Ranma 1/2

                           Anijza

                          Part One:

                  �As on Earth as in Hell�





                       Nicholas Stone



                       The Intrusions


     Ranma strolled casually down the street towards the
dojo recalling the argument he had with Akane that
afternoon.  Anijza walked along beside him chattering on,
but he had tuned her out sometime ago.
     I can�t believe I said all of those nasty things to
Akane, he thought.  I never really meant to hurt her, and I
don�t want her mad at me again.  Sheesh!  You�d think we�d
learn by now and can come to some kind of mutual agreement
about this relationship of ours!
     Anijza�s voice briefly came to him.  He smirked,
wandering off the sidewalk for a second as if stung by the
sound.  Anijza, he continued, such a nice girl, somewhat
smothering, a bit overboard on the touchy-feely, it was
because of her dedication to him that started this mess
after all.
     Was she in love with me?
     Ranma cut Anijza a quick glance.  She was still
talking, words buzzing in his ears.  Gosh if she is in love
with me then I�m going to have to tell her that I can�t
return the feelings she�d want.  Hoh boy, how did I get into
such a mess?
     �Ranma-chan?�
     Anijza�s call broke him from his mulling.  �Yes?�
     �Did you hear what I asked?�
     He could not lie to her.  �No, I�m really not here
right now.�
     A stern gaze came to Anijza.  �It�s Akane, isn�t it?�
     �Uh� yeah.�
     Suddenly, Anijza stood before Ranma stopping him in his
tracks.  �Ranma-chan.  How can you be thinking about the one
person who wants you to fail?�
     �Who, Akane?  She doesn�t want me to fail.�
     �If she did not she would have been helping you better
than running off to leave you at the mercy of fate.�
     The tone of her voice angered Ranma slightly.  It had
to be love, and he looked ahead.  The Dojo was only a few
blocks off and they crossed the street.  Once on the other
side, she placed a firm grip around his right arm stopping
him.
     �Ranma-Chan�.�
     �She is my fianc�, Anijza,� he said before she could
finish.
     The grip tightened and he turned around.  �Anijza, I�m
sorry but we�ve just met and you hardly know me.  Akane and
I have been together for a long time now and� well I�ve
grown quite fond of her.�
     Anijza stared up at him.  A deep look of love filled
her eyes Ranma could see, and then she moved up close.  Her
hands delicately caressed the sides of his face.
     �I know you, Ranma-chan,� she said in a light whisper.
     Warmth flushed Ranma�s body as Anijza�s lips drew
closer to his.  It took every once of willpower in him but
he drew back breaking the spell.
     �Uh, I think we need to� to get back to the dojo.
Dinner should be ready now.�
     Quickly, Ranma continued on leaving a frustrated and
very annoyed Anijza behind.  She seethed silently fighting
back the powers building inside.  No, the only thing
standing in her way was Akane Tendo.  She might not be able
to kill her, but there were other ways to remove pest.
     Ranma opened the gate relieved to see his home again.
It was short lived; Anijza�s arms wrapping around his once
again.  She stood staring up at him innocently.
     �I�m sorry,� she said, dejection in her voice.
     He smiled.  �It�s okay.  Should have explained it
better to you.  Come on, let�s go inside and eat.�
     Together, they went into the dojo.  The smell from
Kasumi�s wonderful cooking greeted them, and as they entered
the dinning room, the rest of the clan paused from their
meals.
     �Long walk?� asked Soun arching a suspicious brow.
     Ranma and Anijza sat down.
     �No,� replied Ranma, �We had some extra studying to
do.�
     Genma let out a grunt, diving back into his meal.  �We
heard about your little dare,� he said between bites.
     Ranma reached out scooping some rice into his bowl.  He
started plucking vegetables and meat from another platter
then paused as his eyes met Akane�s.  They stared at each
other for a minute waiting for the other to speak.  Nothing
happened, Akane sadly looking down at her meal.
     �It�s not a dare pop,� Ranma answered.  �Anijza
volunteered to help me pass.�
     �And he will too,� added Anijza.
     �Sounds like a dare to me,� commented Mousse, and only
then did Ranma realize he was there.
     �Mousse!  What are you doing here?�
     �Cologne fired him,� said Kasumi.
     �She did what!�
     �She got upset about losing that bike,� Mousse
explained.
     �That�s not right!� said Ranma.  �I�m going to go down
there and tell her she�s got no reason to be like this.  It
was an accident!�
     �No!� shouted Mousse, startling him.
     �You don�t want me to get your job back for you?�
     Mousse seemed oddly uncomfortable.  �No, ah� I figure
once the new one gets there she�ll call for me.  Besides,
she went on a trip to pick up some� rare spices for the
restaurant.  Yeah that�s it, I mean yeah.�
     Ranma thought Mousse was hiding something but let it
pass.  �Okay.  Going to be quite cramped here in the dojo
though.  Maybe we should turn it into a Hostel.�
     �Would make us some more money,� said Nabiki.
     �Away with those thoughts, children,� Soun said
sternly.
     The topic was dropped and everyone resumed eating.
Mousse caught Anijza staring at him.  Her brows were knitted
together as if she suspected his true motives.  A strange
girl indeed, he mused.  Cologne�s suspicions might not be so
far fetched after all.

                          * * * * *

     With dinner complete, the household passed the rest of
the evening in comparative ease settling to watch their
favorite T.V. shows.  Akane sat on the patio reviewing her
homework and enjoying the gentle breeze cutting across the
lawn.  She still could not concentrate, images of Ranma and
Anijza together lingering bright in her mind.  Damn it, if I
could only forget about him, her mind screamed.  A louder
voice called above it, saying that Ranma needed her now more
than ever.
     �Ranma,� she sighed, closing up the book on her lap.
     Mousse stepped out onto the patio and stood gazing out
across the yard.
     �Missing Shampoo?� she asked, sitting back.
     �Yes,� he sadly replied.  �Not used to being away from
her for so long.�
     �Don�t worry, Mousse.  You�ll be back with her soon
enough.�
     He smiled at her, then took a quick around.  Mousse sat
down next to Akane, much closer than she would have liked.
     �Mousse?� she said.
     �Shh,� he said.  Another quick look around, Mousse
leaned close.  �You are the only one I can really trust
here.�
     �About what?�
     His voice went lower.  �I didn�t get fired.�
     �You didn�t?�
     �No.  Cologne sent me here to keep an eye on Ranma� and
Anijza.�
     Akane almost fell back in shock.  �Why?�
     Mousse told her about the old sage�s suspicions and
where she truly had gone.  Akane felt relieved that someone
else suspected this exchange student was not normal.
Another ally meant at least someone could keep an eye on
things and help if in fact Ranma ran into trouble.
     �Do you think Cologne will find Happosai?�
     �She can find him even if he was hiding in the very
bowels of Mt. Fuji.�
     Akane giggled.  �Mousse.  I don�t know how we�re going
to keep an eye on the two of them twenty-four and seven.�
     �I was thinking the same thing.  Furinkan High is out
for me so you�ll have to go it alone.  I can handle things
here and the weekends.�
     �Yes, but I know Ranma will start to suspect if we�re
hanging around like two moths to a flame.�
     Mousse nodded, rubbing his chin as they weighed their
options carefully.  Suddenly, Akane snapped her fingers.
     �I�ve got it!�
     �And it is?�
     Akane grinned mischievously.  �Think you can head down
to the Nekohatten tonight?�
     �Right now?�
     �Yes.  Tell Shampoo that I�m going to call a meeting at
Ucchan�s with her and the rest of Ranma�s so-called
fianc�s.�
     Mousse immediately understood.  �I�m on it.  See�ya in
a bit,� he said, running off to relay the message.
     Once he was gone, Akane got up and headed inside for
the phone.   No sense in wasting valuable resources,
especially when up against unknown odds.  The devious
expression never left her face as she began to dial.
     What ever it is you are after Anijza Kwong, she
thought, you won�t get it without a fight.  That I promise
you�

                          * * * * *

     In Akane�s bedroom things were tense between the two
women who earlier that day battled bitterly against each
other.  To share the same room became almost intolerable for
Akane but as a host she could not allow her feelings to mar
the respect and courtesies due their guest.
     In her bed with her back to Anijza, Akane milled about
plans of revenge, imagining the sweet taste of victory over
this intruder, and show everyone that Akane Tendo is not one
to be taken for granted.  Okay, she had promised her sisters
that she would apologize to Anijza and Ranma, but the words
got caught in her throat every time she attempted to do so.
     Ranma I can handle, she mused, but Anijza� I still
think something is wrong with her!
     A light pressure pressed down on the end of the bed and
she looked back to find Anijza sitting there watching her
with some interest.
     �May I help you?� she said, rolling over to face her.
     Anijza remained quiet for a minute, just staring and
studying her features.  �Akane, I don�t mean to sound so
direct, but could you leave Ranma to me for the next few
days?�
     Akane sat up.  �Leave Ranma to you?�
     �Yes.  Otherwise I cannot get him home, and time is
growing short.�
     �Home?�
     Anijza mentally berated herself for the slip of the
tongue.  �You know, the math test,� she lied.
     Her quick response felt odd to Akane.  �Oh that,� she
said.  �You know Anijza I have been thinking and you are
right.�
     She�s up to something, thought Anijza.  �I am?�
     �Yes.  I have been (cough, cough) wrong about Ranma
(cough) passing like you are saying.  So, to make up for
things I�m going to help.�
     Oh you witch, seethed Anijza�s mind.  �Ah, no that�s
okay.  I can have Ranma-ch� Ranma ready faster if I work
alone with him.�
     Squirm you worm, Akane mused sensing that she had hit a
nerve.  �Oh come on.  Like you said, I need to show some
faith in him and what better way than to be at Ranma�s
side.�
     �I can do this better alone, Akane,� Anijza replied in
a stern voice.
     The ensuing silence almost beckoned one of them to
start the fight they both felt was coming.  Akane held
herself in check, leaning back.  �He is my boyfriend,� she
finally said, eyes locked on Anijza�s.
     �I take this as a no?�
     �I�ll be doing some studies of my own, but I�ll be
close by to �render� assistance when needed.�
     �It won�t be,� answered Anijza.  She got up and crawled
into her bed, but before pulling the covers up she paused.
     �I admire your determination, Akane Tendo.�
     Akane smirked, rolling over.  �Goodnight, Anijza,� she
said and turned out the light.
     �Goodnight, Akane.  Pleasant dreams.�
     Akane thought she heard the girl giggle.  She shut her
eyes drifting into sleep�

                          * * * * *

     A bright white spotlight snapped on abruptly driving
away the darkness.  Akane flinched blinking her eyes trying
to shield them with her hands.  It was then that she
realized that each wrist had been manacled to a long chain
linked by another wrapped tight around her waist.  Another
pair trailed down to the clasp around each ankle.
     �What�s going on here?� she said.
     The heat from the light started to make her sweat and
once her eyes adjusted she looked around.  It was some kind
of chamber with her at the center.  Bases of several pews
could barely be seen in the ambience, light voices murmuring
in the background.  The dress she wore was a simple one
reminiscent of a mere peasant girl from the French
Renaissance period, drab brown in color.
     �Akane Tendo,� called a dark voice out of the gloom.
     Certainly not French, she thought trying to see who it
was.
     �Akane Tendo.�
     �Yes I heard you.  Who are you and what�s going on
here?�
     �Silence, heretic!� shouted a reedy voice.
     �Heretic?  I am�.�
     �Be silent, woman!� shouted the dark voice and she went
quiet.  �Akane Tendo the charges brought against you are
severe and bring with them dire consequences.�
     �Charges?  But I�ve done nothing wrong!�
     A lofty voice laughed from behind her.  �Oh Miss Tendo,
you mock us with you false claims of innocence.�
     �What have I done?�
     The sound of paper snapping open was heard.  �Akane
Tendo, you have been charged and found guilty of Treason
against a loved one, Betrayal of Faith, Arrogance, and
Defamation of Character,� the dark voice read off.
     Betrayal of Faith?  Treason?  Akane could not believe
their words.  Suddenly, she began laughing.  �A dream,� she
said.  �This is nothing but a dream!�
     �See how she mocks this court!� hissed the reedy voice.
�Proof of her guilt!�
     �Execution is our only recourse,� added the lofty one.
     Akane continued to laugh at them.  �You can�t hurt me!
I�ll wake up and this will all go away!  Defamation of
Character.  Get real!�
     �There is one way out of your execution, Akane Tendo,�
said the dark voice.
     �What�s that?�
     A pause.  �Release Ranma Saotome from your spell.�
     �Ranma?�  Akane laughed again.  �This must be my
subconscious working overtime.�
     �Give us your answer, Miss Tendo,� said the lofty
voice.
     She shook here head.  �No way Anijza!  Ranma is mine do
you hear me?  He is mine!�  Her laughs melted away into
sobs.  �I love him, and I�m not going to give up!�
     �Reconsider, Akane Tendo,� the dark voice said.
     Akane whirled angrily in the direction of the voice.
�Never!� she seethed in defiance.  Another pause followed.
     �Then you leave us no choice,� finished all three
voices together.
     A thick metal neck brace snapped around Akane�s neck,
startling her.  She felt a post up against her back,
grimaced in pain as invisible hands clipped her elbows back.
�What the�?� she growled as clasp snapped shut around her
wrist, legs and ankles.  In seconds Akane was held immobile
in what now appeared to be a spacious courtyard.
     �This is only a dream.  This is only a dream!� she
chanted, struggling to get free.  The strains from an
orchestra filled the air; the beginning overture of �Swan
Lake� clearly recognized by Akane.  She frowned.
     �They�re going to kill me with music?� she said.
�Could have picked something worse than this.�
     In the gloom Akane could see the legs of several ballet
dancers moving with perfect rhythm to the music.  She
relaxed; actually enjoying this part, giggling at what she
thought was a joke from her demented side.  As the dancers
closed, more features could be seen, and it looked like they
were all carrying something long in their hands.
     There were six in all she counted, six female dancers
pirouetting and dipping together at the edge of the gloom.
A rise in the music, six pairs of legs spinning into a line
balancing on the tips of their toes as the orchestra held
its pitch.  The passage changed and one by one each
ballerina spun around.
     Akane let out a gasp.  �Sh-Sh-Shampoo!� she stammered
recognizing the first ballerina as she stepped into view;
horrified as the Chinese girl leveled a flintlock rifle at
her.  Ukyo appeared next to her taking stance, and then
Kodachi followed by Nabiki and Kasumi.  The last ballerina
spun off to the side, but in her hand she held a sword up
ready to give the word to fire.
     �No, no, this is just a dream,� whined Akane.
     Her moans and struggles did no good, and as the last
ballerina stepped out into the light, Akane froze.
     It was Anijza.
     The strange girl stared at her with an arrogant smile.
Akane trembled, her bottom lip quivering as she fought back
her sobs.
     �Anijza, please don�t,� she begged, but it was futile.
     The down sweep of the sword flashed in the light; Akane
looking just in time to see the flare and sparks from the
rifles, clenching her eyes tight as their booms echoed in
the air, accompanied by her own screams�

                          * * * * *

     �A dream!�
     Akane sat upright in her bed grasping at her chest
expecting to find it full of holes.  After a moment, she
realized that indeed it was only a dream and sighed deeply.
The tension passed from her body, muscles relaxing and Akane
lay back down.  Her forehead was wet and a dry feeling
filled her mouth, but she was glad that ordeal was over.
What brought on such a strange scenario is beyond me, Akane
thought.  I�ve got to stop watching The History Channel
before bed.
     {Akane�}
     Fear filled Akane hearing the whispered hiss of her
name.  The acrid smell of smoke and brimstone filled the air
and her breath grew shallow as the call came again.
     {Akane�}
     Oh shit, oh, shit, oh shit, she muttered, pulling the
sheets up tight beneath her chin.  Something shifted in the
darkness to her left and Akane looked over.  On Anijza�s bed
she could the dark silhouette of her forced roommate huddled
at the center against the dim light from the window.  A
shift of hair, the slight turn of her head, Anijza called
out to her.
     {Akaneeeee� let him goooo�}
     �Who, who, Ranma?�  Akane sat up.  �I told you Anijza,
Ranma is mine!�
     Anijza�s head slowly looked up drawing a gasp from
Akane.
     �Her eyes,� she said in a low voice.  Anijza�s eye
sockets were filled with flames that danced eerily, licking
the sides with light hisses and crackles.
     {Fooolll�.!!!!} called the demonic apparition.  It
leaned sharply forwards and that was enough to cause Akane
to leap back over the other side of the bed out of view with
a yelp.
     Huddled low against the wall, Akane waited for the
thing to show itself.  Nothing happened and she drew in
several breaths as her fear subsided.  Suddenly, a cold,
clammy hand touched down on her left shoulder and Akane
squealed in fright, turning around.
     {I will have him, Akkaaanneeee!} called Anijza, the
flames in her eyes growing brighter.
     Akane broke away, crawling frantically for the door.
She flung it open and rolled out into the hallway hoping
that somebody had heard her cries and was coming to help.
The hallway remained silent thought, as if she were the only
living soul in the place.  Nervously, Akane inched back
pressing up against the wall and started to feel her way
along when a light moan carried through the air out of the
darkness behind her.
     Slowly did Akane look back over her shoulder towards
the sound and looming out of an ambient glow hovered Anijza.
Her attire had changed, long billowing lengths of dark cloth
draped around her body reminding Akane of a corpse�s shroud.
Her hair seemed alive, and she held a chilling leer on her
face.
     {You cannot win, Akaneee�} she said.  Akane drew back,
whimpering lightly as the distance closed between them.  {I
am too strong, and I will have Ranmaaa!}
     Anijza drew up over Akane, allowing her terror to dig
deep into her soul.  She barred her fingers, a devious grin
forming.  {And there is nothing you can do to stop me!}
     Akane could hear her desperate cry ringing through the
hallway as Anijza dived towards her�

                          * * * * *

Tuesday
     �Akane� AKANE!�
     Pillows and sheets erupted into the air, Akane
frantically sitting up in her bed arms held protectively
across her face.  She calmed down and slowly parted them to
see Kasumi sitting at her bedside.  Her elder sister watched
her carefully wondering if Akane was all right.
     Finally, Akane dropped her arms and panted rapidly as
her composure returned.
     �That must have been some bad dream,� said Kasumi.
     In a flash, Akane was hugging her tight.  �It was, it
was!� she said.
     �Ugh!  Akane please don�t kill me because of it,�
Kasumi said, struggling for a breath.  Akane drew back.
     �Pinch me, sis,� she told Kasumi.
     �Pinch you?  Now why would I want to do something like
that?�
     �I�ve got to make sure this is not another dream!�
     Kasumi laughed.  �It�s not.�
     But Akane wanted definite proof.  She grabbed one of
Kasumi�s arms and pinched her roughly making her yelp in
pain.
     �Ow!  Akane�!�  Kasumi retaliated pinching her hard on
the shoulder.
     The pain was all to real, satisfaction and relief
filling Akane.  She hugged Kasumi again glad the night was
over.
     �You shot me!� Akane said, pulling back.
     �No, I pinched you, and if you do it again I will do
worse than that.�
     Akane shook her head.  �No, no, you shot me.  With a
gun.�
     Kasumi turned her head slightly regarding her younger
sister with a look of suspicion.  �Late night television,
isn�t it, Akane?� she said.
     Akane lay back down, rolling onto her stomach.  She
grabbed one of her pillows and pulled it close, staring at
the wall in silence.  �But they were so real,� she muttered.
     �The dreams?� asked Kasumi.
     She turned back over.  �You shot me.  You and Nabiki,
Kodachi, Ukyo, Shampoo, and, and�.�
     Through the door entered Anijza casually drying her
hair.  She stopped apparently feeling the hard glare from
Akane and pulled the towel from around her head.
     �Good morning.  Are you all right?� asked Anijza.
     The corner of Akane�s lip curled up.  ��and her,� she
snarled.
     Kasumi swatted her sharply on one leg.  �Behave,
Akane,� she said, �Anijza was the one who asked me to come
in and look after you this morning.�
     �She did?�
     �You were tossing around so much I thought maybe you
needed some help,� said Anijza, continuing to groom herself
in front of the dresser mirror.
     Akane remained speechless; partially embarrassed by her
actions, mostly shocked the girl would do something like
that after their encounter last night.  She looked sadly
away and Kasumi smiled.
     �So I think you owe her an apology,� she suggested,
gently reminding Akane about their conversation.
     The words came heavy to her lips, but Akane forced each
sentence out.  �I�m� sorry, Anijza for being such a� let�s
just say I�m sorry, okay?�
     Anijza kept the grin from her lips as she turned
around.  �It�s okay.  I understand.�
     Yeah, I�ll bet you do, Akane thought.
     �Now you better get up,� said Kasumi, standing up.
�You need to hurry if you�re going to eat and get to school
on time.�
     She left to continue her morning chores leaving the two
alone.  Anijza finished fixing the bow around her neck and
grabbed the books from her bed.  �See you downstairs,� she
said.
     �Yeah, yeah, I�ll be there in a moment,� answered
Akane.
     When she was alone, Akane let out a sigh.  Not even the
beginning of the day and it�s already turning out bad.  She
sat up and pulled the top of her pajamas up over her head.
Something musky caught her nose and Akane stopped.  It was
familiar, so familiar the hairs on the back of her neck
stood up on end.  Akane sniffed the air again following the
light odor down to the left shoulder of her pajama top.  She
pressed it close to her nose then let it drop recognizing
the smell.
     It was brimstone�

                          * * * * *

     Ucchan�s normally would be packed this time of the day,
but Ukyo Kuonji had done the unthinkable and closed her
doors to the afternoon rush.  Around one of the dining room
tables sat her, Akane, Kodachi and Shampoo; Konatsu
lingering behind the counter listening in on the meeting.
     The topic was about Anijza and the growing threat she
presented to them concerning Ranma.  Akane updated everyone
on her, and then Ukyo gave her inputs and thoughts about the
matter.  Shampoo�s angry fist slammed down on the table,
cracking it in two as she pushed herself away and stood up,
pacing furiously like a caged tiger.
     �I say we go and kill this silly girl!� she raged
loudly.
     Konatsu brought out another table and several more cups
of tea.
     �Mmm, no Shampoo we can�t just go knocking off some
stranger because we are all jealous,� answered Ukyo.
     Kodachi sat back holding her tea in her hands.  She
took a sip, then let out one of her evil titters.  �Hoo,
hoo, hoo, why not?  I can whip up a small dish that will
make it appear that she died from natural causes.�
     �Because she�s not from around here, and I�m sure her
parents not to mention the Korean government would be
furious,� Ukyo said.
     �That�s if she is from Korea,� Akane said.
     Ukyo arched a brow.  �If?�
     Akane set down her cup and crossed her fingers
reflecting on the happenings from the past few days.  �To
many strange things have been happening.  She pops up,
latches on to Ranma like she�s known him for years, makes a
decision that could affect his life�.�
     �Beats you in a basketball game that even I think you
should have won,� added Kodachi.
     �Don�t remind me.  Topping all of that is the fact that
she drove off Happosai with out any explanation at all.�
     �That one is something to be concerned about,� Ukyo
said, �although I do like the fact that my underwear is
still a complete collection this week.�
     �Great Grand-ma go and find Happosai,� Shampoo told
them.  �Say he might be only way to find out what strange
girl after Ranma for.�
     �Hopefully she finds him and gets back soon,� said
Akane.  She took another sip of tea trying to figure out a
way to resolve their situation in the interim of Cologne�s
absence.  Time was not in their favor and to Akane it was
running out fast.
     �She�s going to strike soon,� she said.
     �How soon do you think?� asked Ukyo.
     Another short pause.  �My guess, right after the math
test.�
     �The teacher will have to score it,� Kodachi said.
�Ranma still has to pass, and with flying colors.�
     �Which makes it Friday,� said Akane.
     �And then what?� asked Kodachi.
     Ukyo gazed thoughtfully up to the ceiling.  �I can see
the scenario now.  Picture this; Ranma passes, he shocked,
stunned, and generally in debt to Anijza.  As gullible as he
his honest, she no doubt will take advantage of this and
BANG!  Minus one Ranma Saotome.�
     �Whisking him away without us ever knowing what has
happened,� finished Kodachi.
     �Then why we wait!� shouted Shampoo.  The girl calmly
picked up their drinks as her rock hard fist cracked the new
table in half.
     �Oh Konatsu.  Another table here, please,� called Ukyo.
     Once replaced, the girls drew up again to ponder
options.
     �Again, killing her is out,� said Ukyo.
     �No!  It only way!� declared Shampoo.
     �It�s not the only way, Shampoo,� said Akane.  �We
don�t know what we�re up against first of all.  For all we
know it just could be puppy love, although I doubt that.�
     �Here, here,� said Kodachi.
     The fingers of Akane�s right hand strummed the top of
the table rapidly denoting her anger despite the calm look
on her face.  �Girls, I get the feeling that Anijza is
waiting for something.�
     �Yes we know.  Passing his math test,� said Ukyo.
     �No, not that,� replied Akane.  �Its something I think�
well I think it�s something Ranma has to do.�
     Shampoo let out a loud gruff, sitting back.  �Now you
being silly, Akane.  We talk to much when solution is
simple.�
     �And what�s that?� asked Akane.
     �We hit girl over head, stuff body in bag, take out to
deepest part of marsh, tie cement blocks to feet and sink
her in pool of quicksand.  Nobody find for least ten years!�
     �Ooo, Shampoo I like your thinking,� said Kodachi.  She
pulled out a small notepad and pen.  �Could you give me the
details of that scenario again?�
     �Put that away!� snapped Ukyo.  �Shampoo, Anijza will
be missed plain and simple!�
     �We cannot wait for great grand-ma!�
     The Chinese girl raised a fist angrily up over her
head.
     �Don�t you dare, Shampoo,� Ukyo warned, �the count is
two tables already.  You break this one you�re working for
me!�
     Shampoo paused then slammed her fist into her palm.
�What we do then?� she said sadly.
     Akane let out a sigh.  �I don�t know.  I sure wish we
knew what we�re up against.�
     �Can I add some thing?� Konatsu suddenly asked from
behind them.  The girls traded looks then shrugged ready for
any input that might help.
     He pulled up a chair, tossing his dark locks back as he
sat down.  �I could not help but think about what you have
been saying concerning this girl, Anijza, is it?�
     �What about her?� said Ukyo.
     �Akane brought up something that sparks my interest�
and should be a strong warning to all of you.�
     �I did?�
     �Yes. About Cologne, more so Happosai.�
     �Happosai?� the girls said together.
     �Happosai.  If memory serves me, he was possessed,
right?�
     �Ah-huh, by evil demon,� said Shampoo.
     �So, Anijza comes along and scares him half to death.
Now I�m not sure but there are only seven things that come
to mind that can scare another demon like the way she did.�
     �And they are?� said Ukyo.
     �A Holy Object, a Holy Spirit, a priest or shaman, a
good fairy, a bad fairy, or I dread to say, another more
powerful demon.�
     Silence filled the restaurant, silence that was finally
broken by the combined laughter from the four women.  They
giggled and chortled uncontrollably until their minds
started recalling the things that had been happening.
Slowly, the humor subsided replaced by astonished
expressions.
     �Konatsu,� said Akane.  There was a slight tremble in
her voice.  �You don�t think Anijza�s a demon, do you?�
     �I think we can safely rule out the holy stuff, and as
for being a priestess� you�ll have to make that call.�
     �Fairy?� said Shampoo.  Several doubting looks ended
that suggestion.
     �But why Ranma?� shouted Akane.
     �We don�t know its true, Akane,� Kodachi said.  �Maybe
Happosai was allergic to something Anijza had on?�
     �You don�t believe that for a second, Kodachi,� Ukyo
said.  She rested her head in one hand, shaking it slightly
with frustration.  �We�ve dealt with demons and spirits
before and this does feel like one of our earlier
encounters.  Good thing we didn�t try and waylay her like
Shampoo wanted to do.�
     �It�s a good thing indeed,� added Konatsu.  �Someone
might have been hurt, or worse.�
     �But why Ranma?� Akane asked again.
     �Is Chinese curse for not marrying Shampoo, no?�
suggested Shampoo.
     �No,� replied Akane.  �Ranma already has one curse on
him as it is.�
     �In either case, what do we do about this intruder?�
Kodachi asked.
     They thought some more, and then Ukyo snapped her
fingers as a plan came to mind.  �We stall,� she told them.
     �Stall?  Stall what?� said Kodachi.
     �Whatever it is Anijza is trying to get Ranma to do,�
answered Akane.  �That means we have to watch them around
the clock.�
     �We can�t do that,� replied Ukyo.
     �Yes we can.  You and I can cover the school.  Mousse
is already in the dojo so I have help there.  During the
weekends we all can be around to disrupt them from being
alone.�
     �Shampoo have to run Nekohatten.�
     �And I have Ucchan�s to run as well,� added Ukyo.
     �I�ll help,� Konatsu said.
     Akane felt a renewed determination fill her.  With this
much support there would be no way Anijza could strike
without somebody being there to alert the other.
     �Mousse could use more help,� she said.
     �What about Ryoga?� suggested Ukyo.
     �He went south to the hot springs to rest and get in
some study.�
     �So he went north and is probably freezing his ass off
on Sakhalin Island.�
     �I�ll get him,� said Kodachi.
     �How?� asked Akane.
     �Should be no problem.  The Kuno network is already
spreading the news about your breakup with Ranma.  Once
Ryoga hears about it, he�ll be back.�
     �What!�
     �Is true, Akane,� said Shampoo.  �They even have flyers
out.�
     Akane�s head hit the tabletop facedown; Ukyo gently
patting her on the back with a light smile.  �Don�t let it
bother you, girl,� she told her.  �Anyway, we need to be
getting back to school.  Girls, Ranma can�t be left alone
for a single moment with Anijza.  We have to stay on both of
them until Cologne returns.�
     �That might be long time,� said Shampoo.
     �As long as it takes.�
     Akane sat up again.  �Forever if need be,� she added.
     �Then it all depends upon Cologne, and when she
returns,� said Konatsu.
     The only weak link in their plan, several worried looks
crossing their faces.
     �Let�s hope she finds Happosai soon,� replied Akane.
�Real soon��

                          * * * * *

     The hills and mountains north of Tokyo were rich with
the luster of trees and undergrowth after a plentiful season
of rain.  Cologne bounded through the forest after her
latest lead; the reports of an old man heisting women�s
underwear amidst the remote populace.
     She can out onto a stretch of paved road that wound off
up the side of a high mountain.  The air was fresh and clean
bringing back fond memories of earlier times of childhood in
China.  So much do, so much lost, she muttered lightly. It
was time to renew her search for the elusive Happosai and
with kick, bounded up the road.
     Happosai�s trail seemed to be taking him further and
further inland, and she figured he was still attempting to
put as much distance between him and Tokyo.  This �Anijza�
surely held powers so strong that even the demon possessing
the sage could not bear to be in her presence.  What kind of
powers she did not know, and only Happosai could shed some
light on the subject.
     Cologne entered the streets of a small hamlet stopping
to get her bearings and check if Happosai�s mischief had
struck.  The ramblings of a woman ahead caught her ears and
she went over to see what was causing all the commotion.
Out in the small yard, several women clustered around the
town�s policeman, raving and ranting about their laundry and
the newly stolen thefts that occurred.
     �He�s close,� she muttered, moving in to hear more.
     One of the women was giving a description of the thief,
pointing out towards the far hills beyond the town.  A good
twenty-minutes lead, Cologne quickly slipped off and plunged
headlong into the surrounding forest after Happosai.
     Keen senses picked out the possessed sage�s trail.  She
increased her pace feeling that he was not to far ahead now.
Another short dash along a worn path lead out into an open
glen.  The growth rose just above her head, and she hopped
up onto the end of her staff to take a look around.
Nothing, and for a second Cologne thought she had missed
him.
     Suddenly, a wizened voice caught her ears, carried
along by the gentle flowing wind across the field.  She
paused concentrating then bounded in its direction.  It led
her back into the forest where Cologne soon caught up with
her illusive counterpart.
     Happosai crouched with his back to her in a small
clearing, the suns rays beaming down upon him through the
break in the limbs above.  He was chanting softly, rubbing a
silk pair of ladies underwear up against one cheek.
     �Aaaaah,� he moaned, � the strength you provide me, you
passionate bundle of energy.  I will nourish upon your
delicate power, strength to continue on with my flight away
from the bad tidings.�
     A wrinkled brow narrowed, Cologne stepping out into to
clearing.
     �Happosai!� she called out.
     Happosai let out a yelp, spinning around in fright.
The mask of terror on his face did not fit the man who
himself caused so much fear and frustrations about Nerima
Township.  The old man cringed before her, gnarled hands
flexing rapidly and a wild look filled his eyes.
     �C-C-C-Cologne,� he stammered, back further away.
     Cologne could see he was on the brink of insanity, or
was it something more?
     �Happosai!� she called again, moving towards him.
     �How did you find me?�
     �You leave an obvious trail, Happi.�
     Happosai�s mouth opened letting out a haggard cry as he
turned to flee.  Before he could move, Cologne was on him,
pinning the possessed sage down with her staff across his
chest.  He struggled, kicking and screaming like never
before.
     �Happi, Happi!  Will you stop, I only want to talk with
you!�
     �No!  You�ve been sent by the dark one, come, come to
silence me before her presence is known!�
     A firm press on the staff finally stopped Happosai�s
mad flailing.
     �Do you mean Anijza?� she asked.
     Happosai�s eyes widened.  �Yes,� he replied.
     They lay there staring at each other before Cologne got
off him and stepped back.  �What about her?�
     A shudder shook Happosai.  He curled up into a ball,
covering his head with his hands chanting a tome she�d never
heard before.
     �Happosai!  Stop this foolishness and tell me about
this girl!�
     �Foolishness!� cried Happosai, springing to his feet.
�Cologne you have no idea what that girl represents!�
     Then tell me so I may know!�
     The old sage was pacing furiously in a small circle.
His hands waved madly about as he ranted in-cohesively.
     �A Keeper�. a chosen one� a Collector of the neigh
hours� one who cannot be stopped or interfered with!�
     Keeper, wondered Cologne?  �Happosai, what are you
talking about?�
     �I�m talking about powerful beings, Cologne.  Of things
that you and I barely know about!�
     �And yet you recognized her and ran away like some
whipped puppy.�
     Happosai abruptly stopped dead in his tracks.  He
stared at her shaking fearfully, and then dropped to all
fours.
     �I am but� but a minor figure compared to her,� he said
amidst his wheezing, �not worthy to occupy the very roof she
resides under.�
     �But why, Happi?  Why has she come?�
     Happosai slowly looked up.  �She has chosen,� he told
her in a voice not his own.
     Cologne knew it was not Happosai she was speaking to
now, but for the first time the actual demon who possessed
him.
     �Chosen?  You mean Ranma Saotome?�
     �I do not know,� came the warbled reply.
     In a flash, Cologne snatched Happosai up by the front
of his shirt.  �You must know!  You�re a demon!�
     Happosai�s head lolled to onside, his upper eyelids
hanging heavy as if the old man was drifting off the sleep.
She shook him hard and continued her interrogation.
     �Happosai, or whoever you are.  Tell me what Anijza
intends to do with Ranma!�
     �I cannot!  It is none of my affair!�
     �It is, damn it!  Tell me, TELL ME!�
     All the shaking Cologne did was for naught, Happosai�s
demented form refusing to give out any information.  She
stopped and glared furiously at him pulling him close.
     �Damn you, Happi,� she snarled.  �Well if you will not
tell me, then at least come back and help me stop her before
she strikes!�
     Happosai�s head snapped up straight at her suggestion.
With a sturdy push, Cologne sailed away from him across the
opening into the side of a tree.  She slid to the ground,
grimacing from the pain trying to regain her senses.
Looking up, Cologne could see Happosai staring hard at her
through slited eyes.
     �No!� came the warbled voice of the demon.  �Ours is
not to interfere with what is planned!  Whomever the
mistress has chosen is doomed, and there is nothing we can
do to stop her!�
     Cologne rubbed the side of her head, shaking it around.
�We� we must try, Happosai,� she said.
     �No!�  Happosai staggered, the stern gaze melting away
back into one of fear.  �No,� he croaked in his normal voice
again.
     �But they are your family, Happi!� shouted Cologne.
�Are you willing to see one of them lost?�
     A sharp breeze rustled the trees chilling the air.
Happosai stared up at the sky a moment fighting the
possession in him.  He clinched his eyes shut, balling a
fist then gasped sharply.  �I cannot!� he cried, bounding
off into the forest.
     �Happi, Happi wait!�
     Cologne grabbed her staff and went after him�

                          * * * * *

     Time passed slowly by for Ranma, sitting at a table in
one of the schools study room reading one of the thick math
books Anijza checked out for him.  His eyes burned, vision
blurring in and out as he read page after mind numbing page.
Letting out a sigh, Ranma chanced a peek up over the top of
the book.  There sitting across from him was Anijza, gazing
at him affectionately.  She had not moved from that position
ever since he started, and now he was beginning to feel very
uncomfortable with her around.
     Glancing down, Ranma started to speak but she cut him
off.
     �Read,� Anijza told him.
     He dipped his head and continued on; taking occasional
glances at her to see if she had moved.  Nope, still rooted
to her seat with that look of motherly love.
     �Anijza, my brain is starting to hurt,� he said.
     �Supposed to,� she replied.
     Ranma paused.  �You want my brain to explode?�
     Anijza laughed.  �Your brain will not explode, Ranma-
chan.�
     The book came down, Ranma casting a wry frown at her.
�I want to take a break,� he demanded.
     �If you stop now the spell might not work.�
     Shaking his head, Ranma leaned forward not believing
what she said.  �Spell?  Did you say spell?�
     Anijza said nothing, smiling lightly.
     �Uhm� I want to stop now.�
     �Okay, we�ll take a break,�
     �I mean stop like stop, ya�know?�
     Anijza arched a brow.  �You want to pass, Ranma?�
     �Sure, but uh that spell stuff has me�.�
     �It was a joke, Ranma.�
     Sure did not sound like it, Ranma said to himself.  He
grunted lightly, humored by her attempt of whit.  Gazing
back down at the book, he continued reading.  Before he knew
it, Anijza had suddenly slipped up behind him and wrapped
her arms about his shoulders.  He swallowed the nervous lump
that formed, feeling Anijza�s warm skin against his cheek as
she peered over him.
     �Ah, I see you�ve ingested rudimentary trigonometry.
Good, further than expected,� she said.
     �Surely you don�t expect me to remember everything I�ve
read?�
     She leaned aside, smiling at him.  �You will.  Trust
me.�
     �Yeah, right,� replied Ranma.  Anijza giggled, hugging
him tight.  Ranma could barely fight the urge to hug her
back.  He looked out across the study hall straight into the
eyes of Ukyo seated at the far side.  Her eyes narrowed, and
Ranma gulped gently pushing Anijza away.
     �What�s wrong?� she asked.
     �Y-You better not do that,� he said.
     �What?�  She briefly looked over at Ukyo.  �Because of
her?�
     �Her and something else.�
     Anijza flinched as if stung.  She frowned at Ranma
sitting back down. Her lips bunched tight together moving
left and right while she pondered.  �I just don�t see what
you see in her,� she finally said to him.
     �Ukyo?� asked Ranma.
     �No, Akane.�
     Again Akane, her presence felt even if she were not in
the room.  Ranma missed her warm smile, but at least for now
the two were not on speaking terms.  Anijza�s obvious
jealousy complicated matters, putting a strain on him as he
fought to balance the delicate situation.
     �Akane, in her own tomboyish way, is quite an
attractive woman,� said Ranma, resuming his reading.  Anijza
reached over and pushed his head back up.
     �You�re kidding?�
     �No.  I think Akane is very beautiful, and it goes way
beyond looks.�
     �She hits you!�
     �So do a lot of folks� how do you know she hits me?�
     �I�ve, uh� talked with others, and they say you and
Akane have a �love-hate� relationship.�
     Ranma laughed.  �No, Anijza, it�s nothing of the sort.�
A timid pause; Anijza arching a brow.  �Okay, okay, there
are mallets involved, but I have grown used to them.�
     �So what about all of these other �wives�, hm?�
     �Ew,� said Ranma, grimacing.  �That situation is a big
problem.  Some times I wish I could just leave all of this
behind and be free for a change.�
     Anijza�s brows rose up.  �What did you say?� she asked.
     �I said that for once I�d like to leave my troubles
behind and just be free from all the hassle.  You know,
maybe a short trip or�.�
     �What if I told you I can make that happen?� cut in
Anijza.  Excitement filled her eyes, disturbing to Ranma for
some reason.
     �How can you do that?� he asked.
     Anijza took his hands in hers, leaning across the
table.  �Come back to my home with me,� she said in a low
whisper.
     �Your home?  Korea?�
     �Further,� came her reply eyes narrowing a bit.
     Ranma stared at Anijza unsure if she was serious or
not.  Korea.  Hmm.  That�s really not a bad idea although
that further stuff didn�t sound too good.  Anijza�s fingers
tightened around his, signaling her impatience.  Her
innocent features began playing with his emotions, and Ranma
found himself in a bitter tug-o-war over whom he wanted to
be with.
     �Korea, huh?� he said again.  �Can I bring Akane
along?�
     Anijza snatched her hands away, stung by the question.
�What do you mean bring Akane along?  She�s the one causing
all of your trouble.�
     �That�s not true, only part of it.  When I said leave,
I meant Ukyo, Shampoo, and others who make our getting
together so difficult.�
     Suddenly, the table they sat at shuddered.  Ranma
thought an earthquake was about to happen, but it was brief.
Peering around to see if anyone else felt it, the people in
the study room continued on as if nothing happened.  Oddly
enough the tremor only affected them
     �That was strange,� he said, cutting off his remark
with a start.  Anijza had the look of a woman scorned, face
turned down in a dark scowl.
     �Uh, Anijza, are you all right.�
     She remained silent for a few seconds glaring at him.
�You just can�t forget about her,� she finally said.
     �Please don�t be upset, but I love Akane very much.�
     �And you won�t come back with me to my home?�
     �Now I did not say that either.�
     �What are you saying?�
     Ranma drew back nervously rubbing the back of his head.
He did not like the way this conversation was going, but was
not about to be rude either.  Anijza�s glaring crush on him
only made the situation that much more delicate.  He could
see it now, �Exchange Student Kills Herself After Love Spat
With Local Boy.  Countries Gearing Up For War�.�
     They�d lynch him before he could leave the city.
     �I�m, I�m not saying yes or no, Anijza.�
     Her fist slammed down startling him.  Anijza leaned
closer.  �I need an answer, Ranma Saotome,� she said
sternly.
     �Why?�
     �Ranma!�
     Shades of Akane!
     Ranma swallowed unsure what to say next.  He was spared
by the sound of someone clearing their throat.  Ukyo stood
gazing down at the two, malice clearly written in her eyes.
Angry or not, Ranma never thought he�d ever be so glad to
see her in his life.
     �Ukyo, what a pleasant surprise!�
     Ukyo�s eyes drifted over at Anijza then back to him.
�Is it not time for our next classes?� she said.
     Ranma looked up at the clock on the wall.  �Why you�re
right, Ukyo!� he said, getting up.  �Sorry, Anijza, our
studies will have to wait until later.�
     �Ranma-chan,� she said, �What about my question?�
     He paused.  �Uh� we�ll talk about that later.�
     Anijza sat perplexed, ready to tear into Ukyo for her
meddling.  It was out the question, but there still was time
to complete her task.  She quietly stood up and gathered her
books.
     �Okay.  You go ahead.  I�ll be there in a moment.�
     �Ranma,� called Ukyo before he could open the door.
�Days almost over.  Why don�t you and Anijza come down to
Ucchan�s after school for a treat?  On me.�
     �Hey that sounds great,� said Ranma, always ready for a
free meal.  �We can continue my studies while we�re there.�
     �Great!  See�ya after school.�
     Ranma left; Ukyo, pleased that she had disrupted
whatever was going on, could see the hate burning in Anijza.
Stew on that, she mused, turning away.
     �Ukyo�� called Anijza, but her voice held in an evil
tone.  Ukyo froze suddenly terrified by this stranger.
Something brushed lightly across the nape of her neck then
Anijza peered over one shoulder.
     �You and Akane are starting to annoy me,� she said,
�for your own good� leave us alone.�
     A threat, thought Ukyo?  From a tiny little squirrel
like you!  Oh no!
     She spun around, reaching for one of her throwing
spatulas.  �Alright, Anijza!  Let�s, huh?�
     The spatula in her hand clattered to the floor, Ukyo
staring fearfully about the room.
     Anijza was gone�

                          * * * * *

     But instead of heading directly down to Ucchan�s, Ranma
took Anijza back to the dojo in search of Akane.  Anijza�s
earlier comments about her sparked some bitterness, no maybe
more like guilt inside about the way their relationship was
going.  Okay not much of a relationship, however; he knew
they needed to talk and smooth things over.
     Unfortunately, Akane had not returned home yet so the
two settled in to wait for her arrival.  Genma and Soun were
at their usual game of Shogi, whilst the other two Tendo
sisters occupied themselves with chores.
     At the living room table Ranma was again reading one of
the books while across from him sat Anijza.  She should have
been happy that Ranma was falling perfectly into her plan,
but instead she sat leaning against one arm with a scowl,
glaring at the newest of interferences to occur.  Next to
Ranma sat Mousse reading the other book Anijza had checked
out.  He would stop at a paragraph that sparked his interest
and bring it to Ranma�s attention.  So far, his meddling was
upsetting Anijza�s spell and she fumed silently, trying to
figure a way to get rid of Mousse without sounding like a
jealous girlfriend.
     �Gee, Ranma.  This is something I�ve not seen for a
long time,� commented Mousse.
     �I take it you�ve mastered things like that already?�
replied Ranma.
     �Back in my younger days.  If you had stayed in China
you would not be having this trouble, but I can show you an
easy way to solve problems like this.�
     Anijza smirked at them.  Getting rid of Mousse would
not be easy.
     �Ranma�s fate did not include remaining in China,
Mousse,� Genma said.
     Oh great!  Now bring those two old farts into it.  What
is going on?
     Slamming a piece of paper on the table, Mousse started
writing several formulas on it.  �Now you see here, Ranma.
If this angle is twice the length of that angle, then the
basic triangular formula will apply.�
     Ranma set down his book, now intrigued by what Mousse
was telling him.
     That�s it!
     �Ranma, you need to be reading and not playing around
with Mousse,� Anijza said.  The four men in the room looked
at her stunned by the demanding tone of her voice.  Anijza
was not to be deterred.
     �If you want to pass your test, Ranma Saotome, then you
better listen to what I say and quit fooling around!�
     Cringing back, Ranma sat stunned.  He glanced over at
Mousse and then over to his father.  �She�s sounding more
and more like Akane everyday,� he told them.  �We need to
move her into Nabiki�s room.�
     Mousse, Soun and Genma burst out laughing, but Anijza,
her nerves already on edge, bristled with fury a the mere
notion of being compared to her now archrival.
     The girl began to rise up from the floor when from the
kitchen doorway Kasumi leaned out.  �Anijza, can you help me
here for a minute?� she asked.
     Another interruption!  This one she could not ignore,
and with some reluctance got up.  �Get back to your book,
Ranma,� she said as she walked past.
     In the kitchen, Nabiki was preparing some of the food
over at the cutting table, several pots on the stove
steaming from their contents.  Kasumi handed Anijza a knife,
directing her over to the sink.
     �I hope you�re handy with that,� she said.  In a pot in
the sink were several small onions.  �I�m going to add some
zing into dinner tonight.  Can you dice those up?�
     Anijza stared at the onions resisting her urge to say
no.  �Sure, Kasumi,� she replied with a bright, forced
smile.  Kasumi went back to her task; Anijza turned on the
water and started to peel the onions.  Look at me, she
grumbled to herself, working at menial labor when I should
be completing my takeover of Ranma!  Ooo!  Never have I had
such difficulties!  If my hands were not tied I would have
struck down all of these idiots, starting with that toad
Aka�.�
     �Anijza,� Nabiki suddenly said, �how has Akane been
treating you?�
     An odd question coming from her?
     Again, the feigned look of innocence was put on, Anijza
shrugging timidly.  �Well� I don�t think she likes me,� she
answered.
     �You see, Kasumi!  I told you Akane would not change,�
said Nabiki.
     Kasumi shook her head slowly.  �Oh, Akane, Akane,� she
said, �I was hoping you would do better than this.�
     Am I hearing right, thought Anijza?  Were the two Tendo
sisters actually trying to help me?
     �She seems so jealous of me over Ranma.  All I want to
do is help him pass his math test.�
     Kasumi stopped what she was doing, turning around.
�Anijza, Akane is a girl and you do get very close to him at
times.�
     �But we don�t want to give you, or your counterparts in
Korea the impression that people in Japan are disgruntled
host,� added Nabiki.  �Geesh, think of all the bad publicity
that would cause, not to mention the drop in tourist sales.�
     Anijza could barely suppress her cheer.  Yes, thank
you, Master!
     �Akane acts like she doesn�t want Ranma to pass
though.�
     Nabiki and Kasumi traded knowing looks.  �Well, there
is a rivalry between them of a sort,� continued Kasumi.
�Ranma is always trying to one up Akane and visa-versa.�
     Really?
     Anijza poured it on.  �I really like her (ugh), but,
but, I�m kind of� you know��
     �No, we don�t,� said Nabiki.
     �I�m kind of scared of her.�
     The timid look on her face seemed to sway the two
sisters Anijza could see.  Kasumi came over, hugging her as
if she were part of the family.
     �Don�t you let Akane frighten you, Anijza,� she said.
�Nabiki and I had a talk with her, but it looks like we�ll
have to make her behave.�
     �If she would just allow me to work with Ranma alone.
I can prove to her my motives are sincere, and that she has
nothing to worry about.�
     Yuck, sniveling like this tasted foul, but the outcome
would be more than worth it.
     �That can be arranged,� said Nabiki.
     �And Mousse, and, and those other friends of hers?�
     �Leave it to me.�
     Yes!
     A knock came at the back door, Anijza and Kasumi
surprised that someone was in the backyard.  It came again
and Kasumi peered through the window.  �Oh!� she said,
opening the door.  Kodachi stepped inside.
     �Helloooo!� she said.  Her eyes caught sight of Anijza
and all of her cheer immediately faded away.  Warning bells
went off in Anijza�s mind.  Another troublemaker no doubt
here to disrupt me.  Akane Tendo must be marshalling her
friends to assist her.  That little toad!
     �Kodachi, what a pleasant surprise,� said Kasumi.
     �For who I don�t know,� grumbled Nabiki under her
breath.
     �Kodachi, what brings you here?�
     Kodachi broke away from the hostile stare she was
trading with Anijza.  �Kasumi!  How nice to see you.  I�m
here to meet with Ranma and Akane.  I brought them a gift.�
     Her hands were empty and Kasumi tensed fearing it would
be one of Kodachi�s deviant bombs or something.  She took a
slight step back.  �Uh, what�s the occasion?�
     Kodachi started to answer, stopped cutting her eyes
briefly in Anijza�s direction.  �Let�s say its somewhat of a
surprise.�
     �I hope it�s not food,� commented Anijza.
     �Humph!  If it were food it would have been for you.�
     �Well Ranma is in the living room studying,� Kasumi
said, breaking the catfight brewing between the two.  �Akane
has not made it home yet.  You want to come in and wait?�
     �Yes we would�.�  Kodachi stopped looking over her
should for something.  �A moment,� she said dashing back
outside.  Confused looks came to the three women, and then
they heard voices bickering back and forth from around the
side of the house.
     �I told you to follow me!�
     �Well I did, but, but you decided to turn.�
     �And you could not find it in your mind to turn right
along with me?�
     �I thought you were going to the front door!�
     Kodachi reappeared, towing Ryoga Hibiki along by the
hand.
     �Humph, it�s only Ryoga,� remarked Anijza with some
disgust.
     Kasumi greeted him as he came inside.  �Ryoga, I
thought you were supposed to be at the hot springs in Kofu
or something like that.�
     �What�s wrong?  Europe to cold this time of season?�
said Nabiki.
     Ryoga laughed.  He spotted Anijza and stopped dead in
his tracks apparently surprised.  �Her?� he said to Kodachi.
     Immediately, Kodachi placed a hand across his mouth,
guiding Ryoga away.  �We�ll wait out here with Ranma,� she
said.
     No, muttered Anijza!  She rubbed the bridge of her
nose, feeling the pressure building at her temples.  Things
were still going from bad to worse; another distraction to
jeopardize the situation.  Both sisters noticed Anijza�s
strained look.
     �That was Ryoga Hibiki,� explained Kasumi, shutting the
back door.  �He�s Ranma�s closest friend.�
     �And he�s going to disrupt my� he�s going to interrupt
Ranma just like Mousse!�
     �For a short while,� replied Nabiki.  �They�ll soon get
bored and find something else to do.�
     �Ryoga!  Hey man, what�s going on?� they heard Ranma
say.
     �I came back because you did something to Akane, that�s
what�s going on, Saotome!�
     �It was just a little spat that�s all!�
     �Ryoga, we did not come here to fight,� said Kodachi.
     �Not in my house!� shouted Soun.
     Anijza turned a skeptical eye towards Nabiki.  �Short,
eh?�
     Nabiki could only shrug as the bickering picked up.
     �And what are you going to do about it?�
     �Drag your ass outside and kick it, that�s what!�
     �You and what armies!�
     �My arms and me, pal!�
     A new voice entered the fray, one Anijza dreaded to
hear.
     �I�m home!� Akane said above the growing din.
     �It�s about time,� said Ranma.  �We gotta� talk.�
     �About what?�
     �About me about to slam his ass into the ground!�
shouted Ryoga.
     �Control yourself, Hibiki,� said Genma.
     �Well if you�ve got anything to say to me Ranma, say it
now.�
     �Uh� not here.�
     �Where then?�
     �Somewhere where we can be alone.�
     �HEY WAIT!�
     A body hit the floor, followed by several strained
grunts and groans.  Anijza clenched her fist tight,
realizing that Akane must have taken Ranma away.
     �He�s got to study!� she cried running for the door.
     Nabiki and Kasumi followed stopping behind Anijza at
the doorway.  Mousse, Kodachi, Genma and Soun sat atop Ryoga
as he squirmed and struggled in their grasp.  The scuffle
ceased when they noticed Anijza, slowly separating.
     �Ranma, where did Ranma go?� Anijza asked them.
     �Akane took him upstairs,� answered Kodachi.  �I
normally would mind such a thing, but with that expression
on your face I can�t help but approve� HOOOH, HOH, HOH,
HOH!�
     The irritating giggles Kodachi made did nothing but
enrage Anijza even further.  A dark look appeared and
everyone went suddenly quiet.  She walked to the table and
began closing up the math books.
     �Uh, Anijza, uhm I was thinking� ya�know I can help
Ranma too,� Mousse said.
     �Why?�
     �To, ah, allow you more time to enjoy your stay here in
Tokyo.�
     Anijza gathered the books up in her arms, pausing to
look down at him with a smirk.  �Right.  Don�t I hear a pond
calling you?�
     She went upstairs leaving the others speechless by her
snide remark.
     Ryoga tapped Kodachi lightly on the arm.  �Thought you
said she was strange?�
     �And you don�t call that strange?�
     He shook his head.  �Sounds like everyday conversations
around here to me.�
     Kodachi started to say something then hesitated for a
second.
     �It does, doesn�t it,� she said, chuckling lightly�



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