Haigeki

by Xylix

His friends kidnapped by magical girls, Ranma is pushed beyond his limits to retrieve them.

12. Pawn Promotion

Author's Forward – The end is nigh! The end is nigh!

Beta reader: obsidian_fox

-oOo-

Chapter 12: Pawn Promotion

-oOo-

Akina's breath froze. Her head snapped to the sheer brick walls of the alley. The corridor was five stories in height. I stood at the center. Behind me was Michiko's battleship. Ahead was Akina, an army of shikigami, and a twisted series of alleys that would stifle retreat.

I spread my arms in greeting. "Welcome to my killing field."

The alley walls exploded.

-oOo-

The roiling mass of brick caught Michiko's battleship on its nose, smashing it into the ground. A thick cloud of dust exploded. The fog rolled down the alley, obscuring all view while the cascade continued its roar for seconds. When the detritus settled, the path had been utterly sealed by a mountain of concrete and fired clay twelve meters tall.

Akina got off easy. Scattered blocks fell upon her force. Oni took the brunt of the blow. Demonic skulls were split. Ogre bones broke by the dozen. Eruptions of smoke signaled the demons' demise.

As for the Institute's girls? They were untouched. Mundane force parted when met by the fantasy of shuken. Colorful dresses and shimmering jewels were not so much as tarnished by the grime that stained my lungs.

I smiled, drinking the foul air. The muddy flavor had the taste triumph.

A classic analysis would call my position weak. The wall of debris cut off retreat. To escape, I would have to force my way through the heart of the Institute's army. No matter my skill, sixty girls would wear me down. The scrapes and bruises would accumulate. My arms would grow heavy. My lungs would burn with each breath. My spiritual strength would be drawn to its limit.

Then, I would fall.

But that was a shallow reading.

Fighting sixty girls on an open field was suicide. Fighting them here? I smirked. The corridor constraining us was barely wide enough for four to fight side-by-side. Given how rarely the Institute drilled team tactics, Akina would be lucky to field three.

For all the good it would do them.

The Pretty Princess Institute's strength was ranged combat. The alley cut the lines of fire and transformed this battle into a melee fight. There, I had them outclassed. If I limited myself to my bare hands, I was match for five of the Institute's best. With Gungnir, the Institute's odds dropped to zero. The spear sliced shuken with contemptuous ease. With it in hand, any girl who stepped within reach faced instant defeat.

Here, within this alley, I could destroy the entire Institute singlehandedly.

Thump. Th-thump. Thump.

Ukyou touched ground, her fluffy skirt fluttering. Shampoo joined an instant latter. The Joketsuzoku warrior hefted her hammers, the rounded heads wrapped in paper seals. Mousse was at her side, an armada of weapons hidden beneath his Chinese robes. Emiko was the last to reach the alley floor. The nervous knight unsheathed her crystal epee and stood at my side.

Yes. Here I could defeat the Institute. Or, if I so wished, I could have my army do it for me.

"Charge!" I yelled at the top of my lungs.

Akina's eyes widened. The idol took an unconscious step back. Then experience cut her panic. With an echoing voice, Akina called the only order that granted the Institute salvation.

"Retreat!"

Without a backward glance, Akina took flight. Her golden skirt and midnight bodice vanished amongst shikigami. Her troops stirred. The line folded behind her then fell back.

It was hopeless. I had chosen this alley for a reason. The narrow corridor offered but one path to escape. The kink in the middle destroyed line of sight. To bypass it, troops were forced to maneuver. Under ordinary conditions this would have proved no problem. In the chaos of battle? It was a disaster.

Akina's sharp voice failed to penetrate the buildings around her. Her girls were unseasoned and her shikigami dull witted. As the front tried to retreat, the rear continued to pour forces inward. The confused center tangled upon itself. The alley had become a plug.

The wrecking crew hit the front line like a freight train.

There was no comparing my soldiers to the Institute's. Mousse, Shampoo, and Ukyou were warriors. And not just in the sense that they were highly trained. No. Those three had shed sweat and blood for their strength. They had practiced until their hands were raw. Their skills had been forged in deadly combat. On an ancient battlefield, all three would have been lauded as heroes.

Against warriors, Akina set civilians.

Of the two-hundred girls at the Institute these, no doubt, were the most loyal. Strength would be a secondary consideration. Desertion could not be allowed. That was not to say they were untrained. Akina was a veteran. She knew better than to bring liabilities onto the field. A handful of her troops would even be strong. The tough girls. The sporty types. The ones who had studied kendo, karate, and judo.

But, when pitted against the wrecking crew, those girls would have fared better in a no-holds-barred cage match against a world classed, mixed-martial-arts champion.

The fight was not even vaguely fair.

It was a massacre.

The front line of Akina's army was made of shikigami. The demons did not slow the wrecking crew at all. Shampoo took the lead. Like a vicious beast, the warrioress smashed her way through the horde of oni. Her hammers were like battering rams. They shattered clubs and crushed chests. Those who were not slain outright were sent careening to her sides.

Only to come face to face with Ukyou and Emiko. With sharp cries and brutal swings, the magical chef left in her wake a slaughter of demons. Emiko lagged in comparison. Her crystal epee showed her hesitation. The tip trembled, halting between blows, as though always fearing a counter attack.

Mousse made up for her weakness. The robed boy may have held the rear, but nearly half the kills belonged to him. With acrobatic leaps, Mousse unleashed talons of steel. Knives decorated exposed throats. Spears pierced guarded hearts. Axes split arrogant skulls. Chained weapons of every shape and size ripped through the oni ranks, reaping them like so much wheat.

A sharp, silvery voice cut through the cacophony.

"Fire!"

Shikigami turned to mist. A river of magic crashed into the wrecking crew. My front line flinched. Shuken activated. Emiko's scabbard became a whirlwind and Ukyou's spatula a steel shield. While the knight cringed, the chef stayed solid. With great sweeps, Ukyou cleared the destructive barrage, guarding not only herself but the defenseless Joketsuzoku warriors.

With alley cleared, I spotted the source of the salvo. Ten meters ahead crouched a line of three magical girls. Just behind them a second squad stood tall. Directing the unit from the third rank was Akina, her hand held high.

"Don't just cover yourself. Cover the others!" Ukyou barked.

"Fire!" Akina commanded again.

Ukyou order pierced Emiko's panic. The wave of the magic smashed into a solid wall of parries. The wrecking crew trudged a few steps forward. Akina's voice lifted high in a six-beat, staccato rhythm. The third volley shattered shuken and forced Ukyou and Emiko to their knees.

Instead of having the first rank raise again, Akina knelt. The tactic that followed surprised even me. A flood of shikigami rushed in from behind. With giant jumps, the demonic horde cleared the heads of the ducked girls.

Oni crashed into the wrecking crew. With Emiko and Ukyou weakened, Joketsuzoku warriors were forced to give ground. Our momentum was gone. Before the wrecking crew could regain it, the alley emptied again. Akina's squad opened fire, unleashing havoc on my forces.

The alley had become double edged sword. For the wrecking crew, it diluted the Institute's strength and constrained their retreat. Here we could force the Institute to fight one-on-one. With my troops being of superior quality, it was the perfect recipe for defeat in detail.

Akina had turned my tactic on its head. While the alley restrained the Institute, it also restrained the wrecking crew. The tight quarters provided little room to dodge. The short range improved the Institute's aim. Against their magic, shuken was the only guaranteed defense.

And it would not hold for long. The pause between waves had given Emiko and Ukyou a moment to recover, but I could sense the cracks running through their auras.

I grimaced and raised Gungnir. A gnarled staff set itself against my spear.

"Reserve your strength, son-in-law," Cologne commanded. "You have done your part. Let us do ours."

I glanced at the matriarch. Cologne had joined me in my moment of distraction. Warily, I returned my eyes to the field. The second curtain of fire had died. A new wave of shikigami swept over the Institute's heads.

"Ooowaaa!" Shampoo roared. With reckless courage, the girl rushed forward.

"Ooowaaa!" Ukyou and Mousse echoed the battle cry. The whole of the wrecking crew matched Shampoo's charge. Caught off guard by the sudden counter attack, the line of oni broke. The advancing force picked up speed.

But not enough of it. When the alley cleared a third time, the distance had been sliced by a bare half. Akina's hand fell once more.

Cologne was already in motion. The ancient matriarch vanished from my side. A silver lightning bolt ricocheted off the alley walls, crossing thirty meters in an instant. The ghoul smashed into the army like a meteor, her staff crackling thunder. Explosions of ki blinded my sight and rent the army askew.

The girls fell into chaos. Akina countered. The idol's voice rang like the percussion of a gun. The deadly notes shattered upon Cologne's staff. The matriarch swept her weapon in reply. A lion of misty light burst forth. The great cat caught Akina between its teeth and drove her through the alley wall. Cologne vanished, pursuing the enemy general.

The wrecking crew crushed the frozen Institute.

Mousse took the lead. With a giant leap, he flew over the squad of girls, unleashing a shower of steel. Ukyou and Shampoo slammed into the enemy ranks. The first few girls were destroyed in seconds. The remainder made a desperate, disorganized retreat.

While that knot of magical girls crumbled, a surge of shikigami reinforced.

Scattered by their brash attack, the wrecking crew fell back. My troops gave a score of meters before squaring their squad. Again, Shampoo led the crew. With a furious push, the Joketsuzoku warrior reclaimed our lost ground. But the momentum again was gone. The fight settled into a slugging match. Slowly, the wrecking crew ground the Institute into dust.

I evaluated the result with a keen eye. The situation was stable, and while not optimal, satisfactory. I turned to face empty air.

"Konatsu," I called.

Smoke exploded. From within the gray haze appeared a kunoichi. She knelt before me, her ample breasts displayed by the window of her lavender leotard. A wakazashi was strapped to the kunoichi's back and a multitude of darkened projectiles covered her weapon belts.

Konatsu. Tenki had taken this feminine man and transformed him into a beautiful woman.

"Ranma-dono," Konatsu intoned, her head bowed low.

"What does it look like?" I asked.

Konatsu's gaze lifted, but the kunoichi remained in her formal stance. "The Institute's forces have ceased their inward push. The senshi Kamiko seeks to reorganize their force. Soon they will have freedom to retreat."

I nodded. Kamiko had displayed inexperience earlier, but the woman was far from stupid. She was a natural leader. Her plot would be simple yet effective. A slight scowl made it to my lips. I had hoped for better progress. The wrecking crew was still twenty meters short of the kink in the alley.

"Are they still generating shikigami?"

"They halted production five minutes ago," Konatsu replied.

"Good. Kamiko is unfamiliar with combat. Her first reaction would be to solidify her forces. If the creation of shikigami has stopped, the onmyouji must be exhausted," I deduced.

That was one worry off my chest. I had known from the start that Michiko's gadget would not provide an infinite source of oni. The onmyouji clearly had to invest something into her talismans before letting the machine finish the job. But, until now, the upper limit had been pure guesswork. If the onmyouji had stopped, I could assume the Institute could no more than double the current size of its demonic force. And probably not that.

My brow creased. With the exception of Emiko, the wrecking crew was solid steel in terms of endurance. I was confident that they would win against a thousand shikigami. But, letting the Institute wear my troops down was a foolish plan. Especially with the Joketsuzoku warriors operating on borrowed time.

The optimal solution was to sweep in from behind. Destroy the machine. Take out Kamiko. Eliminate all that remained of the Institute's air force. Could it be done?

"How many troops are they holding in reserve?" I asked.

"Eight girls and half a century of shikigami," Konatsu said. Hesitantly, she added. "Akane is there as well."

I gave a sharp nod. "A good choice for the reserve force. She will be difficult to deal with." I paused, pursing my lips in thought. "If eight girls is all they have, we can overrun the base."

"If you desire, Ranma-dono, I can scout an avenue of attack," Konatsu offered.

I frowned. My frown became a grimace. Something about this plan bothered me. "Wait! Did you see anything else? Machines?"

In my rush for victory, I had almost made a fatal error. The Institute's base was also Michiko's home ground. At the very least, it would be guarded by a 'battleship class' barrier. At the worst... My eyes narrowed. Turrets. I had yet to see any of Michiko's UFOs. There was no way the Institute had failed to bring a device so useful. It was logical then, to assume the Michiko had left them there, in the base, where they could feed off Tokyo's electric grid, sparing the scientist the burden of their operation.

I scowled. A barrier. Turrets. Eight girls. Fifty shikigami. I could see the result vividly. We would smash into the bar's outer defense then get bogged down in ranged combat. Kamiko would outflank us. The Institute's main force would crush us utterly.

"I am sorry. I did not think to look, Ranma-dono," Konatsu apologized.

"Then go back and do it right," I snapped. Then, just as quickly, I shook my head and retracted the order. "On second thought, don't bother. Michiko can cloak her toys."

Speculation was useless. Before invading the Institute's base, I had to see it through my glasses. Only then would I know what nasty tricks were hidden from sight.

Frustrated, I checked the front line again. The two armies were locked in heavy combat. For the moment, Ukyou was at the head. With a crushing swing, the chef bore down on a tiny girl wearing a doll-like dress. Her opponent parried with a pencil thin staff. The blow swept the girl off her feet.

A spray of hearts shot through the gap. Shampoo covered the breach with her hammer. The paper seals caked on the weapon let off tendrils of smoke. The spare moment gave Ukyou enough time to plant a spatula in each of the downed girl's thighs.

Five minutes. I could not count on the Joketsuzoku warriors lasting longer than that. Once the ofuda were gone, they would be forced to serve as support fighters. Fortunately, shikigami lacked shuken.

"Ranma-dono, shall I aid in the fighting?"

Shouts rose from behind. My eyes floated to the debris enclosing the path at my back. Two girls had summited the mountain of rubble, a gleaming paladin in silver armor and a ballerina wearing a pink tutu.

"No. Not yet. What I need right now is intelligence," I answered. "But keep your eyes peeled. If the others get caught in a sticky situation, things might change."

"As you wish," Konatsu said, bowing her head. She vanished in a burst of smoke.

With Konatsu gone, I faced the new girls. The paladin raised her heavy broadsword. With a piercing glare, she descended. The ballerina began to dance. A magical pirouette unleashed a swarm of glittering sparks. The rays spread wide before homing in on my position.

I pointed Gungnir and opened fire.

Two pink bullets were launched in less than a second. The ballerina evaded with an elegant twist. A deceptive illusion cast by shuken. In truth, the ephemeral claws of my haigeki ripped her aura apart. Tenki became skewed. The ballerina's pink tutu faded, allowing a glimpse of the clothes she wore underneath.

With shuken shattered, there was no avoiding the second blast. It took the ballerina straight in the chest. The tenshi osakebi threw the girl back two meters before exploding. The brilliant flash obscured further view.

With a roar, the paladin continued her charge.

The ballerina's magic fell upon me. I narrowed my profile and slipped through the rain of golden darts. What I could not avoid, my threads deflected. Each blow chipped at my aura. The force was weak yet persistent, like the strike of a child's fist.

With a final step, the paladin came into range. Her sword formed a vertical arc. With disdain, I leaned to the side, evading it cleanly. Gungnir flashed up. Steel plates parted like water. A crimson line was drawn across her chest. Before the paladin could blink, I rotated Gungnir and smashed her skull with the spear's haft.

Crunch. The paladin slammed into the alley wall, breaking brick with her body. Slowly, she slumped to the ground. I stabbed the girl's sword arm. One last wound to ensure her injuries were greater than shuken could repair.

I glanced over the field to ensure I had missed nothing.

A shikigami fell from the sky.

The oni hit pavement with a sickening crunch. Its bones broke. The fractured ends ruptured flesh. The grotesque sight lasted a mere second before the demon turned to dust. My eyes jerked up.

Oni gathered on the roof. A single magical girl stood amongst them, peering down to judge whether the drop was fatal.

A paper airplane whisked overhead.

I quirked a smile. Simple yet effective, Kamiko's plan was everything I thought it would be. By placing her girls on the roof, Kamiko obtained the high ground and with it superior lines of fire. The wrecking crew's advantage was gone. If we stayed in this alley, we faced annihilation.

The straightforward tactic revealed a mistake. Kamiko looked at this alley and saw walls, a cavernous trench that could not be breached. I looked and saw buildings.

"Fall back!" I ordered. "We are moving to phase two."

I opened fire with a trio of tenshi osakebi. The pink bullets obliterated the edge of the roof. With graceful steps, the girl danced out of view. The lumbering oni lacked her agility. The demons tumbled over the edge and fell to their doom.

I turned my back to the occupied roof. Gungnir flashed through a four stroke combination. Haigeki roared down the spear's shaft. A heavenly blade cut through the wall before me. Stone fell inward as a single, rectangular block.

I stepped inside then waited for my army to join me.

The wrecking crew retreated. Shampoo and Mousse fled flat out. Ukyou and Emiko handled the controlled withdraw. The Joketsuzoku warriors flew past me, Shampoo flashing a saucy smile and Mousse a seething glare.

The Institute's reaction was glacial. Rather than push against our moment of weakness, girls stood about in confusion. The Institute's inexperience granted my soldiers all the breathing room they needed, making an otherwise difficult retreat trivial.

Doubt vanished. A great mass of shikigami shoved forward.

Ukyou and Emiko stopped at my side. The magical knight leaned against a wall, heavy breaths escaping her lungs. The exertion of battle had drained her strength. Ukyou, on the other hand, practically bounced with boundless energy.

"Kind of early to pull out, don't you think?" Ukyou asked.

With a casual gesture, the cook flung a brace of shuriken. The sharpened spatulas cut deep into a pair of shikigami. Undeterred, the demons pushed in through my doorway. Ukyou stepped forward. A broad swing beheaded the first oni. A backslash blew the second's weapon aside. Emiko hesitated for a fraction, then surged forward to stab the shikigami's neck, slaying it before the opening closed.

"The flow has turned against us. The Institute is putting girls on the roof," I explained. "Until we trim their numbers to a more manageable size, I want to play it safe."

I appraised the green armored knight. "Emiko needs a breather. Partner with her, Ucchan. I will handle the front."

I lagged for a moment and fell behind. Demons rushed in close. I cut them down with lightning strokes.

Fighting shikigami barely qualified as exercise. The demons had no defense against Gungnir's law. My lazy thrusts destroyed them by the dozen. Gungnir laughed at their parries. The spear teleported past raised guards to pierce heart, head, or throat. What bent reality could not breach, the spear rent with its godly blade. Leather skin, thick ribs, and wooden clubs provided no resistance to Gungnir's point.

It was absurd. It felt as though I were cheating. I reprimanded myself for thinking that way. This was a war, not a sparring match. The only rule was that of winner and loser. If I wanted to test my mettle, I could arrange a duel at a later date. And when I did, I would set Gungnir aside so as to sharpen my edge.

We fled further into the building, passing numerous wooden doors. We reached a split in the hallway. There Emiko paused so she could be at my side. With a broad slash, I cut down two oni and faced her.

"Th-thank you, Saotome-sama," Emiko huffed. "I can fight now."

"It doesn't look that way to me," Ukyou scolded. "Don't run yourself ragged girl, we have a lot of work to do." The brown eyed chef offered an encouraging smile then turned her gaze to me. "The same goes for you, Ranchan. Do you need me to take over?"

With flickering thrusts, I slaughtered three shikigami.

"I could kill these things in my sleep," I snorted.

Ukyou flashed a smile. "Then I will leave it to you." The chef tapped the magical knight on the shoulder. "You are with me, Sugar. Don't worry about a thing. Good old Ucchan will show you the ropes."

Emiko nodded and let herself be led away by the magical chef.

I held the hall for another thirty seconds before falling back. The building was a maze. Dozens of rooms lined the cross connecting corridors. The small halls played havoc with the shikigami. The demons were forced to stoop, heads and shoulders bent as though they were hunched backed monsters. The oni dragged their heavy clubs across the ground. In the enclosed space, they preferred slow thrusts over their normal swings.

The Institute's girls hung back. On rare occasions, I would see their colorful dresses fluttering between demonic cannon fodder. I understood their reluctance to engage. The wrecking crew had run roughshod over them. They had gained the wisdom born of pain and bruises.

I continued my crawling retreat. My pace was measured. Too fast and I would leave the chasing army behind. Too slow and I would grind away at their numbers until I collapsed of exhaustion.

Slowly, carefully, I pulled the Institute into the jaws of my trap.

The horde of shikigami thinned. Magical girls took pot shots through the openings. My spear danced in my hands. Coils of flame were cut down. Waves of petals were torn part. What I failed to parry, I dodged. While my defense seemed invincible, I felt the sting of the Institute's blows. Shuken was an aura. No matter how hard I tried, I could not shield my spirit completely.

The wrecking crew burst in from the sides.

While I drew the Institute's fury, my troops had waited in ambush. They hit the column in a pincer attack, cutting the Institute's army in two. Ukyou and Emiko held the fore, a living wall that destroyed all hope of reinforcement. Shampoo and Mousse assaulted the divided force. Their deadly charge drove the Institute toward me.

With Gungnir in hand, I served as anvil to their hammer.

Ripped in half and attacked from all sides, the Institute disintegrated into chaos. A throng of shikigami were stomped into dust. The seven girls caught in between fell into panic.

We were merciless.

An angel had just enough time to face me before Gungnir cut her down. A fox girl with two bushy tails had quicker wits. The furry limbs gathered a crackling charge. Lighting flashed. Gungnir sliced the bolts apart. The electric energy dissolved into yellow motes. I stepped forward. The fox leapt back. I answered with brutal efficiency. My spear impaled the fox's left shoulder and pinned her to a wall.

I raised a foot and kicked her through the barrier.

While I was wrenching Gungnir free, a gowned girl attacked. A blast of crystals slashed across my face. I countered with a heavy swing. Clink! A solid wall of diamond formed in my weapon's arc, cutting my strike short.

"Don't be down. Stand your ground. Fight! Fight!" A perky voice cried over the conflict.

A cheerleader raised her pom poms. A halo of heavenly light formed over the girls at my feet. Pretty stars rained down. Bloody wounds stitched themselves closed.

With a growl, I turned from the gowned girl and threw myself at the cheerleader.

Crystalline spikes were fired at my open back. I rotated my shoulders, leaning down. The bulk of the projectiles passed over me. One slipped through, clipping my arm and cutting my flesh.

Adrenaline numbed the pain. Gungnir span in my grip. I thrust. The blunt end of my spear slammed into the cheerleader's chest. The force sent her reeling three meters back. Her legs tangled upon the bodies of her companions dropping her at Joketsuzoku feet.

I stabbed rearward.

Clink. Gungnir met the gemmed barrier, the blade's tip penetrating ten centimeters deep. Tenshi osakebi. With vicious will, I unleashed my rage. Pink light exploded, bypassing the gowned girl's defense and sending her through a wall.

Healed, the angel picked herself up off the ground. Shampoo's hammer smashed her back down.

"Magical girl very annoying," Shampoo said, her nose scrunched in distaste. "Keep getting back up after Shampoo beat them."

Steel flashed. A knife buried itself in the fox girl before she could rejoin the fight. Mousse folded his arms into his robes and looked upon the defeated with disdain.

"Useless rabble. None of you are worthy of my wondrous Shampoo."

I gave the cheerleader a hard kick to the ribs. Her unconscious body flopped to the side. She was down and out.

"If you see any more healers, take them out first. Shuken offers no miracles, but with enough patchwork magic the Institute will have half these girls back on the front line," I said. I glanced at the Joketsuzoku warriors. "How are you two doing on seals?"

"Hmph," Mousse grunted. "I am not a child who needs his hand held, Saotome. I can keep track of my own armaments."

"Stupid Mousse use all but two seals," Shampoo chipped in. She fixed her companion with a scathing glare. "Shampoo have six. Not last long. As many girls at most."

I grimaced. The Joketsuzoku warriors were at their limit. I glanced at Ukyou and Emiko. The two of them held the line against the advancing Institute. I could already see the weight of the combat bearing down. Worst off was Emiko. She lacked the well trained endurance of the wrecking crew. But, Ukyou was not unscathed either. Her strokes lagged the tiniest bit. Her aura had a dullness not present with her initial transformation.

"Shampoo, support Ukyou and Emiko," I said, nodding at the front. "Rotate those girls out. I don't want anyone collapsing from exhaustion. Oh, and I know this is a tall order, but try to make those seals last. We have at least one big fight ahead of us. I will need you then.

"Mousse, you are on anti shikigami duty. Do. Not. Use. Any. More. Seals. You better have those two on spare unless the god damned world has come to an end, you hear me?"

Mousse gave me a nasty look before following Shampoo to the front. My threat was wasted. That moron would fight however he pleased. Nothing I said would change that. However, I had a marginal hope that Shampoo would keep him in line.

With the immediate issues addressed, I took a deep breath and called my eyes and ears.

"Konatsu."

Silence.

"Konatsu," I said louder.

The kneeling ninja appeared in a puff. She had been fighting. There were no outward indications. Konatsu skin tight leotard was pristine. But dirt, sweat, and grime would only show on a magical girl if she was moments from collapse. The clear give away was the erratic wave of Konatsu's aura. Shuken had been damaged.

I wanted to berate her. Nothing so far had justified Konatsu's breach. I froze the words in my throat. In this battle, I was general. Excepting strong cause, it was my duty to trust my soldier's judgment.

"Ranma-dono?"

I shook my head and refocused on the task at hand. "How does the battlefield look?"

"The Institute is regrouping. All the girls have been called back. Kamiko sent a wave of shikigami as a replacement. Roughly three score last I checked."

"Three score? Without girls? Even Kamiko knows that is a waste of resources," I said to myself. I frowned, pondering the riddle. Then I snapped my fingers. "She wants to keep us pinned. Kamiko is using the shikigami to hold us in place."

But what was Kamiko's plan after she had her girls? No matter. The quickest counter to Kamiko's strategy was to change mine.

"We need to move to the next phase. Konatsu, do you have a count on the Institute's numbers?"

"Twenty-two, Ranma-dono, but I may have missed a few. Kamiko has pulled from her reserves. Akane and two others have joined the fight."

Twenty-two? That few? If Konatsu was right, we had already defeated two-thirds of the Institute. Victory was in sight. But a score of girls was still a big number.

Shit. We needed to whittle them down a bit more. With the Joketsuzoku warriors out of the mix, that was going to be tough. But Institute had its own challenges. Kamiko no longer had an invincible force. She would have to be careful lest she lose all her remaining soldiers.

I eyed Konatsu. I glanced at the front line.

There were two ways to go about this. The first was to do what I was doing now. Maneuver, deceive, separate the enemy into smaller blocks, then destroy those units one by one with overwhelming force. If I were to pursue that strategy, I would need intelligence. In turn, that mean Konatsu could not be involved in the fighting.

The second method was to end this quick. One or two engagements would decide the outcome of this war. Another major loss would break the Institute entirely. It was risky. If I misjudged, we would be wiped out. On the other hand, a sudden shift of approach would not be anticipated.

Both strategies had their merits. But there was one thing that decided it for me. A long engagement gave the Institute time to think. If Kamiko held out long enough, she might realize that she did not have to defeat me here.

"Screw it," I said. "The Institute will be cautious from here on out. Tricking them a third time is wishing for too much. We are using operation heaven drop. Konatsu, from now on, you are working side by side with Ukyou and Emiko. Your job is to drop the Institute's girls. Leave the shikigami to the Joketsuzoku."

"Heaven drop?" Konatsu said, disbelieving. "Ranma-dono. The Institute has a score of girls and two centuries of shikigami. We cannot possibly succeed."

"And that is why it will work," I answered with a smirk. "Besides, we still have an ace up our sleeve. Since the ghoul has wondered off, I need you to-"

Screeeeeeee!

Burning, white hot beams of light ripped through the building's interior. My aura exploded into fragments of pink. Before I recognized I was under attack, shuken overwrote reality and threw me to the floor. Magic was all that saved me from near annihilation.

With panicked shock, I slammed the rim of my glasses. Aura mode flickered on. My eyes fixed on the terrifying green shape that floated in my vision.

Michiko's battleship.

"Shit!" I cursed, hopping to my feet. "Konatsu, find Cologne! The rest of you, with me. We are heading for the roof."

I broke into a run. Screeeeeeee! Screeeeeeee! Spears of brilliant fire seared through the building's structure. I dived into a stairwell, kicking the door off its hinges. We dashed up, meeting no resistance.

"Ranchan!" Ukyou cried, matching my mad dash. "What's the plan?"

The wrecking crew was on my tail, the Joketsuzoku warriors safely nestled within the protective scope of Ukyou's aura. A contingency that earned its keep when the magical chef deflected a beam that threatened to skewer Mousse.

Beam weapons, enclosed environments, and martial artists made a bad mix.

"For now?" I asked, kicking open the door to the roof. "Run like hell!"

Operation heaven drop. As plans went, it was as simple as they came. Climb onto a tall building. Then, as one unit, drop straight into the middle of the Institute's main force. It sounded crazy. That was because it was crazy. But there was method to the madness. The wrecking crew was at its strongest in hand-to-hand. Operation heaven drop placed my troops neatly within the heart of the enemy. Once there, each of my soldiers would be able to take out a girl before the Institute could reorganize and counter attack.

Ukyou, Shampoo, Mousse, Konatsu, and Emiko. Between the five of them, that was one fourth of the Institute's functional girls. Twenty-two would be reduced to seventeen in an instant.

But there were two pieces that changed the equation entirely, Cologne and myself. The ancient matriarch was a match for the entire wrecking crew combined. As for me? I had Gungnir, a weapon that utterly trumped the defenses of lesser magical girls. With it I was guaranteed victory over anyone foolish enough to step within range.

Between the two of us, we doubled the effectiveness of my insane plot. And that was all that I required. Twenty-two to seventeen would be fatal for the wrecking crew. Twenty-two to twelve? We would crush the Institute utterly.

But, to pull it off, two things needed to happen. First, I needed Cologne. Second-

Screeeeeeee!

Twin beams ripped across the building's roof. Crack. Crunch. Heavy concrete collapsed along the trench the battleship carved.

-Michiko's battleship had to go.

"To the next building!" I cried.

The battleship twisted in midair, offering its crew perfect lines of fire. As magic exploded around us, I caught glimpse of an even more horrifying sight. The previously defeated gunship floated into view, increasing the attackers from six to nine.

B-b-boom! The building rattled from the continuous fire. Stone wilted under the barrage. Hunks of rooftop sank into the floors below. The structure began to wobble as core components were reduced to dust. I reached the parapet and made the dizzying, fifteen meter jump to the neighboring roof.

Four paper airplanes streaked across my vision, dumping fourteen oni onto the path ahead.

Th-th-thump. The wrecking crew landed in series. I spared no glances and continued my onward rush. BOOM! The building shuddered. In the street below, magical girls stood in formation. As a single unit, they unleashed another wave attacks. BOOM! The mystic blasts hit the building's foundation. The Institute was done with guerrilla tactics. They were going to force us to fight them on flat terrain even if they had to destroy the city to do it.

"Screw this. We are going down into the alleys!" I shouted. With Gungnir, I made a broad clearing stroke. "Tenshi Ittou!"

The plane of pink ripped through the shikigami, destroying every demon within the one-hundred and eighty degree arc.

Screeeeeeee! Michiko's cannons pounded in retort. "Eiiaaa!" Shampoo shrieked. A beam seared her arm. The purple haired girl stumbled and rolled across the ground.

"Shampoo!" Mouse shouted.

"Don't stop! Pick her up and go!" I ordered.

I reached the building's edge and dropped into the space between. With heavy concrete between us and the gunships, the continuous volley was reduced to a trickle.

I paused for a couple of breaths to count our numbers. Five, including me. No one was missing.

Ucchan rested against the alley wall. Her eyes remained fixed on the two ships that were positioning for a new line of fire. "Ranchan, if we don't ground those ships, the Institute will wipe us no matter how many girls we finish down here."

"I know," I growled. I pounded a brick wall in anger. "Shit! If I had known Michiko would get that battleship back in the air, I would have finished her while I had the chance."

Earlier, I had been holding myself in reserve. Tactically my decision was sound. Involving myself in an uncertain battle, opening my army's flank, and leaving my troops unattended was a recipe for disaster. But hindsight revealed my choice as a mistake. I should have put Michiko down. I cursed myself for that error.

"Shit," I grumbled, scowling at the sky. "And now we can't pull out either."

The gunship and battleship swung across my view. Stray fire peppered our position. I led the wrecking crew into a tight alley. For now it was safe to hold here. With nine of the Institute's girls air born, Kamiko lacked the manpower to pin us in.

From a strategic view, my objectives had been met. I had established my candidacy and baited the Institute. But that did not mean I could withdraw. All three of Artemis's senshi were here. So too was the bulk of the Institute's fighting force.

Heading to the Pretty Princess Institute right now risked a dangerous confrontation. If Setsuna's plan had worked as intended, Artemis would be caught within the four emperors seal. The chanters would be easy targets. If Artemis were set free, the entire operation would go up in smoke.

In a way, I was lucky. If Michiko flew her battleship back home, there was a fair chance she could win the war right now. Instead, Artemis's senshi worked under the assumption that the Director was invincible. So, instead of securing their queen, they focused on their secondary objective, me.

Which meant, until Institute's air force was gone, I could not leave the field.

"Damn," I cursed again.

"Son-in-law. We have a problem," an old voice croaked.

Cologne dropped from an alley window to land at my side. I faced her, never more relieved to hear her voice.

"Tell me something I don't know," I grumbled, gesturing toward the sky. "If we don't do something about those ships, the Institute will tear us apart. Tell me you have a plan, because I am fresh out."

Screeeeeeee! The banshee wail of Michiko's cannons shattered conversation. Through some sixth sense, Cologne evaded the blind attack.

The ancient matriarch wobbled back into a stable position. "No, son-in-law. We have a much bigger problem."

While Michiko's battleship angled for another shot. The gunship made a strafing run. Three magical girls let loose streams of mystic devastation. I pressed myself to the side of the alley, raising my arms to fend off falling debris. Once again, I was thankful for the Institute's rotten aim.

"What could possibly be-"

My voice froze. A ghostly wolf exploded from a rooftop. With monstrous jaws, Garmr caught the gunship. The frail barrier held for half a second, then shattered like glass. With the ship clenched between his teeth, Garmr wrenched his head from side to side. The massive force tore the paper airplane in two. A pair of girls plummeted to the ground and hit with a painful thud.

The great wolf pivoted in thin air, ready to pursue. Then Garmr stopped, his giant golden eyes focused on me. The wolf's lips peeled back in a lupine grin. Crushed between the beast's yellowed teeth was a girl. Blood flowed from fist sized wounds cut through her chest. The red oozed over her sequined dress, rolled down her leg, then dribbled from a bladed shoe.

Garmr lifted his muzzle and let the ice skater's corpse fall further in. With a sickening crunch, he bit again, shattering bone like tender.

"Greetings witch," Garmr said while he snacked. The beast swallowed. Thin, crimson rivulets spread through the wolf's misty flesh, casting his silver coat in a vile red.

"Garmr."

The name unwittingly escaped my lips. The sight of the skater's carcass burned itself into my memory. My stomach twisted. Anger began to boil. I was not naive. Brutal force held great risk. I had spilled no small amount of blood already. It was all but certain that at least one girl had died by my hand.

But death was not my intent. To see a girl murdered with such careless delight made me seethe.

Garmr laughed at my rage. "Did you think your crude curse would end me?"

"Cologne, take charge of the others," I growled. "I have a wolf to kill."

"What arrogance, witch," Garmr taunted. The beast prowled closer. "Do you forget who I am? I am guardian of Hel's gate. I walk freely between the realms of life and death. Your feeble magic cannot hope to bind me. But do your worst. Curse me with your spells. Twist my soul with your rotten threads. If you can teach me death, I will howl my delight."

The beast showed bristling teeth. "But should you show the slightest weakness, witch, know that I will see you unfit for that spear and haunt your heels for all eternity."

I trembled. In fury. In fear. My previous battle with Garmr had done little to inspire confidence. Gungnir offered small comfort. But I was not one to bow, even when faced by opponents far more potent than this wolf.

I drew my strength and stood tall.

"I killed you once, mutt. Do not think I cannot do it again."

Garmr let lose thunderous laughter. "Then let us clash and see who is greater, witch," Garmr growled. With that, the colossal beast titled back his head and howled.

"Aroooo! A-a-roooo!"

The force of Garmr's call made my bones shudder. Stone shattered. Debris rained down. Silver fire leeched through the earth. From hades itself marched an army of spectral wolves. Their long jaws dripped with saliva. Their eyes showed beastly hunger.

I charged.

An onslaught of wolves attacked. This time, I did not stand alone. The wrecking crew was at my back. With their strength, I bulldozed my way through the pack. Gungnir cut great swaths from the lunging mass. Cologne's staff smashed minions aside as though they were mere pups. Ukyou's spatula crushed ghostly skulls with every swing. Only Mousse and Shampoo withheld their offense, preserving their precious seals for mightier foes.

Garmr sat on his hinds and laughed.

I shoved Gungnir through his snout.

The wolf went rigid. Shock and pain infiltrated his system. Stunned, Garmr stepped back, swinging his head, hoping to tear the spear from his muzzle. The beast's strength and mass was such that I was thrown into the air.

My hands tightened on Gungnir's shaft until my knuckles went white.

Garmr thrashed again, flinging me to the right. My weight was too great. My spear ripped from the wolf's mouth. I twisted in mid-flight and landed, feet first, against an alley wall. Muscles bulged in my legs. I exploded forward, flinging myself at the beast.

Chshunk!

Garmr faded back, vanishing through an alley wall. Gungnir pierced stone then stuck. Unburdened by such mortal limits, the great wolf surged back out. His monstrous jaw flowed over me.

I abandoned my spear. Garmr's maw snapped closed. Dagger like teeth caught the fragile ribbons fluttering on my dress. My heels gripped pavement. With my right hand, I pulled back. A rope of twined threads went taught. Gungnir was wrenched from the wall. The spear twisted as it flew. Its law took hold. With an aerial slash, Gungnir cut a chunk from Garmr's neck before returning to my hand.

The great beast danced back. A deep throated growl made the alley rumble. With huge golden eyes, Garmr glared his hatred.

Except for a handful of minions, we were alone. During our exchange of blows, the wrecking crew had escaped the alley. Cologne led a magnificent charge into the heart of the Institute's assault force. Three score wolves nipped at their heels. The ravenous specters served as an auxiliary force. In one smooth move, the old woman had turned a difficult battle into a three way free for all.

Garmr pawed his muzzle. A ghastly wound was cut through bottom and top. Flesh wiggled under his touch. Skin reconnected to skin. Bone reformed. Garmr's regeneration was sluggish. In our prior battle, wounds thrice as vicious had faded in mere seconds.

My eyes narrowed. A careful glance showed me Garmr's minions. Defeated animals were strewn upon the ground. With pathetic whimpers, they trembled at the edge of death.

A smirk spread across my face. Suddenly, I had more than false bravado.

"What's wrong?" I asked teasingly. "Get hit by something you didn't like?"

"I had forgotten the bite of Gungnir's steel," Garmr admitted.

The beast shook his crimson coat. A strange glint filled his golden eyes. "Pain. Fear. Danger. Ah, at last, true battle." Garmr's lips peeled back in ferocious delight. "I was right to court a maiden of death. Come at me, witch! Show me my doom!"

Garmr vanished to my left. With his great maw, he scooped up three servitors then dived through an alley wall. A wave of minions struck. The spectral wolves lunged at targets high and low.

My left hand moved for the rim of my glasses. At the same time, I drew Gungnir in a one handed slash. The spear's law made the impossible possible. My swing was careless. Gungnir transformed it into slaughter. The spear snaked through the air, rising and diving in a deadly wave. The broad leaf blade beheaded six wolves in a single stroke.

Aura mode activated. Garmr burst from the third story of the alley. White fire licked the edge of his lips. The beast regurgitated an armory of weapons.

C-clang!

Gungnir became a swirling wall deflecting spectral steel. When used as a shield, the spear's magic was inert. Knives and arrows pierced my guard, cutting my dress and slicing my skin. Shuken, already weakened by Garmr's bite, dissolved into motes of pink light. A rapier slipped through. The slim blade buried itself between my ribs.

I gasped and stumbled back.

The searing pain blinded me. Another wave of wolves piled on. With sharp teeth they sought cloth and flesh. I snatched a specter from the air and threw myself into a tight roll. The hungry jaws closed short.

"Tenshi Ittou!"

A circle of haigeki ripped through the throng. Minions turned to silver fire. The mists quickly coalesced. Those untouched by Gungnir's steel would be reborn.

The clasped wolf struggled in my grip. I willed its destruction. Magic surged through my arm. Thick threads shot from my dress, each burning bright with pink light. The parasitic power pierced ghostly flesh. The threads burrowed deep. Like worms, they devoured as they went.

The wolf succumbed to my magic. Its silver hue faded into pink. Muscle, bone, and tissue rotted away. A mushy blob of spiritual matter bulged within my hand. My threads drank the slushy mess as though they were straws.

Rivers of ice ran through my veins. I stumbled. Shuken sputtered then flared anew. My aura sang with the power I had consumed.

Garmr surged from the ground at my feet.

He caught naught but air.

Thanks to my glasses, I had seen the red shadow sprinting through the earth. Garmr's ambush backfired. At the last second, I danced to the side and slashed with Gungnir. The spear's blade ripped through Garmr's belly.

The wolf howled and drew back. The beast climbed higher before looping to face me.

I dropped into a ready stance and winced. The movement of my ribs aggravated my injury. My restored shuken would need more time to seal the wound cut through my chest.

Garmr and I glared at each other. With slow motions, I adjusted my profile. The wolf's altitude forbade my attack. I awaited his charge.

Screeeeeeee!

The wail of Michiko's cannons ended my plot. Twin beams sliced through our position. I slipped to the side, evading by mere centimeters. Garmr was too slow. The searing light caught him in the chest. The wolf's misty flesh boiled with the wrath of a thousand suns.

Garmr's head snapped back. The wolf seethed with anger. "Worthless monkeys, you dare interrupt my trial?" he roared. "I will crush you between my teeth."

Garmr kicked off air. The beast surged into the sky. The battleship, upon seeing Garmr's ire, fled to greater heights. The crew opened fire. The barrage of magic stripped Garmr to the bone. The beast howled his fury. Garmr twisted through the air. Mystic shots flew wide.

"Tenshi osakebi."

A lance of pink burst from Gungnir's tip. Haigeki flayed Garmr's hind. The beast paid me no mind. His chase continued, spiraling to ever greater heights.

"Shit!" I cursed in frustration.

Unable to pursue, I took in my surroundings.

The battlefield was chaos. Spectral wolves fought and died only to be reborn. The minions ripped through shikigami, tearing demons down with their immortal strength. Packs hounded divided units of magical girls, leaving the Institute's troops quivering in terror.

Akina's voice pierced the din. With sharp commands she strove to add structure to anarchy. A new wave of shikigami marched from the Institute's base. It was a desperate bid to suppress the numerous foes. A few straggling girls answered her call, fleeing into the last bastion of defense – the shattered bar where the battle had started.

In the middle of the madness, Akane and Ukyou dueled.

My fiancées scattered interloping minions while trading fire at medium range. Ukyou threw waves of spatulas and shot spears of light. A storm of lasers and steel tore at Akane. She crashed through them like an unstoppable juggernaut. In return, Akane lobbed a hundred hammers. The palm sized toys fell upon Ukyou in an endless shower.

P-p-piko! B-b-boom! Each cute noise was followed by a thunderous crash. Where the hammers hit, asphalt caved. It was as though an invisible giant was systematically smashing all the places the soft, plastic ends touched.

I pulled my eyes away and found the ancient matriarch. With wide swings, I swept demons and ghosts from my path. I advanced, repeatedly glancing at the sky. Michiko and Garmr continued their aerial waltz.

"Cologne," I called.

The squat gnome caught an oni's club with her staff. With a twist, she sent the demon flying. The shikigami landed amongst a crowd of wolves. The ravenous beasts ripped it apart.

"Son-in-law," Cologne croaked in return. She gave a light grunt as she destroyed another opponent. "Why are you here? Were you not intending to deal with that beast?"

"I was," I grumbled. "But the stupid mutt got distracted. There is nothing I can do about Garmr now. I will have to wait until he comes back down."

Cologne pogoed back. I unleashed my frustration upon the minions, buying time so that she could recover her breath.

"Oh? Were those not wings I saw before?"

With a sharp thrust, I shoved Gungnir through a ghostly wolf. The specter whined in agony. I whipped the blade to the side, flinging the twice dead thing down a narrowed street.

"They are not functional," I answered. "I can glide pretty well when using them. But, without a good bit of height or a lot of speed, I am not going any-" My words froze. My head jerked to the side. "Ucchan don't!"

My cry came too late.

At the edge of my vision, I caught the chef's mistake. The girls fought in melee. Ukyou had the upper hand. With her superior skill, Ukyou dominated the fight. Akane was being driven back. Only by willfully taking blows, did the mallet wielding girl gain enough time to swing her colossal hammer. The attack was telegraphed. Ukyou should have dodged. Instead, she fell back on habit.

Piko.

For an instant, Ukyou's spatula held steady. Then, in a blink, she was flung across the street. Crash! A hundred meters away, a third story window shattered. Hidden from sight, the magical chef continued her tumble within.

"That girl's weapon is deceptively dangerous," Cologne said, her eyes narrowed. "Son-in-law, best we deal with her now, lest our enemies use her to scatter our forces."

"That will have to wait," I said, setting a hand on the old woman's shoulder. A slow smile formed. "I just had an idea."

"Oh-ho-ho," Cologne chuckled. The old woman gave a wry grin. "Then by all means, son-in-law, don't let an old lady get in your way."

I flashed the matriarch a grin, then dashed toward Akane. Cologne moved in tandem, swinging wide to cutoff the Institute's support. With a gesture, she drew the Joketsuzoku warriors to her side.

Cologne's position was precarious. She stood in the open street, shielded by nothing but the bodies of the shikigami. For now, it was safe enough. The Institute was too disorganized to muster an assault. But if I wasted too much time, Akina would counter attack.

But that was Cologne's problem. The ancient matriarch had an excellent tactical sense. I trusted that she would see things done correctly.

My opponent was Akane.

My fiancée wore a plastic dress. Armored plates embellished her bright blue garment. Two bundles of toy hammers hung from her waist. The outfit was cute but childish.

"I see you dumped your tiara," I said, flashing a smile. "Congrats on the promotion. That makes you what? Disposable unit 0280?"

Akane struck with her giant hammer. I hopped back, evading the plastic end by centimeters. An instant later, I dodged again. The speed of Akane's backslash was frightening. She wielded her colossal weapon as though it weighted no more than a feather.

"I am a cavalier of the Pretty Princess Institute, appointed by the Director herself," Akane declared, proudly. "A rank I earned with hard work and loyalty. Try and be grateful for my sake, Ranma."

"Now, now, Akane," I tutted in a ladylike voice. "I am to be addressed as Saotome-hime."

Akane's mallet crashed down. Nimbly, I stepped to the side. Piko-BOOM! The ground shattered at my feet. The quaking earth shifted my balance. Shuken kicked in. Elegantly, I swayed to the side of my enemy.

"I refuse to call you senshi, traitor," Akane accused. "You spat on the Institute. You turned your back on the Director. Now you think you can waltz in and reclaim everything?"

"You speak beyond your station, cavalier." I snapped.

Akane retorted with a wild swing. I stepped in close, sliding beneath her stroke. I whirled about my fiancée, casually cavorting well within her reach. Girlish ribbons fluttered in my wake. The soft streamers of white and black taunted Akane with light kisses.

"Oh. I see. You are jealous," I giggled teasingly. "I hate to break it to you, Akane, but you are simply not senshi material. Even if we gave you a crown, a gorilla can never be a princess."

"A princess? You aren't even a girl!" Akane roared.

With berserker strength, the girl swung her weapon in a rising arc.

Finally.

Instead of evading this attack, I threw myself onto it. Pi-! Cushy, red plastic shrank beneath my feet. The hammer kicked. Impulse exploded through my legs and spine. My knees folded. Blood rushed to my ankles. -Ko! I shot into the sky as though fired from a gun.

Buildings became streaks. Windows blurred into solid matter. Roofs appeared beneath me, then shrank into distant rectangles. With my eyes aimed down, I watched Shampoo intercept Akane. A moment later, Konatsu emerged from a smoky haze at my fiancée's back. Double teamed by a Joketsuzoku warrior and a kunoichi, Akane lasted mere seconds.

I turned my eyes to the sky.

Wind roared around me. The heavy gust tussled the loose ends of my dress. Wings of ribbon sprang from my back, stabilizing my ascent. Two hundred meters. Three hundred meters. I arched through Tokyo's skyline, a missile tracking the ghostly wolf Garmr.

The beast saw me not. Garmr's eyes were fixed upon his prey. With great glee, he pounced. His jaws closed on Michiko's battleship, only to freeze when they hit an invisible sphere.

Gungnir bit flesh.

The spear pierced spine and belly. My momentum did not slow. I flashed over Garmr's back, dragging the haft of my weapon as I went. The wolf's center contorted. His torso was rotated ninety degrees from back and front.

Garmr's roar shattered my ear drums.

The beast thrashed. The spectral shield protecting Michiko's battleship shattered. Yellowed teeth cut through a fragment of wing then tore out a ragged strip. The flailing wolf threw me way. Gungnir ripped from the ghastly wound with a sickening pop. Ghostly intestines were twined around the shaft.

Before I could fall, I formed a kite. A stiff breeze offered a moment of suspension.

"Trying to run from our fight?" I accused.

Garmr stilled. Furious, golden eyes focused on me.

"Witch," Garmr spat. His lips peeled back. A low rumble escaped his throat. The growl became a booming laugh. "What lust for battle. You ascended to this height to fight with me? It is a pity I must disappoint. As much as I would love to rend you limb from limb, these maggots must die first."

I gathered haigeki. Pink light poured into Gungnir. "Your fight is with me, Garmr. I will not allow you escape."

"Foolish witch. You think to stop me here? I would like to see you try!"

With a roar, Garmr charged. His padded feet pushed off the wind, flinging his great mass at me. I moved to counter. Garmr was faster. In an instant, the beast was upon me. Caught in midair with limited velocity, all I could do was endure. With Gungnir held crosswise, I shielded myself from the wolf.

Garmr grabbed the spear's haft with his teeth.

The beast jerked left then right. I flopped to either side, my arms straining. I refused to relinquish my weapon. Garmr and I both knew the value of Gungnir. The spear was the only tool I had that could hurt the beast. Without it, I would be helpless.

The wrestling match continued. While Garmr shook me to and fro, I poured my magic into Gungnir's haft. Pink light grew in intensity. Sparks of haigeki cascaded through the metal pole. Where Gungnir touched, Garmr's gums began to burn.

Garmr growled with rage. He shook his head thrice more, then dived. The beast fell toward the earth in thunderbolt. We slammed into the roof of the tallest tower. Concrete buckled at my back, driving the air from my lungs and darkening my vision.

The wolf became mist.

I crashed into the ground of the next level. Tile shattered beneath me. A frigid silver flame flowed over my body. Garmr's mist slipped through solid matter then vanished from sight. Dazed, I gulped a lung full of dusty air and threw myself to my feet.

Not a second too soon. Garmr's maw tore through the floor. Rock, stone, and rebar were crushed between the beast's teeth. I slashed with my spear. The wolf arched his belly, evading with a speed that belied his size. I cut nor more than a hair's width.

With quick steps, Garmr padded back.

"Witch, allow me to offer this petty entertainment. Amuse yourself as you wish, while I devour the moon queen's pitiful army," Garmr said.

Garmr lowered his head and vomited a ghostly mass. A puddle of putrid matter splattered on the floor. Rubbery limbs stretched from the pool, forming feminine arms, heads, and torsos.

Three shades stood before me.

The first was a pretty girl wearing a sequined dress and bladed shoes. Fist sized holes were punched through her chest, the markings of Garmr's bite. At the skater's side was an athletic woman dressed in a school swimsuit. Coils of spectral water rolled around her in the form of serpents. Last was the archer. My eyes fixed upon her crooked neck. A bone bulged from beneath translucent skin.

My stomach twisted.

I had killed her. The memory popped into my head. The archer leaned upon her bow, exhausted. I rose over the roof and planted my feet in her gut. Down, she had plummeted. What had she felt in those final moments? Had tenki failed her at the last instant, sparing her the knowledge of looming death? Or had the magic fled at an earlier point, leaving seconds of terror as the concrete came ever closer?

With a soft laugh, Garmr sank into stone. Fool. I had no time for guilt. Garmr was my prey. If I let him escape there would be more than one death tainting my hands.

The shades advanced. The skater and swimmer took the lead while the archer fell back and drew her bow. That was all I allowed them. Diving forward, I hefted Gungnir. With a ruthless swing, I aimed to cut them down.

Then froze.

These were not the ghosts of beasts. These were people. The shades before me should have been standing at the edge of the Sanzu River, ready to join their ancestors. If I cut these ghosts with Gungnir, what would happen? Would their souls be gone forever more? Would they bear the hideous wounds for eternity? Would Gungnir set them free?

I did not know.

I had no experience to draw upon. I was not versed in legends and lore. I did not know how it was that Gungnir cut spectral flesh.

The shades attacked during my weakness. The skater slid forward. She flowed into an elegant whirl, her bladed shoes sweeping out in a multitude of kicks. The swimmer took my flank. Serpents of water struck with liquid fangs. The archer loosed her bow.

I dodged. My confused heart had stifled my offense, but did nothing to slow my defense. Effortlessly, I slipped through the skater's kicks. With the flash of my spear, I slaughtered both serpents. I slapped the arrow from the air.

Then hesitation was gone. If I could not use Gungnir's blade, I had its haft. With brutal force, I crushed all three shades, spectral bones snapping like twigs.

The broken spirits lit with silver fire. Before they could be reborn, I threw myself from a window.

I sailed over a side street and landed atop of a five story building. I spotted the great wolf before I touched down. The beast jumped from roof to roof, a single building ahead. I tore after him, pressing my legs to their limit. With giant leaps, I ran atop Tokyo's skyline in pursuit.

Garmr held his lead. The wolf was not limited by gravity, yet he chose to observe that mortal limit. In his backward glance, I saw delight. He offered a lupine smile. Then, in a single bound, he cleared twenty meters of space.

The sky lit on fire

Streams of magic exploded from the nearest roof. Bloody fur and spectral flesh were stripped bare by the ferocious power. Garmr's laughter boomed. The beast flew forward.

I hurried my pace.

The next building was fifteen meters taller than the last. That height, when combined with distance, was too great. But luck was with me. Michiko had left a stepping stone. Her battleship.

The aluminum craft had crashed into the building's wall. Now it protruded from the fifth floor, its nose penetrating a meter of concrete. The crew had abandoned ship. The final member was being hoisted onto the roof with the helping hand of a samurai girl.

I jumped. A stiletto heel touched the aluminum surface. I pushed off, adding six meters to my height. I sailed over the girls and landed on the building's summit.

Garmr was embroiled in battle. A cowgirl perforated his hide with the rapid fire of her six shooters. Starry explosions marked her hits, splatting ghostly blood. A whip of fire entangled his feet, causing a moment's pause. A brilliant beam cut through the beast's shoulder, boiling silver mist.

To the immortal Garmr, those wounds were no more than inconveniences. The wolf zigged and zagged as he charged the group. The erratic movements evaded a full half of the relentless assault. With a snap, he seized the ballerina then swallowed her whole.

I threw Gungnir. My spear pierced the wolf's throat.

The ballerina caught on the shaft of my spear, barely visible through the haze of ghostly flesh. I snagged the end of my weapon and threw my weight against it. The lever refused to budge. With monstrous strength, Garmr twisted, sending me skittering back.

With a glower, the wolf faced me.

"Witch," he rumbled. With that word, he jumped.

Garmr went high. I went low. The beast's muzzle reached down. Crunch. Giant teeth pierced my shadow. Shuken fractured in a shower of light.

I forced the fragments still.

With my left hand, I gripped Gungnir, my fingers centimeters from the blade. I held fast, digging my heels into the roof's surface. I consumed the remnant fantasy and made my will real. For an instant, I out massed Garmr a million to one. The wolf's momentum met my immovable force. Garmr came to a sudden stop. The beast's back bucked high. His mouth gaped with pain.

I ripped Gungnir from his neck, causing the ballerina to fall free.

Garmr's jaws snapped shut, catching her between his teeth.

Red splatted upon concrete. The ballerina's body jerked, her limbs flailing. Blood gurgled from her lips. Rage consumed me. I stepped in close and shoved my hand into the hole Gungnir had cut. With all my fury, I rejected his existence.

"Tenshi osakebi!"

Pink exploded. Garmr's jaw was blown clear off. A plume of spectral chunks rained down. The ghostly matter evaporated into silver fire. The ballerina hit the ground like a wet sack. Her bubbling gasp brought strange relief.

Garmr jumped back and landed at the roof's edge. The wolf's face was a bonfire. Garmr's incredible regeneration rebuilt the missing jaw in seconds. The wolf worked his mandible a few times before releasing a throaty rumble.

"Twice you have interfered, witch," Garmr accused. "What dives you to defend these worms? Compassion? Empathy? Such feelings are unworthy of you, spear bearer. Rape. Murder. Plunder. The strong should trample the weak. That is justice of the victor. Tell me, why do you spare these mongrels when their corpses serve your will as well as mine?"

"Corpses do a shitty job of serving, Garmr."

I rolled my shoulders, loosening stiff muscles. By silent consensus, we stopped our fight. It was a natural pause. The tick of time advantaged us both. With each passing second, my aura recovered. With it came the invincible cloak of shuken. Garmr healed. His amputated jaw was already restored, but the wound through his throat required a longer period of recovery.

The Institute made use of our respite. The battleship's crew stilled their panic. Two brave girls slipped in between us, dragging the ballerina away. The cowgirl knelt at her friend's side, her hands pressed upon the giant wounds. The remainder stood guard, ready to defend their fallen comrade.

It was an impossible wish. The ballerina's wounds were fatal. But these were magical girls. Miracles were part and parcel to their nature. Just by breathing, they rejected truth and imposed illusion. The cowgirl's spirit was strong. Her wish was potent. Her shuken fused with that of the ballerina, imposing life where there should have been death.

The bleeding slowed.

My dread did not ease. Reality would win in the end. The fantasy would fall. When it did, the ballerina's fate would decided. For good or for ill. Nothing could change that.

My eyes returned to Garmr.

"So yours is the will of the conquerer," Garmr mused. The beast prowled to the side. "A worthy title for the bearer of Gungnir. But the warrior's right is written blood, witch. Do not think you can rule through mercy. If the land is not fed the flesh of your enemy, your kingdom will fall barren and desiccated."

I strolled with Garmr, circling the beast. The battleship's crew backed away. The girls trembled at our presence, ants caught between titans. Only Michiko was unmoved. Her steel blue eyes were sharp as knives.

"What worth is a castle if no stones are standing?" I retorted. "I cannot build a kingdom by murdering my subjects. These girls are the Institute. Without them, I would be conquerer of nothing."

"They are unbroken, witch. They defy you. They seek to shatter your spirit and weaken your will. If you do not feast upon them, they will feast upon you," Garmr countered. "Grind them into the earth. Break their bones. Crush their hearts. Only when they quiver at your every breath can you be called queen."

"Candidate Saotome has already negotiated her position," Michiko interrupted. "The terms are set. Excess casualties are both unnecessary and inefficient."

"Diplomacy," Garmr spat. "A weakling's tactic and ruler's duty. Tell me, witch, do you dream of a bloodless war? Will the false goddess go unhindered?"

"I am not so naive, Garmr," I proclaimed. "No war is without consequence. As for Artemis. She dies. For her, I will allow no other outcome."

"Finally, the eyes of a killer," Garmr rumbled. "But I shall not fight as you wish, witch. I am Garmr, son of Fenrir. Death and slaughter are my nature. I will feast upon the weak. I will strew their bones across this land. Unless cowed by your fearsome strength, I will devour all that you hold dear."

"No, you will not," I declared. Faint light rippled around me, pink was tinted by malice. Thin fibers spread from my dress. Like tiny fingers, they stretched toward the beast, eager to eat his soul. "Because I am going to kill you, Garmr. And, this time, I will make sure you never come back."

"Mere words will not make me tremble, witch. Your flesh yields to my teeth. Your steel breaks upon my skin," Garmr retorted. "If you want me to bow, show to me that your threats are backed by more than conceit."

The wolf lunged. Great jaws spread wide. I flashed to the side, drawing Gungnir in a lightning cut. With deceptive speed, Garmr swerved out of range. But spear's law was not so easily escaped. The blade cut his shoulder, slicing a finger's width of meat.

Garmr surged again. But not at me.

In a blink, I realized my error. By then, it was too late. In the time it took to draw a breath, Garmr passed by my side and plowed through the loose squad of magical girls. The great wolf stopped at the building's edge and glared back.

"Come, witch," Garmr taunted with his booming voice. "Try and stop my festival of blood."

The wolf dropped into the streets below. I took his challenge. With a furious dash, I crossed half the roof in a handful of steps. Before I could dive, a voice interrupted.

"Candidate Saotome."

My heels slammed into concrete. I slid to a stop. The parapet loomed one step away. My eyes flashed back, offering the scientist a seething glare. "Save it, Michiko. I don't have time for interruptions."

Michiko approached, her chrome cannon hanging loose in her arms. With tranquil poise, the blond adjusted her glasses. A light wind brushed her lab coat, causing it to flutter.

"I concur," Michiko agreed. "It would be a grave error to ignore Garmr's presence. His existence complicates the battlefield. The resulting increase in casualties serves neither of our interests. If left unchecked, his ability to resurrect the fallen could prove catastrophic."

"All the more reason to not waste time," I shot back. "Garmr is going down. Now." I turned away and prepared to jump.

"Your approach is flawed, Candidate Saotome." Michiko's voice was sharp. "If you are to achieve victory, you must revise your tactics."

I stopped. A fierce scowl crossed my lips. I forced myself still. Damn it. Michiko was right. Garmr's regeneration was insurmountable. Even Gungnir's wounds healed with time. Mortal blows did not slow the beast. Pain was all that I could wreak upon Garmr.

There was an alternative path. I had killed Garmr before. But it was foolishness to dream of making him swallow a second tenkui ryu.

"I am listening," I relented.

I stepped away from the ledge and faced Michiko. The battleship's crew stiffened at my approach. I pointed Gungnir at the samurai girl, causing her to jump. My spear quickly swept across the rest, leaving the cowgirl and ballerina untouched.

"But first, you ladies better get your asses moving," I said, glaring at the group. "Last I checked, there were bodies scattered all over the field. Find them, pick them up, and drag them somewhere safe. And do it quick. Preferably before Garmr rips out the throats of your friends."

The crew gulped. Ashen faces turned toward Michiko, seeking her approval.

Michiko answered with a sharp nod. "You will do as Candidate Saotome ordered. Your primary mission is to secure all casualties. You are to refrain from combat, unless unavoidable. If cornered by Saotome's forces, you will promptly surrender, explain your orders, and request permission to resume. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Nishimura-sensei," half a dozen voices echoed. They faced me. "Saotome-sama."

The crew curtsied twice then rushed away. They crowded into the roof's access and ran down the stairs. I frowned at the sight. The building was six stories tall. Was that too much for them? Then what of those who had fallen from greater heights?

I grimaced. Feeling sick, I turned my eyes to the field.

The fighting had slowed to crawl.

Akina's army was hunkered down in their base. Dozens of girls were laid out on stretchers. Six silver towers had sprung from bar's ruins. The turrets bathed minions in baleful beams. A pitiful century of shikigami served as a curtain defense. The depleted demons could not be replenished. For every oni the machine created, another faded away, its life ended by the hands of time.

The wrecking crew refused the siege. Instead, Shampoo and Mousse fortified a thin alley forty meters away. Thick concrete blocks offered shelter against the Institute's ranged attacks. The remainder rested. Cologne stood watch. From time to time, the matriarch's eyes sought out Garmr.

The beast was hidden beneath the earth. There he prowled, a predator stalking his prey. Wolf minion's gathered around him, moving through the darkened spaces as they encircled the wrecking crew. Four human shades were amongst them. The resurrected dead made Garmr's approach all the more deadly.

Instead of fear, I felt relief. Cologne was tougher than old leather. Garmr would have to chew for a long time before swallowing her. The wrecking crew could handle his minions. There was plenty of time to plan things out.

"So tell me. How do I end the mutt?" I demanded.

"Garmr is a Terran spirit," Michiko began. "He existence is akin to a concept. The physical presence with which we are familiar is a manifestation. Striking that manifestation evokes no harm to the greater whole."

My eyes narrowed. "Wait. You are not telling me Garmr is immortal, are you?"

"Uncertain," Michiko replied. "The word 'immortal' has ambiguous meaning. 'Immortal' can be used to imply nothing more than a resilience to temporal degradation. Conversely, 'immortal' may designate an immunity to death. In a strict sense, the latter state is an impossibility. All things are finite. The second law cannot be defied.

"Applying the phrase 'immortal' to Garmr yields additional complications. However, if we limit this discussion to Garmr's manifestation, then yes, 'immortal' – in its most perfect form – is a relatively accurate descriptor."

I scowled. Garmr had perfect immortality. No. Michiko had said it herself, perfect immortality was an impossibility. But that did not improve my position. The sun was also mortal. Given a few billion years, it would die.

Was Garmr's immortality akin to the sun's? Was the wolf impossibly difficult to kill? Or did Garmr possess a vulnerability? I had seen the beast defeated. I had shoved a tornado down his throat. My tenkui ryu would have killed the immortal Saffron a dozen times over. Given the nature of my magic, I doubted that the phoenix would have resurrected from that.

But Garmr lived. Not a scratch remained to mark my victory.

Immortal. I had seen it myself. I had said it myself. Still, I did not want to accept the possibility.

"You said my current approach will not work. Does that mean I have to seal him? Or is there a way to kill Garmr?"

"Garmr can be killed," Michiko clarified. "Garmr is a conceptual existence. He can be modeled as two independent entities, Garmr positive and Garmr negative. Garmr negative is the discrete manifestation. It is semi-physical in nature. It can be harmed by conventional attacks. This existence, however, is immortal. All attempts to kill or seal Garmr negative will meet with failure. Temporary dissolution is the only viable result.

"Garmr positive is a self propagating wave. He is a concept omnipresent within the spiritual field of Terra. This existence is, in relative terms, mortal. If the intent is Garmr's death, it is this portion of Garmr's existence that must be targeted."

Positive? Negative? Wave? Discrete? My head span. Michiko talked theory. I needed practice. What did this mean to me?

I closed my eyes in frustration. "Can you be less academic?"

Michiko quirked her head. After a moment, she extended an arm. "Garmr negative is this."

I stared. Then it clicked. Garmr was a limb. The ghost was not an independent, living being, but rather a fragment of a greater whole. Suddenly, Garmr's immortality made sense. If my arm broke, I would not die. If my limb were torn to shreds, I would walk on. Gungnir, for all its power, was bound by this equation. If Garmr was only a piece of a whole, then the best I could hope for was death by blood loss.

Except, Garmr was not human. He possessed a formidable regeneration. His wounds recovered in the blink of an eye. No. It was greater than that. Garmr was a being that could cast aside an entire arm then grow a new one in a few short days.

It was impossible to kill Garmr through violence. His immortality was perfect. But, that did not mean that the beast could not be killed. If strength would not suffice, I had cunning.

"Poison," I concluded.

Michiko cocked her head second time. After a moment, she nodded. "Effective."

I scowled in response. "No, it is not."

Poison. On the surface it made sense. If Garmr was a limb, then by injecting poison, I could reach the beast's heart. The plan was simple and straight forward.

But there was a flaw. Unwittingly, I had tried it before. My magic was akin to a plague. My threads were designed to transform. They tunneled through the soul of their victim. They feasted upon the spiritual matter. They replicated, increasing in number.

And Garmr had survived my plague. The dose I had delivered was beyond duplication.

"Negative," Michiko disagreed. "Your strategy is sound. Theory is clear. Fundamentally, there are three methods to achieve Garmr's death. The most direct is to remove the medium of Garmr's existence. This can be achieved by extinguishing the spiritual field exuded by Terra."

"Kill the planet." I snorted. "A horrible idea."

"And impractical," Michiko added. "The second approach is to force full manifestation. That is to coerce Garmr into actualizing the entirety of his existence as Garmr negative. This would make Garmr a true discrete entity, and thus vulnerable to conventional tactics."

"Ah!" I said, grasping it instantly. "Basically, instead of fighting Garmr's arm, I fight the body. I like it."

"Unworkable," Michiko reproved, shaking her head. "The approach is sound but the numeric requirements are exorbitant. To force spiritual condensation, we would need an arcane force approximately seventy-three times your capacity. Amplification of shuken is possible, but constructing the necessary machines would take an excessive period of time."

I grimaced. "And that last was poison."

"Insufficient. The last is direct assault. Garmr positive is an informational being. There are numerous ways of harming such an entity. Poison is mere a means."

I shook my head. "But poison will not work. I tried it already. When I fought Garmr a few days ago, I stuffed him full of my threads. If that did not kill him, nothing will."

Michiko nodded and pondered my data. "Logic is clear. Poison is viable," she concluded. "If the error was not one of dosage, then it must be one of delivery. The poison must afflict Garmr positive, or no damage will be dealt."

Michiko offered a plausible explanation. A poison, no matter how potent, would not kill if it did not reach the heart. That was the most basic of the basics. When bitten by a snake, the first action was to still oneself. Lower the victim's heart rate and the venom's progression will slow. If enough time was bought, the patient would survive.

In Garmr's case, the wolf could amputate the infected limb.

But could I pull it off? If I stretched Michiko's analogy, the goal would be to find a vein. Inject my threads there and they would quickly reach the heart. But Garmr was not a living being. If he were, he would already be dead. The dose I had delivered was astronomical. If the Garmr had veins, surely some of my poison would have reached his heart.

That left but one conclusion. Garmr had no such flow.

No. I was wrong. A flow between positive and negative definitely existed.

Rather than a limb, Garmr was closer to a shikigami. Energy would flow into his ghostly manifestation at the moment of creation. Additional surges would occur when his wounds regenerated or his greater magics were evoked.

But those were outflows. Arteries when I needed veins. So, when did Garmr draw power in?

Crack!

Thunder aborted my thoughts.

My eyes snapped open, flitting to the battlefield. Mousse fell. An invisible spear stabbed through his gut, leaving behind a bloody hole. The wrecking crew reacted with shock. Ukyou jumped over the wounded warrior, smashing an opportunistic wolf. Shampoo pulled back into the shadows, her gaze sweeping the streets, searching for the hidden attacker.

Only Cologne was missing from the alerted group. The matriarch fought Garmr.

It was a battle between gnome and giant. The ancient woman moved with lightning speed. With well timed steps, she floated in and out, smashing Garmr with her gnarled staff. Ki flared with every blow, shattering bone and pulverizing flesh.

Garmr laughed with delight. The beast took the matriarch's punishment and came back for more. Without Gungnir, Cologne's blows were fleeting. The old woman knew it. Her strikes sent Garmr flying. Her goal was to drag the battle out rather than to destroy the beast.

Crack! Thunder rang again. Sparks burst from Konatsu's wakazashi. Without so much as a glance, the Kunoichi shielded Shampoo from the invisible attack.

I deduced the weapon's nature. The Institute had a sniper.

"Shit," I growled, reaching for the rim of my glasses. "We are out of time." I gave the scientist a final look. "Michiko, can I ask a favor?"

"So long as your request does not interfere with my established duties, I will provide any assistance you require," Michiko responded.

"I appreciate it," I said, wearing a weak smile. I took a deep breath. "I need you to distract Garmr. Not now. I will let you know when. Can you do it?"

"Affirmative."

"Be safe," I said softly.

"I will take the necessary precautions," Michiko answered. Her steel blue eyes focused on mine. "Do you have a plan?"

"Who do you think you are talking to?"

I flashed a smirk and catapulted from the building.

Cloth wings unfolded when I reached the peak of my jump. I glided thirty meters above the battlefield. All roofs were visible save one, that of the highest tower. With a light tap, I cycled aura mode on. A violet shape was brought in sharp relief. I had located the sniper.

The Institute's sniper squatted on a lower roof, her long rifle set upon a short parapet. With sharp eyes she peered through iron sights, selecting her target.

Crack!

The gun jerked, a line of fire exploding from the muzzle. The projectile was deflected by the steel surface of Ukyou's spatula.

Shuken was cruel to ambush tactics. It guaranteed invincibility until the aura failed. A single strike, no matter how potent, would not pierce the shroud unless the sniper was backed by superior spiritual strength. Clearly, the rifle wielding girl understood that dynamic, which was why she unerringly aimed at those bereft of shuken.

But shuken was more than a personal shield. It was a presence, a dominion. Like a cloak, it could draped over others. Konatsu and Ukyou lent their aura to Shampoo. The girls took turns, switching off so that their magic would not be strained by multiple shoots.

The sniper was already neutered.

But I would not allow another attack. Flicking aura mode off, I dived.

Huh? The sniper vanished from sight. Brief confusion was followed by understanding. Invisibility. That was why the wrecking crew had failed to spot her. No matter. Gungnir would not be denied.

I threw my spear. Gungnir crossed the last dozen meters to pierced nothingness. A spray of blood indicated my hit. I touched concrete. With both hands, I seized Gungnir's shaft, hauled the sniper into the air, then slammed her against the ground.

The girl let out a blood curdling scream. The damage proved too great. Shuken unraveled. Invisibility vanished. Trembling, the girl clutched her wound with her left hand, a stain of red spreading through her yellow dress. With desperate motions, the sniper fumbled for her gun.

I set Gungnir against her neck and shook my head in warning.

The sniper gulped and released her weapon.

I walked away. I had no fear of showing my back. Her morale was broken. Her wound would consume her attention. Even if she were foolish enough to fire, shuken would cover my error. Instead, I scanned the side streets, hunting a different kind of prey.

Nothing. Nothing. More Nothing. A short hop put me on the next building. My eyes stilled. Target acquired.

Three spectral wolves pursued Carrotcake. The girl ran, her hands flopping in ineffectual terror. The flight was pointless. Carrotcake, though supernaturally enhanced, was human. The four legged canines were far faster. The wolves ran her down in seconds. The minions lunged, targeting calves and back.

"Eeeaaa!" Carrotcake tripped. The girl planted her face firmly in the ground. The absurd mistake saved her life. The wolves missed. A pair flew too high. The last slammed its muzzle into her spiked heel. The creature tumbled into a garbage can.

Carrotcake rolled to her feet. The wolves attacked again. Eyes closed and hands shaking, Carrotcake returned fire. Her aim was true. A burst of carrots obliterated the closest pursuer.

Her luck came to an end. Two of wolves made it through. The first pounced. The minion's jaws caught her wrist. Teeth shredded pale flesh. The specter's weight dragged the limb down. The second wolf seized the opening, targeting Carrotcake's throat.

My spear tore it in half.

I landed at Carrotcake's side. With a casual slash, I beheaded the minion attached to her arm. A burst of silver fire signaled the third's rebirth. Before it could so much as move, I dropped low and cut all four legs out from underneath it. The crippled minion hit the ground. Limbless, it whined and whimpered.

"Eh? I'm alive?" Carrotcake asked. "I thought I was a goner for sure."

I quirked a smile. "You're welcome."

The brown and orange dressed girl looked up. Carrotcake's eyes widened when she saw whom she was talking to. "E-e-eeaaa! S-saotome-sama, please don't kill me."

Carrotcake's arms flopped in wild fear. The attached wolf head wobbled on her wrist. I chuckled at the sight. If Carrotcake had any wits at all, she would have realized I was not here to kill her. If that were my plan, she would be dead already.

"Stand still," I ordered.

Carrotcake froze. I grabbed her wrist with my left hand and the ghost's crown with my right. The beheaded beast growled at my touch. I glared. Pink threads formed at the cuff of my dress. Strands of twine plunged into specter's skull. The worms burrowed through flesh. With a slurp, they consumed the spiritual mass.

I shivered.

The minion's magic was cold and clammy. I felt as though I had eaten rotten meat. I swallowed my sickness then dealt with the wolf impaled upon my spear. The queasiness increased. Eating these specters was dangerous, but the extra ki was sorely needed.

I glanced at Carrotcake. The girl gulped, her body shrinking. With nervous fingers, she toyed with the hem of her skirt.

I looked away and approached the last minion.

This wolf, I did not devour. I squatted at the crippled creature's side, gathering magic between my open palms. A slender thread coiled upon itself, unmei nuu ito. This was the core of my magic. A spell I had never used. The power to enslave.

A most potent poison.

My previous creations were but weakened replicas. The streamers that had danced within my tenkui ryu had lacked refinement. The wires cast by my kairai ito had been made sterile of malignant intent. This was the real thing, an insidious virus at its purest.

I distilled my power into a toxin without peer. Emotions were the cornerstone of my magic. Haigeki was rejection. It was born from hate, fear, and disgust. Shuken was subjugation. It was made of dreams, tyranny, and arrogance. To create my unmei nuu ito, I needed to renounce Garmr's existence, suppress his being, then impose my metamorphosis.

Haigeki was easy. Anger raged within me. Clear as crystal, I could see the wolf sinking his teeth into the ballerina. Again, I watched the skater's blood paint his coat crimson. I would kill the wolf. I would tear the beast apart. By my hand, Garmr would die.

Shuken was harder. It was not enough to wish the wolf changed. Unmei nuu ito mirrored my megami no ooi. The form I imposed had to resonate with my magic. How could I will such a thing? My heart already trembled with the fear that I would dominate myself.

Desperately, I scoured my soul. I found vanity. A lovely lady reflected in silver. I found strength. The unshakable resolve I felt when leaving Denial upon an altar of death. I was a girl. I was a senshi. I was Ranma Saotome.

My will lit on fire. Thick threads erupted from my dress. The filament rolled upon itself, forming a fist sized bundle. The mystic construct devoured the light. Darkness reigned around it, offset by a haunting pink illumination.

I held the ball of twine for a long moment. I stared at my creation, wondering if I should feel elation or disgust.

I grabbed the wolf. The crippled minion struggled against my strength. With my right hand, I pried its mouth open. I shoved the twine down the specter's throat. The wolf's teeth sank into skin. I ignored the pain and focused on my magic. The ball of thread wanted to unravel. I willed it still.

Trigger set, I yanked my arm free. The minion yelped. Teeth broke in my flesh.

Blood dribbled down my sleeve. The icy touch of shuken numbed my wound and stitched it closed. The minion let out pitiful whines. Curling upon itself, the creature nipped at its belly. I grabbed its muzzle. Thread sewed the snout shut.

I tucked the legless wolf under my arm and stood.

"You. Your name is Rin, right?"

"Eh?" Carrotcake noised. The wide eyed girl glanced from side to side then pointed at herself. I nodded. "That is right, Saotome-sama. Rin is my name. Rin Suzuki."

Rin Suzuki. Rin Suzuki. Silently, I repeated the words, committing them to memory. Soon, I would be Director of the Pretty Princess Institute. I had a responsibility to this girl. The least I could do was to know her name.

"Rin-chan, I have a task for you."

Rin blinked in confusion. Then her eyes widened. Snapping to her feet, Rin offered a military salute. "Of course, Saotome-sama. I am always ready to follow a senshi."

I snorted. "Good. Then-"

"W-wait!" Rin shouted. The girl waved her hands in furious denial. "I didn't mean it! I take it back! I can't help you, Saotome-sama. You are an enemy senshi." Rin drew a deep breath then slipped into a cute stance. "Prepare to die, Saotome-sama."

Gungnir rolled in my hands. The spear flashed down, stopping a dozen centimeters from her face. "We can fight, if that is what you want, Rin-chan."

"He-he-he," Rin laughed stiffly. The girl cringed back. Her shoulders slammed into the alley wall. "N-never mind that, Saotome-sama. I was only kidding." Tears welled in her eyes. "Please don't kill me."

I sighed and set Gungnir against my shoulder. "Relax. I just want you to pass a message to Akina. Tell her I want to talk to her."

"R-really?" Rin asked. The girls suddenly snapped back to attention. "I mean, of course Saotome-sama! Right away, Saotome-sama!"

The orange and brown dressed girl rushed away. An instant later, Rin skidded to a stop. "Sorry!" she squeaked. The girl quickly curtsied, then dashed from the alley a second time.

I smiled. The light feeling vanished quickly.

Akina would not be swayed by Rin's words. The Institute's general had a war to win. The best I could hope for was that, when I approached, Akina would listen. But that came later. Next, I had to talk to Cologne. Before that, I had to distract Garmr.

The great wolf could not be allowed to see the minion tucked under my arm.

It was time to call Michiko. "Tenshi osakebi."

A lance of pink shot through the sky. The bullet passed over the building Michiko occupied. The broken battleship lifted from the roof. Sluggishly, it turned toward Garmr. Screeeeeeee! A pair of white hot cannons ripped through the the beast.

Garmr trembled, his form a roiling body of silver mist. The wolf growled his displeasure but refused the bait. Instead, the beast lunged for the tiny matriarch. Cologne's staff twirled. A whirlwind of ki deflected Garmr to her left. The wolf rolled across pavement, his padded feet struggling to stop his tumble. Screeeeeeee! Screeeeeeee! More beams pierced the beast. Garmr lurched to his feet.

"Enough!" Garmr roared. "Again you dare to interrupt my battle. I will wrench from the sky, woman. I will cast your broken body to the earth. Then I will devour you, slowly, so that all will know my rancor."

Cologne forgotten, the wolf surged into the air. Flame spewed from the back of Michiko's battleship. Her craft hurtled forward. Garmr struggled to keep up. His task was made all the more challenging when Michiko's cannons swiveled on their pivots and opened fire.

Screeeeeeee! Spears of light pierced Garmr. The beast roared with pain.

The chase was on. The immortal Garmr pursued with a furious persistence. At first, the wolf's quest appeared hopeless. Then the battleship's afterburner went silent. The gap between Michiko and Garmr shrank. The beast would win this match.

"Cologne!" I yelled, running onto the battlefield.

With her foe fled, the matriarch slumped. Cologne clutched her staff. The gnarled wood was all that held her up. The bastion of infinite strength was gone. Instead, I caught glimpse of the venerable woman hidden beneath.

"Son-in-law," Cologne croaked.

"Are you okay?" I asked, softly.

Cologne let out a weary chuckle. "It appears that my bones are too frail for long battles. Though it hurts my pride, I am thankful for your presence. If you were but a minute later, I would have met my end."

"Sorry. I didn't mean to leave you alone for so long," I apologized.

"No matter," Cologne dismissed. The aged woman dragged herself to her feet. Through sheer will, she dismissed her exhaustion. "It was my foolishness to tangle with such a beast. Tell me, how goes our war?"

"As well as can be expected. Akina has locked herself in her castle. It is Garmr who has me worried."

"Yes, that wolf has made nuisance of himself," Cologne muttered.

I glanced at the sky. The distance between Garmr and Michiko had been reduced to mere meters. Michiko preformed a twisting dive, dragging the beast low so that he flew over the Institute's base. Six silver towers opened fire. Garmr howled in pain. A dozen bolts of magic shot from the fortress adding to the barrage.

The wolf retreated, diving into a building. Michiko's ship stopped. The aluminum craft bobbed in place for a few seconds before taking up the pursuit. I grimaced. For Michiko's sake, I had to talk fast.

"I am out time," I said, dropping the minion at the old woman's feet. "Cologne, round up Garmr's minions. Pile as many as you can in one spot. Put them somewhere obvious, but not too obvious. This one goes in the middle." I stopped and gave a judging look. "Can you pull it off?"

Cologne poked the legless wolf with her wooden staff. "I see," she said, nodding to herself. "A risky gambit, son-in-law. Do not fear. I had the foresight to confiscate the last three seals from those children. I will put them to good use."

The ancient matriarch grabbed the wolf by the scruff of its neck. Cologne pogoed her way over the exhausted wrecking crew. My troops stirred, but did not rise at her presence. All of them were content to rest upon the ground.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Cologne pounded her staff against the road. "Get up you lazy lay abouts. Letting an old woman do your fighting, shame on you," she barked.

With a groan, the wrecking crew stood. Only Mousse remained seated. The boy's white robe was soaked with crimson. Still the Joketsuzoku warrior shifted his glasses and gave the old woman his attention.

"I will handle this rabble," Cologne said, addressing me. "Do you need anything else?"

"No," I answered. "I need to talk to Akina. But I can't have any of you with me when doing that. If I have the crew at my side, I will look insincere."

"I see," Cologne said. Her ancient eyes focused on me. "Good hunting, son-in-law."

I nodded. "To you as well."

There were multiple approaches to the Institute's base. The quickest and most obvious was through the front. The slowest was from above. Time aside, an aerial assault held the advantage. It narrowed my period of exposure, reducing the effectiveness of the Institute's ranged attacks. It offered the element of surprise.

I chose that path and prayed Michiko would hold out.

The battlefield was silent. The heavy fighting had ended a while ago. The Institute's overwhelming superiority was gone. Akina had, roughly, a dozen functional fighters. Her attempts to restore her shikigami had garnered no more than a century. The Institute's forces were reduced to a fifth.

With such limited strength, Akina was unable to resist my approach. If I had tried this tactic earlier, her forces would have hounded my steps. Scores of shikigami would have been dumped onto the roofs. Gunships would have hammered my position. Magical girls would have added to the fire.

Instead, there was a chilling quiet. Screech of Michiko's cannons was the only sound that broke stillness. The emptiness was unnerving. Dozens of buildings were devoid of life. Tokyo's police force had evacuated the inhabitants. Looking over my shoulder, I could see the rows of flashing lights. The strangeness struck me. We were trashing the city. Why would they stand aside?

But stand aside they did. I was grateful for it. In this warzone, three parties were one too many. To add a fourth would generate death and chaos on scale I could not hope to contain.

I reached the summit of the building adjacent to the bar. I chuckled. Operation heaven drop, my aborted tactic, lived again. A grimness replaced the levity. I was about to jump into the heart of the Institute's force. A great deal could go wrong.

Don't lose now, Ranma.

I raised a foot. Wisps of pink energy swirled around my leg. I stomped. A bolt of haigeki erupted from my heel. The roof shattered beneath me, dropping me into the floor below. My aura increased its intensity. Lengths of thread flowed through my ki. A whirlwind whipped around me only to be sucked into Gungnir.

"Tenshi ittou."

The mystic blade carved cement like butter. An angular block began to slide toward the Institute's base. I hit it with a blast of haigeki. Concrete burst into rubble. I exploded forward, hiding in the shadow of the falling debris. The roar of my ki grew ever greater. Gungnir drank deep, drawing energy until the spear seethed with my spiritual force.

Screeeeeeee!

Six turrets opened fire. White hot matter sprayed across the wreck of rock and rubble. Weak beams failed to pierced my cover. Instead, they heated the stone into a mess of magma.

I set the toe of my shoe on fiery concrete. Smoke sizzled. I pushed off. I rose above the rubble, my leap magnified by the airfoils growing from my back. The Institute woke to my assault. Girls answered Akina's call. Lines formed. Chaos gave way to order.

The auto turrets glowed. A few more seconds and they would unleash their fury again. Dust and rock bounced off an invisible barrier. A spectral wall separated me from the Institute. My cover was gone.

With all my strength, I hurled Gungnir.

The spear became a beam of light. A streak of pink penetrated the barrier. The wall shattered like glass. The weapon refracted. Gungnir's law was in effect. Empowered by my magic, the spear cared little that I knew nothing of my target. If it needed to, Gungnir would reject the world itself and strike true.

Thung! Gungnir quivered. A third of the weapon was visible, the rest was buried in a silver device. Giant bolts of lightning exploded. Girls screamed, electrocuted by the discharge. The generator went silent. All six turrets died with it.

I touched ground.

The Institute attacked.

A sneakered foot flashed across my nose. I snagged the ankle of an athlete in red bloomers. I whirled. The athlete crashed into the gathering mass. A maid lunged in, her mop slashing down. I stepped back. Soft cloth whipped across my chest. The maid followed with a thrust, I slid around it and replied with a lightning fast fist.

The maid's shuken held. With grace, she drew back. Her pole arm twirled. A wide slash swept across my neck. I dropped and kicked her legs from underneath her.

Carrots ripped through my shadow. A pillar of ice exploded at my feet. Violet motes whirled around me. Mucus thickened. My nose became a plug.

I cavorted in the chaos. "Truce! Truce!" I cried.

The maid and athlete regained their feet. Rin flanked me. Lilac twirled her rod, summoning a bed flowers.

Akina took the fore. "And why should we agree to a ceasefire, Saotome, when you have been so kind as to place yourself in our care?"

Despite Akina's words, the Institute backed off. The violet motes vanished. The maid and athlete stepped back. The Institute encircled me. Fourteen girls and a hundred shikigami cut off escape. Akina positioned herself between me and Gungnir.

"And while we are fighting, how many girls will you lose to Garmr?" I challenged.

"Senshi take precedence, Saotome-chan," Kamiko said briskly. The psychiatrist pushed her way to the front of the crowd. "The Director's feelings on this matter are quite clear. She is willing to exchange a number of lives for victory."

I scowled. Kamiko was right. Artemis would gladly sacrifice ten or even twenty girls to get her way. In her eyes, the bulk of the Institute was disposable trash. I, on the other hand, was a fundamental component to the Director's plan. No. My importance had become irrelevant. Artemis's pride demanded that she crush the knight that had betrayed her.

"Forget about the Director," I dismissed. I glared into the woman's hazel gaze. "How many girls are you willing to sacrifice?"

"Please spare us the accusation, Saotome-chan. You know quite well that we cannot defy the Director," Kamiko replied. Her hawk-like eyes narrowed. "Besides, this argument is extraneous. After considering your earlier speech, I have concluded that you are key to Hecate's strategy. Whatever our personal feelings may be, when it comes to a battle determining the Institute's existence, I am compelled to accept any number of casualties."

"This isn't about the Institute's existence and you know it," I shot back. "And if a senshi is your highest priority, what about her?"

I pointed at the sky. Michiko's battleship streaked overhead. Screeeeeeee! Lines of white fire cut through the heavens. The great wolf Garmr, dived low, vanishing through the roof of a building. The weapons wasted themselves on the concrete. A second later, the beast burst from the structure's side. Garmr's great maw closed on the aluminum craft, tearing off the entire backside.

Without flight support, the battleship crashed into the street below.

"That idiot!" Akina cursed.

Without hesitation, the black bodiced idol, turned and grasped Gungnir. Akina yanked the spear from the generator. She tossed the weapon my way. I snatched it from the air.

"Akina," Kamiko said sternly.

"I am not going to watch Michiko get killed," Akina snapped. Her violet eyes whirled on me. "Saotome, you better help me or I swear I will kill you."

Without waiting for my answer, Akina sprinted away. I followed. The Institute's forces parted, refusing to bar my path. Akina had the lead, but my superior speed quickly put me at her side.

The battleship had smashed into the ground then plowed into the lobby of a building. The silver machines built into the aluminum frame exploded. B-boom! A sonic wave hit my chest. Pillars of blue flame licked the sky, then dwindled into more natural fires.

Michiko lay on the street, her back pressed against a light pole. During the final moments of descent, she must have separated from her craft. Her lab coat was splayed open, revealing bloody skin and silver swimsuit. The scientist tried to sit.

Garmr pounced. The colossal wolf's jaws were wide enough to swallow a car. He chomped down. Yellowed teeth hit the spectral surface of Michiko's barrier. With icy calm, Michiko dragged her chrome cannon close then fired.

Screeeeeeee! The beam cut through Garmr's throat and out his hind. The beast dissolved into silver flame. Like a phoenix, he was reborn. Undeterred, the wolf lunged again.

An angelic voice rang out. Akina sang with rapid notes. Six acoustic bullets formed at her side. The projectiles smashed into Garmr, sending him rolling across the street. A moment later, we came to a stop, half a meter from the downed Michiko.

Akina stooped at the scientist's side. Gently, the idol set her hands on Michiko's shoulders.

"You okay, Mi-chan?" Akina asked.

"Negative," Michiko answered. The blond's voice was strained. "My left humerus and clavide are shattered. Four ribs are fractured. My right tibia is bruised. I am no longer combat capable."

I snorted laugh, amused by her rigor. "She will be fine," I translated.

Akina draped Michiko over her shoulder. She stood. The taller Michiko leaned on the smaller woman. Those two were going nowhere fast.

Akina's violet eyes pierced me. "I thought you were smarter than this, Saotome."

"Candidate Saotome's resources were limited," Michiko defended. "I volunteered my assistance."

"Shut up, Mi-chan," Akina snapped. "You do not have the experience to make that judgment. Saotome does." Akina's glare shifted back to me. "What were you thinking? You knew Michiko could not hold off Garmr."

"I was thinking of all the girls that would die if I did nothing," I returned. My eyes flashed. "Or do you only care about senshi?"

A heavy chuckle stopped our debate.

"A spat between witches. Did your alliance fade so quickly?" Garmr rumbled. The beast prowled forward, his huge bulk dominating the street. "Shall I fight three witches at once? Or will you tear yourselves apart before I can devour your tiny number?"

Akina glanced my way while keeping wary eyes on the wolf. "What is the plan, Saotome?"

Motioning for silence, I faced the wolf. There were ten meters between us. For Garmr, that distance measured a single lunge.

Keeping my spear at the ready, I took in the field. The broken bar was at my back. The Institute's fortress provided poor shelter. The barrier was gone. The turrets were inactive. Without those tools their position was indefensible.

Past Garmr, hidden within an alley, was the wrecking crew. Ukyou carried her spatula like a bat. The chef wanted to rush out into the street. Cologne held her at bay. The ancient matriarch whispered harsh words into Ukyou's ear.

The rest of the crew was worn to a nub. Shampoo watched from the alley entrance, her wounded arm wrapped in lengths of torn cloth. Her hammers sat within reach. Mousse had found the strength to stand. The boy was at Shampoo's side, looking like a pillar of strength. A lie. I had seen Mousse's injury. He could provide little more than a well timed knife.

Emiko had hit her limit. Tenki had collapsed. The plain clothed girl wrung her hands fretfully. Konatsu placed herself at Emiko's side. With sword bared, the kunoichi's sharp eyes searched the battlefield for hidden predators. Her shuken provided cover to the entire squad of warriors.

At the mouth of the alley were Garmr's minions. The spectral wolves were piled in a giant mound then wrapped in chain. A triplet of ofuda gave Mousse's steel the power to touch their ghostly flesh. The minions squirmed within their cage, unable to escape.

Everything was in order.

My attention snapped back to Garmr.

"I have no intention of allying against you, Garmr," I answered. "What I have negotiated is the removal of these irritating obstacles. I am tired of being interrupted."

"You put aside your war to fight me?" Garmr's laughter boomed like thunder. "What joyful tiding. I accept your duel, witch. Let us dance the dance of death."

I glanced over my shoulder. "Akina, take Michiko somewhere safe. Keep your girls out of this fight. We can finish our war after I end Garmr."

"Yes, run worthless monkeys. You are of no interest to me."

The great wolf set himself on his hind. Garmr's golden eyes glared his fury. The beast's wrath filled the field, seeking to drive away all obstructions.

Akina adjusted her companion then started the journey back to her fortress. "The Institute will stay its hand, Saotome. But when Garmr falls, our fight continues."

"I never thought otherwise."

"Of course not," Akina said, tossing her hair. "You are a beast, Saotome. You would never think to end a war by sharing your heart." The idol's ruby lips curved into a smile. "Take care, kohai. If you die, who will sew my uniform?"

I snorted.

Again, Akina pushed to make me more feminine. No. That was not what she wanted. What Akina desired was to share with me her love of girlish things. The senshi are my sisters. The brainwashed thought echoed through my head. I was not the only one the Institute had twisted.

But was a false feeling so terrible? And if so, why not make it real? Sisters. I smiled. I could live with that.

"Don't worry, senpai. When I am director, I will put aside some time to help you with that cutesy uniform. Who knows, I might even let you shove a few of my girls into it."

Michiko glanced back. Her steel blue eyes narrowed. "No loose ribbons," she warned.

I smirked. "Definitely not."

Michiko and Akina limped away. The street cleared. Garmr and I remained. The girls of the Institute gathered at the edge of the broken bar. The wrecking crew found seats at the mouth of the alley. All eyes were on the brewing fight.

Garmr paced around me. The beast's head was low and its lips peeled. Long rows of sharp teeth glistened in the sunlight. I circled with him, resting Gungnir against my shoulder. I walked with a lazy strut.

When the wolf made no move to strike, I extended an arm and made a come hither gesture.

"What are you waiting for, pup?"

"I am merely contemplating how best to eat you, witch," Garmr said in a low, rumbling voice. "Should I rend you with my teeth? Should I trample you with my feet? No. For a dish so delicious, only one thing will do. I will take you with a single gulp!"

Garmr lunged.

The beast crossed ten meters in a single leap. His mouth gaped, his throat an eternal abyss. I sprinted under, drawing Gungnir in a wicked slash. Garmr had seen this ploy before. Before Gungnir's steel could touch, he dissolved into mist.

Garmr's ghostly form touched ground behind me. With mighty teeth, he struck at my rear.

I flipped back. Crunch. Garmr's muzzle closed centimeters short. The ridge of the wolf's head slammed into my shoulder blades. I tumbled over crimson fur. Heels touched ground near Garmr's back. The wolf twisted upon himself, his maw spreading wide for another bite.

An opening. I drew my spear in a vicious slash. Gungnir cut a crescent arc. Spectral blood exploded from the back of the wolf's right foot.

Garmr stumbled. That slight pause was all I needed. I jumped back, clearing a dozen meters. Garmr slowed his charge. With a growl, the beast tested his injured foot.

"You seek to cripple me, witch?" he accused.

"And, when I am done, I will butcher you like a pig," I asserted. I returned Gungnir to my shoulder and made a show by yawning. "Now hurry up and call your minions. If it is just you, I will die of boredom."

Garmr's thunderous laughter shattered glass. "And you named this a duel. If it is your wish to fight me at my greatest, witch, I shall grant it. Aroooo! A-a-roooo!"

The heavens trembled when Garmr howled. The beast did not wait for his call to be answered. Before the last echo could be heard, he charged.

Garmr was joined fiery wisps. Wolves, both great and small, lunged as one. The minions leapt high. Garmr dived low. The great beast sank into the earth beneath me.

I backpedaled, cutting the specters from the sky. Garmr erupted from the ground at me feet. The colossal beast was a second too slow. Nimbly, I dived to the right, the stench of Garmr's rotting breath rolling over me.

I retreated further, drawing my foes toward my poisoned package.

Arrows whistled through the wind. Shuken covered my surprise. Gungnir snapped out, shattering projectiles in midair. A figure skater flashed across my view. Bladed shoes glided over concrete as though it were ice. The shades of the dead had joined the fight.

The skater closed, opening with a series of beautiful leaps. Crescents of ice were carved by her elegant kicks. Projectiles slashed through my shadow, sheering sparks of pink from my aura. The swimmer was at my rear. Watery serpents slithered across the ground, spewing spears of high velocity water. Homing arrows added to the chaos. The projectiles flew high and wide, arcing in from all sides.

Garmr's minion's increased the pressure. The wolves made cautious lunges, nipping at heels and calves when I turned my eyes. The opportunistic strikes disrupted my rhythm.

But, of all threats, it was the colossal beast to which I gave my attention. I tracked Garmr. The wolf flew high. He traced an aerial loop then rushed down upon my head, a spectral meteor targeting my position.

I cast Gungnir. The spear buried itself in his eye.

Garmr howled. Blinded by pain, he fell to the earth. Without hesitation, I stole the offense, praying that Gungnir's blow would prevent counter attack.

The skater flew at me. She rose in a magnificent whirl. I slipped under her bladed boots, weaving hands around silken legs. Lengths of ribbon entangled the skater, forming a cocoon of cloth. She tumbled, her spin aborted by the thread that bound her head to toe.

I danced on. With the swish of my hand, I snagged a pair of arrows. Twirling right, I threw the projectiles. The sacred spears took the swimmer's snakes in the neck. Explosions of purifying light dissolved them instantly.

Garmr smashed into concrete. The ghost's form melted into mist. Gungnir did not. The spear's blunted end met asphalt. The blade was driven beast's back, drawing blood for the entire length.

I reached for my weapon. Slender threads of black and white wrapped the haft. With a jerk, I brought it near.

With spear in hand, I became a whirlwind. Quick slashes cut a score of arrows from the air. With vicious thrusts, I ripped through the spectral wolves surrounding me. Cut by Gungnir's steel, they fell forever. No silver fire offered rebirth.

Streams of water pounded my position. I slipped between the liquid lances, my shuken shuddering. The swimmer had restored her avatars.

Garmr's maw surged from the street below. The beast caught me by surprise. With infinite grace, I flipped back. Dagger-like teeth scraped my stocking clad legs. Shuken splintered in a storm of light. My mystical defense had failed.

I hit the ground, did a handspring, then landed amongst the startled wrecking crew.

"Stand off!" I warned. "I am fighting him alone."

Garmr prowled closer. The beast took care to keep me in view of his remaining eye. With a twist of his neck, the wolf bit into the massive pile of chained minions. Garmr raised his head. The lump rolled down his throat. Roaring, white fire poured through his teeth.

"To leave a weapon so potent was a grave error," Garmr taunted. "You should have destroyed my servants with your spear. Your mercy and arrogance have ruined you, witch. But your courage deserves respect. Step away from your comrades. I will honor your wish and shed naught but your blood when I mangle your corpse."

I stood tall and laughed. With bold confidence, I addressed the wolf. "Before that, answer me one question Garmr. Where do those wolves go when you eat them?"

The great wolf stilled. A slow chuckle slipped from Garmr's throat. "Sly witch, you poisoned my feed."

Tension drained from me. To slay Garmr, he had to draw my poison in. But my path had been uncertain. I knew Garmr ate his wolves. I knew that the minions underwent a mystic transformation. But I had not known whether the creatures were processed by this Garmr or the other Garmr.

I had gambled and won. Victory was mine.

"Do you acknowledge your defeat?" I challenged.

"It is as you say, witch," Garmr agreed. "Your vile curse roars through my veins. Through wicked cunning, you have slain me. Victory is yours. Now I must venture from this field and bare my fangs at your magic lest I face an ignoble end."

Garmr's remaining minions evaporated into mist. The great wolf turned his back and padded away. He made three steps before pausing. Garmr's head turned back. A giant, golden eye focused on me.

"I name you Chooser, witch." Garmr proclaimed. "Gungnir is yours by divine right. My name is yours through glorious conquest. Howl it to the heavens and I will answer. But be wary, Chooser. Mine is the path of death and destruction. I will offer no mercy. I will spare no lives. I will tear your enemies asunder and feast upon their flesh."

"I know how you work, Garmr," I replied. "Should I ever happen upon a whole lot of people I want dead, I will be sure to call. Assuming you survive."

Garmr chuckled. "Arrogant to end. Do not think that your curse will end me. I am Garmr, son of Fenrir. I will not fall to mortal magic. But should I feel my end approach, I promise you this, witch. I shall howl my doom with such fury that all gods, dead and living, will know that it was you who slew the great Garmr."

Garmr's mouth split in a broad, lupine smile. As he walked away, the shades of the Institute's fallen joined him.

"Wait!" I called suddenly. "Those girls. What happens to them?"

"These worms?" Garmr snorted. "Long ago, I would have brought them to Valhalla. There, they would have served the fool god Odin. But that old man is dead and rotted. It is no concern of mine which afterlife they choose."

A strong gust rolled over me. Silver fire was washed way. Garmr was gone.

I let out a long breath and faced the wrecking crew.

My army was in poor condition. Wounds and exhaustion had rendered half my crew useless. Only Ukyou, Konatsu, and Cologne could fight. Of those three, Konatsu was the closest to fresh. Fortunately, Akina's troops were as broken as mine.

"Let's finish this," I said.

Cologne lifted her gnarled staff. With a gentle thud, the wood tapped my skull.

"There is no we, Son-in-Law," Cologne reprimanded. "You have wasted enough strength fighting meaningless opponents. Leave this field to us. Go to the Institute. There you will find the battle that you must win."

Ha! How stupid of me. Garmr was gone. The Institute's air force was obliterated. If Akina marched on the Pretty Princess Institute with her shattered army, she would break against Hikaru's strength. But, before that, she would have to slip past the wrecking crew.

Cologne was right. This battle was over. All objectives had been met. My job was not to finish Akina. My job was to kill Artemis.

I nodded. "Then I leave it to you, old ghoul."

"Cheeky brat," Cologne grumbled. "When I am done cleaning up this mess, I will be sure to give you a sound thrashing."

I flashed a smile and took to the roofs.

-oOo-

The Pretty Princess Institute.

The first time I had passed through its gates, I had been full of anger and arrogance. My naive confidence had been matched by my petty goals and petty fears. My heart had trembled at the thought of tenki. I had feared that I would be stuck as a woman. The prospect of defeat had not crossed my mind.

The second time I had passed through its gates, I had been broken. The Institute, in its cruelty, had destroyed me. Who was I? I had wondered. Back then, the sweet taste of freedom had brought no relief. My doom had seemed inevitable.

Now, I prepared to pass through the gates of the Pretty Princess Institute a third time.

The atmosphere had changed. The busy crossroads were barricaded by cones and flashing lights. Cavernous trenches split the asphalt. The web of broken earth cut across road, sliced through the sidewalks, then chopped buildings apart. Rubble littered the ground. The once bustling block had been abandoned.

Ahead was the source of the disturbance. Wavering in and out of reality was the hill, gate, and manor that made up the Institute. Space beat with each pulse of the world's heart. Tidal forces rippled out. The earth moaned and shifted. The ground trembled beneath me. Slowly, Akihabara gave space to Artemis's realm.

I stepped through the wrought iron gates.

Today I was neither brash nor beaten. I was resolved. I knew the dangers that lay ahead. I knew the consequence of failure. No longer did I fear for myself. I had stared, steely eyed at my girlish reflection. I had accepted the face looking back as my own. Tenki had been ground into my soul. There was no going back.

As for those precious things that Artemis could steal? My pride. My purpose. My principles. I was prepared to lose them all.

What I feared for was others. Hikaru, Syaoran, and Sakura – if I failed, all three would die. They were good people, better than I could hope to be. While I had explored China and whined about my curse, they had dedicated their lives to uprooting evil. What they asked in return was nothing. No thanks. No rewards. Just the smiles of the girls they saved.

Then there was the wrecking crew. By fighting at my side, they became the Institute's targets. Cologne had risked her tribe in order to aid me. Mousse had swallowed his hatred and wielded steel on my behalf. I owed them a debt. For their sake, I had to win.

But, above all else, what drove me was the Institute itself. Two hundred girls resided within these walls. All of them had been ripped from their families, tortured with agony, then made to serve those they should have despised. To free them, I had to become the Institute's director. Artemis had to die.

And this was my chance to make it happen.

The courtyard was in ruins. A forest of vines jutted from the ground. The soil was sunken near their roots, creating pits and valleys amongst the once flat land. Trimmed bushes had been hacked apart. Trees were burnt to ash. The cobble road was a shattered mess. The Institute's manicured lawn had become a hellscape.

The manor did not escape that fate. The eastern, school-like wing was destroyed. Two great gashes had been cut through its face. A titanic tree grew through the roof. The black branches stretched down, looking like the arms of a demon.

The western wing fared better. The building was blackened. The roof had been razed. Skeletal support beams were exposed.

Only the cathedral stood stalwart. The ancient stone bore the marks of mighty strikes. The steeple had been sheered clean off. The iron structure impaled the earth, a deadly warning only paces from the heavy, oaken doors.

The left portal was open. Two of Chiyo's servants stood guard. They curtsied as I entered.

Hikaru's crew crowded the cathedral. A brutal battle had been fought inside. The ancient walls endured. The wooden pews did not. The benches had been reduced to planks then piled up at the back of the room. Small groups lounged along the walls, tending all manner of wounds.

Near the back, just short of the throne and dais, were the priests that sustained four emperors seal. Syaoran, Sakura, Neptune, and Tuxedo faced North, South, East and West respectively. Their hands were folded. Their eyes were closed. Their lips mouthed a quiet chant.

Imprisoned at the cathedral's heart was Artemis. The caged lioness paced across polished, granite floor. Her heeled court shoes clicked with every step. The stone building echoed the sound like an amphitheater.

"This world is not ours to fashion," Setsuna spoke.

The woman's back faced me, her voluminous green hair obscuring her features. Her dark boots rested on the rim of the vine and moon sigil emblazed on floor. A silver, key shaped staff hung loose in her hand.

A few paces away, a blond haired senshi lounged on a propped up pew. Uranus amused herself by carving a crude figure with her sword. The blond glanced up when I entered. Uranus flashed a lewd smile, then returned her attention to the hunk of wood. A metal briefcase sat at her feet.

"Not ours to fashion?" Artemis scoffed. The elegant queen sneered down upon the green haired woman, as though she were scolding a child. "You forget your duties, Hecate. Serenity named you regent. The Moon Kingdom is our responsibility. As are all its holdings. Not only is this world ours to fashion, it is our obligation to do so."

"Terra was never ours, Artemis. Even if it had been, it would be irrelevant. The Moon Kingdom is dead."

"By your hands and your choice," Artemis spat. "Do you think I am blind, Hecate? I may be bound to this prison, but I have eyes and ears. In all these millennia, what have you done? Nothing! You control the gates. It should have been trivial for you to coach these savages, to fashion them into an army, to make this world bend. Instead, you stood aside, idle, offering little more than passing advice.

"And do not tell me you were waiting for your princess. Her mannerism is sloven. Her education is contemptible. And her leadership is puerile. It is clear that you have done nothing to prepare her for her duties. That child is unfit for the throne."

"Throne?" Setsuna lowered her head and let loose a huff of amusement. "There is no throne, Artemis. There are no cities. There are no people. There is not so much as myth. The Moon Kingdom is gone. It is dead. Its corpse has rotted. All that is left on Luna is dust."

"While I draw breath, the Moon Kingdom will never die!"

"Then be content in your delusion, oh Queen of Dust," Setsuna proclaimed, sweeping her staff as she made a mocking bow. "But I refuse your game of pretend. I outgrew those childish antics a long time ago."

I cast my eyes over the crowd. I spotted Hikaru leaning against a marble pillar. The sandy haired blond's face was a purple mess, and his right arm was wrapped in white bandages.

I took a seat next to him and snagged the roll of gauze.

"You guys look pretty banged up," I commented. With soft thump, I set a duffel bag at my side. "Everything in order?"

Hikaru glanced around. Half his crew was injured. Chiyo's girls were at least as scuffed. The sight left me ambivalent. If Akina appeared, the battle might not be as one sided as I had hoped.

"Damn, we do look like shit," Hikaru said, as though noticing for the first time. "Don't worry about it kid, everything is in hand. The Institute's girls are locked up nice and tight over there in west wing."

I frowned, remembering the open roof. "And they can't get out?"

Hikaru answered with a shrug. "Magic. Whatever spell Artemis put on that place is still intact. No way in. No way out. Well, except that door over there. But, with Chiyo and Fumio camping on it, I doubt anyone has the guts to try."

My eyes were drawn to the west wall. Fumio sat on a broken bench a meter from the door. The dark haired boy watched the portal with gleeful anticipation. A dozen plastic bottles were stacked at his side. No doubt, if the door were to open, he would kill first and ask questions never.

Chiyo took a more relaxed approach. The tiny girl rested against a stone wall. Her tenki had been abandoned and her ruffled, green dress set aside. Cute, powder white lingerie lured my eyes. The loveliness of silk against skin was offset by the lengths of gauze peeling from Chiyo's belly. A servant knelt at her master's side, tending the hole punched through Chiyo's gut.

The wound Gondul dealt had yet to heal.

Chiyo perked up. Her face split in a shameless smile. The chocolate haired girl waved at me then started to rise. The flustered servant held her master down.

My gaze returned to Hikaru.

"What happened to you, then?" I asked. I gave a teasing smile. "Did you try to stop a bull with your face?"

"I wish," Hikaru grumbled. The older man scratched the back of his head, his expression sheepish. "I was doing great until we caught the Director. Then I had a dumb ass idea. I said hey, Hikaru, why don't you just hop on in there, pop a cap in her, and call it a day?"

To emphasize his point, Hikaru waggled his weapon in front of me. It was a pump action shotgun. The steel barrel was shaved off, reducing its length in half.

"That woman, I shit you not, has a god damned shield." Hikaru scowled at the ground. "My story gets pretty pathetic after that. Artemis beat the living crap out of me. Broke my arm. Nearly broke my face too. I suppose I should call myself lucky. Chiyo sent that Kodachi girl in to soften the her up. Artemis gutted her like a fish."

Hikaru nodded in the direction of the gothic lolita. His eyes dimmed at the sight. Kodachi was propped against a wall. Dark lace matted against her skin. A pool of blood formed under her dress. Shallow breath was all that reveled her waning life. Not a soul tended her. Tenki remained in place. Given how shuken disguised wounds, I could only imagine the horror hidden beneath.

I moved to stand. Hikaru set a hand on my shoulder. The blond shook his head.

"She's delirious, kid. When I went to her, she damn near killed me," Hikaru said softly. "I know it ain't right, but you best stay away. You get hurt and it is all for nothing."

"She's dead, isn't she," I whispered.

Hikaru closed his eyes and nodded. "Yeah. She's a regular zombie. When tenki goes, so will she."

With a sick grimace, I sat back down. A spark of fury ran through me. I found myself glaring at Artemis. The impatient queen prowled the four emperors seal. She was waiting. Waiting for the magic to fall. And, when it did, she would kill us all.

"How much longer can we hold her?" I asked.

"I don't know. A couple of hours I guess?" Hikaru leaned back, resting his head against cold stone. "They've been swapping me in and out. Gives everyone a chance to shit and piss."

I closed my eyes. A couple of hours. Plenty of time.

I pulled the duffel bag close. A month ago this same canvas container had been stuffed full of feminine garments. The sight of the pretty pink dress had left me paralyzed. I had questioned myself. I had challenged my resolve. Now I stood on the other side of the mirror. The feeling was different. Back then, I had been staring at my future. Today, I said goodbye to the past.

I took a metal thermos from the bag. Faint warmth seeped through the flask's wall. I unscrewed the lid. Hot water spilled over my skin. My body shifted. Breasts melted. Fingers thickened. Corded muscle gained mass. My height increased. My clothes became uncomfortably tight.

I worked the buttons of my blouse. I stripped the shirt then fumbled with my bra. Hikaru's gaze made me self conscious. I flashed an annoyed glare, glad I had resisted the urge to wear a skirt.

"You know what the worst part about this curse is?" I grumbled. "The clothes. No matter what I do, I look like an idiot when I change."

"Sorry, kid, I didn't mean to stare," Hikaru apologized. "But I have to ask, can you fight? That is a mean looking wound you got there. Remember, when you're in the Thunderdome, you won't have tenki covering for you."

A hole as wide as a knuckle was cut through my chest, courtesy of a spectral rapier. The blade had narrowly missed my vitals. A few centimeters to the right and I would be breathing through a tube. And that was merely the worst of my wounds. My right shoulder had been dislocated then slipped back into place. Dozens of bruises decorated my skin. A score of scratches were revealed in red. My worn muscles felt like lead.

I hid my weakness. This was not the first time I was forced to fight when far from fresh.

"This?" I snorted. "A flesh wound. Wrap it a few times and it is as good as gone."

"Yeesh, kid, even the man of steel would be bawling from a wound like that." Hikaru shook his head in disbelief. "So, any special reason you're going as a guy. Looking for an edge? You know, more muscle and all that."

I drew the gauze around my chest, wrapping my wound. I kept the layers light. When fighting Artemis, I would need my mobility. At worst, this hole would drain my blood and strength. The Director's steel would cut me in half.

"More like a last hurrah," I explained. I patted the bag at my side. "I prepared this ahead of time. I am glad I did. Artemis's senshi negotiated a few terms I was not expecting. Between those and tenki, this might be my last shot at manhood."

"Shit. I never thought I would hear you say that."

"Neither did I." With a jerk, I tore the bandage. I tied it in place. Releasing a breath, I fell back. My head hit the cathedral wall with a hard thunk. "But I am sick of fighting. I have been at war with this curse since day one. The damn thing taunts me. I don't know how many cures I have seen come and go.

"And now?" I let out a bitter laugh. "Now there is no point. Curse or not, I am probably going to spend the rest of my life as a girl. So I figured, instead of running away, why not run forward? No holding back. I am going to try every girly thing there ever was."

"You got guts, kid, I'll give you that," Hikaru said. The blond patted me on the back. "I hope you find what you're looking for. I would hate to see a good fellow like you get swallowed by the abyss."

"So do I," I replied.

I stared at the ceiling. Little fires were held by elegant, crystal chandeliers. The cathedral's beauty was mesmerizing. As tainted as my memories were, I decided I would preserve this place. The throne would have to go, but the cathedral as a whole was too wonderful to waste.

"To tell the truth, it scares the hell out of me. A part of me is always screaming: 'This is the wrong road, Ranma.' I try tell myself it doesn't matter. That being cute is not a bad thing. It never works. My guts lurch. I freeze up. I have to force myself forward. When I do, the fear strikes again. I worry that I am going too far. But, so what if I go too far? If I can know my feelings well enough to say 'I hate this', then I have found a measure of myself. If I end up loving who I become?" I quirked a smile. "Then I suppose I will be an adorable angel."

"And there will be no shame in it, either. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise." The blond gave a teasing smile. "Say, does this mean I can start hitting on you?"

I gave Hikaru a nasty look then punched him in the face.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Hikaru whimpered, clutching his cheek. "Shit. You didn't have to hit so hard. I am a wounded man, remember."

"Quit your whining, or I will cash in my second rain check," I said, shaking my fist at the man. My light smile faded. Again, my eyes found Artemis. "You fought her, right? Any tips?"

"The Director?" Hikaru noised, rubbing his bruised face. "Sorry, kid, I didn't last long enough to give her any trouble. What I can tell you is that box strapped to her hip is her shielding device."

I squinted, taking in Artemis's profile. At first glance, queen was dressed for an evening ball. A crown of silver graced her head. Her gown, embroidered in gold, brushed the granite floor. A jeweled belt gave shape to her hips. That was where the illusion ended. Sheathed on Artemis's right was a talwar, the plain hilt worn from years of use. On her left was the rectangular box Hikaru had mentioned.

"If she has a shield, how am I supposed to fight her?" I asked

"You don't need to worry about that, kid. The Director's shield only good against guns. It blocked my shotgun just fine. Even deflected a few of Kodachi's spiked clubs. But, once that girl got in close, she gave the Director a fair bit of trouble. Well, until Artemis whipped out that sword of hers anyway. After that it was shing dead. Faster than you could see."

I frowned. "But that doesn't make sense. The four emperors seal should suppress magic."

"No seal is perfect, Ranma-kun," Setsuna interrupted.

The bickering between Setsuna and Artemis had cooled. Now the Director aimed her sharp words at a bored Uranus. Setsuna sauntered my way. Her garnet eyes flickered across my chest.

"Kinzu cannot forbid the forces of nature," she continued. "Nor can it influence supernatural powers that are properly contained. Appearances aside, Artemis's barrier conforms to the laws of physics. And while the inner workings of her device do operate on arcane principles, they have been shielded from the seal's touch."

"It's a scifi machine," I said with a grimace. "Great. How many more tricks does that woman have up her sleeves?"

"Quite a few, I would imagine," Setsuna said. "In the Silver Millennium, Artemis made many enemies. I believe that there was a time when the Terrans attempted seventeen assassinations in as many months. As seals were a common tactic, Artemis developed a habit of carrying specialized weapons on her person. Alas, that paranoia has yet to fade."

"I can't say I blame her for that," I replied. "What will the playing field look like then? From what you said, I am guessing that internal magics are suppressed to a lesser degree. Artemis's spiritual power is greater than mine. Will she be stronger and faster?"

"I do not believe that will be the case, Ranma-kun," Setsuna answered. "While Artemis's magic is greater in potency, it is decidedly less natural in origin. Likely, it is you who holds the advantage of physique. Do mind, however, that any edge will be slight."

I breathed sigh of relief. That was one weight off my chest. "Last question. Gungnir. What will the four emperors seal do to my spear?"

"Gungnir's law is invoked through overt manipulation of reality. Such magics will be completely suppressed," Setsuna explained. "However, Gungnir's other mystical properties – spells of sharpness and endurance – will be held in their entirety. Be warned, you are not unique in holding a legendary weapon. The sword at Artemis's side is named Katengecchi. It should not be underestimated."

I nodded and stood. I pulled a Chinese shirt over my frame. A shock of pain ran through my ribs. I ignored it and fired off a few practice punches. Air cracked with the whip of my sleeves. My movements were smooth. I was as ready as I would ever be.

"I never expected this to be easy."

With purposeful strides, I approached the Thunderdome. A continuous murmur rolled over me. Syaoran paused for a moment and took a sip of water. The green robed boy offered a solemn nod before bowing his head and resuming his chant. Setsuna stopped at my side. She set her hand against invisible space. Her lips mouthed a silent spell. The garnet ball embedded in her staff gleamed brilliantly.

The Director turned toward me. Through stature alone, she exuded a presence so heavy I was made small. Stubbornly, I squared my shoulders and stood tall.

"So the knight has come to murder her queen," Artemis proclaimed. "Though I wish to call you an honorless cur, you are nothing but a reflection of my shame. The failures of the beast are the fault of the master. I should have broken you. Instead, I let myself be deceived by the glimmer of your talent."

"Knight?" I chuckled. "I suppose that is what I am. I have to thank you, Artemis. If you had not named me senshi, none of this would be mine." I spread my arms, gesturing to the walls and ceiling of the cathedral.

"This will never be yours, filthy Terran." Artemis drew her talwar. With sharp motions, she hacked apart her dress, leaving behind a knee length skirt. "Low born hands would soil these works. This hall was made for nobility. Be grateful, wretch, for what I have granted."

"And to whom will this pass when you are dead, Artemis?" I gave a nasty smirk. "That's right. I am the next Director of the Pretty Princess Institute. I am going to murder you and take everything you own."

"If you are ready, Ranma-kun," Setsuna interrupted.

"Huh." I blinked. "Oh. Go ahead. Send me in."

"Very well," Setsuna set a gloved hand on my shoulder. In a whisper, she added, "If at all possible, relieve Artemis of her shielding device."

"Gotcha."

The four emperors seal rippled like water. The glow of Setsuna's staff intensified. The world jerked. Suddenly, I was within the prison.

I wobbled. Artemis's arm snapped up. A silvery object was held within her right hand. My mind stuttered as it sought to grasp the evolving scene. P-p-pew! P-pew! Virulent, orange streaks stabbed out. I dodged.

A sizzling bullet burned my left cheek. Another brushed my shirt, blackening cloth. Gungnir snapped into position. The steel shaft absorbed two of the five shots. The haft heated by a hundred degrees. My palms sizzled. Plasma splattered when it hit the edge of the four emperor's seal.

Click. Click.

"Useless garbage." Artemis discarded her pistol. The metallic gun skittered across the ground. In a pair of thuds, Artemis's high-heeled court shoes joined it. The queen sank into a wide stance, the hilt of her talwar held in her left hand. "As I am merciful, I will grant upon you a chance to repent. Throw yourself at my feet, child, and beg forgiveness. In return, I will break you quickly."

"I refuse."

I opened with a thrust. A jolt ran through Gungnir's shaft. My spear pierced an invisible wall. Artemis's shield was soft and heavy. It felt as though I were stabbing sand. Gungnir's mass pushed through. The spear lost no more than fraction of its velocity.

Cshink. Steel clashed against steel. Artemis closed while beating Gungnir aside with Katengecchi. Her curved blade sliced towards my face. I parried.

Cshink. Metal rang again. I swirled my spear, this time with strength. My pole hit solidified air. Wind splashed like water, generating drag. I forced my way through. Gungnir's blade slashed across Artemis's legs. I whirled. A longer stroke threatened to slice her throat.

With effortless grace, Artemis floated back. Both blows were evaded by centimeters. Faster than I could blink, the queen reversed her momentum.

Katengecchi fluttered. Glittering arcs of silver tested my guard. With lightning parries, I deflected her strokes and pushed forward. The gap between us shrank into nothing. With no room left to swing, I slammed Gungnir's haft into Artemis's chest and shoved.

The Director stumbled back, her stocking clad feet slipping on the polished, granite floor. I challenged her weakness with a thrust. Cshink. Gungnir was deflected. Artemis's bearing was restored.

"You reject my clemency? Then know this, traitor. I have chosen for you a fitting fate." Artemis's royal voice was unblemished by the struggles of combat. Her talwar blurred, defeating strikes as through it were a wall. "First, Shizue shall rip out your heart. Then I shall give you to those disgusting old men you call senators. When become too soiled for their touch, I shall hand you to the dredges of society. You shall serve as a toy for the lowest of the low. A reminder to all who dare betray me that they, too, will reduced to an animal lower than a dog.

"But do not think, child, that you will know bliss. I shall take great care to preserve a piece of your soul. You will taste every shame, feel every degradation, and experience every moment of your ruin. Only when your cries cease and you cannot voice so much as a whimper will I grant you the mercy of death."

My lips curled. "You are vile," I said, voicing my disgust. "There are things no one should wish upon another."

I stabbed. With an arrogance born from skill, Artemis stood her ground. Chink. Ch-ch-chink. The Director drew her talwar into a whirl. Her spiraling weapon seamlessly deflected a torrent of thrusts. Step by step, the woman strode forward.

"I am Queen," she declared, imperiously. "On my brow rests the nation. My word is law. To defy it is spit upon the flag. A queen that allows such a travesty invites ruin. My sanctions must be met with terror. What you name evil is the fire that burns the wickedness from the hearts of men.

"Not that I expect you understand, child. You are a worm bound by blind morality. Your shallow kindness values only the lives set before you. When you save ten, a hundred die at the hands of your ignorance."

I gave ground. My spear slithered through the air. Thrust after thrust challenged Artemis's invincible guard. The queen beat them back, her pace never wavering.

"And let me guess, you would kill ten to save a hundred." I snorted. "Good and evil are not weighed on the same scale, Artemis. A murderer does not earn redemption by saving a life."

"What hypocrisy," Artemis retorted. "Is not the exchange of lives your justification for seeking my head, child? If you truly believe murder cannot be forgiven, throw down your spear."

With a crash, Artemis shredded my defense. Katengecchi flashed, cutting through air in an eerie silence. I stepped back. Steel kissed the front of my shirt, tearing fabric and drawing a line of blood. The upward stroke transformed into a beautiful, downward cut. The talwar smashed into my spear. The weight of the blow all but drove me to my knees. Artemis pressed down, trying to shatter my stance with raw force.

"I am not a fool. Enough lives can square any balance. But, unlike you, I recognize that those who kill rarely save a hundred. But the ten, Artemis, always die for sure."

I tilted my spear. Shiinnk. Katengecchi scrapped along Gungnir's shaft. I whirled to my left. My weapon whipped out. A mighty blow slammed into the Director's guard. Artemis slid a meter to the side.

"You project your ignorance, child," Artemis dismissed. "I have watched worlds rise and fall. I have seen kingdoms ground into dust. Terrans are wretched creatures. They are doomed to an endless cycle of petty war. Do not deny this. Your history is clear. The queen who refuses war receives it. The queen who conquers forges a thousands years of peace. Better to destroy this world once and be done with it."

"Even if this world needed a conquerer, it does not need you," I retorted. "When you talk, all I hear is hatred and spite. You speak of your subjects as though they should be grateful to be used and discarded. Chiyo is a monster. You are worse. She, at least, does not mistake selfishness for salvation."

I probed the queen's defense. Artemis remained serene. With relentless grace, she defeated my half-hearted thrusts.

"Tell me, child, what will you do to drag this world from its brink?" Artemis demanded.

"Nothing," I answered without hesitation.

"Nothing? And you dare to criticize me?"

With sudden fury, Artemis advanced. Her sword became silver light. Each stroke held such power that Gungnir rattled in my hands. I backpedaled, my spear whirling to keep up.

Shing! Artemis pushed too hard. Katengecchi slipped through Gungnir's wall and fell into my trap. With a sudden twist, I forced her weapon up and away. The end of my spear smashed into the woman's ribs. The Director's lungs emptied. I seized the opening. Gungnir became a hurricane. With sweeping slashes, I drove the gasping queen back.

"Anointing yourself savior of the world? That is nothing but conceit," I countered. "You are Director of the Pretty Princess Institute. Your job begins and ends with this school. You want to do more? Fine. But you don't get to the dictate the terms. You don't get to choose our path forward. And you certainly don't have the right to decide who lives and who dies."

Bang!

Gungnir crashed into the ground. Granite shattered beneath my heavy spear. Like a ghost, Artemis faded around my attack. Then she was on me. Katengecchi sliced down. I jumped back, clearing two meters in my rush. Steel met flesh. Warm blood spilled from my shoulder.

Artemis flicked her wrist. A spray of crimson flew from Katengecchi's blade.

"You have seen these savages, child. You know they beigh like sheep, unable to choose their fate. Their leaders are swine, greedy mongrels that think themselves wolves. If we do not choose for them, who will?" Artemis sneered. "But I do not need to justify myself. I am Artemis Serenity Silvervine. To choose life and death was my right by birth. Question my will as you wish, wretch, but know it is by my mercy that I save this world when it so clearly deserves destruction."

Artemis flashed forward, her talwar cutting a gorgeous arc. Cshink. I rolled my spear, diverting her lunge. We separated, reversing sides. I twirled. A lightning thrust threatened to skewer Artemis's heart. The woman leapt back. My spear's broad blade cut from her side a centimeter of flesh.

"The excuses of a corpse mean nothing to me," I said. I whirled Gungnir and circled the woman.

Artemis walked with me. She touched her bleeding ribs. The Director glanced at her fingers then dismissed the wound with a huff.

"A lucky stroke. Your ego exceeds your competence, child," Artemis chided. "I tire of these games. Exchanging words with a Terran is pointless. Your mind is too dull to see the truth. I will teach your body instead. I will show it how meaningless it is to challenge a millennia of mastery with a mere decade of experience."

The tension in the room shifted. For all the ferocity, the blows we had traded were nothing more than a warm up. The clash of steel had shown us our limits. We now knew how the seal suppressed our strength. We had learned the depth of our techniques.

The game had ended.

In an instant, the Director claimed the offense. She dived forward, Katengecchi dancing through the air like a heavenly light. Artemis's skill was peerless. My heart stilled at its beauty. For all my life, I had dreamed of the day that I too would wield an art so sublime.

I met her steel with my own. Gungnir span in my hands, my mastery made crude when faced by Artemis's perfection. Her swordsmanship was strong yet subtle. The clean strokes generated an undeniable force. The impossible gravity wrenched my guard apart. Katengecchi flashed through the gap, seeking my throat.

Cshing. Pain cut through my neck. With Gungnir's haft, I shoved the talwar aside. Blood oozed from the wound. A millimeter deeper and my artery would have been severed.

The queen retreated, stunned by her failure.

"A millennia of mastery? I can believe it. Cologne has nothing on you," I replied. I held Gungnir with cool confidence as I stalked the woman. "But, how many years has it been since you have swung that sword, Artemis? A hundred? A thousand? Like a legendary weapon left in the rain, you are all rusted up. It does not matter how great you were back then. Right now, even common steel would break you in half."

I attacked.

For all her perfection, Artemis possessed a fatal flaw. When forced to shift between combinations, she suffered an instant of confusion. Her swordsmanship was dull. The Director had not fought a real battle since the day of her imprisonment. My skill, on the other hand, was razor sharp.

Mercilessly, I capitalized on her weakness. My spear betrayed no elegance. With brutal swings, I battered her guard. With crushing thrusts, I forced her back. I placed chaos above efficiency. Patternless strokes confused her senses while heavy blows challenged her strength. Under Gungnir's weight, her sword wavered. Her movements became stilted. Mistakes compounded into errors.

Without warning, I switched styles. Force became grace. With incredible lightness, Gungnir slipped past the hilt of Artemis's sword. In a silent flash, the blade cut across her left wrist. Tendons were severed. With a cry, Artemis fell back, her talwar loose within her grip.

I lunged into the opening.

The shorter range limited Gungnir's use as a spear. I wielded it like a staff. The haft exploded up. The spear's blunt end crashed into Artemis's chest. A fumbled parry spared the Director's rips at the cost of her balance. I reversed my twirl. Gungnir cut low, sweeping Artemis's legs out from underneath her. The queen fell. I finished my twist and stabbed down.

Chink!

Gungnir's blade pierced the granite floor. At the last second, Artemis rolled to the side. The queen swung her right hand. A line of beads flew from her sleeve and wrapped Gungnir's shaft. I jerked the spear from the earth and stepped back. Artemis's whip refused to loosen.

The beads crackled. Blue light burst along their length. K-zap! Lightning discharged. Gungnir's steel shaft channeled the current. Muscles contracted. My body jumped. I stumbled back in a spasm. The stench of burnt flesh and ozone tickled my nose.

Artemis pulled herself to her feet. With the jerk of her arm, she wrenched Gungnir from my dazed hands. Through some invisible force, Artemis's rosary reeled my weapon in.

"I underestimated you, child," Artemis said, plucking my spear from the floor. "But do not be so presumptuous as to think you have won."

The beads unwound, slipping into the sleeve of Artemis's gown. The queen turned. With sudden motion, she hurled my spear at the wall of the four emperors seal. Gungnir's blade pierced invisible space. The barrier shivered. With a clatter, the weapon was sucked into the air then sent spinning toward the ceiling. There it remained, twirling end over end, well out of reach.

"What the hell?" I asked, staring in confusion.

"Do not be surprised, child. What you see is the gap our experience," Artemis said. The Director adjusted her grip on Katengecchi. Rivulets of blood dribbled off the sword's edge. "Blades of great power can cut the veil. But, if they do, the flow will drag the weapon into the space between. Your spear is lost, and you with it."

The Director tested her arm with a trio of light swings. I watched with a keen eye. Artemis held the talwar in her injured left hand. The tendons were cut. Her lower two fingers were unable to grip. The play of Artemis's sword would be reduced. So too would be speed of her stroke and the timing of her recovery.

But was it by enough? There was only one way to find out.

I lunged forward. Katengecchi blurred in answer. A silver crescent split the sky. I slipped under the stroke, the steel blade shaving dark hairs from my head. I floated up. My fist smashed into Artemis's chin.

Her head rocked back. I crushed her nose with a cross, dizzying her further. Artemis struggled to bring her talwar to bear. I pummeled her head, beating it from side to side. The Director caught my shirt and threw me back. Katengecchi flashed with finality.

Too slow.

I seized her arm, rolled under the limb, then broke it at the elbow. Ca-clank. Steel clattered to the ground. Katengecchi was freed from Artemis's grasp.

The queen twisted. Her broken arm bent the wrong way. Her shocking disregard caught me flat footed. A vicious hook smashed into my temple. I reeled. Two jabs hammered my face. My guard snapped up. A heavy fist was beaten aside. I dipped low, pounding Artemis's ribs with brutal body blows.

Steel flashed. That was all the warning I had. A small knife cut across my neck. By some miracle, I leaned back in time. My blunder left me off balance. While I struggled to right myself, Artemis plunged the dagger into my gut. A ruthless twist released an explosion pain.

Artemis jerked only to find that her weapon was stuck. With both hands, I held the dagger's hilt. I growled and slammed my right heel into the Director's instep. The bones in Artemis's foot shattered. Her grip loosened. I drove my knee into her groin.

At the same time, Artemis smashed her forehead into my face.

Both of us stumbled back. The knife was with me. I gripped the weapon with my right hand and ripped it from my belly. I howled. Pain blinded me. For a second, I wobbled. Then I found myself. Holding the knife as though it were a sword, I charged.

Artemis adjusted her profile. Her mangled left arm hung uselessly at her rear. Her solid right was raised to intercept. I slashed. With perfect form, Artemis caught my wrist. She span, twisting so that my back was to her. I allowed myself to be led and flicked the dagger from right to left.

With a backhand, I stabbed. Artemis had a bare moment's warning. Amazingly, the woman leaned back. Instead of plunging into her temple, the dagger gouged out an eye. With furious anger, the woman kicked me away.

I pitched forward only to be dragged back. Artemis's rosary was coiled around my neck. With a broad swing, the queen plucked me from the ground then threw me across the room. My back slammed into the wall of the four emperors seal. I forced my fingers through the loop of beads. I drank air. Darkness faded from the edge of my vision. My blood flow was restored.

K-zap! Lightning discharged a second time. Unwittingly, I screamed. My body flopped across the ground in an uncontrolled seizure. The rosary peeled from cooked flesh. The chain retracted. The beads wrapped around Artemis's arm and vanished beneath her dress.

I shook the cobwebs from my head and pushed myself to my knees. Blood poured from my wound. With my left hand, I pressed against it. The flow barely slowed.

Artemis had struggles of her own. The queen nursed her left eye. A river of red ran over her arm, painting it crimson. Artemis pulled her hand back and scowled. With an angry gesture, the she drew a circle in empty air. Her rosary formed a floating coil of beads. The string connecting them vanished.

"Be proud, child. In all my battles, you are this first to have driven me this far," Artemis proclaimed. "In honor of your strength, I will slay you here and now. Thank me for my mercy and die."

The beads vanished. Air cracked. A dozen supersonic bangs echoed through the cathedral. The invisible spears hit a wall of wind and refracted. For a brief second, a barrier shimmered around me.

I smirked.

"Missing something?" I asked. I tossed Artemis's shielding device and caught it in my open hand.

"You," Artemis spoke with trembling anger. "You stole from me?"

I snorted and clipped the rectangular device to my belt. Setting a hand against the wall of the four emperors seal, I dragged myself to my feet. Dizziness assaulted me.

"In case you missed it, I am trying to murder you," I spat. I switched Artemis's dagger from my left hand to my right. I fingered the grip. "Now, let's finish-"

Ruby light flashed. The universe grabbed my innards and dragged me toward some other space. The world whirled around me. Desperately, I tried to make sense of my surroundings. I swung my head. Sudden vertigo dropped me to my knees. My gut bent. Pain exploded.

"You okay, kid?" Hikaru asked.

I looked to my left. The blond haired man squatted at my side. Confusion gave way to understanding. I was outside the four emperors seal. Setsuna had pulled me from the Thunderdome.

"I feel like hell," I grumbled.

"And you look like to too," Hikaru quipped.

I struggled to stand. Hikaru's arms slipped under mine. The older man helped me up then dragged me toward a hunk of bench. I sat with a huff.

"You know, I was going to yell at you for dragging me out," I muttered. "Now I am thinking, good timing on the gong, coach."

Hikaru chuckled. "You certainly got the shit kicked out of you, kid. But, as far as I can tell, you gave as good as you got." Hikaru set a roll of gauze at my side. "Now let's get you patched up before the ref calls a TKO."

With a grunt, I raised my arms. Hikaru peeled the cotton shirt from my chest. I cast my gaze toward Setsuna. The green haired woman stood a few paces away. In a quiet voice, she conferred with Uranus. The blond senshi nodded in response to Setsuna's words, her face grim.

"Well damn," Hikaru noised. "That is a nasty piece of work you got there, kid. You aren't going to die on me, are you?"

I glanced down. The knife had cut a sickening wound in my gut. The brutal twist had shredded my intestines. The external bleeding was bad. The internal bleeding was worse. I had, maybe, half-an-hour before I bled out. I crunched the numbers in my head. I was good for another fifteen minutes of combat. After that it was tenki or death.

"Wrap it up," I ordered. "Artemis is in nasty shape too. I will finish her before the end of the second round."

"That will not be necessary, Ranma-kun," Setsuna interjected. A few short steps brought her to our side. "Now that Artemis's shield has been removed, a more expedient tactic is available." The green haired woman nodded to her companion. "If you would."

Thunk. A heavy, metal trunk thudded against the granite floor. Uranus knelt in front of the briefcase, unlocking it with a tiny key. She rotated the container while popping the lid. Nestled in a bed of foam were a dozen hand grenades.

Hikaru let out a low whistle at the sight. "Now that's some firepower," Hikaru said, giving an appreciative nod. "How the hell did you get your hands on those?"

"I called in a favor," Setsuna answered. She looked at her fuku wearing companion. "Prepare them, please. I will teleport the explosives in two at a time."

"Cowards!" Artemis shrieked. "You dare to kill me with such vulgar tactics?"

Artemis pressed against the edge of her cage. The queen glared, her lone right eye a deadly scythe. Setsuna did not so much as flinch. Instead, she evoked an arcane phrase. Her garnet orb glimmered with internal fire. Uranus pulled the pins. Setsuna tapped her key shaped staff. The metal eggs vanished.

Boom! The cathedral shook. A dusty cloud enveloped the interior of the seal. Particles slipped through the barrier's wall. Hacking coughs were heard within. Somehow, Artemis had survived. The queen pulled herself to her feet.

Setsuna had no pity. Boom! Two more grenades detonated. With a frozen heart, the green haired woman prepared a third round.

"Hold!" Artemis shouted.

Boom! The cathedral shuddered again, silencing Artemis's cries.

"I said hold you curs!"

Setsuna stopped her chant. The woman's garnet eyes focused on the prison. Artemis trembled. The queen was on hands and knees. All that remained of her elegant dress were scraps. Her exposed skin was a sickening sight. Her flesh had been flayed by metal fragments. Sparkling shrapnel shimmered in the light of the chandeliers.

"I will offer no quarter, Artemis," Setsuna said evenly.

The Director staggered to her feet. The queen stiffened her spine and adopted royal poise. How much pain did she endure for the sake of pride? The image sent shivers down my back. For a second, I caught a glimpse of Artemis at her height. A skill surpassing Cologne's. A power akin to a god's. A legendary sword on par with Gungnir. An unshakable will as mighty as my own.

Artemis had claimed that she had won wars for her realm. I believed it. Knowing what I did of her strength, I imagined that some of those wars had been won singlehandedly.

How did we defeat such a monster?

"I am Artemis Serenity Silvervine," the Director declared. "By blood and station, I demand my final right."

"I see," Setsuna mused. She turned to face me. "Ranma-kun, Artemis requests that you behead her. I leave the choice to you. Entering is not without risk. However, I believe Artemis's wish is genuine."

I studied Artemis. The queen stood in ridged silence. Around her hung an air of unbreachable authority. Through sheer force of will, she denied even death.

Should I execute this woman? The decision weighed upon me. Slaying Artemis in battle was easy. Killing her when helpless was hard. I was not a judge. I was a warrior. Crossing that invisible line left me feeling sick and uneasy. Executing Artemis was too close to murder.

No. I was lying to myself. Murder was exactly what this was. And murder was what it had always been. Naming this conflict a fight was a falsehood. I had come here intending to kill Artemis. That was my resolution. Taking her head was my duty.

I stood. My body sang a serenade of pain. I stayed stalwart. Artemis endured worse.

"I will do it."

Setsuna nodded. In a low voice, she started her chant. While Setsuna worked her magic, I placed the shielding device in Hikaru's hands.

"If she tries anything, don't hesitate," I warned.

Hikaru frowned. With a grimace, he slipped the box into his pocket. "I am not promising anything, kid. But, I can tell you this. Artemis is not walking out of here alive."

I set a hand on the man's shoulder. "That is all I am asking for."

I stepped forward. The four emperors seal shimmered softly in the candlelight. I closed my eyes and gathered my strength. When I opened them again, my soul was as hard as diamond.

"Send me in."

The garnet ball flashed. The world jerked. I was in the Thunderdome.

Ca-clank. Katengecchi rattled at my feet. I looked at Artemis. The queen watched in silence. I scooped the silver sword from the ground. Light played over the talwar's steel, revealing the crimson stains left eons ago by the demon god Ginmusaboru.

"Child," Artemis spoke. Her voice reigned over the silence. "Who will you serve when my kingdom has fallen?"

I circled the queen, taking care as I approached. Artemis was caked in blood, but beneath that vision of weakness was unyielding strength. I would be a fool to die here.

"I bend my knee for no one," I answered. "You should know that by now, Artemis."

"You are senshi, child," Artemis rebuked. "So you have named yourself. So you must be to have gathered the support of my knights." Artemis's head twisted. Her right eye impaled my heart. "By taking that title, you have sworn an oath to serve. Do not shirk your obligations, child. I demand an answer. To whom you will hand all that I have wrought?"

I whirled Katengecchi, testing its play. My duty was to serve? I snorted. Artemis was right, though not in the way she imagined.

"As you have said, I am senshi," I replied. My voice was strong and my will unshaken. "But you are mistaken if you think I must bow. Those who rule and those who serve can be one and the same. I will be Director of the Pretty Princess Institute. I will claim all you have wrought. And I will do so to serve the Institute itself.

"I will change this school, Artemis. I will show my girls how to stand tall. I will teach them the meaning of strength and justice. And when they leave, their parents, their friends, and their nation will look upon them with pride. That is my conviction."

"You speak with force, child, fitting of my successor," Artemis replied. "Better for you to swear yourself to Hecate's princess. She, at least, has royal blood. But a knightly order bears no shame." Artemis paused. "Terran, though you are a traitorous wretch, you are still my senshi. Thus I pass upon you a command I forbid you to refuse. Wear my crown as your sigil and uphold virtue worthy of the silver moon.

"Now take my head. Your queen demands it."

I raised Katengecchi. Compared to Gungnir, the sword was light. Yet, the talwar dragged at my hand. I felt within it the weight of two lives. When I swung, Artemis would die. At the same time, my future would change. I would be director. Duty would bind me. Once chained, I would never escape.

But doubt was gone. I was resolved.

A silver crescent cut the sky. I was taken by the beauty of it. All nations are forged in blood and iron. Those were the words the father of the first Serenity passed to his daughter. Now, with the same sword, I ended Artemis's nation and gave birth to my own.

Thud. The Director's head hit the floor. A crimson pool stained the polished granite.

I let out a long breath, then approached the severed skull. I knelt at the side of the dead queen, the first and only time I bowed before Artemis. Gently, I removed the diamond encrusted circlet. It shimmered in my hands, reminding me of a tiara.

A fitting burden. I placed the crown upon my head. A thin, crescent moon, rested against my brow. The four emperors seal faded around me.

I smelled cinnamon.

I whirled. The wind whispered. Katengecchi cut through empty air. An ethereal mass slammed into the silver blade. Air snapped in two. The walls of the cathedral exploded.

Ca-clank. Freed from the barrier, Gungnir hit the ground beside me. I did not give it glance. My eyes were pinned to Chiyo. The devilish girl held a candy axe in her extended hand.

"Oops," Chiyo said with false innocence. "In all the excitement, my hand slipped."

The cathedral began to rise. Uranus and Neptune placed themselves at Setsuna's side. Syaoran pulled three ofuda from his robes. Hikaru cocked his shotgun. Fumio formed swords of ice. Chiyo's servants glanced about in terror. Apparently, their mistress had neglected to share her plot.

I embraced tenki.

Haigeki hit in a shock wave. Lava poured into my veins then crashed into a frigid lake. Shuken twisted my form. My organs squirmed. My curse activated. Womanhood was a welcome bliss. Pain ceased and my transformation flowed freely. My blood soaked shirt puffed into a sparkling dress. My short, dark hair stretched into long, pink locks.

Chiyo giggled. Her axe vanished. With two flouncing steps, she crossed the distance. The girl threw herself at me. I froze, confused by the mixed signals. Chiyo's arms wrapped my waist. Her soft breasts pressed into my own. She breathed. Her pink lips and cloying scent tantalized seduction.

"Don't worry, Ranma-chan," Chiyo cooed. "I am not stupid enough to fight you here."

I jerked back, struggling to free myself from Chiyo's grasp. Still clamped on, the girl gleefully swung to my left. The tight embrace shifted my intestines. I grimaced then glared.

"If you don't want a fight, that was a poor way to show it," I growled.

It was tempting to answer Chiyo's assault with my own. But that would be foolish. I was tired and worn. Hikaru's crew was hurt. Still, we had an advantage in numbers. If Chiyo and I threw down here, she would die for sure. But the cost of that victory would be higher than I was willing to bear.

"Oh Ranma-chan," Chiyo sang in sweet reproval. "I knew you would not die something like from that. I just wanted to put you in the proper mood."

"And what mood is that?" I snapped.

"This one."

With shocking speed, Chiyo swung to my front. Her lips pressed against mine. Cherries and cinnamon invaded my mouth. Then, just as quickly, Chiyo withdrew. The girl swirled on her heels then skipped a few steps back. She offered a wicked smile.

"Don't forget me Ranma-chan, because I won't forget you. Someday, I will come for my Institute. And when I do, I will give you a choice. Enemies or lovers." Chiyo's chocolate eyes turned sly. Her gaze slid in the direction of the sandy haired blond. "Of course, if I am not enticing enough, Hikaru could join in on the fun. I don't like boys, but watching him take your virginity sounds absolutely delicious."

"Please leave me out of this conversation," Hikaru complained.

With a toe, I hooked Gungnir. I flipped the spear into my open hand. "I would request the same, but I doubt Chiyo would listen." I glared at the girl. "You have said your part. Leave."

"So nasty," Chiyo retorted. She danced her way to the cathedral door. She giggled, her lips spreading in a malicious smile. "But I have seen your heart, Ranma-chan. We both know that behind that rough exterior is a sweet little doll begging to be conquered."

With a final laugh, she was gone.

-oOo-

Triva:

Sanzu River – A Japanese Buddhist myth very much akin to the River Styx. It is believed that the dead must cross the Sanzu River to reach the afterlife. Seen in many comedic anime/manga scenes often with the friends crying in the background: "don't cross the river!"

Katengecchi [lit. flowers blooming in moonlight] – The legendary sword given to Serenity the first by her father after the founding of the Moon Kingdom. This is the talwar shown to Ranma in chapter 6.

TKO – Technical Knock Out. In boxing, a technical knock out is most often called because the fighter is in no condition to safely continue the fight.