking the train. What
did you bought anyway pop? "

      By the tone that Ranma used anybody could see that he
was pissed. The reason for that might be because he spent the
last three hours on the top of a speeding train, freezing
because of the wind. Genma looked at his son and coughed in
his hand before answering.

" We had no bandage left, so I bought some and a few
medicines also. "

      The man eyed his son with caution. It was true that they
had been short on bandage and sleeping powder can be
considered as medicine. Genma then looked around for
something to eat. Ranma on the other hand, couldn't believe
he nearly froze to death for medical supplies.

" Bandages? Why would we need bandages were nearly home? "

      Genma just found what would suit his need perfectly :
a noodle stand. He had heard his son, but this time he
registered the beginning of anger in it.

" A martial artist must always be prepared. "

      Ranma quickly looked to the sky with exasperation, it
was not the first time that he heard that sentence and every
time for something different. He was about the reply to his
father but he was the first to talk.

" Let's go to that noodle stand and eat something. I'm
starving "

      Without waiting for the approval of his son, Genma
walked toward the stand. Ranma followed after his father,
but his anger was not forgotten.

" You're always starving! Why not wait still were home,
I'm sure that mom would be happy to cook us something. "

      Having reached the stand, Genma asked the cook for
two bowls of ramen. The man was wearing a large white apron,
a shirt and a small hat of the same color and he was wearing
black pant. After earring Genma, the cook hastily prepared
the food. Genma then turned his attention back to Ranma.

" A martial artist should always eat when he have the
opportunity. "

      Ranma went beside his father and looked as the cook
served the first bowl of ramen to his father. When the second
bowl was nearly prepared, Ranma remembered something.

" Hey! Pop I'm not really hungry so I could walk home while
you can eat my ramen since you're starving. "

      Genma nearly choked on his ramen before looking at
Ranma. He rapidly replied to his son proposition.

" It's not a good idea son. We should travel together.
Anyway, I'm sure you don't even remember where the house is.
You were too young when we left. "

      After that, Genma rapidly finished his food just as
the second bowl was served.

" I don't need to remember. I just have to ask for
direction since I still have one of the postcard mom send
us. "

      Genma took the small envelope that contained the
sleeping powder while taking the money to pay for the food.
Now all he had to do was to put the powder in the ramen and
make the boy eat it then he would go to Nerima as fast as he
could. Genma gave the money to the cook then turned to his
son.

" You just have to eat you're ramen and we'll be going. "

      The word seem to have effect on the boy as took his
Chopstick started eating. Genma used one of his oldest trick
that he knew of.

" Isn't that Nodoka over there? "

      Ranma started looking where his father was pointing,
while Genma poured the sleeping powder into the bowl. The
only one to witness all this was the cook.

" It just a woman looking likes her. "

      Ranma stopped looking into the crowded street and was
about to put some more noodles in his moth when something
distracted him. The source of the distraction was the pendant
under his shirt. When he put his free and over it, he saw
some kind of nightmarish creature. Ranma then felt like he
was pulled. To the relief of the cook, Ranma put back the
noodles into the bowl.

" Something happening and have gotta go. Here eat my ramen
and don't worry I will find the house by myself. "

      After putting the bowl in the hand of his father,
Ranma started running in the direction of the pull. Genma put
the now empty bowl of ramen on the counter of the stand and
was about to stop Ranma when he felt on the ground snoring.
The cook started laughing like he didn't do in years.

--------------------------------------------------------------

18:25, Inside a construction site.
Juuban sector, Japan

      This site was to be a new office building that would
reach fifteen story high, but now it was a ten-meter high web
of iron beam. The only thing that was complete were the
foundations.The workers had left the site a few minutes ago
and they had left some of their tools laying around as well as
nails and needles. A two-meter high wood wall surrounded the
site, so nobody could get hurt or steal the tools left by the
workers.

      The wall had been build to prevent human from getting
inside the site not some kind of monster. The creature broke
the wall as if it was made of paper. The demon was taller
than the wall itself and it skin was red and it was covered at
some place with yellow fur. It hair was the same color as
the fur and was falling down to the middle of it back. The
monster had two long horn coming  out of it forehead. The
ears of the creature looked more like horn on each side of it
head. He had reptile eyes, but what the more terrifying
about it face was it teeth. It looked liked three kind of
different teeth took from various animals and insect and put
into one mouth.

      The monster didn't wait long before he went inside the
construction site and three other shape quickly followed it.
Once inside the three new comers stopped. One of them took a
ready stance while searching the surrounding darkness, she
was wearing a red and white uniform and had long black hair.
Another one was looking at some small computer, what she was
wearing was similar to the first, but it was blue and white
and had short blue hair. The last one was trying to regain
control over her breath, she also was wearing white and blue
uniform but she had a red bow on chest where the other girl
had blue, she also had long blond hair tied in a
meatball-style ponytails. Having regained some control the
girl stood up right and looked at the closest of her friend,
the dark haired one.

" Why couldn't he wait until tomorrow to attack? We were
all going to see that new romantic movie. "

      After earring her friend wail she gave her a
disapproving look then took a few step toward the blonde
haired girl so she could have her face at five inch from her
friend nose.

" Sailor Moon! There is more important thing to do than to
watch a movie and one of them is to fight demons. "

      The words weren't said loud, but they had something
in the way she said them that made the other girl back away a
few feet and made her knee weak. Sailor Moon tried to explain
herself in a very low and shy voice.

" I didn't mean that the movie is more important than
fighting those monsters Mars, but it just that I would prefer
watch the movie than being here. "

      The blonde haired girl couldn't help give a small
smile hoping that it would help calm her friend. Sailor Mars
was about to start a speech on their duty as Sailor Scout the
blue haired girl, that stayed silent until now, decide to
inform the other to girl.

" I have just detected the demon, it is up head about sixty
meter and it has stopped moving, but it is still using energy
at frequent interval. "

      Earring this, Sailor Moon side stepped the black
haired girl and started running toward the structure in
construction. Before she could go far, Sailor Mars grabbed
her right arm. Sailor Moon looked back at Sailor Mars, not
understanding her friend action.

" Let's go of me so we can go dust that monster and then get
back home. "

      Since it looked like the blonde haired girl wasn't to
run off anywhere, Sailor Mars released the other girl's arm
while giving her a stern look.

" Didn't it occur to you that it might be a trap. "

      Sailor Moon was about to formulated a reply when the
blue haired scout beat her to it.

" I think that Mars is right. We shouldn't just rush into
what might be a trap. "

      The blond haired scout looked at Sailor Mercury and seems to
calm down a little then she looked at the third scout.

" Okay, so what do you propose Mars? "

      After a few second of thinking, Sailor Mars make them
come closer.

" Moon, you will go to the left and I will go to his right
as for you, Mercury place yourself where you can the demon
without being seen. "

      Before the black haired girl could fully explain her
plan, Sailor Moon commented on disposition of the team.

" I don't think it's a good idea to separate ourselves. Won't
it makes us more vulnerable? "

      Sailor Mars looked the blonde haired girl before
answering her.

" If my plan go well the demon won't even know what
happening, so let me finish my explanation. "

      Sailor Mars took a deep breath to calm herself.

" First, Mercury, you summon a fog that will last for
less than a minute. While the fog is up I throw my attack
toward the demon. If I hit it were going home. If I miss the
fog should decimated just about then and moon throw her Moon
Tiara while it distracted and then we're going home. Any
questions? "

      Sailor Moon quickly raised her hand, but when she
remarked the look she was receiving from the black haired
scout she dropped it even faster.

" What if we both miss? "

      Sailor Mars looked at her with surprise evident on her
face.

" Wow! you actually asked a good question! "

      The blonde haired girl looked like she was going to
argue about that last comment, but Sailor Mars spoke first.

" Well, if we both miss Mercury summon another fog and
we'll try to beat it the usual way : dodge and improvise. "

       The black haired scout finished with a small smile.

" Well what a great plan. "

      Sailor Moon sarcastically retorted, which make the other
girl fumes.

" You just have tell us your plan if you have any! "

      As it seem to be the beginning of a fight, Sailor
Mercury decided to find a way to stop them before it got
incontrollable.

" Mars plan is good enough and we should attack it before it
decide to run away. "

      It seem to have the desired effect except for the angry
Stare that the two were giving each other.

" Well then let go! We lost enough time as it is. "

      Said Sailor Moon right before starting running toward
the center of the structure in construction quickly followed
by her two friend. It only took them a short while to arrive
where the monster was waiting for them. The three Sailor
Scout came to a halt and Sailor Mars indicated to the two
other where to position themselves.

      After having reached the right of the red and yellow
monster, Sailor Mars looked Sailor Moon and Sailor
Mercury location. She was surprised to see that the blonde haired
girl had reached her position without making too much noise.
As for the blue haired one it was a long moment that she had
reached her position and was ready for the next step of the
plan. Sailor Mars took a beep breath then turned toward
Sailor Mercury and nodded.

      After having received the signal, Sailor Mercury
stood up and concentrated while calling her spell.

" Mercury Bubble Blast! "

      Right after creating the fog she dropped back on one
knee and waited. It was in moment like this that she wished
to posses a offensive magic, because the only way she could
defeat a monster by herself would be to fight it with her bare
hand. It was true that they were stronger, faster and more
agile than most human, but her fighting skill isn't that great.
Sailor Mercury was brought from her thought when Sailor Mars
called her attack.

" MARS FIRE IGNITE! "

      Even with the fog she could see that the monster had
dodged her friend fire attack. Now it was Sailor Moon turn to
attack and she felt a bit uneasy about it. Right now the fog
was beginning to dissipate and she could see the evil creature
looking where Sailor Mars had launched her attack, not
remarking Sailor Moon while she reached for her tiara. When
she started to call her attack it was already to late.

" Moon Tiara Magic! "

      The monster had only the time to turn around to get
hit by the magic projectile. While dissolving into dust, it
uttered a inhuman scream so loud that she was sure that half
Tokyo had heard it. After everything seem to have calmed they
all walked toward where the monster had been.

      When Sailor Moon arrived first, she had a big smile
on her face looking at Sailor Mercury. The blue haired Sailor
scout at yet a dozen meters before reaching her friend when
she saw the monster reaper right behind Sailor Moon. It
looked like the blonde haired scout had felt it since she lost
her smile and opened her mouth to say something her hand
already going toward her tiara.

" Sailor Mercury watches out behind you! "

      Sailor Moon quickly threw her tiara her direction,
just before the evil creature hit her. Sailor Mercury
looked behind her just in time to see a creature identical to
the other one disappear in dust. Before Sailor Mercury could
do anything she heard Sailor Mars call another attack.

" MARS FIRE IGNITE! "

      The fire attack hit the monster right in the chest and
it disappeared in a gust of flame. Sailor Mercury quickly made
her way toward Sailor Moon who had been throw into one of the
surrounding iron beam. Once at the side of her friend she
heard Sailor Mars scream in surprise. The blue haired scout
turned around to find her friend being grabbed from behind
from a third monster. That when she heard someone applaud.
Sailor Mercury looked at the source of the sound to see a
monster quite similar to the other, but he was a head taller
and he was also broader. He stopped clapping and opened his
mouth.

" Impressive Sailor Scout. Let my present myself I am
Spark. I must say that I wasn't expecting such strategy from
you, but now is the time to say farewell "

      The evil creature, Spark, slowly made his way toward
Sailor Mercury and Sailor Moon a evil grin on his face. Two
meters before reaching the two Sailor Scout a red rose was
throw in front of the feet of the monster. All those present
raised their head. Above them, right in front of the moon was
a man in a black tuxedo complete with a top hat, the cape
and the cane. The man was also wearing a white mask. The
masked man spoke.

" Know this demon that love and justice always win over
creature like you and... "

      The masked man what interrupted by another monster
appearing from behind him and restrained him in a way similar
that Sailor Mars was. The evil grin on the face of the leader
of the monsters grew larger.

" Not this time Tuxedo Mask. Not this time. "

      The word were loud enough for all those conscious to
hear them. The monster then step on rose crushing it under
his weight.

" Now better not make the girls wait. "

      Spark turned his attention back to the two Sailor
Scout. Sailor Mars and Tuxedo Mask tried to free themselves
from strong arm of the monsters. Before he could make another
step toward the helpless girls, some heavy object hit him
straight in the face. Quickly removing the offending object off
his face, Spark was surprised to be holding a large back pack.
Before it could throw the thing away, the monster received the
feet of it owner in it face sending him a dozen feet away.

      The red and yellow giant quickly got back on his
feet, eyeing the human facing him with caution. What he saw
didn't impress him in slightness. It was a teenage boy
somewhat older than the Sailor Scout wearing a red Chinese
shirt and a pair black trouser. The boy took a stance that
the monster recognized as martial art, how pathetic. A
ordinary human definitely not a threat, who was probably just
trying to play the hero. The monster quickly regained his
evil grin, the boy would die for it mistake.

" So who are you young boy? "

      At that, the seriousness of the teenage boy seem to
fade to leave it place to a grin.

" Somebody that you haven't planned for, demon. "

      There was something wrong about the boy. The stance,
his eyes, the tone of his voice, none of them showed fear.
The boy was either a foul or very confident in himself.
Before Spark could decide which one could describe the boy,
he was attacked by what it seem to be a dozen of punch and
kick at the same time. Flame was throw another dozen feet
away.

      The boy was definitely not a foul, but a well trained
warrior and definitely a threat. Like every opponents he
defeated they had all weakness and the one of the boy was very
apparent.

" How do you expect to defeat me if you can't hit me! "

      Spark said to the boy before summoning it fire aura.
The monster then ran toward the boy who did every thing he
could to dodge.

      Sailor Mercury was now shaking Sailor Moon trying to
Bring her back to consciousness. Sailor Moon was the only one
that could save them all from being burn to crisp. The only
thing she could do was to summon another fog and run away
with Sailor Moon and hopefully the courageous boy, but she
couldn't leave Sailor Mars and Tuxedo Mask here. She looked
back at the one sided fight between the monster and the boy.
She tell that the two have been going in circle and that they
were getting smaller at every rotation.

      From behind her, she heard Sailor Moon say something
and she turned around hoping that her friend regaining
consciousness. She understood a few word of what she was
mumbling.

"... shiny little stars! "

      Sailor Mercury nearly fell on her back when she heard
that. She quickly put her friend in a sitting position, then
looked back toward the fight. They were still following the
same pattern and if she was right there was just two rotations
remaining. Sailor Mercury hadn't the slightness what would
happen when there would any rotation left. She then turned
to look at Sailor Mars who was still struggling the arm of the
monster. That when she heard the boy yell.

" HIRYU SHOUTEN HA! "

      Sailor Mercury didn't know what would happen when the
last turn would be complete, but she never expected what she
was now seeing. Where the monster and the teenage boy had
been standing was now the center of a huge whirlwind. The
blue haired scout had to grab the iron beam from each side of
her blonde friend making it looks like they were hugging. All
of a sudden a hammer passed at a inch from her head,
startling her. She saw many other tools flying in the strong
wind.

      Looking around her, Sailor Mercury saw one of the
monster still holding Sailor Mars. The black haired scout was
fighting to free herself from the arm of the two meters
monster when a iron rod went through the back of her captor
and exited from it chest close to her head. After her shock,
Sailor Mars quickly liberate herself from the dead corpse of
the monster. Avoiding many flying objects, the Sailor of Mars
hastily grabbed the closest iron beam and stayed as low as
possible.

      After what seemed to be hours, the whirlwind finally
raised into the sky. When the strong wind in the construction
site died down, the two conscious Sailor Scout got back on
their feet and turned to face their savior. For the first
time they had a clear look at him. Facing his back, the two
girls could black hair tied back in a pigtail, his well
defined muscles through the red Chinese shirt and he was
wearing a pair of black trouser. The mysterious stranger was
taller than both girls and looked about two years older than
them.

      The teenage boy dropped his raised arm and turned
around. Sailor Mercury felt has if the global temperature of
the Earth had drastically risen in the last second and her knees
were becoming weak all of a sudden. Only one word was in her
mind when she looked at the face of her savior.

[ Kawaii!! ]

      Before their eyes could meet, she heard a faint noise
behind her. It took her a second before she could stop
staring at the older boy and turn around. She found Tuxedo
Mask kneeling close to a slowly recovering Sailor Moon. It
did not take long before the blonde haired opened her eyes and
it her only a few second to recognize who was beside her.

" Tuxedo Mask! You come to save us! "

      Tuxedo Mask was surprise by the fierce hug that the
blonde haired girl gave him. Slowly the caped hero
disentangle the arm of Sailor Moon.

" No. It wasn't me this time Sailor Moon. You and your
friend were saved by this man. "

      At those words, they all looked at the teenage boy
with their mind filled with questions. All the stares seem to
make the boy somewhat nervous. The first to speak was the
leader of the Sailor Scout.

" I don't know who make the rules about all the guys that
save our life are to be handsome man, but I sure won't
complain. "

      Everyone except Sailor Moon, who started giggling,
sweat dropped. The second to speak was Sailor Mars.

" Could you tell us who you are? "

      She wasn't hoping that he would give them his real
name, but he did.

" I am Saotome Ranma, heir of the Saotome's school of
anything goes martial art and you are. "

      Sailor Mars was to surprise to answer the question so
it was the leader of their group, now standing, that would
introduce them.

" We are the Sailor Scout. We right the wrong and triumph
over evil. I am Sailor Moon, the leader of the Sailor
Scout. "

      The passionate speech of Sailor Moon brought back the
black haired scout just in time for her to tell their savior
who she was.

" And I am Sailor Mars! "

      Sailor Mars voice was full of confidence and of pride
where  Sailor Mercury was shy and uncertain.

" I'm.. Sailor Mercury. Happy to meet you. "

      Those around her barely heard her. Tuxedo Mask
thought it was good moment to introduce himself.

" And I am Tuxedo Mask! "

      If they expected the teenage boy to recognize them and
to be impress by who saved they were greatly disappointed,
which Sailor Moon was. On the face of Ranma, there was no
sign that he knew who they were. Sailor Moon wanted to make
sure.

" You never heard of us? "

      If there was any doubt about Ranma not having heard of
them, they were all cleared when he shook his head.

" No. Should I have? "

      Sailor Moon seem to be a little bit depressed by his
answer, as for Sailor Mars it annoyed her. Tuxedo Mask used
that moment to leave without being remarked.

" Where were you for the last two months that we been
fighting those monsters? "

      The teenage boy was surprise by the angry tone used by
Sailor Mars to ask the question.

" Eh.. well.. Eh.. I was in China... in the Qinghai province
in a small village. "

      Sailor Moon and Sailor Mars looked toward their blue
haired friend waiting for some kind of explanation. Sailor
Mercury remarked their questioning glance.

" It is a isolate region of China. The tribe living there
are far behind in the mean of modern technology. "

      Sailor Mars nodded in comprehension, but Sailor Moon
still stared at her.

" In that region they don't have television, phone, radio
and don't even think they have the electricity. "

      The reaction from Sailor Moon was quite more than just
a simple nod.

" What! How can they live without television, microwave
and videogame. "

      Sailor Mars sweat dropped, Ranma stared at Sailor Moon
and Sailor Mercury stayed neutral while trying to avoid
looking at Ranma. The teenage boy remarked the absence of
Tuxedo Mask and decided it was time for him to go, since the
demons had been deal with.

" It's getting late so I better go now. "

      Before any of the girls could stop him, he had already
reached his backpack and was putting it on. Sailor Mercury
reached him and put her hand on his right arm. The blue
haired girl felt a electric courant pass through her arm which
could explain the faster heartbeat, the weakening of her
knees, the sudden rise of the temperature.

" Eh.. Coul.. He.. His there anything I.. WE could do to
help you?... You saved our life after all. "

      Sailor Mercury's face was now a interesting shade of
red, close to the one of Ranma's Chinese shirt. Behind her
the two other girls looked at her then looked at each other
with a small smile. The teenage boy seem to hesitated between
answering or taking her temperature, she looked like she had
a some king of fever, but something came up in his mind. He
removed the post card from one of the side pocket of his back
pack.

" I am looking for this address and I am not familiar with
this part of the city. "

      Ranma gave the post card to Sailor Mercury who took it
With her two hands. Reading the address on the card and making
sure to memorize it.

" The address you're searching his two street up head then
left. Finding the right house shouldn't be difficult after
that."

      She gave back the post card to Ranma who put it back
in the pocket he took it. After some quick salutation he
jumped on one of horizontal beam and started running. The
blue haired scout still looked in the direction he took when
her two friends started giggling.

" What is it? "

      The giggling transformed itself in a loud and free
laugh.

" I.. I never thought.. that I see you.. act that way around
a boy! "

      After hearing Sailor Moon comment, Sailor Mercury
regained her earlier blush which started a new wave of laugher
from her friend. Sailor Mars was able to calm herself some
what.

" But I have to say. I guy like this Ranma is hard to
resist... especially with a butt like is. "

      The blue haired girl blushed even more if it was
possible and her two friends continued to laugh. She felt like
it would be long before she would hear the end of it.

--------------------------------------------------------------

18:45, Noodle stand.
Juuban district, Japan

     There were a lot of people walking from a shop to
another. Some were looking at the various display in the
different shop window. All those who passed there were
giving a question glance toward the small shop. It wasn't
because of the low price of the food, but because of the big
man dressed in a white gi soundly sleeping on the sidewalk in
front of the stand. The man would have certainly stayed there
for the whole night, but the young officer Tanaka would have
none of it.He started by slowly shaking the older man, but he
would not wake.

      He tried shaking him harder, but without the desired
effect. The officer Tanaka was now trying to decide between
shaking the man again or calling an ambulance when he heard
someone opening a window on the second story of the building.
Before the young officer could react a large quantity of water
was throw from the window. The man could do nothing else then
look at the water closing toward him. By reflex he closed his
eyes and waited. He opened his eyes when he heard the former
sleeping man begin to curse. The man was now all wet and look
and sound happy about it.

      Genma, now standing, looked around him to find the
source of the attack when his attention fell on the police
officer just beside him. Since his training with the master
he always felt nervous around them. For some reason the
younger man seem to have something on his mind which wasn't
him. Not questioning his luck, Genma quickly took his
belonging and ran away. Now he had to find his ungrateful
son.

      Officer Tanaka was still trying to figure out how
could the water miss him and hit the man that was under him,
when he realized that the man wasn't their anymore. Forgetting
about it he continued his regular patrol.

--------------------------------------------------------------

19:37, Saotome's residence.
Juuban district, Japan

      Saotome Nodoka had finished all of the chores around
the house and she was now taking care of the family sword.
The sword was a katana that had been passed from a generation
to the next. Soon it will be her turn to give it to her
child. Ranma just remembering his name send pain and sadness
in her whole being. It has been over ten year since she last
saw her son. She knew that he had to go with his father to
become a powerful martial artist... and for his safety.
Ranma would come back and he would receive the family sword,
his  birthright. Ranma would be the first man in over three
hundred years to receive the duties that came with the sword.

      Before Nodoka could go further into her fantasy, she
heard someone knock at the front door. She sheathe the katana
before putting it back on it rack. Taking a step back she
closed the doors of the small shrine. She got out of the room
and walked toward the front door. A single day couldn't pass
without her dreaming that her son and husband would knock at
the door and wait for her to open. It didn't take her long to
reach the door. When she opened the door, a teenage boy was
waiting outside. The boy wore a red Chinese shirt and a pair
of black trouser, both needed to be washed. Nodoka then
remarked the big backpack that the boy was carrying. It was
evident to her that the boy must have traveled a lot. Looking
toward his hands, she saw him twisting a familiar postcard.
She then took a good look at his face and one word escaped her
lips.

" Ranma? "

      The teenage boy looked at her with hope in his eyes.
The boy said one word that she waited ten years to hear.

" Mom? "

      Without any hesitation she hugged her son. For a
second she felt him tense, but he quickly relaxed. For ten
years she had dreamed about this moment, for ten years she
tried to imagine how it would happen. What was happening was
better than anything she had imagined, because it was real.
Her son was back home.

      She don't know how long they stayed like this, but
when they let go she felt much better than she have ever in
the last ten years. Looking at her son with her eyes full of
tears she said three words she always wanted to say.

" Welcome home son . "

      With that Nodoka made her son enter the house. The
first thing he did was to look around. While he did that she
looked at him. She had to admit to herself that Ranma was
quite handsome and had no doubt that he was a man among men.

[ My husband really honored his promise. ]

      At that moment she remarked the absence of her husband
and looked outside by the window, but she found no sign of
him anywhere. She turned to her son who was still getting
reacquainted with his home.

" Ranma do you know where your father might be? "

      Ranma turned around to face her.

" Pop should have been here before I got here. After all I
had to make wide detour to.. ha.. to check on something.
Well Pop might have stopped somewhere to eat. "

      Nodoka did remark the hesitation in her son answer.

[ Leaving your father to 'check' on some girl. How manly
you are my son. It is unfortunate that you will have to
content yourself of your fianc�e from now on. But as grandpa
Hito used to say : It is not important where you take your
appetite as long as you eat at home. That Mano girl will be
so lucky. ]

      Before any of them could say another word they heard
knock coming from the door. Nodoka made a few step toward the
door and opened it.What waited for her outside was a man she
could recognize anywhere wearing a gi that had seen better
day. Her husband was in front of her bare feet and carrying a
large backpack. The only thing that hold her back from
hugging him like she did for her son was his scent.

" Genma what happened to you? You smell like you slept in
the middle of the street. "

      At that moment Genma seemed to be highly embarrassed.
Nodoka could feel a Saotome secret technique coming.

" Ah.. Is Ranma here yet. "

[ Ah! Yes. The great technique of ** subject changing **.
I actually missed that one. ]

" Yes, Ranma arrived just a few minutes ago. "

      For some reason her husband seem to be bothered by
that. Ranma chooses that moment to look by the door.

" Pop.. Bwaaa!! You smell as bad as the last time we slept
in that alley behind that Chinese restaurant. "

      Nodoka was shocked by what her son had said and
remarked the dark look Genma was giving to her son.

" No-chan, Ranma and I must go see one of my old friends.
We should be back before midnight. "

      Genma tried to grab Ranma from behind Nodoka, but she
Got a hold on his hand. She was about ask precision on their
training trip, but Ranma beat her to it.

" It's not about that fianc�e thing, right. "

      Genma looked at is wife with a stupid look on his
face, Nodoka looked at her husband angry stare and Ranma
decided it was a good time as any to see the rest of the
house. Nodoka, being a traditional Japanese woman, wasn't
going to make a scene in front of the whole neighborhood.

" Saotome Genma, get inside. "

--------------------------------------------------------------

20:31, Mano's residence.
Nerima district, Japan

      Mano Madoka hung up the phone. She just received a
call that would certainly change a lot of things. Saotome
Ranma was back at his family house. What should have been a
joyous for both families was tarnished by a promise made by
the father of the child. She had expected anything to happen
to the child. He might have not lived long enough to marry
her granddaughter, he might have been killed by a Demon and
he could have been lost somewhere forever. Until a few
moments ago, she still thought that the last one had
happened. That why she never told Yohko about the
engagement. She never imagined that another engagement would
come in the way of the union of the two clans.

[ There nothing I can do about that right now. I better
tell Yohko about Ranma. ]

     With that in mind, Madoka left the kitchen and climbed
the stairs. She then walked toward Yohko's door. Madoka
opened the door and looked at a scene she saw dozen of times.
Yohko's best friend, Chikako was sitting on the chair near
the desk and Yohko's apprentice Azuka was sitting on a corner
of the bed. Yohko was on the head of the bed her back to the
wall and looking depressed while holding a pillow against her
chest.

[ Yep! She been 'dumped' yet again. The count now of
forty-three. ]

     Madoka walked to the center of the room without
disturbing the various object lying in her path.

" Yohko, there something we need to discuss. "

     Madoka words didn't seem to get the attention of her
granddaughter.

" I was so sure that he was right guy this time. "

     No they definitely didn't.

" You must look at the bright side mistress... You only
been wrong three times this week. "

     At that Yohko seem even more depressed.

" That was the forty-fourth one this year. "

     Yohko hid her head in the pillow.

" Did I miss one? "

     That seem to attract their attention. Yohko even
lifted her head from the pillow. Chikako took out her pocket
organizer and seem to be verifying something.

" Yes, Mano-San it was while you left for the out spring
with your daughter. Just after Azuka arrived here. "

" Oh yes! It was when mistress Yohko was brought into
another dimension. "

     Asuka comment made Yohko put her head back into the
pillow.

" Yeah! She thought that the guy she had to save was in
love with her. But he was in love with a girl that she freed
too. "

     Now Yohko was literally crushing the pillow with her
arms and knees. She looked like she wanted to disappear in
the pillow.

" But the best part... "

     Yohko didn't let Chikako finish. She threw her pillow
in her best friend face and got off the bed.

" Enough already! Can we talk about something else. "

     Now was the moment Madoka had waited for.

" Actually, I have something important to discuss with
you Yohko. "

     The Mano elder looked at the two others girls in the
room and they seem to have understood what she meant.

" Look at the hour I am better get going or my mom going to
kill me. Bye Yohko! See you tomorrow. "

     Chikako was the first to go, but Azuka wasn't far
Behind.

" Mistress I will be in my room doing my homework. "

     The devil hunter in training while following the older
girl.

" I thought that she had done them already. "

     Azuka closed the door behind her. Madoka walked to the
bed and sat on it motioned her granddaughter to do the same.
After Yohko had sat beside her, she began.

 " Yohko what I have to tell you will change a lot of thing
in your life. "

     Before Madoka could continue Yohko spoke first.

" I'm adopted? "

     Madoka calmly answered.

" No."

" I got breast cancer? "

" No. Yohko... "

     Before she could finish sentence Yohko spoke again.

" I'm cursed? "

" No.. Yes, but that not what I'm here to talk about. What
here for is..."

     Again Yohko interrupted her.

" I'm CURSE! "

     Madoka resigned herself.

[ I should as well tell her. ]

" Yes, you are cursed, so is Azuka. "

     A loud noise could be heard from the other side of the
door. It sounded like someone hitting the floor. Madoka
quickly went to the door and opened it. Azuka was halfway
from back on her feet as for Chikako she was about to walk
down the stairs.

" What are you two still doing here? "

     Madoka looked at Yohko who had just spoke. Like her
last comment indicate it she was slightly angry, but
definitely annoyed. Before either of the girls could come up
with some excuse Madoka spoke.

" You two may as well come in. "

     Azuka quickly passed between the two Mano and took back
her previous place on the edge of the bed. Chikako walked
toward the door, but stopped in front the two devil hunters.
The girl looked afraid and embarrassed at the same time not
daring to look at them directly.

" It just to know like that.. Heh.. Can it be
transmitted? "

     It's a good thing that Chikako wasn't looking at Yohko
face right now, because she would have mistaken her for a
demon. An angry one. Madoka answered the girl.

" No it's not "

     Relieved Chikako went through the door and sat on the
chair like before. The two Mano took back their respective
place on the bed leaving the door open this time. Just after
they sat the first question was asked.

" Could you describe the curse Mano-sama. "

     Madoka looked at the young girl. She tried to hide
it, but it was clear that she was afraid.

" The source of the curse go back about three hundred years
ago. A powerful demon tried to take over Japan to then
conquer the rest world. The devil hunters were able to
defeat it, but at a high cost. Of all the clans that fought the
demon and it army only three survived the war which only two
remain now. "

     Madoka looked at three girls who were all listening to
her attentively. She always liked to tell the stories that
formed the glorious past of her clan. It was sad that she
never the chance nor the time to tell it to Yohko. Without
waiting further she resumed her task.

" While dying the demon cursed the three clans so that no
women born or wed in their clans would give birth to a son. "

     Before she could continue Chikako stopped her which
earned her disapproving glance from the two others girls.

" Why that? Why no more sons? "

" In those times, the pride of every families was their sons.

From making the women of the clans unable give birth to a son

the demon was stealing away the pride of the devil hunter. Or
so he thought. "

     Now after Chikako it was Yohko turn to ask a question.

" So now all the clans composed of women. "

" No Yohko. Only the West clan, if there any still
living, the East clan, which is our, and the North clan. "

" What about the South clan? "

     Madoka looked at Chikako after she asked her question.

" The South clan didn't fight that demon and so they were
not cursed. "

     When she spoke of them she put as much disgust in her,
but Chikako didn't seem to have remarked it.

" Hey Yohko! One of those guys would make a perfect
boyfriend since he would be a devil hunter too. "

" Maybe... "

" I FORBID IT! "

     The eyes of the three girls were on the Mano Elder.
She had moved to be just in front of Yohko. None of the girls
had ever seen her act that way.

" The members of the South clan are selfish and
untrustworthy. They will never admit their faults. The
reason why did not fight with the others clans is because they
were trying to find some kind of treasure. And anyway
Yohko... "

     Madoka had somewhat regained her calm by now.

"... you already have a fianc�. That I wanted to discuss
with you. "

     The next question came from the three girls at the same
time.

" WHAT? "

" His name is Saotome Ranma and a member of the North
clan. "

" But you said the no devil hunter of the North could have a
son... Is he adopted? "

" No Yohko. He is the living example that the curse can be
broken. "

" As Yohko's manager I got the right to know why her. "

     Both Yohko and Madoka looked at her for a moment. The
first with some embarrassment the other with some amusement.

" Firstly, it's to reinforce the bond between or two
clans. Secondly, the Saotome and the Mano always cooperate
with each other even before the alliance between the two
clans. As for why precisely Yohko, she is the current
possessor of the family ring. "

     There was a long moment of silence and Madoka thought
that they had no more question and walked toward the door.
But Yohko stopped her before she was out.

" Grandma. What do he look like? "

[ I should have expected that one. ]

     Madoka turned around to face the three girls.

" If that can be of any indication he was a very cute boy
when he was five years old. "

" You didn't meet him when he was older Mano-sama? "

     Madoka stayed quiet for few second before answering
Azusa.

" No, because Ranma was taken on a training trip by his
father when he was six. "

" Why that grandma? "

" The official reason is that his father wanted train him
to be the best martial artist ever and he thought his wife
would only soften Ranma. "

     Madoka held her hand in front of Yohko who was about to
ask her another question.

" The real reason is that his clan feared for is life.
Yohko, you must understand that you and Ranma can strengthen
the fragile alliance between the East clan and the North clan
and there many being that will do anything prevent that from
happening. And not all of them are demons. "

     The room fell quiet as the words sink in. Madoka
never had wanted any of her child to be used like this. That
she refused to join the head of the clan. Ranma's birth
changed all that. Once again walking toward the door she
stopped. Not turning she spoke again.

" Yohko since tomorrow is Saturday you will be moving into
your fianc� home in Juuban. "

     That seem to shake them out of their thoughtful state.

" What? "  " What about me Mano-sama? "  " Juuban!! "

     They all spoke at the same time, which made it difficult
to understand them, but Madoka knew they answer the wanted.
She looked at Azuka who seemed to be slightly worried.

" As for now Azuka I will take over your training if that
fine with you. "

     The expression on the young girl told her that she was
Relieved.

" I would be happy Mano-sensei. "

     Yohko looked hurt by the cheerfulness in her former
disciple, but she remembered that Azuka was always cheerful.
Before Madoka could continue, Chikako spoke first.

" What about me? I can't be a good manager if Yohko is
going to live in Juuban. Who is going to keep track of her
improvement? "

" I believe that Mrs. Saotome will take care of keeping track
of that since she will teaching both her son and Yohko. "

     It was Yohko turn to interrupt her.

" What can she teach me? I am good enough with my
sword as it is. "

" Nodoka, Ranma's mother, also use a sword and I am sure
that she can teach you a few trick. She is also an experienced
magic user and she will train you in her art. "

[ The time training together will not only improve Yohko's
skill, but her relationship with Ranma. ]

" That a good reason for me to go, but it doesn't totally
explain why I have to move at his place... It sound like one
of mom's idea. "

     It did sound like one of Sayoko's idea. Madoka
couldn't help herself but smile at that. After years of
fighting her daughter to kept Yohko a virgin, she was now
asking her to move into a boy house.

" The reason is that although Nodoka knew about the
engagement she didn't tell her husband about it. Not knowing
about it Ranma's father engaged him to a daughter of his best
friend. Since neither want to break the engagement they
decided to give a fair chance to the two engagement and let
Ranma choose whom he will marry. "

     It did not take long for Yohko to react.

" Let me get this straight. Not only I am fianc� to a guy I
never met, but I have also to fight for him against a girl
with a valid claim on him. "

     Madoka simply nodded. Yohko thought for a second.

[ He better be worth it... Hell I'm desperate. ]

" Ok I will go for it. "

--------------------------------------------------------------

20:45, Tendou's residence.
Nerima district, Japan

     Soun Tendou put back the phone on the hook. That last
phone call was both the source of great hope and greater
despair. For the first time in years he heard the voice of
Genma, his old friend and co-disciple. It was an enormous
joy to talk to him again, but the news he giving was an other
matter completely.

[ The union of our school is in peril. ]

      By now two streams of tear was visible on his face.
His friend had informed her that not only his wife was against
the marriage of Ranma to one of his daughter, but that she
was engaging her son to another girl.

[ It is a good thing that Genma was able to make her see the
importance of the union between the two families. ]

      Genma's wife had been convinced to let Ranma decide
which girl he was going to marry. Like Genma had mentioned
the Tendou had a advantage. He had two wonderful daughters
where they only had one ordinary girl. Too bad that Kasumi
was recently engaged to the good doctor Tofuu. Plan of how
to win the Saotome boy started to emerge. He then remembered
something important.

[ I'm better tell the girls about the engagement. ]

--------------------------------------------------------------

Author note :

      At last I finished the second chapter! I can't
believe how many hours I spend working on this chapter alone.
The hardest part was to make the whole story stick together.
As for Madoka telling Yohko having to have only one rival it
is because Genma didn't tell Nodoka that Soun had more than
one daughter ( he didn't know before the phone call ). For
those who are asking themselves if this is going to be
all-the-girls-chases-Ranma type of fic the answer is : It is
not the main plot. I think I dropped enough hint on what
going to be the main plot.

     What going to happen in the next chapter? I'll give
one hint. The title is :
                       Demons, girls and more demons.

Please don't hesitate to send C&C.

Micronime@hotmail.com

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