Okay, people.

First of all my sincere apologizes for taking so long. It has been, what, over a month since last update? Well, I have good excuses though. First of all, fire broke out in my home. Nobody was harmed, thank God, but it has taken time to get my life back in order. Then as a result I had small moment when I was not interested in any fics. And then, when my interest returned, Inuyasha, that darn dog, came and demanded a short fic for him, which took me about two weeks to make. So, again, very sorry but such is life.

Thanks for the amazing people who reviewed my last chapter: My-name-is-foxglove, ranma girl 14, jdcocoagirl, SakuraJade, Akane112, Mystical-Dreamer57 and Irena. You guys are beyond awesome.

Not wanting to keep you guys waiting any longer this chapter lacks throughout checking, so I'm sorry for any lingual errors and others of the sort that might appear.

Disclaimers: Rumiko owns them, I just make the story.

CHAPTER 10

Although Akane loved beautiful dresses there were the next woman, she had terrible time of actually feel comfortable in one. She supposed it was because she spent most of her time in, what some would call men's clothes. Certainly she felt more comfortable in trousers, whereas her sister Nabiki, businesswoman through and through, could make herself look comfortable in anything she wore.

Also, Akane had trouble of keeping her balance when walking on high heels.

"Akane, if you're not comfortable with this, why did you insist of coming here with me today?" Nabiki asked as they entered the building where Kuno Companies were having their fund race.

"Well, haven't you always said I should socialize with people more?" Akane said, trying to avoid the truth. What am I suppose to say? That I suspect a vigilante vampire may come crushing the party?

Nabiki stared her for a moment. "Yeah, but I would have thought you would start with people you are more comfortable with. Not with people who are coming to meet my boss. Sis, you can't fool me. What are you really here for?"

Akane squirmed. "Nabiki, I would love to tell you, but either you wouldn't believe me or it would bring troubles. Just trust me enough and not ask questions?"

Nabiki smirked. "Sure, how much are you willing to pay me?"

"Pay you for what?"

Both Tendo girls turned around to see Tatewaki Kuno walking to them, dressed in fancy tux.

"Oh, nothing. Say boss, you look good today. Very eatable" Nabiki quickly changed the subject.

Kuno blinked. "That's…awfully kind of you to say".

Nabiki grabbed Akane by the hand. "Well, we shall be here somewhere. Call me if you need something" and with that she dragged her sister to crowd.

"Enjoy yourself" Kuno said darkly.

"Master".

Kuno turned to see his servant Sasuke, who seemed to have appeared out of nowhere.

"What is it?"

"There has been some disturbance outside".

"What kind of disturbance?"

"I found one of our human guards in a dazed state. He says he can't recall what happened but I could see signs of mind manipulation being used on him".

"I see. Keep an eye on things then, Sasuke" Kuno ordered.

"As you command, Master".

--

Nabiki had gone talking to some important company executives leaving Akane to roam on her own. The place was filled with expensively dressed important people. She recognized government officials, politicians, scientists, some of the closest advisors of the Empress and nearly all the important Japanese level 1s she could think of.

She could see Kuno talking with his sister Kodachi in the back. As much as Akane always had disliked Kuno, it came nowhere near as close to absolute revulsion she felt everytime she met the Black Rose. The woman basically held a neon sign over her head that said psycho.

Turning around she saw an old little man sitting in one of the tables, surrounded by people ready to serve him. Minister Happosai, Akane realized. A level one vampire who had been old as long as Akane could recall, yet simply refused to kick the bucket. Happosai had been present back when the peace had been made in 1945 and was currently enjoying a very comfortable life.

Akane shuddered when the old vampire's eyes momentarily passed her. He had the lecherous look in them. However, she noticed that his eyes suddenly spotted something that made him look like he had tasted something foul. Akane followed his gaze and saw a young woman with long brown hair, dressed in beautiful black and blue dress that did justice for her figure.

Akane realized that this woman was none other than Ukyo Kounji. Ukyo was a level 2 vampire and probably the most internationally famous of that level. She had played her part in making the peace and after the War she had started her company that produced the medical blood vampires mostly used these days. She now had factories in almost every major country in the world and it was said her "fake blood" had been the only one that successfully satisfied vampires and kept them from acquiring blood from humans.

Even vampires of level 1 had acknowledged her, which alone was a great honor for level 2. Still, apparently not all of them, Akane thought as she saw Happosai's reaction.

"You look stunning in that dress".

Akane turned around to see who had complimented her and came face to face with a young woman, probably no older than she was. She had red hair tied up to her head and blue eyes, and a big smiling face. She was dressed in green dress. Akane blinked when she looked at her. She could not recall ever meeting this woman before but there was something familiar about her.

"Ah, er, thank you" Akane said.

"I knew you would be stunning once you'd get rid of those pants. I imagine your legs must be fantastic also" red haired woman said with her eyes sparkling.

Akane felt rather uncomfortable. "Do I know you?"

Woman giggled. "I said I'd do myself makeover. Do you like my new looks?"

Akane's eyes winded and she blushed and paled at the same time. "Ranma?" she whispered.

The woman came very close to Akane with her finger on her lips. "Shh, let that be our secret for now".

"But…but…how?" Akane stuttered.

Ranma winked. "One of my special abilities" he/she said.

Akane had heard that most of the level 1 vampires had special abilities, including transforming themselves to animals or looking like a different person. Still, Ranma wasn't a level 1. At least…she didn't think he was.

Akane realized something unsettling. I have no clue what level he really is. Level 1 gone berserk… Akane shuddered for the thought.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please?"

Akane and Ranma turned to look at speaker's booth where Kuno was standing.

"On the behalf of the Kuno Companies, it is time to reveal the big secret. For many months now there have been rumors concerning our science and research department. Rumors have varied from us making a vaccine for chicken-pox to us creating a doomsday machine".

Kuno smiled and most of the people laughed. Akane didn't.

"I can now tell what it is that we have made. Quite simply, Kuno companies have found a way to get us closer for better world".

"This I got to hear" Ranma muttered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have found a way to solve level 3 problem".

The whole place fell to silence for about four seconds, before murmuring and whispering started.

"But…how?" someone asked.

Kuno smiled. "Let me introduce to you all a man who has made this impossible dream possible. The man who helps to a new era. Our leading scientist; Dr. Tofu Ono!"

There were applauds everywhere but Akane heard nothing. She just stared in complete disbelief when her future brother-in-law walked next to Kuno. She couldn't even make a good sentence in her mind.

This…it just…no way…what…

"Is something wrong, Akane?" the female Ranma asked.

Akane just kept staring Tofu who by now had started to talk.

Ranma's eyes narrowed. "He wouldn't by any chance happen to be the trustworthy person you gave that aspirin, would he?"

Akane didn't say anything, but her gaze revealed enough.

Ranma snorted. "Aspirin, my ass".

Akane started to catch what Tofu was saying.

"…the so called level 3 problem will soon be history. After three years of experimenting and recreating, we have created a cure for the decease known as level 3 state" he said.

"Explain!" someone demanded.

"By researching the unique qualities of level 1 vampire's blood, I and my team have manage to create a vaccine that, when given to level 3, will change their genetic code".

"Does that mean they'll become humans again?"

"No, I'm afraid not. Once the transformation has happened human can no longer return back" Tofu explained.

"So will they become level 2s?"

"I would say it makes them level 2 ½ more likely. The experiments we have done for level 3s given to our custody with the permission of the Empress, have regained their intellect and memories. However, they still posses greater strength and instincts than humans, as well they need blood to survive, but at least they are no longer rabid animals hunting mindlessly".

"Do you have proofs?!" a disbelieving voice demanded.

Tofu and Kuno made way as a large TV screen was lowered from the ceiling.

"You shall now see recorded material concerning our research" Tofu explained.

The lights dimmed in the great hall. Akane looked to her side and noticed to her horror that Ranma had disappeared. She tried to see in the dark and locate a red head but couldn't find one. Instead she did find her sister Nabiki again.

"Did you know?" Akane whispered.

"What?"

"About all this?"

Nabiki shook her head. "No, I had no idea. I mean, sure I had heard rumors that there has been something big going on in the science section during the past three years, but I would have never expected something so huge. Having level 3s becoming normal…Akane, you might lose your job. And this vaccine is going to make a lot of money. I need to invest immediately".

"Nabiki!" Akane hissed.

"What?"

"That's not what I meant. I asked if you knew that Tofu is working for Kuno."

Nabiki blinked. "No…no, I had no idea. And I've made it my business to know who all work for Kuno. I need to have a little one on one talk with Gosunkugi".

Akane shook her head. She would not be getting anything useful out of her now. Besides her mind was too preoccupied with the recent discoveries.

If Tofu is working for Kuno, she thought, does that mean he lied to me about the aspirin. It would be easier to believe Ranma has just been feeding me bull, but my instincts have been on his side this whole time. He did save me from that psycho mercenary. But still…if Dr. Tofu is caught in some of Kuno's shady activities…this could end up badly for Kasumi. Tofu, please don't be a con.

And where the heck is Ranma anyway?

Akane kept trying to look around in the darkness but didn't see a thing. She turned to the TV screen and saw a level 3 in a cage being injected with something.

That's dangerous, putting your hands so close to those things.

The recording showed how in few days the man, level 3, had started to behave more calmly and even talking rationally. He still had red eyes and pale skin, but he was nothing like the bloodsucking monsters Akane had often met and exterminated in her job.

Kami-sami…they really can do it…maybe Ranma got it all wrong. This drug doesn't turn level 2s to level 3s, it's the other way around. Then why do I still have such an uneasy feeling about this?

The lights came back and for a moment there was nothing but silence. And then the whole hall was filled with applauds and cheering.

"Ladies and gentlemen" Kuno said again "it is time for us to move towards a new, better age".

"A one where you give orders, perhaps?"

Everyone turned to the direction of the voice. Akane already knew what she would see.

People took a step back from Ranma who was again his male self. The green dress Akane had seen him wearing not long ago then was gone and replaced with black pants and coat, with red Chinese style shirt.

Kuno blinked when he saw the intruder. He immediately recognized the description. "Guards!"

In a matter of few seconds, Ranma was surrounded by armed guards. There was a lot of fear suddenly in the air, coming from the other people. Ranma on the other hand was still smiling and acting as if there wasn't a worry in the world.

Kuno smirked. "So…it's the mysterious trouble maker. Do not be alarmed, ladies and gentlemen. This person here is wanted for questioning by the police. Before my men shall take you away, rascal, shall we at least know your name?"

Ranma smiled. "Ranma Saotome" he declared.

Kuno's brows frowned. "Saotome…" he whispered. "Why does that sound familiar?"

There was a sound of plate dropping to floor. Everyone turned to see Minister Happosai standing up and staring at Ranma with something of a surprise, astonishment and horror in his eyes.

"You…it can't be…" the old vampire sputtered.

Ranma waved his hand. "Hey, Happi. Long time no see".

To be continued...

Please God, don't throw any other disaster in my way so I can update sooner this time.

Reviews are always welcome.