Chapter 9

Ranma cursed as she shook her hair of access water. She couldn't believe that she forgot her thermos this morning. She just chalked it up to bad luck. As she made her way home, she came across an interesting sight. Three people in bandages surrounded a girl his age. She was wearing a black leotard with a rose on it. She held in her hand a ribbon. Her attackers were equipped with clubs.

She watched as all three rushed her. The teenage girl attacked all three with a amazing skill. The way she stuck out with her ribbon reminded her of how Ryoga used his belt and bandanas. She quickly and easily defeated the three. However, the teenage girl was about to continue attacking them. Ranma shot forward and quickly disarmed her. She threw her over her shoulder but the teen easily corrected herself in mid-air. She landed on the fence was amazing grace. Ranma was impressed.

"You're pretty swift." Ranma commented and threw the ribbon aside.

"You are not bad yourself. However, you have made a grave mistake in siding with these commoners." she told her. Ranma seem to recognize that tone of hers.

"You wouldn't be related to a guy named Tatewaki?" Ranma asked. The girl did not answer and took off. Ranma was again impressed with how easily she hopped across roofs. She then turned her attention to the fallen attackers. "Not to be a jerk but you guys suck as attackers." They quickly stood and gave her a glare. All of them ripped off their bandages and shocked Ranma. They weren't teenage boys but teenage girls.

Ranma sat with Kasumi at the table. He was doing his homework and talking to the elder Tendo. Both could hear Akane's shouts of frustration coming from the dojo. Ranma just smirked while Kasumi looked concerned.

"I really wish she would think before she agrees to things." Kasumi said with sigh.

"I think it will be kind of funny." Ranma said with amusement.

"I know that you two do not get along but she will hurt herself if she doesn't get proper training. Why aren't the girls from the team helping her with this?" Kasumi asked.

"Akane, in her infinite wisdom, told them that she could handle it on her own. It may have to do with the fact that I suggested that she practice with the team in order to get ready. I don't know why she's like that. The girl they attempted to attack is very good. She defeated them without any effort. Akane is going to need all the help she can get." Ranma explained.

"That girl, I'm going to have a talk with her." Kasumi said and stood up. As she made her way to the dojo, she caught sight of someone that made her frown. "Mr. Hibiki, what has brought you here today?"

"Um, I'm not in Asakusa?" he asked.

"Does this look like Asakusa?" Ranma asked sarcastically. Ryoga growled and looked ready to attack but the serious face of Kasumi made him think twice. He then heard the frustrated shout of Akane.

"What's wrong with Akane?" He asked with concern.

"She got herself involved with Furinken's Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics' issues. Apparently, the whole team was ambushed by St. Hebereke's team captain. Akane agreed to help the team despite the fact that she doesn't know a lick of what is needed to compete." Ranma explained.

"So why aren't you helping her?"Ryoga demanded.

"Well, it could be that I don't know the style." Ranma said sarcastically. Ryoga growled but turned and headed toward the dojo.

"Where are you going Mr. Hibiki? Did we forget the talk my sister and I had with you?" Kasumi asked. Ryoga gulped before facing Kasumi.

"I remember our talk but I am skilled in Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics. I can help Akane in getting ready for her fight." Ryoga said. Kasumi gave him a stern look which scared the lost boy.

"Very well then but remember your boundaries and know that I'll be watching." Kasumi warned. Ryoga bowed and entered the dojo. Kasumi turned back inside. She looked at Ranma who took that as a sign to watch the two. He put his homework away and made his way to the dojo. Kasumi returned to her usual demeanor and entered the kitchen.

Akane left the dojo to get some sleeping supplies for Ryoga. She gave Ranma a warning glare which he ignored. Alone, Ryoga looked at Ranma with a heated glared.

"What's your problem now pig-boy?" Ranma asked.

"Have you no honor? How could you tell Akane's sisters about my curse?" Ryoga snarled.

"You're joking right? I may not respect or like Akane but I'm not going to allow you to use your curse to get into her bed man." he said.

"I wouldn't have done anything!" he exclaimed softly.

"Please, I saw the blush in your pig form and I saw your pink cheeks whenever you got close to her. I don't care if you like her or not but using her to get your 'revenge' is way more dishonorable." Ranma said. Ryoga looked ready to attack but Akane came in with a futon and some blankets.

"Thank you again for your help Ryoga." Akane said.

"N-No problem, I'm always willing to help." Ryoga said. Ranma just rolled his eyes and walked out of the dojo. He had some homework to finish. Neither of them knew that a sinister force was about to descend onto the Tendo home.

Akane was beat from all that training. Ryoga was definitely a good teacher for her. He was patient and showed her how to use every tool. She wasn't a expert but with Ryoga's help she would be ready to take on this captain of St. Hebereke. She just prayed that Ryoga stayed with the confines of the dojo and prayed that Ranma didn't do anything to hurt her chances.

She entered her room after her shower and immediately fell on her bed. She sighed and laid on the bed. She felt her eyes get heavy but she was very confused about something on her ceiling. She narrowed her tired eyes to see what was on that on her ceiling. Her eyes suddenly opened when she saw a girl her age hanging from the ceiling. She quickly rolled off the bed as the girl brought a mallet down on where she currently was.

Akane was in a fighting stance and faced down the girl who attacked.

"So, you're the attacker who ambushed our school's team." Akane said.

"Ambushed, how boorish. I believe in fairness before the match." she said and attacked. Akane easily caught the hammer and flung it with her through the window. The girl saw that she was way too high in the air. Lucky for her, Ranma came out of the dojo. He moved quickly and tossed three cinder blocked under her. She landed on the first one, back-flipped on to the next cinder block and did the same with the third one. She landed on the ground safely and without injury.

Ranma saw where she came out from and looked at her. He was very surprised to find her so close to him.

"Thank you kind sir for helping me out of that situation." she said.

"Um, you're welcome." Ranma said nervously. She then pulled out a bouquet of flowers.

"Please, accept these as a token of my appreciation." she said. Ranma was very confused but accepted the flowers. That's when something shot out of the bouquet. It was fast but Ranma managed to hold his breath. He jumped back quickly and threw the flowers away. The girl was very surprised that he avoided being paralyzed by her powder.

"That's a first. Anyway, remember my name beloved. I'm the Black Rose of St. Hebereke, Kuno Kodachi." She introduced and gave out a howling laugh that shook him to his core. Who the hell was that girl?

"You're angry at me because this unstable girl is attracted to me?" Ranma asked.

"You didn't have to accept her damn flowers." Akane snarled.

"Sounds like someone jealous. Maybe she does have an attraction for you Ranma." Nabiki joked.

"Too bad it isn't mutual." Ranma replied. Akane was ready to explode when she sensed someone coming at her. She spun quickly and caught a familiar mallet. She ripped the weapon away from Kodachi who flipped over her. The two glared at each other.

"Come to finish what happened last night?" Akane asked. She was ignored by Kodachi who skipped over to Ranma.

"Hello Ranma-sama, how are you today?" Kodachi asked. He watched with caution as she reached for something. That's when Kuno appeared.

"What are you doing here my twisted sister?" Kuno asked.

"Knew it." Ranma muttered.

"I am here to be civil with my opponent and to speak with Ranma-sama." Kodachi answered. Kuno looked at Ranma and then his sister. He then placed his hand on Ranma's shoulder.

"You have my permission to court my sister." Kuno said.

"Thanks but no thanks. I don't like having gas shot in my face." Ranma said.

"Besides, he's already promised to Akane there." Nabiki added. Ranma could see the amusement in her eyes when she said that. Kodachi looked at Akane with a hard glare.

"What do you mean by that statement?" she asked. Ranma silently pleaded with Nabiki not to say anything. Unfortunately for him, Kuno spoke.

"This cur has bewitched my fierce tigress into an engagement. He also holds the red haired pigtailed girl in his clutches." Kuno spat. Ranma sighed and placed his hands to his face.

"That harlot is engaged to my Ranma. I will not accept this! I challenge you Tendo Akane! Should I win our match, you will release him of your engagement." Kodachi declared.

"Fine, it's not like I care." Akane said.

"OK, that's it!" Ranma exclaimed. Kodachi and Akane looked at him. "Let's get somethings straight right her and now. First of all, I'm not a prize to be won and I refuse to be one. Secondly, I'm not engaged to Akane. I don't respect her, I don't like her and I won't marry her. Now, if you want to make a bet Kodachi then you have to put something up as well. So, here's the deal. You win, I will take you out to dinner."

"WHAT?" Akane shouted.

"Oh Ranma-sama," Kodachi beamed.

"However, the bet is only valid if you fight Akane fairly. I mean no tricks, no traps and no help. This has to be a one-on-one battle." Ranma told her. Kodachi paused for a bit. After a minute, she reluctantly agreed.

"What do wish out of this bet?" Kodachi asked.

"If you lose, you allow me to observe you practice Martial Arts Rhythmic Gymnastics." Ranma said. Everyone was confused by this. Akane grabbed Ranma by his arm.

"What the hell are you doing?" Akane growled.

"Helping to keep this match as fair as possible." Ranma said and ripped his arm away. He faced Kodachi. "I am currently looking into learning different styles so that I can create my own style. While I am very agile myself, it wouldn't hurt to learn some of the exercises that you do so that I may teach it to my students. So, do we have a bet?" Kodachi couldn't really believe her her luck. If she won, she got to have dinner with her beloved. If she lost, she got to spend time with her beloved. It was a win-win situation. Who cared if she had to fight fairly?

"You have yourself a bet Ranma-sama. Now, I must be off." Kodachi said. She left in a tornado of black rose petals. Ranma sighed and was glad for it to be over. He was suddenly punched by Akane. He was able to stop himself from flying, only going a few feet. He looked to see a fuming Akane. He gave her a harsh glare and was about to shout at her but she turned and stormed into the school.

"What was that about?" Ranma growled. Nabiki just shook her head. The two just walked into the school.

Authors' Notes: Well, here's Kodachi. It a bit different from what the original had. Sorry about the length but I felt thathis was the best place to end it. Anyway, look out for the next chapter.