Author's notes: Wow, I'm amazed by the response to this story. Thirty-two reviews. As I've stated in my previous fictions, the more reviews, the faster I turn out chapters. That being the case I've completed chapter two in what for me is record time.

If you haven't voted, this will be your final chance to have a say on the matchings. After chapter 3, the vote will be closed.

A special thanks goes to Cylon One and Akuma-Sama for helping to point out problems and offer solutions for the last chapter.

A great thanks goes to Weebee who has taken the time to review my earlier chapters and I've made a few revisions myself.

Disclamer: Still don't own either Noir nor Ranma ½

The Fourth Sapling

By: brindani

Chapter 2: Photo-phobia

A mob of students poured through the school doors as the final bell resounded in the background. Groups gathered with happy smiles, everyone relieved that the worst part of the day was finally over. At least this was true for most of the students. One student was not so happy. She stood near the exit of the school with a scowl predominant on her face. This student, Nabiki Tendo, was not in a good mood. She tapped her foot impatiently, her eyes scanning every inch of the area, giving a dark glare to any student that dared meet her scathing gaze.

'Where is that idiot! It's been three days and I still haven't been able to corner the stupid buffoon once.' Nabiki grumbled as her critical eye tried to trace out any flash of red or pigtail. She spotted a couple of the latter, but these belonged to a bunch of hero worshiping copycats, nothing worth her notice.

Glancing at her watch, the middle Tendo growled in aggravation. 'I've got other places to be. Damn you, Saotome. I'll add another 1,000 Yen to your account for this. Just you wait; you can't avoid me forever.'

Spinning around, Nabiki stomped away, acting as a veritable Moses to all those before her without a death wish.

Once out of sight, the foliage above where Nabiki once stood shook. A small section separated revealing two brilliant blue eyes, keeping a steady bead on Nabiki as she rounded the corner. Even after Nabiki disappeared from sight, the eyes continued to move as if tracing the money mongering Tendo's path. After several minutes the eyes closed and a relieved sigh emanated from the tree. No one really noticed the disembodied sound. There were far too many high pitched squeals, giggles and general conversation for anyone to hear such a tiny mote of noise.

Half an hour later, everyone had fled from the dreaded institution of learning. Having stood silent all this time, the tree's leaves rustled once more. Tentatively, Ranma's eyes peeked out to survey the grounds. You could never be too careful; one of Nabiki's lackeys could always be hanging around just to spot his most recent hiding spot. He had lost two to that kind of carelessness.

Besides, Ranma liked this spot; the idea that Nabiki's sharp eyes couldn't see him simply because she never looked up was rather funny to him. Ok, it wasn't the greatest humor. After three days of the middle Tendo appearing around every corner had strained Ranma's humor. He would take what he could get.

The constant pressure was starting to get to him. There were countless times he was ready to cave into Nabiki's designs for the damnable photo session. It would certainly relieve stress that he just didn't need. Of course, that was before he found out what kind of photo-shoot she wanted.

Two days ago when he passed Nabiki's opened door, Ranma happened to glance in. What he saw would cause nightmares for the rest of his life. Scattered across the floor outside of her closet was a few bunny suits, maid's uniform, nurse's outfit complete with oversized syringe, and even – gulp - a Sailor Moon suit. Ranma shuddered at that last. Each costume had taken scandalous to a level that would have even a Sailor Scout blushing to their toes. He didn't want to know what else was hiding in that closet or what Akane would do if she ever found out that Ranma had even thought of putting one on.

At school, Ranma discovered that Nabiki had made arrangements with the Anime club to secure a large variety of adult-style cosplay outfits.

So until Nabiki gave up, Ranma was pretty much on the run. He had to admit that he was getting some really good practice with all of the dodging and a great awareness of his surroundings, especially for one Nabiki Tendo and her various lackeys.

After verifying no one was around, Ranma dropped from the tree. Carefully brushing off all the leaves he acquired, Ranma sighed as he started his round about route home.

Tentatively sticking his head into the guest room's window, Ranma scanned the room critically. He hadn't seen any movement in Nabiki's room. She wasn't down-stairs either so he wasn't sure where she was. That was not good when you were trying to avoid said person. Still, Ranma wanted to change clothes before sparring with Pops. It wouldn't do to get his favorite set too dirty before laundry day.

Certain that the coast was indeed clear, Ranma stepped through the window; tip toeing silently to his pack.

"Saotome, I'm glad you're so punctual for your photo shoot." Ranma spun around straight into a stream of cold water that covered his now female body. Wiping the water from her eyes, she found Nabiki standing behind the closet door with a bunny suit in one hand and a camera in the other. "I've got your first costume all ready for you." Ranma needed no more motivation as she flew through the door and leapt down the stairs.

Genma and Soun glanced at the frantic cursed boy as she looked everywhere for a diversion. Unfortunately for Genma, her eyes zeroed in on him.

"Pops, you're slacking off, we need to do some major training." Ranma jump kicked Genma, sending him flying outside.

Nabiki looked out the window at the sparring duo. "Saotome, get back up here for your photo-shoot now or you'll regret it!" Nabiki yelled. Not seeing any reaction from either of the combatants, Nabiki gnashed her teeth together before turning around. "Fine, if that's the way you want it Saotome, I'll just have to take my recent contact's advice and level the playing field."

Once Nabiki left the window, the combat cooled to a light spar.

"Boy, what did she mean about your photo-shoot?"

"It's something that she is trying to force me into."

They exchanged a couple more rounds before Genma spoke again. "That one is very like the Master when she is angry, it might be best if you went through with it."

In response Ranma delivered a vicious round house, forcing Genma to hop back. "And have pictures of my girl side in a bunny suit going around school? You got to be kidding." Ranma shuddered dropping her guard just enough to allow a jab to the stomach followed by a sweep kick, sending her to the ground.

Flipping back to her feet, Ranma circled her father. "I see, and why do you think she would do something like that?"

"She had the damn thing in her hand when she jumped out of my closet to remind me of the photo-shoot. I've also seen a lot of other costumes in her closet."

"Perhaps it is best if you avoided the girl. If your Mother ever found a photo like that…" Genma trembled, letting a kick slip past his guard.

"Why is Mom so hung up about me being manly anyway?" Ranma asked as he ducked under a front kick. "She nearly had a conniption fit when she found out about my curse and whenever she comes across my female form; she always has hot water to turn me back."

"Your Mother is just… concerned about several events from the past." Genma replied as he jumped over a back kick.

"Great, what did you sell me for this time Pops?"

"Believe it or not boy, I had nothing to do with it. Your Mother simply couldn't stand it."

"So what was the deal Mom made?" Ranma asked, curious what happened.

"That I can not tell you; that past is best left forgotten."

Nabiki grinned as she stopped in front of the Cat Café. "If Ranma thinks he can fool around with the Ice Queen, he has another thing coming." Walking into the shop, she was greeted by Shampoo's back as she dashed from table to table, snatching flying bowls from the air.

Most of the customers came just for the spectacle. Personally, Nabiki thought that the male half came simply because the Amazons apparently had never heard of the revelation of support. Then again, maybe they had and didn't use it on purpose; a perverted customer was still a paying customer and business was booming.

"Nihao, please take open seat," Shampoo cried when the bells rang as she dashed after a beef ramen special coming out of left field.

Nabiki rolled her eyes before taking a seat near the back.

It didn't take long before Shampoo bounced up to her table. "Can take your order? Oh, is Mercenary girl. What want from Shampoo?" She asked as she kept a wary eye on the kitchen counter for any incoming dishes.

"I just need to talk to Cologne, Shampoo." Shampoo wiped her brow in relief.

"That make things too too much easier." Shampoo mumbled before calling over her shoulder. "Great-grandmother, Mercenary girl here see you." Shampoo then walked at a relaxed pace to take the next table's order.

Moments later, what could best be described as a wrinkled shaven monkey came hopping out of the kitchen, stopping in front of Nabiki's table. "Nabiki, it has been a long time. I assume this is not a social visit."

"Of course, Honored Elder." Nabiki replied, with her trademark grin.

Cologne raised a brow. It was not often someone gave her such distinction in this country and when they did, it usually meant they wanted something.

"What can this Old Woman do for you?"

"I've actually come to help you." Nabiki replied, leaning back in her chair.

"Really, how could you do that?"

"I'm hurt, I've come with a warning. People have been talking recently about the Amazons concerning the recent accumulation of property damage." Nabiki answered with a casual shrug.

"As far as I've seen, the damage we do is rather nominal for this area."

"You are quite correct. Ever since Ranma showed up…" Nabiki's lip twisted into a small snarl. "…there has been a lot more property damage. Unfortunately, Shampoo has been a little exuberant lately and damaged property belonging to several officials. They have discovered who was responsible and have steadily been gathering information about you."

"And what matter is that to us?" Cologne asked in what, to the typical spectator, appeared a disinterested voice. Nabiki, hardly the typical spectator, could see the older woman understood the implications. Deciding to humor her, Nabiki continued.

"They found out that you do not have the proper paper work for being here or for operating a business. They have started the process to export both of you."

"Have they now, and what makes you think some weak males could force us to leave?"

"The local authorities will not be able to force you, but when they fail, it will attract attention from the higher ranks. As the matriarch for your village, I doubt you want a whole nation looking over your shoulder. That would make it very difficult to catch a certain pigtailed martial artist for your tribe."

"You have my attention young one. Obviously you have a proposal."

"As always, you are very astute, Elder. Through my dealings, I've become very knowledgeable about the intricacies of the Japanese political environment. It would be a small matter for me to arrange a change of status for both you and Shampoo through my recent contacts. You could go from illegal aliens to ambassadors of China with full immunity from the law. It wouldn't be permanent, but it would take years for the current administration to straighten out the mess. With a subtle hand, it could last as long as you like."

"That is a very interesting and generous offer, but you have not mentioned what this humble old woman could do for you in return."

"Oh yes. How forgetful of me. It is a very simple matter for one of your exceptional ability. Ranma owes me a large debt which he has been unable to pay. I have offered him a harmless alternative, but he has been very, shall we say, reticent to comply. As a simple girl, I am virtually helpless in the face of his extraordinary ability. I was hoping that you may be able to help him reconsider his dishonorable avoidance of a debt."

Cologne sat smoking on her pipe as she considered the girl before her. "Why?"

"What do you mean, Honored Elder?"

"Why would you help us? We pose a threat to your Sister's claim to Ranma. Why would you go through all the effort of helping us stay when we intend to take the boy away?"

Nabiki gave the older woman a considering look herself before answering. "For as long as I can remember, I have maintained my home and provided for my family's needs. With this recent concept of joining the schools, my task has become more onerous with two more large appetites to feed.

That, of course, is only a present burden, no matter how taxing. As my Mother is not present and my Father has chosen not to provide for the futures of his daughters, I have been forced to take up the task of planning for my family. Taking this into account, I can only judge the match between my little sister and Ranma as disadvantageous. Ranma has neither the education nor the sophistication to manage a business, dojo or otherwise, making him unsuitable as a provider for Akane and whatever children they may have.

I will not dispute his phenomenal skill in the Art, but without the temperance of mind, it equates to little more then a destructive force waiting to be unleashed during moments where a few choice words could diffuse tensions. I've seen it time and time again between him and my sister amongst others.

Your presence as well as Ukyo's, provides an alternative that is more viable for all those involved. Ukyo's business sense has evolved over time. I can tell she is maneuvering to start a chain of what is likely to become a string of very successful okonomiyaki restaurants and will be able to provide for the both of them with Ranma acting as a trophy husband, waitress, or whatever else he may desire to do.

In your case, your village holds the Art in high reverence and he may provide for himself by helping to sire strong daughters and train young warriors. If either can persuade him, it proves a great advantage to everyone.

Does this answer your question, Honored Elder?"

Cologne nodded sagely. "Yes it does, young one. I do believe that we may be able to help each other. How fast can you start the process?"

"Do we have a deal?" Nabiki asked, her hand outstretched.

Without hesitation, Cologne took the offered hand in her own. "Deal."

Retracting her hand, Nabiki flipped her cell phone out. Extending the antenna, she pressed a well worn auto dial. "Yes, you can start." She murmured before hanging up and turning back to Cologne. "You should have ambassador status within the hour and the paperwork should arrive sometime tomorrow morning."

"My, I am impressed. I can see a lot of potential in you. I look forward to the day that we talk as matriarchs of our respective nations." Nabiki flashed a predatory smile before standing up.

'And you will never know just who tipped those people off.' Nabiki thought to herself before exiting the door.

Cologne only shook her head. 'The timing is too convenient. The girl probably told the officials directly. I'll let the girl think she has deceived me. The deal is too good to do otherwise.' With that, Cologne hopped back into the kitchen. Shampoo groaned as twice as many bowls started flying through the air.

Once again, the school bell rang to end the day, ushering out the resulting stream of chaos known as students. Nabiki casually leaned against the wall next to the front gates of the school. Ranma wore a small smile on his face as he watched her. That smile slowly slipped away. Unlike yesterday, Nabiki didn't seem aggravated at all, which was starting to worry him, but she had done nothing to indicate she had found his hiding spot either.

The only thing Nabiki did over the past ten minutes was to make an occasionally call each lasting a few seconds. Something about those calls made him uncomfortable, but that held true for most things concerning the middle Tendo lately.

This continued for well past the time that everyone had left the school yard. It was starting to concern Ranma. Nabiki wasn't even looking for him. She just leaned against the wall with her eyes closed, without a worry in the world. It was nothing like yesterday. What had changed?

Once the last group of student's left with voices enthusiastically discussing ice cream flavors, Nabiki received one final call.

"Yes, I understand, thank you." Flipping the phone off, Nabiki walked to the edge of the sidewalk and stared straight into his tree. "Time to come down, Saotome. I know you are up there."

"Shoot." Ranma jumped down and started to leap towards the roof tops at high speed. 'How did she find where I was hiding? Did she have a spotter on one of the roofs or something?' Ranma thought to himself as he bounded over the wall in front of the house.

When his foot touched down on the roof, he felt a sharp crack to the skull sending him flying down into the ground. Shakily standing up, Ranma noticed a staff in front of him. Looking up, Ranma found the one person he least wanted to see balanced easily on said staff.

"What are you doing here, Old Ghoul?" Ranma asked, receiving another knock which sent him staggering back.

Gingerly Ranma rubbed his throbbing head. "What did you do that for?!"

"The second was for the ghoul remark. The first was because Nabiki wanted a word with you and you were being disrespectful to leave before hearing her out. Especially when she went to all the trouble of keeping your little tree fort a secret."

"It was you that told her. Didn't you?"

"Indeed, Son-In-Law."

"But why would you do that?"

"Because, Saotome, I made her a generous offer and she accepted." Nabiki said as she walked up to the two conversing martial artists.

"What the heck could you offer the Old Ghoul OUCH! Would you cut that out already you Witch OUCH!"

"Nabiki was quite right; your intelligence leaves a lot to be desired."

"I don't have to take that from you." Ranma glared as he took an offensive stance.

"How many times have we done this Son-In-Law?"

"What does that matter?"

"How many times have you actually won against me?"

"Ranma Saotome never gives up!"

"Of that I do not doubt. You are, however, one hundred years to young to defeat me."

"I've done it before…"

"In the catfist, and with help from my great-grand daughter to reach that state. It appears neither of these is present currently."

"I'll find a way!"

"I would suggest you simply allow Nabiki to take her photos. It might be a little embarrassing to you, but it will be nothing compared to what I can put you through."

It had been a long time since the two had fought. Ranma had experience many things since then and become a lot stronger, but he still didn't like the odds stacked against him. Eyebrows lowered until the germ of an idea flitted across his mind. A technique he had thought of a long time ago that might come in handy.

"I ain't doing it!" Ranma declared defiantly, taking up a combat stance.

"Very well, Son-In-Law, Nabiki has informed me that as long as I don't bruise your face, she can do the photo-shoot while you are unconscious.

Ranma took the initiative as he charged in for close combat. Cologne stood her ground as he approached; only raising an eyebrow at the very foolish approach.

Just before he reached her, Cologne raised her staff to trip the pigtailed martial artist. The last second before the staff hit Ranma's foot, he leapt into the sky, his hands cupped.

Not seeing the expected prone form of Ranma, Cologne looked around for her quarry. Noticing a distinct lack of others on the street, Cologne turned her attention up just as Ranma cried "Moko Takabisha!"

A blue ball of energy raced down on her position. Glancing around, she made sure that Nabiki had taken shelter far away from the battle. 'Smart girl,' Cologne thought, charging her staff with ki before twirling it above her.

The energy blast blazed down and immediately clashed with the staff. Energy splattered off of both for several intense moments before the ball dissipated into thin-air.

"You'll have to use a stronger blast then that to hurt me…Son-In-Law?" Cologne asked, not seeing Ranma. "I see, a diversion." Halfway down the street, Ranma was running full tilt, almost making him appear to blur even to her experienced eyes. "Child's play." Her form blurred from existence.

Ranma ran for all he was worth. Not because he was worried about the Old Ghoul, but to get to a better place to fight. The school had already warned him that any more damage to the grounds would instantly get him expelled. Not a bad thing in his opinion, but it would cause no end of headaches if his parents found out.

Along those lines, he was heading towards a large empty plot of land. He didn't know why there were so many such plots around the ward, but figured it was the city's way of providing fighters a place to battle without tearing up the streets. That was fine by him.

If he had timed his distraction right there should be a… THUNK. Ranma leaped over the staff imbedded in the street landing into the large empty plot of land.

"Your losing your edge, Old Ghoul, I was expecting you seconds ago." Ranma taunted as he watched the old woman retrieve her staff before turning towards him.

"Sorry to disappoint you, Sonny Boy, but you don't warrant my full effort. In a couple of hundred years maybe, but not currently," Cologne commented calmly.

"Well we'll see if I'm worth it or not now."

"You're still far too cocky for your own good, Sonny. I'll have to work that out of you once we get back to China. In fact, I think I'll start now." With that, Cologne disappeared into a flurry of motion, tripping Ranma up sending him straight into the dirt.

"BLAW!" Ranma bellowed trying to remove the taste of dirt from his mouth as he regained his feet. "That was a freebee, Ghoul, but this time I'm serious."

"A freebee, certainly, think of this however you wish, but it will be a bit of a stretch calling it the same thing twenty-five times in a row."

"Just try it, Ghoul."

"Happy to oblige, Son-In-Law."

Cologne disappeared once more.

"One, two, three, and NOW!" Ranma jumped into the air, Cologne simultaneously appearing below him. "Mouko Takabisha revised Bakusai Tenketsu Shatter Storm!" cried Ranma as he flung a flaring blue globe of energy towards Cologne.

"It's all the same attack to me, son-in-law." Cologne commented unconcerned as she recharged her staff for another block. Spinning the staff expertly, it became a veritable shield above her.

"That's what you think, old woman." Ranma said as he altered course in mid-air to land outside of the field.

Not taking any chances, Cologne further charged her staff to take anything that the energy heading her way could dish out. She braced her self for impact as the glowing orb drew near. Cologne gasped as without warning the ball exploded into thousands of small strands of energy that randomly lanced into the earth around her.

"You have got to be kidding me, Son-In-Law. That was the most pathetic…" Cologne stopped as pandemonium erupted in the field. Jagged rocks blew upward, throwing smaller pieces of shrapnel everywhere as a veritable earthquake rocked the land.

It took nearly three minutes for the shaking to stop, and another ten for the dust to settle slightly. By that time, Nabiki had caught up huffing and coughing half from exertion and half from all the dust still thick in the air.

Taking in the deserted lot that lay in tatters, Nabiki shook her head as she noticed that nothing outside of the field seemed to be touched. "Looks like another Ranma special." She mumbled to herself as she stared intently at the dust cover, trying to discern what had happened. Eventually, she made out a small blue-green glow emanating from the center. This slowly developed into the form of Cologne, her face in deep concentration. "I take it Ranma got away," Nabiki coolly mentioned as she approached the elder.

At hearing her voice, the glow disappeared and Cologne reopened her eyes. "Yes, Son-In-Law is as clever as ever. It's been nearly two hundred years since I've had to use that final defense technique and I would never have thought that he would be the one to force its use."

"Will you still be able to help me?" Nabiki asked in a hard tone.

"Don't worry, I let myself get caught off-guard. I was only using half my strength and speed. The boy will not know what hit him next time."

"Good, he'll probably head home, so we should meet him there. He'll need the rest after you are done with him, I'm sure."

"That he will, deary. That he will."

Ranma took deep calming breaths as he made it home in record time. 'If I'm lucky, that will slow the Old Ghoul enough to get something to eat before round two.' He knew she would survive. He also knew that only an attack that powerful would allow him to get away from her even temporarily.

Taking a one last deep breath, Ranma walked into the Tendo household to hopefully get that snack.

"I'm home." Ranma called out as he entered.

"Welcome home, Ranma." Kasumi dutifully called back.

Walking into the kitchen, Ranma found the eldest Tendo hovering over the stove, sampling something from one pot with a thoughtful expression on her face.

"Kasumi, could I get something to snack on?" Ranma asked.

Kasumi blinked, setting the sampling dish on the counter before turning to face Ranma. "Dinner will be in an hour, you wouldn't want to ruin your appetite."

"It's one of those days."

"I see, in that case I should have made more for the other guests. In the mean time you can have some of these." Kasumi replied as she efficiently assembled a small platter with crackers, cheese as well as two apples.

"Thanks, Kasumi." Ranma said with a large grin.

Quickly, Ranma attacked the food, trying to finish before the inevitable confrontation to come. He was finishing the last apple when he heard the front door open and close.

"Son-In-Law, we need to talk."

Ranma groaned. He had hoped that he would have at least another minute or two. Turning around, he found both Nabiki and Cologne staring at him intently.

"What is it, Old Ghoul? Didn't I whip you bad enough last time?"

"Indeed, that was an interesting technique that you used; one worthy of your brand of genius. It was not, however, nearly enough to stop me. You would be very wise to give up now before I have to bring out several powerful techniques myself."

Ranma grimaced. He knew if the old woman started going full out he wouldn't stand a chance, but the alternative… he couldn't face that either.

Knock, knock.

Ranma blinked. Everyone froze at the unexpected noise. People didn't knock. Anyone that shouldn't be here would make a new door. Those who should be here would just enter. Who could be at the door?

"You keep that thought in mind, Old Ghoul; I'll see who that is." Ranma commented arbitrarily as he left a glaring duo in the front living room.

Opening the front door, Ranma frowned. Before him stood a purple-red haired girl mysteriously cloaked in a green cape. Ranma felt as if her piercing eyes were looking directly into his soul.

"Ranma Saotome?"

"Yes?"

"My name is Chloe, I've come for you."

Author's end notes: Another chapter completed, as stated before, there is one final chance to get your vote in for which coupling out of the Noir trio Ranma will be with.

The vote for pairing stands at:

Ranma/Chloe: 6

Ranma/Kirika: 12

Ranma/Mireille: 4

In other news, Chaining of a Curse is undergoing revision to reflect several new ideas to align it more closely with canon. I'm also developing a new fic that should be an interesting twist once it comes out.

Thanks for reading,

brindani