Ha, I'm back again!  Ain't no gettin rid of me!  O.o Not that many people WANT to...

                Right.  Now, to get on with some things I want to say.

                First, well, I'm not sure what I want to say first, so I'll just say this.  Right now, I am typing this on a different computer than I am used to.  I have managed to get a somewhat usable computer with Windows 95 and a really old version of Microsoft Works to write this stuff without being interrupted (as much).  The computer is slow and isn't really any good for anything else, and I may end up with too much trouble from the floppy disks I'll be using to transfer this stuff to keep going this way.  It won't really affect my writing TOO much, but I felt that just needed to be said.

                Second, well, it has more to do with me than anything else.  I have a problem with having a short attention span.  I'm not Ryoga material, but I do tend to get distracted.  The only affect this has on this stuff is that I will sometimes come up with new ideas for fics and work on them for a while and leave older ones to gather dust for a while.  In fact, I'm doing that now.  But that's beside the point.  What was the point?  I'm not exactly sure, but whatever.

                Also, for the time being I won't be doing any more Reviewer Responses.  They're just getting to be a nuisance.  O.o I think tiredness may have something to do with that, I'm not sure.

                Now, I can't really think of anything else to say... so I might as well get on with the typing.  O.o Wow, the clicking of these keys sounds like a cheap typewriter. 

                Random Guy: What's a typewriter?

                Alex Ultra: Uh... it's like a manual printer.  You can't save your work and they went the way of the dinosaurs as soon as computers came around.  In other words, it ended up in my possession and was my only keyboard for a long while.  It had a tendency to jam up and was really annoying the way it clacked with each hit of the key.  Lots of movies would depict a busy office by having a lot of people (women mostly) typing on typewriters and the collective clicking was rather loud.  O.o Shoot, what was I doing again?

                Right, now I need to continue this before I do that again.

                ~~~~~~***   TRUE TO WORD   ***~~~~~~

                Kuno was enjoying the attention Ranko seemed to be giving him.

                That is, until he noticed that he couldn't breathe.

                Stopping to catch his bearings, he looked down at the suddenly uncomfortable bundle around his chest.  Ranko had latched on tight, and didn't look to be letting go soon.  When he tried to speak, his normally strong voice came out only as a weak rasping.  "...excuse me... it's okay now!"

                Seeing no response he took a chance and used his now-free left hand to tap her on the head.

                Finally taking notice of her surroundings, Ranko opened her eyes and looked around for the source of the tapping.  Looking up she saw a strange sight.

                There was Kuno, looking slightly puffy and totally blue with bulging eyes and a goofy smile.

                "Eee!" Surprised by the sight, Ranko let go of whatever it was she had been holding on to.  At the last second she noticed that there was nothing beneath her and managed to get one hand on a handhold, which happened to be the shoulder of Kuno's suit.

                Finally able to breathe, Kuno noticed the tug on his shirt and offered his hand as a support for her back as he let Ranko down to the ground.

                Ranko shook off the creepy feeling, having only just now realized what she had been holding onto.  Looking Kuno directly in the eye, she made her intentions clear.  "Let's get one thing straight.  THAT never happened.  Okay?"

                Kuno bowed overdramatically.  "Do not worry.  I understand your shyness, therefore, no one shall know of this but you and I."

                'Great.  That means by the end of the week the whole school will know...' Forming a rather large sweatdrop, she sighed.  "Alright Kuno.  What kind of torture do you have for me now?"

                =Sighing in relief, knowing her shyness would not be challenged, the goddess Ranko looked to Kuno.  "Okay Kuno.  What kind of activity have you so cleverly planned for us next?"=

                With a smile, Kuno offered his elbow.  "Allow me to show you.  I shall alert the carriage as to our location."

                Ranko refused the elbow, but walked to the street anyway as Kuno followed behind.

                Once there Kuno removed something that looked to be a tube of some kind.  Pointing one end into the air, he pulled on a string that was sticking out the side.  Immediately a bright ball erupted from the end of the tube and rocketed into the air where it burned brightly for a good amount of time.

~~

                It didn't take long for the driver to notice the flare burning above the city skyline.  He immediately took note of the color, location, and direction and made an estimate of Kuno's location and intentions.  He wanted the carriage to pick him up.

                Good, because he didn't want to have to go back and get the tank.

~~

                Akane and Lila had gotten their bearings rather quickly after Kuno's little outburst and were now watching Kuno fire the flare.  They had missed the landing, but could tell that Ranko wasn't happy.

~~

                Nabiki wasn't happy.  Her trailers weren't in the area Kuno was currently in.  He had suddenly run off and Nabiki wasn't even sure where they were right now.

                As she picked up the girls, she hoped that at least one of them had caught him leaving and could give directions.

~~

                Ranko was bored.  The wait for the carriage was getting to take too long and she was hungry.

                Stupid magic shows.  Why did they always have to have a tiger?

                Running like the devil was after it, the carriage arrived not seven minutes after Kuno fired his flare.

                Taking her seat, Ranko sighed and looked out the window.  'How can this night POSSIBLY get any worse?'

                "Now James, take us to the theatre."

                "Yes sir." As they started on their way, James began to speak.  "Master Kuno.  When I heard that window shatter, I was afraid I would be seeing a blue flare."

                "Ah, it was nothing."

                "Why, what's so great about the blue flare?" Ranko was beginning to get curious.

                "Oh, nothing much.  That's how Kuno signals that he wants the tank brought to him."

                "TANK!?!?"

                Kuno decided to pick up the slack.  "Yes, it is a little safety measure in case that sorcerer Saotome decides to show his face."

                Ranko had blue in her face.  "Oh, I see."  She could now honestly say she was scared.

                Not of the tank, or that Kuno was crazy enough to GET one in the middle of Tokyo!  Rather, she was beginning to fear FOR Kuno!

                She never knew he was so stupid!  Did he honestly believe a TANK could stop HIM!?

                Making a mental note to herself, Ranko decided that Ranma needed to teach Kuno a lesson about himself.  It would take more than a tank to take him out, especially with how slow they were!

~~

                Nabiki pulled up to the Theatre she knew Kuno had been planning to attend.  She didn't really know exactly what her photographers could get in there, seeing as how cameras were forbidden.  But she figured she might be able to get some kind of interesting stories in there.

~~

                "Aaaughhhh!!!" Ranko yawned as she did her best to stay awake during the show.  It turned out that Kuno had arranged for them to watch a show made after the works of some 'Shaking Spear' guy.  Ranko had no idea who or what Kuno was talking about, but found the show to be incredibly boring, as she couldn't understand a single word.  Anyone who didn't know English was forced to read the captions at the bottom.  (A/N: HA!  Sweet revenge!!!)

                Kuno was right about one thing, it did sound better in English.  Whatever those people on the screen were saying, it definitely had some kind of rhythm to it.  While the captions at the bottom made it sound like total gibberish.

                After three separate shows, the theatre finally closed and the two were standing outside.  Ranko was now yawning, as she had fallen asleep not even halfway through the show.

                "Okay Kuno.  Are we done yet?" Climbing into the carriage and sitting in her usual spot, she turned to Kuno, too tired to be angry.

                "Of course.  If you tell me where I would be able to take you, I could leave you at your 'home'." The way Kuno stressed the word 'home' told Ranko that Kuno would probably not really believe that that was where she belonged.

                She was too tired to argue or be creative.  "Just take me to the Tendo's."

                Kuno smiled.  'So THAT'S where Saotome's been keeping her!'  "Of course.  James?"

                James sighed at the nickname Kuno had given him, but complied.  'Can't he call me by my real name?  Jamiso is NOT that hard to pronounce...  Sometimes I wonder why he picked me for this job...'  "Let's go Sterling.  We have a bit of a trip ahead of us."  The horse whinnied as they started on their way.

~~

                Akane and Lila had already decided that there was nothing to see at the theatre and were waiting at the house.  As Lila beat on a sandbag, Akane busied herself with some katas.

                The sound of a horse's shoes clopping against the road told the two that Ranko's night of torture was finally over.

                The both of them walked back to the house to greet Ranko at the door.

~~

                Ranko never knew she could be so happy to be walking to the Tendo's door.

                As soon as the door was opened Ranko fell inside, trying to avoid Kuno's face as he tried to finish the night in the way he thought proper.  "Uh, hi, Kasumi!  I'm just gonna go get changed now."

                "Good evening Ran...ko?" Kasumi wasn't even able to finish her welcome before Ranko had disappeared around a corner in her effort to escape from Kuno's madness.

~~

                Akane and Lila had to move out of the way as Ranko came running down the hall.

                Once they got to the main room Akane looked around, trying to find the demons that were on Ranko's heels. "Ah, fair Akane!  To think that I would be directed to thine place of living when taking my fair Ranko home.  And fair Lila as well?  Either Saotome is a bigger demon than I had previously believed, or this house is truly blessed!" Both girls sweatdropped.  It was obvious what had Ranko running like the devil was after her.  After all, even the Devil had nothing on Kuno.

                Kuno looked around, as if suddenly thinking of something.  "And just where IS that foul sorcerer?"

                Kasumi smiled a bit.  "I'm sure he's around here somewhere."  Looking at Akane she signaled her intent, then turned back to Kuno.  "Can I offer you a cup of tea?"

                "Ah, how I would love to accept such a gesture, but I'm afraid I must be on my way home as soon as I speak with Ranma." Kuno smiled as Kasumi nodded and went to make herself a glass of tea.

                As she did, Suon turned to his newest guest.  "So, Kuno is it?" Kuno nodded. "I trust the night went... smoothly?"

                "Ah, yes.  I'm afraid I cannot go into the specifics, but I assure you it went rather well." Kuno had a smile on his face that said that he had enjoyed it.

~~

                Akane walked in on Ranko, who was currently fighting with the kimono to get it off without messing it up TOO much.

                "Hey Ranko.  Kuno wants to talk with Ranma." She turned the water in the sink to hot and let it warm before looking back at Ranko, who was now trying to put her favorite red shirt on.

                "If he wants to talk to me, he may as well call that tank of his because I'm about ready to SERIOUSLY give him a beating!"

                "Okay, but turn back into Ranma first."

                "Oh... right.  That might help." Ranko dunked an arm under the running water and immediately pulled his hand back out.

                Adjusting his clothes so they weren't quite so tight in the waist, Ranma rolled up both sleeves and started walking out to the main area to meet with Kuno.

                Akane was watching him go as she thought of something to herself.  "Tank?"

~~

                Kuno noticed a slight stomping sound and turned to the hallway to see Ranma coming down said hallway.  "So Kuno, what do you want?"

                Kuno smiled at the sight.  Ranma was obviously holding back his anger.  "Ah, Ranma.  I just wanted to congratulate on not showing up tonight." Ranma narrowed his eyes.  "Although I would have loved to have put you in your place, I was pleasantly surprised to not see you during the entire duration of mine and Ranko's time tonight." Standing, he looked Ranma down again.  "Now, if you don't mind, I would like to say goodnight to fair Ranko before I take my leave."

                Akane was about to drag Ranma down the hall when Ranma got up of his own accord.  "If it will get you out of here, I'll get her." Turning with his arms crossed in front of him, he started down the hall.

                But Kuno jumped in front of him, stopping his progress.  "Knave!!!  Do not disturb a lady as she undresses!"

                Ranma narrowed his eyes dangerously, making even the 'Great' Tatewaki Kuno second think his actions.  "Kuno... she's my sister!!"

                Kuno was too shocked to think.  'His... SISTER!?!?'  As Kuno stood there like a strange statue, Ranma continued down the hall.

                Akane pulled Kuno back into the living area and pushed him down into a seat, if only to get him out of the hallway.

                Sip.  Shuffle.  Shuffle.  Grunt.

                Akane was just about to get up and find out what was keeping Ranma when Ranko popped around the corner wearing a towel on her head.  "WHAT is it, Kuno?"

                Kuno stood quickly upon hearing the voice of his goddess call out to him.  "Ah, fair Ranko.  I wished only to wish you a good night.  As well as express my sincere hope that you enjoyed our evening together." He bowed overdramatically, yet again, and looked her in the face, yet again, smiling that overly inviting smile.

                Ranko frowned.  "Uh huh.  I'll see you later Kuno." Ranko walked off, waving him off.

                =Ranko seemed displeased with the departure.  "Oh yes.  I look forward to our next meeting Kuno." She then turned away to do... whatever it is girls do after a date.= Kuno smiled happily.  "Good night to all.  I must take my leave now." With another bow, he walked backwards out of the house and to the carriage.  His night was a success.  (In his mind.)

~~

                Akane found Ranko in the bathroom; she was in a nearly complete stage of undress and had warm water running in the tub.  "Stupid Kuno.  Next time we fight, I'm going to have to fight myself just to keep from KILLING him!" Akane screamed a bit as a certain pair of shorts hit her in the face.  "Oh, hey Akane.  What's up?"

                Akane pulled the shorts off her head and looked angrily at the redhead.  "Next time, don't throw your clothes.  And try shutting the door?"

                "Oh yeah.. I was getting to that!" Akane beat her to it and shut the door behind her.  "What's up Akane?" Ranko backed into the tub and let the change take place.  Ranma then decided to sit in the water and let Akane say what she would.

                Akane still didn't look happy, but she didn't look ready to kill him either.  And that was a good sign.  "Ranma, I wanted to congratulate you.  You managed to deal with Kuno without killing him."  Smiling, she turned around and looked over her shoulder at him.  "You're going to have to teach me that trick one of these days..." Without another word, she closed the door behind her as she walked out.

                'Hmm... I wonder what that was about?' Ranma shrugged it off and went on with his attempt to clean off that dirty feeling he'd had all night.

                ~~~~~~***   End of Chapter 8   ***~~~~~~

                How was that?  I think it was quite adequate.  Not as good as the last chapter, but good in its own right anyway.

                Alex Ultra: You know... I never noticed it before.  But did you know there's a little Lincoln in the memorial on the back of the pennies?

                Alex: Why are you looking that closely at a penny?

                Alex Ultra: ^_^ Cause it's shiny!

                [Lila and Alex fall over] Both: Ow.

                Alex Ultra: I was serious when I said I get distracted easily... ^.^''

Bringer of Hope and Creator of Worlds

                Alex and Alex Ultra

                                LATER