RANMA 1/2 V
A fan-fic written by Force Vector based on the
characters and situations created by Rumiko Takahashi.
----------------------------
CHAPTER 6: Rift
�� Morning at Nerima.� To most people another normal
day had arrived.� For the most parts, the Kunou Estate
was no different. �Since the arrival of Nabiki Tendou,
or rather Mistress Nabiki as she is called - much to
her hidden annoyance, the number of hired help had
increased and the grounds were now spotless, the
mansion repaired back to and beyond it�s former
beauty.
�� At this point of dawn, when the sun had barely
risen and the land was awash in gold, the grounds
around the mansion was one of the best places to be.�
The dew was still fresh on the plants and blooming
flowers giving them a soft ethereal glow of life.� The
gardener always loved this time and never regretted
waking up early as he watched the bees already busy
with their tasks, just as he soon would.� From the
corner of his eye he spotted someone else about.
�� Walking the grounds was a breathtakingly beautiful
lady.� Her graceful movement made her motion look like
a dance as she moved from one flowering plant to
another, just like a bee would.� Her long silken ebony
hair whipping at the slight breeze in a wavy
mesmerizing manner.
�� She was dressed completely in black, from her long
pleated skirt to her turtleneck blouse and abbreviated
vest.� To counterpoint the somber shade, she wore
pristine white gloves and a large broad-brimmed white
hat - a black ribbon tied to it.� Her shoes, or
rather, boots were also white.
�� All this, the gardener noted.� It had been warned
that one keeps his or her distance only when mistress
Kodachi wore a formal Kimono. Thankfully, it has been
so rare for them to see her garbed as such, to which
the staff had to thank master Mamuro for.
�� The two were inseparable, he was currently sitting
at the crook of her left arm.� Her right hand was
carrying a white lacy parasol, opened and propped on
her shoulder.� Whenever they reached an interesting
looking plant, Kodachi would tell Mamuro its
scientific name, the more common name and then either
one of the following: a brief description on how it
should be taken care of, it�s history including
interesting anecdotes, or general information about
it.� Rarely had the gardener heard her repeat herself.
�� When she was within speaking range did the gardener
bow.� "Good morning, Mistress Kodachi, Master Mamuro."
�� The lady smiled but did not bow, understandable
considering who was in her arms.� "Good morning,
master Hiroshi."
�� It surprised all that knew him that Hiroshi turned
out to have a green thumb, something that couldn�t be
noted during the early mad years of teenage youth.�
Naturally, Nabiki had known about it and had given him
a generous offer - with danger pay to boot.� When
Mistress Kodachi had mellowed out, to the relief of
the earlier staff, his danger pay had never been
revoked.
�� Life in the Kunou Estate was pleasant, Hiroshi
mused.� There were several cute maids that he could
talk to, the other staff members were easy to get
along with, the food was good, the pay excellent, and
surprising of all, Kodachi seemed to respect his
skills.
�� "As usual, your charges are hale and hearty.
�Although I did notice some of them have been
rearranged."
�� They started to walk Hiroshi�s rounds. � "I wasn�t
too happy with how they were turning out, Mistress
Kodachi, so I decided to move them to somewhere more
agreeable to them."
�� "Too bad it never works that well with people."� An
enigmatic smile followed.
�� Hiroshi had a feeling he was treading dangerous
waters, but felt that Kodachi was stable enough.
"Well, people are far more complex than a plant,
Mistress.� Take Master Mamuro for instance, for his
age he�s very well behaved."
�� Mamuro, who had been listening all this while,
favored Hiroshi with a smile.� Kodachi kissed Mamuro
in the neck, which he found ticklish, squealing in
delight.
�� "If you had mentioned it to my brother, he would
have told you about �noble blood� and all that
nonsense.� Nabiki-sama has been good for us.� You
could say that it was a case of planting something
close to another plant to make it better."
�� Hiroshi couldn�t think of any comment and nodded
his head instead.� They continued with his rounds as
Hiroshi made some notes of his charges on his
mini-computer.� *Surprising that she hasn�t left me
yet for the Conservatory.� Not that I mind, she is
pleasant to look at and to talk to. �She smells great
too.*
�� "Master Hiroshi.� If it isn�t a bother, I would
like to hear your advice about my charges."
�� *Did I hear that right?� Kodachi asking for my
advice? This is something new.*� "I would be honored,
Mistress Kodachi. �Would after my rounds do?"
�� "That would be fine," She smiled at him warmly,
"Thank you, master Hiroshi."
�� Hiroshi bowed to Kodachi as she left him and headed
to the Conservatory.� Mamuro had moved to look over
her shoulder and was waving at him.� Hiroshi waved
back.
�� *Should I inform Mistress Nabiki about this?* �That
question kept him company as he did the rest of his
rounds.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
��� Even if Hiroshi had decided to inform Nabiki then
and there, he would not have been successful, for
Nabiki at that moment was still sound asleep.� Having
spent the entire night on the phone with her husband,
Nabiki had finally gotten to sleep only when Tatewaki
had been relieved by Ranma.
�� The door to the room opened and a small man
entered.� He wore a ninja garb, his eyes the only
thing uncovered in the black cloth.� Walking
stealthily towards Nabiki, he soundlessly pulled out a
ninja-to - the short sword his kind often uses.� Just
as he stood beside Nabiki, she turned to face him and
pointed a small automatic handgun in his face.� The
ninja noted that the safety was off and a bullet was
chambered.
�� The ninja sheathed the sword and pulled down the
cloth covering his lower face - revealing a
buck-toothed smile.� "Good morning, Mistress Nabiki."
� Nabiki safetied and returned the Walther under her
pillow.� "There are times Sasuke, that I think you do
this stuff just to ogle my body."
�� "Nonsense, Mistress Nabiki.� If that was all I
wanted to do, I could have installed a miniature
camera in your bathroom."
�� "But there�s nothing like looking over a nubile
body with your own eyes, eh Sasuke."
�� *She had a point, Mistress Nabiki always slept in
the nude ever since she started to live with Master
Kunou.*� At first, this had caused Sasuke no end of
discomfort, since he was charged to watch over his
Master and Mistress. Eventually he got used to it,
after all seeing the same person naked often enough
becomes commonplace.� Not that he would ever tell that
to her.� She might have Master Kunou have his head cut
off, and he didn�t want to think which head it might
be.
�� Brazenly, she stepped out of the bed and headed to
the bathroom.� Sasuke ran a critical eye over her
body, for he also had to inform Master Ranma if she
had been slacking off on her exercises.
�� She obligingly turned around for him.� "Do I pass?�
I know all about your duty to Ranma, courtesy of my
sister."
�� Part of Sasuke wasn�t surprised that the Mistress
knew, how she found out was the interesting part.�
"Taking into consideration aging, you have never been
fitter."
�� "What about these, are they still desirable."� She
teasingly hefted her breasts.
�� Sasuke blushed slightly.� "I think Mistress Akane
would be the best judge of that."
�� "She�s a girl, Sasuke.� I want the honest opinion
of a randy young man.� Tatewaki doesn�t count, he�s my
husband after all.� Aside from him, you are the only
other man that has seen me in all my glory."
�� Sasuke dropped the critical eye and put his brain
on neutral.� "If I was the old Happousai, I wouldn�t
have any second thoughts of glomping you and then
some."
�� "Glad to hear that."� She pushed the bathroom door
open.� "I hope you haven�t placed any traps in the
bathroom.� I don�t feel up to it right now."
�� Sasuke was back to his normal self, a bit disturbed
by his open admission of lust.� He hid his slowly
creeping embarrassment by putting the mouth cloth back
up. "The bathroom is clean and clear, Mistress
Nabiki."
�� Hearing the sound of the bathtub being filled,
Sasuke summoned the maids to clean up the bedroom.� He
also spent the time talking to his personnel and
gathering any pertinent information that Mistress
Nabiki should know about.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
��� Hiroshi was nervous as he knocked at the
Conservatory�s door.� The staff knew that the
Conservatory is Kodachi�s sacrosanct area, and
permission must be given before entering.� A fact that
one of Sasuke�s ninjas seriously enforced.� Hiroshi
looked around to spot the ninja but failed.� *If I
could spot him, then he wouldn�t be a ninja, right?*
�� "Looking for the gargoyle by the gates?" � The
amused voice was behind him.
�� Hiroshi spun around.� "Oh, Mistress Kodachi, I
thought you�d be in the Conservatory."
�� "Mamu-chan was hungry.� Have you had breakfast,
master Hiroshi?"
�� "Uh, I usually have breakfast with the rest of the
staff." *What�s this all about?*
�� "Then I won�t detain you too long." �She opened the
Conservatory.� "Shall we?"
�� Closing the door behind him, Kodachi made no move
to guide Hiroshi.� "Please feel free to roam around
and examine my charges, I will await you at the
gazebo."� She headed towards a raised and roofed area
in the center of the Conservatory pausing from time to
time to examine one of her charges. Ever so often she
would glance over her shoulder towards Hiroshi - who
hadn�t moved an inch, yet.
�� Noting that Kodachi had a hint of a smile whenever
she glanced towards him, Hiroshi felt a bit
intimidated. *Granted, she had never shown interest
towards us then, Ranma being the prize catch after
all� gods, she looks even more beautiful with that
smile.*
�� Having reached the gazebo, Kodachi looked back at
Hiroshi.� A raised eyebrow accentuating her amused
smile.
�� Scratching his head, Hiroshi mentally kicked
himself and decided to work in a counter-clockwise
spiral.� Putting on his professional �hat�, he slowly
examined the roses in Kodachi�s Conservatory.
�� A Kunou rose was known to stay fresher than other
roses and each one had a different subtle fragrance,
this due to a secret formula that Kodachi had
developed and applied as soon as the roses were cut.�
That and the fact they were always in limited supply
had ensured its success in the market.� Nabiki and
Tatewaki always wore them when attending a formal
party.� Recipients of a bouquet from the Kunou�s know
that they are well-favored.
�� Schoolgirls dream of receiving one from their
suitors.� It was now considered the highest possible
compliment one can give, for aside from their rarity,
they were relatively costly.� Early on, some had dared
to hoard the Kunou Rose and tried to re-sell it at a
profit.� Those fools learned how disastrous it would
be, personally and financially, to feel the wrath of
the Kunou family. �None have tried since.
��� Hiroshi stopped at a golden rose, one of the many
different hues that Kodachi had been working on.� Miss
Hinako had one on her desk in school and has reported
that she rarely encountered any more sleeping
�delinquents�.� *Either that or the rumor that she had
mastered not only pinpoint chi absorption but also a
chi blast similar to the ones that Ranma uses but in a
smaller package.� Although, I wouldn�t really be
surprise if the actual reason is Miss Hinako�s habit
of wearing short skirts and low-cut blouses.� Even in
her mid-30s she�s still a knockout.� A schoolboy�s wet
dream.*
�� His happy thoughts were slightly dampened when he
spotted a batch of black roses.� He took a whiff and
was surprised by its scent. �*Incense?� Far different
from the petals during the mad days of high school.�
Now that I think about it, Kodachi disappeared only
after Nabiki had started to live with Tatewaki, I
guess that�s what she meant by Nabiki being good for
them. � I wonder how bad she was during college.� Good
thing Daisuke and I were in Tokyo at the time.*
�� Oddly enough the roses closest to the gazebo were
in various shades of white.� Hiroshi couldn�t make out
its significance. �Turning the last hedge, he saw that
Kodachi was in the process of finishing her
breakfast.� Surprisingly she seemed to be chatting
with the maid in attendance, Megumi, whom Hiroshi had
been dating recently.� Hiroshi decided to check out
the other roses he had missed, to allow Kodachi to
finish without any interruption.
�� Only when he spotted the well concealed door to the
mansion open and close did he return to the gazebo.�
Kodachi was reading some reports, and gnawing the end
of a pencil - Hiroshi didn�t think she was aware of
the quaint mannerism.� From time to time she would
pencil in a comment on the margins.� She seemed
engrossed in what she was doing and didn�t notice his
presence.� Hiroshi sat down to wait.
�� Seeing Hiroshi sit down from the corner of her eye,
she tucked away the report in a leather portfolio and
reached for the pitcher of juice that stood by the
side table.� She poured him a glass and handed it to
him.
�� Nodding in thanks, Hiroshi took a sip.� Kodachi
watched him patiently. "Like its mistress, your
charges are beautiful to behold. �You don�t need my
advice, Mistress Kodachi, you are doing an excellent
job."
�� "Thank you for both compliments, master Hiroshi.�
If I�m not mistaken the staff is about to have
breakfast."� Her global phone went off, its tone
indicating it was a transmitted text.� She glanced at
the message and stood up.� "We can talk in detail
later, if you don�t mind."
�� Hiroshi followed suit and bowed.� "I look forward
to it, Mistress Kodachi."� Inwardly Hiroshi was
relieved that he had bypassed one of his personal
headaches - answering a �do you mind� type question.
�� They both went through the hidden door in silence.
�As they were about to go their separate ways, Kodachi
leaned over and whispered in his ear.� "Megumi likes
watching American romance films.� I believe there is
one showing right now."
�� With a parting wink, Kodachi continued on towards
Nabiki�s bedroom.� Hiroshi headed to the staff
kitchen, even more bewildered with Kodachi�s actions.
�� Kodachi nodded to Sasuke, currently dressed like a
chauffeur.� "Did she go ballistic when you told her?"
� "Thankfully, no, Mistress Kodachi. It�s a good
thing that Master Mamuro was with her.� Even with
Mistress Nabiki�s mastery of her facial emotions,
Master Mamuro can seem to sense her mood."
�� Kodachi nodded and was about to open the door when
Sasuke stopped her with an outstretched arm, not quite
touching her.� "I must warn you though, Mistress
Kodachi, that was when he was still awake.� Master
Mamuro is currently sleeping."
�� "In the nursery?"
�� "No, Mistress Kodachi, inside."
�� Kodachi �ah�d� silently and entered.
�� Nabiki, wearing a bathrobe, was lying beside
Mamuro, watching the little Kunou sleep.� Nabiki
looked up when Kodachi entered and both smiled.
�� Nabiki slowly eased off the bed and headed to the
walk-in closet.� "Did you get my message?"� Because
the rooms were well insulated, Kodachi could hear
Nabiki�s whisper quite well.
�� She answered in an equally hushed tone. �"Beat you
to it.� Sasuke warned me first, and I had some reports
generated.� They�re in the portfolio."� She noticed
that Nabiki was putting on one of her �business�
suits.� "You still intend to meet them?"
�� Nabiki sighed.� "TenKu Enterprises International
does not really need the board of investors,
considering we have always done well even without
them.� Apparently that little fact has been lost on
them.� It would be a pleasure to remind them before I
fire the whole lot."
�� "That�s the problem with men, they can�t stand
being told what to do by a woman, especially if it�s
in something they mistakenly believe is still their
domain."
�� Nabiki grunted in assent as she checked out several
coats that would best compliment her ensemble.
�� "He�s going to steal the heart of a princess
someday."
�� Nabiki walked back to the bed and gently stroked
Mamuro�s head.� "Beauty or brains?"
�� "Both would be nice."� She looked at Nabiki
frankly.� "There�s you after all."
�� "Flatterer."� Nabiki eyed the fall of Kodachi�s
raven hair and decided to reciprocate.� "Wish I had
hair like yours.� It looks very nice that way."
�� Kodachi ran her hand through her locks. "You think
so?� You don�t think I might be slipping back to� you
know, with this affectation to the past."
�� Nabiki understood completely what Kodachi was
implying.� Her husband from time to time wore the
distinctive kimono and hakama of a Samurai. �Kodachi
seemed to be growing her hair to a length considered
�correct� in that distant era.� "Only if you let your
hair return to it�s former curly look and I would know
almost immediately."
�� Kodachi nodded at that, a small smile on her lips.
�� The two women spent a comfortable silence looking
at their prince�s contented sleep.
�� A discreet knock announced Sasuke�s entrance.
�� "We�ve finally pieced together the whereabouts of
Madame Saotome, Mistress Nabiki, Mistress Kodachi."�
He too spoke softly - but then he always did.
�� "And?"� The two spoke at the same time, a pleasant
harmony.
�� "She spent the morning having a special homecoming
arranged.� Then was ambushed by the creature Pansuto
and saved by a military officer.� Some details are in
the laptop under the heading of Saotome, N."� He
handed over a mini-computer.� Kodachi looked over
Nabiki�s shoulder.
�� They watched a clip of the previous day�s news.
"Pansuto you said."� *Did Saffron split forces?� Or is
Pansuto a lone agent?* The thought running through
both of them.
�� "Yes, Mistress Nabiki.� Pansuto was later placed
under military arrest and is currently recuperating in
the base�s jail."
�� "Recuperating?"� Another harmonious query.
�� "It seems that Madame Saotome had gravely wounded
him with the Katana she carries."
�� Nabiki couldn�t keep her eyebrow from arching, she
saw a similar reaction from Kodachi.� "Go on."
�� "I have no information about the military officer,
except that his name is Kumon Ryu and he seems known
by Madame Saotome. � After seeing Pansuto off, the two
had dinner at Mistress Ukyo�s restaurant and stayed
there until closing time."
�� "Where is the officer now?"
�� "He is staying in the Saotome�s household."
�� The two women pondered on the significance of the
officer�s appearance.� "You have no information on
him?"
�� "He is feared by my contacts, Mistress Nabiki. �
The moment I mention his name, they get nervous and
clam up."
�� *A real mystery man. Is he on our side or theirs?*
�� "Shall I call up Madame Saotome, Mistress Nabiki?"
�� She shook her head.��"If Nodoka-sama wishes to keep
him a secret for now, then we must honor her
judgement."
�� "Understood, Mistress Nabiki.� How many
surveillance teams shall be sent?"
�� "None."
�� "None?"
�� Nabiki handed the computer back to the family
retainer.� "Nodoka-sama is a shrewd lady, her guest
seems to have great clout in the information field.� I
don�t want any of us to get on either one�s bad side."
�� The relief in Sasuke�s voice was unmistakable. �
"Thank you, Mistress Nabiki."
�� "That doesn�t mean that we leave our mystery man
alone.� Try to get as much second-hand information
about him."
�� "That�s just it Mistress Nabiki. �There is no
useful second-hand information.� Aside from his name,
the only other things my contacts are willing to tell
me is that his rank is Lieutenant Colonel and that he
works for Internal Affairs."
�� *Who is this guy?*� "In that case, Sasuke, once I�m
through with the board meeting� I think I�ll be
visiting Nodoka-sama."
�� "I have a better idea."� Nabiki glanced at Kodachi
but didn�t counter her.
�� Smiling, Kodachi went to the walk-in closet and
pulled out a more casual outfit.� "You and Mamuro go
and see Nodoka-sama, while I deal with your board
members.� After all, wouldn�t it be more galling if
they�re informed of their termination by your
�assistant�?"
�� Returning the smile, Nabiki accepted the clothes
handed to her. "Sasuke, please inform Nodoka-sama of
our visit, then accompany Kodachi to the board
meeting."
�� Sasuke bowed and left the bedroom as Kodachi
exclaimed, "Hey!� I can take care of myself."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� "Ah-choo!"
�� "Are you sure you�re not allergic to anything?"�
Having ran to the guest room when she heard his
continuous hacking, Nodoka hovered near Ryu,
concerned, "That sneezing fit sounded terrible."
�� "I�m fine, mother."
�� Unconvinced and showing it, she went to a closet
and brought out a plaid-patterned sweater.� "Here,
wear this.� I don�t think it fits Genma any more."
�� Ryu put on the sweater without protest, having
given up on trying to dissuade the strong willed
lady.� It was a bit loose, but not ridiculously so,
what surprised Ryu was that the sweater didn�t smell�
funny.
�� Nodoka read the look on Ryu�s face right. "I don�t
like the musty smell myself, so I wash the older
cloths from time to time."� She walked around the
young man, humming to herself.� When she finished her
inspection, Nodoka brushed off some invisible lint on
�his� sweater.
�� Seeing that Nodoka had judged him presentable, Ryu
grinned.� "Ah, thank you, mother."
�� Mother and �son� headed to the front door.
�� "You are sure that she would be willing to spar
with me?"
�� "I thought you were in the spying business?"
�� "Mother, just because I work for Internal Affairs
does not mean that we �spy� on every Japanese
citizen.� Only the �important� ones.� Kuonji Ukyo IS a
successful businesswoman but she got that way through
HONEST hard work.� Tendou Nabiki on the other hand..."
�� The ringing of the phone cut him short.� Nodoka
went off to answer it.
�� Ryu double checked his duffel bag for the upcoming
sparring session.� He noted the odd look on Nodoka�s
face when she returned.
�� "Guess who�s coming to visit?"
�� "Good thing I will be at Ukyo�s. Will you be able
to handle her, mother?"
�� She shooed him away. "Go enjoy yourself, Ryu."
�� He kissed her on the cheek and stepped out.� He
took the time to appreciate the fine weather before
heading off.
�� Nodoka called out to him. "Steal her heart, Ryu."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Feeling his feet stop, Ryouga looked up from the
tankobon he was reading.� The door to the Ono�s clinic
was still closed, to emphasize the point, a sign
hanging on the door proclaimed �Closed�.
�� Pursing his lips in indecision, Ryouga lifted his
hand up as if to knock and paused.� Surreptitiously
glancing about, he saw that he was currently alone.�
Centering his focus on the clinic door, he �rapped�
the air three times.� The door softly thumped thrice.
�� An old lady opened the door.
�� "Oho, what is this.� My son hasn�t been gone for a
day and a studly young man passes by."
�� Ryouga took a step back, flabbergasted.
�� "You�re Hibiki, right."
���"Uh� uh, yes� yes I am, Hibiki Ryouga.� Mrs. Ono,
is Mrs. Ono in?" *Huh?*
� The old lady smiled.� "Kasumi�s inside, come on in
Ryouga."
�� "Uh, thank you, Mrs. Ono."
�� Once inside, Ryouga sat down at a sofa in the
waiting room while Dr. Toufu�s mom perched herself on
the nurse�s table, flipping through a magazine.� "What
are you reading?"
�� Ryouga showed the front cover of the graphic
novel.� It depicted a couple, a raven-haired girl and
a frost-haired boy, their backs to each other.� The
boy had cat ears.� Both wore kimonos. They didn�t
seem to be pleased.� "Takahashi Rumiko-sama�s latest
story, ma�am."
�� "It�s still that Inu-Yasha thing?"
�� "Uh, yes, ma�am.� I think she�s trying to break her
previous record."
�� "Makes you wonder where she gets all her ideas, eh
Ryouga."
�� "Never occurred to me, ma�am.� Do you read her
stories?"
�� She picked up the magazine she was reading and
waved it around.� It was an older issue of Sunday
Shonen.� "From time to time, when we�re not swamped."
�� Kasumi timely arrival saved Ryouga from fishing
around for subjects to talk about.� She was carrying
her sleeping baby daughter. �"Oh my.� Hello,
Ryouga-kun."
�� "Hello, Kasumi.� Looks like your idea worked."
�� "I guess so, you�re here after all," she glanced at
the wall clock, "and early to boot."
�� Ryouga grinned, one fang peeking out of his lips.
�"Aki-chan wasn�t too sure it would work.� I guess you
could say that her �faith� in my misdirection is quite
strong."
�� Kasumi smiled back.� "Would you like to give her a
pleasant surprise?� The phone is on the table corner."
�� Picking up the phone, he looked back at the two
ladies, who were currently staring in surprise at each
other.
�� "Something wrong, Kasumi?� Mrs. Ono?"
�� "Oh my.� We thought you might have problems finding
your way in a house."
�� Cradling the handset, Ryouga tapped it on his chin.
�"Perhaps in the Kunou�s mansion I�d get lost.� Most
houses are small enough for me not to get seriously
lost."
�� "Ah, that�s interesting information. �When you�re
ready, I�ll be in the clinic."
�� Ryouga nodded.� Looking down on the phone, he
frowned a bit and pulled out a telephone booklet from
his hip pocket.� Opening the booklet, he dialed the
number on the first page.
�� Zashi Hibiki, Ryouga�s eldest daughter and
inheritor of Akari�s unique hair coloration, picked up
the private phone. "Moshi-moshi?"
�� "Shi-chan, its dad. Is Aki-chan there?"
�� Looking over her shoulder, Zashi shouted, "Mo-m,
its dad.� I think he�s lost again."� She addressed the
phone.� "Hold on dad.� I think mom had to judge over
another argument of the two piglets."
�� "Don�t forget, you�re a piglet yourself, Shi-chan."
�� "Da-d, I�m ten already�"
�� "That still makes you a piglet."
�� Akeni took the phone from the eldest daughter.�
"What are the landmarks?� Hold on a bit, Ryo-chan."�
Zashi handed her a notepad and a gelpen with pink ink,
Akeni cupped the phone.� "Shi-chan, keep an eye out on
Ake-chan and Rin-chan, will you?"
�� "Can lunch be my favorite?"
�� "As long as you don�t start the fight, dear.� Now
go along."� Zashi ran off.� Shaking her head, Akeni
resumed her conversation with her husband.� "Where
were we?"
�� "The two fighting again?"
�� "Rin-chan really wanted to go with us when we
visited the Saotomes.� She�s taking out her
frustrations on Ake-chan."
�� "She�s not yet over that?� I thought I made it
clear that it was their fault for not finishing their
homework early."
�� "Still, she blames it on Ake-chan. �Reminds me of
someone else� I wonder who it could be?"
�� Righteous indignation traveled the phone lines.
"Hey!� Most of my problems then WERE Ranma�s fault."
�� "If you say so�" A heavy dose of doubt, the
counter.
�� "How bad was it?"
�� "Oh, the occasional punch and bite in the middle of
a wrestling match."
�� "Good thing I haven�t taught those kids any of my
techniques yet."
�� "That reminds me.� Shi-chan wants to enroll at the
Anything-Goes school."
�� "Have you talked to Ranma or Akane about it?"
�� "Akane said that they don�t have a children�s
division, but if you don�t mind, Shi-chan will train
with Lanko-chan."
�� "The other two will get jealous."
�� "You can always buy them something on the way
back.� So, where are you?"
�� In an amused tone, Ryouga described the clinic.
�� "You�re inside a building?"
�� "Uh, I believe so, Aki-chan." � He put on his
densest tone.
�� "Does it have a name at least?"
�� "Uh, I think it says �Ono Clinic�."
�� Writing down the name of the building, it took
Akeni a while to realize what she wrote.� "Ryo-chan,
you jerk, you made it there after all."
�� Uncontrolled laughter was the only thing heard at
the other end.
�� Akeni put on her most hurt voice.� "To think, I was
so worried about you."� She added a sniffle for
effect.
�� Ryouga was instantly sugary.� "I�m sorry Aki-chan.�
I shouldn�t have done that.� Will you ever forgive
me?"
�� "I don�t know, Ryouga."� She added more sniffles,
"You made fun of me�"
�� The sweetness factor was upped.� "Hibiki
Akari-chan, you know deep in your heart that I would
never, ever, hurt you. �My love for you is stronger
than gravity�s jealous embrace.� Ask me for anything
and I shall move the heavens and earth for it."
�� Akeni tried to suppress her giggles. �"You�re
Tatewaki impression stinks, Ryo-chan."
�� "Thank god for small favors, Aki-chan. �Need
anything from the grocery?"
�� "Oh, getting over-confident are we?� Just because
you made it to the clinic on your first attempt�"
�� "Akane�ll help me.� I plan on passing by the dojo
and inviting her to stay with us for a while."
�� "Hmmm. Sounds like a good idea. Here�s what we
need�"
���Only after several kisses were transmitted across
the lines did Ryouga put down the phone.� Turning
around, he started slightly at the prescription that
Mrs. Ono was holding out.
�� "Lay off the sweet stuff, it could lead to
Diabetes?� Or worse, a trip to the hospital?"� He
looked past the prescription to Mrs. Ono, who was
putting away a rather large syringe.
�� "Listening to you a while back, I had this sudden
urge to stick this syringe full of sedatives into
you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� The Daimler-Maybach was an epitome of comfort and
silence in a space-efficient package.� The German
vehicle was designed specifically for smaller roads
like those found in Japan and some European
countries.� It was slightly larger than the common
�luxury� sedan and yet had an interior volume and
amenities of a limousine.� The vehicle had very little
problems maneuvering to the Saotome household.
�� Even before the limousine had coasted to a stop,
the doorman had jumped out and positioned himself to
be within easy reach of the passenger door-handle.� As
the vehicle finally came to a stop, the doorman had
scanned the immediate area for possible trouble
spots.� It never occurred to him to look straight up.
�� With uncanny timing, Nodoka opened the gate and
ushered them in.� Nabiki, Mamuro and the doorman
entered, leaving the driver with the limousine and
exterior surveillance.� A Toyota delivery van passed
by and disgorged four ninjas who promptly took station
at the perimeters of the household.� The van turned
the corner and parked in an unassuming spot.� Like the
doorman, the sky was not scanned.
�� "Is it really necessary for Sasuke�s people to be
present?"� Nodoka saw that the doorman never strayed
more than ten steps from Nabiki.
�� "Sasuke takes his security very seriously. �With
Saffron or his men as a possible threat to the family,
you could say that his paranoia is justified."� They
entered the dining room.� Nabiki appreciated Nodoka�s
perfected balance of simplicity and presentation in
the way the food was prepared.
�� "I take it this is more than a social call?"� She
saw to her guests before sitting down.
�� "Yes and no."� Nabiki felt that being honest was
the only �correct� way to deal with the matriarch of
the Saotome clan.� Nodoka sensed the decision and
nodded slightly.
�� Stalling the next question, Nabiki spotted a treat
that Mamuro loved and handed it to him.� Mamuro
gobbled it up, discreetly. "How did you know that
Mamu-chan would like that?"
�� Nodoka had to smile as Nabiki helped the well
mannered child wipe the edges of his mouth.� "I
didn�t, it was Ranma�s favorite."
�� "Oh."� A little bit of trivia that she filed away
for future reference.
�� "Let�s have lunch first, then let�s talk."
��� Several hundred meters up, three winged beings
were debating in earnest.� Coming to an agreement, one
flew off and the remaining two kept watch, taking note
of the increased security and wondering how to defeat
them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
��� Striding to the conference room, Kodachi stopped
to examine herself on a mirror set near the room.�
Sasuke continued on and waited by the double doors,
one hand on the door handle.
�� Turning to and fro in front of the mirror, she
checked the dress she was wearing - a figure
accentuating �business dress�, all the more to
emphasize the fact that she was of the �weaker� sex.�
�� Seeing everything was in order, she adjusted the
blue rose on her lapel and entered the room.� She was
pleased to note that the others had already arrived.
*Good, I don�t have to wait before I cut them down to
size.*
�� Heading to the glass wall behind Nabiki�s seat, she
placed her laptop, purse and sunglasses down without a
glance towards the waiting men. *Most likely awaiting
Nabiki�s arrival. They�re in for a rude surprise.*�
Pointedly ignoring the board members, she let them
wait a bit more as she gazed out the tinted window,
admiring the view.
�� Not a sound came from behind her. *Hmmm� No
demands on where Nabiki is or reminding me of the
time� I wonder if they�ve realized what�s about to
happen.*
�� Deciding they�ve waited enough, she took a sniff
from the rose and turned around abruptly� to step back
equally abruptly against the glass wall.
�� Every single one of the board members stared at her
with sightless eyes.� Kodachi�s terrified scream
filled the room.� As one, they stood up and shambled
towards her.
�� In a flash, Sasuke barged into the room, took quick
stock of the situation and fired off several entangle
webs.� Those closest to him went down.� The leading
edge moved on, closer to Kodachi.
�� Kodachi tried to reach Sasuke, using what martial
art�s knowledge she knew, severely hampered by the
fact that her specialty required the use of gymnastic
equipment.� She had barely made progress when
incredibly strong hands grabbed hold of her and hurled
her back to the glass wall.� It splintered on impact.�
Kodachi yelped in surprise as she slumped to the
carpet, shaking her head.
�� "Mistress Kodachi!"� Leaping over the heads of the
�zombies�, Sasuke pirouetted in mid-air and landed in
front of Kodachi, facing the shuffling horde.� Firing
off a dense stream of entangle webs, the creatures
were stopped dead in their tracks.
�� "We must escape, Mistress Kodachi."
�� Gathering herself, Kodachi glanced around. �They
were hemmed in by the tangled board members.� "Where,
Sasuke?"
�� Both eyed the space between the �zombies� and the
ceiling, wondering if they can do a repeat of what
Sasuke had done earlier. � Before they could act,
several of the board members stood on the table,
blocking any chance of escape from that direction.
�� The sound of tearing made the two snap their head
towards the source.� The �creatures� were breaking
free of their bonds.
�� Sasuke produced a pair of wooden-gripped,
steel-tipped tonfas.� "Permission to use violence,
Mistress Kodachi?"
�� "Do it."
�� In a blur, Sasuke struck at those that had almost
escaped the webbing.� Accompanied by the stench of
burning flesh, each contact sent a surge of
electricity coursing through their bodies.� This
stopped the �zombies� that were struck, but their
spastic contortions freed up several others.� They all
lunged at Sasuke.
�� Swamped, the ninja kept himself between Kodachi and
the ever-closing zombies.� Shifting the tonfa�s
orientation so that the short end stuck out and the
length of the stick ran parallel to his arm, Sasuke
kept up a deadly barrage at close quarters.� Ribcages
caving in, forearms shattering, jaws snapping, balls
breaking and the constant cycle of an electric
discharge becoming a continuous series of overlapping
sounds.
�� Not a single one reached Kodachi.� Occasionally an
arm would snake past him and try to grab her, but
Sasuke would spin the tonfa�s grip with enough force
to let the �stick� break bones.� His follow-up would
shove the assailant back a few paces.
�� For all his effort, it was in vain.� The splintered
glass pane that they had backed up to wasn�t designed
to hold up against the pressure applied to it.� With a
sharp report, the glass wall shattered outward in a
million shards.� Kodachi, Sasuke and several of the
zombie board members tumbled out.
��� From the conference room�s bathroom, a leggy
blonde stepped out and frowned.� Shoving aside the now
non-moving board members, she peered out the shattered
window.� The gust through the breach made the flared
skirt of her mini-dress billow around her hips.� The
caress she felt as the wind passed between her legs
was an interesting feeling.� She stood by the edge
longer than was necessary for her to confirm the
identities of the bodies falling.� *It wasn�t the
witch Nabiki, the one who stole my love.� Oh well,
there will be other opportunities.*
�� With a shrug, Mariko Konjou pirouetted on her heels
and headed out the door.� The remaining board members
toppled to the floor, like puppets whose strings had
been abruptly cut.
�� Like Kodachi, the bronze beauty stopped in front of
the same mirror.� She adjusted her thigh high white
leather boots and smoothed her figure hugging
mini-dress. As she passed her hands over her breasts,
she was surprised to see that her nipples were erect
and wasn�t sure if it was due the wind�s caress or the
power she had wielded in the room. *With Nabiki still
alive, I just might be able to find out which it was.*
�� Humming a repetitive beat, the former cheerleader
sauntered to the elevators.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Engrossed with the tankobon at hand, Ryouga let his
�augmented� subconsciousness guide him to the
Tendou-Saotome dojo.
�� An anguished cry broke through his �concentration�
and Ryouga stopped in his tracks, an ominous feeling
running up his spine. Checking his surroundings, he
saw the he was beside the walls of THE dojo. �Leaping
onto it, Ryouga bounded to the house, anxiety taking a
grip as he realized that the scream he had heard was
Akane�s. He failed to notice the surprised winged
figures hovering above.
�� "Akane!"� Landing at the porch, Ryouga hadn�t the
foggiest idea where she might be.� "It�s me, Ryouga!
Where are you!"
�� Lanko called out, her voice strained, "Uncle
Ryouga!� Over here!� Something�s wrong with Akane."
�� Guided by Akane�s weeping, Ryouga dashed to the
kitchen.
�� "Akane!� Are you alright?"
�� Akane had her legs tucked to her chest and arms
wrapped around them.� She was slowly rocking herself
as tears streamed unchecked down her face.� An
overturned stool lay beside her.� Scattered about were
several broken plates, a few utensils and some
ingredients/condiments.� Lanko hovered over her, fear
and indecision plainly etched on her face.
�� Ryouga kneeled in front of Akane, she paid no
notice.� "Lanko what happened?"
�� "I don�t know!"� Hysteria slowly creeped in, "I
don�t know!"
�� "LANKO!"� He didn�t want to shout at the girl, but
he had to force her to come to grips.
�� As if physically slapped, Lanko jerked her head
back and rocked on her heels.� When her swaying
stopped, calmer eyes regarded Ryouga. �"I�m sorry�"
�� "Apologies later, Lanko.� Right now Akane needs our
support."
�� Kneeling behind her distraught sister-in-law, Lanko
hugged her with all her might.
�� About to lend the two his embrace, Ryouga spotted a
black round object rolling into the kitchen.� It was
accompanied by a hissing sound.
�� Instinct reacted faster than thought.� Slamming the
floor with his fist, a column of displaced earth shot
the bomb through the roof. �The explosion a muted
sound. *What the?!* His mind demanded as it finally
caught up.
�� The sound of more objects thudding in and rolling
about filled the air.� Two... Three... a half dozen
bombs lazily entered the kitchen.
�� Shit!Shit!Shit!Shit!... "Lanko!� Hold on tightly to
Akane!"
�� Bending at the waist, Ryouga created a small
crystal-blue disc of chi and swiftly yet cautiously
pushed it into the floorboards. �Immediately, he
generated a red-orange chi that resembled a folded
umbrella. �Lifting it over their heads, he opened the
�umbrella� as a series of explosions rocked the
house.� The umbrella�s 'canopy' stretched and
enveloped the three as the bombs in the kitchen went
off.
�� Ryouga slapped his palm down, and the section of
flooring they were on hurled up into the air.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� The companion of the two winged beings returned,
spoke to them urgently and all three flew away at
their fastest speed.
�� One of the ninjas crouched on the roof of the
Saotome household spotted motion from the corner of
her eye and jerked her head up, in time to note the
leaving winged men.� She radioed the information to
the command van. �Alarmed, the team leader �requested�
for helicopter backup and in a matter of minutes a
Ten-Ku corporate chopper was discreetly hovering in
the general vicinity.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� "Mistress Kodachi!� Unbutton your coat and spread
your arms and legs apart!"� Sasuke commanded as he
fired off several entangle webs.
�� Doing as told, the coat was wrenched open by the
wind.� The entangle web connected hem of coat to arm,
as several more secured it and formed a makeshift
gliding pouch.� Kodachi�s rate of descent slowed down.
�� Sasuke was thankful Mistress Kodachi had decided to
wear a skirt instead of slacks.� The skirt, although
rather short would also slow her descent, and Sasuke
again fired of several more of his webs to increase
the drag area between her legs.
�� It had annoyed Sasuke greatly that he was
constantly teased as the ninja �spiderman� by his
colleagues, due to the fact that his entangle webs
resembled the ones used by the manga hero.� It was a
good thing he had never reverted to using the entangle
web�s traditional items.
�� Feeling the webs gingerly wrap around her, Kodachi
quenched her fears and calmly put all her trust at
their faithful retainer.� A trivial thought
rebelliously crossed her mind.� *Considering we fell
off the penthouse of the tallest skyscraper around, at
the rate we are plummeting, Sasuke should have several
minutes to think of something.*
�� Shooting past her, Sasuke made himself far more
aerodynamic and increased the distance between
themselves.� Flashing past the halfway point, Sasuke
hurled one web-encased tonfa ahead of him towards a
window. �Several reinforced filaments connected him to
the tonfa.
�� Firing a web string almost parallel to him, Sasuke
tugged at the filament.
�� His downward flight deflected by the two lines,
Sasuke swung past the shattered window and into a
roomful of stunned office workers. � Releasing the
lines, he flipped onto his feet.
�� "Leave this room, NOW!"� To give them incentive,
Sasuke upped his battle aura until all in the room
felt imperiled.
��� Wrapping several Kusarigama chains around support
bearing columns, he filled the place with �ropes� of
webbing.� Ropes and chains ended in a ball that in
turn had tendrils wrapped around Sasuke. Rushing to
the edge of the window, he gauged Kodachi�s �flight�.
�� Kodachi was roughly one floor up.
�� Sasuke hurled himself out the window in a spread
eagle pose, facing her.� Kodachi slammed into him,
Sasuke wrapped his arms around her neck and locked his
legs around her waist.� "Forgive me, Mistress
Kodachi."
�� They continued for several more feet before being
violently stopped by the tendrils connected to
Sasuke.� The motion flipped the two - Kodachi was now
facing up - and flung them to the side of the
building.� The entangle webs holding them was now
stuck fast to a window.
�� "What now, Sasuke?"
�� "Two options, Mistress Kodachi.� Either you break
the window we�re attached to right now and haul us in
or rappel us up to the open window above."
�� "How about we break the window here and you use one
of your entangle webs to pull us in?"
�� "Unfortunately, I�m out of webbing, Mistress
Kodachi."
�� "Oh well, the point is moot anyway.� It seems that
we�re having company."
�� "I see a winged person heading towards us, Mistress
Kodachi."
�� "Same here, Sasuke.� Anything up your sleeves?"
�� "I�m sorry, Mistress Kodachi.� My hands are full
right now."
�� Kodachi couldn�t help but laugh at Sasuke�s pun.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
���*Out of the fire and into the frying pan.* �Ryouga
was starting to get really annoyed.� Several winged
beings were rushing towards them and their airborne
section of flooring.� They all brandished wicked
looking weapons.
�� Again Ryouga bent at the waist and started to
generate a golden ball of chi.� Shadows passed over
them rapidly.
�� "Uncle Ryouga!" The urgency in Lanko�s voice made
Ryouga stop.� "Look!"
�� Forming a wall were other winged beings.� The
attackers were forced to halt their charge and break
formation, heading in every conceivable direction.
�� Feeling their platform jerked upward, Ryouga looked
up, wondering at what would be the latest development
in their already ridiculous situation.
�� Hauling them in graceful synchronicity were four
giant winged men.� The smallest was larger than the
rest of the winged flock by roughly half.� Each wore a
broad girdle where several chains were attached.� The
chains in turn were somehow connected to Ryouga�s chi
�umbrella�.
�� A husky female voice spoke up, startling Ryouga out
of his scrutiny.� "Hibiki Ryouga, Tendou-Saotome
Akane, Saotome... Ranma?... are you alright?"
�� It wasn�t the question that surprised Ryouga,
rather the person that had asked it.
�� Slowly, Ryouga faced Akane.� She was quiet now and
was regarding the person who had spoken.� Her face was
neutral, but Ryouga could feel the barely checked
anger.� Lanko glanced at Ryouga, concerned.� In that
moment another trait she shared with her brother was
revealed.� Calm determination was the only thing that
Ryouga could sense from her.� Ryouga nodded in
approval.
�� Completing his slow turn, Ryouga faced an
exotically gorgeous woman who hovered scant inches
from his chi umbrella, her exquisite wings apparently
still as she kept her precise position in the
formation.� Two things were immediately apparent as
Ryouga beheld Kiema.� The first was that eleven years
had hardly made a mark - a trivial piece of
information at best.� The second and far more telling
was her utter lack of haughtiness, replaced by a quiet
sense of despair.
�� "Hello Kiema.� Were you the one that dreamed up
this trap?"
�� "Please believe me, Ryouga-san, I am here to help
and to ask for a favor."
�� "You call dragging us into the stratosphere help?"
�� Kiema held his gaze for a scant second then
addressed Akane.� "Akane-san, you heard him didn�t
you?"
�� Ryouga didn�t like being ignored. "Heard what?�
Who?"
�� "Please Ryouga-san," Kiema calmly accepted the
dagger looks hurled her way, "Akane-san?"
�� "Yes, Kiema,"�The fury in Akane�s voice, "I heard
him."� a hint of violence, "Your charge."� promised.�
"Your king."
�� "Onesan."
�� Akane whirled to face Lanko and the two held each
other�s gaze.� After several seconds, Akane looked
down at her clenched fists. � Taking a deep breath,
she released it in a long drawn out sigh.� "I�m sorry,
Lanko.� I was losing it, wasn�t I?"
�� Lanko hugged her.� "That�s okay, sis.
Considering..."
�� Kiema was intrigued by the identity of the
pony-tailed girl, but did not let it distract her from
the task at hand. �"Akane-san, I need to know.� Was
who you heard Saffron-sama?"
�� Akane did not face Kiema, instead she hugged Lanko
tighter.� "Yes, it was Saffron.� He gloated that
Nabiki would no longer exist, and that I would be
next."
�� "He failed."� She didn�t bother hiding her smug
tone.
�� This time Akane did turn around.� She moved as
close as she dared to the platform edge to study her
face, to see if she was lying. �Kiema projected trust
and truth.
�� "Nabiki�s fine?"
�� Kiema smiled. "We�ll bring you to her."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� The absolute destruction of the Tendou-Saotome dojo
was heard all the way to the Ono�s clinic.
�� Kasumi looked up from her lunch.� "Oh my, what was
that?"
�� Toufu�s mother recognized the sound instantly.
"Explosion."� She cocked her head, eyes closed as she
strained her hearing.� "In the direction of your
family�s dojo."
�� The two looked at each other and Kasumi stood up
and headed to the kitchen phone.
�� Calmly she dialed the dojo.� She tried five more
times before dialing the Hibiki�s household.
�� "Moshi-moshi?"� A young girl asked.
�� "May I please talk to Hibiki Akeni?"
�� "May I know who is calling."
�� "Tell her it�s Ono Kasumi."
�� "Kindly hold."� Kasumi heard the phone being gently
placed on a table top, then the young girl�s shout,
"Mo-m, it�s Kasumi from the clinic!"
�� She heard Akeni talk to the girl then the phone was
picked up.� "Hello, Kasumi.� What�s up?"
�� "Has�"� Kasumi paused to control the quaver in her
voice, "Has Ryouga called you?"
�� "He said he would the moment he reaches the dojo.
�Is something wrong?"
�� "Oh my.� No, nothing�s wrong. �Just wanted to know
if he had called you."
�� "That�s Ryo-chan for you, he can be infuriatingly
absent-minded at times.� I�ll call you as soon as he
calls, okay?"
�� "Okay, I�ll do the same.� Thanks. Bye."
�� "Bye-bye."
�� Kasumi saw the same growing fear in her
mother-in-law�s eyes.� With slightly shaking hands,
she dialed the Kunou�s Estate.
�� "Kunou residence, how may I help you?"
�� "Good afternoon, may I please talk to Nabiki?� This
is her sister, Kasumi."
�� "Oh, hello Mistress Kasumi.� Mistress Nabiki isn�t
here, she and Master Mamuro went to visit Madame
Saotome."
�� "Oh my.� Thank you."
�� "No problem.� Good-bye."
�� "Good-bye."
�� She dialed Nabiki�s global phone number. �It was
answered on the second ring.� "Hello Kasumi, what�s
up?"
�� Kasumi remembered that her phones were equipped
with a caller ID system.� "Nabiki, we may have a
problem."
�� Her tone didn�t change, which told Kasumi that Mrs.
Saotome was within hearing range of Nabiki.� "I�m
listening."
�� "I just heard an explosion and mom thinks it came
from the dojo."
�� A pause.� Kasumi filled in the invective. �"I�ll
send a chopper to check.� Can you, Katsumi-chan and
Mrs. Ono meet me at the Estate?� No, wait.� Better
yet, I�ll send someone to pick you up."
�� "Okay."� Kasumi hung up the phone and spoke out
loud, "We need to pack."� To no one in particular.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� "What�s wrong Nabiki?"� Nodoka saw Nabiki
acknowledged the question asked, but at the moment was
calling someone else.
�� "Commander Shirou?� Can we send a chopper to the
dojo?"
�� A pause as she listened to the person on the other
side.� "Oh, there is?� Excellent.� Can it drop off the
security team onboard at the Ono�s residence?"
�� Another pause.� "Correct, commander. � Lambda level
precaution."
�� A lengthier wait.� "Relay it to�"� She glanced at
the doorman. "�Yamazaki."
�� Closing the connection Nabiki screwed her eyes
tightly, opened them, sighed, then faced Nodoka.� "Do
you have anything here of great value?"
�� "Just the family shrine and my Katana."
�� "Pack clothes for a week.� I�ll have Yamazaki get
the shrine."
�� Nodoka noted the look on her face, quashed the
questions demanding to be asked and stood up.
�� The two ladies, Mamuro in Nabiki�s arms, headed
upstairs.� The doorman, having been told where the
shrine was placed, headed for it.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� The moment that Nabiki had asked the security team
leader about sending the helicopter to the Ono�s
residence, the leader had ordered it done.� He had
then asked if he should send another security team to
the Onos, which Nabiki approved.� At the same time the
van�s driver had moved it back to stop beside the
limousine as several more ninjas dispersed.
�� Lambda level precaution was one shy of the highest
his team had been trained.� At Omega, the highest,
discretion was out the door and maximum security was
enforced.� Some in the team wished that they had
access to fully-automatic Personal Defense Weapons,
Assault Rifles and the like, but Japan�s even stricter
gun laws denied them.� Not that they weren�t deadly,
they were ninjas after all, a gun would have been nice
though.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
��� Kasumi heard a helicopter hover above the clinic
then the sound of boots hitting pavement.� She spotted
four black-clad persons fan out.� One stayed near the
entrance to the clinic.� Her global phone rang. � She
took a look at the caller ID and it said �TENKUSEC
R64B9� - meaning it was coming from a TenKu Security
radio, serial number R64B9.� Kasumi pushed a button to
save the ID into her phone�s memory.
�� "Hello?"
�� "Good afternoon, Mistress Kasumi.� Ouedo 44G28348.�
I do hope he�s cute."
�� Recognizing Nabiki�s code phrase that would
identify the security team as the genuine article,
Kasumi wondered if the man, Ouedo, felt embarrassed or
silly saying the last sentence out loud.� A phrase
that Nabiki had uttered long time ago when they were
about to meet Ranma.� "Oh my.� What are we suppose to
do?"
�� "For now contact Mistress Nabiki to confirm my
identity.� If it�s positive, stay inside but near my
men until the van arrives. If not, find a secure
defensible position.� Either way be ready to kick
butt. Out."
�� Kasumi dialed Nabiki�s global phone number.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Having dropped off the security team assigned to
the chopper team, it reached the dojo in less than two
minutes at maximum speed.
�� *Shit.� The place looks like a bomb had been
dropped on it.*� The pilot circled the area as the
co-pilot reported what they found.
�� "Command this is chopper T4, all buildings have
been destroyed."
�� "Did you say destroyed, T4?"
�� "That�s an affirmative command. � Definitely
high-explosive but something�s wrong."
�� "Can you clarify?
�� "Not yet, command.� Right now it�s just a gut
feeling.� We�ll circle for a few minutes, we might get
it by then."
�� "Roger, T4."
�� The chopper circled several times as the pilots
tried to pinpoint what it was that they felt was off.�
Only when they had increased their circling radius did
they notice it.
�� "Command, T4.� The blasts have all been contained
within the walls of the estate.� I repeat, blast is
contained in the walls. � There is no collateral
damage outside of the estate."
� "Thanks, T4.� Will relay information to demolitions
and police.� Return to the Onos and supply aerial
support."
�� "Roger, command.� T4 returning to the Onos."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
���As Nabiki, Mamuro and Nodoka piled into the
limousine, her global phone rang.� She saw it came
from Kasumi�s global phone. �She hit a button and
patched her call to the command van.� "Yeah sis?"
�� "Confirming Ouedo 44g28348?"
�� "Radio ID?"
�� Kasumi recalled the ID she had saved and checked
the phone�s screen.� "Tenkusec r64b9?"
�� She looked at Yamazaki, he nodded once.
�� "They�re mine, sis.� Sit tight."
���A second chopper had arrived and two motorcycle
policemen were diverted to give the Kunou team an
unhindered run to the Estate.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
��� The first chopper returned to the Onos in time to
see a convoy of two Toyota vans, an American SUV
sandwiched in-between, and two motorcycle policemen
heading towards them.� They spotted another convoy of
several police cars and vans heading to the dojo.�
They relayed their information to the Kunou team
commander.
�� Kasumi saw the two vans and the SUV stop at the
corner, barricading the entrance from any possible
threat.� Several more black-clad figures jumped out of
each van.� The figure near the clinic entrance turned
to face the door and rapped on it.
�� Kasumi opened the door and the figure bowed to her.
He showed her his ID.� It was made of metal and had
Ouedo�s full name, and blood type on it.� On one
corner was the hologram of the TenKu corporate logo
and on the opposite corner the TenKu Security logo -
also hologrammed.
�� "Mistress Ono, Madame Ono, this way please."
�� As they stepped out of the building, several of the
ninjas appeared and flanked them.� One offered to
carry the Ono shrine but Toufu�s mom declined.
�� Once in the SUV, the motorcycle cops hit the sirens
and were away, the SUV with the Onos right behind
them.� Lagging a few seconds behind were the two vans,
having had to pick up the ninjas.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� "Oh shit. I forgot Kodachi."� Nabiki hit the speed
dial number for Kodachi�s global phone and heard it
ring several times before being answered.
�� "Kodachi."� There was an odd whistling sound
accompanying her voice.
�� "Are you okay?"
�� A pause.� "Could be better. �You?"
�� "Heading back to the Estate."
�� "Ah, okay.� Tell Sasuke�s ninjas not to shoot down
any winged person they spot."
�� "Winged person?"
�� "You�ll see."
�� "Sasuke with you?"
�� "Of course."
�� "How long will it take?"
�� Nabiki heard her consult with someone. "More than
five minutes, less than ten."
�� "Okay."
�� "Remember what I said, don�t shoot at the winged
persons."� A hint of amusement was evident.
�� "Don�t worry, we won�t."
�� Nabiki mentioned Kodachi�s request to commander
Shirou, who didn�t seem to be as perplexed as Nabiki.�
Her interest was piqued but knew that the commander
had more important things to deal with than satisfying
her curiosity.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
��� Nodoka was told about the dojo�s destruction and
was currently trying to get over her shock.� She felt
that she should had sensed something if Lanko had
passed away.� The fact that she didn�t feel a thing,
short of guilt, heartened her.� It had to be a good
sign.� If she was wrong then Akane, Lanko and Ryouga
paid the price for her silence.� *I should have told
them immediately.*
�� Nabiki sensed what was troubling the Saotome
matriarch.� She put her hand consolingly over
Nodoka�s.� "You couldn�t have known, Nodoka-sama.�
Even though I�m not that close to Akane, unlike
Kasumi, I should have felt something, right?"
�� "That�s what I�m hoping too." � She started as she
realized something.� "Do you think they would attack
the others?� Ryouga�s family or Ukyo-chan or Miss
Hinako?"
�� "Let�s not find out."� Nabiki handed her global
phone to Nodoka and took out another one that was
stored in a binnacle.� "I�ll send some more security
teams to pick them up, you warn them."
�� "This might be what they want.� All of us in one
place."
�� "I believe in security in numbers, and my security
has the largest number of personnel." She dialed her
phone and was soon giving out more instructions for
the commander to relay.
��� Someone picked up the phone Nodoka had dialed. �
"Hello, Akari?� Saotome Nodoka.� Please listen to me
carefully�"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Until the arrival of Sasuke, the leader of the
Kunou team - commander Shirou - called the shots.�
Heading towards the mansion, he had the team there
activate the defensive �screen�.
�� During the restoration of the mansion, at Sasuke�s
insistence hidden security measures were
incorporated.� From both the floor and the ceiling,
plates of metal alloy - thin and lightweight but
tough, locked down behind screen walls.� This in turn
was braced by arm-thick bars.� Non-essential doors
also had plates and bars, with doors that saw major
traffic only barred.
�� To anyone viewing from the outside, the mansion
looked unchanged, it was a different story inside.
�� The concealed ventilation system was double checked
and laser �trip wires� were activated.� The generators
watched over by a team of no less than 12 ninjas, with
only two visible at all times.
�� As much as it pained the Kunous, the Conservatory
was not �modified�, the roses that Kodachi slaved over
considered expendable. �The other rationale was that
metal plates would be obviously noticed in an all
glass structure.
�� Aside from the ventilation and power generators,
the grounds were now chock full of ninjas.� Hiroshi
was informed of this, but couldn�t see any.� He took
the information at face value and resumed his tasks.
�� The Onos were the next to arrive and Kasumi was
surprised by the level of defensive security that had
been activated in so short a time. They were ushered
to a room located at the center of the mansion
designed for this particular purpose.� The sisters
hugged each other and Kasumi agreed with the theory
that she should have felt something if anything bad
happened to Akane.� This further boosted their
flagging spirits.
�� Mrs. Ono set up her shrine beside Nodoka�s, then
went to watch over the two babies.� The two, Mamuro
and Katsumi, were currently sleeping beside each
other.
�� T-4, the chopper that escorted the Onos returned to
base for refueling as the second chopper kept aerial
surveillance with a third on the way.
�� The next to arrive was Ukyo, Ryu Kumon in tow. He
was introduced to all by Nodoka as her �son�,
explanations held back �til later.
�� Ryu politely asked to talk to commander Shirou. At
the command center, he contacted the base where
Pansuto was �jailed�. The base was quiet, Pansuto
sleeping.� After watching several minutes how the team
operated, he was satisfied with the security team�s
abilities and returned to the women.
�� Nodoka saw the pensive look on his face as he
entered the room and walked up to him.� "What�s
bothering you, Ryu?"
�� Ryu�s response was barely above a whisper. �"I know
I vowed to never, ever use your husband�s technique,
but I must ask you to release me from that vow."
�� Nodoka guided him away from the rest.� "Do you
think that Genma�s techniques will help?"
�� "I honestly do not know, mother.� I just feel that
if I am given the opportunity to use it to protect
us�"� A helpless shrug finished his sentence.
�� Nodoka carefully considered what was asked, Ryu had
proven to be an honorable man.� "Have you ever broken
your promise?"
�� "Never.� If a man breaks his own oath then what
kind of a man is he?"
�� *Genma.*� Putting the irreverent thought aside,
Nodoka looked Ryu in the eye.� "Very well, Kumon Ryu.�
You are freed from the vow to never use my husband�s
technique on the understanding that it will only be
used to protect those who will occupy this room.� Once
the situation has passed, you are again bound by the
original oath."
�� Ryu smiled, Nodoka knew exactly what he was
asking.� "Agreed, although I must ask for a single
condition."
�� "Which is?"
�� "That I get to practice the technique a bit. It
would be rather disastrous if I attempt to use it
without having practiced."
�� "Your idea of practice had better not be stealing
our clothes."� Her �our� referring to the ladies in
the room.
��� "I wouldn�t dare, mother."� Ryu felt better that
Nodoka had resumed to tease him.� He saw Nabiki
studying them. "I�ll ask Nabiki-san for an out of the
way place."
�� "Good idea, she�s aware of it�s ability when Ranma
had to practice the Quiet Thief."
�� Ryu nodded and headed towards Nabiki.� After a
brief conversation, Nabiki nodded, opened her
mini-computer and pointed at something on the screen.�
Ryu studied it briefly, bowed to her and headed out
the door.� Ukyo intercepted him as he was about to
exit.� No words were exchanged, they only looked at
each other, then Ryu indicated she should go first.
�� Nodoka surreptitiously watched the byplay with a
happy heart.
�� The winged persons arrived while Ryu Kumon was
practicing.� Two were carrying Kodachi and Sasuke, the
remaining four formed �honor� guard, hands by their
swords.
�� Forewarned by commander Shirou, the ninjas kept a
wary eye on them but did not reveal themselves.� The
�snipers� - marksmen using hunting rifles - on board
the chopper were busy tracking their movement, wishing
for the nth time they had actual sniper rifles.
�� After setting Kodachi and Sasuke down, the six
asked for food and drinks.� Told it would be served to
them, they sat under the shade of a tree and chatted
among themselves.� They spoke a dialect that could be
a kissing cousin of Chinese.� Commander Shirou had
their conversation recorded.� His last act before
Sasuke would take over.
�� Sasuke�s listened carefully to what has transpired
and what actions and precautions had been done.
�� "You have done an excellent job, Commander Shirou.�
My ninjas will remain under your command."
�� "You�re not taking over?"
�� "You know the score better than I do, even if you
have briefed me, Commander.� All I ask is to be
assigned to protect the women. �Besides, Kodachi will
kill me if I don�t remove the remaining bits of
entangle web off her."
�� The commander had an amused look as he saluted the
ninja. �"Thank you, sir.� Request approved and good
luck with Mistress Kodachi."
�� Sasuke grinned back before vanishing.
�� Miss Hinako was next to arrive.� Her cheerful and
optimistic outlook helped cheer the place up, hugging
everyone in the room and making goo-goo noises as she
watched the two sleeping infants.� Although she no
longer turned into a little girl physically - thanks
to Soun, from time to time she acted like one.� A
mid-30s little girl seems unbecoming and yet Hinako
could pull it off and make people smile.
�� She spotted someone she didn�t recognize and
introduced herself.
�� Kodachi shook the offered hand.� "Kunou Kodachi.�
Isn�t a hand-shake a western practice."
�� "I�d have bowed but you might have some difficulty
reciprocating."� She indicated Sasuke - currently
applying a clear cream on Kodachi�s legs.
�� Kodachi smiled.� "Don�t mind him. �Oh, have you
have met Sasuke?"
�� "Wasn�t he the driver of the van that brought us to
the pier?"
�� "Oh, I had forgotten about that.� So you know him."
�� "Well not really.� Ranma did all the talking or
rather, interrogation."
�� Kodachi put on a wry smile.� "Ranma-sama for you.�
He�d have been a god if it wasn�t for his lousy social
skills."
�� "I question the god part, but I will agree on you
about the lousy social skill."
�� "A matter of perception I guess.� To you he is
forever a delinquent."� An amused look took over.�
"Ever occurred to you that once this adventure is
over, he�ll have to call you �mom�."
�� Hinako returned a wry smile. "As if. Soun hasn�t
even asked me."
�� "One nice thing being Nabiki�s �assistant�.� I know
as much as she does.� Trust me on this, the moment he
gets back, you had better be ready with your answer."
�� "Which one should I trust, Soun coming back or him
asking me to be his wife?"
�� "Both.� As I said, short of social skills,
Ranma-sama could be considered a god, or in my
brother�s case; goddess. �Anyway, he�s over there
right now, so it�ll just be a matter of time. �Then
wedding bells.� Have you chosen a maid of honor yet."
�� "You�re awfully sure of yourself, aren�t you?"
�� Kodachi shrugged.� "Ex-gymnast, former madwoman�
now a rose grower.� Two out of the three made me this
way."
�� "Oh?� You�re the one responsible for the Kunou
Rose?"
�� "Guilty."
�� "I don�t recognize the blue rose on your lapel from
any of the commercially available Kunou Roses, but it
seems familiar."
�� "It isn�t.� I bred this specifically as Nabiki and
Tatewaki�s wedding flower.� I guess you saw it then.�
These days, it�s worn by some of the upper echelons of
the Ten-Ku Enterprises International, especially
Nabiki and Tatewaki.� That�s why it isn�t for sale."
�� "May I?"
�� Kodachi was expecting that question and handed the
rose to Hinako.� Hinako took in a deep breath.
�� "Ooh, what a fragrance.� It reminds me of Nabiki
for some unknown reason."
�� Kodachi�s flashed a satisfied smile. �"Should be,
it�s loosely based on her favorite perfume."
�� "If I planned to grow my own roses, would I be able
to ask for your advice?"
�� "Just don�t go into direct competition with me."�
Kodachi quipped, although her eyes were serious.
�� "Just a hobby, I assure you. When I retire from
teaching English Appreciation 101."
�� "Getting tired of dealing with delinquents?"
�� "Not in my class, your golden rose keeps my
students awake."
�� Kodachi exaggerated her appraisal of Hinako. �"You
sure it�s my rose and not yours?"
�� Before Hinako could comment on that statement,
Sasuke cleared his throat.� "Excuse me, Mistress
Kodachi, Mistress Hinako, please have a seat."� He
stood by two comfortable looking seats that faced each
other.� A small table with a pot of tea and two cups
and saucers stood nearby.
�� "Are you tired, Hinako?"
�� Hinako shook her head.
�� "We�re fine Sasuke, thank you."
�� "Uh, that may be the case, Mistress Kodachi, but
I�m going to have problems removing any webbing
residue from your arms."
�� Kodachi looked down at Sasuke.� "Oh, of course.�
How silly of me.� Have a seat, Hinako.� We should
really have master Hiroshi here if we�re going to talk
shop.� He�s an excellent gardener."
���"Hiroshi?� Uekiya Hiroshi?** �Ranma�s friend?� A
gardener?"
�� "Hard to believe, eh?"
�� "You can say that again.� Who would have thought�"
�� The two sat down, continuing their talk as Sasuke
worked on Kodachi�s arm.� Hinako poured tea for them
two.
�� "It�s good to see that they hit off quite well."�
Kasumi noted, sipping her tea.
�� Nabiki smirked.� "Yet another surprise, the
delinquent chaser and the ex-gymnastic madwoman,
talking about roses."
�� "Because Hinako took a whiff of the rose?"
�� "That and the fact I can read lips." � Nabiki
glanced at Kasumi.� "You don�t know that, Onesan."
�� Kasumi favored Nabiki with an oblivious look, a
knowing smile on her lips.� "Know what, Nabiki-chan?"
�� It wasn�t even mid-afternoon when the Hibikis
arrived.� The kids thought it to be a great adventure
- it excused them from school after all. They were in
their best behavior since one of the black-clad
persons promised to tell their mother if they
misbehaved.� Mrs. Ono and Mrs. Saotome took over from
the ninja�s duty as the Hibiki�s babysitter.
�� Nabiki was surprised to see it was only the
children.� She called up the command center.
�� Commander Shirou was awaiting her call.� "She sent
her children ahead, Mistress Nabiki.� She�s concerned
about her sumo-wrestling boars."
�� "How do you intend to resolve the predicament?"
�� "One of Sasuke�s ninjas is an avid fan of
boar-wrestling, she�s with Mistress Hibiki right now.�
She�ll be the one to take care of them until the
situation passes."
�� "Inform me the moment Akeni is on her way."
�� "Yes ma�am."
�� It took some time for the boars to get accustomed
to their new companion, but eventually they accepted
her, odd gear and all.
�� Akeni arrived more or less at the same time as the
survivors of the dojo and Kiema�s main force.
�� For security purposes, Akane, Lanko and Ryouga were
met in the secure room.
�� A good length of time passed in chaos, as there was
hugging and crying all around, and the occasional
relieved laugh heard from time to time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� By late afternoon, the Kunou Estate was full of
winged people.� Nabiki had been able to apply pressure
to the news� crews to stop any filming, although she
was sure that several ignored the order.� These,
Sasuke�s ninjas would deal with.� All the major
television stations had a healthy respect for TenKu
Enterprises International - and the financial support
it can offer - and would not air any film shot of the
Kunou Estate.� Again, the ninjas dealt with the minor
stations.� The Nerima police force handled the
occasional rubber-necker.
�� Several of the winged ones - those who spoke
passable Japanese - bugged Hiroshi about the plants
they saw.� Almost all showed an interest in entering
the Conservatory.� Hiroshi good naturedly answered
their questions.� *And I thought I had seen it all
when I had hung around Ranma�*
�� The kids; Lanko, Zashi, Akeni & Karin were playing
amongst them.� All four had promised not to reveal
where the ninjas were hiding, Lanko especially.� All
four thought it was stupid, since beings with wings
would most likely have spotted the hiding ninjas.�
What they didn�t know was that the winged ones were
generally incapable of noticing chi-augmented
illusions, which most of the ninjas incorporated.
�� Kiema and a select few of her �lieutenants� were
inside the mansion, talking to Saffron�s intended
targets.
�� "I know it is hard to believe, but it isn�t Saffron
who is responsible for all these atrocities."�
Throughout her narrative she had spoken evenly, it was
only now that a note of pleading had crept in. �Kiema
truly believed in her king�s innocence and desperately
wanted to get that message across.
�� "Then who is responsible?"� Ryouga had styled
himself as the group�s spokesperson.� Most saw that he
was itching for any excuse to go to China.� Akane was
no better, she just hid it better.
�� There was a slight pause before the bitter
response. "I wish I knew."
�� "Do you really think we would swallow that
cock-and-bull story you have concocted?"� Ryouga was
whacked in the head by Akeni, Nabiki and Miss Hinako.
�� Glowering at them, he rubbed his sore head. �"What
was that for?!"
�� "You don�t have to be vulgar you know."� Nabiki
rose to the challenge and shot daggers.� "Kiema and
her people are guests right now.� MY guests.� I expect
you to behave."
�� Ryouga muttered something unintelligible. �"Don�t
tell me you believe her?"
�� "Kiema was the one charged to watch over Saffron.�
That would mean she had the trust of their people.�
She of all of them would have seen what she claims
have happened."� Nabiki countered.
�� "Kiema, how are your people divided right now?"� A
practical question uttered by Kasumi - naturally.
�� "Right now, the majority is still loyal to
Saffron-sama, let�s say around sixty percent.� A small
percentage, less than five, has claimed neutrality,
mostly the elders actually.� The rest follow my
cause."
�� "And what is your cause."� Nodoka softly queried.
�� Kiema had no problems answering questions from
several sources, she was used to dealing with the high
council.� At least these people waited for an answer
before asking another question.� "To find the fiend
that had enslaved our king."
�� "Then why are you here?"� Miss Hinako wondered.
�� "We knew about the fiend�s plans to hurt you, kill
you.� It wanted Ranma to suffer, to drive him over the
edge so that Ranma would fight recklessly.� It knew
that Ranma was coming and sent a small force here. � I
don�t know why, but the fiend�s hatred for Ranma gave
it power to take over our king.� Saffron-sama did hate
Ranma, since he had seemed to be in his way then, but
there is no conceivable way that my king could have
remembered what happened before."
�� "That does not really answer the question."� Ryouga
grumbled.
�� "So far the two factions have avoided direct
confrontation with each other.� I brought enough of my
people to counter those loyal to Saffron-sama.� I did
not want a repeat of what happened the first time you
had encountered Saffron-sama.� If there is to be a
clash at least it will only be with Ranma and the
fiend who had taken over Saffron-sama."
�� "If we can find proof."� Ryouga heavy on the doom
and gloom.
�� Kiema nodded in agreement, her face downcast.
�� "What�s the deal with Pansuto?" �Nodoka again.
�� "Who?"
�� Ukyo spoke up.� "It was Pansuto tha� attacked Mrs.
Saotome."
�� The bewilderment on her face spoke volumes. �"Can
you describe him?"
�� From the back, a computer was handed to Ukyo. �Ukyo
gave it to Kiema.� A picture of Pansuto in his
non-human form was on the screen.
�� "Pansuto claimed that he was controlled by
Saffron."� Nodoka statement further confused the
winged woman.
�� "That�s not possible.� Saffron-sama does not have
that kind of ability.� He is heat and light.� He never
displayed any mental powers.� Never�"
�� Silence descended.
�� Nabiki broke it. "You�re sure?"
�� One of Kiema�s companion nudged her and she snapped
out of whatever trance she had entered.� "Pardon?"
�� "You�re sure that Saffron does not have any mental
powers?"
�� "As far as I know."� Kiema brightened, "That�s
proof that he is under the thrall of the fiend, isn�t
it?"
�� "Why did he attack the Amazon village then?"�
Nabiki changed the subject, just to clarify some
points.
�� "He�s after a device."
�� "The one that points to untapped Nannichuans?"
�� "How did you know?"
�� It was Kasumi who answered.� "One of the members in
the Chinese expedition is a former matriarch of the
village.� It was she who told us of the probability of
what Saffron was after."
�� *An old crone among Ranma�s company?*� Kiema
couldn�t imagine and blanked the image out.� "Is that
the reason they�re there right now.� To assist the
Amazons?"
�� "No."� Nabiki stated. �"Their primary goal is to
reach the one�s that Saffron had heavily wounded and
bring them to a hospital.� Once that has been ensured,
they will then hunt down your king.� Later tonight,
they intend to do the same thing to the warriors of
the Musk Dynasty."
�� "The Musk Dynasty?� I�ve heard of them.� How are
they involved?"
�� "It seems that Saffron or the fiend controlling
Saffron has also made a deal with them.� Tatewaki has
not told me the reasons yet, but they are going to
attack them and kill them.� If my husband says that
they will kill then they will, even if it repulses
them to do so."
�� Akane added her thoughts.� "That means that if they
see that the only way to deal with your king is to
eliminate him, then rest assured Ranma will."
�� Kiema was stunned, she had never thought that they
would be capable of such acts.� She looked at the
faces of her companions and they too were overwhelmed
by the thought.
�� Nabiki felt sorry for them.� "You have a slight
grace period to find out who is pulling Saffron�s
strings.� Contacting them is no problem."
�� Slowly, Kiema put her head into her hands. "Then
my king is doomed."� A soft sob accompanied her
statement.
�� At the back, the two who had access to information
networks, Ryu Kumon and Sasuke, were busy conducting
separate inquiries.
------------------------------
POST SCRIPT:
** I couldn�t find any mention of Hiroshi or Daisuke
in the memorial book, so I made Hiroshi�s family name
a �pun�. Uekiya means gardener in Japanese.
-�Chapter 6 was put temporarily aside so I could work
on the next chapter of an original story that I�m also
simultaneously writing (actually a guide for an online
manga I intend to work on one of these days).� After a
week�s delay, I realized that I had again developed a
writer�s block for my Ranma fan-fic. Thankfully, it
(Chapter 6) was completed after 12 weeks of head
pounding and a minor re-write to accommodate a request
(see below).
-�Yep, still trying to fit an �R� title.
-�"WHAT THE?!" You shout, "This isn�t KODACHI!
Kodachi�s INSANE!! You�re Kodachi is TOO NORMAL!!!"�
Well yes, a friend of mine (the same guy who
encouraged me to continue this story) wanted to know
how I would introduce my version of Kodachi, since he
was happy with how the other characters had
developed.� I leave it to anyone willing to take up
the writing challenge to creatively show how Kodachi
became �nice and normal�.
-�Just like the previous chapters, running updates and
modifications were done from time to time.
- For those who have just encountered this chapter,
the previous chapter can be found either in the FFML
archive or at http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-1.htm
(for Chapter 1). Replacing the number will give the
appropriate chapter (ex: rv-2.htm is Chapter 2, etc.)
- Succeeding chapters can be found at
http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-6.htm (for Chapter 6
- see above to get the other chapters).
- This story is the first draft of the only Ranma
fan-fic I will ever write. C&C will be used as a
guide for the re-write (which will happen 3 months
after the last chapter is posted). As always, please
send all C&C privately to either fvector@yahoo.com or fvector@usa.net
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