Hollow Kitty Chapter 6 The Visage of the Guardians, a Ranma + Bleach Crossover fanfic

Author Note: Okay it has been a hot minute since we last uploaded but I assure you between my beta reader Timberlinewolf we did our utmost best to bring you a quality product we are both sure you will enjoy.

I know many of you would probably prefer faster uploads but you cannot rush perfection There may be a few flaws to work out later I'll brush through later to ensure everything is caught by the end of the month for sure!

With all that please Enjoy chapter six: The Visage of the Guardians

Quality update: 7-24-24
Typo edit: 7-25-24

H.K. Chapter: 6

Cold...why is it so cold?

"Oh No you Don't... Not yet Tomboy."

Ranma?

Oooh, tha's warm. Too warm. Wait! No! That's too hot! STOP!

Akane came to with a start, the last thing she could remember being the smiling face of her long-dead fiance... Or, was it? Ranma had certainly never worn that teasing expression, nor that ridiculous miko outfit! Though, she had to admit, they looked oddly... right, on her.

Groaning as a stab of sunshine lanced her through a gap in the curtained window, Akane slowly managed to pry her eyes open. What greeted her was not, as she had first expected, her apartment bedroom, but rather, one of the familiar mid-term care rooms at the hospital where she works. This was corroborated by the beep of the heart-rate monitor as it sped up.

Confused, she cautiously sat up, her old, Post-Fiasco Habits coming to the fore as she gave herself a quick diagnostic.

Other than a persistent subdued throbbing behind her eyes, she could find nothing wrong. Certainly, nothing to warrant ending up as a patient in her own workplace! Deciding it was time for some answers, she pressed the call button on the cot to let someone know she was awake.

Though, judging by the fact the door swung open not thirty seconds later, she probably needn't have bothered.

"Oh! Akane you're finally awake! Thank goodness, I was so worried when they brought you in last week!" The relieved voice of her friend was like a breath of fresh air in the overly sanitized room.

Startle, Akane blurted, "Last week!? Maki-chan what the hell happened?! The last thing I remember is clocking out and heading home on Thursday!"

Her friend gave her a sympathetic look as she dug into the file listing her injuries. "Yeah, they brought you in around 10:30 that night. Apparently, there was some kind of gas explosion near around a block by your place. Blew out all the windows and everything! They said you were almost right in front of it!" she continued as she put Akane through a standard battery of wellness checks.

"You're damned lucky, you know that!? It's a miracle you only got out of that with first-degree burns and a concussion! Your clothes were torn to shreds! Any pain? Stiffness? Lack of sensation?"

Stunned at the revelation, Akane could only respond on autopilot. "Some, nothing too bad. Feels like I got beaned in between the eyes in a fight. I can feel everything just fine." She absently wiggled her fingers and toes in demonstration, "A bit of stiffness, but then, you said I've been here since Thursday. What day is it, by the way?"

Maki gave her a strange look at the fight comment before a look of realization crossed her features. "Riiight! You mentioned you were a martial artist a while back, didn't you? That might explain a few things." she muttered the last bit with a notation before continuing, "Anyway, it's only Monday. You've only been out for the weekend. Honestly, there was quite a bit of concern you would be out for longer."

Akane gave her friend a reassuring smile. "Don't worry Maki-chan. It takes an awful lot to keep me down." Akane looked down and gently pinched her chin in thought. "Honestly, it's a bit odd. I've never had issues with explosions before?"

Remembering some of the few stories Akane had been comfortable enough to share in their time at the hospital, Maki could only laugh at how silly her friend was. "Well, I guess we're lucky that it was only you near the blast zone! Thankfully you were the only real casualty there, apart from some minor lacerations from the shattered glass. Nothing a few stitches couldn't fix."

Akane simply sighed in exasperation at her friends' sense of humor. She couldn't really complain. After all that was how the two became friends in the first place.

Maki-chan was a classical beauty, with fair colored skin and long, spiraling hair so purple it was almost black. And her nurse's uniform did nothing to hide her figure, to Akane's sometimes annoyance. Still, it was nice to have friends again.

"So, how much longer do you think I'll be here? Frankly, I feel perfectly fine, aside from the slight headache." She looked around her room, suddenly realizing this was one of the better rooms available. "And how much is this gonna cost?!" she continued in a much smaller voice.

Maki-chan, bless her everything, chimed in cheerfully, "Oh, don't worry about the room, Akane! Ryuken-Sensei said the fees are being waived on account of your exemplary conduct here!" She gave a little bounce of joy, something Akane noted with amusement made certain other things bounce quite a bit more.

"Really? Wow. Well, heh, guess I'll have to thank him later then." 'But why would he do that? Just because I work here shouldn't mean I get special treatment.'

Still,it wouldn't do to look a gift horse in the mouth. She'd never be able to afford all this on her own after all.

Bidding Maki farewell as she went to get Akane something to eat, (she hadn't eaten in three days after all), Akane began to ponder her current circumstances.

Tilting her head to the side, she dredged up the events before the explosion. However, all she got, (aside from a very tasty dinner) were disjointed flashes of gold, her dead fiance, some kind of spider monster, and ...and...

The frantic beeping of her heart monitor brought her back to reality just in time to scream in fright as the door burst open to reveal Maki-chan and the doctor on duty for her ward.

XXXX
XXXX

(Un)fortunately, Akane'd had enough experience to recognize the event as just another panic attack, which she was already on file as having gone to therapy for. The doctor, Ujima-sensei, after making sure that she was alright, gave some reassuring words and pointed out that such things were only natural after all Akane'd been through.

"I'd like to keep you here another day, now that you're awake, to be on the safe side. Could I have your therapist's name and contact info? I'd like to touch base with them and see about possibly prescribing you something to help, at least in the short term."

"Of course Sensei..."

"Thank you Tendo-kun. I'll leave you in Sendai-kun's care in the meantime. Ja ne."

With that, Dr. Ujima took his leave, and Akane was left to slowly eat her food as Maki-chan talked her ear off about nothing in particular.

But as the evening turned to night, Akane began to notice that something felt off. She wasn't sure what it was, but she just couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed.

XXXX

It was around noon the day when Akane finally escaped the confines of her workplace. Though to be perfectly fair, she wasn't entirely sure that was a mark of her recovery or simply everyone wanting her out already! She wasn't sure exactly what it was, but that niggling sensation she'd started feeling last night had only gotten worse. Unfortunately, this resulted in something of a resurgence of her old temper. Only, sharper.

It seemed an unintended consequence of her anger management therapy had turned her once violent anger into a waspish sharp tongue. Sadly this meant that her friends and coworkers were stuck facing her lacerous words. Maki-chan in particular ended up taking the brunt of it.

Thankfully the easy-going girl was able to laugh it off and waved off Akane's repeated attempts to apologize every time she lashed out. The rest of the staff were likewise understanding. Who hasn't had a belligerent patient or five at this point? It did result in Akane receiving a lot of new glances when they thought she wouldn't notice.

It seemed she'd garnered quite a bit of newfound respect. She supposed it only made sense. She'd only ever shown herself as a caring and mild-mannered individual thus far.

As Akane walked home, taking the longer route this time to avoid the scene of the accident, she contemplated the meeting she'd had as a result of her unfortunate attitude.

"You wanted to see me, Ishida-Sensei?" Akane asked, her voice tight as she tried her best to both maintain civility and prevent any fidgeting. That niggling sensation had evolved into full-blown discomfort about an hour ago.

"Yes, Tendo-san. Thank you for coming, please, have a seat." he gestured at the chair opposite his own. Resting his clasped hands on the desk before him, he studied her a moment, his cool, inscrutable gaze as unreadable as ever. "First off, how are you? I understand you grew up in a somewhat... chaotic, area if the old rumors about Nerima are to be believed. But even so, you've been through quite the ordeal recently."

Fully prepared to have to tamp down a blistering response of how she was 'Perfectly fine, Damnit! Would everyone just stop asking her that!?', she was pleasantly caught off guard at how easy it was this time.

It seemed Ishida-sensei's cold professionalism didn't trigger the same knee-jerk reaction as all the rest of the normal concerned sympathy.

"I'm... well enough, I suppose, Sensei." She rubbed the back of her neck self-consciously, "As you said, Nerima was not the most peaceful. Those rumors you heard likely downplayed it a fair bit." she sighed, "Thankfully my sister tells me the chaos is mostly gone now." She gave a small, bitter laugh to herself.

The Head of the hospital merely crooked an eyebrow at her in lieu of a question.

"Ahh, hehe. Well, you see, most of that drama was centered around my family in one or another. The place was like a magnet martial artists, crazies, and weirdos. Not that they were mutually exclusive. And my family, owning the only real Dojo in the area, even if it barely qualified as such, was stuck being the focus for most of the insanity they carried.

"More often than not, we had to fight them off, and even then, it didn't always stick. Honestly, I think the fact I don't have anything I can aim a fist at is driving me a bit batty" Akane gave a self-deprecating laugh, feeling unusually calm in front of the intimidating man.

"Ah, yes. I heard about some of your more, colorful, remarks recently." His usual scowl grew deeper.

"Understand, Tendo-san, we can understand belligerence in a patient, it happens often enough as you are aware. And considering your apparent haste in apologizing, and your exemplary conduct in your duties thus far, we are willing to overlook them.

However!" The steel edge to his voice gave Akane no illusions about how serious he was. "By no means does that make your recent behavior acceptable beyond that! If I hear any more about this you and I will be having a very different conversation. Is that understood?"

'gulp' "Hai, Sensei."

She did her level best not to squirm too much under his stern gaze, before, finally, he nodded.

"Very good. Though, given your track record so far, I don't truly foresee such a conversation being necessary." Akane breathed a small sigh of relief as his tone went from glacial steel to merely cool and professional. "With that in mind, as well as your recent injuries, I have elected to assign you a new position." He reached into a drawer and pulled out a manila envelope

"We recently received a request for a loan of staff from one of the small local clinics in town. Given your exemplary reviews from your peers here, as well as your stated history in what might be charitably referred to as the 'Rougher Parts',"(Akane swore she almost saw the stoic man twitch a smile as he actually brought his hand up in air quotes),

"In addition to the next few days off, I have decided to send You to them."

Okay, Akane was absolutely certain now. There was no mistaking the gleam in his eye as he handed her the folder. She would be hard-pressed to convince anyone who didn't know him very well, but there was no doubt in her mind that behind his poker face, Ishida-sensei was damn near giddy at the prospect of sending her there.

"Um, th-Thank you, Sensei? Um, Anything in particular I should know about this place? Am I to infer things might be less than peaceful there?" She said, bemused.

Adjusting his glasses, his voice practically dripped smugness, "Let's just say, your experience in dealing with hoodlums and... eccentrics, will stand you in good stead down there." she wondered exactly just what word he'd swallowed there.

"You'll find all the details and information in that packet there," he gave the barest of nods toward her hand, "The head of the clinic is an old acquaintance of mine, and so long as no lasting harm is done, entirely too forgiving, in my mind. That said..." He brought his clasped hands up to just under his nose, his glasses nothing but glare in the light.

"Have fun, Tendo-san."

Keys rattling as she opened the door to her apartment, Akane couldn't help but chuckle at the memory of Ishida-sensei, looking for all the world like the spitting image of Ikari Gendo. She could hear the smile in his voice! In fact, she'd put money to her sister that the man had done so simply to hide it on his face!

Putting that aside, she sighed in relief as she divested herself of the clothes she'd received on loan from Maki-chan and tossed them in the laundry. She still felt that niggling but managed to brush it off as leftover nerves from the hospital.

Giving herself a sniff, Akane grimaced in distaste. Yeah, several days in bed after tanking a fireball to the face, she was definitely due for a bath.

Smiling she started up the tub with a mind to finish off the evening with a large bowl of ice cream as she read through her new post.

XXXX

Hueco Mundo

It was quite some time since The Lady had left on Her Journey. How much? Well, he couldn't say. It mattered not. She had left him here, custodian of Her new Domain.

Driven by Her bidding, he had gone out, into the Wastes, when the pain became unbearable. He hunted his fill and returned to his duties. He did his best to follow Her Ways, to become stronger. He was still weak yet. But every time, he returned, he lasted, just a little bit longer.

It was shortly after Her departure, that the Others revealed themselves. Ethereal figures a male and two shorter females. Clad in robes not unlike his Lady, they bore identical masks of a grinning fox.

The Visage of the Guardians.

Immediately, he knew them to be Her Servants and bowed in reverence. Imagine his surprise, when one of the shorter females lifted his chin with a finger whilst chiding him gently with another.

"None of that now, dear Tetrex. You need not bow so. Has She ever asked you to abase yourself so? Come, stand with us. Simple respect shall suffice."

She seemed like such a slight thing. But her presence belied such a notion. She radiated an aura of warmth and acceptance. The voice of a Mother. To even contemplate disobeying was, absurd.

"Ara Ara, Speak for yourself, Chi-chan~. I quite like being bowed to ~." He looked to the second, twin to the first.

Though, identical, there was no way to mistake the two. Where the first was warm, and inviting, a harbor from the storm; the second felt looming and foreboding. Her words sent chills down his spine. It was like he was but a frightened mouse, cowering before her hungry gaze. The gaze of a Beast. To stand up to her was despair.

"Whatever. As long as he does his job an' stays outta my way, I don' care."

And finally, hoping to escape her attention, he looked to the last of the three. The only male amongst them, he stood at ease to the side. His stance is that of pride and power. The stance of a Warrior. The very air around him seemed to thrum with finely honed violence. To move against him... only destruction.

"Come now you two. Tetrex has been exemplary in his work thus far. As Her First, and currently only follower, being cordial is the least we can do."

"Why, whatever do you mean, Sister Dear~? I'm friendly! I'm downright Cuddly~!"

Her voice. No matter her words, he felt like the piglet being stalked by the tiger.

"Oh stow it, girls. We got our job, an' Four-Arms 'ere's got his." His words were rough and spoke of finality. But even so, the Warrior acted as though he could care less.

"Oh as if you've actually done anything of note Yourself, Brother-Dearest.~"

Even as he looked between the Three Guardians as they began to bicker among themselves, he felt the tension leave the air. These were His Lady's. And he stood straighter, knowing that beings as powerful as they counted himself a part of their number.

Eventually, there was a lull in the back and forth, and the Warrior looked too him.

"By the way Four-Arms, what Is yer job here?"

Taken aback by the sudden question, he found himself at a loss for words. So he did the only thing he could.

He showed them.

XXXXX
XXXXX

It had taken far too long for him to arrive here. If it weren't for his Lord's Power he would never have been able to sneak away from his duties like this.

He honestly couldn't understand why this task had been delegated to him. Couldn't one of the Espada have accomplished it just as well? Still, it was his Lord's Command, and he had sworn himself to such service. It was not for him to question the methods of the only man who could see the truth of the worlds, as he himself did.

"Thus, will Justice be served." He intoned on the edge of the cliff overlooking the ruins of the only other city ever to be built in Hueco Mundo besides Las Noches.

XXXX

Deciding to get a feel for the city, he made his way through on foot. Surprisingly, it seemed to be mostly intact. Mayhaps his Lord would be interested in this as a potential fallback point? Nay, that would imply that he might not succeed; and that could not be borne.

It only took minutes to reach the city center, what appeared to be a large temple of Shinto design built upon a hill. According to His Lord, that was the location of his quarry 'Hmmph, pretentious. They shall better to forget such blasphemies in the service of their new Lord. None but he will be worthy of such imagery.'

He paused a moment in front of an odd monument in the plaza leading to the main steps of the temple. A crystalline obelisk nearing four meters high on an intricately carved, yet still simple, stone plinth. Guiding his awareness more closely, he noticed at the base, written upon the plinth were three simple lines.

"We get knocked down"
"We get up again"
"You ain't ever gonna keep us down"

"Hmm? A memorial? But who...?" Looking around, he noticed that a great deal of the surrounding structures actually seemed to be in decent repair, whilst others looked to have been cannibalized for materials. 'Someone has been restoring these buildings...'

This area was supposed to have been abandoned. The only remaining occupant, bound. Looking up, he made his way toward the only signature he could sense within the Temple.

It was time to get some answers. And fulfill his mission.

XXXXX

And so time passed, and life continued. The arrival of the Guardians brought with them a boon of growth. Where first he struggled with Her Ways, now he had teachers in the Mother and the Warrior.

Upon seeing his skill in stone and crystal, he found he had garnered great respect. The Warrior, in particular, came to him from time to time, asking small favors, or encouraging the creation of special rooms.

In return, he offered training in skill and combat, much as his Lady had before.

The Mother, in turn, encouraged him to the more artistic side of his talents. Where once were empty walls, barren of splendor or meaning, now stood the fruits of his labors. He'd found within a passion for sculpture, and statues in particular.

In turn, she rewarded his efforts in more of Lady's Teachings, this time in the more spiritual arts. Where the Warrior drilled upon him the value of physical training and how to make the best use of his body, she tutored him in the finer points of reiatsu control and precise reishi manipulation.

His trips out to hunt became increasingly distant as a result.

Oddly, the one who came to him most often was none other than the Beast. It was... strange. Her behavior was unlike that of the others. They, in their own way, both treated him as a being. Someone to be respected, regardless of their separate stations. She, on the other hand, treated him more like a toy, merely something to amuse her.

Regardless of his considerable stealth (something he took no small pride in), no matter what he did, she always seemed to find him. For no other reason but that she was bored! Had he not been already a Hollow...

But he soon realized that she was also training him, in her own special way. As good as he was, she was better. She never failed to get the pounce on him, and he always failed to sense her coming. For a little while.

Eventually, he started to notice her sooner, and was able to, if not escape, at least brace. And soon, her games of Find & Surprise turned into their games of Hide & Seek, followed closely by games of Tag.

It was... strange.

And then, as they do, things changed once more.

XXXX

Kitsume (not kitsune) gave an annoyed huff (no, he didn't sigh, men don't sigh). It had been hectic the last hour or so. They'd all felt it when the Boss Lady had decided to make her first Contract, but the amount of panic and urgency had taken them all off guard. He elected to hold down the fort while his sisters went over to offer what help they could.

Apparently a good thing too, since not long after they both showed back up with an almost black aura of anger around them. Seemed the Old Flame had nearly bit it to some lowly Bug of all things! The Contract had been a success though, and that was that... for now.

Of course that much power was bound to draw in all sorts of unwanted attention, as evidenced by Boss Lady tearing in (literally) through a Garganta not long after.

As it stood, she was still pretty catatonic (heh), curled up on that fancy throne that Four-Arms guy had fashioned out of those old chains for her. Good thing those clothes of hers automatically shrank to fit her, else she'd be swimming in fabric in her current, childlike de-powered, state.

For now, they all sat tight in the throne room, just waiting for the Boss Lady to wake up. Yinda and Chi were playing 'catch' with a condensed ball of reiryoku centered on a core of clouded crystal. He grimaced behind his mask as their twitching tales belied their outwardly calm exterior, knowing his own was little better (damn traitor).

Four-Arms was there too, of course; fiddling away with another little idol of the Boss Lady

Kitsume pondered the only other guy there, even as he toyed with the elaborate kendama the hollow had made for him.

The guy was, odd. Didn't talk all that much, but the guy practically tried to drown himself with how eager he was to drink in any kind of training! He did good work though, Kitsume had to admit as he absently examined the throne.

Though seemingly simple, it was still ornate in its own way. Particularly in where you could still see the original chains it used to be. Interestingly enough, it still possessed the same sealing effect they once had, though now it did more to hide than bind.

This resulted in the Boss Lady seeming no more imposing than the child she appeared to be.

This, as it turned out, was a very good thing.

XXXX

He made no effort to hide his approach as he neared the temple courtyard. After all, this was, ostensibly, a recruitment mission. It never hurt to be a little polite. He briefly flashed his reiatsu as he made his way further in, just to ensure he was expected.

He'd been briefed on what to expect; a woman bound in chains to a low-lying alter.

This, was not what greeted him when he finally arrived at the only inhabited room he could sense. Casting about from the open doorway, he could make out what he presumed to be the remains of the chain's anchors on the walls. Apart from that, the only occupant of note appeared to be a perfectly normal adjuchas. Though judging on the fact he could barely sense him at all, this one had stealth to rival the onmistukido

Casting about, the only other thing of note appeared to be an exceptionally weak child hollow. Hardened though he was to the injustices of the world, his stern expression still softened a touch. That one so young had fallen to this dark life was tragic.

Ordinarily, he'd purify as swiftly as possible simply to end her misery, however, he reminded himself, he was still on a recruitment run. He didn't see the actual target of said, and these two might be willing to offer some assistance.

Well, one of them might. Judging by the way the smaller one was shaking, it seemed his earlier burst of energy stunned the poor thing. Turning to the adjuchas, who had yet to say anything, he gave a cursory nod in greeting.

"Hollow, I was told there was a woman, bound in chains here. Did you free her, and if so where is she?"

… ... ...

Kitsume and his sisters watched as the intruder seemingly ignored all of them, in favor of interrogating Four-Arms.

Quietly, he moved along the wall to get a slightly less obstructed view of the Shinigami. A dark skinned man in a clouded visor (mabey he's blind), wearing the usual shihakushō, though the obi was a royal purple. He'd also added a white haori and orange scarf (just to prove he's somebody important). Attached to his side was his zanpakuto, a standard-length katana.

Four-Arms looked from the intruder to him and the Boss Lady, to each of his siblings, then back to the other guy. Lumbering up on his hind legs and interposing himself between the shinigami and the throne, he let out a raspy hiss.

Deciding to see just how good this new guy was, Kitsume nodded to the twins before they all spoke in unison.

"What woman? Who are you, Shinigami?"

The gestalt effect of having all of them speak together was only magnified by the underlying hissing. Especially given that Four-Arms stopped right in time with them, (though, that might've been a surprise on his part).

But if the blind weirdo was at all affected by eldritch voice he did an excellent job hiding it.

He grasped the hilt of his blade. "My name is Captain Kaname Tousen. I was informed that there was a woman by the name of Chiaki, that was supposedly being held here against her will. I came with the intent to free her and extend an offer to her."

… ... ...

Kaname had to admit, that he was not expecting such an overbearing voice from the beast. Had he not already become acquainted with Aaroniero, he would have been quite unnerved. However, the surrounding reverberation was unique. At least the odd hollow seemed the talkative sort.

"We do not know this Woman. There was no one here when we arrived and took shelter here."

He might have questioned the use of 'we', but again, Aaroniero was much the same. And while might be inclined to doubt, he could tell by the hollows reiatsu, what little he could sense, that it spoke no lies.

"Very well." He considered the odd hollow before him a moment. While his primary objective seemed lost, he needn't return completely empty-handed.

"In that case, I shall extend the offer to you," he briefly cast his 'gaze' to where he knew the child to be. "The King of Hueco Mundo gathering an army. If you seek power, come to Las Noches."

Kaname observed as the hollow considered him briefly, before looking back to his previous position where sat a small pile of sand. Suddenly, one of the spade-like plates on its back extended out on a cable and scooped up a pile of sand.

He tightened his grip on Suzumushi's hilt, but sensed no ill intent, and so opted to see where this was going.

Over the next minute, the hollow worked the sands like clay between its claws and plates. It gave the object one final inspection before nodding. He felt a brief pulse of reiryoku as the hollow gave one last squeeze before offering it over.

Inspecting the gift(?), Kaname found it to be a small statuette of roughly 10cm. While fairly nondescript, he could nonetheless discern that the figure was dressed in robes, (not unlike his own), and seemed to be wearing a blindfold under its face-framing bangs. However, it wasn't until he felt the large amount of hair tied in a tail that he realized.

'This...This is, me?'

"Thank you for the invitation, Shinigami-san. We are currently waiting on someone, but we shall consider it."

Mildly overcome by the unexpected gesture (and from a hollow of all things!), Kaname took a moment to register their words.

"(heh-hmm), Very well. The invitation shall remain open." Looking back to the figure in his hand, he centered himself and tucked it into his uniform. 'Looking' back to spirit looming a good 2 meters over him, he bowed in gratitude.

"My thanks for the gift, friend. I shall await your arrival." Raising his head, he 'stared' into the hollows' eyes for a moment. "What is your name, Hollow?"

"You may call us, Tetrex."

… ... ...

They watched in some amusement as their 'guest' saw himself out. When they were certain he was off and away for good, Kitsume chuckled.

"Well! That sure was somethin'!" he gave Tetrex a slap on the back as his chuckle grew into full-on laughter. "Good job there, Four-Arms! You did well facing down yer first shinigami. An' a Captain, no less!"

"Indeed Tetrex. That was most impressive. Thank you for standing guard over Her."

Glomp!

"Ara ara, that was adorable, how defensive you were back there! And whatever did you give him? He was practically a deer in the headlights!"

Tetrex had his head bowed, his fluffy tail twisting in embarrassment. Whether that was from the praise being heaped on him, or the tiny form of Yinda currently cuddling into the mane of fur along his back? Well, Kitsume had some guesses.

Looking back at the object of their protection, he gave a huff (men do Not sigh!) She was still out of it, though thankfully it seemed she'd been snapped from her phobia and into simple unconsciousness.

"Welp! Looks like Boss Lady's still out've it." Looking back on the group that had likewise turned to examine the girl on the throne, he continued. "Unfortunately, even if she wasn't, she still couldn't go back, lookin' like that." His masked gaze looked pointedly at the figure currently lounging on Four-Arms shoulder.

"Which means we need someone to go cover for her absence."

Who, just as pointedly, ignored him, as she absently started braiding the hollows' fur of all things!

"Yinda, yer up. Go change and-"

"Oh come now, Brother-Dearest! Why Must I Go? You know I'm not a people person. Why not send Chi-chan?"

"You know why that is, Yinda." Even obscured by a mask, they could practically feel the arched brow in her words,

"That is such a load of-"

"ENOUGH you two! The decision stands. Yinda, you're on Living Duty. Now take it off and get yer tail over there!" He tossed a thumb over his shoulder to emphasize the point.

'sigh' "Really, Brother, you must take more care in how you word such things." Chi shook her head in defeat before turning back to her stubborn twin. "By the way Yinda-chan, could you stop by Little Fang and her Mother's homestead in China? We have a Deal to see through after all." She gestured to a sizable sack Tetrex was carrying in from a side hall.

Yinda was taken aback, suddenly realizing she was no longer perched on the hollows' muscly shoulder. 'Wha-? How? When did he do that!?' Still, she had an image to uphold, even if only to herself.

"Fine. If I must." She huffed, her right arm crossing her chest whilst her other cradled the side of her head.

Delicately, she tucked her thumb under the chin of her Guardian Mask and in one, fluid motion, shifted it upward.

The shift was seamless. In the time it took to rest her fox mask atop her head, it had grown two giant fangs (though the right appeared to have shattered in half) and shifted its eyeless gaze forward. Hair, once a smooth black page cut, flared out in bursts of wavy crimson tresses.

Framed by it all, her now visible face was revealed to all as a near-perfect twin to Ranma's, though an astute observer might notice subtle differences in make-up and expression. The eyes in particular seemed, sharper. At the same time, her simple miko robes also flared out, transforming into Ranma's raiment.

Yinda took a moment to fluff and plump herself. No matter what she'd rather be doing anything else, it was certainly no reason not to present her absolute best. Once assured that she was nothing less than stunning, she accepted the proffered sack of goods and tucked it into her voluminous sleeve.

Tapping her chin a moment, she considered anything she might be missing. Snapping her fingers in triumph, she turned to Tetrex with a coquettish grin. "Tettu-kuuun~? Do you think you could make me a kiseru (pipe)?"

Tetrex, well used to such antics from the guardian, simply thought for a moment before turning back to his diminishing pile of sand.

After roughly five minutes, he returned to hand over the requested item. It was, interesting. While Ranma's pipe was a simple thing, it still held a certain elegance in its utility. This one, on the other hand, seemed akin to an artisan exploring his craft.

Though roughly the same in construction, Tetrex had personalized it with delicate etchings. On one side, a well-endowed, kimono-clad maiden with a hood and pointed shoulder pads. Held en' guard in her hand, a sword of lighting branched out down to the bowl.

On the other, a savage nine-tailed fox snarled. Interestingly, its maw was expertly depicted in such a way that it merges seamlessly with the maiden's hand, bearing the lighting. This meant that, depending on which side you were looking, either the kitsune or the maiden was wielding the lightning, but neither at the same time.

Stunned despite herself, the new lookalike was quite demure as she accepted, a faint dusting of pink on her cheeks. With a very quiet "Thank you..." she quickly turned away, vanishing behind some invisible curtain only the Guardians could see.

Her departure left only a stunned silence for a moment, before the two siblings suddenly released a breath of relief, not having even realized they'd been holding it in.

"Hot DAMN, Four-Arms! That was amazing!" Kitsume laughed uproariously.

"Indeed, Tetrex. I have never seen Yinda-chan react like that before. I believe that meant a great deal more to her than she anticipated."

Tetrex, for his part, merely turned back to his previous project from before their uninvited guest had shown up. However, the others noted how his tail seemed to writhe slightly in embarrassment.

Opting to let the hollow be after such a display, Chi instead turned to the other male currently coming down.

"And what of you, Brother-Dear? What is your role to be, hmm?"

"Me? My job is bossing you three around, o' course! Kami only knows what you three might get into without my direction?" He proclaimed, and even the mask obscuring his face could do nothing to hide the smirk in his tone.

She tilted her head down as though spying over a set of non-existent glasses. "Ara? And just who died and put you in charge, Brother-Dear?" she asked archly.

"I was in charge, to begin with! I'm the Man, an' that's the Man's job! Just as it's the woman's role to obey." he nodded with finality, though the mirth in his voice belied any real edge to the barb.

"Oh really?"

Coughing into his fist, he amended, "Well, I suppose if you wanted to get technical, Boss Lady died. But since she's conked right now sooo..."

Shaking her head, she chuckled, "You are deplorable, Brother-Dear."

XXXX

The day was fair and sunny, with only a few happy clouds bumbling along the sky. A perfect opportunity for Akane to set her laundry out to dry on her small balcony.

Or so she thought, as not a moment after she stepped out, did a brief squall blew in out of nowhere. Even lasting a mere thirty seconds, it was still more than enough to dampen not only her mood but her clothes as well.

Glancing morosely from her drying wrack full of socks to the once again cheery sky above, she felt a sudden, nostalgic urge to blame this on a certain pig-tailed menace. Giving the heavens a mock glare, she shook her grasping hand upwards, looking for all the world as if she were strangling some invisible pervert.

Still, she mused as she hung up the wrack, 'At least the sudden shower seemed to have cooled off that aggravating itching'. Shaking her head with a chuckle, she headed inside to hang up the rest of her laundry.

Grabbing up her favorite blouse, she gave it a firm Snap! to straighten it out and clipped it to the bar. It was as she ran her hands along the edges, to work out any lingering wrinkles, that a bit of lace ruffle caught on her finger. Grimacing, Akane gave a light tug to dislodge what she could only assume to be an unnoticed hangnail.

Rrriiippp!

Only to squeak in dismayed horror as the fabric gave way instead, resulting in a straight, clean tear in her shirt... Her favorite shirt.

Stone-faced, she dislodged the shirt from its anchor upon her nail, 'and when had they gotten so long and sharp?', before turning about and marching woodenly over to her closet and retrieving a rather peculiar, but at the same time, familiar, object.

Before her, stood a peculiar figure, made of fabric and filled with sand; a block of wood with a henohenomoheji (that face made of characters doodled on dolls/scarecrows) stapled on sat atop it. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath.

Akane stood for a moment...

Before snapping her eyes open with a murderous snarl and driving her fist into its gut with enough force to smash over a semi! Incidentally, while the dummy itself remained largely intact, 'Mental Note: Remember to send Cologne and Shampoo something nice' the wall behind it was not so lucky. Grimacing at the bits of falling plaster and insulation, she just sighed in resignation to yet another trip to the local home contractor store. 'Addendum: Thank Ryoga-kun for those construction lessons and Membership Card.'

Wincing in pain as she scratched at her scalp, Akane was reminded of the primary cause of her initial ire. Examining her nails, she tsked at how long they'd gotten.

"Great, need to clip my nails too! They're practically claws!" It was with the ease of someone so used to the strange that it didn't even register, that she completely ignored just how perfectly even and sharp her nails actually were.

Looking back at the now lopsided dummy in her destroyed closet, Akane shook her head in recrimination. 'Can't believe I did that. It was only a shirt! Granted, it was my favorite, but still; just a Shirt!' She wandered back out to her forlorn article, still hanging lopsided on the bar. 'It's not even that bad a tear! It's right along the seam, I should be able to sew it back up easily. Why did that get me so hard?.'

Lost in thought as she was, Akane was completely unaware of one of her neighbors attempting to greet her from the street, before deciding discretion was the better part of valor and hightailing it after seeing her expression. The look in her eyes might well have burned through concrete!

"And why do I have a sudden urge to blame this all on Him?!" she hissed.

XXXX

The rest of the day, thankfully, went by without too much issue. Unfortunately, that didn't mean the same for her mood.

Either someone had been talking about her for quite some time, or she'd developed an allergy to something, judging by the constant bouts of sneezing. This only served to exacerbate the slight headache she'd been growing all day.

All in all, it wouldn't have been a shock to see Akane's face in the dictionary on the page for 'Disgruntled'.

Still irritable from that morning, Akane opted to simply order out.

Knock! Knock! Knock-knock! Knock!

{It's Time}

"Haiii." Opening the door, Akane was met with a cry of "Pizza Shock Delivery!"

"Hey, Sakura! Got another part-time job?" She smiled at her classmate, pleasantly surprised, while somehow also unsurprised in the least, to see her holding out her pizza.

"Oh! Hey Akane! Yeaaah, some asshat tried to feel up my sister when she came to drop off my stuff at the last place. Buuut you can imagine how that went." She gave a nervous laugh as she handed over Akane's pizza.

"Thanks. Did she put the guy on his back again? Or was it a broken arm this time?"

"No-no! Nothing quite that bad this time. Nah, she just pushed him away. Seems those lessons you gave her on 'Appropriate Responses' actually helped! Sadly, that didn't help when he got shoved ten feet away and cracked the window." Akane winced with her in sympathy.

Her sister was a sweet girl, but an old childhood head injury, compounded with what had recently been diagnosed as autism, had left Sakura's sister almost... robotic. That and the fact she was rather beautiful, meant she was often the victim of predators. As a result, she'd been trained in basic martial arts for self-defense.

Sadly, as evidenced in the conversation currently, that only meant the problems had changed direction, rather than going away. For such a slight thing, that girl was Tough!

"Well, let me know if you think she needs any more lessons. Though I just got reassigned to a clinic in the next neighborhood, so I might not be available any time soon."

"Thanks Akane. I'll be sure to get back to ya on that." Sakura gave her a bemused smirk. "By the way, I like what you did with your hair," she squinted at her, "and are those contacts? Haha! I didn't take you for the cosplay type, Akane! But it looks good on ya! Anyway, I gotta get going. I'll see ya in class, yeah?"

"Wai- Bu- I..." Akane didn't get any further than that jumbled mess out before the long-haired brunette dashed away with a wave. Confused as she was, it was only a couple of minutes later that she realized she'd been standing there with the door open.

{Plenty of time.}

Spurred on by the grumbling beast within, she put it out of her mind as her classmate having an overactive imagination (a common occurrence), and set about devouring the poor, helpless Saucer of Sustenance with uncommon urgency.

Now with a full belly and well-improved mood, (had she really just been hangry all day?) she realized just how late it had gotten and moved on to her nightly routine.

As she stared into her reflection brushing her teeth, she could've sworn she saw a bright golden glow in her left eye, but in a blink, it was gone. It was so brief she wasn't sure she'd even truly seen it.

Mind wandering back to her classmates' remarks about her hair and eyes. Glancing up, she scowled in annoyance upon discovering her hair was once again sprung up on either side, looking like nothing so much as a pair of dark blue, side-sweeping cat-ears! 'Kuso! Thought I had that fixed! sigh must've been from that sudden shower this morning.'

Lost in grumpitude, Akane wasted several moments ineffectually attempting to pat down the offending locks. Inattentive, she barely even noticed the slight tug of bristles catching on her teeth. Until that is, one finally caught with a painful Yank!

Befuddled, she looked at the object in her mitt to a chewed-up piece of bamboo that more resembled the unfortunate love-child of a beaver's late-night snack and a cat scratch post than any toothbrush!

Spitting out the foam revealed what remained of the poor beleaguered fiber that once crowned her dental scepter. Looking up, her slack jaw only dropped further upon seeing the now gleaming and Sharp fangs filling her maw. Kami, even her molars had had an edge on them!

And- and were her eyes slitted?!

Something, she wasn't sure exactly what, drew attention to the side as her 'ear' twitched. Glaring at her from behind, eyes hidden beneath the shadow of a sabered, skull-like mask, stood a figure that had haunted her recent memories.

Draped in an ornate set of miko robes, crimson tresses billowing around her shoulders, and a simple kiseru perched in one hand, the spectral visage sneered at her contemptuously.

Blanching, she whirled about to find... nothing. ,

Unnoticed, Akane's 'ears' drooped in horror, a shiver cascading down her spine. As if some ill omen had fallen over her, and the phantom a herald of some great disaster on the near horizon "A-Am I, dreaming?"

{Jumping at shadows?}

Hesitantly, she peeked over her shoulder at the mirror once more. Only her reflection greeted her. Sliding to her rump, heedless of the freezing cold tiles, she closed her eyes and took several deep, steadying breaths.

"No. No, it's just a stress terror. You've had those before Akane. You can handle this. You can handle it...

"In..."Out...

"In...

"Out...

With an effort, she was finally able to calm herself down. Shakily, she started up the furo and began washing up, using the shock of the extra old rinse to further clear her head. As she lowered herself into the water at last, she was finally able to relax a bit. Unbidden, a memory of back then rose to the surface. Of a time when the whole household went to the public bathhouse and that Perverted Old Gnome ran amok.

Akane was seized by a sudden fit of near-hysterical giggles. "Kuso! Of all the things to think about now! Heeheehee! Still, at least then I'd have something to focus on! Ha haha!"

Finally, at ease, she lapsed into silence and dipped herself under completely.

Eventually, she got out, grabbed a fluffy white towel, and dried herself off. Glancing hesitantly at the mirror, she was relieved to see just her normal self. No glow-in-the-dark eyes or fangs, even her hair seemed unwilling to stick out of place!

The only thing out of place she did notice was the strange starburst mark she remembered it from her hospital stay, having put it to the back of her mind as part of the burns she received from the supposed explosion though it looked more like a tattoo but didn't mar her beauty at all.

{See? Fine.}

Wandering over to her bedroom, she was just glad the bath had done the trick for her little episode, she was startled by a sudden noise coming from the balcony. Cautiously, she grabbed her 'Emergency Dumbbell' and made her way over, grumbling, "I swear if it's another goddamn panty-thief-"

Thankfully, or not, depending on who was asking, there was Not some unfortunate dumb enough to try her balcony... again. Instead, it seemed something had knocked over the potted plant she kept next to the railing.

"Strange. How did you fall over P-tan?" (it should be noted that her naming sense never did improve overly much) Peering over the edge, there was nothing that stuck out as an immediate culprit, save maybe that large crow rapidly flapping away. Maybe it got startled while taking a break?

"Huh. Well, whatever I suppose. It did remind me about my laundry, and you don't look too worse for wear, neh P-tan?" she righted the plant (never did learn what it was, only that it was "Tropical") and collected her clothes before turning in for bed.

Content in her warm blankets, and praying for a good night's sleep, she was blissfully unaware of the four sets of glowing eyes, watching her as she slept.

{This will be fun}

XXXX

Stepping out from behind a large tree into the late afternoon heat, a (definitely not) blushing lookalike grimaced at the abrupt shift in climate. While her body wasn't truly affected by such changes, a blessing to be sure, that didn't mean she enjoyed such weather.

With a shake of her head, she dismissed such thoughts and brought her attention once more to the object clutched delicately in her claws. Running her fingers along the meticulously crafted imagery, she marveled at just what had possessed the big oaf to gift such a piece.

['Honestly, all I'd wanted was a simple prop! He didn't need to go to all that effort!'] "Baka!"

Not that you'd be able to tear it away from her short of death or dismemberment, but it'd be a sunny day in Hueco Mundo before she admitted that to anyone. And if they pried? Well, being overly possessive was well within her character flaws.

The snap of a twig broke her from her introspection. Quickly bringing her game face back on, she flared her nostrils in a deep, sharp inhalation...

"Eh? Ryok-nee? You're back!"

Only to let it out in a long, drawn-out sigh, as the individual came running right up to her with a grin on her face. Mustering up her acting skills, Yinda posed her hand to her hip as she gave the kid a cocky (almost predatory) grin.

"Heya Squirt. How ya doin'?"

She watched as the Shen Fang came running, bubbling with childlike glee and a smile beaming on her face. Only to slow to a stop with a pensive frown roughly three meters away.

Raising an immaculate brow at the child with mild concern, she tried again, "What's wrong, Kiddo?"

"Yo-you're not her, are you? You're not Ryoko-nee! Who are you!?" The kid proclaimed as she brandished, however shakily, a small opalescent crystal dagger. As if the brat had any chance against the Prime Hunter, Ha! Still, the kid deserved some credit. She hadn't expected to fool everyone, but still... To be outed by the first person she met? And a Child at that!?

Slowly, she relaxed her posture and looked at the girl with a look, not unlike that of a cat eyeing down a cornered rat. Taking a sultry drag on her newest accessory, she stalked towards the shaking child, until she was but a step away. Again the kid impressed her by standing her ground; even firming up her stance!

"Hooo~? And just what makes you say that, Little One?'

Yinda watched in amusement as the kid had to swallow several times before her voice would work... somewhat.

"Y-y-you d-don't ffeel r-r-right..." a pause, "and y-your skull is m-more b-b-broken." it clearly took some effort to make words through her uncontrollably chattering jaw, but she managed in the end, before repeating, "Who Are You!?"

Absently scratching at her shattered fang, she gave a silent whistle, impressed, despite herself. Breezing up to the girl, she deftly dodged her somewhat clumsy swing to bring her hand up to the kid's head.

Shen Fang was in a panic. How had the day gone so wrong?! She'd just been outside, practicing those katas her mother had finally started teaching her when she heard muttering off in the trees. Wondering who could possibly be out this far, since only she and her mother lived out here, she'd went to quietly investigate.

The sight of a familiar head of crimson hair had tossed aside any hesitation on who this might be. 'She came back! She kept her promise!'

Only for her elation to come immediately crumbling down when the impostor spoke. She had no idea what had possessed her to confront the evil twin of the nice spirit she'd befriended nearly two months ago. Nor what she thought she could possibly do with the meager Demon Dagger she'd received last month from her mother.

Judging from the vicious grin the Evil Spirit gave her as she stalked over, she knew it too. 'Why am I just standing here?! If I run I could make it back home!' But even in her head, she knew it for a lie. She watched, terrified, as with gleaming blue eyes the impostor reached up a clawed hand. 'NO! I don't want to die!'

Panicking, Fang struck out blindly, hitting nothing. She might as well have swung at the wind. Clenching her eyes, she braced herself for the inevitable...

Pat Pat Pat

"That's quite clever, Little Kitten." She booped the child lightly on the nose, "You've got a sharp nose, for one so young." She stood fully, "You are correct, of course, Little Kitten. I am not Ryoko-aneki. Rather, I am one of her Agents, Yinda Mokougami . I'm filling in for her at the moment, here to speak to your Mother." she gave the girl her kindest grin (it was only mildly less terrifying), "Is she in? We have some business to discuss."

XXXX

Kuwashima had been having a rough day. First, and most simply, she'd not been sleeping well. This was, mostly, due to the second, which was they were running behind on business, ever since they'd lost her husband. While she knew her way around sales, he'd always been the better of the two of them.

Compounding that, they were running low on supplies. She'd had high hopes after that Crimson Spirit, the one who'd identified themselves as the nigh legendary figure, Saotome, had offered materials in trade. But she'd been gone nearly two whole months with no word.

thump!thump!Thump!Thump!THUMP!THUMP!-BANG!

Kuwashima was rudely jolted out of her maudlin thoughts by the sudden entrance of her daughter as she practically blew the simple wooden door off its frame.

"Shen Fang Gao! What have I told you about-"

"Mama! There's another spirit outside! She looks just like Ryoko-nee, except she's super scary- and -and-"

Cut off by the sheer panic in her daughter's voice, Kuwashima immediately abandoned any irritation she might have felt towards her sudden entrance. Enveloping Shen Fang in an embrace, she did her level best to calm the distraught girl down.

"Shhh, shh-shh-shh-shhhh, Shen Fang~. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Where is this spirit? Did they hurt you?"

Kuwashima watched as her daughter took a tremulous breath and rubbed her eyes on her sleeve. At the same time, spreading her own senses out in the meantime in a bid to her own sense of the situation. There-

" 'm Okay Mama. She- she said she'd wait by the fish pond. Mama," Shen Fang stared at her in confusion, worry painting her eyes. "She said she works for Ryoko-nee. She's here to talk to you."

XXXX

Yinda readjusted her robes again, as she waited impatiently for the kid to drag out the whole reason she was here in the first place.

['Madre de dios, this Itches! How Aneki could stand this I'll never know.'] She swore to herself as she failed, once again, to distract herself from the constant feeling of countless vermin crawling along her very skin. She took notes, of course. Truthfully, she saw this as a wonderful new method of tort- ahem, psychological persuasion. If it wasn't being done to her, she'd have quite enjoyed seeing how it made others squirm.

Creeeak

Thankfully, it seemed the wait was finally over, as mother and daughter exited the humble, yet very sturdy, home to greet her.

Surreptitiously, she adjusted herself one last time and gave the two her best smile. '[Right, time for business. Then I can finally get out of this infernal barrier']

It took everything she had not to flinch at that smile. Suddenly she understood just what had unnerved her daughter so much. Despite how much she looked like Mokougami, there was just something...off, about her. That smile of hers, which she doubtless intended to be friendly and inviting, instead gave off a completely different kind of invitation.

One that invited you to be dinner. All in all, this spirit easily fits the bill of a kitsune.

"Ahhh, Gao-san~ So nice to finally meet you~" She gave the two a regal bow, (why were they so tense?)"My name is Yinda Mokougami. Did the Little Kitten tell you why I am here~?" she asked with forced cheer. '[Gaaahh! It itches!'] She took a drag on her pipe, as she'd seen Ranma do, in a bid to soothe her nerves.

It helped... somewhat.

"ahem, Ah, Yes! Yes, it's, uh, nice to meet you too, Mokougami-san. And, somewhat? Something about you work for Ryoko-dono, and had something you needed to discuss with me? Where is she, by the way?" It took a bit of work to get her throat working, but she would take what she could get. 'by the kami, it's like being stared down by a Beast in the Dark!'

Completely unaware of just what signals she was sending, Yinda just continued barreling forward. "Yes~ I believe the two of you had a business deal worked out?" She arched a perfect brow as she rhythmically shifted from foot to foot impatiently. "Unfortunately, she bit off a bit more than she could chew recently, so she couldn't be here herself." she gave a put-upon sigh. "Thus, as her Right Fang, I am here to fulfill Aneki's part of the bargain."

Kuwashima didn't need the small hand of her daughter clenching onto her pants to know the effect that news would have on the impressionable girl. Hopefully, it was nothing too serious. However, the news wasn't all that had caught her attention.

"Oh? What happened? Will she be alright?" Only to have the intimidating woman wave off their concerns with an airy flick of the wrist.

"Oh, she's fine~ Just a bit tuckered out is all. In any case," her gaze sharpened as she started losing her ability to ignore that Damn ITCHING! "Down to business. I believe we owe you something, Kuwashima-san?" So saying, she reached into her voluminous sleeve and unceremoniously tossed the large sack of crystals at the fangshi's feet.

THUMP!

Their eyes grew wide as saucers as a huge sack as big as Shen Fang shook the earth as it landed. Trading glances with her daughter, then glancing between the bag (why does it have a smiley face?!) and the, glorified delivery girl? she bent down to check the contents.

'Thank the spirits I'm not prone to fainting, or I'd have done so by now!' The bag was packed tight with crystalline stones of all shapes and sizes. At first glance, they appeared to be quartz, but not like any quartz she'd ever seen! Or felt! They seemed to radiate spiritual energies in a way she couldn't quite place. It was like forgetting the words to a song you knew but just couldn't remember.

Realizing she'd been staring at them silently for almost a minute now, she cleared her throat. "Ahem, ah- Thank you, Mokougami-san. Was-was there anything else you or she needed?"

The skull-splitting grin reflecting the setting sun contained far too many teeth...

XXXX
XXXX

Back at the Hueco Mundo temple...

Yinda walked into existence and strutted over to her brother, who was still leaning against Aneki's throne. Taking a puff on her new pipe, she held out a hand and produced a grapefruit-sized ball of pale, rosy energy.

"The Gao Fangshi Pact is Sealed." She tossed it over, "And Little Kitten wants Aneki to visit more often."

Tossing the ball of life up and down, he gave an impressed hum at the weight of it. "That's a helluva life this lady's had!" he frowned at the layer of 'Grief' that coated it. "Damn shame about that husband, though..."

Shaking off the flavor of melancholy, he tossed it up one last time with a decisive 'Snatch!' and looked down at the catatonic (heh) chibi still curled up on the chair.

"Right! Open wide, Boss Lady!" and unceremoniously stuffed it into her maw with a bit of Parlay du foie gras... And he cursed loudly as he sprung to catch the ballistic body that decided to launch itself out of the chair at speed!

Feeling the vibrating chibi suddenly go limp as a kitten in his hands, he quickly realized what happened. "Ha! Looks like that little snack packed a punch!" Turning to Yinda and Chi, who had just walked in, he chuckled. "Yo, Chi-chan! C'mere! She looks like she just won a fight with a power line!"

Settling their charge back onto the cushions as Chi came over to fuss over her mussed-up appearance, he nodded to Yinda. Said Guardian was currently failing to hide a pout at the lack of a certain hollow.

"Osh! Ya did good, Yinda, but ya still got work to do! Now get yer butt over to the Temple! Before those folks wake up and find 'er missing!"

Giving her brother a dismissive sniff, she took a drag on that fancy new pipe of hers. "Hai~ Hai~" She snided back. Though the smirk on her face as she sauntered out of existence belied any true contention.

Chi glanced at the space her sister had once stood, "I certainly hope she behaves." Turning back to their charge, she tucked a last errant hair back into place with a smile, 'Kawaii!'

Kistume chuckled as he turned his masked visage back down to the sleeping bundle. 'Good thing she has us around. She'd be totally helpless without us.' Just as he finished that thought, Ranma sneezed in her sleep, sending a crimson ball of darkness right into him!

Grunting curses under his breath, he peeled himself out of the new Guardian-shaped hole in the wall next door. "Gah! The Hell! We just fixed this wall! Was that a damn Cero!?" Looking over the damages, he was appalled to see the destruction continued on to the outside of the building!

"Ara Ara~ All that power from this tiny form! She got you good brother!" Chi chortles out in amusement as she leans over her brother's charred form.

Just then Tetrex poked his head in to see the cause of all the commotion. Silently assessing the situation, he simply picked the still dizzy Guardian out of the rubble before setting him along the wall. Nodding at Chi, the industrious hollow set about fixing the brand-new holes.

XXXX
XXXX

Back in the Living World Temple, Yinda as she posed a bit in the mirror to ensure nothing looked too out of place. She really didn't want a repeat of Shen Fang. Taking a deep breath to center herself, she found her time cut short by a light knock on the door.

"H-Hai!?" No, she was certainly not startled! Merely staying in character!

A hesitant, yet still chipper voice she assumed to be Ayame greeted her, "Ryoko-san? Are you up? Breakfast will be ready soon."

"Just a moment!" Yinda called back, surreptitiously styling her hair over her right eye. For some reason, it was the only part she couldn't get right. Opening the door, she revealed the smiling form of her new Partner-in-Shrine. Giving her a quick once over, she smirked when the girl got increasingly flustered at the attention.

'Ara~ Ara~ What's this? What an adorable little Snack!' She raised an amused eyebrow as the girl continued to fidget in front of her.

"Buenos Dias, Ayame-sempai~"

Realizing she'd been staring like a weirdo, Ayame face lit up like a tomato. "Oh! Ohayo, Ryoko-san! Are you ready for breakfast?"

Deciding that teasing this girl would be far too fun to pass up, 'Ryoko' gave a languid overhead stretch, not so subtly emphasizing her figure in the process.

"Mmrahh! Sure, Ayame-sempai! Breakfast sounds great!"

As they ate Ayame noticed the change in her new coworkers looks. "Oh! Ryoko-san, you've changed your mask? It looks more rugged now."

"Hmm? Ah! Yeah, I've got a few different ones. I like to switch 'em around from time to time. Depends on my mood, I guess."

The smile Ayame gave her nearly blinded her. "I love the adorable fuzzy ears! They're so realistic! You even made them move!" realizing how excited she'd gotten, Ayame tried to reign herself back in.

"Hey? Do you think, mabey- Mabey you could give me some cosplay tips later? I've always wanted to give it a try." She twiddled her fingers

'Ryoko' smiled at her, "Sure. I think we can do that sometime. But mabey you should finish eating, eh? Isn't it almost time to open?" she nodded at their dishes, hers clear of food while Ayame's remained half full.

She nodded with a blush and hurriedly finished her meal while 'Ryoko' cleaned up.

Pulling out the list she'd been given by the old priest, 'Ryoko' checked off another of the latest of a series of skulduggery tasks. Thankfully, she had so far managed to successfully play the part and no one was any the wiser.

'Still. The amount of Power she possesses, and they assign her such mundane trivialities as Dusting the Eves!?' Tucking the page back into her sleeve, she arched her back with an explosive CRACK! And if she so happened to be grinning, well it certainly wasn't at the adorable squeak of the girl across the courtyard. Not at all~

XXXXX
XXXXX

It was late in the evening when Kuwashima, at last, was able to go through the Goodybag of spiritual quartz (seriously, why the smiley face?). There was just, so much of it! It must have weighed at least 100 kilos!

"Well, at least I won't have to worry about supply issues for the next..." she mentally tallied up roughly how quickly this would take to sell, "year. Still, let's just hope business stays steady. Having the goods does nothing if no one is buying."

Her gaze hardened as she thought back to their recent visitor. Her hand still tingled from the handshake where she'd willingly mingled some of her power with the fox spirit. But that wasn't what was truly bothering the Demon Hunter.

No, it was something else. Something the redhead had let slip.

"-as her Right Fang, I am here to fulfill her part of the Bargain."

Dousing the lights and banking the fire for the night, she made her way with the sack into her workshop. Quietly, she moved her carving stand over to reveal a small trap door. Tenderly reaching inside, she pulled out a small, simple wooden box.

Inside, nested in a bed of sealing charms, sat a 10cm broken fang of bone.

Note: If you enjoyed this new edition of the story please leave a review or don't it is all up to you. Until next time keep in good health and have a wonderful year. (By the way, I as well as TimberlineWolf are looking forward to the Ranma-reboot on the 5th of October not far in front of my 42nd Birthday on the 23rd I am hoping it will be as good if not better than the original launch of the Ranma1/2 series.