Although it could be said that Nodoka Saotome is getting older by time, her skills are getting better. She manages to wash the dishes faster than the usual after dinner. She uses the household chore as a stress reliever due to her constant worry about her missing son. It's been months since he and the others have disappeared. Despite the efforts of the residents of Nerima, none of them have succeeded in finding them. In most cases, if Ranma could not be found, he's probably finding a cure or training that would span a month or two. Another case would be the subsequent kidnapping of Akane. She closes her eyes and silently prayed that they would be alright. Her concentration is broken when the phone suddenly began to ring. She sighs and puts the dish in the sink as she reaches for the phone.

NODOKA: Hello?

HINAKO: Hello? Is Mr. Tendo there?

It's Ranma's teacher again, Hinako Ninomiya. She's been constantly calling the household for the last few months to comfort Soun. Nodoka looks at Soun, who's playing shogi with Genma. Soun looks at Nodoka, who gives him the sign that it's Hinako again. Soun silently tells her that he's not here. Unknown to Soun, Genma quickly changed the positions of the pieces so he can have the upper hand. Nodoka understands and proceeds to give Hinako the latest excuse courtesy of Soun Tendo.

NODOKA: I'm sorry. He's not here at the moment.

HINAKO: [disappointed] May I ask where he could be?

NODOKA: Honestly, I have no idea but he did mentioned something about a…[thinks for a few moments] training trip with Genma. I don't know when they will return.

HINAKO: [whines] Darn! Oh well. Any news of your son and Mr. Tendo's daughter?

NODOKA: Sadly no.

HINAKO: I think some juvenile delinquent manage to get a hold of them!

NODOKA: All of us have no idea what happened to them.

HINAKO: [being persistent] Are you sure Mr. Tendo is not there?

Nodoka wanted to tell her the truth but she decides to give Soun one last time to avoid the teacher.

NODOKA: Like I said, he's not here.

HINAKO: [sighs] Fine. I'm going now. If Mr. Tendo is here, can you please tell me?

NODOKA: I will. Good night now.

HINAKO: Night!

Nodoka puts the phone down and looks at Soun, who thanks her. She went back to the kitchen to finish cleaning the dishes. Out of the blue, she couldn't bring herself to finish the chore. Something's wrong, she thought. Very wrong. She didn't know where it came from but all she can figure out it has something to do with Akane and the other missing girls, Shampoo and Ukyo. Nodoka have met the other two fiancées during the wedding disaster when they introduced themselves to her while fighting each other. Nodoka didn't know whether to make a good or a bad impression on them. All she knows is that they're both better cooks and martial artists than Akane. Nodoka hears the front door opening. It could be Kasumi, coming from her date with Tofu. They have been become closer than they were before. Kasumi comes to the kitchen and sees Nodoka at the sink.

KASUMI: Auntie Saotome?

NODOKA: [turns around to see Kasumi] Oh, Kasumi. How was your date?

KASUMI: It was okay. Tofu and I went to see a movie. Of all my life, I have never seen a movie that gave me an impression.

NODOKA: Really?

KASUMI: Yes, all that blood and suffering. To think that I thought I've seen more violent films than this. It's like a car crash you couldn't look away.

NODOKA: You know Kasumi. Today's films are filled with excessive violence that would corrupt the morals of the youth today. Just look at the headlines, past and present. You see children killing other people. It's a shame really. Thankfully Ranma isn't the violent type although he has his own share of trouble. So, what did you see? A horror movie? A very violent action film?

KASUMI: What are you talking about? Tofu and I went to see "The Passion of The Christ".

NODOKA: [speechless] Oh. Oh. [thinks for a few moments] But wait, the film is about Christianity and we study Shinto.

KASUMI: I heard the news back then so we went to see it. After the film, it's as if my life has been changed. My life has been enlightened a bit. Does that sound corny?

NODOKA: No. Now that you mention it, I might as well watch it with Genma and your father. I want to see what life-changing result they will benefit from watching it.

Kasumi and Nodoka giggles at the last statements the latter said. The only live changing event for both men is Happosai. Kasumi noticed that Nodoka hasn't finished cleaning the dishes.

KASUMI: Oh, Mrs. Saotome. I can help you clean the dishes.

NODOKA: It's okay dear. I can handle it on my own. It's just that I'm distracted by this weird feeling?

KASUMI: Any good?

NODOKA: Sadly… [sighs] no. I-I don't know. Before this, I was still worrying about Ranma but now…I fear for Akane.

KASUMI: [gasps] You can't be serious.

NODOKA: I think something bad is going to happen to her. I just don't know what.

KASUMI: It's just a feeling. Maybe you got it all wrong.

NODOKA: I don't know. In all my life, I got this eerie feeling about her similar to Ranma a long time ago. I thought it was a just one of those things that would go away. It turns out that Ranma was cursed.

KASUMI: [grabs a drink] You're serious?

NODOKA: I hope not. I just wish this gut feeling is not true.

AKANE: So, what do you think?

RANMA: I don't know…something isn't right.

AKANE: [groans] Oh please, everything's not right for you. You indulge yourself in perfecting everything…possibly except academic stuff. But seriously this is perfect!

RANMA: [confused] I still don't know what and why we're doing this.

AKANE: We gotta have to wait for it you know. You never know what's going to happen. The bed is made as it should be. There are some things that cannot be fixed with perfection as a result. It's a shame really. I could clean the entire world and beat that famous American woman who got famous for being a household name to home and kitchen and got arrested due to her taxes.

Ranma looked at the bed, covered with very clean white sheets. It took him and Akane sometime to fix it. Akane felt satisfied after a job well done but for Ranma, something's not right. His instincts are usually high but in this case, it reaches the level red alert. Okay, clean bed here and done. Check. What's wrong with this picture? Ranma didn't noticed that Akane is about to leave the room but he heard her footstep. He turns around and sees her outside the room.

RANMA: Where ya going?

AKANE: Why do you care?

RANMA: Just asking! Geez, don't be such a hostile tomboy.

AKANE: [calmly while maintaining a poker face] Is that it? All you think of me as a tomboy?

RANMA: It's not that. You might get into trouble.

AKANE: Sooner or later, I will get into trouble.

RANMA: And that's why I got to protect you. You're helpless against those crazy princes and gods.

AKANE: You can't always protect me, Ranma. But answer me this: are you doing this just because you care for me or just to fill in machismo ego? Just now, why didn't you protect me?

RANMA: [confused] What the heck are you talking about?

AKANE: I'm talking about this.

Akane points her stomach to him. To his horror, a small sword is embedded in her abs while she's still bleeding, as evident in her white shirt, now covered with blood. Ranma tries to approach her but he couldn't. He tried every movement but he still couldn't move. It was as if he was paralyzed. All he can do now is watch in horror as Akane continues to bleed. But as Akane begins to talk, her original voice begins to change, resulting Ranma's horror.

AKANE: I don't have to tell you this but you better prepare yourself. You think you know. What's to come. What you have become. You haven't begun.

Ranma couldn't figure it out. Akane's voice has changed into someone else's voice. The voice sounds…feminine. He couldn't recall whose it is. Akane entered the room and lies down on the bed they had just fixed. Slowly, the blood began to spread out the white sheets that are now colored with red. Ranma doesn't know whether this dream has a meaning or not but he quickly pulled Akane off the bed. The white bed sheets are almost filled with blood.

AKANE: Ranma, listen to me. You can't win this war alone.

RANMA: [confused] W-what?

AKANE: The ones you are fighting now and the beyond. This is not the time to get cocky. You must understand first what a Keyblade master really is. Because, now isn't really your time. You're not suppose to be here in the first place, but all things that have happened cannot be undone.

RANMA: [still trying to make sense of what she's trying to say] What are you talking about? Akane! Or whoever you are? [pauses] You mean the bad guys I'm fighting now will be coming to my direction?

AKANE: No, Ranma. IT already is here for a long time, right before the beginning. Now, it wants to end it right now.

Ranma quickly woke up from the nightmare. He gets up and sits on his bed. He saw Akane dying in his own eyes. He failed to protect her. But there are some loopholes in his dream. First, who or what were they waiting for? And then, what Akane said to him at the last part. This is getting him in a confusing state. He hates getting confused. He hates getting cryptic dreams. Even up to now, he still didn't get about his dreams. He recalled reading a book about dreams that convey warnings, prophecies or hidden answers. If the last part is the case, then what are the questions? Ranma then recalled watching the Matrix Reloaded and the Matrix Revolutions. He didn't get the philosophical messages. In fact, it took Akane and Nabiki to explain it to him a billion times while being malleted or ask to pay up. Does that make him dumb? Not exactly, but he can't quite understand the things that are really hard to understand. His thoughts are interrupted when he heard a knock on his door. He gets up and opens the door only to see Ukyo.

UKYO: [smiles] Rise and shine, Ranchan! Breakfast is ready!

RANMA: [grins] Hey Ucchan! Let me guess. Okonomiyaki, right?

UKYO: Um, actually…cat stew.

RANMA: [surprised] WHAT?!

UKYO: [giggles] Just kidding! Yeah, you're right. It's okonomiyaki.

RANMA: Great! Let's go-

UKYO: [in a serious tone] Not so fast. WE need to talk.

Ranma winces at this. He thinks that she's going to discuss their fiancée business. However, Ukyo has another thing in her mind. Ranma thinks of an excuse to escape their talk.

RANMA: Listen, Ucchan. I know, um, it's, um hard about the-

UKYO: [decides to cut the chase] How long have you known Ryoga is P-Chan?

Hearing that sentence, Ranma widens his eyes in surprise. He didn't expect Ukyo would know Ryoga's secret.

RANMA: How did you-

UKYO: Back in the previous world. Let's just say we were in an uncompromising situation and it ended with my little discovery.

Ukyo didn't want to recall what she and Ryoga did during their amnesia forms. What's worst is that he "stole" her first kiss that was meant for Ranma. Actually, she was the one who was egging him to "comfort" him but she's in denial and tells herself that it was her amnesia state that brought into this. Stupid Akane, she thought. Ranma understand this but two thoughts came into his mind.

RANMA: Wait, did you tell Akane about this?

UKYO: No. As much as I want to, I think it's best that it would be up to you or Ryoga to tell her about this. I can't believe she doesn't know Ryoga is P-Chan!

RANMA: Akane can be a little bit dense. I've been dropping hints on her but she doesn't it.

UKYO: Maybe you sucked at giving her clues.

RANMA: Akane will flay me alive if she learns my involvement.

UKYO: Exactly, how were you involved in Ryoga's curse?

Ranma tells her the events that took place in Jusenkyo right after he and Genma were cursed. Ukyo is silent for a few seconds after Ranma finished his story.

UKYO: Who else know about this?

RANMA: Pops, Shampoo, Mousse, the old ghoul, Akari. I don't know whether Nabiki knows about it.

UKYO: In conclusion, it's pretty much his fault. He keeps blaming on you for his problems. [pauses] Then again, he's pretty much gullible over certain things. [recalls their failed plan at the Tunnel of Lost Love] I think he's pretty much stuck in his private fantasy: to be with Akane or Akari. He might as well play polygamy to keep his muses at bay.

RANMA: On another topic, back when we where at the Tunnel you brought us. You saw Ryoga turning into P-Chan.

UKYO: I didn't. [Ranma gives her a skeptic look] I swear! C'mon, let's eat breakfast! I'm hungry as much as you are! But don't finish everything.

RANMA: Hey! I'm not a big glutton like pops!

UKYO: With both of you combined, you can finish the entire food supply of a Third World country.

Ranma followed Ukyo going down the stairs. He looked at the place around. They are currently staying in a well-built, two-story wooden cabin with several rooms. The place itself is a marvelous piece for one to stay in. They managed to find this after they came into this world and right before the storm. However, when they went inside, almost all of the furniture is gone, save for the couches and torn rugs. The bedrooms are located on the second floor while the kitchen is located at the left side on the house when they entered it. For its part, the kitchen is not as big as the Kunos' if any of them had visited that part of the mansion but it can be compared to the size of Ranma's classroom. Meanwhile in the kitchen, everyone else is eating except for Shampoo.

SHAMPOO: Hmph! Why would Shampoo eat Spatula Girl's food?

MOUSSE: Don't tell me you're not going to eat the food just because you hated her.

SHAMPOO: Shampoo not going to answer that! [pauses] Spatula Girl always obstacle for Air- er, Ranma.

RYOGA: You forgot to put the "used to" part. Stop treating okonomiyaki as if it was poison. At least she gave you food.

AKANE: Yeah, it's not going to kill you.

SHAMPOO: I don't care if that would kill Shampoo. I would no eat that.

AKANE: Shampoo, it's going to take more than just a holy water, a silver bullet and wooden stake to kill you.

Ryoga and Mousse snickered at Akane's remark but are cut off by Shampoo's intense glare. Both boys felt embarrassed about the joke. Akane secretly grinned at her latest verbal victory. Just then, Ranma and Ukyo enter the kitchen. Ranma sees the okonomiyakis on one one plate. He grinned at Ukyo's achievement and secretly thanked the powers that be for letting her come with him and not let Akane cook. Ukyo notices the tension within the four teens.

UKYO: What's going on?

AKANE: Shampoo refuses to eat your precious okonomiyaki. It's either she thinks you filled it with poison or she just wouldn't eat it because they're made by you.

UKYO: [offended] What? That's crazy!

SHAMPOO: Shampoo have rights not to eat that…that…junk!

UKYO: [angry] Are you saying my food is bad for you, you Amazon slut!?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo says yes! Shampoo still think that Shampoo is better than you!

UKYO: You better thank the gods for I didn't turn you into a meal for everyone! [everyone is mortified]

RANMA: Hey stop! We have no time for a fight!

SHAMPOO: Ranma, for once, stay out of my fight!

MOUSSE: Shampoo, please stop fighting. Ukyo, you too. Before both of you destroy this nice cabin.

RANMA: Yeah, like you did in my house.

Ukyo and Shampoo reluctantly decide to stop fighting for now, but the death glares they gave to each other are still there. Akane sighs in pleasant manner since she's not involved in the latest fiancée war. She happily munches her beef okonomiyaki while watching her two rivals fighting. The guys, on the other hand, are silent and continued to eat while Ranma reaches the seafood okonomiyaki Ukyo made for him.

AKANE: Say Ranma, what exactly are we going to do now?

RANMA: Isn't obvious? We find the Keyhole and fight the Heartless if we encounter them.

RYOGA: Ranma look outside. We're in a forest. It's going to take us days to find a Keyhole.

RANMA: There's gotta be like villages and stuff and people. This house didn't build by itself.

MOUSSE: Wow, Ranma and logic. A scary yet thought-provoking combination.

Ranma shoots a glare at Mousse. At times like this, Mousse needed a little humor injected to everyone. However, the others are bewildered by Mousse's change of attitude. Gone is the boy who will do anything for Shampoo only and fight for those who he thinks are after Shampoo. This bothers Shampoo the most. What is going on? Did he bump his head very hard? Then again, Shampoo noticed this when she noticed a big change in Mousse and then the conversation he had with Cologne about leaving Nerima and her for good. Did he change because he knows that he has no chance to be with her? Shampoo decided to go outside to clear her thoughts. She looks at everyone who is eating.

SHAMPOO: Shampoo will go outside for a while. [turns to Mousse] Mousse, can we talk after you done eating?

Shampoo decides to eat the okonomiyaki by grabbing it and went outside. Everyone looks at Mousse, who is still eating. He notices their looks at him but became annoyed by it.

MOUSSE: Will you stop looking at me as if I have a pimple in my face?

RYOGA: Actually, you have one but that's not the issue. What exactly happen to you?

MOUSSE: [confused] What the hell are you talking about?

AKANE: Mousse, I think your Shampoo obsession long gone is good thing, but in terms of strangeness, this confuses me.

MOUSSE: I don't understand.

UKYO: Mousse, honey, you changed. You're not obsessed with Shampoo and now you're laying the jokes. Did you just wake up one day and realized that Shampoo is unattainable and you must move on with your life?

Mousse didn't give the prying teens answers but deep down they knew Ukyo has hit the jackpot.

MOUSSE: [stands up] First, you guys don't know anything. It's not just Shampoo. Now, if you guys excuse me, my former apple of my eye wants to see me.

Mousse leaves the kitchen leaving everyone confused.

RANMA: Mousse moving on? That's like-

AKANE: Sky turns purple?

RANMA: More like your cooking tastes better.

Thinking of this as an insult, Akane whips out her Mallet of Doom and slams it on Ranma.

Mousse sees Shampoo outside watching the beautiful green forests. The place itself both reminded them of their own homes in China. Peaceful, calm and serene that would fit perfectly in the description of the forests. Shampoo turns around and sees Mousse approaching her.

MOUSSE: Hey Shampoo, what's up?

Shampoo puts her hands on her sides as she looks at the blind martial artist.

MOUSSE: Don't tell me? We're going to have this talk about our "friendship" which deals with-

SHAMPOO: [cuts him off] Do you love me?

Mousse flinched at that question. He definitely did not saw that coming. If Shampoo asked him the same question a long time ago, he would definitely say yes in a heartbeat. But he has to answer her carefully or otherwise it's going to cause big trouble.

MOUSSE: What do you mean?

SHAMPOO: Do you still love me?

MOUSSE: Shampoo, what's going on?

SHAMPOO: Just answer Shampoo, stupid Mousse!

MOUSSE: Shampoo, whatever you're doing, I'm not in a mood for a friend talk. Come to think of it, you're always not in a mood for a talk when it comes to me.

SHAMPOO: Why you mad at me? Wait, you like that scary woman?

Mousse knows she's referring to Naga. Why is she jealous of this?

MOUSSE: What if I do? What are you going to do?

It's Shampoo's turn to think. What exactly is she going to do? Do the same thing he does every time he sees her with Ranma or any other guy? He never had, to her knowledge, any attractions to other women. But, there are disturbing talks that she heard in the Nekohaten that deals with a "perfect" relationship between Mousse and Kodachi. Hearing that, Shampoo felt sick with that idea. She would rather let Akane or Ukyo date him. Going back to the conversation she just started, she couldn't think of any better answer other than go nuts and eliminate the competition. That strategy, however, failed big time.

MOUSSE: Shampoo? Are you going to answer my question?

SHAMPOO: [softly] Why are you like this Mousse? Why you change?

MOUSSE: [confused] What?

SHAMPOO: Just answer me.

MOUSSE: I think having two subjects being discussed at the same time doesn't help us at all.

SHAMPOO: [frustrated] You're not answering my questions.

MOUSSE: Then you know how I feel back then.

Shampoo widens her eyes with surprise. She didn't expect this at all and doesn't understand what he was talking about?

MOUSSE: Right after we, um, botched Saotome and Tendo's wedding, I was…I…I don't how to say it.

SHAMPOO: Confused? Fooled? Traumatized?

MOUSSE: I'll settle for answer number one, thank you.

SHAMPOO: Why you confused? Shampoo suppose to be confused at you.

MOUSSE: Again, with you being more confusing than ever. [goes back to the topic] You always know that I love you very much more than life itself. But, now I realized that…you're not the person I wanted to be in the future anymore.

SHAMPOO: What?

MOUSSE: I got a letter from my mom. She told me that I should stop wasting my time trying to court you and move on with my life. She made a lot of sense if you think about it. She also states that girls like you do not deserve real love.

The words Shampoo heard are enough to make her angry.

SHAMPOO: [angry] That woman has no right to tell her opinions of me! She doesn't even know me very well! She know nothing in her brain!

Being insulted is one thing he can handle. Insulting his mother is another.

MOUSSE: [angry] DON'T you dare talk about my mother like that!

SHAMPOO: Mousse, your mother knows nothing about love since your father left your family! Shampoo think she can't handle him very well!

MOUSSE: [sneers] You don't know everything, Shampoo! My father left us because he was very cruel to us. My mother, in the end, had to do everything just for him to leave! You, on the other hand, are so lucky since you are the daughter of the late Shao Beri, one of the greatest warriors of Joketsuzoku. You have everything and…I don't. You were my light the first time I saw you and I would do anything to be with you. Looking back, I realized I was an idiot.

SHAMPOO: You ARE an idiot.

MOUSSE: You see? That's what I hate about you! You're God damn rude! Didn't the old ghoul teach you manners or is it you're dumb to begin with?

SHAMPOO: [angry] How dare you call Shampoo dumb! You think Shampoo is a monster? Shampoo has feelings too!

MOUSSE: Mostly for Saotome and for yourself.

Shampoo's tears begin to fall on her cheeks. Their talk has turned into an argument. Mousse sees this but decides to continue, even though it pains him to see her crying.

MOUSSE: I change for my own good. I was so miserable and I don't to face disappointment anymore. I turned to humor for enlightenment. And to answer your first question, I USED to. Now…I don't know. I really don't know. Maybe not anymore.

Shampoo is heartbroken when she hears his answers. She isn't usually the type who gives up but considering the right amount of hate from Ranma and Mousse, she knew she has a lot to redeem. She wipes her tears away with her hand. Shampoo sulks in slowly. As for Mousse, he began to walk away and entered the house. Such bitter emotions for a lonely and bitter man trying to mask it with wit and humor. Such sad moments that are yet to come.

During the verbal war between the two Amazons, the other four eavesdropped their conversation by watching them at the window. When Mousse is about to enter the house, they began to disperse in several directions so that he won't notice their actions. Mousse, on their other hand, knew they were so he plays dumb. Mousse approaches Ranma in a straight yet casual manner.

MOUSSE: So, Saotome, when do we leave?

RANMA: Maybe later. So, lover's spat?

MOUSSE: Don't want to talk about it.

RANMA: Please?

MOUSSE: NO!

RANMA: Fine!

Mousse goes to the kitchen while Shampoo enters the house and proceeds directly to her room. Ranma, meanwhile, is looking for Ryoga.

RANMA: [to Akane] Hey, have you seen P-Chan?

AKANE: Will you stop teasing Ryoga?

RANMA: Old habits die hard.

AKANE: Well your habit suck. He's in his room. I had to lead him there. Funny though, he kept mumbling something about P-Chan. I don't quite understand him.

Ranma rolled his eyes with no surprise. Once again, Ryoga failed to tell Akane the awful truth. For Ranma, it shows that Ryoga is a coward so he decides to confront him once and for all. He went upstairs and went to Ryoga's room. Ranma opens the door and finds him brooding.

RANMA: Ryoga, you better stop moping around like an idiot or you're gonna destroy this place.

RYOGA: Have you ever heard of knocking? Wait, you don't even have any manners to begin with.

RANMA: [snorts] Look who's talking. You didn't tell Akane the truth?

RYOGA: Oh come on Ranma! If she finds out the truth, she'll hate me and kill me!

RANMA: I can't believe I'm hearing this!

RYOGA: I don't want to hurt Akane at any cost. This isn't what she needs right now.

RANMA: And yet I get the blame for this shit? If you don't tell her, then I will!

RYOGA: [growls softly] Don't you dare…

RANMA: Oh come on, P-Chan. Scared? All this time I've put enough shit you've put me through. You think you've seen hell? You're going to be in hell when she learns the entire truth.

Ryoga glares at Ranma with pure hate.

RYOGA: Why are you doing this?

RANMA: Sooner or later, she's going to know. If you make a nice explanation to her, then I'm sure she'll spare you. [pauses] Then again, she'll mallet you to Satan's throne.

Ryoga thinks about it for a while. If he told Akane the truth, he'll likely get a mallet from her. But, Akane is sometimes unpredictable. Then, an idea came into Ryoga's mind.

RYOGA: Wait, I get it. You're not doing this for my sake. You're doing this for yourself.

RANMA: [confused] What are you talking about?

RYOGA: I totally get it. You're doing this just to bring me down to the road of shame. You know that I'll get rejected by Akane in terms of friendship. This isn't helping, this for your sake. Your revenge.

RANMA: Guess you got smarts in ya, P-Chan. What makes you think that I would do that to you?

RYOGA: You think you're powerful than the rest of us just because you're a goddamn Keybearer. For that, your ego has reached new heights. Let me tell something. You think you're better but you're not.

RANMA: Is that a threat, Porky?

RYOGA: I'm just telling the truth. At least I'm not dumb, like you.

RANMA: You take that back, asshole. Also, at least, I wouldn't stoop so low to sleep with Akane and lead her and Akari in the same house. Oh by the way, guess Akari got a lucky break after all after being dump by the likes of you.

That's it, Ryoga thought. It's one thing Ranma insults Akane, which he often does. But, it's another when it comes to Akari.

RYOGA: You listen to me-

RANMA: [shuts him off quickly] NO! You listen to me! I've had it with you. You don't deserve pity. You act as if you were desperate and lonely. Always the idiotic fool yearning to be loved by another. A jackass filled with hate against me. And most of all, you're a loser. No wait, you are THE loser.

Ryoga couldn't take anymore. He punches Ranma in the mouth which he catches him off guard. Ranma staggers back with his blood flowing out from his mouth. Without any verbal response, Ranma throws a right punch but Ryoga blocks it. Ranma quickly kicked his right shin. Ryoga yelps out in pain and Ranma grabs him and throws him back to the wall. Ryoga then charges at him with a shoulder ram. Ranma effortlessly jumps over him and the two began spar and block every kick and punch they throw. A few blows later, Ranma grabbed Ryoga's left arm and pulls him towards him. Ranma head butts him in the face. Ryoga reels away with a bloody nose. Ranma quickly uses the Kachü Tenshin Amaguriken on Ryoga's body. Ryoga is knocked down on the ground and looks at Ranma with rage. He then uses the Bakusai Tenketsu on the wooden floors. The floors began to rip out and it's aim towards Ranma. Ranma avoided it but to his surprise Ryoga gets up and gives him a flying kick. Ranma is thrown to the wall. Ryoga approaches him and gives him the headlock. Ranma tries to get off him but his grip is too tight and too strong. Ryoga then suffocates him with much strength. Ranma decides to use the Saotome Deadly Two-Finger Technique. He uses his pointy finger and middle finger and then pokes at both Ryoga's eyes. With that, Ryoga flinches which he unintentionally lets go of him. Ranma faces him and punches him in the face twice. At the third punch, Ryoga regains his composure and manages to grab Ranma's left arm. Ranma tries to throw a right punch but Ryoga also grabs it. Both are locked in which left many options. One, they could head butt each other; two, they kick each other in the lower body area; or three, all of the above. Ranma chose neither of them when he pushes Ryoga hard that the impact breaks the door, the wooden stair railing and landing on the ground floor.

Hearing the crash, Akane, Mousse and Ukyo went to the scene and see the rivals fighting.

UKYO: I can't believe this.

MOUSSE: Old habits die hard.

As for Akane, she wanted to stop their latest squabble but she has to wait for the right moment. Until then, all she can do is…

AKANE: [shouts at the two boys] RANMA! RYOGA! STOP THIS AT ONCE! PLEASE!

Ryoga executes a spinning roundhouse but Ranma back flips twice. Ranma charges at him and tries another set of Kachü Tenshin Amaguriken. This time, however, Ryoga blocks his punches. Seeing this, Ranma punches him harder and does a jumping roundhouse at Ryoga's left side of the head. Ryoga is knocked down on the ground but flips back. Ryoga jumps back higher and throws lots of bandannas at his rival. Ranma thinks that Ryoga doesn't realize that he might damage a lot of stuff. He grabs a wooden table and uses it as a shield. The sharp bandannas got stuck on the table but there was no response from Ranma. After a few moments, Ryoga cautiously walked to the table and removed it. To his surprise, Ranma has disappeared but unknown to Ryoga, the former used the Umi-senken during the time the bandannas were about to hit the table. Ranma carefully walked behind him. Just then, he felt something powerful within him. He can tell that it came from his being as a Keybearer but he never knew until now that it can contain so much power. However, at that moment, he also began to feel something else. Rage, hate, anger, jealousy. Whatever they are, they seem to fuel Ranma's hate against Ryoga. Ranma grabs him and throws him off 10 ft. away from him, which Ryoga crash lands on the coffee table. Ranma resorts to his normal self and jumps higher towards Ryoga's directions just as the latter is about to get up. While Ranma executes a jumping kick in mid-air, Ryoga decides it's time finish him off with the Shishi Hokodan. His mind is filled nothing with anger as he thought that Ranma dared to mock him all the times. With that, his aura began to fill with depression and as it increases, the bigger and powerful the attack will be. Ranma senses Ryoga's strategy so he then readily performs the Moko Takabisha. On cue, Ryoga unleashes the Shishi Hokodan at Ranma while the latter with his attack. Ranma's intention is to stop the Shishi Hokodan with the Moko Takabisha but, as suggested by Murphy's Law, nothing ever works out. Instead, both projectiles barely missed each other and are aimed at both warriors' directions. Both Ranma and Ryoga tried to escape yet it was too late as they are hit by the attacks. The impact is so powerful that it nearly destroyed the wooden cabin. Ukyo, Akane and Mousse run for cover while Shampoo woke up from her nap. She grumbles that whoever started it should have his or her ass kicked by her.

2 kilometers away from the cabin, a young man watched the large explosion from the cliff. Wearing a school uniform which consists of a business suit and a tie, he looks at the site where the explosion takes place. On his side is his companion, a bug-like robot who has the same height as he is. Both look at their surroundings carefully. When the young man came into this place, he was found by a group of warriors and was brought to their ruler. After much convincing on why they shouldn't kill him and his companion, the ruler was convinced of his reasoning yet at the same time the ruler made him a servant of sorts, much to the young man's dismay. It wasn't until when the ruler was told of important news from an unknown source that made him a strategist by planning their methods. Such sweet day, he thought. He finally got the respect of the ruler and everyone else.

???: Hey cockroach! What's the situation?

Well, almost everyone.

???: Yoo hoo, sissy boy. Do you still have your hearing senses?

???: [angry] I CAN HEAR YOU LOUD AND CLEAR! [mutters] Bitch.

???: What's the status, Katsuhiko Jinnai?

Jinnai turned around to see a woman, possibly from her mid-20's to early 30's. Her hair is green-blue and her eyes are black. Her hair is long but tied in a low ponytail. Interestingly, she wore a black kimono that brought out her biggest cleavage even Jinnai himself wouldn't turn down to stare it. Jinnai respects her since she's the only one who respected him. He approached the woman and bowed down like a servant to a royal member. He got up and brings the news.

JINNAI: Your highness. The explosion you see is where they are hiding out. The cause is one thing I cannot determine.

???: I see.

???: Your highness, if I may. Are you sure that his plan will work? What if his dopey plan fails? And for the record, why did you bring only a few soldiers?

???: Bina, my source told me that as of the moment they are weakening. Thus, we have the advantage to capture the Keybearer.

BINA: Okay. But, what about his companions? What are we going to do with them?

The woman looked at the boy-cut, light brown haired woman who is taller than her. Bina wears gray chest armor, black gloves, dark brown pants. She's carrying a shotgun in her back and a pouch on her belt. The 5'10" woman hated Jinnai. In fact, she was the one who taunted him earlier. She, among others, didn't trust him for he may betray her ruler and friend.

???: You know I never thought of that. If there are guys, capture them. If women…kill them.

The ruler looks at her other companion. A blonde whose height is similar with Shampoo's. She wore a white long sleeve shirt and a short denim skirt. She wore round-shaped glasses. She is very quiet and somewhat an introvert, which is that according to an outsider's point of view. If only they knew.

???: Dew?

DEW: Yes, your highness?

???: Tell the soldiers to get ready. We will leave now.

???: Yes, your highness.

Dew runs to the 8 soldiers who are waiting for their orders and tells them to get ready.

???: Jinnai, are you sure this plan of yours will work?

JINNAI: [gulps nervously] Y-yes, your highness! Why should my plan fail? [begins his trademark laugh] My plans never fail for I, Katsuhiko Jinnai, will always succeed!

KATSUO: Well, most of the time.

JINNAI: [mutters] Shut up.

BINA: Your friend tells the truth you know.

JINNAI: SHUT UP!

???: ENOUGH!

Everyone looks at her.

???: We move now. Everyone, let's go.

And so they went to wooden cabin where everything will change from here on.

Akane could not believe this. Both Ranma and Ryoga are unconscious after being hit by each other's attacks. She thought that their rivalries have ended but no, it goes on and on. Ukyo and Mousse looked around the nearly wrecked cabin. The some of the furniture are destroyed while the floors are broken on some parts.

MOUSSE: Such a shame. This pretty house is destroyed.

AKANE: Will you stop thinking about the house and help me with these two?

UKYO: Sure, hon. Whatcha need?

AKANE: Two glasses of water to wake them up.

Ukyo and Mousse looked at each other. Bad idea since it's going to expose Ryoga's dark secret to Akane.

UKYO: As in drink or splash in their faces?

AKANE: The second one.

MOUSSE: Are you sure that will work?

AKANE: [gives him a skeptic look] What are you talking about?

MOUSSE: I mean…it's gonna be bad with Ranma and Ryoga and-

AKANE: What? A little water is going to kill them? C'mon. Ranma's fine and Ryoga's okay.

UKYO: Honey, you might never know.

AKANE: I can't believe this. Mousse, just get me two glasses of water now. Please?

Mousse didn't want to do this but sooner or later Ryoga will have to tell her the truth one way or another and the look on Akane makes him an unwitting obedient servant. So, he goes to the kitchen to grab two glasses of cold water. He then gives it to Akane as she is near Ryoga's body. All Mousse and Ukyo can do now is stay farther away from the soon-to-be crime scene. Akane looks at Ryoga carefully. He's a nice guy, she thought. Why on earth would Ranma pick on him again? Akane then splashes the water on Ryoga's face. What happens next is anyone's guess. Akane's face changed from concerned to horrified as she had witnessed the transformation of Ryoga to P-Chan. Ryoga is P-Chan? RYOGA IS P-CHAN? RYOGA IS P-CHAN? Those were the words that are circling to her mind. After all this time and she didn't even know about it! No wonder Ranma gets jealous everytime she brings P-Chan to bed with her. Oh God, she thought, he must have seen her naked when she dresses up. Now she felt disgusted and vulnerable. Without warning, she screamed in a shocking and horrified manner that everyone can hear it within 5 kilometers. She continued screaming, much to the dismay of Mousse, Ukyo and now Shampoo, who just came out of her room and went downstairs.

SHAMPOO: Why is violent girl screaming?

UKYO: She found out Ryoga is P-Chan.

SHAMPOO: What? Is that so? Make violent girl stop screaming. My ears will bleed.

Akane continued to scream louder and louder that caused Ranma to wake up. He sees Akane being freaked out at P-Chan. Then, it hit him. She found out. Of course, this was his scenario when she finds out about it. He didn't want to be the victim of Akane's wrath so he slowly steps away from him. Just then, Ryoga woke up and sees Akane screaming. Right when he is about to figure out what's going on, she sees him awake and quickly unleashes her Mallet of Doom and hits the unfortunate pig. Ranma, seeing this, quickly rushes over P-Chan's side to see if he's okay.

RANMA: [whispers] Hey, Ryoga. You okay?

AKANE: Ranma! Did you know about this?!

RANMA: W-what?

Truth to be told, Ranma didn't want to tell her that not only he knew Ryoga's secret but also he was the one who cursed him accidentally.

AKANE: Ranma! Did YOU know Ryoga is P-Chan?

RANMA: [stuttering] I…er, um…well…

AKANE: [furious] RANMA!

RANMA: [flinches] Whoa! Wait a sec, Akane! Let me explain!

Ranma can already see Akane ready to hit him with her mallet.

AKANE: Explain to me why you never told me that Ryoga is P-Chan? WHY? WHY?

RANMA: Akane…

AKANE: EXPLAIN TO ME NOW!

RANMA: ALL RIGHT! JUST CALM DOWN!

While Ranma begins to talk, Ukyo slowly grabs the unconscious pig while Mousse grabs his clothes. They and Shampoo went to the kitchen to fix Ryoga.

RANMA: I-it also started right after I was cursed in Jusenkyo that I started chasing my dad. At that time, Ryoga was at the cliff above from the springs. I didn't know it was him when I accidentally knocked in to the spring where he fell.

AKANE: The Spring of Drowned Black Piglet.

RANMA: Y-yeah. Anyway, I didn't know anything about this un-until the night before you f-found him as P-Chan that I knew that he is, well, you know.

AKANE: Why?

RANMA: Huh?

AKANE: Why Ranma? Why didn't you tell me? God, Ranma, why?

Now comes the hard part.

RANMA: Ryoga and I took a warrior's oath that I would never tell you and anyone else. I took that because I am responsible for his misfortune. But Ryoga broke that oath by snuggling close.

By the time he said that, Ranma clenches his fist as he remembers Ryoga's deception. So much for being an honorable warrior. As he looks at Akane, her tears begin to fall down on her cheeks and almost got an internal nervous breakdown. At this point, all she wants to leash out her anger at him like she used to but this time verbally instead of physically.

AKANE: [angry] GOD RANMA! WHY DID YOU LET HIM DO THAT? He must have saw me naked! God… [tries to find the right words as she sobs] I've never felt so humiliated! I felt vulnerable! That pompous dick! And you didn't do a thing? WHY THE HELL DID YOU TOOK THAT WARRIOR'S OATH? Of all the bad things that have happened to me of all my life, this is one of the worst! I…You let him do whatever he wants without me knowing? WHAT KIND OF AN ASSHOLE ARE YOU!?

RANMA: HEY! Why are you blaming at me for? You're the one who's clueless! I gave you clues to let you know that Ryoga is P-Chan!

AKANE: Well you should have tried harder! What kind of a man are you? You're too damn honorable for one thing that it's making you a sucker for everyone!

RANMA: Are mad at me or Ryoga?

AKANE: BOTH OF YOU MORONS! But I'm mad at you most of all!

RANMA: Look. First and foremost I've tried my best to protect you from bacon boy but no! All you do is hit me because you never listen to me!

AKANE: You could have just told me directly!

RANMA: I couldn't! Because…[doesn't want to say "honor"] ARRRGGHHH!!! It's because of my HONOR as a martial artist!

AKANE: Is that it? You couldn't tell me the truth because of your God-damned honor? For crap's sake, Ranma, a squirrel can make better honors than you!

RANMA: [furious] Are you insulting me?

AKANE: How about a big DUH! Like you've been doing that to me a while back? You value your goddamn honor!

RANMA: Don't you understand? I've tried to break my honor by telling you the truth but I couldn't! If I tell you the truth, I would lose my honor but at the same time I don't want that jerk to snuggle with you!

AKANE: I can't believe what I'm hearing! Are you saying that you value honor more than me? Newsflash Ranma: it doesn't make you a man, it'll make you more of a schmuck! Too bad Happosai is more of a man than you will ever be!

That does it. It's bad enough that Akane hits Ranma with her mallet but it's worst that she compares Happosai in terms of a manly man than he is.

RANMA: [in a furious tone] DON'T YOU COMPARE ME WITH THAT FREAK! What did I do to make you upset?

AKANE: Tons, Ranma, tons! You always insult me of how I look, who I am, how I perform in martial arts, my cooking that I've tried harder to make it better, almost everything! I wanted to hear from you an encouraging or nice word. But no, you have to insult me all the time as if God created you to make my life miserable! Your ego is so big that it doesn't fit your brain anymore! But this, you keeping me away from Ryoga's secret, is the worst! You're not a man as you claim to be! You're a wussy, spineless, little boy underneath that mask you're wearing! I'm sick of your macho bullshit!

With that, Akane slapped Ranma on his cheek. She begins to weep bitterly while Ranma remained motionless. If one can look carefully, he's upset and feels horrible. But, what he felt is something controlling him that is beyond his control.

RANMA: [in a low furious tone] Shut up, bitch.

Akane is shocked at his remark as so are everyone else who is listening to them.

RANMA: I've had it with your goddamn temper. You never listen to me and all you do is hit me with your fucking mallet. So I'm going to make this short but sweet. Your performance as a martial artist sucks. Your cooking sucks. Everything you do sucks because you never listen to anyone but yourself. You think you are the best but you're not. You're nothing but an insecure spoiled brat.

AKANE: [angry] Shut up!

RANMA: What's the matter? Can't accept the truth? YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE TRUTH!

AKANE: SHUT UP!

RANMA: But you were right about one thing. You breaking up with me was the best decision you've ever done because I'll never listen to you bitching about something else again! And I'll end with some nice girl who'll never treat me crap!

AKANE: SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!

Akane slaps him again but with a horrifying twist: Ranma slaps her so hard that it knocks her off her feet to the ground. Mousse, Shampoo and Ukyo are stunned at two things: they broke up and Ranma slapped her. What's next?

MOUSSE: That asshole!

UKYO: Ranchan…he never hits girls. What's going on?

SHAMPOO: Shampoo don't know and confused about this.

Akane hold her hand to where Ranma had slapped her. She continued to weep at this misfortune. Ranma, realizing what he had done, tried to help her get up but she quickly gets up and bursts out of the door crying.

RANMA: AKANE, COME BACK! I-

It's too late. She was gone by the time she left the cabin. Ranma sighs at this. He didn't know what had happened just now.

UKYO: Ranchan, what the hell happened!?

Ranma looks at the other three. Guess its time to tell them everything.

RANMA: Honestly…Akane wanted to break up with me and ended the engagement because of her reasons I honestly don't understand. Back then, I didn't want to but…I didn't want this to happen!

Shampoo and Ukyo digest the information Ranma told them. If this took place back in their own world, they would've have rejoiced and claim Ranma as their rightful fiancée then husband. Now, they have no reaction. Ukyo decides to be Ranma's best friend again and Shampoo didn't want Ranma anymore after a fight.

UKYO: Okay…I understand that but-

MOUSSE: Why the hell did you slapped Akane? That's not how a martial artist treats women unless the latter wants to kill them.

RANMA: I-I…[sighs] don't know. I really don't know what came over me. I don't know. Where's Ryoga?

SHAMPOO: Pig-boy still unconscious.

RYOGA: RANMA!

Ranma looked at Ryoga's direction and sees the very-pissed off lost boy.

SHAMPOO: So much for being unconscious.

RYOGA: WHAT DID YOU DO WITH AKA-

Suddenly, an arrow hits Ryoga's back. Everyone is surprised. They didn't know where it came from. Ryoga falls to the ground. Just then, Ranma sensed someone is here and it ain't Akane.

RANMA: EVERYONE! RUN FOR COVER!

Arrows began to appear to hit them from outside. Everyone hide for safety as Ranma magically took out his Keyblade and hides behind the couch while Ukyo and Mousse grabs Ryoga and place him with Ranma. Then, Ukyo, Mousse and Shampoo took out their respective weapons and are ready to fight their yet-unseen enemies.

MOUSSE: Saotome, what about Akane?

RANMA: Oh no! She might be in danger! I gotta go outside!

UKYO: Wait! What if it's a trap?

RANMA: I don't care! Akane's in grave danger!

Everyone heard footsteps from outside. Ranma silently tells everyone to take them in full force.

RANMA: Okay, Ucchan, go upstairs and see if there are enemies that surround the place. Shampoo, take Ryoga to a safe place and attack if necessary. Mousse, stay here and fight them off.

SHAMPOO: What you do, Ranma?

RANMA: Find Akane! What else? Okay, people we go…NOW!

Ukyo quickly climbed the stairs and went to her room to see if there are enemies. Shampoo transports Ryoga's body to the kitchen while Mousse arms himself with chains.

RANMA: UCCHAN! How many are there?

UKYO: I don't know! They keep disappearing!

RANMA: The Heartless?

UKYO: No!

RANMA: That does it!

MOUSSE: Wait a sec! You're going to the front door? That's suicide!

RANMA: It's better than Akane in danger!

MOUSSE: Despite the fact that you hit her?

Ranma doesn't answer Mousse because he really doesn't know how to answer that or that he didn't really care.

RANMA: Mousse, as soon as I manage to get out, you, Shampoo and Ucchan take them out. As soon as I find Akane, we'll come back to you ASAP.

MOUSSE: And if you don't?

RANMA: [silence] Just take them out.

Ranma mentally count 1 to 3 as the arrows keep shooting from outside. When he counted 3, Ranma immediately run to the front door while he avoids the arrows by hitting them with his Keyblade. Mousse came after him but moved through the window by crashing to attack their foes. Ranma bursts through the door only to see no one in particular. Yet, he keeps his guard on in case of surprise attacks. His concentration snapped when he heard quacking sounds in the back.

RANMA: (Mousse!)

Ranma came to his comrade's aid but as soon as he got there, he finds an unconscious Mousse in his Jusenkyo form. His head immediately faced to his back when he sensed someone is sneaking behind him. He performs a jumping spinning kick which connects to his attacker's face. The attacker went down but another jumped on him. Ranma struggled to get him off at his back. He grabbed his attacker's hair and slams him on the ground with the finishing fist on the attacker's stomach as a result. All of the sudden, the remaining 6 soldiers tackled him to the ground. Ranma struggled to free himself from them but they are too strong. One of the soldiers pulled a taser and zaps it on the Keybearer long enough for him to stop struggling. Ranma is barely concscious as he tries to get up but couldn't. He rolled his body to where his back is lying to the ground. He continues to get up but the leader stomps him with her right foot on his chest, preventing him to do further actions. She smiles at her victim with much satisfaction.

???: [in a seductive tone] You know, you're kinda handsome and cute, for a Keybearer. [licks her tongue] Either you're very yummy or delicious. Oh silly me, they're all the same.

Ranma barely manages to say something but only can bring out some words due to his condition.

RANMA: …who…the hell…are…you?

???: Forgive me, we haven't introduced each other. I am Korema, the queen of Amarya, the world of Amazons. You are my prisoner and slave at the same time. Lucky me! By the way, men are prisoners and slaves while the opposing women die. Any questions?

Ranma widen his eyes with surprise. They're going to kill Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo.

KOREMA: Before I go…

Korema knocks him out with her mightiest punch. Ranma is now unconscious and helpless. Korema instructs her men to tie him up with chains. They also did the same thing with Mousse. The Queen of Amarya noticed that Bina and Dew are now doing their assignments inside the house. Jinnai and Katsuo came out from the bushes and approached Korema with a good impression.

JINNAI: [in a praising tone] Oh Korema-sama! What a wonderful job you've done! And my plan work perfectly!

KATSUO: He's right Korema-sama! You should be pleased!

KOREMA: [rolls eyes] What do you mean your plan worked? 40-50% of your plan worked effectively. My goodness this is one plan I can pull easily!

JINNAI: B-but Korema-sama! At least your mission worked very well!

Korema looked at the young man carefully. Although he was very useless, Korema needed him as a physical and verbal punching bag in a therapeutic manner. Then again, he could be quite useful and half of his plan worked involving tranquillizers and electronic taser. This action is for her object of affection, Veral, who told her about the NWC. Now, Korema will wait with her companions.

Shampoo hid in the kitchen with the still unconscious Ryoga. She managed to pull out the arrow from him but he's still in la-la land. Not knowing what to do for the moment, all Shampoo can do for the moment is to wait for Ranma and Mousse to come out. She hasn't heard of them so far neither her enemies. She tightens her grip on her bonbories as the suspense is killing her. What's going on? Shampoo carefully looks around for incoming intruders but when she looks on her right, she freaks out as she sees Dew, looking all innocent. Shampoo is in her fighting stance in case of emergencies.

SHAMPOO: Who you?

Dew is silent. She won't talk.

SHAMPOO: Shampoo ask who are you!?

DEW: [giggles] You talk funny for a bimbo.

Shampoo is infuriated. How dare she insult the Amazon warrior of her world! Dew gives her a grin that would freak out or kill people.

SHAMPOO: Shampoo ask again! Who you brat?!

Not responding to Shampoo's question, Dew pulls out a chain mace. Both girls prepare for a fight. Shampoo is certain that she'll win over the little girl. She charges at her with one bonbori aiming at Dew. The latter dodges with unbelievable speed. Shampoo aims at Dew with a second attack with her other bonbori in her left hand. Dew grabs her left hand and tosses her aside 10 ft. away. Shampoo crashes at the wall and lands on her butt. Dew begins to twirl the chain mace and aims it at Shampoo. Shampoo quickly gets away from the weapon right before it hits her. Shampoo throws her bonbori at Dew but the latter counters it by twirling her chain mace as a shield. Dew charges at her while continuing to twirl her weapon in the air. Shampoo ducks at the weapon as it aims for her. Dew quickly crouches when she decides to hit her below. Shampoo continues to dodge the attack. Fate is against her when she accidentally trips on the floor with her back. Dew grins and tosses her weapon at Shampoo. The chains wrapped around her neck. Dew begins to strangle her tightly. Shampoo is in deep trouble. She couldn't breathe as the blond girl tightens the chain. Shampoo tried other means to remove the chains but her every attempt fails. Shampoo yelps out in a desperate scream for help. Not long, her oxygen begins to decrease and so are her chances of living. Right before she closes her eyes, Mousse came out in her mind. She hated herself for not loving him back. She also thought about Cologne. With her final breath, she collapses on the ground. Dew carefully removed the chains from her. She should have killed her…

Ukyo hid in her own room, armed with her battle spatula. No word from the others. Ukyo concentrated on her plans but out of a blue, she kept thinking about the people she knew in her life. She missed her late mother, hates her father who abandoned her for the sake of honor, loves Ranma but doesn't know for sure whether as a former fiancée or as a best friend, Akane in their love-hate relationship and her shop. Then her mind quickly shifts to Konatsu, her only friend post-wedding disaster and pre-Keyblade. She hated herself for abandoning him. She hopes that he's doing fine. Ukyo closes her eyes and thinks of the events that has happened so far and summarizes in a few words: weird, bizarre and out of this world.

Ukyo raises head in full alert when she heard footsteps on the other room on the left side of hers. She stands up carefully with her spatula. She opens the door and looks below the ground floor. Aside from arrows stuck on the walls and ground, no one is there. She focuses on investigating on the particular room. Leaning on the wall with her back, Ukyo counted 1 to 3 as she prepares to confront the intruder. One, she breathes slowly. Two, she mentally prepares herself. Three, go. She grabs the doorknob and opens it. As she quickly enters the room, Ukyo is caught off guard when she's shot by Bina with her double barrel shotgun in the chest and is propelled through the air backwards. Ukyo falls into the lower ground by the strong impact that wrecks the stair railing with her body. She lands on the ground hard on her back. Ukyo wines in pain. The injury is one pain she hasn't experience until now. Bina goes out of the room and casually climbs down the stairs. She grins at the wounded okonomiyaki chef as she continues to wince.

BINA: There, there. Painful, huh? I could have killed you with a REAL bullet but…well, you got the taste of a double does of rock salt.

She goes near Ukyo.

BINA: Now, I don't know if it hurts so bad but, I don't want to know it.

Bina kicks the spatula away from its owner. She continues to babble.

BINA: You're kinda cute but you're not my type. I don't dig chicks, thank goodness for you also. Little girl, prepare for the worst.

Both women face to face. Ukyo spits at Bina's face with her bloody saliva. Bina wipes it away with her hand.

BINA: Pretty funny for you? Girl, like I said, prepare for the worst. You're going to regret what you did to me just now. Doctor's orders, [she reloads the gun with more rock salt] I'm gonna give ya more doses of rock salt.

Ukyo panics about this and tries to get away. Bina quickly shoots her in the stomach. Ukyo gives her most painful scream yet that could be heard outside. The short-haired woman rolls Ukyo over onto her stomach, exposing her butt. Ukyo is still hurt from the pain while she knows that the next attacks will kill her. Bina reloads more rock salts and takes aim. She fires her shotgun, in execution style, right into her ass. Ukyo continues to scream like a little girl in pain. She begins to cry knowing that this moment will be her last. She turns her head around only to see the shotgun aimed at her head.

Outside the cabin, you can hear the gun being shot.

Akane turns around to hear the sound of the shotgun coming from the cabin. She stands up from where she sat but doesn't know what to do. Before she came to where she is for the moment, Akane cried and cried over her fight with Ranma. It was painful, especially when he slapped her. Their argument has gone badly. She doesn't want to speak with her former fiancée again but when hearing that shot, she knew it's not good. After consciously debating herself whether she should go there and help them or not, she decides to help them. She runs towards the cabin with full speed. As she reaches the cabin, she finds it wrecked, She enters the door and is greeted by Korema and her small army. Akane flinches and stops her actions. She then sees Ukyo lying down on the floor, with blood on her clothes. Korema sees her.

[BGM: "A Silhouette of Doom"]

KOREMA: Who are you?

AKANE: What have you done to…my friends?

KOREMA: Why do you care?

AKANE: ANSWER ME!

BINA: Hey, Korema, this bitch got her groove on. Shall we kill her?

KOREMA: No. I'll handle this myself. [approaches Akane] Little girl, I suggest you leave. You're no match for me.

Akane is now furious. The strange woman calls her weak. She charges at her with her right fist aiming at Korema. Korema quickly holds her right fist and pushes her away. Akane executes a back fist but Korema dodges it backwards. In return, she uses a palm strike at her face. Akane is thrown backwards to the ground. One can see blood flowing from her mouth. Akane touches her injured face. She slowly stands up and defiantly looks at Korema.

KOREMA: Back for more, weakling? I don't have time for games.

AKANE: SHUT UP! What did you to Ranma and the others!?

KOREMA: [decides to lie to make Akane miserable] Killed them. Happy now, wench?

Akane could not believe it. Ranma and the others are…are…NO! Akane thinks she's lying!

AKANE: That's not true! You're lying!

KOREMA: [in a calm tone] So what if I am? What are you going to do about it?

Akane lets out a screaming and charges at Korema without thinking. She performs a flying kick but as it approaches near Korema, the queen grabs her foot and throws her aside. Korema looks at Bina and Dew carefully.

KOREMA: Girls, I think it's time we show this cunt about not messing with me. [cracks her knuckles] This will be fun.

BINA: Sure thing.

Akane gets up only to see Korema with her companions behind her approaching her. Akane backs away from them in order to escape. Dew jumped above Akane and lands behind her. Dew begins to kick her in the back sending her direction to Korema who quickly punches her in the face. Akane tries to fight back but Bina got the best of her by grabbing her and breaking her right arm. Akane screamed in pain and as she looks at Bina, the latter hits her with her elbow. And so thus began Korema, Bina and Dew beating up Akane as they take turns by sending her to each others directions after hitting her. During this time, Jinnai and Katsuo are cheering for Korema and encouraging her to finish Akane off. Very sadistic, if you ask. Akane could not defend herself properly as the three sadistic women beat her up with punches and kicks to her entire body. Korema gets the final blow at her by punching her at her face. Akane falls down on the ground with every bruise and cut in her entire body. Her face isn't faring well either. Blood begins to flow from her mouth while she got two black eyes and bruises and cuts in her cheeks and forehead. She couldn't take this anymore. Every inch of her body is in pain, She couldn't move properly and is breathing heavily for dear life. She looks at the three women from below who are staring at her. She then looks at Jinnai and Katsuo who are praising Korema. Akane begins to cry for mercy. Korema approaches her carefully. She takes out her hankerchief and wipes away the blood on Akane's face.

KOREMA: There, there. No need to cry. See, I can be merciful as I want. I hope you learned you lesson that you shouldn't mess with-

Before Korema could finish, Akane bit her hand like a wild animal. Korema screams in pain as she looks at her wounded hand. She furiously grabs Akane's shirt and starts punching her at her face.

KOREMA: YOU! [punch] BITCH! [punch] THAT! [punch] HURT! [punch] TAKE! [punch] THIS! [punch] AND! [punch] DIE! [punch]

Korema drops Akane to the ground and reaches for her weapon. She holds a very sharp katana blade that could easily cut through almost anything. Akane sees this and internally panics. Korema looks at her with disgust.

KOREMA: You really shouldn't do that. For your action, you shall receive tenchu [wrath of heaven]. Now, you will suffer 'til your last breath.

Korema raises her sword with the tip of the blade aiming at Akane's stomach. She shouts a battle cry as she descends the sword to her body.

And then Akane's world turned black.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

1. Amarya is a new world I created. It's a world filled with Amazons. But unlike Shampoo's own Amazon village, the men are treated as slaves, soldiers or as lovers. As for the women from the opposing side, they kill each other. You'll learn later on in the next chapter.

2. The Amarya story arc is a tribute to "Kill Bill". Why? Just for the heck of it. I really wanted to see Akane, Shampoo and Ukyo kick ass for real instead of being damsels in distress (recalls memories from the 2nd film).

3. Expect cameos (aside from Jinnai and Katsuo) from Final Fantasy.