[FFML] [fanfic][UY/Ranma/SisPri] "Lonely Souls" Part 4 D Side (final draft)

[Frederick Herriot]

Have a doctor's appointment now, then when I get back home, I'll get part 5 
ready.

Fred

**** **** ****

	"Hey, you okay?"

	Ataru blinked before his vision focused on a smiling face framed with 
flaming red hair worn loose past her shoulders.  Seeing the concern in those 
deep sapphire eyes, he smiled, his eyes misting.  "Welcome home."

	"Oh, man!  Don't tell me you stayed up all night waiting for me?!"  Ranma 
chuckled as she helped him to his feet. She then looked past him as the 
dining room doors opened.  "Tadaima!" she called out on seeing the sisters 
come out.

	"Okaeri nasai, Onee-chan!" Karen replied as they massed around Ataru, Ranma 
and Negako.  "How was your time in Sanctuary?"

	"Productive."  Ranma reached behind her to draw out a certain stuffed 
rabbit.  "I believe this belongs to Hinako-chan!"

	"Waaai!  Usagi-san!"  Hinako grasped it, and then she squeezed Mister Bunny 
close to her.  "Did Usagi-san make Onee-tama happy?!"

	Negako lightly smiled as she exchanged a knowing look with Ranma.  "You 
might say, Hinako, he made *many* young people happy."

	Hinako then paled.  "Eh?!  Hina's dream came true?!"

	Ataru's eyebrow arched.  "What dream?!"

	"Hina dreamt that Onee-tama helped Usagi-san have babies!"

	Confusion crossed Ataru's face.  His eyes then widened as he turned to 
Ranma.  "Don't tell me you used the null-time bubbles to . . .?"

	"Make five hundred-and-one copies of Usagi-san for five hundred kawaii 
girls on Noukiios."  Ranma then gave him a knowing look.  "Including two 
young girls you happen to know very well.  Ne, Ataru-kun?"  Her eyebrow 
arched.

	He jolted, sweat drops pouring down his hair.  Sakuya gazed curiously at 
him.  "What's she talking about, Onii-sama?"

	Ataru shuddered before deflating.  "It's a long story."

	"But not a bad one," Ranma amended before she drew up a large carrying rack 
bearing the ukiyo-e woodblocks she had made while she had been training with 
Negako.  "Anyone got a place where these can be stored?  I don't want them 
to get ruined before I can make more."

	Haruka gasped, "Oh, Anegimi-sama, you learned how to make ukiyo-e prints?!" 
  She gently drew out one of the blocks to stare intently at it.  "What's 
this of?" she then asked as she gazed on Ranma.

	"Sanctuary," Ranma replied.  "I made some prints already if you want to see 
them, but . . . "  A yawn stole her voice.  "Man, I'm tired!"

	"I believe you need to have breakfast, and then get some sleep," Negako 
ordained before she gazed on Ataru.  "Not to mention you.  Shirayuki, can 
you bring breakfast out for everyone?  We can delay our return to Nerima 
until after the noon hour so everyone can rest."

	Shirayuki nodded.  "Hai desu no.  Hime's got breakfast all set!"

	Ranma chuckled as she headed into the dining room.  She stopped by the 
table, and then she looked right to see Chikage relaxing by the door.  They 
gazed on each other. Ranma walked up to the sorceress.  Before Chikage could 
ask what was wrong, the martial artist leaned up to tenderly kiss the 
sorceress' forehead.  Chikage's eyes widened, she looking confusedly on 
Ranma.

	"You were right," the latter whispered.

	Chikage nodded.  "Part of you wishes that were not so, even now."

	"I . . . "  Ranma shook her head.  "No, not really.  But I know that when 
news of this gets finally out, there'll be at least four girls in Nerima 
who're going to be heartbroken.  I don't look forward to that even if I 
didn't want to marry them when I was still a boy . . . "

	"Nee-sama?"

	Ranma watched Shirayuki place a tray on the table.  Seeing what was there, 
Ranma asked, "Did Negako teach you how to make that?"

	A curious look crossed Shirayuki's face.  "Hai desu no.  Why?"

	"Just wondering," Ranma replied as she headed over to eat.

*    *    *

	Fifteen minutes later, Ranma peeked into Ataru's room to see him on his 
bed, he staring at the ceiling.  "Can I come in?"

	"Sure!"  He glanced her way, grinning.  "So how are they?"

	She stepped in, closing the door behind her.  "Pretty good."  She sat on 
the bed.  "They miss you a lot.  By the way, you didn't get one of those 
Urusians who had a hand in what happened to your grandmother.  Negako and I 
helped finally catch him on Machibusu."

	His eyebrow arched.  "Which one?"

	"Seq Yethis."

	"Oh, him!  I thought he got atomized in Onishuto.  So they've got a good 
chance of finding out where Heaven's Gate Bridge is?"

	"Hai.  Yethis' sister and niece made it out.  They're staying with the Lost 
Stars."  A pause.  "You going to tell them?"

	"About Reiko-chan and Kaneko-chan?"  He nodded, a tired smile crossing his 
face.  "Hai, soon.  Chikage figured it out.  She told me it should be 
alright to tell the others, even with them still fighting with the other 
Lost Stars."

	"Let's hope she's right."  Ranma nodded understandingly before lowering her 
voice.  "I saw Nokoko-oneechan in Sanctuary too, Ataru."

	He nodded.  "That has to stay under wraps."

	"I know."

	Silence fell as they considered what to say next.  Their eyes turned to 
gaze into each other's.  He offered a hand.  She took it, and then she 
allowed herself to be drawn toward him.  They cuddled, gazing still into 
each other's eyes.  She leaned up.  A kiss later, she kicked off her indoor 
shoes as he shifted a blanket over them.  Soon, their eyes closed as they 
allowed fatigue to overcome them.  Unnoticed by either, Yotsuba was gazing 
through a barely opened door on them.  Once she confirmed that they were 
finally asleep, the amateur detective closed the door.  She then made a new 
entry in her notepad as she headed up to her bedroom.  "'Ani-chama and 
Ane-chama are now asleep in Ani-chama's bed.  It is clearly obvious that 
they ARE falling in love with each other.  The signs all look promising.'"

	She headed off.

**** **** ****
"Lonely Souls"
By Fred Herriot
pyeknu at hotmail.com OR fherriot at yahoo.com
**** **** ****
This part's title suggested by Silussa.  Ranma's and Ataru's dream sequence, 
in part, written by David Chamberlain.
**** **** ****
"Walking In The Air," written by Howard Blake.  The version which forms the 
base of the lyrics printed here was performed by Ryan and Rachel O'Donnell 
for "The Celtic Chillout Album," produced by Universal International Music.
**** **** ****
Based on "Urusei Yatsura" and "Ranma 1/2," created by Takahashi Rumiko; and 
"Sister Princess," created by Tenhiro Naoto and Kimino Sakurako.
**** **** ****

NOTE:  The writer's notes are in a separate text file.

**** **** ****


THE FOURTH PART, "D" SIDE - FREEDOM FROM HONOUR

	"Oh, I'm so glad that I'm not alone now . . . "

	"Me neither!" Kashima Namie purred, she allowing her tongue to lap the side 
of Kodama Hiro's neck.  They were in a cul-de-sac some metres from where 
Tampopo's restaurant once stood in Tomobiki.  Both were dressed 
conservatively, though given their pawing and wet kisses, they obviously 
preferred to have no clothes on at all.  "When was the last time we were 
together?"

	"Probably when we first emerged from gestation."  Hiro forced Namie's face 
into her cleavage.  "Let's make up for some lost time."

	Namie wiggled her head.  "Hai . . . "

	"Excuse me, but would you prefer to do that in private?"

	Both spun to see a wheelchair-bound first-year high-school student gazing 
amusedly on them from the cul-de-sac's entrance.  The newcomer's raven hair 
was tied in a pair of stubby ponytails, her chestnut eyes twinkling with 
mischievous delight on seeing the sex show before her.  Even bound to a 
wheelchair, she was nicely shaped for a woman her age.  Hiro and Namie gazed 
intently at her before they exchanged a confused look.  No, this woman 
wasn't an Avalonian, yet she seemed to know both of them.  How was that 
possible?  Who was this woman?

	Sensing their confusion, the newcomer wheeled her mount into the alley.  
"Narumi Miruko."  She held out her hand.  "Yukimi sent me."

	"You know Yukimi?" Hiro demanded as she and Namie pulled apart, they 
automatically moving to straighten their clothing.

	"Hai.  Her programming accidentally kicked in a year ago, sometime before 
we started to live together."  Miruko waved them with her.  "C'mon.  
Kanami-chan and Tamako-chan are already here.  I'll take you there."

	Immediately, Namie came up to push Miruko's wheelchair.  Hiro fell in 
beside her fellow infiltrator as they exited the alley, and then they headed 
up the street.  "Doesn't any of this bother you, Miruko-san?" Namie asked.

	Miruko blinked.  "Does it bother me?"  She hummed as she took a moment to 
think about it.  "Let's see.  Does it bother me that after my parents 
abandoned me, I became housemates and lovers with a beautiful alien bioroid? 
  A bioroid, by the way, who was built to serve Lum on behalf of an 
honest-to-goodness CHURCH which worships her as a living goddess?"  She 
shrugged.  "Trivial.  What matters is that Yukimi and I are a couple, that I 
love her and she loves me."

	"But we exist to serve Lum-sama, Miruko-san," Hiro warned.

	The crippled girl nodded.  "I know.  It doesn't bother me.  Most girls my 
age in Tomobiki don't really care for Lum, but if it wasn't for her, I 
wouldn't have met Yukimi.  Why should I complain?"  She fell silent as 
several Butsumetsu Girl's students passed by.  Once they were out of 
earshot, she cupped her hand around her mouth as she added, "Besides, if Lum 
survived what the news said happened to her, she'll need all the help she 
can get."

	They gazed on Miruko, both quick to sense her sincerity.  Namie squeezed 
her shoulder.  "Yukimi is lucky to know you, Miruko-san."

	Miruko grinned.  "Hey, I'M the lucky one!"

	"Why did you parents abandon you?" Hiro wondered.

	"Two reasons.  One is my gender preference and my wanting a relationship 
with Yukimi.  The second is that I suffer from paralytic poliomyelitis."  
She waved to her lap.  "Mom and Dad decided they didn't want to deal with 
me, so they got rid of me as soon as they could.  Lucky for me that Yukimi 
took me in or else . . . "  Her voice trailed off, a shudder running through 
her.

	"Stupid fools," Namie muttered as Miruko indicated a right turn.

	They headed up the street to the third building on their right.  The 
building was a split-level bungalow type, designed to possess four 
half-floors. A special access ramp led to the second-level apartment.  
Awaiting them were three smiling women in casual clothing.  Namie and Hiro 
were quick to sense what the others were.  "Welcome to your new home, 
sisters," Kitahara Yukimi, the oldest of the three, stepped up to grasp 
Namie's and Hiro's hands, and then she took over pushing Miruko inside.  
"Was it a safe trip?"

	Hiro nodded as she and Namie slipped off their shoes.  "Quiet."

	As they headed inside, Yukimi lifted Miruko into an indoor wheelchair so 
she could move around inside.  Kurosu Kanami folded the "outdoor" wheelchair 
as Momose Tamako guided the crippled girl to the dining room table.  The 
other Avalonians joined them.  Yukimi and Miruko held hands.

	"What news of Lum-sama?" Kanami asked.

	Yukimi shook her head.  "I'm not sure.  She and Ran-sama returned to Earth 
yesterday morning.  I was able to sense that Lum-sama is alive, though 
there's something wrong with her.  What, I don't know, not yet.  
Fortunately, given that Ran-sama's plot is seldom noticed by the locals, few 
know of her return outside other members of the Holy Company:  
Shuutarou-sama, Shinobu-sama, Ryuunosuke-sama, Sakura-sama and Hayao-sama.  
They visited them that morning.  The big surprise was that Ataru-sama showed 
up as well, as did another woman whose identity I've yet to confirm.  I take 
it you all know of Ataru-sama's feelings now for the people of Tomobiki?"  
An eyebrow arched knowingly.

	"I learned it later," Tamako confessed.  "When it happened, my brain nearly 
got fried when my programming clicked in after Urayamu-sama . . . "  Her 
voice trailed off as her eyes misted with tears.  "Well, after he . . . "

	The others nodded.  Nothing needed to be said.  "What else?" Hiro asked.

	"Ran-sama returned to her ship that afternoon.  I didn't see Lum-sama at 
all, but I could still sense her presence near Ran-sama," Yukimi reported.  
"I came back here to prepare the apartments for you.  That pretty much took 
the rest of the day.  I haven't taken any time to do a detailed scan of 
either Lum-sama or Ran-sama this morning."

	Namie patted her sister Avalonian's hand.  "That's alright.  Perhaps we 
should just proceed to Ran-sama's ship and meet them directly.  Let them 
know that they have more friends here than they first believed."

	"Our creators wouldn't be so blunt, Namie," Kanami warned.

	"We know how foolish our so-called 'creators' really are, Kanami," Yukimi 
said with a sneer.  "Besides, we exist to serve and support Lum-sama.  The 
Church, in my eyes, is totally irrelevant to the point.  Besides, given how 
bad this war situation between the Onis and the Noukiites has become, 
Lum-sama and Ran-sama ARE truly alone.  Do we really want them to remain 
that way, sisters?"

	Her eyebrow arched.  The other Avalonians shook their heads.

*    *    *

	"Hello, Shinobu!  I see you brought your friend!"

	"Good morning, Father Cristobal.  Hai, this is her."  Shinobu bowed 
respectfully, gently grasping the hand of her family's pastor.

	She then indicated Ryuunosuke as she performed the necessary introductions. 
  "A pleasure to meet you, Ryuunosuke," Juan Miguel Cristobal Rodriguez y 
Gennara, a slender Latino with a hint of Amerindian ancestry, draped in the 
black robes of a Jesuit missionary, greeted her as he gently gripped her 
hand.  "I am truly sorry for your loss, my dear.  Please, do come in."

	"Thanks."  Ryuunosuke nodded before she followed Shinobu into the Cathedral 
of Saint Urban, located in downtown Shinjuku.  Already there was a small 
crowd.  She knew -- thanks to Shinobu -- most Japanese Christians lived in 
Kyushu; the Miyakes hailed from Kagoshima.  However, with an ever-increasing 
migration into Tokyo and its suburbs, the Church of Rome soon realized it 
was necessary to establish a church here.  Saint Urban, named in honour of 
one of the earliest pontiffs, was modern as churches come, lacking the 
rustic masonry one might find in a medieval European cathedral.  "Nice 
place," she whispered to Shinobu as they, Toshoba and Kimiki slipped into 
one of the pews.

	Shinobu nodded.  "Yes, it is."

	People took their places.  Father Cristobal assumed his post by the altar.  
Prayers were given, and then the priest asked everyone to be seated.  Once 
everyone relaxed, he took a deep breath before he motioned to one side of 
the room.  Someone rose to stand beside Father Cristobal.  To the surprise 
of many, the newcomer was dressed in the flowing robes of an Islamic imam.

	"My friends, this is my very good friend . . . "  He paused, smiling.  "And 
my brother-in-faith, Imam Daniyal Larik.  He is from Karachi, Pakistan.  
Like I for you, he ministers to those of his faith here in Tokyo.  I asked 
him to come today to help us understand the events that struck Tomobiki last 
Monday.  We also have with us today . . . "  He indicated Ryuunosuke.  "One 
who lost her father and her boyfriend that day.  For my friend . . . "  He 
indicated Imam Daniyal.  "His loss is as bad, for the man who was 
responsible for that horrible act . . . "  A pause.  "Was one of his own 
flock."

	Ryuunosuke blinked.  Glancing at the others here today, she noticed 
everyone gazing on the Islamic cleric with sympathy.  Guilt then surged up 
her spine.  Ever since the official announcement concerning who perpetrated 
the bombing at Tomobiki High was made on Thursday, she had felt nothing but 
hatred and betrayal every time Ibrahim Alhamzi's face appeared in her mind.  
Gazing at Daniyal Larik, her sense of guilt increased.  The pain etched on 
the imam's face was far worse than what her father once showed when he 
thought of her late mother, Masako.  No doubt, even with what Ibrahim did, 
Imam Daniyal thought of him as not just a friend and fellow Muslim, but a 
close relative.

	Like a son, perhaps?

	The Jesuit stepped aside, allowing the imam to assume the podium.  "The 
blessings of the most Merciful God unto you, who follow the teachings of the 
Prophet Jesus (Peace Be Unto Him).  Thank you, my dear friend and 
brother-in-faith, for allowing me to speak to your flock today."  He nodded 
thanks to Father Cristobal.  "Yes, my friend does speak the truth about what 
happened on Monday and how much it affected me personally.  I did not come 
here to either condone or forgive the actions of Ibrahim Alhamzi.  I cannot, 
for the only one who could do such a thing is God.  I can only but pray that 
God will help those who died, including Ibrahim, find their peace in Heaven.

	"No doubt, there are those among you who wonder why this happened.  Why is 
it there are those in this world who, supposedly acting in the name of God, 
would murder?  What made a person like Ibrahim become a living weapon . . . 
" -- the imam was grateful that he spoken to Father Cristobal about this 
beforehand -- " . . . like the kamikaze pilots who died defending Japan in 
the last years of the Greater East Asian War?  What made a man who had 
treated all his fellow men with kindness, respect and mercy . . . "  His 
eyes began to tear as he bowed his head.  "Come to hate and to kill?"

	He wiped his eyes.  "I have asked myself and I have asked God that very 
question since Monday, my friends.  I wish I could explain why is it so many 
who say they follow the Holy Word of God are ready to toss aside His Wisdom 
when it comes to those they hate or fear.  God told Moses on Mount Sinai, 
'You shall not murder.'  That is the Sixth of the Ten Commandments, the 
bedrock of all Jewish and Christian law.  And if there is to be peace 
between Muslim and Christian and Muslim and Jew, we MUST learn not just to 
understand but to RESPECT each other's wisdom.  We followers of Islam, after 
all . . . "  He pointed to himself.  "Look upon you as 'people of the Book.' 
  You worship the same God as we."

	Shinobu put her hand up.  Then, when the imam indicated her, she asked, "If 
that is what the Prophet Mohammed wrote in the Qur'¨¡n, why is it, sir, that 
extremists want to make war on the people of Israel or Americans?"

	"My dear, I wish I could give you a simple reason for that problem."  He 
then indicated Father Cristobal.  "My friend here told me that in previous 
sermons with you, he explained how people who considered themselves 
'faithful' Christians have perverted the teachings of the Prophet Jesus 
(Peace Be Unto Him) to their own selfish ends.  Everything from the acts of 
the Holy Inquisition to the Crusades and ultimately to atrocities like the 
Holocaust can be attributed to that sad fact.  And yes, it is the same in 
Judaism.  And yes, it is the same in Islam.  Speaking of Israel and 
Palestine, young lady, one of the areas of profound dispute is Jerusalem.  
You see, Jerusalem is not JUST the holiest city in both Judaism and 
Christianity.  Jerusalem also ranks as the third holiest city of Islam, 
after Mecca and Medina."

	Kimiki put up her hand.  "So that conflict is really all about control over 
the holy places in Jerusalem, like the Wailing Wall?"

	"Yes.  The Dome of the Rock and the Noble Sanctuary, where, in our 
tradition, the Prophet is said to have ascended to Heaven, sits on the site 
of the Temple of Solomon, of which the Wailing Wall is the last intact 
remnant.  As you will all know, the Temple was razed by the Romans when the 
Israelites rebelled against the Caesars in 70 CE."

	Ryuunosuke:  "It all comes down to who really owns the site, you mean?"

	Imam Daniyal glanced at her.  "Exactly."

	"What is 'jihad?'" another person asked.  "I heard once that it means much 
more than 'holy war,' but I don't know the exact term."

	He perked.  "Ah, yes!  What 'jihad' properly means is 'struggle.'  Let me 
tell you a story about the Prophet and perhaps you may see where such a 
mistake is made."  A pause.  "The Qur'¨¡n was written at a time of terrible 
conflict in what today we call Saudi Arabia.  That conflict was similar in 
many ways to the Warring States period here.  The Prophet, as God, through 
the Angel Gabriel, revealed the Qur'¨¡n to him, was trying to bring peace to 
Arabia.  One day, returning after a battle, the Prophet told his friends, 
'We are returning from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad.'  'Jihad' 
refers to the effort a Muslim must make to allow God's Will and God's Desire 
to influence ALL parts of his life.  His personal life.  His social life.  
His relations with his friends.  His place as part of a community.  The 
struggle the Prophet spoke of, my friends, is to eliminate evil not just 
from your community . . . "  He pointed to his heart.  "But also from your 
very soul."

	"That's not something one would regularly hear from a Muslim, sir," Toshoba 
noted.  "With what appears on television . . . "

	The imam considered his comment before he sadly nodded.  "Yes, sir, you are 
right.  Indeed, I myself once believed like many of my faith do these days.  
That no good could come out of accepting the secular ways of the West.  That 
the creation of Israel bode nothing but evil and misery for Palestinians and 
other Muslims in the Middle East . . . "  He fell silent for a moment.  "I 
think I'm fortunate in that I spent much time learning to teach the 
Prophet's words in Toronto, living with Muslims who resided there.  There, 
they lived alongside those of other faiths.  Their children went to school 
with those of other faiths, where they happily interacted with each other, 
learned to respect each other.  In seeing that, I experienced a personal 
revelation.  I realized that God WANTED it to be this way.  After all, the 
Prophet said that God created people to be different, with different 
languages, so that we could all come together, learn each others' ways and 
live with each other."

	Silence fells, and then Father Cristobal walked over to squeeze his 
friend's shoulder.  "If we could all believe in that."

	Imam Daniyal nodded.  "Yes, my friend, if we only could."

	"Those who say they're fighting for Islam, like Alhamzi-san, believe 
they're actually warring against evil," Shinobu concluded.

	Ryuunosuke sighed.  "Wish they'd listen to their own prophet's words."

	"Indeed."  The imam gazed at Ryuunosuke.  "Believe it or not, miss, I do 
know of you.  I know of the terrible loss of your mother when you were but a 
baby.  I know how that affected not just your father, but also you and your 
friend Nagisa.  Ibrahim . . . "  He sighed.  "Many times did Ibrahim tell me 
of things in Tomobiki.  What he knew of the alien girl Lum and how her 
presence there had come to affect so many.  He wept when he told me of how 
often you were hurt because your father could not see you as God made you.  
He wept even more when he told me of Nagisa and what had happened to him.  
He . . . "  His eyes shifted to Shinobu.  "He even told me of learning how 
much your friend Moroboshi Ataru had been abused, in all effect rendered 
friendless, by not just Lum and those who supported her.  But by his parents 
as well."

	The knowing look Imam Daniyal gave her sent chills down Shinobu's back.  
She then blinked as another man's voice echoed in her mind . . .

**    **    **

	"Shinobu-san?"

	She turned back to stare at Yumoa Reigi.  "Hai?"

	"Do you understand what the concept of child abuse is?"

**    **    **

	*Oh, Jesu Cristo!  What have I done . . .?*

	Shinobu shuddered before she wiped her eyes, sensing tears flowing down her 
cheeks.  Ryuunosuke's hand was immediately at her shoulder.  "Forgive me."  
Imam Daniyal's voice turned their attention to the altar.  The cleric's head 
was bowed; no doubt, he realized his words had come to hurt her.  "I didn't 
mean to accuse you of anything, Miyake-san."

	"I . . . "  Shinobu sniffed before she smiled, nodding.  "It's alright."

	The imam smiled, turning to Father Cristobal.  "My friend, you are truly 
blessed, you know that?  To have such good people to care for."  He patted 
the Jesuit's shoulder before turning to Ryuunosuke.  "I've prepared 
something for you, Fujinami-san."  He drew out a book from a shelf under the 
altar.  Descending from the altar, he held it out.  "It is from Ibrahim's 
mother.  She insisted I give you something like this.  I contacted her to 
inform her of what happened to her son.  She . . . "  He patted the book, 
and then he smiled at Ryuunosuke.  "She insisted that you have this.  To 
understand that what happened on Monday is not condoned by our faith.  It is 
not our way, Fujinami-san."

	Ryuunosuke opened the book, noting that everything was not just in Arabic, 
but also in kanji and kana.  "The Qur'¨¡n?"

	"Yes.  This is not an 'official' Qur'¨¡n.  In our belief, for one to be 
deemed one of the Faithful, one must learn the Prophet's words in the 
original Arabic he received the words of the Qur'¨¡n from the Angel Gabriel 
in.  This way, any mistakes that could be made in translation are 
eliminated.  This is a special guide I helped prepare to allow people in 
Japan to come to understand Islam, allow them to ask the right questions.  I 
don't seek to convert you.  The decision, should you actually seek it, MUST 
be yours.  The Prophet was very specific on that.  'There must be NO 
coercion in matters of faith.'  But I want to help you heal.  So does my 
friend here . . . "  He indicated Father Cristobal and the Miyakes.  "As 
does your friend and her family.  For that, I thank you."

	Kimiki nodded.  "It will always be our pleasure, sir."

	Everyone beamed.

**    **    **

	Ranma opened her eyes to see a young boy running towards a girl with 
shaggy, light brown hair.  The girl waved at the boy.  Her lips moved, yet 
the martial artist could not detect any sound she made.  In the twilight sky 
-- was it morning or was it night?  No way to tell if the sun was now 
setting or if it had just begun its climb across the sky -- an eerie light 
shone around the waist of the girl as slowly, she began to rise into the 
sky.  The boy ran ever harder to catch her.  As he reached the spot where 
the girl had just been standing, he leapt into the air.  In mid-jump, a 
trick of the light made the tears streaming from his eyes sparkle as they 
arced in the air.

	Ranma watched as the girl disappeared.  The boy, his hands reaching out and 
upwards, collapsed into an awkward heap on the ground nearly.  The *thud!* 
he made on impact echoed impossibly loud, like the sound of rushing water 
over Niagara Falls.  He remained still for a moment, and then his arms and 
legs quaked in concert with sobs he would not vent.

	Then, without warning, pained words escaped him:

	"I'm alone again."

	He laid there on the ground for what seemed an eternity to Ranma.  Finally, 
he rose, turning to walk away.  Ranma remained in place as he faded into the 
night.  Then, without any warning, the boy returned.  Morbidly, the martial 
artist watched the boy play out a similar scene to the one she witnessed 
before.  The only difference was the girl involved in this:  this time, it 
was a pretty, pale-skinned girl with glittering green eyes and shaggy red 
hair held down by a headband embossed with a silver rose.

	Again, the girl departed, sadness etched on her face as she disappeared.

	A spaceship flew overhead.

	He leapt.  He fell.  He sobbed.

	"I'm alone again."

	Another time with another girl.

	And again.

	And again.

	Ranma looked away, tears streaming down her cheeks as that heart-wrenching 
play repeated again and again . . .

	Eh?

	What was this?

	Looking down at her hand, Ranma blinked on seeing a flower in her palm.

	A rose.

	Who . . .?

	The boy.

	Ataru.

	He looked at her, smiling.  She tried to smile back, yet her face didn't 
seem to respond as she wished.

	As if the muscles had never been pulled in this direction before.

	Very uncomfortable.

	He giggled at the strange face she made.  The sound drew her to him.

	Yet the rose . . .

	Why a rose?

	Why only one?

	Words came to her.  She spoke them without understanding their meaning.

	"Do . . .

	"Vanan'cha . . .

	"Ataru."

	Tears sprang in her eyes.  She was crying, yet . . .

	Why was she crying?

	Why did she feel this pain . . .?

	This pain that also brought her such joy . . .?

We're walking in the air.
We're floating in the moonlit sky.
The people far below are sleeping as we fly . . .

	Arms wrapped around her, making her eyes fly open as she found herself 
gazing into the face of the Ataru of today.  Sensing the hope burning within 
his eyes, Ranma cried once more as she drew herself as close as she could to 
him.

I'm holding very tight.
I'm riding in the midnight blue.
I'm finding I can fly so high above with you . . .

	"Do . . .

	"Vanan'cha . . .

	"Ranma."

Children gaze open-mouthed, taken by surprise.
Nobody down below believes their eyes . . .

	Their mouths parted in a tearful, relieved kiss.  A cleansing, cool wind 
surged past them.  Unnoticed, darkness transformed into a blue sky dotted 
with billowing clouds.  No ground lay beneath their feet.

	That too did not draw their attention.

We're surfing in the air.
We're spinning in a frozen sky.
We're drifting over ice, see mountains floating by . . .

	They pulled apart, their eyes not averting from the other's.

Suddenly, swooping low ov'r an ocean dream,
Rousing up a mighty monster from his sleep . . .

	"Together?"

	Who asked that?

We're walking in the air.
We're dancing in the moonlit sky.
And everyone who sees us greets us as we fly . . .

	"Forever."

	Who answered that?

We're walking in the air . . .

	Their lips drifted together as a beeping sound echoed in their ears.

**    **    **

	Ataru and Ranma nearly gagged as their eyes flew open, the insistent 
beeping of Rinrin's Prototype Robot Number Two echoing from the nightstand.  
Reflexively, they pulled apart, the shock of the moment stealing their 
voices as the memories of that strange dream faded quickly from their 
conscious minds.  Silence reigned over them for a moment before Ataru turned 
to gaze on his sister's invention, quickly noting the time.

	"Eight o'clock," he whispered, and then he turned back to Ranma as he 
leaned his head on the pillow.  "Oh, man . . . "

	She stared warily at him.  "You okay?"

	He blinked before a light smile twitched his lips.  "Matter of fact, I am." 
  A shrug tilted one of his shoulders.

	Ranma took that in before her own lips turned up.  "Strange.  So am I."

*    *    *

	"So when the hell did you get that back, Akane?"

	Akane looked up from the shattered blocks on the doojou floor to see Nabiki 
standing at the doorway.  She then gazed down on the Densetsu no Doogi.  
"Last night."  She walked over to sweep up the debris her latest workout 
produced.  "If I'm going to convince Ranma to come back home, I'll have to 
go all out on him in a formal challenge.  This'll help."

	Nabiki tried not to groan as Akane cleaned up the mess.  *Oh, shit, what 
the HELL did those two fools tell her last night?!* she mentally roiled as 
she took a long draw on her milkshake.  "Akane, this isn't a good idea."

	Akane spun on her.  "You honestly think I don't know that?!"

	Nabiki ducked the angry/afraid look in her sister's eyes.  Akane took a 
deep breath to calm herself as she started to sweep.  "I KNOW he's angry at 
his father!  I KNOW he's angry at Dad!  I don't blame him for that!  But . . 
. "  She paused, squeezing her eyes shut.  "This is his HOME, Nabiki!  I 
HAVE to bring him back here, Nabiki!  I HAVE to!"

	"What if he doesn't want to come back?" Nabiki asked.  "He's paid off the 
debt he's acquired since he came.  His father's words mean nothing . . . "

	"If Ranma refuses, his father'll disown him and forbid him from . . .!"

	Nabiki shook her head.  "Akane!  Akane!  Akane!  Do you really think 
Ranma-kun'll fall for that stupid ploy?"

	Akane glared at her.  "He has no choice!"

	"On the contrary, sister dear.  He's got loads of choices.  And if he 
exercises them, Uncle'll be up shit creek without a paddle!"

	"Nabiki-chan, such language!"

	Nabiki ducked as Kasumi stepped up behind her.  "Ohayou, Onee-chan."  Akane 
turned back to cleaning up the mess.  "Be done soon."

	"I can see that."  Kasumi then sighed.  "Akane-chan?"

	"What is it?"

	"Kimiko-chan will be here later to see you," Kasumi announced.  "I want you 
to treat her nice while she's here.  Understood?"

	Akane stopped.  "There's something I have to ask her."

	"No."

	Akane spun on her older sister.  "What?"

	"No."  Kasumi sternly shook her head, crossing her arms in a stance Akane 
feared all too well.  "You will not challenge her or do ANYTHING that hurts 
her, Akane-chan, either physically or emotionally.  Kimiko-chan told us 
emphatically last night she has no interest whatsoever in Ranma-kun.  You 
have nothing to fear from her, Akane-chan.  PLEASE, treat her nice when 
she's here.  Alright?"

	Akane shuddered before she nodded.  "H-hai."

	Kasumi departed.  Nabiki gazed on Akane before she turned to leave.  Before 
she took a step, Akane whispered, "I still have to know."

	Nabiki stopped, shaking her head; she just heard that.  "You got to learn 
how to trust people, Akane.  Let me give you some free advice:  DO NOT 
follow whatever Dad or Uncle told you to do concerning Ranma last night.  If 
you do, it'll be the biggest mistake of your life."

	She headed back to the house.  Akane watched her go, and then she turned 
back to her cleaning.  Suddenly, one arm came up, some of the Doogi's fabric 
stretching as a small sign appeared in its grasp.  [I BELIEVE IN YOU.]

	Akane smiled.  "Thanks, Dou-chan."

*    *    *

	"***WHAT?!***"

	"Yes, honoured friends, it IS true!"  Kunou Tatewaki stood before the 
assembled members of the kendou club, along with a small gathering of 
students from the school's other sports teams.  They had gathered on the 
front lawn of Fuurinkan High School.  "Tendou Nabiki did proclaim it to the 
Blue Thunder last week!  Tendou Kasumi confirmed what her sister said right 
then and there!  That most beauteous flower, that fighting tigress, our 
beloved Tendou Akane, is now free from the clutches of that foul sorcerer 
Saotome!"

	Hearing that, the group of forty young men before him -- the noble lads 
who, not so long ago, had gone out to duel Akane to win the right to date 
her -- emitted a joyous scream.  "Yes, my friends!"  Kunou shuddered, his 
eyes tearing as he gazed heavenward.  "Justice has prevailed!  The wicked 
one who dared attempt to take Tendou Akane away from us is defeated!  
Therefore . . .!"  He pointed to them.  "As we did before, so will we do 
now!  Commencing tomorrow morning, we will show our love for the fair Akane! 
  And again, I say this:  Whoever should defeat Tendou Akane will win the 
right to DATE her!  And there will be NO exceptions to our proclamation!  
NONE!"

	A loud cheer echoed from the Horde as they raised their bokken and other 
instruments in salute.  "Hey, guys, let's get ready!" Koriko Nagao, a member 
of the kendou club, yelled.  "We've got a lady's heart to win over 
tomorrow!"

	The others cheered before the groups broke off, spreading out over the 
grounds to begin exercises.  Kunou watched them go, shuddering delightedly.  
"Oh, yes!  Yes!"  He cackled.  "Now I will finally win Tendou Akane's love, 
as it was TRULY meant to be . . .!"

	"You're being real smart, Sempai."

	Kunou jolted, looking around.  "Pig-tailed girl . . .?!"

	"Not exactly," echoed from his right.  "I'm actually the mirror-twin of 
your Osage-no-Onna that showed up at school some months back."

	The kendou team captain blinked, and then he snapped his fingers.  "Ah, 
yes!  I do remember hearing of you from Tendou Nabiki!"

	"Wonderful."  A giggle tickled his ears.  "You can call me Saotome Toshiko, 
by the way.  It's the name she chose for me.  Now . . . "

	Kunou gasped as he felt SOMETHING slip inside his trousers as another 
finger touched the back of his neck, specifically over a shiatsu point that 
would paralyse all movement from his legs.  "Wh-wh-what . . .?" he 
sputtered.

	"Oh, SEMPAI!" Toshiko cooed.  "Is that because of ME?!"

	He shuddered before sighing contently as waves of pleasure flooded his body 
from his groin.  "Oh, that feels so good," he whispered.

	"I'm glad.  Relax, Sempai.  I'm using a certain fool's invisibility 
technique.  Just relax and enjoy it.  Besides, no one's watching us right 
now."

	"Indeed."  He crossed his arms, bokken still in hand, in front of him to 
hide whatever was happening THERE from exposure.  "Tell me, fair Saotome 
Toshiko, is there some reason you are here other than to bestow your loving 
touch upon the Blue Thunder's robust manhood?"

	"Well, I do have a message from the Osage-no-Onna."

	"Indeed?!  Pray tell me what it is!"

	"Patience, Sempai!  It's this:  Tonight at eight o'clock, all those who've 
been enchanted by the 'foul sorcerer' will learn of his ultimate fate!"

	"What?!  What fate is that?!"

	"That's a surprise, Sempai," she soothed.  "A surprise is meant to be 
anticipated, Sempai.  Dreamt of, contemplated over and yearned for.  But 
Sempai, I will tell you this, since touching you gives me SUCH pleasure," 
she purred before adding in a whisper, "The foul sorcerer is no more."

	"Indeed?" Kunou breathed in, shuddering as Toshiko's fingers danced over 
his body.  "A pity it was not I that delivered the final blow to that 
monster, Saotome Toshiko.  It was only proper!  But alas, Fate can be cruel 
at times."

	"Hai, Fate can be that," Toshiko noted.  "However, I can give you this 
promise, Sempai:  The one who was TRULY responsible for the demise of the 
foul sorcerer will be revealed tonight.  Will you be there?"

	"I shall be there!" he vowed.

	"Wonderful!" Toshiko yipped.  "Oh, do tell your sister, Sempai.  She would 
desire to know this, I think.  Can you promise me that?"

	"I shall do so, beautiful Toshiko!  My oath is my bond!"

	"Oh, I'm so happy," Toshiko breathed out as she unlocked his legs.  "Now, 
Sempai, what say we go somewhere a little more private, ne?"

	He paled, shakily nodding.  "Ah, h-hai!"

*    *    *

	A replica of Akane in slacks and a flower-print shirt stepped into the 
Tendou yard.  Kasumi waited for her by the patio.  "Welcome back, 
Kimiko-chan."  Grinning, she then embraced the entity which once was called 
"Noroi no Ningyou."  "Everyone's waiting for you inside."

	Kimiko smiled.  "Arigatou, Onee-sama."

	Moving to escort the newcomer inside, Kasumi then paused, a curious look 
crossing her face as she sensed a slight difference in Kimiko's wa.  
"Kimiko-chan, are you all right?" she asked.

	Kimiko looked nonplussed, and then she smiled.  "Hai, I'm alright.  Last 
night, Negako-sama released certain blocks she had imprinted on my body when 
it was created so I can learn how to make use of the many gifts that came 
with it."

	"Ah, I see."  They stepped in.  "Everyone, Kimiko-chan's here!"

	"Ah, Kimiko-chan, there you are!"  Souun beamed as he waved her to a seat 
across from Akane.  "Please, come in!"

	Kimiko sat down.  "Thank you for your hospitality, Tendou-sama."

	Souun balked.  "Kimiko-chan, I said last night that you . . . "

	Kimiko did NOT return the Tendou patriarch's stare.  "I understand that 
part, sir."  She tried not to overact as she moved to properly express what 
Negako suggested she say to Souun during this meeting.  "But right after you 
said that, you turned around and, without a care in the world concerning 
your daughter's feelings and desires, tried to force an engagement between 
myself and Ranma-sama.  In doing so, you not only insulted your daughter, 
you also insulted Ranma-sama and I.  Until such time as you properly 
apologize to your daughter, I will not look upon you as a father even if, 
genetically, we are related."

	Souun shuddered before wailing, "***WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!  
KIMIKO-CHAN WON'T CALL ME 'FATHER!'  IT'S A TRAGEDY!  NOW THE SCHOOLS WILL 
NEVER BE JOINED!  WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!***"

	"Um, Kimiko . . .?"

	"Akane-san."  Kimiko stared on her template, she ignoring Souun's wailing.  
As did everyone else save Genma, who was forced to dodge around the 
fountains of tears pouring out of his best friend to avoid having his curse 
triggered.  "On the memory of my first owner, I speak the truth when I say 
this:  I do not have any romantic intentions or desires concerning 
Ranma-sama.  Not now, not ever."

	"I see," Akane whispered.  Then taking a deep breath, she added, "By the 
way, Dad DID apologize for what he did to me last night."

	Kimiko nodded.  "I see."

	In the blink of the proverbial eye, Souun straightened, a determined look 
etched in his face.  "With that resolved, we can get to a much bigger 
problem.  Namely bringing Ranma-kun back here where he belongs," he sternly 
declared.

	"You won't be able to see him until this evening."

	Eyes locked on Kimiko.  "Why's that?" Nabiki asked.

	"Ranma-sama will, according to Kumiko-san and Toshiko-san, be meeting some 
people when he returns to Nerima," Kimiko stated.  "I believe Happoosai-sama 
is one, as is the Nuji¨¦z¨² elder Kelun.  I have not been told about anyone 
else, but there are more.  I do not believe he will have time to see you 
until tonight."

	"Ridiculous!"  Genma slammed a fist into the table.  "That boy will come 
here IMMEDIATELY after he comes back!  If he does not . . .!"

	An invisible storm of fists smashed into his head and back, making Genma 
kiss the floor.  Everyone save Kimiko gasped as Saotome Kumiko dropped the 
Goshin Buufu cloak, she behind her "father."  "Kumiko-chan!" Kasumi said, 
and then she smiled.  "Would you like some tea?"

	"No thank you, Kasumi-san."  The raven-haired mirror-twin shook her head as 
she pointed to the unconscious Genma.  "Tell the panda here when he recovers 
that whatever he thinks is 'proper' will NOT be acknowledged by Ranma, much 
less Toshiko or myself, from this day on!"  Seeing Souun move to unleash a 
Demon Head, a feral smile crossed her face.  "Got a problem with that, 
Tendou-san?"

	Ki coalesced around her hands.  Souun was quick to recognize that as the 
energy needed to unleash the Yamasen-ken's most devastating attack, the 
Demon God Assault Bomb.  "Y-you really wouldn't . . .!" he sputtered.

	"Give me a reason NOT to?" Kumiko's voice was ice as she dispersed the ki 
in her right hand.  She then pointed at Akane, not moving to look at her 
template's ex-fianc¨¦e.  "And don't think for an instant that your cute 
little bunny suit'll save your ass from me, Miss Mallets.  I can take you 
down right here and now if I wanted to.  But that . . . "  She glared at 
her, a mirthless smile crossing her face.  "I'll let Ranma do tonight."

	"You're here to deliver a formal challenge?" Kasumi asked.

	"On her, yes."  Kumiko crossed her arms.  "Tonight at eight o'clock, on the 
front lawn of Fuurinkan High School, those who desire to pursue any claims 
with Ranma are to assemble.  Ranma'll deal with you then and there.  ***NO 
TIME BEFORE!!!***" she bellowed as she spun on Souun, unleashing her own 
Demon Head to make him curl in on himself.

	"WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!  She's so SCARY!" Souun wailed.

	Kasumi shook her head.  "Oh, Father . . . "

	Nabiki rolled her eyes.  Akane did nothing save stare at her hands.  
"Kumiko-san, PLEASE, will you stop that?" Kimiko then asked.

	The Demon Head vanished as Kumiko gazed on Kimiko.  "Well, since you DID 
ask so nicely, Kimiko-san," she tittered before turning to leave.  She then 
stopped.  "Oh, I forgot something!"  She glanced at Akane.  "If you want to 
fight Ranma to force him into acknowledging your father's idiotic wishes, 
**bring your doojou sign.**  If you do not, Ranma will refuse you.  And you 
won't be in any position to challenge that!  Ciao ciao!"

	She vanished under the Umisen-ken cloak.  Silence fell over the sitting 
room.  Akane then whispered, "The dojo sign . . .?!"

	"No . . . he can't demand that . . .!" Souun burbled.

	"I think he's not going to give you a choice, Dad," Nabiki warned.

	Kasumi shook her head.  "Oh, dear."

*    *    *

	"Hi, Mom, it's me!"

	"Oh, Ranma!" Nodoka replied.  Ranma was relaxing in the foyer at Welcome 
House, the rotunda's lone telephone in hand.  "I didn't expect a call from 
you until you came back to Nerima!  Are you still on Promised Island?"

	"Hai, but we'll be heading back in an hour or so.  Chikage-chan's gonna let 
us use her travelling rainbow to get back into town," Ranma replied, and 
then she smiled.  "So how are things going with the divorce?"

	Silence, then Nodoka asked, "How did you know . . .?"

	"Ataru's friend, Yumoa Reigi, warned me about that a couple of days ago."  
Ranma chuckled.  "Relax, Mom.  They won't interfere or do anything stupid 
like that if you want to get away from the panda.  In fact, they can help."

	"Well, that's a relief.  And it's nice to know that Ataru-kun's family are 
being so helpful.  Things are going well.  But there is the problem 
concerning what happens to you when Genma and I part ways."  She paused.  
"You can adopt my maiden name if you want to get away from your father, 
Ranma-chan.  My family has no problems with that.  In fact, they'll be happy 
to welcome you into the fold."

	Ranma smiled.  "Mom, would you please tell them that while I really 
appreciate their thoughtfulness, it isn't necessary.  There's another 
solution."

	A wary tone appeared in her voice:  "The Moroboshis will adopt you?"

	"Nothing that drastic, Mom.  Look, if I turn around and adopt another 
family name, that'll give Oyaji satisfaction.  He'll be able to tell himself 
that I ran from my 'responsibility' . . . "  She made finger-quotes with her 
free hand.  "To maintain the family 'honour.'  Do you really want him to 
feel something like that after all he's pulled?"

	"No, not really."  Nodoka chuckled.  "So what WILL you do?"

	Ranma smirked.  "That, I'll save until we get together at Ataru's place 
after lunch.  Look, can you be there in about three hours?  And can you ask 
your lawyer to be there, too?  She'll want to know these things, I think."

	"Alright, that's easily arranged.  If you want, I can even bring my twin 
sister with me.  Onee-chan's always wanted to meet you."

	"I'd love to meet her too, Mom."  Ranma perked.  "Oh, one more thing."

	"Being?"

	"Bring OUR doojou sign with you.  If we still have one after Ukyou, Shanp¨² 
and Kodachi trashed the place sometime ago."

	"Yes, I can do that.  It's still here.  The property's in my name, so I was 
going to throw it out when everything was settled.  I assume you'll do 
something with it when you finally decide to confront Genma?"

	"You can assume that.  I'll fill you in on the details later."

	"Alright, dear.  I'll see you soon."

	"Hai."

	Ranma hung up, and then allowed herself to sink into Ataru's embrace.  "I 
made arrangements on our end."  He kissed her forehead.  "You sure you want 
to do this?  Even if it helps, hearts are going to be broken today."

	"Did you know that when you confronted Lum and Ran?"

	"Hai, I did."

	She stared at him.  "Then why do you expect me to feel different?"

	He considered that before chuckling.  "Touch¨¦!"  He kissed her again, and 
then waved her to his bedroom.  "C'mon, let's get packed."

	"Hai!"

*    *    *

	"Tonight at eight at the school?"  Ukyou stared at Saotome Kumiko as the 
latter waited for her order.  "Sure, I can be there."

	"That's wonderful."  The raven-haired mirror-twin nodded before taking a 
deep breath.  "U-chan, I should warn you right now that if what Ranma plans 
comes off the way she envisions it, any hopes of you marrying him will be 
dashed once and for all.  I . . . " She gasped on seeing Ukyou swing her 
battle spatula at her face.  "HEY!  What are you doing?!" she demanded as 
she smashed it away.

	"***WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!***"  Ukyou reached for Kumiko's top.  She then 
screamed as the latter vanished.  "***DAMN YOU, KU-CHAN!  STOP PULLING THAT 
SHIT ON ME!***"  She looked wildly around, and then she yelped as a fist hit 
her head, sending her to kiss the floor.

	Kumiko appeared behind the chef.  "Would you kindly CALM DOWN and listen 
before you throw a temper-tantrum?!" she demanded.  Sensing Konatsu moving 
to defend Ukyou, she pointed a finger at the kunoichi.  "***DON'T YOU 
DARE!***"

	Konatsu screamed as a Demon Head formed, he then vanishing.  Kumiko 
relaxed, and then she hopped over the counter to sit in her chair.  By then, 
Ukyou was on her feet.  "Okay, TALK!"  She slammed her fist on the counter.  
"What did you mean by all that?!"

	Kumiko sighed.  "Ranma is going to renounce all links with Genma, plus 
renounce his standing as a student of Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu."

	Silence.

	Ukyou's eyes widened.  "Ran-chan's gonna make himself roonin?"

	Kumiko shook her head.  "Not exactly.  He will still retain the name 
'Saotome Ranma.'  However, in the next several hours, he'll apply to form a 
NEW branch of the Saotome family, based on Oomure-jima.  Your engagement is 
to a Saotome Ranma, son of Saotome Genma and Saotome Nodoka of Nerima-ku in 
Tokyo.  NOT to Saotome Ranma, head of the Saotome family of Oomure-jima, 
part of the city of Odawara in Kanagawa."

	Ukyou stared absently at her stove as she considered that.  She then gazed 
back on Kumiko.  "Is that even possible?"

	"Oh, yes!  It is."  Kumiko nodded.  "U-chan, PLEASE!  If you truly, REALLY 
care for Ranma, you won't try to screw this up!"

	"But . . . "  Ukyou shuddered.  "What if Dad doesn't accept it?!"

	"He'll have no choice BUT to accept it.  Look, under normal circumstances, 
Ranma won't be able to do much to get himself out of this mess without 
hurting someone's honour.  That's something he doesn't like, U-chan.  I 
would think that you'd have realized that by now."

	"Yeah, I do, but . . .!"

	"No 'buts,' U-chan!  There's something else that'll happen, too.  When he 
was off with Tampopo-san to find your yatai, Ranma arranged for some 
investigators to take a detailed look at EVERY illegal thing Genma has done. 
  It wound up creating a file THIS thick!"  She made a three-centimetre 
space between thumb and index finger.  "We're talking five ADDITIONAL 
fianc¨¦es, a bill of almost half a BILLION yen for stolen food and other 
items, the whole mess with the Neko-ken and everything else he pulled.  THAT 
will be turned over to a representative from a special branch of the 
Imperial Household Agency.  From there, it'll be spread to the National 
Police Agency and Interpol!"

	Ukyou breathed out, "Whoa . . .!"

	"Yes.  The panda won't have any time to try to fight what Ranma has in 
mind.  Once that information gets to the National Police Agency, he'll have 
NO PLACE in Japan to hide.  And Interpol'll make sure the news gets to 
Korea, China and everywhere else the panda dragged Ranma so he could learn 
the Art.  No matter what, Genma loses in the end."

	"About damned time, too!"  Ukyou scowled before she asked, "Ku-chan?"

	"Yeah?"

	"Doesn't Ran-chan want ANYTHING to do with me?!"

	"Not as a fianc¨¦e," Kumiko confirmed.  "Like he told you:  He wants his 
friend back.  He doesn't want a fianc¨¦e.  You can't be both, U-chan, not 
anymore."  A pause.  "He's very sorry about that.  The one thing you can be 
assured of is that Ranma doesn't want anything to do with Shanp¨², Akane or 
Kodachi.  He's making arrangements now with Shan's great-grandmother to help 
Shan go back home with her honour intact.  Kodachi has no legal claim on 
Ranma, so anything she says is meaningless.  And Ranma renounced everything 
with the Tendous on Tuesday.  And if Miss Mallets wants to challenge Ranma 
on that, she has to offer her doojou sign up or Ranma will refuse her 
challenge."

	Ukyou winced.  "Ai-ouch!  Akane's dad won't like that!"

	"True, he won't.  And if she refuses, Ranma destroys the Saotome doojou 
sign.  Either which way, that morons' agreement comes to an end today.  And 
with the panda on the run . . . "

	Kumiko held up a finger.  Ukyou smirked.  "Damned if he does . . . "

	"And damned if he doesn't," Kumiko drawled.

*    *    *

	"Hey, check that out!"

	People turned as the beat of Yanni's "Highland" echoed through the streets 
of Tomobiki.  Whatever the onlookers were doing came to a halt as they 
focused their attention on the road-train chugging past.  Since some repair 
work was underway on the main road connecting Tomobiki to Nerima -- a 
frequent occurrence in this town given the times streets were chewed up by 
the treads of tanks, self-propelled artillery and the like -- the road-train 
had to take a detour which arced Ataru, Ranma, Negako and the sisters close 
to Tomobiki High.  While some of the sisters snapped their fingers and 
clapped their hands to the beat -- not to mention Ataru gaily dancing with 
Haruka -- the others took in the scenery.  "This doesn't look like such a 
bad place," Yotsuba mused, she examining everything out through her digital 
camera lens.

	"Don't let the looks fool you, Yotsuba," Chikage warned.  "Even if many of 
the 'usual suspects' are either dead or rendered effectively powerless, the 
threat to Ani-kun is still there."

	The would-be detective considered that before she nodded, and then she 
continued her inspection.  In the cockpit, Rinrin scanned a computer map 
before calling back, "We should be back on the main road in ten minutes, 
Aniki!"

	"Hai!"  Ataru nodded as he and Haruka swept to the song's climax, and then 
they exchanged a bow.  "Most enchanting, Haruka-sama."

	"Anigimi-sama!"  Haruka's cheeks flamed.  "P-poh!"

	Hinako waved her hands.  "Hina wants to dance with Onii-tama!"

	Ataru moaned, dropping to his knees.  "Oh, my poor back . . .!"

	Laughter echoed through the passenger compartment as Hinako gave her 
Onii-tama a properly annoyed pout.  Ataru reached for her as the CD went to 
the next song, "If I Could Tell You."  Hinako giggled as they swayed to the 
music.  Ranma stared at him, and then she turned her attention to the 
cityscape.  She blinked on seeing a white military-like car parked on a side 
street, and then she shook her head.  Didn't look too threatening.

*    *    *

	"Moroboshi . . .!"

	"Yes, Young Master, that does look like him!" the driver confirmed.

	Mendou Shuutarou quaked as he watched the road-train pass.  Yes, there he 
was.  And he was DANCING with a GIRL?!  And there were well over ten other 
GIRLS, some of them exceptionally beautiful, with him!  An outraged quiver 
shook his body.  How DARE he?!  How DARE he abandon Lum-san in her time of 
vital need, all to chase girls?!  That . . .!

	"Follow him!" he ordered.

	"Hai!"

	The command car swung onto the road, Mendou soon finding himself three 
vehicles behind the road-train.  Gripping his katana with one hand, he drew 
out his cell phone in the other, and then he speed-dialled a number.

*    *    *

	An air-raid warning siren went off at the Mendou estate.  Pilots and 
gunners manned the Air Corps' large fleet of Apache and Huey Cobra gunships 
as crews boarded the Panzer Division's Leopard II main battle tanks and 
Marder armoured fighting vehicles.  As the first flight of helicopters rose 
from the airport, several emergency gates along the outer perimeter opened, 
allowing tanks to surge out onto the streets.  Passers-by scrambled out of 
the way of the vehicles.  "What's got into Mendou now?" one man asked.

	His friend shook his head.  "Search me!"

	A third rolled his eyes heavenward.  "I thought this would've all come to 
an end when that Oni girl left!" he lamented.

	"Wishful thinking!" a fourth grumbled.

*    *    *

	Ranma started on sensing something coming her way.  She leaned out of the 
passenger compartment to gaze skyward.  Seeing the menacing shapes sweeping 
toward the road-train, she looked at Ataru, who was still dancing with 
Hinako.  "Hey, Ataru, is there a military base here?!"

	Ataru stopped, and then he walked over to see what just caught Ranma's 
attention.  "What the . . .?"  He blinked.  Then seeing the helicopters' 
guns pointing in their general direction, he sighed.  "Oh, hell!" he spat 
out.

	"It appears Shuutarou has leapt to conclusions again," Negako wryly mused, 
she having leaned out to take her own look.

	He turned to see a familiar command car behind them.  "Oh, great . . .!"

	Karen tensed.  "Onii-chan, what do we do?!"

	"Yotsuba'll handle this!"

	Eyes locked on the young detective.  Jaws hit the deck as she reached into 
her jacket to draw out a red cape.  "Hey, Yotsuba, what the heck are you . . 
.?" Ranma demanded before Yotsuba whirled the cape around her, a burst of 
light blinding everyone.  When the light faded, Yotsuba was gone.

"Yotsuba-chan . . .!" Kaho gasped.  "Where did Yotsuba-chan go?!"

	Unseen by the others, Chikage and Negako had also vanished.

*    *    *

	"Young Master, the helicopters are moving into position!"

	"How soon will the troops have the road-block prepared?!"

	"Two minutes, sir!"

	"Excellent!"  Mendou shuddered as he slipped his cell phone into his 
pocket.  His mind quickly drew up images of what might happen -- No!  What 
WOULD happen! -- after he thoroughly punished Moroboshi for this latest 
transgression against the fairer gender, especially the many beautiful girls 
in that slime's company aboard the strange vehicle some . . .

	"***AH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA!***"

	The scion of the Mendou fortune started, his hairs standing on end on his 
hearing that shrill laugh.  He looked around.  "Who . . .?!"

	A blur of red and green whipped past.  Mendou cried out as his eyes 
automatically snapped shut.  His sword hand then squeezed on empty air!  
"What the . . .?!"  He looked at his hand, and then he bolted up, wildly 
looking around.  "WHO TOOK MY SWORD AWAY?!" he shrieked.

	More of that mocking laughter from his left.  He turned, glancing at the 
top of a nearby telephone pole.  Standing there was a caped figure 
resembling a French musketeer, with a green knee-length skirt, a red pleated 
cape, a silver feathered hat, brown calf-length lace boots and a mask 
covering her face.  In her hand was his katana.  "Looking for this, oh vile 
villain of villains?!"

	"WHO ARE YOU?!" Mendou wailed, overwhelmed on hearing this mysterious 
stranger call HIM of all people a "vile villain of villains."

	"Aaaah!  It's the Bishoojo Kaitou Clover!" Kaho cried out.

	Mendou barely picked that up.  He then screamed out to his driver, "Catch 
her!  Summon the Kuromegane at once to capture this thief!"  He then reached 
into his pocket, and then he blinked on feeling nothing there.  "EH?!"

	"Looking for this, perchance?!"

	Mendou looked up, and then he cried on seeing the Lady Clover hold up his 
cell phone in her other hand.  "Hear this well, beast!" she declared as she 
pointed at him with the hand holding his katana. "***I ACCUSE YOU, SIR!***"

	He paled, eyes as wide as saucers as the shock of this moment froze him in 
place.  "Ac-c-c-cuse . . . m-m-me . . .?" he sputtered.

	"Yes!  Hear my words and know the full level of your villainy against the 
innocents of Tomobiki!" she thundered.  "Know this!  I, the Bishoojo Kaitou 
Clover, sworn defender of the weak and oppressed, eternal foe of the rich 
and selfish, know ALL your deeds!  How YOU lusted after an alien, an ONI, 
when she clearly desired you not!  How YOU harassed and bullied an innocent 
man because the Oni you so lusted for desired HIS love, not YOURS!  How YOU 
played with the hearts of HUNDREDS of maidens when you were bound by giri to 
marry yet ANOTHER  innocent maiden!  How YOU have brought anger, misery and 
endless disruptions to  the lives of all of Tomobiki as you prosecuted your 
selfish goals!  ***I ACCUSE YOU, SIR, OF ALL THAT!  AND I FIND YOU GUILTY!  
GUILTY!  GUILTY!***"

	Before Mendou could find it within himself to respond, a surge of women 
from the local high schools surrounded his command car, all of them glaring 
at the Lady Clover.  "***WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO ACCUSE OUR MENDOU-SAN OF 
BEING A CRIMINAL?!***" Ogin demanded, she pointing back at the caped woman.  
"Who the hell are YOU to STEAL from our Mendou-san, you bitch?!  How dare 
you . . .?!"

	A gust of wind slammed into Ogin's gut, sending her flying into Mendou's 
car.  "Ogin-san!" he screamed, and then he paled as the air before the 
Rosebuds crackled, morphing into a familiar crimson-haired woman.  
"SAOTOME!" he snapped.  Instantly realizing Ranma was standing against him, 
Mendou roared, drawing a spare katana from a hidden compartment.  Leaping 
out, he charged . . .

	"***HIRYUU SHOOTEN-HA!***"

	He then went flying!  "MENDOU-SAN!" the Rosebuds screamed in horror on 
seeing their icon disappear, and then they spun on Ranma.

	Only to see a young girl in a blue hoop skirt and petticoat staring at 
them, eyes wide.  "Kusun!" Aria burbled, her feelings for these bad women 
who threatened her Nii-ya, her Nee-ya and Yotsuba as clear as crystal.  
"Kusun!  Kusun!  *KUSUN!  *KUSUN!  *KUSUN!***"

	That last cry echoed like a thunderclap throughout Tomobiki.  Within 
seconds, an ominous rumble shook the streets, causing the Rosebuds to look 
around in confusion.  That didn't save them from the large group of worried 
mothers, who literally ran them right into the asphalt as they crowded 
around Aria!  The young Parisian gazed around confusedly.  Then on hearing 
several of the people around them ask, "Are you alright, dear?!  Did those 
mean girls hurt you?!" she relaxed, basking in the attention she was 
receiving.

	Standing on the telephone pole, the Lady Clover watched this, and then she 
slipped off her mask.  Yotsuba leapt to the ground.  Making her way around 
the crowd fawning over Aria, she tossed Mendou's sword and phone into the 
command car.  "When you see that jerk, tell him this."  She gave the driver 
the evil eye.  "If he tries to hurt Ani-chama ever again, he'll get WORSE!  
Understood?!"

	"H-h-hai!" the driver sputtered.

	Yotsuba nodded, taking off her cape as she switched to her normal clothes 
before she headed to the road-train.  Ranma was there, standing by the 
stairs leading into the passenger compartment.  "I take it Negako taught 
Yotsuba how to switch clothes like that," she commented.

	"She did," Ataru replied.  "Yotsuba came up with the 'Bishoojo Kaitou 
Clover' thing after seeing the Errol Flynn 'Robin Hood' one too many times.  
By the way, where'd you get the megaphone to amplify Aria-chan's crying?"

	"Mendou's car.  You wouldn't BELIEVE the amount of stuff he's got crammed 
into that thing."  Ranma shook her head as the crowd around Aria finally 
dispersed, allowing the young Parisian to re-join her siblings.

	Aria daintily made her way to the stairs.  "Nee-ya, Nii-ya, did Nee-ya and 
Nii-ya like what Aria did?" she asked.

	Ataru flashed her an "OK."  "Oscar performance, Aria-chan!"

	"Got that right!"  Ranma leapt into the passenger compartment, and then she 
reached down to help Aria up.  "Hey, driver, let's go!"

	"Wait!  Where're Onee-sama and Chikage?!" Sakuya called out.

	"We're right here, Sakuya."

	Everyone screamed on seeing Chikage and Negako relaxing in their seats, the 
former enjoying a can of ice tea while the latter seem to doze.  "So where 
did you go?" Rinrin demanded as the driver guided the road-train toward 
Nerima.

	"Do you hear helicopters now, Rinrin?" Chikage asked.

	People glanced outside.  "What did you do?" Ataru asked.

	The grandmaster and the sorceress exchanged a look and giggle.  That 
response sent sweat drops pouring down the others' hair.

*    *    *

	"How -- is this -- POSSIBLE?!"

	A drenched Mendou, just treated by one of the clan's first-aid teams, 
stared wide-eyed at the pile of wrecked helicopter and tank parts on the 
lawn before the mansion.  He was fortunate; he had landed in one of the 
swimming pools after experiencing the Rising Dragon Ascension for the very 
first time.  The tank and helicopter crews were teleported back to the 
estate by Chikage when Negako destroyed their mounts.  Ryooko then walked up 
to him, bringing with her a note that had been tied to one of the Leopards' 
cannons.  "I highly suggest you better read this before you decide to play 
with your toys again, Onii-san."  She handed it to her brother, a 
mischievously delighted smile crossing her face.  "It appears to me that 
Moroboshi-sama no longer wants to play with you."

	Hearing that, Mendou snatched the note to read:

"Shuutarou,
	"Today was a warning.  Next time, it will be for REAL.
	"Leave Ataru and Ranma alone from now on.
	"Lum's feelings for Ataru are no longer relevant in this matter.
	"Neither are yours.
"Moroboshi Negako"

	Mendou shuddered before screaming out, "***CURSE YOU, MOROBOSHI!***"

	Ryooko shook her head.  "You are such a fool, Onii-san."

*    *    *

	"Feeling a little better, Ran-san?"

	Ran nodded.  "Yes, I am."  She was in her bedroom, a cold compress on her 
head.  Though her skin was still quite clammy, she looked much better than 
she did when the Crossing Over began.  "Just trying to meditate.  I'd think 
the Crossing Over'd be easier than this . . . "

	"Well, your Crossing Over is quite unique."  Yamada softly cackled as he 
gazed on his scanner.  "As you might now be able to sense, Lum-san is 
progressing well.  Both of you should be on your feet by tonight."

	"Wonderful . . . "  Ran closed her eyes, and then she started on sensing 
something odd about her home.  "Darling was here, wasn't he?"

	The alien doctor paused, unsure as to how to respond.  That response might 
as well have been a white flag to the 
Seishin-Urusian-turned-Nendo-kata/Terran.  "He WAS here?  But why . . .?"  
Ran stared wearily at him.  "He said . . . "

	Yamada sighed.  "Yes, Ran-san, I know.  Forgive me, but I've no real WORDS 
to describe what I saw late last night.  But . . . "  He paused as he 
marshalled his thoughts.  He knew Nendo-kata did not telepathically pry on 
other sentient beings unless they felt it was VERY necessary.  "He was able 
to help you endure the Crossing Over with greater ease, Ran-san," the doctor 
finally stated.

	Ran considered that.  "He did . . .?"

	"Yes.  And he asked you one thing."

	"Being?"

	"To take care of Lum-san.  He . . . "  Yamada paused before lowering his 
eyes.  "He learned of the abuse you endured thanks to your mother when you 
were a child.  In fact, his exact words were, 'Now we have something in 
common.'"

	Ran returned to gazing at the deckhead as she absorbed the doctor's words.  
"Darling . . . " she whispered.  "Oh, Darling . . . "

	"There appears to be much more going on with Ataru-san than any of us first 
suspected, Ran-san," Yamada warned.

	"I know of some of it," Ran said as her eyes then glowed, the telltale sign 
of her telepathic powers going fully active.  "Eh . . .?"

	"Is there someone here?"

	"Six at the front gate . . . "  Ran concentrated.  Her eyes then widened 
before a groan escaped her.  "Oh, Blessed Mother, not THEM!"

	Yamada looked ready to panic.  "What?!"

	"The Church of Lum . . . " Ran grumbled, reaching for her forehead.

*    *    *

	"Are they both in there, Yukimi?"

	"Yes, I can sense them clearly now."  Yukimi's eyes were narrow as she used 
her empathic powers to scan Ran's scoutship.  "Ran-sama is in her bedroom. 
Lum-sama's in the swimming pool, I think.  And there's a third . . . "

	Footsteps.  "Hello . . .!  Oh, Miruko-chan, is that you?!"

	"Hi!"  Miruko waved as Shinobu and Ryuunosuke came up.  "Look who's back!"

	The crippled girl indicated the alien starship.  Ryuunosuke crossed her 
arms.  "You aren't mad about that, are you?" she asked.

	Miruko shook her head as one of her hands grasped Yukimi's.  "Not really.  
In fact, you might say Lum, in a way, helped me meet my girlfriend," she 
explained as she glanced up at the wavy-haired, golden brown-eyed Avalonian.

	Shinobu's eyebrow arched.  She knew of Miruko's gender preference and how 
that had ultimately led to the estrangement with her parents.  She also knew 
Kitahara Yukimi, having met her in passing, though she did not really know 
the older woman.  From the start, Yukimi always struck her as being 
something of a gypsy, what with her flowery headscarves and flowing clothes. 
  "Really?"

	"Really."  Miruko chuckled, gazing fondly at her lover.  "Do you want to 
tell her this or do you want me to do it, love?"

	Yukimi wriggled her eyebrows.  "As you see best, Beloved."

	"What're you talking about?!" Ryuunosuke wondered.  "What's with these 
people?  Are they aliens or something like that?"

	The very tall girl in the halter-top, striped shorts and high-heel boots 
nodded.  "We are, Ryuunosuke-sama."

	Shinobu and Ryuunosuke exchanged a look.  Everyone then tensed on feeling a 
strange, moist *warmth* flood them from head to toe.  *They are that, guys.*

	"Ran?!"  Shinobu looked wildly around before she relaxed on remembering 
what Doctor Yamada told her last night about the Nendo-kata.

	The motherly looking newcomer started.  "Ran-sama?!  But . . .?!"

	*Never mind!* the Seishin-turned-Nendo-kata/Terran's voice sounded like 
brittle ice.  She then seemed to relax.  *Remember what Darling told you 
guys yesterday about the Church of Lum?* she asked Shinobu and Ryuunosuke.

	"What about it?" Ryuunosuke asked.

	*Meet their agents.*  Ran sighed.  *All but Miruko-chan. However . . . *

	She paused, humming.  "We're not Niphentaxians," Yukimi finished.

	"But they aren't Terrans, either," Miruko added before cupping her mouth 
with a hand as she lowered her voice conspiratorially.  "I think we'd better 
take this inside to ensure no one overhears us, ne?" she warned.

	The others nodded.

*    *    *

	"Tadaima!"

	"Everyone, okaeri ne!"  Chigaiko stepped out of the kitchen as everyone 
streamed into the old shrine.  "How was your vacation?"

	"Much better than expected."  Ataru slipped off his shoes before he carried 
his bags into his bedroom.  "No problems here?"

	"No, but that China girl who wants to marry Ranma-san here called this 
morning, wondering when her 'Airen' will be back," Chigaiko reported before 
she looked sympathetically at Ranma.  "I pity you, Ranma-san."

	Ranma tried not to look nauseous.  "She'll be dealt with . . . "

	Everyone started on hearing the doorbell.  "Who's that?" Mamoru asked as 
she opened the door to see an officious-looking gentleman there.  Another, 
younger and looking like salaryman, stood behind him.  "Hai, can I help 
you?"

	The older man gracefully bowed to them.  "I'm sorry for coming so soon, 
young lady.  Are Saotome Ranma and Moroboshi Ataru here?"

	"Your Honour, you're just in time!"  Ataru walked over, waving Ranma up.  
"Ranma, this is Judge Nozawa Kyuusuke of the Court of Special Appeals.  He's 
the man who got Muchi and Kinshou off my back.  I assume you must be from . 
. . "

	He gazed on the other visitor.  "The Family Registrar?  Yes, I am, 
Moroboshi-san," he confirmed with a polite bow.

	Ranma nodded, accepting the man's business card.  "Pleased."

	"We just got back from Oomure-jima, Your Honour."  Ataru waved them inside. 
  "Shirayuki-chan, we need some tea made up real quick!"

	"Hai desu no!" Shirayuki called out as she headed to the kitchen.

*    *    *

	"'Bioroids?!'"

	"Hai, Shinobu-san, they are that!"  Yamada lowered his scanner.  "Quite 
similar to Terran norm -- in fact, I'd swear they were templated off normal 
Terrans -- but there are some distinct differences in their DNA."

	"Including empathy, right?" Ryuunosuke wondered before she blinked as a 
smiling Tamako handed her a cup of tea.  "Er, thanks!"

	"My pleasure, Ryuunosuke-sama," the tomboyish Avalonian replied.

	A sweat drop flowed down Ryuunosuke's hair at Tamako's formality. "Not to 
mention touch-telepathy, different than the broadcast telepathy Nendo-kata 
use," Yamada added. "I never knew the Niphentaxians had advanced that far in 
bio-genetic engineering."

	"They haven't," Yukimi reported.  "Eighty years ago, explorers came to 
Phentax Twelve and discovered a bioroid factory left there by an extinct 
race from beyond the edge of the galaxy known as the Sagussans.  The 
bioroids -- our people . . . "  She indicated herself, and then Tamako, 
Namie, Hiro and Kanami.  "Address ourselves as a whole as 'Avalonians.'"

	Ran, who had been carried down by Ryuunosuke so she could join the others 
in the living room, sneered.  "Stolen technology, you mean."

	Kanami shrugged.  "In a sense."

	"You don't seem to be too angry about this," Shinobu noted.

	"Why should we?" Namie wondered.  "Were it not for Lum-sama, we would not 
exist.  At least, not exist in this format."  She pointed to herself.  "As 
Avalonians come these days, we are very lucky in that we've been allowed to 
live outside the Union's territory, free from any oversight by our 
'creators.'  Granted, it would be very ideal for all of our kind to be free 
of the Niphentaxians, but . . . "  She shrugged.

	"Well, with three billion of Lum-chan's so-called 'worshippers' now dead, 
you just might get the chance," Ran ruefully lamented.

	Ryuunosuke gazed on her, the others paling on hearing the number of dead 
their host just quoted.  "What does that mean?" she demanded.

	"Yesterday, Benten called and told us that some awful calamity befell the 
Church of Lum a couple weeks ago.  It . . . "  The Seishin-turned-Nendo-kata 
shuddered.  Oh, Mother, how could she explain what happened without making 
Shinobu and Ryuunosuke believe that Ataru deliberately instigated what 
happened in Lumukyou?  "It was an event that, according to one of Benten's 
friends, claimed the lives of those who were 'hard-core' supporters of the 
Church.  The type who would have killed Darling at first sight, in other 
words."

	Shinobu blanched.  "Three billion . . . "

	Ryuunosuke tried not to gag on her bile as the sheer SCALE of what Ran just 
described to them sank in.  "Oh, fuck!"

	Ran nodded.  "Hai.  Much that I, even before the Crossing Over, wished 
they'd all get a life, I wouldn't wish THAT on them!"

	Yukimi shook her head.  "Nor would we.  Ran-sama, we know that given the 
dire straits your people must be in thanks to the Noukiites -- not to 
mention you and Lum-sama merging with the noble spirits who came to help you 
yesterday afternoon -- the chances of you and Lum-sama returning home to Uru 
are very slim to nonexistent.  Please, would you two consent to live with my 
sisters, Miruko and I at our apartment block?  Sooner or later, someone like 
the monster who blew up the school on Monday'll notice this ship's back, and 
then decide to press on their warped goals against you.  Do you want to 
really deal with that, even with the powers you've now been given?"

	Yamada nodded.  "Yukimi-san has a point.  Even if the Great School has 
dedicated itself to promoting Unity between all the Schools, there are those 
who WOULD view what you and Lum-san are as a vile threat to their 
worldviews."

	"It would be the smart thing to do," Shinobu agreed.

	Ran gazed on them before nodding.  "Alright, we'll consider it.  But we 
best get in contact with Jay and Kay to tell them what's happening.  Though 
they sometimes annoyed me, the MiB have the better interests of all, Terran 
and non-Terran, at heart.  Oh . . . "

	She winced, feeling her forehead.  "I think you better get back to bed, 
Ran."  Ryuunosuke moved to her side.  "Here . . . "

	Kanami rose to help.  "I can do that, Ryuunosuke-sama."

	"Nah, it's cool!  I'll be okay."

	Kanami nodded.  Ryuunosuke carried Ran to her bedroom.  "Thanks, 
Ryuu-chan," the latter said as the former slipped her under the covers.  
"Hard to accept, aren't they?" she then wondered.

	"Yeah, they are that."  Ryuunosuke drew the blankets over her, and then she 
sighed.  "Ya know, even with what Moroboshi said about them, haulin' out 
that book and all, I still found it hard to believe that there're people out 
there who actually WORSHIP us as living gods!  I mean, what the heck did we 
do ta deserve somethin' like THAT happenin' to us, Ran?!"

	"That why I don't waste brain cells trying to figure them out."  Ran 
tittered.  "Still, I have to admit, it is nice that Yukimi and her friends 
are here.  Hard to believe someone in the Church got away with sending 
'slaves' to Earth without Oogi finding out."

	"What do you mean?"

	Ran sneered.  "Oogi, above all else, was a control fanatic.  It's a miracle 
in itself, but there are Church sects that actually view Darling with 
kindness.  Of course they couldn't be too open about it or else they'd have 
been branded 'heretics' and dealt with."  She yawned.  "Not that it matters, 
given that Darling's dealt with him . . . "

	Ryuunosuke considered that before her eyes widened.  "He was there!"

	"Eh?!"

	"Moroboshi!  He was there when this all happened, right?"

	Ran gazed on the tomboy with a smile.  "You always were a pretty smart one, 
Ryuu-chan."  She reached over to squeeze her friend's arm.  "Yes, Darling 
was there.  In the middle of it, to be exact.  He . . . "  She paused.

	Ryuunosuke stared at her before shaking her head.  "He couldn't . . . "

	"No, he didn't.  Not according to what Benten passed on.  And I'd think we 
all know Darling a lot better than THAT, Ryuu-chan."

	"Yeah, ya gotta point."

	"And that HAS to stay secret."

	Ryuunosuke sighed.  "'Cause of Shinobu, right?"

	"And a few others, too.  Especially if there're other Church agents still 
here in Tomobiki.  The chances are VERY good that there're some out there 
now.  After all, how was it that they were able to get copies of all our 
diaries to write the Book of Lum?"  Ran grimaced.  "I wish I could figure 
out HOW they were able to do that!"  She then slowly nodded.  "And yes, 
Shinobu, too.  Please don't think that I hate her, Ryuu-chan.  She's got 
many good qualities.  But one of her more apparent bad qualities is how she 
sometimes views people more as personal property than as equals."

	"Like Moroboshi?"

	A tired nod.  "Especially Darling.  I noticed it a lot when I watched them. 
  Lum-chan let Darling get away with more than what Shinobu ever did.  Did 
you think that, in the wake of all that, Darling would continue to care for 
Shinobu in the same way he cared for Lum-chan?"

	Ryuunosuke shook her head.  "Not really.  But still, Shinobu-chan's got 
some really strong feelings for Moroboshi, even now . . . "

	Ran gazed at her visitor before her eyes narrowed.  "You saw them too, 
didn't you?" she asked.  "Darling's half-sisters?!"

	"'Half-sisters?!'" Ryuunosuke gasped.  "What're ya talking about?!"

	Ran ordered Mister Big Screen -- her deck-to-deckhead tele-video monitor -- 
on, and then she linked into her ship's memory banks.  Three holo-images 
appeared.  Ryuunosuke recognized two, telling Ran about hers and Shinobu's 
encounter with Ataru, Sakuya and Chikage on Friday after the memorial 
service to Megane and the others.  Hearing of Ran and Lum's encounter with 
Sakuya, Chikage and Haruka after the gang's meeting with Ataru and Negako at 
the Mendou mansion, Ryuunosuke shuddered.  "Shit!  How'd Lum take that?!"

	"Not good," Ran said.

	"Damn."

*    *    *

	"So how are things with Lum and Ran?"

	Negako smiled.  "Progressing."  She and Ataru were in the kitchen, while 
Judge Nozawa and the registrar, Sakagami Tetsuo, were busy with Ranma, 
Sakuya and Chikage -- the elder of Ataru's half-sisters acting on behalf of 
the Moroboshi Clan -- in the living room.  Toshiko and Kumiko, along with 
Tendou Kimiko, came shortly after the judge and the registrar arrived to 
join in on the discussions since the mirror-twins would join Ranma as part 
of the Saotome family of Oomure-jima.  "It appears the Church of Lum 
dispatched five Avalonian agents to be ready to take the place of Aisuru and 
his cohorts.  They are with Lum and Ran, as is a local girl who became 
lovers with one of them."

	Ataru blinked in surprise.  "Avalonians?!  But I thought that no Avalonian 
was to ever leave Niphentaxian sovereign territory!"

	Negako peered toward Tomobiki.  "It appears these five were created by one 
of the 'pro-Darling' sects of the Church."  A pause as she scanned them 
further.  "And they know no one in the 'normal' Church hierarchy knows of 
their existence, so they have incentive to 'play it safe.'"

	"Really?  We'll keep an eye on them, then."

	"Agreed."

	"Ani-kun?"

	Both glanced at Chikage.  "His Honour and Sakagami-san would like to see 
you.  Ane-kun's mother and aunt just came, too."

	"Right."

	They headed into the living room.  Sakuya was greeting Nodoka, her twin 
sister and another smartly dressed woman with briefcase.  No doubt, that was 
Nodoka's lawyer.  "Mrs. Saotome, it's good to see you again!" Ataru hailed 
as he joined his sister to greet Nodoka.  He then waved to Ranma.  "As you 
can see, he came back to you safe and sound."

	Nodoka smiled.  "I never doubted it for a moment.  And I'm grateful that 
your family has been so willing to help my son in his time of need."

	She then introduced Hisayo and Maya.  Once that was done, everyone formed a 
circle in the middle of the living room. Ranma sat across from Judge Nozawa, 
she flanked by Ataru and Sakuya.  The justice of the Court of Special 
Appeals took a breath.  "Saotome-san, it surprises me that you never 
reported any of this to the proper authorities."  He indicated the folder 
thick with affidavits and other testimonials concerning Genma.

	"I'm sorry, Your Honour.  Until very recently -- about seven weeks ago -- I 
neither knew the full extent of Genma's actions on my 'behalf' . . . " 
Ranma's voice dripped with scorn at that word.  "Much less believed that I 
could simply sidestep my 'obligations' and seek legal redress against those 
who desire to press one sort of claim on me or another.  It wasn't until I 
met Kamekichi Tampopo that I learned that I ultimately HAD that right, Your 
Honour.  If I realized that much earlier, I would've . . . "  She fell 
silent.

	The judge nodded.  "I see.  Ranma, it will take some time for me to review 
all of this.  But from what I've seen so far, I'd gladly issue an injunction 
today that would temporarily eradicate all obligations you may have to all 
the parties mentioned here."  He indicated the folder.  "By next Wednesday, 
I can have a full review of this matter completed, and then render a full 
judgement in that case.  Do you wish that to happen?"

	Ranma stared at him before she nodded.  "Yes, I do."

	"Very well, then.  Mrs. Saotome, it has come to my attention that you are 
now seeking a divorce from your husband.  Is this correct?"

	"It is, Your Honour," Maya spoke up on her client's behalf.

	"You're her lawyer?"

	"Yes, sir."  She handed him a business card.

	He examined it.  "Thank you, Nishiki-san.  Mrs. Saotome, understand this 
now:  The pledge your husband signed on his and Ranma's behalf eleven years 
ago no longer has any legal standing.  Further, any attempt by you or your 
birth-family to force him into any agreement -- familiar, commercial or 
otherwise -- without Ranma's VOLUNTARY consent AND witnessed in the presence 
of Kamekichi Tampopo; Grandmaster Moroboshi Negako of the Moroboshi-Hana 
Saikoo Jinseijitsu Ninjutsu-ryuu; the Matriarch-in-Waiting of the Moroboshi 
Clan, Sukeyama Sakuya; the Second Matriarch-in-Waiting of the Moroboshi 
Clan, Hirosaki Chikage; or the Patriarch-in-Waiting of the Moroboshi Clan, 
Moroboshi Ataru . . . "  He paused.  "Will have no legal standing.  Do you 
understand this clearly, Mrs. Saotome?"

	He stared at Nodoka.  She bowed.  "Yes, Your Honour, I do."

	"Good.  Please make VERY sure that your family understands that as well, 
madam.  Certain people have raised questions about your father's ultimate 
motives towards bringing Ranma into the Asagaya Clan.  The Grandmaster here 
. . . "  He indicated Negako.  "Was one of them.  If it turns out that your 
father's desire towards Ranma is ultimately to Ranma's physical or emotional 
detriment, it will be stopped.  Is THAT understood?"

	Nodoka gazed at him before nodding again.  "I understand, Your Honour."

	Hisayo placed a hand on Nodoka's shoulder.  "Good," the judge said as he 
nodded before he took a deep breath.  "I am sorry it had to come to this.  
Ranma's situation is very unusual.  And because of that uniqueness, the 
court which I serve as justice is perfectly suited to deal with this 
matter."

	Nodoka nodded.  "I understand, sir.  I'm grateful that my son will be able 
to live his life under his control.  I . . . "  She looked at Ranma.  "For a 
long time, I allowed my husband's foolish ideas of a 'man above men' to 
direct my every action concerning you, Ranma.  I can't BEGIN to beg your 
forgiveness for the pain you've endured because of that."  She then gazed on 
Sakuya and Ataru.  "And again, Sukeyama-hime, Moroboshi-dono, I cannot thank 
your family enough for stepping in to help when my son needed you."

	Sakuya nodded.  "It was our pleasure, ma'am."

	"Your Honour, may I get copies of that file?" Maya asked.

	"Here."  Ranma drew out a file like the one the judge had.  "We anticipated 
you wanting something like this to help Mom divorce that jerk."

	She handed it to the lawyer.  "Thanks."

	"Will Ranma have to testify at the hearing, Nishiki-san?" Judge Nozawa 
asked.  "Who's presiding over your case?"

	"Judge Mizuko Shimako of the Tokyo Family Court, sir."

	"Ah!"  The judge nodded.  "I'll send a message to her about this matter.  
Do you believe Ranma will be needed to testify?"

	"I believe not, but if necessary, I can contact you about it."

	"Please do so."

	Ranma smirked.  "Chances are you'll win hands down, Mom."

	"What do you mean by that?" Nodoka asked.

	"Do you really think the panda'll show up for the trial?"

	Judge Nozawa blinked.  "Ranma, do you believe that man is a potential 
flight risk in case criminal charges are raised against him?"

	Ranma sighed.  "Yes, Your Honour, I'm more than sure.  If there's one thing 
Genma's capable of doing, it's running away.  I . . . "  She paused.  "Two 
days ago, a friend of ours . . . " -- she nodded to Kimiko -- " . . . with 
Negako-san's help, erased from his mind the knowledge of two very 
devastating martial art forms Genma could use to stay free of the law.  It 
won't make things much easier for the police, though.  That's one of the 
things I've always been concerned about when questions about police come up. 
  If they intervened, especially against some of the martial artists or 
other creatures I've dealt with, they would've been slaughtered.  I won't 
have that, not at all."

	"What do you propose then?" the judge asked.

	"What has to happen, sir, is that Genma has to be deprived of all 
LEGITIMACY," Ranma explained.  "Part of that will be done by yourself and 
the honourable registrar here."  She indicated Sakagami Tetsuo.  "Part of 
that will be done by the grandmaster of my old martial arts school, when he 
strips Genma of his teaching license.  Part of that will be done by Mom here 
because even though he technically runs our family doojou, Mom is the owner 
of the property that doojou stands on.  And she happens to have the doojou 
sign right with her now.  Ne, Mom?"  She grinned as Nodoka produced a wooden 
sign faded with age, but clearly marked MUSABETSU KAKUTOU-RYUU - SAOTOME 
DOOJOU.

	The judge nodded.  "I see.  What of your father's Jusenkyou curse?"

	"Easily dealt with."

	Eyes locked on Negako.  "What do you mean, Onee-sama?" Sakuya asked.

	"There is a variation of the soulsword that can be used:  The Fire Scythe 
of Death.  When it comes to a Jusenkyou victim, all that happens is that the 
cursed form is severed from the birth form.  They would live as two beings."

	Ranma nodded.  "Oh, you mean like that magical burner Jijii has!"

	Negako nodded.  "The same idea."

	Ataru grinned.  "So one part of Genma could never again hide as a panda 
while the other half gets tossed into the zoo."

	"In a sense.  What more likely will happen is that Genma's soul will remain 
in his birth form while a copy of the soul of the panda who drowned in 
Shonmaoniichuan all those years ago will take full control of his cursed 
form."

	"So he won't be able to hide behind that?"  Judge Nozawa nodded.  "Very 
well, then.  I'll have an arrest warrant sent to the National Police Agency 
later today.  By tonight, Saotome Genma will be a very wanted man."

	Ranma bowed thankfully.  "That's all I can ask, Your Honour."

	Nodoka handed the Saotome doojou sign to her child.  Pausing for a moment, 
she drew up the bundle containing the clan honour blade, moving to hand it 
to Ranma.  Seeing what she was doing, Ranma shook her head.  "I don't need 
that."

	Nodoka stopped.  "Why not?"

	"First, it reminds me of what kept us separated for so long.  And second . 
. . "  Ranma then grinned.  "Someone like you needs something to help 
protect you from all sorts of evil jerks out there, ne?"  She winked at 
Nodoka.

	*'Including a certain deadbeat husband who is about to have the whole world 
come crashing down on his head,'* Nodoka interpreted the underlying meaning 
behind Ranma's words.  "Understandable."  She embraced her before moving 
back to her place in the circle, she holding the blade close to her.

	"Well, if that's all you need me for,  I best get back to the office and 
get certain warrants drafted."  The judge rose and turned to head out.  
"Sakagami-san, I leave the rest of this matter in your more-than-capable 
hands."

	"Of course, Your Honour."  The registrar nodded as everyone rose, bowing 
thankfully to the judge as he departed.

*    *    *

	"***HE DEMANDED WHAT?!***"

	Genma stared wide-eyed at Souun.  Both were alone in the sitting room.  
"The doojou sign!" the latter sobbed.  "Kumiko told us Ranma said he'd 
refuse a challenge from Akane-chan unless we put up our doojou sign!!"

	Genma slammed his fist into the table.  "He can't demand that!"

	"But he'll refuse to fight Akane-chan if we don't!"

	"How about dropping this once and for all?!"

	Both spun around to see Nabiki standing by the door, arms crossed.  "No!"  
Souun shook his head.  "The schools MUST be joined!"

	Genma nodded.  "Indeed!  And they WILL be joined even if I have to drag 
that fool boy back here beaten and bloodied to a pulp!"

	"Oh?"  Nabiki smirked.  "You are such a stupid idiot, Uncle!"

	"Nabiki, how dare you speak to our guest . . .?!" Souun demanded.

	"SHUT UP, DAD!"

	Instant Niagara Falls.  "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!  Nabiki just yelled at me!  
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!  She hates me!"

	Nabiki ignored Souun's caterwauling as she glared at Genma.  "Do you really 
think Ranma-kun's going to let you pull that garbage on him now, after all 
the things he, Toshiko, Kumiko and Kimiko've done to you since this began?!" 
  Her voice was as thick as molasses in its faux sweetness.  "Besides, why 
are you panicking so much about OUR doojou sign, Uncle?  After all, what's 
to stop Ranma-kun from destroying YOUR doojou sign?!  I'm sure it's still 
there even if the dojo itself got wrecked by Ukyou, Shampoo and Kodachi!"

	Genma paled.  "What . . .?"

	Nabiki's grin grew wider.  "Why not?  Ranma-kun is now a student of Saikoo 
Jinseijitsu Ninjitsu-ryuu under Negako-san's tutelage.  Ojii-chan approved 
of that just after Ranma-kun met Ataru-kun, remember?  You haven't had a 
chance to train anyone else in your school since you founded it, have you?  
And do you really think that Ranma-kun's going to give you a chance to teach 
a new student before he calls the law down on your head?!"

	"What are you talking about?!" Souun demanded.

	"What I'm talking about, Dad, is the fact that while Ranma-kun was off on 
his trip that produced Ukyou's yatai, someone was VERY busy investigating 
ALL of us!  ESPECIALLY your 'friend.'"  Nabiki indicated Genma.  "As to who 
was behind it, I don't have a name, but I'll lay a VERY strong bet that 
someone was the very same person who helped Ranma-kun get the jobs that 
allowed him to send those cheques to us . . . "

	"Then you must find the name of this person so we may punish him for his 
interfering with our agreement!" Souun asserted.

	"No can do, Dad.  This person investigated ALL of us, remember?  If I tried 
to go after this person, what's to stop him or her from nailing me with 
extortion and child pornography charges?"  A hiss then entered her voice.  
"You remember that, don't you?  All the things *I* had to do to keep this 
house over our heads because YOU were lazy about teaching new classes, much 
less allowing THIS bastard to nearly eat us out of house and home?!"  She 
indicated Genma again before turning away.  "Tough luck, Uncle.  Ranma-kun's 
made pretty damn sure you can't freeload off ANYONE ever again."

	She headed off.  "Nabiki . . .!"  Souun then turned to Genma.  
"Saotome-kun, how could your son do this to us . . .?"

	Genma stood up.  "I have to go."

	"Wha . . .?!"

	"Nabiki may have a good point about the boy going after my doojou sign," 
Genma warned.  "I'll be back soon, Tendou-kun!"

	He raced off.  "Saotome-kun," Souun whispered.

*    *    *

	Rinrin smiled.  "So this is it, huh?"

	Ranma nodded, gazing at the beautiful hanko in her hand.  Written in a 
circlet around the shadowed image of the Stargazer Park statue were the 
words KANAGAWA-KEN ODAWARA-SHI OOMURE-CHOU SAOTOME-KAZOKU.  The official 
seal of the Saotome Clan of Oomure-jima, residents of the city of Odawara in 
Kanagawa prefecture.  "Yeah, this is it!"  She shuddered.  As head of the 
new family, the hanko was Ranma's by right, though she had an arrangement 
with Sakagami Tetsuo to ensure that if anything happened to her, the hanko 
would pass into Toshiko's possession as the next-oldest sibling.  Once it 
was properly registered with the civil district office on Promised Island, 
it was legal.

	Even better, Toshiko and Kumiko had a greater sense of legitimacy over 
their lives.  After the registrar opened the book for her new family, Ranma 
welcomed Toshiko and Kumiko as adopted sisters.  She would have to prepare a 
will to ensure the mirror-twins would get her mortal possessions in case she 
died before having children, but that would come at a future date.  Right 
now, all they had to do was await Judge Nozawa's indictment against Genma 
and Ranma could finally put Nerima and its troubles behind her.

	"You better put that somewhere safe, Onee-chan," Karen warned.  "Even if 
your baka father can't make himself invisible now, if he gets his hands on 
that hanko, who knows WHAT sort of trouble he can cause."

	"Good point."  Ranma then turned to Chikage, she holding out the hanko.  
"And who better to trust this with than a person who'd give Elder Kelun an 
industrial-strength case of the willies . . . hey!"

	The "hey" came thanks to Cologne's walking cane softly tapping the back of 
her head.  "I heard that, 'son-in-law,'" the Nuji¨¦z¨² elder, perched on 
Rinrin's shoulder, said with a smirk, a mischievous sparkle twinkling in her 
eyes.

	Everyone laughed.  Ranma flustered.  "Sorry, Hibaa-chan!"

	Silence fell, and then Cologne's eyes softened.  "So, it has happened," she 
whispered, gently feeling Ranma's face.  "To believe this particular power 
of Jusenkyou has eluded even OUR knowledge for all those years."

	"From what I've learned of Jusenkyou, Elder, those of your tribe who've 
been afflicted in that manner have chosen to flee rather than face 
persecution and banishment from their clansmen."  Chikage took the hanko 
from Ranma and slipped it into her blazer pocket.  "Still, some news might 
have percolated to your ancestors.  If not, then how did the Blood Sibling 
Law come into effect?"

	Cologne nodded.  "A good point, young lady.  I take it, Ranma, you've been 
told about that particular law."

	"I have.  Chikage told me."  Ranma indicated the sorceress.  "If I am 
deemed worthy of it, I will gladly become blood-sisters with Shan if that is 
what is needed to allow her to return to the bosom of her family with her 
honour and standing intact.  And if I am allowed to exercise my rights as 
that law dictates, I will . . . "  She paused before shaking her head.  "Not 
force your great-granddaughter into another marriage.  After all my 
experiences, Hibaa-chan, I don't want to put Shan through anything like 
that."

	"I can agree to that."  Cologne then blinked as a gloved hand gently 
touched her cheek.  "What . . .?"  She stared curiously at Aria.

	The young Parisian smiled before she kissed the elder's forehead.  
"Hibaa-ya is very, very, very sad that Nee-ya is not a boy anymore," she 
said.  "There's no need to be sad, Hibaa-ya.  Nee-ya loves Hibaa-ya very 
much."

	She walked away.  Rinrin blinked.  "But how . . .?"

	"I thought she couldn't accept me as a boy," Ranma muttered.

	"That one has something of an enchantment on her," Cologne warned.

	"A tree-spirit spent time with her some weeks before Christmas," Chikage 
explained.  "They are very close friends, Elder."

	"A tree-spirit?!"  The Nuji¨¦z¨² elder spun on the sorceress before she 
breathed out, "Oh, yes!  I keep forgetting it IS Promised Island we're 
talking about here!  It has been some time since I was last there!"

	The others laughed, and then they jolted as a bullet slammed into Ranma's 
chest.  "HOT-CHA!  You did it, didn't you?!"

	"Happy!" Cologne moaned.

	More laughter as Ranma pried the grandmaster of Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu from 
her.  "Jeez, Jijii!  Ya didn't need to squeeze me THAT hard!" she panted, 
allowing him to drop to the floor before she felt her chest.

	"Oh, don't be so shy, Ranma-chan!  Give your old master a hug!" Happoosai 
cooed before lunging again for Ranma ample bust.

	"Kusun!"

	He landed on target, his eyes widening as that pained sob froze him.  He 
turned to gaze on Aria. "Kusun!" the young Parisian sobbed again, tears 
brimming in her eyes.  "Kusun!"  The sisters shuddered as they backed off.  
"Kusun!"

	Happoosai gulped, quickly leaping up to Ranma's shoulder as he waved his 
hands frantically at the young girl.  "Now, now, dear, d-d-don't cry!" he 
sputtered.  "Please don't cry!  I was just having fun with R-Ranma here!"

	"Kusun!"

	Realizing he wasn't going to win this one, Happoosai quickly flipped to the 
shoulder of the nearest girl to Ranma.  He relaxed as Aria seemed to calm 
down, and then a shudder shook his body as an icy chill warped around him 
from head to toe.  Turning left, he gazed directly into Chikage's dark eyes. 
  The young sorceress was NOT amused.  "What are you doing on MY shoulder?"

	Happoosai screamed, vaulting into Negako's waiting arms as the grandmaster 
stepped in from the living room.  "Happy, when are you EVER going to learn 
how to control yourself?" she wondered as she allowed her friend to relax.

	Rinrin shook her head.  "Aneki sure has some strange friends."

	More laughter echoed through the kitchen.  Ranma turned to Happoosai.  "So 
how are things back with the panda and his friend, Jijii?"

	"They are not pleased at all."  The aged grandmaster drew his pipe, and 
then he lit it.  A quick glance around the room to ensure Aria was nowhere 
in sight before he relaxed.  "I assume you got your doojou sign with you?"

	She drew it out.  "Right here."

	He took it, shaking his head on noting the weathering the sign had taken.  
"Stupid idiot," he muttered as he turned the sign around, tapping a point 
near the top.  A door opened, revealing a slender compartment bearing an 
envelope.  Taking that, Happoosai handed the sign to Ranma before he opened 
the envelope.  Looking at what was written there, he sighed.  "Foolish place 
to hide this."

	Yotsuba leaned in to take her own look.  "This is his teaching license, 
isn't it?  Why'd he hide it in the doojou sign?"

	"Actually, my dear, I put it in here when I made this sign for Genma just 
before he helped Souun seal me in that cave.  I did the same thing for 
Souun."  He shook his head.  "To believe they failed so badly . . . "

	"Their children have all the potential in the world," Cologne noted.

	Happoosai nodded.  "Hai, Cologne-chan, they do."

	Seeing him now, Ranma was suddenly struck by how old the man before her 
really was.  "It is not all over yet, Happy," Negako mused.

	"What do you mean, Negako-chan?"

	"As Kelun just stated, their children DO have potential."  Negako indicated 
Ranma.  "Ranma is exploring the limits of her potential.  So have Toshiko 
and Kumiko since they were set free of that compact.  Nabiki is 
rediscovering hers.  Akane will do the same if she continues to make use of 
the Densetsu no Doogi.  Kimiko has her own potential if she desires to 
explore it, as does Kasumi.  The only way for it to be 'all over' is for 
them to stop doing what they are doing.  Do you envision that happening?"

	Happoosai considered that before he smiled.  "You have a point, 
Negako-chan."  He then handed the sign back to Ranma.  "You might want to 
hang onto that, Ranma-chan.  Who knows when you might need it again!"

	Ranma smirked.  "If I think of starting up my own doojou, Jijii, I'll carve 
a new one."  She slipped the doojou sign somewhere safe, and then took a 
deep breath.  "Well, I best get ready for tonight's fun at the school."

	"Come with me, Ranma."  Negako waved her outside, allowing Happoosai to 
place himself on the kitchen counter before departing.

	Ranma followed her out.  The others watched her go.  Chikage reached into 
her blazer to draw out a tarot card.  Death.  The sorceress' eyes narrowed, 
and then she sensed Cologne gazing at it.  "You best prepare your 
great-granddaughter, Elder Kelun," she warned.  "Tonight is not going to be 
a pleasant night for anyone, even Ane-kun."

	The Nuji¨¦z¨² elder nodded.  "Good point."

	As she departed, a distant look appeared in Chikage's eyes.

*    *    *

	*Darling . . . *

	Ran's eyes opened, she sitting up.  Her body moved more easily now, though 
a chorus of painful dings continued to dance the Macarena around her joints. 
  "Lum-chan?"  She glanced around the bedroom before she stood up with a 
grunt.

	"Huhn . . . it done now . . .?"

	She looked to the couch beside Mister Big Screen to see Ryuunosuke 
stretching herself from a couple hours' nap.  Watching the gentle shift of 
every one of the tomboy's well-honed muscles, Ran's eyes sparkled as a surge 
of arousal bubbled deep within her.  *Sweet Blessed Mother, she's 
beautiful!*  Her cheeks flamed before she quickly calmed herself.  No!  Damn 
it, given the amount of mindless garbage Ryuunosuke had to endure since she 
was a baby, making any suggestions, no matter how subtle, toward forming 
THAT sort of intimate relationship with the tomboy would hurt her far more 
than help!

	Still, she COULD dream . . .

	"No, not yet."  Ran walked over to help Ryuunosuke stand.  "But Lum-chan 
drifting in and out of consciousness.  Feels like she's undergone Psi-Unity. 
  It's just a matter of time.  You want something to eat?  You look hungry."

	"I can use a bite," Ryuunosuke smiled her thanks, and then she found 
herself gazing deeply into Ran's evergreen eyes.  "Ran . . . "

	Time seemed to stand still for them.  Then, without understanding why she 
suddenly wanted to do this, Ryuunosuke leaned down to gently caress the 
alien teen's lips with her own.  Ran's eyes widened in shock.  They then 
softened as the warm tidal wave of feeling bursting from that contact surged 
right into her brain.  They gazed into each other's eyes for another 
eternity.  Ryuunosuke's cheeks then flamed as her brain caught up to her 
heart.  "Ah . . .!"

	"Ryuu-chan?"

	A gulp.  "Um . . . ah, s-sorry about th-that . . . "

	"Please, Ryuu-chan, don't apologize."  Ran placed a hand on her friend's 
cheek.  "I really liked that.  You're a good kisser."

	"Ah . . . w-well, you s-see . . . "  She stopped, blinking.  "I am?"

	"Hai."  Ran took a step back as she gave her guest a knowing look.  
"Yamada-sensei told you about the -- uniqueness of the Great School.  I'll 
have to live with that uniqueness for the rest of my life.  I won't disguise 
it, either.  To do that would mean that I'm ashamed of what I am.  And I'm 
certainly not ashamed of THAT.  Not one bit," she admitted with a serene 
smile.

	Ryuunosuke considered that, and then she stepped up to Ran.  She reached 
over to grasp the other woman's hands.  They stared into the other's eyes.  
Ryuunosuke then leaned down to give Ran a chaste kiss.  They pulled apart, 
and then Ryuunosuke smiled.  "You won't be alone.  I . . . "  She shrugged.  
"You're my friend.  Regardless of what happened before, I . . . "  She 
paused again before giving Ran's hands a squeeze.  "I want us to be friends. 
  And if we become something more . . . "  She shrugged once more.  "Then we 
do."

	"I'll hold you up to it."  Ran playfully winked before turning as footsteps 
heralded the coming of Namie to the bedroom.  "Yes?"

	"Forgive me for interrupting, Ran-sama, but Shinobu-sama just came back 
from a brief shopping trip," the bioroid announced with a smile.  "She 
brought with her Marubeya Momoe-sama with some news concerning Lum-sama's 
Darling."

	Ran and Ryuunosuke nodded as they followed Namie to the living room.  
There, Hiro was serving Shinobu and Momoe tea.  Both looked up as their 
schoolmates came down to join them.  "Welcome back to Earth, Ran-san."  
Momoe nodded pleasantly as Ran and Ryuunosuke sat down.  "Though I have to 
warn you now that your presence in Tomobiki these days won't be as enjoyable 
as it might have been when you lived here before."

	Ran nodded.  "I've already sensed that, Momoe-san.  Thank you."

	Ran never got the chance to know any of Mendou's female fans; during the 
previous school year, she had been assigned to Class 2-7 while Mendou, 
Momoe, Shinobu, Ryuunosuke and the others were in Class 2-4.  Since her 
primary focus living in Tomobiki was then fixed on Lum, events centred on 
Mendou didn't bother her.  From what she could sense of Momoe, Ran knew the 
woman cared deeply for Mendou as well as her small circle of friends.  There 
was also a powerful surge of hate within her, but it wasn't focused on Ran.  
Most likely, that was reserved for Lum; most girls at Tomobiki High not so 
long ago fervently believed that if Lum hadn't been interested in Ataru, 
she'd have scooped up Mendou in a New York minute.  "I take it Shinobu told 
you who else came back with me."

	"I've been told," Momoe said with a shake of her head.  Anger tried to 
swell forth, but something dampened it.  Curiosity?  Confusion?  "I was told 
of what's happening to you and Lum.  I find it so hard to believe that 
there's this race out there that DOES this sort of thing."

	"We've done it for a hundred millennia, Momoe-san.  No one's yet to 
complain about our desire to help others," Ran stated with a chuckle before 
she nodded thanks as Hiro came up to hand her a cup of tea.

	"How long before Lum comes out?" Shinobu asked.

	Ran glanced in the direction of the swimming pool, her eyes glowing.  "A 
few more hours.  By eight o'clock at the earliest.  Things like this can't 
be rushed."  She turned to Momoe.  "What else brings you here today?"

	"Some news from earlier concerning Mendou-san and Ataru-kun."

	She explained.  The others listened, surprise appearing on many of their 
faces as they heard how easily Ataru, his sisters and Ranma had dealt with 
Mendou and the Rosebuds.  Ran remained relaxed, using her empathy to pick 
out how Shinobu, Ryuunosuke and Momoe, not to mention the Avalonians 
effectively standing in for Megane and his friends, reacted.

	As questions started to fly, Ran focused on Shinobu.  Ataru's ex-girlfriend 
was dismayed, no doubt at Moroboshi Muchi's infidelity to his wife.  There 
was also concern and trepidation.  That was understandable; Ataru had spent 
a considerable amount of time with those girls ever since he departed 
Tomobiki.  Given what his feelings might have been like when he finally left 
Tomobiki -- if what his words yesterday reflected his true feelings, his 
actions toward Ran late last night notwithstanding -- Shinobu believed those 
girls probably thought the worst of their brother's old associates.

	A glance to Ryuunosuke revealed a sense of envy.  Ran understood that.  To 
go from being the only child of a broken, emotionally hollow home to 
suddenly having a family of twelve loving, caring sisters -- thirteen if one 
counted Negako -- would probably make anyone like Fujinami Ryuunosuke VERY 
happy.  And there was concern, even worry, for Shinobu as well, Ran noted.  
Given that woman's mixed feelings toward her former boyfriend, what could 
happen if Shinobu should ever directly meet any of Ataru's sisters?  Would 
those sisters allow Shinobu to get close to their brother again?  Or force 
her away?  If that happened, how would Shinobu herself react to it?

	Now to Momoe.  That woman was a nexus of fear, anger and confusion when it 
came to Ataru's sisters.  Momoe's anger at them was quite simple for Ran to 
understand.  If what happened that morning continued to play out, it would 
ultimately drive Mendou to seek violent redress against Ataru.  And in that 
realization laid the heart of Momoe's fear:  If those girls were hurt, what 
WOULD Ataru do to Mendou in return?  As for the confusion . . .?  Ran tried 
not to groan.  Oh, Sweet Blessed Mother, how could she be so STUPID?  Did 
she really, truthfully believe that EVERY teenage girl on Earth would 
automatically reject Moroboshi Ataru because he once chased girls?

	"What do you think, Ran?" Shinobu asked.

	Ran started before relaxing herself.  "I see no problem here."

	"What does that mean?" Momoe demanded.

	"Simple.  People in this town have deluded themselves a LOT when it comes 
to Darling.  Do you honestly think that he lived ONLY to chase girls?  Of 
course not.  But until his memories were repaired from what his 'mother' did 
to him, he had no means to pursue other interests.  He got the chance thanks 
to Negako-san.  They leave Tomobiki.  Along the way, they meet these other 
sisters.  Darling had a family again, one willing to give him a chance, a 
chance no one here EVER gave him."  She focused on Shinobu.  "Yes, Shinobu, 
that not only includes you, but Lum-chan as well.  So why SHOULDN'T Darling 
get defensive if anyone from here tries to probe into his personal business? 
  As far as he's concerned, no one in Tomobiki HAS that right.  And if they 
disagree . . . "  She shrugged.  "Well, look what just happened to Shuutarou 
and the Rosebuds."

	Momoe's eyes narrowed.  "There's something you're not telling us."

	"Yes, there is . . . "

	She gave them a replay of the encounter between her and Lum and Sakuya, 
Chikage and Haruka.  Ryuunosuke cut in to remind Shinobu who Sakuya and 
Chikage were.  At the end, the others in the room were thoughtfully silent.  
"So because his clan is run as a matriarchy, this Sakuya girl is seen as the 
new Matriarch of the whole family.  And because of that, she has final say 
toward who Ataru-kun'll marry?" Momoe asked.  "And that would override 
anything Ataru-kun's parents might've said because the leadership of the 
clan is passed on from grandmother to granddaughter?"

	"That's unbelievable," Narumi Miruko spoke up for the first time.

	Ran smiled.  "Not really, Miruko-chan.  Where I come from -- my Nendo-kata 
side, that is -- that would be seen as quite normal."

	"Sounds like those Chinese Amazons from Nerima I've heard about a lot," 
Shinobu mused.  "So what do we do?"

	"Make sure they don't hurt us again," Momoe muttered.

	Ran stared at her.  "And why would they?"

	"Why not?!  Mendou-san's not going to live what happened today down!  He's 
going to keep going after Ataru-kun again and again . . .!"  Tears brimmed 
her eyes as she started to deflate on herself.  "Until . . .!"

	Her voice faded.  She then jolted on feeling comforting hands on her 
shoulders.  Momoe looked around to see Kanami gazing at her.  The former 
blinked, and then she tried to smile as she gave one of the bioroid's hands 
a thankful squeeze.  "Momoe-san, why do you care so much for Mendou?" Ran 
wondered, crossing her arms.  "Don't you know that he's now engaged to marry 
someone else?  What happens when he does get married?  What will you or any 
of your friends do then?  You can't keep pining for him, you know."

	Momoe quaked before she muttered, "You never gave up on Rei-san!"

	Shinobu and Ryuunosuke winced.  Ran remained calm as she replied, "No, I 
didn't.  Because I didn't, I'll be mourning Rei for a while to come, 
Momoe-san."

	"What . . .?" Momoe rasped.  Then, as realization dawned, she looked away.

	Gazing concernedly at the silent woman, Kanami then turned to Ran.  
*Ran-sama, I'll walk her home,* she telepathically transmitted.  *Momoe-sama 
needs a chance to think over what she's learned today.*

	Ran closed her eyes to hide their glow as she responded, *Make sure she 
does nothing against Darling or his family, Kanami-chan.*

	*Hai, I understand.*

	Wordlessly, Kanami helped Momoe to her feet, and then she walked her out of 
the room.  The others watched her go.  Yukimi then stared at Ran.  
"Ran-sama, what do we do now?  Lum-sama still cares a lot for Ataru-sama . . 
. "

	Ran nodded.  "I know.  But do NOTHING to him or any of his sisters, Yukimi. 
  That goes for the rest of you."  She focused on each of the other bioroids 
to make her point.  "I know you feel your first duty is to Lum-chan, but 
trying to pigeonhole Darling into something he doesn't want is going to 
cause a lot of pain.  I won't tolerate that, especially now!"

	"Hai," the others nodded.

	As the bioroids turned back to their own business, Ran beckoned Shinobu and 
Ryuunosuke to the pool.  Stepping in, Ran telekinetically locked the door.  
Yamada was currently at the side of the pool, his scanner out as he 
monitored Lum.  Gazing at the squid-like shape in the deep end, both Terrans 
noted the birthing sac on the side of the Nendo-kata's body.  Within that, 
there floated a nearly adult figure, clearly female.

	"Man, she'll be a knockout when she comes out," Ryuunosuke noted.

	Shinobu smirked.  "All the boys are going to be pretty disappointed once 
they learn she can only mate with another woman."

	"Couldja imagine what Megane'd say if he ever saw this?"

	Shinobu considered that before she screamed out in a plausible Megane 
imitation, "IT'S A TRAGEDY!"  Laughter then filled the room; even Yamada 
cackled on hearing that.  Then Shinobu quickly sobered, her cheeks flaming.  
"I can't believe I just DID something like that!"

	"He's now in the Black Ocean, Shinobu," Ran reminded her.  "He wouldn't 
really care about that sort of thing anymore."

	"Is that what you believe?"

	Ran nodded, gazing on the growing humanoid form in the pool.  "It is.  In a 
way -- if you want to be pessimistic about this -- the Ran both of you knew 
is gone now, as is the Lum . . . and as is the Moroboshi Ataru we all knew 
before."

	Shinobu shook her head.  "I don't want to think that."

	"You may not have a choice now, Shinobu," Ryuunosuke warned.

	"But . . . "

	"She's right, Shinobu," Ran affirmed, gazing once more on the "new" Lum.  
"And Lum-chan's going to have to realize that as well."

	*No . . . *

	All three jolted as that weak voice echoed in their minds.  "Lum?!"

	*No . . .!* that voice moaned.  *I'll never -- stop loving Darling . . .!*

	Shinobu's eyes softened.  "Lum . . . "

*    *    *

	"Damn it!  It's not here!"

	Genma gazed frantically around the ruins of the doojou he had called his 
own since he and Nodoka married.  The building had not been touched by the 
repair crews since before the incident on Mount Phoenix.  That had not 
bothered Genma until today.  The Tendou doojou was still intact and usable.  
And the agreement between himself and Souun DID stipulate that Ranma and 
Akane would live and work at the Tendou doojou.  But . . .!

	"What are you doing here, Genma?"

	The *shiing!* of a drawn katana made him leap to safety.  Nodoka's cutting 
thrust missed his feet by inches as he landed some distance away.  Scanning 
the area around his wife, Genma quickly noticed the presence of two other 
people.  Asagaya Hisayo was one, someone Genma despised as much as he did 
his father-in-law, Isao.  The other woman was Nodoka's lawyer, someone whose 
name Genma didn't know.  "This is my house and doojou, Nodoka!" he snarled.  
"I have every right to be here!  Now, where is my doojou sign?!"

	"*Your* house?"  Nodoka snorted.  "*Your* doojou?  Don't be so quick to 
assume that, Genma.  As for that worthless sign, I gave it to Ranma.  I'm 
sure my son will find use for it soon enough!  As part of a *fire!*"

	Genma shuddered, and then he perked on hearing a bemused snicker echo from 
somewhere behind him.  "My, are WE the stupid one today?!"

	He turned.  "Boy . . .!"

	His stomach was then caved in, making him double over.  The air near Genma 
fizzled.  "Lucky thing for all of us that I came out this way just in case 
you decided to do something REALLY stupid today!"  Toshiko smirked.  "Not 
that it's going to really matter in a few hours anyway."

	Genma groaned before he suddenly lunged.  Toshiko back-flipped clear, 
landing on the ground near the doojou entrance.  "***KIJIN RAISHUU DAN!***" 
she bellowed, sending a storm of vacuum blades at the Yamasen-ken's creator.

	Genma dodged that attack, ducking behind a cloud of shattered wood and 
flung-up dirt as he moved to charge Nodoka.  His wife didn't see Genma in 
time before his fist slammed into the side of her skull, the force of the 
blow sending her flying into Hisayo.  Nodoka's katana dropped to the ground 
as the sisters collapsed.  The sword and its scabbard were both snared by 
Genma before he vanished.  "Nodoka!  Hisayo!" Maya screamed as she races to 
her client's side, drawing out a cell phone to call an ambulance and the 
police.

	Watching this, Toshiko grinned before she vanished under the screen of the 
Goshin Buufu.  Once she was masked, she proceeded to a nearby cull-de-sac 
before going visible again.  Drawing out her own cell phone, she made a 
call.  The other end was quick to respond.  "Negako."

	"It's me," Toshiko reported.

*    *    *

	"Damn it . . .!"

	Genma tried not to shudder as he secluded himself under a bridge over the 
Shakujii River close to Kasuga-chou.  Calmly sheathing the sword, he took 
several deep breaths to replenish the oxygen in his body.  Once relaxed, he 
adjusted his glasses, mentally running through what he had just been through 
over the last while.  Hell, since that meeting over four weeks ago when he 
tried to put matters concerning his and his family's future on the right 
track.

	Unseen, an invisible hand reached out to tap several shiatsu points on the 
head and back.  Genma gargled before he passed out, the katana clattering to 
the ground.  A second later, the air behind him fizzled, revealing Kumiko.

	"You'll keep for now."

*    *    *

	"Oh, guys . . .!"

	Ranma gazed mistily at the uniform the sisters just presented her.  For 
junior high and high school students at Stargazer West College, the girls' 
standard winter uniform was a white shirt and tie covered by a red button 
dress, that topped by a beige button jacket.  The school crest was 
emblazoned on the left upper arm.  Elementary school and kindergarten girls 
wore a simple beige, tent-like sailor suit.  For boys, the uniform was a 
beige jacket and chestnut-brown trousers, that worn over a white shirt and 
tie.  "School for us doesn't start until next Monday, Onee-chan," Karen 
explained.  "Even if you want to go to Fuurinkan for the next week, you 
won't miss much."

	Sakuya pointed to Ranma's heart.  "Would they force you to wear the girl's 
unif