Author Note: I do hope everyone had a excellent Thanks Giving Weeken, and a good year thus far, as for me it was alright but could have been much better.

Many of you are probably wondering when Kaneki Ken is going to grace us with his presense, and Toaka-chan as well... she did kind of, but a younger version in the last chapter. I am doing the starting parts of this story before Ken was even a half ghoul, he would be pure human at this time.

I will be showing canon ghoul's from Tokyo Ghoul here and there since most are of the right age'a to interact with Ranma in any capasity. Though early on there will be a lot of Non-canon O.C. stuff going on until the story is caught up to main cannon, however do not expect that the story will go directly with Ranma1/2 or Tokyo Ghoul canon's cause alternate realities and all that.

With all that being said on with the show.-Zeltronica


C.H.A Chapter:5

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Ranma vs Ryoga

Continued...

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Ryoga watched his target flying off the building, leaping down from where he was on the water-tower roof he landed on the school roof before quickly crossing the distance looking over the railing observing Ranma who was quickly plummeting towards the pool of water below, he didn't even wait a moment before leaping over the guardrail in order to continue his pursuit even if in the pool below as he was determined to continue a battle he felt was long overdue.

From Ranma's perspective it was inevitable that he would soon splash down in the water that looked as if it was rapidly approaching him, though in truth he knew it was him plummeting ever closer to his watery fate which inevitably would reveal his curse to any possible observers including his old friend who seemed set to do him harm for a wrong he had no idea about since bread apparently wasn't the reasoning behind the attack.

Closing his eyes and making a split second correction to how he had planned to enter the water to soften the blow the sheer force of the water and him colliding with the water as he slammed into the water causing said water to splash upward high into the air sending showers too and fro, while he himself became a she and now had now near the floor of the pool placed her left foot on the bottom halting her plunge, just as her hearing could make out the underwater sound of someone else splashing down which she quickly assumed was her old pal/rival wishing to finish their battle.

She kept her eyes closed not wanting to get the chlorine ridden water in her eyes, she quickly chose a direction pushing off the floor with her foot she started swimming towards a direction in hopes to find the edge whilst also holding her breath the best she could.

She then felt two strong arms wrap around her person, feeling a hand cup her right breast which caused her to become not only flustered and embarrassed, but furious as well. "Ranma I will have m-" came the underwater battle cry from her rival that was cut off as he quickly found a strong grip take hold of the back of his neck as they sank to the bottom of the pool.

Course he was also surprised by the feeling of the soft feminine mound he now held in his hand, a look of confusion overtaking his features, then the words of the individual below him growled out almost audibly.

"Why you pervert!" came Ranma's shout as she then firmly placed her left foot on the floor of the pool and just as quickly she and Ryoga rocketed out of the pool at a high velocity, raising ten feet up before plummeting back down where she slammed him onto his back on the side of the pool, she then planted her bare right foot on his face before bouncing off and away almost in a blur and over the ten foot perimeter fence of the pool she scaled with little problem.

Ryoga felt dazed after slamming onto the hard cement, his brown eyes locked on the pitch black eyes of the individual who had put him where he was now, the pupils were crimson, the veins also crimson.

He realized he was staring at the eyes of a ghoul or was he mistaken he wondered to himself if his eyes were playing tricks on him though he didn't get long to look since just as quickly as he had seen his vision was then obscured by a foot that slammed down over his eyes and then as quickly as it got dark light resumed and the individual he had assumed was Ranma was gone, he then continued to lay there his head leaning back hair waving in the water of the pool as e contemplated what he had seen.

Above from the various windows, and teens on the rooftop all looked down to the pool observing the fang-toothed martial-artist laying on the edge all wondered just what they had witnessed, they had seen Ranma plunge into the pool along with Ryoga, however when they emerged it was in a blur and Ranma had vanished before anyone could understand what had just transpired, the speed for which he had moved was so fast they barely had time to even articulate he was the one who had lifted both himself and Ryoga out of the pool, or was it Ranma who had entered and left the pool which left many both confused and concerned since normal people don't leap off the roof of a four-story building even if there was a pool below to catch them.

Among them was Nabiki who tilted her head as she could have sworn Ranma now sported red hair, but she quickly shook it off as her mind playing tricks on her surely no one could do such quick transformations it just was simply unrealistic in a scientific world.

'Maybe hair dye?' she inwardly wondered, though she quickly dismissed the theory as she looked over the pool observing no such dye was apparent in the water at all. She then considered the red-head from a previous day, considering the possibilities, she then gained a thoughtful expression before quickly replacing it with a blank mask.

'Ah maybe Ranma hadn't in fact dropped into the pool it was that girl I saw before jumped in from the diving board, and Ranma had managed to grab the railing swinging into the fourth floor classroom window.' she surmised as that was the only logical possibility she could think of that would even remotely sound plausible as any other possibility went against the laws of science or so she thought.

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Ranma kept running eventually finding a small park, leaping up into a tree she panted for breath as she gave her surrounding cursory glance not observing anyone around nor anyone in pursuit, she sat down on the branch straddling it, leaning her back against the tree itself her head to the side.

Her bag still clutched in her right hand, she let a tired sigh escape her lips since once again in the same day she was completely soaked, she glanced down observing the umbrella she had strapped to the bag was busted from the blow Ryoga had inflicted.

She then brought the bag up sitting it in her lap proceeding to open it observing the textbooks within were showing signs of being bent heavily in the middle, she then went to open the leather pouch she had connected to the bag observing the mask was still for the most part in one piece say for the piece broken off back in China, and the quinque handle was undamaged meaning either the books withstood most of the force, or the hilt was well made and very sturdy.

Closing that up, she then reached into a side pouch on the bag retrieving a small mirror used typically for shaving looking at herself in the mirror's reflection observing her ghoul-sides eyes staring back at her.

"Dammit this is just great," she shouted in frustration to no one in particular, her shoulders sagging in resignation as she let her arms drop keeping a grip on the mirror as to not let it fall.

She sat there for some time closing her eyes as she contemplated the very possibility her secret had been revealed to the rest of the school all thanks to Ryoga which meant everyone at school may very well now know she not only transformed into a girl but was a ghoul at that which would mean she would be hunted relentlessly by doves.

However she also knew it was very possible she was worrying for nothing and no one was the wiser, she hoped the latter was the case since she wasn't wanting to become a fugitive especially with her face readily seen by everyone as that meant certain death as there would be no hiding she was a ghoul and would make it very hard to hide when in that form.

That and well she wouldn't be able to hide in her male form since everyone would know he became her ghoul self and vice versa.

She kept her eyes closed a little longer, taking light breaths eventually calming both her thoughts, and nerves eventually opening her eyes looking into the mirror as she brought it into view observing sapphire eyes staring back at her.

She then heard the sound of young children playing, and the gossip of young mothers from nearby finding the source she watched through the leaves and branches observing the group noting none seemed to even know she was there or had heard her outburst which allowed her to feel a little more relieved.

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The Following

Day...

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Much to Ranma's surprise, he had returned to the home after finding a place and getting hot water returning to male-form near nightfall, his two friends queried about where he had gone and why he had left school so early which told him no one at school had found out about his secret.

He also learned Ryoga had searched the entire school for him to no avail, and eventually left for home declaring Ranma a coward for what he had said to be running away from a man to man fight which slightly irritated the ponytailed martial-artist since he didn't view it that way since no real challenge had been declared in the first place.

"So why is he so mad at you anyway?" Daisuke inquired of his friend, whilst getting dressed for school, Hiroshi who was nearby sitting on his bed looked on with a curious brow raised.

Ranma shook his head negatively, with a quick reply. "Beats me I have no Earthly idea I mean when we were little we had an issue with bread because back then we attended an all-boys school and getting food was like a battlefield if a certain type of bread had run out they would toss it in the air and whoever got it got it."

"Let me guess you always managed to grab the last of whatever bread they tossed into the crowd? And that left Ryoga blubbering about said bread." Hiroshi inquired, as this sounded hilariously funny as he attempted to imagine the situation.

"That pretty much sums it up, but he said it isn't about that and well I just for the life of me can't remember what else it could be that is setting him off," Ranma explained as he continued getting ready for school picking out his black Chinese style outfit to wear this round.

"Well, whatever it was it must've been the straw that broke the camels back cause he seemed to come at you with killing intent yesterday. I would watch your back today if I were you." Daisuke warned as he finished getting ready locking his footlocker up with his key paddle lock.

Ranma finished up brushing his hair, before finally putting the brush down then proceeded in putting his hair back up into a ponytail, he then put the brush away with the rest of his things, grabbing out his book bag and the heavily dented books within, shutting the lid to the box replacing the lock making sure to lock it up.

Upon finishing he waited a moment for his friends to be ready at which the trio left the room and headed out with the rest of the teens who were headed for their various perspective destinations which were not exactly the same school as some went to various other locations.

Eventually, they reached a particular intersection where the large group of teens seemed to split off into four different groups, Ranma, Daisuke, and Hiroshi all left in the direction of their high school, while the other larger groups split off in three different directions.

After a while the trio made it to school the trip having been largely uneventful as the day seemed rather calm, no clouds in the sky, that and if the weatherman was to be believed there was absolutely zero chance for possible rainfall which was good news for the aqua-transsexual who preferred to stay dry whenever possible for particular reasons.

As they walked up the path in the schoolyard Ranma glanced up observing the fang-toothed martial-artist was at the window of his classroom peering down at him as if a hawk does for its prey with great trepidation he continued on following his friends up the steps to the entrance of the school that would grant him entrance within its confines.

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Up in the fourth-floor classroom, Tatawaki sat at his desk with a hand mirror in hand observing the bruising on his forehead that spelled out the word: insufferable that was dealt to him via the fingertip of the newest member of the school freshman Saoto Ranma.

His features formed into a frown as he grumbled. "How dare he do this to me!" he exclaimed as the bruising took an entire day up until now to completely form.

"How dare he who and just what did he do to you Kuno-baby?" Nabiki inquired looking over her eyes becoming large briefly before she stifled a laugh quickly covering her mouth with her hand attempting to hide the smile that was crossing her lips.

"That Cretinous Saoto did this to me... To think I thought he was skilled when he can't even spell!" he exclaimed standing up walking over to the chalkboard before picking up a piece of chalk writing out a single word on the board whilst Nabiki, and the rest of the class watched including the teacher who was sitting at his desk grading papers.

Once satisfied the kendoist spoke once more. "It is written much like this!" he exclaimed, pointing to the word that read: Capable.

Just then he heard chalk on the chalkboard behind him, then a female classmate he was very familiar called to him in a very sweet accent. "Oh Kuno baby you sure it isn't more like this?" to which Tatawaki turned observing what was now written on the board being: Incapable.

Tatawaki gained scowl to his features glaring at the brown-haired girl. "I really hate you Tendo."

Nabiki gave a cheesy smile. "Oh, I am so scared Kuno-baby..."

The brown-haired girl recollected the battle between both Ranma and Kuno as brief as it was cause it didn't last long cause once the ponytail wearing martial-artist had leaped over and managed to get past the kendoist's defenses he quickly darted his right index finger several times in such a rapid motion she barely could see what was going on which left the marks upon Kuno's forehead.

'Wow, he is good... What kind of martial-artist is he is he better than Daddy and Uncle Saotome or even the Hibiki's for that matter?' she inwardly wondered as there were not many martial arts families within the Nerima district of Tokyo that she had come to know about, with exception of a couple but those masters from what she knew did not have students and had closed their dojo's for good leaving her Father's dojo as the only truly open one.

Though the Tendo Dojo was mostly defunct since her Father even though boasting of his martial prowess hardly ever got any challengers at the door, nor did he take any students on since the passing of her and her sister's mother several years before.

She considered everything she had known about the newcomer so far which was largely based on what both Daisuke, Hiroshi, Sayuri, and her little sister Akane had said about this new martial artist which made her want to know more and if there was any way it could benefit her in the near future or not.

Up in the third-floor classroom that Ranma, Daisuke, Hiroshi, and even Ryoga, along with Akane all shared the trio had finally made it to the classroom quickly taking their seats.

Ranma hung his school bag on the bag peg of his desk, he looked to his left and out the window observing the courtyard below, not observing the boy who took the desk to his right.

This boy was none other than Ryoga who was looking to the back of Ranma's head with a gaze that seemed if it could bore a hole directly into the unsuspecting boys head.

Sniffing the air Ranma let a tired sigh escape his lips recognizing the cologne worn by the fang-toothed martial-artist. He then turned his gaze to his right not making direct eye contact instead choosing to briefly observe the youngest Tendo as she took her seat proceeding to speak to her three friends one of which he met the day before who seemed rather nice.

"So how's it going Ryoga sorry about yesterday I meant to stick around but was called away on urgent matters you know how it is," Ranma said as he turned his gaze to the fang-toothed martial-artist making brief eye contact, a slim smile crossing his lips.

Ryoga returned the boy's smile with a look of displeasure, "Don't play cute with me Ranma." he hissed before speaking once more. "You once again ran away from a man to man fight when will you fight me like a real man huh?" he inquired eliciting a brief but sour expression from the pony-tailed martial artist.

"I didn't run from any fight 'sides I don't recall you ever issuing a formal challenge of any kind as you well should know it is very hard to run from a fight when what you did seem rather childish we ain't in elementary school you know," Ranma stated bitterly as he really didn't view Ryoga's actions from the day before very highly.

Ranma then considered the fang-toothed martial-artists words. "Just what do you mean running away from a man to man fight once again anyways huh?" he inquired as this made him curious.

"You honestly don't remember the challenge letter I sent you back then?" Ryoga inquired, placing his right elbow on his desk, laying his jaw in the palm of his right hand, giving his rival a piercing gaze.

Ranma seemed to think on this for several moments, raising his right hand scratching the back of his neck instinctively as he attempted to recollect, then as if a light bulb had lit up he gained a knowing expression.

"Ryoga wait hold on one minute... Yea I remember you did indeed give me a challenge letter on a napkin while I was taking my lunch," he recalled.

Ryoga gained a slim smile. "So you do recall and you admit you ran away from a man to man fight." he relayed.

Shaking his head vehemently Ranma then spoke up quickly waving his arms in warding. "Now hold on just one minute. While it is true you did issue me a formal challenge back in elementary school what you are leaving out is simple the fight was to be held in the abandoned lot directly behind your house wasn't it?" he inquired.

"Well, yea it was..." Ryoga trailed giving the raven-haired martial-artist a curious look of where he was going with all this.

Ranma then continued where he had left off. "Well if it was supposed to be in the vacant lot behind your house why did I have to wait three days for you to show up?" he inquired.

Ryoga grimaced at his friend/rivals words reaching down with his left hand gripping the handle to his umbrella, he then spoke his words in a near shout. "The third day huh Well as I recall you were supposed to come get me instead I had to find the lot on my own and by the fourth day you already ran off to China with your father you coward." he spat, starting to stand up just as the bell sounded just as the teacher had stepped in causing him to rethink his options and sit back down, several students eyeing both him and Ranma.

"Coward, I ain't no coward Ryoga and uh no you did not ask me to come get you and well I couldn't wait for you any longer my father wanted to leave and that meant so did I if you don't like it tough but don't ever call me a coward since it was you who got lost in the first place." Ranma shot back in a mere whisper for only the fang-toothed martial artist to hear.

Ryoga grit his teeth in impotent anger, proceeding to take out a textbook as the teacher had started giving instructions before, then opening up a classroom planner on the podium going on to roll call to make sure all his students were present and accounted for.

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The rest of school had went off without a hitch no more petty squabbling from any of the students at the school which left everyone with a sense of peacefulness, though for two students, in particular, a tension was building giving the atmosphere a charged feeling as if at any moment the peacefulness of the day could explode into chaos at any given moment.

The final bell sounded out bringing the school day to a close, students had begun their ventures home, Ryoga following Ranma and his two friends Daisuke, and Hiroshi off the premises for a bit before calling out to the raven-haired martial-artist.

"Hold up Ranma," he called out causing all three boys to stop in their tracks and turn to look at him, Ranma frowned at the boy who was quickly crossing the distance.

Ranma waited until the fang-toothed martial-artist was finally standing about a foot away to speak. "What do you want now huh Ryoga you really want that fight right now?" he inquired.

"Yea as a matter of fact I do," he called as he retrieved a small white envelope holding it out for the raven-haired martial-artist to take who immediately took the proffered item in hand.

Quickly opening the letter Ranma read over the note observing the handwriting of the note was pretty good and he dare say it was much better than his own he had to admit, it was indeed what he had suspected a formal letter of challenge written by his long-lost friend and rival.

"Yea okay I accept your challenge Ryoga now where do you wish to hold this challenge here on this very sidewalk among these business's or you have someplace else in mind?" Ranma inquired in a calm and collected tone.

Daisuke and Hiroshi observed the duo as several minutes went by before the latter spoke up. "Ranma if its all the same me and Dai' here are going to run on ahead we told the headmistress of the home we would do the chores we neglected to do yesterday after school."

"No problem you guys run on ahead I'll be along later after my business with Ryoga is done," Ranma called, waving his friends off who quickly turned and left heading on leaving both himself and Ryoga to stare at one another for a few moments before the fang-toothed martial-artist standing before him finally spoke up.

"I have somewhere in mind, however, I would like to grab some coffee if you don't mind I know a shop not far from here we can grab one on the way." he offered, to which his raven-haired rival negatively shook his head.

Ranma continued shaking his head negatively, "I dunno Ryoga I don't really have any money I spent the last of it at lunch." he explained.

"No worries I'll buy." Ryoga quickly offered since while he may not be happy with his friend/rival he wasn't about to throw away the fact said boy was now committed to fighting him even if he did have to write a challenge to get the boy to commit to the battle to come.

Ranma considered the boys offer a moment rolling it around in his head, then nodded in agreement speaking up in a calm manner. "Alright Ryoga old pal I'll take you up on the offer then where is this place does it have a name?" he inquired.

Ryoga indicated over his shoulder with his right thumb. "It's a little ways this way the place is called Anteiku," he explained to which Ranma gained a knowing expression, then thumbing over his own shoulder.

He then spoke up. "Yea I know that joint its actually this way man if you go that way we will be in the greater Tokyo Region." he pointedly explained. Ryoga started to speak up as he hated being corrected on directions however he quickly dismissed the notion as he didn't wish to create a scene which would, in turn, gain the attention of potential onlookers, instead he gestured for the raven-haired martial-artist to lead on.

The duo eventually headed in the direction of the before mention cafe which served a variety of foods, but mainly served coffee as that was what the shop was genuinely known for and boasted to have the best coffee of all the coffee shops around in all of Tokyo.

After a few minutes of walking both Ryoga and Ranma had found the shop proceeding up the steps to the second level entering the shop, and while it wasn't Ranma's first time entering the shop it was the first time he visited in his birth form.

The individual behind the counter wasn't that of the old man like before instead he observed what appeared to be a pudgy individual with deep brown eyes dressed in similar clothes to the elder man that was behind the counter from his last visit however he wasn't as tall and being more stocky in appearance, his blonde hair slicked back similar to that of someone from the sixties, his nose was kinda large, he was busy cleaning a glass.

Hearing the chime he called out. "Welcome to Anteiku how might I serve you?" the man inquired of the duo that had entered.

Nearby several customers mostly teenagers who like the duo had just got out of school many sporting uniforms of different schools than the one they were attending, a teenage girl with blue-hair the bangs covering her right eye was sitting in a booth nearest the door, teenage girl with light brown hair both were dressed very similarly as they both attended the same high school Ranma assumed were busy doing something or another on a large piece of paper, art supplies were strewn on the table indicating they were doing some kind of art or something else.

Observing the two teenage girls who he assumed were a couple years younger than himself and the rest of the place which was quite packed Ranma then turned his attention to the man who had spoken to them, Ryoga quickly crossing the distance taking a seat on one of the stools, he quickly followed suit taking a seat.

"I'll take my usual, please. Say Ranma what you want pick anything if you like." Ryoga offered, to which Ranma glanced over the menu considering his options as the individual at the bar waited patiently for an answer.

After a few more moments of deliberation, he spoke up. "You know what I'll just have what he is having." as he couldn't just make up his mind and he didn't really want to make the fang-toothed martial-artist spend any more on him than he had to.

"Two coffee's with a cube each of sugar I'll have that ready for you in just a few moments." the man behind the counter called as he started in on his craft seeming to make a show of making the coffee whilst both Ryoga and Ranma watched on, eventually both coffee's were ready he quickly grabbed up a couple cubes of sugar from two different containers behind the counter which the duo couldn't observe.

He then proceeded to place each cube in its perspective cup before serving the duo. "Here you are please enjoy," he called with enthusiasm.

The duo slowly drank their perspective coffee's, Ranma looked into the light brown contents of his own faintly observing the bottom of the cup he held by the handle in his right hand.

"So you're usual huh? He inquired as he partook of his cups contents savoring the taste as it was quite good not very bitter, and was rather smooth going down as he swallowed the very warm liquid substance.

Ryoga chuckled at the raven-haired martial-artists words as he took another drink from his perspective cups contents savoring the taste before speaking on his friend's inquiry. "Yea I have been coming here since my father introduced me to the place. The manager is super cool, and well so is the rest of the staff you won't find better service if I do say so myself." he relayed which caused a smile from the man behind the counter as he overheard the conversation whilst cleaning some cups, a raven-haired woman had brought him.

"Ah say speaking of your Father how is the old man of yours?" Ranma inquired as he was curious if the man was at home or elsewhere since he was quite curious if Ryoga's parents had the same issues with getting lost that their son obviously had.

Ryoga gained a downcast expression proceeding to finish his cups contents. "I dunno both of my parents have been gone for a while, Though last time I got a letter was about two weeks ago they said they were in Okinawa," he explained.

'Guess that answers that question.' Ranma thought to himself as he curiosity was satisfied, he then heard the raven-haired boy pose a question of his own.

"What about you Ranma how is your Dad doing?" Ryoga inquired before proceeding to finish his cups contents while waiting for an answer to his question.

Ranma let a long drawn sigh escape his lips. "I-I, to be honest, have no idea we got separated in China there was an incident," he explained.

"An incident you say what kind of incident, wait you said you and your father got separated?" Ryoga inquired turning to his friend/rival a curious brow raised, as he hadn't realized it until now his friend and rival was living at the same home as both Daisuke and Hiroshi which is why the latter had relayed both had chores to finish at the home.

Ranma looked down into what was left of his cups contents, tapping his fingertips on the counter lightly, before going into an explanation. "It happened shortly after my ninth birthday me and Pops well we had stopped in this town and got a hotel room which was a nice change considering we mostly spent the nights camping and stuff." he paused drinking the last of his cups contents before continuing.

"Anyways we were both woken up by gunfire and explosions, apparently the Beijing branch of the C.C.G. Had chosen that night to smoke out a nest of ghouls and we got caught up in the chaos, I had little time to think Pops told me to get dressed and we made our escape, from there we headed in a direction that would take us away from the carnage going on behind us and well I see a girl who was standing off by herself staring up into a blazing inferno that was what I assumed her apartment building." he paused allowing the information to articulate within Ryoga's head.

Once he was sure his friend/rival was ready to hear more Ranma continued, the bartender slowed in his cleaning listening to the story as it was told.

"Well anyways this girl she was around my age I guess and well I decided to take it upon myself to go get her, my Father was yelling something from behind me but I couldn't hear it over the gunfire and explosions going on around us, anyways I grabbed the girl and just at that moment a huge explosion sounded out and all I saw was a wall of flame heading right for me, pulling the girl around I put myself between her and the flames and then that was it I later woke up in a hut which was located in a small Chinese tribal village with no memory of how I got there and no sign of my father." he finished not relaying all the details, but just enough to give his friend/rival an explanation he was sure would satisfy his friend/rival's curiosity.

"Damn that is some story... So I guess by the fact your in that home you were unable to find him meaning either he is dead or is somewhere alive and well and probably wondering about you just the same assuming he is alive that is ghouls can be nasty business of course with that said the investigators that hunt them are equally nasty as it seems they don't care who gets in their way since by what you told me sounds like they were using explosives which have a potential to kill innocent people in the crossfire." Ryoga said with disgust as he almost felt sorry for his friend and rival over the fact the boy had been orphaned thanks to the Beijing branch C.C.G.'s negligence.

He then considered the girl who Ranma had mentioned, "Say what about the girl did she survive?" he inquired as Ranma had his curiosity peaked.

Ranma gave a nod of his head, placing his now empty cup on the small white plate going on to elaborate, "Yea she survived she was in the hut with me at the village her name is Ai and well we along with a few others from the village incident. Anyways after that I spent seven years in that village which was okay for what it was worth I mean I was able to continue training in martial-arts despite my Pops being a no-show and well eventually I was on a supply venture for the tribe when I was swept up by authorities and questioned about my foreign status and well they decided since I was not a legal Chinese citizen they deported me back here to Japan and that brings us to now."

"Damn man. Well at least you saved the girl despite not remembering anything after the blackout, and well now you are here which is kinda I guess how do you say it quite fortuitous that we should meet here in the same district of Tokyo and at the same school no less." Ryoga said with a light-heartened chuckle.

With an uneasy chuckle of his own Ranma instinctively scratched the back of his neck, "Yea you are right who would have thunk it that we would happen to meet again after all these years old buddy Ol' Pal."

Ryoga chuckle retrieving some bills out of his pocket placing them on the counter proceeding to stand up, at which Ranma stood up to join him in heading back out of the shop, leaving the man behind the counter to collect the bills placing them in the til, before cleaning up the dishes left behind by the duo.

As he did this he called to the martial-artist duo. "Thanks please do come again."

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A Duel between rivals-

An unexpected turn of events...

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The duo continue on for what seemed like forever Ranma ensuring that Ryoga didn't get lost as said boy using key reference points being certain buildings and or objects to get them to the intended dueling spot, they chatted as they went about various subjects which included likes and dislikes seeming to feel each other out as they both had nothing better to do per the moment, that and if they walked in complete silence the entire way it just would be rather awkward.

Eventually, they steered into an alleyway eventually approaching a fence to which they both leaped over heading down into the canal below which was devoid of all water, they then approached what appeared to be a tunnel leading deeper into one of the many runoffs that typically brought water from the various drains.

"You sure you want to fight down here what if it rains?" Ranma inquired of the brown-haired boy who continued walking deeper into the tunnel.

Ryoga chuckled at his friend/rivals words. "It won't rain today I am fairly certain I kinda have a knack for these things anyways its just a bit further in its a rather large circular area which should give us plenty of room to have our duel," he explained.

Ranma considered their surroundings, his sapphire gaze directed at the back of the brown-haired boys head, with a resigned sigh he continued in further as it dawned on him the teen in front of him wanted to make sure he couldn't run away again not that he had planned to since he didn't intentionally run the first time around, nor the second but last thing he was going to do is reveal his curse to anyone, not even his rival if he could help it.

His stomach growled some at which he cursed himself for not having got a snack while at the coffee shop since he was sure he could have talked Ryoga into getting him something, but due to pride, he didn't ask since he really hated taking advantage of people if he could help it.

Eventually, the duo finally arrived in a rather large cylindrical corridor with four entrances, in the middle was a circular grate which served as a reservoir for when runoff occurred during times of heavy rain however currently there was no water since it was rather dry, though there were damp areas from the day before.

Giving the area cursory glance Ranma nodded in approval, shrugging off his school bag tossing it to a corner, Ryoga doing the same with his own, that and his umbrella he tossed over by the bags.

They then separated taking positions across from one another taking their perspective fighting stances, Ryoga's being that of a more aggressive stance from what Ranma could tell, his own however was a kempo stance which was good for both attack and defense.

He slouched his shoulders, proceeding to place his hands in his pockets Ranma waited for the brown-haired martial-artist to get the fight started, once his brown-haired opponent started to circle so to did he making sure to keep in step not yet closing the distance.

Both watched one another looking for a weakness they could exploit as they continued circling one another, eventually having enough Ryoga quickly closed the distance unleashing a flurry of both punches and kicks of which Ranma quickly dodged and weaved around whilst keeping his hands in his pockets not yet daring a counter-assault of his own as he wished to gauge his opponents skill in the martial arts.

After a few minutes of this Ranma was sure about what he had suspected his opponent was performing decently, however not as a highly trained student of the martial arts, rather he was from what he could tell self-taught his moves resembling a cross between martial arts and that of a street thug but with martial-arts precision.

The boy was rather quick for his size, but what Ranma was very certain of his opponent was very strong and if any of his punches were to connect it wouldn't feel very good at all.

With those thoughts he then decided it was time for a counter-attack since Ryoga seemed to be losing steam, he removed his hands from his pockets proceeding to fire off several punches to Ryoga's midsection utilizing the chestnut fist training he had received from Great Elder Cologne.

He had yet to name the attack as of yet so he just fired away in silence leaving Ryoga to be at the mercy of hundreds of blows per second, realizing if he continued being pummeled he was going to lose he quickly broke away backing away grabbing up his umbrella brandishing it as if it were a sword.

'Damn that hurts he is incredibly strong for a human to be able to do that kind of damage to me of all people.' Ryoga thought to himself through the blows were merely light in comparison to some foes he had the luxury of facing he realized he was going to have to get serious if he expected to win this fight at all.

Ranma went back to a defensive stance as both he and Ryoga had started circling one another once again, his thoughts were on considering his next possible opening of attack, that and how to counter the bamboo umbrella that was being brought into play.

"You really need a weapon for this Ryoga C'mon man you don't need that do you?" he questioned in a taunting tone a slight victorious smirk to his lips since his opponent felt he now needed to involve a weapon in a hand to hand fight.

Ryoga chuckled at his words, before launching at Ranma bringing the umbrella in a downward strike to which his opponent quickly dodged the umbrella contacting the ground causing a spiderweb crack from the force of the impact.

"C'mon Ranma weren't you about the anything-goes martial arts?" Ryoga inquired as he went on the offensive again proceeding on attempting several precision strike jabs at his opponent who seemed to easily bob and weave around the umbrella by mere inches.

Ranma smiled at this as it was very true he was about just that, he then spoke up. "Right you are man I was just testing you," he called, proceeding with a snap kick to the umbrella causing it to dislodge from Ryoga's grip at which he caught it in his own hand proceeding to return fire with lightning speed, however he did notice the umbrella felt very heavy in his hand causing him to use more strength to hold it up one-handed.

Ryoga wasn't as quick as Ranma was to dodge it and found the umbrella connecting with him several times which only caused him to become furious as he took one strike after another. "Damn you Ranma!" he exclaimed through the pain as the umbrella seemed to connect with him hundreds of times.

He then decided to fall back away from the umbrella jabs, at which he brought his right leg up into a powerful kick that connected with Ranma's midsection sending him up where he crashed into the ceiling of the reservoir where he then quickly crashed down onto the stone floor, the bamboo umbrella clattering on the ground cracking the stone and rolling away towards the drain coming to rest just over the grating.

Attempting to regain the breath that got knocked out of him Ranma rolled onto his back, his stomach protested as the pain was great from where he had taken the blow of Ryoga's rather powerful kick.

Once he was finally able to breathe again Ranma closed his eyes a moment. "Man that hurts good one." he coughed out, Ryoga giving a slight grunt in response as he was slowly getting back to his feet proceeding to wobble as he closes the distance picking up his umbrella along the way.

Ranma hearing the footsteps of his opponent continued to lay on the cold concrete below him considering his next plan of attack. Eventually, Ryoga was now standing above him his umbrella point aiming downward, he opened his eyes looking into the furious eyes of his opponent.

"Time to end this Ranma!" he exclaimed as he started to bring the umbrella down when he found it stopped in the palm of his opponents left hand, Ranma listened attempting to hear something speaking up. "Just a minute Ryoga you hear something?" he inquired.

Ryoga frowned at his opponent's words attempting to pull his umbrella back finding it held in place by an iron vice. "Just what are you up to Ranma?" he questioned as he listened, in the distance down one of the many corridors he heard what sounded like steel on steel clashing together in quick succession, shouts though not audible at his current spot could also be heard.

'What's going on there shouldn't be anyone else down here.' He inwardly wondered speaking on his thoughts.

"Who would be crazy enough to be down in the sewers of all places?" he questioned aloud to which Ranma gestures to both himself and Ryoga.

Ranma chuckled as he gestured, going on to say. "I dunno man maybe us we are down here. Hey maybe we should take a break and go see what is going on we can always finish this later?" he offered.

Taking a moment to deliberate on this Ryoga with Trepidation offered his free hand to his raven-haired rival who took the proffered hand to which he pulled the boy up onto his feet. "Fine we will finish this later let's go check it out," he called as he was admittedly curious as to who could be fighting down here of all places since he himself had chosen the spot to prevent Ranma from possibly running away.

With a mutual agreement the both collected their school bags so as to not lose them, then chose the tunnel where the sound was the loudest and proceeded in following it for what seemed like a long time, the clashing of steel become louder, a male scream let out which quickly turned into a gurgle then fell silent.

"Takashi!" came a furious feminine shout, before shouting out once more. "Now you've done it you bastards die!" the female voice shouted which echoed down the long tunnel.

Eventually both Ranma and Ryoga came in sight of the battle that was currently unfolding observing a young Japanese woman with dyed green hair that might be in her late teens, wearing what they assumed to be black cargo pants, four-inch black heeled boots, a white button up blouse, and a gray pinstripe vest worn just over this, a black ribbon bow tied around the collar of her blouse, her hands she wore black leather gloves.

Held in her right gloved hand was the chrome hilt of a sword like quinque similar to that of the one Ranma kept in his bag though this one appeared to have a dark reddish appearance, electricity also appeared to be dancing along the blade, she fiercely fended off attack after attack from the three ghoul's.

All three which appeared to both Ranma and Ryoga to be Ukaku ghoul's their faces resembled that of a jackal indicating they were wearing masks, all of whom wore similar black pants, white tennis shoes and green hoodies the hoods up leaving the masks the only thing in view.

Strewn on the ground nearby were four bodies, two of which appeared to have been mangled wearing a coat similar to that seen worn by ghoul investigators, the other two bodies dressed similarly to the other three ghoul's the green-haired ghoul investigator was currently battling.

The martial-arts duo watched in awe as the investigator continued to fend off the assault with seeming ease, each ghoul was seeming to leap in and out using the walls to rebound in quick succession, the green-haired woman seemed to quickly duck a strike from one of the ghoul's, just as another was lunging in she quickly tilted her blade bringing it up in an underhanded strike which severed that ghoul's head from his shoulder's she then darted forward narrowly avoiding a strike from one of the other two combatants.

The now headless ghoul's body crumpled to the floor sliding, the head rolling up one side of the tunnel before rolling back down then rolling away a few more feet before coming to rest near a drain vent.

She let out a shriek as several projectiles that were launched from one of the combatants kagune embedded themselves in her right leg, causing her to fall to the stone floor on her bellow, quickly rolling over onto her back as she reached down to attempting to dislodge one of the projectiles only to let out another shriek.

"You fucking bitch you killed Kotaro... your death will be slow and painful." one of the two ghoul's promised in a menacing voice.

Ranma started forward breaking into a run towards the combatants, Ryoga attempting to grab his shoulder only managed to catch air. "Get back here you idiot your going to get yourself killed!" he shouted which caught the attention of one of the ghoul's, the other one not paying attention had managed to disarm the investigator proceeding to stab her with her own weapon several times making sure to miss the woman's vital organs since he wanted her to suffer.

"Kai we got company!" exclaimed the ghoul as he watched the raven-haired teenage boy who was quickly closing the distance, though from what he could tell he was unarmed.

The other ghoul revealed to be Kai turned to observe just as the incoming boy leaped into the air quickly kicking his partner hard enough to send his partner flying past him and skidding down the corridor, he quickly stabbed the quinque into the investigator woman's uninjured leg driving the blade into the stone floor.

He then unleashed a rapid roundhouse sending said boy flying against one of the nearby walls where he quickly crumpled to the floor in a heap. Kai kept an eye on his opponent, whilst out of the corner of his eye observing another individual who was making no attempt to close the distance as of yet.

"Don't move bitch I'll be back to torture you after I am done with them." he darkly promised to the downed green-haired ghoul investigator who was laying prone resting her back against the stone cylindrical wall of the corridor they were in.

She spits blood at the ghoul which splattered against his left pant leg, her ruby painted lips speaking in a mix of gurgle and gasp. "Go to Hell you bastar..." she weakly trailed not able to finish her words before things had started to get dark for her.

Ranma having taken the brunt of the wall against his back was sluggish to get back up, but slowly he did rise back to his feet attempting to lunge striking out with his fist which was caught by Kai quite easily, he then let out a pained cry as his fist was crushed by the vice-like grip of the ghoul that now was crushing his fist as if one crumples paper causing him to fall to one knee attempting to stave off the tears that were attempting to fill his pain-stricken eyes.

"Korai go get the other one while I deal with Hero here," Kai ordered, as he let go of the raven-haired boys mangled hand, before taking hold of the boy's throat lifting him into the air slamming the boys back against the wall just behind him.

The ghoul revealed to be Korai by name quickly got to his feet and ran past heading directly for the brown-haired boy who was watching from down the tunnel holding what appeared to be a bamboo umbrella and wearing what appeared to be a school uniform of one of the many high schools in the boy's free hand he held a school bag.

Meanwhile, Kai addressed the boy he now held by the throat. "You damn stupid human you had to be real cute trying to run up in here like some damn hero... Now look at you your hand mangled like a cripple and what your going to die over some woman you don't even know.." he menacingly said, before punching the boy in the gut hard enough to knock the breath out of the boy who had grabbed hold of his wrist with his free and undamaged hand attempting to break his grip.

"Well, I am going to show you what happens to heroes boy," Kai shouted as he proceeded to slam Ranma from one wall to another, before grabbing hold of the arm that was currently sporting the mangled hand proceeding to pull it from its socket causing the boy he held in his grip to let out a shriek of pain that echoed off the walls causing his ears to ring.

Kai then proceeded to throw the raven-haired martial-artist as hard as he could against a metal grating hard enough for the grating to buckle inward at which the unnamed boy he had just torn the limb from vanished within, he then tossed the boys appendage in after him. "Don't forget your arm," he called with maniacal laughter that echoed off the walls.

A few moments later he heard a far-off splash, followed by something flopping on a hard surface which he assumed was the limb of the boy he had thrown, he then looked down observing a bag on the ground kicking it as it slid over the stone floor coming to rest near the unconscious green-haired investigators injured right leg.

He then turned his attention to the other boy down the hall just in time to watch in mute horror as his comrade became folded in half in a series of sickening snaps and pops, the brown-haired boy's eyes glowing red indicating he was also like him a ghoul.

"Kai watch out this guy is really strong!" Korai exclaimed in warning just before his head was squashed like a grape under the weight and strength of the brown-haired martial-artists foot, whose face was one of pure anguish and fury at what he had just witnessed having been done to his friend and rival.

Kai observed the crumpled form of his companion, he started to speak however nothing came out as he felt a tightness around his heart, he finally managed to hoarsely call out. "You killed my brother you bastard... You fucking killed my brother!" he exclaimed.

"So? What does that matter to a murdering bastard such as yourself huh?" Ryoga inquired, before going on to speak once more. "You Jackals think you can do whatever you want in whatever district you please... I have news for you this is the twentieth ward and we don't need your kind bringing people like them down on our heads... and after what you did to Ranma you will be lucky if I decide to give you quick death." he darkly promised taking four menacing steps forward stepping over the crumpled remains of Korai.

Kai glared darkly at the fang-toothed martial-artist taking four menacing steps forward of his own, speaking upon his displeasure of what was done to his brother. "Just what is upsetting you enough to kill one of our own huh? Did I ruin your meal was that Human supposed to be your food? Tell me bastard what gave you the right to kill my brother!" he exclaimed tears welling in his eyes.

"What gave me the right... what gave me the right you ask. Well for your information that human is my friend and if anyone had a right to defeat him it was me and you took my revenge from me and well you sent your brother after me assuming I was a human as well that was your own fault your brothers blood is on your hands and soon so will your own blood to be on your hands." Ryoga said in a near snarl as he continued forward holding his bamboo umbrella out to the side as if it were a samurais blade.

With that Kai was a blur leaping up seeming to glide projectiles shot out from his wing-like appendages, Ryoga quickly brought his umbrella up spinning it managing to deflect the projectiles away quickly bringing it down on Kai's head forcing him to slam into the concrete floor below, he then gave the umbrella a flourish attempting to bring the umbrella's point down to pierce the ghoul between the shoulder blades.

Kai narrowly avoiding getting impaled rolled away, then quickly rolled backward getting back to his feet, his face one of rage not simply cause this brown-haired teenage ghoul had deflected all of his projectiles it was that said ghoul wasn't even using a kagune on him.

The umbrella impacted the concrete where Kai had once been leaving said ghoul's expression to change from one of pure rage to that of shock as he watched the concrete to spiderweb before cratering inwards sending dust and debris flying in all directions.

'What the hell is that thing made out of?' he inwardly wondered as not only did it deflect his projectiles but it left a crater in the floor of the tunnel he and his opponent were standing in, he then made a split second decision and turned his back on the brown-haired ghoul running as quick as he could down the corridor making a hasty retreat, Ryoga had started to chase after him, however, slowed down realizing he wasn't going to be able to catch up.

He came to a stop just before the grating Ranma had been thrown through poking his head in to see if he could see anything however it was pitch black and he couldn't see a thing he then pulled his head from within the darkness giving the corridor a cursory glance observing no movement from either of the two fallen ghoul's or the investigators.

He then turned his attention to the green-haired investigator, he took hold of the handle to the quinque pushing the release button at which the blade retracted and dissipated, he tossed the hilt down observing the blood pooling on the floor.

"What a mess," he noted aloud not observing a sign of life from the investigator who didn't appear to be breathing, he then turned and punched the wall in anger. "Ranma you stupid idiot how dare you get yourself killed you bastard... You son of a bitch!" he exclaimed the last.

A few more moments past before Ryoga realizing there was nothing more to be done he quickly headed back the way he had come picking up his school bag on the way and left the carnage behind, in his mind he felt turmoil as he was both angry and saddened by the loss of his friend, and was what he had assumed to be his favored rival who he would never know now if he could have beaten or not, now that Ranma was dead he didn't really know if it mattered anymore since he would never be able to find out one way or another.

Meanwhile down below deep within the darkness Ranma weakly pulled herself out of the murky water he now currently she had landed in, her right arm attempting to regenerate blood spilling from the appendage running off the concrete and back into the water, she rolled onto her back staring up at what little light could be seen from where she assumed she had come from.

The sound of fighting and shouting could be heard from above from what she assumed was Ryoga and the bastard who had crushed her hand and had ripped her arm off. Consciousness threatening to leave her as she fought to stay awake.

A far off female voice she assumed was coming from somewhere in the tunnel with her. "Don't sleep if you do you will die."

Ranma opened her eyes giving her surroundings a quick cursory glance observing she was definitely alone, realizing the voice must've been something her mind had conjured up as part of some kind of fleeting attempt at survival.

Her eyes growing heavy, however, she did her best to keep them open, more blood spurting from the wound, just then the voice now sounding closer spoke once again.

"Our bodies need nourishment in order for our regenerative abilities to work properly... You must eat human flesh if you wish to survive." the voice said this time Ranma was able to identify it as Ai's voice though she knew it was a figment of her imagination as Ai was most likely for all tints and purposes still in China.

She calmed her mind as she considered her options, as the idea of cannibalism repulsed her, that and even if she wanted to there was none down where she currently was.

Her breaths became labored as she was losing a lot of blood, her vision becoming blurry however she then observed a familiar raven-haired ghoul woman kneel down in her hand she held the arm of her male form.

The ghoul woman's image Ranma identified as being Lin's, the image then spoke to her. "Oh come now don't be silly you need this to survive and besides it is your arm and not apart of someone else surely it will be okay? That and besides after all he was kind enough to throw it down for you to feed on so it must be a sign from Kami-sama after all." the image of Lin offered.

Shaking her head rapidly and negatively. "No, I can't... I won't be like you I am sorry!" she exclaimed resigning herself to inevitable death.

The mental image of Lin scowled at her. "You say that like you have a choice... Wake up Saotome you silly boy you are just as much a ghoul as the rest of us when in this form now eat!" she exclaimed forcing the severed arm to Ranma's lips, while with the other forcing Ranma's jaws closed around the arm at which with a ripping of flesh sounded out, blood pouring from the severed limb coating her lips as she chewed on the flesh swallowing it shortly thereafter, she then took one bite after another her severed limb quickly regenerating with every bite and swallow.

A few moments more Ranma laid on the cold concrete floor, her right arm now fully regenerated, her eyes closed clutched in her left hand she held what was left of her male forms severed limb proceeding to toss it away where it splashed into the underground river she had fallen into as it was washed downstream.

She then opened her black and brimstone colored eyes looking up at where she had been thrown down at proceeding to get to a standing position she then leaped up jabbing her fingers into the cement clawing in proceeding to climb up the wall until finally reaching the grating she climbed out rolling on the floor into a crouching position giving her surroundings a cursory glance observing no one except the bodies of the ghoul's and the ghoul investigators around her.

She observed that her friend and rival Ryoga was nowhere to be found, nor the ghoul who had put her into the grating was around either she only could hope Ryoga may have defeated the ghoul or had managed to get away to safety.

Her attention was then drawn to the green-haired woman who gasped, but her eyes were closed signaling she was unconscious, crossing the distance Ranma checked for a pulse noting it was faint.

While apart of her wanted to take a bite of the unconscious investigator she quickly squashed the thought as quickly as it had formed in her mind proceeding to look over the girl's wounds she quickly took off her own shirt proceeding to rip strips of it off proceeding to cover the leg wound which was still bleeding where the quinque had been stabbed, once she was sure she bandaged it she then proceeded to open the girl's vest proceeding to then rip the woman's blouse open revealing a series of stab wounds, along with an ample chest that was slightly smaller than her own cupped in a what used to be a white lace bra that was soaked in blood.

Ranma quickly took what was left of her shirt proceeding to dress the wounds the best she could in an attempt to save the woman's life.

Considering her options she fished out a cell phone from the woman's vest pocket she proceeded to flip it open dialing in a number, however, no dial tone was heard, at which upon further inspection she observed the phone had been damaged.

"Dammit...dammit dammit." Ranma let out in desperation as she considered what options she had, she then looked to her schoolbag proceeding to flip it over and quickly opened the pouch fishing out her mask and the hooded cloak Ai had given her back in China.

Ranma quickly dawned the items in question, proceeding to sling the bag over her right shoulder, she then picked the woman up in a bridal carry and took off in a direction she assumed would take her and the unconscious green-haired woman to the surface as soon as possible.

After a few turns Ranma was finally successful at finding a possible exit point a manhole cover was currently open, she then shifted the much larger girl over her left shoulder proceeding to climb the ladder as fast as she could, eventually reaching the top she pulled herself and her unconscious cargo to safety, then proceeded in the direction of Tokyo General which was the closest hospital and to increase her speed, that and to decrease herself being seen she took to the rooftops hoping from one building to the next almost looking as if a black blur.

Making good time she finally reached her destination leaping down from a height most normal human beings would call insane she landed on the pavement below running between parked cars in the hospital parking lot, nearly knocking someone down that was heading to his car, eventually she made it to the Emergency room exit proceeding to kick the glass doors inward causing them to shatter, shards of glass cascading onto the floor and all around her as she went, surprisingly none of the glass caused any further injuries to her cargo.

Hospital goers and staff alike were shocked at seeing a cloaked individual with a pitch black mask similar to that of a hockey mask break through the doors, running straight past them carrying some green-haired woman on his or her shoulder, eventually the individual came to a stop proceeding to with care to lay the woman down on the floor, the cloaked figure then grabbed the closest doctor that seemed fearful for her life by the arm dragging her over locking eyes with her, whilst with its free hand pointed to the woman.

The doctor with great trepidation and fear gripping her figured out what the individual wanted and shook her head rapidly in an agreeing manner in hopes the nightmare would end, and with that, it did as the masked figure left their presence.

With that staff ran forward at the doctor's rapid gesturing and brought a gurney out, and went to work to save the poor woman whose life was hanging quite obviously on a thread.

Ranma stood atop a building lingering for a little longer as she watched both doctors, and nurses attend to the woman she nearly died trying to save. "Good luck," she called as she proceeded to hop one roof after another finally coming to a stop on the twentieth building.

She removed her mask, then the cloak proceeding to fold the cloak as neatly as possible before replacing it back into her leather pouch, she then slid the mask into the pouch as well, making some adjustments to ensure everything fit properly and didn't cause the pouch to bulge too much.

The quinque handle gave the bag a slight elongated bulge, but most could dismiss it as maybe being a bottle of shaving cream or something else entirely.

She pondered on what to do about her being topless a moment, considering a possibility she spied the nearby balconies observing clothes hanging up, however, none on that line was anything she would be interested in wearing, so she slung her bag over her right shoulder proceeding to hop some more roofs in hopes of finding something that she felt would work.

A little longer she got lucky finding an open window to an apartment, hoping down she took great care to be sneaky by peering around the right side of the window seal attempting to spy if anyone was inside.

Once she was sure the coast was clear she hopped in, the place had a flowery smell indicating the occupant or occupants were that of woman, she did not detect the smell of a man having been in the apartment recently, she was amazed by what her ghoul senses were capable of as far as detecting certain smells, if in male form she could smell something like flowers but not readily discern them.

Her hearing she could hear nothing out of the ordinary with exception of the nearby grandfather clock meaning there was no one inside the apartment currently, she then gave her surrounding a look noting she must be in the living space of the apartment which meant the kitchen was nearby, she turned back to the window shaking her head as she noticed she was in the kitchen and the faucet was just below the window.

Crossing the distance between herself and the sink, she reached up with her right-hand proceeding to turn on the hot water while with her free hand she quickly grabbed up a nearby glass from the dish rack, proceeding to fill it up.

Steam wafted from the contents of the glass, the near boiling heat on the glass told her the water was quite hot and would indeed trigger the curse as she was hoping it would, meaning she could change back and leave before anyone even knew she was there.

Once the glass was filled, she turned the hot water knob off proceeding to upturn the glass over her head just above the sink so as to get very little water on the floor if any at all the change activating quickly reverting her height to that of five-foot-one, her now his red-hair turned to raven.

He let a slight sigh of relief escape his lips as with his free hand he felt down below observing what he had expected to be there was, he then replaced the glass where he had got it from, proceeded to leap up and out the window on the balcony, he then turned reaching in with his left hand pulling the swinging window slightly outward to the way he had found it, then proceeded to hop off and onto the sidewalk below not being seen by a soul and made his way back to the home where he would most likely have to come up with a good excuse for why he was getting back so late and without his shirt.

XXXXXXXXXXXX

One Week Later

Green-Hair wakes...

XXXXXXXXXXXX

It had been an entire week since the incident in the sewers Ryoga had put everything behind him, the ghoul he had, unfortunately, had let get away never resurfaced to try and get revenge, he hadn't seen his friend and rival since either though he knew the reason though he wasn't about to tell the authorities ghoul's had killed Ranma cause they might start looking into him and that is the last thing someone like him would want.

Course this meant he didn't bother to ask Hiroshi, or Daisuke if they had seen Ranma cause after all that might sound suspicious after all, and they might contact the authorities alerting them of a suspect in a murder case, though he hadn't heard anything over the news about such a gruesome find, nor did they mention anything about the downed ghoul investigators or the ghoul's that were killed for that matter.

Right at that moment, the door slid open just as the teacher was picking up his class planner, in stepped Ranma just as the bell sounded out alerting everyone that school was now in session. The raven-haired boy quickly slid the door shut, then found his desk at the corner of the room.

Ryoga watched on as Ranma walked past him a look of shock to his features as he had never expected to see Ranma again.

Observing the look on his friend/rival's face Ranma smiled. "Ah did you miss me?" he whispered, proceeding to take out a notebook taking down the notes on the chalkboard, even going on to answer with "Here" when the teacher called his name.

Whispering back. "Wha... I mean how they crushed your hand and ripped your arm off. I saw it with my own eyes how did you survive?" Ryoga inquired as he just didn't understand.

Ranma considered how to play it off before speaking up. "You may have seen wrong man it was dark in there he never ripped anything off, he threw me through that vent and I guess assumed I died and so did you since you were nowhere to be found by the time I got back up there," he whispered making sure to keep his voice low enough so only Ryoga could hear.

Ryoga rolled his words around in his head knowing full well what he had seen. 'No No I know what I saw... He is lying is he a ghoul?' he inwardly wondered though his sense of smell answered for him. 'No he is definitely human... what is going on here?' he inwardly questioned as the truth eluded him and left him completely baffled surely he wasn't going crazy and saw what he had seen.

He then considered the possibility he was just dreaming and hoped that was the case cause if this was a hallucination it seemed very real and threatened to tear up his sanity which had been rock solid up until now that is.

Ryoga then proceeded to pinch himself at which he felt pain in his arm realizing that he wasn't dreaming at all and somehow Ranma was alive and well sitting beside him.

The teacher had called the fang-toothed martial artist's name then shouted. "Ryoga Hibiki are you here!"

It was at that point Ryoga snapped from his thoughts of Ranma giving the teacher his undivided attention. "Here!" he called.

Elsewhere in Tokyo, Japan at Tokyo General Hospital the green-haired ghoul investigator from the sewer incident slept peacefully in her hospital bed, nearby machines beeped and buzzed, a small television was off to the right corner of the room, on its screen depicted the current news and events, nearby sat a rather lean and young male teenager with fare features, his short cut hair was light brown, his eyes dark green just behind the glasses which sported silver wire frame.

He wore black dress slacks, black dress socks, and green slippers, a white button up long sleeved shirt, a black tie with two diagonal white-n-red pinstripe designs on it tucked down into a black vest he wore over his shirt, a gold pocket watch was clasped in his left vest pocket, a matching gold chain hung just over his midsection connected to the other the other matching pocket on his right side.

His left hand bent at the elbow his head resting against the fist his handmade, his other hand hung off just to his left side as he wrested his forearm in his lap.

The rest of the room sported a cabinet and sink, along with a small plastic stand up wardrobe closet, a matching plastic shelf like cabinet with a key lock, a large duel sliding window gave a view of the outer surroundings of the building, just below the television was a green plastic plant that looked as if it was in need of some cleaning.

The floor was white-n-black checkered tile which matched up with the rest of the hospital layout, a light brown sliding door was currently slid open allowing anyone inside to be able to see as passers-by walked too and from behind the open door frame.

Outside the room sat two individual's wearing the uniform of the local police force who were currently sitting on plastic chairs, with metal legs that were provided by the hospital staff.

A few minutes later just as the television had started to depict news regarding sports the green-haired woman's eyes opened observing the uniform white tile ceiling above, a turned off hospital lamp hung just to the right of her nearest the window, she then turned her head observing a familiar face.

"Akio what are you doing here. I thought you were still in Russia did we both die?" she inquired in a weak voice, her throat dry.

The man sitting beside her revealed to be named Akio turned his attention from the television to his friend and co-worker shaking his head negatively. "Afraid not we both are alive and well by your condition mostly well, to be honest between what the doctors had said you are lucky to be alive at all," he explained, reaching over taking the woman's left hand into his giving it a slight squeeze.

She gave a slight frown to his words. "What about Takashi and the other's, and the Jackal brothers?" she inquired as her partner stood up walking to the sink grabbing up a Styrofoam cup proceeding to fill it with cool water.

As Akio turned the water faucet off, he then brought the cup over to the green-haired woman holding it out for her so she could take the proffered cup who took it in hand proceeding to sip from it.

"They didn't make it Hisako they were all killed. The Jackal brothers all but one was found dead nearby one having been folded in half by what we believe is an unknown ghoul who happened upon the scene probably scaring off the fifth an..." he trailed as he wondered if he should say any more until after his comrade had been fully debriefed upon returning to full duty.

The green-haired ghoul investigator revealed to be named Hisako considered her friend's words "What do you mean the fifth Jackal brother was scared off... by who?" she inquired, then remembering the words of one of the Jackal brothers she thought she heard was called Kai.

"Did they find the remains of anyone else down there?" she inquired, taking yet another drink from the cup's contents.

Akio looked confused at the last question, but then answering, "No we didn't find anyone else down there as for the ghoul who ran the fifth Jackal off well your not going to believe this, and well I hardly can believe it myself which leaves a lot more questions than answers that ghoul carried you here to this hospital saving your life." he explained.

Having heard her friends words mid drink she spit her water out in disbelief. "What I was saved by a ghoul? What the fuck?" she questioned in shock dropping the cup where it clattered to the floor the contents spilling and slashing onto the tiled floor.

She proceeded to feel around her person looking for anything missing or bite marks, instead all she found were the bandages on her legs, torso which because of several stab wounds caused by her own quinque, and the projectiles from Kai's kagune.

"Whoever this ghoul was he or she is really good at bandaging according to the doctor cause those bandages kept you from bleeding out any more than you already did," Akio explained, grabbing up a towel proceeding to clean up the water Hisako spilled onto the floor.

Hisako gained a bewildered expression to her features. "I don't get it why would a ghoul save me... I kill ghouls... They are nothing but monsters why did this ghoul not eat me like any of those monsters typically do on a daily basis."

"Hard to say... Maybe it was in love?" Akio joked with a chuckle, however, his friend gave him a rather sour expression that cut his chuckling in half.

Hisako let a long drawn sigh escape her lips, her features becoming a thoughtful one. 'That just doesn't make any sense a ghoul saving an investigator.' she wondered inwardly, in the back of her mind it had her worried as the upper brass within the C.C.G. might think she is a ghoul collaborator which if proven would be fatal.

She then spoke up. "I worked hard to get here only for a ghoul to throw my name into the mud." she spat the last.

"Hisako stop that talk. I highly doubt the upper brass will think you were a collaborator at all, besides I will vouch I know that is not the case, especially since we both joined the same day and for the same reason." Akio assured with a confident gaze. He then stood up heading for the door pausing briefly to turn a glance over his shoulder. "Have faith special investigator." he jested as he left the room.

Hisako watching the door to her room slide close shook her head side to side a slim smile crossing her lips as the thought of being a special investigator filled her with a sense of pride, but she knew she was a long ways from that her rank was only that of a rank three investigator.

(A rank three investigator typically begins their career at this rank are "special cases," made investigators without formal training at the Training Academy.)

^XXXXX

XXXXXX

The school day had finally come to an end to which the students had all started to take their leave of the school and like every time the school day had ended a select few students would stay behind to clean their perspective classrooms, and or some stragglers staying late for detention or extracurricular activities.

Ranma and his two friends had started to make their way home, when they paused after hearing a shout come from somewhere behind them, the raven-haired martial-artist quickly recognized the voice turning to look over his shoulder to see the fang-toothed martial-artist was attempting to catch up.

"You guys better head on ahead, I am going to see what he wants." he casually called, turning to walk towards his friend and rival.

Daisuke and Hiroshi quickly left the area, calling in unison, "Alright see-ya." eventually taking a turn off onto another street, leaving the raven-haired martial-artist to wait on Ryoga to catch up.

"Damn you wasted no time in leaving," he said winded after running to catch up, coming to a stop just before his raven-haired rival/friend.

Ranma gave a rye smile to this, "Yea I had to get out of their quickly they were going to ask me to clean the classroom, looks like you made it out okay without having to do any work either." he noted.

Shaking his head negatively Ryoga shrugged his shoulders, reaching up scratching the back of his neck, "Not exactly I kind of skipped out... Akane is probably going to clobber me tomorrow." he said with a resigned sigh.

"Yea you are probably right, but welcome to the club," he said with a chuckle, before speaking once more. "Hey I got some money today want some coffee?" he offered.

Ryoga had so many questions, but he could wait he supposed as a cup of coffee did sound good about now, he then replied, "Yea that would be great what you got in mind?" he inquired.

"We can go to that place you took me to I really liked that place." Ranma offered as he turned to lead the way his fang-toothed rival following suit as they made their way for Anteiku.

A few minutes later at a corner booth sat both teens facing one another across the table, Ranma sipped from his coffee thinking of what to speak about as just sitting there in silence was rather awkward, however before he could say a thing his friend/rival posed a question in a rather hushed voice.

"How did you survive that attack man and in one piece... That was a ghoul and I know what I saw!" he exclaimed as he was sure of himself.

Letting a frustrated sigh escape his lips, as he sat his cup down on the table rather abruptly before looking to his friend making brief eye contact before looking back down at his cups contents.

"I am telling you for the last time I did not lose an arm, yes he about crushed my hand but didn't and tossed me through that grating I thought I was a goner, but then I woke up a little while later." he lied keeping a straight face hoping the fang-toothed martial-artist would believe him so he didn't have to reveal any details he didn't want to.

Now it was Ryoga's turn to look down at his cups contents and consider what exactly he had seen that day, "Okay say I was mistaken about that part. Okay another question that day we fought on the roof of the school and you went down into the swimming pool-" he was cut off by his friend and rival who was chuckling going on to say.

"Oh that no I never went into the swimming pool, I caught the ledge on the second-floor window and swung in surprising the teacher, and all the students inside," Ranma explained, once again lying to cover his tracks.

Ryoga gained a bewildered expression. "Okay if you were in there then who was it in the pool that day?" he questioned.

"What do you mean who was in the pool?" Ranma inquired, whilst instinctively scratching the back of his neck with a brief cheesy expression Ryoga did not catch. "The person in the pool I chased after she or he had the eyes of a ghoul," he explained.

Ranma perked an eyebrow feigning interest, and surprise. "Wow man you are lucky to be alive he or she could have had you for lunch!" he exclaimed.

"Yea I guess so..." Ryoga trailed in thought as he was trying to work out in his head everything that had transpired that day, as well as in the tunnels. 'I guess at that moment my mind must've been playing tricks on me down there, but one thing for sure that Kai person I didn't imagine him.' he thought then went on to say aloud without meaning to. "When I find him I am going to break him in half."

"Break who in half? Is there someone else you are wanting to fight? Ranma inquired an intrigued brow raised, to which Ryoga realizing he had spoken his thought out loud. "No one... its nothing you should be concerned with drink your coffee it's getting cold."

Upon considering how he had a brush with death he then wondered about his friend and how he survived the ghoul that nearly had taken his life. "Hey, Ryoga how did you get away from that ghoul he was quite quick, and the way he caught me like it was nothing tells me he is quite skilled. So how did you manage?"

Ryoga shrugged his shoulder's realizing he had to come up with an explanation that would satisfy his friend's curiosity, "Well to tell the truth it was by the skin of my teeth, after he got through with you he came bounding after me to help his Brother, I barely dodged the attack and he ended up killing his own brother with his attack, I then rolled out of the way, and broke into a run. I guess he was so distraught with the death of his brother he didn't bother to chase me." he carefully lied, hoping his friend/rival would believe him.

Just as he had hoped Ranma seemed to be satisfied with the explanation given not bothering to ask any more questions related to the sewer incident. Though inwardly Ranma still had questions due to his limited knowledge of ghoul's he had learned from both Lin and Ai back during his seven years of living with them he didn't understand why the ghoul didn't chase the fang-toothed martial-artist down in order to get rid of all witnesses which is a very sloppy move.

However, on the other hand, he didn't figure his friend and rival would have lied about the event and had indeed managed to survive just as he had explained.

"Well glad you made it. Now we can finish our duel whenever you like just name the place, but please no more tunnels alright?" he offered to which the fang-toothed martial-artist gave an agreeing nod of his head, before finishing the last of his drink.

Considering the fang-toothed martial-artists words a moment as they played over his mind again, "U'm Ryoga how do you know they were Brother's?" he inquired.

Realizing he had let a piece of information slip, Ryoga's mind quickly went into overdrive eventually coming to a decision that might put his friend/rival's mind at ease, "He called the ghoul that was fighting me his brother." he offered which to his surprise did indeed do just that as Ranma let the conversation drop with a satisfied expression to his features.

Eventually the duo left the store heading in opposite directions from one another, course we all know Ranma finds his way back to the home okay, as for Ryoga time will tell if he didn't end up lost since he had forgotten to ask for a walk home since his pride had kicked in and he didn't want to ask the raven-haired martial-artist as that would be embarrassing.

X XXXXXXX X

X -Debriefing- X

X XXXXXXX X

One week had passed since Hisako found herself hospitalized, however despite her injuries the specialists had decided she was fit to be discharged and released for light duty to which she returned home briefly before heading to C.C.G. Headquarters for debriefing.

She had hoped they would have done it at the hospital rather than waiting so long to find out her fate going forward, but find out she certainly would after today's meeting with her superiors, who would have a barrage of questions about her team, the ghoul's and why only she came back alive.

Eventually, she arrived walking straight through the double doors that slid open automatically, before making her way past and to the first checkpoint sliding her badge which allowed her entry further into the building, she then proceeded in taking the escalator up to the fourth floor.

A few minutes later saw her sitting in a small dark room, and a bright light shining down on her from the ceiling, as she was starting to get the grilling of a lifetime. Hours seemed to go back as time marched on. The green-haired investigator seemingly more agitated after every passing minute.

"Okay so the Jackal Brothers killed most of your team, the lead ghoul the one you say is called kai are you sure about that? Or is it possible you heard wrong?" came an inquiry from an individual with a gruff sounding voice standing near the far corner of the room, the cherry of a cigarette lit up as he seemed to take a drag off it.

Hisako gave a nod of her head. "I am fairly certain that is the name I heard one of the ghoul's say. Excuse me but who are you?" she inquired having never heard this person's voice before.

The individual quickly replied with an answer and a question of his own " I am senior investigator Hoji Nakamura I have recently returned from the Chinese branch office, I came here cause certain details of your case ring bells for a case I am working on... What do you know about he Mid-Night Masks?"

"The Mid-Night who?" the green-haired investigator questioned of the newcomer as she had never heard of them at all.

Hoji took yet another drag off his smoke. "I asked you about the Mid-Night Masks how much you know about them? He questioned once again.

Shaking her head negatively Hisako quickly answered, "Nothing I never heard of them before." she then posed a question of her own, "What does that have to do with the Jackal Brothers?"

"Eyewitnesses say you were dropped off at the hospital in critical condition by an individual wearing a tattered black cloak and a black mask with a crack in the bottom left corner... I believe this ghoul is one my group had a run in with down in some abandoned mine shafts some traffickers were using, the blood on the bandages used to patch you up belong to that ghoul which is now somewhere loose in Tokyo somewhere.

We believe she is connected to the Mid-Night Masks which is a group of ghoul's I've been hunting." Hoji explained, proceeding to take yet another drag off his smoke.

Hisako's expression turned blank a moment, before becoming bewildered, "A she... Black Mask's." pausing a moment to collect her thoughts. "Look I honestly never heard of this group, and as for a ghoul saving my life... now I think I have heard just about everything, but I again don't know about this group you speak of or the ghoul that apparently had rescued me instead of eating me. Does she have a name or anything?" she questioned with an inquisitive brow raised.

Hoji shrugged at the question taking a quick drag off his smoke. "According to a Chinese branch Investigator and a D.N.A. Profile in the Beijing database she is called the Beijing Butcher, but according to him and the database she had been executed several years ago."

"Well, either she rose from the dead or she is a sibling or something. Generally, when a ghoul has been executed they are dead and disposed of or turned into quinque." Hisako noted as she found it hard to believe a supposedly dead ghoul could somehow be in fact alive especially if the database says, in fact, said ghoul is supposed to be dead.

Hoji chuckled at the green-haired investigator's words. "You know I said pretty much the same exact thing to the Beijing investigator." he paused a moment before putting what was left of his smoke out on the floor before standing up.

"Look if you have another run in with your savior let me know, also if she becomes violent towards you I don't recommend attempting to take her on solo we lost quite a few good men back in China," he advised.

Hisako nodded her head in agreement. "I'll let you know sir should our paths cross again, I still don't understand why a ghoul would save a human," she added.

"Who knows maybe she wasn't hungry... or perhaps she is one of them strange ghoul's who thinks if she saves your life you will do her a favor in the future." he offered.

Grimacing at the senior investigator's words. "No I won't be giving favors to anyone especially a ghoul if I see her myself I will contact you and deal with her as needed I ain't no ghoul sympathizer.


I do hope you enjoyed this latest installment, I did my best with the typo/grammar fixes but my internet is a bit screwy so I may not have caught everything so my apologies, if you wish to leave a review feel free or don't it is all up to you, but please make them constructive if you believe things could have been done better.

With that said have a Happy Holidays and see you next chapter launch. -Zeltronica