Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½ but I do own Kyoko. I am also very poor so don't sue me! Okay, now that we got that out of the way, let's press on. Enjoy the show!

Demon's Crossing

Chapter 8

The aftermath of the battle left more questions then answers. The strange clouds hanging overhead were a good indication that something was seriously off. Ranma's heightened senses were going haywire as he detected the sheer malevolence from the atmospheric anomaly. The city of Nerima was acting in the usual fashion and ignored it. Everyone waiting for their resident superheroes to save the day. The "family" sat around the TV watching the news. The silvery cloud was the top story. According to the reports it seemed as if the bizarre cloud had originated over a remote region in China. Kyoko looked over to her brother and saw him staring with almost frightening concentration at the screen. The silence was like a heavy weight pressing down on them. Finally, Ranma spoke.

"We're not done yet. If this has anything to do with the Amazons then we're gonna have to act fast. The longer Cologne remains in their control then the harder it'll be to get her back." he said to the assembled martial artists (and worried mother).

"That much obvious." Shampoo grumbled from her place on the floor, Ukyou stroking her back soothingly.

"Do you have anything else to add, Saotome?" Mousse inquired of the pigtailed martial artist, trying to head off a confrontation.

"Yeah, I called Nabiki a lil' while ago and got her to arrange a ship to go there. I'm in her debt again and I hope she doesn't charge interest." he got a few scattered chuckles from his joke until he looked at them confused. He was serious.

"I'm sure she won't charge anything beyond the cost of the ride." Soun said reassuringly. The ones who know the girl stared at him openly until they saw the glint in his eye. He was serious, too.

"The next order of business is combat outfits. How can we strike fear if we're not coordinated?" Kyoko asked so cheerfully it caused another round of stares until they realized she wasn't serious. The serious council of war degenerated into laughter, wrapping up soon after that so everyone could get some sleep.

His room felt a little crowded, but he was glad he wasn't sleeping on the floor. The blue-eyed boy had quickly come to the conclusion that Ryoga could literally beat him in his sleep from the way he was thrashing around. He chuckled as the blind master of Hidden Weapons reflexively dodged the unintended attack. They weren't very noisy, but they seemed to be making animal noises in their sleep. Pig-like grunts and duck-like quacks made a strangely soothing harmony. His thoughts were a messy jumble that couldn't be sorted out the more he reached for them, but came within range when he relaxed.

As he felt his body become leaden with sleep, several thoughts made themselves known. He was at an impasse for what to do about the Tendo engagement. Akane wasn't chasing him anymore she said. The youngest girl just wanted to be friends. That thought put him more at ease somehow. It just wouldn't work out between them if it was a relationship, but friendship certainly stood a chance. Another thought practically grabbed him. Why had Nabiki chased after him that day in the rain? She could have been seriously hurt by the youma, but still fought anyway. Sure, she used an armored car to take care of it, but the fact is she stayed. He had caught the girl staring at him on more then one occasion with a contemplative look. She certainly was pretty and had a sharp mind that would keep him out of trouble in cases where fighting wasn't an answer. The two of them were actually similar in some ways, both had to hide who they were because of people's expectations. Another thought intruded as soon as that one ran its course. What about Kasumi? Beautiful was the word to describe her, but other words fit too. Kind, gentle, caring, and nurturing spring immediately to mind. She would blush whenever he would accidentally touch her, then again so would he. Kasumi served as sort of a surrogate mother for her family and even for him. That was strangely attractive too. Sleep cut off further thoughts as he drifted off, but he was sure that his dreams would be pleasant.

Nabiki had arrived shortly before everyone had gone to bed. Her and Kasumi were to share the same room as the rest of the girls. The mercenary girl's eyebrow raised slightly at the sight of the Chinese bimbo cuddled up to someone other then Ranma and that it was Ukyou. Stranger things have happened as she knows well. Her mind went back to comforting the poor girl after she woke up. Since it was too late to wake anyone up, she decided to wait until morning to tell everyone the news. What had her really surprised was Kasumi had her face against the wall as if peering at something. The eldest girl had held that posture since she entered the room and seemed completely unaware of her surroundings. The young mercenary smirked before tapping her elder sibling on the shoulder and covering her mouth quickly to prevent her shocked squeal. The longhaired girl had a faintly guilty look on her face as Nabiki went to see what she was staring at. She whistled softly in appreciation at the view. The pigtailed boy seemed deep in concentration about something. A plan rapidly forming in her mind that she discussed with Kasumi. The two girls had equally devilish grins on their faces as they hammered out the details. They knew that they were fighting over the same guy, but that didn't mean they couldn't work together to ensure that one of them got him. The plan was brilliantly simple: cosplay.

The neko hanyou sighed as she stared at her cellphone with a slightly numb feeling. Ranma had asked her why they could save Shampoo and not the others. Her colleagues searched hard for the answer and in the end came up with one that depressed her. If the subject willingly ingests the Ghoul Powder then they can't be saved. If coercion was used, however, then the soul doesn't become demonic. The only person who could save a lost soul was a young miko almost fifteen hundred years ago who got lost in China. Her power was legendary and many stories were created around her. Something was nibbling at her, but it couldn't get a solid bite. There was something about that story. It couldn't be that important, she decided as she headed back inside.

The adults in the house sat out back, close enough for companionship but not close enough for it to be inappropriate. The auburn haired woman looked at the man beside her. He appeared to be lost in thought. Perhaps it was the same thing that she was worried about. Would everyone make it back home alive? She shivered slightly in the nighttime breeze. The woman almost jumped out of her skin when a warm arm draped across her shoulders. All she could see was concern in his eyes. The restored man smiled slightly at her. She was certain that her blush was clearly visible to her neighbors down the street. The two looked at each other, magnetism hit and they found themselves drawn to each other. Just before they connected, Nodoka's eyes widened and she pulled back, blushing furiously. She found herself muttering apologies that he was echoing just before she fled into the house and away from the feelings churning inside of her.

Soun stared after the rapidly retreating woman and cursed his own foolishness. He knew he was lonely, and saw how lonely she was, so he let his own need win out. The poor woman wasn't looking for a suitor yet, if she ever would, and now their friendship was strained because of his inattention. He knew he was a fool. With a sigh, he looked up to the stars as if seeking answers. What he saw there made him scowl. That damned cloud obscured everything. It seemed like it was trying to cut them off, dishearten them, but it failed terribly. All it did was strengthen his resolve to see it banished. Perhaps under a clear sky he can make his feelings known to her. Maybe.

The next day the sky had grown even darker. To those with the power to read auras it seemed as if the cloud had tripled in power literally overnight. The waves of darkness were spreading out to encompass all of Japan and the surrounding area. The Saotome house seemed largely unaffected, an aura of peace was prevalent making it the last bastion of light on the whole island. Not even the shrines were safe places. Demon Hunters from all over were fighting in the streets as the cloud spat out evil minions, yet the minions couldn't get through whatever was protecting the house. As it stood, breakfast that morning was a crowded, but pleasant affair. Everyone was seated out in the backyard because of how many people were there. A surprise visitor to the house that morning managed to brighten everyone up more. Hinako appeared at the door inquiring as to Ranma's whereabouts and offered her services. The chi vampire was welcomed warmly into the house by Nodoka and ushered to the backyard. With a mischievous smile she called out to them.

"Delinquents!" she cried out suddenly, everyone suddenly went from easy and relaxed to almost military posture. The sight caused her to dissolve into giggles. Space was made for her at the makeshift table and she found herself almost enveloped in warm hugs and exclamations of surprise. Soun looked around before voicing a thought out loud.

"Where are Kasumi and Nabiki?" he asked no one in particular, but it was a good question.

"Sorry we're late Daddy." Nabiki drawled as she and her big sister stepped out of the house, almost causing an eruptions of nosebleeds and exclamations of "Kawaii!" The mercenary girl was wearing what looked like the outfit of a monk from Final Fantasy Tactics, having remembered that he liked the game. She didn't even have to change her hair. She had the costume down to even the metal gauntlets with elbow guards as well as the knee guards. It wasn't immediately obvious that it was a rush job and the sleeveless dress with mini skirt looked great on her. She did a charming flirt with her skirt. The Tendo patriarch was almost frozen in stone at the sight of one of his baby girls wearing something like that. When they're eyes traveled to Kasumi that prompted the "Kawaii". She was dressed as Aerith, right down to the staff. Her costume had a less hurried look then her sister's, but both were stunning. After receiving a round of congratulations, everyone sat down to eat.

Happosai was being visibly restrained by Ranma. He wanted to glomp all the pretty girls at the table and get away from his blasted heir, until a cup of cold juice turned him into a her. Then Ranma had to keep the perverted master off of her matured body. The fight left him, however, when Nodoka's sheathed katana flashed down and knocked him out. The meal continued at a much more relaxed pace with the two costumed girls taking turns feeding him and giggling a lot. Akane was sitting beside Ryoga, casting him speculative looks. The poor Lost Boy was flushed by the sight of so many beautiful girls in varying states of dress. Shampoo was cuddling with Ukyou and feeding her from her plate. The chef girl was unrestrained by the bandage and feeding her Amazon girl. That sight once again prompted the questions, "How does she hide those behind a simple bandage?" and "Why haven't I needed a blood transfusion?" Kyoko had this faraway look as she watched Mousse. That girl radiated something wild and exciting, the blind Master couldn't help looking over at her, but would just miss her looking at him. Ryoga was fairly sure something would happen eventually, but decided to butt out. His gaze wandered to Akane and caught her staring at him with the same look Ukyou was giving Shampoo and was caught like a deer in the headlights. Thankfully there was so much general chaos that no one noticed.

"I have some news about departure. We'll be leaving as soon as we arrive at the dock. I had to call in some serious favors, but it's worth it for what we're doing." Nabiki announced. Her saying "we" meant she was coming along and wouldn't take no for an answer. Rather then argue, Ranma kept his peace but was determined to speak to her once they were on their way. That wasn't the only surprising announcement that morning as Nodoka and Kasumi also announced they were going. Once again the blue-eyed boy knew he couldn't argue with them.

"If you're going to Jusenkyou, then count me in!" a young man with pantyhose wrapped around his neck proclaimed as he vaulted over the wall. There was a mass sweatdrop as a bush began inching its way over before getting punted into orbit. What the assembled warriors didn't realize was that the pigtailed boy had a plan. A simple plan, but a brilliant one, he thought. Just wait until they were out to sea.

The ship captain was still staring at the large collection of people. Someone had informed the Kunos about what was happening, but they were knocked out and tossed into a barrel of pickled herring. At least thy weren't bringing luggage, aside from an assortment of backpacks and spare weapons. The leader of the group wore an old sword tucked through a cloth belt at his waist. The arrangements were made in short order and all was set for launch. As part of the agreement, they would be helping out the crew on deck. Seemed simple enough considering the bizarre training they had all been through. They would learn to regret those thoughts.

It would take them some time to actually get to their destination. The reason it was a ship and not a plane was because it would be quieter and they could actually go straight from a handy beach right to their destination. The Nerima Wrecking Crew was geared for battle against anything, but running a ship was demanding work. It wasn't surprising to see someone sacked out on the deck exhausted. The only one who wasn't getting tired was Ryoga, who was discovering a love for the sea he never knew of. It was disturbing to watch him almost casually do the work of ten men and still not be winded. The trip was largely uneventful. Little did they know that someone was about to jump ship.

Later on that moonless night, a figure crept along the deck quietly and quickly. He was alert for any signs of trouble that would inhibit his plan. What he actually failed to count on was his own darling sister standing by the lifeboat he planned on commandeering.

"When were you going to tell me you were leaving?" Kyoko asked softly.

"This is for the best and we both know it. All we'd be doing is leading them all into danger." the boy replied.

"Remember brother, where you go, I go. Besides, ya need two people to unhitch a lifeboat." she pointed at the winches. He merely nodded and the two set to work immediately to release their stolen craft. The green-eyed girl went down the ladder first with all the grace of the feline. Ranma almost made to the ship before his luck kicked in and he plummeted into the water. He (now she) hauled herself into the boat. Her shirt clinging to her wet frame in a way that would give anyone a nosebleed. The two merely exchanged a look before setting off into the night towards China. Ranma's arms rowing at Amaguriken speed.

Their disappearance wasn't noticed until the next day when the two of them missed breakfast. A Saotome miss breakfast? Unthinkable! Nodoka was growing more concerned when no one found them in the rooms. She had figured where one was, the other would be. Little did she know how right she was. The chef girl and the Amazon were leaning against each other sleepily as Nabiki got her coffee. Even with coffee she wouldn't have seen this.

Suddenly one of the ship's crew sounded the alert. One of the lifeboats was missing. All eyes turned towards the man, their minds in frightening synchronicity. They knew where the two had gone and it just became more important to catch up to them.

End Chapter 8

Author's Notes: My writer's block is returning. I had to update before my mind turned to mush and I hope I managed to beat it. Well, I must apologize as well for not following through on my promise for this chapter, but I tried to set it up for the gradually approaching ending. Oh well, until next time! Ja ne!