Breaking the Cocoon

by FriendlyEl

The failed wedding has left the teenage martial artists to think over their life, and what to do with it now. However, things become even more interesting as a strange fighter comes to challenge the Tendo Dojo from the Amazons' enemy village. Please revie

7. Chapter 7

It was a warm summer day, a cool breeze in the sky keeping the heat from becoming uncomfortable. As one trotted through between the wooden huts throughout the village, occasionally noticing some of the usually fertile grass below them beginning to turn brown from drought, barely any more than a meter between each of the crudely built houses, they were required to be careful not to walk too close, in case a potentially already cranky fellow villager was currently popping outside.

Unfortunately there were some who did not have the pleasure of being careful due to the fact that they did not have the best eyesight. One of the people walking by now was a prime example, a six year old kid already needing glasses so thick and wide that his eyes were almost hidden if you looked at him under the bright light. He was in general a fairly normal kid, albeit maybe a little of an oddball simply because of this mentioned eyesight, and the fact that he never seemed to want to wear them over his eyes.

It was a shame that he decided against having his glasses off, because he found that the "statue" carefully walked away from had suddenly grown wider, and he accidentally crashed into the new part.

Hey, stupid! Why don't you try watching where you're going?! Mousse suddenly noticed that he did not crash into a statue, but a very angry girl about his age.

I'm sorry, the myopic boy politely claimed as he put his glasses back on. I know. I should have put my glasses back on. That house you just came out of must have been a statue.

A vicious laugh came from the girl as she heard the statement. What did you say? she asked in a menacing tone. Did you just say that I look like a statue?

No, no, no! That's not what I meant! Mu Tsu denied frantically. However, he was unable to continue talking when he found himself pushed to the ground, barely able to catch himself before he landed directly onto the back of his head, and terrible pain suddenly in his groin as the irate girl kicked him.

Don't call me a statue, boy! I'm more of a person than your four eyed self will ever hope to be! Watching the fact that the victim of her beating was not responding, she continued to kick him in the same painful area again. Why don't you defend yourself, stupid?! Like when you blocked my way!

I'm sorry, the boy pitifully wailed as he kept hold of his family jewels, helplessly lying on the ground. I didn't see where I was going. Please just let me go!

Shut up! You think I'm just going to let you off by just saying you're sorry! Maybe next time you should consider not bumping into me! I'm gonna make sure that it doesn't happen again! And with that, she continued beating the boy mercilessly, kicking at every part of his body. It was clear that she was significantly stronger than him, already being trained to be a warrior and with none. She continued the savage massacre, deaf to his pleas for her to stop, and it only stopped when another female voice was heard.

Fu Wei, stop picking on him! You can't hit boys! How would you like it if one of the elders just beat you up?!

But he crashed into me! Fu Wei whined. He needs to be hurt!

That's stupid! Beating up a boy just for that?! I'm telling my great grandmother on you if you don't stop right now!

The other girl knew that it would be foolish to continue threatening the other girl. Her great grandmother was one of the most respected elders in the village, and Xuan Pu was well known for being rather spoiled. If she wanted to, she could probably get anyone she didn't like kicked out of the tribe.

Fu Wei gave a defiant humph and turned away. But you better tell him not to crash into me again!

As the old one disappeared, Mousse heard the new girl walk towards him, giving him, then grabbing his glasses on his forehead. I'm so sorry, the voice told him. Don't pay attention to Fu Wei! She's a big meanie. As the boy continued sobbing from the pain in his groin, he noticed his vision suddenly become clear when his glasses were placed on in his eyes. He looked up to see the girl staring down to him with a friendly smile. Are you all right?

I think so, he said, falsely while slowly standing up. I don't feel too bad. He smiled politely as he looked back to her. Thank you for saving me. What's your name?

Xuan Pu, she answered while looking over his wounds. You really sure that you're okay? She beat you up really bad.

No, I'm okay, he reassured her. I don't need to go the doctor.

That's good, Xuan Pu told him as she walked away, unaware of the fact that the boy still wanted to talk to her.

As he watched her go, Mousse continued to stare at her until he could no longer see her. She's so pretty.

Mousse's body lay on a hospital bed, seemingly unconscious from the rough fight that he had experienced. On its side was a large stack of machines and liquids used to keep him alive, whether he wanted to or not. Oddly, despite the unconsciousness, he somehow managed to shed a tear, and open his mouth in this seemingly comatose state to whisper a small phrase.

"Sh… Shampoo…"

The clock ticked in the background, of the small apartment condo, causing the silence of the room to be made imperfect. The two females continued to silently stare at each other while drinking their tea that the older one offered.

"Well then, I suppose we need to talk," Nakoda stated. "Miss Kuonji, I understand that I do have a responsibility to help defend your honor, but you need to understand that when you do these sorts of things it makes it very difficult to do. You know that Akane is a far inferior martial artist than you are."

"Look, I'm sorry," Ukyo blushed while she looked away from the older woman scorning her. "I didn't mean to…"

"But that's not what matters," Nakoda mentioned to her, patiently trying to think of how to get her point across. "What matters is the simple fact that you did it. I will agree with you that that was a very mean prank that Qin and Grandfather Happosai played on you two, but that's no excuse to let them get to you like that, and the fact that you became that upset over simply hearing of how well the relation between Miss Tendo and my son disproves your claim, in my opinion, that you have gotten over him."

"Okay. I'm not over him," the reprimanded teenager admitted with a hint of anger. "I mean, okay maybe technically I say I am, and I'm trying to admit the fact that he finally did choose Akane over me…"

The mother nodded her head slowly as she listened. "So like Mr. Tendo said, despite the fact that you claim to be friends with Akane you do still seem to have a lot of bitterness towards her. So bitter, in fact, that you are willing to kill her, possibly?"

Ukyo turned her head back to the matriarch, some awkwardness in her stare. "No!" she gasped in a short, soft breath. "I would never do that."

"You and Shampoo definitely seemed like you were intending to at the wedding to the less observant viewer," Nakoda informed the girl in a tone of mild disdain. "Tendo himself still to this day believes that was your intention since he did not see much of the event himself. I don't think I need to remind you that throwing live explosives in a small area with the large crowd of people that were not fighters is quite dishonorable."

"But…" Attempting to defend herself, the chef looked towards the woman with a pitiful pout. "I was so worried that you were going to force Akane on my Ranma honey. What was I supposed to do?!"

"Not what you did, I'm afraid," Nakoda bluntly answered as her tone became harsher. "You have to understand that there are many problems that you will face in your life. There is a good way to deal with them, and there is a bad way. From what I have seen of your actions, I'm sorry to say that you are very prone to dealing with things in very bad ways."

"So tell me what the hell I was supposed to do to stop the damn wedding!" Ukyo yelled as tears of rage flowed out. "I just found out, three hours from that bitch Nabiki that the stupid panda you have for a husband that's the cause of all my suffering and Tendo were planning on knocking Ranma honey unconscious, slapping a tuxedo on him, and having him marry Akane without anyone knowing! What the fuck was I supposed to do?! Just call up and ask them not to do it?! Say that I was his fiancée, too?! Ha! I'd just get some bullshit remark that 'the schools need to be united'!" Imitating Soun's voice with the quote, Ukyo continued spitting her acidic rave to the gentle woman attempting to open up her remark. "Newsflash! Ranma may not end up with me, but he was mine! I was promised, no, honor bound to him. You know what it's like being disowned when you're six years old?! When daddy just kicks you out of the house because he engaged you to the son of a thief?!"

"I will agree that we have an obligation to repay you for the pain that we have caused you…" Nakoda claimed once the furious teen stopped to take a breath.

"You bet you do!" Ukyo continued on her rant once she took her break, not allowing the woman continue her rant. "So, tell me what would have been a better way to stop the wedding when I heard that that I would loose my Ranma honey if I didn't do something and quick, cause there was no way I was going to just let him walk out of my life like that! I'd really like to tell me that cause…"

Nakoda held her hands up, shyly smiling while trying to get the girls attention. "Miss Kuonji, as I was about to say…"

"First off, while I admit that I was at the time pleased by the thought of the marriage, seeing as to how the two have just proclaimed their love for each other and my son was very handsome in the tuxedo he wore, it is most dishonorable to marry until the two partners deal with their outside relationships." After saying that, the Saotome matriarch gave a more compassionate and confused look to Ukyo. "If you were that upset, then why didn't you just tell me? I would have gladly cancelled the engagement if I knew he was engaged to other women."

"Well…" Stopping as she calmed her anger. "I… I didn't know you would have. I mean, last I remember the people in charge were Mr. Saotome and Tendo, and from what I know neither one's a prime example of honor when it comes to arranged engagements. How was I supposed to think you'd be any different? And even if you did, how was I supposed to think you had any power?"

"Then you should have gone directly to the two and not leave them alone until you made it perfectly clear that not only are they wrong to try to marry them against their own will, but that you will not allow them to simply do so and disavow the engagement that you have with him. That would have been a far more mature way to stop the wedding than… what you and Shampoo did."

"I didn't think of that," Ukyo shrugged, embarrassed by the inability to argue against what she was told. "I guess I really should have thought that out a little better."

"Precisely what I've been trying to tell you," Nakoda pointed out as she became more reprimanding. "From what I have seen of you, I hate to say it but you have proven to me that despite your success in living independently, you are rather lacking in tact when it comes to solving your problems. I've always warned Akane about that but it seems to me that you are a far worse case. Understandable given the rather difficult life you have lived, but if you are to ever find a man you will need to learn to be more patient and be able to think before you act. And I also know that it is very difficult and that you have heard it before, but whether you like it or not you'd be best to see people other than my son. Whether you want to accept it or not, my son loves Akane and Akane loves my son."

"What do you mean by that?!" Ukyo asked, quite offended. "I love him, too!"

"Quite the contrary, the feelings you have for him seem more like an unhealthy schoolgirl infatuation." Nokaoa pointed out as bluntly as the demure mother figure could. "I'm sorry, but with the way I have heard you manipulated him and the trouble you knowingly caused him, it would be rather difficult to say you honestly love him. If anything, both you and Shampoo seem to feel that my son is a prize to be won, and that sort of attitude is not something you have towards the person who you stay with for the rest of your life. Akane would never have resorted to the sort of low blows that you two have resorted to."

The chef lowered her eyes I an indignant anger. "She lives with him, and with a whole family that would act as if we're the bad guys no matter what we did because we want him too! Both me and Shampoo have just as much of a claim, so could someone just explain to me why we're the bad guys?"

"Because while Akane has shown nothing but sisterly companionship to you two, despite the fact that you were competition for her, you two have returned the kindness by bullying the poor girl, calling her names and even attacking her. Not to mention that I am aware of the fact that both of you already have made plans for your life that would involve my son living a lifestyle that as a martial artist's mother I cannot allow. Akane, who has a claim equally as valid as either of you do, has no such plans. I'm sorry, but if I knew that my husband was going to engage my son with a girl who would use him as a waiter for her business I would never have allowed him to take him on that training trip, especially hearing the way that you have treated someone who has shown you great devotion, this Kontasu I've heard of. My son already had an engagement to his good friend Tendo that they would easily allow him to be a man among men, helping to spread the knowledge of his art."

"But I'm still his fiancée. He promised that he would take care of me." It was obvious that Ukyo was breaking down due to the lack of true defenses she had left.

"And as I said I agree that we have a responsibility to take care of you, which is part of the reason why I have forgiven your many dishonorable acts." Laying a letter on the table, Nakoda pushed it to the guest. "I have discussed the situation with your father. He has sent me this letter as proof. Why don't you read it? I believe it would be best to hear this from family."

Ukyo accepted the letter, noticing that the mailing address as exactly where she used to live. Unfolding the letter inside, she looked at the information on it.

My dear daughter,

I can't say how sorry I am about the mistake I made by engaging you to the son of that lout Saotome, and how I got so carried away and disowned you the way that I did. I know what you're probably thinking. You probably don't want me to be getting involved with your life and trying to solve your problems after the trouble my foolishness caused you, but Mrs. Saotome, who I am sure that you have already talked to by the time you receive this letter, has called me and insisted that I helped her deal with the situation in a way that would not hurt your honor, and that whether or not the engagement is continued she would in her own way take responsibility for your well-being.

Keep in mind that while I am amazed by the apparent success you have made for yourself in the family art of okonomyaki, owning a restaurant that has been able to raise a living income at your young age, I am at the same time disgusted by the acts that I was told you committed during your stay at this Nerinma town. So much so, in fact, that I actually told Mrs. Saotome that she could refuse any responsibility for your well-being. You're very lucky that she seems to be very gentle and forgiving and said that she wanted to do so whether it was her responsibility to or not, and seemed fairly optimistic that with enough parental care she would be able to help you become a better person. All I have to say is that that she must be a true saint if she was willing to stay with her husband and be willing to be nice to you despite your actions. I don't think I would have been able to do so if I was in her position.

I suppose that it's understandable that you would grow up to be an unstable and violent person given what you went through for the last ten years, so I guess that's why she was willing to forgive you the way she has. We both agreed to break the engagement between you and Saotome since it ultimately only caused you trouble and it is obvious that he already has a fiancée, but she has convinced the principal of your high school to take full parental responsibility, so you do not have to revert to the quest of death and still keep your claim as a member of the Kuonji clan. It's the least I can do to make up for the pain I caused you. I hope you didn't seriously consider the possibility of having to choose between one of those two.

Once again, I can't express my guilt for the hell I'm sure this all put you through. I know that this Kuonchi Kuno will do what he can to raise you for the best. My only question is whether or not he will be able to undo the damage that all this time you have spent pretending to be a boy. Make sure that you treat these people who have volunteered to take care of you with the utmost respect, because they have been exceptionally forgiving to claim that you deserve this generosity.

Best regards,

Your father

Ukyo gently placed the paper on the table, paralyzed as her entire energy was spent trying to understand exactly what was being said in the letter. Nakoda patiently watched as the new stepdaughter of hers was engaged in thought, waiting for her to make say something.

The disowned chef rubbed her temple as she began to really understand the implications. "So I guess I should tell this friend from Osaka that I don't need to stay with him since I can still work at my restaurant," she finally sighed.

"Well, that's true that you will be staying here in Nerinma, but I do think that you should close your restaurant. I know that I'm asking a lot out of you but I feel that it's necessary for me to concentrate on your bridal training. When I went to your high school to speak to your principal, he told me that you rejected his offer to engage you to his son, Tatiwaki." Some hint of anger was not evident in the matriarch's voice. "Considering the fact that it was obvious that the engagement between you and my son was clearly about to be negligible I don't see the logic behind your action. May I ask why you did not accept the engagement? The feelings this boy of his seem very deep, considering the fact that he has taken a week long training trip in hope that he will be able to woo you."

"I didn't know what to do! This is a really big change for me! He may like me but I hardly even know him!"

"But as a woman, it is your duty to accept an engagement," Nakoda almost nagged the girl. "Especially considering the fact that the Kuno family is one of the most well-to-do and powerful clans in this town, there was no reason for you to reject such an offer from them."

"I didn't know what to do at the time!" Ukyo shrugged. "I was so confused!"

"Which is another reason that I think you are in some need of some sort of parental guidance," the matriarch scolded Ukyo. "Now that he has adopted you I told Principal Kuno you have accepted the vow. From now on as long as you live in their house, you are the stepbrother and fiancée of Tatiwaki Kuno."

Ukyo nodded her head, remembering the note her father wrote her. She continually reminded herself that the forgiveness Ranma's mother was giving her was more than worth dealing with that sort of overbearing attitude she always watched Ranma complain about.

"While I am your godmother and you are living with his family, I expect to see you spend a significant amount of time around him. Please note that I am aware that he is a very lonely and confused person and the moment I hear of you abuse him in any way, the engagement will be annulled and as much as I would hate to do it I would be forced to disown you. Happosai has recommended that he gives you the moxibustion pressure point, and I agree with him that it is the best idea until you better learn to control your temper. And I will have to warn you that I will be well aware how you treat him as I have asked his sister Kodachi to give me weekly reports on anything she sees. I understand that a lot you have a low opinion of her, but she happens to care very deeply about her brother and I happen to relate very well with her."

Ukyo couldn't help but to feel deeply hurt by the constant honest, nevertheless still harsh putdowns she was hearing. "You really think that I'm that bad of a person, don't you?"

Nakoda sucked her lips in as she paused, thinking of how to say what she wanted to. "While I don't know you well enough to really say, from what I have seen you are not what I would call a BAD person, per say. In fact I have to say that you do seem decent enough outside of this chase after my son or looking after your family business. Unhinged is more appropriate. That's part of the reason why I feel that it would be best to relieve you of the stress of your business. You can still cook okonomyaki for friends, but I never want to catch you doing so to make profit. I must say that I have heard of the way you treated this Kontasu person you have living with you and I must say that if your business is going to do that to an otherwise good girl such as yourself then I ask as your godmother that you immediately cease." She placed her hand on the table as she continued to sternly look the girl in the eyes. "My first and foremost concern is that you learn to control your temper, and Principal Kuno agrees that even after your week's in school suspension that you go after school to anger management treatment. You may have lived like a man before, but under Kuno's roof you are a woman. My job is to raise you to be as I would call it a 'woman among women'. That means that you do not jump to conclusions and attack friends, destroy people's property, threaten people who are not martial artists, and most of all, you treat your fiancée or husband the way you would want him to treat you."

Of course we all know how that helped you with your man don't we.

"And it's okay for Akane to bully Ranma?" Ukyo asked with confused anger.

"Akane has actually matured quite a lot since the last time I've seen her; not only in controlling her anger but in her cooking as well. Either way, I have to disagree that you would be any better if you lived with him. I'm aware that you… have… hit him many times before."

It was unbelievable to the ronin Kuonji just how much the woman knew about her. She was becoming increasingly uncomfortable with the thoughts of just how little she would get away with.

"Speaking of Akane, I am aware that you have on multiple times attacked her just as you have today. I am going to let the entire Tendo family and my son know that they are never to leave her alone with you unsupervised, and that if anyone ever sees you doing it, they will immediately tell me and I will have Mr. Kuno immediately disown you." The cold stare of the matriarch warned Ukyo that she was dead serious about the threat of disowning her. "I also will tell both my son and Akane that I want him to keep his distance away from you until you seem to be making progress. I highly recommend that you find a new group of friends."

"I understand," the new daughter of Nakoda's nodded.

"I hope you do for your sake," Nakoda coldly informed her. "I hope I don't need to remind you just how much thin ice you are standing on as it is. I'm trying to offer you a better life not because I am honor bound to do so, since as your father said I'm not, but because I do feel sorry for you and that it would be irresponsible of us to let you leave and take your anger out on innocent people somewhere else. That being said though, if you continue to prove to us that you are a person of no honor or compassion that pity I feel will disappear and you will find yourself a ronin again, except that you will have the strength zapping Moxibustion on you. Finally, I must warn you that you will, for now at least, find that the Tendo household will react to my forgiveness with hostility. Both Grandfather Happosai and his new disciple Qin in particular I fear may attempt to turn Mr. Tendo and my husband against you. Don't expect to be welcomed by them, at least not until you prove that your attitude has improved."

"Kodachi invited us to discuss the engagement agreement tonight. I want you to be on your best behavior. I understand that she was once a bitter rival of yours, which I cannot allow now that you are her brother's fiancée and you will be living with her. I also know that you have two people living with you. I suppose she feels sorry about that incident involving the gift I gave to Akane before, so she has volunteered to let them stay at her home. Why don't you go back and get your belongings and help Kontasu do the same?"

The Nekohanten was dimly lit as the barren, wide room that used to be the elegant dining hall where a teenage girl sat on the floor in the corner, staring idly at the only source of light from the window. Hugging her legs together and laying her head on her knees, the generally bright beauty of her face was darkened slightly by the grim, emotionless stare. All of her face's muscles were completely immobilized by the sedation incenses that her great grandmother continuously forced on her since the disastrous results of picking up the new supposed son-in-law. The ironic thing was that the sedation, which many people would call abuse, was actually for her own good. It was not only to keep her from thinking too hard of the prospect of certain death once she came back to her homeland, but also from leaving and reacting violently towards one of the "obstacles", which would surely do nothing but make the future punishment worse.

The friction under the front door was echoed throughout the room as it was opening, and the bright light coming from it revealed a silhouette of the tiny lady Shampoo lived with.

"I'm dreadfully sorry for what I've done, but I don't want to make a bad situation worse than it already is," Cologne mumbled as she walked through. "And I must say that you are truly best to stay a vegetable during the rest of your stay here. Especially considering the foolish ally Happy has found."

Even if she wasn't particularly fond of Mousse, she couldn't help but to feel pity for the birdbrain, knowing full well what the most likely psychological side effects were of the pills that Qin gave him. After the experience, he was lucky to have a sound enough mind to hear about and mourn Shampoo's death.

"I suppose I should have stuck with the laced pork buns," she sighed while staring at what she would soon loose as a result of her mistakes. "It would have been easier."

It was now hours after the successful plotting; the master and student returned to the house while the other housemates had just left to Nakoda at her apartment, who had just called asking for them to come. While Qin peacefully read the textbook he brought with him that day, Happosai continued ironing his underwear until the phone outside rang.

As it continued to ring again, the old man turned to his student who closed the book and left the room. As a click outside ceased the ringing, Qin was heard politely greeting the person on the other side, repeatedly saying "yes" while responding to them. He finally hung the phone as he finished saying "Very well. We will be there" and then returned to his master's room, smiling warmly as his roommate looked up. "Mrs. Saotome has called to ask that you use the Moxibustion technique on Ukyo. Akane will be by any minute to bring us there."

Happosai nodded in glee while putting away his iron. "So, she agreed, has she? I knew she would see would see Ukyo as a threat if we could get her to attack Akane." His face contorted into restrained anger. "But what I want to know why you didn't restrain her so that Akane wasn't hurt. You know you easily could have, seeing the way she reacted to the threat you gave her."

Dropping his head to an angle, Qin narrowed his face in disdain from the reprimand. "I was assuming that Akane was a martial artist and would be able to defend herself. I'm sorry, but I don't interrupt a fight between fighters, especially seeing as I don't consider myself one. You as one yourself should know that it is most insulting for another to do that."

"Such a good girl. It's sad to watch her endanger herself with those delusions," Happosai sighed. "As a disciple of the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts part of your responsibility is to make sure that you protect Akane from those ruffians when it is not within Ranma's abilities. Please do keep that in mind."

"I'll do it because you told me to, but it is a logic I disagree with. If she is that weak, she should either let one of the stronger girls have him or train until she can defeat them, not depend on someone else to do so for her," Qin stated in a cold, disgusted tone that was rare for him to speak in. "The weak is sadly the prey for the strong and is there for entirely one purpose, to be their slave. If one doesn't like it then they need to train and increase their strength."

Happosai couldn't help but to feel disgust from hearing the statement. "I'm very upset that you feel that way. Defending the weak is the entire purpose of a martial artist."

"In a way I suppose, like the way a farmer defends his cattle," the Chinese boy smirked darkly. "You defend them from the outside world, and in return they serve your every whim. A fighter's purpose is to please their master, which is the only reason I will defend Akane." Giving an evil smile, he shrugged as he walked back in. "Although, I will find this ceremony today quite entertaining. That Ukyo girl was being most annoying today, so I will enjoy watching her become utterly defenseless."

"If you're planning on attacking her in her weakened state don't even think about it," the lecherous sensei harshly demanded the rebellious student. "Mrs. Saotome claimed responsibility for Ukyo's well being. She's basically part of the family. Besides," Happosai paused as he smirked sadistically. "She's living unsupervised with the Kuno's. You don't know them like I do. Even when the boy isn't around, Kodachi is one of her many enemies. It's like I said – the best part of my revenge is we don't have to lift a finger."

"I do hope that this Kuno family is as difficult to live with as you claim they are. It would be a great shame to see our work result in her simply living in a rich family and happily ever after." Hearing a knock on the door downstairs, Qin walked away. "I assume that that is Akane. It is time."

Akane could not help to feel uncomfortable, walking on the sidewalk as the two silent others behind her followed her step. Neither one talked the entire walk down. She was hoping that the two normally relatively friendly housemates of hers would help take her mind off the disheartening thought of her supposed enemy having the same horror that caused Ranma to almost loose everything that was important to him happen to her.

She knew that everything that all the events going on today were all a big master plan of theirs. How could she not see that it was a conspiracy against Ukyo and Mousse? During their walk back from school her classmate couldn't help but to bring up the incident she had last night with Happosai, not to mention the way Qin was purposefully doing what he could to irritate both of them throughout the entire match. But the strange thing was she still agreed with what they were going to do. It was obvious that Ukyo's temper was quite unstable, and using this extreme but effective measure on any of the fiancées before was something she honestly hoped for in the darker recesses of her mind. It would make it a lot safer for her to walk outside. It just didn't seem right. As much as she didn't like the three other girls at times, she would never wish to make them completely venerable to attacks from other enemies of theirs. She didn't even want to see Shampoo one day come by a bitter rival from before and have her killed off when she would have survived had she had her strength.

Akane looked back at the other two and decided that it was time to get answers. "Hey guys, tell me what you have against those two. What did they ever do to you anyways?"

"Ukyo attacked you completely unprovoked in case you haven't forgotten," Happosai stated in his rarely serious, almost respectable tone. "She is a clear threat to your well being, and must be dealt with accordingly."

"I know there's more to it," she scolded them. "Why don't you two just admit that you're not so much worried about my well being as much as just the fact that you have some petty little grudge against those two and now you have Ukyo exactly where you want her?"

"That is part of it," Qin interjected, "but you must admit that our plans benefit you. I have heard plenty of things about these girls you deal with, and I am aware that they have at times even attempted to murder you."

"She's not the worst of them, you know," Akane scolded the black mage in calm anger. "If you're really concerned about keeping me safe you'd be doing this to Shampoo."

I already have my plans for that Amazon bitch. You don't have to worry about her. Trust me.

"Yes, Shampoo is the Amazon brat that lives here, is it not? I'll consider dealing with her soon enough," Qin scoffed. "Either way, you should be at least grateful that my goals and yours interplay."

Akane flipped as she heard Qin's vicious remark "My goals don't involve crippling, killing, or otherwise hurting other people!"

"Well maybe you should reconsider those goals, considering that they would be more than willing to do so to you. You yourself are not able to challenge them, am I correct? But I'm assuming that Saotome is."

Unnerved by the possibility she thought the Chinese boy was implying, Akane shivered to herself. "Yeah. He can."

"If he really loved you he would have sent all three of them to their funeral if they continued to be such a bother," Qin shrugged. "Yet as far as I can see, he not only lets them live but to continue to be a massive nuisance and even at times life threatening for you. What do you think that says about his devotion when he allows such people to be alive?"

"He couldn't hurt a fly! Is that so wrong?"

"If he's willing to have you die for that ideology but not them then I suppose that he loves them more than he loves you," Qin informed her with cynicism.

Beginning to loose some of her restraint, Akane came to a full stop and turned back, angrily bringing a fist to her chest. "He's not 'willing' to have anyone die! You know, my first thought of you was that you were mature and smart, but now I just think you're a jerk! No one has to die! Just because someone makes you angry gives you no right to! That's what Shampoo always used to say, 'obstacles is for killing'! You're no better I guess!"

"But I'm sorry to say that such idealistic thinking is not applicable in these situations," Happosai's servant claimed. "There are awful people in this world, people who if not stopped, will destroy your happiness, sometimes simply for the sake of entertaining themselves. Use such soft logic on those types, and they will use it against you the chance they get. That Ukyo girl is most lucky that your family is being so soft on her. Make sure you tell her that."

"Soft?! Excuse me, but taking her ability to defend herself and handing her over to one of the biggest perverts I know isn't exactly what I would call soft! It's extreme! Besides, it's your fault too for saying I forced myself on Ranma! You should be punished, too!"

Happosai stood between the two teenagers, pushing an arm towards each one. "Akane, Qin, that's enough out of both of you! I came out here to see Mrs. Saotome, not watch you two bicker with each other." Unwilling to anger his master, and bored with the argument anyways, Qin gave a bored hum and stood still. Akane, however, evidently still had a bone to pick about the current situation.

"I'm not going to stop talking until I finish saying what I want to, and you're going to make sure you listen!" Akane informed the old man. "You two are just as responsible for Ukyo attacking me as she is! Did you tell Qin to tell her that we kissed?! Am I just a pawn that you can put in danger for your schemes? That's not protecting me!"

"I do apologize for that," Happosai sighed apologetically to the Tendo daughter in the most professional way possible. "I will have you know that it was no intention of mine for you to be hurt in any way in the process." Turning his head to the other youngling, the master became angrier. "I was assuming that Qin would have protected you if you seemed unable to do so yourself. But it seems he felt that was against his honor code to help a fellow fighter."

"You shouldn't have been planning on making her attack me in the first place."

"She would have found out later on and attacked you anyways, maybe even telling Shampoo," the old man argued. "I'm well aware that when those two work together, they can be quite ruthless, not to mention the fact that they honestly are delusional enough to think that you are the one that is forcing yourself on Ranma." Nodding his head in a sad disappointment, he continued as he calmed down. "Imagine, sweet Akane, that one day you're walking down the street at night, the day that you and Ranma had just come home from a date. You two have a good time, have a good dinner, maybe when you go home doing a little… well… but the point is that then from out of the bushes Ukyo appears, and says some insane accusation again that you forced yourself on her Ranma honey before. She would probably try to finish you off in retribution, keeping in mind that this is in a secluded park where no one can hear you. And don't for a moment try to tell me that she wouldn't. You know as well as anyone else what both of them have proven they are capable of doing. I only did it to make sure that if they were going to lash out on you that you would at least be protected."

It wasn't usual for Akane to feel anything but disgust for that saintly look; seeming hurt that someone thought the worst of him. For some reason though, maybe because he almost had a point of how potentially lethal the other girls really could be, she just couldn't help but to feel that for once the wicked old man was honestly doing what he was for her own good. "But still, that's not the real reason you're doing it. And there are other ways. We could try talking to them, and coming to a deal."

"That would have been the ideal situation, but as I said none of them are going to be willing to rationalize. It is a martial artist's duty to protect the weak, and all three of them have proven that they are willing to endanger and even actively attempt to kill noncombatants. If that's the sort of attitude that they have, what makes you think that they will comply with any sort of agreement if they cannot do so for such a basic rule of the warrior code?" Walking past her, Happosai watched Akane sigh in defeat. "They're expecting us to be there any minute. Akane, I hope you understand why we are doing this. It's for your own good. Let's go already."

Akane knew that it was not worth arguing anymore, so she simply followed Happosai as Qin did as well. Maybe Ukyo will be good, she told herself mentally. If she does, maybe everyone will stop being so mean to her.

Akane's optimism wasn't entirely incorrect. It was true that the mentioned classmate and harem sharer of hers wasn't currently clawing away at everyone else in the room, but "behave" still wasn't the correct word for her behavior. Both Genma and Soun made sure to sit on the opposite corner, each with a fair amount of bruises from a "talk" with her a few minutes ago, of the kitchen room to her while the looked away from the stare of homicide from the girl sitting by the table, Nakoda and Akane's sisters sitting on the other side of the table, watching the scene passively.

"I do hope that Grandfather Happosai comes soon," Kasumi sighed while watching the girl she usually thought to be so sweet be so incensed. "Poor Ukyo's been waiting for so long."

"I don't think you should talk," Nabiki smirked. "She'll bite your head off."

In retaliation for the comment made by the Tendo sister, Ukyo turned her head back to the two daughters of one of the men, the fiery wrath on her face calming down, but still threatening while narrowing her eyes at the source of annoying sarcasm.

Noticing the anger of her new half-daughter, Nakoda began tapping her finger on the table to get her attention. "Ukyo, may I remind you that your behavior is most unladylike?" the mediator of the spiteful girl reprimanded her. "Nabiki is a guest in my house. But I do agree Nabiki. That comment was out of line."

"Mrs. Saotome's right, Ukyo," Kasumi reminded the tomboyish chef. "You're usually such a nice girl. This isn't like you at all."

She thinks anyone's nice, doesn't she, Ukyo thought. She could be having a death match with Akane and the girl would merrily laugh and say that we're both such good friends. Maybe she's better off that way.

"You're engaged to Kuno now," the Tendo housekeeper explained to the girl. "If you keep acting like a boy he won't like you."

"I don't think Kuno would mind too much," Nabiki mentioned with in reassurance. "In case you forgot he got off from our sis knocking him unconscious every day. Ukyo would be the perfect girl for him."

"I already beat your daddy up, I can sure as hell take you out," Ukyo smirked. "You get a high off good beatings?"

"Don't you dare hurt my daughter!" Soun warned her while standing up despite the hideous face. "That's bullying the weak! Have you no honor?!"

The hateful chef hissed at Mr. Tendo much like a cat. "Honor, honor honor! I went through hell because stupid panda man here had no honor! Don't go telling me what's honorable and dishonorable or maybe I need to introduce your face to the floor a little better! And you…" Standing out of her chair, Ukyo pointed a menacing finger towards Nabiki who simply stared at the tip. "Don't go pissing us off again, you miserly little snot! I'm sure that at home you can get away with whatever shit you do, but I won't take it! I don't care if you're not a combatant! You ever take advantage of me like you did, I'll beat the hell out of you!"

"I thought I told you to sit down," Nakoda reminded Ukyo in an upset but restrained manner. "Sit down!" It was a shame to Nakoda that such a beautiful looking young woman, dressed in the same girls' uniform that a sweet girl like Akane did on a regular basis had such an ugly personality.

"I have a bone to pick with Nabiki and I'm not sitting down until I do it!"

"You've picked enough bones for the day," Nakoda claimed in a harsher voice. "Do as I say right now or I will be forced to disown you."

Nabiki stared at the finger in front of her with a dumb poker face, not touching it. "Go on, Ukyo. You said you have something to say."

"Oh, so little miss heartless bitch wants to hear what she did wrong, huh?" Ukyo's face contorted to a bitter, acidic smile. "I don't like you. Frankly, I'm fed up with the way you keep taking advantage of the crap all of us have to put up with, making everything worse than it already is! We all would have been better off with you ended up dead when you were making Ranma a slave!"

Nakoda was really becoming angry with the rebellious new goddaughter of hers. She was much like Kasumi despite the clearly odd ideas of manliness, unable to ever show the least bit of anger. That was why everyone paused to stare at her when her hand slammed onto the table, vibrating the cups of tea still on it. Standing up, and with an amazing strength that no one imagined possible, she pushed Ukyo's face towards her and gave her a hateful glare that would impress even herself or Shampoo. Even the irate spatula girl paused in shock as she found herself staring into the scary glare. She had no choice but to stay in that pose, waiting for the older woman to express her newfound fury in words. Finally, she saw the other's lips open.

"I was being generous because I felt sorry for you," the matriarch bellowed, "but I suppose that was not the best option! If you ever threaten my daughter in laws again, I won't disown you, I will make you commit sekkupu! You're a martial artist! You're supposed to protect the weak, not bully them! Do you understand?!" Not getting the response that she was expecting from the girl, she raised her voice even more. "DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!!!" Still not getting a response she pushed Ukyo back. Her face became much colder, calmer anger as she stared at her.

"You have proven completely unable to use your strength in a way that benefits anyone but yourself. There is no way that I will allow you to leave with it and endanger any more people. The only choice you have now is to behave yourself until Happosai gives you the Moxibustion and be honorably engaged, or keep acting the way you are and loose any sort of honor and become a ronin. And don't think for a moment that that killing me and running away will do any good. Do that and Happosai and Qin will follow you to make sure to take your strength." Backing away, she continued to give the brave, stern look to the girl. "I would prefer you to sit down and behave personally, because I always find it a great shame to watch someone destroy their honor. But if your need to continue this desire for rash, dangerous behavior, you will have to kill me before you leave."

The rest of the room dropped their jaws in shock at the bold, brash statement made by the meek housewife. Nabiki was the first one to get out of her shock, making her warning to the woman. "Uh, Mrs. Saotome, I wouldn't recommend doing that if I were you. She just might do it. I mean, she tried to hit Akane with a bomb that could have killed Ranma. Not to mention that I heard of the innocent bystanders that evidently got hurt in her first fight with Ranma. Come to think of it, you'd make a great super hero. Today on the next exciting episode of Super Spatula Girl, Super Spatula Girl saves the day again, defeating the wicked old woman whose cat walked in front of Ranma. That would be such a big hit."

As the Kuonji girl vibrated her lobster pink face with a look a cross between anger and sadness, a tear coming from her eyes. In her furious rage, Ukyo pushed the woman out of her way, causing her to fly into the counter and barely catching herself before her head was painfully coming into a forceful contact with sharp corner. With the annoying hag out of her way, the enraged teenager slammed her knee onto the table, lunging her thumbs violently into the other's Adam's apple. "So you think you're a joker, huh? Think you're really funny!" Ukyo grinned evily as she watched the cocky grin go off of the other girl's face, replaced with a look of fear. "Not laughing now, are we? Not when I could kill you with just one little movement of my thumb!" Pressing harder, everyone noticed as Nabiki's face began to grow purple. Deaf to everyone's pleas for her to stop, Ukyo continued to strangle the Tendo daughter. Soun and Genma tried their best to push off the enraged chef's arms. Unfortunately for them, it was soon discovered just how their old age was no match for the brute strength possessed by the seemingly frail girlish body.

"Get off of my daughter this instant!" Soun furiously wailed to the girl. "How can you call yourself a martial artist when you bully the weak?!"

"Shut up, asshole! Like you know a fucking thing about honor!"

Amid the chaos, the people didn't pay attention to the door to the apartment slam open and the powerful footsteps crunching the carpet, louder as the sources approached them, and Ukyo only taking note of the chance when her entire spine suddenly sent an electric pulse throughout her body as a result of the burst of heat in the middle of her back, causing her to take her deathly grip off of Nabiki while she screamed in anger.

Kasumi took care of her younger sister who was currently shocked from the experience, panting as her wind passage was opened again. Hugging her sister in a comforting embrace, she looked over to Nakoda at the table counter, a look of shock and anger like never seen on the gentle wife. Next to her stood Qin and Akane, the former with a disdainful but restrained frown and the later with a look of anger that she always remembered her youngest sister reserving for the less deserving fiancée of hers. Finally, she watched Happosai do a back flip off of Ukyo's back and jumped off of the table.

"Akane was trying to tell us to be optimistic that your behavior would improve!" the old man spoke to the person he just singed using his pipe. "She was telling me right when we got into this apartment that maybe we shouldn't be too harsh on you! And three seconds after she tells me that I hear Nabiki gaggling and everyone yelling for you to not kill her!"

"In one day, in one day you tried to kill both of my sisters!" Kasumi scowled at the girl currently held in place by her father and Mr. Saotome. "I used to think so highly of you! I thought that you were a good cook, and that you were so friendly and always happy! How could I have been so wrong?!"

"It seems that she is quite competent in giving a veneer appearance of kindness," Nakoda calmly informed the group, coldly staring at Ukyo. "It's unfortunate for her that it seems to have failed in the long run."

The crickets chirped throughout the dark, starlit sky night while the village slept while only a few of the huts had the bright light of lanterns or fires still around them. The only person still outside that late night was a white robed six year old boy, wearing glasses a half inch thick, currently sitting down and looking over the paper that he was given. He had no idea exactly why he was going through this, or just exactly what it was that compelled him. Ever since this morning when that girl rescued him, he couldn't help but to think about her, and whenever he did his heart suddenly bounced within him.

After a few hours since then, after three discomforting hours of sitting and thinking over, he officially decided that he was going to see the girl again, and make sure that she understood his feelings for her. For whatever reason, he just knew that that girl who saved him today was going to be his "that". In all honesty, he didn't know what to do if she rejected him. That was the reason he had such a hard time deciding whether he was willing to take the risk or not.

When he asked his mother about who Xuan Pu was, she was almost angry with her son for not realizing who it was. She was the great granddaughter of one of the highest elders, Kul Lon, and by far the best fighter in his age group. When he told her that he thought he loved the girl, his mother became sad while telling him to forget about her. When he asked her why, she just said he was best to forget about her. Boys like him didn't end up with strong girls like her. They ended up with strong boys from out of the village. She even said that she would punish him if she ever caught him being around her. He didn't care if she didn't want him to though. He was going to meet this girl, and he was going to get her to fall in love with him.

You can't be out here! Boys aren't supposed to be outside when it's dark out!

Mousse looked up from his paper when he heard the feminine, childish voice that he was hoping was speaking to him. The girl ran over to him, seemingly angry. It was going to make things a lot harder if she was mad at him, so he decided that it would be best to try to get her in a good mood. Oh, sorry. It's just that I heard that this was the best way for me to see you. I just wanted to talk with you.

Talk with me when it's morning, the girl demanded him while pointing to the huts. My big sister will be really mad at you if she sees you out.

But, I really want to talk to you!

Knowing that one of the older and less forgiving tribe members could come by any minute, and were likely to kick the boy out at the slightest offense, Xuan Pu decided that it was for his own good to be more forceful with the idiot. She grabbed his arm and began dragging him, kicking him in the rear end, and yelling at him to get up.

Get up now! I'll talk with you tomorrow!

But please! Let me talk!

Now! The angry girl yelled into his face while causing him to roll a good foot down the cliff with her aggressive shove. Go away before you get in trouble! She grabbed his wrist and continued to drag him down the hill until he picked himself up, and when he did she pointed down to the huts, violently hissing at him. You know you're not supposed to be out here! Go home, stupid boy!

Noticing that she was dead serious and that it was rather unlikely he was going to change her mood Mu Tsu finally decided to go by her demands and run.

She hated him, he thought to herself as he run away. After all that effort to get her to like him, she hated him. His heart stopped bouncing in the way that it did the whole day since he first met her, and he couldn't help but notice it do the opposite. Rather than beat uncontrollably, it froze. It froze and died. He snuck back home, relieved that his parents were currently asleep and light sleepers. He did not need to be punished anymore to feel bad. He walked over to his bed, wondering of the futility of trying to sleep any before tomorrow. Mother warned him not to get too attached to the girl because she would break her heart. Maybe that was the painful feeling he was having.

He did try to sleep some that night, but to no avail. He couldn't help but to feel horrified by the thought of that girl hating him so much. He didn't have any real friends, and that girl for whatever reason was being nice to him today. Maybe that was the reason why he couldn't stand the thought of loosing her friendship. Those were the thoughts that circled throughout his mind the whole night, and it was no wonder why he woke up the next day with every bit of energy zapped from him. Not that it would matter if he was tired. His mind was still too haywire from his thoughts to really notice his exhaustion.

He could understand how his mom thought he was sick when she saw him that morning. When he looked in the mirror later his eyes he seriously wondered whether or not the beating that bully gave him before was more serious than he thought. They were wrapped by a hideous streak of black and blue the whites of them were webbed with shot blood vessels. He seriously thought that he looked like one of the monsters from the poems the elders told him about.

It didn't matter, though. Even if the grass seemed to ripple underneath him like a lake, even if he almost told his mom to make sure she pay the taxes to the dragon of the darkness flame when he was leaving, he had to go on with the day. Even when he put his glasses on, his head was barely able to keep from toppling over, sometimes causing the spectacles to fall from his face. It was amazing that despite the fact that his head felt like someone just pressed their knuckles directly into his temple for hours that he somehow managed to think of how much he needed to see that girl again, and even walk without crashing into anything.

It was perplexing to him the way he somehow managed to see better than he ever could before. Whenever his glasses fell off, somehow his vision seemed to actually improve. He could actually notice the objects that he saw around them.

He walked on, trying to just find any place that he could sit in peace, where either no one or Xuan Pu would find him. He had to find a place to think. Looking around the area he reached in his aimless walk, he decided that under the tree on that the hill was the best place. Laying on the cool grass below it, he stared at the mesh of green leaves above him, the rays of sun coming through it stinging his eyes.

Of course, he completely forgot what he was out here to think about. He just knew that it was about some girl. Was he going on a date with her? Was he running away from someone what was trying to beat him up and break his glasses?

It would have been nice to know what was going on. It was too bad that he blacked out before thinking much more about it.

When he finally awoken from his sleep, Mousse found himself staring up to the bland glow of a fluorescent ceiling light. His eyes were tucked deep into the sockets, causing him pain that no human should ever have to deal with. Not to mention that for some indescribable reason he woke up with the sudden want to cry, like he just found out that everyone important to him had died and he just found out. His entire body began to vibrate as the sudden surge of negative emotions pumped throughout his blood, letting it know that he was supposed to be depressed.

He had no idea why he was this way, which was the most unnerving part. Last thing he remembered, he was challenging Ranma, using the pills that that Qin person gave to him. He remembered that he suddenly blacked out the moment he used the larger red pill that he was given just before the fight. All he knew was that it was painful when he used the original green ones first. For whatever reason, he felt a need to kill anything in his path. That was nothing compared to the sudden surge of pain that exploded throughout his body the moment he swallowed that damned Bloodlust Pill.

Even though the pain only lasted for a matter of seconds, it was still so terrible while it lasted. The last thing he remembered, he could have sworn that all of his vital organs exploded.

Maybe Ukyo was right. Whatever Qin gave me, it did more harm than it did good.

The most depressing thought was that Ranma probably won despite all that anyways. After all, it was Ranma Saotome here. You don't defeat him. Besides, even if he did win using artificial strength, that old woman would do anything she could to make sure that he would never end up with Shampoo. After all, didn't she just decide that Ryoga was going to marry her if Ranma didn't? Hence the reason that he came up with the disturbing but true deduction – he went through all that for nothing.

He always swore since the first day he met her that he would get Shampoo to love him. In all honesty, as cold as she may have treated him all his life, he always told himself that he had to do whatever it took to get her to treat him better because if the day comes that it truly seems hopeless that she would ever be his, if the day comes that he had truly lost all hope to achieve the goal that he spent all of his live attempting to reach, he had absolutely no idea what he was going to do.

And for some reason there was this voice inside of him that just kept nagging him, telling him that it was in his best interests to start thinking.

"I never did stand a chance at getting Shampoo to love me," the bedridden dark weapons expert murmured wistfully. "She hates me. She always hated me. Like the sun will always rise and fall."

The door creaked open and as it closed, he could easily sense and hear someone walking towards him. It was a shame that he could not greet them first, seeing as to how he was unable to even see who the blur was on his side.

"Are you okay, Mousse?" the new person inside asked in a familiar feminine voice, except that it was in a tone of coldness that he was not used to from the individual he placed the voice on.

"Oh, Kontasu." Mousse gave a warm smile to the figure now that he could pin a familiar name on it. "I'm okay, I guess."

"Are you? Please do be honest." The myopic boy was taken aback by the hint of seriousness that was seemingly unfathomable for the docile and naïve Kunochi that he remembered living with for the last couple days while he was approaching the bed. "That pill Qin gave you. I had suspicions about it when I heard its name. I knew that you shouldn't have accepted that pill. I looked at some of the books you brought with you after the fight, and I tried to read about this Bloodlust Pill." Kontasu's voice softened as he continued, more like a concerned mother than the usual clueless, lovable male waitress. "They destroy you from the inside. They make you remember all of the bad memories that you thought you forgot, and use how sad you are to increase your battle aura."

"So I guess that's why I feel so miserable?" Mousse sighed as he looked back up, a pained expression on his face. "I can't explain this feeling I have. It's like, I feel like I want to cry, for no good reason. I don't know why I'm so sad." As a soft sliver of liquid accumulated to the end of his eyes, he hissed a pained gulp of air. "I have no idea what's going on. I'm just so depressed, and I don't know why. I have no idea what's happening to me!"

"You see what I mean?" Kontasu asked with compassion. "That's why me and Miss Ukyo didn't want you to use those pills. We were worried about you." A frustrated breath came from the ninja. "Please, sir Mousse. I know from past experience that using such items to increase your power can only result in the most horrific side effects. I could go on for hours of the sins my ugly stepfamily has caused me to commit using the succubus. Just tell me, please. Why would you in your right mind voluntarily poison yourself?"

"If there was something that you could do so that Ukyo would marry you, would you do it?" Mousse asked the question in a grim, realistic voice. "Even if the rest of your life was ruined in doing so, would you do it?"

"Excuse me?" Kontasu temporarily reverted to the shy, docile waitress Mousse remembered as the question. "Why do you ask?"

"If I was to defeat Ranma, it would have brought me one step closer to marrying my Shampoo. I have to beat him in order for her to like me. Now, what if Ukyo had to marry the strongest man, and she would be your bride if you defeated Ranma. Don't tell me that you wouldn't pass the opportunity to do it."

"If that was the reason a person loved me, then I would want no part in it," Kontasu claimed. "I want someone to love me for who I am on the inside. And I certainly would never use something that would destroy the happiness I already have. You said that the Xingu-an is a rival village of yours, didn't you?"

"Correct."

"Then you should know far better than I do the source of their power. I'm aware that nearly all of the techniques they use to increase their abilities are forbidden in the Amazon village. Why do you think that is? Those methods are all based on temporarily increasing your chi abilities to those sorts of levels at the expense of playing with the most negative of your emotions and more or less amplifying them. It has been known to turn weaker mined individuals insane." Mousse couldn't help but to notice again the dark, serious tone of the speaker. "Not to mention the fact that while the green, less potent pills that he gave you before are as it is known to cause severe trauma the first time they are used. The red pill, or bloodlust pill, that Qin offered you before, is used by them in desperate times during a war. To manipulate someone who has never used any weaker of such item before into taking such a devastating item, is truly malicious."

"I heard that he works under Grandfather Happosai, that disgusting old man we caught trying to steal underwear last night," the nearsighted patient hummed in shame. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted him. No doubt both of them are going to do whatever they can to make sure our lives are a living hell. Not that I helped the situation much for him, but when the old troll got mad at Ranma he did whatever he could to ruin his life. I know it's wishful thinking, but I hope that he will at least not go far enough to ruin Ukyo's reputation as an okonomyaki chef, just to make us go out of business."

"We're closing the restaurant," Kontasu informed his friend. "Mrs. Saotome called and told me that Miss Ukyo will now be living under the care of the Kuno family, and we will all be living with them. From this day she's engaged to the son of the family, Tatiwaki."

Despite not being able to see him, Mousse reflexively looked back to his guest on the side, eyes widening in shock. "She's what?! We're…" He knew all too well of the Kuno family from past dealings, not to mention the older brother. And now if he was hearing correctly, he was living under the same roof as them, and that wannabe samurai was engaged to Ukyo. "You're kidding, right? Ukyo would never put up with him. Knowing him she'll probably slap him through the roof the first few minutes we're there."

"Unlikely, considering the fact that she won't have the strength to do so." Noticing Mousse give him an even more perturbed look, Kontasu continued. "I was told that Happosai was going to give him a strength zapping moxibustion."

"He's what?!" Sitting up, Mousse clenched his fist. "We have to make sure that he doesn't! He's not going to ruin Ukyo's life like that if we have any say in it!"

"We don't. Mrs. Saotome decided this."

"Don't tell me that they have her conspiring against us, too," Mousse hissed in anger.

"She claimed that it was dangerous for Miss Ukyo to keep her strength if she could not learn to control her anger." Looking down, Kontasu became increasingly forlorn when he had to say the next thing. "I don't know how to say this, but at the end of the match Miss Ukyo became very angry with Miss Akane and attacked her. Soun believes that if we didn't stop her then… then Miss Ukyo might have killed her." Pausing for a few minutes, Kontasu once again did his best to digest the facts.

"Are you sure he's telling the truth? What if Tendo's just lying to get Ukyo in trouble."

"I was there, and I saw it," the Kunochi assured his myopic friend while the memory of the time overseeing from on top of the hill. "As much as I hate to admit it, her actions were completely inexcusable, despite the manipulation. Qin claimed that Ranma and Akane kissed, and Ukyo began attacking her, claiming that she must have forced herself on Ranma. I know that she was being tricked, but to react so violently out of pure jealousy. I have to agree with Mrs. Saotome that such a desperate restraint on Ukyo may be necessary if she proves to be a threat to Akane."

Mousse couldn't believe what he was hearing. Ukyo was his friend. She was the one that let him live with her. How could that same person attack, no, try to kill a person as frail and defenseless as Akane? The person didn't mix with the crime. And judging who was telling him this, someone he knew didn't want to believe such a harsh truth about his beloved any more, he had no choice but to accept the truth. "I see. I can't imagine what you feel like, though," Mousse sighed with sympathy. "Are you going to be okay?"

"You're the one I'm worried about," the ninja responded.

"How did you feel when you heard that Ukyo was marrying some total stranger? Don't lie to me. I know how much you love her."

"I wasn't happy, if that's what you're asking. Not at first. But I know that it's all for the best. It sounds that this Kuno person truly cares about her, and he will make sure to take good care of her. I'm very upset over what she did, and I'm honestly very disappointed in her, but I like to be optimistic that if she's happier she will turn out for the better. I gave up on winning her heart a long time ago."

Dumbfounded by the statement, Mousse stared at the blur he knew was his visitor. "You did? When… Why…"

"Because I knew how inconvenient I was to her. I know that I'm nothing but a mere nuisance to her, and that she is only taking care of me because she pities me and because I make a good waitress." The upbeat way the ninja spoke was almost frightening to Mousse. "If she doesn't return the feelings, I don't want to force it. I will do my best to go on with life, and please her to my best abilities as gratitude, but it is another man who would make her happy then so be it. Maybe she wasn't the right one for me anyways. I spent too much of my life imprisoned by my evil stepfamily. So one day I thought to myself, why imprison my heart to a woman who doesn't love me."

Bewildered was probably the right word for Mousse. How could Kontasu say something like that? That it was okay if he didn't end up with the person he loved. He agreed, he'd never want to force Shampoo into loving him with some spells. He wanted real love from her, the type that he had to earn. "So you're saying that your happiness just isn't important to you?"

"Well, no. Just that I don't want to base my happiness on one person. That is all." Hearing ruffles of cloth and the tapping of shoes on the floor, it was obvious that the visitor was leaving. "Please sleep well, sir Mousse. You need it more than you may be aware. You don't have much with you, so I'll gladly take what you have to the house of the Kunos." And with that, the door closed, leaving Mousse alone with the voices.

Just that I don't want to base my happiness on one person. That is all.

"Can I really be happy like that too, even if Shampoo hates me? Even if I never see her again?" Mousse paused as he thought to himself, contemplating the words of the ninja.

"That was twice you did it! That sort of behavior is completely unacceptable for a martial artist!" Nakoda, continuing to stare down to her violent natured new goddaughter of hers, decided that she had not yet gotten through to her. "How can I trust that you will not do this sort of thing again? I don't want Principal Kuno's son to be in danger."

"You can't, really," Happosai shrugged. All of the guests besides Master Happosai and his new servant had left a few minutes ago, leaving the three alone to discuss the final actions. "That's why we gave her the strength zapping moxibustion. Just to be safe."

"That doesn't excuse what she did. It was not honorable." She explained to the old man, and then stared back at the girl sitting at her table and staring down to it in shame. "If those are the sorts of actions that you're going to commit, I'm not going to risk my or Principal Kuno's name. I'm calling Kodachi and telling her I'm canceling the engagement and the adoption."

Happosai gaped in shock, staring towards the woman who just made the decision. "But… that's cruel! She deserves a second chance. Besides, even if she can't control herself she's no treat to Kuno. She's weak. "

"She has received more than a second chance," Nakoda claimed coldly. "Weak or not, I do not feel right giving Kuno a fiancée that will be abusive towards him."

As he stared up to the matriarch, it was clear to the Anything Goes Martial Arts founder that he would need to play his words the correct way. He was well aware of how serious Mrs. Saotome was, and there was no way he was giving up the chance to watch Ukyo live unsupervised with those two nutcases, one of them a pervert not to far from his own caliber, and the fact that she already was in a weakened state only made it all the more intriguing. "Mrs. Saotome, please reconsider. You know what you're doing to her if she is expelled from her clan, don't you? She will have no skill, and damned to a life of poverty if she has no parents. Isn't taking away her ability to do martial arts enough?"

A hard stare flustered on the woman's face as she stared down, trying to think over the request. "I just want to see to it that Mr. Kuno doesn't get angry at me for giving him a damaged good. He says he loves Ukyo, but part of me doubts that he truly knows about a lot of her darker traits."

"So let him get to know her better for a good few days," Happosai suggested. "Put her on warning. She can't do anything serious now anyways. Besides, it's clear that Kuno's son has taken our oath to give him a fiancée very seriously. Last I heard, he has taken an entire week from school for training just because he felt it would increase his chances of wooing her. What do you think it would say to them if we broke our promise to them? This Tatiwaki child of theirs would be devastated by that, and his mind would only grow worse. So tell me which you feel would be more dishonorable, being forgiving or breaking the heart of a young boy?"

Nakoda walked backwards to the wall behind her, holding her chin as she was forced to think deeply about what the old man claimed. "I suppose you have a point." She grimly stared down to Ukyo, sternness in her voice. "You're lucky that Grandfather Happosai has such a merciful heart. We're going to the Kuno's house in a half hour and we'll move your belongings out of your restaurant afterwards. I have a few things that I would like to discuss with him alone first. I'm sure Qin will make sure that you behave while I'm gone."

As Happosai followed Nakoda to a different room, the two kids continued to stay silent, the only sound being the humming of the appliances. The two continued staring into different directions, making sure that they did not look directly at the other. Both had plenty of pent up rage to take out on the other, but neither wanted to cause a scene in danger of angering the adults.

Unfortunately, the steam Ukyo had on her chest was still not completely relieved. "So, buster, proud of yourself, teaming up with some evil troll?" she asked, making sure not to be too loud so the adults didn't hear.

"I could just as well ask you if you were proud of yourself using your martial arts abilities the way that you have," Qin scoffed at the interviewer. "I will have you know that we are, in my opinion, going far too easy on you for your crimes. If I was in control, I would have made sure that you suffered a lot worse than being left alone with a complete pervert in a weakened state."

"You're the one who wanted me to do it in the first place," Ukyo hissed, still keeping her voice down. "That wasn't cool getting Akane involved in your grudge."

"I simply told you a fact that you would have heard later, nothing else," Qin lectured the angry girl. "You were the one who chose to react the way you have. Even though they know I told you so you still will be the villain." A light chuckle came from his mouth as he shrugged. "I do hope you enjoy it when this Kuno person takes advantage of you and there's nothing you can do to stop him."

Ukyo gave a smug grin, surprising her bully. "Is that so? You two are really looking forward to me being molested, aren't you? Well for your information I was completely helpless right under his nose, and he didn't take advantage of me." Waving her hand as she mockingly took the role of a damsel in distress, she continued. "In fact, I'm happy you found me a good man, not to mention a rich one too. I'll show Akane what she's been missing out on all along."

"Akane has Ranma. You don't. I don't see how you're supposed to make her jealous, if that's what you're expecting." Becoming more serious, but still making sure to taunt the girl, Qin decided that it was best to leave it at that. "Just don't try to go hunting her down if you ever do feel jealous, even if you do in fact regain your strength. Do so and Master Happosai will use force to protect her, most likely not holding back, and from what I heard you are not able to defeat him, are you?"

"I'll just bring some of Kontasu's underwear. That should be able to deal with him," the chef teased the older boy, jokingly sticking his tongue at him.

She shows quite a good amount of pride in that underwear, despite the fact that it has already caused a good amount of trouble.

Lightly exhaling, the Chinese boy shrugged the comment off with an uncomfortably pleasant smile. "I suppose when the time comes, I'll just have to find out when you decide to let your emotions override your logic again."

The two teenagers immediately ceased their soft conversation when a click was heard from the hallway, and soon the two elders came back in. Nakoda coughed in order to get their attention. "Ukyo, I've decided that it is safe to forgive you and allow you under custody of the Kunos after I have talked with Grandfather Happosai. Without your strength, I find it less likely that you would be a threat to the two siblings. So I guess we will have dinner with Kodachi in an hour then move in the rest of your belongings."

"Qin, my boy," the Anything Goes sensei called as he turned to the wall his student was standing. His face was one of innocent happiness. "I think our work here is done. Let's leave the new mother and daughter to get to know each other, why don't we." As the old man left, he brightly waved goodbye to the two women with a more indifferent student following him to the door. "Goodbye Mrs. Saotome. I do hope that you help this misguided soul see the light."

The two males were finally gone, leaving the matriarch to happily smile to the more docile Ukyo to look at her. "Grandfather Happosai can be such a nice man. He is truly one who I call a man among men."

Hundreds of miles away on top of a windy mountain, a formal pagoda stood behind two black and blue blurs, each making a deafening clash as they touched each other. They continued to leap back up the moment they dropped to the ground, for that short time turning into two men in samurai suits. They continued their cycle, eventually one of them beginning to slow down until he ultimately rolled onto the ground, panting painfully as his bloody body dropped to the ground. He attempted to push himself up, but to no avail as the nerves of his muscles violently refused. A look of pained anguish grimaced across the youthful, but scarred face of the fallen warrior as he laid on the rocky surface, reflexively dropping his sword. "I've been smitten again, but I will not give up!"

"They say a samurai is not truly in the condition to fight until he has cried scarlet tears. I must say that I have never seen such improvement in a few days." The raspy, deep voice came from behind as the other blur disappeared, replaced with a middle aged man who looked much like his student except with grey hair, wrinkles, and a few dry scars on both his hands and face. Despite his friendly smile, the rest of his face showed what seemed almost like condescending disdain for the fallen student. "I don't know how strong this Ukyo person is or what sort of challenge you were before, but I am sure that she will find you to be far more of a challenge than she did before." He took his blade that was currently stained by Kuno's blood and began wiping it against a white handkerchief that he picked up from his pocket, and then walked away, leaving Kuno to rest. "Well, I suppose we should take a break for now. We've been at this nonstop since dawn, and I need to eat. Not to mention the fact that you seem rather in need of relaxation yourself. We'll return to your training once you have regained your strength."

His trainer gone, Kuno slowly rolled onto his back, breathing painfully as the dry, cold air of the mountain and the pain in his chest forced him to take slow, shallow breaths. Each time he exhaled, mist came out from the raw skin of his nose. "I do this all so that I may free you from the grasps of that vermin Ranma Saotome. Please, my spatula wielding godesses… please hang in there for the time being… so I may free…"

And with that, the fallen warrior blacked out.

Mousse had somehow managed to get some rest despite the refusal of his obsessive mind. Soon after he had come to the tree, he was immediately induced into a much needed rest, only brought back into the world of the living when he felt a light tap on his head, then the red of his eyelids as he regained conciousness.

So then Xuan Pu. You said that this is the boy you saw, a raspy voice asked.

Yes he is, Great Grandmother. I saw that big bully Fu Wei picking on him. It was the same voice that he heard yesterday. It was the same girl that he had been looking for! He opened his eyes, and put his glasses on, soon recognizing her. Looking next to her, he saw some creature about their size, staring over him with large beady eyes. Pushing himself into a sitting position, he gave a friendly smile to Xuan Pu, which she rewarded him for by hitting her head in a frustrated fashion.

What do you think you're doing here, little boy? The old woman asked with what seemed like a nice enough tone, pointing her walking stick to the view downhill of the group of huts . This is a dangerous area for a little boy like you. You're completely out of the village boundaries. Why don't you come back with us?

Actually, I came here to talk to her, Mu Tsu mentioned when he pointed to Shampoo. I saw her yesterday, but I didn't get to tell her something yesterday. She said I could find her somewhere else yesterday.

The old woman scratched her head as she heard this. Hmm? Shampoo, did you say that to this little boy before?

Loosing her temper, Xuan Pu stomped her foot on the ground. He's being stupid! I didn't tell him to follow me! I said I'd go find him later! The great grandmother waved her stick in the child's face, warning her to stop.

Calm down, Xuan Pu. You know that's not the way you act towards a civilian. I'm sorry, little boy. Truth be told I don't find her behavior acceptable at times, but no ones perfect. Now go on child, what did you want to tell her?

Biting his bottom lip, Mu Tsu shivered as his heart pointed. He had to stay strong. This was the point he was waiting for all day. Xuan Pu, I want you to marry me. He said it in the most stern, fearless tone he could, despite the fact that his heart was trying to dislodge from his heart. I love you.

The girl stared bewildered at the boy. Was he being serious?

The old woman laughed in a lighthearted amusement. So you've already bloomed into a full-grown man, I see. I remember those days. The only question though is whether or not you can defeat my Xuan Pu.

A confused look went on the young boy while he But I'm not an outsider! I don't want to fight her, I just want to…

Not until she reaches the age of twenty, I'm afraid, the old woman shrugged. Until then, no one can betroth my Xuan Pu until they defeat her in combat. If she hasn't found anyone who can by that age, then she can marry whoever she wants. Looking with disinterest at the snarl of Mu Tsu, she continued. I may be an elder but there are some rules of the past that we can't change. Please don't take this personally.

Very well, then, old woman, he claimed as he raised his fist. Xuan Pu, I don't want to hurt you. I really don't. But like your great grandmother said, I must defeat you in combat if I am to win your heart!

The girl dropped her mouth in angry shock from the comment. What are you, stupid?! I'm the village champion for how old I am!

Now dear, remember the rule of the warrior. Never refuse a challenge, even if you think it is too ridiculous or absurd. A look of pity came across the old woman's face as she looked back to Mu Tsu. But she's right child. I'm well aware that you have no combatant skills, and she's growing to be quite skilled compared to the other girls her age. I don't want to see you hurt, so I will ask you again whether you want to do that. This is your last chance.

I have to try.

Very well. the old woman walked away from the two head down. If one of you seem to be loosing, I will stop the match before anyone is seriously injured. You both may begin.

The fossil was right. He didn't know any martial arts. The fact that he was fighting this girl should have been making him petrified. But like he said, if he didn't try he never knew how it could go. He would do what he could.

He ran towards Xuan Pu, a powerful, but predictable lunge of a fist aiming for her. Much to his distaste, she easily caught the fist, moved to the side and pushed his face onto the ground. Noticing him attempt to push himself up, she kneeled onto his back, her weight keeping him from pushing himself up.

The great grandmother watched Mu Tsu continue hopelessly to push as hard as he could, unsuccessfully trying to get the weight off. Sonny boy, you lost. Just accept it. Xuan Pu, we need to take the little boy along. I'd be amazed if his parents aren't worried sick about him.

Xuan Pu did as she was told, standing back up. When she offered her hand to the boy, her expression softened in pity while he began to sob lightly.

I told you not to do it. Where does it hurt?

My heart. It hurts in my heart. He pushed himself back up, then called the matriarch who was already clear ahead of him. Old woman!

Looking back, the elder sighed. What is it? We should be going home.

Answer a question. The same determination as before came on Mu Tsu's face. The same deathly look that warned all to take him seriously. If I practiced every day, and kept challenging Xuan Pu every week – if one day I win against her can I marry her.

Xuan Pu face faulted from the statement. He wasn't seriously considering that, was he?

Her great grandmother rolled her eyes, growing increasingly irritated with the boy. In the small case that you can beat her, I suppose you can. Of course, whether you will ever do so or not, that is a different issue.

Mu Tsu pointed to the girl he was talking about, pointing his finger. Very well! Xuan Pu, I challenge you next week!

Both of the females rolled their eyes as they watched him declare a challenge to the tree they found him at. Come boy, the old woman asked of him. Let's take you back to your family.

Trebles. When he woke up, his body was quivering as if he was in arctic cold. His throat pulled his lungs downward, painfully making him feel like he was bleeding internally. His entire body was in pain, and he had no idea why. It was even worse than the last time.

Maybe it was the fact that photographs of the repressed memories of that first time he challenged Shampoo were circling throughout his head, continually replaying just to make sure that he remembered every single second of it, just to make sure he understand exactly just how much of a fool he has made himself.

Just exactly how much of my life did I waste devoting myself to her?! I was so pathetic! Shampoo must think I have no spine.

Mousse decided that his best option now was to watch television, hoping that it would release his tension. If he couldn't see, then at least he could hopefully allow the sound from the device be a distraction.

But where was the remote? Mousse grumbled inwardly as he realized that one problem with his plan. Most people were able to see the thing so they could use it. "Curse my crappy vision again," the myopic boy sighed as he felt throughout the area next to him. He searched for anything that felt like a remote, anything that felt like a remote control, anything that… yes, those lumps he was feeling had to be buttons. He pressed one of them down, hearing a satisfied click as he did. Unfortunately, rather than being satisfied hearing the electronic "bulb" of the television going on he was greeted with an ominous humming noise while he felt the bed under him begin to close in, causing him to fear that he may be crushed by the same mattress that was meant to keep him comfortable.

"Geez, so much for that idea! At least now I'm preoccupied with not crushing myself to death!" In frantic fury, Mousse continued to press the buttons on the end, assuming that eventually he would press the right one and either make the bed drop back down or at least stop it. Unfortunately, whatever button he pressed was not right, as he could feel the bed slowly rising him up. "Oh great! Now I have even more of a problem!" However, just as he was about to continue his hopeless attempt to save himself, a hand slid under him and pressed some buttons, causing the bed to stop moving completely.

"Aw, geez Mousse. I think you owe me one, saving you from your own dumb self, doncha think?" It was the same smart-ass voice that Mousse had always heard before; the same taunts that always used to bring out the worst in both him and Ryoga. However, those days were arguably over if not close to it.

"Thank you," Mousse sighed as he was at the same time both relieved he was saved and horrified by the embarrassing predicament he was in. "Still though, if you don't mind I'd like you to put me back in place."

"Yeah, sure." With that, the hum of doom returned, except now Mousse found his legs and face farther away, and the entire bed slowly closer to the ground. "Man, I knew you'd be helpless without your glasses on, birdbrain. That's gotta be pathetic not even being able to keep a bed from killing you."

"Oh, be quiet," the "birdbrain" scoffed as he fell back down. "You don't know what it's like."

"Eh, geez Mousse. I'm just here to help. I though you might want these." Mousse felt a cold, thick piece of metal rubbed across his cheek. "So, you want them?"

"Yes, thank you." Mousse grabbed the glasses from the other's hand, and then put them on. "If you're here to get mad at me about the fight, I'm sorry. I really don't have the grudge against you that I used to. Trust me. It's just that, well it's just that when Qin offered me those pills, then promised me that I'd be more powerful with them, I just couldn't…"

"Nah. I'm just here to give you glasses. It was just a challenge anyways, wasn't it? Trust me, I've been through worse in my lifetime. Still, I have to admit that you certainly were giving me a little more of a run for my money than usual."

As Mousse's vision became more like a normal human being, he looked towards the annoyingly brash martial artist. Ranma would be lying if he said he wasn't hurt. His entire face and hands were littered with white cloth stuck to him, and the fact that they were also under his clothes showed that he probably didn't even see the worst of it. "Ranma, really, even if I was manipulated into it I can't help but feel like I've just done the worst thing I possibly could have. Ukyo and Kontasu told me I was doing the wrong thing, but I didn't listen to them anyways. Now look what I've done… to both of us."

"Mousse, it's like I said before. I couldn't thank you enough. I don't like it when you cheat, but man that was a hell of a fight you gave me." Ranma's face became more serious as anger was revealed. "Besides, if I'm going to blame anyone it's the old freak and Qin. Tell me something, did you do anything to make the old freak mad at you?"

"Did I ever! Last night he was stealing underwear from our part of town, so when Ukyo and Kontasu noticed that theirs was missing, we went out and searched for him. When we found him almost dying from Kontasu's, me and Ukyo tied all of his to him and gave him to all the women in the apartment next to us." Mousse was smiling giddily from the flashback of the event. "You should have seen it when the old geezer was being pummeled, simply for being himself. So why do you ask?"

"Eh, Mousse you moron. Didn't you learn anything from what I have to put up with from him? The dirty old man holds grudges like no one else. Remember that time when I was weak then he sent letters all over the place saying it?"

"Well, uh…" Mousse was unable to do much, knowing what Ranma was clearly thinking about while mentioning that event. "About that?"

"It all comes from the fact that I helped a bunch of women catch the freak and beat him up like he rightfully deserved! That's why he did it!" Pausing as he thought a few things over, he face faulted as he thought over it. "Wait a minute! You said Uchan did it with you? Damn! Now I gotta see what he's going to do to her!" Placing his hands in his pockets, Ranma shook his head back in forth. "I'm sorry. It's just that I don't think you have any idea what you've gotten into. Not to mention that now the freak has that jerk Qin as his lapdog. You're lucky if this fight is all he does to you."

"I'm sorry."

"Hey, the old man's the one you should be apologizing to. I'm just saying you're in big trouble. I hope you know what you're doing." A smile appeared on his lips as he laughed innocently. "But nah, I'm not mad at you. I'm kind of sorry that you two got involved in this more than anything. Just make sure you don't go accepting any red pills of doom again, okay?" As he was about to walk away, Ranma was called back by Mousse.

"Ranma, I just want to ask you something. I know that you're not the best person to talk about this with, and maybe you could care less about my problems, but I was just wondering if you wouldn't mind answering a question for me?"

"Huh?" Ranma turned back, slightly dumbfounded by the unusual favor asked of him. "What is it, Mousse?"

"While I was here I thought a lot about my life, and about what I amounted up to in it. I'm just wondering if you think it would be a good idea for me to give up on Shampoo."

Mousse was right. Ranma knew he was not the best person to talk about that sort of thing with. It wasn't that Mousse's declaration was new. He was certainly happy for Mousse for that, knowing it meant he would be a lot less trouble. He just wanted someone else to be the one he confided in. Covering his palm over one of his eyes, the pigtailed boy gave a light cough. "Well, yeah. You're less of a pain in the ass when you're not acting like it's my fault she treats you like dirt. If you have another girl that you sort of like, do me a favor. Forget about Shampoo and go with her. That way we'd all be happy. Anything else you need me to tell you?"

"No. I think I'm all set. Thanks." Mousse smiled kindly towards the visitor. "You actually told me what I figured I should have done a long time ago."

"Uh, yeah." Dumbfounded by the touchy feeliness of the bedridden peer, Ranma decided that it was best for him to leave and let Mousse think things over for himself. "I think I should go now." As the door closed, Mousse looked on the table next to him, finding the legendary remote control that caused him so much anguish. He turned it on, and then watched the news.

"We'll all be happy if I give up on Shampoo," he thought out loud. "That's right. I really do need to change the way I live my life."

Classical music played throughout the well-furnished dining room as multiple forms of well prepared food placed in silver serving plates. The final preparations were made when the chef came into the room with a juicy turkey.

Kodachi herself never thought this could happen. Two weeks ago, she never would have thought of the idea of having a peasant like that Ukyo girl over. In fact, the thought of spending but a few minutes near her was a thought too horrible for words. How it came down to her being a family member was beyond her.

It's all for your brother dear's happiness. Please keep that in mind that this is for the greater good.

She had decided to dress with her usual white blouse and black skirt. It wasn't fancy enough to make the harlot feel too much like her arrival was a special event, but well kept enough to keep her from feeling too comfortable. The food wasn't poisoned. Despite what people thought of her, Kodachi Kuno was capable of being very much a gentlewoman. Her high-class upbringing did result in that more pleasant point of her personality. It was a shame that the other flaws of this upbringing, such as the lack of any sort of true parental supervision and a brother expressing nothing but bitter memories of the one such figure she could look up to, well, showed in their own ways. Still, she supposed she could always hide her worst sides when she really wanted to.

She hummed inwardly to herself as she stared at the vase of flowers, trying to figure out the way she was going to train that harlot to be even close to worthy of her dear brother. Mrs. Saotome mentioned that Ukyo was already on warning from behavior today. That would hopefully work to her advantage, as she could easily use such a fact to keep her under control should she become a handful.

Kodachi decided that it would be best not to take advantage of the situation. Despite the bitter rivalry the two had before, Ukyo was now part of the family. That meant that as much as she hated to admit it, she had a responsibility to look out for the fiancée. Extending her hand and twirling the flowers, the bored gymnast raised her leg onto the other knee. The anxiousness over waiting was unbearable, knowing that the knock she could hear on the door any minute would result in the official recognition that life was going to turn upside down. She may as well have had a roomful of grenades with only one of them not being a dud and take the pin off of every single one until she finally had the right one. That's how unnerved she was.

And seconds after she thought about that, the door knocked. She just picked up the right grenade. She knew it. Now all she could do was take off the pin and at least the distressing anticipation would end. Downstairs she could hear Sasuke open the door, greeting someone whose voice she most clearly recognized to be Mrs. Saotome. After tapping the fingers of her other hand, Kodachi stood up and began her march downstairs to regretfully greet the new guests, clenching her fist together over the explosion that would change her life.

As the two new guest sat down, Sasuke gladly took off the two ladies' shoes and placed them in his gi and bowed obediently. "Dear guests of the Kuno estate, while you stay here I shall hold your shoes, and make due sure that they are warmed with my body heat when you retrieve them."

"Why thank you very much, Mr. Sasuke," Nakoda politely smiled as she sat on the ruby red buzzed fur sofa next to a surprised Ukyo, who was baffled by the situation.

"Nice place," the young brunette muttered to herself. "I kind of forgot just how big this house is."

"And it's all yours as the beloved of master Kuno," Sasuke warmly reminded the girl. "I do hope that

"Sasuke! Can I speak with you for a moment?" From the entrance to a hallway, a sweet, sophisticated voice called the servant. "Alone please?"

"Yea… yes mistress Kodachi," Sasuke complied as he humbly hurried to the demanding voice. "Coming!"

Kodachi smiled to the two guests as Sasuke stood next to her. "Why hello, my dears. I do hope that you two are enjoying your stay here so far."

"Oh yes we are Kodachi," Nakoda responded politely to the girl. "I must say that this servant of yours has a most kindly disposition."

"Hmm… he is, you say? I'm very happy for you." Clapping her hands together, Kodachi clapped her hands together. "And I give a warm greeting to you as well, Ukyo dear. I do hope that we can be friends now, since we're sisters."

"Um, yeah." Ukyo gladly nodded to the other girl, trying to be polite despite the difficult feelings accumulating in her. "I hope so too."

"Now if you don't mind, I need to talk with Sasuke alone. Please enjoy yourselves in the meantime." The two left, leaving the two guests alone.

"Ukyo, you seemed to be acting very uncomfortable around Miss Kodachi," Nakoda reprimanded the younger female sternly. "May I ask why that is?"

Maybe it's the fact that before we would have been out for each other's head? Or maybe that you're putting me under the mercy of one of the most clinically insane people I know?

"Sorry, I'm just nervous," Ukyo nervously laughed.

"Kodachi seems like a most well mannered lady, and is being very hospitable towards you. Don't you want to thank her for being so nice?"

"But, mistress Kodachi. I don't understand why you're so upset," Sasuke sighed as he attempted to comfort the Kuno daughter, currently following her through the candle lit hallway. "Miss Ukyo moving in is exactly what you need: a sisterly friend."

"She's my enemy," Kodachi stated calmly. "I'm sorry. I just don't know if I can do this. Even now, when I see her I see someone that used to bring out the worst in me. When I was handing her to my brother dear, my idea was to help him at the expense of humiliating a common enemy. Now… I may be helping her."

"But Master Kuno will be happy. That's what matters. Besides, if you have both given up on Ranma Saotome, then there is no reason to be so bitter with each other."

"It doesn't matter that the reason is gone," the wealthy gymnast mumbled in a slightly darker tone. "It's so strange. Part of me wants to let this rivalry end and try to make a new friend, but another part of me looks at her, and sees another wicked girl who always kept me from my Ranma darling. That part, I don't think I will ever be able to forget."

"But mistress Kuno, it's our responsibility to take care of her. She's…"

"Part of the family. I know that. I also heard that Mrs. Saotome has made sure that Ukyo lost her strength to keep her from lashing out in the way that her miserly upbringing taught her to, so I want to hope that that will help us get along better, but there is still this dark part inside of me that refuses to do so." Looking to the ground below her, she chuckled anxiously. "It's strange. Just the beginning of today I was infuriated when she rejected the engagement, worrying only for the well being of my dear brother. But now that we are successful, I think to myself what a horrible mistake I have made."

"Mistake?" Sasuke straightened his posture as he gave a stern stare, indignant by the comment Kodachi had. "Mistress Kodachi, I understand that this is difficult for you, but how can you call this a mistake?! Because of this Ukyo girl your brother is happy again. Please, Mistress Kodachi. Remember why we are doing this. Think of master Kuno if you ever wonder doing this is the right thing."

Obviously what Sasuke said had gotten across to Kodachi as she stared down to him with some determination. "You're right," she muttered to herself. "I will see to it that both Ukyo and Mrs. Saotome have the greatest feast they have ever had, as painful as it is for me to do. I will take care of Ukyo, because my brother's happiness is more important than a petty grudge."

Sasuke happily nodded in pleasure, a look of pitiful thanks on his face "That would be the best way to handle it."

And so the two returned to the living room, they gladly all went upstairs to enjoy a delicious, elegant and non poisoned meal together…

Where on Earth am I now…

The entire nighttime landscape became the unfortunate victim of the violent bursts of giant, florescent red orbs of fire emitted from the ground, repeatedly burning away at the trees above him until eventually they slowly transformed to unidentifiable heaps of ash, all coming directly from a boy standing on the ground screaming in a tortured agony as the flames burst out from his body, then slowly became tired as the sphere dropped to his feet, somehow leaving him completely unscarred from the damage.

Akari… please come back. I can't live like this! That night that you left, I felt the cold darkness of the hell that is my life all over again.

"Why did you leave me?" Ryoga muttered to the wilderness, surrounding him from outside the hole he provided himself as the last fire blast was now mere flickering flames around his feet, once again miraculously untouched by the otherwise deadly blaze, a blank expression of nothingness on his face. As the flame slowly dwindled away, his face once again contorted into a look of tortured rage. He violently shook his head as the terrors of human emotion returned to him, the blindingly powerful light once again radiating from the angry boy.

The fury of the flame continued to flare until his entire finally was engulfed in the fire. His face was certainly that of someone who was on fire, but that was not the reason for the fire.

"TELL ME WHY!!!"

And once again, a massive pillar of light suddenly appeared, rumbling the ground much like an earth quake. The beam seemed to go on forever, and if one was watching from a hill far away they would swear that devils were coming to take over the world. Unfortunately, directly above the depressed lost boy one could also see that the powerful beam had knocked into the way of a strange, giant being flying through the sky. As the light came too fast for the beast to dodge, it was soon finding itself dropping to the ground. As it recovered, it decided against continuing his flight, deciding that it was instead more productive to find the source of the light and "reason" with it.

And now, the massive beast with wings stared his fearsome bull head at a boy dumbly staring at him with uncaring folorn eyes. It released a hostile huff as the face of the boy became more obvious.

This is a friend of the cross dresser! I remember him all to well. Piggy, isn't it?

The sad face on Ryoga looked up to the beast, a morbid smile coming across his face. "So then, someone came by and probably wants to kill me, huh? How depressing."

Well, we can only hope that Kodachi and Ukyo can help to bring the best out of each other, and Mousse will slowly get his mind off of Shampoo (hard for me to do, considering the fact that he's been spending his whole life since childhood going after her). I'll agree she's evil and crazy in her own way, but I personally always thought that she was simply too naïve to be the same sort of danger that Shampoo or Ukyo are. To Akane, at least. Kodachi's the only one that Akane has proven she can defeat. And by the way, Shampoo is definitely going to be in the next chapter, and have a big part in it.

Sorry for taking so long to send this. Dynamics is a real pain and all, and I've been frantically searching for a job once I get out of school.