"Thanks again Nanasawa-san!" Nabiki said. She scribbled something in her ledger as she hung up the phone, then took a moment to lean back in her chair.

Moving as much money around as she had been was a challenge particularly given how entangled she had let Hana get with her finances. The girl didn't have access to her personal bank accounts, of course, but Nabiki didn't use those for business. She'd had to set up all new accounts, plus she had to be very careful to avoid using her old brokers and contacts. I practically handed my operation to Hana gift-wrapped, and the impatient girl just couldn't wait a year for me to step down gracefully, she thought bitterly. It was all so pointless; throwing down someone to take something they were actively trying to give to you.

I suppose that could apply to a lot of people in Nerima. Akane wanted love, acceptance, and to be special. She meets someone who can give her ALL of that, and she zeroes in on the fact they're half male. Daddy and Mr. Saotome kept wanting Ranma and Akane to get together, but every moment they had where they were even remotely affectionate, they ruined by showing up and pushing them together. Shampoo could probably have had Ranma either way if she had just stopped trying to kill her for five seconds long enough to talk to her.

I guess that could even apply to ME… she thought wryly. Ranma, Akane, Kasumi, even Daddy… they were all trying to be on my side, and I kept just taking them for a ride. I treated them like any other suckers that crossed my path while I surrounded myself with people like Hana.

She crossed a name off her list and saw the one she had been avoiding. This was the Hard Sell; the call that so many of her plans hinged upon. She didn't have a lot of collateral to back up her sales pitch… and the risk was, frankly, obscene. But none of this would work if she couldn't pull it off.

She picked up her phone and dialled the number, punching it in manually as a kind of ritual to prepare herself. She brought it to her ear and heard the line pick up.

"Hello?"

"Yuto? It's Nabiki," she said, keeping her voice even. "I'd like to meet with you. Today if I could. There's something I want to talk with you about."

000

"Brother, are you sure this is wise?" Kodachi asked, giving her older sibling a concerned look over her teacup.

That expression alone was reassuring for Tatewaki. How many years had it been since his younger sister had gazed upon him with anything but venom? Though he knew the bulk of her concern was more for their guests than his own welfare, it gave him some hope he might one day bridge the gulf between them. "I am not the target of our attackers and I doubt they would see much value in accosting me," he replied carefully. "Nor do I believe Ms. Tanaka sees me as any sort of threat. I am still the madman and the fool as far as she is concerned, and I do not intend to disabuse her of that notion."

"D'ya think you can really fool her, Kuno-senpai?" Ranma asked. Her expression was also one of concern. Her expression for him was far softer and more genuine than he had seen before. In spite of himself he still felt a lurch in his chest to see true concern and… maybe even trust in the depths of those cerulean eyes. Despite the false pretences, despite knowing it had all been his own mad delusion, and despite knowing her true history, he feared it would be some time yet before his heart could ever truly let go of his 'Tree-borne Kettle Girl'... if it even could.

"You mean play the touched madman, in all his grandiosity and blindness?" he scoffed and shook his head. "You do me credit to presume it would be difficult for me at all. Nay, no matter the medication he is always there, always scratching at the edges of my sanity, reminding me how much happier his fantasy world was for me. It will be like donning an old, comfortable coat. The challenge will be in remembering to not let it become the straightjacket it has been for so many years."

Ranma frowned. The concern deepend. "Look, Tatewaki…" she said, her voice even softer now. "You don't gotta do this if it's gonna mess you up. I know how… shaky it can get trying to keep reality straight, you know?"

Tatewaki fiercely pushed down the poetry that threatened to leap unbidden from his lips. Do not mistake concern and friendship for romance. The words of his therapist reminded him, from one of their many humbling sessions as his body healed. He closed his eyes and took a centering breath, A pox on both our families. How might have our paths entwined differently had we met while we were both sane?

"It is reality I go there now to perceive," he said finally. "Himura has the advantage in your contest, yet something distracts her from pressing it. She has gathered resources far in excess of what is needed, and continues still. What use has she of an army of foreign warriors, when her contest is all but won? We must need expose the breadth of her schemes if we are to find a weakness to exploit. While she may keep Nabiki, Akane and your other allies at arm's length, she will have a more difficult time with me, given the provisional nature of her position."

"I think Kuno-Senpai is right, Ranma," Sayuri piped up. She had been subdued for most of breakfast, a little overwhelmed by Kuno manor and the sheer scale of everything inside. "Besides, Himura thinks Nabiki is falling back on her old mercenary ways to try and salvage something, so we can have her check in with senpai under the guise of selling him more pictures or something."

Tatewaki shuddered. Yet more shameless behaviour that would require thorough apologies and amends once the immediate crisis had passed.

000

It took a moment for Yuto to spot the person he had come to meet. To her credit, she had done an admirable job shifting her profile; The dark wig was artfully done and looked natural, and rather than the obvious cliché of dark glasses, she had opted for what he presumed were colored contacts, tinting her normally brown eyes a rather striking shade of green. A pair of wire-frame glasses and artfully applied stage makeup did a good job of subtly altering her appearance and masking her true age. He suspected she wore lifts in her otherwise sensible-looking shoes. There was one possible weakness in her disguise though.

He slid into the seat across from her in the small, dark tea shop. "I would think the Japanese Businesswoman look is a little too 'on the nose' for you, Nabiki Tendo," he said wryly

"It's a look I know I can pull off, and it suits the topic of discussion," Nabiki replied, as she set a leather attaché case in her lap. She pulled out several documents which she placed on the table between them.

"Did it have to be a tea shop?" Yuto asked. He gazed meaningfully at the teacup that sat in front of her, and eyed the dark liquid with some distaste. "My preferred form of brewed beverage doesn't involve leaves."

"Did you forget that I'm still technically underage?" Nabiki countered, picking up the cup and taking a sip. She shook her head when he reached for the papers. "Not yet. This place is as private a place as is possible for a conversation, but it comes with something of a price. You'll need to indulge the owner in his little ritual."

"Ritual?" Yuto cocked an eyebrow.

"She means this, I believe." A voice to his left said, causing Yuto to start in his seat. Suddenly there was a teacup in front of him. Unlike Nabiki's delicate teacup, it was a simple mug, though it was shot through with gold in a spidery pattern, like the mug had been shattered and repaired with Kintsugi.

Yuto turned in his seat to see a middle-aged man in a woman's kimono and heavy makeup. Rather than trying to truly emulate a woman, his appearance seemed almost intentionally jarring, though non-threatening in the extreme.

"My apologies for startling you, Master Yuto," the man said. "My name is Jiro, and I am the proprietor of this humble establishment." Before Yuto could comment, he was already pouring into his cup. "I ask a small concession from all my patrons; That I be allowed to attempt to guess their tea preference. No charge, of course."

"My tea preference?" Yuto scoffed. "I fear you may be disappointed, sir… err, madam?"

"Oh, I am definitely a 'sir'" Jiro replied smoothly, "my fashion choices and affinity for makeup notwithstanding." His smile never wavered or changed.

"Ah, yes… well, you'll find my preferences tend not towards tea at all." Yuto looked down skeptically at the steaming contents of the mug.

"Of course, and each has their own preferences, but you'll humor me in the attempt at least?" Jiro motioned to the cup.

Yuto sighed, and reluctantly picked up the mug. Whatever was in it smelled nice at least. Maybe it would be gentler on his poor stomach than the coffee he regularly swilled to kill hangovers. He took a skeptical sip.

… Then another. He gave the strange man a confused look.

"Golden Balance Turmeric Tea," Jiro supplied helpfully. "Soothes the belly, as well as migraines, headaches and hangovers." He inclined his head. "I hope it meets with your approval."

"I… thank you," Yuto replied. He had barely been aware of the dull ache in his temples, but he could already feel the knot starting to loosen. As the proprietor withdrew to wherever he had come from, Yuto's eyes were drawn back to the sheaf of papers on the table. "I presume you didn't invite me here to try and alter my preconceptions about tea."

"I didn't just invite you here for that, but the tea was part of it," Nabiki hid a smirk behind her teacup. "Jiro is a secret I like to share with my friends, especially those who have some big decisions to make."

"I fear you have wasted it on me, then," he replied ruefully. "The biggest decision I am allowed by my family typically involves on what continent to drink myself into a stupor."

Nabiki folded her hand and rested her chin on them. "Would you like to change that?" she asked quietly. Again, Yuto's eyes were drawn to the papers.

"I am not allowed to interfere in your contest with my sister," Yuto cautioned. He felt a sense of deja vu — an echo from his conversation in the limo with that sister the previous night. "So if you are here to recruit me to your cause…"

"Yes and no," Nabiki replied. "I'm aware of the restrictions on our contest. That's still on me, and I won't burden you with details." She took a breath and adjusted her glasses, closing her eyes for a moment. "What do you suppose will happen after? Presuming I win, of course."

"If you're smart, you'll find a nice cozy witness protection program for you and your family, leave Japan, and do your best to forget you ever heard the name 'Tanaka'," he muttered. Catching her expression he shook his head sadly. "But you won't do that, will you? The old man will bring you in and continue to 'test' you. You'll either be made to betray everything you love to maintain his favor, have it ripped away from you to give you 'focus', or you will be discarded by the side of the road and the process will all start again."

"I would prefer another option," Nabiki replied, nudging the papers towards him.

He refused to take the bait. "Then lose." He picked up his cup and drained it, despite its temperature. "Become someone he's no longer interested in. Give Himura her ego boost. Let them believe you're beaten, broken, and worthless or you will be forced to become something far, far worse." He put the mug down and stood, putting a hand on the papers to forestall her waving them in his face. "You lose, or you lose. Those are the only options with Oda Tanaka."

Nabiki glared at him with determination sparkling in her eyes. Despite himself, Yuto found himself hesitating.

"No one wins forever," she said firmly. "And Oda Tanaka hasn't been winning. He's been stealing. And I want to stop it. Please, Yuto, at least hear me out."

Walk away. Yuto's inner voice whispered to him. Turn around and walk out. Go board a plane to Bombay or something. This girl is crazy, and getting mixed up in this will only cost you…

Cost me what?

His inner voice had no answer for that. What was loss to someone who really had nothing left he cared for? When you were beaten, broken, and worthless, what was left to protect?

He rolled his eyes, and in spite of his better instincts, he sat back down. "Don't lie to me and tell me you've got some airtight plan to bring him down, because I'll know you're deluded."

"Oh, no, not at all," Nabiki replied. "What I have is a sketchy, farfetched, insane plan to bring him down that hinges entirely on winning a challenge that currently may not be even possible for me to win."

Yuto raised an eyebrow and leaned his arm on the table. "And you think that you have a chance to really pull this off?

"No idea, actually," Nabiki replied. "But the cost of not trying means I'm going to lose everything I love anyway, so…"

"...So you have nothing to lose," Yuto finished for her. "I think, then, that we have some common ground after all." He glanced down at the papers. "That lists my shares in Tanaka Pharmaceuticals, I presume? At least what's publicly attributed to me and not buried under multiple dummy corporations."

"I'm pretty sure I got those too." She pushed the stack of papers towards him, "but feel free to double check."

"Heh… well, then I think I'm going to need…" he held up his mug, intending to shake it to request a refill, but found it was already full. He glanced around, but saw no sign of the odd proprietor. "When…?"

Nabiki saluted with her teacup, almost mysteriously refilled. "I might not have Oda Tanaka's experience, but I am pretty good at finding people who are the best at what they do."

000

"What do you mean Tatewaki Kuno is on the school grounds!?" Himura growled into her phone, momentarily losing her composure.

"J-just that, miss," the crony who Himura had not felt was important enough to append a name to replied. "He's in uniform and says he's here to attend classes again. H-he's in the courtyard talking with the students. There's a fairly large crowd…"

Himura hung up the call, not caring to hear the rest. She got to her feet, then took a steadying breath.

That addled idiot! she seethed internally, He just needed to stay home for one more week. One more! I even thoughtfully provided his precious Pig-Tailed Girl to keep him company! She forced herself to relax, unclench her fists, and smooth out the snarl she could feel her face had twisted into. Steady. Steady. Play it calm, and he'll have no reason to meddle.

She smoothed her skirt, pausing at a nearby mirror to adjust her hair and ensure she was presentable. Smile, be the pretty, vapid little thing he assumes all women to be. Pout a little if he babbles about his loves. Let him ramble on about meaningless drivel and he won't think to change what you've worked so hard on. She nodded in satisfaction at her reflection and proceeded down the stairs and out to the courtyard. Tahn Pon and Konatsu slipped into their customary positions at her left and right, offering a sense of reassurance.

There was a significant crowd. It reminded Himura of the old days when the martial artists would have one of their spectacles. It irked Himura a little how even a placid Tatewaki Kuno could so effortlessly draw such crowds.

The crowd parted as Himura and her associates approached. At the center, wearing a distressingly normal navy blue Furinkan uniform rather than his Kendogi, was Tatewaki Kuno.

He doesn't even have his wooden sword. Maybe he'll behave? Himura thought. She forced a bright smile. "Kuno Senpai! I had no idea you were planning on attending today! We weren't expecting you for another week!"

Tatewaki turned, and Himura could see his eyes were distressingly clear and focused. He was not wearing the slightly dopey, unfocused countenance that she had been expecting. Gone was the usual chauvinist, and as his eyes passed over her, she could almost feel the suppressed revulsion in them, as opposed to the casual visual undressing she was accustomed to.

"Vice President Himura," he said crisply and clearly, "I am glad you're here. It seems there have been many developments in my absence, and I would like to discuss them."

"Kunou Senpai, while I appreciate your eagerness to resume your duties, you have only just returned to us after a long absence," Himura managed diplomatically as internally she was cursing in several different languages at once. Ranma has turned him. Or Tendo. How they made him SANE is a question I will have to have Hana investigate. "Perhaps it would be better to take things more slowly? Ease back into your classes and school life before you resume the burdens of your office?"

"I think I have had quite enough of 'taking it easy'. I have been derelict in my duties far too long." He smiled—a smile that did not reach his eyes. "No need to be apprehensive, Vice President. I am certain that I will find you have managed things admirably in my absence. Shall we go to the Student Council chambers? I imagine your recordkeeping has been meticulous as always?"

Himura cursed again. With so many witnesses, it was difficult to divert Tatewaki from such a direct request. She forced her smile wider, then motioned the older boy to follow her. Saotome. Tendo. I don't know which of you put him up to this, but I will ENJOY wringing suitable retribution out of you!

000

Rin fought her way out of the blackness from the effects of the tranquilliser gas only to find… more blackness.

She groaned and tried to move, but she could feel her arms were bound behind her back. There was something over her head blocking her vision. Her mouth was dry and tasted foul. As she moved, there was a metallic creaking, and she could feel the floor under her shift and sway.

"Aha, my little canary has woken up, I see," a chillingly familiar voice could be heard. Rin instinctively backed up to find the movement blocked by something made of cold metal, like a grate or a fence.

Or cage bars, Rin's mind supplied helpfully.

Suddenly, whatever was over her head was pulled away. Rin spent a second blinking before her eyes adjusted to the gloom. Whatever this place was, it was dimly lit, but she could make out high ceilings and walls, with light filtering in through broken windows high above the ground. An empty warehouse? Her dark thoughts had been right about the bars, though. She was in some sort of a square cage that was suspended some distance above the ground.

"I do apologize for the sparseness of the accommodations," Rin turned to follow the voice. Young Mi stood there, on what looked like industrial scaffolding next to the cage. "But the circus has fallen on hard times, so there is a little rust on the cages. We've kept the pool clean, though."

Pool? Rin's eyes flicked down. Through the bars that made the floor of her cage, she could see a large pool of water beneath her. She was in a cage over a pool of water!

"Uwaaaaah!" Rin kicked back, but there was nowhere she could go, and her legs seemed to be bound at the ankles. The chains supporting the cage creaked as it swung back and forth.

"Oh, steady, steady!" Young Mi reached out a hand and stopped the cage swinging. "I don't recommend that at all! The chains and pulleys are rather worn and rusted you see. Too much struggling and they're liable to snap and… well," She tapped the bottom of the cage with the handle of her whip. "The cage itself is quite sturdy. I doubt even my Darling could get it open before you drowned."

"Why are you doing this!?" Rin sobbed. She struggled against her bonds, but the rope was thick and stout and the knots expertly tied.

Young Mi sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I don't expect you to understand, of course. None of this truly involves you." She tapped the cage again with the handle of her whip. "When my Darling left me. Left my family… my father's health went into decline. He was not well by any stretch, to be clear. But he had been relying on Darling to take over the circus with me. The idea was a great comfort to him… and to have that snatched away hastened his end." She shrugged and paced a little, slapping the whip handle into her hand. "After that… well, papa's creditors were by and large a chauvinistic lot, and many didn't believe I could run the show by myself. They started calling in debts left and right, even before he passed on. Papa died while watching his dream die." She stopped, staring off into the distance. "He died… crying. Apologizing to me for his failures. To me, even though I failed to…" She trailed off. "Well, nevermind that. The point was that Darling forced a rather horrible choice on me; To stay and care for my ailing father and try and save his beloved circus, or to leave to track down my love and bring him home. It didn't end well for me. Of course, I have no way of knowing for sure, but I suspect it wouldn't have ended any better if I had chased after him. But that uncertainty will always drive me a little mad, you see?"

"Hurting other people isn't going to make that any better!" Rin protested. "Why can't you just talk to Mu Tsu?"

"Because, my little sweetling, he would Simply. Not. Understand." She tapped the bars of the cage with her whip to punctuate the last three words. "I want more than anything to talk with my Darling. Anything. But for what I have to say to make any sense to him, we must have a shared experience. Frustration. Effort. Helplessness. Cruel Choices. And Loss. And so to show him my love, I shall gift him these things, so he might finally, finally understand what he has done. Then, at last, we will be able to talk."

Rin's eyes widened. For a moment, her protests died on her lips, unable to find the right words to argue against what was clearly insanity. Her expression changed as she slumped back in her cage, thought whirling with the implications.

"That… no love," A weak voice said. Rin looked over to see another cage suspended over the pool, and realized there was a figure huddled in there. Xian Pu?

Young Mi raised an eyebrow, turning to tap her whip against the other cage. "Still conscious, are we?" She asked. "I'm impressed, I haven't given you any food or water. You must be suffering." She crouched down to the level of the huddled form. "Sorry, but you're too dangerous to even risk passing sustenance through to you. If my Darling can't figure out my puzzles, then I'm afraid you will simply have to expire the hard way. But that will work too."

"Joketsuzoku can sustain selves many days without food or w-water…" Xian Pu croaked, though her voice cracked on the last word. "Techniques…"

"Yes, yes, I'm sure," Young Mi replied, straightening. "It won't really matter in the end. Darling will come, and he will choose. And one of you will be saved! Isn't that wonderful!" She raised her arms triumphantly. Then she let them drop. "It matters little if you're dead at the time. It won't really make a difference."

000

Ranma was taking a page from Tatewaki's book for once; she was attempting to meditate. She sat on a towel in the grassy yard, cross legged, eyes closed and brow furrowed in concentration.

It's balance, she thought, trying to bring the tumult in her mind to heel. When I lost my ability to play volleyball, it was the balance between Boy and Girl that was out of whack. I could still do the Art just fine, but… Volleyball was too girly? She frowned. No… it's not girly, it's just… something I only do as a girl. So I had to accept my girl side to do it, even as a guy? She wrestled with that idea. Does that even make sense? Why does it matter? So… I can't do the Art now because I'm rejecting my Guy side? Is that it? I just gotta… accept being a guy?

She cracked an eye open. Ryouga was a short distance away, doing a slow kata. Some variant of Tai Chi, or possibly something homebrewed he had made himself. Whatever it was, it seemed to center his ki. She could sense as much even from here.

What if I don't WANNA be a guy anymore? she thought and simply watched him for a moment. She let herself imagine her own male side performing those same katas, but it quickly blurred and became her current form. Performing them WITH Ryouga. I'm really a girl, right? I was BORN a girl! I… I WANT to be a girl. I'm BETTER this way. She continued to watch him move, feeling a fondness and possessiveness suffuse her. I want to be a mother someday. A REAL one, not like what I got.

The image in her mind's eye blurred one more, and her own figure was replaced with Nabiki, doing the same kata.

Ranma shook her head to clear it. No… I KNOW Nabiki misses her 'boy on the beach.' But I can't be something just because someone else wants it. She looked up and watched Ryouga by himself. After all… Ryouga loves the GIRL. But he doesn't demand I BE a girl for him. He… he said he'd love me either way. The only ones who are trying to decide what I am are…

There was a brief flash of bright steel. A Tanto on a white sheet. A cold glare from formerly warm eyes.

Her hands balled into fists. So… what? That's the price then? she thought glumly. I can choose what makes me happy… but it'll cost me the Art?

Another mental image of her mother laughing softly, her male form by her side, receding, slowly fading into darkness.

Or… is it easier than that? she pondered. I didn't have to choose to be a girl to get my volleyball skills back. I just had to… ACCEPT being a girl. She glanced at her own hand. Is it that easy? Do I just gotta… ACCEPT my guy side back? Everyone has Yin and Yang, boy or girl. Just gotta… get in touch with my Yang, right?

She briefly considered getting some hot water, but then the memory of the first change shot through her mind. The feel of bones cracking, joints dislocating; muscles tearing and burning and the pain… so much pain, no matter how she begged and pleaded for it to stop…

She shuddered. Okay, no go on that. She sighed. Not… not yet. Not ready. But the Neko ken works. Why? She regarded her own hand again, curling her fingers into claws.

Because it's NOT the Art the Boy knows. It's the Art the CAT knows.

She took a slow breath. Something told her to look up. On the compound wall, far enough away to not trigger a panic attack, a cat was stretching in the morning sun.

Are you telling me I have to accept my CAT side? Ranma thought, incredulously. Why would I have a CAT side!? I didn't fall into THAT spring!

Girls couldn't get out of the Pit. Boys could get out, but they would get put back in. Only Cats stayed out.

She wrapped her arms around herself. Suddenly the light fabric of her gi was FAR too thin.

The concept was terrifying. Enduring cats was one thing, but… being a cat!? Choosing to be a cat?!

I don't HAVE to choose it… she thought. Just… ACCEPT it, right? She resettled herself and closed her eyes, taking a few steadying breaths as she began reaching. For what, she didn't know, but…

It's in the dark, she realized. That scary place. The Pit. The Cats… the cats were never what I was afraid of. They bit and scratched, but it was just because THEY were afraid too. We were all afraid of the same thing. She could see now, the form of her father. But huge, as a young child might see him. Reaching for her, to grab her, hurt her, bind her and throw her into the dark place to suffer.

A paw slashed at the figure's hand, forcing it to draw back, and Genma's figure lost form and dissolved.

The Cats could get out of the Pit, and he never could catch them again after that. So… what does Cat-me look like? She felt resistance at the idea of even visualising a cat, but the old, irrational terror didn't seem to be there anymore. She knew what it was now. She decided to start with the only real Cat she knew, Shampoo. They had had several sessions trying to defuse her terror of cats using Shampoo's cat form. No… too… high class, I guess? Shampoo is a pretty cat… groomed, well cared for. This was a stray… The mental image shifted… lean, short fur… orange? Yes, orange. Bright green eyes. Do cats have green eyes? Doesn't matter, cat-me does.

Slowly, the mental image of herself as a cat formed. It was sitting just a ways away, regarding her curiously. Fearlessly. Close enough she could reach out to it.

Will it let me touch? Ranma thought. Will it scratch? Will it bite?

Try. Find out.

In her mind's eye, she reached towards the cat. But her hand was trembling, and the cat batted her hand away.

Not with fear.

But… how will I know if the cat will accept me, or hurt me? she thought.

You don't. It is a cat. With a cat you do not know until you try.

She tried again. This time she steadied her hand. She knew how the claws could hurt, how the scratches could burn… but she could survive that. She could just pull her hand back, Genma could not hold her there anymore.

The cat stood, and rubbed its head against her hand. She felt a strange, almost bubbling joy rise in her chest. She giggled in spite of herself as the cat accepted her. It walked over to her and curled up in her lap.

Good. We can start now.

000

"I am… somewhat concerned by some of the figures in these books," Tatewaki said. Himura was hovering to his left, and he could feel her nervous energy. "Who is Acting Treasurer currently?"

"Well… myself of course," Himura said. "If there is something the student board has funded or any expenditures that don't seem right, I'm sure I can find…"

"No, no, we can discuss that later," he said, closing the book. "I see you have apportioned funds from the board accounts for this school trip to Cobblepot tomorrow. I was given to understand that this was to be paid for from your personal funds?"

He could almost hear the curse in her head. "Y-yes, well the accounting would require that the funds come from an approved school source, which I would then reimburse by donation…"

"Yes, quite right, but there should be a promissory note recorded for the funds donation. Please ensure that it is added as soon as possible." Tatewaki cut her off. He looked over his shoulder. "I understand you are under a great deal of stress, with so many demands on your time. If you wish, I can retain an accounting firm to review and rectify the books…"

"No!" She snatched the ledger from his grasp. "No, no… that will not be necessary, Kunou-senpai." She forced her smile back, but it was clearly cracking around the edges. "Perhaps you would like to review the Kendo club? They have been drilling hard in your absence, and…"

Trying to divert me, are you? Tatewaki thought to himself. There was a time that would have been that simple. In his pocket, he rubbed the familiar contours of the pill bottle. "I am sure they are managing admirably. I am far more interested in what is going on with our new rising stars, the Volleyball team."

"O-oh?" Himura replied, retaining her death grip on the ledger.

So the accounting is that bad, hmm? Tatwaki noted ruefully. I think that independent accounting firm may need to be more than just a threat. But that will come AFTER Ran wins your little challenge.

"Well, as I am returned, and you are involved directly on the Volleyball team, it falls to me to ensure the contest is conducted fairly, does it not?"

"I… assure you Kunou-senpai, you needn't concern yourself with it," Himura said quickly. "The Vice-Principal and I…"

"The Vice-Principal is a studious, diligent, and hard working man who has not left his office for nearly five years for fear of his own student body," Tatewaki interrupted. "In fact, I do believe he has taken a leave of absence recently, and in a rather unorthodox move, ceded his authority to you."

Himura stared at him.

Oh, thought you covered that track, did you? Tatewaki thought with some bemusement. Were the stakes of the situation not quite so dire, he might have enjoyed more making the arrogant woman squirm. "I understand the pressures imposed by my father's being indisposed and unable to work, but I doubt that conforms with accepted educational guidelines. I will have to give him a call. If he is not able to work then I am sure that the School Board can appoint…"

"That won't be necessary!" Himura said quickly. She coughed, and seemed to regain her composure. "I will make sure the vice Principal is available for you in his office tomorrow, of course. I am sure this is simply a minor cold. In the meantime, I'm sure your expert leadership will see us through this difficult time."

Tatewaki did not miss the furtive hand signals Himura was making to her minions, who then quietly slipped away. I wonder what other liberties you've taken and left in the open? Let us find out. I am certain I will find something Nabiki Tendo will find useful.

000

Nabiki had been lying low at school for the day ever since she saw Kunou's limo pull in and Tachi himself step out.

I wish I knew what you were up to, Tachi, she thought, a little frustrated that the elder Kunou sibling was going off-script. But she was somewhat mollified by the fact that Himura's minions were panicking.

Whatever you're doing is making life rough for Himura, so I suppose I can't be too mad, Nabiki thought. Still, it reminded her why the compartmentalization of knowledge was so vital to keeping things secure. Otherwise a well-meaning Kenodist could compromise her plans left and right.

She was waiting in an empty classroom, one that both Ali-Baba and Gosunkugi had certified was secure. Something about video feed loops and false signals, with an emergency cutoff wired to one of the light switches if she needed the room to go 'dark' immediately. She was planning to meet Hiroshi and Daisuke to update and get updated on the situations at the school.

Gosunkugi has really stepped up during all this. Nabiki mused. I don't know how much of my meddling he WANTS in my life, but at the very least I'll need to clear out those bullies that pick on him. I'm sure a grateful martial artist or two can be recruited for short term bodyguard duty.

"Nabiki Tendo."

Nabiki's head snapped up at a voice that was NOT one of the 'B' Team.

Kodachi Kuno slipped into the room, closing the door behind her. "You have taken the appropriate precautions, I presume?"

Nabiki frowned. "We're secure… for the short term at least, if that's what you mean," she said carefully. She still wasn't entirely sure how wary she needed to be around the younger Kuno sibling. Things were still very complicated between them.

"Good. I wish to talk." Kodachi leaned back against the door. "Sayuri informed me of this meeting place you use. I pray you will forgive my boldness in co-opting it for my own purposes."

Will have to chat with Sayuri about operational security. Nabiki thought, then immediately rubbed her temples as she realized how ridiculous that sounded. Or I could just recognize she's just an ordinary high school student and not a secret agent. Must keep a realistic perspective, Nabiki! "What do you want to talk about?"

"Strategy, primarily," Kodachi said."My brother has entrusted me with these arrangements while he keeps our… 'mutual problem' suitably occupied." She inclined her head upwards, indicating the staff offices. "I understand that Himura is squirming quite deliciously at the moment."

Nabiki allowed herself a small grin. "I wish I had given him a camera to record it."

"Oh, that has been taken care of, thanks to Sasuke and our other retainers." Kodachi returned the grin. "The admissibility in any court proceedings would sadly be quite limited, but I imagine you will find something in the footage that you can use."

Score one for the Kunous! Nabiki cheered internally. "That is greatly appreciated. Thank you!"

"In this struggle, our families are allied, are we not?" Kodachi replied. "Addled parental figures not included, of course. But I am finding the current conflict rather thrilling."

"The stakes are a little high for my taste," Nabiki replied carefully.

"Hence the thrill," Kodachi replied. "Though I do sympathize, given the burden has fallen primarily on you and yours. On that topic, Ran and her peasant are in good health and good spirits. Ran in particular has been sharing some fascinating martial arts secrets with us."

Oh god, what did you teach the crazy martial arts gymnast, Ranma? Nabiki swallowed her immediate visceral response to that. "I'm… glad they're doing well…"

"More than that, I believe we have identified a route through the drainage canals by which we may return them to you. Or evacuate your family from the Tendo compound, if need be." Kodachi handed Nabiki a folded piece of paper.

Nabiki opened it to find it was a map of the Nerima drainage canal system, with several routes between Castle Kunou and the Tendo Dojo marked, including notes about possible issues or vulnerable points.

"We have assessed each route, including running some tests with body doubles dressed as Ran and her lover, with no incidents. I believe we can be sure of safe travel even for non combatants." Kodachi said proudly.

Nabiki turned the map in her hands. "This is… this is genius!" She allowed herself a small, relieved laugh. "You don't know how comforting it is to have a safe escape route established for when this all goes sideways."

"When," Kodachi commented. "You expect treachery from your foes, despite the agreements in place."

"They're playing nice because they're winning right now," Nabiki replied, tucking the map away. "I don't trust that will last as soon as following the rules is no longer to their advantage."

"Wise. You would be amazed how many are simply unprepared for that eventuality," Kodachi replied airily.

I BET, given how often you fudged the rules yourself! Nabiki thought darkly, but kept it to herself.

"I trust you do have a strategy to turn things around?" Kodachi asked.

"I have…" What? I've got a hope and a prayer that hinges on Ranma being ready to play, getting Rin and Shampoo back in one piece, and… " A strategy, yes." She finished carefully. "But there have been some wrinkles. Specifically, that my star player has been kidnapped by a crazy circus lady with some grudge or obsession towards Mu Tsu."

"I wasn't aware that Mu Tsu was connected to your little group." Kodachi cocked her head.

"He's not. Well, he wasn't before this," Nabiki replied. "Given the timing, we suspect Himura has provided her aid and information in exchange for Young Mi's following her timetable. We figure she's set her up on some Tanaka property, but we have no idea which one. She has a giant liger with her, so that narrows it a bit, but only a bit"

Kodachi nodded sharply. "I know something about the channels one would need to follow to supply and care for a large and exotic pet, particularly the dangerous ones. I will make some inquiries, but I sense time is of the essence. I will have our retainers begin a search. Discreetly, of course."

"Can they do that without running into Amazon interference?" Nabiki asked.

Kodachi scoffed. "Please. While these Amazons have some impressive tricks, they have all of the understanding of subterfuge of a Mongol Horde. They have not yet recognized that they are in enemy territory, and do not show it the appropriate respect. I suspect Sun Tzu would weep at their carelessness."

Nabiki pulled out a notepad, quickly scribbled a number and tore off the sheet before handing it to Kodachi. "That's Hiroshi's number. He's my man on the ground for this. He can coordinate with Mu Tsu and the rest if you find anything. But please… don't put yourself at more risk than necessary. I would rather not have your injury being on my conscience as well."

Kodachi accepted the sheet of paper. She quirked an eyebrow at Nabiki. "Concern for my well-being, Nabiki Tendo?"

Nabiki sighed. "You're not my enemy, Kodachi. Your brother used to be my best friend. I owe you and your family a huge debt right now. And… Ranma… Ran… would be hurt if you were hurt."

Kodachi folded the paper and tucked it away. As she was fussing, she asked the question that had been needling her. "And… on the topic of Ran. She is not Ranma Saotome. Not anymore. Can you accept her as she is?"

Nabiki smiled. "Yes. I love her, whether she ends up my husband or my wife. I want to see where she goes from here… who she can become. Her form can shift all it wants."

Nabiki could not be certain, but thought she saw sadness… and perhaps a bit of regret… flicker through Kodachi's eyes. "Then… I think you and I can be friends." Kodachi said finally, and extended her hand.

Nabiki had a sudden vision about poisoned barbs, or even contact poisons, but her instinct told her this was an important moment, and an even more important ally. She remembered how crushed Kodachi had been when she had learned the truth at the Saotome home. She took the hand and shook it resolutely.

000

Ranma took a deep breath and opened her eyes.

Different eyes. New eyes.

Everything seemed sharper, clearer. Especially motion… she felt her attention drawn by innumerable little movements. Somehow, she could process them all.

It was a change to her ki, like the Soul of Ice, but… different. Soul of Cat?

See? See how it moves? The cat in her whispered. She moved her hand back and forth, feeling her ki as it wrapped around her hand. It was misty, indistinct now, but if she tenses just so

Claws.

It's so much easier than I thought it would be. She looked to the far side of the compound and started running.

All fours.

She dropped to all fours, bounding faster. Can we mix it? Two legs when it suits?

Always do what suits. Least resistance is best.

She experimented, running parallel to the wall. All fours, then two legs. She could feel the energy arcing from her paws. Hands? Feet? All human words anyway. Experimentally she ran UP the wall, then pushed off into a long, graceful backflip.

She could tell where the ground was. Twisting to get her feet under her was child's play, as easy as running itself. She landed on the grass, light as a feather, and dropped to all fours again.

Good. Good. Hunt. Catch something now? Catch to eat?

Ranma's eyes flicked to the sound of birds in the nearby trees, but carefully relaxed her posture. No, don't want to hurt the birds. We have plenty of food.

She found herself automatically cleaning the back of her hand with her tongue.

Didn't want bird anyway.

She giggled a little at the sense from her cat-self. So much confidence! I could fire one HELL of a Moko Takbisha with this much confidence!

"Ranma, what was all that?" Ryouga's question came from where he had been doing his more conventional katas.

Ranma's head swivelled, and she felt the cat rise suddenly.

MATE!

She found herself bounding towards him. Well, it was more like a single bound, tackling him to the ground.

"Ranma WhaHOOOOOGG~!" Ryouga's breath was driven from his lungs and a small redheaded missile slammed into his midsection and knocked him to the ground, pinning him under her.

"WhyYYyYYYYyY?" Ryouga managed to wheeze.

MaTE MATe mATE MAtE poUNce pLAY NuzZlE gROoM mAkE kittENS!

Ranma took a breath and struggled to wrestle the cat's intense reaction under control before she removed Ryouga's pants with her teeth. She butted her head under his chin, finding she was purring uncontrollably.

Ryouga's eyes widened as he felt the surge of feline Ki from Ranma, quickly followed by a deep blush as he realized what the cat was after. "R-ranma!"

"Scratch behind the ears." Ranma managed in amongst the deep rumbling purrs. "C-calm her down!"

"H-her?" Ryouga asked, but he obeyed, fingers deftly finding the right spots behind her ears. Her eyes rolled back in her head and she collapsed against his chest bonelessly.

Ryouga kept this up for a few minutes, with no further communication beyond Ranma's remarkably authentic purring. As he was getting nervous, however, the purrs trailed off and she yawned and stretched, sitting up straddling him.

"Sorry about that, Ryo," she said. "Trying to find that whole balance thing with my cat side. Makin' good progress but seems she's a little too enthusiastic about the idea of kittens."

"R-really?" he stammered, snatching a bandanna off his head and holding it to his nose. "I hadn't noticed!"

With the cat soothed into receding, Ranma finally had a moment to realize the position she was in. She was straddling Ryouga's hips, with him flat on his back in the grass. Their positions were about as compromising as they could get.

Her initial impulse was to fling herself off. Through the Link she could sense that Ryouga intended to do much the same the moment she got off him. But there was another impulse there, that pointed out that there was no one else around, and that this was a very interesting position.

"Uhhh… Ranma… could you get up?" Ryouga asked nervously, sensing the shift in her Ki. There was a lot of red-gold there, and it seemed to be getting stronger.

"I could…" Ranma replied, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. She put her hand on his chest, leaning forward a little. "Are you sure you want me to?"

Ryouga's eyes went wide. She felt his pulse quicken, felt the change in his own Ki. She already knew the answer without him answering.

Ryouga wanted to tell her to stop teasing… but he knew she wasn't.

"Well, Ryouga?" Ranma prodded. Part of her was freaking out at what she was doing, but part of her had made it a game. A bet with herself. There's no WAY he'll make a move, right? A grin spread, the cat in the back of her mind cheering her on. Play!

If she's gonna tease… Ryouga was suddenly gripped by the shade of their old rivalry. Let's see how far she's willing to take it! He brought his hand up behind her head and pulled her down… not so firmly that she could not pull away, and not so quickly that she couldn't figure out in time what he was about to do. He saw her eyes widen in surprise. There, gotcha you little vixen! Now…

Now what?

They both kind of stopped, noses inches from each other, stuck staring into each other's eyes.

The moment seemed to stretch on, growing increasingly awkward with each heartbeat.

"This is stupid," Ranma said at last.

Ryouga released the breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Yeah! God… we keep doing this!"

"I know!" Ranma beamed. "We must drive everyone around us crazy!"

"Exactly!" Ryouga agreed. "Kiss or be kissed or just don't get into the compromising position, right?"

"Right!"

"Right!"

"..."

"W-wouldn't be right… With Shampoo missing and everyone fighting the Amazons and whatnot…" Ranma added.

That finally broke the spell. Ryouga's eyes dropped guiltily. "I… almost forgot."

Ranma smirked. "I'm gonna tell Shampoo you said that!"

"What!?" Ryouga's head snapped up. "No! Don't you dare! She'll kill me!"

"Tell you what, Ryo…" Ranma pushed off him, bouncing to the balls of her feet as she called up the cat again, her eyes gaining a mischievous gleam. "If you can figure out enough of the Umisenken to catch me, I won't tell her."

Ryouga snatched the improvised star cloth they had been using to practise. "You're on!"

000

It felt rather unsafe carrying the amount of cash Nabiki had tucked into her blouse. It wasn't a fatal amount of money for her if she lost it, but it was still significant.

It needs to be this much, she thought. Has to hit that sweet spot where it's too much for her to cover, too much for her to refuse, but not so much that she realizes something is up. She strode purposefully through the halls to where she knew her quarry would be.

Hana looked up from her desk. From the lines under her eyes, it was clear she wasn't sleeping well. Covering the desk were scattered papers, ledgers, and open books. Most every surface was covered in sticky notes.

Nabiki knew Hana was scrupulously organized. Far more than Nabiki herself was. Her books and records were always immaculate. It's part of why she had marked the girl to be her successor. Looks like trading 'up' from me to Himura has been a rough transition, eh Hana?

Hana realised who was approaching and, for a moment, absolute hatred flickered in her eyes. Nabiki sighed and shook her head. And you blame me, don't you? You'll lay all of this at my feet rather than admit you made a mistake. I had you judged so wrong…

"What do you want, Tendo?" Hana hissed, the venom in her voice unhidden.

"Well, I want to place a bet," Nabiki said, pulling the envelope from her blouse and dropping it on the desk. "There are channels for these things, and they all lead to you now, so…"

"You can talk to one of the girls to place a bet, you don't need to talk to me." Hana huffed in irritation. "Not that I'd be inclined to take it anyway…"

"Well, unless you've changed your rules, I believe bets over a certain amount have to go through you directly?"

Hana paused. She gave Nabiki a skeptical look as she picked up the envelope, opened it and pulled out a number of crisp bills. The quirk of her eyebrow told Nabiki she had her opening.

"Bit early for bets for Wednesday's game…" Hana said, counting the bills carefully.

"Not Wednesday. Friday. Against Cobblepot." Nabiki said, leaning on the desk. "On Cobblepot, if you please."

"On Cobblepot?" Hana frowned. "The team that hasn't won a game all season? The closest they've gotten was a disqualification for injuring the other players!"

"Oh, are they not good?" Nabiki asked innocently.

"No, they're not!" Hana barked. "What are you plotting, Tendo!?"

Don't oversell, Nabiki. She cautioned herself. "You said it before Hana, I'm all out of plots." She sighed heavily as she slowly reached for the envelope. "Cobblepot winning is really our last hope to pull this out, so I figured 'why not?' But if you don't want it…"

Hana snatched back the envelope as if Nabiki was trying to steal her firstborn. "I didn't say that," she replied, a twisted grin crossing her lips. "Honestly, a desperation bet, Nabiki? Even if Cobblepot does win, you've still got to win Wednesday, and you're missing a couple of players as I hear it."

"Then give me back my plane ticket money!" Nabiki put on a big show of scowling and reaching for the envelope.

Hana held it out of reach, that old self-assured smirk coming back, "Now, now, now… no walking back a bet made in good faith! That's one of your old rules. I would think you'd be happy we still observe it."

"Fine," Nabiki replied coldly, crossing her arms. "All of it on Cobblepot, then."

"Thinking if you win the longshot, you'll have enough to set yourself up somewhere comfy?" Hana smirked, tugging the envelope away. "It doesn't matter. You'd never make it out of Nerima. But hey, who am I to dash the dreams of those so desperately out of their depth?"

Nabiki put her hand on the envelope, stopping Hana's grab for them. "Ah ah ah… receipt first, if you please?"

Hana's expression soured. "You don't actually expect to collect, do you?"

"Hana, I made these my rules for a reason. You need to prove yourself trustworthy and, to be perfectly honest, I don't trust you. Now… signed receipt, if you please."

Hana scowled, but again, the allure of that much money all at once was too much. "Fine, fine…" She brought out one of the customized pads Nabiki had commissioned years ago and wrote out the amount, the odds, and her signature, all exactly as Nabiki had taught her. "There, 'boss'. Satisfied?" Hana ripped the receipt off and handed it to Nabiki.

Nabiki took the receipt with casual indifference. She didn't bother to reply as she walked out of the room. She didn't want the smile on her face to betray her.

000

"You told Kodachi where to meet the boss?" Hiroshi asked, massaging the bridge of his nose in frustration. "You realize she IS going to kill us for this?"

Sayuri, Hiroshi, Daisuke, Riko and Yuka were huddled in the abandoned coal room under the school. It had become something of an unofficial headquarters for the B Team and the Tutu Detectives, who had agreed to simply settle on the name "B Team" for the moment.

"It was important, and I thought the Kunous were on our side now?" Sayuri retorted, crossing her arms.

"The Kunous are on Ranma's side," Daisuke clarified. "We haven't had a chance to verify if they're willing to play ball with Nabiki or her plan yet."

"Well, then this gives them a chance to chat," Sayuri replied. "Better they do it sooner rather than later, right?"

"Sure, I don't disagree, but we're supposed to run this stuff by boss-lady first." Hiroshi leaned back against an old locker. "She's gonna dock our pay."

"You guys get paid?" Riko asked.

"Theoretical, hypothetical future pay," Daisuke clarified. "You know, for when she's a successful billionaire and we're the talented and handsome detective team she retains to dig up dirt on people and fetch her lattes."

"Actually, as I understand it she prefers Tea now," Hiroshi corrected his friend.

"Earl Grey," Daisuke agreed.

"Hot," Hiroshi finished.

"How long did you jokers rehearse for THAT joke?" Yuka asked. "Has anyone see Gos, by the way?"

"Ummm… I-I-I'm here…" A voice came from the hallway, and after a moment Hikaru Gosunkugi came into view. Though, oddly, he seemed both hunched over and a little taller than normal.

After a second it became plain that his feet were not actually touching the ground, and someone or something in the shadows behind him was holding him up by the collar of his jacket.

"Woah!" Riko and Yuka scrambled to the back of the room, nearest Hiroshi and Daisuke. Gosunkugi was brought into the room, a tall girl with dark hair in a Furinkan uniform carrying him.

"Please excuse my intrusion," Konatsu said softly. "I fear that this is an area of the school that is currently off-limits. You should not be here."

"Uhhh… th-thanks for heads up, Konatsu! Uhh… Ms. Kenzan…" Daisuke stammered, "we'll… just be on our way then, shall we?"

Konatsu tossed Gosunkugi to the ground. The terrified boy scurried over to join the others as Konatsu slowly drew a short, wickedly sharp looking blade from behind her back.

"No. I'm afraid you should not have come here, because here there will be no witnesses," Konatsu said sadly. "My Mistress has requested I find an opportunity to… 'remove you from the game', as she put it, and you have kindly provided one."

"H-hey now!" Hiroshi held up his hands, moving himself in front of Riko subtly. "Killing us isn't the answer!"

"I will not kill you," Konatsu replied, slowly stepping forward. "Merely hurt you enough to ensure that you are unable to interfere for the next few days. A week at most. That is all that is required. I will endeavour to ensure that the damage is not permanently crippling."

"Why are you doing that bitch's dirty work anyway!?" Yuka demanded, pushing past Daisuke. "You used to be almost as big about honor as Ranma or Ryouga!"

Konatsu paused. Her grip on her kodachi tightened. "You should not speak ill of a member of a noble family so. You speak as if I act dishonorably, but my family is duty-bound…"

"Noble family!?" Yuka scoffed. "The Tankas aren't a Samurai family! Hell, before Oda Tanaka built the company, they were just nobodies like the rest of us!"

"Y-yeah," Riko added. "We even saw this whole documentary on it in middle school. Y'know, the one on 'Visionary Business Leaders"?"

"That was propaganda. Tanaka was a war profiteer in World War II, he just never got caught when it all collapsed. Made his early fortune making poison gas for the war effort." Hiroshi said. "Most of his early pharmaceutical success was selling treatments for ailments his poison gas caused when the factory got bombed."

"Lies of the small, made up to comfort yourselves in the presence of your betters," Konatsu replied after a moment's hesitation.

"Really? You want the file?" Hiroshi gave the kunoichi a challenging look, then pulled open the locker next to him. "I was collecting all this stuff to get brownie points with the boss. 'Know Thy Enemy' and all that, but feel free to take a look."

Konatsu scowled. Her training told her to not listen, to simply do the deed quickly and be done with it. But her mind drifted back to the Yakuza thug she had maimed, and then executed at Himura's order. His name was Kenji…

She sheathed her blade and walked forward towards the locker. "You are lying. But Mistress Himura may wish to know what slander you are spreading about her." She ignored Hiroshi as she reached into the locker, pulling out a file folder and opening it. Her brow furrowed as she started to read.

"Oda Tanaka is not a nice man. Even before you factor in the Yakuza connections," Hiroshi said.

"This… is fabricated. It has to be!" Konatsu shook her head. There was a pounding in her temples.

"Hey, I'm good, but I'm not 'fake 30 year old newspaper clippings' good!" Hiroshi replied. "Go ahead, take it if you want. Go get it tested. Go throw it in the trash. Go give it to Himura to shred. Not like any of us can stop you."

Konatsu twitched. "I am not a… a…"

"A thug?" Hiroshi asked.

"Hiroshi, shhhh!" Riko tried to hush him.

"No, it's okay," Daisuke replied. "Ranma, Akane, Nabiki… they're not afraid to call bullies what they are. We're going to get thumped either way, so what does it matter?"

"Saotome and the Tendos are the oppressors!" Konatsu hissed. "Lady Himura has no martial arts, and yet…"

"And yet… What?" Daisuke demanded. "Don't see them here beating up a bunch of geeks and nerds."

"Well, there was Akane…" Hiroshi admitted.

"Yes, but you know grouping up into a giant gang to beat her up to force her to date them kinda means they asked for it." Daisuke clarified. "And there were plenty of jocks in that group too."

"A martial artist uses her skills to protect the weak!" Konatsu stated haughtily.

"Yeah, like by maiming a bunch of non martial artists for asking questions, right?" Yuka piped up.

Konatsu was silent for a moment. Then, without another word, she spun on her heel and walked back into the hallway.

"Konatsu, wait!" Daisuke tried to reach for her, but found she had vanished as soon as she reached the shadows.

"Well, there goes my extra credit with Nabiki, I guess," Hiroshi said glumly, hanging his head.

Yuka slapped him across the back of the head. "Your 'extra credit' nearly got us killed!"

"Or maimed," Riko added helpfully.

"Or maimed then killed," Daisuke chipped in.

"Look, I got it, gotta be more careful," Hiroshi replied. "Still… You think she'll actually read through it all? Maybe… maybe start asking questions?"

"Yeah, well if she starts asking them of Himura directly it's not gonna end well." Yuka sniffed. "You'd better hope whatever the potion did to her it left her enough sense to not do THAT at least!"

That's when Hiroshi's phone started ringing.

000

It was a lot easier to guide Ryouga to figuring out the Umisenken techniques when she was able to participate, even if she couldn't quite do them herself right now.

Ryouga couldn't quite get down masking his presence yet, and he seemed a little offended by how dishonorable the Gaito Retsuga Dan and Shichū Rakuchi Sei combo was. However, the Goshin Dai Ryūsei FuI? Ryouga really seemed to like the Goshin Dai Ryūsei Fu.

Ranma scrambled around the wide grassy grounds on all fours as objects and clods of earth crashed down around her. "Doncha think you're getting a little carried away!?" she hollered at him as he swung his star cloth, flinging whatever he could scoop into it into the air.

"Since when have you CRASH been scared of BANG a few falling objects CRUNCH Ranma?" Ryouga taunted.

"You're supposed to save up all that junk to counter the Saidaikyū Kijin Raishū Dan, not just fling it into the air to make your own meteor shower!" Ranma protested, narrowly evading a large statue as it crashed down, followed by Ryouga lunging at her.

"Yeah, well you're not using the Yamisenken, are you? And I gotta slow you down somehow! I used to throw bigger stuff at you in middle school!"

"Not all at once!" Ranma skittered up the wall and perched on a small section of roofing. She looked back but didn't see anything. "Ryouga…?"

She looked left and right. He was here somewhere, she could sense the Link, but she couldn't seem to narrow down where…

"GOTCHA!" Strong arms wrapped around her from behind, pinning her arms at her sides. Ranma yowled in a very catlike manner and kicked, but her assailant had already lifted her feet up off the roof. She struggled and writhed desperately for a second before the voice came again.

"Told you I'd get it eventually, Saotome," Ryouga said calmly in her ear.

"Damnit, you scared the hell out of me Ryo!" She wriggled enough to turn and give him a death glare over her shoulder. "And watch where you're grabbing!"

"Easy, easy, I'm putting you down, no need to claw my eyes out," Ryouga said in a mollifying tone. "Look, I got the opener to work well enough to fool even you. That's gotta be worth something."

"You just want me not to rat you out to Shampoo," Ranma groused, brushing off her shoulder.

"No, don't you see? With me with the Umisenken, and you with your new Nekoken control, we can go help rescue her!" Ryouga beamed at her, holding his arms wide. "Young Mi's got no counter for this stuff!"

Ranma paused, then felt herself sharing his smile. "Yeah… yeah! Errr… once they find her I guess…" She closed her eyes and shook her head. "It's been almost a week. Who knows what that psycho has done to her in the meantime? I mean, assuming she didn't hand her over to the Amazons."

"She's tough. She got through the Bakusai Tenketsu training. We gotta believe that." Ryouga put a hand on her shoulder. "We should talk to Kodachi about sneaking back to the Tendo Dojo, though. I'm sure Nabiki is plotting her next move as we speak!"

000

Himura was losing her mind.

I'm going to tell Konatsu to slit his throat! No, no… I'm going to ask Konatsu for her sword and DO IT MYSELF! Himura thought darkly from behind the refuge of her fake smile.

Tatewaki Kunou had insisted on reviewing every club except the Keno club. The volleyball team had been dicey enough, but thankfully there wasn't anything incriminating, though he did make a disapproving comment about how harsh the trainers were.

The other sports clubs he noticed how anemic they were. Himura had naturally been redirecting resources from them, and it showed, and Kunou could see it. He barely commented, but she could see his eyes rest on each worn piece of equipment, each empty rack, every threadbare uniform, and how few members remained of each.

That she could pass off, of course. The equipment was old when she got there, the other sports aren't as popular as volleyball, and so on. The real disaster was when he asked to see the Chemistry, Electronics, and Botany Clubs.

The Electronics club was busy designing and building covert surveillance equipment, which she had passed off as a project of the former Principal. She had had to shush a few of the members, but she thought she had escaped that encounter relatively unscathed.

But the Chemistry Club? They were making the potion. She managed to get word to them, and the incriminating evidence was disposed of, but it had cost her the bulk of the finished product, and many of the other side projects she had them working on… projects that involved the Amazon's poppies. And the Botany Club had been forced to destroy the poppy bulbs she had them cultivating.

It hadn't been clean, the clubs looked like disaster zones, and Kunou, with his infuriating newfound sense of perception, was noticing!

"I am… disappointed, Vice President," Tatewaki said as he walked ahead of her, hands folded in front of him. "It is clear these clubs require greater supervision."

"O-of course, Kunou-senpai. I'll make sure to get monitors to keep a closer eye…"

"Given my father's unfortunate proclivities, I fear more will be required. The school is likely liable for any number of lawsuits at this point. I will be calling the School Board and requesting they send an inspector to perform a full review."

"I-I am sure that's not necessary, Kunou-senpai!" Himura said quickly. "Surely we can resolve our own issues, and do it much better than an interfering meddler from the board who does not really understand how things work here in Nerima…?"

"Furinkan does not have a good track record for that," Tatewaki replied. "And the weakness of the current administrative staff is evidence of it." He took a deep breath. "We are just students, Himura, we should not be running the school. And yet, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we are." He held up a hand to cut off her protest. "I am sure you did these things in order to maintain order in the face of such irresponsible adults as my Father. I imagine that our audit of the school board finances will surely bear this out. But this is not our role, so it is time to call in more responsible elders to rectify the situation."

Audit!? Himura barely kept herself from howling in frustration.

000

Mu Tsu felt the buzz. He banked, found a suitable roof to land on, and hopped to a stop as he deftly opened his thermos of hot water. He stepped out of the resultant cloud of steam in human form and fully clothed. He flipped open the simple cell phone and pressed the button. "I'm here," he said curtly.

"Mousse, we have a potential lead of Young Mi's whereabouts," Hiroshi's voice came through clearly. "We've got some help from the Kunou estate to back you up, too."

Mu Tsu bristled. "I do not require help in this, especially not from an addled family and their over-emotional retainer."

"I know, right? Kunous, you get no argument from me, but we're desperate here. She's had Shampoo for almost a whole week. You think she's actually taking proper care of her? Food and water and all that?" Hiroshi replied.

Mu Tsu winced at that. "No… no I do not," He said finally, feeling a cold ball form in the pit of his stomach. Five days…

"Right. And she's got Rin too. Khu Long has said Shampoo knows techniques to survive, but Rin doesn't. If we don't find them NOW someone is gonna die." There was a fierceness to Hiroshi's voice. "So we're all probably gonna have to do some things we don't wanna do."

"Agreed." Mu Tsu surrendered to the other boy's logic. "What is this lead, and what support do they offer?"

"They're gonna use the tunnels, so meet them at the access by MITA Motorsport. Sasuke will give you the rundown from there."

000

The School day had been long. Despite the flashes of entertainment provided by Tatewaki Kunou's taking Himura to task at various points during the day, the stress of their current situation was getting to Nabiki.

I don't have control, she thought bitterly to herself. Too many variables are out of my control. I don't know if Ranma can play, Rin is missing, our contingency plan is in shambles because the Amazons went off the rails…

She felt a painful thwack as Khu Long's wooden staff impacted her head. "Focus, child! Your form is terrible!"

Nabiki sighed and rubbed her head, shooting the wizened old Amazon a dirty look, then retaking her stance, moving through the motions of the kata she had been taught. "I don't know why we're still doing this? It's not like I'm going to improve enough in the next three days to fend off an Amazon who has trained her entire life!"

Khu Long poked Nabiki's leg to correct her form. "Martial Arts is not a linear progression, girl. Even the most basic of knowledge can save your life, even against an experienced foe. I had hoped you were wiser than to discount it so flippantly."

"I know, I know!" Nabiki replied, frustrated. "I got the spiel about it from Daddy all while growing up. Only Akane really bought into it." She settled into her next form. The flow was starting to come more easily now as she got warmed up. "I prefer to use my brain to deal with conflicts."

"Oh? And do you suppose my abilities are the product of youthful vigor and health?" Khu Long cackled as she hopped up onto her staff. "Martial Arts is all about the mind! Did you yourself not discover this with Ranma? Your 'Everything Is Martial Arts' speech to her? Was that simply lip service?"

"Well, yes, but…" Nabiki started to protest, but received another thwack on the top of her head.

"Enough, you are far too distracted, and your form is worse than terrible!" Khu Long croaked. She hopped over in front of Nabiki. "Talk. Whatever it is that is on your mind has ruined your focus, and I suspect I will wring nothing of worth out of you and your training until you have gotten it out into the open."

Nabiki huffed in exasperation, swiping a towel she had hanging off one of Akane's training dummies to mop off her face. "You really can't guess?"

"Oh, I could offer forth several, I imagine, but that's not the point, child." Khu Long replied. "Voice your worries. Give them form and name, and thereby better understand them."

"Okay, fine," Nabiki growled. "I don't have control, and I don't like it. My best plans hinge on an extreme longshot ploy, and then on Ranma's team winning their game. Ranma is off in Kunou land after blowing herself up, and their star playing is MIA, potentially dead. My old contingency plan is wreckage because some Amazon Elder with a cactus up her behind decided to go on the warpath because simply allowing everything she said she wanted to be delivered to her wasn't good enough…" She hauled off and punched the dummy.

"You are in the midst of a storm, Nabiki Tendo. Control is not something you can maintain, not over all things…" Khu Long began.

"Bullshit!" Nabiki snarled, punching the dummy again. "You literally taught Ranma how to make tornados!"

"And that is borne through control of oneself, first and foremost," Khu Long chided her, "The storm merely does what it will do, following the channel you provide it. Once unleashed, even the wielder of the Hiryu Shoten Ha can do naught but allow the winds to do as they will."

"I can't afford that!" Nabiki snarled, and punched again, feeling the wood of the dummy crack under her knuckles. "I have everyone and everything I care about riding on this! Lo Shan, Himura… they won't take anything less than everything from me!" Another punch; It felt good, like she was driving her fist into Himura's stupid, smug face, feeling it crack under the weight of her ire.

"You have a plan, yes?" Khu Long replied calmly. "Talk me through it."

"Not complicated…" Another punch, more cracking wood. "Win the volleyball game Wednesday."

"Do not play dumb with me, child. I know you have far more than that," Khu Long replied.

"Fine, fine…" Nabiki dropped out of the stance she had unconsciously taken, wiping the sweat from her brow. "The FIRST issue is if Himura's team wins their game tomorrow, the contest is already over, Wednesday's game won't matter."

"And you have a strategy for that," Khu Long said. It wasn't a question.

"Yes, but it's such a longshot! It's a contingency I set up even before Himura's dirty tricks knocked us out of the last game!" Nabiki protested.

"Ironic that one who encourages so many others to lay wagers does not seem to enjoy them herself?" Khu Long commented dryly.

"Not with stakes like these," Nabiki said. She reached back and struck the dummy again. "This is other people's lives… important people. I hate that I'm gambling with them!"

"Yet they trust you with exactly that. In this case, you have done all you can do." Khu Long nodded. "As I said, Martial Arts does not grant you control over your environment. It merely grants you control of yourself, so you may move and adapt to your environment. Do you believe the world will end if you do not win this challenge?"

"My world will end!" Nabiki growled and struck again. The dummy was starting to look ragged. She was beginning to see why Akane went through so many.

"No, it will not," Khu Long replied. "Yes, you may lose your life. Yes, there may be terrible consequences of failure. But the world will proceed. It will continue as if you never happened. As unthinkable as it may seem now, tomorrow will still come, perfectly on schedule. You must purge your mind of the concept of failure being unthinkable. That is the mistake your enemies make." She tapped Nabiki on the head again, more lightly this time. "You already make strides. Your contingency is proof of this. Always keep in mind your goal, and that there are many paths to reach it, even if they are not clear. And sometimes you must wait for the path to reveal itself. You must trust things to unfold as they will. A drop of water does not know where the stream will carry it, but it inevitably finds its way to the sea regardless."

Nabiki sighed. She took a deep breath and straightened her back. Then with a vicious yell she drove her fist through the dummy.

"You do not like relying on others, I see," Khu Long noted with some amusement.

"You've met my little sister. We're all like that. Kasumi and I are just more diplomatic about it." Nabiki shook her fist, partly regretting what she had just done, but also more than a little impressed at her progress. "So, this is one of those 'Believe you will be successful, but plan for failure' pep talks?"

"It is hardly a 'pep talk'," Khu Long replied. "Soothing your bruised ego will serve naught to resolve your situation. The point, which you have so deftly avoided getting thus far, is that you need both patience, and to trust in others. Delegate what is appropriate to delegate, and do not try to control all the factors. Be formless, like the wind, so that you may adapt and change as necessary. Do not become overly enamoured of your plan… or at least of a single plan. There are many routes to the objective you desire."

"How many of them are honorable, though?" Nabiki muttered. "Ranma, Ryouga, even Akane… they're not likely to be happy with the purely pragmatic approach to this."

"For all the talk of honor, your enemies do not act in good faith. Why must you?" Khu Long asked.

"Because I need to be better!" Nabiki whirled on her. "Because winning isn't enough, I need to do it in a way that keeps the people I care about safe!"

"If that is so, then your enemy is not Himura Tanaka." Khu Long said. "She is merely an obstacle."

"I know." Nabiki pulled the ruined dummy off its post and took another one of the makeshift wooden striking targets off the rack. She put it in its place, and checked to make sure that the cement cinder blocks used to hold it steady were in place. "My real enemies are Oda Tanaka, Lo Shan, and the Yakuza."

"Then perhaps you should share your plans and struggles with those who share them, and see how they might help?" Khu Long suggested.

"You're talking about putting my loved ones… my family in the line of fire. Again!" Nabiki protested.

"Are they not already?" Khu Long asked.

Nabiki paused and sighed heavily. "I need to tell them. The whole scope of everything. It's so much bigger than just a stupid volleyball challenge, or Omiai, or even an Amazon marriage contract."

"That would be a path forward then. Let your allies provide you with alternatives." Khu Long nodded. "For that you will need to gather your scattered forces. Himura has divided and attacked your resources, but you are hardly lacking in them."

"Even if that means relying on the Kunous to bail me out," Nabiki grumped. "I hope Kodachi's lead pans out. Shampoo and Rin don't have much time left."

000

Finding the fat fool had not been difficult.

Himura looked out of the limousine window down to the trash-filled gutter where Genma Saotome had made his camp. Little more than a rough-looking tent and a sputtering campfire with a grate and some old cooking tins over it, he was hunched over the fire in his filthy white gi, prodding it with a stick.

You could almost put him in a museum as an exhibit on neanderthal man, Himura thought dryly. It was difficult for her to grasp how this wretched failure of a human being had sired a prodigy like Ranma, or gotten as far as he had through China's dark, secret places. But he was a martial artist of no small skill, and so precautions needed to be taken.

She nodded to Tahn Pon and opened the door, her package carefully tucked under her arm. The Amazon fell into step behind her as she made her way carefully down the embankment.

Genma raised his head, catching the movement as she approached. His battered wire-frame spectacles caught the light from the setting sun and the reddish gleam concealed his eyes. "What do you girls want?"

"You are Genma Saotome, correct?" Himura asked.

"Yes. And you are from Furinkan High, my son's school. Is this about him?" He sat up. "Do you know where he is?"

"Exactly? No, I'm afraid not," Himura admitted. "But I understand that you have had something of… a falling out with him recently?"

Genma grunted and went back to poking the fire. "That's none of your concern, girl," he growled.

"Oh, but it is my concern, as he and I are having a little competition. Nothing you would care about, as martial arts are not involved, but my grandfather's inheritance DOES ride in the balance. So, in this instance, I believe our interests intersect." Himura chanced to make her way closer, carefully picking her way through the trash and suppressing her revulsion, both at the smell of the garbage, and the smell wafting off the unwashed man as she got closer.

"And what would you know of it?" Genma growled. "What could you possibly do to help me? You're no martial artist. The girl next to you, maybe, but she'd be no match for my Ranma."

Himura held up a hand, able to feel Tahn bristle beside her. "That may be true, but I am privy to certain secrets about your clan. I've done some digging, and I found many interesting things. The first being Ranma's birth gender."

Genma stopped poking the fire. "Leave. Right now," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

"I also know about the potion," Himura added

"LEAVE!" Genma bolted to his feet and roared at her. She could see his eyes now, dark ringed from lack of sleep and bloodshot. He looked desperate or strung out, or both.

Careful, do not needle him too much or he is liable to strike or flee. Himura kept her composure and cleared her throat. "I can help. I know your attempts to 'correct' your son's… unfortunate circumstances at birth. I know of Jusenkyo. I know of the potion. And I can provide a solution to your problems."

"I am not in the mood for games girl!" Genma advanced one step.

Tahn Pon took a half step back behind Himura, readying herself, and Himura briefly wished she had brought Konatsu as well. But the subject of this meeting was not for the ninja's ears.

She carefully and slowly unwrapped the package she had under her arm, producing a simple metal thermos. "When you made the potion for your son the first time, you were missing a section of the scroll. One that had vital information on preparation. Your end product was thus flawed, and Ranma ended up half and half. I found the missing part of the scroll, and I have perfected the formula. This thermos contains the solution to your problems, and the cure for your son."

The look of shock on Genma's face was satisfying. His hands twitched, and for a moment she thought he might snatch the thermos from her. She would not have resisted, as she already knew she had him.

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" he asked suspiciously.

"Because if you get what you want, your son whole and male and not remembering the Tendos or any of this high school foolishness, I get what I want, which is a rather large inheritance," Himura replied. "Go ahead. This is for you. We've perfected and successfully tested the formula, it works exactly as one would hope. I can even provide more if you need it."

Genma snatched the thermos from her hand like it hadn't ever been there. He regarded the metal flask skeptically. "This would make him a man again? For good?"

"And you as well, if you wish, though I don't recommend using THAT particular formulation unless you don't mind losing the majority of your memories." Himura replied. "I can supply a… gentler variety to solve your own Jusenkyo problem if you wish, but after the Ranma situation has been dealt with."

"You… uhh… have the scroll?" Genma asked.

She could see the greed in his eyes. Now that he knows it works, he wants it back, does he? "I'm afraid the original has fallen into the possession of the Chinese Elder, Khu Long." He does not need to know I have a copies, of course.

"Too bad," he grumbled. He hesitated for a moment, then offered his hand. "We have a deal. You've done the Saotome clan a great service, and I repay my debts."

No you don't. You and your son will be gone on the next boat to Indonesia or somewhere. Himura clasped his hand. But that suits my purposes perfectly anyway. Lo Shan can send her warriors off hunting you for all I care, just so long as Ranma is out of the equation long enough for me to clean up the mess Nabiki Tendo has made for me.

000

"It's not possible."

Konatsu stared at the papers, spread out over the desk of the small room Himura had secured for her. Yet another reason I am indebted to her and her family! Why am I even entertaining this… this SLANDER?! she thought furiously.

But the evidence did not answer. It merely showed her the same, devastating truths.

Konatsu knew something of forgery. Her stepmother and step siblings had dabbled in it in an attempt to improve their fortunes (They had never been very good at it). There were certain things forgeries always struggled with simulating. Age being one of them.

The newspaper cuttings were old, dry and fragile. They smelled of musty bookshelves and archives, from wherever Hiroshi had gotten them. They were hardly the bulk of the materials, but they did much to corroborate the rest.

Oda Tanaka was often in and out of the courts. He had narrowly avoided being tried for War Crimes, in the manufacture of poison gas. He had been found guilty of atrocities against his own workforce. In later years, his pharmaceuticals company had come under fire for human rights violations, improper testing and safety, and innumerable other sins that he always seemed to escape or sidestep, often with the help of a dark and mysterious benefactor.

It was common belief he was connected to the Yakuza.

That alone wouldn't be enough, though it would cast a pall over Konatsu's memory of her parents pledging to the man. Why would they pledge their lives and family to such a man? And why could she not conjure a memory of his face? Why was the image in the newspaper clippings and other material a stranger to her?

But going further back? For the Tanaka clan there was… nothing. Merchants. Peddlers. Not nobility, never nobility. They were simply rich.

But I remember it differently! Konatsu thought desperately. They are a samurai family, going back generations! They… they are honorable, and my family has… has served…

She dropped her head into her hands. The knowledge was there… but no images? No clear recollection of this service? She had been young when her parents passed, but… Was there really nothing?

Why does the memory of Ukyou Kuonji fill me with such pain and longing?

000