Unwanted Fate Chapter 13 Internal Conflict resolved, a ranma fanfic

Author Note: Well another edition of my oldest story ever written I hope you enjoy. I also have to admit this is a little more challenging than I initially thought to try to re-imagine certain characters for this story from the way the originals were written but since it is all my work I guess that does narrow it down a little easier.

U.F. Chapter:13

Sleep most needed

Nightfall was fast overtaking Nerima, the time now seven in the evening. The trees outside the Tendo estate began to cast their shadows over the outer walls and the side of the house lit from behind by the streetlights that served to guide people along the sidewalks. Crickets sounded off while frogs croaked, and fireflies blinked a soft yellow-green as if they were tiny lamps being turned on and off by some unseen force. They flew around the backyard and over the koi pond.

Sitting on the back porch, Nox looked off into the darkness. She took note of the shimmering of the koi pond, observing the glow of the fireflies with curiosity. She let out a yawn, shaking off a momentary bout of dizziness.

"Nox-sama, you need some sleep," Akane said as she walked over beside the blue-and-red-haired girl, sitting down.

Letting out another yawn, Nox turned to the dark-blue-haired girl now seated next to her. "I do not require sleep. I am just fine."

"Jinan, do you or Iris know how long Nox here has been up, or if she's even slept a wink?" Akane asked, turning to the twins.

Jinan shrugged his shoulders. "I haven't seen her sleep once since we've known her."

"Nox-sama, why don't you try to sleep? You may not need it, but your mistress does," Iris urged as she walked over to the neko-goddess, placing her hand on the young woman's shoulder.

Nodoka, coming in from the kitchen while sipping on a cup of cocoa, watched her daughter's former fiance trying to coax Nox into going to bed with a slim smile. "Dear, I doubt my daughter had time to cast immunity over sleep. You will need rest as all species of the mortal races do."

"I am n- not tired, okay?" Nox protested once again as she tried to stand up. She then abruptly fell forward into Akane's, arms fast asleep.

Akane rose slowly, cradling the sleeping girl. "Where do you want her, Auntie?"

"Just put her in the guest room for now. I'm sure we can find more comfortable arrangements later," Nodoka said while taking another sip of her cocoa.

Nabiki, watching Akane carry Nox to the guest room, spoke up. "Um, that's Hikaru's room. Maybe you should put her up in your room, Akane."

"I am sure Hikaru will be fine with it, for now, Nabiki-san. I do appreciate the thought, but Akane's old room is rather dusty and I hardly think that's a place for anyone to be sleeping until we can clean it up in the morning," Nodoka explained as she took a seat.

Akane just nodded as she carried her load to Hikaru's room, laying Nox gently down onto the futon and tucking her in. As she did so, she took note of the contents of the room, picking out candles and other ritualistic items. 'He sure takes that voodoo stuff seriously,' she observed as she turned out the light. Sliding the door closed, she walked back to the living room to rejoin her middle sister and Nodoka.

"Did you get her squared away, Akane, dear?" Nodoka asked as she set her empty cup on the coffee table while picking up a book to read.

Akane nodded as she sat down on the couch next to Nabiki. "Yes, Auntie," she replied.

"So, let me get this straight…you lower gods and goddesses and/or demons need sleep?" Nabiki queried, looking to the older woman sitting across from her.

Nodoka chuckled at the brown-haired girl's question. "Dear, we only require sleep when we allow ourselves to need it. Basically, in order to live among mortals, we must undertake the same trials you do, such as sleeping, eating, and other things I would rather not mention. Otherwise, as simple as hitting a light switch, we can turn the mortal urges off and on."

XXXX

Meanwhile, at Ucchan's…

Hikaru made one last check of the restaurant's dining room, confirming that there were no other dishes he may have missed. He then walked over to Konatsu, who was standing atop a stool to replace a lightbulb. "I believe I have finished for the day. Would you like to check my work? That is, if you're not too busy, Konatsu-sama."

"Silly Hikaru-san! I'm never too busy for a fellow employee and friend. Give me a few more moments and I'll get you your bonus check. Ukyo-sama has been quite pleased with your performance of late," Konatsu relayed as he finished installing the new bulb. Once done with that, he pulled his kimono up somewhat so as not to trip while he set his feet back on the ground. Bending down momentarily to pick up the stool, he headed towards the shop's back office, his geta making a steady clacking sound on the tiled floor.

Hikaru kept his gaze upon the male kunoichi as Konatsu departed. 'Hard to believe that is a man…' he thought, for what seemed like the thousandth time..

Meanwhile…

Akane let out a sigh as she walked a familiar route with the twins following her. "So, why is it so important that we go to Ucchan's?"

"Because Nox-sama had to save Gosunkugi from some mean people earlier, and, well, I wanna make sure he gets home safely," Iris answered as she held her brother's hand.

Akane rolled her eyes as she walked, stopping to push the button at the crosswalk so they could cross the intersection safely. "The way Jinan described it, the guys who hurt Hikaru weren't likely to be hurting anyone for a while. Maybe this isn't necessary."

"It's better safe than sorry, that's what Ranma woulda said in this case," Jinan piped in as he looked to the back of their older, blue-haired companion.

"Since when are you kids experts on what Ranma would say?" Akane muttered to herself as they proceeded to cross the road, the sign blinking "walk" a few times before returning to "don't walk" as they were halfway across. "You know what I never understood? Even though we hit the button at the crosswalk, it tells us not to walk when we're in the middle of the intersection! It's pretty dumb."

"Maybe the engineers never thought to time someone who walks…maybe they expect us to run," Iris replied with a giggle.

Akane chuckled at the child's words. "Well, if we get hit crossing the street, you can represent us when we sue the city transportation system."

"Sounds good…but I don't think you'd allow anything to happen to us," Iris said with confidence.

Akane gave the girl a smile, knowing she was right. "Well, we're almost there…but they'll be in the middle of closing by now, so don't expect free eats."

"I couldn't eat any more tonight if I wanted to! Kasumi kinda stuffed us," Jinan said with a laugh as he saw the sign for Ucchan's Okonomiyaki restaurant.

As Akane and her charges walked towards the restaurant, she felt rather uncomfortable as a feeling of apprehension washed over her. 'Why am I so worried? We were on good terms the last time I saw her…why would it be different now?' she asked herself. She looked up as a familiar voice called down to her, indicating that Ukyo was up on the balcony.

"Hey, we're closed, but you're welcome to come back tomorrow! There'll be a special set up at noon," Ukyo said with a smile as she went back to texting one of her managers on her cellphone.

"Actually, Ukyo we kinda are here to walk Hikaru home. Is he getting off work soon?" Akane called up to the chef she knew from her youth.

Ukyo looked down, studying the young woman's features, noting her ghostly pale skin and the shimmer of dark blue hair from the streetlight. "Akane, is that you down there?"

"Yeah, it's me, Ucchan…um, can we come in?" Akane called once again.

Ukyo gave her old rival for Ranma's affections a smile. "Sure, sugar. The door should still be open. I'll meet you downstairs, 'kay?"

Akane opened the door, its chimes ringing as she held it open long enough for the kids to enter. Heading inside, she she shut and locked the door behind her.

"I see you still know how the lock works, and you've changed quite a bit," Ukyo said with a smirk as she approached, giving Akane the once-over and scrutinizing her appearance.

Akane shrugged. "If I remember correctly, I had to lock the door 'cause you were busy trying to kill me over hurting Ranma's feelings."

"Yeah, that was a mistake. I said I was sorry, but you can't deny you have done it before," Ukyo replied as she pulled some cups out of the cupboard, pouring drinks for her guests.

Akane nodded her head. "You're right. Though for the record, he hurt my feelings quite a few times as well," she said as she took the cup Ukyo offered her, taking a sip of the sweet substance it held. "I see you remembered what I like."

"I don't forget things like that, ya know. As for Ranma hurting your feelings, don't feel bad…he hurt a lot of our feelings. You weren't the only one he said no to, after all," Ukyo said as she pulled a beer out of the fridge, popped open the can and took a drink.

Iris looked to the chef curiously. "You both keep calling Ranma 'he'…why is that?"

"Because before Ranma became the person he is now, he was a boy cursed to turn into a girl," Akane explained as she took another sip of her lemonade.

Jinan gave a look of understanding. "I have a curse too. My sister fell in the Spring of Drowned Girl…and, well, she was okay 'cause she was a girl already. But I didn't know about that and tried to pull her out and ended up falling in with her…and, well, now whenever I get splashed with cold water, I take on the body of my sister."

"Sounds about right…Jusenkyo…ya know, I make a point not to go to cursed places myself. But it seems like everyone else flocks there as if it's the greatest place on earth…if it wasn't for that damned spring, Ranma woulda been mine," Ukyo said with a sigh as she took another pull from her beer.

Akane shook her head. "Maybe, but you don't know that…and neither do I, Ukyo. And from what I've learned, it was destiny that caused everything to fall together with the way it did."

"It coulda been worse…we coulda fell in the Spring of Clumsy Tomboy! There's a very tragic story of-" Akane cut Jinan off, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I know the story. I lived to tell about it, so no need for the reminder."

Ukyo chuckled at her old friend's reaction. "I see Ranma hasn't lost her sense of humor over the years…so where do you kids come into all this?"

"Well, she saved us from the Jusenkyo Preservation Society and brought us here…well, Nox-sama did. It's hard to explain…" Iris answered before she was cut off by a hand gesture from the chef.

Ukyo gave the two siblings and her former rival a warm smile. "I get it, I get it. With Ranma, nothing's ever been simple. Well, I would like to say hi to my wayward friend…however, I've got a meeting to attend tomorrow and I have a flight early in the morning, so I need to go get some sleep. Akane, please give Ranma and this Nox my regards."

"I will, Ukyo. Have a safe trip," Akane offered, returning to her drink as Ukyo left the room.

Ukyo stepped back in for a moment, looking intently at Akane. "Ya know, you really do look different than when you left, Akane. But I'm sure we can talk more about that another time. Goodnight!"

Akane watched Ukyo leave the room once more. 'I am different…not that it can be helped,' she thought with a sigh.

"A- Akane! I didn't expect to see you here," Hikaru noted with surprise as he walked into the dining room with Konatsu trailing behind him.

Akane gave Hikaru a friendly smile, the light gleaming off the lenses of her sunglasses. "Well, I was persuaded by Iris here to come walk you home. I hope that's not a problem?"

"N- no, not at all! I would love to have your company on the way home. I- I- it gets lonely sometimes on the way back from work," Hikaru explained, giving Akane a slim ghost of a smile of his own as he looked around. "Where's your husband? Did he come as well?"

Akane chuckled at his question. "He's at home, preparing a place for us to sleep tonight. We should probably get going. I heard thunder earlier…I think there'll be a storm tonight."

"Ah, yes, they did say a storm was on the way. You probably have about an hour before it starts…would you like some drinks for the road?" Konatsu asked politely called to the group who was preparing to depart the restaurant.

Akane shook her head. "No thanks, but maybe the children would like something," she suggested.

Konatsu turned to the twins giving them his attention. "Would you like something to drink?"

Jinan pondered, looking through the cooler window. "Can we have some chocolate milk if it's not too much trouble, ma'am?" he asked, not noticing the smirk on Akane's face.

"Absolutely no trouble at all," Konatsu replied as he opened the cooler, pulled out two bottles of chocolate milk and handed them to the children.

"Thank you very much," both twins said in unison as they opened the bottles.

Konatsu gave them both a warm smile as he walked over and opened the door for the departing guests. "Have a safe trip home, everyone…and see you tomorrow evening, Hikaru-san."

XXXX

Trouble on the way home

Akane and Hikaru walked home, the twins following behind them, as thunder rumbled once again and lightning flashed. The clouds moved swiftly into the neighborhood, crowds that had filled the sidewalks soon became a memory as they retreated to their homes.

"That storm looks pretty angry, don't you agree, Akane-san?" Iris asked as she stayed close to the blue-haired demoness.

Akane looked to the clouds as the flashes of the lightning reflected off her glasses. "It's nothing to worry about, sweetie…but let's hurry home so we don't get wet, okay?"

Jinan followed behind his sister and the two adults, looking around as he heard thunder boom louder. As the storm got closer, his heart began to pound. He felt as if something or someone was watching him.

"So, Akane…what exactly have you been doing for the last few years?" Hikaru asked as he walked, bypassing a pothole in the sidewalk.

Akane considered what to tell her old acquaintance. "Not a lot, honestly…just kinda hanging out, I guess, back in Transylvania." she then went on to think to feel sheepish 'Hanging out if you consider being an ice sculpture could be considered hanging out.'

"What was it like?" Hikaru probed.

Akane inhaled, then let out a frosty breath. "It was cold. Um, not much to tell, really…just snow-covered mountains and, well, training in martial arts with my husband." she partially lied.

"Oh, so you didn't work a job or anything while you were there…how did you survive there?" Hikaru asked, looking to his former love interest curiously.

Akane gave a small yawn. "Well, Ryoga and I were living up on the mountain and we hunted for our meals…and if we needed other supplies, we traded furs for goods we needed," she explained, leaving out the part in which she and Ranma were frozen in time.

As they continued their walk, they soon came to a halt. They could hear some rather loud growling, as well as several heavy footsteps, coming from close by.

"Hey, I don't suppose that was any of your stomachs grumbling, by any chance?" Akane asked with concern as she felt a jolt through the sidewalk from another footfall of something quite large approaching.

The children, along with Hikaru, shook their heads frantically as the growling got louder. Suddenly, a great roar sounded out as a rain of putrid saliva flew through the air and coated the four of them.

"Eww! This is disgusting!" Iris cried as she was now saturated in green gunk.

Hikaru and Jinan both looked to where the substance had come from, staring at an enormous figure that towered over the three-story buildings surrounding it. Its skin was green, its eyes flaring red, and it was obviously more than two cars wide, as it had just crushed a minivan beneath its feet.

Akane felt disgusted as she tried to shake her wings clean after using them to shield herself, the ooze sliding down and dripping onto the sidewalk. "Hikaru, take the children and run home quickly! I'll keep it busy." 'What the hell is that!?' she asked herself as she took on a fighting stance, forming a scythe in her hands that radiated a black aura.

"No, come with us! You can't fight that thing alone!" Hikaru pleaded, fear evident in his voice as he took in the monster's hulking form.

Akane chuckled at Hikaru's concern as the wind whipped through her hair. "Just run home and get a bath…I'll be there shortly, trust me. I've been training for this moment for a while. Now go!" she demanded as she took off her sunglasses, her coat fluttering in the wind.

Hikaru took the children's hands and they ran towards home, leaving the monster and their friend behind. Akane watched them leave before turning her attention to the creature in question, its eyes seeming to bore into her very soul. "Well, let's get this over with, shall we? I'm gonna need a bath because of you," the blue-haired demoness called out, her crimson eyes flashing brightly as she took careful steps towards the monstrosity.

The monster roared once again, charging Akane as she also rushed forth towards the beast and brought her weapon up for a strike.

The monster swiped a slimy claw at the blue-haired woman, its tip barely grazing her neck. Dark red trickled from the wound for a moment before the wound healed completely. Akane struck back, digging the scythe's sharp point into the creature's forearm. Giving her weapon a strong yank, she left a long gouge as the scythe exited the beast's flesh. An unholy flame lit upon green skin as the creature's blood fell onto the sidewalk, causing the concrete to disintegrate as if bathed in a strong acid.

Leaping back, Akane took note of the dissolved concrete. 'Damn it, how do I beat that?' she asked herself, as she was quick in rethinking on whether she should choose fight or flight.

The monster then held out its right paw, forming a ball of flame and hurling it at Akane. The demoness dodged left, narrowly missing getting hit as the building behind her erupted into flames. Looking to her right, she noticed a means of escape. Dodging yet another fireball, she ducked into the narrow alleyway. 'Well, when all else fails, run until you figure something out…that's what Ranma would do,' she told herself, as she considered her options.

The monster let out another roar, as its prey had eluded its wrath. It sniffed the air, trying to pick up the blue-haired demon woman's scent. Fleeing, Akane had just ducked around a corner as the monster leaped over the buildings and landed on the street she was just at, the asphalt cracked under its weight. Akane put her back against the brick wall, trying to get her breath under control as she looked around the corner.

She quickly hid once again as the creature started to turn its gaze to her position. Gripping her weapon tight in both hands, she prepared to defend herself. Slowly peering around the corner once again, she found herself face to face with the abomination. Letting out a deafening roar as it charged forward, it rammed into the wall. The young demoness barely jumped away in time, rolling across the wet pavement as rubble fell on the street between them.

Akane lay there for a moment, looking up to the sky as rain fell over her, washing away what little blood escaped her wounds as they healed up in quick succession. 'I can't let it get me…not now!' she told herself as she rolled over with a groan, dispelling her weapon while she slowly got to her feet. She then bolted from the monster as fast as her legs could carry her as it bounded over the rubble to give chase.

The sound of its paws hitting the pavement echoed like thunderclaps with every step it took, causing what seemed a small earthquake in its wake. Buildings began to shudder and crumble from the shockwaves. Onlookers cried out in terror and quickly fled as they witnessed the monster that was rampaging past their homes.

The beast started closing the distance between itself and its prey as Akane jumped over a car and turned to run down yet another alleyway. The creature kept in close pursuit, the car in front of the alley exploding into flames as the monster crushed it underfoot.

"Damn it, quit chasing me! I promise I'm not tasty at all!" Akane exclaimed as she picked up speed, barreling straight through a brick wall without stopping, the duster she wore flapping in the wind. The monster continued to give chase, roaring as it hurled yet another fireball at the blue-haired demoness.

Barely managing to dodge the attack once again, Akane growled as she reached into the pockets of her coat. Retrieving a metal cylinder, she pulled the pin from one end as she jumped into the air. Twirling about, she tossed the canister towards the monster just as she landed back on the ground. Resuming her sprint could feel the flames licking at her back as the cylinder burst into a hellfire when it impacted with the creature. The monster, however, simply kept on going, apparently unhindered and seeming even more determined to capture its prey.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, at the Tendo residence…

Entering his living room, Soun took in the sight of Nodoka sitting in a chair in the west corner of the room, knitting a scarf. A lamp sat to her right, illuminating her project. Sitting on the couch was Soun's daughter Nabiki, who was currently watching stock updates on the television. His son-in-law Ryoga sat next to her, passed out on the couch.

"Nabiki, any word on the storm?" Soun asked as he sat in his favorite chair to relax.

Nabiki didn't turn her attention from the screen. "They said it's just a large thunderstorm and should pass through the area by morning," she replied.

"Good to know…it shouldn't ruin my plans for tomorrow, then," Soun said happily as he reached over to the small table next to his chair, taking his Game Boy in hand.

The sound of the front door opening violently was heard as Hikaru and the twins all rushed into the house, slamming the door behind them, their breath ragged from extended running. "Akaneisintrouble…b- b- bigmonsterisattackingher!" Hikaru called out in a jumble.

Ryoga woke instantly, staring intently at Hikaru. "What do you mean my wife is in trouble!? Slow down, man! Repeat what you just said, but slower."

"Akane-san is in trouble…someone has to help her!" Jinan stated in a worried tone, since Hikaru was still trying to get his heart rate under control.

Ryoga jumped up from his seat, taking in the sight of Hikaru and the twins covered in a slimy green substance. "Where was she last?" he asked, the sense of urgency clear in his voice.

"We were halfway home from Ucchan's when this huge creature came out of nowhere…I am sorry I didn't stay to help, but Akane insisted I get the children home," Hikaru explained guiltily.

Ryoga headed for the door, stopping to retrieve his umbrella from his pack. "You did the right thing, 'Kugi…Akane can handle herself. Get yourselves cleaned up, and I'll go help her," he said simply and turned to leave, running out the front door.

"Wait! I am coming with you, Ryoga," Nodoka called out as she ran after him. She soon caught up with the fang-toothed martial artist, who had transformed with the rain into her female form as she headed in the direction of Ucchan's.

Ryoko (as she had chosen to dub her female half) stopped momentarily, letting the Saotome matriarch catch up to her as they continued on. "You don't need to be out in this rain, Mrs. Saotome. Your daughter wouldn't approve," she shouted over the booming of thunder as lightning flashed across the sky, illuminating the city below.

"I have a responsibility to investigate any situation involving otherworldly entities that are affecting the mortal realm," Nodoka answered, keeping pace with the now white-haired girl as the rain picked up and the wind howled through the trees.

XXXX

Back with Akane…

Akane dodged one fireball after another, slipping on the wet concrete and landing on her back roughly, barely rolling to the side as a spiky claw pierced the pavement she had just occupied. "You know you're a real pain in the ass, right?" she yelled out, unleashing an unholy ball of energy that hit the monster. Unfortunately for her, it only seemed to make the beast angrier. 'Okay, fire doesn't effect the creature…unholy energy seems to strengthen it…what do I have that I can use?' "Ah hah!" she shouted as she jumped to her feet and called out, "Iceborne Strike!" A dozen shards of ice flew from her hand and impacted the creature, tearing at its flesh and leaving it screeching in pain.

The monster then formed a bright ball of energy in its mouth and released a torrent of fire towards the blue-haired demoness.

"Mommy!" Akane yelped as she turned tail and ran, the flaming energy licking at her heels. She jumped over a concrete barrier just in the nick of time taking cover just as the flames scorched the wall behind her, superheating it until it collapsed into a pool of molten rock. Witnessing the intensity of the flames, Akane truly started to worry. She fled towards the warehouse district, leaping over fences and only looking back briefly to confirm that the monster was still pursuing her.

As she looked for some means of escape, she noticed a door nearby. Running over to it, she turned the knob but found it was locked. Deciding on a plan of action, she kicked the door in and proceeded inside. She rushed up a metal stairwell that led up to the roof. 'If I can't outrun it on the ground, maybe I can get away by gliding!'

The monster in question sniffed the air, trying to find its prey's scent while the smells of petroleum and other industrial products assaulted its senses. The beast let out a roar of frustration as it started to destroy the walls of the surrounding warehouses in hopes of spotting the elusive girl it sought.

Akane hid behind some oil drums as the west wall of the warehouse was ripped away. 'I'm almost there…the door is right there, dammit!' she thought to herself with frustration as she really just wanted to be home in bed.

The creature stepped into the warehouse, its head hitting several of the support beams that held the roof up and causing them to buckle. Debris poured down on the warehouse floor as the rain started pelting the interior of the building from the gaping hole that had just been made.

Akane stayed very still, in hope that the creature would move on to another location. 'Please, just go away,' she thought.

Not too far away, Nodoka and Ryoko came to a stop as the scene in front of them was one of bedlam. Rescue workers were in the process of putting out fires and helping injured civilians, and all the while the wind continued to kick up and the rain became a downpour.

"What a mess…this way, Ryoko. We must hurry," Nodoka advised as she took off in a westerly direction. Ryoga sometimes Ryoko followed suit, crossing a park where several trees were smoldering. Nearby, broken water mains shot jets of water into the sky.

Ryoko was in awe at the sheer destruction laid out before her. It made her and Ranma's early fights look like child's play. "What do you suppose did all this, Mrs. Saotome?"

"Your guess is as good as mine, dear. Let's hurry; we must stop this entity before it causes any more damage," Nodoka calmly as she recognized a third figure who had just joined them. "Jaing, what are you doing here?" she asked.

Jaing acknowledged the elder goddess with a nod. "Let's just say I was passing through. I figured you could use the help."

The trio continued across a field, finally arriving at the warehouse district as the roars of the creature rang out loud and clear. The sound of metal being bent and windows shattering could also be heard over the wind and rain.

"Well, I think we found ground zero…where is your daughter?" Jaing asked as he reached into his pocket, retrieving a small orb out that glowed pale white.

Nodoka caught sight of the monstrosity as it tore its way out of one building and plowed into the next. She also noted with relief the sight of Akane scrambling up to the roof of the building the beast just exited. "She is at home asleep," she eventually replied as she made a run towards the creature, unwrapping the wet silk cloth from her honor blade as a frosty aura emanated from the weapon. The white-haired goddess followed suit, her battle umbrella forming a chilly aura as well. Just then, an explosion erupted from the next building the monster had struck, flames reflecting in Ryoko's eyes.

Jaing watched in awe as the demonic beast leaped into the air. It had finally caught sight of its prey, as Akane had just from the roof of the neighboring building in an attempt to soar to safety.

Akane barrel rolled, narrowly missing getting made into a snack as the creature's teeth grazed her left wing. She allowed the wind to bring her higher as lightning flashed and thunder rumbled once again. The creature impacted roughly with the pavement, quickly clambering back to its feet.

Nodoka readied her blade. "Dragon's Vortex!" she shouted, as she formed a vortex of supercooled wind and rain. Releasing her attack, it struck the creature and formed a massive ice block.

"You did it, Mrs. Saotome!" Ryoko cheered, stumbling as the ground shook and the ice shattered from the creature. It slowly turned its furious gaze towards them.

Nodoka blinked in surprise. "No, I don't think so…I believe I just made it angrier!" she noted, turning to run as the monster began to give chase. Ryoko immediately followed her lead, feeling the creature swipe at her back. The back of her shirt was quickly shredded down the middle when it was caught by a slimy claw. "I think that's an understatement!" she exclaimed.

"Auntie Saotome! What is this thing?" Akane called as she landed nearby, running up beside the elder goddess.

Focused only on putting distance between herself and the monster, Nodoka didn't bother to look at her former daughter-in-law. "I don't really know…however, it seems to want to devour anything supernatural. I would guess it loves to eat demons especially, so I suggest you keep running and worry about what it is later!"

"Well, running away from this thing isn't gonna solve the problem…we need to figure something out, and quickly!" Ryoko exclaimed as she dodged yet another claw swipe, the cool wind and rain chilling her bare skin that had been exposed by her torn shirt.

Akane continued her forward run beside the elder Saotome. "Why don't you use some kind of divine spell to kill this thing?" she asked.

"I did use a divine spell…why don't you try using your blood magic?" Nodoka called as she formed some ice on the ground behind them at which the creature fell allowing the trio to gain some distance.

"Um…I haven't trained in it yet," Akane replied sheepishly.

Ryoko picked up her speed as the creature was gaining on them. "Why don't we just take to the air? It can't fly, right?"

"We have a duty not to allow mortals to be harmed. If we take to the sky, the creature may decide to prey on them instead," Nodoka explained as she continued trying to formulate a plan, taking note of two telephone poles up ahead. She then made two precision strikes with her blade as the trio continued past, the creature following suit. As it passed by, the poles fell, the power lines entangling the creature. It roared in pain as powerful currents of electricity surged through its body. However, it was soon able to free itself once again, snapping the cables and continuing onward.

XXXX

Back with the Tendos…

Iris and Jinan stepped out of the furo, drying their hair as Hikaru stepped past them for his turn in the bath and placed a clean set of clothes on the dryer. 'I don't understand what's going on…all these people I knew who seemed more or less normal — aside from the martial arts obsession — are so different now! It's almost as if the wool was removed from my eyes and only now can I finally see. Then there is Nox…I think I've already fallen for her- er, no, I can't! She's Ranma! Dammit, why did the girl I fell in love with having to be Ranma, of all people!?' he exclaimed to himself as the weight of depression fell on his shoulders.

Meanwhile, Kasumi stood at the sink, cleaning the last of her cookware and handing it over to her husband to dry. "I do hope that they all come home safely. Don't you, dear?"

"I'm sure they'll be fine. Have faith, honey," Tofu reassured as he dried the pan he was given, placing it on the drying rack and hanging up the towel he'd used on a hook.

Soun stepped into the kitchen momentarily. "Well, I am going to bed, you two. Please come wake me when everyone has returned. Goodnight," he said warmly before heading off to his room.

"Goodnight," both Tofu and Kasumi called after him as they hugged one another.

XXXX

In the guest room

A flash of lightning lit up the night sky over the Tendos' as a hard rain poured down, the wind rustling the trees by the koi pond. Inside the house, in Hikaru's room, Nox the Oblivion Goddess lay sound asleep, her breathing a steady, slow rhythm. As another flash of lighting struck, it illuminated the room, showing a large, shadowy figure leaning over her. Thunder boomed outside as the figure laid a plush panda by her side. Almost instinctively, she wrapped her arms around the stuffed animal and cuddled up to it.

The figure standing over her smiled slightly at the sight before pulling the covers up a little higher on the sleeping girl. When the lightning flashed again, the figure was nowhere to be seen, as if they were never there at all. Slight footsteps could be heard approaching the door, which soon opened to reveal Kasumi. The eldest Tendo daughter gave the room a cursory inspection before turning around and closing the door behind her, a thoughtful look on her face. "I could've sworn I heard something," she whispered to herself.

XXXX

Back with Hikaru…

Hikaru soaked up to his neck in the tub as he stared at the ceiling, the warmth of the water soothing the sore muscles he earned from a long day at work. '~Just run home and get a bath…I'll be there shortly, trust me. I've been training for this moment for a while. Now go!~' As Akane's words echoed in his head, he gritted his teeth, thinking of his old high school crush.

Standing up suddenly, he stepped out of the tub, walked out the door into the washroom and proceeded to get dressed. "No way I am going to sit by and watch while you're in trouble, Akane. I'm coming!" he declared. Once dressed, he rushed out the furo door and down the stairs, grabbing a brown bag from the coat rack as he ran past. Throwing the front door open and slamming it behind him, he took off towards Nerima Central Park.

After about twenty-five minutes, he finally arrived, out of breath as he took note of Akane, Nodoka, Ryoko, and another figure all standing atop a large concrete beam that hung suspended in the air from the arm of a crane. The massive creature leaped frantically into the air below them, much like a dog trying to get at a cat that had just run up a tree.

"Well, on the bright side, it hasn't figured out how to get to us…yet," Akane observed, her breath ragged from exertion as she wrapped her wings around herself. Her crimson eyes glowed vibrantly in the rainy night.

Ryoko gulped, peering down at the tower upon which the crane was mounted. "Well, try and catch your breath quickly, hon…he may just find a way to knock us down."

"Are you sure it's not a she?" Akane asked as she looked down at the creature, its eyes flaring a bright orange as it channeled another blast of demonic fire that flew past them and into the open sky.

Deep in contemplation, Nodoka sighed as she observed the beast. 'This creature was summoned from the cold deep dark void that is purgatory…but by whom and why?' she asked herself, feeling the heat of the monster's flames. The pouring rain sizzled as it hit the unholy fire, turning instantly to steam.

Hikaru moved carefully towards the scene as he retrieved an old tome from within the bag he'd brought. Opening it up, he sifted through the pages in search of a spell that would help.

The creature sniffed the air, catching the scent of flesh and blood. Giving a loud, frustrated roar at the three stranded women, it then turned its sights on Hikaru. Though terrified by the bellowing monstrosity, Hikaru stood firm.

Finally finding what he was looking for, he retrieved a ward tag and a pen from the bag and quickly inscribed words of banishing. He then ran towards the creature, determination in his eyes. "Go back from whence you came, foul creature!" he called, out slapping the ward onto the creature's snout. The beast screamed out in pain as a void opened up behind the creature, drawing it in. Its skin burst into a brilliant purple flame as it disappeared and the void closed.

Nodoka watched the scene in surprise as a mortal had just saved her and her two charges. "You two said he was gifted in magic…you didn't tell me he had priestly abilities!"

Ryoko shrugged her shoulders, finally able to relax. "He's more or less a voodoo priest…though I never thought he was capable of facing down a creature as threatening as that one."

Akane nodded her head. "He obviously can be brave when he needs to be," she said as she wrapped her arms around her husband (who was currently her wife).

"Well done, Hikaru-kun. You did a fine job," Nodoka called as she jumped down, landing softly on her feet. Ryoko and her wife followed her down. Unnoticed by all parties, Jaing had slipped away at some point amidst the chaos.

Hikaru still stood in place with his arm raised as the rain washed over him, a look of fright evident on his features and his heart beating rapidly. "I- I did? I did! Yes! No monster can stand up to the power of Gosunkugi!" he exclaimed, striking a confident pose.

Nodoka leaned her honor blade against her shoulder while Ryoko had opened up her umbrella, holding it above herself and Akane as the rain continued to fall.

"I think it's best that we get home quickly before the authorities get here," Nodoka noted as she then vanished from sight, leaving a frosty mist behind before it soon dissipated.

Akane grabbed Hikaru's arm, her other arm wrapped around Ryoko's waist. She grinned as they all burst into a cloud of smoke.

Once reappearing at home, they dispersed, Nodoka heading down the hall towards the guest room while Hikaru watched in curiosity.

"Thanks for saving us, Hikaru…I really don't know what we would have done without you," Akane said, giving Hikaru a quick peck on the cheek before she and Ryoko went upstairs for a bath.

Hikaru watched the two women walk up the stairs, fingers intertwined. "You're welcome," he said in a whisper as he started to head to his room. Stopping, he then turned towards the kitchen to get a late night snack.

Nodoka opened the door to Hikaru's room, stepping inside. She walked over to sit down by her daughter's side, taking in the younger woman's peaceful features. "You sleep like an angel…you know that honey?" she observed, letting a small giggle escape her lips. The only answer she received was the slow, steady breathing of her child. Nodoka then turned her attention to the stuffed panda her daughter was cuddling. With a curious look, she noted the rest of the rooms décor.

'That's certainly out of place,' she concluded. Breaking out of her thoughts, she knelt down and kissed her daughter on the cheek. Rising to her feet, she then left the room quietly.

XXXX

Half an hour later

Hikaru yawned as he washed the dish he had just used for his sandwich. 'In all the excitement, I almost forgot that I work tomorrow…I guess I'd better go get some sleep,' he decided as he walked to his room. Entering, he turned on the light and began stripping off his damp clothing. Tossing them to the corner, he grabbed a black-and-white pajama set. Dressing in the garments, he then turned out the lights and walked over to his futon. He pulled the cover back and slipped in, feeling warmth next to him. Almost immediately, he let out a yelp as he jumped out of bed. Stumbling against a bookshelf, he caused its contents to fall from the shelf on top of him.

Pushing himself up off the floor as the books fell away, he looked to his futon. Faintly making out a figure, he then stood up and walked over to the light switch. Flipping it on, he turned his attention to the blue-and-red-haired girl. 'Ranma…Ranma, first you steal my chances of being with Akane…then you get between me and Nox! And now you steal my bed!' "Enough! I will punish you here and now!"

"Sword of Chaos, Sword of Light, come forth now, release the Light!" he chanted as a sword appeared in Hikaru's right hand. Appearing to be sheathed when he first started to chant the spell, he slowly brought the sword in front of him in a low ready position. With a twirl as he spun the hilt of the sword in his palm, the sword burst in a flash of light as he finished the first line of the spell. "Love of Heaven, Hate of Hell, Chaos's fury in me dwell!" he continued. Once again, Hikaru spun the sword in his palm, transferring it mid-spin to his left hand. Bringing it to rest, he laid it in both hands and held it forward with his head bowed.

"Cure of Heaven, Curse of Hell, may my heart be pure of all!" he called. Power thrummed through the air around Hikaru, the sword in his hands growing visibly brighter. "Born in Chaos, raised and living, I command these powers of Chaos's fury!" Hikaru exclaimed, throwing the sword in the air and catching it in his right hand. Spinning it around above his head, he brought it back to the position it was in when he started the spell.

The air around him was heavy and he could feel the energy and power coursing through him. "With this power, I will fight to defeat all evil, release the light! RELEASE!" Hikaru shouted, jumping in the air with a spinning slash — a slash which turned into an uncontrolled tumble as a stuffed panda smashed into his face, the sword vanishing from his hand.

"Stupid Hikaru! Why did you summon my power and sword? I was trying to sleep," Nox grumbled she was feeling somewhat irritable. She was now standing, staring calmly down at him in his jumble on the floor. The panda that interrupted his spell was back in her arms and the Aurora Sword in her right hand, brimming with chaotic energy.

Hikaru looked up in fear, scrambling backward. Getting to his feet, he then turned and ran straight into the wall, knocking himself out and hitting the floor with a thud. Nox blinked twice, letting her sword drop to subspace as she walked over and knelt beside the unconscious young man. "Silly Hikaru. Why did you do that?" she asked, nudging him a couple of times.

It was at that point that the door received a series of four angry knocks. "Can ya keep it down in there!? Some of us are trying to sleep!" an irate Akane shouted before stomping off back to her and Ryoga's room.

Nox looked too the door momentarily and then back to Hikaru. Letting out a sigh, she picked up Hikaru, moved him over to the futon she had been lying on and left the room. She returned a few minutes later with a damp cloth, laying it over the young man's forehead. Once done, she then cuddled the stuffed panda against her chest as she sat with her back against the wall. She stared off into space, trying to think of why Hikaru had run away from her, smacking his head into the wall.

XXXX

The following morning

It was around ten in the morning and the storm outside was slowly rolling out of Nerima. The sun finally shined again, its light peeking through the clouds as they parted. Birds sang their song and a cool wind chilled the morning air.

Nox looked down at Hikaru, whose head was resting in her lap. She had been taking care of him since he passed out the night before, running on instinct and her mistress's memory of Akane nursing Ryoga back to health. 'He looks so peaceful…unlike when he hit the wall. Why did he do that? Was it my fault? Do I scare him? Why do I feel this warmth in my chest when I look at him?' she wondered, a puzzled expression gracing her features. Another memory coming to mind, she slowly bent down, her lips mere inches from Hikaru's. It was then that Hikaru stirred, opening his eyes to find Ranma's face startlingly close to his. "Aahk!" he yelled, scrambling up and away from her and pressing himself against the wall.

Nox cocked her head to the side, looking up to Hikaru in confusion. "Did I do something wrong?" she queried with concern.

Hikaru didn't speak as he started inching towards the door, Nox following him with her questioning gaze. Finally reaching the door, he slid it open and ran out of the room, causing Nodoka to step back against the wall as a black-and-white blur plowed past her.

Nodoka quirked a curious brow as she walked into the guest room, looking to her daughter who was still sitting against the wall, the stuffed panda in her arms. "My, he was certainly in a hurry. Come eat, sweetheart. Breakfast is getting cold."

"Okay," Nox replied as she stood up, carrying the stuffed panda with her as she followed her mother to the dining room.

Nodoka noted her daughter's outfit. 'Definitely taking her home to get some of her other clothing,' she decided.

XXXX

A late breakfast

Kasumi looked up from the table, giving the newcomers a smile as they sat down. "How are you feeling, Nox-chan?"

"Well rested, I suppose…I'm sorry for making you wait," Nox said softly as she took her seat by her mother's side looking to the different foods on the table, she sniffed the air, her ears twitching, her tail wrapped around her waist like a belt.

Akane let out a small yawn, as she was still tired from the fight the night before. Her wings drooped and her eyes were half-lidded, she made no attempt to hide her demon features using passive illusionary magic.

"Akane, honey…your form?" Ryoga signaled to his wife.

Akane turned her head slightly with a questioning glance before it dawned on her. "Oh yeah, I'll hide it later…we don't have company coming, do we?" she asked, finishing with another yawn.

"No, we shouldn't be having any visitors today…at least I don't think we do," Soun answered in his daughter's defense, observing she appeared quite drained from the night's ordeal.

Nox looked to the empty spot at the table where a plate was set out with a pair of chopsticks next to it, along with an empty glass. "Is Hikaru coming to breakfast too?" she inquired.

"He left in a hurry…it must have been really important, because he didn't even change out of his PJs," Tofu said with a slight chuckle from his spot to his wife's right.

Nodoka turned to look at her daughter as she pondered the scene from a few minutes earlier, noting a contemplative look on Nox's face, the more and more she observed she had started to wonder why the council feared Nox so much she appeared for the lack of better terms a naive child, a very dangerous one, but for her part seemed rather harmless.

"I think he ran off 'cause of me…I was only taking care of him like the memory Mistress had of Akane taking care of Ryoga when he was injured," Nox said with a sigh as she hugged the stuffed panda tighter to her chest.

Akane turned a tired eye to her former fiancée for a moment before looking down to her plate and picking up her chopsticks. "Oh? Um…what memory?" she inquired.

"Well, Mistress was sparing with Ryoga…and, well, she accidentally knocked him out and, well-"

"Accidentally on purpose knocked me out, but go on," Ryoga interrupted.

Choosing to ignore the outburst from her mistress's friend, Nox continued. "Well, anyway, when you were taking care of his injury, you bent down and placed your lips against his. He seemed to get better after that. I figured it would work for Hikaru since he knocked himself out running into the wall," she explained, receiving curious looks from around the table, including a look of surprise from her mother.

"So you tried to kiss him…that's why he took off like that," Ryoga said with a sly grin, chuckling at the image that formed in his head.

Akane picked up her cup, sipping the tea her sister had just poured for her. Her crimson eyes blinked as a thoughtful expression came to her features. "Nox, a kiss like that is generally reserved for someone special. It shouldn't just be given freely to anyone."

"Oh…I don't understand. Why is that reserved?" Nox asked, puzzled.

Nodoka gave a small smile before taking a bite of her food and swallowing. "Honey, what Akane means is that you usually save your lips for the one you love," she explained. She paused a moment, looking to the stuffed panda in her daughter's lap. "Dear, where did you get the panda?"

"I don't know. I woke up with it by my side last night when Hikaru summoned my power and sword," Nox answered as she picked up her chopsticks and took a small morsel of seasoned rice and fish from her plate.

Akane pondered her friend's words. 'That explains why Hikaru ran out of the house in a hurry. He tried to attack Nox in her sleep.'

"I see. Well, it is…cute," Nodoka observed as the gears turned in her head.

Nox started eating her food in a blur reminiscent of her mistress, then jumped up from the table. She ran out the back door, sprinting across the yard and then leaping over the back wall.

"Honey, please come back soon, okay?" Nodoka called after her daughter as she jumped over the wall.

"She was in quite a hurry too," Tofu noted as he took a drink of his tea.

Jinan sat next to his sister in his female form, which happened to look just like her. "She's in love, isn't she?"

"I think so, brother, but I don't think she realizes it," Iris answered as she looked to her brother-turned-sister.

Nodoka looked towards the direction her daughter had run with a curious brow raised. 'Nox in love…is that even possible?' she asked herself as she picked up the stuffed panda her daughter dropped.

Some distance away, Nox paused to look around. "Where could he have gone?" she asked herself in a whisper, as she ran down a side street. She looked to several people in hopes of locating him. Only finding unfamiliar faces, however feeling quite determined she continued her search.

XXXXX

A few minutes after…

Hikaru stepped back into the house and headed down the hall to the dining room, the smells of food still in the air as the household was still wrapping up breakfast.

"Oh, hello, Hikaru. There is still food left if you hurry," Kasumi said warmly as she started putting food on an empty plate.

Hikaru gave the eldest Tendo sister a nod as he continued to his room to get dressed.

"Think someone should go find Nox and tell her Hikaru is here?" Nabiki queried as she was in the middle of preparing the household taxes.

Picking up a napkin, Nodoka wiped her lips and laid it on the table by her plate. "No need. I'll bring her home," she replied. Raising her right hand, she snapped her fingers. Instantly, Nox appeared, mid-run, almost falling on top of her. "Dear, no running in the house," Nodoka slyly called with a lighthearted giggle.

"Did you need something, Mom? I'm trying to find Hikaru," Nox explained, giving her mother a curious glance.

Nodoka looked to her daughter thoughtfully. "Hikaru is in his room now, dear. No need to go searching all of Japan."

It was then that Hikaru returned from his room, taking a seat at the table. Nox did the same, watching him intently as he started his meal. 'Why is she staring at me?' "C- co- could you maybe s- stop staring at me, Ranma? It's rude," he stammered after swallowing a morsel of food.

"Sorry," Nox said simply as she looked down at the table where her empty plate sat.

Hikaru looked up from his food to the blue-and-red-haired girl, his cheeks flushing a light pink. "I'm sorry about this morning. I just don't know what to think of you…I mean, you call yourself Nox, and everyone seems to acknowledge it, but how come I can't quite buy it? How do I know you're not just Ranma trying to play some joke on me? I mean, how much will you take from me before you will be satisfied?" he asked, his distress becoming apparent as he went on.

Most of the household then stood up from the table, leaving the room, with the exception of Akane, Nodoka, Nox, and Hikaru himself.

"I assure you, I am not my mistress and I am not playing tricks on you…why does the fact that I share the same body as my mistress bother you so?" Nox asked meekly.

Hikaru thought on her words a moment, trying to find something suitable to say. 'I don't know…maybe it's 'cause the body you have was once male? Or maybe 'cause your mistress got her jollies by tormenting me? Maybe 'cause she's now keeping you from me like she took Akane away too?' he lamented. Finding all his possible answers to be terrible choices, he opted for the truth. "'Cause I like you, Nox…it's just that you have Ranma's body. I couldn't be with you…she wouldn't allow it."

"Oh, I see. I like you too, Hikaru. You are intriguing, though awkward," Nox answered with a content look.

Akane pondered the situation. "I see, Hikaru-kun…you have quite a dilemma. Ranma can be scary when it comes to men."

"What do you mean, Akane?" Nox asked the demoness.

Akane gave her friend a shrug of her shoulders. "Well, you see, he is worried that if you two ever decided to get together, Ranma might try to beat the stuffing out of him maybe even put him in a graveyard."

"Mistress wouldn't beat him up, or... or kill him would she?" Nox asked in a worried tone.

Nodoka took a sip of her tea, setting the cup down. "Search her memories, dear. She has only felt for one boy that I could tell…and that didn't work. She was too scared to commit because she was once a boy herself."

"I see. But that is irrelevant now. I am a woman and I like you, Hikaru. I think Mistress will see it my way," Nox said with confidence.

Hikaru let out a weary sigh. "It means a lot to me that you like me…more than I can say. But I would like to live a little lon-" he was then interrupted as Nox leaned over the table and placed her lips against his. 'I am so going to die!' Hikaru thought in panic before being overwhelmed by the feeling of the young woman's lips on his own.

Observing the scene, Akane casually sipped her tea. 'Oh boy…Ranma is going to punt him to the moon.'

Nodoka gave the awkward a moment a thoughtful expression. 'Well, maybe I will become a grandmother after all…if Ranma doesn't screw it up, that is.'

Nox broke the kiss and studied Hikaru, who sat petrified. "You're so strange…you know that, Hikaru? Huh…Hikaru? Oh, I think he fainted."

Nodoka and Akane giggled at the sight of Hikaru, wide-eyed and staring, almost as if frozen in time, a morsel of food still held between his chopsticks.

XXXX

Meanwhile, the battle within…

Ranma growled in rage as she charged forth, leaping towards her male half in an attempt to dropkick him when he grabbed her ankle. Yanking her forward, he slammed his fist into her face and sent her to the ground with a hard thud, mud splashing up around her. Ranma-kun then brought his foot down on her chest, stomping on her repeatedly before Ranma-chan finally caught his foot. In a flash, she spun him onto his back, flinging him into the cold mud.

Ranma-chan gasped as she rolled over, scrambling to her feet. She immediately tried to put some distance between herself and her male half, the knee-deep muck making it hard to run. "You know, maybe we should find a less muddy place to fight?"

"Why, does the weak little girl not like to play in the mud? You don't see me whinin' about it! I'm a man, after all, and far superior to a weak-minded girl such as yourself who has to steal everything she has like a leech!" Ranma-kun taunted, following her with his cold calculating gaze.

Ranma-chan gave him an angry glare. "I am not a fucking leech, you bastard!" she shouted as she rushed the male pigtailed martial artist, the slippery mud kicking up behind her.

"If you say so…however, you're still so pathetic that it's almost painful to watch," the pigtailed boy said with a small grin as Ranma-chan came within striking distance, thrusting her right fist out for a strike. In a flash, he grabbed hold of her wrist and threw her behind him, where she landed face first into the muck. He then walked over to her and knelt down, grabbing her hair and pushing her face further into the cold ooze.

"Why don't you do us both a favor and quit fighting and just die already?" Ranma-kun asked with an evil chuckle as he gripped her neck and lifted her up, tossing her once again. Ranma-chan landed with a splattering sound against the arena's muddied floor.

Ranma-chan sat up slowly, her bones aching as she reached up to try to wipe the mud from her eyes. "If you expect me to roll over and die, then you truly are pathetic. If you were me, you would know I can't do that."

"Oh, really? You tried to commit suicide before, didn't ya? You were ready to roll over and die then when you slit my wrists. What changed your mind, huh? At any rate, you can't win. You have no powers to save you…Nox isn't coming to your rescue. You're all alone…just like a thief who burned her bridges by stealing from those closest to her — namely, me," Ranma-kun declared in a cold tone as he watched Ranma-chan rise to her feet, her eyes glowing a fluorescent blue and a vivid, blue-hot aura surrounding her.

Ranma-chan let her temper subside, gaining a confident expression. " I won't lie. I did try to kill myself…because of you and all that crap my father drilled into my head! And I didn't get a chance to change my mind…Jusenkyo no Nox-sama wouldn't let me die. But I'm glad she didn't. I have a lot to live for these days and I'll be damned if I let you try to stop me from livin' the life I've come to enjoy! I don't need Nox-sama to save me…and I certainly don't need magic powers to defeat you!"

'I gotta think of something, but I don't have time…Aha!' she exclaimed to herself, moving into a new stance. She then shouted, "Saotome Final Attack!" before taking off like a shot in the other direction.

"Heh, …are you kiddin' me? Hey! Where you goin', huh?" Ranma-kun called out to the redhead as he gave chase.

As Ranma-chan steamed ahead with Ranma-kun in pursuit, she took note of a figure fast approaching them in the distance. The mud soon gave way to snow as they left the arena, now in a frozen tundra. 'What is that?' she asked herself, as she felt the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end and shivers running up and down her spine. As she got closer, she made out yellow eyes, white striped fur, and fuzzy ears on top of its head. She then changed direction immediately, sliding on the snow and losing traction momentarily before zooming back past Ranma-kun. "Caaaaattt!"

"Heheh…where ya goin', coward? It's just a tiger. Nothin' to be afraid of," Ranma taunted as his female half ran past him with her hands in the air, the draft in her wake almost knocking him down. He then without fear watched as the massive feline approached.

As the tiger got nearer, it settled its gaze upon the black-haired martial artist. Letting out a fierce roar, it pounced. Ranma-kun swiftly ducked under the big cat, giving it five rapid strikes to its vital areas as it flew past. It landed hard, sliding on the snow for a few meters before charging back at him.

Ranma-chan came to a stop as she anxiously watched the battle between the frost tiger and her former half, her back resting up against a snowy embankment.

Ranma-kun waited for the right moment as the tiger lunged once again, snapping its jaws as it tried to get at his throat. He delivered a brutal punch to the animal's chest and then grabbed its left paw, sending it up and over before slamming the large tiger to the ground. Once he was sure it wasn't moving, he then set his gaze on his female half, taking menacing steps towards her. "Now for you, little sis-" he began before he was rudely interrupted. The tiger was on its feet again, barreling him over as it slammed into him with a headbutt.

After a few minutes of fierce fighting, Ranma-chan pressed her back right up against the snowbank. She trembled with fear as the tiger landed at her feet after Ranma-kun had thrown it. The tiger let out a groan as it struggled to stand, falling short as it locked eyes with Ranko.

"Ha! I beat the big bad cat! Didja see it? You…you're so pathetic, ya know that? Scared of a damn cat. You truly are a girl, 'cause a man doesn't cowar no matter who he's fightin'," Ranma-kun said with a sinister smirk. He then found himself blinking in confusion as Ranma-chan bent down, placing her hands onto the tiger's fur. As she pets the big cat, her bangs covering her eyes, she was shaking. Fear was plainly evident on her features as she faced the creature of her worst nightmares.

Ranma-chan felt sadness wash over her as she could sense the pain the wounded animal was experiencing. "You was just protectin' me, weren't you? You always protected me an' I never realized it," she said softly as a red aura started to flare around her, causing the snow surrounding her person to melt.

"Why are you concerned over that beast, huh? Didja forget you're scared spitless of cats?" Ranma-kun asked darkly, crossing his arms over his chest.

Ranma-chan looked up at her former half through her bangs as the tiger faded, seeming to merge with her. Her form shifted to her frost-neko guise, and she gained white tiger-striped fur on her torso, arms, and legs. Her crimson hair flowed as the wind picked up, her tail standing on end. "How dare you!?" she snapped, baring her fangs as she launched forward on all fours, letting out a fierce roar.

"Whoa!" Ranma-kun let out as he jumped back from the pouncing neko-girl, but not before her right hand swiped at him, tearing off a chunk of his shirt. Blood spilled as Ranma-chan's claws raked his chest. He then kicked his leg out, catching the neko-girl in the ribs and sending her tumbling backward. Quickly recovering, Ranma-chan roared once again as she charged her male counterpart, swiping with a series of claw strikes that Ranma-kun blocked while delivering hits of his own.

Ranma-kun grinned briefly. "Oh, so you think you can use Nekoken on me, huh? Well, you got another thing comin'!" he bellowed as he slammed his fist into his female half's face, stunning her briefly.

Ranma-chan shook the hit off as she rose to her feet, her hands cupped together and her blue ethereal claws glowing brightly. "Mökö Takabisha!" she shouted, sending a blinding blast of ki at her opponent. The ball of energy struck him squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward into a rather large tree. The impact left an indention in its bark and left heaps of snow falling from its branches on top of Ranma-kun.

"Well done, sister…looks like you have some fight in you after all," Ranma-kun noted from his sitting position, leaning against the tree. Ranma-chan took four menacing steps closer, letting a growl escape between her clenched fangs. Ranma-kun glared at her, cupping his hands together and forming a green ball of light. "My turn, bitch! Shishi Höködan!" he yelled out, unleashing a torrent of energy that struck Ranma-chan and sent her sliding back across the snowdrifts. Coming to rest, she looked up into the eyes of none other than the image of her father.

"Get up, boy! You have him on the ropes! Are you really going to let an imposter beat you? Get up and fight!" Genma encouraged his daughter.

Ran-chan looked to the phantom, letting out a snort as she pushed herself off the ground. Landing on her feet, she then took off like a madwoman towards her target. "I got this! Just you watch, Father!"

"Oh yeah, come to papa!" Ranma-kun exclaimed evilly as he charged forward. Suddenly fear welled up inside of him as Ranma-chan vanished into a frosty vapor. 'Where'd she go!?'

Ranma-chan then came in from behind reappearing, wrapping her legs around Ranma's waist, her hands clamping down on his and pulling them tight against his chest as he fell to his knees. "I don't need to kill you…I don't need to harm you…I'm going to give you something you've never received in your entire miserable existence."

"What could you possibly give me that I don't already have, huh?" Ranma-kun asked angrily as struggled to free himself of the girl's iron grip. Her strength now seemed superior to his own, though he certainly wouldn't admit it.

Ranma-chan moved in close, kissing him on the cheek, hugging him as if she would a loved one. "Love and compassion. Those two forces are far more powerful than any attack we could devise in martial arts," she said warmly as she faded into the pigtailed boy.

Ranma-kun sat on his knees silently as a bright light erupted from his chest, finally enveloping him completely. After a short time, it gradually began to fade, leaving a blue-and-red-haired female in his place.

"That was weird…but I feel better somehow," Ranma-chan observed as she stood up, watching the image of her father as he faded from view. 'I could tell Nox I'm fine now…but, well, maybe one more day to calm my troubled thoughts. Then I'll take my life back over.'