Disclaimer: Ha ha ha…… Like I really own Ranma……

Inner Demon's Release Chapter 4

Kuno strikes back

Nabiki carefully placed the box with Ranma's money into the hidden panel under her bed. She could not bare to have it stolen before she could return it to the thing in Ranma's body. Her life, or more importantly her purity was riding on this.

Auntie Nodoka had called last night to explain what had happened with Ranma. Despite Kasumi's urgings, she had decided to stay home. Nabiki could tell that auntie just didn't want the girls to see her cry.

Still, the Tendo's had guests anyway. Ukyo and Konatsu had stayed last night and looked to be staying for a while until something was done about her home, Ucchans.

Nabiki decided that the money was safe enough and walked downstairs. She was about to call out to Kasumi and ask about breakfast when someone knocked on the door. Nabiki figured that she might as well answer it for once.

Nabiki walked to the door and opened it. Outside was a gentleman in his late thirties from the looks of him. He was dressed in a very well made business suit. Standing behind him was what appeared to be an enraged Kodachi, but rather than attack she seemed to be waiting on her companion.

"Nabiki Tendo I presume?"

Nabiki felt a slight chill go down her spine at these words, but she already had her Ice Queen persona out and ready for battle.

"Who might you be? It's a little early to join us for lunch."

"My name is Kiba Watanabe. I am Miss Kuno's Lawyer. She has acquired the rights to the mortgages on both your home and your family's Dojo."

Now, Nabiki was pissed. There was no way Kodachi could have legally acquired those with out her being informed with at least an opportunity to repay those debts. It was at this point that Nabiki's world fell apart.

"I am also the lawyer for the bank where you had acquired said loans. As you are no doubt aware, you have an opportunity to pay off the balance of the debt before the transfer to Miss Kuno's ownership is final. The balance is 2.87 million yen. Do you currently have the money Miss Tendo? You have an hour to acquire it."

Kodachi simply started laughing. This had been her plan. And the best part was that it was all completely legal. She would have her revenge.

Nabiki was about to call inside for everyone when suddenly someone materialized behind Kodachi and placed his hand on her shoulder. It was Ranma. Nabiki was about to believe that he had actually been behind this, until she saw the look of rage in his eyes, and the look of terror in Kodachi's.

"I said that you were not to terrorize the Tendo's or anyone I consider family again. Is this what you think of my mercy? Give it to them Nabiki."

His words were quiet, yet everyone could here them. Nabiki numbly followed his words and quickly retrieved the money she had just secured under her bed. She walked back down and handed the required amount to the lawyer and quietly asked for the paperwork.

Kodachi looked about to interrupt at this, but quieted down when Ranma's grip visibly tightened. Ranma nodded for everyone to continue. Nabiki looked into Ranma's eyes and saw the same inhuman glow that had been there before, but there was something else as well. Was Ranma actually concerned?

The Lawyer had brought all required paperwork with him to make the transaction between the Kuno's and the Tendo's as legal as possible. He just hadn't expected to need it. In only a few moments he was finished filling in the needed information and handed it to Nabiki to look through. After a few minutes to make sure everything was straight, Nabiki signed the paperwork and bowed to the Lawyer.

Mr. Watanabe took this as a sign that he should leave. He was only gone several feet when he realized that he was walking alone. He turned around to see what was keeping Miss Kuno, and saw Ranma's face. There was only one word in that silent look.

Leave.

With that the lawyer turned and left his client to her fate. He knew that he would pay dearly for this, but he would be alive.

When the Lawyer was gone, Ranma final spoke again.

"What are you doing Kodachi?"

"I - I - "

Nabiki watched in horror as Kodachi started stuttering. Suddenly Kodachi lashed out with her ribbon, having placed it in her hand unnoticed. She didn't attack Ranma, no. Kodachi attacked Nabiki.

Nabiki never saw Ranma move. He was suddenly in front of her and holding the other end of the ribbon. He slowly waved his hand and Kodachi's ribbon and clothing was destroyed, torn to shreds. Kodachi appeared completely unharmed, until Nabiki noticed a small line of blood form on Kodachi's cheek. It wasn't much of a real injury, but the message was clear.

Kodachi lost control of herself and began to water the shreds of clothing on the ground. Ranma slowly walked over to her as she trembled in fear. The blow was quick, and Kodachi would have found herself flying towards her home if she had remained awake.

Finally, Ranma turned back to face Nabiki. Nabiki did her best to hold her Ice Queen mask in place, but she still felt as a tear betrayed her and rolled down her cheek. By using Ranma's money to save the Dojo she had forfeited her body and her honor. She had also used money that wasn't completely hers yet. There was nothing more Ranma could do to her to strengthen his hold on her. She was his, in any depraved way that he might want.

"Are you alright Nabiki?"

Nabiki was startled. This time she knew she could see concern in his eyes. True honest concern, and it was for her. Nabiki simply started to cry. She watched as Ranma ran over and held her. Nabiki couldn't understand what was going on. Ranma was possessed, right?

Did this demon have some sick desire to torture her? No, Nabiki could almost feel the worry coming off of Ranma as he held her.

All too quickly, Ranma stiffened. She heard him whisper into her ear and then he was gone. Nabiki slowly turned around to see Ukyo and Akane standing there.

"Are you ok sis?"

Nabiki only nodded as she walked past them into the house. Their house. It had been paid in full and there were no longer anymore threats to her family's finances. The promise that Nabiki Tendo had made to her mother upon her mother's death was finally kept. Nabiki had protected her family and could now provide a future to both her and her sisters.

Two years ago they couldn't afford for Kasumi to go to college, no there was enough to send all three Tendo girls. But it had come at a price she would never have expected. As she sat at the breakfast table Nabiki thought about Ranma's departing words.

"Just be there when I need you. You'll understand."

OOOOO

Genma turned his head as he ate breakfast. He then glanced at where his master was sitting. Happosai was looking in the same direction. He had felt it as well.

Ranma.

Something was happening in Nerima.

"Go. This doesn't feel right."

Genma barely nodded to his master's order before he vanished from sight as he moved at his fastest speed. This was not the speed he used around Soun usually. It wasn't even a speed he usually uses around his own son anymore. But something was off about what he was feeling. The time for secrets was over.

Soun looked up as his friend left. He simply let out a sigh as he watched evidence that his old friend had been holding out on him. Genma had spent the last twenty something years constantly training, the last ten with Ranma, while Soun had effectively stopped serious training after his wife had passed away.

"What is it Master?"

Happosai turned to his remaining student and realized that Soun had not felt the disturbance. He was a little saddened at how far his student had fallen. These "training" trips were just an excuse for the boys to go out drinking on long benders. They had honestly completed their training under him long ago. All that was left was self study and the application of their training.

Genma had begun self training, and Soun had opened a Dojo. They had both started a family. Happosai would never admit it, but he had been content to remain sleeping in that cave they had placed him in. But something had changed. Jusenkyo, something had happened there that many people did not know or truly understand. Ranma had changed.

And now it almost felt like Ranma was … Back.

OOOOO

A/N:

So, am I dead yet?

As always, please review.