Lo' there folks!
So sorry about the delay in postings, things are quite busy right now.
Anyhoo, here is part three of the Anijza sequel...
 
 

                                        Ranma 1/2
                                           Anijza
                                        Part Two:
                                 'In Hell as In Forever'
 
                                     Nicholas Stone
 
 
 

                                       The Escape
       
Hell's utter despair and wretchedness did not stop Ranma from scheming
up a way to escape this dungeon.  After seeing what happens to Anijza's
many consorts, he knew that he had to get out and away from this place
before she did whatever it was that would reduce him to such a miserable
existence.  What lay beyond her palace walls might not be pleasant, but
it would be better that that.
       All he needed now was an opportunity, and it was about to come
right through his door.  Normally, one of the guards would peer in on
him to make sure he was not trying to break away the bars of the window,
or harm himself in any way.  Anijza's commands were clear on this;
failure meant certain un-remissible torments indescribable with words.
Ranma knew she wanted him perfectly sound for the upcoming marriage, but
that was not going to happen if he could help it.
       After the last visit, Ranma prepared his attempt.  The stone
slabs above the door fit his needs, high enough for him to get out of
view, and several rough edges protruded out allowing him a solid
purchase in the gloom.  Now the waiting began, and it was a short one as
the next guard that passed on its rounds paused upon seeing the empty
cell.
       Slowly, the cell door creaked open, the slow glide of a hooded
man moving in search of Anijza's prized tribute.  Waiting until the last
possible moment, Ranma pounced landing square on the guards back.  They
collapsed to the ground and Ranma pushed himself away crawling for the
open door.  A clammy grip clamped tight around one ankle jerking hard.
Ranma's face hit the floor, and he turned drawing his free leg back and
kicked out straight into the maw of the hood.  A sickly pop sounded, but
there was no time for revulsion, another sturdy blow forcing the hand
free.
       Ranma heard the door of the cell starting to close.  Great, they
can do things like this, he thought.  A desperate scramble and he rolled
out into the corridor within a hairsbreadth of having his legs crushed.
It clanged shut, and Ranma slammed the locks home.
       "Sorry, guy but I've got go!" he said through the door window.
       Beneath the glow of the torches lining the hall, nothing apparent
marked a way out.  It would be better too just go and he bolted up the
corridor...
 
* * * * *
 
       Anijza's throne room was quiet while she sat on her knees looking
over the slowly smoldering form of her favorite pet lying on the floor.
Its once powerful form now shuddered in spasms of agony, the dark pelt
matted with dark clots of ethereal blood where Tofu's wards had burrowed
into its skin.  It would be only a matter of time, Anijza knew before
this ones existence would end.
       Her left hand gripped tight around the recovered locket, dark
thoughts of revenge running hot in her mind.
       "Akane," she seethed.  Another low moan came from her pet and
Anijza stroked its mane delicately to sooth its pain.  "I am so sorry.
I should have known that toad would try something.  It is my fault, and
I will seek revenge upon her."
       The creature growled then its head lowered to the floor.  One
last rush of breath and it was no more.
       Silently, Anijza stood up and watched the body crumble into mere
speckles of dust and matter.  Her jaw clinched tight, quickly relaxing
as pain reminded her of the blow received from Akane.  "Mmm, never
should have projected myself into it like I did," she mused.  "She
actually hit me with enough force to cause injury."
       That in itself astounded Anijza.  Her thoughts were troubled as
she returned to her throne.  "To hurt me like she did?  It is not
possible!"
       All known laws told her that was true, but the soreness in her
jaw was not imaginary.  Did Akane Tendo possess some sort of power she
did not detect earlier?  Still, now with her locket safely retrieved,
there would be no way for her to come to Hell's domains.
       A slight thought opened the locket and Anijza sat gazing
lustfully upon Ranma's innocent features.  "I will make our love last a
long, long time," she whispered to his image.  Anijza clutched the
locket close to her chest, grinning brightly until a low gong suddenly
began to chime.
       "What?" she said, sitting up with a start.
       It hat been a long time since she heard this sound before.  It
was the call to arms, and that meant something was wrong down in her
dungeons.
       "Kendral!"
       There was no need to shout, Kendral's silent form entering
through the main doors.
       "Your prospective consort has escaped, milady," he said, kneeling
before her.
       Anijza's cry filled the throne room and even Kendral covered his
ears against its shrill tone.
       "How did he escape!" she demanded to know.
       "He is resourceful, this Ranma Saotome.  Lured a Keeper into his
cell and ambushed him."
       Anijza gripped her hair, turning away from Kendral.  "Disaster!"
she thought.  "The Master will surely be angry with me for allowing him
to escape."
       She stood straight just then, tipping her head to one side with a
smirk.  "And where will he go?" she asked herself, facing Kendral again.
       "We have begun searching the grounds and surrounding area,
mistress.  Ranma will not-."
       "Call them off," Anijza instructed him.
       Kendral paused for a second.  "Excuse me, milady?"
       "You heard me.  Call them off."
       She sensed Kendral's confusion and let out a light chuckle.
Anijza went to a table, hips swinging from side to side teasing Kendral
as he watched.  Picking up a goblet and pitcher, she poured herself a
cup of dark steaming liquid, cutting him a brief look before taking a
sip.
       "Not that I need to explain myself to you, Kendral, but I want
Ranma to see how futile it is trying to escape me.  Let us allow him a
chance endure some of Maladomini's hospitality.  Then... then he might
straighten out his act."
       "And if not?"
       She smiled.  "Then I will enjoy the thrill of the hunt once more.
It has been such a long time since I've had that pleasure."
       "It has, mistress.  Not since-." Kendral stopped, Anijza seeing
his shoulders sagging down.  "Not since my time," he finished.
       Anijza came up and ran a slim finger around the opening of
Kendral's hood.  "Yes, not since your time.  Now we will allow Ranma his
tour, and then if he has not returned willingly, we release the hounds
on him.  Won't that be nice?"
       "Not for him."
       Anijza giggled deviously.  "No, not at all.  Prepare my armor..."
 
* * * * *
 
       The miasma oozing from the putrid growth choked Ranma as he ran
in headlong flight up the only road he could see leading away from
Anijza's dark palace.  He wanted to stop, even contemplated running back
and giving up, but those thoughts quickly passed when he caught sight of
what appeared to be a city off in the distance.  In the murky light, if
it could be called that, the buildings stretched as far as his eye could
see along the horizon, giving rise to hope that somewhere inside its
expanse was a way home.
       Determination strengthened his resolve, and with steady but
difficult steps, he moved on finally reaching the main gates.  More like
the maw of a creature's mouth, the entrance was lined with sharp white
stakes that glistened from the moisture in the air, and the road leading
beyond also appeared slick with dew.
       It did not feel right to Ranma but he stepped up to the threshold
peering into the city.  Gloomy figures skulked along the dimly lit
streets, a mist bubbling up through the cracked and broken cobblestones.
His throat tightened with fear and Ranma took a hesitant step back.
       "No.  I've got to go in," he said to himself.  Drawing a breath,
Ranma began walking forwards.
       "HHHHIIIIISSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!"
       "AAAAHHHHH!"
       His own cry echoed through the air as Ranma felt his feet slid
from beneath him.  He slammed hard onto his back then cried out again,
as what he thought were spikes now turned out to be teeth that closed
down upon him.  Training took over then, Ranma rolling rapidly through
the gates into the city itself.  The teeth slammed down, but his
troubles were not over yet as another set pushed out of the arch above
him.  Again, he rolled clearing the gates and the teeth slammed down
centimeters from the soles of his feet.
       A moment of eerie silence passed then just above the quiet Ranma
heard a distant, disembodied voice say, "Welcome to Malagaro."
       As it faded off, Ranma rose up on shaky legs and looked around
again.  He could make out more figures walking about the streets.  Some
appeared to be ghost, wispy forms gliding along their way; while others
were solid clothed in tattered rags.  A grim sight but he had knew he
had to stop one of these wretched souls and ask if there was any way
back to his world.
       Ranma's steps were brisk while he moved further into the city.
There were moans, some light, some loud coming from shuttered unseen
buildings.  In fact, he noticed that all of the windows were closed up
even the highest ones around.  Unwelcome refuge he thought to himself,
these poor souls.  Once I get back, I will definitely be attending
services on a regular basis.
       Up the street, Ranma spotted a lone figure standing in the middle
of the street.  Clad in a dark hood and robe, fear shot through him and
he ducked into the archway of a building.  Damn, one of Anijza's
minions!  Carefully, he peered around the corner.  The hood figure had
not moved, and Ranma saw that it stared straight up to the sky.
       Slate gray since I've been here, Ranma frowned.  Maybe this
wasn't one of Anijza people.  To find out meant confronting him.  He
stepped back out into the street and approached the strange man.  Not a
sign of movement or hint that he even knew someone was there, Ranma
looked him over for a second.
       "Uh, e'scuse me?" he said.
       Still nothing, Ranma began inching around front.  "Uh, excuse
me," he said again.
       The unnerving silence started to grate on Ranma's nerves.  "HEY!"
he shouted, and that drew a response from the strange man.
       His head turned down giving Ranma a good look at his face.  It
was unusually long and narrow, skin powder blue in color.  A wide thin
smile creased his lips, but what disturbed Ranma the most where his
eyes.  They were dark narrow slits and locked squarely on him.
       "Hmmmm?" came a high-pitched hum.
       Ranma cleared his throat.  "Uh... could you t-tell me if there is
a way out of here?"
       The man's lips did not move, but a voice could be heard coming
from him.  "Out of here?"
       "Yeah, out of here."
       A laugh, high in tone followed as the man's head tipped back up
to the sky.  His head wavered about apparently humored by Ranma's
request then he looked back down on him again.
       "Out of Malagaro?"
       "No, out of Hell period!" Ranma shot back.
       The laughter increased.  "Out of our city?"
       "No, no!  I want out of Hell!  I don't belong here!"
       "Not belonging here?  Heh heh heh heh.... Leaving our city?"
       "Will you stop saying that!"
       Ranma started for the man ready to break him in two, but then
stopped realizing that probably would not be a wise thing to do.  He
drew back and paused to gather his wits.
       "Listen, pal.  I was kidnapped and brought here against my will.
I don't belong in Hell, and I certainly don't need any more trouble from
you, so if you know anything please tell me.  Okay?"
       The laughter stopped but just for a moment before picking up.
"Our city... our city... you do not like your fate in our city (heh heh
heh heh heh heh)?"
       "It sucks, and I'm ready to go find somebody else that could help
me instead of Jeckle and Hyde."
       "Yeeehhaahahahahaha!  Our city... our city... yeeehahahahahah!"
       Enough, Ranma spun on his heels and stated to storm off when a
clammy pale hand clasped down firmly on his shoulder.  He looked back
waiting for something to happen.
       "Your fate... not too your likings... choose another."
       "I don't want another fate!" shouted Ranma spinning around.  "I
want out of here!"
       The stranger's hand panned over to a road just behind them.  "The
station is that way," he said levelly.
       "Station?  You mean like a train station?"
       A pause and then annoying hackle, the man tipped his head back.
"Station!" he let out, laughter increasing.
       Insanity, that is what this place does to a person, thought
Ranma.  He left the man cackling in the middle of the street running off
to find the station that might lead him out of Anijza's realms and back
home.
 
* * * * *
 
       A long red cape billowed behind Anijza, its folds rippling in the
strong rush of air flowing through the open window she stood before.
She gazed across the expanse of the surrounding lands, her dark
breastplate reflecting the flickering torchlight illuminating the room.
Gauntlet clad hands flexed repeatedly, thigh-high boots of glistening
black leather creaking as she shifted her stance impatiently awaiting
word on Ranma's whereabouts.
       Finally, a knock came on the door, Kendral gliding carefully in.
       "And he's come back?" she said without breaking her gaze.
       "Unfortunately, no milady."
       "Then where is he?"
       "Your prospective consort is approaching the station."
       A brow arched high, Anijza twisting her lips to one side with
annoyance.  He really expects to escape me.  Clasping her hands behind
her back, Anijza turned around.
       "Kendral, Ranma is proving to be a difficult soul to subdue."
       "Indeed, milady.  If he dose manage to board one of the trains,
then by all right he will be fair game to whatever custodian that
happens to detect him in their realm."
       "I did not don my armor for nothing, Kendral," snapped Anijza
with a vicious scowl.  "Ranma is mine and I will fight any whosoever
decides to try and take him, laws be damned!"
       Kendral bowed, moving out of her reach.  "No insult was intended,
milady."
       She stared him and then reached out taking up her long battle
spear leaning next to the doorway.  "Tell Buln we fly immediately... oh
yes, and release the hounds."
       "As you command, milady."
 
* * * * *
 
       The closer Ranma got to the station the thicker the traffic of
ghoulish pedestrians became.  They were all headed in his direction,
lumbering along like a heard of cows getting larger and slower.  Soon he
found himself surrounded by the crowd and the way ahead ground to a
halt.  Murmurs, low sobs, the moans of hopelessness and despair filled
the air, not to mention rank odors choking his breath.
       Finally, Ranma had enough.  "Excuse me," he said, forcing aside
the being in front of him.  It wailed angrily turning around arms
failing at his face.  Ranma pressed back, blocking the blows then felt a
cold chill along his backside.  A girl, or ghost of one, stood sobbing
sadly into her hands.  She looked up at him and he cringed.  Her eyes
were dark sockets, no mouth and there was an odd glowing ember burning
in what would be her stomach.
       "Ahhh!" cried Ranma.  He panicked forcing his way further through
the crowd.  Bony hands groped at his body, wails and shrieks following
along his path. He pressed on ignoring everything around him, swinging
and pushing aside whatever got in his way.  Above the cries, Ranma heard
the sound of a train's engine thrumming in the air.  I must be close, he
thought increasing his pace.  
       Soon the crowd began to thin then a gate of high spiked iron rods
appeared.  Pressed up against then, Ranma could see a train station much
like the ones in Tokyo complete with turnstiles and platform billboards
indicating departure and arrival times.  The train beyond however bore
no resemblance to any he'd ever seen.  The engine was large and made out
of blackened bone glossed over and polished to a bright shine.  A skull
of some exotic creature made up the front end, and the rest of the cars
were made out of the same material.  It reminded him of a large snake or
Chinese Dragon, and then he saw through the windows apparitions taking
their seats in preparation for the journey ahead.
       I've got to get on that train," he said, and started forcing his
way towards the main entrance.  Just short of the gates, something large
took hold of Ranma by his head and shoulders lifting him high into the
air.  For a moment, he could not see anything, the thick meaty mass
stifling his cries.  A break appeared and then Ranma felt his body being
shifted around.
       "A tad bit impatient there, fellow!" bellowed a loud gruff voice.
       Ranma looked up and gasped.
       He found himself in the grip of a large giant whose thickly
bearded face and dark menacing scowl were scan centimeters from his
face.  A station attendant Ranma could see from the dark blue uniform
and cap, he stared back speechless in terror.  The Giant pulled Ranma up
closer, and then his eyes shifted down to the throng of souls and ghouls
pressing up against the turnstiles.
       "Back you heathen!" he scowled, the palm of his free hand forcing
the crowd away.  Quietly, he set Ranma down but kept a tight hold on him
by the back of his neck.
       "Now then, young fellow, what is it that has you so impatient,
eh?" asked the Giant.
       Ranma's grimaced in pain and the grip slacked off.  "Ah, I need
to get on that train," he managed to say after a moment.
       "You don't say?"  A smile formed and the Giant leaned down close
to Ranma.  "Many a soul has need of boarding the trains.  What is so
special that I must allow you passage?"
       "I don't... I don't belong here!"
       The Giant leaned back.  He made a short grunt, and then let out
with a bellow of a laugh, tipping his head back to the sky.  He could
hardly contain himself stopping only when the throng again pressed up
against the turnstiles.
       "I said back, you mongrels!" and another firm push forced them
away.
       "You see," continued the Giant, "everyone would like to board;
but unfortunately, most do not have the credit to buy a ticket."
       "T-ticket?" said Ranma.
       "Yes.  Everyone must buy a ticket to board the train."
       A long tense pause followed, the Giant eyeing Ranma.
       "Well?" he finally said.
       "Well what?"
       "Let's see you credit!" exclaimed the Giant, holding out a hand.
       Ranma pressed back knowing that he could not fulfill the request.
       The Giant scowled at him.  "I should have known.  Another
freeloader trying to tug on my feelings of compassion.  Aw."
       In a flash, he snatched Ranma back up by the scruff of his shirt.
"I do not know why I pulled you out of the crowd, young fellow, but
there are no free rides here!"
       "No, wait!" you've got to let me get on that train!"
       "Bah!  Back you go!"  The Giant suddenly stopped and turned Ranma
around examining him at different angles with several strange looks.
       "Hmm, well you are not a bad looking specimen of a soul."  A
lustful glint came to his eye.  "There might be a few things you could
do for me."
       "Will they get me on that train?" asked Ranma.
       "Not this one, but a future one... maybe."
       Ranma did not like his tone, or the way he eyed him.  A blast of
the train's whistle signaled that it was about to depart.
       "Please, let me get on this train!"
       The Giant laughed, licking his lips expectantly.  Another cry
suddenly cut the air, a cry that made all who heard freeze dead in their
tracks.  It was an eerie howl akin to a wolf's, and then at the distant
end of the street appeared a large hound.  It turned, three demonic
heads sniffing the air in search of their quarry.  Bright red eyes
narrowed upon seeing Ranma held upright in the Giant's hand, and the
hounds' heads let out a yelp.  Three more appeared in the road behind it
slavering at the crowd and at him.
       "Anijza," muttered Ranma fearfully.
       "Anijza!" exclaimed the Giant.  Terror covered his face.  "You
are one of Anijza's possessions!  No, that changes everything, my young
friend.  Back you go to your fate!  I'll not cross the mistress with my
diminutive existence.  Go!"
       A sturdy toss tried to fling Ranma back down the road, but in
desperation he grabbed a hold of one finger and by using the Giant's own
force whipped himself back around.  He shot feet first straight towards
his face hitting with enough force to knock the Giant back flat on his
back.  Ranma hit the ground and ran for the train.
       "STOP HIM!" roared the Giant, and from literally out of thin air
shadowy figures appeared around Ranma.
       Another blast from the train and it began to move away from the
platform.  Ranma picked up his pace, dodging an arm groping for his body
twisting then leaped over another specter.  He was now on the platform
just as the rear of the train started to clear the edge.  Behind him,
the sound of terror filled cries then a loud wail from the Giant as one
of Anijza's dogs began to rend him apart.  With no time to waste, Ranma
bolted along the platform trying to catch onto the side of the caboose.
Vicious barks echoed along the tunnel, the claws of the hounds in
pursuit clattering on the platform floor.
       The end drew close and Ranma knew he would only get one shot at
this.  With a desperate leap, he sailed through the air and barely did
his hands catch on to the side railing. The train cleared the station
and he looked back.  At the mouth of the tunnel, the hounds barked and
moaned angrily as their prey moved out of reach.  Ranma sighed and
pulled himself over the rail onto the deck of the caboose.  He stopped
to catch his breath; glanced back at the tunnel then went inside.
 
* * * * *
 
       Moving through the train, Ranma came out into the main passengers
cars.  In the seat were more spectral figures; men, women, even children
much to his surprise.  Hopefully, they would not try to attack him like
the ones back at the station, and bracing himself for the worst
continued on up the aisle.  Nobody seemed to notice or cared that he was
the only solid figure around.
       The next car and found more of the same thing, Ranma moved
further on reaching the front and stopped.  "Malbolge," called an
announcement over some unseen speaker.  With a frown, Ranma found an
open seat and peered out the window.
       The train seemed high above the ground, moving along at steady
pace through dark jet-black canyons.  In the sky, a dull red reflected
off drifting streaks of mist, and then below he caught sight of a large
river only it was red, blood red in color flowing swiftly through the
canyon floor.
       "Great," muttered Ranma, sitting down.  "A free tour of Hell,
that's all I need."  A sharp stinging sensation suddenly hit Ranma,
burning his nose, then his lungs.  He gagged covering his face with his
arms trying to protect himself from the gases.  They abated replaced by
a stench that brought the water running from his eyes and nose.
       "This is not good," he said.  As he wiped his face dry, Ranma
noticed an apparition sitting in the seat across from him.  It appeared
to be a young woman gazing sadly down at the floor.  He froze wondering
why she was there, or if she even knew he existed.  The dull listless
gaze remained steady on the floor and Ranma leaned toward her.
       "Uhm... Miss?  Hello, Miss?"
       She did not respond to his call.  Ranma reached over and waved a
hand before her face.  Still no response and he sat back.
       "Hmm, a dread full way to live the rest of your
exsiIIIISSSSSTAANCCEEEE!"
       Suddenly, the train dipped into a steep dive thrusting Ranma face
first into the seat across from him.  He fought to right himself against
the force pressing down on his body and turned around gripping the seat
for dear life as the train continued to descend.  The canyons were gone
now, replaced by a vast plain of blackness that seemed to rise and swell
like the ocean.  As they drew closer, he could see cracks in the surface
bubbles of thick pitch rising and bursting all across the plain.  A
burst of red flame exploded off in the distance and lava flowed across
the pitch briefly pooling before sinking back down into the morass.
       Finally, the train leveled out and then another announcement
called out, "All off here."
       "All off here?" wondered Ranma.  He sat up and noticed that one
of the car doors was open.  Several of the ghostly figures where
shuffling towards it lining up ready to disembark.  He waited a moment
expecting the train to slow, but instead it continued.  There was a loud
cry as the first person at the doorway suddenly flung themselves out.
In shock, Ranma dashed across peering horrified out the window.  Another
person leaped, and he saw there were other figures bobbing around in
mortal agony in the black pitch below.  They wailed and beckoned up
towards the train in desperation.
       Ranma turned shutting his eyes tight trying to force away the
ghastly sight.  He stood up looking to see that the young woman who was
sitting with him in his booth now stood perched at the doorway getting
ready to jump.
       "No, NO!" he cried out, and for the first time she seemed to
acknowledge his existence.  Her sorrow filled eyes panned briefly over
to his before she turned leaping out of view.  Ranma dropped into his
seat staring stunned as the train door closed by itself.
       "Next stop, Stygia," announced the monotone voice.
       Ranma sat in a silent daze, shocked by what had transpired,
fearing what other terrors lie ahead on this mad ride.  Maybe this was
not the way out, he thought sadly.  Maybe... maybe I have no other
choice but to concede to Anijza's insane desires.  The image of
Kendral's maligned form shook him from those thoughts.
       "No!  I must keep trying.  That is what Hell is all about.
Despair and sufferings and, and torment and-."   He paused noticing the
mist of his breath as he spoke.  "And cold?" he finished, sliding over
to the window.
       The vast lakes of pitch had given way to fields of ice.  Frozen
gnarled trees and plants dotted the area, and the sky was black once
more.  A sharp flash of lightening cut across the sky, and in the
foremost distance he could see a wide meandering river cutting through
the icy terrain.
       "Great, now I've gone from bad to very bad.  What's next?"
       As if in answer, the door leading to the next car slammed aside.
At the threshold stood an old hag clad in the tattered remnants of a
conductor's uniform.  Her wild eyes played across the passengers and
then she stepped inside.
       "TICKETS!" she screeched in a high voice.
       The specters around the car started holding up frail drab white
tokens that the hag began to take and punch.  She grabbed one, punched
it and was about to hand it back when she paused eyeing the script.  A
bulging eye panned over at its owner cowering beneath her gaze.
       "MISSED YOUR STOP DID YOU!" she screeched at him.  The window of
the booth opened and the hag's bony hands took the unfortunate specter
up by the neck.
       "OUT YOU GO! OUT YOU GO!" she cried, tossing him out.
       As the wails faded away behind the closing window, Ranma grimaced
realizing that he shared a similar fate when this conductor reached him.
As she turned, her other bulging eye twitched panning over in his
direction.  Ranma let out an audible gulp as the hag turned towards him.
Her mad leer sent shivers through his body, her hoarse wheeze and
slavering tongue repulsive to bear.  Ranma cringed back when she reached
his booth.
       "TICKET!" came the piercing cry.
       "I... I don't have one!" he answered, crossing his arms
protectively across his face.
       A silence followed, the hag glaring down on Ranma.  Suddenly she
started cackling, turning her head back and forth.
       "AW, NO TICKET, NO RIDE!  NO TICKET, NO RIDE!" she told him
between laughs.
       "Please, I've got to get back to my home!  I don't belong here!"
Ranma pleaded desperately to her.
       It did no good, and he heard the slam of the window dropping open
behind him.
       "OUT YOU GO, OUT YOU GO!"
       Her hands took hold of Ranma lifting him up out of the seat.
Ranma was not about to allow himself to be thrown out into this cold
bleak portion of Hell and quickly moved into action.  His arms came up
breaking the cackling hag's grip.  She stopped laughing surprised by his
resistance then a powerful blow to the chin rocked her back into the
corner of the car.
       Ranma took a stance ready to defend himself.  "I don't want to
hurt you... Geeese, listen to me say that to somebody in Hell."
       The Hag's cynical cackle returned as she pulled herself up from
the floor.  "Out, out, OUT YOU GO!" she cried charging at him.
       Her barred fingers sliced at Ranma's face, forcing him back.
Finally, Ranma let go with a furious volley of blows knocking the hag
around the car.  She continued to cackle amidst the blows.  Around them,
the windows began opening and closing by themselves with each cry of her
voice.
       "Will you stop that annoying sound, you poor excuse for a
parrot!" shouted Ranma.  He continued to pummel her then finally took
hold of her hair.  With a strong heave, Ranma sent the hag tumbling out
one of the open windows.  Her eerie cackle lingered in the air as she
faded out of view.
       Okay what now, Ranma's mind asked him.  You've just kicked the
trains conductor off.  Surely, someone is bound to notice.  Worse yet,
you have no ticket and still don't know if this thing is going to get
you back home.  He relaxed his stance looking around.  The ghostly
passengers remained oblivious to their surroundings.  No threat there,
obtaining a ticket became the first priority.  He figured his best bet
would be to move to another car and try finding out how to get one then.
       "Now entering Phlegthos," came the next announcement.  Almost
immediately, the chilling cold gave way to an intense heat.  Ranma
looked outside and smirked.  The train was now passing across a vast
lake of fire, smoke and flames rising high up to the boiling clouds in
the sky.
       "Okay, time to go," said Ranma rushing forwards.
       When he opened the car door, a powerful blow greeted him and he
tumbled down the aisle.  "NO TICKET, NO RIDE!" screeched the Hag
striding in after him.
       Ranma crawled frantically back, shocked by her return.  He
reached the compartment door and thrust it aside diving into the next
car.  He rolled coming to his feet ready to run, but a tight grip took
him by the back of the shirt and spun him around.
       "OUT YOU GO!"
       A painful backhand pitched Ranma halfway down the aisle.  He
tumbled to a stop and lay dazed for a second.
       "Tch, tch, tch, tch, tch.  That looked like it hurt," said a
familiar voice from the booth just behind him.
       Ranma looked back and found himself staring up at Anijza.  She
sat calmly filing her nails with the tip of a small dagger, the battle
spear resting comfortably next to her side.  She gave him a quick look
then flashed a smile.
       "Oh no," moaned Ranma.
       "Not happy to see me?" replied Anijza, "You seem to need my help,
Ranma-darling."
       Ranma pulled himself to his feet.  "I don't need your help,
Anijza," he snarled squaring off with the hag again.  He threw a punch
only to find his fist caught in her powerful grip.  Several blows rammed
up into his stomach, and then Raman was lifted high into the air.
       "OFF, OFF, OFF YOU GO!" cried the hag, tossing him up the aisle.
       Pain shot through Ranma as he tried to recover.
       "Don't need my help?" said Anijza, now sitting in the booth next
to where he lay.  "Looks like you do to me."
       The hag was approaching and Ranma sat up.  Anijza knelt down next
to him.  "Ranma, please come back with me and end this silly notion of
escape.  You cannot, except that fact."
       Nevertheless, Ranma refused.  He pulled himself into the booth
across from her and then climbed up into the seat.  "All off here," came
an announcement.  The side door opened and just like before, several of
the passengers stood up and began to leap out into the fiery lake below.
       "OFF, OFF, OFF!" shouted the hag, pointing at the door.
       Ranma stared fearfully at the hag then at Anijza.
       "Really, Ranma, you must stop this silliness," continued Anijza.
"I was lucky Amon did not detect you in Stygia, but Belial will
definitely not miss your presence, and I do not wish to battle him in
his own territory."
       She made a step closer towards him and Ranma pressed further back
into the corner of the booth.  The hag was still screeching for him to
get off the train, and then the side door closed.
       "Never," said Ranma.  With an arm, he smashed out the window
jumping up on the sill ignoring the glass shards cutting his flesh.
"I'll never go back with you, Anijza."
       "Hm," grunted Anijza.  "Okay, then jump."
       Ranma hesitated, looking back at the burning pools rushing by
below.
       "OFF, OFF, NO TICKET, NO RIDE, OFF!" railed the hag, creeping
ever closer towards him.
       "Well, what's the delay?" asked Anijza.  Another announcement
called across the speaker causing her to look up.
       "Approaching Field of Needles."
       "Ooo, I'd jump now before we get there, Ranma," she said, "very
painful experience.  Take it from me; I had to go through that during my
initiation."
       Ranma glared at Anijza for a moment.  His hatred for her burned
hot in his eyes and he was determined not to allow her to recapture him.
Anijza's look of surprise was the last thing he saw as he tipped back
out of the window rocketing towards the flames below.
       His thought lingered on Akane whishing he could have just one
more day with her.  "I'll miss you, Akane," Ranma thought.
       Something thick and warm suddenly tightened around his body,
pinning his arms to his side.  The pressure increased threatening to
crush him, and then Ranma let out a cry.  "Sorry," boomed a deep voice
and he looked up straight into the face of a giant only with two large
and pointed teeth protruding up from his lower jaw and mouth.  His skin
was a dark brown and a pair of massive bat-like wings beat in strong
powerful pulls guiding them up away from the lake of fire.
       Astride his neck sat Anijza.  She smiled at Ranma and waved down
at him.
       "Now you did not think I would let you go and do a foolish thing
like that did you, Ranma?" she called out to him.
       "Ah, no, no, I won't let you take me, Anijza!" Ranma shouted.  He
began struggling in the tight grip much to Anijza's dismay.
       "Subdue him, Buln," she said, and the grip holding Ranma
tightened once more.  Ranma's movements grew frantic for a second before
he finally went limp.  Anijza stared down at his unconscious form then
shook her head.
       "Such stubbornness.  Take us home, Buln!"
       Buln's powerful wings drew them up and away back towards Anijza's
fortress.
 
* * * * *
 
       Around the Tendo dining room table, Akane and most of her friends
sat watching Cologne as she paced back and forth in the middle of the
room.  She muttered incoherently, several times wringing her hands
before her as if dreading what was to come.
       Finally, Nabiki had enough off the mystery.  "Cologne," she
called to the sage.  "Could we please stop with the buildup and tell us
whatever it is you need to tell us?"
       Cologne halted her steps and looked over at the expectant faces
staring back.  Her bottom lip started to tremble then she bit down on it
trying to hide her fear.
       "Do you kids really want to go after Ranma?" she finally asked.
       There was no hesitation from Akane.  "Yes!" she cried, slamming a
fist down on the table.  "I'm getting him back, and kicking her butt
while I'm there."
       "She's not having her way with Ranma, oh no," added Ukyo.
       "Over Shampoo's dead body!"
       Cologne seemed to flinch at Shampoo's remark.  She eyed them all
again and moved closer.  "I must warn you, they way will be hard and
treacherous."
       "Those are hardships we will endure," said Genma.  "Cologne, I do
not want to sound impatient, but have you found us a way into Hell?"
       "We have, Genma, we have!" she snapped, surprising them all.  It
was clear that she was very upset about it.
       "Well can you give us at least a small reason why you're being so
reluctant about telling us how?" asked Ryoga.
       "It will require a great deal of sacrifice, Ryoga Hibiki," she
replied.  Cologne paused allowing her words to sink in.  "Sacrifice that
some of you might come to regret."
       Mousse smirked at her.  "Sacrifice?  So we need to kill
something?" he said.  "We have P-chan if we-."
       "No you don't!" shouted Akane.
       Ryoga's sturdy hand slapped the back of the nearly blind man's
head.
       "Sacrifices," said Tatewaki.  "A silly notion, Mousse."
       "No, he is partly right, Kuno." Cologne said.
       Silence filled the air, everyone feeling the tension that rose
amongst them.  Quietly, Cologne resumed her pacing again.
       After the shock passed, Nabiki made a loud swallow and spoke
again.
       "Uh, Cologne... uh, w-w-who is going to be sacrificed?"
       She stopped, immobile for a moment before turning in Hikaru
Gosunkugi's direction.
       "Me!" he exclaimed, shooting to his feet.  "Is that why you
called me here?  To be a sacrifice for Ranma's sake?"
       "No, Hikaru, I did not call you here for that."
       "Then why are you looking at him like that?" asked Ryoga.
       "Because he will be the one sending you to Hell."
       "I will?"
       "HIKARU!" exclaimed the others.
       "Now calm yourselves," beckoned Cologne, motioning for them all
to settle down, but even Akane was starting to exhibit doubt about the
whole affair.
       "Cologne, does it have to be Hikaru?" she asked.
       "He will not be the only one involved in the process, Akane."
       "Yeah, but now I'm even more worried about that process," added
Ukyo.
       "Yes, like how we are going to get there," commented Kodachi.
       Ignoring her remark, Cologne went on.  "And not all of you will
be going either."
       Another stunning announcement that shook them.
       "So then who is not going?" Soun asked.
       "You for one," answered Cologne.  "Neither are you, Genma."
       "But he is my son!"
       "You are needed here!"
       That ended his protest.  Cologne turned to where Kasumi and Ono
sat.  "You two will not be going either," she told them.
       "Fine with me," said Ono, pulling Kasumi closer to him.  "I doubt
with her current injuries that Kasumi could make such a journey anyway."
       "Oh, Ono," giggled Kasumi, swatting him lightly on one arm.
       "So will you be going with us, great grand-ma?" Shampoo said.
       "No, Happosai and I will be needed here."
       "Okay, so that leaves the rest of us," said Ryoga, "with that
done let's get back to the most important subject here.  How are we
getting to Hell?"
       Everyone waited for Cologne's answer to the one final question
that remained.  She stared at them, and then with a shimmer of tears
gazed at her granddaughter's innocent features.  Oh, Shampoo, she
muttered, fighting back her sobs.  Cologne drew in a breath and cleared
her eyes.
       "I... I will have to... I'm going to have to kill you all!"
       She turned away unable to face them anymore.  However, the news
sent those involved into a deep moment of speechlessness.
       "Cologne?" Mousse finally said, "Kill?  Do you mean like kill as
in dead kill?"
       "I mean death, Mousse!" she shouted, whirling on him.  "Murder,
execution, slaughter, do you understand now?"
       More silence followed then Akane stood up.  She walked up to
Cologne and looked her square in the face.
       "So when are we going?" she asked.
       "Akane!" Soun called out.
       She turned.  "I swore I am going to get Ranma back!  None of you
have to come, but as for me, I must."
       "You don't stand a chance against Anijza alone, Akane," said
Ukyo.
       "So are you with me?"
       Ukyo sighed.  "Yeah, I'm in."
       "Me too," said Ryoga.
       "I will go as well," said Konatsu.
       "You can consider me part of the team," said Tatewaki.  "Blue
Thunder will not allow any harm to befall you fair skin, Akane."
       Shampoo strode up to Akane, a slight hint of anger in her eye.
"Shampoo go, but not for Akane's sake.  I go to get husband back."
       "Damn," muttered Mousse.  "No need to ask me now."
       "Your husband?" Kodachi suddenly said.  "Ranma is my
husband-to-be, and I will not allow Akane's scheming mind to try and woo
him by saving his life.  I, Kodachi Kuno will be gaining that honor."
       Despite some of their reasoning, Akane was happy that she would
have all of their support.  She looked over at the last person to pledge
themselves to the cause.
       "Nabiki?" said Akane.
       "Hold on, I'm thinking, I'm thinking."
       Nabiki pondered a moment, her gaze cutting around at the
questioning looks upon her.  "I really do not see a reason for me to be
going."
       "How about a chance to gain some payback on that bitch, Anijza?"
said Ukyo.
       "Hmm," sounded Nabiki, pondering some more.  "The pot's sweet,
but not sweet enough."
       "How about doing it for me?" Akane said.  "I could use your help,
Nabiki."
       Her sad face played on Nabiki's heartstrings, breaking down her
resolve.  As much as she tried to resist, Nabiki finally gave in.
       "Okay, little sister, I'll go!  Cease the sad looks, please."
       Akane laughed and turned to Cologne again.  "So when do go?" she
asked.
       "It will take Happi and I a few hours to complete preparations.
I suggest you all try to get some sleep.  You are going to need it...."




             .---Anime/Manga Fanfiction Mailing List----.
             | Administrators - ffml-admins@anifics.com |
             | Unsubscribing - ffml-request@anifics.com |
             |     Put 'unsubscribe' in the subject     |
             `---- http://ffml.anifics.com/faq.txt -----'