Ranma 1/2

                           Anijza

                          Part One:

                  �As on Earth as in Hell�





                       Nicholas Stone




                     The Confrontations


     Akane had taken Ranma out on Nabiki�s balcony.  She
knew her room was not safe with Anijza lurking around, and
the now setting sun�s glow brought about a peaceful,
tranquil feeling that they both needed.
     The couple stood on opposite ends with their backs to
each other nervously waiting for the other to start.  Ranma
stared across the yard fighting to form his words.
Realizing that this was his idea, he decided to get things
going.
     �Uh, Akane,� he began, �Listen, I know things have been
rough between us these past few days, but I just wanted to
let you know I, I��
     His silence brought urgency to Akane.  Here was Ranma
trying to say what amounted as an apology, and admitting
that a relationship existed between them made all of the
past difficulties go away.  Hesitantly, Akane look back over
her shoulder and at the same time Ranma did likewise.  Their
eyes met and she quickly looked away to hide her sudden
embarrassment.
     �I don�t mean� I didn�t mean all of those things I said
yesterday.�
     �About me getting �whooped�?�
     �That and things about our being in the same math
class.�
     �Totally uncalled for.�
     �Not needed at all.�
     They went quiet, a long lingering silence passed
pierced only by the shrill caw of a raven in the trees.
Nature took over the couple meeting at the middle of the
balcony hugging each other tight.  Ranma took Akane�s hands
in his staring down into her eyes.
     �I�m sorry, Akane!  I wasn�t trying to hurt you, really
I wasn�t!� he blurted out.
     �It�s okay, Ranma.  I should be the one apologizing for
acting like such a bitch lately!� replied Akane, tears
streaming down her cheeks.
     Their ramblings made them stop, staring at the other in
amazement.  Embarrassed giggles followed, turning quickly
into a flood of laughter realizing how silly they had been
acting.  Akane�s laughs drifted into sobs and Ranma pulled
her close once more to settle her down.
     After a moment she stopped and looked up at him.
�Ranma, is Anijza taking you away from me?� she asked.
     �Anijza?  Akane didn�t I tell you several times that
I�m here for you?�
     �That�s not what I meant.�
     Ranma frowned.  �What do you mean then?�
     �She�s trying to take you away!�
     Akane pulled back leaning against the railing.  Her
dreams came back to mind, the foreboding tone that warned of
impending doom for him.  Her head felt heavy and Akane
sighed pressing her face into her hands.
     �Akane?� Ranma called.  �Akane, are you okay?�
     She looked back up.  �She�s not right Ranma.�
     Ranma turned and rested up against the railing thinking
for a moment. An unusual girl I will agree, but it had to be
nothing more than a small crush. Akane must know I love her,
doesn�t she?  He scratched the side of his head attempting
to figure out some way from this predicament.
     �You know she did ask me to go to Korea with her when
she left.�
     Akane spun around.  �She asked you to do what?�
     �Go back to Korea with her, or someplace further I
think.�
     She was setting him up, thought Akane.  Anijza asking
Ranma to go with her bore out the urgency of their
situation.  Cologne; they needed Cologne�s help and right
now!
     �Ranma what did you tell her?�
     �Well� I really did not tell her anything, but it would
be neat to go and see�.�
     Akane drew up close to him, desperation in her eyes.
�Don�t promise her anything, Ranma!�
     �Why not?  I hear Korea is nice.�
     �Ranma, please don�t say or promise Anijza anything!�
     Her sad look brought concern to Ranma�s mind.  Could
Akane be that jealous of Anijza?  Damn am I a lucky guy or
what?
     �I did ask if you could come with us,� he said.
     �Ranma!�
     Akane buried her face into his chest, crying hard.  He
regretted that comment and held her tight.
     �I�m sorry, Akane.  Please stop crying, okay.�
     She looked up at him again.
     �Swear Ranma, swear you won�t do or say anything for
her, okay.�
     Ranma knew he better do as she asked; Akane looked just
about ready to try something drastic.  He smiled, brushing
the hair from her eyes.
     �I didn�t come up here to upset you, and I certainly
did not come out here to talk about Anijza.  If it will make
you happy though, I won�t decide on anything without telling
you first.�
     That seemed to satisfy Akane.  Resting her head on his
chest, she wished this whole thing would just go away.
Ranma too felt relieved.  At least they were back together
and on speaking terms.  Now to tackle this math test, pass
it and show the world nothing was impossible.
     �So I take it you forgive me?� he asked.
     �Not totally,� replied Akane.  Her arms tightened
around him and Ranma thought she was about to throw him over
the side or something like that. �You better study hard,
Ranma Saotome.  I don�t want to be alone going into the
junior year.�
     �I will pass that test, Akane.�
     She drew back smiling at him.  �I know you will, and I
do have faith in you.�
     Her words made Ranma feel good inside.
     �We should go and continue our studies then, eh?�
     Something rustled the leaves of the tree out in the
yard startling the couple.  Ranma squinted hard trying to
see what it was, then a raven burst out from the top cawing
loudly as it soared up into the sky.  Nothing, the two
trading laughs then hand in hand went back inside.

                          * * * * *

     Dark eyes seethed with fury watching Ranma and Akane
walk back into Nabiki�s room.  A strong shudder shook the
surrounding limbs of the tree, taloned hands gouging away at
the bark leaving deep grooves in their path.
     Bitch!
     Anijza�s incensed mind pictured Akane Tendo in horrid
and excruciatingly painful situations, each increasing in
intensity as she fought to hold back her cries of fury.  He
made a promise!  He made a promise to her!  What form of
power does this, this, this bitch possess?  What spell has
she cast upon her chosen one!
     Turning, Anijza sprang out from the tree with a
powerful leap landing atop the roof of the dojo.  She ranted
and cursed the air, fingers clawing the sky unable to
withhold her emotions.
     Bitch!  Bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch� BITCH!
     Anijza clamored about like a hound in heat, pacing back
and forth trying to dispel her displeasures but it was not
to be.  She spun leaping again through the air, skittering
across several rooftops until she stood a number of blocks
away.
     Against the backdrop of the evening sky, Anijza tipped
her head back and let out a blood curdling cry�

                          * * * * *

     �What the hell is that?� asked Ryoga, looking up to the
ceiling as he and everyone else listened to the shriek
cutting the air.  It finally faded away leaving them all
slightly afraid of the coming darkness.
     �Maybe somebody hit a dog,� suggested Mousse.
     �You think?� asked Kasumi.
     �Could be,� answered Ranma.  The dogs in the
neighborhood began to bark, and even the sounds of some cats
joined in chilling the mood. Finally, they stopped.  No one
spoke for a long moment, and then Nabiki stood up.
     �Uh, Kasumi, is dinner about ready?� she asked.
     Kasumi gasped.  �Oh, I almost forgot about it.  I
better go and check.�
     As she rushed into the kitchen, Ranma too suddenly
gasped in fright.  Akane noticed, arching a brow.
     �Ranma, something wrong?�
     �Ukyo!� he exclaimed.
     �What about Ukyo?�
     �I and Anijza were supposed to go down to Ucchan�s for
dinner!  I got so engrossed in my studies and you that I
forgot all about it!�
     �Maybe that was her doing all of that screaming,� joked
Kodachi.
     Ranma almost fell back.  �She�s going to kill me,� he
muttered fearfully.
     �No she�s not!�  Akane shot Kodachi a short frown.
�Just call her and let her know you�ll have to take a rain
check on her offer.�
     �You think she�ll accept that?�
     �Yes.�
     Ranma got up and went to the phone.  Meanwhile; Akane
and Kodachi started to set the table.  A lot of people, but
Kasumi always made plenty especially when it came time to
feed Ranma.  As she set out the plates she noticed that
Anijza was missing from the group.  She asked Mousse where
their guest had gone and he told her upstairs.
     Upstairs?
     �She really wasn�t in a cheerful mood,� finished
Mousse.
     No doubt angered by the way she and Ranma spirited off
from his �studies�, hopefully the girl did not choose to
eavesdrop on their conversation.  Letting her know that she
was suspect would not be good.
     �Akane,� called Ranma from the hallway.  She went to
find out what he wanted and when she got there, Ranma handed
her the phone.  �Ukyo.  She wants to talk to you.�
     Akane took the receiver.  �Hello?�  A torrent of words
filled Akane�s ear as Ukyo recounted her encounter in the
study room.  Akane listened intently, sometimes letting out
a hum, other times glancing at Ranma and the stairs beyond.
Finally, she whispered something low to Ukyo and hung up.
     �Girl Talk?� said Ranma, curious.
     Akane pondered a second.  �Ranma, about what we were
discussing upstairs,� she said.
     �Us or Anijza?�
     She smirked at him.  �Who do think?�
     �And?�
     �Ukyo told me�.�  Akane�s words trailed away as she
caught sight of Anijza standing right behind Ranma.  She
wasn�t there a moment ago!
     ��that you�re making progress and thinks Anijza is
helping you after all,� she lied.
     �She did?  From the look on her face this afternoon you
would think she had it in for Anijza.�
     A familiar pair of arms slid around his, Ranma
immediately knowing who they belonged too.  He found Anijza
smiling up at him and forced a smile.  �Ah, Anijza.  Sorry I
left in such a hurry.�
     �I understand.  See, even your fianc� thinks I�m a good
thing.�
     �Who, Akane?�
     The grip tightened for a second.  �No, Ukyo.  Maybe
you�ll stop fighting me and continue on with your studies.�
     �I�m not fighting, and it�s about time for dinner
anyway.�
     Anijza drew in the luscious aroma of Kasumi�s cooking.
�Yes it is.  But immediately after that!�  She stopped and
then gave Akane a broad grin.  �That is if you don�t mind,
Akane.�
     Akane forced a grin of her own, but the tension in the
air could be clearly felt.  �No problem, Anijza,� she
replied through strained lips.  �We all can use some extra
instruction, and I am curious to see how much Ranma is
improving.�
     I�ll bet, you toad!
     You won�t get him without a fight!
     �I think that would be great, Akane.�
     �It sure will, Anijza.�
     Ranma looked back and forth between the two shaking his
head not believing what he heard.  The odd grins reminded
him of two cats before a brawl, not a good thing to see.
     �Let�s get to the table before Ryoga and Mousse eat
everything,� he said, leading Anijza away.
     Akane waited until they were around the corner before
shifting from a grin to a dark sneer.  It was important now
more than ever to stay close with Ranma, and after what Ukyo
had said; she was not about to allow her a minute chance of
ever being left alone with Ranma again.
     �Cologne, please hurry back,� she said to herself.
Forcing away the sneer, Akane went to rejoin the others�

                          * * * * *

     It had been a long chase, and an even longer fight, but
Cologne finally prevailed over the desperately fleeing
Happosai.  Their route took them up into the mountains of
northern Japan, a frantic chase and struggle that left much
of the surrounding trees and growth broken or destroyed
altogether.
     Now she stood looking out across the range shaking her
head knowing it would take at least three days to get back
to Nerima.  Worse yet, she still had not been able to get
Happosai to divulge what it was Anijza was after, or her
real identity.  Angrily, she turned and stomped back through
the brush to the campsite.
     There, Happosai was bound tightly to Colognes staff by
several loops of her holy beads effectively holding him fast
and helpless.  He strained hard, fighting to free himself,
letting out frantic cries into the air.
     �Oh will you be silent!� scowled Cologne as she reached
the fire.  The warmth from the flames felt good and she sat
down to ponder her next move.
     �GAAAHHH!  Cologne! Let me go!� cried Happosai.  �I
must get away, I must leave this place before�.�
     �Before what, Happi?� Cologne said, quickly up in his
face.
     He grimaced, turning his head to one side.  �You don�t
understand.�
     �I will if you tell me,� she replied, but the old man
remained silent.  Frustrated, Cologne huffed and threw up
her arms.
     �This is insane, Happosai!  Anijza must possess
considerable power, and yet she dallies around like a weak
sprite!�
     �Even she has limits, Cologne,� came the warbled voice
of Happosai�s demon.  �Once she has permission, only then
can she do her bidding.�
     Permission, wondered Cologne, for what?
     �Tell me more,� she said.
     �No!  I have told you too much as it is!  Forget the
chosen one.  His fate is sealed.�
     �I will not!�  Cologne grabbed Happosai by the front of
his shirt.  �Ranma is to be my son-in-law, and I will do
everything in my power to see that no harm comes to him!�
     Happosai grimaced again closing his eyes tight.  His
head dropped forward and in a weak voice he said, �Ranma is
lost, Cologne.  Don�t you see this?�
     She let him go and started to gather her things.  �No.
Ranma can be saved if we get back in time, and that we will
do.�
     �Return?  Cologne no, please don�t take me back there!�
     �We are going back now!�
     Ignoring the cries, Cologne leaped atop her staff.
With Happosai bound to it, she would be hard pressed to keep
a steady pace, but the old woman had weathered more than her
fair share of hardships and strife.  Anijza must be stopped
and there was no time for delay.
     �Hang on, Happi.  This is going to be rough.�
     �No, no, NOOOO!�
     Cologne, with staff and all, bounded off through the
brush�

                          * * * * *

     The evening meal was over and Kasumi stood washing the
dishes while Nabiki packed away what leftovers that managed
to escape the ravenous clutches of Ranma and his friends.
She was pleased that nothing odd happened tonight.  Everyone
seemed to have enjoyed the meal; even Akane seemed relaxed
after what had happened to her.  Kasumi smiled; glad to see
things were returning back to normal.
     The door opened and in walked Anijza carry what
dishware that was left out in the dinning room.  She set
them on the counter and gave Kasumi a light tug on her
sleeve.
     �I need to get Ranma back to his studies,� she told
her.
     Nabiki and Kasumi understood.  As Anijza went out,
Nabiki stopped from what she was doing and moved over next
to Kasumi.
     �So you want to go and talk to our little sister, or
shall I?� she asked her.
     Kasumi did not answer at first, continuing to wash the
dishes in the sink.  She sighed, shrugging lightly.
�Akane�s never been this jealous over Ranma before.  I don�t
know if there is anything we could say that would make her
give him up to Anijza for a day.�
     �I have some rope in my closet.  That should work.�
     Kasumi stopped and looked sharply over at Nabiki.  They
stared at each other then began to giggle at the idea.
     �I don�t think we have to go that far, Nabiki.�
     Nabiki, still giggling, went to the door and cracked it
slightly open.  Ranma, Akane, their fathers and the rest of
their guest were seated around the table apparently engaged
in a game of Charades.  Ryoga stood making slight hand
gestures while everyone else sat trying to figure out who he
was.  Only Anijza appeared dismayed upset by Ranma�s lack of
concern.
     �Well I can understand Anijza worry,� said Nabiki,
closing the door again.  �Ranma�s friends have literally put
a halt to his studies.�
     �Then we�ll have to tell them to leave,� replied
Kasumi.
     Nabiki nodded.  She rubbed her chin trying to think of
a way to get them all away from Ranma before his test day.
�Odd them all suddenly showing up here like this.�
     �It�s nothing different, Nabiki.  If Ryoga�s not here,
usually one of Ranma�s girlfriends would be.�
     �Yeah, but this feels more organized.�
     �Organized?�
     �Ahuh.�  Nabiki could see the doubtful look Kasumi gave
her.  �Trust me, sis. I know all about thing like this.�
     �But why would Akane do such a thing?�
     �It can�t be because she�s afraid of Anijza.  More like
intimidation?�
     Kasumi frowned.  That could be true, reflecting on the
characters that had shown up.  �Oh that poor girl.� She
said.
     �Akane?�
     �No, Anijza.  Bringing Kodachi Kuno around like this,
and, and, Ryoga; a total stranger, to try and draw her away
from Ranma.�
     Angrily, Kasumi pulled off her apron, throwing it down
on the counter top.  �Well I�m just about mad enough now to
give them all a small piece of my mind and stop this
nonsense,� she said, striding towards the door.
     �You go, Kasumi,� Nabiki said.  �That should�, HUH!�
     In a flash, she stopped Kasumi before she could open
the door.
     �What are you doing, Nabiki?� asked Kasumi, but she did
not get an answer.  Nabiki stood eyes darting from side to
side as her mind recalled the earlier proceedings.  She went
quickly to the backdoor, thinking some more, arms moving to
and fro replaying the events.  Nabiki suddenly turned around
to give Kasumi a thoughtful gaze.
     �Kasumi, we might be premature in our judgment about
Akane,� she said.
     �What?�  Kasumi shook her head.  �What?� she said
again.
     �Akane�s suspicions might be right about Anijza.�
     �Nabiki, what has gotten into you?  Why the entire
sudden turnabout here?  What makes you now think there is
something wrong with Anijza?�
     �Ryoga.�
     �Ryoga?�
     �Yes, Ryoga.  Remember when he first got here?�
     �When Kodachi showed up, yes.  So?�
     �And Anijza was standing right next to you.�
     �Probably scared out of her wits meeting two completely
strange strangers like that.�
     A brow arched up, Nabiki grinning sarcastically at
Kasumi.  �But she wasn�t.  In fact, she knew Ryoga.�
     �What about it?�
     Kasumi drew in a sudden fearful gasp, both hands
pressing up against her chin.  Nabiki allowed a few more
minutes to pass allowing the shock to fade before
continuing.
     �A total stranger.  Never met those two before and yet
Anijza calls Ryoga by his first name.  How could she have
known that, hmm?�
     Kasumi had no answer for Nabiki.  She turned and
cracked the door peering out into the dinning room.  They
were still at their game, but Anijza flinched and with a
slow deliberate turn, looked in her direction.  Their eyes
met and Kasumi thought for a moment she saw a red flicker in
them.  She shut the door and stepped back.
     �This is getting scary,� said Kasumi, looked over at
Nabiki again.  �She could not have known.�
     �Unless they�ve met before, and Ryoga certainly gave no
indication of that, Anijza is hiding something from us.
Something that has to do with Ranma,� replied Nabiki.
     �What could that be?�
     �I don�t know, sis, but let me check a few things first
though my network and then we�ll have a talk with Akane
again.�
     �And if you find out something is wrong with Anijza?�
asked Kasumi.
     Nabiki could only shrug, staring lost at the floor.
     Kasumi placed a hand to the side of her face, looking
back at the door again.
     �Oh, my��

                          * * * * *

Wednesday

     Anijza could feel tension in the air.
     It was not from her, nor was it from all of the delays
she was experiencing, and definitely not from the people
around the room she stood in.
     It was the Master, and he clearly was angry with her.
     The sixth period class neared completion and then
Ranma�s free study period would begin.  Anijza decided that
today her to be betrothed would finish reading the tomes
imbedded in the pages of the books she�d taken from the
library; tomes designed to weaken his spirit and gain his
commitment.  Then, then would be the time to leave this
ghastly plain and return to the comforts of home.
     A warm buzz made Anijza shudder thrilled by the image
of her and Ranma together at last.  That day would be coming
soon enough, but first she had to answer the master�s call.
Someone tapped her lightly on one shoulder and she turned
around.  There stood Ranma with Gosunkugi at his side each
holding a tray full of dissected toad parts ready for
preservation.
     �Ew yuck!� said Anijza, cringing away from them in
disgust.  It was only a ruse, the morsels on the trays more
than drawing hungry grumbles from her stomach.
     Ranma laughed.  �Anijza, we�re just about ready to
mount these.  You want to watch and see how a maestro does
it?�
     �Ranma-chan, you�re not going to play with those things
are you?�
     �Huh, who me?  Naw, Hikaru�s going to do it.�
     Anijza glanced at the creepiest man-child she�d ever
seen on this plain.  He would fit in perfectly with
Baalzebul�s court jesters.  Pluck the eyes and a few teeth,
a perfect match.
     The tension she felt returned, drawing Anijza to the
far window.  �Uh, no Ranma.  I think I want to go and get a
breath of air.�
     �Okay,� said Ranma, shrugging.  �We�ll Gosunkugi, looks
like its gonna be just you and me.�
     �Oh.  I really want to show off my skills.  Not often I
can get an audience.�
     They headed off to continue their project; while Anijza
walked over to the window.  Opening the panes, she leaned
out against the sill and gazed down at the campus ground s
below.  A quick scan found no sign of the masters� presence.
Odd?  I am sure I can feel his call.
     She gazed around again, stopping when she spotted a
dark figure at the corner of the main gates.  It was a dog,
a very large and powerful looking pit-bull staring up in her
direction.  Anijza drew in a breath realizing that the
master had sent one of his pets to check up on her.  A quick
glance back at the clock told her that the bell was about to
ring in five minutes.  Gazing back down at the dog, Anijza
concentrated, narrowing her eyes.
     {The Park,} she sent, {twenty minutes.}
     {No longer,} came the ghostly reply.
     The pit ran off and Anijza shut the windows.
     Finally, the bell rang and both Ranma and Anijza were
heading down to the third floor study hall.  More reading,
thought Ranma.  He dreaded the notion, testing the weight of
the two books he carried underneath each arm.  Anijza might
be trying to help him, but her method really did not do much
in his opinion.  So far he had retained nothing, and with
the test coming tomorrow, Ranma was beginning to think he�d
bitten off more than he could chew.
     As they reached the stairs, Anijza suddenly stopped
him.  �Ranma-chan,� she cooed in a seductive voice.  �Can we
go somewhere else today?�
     Alone with Anijza, not the situation he wanted to be
in.  �Uh, why?�
     �Well, I think you can get more accomplished if you and
I can dedicate our remaining time together alone with no
interruptions.�
     A hard knot formed in Ranma�s throat.  �Uh, Anijza, I
don�t mean to sound ungrateful but��
     �But what, Ranma-chan?� Anijza cut in, moving up closer
to him.
     Her innocent gaze forced back his confession of doubt.
�� there is no other place where we can be alone here at
school.�
     �So lets leave.�
     �Leave?�
     Anijza nodded.  �Let�s go to the park.�
     �The park!�
     �No one to interrupt us, nobody to break you away from
my spell, I mean my instructions!�  Anijza grinned deviously
at Ranma, a slight glint of mischief in her eyes.  �And no
Akane Tendo,� she finished.
     Ranma shuddered.  �What about Ukyo?� he asked.
     �Ukyo!� snapped Anijza.  �She�s not going with us!�
     �That�s what you think,� came a voice from behind.
     Anijza whirled around to find herself staring straight
into Ukyo Kuonji�s face.  How long had she been standing
there she did not know, but it must have been long enough to
hear what she intended to do.
     �Ukyo!  You scared the devil out of me!�
     �Doubtful,� replied Ukyo.  She crossed her arms and
placed a suspicious glare upon them both.  �Leaving campus
is not right, you know, Ranma.�
     �Ahah� not my idea, Ucchan,� Ranma nervously answered.
     �He needs to be left alone to study, Kuonji,� Anijza
told Ukyo.
     Anijza�s tone felt like a challenge, Ukyo more than
ready to pick up where they had left off in the study room.
Her hands began to run casually across the bandolier of mini-
spatulas across her chest.  �Don�t you mean to be alone so
you can steal Ranma away, Anijza?�
     Did this whelp of a woman know of my intentions,
thought Anijza?  She had to be driven off, and there still
was the masters� messenger to deal with.  Delays!
     �She�s not stealing me from anyone, Ukyo,� Ranma was
heard to say.
     This called for drastic measures and Anijza made a fist
drawing upon her powers.
     The Announcing system suddenly crackled to life.  <Ukyo
Kuonji, report to the Administration Office immediately,>
came the call.
     �Now who would be calling me here?� Ukyo said.
     �Maybe it�s Konatsu,� suggested Ranma.
     Could there be something wrong down at Ucchan�s?  A
possibility, Ukyo knew she could not ignore this call.  She
sneered angrily before spinning on her heels trotting down
the steps.  Ranma watched her go mystified by this turn of
events.  A hand slipped into his and he looked down to see
Anijza wrapping her yellow scarf tightly around his wrist.
     �What gives?� he asked.
     �I�m not losing you again, Ranma.  Now come, we have
much to do.�
     Ranma�s protests were cut short as Anijza pulled him
along down the steps.

                          * * * * *

     A quick pace soon found the two nearing the Nerima
Central Park.  Anijza kept her grip tight on her scarf,
hurrying him along as they passed though the archway.
Finally, she came to a stop and looked around for a place
well secluded from prying eyes or potential interruptions.
Great, the park was literally empty!  This pleased Anijza
and she tugged Ranma along over towards a spot close by a
cluster of trees.
     �Sit,� she ordered Ranma.  He obeyed, and Anijza took
one of the books slamming it open on the ground before him.
�Read.�
     Ranma stared at the open book for a minute.  He sighed
not really wanting to do what she asked, but a firm stomp of
a foot startled him.  �Read!� ordered Anijza again, and he
quickly pushed his face into the pages.
     Anijza smiled.  �Now you stay there and don�t stop, you
hear me?  I�ll be right back.�
     �Yeah, but where are you going?�
     She swatted him sharply on the head.  �Never you mind,�
continued Anijza, �don�t stop reading until I get back.�
     Anijza headed for the trees, leaving Ranma alone and
very much confused.  He slowly looked up, smirking to
himself wondering what Anijza was up to.
     Through the trees, Anijza�s stuck her head out.  �I
said READ!� she shouted.
     Ranma�s head ducked back down into the book.
     Grief, he muttered, such a pushy girl�

                          * * * * *

     �What do you mean nobody called for me?� shout Ukyo at
the receptionist in the schools administration office.
     �I�m sorry, Ukyo, but I don�t recall ever calling you
over the announcing system,� answered the receptionist.
     Ukyo slammed a fist down on the countertop.  �I
distinctly heard my name called telling me to report here!�
     �Well it certainly didn�t come from me.�
     Steamed, Ukyo turned around shaking hard as her fury
grew.  She knew she was not hearing things, somehow that
little bitch Anijza did this and now she had Ranma alone to
herself. �They went to the park,� she said, �I need to get
down there fast!�
     �Wait a minute, Ukyo!� the receptionist called just as
she started for the door.  She whirled sharply around a
questioning look in her eyes.
     �I�ll check with the superintendent and see if he was
the one who called for you.�
     �Uh, that�s okay.  I must be going.  There�s something
I really need to take care of.�
     �Nonsense.  Now you just sit down and I�ll call him.
This should only take but a moment.�
     Ukyo rolled her eyes.  �I really do not have�.�
     �Sit-Down.�
     Ukyo quickly sat rigidly down into the nearest chair
not daring to move. Time slowly passed it seemed increasing
the desperation running in Ukyo�s mind.  Every minute gone
meant that much more of an opportunity for Anijza.  I�ve got
to do something, she frantically thought.  A small shift
towards the door brought the immediate attention from the
receptionist stopping her cold.
     �Uh� heh-heh, can I make a phone call?� asked Ukyo.
     The receptionist arched a brow and pointed over to the
phone on a corner table.  Ukyo darted over and dialed the
one number she knew she could get help from.
     [Tendo Residence,] came Kasumi Tendo�s voice.
     [Kasumi, it�s Ukyo.  Let me talk to Mousse.  It�s
urgent!]
     The phone was silent for a moment then Mousse could be
heard as he came to the phone.  [Ukyo?]
     [Mousse, red alert!  Anijza�s got Ranma alone!]
     [What!  How�d she manage that?]
     [No time to explain.  They�re at the Nerima Park.  You
and Ryoga� scratch that� you get down there and don�t let
them out of your sight!]
     [Okay.  What about Ryoga?]
     [Besides not allowing him to get lost, he can cover the
dojo if they show up there.]
     [Right, we�re on it!]
     Ukyo hung up and let out a sigh of relief.  She found
the receptionist staring at her and grinned.
     �Ha-ha, uhm just a little girl stuff,� said Ukyo,
slinking back to her seat�

                          * * * * *

     Anijza pressed through the hedges and brush in search
of her master�s messenger.  �Ner�kur!� she called in a light
whisper.  She parted a few more limbs, looking around.
SNer�kur!  Where in the hell are you?�
     �I wish,� came a ghostly reply from her left.
     She pushed her way along coming out into a sheltered
opening.  There sat the pit-bull, watching her with deep
dark eyes.
     �What?� hissed Anijza, charging out of the brush.
     �You tell me,� answered the hound.
     Anijza knelt down before the dog grabbing it by the
scruff of its thick neck.  �I am handling this as best I
can!  Why can�t the Master see this?�
     �He is getting impatient, Mistress.  You have never
dallied this long in an acquisition.�
     �It is because I�ve never run into the difficulties I
have experienced.�
     The pit narrowed its wrinkled brows.  �Would you like
me to neutralize your opposition?�
     Tempting, very tempting to Anijza, but she shook her
head.  �You know we cannot do such a thing, Ner�kur.�
     �I will not kill them, just� maim them a bit.�
     Anijza released the dog.  �Maim them?�
     �Just slightly.�
     �No,� she said, standing up.  �There will be no harming
them� as of yet.�
     She began pacing in a small circle, trying to think of
a way to get Ranma�s agreement before time ran out.  It
would be close, but now with him away from his friends she
stood a chance of taking him with no further delays.
     �You may tell the Master I will gain Ranma by this
plain�s ending cycle,� she said.
     �And if you do not?�
     Anijza turned giving the beast a hard gaze.  �Do not
curse me, subling,� she snarled in a rough voice.  �Only the
Master may question my actions, not you.�
     The pit whined, bowing its head beneath Anijza�s fiery
glare.  �Yes, Mistress,� it said, shirking back.
     �Now, you will relay my words and assure the Master
that I will achieve my goal.�
     �Yes, Mistress.�
     Anijza smiled gazing up at the sky.  �It will be such a
glorious event.  One that will shine brightly throughout the
domains.�
     Suddenly, there came a shuffle from the trees behind
them.  Ner�kur immediately came up on all fours, arching its
back with a deep growl.  Anijza turned to the sound, and
then rushed over to see what it was.  She parted the trees
and caught glimpse of a figure running through the brush
towards the open grounds.  Another hard look quickly
identified who it was.
     �Mousse,� she said with a sneer.  �And he is heading
towards Ranma.�
     �Shall I go after him, Mistress?� asked the beast.
     �No,� replied Anijza.
     �But he might have seen us together.�
     �I will handle Mousse, Ner�kur.  Now go and do as
instructed.�
     The pit-bull bowed its head and backed away.  �I wish
you success, milady,� it said.  �Do be careful.�
     It turned and with a powerful leap, disappeared into
the bushes.
     Anijza thought about what it had said, wondering if
more force would be required to finish her task.  As for
Mousse, well if he did see enough and try to warn Ranma,
there were ways to keep him silent without wasting precious
energy.
     Ranma, she thought again, heading back to join him�

                          * * * * *

     Mousse scrambled through the trees every ounce of
strength in him pumping his arms and legs with reckless
abandon.  After what he considered his best time ever
running from the dojo to the park, he knew that what kept
him going now was pure fear, fear from what he stumbled
across moments ago.
     When he first arrived Mousse knew finding Ranma and
Anijza would be difficult among the large make up of the
park.  Nevertheless, he had to try making his way along the
pathways in search of them.  His eyesight might not have
been the best, and several times he stumbled into the
occasional pedestrian, but his hearing was keen and while
searching a secluded portion of the park he made out
Anijza�s petite voice.
     Naturally, Mousse followed the sound of her voice
coming up to some high brush and paused when he heard
another voice along with hers.  It didn�t sound like Ranma;
carefully did he part the limbs blocking his view and that
was when he caught sight of Anijza accompanied by a large
and mean looking dog.  She appeared to be talking to it.
Nothing really out of the norm, every girl he�d known has
done the same thing.
     But dogs were not known to answer back and this one
did.
     Not a second was lost, Mousse darting away, his heart
pumping rapidly from the extra burst of adrenaline secreted
into his veins.  He tried to scream, but terror held the
muscles of his throat tight and all he could do was hope he
came across Ranma before Anijza did.
     The rapid patter of footsteps was the only warning
Ranma got before Mousse collided with him sending the two
men head over heels across the open lawn.  When they finally
stopped, Ranma let out a low moan and rose up on his hands
and knees trying to shake away the stars flickering in his
eyes.  When he finally regained enough of his senses, he
found himself poised over a dazed Mousse.
     �Mousse?� he said, tapping his erstwhile friend on one
cheek.  Mousse let out a moan and slowly opened his eyes.
     �Who�s that?� he asked.
     �Its me, Ranma.�
     A burst of motion, Mousse grabbing Ranma by his collars
and rolled over on top of him.  He pressed his face into
Ranma�s then drew back.
     �Ranma!  Ranma, it is you!�
     �Yyyeeesss.�
     Mousse was frantic almost to the point of hysterical
Ranma could see.  He started to crawl back, but Mousse
suddenly leaped jerking him up to his feet.
     �We gott�a go!� exclaimed Mousse.
     �Why?�
     �A-A-Anijza!  It�s Anijza, she�s, she�s, she�s�.�
     �I�m what?� came Anijza�s voice from behind them.
     Mousse whirled terror etched deep on his face.  He let
out another cry and then dashed fearfully behind Ranma.
However; Ranma could not see what it was that had Mousse so
frightened.  Anijza appeared to be the same, except for the
small bouquet of yellow daises held in one hand.
     �So, ah, Mousse.  Anijza is here and?�
     �She�s weird!  S-s-strange!�
     He�s lost it, thought Ranma.  �And what is so strange
about Anijza?� he asked, turning around.
     Mousse gripped him firmly by the shoulders.  �She talks
to dogs.�
     �Dogs,� replied Ranma.
     �Yes, Dogs!�
     Ranma hesitated.  �Dogs?� he said again.
     �Yeah!  Talking Dogs!�
     It�s not that hot out, Ranma staring deep into Mousse�s
terror filled eyes searching for some indication of a fever.
Calmly, he turned to Anijza.
     �Were you talking to a �talking� dog, Anijza?�
     Anijza giggled.  �Ranma-chan, be serious.�  She held
the flowers out to him.  �For you.�
     Ranma took them, drawing in their pleasant aroma.
�Thank you.�
     �Nothing for the soon to be top math student in
Furinkan High.�
     Mousse spun Ranma around, the flowers flying up though
the air.  �But she was talking to a dog!� he shouted.  �I
heard them, Ranma!�
     �Oh really?� said Anijza.  She peeked around Ranma, and
Mousse drew in a gasp.  Quickly, he shifted to the other
side with Anijza�s giggles filling the air.  �And, ah, what
was I saying, Mousse?�
     Mousse�s mouth hung open, but then he realized that he
could not remember anything from that incident, just the low
murmurings or what he thought were murmurings coming from
them.  Meanwhile; Ranma too awaited an answer.  After a long
moment, he realized that Mousse was lost and placed a
comforting hand gently on his shoulder.
     �It�s okay, Mousse,� he told him, �We all sometimes
think we hear things.  Maybe the trees or something else in
the background sounded like it was coming from Anijza.�
     �But the dog!�
     �What dog?� asked Anijza.
     �I SAW A DOG!  I DID, I DID!� screamed Mousse, hopping
furiously up and down.  From his ranting, his glasses
slipped of his face into the grass behind him.
     �Calm down, Mousse,� Ranma said going to retrieve them.
     Mousse did, panting tiredly as he tried searching for
them as well. He dropped to his knees fishing around until
his hands came upon something firm and oddly warm.
Following it up, Mousse suddenly found himself face to face
with Anijza.  He paused, squinting hard until her features
became focused.  Suddenly, she let out a low growl and then
grabbed him by the throat stifling his cries.  The grip
tightened and Mousse tried to pull away but Anijza�s hard
grip remained firm.
     �Naughty, naughty,� hissed Anijza in a low voice, �I
see you need a lesson in manners, duck-boy.�
     �Here they are,� announced Ranma.  Anijza quickly let
Mousse go as he returned with Mousse�s glasses.
     �Mousse, what are you doing down there?� asked Ranma.
     �Being bad,� answered Anijza.
     Ranma helped Mousse to his feet, waiting until he
finished hacking and gasping for breath before replacing his
glasses.
     �Ranma, she tried to kill me!� he said.
     �I would too if somebody was groping around at my feet
while I was wearing a dress.�
     It was a lost cause realized Mousse.  Anijza had Ranma
eating out of his hand and without any proof there was no
way he would be able to convince him that something was
wrong with her.  He drew in a long breath and sat down.
     �So� should we continue on with your studies, Ranma?�
he said.
     Now it was Anijza�s turn to look shocked.  �No!� she
cried out, dropping to her knees.  �You�ve got to leave!�
     Ranma though thought differently.  �Mousse, is that why
you�re here?� he said, sitting down too.
     �Yeah. Ukyo called and asked me to foll� I mean, join
you guys and help out with your studies.�
     �No, no!  You must leave, Mousse!�
     �Now hold on a moment, Anijza,� cut in Ranma.  He
appeared to be happy that his friend was showing so much
concern for his well being.  �Ukyo sent you down here?�
     �Sure did.  It�s part of Akane�s idea to help you get
past that math test.  Nobody wants to see you fail.�
     The back part of Mousse�s tongue ached after that lie,
but he controlled his true thoughts and continued on with
the charade.
     �Akane?� said Ranma.
     �Akane!� hissed Anijza.
     �She really is concerned, and we all decided to help
you pass.�
     Ranma laughed.  �You guys are alright!� he said.  �With
friends like this, I can�t fail!  Don�t you agree, Anijza?�
     �Yeah.  Good friends.  Can�t live without�em.�  Anijza
slammed a fist down on the ground.  �Ranma, you said we�d be
alone!�
     �Geesh, Anijza.  I can�t just send Mousse away like
this.  He�s here to help, and you know what they say; the
more help the better.�
     Bitch, thought Anijza!  I will get you, Akane Tendo.  I
will get you for your meddling before I leave this plain!
     �Where were you?� Mousse asked Ranma.
     You and your pitiful friends!
     Ranma call broke Anijza from her mulling.  �Anijza, are
you all right?� he asked her noticing the tight frown on her
face.  She forced it away, giving him a broad smile.
     �Sure, Ranma-chan.�
     �You�re not upset that my friends are trying to help us
are you?�
     �Ranma-chan, if it helps you, I�m happy.�
     The painful tugs at her stomach were barely concealed
from them.
     �And when I pass, I�m going to treat you and Akane both
to the largest sundaes in town!�
     �That (gulp) that will be wonderful.�
     �Just think, all of us passing that test!  What a
triumph it will be!�
     All of you?
     The forced grin on Anijza�s face melted into a natural
one, brows furrowing deviously together.  �That is an
excellent thought, Ranma,� she said, eyes shifting about as
dark thoughts came to mind.  Anijza let out a chuckle, which
soon turned into an eerie chortle of laughter that left both
Ranma and Mousse with a chill in their souls.
     They traded worried looks and picked up the books,
mindful to inch out of arms reach of the cackling girl�

                          * * * * *

     �A dog?�
     �Yes, a dog!�
     Beneath the dim glow of the moon, Akane stood in the
backyard of the dojo giving Mousse a skeptical stare after
hearing what happened earlier that day.  She knew he wasn�t
one to exaggerate, but still Anijza conversing with a dog
did sound a bit far fetched.
     Her mind raced, not sure what to make of what she just
heard, and looked back at the open patio doorway where the
rest of the family sat watching Ranma and Ryoga locked in an
intense arm wrestling match.
     �You�re going (urgh) down, Saotome!� said Ryoga amidst
his grunts and strain.
     �Not on� not on you life� Ryoga,� replied Ranma, �I�ve
got you (augh) just where I� want� you!�
     �Thatshwhatyou� said� ten minutes� ago!�
     �I�m just warming up!�
     Akane rolled her eyes. Ego�s, she thought turning back
to Mousse.  �Mousse�.�
     �Hm?�
     ��a dog?�
     �Yes a dog!  Will you stop asking me that!�
     �But it sound so silly.�
     Mousse let out an exasperated sigh, pacing around in a
small circle.  �I know, but it�s what I saw.  Anijza,
standing there talking to this huge, mean looking dog.�
     �Well I�ve heard about people wanting to commune with
nature, but never anything like this.�
     �Was that supposed to be funny?� asked Mousse, jerking
to a halt.
     Akane shook here head.  �Not as a insult to you,
Mousse.  Anijza is a strange girl we both agree.  Did you
tell Ranma about it?�
     �Yes, and he doesn�t believe me.�
     �Figures.  With Anijza manipulating him like she is, he
won�t believe anything unless he sees physical proof.�
     �She has a mean grip too.�
     �What?�
     Mousse unbuttoned his collar showing Akane the red
marks where Anijza had gripped his throat.  She drew in a
breath, moving in for a closer look.  �Mousse, she did
this?�
     �Yep.  Supposedly in response to my �groping� around
her legs.�  Before Akane could ask, Mousse held up a hand.
�Don�t ask, long story.  Anyway, beneath all of that Miss
Innocence stuff, is the strength of a gorilla.�
     Or that of a madwoman, thought Akane.
     A cry from the patio drew their attention.  Ranma lay
holding Ryoga by one arm dangling precariously out over the
pond with a mischievous glint in his eyes.  Ryoga whimpered
lightly, his eyes pleading for mercy, begging Ranma not to
let him fall and expose his secret to Akane.
     �Give?� said Ranma.
     �Never!� cried Ryoga.
     A slight dip of Ranma�s arm quickly changed his mind.
     �Okay, okay!  You�ve won!�
     �I dunno, Ryoga.  Maybe the truth needs to be told
here.�
     �I said I give, okay Ranma!�
     �Ranma!� shouted Akane.  �Stop teasing Ryoga like
that!�
     Ranma quickly pulled Ryoga up.  �Hey, I was just
playing, that�s all.�
     �Well you shouldn�t embarrass your friends like that!�
     �I won fair and square!�
     �That round, Saotome,� said Ryoga.
     �Oh, you want some more, huh?�
     �Bring that arm on!�
     Nabiki stepped in between them pocketing the money she
had just collected from Soun and Genma.  �Children, children
behave,� she said.  �Besides, diner is almost ready so go
and clean up.�
     Ryoga and Ranma traded angry gazes before parting.
     �I�m still not done with you Ranma,� quipped Ryoga as
he headed in the direction of the training hall.
     �We�ve got all night,� replied Ranma.
     Anijza stole up, wrapping her arms tight around his.
�You were so wonderful,� she said loud enough for Akane to
hear.  �I�ll bet you�re the strongest man here.�
     Ranma�s cheeks flushed red.  �Ah, yeah, ha-ha, I guess
I am.  Uh, shall we go to the table?�
     Furiously, Akane watched the two head back inside.
Anijza looked back just enough to give her a quick wink
before they stepped out of view.
     �Oooo!� growled Akane, spinning around, her fist
clenched tight to her sides.
     �You know Ryoga is asking for more trouble,� Mousse
said.
     Akane started sharply.  �Ryoga?  Mousse, it�s Anijza
we�re concerned about here!�
     �Oh yeah� bitch.�
     �What!�
     �Anijza.  She�s really gotten close to Ranma.�
     Daggers filled Akane�s eyes, and she slowly turned
around to face the dojo.  �Yes, but have you noticed she�s
not worried about him studying anymore?�
     �After all of the studying we did this afternoon, she
shouldn�t really.�
     �No.  Whatever plans she has made are about to be put
into motion.�
     �How can you tell?�
     �I can feel it.  And we have to be ready.�
     �So what do we do now?� asked Mousse.
     Still the question at hand, Akane knew that they were
going to have to keep up their guard over Ranma now more so
than ever.  It all depended on what happened tomorrow, and
when Cologne returned.  �Mousse, after dinner you call
Shampoo.  Tell her we�re going to have another meeting over
at Ukyo�s tomorrow after school.�
     �All of us?�
     �No.  You and Ryoga stay with Ranma.  Nothing�s going
to happen until after he gets the results of the test, so I
don�t think you two will have anything to worry about.�
     �I hope not.  She almost snapped my neck last time she
latched on to me.  I�m not looking forward for a rematch.�
     That could happen, but Akane sensed that the time was
still not right yet for Anijza to make her move.  No, she
still needed something, and it had to do with Ranma.
     �She�s not ready,� she said.  �Now let go and bring
Ryoga back before he wanders off into the city.�

                          * * * * *

Thursday

     Silence�
     It gnawed on Ranma�s nerves while he sat working
steadily on the test spread out on his desk.  Every beat of
his heart sounded like a gong in a shrine, a steady beat
that seemed to draw more and more of his life from him.
With every question on this test critical to his advancement
and future, his life seemed oddly mote at this stage of the
game.
     Ranma finally set the pencil in his hand down and sat
back to take a break.  He looked up to see his math
teacher�s eyes lock upon him with and almost hungry look
like that of a lioness on the hunt.  He sensed Sensei
Mukuro�s hidden delight, the anticipation of sweet victory
lingering on the tip of his tongue ready to snatch Ranma up
and ridicule him before the class for such audacity.
     Oh how Ranma so wanted to just look back and see how
Akane was doing.  I�ll bet she�s already three-quarters of
the way done by now, mere child�s play for her.  He knew the
second his head began to turn, the teacher would point him
out and take away the test.  No, the urge felt strong, but
he forced it away picking up the pencil once more.
     {Faith, Ranma-chan,} he thought he heard a voice say in
his mind.  Ranma shook his head, squeezing his eyelids tight
to relieve some of the tiredness in them.
     {Faith,} called the tiny voice again.
     Anijza, wondered Ranma?  It sounded like her voice but
that couldn�t be.  Anijza had been excused from this test
and were somewhere about the school grounds waiting for him
to finish.
     {You will pass, and then you will be with me,} said the
voice.
     Huh?
     {Trust me.}
     Ranma�s hands trembling, not sure it was from fear or
tension.  Nevertheless, he looked over the next problem on
the paper and then after a brief moment wrote down an
answer.  He did this several times more finding himself
feeling more and more at ease with the task.
     {And you will be with me� forever,} whispered the tiny
voice.
     If he heard he paid it no mind continuing on with the
test�

                          * * * * *

     Patient eyes waited for Akane Tendo to down the last
bit of tea in her cup, eager to question her about the day�s
major event.  For Akane though, the day felt more like a day
of dismay reeking with the feeling of evil and of bad
tidings.  She set the cup down on the table and stared at it
without a word.
     �Akane!� Ukyo finally exclaimed, startling them all.
     �What?�
     �The test.  What about the test?�
     What about it?�
     They all frowned at her, wondering where this girls
mind was.
     �Hoo, hoo, hoo� I see Akane has suffered some brain
damage after having to exert such a demand from her pathetic
mind,� commented Kodachi.
     �No I have not, Kodachi!�
     �Then what is silly-Akane thinking about besides evil
girl?� asked Shampoo.
     �I am not silly, Shampoo!�
     �So what�s on your mind?� asked Ukyo.
     Akane heave a sigh, holding her head in her hands.  She
moaned almost as if she were in pain.  Ukyo told Konatsu to
bring a glass of cold water over, placing a confiding hand
around her shoulders.  �Akane, was the test that rough?�
     Akane looked up.  �I can�t remember it,� she answered.
     �See, is silly�.�
     �Shampoo,� said Ukyo firmly silencing the woman.
�Akane, you�ve never had any problems with test before.�
     �That�s just it, Ukyo!�  Akane stood up going over to
the window.  She stared out at the street and the people
moving about, and then turned around.  �It did not look
difficult when I first started, but for some reason I can�t
remember anything about it.�
     �You finished it, right?� said Kodachi.
     �Yes� I mean I know I was answering the questions.  It
just, it just��
     �Just what?� said Ukyo.
     Akane began gesturing like she was trying to draw some
fleeting thought out from her mind.  �I just can�t remember
any of the questions,� she finally said.
     Konatsu returned with the glass of water and Ukyo told
Akane to come back over and sit down.  She did, drawing a
long swallow from the glass.
     �In either case,� continued Ukyo, �the test is over and
now we wait until tomorrow to see how Ranma did.�
     �He�s going to pass.�
     The startling comment from Konatsu shocked the girls.
He sat down allowing them to return to the living and then
went on.  �When he does, that�s when we must Ranma as best
we can.�
     �Going psychic on us, Konatsu?� asked Kodachi.
     �I am only drawing upon what has happened so far, and
our earlier meeting about this Anijza.  She is evil in some
way and now with Ranma less than a day from whatever it is
she wants, our interference might be the only thing that
saves him.�
     �Eew, Konatsu.  That sounded like something out of a
Stephen King novel,� said Ukyo.
     �Excellent stories.  Soothing.  Very soothing,� added
Kodachi.
     �Alright,� said Akane, �let�s not digress.  I�m more
worried about what Anijza will do if she sees she can�t get
Ranma because of us.�
     Ukyo laughed.  �I know you�re not afraid of her,
Akane.�
     �She�s attacked Mousse already.�
     �WHAT!� exclaimed Shampoo, shooting to her feet.
     �It had something to do with him, his glasses, and her
dress; don�t ask me, Shampoo, I don�t know, but I saw the
marks she left on his throat.�
     �Evil.  Pure evil,� said Konatsu.
     �So let me get this straight,� said Ukyo, �This little
squirrel beats you at basketball, then you have several bad
dreams about her, I get threatened, and now she�s attacking
our men?  Hmm.  Akane, I�m starting to lean more to
Shampoo�s side of the situation if you know what I mean.�
     �I go weight down Bon-bori right now!� said Shampoo.
     �Shampoo, hold on,� called Akane, stopping her in mid-
stride.  �Again, and as much as I despise saying it, what if
we are wrong.�
     �Not matter, girl will be gone!�
     �Sit down, Shampoo,� Ukyo said.  Shampoo reluctantly
obeyed.
     �Now then, our main job tomorrow will be to stick to
Ranma like glue,� said Akane.  �Everyone, and I mean
everyone we can get involved.  Us�.�
     �My brother?� asked Kodachi.
     �Tatewaki, Ryoga, Mousse, everyone.�
     �And then?� asked Ukyo.
     �We wait for Cologne.�
     The bell above the main door rang and in walked Nabiki
with Kasumi behind her carrying a small bundle in her hands.
She looked around, spotted them and the sisters walked over
to their table.  �Is this a private meeting or can we join
in?� asked Nabiki.
     �It is kind of personal,� answered Kodachi.  A sharp
kick from Akane silenced her.
     �We�re having an official meeting of sorts,� she said,
cutting Kodachi short looks.
     Nabiki pulled up a chair and sat down.  �Oh I think you
want us here,� she told them.  Kasumi sat down and everyone
was quiet for a long moment.
     �So, are we discussing Anijza by small chance?� Nabiki
finally said.
     �If you�re here to lecture us about picking on your
�innocent� guest, forget it,� said Ukyo.
     �Nope, not here for that at all.�
     �So then why are you here?� asked Akane.  �I thought
you two were on her side?�
     �We were,� replied Kasumi.
     Something was bothering Kasumi.  She appeared agitated,
and the bundle set on the table away from her like she
wanted nothing to do with it.
     �What changed your mind?�
     Nabiki, in her usual aloft demeanor, shifted in here
chair.  �Ah, several things that we�ve found out,� she said,
lightly tapping the tips of her fingers together.
     �And how much is it going to cost us?� asked Kodachi.
     �Will you stop it, Kodachi!� snapped Akane.
     �No, I was going to ask the same thing, Akane,� said
Ukyo.
     Nabiki giggled, inwardly berating herself for not
setting a price beforehand.  �In this situation� free.�
     Once the shock passed, Akane finally managed to pull
herself back into her chair along with the rest of the
girls.  Nabiki waited until their pulse returned to normal,
then went on.
     �The other day something came to my, and Kasumi�s,
attention that warranted further research.  After directing
my networks to review our Miss Anijza, several interesting
facts have come to light.�
     �What did you find?� asked Ukyo.
     Nabiki leaned forward.  �For starters, our own admin
department cannot trace down the exchange authorization from
their files.  Strange, no?�
     �Very strange,� said Shampoo.
     �They�re saying it�s probably misplaced, but then I
asked to see her student records.  You want to guess what I
found?�
     �Nothing?� answered Akane.
     �Right you are, sis.  Nothing!�
     �Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing strange about her
home school?�
     �Didn�t even get that far.  They now cannot find those
records either.�
     �No way!� said Ukyo.  �Our admin department is not
inept.�
     Nabiki shrugged and sat back.  �Still, they can�t find
them, a contact number, or even who made the arrangements in
the first place.�
     �So she like illegal alien,� Shampoo said.
     �Not quite.  My other sources down at city hall did
have this on file.�
     Nabiki pulled a clear plastic sandwich bag out from one
of her pockets, tossing it out on the table.  Akane opened
it up and drew back wrinkling her nose.
     �Yuck,� she said, dumping out what appeared to be a
folded letter.  They stared at it, catching the pungent odor
slowly wafting up into the air.
     �Smell like rotting carcass,� said Shampoo.
     Akane took hold of one corner and gingerly opened the
document up.  �It�s got that same greasy feeling like that
other letter we received,� she said.
     �You mean this one,� replied Nabiki, pulling another
plastic bag out.
     As Ukyo opened the other bag, Akane finally managed to
spread hers out and skim over its contents.  It was becoming
hard to read the writing amid the odor, but after a moment
she finally finished.
     �It�s a request for temporary admission to Japan,� she
told them.  Akane tried to read the signature written at the
bottom, but it appeared to be faded with a bright red seal
stamped inconveniently across it.
     �Looks like the Korean seal,� said Nabiki, �but I can�t
be too sure from the condition its in.�
     �Yeah, and the words on this letter are just as bad,�
added Ukyo showing them the letter sent to the Tendo home.
     �They didn�t look like that when I first saw it,� Akane
said.
     �It�s as if they�re both decaying,� commented Nabiki.
�That brings up our next little subject.�
     She patted the bundle on the table.  Akane grabbed it,
opening the wraps until she came to a black woman�s hand
purse.  It looked to be well-made, delicate stitching
running along its width from top to bottom in the fine grain
of material.  As she handled the purse, she felt an oily
substance sticking to her fingers.  It felt familiar, and
then she set it down.
     �It must be homemade from the way it�s been preserved,�
Akane said.
     �Maybe, but did you happen to notice how that
�preservation� is on those two letters also?� asked Nabiki.
     It was true, Ukyo rubbing the corner of one letter,
then the corner or the other, and finally the side of the
purse.
     �That�s not paper,� she said to them.
     Kasumi drew up to the table.  �After Nabiki told me
what she found I took advantage of my daily cleaning to
sneak a peek through Anijza�s things.�  The pause she took
made the others nervous not liking what it suggested.
     �The rest of her clothes appeared to be untouched like
she�s never used them.  Then I found that.�
     Shampoo picked the purse up giving it a closer look.
Her expressions shifted several times while she turned it
over feeling the sides and hard lips of the top.
     �Is not regular hide,� she finally said.
     �I can�t make out what kind of animal skin it�s made of
either,� added Kasumi.
     �Artificial?� Kodachi suggested.
     �We can figure that out later,� Nabiki cut in.
�Shampoo, why don�t you open it up and see what�s inside.�
     Shampoo unsnapped the purse and peered into its
interior.  �Huh?� she said lightly with a smirk.
     �Don�t keep us in suspense,� said Ukyo.
     Shampoo started to reach into the purse, thought better
of it, and turned it over with a shake dumping the contents
out on the table.  Only one item fell out clattering loudly
on the tabletop.  It wasn�t exactly small; in fact Akane
could not believe it actually fit inside.  The silver and
black tarnished amulet lay on its front, an oval shaped
keepsake that had seen better days.  There were small
etchings written completely around the side, and a long thin
cord of dark material was looped through the eyelet at the
top.
     �Oh great, now we�re stealing,� she said.
     �Consider it investigative necessity, sister,� answered
Nabiki.
     �So what�s different about some picture locket,
Nabiki?� asked Ukyo.
     Nabiki turned the amulet over and slid it towards
Akane.  �Open it,� she told her.
     Akane stared down at the thing, almost dreading to open
it for fear of what she might find.  Ukyo grew impatient and
started to reach for the amulet, but Nabiki swatted her
hand.  She arched a brow, pushing the amulet closer to
Akane.
     �Open it,� she said again.
     Akane picked it up.  Finding the small button on the
side, she pressed it and the cover popped open.  For a
moment, the rest of the girls watched as Akane stared into
it, their curiosity quickly growing.
     �This can�t be,� Akane finally said.
     �What?  What can�t be, Akane?� cried Ukyo.
     She turned it around and Ukyo drew in a sharp gasp.  It
was a picture of Ranma.  Nothing odd except for the fact
that it was a picture of him from several years ago; about
the time he was still training in China.
     �Where did she get this from!� shouted Ukyo, snatching
the amulet from Akane�s hands.
     Shampoo rushed around behind Ukyo and stared at the
picture.  �That not right!� she exclaimed taking the amulet
from her, �Ranma not give me picture!�
     �Not one from that long ago,� said Akane.  �Is Anijza
lying to us about being from Korea?�
     �That document as it stands says no, but her having a
picture of Ranma at that age makes me wonder,� said Nabiki.
     �There has to be some explanation,� Kodachi said.
     �And we�re going to get it too,� Ukyo declared coldly.
     �I would wait until Cologne returns,� Konatsu said.
     �Why?  We need to know what is going on, Konatsu?�
     �True, but all we have is a picture of Ranma.  How do
we know he did not give it to her, and then what will her
reaction be?�
     �I not care what this Anijza do!� shouted Shampoo, �she
going to tell us how she get picture of husband!�
     Kasumi shook here head.  �We�re thieves right now,
girls,� she said.  �I took that without Anijza�s permission,
and if we threaten her and we�re mistaken, Daddy and the
rest of the community will be furious at us.�
     �But something is wrong, Kasumi,� said Akane.
     Nabiki held up a finger.  �Patience,� she told them.
�We need solid evidence before we confront our guest.�
     �And let her get away with what she is going to do?�
     �As long as we�re around Ranma, she will not get the
chance.�
     Akane did not like that answer, but they all were not
exactly right in this situation.  The evidence was starting
to shape up, but to confront Anijza now would be premature.
The advantage still lay with Anijza, but there was one thing
Akane could do to hinder her progress.
     �I�m going to talk to Ranma again,� she said.
     �And tell him what?� asked Ukyo.
     �Tell him again I don�t trust Anijza.  Tell him about
what we�ve found.�
     �And he�s going to believe you?� said Kodachi.
     �Yes!�
     �Like he did after your loss?� added Nabiki.
     Akane tensed stung by her remark.  She thought about it
for a second then set a determined look on her face.
     �He�s got to,� she said.  They could see there would be
no way of talking Akane out of it.
     �Okay, if you must then try not to agitate Ranma to
where he goes and confronts Anijza himself,� Nabiki told
her.
     Akane nodded.  �I won�t even tell him about this
picture either.�
     �Gee I hope not,� said Kasumi.  �I still have to put
that back before Anijza discovers it missing.�
     They all could not help but giggle at Kasumi�s
inadvertent joke.
     �This still sits bad with me,� said Ukyo, �but I�ll
wait a bit longer.  If Ranma does pass that test tomorrow�.�
     �He will,� Konatsu said.
     �WHEN he passes that test tomorrow, I am going to be
right with him for the rest of the weekend.�
     �We all will!� added Shampoo.
     �Not you, Shampoo,� Nabiki suddenly said.
     The Amazon reared back sneering at her.  �Why not
Shampoo?�
     �Because Cologne might arrive at your restaurant, or
even call.  In either case it might be wise to have you
standing by there to give her and update before she comes to
the dojo.�
     Shampoo let out a huff and crossed her arms.  �Okay I
wait for great grand-ma,� she said.  �You better keep girl
away from husband!�
     �Trust me we will,� answered Nabiki.
     Akane felt sure that Ranma needed to be warned about
Anijza.  How to do it without creating an incident remained
the problem, but she had to try before it was to late.  She
reached our and grabbed the amulet opening it up again.
Gazing upon Ranma�s features, Akane faintly smiled at his
features, noting the way his hair kind or floated about his
head, the speckles of light dancing around in the
background, his seemingly lost�.  She smirked and pulled the
picture close to her face staring at it for a moment.  It
was odd but to here it appeared that Ranma was floating or
maybe even submerged in� water?  It was hard to tell and she
blinked straining to get a better look.
     �Something wrong, Akane?� Ukyo asked her.
     She hesitated then closed the amulet.  �No, just my
eyes playing tricks on me.�  Akane stood up, putting the
amulet back in the purse.  �I�m going to find Ranma and try
to talk some sense into his brain.�
     �He and Anijza are at the dojo,� Nabiki said.  �And he
looks to be about three short steps from being frazzled.�
     �Then we better get back home before he falls
completely under that witches spell.�
     �I�m going with you,� Ukyo said.  �Konatsu, can you
handle�.�
     �Go.�
     Before they could leave, Kodachi spoke up asking Akane
again what she was going to do if Ranma did not believe what
she was about to tell him.  They all waited for her answer;
Akane nibbling nervously on her bottom lip in thought.
     She glanced around at them and then started for the
door.  �He�s got to,� she said,  �He�s got to��

                          * * * * *

     A skeptical glint played at the back of Ranma�s eyes;
both Ukyo and Akane sensing that he was not taking their
words seriously.  They stood out in the back away from the
dojo after Kasumi �conveniently� called Anijza away to help
her in the kitchen.  Now, beneath the spread of a tree,
Ranma listened as the two women told him about their fears
and what they suspected their guest intentions were of him.
     For a moment he remained silent, and then suddenly
turned taking a few steps around the tree before facing them
again.
     �You have got to be kidding?� he finally said.
     �No, Ranma, we�re not,� answered Akane.  �Anijza is
after you, for what we don�t know but it can�t be good.�
     �We think she�s going to try and take you away,� added
Ukyo.
     Ranma thought back, reflecting on Anijza�s desire for
him to come to Korea.  Could she really be so afflicted with
him to actually try kidnapping?  Come to think of it, Korea
is not exactly a safe place to be traveling alone.  A boy
like me could�.�
     He paused, thinking how ridiculous that sounded and
started laughing.  Ukyo traded a lost look with Akane.
     �Ranma, you don�t believe us?� she said.
     �And why should I,� he replied once his chuckles
subsided.  �Ucchan, listen to yourselves will�ya?  Anijza
kidnapping me?  Come on!�
     �She�s not playing around, Ranma!� said Akane.  �Anijza
has already attacked Mousse�.�
     �Yeah, because he was literally crawling up her dress!�
     Akane shook her head, waving her hands before her
trying to clear the imaginary clouds befuddling Ranma�s
mind.
     �No, no, no!  Ranma listen to us!  Anijza attacked
Mousse and she�s threatened Ukyo.  If you find that ordinary
then there is something wrong with your way of thinking.�
     �Wha�?  Akane, there is nothing wrong with my thinking.
In fact I think this is all some kind of jealous scenario
you girls thought up because Anijza has got such a crush on
me.�
     �Think again, Ranma!� shouted Ukyo.  She swatted him a
few times across the head.  �Why can�t you see we�re trying
to keep you out of her clutches.�
     �Because it is all in your imaginations that�s why!
Anijza is just a girl who�s a little scared, and a maybe
just a bit too amorous, but definitely, definitely nobody to
be worrying about.�
     The girls could see that unless they came up with solid
evidence, Ranma was not about to take them seriously at all.
Ukyo looked at Akane and shrugged, shaking her head as she
strolled casually away back to the dojo.
     �Ranma,� called Akane.  A deep look of sadness
appeared; Akane moving up closer to him.  �Ranma, I can�t
force you to believe us and I don�t have anyway to prove
that what we say is right, but please, please be careful
tomorrow.  Anijza is going to try something I just know it.�
     Akane rested her head gently on his chest, wrapping her
arms around his waist.  �Please, for me, okay?�
     �I told you I would not do anything she wants without
telling you first, remember?� he replied.
     Gently did Ranma lift Akane�s chin up giving her a warm
smile.  She smiled back hugging him even tighter.
     �And like I told Mousse, once we�ve passed, I�m going
to take us all down to the chocolate shop and buy us the
largest parfait sundaes they have to celebrate.  So, ah,
don�t eat to much, eh?�
     �Okay.�
     A call from Kasumi announced that dinner was about to
be served, Ranma and Akane strolling back towards the dojo
hand in hand.  He chuckled a bit humored by the things they
had told him, then said, �Gee, the next thing you�d be
telling me is that I�m going to marry her.�
     Akane�s grip tightened, the shudder of dread running
through his arm.
     �Not even in jest, Ranma Saotome,� she replied cutting
him a dark look.
     �Uh, yes ma�am,� he replied.

                          * * * * *

Friday

     An audience in any class meant something big was about
to unfold, and today in Ranma�s math class there were enough
people gathered to fill a small auditorium.  No doubt they
were all here to see the results of Ranma�s big �dare� as it
had become known around the campus.
     A nervous look back by Ranma made him shirk noticing
how many of the faculty, several upperclassmen; including
Tatewaki and Nabiki, stood waiting for Sensei Mukuro to
finish passing out the test to his current class.
     �Remember, no looking until I say,� he said as he
headed up the last aisle.  Reaching Ranma�s desk, Mukuro
paused meeting Ranma�s terror filled face with calm eyes.
He laughed ominously, not the thing Ranma or Akane wanted to
hear, and then placed Ranma�s test face down on his desk.
     Ranma stared at it, his hands flexing nervously, every
vein pumping as his apprehension grew.  The tension hung
think in the air with all eyes locked upon Ranma.  A light
tap on a shoulder made Ranma yelp.
     �Anijza!� he exclaimed, frantically gasping for breath.
She giggled at him.
     �Are you worried, Ranma-chan?� she asked.
     �Yes!�
     �Tch, tch, tch, tch.  You should be ashamed of yourself
not believing me.�
     �Your next semester is not hanging in the balance
either.�
     Again, Anijza giggled then placed her arms around his
neck.  �Faith,� she whispered to him kissing him lightly on
the lips.
     The creak of Akane�s knuckles could be heard above the
suddenly silent room.  Ranma, fearing more for his life,
quickly drew away from Anijza�s arms and faced forward.  He
felt the heat burning his cheeks, but remained motionless,
lost for words.
     Finally, Mukuro returned to his desk and sat down.  A
long purposeful pause followed before he arched a brow.
With a sly glint sparkling in his eyes, he stood up again.
     �You may now look at your test,� he told the students.
     The rustling flurry of papers filled the air as eager
eyes read over the test.  Most of the spectators in the back
stared at Ranma awaiting his reaction.  Anijza peered over
his shoulder wondering why he hesitated telling them what
his score was.
     �Ranma-chan?� she said, but he did not respond at
first.  Suddenly, he turned around.
     �I don�t get it?� he said to her, holding the test up.
She, as well as everyone else looked to see that the test in
his hand was nothing more than blank pieces of paper.  A
laugh from the front brought Ranma around to see Sensei
Mukuro chuckling hardily in his chair.
     �Okay, where�s my test?� shouted Ranma.
     �Calm yourself, Saotome,� he replied.
     Reaching into his desk, Mukuro produced Ranma�s test.
He smiled as he approached Ranma.  �Sorry about the teasing,
but I wanted to personally congratulating you for doing what
amounts to as the impossible.�
     In bold red at the top of the test was written the
score of one hundred and fifty.
     �You even answered all of the bonus questions
correctly, Ranma.  I am truly impressed by your
achievement.�  Mukuro set the test down before the stunned
boy and looked at Anijza.  �And I am impressed by your
training of him as well, Miss Kwong.�
     A resounding cheer rose up from Ranma.  He leaped from
his chair arms held up high in triumph.  �YES!  YES!  I did
it, I did it!� he cried dancing around.
     �Pay up, Tatewaki,� Nabiki said to a stunned Tatewaki
Kuno.
     Meanwhile, Ranma had pulled Anijza out from her chair
and was twirling her about as the rest of his class gathered
to congratulate him on his latest triumph.
     �You were right, Anijza!  You were right all along!�
said Ranma to Anijza, hefting her up into the air once more.
     She giggled with glee, hugging him thrilled that she
had finally won over his trust.  �And you had doubts?� she
said.
     Ranma set her down.  �Well, I did, but with you and
Mousse�s help I made it!�
     Mousse, thought Anijza with distain?  Can you not see
that it is I who allow you to pass this insult of a test!
     Before Anijza could question him, Ranma spun around
seeking to find Akane.  She sat still at her desk, back
ridged with her gaze locked straight ahead.  Ranma sensed
something was wrong, but then Sensei Mukuro spoke again.
     �And for all of those who failed my test, there will be
a mandatory study period tomorrow and Sunday, followed by a
make-up test Tuesday.  Please be on time.�
     Ranma went over to Akane�s desk.  �Akane?� he said, but
she remained still.  He called her name again then looked
down at the test clutched tight in both hands.  There were
several red checks all over it, so many that he thought it
had been dipped in a bucket of red ink.  It dawned on him
then why she was in this state, and with a trembling hand
turned back the top corner dreading what he already knew.
He started slightly as he read what it said, and it took no
genius for the rest of the class to figure out what
happened.
     Akane had failed�

                          * * * * *

     This might have been the darkest moment of her young
life; Akane Tendo, ace student and star athlete now nothing
more than a broken failure, her reputation tarnished and her
chances of advancement now slim.  She shuffled aimlessly
along down the sidewalk towards home oblivious of the
entourage escorting her, face drawn down in a lifeless
expression of failure.
     Beside her walked Ranma concern in his eyes; Anijza at
her usual spot on his arm.  She could barely hide the
twinkle of cheer dancing at the back of her gaze, enjoying
Akane�s despair.  She peered over to take another look,
inadvertently catching the dark gaze from Ukyo as their eyes
met.
     Ukyo made a faint sneer as Anijza drew back then looked
at Akane.  �Akane, come on snap out of it,� she said.  �It�s
only one test.�
     �Only one test?� said Nabiki, walking behind them.
�She could get set back because of this one test, Ukyo.�
     �And that would be a dreadful thing to happen to my
dear Akane,� added Tatewaki, in step beside Nabiki holding
an umbrella above her to shade out the sun.
     �That�s not going to happen!� said Ranma.  �Akane is
going to study this weekend and take that make-up test, and,
and pass it just like me!�
     �That�s asking a bit much isn�t it, Ranma?� asked Ukyo.
     �Maybe without a perfect score, but she�s gonn�a pass!�
     Ranma suddenly shook his arm free from Anijza and
stopped Akane taking her by the shoulders.  �You heard me,
Akane?  You�re gonn�a pass that test!�
     Akane remained lifeless, staring up at him.  �Did you
hear me?� he asked, but she did not reply.  Angrily, Ranma
shook her.  �Damn it, say something!�
     �Ranma, stop!� cried Ukyo.  She pulled Akane away
before he could hurt her.
     This was not right and everyone there knew it.  They
stared at Akane not knowing what to do, fearing that the
girl had gone off the deep end.  Unexpectedly, Akane�s head
lifted up and stared at Ranma.  �I was the only one who
failed, Ranma,� she said in a low voice.
     Ranma felt relieved.  At least Akane was talking now,
and that meant that she still clung on to her sanity, a bit
shaken.
     �Yes, Akane, but everyone trips now and then.  I
honestly think there is a reason why you did, but I�m not
one to go about casting accusations around.�
     �Oh, really?� said Ukyo, catching it hidden meaning
behind his comment.  A short giggle from Anijza brought a
dark look her way.
     �Something funny, Anijza?� she snarled.
     Anijza re-took her place at Ranma�s side.  �No, just
happy that Ranma-chan is not going be set back.�
     �Well I wouldn�t be giggling about that around us right
now,� said Nabiki.  �It might be taken in the wrong way.�
     Akane�s stare went to Anijza, and she blinked back
tears feeling that this girl or thing was again victorious.
The only thing to do now was keep her from being alone with
Ranma, and to prepare for the upcoming make-up test.  Akane
silently walked on past Ranma with Ukyo, Tatewaki, and
Nabiki in close trail.
     Ranma followed then abruptly stopped.  �Anijza,� he
said.  �Would you please stop hanging on to my arm like
that?�
     Reluctantly, Anijza let him go.  �Did I do something
wrong, Ranma-chan?� she sadly asked.  Ranma started to
answer, but thought better of it, rushing to catch up with
his friends.
     They arrived at the dojo, and as they walked up the
path Kasumi, Mousse, and Ryoga stood waiting at the door.
Akane stopped gazing sadly at her still fighting back her
tears.
     �Your teacher called,� said Kasumi.  �He told us about
your test.�
     Akane lowered her head allowing Kasumi to guide her
inside.  They went into the living room where Soun and Genma
sat waiting.  Akane knelt before her father, the others
taking a place behind her.  She could not bear to look at
him, shamed by her failure, saddened by the embarrassment
brought on the Tendo name.
     �I�m sorry, Daddy,� she said, sniffling lightly.
     Soun did not look displeased, no he could never be
upset with his girls, but there was a sense of
disappointment coming from him.  He cleared his throat and
leaned forward.
     �Akane, you can redeem yourself,� he said.
     �And I will, daddy!� replied Akane.  �I�ll pass the
make-up test.  You�ll see!�
     Soun sat back, glancing briefly back at Genma.  �I have
faith in you, Akane.  However; you must begin your studies
now.�
     �Now?� questioned Ranma.
     �Do not interrupt, boy,� snapped Genma.
     Soun continued.  �Anijza, since you helped Ranma so
well, would you do the honor of the Tendo clan and assist
Akane?�
     It felt like a dagger thrust into her heart, Akane not
believing that her father would suggest such a thing.
Anijza though grinned pleased by the request.
     �I would be honored, Mister Tendo,� she said.  �But I
want Ranma to do something for me.�
     �He will do anything you ask.�
     Panic rushed through the others seated around them.  It
was the one thing they were trying to prevent, and now Soun
Tendo was literally placing Ranma in Anijza�s hands.
     Anijza knelt up close to Ranma.  He drew slightly back
as she began to playfully trace her fingers around his neck
and chin.  �Remember what I asked you earlier?� she said.
Slowly, Ranma nodded.  The grin on Anijza grew broader.
     �All you have to do is say �yes�.�
     Ranma gulped, cutting his eyes over to Akane.  �Well�
if it�ll help Akane then�.�
     �NO!� came a loud cry from the others.
     Tatewaki, stunned by the outburst, pulled himself up
from the floor.  �You don�t want Akane to pass?� he asked,
holding his head.
     Akane quickly faced her father again.  She bowed her
head as low to the floor as she could.  �Daddy, please, I
can do this without Anijza�s assistance!�
     �But Akane, you need help!�
     �No I don�t!�
     �Akane, insulting our guest like that,� said Genma.
     Oh, this is going to suck, thought Akane.  She turned
around, bowing repeatedly towards Anijza.  �I mean� no
insult to you  (oooh), Anijza, but I must do this (oh gosh),
must do this by myself.�
     �I would be more than happy to assist you, Akane,�
answered Anijza trying to maintain the opportunity she knew
Akane was attempting to destroy.  �All Ranma has to do is�.�
     �No!� cried Akane.  She spun back around and with
pleading eyes stared up at her father.  Soun�s resistance
faded away.
     �Okay, Akane,� he said, �but you must pass and remove
this blight to our name.�
     A disaster narrowly avoided, Akane literally collapsed
on the floor.  She looked back seeing the slight snarl
curling the corners of Anijza�s lips.  �I will, daddy,� she
said, feeling the satisfaction flow through her.
     Thwarted again, and by this toad, Anijza�s mind raged.
She will rue her intrusions!  �Now you must go and begin
studying, Akane,� she heard Soun say, but paid no attention
to it trying to think up another way to get Ranma alone and
into her grasp.  A thought came to mind, Anijza smiling
again.
     �Ranma,� she said.
     �Yes?�
     �Ah, do I still get that chocolate sundae you promised
me?�
     �This girl does not give up,� Nabiki whispered to Ukyo.
     Ranma held up a finger remembering his promise.  �Oh
yes, I do owe you don�t I.�  Ranma made short pause.  �And
you to, Mousse,� he added.
     �Me?� answered Mousse.  Ukyo pinched his leg.  �Oh yes,
that!  Yes, I remember now.�
     Will this interloper ever go away?  Anijza hid her
displeasure.  �Tomorrow?� she asked.
     �Tomorrow,� replied Ranma.  He did not sound too
enthused about it, but Anijza let it pass.
     Akane stood up.  �I better get started,� she said.
Ranma asked her if she wanted his company, but she shook her
head.
     �No, I think I need to be alone now,� she said.
     Akane picked up her school bag, heading for the stairs�



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