Ranma Tales ½: Chapter 17 – New Beginnings

Part 1: Breakfast

Nabiki puts away her cellphone as Ranma and Akane come downstairs for breakfast. She smiles a crooked grin at the pair as they sit down and she says "Well Akane your in luck it seems. My sources say that after that beating you gave Kuno baby yesterday he will be staying in the hospital for at least a week if not more. He also has to much ego it seems to press charges, so your lucky again."

Akane has a mix of emotions play across her face at the news. Ranma however frowns and asks "What are you talking about Nabiki?"

Nabiki looks thoughtful a moment or two and then says "Well you missed it yesterday morning. Kuno baby got all excited because you weren't there and so he tried to steal a hug from my young sister and your girlfriend. She got super pissed and ended up breaking a rib, spraining three others, fracturing his jaw, and giving him a concussion. All in a record setting three seconds."

Ranma pulls Akane closer to him still frowning and says "I know your not quite back to normal, but please don't do that. The law doesn't much care for why and you can't always get lucky. I know our other business isn't quite so... restrained, but they don't want caught by the police either so you don't have to worry about it to much. People out in public though, like at school..."

Akane sighs and leans against him "Yes I know. I just couldn't help myself when he came at me. I know it was wrong. I know I overreacted, but I couldn't stand to have him touch me."

Ranma sighs as well and says "I understand. Trust me I do... Just try to hold yourself back unless you don't have any other choice ok?" He pauses and says "How about this, if you absolutely have to stop someone like Kuno then I'll let you use seal on them instead. It's gonna look fairly strange in public, but it's better to look a little weird than to hurt people who could cause problems for us."

Akane nods and then leans her head on Ranma's shoulder. "I'll do that next time."

Ranma smiles and says "I don't want anything to come between us. You getting arrested for assault would sure complicate things." He kisses her on the cheek, causing her to blush.

Akane smiles and says "I promise. No more kicking Kuno so he needs a hospital."

Ranma smiles back and says "Good. Lecture over. Now before the food arrives..."

No one gets to find out what Ranma had planned before the food was carried in, since Kasumi chose just that moment to bring in the food. Breakfast is the usual morning fare for this group. Soon enough it's over and the group heads to school to start yet another day.

Part 2: After School

The day had gone well for Ranma and Akane. No strange monsters showing up, no Kuno to annoy them, heck even class proved to be fairly tame for a change. Of course both knew these were signs of the apocalypse, so they were on red alert.

That's why when they come home the sight of a boy named Mousse, who happens to be a Chinese amazon male, in their living room made them think the worst. Not that Mousse seemed to care to much as he just sat their drinking tea. Eventually after scanning the place for obvious, and not so obvious, threats they relax somewhat.

Ranma asks "I didn't know we were going to have company... It's Mousse right?"

Mousse nods to them politely and says "You are correct. I'm sorry to disturb you, but Kho Lon thought it best if we let you know of our decision in the aftermath of the fight the other day."

Akane puts her arm around Ranma as they take seats at the table, Ranma puts his arm around her in return. Once they are settled Ranma asks "So what do you have to tell us?"

Mousse replies "Kho Lon has decided that most likely they have now left Japan. While those two came here we had finally tracked down where they had been hiding. We called Shadow's clan as soon as we could to tell them they had escaped again. We were then informed of what had just happened at your house here in return." He pauses and then adds "Please take my humblest apologies for what Xian Pu has done... She has let her anger rule her and other influences corrupt her."

Akane frowns "She's hurt both of us and tried to hurt our family and friends. I can't just forgive her." Ranma nods his agreement.

Mousse nods and says "I know, but I would like to bring her back to the right path." He pauses again and then adds "I love her and always have. I hate what she has become, but she has ignored all of us when we've tried to help her so far. I will do what I have to so that she cannot hurt herself by committing even greater acts of evil, but I would prefer not to have hurt her more than necessary."

Ranma nods "I can see that. I'd hate to be in a similar circumstance. I can't promise anything, but well do what we can if she comes by again."

Mousse smiles widely and replies "Thank you so much! You don't know how much this means to me!"

Akane smiles at his enthusiasm. Mousse goes on "Anyways, Kho Lon has decided to go back to the village and see if their might be some leads there. However in case she shows up again she has decided to open a restaurant here called the Nekohanten. I'll stay, as well as Xian Pu's twin sisters. Kho Lon will also send a few others to help out, though it's going to be awhile until they get here."

Akane asks "Why are you staying?"

Mousse replies "We are staying because, like it or not, Xian Pu is most likely to come back here to get revenge again. That in mind it sure as heck beats searching the entire world for her."

He would have gone on, but just then the doorbell rings and Kasumi passes through saying "I'll get it.". Then she yells "Coming!" toward the front.

Akane asks "Are you sure they will try again?"

Mousse replies "I'm not sure. Neither is anyone else, but we can't see those two giving up quite so easily..."

Akane takes Ranma's hand in hers and squeezes it firmly. Just then Kasumi comes in carrying a package. It's a rather large box about two feet in length and close to a foot in width, though other than size it seems very ordinary for any sort of mailed package. Kasumi says "This package is supposed to be for you Akane, but it's weird... I've never seen a package glow before..."

The other three each do a double take and Ranma and Akane bump their senses up a notch until they can see what she meant. The box itself didn't glow, but whatever was in the box did. It was also a aura of swirling red and black. Hardly comforting colors.

Ranma says "Kasumi, put the box down and step away from it..." Akane nods her agreement.

Kasumi shrugs and sets the package down on the floor. Then she walks over near the table. Suddenly a knife edges up through the box and tears a hole in it. What emerges from the hole however is not a spirit. It's a female doll with blond 'hair' wearing a Victorian velvet dress in blue and black. Normally not exactly a scary sight. This wasn't normal though, since it moved on it's own and seemed to have no trouble wielding it's half-foot long kitchen knife.

Akane and Kasumi were to stunned to act, never having seen a doll that could move before. Mousse looked confused. Ranma on the other hand hadn't seen this exactly before, but he knew talisman magic when he saw it. The doll was quicker though and in a blur moved to attack Akane.

Confused or not Mousse managed to act first and suddenly three knives were embedded in the dolls chest. The impact knocked the doll out of line for it's attack so it turned and launched itself in the air toward the next closest target from where it is now, Kasumi.

Akane calls on her fire affinity as her surprise fades and her body moves without thought to land a kick on the airborne doll before it can reach her sister, sending it flying into the wall by the stairs. The doll pulls itself back to it's feet and pulls one of the knives from it's chest. With a quick offhand toss the doll sends the knife sailing across the room at Akane. Ranma's katana reaches over to block the knife.

At just that moment Nabiki enters through the front door and calls out that she is home. The doll turns toward the front door and runs toward the new comer. As Nabiki comes face to face with the doll running toward her with the long kitchen knife she stops dead.

Suddenly weighted chains zoom across the room and wrap around the doll halting it's advance. Mousse pulls back on the chains and the doll is sent flying back into the room. Ranma advances to the fallen doll in a flash and impales it with his blade and pins it to the floor. He says "Disperse" and the doll stops moving.

No one moves for a minute or two just to make sure nothing else will occur. Finally Ranma pulls his blade from the body of the doll as well as the floor under it. His sword fades away soon after and the rest of the room relaxes in turn. Mousse goes and gathers his fallen weapons. Akane dismisses her summoned flames and moves over to wrap her arms around Ranma. As she leans her head against his chest he reaches around and pulls her close.

Nabiki finally breathes again and after a few breaths to steady herself asks "Ok what the hell was that? Did my eyes play tricks on me or was that doll moving on it's own and trying to attack me with a giant kitchen knife?"

Ranma replies "It's a form of ki sorcery that binds a spirit to a physical object. Normally the object isn't the shape desired so it manifests it's own body. This one however seems to have been bound to a form it could use. Namely a doll."

Akane adds "It was sent addressed to me for some reason... But it's aura told us something was wrong so we sat it down on the floor and it cut it's way out to attack us."

Nabiki looks at them blankly "You people are just to weird for me... I'm going to go change my clothes." She turns and walks upstairs.

Kasumi decides to ignore the whole thing and cleans up the box ignoring the broken doll on the floor. Then she takes the packaging into the kitchen.

Ranma turns to Mousse "Thanks for the assist there, it takes me a few seconds to summon my sword. I owe you one."

Mousse shakes his head "Don't worry about it. I can't just let people I know get hurt like that. Besides for all I know it could have been a 'gift' sent by Xian Pu."

Ranma shakes his head "This type of ki power is different than what Shampoo uses. In fact I've never meet anyone who does things quite this way before and that worries me."

Mousse sighs with relief "Well I am glad it wasn't Xian Pu. If you ever need any help let me know, ok? Here is the phone number for the restaurant. I should be getting back now." He hands Ranma a slip of paper and Ranma accepts it from him.

"Will do. Take care of yourself ok?" was Ranma's reply. Akane wishes him goodbye as well and thanks him for helping her earlier. Then Mousse exits the room heading for the door.

Nabiki comes downstairs in her change of clothes just as he enters the entryway and she calls out "Thanks for the rescue back there."

Mousse nods with a slight smile and says "I couldn't just let the thing attack anyone if I could help it."

She walks over to where he is. "Well I for one appreciate it. You can save me anytime, ok?" Nabiki says with a coy smile. The she leans up and kisses his cheek. She pulls back and turns away. The she says "See you later handsome." Soon she walks back toward the living room leaving a stunned Mousse standing in the entryway.

Several minutes later Mousse finally recovers and manages to open the door and let himself out. His thoughts a jumbled mess the whole way home.

Part 3: Training

Ranma and Akane run through their normal workout, much like any other day. It starts with kata training, then moves into sparring, and then settles back to more advanced kata work. Once that's over it will be time for their short talk on matters of the martial arts. It's become their routine over the last few months. Things are finally going to change however.

Ranma calls for a halt and they go sit against the wall. Ranma looks over at Akane and then says "I have a fairly big topic to cover today... In fact I should have dealt with it all awhile ago, but I didn't want to hurry things. The last weekend proved beyond a doubt however that I need to explain a bunch of concepts involved with fights at my level and yours..."

Akane eyes him up without completely turning her head and asks "Are you finally going to explain where that strange sword comes from? Nabiki's explanation of the fight the other day even suggested Hitome and Kaori had weapons that vanished suddenly once the fight was over. Even that strange woman That saved Shampoo and Ryoga seemed to have a weapon."

Ranma frowns "Well I didn't really want to get into that quite yet, but I guess I should explain what those are..."

Akane smiles and says "Good. I keep trying to get you to tell me, but you keep waving it off. Now spill."

Ranma begins "Well the swords and other weapons are collectively called 'Soul Swords'. The name comes from the tradition that a samurai's sword possessed it's own soul. However these aren't given a soul, the are a physical manifestation of a persons soul using ki to give it form. The name is also a misnomer as they don't have to be swords, but swords, spears, staves, axes, and such are the most common. Shape is determined by something like an affinity, it's a representation of your soul as a weapon after all. Which means you can't really pick either."

Akane raises an eyebrow and says "Ok, cool enough... But why would you want a weapon made from your soul? That sounds kinda... Dangerous."

Ranma nods "It can be, but probably not in the way you think. The advantage comes in two parts. The first part is that unlike imbuing your hand or foot with ki, these are made of it. That means they do more damage than even a fist or foot against things like spirit creatures. The second part is that certain powers are... Hard to achieve, without having a certain level of focus. The weapons provide that focus."

Ranma pauses for a moment and then adds "Their is more to it then that though. Certain types of ki attacks can only be used with a soul sword. Those are termed 'Sword Release attacks' and are unique. I have developed one since I learned how to form my sword, I call it Silver Winds and it basically uses a series of high speed wind spikes to cut through things at a distance. These kinds of attacks normally are extremely lethal. It's in fact why you've never seen me use mine."

Akane nods "I can see what you mean... It does sound interesting though... I wonder what my sword would look like..."

Ranma smiles and says "Well I can explain how you build up to it, but the moment you first summon it is normally under stress. Eventually once you learn how though things get easier... Well figuring you don't mind the occasional dream where your soul sword talks to you..."

Akane raises an eyebrow "Ok, now you have to be joking... The swords talk?"

Ranma shrugs "Well you are giving shape to your 'soul' or at least your inner self as sensei preferred to put it. It shouldn't seem to strange if from time to time your inner self once you've given it form talks with you. Heck it has to... That's the only way to 'name' the sword. It's also the way you learn sword release attacks."

Akane looks unconvinced and says "I'll take your word for it."

Ranma smiles and says "Ok, I can live with that, till you can 'enjoy' the experience yourself." He pauses and after a short break goes on "The thing I really have to start teaching you however are the real ki attacks. While Shampoo was the only threat I didn't really have to, she hasn't shown any of those before so I figured it didn't really matter. Ryoga though, showed me how wrong I was. Heck Ryoga was the first time I had to use ki attacks all that much in a long time myself. I found I was a little rusty after not using them often."

Akane smiles "This sounds interesting. I've almost started to feel left out when you guys toss around the ki attacks."

Ranma shakes his head "Sometimes I wish I didn't need to know these things and here you want to rush in. Ah, if I didn't like you so much I'd be worried... As is I just want to see what happens and back you up if things go bad... "

Akane sticks her tongue out at Ranma teasingly and he laughs. Akane joins in shortly after and eventually Ranma manages to say "Watch it with that tongue. It's a dangerous weapon you know."

Akane smile sand says "Oh really?"

Ranma smiles back "Yes. Or at least it is for me... I might have to kiss you again and show you what I mean..." Then he frowns "Darn, I almost forgot what we were supposed to be talking about... Take a raincheck?"

Akane smiles and gives him a wink. "Just as long as you don't wait to long to claim it."

Ranma grins wider and says "Not a chance of that." Then he gets his thoughts back together "Anyways, you've learned the first 'Ki attack' already. That's why I taught you the seal technique. All other Ki attacks work along the same lines as that one does. Seal however is considered both non-elemental and unique. It's non-elemental because it doesn't require a specific element to work. It's unique however because each person has a slightly different effect with it."

Akane says "Ok that makes sense. So I take it these new attacks aren't exactly unique and they use my elemental affinity then?"

Ranma nods "Exactly. While I call my electrical bursts 'Lightning Flash' their isn't any reasons someone else couldn't call the same effect 'Blue Streak' and get the same thing. While some people are incredibly creative in using their element to form new attacks, most basic forms of attack and even defense have been done before. Kasumi for instance is a good example with her 'Holy Ward' defense. It's the name from my understanding that has always been used for that effect. Though now that I've mentioned her I should probably explain something else as well."

Akane narrows her eyes slightly and says "Ok."

Ranma continues "Traditionally besides martial artists, like I mentioned earlier, strongly spiritual people tend to be the ones that have similar ki type powers. They however tend to believe they have a affinity to 'spirit', Spirit however isn't a true element and is never a real affinity like the others. They instead normally opt for non-elemental attacks and defenses. Hence your sisters non-elemental 'holy ward'. Miko are just one type however. Shampoo falls into another from what I've seen, while she's a martial artist she seems to ignore her element and would most likely be called a 'Sorceress'. She's hardly alone in that, lots of people believe in their own brand of 'magic'. They however are all just expressions of ki. Some are distinct however. Sensei has mentioned things such as 'Shadow Magik' which seems hard to describe, Talismans the ability to imbue spirits in objects, Necromancy the ability to directly modify spirits, and a few others I won't go into right now. The doll earlier fits in the category of talisman magic. Shampoo happens to fit the definition I just gave for necromancy, though she's not as bad as some I've seen."

Akane shivers "Not a pleasant thought."

Ranma agrees "No not really. It is however they way of things, so you need to know about it. I don't want to hide anything from you that could be important."

Akane smiles again "I trust that you wouldn't do that..."

Ranma leans back "I'm getting off topic again though... Back to what I was saying. You need to learn elemental attacks. Your element being fire these start off fairly easy. With mine I have to 'pick' from a variety of air effects, like whether to attack with wind or electricity. In your case you get to skip that, you will use fire directly for your attacks. Most fire affinity types learn how to toss fire at an object first. Basically before I get any more detailed you'll simply disconnect some of the flames that normally form around your hands and toss it toward whatever you want to hit."

Akane frowns "I have no idea how I'd do that though..."

Ranma nods "I understand, we haven't quite gotten their yet after all. You did however do something closer to what we need that first time you manifested the element of fire. If you'll remember back you sent a surge of elemental energy through the wall from your hands. Heck I'd suggest you make that one of your attacks as well, I'd think it would make a excellent spirit finishing move. Tossing it is just one step passed what you've already done."

Akane shrugs "I don't remember it all that well though..."

Ranma replies "That's ok, I think you'll pick it up pretty easily..." He stops with a thoughtful look on his face and adds "I almost forgot one last thing. The ki attacks are given a name as a focus tool. If each effect has it's own name, then thinking or saying the name of the effect you want makes it easier to cause the effect you want. It's why most of us tend to yell out the names of our attacks. If you achieve enough focus though you don't need to use those. It's awfully hard to achieve that focus however, so we end up saying the names. Hitome is actually fairly lucky as her attacks are rather... Repetitive. So she says the name at the beginning of a series of attacks, then doesn't need the focus until she stops those attacks for one reason or another."

Akane nods "Ok, I think I can understand that... So now what?"

Ranma leads Akane into the training for elemental ki attacks. She does make it interesting though, with lots of teasing to spice things up between them. In the end they let their temptations get the best of them and wound up in that kiss Ranma had promised her. A fairly dangerous kiss as it acted like gasoline on their desire to touch each other. Luckily, or not so if you were either of those two, Kasumi's yell that dinner was ready caused them to break apart. Both stood close panting as they waited for their bodies to cool down enough to be seen in public. Then they left for the house.

Part 4: Enter Nodoka

When Ranma and Akane arrive from the dojo, Soun is talking with Nabiki and Kasumi. As they sit down they listen in. "I've invited another guest over for dinner. I know we haven't seen her in a long while now, but I have something to discuss tonight with her that I've been putting off way to long. So I invited her over. She should be here soon."

Nabiki looks at her father curiously and asks "Who are you talking about daddy?"

Soun frowns and says "I mean your auntie Nodoka."

Kasumi says "Oh My! Auntie Nodoka!"

Akane smiles "We haven't seen her in a couple years now. It would be nice to see her again."

Nabiki shrugs "She's got issues, but she's not to bad. I can tolerate her for at least one night."

Kasumi and Akane say "Nabiki!" at the same time.

She in turn sighs "Look. I know she helped out back when mom passed away, but she likes to take charge and give her opinion whether you want to hear it or not."

Akane frowns "She only comes around every few years, If she wanted to run our lives, wouldn't she be here more often?"

Nabiki shrugs "When she is here, she acts like she's the boss. I just don't appreciate that. It's why I'm glad she stays away."

Kasumi replies "You know she's only like that because she misses her own family. You know she hasn't seen them in years now since her husband had to travel for business and he took their son along when he left. It's so sad really. I hope they've returned by now."

Akane adds "She never makes us do anything we don't want to do either. She might argue over it, but she does give up if you don't give in."

Nabiki raises her hands and says "Ok. I get it. I get it. Just don't expect me to fall in worship at her feet."

Akane looks exasperated, but doesn't say anything further. Soun speaks up "I have one request." Everyone looks over at him. "As it turns out Ranma's name is very similar to her son's name. Just so as not to give her more emotional problems, I would like you to keep Ranma's name a secret."

Ranma frowns "While I don't want to hurt her feelings, it's more than a little strange." Akane looks thoughtful.

Soun nods "I know, but I found out her son was recently in an accident overseas where they are. She's bound to be upset. It's part of why I wanted to talk with her tonight. However it may be painful to hear her son's name and to have to use it when she talks to you. It would likely be very painful..."

Ranma continues to frown "Well it still seems a bit odd, but I guess I can. I really don't want to make her feel bad. What name am I going to use though?"

Akane smiles and teasingly says "Why don't we call you Ranko?"

Ranma gives her a dirt look and says "I don't think I want to be called 'Wild Flower', even if it's a lot like my name."

Akane smiles even more and says "Ah... I think you'd make a nice wild flower.." She leans against him to increase the effectiveness of her teasing.

Just before Ranma can reply the doorbell rings and Kasumi excuses herself to get it. All of them can hear Kasumi say "Auntie Nodoka!". An older female voice says back "Kasumi!". Followed by the sounds of back patting as they hug in greeting. Then Kasumi invites her inside and they enter the dining room.

The woman is probably in her early forties or late thirties and has dark reddish brown hair, with a blue bow tied to keep her hair tied up into a type of ball at the back of her neck. She is wearing a blue kimono with a green sash and carries a long wrapped bundle, the wrapping made of silk fabric.

Ranma gets the strange feeling he's seen her before somewhere... He just can't remember where or why. Akane and Nabiki greet her as well, though Akane is more enthusiastic. Soun also bows to her and greets her formally. Nodoka returns the bow.

She takes sight of Ranma, as well as Akane leaning against him. She frowns slightly and asks "Who is this young man?"

Akane smiles and says "This is my boyfriend Ranko, he's a guest right now in our house."

Nodoka frowns and says "That is rather bold. It's fairly improper to live with your boyfriend..."

Akane blushes and says "It's not like that! He just needed a place to stay for the moment so daddy let him stay in the guest room."

Kasumi nods "Akane and Ranma would never do anything improper."

Nabiki adds with a sly grin "Sure, I don't think either are ready for more than just making out yet... And they can do that anywhere..."

Akane hisses "Nabiki!"

Nodoka sighs "While it's not my place you two seem very young for that..."

Ranma frowns "Well I would never do anything Akane don't want me to do. I also take our relationship very seriously." He pauses and adds "It was worse with Mr. Tendo trying to engage us to each other the first day we met..."

Nodoka frowns and then Soun interrupts "I just wanted you two to be happy! But dinner is getting cold, why don't we eat?"

Everyone starts to eat and slowly conversation starts back up. Nodoka asks "Isn't Ranko a fairly effeminate name for a boy?"

Nabiki grins and says "His name might be fairly effeminate, but he's definitely bishonen enough to get away with it. No one would doubt he's a guy." In her head she adds 'At least when he is a guy."

Nodoka drops the subject. Though she continues to hint at the improperness of the whole thing. Soun steers the topic away anytime it goes into anything about Nodoka's husband or son, as well as any mention of Ranma's family. So most of the meal is spent discussing what's happened in the passed two years for both the Tendo's and Nodoka.

When dinner is done Akane offers to help Kasumi gather the dishes and Nabiki offers to take the tea service back into the kitchen. Ranma kisses Akane on the cheek and goes up to his room. Soun asks Nodoka to come back to his room so they can talk privately.

In the kitchen, Akane sighs as she puts some dishes in the sink. "I can't believe Auntie Nodoka kept going on about me and Ranma..."

Kasumi smiles and says "Well she is a very traditional woman. I'm sure she didn't mean any harm by it. She just wanted to make she you two wouldn't make any mistakes."

Nabiki grins and says "I told you she was controlling... Last time she visited she complained about me handling the finances and insisted I should let daddy take control!"

Akane shudders and says "Well I can see why you aren't exactly thrilled to see her then." The she sighs "I do like her though and I wish she was more encouraging about us... It's not like we'd do anything bad. Ranma isn't a pervert!"

Nabiki and Kasumi smile. Nabiki adds "Sure, though I know you to would love more time by yourselves... Heck you can barely keep your hands off each other most of the day..."

Akane blushes and stammers "I have to go do my homework now!" Then she walks quickly upstairs.

Nabiki laughs as Akane leaves. Kasumi however sighs and says "You don't need to tease her like that Nabiki. They are just in love, so they want to touch and enjoy the feel of each other. I personally don't see anything wrong with it unless they go to far. I trust them though."

Nabiki sighs "I don't mean anything by it. I'd never do anything to harm either of them. I already feel like Ranma's our little brother and as much family as anyone else. It's just my nature to tease..." She pauses and adds "I need to get to my homework Kasumi. Goodnight."

Kasumi replies "Sweet Dreams".

Nabiki walks upstairs heading toward her room. However she hears voices from her fathers room and old instincts take charge. She stops and listens to what's being said.

Nodoka's voice "So my husband really is dead then? It's been over three years since I last had word, but I hoped..." She breaks up as a sob comes from her.

Soun voice replies "It's ok Nodoka all is not lost. My source tells me that your son is still alive. I just need to verify the information before I can tell you where he is. I don't want my oldest friends wife to suffer if the information is wrong..."

Nodoka gets herself under control again and says "Thank you Soun. I owe you for all you have done for me already. I can't thank you enough. It's been so hard not knowing... Know that I know I can at least grieve for my lost husband."

Nabiki stands absolutely still as her thoughts race. 'What the hell? Nodoka's husband is dead and daddy knew before she did? Oldest friend? Daddy has informants? Three years since she'd last heard from them?' Finally her mind comes to the single conclusion that makes any sense 'Nodoka is Ranma's mother? Why didn't daddy tell either of them?'

An answer however doesn't come to her for that question. Not hearing anything else useful and her mind now quite numb with shock she staggers back to her room. Homework though has now been forgotten as she plots to find out for herself just what is going on.

Part 5: In the Dark of Night Take 2

A young woman enters a normal Japanese girls room in a typical apartment once more as the light fades as shadows form throughout the room. She's wearing the same black lace Victorian style dress with red trim that she wore the last time. Again the eyes of the doll light up like burning embers. The girl kneels on the floor and respectfully says "Mistress, I have come as requested."

The doll nods it's head and says "Report".

The girl replies "The package was delivered as planned. However the doll servant was noticed faster than expected. It freed itself before the could neutralize it safely and tried to mount an attack. It proved quite ineffective. Their were however four defenders, all but one possessing spirit power to some degree. The fourth didn't show any active spirit power, but was... odd. The dolls senses were to limited for further details on him."

The doll says "Interesting. We had expected only two defenders at best. Give me any details possible about their appearance."

"Their was a boy with black hair in a pony tail and strong spirit power. Another boy with long dark hair who wore robes who was the odd one. Then their were two girls. One with short black hair who was younger and had spirit power much like the pony tailed boy. The other was older with dark brown hair. She had the strongest gift by far, though she seemed less than willing to use it."

The doll smiles evilly "Very interesting." It pauses for the moment and then speaks once more "Make sure the doll servants who are acting as our eyes stay well away from the house. Later I will show you a new technique that should make them harder to spot. Until the new dolls are ready though we must avoid getting closer than a block to them. This is very important."

The girls replies "Yes mistress".

The doll adds "Have a servant follow each of these, as well as the red headed girl if she appears again. It will divide our resources, but information is the key to our success. Now I have important matters to take care of, I will return later. Be ready."

The girl stands as she says "Yes mistress" once more. The eyes have already started to fade back to normal though and the shadow start to fade away with the light returning to normal. The girl moves over to the desk and takes out a Japanese study book on the English language. Once more one shadow remains behind for quite awhile and then it to fades away as if it was never there.

Author's Notes:

Well here is Nodoka, though so far she doesn't know Ranma is her son. Soun is defiantly up to something, though why and what exactly is it? Nabiki knows the secret of Ranma's mother, but what will she do with that information? Not to mention a more direct action by the new mystery villain. As well as changes to make Mousse a more important character leading into future events. Also what ever will Kuno do now that Akane's kicked his ass? How about Kodachi? Yeah plenty of stuff in the works here. Also expect some new twists and turns as early as next chapter.

Speaking of Nodoka... Yeah Soun's lie is pretty weak, but he's the only one currently that knows she's Nodoka Saotome and every time they get near the issue he will keep them from knowing as best he can. You can also guess I had to take some leeway with certain things from the Manga and Anime. There are a lot of 'time' issues with several things seeming to happen at once. Nodoka for instance should know the Tendo's at least up until Genma left with Ranma. So like more than a few other fanfiction writers I bent the world and had her be a bit more active in their lives.

Oh and in case you don't know the word bishonen means a 'hunky' guy like most men in soap operas or like most guys in anime geared toward girls/women. I just felt it fit better with the word untranslated as the meaning is deeper in Japanese than my translation would be. It also looked better when I go on to have Nabiki call him a hunk.

Oh by the way, in case your wondering Mousse calls Shampoo Xian Pu, because much like the original series implies their names are never spoken correctly by the Japanese. Here I have them pronounce it correctly and so it's spelled differently. I've done that for awhile, but here it's much more pronounced.

Also remember to give me more feedback, both good and bad! While I appreciate the few who do, I know there are more of you out their reading this series (that or each person leaving a comment looks at the chapters at least 100 times each).

Also if you haven't noticed yet, I've gone back through all the chapters and fixed a lot of grammatical errors as well as updating a lot of formating to hopefully make things easier to read... Though double-spacing doesn't seem to want to carry over like it's supposed to.

Well see you all next time!