From: Brian Subject: [Ranma][FanFic] The Battle for Akane's Soul The Characters of Ranma 1/2 are Rumiko Takahashi's. Hopefully she'll forgive us for what we're about to do. This was our first shot at a fan-fic, so any comments will be welcomed. If you want to flame, fire away. The Battle for Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ---------------------------- Part 1 It is night. Across the black sea of the city, small pricks of light struggle in vain to hold back the shadows. Now is the time when reality blurs at its edge. Darkness slips through and becomes a solid cloak, bringing with it ... The house is not unlike the others around it. There is nothing to make it stand apart in the night. Nevertheless, it is different. The guardian is here. The slight tread of footsteps goes unnoticed and unheard. The quiet click of the door. The faint creak of the stairs. All are sleeping, no one hears. A shadowy form stands before a door. With a faint whisper, the darkness enters. It watches, studies and waits. Silence becomes sound and the words drift over the sleeping form. "Ranma. Ranma wake for me." Ranma Saotome's eyes opened at the slight sound. As he lay there looking at the ceiling, the voice called him again. "Ranma" Ranma sat up and stared at the shadows. "Who's there?" A form flowed from the dark and took shape. "Akane? What are you...." His voice broke and halted as she moved closer. She stood before him, dressed in an ivory wedding kimono. Akane smiled softly, her bright face shining clearly in the night. Her happiness and pleasure washed over him and he stumbled to his feet. "A-Akane?" She opened her arms to him and spoke, "Oh Ranma, don't you know how much I love you? Come to me. Hold me." Ranma felt himself stepping toward her, but his eyes were locked on her face. She was beautiful. As he touched her outstretched hand there was a brilliant flash and he was thrown backwards across the room. He shook his head and looked at Akane. A silent scream came from her pale lips and she shuddered in pain. "Akane!" He tried to rise and found that he couldn't. Thick black ropes of darkness encircled him pinning him to the floor. Ranma struggled wildly as a single crimson stain appeared over her heart. It spread quickly, blood red devouring gentle ivory. "AKANE!" She staggered and looked down at herself, then at him," Why...Why Ranma? Noooo!" Akane collapsed on the floor. "Please....don't....Ranma....no....stop....please..ple-." Ranma watched in horror as the last vestige of life drained from her face and her eyes focused on a point beyond him, beyond time. Rage filled his mind and he surged against the shadows that imprisoned him. Again and again he strained and fought and cursed, but to no avail. He finally fell back engulfed, tears flowing unnoticed down his face. "Tears? The great Ranma Saotome, crying?" The voice was derisive and incredulous. And felt like knives of black ice slicing through him. "Don't weep Saotome, she's not gone. All that she is...all that she possesses is now mine! Her body and her soul! Arise Akane! Arise and dance for your new master. Dance for me!" Before Ranma's eyes, Akane's face began to wither, her eyes sinking into her skull. The skin began to melt from her face and the smell of burning flesh filled his nostrils. "AKANE!" Akane's skeletal form stood before him. It began to dance around like a puppet. Suddenly a strange golden light flickered within hollows of the skeleton. Akane's voice burst into his mind. "Help me! Ranma please!" "Come to me Saotome. Come to me and DIE!" As maniacal laughter echoed through the room, Ranma searched for the voice. His gaze was drawn to a corner that, if possible, appeared darker than the rest. A slight shift and the shadow gave birth to the creator of this evil. Ranma stared incredulous. With eyes glowing like green fire, the figure stepped closer. "Why so surprised Saotome? Can't you feel it inside? Clawing at your very soul?" Ranma flinched as the shadow reached out and stroked the side of his head. "To remember me by, Guardian, until we meet again, in Hell!" With a wave of his hand Akane's body fell and scattered into dust. "NO!" Ranma screamed, throwing the tangled covers away from him as he sat up. Breathing hard and covered with sweat he leapt to his feet and ran down the hall to Akane's room. Terrified of what he might find on the other side, Ranma turned the knob and pushed open the door. Akane mumbled in her sleep and pulled the covers tighter around her. He slumped against the doorframe, the frantic pounding in his chest began to slow. Watching the steady rise and fall of her breath, Ranma tried to shake an intense feeling of urgency. , he thought as closed the door and headed to the bathroom. But why was he still on edge? Ranma flipped on the bathroom light and reached for the faucet, his eyes straying to the mirror above the sink. His hand froze. There was a white streak in his hair. On the left side of his head. Where it had touched him. In his dream. In a dream! Cold water splashed into the basin as Ranma soaked a cloth and brushed at the white hair. It didn't wash away. A little frantic now, he plunged the cloth back into the water. Water soaked the front of his shirt and he watched his features shift in the mirror. She stared at the streak, still there although she'd changed. Ranma hurled the cloth away and groaned in dismay. "But that means....no! I won't let it happen!" Ranma ran out. Akane woke suddenly and sat up. For some reason, Ranma was on her mind. Jerk! She smiled slightly, remembering the way he looked sailing through the air after she had kicked him. The smell of breakfast was in the air and she wasted no time in getting up. Akane dressed in record time and started down the hall. As she passed Ranma's door she called out, "Better hurry Ranma or there won't be anything left!" There was no answering taunt. "Ranma?" Akane frowned. Ranma always had to have the last word. Always. "Ranma, you jerk! You're going to be late for school!' She knocked on the door. It swung open silently. The room was empty. Completely empty. No Ranma. No furniture. No walls. No walls? Akane blinked hard and looked again. The room had disappeared into a white void. As she stared into the blankness, she became aware of small points of light. Slowly they seemed to grow closer. No. They weren't moving, she was! Horrified, Akane realized that the lights were eyes and she was being pulled towards them. Twisted laughter filled her mind. "Ahhh Guardian, I've been waiting for you. Now you will be mine!!!" Shadowy tendrils of mist reached out and embraced her. As she struggled futility against them, she was engulfed in a wave of smothering mist. Akane shot out of bed and fell to her knees. Gasping for breath and covered with sweat, she wildly scanned the room. "Just a dream. It's okay it was just a dream. Deep breath, come on Akane, calm down." She continued to speak aloud, to reassure herself that it was over. Reality was here now, the other stuff was just imaginary, not real. Not real. "Everybody has bad dreams. No big deal. It's over now. Probably ate too much desert or something." As the terror began to fade from her mind, Akane realized she was sitting on the floor by her bed. She laughed slightly, but there was little humor in the sound. Still shaken, she got up and looked out the window. Everything seemed all right. The morning sun was shining. The birds were singing. A soft breeze was blowing through the summer trees. It had seemed so real though, she thought hesitantly.< I hate those "dream within a dream" dreams>. She laughed again at herself and walked to her bedroom door. Akane drew a deep breath and opened it. Grinning, she went to Ranma's room. The door was already open. She cautiously peered in. On the floor were two neatly made pallets. Her laughter now was genuine. Akane went to the bathroom, her light tread muffled by the carpet. As she pushed open the door, she began to hum. Turning on the water in the bathtub, Akane began to undress. She turned to stick her tongue out at her reflection, and stopped. Unbelieving, she moved to stand in front of the mirror, her eyes wide with shock. For there, on the left side of her head was a streak of pure white. Akane screamed. The day before..... ======================================================================== Ranma 1/2 are Rumiko Takahashi's. Hopefully, she'll forgive us for what we're doing. Here's part 2. Comments are welcome and desired. If you want to flame, light the fire! (We just stocked up on marshmallows.) The Battle for Akane's Soul By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ---------------------------- Part 2 "What a Haul! What a Haul!", Happosai cried, as he leaped from rooftop to rooftop. Silk lingerie flapped over the edges of the bag he carried on his shoulder and the outraged cries of many women could be heard faintly in the distance. Swiftly, he slid down a drain pipe and ran towards a cluster of street vendors. Jumping on top of a stack of pots, Happosai drew out his pipe and struck one of the awning poles of a bun stand. While the poor vendor was struggling to free himself, Happosai relieved him of a rather large stack of buns. "Charge it to the Tendo Dojo!" And, laughing wildly, he ran on. Ranma left Dr. Tofu's in considerably better condition when he'd arrived. "Stupid girl!" he grumbled, rotating his neck again as he walked towards home. "So I wouldn't try her rice balls. Do I look suicidal?" An old lady stared at him as he walked past, continuing to mumble. "When is she going to realize that she can't cook and give everyone a break?" Just then, Ranma detected faint cries of distress. He scanned the horizon and spotted Happosai racing down the street. Approximately thirty women were in pursuit. "Now what's the old pervert done? And do I want to know?" The questions were rhetorical. Ranma was already running. He quickly caught up with, then passed the irate women. Happosai glanced back and saw Ranma. "Ranma, my boy! Time for some training!" So saying he dived into the open door of a small shop. Ranma followed, vaguely noticing the name of the shop: Ye Olde Cursed Antique Shoppe. Inside Ranma slid to a halt. Happosai was nowhere to be seen. The shopkeeper stepped forward. "Ah! Welcome sir! Welcome to Cursed Antique Shoppe. Each piece has verryy tragic story! Sir would like guided tour? See here? Verrryy tragic lamp, given to a young girl by her betrothed, who was then eaten by dragon, one thousand five hundred year ago! You like?" Ranma stared at the man. 'Where'd he go?' "Who sir?", the shopkeeper looked puzzled. 'The old man! Bag over his shoulder? Laughing like a nut house reject?" Ranma began to search the shop. The multitude of furniture and items was covered in a thick layer of dust. An hour went by. Coughing and sneezing, his eyes watering, Ranma had just about given up. He had looked in pots, chests, drawers, vases, rolled rugs and even in a sarcophagus. Which still held it's original contents. The shopkeeper had been at his side the whole time, chattering like mad. This had this curse and that had that curse and Don't Open That One! All of which Ranma had ignored. But enough was enough. He turned to leave. Then he heard it. A sneeze from one of the baskets he'd already checked. Spinning around, he saw Happosai hop out and run toward the store's back room. With a quick grin, Ranma followed. "No! Sirs! Is bad to go in back room!." The shopkeeper raced after them, screaming, "Verryy Verryy Cursed items in back! Verryy Bad! You come back!" The room was, if possible, even more cluttered than the front. Happosai spotted an open window and headed for it. As Ranma closed in, Happosai leaped on to a tall, covered piece of furniture and whirled to goad him. "You'll never catch me, boy!" Then he jumped through the window. The covering fell and an elaborately carved mirror was revealed. Ranma didn't notice his reflection in the mirror as he ran past, didn't hear the shopkeeper cry out a warning and he didn't see the eyes of his reflection. Ranma moved through the vacant lot quickly, his mind focused on his goal. The small flowers that had managed to bloom in this barren refuge were crushed by his unmindful tread. Where was she? A sudden gust of wind brought a trill of laughter and a shower of black rose petals. Kodachi. Ranma smiled, but it was cold. She would know. "Ranma Darling!", Kodachi called, as she landed gracefully in front of him. "I've been looking everywhere for you-" "Where's Akane?", he interrupted, knocking aside the rose she was trying to give him. "Ranma! I picked that rose for you my darling! Now it's-" Ranma reached out and grabbed Kodachi by the throat. Her garbled cry was cut off as he lifted her off the ground. "Now. Where is Akane Tendo?" Kodachi was frozen. The feel of Ranma's fingers as they dug into her didn't register at first. Her mind screamed at her. His fingers dug deeper and she couldn't breathe. Her chest began to ache. A little voice called from the back of her mind, growing louder. Fight. Fight. Fight! FIGHT!!! Kodachi moved quickly and pushed Ranma's arm away and up. She brought her knee up and into his stomach and then back flipped away from him. Ranma gasped and staggered back a little. Kodachi stared at him, searching the features of the man she loved. Ranma stared back. Kodachi gasped at the look in his eyes. Cold. Ranma smiled, "So, the little rose has thorns. Shall we play then?" Ranma leaped into the air and aimed the force of his kick at Kodachi's head. She rolled down and forward at the last possible instant and drew out her ribbon. Ranma's kick shattered the ground and he growled in frustration as he turned to face her again. Kodachi's ribbon swirled around her. She saw the result of his kick and realized that Ranma was trying to kill her. A wave of fear swamped her. Ranma was the best. Wasn't that why she'd chosen him? No one could beat him. No one. Oh God. "R-Ranma, I don't want to hurt you, perhaps we should leave this for another day?" Ranma began to walk towards her. Slowly. Patiently. Kodachi began to back up. He matched her step for step. He was stalking her, she realized, like a cat stalks a mouse. < If I run I'm dead. If I fight I'll probably die anyway, but I won't go without a fight. There's no real choice.> She stopped retreating. < I am Kodachi Kuno! I am the Black Rose!> She drew a deep breath and attacked. Kodachi laughed wildly and slashed at him with the ribbon. The ribbon sliced harmlessly through the air where Ranma had been. She whirled and he was there. To late to dodge. To late to defend. To late to scream. The blackness was receding, but not the pain. Kodachi was dying. She knew this somehow, through the haze of pain, she knew that you couldn't hurt this much without dying. She tried to open her eyes. Still dark. She closed her eyes and tried again, this time she was rewarded by a fresh burst of pain and the fuzzy sight of grass. Was he gone? A shadow moved past her and she tried not to whimper. The sight of Ranma's retreating figure was still blurry but getting clearer. He was walking away! She watched him lean down and pick something up. He turned back to her and saw her watching him. He smiled. Kodachi did whimper then. Strong arms lifted her almost gently and leaned her against what she thought was a tree. Numbly aware of her hands being secured around it she felt him move away. Then she made a mistake. Her worst yet, in fact. She looked at him again. And saw him lift her ribbon from where it had fallen. He smiled again. And then Kodachi screamed. Ranma yawned broadly, as he blocked Akane's kick. "Let me know when you want to start sparring Akane." She let out a strangled scream and charged him. Ranma nimbly leaped over her. Akane whirled and let loose a flurry of kicks and punches, varying her attack points. Ranma blocked each, careful not to hurt her. The breath whooshed out of him as a kick caught him fully in the chest. He fell back, landing on the ground beside the pond. Akane ran to him. "Ranma! Are you all right?" She helped him up. "You should have been able to block that easily. How did I-?" Ranma dusted himself off and drew a quick breath. Nothing broken, but maybe a little bruised. "It's no big deal Akane. I have to let you get in a good hit once in awhile so you don't give up." Akane stared at him. "What?" "Of course! If you gave up martial arts then you might spend more time cooking! At least this keeps you out of the kitchen!" The sounds of battle echo again through the Tendo Dojo. Elsewhere... -------------------------------------------------------------------- The Characters of Ranma 1/2 are Rumiko Takahashi's. Hopefully, she'll forgive us for what we're doing. 0.o :P :) :o "o.o" *-* :P @_@ +_+ (SMACK!) She-Hulk: Ow!! Whatd'ya do that for?! Kahm: Stop goofing off! The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ---------------------------- Part 3 Ryoga Hibiki was lost. Again. However, he was pretty sure he was in Japan. At least the people were speaking Japanese. Granted, it could have been that weird place in America where they're obsessed with cartoons and worship something called protoculture. They spoke Japanese too. Sort of. But if this is Japan, then Akane can't be that far away. Ryoga brightened considerably at this. Akane must be worried about me, I've been gone for months. the voice inside his head was not always kind. Ryoga slammed his fist into the nearest wall. "Shut up!" The man sized hole in the wall revealed a rather startled family on the other side. "Excuse me," Ryoga apologized, bowing deeply and continuing down the street. The forlorn warrior took no notice of the ambulance that raced past him, or of the wild maniacal screams emanating from the back. Kasumi shook out the freshly washed towel and pinned it to the clothes line to dry. The sun was warm and she laughed as a small bird perched near her on the line. "Why hello Mrs. Bird! How are the children today?" The bird chirruped at Kasumi and she smiled. "Really? Oh that's wonderful! But won't you miss them?" She reached for another towel. Nabiki, passing by the open window, overhead this exchange. She stopped. The bird had flown to Kasumi's shoulder and now it cocked it's head to one side, considering this question.. She warbled a little sadly, then seemed to cheer up and trilled. "Yes, I guess they have to leave the nest sometime," Kasumi agreed. "But I don't like to think about my girls leaving. I hope that I've taught them what they need to know to be out on their own, but I still worry." Mrs. Bird trilled again and she laughed. "How sweet of you to say so!" Nabiki shook her head and walked back to the living room muttering, "I didn't see it. I didn't hear it. I Am Not Going Nuts!" Ranma was lying in front of the TV. He looked up as she went past and snorted at her last comment. "Kasumi's chatting with Mrs. Bird again, isn't she?" Nabiki turned around went back to her room to lay down. The Kuno House Kuno sat meditating in his private garden. The study of the universe and its complexities needed solitude and the study of the pig-tailed goddess and Akane required privacy. He shifted slightly, recreating the problem in his mind. . "Excuse me, Master Kuno?" Sasuke popped up in front of the startled warrior. "I have urgent news!" Kuno leapt back, "How dare you interrupt my meditation!" Sasuke groveled at his feet. "But Master! It's about Mistress Kodachi...." Ukyo's Restaurant Ukyo slid the piping hot okonomiyaki in front of the customer and then surveyed the rest of the customers. There wasn't any. She sighed and shook her head. She morosely wiped the counter and wished Ranma would come by. Or Ryoga. Even Akane would do. She wanted someone to talk to. Just then she caught sight of a familiar figure walking past. Ranma! Ukyo was out the door like a shot. "Ranma Honey!" Ranma turned and frowned at Ukyo. He wasn't looking for Ukyo. He was looking for Akane. But maybe she knows... He smiled, even if she doesn't it could be....amusing. He let Ukyo take his hand and drag him inside. Ukyo seemed very glad to see him. He laughed. Ukyo smiled widely at Ranma. "I'm so glad you came by, I've been so bored! The slump between lunch and dinner is the pits, but now I get to spend some time with you." Ranma walked up behind the customer and tapped him on the shoulder. The man turned, mouth full and raised his eyebrows in question. "Get out. Now." The man stared in to Ranma's eye's for a moment, then nodded. He threw down some money and got out quickly. Ukyo stared at Ranma in shock. "Ranma! What are you doing? That's no way to treat a customer!" Ukyo was totally confused by Ranma's next actions. He locked the front door and turned the sign to closed. Then he pulled down the blind in the front window. "I want to be alone with you...Ukyo. Is that so bad?" Ranma smiled as he moved to stand in front of her. He kept moving closer until Ukyo was pressed back against the counter. "Is it?" Ukyo flushed and stammered, "N-N-No I guess not. Uh , Ranma wha-" She broke off as he took her chin in his hand. "Ukyo," he whispered softly. "Where is Akane?" "Huh?" She didn't understand. "A-Akane? I don't unde-" Ranma moved like a striking snake. The gentle grip on her chin became bruising as he shoved her back against the counter. Her head slammed against the top of the counter as he arched her over it. "It's a simple question. And you're a simple girl, aren't you? So answer it. Where is Akane?" Ukyo gasped as the pain shot through her head. What's wrong with him? She looked up into the face of a stranger. "Ran..Ranma I don't know where Akane is. I haven't seen her in days." Ranma laughed softly. Ukyo shivered at the sound. That's not possible. Ranma sounds....evil. "That's really too bad Ukyo, I had hoped that this would take longer. Now, in the interest of time, I'll have to make this short." He reached for something behind her. Ukyo heard a faint sizzling sound. The grill. Why would...? He wouldn't. Ukyo tried to move away. Ranma grabbed her wrists and started to push her off the counter. Toward the grill side. Ukyo didn't think, she just reacted. Swinging her legs up she managed to snare Ranma's head. With a twist she threw him across the counter and into the back kitchen wall. She reached over and shut off the grill completely, extinguishing the pilot light. Something whizzed passed her ear and she felt a flash of cold then a trickle of warmth. The glass front door shattered She looked at Ranma. He had a handful of her spatulas. He smiled. Ukyo jumped off the counter, trying to angle herself towards the open store room door. Cold fire licked across her thigh as she rolled in to the room. Against the wall was her ever faithful, four foot long, Kick-Ass Spatula. Ukyo gripped it and swung hard, barely deflecting a shower of blades. Ranma stood in the door way. "Ukyo that's not fair. Yours is bigger than mine." He smiled again. Ukyo paled as she realized that in gaining the weapon, she had boxed herself in. "Why?!" She braced herself for his attack and his reply. "Because I can, of course." Ranma shrugged, then attacked. He threw the remaining blades then hurled himself into the air, twisting. Ukyo rapidly deflected the missiles and moved as if to run through the now open doorway, but it was too late. Ranma already had her. His rapid blow to her back numbed her legs and she fell. He then reached down and casually removed the spatula from her. She lay on the floor trying to get her breath back. The pain was bad, but if she gave up now it would be nothing compared to what would follow. As Ukyo watched the man she thought she would love for the rest of her life toss her weapon out of reach, something in her died. She reached for one of the spatulas that had fallen beside her. Ukyo threw it at Ranma with all of her skill and strength. She prayed that it would kill him. The blade should have killed him. It sliced through his back and out off his chest, neatly bisecting the bones, muscles, and tissue that were wrapped around his heart. But to destroy something it must first exist. "Nice shot." Ranma turned around and Ukyo saw the flesh folding over, the blood disappearing and her chance at escape this alive, vanishing. "My turn." Ranma washed the blood from his hands in the kitchen sink, then turned to leave. Ukyo lay against the wall here he had tossed her. Blood seeped from innumerable wounds. Not bad for a rush job. He studied his final touch critically. Not bad at all. Chuckling softly, he walked out. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Comments? Please! Flames? Go for it! (We just bought several new fire extinguishers so we're ready.) The Battle for Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ---------------------------- Part 4 Outside the Cat Cafe... "Shampooo! Don't go without me Shampoo!" Mousse ran wildly down the street after an old man on a bicycle. Shampoo shook her head as he ran right past her. "Stupid boy!" She started down the street, easily balancing the delivery box on one hand and steering with the other. The dinner rush was on and they were even busier than usual. As she rounded the corner she spotted Ranma. Shampoo smiled and aimed straight for him. Ranma was not happy. It would not be long until sunset and he still had not found Akane. He shouldn't have wasted so much time with Kodachi. And he really wished he'd had more time to spend with Ukyo. She had been much better game than Kodachi. Oh well, perhaps he could return to her tomorrow. If she's still alive. The faint sound of a high pitched bell went unnoticed as he continued his musing. The sound got distinctly louder and Ranma glance up in time to see a bicycle wheel smash him in the face. "Nihao, Ranma!" Ranma lay on the sidewalk unmoving. Shampoo knelt beside him and placed a hand on his forehead. "Aiya! Ranma hurt! Is Shampoo's fault!" Ranma sighed deeply. When handed a lemon... Sitting up, he turned to her and smiled slowly, "It's all right Shampoo. You didn't hurt me." Ranma got up and took her by the arm. A quick look around and he found a suitable spot. "Come with me, I need to ask you something." He pulled her into a small alley behind him. She hesitated at it's entrance. The alley was poorly lit and the shadows seemed to shift as they got closer. "I need to ask this in private Shampoo." Ranma winked at her. Shampoo's heart began to thunder, her fear forgotten. He ask Shampoo to marry him! She followed him though the alley till they reached the high wall that closed off the far end. Ranma stopped and turned to her. "Oh Ranma!" He had to hurry. Ranma put his hands on Shampoo's shoulders and slid them up into her hair. "Where's Akane?" Shampoo, floating in a whirl of daydreams about her and Ranma exploring the joys of wedded bliss, didn't hear him. At first. Ranma's fingers clenched in her hair, jerking her back into reality. "Where's Akane?" Shampoo blinked. "Shampoo no know where-" The open handed slap cut her off and only the fingers that were wound cruelly through her hair kept her from falling. She staggered a little and raised a trembling hand to her mouth. It was bleeding. Ranma sighed. It's too dark in here to do this properly and he realized that the day was going to be a complete waste. Oh well. Shampoo spoke softly, "Ranma, Akane is home maybe?" She slid a quick glance around her and flinched at what she saw. The shadows were moving. They seemed to be reaching for Ranma, but not to harm him. They brushed at his legs and seemed to rub against him, like a pack of dogs with their beloved master. Ranma paid little attention to this. He gripped the front of her dress and lifted her. "Where?" She started to reply, then hesitated and Ranma flung her across the alley. The sound of bricks and bones breaking made him laugh. Shampoo slid down the wall and fought a wave of nausea. Ai lin had hurt her. Her mind tried to cope with that as he walked towards her. He had thrown her at a building and laughed! Shampoo felt the shift of her ribs and knew that several were broken. An ancient anger stirred within her. She was Amazon! No one had the right to hurt her, not even her Ai lin. Shampoo stood slowly her right arm pressed against her side. "Ranma no should have done that! Make Shampoo very angry!" With one step forward she was in a fighting stance. Ranma laughed. He had thought this one had had no spirit. He could feel the waves of battle aura emanating from her. She was stronger than the other two, but he didn't have anymore time. "Tell me where Akane is and I'll let you live." Shampoo shook her head. "You no know where your own home is?" Maybe she had really hurt him with her bicycle after all. Maybe that was why he was acting so odd. "Ranma you are hurt? You no treat Shampoo this way if you not. Let me take to grandmother, she fix you all better." The foot that swung at her head was his only reply. She stepped back out of the way and said his name again. Ranma leaned in low and struck her leg. Shampoo cried out and fell to the ground, rolling quickly away and up onto one leg. She balanced there, like a crane at rest, but her eyes followed Ranma as he prepared to strike again. "Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not hurt. Nor am I out of my mind. I want Akane's location and I want you to be dead. Rather simple, really." He attacked again. Shampoo blocked the fury of the punches he unleashed, but she knew she couldn't keep this up for long. A slight mistake and three punches landed with stunning force. Her wrist cracked and her breathe was stolen from her body as another rib was broken. Shampoo crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. Ranma stood over her. "Where is Akane Tendo?" She lay there for a moment as the air rushed back into her lungs. Why was she protecting violent girl anyway? The veil of pain made her decision. She told him. Ranma bowed deeply, then picked her up. Shampoo drew a quick breathe in pain and fear. He threw her at the wall at the end of the alley this time. Outside Ukyo's Restaurant.... Ryoga rounded the corner and stopped as he recognized a familiar place. His stomach chose that time to remind him that he had not eaten today. He quickly crossed the street and approached the darkened building. The sun had set but there was still more than enough light to see the broken front door. Ryoga hesitantly peered in side. Except for the broken door, the inside seemed okay. He stepped inside and stopped as something else caught his attention. A smell. Sweet and faintly metallic. Ryoga noticed what appeared to be a stain on the back wall. He made his way through the tables, staring at the stain, trying to figure out how she'd managed to spray okonomiyaki sauce all over the wall. As he reached the opening that led behind the counter, his brain finally added two and two. The metallic smell was blood. And so was the stain. The crumpled heap against the wall made no sense at first. A jumble of cloth and skin and blood. Ryoga rushed forward, vaguely realizing that he was standing in a pool of blood. "Ukyo!" Ryoga carefully unfolded her body and froze in horror. Her large spatula had been bent tightly around her. The strange rattle of her breathing had him moving quickly. Carefully gripping the metal he began to unwind the weapon from her prone form. Blood made his hands slip and he cursed. Ryoga finally forced the metal to surrender its prisoner and he tossed the twisted blade aside. The cause of the blood was sickeningly apparent. Ukyo had been stabbed with her smaller throwing spatulas. Blood was seeping from around the buried handles and his mind was screaming at him. Ryoga clenched his teeth against a wave of nausea as the true horror of what had been done hit him. She had been left to bleed to death. He carefully lifted her in to his arms. She groaned as he moved her. "N-No....Ran-Ranma...stop..." Ryoga carried her outside, listening in disbelief as Ukyo pleaded with her attacker. A car was cruising down the street and he stepped in front of it. The driver stopped and started to get out of the car, but Ryoga was already getting into the back seat. "We have to get her to the hospital, now!" The driver shut his door and sped away, Nerima General Hospital.... A broken rose... Kuno sat in the hard plastic chair, staring at his sister. She hadn't moved since he'd arrived, even though he had addressed her several times. Kodachi's face was bloodless, making the bruises and stitches seem bright and colorful like a child had been scribbling with markers. Crushed underfoot... The doctors had reassured him that she would live, however her mental state was questionable. She had been found in an abandoned lot and had at first been pronounced dead on the scene. The ambulance attendants had been rather surprised when she had regained consciousness and had begun to scream. Kodachi had screamed until she had reached the hospital, where the doctors sedated her heavily. Discarded... So many bones had been broken that he had lost track as the doctor had recited them. Intensive internal bruising. Multiple lacerations. Lacerations. Such a clean word for what had been done. The doctors were unsure of the weapon that had been used, but Kuno knew. He knew because the weapon had been Kodachi's. Her ribbon. Used against her. Shattered petals... She looked so small. Hardly like the larger-than-life Black Rose. Drifting away... Kuno slowly reached out and touched her cool hand. Away... He felt, rather than saw Sasuke appear beside him. He motioned him outside. "Master Kuno? The Mistress will be all right, won't she?" Sasuke was wringing his hands together. "She will live. But the doctors fear for her mind. They are fools!" Kuno walked slowly through the hall. A sudden commotion drew their attention. A gurney rushed past with it's blood soaked cargo and Kuno realized that he knew the woman. It was Ukyo, one of Saotome's churls. Ryoga ran after her, covered in blood. Kuno frowned. Somehow...somehow this concerned what had happened to Kodachi, he was sure of it. "Stay with Kodachi." Sasuke nodded. Kuno caught up with Ryoga as he finished his explanation to the emergency room doctor. "...I thought it was okonomiyaki sauce, but then I realized it was blood. Ukyo was just lying there. I tried to stop the bleeding, then I picked her up and went for help." The doctor nodded briskly and disappeared into the examining room. Ryoga stared at the closed door and managed to stop himself from following the doctor. He turned away to find Kuno waiting for him. "Did she speak ?" Ryoga just glared at him. "It's none of your business." "Oh, your wrong there, my friend. For I believe you know who attacked the fair Ukyo." He motioned for Ryoga to follow him. Ryoga did so reluctantly. He didn't want to get too far from Ukyo, he might not be able to find his way back again. Kuno waved a hand at the door he stood bedside. "My reason, your business is my business." Ryoga opened the door. He watched for a long minute then softly closed the door. He looked at Kuno. "I guess we do have the same business after all." Elsewhere... ------------------------------------------------------------------ As always comments are welcome! Feel like turning up the flames? Knock yourself out! (We just upgraded our fire insurance.) The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ---------------------------- Part 5 Mousse walked back to the Cat Cafe rather dejectedly. He had put his glasses on and had realized that he'd been following the wrong bicycle. The sun had set and he knew the old crone would start in on him for being late. Shampoo was long gone and he... The sight of a wrecked bicycle and an abandoned delivery box caught his attention. A quick check inside the box revealed that it's contents had never been delivered. Mousse felt a sense of unease and began to search the area. "Shampoo!" He continued to call as he searched, finally reaching a dark alley. "Shampoo?" Shampoo heard the faint cries as if from a great distance. The trash can she was behind blocked her view, but she knew he was near. She called out weakly. "Mroeww." When Ranma had thrown her at the back wall she had fell into the shadows at it's base. The puddle of water had changed her into her cat form. Shampoo had hoped that if Ranma didn't know where he lived then maybe he wouldn't know about her curse. She had managed to drag herself behind an overturned trash can. He had searched for her but the small white cat had gone unnoticed. For the first time she was glad that she'd fallen into that spring. Mousse heard the faint sound and rushed into the alley. There was hardly any light. "Where are you, Shampoo?" The faint cry came again from the back. The dark shape of a garbage can was visible. Mousse reached out and carefully moved the can away from the corner. He gasped at the sight of her cringing against the wall. "Oh my Shampoo!" Mousse's hands were gentle as her carefully lifted her into his arms. From nowhere he produced a large fluffy towel and carefully wrapped her in it. All the time crooning softly to her. "It's going to be all right Shampoo. You're safe now. I won't let anybody hurt you again. Oh darling, your leg's broken! Who would do this? Oh Shampoo. I'll hurt them Shampoo, I'll make them pay for hurting you, my Heart." He continued his litany as he carried her out of the dark and to safety. Shampoo let his words wash over her. He was holding her so carefully and his voice washed away some of the terror that had consumed her. Mousse's words began to penetrate and she listened to his heart for the first time. "I love you Shampoo. I'll never let anyone hurt you again. Please hang on Shampoo! I love you. Oh Shampoo, please be all right!" He was leaping from rooftop to rooftop, she realized, but she didn't feel any movement. The sound of his voice was still flowing over her when she lost consciousness. Tendo Dojo...... Ranma pounded another nail into the board to finish securing it over the hole. He moved on to the next hole. "Hey, Pop! Toss me another board." The board made a whistling sound as it was hurled toward his head with great force. Ranma caught it inches from his face. "You'll have to do better than that old man!" Genma took him at his word and soon a dozen boards were in the air. Nabiki watched with an almost fascinated horror as the boards were deflected away and into the walls. Ranma charged his father, but had to move quickly to avoid hitting Nabiki who had suddenly appeared in his path. "Ranma! Mr. Saotome! You are here to repair the damage, not make more!" As Nabiki whipped out a notebook, Ranma had an unpleasant thought. He tuned back in on the conversation. "-and finally, 40,000 yen for a new front door! Am I making my point gentlemen? You are guests in our home, but if the home is destroyed then we're all in trouble. Now, sparring practice is over. Home repair 101 is in now session." They reluctantly began repairs again. Nabiki closed her notebook. Ranma had her worried there for a second. What's done is done. It's not that she was hiding it or any- okay she was hiding it. But it was her right. Nobody's business but her own. Dr. Tofu's....... Dr. Tofu had finished straightening the examining room and had gathered his things to leave when the front door burst open. Mousse stood in the doorway, a white bundle was cradled in his arms. "Dr. Tofu!" He rushed forward. "It's Shampoo! She's been hurt! You have to help her!" Dr. Tofu pulled back a corner of the towel, then took her into his arms. "Get some warm water." He carefully placed her on the table as Mousse brought him the water. "Cologne wasn't at the cafe and I didn't know where else to bring her!" He went on to explain where and how he'd found her. Dr. Tofu poured the warm water over his tiny patent and watched as she changed back into her human form. He dried her off with Mousse's towel then covered her naked form with a sheet. Dr. Tofu looked at Mousse. "You might want to wait outsi-" Mousse was shaking his head emphatically. "I won't leave her. I can't. I promised." Dr. Tofu nodded and began his examination. Two hours later she was sleeping in the small room he kept ready for overnight patients. The amount of damage was rather shocking. He filled out the chart with deliberate calm. Patient has multiple contusions and lacerations. Mild trauma to the left side of head, resulting in slight concussion. Three broken ribs; right side. One broken rib; left side. Possible bruised right lung; breathing shallow but clear. Hairline fracture of the left femur. Right wrist broken; clean brake across the...He stopped. Mousse had installed himself in a chair beside her bed and had refused to budge. Dr. Tofu watched him as he held her uninjured hand. He was singing to her. Very softly and in Chinese. A lullaby. Dr. Tofu left them alone and returned to his small office. It was unmistakable, even though he hoped somehow that he was wrong. The aura traces that he felt from Shampoo were very familiar. He had once guessed that a softball that had connected with Ranma's face at school had been hit by Akane. When Akane had seemed upset, he'd laughed and said that he had been kidding. He hadn't. The traces, coupled with the style and systematic rhythm of the blows were damning evidence. Dr. Tofu picked up the phone and dialed. Kasumi answered the telephone on the second ring. "Hello?" To Dr. Tofu's credit, his glasses only fogged a little and his voice only cracked once. "K-Kasumi? It's Dr. Tofu." "Oh, hello Doctor! How are you today?" Kasumi's smile was slightly mischievous. Tofu could be so silly sometimes. But he was also very sweet. And she was very patient. "I, uh, that is, uh, I'm fine Kasumi. You're doing well?" His face was fast turning scarlet. Damn. "Uh, Kasumi, has Ranma been gone a lot today?" "Actually he hasn't, he said something about taking a vacation from all of the girls that are chasing him. He and Akane have been arguing almost all day. Why?" Kasumi wondered what Ranma had done now. Not that that was fair to Ranma, but strange things did seem to happen to him all the time. "Oh! Well, that's good. Uh, where is he now?" "I believe he and his father are in the Dojo. Nabiki is making them repair some of the damage. Would you like me to get him?" Kasumi frowned a little. Tofu was still making sense and they had been talking for several minutes. Thirty seconds was generally the longest he could last without losing control, even over the phone. Tofu thought for a moment. "No, that's all right. I'll see him tomorrow. If you could tell him to come to my office in the morning?" Kasumi agreed and he quickly ended the conversation. Whew! His breathing began to slow and he could feel his blood pressure drop. Kasumi was just so...so...Kasumi. Tofu shook himself out of his wandering and considered the decision he had just made. Ranma had been home all day. The traces of aura were Ranma's, he was sure of it. So how did Ranma's aura wind up around Shampoo? He began to search the bookshelves that lined his office. Maybe... Ye Olde Cursed Antique Shoppe... Cologne sipped her tea and (for her an impatient gesture) raised an eyebrow. "Yes, yes. I understand that. But you say the boy stood in front of the mirror?" The shopkeeper nodded quickly several times. "Yes! Verrryy Bad I told him, but he no listen! Then he gone! Out through window! And then It left too! He did not listen! I tried-" Cologne's upraised hand stopped him cold. This was the most revered and the most feared woman within the Chinese community here. She was the undisputed elder and her word was law. And the shopkeeper knew that he had been breaking quite a few "laws" in selling these cursed items. He started to sweat. "It is done now. The evil is loose and it will not stop until it has accomplished it's goal. You know what you have done is wrong and the council will decide on a suitable punishment. I must now go and try to save those that I can. I am very much afraid that my granddaughter may be the demon's main target. If she is, then you had best prepare yourself to cross the Jade Bridge and meet your ancestors." She left the shopkeeper sobbing on the floor. Fool! If the demon finds Shampoo he may sense that she cares for Ranma and kill her. Cologne hurried back to the cafe. No one was there. Shampoo and Mousse were gone. A dark figure was coming down the street toward her. Cologne frowned, then called out, "Who are you?" Dr. Tofu moved into the light of a street lamp. "Good evening Cologne. I've been looking for you." Cologne joined him in the circle of light and looked closer at his face. "Something's happened to Shampoo hasn't it?" "She was attacked earlier this evening. She's going to be all right, but there's something..." He trailed off as Cologne went past him. "Let me guess. You sensed the battle aura of someone you know. I'll explain on the way to your clinic." Did somebody say fire?! Toss some flames this way! (We're having a luau and that's one BIG pig!) The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ---------------------------- Part 6 The sight that met Cologne's eyes surprised her. Mousse was kneeling beside Shampoo's bed, holding her hand. His other hand was on her forehead. Shampoo was awake, watching him. He had called to her in the darkness and she had felt his love enfold her. He had driven away the fear and she realized that she loved this quiet, gentle man. So much was explained now. Why he could never defeat her. Why he had stayed with her. Shampoo felt the energy he was expending and knew she had to stop him. She spoke softly. "No Mousse, is enough. You must stop...you no can take much more." There was a faint white glow surrounding the couple. Cologne realized that he was pouring his energy into Shampoo. Using his aura to give her strength, which he should not be able to do. Unless... Could she have been wrong about him all this time? She stepped into the room. "She's right Mousse. You'll kill yourself if you don't stop." Cologne laid a hand on his shoulder and a flash of restrained power surged through her. She jerked her hand back and stared at him. "Why?" He ignored her. Mousse stopped the flow of energy and brushed the hair back off of Shampoo's forehead. Then he kissed her brow and stood to face the last obstacle in his path. "You wanted Shampoo to marry a great warrior. I can never be that. I fight when I have to, but something inside stops me from harming anyone. I cannot kill." He reached out and stroked the side of Shampoo's face. "Sleep now, Love." Shampoo felt herself slipping back into a deep, resting sleep. Mousse looked at Cologne. "She is my heart, without her I cannot live." He spoke quietly and Cologne knew that he was unshakable. So much had been hidden. All for the love of Shampoo. "Shampoo is my bride. You will respect this." Dr. Tofu stepped aside as he went past, but asked him one question, "Why didn't you heal her yourself?" Mousse stopped but didn't turn, "My skills are unfocused, untrained. I can only renew the spirit." He continued to walk to the door. "Mousse," the doctor called, and he turned around. "We will begin your formal training when this is resolved." Mousse nodded, then left. Now he must kill a man. The Tendo house was being watched. Two figures stood hidden in the shadows and plotted the fall of Ranma Saotome. "Not a mouse stirring. We are sided with surprise. A good companion for battle." Kuno's voice was a faint breath. He stared at the house and wondered that it did not burst into flames from his rage. Ryoga made a noncommittal sound. "I don't like the idea of attacking him here. Akane and her family would be in danger." Kuno had approached the house earlier and checked on Akane and the others. Ranma was there, but he had made no move to harm them. They had no idea of the evil that was with them. "We can't just rush in." "Then we must lure him outside." Kuno and Ryoga tensed as the speaker moved silently to stand beside them. Mousse looked at the house and spoke again. "Why am I not surprised to find you here? Who else has he harmed this day?" "Ukyo was attacked at her restaurant and left to die. When I found her, she was delerious. She said Ranma's name." Ryoga's stomach twisted as he remembered her faint cries. Kuno spoke, "My sister was found in a deserted lot, she had been tortured. She has not regained her senses thus she cannot name her assailant, but one does not need eyes to know day. You come most carefully among us in the dead of night. Why has our target drawn your hunting gaze?" "Shampoo. We can't strike now. We cannot strike alone. If we are to defeat him then we will have to plan carefully. He's beaten us all in the past." Mousse faced the others. "Come with me." Ranma watched their retreating shadows and laughed softly. "How perfect!" He moved closer to the house. Ranma stretched out on his pallet and closed his eyes. His head was still sore from landing on the roof after Akane had kicked him there. He rolled onto his side and tried to sleep. Stray images kept flashing through his mind. Something was bugging him but he couldn't put a finger on it. He felt like he had forgotten something. A long while later, he finally fell asleep. And the shadows were waiting. Dr. Tofu's... Shampoo was sleeping peacefully. Dr. Tofu checked her injuries, not surprised to see that most of the bruising was gone. Mousse had surprised him. He went back to his office and sat down at his desk. Cologne pushed a cup of hot tea in front of him. "Drink this and stop worrying. Shampoo will recover. But we have greater problems." Tofu sipped at his tea and stared at cologne. "You know what's going on, don't you?" Cologne sighed. "Thanks to a rather careless shopkeeper, a demon has been unleashed." She went on to explain what had happened in the antique shop. "So when Ranma stepped in front of the mirror, it gave life to his reflection. Now it's trying to getfree." "Get free? It doesn't exactly appear to be trapped now." "Oh but it is! The demon's true form is much more powerful and will be much harder to stop. It's trapped in Ranma's reflection. To free itself, it must destroy the real Ranma's heart." Cologne paused. "Why do I have the feeling your not talking about a muscle that pumps blood?" "Because, your almost as smart as I am. And considering how old I am and how young you are, that's a compliment." Tofu's smile was wry. "The oldest legends speak of guardians of the heart. When a person falls in love they yield their heart to their lover. Who then protects it. If their heart is not within them, they could not be killed. This of course is considered nonsense now. Most people don't yield their hearts, but then most people aren't in tune with their inner energy either. All of the legends that spoke of guardians were about powerful warriors and holy men. The curse on that mirror can only affect someone whose heart does not dwell within them. Ranma has given his heart to someone. And the demon will destroy everything and everyone who stands in the way." Tofu spoke slowly. "But Ranma claims he's not in love with anyone." Cologne waved her hand in a dismissive motion. "The boy is merely lying to himself. His heart lies with the one he loves. I thought it might be Shampoo, but I see now that the heart she carries belongs to Mousse." She shook her head. "I'm getting to old for this sort of thing. Should have realized that sooner." "Okay. How do we defeat this thing?" Dr. Tofu asked the question, but was afraid of the answer. "I don't know." The sun had began to stretch it's glowing fingers up into the sky when Shampoo woke. Memory flooded her and she gasped. Ranma. The alley. Pain. Mousse. She felt a warmth creep over her. Mousse. Shampoo heard the muffled sound of voices in the next room. That sounded like great grandmother! She lay still and tried to hear. Snatches floated to her. "...not in this one.." "What about..." "...only works on elves..." "...the demon..." "...using Ranma's form against..." Shampoo frowned. Something was going on. She called out to her grandmother. The door was pushed open and Cologne swung into the room. "Ah you're awake! How are you feeling now?" Shampoo shook her head at the question. " I fine great-grandmother. What you say about demon?" Cologne glanced at Tofu then back to her great-granddaughter. "Ranma didn't attack you, Shampoo, it was a demon that has inhabited his reflection." She went on to explain about the mirror, the curse and the guardians. As she explained how Ranma had triggered the curse, Shampoo frowned. "How did demon know me, if he not Ranma?" "He can probably sense your feelings for Ranma and used them against you. He would be able to tell if someone knew Ranma and that would make them a target. He won't stop until he's found Ranma's guardian." Shampoo began to realize that she may have provided the demon with the knowledge it needed. "I did bad thing great-grandmother! I tell bad-Ranma where to find Akane!" "Akane?" Dr. Tofu was sharp. "Of course!" "He keep asking me 'Where is Akane?' When I no answer, he hurt Shampoo." She began to cry. "Hurt me so much....wanted him to stop...great-grandmother!" Cologne held her as she cried. "Now, now Shampoo. It's all right. You're not to blame." Shampoo wiped the moisture from her eyes and looked at Dr. Tofu. "Shampoo also tell Mousse that Ranma...." Dr. Tofu ran. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Send us your comments, blah blah blah Flames, blah blah- Oh to hell with it! Just read the damn thing! The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 7 Tendo Dojo..... They had done all that they could to prepare for this moment. It was unavoidable that the battle should take place here. They would try to protect the family, but Ranma must die today. Kuno strode swiftly into the courtyard. He stood in front of the house and called out. "Ranma Saotome!" Ranma paused in the act of pulling on his shirt and looked out the window. "Oh, great." Ranma was at the front door in moments and stepped outside to face Kuno. "What do you want Kuno? Do you realize what time it is?" He frowned as Mousse and Ryoga moved to stand on either side of Kuno. "What's going on?" Kuno spoke softly. "Gaze upon the sun, Saotome, for you will not live to see it tomorrow." Mousse's voice was flat. "You're a dead man walking, Saotome. You just don't know it yet." Ryoga stepped forward. "Enough of this. It's time to fight." Ranma watched the three as they advanced and he noticed something he had overlooked before: They were dressed completely in black. Kuno's blue kendo uniform had been replaced by black ninja clothes and rather than his bokken, he carried a katana. Mousse's white Chinese coat was now black with scarlet tigers embroidered across it. His hands slid from the sleeves and he raised the long spear that had appeared. Ryoga was wearing his normal black outfit, but with a few changes. His head band was black and so was the umbrella that he hurled at Ranma. Ranma ducked and the umbrella imbedded itself into the door. As he jumped over his attackers, he winced thinking of Nabiki's reaction. "Are you crazy?" He tried to put some distance between them, but they were staying right with him. Ranma hopped over a thrusting spear point, then jerked his head aside, narrowly avoiding the rush of Kuno's sword. There was a sudden burst of pain and Ranma found himself flying across the courtyard to land against the wall of the Dojo. Ryoga smiled grimly at the result of his kick. They moved in again. Ranma sat up and saw them approaching. "Why are you guys doing this? What am I supposed to have done to you?" They stopped. "You have been sentenced to death!" They rushed him. Ranma dodged, blocked and tried figure out what the hell they were talking about. Strike after strike, blow after blow, they kept coming. He managed to avoid most of them, but several found their mark. He was hampered by the fact that he didn't really want to hurt them. Mousse lunged at him, "For my Shampoo!" A hot pain ripped through his leg and he looked down to see the point of Mousse's spear protruding from his thigh. He cried out and jerked away, the feel of his flesh slicing making him sick. "For Ukyo, you bastard!" Ryoga's fist landed solidly and Ranma fell back as his breath left him in a sudden rush. Kuno didn't say anything, he just tried to sever his head. Ranma touch the small cut at the base of his neck. Ranma struck out then, knocking his opponents back. "I don't know what's going on, but somebody had better start explaining!" They circled him and Ranma braced himself. "If I've been found guilty of a crime, then at least tell me what I'm supposed to have done!" "You attacked Shampoo!" Ranma twisted away, but still felt the sting of Mousse's spear as it opened his side. Ryoga's bandanna whirled past his arm, leaving a bloody trail. "You attacked Ukyo!" Kuno's sword swept in and cut a shallow groove across Ranma's chest. "Would that I could say that you had merely "attacked" Kodachi, but thy foul torture has destroyed fair maiden!" "But I didn't attack anybody!" Ranma flipped backwards, landing awkwardly. Blood flowed freely from his injuries. He felt the wall at his back. He roared at them. "I Swear To You! I Did Not Attack Anybody!" Inside, Kasumi and Nabiki were both startled by the sound and ran outside. Nabiki saw the door and groaned. But then she saw Ranma and that was forgotten. Kuno, Ryoga and Mousse had backed him up against the Dojo. Even from this distance she could see the blood. Ranma was shaking his head and held his hands up in a "wait a minute" gesture. They didn't. Kasumi couldn't believe what she was seeing. Ranma was hurt and from the way he was fighting, he was trying not to hurt his assailants. She heard him protest, "I didn't do it! I was here all day yesterday! Ask Akane!" He fell beneath a pile of rage and Kasumi could stand no more. She ran forward. "Stop this!" Ryoga spun around to find Kasumi glaring at him. Kasumi could glare? He fell back out of the way. She reached out and smartly thwacked the top of Mousse's head with a wooden spoon she had pulled out of nowhere. Mousse jerked up and stared. Kasumi? Nabiki stepped forward and slapped Kuno, who had Ranma by the throat, across the back of his head. His indignant howl increased when she grabbed him by the ears and pulled him off of Ranma. "Kasumi, Nabiki, please go back inside where it's safe." Mousse was gesturing toward the house. "This doesn't concern you." Kasumi drew herself up to her full height and spoke sternly. "You will explain why you felt it was necessary to come into our home and attack poor Ranma!" Mousse suddenly felt about two feet tall. So did the others. "Poor Ranma" groaned at this description of himself and pulled himself to his feet. Kasumi produced a clean dishcloth from thin air and he tied it around his leg. "They're accusing me of attacking Kodachi, Ukyo and Shampoo." His voice was quiet. Kasumi gasped and turned on the three men who were staring daggers at Ranma. "Tell me everything. Right now." Reluctantly they did. Nabiki looked a little sick at the end. "Oh, no." Kasumi was frowning. Everyone stepped back. "But that's impossible! Ranma was here all day yesterday. He couldn't have attacked those girls." She spoke sharply. "You should be ashamed of yourselves! How could you think that Ranma could have done something like that!" She was about to continue her lecture when a scream from inside stopped them all. "That's Akane!" They raced inside and up the stairs, the sound of crying drawing them to the bathroom. Ranma's punch shattered the door frame and he was inside. Akane was sitting in the floor beside the sink, her head resting on her knees. Ranma knelt beside her and lightly touched her shoulder. She stiffened and turned away from him. "N-no." Ranma frowned at Kasumi as she moved beside him. She started to gather Akane to her, but Ranma shook his head. "Akane." Ranma's voice was gentle as he reached out to cup her face in his hand and turn it towards him. Akane gave a choked sob and threw herself into his arms. "Oh, Ranma!" A hard knot somewhere inside of him melted at her words. He held her close as she cried and stroked her hair. "Akane what's wrong? You scared us half to death with that scream. Talk to me Akane." She sniffed once and muttered, "I thought it was a dream, I mean, it had to be a dream because that stuff couldn't happen, not really. Then I woke up, but it was still there!" Akane's last words were a desperate wail. Ranma lifted her face to his. Her tear-filled eyes held him spellbound for a moment, but the gasps from the others gathered in the doorway drew his attention away. He searched her familiar features, quickly spotting the difference. Ranma turned her head slightly and stared at the strands of white hair, mixed inexplicably within the gleaming blue-black. Dr. Tofu pushed past the group and knelt beside Kasumi. He saw the mark and the fear in Akane's face. "Why don't we move this downstairs. Then I can have more room to look at Ranma's wounds." At those words Akane gasped and looked at Ranma. The wound on his neck had stopped bleeding, but his side, chest and leg were dripping blood onto the floor and Akane. She started to get up herself, but Ranma was there, an arm around her waist helping her. She looked up at him and for some reason she felt herself blush. "What happened to you, Ranma?" She caught sight of Ryoga, Mousse and Kuno in the doorway. They had ran into the house with weapons drawn, prepared to fight Akane's unseen attacker. Now they shuffled slightly and tried to appear casual about the arms they carried. She took in their dark garb and unusual weapons. Akane saw the blood on Mousse's spear tip and looked at Ryoga. He kind of laughed and raised his hand to brush back his hair, but caught sight of the bruised knuckles and winced. Her attention landed on Kuno, who was trying to hide his sword behind his back, but the bloody edge peeked over his shoulder. "What have you been doing?!" Akane started toward them with a furious gleam in her eye. Ranma caught her from behind and pulled her back against him. "It's okay Akane. Just a little misunderstanding. Dr. Tofu is right, we should continue this downstairs." He jerked his head toward the door and glared at everyone. The others quickly fled, leaving Ranma and Akane alone. Akane drew a deep breath and smelled Ranma. His arms were still around her and she knew she should pull away, but his strength was a powerful lure. Slowly, she turned in his loose embrace. She stared at his throat, unable to raise her gaze any higher. Ranma was breathing rapidly, trying not to do what his body was urging him to. He watched the top of her head and let her sweet scent fill his senses. the voice screamed at him. Ranma firmly strangled that voice and raised his hand to Akane's down bent head. With gentle fingers, he lifted her face. Ranma watched her eyes fall closed and heard her breath catch. A lone finger brushed her lips and her eyes fluttered open. Akane felt the brush of his finger as it traced her lips and part of her screamed that this was Ranma! The pervert! The two-timing jerk! Akane turned a deaf ear to that part and placed the tinniest of kisses against his thumb. Ranma stopped. He fell helplessly into the dark depths of Akane's eyes and as his lips brushed hers for the first time, he felt a heavy warmth pulse through him. His lips pulled away and returned again and again, each time staying longer, pressing deeper. Akane was deafened by the roar of her thundering heart. Her arms were heavy weights, wrapped around Ranma's waist and she felt a trickle of sweat roll down her back. She tightened her arms and pulled him closer. Ranma gasped and lifted her arm away as Akane had pressed against the wound on his side. She realized what she had done and blushed furiously. "Oh! I'm s-sorry Ranma I didn't me.." She stuttered to a halt and he was dismayed to see tears fill her eyes. "Shhh. It's all right Akane." He kissed away a stray tear and brushed her bangs back. "We'll just have to try this again, when I'm in better condition." She smiled at the thought. The sound of a throat being cleared startled them, but Ranma didn't back away from Akane. He actually pulled her closer as Dr. Tofu stuck his head through the door. "If you two don't mind, I really would like to take a look at Ranma's wounds." He smiled warmly and went back downstairs. ------------------------------------------------------------------- We really have WAY to much time on our hands. The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 8 Dr. Tofu was still smiling as he came downstairs and found himself face to face with Kasumi. Now that there was no immediate emergency, he began to fall under her spell once more. Kasumi was having none of it. To his delight, she took his hand and pulled him into the kitchen. "I think it's time we had a talk." She removed his glasses and wiped the fog from them. As she stepped close to replace them, Tofu's breathing became labored. He knew he was not going to make any sense, but he had to try. "K-Kasumi! What a surprise meeting y-," Kasumi placed her fingers against his mouth, effectively halting his usual ramblings. "Let me do the talking for once." As she replaced her fingers with her lips, Tofu's heart began to pound furiously. His last coherent thought was that Kasumi was definitely better at conversation than he was. Ranma walked into the kitchen and froze. Whoa! He backed out quickly. Tofu came out a moment later. To say he was "rattled" was an understatement. Ranma wasn't sure he wanted Dr. Tofu anywhere near him. The last time he had in this condition, Ranma had spent several painful hours staring at the world sideways. But to his surprise, the doctor managed compose himself. "Let's take a look at those wounds." Akane showered quickly and joined the rather somber gathering at the table. Kasumi was pouring tea and had placed a large platter of buns in the center of the table, but no one was eating. Dr. Tofu had just finished treating Ranma's wounds when she returned. He waited until she had seated herself beside Ranma then asked her to tell him about her dream. Haltingly she did so. Every once in awhile she would falter, but then she would look at Ranma and he would smile at her encouragingly and she would continue. It had escaped no one's notice that their hands were kept below table level. Kuno was a bit ruffled at this, but for once he held his peace. Ryoga wondered why he didn't feel upset by this apparent change in their relationship. He shrugged it off and focused on Dr. Tofu, who was speaking now. "That confirms it then." He went on to explain about the curse and the mirror. When he got to the part about the guardians he paused. "Uh, I'm not sure you're going to like this part." Tofu quickly outlined the history of the guardians, why the girls were attacked and topped it off with his conclusion that Akane was carrying Ranma's heart. Dead silence. Akane stared at the cold cup of tea in front of her and wished she were invisible. Ranma had given her his heart? He was in love with her? Then he really didn't love the others after all. Memories surfaced in a wave. Ranma standing in the courtyard looking down at her, . Standing in the center of an ice rink facing down Mikado,. Coming to her rescue time after time. Ranma...loves....me? Ranma shifted slightly and tried to deal with the fact that, not only was his most carefully hidden secret now out in the open, but that it was putting put Akane in great danger. He voiced a questioned and knew as the words left his lips that he should have phrased it better. "Can I take it back?" Akane flinched as if struck and Ranma felt her pull her hand out of his. "I didn't mean it like that!" But she wasn't listening. Akane got up and went into the kitchen. Dr. Tofu shook his head and answered his question. "No." He hesitated, then blurted out the rest. "Once given, it stays given. Can you stop loving Akane? Because that would be the only way." Mousse snapped his fingers. "The reversal jewel!" He told to Dr. Tofu about the cursed jewel of the Amazons. Dr. Tofu shook his head, "I'm afraid not. The jewel just deceives the wearer, besides I don't think bringing anything else that's cursed into this situation is going to help." Kasumi poured more tea into his cup and nodded in agreement. Kuno spoke up, a rather sly look on his face. "What if Ranma were to die? Then would Akane still be in danger?" Dr. Tofu was slightly taken aback by this. He didn't answer at first. "Ranma can't be killed, at least not without great difficulty. Unless he..." He stopped. "What?" Ranma prompted him. "Unless I what?" Dr. Tofu frowned, refusing to answer. Ranma guessed it. "Unless I kill myself." Kasumi gasped and Nabiki looked hard at Ranma. He was considering it. The fool was actually considering it. She spoke firmly, "Now let's not do anything rash, Ranma. Akane is not going to allow you to kill yourself in order to save her!" Her voice had grown steadily louder. Ranma stood up, managing not to wince when he put his weight on his injured leg. "If it will save Akane..." He broke off as the kitchen door flew open. Akane stood there, her aura was a visible red and everyone moved away from the target of her rage: Ranma. "Are you crazy!?" She stormed across the room and had Ranma backed against the wall before he knew it. "If you think for one minute that you're getting off the hook that easily, you are sadly mistaken Ranma Saotome! I am the guardian of your heart and that means that you Love Me! And you kissed Me! Under No circumstances are you getting out of this! This time it's going to be the way it should! The way I want it ! No more running away! No more stray fiancee's crawling out from every rock in the country! No more interfering parents! No more delays!" So saying, she grabbed his head and pulled him to her. The kiss was part anger and part frustration, but all love. Akane felt his arms encircle her and she let her hands fall to his shoulders. Ranma broke the kiss slowly and rested his forehead against hers. Looking into her eyes he whispered, "I don't want my heart back. It's right where it should be." Kuno's snort brought their attention back to the matter at hand. "Woe is this news to mine heart, for a bright star has fallen from heaven and into the hands of a peasant." Kuno sighed deeply, then turned to Nabiki. He smiled. Nabiki frowned and took a step back. Kuno followed. "What light! It is Nabiki and she is my sun!" "Whoa, Kuno-baby! Let's not get carried away in the moment." She held her hands up as she continued to back away. "O speak again my bright angel, for thou art glorious to the eyes of Kuno!" He followed her retreat. Ryoga stuck out a foot as he passed and Kuno landed face first. "Perhaps, if you've finished, we can return to our discussion?" Kuno gracefully regained his feet and winked at Nabiki. To her horror she felt herself blush. Everyone returned to their seats. " The problem is this: How do you kill a reflection?" Dr. Tofu tossed the question out. "Shampoo said that the shadows in the alley seemed to be drawn to the demon. Maybe we could use light?" Mousse proposed. They considered possible ways to attack the creature with light, but Kuno reminded them that Kodachi and Ukyo had been attacked during the day. Even the attack on Shampoo had occurred just before sunset. "If light were truly the weapon we seek, could we find any stronger than the heavens glorious sun?" For once Kuno had made sense, which startled several members of the group, including Nabiki. "Good point, Kuno." His smile was for her alone and Nabiki hastily directed her attention elsewhere. Dr. Tofu spoke, "We need to bring Cologne in on this and possibly even Happosai." Everyone groaned at the thought. Akane felt Ranma's hand tighten around hers at the mention of Cologne. She leaned closer and whispered, "What's wrong?" "I'm worried about you. If Cologne's still got it in her head that I should marry Shampoo, then she can't be trusted." His voice was low, but Mousse heard him anyway. "That's no longer a problem, Saotome. Shampoo has consented to become my bride." Mousse was smiling an inscrutable smile. Kasumi wondered how he managed to do that. It looked painful. "Cologne has accepted this, she won't bother you again." There was a round of congratulations, interrupted by the return of Soun and Genma from their morning walk. Chaos ensued briefly while explainations were given. Soun burst into tears when he heard that Akane was in possession of Ranma's heart. Kasumi finally managed to get him to stop, but he started again when Kuno pointed out that this was putting her in mortal danger. Kuno stood and approached Nabiki. As he knelt in front of her, she once more felt herself flush. "Fair one I must depart this place and return to my sister's side. Though it pains me to leave you for a moment, I vow to you I will return." Kuno rose gracefully and faced the others, "I must see Kodachi. I will be brief and return post-haste. Then we will rout the demon from our midst." Ryoga got up quickly. "I need to check on Ukyo. I don't want her to wake up in that hospital alone. If you could just give me directions?" Kuno laughed and clapped him on the back. "Come, my confused friend. We will make the journey together." Kasumi looked at them thoughtfully. "Maybe you should stay with them until we've found a way to defeat this evil. If the demon can't get to Akane, the others might still be in danger." Tofu nodded in agreement, then added, "You and Nabiki are also in danger." So Ryoga and Kuno departed to protect their charges. Dr. Tofu also left to return to the clinic and consult with Cologne. At Ranma's urging, the girls went with him. "If they're with you and Mousse, we won't have to worry about them. We're going to try and find Happosai. Maybe he can actually help for once." It was a strange group that made the journey to the clinic. Akane and her sisters in the middle, Ranma and Mousse in front. Dr. Tofu, Genma and Soun brought up the rear. They reached the clinic without incident, but Ranma knew that they had been watched. Akane watched Ranma leave. Kasumi put an arm around her sister and guided her into Tofu's office. Cologne wasted no time in thrusting a large, dusty book into her hands. "Let's get started." Soon they were all searching for the answer to the most important question in their lives: How do you kill a reflection? ------------------------------------------------------------------- Send forth your com....Damn. I hate it when I get stuck in "Kuno" mode. The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 9 The machines connected to Ukyo beeped in a steady rhythm. Ryoga supposed this was a good thing. He moved his chair closer to her and after much debate with himself, took her hand. The doctor had assured him that her injuries, though profuse, were not serious. The blood loss was what had concerned him more, but Ukyo was in excellent condition. The loss could have been much worse. Ryoga found himself studying her hand. It was amazingly small. He remembered her swinging her super spatula at him. She had made it look light, but he knew it weighed almost as much as his umbrella. Her fingernails were short, like a guy's. Ryoga blushed a little as he remembered discovering her secret. When the bandage that was binding her breasts had been torn during the battle, Ryoga had taken one look, had a nose bleed and then passed out cold. He ran his thumb over the edge of a chipped nail. She had tried so hard to help him win Akane's affection. She had even apologized to him later because it didn't work. There was a small scratch on the back of her hand. The image of her laying against the wall flashed in front of him and he closed his eyes tightly, willing the sight away. The still fingers softly closed around his. Ryoga opened his eyes and found Ukyo looking at him. "Uh....hi." Great opening, Hibiki! "Hey...." Ukyo tried to focus. Hospital. All white, smells funny, has to be a hospital. "Hospital?" "Yeah...." He didn't know what else to say. Pleased with her accurate guess, she tried remember how she'd came to be here. Something was hovering at the edge of her mind, but it didn't want to come out. "How...long?" "Since last night. It's about eleven o'clock in the morning now." "What happened?" Ukyo tried to look down at herself, but found that she didn't have the strength to raise up. She frowned and waited for him to tell her. "Uh, I don't think you should worry about that right now. What I mean is that, you're safe now and that's what's important, right?" She gripped his hand and started to pull him closer, so that she could threaten him better. The sudden pain in her arm stopped her. She stared at the bandage wrapped around her forearm and a trickle of memory surfaced. A throwing blade. A quick glance at her other arm explained the strange cold feeling there, an IV. Ukyo could feel other bandages now, around her legs. She moved them slightly. They felt stiff, but she could move them. The bulky mass of another bandage around her waist drew her attention. She felt that it was wound up over her breasts and across her shoulders. Ukyo gasped as memories flooded her. Ryoga felt her hand clench around his and saw her face go white. Without thinking, he reached out and began to stroke the side of her face. "It's okay! Your safe here! Nobody can hurt you here." Ukyo's eyes filled and she began to sob. Ryoga floundered for a moment, then acted. He dropped the rail on the side of the bed and sat down on the edge. He then carefully gathered her to him and held her while she poured out her fear. The storm was intense, but didn't last long. As she quieted, Ukyo gradually became aware of Ryoga. He was holding her and speaking very softly. "It's over. It's okay. You're safe now." The words slipped past the fear and she began to feel the world right itself. She stopped crying and continued to hang on to him. Ukyo knew she should let him go, but part of her was rapidly discovering that she liked the feel of his arms around her. Her cheek was resting against bare his chest above the deep vee of his shirt. The smell of his skin was like a strange mix of exotic herbs and masculine sweat. She heard the steady drum of his heart and let it's sound flow through her as she sighed. Ryoga felt the warm exhale against his skin and imagined kissing her. What! Why would he...? The voice in his head piped up. Sneering scorn gave way to sly cajoling. "Ryoga." Ukyo's voice was low. Reluctantly, she raised her head and looked up at him. "I..I'm sorry I bawled all over you." His hand seemed to have a mind of it's own, as it reached out and wiped away a stray tear. "Anytime. I mean, not that you should cry all the time, but ....that is....uh.." Heat suffused his face and he stammered to a halt. He swallowed hard and made his hand drop away. "I'm glad I was here." Ryoga gently lowed her back against the pillows. Ukyo allowed this, but took his hand again as he returned to his chair. He stared at their joined hands, then met Ukyo's direct gaze. He smiled a little. Ukyo drew a deep breath and demanded that he tell her exactly what had happened. Ryoga began to speak and watched her closely for signs of distress. It was a long tale. She asked dozens of questions and he did his best to answer them all. When he told her about the attempted execution of Ranma she was dumbstruck. "You were going to kill him, because of..." She halted. Ryoga gave a nervous laugh, "Yeah." Then he grew serious. "I had to try. I thought he had hurt you." He paused, not wanting to cause her anymore pain, but knowing it was unavoidable. He explained that the Ranma who had attacked her was in fact a demon that had been unleashed. The relief on her face was short-lived. Ryoga told her the rest. Ukyo felt as if her world had been torn apart. Ranma had given his heart....to Akane? He was in love...with her? All of her dreams had been suddenly swept aside and discarded. She would never marry Ranma. She would never grow old with him. The sense of something dying inside came again, stronger this time. It was over. She would live...alone. Die...alone. Ryoga leaned forward and gripped her hand. The look of despair in her eyes scared him. Ukyo felt the pressure of his hand and focused on him. She smiled at him, the look in her eyes fading. "Sorry to zone out on you. So you're here to protect me, huh?" He nodded sheepishly. "Well, gotta deck of cards?" Down the hall... Kodachi had come awake in a sudden start. Her frantic gaze had landed on her brother, who was sitting beside the bed. He was watching her very carefully for signs of dementia. "Brother." The hoarseness of her voice surprised her and she frowned. "Water?" Sasuske appeared beside her with a glass. She sipped and spoke again. "Where's Ranma?" Kodachi was frowning again. "He is not here, my sister. You are safe." Kuno smiled slightly. The doctor was definitely a fool. Kodachi is indomitable. "It was not he who attacked you, but a foul demon who had taken his shape." Kodachi's smile was righteous. "I knew my Ranma could not hurt me! He sighed deeply. Kuno knew this next part would be tricky. Dr. Tofu's... Akane sighed and closed the book she had been searching through. The late afternoon sun filtered across rug in front of her and she watched the whirl of dust motes with unseeing eyes. Kasumi considered her youngest sister thoughtfully. They had started the search with high hopes, but as the hours had worn on and the numbers of books in Tofu's library had diminished, hope had faded. Nabiki sneezed and closed her book with a snap. Akane looked up at her with the question hovering on her lips, unspoken. Nabiki shook her head and Akane's eyes fell in disappointment. She sat quietly for a moment, then hurled the book she was holding across the room. It hit the wall with a dull thud making everyone jump. "This is useless! There's nothing here!" Dr. Tofu came to the open doorway and took in the situation with a quick glance. Kasumi met his gaze with a raised brow and an almost imperceptible nod in Akane's direction. "Akane." Akane blushed and started to apologize. She knew it had been childish of her, but it was so frustrating. "I'm sorry Dr. Tofu. I-" The wave of his had silenced her. He knelt in front of her and smiled. "It's all right. Actually, I was wondering if you'd like to help me with something?" She nodded eagerly, relieved that he wasn't mad. She was over her childhood crush, but she still looked up to him. "I need to get some more books from a friend's. Would you like to come with me?" They walked together in silence for the first ten blocks then Dr. Tofu spoke, "It must be very awkward for you." Akane glance at him quickly, then away. "This should be a happy day for you, but that's been forced into the background." They walked a few more blocks. Akane burst out, "I'm still not sure what any of it means!" Her fists clenched and she continued. "I know that the demon is after *me* because Ranma has given *me* his heart. But what does that mean? Does he love me? Did he really want to give it to me? Do we get married now? Do I really love him?" Akane stopped speaking and she quickened her pace, as if she could outrun her thoughts. Dr. Tofu said what she would not. "Can we stop the demon? Am I going to die?" Akane stumbled slightly, but didn't acknowledge his words. He continued. "It's all right to be afraid, Akane. We all are. But to answer one of your questions, Yes, I believe that Ranma really loves you. Now whether or not you two can work around each others fears and egos, is another matter." Akane stiffened at the word "egos". "Ego! I don't have an ego problem! Ranma has the problem! Mister "always has to win!" Can't admit when he's wrong and refuses to accept responsibility for his life!" "And you, of course, are the picture of understanding and patience." Tofu observed her crushed expression at his words, but continued ruthlessly. "After all, it's not like Ranma has any "real" problems, right? He's handsome and girls fall all over him, but that's entirely his own fault. He should be firm and send those girls away, tell them that he's not interested in them and that their wasting their time. Better to hurt them a little now, than to hurt them a lot more later. They'd get over it. Eventually." "Sure he's cursed to change into a girl forever, but that's nothing. Though if his mother finds out she'll kill him and his father, so they have to hide from her whenever she visits. Which means that he can never see her as his 'mother' again, but that's okay, right? A mother's love isn't that important. Life goes on, right?" The sound of Akane's choked sob silenced him. They did not speak the rest of the journey. Akane's mind was in turmoil. Looking at his life from Ranma's point of view, she was appalled at herself. The loss of her mother still caused her a great deal of pain. How much worse for Ranma, who can see her, but never as her son? All of the crazy situations that Ranma had found himself in had just been wild circumstance. Of course he hadn't helped matters much with his "Need to be the best" hang-up. She remembered how he had tried to let each of the girls down as gently as possible, but they hadn't listened. Akane began to come to the stunning realization that Ranma's main problem was that he was too nice! The train station was crowded and it took awhile to find Dr. Tofu's friend. A short man in religious robes waved as they approached. He was terribly old and completely bald, but he greeted them with the enthusiasm of youth. "Ah! Tofu! You're looking well! And this would be your wife?" Akane blushed furiously as Tofu introduced her. "Oh yes! Now I remember! Tendo. Quite a family." he rambled on for a few minutes, then grew serious. "I brought everything that I thought might help." The old man nudged one of the two cardboard boxes at his feet. "I hope these have the answers you need." Dr. Tofu thanked him and invited him to tea, but he refused. "Nope. Better not, Rei gets mighty upset when I disappear. Don't know what's with that girl these days. Can't get more than five minutes away from the temple without her coming after me. Just between us, I think she doesn't trust me not to get into mischief." Dr. Tofu laughed. "Considering your wild youth, I can't blame her." A voice announced the train's departure and they quickly said their farewells. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Please submit all comments and flames in triplicate......Just Kidding! The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 10 The Clinic..... Nabiki stretched and stood up, the feeling returning to her legs. The day was going to be a definite loss on the money side. No one around to blackmail and several of her main sources had evaporated. She wished for once that Ranma wasn't such an overachiever of trouble. She headed for the tiny kitchenette to get a soda. The faint sound of voices speaking in Chinese reached her at she went past Shampoo's room. That was an odd turn of events, to be sure. Kasumi was washing what few dishes there were and humming softly. "Do you think they've found Happosai yet?" Kasumi placed the last cup in the dish drain and wiped her hands on a towel. "They're not trying to find Happosai." Nabiki let that sink in. "Then where are they?" Kasumi smiled at her as if she weren't very bright. "They're distracting the demon away from Akane and us." The sudden race of chills across her skin, had Nabiki shifting a little. Kasumi was smiling her normal vacuous smile, but her eyes were direct. And knowing. "Dr. Tofu needs time. Time to hunt for answers and time to work out a way to destroy the demon." The rational sane statement left Nabiki reeling. Kasumi? "Uh, right. That makes sense. But wait a minute. Why tell everybody that they're looking for Happosai?" Kasumi's smile was wide. "Oh, I thought that was obvious! Akane wouldn't let Ranma face that thing alone. She would want to go with him." Nabiki just nodded and turned to leave the room. "Oh, Nabiki." She turned back and blankly accepted the can of soda Kasumi was handing her. Kasumi smiled and began to wipe the counter top. Nabiki went back to Tofu's office, trying to remember if she had ever actually gotten around to asking for a soda. They had been following the demon for hours. Ranma had finally stopped flinching whenever he got a good look at its face. The demon knew they were there of course, but his father and Soun thought they were invisible. The three of them were moving from roof to roof, keeping the monster in sight. Dr. Tofu's idea had been a good one he reflected, watching the demon enter Ukyo's restaurant. His father wanted to get closer, but Ranma made him stop. "There's no point in getting close to it. It knows we're here." They looked about wildly in panic, sure they were about to be attacked. "Will you calm down! He's known about us from the minute we started tailing him." The demon came out of the restaurant. He was holding something up in their direction. Ranma cursed and vowed silently to himself that it would pay. "What's he doing?" Soun's voice was low. Ranma stared at the blood-stained weapon he was holding. "Committing suicide." Soun looked at Genma, who just shrugged. "Beats me." The demon started down the street, merrily swinging his trophy. They followed, keeping well back. When they finally reached what appeared to be his destination, the demon turned to stare at them. The broken wall they were hiding behind was a mere formality. It knew they were there and they knew it was just waiting for it's moment to either attack or run. The small field the demon was crossing had once been the site of a small hotel. The crumbling foundation was overgrown with weeds and several young trees. The demon was picking something up. The ribbon fluttered slightly. Ranma stared at it then raised his eyes to the demon's. He was smiling, pleased with himself. When he had first realized that he was being followed, he couldn't decide what to do. Then inspiration had struck. He would lead Saotome on a little tour. He waved a hand at the tree closest to him and waited for his mirror-sire to react. He wasn't disappointed. Ranma saw the dark stains on the trunk and exploded. He was across the wall and into the lot before his father and Soun could stop him. The demon was laughing out loud now. Ranma's kick caught him squarely and the creature went sailing back. He crashed into the tree and it snapped in two. Breathing heavily, Ranma surveyed his fallen opponent with grim satisfaction. The demon slowly regained it's feet. Ranma frowned. What the...? He was laughing. Ranma watched in stunned disbelief as his doppleganger brushed off his clothes and faced him. "This is going to be so much fun!" He charged Ranma. Ranma deflected the punch from his face and crouched low, his leg sweeping the demon's feet out from under him. But the demon merely flipped backward and stood once again. Ranma attacked again, moving constantly, slipping from style to style as they fought. Amigurikken. Rhythmic gymnastics. The Dragon fist. A couple of adapted moves from the Tea ceremony. A quick strike from the Amazon style. He neatly slid into a modified Dance of a Thousand Foes. Every move was countered. Every attack repelled. Easily. In the exact manner that Ranma himself would have chosen. He realized as he lunged aside, narrowly avoiding a perfectly executed round-house kick. Genma and Soun were rapidly coming to the same conclusion as the stood watching the battle. "He's going to need our help." They looked at each other, then headed into the fray. Genma's flying kick caught Ranma in the back and knocked him flat. He struggled to stand as Soun moved in to strike. "Hey! Wait a minute!" They froze as Ranma faced them. "You idiots! I'm Ranma! That's the demon!" He pointed, but the demon was gone. A peculiar whistling sound was his only warning. Ranma swung around in time to see a large block of stone heading straight for him. Kasumi was dusting the waiting room furniture when Ranma burst in. Nabiki, who had been watching, jumped at his sudden entrance. "Ranma!" He saw the girls and smiled. "It's over! The demon's been toasted!" Nabiki let out a cheer and Kasumi began to neatly fold her dusting rag. She looked at Ranma and spoke quietly, "That's wonderful Ranma. How did you..er.. 'toast' it?" Ranma frowned as she continued to fold the cloth, the series of folds becoming intricate. "I defeated it in battle, of course! Where's Akane? I had better tell her myself. She'll be relieved that it's over." Nabiki was staring at Kasumi. Something was wrong. She wasn't smiling. Nabiki looked at Ranma again. Oh no! Kasumi held the folded cloth in one hand and looked at Ranma. "Of course you didn't. You can't defeat the demon in battle because the demon is your mirror image; your equal. But then, you're not Ranma." The demon snarled, "Bitch!" He lunged at her, but Kasumi side stepped quickly and he went past. As he did she struck out with the cloth. The sudden burst of pain at the back of his neck caused him to fall, his body numb. Nabiki gasped at her sister's skill. "Kasumi!" Kasumi smiled innocently. "You didn't think that Mother only taught me how to keep house, did you?" But the fight wasn't over. On a normal human that strike would have left them immobile for hours. The demon was getting up a mere moment later. He turned to face them and Kasumi struck again. The cloth shot out and a cloud of dust engulfed the room. Nabiki rubbed her eyes and realized that she was now standing in the kitchen. How..? Ranma came through the door and the question was forgotten. Kasumi was ready. With a flurry of movement, the demon was bombarded by a storm of chopsticks. He fell back under the onslaught for only a moment. The speed with which he began to deflect them made Kasumi regret that Ranma had ever learned the Amigurikken attack. She was reaching for a broom when Nabiki moved. Nabiki didn't consider herself a fighter. That was Akane's gig. But she was often intrigued by some of the styles of combat she had been witness to. Taking an occasional move and adapting it to make it uniquely her own was a challenge she enjoyed. Besides, in the blackmail business it never hurts to have an ace up your sleeve. A quick twist of the wrist and Ranma found himself bound tightly by what appeared to be adding machine tape. He struggled to get free. "I picked that up from Kodachi." Her comment was addressed to Kasumi. Ranma finally managed to break free and Kasumi smacked him on top of the head with the broom. He blinked as pain shot through his whole body. Nabiki's hands were empty one second and full the next, as she began to fire small pieces of cardboard at him. The paper storm sliced the demon's skin in a hundred tiny cuts. He moved to attack her, but she had vanished. Kasumi struck him across the knees with the broom handle and he fell back, crashing into a chair and stumbling into the waiting room. The sound brought Mousse and Cologne. Mousse's cry was almost joyous as he attacked. The assortment of weapons that he flung at the demon was rather astounding. The couch crashed into the wall as Ranma ducked, but the sink caught him full in the face. He staggered back and was hit head on by the refrigerator. Ranma knew he was out numbered and raced for the door. A small chest of drawers hit him in the back, pushing him out into the street. He sat up in time to catch a glimpse of the bus that hit him. Mousse and the others ran after him, but other than the splintered wood lying in the road, the demon was nowhere to be seen. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Kahm: "It's your turn." She-Hulk: "Like hell it is! It's your turn!" Kahm: "We'll do it together, all right?" She-Hulk: "Yeah, I guess." Kahm: "Please send us your comments, we-" She-Hulk: "Wait a minute. Why do I always have to ask for the flames?" Kahm: "Because they like everything 'I' write." (Sound of someone choking on a keyboard.) The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 11 Ranma groaned as the dull thud in his head finally managed to wake him. What..? Had Akane nailed him with that hammer again? The prickly feel of grass against his face itched. Ranma shot up and frantically searched his surroundings. His father and Mr. Tendo were laying a few feet away. He shook them awake. "Come on! Get up!" They began to come around and Ranma dragged them to their feet. "He's gone. We have to get back to Akane." They winced at his furious glare. "We were only trying to help, son." Genma said and Soun nodded, but Ranma wasn't placated. This was Akane's life they were playing with. There would be no second chances; it would be all or nothing. "Let's go." Ranma wandered for a bit, no real destination in mind. The wounds he'd received at Dr. Tofu's had healed, but he was still enraged. He continued to rant to himself as he stalked down the street. He rounded a corner and came face to face with Akane and Dr. Tofu. Akane easily carried the heavy box of books. Dr. Tofu had chatted all the way back about small things and Akane was grateful for the time to think. She knew that she had to talk to Ranma. It wasn't going to be easy to apologize.... Dr. Tofu stopped suddenly and so did Akane. Ranma stood before them. He smiled at Akane and took the box from her hands. "Here. Let me. I'm glad I caught up with you. We ran into the demon, but it slipped past us. I sent the others to join Kasumi at the clinic and came looking for you." They began to walk again. Akane's skin was crawling. She hadn't been sure at first, but as he walked beside her she knew. She had walked beside the real Ranma too many times and besides, he smelled funny. She glanced at Dr. Tofu to see if he had guessed. Dr. Tofu returned her look steadily. The aura he was feeling was Ranma's, but he could feel the faint differences. There was an underlying hint of something...dark. They were nearing the clinic. He realized that the demon would make his move soon. No sooner had the thought been borne, then the demon carried it out. The demon threw the box at Tofu and made a grab for Akane. Akane wasn't there. He whirled and the super mallet caught him square in the face. As he sailed through the glass window of a department store, the demon reflected that this may not have been one of his better ideas. Tofu wasted no time hustling Akane back to the clinic. They burst in to find Kasumi and Nabiki cleaning up the waiting room. Tofu took one look at the destruction and then crossed swiftly to Kasumi and took her by the arms. "Are you all right?!" His voice was a little cracked. Kasumi smiled and nodded. "Oh, we're fine. The demon stopped by, but Mousse and Cologne asked him to leave." Tofu face-faulted. Nabiki snorted and continued to pick up chopsticks and business cards from the floor. Akane set her load down and helped her. In a hushed voice she asked, "What really happened?" Nabiki shook her head. Akane absently looked at the business cards she was holding and did a double take. Nabiki Tendo Enterprises. She looked at Nabiki, then at the wall behind her. Several dozen such cards were firmly imbedded in the wall, along with a spray of chopsticks. "Actually, we arrived only in time to help him through the door." Cologne stood in the doorway. Nabiki frowned at her but she took no notice. "These young girls had already started him on his way. It's been a very long time since I've had the pleasure to see such an expert example of Martial Arts Homemaking." Kasumi blushed and Tofu looked as if he'd swallowed his tongue. Cologne turned to Nabiki. "You are the real surprise though. I didn't think anybody even knew about the old Anything Goes Shadow Martial Arts." It was Nabiki's turn to blush as Akane stared at her in surprise. "Nabiki !?!" Nabiki rose quickly and left the room, sending a threatening look at Cologne as she passed. Akane was right on her heels, peppering her with questions. A little later... Akane was searching books again, but this time she knew they were going to find an answer. If not here, then somewhere. She glanced at Nabiki, who was sitting on the floor across from her. "Why do they call it 'Shadow' technique? Isn't adapting a variety of moves to suit you just 'Anything Goes" martial arts?" Nabiki scowled darkly at Cologne, who studiously searched her own book. "It just is, okay?" Akane wouldn't be dissuaded that easily. This was about martial arts after all, she wanted to know. "But there has to be a reason." Nabiki sighed deeply. "Okay Sis, you asked for it. The Shadow technique isn't just about stealing moves from other styles, though that's an added bonus. Actually, it isn't about fighting either. As a matter of fact, if you find yourself having to fight, then you've failed. The technique is about stealth. Being seen, but not being seen." Akane blinked, confused. "Oh come on, Akane! How do you think that I have been able to get such detailed pictures of you and Ranma without being caught by either of you? You're both trained to be aware of your surroundings. I don't just bust in and snap pictures! It takes skill! It is an art that was developed by spies." Cologne piped up, "Assassins." "You, shut up!" Nabiki aimed a warning finger at the old crone. Cologne just laughed. Akane watched her older sister in awe. Nabiki is an assassin? "You're an assassin?" She groaned and rubbed her face. Kasumi spoke. "What I don't understand is, where did you learn to be an assassin?" On the verge of pulling her hair out, Nabiki drew a deep breath. Then another. "Great-uncle Sai taught me in secret. That's what this style is about, you know?! Secrecy?!" Kasumi nodded, remembering the summers that Uncle Sai had visited. "That's right. You two did spend a lot of time together." Akane did not remember him, as he had died when she was only six. "Does that make you a ninja?" Nabiki stiffened, insulted. "No! Ninjas are like the yakuza or group of unscrupulous mercenaries! This is a individual thing." Akane's look of disbelief angered her more. "I may be a little mercenary from time to time, but I have standards, you know!" The groups snort had her blushing. "Could you show me something?" Akane's voice had turned playful. "A nin-I mean shadow trick?" "Trick? Trick?!" Nabiki nodded sharply. They had asked for it. Now they were going to get it. "Everybody close your eyes and count to ten." Akane counted slowly and wondered what she was trying. She reached ten and opened her eyes. Nabiki was gone. The door was open, so she could have just walked out, but Akane didn't think so. Cologne scanned the room with an experienced eye. No one could find her. Tofu spoke, "I think you've proved your point, Nabiki." There was a slight rustling and Nabiki 'appeared' again. Akane saw it and she still couldn't believe it. Nabiki had been sitting in front of her the whole time. "Cool!" Nabiki was smirking. "Shouldn't we be attending to the business at hand?" She felt Cologne's stare, but ignored it.< Let the old bag worry. If she had kept her mouth shut this wouldn't have happened and I ouldn't have to retaliate.> Nabiki thought of the money she had lifted from the people in the room and smiled. Everyone's cash had been halved. Everyone saw that smile. It was a very nervous group that returned to their search. Ranma stepped into the clinic and breathed a sigh of relief. Everything appeared to be all right. Genma and Soun rushed past him to the kitchen. He shook his head and called out, "Anybody home?" Whatever he was expecting it had not been what happened next. Akane, Nabiki, Mousse and Dr. Tofu raced into the room. At the sight of Ranma they gave various battle cries and converged on him. Ranma figured he had two options, one: he could let them beat the stuffing out of him or two: he could run. He chose the second, but Akane had reached him by then. As the mallet descended he braced himself for a blow that never came. Akane swung her mallet at the demon, even as her mind started to send her little messages. There was a bruise on his forehead. He wasn't in a fighting stance. He seemed completely surprised. These thoughts flashed through her mind just as something else occurred to her; she was close enough to smell him. Akane strained to change the course of the mallet. Ranma flinched as it impacted with the floor beside him he heard Akane cry out, "Wait! It's Ranma!" The attacking group pulled up quickly. Ranma closed his eyes and concentrated on breathing. For some reason he'd stopped. ------------------------------------------------------------------- To flame or not to flame, that is the question. The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 12 Nerima General Hospital..... Ryoga groaned as Ukyo shot him a quick glance and grinned. She slapped her cards to the table and sang out, "Gin! I win again!" They hadn't been playing long, but it was enough for him to realize that Ukyo was a card shark. He gathered the cards and began to shuffle as Ukyo counted. "You now owe me 504,230 yen!" Ryoga smiled weakly. "Can I give you an IOU?" She laughed and crumpled up the paper. "This one's on me." He dealt again. They both jumped when the screaming started next door. "What do you mean he's in love with Her?!! He's mine! That pathetic little tomboy can't possibly interest him! I'll kill her! How dare she take my Ranma! She probably brainwashed him with her horrible cooking! Sasuke! Go and kill Akane Tendo, Right Now!" They heard muffled words as someone tried to calm Kodachi down. "I will not calm down! I am perfectly calm! Ranma is mine! What are you waiting for, Sasuke? I want her head!" This continued until a doctor came and sedated her again. They could hear a low conversation from the hallway. "Yes. I highly recommend it. It has a wonderful reputation and I think that's what she needs. I'll make the arrangements." "No. I shall make the arrangements, though I confess it pains me to do so. To send my sister to such a place seems a betrayal. Perhaps I shall send Sasuke with her to make sure she doesn't esc- er..leave before `tis best." Kuno's voice was both worried and relieved. A few moments later he knocked at Ukyo's door. "Salutations my friends. I apologize for the altercation you were forced to endure. I am afraid that Kodachi can not reconcile the loss of her love to her rival." Ryoga frowned in concern, "She was making some pretty awful threats, even for Kodachi. What if she goes after Akane?" "The doctor suggests a place of healing in a land far away. I have consented to this." Ryoga was still unsure. "Where?" Kuno swung his arms wide. "Switzerland!" Ryoga was shaking his head, "That's a bit close, don't you think?" Kuno and Ukyo just stared at him. "Well it seemed close to me." Tofu gave a little exclamation, getting everyone's attention. "I think I may have found something. It says here that creatures of the dark thrive in that element, unless.... They were created from light based objects." He waited for the cries of excitement. They never came. He looked up. Everyone was staring at him blankly. Dr. Tofu sighed deeply. A hand touched his shoulder and Kasumi beamed at him. "I see. The form of the evil is decided by the means it uses to reach our world." Tofu's heart melted. She continued, addressing the group. "If the creature had come into this world, say by a fire ceremony, then that creature would be weak against water. See?" Everyone nodded. "But how does that help us?" Akane spoke hesitantly. Dr. Tofu cleared his throat. "Hmm. A reflection is the refraction of light against a smooth or mirrored surface. There must be light to reflect. The demon attacked all of the girls during the day, though Shampoo was the least hurt. It was dark in that alley and the sun was setting. I think the demon is weakened by the dark. That would explain why it didn't attack Akane, but merely frightened her. It couldn't hurt her, but it could invade her dreams." Akane shivered and moved closer to Ranma. He smiled down at her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "But how do we kill it?" Mousse gestured toward the window. "If it grows weaker at night is it vulnerable to attack? Or is it just harder to find?" "We could try trapping it in a box, then warding it." Cologne spoke for the first time. Ranma laughed harshly, "Oh yeah. We'll just ask it nicely to jump in our box. I'm sure it won't mind." He shook his head and considered the people surrounding him. "This thing can fight exactly like me. It is me! Now I've beaten most of the fighters in this town, except for Dr. Tofu and Cologne. What we need is a plan. A good one. I don't want anyone getting hurt by....me, again." Akane squeezed his hand. She heard his words and what he was really saying. Ranma was feeling terribly guilty for what had happened. Even though it wasn't his fault, he couldn't get past the fact that it was his reflection that had hurt those girls. "Ranma, it could just as easily have been me stepping in front of that mirror." He kissed her forehead and pulled her close, but he didn't speak. Kasumi spoke up. "The demon heals very rapidly. It would take a great deal to subdue it long enough to seal it inside." They discussed and discarded several plans, before finding one that everyone agreed on. Soun and Genma were sent to retrieve Ryoga and Kuno. The others began to assemble what was needed and to prepare. Ranma watched the slowly descending sun and cursed it. Another day had passed and he was still no closer. He looked back at the Tendo house. He smiled at the thought of revisiting Akane in her dreams again. This time he'd do more than frighten her. He would destroy her mind. A slight movement caught his attention and he turned to stare in amazement. Akane. Akane entered the front gates and went into the Dojo. Ranma shook his head in disbelief and followed. Through the window he could see her. She was removing a shinai from a rack. He laughed softly to himself. That would be no help to her. He climbed through the window and came up behind her. Ranma reached out and touched her hair. She turned and he gasped. Nabiki grinned, "Surprise!" She thrust the shinai into his crotch with a vicious twist and leapt away from him. Ranma screamed and doubled over. As he tried to regain his feet, Ryoga attacked. He let every bit of the rage and despair he had felt upon finding Ukyo gather inside the energy ball between his hands. With a cry of release he struck. "SHICHIHOUKOUDAN!!" The blast knocked Ranma across the Dojo, out through the wall and halfway through the garden wall. He lay stunned. Mousse stood over him and smiled. Ranma opened his eyes in time to see a extremely large safe crush him. It took him a while to crawl out from under that. Kuno was waiting. "Turn Hell-hound!" The katana was nothing more than quick flashes of light as it sliced Ranma. Shoulder. Thigh. Stomach. Throat. Back. Arm. Face. A thousand cuts and stabs had Ranma falling backwards. He landed in the box that had been created just for him. The real Ranma began to nail the box shut. Cologne and Dr. Tofu began to cast the wards that would seal the demon inside for eternity. Inside the box the demon howled, a horrible eerie sound that made everyone pause. Which was what it was supposed to do. A fist splintered through the top of the crate and Ranma grabbed it, trying to shove it back inside. It grabbed him, by the throat, and broke the rest of the way out. Ranma tried to break it's hold, but the demon would not let go. Consciousness slipped away as he felt darkness overtake him. The demon laughed wildly and tossed Ranma's lifeless body away. He turned to face the others. "You are dead." Akane knelt at Ranma's side. "R-Ranma?" The snap that occurred deep within her was audible to everyone. Soun pulled Nabiki and Kasumi back, away from Akane. "But Father...?" Soun shook his head and motioned them to silence. He had lived in fear of the day when something like this would happen. Akane trained very hard, but it was only when she was truly angry did her skill even begin to reach it's peak. The aura that was beginning to burn around her was like molten lava. It swirled and built, searching for a target. A living sea of rage. He was now afraid that he was to be witness to the most powerful and dangerous form of martial arts. He motioned the others to join them, away from the demon and Akane. Akane felt the huge rush of energy and let it gather within her. She welcomed it. Called it. Demanded it. Ancient power swelled from a hidden place. Her history. Her birthright. Her bloodthirst. Akane's eyesight began to fade as the rage consumed her and a dark, bloody haze covered her eyes. Rational thought was discarded. Akane joyfully gave control to her anger, feeling all of her hard won restraints falling away. Reason dissipated with the return of forgotten things. Akane was no more. There was now only vengeance. And death. Death rose and turned to face the demon. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Brace yourselves, we're going in! The Battle For Akane's Soul! By She-Hulk and Kahm (shehulk@neocomm.net) ------------------------------------------------------------------- Part 13 He stood before her triumphantly, sure of his victory. When she began to advance on him though, he hesitated. The demon felt the incredible energy surrounding his victim at the same time she launched her self at him. He fell back, but it was too late. Akane's blow broke most of the bones in his face. He screamed in pain, but that was cut off as her hand crushed his throat. Ranma felt her fingers pierce his flesh and realized she was trying to rip his throat out. Barely managing to force her hand away, he lashed out. His punch landed solidly in her solar plexus, but Akane's only reaction was to grab his arm and twist it. The bones snapped, but she continued to tear at the limb. The demon jerked free, his arm hanging useless by his side. Akane slashed her hand across his chest. The gash was deep and blood splattered both of them. The sweet tang of blood filled her senses until there was nothing else and she slipped further into the storm. Blood trickled warmly down her face and the tempest reveled in the return of this lost child to the fold. The demon began to back away as she raised a blood stained hand and daintly tasted his blood with her tongue. She was in front of him an instant later. He was flying through the air, landing with stunning force against the safe Mousse had dropped on him. Both of his shoulders had dislocated and he stumbled awkwardly to his feet. Akane was reaching for him again. His kick struck Akane across the face, but she didn't fall. Or even react. Her kick broke his back. Dr. Tofu gasped as he realized what he was seeing. Berserker. Cologne spoke softly, as Akane began to unleash a storm of strikes upon the monster. "Never have I seen such a thing. Her rage guides her. It is the very opposite of everything martial arts teaches. Absence of control." "It is the dark secret of my family." Soun was quiet. "It goes back to a time of terrible battles and horrible slaughter. The dark time is past us, but every few generations one is born with the...gift." The monster lay gasping for air, waiting for his broken limbs to heal. It gradually dawned on him that it was taking longer than it should. This began to concern him the closer Akane got. He watched his 'victim' approach him, her eyes glowing and her teeth bared in a growl. The bones finally popped back and he tried to move out of the way. But she merely dragged him back. Akane grabbed the fallen demon by the leg and began to spin him in a great circle. He was slammed up against the safe, then on to the ground, then against the Dojo. She finally let loose and he crashed into the pond. The demon tried to crawl out and Akane shoved him back under, holding him down. An idea occurred to Dr. Tofu. He cautiously made his way over to Ranma and knelt beside him. He was still alive. The demon hadn't killed him, he just wanted him out of the way. Tofu pressed a few pressure points and Ranma regained consciousness. "Wha-?" Tofu silenced him and in a low voice, told him what was happening. "The demon knocked you out. Akane thinks that you're dead and that sent her into a blind rage. She'll attack anyone who comes near. The demon's taking a beating, but it heals too quickly for even her to kill. The berserker rage won't last much longer, it takes too much energy. But, I have an idea." Ranma listened as he watched Akane repeatedly smash the demon's head into one of the rocks around the pond. It's face was an unrecognizable pulp. Akane was beginning to tire. The rage was fading and the despair of losing Ranma was creeping in. She picked up the safe and brought it down on top of the creature. Bones cracked like dry twigs and the demon screamed in agony. The effort of the move drained the last of her rage and her strength. She felt herself falling. Ranma was at her side instantly. He carried her back to her family and placed her in her father's arms. "Tofu's got an idea. It sounds totally crazy, but it just might work." He looked at his father, then at Soun. "If it doesn't...get Akane out of here. I don't want her to see..." He leaned down and kissed her blood smeared cheek, praying that the doctor was right. He didn't want to leave her now that they'd found each other. The demon was loose. It dragged itself to it's feet and screamed out in challenge. Ranma went to face it. "Man, you look like you've been put through a blender. Somebody try and make stir fry with you?" Ranma's tone was snide, his stance was firm. He focused on a point just behind the demon. The demon's cry was strangled, as he charged blindly. Ranma leapt over him and landed in his target: the pond. Ranma-chan surfaced and looked around. No sign of the demon. Dr. Tofu reach out a hand and pulled her out of the pond. "Did it work?" Tofu laughed and clapped her on the back. "Of course!" The others joined them, questions flying. "What happened?" "Where'd it go?" "It just disappeared! What did you do?" "The demon has been vanquished?" Kuno was staring at Ranma-chan. Was this sorcery? Kasumi laughed and hugged Dr. Tofu, who's glasses fogged over. "Oh! That was brilliant, Tofu! We should have thought of it sooner." Everyone just stared at Kasumi. "Well it's obvious now, isn't it? The demon was a reflection of Ranma. Male Ranma. A reflection must have something to reflect, right?" Tofu grinned and took over the explanation. "Yes. The demon could only reflect the Ranma that stepped in front of the mirror. When Ranma changed forms it had nothing to reflect so it was banished back from where it came." "Good grief!! If Ranma had just been splashed with cold water at any point during this mess, it would have been over!" Nabiki was exasperated. "From now on, your changing at least once a day, got it?" "The demon didn't kill Ranma because it needed him alive. But why try to destroy his heart?" Mousse asked. "I can only theorize at this point, but I'd say that if Ranma's heart were destroyed it would probably leave Ranma dead inside." "Allowing the demon to take over a tangible form and in that way, freeing himself." Cologne sighed, "I really am getting too old for this stuff." Ranma-chan had left the group and went inside, but she returned now. She carried a tea kettle and a tantoo. Ranma-chan handed the tantoo to Dr. Tofu. "If the demon appears when I change back...you know what to do." She poured the hot water over her and felt the shifting of muscles. Kuno gasped at this and staggered back. Ranma looked around. No demon. His relief was short-lived as Kuno confronted him. "What fowl sorcery is this Saotome?! What have you done to my pig-tailed goddess?" Ranma was tired. Anything remotely resembling tact deserted him and Kuno got more of an answer than he'd bargained for. "I'm the pig-tailed goddess, you idiot! I fell into a cursed spring and now I change into a girl whenever I get splashed with cold water, okay? I have been trying to tell you ever since you started chasing her-I mean me! Your barking up the wrong tree! Now leave me alone!" Ranma stalked off into the house, stopping only long enough to pick up Akane from where she lay sleeping on the porch. Kuno was devastated. He fell back against the boulder and fought to deal with this new and unexpected blow. There was no pig-tailed goddess? She was not real? One word flashed through his mind: Switzerland. Nabiki was furious. Not only had Ranma just killed a very profitable business avenue, but he'd done it in the most brutal way possible. She was beside him before the wisdom of such a move occurred to her. Kuno saw her and cried out, "O beautiful Lady! I am laid low by such heart-rending news, but my spirits are borne aloft once more at your tender concern. Let me grace you with the gift of my heart! You have touched Kuno! I will reward your attention: I will date with you!" He picked her up and turned to her father. "Honored Father, I would date with your most beautiful daughter. At which strike of the chime would you have her torn from me?" Soun stared at him blankly. Kasumi spoke up, "Oh, I think midnight will be fine, don't you Father?" Soun continued to stare. "Then the midnight hour is now my foe! Come my love, for time is fleeting and the hour wanes." Nabiki struggled to get free, but Kuno held her firmly. "Farewell all!" He raced off, Nabiki still struggling wildly. There was several moments of silence in the wake of this development. Mousse turned to Cologne, "I must return to Shampoo and tell her what's been happening." Cologne nodded. She had a shopkeeper to punish. "I'll leave it to you then. Well Doctor, It's been a pleasure to work with you, but I'm very glad it's over now." Tofu nodded and tried not to hyperventilate as Kasumi still had her arm around his waist. Ryoga was staring at the door Ranma had taken Akane through. A crushing weight settled over him as he faced the truth. It was over all right. Akane was in love with Ranma. He briefly considered jumping into the pond and going to her as her beloved P-chan. No. That was not the way. Besides, he doubted very seriously that Ranma would ever stand for that again. He sighed deeply. Cologne thumped him on the shoulder with her staff. "Come on boy. I'll walk with you to the hospital. I'm sure your young lady would also like to know what's been happening." Ryoga blushed and stammered, "S-s-she's just a friend! It's nothing like that!" Cologne laughed and turned to leave. "That's a good start!" Ryoga frowned, then caught up with her. "What do you mean?" They left, discussing a few of the more puzzling mysteries of the universe. Genma slapped Soun on the back. "Ah, Tendo. Today has been a red-letter day!" He led a weeping Soun into the house. Kasumi and Dr. Tofu stood surveying the destruction around them. She sighed and smiled up at him. "Oh, well. I always thought the Dojo would look nice with a bay window." Dr. Tofu nodded and then froze as he realized that he was alone with Kasumi. Alone...with....Kasumi. His glasses fogged over and he opened his mouth to burble, but Kasumi was fast becoming an expert at reading him. She took his hand and pulled him toward the ruined building. "Let's see how much damage was done inside, shall we?" They stepped into the darkened hall and Kasumi stood in front of him. "Tofu." The word was the faintest breathe against his face. She slowly touched his cheek. Tofu felt the unmistakable trickle of blood from his nose just before he fainted. Akane woke slowly. She felt the blankets over her and stared at the small crack on her bedroom ceiling. As levels of consciousness returned, so did memory. The events of the past few days replayed in an unstoppable kaleidoscope. Tears gathered and she let them fall. Ranma was dead. Loss wracked her as she wept. He was gone. Part of her wondered if she had killed the demon, but it didn't really matter now. In killing Ranma the demon had won. The heart he had destroyed had been hers. Gentle fingers brushed away her tears. "Shhh, it's all right now. You're safe." Akane recognized the voice and froze, afraid to look. The weight of the body next to hers finally penetrated the cloud of grief surrounding her. She slowly turned her head. Ranma was smiling down at her. "Kawaii-" Akane grabbed him and he braced himself for her throw. She didn't throw him. Akane held him tightly and promised herself that she'd send him through the roof tomorrow. Breakfast was strange, even by usual standards. Akane had managed to hold on to her temper, even when Ranma had refused to eat the breakfast she had made for him. She frowned at his refusal even as an idea occurred to her. "All right Ranma. Since you claim to be the better cook, I guess you'll just have to teach me." She had the satisfaction of seeing his jaw hit the table. Ranma regained his composure and considered the idea. Maybe. But he knew that he would have to be more patient than he'd ever been in his entire life. Akane was smirking at him, waiting for his refusal. He agreed, trying not to laugh at her shocked dismay. "I'd be happy to, Akane. We'll get started right after breakfast." Kasumi smiled at the two and poured more tea for Dr. Tofu. No one had questioned his presence this morning and Kasumi met his shy gaze with a special smile just for him. Things had gotten very interesting last night, after he had regained consciousness. Tofu blushed furiously, but managed not to eat his tea cup. Nabiki stormed in and glared at everyone. "Not. One. Word." She sat down and served herself, vowing to herself that Kuno would pay. Big time. She had spent the evening at his mansion, trying to get out. Kuno had followed her from room to room, professing his undying admiration for her and listing her many virtues. After an hour of this she had turned on him and demanded to know where the exit was. Kuno had cheerfully informed her that he wasn't sure himself, as the walls and rooms were designed to actually move. The house remade itself continually. Nabiki had given up then and demanded that he at least feed her. After a quick search revealed the dining room, they ate. As the evening had worn on, she realized that Kuno was winding down. His flowery speech calmed down to an acceptable, even charming level. His manners were impeccable and she was stunned to find out that he knew a great deal about business. The wealth he enjoyed was thanks only in part to a sizable inheritance, but also due to some shrewd investments he had made. Their conversation had turned to stocks and long-term bonds, then shifted to more personal subjects. He had delivered her back at her door, promptly at midnight. Much to her disappointment. Genma was busily stealing food from Soun's plate, as his friend was too busy crying to eat. They all looked up as Happosai staggered in and collapsed. No one moved to help him. "I-it's terrible! There's an evil man! H-he's...."Happosai burst into tears." He's stealing my panties!" Ranma frowned, a horrible suspicion occurring to him. "He's giving them back to the girlies!!" The wail was loud and indignant. "You got to stop him! Without my pretties, I'll die!" No one paid any attention to the little old man, rocketing through the air over the city. It was just another day in Nerima. Author's notes: Yes, the destruction of the demon was a little weird, but then this IS Ranma. Truth be told, the demon was a little TOO good, we couldn't figure out how to kill it ourselves. The damn thing became unstoppable! It is true that the story 'paired' the couples together, but let's face it....a person can only take two steps forward and three steps back for so long, without having to do something! We hope that the story showed how Ranma and Co. would deal with something so alien to them: malevolent evil. Not just bad guys, but something so evil that it defied description (And did on several occasions) Anyway, drop us a line and let's us hear from you. If you want to yatz at us for what we did, fine. But be warned: we're just going to laugh, trash it and continue doing what we do.