Ranma � - Zelda Fanfic
By: Greg Housley

oops! I put spam in ch.1's tab.... oh well maybe it is.. :(

Disclaimer:      The characters and situations of Ranma � are owned by 
Rumiko Takahashi and are used in this fanfic without permission. The 
characters and situations of The Legend of Zelda are owned by Nintendo and 
are also used in this fanfic without permission. Some of this crap is mine 
(esp. Nishii, Who is my creation from before I even knew what Ranma was.) 
and I didn�t need my permission to use them. Any wish to use such characters 
(Can�t imagine why) You could simply email and ask me.  ;)  Which� I would 
appreciate.


RZ1/2
Chapter  2



      Ranma-chan woke up in a haze. Echoes of her dream hung like specters 
at the edge of her consciousness and her thoughts were groggy and slow, from 
the lack of a complete sleep. She tried peering about the room, but her eyes 
had still not adjusted to the dark. Her breathing was slow and heavy, and 
she felt like her body weighed a ton. Slowly, she began to push herself up 
to a sitting position, and winced at the throbbing pain in her head. *ugg! 
What�s wrong with me?* she wondered.

      Lightning flashed outside the window and briefly lit the room to a 
white glow. Her pupils shrank at the intensity and began to grow again as 
the darkness flooded back into the room. *What time is it?* She wondered as 
she looked about the room for the clock. Suddenly she remembered that her 
clock didn�t have a light and she inwardly smacked herself at her stupidity. 
Finally her eyes began to adjust and she could vaguely see the outline of a 
large panda heaving in and out from a deep sleep.

      She crawled to her feet and began to clumsily stagger to the door. She 
entered into the hall and peered out into the long expansive darkness, no 
other noises could be heard other than the monotonous beating of rain on the 
roof. She almost felt at peace with the comforting sound, but the excessive 
rain as of late was beginning to wear thin with her.

      She grabbed hold of the stair railing and began to feel her way down 
the steps. Once she reached the downstairs den, she looked around and caught 
sight of the glowing red numbers of the downstairs clock and read them aloud 
to herself. �4:12am.� She grunted to herself. What was she doing up this 
early, She wondered. She stumbled over to the back door and slid it open. 
The sound of rain washed through the open door and she felt a chill as the 
mist began to land on her exposed face. She exited out onto the back porch 
and shut the door behind her, then proceeded to sit on the top of the stairs 
just underneath the roof overhang. The mist clang to her body, but she 
didn�t seem to care.

      Under the small light of the night she could still see the rain beat 
down from the sky. Every once in a while lightning would flash across the 
giant expanse followed by a low rumble.

      She began to reflect upon the previous day. The images washed through 
her mind and she felt herself shrink back from their intensity. For the 
first time in her life she felt confused and alone. It was a new and scary 
feeling and she wasn�t sure how to handle it. In the past she would of 
shrugged yesterdays events off without a second thought, and she wasn�t sure 
what had changed. *Why do I feel like this!?* She wondered to herself. She 
considered her curse. She had only been in her female form for at least a 
day, but what was strange was she was sure that this wasn�t what was 
bothering her. She had begun to feel slightly different as a girl lately, 
almost as though gender didn�t seem to bother her anymore. She shuddered at 
the thought. It seemed as though she felt as comfortable as a girl now as 
she did a guy. This thought was disturbing to her. What if she was becoming 
a girl?! What if she started to desire to remain a woman? She began to 
shake, weather from the cold rain or the implications of the last thought 
she wasn�t sure. She mentally forced herself to calm down. She wasn�t going 
to let herself succumb to inner demons, after all she was Ranma, there was 
nothing she couldn�t handle... She let the last thought hang, and hugged 
herself tightly. �It sure is cold out here.� She stated to herself.

      She heard the door open behind her and didn�t waste her time turning 
around. She knew who it was.

      As Genma Saotome came to sit next to his son he heard �This is all 
your fault old man.� Pass from her lips and knew exactly what his son had 
been thinking about. It was after all, old ground between them.

      Genma sat next to his son for a time letting the rain speak for him. 
He measured his words carefully before he began to speak. �Ranma, boy, would 
it make you feel better if I told you there was a cure?�

      �Really!?� Ranma-chan exclaimed. Her face had lit up with excitement.

	�No. I just asked if it would make you feel better.� Genma answered 
slightly annoyed.

	He then proceeded to peel himself off the porch, from where Ranma-chan�s 
elbow had clobbered him.

      �Hmph.� Ranma-chan grunted. �What ya go and say a thing like that for, 
old man?� She asked sounding angry all the while.

      �Boy, I hope your not planning on staying like that for too long!� 
Genma decided to try a new tactic.

      �Huh� She grunted again. �What�s it to ya you bastard.� Ranma-chan 
didn�t even give him a second glance.

      �Ranma, my boy, what if we did go to jusenkyo and you did get your 
curse reversed.� Genma asked suddenly.

      Ranma-chan looked over at her father, eyes hopeful yet again. �Are you 
serious, pop?!�

      �No.� Genma stated flatly.

      Once again Genma failed to evade the onslaught of his female son�s 
fury.

      He peeled himself from the back porch and thought dismally. *Old 
tactics die hard.*

      �If you came out to taunt me old man, you can leave now.� Genma could 
almost barely sense the sadness in his son�s tone, and wasn�t sure if he 
should be mad.

      �The point I came out here to make boy, is there is no cure, so you 
might as well give up this game of yours.� Genma�s words were harsh and to 
the point.

      Ranma-chan didn�t look over at her father. She felt a pit open up in 
her gut and it was painfully evident in her expression.

      Lightning flashed an incredible white glow that was so intense it lit 
everything up for miles, it was followed by a large boom that sounded as 
though a bomb had been dropped. Genma and Ranma both jumped reflexively. The 
light dropped away leaving the dark once again. Ranma-chan and Genma could 
both feel their eyes struggle to focus once again.

      �How do you know there�s no cure?� Ranma-chan asked skeptically.

      �I�m no fool Ranma!� Genma retorted bitterly. �We traveled with our 
guide for almost a solid month! Do think me so stupid? Your own father?� 
Genma was yelling now, and Ranma-chan felt herself impulsively shrink back 
from his words.

      �Dad!� She shouted �Stop yelling, your gonna wake up the household.� 
She added in a much quieter tone.

      Genma seemed to consider this and stopped. �Yes well...� Genma slid 
his glasses back up his nose. �The point is Ranma, I asked our guide. He 
told me the curses were irreversible.�

      Ranma-chan felt her world collapse. The one thing she had always 
counted on; The one solid thing that had helped her learn to cope with her 
curse, was to one day get a cure. �irreversible?� She asked weakly.

      �Now stop this silliness, and turn yourself back into a man.� Genma 
added and began to get up.

       �Wait!� Ranma-chan pleaded. Genma took a seat next to her once again.

	�Isn�t there anything we can do?� Genma could see his son�s eyes peering 
out underneath her feminine exterior.

      *How pathetic.* He thought. �Look Ranma unless you wanna travel back 
to jusenkyo and pick out a new curse, there�s nothing more we can do.�

      �Pick out a new curse?� Ranma questioned. �But didn�t that jerk 
pantyhose simply gain the trait of a new spring when he jumped in a new 
spring as opposed to switching his old curse with a new one?�

	�That�s different, boy, because pantyhose�s original curse was a 
combination of animals.� Genma stated. He noticed the skeptical look on his 
son�s face. �Look the guide and I covered all of that. If you really wanna a 
new curse all you have to do is fall in another spring. It�s as simple as 
that!� Genma looked over at his son searching to see if he was starting to 
understand.

	�Look, boy, it really should make no difference to you either way. But I 
did bottle up some water from the spring of drowned girl.� He added. He saw 
his son�s eyes grow wide. �I didn�t know at the time if I could stand being 
an animal so as a last resort I bottled up some water from that spring just 
in case. After all, if it had been to difficult to be a panda, at least as a 
woman I would still be human. Since that didn�t prove to be the case it�s 
still in my traveling gear.

      Ranma-chan�s eyes grew as wide as saucers. �You mean you HAVE some 
jusenkyo water with you?� Ranma asked incredulously.

      �Yes!� Genma noted. �I never said anything to you because I couldn�t 
see how it would improve your situation.�

      �I want it!� Ranma-chan said immediately.

      �I don�t know Ranma, how do I know you won�t go splashing someone with 
that water.�

      �Why would you care anyway, pop?�

      �Hmm, good point. It�s yours boy, though, I still don�t see what you 
would need it for.� And with that Genma stood up and walked through the back 
door and into the house leaving Ranma-chan once again with her thoughts.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

      Ryoga, looked about his surroundings, confusion was evident in his 
features. Several buildings loomed out all around him indicating his now 
urban environment.

      Well,� He thought aloud. �Better go find out where I am.� This of 
course was a normal occurrence with Ryoga, due to his strange inability to 
comprehend direction.

      He picked a young lady out of the crowd at random and approached her.
      �Excuse me ma�am, heh heh, Uh could you tell me where I am?�

      The young woman looked puzzled then replied. �Oh this is sixty seventh 
boulevard.� She smiled.

      �Umm no what I mean to ask, is uh, heh. What city is this?� The 
woman�s look indicated her extreme confusion, but she politely began to 
answer when they were suddenly interrupted.  �Ryoga� a voice called. Ryoga 
turned.

      �Ryoga Hon, over here.� The voice seemed irritated but not surprised. 
Ryoga turned again to see Ukyo approach him.  �Ukyo?� Ryoga managed.

      �Lost again, Hon?� Ukyo smiled �Honestly, Ryoga, your sense of 
direction is simply atrocious.� With that the other woman turned and walked 
away.

      �Ukyo what are you doing here?� Ryoga asked, still shocked to be 
talking to someone he knew.

      �Ryoga you can be quite a handful sometimes.� Ukyo answered. �That�s 
my restaurant right over there.� She pointed to only few yards behind them.

      Ryoga blushed, and Ukyo took him by the arm and ushered him into her 
restaurant. �What�ll be, sugar?� Ukyo asked stepping behind her stove.

      Ryoga looked uneasily about. That elf hadn�t given chase to him 
immediately but he knew she was following him again. She was further behind 
this time, and Ryoga was determined to see that it stayed that way.

      �Ryoga, Hon, I haven�t all day.

      �Oh, uh, I haven�t any money, Ukyo.� Ryoga said wishing all the time 
he did. A nice cooked meal would sure be nice after these past few days.

      The rain had finally let up allowing Ryoga to change back, but that 
still didn�t keep him from worrying about that elf.  �That�s all right 
sugar, It�s on me.� Ryoga perked up at that.
      �Really?� He asked almost amazed.

      �Sure what are friends for.� Ryoga was shocked.

      �F-friends?� He asked a little unsure.

      �Sure.� Ukyo confirmed.

      Ryoga jumped out of his seat and thrust one arm around Ukyo and 
another on the counter for support. �I have a friend.� Ryoga shouted 
pitifully, tears in his eyes.


	 Ukyo didn�t seem as enthused. �Uh Ryoga hon. Stove.� Ryoga glanced down at 
his hand placed firmly on the stove and realized the immense pain. He drew 
it back and began to yelp.  �Ah hot, hot, hot, hot!

      Ukyo got a glass of water and was about to splash it on his hand when 
Ryoga pulled back from her in fright.  �No!� he shouted his hand temporarily 
forgotten.


      �Huh, geez, Ryoga I was just trying to help out.�

      Ryoga began to blow on his hand again and turned to Ukyo.  �Yeah uh, 
heh heh, sorry about that. It�s just a burn that�s all nothing serious, heh 
heh.

      Ukyo eyed him suspiciously. He was acting stranger than usual. 
Something was up. Ukyo noted how Ryoga kept making timid glances back at the 
entrance to her shop.  �Ryoga,� Ukyo caught his attention �what�s bugging 
you?�

      �Me? Heh heh, nothings bugging me Ukyo, what makes you think 
something�s bugging me heh heh?� Ryoga replied all the while making another 
quick glance at the door.  �Ryoga!� Ukyo snapped.

      �Everything�s fine Ukyo, just peachy.� He answered still acting 
noticeably peculiar.

      �Ryoga do you want this okanomayaki?� Ukyo asked.  Ryoga realized how 
conspicuous he was acting and began to calm down; She could tell he was 
still nervous over something, but shrugged it aside.

      �That�s better now�� Ukyo began.

      �Excuse Me?� A small voice interrupted �Have you seen a tall�� Ryoga 
spun around to meet the eyes of the young elf. Her eyes flickered in 
recognition. �You!� She screamed. And brought her hands out into a familiar 
cup form.

      �Ukyo get down!� Ryoga screamed. He leapt over the counter bringing 
Ukyo to the floor. A blue blast flung past them and hit the wall behind 
them, bringing chunks of wall on top of them. �We�ve got to get out of 
here!� Ryoga shouted as he heard the elf prepare a similar blast. He grabbed 
Ukyo by her wrist, and pulled her up to her feet with unbelievable momentum. 
�There�s a back way out right?� Ryoga screamed trying to be heard over the 
humming noise that was steadily growing louder. Ukyo simply nodded, vague 
recognition of what was happening only apparent in her eyes.

      Ryoga pulled with breaking force for the hallway behind them, knocking 
the wind out of Ukyo.

      �Ryoga!� She choked out. But another blue blast slung out at the two 
and again barely missed, this time the blast smashed into the wall behind 
them sending chunks and pieces everywhere, one of the larger pieces slammed 
straight into Ukyo and she felt a numbing darkness envelop her. Ryoga felt 
Ukyo go limp at the wrist and looked down to see her unconscious on the 
floor. He scooped her up and made a break for the door at the end of the 
hallway, silently vowing to make the elf girl pay.

       Instead of taking the time to open the door, Ryoga simply decided to 
blast through it. He slung Ukyo over his shoulders supporting her with one 
arm, and extended out an open palm �Shi Shi hokodan!� He screamed. And the 
door blew apart before him. He continued his run out into the streets, 
pausing momentarily to glance back.

        The elf burst through the shop�s back door, with her sword readied.

      Ryoga caught sight of her just before he rounded a corner. *Oh *no! He 
thought, close to panicking. The sky was a dark gray threatening what was to 
eventually come. �I�ve got to find a place to hide!� His mind was racing. *I 
just hope I can loose her!* He continued to run full speed down the street, 
jumping over any obstacles that may enter his path. He looked down at Ukyo 
cradled in his arms. She looks so venerable like this, He thought. But if 
she knew he was thinking that about her, she would be sure to clobber him. 
�Everything�s gonna be alright, Ukyo.� He whispered in Ukyo�s ear, but as 
expected she didn�t answer. He caught sight of a large concrete wall and 
leapt over it with one mighty jump. *Please oh please, say she didn�t see 
me!* He pleaded to himself. He came down to a crouch, still cradling Ukyo 
tightly in his arms. He looked up and felt a knot contort in his throat as 
he caught sight Ranma-chan practicing her aerial combat moves, over the 
pond, by herself. �Oh no I�ve led her straight to the Tendo�s!� He whispered 
to himself. Ranma-chan came to a crouch over one of the rocks catching sight 
of Ryoga, kneeling at the far end of the yard, cradling someone in his arms.

      Ranma-chan leapt off the rock and began to make her way to Ryoga, when 
all the sudden he stood up and began running over to her. �Ranma!� Ryoga 
cried in desperation �Ranma you�ve got to hide us!� Ryoga was choking back 
his pride. Ranma-chan glanced down to see the person Ryoga cradled was Ukyo, 
and her eyes grew wide.

      �Ryoga, what happ�� Ranma started but was cut off in Ryoga�s 
desperation.
      �Ranma, listen theirs a powerful psychopath after us and she�s very 
close behind.� Ranma could tell Ryoga was serious. �I need your help, Ranma, 
we haven�t much time!� Ryoga was right if someone was after them, he 
wouldn�t be in any shape to fight after the rain started. �Ranma I�m serious 
She�s very close��
      Ranma seemed to think something over in her mind for a brief second 
then looked up at Ryoga. *Not exactly what I had planned but it�ll do!* He 
finally concluded �Ryoga listen.� Ranma began. �I�ve got a cure for your 
curse...� Ryoga, seemed to loose whatever he had to say at hearing this.

      �Wha�� Ryoga began again.

      �Listen! If this person is as powerful as your making him out be then 
you need to make a really quick decision. This cure will only cure you of 
your pig-form, you�ll still be cursed, but at least you�ll still be human 
like me!�

      �Quick give it to me! I don�t care what the consequences are.� Ryoga 
was livid, but it was to late, the skies seemed to open like floodgates, as 
the tremendous rain came down, breaking out into loud pounding rain and 
thunderous booms ranging out all over.

      P-chan slumped underneath Ukyo�s weight and tried in vein to wiggle 
his way out from underneath her slender form.  A figure bound its way onto 
the top the fence dropping to a defensive crouch on top of the now drenched 
planks. Ranma-chan looked out at the figure and noticed how something on her 
back was being outlined by the force of the rain. Her eyes glowed white.  
�Give me the pig�� She hissed out over the rain. Lightning flashed. The rain 
was getting so hard it was getting difficult to see.  P-chan finally wiggled 
out from underneath Ukyo and made a dash for the house. Nabiki stopped at 
the backdoor observing the scene outside. She raced from the backdoor 
disappearing into the house.

      �Over my dead body!� Ranma-chan challenged back.

      �Oh?� The creature seemed to grin at this. �Then I shall enjoy this 
all the more.� It seemed to disappear from its spot on the fence and 
materialize only yards from Ranma-chans surprised form. She charged at him 
with such speed that she knocked Ranma off her feet before she could think 
to move. Ranma jumped back to her feet just in time to see the creature 
unstrap her hidden sword from her back and bring it to an attack ready 
position in front of her. P-chan, seeing his chance bolted out toward Ukyo 
tugging uselessly at her blouse, trying to move her from harms way.  
Ranma-chan stared through the down-pouring rain, horror registering in her 
features. The sword was huge.  �What the- What the hell?!� She managed to 
finally scream out over the rain. An evil grin formed on the girl�s 
features. She charged Ranma-chan still with unbelievable speed, but Ranma 
luckily was faster, and managed to evade each sword swipe with, increasing 
difficulty. How the hell is she wielding that thing, she thought in the 
middle of a dodge.  Ranma-chan disappeared from the girl�s view almost 
instantaneously. The girl stopped her sword in mid-swing looking around for 
the annoying girl. When she appeared again she was balanced on the top of 
the sword. Ranma, seizing her opportunity, double-kicked the girl sending 
her flying backwards.  Ranma back-flipped off the sword so, she wasn�t 
carried with the girl�s backward momentum and came to a ready position in 
front of the struggling figure.

      The girl climbed to her feet, with the grace of a cat, and wiped her 
mouth of the slight drip of blood she had sustained. She grinned again 
catching Ranma off guard.

      �Ranma!� Ranma-chan heard her name, and looked back to see her father 
holding something.

      �Here, Boy!� He yelled casting the object at Ranma. Ranma caught the 
object to realize it was a sword. Her mind flooded with recognition, it was 
the six-foot long Tendo sword. She had always thought the thing was a little 
ridiculous, but it looked as though it might be a perfect match against the 
monstrous sword the small creature wielded. Ranma-chan ripped off the 
scabbard and tossed it aside. The blades dull glint shinned from the little 
light that was present. And it was Ranma�s turn to grin. Now it�s even, 
Ranma thought darkly.  The girls grin faded when she saw the odds change to 
more even terms.

      She then surprised, everyone, who watched, by simply returning her 
sword to her back, and letting it cloak once again.  She brought out her two 
hands in a cup like form and began to build up her concentration. Can�t be! 
Ranma thought. But P-chans uncontrollable squealing confirmed Ranma-chans 
fears.

      The girl�s hands began to glow, bright blue, and the light around her 
seemed to darken. She thrust her weight forward releasing the blue ball 
straight towards Ranma. Ranma bolted out of the way, catching the 
repercussive blow in the back and was sent flying forward. The girl then 
quickly withdrew her sword and charged Ranma-chan again, this time with 
renewed vigor.

      She reached Ranma, before she could come to her feet, and slung a 
downward slice towards the disoriented girl. Ranma-chan came to and rolled 
out of the way. The blow however, was followed by several repeated blows 
that Ranma had to continuously roll from. She brought the sword back again 
to bring it down on Ranma-chan�s body but Ranma caught the initiative this 
time and kicked the girl�s feet out from underneath her. She fell to the 
ground, obvious shock apparent in her face. Ranma-chan seized this 
opportunity to regain her footing, and leapt to her feet bringing her sword 
to a defensive position. The girl scrambled to her feet, slipping in the mud 
several times. She�s wearing out.  Ranma thought, with a small sense of 
relief.

      �Ranma!� Akane, yelled out from the back of the house.  Standing next 
her was the rest of the family, staring out at the battle with concern and 
worry evident in their faces.

      �Akane!� Ranma-chan yelled back. She ripped a vile from her belt, and 
tossed it over to her. Akane caught it staring at it curiously. �Akane, Pour 
it on P-chan!� Akane looked puzzled.

      �What?� Akane screamed back �Ranma now is not a time to pick on 
P-Chan!�

      �Akane just do it!� And without looking back Ranma-chan summoned up 
all her chi and thrust it forward at the still struggling girl. �MOKO 
TAKABISHA!�

      Akane took the vile in her hand and opened it�s top, she looked about 
for P-chan, and realized he was underneath her staring up into her eyes 
expectantly. �Here goes!� She said pouring out its contents onto a now 
slightly glowing pig.  The elf girl had just attained sure footing when she 
caught sight of a huge sphere hurtling towards her       �Not again!� The 
elf said to herself as Ranma-chans chi blast smashed into the girl�s sword, 
and began to dwindle into nothing as the sword began soaking up the chi. 
Ranma-chan stared out at the sword in obvious shock. But just then the chi 
finally knocked her sword clear from her hands hammering into the small 
girl�s body forcing her back.

      The girl quickly in retaliation thrust out her hands in a familiar cup 
sending another blue blast out at Ranma-chan catching her off guard and 
sending her flying backwards into the mud. Ranma-chan was out cold.

      The others might have noticed if they weren�t to shocked by the sudden 
appearance of the young girl where P-chan had once stood. She stood 
unclothed wearing only a tiger striped bandanna, in her short blonde hair. 
She was in deep concentration glowing with a deadly looking blue chi field.

      �SHI SHI HOKODAN� The girl screamed as the chi blast exploded into a 
tremendous pillar of chi and hurtled into the young elf. The force of the 
blast blew her right through the concrete wall and out into the street.

       She didn�t get back up.

      Ryoga-chan looked up, peering out through her matted bangs. The 
elf-girl lay several yards away sprawled in the street, out cold. Ryoga, 
began to come back to herself, and looked down at her new form, only then 
realizing just what had happened.  �Oh hell.� Was all she said before the 
blood began to drain from her dizzy head, sprung a nosebleed, and passed 
out.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

      Ranma-chan came too, with a splitting headache. She let the damp cloth 
fall from her forehead to her lap, as she sat up. *Oh man, am I dizzy.* She 
thought to herself. She looked over her mud-covered clothes and decided 
she�d been out a while, because it was basically dried up. The memories of 
her recent battle flooded in through her mind and she shivered at a chill. 
That girl had been powerful. How had she been defeated? Akane could have 
offered her some cooking and that should have done the trick, but it was 
also unlikely. A feminine grunt caught her attention and Ranma-chan had her 
answer as she glanced down at the young girl, with the tiger striped 
bandanna. �Ryoga� Ranma-chan connected.  Ranma looked over the young girl�s 
features observing what she could from the mostly covered figure. The girl 
had a soft pale complexion, much like Ryoga�s, and short, blonde hair 
covered her head in much the same fashion as Ryoga�s did. Ranma-chan then 
also noted, �the tell tale� fang that protruded from the corner of the young 
girls mouth. �Yep,� Ranma-chan said aloud. �You�re definitely Ryoga.� Ranma 
confirmed. �I can�t believe it actually worked!�

      �Ranma!� Akane gasped surprised. She ran and dropped to Ranma-chans 
side, and hugged his neck. �I�m so glad you�re alright!�

      �Of course I�m alright, Akane� Ranma-chan assured. �It�ll take more 
than that to get rid of me!� he boasted. �So where�s that girl?� Akane 
seemed to gather her thoughts then looked in Ranma�s eyes.

      �They got her tied up in the other room. And I got to tell you Ranma, 
there�s something definitely different about this girl.�

�Like what?� Ranma asked.


�Well, you�ll just have to see for yourself! Come on she�s in
the other room, still unconscious� Which reminds me...�


Uh-oh, Ranma thought, here it comes.


�Is that..? You know��


�Yeah, do we still have a pair of his clothes?�


�Sure,� Akane acknowledged concentrating on something
else. �Uh Ranma your father says that was water from the spring of the 
drowned girl. And I poured that on P-chan and he turned into her, and if 
she�s Ryoga then�� Akane was caught off guard by a sniff. She looked over to 
where Ryoga-chan lay, her back still facing them.

�Ryoga?� Akane asked gently.

�Yeah?� The girl replied hoarsely.

�Then it IS you. Ryoga please look at me.� Akane asked, and
obediently the girl rolled over wiping her red, watery, eyes. She looked up 
into Akane�s soft brown eyes and tears began to flush again.
�Ryoga, you gave up your secret, to save Ukyo and my family. That�s a very 
noble thing for you to do. But I must ask. If you were P-chan why didn�t 
finally tell me.� Akane was still handling Ryoga very gently. Ranma was 
impressed; this showed a lot of strength from her.
      �Because,� Ryoga-chan began still very hoarse, sorrow trailing her 
words. �It was the only time I could be with you, and you were so kind to me 
as P-chan. I couldn�t bring myself to give that up. As Ryoga I was just 
Ryoga to you.�
�Ryoga that�s not true. I like you.�

�Y-you do?� Ryoga-chan stammered.

�Of coarse silly!� At that Akane smiled a warm smile and
Ryoga broke down into tears.

      �Ryoga, what is it?� Akane asked concern evident in her face.

�I�m just, ashamed of what a fool I�ve been.�

�Ryoga, there�s no need to feel ashamed.� Akane assured.

�I�m gonna go check up on the girl.� Ranma-chan said softly,
feeling awkward in this conversation. She saw the Tendo Sword lying beside 
her on the floor and picked it up to carry with her.

      She walked out into the hall and headed down it, stopping at the first 
room on her right. She peered into the room to find that the only one 
watching over the odd looking girl was Nabiki.
�Nabiki?� She asked.

�Oh it�s you.� Nabiki said in an uninterested tone, which wasn�t
an unusual greeting with her.

�Nabiki, where�s everyone else?�

�Lets see, Akane went to check on you. Uh, Kasumi went to
fix dinner. Uh Daddy and Mr. Saotome are down stairs.�

�And Ukyo?� Ranma asked worried.

�Right here Ranma-honey.� Ukyo startled Ranma-chan from
behind. �

      �Oh, your al��Ranma-chan began, taking notice of the large bandage 
wrapped around Ukyo�s midsection.
She just looked at it for a moment before Ukyo cut in her thoughts.
�Just a bruised rib is all, I�ll live.�
�Bruised Rib?� Ranma asked sympathetically. �But how,
Ukyo?�

      �A stray blast from that bitch hit the wall bringing it down on top of 
me.� Ukyo said resentfully. �What the hell is this all about anyway?�
     �I don�t know.� Ranma confirmed. �But I�m pretty sure Ryoga does.�
      �Ryoga!� Ukyo said, recalling the past events. �Where did he go? Is he 
all right.�
      �I�m here, and I�m fine Ukyo.� A small voice replied from behind them. 
They turned to see Akane standing next to a young girl, wearing Ryoga�s 
clothing.
�Ryoga?� Ukyo asked confused.

�Yeah.� Ryoga-chan confirmed looking at the floor.

�But how?�

�I�ll tell you about it later, Ukyo. How�s the elf?�

�Elf?!� everyone asked in unison.

�Yeah she told me she was an elf.� Ryoga responded.

�Hold it Ryoga,� Ranma-chan cut in. �maybe you should tell
us what this is all about, starting from the beginning.�

      �Good idea.� Akane agreed. �I�ll get dad and the others and we�ll meet 
in the dinning room.

      Ryoga-chan walked into the room, where the elf sat on the floor 
propped up against the end of the bed. Her arms were tied to the bedpost at 
the wrist by two strong pieces of rope. They had just hoped that this would 
hold her, after all she could wield a sword bigger than she was with ease. 
Ukyo, and Ranma-chan, stood at the door silently watching. Ryoga-chan walked 
to the front of the young elf and squatted till she was staring into the 
elf�s unconscious face. She was badly hurt, Ryoga-chan could tell, but she 
wasn�t sure how an elfin body responded to injury. Nabiki simply watched 
Ryoga as she made her examination of the young girl, her face revealed 
nothing of her feelings. Ryoga turned to look at the others and simply 
sighed. It was time to let them in on the story. So she stood up and lazily 
wandered out of the room.  Ryoga began to walk down the hallways extent when 
Ranma-chan caught her attention.
      �Ryoga the dinning rooms that way.� Ranma stated pointing in the 
opposite direction. Ryoga-chan simply turned and sighed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

      Kasumi had warmed some water for Ryoga and he had changed back to his 
natural form. Ranma-chan, still held the Tendo�s sword, now sheathed, and 
had stubbornly declined the warm water offered by Kasumi. The elf girl�s 
sword, lie on the center of the table.

      All eyes stared at Ryoga as they sat around the dinner table, waiting 
for his explanation of the current events. Sweat slid down his cheek.

      �Uh, there�s really not much to say.� Ryoga began. �I met her on my 
travels.�

      �Met her when you were lost is more like it.� Ranma interjected.

      �Who�s telling this, Ranma?� Ryoga shot back a hint of anger in his 
voice.

      �Anyway, she asked me where we were, and when I couldn�t give her a 
decent answer, she started insulting me, saying stuff like I couldn�t tell 
east from west and how I had absolutely no directional since whatsoever.�

      �Gee, I wonder why?� Ranma-chan mumbled. Ryoga shot a warning glance 
at Ranma and he continued.

      �So one thing led to another and I began to insult her back, and 
apparently I found a sore spot with her and she attacked me.  �Wait a 
minute!� Akane interrupted. �You mean this is all over an insult?!�
      �Well several insults, but yeah!� Ryoga confirmed.


      �That�s insane!� Akane concluded.


      �So she attacks you, then what?� Ranma-chan asked, trying not to sound 
too disinterested.

      �Well�� Ryoga said bitterly �That�s when She drew this sword from her 
back.� He indicated the sword lying on the table. �I couldn�t imagine where 
she had hid it, so I can only figure she turns it invisible some how. Anyway 
she attacked me not unlike the way she did Ranma and I was forced to defend 
myself. The battle lasted only a short while and ended finally when she 
managed to destroy my umbrella and I was transformed into P-Chan by the 
rain.� Akane darkened at the mention of Ryoga�s old cursed form but Ryoga 
didn�t see it.
      �What about her being an elf?� Ranma-chan asked. �What�d she tell you 
about that?�
      �Well not much really. In-fact, all she really mentioned about it was 
the fact that she was one. She really didn�t give much more than that.�
      Akane remembered the day earlier, how she had chased p-chan all over 
her room at the mention of a warm bath. Her face grew a little darker.
      �So, anyway, like I was saying, I ran out of there as soon as I could, 
and finally managed to get changed back. The thing is, though she followed 
me. The whole next day, in-fact. I can�t explain how I knew, but I did. And 
then I found Ukyo, or really she found me and she brought me to her shop. I 
was about to have some okanomayaki, when the elf-girl finally caught up with 
me.

      Akane then remembered the time she had tried to pour hot water on 
p-chan to try and remove the silly face on his belly. P-chan in defense had 
drank the entire kettle.

      �She was still steaming about yesterday and attacked us, before we 
could think to do anything. Ukyo was knocked out and I was forced to flee. I 
really had nowhere to go but I wound up here on chance. Just as I arrived, 
it began to rain again, and I was turned back into P-Chan.�

      Akane�s face was twisting together and Ranma sensing the impending 
doom began to back away.

      �The rest of it you already know.� Akane was fuming now. All she could 
think about was all the times she had slept with P-Chan and dressed in front 
of P-Chan and told secrets to P-Chan, and It made her grow even angrier. She 
leapt over the table grabbing Ryoga by the arm. Everyone ducked out of 
Akane�s way as she lifted Ryoga up and threw him through the already open 
backdoor, and into the pond.�

      �You Pervert!� She screamed, as she stood in the doorway heaving.

      Ryoga-chan popped up through the surface of the pond, with shock 
prominent in her features.

      �Akane!� she shouted. �I thought you had forgiven me?�
Ryoga-chan yelled back sounding hurt and angry at the same time.


      �Well, I� Changed my mind, okay?� Akane retorted.  �Hellloooo..? 
Someone?� A small voice called out from somewhere upstairs. The elf-girl. 
They all realized.  Ranma-chan drew her sword and was the first to bolt 
upstairs to the now conscious elfling.

     �Hey!� Ryoga-chan called out, still floating in the pond. �Wait for 
me!�

seconds later Ryoga-chan was alone.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

     Ranma-chan burst into the room the elf was being held, to find she was 
still thankfully tied up. The elf jerked her head to see Ranma-chan, and her 
eyes grew wide.

      �Who are you?� The elf asked, fear evident in her voice.  Ranma-chan 
barely noticed. The rest of the family filtered into the room. �Hah�� 
Ranma-chan spat resentfully. �Why don�t you tell us who the hell you are 
first!� Ranma-chan growled sourly.

      The elf looked back down sadly. She didn�t answer. The others watched 
expectantly as Ranma-chan interrogated the girl.  �I asked you who you are!� 
Ranma-chan snapped, burying the blades sharp point into the floor, with both 
hands. The elf jumped, Which was quite a feat being tied to the bed a she 
was.

      �I don�t know!� the elf pleaded. Everyone looked at her shocked.

      �What do you mean you don�t know?!� Ranma yelled incredulously.

      Tears welled up in the small elf�s eyes. Ukyo stepped forward placing 
an understanding hand on Ranma-chans shoulder.  She knelt down in front of 
the girl watching her with clear concern.  Ranma-chan couldn�t believe it. 
Ukyo was acting, nice to this monster.

      �You don�t remember who you are, do you?� Ukyo finally asked 
compassionately. The elf girl finally shook her head no.

      �And why should we believe her?� Ranma-chan asked skeptically. �After 
what she did.� She added.  The girl looked up at Ranma-chan. She appeared 
the small-lost girl, and Ranma found herself looking away.

      �W-what, did I do?� She asked in a small voice.

      �Attacked my friends, Ryoga�� Ranma-chan paused suddenly, aware that 
Ryoga wasn�t there. �And Ukyo,� She continued. �Nearly killed me.� 
Ranma-chan knew this was an exaggeration, but she pressed on. �You placed 
everyone�s life in danger�� Ukyo looked up at her from where she knelt, and 
Ranma-chan seemed to understand and stopped.

      Ukyo began to untie the bonds on the girl�s wrist. The whole family 
began their protest, but Ukyo simply finished the first wrist and went to 
the second.

      �If she really knew who she was�� She paused to put some extra effort 
into the second. It wasn�t coming loose. �She could have already tore these 
ropes off and made her attack. But she hasn�t, so I�m willing to give her a 
chance.� Ukyo finished, still struggling with the last rope. Ranma-chan 
knelt down next to Ukyo and placed her hands over hers.

      �Here.� She said simply, and Ukyo removed her hands.  Ranma-chan 
grabbed the rope and gave a tremendous heave before the rope finally slid 
free of the knot. The rope fell to the elf�s side.  The girl began to rub 
her wrist, bringing back the circulation.  �Well if we�re gonna let her 
free, lets all go back downstairs to talk this over.� Ranma-chan held out 
her hand to the elf, and she cautiously took it, and Ranma-chan pulled her 
to her feet.  �Thanks Ran-chan!� Ukyo said.

	Genma placed a gentle hand on the young elf�s shoulder and began to escort 
her out of the room. Everyone followed except Ranma-chan who grabbed Ukyo by 
the arm before she exited the room and pulled her aside.

       �Answer me one thing Ukyo.� Ranma stopped her. �Why are you willing 
to be so nice to someone who tore up your store and hurt you?�

      The others had left and escorted the young elf downstairs.

      Ukyo looked down, sadly. �Ranma, you see that�s just it.� Ukyo said, 
sorrow in her voice. �I don�t really understand it myself. I just found 
myself wanting to help this girl. Maybe it�s her unmistakable innocence.� 
Ukyo finally admonished.

      �You call trying to kill Ryoga, you, and me innocence?�

      �No, I just� Please Ranma, just have faith. I have a feeling, that�s 
all.� With that said Ukyo turned and walked downstairs.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

      They all once again were gathered about the dinning room table. All 
except Ryoga, and no one knew where he was.  �Hmmm.� Genma thought aloud. 
�Earlier you wielded that sword.� He pointed to the sword still lying across 
the table. �Let�s see you pick it up.�

      No one seemed to argue this, apparently they were all curious too.

      �That thing?� The elf girl asked. Her eyes grew wide.


       �Mmhmm.� Genma answered. The small elf stood up and walked to the end 
of the table where its handle stuck out. She bent over, wrapping both hands 
around the large cylinder. She pulled back with all her might, but the sword 
didn�t budge. She stopped and re-gripped the handle.  Again, she pulled 
back, obviously straining. Still, the sword didn�t budge. She released the 
handle panting.


      �<Pant> I can�t <Pant> Budge it. <Pant>� She said irritably.


      �Interesting.� Genma pondered.


      �Do you remember your name?� Kasumi asked. The girl looked down again.

      �No.� She finally said.  �Hey what�s that!� Nabiki asked, getting up 
to kneel by the sweating young elf. She reached over and picked a small gem 
off of the elf�s forehead. It was in the shape of a teardrop, and connected 
to a small gold chain that disappeared in the young elf�s hair. �It has 
something written on it.� Nabiki finally said looking at the teardrop. �It�s 
written in English.�

      �Well what�s it say?� Soun asked, sounding anticipant.

      �It says �Nishii.� Nabiki answered.

      �Nishii?� Ukyo asked.

      �That�s what it says.� Nabiki confirmed. �Ring any bells?�
Nabiki asked looking at the young elf.

      �No.� She responded sadly.

      �Nishii.� Kasumi repeated, wanting to hear how it would sound from her 
own lips. �Perhaps that�s her name!� She said brightly.

     �Cool with you kiddo?� Nabiki asked the girl.

     �Mmmhmm.� The elf responded weakly.

     �Nishii, it is then!� Nabiki said, finally.

      �And there won�t be any telling or selling about this girl, Nabiki.� 
Ranma-chan interrupted her thoughts.  �Moi?� Nabiki asked innocently.

      �Nabiki, I�m serious, a girl like her could attract a lot of unwanted 
attention.� Ranma-chan stated.

       �Ranma�s right, Nabiki.� Akane agreed.

      �Yes, I think perhaps it would be best to keep this a secret.� Kasumi 
acknowledged. �And maybe we should let her get some sleep now.� No one 
challenged this. �Akane, would you mind her sleeping in your room for the 
time being?�

      �Sure Kasumi!� Akane answered.

      �I need to get back to my shop, and clean up what I can.�
Ukyo finally said.

      �I would help,� Ranma-chan ventured. �But I need to go see if I can 
find Ryoga, he can�t be too far.�

      �Good idea.� Akane spoke before Ukyo could say anything.

      Ranma-chan stood up and exited out the backdoor. She had a dark 
feeling that told her that this was only the beginning.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

      Ryoga-chan stumbled about aimlessly through the suburban streets of 
Nerima. The rain beat down hard against her unprotected skin and chilled her 
to the bone. Her teeth were chattering involuntarily and her head... Her 
head felt like it had been slammed in a steel door. The pain throbbed at her 
temples and in her eyes. Rational thought had left her several moments 
earlier as the pain she was feeling had begun to eat away at her 
consciousness. Her feet dragged the ground from lack of control and she 
seemed to be propelled forward by an unknown force. The path before her was 
only a cloudy blur as her headache had begun to create black holes in her 
vision. She stumbled in a small hole of water and sloshed down into a 
crouch. Warily she pushed herself back to her feet and began dragging back 
down the path ahead. She coughed violently and choked at the tickle she 
could feel rise up in her throat. The pain began to slide down into her body 
creating a throbbing numb sensation. She could feel inwardly that she was 
loosing a battle, but she wasn�t sure what battle anymore. Finally she felt 
warmth envelop her and she slid down into a comforting darkness.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

	Ranma-chan stepped out into the storm that surrounded her and held tight to 
the umbrella she held overhead. She wasn�t sure where to start looking but 
she was sure she better hurry. The storm was getting worse by the moment and 
Ryoga hadn�t taken any supplies before she got lost again. Ranma came to the 
end of the Tendo�s front walkway and peered down both sides of the street.

      The storm was so intense she could only see a good sixteen or 
seventeen feet in front of her. She finally just decided to pick a direction 
and began following the streets expanse. Lightning flashed against the sky 
several times and managed to light up the road before her enough to better 
pick her path.  She hurried her pace as she felt certain the storm wasn�t 
getting better anytime soon. She turned down another road, driven by a 
guidance she wasn�t sure of.

	Ryoga hadn�t looked exactly healthy when last she saw him and she hoped he 
was alright. Lightning flashed again, this time blasting into a tree only a 
few yards away from her. The inside of the tree blew out over Ranma and she 
felt tiny splinters stick into her skin. Th blast had distracted her enough 
not to notice the tree as it began to slide from its rooted position in the 
ground towards her. She caught the movement in the corner of her eye in just 
a enough time to jump clear of the tree trunk, but a branch managed to catch 
her in mid jump and bring her smashing back into the ground. She felt the 
wind knocked from her and gasped for air. Rain dropped down onto her exposed 
face and she struggled to get free of the branch pinning her down. She 
wiggled and pushed at the branch but it wouldn�t budge. Finally she 
concentrated her thoughts and sent a chi blast into the branch. It exploded 
from where it had been connected to the tree and Ranma-chan felt a small 
amount of relief as she felt the pressure of the branch disappear.

	She got back up and looked around to see the tree had actually managed to 
dig itself into certain parts of the pavement. She had been lucky. She 
turned and looked further down the road and decided upon the next place to 
head. She picked up speed and turned down another street. She wasn�t sure 
why but she had a feeling that she was getting close.

      She moved in under one of the roof overhangs of a nearby shop and 
peered out into the rain. She surveyed the area and was about to start 
heading further down the road, when finally she caught sight of a small 
feminine form lying on her stomach several yards from where she stood. Her 
breath seemed to leave her as she gasped. �Ryoga!�

      Ranma-chan practically leapt from where she was standing into a full 
run towards the limp figure. As she drew near the lying figure, She could 
start to discern articles of Ryoga�s clothing and felt her gut tense up.

	�Ryoga!� She called again, now certain of the figure�s identity. She 
finally reached her and knelt down next to her unconscious form. The rain 
was building up around Ryoga-chan�s nose and mouth and in a few more moments 
Ryoga would have begun to drown. Ranma felt a lump in her chest at this 
revelation but was also relieved she had made it in time. She checked 
Ryoga�s pulse and though weak, it was still beating at regular intervals. 
She felt Ryoga�s forehead and drew back in fright. Ryoga was burning up! 
�Hang on Ryoga! I�ve gonna get you to Dr. Tofu�s!� Ranma-chan stood up and 
with one mighty heave managed to sling the small blonde over her shoulder.

      Ranma-chan began running at full speed slowing down only to gauge 
direction. She wasn�t sure if she should feel hopeful or fearful when she 
heard Ryoga-chan begin mumbling aimlessly to herself. She felt lucky that 
the doc wasn�t very far away, and renewed her rush to the clinic.

	She turned down a narrow alleyway and maneuvered herself between the 
obstacles to emerge out onto the street that Dr. Tofu was located on. She 
hung a sharp right and caught sight of the clinic through the downpouring 
rain. *Almost there!* She inwardly encouraged herself. She hopped the closed 
gate and sped up to the clinics front door, where she began to consistently 
bang.

	A brief moment passed and the door finally opened.

      Dr. Tofu stood there in a mild stupor staring out at the two drenched 
young girls.

      �Ranma?� He finally connected.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

      The young faerie paced the room in slight annoyance. Her father had 
been gone already a day and her sister had left shortly after. Granted, both 
were out performing task of her request, but it still didn�t stop her 
jealousy at being restricted to a node.

      She glanced around the dimly lit chamber and felt as though she had 
served an eternity inside its secure sheltering. Her node, known as the 
forest of kuemi, stretched a remarkable distance in all directions, but it 
didn�t stop her from feeling as though she was trapped in an oversized 
dungeon.

      She walked over to the large pot that served as her eye to the world, 
and dipped her hand in it in a similar fashion as before. 	Just as it had 
done previously, it remained motionless until her magic seeped down from her 
fingers and into the glowing blue mass. Then just as before it began to 
ripple like a stone cast in a pond. The image began to clear, but instead of 
yielding the young, tall elf, it gave off the image of her aged ancient 
father as he hiked through the highlands to the southwest of Hyrule; mortal 
country.

      Her father sensing the intrusion of his young daughter spat in 
distaste. �Do you mind?� He chided sounding rather annoyed. �This journey is 
tedious enough without someone watching over your shoulder as they lounge 
about in leisure.� He felt his daughters anger rise and he smiled inwardly. 
He loved tormenting his daughter. �Bah.� He grumbled. �Go feed your animals 
or whatever it is you do when bored and leave this old man alone.�

      He could feel his daughter mentally cursing at him as the link faded 
and left him alone once again. He lived for that. He let a grin spread 
across his old wrinkled face, the resumed his train of thought at the task 
at hand. �Should be no longer than another day.� He said aloud to himself, 
and proceeded to continue his journey.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

      She watched the image of her father fade from the large pot and let 
her anger fade with it. She knew he was only trying to get a rise out her 
and she could never seem to deny him the pleasure.

      She felt a presence enter her domain and soon recognized it to be her 
sister. She grinned inwardly, that was the one thing you could always count 
on about her sister. She could get a job done faster than anybody. The 
faerie watched expectantly at the stairway leading up and caught site of her 
sister as she made her descent.

	�Quintis.� Her sister addressed.

	�Akane.� The young faerie acknowledged back. �Did you discover anything 
about the tear?� She questioned.

	�Yes, I believe so! It has something to do with Seraph, and the Goron�s 
ruby, apparently someone has stolen the stone from Princess Zelda. Seraph 
chased them to the southern regions of Hyrule, before they managed to escape 
in a tear.

      �But?..� Quintis began. �How did they open a tear?� She finally 
finished.

      Akane�s fox tail shifted suddenly catching Quintis�s attention. She 
never could seem to get over the fox characteristics of her younger sister.

      �I�m not sure.� Akane finally answered. �This all happened a few days 
ago and nobody is really sure what is going on.�

      Quintis knew her sister was probably talking about the local wildlife 
and not the people. It had always perplexed her how her sister could be so 
different from her and her father. They were both keepers of the forest, 
caretakers of the land, who in youth, their magic was restricted to working 
only in the land they were born. While her sister was as wild-spirited as 
the animal her features mocked, and whose magic was bound only to where 
animal life was abundant. Quintis had always marveled at her younger sisters 
primal beauty. She was relatively small in size, which allowed her to be as 
quick and agile as the quickest of animals. Her red-brown hair, which had 
two pointy fox ears sticking up from underneath, hung loosely around her 
pale white neck, and at her butt hung a perky white-tipped fox tail. Her 
eyes were a soft understanding brown, and at times two sharp fangs could be 
seen extending menacingly from her mouth. Akane truly was nothing like her 
father or her sister.

	�What are you staring at?� Akane finally broke Quintis�s gaze.

	�Huh?.. Oh! I was just thinking is all?� Quintis responded back quickly.

      �About what?� Akane asked curiously.

      �I was just wondering what Seraph would want with the Goron�s ruby.� 
It was semi-true and close enough for Quintis.

      �I hear he�s seeking the other two gems as well.� Akane informed.

      �Oh no you don�t think he�s planning on opening the door of time, and 
freeing Gannondorf?� Quintis gasped.

	�Well it�s probable, however unlikely.� Akane answered enigmatically.

	�What makes you so certain?� Quintis asked.

	�My dreams tell me otherwise.� Akane answered. �Gannondorf is almost 
powerful enough to break over into our world regardless of the seal, besides 
they would need someone to draw the Master Sword to open the seal from the 
Temple of Time, and so far Link is the only one proven to be able to do 
that. My best guess is they want to keep the Master Sword from being drawn 
and used against Gannondorf once he�s finally crossed over.

      �Of course!� Quintis shouted. �Then Gannondorf would stand virtually 
unopposed.�

      �I�m weary from my travel, sister, could you allow me the use of one 
of your beds?� Akane asked changing the subject.

      �Yes, of course, Akane. You know your always welcome in my domain.� 
Akane smiled at this and half-dragged herself down the hallway.

      Quintis stood in place for several moments longer. *Dad I hope you can 
do it.* She silently prayed. *He�s the only hope we�ve got...*

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

       Dr. Tofu stood at the doorway taking in the scene before him. 
Ranma-chan stood drenched and battered holding a girl he�d never seen before 
cradled in her arms. They exchanged unspoken glances for a brief moment, and 
then without a second moments hesitation Ranma-chan brushed by him and 
through the open door.

	�Doc, She needs your help bad. She�s burning up!� Ranma-chan went straight 
to the point. Dr. Tofu brushed his confusion aside and took the limp beaten 
girl from Ranma-chans arms. He brought her in through the clinic�s waiting 
room and into the patient room where he laid her down on the table and 
collected several instruments from a nearby counter. He quickly took a seat 
on a rolling stool and pushed himself in close to his unconscious patient.

      He first felt her head and thereafter stuck a thermometer in her 
mouth. He stuck his stethoscope in his ears and began placing the cold round 
object various places on Ryoga�s body. He first listened to her heartbeat 
then her breathing. The thermometer beeped he removed it to examine. �Wow, 
103 degrees Fahrenheit!� He exclaimed. He placed the thermometer on the 
counter and rolled back over to Ryoga. He began to feel various parts of 
Ryoga�s body and seemed to frown.

      �Doc, what is it?� Ranma-chan asked feeling a knot tighten in her 
stomach.

      �She seems to have expended a large amount of her chi.� Dr, Tofu 
finally stated. �I don�t understand how this is possible.�

      �The Shi Shi Hokodan!� Ranma said almost ghostly.

      �The Shi Shi Hokodan?� Dr. Tofu questioned. That�s a dangerous 
technique, Ranma! Who is this?� He finally asked.

      �R-Ryoga...� Ranma admitted.

	�Ryoga?� Dr. Tofu asked. Ranma-chan simply confirmed it with a nod. Dr. 
Tofu slapped his knee. �Ha! I though that chi looked familiar.� Ranma looked 
over at him with confusion etched in her features.

      �Doc, is he gonna be alright?� She asked a little confused at his 
behavior.

	Dr. Tofu wheeled over to his counter and picked a syringe. �Sure Ranma 
everything�s fine. He just expended a little too much chi and on top of that 
caught a fever.� He began drawing from a small jar with the needle. �I�ll 
just give him a shot and he should be feeling better by sometime tomorrow 
evening.� Ranma felt a heavy tension lift from her body and let out a sigh 
of relief.

      Dr. Tofu stuck the needle in an exposed area of Ryoga�s arm and called 
over to Ranma. �Hey Ranma it�s still raining out there pretty hard. Why 
don�t you and Ryoga stay the night over here? I�ll just call Kasumi and let 
her know.� He then pulled the needle out and threw it in the trash.

      *I�ll bet you will.* Ranma thought. �Thanks doc, but you mind if I 
call home instead,� Ranma tried to think up an excuse. �I need to ask my dad 
something anyway.� Ranma figured this wasn�t a bad excuse and left it at 
that. *If Tofu called Kasumi, he�d probably forget to ever even mention me 
and Ryoga, and everybody would be worried.*

	�Sure thing, Ranma!� He agreed, and Ranma picked Ryoga up from her place on 
the patients table and began to carry her to the doctor�s guest room.

      *Man I�m glad that�s over with!* Ranma-chan thought to herself and 
laid Ryoga down in the bed. *I hope we can get this all cleared up 
tomorrow.* She prayed. *This has been one heck of a mess.*

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

   Ukyo knelt over the large red gem in wonderment. �Where did this come 
from?� She wondered aloud. She picked it up and placed it between her and 
the light examining its craftsmanship. She then noticed how it was attached 
to a small silver chain, and let it all rest comfortably in the palm of her 
hand. She had been cleaning up the larger chunks of wall that had blasted 
out over her restaurant and there beneath a large piece of wood was a 
delicately crafted ruby. She wondered if a customer had dropped it, and 
realized that the last customer she had had was Ryoga and he hadn�t anything 
like this. Of that much she was sure. So she concluded that for the time 
being the piece of jewelry would remain a mystery until she finished 
cleaning up her restaurant and then she�d worry about it. She pocketed the 
large ruby and began cleaning her store again. It was gonna be one of those 
weeks, she could tell...

respond to coldmatrix@hotmail.com

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