Author's notes: Sorry about the delay, things have been a mess at work and several scenes in the story had to be changed in such a way that was a little awkward. A large thank you goes to my proof-reader, James Axelrad, for going over this story and pointing out things that didn't sound quite right.

Thanks also goes to Weebee for reviewing over this chapter giving me the opportunity to do a little spring…uh… winter cleaning. That just didn't sound right.

Disclamer: I do not own either Noir nor Ranma ½

The Fourth Sapling

By: brindani

Chapter 3: Exit Stage Left

Ranma blinked. 'Did she just say she came for me?' Ranma almost slapped himself in the head. 'Just what I need, another fiancée added to the mess.'

Not paying attention, Ranma automatically stepped back as the girl walked past him into the house.

"Uh," Ranma stammered watching her disappear around the corner. Closing the door, Ranma followed after the next strange girl to enter his life.

"Who is at the door, Ranma?" Kasumi asked from the kitchen.

"Um, Chloe." Ranma answered, not exactly sure what else to say.

"Oh, why don't you invite your friend in for tea?"

"…Okay. Would you like some tea?" Ranma asked, still following the girl as she walked into the front living room, examining various pictures as she progressed.

"Thank you, I would like that." Chloe said with a hint of a smile, ignoring the pointed glares coming from the other two female occupants of the room.

"And what are you here for?" Nabiki asked the girl as she took a seat at the table; upset that the girl was indirectly taking up the time she intended for the photo-shoot.

"I am here for Ranma," Chloe replied, remaining composed as the two frosty glares dropped another thirty degrees. Ranma shivered, glad that he was not on the receiving end for once.

"Another fiancée I suppose?" Nabiki asked with a small resigned sigh as she prepared for another drama filled episode of as the fiancée turns.

"Not at all, I've simply come to extend an invitation to Ranma. My Mistress has read many interesting things about the renowned hero of Nerima and would like to meet him in person."

Ranma blinked, of the many things he had been called during his stay with the Tendos, a renowned hero was never one of them. He kind of liked the sound of it though. Too bad Nabiki's response was not nearly as flattering.

"Hero, Ranma? Ha that's a laugh. He may help every now and again, but only when it suits him. He typically causes more damage then he prevents and almost everyone that he protects us from is only after him. What makes you think he is some sort of hero?"

Chloe simply shrugged her shoulders. "My Mistress has her reasons, some of which she wishes to discuss with him."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but the boy's time is spoken for. He has an obligation for a photo-shoot presently," Cologne informed Chloe.

"You are Cologne, correct?" Chloe asked, turning to face the ghoul on a stick.

"How do you know me?" Cologne was taken aback. She did not recognize this slip of a girl. How could she know of the Amazon elder? The fact that she did changed the dynamic of the situation.

"This is for you." Chloe pulled a manila envelope from her cloak and offered it to the Old Woman.

Hesitantly, Cologne took the letter and opened it. She scrutinized the content with puzzlement for a moment before her eyes widened. Her attention quickly shifted from it to Chloe to Ranma and back again.

Curious what had the Old Woman so upset; Nabiki circled around her and took a look. She blinked, admittedly it was very high quality paper. The problem was it was a blank aside for a small emblem on the bottom. The symbol portrayed two young maidens kneeling before each other with swords held before them.

Shaking her head, Nabiki missed the bare nod Chloe gave to Cologne.

Sighing, Cologne hopped away.

"Where are you going, Elder? You were…?"

"There has been a change of plans. Unfortunately I will not be able to assist you any longer.

Nabiki was floored. Cologne always stood behind her resolutions. Nabiki noticed that though Ranma looked surprised and greatly relieved, the new girl hadn't blinked an eye as if she expected the reaction. What could have caused Cologne to up and leave? What possible threat could this girl nearly the same age as herself pose to a three hundred year old mega-martial artist? No, this whole situation just stunk. Nabiki didn't like feeling left out of the loop..

Shaking herself, Nabiki ran after the Old Woman to remind her what was at stake if she left. When she reached the front door, she found that Cologne had already disappeared, just a small blip on the horizon.

Ranma was also startled by Cologne's abrupt departure. Who was this girl? How was she able to make Cologne leave with a simple letter? Or maybe the right question was: who did she serve that commanded such power?

"How did you do that?" Ranma asked still looking at the door the Ghoul had left through.

"Altena has a rapport with many people, including remote villages in China."

Returning to the front living room, Nabiki didn't say anything as her sharpened business senses tried to pick up exactly what had thrown all of her carefully lain plans off. For the moment she decided to sit back and gather information.

Ranma wasn't sure how to respond to Chloe especially with Nabiki eyeing both of them critically. He was saved from a long awkward silence as Kasumi walked in with a tray of tea and cookies.

"Good evening, you must be Ranma's little friend." Kasumi said as she lightly placed the tray in front of Chloe.

Chloe raised an eyebrow. 'Little friend?' No one had ever described her in such a fashion. 'I guess the background information was accurate, amazing.' Chloe thought to herself.

"Oh my, where did Cologne get off to? I made enough for everyone." Kasumi asked with concern, looking around to find her missing guest.

"She remembered a previous engagement she needed to attend to." Chloe mentioned taking a small sip of her tea.

"Oh, ok. I'll just go get Akane then." Kasumi replied heading upstairs to fetch her little sister.

Ranma felt the silence thicken in the air as he was still uncertain as to what was happening. He noticed Nabiki didn't appear concerned, but was rather carefully examining their unexpected guest. Deciding this was a good idea, Ranma decided to take a closer look at this mysterious girl.

There wasn't all that much about her really. She had reddish-purple hair, pulled back into a ponytail, which appeared to shift between red and purple depending on how the light hit it. Her eyes were purple and looked off into the distance as if watching something no one else could see. Her cloak was green and seemed to have some odd stitching in it.

Focusing closer, Ranma reached out with his other senses. She was strong in both mind and body; likely trained from the day of her birth. She was athletic and fast, her guard never wavering for a second even as she stared into the wall, her ki… Ranma almost gasped. The girl's ki, it was black. He was amazed that he had not seen it before. It seemed to ooze around her in dark ink black waves. It felt like a razor, slicing with an honed edge. Probing deeper Ranma looked for a break in the darkness. It felt hopeless, like finding a pin in an ominous sea of black waves. Searching ever deeper he found a single pinprick of light. He could almost feel it…

"This tea is very good." Ranma blinked, he was so engrossed in his introspective that he hadn't noticed Kasumi's return or … oh no. Akane's red aura flared around her; flickering in an inferno of anger. What could have set her off unless… He had been staring at Chloe…staring at… he was so dead.

"Ranma you IDIOT." Anake screamed as she whipped out her trusted shinai, ready to lay down a woman's righteous fury. Raising it high she threw all of her weight behind the blow, striking down.

Ranma seized up, closing his eyes, preparing for the inevitable headache to come. A barely audible thunk cut through the air before silence returned. Several seconds later, Ranma realized there was no familiar pain radiating throughout his head. Confused, he opened one eye.

His eyes fully opened finding a familiar wooden shinai split down the middle lying to either side of Akane. Chloe stood behind her, a knife to Akane's throat.

Nabiki stood frightened, her arm half outstretched to help her little sister even though she was unsure how.

"I've been tasked to escort Ranma to meet Altena unharmed. Any that try to harm him will suffer the consequences. Is that understood?"

Akane didn't even dare to nod as the knife caressed her neck, mere millimeters from the jugular below the skin. Giving the stubborn girl a few seconds to think of her predicament, the knife withdrew a few centimeters.

"Yes, I… I understand," Akane said relieved that her death was no longer imminent.

With a flash the knife disappeared into thin air to all except Ranma's trained senses.

"Good, now why don't we have some more of this excellent tea Kasumi has so kindly provided for us?" Chloe asked as she walked back to her place at the table, leaving a very shaken Akane to slump to the ground.

Ranma wasn't sure whether he should be mad at the girl that had just threatened someone he looked after or be thanking her for preventing the fifth such strike that day and most likely the last as long as Chloe stayed judging by how Akane was still shaking like a leaf in a hurricane.

Deciding to follow the middle path, Ranma let the situation go for the moment. Besides it wouldn't help anyone to antagonize the girl. She wasn't as strong or as fast as he was, but her intent felt far more cutting. That said Ranma tried to relax and sipped on what he had to admit was some very good tea laced with honey.

"So how are we going to meet this Altena?"

"The airplane can leave at your convenience."

"Airplane?" Ranma spluttered, spitting out the tea he had been drinking. "Where exactly does she want to meet me?" Ranma asked. Anyone that ever wanted to meet him always came to him. It almost seemed to be some sort of rule; then another problem came to him. "I don't have money for a plane ticket."

"Don't worry, everything has been arranged." Chloe said, unconcernedly sipping her tea.

"She's paying? She must really want to see you, Saotome, if she's willing to pay for a plane ticket. Still, that doesn't excuse the fact that you have prior obligations to meet," Nabiki mentioned giving Ranma a hard glare. Realizing her business sense had overridden her self-preservation, Nabiki gave a tentative look Chloe's way for any reaction. Said girl didn't comment, her attention to a rather delectable chocolate chip cookie.

'It would definitely be nice to get away from here for awhile.' Ranma thought, unconsciously cringing back from the deadly look he thought was still directed at him. 'If it's by plane, as long as Chloe doesn't give any contact information then Nabiki won't be able to hound me. That means I get to avoid Nabiki and, as a bonus, a vacation from all the insanity around this place. I'm not seeing a problem here.' Ranma smiled at that thought. No dodging at every shadow and light breeze.

"I'll do…" Ranma abruptly stopped as he noticed his Father on the stairway, just coming down.

"Boy, who is this person?" Genma asked as he caught sight of someone unfamiliar at the table. He was curious as he didn't recognize her from their long training journey.

"Someone named Chloe. She was sent by an Altena who wants to talk to me."

"Altena…" Genma's face turned ash white. Taking a closer look at the girl he found her staring straight into his eyes over teacup. "I never thought..." Chloe stood up from the table, looking intently at Genma. "I understand. Boy, it looks like you may get your wish."

"Wish? What wish Pops? Where are you going?" Ranma asked as he watched Genma sedately walk towards the front door.

"To your Mother's house; it is long past time we had a talk." Genma paused in the doorway, not turning to face Ranma. "Remember, boy, in the end you are the master of your destiny. Take care of yourself." With that Genma ran off down the street.

Now Ranma was very confused. A mysterious girl shows up out of the blue, forcibly calms Akane, manages to get rid of Cologne with a letter and Pops with a glance. What was happening here? There was only one way to find out.

"What the hell was that all about?" Ranma asked as he turned back to a reseated Chloe.

"Let's just says we know a mutual acquaintance."

"This Altena person?" Ranma asked, remembering the name that left his Father pale.

"Yes, she will answer your questions once we arrive."

"Why can't you tell me?"

For a long moment Chloe looked into Ranma's troubled eyes before speaking.

"I do not know everything myself," Chloe finally replied before sitting back down to nurse her tea.

"Okay, so when can we go?" asked Ranma, he realized that something was going on, but also understood that the only person with all the answers stood at the end of this trip.

"Saotome!" Nabiki exclaimed, forgetting what the foreign girl had done in a bid to stop her money horse from bolting.

"We can leave now if you like." Chloe said, setting down her tea to give Ranma her full attention.

"What will I need to take with me?" Ranma asked, already standing in preparation.

"Everything you need will be provided."

"Are you sure? I can get my pack real quick," Ranma answered, gesturing to the stairway behind him.

"Altena has arranged everything for your stay," Chloe affirmed.

"You can not leave until you have paid your debt to me!" Nabiki demanded in a slight panic, blocking Ranma's way to the exit.

Nabiki froze when she felt a light tapping on her shoulder. She was reminded all too quickly of the threats the mysterious girl had made at knife point. Tentatively she turned to face Chloe, who stood behind her with an envelope very similar to Cologne's.

"This is for you. A parting gift so to speak." Chloe mentioned lightly placing it in Nabiki's limp grip.

Ranma watched as Nabiki hesitantly opened the letter, scanning through it, her eyes widened. Without another word, Nabiki turned around and limply walked upstairs.

"Okay." Ranma mumbled as he watched her nervelessly leave like all the others.

Before exiting the door, Chloe turned to face the entrance to the kitchen. "Thank you for the wonderful tea and cookies."

"You're welcome," Kasumi said graciously as she popped her head out from her domain. "Akane, do you need a blanket; you appear to be shivering," Kasumi asked as she noticed her little sister still shaking at the table.

Several blocks away from the Tendo residence found the two walking along the sidewalk at a sedate pace, Chloe leading the way.

Ranma appeared antsy as his gaze shifted from various alleys and rooftops. 'This just isn't right. There should be a…'

"RANMA! How dare you make Shampoo cry."

'Ah, I was wondering when someone was going to show up.'

Ranma stopped, he hadn't expected a warning, but it suited him just fine. Looking on top of the roof of the building across the street, he found the aggressor. Of course, Mousse wasn't exactly trying to hide his presence. He practically glowed in bright shades of red and green, shaking with fury.

Ranma almost smiled, if he was lucky and Nabiki didn't clue off his other rivals/fiancées, this may be the last fight for awhile. This trip was turning out to be a very good thing. He not only got away from Nabiki, but all the other nut-jobs that made their home here.

"What are you talking about, Mouse? I haven't done anything to Shampoo."

"Nice try, Saotome, but I saw it with my own eyes."

"Are you sure? Did you have your glasses on at the time?"

"Shut-up! I had my glasses on. Cologne came home and talked to her. Shampoo went running out of the kitchen crying moments later. Cologne was at your house, Saotome. Something you did upset her. I'll rip the answer from your carcass myself," Mousse finished, pulling two full broad swords from his sleeves.

Ranma suddenly found Chloe standing in front of him, two throwing knives pulled out.

Ranma became worried. Mousse was an idiot, but he didn't deserve to die. If Ranma read Chloe right, he might if he misjudged the situation.

"I'll take care of this."

Chloe looked Ranma in the eye, critically evaluating him before backing away. "If you insist, but if you get hurt, I will step in," Chloe said

"Are you letting an outsider girl do your fighting now, Saotome? Have you lost your nerve? It doesn't matter; I'll take revenge on you myself." Mousse said, jumping down, his twin blades pulled back, the sun framing his descent like an angel of death or maybe closer to a blind angel of death.

SMACK.

Ranma slapped himself in the head. "Mouse, put your glasses on before you jump off a building. You might be able to tell where the ground is."

Pulling himself from the ground, Mousse reached into his robes and extracted a thick pair of glasses which he put on.

Without further word, Mousse jumped to the attack again. He swung his twin swords out, trying to catch Ranma between the ultra sharp edges as they came together. Ranma, being Ranma, jumped over the flashing blades, stepping off the blind duck's head, landing lightly behind his opponent.

"Fight fair, Saotome!" Mousse screamed as he violently turned to face his arch nemesis.

"Fair? This coming from the guy that attacked me from behind, teamed up with others against me and tried to make my life an over all living hell? You think that is fair?"

"Shut-up, all that matters is Shampoo." Mousse screamed, lunging at Ranma again, going for a wide sweep with one sword as the other came in from above, cutting off an overhead escape. It didn't matter much to Ranma. He ducked and rolled in-between Mouse's legs.

"Come on Mousse, I might not see you for awhile and you still aren't proving any kind of challenge at all."

"For devastating Shampoo, I must have my revenge! No matter the cost to my pride," Mousse raged; raising his arms up, Mousse allowed his swords to drop, disappearing back into his sleeves. Lowering his arms, Mousse reached deep into his reserves, dramatically pulling out… a training potty?

"What are you doing with that thing again? You haven't used it since we first met," Ranma noted with an eyebrow raised incredulously.

"Yes, I accidentally allowed you to glimpse my greatest weapon once, but you never realized its significance. I may be a master of hidden weapons, but to become my Master's apprentice I was forced to first master my greatest shame. I did so, but swore not to ever use it again unless absolutely necessary. If you are going to flee, then to defend Shampoo's honor, I will use my sealed weapon."

Ranma looked incredulously at Mousse. He had seen a lot of different weapons in his life ranging from giant paintbrushes to huge spatulas, but he had to admit he never thought anyone would use such a…a… ridiculous item as a weapon in his life. The only time anything came close was…

Ranma's introspective was cut short as he dodged a swing that nearly took his head off.

'What the hell? His speed just went insane!' Ranma thought as he desperately dodged Mousse's blurred form.

Left, right, right, left, Ranma barely managed to stay ahead of the weapon, trusting his instincts to weave his way through the near invisible onslaught.

THUD Ranma's back hit the wall behind him allowing a strike to his side. Clutching his rapidly bruising chest, Ranma jumped back, a hiss escaping his clenched teeth.

To his further surprise, Ranma's leap carried him, now her, through a cascade of water from the apartments above.

"You finally see what you truly are before my legendary attack, don't you Saotome? Want some more? There is plenty where that came from." Mousse took up an absurd looking stance with his weapon of choice held in one hand while balancing on one foot. This last only a moment before he rushed in again.

Ranma's eyes locked on the approaching target, tracing each step he took. Mouse's attack struck out, but something was different, Ranma could track its path easily as it came around to strike her stomach. Time jerked forward as Ranma's lithe female frame shot around each strike effortlessly. Loud clanks echoed across the street before the two separated again.

Ranma turned to face a motionless Mousse.

"What are you going to say now, Mousse?"

"I… will…defeat…" The training potty cracked in half followed shortly by Mousse slumping to the ground.

"Damn idiot, never knew when to quit." Ranma muttered to herself as she stared angrily at the dumb duck.

That is until she found a canister hovering before her. Blinking, Ranma traced the hand attached to it back to Chloe, her eyes watching Ranma with an intense considering look.

"Altena mentioned something like this might happen and that you may want some warm water before we continue on our trip."

"Um, thanks." Ranma said, taking the canister and upending it over her head, changing back into a guy.

Past that encounter, the trip was rather mundane. Ranma was almost disappointed that Ryoga or Kuno didn't make an appearance before they reached the Tokyo airport.

At the front entrance, they were met by a large man in a black suit and tie, his sun glasses reflected the world around him, hiding the eyes hidden beneath. The man merely nodded before walking off. Chloe followed after the man after returning his nod. Ranma trailed after her. Distracted by all the large airplanes around and a little sickened by the noxious fumes that seemed to permieat the area, he was a little surprised when he abruptly stopped on the strip. Taking a quick step back, Ranma noticed a comparatively small private jet sitting just ahead.

It was s sleek small jet with twin engines and a small stairway leading to the entrance. Ranma had never seen such a plane before. Actually, aside from those he saw on their tour through the airport, Ranma had never seen any kind of plane up close. During his training trip, if they ever had to get anywhere they walked. For heaven sakes, his father had them swim to China.

Walking across the strip, the three came to what Ranma could only describe as a stunning sight standing in front of the airplane. It was a woman with blond wavy hair that cascaded down her back, an hourglass figure, and a bust straining her professional uniform that would have left Shampoo in tears of jealousy. Even Ranma was hard pressed not to stare at the woman.

"Good day, Mistress Chloe, Master Saotome. My name is Veronica and I welcome you aboard our humble Aerospace G-V Gulfstream non-stop flight to Spain." The woman said after a formal bow to both of the people approaching her. Keeping his eyes forward, Ranma continued up the stairs, but if he didn't know any better, he could have sworn he felt her gaze as he past her.

Stepping on-board, Ranma's eyes widened as he took in the interior of the plane. Where there should have been row upon row of cramped seats with no leg room he found two large lavender overstuffed couches facing one another. Each looked very comfortable. In-between the two was an indentation on the floor that looked like an extractable table. Beyond was a clearly marked bathroom with a green unoccupied sign on the front.

Overall he had seen houses that looked less comfortable. He didn't understand why someone would need or even want all of this on a plane, but who was he to complain?

Ranma nearly jumped as he felt a hand lightly tap his shoulder. Turning, he came face to face with the stunning blond smiling up at him.

"Please, have a seat, Master Saotome. We will be leaving shortly."

A little disconcerted by both the proximity and they way she addressed him, Ranma walked forward to sit across from Chloe as she was buckling in. Taking his cue from her, Ranma buckled his own seatbelt. He didn't know what a seatbelt would do to protect him if the plane went down, but decided to humor his host.

Ranma wiped his brow as he exited the plane. He had had no idea of exactly how boring a plane trip could be. Sure, takeoff was interesting; being pressed back into his seat. Watching the cars turn into ants scurrying around before disappearing all together. After the land was completely obscured, the clouds were interesting to see up close with a window separating him from them.

Fifteen minutes later he was bored stiff. There was nothing to do in a confined space for twelve and a half hours. Sure it was neat that the rest room had a shower, but what else was there? At least in school he could go outside and stretch his legs during lunch even though it meant dealing with the fiancée brigade half the time.

Ranma didn't know how Chloe did it, but she just sat on her couch with her eyes closed. If he didn't know better, he would think she was sleeping. At least if she hadn't instantly awakened whenever the stewardess brought refreshments.

Of course the very attentive stewardess made things uncomfortable herself. If he even looked up she would be there in moments, bending low to ask him if there was anything that she could do for him. By the end of the trip he became hesitant to look around as Veronica obviously felt that the cabin was too hot and had loosened a couple of buttons.

Stepping lightly off the final step, Ranma did a few basic stretches, very happy to finally be off the airborne prison. He wasn't given much time as Chloe immediately made her way out of the airport. Ranma, not wanting to be lost in another country where he didn't know the language, followed after quickly.

"So where are we going now?" Ranma asked he caught up to her onto the sidewalk outside of the airport.

"We will rest in a hotel for the night and start early tomorrow morning."

"Why not go there now?"

"Altena wishes you to be well rested before your meeting. As I'm sure you are feeling, a twelve and a half hour flight is rather exhausting."

"That's true," Ranma nodded along with Chloe's reasoning. "So where is the hotel?"

"There." Chloe indicated by pointing at the twelve story five star hotel across the street.

"Wow." Ranma didn't know what else to say. This was the first time anyone had ever gone out of their way to make Ranma feel comfortable. He didn't know who this Altena was, but apparently she knew how to take care of a guest. Ranma still wondered why this person wanted to see him so badly to arrange for such a luxurious welcoming amongst everything else.

Stepping into the hotel, Ranma stood back as Chloe talked to the people at the front desk in a language he did not recognize. He knew English, a little Mandarin, and of course Japanese, but this sounded like none of these. Given the location he assumed it was Spanish.

When she returned, she handed him a card with large letters depicting 'room 203'.

"It's getting late. You should get your rest." Chloe mentioned as she headed towards the elevator.

"Wait! Which room are you in?" Ranma asked the rapidly departing Chloe.

"506, I'll pick you up at 7:00. Don't sleep in." Chloe mentioned, shooting Ranma an intense look just before the elevator closed.

Bemused Ranma left to find his room.

Later that night Ranma thought he heard someone crying. Drowsily looking around, he found Shampoo hunched over in the doorway.

"Shampoo? What are you doing here?" Ranma asked the crouched girl.

The girl stopped crying suddenly before turning as if noticing he was there for the first time.

Her look changed subtly from surprise to something else. A look Ranma was all too familiar with. This one seemed even hungrier than Shampoo usually gave.

The girl sashayed her way into his room seductively.

"Oh hunkster, are you awake?"

'Wait that wasn't Shampoo's voice,' Ranma shook his head. The image of Shampoo blured away, morphing into the gorgeous outline of the stewardess from the airplane.

Realizing he had been asleep with his eyes open, Ranma's attention rapidly drew towards the unexpected arrival.

"What are you doing here?"

The stewardess gave a saucy grin as she slowly unbuttoned her blouse. "I've come for some fun."

"What kind of fun?" Ranma didn't like the way this was shaping up. He had too much experience with overtly amorous girls. It always ended up as bad news.

"Oh, the really fun type, stud-muffin." She murmured in a silk laced purr, tugging her blouse off.

"No."

Startled, the stewardess stopped, staring at Ranma incredulously before another smile creped its way back. "Playing hard to get? I can do that for you, my little mouse." She said as she continued to remove her blouse.

"No, I'm serious. Things like this always lead to trouble."

"If you're talking about pregnancy, I have plenty of protection." She mentioned revealing several colors of said protection.

"Things like this end up in an arranged marriage or a woman that wants to kill me."

"It's only a one night stand, manly man. You won't ever see me again. No commitment, no worries, just a whole lot of fun" She huskily whispered, her right hand lightly caressing her stomach, her left teasingly tugging at her bra as she softly moaned to herself.

"I said no." Ranma said though even he felt the strong desire from below rising in rapt attention. She was ravishing even his high standards.

"Humph, you're missing out." Victoria said angrily, sharply pulling her blouse back up and moving to the door.

"Maybe, but more then likely, I'm saving myself a lot of trouble."

Shrugging, the stewardess finished redressing herself before moving out the door.

Sighing with relief, Ranma decided a VERY cold bath was in order before getting back to sleep. He would have to make it quick as he had a feeling tomorrow would be a long and tiring day.

Stepping outside of Ranma's apartment, the stewardess closed the door and almost squeaked when she turned to find Chloe standing before her. Her heavy breathing slowed as the girl before her only lifted a brow. Regaining control, Veronica nodded her head, accepting the proffered packet full of bills before rushing down the hall.

Chloe watched her go, a small smile forming on her lips as she watched the supermodel playing stewardess leave through the elevator.

"Altena will be pleased; he has passed the first test." She then left, heading back to her apartment to turn in for the night.

Post author's notes: The Aerospace G-V Gulfstream can actually make the hop from Japan to Spain as with reserves it has a 12,045 Km flight range and the distance between the two countries is just over 10,000 Km. Overall a neat little plane.

The vote for the pairing stands at:

Ranma/Chloe: 17

Ranma/Kirika: 17

Ranma/Mireille: 5

As you can see we have a tie between Chloe and Kirika. I was rather surprised by this. I could posse as the final vote, but that really defeats the purpose of the vote to begin with. That said we'll have to put it to sudden death. Everyone can revote and in two days I'll tally them all. This is a tie-breaker so the vote is restricted to Ranma/Chloe and Ranma/Kirika.

I've received many responses regarding certain aspects of the story thus far and have decided to address them as well as several others that I can see coming.

Question: Nabiki's a teenager, she shouldn't have anywhere near the connections necessary to arrange for diplomatic immunity.

Answer: You're absolutely correct, she doesn't have such connections. Well, she didn't until recently.

Question: Nabiki providing for the entire family is both impossible and overdone in fanfiction.

Answer: I've seen many discussions about this and it looks like it could be viewed either way though I do agree that it is unlikely that she does provide for her family in such a manner. The reason behind it in this story is that I don't like one dimensional main characters. Nabiki thus far has been the proverbial female dog and this idea is the only thing close enough to give a reason behind it.

Question: Cologne would never be so afraid of Chloe that she would leave without a fight.

Answer: Cologne isn't afraid of Chloe. She is afraid of what is behind her. If she crosses the Soldats what is to stop them from having a simulation bomb drop go wrong in the middle of the jungle and accidentally wipe out a backwater village? Besides, the insignia marked Ranma as being in the middle of the business of Noir which Cologne's mind could easily extract a few scenarios as she has lived during the time when other Noirs where active.

Question: What is Mouses' shame that he would be forced to master a training potty?

Answer: I'll leave that up to your imagination.

Question: Why is Akane using a shinai instead of a mallet?

Answer: My experience is based primarily on the Anime where Akane actually uses a shinai amongst other blunt objects to hit Ranma a lot more then she ever did a mallet.

Question: What is a shinai?

Answer: It is a wodden sword, thank you for clarification jerrytai46 and Calamity-Queen of Cordi.

Thanks for reading,

brindani