The Wheel of Fire, #20: Nemesis, part 5 

  Written by Razorclaw X (spiceoflife@hotmail.com)
  http://www.crosswinds.net/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html
  Disclaimer: Ranma 1/2 and characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. And 
all that other good stuff. Proper licenses belong to respective 
properties and characters. The manga has precedence over material in 
the anime. 
  This file can be freely distributed so long as it appears in its 
complete form and proper credit. No part may be reproduced for 
monetary gain without permission from the author (to which the answer 
is probably "no"). 

Fanart inspired by this story can be found at: 
  http://www.crosswinds.net/~slythe/fanart/index.html 

What has gone before:  
===================== 
1. Nemesis has been vanquished, but the cost is high indeed. 
2. Kuno has been consumed by the Phoneix Sword and died. 
3. Ukyo has traded her life so Ranma may live. She died. 

------------------------------------------------
Part 5: Ranma and Ukyo-- The Wheel of Fire 

"You can't turn away from death simply because you're afraid of 
  what might happen without you. That's not enough. You're not 
  embracing life, you're fleeing death. So you're caught in between. 
  Unable to go forward or backward. Your friends need what you can 
  be when you are no longer afraid. When you know who you are, and
  why you are, and what you want.... When you are no longer looking 
  for reasons to live... but can simply BE." 
						-- Lorien, Babylon 5 

  "K... Kuno?!" Ranma exclaimed in surprise. 
  "Indeed," Tatewaki Kuno snorted, his soaked body forming a puddle 
around him. 
  Ranma edged his way farther from the fallen Lady Kuno, well aware 
that Kuno's wrath was directed at him in particular. "You just decided 
to show up NOW?!" 
  The Kuno swordsman leveled the ancient, ancestral blade at Ranma 
steadily, flames dancing at the tip menacingly. Steam evacuated the 
damp blade, escaping the eternal heat of anger. "Surely, the waters 
under the earth should extinguish the fire, yet, the great Mother 
Earth refused me... again. I was left to fulfill my obligations-- I 
will protect my dear mother at all costs." 
  "I thought you were honor-bound to protect me?" Ranma shouted out 
sarcastically, though he never believed it in the first place. 
  "Mother has decreed it fit that you are the one to die, not she," 
Tatewaki replied, curving his lips into a knowing smile. "An invisible 
link, between Mother and Son, make them see eye-to-eye. Our hearts and 
minds are one. Trials by fire, trials forevermore, I will succeed! As 
an obedient son, I shall follow her instruction-- that is, to eliminate 
you." 
  Ranma shrugged. "Whatever. Glad some things don't change." 
  Sparing a glance over his shoulder, he shouted, "Kocchi!" 
  Kodachi stepped up out of her shock. "Tacchi!" 
  "Get Mother out of here," Tatewaki ordered. "Get her and yourself a 
far distance from this place. Take her home. I will deal with Ranma... 
myself!" 
  Wordlessly, Kodachi nodded, realizing that this was one battle she 
could not participate in. Running to her mother's side, Kodachi gently 
ran her arms under her. With all her might, she lifted the fallen woman 
up in her arms. 
  "Get out, NOW!" insisted the Kuno swordsman. 
  Ryoga, all but forgotten to the others, shouted, "Hey, what about 
Nemesis?!" All three men watched Kodachi carry her unconscious mother 
toward the exit. "She could still wake!" 
  "Follow her!" Ranma shouted. "Keep an eye on Kodachi! Stick with 
her!" 
  Nodding, Ryoga rushed to catch up to Kodachi, leaving Ranma alone with 
Tatewaki Kuno. 
  "No witnesses?" taunted Tatewaki. "Are you so proud that you would not 
allow Hibiki witness to your destruction?" 
  "Can it, Kuno!" Ranma shouted back. "Let's finish this!" 
  "'Cry Havoc!" recited the swordsman, "'and unleash the dogs of war!'" 
  Tatewaki slashed downward, only to have his blade catch against another 
metal. Ranma, with his quick reflexes, drew the sai Ukyo had carried, 
catching Kuno's blade between two of the prongs, holding up the attack 
with his own strength. 
  "You lower yourself," Tatewaki noted, "by using a weapon now!" 
  "Look who's talking!" Ranma shot back. 
  Drawing back his blade, the swordsman launched into a flurry of jabs, 
Ranma catching the blade with the sai with each attack, dodging only 
when possible in the small quarters of the ceremony chamber. 
  Ranma grunted, realizing he was being forced backward by Kuno's 
furious attack. 
  Worst of all, Kuno never ignited the Phoenix Sword. 
  "Damn, shit!" he cried. There was only one way to finish this. 
  "I am Tatewaki Kuno," he cried, refusing to let up on his terrible 
barrage. "I am Tatewaki Kuno no more, but Tatewaki Kuno reborn! I am 
here, now, to repay old promises. I am here, now, to release myself of 
your terrible spells, now and forever! I am bound upon a wheel of 
fire no more.... And you, Ranma Saotome, will not survive!" 
  He's heating up! Ranma noted with elation. Just a little more, and 
it's to ORBIT with Kuno! 
  Flames erupted around Tatewaki Kuno, around his sword and body. 
"Ah, Saotome! The sword, the mind, the heart, the body! They are all as 
one! I stab at thee!" 
  Perfect! 
  Raising his fist, focusing his cold chi, Ranma shouted, "Hiryu...." 
  But a blast to the side knocked the martial artist from the spiral 
that would have carried Kuno to the ceiling above. A liquid force had 
slammed into him, a force that certainly could not have emerged from 
Kuno himself! 
  "What...?" Tatewaki yelled in surprise, his eyes darting toward the 
attack's origin. 
  "Tatewaki, leave," the newcomer commanded, in a flat, dark tone. 
  Ranma shook his head, gathering the sai in his right hand. "Damn, 
that felt like...." Water? 
  He stared down at himself, touching his chest meaningfully. No... 
breasts?! 
  "Surprised, Ranma?" the newcomer said, guessing Ranma's thoughts. 
Turning attentions back to Tatewaki, "Leave, now. I will finish this." 
  "This is MY battle!" protested the swordsman. 
  Another energy bolt emerged from the newcomer, impacting before 
Tatewaki's feet in warning. 
  "Don't force me to dispose of you as well! Take care of your mother; 
Hibiki is giving your sister trouble!" 
  "What?!" Anger fueled the phoenix fires. Pointing his sword toward 
the fallen Ranma, Tatewaki shouted, "This is FAR from over between us, 
Ranma Saotome! I WILL be back!" 
  Ranma's eyes followed Kuno's departure, then focused back on the 
newcomer who saved his life. "Th... thank--" 
  "SILENCE!" boomed the newcomer. "Think, now, Saotome... how many 
do you know who wield the power of water so? The power of life and 
death! The Way-- which permeates everything, with no effort, no sense 
of doing!" 
  It took little time for the answer to register in Ranma's mind. 
"U... Ukyo?!" 
  Stepping closer, the newcomer, arms folded under her mantle, Ukyo 
Kuonji, bloodlust in her eyes, nodded. "Life is a series of twists and 
turns, Ranma. Unfortunately for you, your life is about to come to an 
abrupt end." 

  Akane and Shampoo sat against the cliffside, staring down the dark 
passage that lead to the others. The Furinkan headmaster, still 
unconscious, lay flat on his back, staring up at the blue sky. 
  Shampoo, however, kept her flamberge leveled at Akane. 
  "Stop pointing that thing at me," demanded Akane. "I promise I won't 
go back down there." 
  "Right," Shampoo snorted. "How stupid you think I am?" 
  "What makes you say that?" asked Akane. 
  "Love make people do strange things," the Chinese Amazon explained. 
"You go back moment I blink!" 
  "Since when did you become Ranma's right-hand girl?" 
  "Akane, you may not know, but Ranma too important for what I want." 
  "Why?" 
  "Time come when Great-grandmother need him." 
  "It all goes back to that, doesn't it?" 
  Together, in tense silence, both girls watched the dark tunnel. 
  And waited. 

  "It's all over," Ukyo muttered quietly. 
  Her footsteps echoed loudly throughout the Orochi ceremonial chamber, 
a threatening gesture toward Ranma Saotome, who had his back against 
the wall. 
  "Ukyo..." Ranma said, confused, "you're... you're alive!" 
  "I AM alive, but Ukyo, I may not be, fool," replied Ukyo. She 
extended her right arm outward, palm open. 
  Ranma felt his right hand being pulled at. He then realized that she 
was tugging at the sai, but by the time that thought was finished the 
tri-pronged weapon was already flying toward Ukyo's outstretched hand. 
  "So, big deal," Ranma muttered. "What're you going to do with that, 
wave it in the air and chant 'Magic Fork Power, Make-up?!'" 
  "What do you take this for, a magical girls show?" Ukyo replied, 
with the same level of sarcasm. The dragon pattern on the central 
prong seemed to glow. 
  Ukyo held the sai horizontally. Ranma heard a loud CLICK! He watched 
in surprise and wonderment, as the handle of the sai extended, a black 
pole seemingly growing from within the weapon. The extending pole 
ended abruptly at about the length of a fighting staff. 
  Then it dawned upon him. 
  "S... Seiryu!" he cried. 
  Seiryu laughed, spinning the sai-turned-trident before her like an 
oversized baton. "Figured it out, didja? I knew you were suspicious 
when I saw you recognized the dragon pattern. One does not live long 
without being prepared-- I designed this trident myself, you know." 
  "H... how did you survive?!" stammered the young Saotome. "I thought 
all that was left of you was a programmed memory in my head." 
  "And where is that now?" queried Seiryu, pointing the trident toward 
Ranma. She sighed. "I gave you too much credit. The girl always thought 
you were smarter, but I know better than that. When you defeated me 
months ago, not only did I store my memories in your puny head, I 
transferred my ENTIRE personality!" 
  "You lied!" he accused her. "You lied to me!" 
  "I simply didn't reveal the whole truth!" the woman insisted. "The 
Orochis gave me that valuable lesson. They taught me much." 
  "When Ashinzo invaded your mind a few weeks ago, I was granted the 
unique opportunity to remove myself from your person. It served a dual 
purpose: one, to get myself away from you, and two, to give me the 
opportunity to make myself." 
  "You jumped into Ukyo." 
  "She never realized my true intentions, of course. That's simply due 
to the fact that this incarnation thinks the same way she does, and I 
act accordingly. I was not only grooming her to become myself, but I 
was also preparing her for this battle. I did not expect her to do 
what she did, however. It doesn't matter; she never would've gone 
along with the love plan anyway. I believe it worked quite well, don't 
you think?" 
  "You must be the one...." 
  "Yes. I'm the one who gave you those 'feelings' for Ukyo. It utilized 
yet another Orochi technique: using what already exists to your 
advantage. Ukyo was right; I merely supplanted your feelings for 
Akane and inserted Ukyo instead. The old switcher. It's MUCH more 
difficult to manufacture new thoughts." 
  "W...why?! What do you have to gain from that?" 
  "The worst form of torture," Seiryu answered simply. "Your heart may 
lie with Akane, but you also have a place for Ukyo. Not a high one, I 
know-- I sifted through your brain, too-- but high enough. You two 
could have had something, IF there were no Akane." 
  "It's done, live with it," Ranma spat in contempt. It was only worse, 
the fact that Seiryu was using Ukyo's dead body to live again. 
  "Oh, but I have. I've had well over forty years to 'get over it,' 
Ranma. Too bad for you, you've only had but a fraction of that to 
realize I'm a better actor than you thought." 
  "I may SAY I do not wish to harm you. However, my goal has, and 
always will be, to destroy you. With these unique circumstances, I 
have been granted the life... the body! in order to complete my 
mission!" 
  "Couldn't you have let Kuno do that?" 
  "And allow my husband to die a second time? I think not!" 
  "'Husband?!'" Ranma exclaimed in surprise. "Kuno was your husband?!" 
  "I loved him," Seiryu mused. "I loved him, and he loved me, but never 
as much as he did his little sister! I knew it then, I know it now. My 
husband is dead; Ukyo is dead; however, Tatewaki Kuno still lives now. 
Kodachi must never suffer the loss of her brother!!" 
  "How noble of you," Ranma remarked sarcastically. "I remember now, 
that you and Kodachi were such close-close buddies back then, right? 
She'll never know, you know." 
  "Doesn't matter," replied Seiryu, shrugging. "Kodachi died, too. 
Everybody I knew and loved died: Akane, Tatewaki, Kodachi, Mousse, 
Ryoga, Konatsu, Byakko, Suzaku, Genbu... all of them, and more! leaving 
only me-- the survivor! Even in this timeline, I survived the death of 
Ukyo! With the previous loss of my own body, I have, in effect, been 
granted a new life! A new, young, wonderful life, one which Nemesis 
will NEVER touch!" 
  "But Nemesis still lives in Kuno's mom!" 
  "Nemesis is gone, fool! Ashinzo sacrificed his life to banish him; 
how else did you think you defeated him so easily?" 
  "Why would Ashinzo do that?" Ranma asked, confused. 
  "Because his beloved 'Kei' told him to, of course. He couldn't 
stand the thought that he really did kill Ukyo, if indirectly. He had 
help, of course, from the Lady-- she's quite strong-willed. Did you 
ever stop to think that this was why you won? I suppose not! Again, I 
give you too much credit!" 
  Ranma shook his head. Getting up to his feet, he said, "That doesn't 
matter anymore-- what DOES, is why you're still going to kill me. You 
had to have the reversal jewel last time to do it!" 
  "Very simple fact: long ago, when Nemesis invaded your body, your 
lucid moments were becoming far and few. You, as with the Lady, had 
an incredible will, but not one that could keep Nemesis at bay forever. 
In your last moments of existence, before Nemesis totally eradicated 
your personality, you made me promise one thing." 
  "And you try to keep your promises...." Ranma had a fair idea 
where this was leading up to, silently cursing himself-- or rather, 
his OTHER self-- for being such an inconsiderate jerk. 
  Crashing waves seemed to dance in Seiryu's eyes as she laughed 
jovially. "That's right. You made me promise to kill you, no matter 
what it takes. I have survived the test of time; I have survived 
trials no man-- no one-- should ever have to face!" 
  "Without the girl's feelings getting in the way, I need not Chinese 
trinkets to finish the job," she added. "Quite pleasant to rid myself 
of her... twice. Nice of her to leave this shell behind for me this 
time." 
  Twice? Ranma wondered. 
  Her left eye glowed a soft, pale blue, a grim beacon amidst the sea 
of the dark woman. "I am the survivor. I am the future. I am Seiryu, 
and you, Ranma, along with all the others before you, will die." 
  "So nice of you to be consistent," Ranma replied, shaking his head 
in disgust. "Are you done yet? I'm sick and tired of having to stand 
through all've these ridiculous speeches." 
  I'll get you, Ranma vowed. I'll get you, for everything... for 
trying to ruin me and Akane, and for desecrating the dead.... 

  With surprising strength and energy, Kodachi ran, at top speed, 
toward the exit, her mother in her arms, and Ryoga Hibiki following 
close behind. She recognized the pink tears blotting the dark trap 
holes, thankful for her own foresight in the matter. 
  "Someone's coming," warned Ryoga, coming to a halt. 
  Kodachi halted in her tracks. "Who, Ranma, or Brother-dear?" 
  Sure enough, Tatewaki Kuno rushed Ryoga, sword held high. 
  "ANIMAL!!!" he cried. 
  "Brother!" Kodachi shouted. 
  Ryoga, unflinching, watched Tatewaki halt in his tracks. "That was 
a quick reflex." 
  Breathing heavily, Tatewaki muttered, "Sister, you had better give 
me one good reason why I should not destroy this cur for threatening 
our dear mother!" 
  Kodachi shook her head, lifting up Lady Kuno in her arms. "Stupid," 
she muttered, "what are you doing here?" 
  "Ranma couldn't have lost THAT fast," Ryoga pointed out. 
  "No," Tatewaki explained, "I have been tricked!" He slapped himself 
on the forehead. "I denied myself of striking down Saotome to yield 
to a stranger?!" 
  "Forget about it!" Kodachi insisted. "Now that you're here, we must 
take Mother to safety." 
  "She's right," Ryoga agreed. "Take care of your mother. We'll all go 
out together." 
  "And what of Saotome?" asked the swordsman, looking hurt. 
  "He can handle himself," the Eternally Lost Boy assured Kuno. "If 
he wins, you may get a chance yet." 

  A stream of energy ran down the length of Seiryu's arms, running 
through the black pole of the trident, and split into three-- one 
for each head of the trident. As more chi poured into the trident's 
head, glowing balls formed at the ends of each prong, ever so 
slightly growing larger. 
  "You looked down on weapons once," she told Ranma, seemingly 
without care. "You did, because you looked upon them merely as 
tools... but wrong, you were! Whereas I... look upon them as an 
extension of my body!" 
  Ranma started running, just as Seiryu launched her deadly attacks. 
Like a gattling cannon, small bursts of chi bolts flew from each prong 
of the trident, bursting a trail behind the martial artist. 
  "I didn't take the time to fashion this weapon for NOTHING!!!" she 
cried. 
  A wild expression washed over Seiryu's features, her mouth barring 
teeth in maniacal laughter. Not willing to be outdone, instead of 
allowing the head of the trident to trail behind Ranma's path, Seiryu 
jerked the weapon at the predicted point where the wily martial 
artist would run TO. 
  Ranma stopped in his tracks, just in time to avoid the new attack. 
He spared a glance at his opponent, momentarily shocked at her 
sudden change in expression. 
  She's not letting me have time to think! he realized. She KNOWS 
better than that! 
  No sooner had Ranma completed that thought a chi bolt splashed over 
his left foot, forcing him to keep moving. Seiryu screamed out in 
laughter. 
  "I can go on forever!" she cried. "If I HAVE to, I'll wear you down. 
After that...." 
  Unexpectedly, Ranma leaped straight at Seiryu. Momentarily caught 
by surprise at the desperate act, the woman leveled the trident back 
at her target, unleashing one large bolt. 
  Ranma countered the attack with a chi bolt of his own, effectively 
canceling out the attack entirely. Leveling a deep kick, the martial 
artist was disappointed to only find air, as Seiryu sidestepped out 
of the way. Taking advantage of his brief opening, Seiryu plunged 
the trident, but Ranma dodged at the last moment. 
  "STAND STILL!!!" demanded Seiryu in anger. 
  "What's the matter?" taunted Ranma. "After all this time, I'm 
STILL too good for ya?" 
  "I'll SHOW YOU how much BETTER I AM!!!" the woman countered. 
Releasing her left hand's grip on the trident, throwing her arms out 
in the air. "Ryu Sui... SHO-KEN!!" 
  Ranma yelped in surprise, a column of water bursting from the 
ground around Seiryu. Staring at the column in dumbstruck awe, he 
realized there was something moving in the column. 
  Two dark, ruby-red eyes peered at him from the center of the column 
of water. 
  Then two more. 
  And two more. 
  And two more. 
  Then, there were too many for Ranma to count, as he realized that 
this was the form of the attack. 
  Rushing from the column, a serpent of pure water, eyes burning, 
burst forth, screaming and snapping at the martial artist. Ranma 
threw himself out of the way, watching as the dragon splashed 
harmlessly at the ground behind him. But, there was little time for 
respite, as more of the water dragons burst from the column. 
  He screamed in pain as one of the water dragons crashed against 
his leg... allowing yet another to stab at his arm. Caught in a loop 
of pain, Ranma could not avoid any more of the water dragons... 
the chi-created creatures, working in teamwork, slammed against the 
martial artist with the terrible pounding force of water. All over 
his body Ranma felt as if each part were thrown into a swimming 
pool out of the top a high-rise tower window. 
  Splashed silly by the chi-created water dragons, Ranma barely 
noticed that Seiryu's water column had died down. The wielder of the 
trident smiled to herself in satisfaction. 
  "I have, after all, had over forty years to learn techniques 
myself, Ranma," Seiryu said with a sneer. 
  "Izzat the best you can do...?" Ranma whispered, forcing himself 
back to his feet, despite the immense pain he was in. 
  Seiryu shrugged. "If YOU insist...!" 
  Ranma tried his best to force the pain out of the fore of his 
mind, but to no avail. 
  At that moment, a jet of water, forming from beneath Ranma's feet, 
shot upward, sending more pain in the martial artist's direction. 
Seiryu, standing calmly, held her free hand outward, pale blue chi 
dancing about the palm. 
  The intense force of the water spout shot Ranma up into the air... 
until he came face to face with the high ceiling of the ceremony 
chamber. The water spout pressed harder, sandwiching Ranma between 
itself and the ceiling. 
  Ignore the pain, Ranma demanded of himself. She's not letting you 
think! 
  What's the use? he wondered. Seiryu knows EXACTLY how to beat me! 
  "The 'Heart of Ice' requires that you kill your emotions," echoed 
the words of Shampoo's Great-grandmother. 
  Yet, at the mere thought of that, the pain seemed to lessen for 
the young martial artist. 
  Then he realized that the water spout had ceased to exist, and he 
was now falling. 
  Good! Ranma thought. A few seconds to think this through.... She 
knows everything about me, so I've.... 
  At that moment, Ranma's back impacted against the hard floor, 
breaking his train of thought. 
  "I COULD kill you THAT way," Seiryu taunted in a bored tone, "but 
that would be... less sporting?" 
  Ranma groaned in pain, his ears barely telling him that the woman 
with the trident was getting closer. 
  "You're missing something," said the voice of Pantyhose Taro from 
Ranma's dreams. 
  Then... what is it? 
  Tap, tap. 
  "Should I savor the moment?" she asked herself. 
  How does she do it? Ranma wondered. Stone-cold... just like the 
dark ocean depths.... 
  Tap, tap. 
  "Or, should I end it quickly?" 
  Cold... as ice? 
  "You must learn to put faith in your friends," echoed the voice of 
Chizuru Kagura, "otherwise you will lose your battles in the future." 
There IS something... but what is it?! 
  Tap, tap. 
  "Perhaps, even, punishment as likened to what you did to me?" she 
wondered, tracing a finger over her left eye, and down the cheek. 
  I can't win if she stays that way... gotta mess her up.... 
  Tap, tap. 
  "Say, I'll take your left eye?" 
  Yet, still... kill my emotions? Must I be what she is? 
  Tap. 
  Seiryu bent over Ranma's battered body. "How about that, hmm?" 
  At that moment, the words of Johan, the American street fighter, 
popped up in the young Saotome's head: "I can still 'hear' the music 
in my head!" Despite numerous distractions, the dance man still 
maintained his focus.... 
  That's IT!! 
  "You lost all care," Ranma said. "This ain't about revenge... nor 
about keeping promises... it's about blind obligation. You don't care 
anymore. Heck, ya probably don't remember WHY you're fighting!" 
  "This incarnation thinks the same way she does," echoed the words of 
Seiryu in Ranma's thoughts. Which means.... 
  He added, "You're not even Ukyo, past, present, or future! She 
died when I pulled the jewel off her!" 
  Seiryu stopped herself. "Of course I AM!" she stammered. "Fine, so 
I... I mean... NO!!! What are you talking about!?" 
  It was that moment of hesitation that Ranma needed. 
  And then, Seiryu's own words entered Ranma's mind: "You can't allow 
your preoccupation to consume you... listen to the sound of my 
voice...." And that voice, Ranma remembered, was.... 
  Without hesitating, and with sudden energy, Ranma threw both his 
arms around Seiryu's neck, forcing her head downward. Without 
thinking, without hesitating... without will, Ranma Saotome forced 
Seiryu's lips to his own. 
  Seiryu dropped her trident in surprise, her eyes widening in 
horrified shock. 
  And, for the second time that day, Ranma kissed Ukyo. 
  Letting go, Ranma slid away from the confused woman, a sudden burst 
of energy allowing him to get to his feet. 
  Wiping her lips, Seiryu slowly stood up with the same shocked 
expression. She opened her mouth to say something, but the words would 
not come out. 
  Bits and pieces of the puzzle fell into place as Ranma Saotome, 
revitalized with determination and resolve, stood ready. "Tell me... 
did YOUR Ranma ever do that to you?" 
  Raising a fist in anger, Seiryu's shock turned to hatred. "You... 
you would DARE!!!!" 
  Her battle aura exploded. 
  Now, Ranma thought, let's see what happens when I don't let YOU 
think! 
  For a moment, he thought about Akane... her gentle smile, her 
cute expressions.... Then, he thought about Ryoga, his longtime rival, 
his... friend. 
  Seiryu projected several chi blasts at Ranma, who easily dodged out 
of the way. 
  He also thought about the others: Mousse, Kuno, Ukyo, Kodachi... 
even Pantyhose Taro... then, there was nothing. Ranma shoved all 
thoughts of them out of his mind. They don't exist. 
  Fuming with anger and frustration, Seiryu continued her mad attack. 
  Banish all of them from your thoughts, Ranma told himself, and 
focus! 
  "Kiss ME?!" screamed the woman. 
  Nothing but the focus! he repeated to himself. 

					*  *  *  *  * 
Heart Secret (Akane) 

(Akane) Stupid. [Stupid]  You're just pretending to be cool. 
I hate you. [I hate you]  I can do just as well without you. 
That's a lie! [That's a lie!] But I won't show you what's in my hand. 
Too bad.  Sorry! 
					*  *  *  *  * 

  "BASTARD!!!" Seiryu fumed, generating a larger chi bolt in her 
palms. 
  Ranma easily avoided that attack in turn, continuing his movement 
around his enemy, lost of thought, lost of feeling. 
  Only the focus mattered. 

					*  *  *  *  * 
Whenever I treat you coldly, my heart aches but 
until you become more serious, 
my lips, too, are kept secretly waiting. 
					*  *  *  *  * 

  "Forty years," seethed the possessor of Ukyo's body. "Forty years 
of studying you... will not go to waste!!" 
  And yet, Ranma still failed to acknowledge her existence. Only the 
focus mattered, and everything was going according to plan. However, 
the martial artist had no time to congratulate himself... because, 
after all, only the focus mattered. 
  Everything else was extraneous matter. 

					*  *  *  *  * 
Heart [Heart]   secret [secret]
I won't give you the key for just gentleness. 
Love [Love]   secret [secret]
Solving the riddle depends on you. 
					*  *  *  *  * 

  And then, there was nothing. 
  No, CONTINUE the focus!! Ranma demanded himself. 
  Yet, it was done. 
  Raising his fist, having completed tracing the spiral of the most 
deadly attack in his arsenal, Ranma shouted, "HIRYU SHOTEN HA!!!" 
  Hot chi swelling about Seiryu mixed with the swirling cold chi of 
Ranma, creating the illusion of a dragon spiraling toward Heaven... a 
massive whirlwind ripped into existence, slamming against the ceiling 
of the ceremony chamber. 
  A shower of rocks rained down upon the two occupants of the room, 
the technique drilling a hole up to the sky, earth notwithstanding. 
  Yet, Seiryu had, at the last moment, managed to escape the spiral, 
although Ranma had little time to ponder why. 
  "Pha-hah-hah-hah!" she laughed. "Gullible fool, did you believe I 
would fall for THAT?!" 
  And still, Ranma kept his mind on his focus. The road to the end 
had already begun. 

					*  *  *  *  * 
I'll Always Be There (Ranma)

When you're lonely, when you're hurting,
Don't feel sad by yourself.
I'll always be there
next to you. Just feel it.
					*  *  *  *  * 

  Quickly, Ranma completed the trace of a second spiral, all the 
while sticking to his focus, never wavering. 
  "What ARE you up to?!" demanded Seiryu, avoiding the second spiral, 
raising a barrier to protect herself from the rain of stones and 
gravel from above. "Your efforts are for NAUGHT!" 
  And then, the third spiral had begun. 

					*  *  *  *  * 
Strength is important,
But tears are necessary, too.
You can't do anything,
With a cold heart
You can't feel anything at all.
					*  *  *  *  * 

  "HIRYU SHOTEN HA!!" yelled Ranma, completing the third spiral, 
and initiating the fourth. 
  Seiryu's eyes followed Ranma, staring as if she looked upon a 
madman. Death glowed in her eyes as she raised her palms in the air, 
watching for Ranma's next pass. 
  "You merely delay the inevitable!" she screamed with rage, firing 
off several blasts which cleanly missed the martial artist. 

					*  *  *  *  * 
Why do people always
hide their true feelings?
The things you can do, the things you want to do,
Are best taken one step at a time.
					*  *  *  *  * 

  And then, the fourth spiral was complete. 
  Throwing his fist in the air, cold chi and hot chi mixed, for one 
final time. Ranma shouted, "HIRYU SHOTEN HA... FINAL ATTACK!!!" 
  Just as suddenly as the previous three, the fourth, and final, 
whirlwind burst to life. 
  It was then Seiryu realized what Ranma had done. And she was 
standing right in the middle of it. She stared out at Ranma in 
complete rage. 
  "DAMN YOU!!!" she screamed, raising both her arms toward Ranma, as 
if beckoning him to come toward her. "If I'm going...!" 
  It was then Ranma felt as if someone pushed him into the whirlwind 
storm. 

					*  *  *  *  * 
You never followed an ordinary program,
And that's the reason I love you.
I'll follow you anywhere.
I'll never, ever let you go!
					*  *  *  *  * 

  It was then Ranma's focus slipped into nothingness. 
  It was then Ranma realized he was being thrown up into the air, 
along with Seiryu, who struggled to maintain her personal air barrier. 
  And, it was clear that she was losing. 
  Ranma screamed in pain as the monstrous gale forces of the attack's 
whirlwinds ripped at his body. While his cold chi would normally have 
helped prevent Ranma from getting hurt, the forces of nature were 
now at work-- it was beyond mere aura. 
  Old Cologne once said that the Hiryu Shoten Ha, at full strength, 
could potentially put the target at near death. If one whirlwind 
could do that, then two should be more than enough to kill. And three, 
then four... probably be vaporized.... 
  Ukyo, I'm REALLY sorry I had to desecrate your body like this.... 
  "At least it would save on cremation," Ranma thought Ukyo would say. 
  "Welcome to Hell!!" Seiryu yelled, laughing in triumph. "We'll go 
down... or should I say... UP, together!" 
  No, Ranma thought, don't try to force your way down! 
  At that moment, shattering like glass, Seiryu's barrier collapsed, 
exposing the woman to the violent storm of nature. 
  She screamed. 
  The martial artist stared upward, realizing for the first time that 
the four whirlwinds had already burst through to the surface.... The 
rays of the sun beat downward against the dark contrast of the earth. 
  That's it! he decided. The only way to get out is... UP!! 
  Trying his best at straightening himself in mid-air, Ranma threw 
his arms at his sides, decreasing his bodily surface area-- and thus, 
air resistance. Quickly, the martial artist shot upward, faster than 
ever before, allowing the winds to catapult him all the way to the 
skies above, leaving Seiryu behind in her pain. Streams of pure 
energy ripped from her body, zooming past Ranma much quicker than his 
own ascent. He winced in pain as one stream ran through him, but 
Ranma ignored the pain. 
  "Damn you, Saotome!" Seiryu screamed, howling in pain. "I WILL 
HAUNT YOU!!! I'LL HAUNT YOU UNTIL THE DAY YOU DIE!!!!" 
  And STAY dead, Ranma thought, leaving the enemy inside Ukyo's body 
behind to die. NOW who's the survivor? 
  He traveled faster than a bullet, rocketing through the four 
whirlwinds, ignoring the pain each ripped into him. He thought about 
nothing... focusing on nothing, remembering nothing, becoming nothing. 
  There was only the force of violent nature around him. 
  And then, Ranma Saotome shot through beyond the heads of the four 
whirlwinds, and up into the stratosphere. 
  All too soon, he peaked in his ascent. Ranma stared downward at the 
land below: a giant's version of a model country, he thought. He 
passed next to a swift-moving cloud, barely feeling the moisture of 
the floating cream-puff. 
  Wow... this beats being in an airplane.... 
  None of that mattered, because the young Saotome was now heading 
straight down. 
  Great, he thought, now that I'm out, NOW WHAT?! 
  Throwing his arms about wildly, trying his best to increase his air 
resistance, Ranma fervently ran through his mind, searching for a 
way to survive a fall at who-knows-how-high. 
  The land was getting much too large in Ranma's eyes for his tastes 
at the moment. 
  Why didn't the old bag tell me how to get down?! 

  "What's that?!" Akane shouted, pointing at the four columns of 
whirlwinds bursting at the top of the cliffs. 
  "Probably Ranma's doing," Ryoga said, folding his arms. 
  The thing is, what the hell was that idiot doing?! he thought. 
  Kodachi stared up in the sky, squinting her eyes. A small shape 
caught her attention. Turning to her brother, she asked, "Tell me, is 
it me, or is that Ranma?" 
  Tatewaki walked to Kodachi's side, staring to where the girl was 
pointing to in the sky. "Hmph," he snorted. "It would be so proper if 
he were to suffer such a fate." 
  "Looks like getting larger," Shampoo noted, catching the falling 
martial artist in her eyes. 
  "Falling?!" Akane yelled. "From THAT height?!" 

  Ranma did not know if it was better to impact with the ground, or 
with the ocean. Either way, most of his bones would probably break. 
  There's GOT to be something I'm missing! he thought fervently. I 
did NOT come all this way to become a... pancake! 
  For a moment, he thought he could make out the others, standing 
close toward the cliff's edge. They, too, were getting larger. 
  And Akane would have the nightmare of watching me fall to my doom. 
  Suddenly, several objects caught his eye. Several PINK objects, to 
be precise, and they were getting larger. 
  Much larger, at a speed much quicker than the people and scenery. 
  Then, the sticky tears of Kodachi's ribbon artifact impacted against 
Ranma's body, coating him in a chewing gum-like film. 
  Losing sensation, for the sticky tears blocked his vision and 
ears, Ranma only felt more of the pink projectiles collide against 
his body, both wishing he knew what Kodachi was doing, and that no 
one was looking at him-- a sorry hope at best. 
  And then, something stopped his fall. 
  Ranma knew he had not hit the ground, but he knew he was being 
suspended in the air. Something was holding him in the air. 
  With that thought complete, the martial artist felt his body being 
jerked upward. 
  THEN the impact with the ground came, although it was not nearly as 
bad as Ranma thought it would be. 
  "Ranma!" he heard Akane shout. "RANMA!!" 
  Struggling to speak, Ranma wanted to say, "I'm all right," but, his 
lips bound shut by the sticky tears, compounded with the fact that 
he was facing downward, made his voice inaudible. 
  Yet, the fact that he could hear was a GOOD thing. 
  Slowly, Ranma felt the sticky tears dissolving into nothingness. 
  He turned himself over and stared toward the sky. However, multiple 
heads blocked his view, shadows casting over him. 
  "Is it... over?" Ranma asked rhetorically. 
  "I hope you appreciate that I spared you a dunk of death," Kodachi 
said, stifling a chuckle. "Still, it was worth your expression...." 
  "What happened?" asked Ryoga. 
  "What'd you do?" asked Akane, pushing more emphasis into her words. 
  Ranma shook his head. "D'you all mind? It's hurtin' ALL over...." 
  Kodachi's eyes turned to the others. "You heard the man. The 
patient wants room...." 
  "Why shan't I end his misery?" Kuno protested. "To what end shall 
we allow this murderer to live?" 
  "Ranma not kill anyone," Shampoo pointed out. "Try, not do." 
  "Either way," Ryoga said, "what'll we do about Nemesis?" 
  Ranma wanted to say something, but another voice beat him to it. 
"It... is... over." 
  All heads turned toward Lady Kuno, laying against the cliffside, 
forgotten with Ranma's arrival. She sported several bruises on her 
face, each of which were dressed and bandaged with Kodachi's careful 
hands. The elder Kuno's eyes struggled to open. 
  "Mother," Tatewaki whispered, rushing to her side, "do not speak." 
  "Shut up," Shoto Kuno said. "I... beat them." 
  All but Ranma and Tatewaki stared at the woman in surprise. 
  "Where is... Daichi?" the Lady asked. 
  Tatewaki pointed a finger at the still-unconscious Headmaster Kuno. 
Lifting the coffee pot filled with cool water, he said, "Drink, and 
rest, Mother." 
  "About time you got here... Son," she whispered. 
  Ryoga watched the two Kunos in puzzlement. Turning back to the 
others, he said, "So, now that Nemesis is gone, what'll we do? Is that 
it?" 
  Shampoo shook her head. "I think we miss something." 
  "Yeah," agreed Akane. Staring down at Ranma, she asked, "Where's 
Ukyo?" 
  Ranma groaned inwardly, suddenly remembering... that. "She's...." 
  A startled squawk from Shampoo caught the others' attentions. The 
Chinese Amazon stared down at her left leg in surprise, finding it 
bound tight by several turns of wire. 
  "No-no-no," a voice yelled. "You'vall got it ALLLLL wrong!" 
  Eyes following the path of the wire, Ranma realized they lead 
straight back into the cavern. One lone figure stepped out into the 
light. He dressed in heavy, dark robes, covered in several layers of 
dust and dirt. Due to his short stature, the robes appeared twice as 
large on the newcomer. He smiled with a toothy grin, bloodshot eyes, 
and wild, unkempt hair. 
  "Shit," Ranma cursed, "forgot about you." 
  Several more wires lashed out at Shampoo, binding her arms together. 
"The flesh does as it's told!" sneered Strand, raising the Chinese 
Amazon in the air. "I will win, because you can't beat what is already 
DEAD!!!" 
  Suddenly, Ryoga screamed in pain, clutching the back of his neck. 
Blood burst like a geyser, forcing those standing behind him back. 
He staggered to his knees, just as something shimmered next to him. 
  In a bright flash of light, where there was no one before, there was 
another man, dressed in the flowing robes of a Shinto priest, waving 
a pair of feather fans in his hands. 
  "You!!" Akane cried in shock. 
  "Ah, Big Brother!!" Strand cried out with delight. 
  "'Big Brother?!'" the others echoed in surprise, staring at Shifter. 
  "That one is not for you, Akutare," Shifter said flatly. 
  "She is ONLY FOR ME!!!" the Orochi assassin screamed in protest. "I 
WILL have my pleasures satisfied!!" 
  "Somebody," ordered the wizard, "get him off the ground!!" 
  Tatewaki's eyes raced from Shifter to the coffee pot he held in his 
hand, then to his sheathed sword. "Hmph," he muttered, "I have a much 
BETTER idea...." 
  "Are you thinking of splashing him?!" Kodachi wondered. "What do 
you expect to do, melt him?" 
  "That's IT!!!" Ranma cried, understanding exactly what the ancient 
man had in mind. 
  Ranma got up to his feet in a flash, just as he noticed the short 
man's fingers with electrical power dancing about. "Shampoo!!!" he 
yelled. 
  "FRY!!!" Strand cried. "FRY, FRY, FRY, FRY!!!!!" 
  As Strand laughed maniacally, Shifter quickly snatched the coffee 
pot from Tatewaki's hand. Without hesitating, he threw the pot of 
cold water into the air. 
  At the same moment, electricity shot through the wires in Strand's 
fingers. 
  It was then that Ranma kicked the Orochi assassin into the air. 
  It was then that the coffee pot's contents spilled on Shampoo, 
leaving the coiled wires with nothing but clothes to hold as a small 
cat fell through. 
  It was then that Strand got the nastiest shock of his life. 
Electrical power ran through the length of the wire, turning about 
at the loops where Shampoo had once been, and came back. 
  "VVVVAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!" the assassin screamed. 
  "What's happening?!" Akane asked. 
  Ranma stared up at the sky at his handiwork. "The little creep is 
getting a taste of his own medicine." 
  "A wire offers the path of least resistance," explained Tatewaki. 
"Normally, there would be a human body there... a repository of great 
resistance. The only such resistance now exists within himself." 
  "Resistors absorb power," Akane remembered. "So he's absorbing his 
own power?" 
  "The power may come from within himself," added Kodachi, "but by 
having his wires joined together like that, he is forming a complete 
circuit by himself. There is no other place for the current to go." 
  "Since he's in such shock," Ranma continued, "he can't let go... or 
stop it, for that matter." 
  "And thus," finished Shifter, "without his feet standing on the 
dirt to ground him, he fries himself." 
  All gathered shielded their eyes as the electrical display ended in 
one final burst. As soon as their eyes recovered from the sudden 
burst, all that could be seen was a rain of dust and wires, still 
alive with electrical power, as if the circuit were still complete. 
  "And so ends the unlife of Akutare Furui, User of Lightning," 
concluded Higure. 
  "Why didn't you tell us HE was your brother?!" demanded Ranma, 
waving his fist at the Shinto wizard. "You said he was DEAD!!" 
  "He WAS," Higure pointed out. "Ashinzo reanimated his corpse and 
bound his soul to his body. Undead, if you will. A freak of nature. 
Not even alive. I thank you for helping put his soul to rest." 
  Ranma shook his head. "Right...." 
  The former Orochi assassin turned toward Lady Kuno. "I trust you 
are well, My Lady?" 
  Despite her weariness, she nodded. "Thank you." 
  Higure then faced Ryoga. "Sorry about that." 
  Ryoga eyed the wizard suspiciously, staring at the blood on his 
hands. "That REALLY hurt...." 
  Then, turning to Ranma, Higure asked, "I, as the others, are curious 
as to what happened to the other girl, Ukyo." 
  "Yes," agreed Kodachi, picking up the cat that was Shampoo. "Tell 
us." 
  Ranma eyed the cat with worried eyes, taking several steps back. 
  "RANMA," Akane said, "what happened to her?" 
  Sighing, Ranma allowed himself to remember. "She's dead." 

  "The Orochi Assassins have been demolished," a masculine voice said. 
  "Ashinzo Kusanagi," spat another man, "was a fool. Higure Furui 
was a traitor. We need them not among our ranks." 
  "Very true," agreed the first man. "It appears, however, that we 
must continue, despite Nemesis' failure. The Orochi has waited for 
nearly two-thousand years for this time to come, and we will succeed." 
  "To that end," voiced a female, speaking for the first time, "we 
are going to place you in charge of the Cult of Orochi from this point 
onward." 
  The second man was taken aback with surprise. "Me?" 
  "You will serve in a better capacity than your predecessor, Monk 
Reaver, User of Magma," the first man decreed, "or suffer his fate." 
  Reaver, Orochi assassin, smiled with glee. "There will be no petty 
revenge, nor strife, among our ranks. We will rebuild the Eight 
Assassins, and we will remember our true goal." 
  "We shall never be stopped!" the assassin declared. 

  "This all that left," Shampoo said, raising the trident up in the 
air for all to see. "Nothing else left down there." 
  The gang stood gathered around Shampoo, Higure, and Tatewaki, the 
ones who volunteered to reenter the smashed underground compound to 
look for Ukyo's body. The etched dragon on the central prong sat 
there coldly, without the life of its own Ranma used to recognize 
before. 
  "If it is as you said," Higure said to Ranma, "then there should be 
nothing TO find." 
  "Yeah, figured that," Ranma replied, lowering his head. 
  "A shame, really." 
  "We didn't find anything out here, either. If she were still alive 
to know what I did to her body, she'd kill me." 
  "Don't blame yourself, Ranma," Akane said. "She wanted you to live, 
remember? So do we. I don't think she'd mind." 
  "Do you?" her husband said suddenly, staring at Akane incredulously. 
"What makes you think YOU know what she thinks?! I DIDN'T even know." 
  Akane could not think of a reply, but Shampoo shouted, "You NOT 
talk stupid, Ranma! Spatula-girl dead, and stay dead!! You so weak you 
would mourn all eternity!" 
  "Well, THAT was tactful," snorted Kodachi, folding her arms. 
  "That's right..." Ranma muttered, "you're the one who does the 
KILLING!!" He jabbed a finger into Shampoo's chest. "YOU don't care 
that you killed Mousse!!" 
  "Killed?" echoed Akane, Kodachi, Ryoga, and Tatewaki, in surprise. 
  Higure shook his head. "Perhaps I had best leave." 
  Silently, the Shinto wizard walked away, leaving the squabbling 
teens behind. 

  Time... flows like a river. 
  The pendulum swings back and forth. It rocks to one side... then 
swings to the other... always passing the middle. Over time the 
pendulum slows its pace as it swings back and forth, gently, slowly, 
steadily coming to a stop. 
  Time flows like a river... and history repeats. 
  In the minds of a mortal... such as humanity... time can stretch 
to infinity... boggling the mind. To humanity, time is eternal. To 
humanity, time is beyond their understanding. To humanity... time is 
a passing beyond reckoning. 
  To humanity, love is eternal. 
  To kami, time is a finite, transient value. 
  To Orochi, who had nearly eighteen-thousand years to contemplate 
his existence, time was the annoyance that reminded him that he could 
not walk the earth. 
  The pendulum reached its peak swing in the direction opposite the 
eight-headed serpent, but now it was coming back. 
  This time, the swing was much quicker than before. 
  And soon, the pendulum would be at his side again. 
  There was every reason to be excited; the Kami Plane was a bleak, 
monotonous world. Earth was so... delicate, in motion... transient... 
and beautiful. That same transience, however, allowed humanity to 
threaten Earth's delicacy... that same transience will allow the kami 
to reclaim Earth's former splendor at the cost of human blood. 
  Susano-O would never appreciate that... but Orochi hardly cared. 
Let the bastard support humanity in its dangerous wiles; he, along 
with the other human-loving spawn, will be swept aside by the aligned 
peoples. When humanity is destroyed, only the true shall survive. 
  Time flows like a river, and history repeats... but beyond, there 
be a falls. 
  He knew it would be his last, best chance. He knew that neither he 
nor his enemy would appreciate the falls. He knew, when the time came, 
he would be powerless to stop them. 
  But, Earth must have a future. 
  The pendulum swings lower as time passes. 
  And yet, the end of time was near. 
  Time flows like a river, and history repeats, but beyond, there be a 
falls... and only the strong survive. 

  "Ah, Shampoo," Cologne said in greeting, "I'm glad to see you have 
returned." 
  Shampoo said nothing as she entered the restaurant that served as 
her home for the past year, using Seiryu's trident as a walking staff, 
leaning against it wearily. 
  "Child," the old matriarch asked, "where is the second of the pair 
of weapons I bestowed upon you?" 
  Again, the Chinese Amazon said nothing, barely remembering that she 
left it stuck in Mousse's back. For a moment, she wondered if the 
police have the weapon... probably as some kind of evidence. Shampoo 
cursed herself silently, glad that she was going to leave the country 
at the end of the week. 
  "Nothing to say?" Cologne persisted, as Shampoo plodded past her. 
"Well... that weapon was an heirloom. You will be punished." 
  "I don't care," the younger woman answered in her native tongue. 
  "I think you should," the old woman insisted, switching to Chinese. 
"Because...." 
  Shampoo's eyes widened in surprise as Cologne produced the second 
of the pair of flamberge. 
  "...there MUST be a reason why I have it!" Cologne finished. 
  Shampoo's mind raced in panic, fervently wondering if the old 
matriarch figured out what happened. "G... Great-grandmother!" 
  Cologne shook her head. "Not this time, Child." 
  Realizing the meaning, the Chinese Amazon, discarding the trident, 
quickly dashed up the stairs. Stomping her way through the hallways, 
Shampoo stopped at the entrance to the attic-- Mousse's room-- and 
pushed her way in, through the door. 
  Lying in the middle of the attic, in a seemingly-comfortable futon, 
was the Master of Hidden Weapons, his thick-lens glasses lying folded 
at his side, a heavy blanket thrown over him. He was obviously still 
breathing, but he was also asleep. 
  And helpless. 
  Burning with anger and shock, Shampoo unsheathed her remaining 
flamberge, intent on finishing her work. 
  "That's enough!" commanded Cologne from behind Shampoo. 
  Shampoo stood over Mousse, frozen as a statue, at her great- 
grandmother's command, sweat dripping down her face. He was helpless, 
down there, she knew. Totally at her mercy. 
  And yet, years of Chinese Amazon conditioning forced her to stop. 
  "I found him last night," the matriarch explained, "crumpled, and 
helpless, at the step of the door. It was obvious he was bleeding to 
death... WAS. For someone bound his wounds and left him to be found 
by me." Cologne raised her flamberge in emphasis. "THIS, was found 
next to him." 
  That's not possible! Shampoo shouted in a mental scream. Who could 
have helped him?! 
  "By the looks of it, the Traitor's Death Blow," Cologne said simply. 
"There are very few in Nerima who know such a strike: you, those twins, 
Mousse, and myself. And, I entrusted this weapon to you." 
  Shampoo said nothing in her defense, lowering her flamberge in 
defeat. 
  "When I gave you instruction to protect Ranma at all costs, none of 
it said you could dispose of Mousse. You know as well as I we need 
all the help we can get, and you destroyed one of them." 
  Moving to Mousse's side, Cologne continued, "He will survive, but 
he is not fit to travel. Not only that, but the death blow damaged 
several nerves in his spine; Mousse has great difficulty moving, and, 
in the worst case, he'll never walk, write, or fight, again. At this 
point, he is WORSE than dead." 
  "Finish him, then," Shampoo said contemptuously. 
  Cologne shook her head. "Which brings us to YOUR punishment, Child. 
Once before, I took you to Jusenkyo as punishment for returning home 
without Ranma. This time, however... I will not be as lenient." 
  As if Jusenkyo was lenient, the Chinese Amazon thought bitterly. 
  "We will return home to China," continued the matriarch, "but you, 
Child, will remain behind." 
  "What?!" Shampoo cried out in surprise. 
  "You will remain in Japan with Mousse. You will take care of him, 
by waiting on him hand and foot, as his slave, until he recovers. IF 
he recovers, because, if I'm not mistaken, Mousse would prefer to 
end his misery, but you are not to give him that luxury. When and if 
he recovers, THEN you may return home to China. I therefore invoke the 
punishment of the Eternal Destiny Bond; if he dies, you will never see 
home again." 
  Shampoo bit back her tears. "The Elders will not tolerate that!" 
she cried out defiantly. "You said so yourself, we needed all the 
help we can get! What about me?!" 
  "Hmph," Cologne responded. "They will approve, because I SAID so. 
Despite what you think, you are still a child, and while you may be 
a warrior, you are in no position of power. As such, you cannot defy 
the wishes of your elders. Until then, if we ever see you anywhere 
near home, the tribe will have authorization to hunt you down. You 
will be dispatched the same way you attempted with Mousse. Do you 
understand?" 
  For a moment, Shampoo wanted to kill Mousse. HE was the cause of the 
problems in the first place, he SHOULD die!! 
  Yet, she did want to return home. The younger Chinese Amazon knew 
that to defy her great-grandmother now would spell her own disaster; 
the old one never did play favorites in matters of the tribe. And 
thus, her threat may very well be serious-- both of them. 
  Nodding slowly, Shampoo said dejectedly, "Yes, Great-grandmother." 

The Next Day 

  Tatewaki Kuno stopped long enough in the doorway to note that his 
sister was busying herself with scrubbing laundry. Curious, he stepped 
outside, into the yard, where Kodachi sat busy, back turned, next to a 
wooden tub of soapy water. 
  "Pray tell, what are you doing?" he asked. 
  Kodachi jumped in surprise, throwing a toothbrush in the air. 
Turning around angrily, she cried, "What does it LOOK like, you 
idiot?!" 
  Tatewaki shook his head, pointing to the white smock his sister was 
holding. "Is there a specific reason why you must do this yourself?" 
  Picking up her discarded toothbrush, Kodachi continued scrubbing the 
stain she was working on. "I need to keep busy. There is no time to 
think of Mother's recovery at this time!" 
  "She is fine, thank you very much," her brother said. "Resting, if 
you will, in her former bed, in her former room." Tatewaki sighed 
heavily. "I cannot imagine living with her, after all these years." 
  "I could care less how you feel!" Kodachi snarled, although both 
Kunos knew she did not mean it. Scrubbing hard, she added, "Beside 
that, why should you care if these stains refuse to depart?!" 
  "If you insist on staying alone, then that is what you shall receive, 
then," Tatewaki decided, striding off. 
  Kodachi shook her head. Damn blood stains. 
  "Mistress Kodachi?" 
  Once again, the toothbrush was sent into orbit. 
  "SASUKE!!" she screamed. "What now?!" 
  The diminutive man bent low. "Forgive me, Mistress!" he whimpered. 
"But there is a young lady who wishes to see you." 
  "Kodachi?" 
  Kodachi jumped, noticing for the first time that Sasuke had taken the 
liberty of letting this woman inside. Before venom reached her lips, 
the gymnast recognized this woman, and all thoughts of feeding Sasuke 
to the alligator were forgotten. 
  "Chika," Kodachi said, forcing elation into her voice. 
  The newcomer was attired in Western-style clothes, her long, dark hair 
thrown back, cascading down her back. Chika was a fellow student at St. 
Hebereke, who wished to study film production. Kodachi remembered first 
meeting her during cooking class-- she was a mediocre cook, but she was 
very good at what she did. In fact, the last time Kodachi retained her 
for service was to doctor a series of photographs depicting Tatewaki 
and his 'pig-tailed girl.' She did a fine job indeed. 
  Which was probably why she was here today, Kodachi thought. She must 
have found out something important. 
  Sasuke risked a glance at Kodachi's face. "She insisted!" 
  "It would have to be important?" she guessed. 
  Chika nodded, a worried expression on her face. "Remember how you 
said you wanted me to keep tabs on what the Board was doing?" 
  Kodachi nodded impatiently. "I know that; do not waste words." 
  "Sorry," the other girl replied. "Anyway, earlier this morning there 
was a secret meeting, called by Mr. Nakamura, I think. Well, they've 
finally done it." 
  "Done WHAT?!" Kodachi screamed, anticipating the answer she dreaded to 
hear. 
  "Starting this year," Chika recited from memory, "all girls attending 
St. Hebereke school must, by order of the Board of Advisors, and the 
founders of the St. Hebereke Church, convert to the faith, or face 
expulsion." 
  Sasuke gasped, understanding fully the implications. 
  Kodachi fumed with anger, tossing the stained smock in the wash tub. 
"You," she warned, "do NOT want to be in my presence when the news sinks 
all the way in...." 
  "There's more," Chika cried, stepping back from her angry friend. "I 
not only got the audio of the meeting, but also the video! There's 
someone there, the instigator, who you should know about!" 
  "WHO?!!" Kodachi demanded, her booming presence shaking the wash tub. 
  Bursting out in tears from fright, Chika blurted, "ASUKA!!!" 
  Chika flinched, expecting Kodachi to explode. 
  But, all that passed was silence. Kodachi Kuno stood, feet spread, 
arms at her sides, staring at Chika, a glazed look over her eyes. 
  Sasuke tugged at Kodachi's skirt, the young Kuno seemingly oblivious 
to the world around her. 
  "Mistress Kodachi?" he whispered. 
  "Asuka," Kodachi repeated to herself, in a barely audible tone. 
  "Kodachi," Chika stammered, "I'm... sorry." 
  "Asuka...." 
  "For what it's worth, it affects me, too." 
  "Asuka...!" 
  "I mean, it'll affect ALL of us, somehow...." 
  "ASSSSSSUUKKKKKAAAAA!!!" Kodachi screamed. 
  "Kodachi...." Chika said, trying to find something of comfort to say. 
  Unexpectedly, tears blinding her eyes, Kodachi ran toward the wall 
at the end of the yard, and vaulted over in one startling leap. 

  Shampoo finished breakfast just as Ling-ling and Lung-lung, the 
twin Amazons, enter the closed restaurant. Behind them, the two 
dragged a large bell, almost as large as they were-- a bell Shampoo 
recognized, despite the numerous wards pasted on it. 
  "What are you doing with that?" asked Shampoo in Chinese. 
  Ling-ling looked up to her elder with contempt. "Cleaning up your 
messes." 
  "We need to take back everything brought over here," added Lung- 
lung. "We spent all night trying to catch Bakeneko." 
  The girl pointed toward the wards attached to the bell meaningfully. 
"If it weren't for the priests, he would've been too hard to catch 
and contain." 
  Shampoo, seething with anger, grabbed Ling-ling by the throat. 
"Tell me the truth!!" she demanded. "DID YOU SAVE MOUSSE'S LIFE???" 
  Ling-ling kicked Shampoo in the stomach, forcing the elder Amazon 
to release her hold. "Of course not!!" she answered. "What's wrong 
with YOU??!" 
  The other girl whispered in her twin's ear. Ling-ling nodded, 
remembering what happened. "What, you think that because we stick 
around Mousse that WE did it?" 
  "Who ELSE?!" demanded Shampoo in frustration. "There IS NO ONE 
ELSE!!!" 
  "We're sorry about what happened," Lung-lung said. "But, you have 
no one to blame but yourself. In the meantime, we've still got to 
finish cleaning up." 
  "YOUR messes," Ling-ling added with contempt. 
  Screaming at the top of her lungs, Shampoo said, "THIS IS GOD'S 
FAULT!!" 

  Despite being closed, Ranma entered Ucchan's Okonomiyaki, with the 
keys Ukyo had given him long before for emergencies. 
  He almost expected Ukyo to be standing behind the grill, flipping 
several okonomiyaki on the grill. He almost expected the scent- 
stabbing smell of sizzling okonomiyaki to assail his nostrils. He 
almost expected the same smile. 
  Almost. 
  In a flash, Kenzan Konatsu appeared in the doorway leading to the 
back room, dressed in plain working clothes, a drastic change from 
his waitress uniform, Ranma noted. His hair hung loosely down his 
back, as if the kunoichi gave up tying his hair. 
  "Ranma," greeted Konatsu, bowing despite himself. 
  "How's it goin'?" Ranma replied noncommittally. 
  Konatsu ran to the other side of the grill, offering Ranma a stool. 
"You don't look so well." 
  Ranma accepted the seat, planting an elbow on the counter to prop 
his head up. He barely noticed the kunoichi taking his own seat. 
  "Well," the young Saotome began, "I... I don't know what to do." 
  "I told myself the same thing yesterday," Konatsu admitted, shaking 
his head. "But I remembered what Ukyo-sama told me long before, and 
I have to accept that and move on." 
  "What'd she say?" Ranma asked, almost uncaring. 
  "Death happens," the kunoichi answered dryly. "If not today, perhaps 
tomorrow... or the day after that.... But, when it does happen, you 
can't dwell on it, or let it consume you." 
  Ranma shook his head, defeated. "Ain't gonna happen." 
  "Ukyo-sama has kept me busy with her instructions," explained 
Konatsu. "Instructions she gave me in the event that she would not 
come back, one way or another." 
  Quickly, the kunoichi produced a folded set of papers from within 
his shirt, and held them out for Ranma. "I admit, I wasn't supposed to 
look at these, but... I think you should see them, before I carry out 
Ukyo-sama's instructions." 
  Taking the papers from Konatsu's hand, Ranma lazily scanned the 
headers of the pages. His eyes widened in surprise. The martial artist 
glanced at Konatsu, then back at the papers, before speaking. 
  "These... these are Ukyo's adoption papers!" Ranma exclaimed. "How'd 
she get these?!" 
  Konatsu nodded with a sigh. "She told me your mother gave them to 
her, telling her that she'd file them herself. Ukyo-sama gave them to 
me following Ryoga and Akari's wedding, and instructed me to guard 
them. Recently, as of about two weeks ago, Ukyo-sama gave me the 
rest of her instructions." 
  Grabbing the papers from Ranma's hands, Konatsu finished, "I'm 
supposed to burn them." 
  Ranma's jaw dropped in surprise, unsure what to think. "U... Ukyo 
did... what was she thinking?!" 
  "She left her instructions in this note," the kunoichi volunteered, 
producing another paper for Ranma. 
  The young Saotome accepted the paper, nodding to himself as he 
recognized Ukyo's handwriting. 
  Ranma never noticed Konatsu lighting up a match as he read aloud: 
"Konatsu, you are to follow these instructions to the letter in the 
event that I can no longer return to you. I am truly sorry that I 
took advantage of you the day I took you in; however, I must ask you 
to do me this last favor before parting ways for good." 
  Konatsu tossed the flaming adoption papers on the grill as Ranma 
continued. "Remember the papers I gave you back at the wedding? If, 
by the time you carry out these instructions, I have not come to a 
decision upon it, you are to assume that I have rejected Auntie 
Saotome's offer for adoption. I'm sure you've read them by now, even 
though you weren't supposed to... that's okay. In this event, you may 
wonder why I am doing this. Well, kid, I don't think circumventing 
an arranged marriage really works that way. Even though I know I 
can't marry Ranma, the arrangement still stands. My failure to marry 
him results in dishonor-- Auntie Saotome's suggestion was an attempt 
to rend the arrangement null in the first place. Yet... how CAN I 
ignore it? I simply can't live lying to myself; I'll always remember 
the arrangement, and I'll always remember what happened after Ranchan 
and his father ran out. It's something you just can't forget with any 
piece of paper. Therefore, you are to destroy the papers-- burn them, 
shred them, eat them... do whatever you like, but destroy them. I 
couldn't rest easy if Auntie Saotome figured out what I'd done and the 
papers still existed." 
  "I'm proud Ukyo-sama trusted me so," Konatsu said proudly, the 
burning papers reduced to a pile of ashes. 
  Ranma continued, "Secondly, you are to close down the restaurant." 
These words forced a shocked realization in Ranma's eyes. "If I'm not 
coming back, and I've left my restaurant open, then it has to be 
closed. There will be no Ucchan's Okonomiyaki without Ucchan. I want 
you to send my personal belongings to my father in Kyoto-- there 
should be more than enough money left in the safe... assuming someone 
didn't come and rob the place. After everything's been moved, you are 
to sell the restaurant, and use whatever money you get off it to make 
your own way in life... do whatever you want. I release you from 
servitude." 
  "Thirdly, if they're still around, I want you to express my wishes 
to the following people." Ranma scratched his head, wondering already 
what Ukyo had in mind. Too impatient, he scanned down the list, 
running past many familiar names, until he came to the section he 
was looking for. "Akane-- I wrote down a couple recipes down in a 
book you'll find in the bottom drawer of my dresser... under the 
socks. Hopefully, if I wrote it right, an impatient cook like her can 
whip up a basic okonomiyaki... but I might be asking for too much. 
Anyway, in the best scenario Ranma will still enjoy my okonomiyaki." 
  Ranma shook his head. Nobody can replace Ucchan's okonomiyaki. 
  "Ranma-- if he doesn't take my abrupt leaving well, I want you to 
tell him this: 'Cherish those moments we had together, and run with 
them. I've learned, from facing my own disasters, that there's not 
enough time to dwell on the disaster, but more than enough time to 
move on from that. There is plenty of room to look at the bright side 
of things; those are the things to dwell on. There is a time and a 
place for the bad things... but you can't make that your main focus 
in life.... How else do you think I got along in the years before we 
met again? Anyway... I sure as hell don't deserve a guy like you... 
not with the childhood crush I've got! Take care of Akane, or the big 
bad spatula monster'll get ya!'" 
  "I continually wonder why Ukyo-sama continues to belittle herself 
so," Konatsu said as soon as Ranma finished the passage. "She did 
love you." 
  "Yeah, I know," Ranma said, handing the paper back to Konatsu. "How 
I know...." He buried his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes. "Was 
she right?" 
  "What?" asked the kunoichi. 
  "Was she right," explained the young Saotome, "about how I didn't 
really love her? Just before she died, Ucchan told me that I didn't 
really love her... that it was always friends for me. But now... now, 
I don't know anymore." 
  "I believe it is as such when one mourns a loved one," Konatsu 
said, attempting to comfort Ranma. "When both my parents died I was 
quite young... and although I cried for both of them, I did not really 
know either of them. They were the attention at the time... as is 
Ukyo-sama is now." 
  "I loved her," continued the kunoichi. "I loved her with all my 
heart; that I don't doubt. She didn't love me; that I don't doubt. If 
you truly love Ukyo-sama, you will know, because you can tell yourself 
so, with one bare foot resting on the table." 
  "I don't think so," Ranma replied, sulking. "Not in the mood." 
  Konatsu nodded. "Perhaps now is not the time, but I'm asking you 
to do a favor for me." 
  Ranma silently listened. 
  "Please go to Kyoto," the kunoichi posed, "and bring the news to 
Ukyo-sama's father. He doesn't know yet, and I believe it's proper 
that you, her closest friend, bring him the news. I am nothing but 
a lowly servant; it is not my place to be the bearer of such news." 
  Again, Ranma said nothing. The old coot'll probably flog me, he 
thought, if he remembers who I am. 
  "The train I got a ticket for won't leave for another day... 
enough time to make your decision. I'll be here." 
  Before Konatsu turned to leave, Ranma raised his head, and called, 
"Hey, Konatsu...." 
  "Yes?" the kunoichi replied. 
  "Thanks," finished Ranma. 

  Kodachi's feet crashed against the hard wood floor with each step, 
generating a great boom throughout the room. Staring intently at the 
one seated at the opposite end of the room, behind a desk, the 
gymnast girl raised her fists in anger, ignoring the outcries and 
shocked expressions of the other men and women in the chamber. 
  "WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!" demanded Kodachi, slamming her 
palms down on the headmaster's desk. The gathered members of the 
board stepped backward, as if a powerful field surrounded the angry 
girl. 
  The headmaster of Saint Hebereke school, a man dressed in a black 
business suit, leaned back in his chair. "I have no idea what you're 
talking about, Miss Kuno." 
  "You KNOW VERY WELL!" screamed Kodachi. "Where is Asuka?!" 
  "She's not here at the moment," replied the headmaster. Sighing 
deeply, he added, "I see she was right, after all." 
  "You'd BETTER repeal your decision!!" 
  The headmaster shook his head. "I'm afraid you no longer hold any 
lasting power in this school anymore, Miss Kuno." He leaned forward, 
resting his chin on his hands. "Unless, of course, you'd like to 
convert...." 
  "Why, you...!!" The female Kuno could no longer contain herself as 
she reached up her sleeve. 
  "Tell me, Miss Kuno," continued the headmaster, "do you really 
believe that taking your anger out at me would help? Especially with 
Spencer and Sakurai in the room?" 
  Kodachi's anger grew, but discretion overcame her as she remembered 
the headmaster's two pet bodyguards. She could not remember seeing 
the two men when she entered... then again, that could only mean 
they were standing in the shadows... as usual. 
  "I've always wanted to put you in your place," admitted the seated 
man. "You always were the troublemaker... but your brother made sure 
you would exist comfortably. Well, your brother ain't here to save 
you now. This time, the school is in charge!" 
  Curse you, Kodachi thought to herself, for everything! 
  "The students here are the key to the future," continued the 
headmaster. "We intend to make our students the best in Japan, and 
we will do so by instilling a new sense of purpose and discipline! 
One which you, sadly, will not be a part of." 
  I bet Asuka told you that, the gymnast thought bitterly. 
  "A shame; you were one of our most promising students." 
  Loosening herself, taking a deep breath, Kodachi said finally, "Well, 
HEADMASTER, it seems you win this round." 
  The seated man raised an eyebrow, not expecting things to go so 
easily. 
  Folding her arms, the Kuno girl added, "You were so easy to control 
before; perhaps your new concubine put some spine in you?" 
  Before the headmaster could protest, she continued, "There was a 
time when I hated this place. There was a time, so long ago, I 
would gladly rid myself of you, and this school. Ironic, that today 
I struggle to maintain position in that which I despise." 
  Turning to leave, Kodachi yelled over her shoulder, "Give this 
message to Asuka... when and if she decides to come out of hiding." 
  "What'll that be?" asked the headmaster, genuinely curious. 
  "Two things," answered Kodachi. "One: this is far from over. And 
two: I will be back!" 
  Silently, Kodachi exited the room, defeated, yet determined. 
  There exist more than one method by which I may exact my revenge, 
brooded the gymnast quietly. Asuka... darling, you will never see 
it coming. 
  It was only then, when the storm had passed, that the occupants 
of the room realized they were holding their breaths. 

  "Just as you predicted," Nakamura commented, watching Kodachi 
leave the school grounds through the upper story window. He stood 
with his back turned to Asuka and the black-coat man, sipping a 
slender glass of wine in his lips. 
  Asuka poured herself more tea, then lifted her cup as if ready 
to drink. "Kodachi always did rely more on her brother more than she 
was willing to admit. Sever that link, and there be a sick puppy." 
  "Yet, she has great potential... so sorry to see it go to waste," 
mused the priest. 
  The black-coat man voiced, "It doesn't matter. Remember, she's far 
from the only martial artists in town. In Japan, even. There are many 
more much powerful than she." 
  "I'm concerned about what this Kodachi girl may try next," admitted 
Nakamura. He turned to Asuka. "You know her. What'll she do?" 
  Asuka chuckled, slowly taking a sip of tea. "It appears that she 
believes that the headmaster is my link to the school." She eyed the 
black-coat man conspiratorially. "She may try to... 'persuade' him 
to persuade the board to change their minds." 
  "Foolish gesture," Nakamura noted. "Because we did it." 
  "As long as she doesn't know that, we're fine," the black-coat man 
said. "Now, if that matter's settled, on to other business." 
  "Yes," agreed the priest. Addressing Asuka, he said, "I'll ask 
you to leave us for a moment." 
  "Certainly," Asuka replied, bowing. "Matters such as this concern 
me not!" 
  As the White Lily exited quietly, the black-coat man lead Nakamura 
toward an empty wall. He reached over to his right, where a small 
statue rest on a pedestal, and turned it a quarter to the right. As 
expected the wall before the man slid open, revealing a dark flight 
of stairs. Flipping on the light switch near the top of the stairs, 
both men descended the steps. 
  He whispered, "She is quite lovely. So is Kodachi." 
  "Lucky you," agreed Nakamura, nodding. "A good bride for your 
preparation for the Judgement." 
  "Indeed," the other man admitted. "Love is a transient thing... 
earthly love, that is."
  The two men reached the bottom of the stairs, where the man in black 
opened yet another door. The two stepped into a control chamber, 
decorated wall-to-wall with large, portrait-sized monitors hanging 
on each of the five walls other than the wall where the doorway 
existed. As soon as both Nakamura and his fellow stepped to the center 
of the hexagonal chamber, four monitors lit up, revealing men and 
women shrouded in darkness. Only the monitor opposite the door remained 
dark. 
  "I trust everything went according to plan," the man in black 
said, his voice echoing throughout the chamber. 
  "You saw it," one man said. 
  "The Saint be praised!" voiced another, a woman. 
  "Enough chatter," ordered Nakamura. "Though the school may be ours, 
and ours alone, there is still much work to be done. We need you to 
recruit more warriors for our cause. We need them by the end of the 
month." 
  "We're not enough?" asked a man. 
  "Shut up, Sakurai," chastised the first man. 
  "But, Lord Amakusa," said a second woman, addressing the man in 
black. "Why are we acting so soon?" 
  "The timetable is being moved up," Amakusa said. "If we are to 
succeed, I need you to find more warriors... and fast. What the saint 
demands, we shall deliver!" 

  "So there you are," Nodoka Saotome exclaimed, standing in the 
frame of the kitchen door, watching Ranma walk by slowly. 
  "Yo, Mom," Ranma said in a bored manner. 
  "That's no way for my son to behave," she told him. "Where have 
you been all morning?" 
  "Out," the son answered, hoping his mother would cease her prying. 
  "Akane's been looking for you. I sent your father out to look for 
you, too." 
  Ranma remained silent as he continued his slow march. 
  "She's been waiting for you... and so have I." 
  I'm sure you have, he thought bitterly. Grandchildren my ass! 
  Somehow he made his way to the living room, where Akane and Nabiki 
sat on the floor, staring at the television with bored expressions. 
Ranma did not bother to announce himself, choosing instead to throw 
himself on the floor next to his wife. 
  He lay there for several minutes, with only the sound of the 
television to fill the air. 
  "So where've you been?" Akane asked finally. 
  "Ucchan's," he answered. "Where else?" 
  "Ranma," Nabiki said, "you know what your problem is?" Not waiting 
for an answer, she continued, "You're thinking too much. Go do 
something else." 
  Ranma ran his fingers through his hair. "Don't you think I've 
tried?!" 
  "Well, for five-hundred yen, I can take your mind off...." the 
middle Tendo sister offered. 
  "Go 'way," demanded Ranma. "Your fault, too." 
  "Ranma...." Akane voiced, but no words formed on her lips. 
  "Hah!" mocked Nabiki, standing to her feet. "You're going to 
blame everyone else first, huh?!" 
  "You MADE her do it!" countered Ranma. 
  "Ranma, Ranma, Ranma," tsked Nabiki, waving a finger. "If it's 
anyone's fault, it's YOURS." 
  "NABIKI!!!" cried Akane. 
  A smirk on her face, turning to leave, Nabiki stopped herself. She 
produced an envelope from her pocket. "Oh, one more thing." 
  "Whazzat?!" Ranma shot back. 
  Nabiki tossed the envelope down at Ranma. "Kuno-baby sent it." 
  Ranma grabbed the envelope, tearing it open as Nabiki exited the 
room. What does that damn fool want now? 
  Akane stared once at Ranma, then at Nabiki. Getting to her feet, 
she chased after her older sister intently. 
  Reading aloud, he said, "Saotome... not worth my time... I'm the 
best...." 
  Crumpling the letter, Ranma sat up, shouting, "WHAT IS THIS?!" 

  Across town, lounging against the soft leather cushions that made 
up his chair, setting down his copy of "The Tale of Genji" on the 
mantle beside him, Tatewaki Kuno burst in laughter. 

  "NABIKI!!" bellowed Akane, storming into her sister's room 
unannounced. 
  Nabiki sat at her desk, casting an unconcerned glance at Akane. 
In her left hand she fumbled with a portable tape recorder, holding 
it up as if it were sent from God. With her other hand the middle 
Tendo sister carefully penned something on the clean sheet of 
paper before her. 
  "What're you doing?!" demanded the younger girl. 
  "What do you mean?" Nabiki asked, feigning innocence. 
  "You know what I mean!" Akane cried, fuming with anger. "Why're 
you doing that to Ranma?" 
  Nabiki shrugged, then continued writing. "Should keep him sharp." 
  Violently, Akane, with hidden strength, turned the chair Nabiki 
was seated on toward her, forcing her sister to stare into her 
burning eyes. 
  "Really," the elder girl said in a bored tone. 
  "How would you like it if someone told you that when one of YOUR 
friends died?" Akane said. 
  "Oh, grow up," scoffed Nabiki. "Appealing to my humanity never 
works." 
  I'm starting to wonder if you even HAVE any humanity, Akane 
thought angrily. "You didn't even cry when Mom died!" 
  Though she would not show it, Nabiki admitted to herself that 
those words stung. "If I spent my time crying my eyes out and feeling 
sorry for myself, I wouldn't get much done now, would I? Hmmm?" 
  "You don't CARE!" 
  "You're taking all this death nonsense much too seriously." 
  "How can you say that?! You...!" 
  "Unlike you," interrupted Nabiki, "I am still in control." 
  Akane threw her arms up in frustration. "I don't know you," she 
said coldly. 
  Nabiki watched Akane long enough for her to leave the room, then 
pushed her chair back to the desk. 
  You have no idea how wrong you are, Nabiki thought. You just have 
no idea what you're doing. Without direction... lost in a sea of 
emotion... drifting. SOMEONE has to do the tough work, and it 
certainly isn't you. Nor is it Kasumi, nor Daddy. I know better. 
  Which leaves only me. 
  "Well," she said to herself aloud, "now to plan for the future." 
  Thumbing the switches on the tape recorder, Nabiki rewound the 
tape. After waiting several moments, she hit the play button, 
uncaring at what point the tape started. 
  Kasumi's ultra-sweet voice issued from the tiny speaker. 
  It wouldn't do for Ranma or Akane to find out I have another 
source of income, Nabiki thought. So glad Mr. Tokuyama was so 
agreeable to market Kasumi's voice. So glad Kasumi was so 
cooperative, if a bit unwitting about it. 
  After all, money makes the world go 'round. 

  Ranma sat all alone in the night, in the yard, when Akane found him. 
  He stared up at the sky, gazing at the stars with his arms folded 
across his chest, bearing a lost expression usually reserved for 
Ryoga. 
  "You okay?" asked Akane, seating herself at Ranma's side. 
  Ranma sighed. "Sure... why not." 
  "You haven't said anything," Akane said, "to me, or anyone else, and 
you've gone out for hours at a time without telling anyone. You're 
not the only one that's hurting." 
  Ranma said nothing. 
  "C'mon, Ranma," pleaded Akane, "you've got to say something!" 
  "Something," he replied smartly. 
  Trying her best to maintain her patience, she continued, "This 
isn't like you!" 
  "How am I supposed to be," Ranma answered finally, "after I watched 
a friend die in my arms?" 
  He turned to face Akane. "You don't get it, do ya? You just don't 
understand! Do you have ANY idea what it feels like?!" 
  "Of course I do!" yelled Akane, towering over Ranma with her 
presence. "Ukyo was my friend, too!" 
  "YOU didn't WATCH her die!!" Ranma screamed. "WHAT makes you think 
you know how it feels?!" 
  Turning away, lowering his tone, he continued, "you can't imagine 
how HELPLESS I felt... how much I wanted to DO something! How much 
I wanted to be in her place instead! She DID it to save me." 
  "I've never lost anyone in my life before... I had no intention 
of letting that happen... ever." Angrily, he turned back to Akane. 
"So don't you tell me how I should feel!" 
  "Fine, then!" Akane shot back, folding her arms. "Wallow in your 
misery! See if I care!" 
  "Leave me alone... all of you," demanded Ranma. "I don't need 
your sympathy." 

The Next Day 

  "Oh, Shampoo!" Dr. Tofu exclaimed happily as he opened the front 
door of his office. "What a surprise!" 
  Shampoo nodded in greeting. "I come to ask old job back." 
  "Your old job?" repeated Tofu, scratching his chin. "Oh, that's 
right, you were an assistant. But, don't you already have a job?" 
  "I need old job," insisted Shampoo. "Need place to stay when Great- 
grandmother go back to China." 
  "Well, then," Tofu said, adjusting his glasses, "I think I can 
give you a hand, there. Come on in." 
  The Chinese Amazon gestured a hand behind her. "I need also room 
for Mousse." 
  Tofu glanced behind Shampoo, surprised, finding the white-robed 
martial artist lying in a litter. "Hey, what happened?" 
  Shampoo avoided the question. "Need room for Mousse to recover. 
Alone, quiet place, and no way to kill himself." 
  The acupuncturist studied Shampoo carefully, trying to discern if 
she was kidding or not. Giving up, he said, "Well, we'll see what 
we can do." 
  Extending a hand out, he said, "Welcome back." 

  Ranma had no idea if he was at the right place. 
  Earlier that morning Konatsu delivered the round-trip train ticket 
to Ranma. The train left quite early, so, without telling anyone where 
he was going, the young Saotome slipped out of the Tendo household. 
  A few hours later he arrived at his stop, then followed the 
directions Konatsu had provided, among other things. For a while Ranma 
wondered if he was traveling the same path Ukyo had taken long before. 
  The walls of the ramshackle house appeared in obvious need of 
repair, as bits and pieces splintered outward threateningly. There 
were quite a few places where the work of termites was visible, forcing 
the marital artist to watch his step, lest he cave a wall on himself 
or something. The front door was no more than another wall, Ranma 
thought, only that there was a crudely-made hole at one end, probably 
for opening and closing. 
  He knocked, gently rapping his knuckles against the door. 
  Seconds seemed to stretch for minutes. 
  Maybe I got the wrong house? he wondered. 
  And then, someone from behind the door shouted, "Who's there?!" 
  Ranma had no idea what to say to the gruff-sounding voice, as he 
had a good idea who it was, if memory served correctly. "Mr. Kuonji?" 
  The man behind the door remained silent for a moment. "Yeah?" 
  "I need to talk to you," Ranma forced himself to say, trying his 
best to suppress his fear. "It's about your daughter... Ukyo." 
  And then, the door slid open, wood grinding against wood harshly, 
revealing the man Ranma remembered last seeing over ten years ago. 
  Age had not treated Kuonji well, as he had gained some weight since 
Ranma last remembered him. The older man's hair was cropped short 
and neat, and a white headband ran around his head. His beard was 
so strange that it looked like a row of spikes, each a deadly weapon. 
And each pierced into Ranma's soul. 
  "Spill it, kid," ordered Kuonji. "Like before, who're you?" 
  Ranma swallowed. Rehearsing this conversation on the train hardly 
helped at all. 
  "Ranma Saotome," he said finally. 
  Kuonji scratched his chin meaningfully. "Name's fami... oh! You're 
that kid Ukyo used to play with." 
  If Kuonji wanted to leave it at that, Ranma was all for it. "I... I 
was asked to tell you myself, being her closest friend and all... and 
I...." 
  "Stop stuttering," suggested the older man, "and think before you 
say something." 
  Ranma took a deep breath, following the advice. Slowly, the rehearsed 
words reformed in his mind. "I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, 
but your daughter, Ukyo, is dead." 
  Blunt, and to the point, he added to himself. Probably not the best 
way to do it. 
  Kuonji seemed to consider this for a moment, eyeing Ranma carefully 
with skepticism. "Why don't you tell me more, kid." He stepped aside, 
gesturing for Ranma to enter. 
  Gulping, Ranma plunged forward into the Abyss. 

  With a little help from the Chinese twins, Ling-ling and Lung-lung, 
Shampoo finished moving her belongings from the restaurant to the 
doctor's office in no time. Shampoo noticed that while the two girls 
tended to treat her with scorn, she knew that in their eyes they 
were sorry that she had to stay behind. 
  Mousse lay in bed in the room next to Shampoo's, well away from 
any equipment that could be deemed life threatening, especially to 
the broken man, who would like nothing better than to end it. And 
yet, as much as Shampoo would like to do it for him, she knew that 
Mousse was her ticket home. 
  Life plays many cruel ironies, she thought. 
  Sitting on the mattress of her bed, Shampoo reached down under 
the bed, wrapping her fingers around a cylindrical pole object. Slowly 
she produced the metal trident that once belonged to Ukyo, the 
spatula girl, and gazed at her distorted reflection in the polished 
tri-pronged head. 
  She had known many deaths in her youth... from the first warrior 
she defeated in battle, to the numerous tribal skirmishes in the 
Valley, to this recent one. And yet, only the latter seemed to hold 
any meaning for Shampoo, for, unlike so many others who fell before 
her, despite so many differences and conflicts, Ukyo was a name and 
a face. 
  Shampoo had no idea how the spatula girl died, but one thing was 
for sure, there wasn't a body left to give a proper burial. A pity. 
  Still, it was so nice to leave this fascinating weapon behind, she 
thought. I'm sure she'd give it to me, if she knew. 
  She slid a finger down the central prong, wondering how the blood 
would spill down the terrible metal weapon. 
  But, there seemed to be an imperfection when the finger reached 
the point where the two side prongs met with the center. A small, 
slight lump, undetectable to the naked eye... and yet, it was there. 
  The imperfection, in a shape of a circle, seemed to glow an eerie 
purple. 
  Shampoo's eyes locked on the glow, mesmerized by the power she 
glimpsed from it. 
  "No," Shampoo whispered to herself, "not just a fine weapon. A 
powerful weapon!" 
  Yet, where did the spatula girl get it? 
  The glow seemed to call to Shampoo, and the Chinese Amazon 
responded, standing to her feet. "Yes," she said, "Everything's been 
started. Wheels in motion... time... power... ambition... in motion." 
  Her eyes glowed with the same dark purple. "It has begun!" 

  For a long moment, Kuonji sat in cold silence, his chin resting 
on his hands, sitting forward in his seat. Ranma shifted uncomfortably 
in the worn couch he sat in, feeling almost a trickle of sweat beading 
down the side of his head, waiting, perhaps fearing, what the older 
man would say. 
  Ranma had told the story, starting from the day Ukyo attacked his 
father, to Konatsu's entrance into her life, to the weddings of 
friends, to the King of Fighters tournament, and finally, to Ukyo's 
noble sacrifice. And yet, Ranma had decorated as much as he could 
possibly think of to make the girl's death all the more pleasant- 
sounding. Kuonji, however, saw through the trick, and had insisted 
that Ranma recite it exactly as it happened. 
  Only the brooding man's stare made Ranma sure he was still alive. 
  Old Kuonji opened his mouth to say something, but stopped, 
nearly snapping nerves in Ranma's spine. 
  "Kid," he said finally, "why do you think Ukyo would do something 
like that?" 
  "What?" Ranma exclaimed in surprise. 
  "I'm serious, kid," insisted Kuonji. "You probably know more about 
what she does than I do." He shook his head. "Kid, I've not had the 
time to watch Ukyo grow up; she did it all herself, because she was 
the only one she had. I am a working man, and work is my life. As far 
as I know, work is her life, too. So, why would she go ahead and do 
something like that?" 
  Sighing deeply, the younger man gathered his thoughts. Considering 
carefully, Ranma answered, "Honestly, you're giving me too much 
credit; I really don't know." 
  Kuonji raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?" He leaned back, folding 
his arms. "From what you've told me, it sounds as if Ukyo got tired 
of living. Is that why you think she did it?" 
  "Don't be ridiculous!" beamed Ranma, jumping to his feet. "She 
did it because... because...." 
  "If you didn't really know, then you wouldn't have jumped to her 
defense like that," Kuonji pointed out. "So, why?" 
  Damn, you're a tricky one, Ranma thought. No wonder where Ukyo 
got it from. 
  His surge of anger subsiding, Ranma wanted to turn and walk out 
the door, but something inside him told him that Kuonji deserved an 
answer. And yet, despite that thought holding him, the martial 
artist could not think. 
  "She died," he answered finally, "because I killed her!" 
  "I don't know what to think about this spirit thing, but if what 
everything you told me was true, then you didn't kill her." 
  "What difference does it make?!" Ranma cried, feeling the tears 
forming in his eyes. "There's no body because I destroyed it! She's 
not coming back, because of me! And all I did was make it worse!" 
  "Why don't you go back to your loved ones?" suggested Kuonji, 
remaining calm despite his discomfort. "They can help you through 
this better than I can." 
  "They don't understand," the younger man replied, "because they 
didn't have to kill their friends. We can't even give her a decent 
burial... there's not even ashes!" 
  "Like I said," Kuonji said, "I don't know what to believe about 
these spirit things, so if you think she'll wander the Earth for an 
eternity, why don't you have a party?" 
  Ranma lunged at Kuonji in anger and confusion, grabbing the older 
man's shirt. "ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!" 
  "I meant a remembrance!" added Kuonji, struggling to speak. "You 
should celebrate her life!! Now, let go!" 
  Regaining his senses, Ranma released Ukyo's father. He turned his 
back, trying to hide the conflicting emotions washing over his face. 
"Celebrate her life?" he repeated slowly, to himself. 
  "Kid," Kuonji said, "when my wife died, so long ago, I didn't 
know what to do. All I had left was Ukyo, and parents to take care of. 
All I had was that. Being so alone. Now, what you should be doing, is 
stop being alone." 
  Ranma did not answer. 
  "When she was growing up, Ukyo most feared being left alone. It was 
great enough that I had to take her everywhere I went. Well, she had 
the right idea; when we were together, we weren't alone. We both got 
what we wanted. We shared happy times. We suffered. But it was always 
together." 
  Ranma shook his head, balling his fists. "Mr. Kuonji," he said, 
"the rest of Ukyo's belongings will be coming here shortly. Konatsu's 
taking care of it." 
  He turned to face the man once more. "I'm sorry, again." 
  Kuonji nodded, getting to his feet. Quietly, he lead Ranma back to 
the front door, sliding it open. The wood, again, protested against 
the floor, ruining the silence. 
  "You take care of yourself," Kuonji said, as Ranma walked out the 
door. 
  Ranma looked back over his shoulder as he continued. "Sure." 
  But, before he could walk out the gates, the martial artist stopped 
in his tracks. He reached into his pocket, then turned around. 
  "Hey!" he cried, raising the earring Ukyo had given him into the 
air. "I forgot to give you this!" 
  Kuonji's eyes narrowed, focusing on the green dragon earring, 
remembering it since Ukyo had demonstrated she still had them in her 
possession. He called, "She gave you that?" 
  The young Saotome nodded, starting his way back to the door. 
  But the older man shook his head. "Hang on to it, kid," he insisted. 
"If my girl gave you that, then there's got to be a reason. It was 
hers to give away when I gave them to her." 
  Ranma sighed. "Yeah, sure." 
  He brought the dragon earring to eye level, turning it in the 
light of the sun, studying it, almost expecting it to give him the 
answers to everything. Yet, the dragon seemed to say, "Remember," 
and still it did not speak. It stunk of Ukyo's lingering presence. 
  Ukyo, Ranma thought, you're really something. 
  Pocketing the earring, Ranma turned to leave. 

  He had no idea that Ranma had left Nerima altogether, but that 
hardly mattered in the long run for Tatewaki Kuno. 
  Carefully, he penned his latest gloating letter, adjusting the 
wording in order to create the greatest effect. 
  While this sort of revenge was slow in coming, and slow to result, 
Tatewaki learned a good deal of patience in recent events. And now, 
the greatest revenge of all would be the subtle of revenges. 
  One letter written every day, and delivered to Ranma Saotome, was 
good enough a revenge as any to carry out on the craven coward, the 
swordsman thought. 

The Next Evening 

  It felt like a party, what they were holding in the Tendo Dojo, 
Ranma thought, and yet, it wasn't. 
  Informal as it was, the young Saotome stayed close to the food 
table, closest to the beverages, refilling the puny paper cup every 
time he drained it dry. He scanned the room... and all he could see 
were familiar faces-- all those who had come to the party had one 
thing in common. 
  He watched Konatsu, holding Ukyo's giant combat spatula (the one 
she had left behind when she left with Akane that fateful day), talk 
with a group of Ucchan's longtime regulars, among them Hiroshi and 
Daisuke. 
  He saw Kuno, along with his sister and the short ninja, at 
a corner, where Kuno was making some kind of scene-- Ranma didn't 
care what about. 
  He saw Shampoo at another corner, talking with Akane about something. 
Ranma could not help but notice that she was holding the very trident 
that Seiryu had used... the weapon that was the only trace of Ukyo 
left after the titanic battle. 
  Mousse was nowhere to be seen; that was no surprise, seeing as 
how he was barely alive. Tofu, Ranma knew, had promised to look after 
him for Shampoo while she was gone. After all, Tofu still had a 
business to run as well, even if it was late in the evening. 
  And, through all of this, Ranma was surprised that anybody came at 
all. 
  Ranma sighed, refilling his cup for the umpteenth time. He swished 
around the red punch, a red that reminded him of... no. It was nice of 
Mr. Tendo to agree to this... and Mom, too. Heck, Pop even had a 
good word in it, too, surprisingly enough. 
  With his free hand the martial artist fingered the jade dragon 
earring in his pocket, as if it could grant him reassurance. 
  Well, he thought, if these things are supposed to bring good luck, 
then it's not really working.... 
  And his thoughts drifted to Ukyo once again. He almost expected her 
to be there, in the dojo, with everybody else. 
  That's how it should have been, and yet, that's how it's not. 
  "You must be Ranma Saotome," someone said. 
  Ranma nearly jumped at the sound of the newcomer's voice. He turned 
to meet a face he didn't recognize. "Who're you?" 
  "I'm Joseph Nakamura," the man said, extending a hand. "A priest 
at the Saint Hebereke Church. I hear it is your close friend that 
recently passed away." 
  The young martial artist snorted. "Who invited you?" 
  Nakamura spared a glance in Kasumi's direction. "She did." 
  "Gotta talk to Kasumi about that later," Ranma muttered under his 
breath. What gave her the right to bring an evangelist? 
  "Why the glum look?" asked the priest. "Your friend is in a better 
place." 
  "Yeah, where?" Ranma asked sarcastically, then added, "She ain't 
one of you." 
  "In atheist views there is no Heaven nor Hell," continued Nakamura. 
"If you would be so willing, would it please you if I posthumously 
baptized her? Would that ease your mind?" 
  Anger boiled in Ranma's blood at the mere thought. Though he 
wanted to lash out at the priest, something told him that now was 
not the time, nor the place, for such action. 
  "Get lost," he said finally. "Your stupid miracle water can't bring 
her back." 
  "Of course not," the priest replied. "Perhaps she could join the 
saint in the afterlife." 
  "Up yours! Nobody's makin' Ukyo a saint." 
  "Well, then, perhaps...." 
  "I've heard of your recruitment drive," Ranma spat, eyeing Nakamura 
with contempt. "You've already ruined the lives of others... and 
you're not going to do it to any of my friends." 
  "Kodachi?" Nakamura exclaimed in surprise. 
  "She ain't a friend of mine!" the martial artist insisted. "Go 
away, before I lose it!" 
  Smirking, the priest nodded. "I see. Well, then, perhaps some of 
your associates will be more receptive to the Word." He waved his hand 
in a mock salute. "Be seeing you, Saotome." 
  Ranma said nothing, refilling his cup as he watched the priest 
walk off into the crowd. Bastard, he thought, what gave him the right, 
or the idea, to even suggest such a thing?! Ukyo'd rather die before 
she'd let that happen.... 
  Shit. 
  Heck, how could I ever know? She's dead. 
  One thing's for sure, though... that priest was bad news. 
  Reality broke Ranma's reverie when he realized Nabiki was passing 
a microphone around. Konatsu was the first to receive the wired 
object, intended to allow all attending to hear his thoughts about 
Ukyo. 
  The mike screeched for a moment as Konatsu gathered his thoughts. 
"Hello?" he said, tapping his finger on the mike. 
  Those standing close to the speakers yelled out in pain, covering 
their ears. Konatsu winced. 
  "Sorry about that," apologized Konatsu, blushing with embarrassment. 
In his arm he held the spatula, resting against his shoulder, and 
the mike in both hands. "I won't bore you all with the details, but 
thanks for coming. And thank Ranma for suggesting this in the first 
place." 
  No one applauded or cheered, but that was to be expected. 
  The kunoichi continued, "I think I speak for all of us when I say 
Ukyo-sama's made an impact on our lives. For what she was and what 
she did, we miss her." 
  Without another word, Konatsu passed the mike to the waiting hand 
of Tatewaki Kuno. But, not only did Kuno grab the mike, but the 
spatula as well. 
  Holding the spatula in one hand, the mike in the other, Kuno struck 
a dramatic pose. "Alas, poor Ukyo Kuonji," he said, "I knew her!" 
  He raised the spatula high in the air, in emphasis. "THIS, he 
proclaimed, "was the spatula that struck so many an opponent!" 
  With that, many attendees rubbed their heads, even Ranma. 
  "To have it end like this," continued Kuno, his dramatic recital 
making its peak. And yet, even while on a roll, the swordsman seemed 
as if he could no longer carry on the speech, as he struggled to 
find the words. 
  Tossing the spatula back to Konatsu, Kuno passed the mike to 
Kodachi. 
  Kodachi took a deep breath, grasping the mike with both hands, 
close to her lips, eyes closed, as if in prayer (but those who knew 
her knew better than that). Summoning the words, she said, "Ukyo 
Kuonji... I hardly knew her, up until recent times. To say she was 
an excellent chef would be underestimating her skill." 
  Murmurs and nods rushed through the dojo like a wave. Ranma 
couldn't have agreed more, taking another sip from his cup. 
  "She may be of low birth," continued Kodachi, "but birth be no 
barrier to excellence...." 
  Just then the wall behind Kodachi burst apart, sending Kodachi 
flying forward. Kuno raised his bokken in readiness, facing the 
newly-created hole in the dojo wall. 
  "Where am I?!" shouted Ryoga, peeking his head into the dojo. 
  "Ryoga!" exclaimed Akane. "Where've you been?" 
  "Lost," Ranma muttered under his breath, "where else?" 
  Looking around with the same lost expression, Ryoga Hibiki threw 
down his travel pack. "What is this, some kind of party?" he asked. 
  Kuno helped his sister back to her feet. "Of course!" 
  Taking advantage of the distraction, Shampoo grabbed the microphone 
from Kodachi. "Spatula girl strong despite being weak," she said 
quickly. "Too kind to fight." 
  "And you, dear," Kodachi hissed, "are an impudent...!" 
  Sasuke quickly clamped his hand on Kodachi's mouth. "Please, 
Mistress!" he pleaded, just before she bit him. 
  With that, Shampoo tossed the mike toward Ranma. Dropping his cup, 
the young Saotome grabbed it, fumbling with the mike in his hand 
and barely escaping tangling himself in the wire. 
  All eyes were on him. 
  "W...what?" he asked nobody in particular. 
  His eyes scanned the room, and met Akane's. 
  "I guess it's your turn," she said, shrugging. 
  Ranma stared down at the microphone, the dread filling him, 
almost overcoming him. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea, after all. 
  The weight of stares made it even worse. 
  "Ukyo, why'd you have to die?" 
  Too late, he realized he had said those words out-loud. 
  "Ranma," Akane whispered. 
  Trapped, Ranma thought. Damn, damn, damn. 
  Silently, he reached for the earring, clutching it in his fingers 
tightly. Surprisingly, that seemed to give him a little confidence. 
  "I guess you could say," he began, "that I'm the only one here that 
knows Uccha... Ukyo, best." He sighed. "I don't know if you could 
call that close or not, but...." Ranma shook his head. 
  There were no insults, nor jeers, not even from Kuno. 
  For several moments, the young Saotome blinked, covering his eyes 
with his fingers. Lowering his hand, he continued, "We were six, when 
we met the first time. Nearly twelve years ago. We were both of the 
type of family that didn't have too many friends, so I guess we 
were made to complement each other." 
  "We got along great, Ukyo and I. We parted, and we met again, ten 
years later. I thought she was the same old Ucchan I knew as a kid, 
but she'd changed... a lot." 
  "Ranma," Akane said, "maybe I should take it?" 
  "And I never saw it!" Ranma said, seemingly ignoring the girl. 
This time, he didn't care about the tears freely flowing down his 
cheeks. "She died, I have no idea why, and that's because I didn't 
take the time to get to know her!!" 
  Murmurs ran throughout the dojo amidst gasps of surprise. Akane 
ran to her husband's side, trying to think of something to say to him, 
something that could make it all better. 
  But, there was no such luck. She pulled the microphone from Ranma's 
hand, who let go without resistance. 
  "Ukyo," she began quickly, "was one of the most interesting people 
I've ever met." 
  "Understatement," Ranma muttered, trying to walk away, but Akane 
held his arm fast. 
  "I didn't know it when I first met her," continued Akane, wishing 
for Ranma to hear what she had to say, "but I soon learned a good 
deal about her. Ukyo was willing to give up everything for Ranma... 
just as I was-- she was the one willing to do whatever was asked of 
her for him. She was my greatest rival, and yet, she was also a 
friend." 
  Shampoo nodded, folding her arms, the trident resting against one 
shoulder. 
  "Quick to anger, quick to forgive, she reminded me of someone I 
know." Akane forced a weak smile. "And yet, even when she lost Ranma, 
she was still a good friend. It was me, Ranma, and Ukyo... and she 
never complained once after accepting us. She was the first to jump 
up to help us, and the last to give up, because inevitably, she loved 
us both. The king, the queen, and the loyal knight." 
  "Brilliant," praised Kuno. 
  Akane nodded. "I don't really understand what happened these past 
couple of days, but whatever it was, Ukyo helped guarantee our 
future. For that, I'm very grateful, and I wish I could thank her." 
  "Even after all that's happened, I can say without a doubt in my 
mind that I'm proud to have known her." 
  Despite the mood, someone started clapping. Moments later, the 
rest of the dojo's occupants did likewise, save Ranma and Akane. 
  "Right," Ranma said. 
  Akane released her grip on Ranma, allowing him to walk off to be 
by himself. 

  Ryoga stood alone by the koi pond when Akane found him. 
  "Ryoga," Akane said in greeting. 
  The Eternally Lost Boy turned around and smiled. "Hello, Akane." 
  The party had ended not long ago, with the people filtering out of 
the dojo slowly but surely, some wishing to leave quickly because of 
the priest's badgering. Ranma had disappeared, but Akane knew he 
had not gone far. 
  "I need to ask you a favor," Akane said. 
  "What is it?" asked Ryoga. 
  "I need you to talk to Ranma," she explained. "Try to help him out 
of his depression." It's certainly much better an idea than Nakamura's 
own solution. She added, "You're his friend; you can do it." 
  Ryoga seemed to consider that, then shook his head. "I'm sorry, 
Akane, but I can't do that." 
  "Why not?" 
  "I've learned in my travels that one has to find their own ways to 
deal with the pain," he replied. "What I have in mind is probably not 
what you, or Ranma, want." 
  "I see," Akane said, nodding in understanding. "He's really taking 
this hard." Harder than when my mother died. "I can't stand to see 
him like this. Why can't he tell that I'm hurting, too?" 
  Ryoga said nothing, not knowing what was expected of him. His eyes 
drifted to the koi pond, the original object of his stay in the 
Tendo yard. He closed his eyes, then lowered his head, taking a deep 
breath, readying himself for what he must do. 
  "Akane, I need to tell you something," Ryoga said suddenly. 
  "What is it?" 
  "I've got to tell you my darkest secret... because I feel the need 
to tell you." 
  "Don't," Akane replied, holding up a hand before her. "Whatever it 
is, it can't be as important as what is going on now." She raised her 
head, staring at the stars. "At a time such as this, the past should 
not be an anchor by which to hinder the movement toward the future. 
Ukyo told me as much... once." 
  "I... I see," Ryoga stammered, forcing a nod. His expression turned 
into one of freedom, as if the imaginary shackles were thrown from his 
body. "Well, Akane, I guess I'll be heading back out again." 
  "Going to find Akari's house again?" Akane guessed. Every time Ryoga 
tried to leave town he was aiming for Akari's, but he never got there 
in any reasonable amount of time. "That reminds me...." 
  Producing a folded paper from a pocket, she handed it to Ryoga. She 
said, "This was something Ukyo wanted to give you... something she 
made a while ago. Konatsu gave it to me to give to you." 
  Ryoga accepted the paper, unfolding it carefully. He stared at the 
contents, his jaw dropping in surprise. "It's... a map?" 
  Akane nodded. "It's probably not perfect, but it's designed to help 
you get from here to there and back again, assuming you follow the 
directions." 
  "Th... thanks, Akane." 
  "No, you should thank Ukyo." Oh, that's right.... 
  Ryoga nodded. "Well, I'll be seeing you," he said. "Tell Ranma I 
hope everything works out for him. And for you, too." 
  "Me too," agreed Akane. 
  Akane watched the Eternally Lost Boy, map open in his hands, make 
his way toward the gate. When he disappeared from her sight, she sighed 
deeply, glad that her sticky business was over. 
  Over time, Akane learned to forgive Ryoga's deception as P-chan. 
  If there was anyone Ukyo reminded Akane of, it was of Akane herself. 

  Konatsu found Ranma sitting alone on the roof of the Tendo house, 
brooding. 
  "Are you okay?" asked the kunoichi. "You don't look good." 
  Ranma shook his head. "I'll be fine." 
  Wordlessly, Konatsu disagreed, seating himself next to the martial 
artist, setting down Ukyo's spatula beside him. "Since I've sold the 
building so fast," he said, "I'll be leaving tomorrow." 
  "No more Ucchan's," Ranma muttered. 
  Konatsu nodded. "For the moment, I'll be staying with Ukyo-sama's 
family in Kyoto. Not only will this give me the chance to deliver the 
rest of Ukyo-sama's belongings, but I'll be able to meet her father 
and thank him personally." 
  "For what?" asked Ranma, not for the sake of curiosity. 
  "For raising Ukyo-sama, of course," replied the kunoichi. "I am 
quite anxious to meet him." 
  He turned to face Ranma, extending a hand. "A pleasure to know 
you," Konatsu said. 
  Ranma extended his own hand, giving a handshake. "Take care of 
yourself." 
  "You too." 
  Konatsu stood up, scooping up the giant spatula. Staring off into 
the stars, he took a deep breath, and walked off, leaving Ranma 
alone to contemplate. 

The Next Day 

  Mousse did not bother to shift his position in the bed when the man 
entered the room. 
  "You're Mousse, right?" the newcomer said, shutting the door quietly 
behind him. 
  The wounded martial artist said nothing, refusing to look at the man. 
  "I hear you are a warrior of no small water," continued the man. 
  Right, Mousse thought. A warrior who should be dead. He wished for 
his weapons back, but wishing did no good, just like the other times. 
  "I also hear that you suffered a near-fatal experience." 
  "What's your point?" the Chinese martial artist asked, speaking with 
contempt in his voice. "By all rights, I should've died." 
  "But you didn't," the man pointed out. "I've heard from our recent 
convert, Dr. Tofu, that you were saved by 'an angel of mercy.'" 
  "'Angel of mercy' my ass." 
  "Allow me to introduce myself: I am Joseph Nakamura, the local head 
of the Saint Hebereke Church. I'm sure you've heard of it?" 
  Mousse refused to acknowledge the man. 
  "Very well, you only need to listen," Nakamura decided. "I believe 
the only reason you survived your experience was due to the 
intervention of Saint Hebereke. He saw it fit to send an angel to help 
you in your time of need and deliver you from your suffering." 
  Again, Mousse did not reply. 
  "Dr. Tofu thinks you'll be lucky if you can recover and maintain 
your former mobility. After all, the blade edge did damage some nerves. 
So, what I propose is this: open yourself to Saint Hebereke." 
  Mousse snorted in contempt. 
  "Join my flock, Mousse," encouraged Nakamura. "Not only can Saint 
Hebereke offer you complete recovery, but direction! The time draws 
near toward Judgement, and mankind must be deemed worthy. Join us, and 
help us assure a brighter future for us all!" 
  "Is that all you have to say?" Mousse replied. 
  "Of course!" Nakamura answered. "You could be a great asset for 
Heaven's chosen champions, alongside Tofu, Mariko, Spencer, and 
Sakurai. You can have purpose in your life again! You can do anything 
at the saint's side!" 
  For the first time, Mousse turned over in his bed, facing the 
priest. "Come here," he said. 
  Complying, Nakamura bent down to Mousse's face. 
  Only to be greeted by a wad of sticky saliva on his cheek. The 
priest stepped back in surprise. 
  "Leave," ordered Mousse. "Don't ever come here with your God-crap 
and hope to bring me over. Don't believe that you can ever control 
Mousse, pride of Joketsuzoku, Master of Hidden Weapons." 
  "Unlike you, I am free," explained the Master of Hidden Weapons. 
"I am free of Shampoo; my destiny is my own. I will not let that 
slip through my grasp-- never again. Especially not to you craven 
God-fearing cowards-- you are your own Hell, you bastards. You're so 
insecure in your faith that you have to run around town looking for 
converts, because everyone is against you." 
  Nakamura stammered, "T...that's blasphemy!" 
  "As I said," Mousse replied with a twisted smile. "There is no such 
thing as an 'angel of mercy;' take it from me. I was given no favors. 
I was shown no mercy. But what I HAVE been shown was that humanity can 
set its own course. You, in your cowardly way, are the reeds that blow 
with the wind; I am but a feather in the wind-- no, I AM the wind! 
I am free to change. You, the reeds, may swing with the change, but 
you are ever rooted in your values... values that cling to DIRT." 
  "I think it best to leave now," Nakamura decided, standing up. 
  "I think so as well," Mousse agreed. "But, one more thing." 
  "What's that?" the priest asked, his hand on the door. 
  "I will recover," the Chinese martial artist declared. "I will 
recover, and tear you down, until all there is will be you and the 
wind. I will make sure that no one else will ever succumb to your lies 
and prophecies-- false hopes to replace shattered dreams. I will make 
sure that each and every man, woman, and child you deceived will be 
given back control over their lives and destinies. I will succeed, 
because I am the winds. Change is inevitable; are YOU ready for it? 
You, my friend, have made an enemy this day-- you should never have 
tried to deny my freedom." 
  "Because," Mousse concluded, "you can take away my life, but no one 
can take my freedom!" 

  "Can't believe we've got to go back, after everything that's 
happened," Ranma said sourly, throwing himself into his seat. 
  No one answered the complaint. He watched Akane, a few seats in 
front of him, settle down, pulling out a pencil in readiness. He 
watched Hiroshi converse with his other friends, standing in their 
own corner. 
  He almost saw Ukyo cook okonomiyaki at the teacher's desk. 
  But, the entrance of the teacher broke the spell holding Ranma's 
thoughts. 
  "Good morning, class," the teacher said, throwing his books down 
on his desk. He watched in amusement as the students scrambled to 
their seats, trying their best to be silent. 
  "Well, the headmaster wanted to hold an assembly this morning," 
the teacher continued, "but it seems that he'll be taking an extended 
leave for a few weeks." 
  "'Least that's good news," Ranma muttered under his breath. 
  "Therefore, I'll be making an announcement for him," finished the 
teacher. "I'll make this brief, but I would like to welcome a new 
student to Furinkan High." 
  As if on cue, the classroom door burst open. 
  Already, Ranma remembered the first time Ukyo walked through that 
door, but this student wore the girl's uniform. He shook his head in 
shock as he realized who this 'new' student was. 
  A storm of black rose petals burst in the air as Kodachi Kuno made 
her grand entrance. 
  "Shit," Ranma cursed under his breath. 
  "Laaaah-hah-hah-hah!!" laughed Kodachi, making her grand entrance. 
  "As you've all probably heard," explained the teacher, "since the 
new regulations at a certain OTHER school, all schools in the area 
will be taking in the mass influx." He sighed. 
  "I am Kodachi... the Black Rose," Kodachi announced herself, bowing 
low, as if she were a performer. 
  Many of the students groaned at the thought of Kuno's sister in 
their class. 
  "Just when ya thought it was all over," rambled Hiroshi, "they throw 
us another one." 
  "At least she's a babe...." whispered Daisuke. 
  Feeling utterly defeated, Ranma slammed his head down on the desk. 

  Not far from Furinkan High, in the carefully-constructed yard of 
the wealthy Kuno family, Tatewaki Kuno laughed. 
  "Revenge is a dish best served cold," he said. "In the reign of 
Kuno, the form is swift and sure!" 
  "Your torment is far from over, Saotome," he vowed. 

  Ranma sat alone on the park bench, staring at the ground where birds 
ran amidst a sea of feed, originating from the bag at the martial 
artist's side. 
  Sighing, he remembered the vision Seiryu had shown him long ago: of 
this very same park, destroyed by fire, where Nemesis had confronted 
the largest gathering of the world's finest warriors-- and subsequently 
destroyed them all. A time where Seiryu lost her eye, and with it, her 
sense of rationality, he thought. She probably went mad there. 
  For a moment, he wondered when Seiryu came into being. That, she 
did not show him; after all, she wanted him to believe that she was 
still Ukyo. Something in the time between now and that critical event 
must have happened... but what, is a mystery. Still, now that Ukyo 
was gone, she'll never become Seiryu, and thus no one will ever know. 
  Time travel hurts, he thought. 
  He watched the pigeons peck at the feed, but one pigeon in 
particular, Ranma noticed, refrained from such action as taken by his 
fellows. 
  It was that same pigeon that transformed before Ranma's eyes into 
the former Orochi assassin, Shifter. He dressed in a typical business 
suit, as if he were an executive out on a stroll. The relatively 
modern dress itself was an unusual sight for Higure, barring the 
fact that he appeared at all. 
  "A penny for your thoughts," Higure Furui said in greeting, despite 
Ranma's shocked expression. "Well, of course there are no pennies 
around, but that is the expression." 
  Recovering, Ranma said, "I should've guessed it was you." 
  Higure smiled, sitting down next to the young Saotome, waving a 
feather fan in his face. "It is not like you to reflect for an extended 
period of time, is it?" 
  "You could say that," replied Ranma, uncaringly staring at the 
pigeons. "Whaddaya want this time?" 
  "Only to talk." 
  "I'm not going anywhere. Besides, if I tried to ditch you, you'd 
find a way to catch up." 
  That remark forced the Shinto wizard to laugh. 
  "You are thinking of your friend, Ukyo," he guessed. 
  When Ranma refused to answer, Higure continued, "Well, I must admit, 
although I taught her a bit in our brief time of acquaintance, she 
also managed to teach me a few things, too. Not common for a man of 
my age." 
  "A thousand years of living must be hell," Ranma commented. 
  "In a sense, yes," agreed the former assassin. "I am truly glad to 
be released from such a fate. Anyway, as I was saying, I told Ukyo 
the same thing I told you and the others: about the numbers guiding 
your destinies. I was right about some things, but that girl proved 
I was wrong about others." 
  "'Bout what?" 
  "She told me that there was no such thing as destiny, and that, in 
the end, it is the people that matter, not the numbers. 'When one 
person dies, we remember that person. When a million people die, we 
remember a statistic.'" The former assassin shrugged. "When one puts 
it that way, the numbers sound quite cold, but it is true." 
  "Figures she'd say something like that." 
  "She was right, because seven of you survived the final conflict. 
She was right, because if it were not for certain individuals, the 
casualty list would have been much longer." 
  "You mean me and Mousse?" 
  Higure nodded. "And Tatewaki Kuno should have died as well; his 
survival is quite surprising, considering what he did." 
  "Probably the phoenix doo-hickey," Ranma guessed. 
  "Of course," the wizard said, "you do realize that the Chinese 
phoenix is not quite the same as the popularized Western phoenix. Ah 
well, as it stands today, they may as well be the same thing. Either 
way, it may have been worse if I had not retrieved Ryoga Hibiki for 
the battle as well." 
  "I still don't think he appreciated your prodding." 
  "Perhaps not, but it was the simplest way, and sometimes simple is 
best." 
  Ranma said nothing. Even after all he had been through, he still 
barely understood how the assassin's mind worked. 
  For that matter, he never figured out what Ukyo really was. 
  "You got Ryoga all by yourself," he pointed out, "what made you do 
that?" 
  Higure shrugged. "Sometimes Fate needs a helping hand." 
  The young Saotome groaned. 
  "Anyway, in the brief time I have known your friend, Ukyo," the 
Shinto wizard concluded, "I believe she was one of the wisest I have 
ever met. That is quite rare for someone so young. I suppose growing 
up hard may have had something to do with it." 
  "Yeah, I guess so," agreed Ranma. Reflecting, he decided, she must 
have had to grow up real fast. She probably really did have a harder 
time growing up than I did. 
  And, after all this time, she never did tell me about it. 
  "Of course, it had to end this way," Higure continued, "because 
she knew how much everything was riding on you. A great degree of 
foresight on her part, that. I find that was as tragic as when her 
ancestor had to leave Ashinzo behind. This time, at least, she did not 
leave." 
  "I guess making up for past mistakes helps a bit," Ranma said. 
"Still... I really, REALLY, wish I'd gotten to know her better. After 
all this time, I still couldn't figure her out." 
  "It does help to know your friends," agreed the wizard, "but 
sometimes, there are sides of them they really do not wish you to 
know, and that may be the case here. For instance, how would you react 
to her if you knew that she was a distant descendant of the Orochi 
Family?" 
  "She's a WHAT?!" Ranma yelled out in surprise, staring at the Shinto 
wizard incredulously. 
  "Did you ever wonder why she wielded so much chi power?" asked 
Higure. 
  "It's not quite the same as what I use," the young martial artist 
knew. "Ashinzo said it was the ultimate psychokinetic force-- I 
figured, if anything, she was an esper." 
  "Lady Kuno is an esper, but Ukyo is not," the former assassin 
corrected. "The Lady possesses teleportation ability-- I assume you 
witnessed that firsthand in your initial encounter with Nemesis-- as 
well as advanced telepathy, although I believe she did not know this 
until recently. Teleportation is a very common ability of espers, but 
it is not without its own risks; many develop heart disorders from 
repeated teleportations. But, did you ever observe Ukyo demonstrate 
those abilities?" 
  "Now that I think about it... no." 
  "Dragons are masters of chi," lectured Higure. "As such, those of 
the dragon's blood are as well. That is why the members of the Orochi 
Family are formidable. And, by extension, their children are, as 
well." 
  "But I thought Ukyo didn't have any Orochi blood in her!" 
  "That is true. As I stated before, she is a rather distant 
descendant of the Orochi Family. Although such persons are rare, it 
is not unheard of. Though their Orochi blood was worn thin by the 
inevitable domination of human blood, the imprint of the dragon was 
embedded in their genetic structure. They are, effectively, touched by 
the dragons. They may not possess the blood, but the ability is still 
there. Only those with the knowledge of the Orochi arts could 
distinguish it from any other martial arts ability." 
  Makes sense, Ranma thought. If what Herb said of the Musk Dynasty 
is true, then their animal traits are part of their heritage now, 
even if they don't mate with cursed animals anymore.... 
  For a moment, Ranma wondered if Kagura, the Guardian of the Seal, 
knew. 
  "Ukyo, as well as her ancestor before her, possessed the Orochi 
Power of Water, a minor partition of the Orochi arts, and not too 
terribly powerful at that. However, the original Orochi Master of 
Water was quite clever himself; he refused to limit himself with 
just the water power, but instead used it to augment another power: 
psychokinetics, as you call it. It was, after all, a sort of natural 
extension of the Water Power-- water is, in nature, fluid, responsive, 
and a force in its own right. I would not be surprised if she was 
descended from one of the original members of the Orochi Family, or 
even the Master of Water himself." 
  The Shinto wizard shrugged. "If you had not noticed when you 
battled against Goenitz, the Master of Wind, teleportation became the 
domain of the Users of Wind." 
  "This just boggles," Ranma said, clutching his head with both 
hands, as if someone was smashing his head in. "I suppose the Orochi 
blood also confers a degree of psychic activity. That's the only way 
Seiryu could have done her stunts." 
  "It does, yes. But never confuse that with espers; Orochis are far 
more powerful, and more versatile, than espers. They are a blend of 
chi masters and espers, if you wish to think of it in that manner." 
  Ranma shook his head, trying his best to clear his thoughts. 
  "If it helps any, I believe Ukyo did not know this herself," the 
wizard offered in consolation. "Many wielders of fantastic power live 
their lives without ever knowing their full potential." 
  She could've beaten me to a pulp whenever she wanted to, the 
young Saotome thought. She could've overpowered me at any time! And 
yet... even with all that power... she didn't. Aware of it or not, 
willing to use it or not... Ukyo could only refrain from doing it if 
she really did care. 
  "I suppose it appropriate that she was the User of Water," the 
former assassin mused. "In Musashi's 'Book of Five Rings,' the Book of 
Water was what Musashi used to describe himself, the Book of Wind to 
describe his opponents, and the Book of Fire to describe how to wage 
a battle. Appropriate, that it also describe you and Tatewaki Kuno, 
as well. You, as with the Book of Winds, know your opponents, and use 
that knowledge well. As with the Book of Fire and Tatewaki, he 
successfully defeated an opponent that was his equal, if not his 
better. And, as with the Book of Water and Ukyo, she knew herself-- 
thus remaining true to herself in the end. Interesting, how these 
things work out." 
  At that point, Ranma was no longer interested in listening to the 
Shinto wizard's musings, consumed by his own thoughts. 
  "I can't believe I strung her along with the rest of them," Ranma 
muttered. "I can't believe how much of a jerk I've been with her, 
after all she put aside for me. I mean, she gave up power, she gave 
up her last hope of returning to society with honor, to be my 
friend... if not my wife. Dammit, WHY are we THIS concerned about 
honor, to the point of supidity and death? And hell, she just gave 
up her life, too, just to be my friend!" 
  Ranma banged his head with his fists. "And where was I during all 
of this?!" 
  "If I were you," suggested Higure, "I would cease to think in that 
manner, and remember her for what she was, and what she was worth." 
  "How come I never noticed?!" the martial artist cried, seemingly 
ignoring the Shinto wizard's words. 
  "Instead of mourning, celebrate her life. Tell me, because you are 
her friend... would she appreciate what you are doing right now?" 
  "Probably not," Ranma admitted, "but I don't care!!" 
  "Ranma, you have a wife... someone to share your pain. She suffers 
as well. Suffer together; misery loves company." 
  "I'll keep that in mind," Ranma replied noncommittally. He could 
almost hear Pantyhose Taro laughing at him, pointing out his moment 
of weakness. Well, right now, he didn't care. Nothing was harder 
than burying an old friend. 
  Standing to his feet, Higure added, "When you can find it in 
your heart to forgive yourself, Ranma Saotome, you can do anything. 
When you remember why Ukyo gave up her life for you to live, you can 
do anything. When you remember the past, and learn from the mistakes 
of the past... you can look forward to the bright future ahead of you. 
When you remember to live without regrets, the past will never stop 
you. When you remember your friends, remember them for what they 
were, and what they have become, because they are still your friends, 
and, despite how they appear to you on the outside, they are there 
for you, on the inside. When you remember this all, I will be back." 
  Silently, the Shinto wizard headed toward the exit of the park on 
foot, leaving Ranma alone with his thoughts. 
  "After all," the former Orochi assassin, known as Shifter, told 
himself, "Ranma Saotome, the wheel turns forevermore, the flame 
burns brighter still; your journey has only just begun." 



"From time to time, you will make mistakes. They are inevitable. 
  Sometimes, those mistakes will be huge. What matters is that you 
  learn from them. There is nothing wrong with falling down, as long 
  as you end up just two inches taller, when you pick yourself up off 
  the fall." 
"At times, you may end up far away from home. You may not be sure of 
  where you belong anymore. Home is always there, because home is 
  not a place. It is wherever your passion takes you." 
"As you continue on your path, you will lose some friends and gain 
  some new ones. The process is painful, but often necessary. They 
  will change and you will change, because life is change. From time 
  to time, they must find their own way and that way may not be yours.
  Enjoy them for what they are and remember them for what they were." 
"I believe that, sooner or later, no matter what happened, things do 
  work out. Well, we have hard times. We suffer. We lose loved ones. 
  The road is never easy. It was never meant to be easy, but in the 
  long road, if you stay to what you believe, things do work out." 
"Always be willing to fight for what you believe in. It doesn't matter 
  if a thousand people agree with you or one person agrees with you. 
  It doesn't matter if you stand completely alone. Fight for what 
  you believe. Which begins me to the first piece of advice my dad 
  gave me, and now I am giving to you: 'Never start a fight, but 
  always finish it.'" 
						-- Sheridan, Babylon 5 

					*  *  *  *  *
Closing: Lambada Ranma 

  [Akane:]      In our Tendo dojo,
  [chorus:]     our tenant
  [Akane:]      Ranma had harsh training at,
  [chorus:]     Jusenkyo.
  [Genma:]      Quite a tragedy!
  [Ranma:]      When I pour water on myself,
  [Girl Ranma:] I turn female,
                with my messed-up life.
  [chorus:]     Akane's fiancee!

Ranma: You are SO uncute! 
Akane: I refuse to marry that pervert! 
Genma: Hmm, how should I explain this?  
Ranma! I'll kill you!! Shampoo 

Soun: How do you explain yourself, Ranma? 
Kasumi: Oh, there's so much activity here today. 
Nabiki: That doesn't make sense, Sister.
My, how manly you've become! Nodoka 

Tofu: Kasumi?! Kasumi?! Where?! 
Cologne: You're quite skilled, Son-in-law. 
Ryoga: Where's Furinkan High?! 
You're the only man for me! Akari 

Kuno: You! How dare you speak to Akane in that manner?! 
Kodachi: Come here, my darling pet! Ohoooohooo! 
Sasuke: Master, are you sure that's wise? 
Bowl cuts for da sistas, buzz cuts for da bruddas! Daichi 

  [Akane:]      In our Tendo dojo,
  [chorus:]     our tenant
  [Akane:]      Ranma had harsh training at,
  [chorus:]     Jusenkyo.
  [Genma:]      Quite a tragedy!
  [Ranma:]      When I pour water on myself,
  [Girl Ranma:] I turn female,
                with my messed-up life.
  [chorus:]     Akane's fiancee!

[Guide:]	Honorable guest, here!
		Legendary training grounds, Jusenkyo.
		Honorable guest, you're crazy.
		It's so dangerous, no one uses these grounds!

		Ah, honorable guest, what are you doing?!
		If you fall in, something terrible will happen.
		Aiyaa, you fell in Nyannichuan.

		In Nyannichuan 1500 years ago, a young girl drowned,
		that is its tragic legend!
		Ever since, anyone who drowns there...
		that cursed spring transforms into a young girl!
		See, you turned into a girl.

Asuka: Perfection is beauty, is it not? 
Taro: Ha-hah! I've got you now, Femme-boy! 
Happosai: Hahahaa, I've got Akane's panties! 
Soon you'll know how it feels to lose your true love! Mousse 

Shoto: What YOU need is some good old-fashioned discipline! 
Konatsu: Beautiful kimonos, excellent wage, wonderful boss!  
Ukyo: What you're tasting is the best okonomiyaki in the world! 
.... Shampoo's Dad (I HAVE a name, too! It's....) 

Tsubasa: You idiot! I'm a GUY! 
Gambling King: You LOSE!  
Hinako: Ooooh! Look at all that candy! 
Damn that fool Saotome!! OOOWWWWW!!! Gosunkugi 

Natsume: The Tendo dojo belongs to its greatest students! 
Kurumi: That looks DELICIOUS!! 
Ryu: Is THAT what you call technique?! 
Aiyah! Would you please catch that? Ling-ling, Lung-lung 

  [Akane:]      In our Tendo dojo,
  [chorus:]     our tenant
  [Akane:]      Ranma had harsh training at,
  [chorus:]     Jusenkyo.
  [Genma:]      Quite a tragedy!
  [Ranma:]      When I pour water on myself,
  [Girl Ranma:] I turn female,
                with my messed-up life.
  [chorus:]     Akane's fiancee!

[Ranma:]	"I didn't ask for this!" 
[chorus:]	Akane's fiance! 
[Akane:]	"Who ASKED you?!" 
[chorus:]	Akane's fiance! 
-----------------------------------------------
Author's Rant

  Warmage was given a redeeming trait in his character because I 
felt he shouldn't be so irredeemable as I initially wrote him out to 
be. As an extremely powerful bad guy (TM), I gave him the chance to 
be human once again, and to return to the light (ala Darth Vader). 
The catalyst, of course, was Ukyo, who stirred-up long-forgotten 
memories of his beloved Kei. 
  In addition, although it was not my original intention, I gave 
new life to three other assassins: Shifter, Strand, and Clash. I 
tried hard to keep the identity of Higure Furui's brother, Akutare, 
a secret-- not until the critical moment, when it is revealed that he 
is actually Strand, and he is quite dead indeed. This was an added 
incentive for Shifter's eventual defection, since this is against 
the laws of nature which he fervently serves. Also take note that 
Strand is nothing like his brother, preferring worldly pleasures as 
having fantasies of having his way with Kodachi's mom. Clash, on 
the other hand, is pretty much your stereotypical fallen samurai. 
His drive is honor-- which is what brought him to Orochi in the 
first place, and his eventual death, the only release from his oaths. 
Originally I was going to make Lash Clash's sister, but considering 
the parallels it draws with Kodachi and Tatewaki, I opted to make 
her his wife instead. Makes much more room for the vengeful heart. 
  Daichi and Shoto. A pair of swords some call Daisho. Kuno tradition. 
  Take a wild guess who saved Mousse from bleeding to death. In any 
case, now Mousse is worse than dead-- he has no future to look 
forward to, in addition to being rendered invalid though Shampoo's 
handiwork. 
  As noted in her first appearance, Seiryu is missing a few buttons. 
The fact she was attempting to usurp control over Ukyo's body should 
have been a flag that something was wrong. 
  Tatewaki was just filled with references, wasn't he? King Lear, 
Babylon 5, Lord of the Rings.... Yet, the Gandalf reference was simply 
a happy accident; I didn't plan it that way, only knew that it was 
going to happen somehow. It just happened like that. 
  I called it 'Heart of Ice' for a REASON, you know ;) Did you catch 
any of the other, less-obvious references back there? Consider it a 
tribute. 
  The Mousse/Nakamura scene was partially based on someone I know 
who really hates getting bugged by evangelists every day. Note, also, 
that the church building, instead of facing east, faces west. If east 
is up, then west is downward... you get the picture. 
  I've always intended for Ranma and Ukyo to turn out the way they 
did, as this series was basically about them. Still, I thought Ranma 
should get a taste of what he's missing; I personally think Ranma 
DOES NOT DESERVE Ukyo. Ranma and Akane deserve each other (interpret 
that as you will). 

The Characters

  Kodachi has undergone a complete 360-degree turnaround in this 
series; at the start, it was she who told Tatewaki to embrace life 
rather than death (when, in reality, she was fleeing death). In the 
last story, she did a whole 180, after she had 'died,' then she 
embracing death. And, finally, another 180 as she realizes that to 
truly live is not to embrace just death, but life as well. You can't 
go through life by just embracing death, and you can't go through 
life by fearing death. 
  I jumped on the chance to entangle Tatewaki Kuno in a new, more 
serious, corundum: instead of Akane or the pig-tailed girl, it's 
Kodachi or Ranma-- the great debate between obligation to family 
and honor. Well, I went with what I felt was most suited for Kuno, 
and, considering that he's quite willing to 'sidestep' honor, well, 
he's more inclined toward family when he can. This idea recurs as 
well in the final battle between Ranma and Nemesis-- Kuno refuses to 
allow Ranma to take out his mother, even though she is an evil 
person (if not by choice). 
  Brash and abrasive as ever, Pantyhose Taro has gotten a taste of 
what it means to be part of a family-- having no such positive 
influences on his life while growing-up. While he continues to bash 
others as usual, Taro tries to understand the feeling of love-- 
why his heart beats so for Kodachi (well, who WOULDN'T-- she's a 
BABE!! ;). However, I had to write him out early in the story, as he 
was, at most, peripheral to the story. If I had kept him in for too 
long, he would've overshadowed some other characters. Sending him home 
was the best (and easiest) way to get rid of him; besides, it's not 
like he himself won't be busy.... 
  Effectively, Ryoga has gotten a life, and therefore he's more 
inclined to stick with it rather than hang around Ranma all the time. 
He and Akari are doing fine.... Everything's great now that he's 
convinced himself that Akane doesn't know his secret. 
  Mousse-- ah, what a long, twisted, hard road! It took a great deal 
of work to turn him against Shampoo-- he tried once before in the 
series when Shampoo was forcibly-removed from his life, but in the 
end he found he was still latched-on to her, even though she wasn't 
latched-on to him (she likes Mousse the warrior, but not Mousse the 
Person, mind you). And, when Shampoo helped shatter Mousse's hopes of 
finally killing Ranma before leaving Japan for good, he lost all 
respect for her (he can't return home a loser, 'cuz he's got the 
warrior pride and all), and begins to wonder why he ever chased her. 
The fact that Shampoo was staying behind was the final nail in the 
coffin-- dislike becomes scorn. Too bad for Mousse that he can't 
beat Ranma anymore-- not in his weakened condition. He's far worse 
than dead-- greater than the death of flesh is the death of dreams 
and the death of hope. And yet, even in death, there may yet be hope. 
  Ling-ling and Lung-lung were always the rules-lawyers (as Dungeons 
and Dragons players term it); the entire time they've been justifying 
their actions based on the rules alone, as if it made everything 
right. They helped rescue Ranma before because Shampoo was acting 
against tribal rules (although Cologne ignored it as well-- more 
likely, the rule was forgotten). They helped Mousse to help fulfill 
his warrior pride, and to get a shot at Ranma again, who they've 
come to despise. As with Taro, I've written them out of most of the 
critical moments of the story, as they might detract from the real 
characters of the story. They just disappeared into life just like 
Shampoo's father always had.... 
  Shampoo-- ah, what a terrible, terrible life! Not only had she 
lost the chance at marrying Ranma, but she also lost face in front 
of the rest of the tribe. Even though Cologne is still alive and 
well, she is, after all a hundred-years old, and she can't last 
forever, so Shampoo may eventually become leader. As such, more 
was expected from her than from others, especially Mousse, who saw 
fit to judge her himself. To Mousse, she comes off as terribly 
cold, calculating, and selfish, as he blames her for his shame as 
well as for neglecting her duties by staying behind in Japan. 
However, hidden under the cold exterior, Shampoo knows what is 
expected of her, and what needs to be done. Also, bearing the 
weapon of the fallen enemy will have its consequences.... 
  Konatsu needed some growing to do, but everything surrounding the 
kunoichi was much more subtle-- as in the final scene, where he is 
revealed to have learned quite a bit from Ukyo about running a 
successful business. In fact, if it turns out he has nothing else 
better to do, the shop's pretty much his. Compared to the others, he 
was relatively quiet and inopinioned-- that's the way he's always 
been. Still, he did become quite important in the end, if only to 
help further the plot surrounding Ranma and Ukyo. 
  Akane hasn't changed much. There's nothing much TO change. 
  Nabiki got thrown into two distinct roles: that of a leader, and 
that of a human being-- when she took it upon herself to establish 
the band, and when she failed her college entrance exams. The 
invincible and masterful Nabiki Tendo was created and toppled at 
once, throwing her back down to a more earthly level. However, she 
is still as crafty as ever, and she's not willing to take defeat 
lying down. 
  Kasumi-- and Tofu, for that matter-- may be in for a bumpy 
ride ahead, and it won't be because they're together. Exterior 
forces are on the move, and these two are caught in the middle! 
  Nodoka is obsessed with family and honor (in a sort, the same as 
Kuno, but more to the point of insanity). With family affairs in 
reasonable order, the next logical extension is to-- get 
grandchildren as soon as possible! She's so worked up that she 
even managed to convince Soun and Genma that this is the way to go. 
  Shifter, also known as Higure Furui, may have only appeared a 
grand total of four times in the entire series (#1 as an unnamed, 
2, 15 as the robed man who appeared at the beginning, and 16), but 
his role changed drastically only now. To be in close contact with 
a human, after an extended period of time fighting, rekindled old 
feelings and individuality in the assassin. In the end, he was the 
one who made the final battle possible. Although he was wrong about 
some things, he proved invaluable for the side of humanity. Only 
time will tell what will become of him. 
  Ranma-- the star of the series, although indirectly, was thrown 
into Hell without discrimination. Although his actions had little 
worth at the beginning, toward the end of the series his actions 
(and inactions) have lead to his downfall-- from selfishly refusing 
help from the others to allowing Seiryu to torture his mind on 
several occasions (whether she was with him or not). However, many 
previous experiences served to aid him in the final battle against 
mad Seiryu-- the battle against the danceman, Johan, the battle 
against Taydome's mechanical army, even Seiryu's 'mental 
conditioning' contributed to the ultimate victory. 
  The 'other star' of the series, Ukyo, has gone through the most 
rigorous ordeals to become a better person. Although she cannot 
forget her love for Ranma, she cannot forget that he's beyond her 
grasp, either. Well, she's been nearly-fatally-stabbed by an 
Orochi assassin (who subsequently infected her with Orochi blood), 
been bludgeoned to death by Warmage's psychic attacks, been turned 
against herself by the ravaging Orochi blood, faced-off against 
Herb, resulting with the birth of her 'newfound power,' had fallen 
under the power of the Reversal Jewel to kill Ranma, and shared 
bodies with her future self, Seiryu. Also, she's been thrust into 
the role of her ancestor, Kei, as the Jade Dragon, as a key player 
in the battle against the Orochi's minions, earning her enemies she 
never wished for. Power comes with a price-- and Ukyo paid the 
ultimate price: her life. I am not afraid to kill off characters, 
so long as the characters die well (or not...). By her death Seiryu 
was reborn in a youthful body-- a being that very well may not be 
Ukyo at all. And yet, despite being a different person, Ranma was 
forced to destroy his old friend, ending the cycle of anger. 

The Future 

  This story may be over, but it is far from the end. The China gang 
have to deal with whoever is behind the mess back home-- minus 
Shampoo and Mousse. Kodachi and her St. Hebereke cohorts have to deal 
with the rising power of the Christian evangelists-- and question 
their own beliefs. Tsubasa wakes up one morning as a female. Yamata 
no Orochi is far from finished in his plans; the time of Reunion is 
about to arrive! Sasuke turns out to be the long-lost brother of 
Ranma. Dr. Philip Taydome, the American robotics engineer who designed 
the advanced GAIA robots, as well as the US black ops chairmen, won't 
let a few setbacks keep them from their goals. Mulder and Scully make 
a little trip to a place called Nerima. Second Impact, and the arrival 
of the Angels. The final conflict between Sailor Moon and Galaxia. 
Spaceballs 3: In Search of Part 2. And, of course, Judgement Day-- 
with or without Nemesis. All the while, with Ranma at the center, who 
must deal with a conflict of his own-- the death of an old friend. 
  As with any good story, anything can happen. 

  I told you when I started that not everyone was coming home 
alive, and I kept my promise. Raise your hands if you expected me to 
kill off my favorite character. Raise your hands if you thought it 
was going to be either Mousse or Kuno. 
  The entire Wheel of Fire series was heavily influenced by Babylon 
5 and its philosophies. Now is a good a time as any to get started; 
watch the entire run on TNT if you're in the States. 
  The title of the final part is a parodic reference to the final 
manga story, "Ranma and Akane." 

-- Razorclaw X, signing off 
http://www.crosswinds.net/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html

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  The eyes of Ukyo's father watched Ranma depart from the weed- 
stricken yard. He never left his position by the entrance to the 
Kuonji home until the young man closed the gate behind him. Slowly, 
Kuonji retreated back inside the ramshackle house, quietly sliding 
the rotting door closed. 
  "It's finally done," he whispered with a sigh. Mopping his forehead 
with the back of his hand, the tired man focused his eyes to the dark 
shadows of the hallway. "Are you sure this is how you want it?" 
  "You know just as well as I this is how it must be," replied the 
one standing in the shadows. "Insult has been repaid with death; why 
drag it on any further?" 
  "Still, this way leaves the Saotome kid a wreak," Kuonji pointed 
out. "Is that what you want?" 
  That question caught the shadow by surprise. "This has nothing to 
do with what I want." 
  Kuonji shrugged. "If you say so." 
  "He'll get over it, in time," assured the shadowy figure. Changing 
the subject, the shadow added, "We'll wait at least three days before 
setting up shop; I don't intend to let Ranma know that you've been 
taken care of, which will lead to suspicions, then prying eyes, then 
exposure. That's something I really would like to avoid, you know, 
after all this work." 
  "I understand," replied Ukyo's father, nodding carefully. "Still, 
are you sure about this?" 
  Stepping out of the shadows, the figure held one arm outstretched, 
a soft thumb rubbing over a green, stone object. Kuonji had no doubt 
to what that object was; after all, it had been passed down through 
the generations of his family. 
  Of course, currently there was only one Jade Dragon earring; the 
other was in the hands of Ranma, by the wishes of Ukyo. 
  Ukyo Kuonji threw her arms around her father, embracing him 
tightly. "This is the only way, Father, that I can make up for 
everything-- for running out, for time lost, and to get my mind off 
Ranma, and his mind off me. He's got a wife, and he ought to get on 
with his life; he can't do that while I'm around, not after what 
I've done to him." Or, more like what my other self did. Shaking her 
head, the chef girl said, "He's strong; he can do it. That's why I'm 
doing this; if anything, this even can only make him STRONGER." 
  She added, "Konatsu should be coming around with the rest of my 
stuff within a week or so as well. I'm glad he sold the shop so fast!" 
  "I still don't understand why you trusted that kid and not your 
friend here," said Kuonji, confused. 
  "I've placed a great deal of trust in Konatsu," Ukyo said. "He will 
never let me down; he'll never tell them the truth, not until I ask 
him to. Sure, they'll all probably find out about me eventually, but 
by then I hope everything'll have settled down." 
  "Now it's just you, me, and Grandpa and Grandma; I'll make sure to 
work hard!" Raising her voice in determination, Ukyo added, "This will 
be the last generation of the Kuonji family that lives in poverty!" 
  "Welcome home, Ukyo," Kuonji whispered, hugging his daughter with 
tears rolling down his cheeks. 


"There will come a time in your lives, a defining moment, that will 
  change your lives forever. That may come sooner, or later; but 
  you will know when it comes. That moment, a new door is opened for 
  you-- your thoughts travel in ways you have never dreamed before; 
  new options are available at your disposal." 
"It seemed only yesterday I found mine. It took a friend... at the 
  time, not a close one... to realize it. It took an even closer 
  friend to come to terms with it. From that day forward, I knew 
  what I wanted to do, knew what I had to do, knew what was right." 
"I leave you with these parting thoughts: follow your heart. You will  
  know when something is right, not because someone told you it was 
  right, or a set of rules or laws tells you it is right, but you 
  FEEL it is right. That is called your conscience; listen to your 
  conscience. Seize the moment, but do not confine yourself to the 
  moment, as you must also look to the future, as well as the past, to 
  move on. Never dwell in any one moment for long-- be it mourning of 
  a loved one, your favorite birthday, or a beloved pet... but never 
  forget them, either. (long pause) Finally, make the most of yourself; 
  never settle for enough, but excel! You are the bright minds of our 
  future; make the most of it, and, most of all, make us proud." 
				-- Dr. Kodachi Kuno, M.D., on her 
					speech to the graduating 
					class of '78, U. Tokyo 

					*  *  *  *  *

-----------------------------------------------------
Miscellaneous 

  Draw your own conclusions. 
  In the end, the numbers don't matter; it is the people who matter. 
If you are reading this, you either got tired of the fic and skipped 
to the bottom, or you didn't believe me the first time when the EOF 
tag was put in place as I usually do after my ranting. 


"Decepticons FOREVER!"--Ravage, former Decepticon 
"If you go to Z'ha'dum, you will die."--Kosh, Babylon 5 
"NOW what?"--any Babylon 5 fan after watching the final episode 

"Now I enter these hallowed halls... a conqueror, yess. Autobots and 
  Decepticons, still frozen in emergency stasis, awaiting the moment, 
  four million years hence, when they will awaken to start the Great 
  War. The Great War, where the Autobots defeated the Decepticons, 
  and thus, their descendents, the Maximals, rule we Predacons. 
  Archaic energon guzzlers, how dare they!" 
"Unwilling though I was to follow my namesake's instructions, it has 
  all come down to this... the ultimate risk, for the ultimate prize! 
  A Day of Reckoning, with those who made us SLAVES!" 
"So, we are now face-to-face, Optimus Prime. In one future you will 
  awaken and become the great leader of the Autobots. But time shall 
  take a different track now.... Computer! All available power to 
  primary weapon!" 
"And now, Optimus Prime, in MEMORY of the Decepticons, for the GLORY 
  of the Predacons, for the Cybertron that is rightfully OURS-- and 
  MINE to rule... I unleash the storm of vengeance! Farewell...!" 
						--Megatron, Beast Wars 

Razorclaw X (spiceoflife@NOREPLYhotmail.com)
http://www.crosswinds.net/~slythe/ranma/ranff.html 

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