Chapter Eight:  Conflicts of Interest

It was a subdued bunch of girls the tiger stripped saucer let out at the 
Amazon village.  Zhu Shu led the way, followed by the Senshi.  They looked 
weary and tired, but no worse for wear, though the mood was far from 
jubilant.  Even Lum, when she emerged, looked slightly sad.

�I�m sorry Xi�an Chi escaped.�  Sailor Moon said for the umpteenth millionth 
time to the downcast Chinese girl.

Zhu Shu shook her head.  �Project Banshee is finished.  That is all that 
matter.  Zhu Shu will deal with Xi�an Chi again.  Next time, he will not 
escape.�  She sighed heavily.  �Is not Usagi fault Zhu Shu not catch Xi�an 
Chi.  No need apologize.�

�No indeed, Princess.�  A still young Lo Shen said, coming up to meet them.  
�It is an honor for Princess Serenity to grace our humble village with her 
presence.  Be welcome, along with your guardians.�  She bowed to the Senshi, 
then turned to Zhu Shu, �and to you as well Dragon�s Child.�

Zhu Shu bowed back, then kicked Usagi in the shin.  The taller blonde 
jumped, then hurriedly bowed as well.  The other girls had already returned 
the courtesy.

�How�d you know I was Princess Serenity?�  Usagi asked.

�The Amazons are one of the few peoples who were not silenced by Saturn when 
she rebirthed the world, Princess.  We still remember what was in truth, not 
the history rewritten.�

�Saturn?�

Lo Shen raised an eyebrow, then nodded.  �Not all your guardians have been 
reborn, yet Princess.�

Usagi�s eyes got round.  As the blonde girl attempted to absorb that, Zhu 
Shu turned to Lum.  "Zhu Shu wish to thank for bringing back to village."

Lum smiled.  "I had fun here last time.  And you don't call enough."

Zhu Shu gave her a small smile.  "Zhu Shu's life is complicated.  Very 
sorry.  Should make more time for friends."

Lum shrugged.  "Oh, that's okay.  I know how it is.  I have friends all over 
the galaxy."  She smiled.  "Just do me a favor and cheer up."  She gave Zhu 
Shu a hug.  "I gotta get back to Tomobiki.  My little tracker is showing 
that Darling is trying to sneak out again."

Zhu Shu smiled.  "Have fun with beloved."

Lum waved to all the girls as she flew back to her saucer and it zipped 
away.  They all waved back as the saucer vanished into the distance.

"So how do we get home from here?"  Usagi asked.

"Zhu Shu said there would be a helicopter come to get us." Rei said.

"Why couldn't we just go home?"

Zhu Shu broke in.  "Ke Lun say come back to village."  Zhu Shu turned back 
to Lo Shen.  �Loremistress?� she asked in Chinese
�Yes, Child?� Lo Shen replied, in Chinese as well.

�I have spoken with my Grandfather.  He has finally told me who I am.�

Lo Shen nodded.  �If I may be so forward, Empress, it�s about time Shi told 
you the truth.�

Zhu Shu sighed.  �Please Loremistress; I have no desire to be the heir to a 
throne no-one even remembers.  I am content to be a servant.  The titles 
have done nothing save make me a target of a madman, and cost Amazons their 
lives.�

�Whether you wish it or not Zhu Shu, you are the Empress.  You are our 
liege.  The Amazons swore an oath a millennia ago to be the guardians for 
Lin Tzu and Clan Dragon.  We have spent three hundred years believing we 
failed our oath.  You�re not going to stop being the Empress just because 
you wish it, any more than we can abandon our oath to defend you.  And I do 
not think Scorpion�s attack on our village was primarily directed at you.�  
Lo Shen said as gently as she could.  �I know you don�t feel comfortable 
with this, child, but you cannot escape your heritage.  We will do what we 
can to support you, but now that you know the truth, you can no longer be 
shielded by ignorance.�

Zhu Shu nodded, her eyes lowered.  �I understand, Loremistress.  But please, 
my name is far more comfortable for me to hear than a title.�

Lo Shen smiled.  �Very well.  I certainly can sympathize.  You have no idea 
how tired I get of being addressed as Loremistress.�

Zhu Shu blushed.  �My apologies, Lo Shen.�

�None needed, Zhu Shu.�

�So can we know what you two are talking about?�  Usagi complained.

Zhu Shu nodded.  �Zhu Shu and Lo Shen needed settle something.  Will need to 
advise elders of what occur in Hong Kong.�

�Yes.  The report Har Spra sent was... sketchy at best.  She kept bemoaning 
the fact she�d finally found a male who could best her, and he was 
unavailable.  If I never hear the name Chan again...�  Lo Shen sighed.  �Of 
course, living in China, that shall be unavoidable."  She turned to Usagi.  
"And, she failed to mention the Princess.�  She gave the odangoed blonde an 
amused look.  �Though I am curious as to how you felt being at a festival 
held to mourn the fall of your previous self and Prince Endymion.�

Usagi shrugged.  �Kinda sad, I guess.  It was strange.�

The other Senshi nodded.  Rei stepped up next to Zhu Shu.  �Are you okay?  
You look like she gave you bad news.� she asked quietly.

Zhu Shu shook her head.  �No.  Remind Zhu Shu of things she wish not 
necessary.�

�Oh.  Pushing you to find a husband?�

�Only part.  Usagi not only person stuck with title not want.�

�Oh.  It was about you being the empress, huh?�

Zhu Shu nodded.  �Yes.  Xi�an Chi wishes to capture because is heir of Lin 
Tzu.  If Zhu Shu no empress, she maybe be safer.�  She shrugged.  �Zhu Shu 
think curse less trouble.�

Rei nodded.  �I guess.  I can�t say Usagi�s really gotten much use out of 
being a princess either, other than it making her a target for Beryl.�

Zhu Shu smiled.  �Zhu Shu not feel alone then.�

Rei laughed softly as they turned to follow Lo Shen to the Elders hall.

Inside the large hut, they found the Amazon elders waiting.  Zhu Shu bowed 
to Ke Lun as she entered then guided the Senshi to seats along the wall.

�Zhu Shu must need tell elders what happen.� she explained to the curious 
girls.

They nodded, watching as she stepped before the elders� table.

�Greetings Zhu Shu,� Ke Lun started.  �Lo Shen informed me that Shi has 
finally told you your true heritage.�

�Yes, Great-Grandmother.  He has told me of the history of Clan Dragon and 
his role in the events that led to the fall of our stronghold.  I know about 
Clove of the Musk, and the events that led to his hiding.�  She paused.  �I 
do not know if you know why my Grandfather hid himself�

Ke Lun shook her head.  �Shi has never explained.�

Zhu Shu sighed.  �According to my Grandfather, the wizard Xi�an Chi was 
behind the aggression the Musk showed.  He promised Clove she would have Shi 
following the destruction of our clan.  When my Grandfather escaped, Xi�an 
Chi attempted to capture him, and Clove gave her life to allow him to 
escape, realizing Xi�an Chi had used her.�  She paused and looked Ke Lun in 
the eyes.  �I am cursed with her form, Great-Grandmother.  I know you could 
not help but to have known that.�

Ke Lun nodded.  �Yes.  I did not know what you truly knew of your history, 
Grand-daughter.  I did not wish to burden you if you were unaware of the 
past.�

The little Chinese girl nodded.  �I understand, Great-Grandmother.�

�What of the events in Hong Kong?�

�There is not much I can say.  Xi�an Chi was working with a group of 
Americans to create weapons.  With the aid of the Senshi and the Heir of 
Clow Reed, as well as that of an American archeologist named Chan and his 
niece Jade, we ended the experiments they were performing on a young woman 
named Alice and destroyed the base.  Regretfully, the leaders escaped.�

Ke Lun nodded.  �I see.  That is a far cry from a �scouting mission�, young 
lady.  I believe you promised to avoid danger, did you not?�

Zhu Shu hung her head.  �I did, Warleader.  I did not seek out danger, but 
it found me anyway.�

�I see.  You are fortunate indeed I have already decided to only bring 
Ran-Ran and Ling-Ling with me to Japan.  Were you not as formidable a 
warrior as you are, Empress, I would have a full contingent of warriors 
follow you around.�

Usagi saw Zhu Shu�s face pale and leaned over to Rei.  �What are they 
saying?�

Rei shrugged.  �I don�t know.  I don�t speak Chinese.�

Zhu Shu meanwhile had recovered from the thought of being surrounded by a 
horde of Amazons at all times and looked at Ke Lun.  �I thank you for your 
praise, Great-Grandmother.  And for your allowing me the freedom to defend 
myself.�

�You have earned it Zhu Shu, at least until such a time as I deem greater 
protection is warranted.  I will not allow the heir to the empire to come to 
harm.�

Zhu Shu nodded.  �I understand, Great-Grandmother.  Yet I do ask for as much 
leniency in this as you are willing to give.�

Lo Shen laughed.  �She�s already given you far more leniency than some on 
this council feel she should, child.  Yet I agree with her that keeping you 
on a light leash is best.  For all that you are our Empress, you are still 
young, and have much of life to learn about.  Experience is always the best 
teacher.  Still, we will all rest easier knowing that Ke Lun will be near to 
your hand, as will our champion.  I will also keep in touch occasionally.  
We do not seek to interfere in your life Zhu Shu, but we will not allow 
serious harm to come to you.�

Zhu Shu bowed again.  �I understand, revered Elders.  I will not resist you 
in this unless I feel it is overly restrictive.�

�Fair enough, Zhu Shu.  Thank you for not putting us in a position where we 
would feel a need to disobey your orders to keep our oaths to your clan.�  
She looked to the other elders and switched to Japanese.  �However, Zhu Shu 
is safe, so I believe this matter is settled?�

The other elders nodded.  Ke Lun cracked an almost imperceptible smile.  
�Good.�  She added, also in Japanese. �Now, we have other matters to settle, 
including welcoming our esteemed....�  She broke off as her ears twitched.  
�Ah... but first, we have a new arrival.�  She turned to the Senshi.  �I 
apologize Princess Serenity, but I fear we have a tribal matter that must be 
dealt with immediately.  I must beg your continued indulgence and patience.  
Once we have this settled, we will have a dinner to prepare in your honor.  
Our esteemed liege neglected to inform us you were returning with her, or we 
would have had a feast already prepared.  It has been a millennium since the 
Moon Kingdom has been our guests.�

Usagi blinked until Rei nudged her.  �Tell her thank you, dummy!�

�Oh, um... Thank you and we don�t mind waiting for you to finish your... 
um... tribal business.�  Usagi managed.

The sounds that Ke Lun�s ears had picked up were audible now to everyone, 
proving to be the roar of a helicopter.  It took several minutes as the 
vehicle landed, then Tao-Ching was escorted in by an Amazon bearing a spear 
with an enormous blade.  She bowed to the elders.

�I have returned with my son as you requested, Lo Shen.  He submitted 
without protest.�

�Thank you Rin Se.�  Ke Lun said.  She turned to Lo Shen.  �Before the 
accused is tried, I wish to make a statement.�

�That is your right, Warleader.  It may have no bearing on my decision as 
Loremaster.�

�Of course not.  Your job is to interpret the Law, as mine is to enforce it 
if need be.  I wish merely to remind the Loremistress that Tao-Ching nearly 
died defending my Great Grand-daughter against the Musk.  Herb owed a 
blood-debt to him.�

Lo Shen nodded.  �I have taken that into consideration, Ke Lun.�  She turned 
to Tao-Ching.  �So, I�m in a bit of a quandary here, Tao-Ching.  You 
disobeyed a direct order to report Herb�s whereabouts when you found him, 
choosing instead to take him on by yourself.  In so doing, you jeopardized 
our quest to retrieve the Kaisufuu.  While you apparently succeeded in 
obtaining the Chisuitton, you succeeded only by luck, and we suspect, by 
ambushing Herb.  Despite your services to the tribe in the past Tao-Ching, 
your actions were reckless in the extreme and endangered our entire tribe.  
What have you to say?�

�I have no defense, Loremistress, save that Herb owed me a debt of honor.  I 
took what steps I saw as necessary to ensure the Kaisufuu was returned to 
the Joketsuzoku, and that Herb was repaid for the debts he owed to myself 
and the tribe.�

�You took this on yourself?  Why?�

Tao-Ching sighed.  �With all due respect, elder.  I had no time to do 
anything else.  Those I had hired to detain Herb were killed.  I went armed 
to deal with Herb, expecting to have him delivered unconscious and in 
chains, only to find him the only living person who left the boat.�

�You should have advised us before making such arrangements, Tao-Ching.  I 
could have advised you that Herb would have overcome any common warriors.�

�She did not overcome me, elder.  I retrieved the bucket and ladle, and the 
kettle.�

Lo Shen looked at Tao-Ching for a long uncomfortable moment.  Finally, as 
the silence grew oppressive, Lo Shen spoke again.

�It is only because you were indeed successful that I am willing to be 
lenient in sentencing you, Tao-Ching, but I cannot allow you to go 
unpunished.  You were raised an Amazon, and as such, you are governed by our 
laws.  I am tolerant of the fact that you are truly Japanese, Tao-Ching, but 
I cannot allow you to wholly forget your upbringing.�

She stood and stepped around the table to look Tao-Ching in the eyes.  �Your 
actions reflect your attitude, Tao-Ching.  You are arrogant.�

She motioned to an Amazon who stood to the side, and she brought forward a 
long chest and laid it on the table next to Lo Shen.  The Loremistress 
placed a hand on the chest.

�You need to learn that there are some things more important than simple 
success.  Winning at all costs is sometimes worse than losing when victory 
comes without honor.  I fear that there may yet be repercussions to your 
actions we will all regret, but only time will tell.  You have proven you 
can be a fighter, Tao-Ching, but the soul of a warrior requires an 
understanding of honor that I am not certain you possess.�

She opened the chest to reveal seven katanas.  �This is your punishment, 
your quest, your lesson.  Among the treasures recovered from the Musk we 
found these blades.  They are ancient, marked by family crests.  You are 
charged with their return to the families they were stolen from.  Return 
their honor and perhaps you will find your own.�

Tao-Ching bowed.  �I understand, Loremaster.  I will obey.�

Usagi looked puzzled.  She whispered to Rei.  �That doesn�t sound like much 
of a punishment.�

Rei looked at her in surprise.  �Are you mad?  Don�t you have any idea how 
impossible that�s going to be?  Finding the families those blades belong to? 
  Between the War and the Shogunate, many samurai families don�t even exist 
any more!�

�Oh.�

�And if those are the family blades, their loss would have destroyed the 
family�s honor.  If any of them survived that disgrace, they�d have been 
pariah.  The odds he can even finish this test in a lifetime are slim.�

�Then why give it to him?�

�Test remind Tao-Ching of own honor.  Test not intended to be completed.� 
Zhu Shu supplied.

Usagi shrugged.  �Okay, I guess.  Sounds silly to me.�

�I think it�s a rather fitting punishment.�  Makoto said.  �Martial Artists 
have a responsibility to uphold their own honor and respect the honor of 
those they fight.  Sounds to me like Tao-Ching didn�t fight fair.�

Minako shrugged.  �I don�t know.  He seems nice enough to me, and really 
cute and muscular.�

Zhu Shu shook her head.  �No.  Hentai boy already claimed by Nabiki.  No 
chase.�

They all blinked.  �Hentai boy?�

�Tao-Ching very appreciative of females.  Fewer clothes better.�  Zhu Shu 
sniffed.

Lo Shen�s ears twitched.  �What was that, Empress?�

Zhu Shu blinked as Tao-Ching looked at Zhu Shu and paled.  �Empress?�

Lo Shen smiled.  �Yes.  Empress.  Song Zhu Shu is the heir to the true Song 
Dynasty and your liege as an Amazon.  Did I hear her correctly?  That you 
have treated our Empress improperly?�

Zhu Shu shook her head.  �Tao-Ching has only expressed his opinion that I am 
attractive, mostly.  While that opinion has been expressed several times 
while I have been in a more or less unclothed state, he�s never done more 
than comment or look.�  Zhu Shu told Lo Shen in Chinese.  �He has never laid 
hands on me.�

That didn�t stop Rin-Se from hitting Tao-Ching in the head with her giant 
spear.  �Son!  I taught you better than that!�

Tao-Ching growled.  �Yes, Mother.  It�s a bad habit I picked up in the JSDF. 
  Most male soldiers are perverts, because they get denied access to females 
for so long.�  He gave his mother a look.  �And I grew up in a village where 
I was surrounded by beautiful women every day.  I�ve developed a taste for 
having them around.�

�Please, I�m fine with him.  He�s crude, but tolerable.�  Zhu Shu said.

Lo Shen gave the still pale Tao-Ching a look.  �Very well.  Your Empress is 
magnanimous.�  The twinkle in her eye told Zhu Shu she was rather amused.

Turning back to the girls, she bowed.  �That concludes our official 
business.  We certainly wish to show you proper hospitality, Princess 
Serenity.  If I may escort you, we have a dwelling prepared for you to 
refresh yourselves as dinner is prepared.�

She gathered up the Senshi and gently herded them out as Ke Lun motioned Zhu 
Shu to stay.  As the Loremistress left, Ke Lun gave Zhu Shu a brilliant 
smile.

�Lo Shen wanted to be the one to do this, but I over-ruled her based on our 
relationship, Grand-Daughter.  We have catalogued the treasures of the Musk 
this last week, and we found some things that need to be returned to you.�

Zhu Shu blinked.  �But I have never met the Musk before.  They have stolen 
nothing from me.�

�They stole your heritage, Zhu Shu.�  She turned to the guard who had 
brought Lo Shen the swords.  �Bring it in, please.�

Every person in the hall was grinning as Zhu Shu blinked in confusion.  The 
guard opened the large door she had been guarding and stepped inside, 
reappearing a few minutes later bearing a long pole with a golden banner on 
it.  Zhu Shu�s breath caught as the emblem captured the light and the 
Imperial Song Dragon glared at her.

Behind the banner, four more guards walked in bearing a sedan chair, also 
carved with Clan Dragon�s crest and covered with gold inlays.  More guards 
followed, each bearing in additional treasures, all adorned with the Dragon. 
  Then a final package was handed to Ke Lun, who brought it to Zhu Shu.

�These are the treasures of the Dragon.  It is our honor to return them to 
their rightful place with the Dragon�s Child.�  She unwrapped the silk 
covering the bundle she was carrying and offered it to Zhu Shu.  �This, I am 
especially proud to return, since it was originally my gift.�

Zhu Shu unfolded the cloth to find a Mandarin long dress of an incredibly 
fine silk.  The crimson fabric had been woven as a single piece and adorned 
with small Dragon mandalas made of tiny jewel beads.  The hem was pure gold 
thread so fine it appeared nearly liquid, and the material was incredibly 
soft.

�I crafted this for Mu for her wedding dress.  I had feared it destroyed 
forever with the fall of the Clan.  Now, it can serve for you.  The silk is 
from a rare species of silkworm that creates nearly unbreakable thread.  It 
will stretch to fit regardless of whether you are in your true form or 
cursed.�

Zhu Shu nodded.  �It�s beautiful.�

�I look forward to your wearing it on your wedding day.�

Zhu Shu blushed and reached behind her back to pull out her case.  She 
opened it and lifted the trays out to reveal a small panel, which she 
lifted.  Then she folder the dress carefully and laid it in the secure 
space.  Reclosing the case she smiled at Ke Lun.  �I shall keep it safe for 
that day, Great Grandmother.�

Ke Lun then led her on a tour of the items explaining their history and 
leaving Zhu Shu breathless with wonder.  She had never imagined so much 
opulence.

�Shouldn�t this all go to Grandfather?�  She finally asked Ke Lun.

�Shi did not wish to see it.  Too many painful memories.  He said to keep it 
safe for you.�

Zhu Shu nodded, running her hands over a beautifully carved tea set.  �Yes.  
Please, Great Grandmother.  I have no idea what to do with any of this.  
Please keep it safe for me.�

Ke Lun nodded.  �There are other treasures as well.  The Musk stole from 
more than just Clan Dragon.  There is one I especially set aside.  I intend 
it for Akane, but I think perhaps it will mean more coming from you.�  She 
lifted the cloth over one last item.

Zhu Shu stared for a long moment before hugging Ke Lun in joy.  �They�re 
perfect!  Thank you so much Great Grandmother.  I can�t wait to get home and 
give them to her!�


* * * * *

The dinner the Amazons threw for the girls was entertaining, and was a 
welcome break from the aggravations of their recent adventure.  Zhu Shu 
smiled and danced along with the girls, glad most of the Amazons seemed 
unaware of her title, or at least, uncaring.

The flight back to Japan in Tao-Ching�s helicopter was uneventful, the girls 
spending most of the flight looking out the windows.  Stepping out of the 
chopper at Tokyo airport, Tao-Ching smiled.  �Good to be home.�

Zhu Shu nodded.  �Zhu Shu feel same.  Village not seem home any more.�

�Your heart�s here.�  Ke Lun said as she hopped over on her stick, once more 
her normal self.  �It�s only natural that you feel more comfortable here.�

The unloading went uneventfully, and they waved the girls away in a taxi as 
Tao-Ching was trying to step into the drivers seat of the Humvee.  Ke Lun 
waved him into the back, making Shan Pu�s father drive instead.  Zhu Shu had 
just met the small, wiry man, Gel, but she could see where Shan Pu�s 
niceness was coming from.

They pulled up at the Tendos to let Zhu Shu out before heading off to the 
restaurant Ke Lun had bought, leaving her at the path with the single large 
crate she had brought back.  As she looked up at the Tendo house, she 
blinked away a tear.  Visiting her home village had illustrated where she 
really felt home was any more.

As she started up the walk to let Kasumi know she was home, it being a 
school day, she stopped when a small pink and purple kitten pounced on her 
from the roof.  She smiled as Shan Pu nuzzled her face.  �Zhu Shu happy see 
sister too.� she said as Kasumi was opening the door.

�Oh my.  You know?�  Kasumi asked.

Zhu Shu blinked.  �Know?�

�That that�s Shan Pu.�

Zhu Shu gave the kitten a look, then blinked, remembering Ke Lun�s statement 
that Shan Pu was helping Ranma overcome his fear of cats.

�Akane and Ranma not know?�

Shan Pu shook her head.

�Akane�s calling her China.  She thinks she�s just a smart cat.�

Zhu Shu rubbed her temples.  �Who tell you do this?� she asked the kitten.

�Apparently, Ke Lun told her to give this a try.� Kasumi said.

Zhu Shu sighed.  �Hope Great-Grandmother know what do.  Zhu Shu not sure is 
best course.  Akane not like be fooled.�

Shan Pu looked forlorn.

Zhu Shu sighed.  �Let get bath and you tell Zhu Shu what happen so far.�

Kasumi looked at her crate.  �Are we bringing that in?�

Zhu Shu smiled.  �Zhu Shu not.  Cannot lift.  Was hoping Panda bring in.�

Kasumi smiled.  �Of course.  I�ll bring you a tea set.�


* * * * *

�I�m doing my best not to spy, Zhu Shu.  I�m just being around her when 
she�s here.  And trying to give Ranma lots of small doses of kitty me.�  
Shan Pu said as they shared the tub.

�I understand.�  Zhu Shu replied.  �I just am worried.  Akane is much 
mellower than she used to be, but she was extremely upset with me when I 
didn�t tell her about you.�

Shan Pu pouted.  �All I want to do is get her to love me, and Ranma not to 
run whenever I come into a room.�

�I know.  I�m sorry I wasn�t here to help much.�

�You had your own life to deal with, Zhu Shu.  You can�t always help me out. 
  Besides, I�m the Champion of the Joketsuzoku; I should be able to do this 
on my own.�  Shan Pu groused.

Zhu Shu splashed her.  �Silly.  Being a good warrior doesn�t always make you 
good at the ways of love.  Particularly with these two.  Give it time.  
Akane takes forever to figure out her heart because she so seldom listens to 
it.  Ranma ignores his because he doesn�t understand it.  And you are all 
way too competitive.  The way of hearts is not a challenge match.  If you 
compete with each other, there are only losers.�

�Gods, Zhu Shu.  Why won�t you just accept all of our offers of marriage?  
You could make this mess work.  It�s so tangled I don�t even think my wish 
is going to come true, whatever Urd does.�

�Humm?�  Zhu Shu looked at her.  �Wish?�

Shan Pu laughed.  �Yeah.  When I was looking for Ranma, I ran across a drunk 
goddess.  She granted me a wish, and has been trying to fulfill it ever 
since.  She said she arraigned for the voodoo priest to seal up the demon 
master, and called in Great Grandmother to witness it.  She�s been trying to 
help out, but she�s not very good at it, I don�t think.�

�What did you wish for?�

�For everything to work out for us.�

�Were those your exact words?�

�No.  But I wanted to make sure that if I wished that my quest for Ranma 
worked out, I didn�t want it be at your expense, so I included everybody 
involved.  Not that I really expected the wish to be granted, but...�

Zhu Shu blinked.  �Well, that explains some of the coincidences.  I wonder 
what she�s up to now.�

The door slid open to admit Kasumi with a tea tray.  �I�m sorry, I wasn�t 
trying to listen but I did hear you as I came in.  You said a goddess was 
involved in giving you a wish?�

Shan Pu nodded.

Kasumi looked at Zhu Shu.  �Rei said a demon came to you and told you where 
to find Ranma?�

Zhu Shu nodded, then looked at Shan Pu.  �I wonder if they�re connected?�

�Urd did come in a few times complaining about someone named Mara.�  Shan Pu 
said, then did a double take at Kasumi.  �You�re speaking Mandarin?�

Kasumi blushed.  �Well, Zhu Shu has been learning Japanese.  I did study 
some Mandarin in school, so I went to the library and got a couple of 
learning books and I�ve been teaching myself.�

Zhu Shu blinked.  Kasumi�s accent was so slight she�d not even noticed it, 
and in retrospect, she could recall a few times Kasumi had said something in 
Mandarin and she�d never noticed.

She stuck out her tongue. �You make me jealous.  I�m lousy with languages.  
I know a lot of vocabulary words, but I�m lousy with sentence structure in 
Japanese.  My English is a joke, and my Tibetan is embarrassing.  I�m not 
even all that good at Cantonese.�

Kasumi laughed.  �I don�t know what to say, dear.  I�m fluent in English, 
French and now Mandarin.�

Shan Pu and Zhu Shu both splashed her.  Kasumi laughed.  �I figured it would 
be easier for you.  I know you�re both working on your Japanese, and Akane 
now understands Mandarin since she got it from Zhu Shu, though Zhu Shu�s 
lost the Japanese she learned from Akane...�  Kasumi stopped.  �I wonder if 
all of this is connected.�

The two girls in the tub blinked.  �Huh?�

�Shan Pu made a wish, and suddenly, Zhu Shu is visited by a demon who tells 
her where Ranma is.�  Kasumi explained as she set on the side of the tub.  
�And you said nothing like the exchange you had with Akane happened when you 
learned from Sarhia?�

Zhu Shu nodded.

�I remember Ranma said the priest asked about magic surrounding the dojo 
during that night.  I wonder if the reason you two merged was due to Shan 
Pu�s goddess?�

Zhu Shu nodded.  �That would explain a lot.�

Shan Pu blinked at Zhu Shu.  �You merged chi with my Airen?�

Zhu Shu nodded.  �Not intentionally.�

Shan Pu smiled.  �So that�s how Akane knew the Song School.�

�And the Dance of Shiva.�  Zhu Shu noted.  �She learned all my skills, and I 
mainly got her emotions.  After I died, I seem to have lost most of it.�

Shan Pu frowned.  �I still wish I had been there.  I could have kept you 
from dying.�

�I had to merge all the power the Senshi could throw my way and every last 
bit of my own chi to kill that thing, Shan Pu.  I wasn�t planning on dying, 
but I couldn�t control my fall.�

�I could have caught you.�

Zhu Shu gave her sister a peck on the cheek.  �Of course you could have.�

The sound of the front door opening caught their attentions.  �Kasumi!  
We�re home!� Akane�s voice came from the front of the house.

Shan Pu looked at the bucket of cold water, then smiled mischievously.  
�Great Grandmother came with you, right?�

Zhu Shu nodded.

Shan Pu smiled wider and launched herself out of the tub and out of the 
room.  Kasumi and Zhu Shu listened as she bounded down the hall with a cry 
of �Airens!�

There was a surprised cry of �Shan Pu� then a crash.

Kasumi smiled.  �She�s been pouncing Akane everyday when she comes home.  
Sound�s like she just did it as herself.�

Zhu Shu laughed.


* * * * *

They found Akane in the foyer drying off after a hug from a very smug, wet, 
naked Amazon.  Ranma was snickering from the railing of the stairs, where 
he�d escaped a similar fate, but lost his balance in surprise when Zhu Shu 
came down the hall in a towel.

�Zhu Shu!  You�re back!� Akane exclaimed when she noticed the diminutive 
Chinese girl.

�Yes.  Return with Tao-Ching and Ke Lun.�

�Cool.  Nabiki will be happy to hear her fianc�'s back.�  Akane said with a 
smile

Zhu Shu blinked.  �Nabiki engaged?�

�Yeah. Short story.  Dad caught her trying to make out with him in the front 
yard, so he engaged them.�

�There�s more to it than that, dear.  We were having a bit of a problem with 
hyperactive sex drives.  Nabiki was extremely frustrated.�

�Airen not bunny girl any more.�  Shan Pu added.

Zhu Shu�s eyes widened.  �Being rabbit make want sex?�

Kasumi smiled.  �Extremely.�

�AND ZHU SHU NOT HERE?�

Everybody laughed at the forlorn note she put into her voice.


* * * * *

Zhu Shu spent the next hour with Akane, Ranma and Shan Pu catching up on 
what had happened.  She let Ranma and Akane think Shan Pu had arrived with 
her and Ke Lun, but finally, Kasumi called to let them know dinner was 
ready.

After dinner, Zhu Shu rose to stand by the big crate she�d had Genma lug in 
and waited for everybody�s attention.

�Zhu Shu brings gifts from China.  Many things discovered in Musk fortress.� 
  She unlocked the catches and opened the lid.

�First, for aid in defending village, Amazons share spoils.�  She struggled 
to pick up a large chest, finally looking pleadingly at Genma.  He stood and 
hefted the chest out, grunting with the weight and set it down on the floor. 
  Zhu Shu knelt and unlocked it as well.  As she lifted the lid, everyone 
gasped.

The chest was filled with gold 100,000 yaun pieces.  Nabiki blinked in 
shock.  �Do you have any idea how much that is?�

Zhu Shu shook her head.  �Did not count.�

Nabiki blinked several times, her eyes not moving.

Zhu Shu went back to the crate.  �Zhu Shu also bring several treasures as 
gifts.�  She brought out a finely embroidered silk shirt.  �Clan Dragon 
recover many things from Musk.  This for soldier of high rank.�

She handed the shirt to Ranma, who shook out the midnight blue silk to 
admire the gold and scarlet dragon.  �It�s beautiful.�  he said.

Zhu Shu nodded.  �Ranma need nice clothes wear on date.�  She tossed him a 
pair of matching pants and shoes, as well as a red sash belt.  �Now have no 
excuse.�

Ranma sighed as everyone gave him a significant look.  �Alright already!�

Zhu Shu smiled as she handed a package to Kasumi.  �These for you.�

Kasumi unrolled the bundle to find a set of gold handled kitchen knives.  
�Oh my!�

�Very sharp.  Amazon smiths say very old too.�

Kasumi nodded and smiled.  �Thank you, these are wonderful.�

The next item was an abacus carved from a dark wood and inlaid with gold and 
silver dragons.  The beads were various shades of jade.  Zhu Shu handed it 
to Nabiki.  �This for you.�

Nabiki took it and smiled as well.  �An antique worth a small fortune.  I 
shall have to find a safe place for this.�

Zhu Shu nodded and handed the next item to Soun.  �For both fathers Zhu Shu 
has in Japan.�

Genma peeked over Soun�s shoulder as he lifted the lid to reveal an ornate 
antique Go board made of jade, with ivory and jet stones.  They both looked 
at her with tears of joy.  �We will treasure this forever!�

The next item she took out was a set of jeweled gold and silver combs that 
she handed to Shan Pu.  �For use on dates with Airens.�

Shan Pu smiled and nodded happily.

Zhu Shu gave a long slow smile to Akane.  �Zhu Shu not forget Akane.�  She 
reached into the crate and pulled out a long case of carved teak.  �Zhu Shu 
save for last�

She placed the case on the table in front of her and pointed out two 
carvings.  �To open must press here.�  She touched the two together and 
there was a faint click.    She lifted the lid towards Akane.

Akane gasped.  �Oh my.�  she said faintly in imitation of Kasumi.  
Hesitantly, she reached out, hardly daring to blink lest the vision in the 
case vanished.  Her touch confirming its reality, she lifted the twin 
objects from the case to display them for everyone.

The twin Song broadswords were nearly as ancient as Zhu Shu�s; the blades 
still mirror bright and razor sharp.  Etched into the sides of the blades 
were matched tigers in mid spring.  The circular guards were also carved 
into tigers curled around the blade.  The hardwood hafts were of an orange 
and black wood, ending in carved gold tiger�s head pommels, their roaring 
mouths forming the rings to which long orange and black striped ribbons were 
attached.  Akane stood and took them to the small wooden deck just outside 
the dining room and took a stance, flowing into a twirling form that caused 
the swords to sing merrily.  Akane beamed.

�How ever can I repay you for this?�

Zhu Shu smiled and in Chinese replied.  �There was never a need to repay me, 
Akane.  If anyone deserved those swords, it was you.  I do not know their 
age or history, but they were crafted by a master.  And like my blades, they 
were crafted for a blood bond.�

Akane blinked.  �You are linked to your swords?�

Zhu Shu nodded.  �As you must be to these if you wish to fully use the Song 
School.  Only by joining with the blade may the full power of your chi be 
unleashed.  The blades will be a conduit that will not resist your will.  
Once linked, you will be bound to these blades for life.�

Akane looked down at the swords.  �The Dragon and the Tiger.�  she murmured 
softly.  Looking up she smiled.  �Tell me what to do.�

You must anoint them with your blood and chi.�  She held up her palm to show 
the faint crescent mark in her palm.  �It doesn�t require much.�

Akane nodded.  Stepping up to the table, she laid the blades in the box and 
held out her palms.  Shan Pu produced a small throwing dart and looked at 
Zhu Shu.  At her nod, she stepped forward and as gently as she could cut two 
small crescents on Akane�s palms.  Akane reached down and grasped the 
blades, channeling chi into her blood as it touched the hilts.  A slow wave 
of gold fire burned along the blades as the tigers seemed to spring to life 
and roar.  As the fire encompassed the entire blade, Akane gasped.

�I can feel them.  Like extensions of my body.�

The ribbons unfurled themselves and began to make slow undulations despite 
the absence of wind or movement of the blades, lashing almost like the slow 
wave of a tiger�s tail.

Setting the blades back down, Akane looked down at her hands and the healed 
crescents.  Shaking her head, she reached behind her back and pulled out her 
other swords, handing them to Shan Pu, then took her new ones and put them 
away.

Looking at Zhu Shu again, she smiled.  �Thank you.�


* * * * *

After dinner, Shan Pu �went home� and China put in her appearance, earning a 
fuss from Akane as a lazy kitty who�d probably been sleeping in some warm 
corner until the sun set.  China just gave her a cool look, as if to say �I 
was doing no such thing� before confiscating Akane�s lap.   Ranma set behind 
Akane, doing fine so long as he couldn�t actually see the kitten.

While Soun and Genma broke in the new go board, Zhu Shu filled everybody in 
on her visit to Hong Kong, and dragged every last detail about the last week 
out of the Tendo girls.  She also answered the mystery of where Kodachi had 
vanished to, informing them that the obsessive martial gymnast had tracked 
her to Hong Kong in an attempt to �defeat the Chinese demon who had dared 
lay hands on her goddess.�  This news made Akane wince.

Zhu Shu also told them of the meeting Tao-Ching had had with the elders and 
the quest he�d been put on.  Nabiki sighed in relief when Zhu Shu gave them 
the news.

All in all, the night went quietly, a far cry from what awaited tomorrow.


* * * * *

The next morning began quietly enough, China sneaking away after breakfast 
so that Shan Pu could be waiting outside to join them for her first day at 
school.  Even the walk to school was uneventful, for once no-one splashing 
anyone, nor was anyone waiting to attack at the school.

Indeed, nothing at all unusual, strange or out of the ordinary occurred 
until home room.  That was when the handsome new student was escorted into 
the room by the vice principal.  Ranma blinked as most of the girls sighed 
happily.  There was something about the boy that struck a familiar cord in 
his memory.

Then, the teacher announced his name.

�Let�s all give a big welcome to Ukyo Kuonji.�

Ranma straightened like a shot.  �Uc-Chan?�

The new guy looked at Ranma and smiled a rather cold smile.  �So you do 
remember me, huh?  I certainly remember you, Ranma.�

�Yeah, I remember you.  We used to be best friends.�

�Really?  That�s why you ran away?�  The smile grew even colder.  �I�ve 
spent years hunting you, all so I could give you this!�

A small round object flew from his hand towards Ranma�s face.  He caught it 
and looked, noting it was an okonomiyaki.  Spelled out in sauce on the pizza 
was a challenge.  He blinked.

�You�re challenging me?�  He looked at the cold stare Ukyo was giving him 
and shrugged.  �Fine.  When and where.�

�After school, in the athletic field.  I want everyone to have a nice view 
of me beating the tar out of you.�

Ranma shrugged again.  �Okay.�  He ate the okonomiyaki.  �Heh.  Just as good 
as I remember.�

The teacher looked between the two boys.  �That settled?  Good, take your 
seat.�


* * * * *

�You really should have gone to school today, Usagi.�  Mamoru said as the 
boat pulled up to the dock.  �Not that I�m not enjoying a day with you, but 
you�ve already missed a week.�

�A week without you.  I just couldn�t stand it.�

Mamoru smiled.  �Silly.  You called me almost every day.  And I didn�t even 
need to rescue you from anything.�  He stepped up to the dock and offered 
Usagi his hand, helping her out of the boat.

�Oh, you�re so gentlemanly.�  Usagi said as she stepped on to the dock.

Mamoru avoided saying it was because Usagi likely would have fallen into the 
water otherwise, though she was benefiting some from these martial arts 
courses with Zhu Shu.  He simply pulled her close.  �Of course.  You bring 
out the gentleman in me.�

Usagi smiled and pulled him down for a long kiss.

Sadly, said kiss was interrupted.

All Usagi knew was that something heavy landed on her head, knocking her to 
the ground.  When she recovered enough to look up, she saw Mamoru had been 
knocked down, and a small, vibrantly pink haired girl was kissing him.

�HEY.  WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?!�  she yelled.

The pink haired girl turned, revealing eyes that were a sinister shade of 
magenta.  �Usagi Tsukino.  Why are you wearing my trademarked odangos?�

�Hey, odangos are my trademark! And I�m Usagi Tsukino!�

�You are Usagi Tsukino?  Then you know where the Silver Crystal is.�  The 
small girl hopped over to Usagi and produced a pistol, placing the barrel 
between Usagi�s eyes.  �Give it to me.�

�Now, now.�  Mamoru tried to move towards them.  �Little girls shouldn�t 
play with guns.�

�One more step and she gets it!�  The girl warned.  �Now I want the Silver 
Crystal!�  she said to Usagi.

�Um...err...um...I don�t know what you�re talking about?�  Usagi tried.

�So, you won�t just give it to me, huh.  Too bad.�

The pink haired girl pulled the trigger as Mamoru screamed �Nooo!� and dove 
towards Usagi.  He grabbed her as she fell backwards, then both their eyes 
went to the small flower stuck to Usagi�s head by a suction cup.

�It was a toy?�  Usagi asked.

Mamoru looked for the girl to tell her it wasn�t a funny joke...

But the pink haired girl had vanished.


* * * * *

�She�s going to be fine, Urd.  She�s just still weak.  As far as I can tell, 
she wasn�t mortally wounded, just tortured.�  Belldandy said as she came 
from the room they�d put Mara in.  �Though I shudder at the fact someone 
would do that to her.�
Urd nodded.  �The only one I can think of who could, would be Hild.  You�ve 
heard the stories.�

�I know.  I just hate to think anyone could be that cruel.�  Belldandy said 
sadly.  She wrung her hands in her apron.  �And I have no idea what Legend 
did to her either.  She�s not a demon anymore.  I think she�s a goddess.�

�How is that possible?  How can anyone change what she is?  I�ve never even 
heard of Kami-Sama doing that!� Urd shook her head.  �And wouldn�t the 
doublet system stop it?�

Belldandy raised her hands.  �I don�t know.�

Urd sighed.  �Is she awake?�

Belldandy nodded.

Urd knocked on the door and opened it to the faint response.  Mara looked up 
from her breakfast.  �Urd!�

�Um, heya Mara.  Feeling better?�

�Much.  Bell says I lost a lot of blood, so I have to eat to replace it.  My 
natural energies are coming back slowly too.�
Urd smiled.  �That�s good.  Do you remember much?�

Mara shook her head.  �I was in a funk, I know that.  A lot of my memories 
for the last couple of months are foggy.  I... I was angry a lot.  And I 
remember the pain, knowing that I was going to be forced to hurt...� her 
voice faded so that Urd barely caught the �you.� Mara couldn�t meet her 
eyes.

�You didn�t want to hurt me?�  Urd asked.  �You were saying you were going 
to make me your slave.�

Mara looked away.  �I�m sorry.  I don�t remember much.  I know I was a 
bitch.�

�You�re always a bitch Mara.  It�s your job.  You were positively evil for 
awhile though.�  Urd laughed.

Mara sighed.  �I never wanted to be a demon, Urd.  I couldn�t help what I 
was born as.  I was always jealous that you could choose; that you chose to 
be a goddess while I had to be a demon.�

Urd blinked.  �I never knew that.�

Mara gave her a half lidded look.  �No.  You never did.  You never asked 
either.  Do you even have any idea how hard I had to work to get assigned to 
you all as chief adversary?�

Urd shook her head.  �I thought it was just luck.�

Mara laughed.  �You wish.  I had to beat out Velsper for it.�  She gave Urd 
another half lidded look.  �I think it was worth it.�

Urd shifted uncomfortably in her seat.  Those looks carried way more meaning 
than she was sure she wanted to respond to.  Mara noted the fidget and 
looked away.  Urd sighed.

�Do you remember when Keiichi and I brought you here?� she asked finally.

Mara nodded.  �It�s one of the few things I do remember clearly.  You held 
me in your arms as we started leaving the apartment.�

Do... do you remember what you said?�

Mara shrugged.  �Do you?�

�I... I�m not sure.�

�Then don�t worry about it.�  Mara sighed.  �He did tell me there were no 
certainties.�

�Legend?�

Mara nodded.

�You�re in love with me aren�t you?�  Urd said.  �That�s what you said; �I 
love you�.�

�Yes.�

�For... for how long?�

Mara laughed bitterly.  �For forever.  Since we were in school together.�

�I...  I don�t know what to say.�

�Then don�t say anything.  Let me keep hoping that someday my love won�t be 
in vain.�  Mara sighed.  �He gave me a choice, don�t you know, for killing 
his chosen.  I could die and escape Hild�s wraith, and no longer have to do 
her bidding, sparing you from the mischief she wanted me to wreak.�

�Or?�  Urd prompted.

�I could give up everything I was to him in exchange for a chance.  Only a 
chance.�

�A chance at me?�

Mara nodded.  �I gave up everything, my life, my job, even my powers as a 
demon.  I�m nothing anymore, Urd.  Just a mortal in love with a Goddess.  
Gods, I can certainly sympathize with Keiichi now.�

Urd blinked.  �Mara... �

�Please, Urd, I don�t need false words of comfort.�

�Belldandy said she thinks you�re a goddess now.�  Urd finished.

Mara blinked.  �What?�

Urd looked around and grabbed a hand mirror, handing it to Mara.  The former 
demon looked, and blinked.  �Yin Yang�s?�

Urd raised an eyebrow and looked closely at Mara�s marks.  It wasn�t obvious 
unless it was in shadow, but she was right, the golden marks she had taken 
to be claws were one half of the overall symbol.  The Yin half was such a 
pale gold, it had blended in with her skin in the light.  In shadow, it 
contrasted better.

�We think Legend made you a Goddess... � Urd said softly.  �Like me...�

Outside in the hall, the phone rang.  Urd and Mara both looked towards the 
sound.  After a second, there was a knock on the door and Belldandy peeked 
in.  �Um... I have a phone call from Licensing... for a Mara, Goddess, third 
class, probationary.�

Mara fainted.


* * * * *

�Yes, okay, alright, Shan Pu�s IS my fianc�e as well as Ranma!�  Akane 
finally yelled to the pestering girls in her gym class.  �THAT DOES NOT MAKE 
ME A PERVERT!�

�But if you�re marrying a girl, you have to be.�  Asuka said, holding her 
towel up to cover her breasts.

Akane growled.  Shan Pu just had to give her a kiss and a swat on the rear 
in the hall as they went to classes.  She was going to kill the Amazon!

�Look.  I had to get engaged to her because of the laws of her tribe!  
Ranma�s Grandfather arranged some sort of dual marriage with her as his 
other fianc�e, so I had to get engaged too!�

�Why Airen not tell truth?  She win Shan Pu in fair combat.�  Shan Pu�s 
voice came from behind her.

Akane turned to the dressing room door.  �What are you doing here?  Don�t 
you have class?�

�Shan Pu have Home Ec.  She teaches teacher right way make ramen.  Teacher 
send in hall, so Shan Pu come find Airen.  Ranma in number class, so come 
see other Airen.�

�Oh gods.�  Akane mumbled.  �Shan Pu, you can�t just wonder the halls.  If 
the teacher had you stand outside it was meant to be a punishment.�

�Punishment?  Teacher only give buckets of water to hold.  Shan Pu learn 
balance when child.  Put buckets on top of funny thing in yard outside.�

Curious, Akane had to go to the door and look.  �That�s a goal post, Shan 
Pu.  How ever did you get them up there.�

�Jump.  Not too high for Shan Pu.�

A flash of light from across the athletic field caught Akane�s glance, and 
she blinked.  �That�s funny.�

Shan Pu looked up from admiring Akane�s rear in the tight fitting gym 
outfit.  �Humm?�

�I could have sworn I just saw somebody watching us.  Someone in a long 
Chinese robe.�

Shan Pu looked out.  �No see anybody.�

�He�s gone now.�

�So you two want some privacy?�  Sayuri said.

Akane whirled.  �What?�

�She shows up and you just forget we�re here, hummm?  And you say you�re not 
a pervert?�

Shan Pu picked Sayuri up and said, �You no call Airen pervert!�

�Please put her down, Shan Pu.  This is my problem.�  Akane said.  As the 
Amazon set the girl down, Akane stepped forward.

�Now, I�m only going to say this once.  Yes, I do like girls as well as 
guys.  In my case this is limited to a very select few girls.   Namely two: 
Zhu Shu and Shan Pu.�

�Now, knowing I live with Zhu Shu, and her preferences are well known, it 
should be obvious where that came from.  Now, Shan Pu is Zhu Shu�s sister, 
and that should answer a few other questions.  Now, on top of that, Shan Pu 
can almost beat Ranma in a fight, and holds even with me.  In light of all 
that, do you really want to aggravate any of us?�

Sayuri swallowed hard.  �Geez, Akane, we�re just joking.�

Akane looked around at the other girls in the gym.  �Is that true?�

The other girls nodded, wide eyed.

�Good.  I will consider the matter settled.�

�My Goddess!  There you are.  I�m so sorry I was away for so long!  I got 
delayed in Australia, but now I�m here!�

Akane cringed.  �Oh gods.  Kodachi�s back.�

The raven haired gymnast landed at Akane�s feet.  �What may I do to show my 
adoration for my goddess?�

The feeling of a raging battle aura filled the air as Shan Pu looked at 
Kodachi.  �Shan Pu think not like what girl say.  Akane Shan Pu Airen.�

Kodachi looked at the Amazon.  �Airen?�  she looked back at Akane.  �Have 
you gotten some cheap Chinese whore to be your slave because I was gone, 
Mistress?�  She gave Shan Pu a cool look.  �I�m certain you must have been 
desperate to have chosen such a barbarian.�

It was a good thing the gymnast was quick, as she barely moved away from the 
sudden impact crater left by Shan Pu�s bon buri.

�Shan Pu kill!  Akane is Shan Pu Airen.  Fianc�e!�

�Fianc�e?  My Beloved Goddess?�  Kodachi laughed.  �I see my Mistress has 
been ensorcelled.  I say never!  I accept your challenge, barbarian!  I will 
trounce you and free my Goddess!�

�Idiot girl meet Shan Pu outside!�

�Pagh!  I shall meet you in a proper challenge!  In one week I shall meet 
you on the field of combat in the school gym!  The Rhythmic Gymnastics 
tryouts shall determine which of us my Goddess shall favor!�  With a 
maniacal laugh, Kodachi started her rose petal blizzard.  �Farewell for now, 
Barbarian!�

Shan Pu incinerated the petals as Kodachi bounced away across the field.  
�Shan Pu very angry now.  Make idiot bouncy girl very dead at challenge.�

Akane sighed and shook her head.


* * * * *

At lunch time, Ai watched Zhu Shu come out into the school yard with a 
smile.  Phase one was about to start.  She had been patient; waiting for the 
Chinese girl to return to school, but now, the time to strike had come.  She 
signaled the squad to stand ready.

�Now remember, don�t let her distract you again.  I don�t want a repeat of 
last time.�

�But won�t that drink weaken her?� Kyoko asked.  �You said it was going to 
weaken her.�

�Yes, but that would only make losing to her even more humiliating.  Stay 
focused!�

The five girls watched as part one was carried out flawlessly.  The Hentai 
Squad, carefully armed with Super Soaker Bazookas, managed to catch Zhu Shu 
after little more than five minutes.  She shook her head ruefully as she 
stood dripping in the thin white dress, then bowed to the crowd of boys who 
had all fainted from nosebleeds.

Ai�s eyes narrowed as Zhu Shu then went to her customary spot near a tree at 
the edge of the field and set down to eat, pulling out her small brazier and 
bento.  Ai paid special attention to the small thermos Zhu Shu pulled out, 
grinning viciously as she sipped.  As Zhu Shu finished her lunch, Ai gave 
the signal.

The blonde dragon girl sighed as the cheerleading squad tumbled into the 
open area before her tree and struck poses.  Ai stepped down from the hands 
of Ayeka and Megumi and gave Zhu Shu a long look.  �Okay, Zhu Shu.  We never 
settled this last time, and I�ve trained my squad better.  I�m the prettiest 
girl in this school and it�s time Furinkan re-learned that!�

�Ai not get argument from Zhu Shu that is pretty.  Has tried to get Hentai 
not chase.�  She gave the tall cheerleader a long look.  �But is right.  Zhu 
Shu lose temper last time, not fight well.  Is game for rematch.�

The news spread like it always did, and less than five minutes later the 
athletic field was crowded.  Akane and Ranma stood at Zhu Shu�s end of the 
field looking at the cheerleaders nervously.

�Be careful, Zhu-chan.  Ai�s been training the squad pretty intensely since 
your last match.� Akane said.

�Yeah.  Are you sure you want to fight her in your cursed form?�  Ranma 
added.

Zhu Shu nodded.  �Lose temper last time when change.  Maybe if already 
changed not lose control.�

�Okay.�

�And no interfere!�

�Okay, okay.  I promised last time.  So long as she�s not trying to outright 
kill you.�

�Don�t worry, Zhu-chan.  I�ll keep him out of it.�

A cheery �Nihao!�  announced Shan Pu�s arrival.  �Heard Blood-Sister 
challenged.�

�Yes.�

Shan Pu nodded.  �Is referee.  Make sure fight fair.�

�Not one on one.  Zhu Shu fight squad.�

Shan Pu grinned.  �Even better.  Shan Pu like melee.�

Zhu Shu shook her head, and blinked at the wave of dizziness.

�Sister okay?�  Shan Pu asked, noting the surprised look.

�Zhu Shu fine.� She stepped out onto the field to stop any further 
questions.

Ai led off with a flying kick after being catapulted by Ayeka and Megumi.  
Zhu Shu dodged as she reached to pull out her ribbons, then blinked in shock 
as she felt her chi refuse to respond.  A wave of dizziness struck as Ai�s 
heel slammed into the small of her back and hurled her towards the waiting 
squad.

Ranma blinked as Zhu Shu landed in the middle of the girls.  �Something�s 
wrong.  She�s moving way too slow.�

Akane blinked and nodded.  �She�s not glowing.  Her chi�s missing!�  She 
waved at Shan Pu, trying to get the Amazon�s attention as she monitored the 
fight.  �Shan Pu!�

The Amazon was frowning at where Zhu Shu was blocking several pom-pom 
thrusts.  She heard Akane�s shout and hopped over, keeping her eyes on the 
fight.  �Why sister not use weapons?  She want lose?�

�Something�s wrong with her chi!� Akane hissed. �I can�t see her aura!�

Shan Pu raised an eyebrow.  �If sister no have chi, she maybe not win!�

�Oh man.  I gotta stop this!�  Ranma said, preparing to step out on the 
field.

�Airen will not!  Is challenge!�  Shan Pu responded.  �Will keep eye on 
sister!  Airen stay!� She jumped back out into the center of the field 
towards the fight.

Zhu Shu for her part had just blocked a high kick from Kaede when she felt 
her head spin savagely.  She stumbled to her knees as Ai smiled.  �Feeling a 
little punch drunk?�

Zhu Shu warily stood again and gave her a grim and toothy smile.  �Again, 
Zhu Shu not fight best.�  She yanked at the sash to her dress, and lashed 
out with it, catching Ai�s leg and tripping her.  �But she still game.�

Kyoko and Megumi responded with an exploding pom-pom attack that left Zhu 
Shu�s dress in tatters.  The dragon girl gave the viciously smiling Kaede a 
glare as she stood smoking.  �Not want make Zhu Shu mad!�

The glare lasted for a few seconds only as once more the wave of dizziness 
hit, leaving her wide open for an air kick.  More cloth flew as Zhu Shu 
slammed into the wall around the field.  She braced herself against the wall 
as she tried to stand, but the dizziness was overwhelming.

�Shan Pu call halt!�  she heard her Blood-Sister announce.  �Sister never 
fight this poor!  Shan Pu think Ai do something to Sister.�

�Stay out of this girl!  This is between Zhu Shu and my squad!�

Zhu Shu fought to her feet and nodded.  �I will fight, Shan Pu.  I�m just 
dizzy.�  She said in Chinese.  �This is between Ai and I.�  She turned to 
the blonde cheerleader.  �Zhu Shu not care if Ai cheat.  Still will beat.�

�Big words, Zhu Shu.  Won�t be so easy without your magic.�

�Sister no need magick deal with pervert girl.� Shan Pu said as she handed a 
pair of wooden practice swords to Zhu Shu.  �She only need sword.�

Zhu Shu took the swords and smiled.  �When ready.�

The other cheerleaders looked to Ai for a cue.  Ai smiled.  �I think maybe I 
like it when you�re naked Zhu Shu.  Maybe after I�ve beaten you, you can be 
my pet.�

Ayeka�s eyes burned at Zhu Shu as the Chinese girl nodded.  �You say same 
last time.  Still no do.�

Ai�s eyes gave her just enough warning to jump above the pair of batons that 
cut across where her ankles had been , but without chi, her speed wasn�t 
enough to avoid a second volley of exploding pom-poms.  Barely enough of her 
dress survived the blast to keep the Hentai squad from going comatose, but 
the explosion left her reeling.  She recovered just in time to meet a baton 
attack from Ayeka that would have sent her into unconsciousness.  Her swords 
twisted as she sent the batons flying into Kaede, doubling her over.

�Y-you bitch!� Kaede choked out.  �I�ll get you for that!�  She launched 
herself at the dragon girl.

Zhu Shu met the attack with a parry and a twist that sent Kaede face first 
into the ground, but it left her open as Ai once more planted both feet in 
her back.  She staggered forward into a simultaneous Air Kick and pom-pom 
barrage, the impacts driving the wind from her as she was hurled into the 
wall around the field again.  She slammed into the concrete with a gasp of 
pain as within her she felt her hold over her anger fail, and a sound of a 
vast beast roaring in triumph filled her ears.

She faintly heard Akane scream her name as the world turned inside out and 
fire burned along every nerve.  She lurched forwards on her hands and knees 
as she tilted her head back and screamed.  It felt like her very soul was 
burning.

The entire school watched in amazement as a column of fire shot out of Zhu 
Shu�s mouth and engulfed the bench by the field.
As the flames died, ash drifted down from where the bench had been.  Zhu Shu 
shakily stood and stumbled a few steps clutching her head as her aura 
returned, glowing a swirling gold streaked with black.  The cheerleaders 
stepped back, wondering what was happening.

Zhu Shu hit her knees again, her aura growing brighter and brighter as she 
moaned softly.  With a loud tearing noise, the remaining shreds of her dress 
ripped asunder as a pair of small wings sprouted from her shoulders and a 
thick tail sprouted from her spine, both covered in tiny black scales.  The 
claws on her fingers grew another inch longer and sturdier as a pair of 
horns pushed through her hair and swept back behind her ears, which had also 
grown longer.  As the flaring of her aura died, she coughed, a puff of smoke 
escaping her mouth.

Ai was staring transfixed as the entire school gasped.  Blood gushed in 
rivers from the noses of most of the boys as the nearly naked half dragon 
shook her head to clear it.  Zhu Shu tried to stand, and stumbled.  She 
didn�t seem to notice as her wings fluttered and set her back upright, her 
stance none to steady.  Her eyes locked on Ai, the anger in them nearly 
incandescent.  �What do!  What do to Zhu Shu!�  She launched herself at the 
tall cheerleader, not realizing she was flying as she grabbed her and lifted 
her effortlessly thirty feet off the ground.  �WHAT DO TO ZHU SHU!!!!�

Ai stammered.  �It- it was just Dragon Wine.  It- it was supposed to make 
you a little drunk!�  Ai gulped.  �It�s only alcoholic for dragons!  It 
wasn�t supposed to do this!�

�Zhu Shu!  You�re flying!�  Akane yelled up at the transformed girl.  �You 
grew wings!�

Zhu Shu blinked, and looked over her shoulder, to where her small wings were 
working overtime to keep her hovering.  �Zhu Shu can fly?�  She turned back 
to Ai, her eyes wide.  �Zhu Shu can fly?�

Ai nodded.  �Um? yeah?�

She screamed as Zhu Shu let her go, only to be grabbed a second later in an 
embrace.  She looked into the dragon girls eyes fearfully.

The anger was gone, replaced by a different light.  �ZHU SHU CAN FLY!!!!!�

And there, in mid air, in front of the entire school, she bussed Ai noisily 
on the lips with a loud �MMMMMMWAH!� before setting Ai back down on the 
ground.  She smiled at the blonde cheerleader and offered �Zhu Shu can fly,� 
by way of an explanation.

�YOU BITCH!�  Ayeka screamed as Ai blinked in confusion.  Zhu Shu turned to 
the raven haired girl.

�Zhu Shu can fly!� She said happily, trying to convey the immensity of that 
fact to the steaming Ayeka, but the jealous girl would have none of it.

�You have kissed my darling Ai!  For this sin, I, Ayeka, can never forgive 
you!�  Wielding her baton like a two handed sword she charged.

Zhu Shu dodged out of her way and fluttered over to where Akane and Shan Pu 
were watching the exchange with dropped jaws.
�Zhu Shu can fly!�  She said to them, hoping against hope she was conveying 
the importance of this to the stunned girls.

Akane nodded.  �You can fly?�  She blinked  �Watch out!�

�I�ll kill you with one swing!� Ayeka screamed as her baton, glowing with 
the orange light of her angry chi slashed down through the air where Zhu Shu 
had been fluttering.

Zhu Shu had zipped behind her.  She pursed her lips and let fly with a 
stream of fire, engulfing the enraged girl.  �ZHU SHU CAN FLY!�  Why 
couldn�t anyone understand?

The soot covered girl, protected by her chi aura, coughed a small puff of 
black smoke.  �Perhaps I have underestimated you.  I will forever regret 
this.�  Then she gave a mad grin.  �But now the real action begins!  Die!�  
She swung her glowing baton at Zhu Shu again in a swing that would have 
sliced her in half.

Zhu Shu had dodged behind her.  �Zhu Shu can fly!�  she tried explaining 
again.

�Don�t think you can talk your way out of this one!  I, Ayeka will not fall 
for your charms, you sneaky dragon girl!�  She swung repeatedly as Zhu Shu 
dodged.  Backing up across the field she came to the goal post.  Without 
thinking about it, she bent it backwards with one hand as Ayeka advanced, 
then let go to let the post slam into the cheerleaders face.

Akane cheered as Ayeka stumbled back several steps, dazed, but Kaede decided 
to lend a hand and threw an exploding pom-pom at Zhu Shu.  Caught unawares, 
the dragon girl was knocked to the ground by the explosion.  Ayeka shook her 
self and recovered enough to start swinging again.

�DIE!  DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!� she screamed as Zhu Shu dodged blow after blow, 
rolling on the ground shedding the final scraps of her dress.  With a last 
dodge, she leaped up to the cross bar of the goal post.

�You can�t get away!�  Ayeka yelled.  �I won�t let you escape!�  She leaped 
after Zhu Shu, landing on the cross post.  �I ATTACK!�

Zhu Shu dodged her downward slice, blinking as the baton sheared through the 
post.  Ayeka blinked as the cross post creaked, then gave way under her.  
She crashed to the ground.  Zhu Shu blinked down at the fallen girl.

�I, Ayeka, shall forever regret this!�  The girl moaned.  Zhu Shu fluttered 
down to see if she was okay.

�Why don�t you just give up?�  Akane yelled at the raven haired girl.  
Ayeka�s head popped up.

�I, Ayeka, will never give up!  MEGUMI!�

A pair of pom-poms connected by a wire wrapped around Zhu Shu, entangling 
her wings and arms and grounding her.  The red haired cheerleader looked 
down from the goalpost and shrugged.  �She�s my teammate.  Even if she is 
currently insane.�

Zhu Shu blinked sadly at the charging cheerleader.  She�d failed to 
communicate the immensity of being able to fly to the girl, and now she 
wasn�t going to be able to fly anymore.

�Oh, for Pete�s sake!� Ranma growled as he jumped forwards and kicked the 
baton out of Ayeka�s hands.  It lost its glow as it flew up, watched by the 
crowd.  Ayeka stared dumbstruck at her empty hands.

Then the baton bounced off her skull and she looked at Zhu Shu in amazement.

�One more step�and I could have� avenged the squad� and earned a reward from 
Ai� and regained our popularity�  I� Ayeka� shall� forever� regret... 
this...�

With the last words, Ayeka collapsed to the ground, out cold.  Zhu Shu 
blinked at her, then looked at Ranma pleadingly.  �Zhu Shu can fly?�

Ranma unwrapped the pom-pom bolo from around her.  �Yes.  Zhu Shu can fly.  
Maybe we should have you fly to Doctor Tofu�s?  You�re acting really 
strange�

Zhu Shu nodded.  It seemed like a brilliant suggestion to the happy fog in 
her brain, and she told him so.

�Zhu Shu can FLY!�

_________________________________________________________________
Don�t just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! 
http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/


             .---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 -----'