Author's notes: I really don't have much to say. Hefty thanks goes to James Axelrad for continuing his endeavors to help with plotting. I'd also like to thank Weebee for rooting through this and weeding problem sections out.

Disclaimer: I own neither Noir nor Ranma ½

The Fourth Sapling

By: brindani

Chapter 14: Hospital Visit

Cleaning up the dishes didn't take long. Sure, there were a couple of dozen, but even in his weakened state it was easy for him. That task completed, Ranma was left to his own devices in the rather large expensive house.

Idly tapping his foot on the floor, he realized the whole situation made him antsy. 'What does Mom want to talk to Chloe about? She only knows about the girl from my stories. The only thing they have in common is in Mom's past and she didn't appear interested in talking about thetrade. So just what are they talking about? I really wanted to know!' Ranma thought in exasperation, dieing of curiosity.

Sighing, Ranma head lowered in thought. 'Sneaking up on two renowned assassins wouldn't be good for my health. Hmmm, what else is there to do?' Ranma thought looking around the plush front living room. 'Maybe the rest of the house will have something interesting to see.

After the ornate kitchen, he was rather disappointed as each room held a chair, a bed, or various other common items. There wasn't much of anything decorative; no paintings, statues or elaborate wallpaper. Then again, his mother said they had several houses. He could imagine decorating multiple houses would be a pain.

His impromptu search led him back to the front door. Leaning against it, Ranma sighed in boredom, closing his eyes. It was a mistake. Images raced across his vision; men laying dead or dieing by his hand. He shivered uncontrollably. Agony filled screams as they slowly died in their own blood. Each added to the blood weighing heavily on his mind. Ranma's eyes shot open as he breathed heavily, clutching his chest.

'The people in the office building didn't do anything to me. They were pawns, pushed around on a giant chess board by some unseen hands. The pawns would be replaced, out to take my life as soon as they find our temporary sanctuary. If he ever wanted this to end, he would have to find the king. That was his only objective.

Ranma blinked, 'How did Chloe find us? Mom said they shouldn't have for another week or two.' Ranma frowned, in that much time he could track plenty of leads on the bigwigs that ordered his death. If they already knew where they were, however, they could attack at any time. Ranma shook himself. 'Chloe would have told me if she used information from those people.'

'To be safe, I had better ask her about it. If something happened to Mother like Akane… Akane!' Ranma stood ramrod straight, his eyes wide. 'I totally forgot about her in all the confusion! I've got to see how she is doing.'

The decision made, Ranma tested his legs, quickly coming to the conclusion that they were still weak; too drained to roof-hop. Huffing, Ranma leaned back. 'Not everyone travels by rooftop. There has to be another way. I don't think Mom has a car and I couldn't drive anyway. Bicycle would be just about as impractical.' Frowning, Ranma concentrated his weary mind. It didn't want to cooperate with him. Blinking, Ranma snapped his fingers. 'The bus,' he thought with a smile.

Changing into a spare set of inconspicuous street clothes, Ranma walked to his mother's room.

"Come now, it'll be our little secret." Ranma overheard his mother's voice.

Ranma quickly knocked on the door. The last thing he wanted was for them to think he was eavesdropping.

"Ranma, I believe I said we wanted to speak alone." Ranma heard the steel lined response through the closed door.

Instinctively, Ranma brought up his hands despite the fact that no one could see his placating actions.

"Sorry, I just wanted to tell you I'm going to check on Akane." Ranma said, quickly leaving before he got into any more trouble.

"Ok, just try to stay inconspicuous." Ranma heard his mother's answer as he quickly left as fast as possible.

Walking out the door, Ranma realized that the neighborhood appeared familiar. They were still in the Nerima ward though he wasn't sure where. Scanning the area, he noticed a bus just pulling up to the corner. He quickly walked to the stop, finding it rather crowded despite the late time.

Pressing into the large crowd, Ranma realized the people didn't take much notice of him. They had to be a fair distance away from the Tendo dojo for people not to recognize him. The lack of recognition wasn't all that good as people pressed against him in their bid to enter the bus first.

It only got worse from there. He got stuck standing up, smothered between two rather large, smelly, sweat stained men with construction helmets. Four babies set the mood perfectly, their cries intensifying the headache quickly overtaking him. Glancing around, he found the women holding the little bundles of joy, staring with dead eyes out the window, two with earplugs firmly in place. None, of course, doing anything to appease their obnoxious charges.

When the need arose, Ranma could be very patient, but after thirty minutes of this slow sweat coated torture he wanted off NOW or someone was going to be hurting!

"Amacazuky hospital." The driver called, pulling the bus alongside a curb with a familiar large building in the background. 'Thank you god!' Ranma desperately loosened himself from the vice like grip the smelly bodies held him in, dashing for the exit.

Staggering out, Ranma took a deep breath. Smog permeated the air laced with a disquieting antiseptic scent emitted from the hospital. It was a little slice of heaven. 'How do people put up with that?' Ranma thought, shaking away the memory as well as he could.

Ranma blinked. 'With the Soldats looking out for me on the roofs, will I have to use the bus all the time?' Thinking back to those crying babies, Ranma shivered. 'Hell no! I've got to find a better way.

There has to be a way to move about freely without worrying about being seen.' Ranma thought as he navigated the hallways of the hospital. 'It would be great if I could be invisible, but how? It would be impossible. As soon as the light bounced off of me, people would be able to see me.' Ranma thought about that last sentence. His heightened senses processed information, if he could absorb that information and replicate it on all sides, then all that anyone should ever see is what was on the other side of him. A small smile appeared as Ranma imagined the possibilities before turning into a frown.

Something that intense would be very draining. He shivered at the sheer power the trick would take.

Ranma blinked as his feet abruptly stopped in front of a familiar emergency room. Sometimes walking on autopilot was creepy. Opening the door, he frowned when he found the bed empty. Slapping his brow, Ranma shook his head. 'Patients aren't kept in the critical care, Akane would have been moved somewhere else.'

Closing the door, Ranma looked around, trying to spot someone that might be able to help.

"Excuse me Miss?" Ranma asked, walking up to a nearby nurse.

"Hmm, oh my, it's you." The familiar looking nurse said, turning towards him with a flush on her face. "How is your friend doing?" The nurse asked smiling at him coyly.

Ranma blinked,

"Do I know you?" The nurse nearly dropped to the ground.

"Uuuhhhh, I got the blanket for your companion. Don't you remember me?" She asked incredulously, a note of pleading entering her voice.

Ranma thought about it for a moment before snapping his fingers.

"Oh yeah. Thanks for your help."

"Oh please, you needn't thank me, I was just doing my job," she said, blushing fiercely. "Did you need any more help?" She asked, her eyes hopeful while playing across his muscular body.

"Yes, do you happen to know where the patient was moved to? I haven't been back since last night," Ranma asked, nervously tugging his pigtail.

Looking distinctly put out, the nurse straightened herself quickly, turning a thousand watt smile at him.

"Certainly, I'm sure we can find her. Please follow me." The Nurse walked away, sashaying suggestively as he followed behind. Reaching a computer terminal she turned around with a sultry smile, fully expecting his eyes to be glued to her backside. Instead she found the man of her dreams calmly waiting, meeting her eyes, lacking the heavy lust she yearned to find there. 'Damn.'

Remembering she was supposed to be helping him with something far more mundane then what she desired, she forced her eyes away from the stormy blue eyes waiting for her patiently. Giggling lightly, she logged into the patient database.

"What was the patient's name again?" She asked a little exasperated that her display didn't interest the hunky young man. She pouted as she remembered that other girl; she would be hard pressed to compete with her. That girl didn't flaunt it, but given the right attire she would be drop dead gorgeous. It made her feel old. 'I'm only 26 damnit!'

"Akane Tendo." Ranma answered, uncertain as to why the nurse's mood seemed to shift wildly. Ranma mentally shrugged his shoulders, must be that time of the month.

"It looks like she is in room 5032. That's four floors up from here." The nurse said, taking out a little slip of paper and writing the number on it before handing it to Ranma.

"Thank you Miss." Ranma replied, taking the paper before moving towards the elevator without a backward glance. He would have used the stairs as they were faster, but he needed to conserve strength.

He never noticed the woman gape at him, a soulful desire crossing her face shifting to crushing resignation as he walked away.

'I thought I was at least somewhat pretty, but… but I'm not even worth a second glance.' She thought miserably.

Completely unaware he had just caused a nurse to go into chronic depression, Ranma made his way to the elevator and up to the indicated room.

It wasn't difficult to find, it was right next to the elevators.

The door was slightly ajar so he let himself in silently, in case anyone was asleep.

He found two beds and a chair with a small low-lit lamp sitting next to it on a stand.

One bed held Akane, asleep with the heart monitor attached to a finger, beeping steadily in the background. The other bed held a tub attached to Soun's arm. It looked to be connected to a bag partially filled with blood.

In the chair sat Kasumi. He was surprised to find her still awake and attentive. It had to be nearly 11:00 PM.

She appeared to be trying to read a book; trying being the key word. Blood-shot eyes squinted at the text, apparently reading a few words before putting the book down to check on Akane and the heart monitor.

Ashamed, Ranma realized that he had stood watching Kasumi's nervous antics for a couple of minutes without announcing himself.

"Kasumi," He whispered so as not to disturb the others. He could only imagine that they had difficulty getting to sleep too.

The girl jumped, dropping her book to the ground.

"Ranma!" Ranma gasped as he was engulfed in a bear hug. "I was so worried, Akane was hurt and then you disappeared without telling us where you had gone. I thought that those men came after you again." She sobbed, crying into his shoulder.

Ranma was beginning to wonder if he would ever get used to situations like this. They seemed to be happening far too frequently… like daily.

"It's all right, Kasumi. I'm sorry I didn't leave a note. I shouldn't have caused you more problems. I realized last night that if those men were after me, they might have gone after my parents too. I was so worried I completely forgot to explain before I left." Ranma finished, rubbing Kasumi's back. From past experience, Ranma found the action very soothing for Kasumi.

Ranma was rewarded for his efforts as the sound of tears slowly faded away. When they completely stopped, Kasumi hesitantly spoke again.

"I'm sorry Ranma, it was selfish of me. I should have known that you would only leave if there was something just as important you needed to protect."

"You aren't being selfish, Kasumi. You were worried about me. It means a lot to know that someone as special as you would worry about my safety."

Kasumi blushed lightly against Ranma's shirt.

"Are your parents all right?" She asked, somehow feeling pleasantly uncomfortable with Ranma's words.

"They are..." Ranma hesitated, eyes going unfocused as he unwillingly relived the previous night. "A lot of things happened last night. Things I'm not ready to talk about right now." Ranma whispered so even Kasumi could barely hear him. He was surprised when Kasumi renewed her hug with vigor.

"Its all right Ranma, you must have been through many difficult ordeals. If you ever need someone to listen, I'll be here for you," Kasumi said, trying to offer comfort even though she desperately needed some herself.

"Thank you, Kasumi, I'll remember that always… If you ever need help, just call me. Call me and I'll be there as fast as I can." Ranma finished, slowly disengaging himself before looking around the room. Spotting a pen, he grabbed it off the counter. He took the piece of paper the nurse gave him, ripping a section off before writing on it.

"This is my new cell phone number. I know this is going to sound odd, but please memorize it and then burn the paper. Do not give this to anyone else. I think I've gotten myself into something that may cause those with knowledge about me trouble. The last thing I ever want to see is you in more pain."

Kasumi nodded, taking the piece of paper and holding it to her heart. It meant a lot to her. Ranma trusted her with this. He also promised to help her whenever she needed it. He hadn't said when Akane needed it or Father and Nabiki, but when she needed it. It seemed to touch something deep within her, an unfamiliar feeling swelled in her chest.

"How is Akane doing?" Ranma asked, moving to stand on the other side of said girl's bed.

Distracted by the powerful yet not unpleasant feelings, Kasumi didn't realize Ranma had moved for a moment. Blinking a few times, worry overcame her as she focused on her little sister.

"They said that she was going to be alright. She lost more blood than they thought. So far Father has been the only donor they have been able to find. She should have a lot more, but his blood has stabilized her for the moment." Kasumi allowed a small giggle to escape. "Father's been eating as dozens of sugar cookies and bottles of juice to make more blood for Akane. I didn't have the heart to tell him that they wouldn't help significantly." Kasumi's tender gaze rested on Akane's pale form. She idly brushed a stray strand of hair away from her sister's brow. "She will be weak for a few weeks until she has recuperated." Her features crumbled as she remembered the rest of the news. "I'm afraid Akane has not woken up since last night."

Ranma nodded, critically looking down on Akane, her flimsy green hospital gown doing little to hide her pale features; closer in color to the sheets around her than the healthy color usually present. It may have been a trick of the lighting, but even her hair appeared pale. He had never seen Akane this way; not during any of their misadventures. It frightened him; a single bullet sent the built like a brick tomboy crashing to the ground like a porcelain doll.

After all of his recent experiences he was well aware of his mortality. A single well placed bullet could cause him to fall instantly. Hell, he had already been shot, damn lucky that the shooter was so shaken he couldn't aim straight.

He never wanted to go through that again. Unfortunately, destiny had a tendency to express ship his life to Hell by bullet train. He knew it, and knew that his fate had already twisted far beyond his imagination. But he would stand up to it. He would take revenge for his Father. Perhaps not all of the Soldats, but those responsible would suffer before he allowed them the blessing that cold unfeeling death would grant them.

Ranma shook himself; that thought was not like him. His brow lowered in determination. Like him or not, it was his reality now. He had stepped onto a long cold path and he would not deviate from it. There would be a reckoning in the world and he would usher it in.

"Ranma? What is troubling you?" Kasumi's question dragged Ranma out of his dark contemplation. His eyes softened as they took in Kasumi's worried expression.

"Nothing, Kasumi. There are just a lot of things I've had to take care of recently." He said, his voice trailing off.

"I'm sorry to ask, but have you heard from Nabiki recently?" Ranma's eyes lowered. "Oh… I haven't been able to reach her in the dorms since a few days ago. I hope she is all right."

"She did call me," Kasumi's eyes shot up to his face, relief in her eyes. "I think she will be… indisposed… for awhile." Kasumi missed the cold permeating his voice, so happy that she believed her sister was at least all right. Before she thought to ask for specifics, Ranma continued. "It probably isn't safe for me to visit too long. If they think I have an attachment here they may come for you. I'll try to stay in touch." Ranma took one last glance at Akane's still form sadly.

Kasumi stared up at Ranma, concerned about the swirl of dark emotions covering his face.

"Give her my best wishes when she wakes up." Kasumi nodded slowly.

"I'll do that."

"And take good care of yourself too." Ranma finished, affectionately patting Kasumi on the head.

'Why did he/I do that?' They both thought as Ranma headed for the door, Kasumi left speechless.

Quickly exiting the hospital, Ranma noticed there was still quite a crowed waiting for the bus. 'Most likely one of the shifts just changed at the hospital.' Ranma's thoughts were corroborated as most were still wearing hospital scrubs.

Ranma was loathed to experience another crammed bus session. There was that trick he had thought of earlier and it was also night, but… his ki reserves were far too low to attempt either.

Sighing Ranma started towards the waiting line of people for the next bus.

By the time Ranma returned home, he was not a happy camper. It was not nearly as bad as the first time; there were only two screaming brats and a doctor with a scalpel eyeing him with a manic gleam in his eyes. He had sworn to learn that trick as soon as his ki levels regenerated. Besides, now that he thought about it, that trick might come in handy in the near future. In search of revenge, invisibility could be invaluable.

Turning away from the departing bus, Ranma headed up to his house. He was rather surprised when the front door opened before he reached it. Stopping short, he watched Chloe wide eyed and blushing scarlet walking jerkily away.

He had never seen Chloe blushing, not even a little. Maybe there was something wrong with her? Ranma reached out to see if she was alright, but was interrupted.

"Ranma, I'm glad to see you back safely." Nodoka calmly said, placing a restraining hand on his shoulder. "We just finished our little discussion and Chloe was on her way home."

Ranma looked up at his Mother puzzled, "Are you sure she is going to be alright? I've never seen her so out of it."

Nodoka only stood with a knowing smile.

old author's end notes: Don't get me wrong, the interaction between Kasumi and Ranma was never planned. I never anticipated Kasumi's budding interest in Ranma. It has been said before that stories have a way of guiding themselves. This will remain a RanmaXChloe fic, but this little quirk leads to complications. There will be a RanmaXKasumi interaction; the scene in mind is too vivid not too. Ordinarily I wouldn't hesitate to add the pairing, but there is one problem. I have given the vote for pairings to the readers already. That means to make any changes to the pairing I will have to get permission from the readers.

So your choices are thus, Ranma also gets with Kasumi or Kasumi dies. This is not a call for additional reviews. I have yet to see a fanfiction reader that has wanted Kasumi hurt, myself included. This is just to get permission to continue on with the additional pairing. The vote will end at the posting of the next chapter some two weeks hence. You are free to offer other suggestions, but be warned a friendship won't cut it.

New author's end notes: Thanks to weebee, I've figured out another means of implementing the story without a pairing. Thank you everyone that responded.

brindani