Author's Notes –

I don't own either Ranma ½ or Negima, I'm simply a fan of both series.

I hope that everyone enjoyed the last chapter and the entire fic so far. As always, much love and thanks to my betas KitsuneOverlord and Teturo for their outstanding work to improve this fic, if anyone doubts that, just look at how bad the fic was before they joined on as betas… all those stupid grammatical mistakes and continuity errors.

I also have to thank my wife for her love and support, and the MP3 player I got for Christmas – now I can listen to my music without distracting her or using my computer. I find that good music helps my writing. My best writings were to the soundtrack to Please Save My Earth or to Project Majestic Mix – A Tribute to Nobou Uematsu.

Anyways, enough of me, back to the fic – Thanks to Quathis for your fun reviews; Observer01 because you provide great ideas and funny insights; Darkforce222, Dumbledork, RanmaChaos, and Kamen Rider Den-O for your dependable reviews; Fionn the Otaku for great counterpoints and useful insight, I know you'll like the next few chapters; TerraBull for the useful ideas; and finally to all the other reviewers who've helped with their encouraging reviews.

Please read and review as I'm always looking for some good input on what the readers think of the quality of the story as a whole or of the individual chapters and how the story is turning out.

Thanks you all for reading.


Waking up early was nothing new to the lithe and acrobatic Makie. While she had missed medaling at the regional competition and earning an invitation to the national competition Makie clearly had worked hard everyday even after the competitions were over. Even after leaving for England with Ayaka and the others the young gymnast had not stopped her daily training sessions with exception of the early morning that they had followed Negi and the others to the strange rocky outcropping.

Glancing at the magical guns that she had acquired from a traveling merchant at the Nameless Cafe, Makie flicked her wrist as she set up several glassy objects on the sand with her ribbon so that she could practice with her guns. Stashing her ribbon away she grabbed the twin guns. Taking a deep breath she shot the assorted targets, hitting each one with a blast of magical fire, leaving nothing but hot glass.

Yuna may have bigger breasts, and she might be the "Kid", but I've got these hot guns!

Holstering her guns she couldn't repress her grin as she thought of what she'd been able to accomplish since starting up her make-shift magical training. Eying the star-tipped wand laying next to her ribbon and batons the gymnast hoped that no one would notice the growing number of smooth, glassy rocks. Thankfully the desert wind had helped her hide the evidence of her training as small dunes covered the glass.

Walking over to the area that she had set up the targets Makie dug a small pit and waited for the glass to cool before throwing them into the hole and covering them with more sand. Satisfied that none were left she let out a little yawn. Reaching for the sky she leaned back as she arched her back as she stretched.

"Wha-?" Looking up at the still dark morning sky she saw something glowing in empty darkness.


Feeling the cool desert night's air on his warm skin Ranma looked up at the sea of starts overhead. Finished with the new paint job he hoped that ship's new appearance would keep other bounty hunters from recognizing the ship. Where the ship had once had a sleek build and a crimson finish it was now a dark shade of sandstone with several long fins in to make up for the additional bulk.

Yawning he arched his back as he loosened the muscles in his back and neck. Though he needed less sleep following the binding of Nasham, Ranma knew that it was best that he sleep at a different time then the girls. Though the succubae inside of him were mischievous and loved to take him dream hopping whenever he closed his eyes, there was more to his new sleep schedule then he dared to admit to the girls. Since binding the cursed demon armor Ranma had begun to feel more agitated and aggressive. He hadn't realized it himself until the night after he had kissed both Akira and Haruna, but he had been more aggressive, not merely assertive as he had initially thought. At first he had thought creating the pactio with the girls would be enough to channel and divert some of the magical energies that he had received from the demon armor, but after a few more days of feeling edgy and restless Ranma accepted that he didn't know enough about magic to properly address his newfound problems with magic.

Cracking his knuckles Ranma leapt off the hull of the airship and immediately began performing a kata. While it was easier to remain calm when he performed a kata, meditated, or wasn't around the girls Ranma knew that he couldn't rely on those measures alone.

Seeing his shadow flicker beneath him Ranma paused as he looked up at the night sky again. Seeing a message scrawled in rough Kanji the cursed boy knew that few people would be able to read the message unless they had spent some amount of time in Japan or studying the language.

Ranma – We have four Mahora girls. Come alone.

Rushing to the door of the airship he quickly pulled the map out of the satchel and spread it out. Looking up at the message in the sky and tried to follow the directions as he compared it to the map. Leaping back on top of the airship Ranma turned east. "Scorpion's Pit," he ground out as he realized just where the message's owner wanted him to go.


The gentle hum of the bustling marketplace was as a welcome getaway from the exuberant roars and cheers from the crowd in the arena. While the fights had initially proven to be very useful to gauge their skill and power, and to find the weaknesses in their combat ability Negi couldn't help but think that he still had a long way to go if he wanted to catch up to the mysterious Fate.

"What is it that I lack?" he asked aloud as he wandered through a café. "I guess it would be a finishing move or something like that."

"What's this about finishing moves?" another hooded figure asked.

Startled, Negi turned around to face the mysterious figure. "Um, no, it wasn't anything like that…"

"Hahaha, not to worry," the hooded figure replied. "It's nothing to be embarrassed with; fighters such as yourself are always looking for ways to improve themselves and a strike that'll kill if it hits is definitely a way to show others how strong you really are."

Negi couldn't help but gulp as he considered what the mysterious man had said.

"Having a killing blow or two would definitely make the other teams, no, any opponents you face, think twice about messing with you."

"Um," Negi stammered as he peered through the shadowy hood at the man's face, "and who might you be?"

"Hehe, just another fan of the fighters," the man replied. "Just another fan of strong fighters like what you want to be."

Staring at the mysterious man Negi couldn't help but think that there was more to the man then he had let on. Still, Negi couldn't dispute the man's claims; despite his many victories in the arena the boy clearly felt that he had a long ways to go before he could be considered a strong fighter like his father had been.

"For five hundred thousand drachma I'll teach you a decent finishing move," the man said with a smile. "Add in two hundred thousand more for living expenses and training equipment and you have yourself a deal."

Stumbling as he backpedaled from the odd offer Negi wasn't sure if he could take the man seriously. "No thanks," Negi replied as he pulled up the hood of his own cloak.

Even in his disguise Negi knew that he needed to be discrete as possible due to the fame that his current alias had apparently garnered. Hiding in the shadows of his cloak the young magical prodigy casually made his way out of the café and back onto the street before heading through the crowded street to the only less crowded city commons. Despite the spectacular sights that Granicus provided to the tourists, much less tourists from the old world, Negi just couldn't enjoy the unusual architecture of the small city. Standing before the city's grand fountain he reached into his pocket for a 100 drachma piece. Tossing the large coin into the fountain his danger sense kicked in just as the coin broke the water's surface.

Leaping back Negi barely registered the fact that several dozen shadow swords had pierced the exact spot that he had been standing a fraction of a second ago. Shadow mage? Negi though as he recalled Fate's dark robed companion. She was a swordswoman, but I don't recall her using shadow magic.

Dodging another barrage Negi found the source of the attacks as his hood was pulled away from his face. Turning his attention to the shadow mage Negi scowled as he realized that it was not Fate's companion that he was facing. Watching as the other civilians fled the square Negi waited for the police or local militia to appear.

Unleashing another barrage the dark figure leapt on top of a tall building beside the city square. Countering with light arrows Negi leapt to the side so that he could keep his opponent in his line of sight.

"Rookie mistake," the hooded man shouted, "the authorities never interfere with fighters."

Looking at the mysterious man Negi wondered if he was working with the shadow mage. Seeing that the large man was protecting civilians from being caught up in the crossfire, Negi wasn't sure if it was a good or bad thing.

Casting several light arrows Negi watched as the last of civilians moved to a safe distance before turning around to view the fight. "So you'd put the lives of innocents at risk just to fight me?"

"Real fighters never let their guard down," the hooded man from the café shouted as he shielded several children from the falling debris.

"Duel!" several onlookers shouted as they gathered around at what they hoped was a safe distance while others helped a few stragglers back to their feet as they fled the plaza.

Seeing his opponent unleashing several shadowy blades at him the young fighter instinctively created a magical barrier. Watching Negi cringed as a shadowy blade penetrated his protective field. Instinctively flinching he felt the blade cut his cheek as he evaded the follow up attack.

"I have come in response to your call Nagi Springfield!" the shadow mage shouted as he stood atop a bell tower. "I Kagetorou Bosporos have come to apply for an ordinary match with you!"

"Please wait!" Negi cried out as he spotted several people pinned by debris. "You'll damage the town! There are innocent people being hurt here!"

"Stop spouting such tired lines!" the mysterious man shouted as he pulled back his hood. "The people here are used to such disturbances. Fighters of this caliber often start such fights whenever and wherever they cross paths." Standing up straight he eyed both fighters before locking his eyes on Nagi. "More importantly, you know that you'll die if you can't focus on your opponent. The guards won't step in unless one of you is obviously attacking the civilians."

Breathing deeply Negi nodded as he turned away from the rugged dark-skinned blonde man. Clearly the older man had seen his fair share of fighting and knew the rules and laws of the land much better then the optimistic young fighter. Turning to look at the masked shadow mage Negi barely registered the lance of shadow barreling down on him. Realizing his error Negi knew that he couldn't completely avoid the attack. Clasping his hands together he grabbed the lance as he jumped back to reduce the force of the attack.

Hitting the wall that had been twenty feet behind him Negi grimaced as the tip of the shadowy weapon pierced his chest, barely avoiding puncturing his right lung. He's serious! Negi finally realized as he snapped the lance before pulling the tip out of his chest. He's really trying to kill me! Just now he was aiming for my vital organs!

Avoiding several more dark blades Negi forced himself to take several deep, calming breaths, all the while watching as the buildings around him crumbled as the conjured weapons collided with the solid rock walls. His ability is like Takane-san's, but the level of his skill is truly amazing. Leaping over another barrage he narrowly avoided having his right foot cut off as he tried to land on one of the shadowy projectiles and launch himself at his opponent. No, more importantly… he really is trying to kill me with each blow.

Leaping into an alley he took advantage of his opponent's lack of movement as he dropped out of the shadow mage's line of sight. Casting a delayed illusion he silently made his way behind his attacker as his illusionary self continued to evade the relentless barrages of shadowy missiles.

Slipping out of his robe he created a decoy and sent it behind his enemy. It's an actual fight-to-the-death, he thought to himself as he sought to hide his presence. Casting another decoy on his gauntlet Negi sent it to attack from another direction as he rushed up the side of the tower for better view. Waiting for the first decoy to gain his opponent's back Negi watched as his illusionary self was pierced several times in the arms and legs, pinning him before several missiles pierced his chest and stomach from three different directions.

He leaves no openings, the young warrior realized as he watched the masked mage split the first decoy with a shadow blade and then pierce the second decoy with a barrage of shadow missiles. I'm only keeping up with him because of all the sparring with Ranma … no, I'm only managing to avoid being killed because of Master's training. Ranma never went for a killing blow against us, so I've never had to experience having to fight for my life. Casting another decoy with his shirt Negi tried to find an opening to expose.

"You've managed to hide for long enough little boy!" the shadow mage cried out as quickly dispatched the latest decoy. "I see you now!"

Instinctively creating a magical barrier Negi watched in horror as one of the magical arrows pushed through his defenses. Twisting in mid-air he barely avoided having his heart pierced, settling instead for having his left shoulder sliced open as the shadow arrow penetrated five layers of magical protection.

He's good, Negi though as he plummeted several stories before twisting around so that he landed roughly on his feet, a real formidable opponent

Seeing another barrage of magical shadow arrows fast approaching Negi began to channel all his magical power. Rushing in, he spun around as he narrowly avoided the first wave of arrows. Kicking off of one then another arrow he altered their trajectory so that they intercepted the second wave.

Using the impact of the two waves of magical projectiles as cover he cast a quick decoy and hid behind it as he charged his opponent. Watching as the decoy 'cast' a strong magical barrier to avoid the third wave of shadow projections Negi hid in the debris as his decoy landed before the shadow mage. Rushing to capture his opponent's back the real Negi watched as the shadow mage cut off the decoy's right arm only to have his mask knocked off as the decoy followed up with a kick to the shadow mage's face.

Catching the defeated shadow mage's head in his outstretched hand Negi smiled, "Surrender."

"You surrender to me?" his opponent replied as he stepped out of the shadows behind Negi, the shadowy decoy dissolved in the young mage's hand. "I don't accept."


"Sorry Nisa," Yuna apologized as she rushed to gather her things, "I know that we said we try to stay for a few more days, but something came up."

"Sorry," Makie echoed as she stuffed packets of food into a bag. "Our ride really wants to get to Ostia."

Yawning, the cat woman shrugged. "I understand; there's a lot going on in Ostia and you want to get there as soon as possible. Your friends are waiting for you all there." Walking over to the bar Nisa grabbed a moderately sized bag out from behind several large jugs. "Take this," she ordered as she handed Akira the bag. "That's more than enough for all you've done."

"We couldn't take that," the swimmer replied as she tried to push the bag back towards the large cat woman.

Shaking her head Nisa smiled at the girls she'd taken in and who had helped make her Nameless Café such a hotspot the past few weeks. "Make sure you stop in at Urborg, my cousin Purraj runs it. Give this to her," Nisa instructed as she handed a scroll to Ako. "Her inn's geared towards travelers and tourists, but she also sponsors some local fighter teams so I know she'll be in need of extra hands with the festival and all, and she'll probably let you stay with her while you're there."

"Thanks," Natsumi squeaked out with a formal bow.


"The message has been delivered," Hakkon reported to the others. Standing before the leaders of the other five bounty hunter teams he couldn't help but wonder if Takahata was right in his assessment of Ranma. What sort of person merited such a large coalition of bounty hunter teams? If Ranma were that powerful wouldn't it be better for one of the kingdoms to send their elite forces after him or his companions? Something just didn't add up.

"Good," Silver replied.

"Everything is ready," Hivis, the leader of the Desert Vipers, stated as he nodded at Silver. While not the largest or most powerful of the upstart team of bounty hunters, he was definitely the smartest of the group of lizard men.

Looking at the leader of the Desert Vipers the incubus understood why the large lizard had suggested the idea of luring Ranma to the Scorpion's Pit. Aside from being a very remote and isolated location, the presence of strong anti-magic minerals would hinder the unknown fighter as he was clearly getting a magical boost from the demons bound to him. If the boy knew Takahata then the minerals would also serve to hamper any kanka techniques that he had learned from the infamous former associate of the Crimson Wings.

Glancing at his long-time friend Hakkon hoped that once the matter with Ranma was resolved his old friend would be able to properly grieve for the loss of his sibling. The large beast man had taken Scarlett's death very poorly, though obviously not as bad as Scarlet's other sibling or mate. Crimson, the youngest of the trio of beast siblings, and Jedit, the retired champion of the last Ostia Championship Tournament five years ago, had gathered their formidable prize fighting teams to assist the bounty hunters in their impending battle with Ranma, bringing the total number of fighters in the coalition to seventy eight. Both had stood to loose the most as they would could forfeit their invitations to the Ostia Championship Tournament that their teams had earned if anyone caught wind of them fighting in an unsanctioned fight such as this one appeared to be.

While it was not uncommon for prize fighters to also double as bounty hunters, the governing body that oversaw the regulation of the tournaments frowned upon fights where more then four members of a team fought much less having a conglomeration of teams teaming up against a single individual. It would be one thing for two or three small teams to work together against the large group that Ranma's bounty was placed with, but for that many teams to form a coalition just to fight Ranma was unheard of.

"Wait," Jedit shouted as he stood up to address the assembly of bounty hunters and fighters. Turning to indicate one of his subordinates he nodded. The tall blonde human stood by an open crate and began handing large vials of bubbling dark crimson fluid to the assembled team leaders. "Make sure you take enough of this so that each of your… teammates has enough. The effects should last an hour or two."

Grabbing a large vial the young red haired beast man smirked. "I can't believe you use this stuff – the Council banned it ten years ago."

Nodding grimly the scarred beast man eyed the young fighter. "We're not in the arena," Jedit stated as he stared down Crim. "This is just in case that boy Ranma really deserves the three hundred thousand drachma bounty on his head. You may not remember the last time anyone had a bounty that high, but I do; if his bounty is that high and he truly deserves the value on his head, then we'll need those. Better to be prepared for the worst and not need it then to need it and not have it."


Akira couldn't help but fidget as she stood in front of the airship's monitor. Staring at the screen she couldn't help but wonder what had ruffled the cursed boy enough that he had sent the girls and the airship ahead to Granicus to meet up with Negi and Kotaro. Still a stranger to the airship's bridge she had to defer to the manga-ka's authority as Haruna flipped through the various channels on the monitors. Scanning the monitor she struggled to keep up with the steadily changing images as she assisted the ship's captain in their search for some telltale sign of the cursed boy.

"I can't find him," Kazumi stated as she switched to another spy satellite. Between the three girls each one was focusing on an individual monitor. "You're sure he went north?"

Nodding, Haruna looked at changed cameras. "What about Negi?" she asked as he noticed that class reporter had directed her three satellites to finding Ranma.

"We know he's still in Granicus," Kazumi replied offhandedly as she glanced to the third screen. "He'll be there until tomorrow when they do the presentation ceremony for the winning team of their tournament. Once we find Ranma I'll turn my satellite back to Granicus."

Hearing the chime on the door Haruna leaned back and looked down the corridor, "Hey, you girls done?"

"Yeah," Akira shouted back as she held the door open for the others. "We don't have too much stuff."

"Let me know when you're ready," Haruna shouted back as she returned her attention to the monitors. "No one else is in the area," she stated as she watched the external cameras and watched as Yuna and Makie led the pack lizards into the docking bay.

"How long will it take to get to Granicus?" Akira asked as she poked her head into the bridge.

"If we leave in the next couple of minutes," Haruna started to calculate as she looked at the large map behind the captain's chair, "given our current position and the weather, I'd say we should get there in about two, three hours at most. We'll see how the aerodynamics and extra fins affect this baby's speed."

Hearing the buzz of the intercom Haruna turned her attention back to the monitor showing the exterior cameras.

"Everything's secure here," Yuna reported from the docking bay. "Just don't make it a bumpy ride and we'll be fine down here."

"Okay," Captain Haruna replied as she threw several switches, preparing the ship to take off. Turning on the ship-wide intercom she tapped the microphone, "All hands, prepare for lift off!"

Turning to her bridge bunnies she smiled, "I always wanted to say that."


Never one to waste food Kotaro always enjoyed the playful mealtime battles with Ranma. Though the young hanyo often was on the short end of the food fights he always got his share of food, even if he had to take it from one of the girls not involved. Having spent many of his younger years scavenging for food he was not one to waste any food, unless it was truly badly cooked or poisoned. He could count the few times that he had abandoned food on his right hand, unfortunately for his lunch he had to add another finger to that count as he watched his half eaten sandwich get crushed by a falling building.

"Bastard," he shouted as he looked at the cause of the ruined sandwich and building. "You know how long I had to stand in line for that sandwich? And you took out the café too! Now I'll never get their famous Dragon Steak Sandwiches!"

Staring at the robed mage standing on the neighboring building Kotaro couldn't quite make out any distinguishing features of his attacker. "Stupid cat!" he shouted as he caught his attacker's scent.

"Hey!" several cat people shouted.

Ignoring the crowd Kotaro leapt at the cat demon before him. Though he looked like a cat person it was clear to the hanyo that the mysterious attacker had some demon blood in him. Summoning dog spirits Kotaro shot them at the cat as he tested his opponent's defense. Watching as the robed cat demon casually eluded the attack Kotaro gauged the mage's speed to be nearly in Ranma's league.

"Kojirou Oogami, you really are the weakest link in Team Negima!" the mage taunted. "I really wish there was at least one strong dog for me to fight."

Snarling, Kotaro unleashed a volley of magical missiles with one hand as he charged ahead. Seeing the cat demon counter with a resounding roar the hanyo watched his opponent's path before he unleashed a follow up barrage of darkness arrows at the mage. Watching as the volley hit the building Kotaro hoped that the light barrage was enough as the cat landed gently on the roof before trying to leap away from Kotaro. Kicking off the unsteady roof the cat demon expected to leap to the next roof but instead watched as the corner of the roof slide towards the ground below, leaving him scrambling for some sort of hand or foot hold as he hung in mid-air.

Landing a thunderous right cross on the defenseless cat Kotaro smirked as unknown fighter smashed into the ground. "If I'm the weakest link, then what are you?"

"Smarter then you," the cat replied as he emerged from the building behind Kotaro. With a powerful swipe the cat dug his long claws into the dog's back before following up with a powerful rake from his free hand, leaving several bloody scratches in Kotaro's back.

Lashing out instinctively Kotaro felt the skin of his shoulder rip as the long claws came out forcefully. Unable to think through the pain the younger demon barely registered that he had kicked the cat several times before falling towards the ground below. Landing awkwardly, he managed to roll to the side as he tried to redirect the momentum of the fall. Rolling to his feet Kotaro noticed that he was beside the robe that the cat demon had worn at the beginning of the fight. No wonder he got me, Kotaro thought as he picked up on the cat's scent.

Looking up he watched as the cougar demon rolled his neck, eliciting an audible crack even at that distance. "Dogs are loyal, but stupid too," the mage taunted as he casually jumped off the two story building. Landing with the grace of a cat he waited for Kotaro to get back to his feet.

Glancing off to Kotaro's right the cat demon smiled then pointed, "Looks like my companion is taking care of yours."

Following the cougar's outstretched hand Kotaro saw the several buildings topple as they appeared to be cut in several sections rather than breaking from an impact.

"Did you think all of Team Korwin was as weak as your opponents in the opening round?" the cougar demon stated. "This is the type of competition you'll find in Ostia; not the chump change that you faced in the small late entry tournaments like Granicus holds."

Dashing in the cougar smashed Kotaro in the face with a stiff elbow, sending the hanyo flying into the previously vacated seats of another café.

Taking advantage of the chaos resulting from his hard landing amongst the chairs and tables of the café Kotaro created several shadow clones before hiding his presence.

"Afraid to face me like a man!" his opponent taunted as he deftly handled the first two clones.

Seeing his opponent focused on the remaining clones Kotaro jumped from the shadows of the café to the larger demon's shadow. Jumping out of the cougar's shadow the hanyo connected with a resounding left uppercut that lifted his larger opponent into the air. Letting the force of the hit push him back to the ground Kotaro planted his feet as his airborne enemy seemingly hovered in the air before him. Connecting with a solid palm strike to the older demon's stomach Kotaro unleashed the dog spirits he conjured prior to jumping into the shadows. Unleashing his howling fang attack, Kotaro watched them pierce the cat's stomach before pinning the cat to the wall behind him.

"Don't worry," Kotaro huffed as he watched the cat squirm, "I didn't pierce any of your organs."

Catching his breath Kotaro turned away from his defeated opponent before dashing in the general direction of Negi's apparent fight.


Looking at the map laid out before him Fate went over his mental checklist of things that he needed to do before heading to Ostia. It was clear that Negi and his crew would be headed there, which actually worked in his favor as it would be easier for him to keep track of the largest threat to his plans.

"Master," the white robed beast girl called out as she announced herself.

"Report," the white haired figure instructed. He'd already sensed her presence long before his servant had announced herself.

"I have provided Team Korwin with your gift to them," the girl replied.

Fate nodded as he mentally checked that item off of his list. "Good, we shall see how well Negi and company fair against the more seasoned members of that team." Turning to face the other presence Fate eyed the white robed girl with large cat ears.

"Master," the girl announced herself as she knelt, "I have received word that the bounty hunter coalition has contacted Ranma."

"So she is with them then?" Fate asked as he checked another item off his mental list.

"Yes," the girl replied with a bow. "Though she is not among their number, she is following them closely."

"Good," Fate replied as he snapped his fingers. "It looks like we'll have that wild card dealt with one way or the other."

Glancing at his guest Fate smiled. "I do hope that Negi and his crew pass this little test," he stated.

"Don't worry, they will!" Anya shouted as she pulled at her restraints. "And they'll come kick your ass next!"

Chuckling Fate brushed off the girl's ranting. "They can't even find each other much less us."


Glancing at the monitors Kazumi scanned them again in hopes of finding her elusive partner.

"I don't think he wants us to find him," Akira stated as she put her pactio card down. Looking at the monitors the swimmer wondered what had caused the cursed martial artist to become so insistent on having everyone leave for Granicus. Yes, he wanted to ensure the safety of the girls, but wouldn't they be safer with him then without him? She hated the fact that he still didn't trust them, any of them, enough to tell them what was going on. Neither Haruna nor Kazumi knew anything about where Ranma had rushed off to, nor did they know why he had suddenly woken them up and ordered them to find Negi in Granicus.

"Did you find Negi?" the manga-ka asked as she tried to divert the other girls' attention.

Sighing Kazumi began shifting one of her satellites so that it would show them the small city on the edge of the desert. Given the relatively low quality of the images when the satellites were roughly 1000 kilometers over the ground she knew that it was often best to let her satellites hover several hundred kilometers over the ground, just far enough for most people to not notice the satellites but just within range of any airships with basic radar. Though she put her satellites at risk she felt that few would care or even notice them. While the satellites originally projected the images to a small monitor for the class reporter to view she had found that with practice she was able to send the images to the monitors on the ship's bridge.

"Oh my," the tiny Sayo doll exclaimed as she looked up at the screen.

"What happened there?" Akira asked as she gazed at the image of the city's ruined plaza.

Focusing her satellite onto the city commons Kazumi saw that the city appeared to be cleaning up the wrecked buildings fairly nonchalantly. The workers were calmly demolishing the ruined buildings while inspectors appeared to either be estimating the damage or checking the damaged buildings to see if they needed to be fixed or demolished. Seeing no emergency workers pulling out injured victims or anything of that sort the class reporter relaxed. "Must have been some sort of accident," she concluded.

"It doesn't look like anyone's hurt," Sayo added sheepishly. Having seen the overhead views of the city before she had been surprised to see how differently city appeared with only a few wrecked buildings. "I guess it was nothing."


Looking up at the sky Ranma hoped that he had managed to avoid Kazumi's spy satellites. Fingering the enchanted cloak Ranma was extremely grateful that one particular patron of the Nameless Café had given him the very useful artifact. While it would not hide his presence from those around him it did hide him from those looking in on him through a camera or scrying; useful for avoiding being seen on Kazumi's spy satellites if it truly did work. Apparently it wasn't unusual for strangers or even people you knew to spy on each other through the use of magic or technology.

Still, Ranma couldn't help but hope that he had eluded the girls. Despite the fact that he had departed in the wrong direction, wore an enchanted cloak, and used his blinding speed to leave them behind Ranma couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. Then again, it could just be his instincts telling him that he was willingly walking into a trap.

Scanning the outcropping of small foothills Ranma quickly tried to assess the terrain while also checking for any hidden traps. "They are bounty hunters after all," he muttered as felt nothing.

Feeling a slightly unsettling feeling in his stomach Ranma pulled out a strip of jerky. Taking a large bite he hoped that the mystery meat would satisfy his grumbling stomach.

Silently scouting the area he found a message scrawled in the sand. Reading the rough kanji he hoped that he had gotten the message right as it wasn't often that he came across penmanship that rivaled his own for being truly illegible. That or he's not used to writing kanji, he thought as he bit into the last of the jerky.

Following the instructions Ranma quickly found the entrance to the mine. Chewing the hard meat for several minutes he finally forced himself to swallow the stringy substance. Shrugging, he leapt into the dark crevice.


A/N

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I hope that everyone had a great 2008 (for those of you who follow that calendar) and best wishes to you all in the new year.

I'll be taking a few days off to finish reading/watching all my presents and trying to incorporate my New Year's Resolution into my daily schedule which will obviously cut into how much time I have to write. But rest assured, I'll still be maintaining the fic, I'm just waiting for one of my beta's to get back from vacation and I figure I can give both of them a break.

Besides, I also wanted something else to do beside have to read Neo Negima… while it is good, and I could never draw that well, I find that the story is way to bland compared to the original.

Anyways – Happy New Years everyone.

Please read and review.

Dreamingfox