Of Curses and Rebirth

Part 2

Ranma gazed out the window of the privet jet. They would be landing in a few minutes. She couldn't wait. Kuno had agreed to allow Msu Tsu, Happosai, and Kou Lon along on this journey. They would train hard on this trip. Hopefully, Kuno and Kodachi would be able to accept the truth of their heritage.

"Pigtail? We're landing now," Kuno's voice came over the intercom.

Ranma nodded to her self and buckled in. Turning to Msu Tsu she said, "Who would have thought that Kuno would have a pilot's license."

"No kidding. He's not as stupid as I thought."

"He must get it from his ancestoress," Happosai said. "The Lady knows his ancestor was an idiot."

Ranma chuckled, remembering all the times she had beaten the tall swordsman in her past life. Gods but she missed him. She missed them all.

After disembarking they went to the harbor and loaded into the boat that was waiting for them. It was fast, and would get them to their destination in a few days. In the old days of her last life, it would have taken 2-3 weeks to reach the Island. And that was only if the Island's mistress would allow you to find it. But that wouldn't be a problem. 'Happosai' was her servant. She was expecting them, and would allow safe passage.

Time passed, and Ranma waited patently to reach the Island. Her future, and the fate of the world, as corny as it sounded, depended on the things she would learn, or RE-learn on this trip. They had all summer, and Ranma intended to take full advantage of the time they had.

"Yes, Kodachi-san? What can I do for you?" she asked as she felt the approach of the gymnast behind her.

"What is my Ranma-sama to you?"

"I don't really know. We… compliment each other in a fight. We work well together… I guess you could say he's a friend, possibly even the brother I never had."

"But nothing more?"

"Nothing more. There will never be anything more between us."

"I see."

They stood in silence for a time. Watching the play of the waves on the horizon. It was peaceful, no storms hindered their progress and they would soon reach their destination.

"When will we reach the island?"

"Tonight, possibly tomorrow. "

Kodachi looked at the red head and asked, "How is it that it is not shown on any other maps?"

"Because it is hidden in a magic mist. So unless the Lady of the Island welcomes you, you will never find it. But she knows me, and will welcome us upon the shores."

"Who is she?"

"One who speaks to the animals of the world. And when we get there, Kodachi? Don't make her angry. She would have no trouble killing all of us."

Kodachi nodded and Ranma went below deck, intent to get some sleep.

Dawn came with the sight of the Island. Ranma smiled as they came to the cove that served as a port. The rocks had been cut away in places to form a stone dock, and they waid anchor. A tall woman in a white sundress, with pail blond hair and deeply tanned skin, greeted them.

"Hello old friend," the woman said. "It has been a while. What name should I call you now?"

"Kuno calls me Pigtail, Kodachi and the others call me Ranma."

The woman blinked and said, "Chaos? How fitting."

"No kidding. Is everything ready?"

"Yes. Your rooms have been prepared as requested." She turned to look as Happosai and Kou Lon. "If you to decide to go at it at night, move the bed from the wall and keep the noise to a dull roar. I need my sleep."