For those of you who have read part I, here's part II
it's incomplete, but it shows the direction my story
is taking along with a general plot of the story. 
please reply back on what you think...

The Cryptkeeper : The Hand of Goddess PT II
by Michael �Ranma13� Cerda

Revised 8/23/02

I do not take credit for the Ranma 1/2 characters. 
They are owned and created by the goddess Rumiko
Takahashi.  The rights go to her and Viz
communication.  This is my own story and in no way
express how Rumiko wanted her story to go.  With this
at mind, enjoy.

----------------------------

�You want me to what?�  Kasumi thought she heard Ranma
wrong.

�I want you to be my partner,� casually looking at the
girl.

Kasumi was flustered, �b..bu why me?  Akane would be a
much better choice.�

Holding a hand up to silence Kasumi, �You see for
sometime now, I�ve been looking for a partner.  My
line of work could be very dangerous and more than one
time somebody next to me would have really helped. 
There was only one other person that I found would
have been perfect, but she liked to work alone. Your
sister is very temperamental and lacks patience.  I
figured that was the reason why she hasn�t developed
her skills very well.�

�What?  I thought she was an excellent fighter.�

�Don�t get me wrong.  Akane has great potential, but
her attitude stops whatever 
progress she makes.  No I sense great strength within
you.�

�I don�t know about this.�  After her mother died,
Kasumi took over her mother�s duties at her.  She gave
up her dreams for her family.  Ranma was right, she
progressed very well in the arts before her mother�s
death.  She took to it like fish to water.  After the
funeral, Kasumi saw the gleam in Akane�s eyes and how
much she wanted to take over the family arts.  Kasumi
decided to step aside, while her father began to teach
Akane.  It pained Kasumi to watch Akane develop very
little of her skills through the years.  She kept up
her training secretly, unbeknownst to everyone else.

�Kasumi�

Interrupting her thoughts, �Yes, Oh sorry.�

�I don�t mean to rush you, but I need to know your
answer.  If you agree your training will start
tomorrow.  I will handle your father and sisters,
beside they start school on Monday so you�ll not have
to worry about them.  Oh and don�t bother trying to
come in the same way.  Jonah at this very moment is
disabling the fireplace.  I warn you if you say yes,
it may become very dangerous at times.  I will not go
easy one you.  You�ll be stretched to your limits, but
I know you can go through the training.�

Kasumi thought about what Ranma said.  She knew that
she wanted a different 
life for herself, but could she really be the
adventurous person.  Knowing what 
her answer had to be, �Yes�Yes I�ll do it.�

Ranma smiled, �Jonah,�

Coming up behind Kasumi, �Yes, sir�

Exasperated, �Will you quit calling me sir.  Kasumi
has decided to join our little 
group.�

�Welcome madam, and congratulations,� bowing to
Kasumi.

�Oh my,� Kasumi didn�t know what to say.

�I need you to start on her training tomorrow.  In the
morning she will be training with me.  Afternoons she
will be yours.  I want her weight training to 
get stronger and in the evenings you will school her. 
I want her up on the occult, folklore, history, and
get her language skills caught up.�  Turning to 
Kasumi, �How�s your English?�

�O.k I guess.�

�That won�t do.� Turning back to Jonah, �Bring up her
English skills.  She 
should be fluent by the end of the month.�

�Yes sir.  I�ll get on it.�

Kasumi�s head started spinning, everything was
happening so quickly.  Ranma 
took notice, �Why don�t you get some sleep, Jonah will
show you the back way 
to your room.  Only use that way to come and go from
here.�

Kasumi followed Jonah, turning around, �Goodnight,�
She turned back around 
and entered an elevator with Jonah.  He slid the door
shut as the elevator silently 
moved up.  

Watching the elevator, Ranma smiled.  From the first
time he saw her that there was something special about
Kasumi.  Walking to a wall, Ranma pushed a panel back.
 He had so much to think about.  Not only does he have
to train Kasumi, but also there were two other Tendo
daughters he had to think about.  Walking down the
hallway he came to a spiraling staircase.  He knew
that having Kasumi as a partner would complicate the
fianc� issue he had to deal with.  The other girls had
to be given a chance even though he knew that Akane
wasn�t the right type for him.  Kasumi had an unfair
advantage and Nabiki he saw something in her he wanted
to know more about.  Reaching the end of the
staircase, he opened up another door that led to a
tiny room.  Looking through the transparentwall, Ranma
pressed a button on the side.  The wall slid open as
he entered his walk in closet.  The door closed behind
him revealing a huge mirror.

Taking off his clothes and putting a pair of shorts
on.  After his training session with Kasumi, he would
spend some time with Nabiki to get to know her better.
Crawling into bed, he had to laugh.  Who would have
thought that he would have three houseguests living
with him for a year?  Rolling over and closing his
eyes, life was always unpredictable.

~~*~~

The sun was just rising as the birds chirped merrily
in the trees.  The morning dew was still clung to the
trees and shrubs for dear life.  The courtyard was
extremely quiet.  Inside the dojo one person woke up
early to start his usual morning workouts.

With his eyes closed, Ranma went through his Kata�s. 
Slowly and gracefully, he went through his movements. 
He was dressed in only a pair of Chinese pants.  He
breathed slowly letting his mind relax as he felt
everything around him.  Slowly with each punch and
kick Ranma started moving faster and faster.  

Kasumi�s eyes opened as she slowly stirred in bed. 
She thought about the events that transpired just the
past night.  Wondering if she imagined the entire
thing.  What was she thinking?  How could she live the
life of an adventurer.  Kasumi was starting to have
doubts about her impulsive decision.

Getting out of bed, Kasumi took off her nightgown and
put on one of the GI�s that she found in the closet. 
Leaving her room and heading downstairs Kasumi was in
awe of the entire Mansion.  She was excited to live in
such a place, but she was going to miss her home that
she took care of for so many years.  Not wanting to
dwell on the subject, Kasumi headed out toward the
dojo.  She stopped dead in her tracks as she stood in
the doorway, fixated on Ranma who was going through
his katas.  Examing his movements, Kasumi realized
that they weren�t the usual Anything Goes Style.  He
was incorporating various otherforms melding them into
on coherent style.  The mores flowed so easily it was
an work of art.

�This isn�t an exhibition,� Ranma stopped in mid pose.
 Opening one to see 
Kasumi standing in the doorway.

Snapping to attention, �Sorry�

�What did you notice while watching me,�

�Hum, it seemed you weren�t using the Anything Goes
Style,�

Ranma smiled, �Very good, before my father died.  He
wanted to train me in the family art.  He said that I
would be the greatest martial artist in the world. 
After my parent�s deaths, I didn�t know where to go,
so I traveled around the world training under the
greatest masters.  Not only did I learn the art, but
the philosophy behind their art.  It wouldn�t take me
long to learn and master the form.  Getting bored I
would move to the next city or country.  Eventually I
created my own form incorporating the Anything Goes
style.�

�Your so young to do so much.�

Shrugging his shoulders and laughing, �I guess I�m a
martial arts prodigy.�

Kasumi smiled, Ranma was so mature for his age.  Yet
he had a youthfulness to him that was so endearing. 
�You never did say how you became a relic hunter?�

Ranma thought about the question, �I would say it was
when I was fifteen.  I was training in Tibet under
some monks.  Two people were traveling through the
country asking questions.  They were looking for some
secret temple and had no clue where they were.  I
agreed to help them, thinking that it was going to be
some boring hike.  We ended up fighting ancient secret
monks, stone warriors and mythical creatures.  I was
so excited by the end of the journey that I left the
monks and traveled with the two.  Apparently Lara was
Dr. Jone�s pupil she was my age.  Lara and I became
very close, we found out that we both lost our
parents.  We ended up falling in love, you could say
we were kindred spirits.  Lara and Dr. Jones both came
from fathers who were archeologists, but like a good
things it had to end.  I realized how dangerous the
world really was and started going out on my own."

Kasumi didn�t know what to think, �Are you still in
love with her?�

Ranma didn�t know how to answer the question, �yes and
no, I think we will always care about each other, but
there will be nothing more than friendship. The same
free kindred spirit that brought us together
eventually was the reason why we couldn�t end up
together.�

Kasumi didn�t know why, but she felt relieved by the
answer.  Then something struck her, �That was the
partner you talked about last night,�

Nodding, �yes it was.�  Becoming more serious, �We
should begin your 
training.�

�When do you think I�ll be ready?�

�I don�t know, I been training in the arts for my
whole life so the challenges that I faced I was able
to overcome.  I need to know that you�ll be able
handle any and all challenges that you�ll be facing in
the future.  So in the next months you�ll be training
everyday.  I will be pushing your body to the limits. 
I wasn�t kidding when I said that you had great power
within you.  I�m going to bring it out.  Now go
through your katas for me.�

Kasumi had a serious look on her face, standing in the
middle of the mat, she went through each movement. 
Ranma nodded at times, while at other times he would
make her stop and hold the pose.  He would correct her
arms and foot position.  Finishing she bowed and
looked at Ranma.

Ranma rubbed his chin, �Very good.  Especially for
someone who hasn�t had a 
proper sensei.  Your movements are very graceful, I
sense a lack of self-confidence in yourself.�

�Hai, sensei,� bowing to her teacher.

�Now I want you to attack me,�

�What?�

�Never hesitate,�

Kasumi didn�t understand, but rushed at Ranma. Her
speed caught him by surprise, as he quickly adjusted. 
Ranma was able to easily block her kicks and punches. 
She faked a punch and tried to sweep him.  For an
average martial artist the move would have worked, but
Ranma already choreographed the move.  He jumped and
flipped over Kasumi.  Tapping her on the back of the
head, Kasumi turned around.  

�Now defend,� Ranma pulled most of his punches as he
attacked Kasumi.  She 
had a hard time trying to defend as he pushed her
back.  He consecutively 
tapped her arms showing the holes in her defense.  

Ranma stopped, � Your very skilled, but lack the
necessary defense.  We need to 
work on your speed to make you faster.  For today
though you�ll meditate 
bringing your power out.  Tomorrow your real training
will begin.�

�Kasumi dear what are you doing in here?�

Kasumi turned around to see Akane and her father
standing in the doorway, 
�Father, Mr. Saotome said that he was going to train
me in the art.�

Looking at Ranma, �I see.  I thank Ranma for his
kindness, but I think that a lady such as yourself
shouldn�t be involved with such violence.  Maybe you
should go back inside.�

Kasumi lowered her head.  Her spirits feel
immediately.  For once in her life she felt free and
had fun.  Quietly, �Yes father.�  She was about to
walk out as Ranma moved his arm in front of her.  She
looked up at him in surprise.

�Sorry Mr. Tendo, but Kasumi stays.�

Soun started wailing, �But she�s my baby girl.  She�s
too delicate to train in the 
arts.�

�Mr. Tendo, I decided that Kasumi was going to be
working for me as my personal assistant.  I travel to
many different countries and I will not always be here
when I ask her to run errands for me.  I would feel
better if she was able to protect herself.�

Akane couldn�t believe that the arrogant jerk was
talking to her father in such a 
manner.  What make her even madder was that Kasumi
went to Ranma for training instead of her.  She would
have been a more affective sensei than an arrogant
rich jerk.  She was the better martial artist, it
would just make more sense.

Soun was hoping to pair Ranma up with Akane.  He
figured since they were both martial artists that they
would get along much better.  The schools would have
been even more secure.  He thought about what Ranma
said and he didn�t want his little girl getting hurt. 
�Very well,�

Akane couldn�t believe what she was hearing, �What? 
Dad, what makes you think Ranma could train Kasumi,
maybe I should teach her.  That way she�ll learn
properly.�

Ranma raised an eyebrow, �What are you implying Ms.
Tendo?�

Akane just snorted, �Only a true martial artist should
train my sister.�

Ranma definitely had enough of the girls� mouth.  He
didn�t want to fight people who were weaker, but with
Akane he would make an exception.  �That sounded like
a challenge.�

�Akane dear maybe you shou�..�

�Don�t worry dad I can take him.�

Akane and Ranma faced each other on the mat.  Akane
assumed her fighting stance while Ranma just stood
casually.  Akane looked at Ranma with that he didn�t
even have a proper fighting stance.  Deciding to end
the match quickly, Akane ran at Ranma.  She brought
her arm back ready to deliver the ultimate blow that
would knock him out.

Ranma couldn�t believe that Akane expected to knock
him out with one blow.  Especially one that could be
seen a mile away.  Ranma easily sidestepped as Akane�s
punch missed the mark.  This caused her to lose her
balance.  Stepping behind her, Ranma flicked the back
of her head.  This caused her to fall forward flat on
her face.

Pushing herself up and giving Ranma a murderous look,
�Why you� Akane came rushing at Ranma again.

�A true martial artist doesn�t let ones emotions
control their actions.�  Ranma grabbed Akane�s arm an
threw her in the air as she landed hard on her back.

Akane slowly stood up, �Y..you cheated.�  

�Please don�t make excuses for your lack of skill.�  

This made Akane furious as she was blinded by rage. 
She ran after Ranma ready to smash his face in.  Ranma
quickly came at Akane and pressed a few spots on her
body.  Her eyes closed as Akane fell unconscious. 
Ranma quickly caught her before she fell to the
ground.  Carrying the girl past Kasumi, he stood in
front of Soun handing his daughter over to him.  �Here
you can take her to her room.  She should wake in a
couple of hours.�

Soun looked down at his daughter.  Taking her from
Ranma, �Don�t you think you were a little rough.�

�I went easy on her Mr. Tendo.  You should know more
than anybody, she could get seriously hurt if it was
anybody else.�  Ranma watched Soun take Akane back to
the mansion.  Ranma sighed turning to Kasumi, �Your
sister has a lot to learn.  She has potential, but I�m
afraid she�ll never be able to utilize it. She can�t
seem to keep her emotions in control.  No I see you
being able to surpass her if you�re not now above her
skill level already.�

Kasumi couldn�t believe that Ranma was able to defeat
his sister so quickly, 
�will she be alright.�

�Oh yeah, I just hit a couple of pressure points which
would put her to sleep.  
Jonah.�

Coming from the shadows Jonah appeared in front of
Ranma, �Yes sir.�

�Could you prepare breakfast.  Afterwards start Kasumi
on her strength 
training.�  Turning to Kasumi, �You had a very good
start, Jonah will be your 
trainer for the rest of the day.�

Bowing, �Right this way Ms. Tendo.�

Kasumi bowed to Ranma, �I learned a lot today sensei.�

Ranma bowed, �This is a beginning for you Kasumi, and
it will not get any 
easier.�

Kasumi and Jonah left the dojo.  Ranma thought about
what happened.  Taking a water bucket and rag he began
to wipe down the mat.  Before leaving he bowed to the
memorial of his parents on the opposite wall.   Away
so that it�s not very noticeable.  Walking out of the
dojo and into the courtyard he passed by the pool
where he noticed Nabiki sun bathing in a provocative
bikini.  The site of her definitely caught his
attention.

Nabiki noticing Ranma�s eyes lingering.  She smiled,
�hey Ranma-baby.�

�How are you doing Ms. Tendo?�  Ranma blushed noticing
he was staring at the girl for longer than he should
had.

Getting up from the lounge chair.  She waked over to
Ranma, swaying her hips seductively.  �Such
formalities, please just call me Nabiki.�  Getting
rather close to Ranma she ran a finger along his
chest.

Getting uncomfortable, �I..I�m glad you�re making
yourself at home,�

�I figure since I�ll be living here for a year.  I
might as well make my self comfortable.�  Sliding her
fingers across his powerful arms.  Not wanting to be
too forward, Nabiki stepped back, �I see that you
defeated my sister rather 
easily.�

�Sorry..�

Nabiki put her hands up, �Don�t apologize, I think she
had it coming.  Ever since Jusenkyou she�s been
unbearable to live with.  I think its deals with the
fact that she hates boys.  Now she becomes one.�

�You don�t mean, we�ll you know.�

�That�s a whole new set of questions.�

�I think that I should apologize to her.�  He did feel
bad for treating her so roughly.

�I wouldn�t if I were you.  She�ll probably think your
mocking her skill.  The best thing would be to just
stay away from her.  Akane�s very stubborn, I think it

will be her mission in life to defeat you now.�

�Well,� Looking at the sun, �I should go take a
shower.  Enjoy the rest of the day.�  Ranma walked
into the house.  

Nabiki watched as Ranma walked into the house.  She
was definitely admiring his well-built physique.  When
she first found out that Ranma hired Kasumi as his
personal assistant.  That didn�t sit well with her. 
She would have never thought Kasumi would have been
her biggest rival.  She was going to have to watch the
two closely.  Sitting back down in the chair.  Ranma
was too big of an opportunity for her to lose.

~~~*~~~

Ranma sat in his favorite in the library reading over
one of his favorite books. Kasumi and Jonah were
sitting over a fairly large table.  Ranma was quite
surprised how well Kasumi�s English skills were.  She
didn�t have the normal accent that most Asians
experienced.  A beep interrupted everyone�s train of
thought as the fax machine was receiving something.

Jonah stood up as he went to the machine.  Taking the
piece of paper he walked over to Ranma and handed it
to him.  �Here you go sir.�

Ranma rolled his eyes, �Thanks.�  His eyes scanned
over the document.  They grew in size as he put down
the paper.  �If they did find it� he thought to
himself. �Jonah.�

Stopping his instructions, looking up.  �Yes sir.�

�I need you to call and get my plane ready.�

�Yes sir.  Where will you be heading?�

�Kyushu.�

�Very well sir,� Jonah left leaving Ranma and Kasumi
in the room.

Kasumi wanted to know what was troubling Ranma.  She
was the concern on his face.  She didn�t want to ask
it wasn�t in her place to pry in his affairs.  She
watched Ranma stand and head toward her.  He sat down
across from her.

�I this line of work you can�t be in more than one
place at a time.  I have people around the world that
keep their eyes open to unusual activities.  One
informant just sent me some interesting news.�  He
handed the fax over to Kasumi.

Reading over the fax, she couldn�t really figure out
why he was so worried.  �It says here that they found
a bronze mirror and omething to do with the royal 
family.�

�Are you familiar with Japanese mythology.�

�Somewhat.�

�Japan was suppose to be created by Izanagi and
Izanami.  From Izanagi was born Amaterasu the sun god
and the moon god where they both ascended to the
heavens.  Susano-o was also born where he descended
and ruled over Earth. Amaterasu ruled over the
heavens, but she wanted to extend her authority over
the Earth.  Sasano-o descendant, Okuninushi ruled over
Earth at the time.  After sometime of Amaterasu�s
request, Okuninushi caved in and agreed.  In her place
Amaterasu sent her grandson Ninigi to rule over Earth.
 With him he was given three objects: a curved bead
necklace to ward off evil spirits; a sword for
courage; and a bronze mirror, the symbol of the sun
goddess. Ninigi landed in Kyushu and was able conquer
the island.  His grandson though, Wake-Mike nu who was
able to conquer and rule over all of Japan.�

�Oh my,� Kasumi put her hand over her mouth in shock. 
�You don�t think this is the same mirror.�

Ranma nodded.  �At first I wouldn�t had, but my
informant said he overhead somebody saying that they
found a royal treasure.�

�Why would this be so important?�

�What most people don�t know is that the mirror isn�t
a mirror, but a shield. Ninigi just didn�t bring down
any old artifacts.  He brought weapons from Amaterasu
herself.  The shield is supposed to make the person
impervious to any harm.  The necklace gives the bearer
unimaginable strength and the sword is a weapon of
mass destruction.  All I know in detail is that the
items should only work when all three items are
brought together, worn on the same person.  It�s no
coincident that this mirror was found.  Somebody�s
after the items and that�s a big problem for Japan.�

Kasumi was so intrigued by the story.  �Why do you say
that?�

�Well the royal family is suppose to be in possession
of the three items proving them to be direct
descendants to Amaterasu.  If it was to get out that
they are not who they say they are, it could be very
traumatic for Japan.�

Jonah walked into the room, �Sir your jet will be
ready when you arrive.�

Kasumi was excited, �Can I go with you?�

Shaking his head, �Not this time, it maybe dangerous
and I want to make sure your ready for any type
situation.  I don�t know who wants the items and that
makes me nervous.  If I�m lucky I�ll get the mirror
and we wont have anymore problems.�  Getting up from
the table he started walking out of the library.

�Be careful,�

Ranma turned around, �Hey it�s me,�  Turning back
around Ranma walked out of the room.

~~~*~~~

(incomplete)











































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