Decided to revise where the end of chapter was on reconsideration.  As so
much of this occurs on the same day, I decided to take it to the days end
rather than leaving it at late afternoon, especially as the added section
fits the tone of this chapter better.

And so we begin Book Three.  Despite the near  total dearth of feedback, the
muse won't let me go, so once more into the breach.

Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 characters property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan,
Kitty, and Viz Video. Sailor Moon characters property of Takeuchi Naoko,
Koudansha, TV Asahi, and Toei Douga, and DIC. Ah! My Goddess property of
Fujishima Kosuke, Kodansha, TBS and KSS films; AnimEigo, Studio Proteus, and
Dark Horse Comics. Other characters who may cameo are property of respective
owners.  All are used without permission. I did not write this for profit,
but for practice. Will be removed at request of original creators or
authorized rep.

Zhu Shu (who shoo), Tao-Ching, Xi'an Chi (zy-an chee), and Clans' Dragon and
Skorpion are mine, and may be used so long as I am asked beforehand.

Previous Chapters can be found at:

http://www.rakhal.com/florestica/lsmcgill/dragon/index.htm


Tears of a Dragon

Book Three: The Black Dragon

Chapter One: Laughter and Tears

Doctor Tofu came out of the back room shaking his head.

"I really don't know dragon physiology well enough to be certain, but she's
exhibiting all the signs of being drunk.  Other than that, she seems
extremely healthy.  Her over all Chi signature is very strong, though it has
some puzzling aspects."

"But is she okay?"  Akane asked.

"She's sleeping now, after flittering around my examining room in a happy
bliss.  I think she's rather pleased at being able to fly."

Ranma laughed.  "You think?  It's all she's said for a half hour."

"I doubt she's coherent enough to formulate any other thoughts, Son-in-Law."
Ke Lun said as she hopped into the office on her stick.  "Shan Pu mentioned
Dragon Wine?"

Akane nodded.  "Ai slipped it into her thermos before lunch, then challenged
her to a re-match."

Ke Lun nodded.  "Very well.  I will look after her.  You two have school.  I
have already sent Shan Pu back."

They both looked towards the door to the other room, then at the raised
eyebrow of the old woman and bowed.

"Yes, Great Grandmother."

Ke Lun nodded as they went out the door.  "Good, at least in a crisis, they
are obedient."  She turned back to Tofu.  "Now where is the patient?"

"This way."  Tofu said in Mandarin.

"You speak Chinese?"

"Mandarin and Cantonese.  About a third of my patients are from Chinatown.
They like the fact I'm not just a modern doctor, but that I also practice
the old medicines."

Ke Lun nodded.  "Wise man."

Zhu Shu had passed out on the examination table and was snoring loudly,
sprawled in an ungainly  pose with her wings and tail hanging down next to
the table.  Tofu had supplied her with a examination gown, but Zhu Shu had
apparently ripped it in half turning in her sleep.  Ke Lun examined the
tear.

"I take it she's shown extraordinary strength?"

Tofu nodded.  "As well as flight, and the ability to spit some form of
organic napalm."  He pointed to a pile of ash.  "That used to be a potted
palm."

Ke Lun nodded, looking at Zhu Shu's horns.  "Humm.  One long horn on each
side, and two smaller ones under them.  And her ears are a bit longer."

"And more expressive.  She can move them unconsciously, like a cat's" Tofu
added.  "Her teeth are about the same, but they seem to be something that
looks like normal enamel, but it's stronger.  She bit right through a metal
examination mirror when I was trying to get a closer look."

K Lun nodded.  "And her hair's changing color.  The blonde is darkening
towards black.  I'd say the Dragon Wine interacted with her curse.  She was
cursed to turn into the form of a daughter of a black dragon and a human.  I
suspect the Wine caused her dragon blood to stir, made it stronger so more
dragonish traits came out."

"Ah.  It made repressed genes dominant."  Tofu nodded.  "I get you."

"You're taking this rather well for a Japanese doctor." Ke Lun noted.

"Trust me.  Live in Nerima awhile and this is far from the strangest thing
you'll see.  Between those darn alien Oni, and the Senshi..."  He nodded
towards Zhu Shu.  "Do you think this is permanent?"

Ke Lun nodded.  "The Wine is already leaving her system and she's shown no
indication of reverting.  What I want to know is if her curse is still
active."  She took Tofu's kettle from its warmer and tested the water before
pouring it on Zhu Shu, sighing in relief when she reverted to normal form.

"Humm.  I've never actually watched that before."  Tofu said.  "Very quick,
isn't it?"

"Yes.  And at least she can still be herself."

"Great Grandmother?"  a sleepy Mandarin voice came from the couch.  Zhu Shu
shook her head.  "Ow.  Why is my head pounding?"

"Dehydration." Tofu said.  "Alcohol tends to take water out of the system."
He helped the Chinese girl to sit up and handed her a large glass of water.
"This will help."

Zhu Shu nodded and drank.  "How did I get here?  The last thing I remember
is fighting Ai, and then feeling like my body was on fire."

"She had you drink Dragon Wine, Zhu Shu.  It is a magical brew made for
dragons.  I fear it had... side effects."  Ke Lun said.

Zhu Shu looked down at herself.  "Side effects?"

"On your cursed form."

Zhu Shu raised her eyebrow before she dumped the rest of the water on her
head. Then jumped up in surprise.

"Ow."  She turned to look behind her.  "I have a tail?"  Then she looked
higher, "And WINGS?"

Ke Lun nodded.

Zhu Shu smiled.  "Um.  Does this mean I can fly?"

Both Ke Lun and Tofu looked down, to where Zhu Shu's feet had already left
the floor, her wings having started up the moment she had looked away from
them.

Zhu Shu noted the look and then realized what she was doing.  "I can fly!"

Tofu nodded.  "Yes.  That's all you would say when they brought you in."

"Humm.  You seem sober enough now Grand-Daughter."

Zhu Shu blinked.  "I was drunk?  So that's why I can't remember much.  I
don't have much of a head for spirits.  Grandfather caught me once after I
had tried some of my Aunt's sake, and he said he had to carry me to bed
because I couldn't stand after one glass."

Ke Lun smiled.  "I will remember that, and not serve you wine at your
wedding."

Zhu Shu laughed.  "Yes Grandmother."

"Now, put your feet on the floor."

Zhu Shu sheepishly landed.

"I take it then that you are in no way upset at this happening?"  Ke Lun
asked seriously.

"No Great Grandmother.  I can fly, I care not about anything else.   I have
dreamed of flying all my life, and for all of my skill and ability to jump,
I've been tied to the ground.  No price can be too great for such a wondrous
gift."

Ke Lun raised her eyebrow.  "That remains to be seen, young lady.  Still,
you seem all right for now.  I will write Lo Shen and ask her about this.
For now, I think you are fine, and you _also_ have school.  I've sent Ranma
and Akane back already, and unless Doctor Tofu has a reason to keep you?"

Tofu shook his head.  "She's recovered marvelously from the Wine."

"Very well.  Do you have a spare dress?" she asked Zhu Shu.

She nodded and pulled out her pack, withdrawing one of her not so good
dresses.  "I keep one of these handy just in case.  I should have changed
before the fight.  Ai ruined one of my favorite dresses."

"Very well.  You have ten minutes to adjust that for your cursed form, then
I expect you to go back to school.  Even an Empress needs a good education."

Zhu Shu smiled.  "Yes Great Grandmother."

* * * * *

It only took Zhu Shu eight minutes to convert the dress to being backless,
but she had less success trying to accommodate the tail, though she'd
learned how NOT to sit.  Apparently, she was going to need to give up on
chairs with solid backs when in cursed form.

The trip to school was incredibly fun though.  After all, Ke Lun hadn't
forbidden her to fly there, so she'd really gotten a chance to try out her
wings.  The passerby's in the street had had a great show of a dragon girl
doing loops and twists and mid air acrobatics, all while laughing gleefully.

Finally though, she had landed at Furinkan to find Ai waiting at the gate.
She gave the Cheerleader a wary look.

"What Ai want?"

"Wanted to make sure you were okay.  We still have a score to settle, but I
didn't mean for this to happen to you.  I was just looking for a way to
cancel out your chi abilities so we could trounce you."

Zhu Shu laughed.  "You make Zhu Shu very happy Dragon girl."

"Um... yeah.  Well, just to let you know, my squad is still sore, Ayeka
especially.  And I'm not that thrilled myself.  You went and kissed me in
front of the entire school, and no tongues were even involved.  My
reputation demands payback."

Zhu Shu shrugged.  "Still is game."

"Yeah yeah.  Well just watch your back, little miss dragon half.  I will put
a leash on you yet."

"Ai need watch threats.  If want Zhu Shu sleep with, asking go farther."

Ai gave her a leer.  "Asking isn't any fun.  I want to make you worship me."

Zhu Shu sighed.  "Zhu Shu not think that much fun.  See how Kodachi act.  No
want be like her."

Ai laughed.  "We'll see.  One of these days I _will_ look down to see you
smiling up at me."  She turned to go, then paused and bent over slightly as
she lifted her skirt to reveal she had nothing on under it.  She spread her
legs slightly and peered at Zhu Shu through them.  Straightening up from the
pose, she laughed at Zhu Shu's nose bleed and entered the school.

Zhu Shu wiped her nose and sighed.  That girl was such a tease.  It would be
so much simpler if she would get over her obsession with dominating her and
just ask her out or something.  Glad as she was with the results of this
last fight, this needed to be settled one way or another.

Finally making her way to her class, she sighed again when the teacher sent
her to the hall with buckets for being late, her only consolation being that
Ai was down the hall doing the same thing.

* * * * *

After the fight at lunch, the entire school wasn't about to miss the
challenge to Ranma.  Everyone waited with baited breath as the seconds
ticked down to the final bell, then poured out to the athletic field.

What they found was a little puzzling.  At some point after lunch a ring had
been erected, like a normal wrestling ring but the edges had been made of a
metal that shimmered strangely.  The challenger, Ukyo stood in the center
silently, ignoring the crowd as they filtered in.

Ranma was waiting outside of the gate for everyone to get seated before
making an entrance.  Akane was peering through the gate to the field.

"Humm.  He's got some kind of ring set up, and he looks rather pissed.  What
did you do to him, Ranma?"

"Nuthin!  I ain't seen him in almost ten years.  We used to be best
friends."

Shan Pu and Zhu Shu finally arrived.  "Sorry late.  Teacher make clean
class.  Shan Pu help."  Zhu Shu explained.

Ranma looked at her wings still fluttering, keeping her at eye level.  "You
really like being able to fly, huh?"

Zhu Shu nodded happily.  "First time since Zhu Shu be cursed not care be
cursed."

Ranma shook his head.  "At least you're happier than I've seen you.  Almost
bubbly."

Zhu Shu giggled.  "Zhu Shu can fly!"

Ranma rolled his eyes.

Shan Pu had already joined Akane peeking around the gate.  "Humm.  Ranma
fight person with big spatula?"

Zhu Shu blinked.  "What Shan Pu say?"

The Amazon looked at her.  "Person Ranma fight.  Have big spatula.  Cute
too."

Zhu Shu's feet touched the ground as she stepped towards the gate, almost
like she was afraid of what she'd see.

She stood there transfixed, looking through the gate as the others began to
worry.

"Zhu-chan?"  Akane asked.  "What is it?"

Zhu Shu's eyes didn't leave the ring, but her wings shifted and her tattoo
faded into view.  Shan Pu and Ranma looked at each other, puzzled.

Shan Pu's breath caught.  "Is exact same."

"What?"  Ranma asked.

Shan Pu pointed to Zhu Shu's tattoo.  "That."

It took a second for Ranma's eyes to focus on just the spatula, since Zhu
Shu so rarely showed her tattoo.  "Okay."  He looked over her shoulder to
where Ukyo was still waiting impassively.  "You're right.  It is the same.
So?"

Akane bapped him lightly against the back of the head.  "Dummy."

Ranma looked at her.  "What?"

"Her tattoo shows things."  Akane said.  "Don't you remember...  oh wait,
that was what she told me and  Rei."  Akane looked sheepish.  "Sorry.  I
thought you knew."

Ranma shook his head.  "Nobody tells me nothin'.  So what does this tattoo
show?"

Akane pointed to the flower.  "Ying-Ying, her first love, is symbolized by
the cherry blossom.  I'm symbolized by the tiger."  She smiled.  "Ergo the
swords the she just gave me.  These other two items I think are who else
she's going to be in love with."

"Marry."  Zhu Shu said softly.  "Ying-Ying say marry."

Ranma, Shan Pu and Akane looked down at the boy in disbelief.  "But you hate
boys."  Ranma said to Zhu Shu.

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Yes.  Zhu Shu hate _boy_."  she said sadly, her eyes never
leaving Ukyo

"Hey, no-one's making you marry anyone you don't want too, Zhu-chan."  Ranma
said firmly.  "If you ain't marrying us, you're going to have the best
person we can find."

Akane and Shan Pu nodded.

Zhu Shu's eyes finally closed as she lowered her head and sighed.  "Zhu Shu
thanks, but does not think Ranma can stop what Dragon do."  She took a step
forward.  "For now, Ranma must answer challenge."

They walked into the athletic field to cheers and whistles of appreciation,
Ranma proceeding to the ring as the girls set down in the front row.  Ukyo's
glare never left him the entire time.

"Well, you two timing womanizer." Ukyo said as Ranma entered the ring.  "Are
you prepared to die for your crimes against women?"

Ranma raised his eyebrow.  "Huh?  What crimes?"

Ukyo pointed to the girls.  "You force your fiancee to sit with your
mistress?  What crimes indeed.  You have a long history of such crimes."

Ranma gave Ukyo a questioning look.  "I don't get you.  Akane and Shan are
_both_ my fiancees.  Gramps set it up.  I ain't got no choice about it."

Zhu Shu groaned as both Akane and Shan Pu glared at the oblivious boy.

"So, you even admit you care nothing for them.  Smashing the life from you
will be a pleasure."  Ukyo took a stance with his spatula.

"Hey, I never said I didn't care."  Ranma spat back.  "What is up with you?
We used to be friends.  Why are you so angry?"

Ukyo's eyes glittered.  "You ran off and left me behind!"

Ranma scratched his head.  "Huh?"

"I've hunted you for ten years.  Now I find that you haven't changed a bit.
Defend yourself!"

Ukyo lunged forward with the spatula, coming nowhere close to Ranma.  He
sighed.  "Look, I don't know what you think I did, but I don't really want
to have to fight you."  He dodged another strike just as easily.

"You think words will make up for what I have suffered!?!"  Ukyo screamed.
"I want blood!"  In a blur she pulled a handful of smaller spatulas from her
bandolier and launched them at Ranma.

Shifting momentary into combat time, Ranma caught them and tossed them back.
"You don't have anywhere near the speed to really hurt me Uc-chan."

"Stop calling me that!  You lost the right to call me that ten years ago
when you left me behind!"

Shan Pu was watching the fight with a curious look.  Akane finally noticed
it and nudged her.  "What's up?"

Shan Pu shook her head.  "Boy not move right."  she said.

Ukyo meanwhile had changed tactics and had tossed a bag down, filling the
ring with a cloud of flour.  Caught unawares, Ranma fell into a coughing
fit.  Ukyo took advantage of it to catch him in what at first appeared to be
a blanket, but was revealed to be okonomyiaki dough.  With a laugh, Ukyo
tossed him onto the metal rim of the ring.  The immediate hissing revealed
that it was a giant griddle.

"Hey!"  Akane yelled.  "You hurt him too bad, you gotta deal with us!" She
looked over at Shan Pu and Zhu Shu, "Right?"

Shan Pu glared at Ukyo, but Zhu Shu was just looking at her feet.  Akane
raised an eyebrow.  "Hey, Zhu-chan.  You okay?"

She got a small nod in reply, but it was easy to see the dragon girl was
depressed.  Akane resolved to talk to her after the fight, and turned back
just in time to see Ranma shred the dough he was being cooked in.

"Okay, Uc-chan, you keep this up, you're going to make me angry.  Why are
you so mad?"

"You should know!  You were the one who left!  You just waved and laughed as
I ran after you begging you to stop.  You ruined my life!"

Ranma blinked.  "Huh?  I don't remember that.  I... mean I remember us
leaving, Dad pulling your yata while you ran after us waving, but dad said
you were waving goodbye.  I couldn't hear you."  He stopped, struck by a
thought.  "Why was my dad dragging your dad's yata?"

"That was the price, you idiot!"

"Price?"

Shan Pu nodded.  "Know what wrong."  She jumped up and landed between Ranma
and Ukyo.  "Shan Pu watch fight.  Ukyo not move right.  Want know, why Ukyo
pretend be boy!"

"What?  I... "  Ukyo eyes narrowed.  "I don't know what you mean!"

Shan Pu growled and before Ukyo could move, she reached out and tore open
the front of Ukyo's tunic, revealing well developed breasts that had been
hidden under a bandage.  "You girl!  Why try hide!"

The entire school gasped.  Two sets of bare breasts in one day was unheard
of.  Most of the boys fainted, having already lost so much blood earlier.
The rest of the school started buzzing.

Ukyo covered her breasts.  "Because I have to!  Because of him!  He's made
me live my life as a man ever since he ran out on our engagement!"

Dead silence descended across the field as everyone's jaw dropped.

"En...en.. engagement?" Ranma finally choked out.

"Engagement!  My Dad arranged it with your Dad, and gave up our family yata
as dowry!  Then you stole it and left me behind!"

Shan Pu raised an eyebrow.  Then turned to Ranma.  "You do this?"

"No!  I mean... I remember the yata... but... but... I mean... Jeez,
Uc-chan, I always thought you were a boy!"

Shan Pu gave him a half lidded gaze and didn't stop Ukyo as she brained him
with the spatula.

"How could you have thought I was a BOY!!!!"

Akane grabbed the spatula.  "Because he's rather unobservant.  Now would you
please stop hitting my fiancee?"  She looked at Shan Pu.  "And you let her?"

Shan Pu sniffed.  "Ranma not know is girl?  Shan Pu tell after just watch
few minute.  How Ranma not tell?"

"I was only six!"

"I think I can explain."  a voice said behind them, and they all turned to
see Genma.  "Son, there's someone I think you should meet."  He indicated
Ukyo.  "This is Ukyo, and she's your fiancee."

There was the sound of a foot impacting flesh loudly as Genma began
ascending towards orbit, followed by a nearly homicidal Ranma.

"YOU KNEW AND YOU DIDN'T TELL ME!" he screamed, the sound fading as he
passed behind the fence around the field.

Akane and Shan Pu looked at each other.  "He is so dead.  If Ranma doesn't
kill him, we should."  Akane noted.

Shan Pu nodded.  Then turned to Ukyo.  "Ranma is Shan Pu and Akane fiancee."

Ukyo fixed her with a glare. "He's mine!  I've spent ten years trying to
find him!  The only way I can be free to be a girl again is if he marries
me!"

Shan Pu picked her up by the remains of her shirt.  "Shan Pu say this once.
Ranma and Akane is hers.  You no try interfere or may have to get violent."

Ukyo glared.  "Better watch the threats, suger.  Ranma is mine.  I've spent
too long hunting him to just give up!  He's going to marry me or die!"

She ripped her shirt free and jumped out of the ring, landing right in front
of Zhu Shu.  Her eyes met the golden eyes of the dragon girl and for a long
second, she couldn't look away.  Then she blinked, and turned away,
uncertain of what had just happened.

As she walked away, Zhu Shu sighed sadly.

Akane looked at her.  "Are you okay?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Zhu Shu knew she girl when first lay eyes on.  Aura not
lie.  Know she some how connected to Zhu Shu.  Not know how.  Hope be one
could marry, but is girl."  She looked into Akane's eyes, and all the
despair that had once been there was back. "And yet, Zhu Shu see into soul.
Not know how, but somehow, Ukyo see right back into to Zhu Shu too.
Somehow, Ukyo see all Zhu Shu is... and she turn away..."

* * * * *

"Okay, yes I know she's a new goddess."

"No, she used to be our nemesis."

"No I don't know how she got reassigned."

"But I already have an assignment!"

"Okay, okay!  Alright!"

Urd slammed the phone down in disgust, eliciting a raised eyebrow from Mara.
"What was that about?"

"Licensing just assigned me as your Mentor while you're on probation.  Said
being the goddess who's on probation the most, I should be a good example of
what not to do." Urd said disgustedly.

Mara laughed.  "That's funny.  Don't worry Urd.  I'll try not to be excess
baggage.  And at least I won't be an obstacle anymore."

Urd sighed.  "I don't mind you hanging around Mara... or trying to help, but
I've got this really important assignment, and if I fail...

"Demon, Third class.  I know, I snuck a look at your assignment... at least,
I vaguely remember doing it.  I also remember gloating at the time.  The
tables are definitely turned.  I get made a goddess under you instead."

"I still wish I knew how Legend did it.  I've heard of gods falling, but
I've never heard of a demon becoming a goddess."

Mara shrugged.  "I don't know.  All I remember is his offering the choice.
He knew everything about me, Urd.  He looked right through me and knew my
every thought and desire.  He... he took the best part of me and allowed me
to see it, and choose between that and... and..."

Urd nodded.  "It's okay Mara.  I'm really sorta glad not to have to fight
you anymore, though it's gonna be weird dealing with whoever replaces you.
For now though, I really need to know what you did to thwart me."

Mara nodded, thinking really hard.  "I remember a Chinese Sorcerer, named
Xi'an Chi.  He's the leader of a tong... um... I think it's Clan Skorpion?
I don't remember all the details, but he has some sort of grudge against the
Dragon's Child."

"That's a start."  Urd seemed to come to some sort of decision.  "Well,
you're assigned to me, so I guess you may as well come with me.  I have to
go see what I can find out about this wizard."

Mara smiled.  "You don't have to drag me around if you don't want, Urd.
That's not saying I won't be happy to be near you, but you don't need to
feel obligated."

Urd sighed.  "Look, Mara, I know you're in love with me.  I don't know how I
feel about that yet, alright?  I don't mind you being around, and I'm
certainly not worried about the fact we're both girls.  It's more I don't
know if I'm really ready for a relationship yet.  I'm..."

Urd stopped as Mara laid her finger against her lips.  "Shhhh.  Don't try to
explain, Urd.  Let's just see what happens, okay?"

Urd nodded.  "Okay."  She turned towards the TV.  "Jeez, I'm so much better
at this when it's someone else."

Mara laughed.  "I've seen a few of your 'successes' Urd.  No you're not."

Urd stuck out her tongue.  Mara stuck hers out right back, and they both
started laughing.

"Alright already." Urd said when she regained her composure, "let's go."

The transition through the TV was quick, but Mara was dumbstruck when they
arrived at Yggdrasil.

"I had no idea it was so..."

"Big?"  Urd supplied.

"Pretty." Mara corrected.  "I've never been here before.  Most of heaven is
off-limits to demons."

"Well you're a goddess now, so you're allowed here."

"Against my better judgment."  Peorth's voice broke in.  "But she is
technically a goddess."

Urd looked over to the sysop station.  "Well, she's assigned to me, so where
I go, so does she."

Peorth raised her eyebrow.  "Of course, mon chere.  I would never come
between a master and her pet."

Mara glared.  "Good to see you too Peorth.  Did you ever get the smell out
of your apartment?"

Urd laughed.  "Come on, we need to go over here."

Peorth glared after them as Urd made her way to the substation and closed
the privacy shield.  Mara looked at the shimmering curtain.  "I'm surprised
the nosy bitch lets you get away with this."

"She doesn't have a choice."  Urd said smugly as she typed away on the
keyboard.  She hit the enter key and leaned back as a speaker activated.

"Greetings, Goddess Urd.  How are you today?"

"Feeling a bit like you left things out, again."  Urd grumbled.

"I am limited in what I information I can give you, Goddess Urd.  I do
apologize for that, but I must do as my maker bade me.  A greetings to you
as well, Goddess Mara.  It has been a very long time."

Mara blinked.  "Umm.  Hi?"

Urd looked at the computer.  "You know her?"

"Yes."

"How."

"You introduced her to me in the past."

"I haven't done that yet!" Urd muttered.  "And you won't ever answer any
questions on it!"

Mara blinked.  "Am I missing something here?"

Urd scowled.  "Just this damn assignment I'm on.  Somehow, the me from the
future has done things in the past, and what she did is hidden from me, by
her orders!"  she gestured to the computer.  "And this piece of annoying
code is one of her "gifts."

Mara nodded.  "Ah."

Urd sighed.  "Alright Phoenixmoon, give me what ever you know about Xi'an
Chi."

The computer hesitated, something Urd had come to realize meant something
had been unlocked by a trigger phrase, then the privacy screen went dead
black as a hologram shimmered before the computer, resolving into... Urd.

But it was a much older Urd, her hair as long as her ankles, and ages upon
ages in her eyes.  The hologram focused on the chair where Urd sat and a
faint smile crossed its lips.

"If you are seeing this, then you have finally come here with Mara, and she
is no longer working against you.  It also means that time is short."

"The wizard Xi'an Chi is the brother of Song Lin Tzu, Chosen of the Dragon.
When Legend favored Song Lin Tzu, he grew jealous of the power of the
Dragon, and became a willing pawn of Chaos.  He is the tool of Chaos, and
you cannot prevail against him in direct combat.  He has powers granted him
by Chaos that would kill even you, Urd."

"However, you are fortunate that Chaos shares her power grudgingly.  To
attain his full power, Xi'an Chi must evoke Chaos.  Without this, he is
merely a wizard of enormous power.  Do what you can to avoid direct
confrontation, as his proxies and servants are far less dangerous."

"However, you will not be able to avoid him entirely.  So long as Song Zhu
Shu lives, he will hunt her.  She is the heir to the Dragon, and linked to
him.  If Xi'an Chi controls her, or slays her, he can wrest the link from
her and draw on Legend's power."

The hologram closed its eyes and rubbed its temples.  "I don't know how best
to stress this, Urd, but regardless of the cost, this must not be allowed to
happen." The hologram's eyes reopened to look into Urd's.  "I have given
even my life to see to this.  Indeed, I have given many others lives to see
to it as well.  I cannot tell you all I have done, but if you are viewing
this, then I no longer exist, and there is only you, my younger self."

"History has a momentum, Urd.  And the butterfly has to flap its wings at
the exact right time to make a hurricane.  I have flapped for the last time,
and I have no choice but to lay this burden on you.  Your test is my last
ditch effort to change what will be.  Phoenixmoon was designed to help you,
but there are limits on what it can tell you.  You do not stand against just
Hild, or Xi'an Chi, but against Chaos herself.  If you know too much, you
will become too large a target, as I have become.  It is the only chance at
safety I can give you."

The hologram turned towards where Mara was standing.  "I wish that I was
truly there, instead of a hologram, I wish that you were truly here instead
of only in my memories.  I have nothing to offer you but a chance that the
future may be better than the past."  Her eyes returned to Urd.  "There are
many regrets I have, my younger self.  Many regrets.  It took me far too
long to know my heart.  Whatever you do, I pray you listen to yours better."

With a last flare, the hologram faded.  Urd drew a long shaky breath.

"Okay.  It's one thing to suspect your future self is meddling in the past.
It's something else again to have visual proof." she said finally.

Mara nodded.  "At least we know you age well."

Urd gave her an evil eye.  "Thanks."  She threw her face into her hands.
"What the hell did I get myself into."

Mara laid her hand on Urd's shoulder.  "I'm sorry for what I did.  Perhaps
if I had not gone to Xi'an Chi..."

"No.  You heard her... me.  He's after Zhu Shu no matter what.  Sooner or
later he'd have showed up.  I just wish I understood what was going on.  Who
is Chaos?  What is this all about?  And what does Shan Pu's wish have to do
with it all?"

Mara gave her a strange look.  "You don't know who Chaos is?"

Urd shook her head.

Mara sighed.  "Among demons, from the youngest to the oldest, Chaos is a
name spoken with fear.  She's the embodiment of oblivion.  Negation.  The
Terrible Master was simply an avatar."

Urd blinked.  "And Hild?  My mom?"

Mara looked away.  "She is Chaos's servant.  She rules Nefelhiem, but it is
Chaos who rules her."

"So what does the embodiment of oblivion want with the Dragon's child?"

Mara shrugged.  "No-one ever asks Chaos anything.  Inviting her attention is
like asking to be killed. Some legends say she is a prisoner, and seeks to
destroy the universe so that she can finally be free.  Death and destruction
are her hallmark."

Urd sighed again, not resisting as Mara started kneading her back.  "Great.
Just great.  As if I didn't already have enough to worry about."  She sat
for a few moments letting the ex-demoness work on her shoulders.  "Well, at
least I guess I know the answer to one thing after all of that."

"Ummhumm?"  Mara questioned.

Urd look back over her shoulder.  "She at least seemed to return your love,
so I guess eventually, I will too."

Mara shook her head.  "I don't know.  All she offered was a chance, same as
Legend.  I think, if she did, she discovered it too late."

Urd sighed.  "I think so too."  She looked back to where the hologram had
been.  "She didn't want me to make the same mistake.

"So are you going to listen to her?"  Mara asked, the faintest hint of
wistfulness in her voice.

"Considering everything else in my life is going wrong, maybe I should."
Urd frowned.  "Are you still here, Phoenixmoon?"

"Yes Goddess Urd, I was simply allowing you privacy."

"What can you add to what Mara here just said about Chaos?"

"That you should avoid her attention at all costs, Goddess Urd.  She is a
force akin to the Ultimate, and outside of it.  Fortunately, she seems
limited to having to work through pawns.  I feel you should be aware though,
that I suspect her influence in a recent happening involving the object of
your recent conversation.   Were you aware that Song Zhu Shu's dragon
heritage has been strengthened?  And I believe she just met one of her
future mates."

"WHAT!  Why didn't you tell me this when it happened!"

"You were occupied helping Mara." The disembodied voice replied.

"Friggin computer!" Urd growled as she shut down the terminal and released
the privacy screen.  "Come on, we gotta go see what's up.

* * * * *

"Are you sure you're okay?"  Akane asked yet again.

"I'm fine, Akane."  Zhu Shu replied in Mandarin, unable to even find the
energy to try Japanese.

Akane looked at the newly transformed dragon girl, and begged to differ.
>From her drooping ears to dragging tail, Zhu Shu looked far from "fine".
She looked towards Shan Pu for support.

"I don't even know why you're upset over that girl, sister."  Shan Pu said,
still aggravated over the whole thing.  "She's not worth your time.  You
deserve better."

Zhu Shu sighed, her ears dropping even further.  Akane glared at Shan Pu.

"I know you're upset over her claiming to be Ranma's fiancee, Shan Pu, but
that's no reason to be so vehement."  she said, accepting the usage of
Mandarin for the conversation.

"She's trying to take our Ranma!  Why aren't you more upset!"

Akane gave her a look of disbelief.  "Because he is OUR Ranma, Shan Pu.
Look, I know we're still working things out, but I love Ranma, and I know he
loves me.  I know _you_ love both of us.  Considering all that, Ukyo doesn't
have a chance."

Shan Pu gave her a half lidded gaze.  "I see."  She gave a slow smile.  "I
guess I will try to have faith then, beloved."

Akane gave her a sidelong glance, and noted the smug look Shan Pu had at her
words.  She let the Amazon have her little victory and turned back to Zhu
Shu.  "Is there anyway that Ukyo isn't the one your tattoo is indicating?"

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "I looked into her soul, Akane, and she looked into
mine.  I know she's one of them."  She sighed heavily.  "And yet, once more,
I cannot marry her, because she is a woman.  I have to marry a man and bear
an heir.  Neither my grandfather nor the Amazon's will allow anything else.
And I've already gone over why I can't marry the three of you."

"So what exactly happened when you looked at her?"  Akane asked.  "I still
am not sure why you're so depressed."

"She rejected me, Akane."  Zhu Shu said softly.  "She looked into my soul,
and she turned away.  She rejected the connection, rejected me.  The very
attraction she felt for me was... unacceptable."

"Aren't you reading a little much into a few seconds of eye contact."  Akane
asked.

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "You know how I see auras.  Auras don't lie."

Akane nodded.  "Okay.  But your tattoo hasn't lied either.  Maybe we just
have to give it time."

Zhu Shu sighed again.  "Probably.  But what about Rei?  What do I tell her?"

Akane frowned.  "I don't know.  But surely there's no hurry."

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "I can't lie to her, Akane."

Shan Pu laid her hand on Zhu Shu's shoulder.  "Don't be so sad, sister.
Somehow, we'll work it out."

Zhu Shu nodded, and tried to smile, but her ears and tail betrayed her.
Shan Pu sighed and stopped at the corner.  "Well, great-grandmother is still
setting up the cafe, and she will want to know what happened."

Akane and Zhu Shu nodded.  Shan Pu stepped up to Akane and gave her a hug,
and a kiss before she turned and headed off.  Zhu Shu waited till her sister
was out of earshot before commenting.

"I see you're not fighting her affections."

Akane nodded.  "I've done a lot of thinking the last few weeks.  And...
well.  I discovered I like physical affection.  Being a bunny girl has its
downsides, but I've spent the last week playing with Ranma almost every day,
and I rather enjoy cuddles.  And, Shan Pu _is_ incredibly cuddly.  I'm still
getting used to being her fiancee, but at least I've stopped viewing her as
a rival for Ranma."

"Oh?  When did this occur?"

Akane blushed.  "Um... a few nights ago, when I found myself fantasizing
about a threesome with her as the centerpiece."  Akane shrugged.  "I
promised Ke Lun I'd stick to my promise and try to learn to love her, so I
guess I just got used to the fact that she _is_ my fiancee.  At least, I'm
trying not be as dense as I was with Ranma."  She laughed.  "Of course, the
fact that she's nowhere near as insulting helps."

Zhu Shu smiled, her ears actually perking up a little.  Akane smiled
herself.  "Tell you what.  Why don't you let me get the class started.  You
go up to your room, and I'll send Rei up to see you.  That way you won't
have to deal with all of them pestering you with questions about why you now
have wings."

Zhu Shu smiled gratefully.

* * * * *

Neither Ranma nor Genma had made it back to the Tendo's by the time they got
home, so the house was actually quiet.  Kasumi showed no surprise when they
came in, saying that Ke Lun had stopped by earlier.  She already had a pile
of Zhu Shu's dresses altered and a tea set waiting for her in her room.

Zhu Shu put the dresses away, making a mental note to thank Kasumi for being
so thoughtful.  She had just poured two cups when there was a gentle knock
on the door.  She rose and let Rei in, standing behind the door until she
had entered, then closed the door.

Rei had been looking at her concernedly, but when she got a good look, her
jaw dropped.

"Wow.  What happened to you?"

"Zhu Shu have small accident.  Drink Dragon Wine.  Make dragon side
stronger."

"Really?  Oh wow...  You have wings?  Can you fly?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  She turned to let Rei see all of her.

"Oh cool, and a tail?"  Rei laughed.  "Cute.  You look like one of those
girls from a Hentai video, but you're real."

Zhu Shu raised an eyebrow.  "Rei like?"

The Shinto priestess nodded.  "I like you, Zhu-chan.  And I do think it's
sexy.  A little weird, and it'll take getting used to, but sexy."

Zhu Shu smiled softly.  "Thank you.  But Zhu Shu needs talk to Rei."

Rei sensed the seriousness.  "Oh, gods.  You're dumping me right?  We
screwed up so bad in Hong Kong, and..." She looked at Zhu Shu over the hand
the Chinese girl had covered her mouth with.

"Zhu Shu not dump Rei.  Promise Rei she be available as long as Rei want to
chase.  But Zhu Shu not want see Rei be hurt."

Rei blinked at her, then pulled her head back.  "What's going on?" she
asked.

Zhu Shu sighed and set down on the futon.  "Zhu Shu meet someone today did
not expect."

Rei raised an eyebrow.  "Oh?  Who?"

"One Zhu Shu not think meet so soon."

Rei's eyes widened.  "Did you met HIM?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "But is problem.  Him is her, and her not seem want Zhu
Shu."

Rei blinked several times while she translated that.  "It's a girl?  Which
symbol?"

"Spatula. Ukyo Kuonji."

Rei's eyes widened.  "Ukyo Kuonji?  Makes Okonomyaki?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "She hunt Ranma.  Finally find and fought him today."

Rei's eyes turned towards the Dojo.  "I AM GOING TO KILL HER!"  she growled.
"I told Usagi not to talk about Ranma with him... I mean her!... I mean... "
she stopped.  "He's really a girl?  And he was so cute too!  Oh, wait till
Mina finds out!"

Zhu Shu blinked.  "You know Ukyo?"

Rei nodded.  "He... She used to run a restaurant in Juuban, called
Uc-chan's.  We had lunch there a couple of weeks ago, and Usagi was running
her mouth.  Ukyo seemed awfully interested in Ranma."

Zhu Shu nodded, looking downcast.  "She hunt Ranma because she fiancee."

Rei facefaulted.  "She's what!?!"

"When Ranma six, Genma arrange marriage."

"Wait a minute!  I thought the engagement with Akane took place when they
were born?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "But see problem.  Ukyo is not only girl, but engaged to
Ranma."

Rei blinked a few more times as she caught the note of melancholy, then her
face grew sad as well.  "Oh, Zhu-chan.  I'm sorry.  I-I know you have to do
your duty."  She sat down by Zhu Shu and reached out for her hand.  "I-I
hope you won't take this the wrong way, but I'm kinda glad you finally found
one of them.  I-I've been dreading this, but now that it's happened, I'm
kinda excited for you.  However, I'm not giving you up yet."

Zhu Shu looked at her.  "Rei not angry?"

"No.  I mean, I'm having fun dating you... well, I had fun on our one date
until...well.  But I'm not letting you go until I'm sure you're ready, and
I'm sure this Ukyo loves you."  Rei said firmly.

Zhu Shu smiled, her ears perking up.  "Zhu Shu glad to hear that."

Rei put her arm around her.  "Hey, I haven't had the best track record with
dates, but you're my friend first.  And I went into this knowing I'd
eventually have to give you up.  I'm not ready too yet, but I resigned
myself to it at least several minutes ago."

Zhu Shu laughed at Rei's infectious grin.  Rei grinned even further.

"I don't think you're happy enough" she said, then pounced, taking advantage
of Zhu Shu's backless dress to tickle her ribs.

The dragon girl collapsed in a helpless heap of giggles, begging Rei to
stop, but the younger girl was merciless.  They rolled around the futon
until finally Rei had Zhu Shu pinned to the bed, her body stretched out on
top of the other girl.  She held Zhu Shu's hand pinned as she caught her
breath, a small smile playing across her lips.

Zhu Shu looked up into Rei's face and thought about how beautiful the
priestess was, and how nice it was to feel her pressed against her.  On top
of that, she could smell that Rei was aroused.

And Rei had just had to tickle her.  Ying-Ying had made a habit of that too,
and...

Rei caught her half-lidded gaze and leaned closer.  "Well, now that I've
conquered you, what should I do?"  she asked softly.

Zhu Shu took a deep breath and fought against the first several replies.
Finally she said, "Not tease Zhu Shu.  She need cold shower."

Rei bent down and nuzzled her neck.  "Who says I'm teasing? she whispered in
Zhu Shu' ear.

Zhu Shu shuddered as she struggled to control the rising desire.  "Rei not
tease.  Zhu Shu..."

Rei stopped her with a kiss.  "I've wanted to do this since I saw you doing
kata.  And I've seen you struggle with being around Akane and Shan Pu."  She
leaned down and nuzzled Zhu Shu's neck again.  "I had contemplated doing
this after our date."

Zhu Shu gasped as Rei's kisses traveled down her neck.  "Is... is Rei
certain wish do this?" she protested faintly.

Rei answered her by releasing the knots on Zhu Shu's dress.

As the priestess's kiss continued downwards, Zhu Shu resistance crumbled.
She moaned softly as Rei released the last tie and drew the dress off of
her, holding it up like a trophy.    She smiled and draped it over the side
table, then unbelted and drew off her own top.  She grinned.  "I'm not as
well built as you, and I have to wear a bra, why don't you ever wear one?"
she asked as she reached behind her to undo the aforementioned device.

Zhu Shu stretched.  "Have exercises.  When Rei learn more, will teach."

Rei tossed the bra aside, revealing her pert breasts, and stood to remove
her skirts.  Zhu Shu watched her admiringly.  As the panties joined the
growing pile of clothes, she asked.  "Why Rei do this?"

Rei nestled back on the bed.  "Because you need it.  Because I need to
answer some questions for myself.  And because this may be my only chance.
For right now, you're still mine."  She ran her hand along Zhu Shu's
stomach.  "Let me enjoy that while I can."

Zhu Shu's answer was to draw her down for a long kiss.

* * * * *

The Chibi Urd jumped down from the window ledge and dusted her hands off.
That had taken an unexpected turn, though not an unwelcome one.  She looked
at Mara, who'd been waiting under a tree.

"Well, it seems our little priestess has her own ideas of appropriate
therapy."

Mara nodded.  "That's to be expected.  I could tell the girl had the hots
for Zhu Shu the first time I saw her."

Urd shrugged.  "At least it should help release some tensions.  Still, I
think I need to get some more info.  From what Zhu Shu was just saying, it
seems the Dragon's Child has some connection to Ukyo.  My briefing only said
she was another fiancee of Ranma, a loose end that I needed to resolve.
That's part of the reason I got the elders involved.  Ukyo's claim is based
on just Genma's deal, without the approval of his father in law or his wife,
unlike the engagements to Shan Pu and Akane.  Nodoka is unlikely to accept
the engagement, since it's illegitimate, and her father has nothing to gain
by the marriage, and in fact dislikes the Kuonji clan, since Ukyo's great
uncle is an old rival.  That basically puts Ukyo's claim to an end, which
should free her finally from having to hunt after Ranma, and let her go and
find another husband."

Mara raised an eyebrow.  "Um... That's your plan?"

Urd nodded.  "Yeah, why?"

Mara sighed.  "You're right, you need more info.  Let's go back to my old
place.  I think there's something else I tracked down that you might need.
Let's see if my notes survived, or even if they're coherent."

* * * * *

"When is Rei coming back?"  Usagi whined for the umpteenth time.  "And Zhu
Shu?  I wanted to tell everyone what happened."

Akane sighed.  "When they're done talking.  Now try that move again."

Usagi did the kata in slow motion again, attempting to imitate Akane's
motions.  Akane nodded.  "That's good.  Now try it full speed." She motioned
to the practice dummy, the one still dressed in a tattered Chinese shirt and
a pigtail.  "Just imagine that's Ranma, and try to hit him."

"With pleasure."  Usagi visualized Ranma standing there calling her "odango
atama" and moved.  The heel of her hand hit the dummy with satisfying force.

"Not bad, but you're making the same mistake Akane always used to make."
Ranma's voice chirped in as he came into the dojo.  "You don't need to pack
so much force behind the punch.  The secret is precision."

He demonstrated with the same move, hitting the dummy just an inch from
where Usagi had, and with a loud crack, the support post broke.  Usagi
grumbled "showoff" to herself as he turned back to Akane.

"Sorry I'm late.  I had to chase the panda down and drag him to mom.  She's
going over this 'engagement' with him right now."

Akane nodded and smiled.  "Good.  I don't think your mom is going to put up
with any nonsense from Genma, not after this whole neko-ken stuff."

Ranma looked around.  "So where's our butterfly?"

"Zhu Shu is talking to Rei.  You missed the end of your fight.  Zhu Shu was
a little... upset."

"Oh?  What's wrong?"

"She..."Akane stopped and looked at the scouts, who had all stopped what
they were doing to listen.

"Alright guys, back to practice.  If Zhu Shu wants to tell you, she can."

Ranma shrugged and went back over to help Usagi.  They were just finishing
up and about to send the girls to get changed when Rei finally came back,
her hair slightly disheveled, and wearing a canary eating grin.  Zhu Shu
followed her, in her normal form, and rather obviously in a better mood.
Akane blinked, but the very faint traces of gold still clung to the edges of
Rei's violet aura, matched by the faintest hints of purple around Zhu Shu's.
Then comprehension dawned and she laughed.

Zhu Shu blushed crimson from her hairline to her toes.  She gave Akane a
sheepish look.  Usagi looked between Akane, and Rei and Zhu Shu, finally
just asking "What?"

Akane laughed.  "Nothing, Usagi."

Rei almost bounced over to the other girls.  "This is so cool.  You've got
to see what happened to Zhu Shu!"

She grabbed a bucket of water from the dressing room and scurried back over
to Zhu Shu, who good naturedly allowed Rei to dump the water on her.  The
other girls gasped as Zhu Shu transformed.

"Wow, what happened to you?"  Usagi asked.

"Zhu Shu accidentally drink Dragon Wine."

"Accident my ass."  Akane interjected.  "Ai snuck it into her thermos before
challenging her to a fight at lunch."

"Ai did this?" Makoto asked.  "That cheerleader who's been giving Zhu-chan a
hard time?"

"Zhu Shu is fine.  No upset at Ai.  She not know would affect Zhu Shu this
way.  Besides," She fluttered her wings and lifted off the ground.

"Zhu Shu can fly."  Akane and Ranma Greek chorused

Zhu Shu stuck out her tongue at them.

Ami had pulled out her mini comp and was scratching her head.  Zhu Shu
fluttered over.  "What do?"

"Trying to figure out how those small wings can lift your mass.  The lift to
weight ratios are just not making sense.  By my calculations, your wings are
flapping way too slowly to keep you airborne, but I'm also showing a field
effect in the magical fields around you."  She tapped the computer screen.
"So you're flying by magic.  That's a relief.  I was worried for a second
you were violating the laws of physics.  Magic's something else."

Zhu Shu blinked.  "Is good?"

Ami nodded.  "Yes, sensei.  At least for my own piece of mind."

Mina laughed.  "Be glad my special effects technician isn't here, Zhu-chan.
She'd be all over you looking for wires."

"She doesn't have any wires" Rei smirked.  "I can verify that."

Mina gave her a sidelong look, then draped herself over her shoulder.  "Oh
really?  Do tell?"

Rei just gave her a grin.

Makoto looked between Rei and Zhu Shu, and smiled.  "Oh, I get it.  You just
took our sensei for a test drive."

"Mako-chan!"

"What?  You come in here grinning like a cat, and our sensei is blushing to
her toes.  As smug as you are, you two had to be up to something."

"Rei slept with Zhu Shu?"  Usagi blurted out.  Rei kicked her in the shin.

"What business is it of yours?"  She asked overly sweetly.

Usagi rubbed her leg.  "Ow!  I was just surprised you were a pervert."

Rei started to glow, but Makoto held up her hand.  Rei paused, still
glowing, but let her continue.

"Usagi?  Let me ask you this.  Our sensei likes girls, our assistant sensei
is engaged to a girl, as well as a boy who turns into a girl, and it's only
Rei you ask if she's a pervert because we suspect she might have been out
playing with our sensei?" Makoto shook her head.  "Sometimes I just can't
figure you out, princess."

Usagi looked at the hard stares from Rei, and Akane and blushed.  "Okay,
okay, I'm sorry.  I was surprised.  After the fight I had with her for
Mamoru, I thought Rei liked boys."

Rei lost her glow, but still looked miffed.  "I do.  I also like Zhu Shu.
And she's certainly treated me nicer than any guy I've dated. Even nicer
than Mamoru did, though he's a close call.  Now, if I choose to date Zhu Shu
for a while, what's wrong with that?"

Usagi held up her hands in submission.  "Nothing, okay.  I'm sorry Rei.  It
just seems everybody else here suspected except me."

"We can't help it if you're not very observant."  Mina chimed in.  "Hell, if
Rei hadn't already claimed her, I might have been tempted to chase our
sensei.  Only girl I know I'd ever say that about."

Usagi blinked.  "Okay, then I guess I don't feel so weird."

"Of course, the questions still remains.  Did you go off to play with
Zhu-chan?"  Mina asked Rei.

Rei sniffed.  "Like I'd tell.  That's my business."

"Oh come on, you can trust us."  Mina prodded.  Rei gave her a warning
glare, and Mina held up her hands, "Okay, okay."

Usagi suddenly smiled.  "Hey!  That means you were on a date that night!"

Rei rolled her eyes.  "So?  You go on dates all the time."

"Yeah," Makoto added.  "You even skipped school today to go out with... "
dramatic pause followed by a mock dreamy sigh of "Mamoru."

Usagi nodded, then blinked. "Hey, that reminds me.  I had something weird
happen today.  Some little girl showed up and demanded the Silver Crystal!
She had a toy gun, well I didn't know it was a toy gun at the time, but she
knocked me down and wanted the Crystal."  Usagi shook her head.  "And she
had pink hair pulled into odangos like mine.  And she seemed to know that I
had the Crystal."

"So what did you do with her?"  Mina asked.

"She disappeared.  Mamoru and I looked around the park, but we couldn't find
her."

"Humph.  Sounds like you were talking to loud and the kid was playing
robbers."  Rei sniffed.

"Not know Rei.  Should not dismiss until checked."  Zhu Shu said.

"Alright.  If you see this girl again, let us know."  Rei said, only
marginally gracefully.

Ami meanwhile had been scanning Zhu Shu, and finally lowered her mini comp.
"Okay, I've got complete readings.  I'll see if I can make heads or tails of
them."

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Is really okay, Zhu Shu not mind be dragon girl.  Like be
able to fly."

Ami smiled.  "Of course, but I just want to make sure you're stable, and not
going to change any further.  Magic is... unpredictable at times.  The
scientist in me just wants to be sure you're okay."

Zhu Shu nodded.  She turned and asked Akane how the class had gone, and let
her give the end of class pointers, then apologized to the girls for having
been absent, blushing furiously when Makoto assured her that making out with
Rei was much more important.  Rei sighed, but didn't say anything.  As the
girls left, Zhu Shu's sharp ears caught Makoto complimenting Rei on her good
taste.  She smiled.  At least none of the girls was doing more than friendly
hazing.

That was definitely reassuring.  Despite the fact that female to female
relationships seemed far more acceptable here in Japan, she had been worried
Rei would have trouble with her friends over their relationship.

She turned to Akane and Ranma.  "Zhu Shu thanks Akane for teaching."

Akane gave her a mischievous grin.  "I'm glad to see she took my suggestion
to 'cheer you up' so literally."

Zhu Shu smiled.  "Will admit, did make feel better.  Told Rei about Ukyo.
Seem Usagi is how Ukyo find Ranma."

Ranma raised an eyebrow.  "Why doesn't that surprise me.  What'd the ditz
do?"

"Mention name when at Ukyo's restaurant.  Name Uc-chan's."

"She named a restaurant after my nick name for her?  I thought she hated
that name now."

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "No.  When Zhu Shu look inside her, see Ranma be
all she think about for years."

Ranma shook his head.  "That's the part I don't get.  Why didn't she just go
on with her life?  Why be so focused on something that occurred when we were
children?"

Akane shook her head.  "I don't know.  I think I remember her saying
something about having to be a boy because of you."

"That makes no sense."

Zhu Shu cocked her head, then motioned for Ranma and Akane to wait.  She
blurred and there was a sound of a crash from outside, along with a startled
yelp, then Ukyo's spatula fell to the ground in front of the dojo.  The girl
herself was brought in a few seconds later, casually wrapped up in Zhu Shu's
ribbons.  The dragon girl set her down and did her best to ignore the other
girl's glare.

Ranma sighed.  "So how long you been out there?"

Ukyo turned her glare on him.  "Long enough to hear how utterly clueless you
are."

"Care to clue me in then?  I really don't want to fight you Uc-chan.  It
don't matter how good you are, you can't beat me.  I'm almost as fast at Zhu
Shu here, and you just got shown how fast that is.  Just tell me why you're
so upset."

Ukyo's eyes narrowed.  "Because you ruined my life, you ass!  You left me
behind!"

"I didn't know anything about an engagement!  I was only six!"

"That doesn't matter!  You left me, and because you left me, you stole my
femininity!  I haven't been able to BE a woman since you ran out on me!"

Akane and Zhu Shu looked at each other and blinked in confusion.  Ranma
scratched his head as well.  "I don't get that Uc-chan.  You're still a
girl, right?  You didn't get hit with a curse that changes you into a boy or
something did you?"

"What kind of idiotic question is that?"

Ranma sighed and looked over at Akane, who promptly got the bucket again and
dumped it over Ranma.

Ukyo stared in disbelief.  Then Akane poured it on her own head, her pink
bunny ears popping up.  Ukyo turned her eyes on Zhu Shu, who produced a
kettle and changed back to her normal form.

Ukyo blinked.

And blinked again.

"OOOOOkaaaay."  She finally said.  "I take it then that you all have that
curse.  And no, I don't have that curse.  Yes, I am female in body, I just
can't be one."

Ranma crouched down to be at eye level with the bound girl.  "That's what I
don't understand.  Why?"

"Because I can't, okay!  Because my dad refuses to acknowledge he has a
daughter!  Once you ran off he swore I would never be a daughter in his eyes
again!  I either have to marry you or spend the rest of my life legally
male!"

Ranma blinked.  "But... but... that's idiotic!"

"You're telling me!?!  I've had to live this way for ten years because of
you!"

Ranma sighed.  "Look, Ukyo, I'm sorry about that, but I never knew you were
female, and I never knew about the engagement.  Dad is being raked over the
coals right now by my mother, and I can guarantee gramps sure as hell won't
agree to another betrothal.  If it hadn't been such an advantage to him, the
betrothal to Shan Pu wouldn't have happened.  I can't marry you, I'm sorry.
I hope we can be friends again, but I don't know what else to tell you."

Ukyo glared, but only for a few more minutes before she finally deflated and
sighed.  "You have to."

"I can't.  I'm sorry Ukyo, but I love Akane, and I have to marry her and
Shan Pu."

Akane smiled.  "Nice of you to finally admit that.  Now maybe you could say
it to _me_ every so often?"

Ranma blushed. "Umm..."

Akane laughed.  "Just kidding, 'Ranma-chan'."

Ranma sighed.  "Anyway, you're a really cute girl.  You shouldn't let my
pop's idiocy continue to mess up your life."

Ukyo smiled sadly.  "It's nice of you to say that, but you just don't
understand.  You're the only man I _can_ marry.  If I don't marry you by the
time I turn 18, My dad will arrange a marriage... for his son.  I'll get
foisted off on some silly girl.  It's even in his will.  Legally, I am his
son now, and I can only inherit if I'm married.  You're my one escape
clause."

Ranma blinked.  "That's just..."  words failed him.

"Idiotic?  Supremely stupid?"  Akane chimed in.  "Like arranging a marriage
between two infants, or marriage by conquest?"

Ranma sighed.  "Okay, okay, but I'm still not sure what can be done."

"Nothing, son."  Nodoka said as she entered.  "Genma had no authority to
make the engagement."

Ranma sighed.  "Hi mom.  Have you been listening too?"

"No, I just came out here after your father finished pleading for his life,
and I called my father.  Is this the girl in question?"

"Yeah.  Mom, this is Ukyo.  Ukyo, my mom."

Ukyo attempted to bow.  Zhu Shu twisted her wrist and the ribbons unwrapped
as she replaced her sword behind her back.  Ukyo shook herself and stood to
bow.  "Hello, Mrs. Saotome."

Nodoka bowed back.  "Greetings.  I fear I must apologize for my husband, but
he had no authority to make any arrangements regarding my son's marriage.
The terms of our prenuptial expressly exclude that right.   I felt father
was a trifle paranoid in thinking Genma would try to 'pawn my son off for a
loaf of bread' as he put it, but in retrospect, I see his wisdom.  My father
was behind the approval of the Saotome Tendo marriage, and he approved the
marriage alliance with the Joketsuzoku.  He does not, and will not approve
the deal Genma made with your father.  I'm sorry child, but your claim has
no legal standing."

Ukyo's shoulders slumped in defeat.  "I... I...  "

Nodoka's eyes were full of sympathy, but it was obvious the decision was
final.  Ukyo' eyes closed as she let it sink in, and finally, she turned and
fled the dojo.  Ranma started after her, but Nodoka held the red-head back.
"I know it's not your fault son, but I think you've caused her enough pain
for right now."

Ranma sighed.  "Yeah, I guess you're right, mom.  I just hate this kinda
stuff.  She used to be my best friend."

Akane hugged her from behind.  "And you wonder why I love you.  You may be
an idiot in a lot of ways, but you really care about what counts."  She
kissed Ranma on the ear.  "Come on, let's go get some dinner.  I just heard
Kasumi calling."

Ranma shook her head.  "I can't believe how sensitive your rabbit ears are."

Nodoka smiled.  "Yes indeed.  Among other things.  Though it may be a while
before your father gets to enjoy any of that again."

"Mom!  I don't need to know stuff like that!"

Nodoka laughed at the blush her comment elicited.  Akane smiled and turned
to ask if Zhu Shu was coming.

But the Chinese girl was nowhere to be seen.

* * * * *

It had all gone wrong.

It wasn't supposed to happen this way!

It was supposed to end with a beaten and bruised Ranma begging her
forgiveness for having caused her such pain, begging to be allowed to make
up for hurting her.  Begging to be allowed to carry out the vow he had run
out on so long ago...

But that hadn't happened.

Instead, he had rebuffed her.  She'd been unable to even come close to
hitting him, and he'd escaped her revenge almost casually!  Then, even when
she'd broken down and told him the whole mad story, he'd still refused her!
Clinging to that other girl, with her ridiculous bobbed hair and that long
braid!  What did she think she was, an American surfer?

She sat on the concrete slope under the bridge where she'd found refuge and
cried for the first time since she had turned twelve.  It wasn't supposed to
be this way!

"Is very hard to have dreams die, yes no?"

Ukyo nodded.

"Makes one wish die."

Ukyo nodded again, unable to stop crying.

"When dreams die, seem like whole world end.   But world goes on."

"How can it?'

"Because life does.  And in life, sometimes are second chances."

"You heard him, and his mother!  There is no chance!"

"Not with Ranma.  In time, perhaps someone else."

Ukyo buried her face in her arms.  "What do you know anyway?"

"Much.  When young, lose first love.  Feel like whole world lose all color.
Go through life like it a dream, thinking only of loss and pain.  Hurt so
bad think only want to join with lost love, that life hurt too much without.
Try commit suicide.  That four years ago."

Ukyo finally looked up into Zhu Shu's jade green eyes.  "You can't be that
much older than I am."

"Seventeen.  Lose Ying-Ying when only thirteen.  Take Zhu Shu four years
finally learn life go on.  That death of one dream not mean new dream can
never come."

"How can it?  Everything is against me!  If he won't marry me, I'm stuck
playing being a man for the rest of my life!"

"So?  Zhu Shu only be in Japan for few months, but see males have better
freedom and privileges.  Is better than China, but still true."

"But if I'm stuck being male..."  Ukyo shook her head.  "I know you heard me
before.  I don't want to have an arranged marriage to a girl!"

Zhu Shu looked down.  "Is because is arranged?  Or because is to girl?"

"BOTH!  I'm sick and tired of being forced to do things because of my
father!"

"Ranma's father force train all life.  Force move all life.  Force leave
Ukyo.  Ranma forced whole life too.  Only recently he find he can choose."

"And he chooses the butch chick and the psychotic."

"Shan Pu is Sister.  Akane is best friend.  Neither one is bad person."

"Then why are you here?  Why aren't you threatening me, or pitying me like
they do?"

Zhu Shu looked back at her.  "Because of what see when Ukyo first look into
eyes."

Ukyo looked away.  "I don't know what you're talking about."

Zhu Shu sighed.  "Very well.  Because Zhu Shu have lived through pain, and
not want see Ukyo hurt like Zhu Shu hurt for so long."

Ukyo shrugged.  "It doesn't matter."

"It does to Zhu Shu."

Ukyo stared into the water.  "And I suppose if I asked you why, I'd just get
some strange answer I don't want."

Zhu Shu was silent.

Ukyo lowered her head onto her arms, eyes never leaving the water.  "And why
do I feel like I've known you all my life?"

Zhu Shu tilted her head, but still said nothing.

Ukyo sighed.  "Do you know I haven't been able to get you out of my head
since I saw you at the fight.  There was just something about your eyes, and
the way they caught the light and looked like pure gold.  It was like you
could see right through me, like you knew every thought, every memory, every
secret.  You terrify me, and yet, you feel like somehow, you're part of me.
I don't even know you, and that scares me."

"And so, Ukyo turn away."

"Yes.  You scare me like no-one ever has in my entire life, and yet..."
Ukyo sighed.  "Gods, You confuse the hell out of me!  It's like you're
inside my mind, just standing there, waiting.  And I don't know what for!"

Still, Zhu Shu said nothing.

"How can you do this to me?  Why do I feel so scared?"

"Zhu Shu not know.  Only meant to comfort."

Ukyo buried her face in her arms again.  "Please, just go."

There wasn't even a whisper of wind, but still, she could feel that Zhu Shu
had gone.

And somehow... that scared her even more.

* * * * *

Urd paused the image on the screen and stared at the tattoo.

"I've never seen this.  You say it's on her back?"

Mara nodded.  "It seems to fade in an out.   And it's far more disturbing in
person.  You can feel Legend's eyes on you through it."

"It's certainly intricate."

"Yes.  But there's more."  Mara handed Urd another tape.  "It's a pity my
camera imp won't come near me anymore.  Being a goddess has its drawbacks
when you used to be a demon, and most of your servants are demonic in
origin."

Urd smiled.  "Yeah, at least we got the tapes before it ate them."

"And most of my notes."

Urd popped the tape in and watched a recording of Zhu Shu, Akane and Rei.
They were riding in a subway, with a couple of bags, talking to keep the
boredom away.

"The kicker is a few minutes in."  Mara took the remote and fast forwarded.
"Here."

Urd listened as Zhu Shu told Rei and Akane about a dream she'd had the day
she got killed, about how her former love, Ying-Ying had come to her, and
explained the meanings of the four items the Dragon held in it's claws.
When it was done, Urd sat back and whistled.

"Okay.  So on top of everything else, I have to match Zhu Shu up with
specific people?"  Urd rubbed her temple.  "What I wouldn't give for a guide
book here, so I can keep all the players straight!"

Mara gave her an amused look.  "No, what you need is a list of what all your
other self prearranged.  Of all the stories I've heard of the Dragon, I've
never heard of one where he's foretold the future."

"No.  Even Kami-sama says the future is not set.  Broad possibilities can be
mapped out, but until the Absolute Now crystallizes the present, no one can
know the absolute future.  And even the past can be changed if one is
willing to alter the time stream that lies between the past and the Absolute
Now.  The trouble is that doing so is essentially playing dice with the
universe.  The effect may be minor, or catastrophic.  I mean, the only
reason I would do it is to..."  Urd trailed off.

"What?"

"Well... when the Terrible Master cut the superstring, I was panicked, but
it occurred to me later, that had the universe actually started ending, as
the Norn of the Past, if I could have gotten to the Gate of Time and
convinced Pluto of the need, I could have gone back and made sure  that it
had never happened.  I could have kept you from awakening the Terrible
Master."

Mara colored in shame.  "I'm sorry I did Urd.  I certainly never expected
him to possess you."

Urd waved her off.  "My point is that only something that threatened reality
itself would have convinced Pluto to let me go back in time.    She's only
rarely allowed anyone to go through for any reason, let alone a goddess.
And to have allowed ME, the goddess who monitors the past, to have gone
through, it would take a reality threatening event."

"A reality threatening event?"

"Yeah.  Like the end of the Universe itself.  And considering how much
emphasis she put on not letting Chaos get a hold of Zhu Shu, I wonder if
some how it's like the start of a string of events that lead to the
destruction of everything."  Urd sighed.  "The deeper into this mess I get,
the more frustrating it gets, and the more worried I get.  I'm starting to
think that some how I'm dealing with a reality nexus here."

 Mara raised her eyebrow.  "I thought reality nexi were just a story."

"So did I."

"So, suppose that reality nexi are real, suppose that somehow, our entire
reality is dependant on one person, or group... how would we know, and how
would we deal with it?"

Urd held her hands in her face.  "That's just it, Mara.  I don't know."

* * * * *

Dinner at the Tendo's was a little quieter than usual, the war between Ranma
and Genma for food tempered by Nodoka's stern looks whenever Genma got too
enthusiastic.  Mid way through, China announced her presence by leaping into
Akane's lap and demanding small slivers of Akane's fish.  Ranma was too
distracted to notice.

After dinner, while Akane was finishing her homework, Ranma wondered up to
the roof, looking for a quiet place to think about the day, and found Zhu
Shu already sitting up there, staring sadly off into the distance.  He sat
down next to her and waited, finally asking "Do you want to talk?"

"Zhu Shu not know."  was the faint answer.

"Where'd you go?"

"See Ukyo."

Ranma nodded.  A few minutes passed as the silence grew oppressive.

"She hates me, doesn't she?"

"Zhu Shu not know."

More time passed as crickets began to chirrup in the garden.  The air grew
cooler as the last traces of sunset faded.

"Did you talk?"

"Yes."

"About me?"

"Some."

"About you?"

"Yes."

Ranma closed his eyes at the barely suppressed sob.

"What did she say?"

"Ask Zhu Shu to go.  Say Zhu Shu terrify her."

Ranma put his arm around her and held her to his shoulder, doing his best to
comfort her through the tears...



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