Ranma 1/2

                           Anijza

                          Part One:

                  �As on Earth as in Hell�





                       Nicholas Stone











                    The Exchange Student


Saturday
     Kasumi Tendo was normally not lost for words when it
came to the happenings that befell the Tendo household.
Tonight though, she could not even begin to answer the
questions from her father, or the rest of the people seated
around the dining table.
     �An �Exchange Student�, Kasumi?� said Soun Tendo for
the umpteenth time.
     Genma Saotome, Soun�s closest friend and boarder at the
Tendo Dojo, sat re-reading the letter delivered to them
earlier that week.  He looked up over the top, arching a
brow at her.  �Kasumi, why did you volunteer the Dojo as a
home for an Exchange Student?�
     Kasumi�s cheeks flushed slightly.  �I honestly cannot
say, Mister Saotome,� she answered, reflecting on the
strange phone call from the Furinkan School Board.  �They
were so sincere about their intentions, and, and we are one
of the leading families in the township, I thought it would
be nice to show a visitor some hospitality.�
     The sound of chopsticks clattering brought Kasumi�s
attention to Ranma Saotome seated across from her.  He set
his now empty bowl on the table, sitting forward with a
curious stare.
     �So, we�re opening the dojo up as a Youth Hostel, eh?�
he said.
     A sturdy smack on the back of the head followed, Akane
Tendo, youngest daughter of the Tendo clan glaring angrily
at Ranma.
     �Stop berating Kasumi like that,� she said, hitting him
again.
     �OW!  I�m not!� cried Ranma, drawing back.  �It wasn�t
meant like that.  I don�t think it is a bad idea at all.�
     �You don�t?� said Kasumi.
     �Nah.  Why not show how friendly our community is?
Like you said we are the leading family in this part of
town�
     Nabiki, middle daughter of the Tendo clan, nodded her
head.  �They do always come to us when trouble afoot.  Hmm,
maybe this will garner some long overdue profit, a little
free publicity, who knows?�
     �This is not meant to be a money-making scheme,
Nabiki,� said Kasumi.
     She shrugged.  �Never pass up opportunity no matter how
small.�
     �So when is this student due to arrive, Kasumi?� asked
Soun
     �The letter said tomorrow.�
     �Tomorrow?�
     Genma turned the letter over finding the small
paragraph denoting the time and place of the newcomers
arrival in Furinkan.  �Say�s she�ll be here on the 12:45
express run from Hiroshima.�
     �Whew!  Long trip,� commented Ranma, letting out a
whistle.
     �She�s going to be extremely tired when she gets here
I�m sure,� said Kasumi.
     �Uh, e�scuse me� �She�?� Akane asked.
     �Yes,� replied Soun.  �That is what the letter
indicates.�
     He took the letter from Genma, passing it over to her.
Akane read the name of the exchange student.  �Anijza?� she
finally said.
     �Kwong,� finished Kasumi.
     Nabiki and Ranma peered over Akane�s shoulders.
     �Korean, huh?� said Ranma.  �Not much of an exchange.
I was expecting something more exotic.  A Canadian, a Brit,
an American�.�
     �Oh stop,� replied Nabiki.  �Besides, they make more
money than us anyway.�
     �Now you behave, Nabiki,� Kasumi scolded her ambitious
sister.
     �Why the questioning look, Akane,� asked Genma.
     Akane stared at the name in the letter, rolling it
around her mind in thought.  Something burned deep in the
back of her head, doubt or maybe jealousy.  No, no, that was
not it; outright that is, but there was something odd about
the girl�s name.
     �I�m worried about Happosai and his disgusting hobby.
Once he finds out we have another female in the dojo, he�ll
be all over her things.  Bad enough he riffles through our
underwear, she won�t have anything left by the end of the
week.�
     �Oh, that�s true.  Daddy?� said Kasumi.
     �I�ll talk to Happosai and ask him to behave.�
     Suddenly, from the rafters above them, a small figure
bounded down landing at the middle of the table startling
them all.  Happosai�s wizened features remained briefly
frozen in place then with a light chuckle he slowly looked
up.
     �No need to talk to me, boy,� he said sinisterly,
�heh, heh, heh, I will be sure to greet our new young guest
properly� AND TAKE MY FILL OF HER DELICATE UNDIES!!!!!�
     �Master Happosai, please!� exclaimed Genma.
     �Opportunity cannot be passed up!  I will garner all of
her things and rejoice, REJOICE!�
     �Not if we don�t lock your old demented ass up first!�
shouted Ranma.  �GET�EM!�
     Akane remained seated, watching calmly as a flurry of
arms and bodies lunged out to grab the old master.  It was
all for naught, Happosai bounding effortlessly up into the
air.  Even Kasumi was in on the tackle groping though the
air as he leaped over her head.  A mad scramble furniture
tipping over as they surged off after him.
     Akane let out a sad sigh.  �Useless,� she muttered.
Just about to reach down and start clearing the mess, Akane
caught a slight whiff of something that made her nose
twitch.  It was a dank and musty smell, akin to something
left out in the rain and muck after a hard storm.  She
passed her head over the table again pausing to regain the
smell once more.  Her nose twitched again, and Akane looked
down.
     It was coming from the letter.
     She smirked picking it up, running it past her nose.
The smell was there; faint, but definitely coming from the
paper.  Or was it paper?  A short rub between her thumb and
forefingers left a strange oily feeling on them.  Akane
frowned at the letter placing it on the table.
     �The School Board needs to rotate their stock more
often,� she said, gathering up the dishes�

                          * * * * *

Sunday
     Curious eyes searched the surrounding platforms for the
first sign of their guest from abroad.  Ranma pushed his cap
back, letting out a frustrated sigh, glancing up at the
time.
     �Hey, Pop!  Are you sure this is the platform we�re
supposed to meet this Anijza girl at?�
     Genma produced the letter again.  �K-214,� he said,
looking up at the sign above them, �yes this is the one.�
He folded up the letter.  �Not like our train system to be
tardy at all.  Strange.�
     Ranma agreed.  An alert sounded, red lights flashed
signaling the arrival of the express train from Hiroshima.
The Saotome�s traded smiles; Ranma picking up the sign with
their name on it following Genma over to the railing.  A
sleek silver train glided to a stop and its passengers began
to disembark.  Ranma struggled to make his way through the
crowd holding the sign high above his head.  It was futile,
inching back to wait for the mass of people to dissipate.
     �Grief, you�d think everyone would be just a bit tired
after a trip like that,� said Ranma.
     �They act like they could not wait to get off,� replied
Genma.
     �Well it was a long trip, Pop.�
     �But to be so desperate.�
     A last rush of bodies exited the train, and when they
cleared there standing at the threshold stood a young red-
haired woman.  She wore a short pleated blue skirt, matching
blouse with a yellow scarf tied daintily around her neck.
Frilly-laced baby-doll socks and low black Mary Jane shoes
complete her attire, a small suitcase clutched tightly in
her hands.
     The blood started racing through Ranma and Genma�s
veins, stunned by the woman�s delicate features.  When her
deep, slate-gray eyes panned over to them, Ranma shuddered
uncontrollably.  A cheerful smile formed and the woman waved
walking excitedly towards them.
     �P-P-Pop, Pop!  I-I-I can�t move,� gasped Ranma.
     But Genma could not speak, large beads of sweat flowing
down his face as the girl approached.  Finally she stopped,
giving them a timid bow.
     �Konnichi-wa,� she said.  The sign dropped from Ranma�s
hands.
     She stood glancing back and forth between the two,
suddenly turning with a light gasp.  �OH, I�ve said it
wrong.  Such a klutz I am!�
     �No!� cried Ranma, breaking from his stupor.  �You said
it right.�
     She turned back around gazing innocently up at him.  �I
did?�
     �Yes, uh, we, we were just caught off guard b-by your,
uh� help me out here, Pop.�
     Genma stammered, still lost for words.
     �Thanks,� said Ranma.
     �Oh thank you!� exclaimed the girl.  She gave Ranma a
firm hug and stepped back bowing again.  �I am Anijza
Kwong.�
     �Uh, Ranma.  Ranma Saotome.�
     Anijza moved up closer to him.  �Yes,� she said
seductively.
     The lump in his throat was hard to swallow down; Ranma
taking a nervous step back.  �Th-this is my Pop, Genma
Saotome.�
     �Mister Saotome,� said Anijza said.  For a short second
Ranma thought he saw a look of recognition come to Anijza�s
eyes, then her innocent smile returned.
     �I am honored by your presence, sir!� she finished,
bowing.
     �Uh,� was the only thing Genma could say.
     Ranma slapped him briskly on the back of the head.
�You know if Mom finds out you�re reacting like this she�s
going to decapitate you� right after your castration.�
     Cringing, Genma broke from his stammering.  �Yes, yes!�
he said cheerfully, rubbing the back of his head nervously.
�Welcome, Miss Kwong.  Welcome to Japan.  We�re pleased to
have you here.  Ranma, where are your manners?  Take Miss
Kwong�s luggage.�
     �Please, Anijza is fine.�
     Ranma took Anijza�s suitcase.  She giggled, latching
tightly onto his arm.  His eyes went wide, but allowed her
to remain.
     �Uh, heh, heh, yes ah shall we be going?� said Genma.
     Ranma nodded and they headed for the exit.  Ranma gave
Anijza a quick glance finding her grinning happily up at
him.  He looked forward again and grimaced.
     Oh, Akane is not going to like this at all�

                          * * * * *

     Soun layered the final spread of cement across the top
of Happosai�s makeshift underground prison.  Even though he
knew the old sage would eventually get out, he hoped that it
would take him several months.  By then their new guest
would be gone and back on her way home.
     �Oh you wait until I get out of this, boy,� snarled
Happosai through the tiny air hose sticking up out of the
ground.  �Such calamity I will create, my wrath you will
come to regret!�
     �Hm, then we can expect nothing new,� replied Soun.
     His task finished, Soun stood up.  Out the patio door
came Nabiki walking over to observe his work.
     �Wanna bet he�s out before midnight?� she said.
     �Don�t talk like that,� answered Soun.  �That poor girl
does not deserve to endure such trauma.�
     Nabiki laughed.  �At least I know I�ll have my
underwear untouched tonight.�
     �Don�t you get so confident, girlie!� shouted Happosai.
�Once I�m (uhgh) out of these meshes you�ve all wrapped me
in, I�ll break free, and that girl�s undies will be mine,
mine you hear me!�
     Soun sneered.  �You just stay put, you old fool.  We�ll
let you out once Anijza is gone.�
     Kasumi stuck here head out the doorway calling to them.
�Their back!� she said excitedly.
     �LET ME OUT!� shouted Happosai.
     �Be quiet, will you,� said Nabiki.  She and Soun headed
for the door.  Suddenly, Nabiki paused.  �Daddy, what if
starts raining?�
     �One can only hope,� he replied.
     They joined Kasumi at the doorway; Akane arriving
seconds later watching as Genma entered through the main
gate.  He looked slightly unsettled then the reason quickly
became apparent as Ranma and their new guest appeared.
     Akane�s eyelids fluttered rapidly, mouth dropping open
at the sight of this girl latched tightly to Ranma�s arm,
giggling like some ultra-innocent schoolgirl at her first
dance.  They were carrying on in cheerful conversation and
it wasn�t until they reached the foot of the steps that they
acknowledged the Tendo family�s presence.
     �Uh, ha, ha� uh, hi everyone,� said Ranma nervously.
     Soun�s brows furrowed together in annoyance, his
withering stare playing upon Ranma and Genma.  ��Being a
little too friendly, Ranma?� he said.
     Ranma swallowed, gently shrugging his arm out of Anijza
grasp.  �Ha, ha,� he laughed, feeling the heat from Akane�s
withering glare.
     Suddenly, Anijza walked up to them.  �Oh, you must be
the Tendo family!� she said excitedly.  Stepping back,
Anijza bowed. �Konnichi-wa,� she said.
     �Welcome,� replied Kasumi, returning the bow.  �We have
been eagerly awaiting your arrival.�
     �I am honored to be here.�
     �Anijza says that she�s going to try and complete her
studies while she�s here,� Genma told them.
     �Oh, great.  Then that means you must be in the upper
classes of your school,� said Nabiki.
     Anijza nodded.  �I am fifth in my schools mathematics
class, and second in my martial-arts course.�
     At the mention of martial arts, Ranma�s face
brightened.  �Really now,� he said.  �Then you certainly
have come to the right place.  The Tendo Dojo is the leading
place for that sort of training.  Isn�t that right, Pop?�
     Genma rubbed the back of his head, grinning wide.  �Ah,
yes.  The Tendo-Saotome style of fighting is unmatched in
the world.�
     Anijza grinned, but her eyes darted anxiously from side
to side.  �Uh, f-forgive my ignorance, but I am not familiar
with your style,� she finally said.
     �Oh this will be good,� commented Nabiki.
     �Well Ranma and Akane will be more than happy to
instruct you,� Soun said.
     �Later, Daddy,� Kasumi cut in.  �I�m sure Miss Kwong is
tired and hungry after such a long trip.  Akane, please take
Anijza�s suitcase to your room.�
     �My room?�
     �Yes, that�s where she�ll be staying.�
     Akane held back her protest, not wishing to appear
rude.
     �I�ve got lunch prepared, so lets all relax and get to
know our new guest,� finished Kasumi.
     The clan ushered Anijza along following Kasumi back
into the house.  That was all but Ranma and Akane.  Quietly,
Akane walked over and stared up into Ranma�s face.  Tension
followed, Ranma swallowing down more fear lumps.
     �Uh, I can explain, Akane,� he finally said.
     Akane glared at him a moment longer then took the bag
from his hands.  �I�m sure you could,� she said, �But it
would do you no good.�
     �Akane�.�
     �Ranma,� called Genma.  �Are you coming?�
     Akane turned heading inside.  �You better go and catch
up with you little girlfriend,� she said as she went.
     Ranma stood stunned by her remark.  He sighed, gazing
hopelessly up at the sky.
     �Women� what does it take to satisfy them?� he cried
out�

                          * * * * *

     Laughter echoed around the Tendo table, its occupants
trading stories and talk with their new guest.  Anijza sat
close by Ranma, gazing up at him as he retold another story
about one of his sparring matches with Akane.
     ��and so, and so Akane like charges thinking she�s
going to level me with a kick, but I ducked and whoosh!  She
sails right over my head and bounces on the mats behind me.�
     The chuckles increased, that was all but Akane who sat
eyeing Ranma malice written in her eyes.  She was not sure
though whither or not her anger stemmed from the playful
indirect teasing her boyfriend/husband was giving her, or
the fact that this girl from Korea was literally up in his
lap, hanging on every statement he made.  Anijza let out
with another giggle that made Akane�s nerves twinge with
resentment.
     Soun wiped the tears from his eyes, sitting back.
�Ranma, how could you do that to your wife?  You should be a
bit more careful with such a delicate woman like Akane.�
     �I can take anything Ranma can dish out, daddy,�
snapped Akane.
     Ranma turned a humored gaze on her, brows arched
mischievously high.  �Really now?  You have yet to feel a
blow from me �dear�, and for that matter you have yet to
land one as well.�
     �Feh!� Akane huffed, turning sharply away from him.
     He laughed.  �Don�t let her tantrum bother you, Anijza.
Its the� Anijza is there something the matter?�
     All this time Anijza had suddenly grown quiet.  Her
expression had shifted into one of shock staring wide-eyed
up at him.  Slowly, she drew back.
     �Anijza?� called Kasumi.
     �Ranma,� she finally said, �did Mister Tendo say�
wife?�
     Ranma started, blinking his eyes trying to recall what
is was Anijza was referring to.
     �Oh, you mean about Akane!� he replied.
     Anijza looked around at Akane, finding her gazing back
with a slightly smug grin.  �You are married?�
     �Nnnot exactly at the moment,� answered Ranma.�
     �But he will be marrying Akane soon.  Won�t you�
Ranma?� said Soun.
     �Heh, heh, heh, heh�.�
     Nabiki leaned forward.  �Does that bother you, Anijza?�
she asked the girl.
     Anijza stared up at Ranma again before answering.
     �No.  I wasn�t expecting any compli��. one so young and
handsome to be married.�
     �Hmm, that was worth at least ten thousand points,�
commented Ranma.
     �Don�t get you ego up too high, buster,� said Akane.
     �Ranma and Akane are betrothed,� explained Genma.  �Our
families are destined to be united.  Isn�t that so, Tendo?�
     �Quite, Saotome,� Soun cheerfully replied grinning from
ear to ear.
     Again Anijza glanced back at Akane and for a brief
second a glimpse annoyance arced in her eyes.  �I�m so happy
for you!� she finally said.  �You are very lucky, Akane
Tendo, to be gaining such an attractive man as Ranma for a
husband.�
     Ranma picked up his glass tapping the side with the
ends of his chopsticks.  �Oh yes!  Yes, Anijza, you go girl!
Comments like that might just make you a strong contender in
the game.�
     �What!� cried Akane.
     �Ranma, don�t be teasing Akane like that,� Genma said
sternly.
     An awkward silence passed, then Soun cleared his
throat.  �Tell us, Anijza.  What part of Korea do you come
from?�
     A question she did not expect, Anijza hid her surprise.
�The interior,� came her answer.
     �The interior?� questioned Nabiki.
     Anijza nodded.  �Very arid, and very, very hot this
time of the season.�
     �Hot as hell?� joked Ranma.
     She grinned.  �Something like that.�
     An odd remark; the family passed the notion off.  Genma
glanced up at the clock noting the time.
     �Hmm, Tendo is it not time for our afternoon game of
Shogi?�
     �Yes, yes it is, Genma.�
     �I�ll clear the table,� said Kasumi, gathering up the
empty plates.
     �Ranma, why don�t you take Anijza around town while
there is still some daylight left,� Nabiki suggested to him.
     Akane�s jaw dropped slightly open in disbelief.  Her
own sister actually suggesting something like that knowing
full well how much this girl was oddly clinging to him as if
they were the ones to be wed.
     Oh no, not a chance.
     �I�ll take her around,� Akane cut in.�
     Ranma grinned.  �Are you sure, Akane?� he asked.
     �It would be more than a pleasure,� answered Akane.
     From the terse glint in her eyes, Ranma knew that would
not be such a good idea.  �I know!  We�ll both take her
around town.  Would you like that, Anijza?�
     The suggestion apparently excited their new guest.  �Oh
that would be wonderful!�
     A cackle suddenly cut the air.  In a flash, Happosai
appeared from outside.  Bits of fine mesh draped around his
shoulders, concrete dust and debris in trail behind him.
Several horrified gasp sounded as Happosai dragged his tired
frame inside.
     �Heh, heh, heh, heh� so, you all though a mere simple
prison could keep me away from such delicacies as those
offered from distant shores!�  Happosai�s cackles grew
louder.  He tipped his head back letting out a long laugh.
     Ranma shot to his feet.  �You old demented goat!� he
shouted fist balling up tight,  �You stay away from Anijza�s
underwear, you hear?�
     �Don�t be stupid, youngster!  I will take what� is�
rightfully�.�  Happosai�s words trailed off as his eyes fell
upon the newcomer seated at the table.  ��mine?� he
finished, features turning down in shock and surprise.
     Akane frowned wondering what was causing this sudden
change in the possessed sage. She glanced over at Anijza
finding her staring calmly back at the old man.  There
seemed not a hint of fear in her, in fact it looked like she
was smiling faintly at Happosai.
     The stuttered gasp from Happosai brought her around to
see him cringing fearfully away from them.  His scream
pierced the air fading away with the possessed master as he
ran off across the lawn.  A short leap and Happosai vaulted
over the surrounding walls.
     The ensuing silence precluded the amazement from the
people at the table.  There were no words that could
describe their awe, and slowly all eyes drifted over to
Anijza.  She timidly looked around and them said with a
light shrug, �Did I do that?�
     Soun leaned towards her.  �You may stay as long as you
like, Anijza.�
     �Never thought I�d see Happosai run away from a cute
girl,� added Ranma.
     Akane�s stare broke away from her, glaring up at him.
     Ranma shrugged.  �Is unusual,� he said.
     �It sure is,� replied Akane.  She looked at Anijza
again with suspicious eyes.  She still seemed unmoved by the
encounter.
     �We should be going,� she suddenly said to them.
     �Yes,� Genma said.  �You kids go on and enjoy
yourselves.�
     �After all of this, the rest of the day should be no
problem,� Ranma said.
     Anijza stood up.  She looped an arm around his right
giggling innocently up at him.  Ranma felt the heat rushing
through him, and then another sensation of warmth wrapped
itself around his left arm.  Akane gazed up at him.
Although there was a smile on her face, the sparks were
dancing bright in her eyes.
     �Uh� yeah let�s get going before the, uh� sun goes
down,� he said.
     The trio walked out the patio doors.  Nabiki watched
them and then shook her head.  �Boy, oh boy are the next few
days going to be interesting,� she said.
     �Anijza is such a warm person,� Kasumi said.  �I hope
she doesn't�t fall madly in love with Ranma.�
     �It looks like love at first sight,� commented Soun.
     Genma grunted out a laugh.  �Yes, well my son is
dashing and handsome.  Takes after his father.�
     �And with that its time to get a shovel,� replied
Nabiki drawing a laugh from the others.
     �Well he does!� exclaimed Genma as they began gathering
up the dishes.
     Their laughter increased and Genma could only grumble
in mute frustration.  His mind pushed aside the slight
drifting back to Happosai and the old mage�s reaction to
Anijza.  He paused, rubbing his chin as his curiosity peaked
slightly at the incident.
     Anijza?
     Soun�s call from behind broke him from his thoughts.
He gazed out the patio doors briefly then went to join his
friend.

                          * * * * *

     �And over there, that�s the Nerima open air bazaar,�
Ranma said to Anijza as the walked down the main strip of
Nerima�s streets.  The girl was still clinging tight to his
arm, but Akane had drifted a few steps back behind them,
fuming silently to herself as she followed the two along.
     I can�t believe how close she�s staying on to Ranma,
seethed Akane.  She�s got that anaconda grip on him and has
not let up since we�ve left the dojo.
     Anijza�s high-pitched titter at something Ranma said
made the hair on the back of Akane�s neck rise up.  �Bitch,�
muttered Akane.
     Suddenly, Anijza�s head twitched.  She looked back over
her shoulder.  �Did you say something Akane?�
     It may have sounded like an innocent question, but the
static flowing between them literally crackled in the air.
Fighting the urge to just tear into this girl, Akane forced
a smile.
     �I was saying that we might need to detour.�
     �Oh?  Why?�
     Ranma tapped her on the arm, pointing up the street.
It looked like there was some construction going on the left
side of the street fenced off.  Several construction workers
sat around apparently taking their afternoon break.  A
delivery bike sat at one of the gates, a crowd of men buying
meals from the operator.  Ranma recognized Mousse as they
approached.
     �You gotta meet this guy,� Ranma told Anijza.  �He�s a
good friend of mine.  Helped me out of several tight
situations.�
     �But Ranma I�,� began Anijza, but her words were cut
off as Ranma pulled her along. Akane followed and they
crossed the street
     Mousse stopped from his task and looked over.  A quick
squint of the eyes, he lifted his glasses and made out
Ranma�s features as they moved closer.  Immediately the
steam rushed to his ears.
     �Ranma!� he hissed.
     Ranma guided Anijza up front and Mousse started,
pulling back the blow he was about to launch at Ranma.
Akane�s appearance next to Ranma put off the angry words he
meant to say.  For a moment, Mousse stared at the red haired
girl.
     �R-Ranko?� he said.
     In a flash, Ranma pulled Mousse aside, shushing him
with a finger to his lips.  �Mousse, what are you trying to
do?� he whispered low.  �Anijza doesn't�t know about that.�
     �Anijza?  Damn, I thought it was you.�
     �Nah.  She�s an exchange student from Korea.  Gonn�a
stay with us for a while and finish her studies here.�
     Mousse eyed him.  He turned around looking Anijza over.
�Excuse me,� he said bowing, �I mistook you for someone else
we know.�
     �That�s okay, Mousse.  I understand.�
     Akane�s brows rose up.  �How did you know his name?�
she asked.
     �I have very good hearing, Akane,� she replied, cutting
a knowing eye at her.  Remembering the earlier encounter,
Akane decided to drop the issue.
     �Anijza Kwong, this is Mousse.  He works down at a
restaurant called the Nekohatten,� Ranma told her. �We�ll be
dropping by there to see someone else I�d like you to meet.�
     �So you can get her killed by Shampoo!� exclaimed
Mousse.
     Anijza paused, placing a hand thoughtfully to her chin.
�Shampoo� yes,� she said with a slight nod.
     �Shampoo what?� questioned Akane.
     The look on Anijza�s face quickly dropped back into
innocence.  �Ah� an interesting name that is.�
     This is getting weirder by the second, thought Akane.
Something is not right and I�m going to get to the bottom of
it.
     �Oh she won�t do anything,� she heard Ranma say to
Mousse.
     �Bull. She sees you walking along with her and Akane
you might as well call out the guard.�
     A fact Ranma had to admit.  Shampoo could get quite
upset over anything that came between her and her �husband�.
�Yeah.  I guess it could wait until later.  Say, why don�t
you tell her about Anijza, and we�ll stop by tomorrow to
chat and eat?�
     �And I want you anywhere near her too?� replied Mousse.
     �Hey, I�m not after anything. Nothing to get upset
about.�
     Akane let out a sigh knowing full well where this was
about to go.  �Boys, boys,� she said walking up between
them.  �No need for any fighting, especially in front of our
guest.�
     �Yeah, where are your manners?� said Ranma.
     Mousse tensed ready to pounce, but it was Akane who
acted first gently guiding him and his delivery bike along.
     �We�d better move on anyway,� she continued, �looks
like the construction crews are about to start up again.�
     Already the sound of jackhammers and engines echoed
around the street.  Anijza�s firm grip returned to Ranma�s
arm as he followed the two along the temporary walkway past
the construction zone.  As they walked, Anijza�s eyes were
locked upon Akane�s back, her mind raging in fury at this
small insignificant toad muddying up what should have been a
simple task.  She was saying something to Mousse, her ears
picking out �strange�, and �arrogant� amidst the
conversation.
     Oh really? thought Anijza stung by what could only be
in her mind as insults.  Akane Tendo�s suspicions were no
doubt aroused, and that meant she would have to be dealt
with quickly before she upset things.  Her eyes drifted up
to the surrounding buildings locking on a service crane,
it�s boom holding a pallet full of cement blocks.  Ranma was
speaking, but she pretended to be listening, directing her
energy out towards the machine.
     Slowly, the crane began to turn until its heavy cargo
sat poised precariously above the street.  It would be too
bad about Mousse, but this was war, one she was not about to
lose.  With a slight twitch of a brow, the bolts holding the
cable and pulley together parted.
     What Anijza did not expect was Mousse�s ears to hear
the break, nor expect him to be as quick grabbing Akane
around the waist as he leaped away from the impending impact
zone.  Ranma saw the pallet streaking towards the ground to
late to yell out an alarm.  The resounding crash sent chunks
of debris sailing through the air.  Instinctively, he pulled
Anijza close diving back out into the street. As the dust
cleared, Ranma leaped to his feet staring aghast at the
scene.
     �Oh no!� he gasped, taking a few steps towards the
rubble.  �Oh no� Akane!  Mousse!�
     Anijza�s low moan brought him around.  �Are you all
right?� he asked her. She nodded slowly before letting out a
gasp at the sight of the rubble.  �Stay here,� he told her,
running over to the pile.  Trembling hands pressed up over
Anijza�s mouth, but it was not to stifle her cries, but more
to conceal the dark grin that had formed.
     Meanwhile; Ranma was frantically digging through the
shattered blocks desperately calling Akane�s name.  Several
workers arrived and pitched in to help.
     �Akane!� screamed Ranma as he slung aside the rubble.
Someone tugged on the back of his pants leg, but he refused
to stop.
     �Leave me alone!  My fianc� is under this!�
     �Ranma.�
     �Stop bothering me, damn it!  I�ve got to save her!�
     �Ranma.�
     Ranma glared angrily back over his shoulder.  �Damn it,
will you stop bothering me, Akane?  I�m trying to pull you
out from under all of this crap!�
     He continued digging then abruptly stopped as his words
registered.  Akane, he thought looked up wide-eyed in shock.
It was Akane standing behind him; dusted and disheveled with
a slight trickle of blood running from the knick she had
received on her forehead.  Oddly enough she was grinning at
Ranma.  �Akane!� cried Ranma, rushing down to scoop her up
in his arms.
     �Ranma, Ranma, calm down!  I�m all right.�
     But Ranma could not bear to let her go, embracing her
as tight as he could.  �I thought you were dead,� he said.
     �I will be if you continue to crush me like this!�
     He let her go, drawing back.  Pulling out his
handkerchief, Ranma began to dab up the blood dribbling down
the side of her face.
     Akane�s grin returned.  �Fianc�e, huh?� she teased.
     Ranma grimaced, caught flat in the truth of the moment.
It was the sound of Mousse�s sobs that prevented him from
answering.  He was kneeling at the base of the rubble,
fountains of tears streaming from his eyes as he stared at
the sight.
     �My, my, my bike,� he sobbed.  �My bike� it�s dead!�
     More workers appeared, several foremen rushing over to
the two couples.
     �Anybody hurt?� shouted one frantically.
     �Nah, we�re okay,� replied Ranma.  �Just a few scrapes
and cuts.�
     �What!� shouted Mousse.  �My bike is under there!  We
could�ve been killed!�  He gasped in sudden shock.  �I�m
going to be killed.  Cologne will execute me for sure!�
     �Hmm,� Ranma let out, eyes cutting slyly over at the
foremen.  �Sounds like a note to Nabiki Tendo is in order
here.�
     �GYAHH!  NOOO!�
     Much to the amusement of the workers around them, the
foremen dropped to their knees bowing prostrate at Ranma�s
feet.
     �Please, young sir.  We do not need to bring Mistress
Nabiki into this!�
     �I dunno.  Almost killing her sister sure sounds like
grounds to me.�
     �GAAAAHHHHH!!!!�
     Akane swatted Ranma on the arm.  �Behave,� she told
him.  Sirens sounded, Police and Emergency crews arriving on
the scene.
     �Well, seeing that nobody was seriously hurt, I guess
we can let it go.�
     �What about my Bike?� shouted Mousse.
     �It will be replaced!� frantically answered one of the
foremen.
     �It better be, or, or� I�ll sue!�
     One of the foremen fell back in a dead faint.
     �Calm down, Mousse,� said Ranma.  �They�ll get you a
new one.  Come on, let�s go give our statements to the
police and head over to Ucchans.�
     Ranma and Akane helped Mousse to his feet and they
turned to collect Anijza.  She surprised them all appearing
behind Ranma.  Her eyes were not locked on him, but on Akane
in a strange gaze that sent brief shivers down her back.
Quietly, she walked over giving the girl a short once-over.
     �I am glad to see you were not hurt,� she said, her
tone almost lifeless.
     �I was lucky,� answered Akane with a hint of resentment
lacing her words.
     Ranma gave Akane a light nudge breaking them from their
hostile glares.  �We need to go like now?� he said.
     Akane nodded, gazing up at the crane.  She frowned
noticing that the drivers� cupola was empty, and then
drifted back over at Anijza again.
     Another tug from Ranma; Akane walked coldly past her�

                          * * * * *

     The smell of fresh coking brought several pleased
smiles to the faces seated before a cooking grill, assorted
meats and vegetables simmering in puddles of baking
Okonomiyaki batter.  A spatula flashed flipping the entrees
over with delicate skill.  Ukyo Kuonji dealt out the morsels
of food sliding each plate down the counter to a stop before
her friends.  They eagerly dived in to their meals.
     �So,� said Ukyo, setting down her spatula, �Akane�s
luck has prevailed again.�
     Ranma nodded.  �It�s a good thing Mousse was there
otherwise I�d be down at the city morgue trying to identify
the puddle of mush they�d have become.�
     A sharp pinch from Akane brought a yelp from him.
     �I do owe Mousse my life,� continued Akane, shooting
looks of death at Ranma.  �Anijza here might have had to go
back home in mortal shock after seeing something like that.�
     Ukyo glanced over at the strange redhead seated oddly
close to Ranma.  Irritating, but Ukyo did not want to let it
upset her.  �Tough thing to be witnessing so early in your
trip, eh?� she said to her.
     �Not a very pleasant way to start things, no,� Anijza
calmly answered, taking another bite from her meal.
     Must not be to upsetting to break her appetite, thought
Ukyo.
     �Like I said to Anijza earlier,� Ranma said, �Mousse is
such a great guy to have around.�  He gave Mousse a friendly
hug around the shoulders.  �I owe�ya partner.�
     �You can repay me by staying away from Shampoo then,�
replied Mousse.
     �I try, but she keeps hounding me!  With Cologne egging
her on, I can�t seem to avoid it.�
     �At least say you�re not her husband!�
     Anijza let out a gasp.  The surprised look on her face
drew both Akane and Ukyo�s attention.  �Some thing wrong?�
asked Ukyo.
     �Husband?� let out Anijza with some difficulty.
     Akane barely suppressed her smile.  �Yes, Shampoo
thinks that Ranma is her husband after some silly Amazon
law.�
     �I just don�t see why she can�t give up and take me?�
added Mousse.
     �Ranma,� said Anijza turning to him, �you have two
fianc�s?�
     Innocently, Ranma gazed up at the ceiling.  �Ah� well�
kind�a�.�
     �Oh, there�s more,� Mousse told her.
     �What!?�
     Ranma smacked him on the side of the head.  �What�d you
go and tell her that for?�
     Mousse ignored him.  �I figure by the last count it was
four.  Four, right Ranma?�
     �Mousse!�
     A visible shudder passed thought Anijza.  �And who are
these other two interlopers?� she asked almost in a
demanding tone.
     The group paused, eyeing the girl for a moment.
     �Interlopers,� trailed Ranma stroking his chin,  �I
like that, Anijza.  I�m going to start carrying a small
notebook around when I�m with you.�
     �Do you even know what it means?� snapped Akane.
     Seeing that Ranma was about to get thrashed by Akane,
Mousse was more than ready to fan the building flames.
�Well there�s Kodachi Kuno.�
     �Kodachi?  Kodachi Kuno?�
     �You haven�t met her yet, and you really don�t want
to,� said Ranma.
     Mulling the name in her mind, Anijza pondered her
situation.  More complications, things that would have to be
neutralized along with this toad Akane Tendo.  �And who is
the fourth member of Ranma�s growing harem?�
     Ukyo giggled at the comment.  �A harem it is not,
Anijza, and that fourth member would be me.�
     �You?�
     Ukyo crossed her fingers, leaning on the counter top.
�Me,� she answered with a devious grin.
     Ranma, realizing that things could get out of hand,
quickly explained that Ukyo was a long time friend of his
when he was growing up in China.  That seemed to settle
things with Anijza, but there was a sense of confusion about
the girl.
     �Hey, don�t let it bother you,� he said.  �I�m a one
woman type of guy.�
     �What!� exclaimed Ukyo.
     �I got morals!�
     Akane frowned not sure which topic she should go after
first.  �You are taking this a bit personal, Anijza,� she
finally said.
     Anijza�s demeanor quickly returned to one of innocence.
�I, I am just� surprised that Ranma here has so many women
claiming him for their husband.  We do not have such
problems where I come from.�
     �Really?  I can guess that means you�re already
arraigned to someone?�
     �Oh yes.  Someone very dear to my heart.�
     The thin, devious smile Anijza gave Akane sent a
shudder up and down her spine.  Suddenly, a brief spasm of
pain coursed through Akane�s head.  Grimacing, she placed a
hand to the bandage and closed her eyes with a hum.
     �Akane?� said Ranma.
     She waved him off.  �It�s nothing.  Just a twitch
that�s all.�
     Ukyo moved Akane�s hand aside and looked the bandage
over.  �Might need another cleaning,� she told her.
     �It was just a scratch, Ukyo.�
     �Infections don�t need much to start, Akane.�
     Taking her by the hand, Ukyo guided Akane around the
counter into the back.  �Ukyo,� Akane started to protest,
but she raised a finger hushing Akane to silence.  Stopping
at one of the deep sinks, Ukyo turned on the water allowing
it to stream loudly into the drain.  She quickly walked back
to the double doors and peeked out into the dining room
before rejoining Akane.
     �What is up with this Anijza-girl, Akane?� she
whispered.
     �Oh, you sense it too?�
     Ukyo reached up grabbing a towel and passed it through
the stream of water.  �I can�t explain it, but she gives me
the willies.�
     Gently, Ukyo took Akane�s chin in one hand and began
wiping around the bandage on her forehead. For a second she
paused, and then arched a brow.
     �I don�t think I like her.�
     �Sometimes you don�t like me because of my relationship
with Ranma,� Akane replied.
     �You�re different.  Her� I just don�t know.�
     �She is a bold one, isn�t she� Ow!�
     �Sorry.� Ukyo slowly peeled back the bandage. �Fools.
They didn't�t put anything in this to help heal the skin.�
     As her friend went to one of the cabinets, Akane gazed
out towards the double doors.  She went over and peered out
the small window; finding Anijza holding Ranma�s left arm up
examining his hand as if looking for something.  A slight
snarl emanated from her, the heat rising in her temples.
     �What is she doing?� she said.
     �I think she�s looking for any signs of a ring or
something,� Ukyo answered, surprising Akane as she peered
over her shoulder.
     Together they drew back trading looks for a moment.
Ukyo resumed her dressing of Akane�s wound applying a salve
of mashed roots to the cut.  Akane let out a sigh of relief
as the pain slowly faded away.
     �You know, Ukyo, that girl acts almost as if she�s
known Ranma for a long time.�
     �Sure does.  How long has she been here?  Half a day
and already cooing up to him like a long lost lover.
Strange.�
     �I don�t attribute it to love at first sight.�
     They peered out the window again; Anijza reassuming her
close grip on Ranma�s arm staring starry-eyed up at him.
     �Yuck,� said Ukyo.  �Akane, we better keep an eye on
this one.�
     �I�ll say.  Look at her virtually throwing herself into
his lap.�
     �No.  There is something more.  Do you know her
schedule yet at school?�
     �Haven�t asked.�
     �Hmm.  Then we�re just going to have to play it out
tomorrow and see what develops.�
     Akane cut here eyes up at Ukyo.  �So I take it we�re at
a truce?�
     �Yep. Deal?�
     A smile formed, Akane glad to see she had an ally in
this.  �Deal.�
     �Good.  Now let�s get back out there and break them up
before she becomes a permanent part of Ranma.�



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