Ahl rights behlong ta whosever owns dem! Thanx be to the Lord n me moda, God bless 'er. N dat swee-eet mighty tastin pumpkin, Kristin-Alabama!! C'not ferget ole Leon, wher da hell he at, anysways? E'en to dos dan wolves oo keep on nabbin me sheep. Les me ex-cer-cize me gun, big ole Ben. Me and Ben goes bak a long ways. Ten, got me, TEN bears me and ole Bens gots. Hell, this is too difficult. I give up. It's three am in the morning and I don't remember who else I should thank. If you've helped me, well...um... Thanx? Stuff you should know: This is for those of you have who have only seen what Viz has put out. Hinako: A teacher with a strange power that can suck the battle aura out of anyone, easily turning every muscle in your body to mush. First introduced here in the States with the "Like Water for Ranma" OAV, in Japan, first introduced in the manga. Hinako was one of Happosai's youngest student many years ago. She had a health problem so to help her, Happosai changed her body by pressing some points along her body. Now, several years later, she still looks like a girl, but is significantly older but when she uses her powers, her body changes to that of a powerful beautiful woman. She has tried several approaches to make her older body permanent, none of them worked. In one particular manga story, she falls in love with Mr. Tendo because of his kind heart. The Tendo sisters do not look favorably upon this intrusion, this woman who tries to steal their father. But no need to worry. Soun Tendo is still very devoted to his dead wife and prays to her, deterring Hinako, who gives up. Gosunkugi: A strange boy in Ranma's class who always has a camera, straw doll, hammer, and nail with him. Nicknamed "Voodoo boy" by his peers (as translated by Viz) for his strange habit of nailing the doll with Ranma's name attached to it to a tree, hoping it'll kill him or something like that. He's in the "Like water for Ranma" OAV and in the Cat-fu story of the manga. He makes numerous appearances throughout the manga, sometimes as a key player, sometimes not, but I've never seen him animated except for that OAV. Maybe makes an appearance on the second tv series, not sure about that. Loves Akane (like everyone else). Tsubasa: Apparently a girl who had fallen in love with Ukyou. One of the better stories in the manga series. She has a talent disguising herself, but messes up on placement. In other words, she could be the perfect snowman, carrots and all, but she would use the disguise in the middle of a field during summer. At first, Ranma and Akane thought she thought Ukyou was a good looking boy. Then they find out she knew that Ukyou was a girl and they thought she was a lesbian. Then at the very end, Ranma finds out she's actually a he, after he forces himself to go out on a date with him (her), trying to change her sexual preference. Probably in the second tv series somewhere too. Makes a small appearance in the first movie. Loves Ukyou, did love Ranma-chan until he found out Ranma-chan can change into a Ranma-kun. Nadoka: Most of you have seen the OAV with Nadoka, Ranma's mother. Pretty brain-dead, Kasumi like, if you couldn't tell from the OAV, there's no doubt from the manga. Soun Tendo married and settled down peacefully, but Genma married and got tired of sitting at home and wanted to leave, with a baby Ranma. So, to do this and not have Nadoka kill him on the spot, he signed a contract saying he would raise Ranma to be a man, otherwise they will both commit seppuku, which is the Japanese way of honorable suicide. Since Ranma's half the time a girl, they splash themselves each time she shows up and Ranma becomes Ranko and Nadoka never figures it out, although there have been enough hints, each one not a wink but almost an elbow to your ribs, that even a Akane would have figured it out by now. So, for the Splits I just had Kasumi tell her. Birdy (Pheonix Egg): From the third Ranma movie and I think the 31st or 32nd manga volume. Kuno buys the great "Pheonix Egg" from some old man who warns him not to place it on his head. As usual, Kuno bumps into Ranma and Ranma knocks him out, then places the falling egg on Kuno's head. The egg hatches and everyone prepares for a majestic sight. Instead, they see the ugliest chick they've ever seen. Makes the ugly duckling warble in his pond. A big, fat, yellow baby pheonix is stuck on Kuno's head and has a disposition toward the first thing it sees since hatching. That, was Ranma. After several idiot incidences, they give it a lot of seeds to grow from a baby ugly pheonix, to a big ugly pheonix so that it can lay its egg and fly off. Finally free, the old man claims the egg and everyone face-faults when Kuno buys it again. Why did I change it? Well, come on, man. It was born in Ranko's lap. Hell, if I could rest my head there, it'd come back looking like Elvis (the twenty-something Elvis, that is, uh-huh). Split Personality Chapter 10 Ranko, Ee-Yan and Ryouga were helping Ukyou reopen her shop. They were taking a short break and were sitting around a table except for Ukyou who was preparing lunch for them. Ryouga sulked in his chair watching Ranko. "Here 'ya go, Birdy!" The small pheonix accepted the sunflower seed with a happy chirp. "Isn't Birdy so cute!" Ranko held the bird up to Ryouga. Even though Ranko's entire attention had been focused on the bird all day, Ryouga couldn't help but smile and pet the bird with his finger. "Silly boy," grunted Ee-Yan. "Eh?" Something hummed nearby. The pheonix squawked and flew to Ranko's shoulder. "Herb!" Ee pulled out his bamboo sword. It was glowing blue. Herb's voice rang out from the sword. "Ee-Yan!" "Sire!" "How is my beloved?" "She's not his beloved!!" Both Ryouga and Ukyou yelled out. "She's fine, sire." "Good. I've decided that a new Janek Maneki tournament must be started." The rising sun promised a warm September day as the four ran along at an easy pace, the wind slightly pushing from behind. The cherry blossoms had already dropped leaving their trees barren but the streets were still filled with other trees whose leaves had just turned to a magnificent orchestra of red, orange, brown and anything inbetween. Slightly, one could hear the last remaining cicadas that scratched out their calls. Summer was a long time dying and Autumn was welcomed with open arms. It was the first day of school and they had Mrs. Hinako for their first class. Ranma and Ranko caused their usual disturbance except this time their peers have not seen them for three months. Ranma gladly accepted the gifts of food as Ranko gripped her fists underneath the table as she was bombarded with questions. "Where'd you go?" "What you do?" "Nice dress." Ranko *sighed* at that one. All high-school girls wore the same stupid sailor dress. "Will you marry me?" "Do you have a sister?" "Wanna go for some tea later on?" Gosunkugi watched from his desk, all buggy eyed as usual, quietly taking notes on the behavior of his peers. Hinako stared at Saotome Ranma. He has once again grown more mature, taller. "What's wrong with Hinako sensei?" One student whispered to the other. Hinako, who was supposed to be teaching, was sitting at her desk with a book in front of her, peering above it at Ranma. "What's wrong with the whole class," replied the other student pointing around the classroom. Everyone else didn't seem to notice what Hinako sensei was up to, they were too busy staring at either Ranma or Ranko. Everyone except Gosunkugi. The door crashed open as Kuno thrashed his way in. "Ranma! How dare you! First you dishonor Tendo Akane and now your own cousin!" Ranma smirked. He had wondered when Kuno was going to show up. The class exploded in chatter as the students derived the only meaning that their sick minds could produce from what Kuno said. Ranko banged her head on her desk as Ukyou placed a soothing hand on her back. "What are you doing at school, Kuno? Isn't it over for you?" "Shut up! Prepare to defend yourself you defiler of all women you." "OK." Ranma brought his arm down and a slim metal rod slipped out of his sleave, which he caught in his hand. He flung his arm out to the right and the rod extended to eight feet. "Kuno. A staff will almost always beat a sword in battle. Are you sure you want to try?" Kuno flicked his hair back with a smirk, "Have at you!" Ranma pushed Kuno's sword out of the way with one end and smacked him in the head with the other end. Then brought the first end back and smacked him in the head again. Ranma repeated this quickly, knowing that head blows rarely affected Kuno, but Ranma was trying to humiliate Kuno. After a very long year, he did not want another dealing with Kuno. He flicked his elbow in and the staff slid back into a short rod. Kuno watched confused then his eyes bulged as Ranma punched out and the rod extended into Kuno's belly. Ranma twirled the staff to his right, left, right, then whacked Kuno's foot. Kuno hopped as he grabbed his foot dropping his wooden sword. Ranma smacked his other leg out from under him, everyone flinched as they heard a crack from Kuno landing on his knee. He grimaced in pain. Ranma placed his foot beneath Kuno's chin and kicked him up then quickly flicked the staff into a rod then extended it out with force into Kuno's chest that it sent him flying out of the door and bounced the staff back into a rod. Ranma flicked his wrist and sent the rod back up his arm. The fight had lasted three seconds. "Wowwww..." the students couldn't believe it. "Ranko?" Ukyou shook her friend and love. Ranko just shook her head at all the idiocy she was surrounded by. "Masaka!" Kuno limped on his sword back home. "I have been lack in training. Oh gods!! How shameful I am! Not being able to guard my Goddess' purity! Woe is me! But like the setting sun," Kuno faced the high noon sun, "I will return again and again, feeding my little flower her vitamins of honor that have been ravished by the drought called Ranma. I will return again and again, watering her with my tears of love until I see her blossom, her petals red and full! Oh, GODS!! Give me the strength to one day see that day!" "Excuse me." "Eh? What do YOU want?" "Where is Furinkan High School?" "What? You don't remember?" "No." "You should also address me by 'sempai'." "Why's that?" "'Cause I'm Tatewaki Kuno! That's why!" "Oh. Do I know you?" "Yes!!" "I do?" "Yes!" "My...it's been a long time...Tate...what was that again?" "Kuno. Tatewaki Kuno! Just call me sempai." "Why?" "Because I'm your senior and head of the Kendo..." Kuno stopped and realized he no longer went to high school. Ryouga turned around to leave. Maybe he used to know him. Did they used to be friends? Three months is a long time. "MATEI!!" Kuno had recovered. "Yes?" "Forget it." Kuno gave up and limped away. Ryouga kept walking aimlessly then turned and watched as Kuno got run over by a giant pig. "Not my business," he said and walked on. Gosunkugi knew that most people considered him strange, but that was okay with him, he could care less. He much prefered the company of his camera, anyway. Gosunkugi was gifted. He had a picture perfect memory and some of what he remembered was so wondrous, so beautiful, he had to share it someway. He knew if others could see what he sees then he would become famous and it wouldn't matter if people thought he was strange. Thus he always carried his camera. Yes, Gosunkugi had his dreams and one of them included a particular girl. "Tendo Akane...I could take pictures of you all day." But he restrained himself, walking the woods or the streets taking a picture here or there. But today...he had waited a long time. Today would start his plan. Ranma and Akane walked back home in silence. From time to time they'd catch the other staring and they'd smile, blush and walk on. All of it rather sickening in a way. "Akane." "Yes?" "I'm sorry." (What!! Ranma apologizing!! What has happened to him in the past three months! Find out in "Angel's Story" the next Split Personalities Side Story.) "You said that a hundred times already." "I know. Sorry." "A hundred and one." Ranma smiled and they walked on a little bit. "Well..." "Yes?" "Are you going to tell me?" "Tell you what?" "Why?" "Why what?" "Why you left!!" "You." "What!?" "You." "What about me!?" "I left because of you." "What!?" "I left because of you." "I heard you!! So what. You got sick of me, is that it?" "No!! It's nothing like that!" Ranma was having an obviously difficult time. Not surprising since Ranma is used to solving his problem in a manly brutish way, in other words, using his fists (not that way!!). [Actually, some scientists speculate that this is the exact reason why Ranma is such a girl magnet. His offendish Ryouga (man-pig) ways open up prehistoric uncivilized attitudes in modern day Japanese women. These scientists say that women still feel that the best qualities a man should have is a large yang, strong arms and a big cave. But of course, those of us with a more open '90's mind knows that a woman could love a short, geeky man with wrist and eye problems from being in front of a computer for so long, just as much as any jock. We all know what really counts and that's $$$. Take good old Billy Gates for example.] Ranma went on, "I had to leave. I've been living in your home for a year now. I'm not used to staying in one place for a long time, if it wasn't for...for...anyway, I had to leave." "Ranma..." "I went looking for my fortune. I didn't want to ask you...for...ask your father for your...I mean...um...I just didn't want...to...t-t-t-t-to... marry you without having anything to actually give you as father had left me." Ranma wiped the sweat off his forehead. "I found it." "But father likes you the way you are!" "I had to do it for myself!" Akane felt Ranma shiver. "What's wrong!" "N-nothing. Just a little chilly." "Ranma..." Akane hugged herself to him. "Grk!!" Ranma shoved Akane away and grasped the wall. "Ranma! What's wrong!" Ranma breathed hard for a little while then turned around towards Akane and smiled. "Nothing. Must've been something I ate." The smile looked genuine to Akane. "You sure?" Ranma nodded then held his hand out with a smile. Akane grasped it in hers and joined him with a blush as they walked back home. Ranma held that smile all the way back to the Tendo's. He could feel the bandage along his left side soaking with blood again. Gosunkugi held his hammer and nail as he peeked out from behind the weeping willow. "Yes," he said, his eyes wide open like an owl's. "This might be useful. Ranma!! I will win," shouted Gosunkugi as he hammered the straw doll into the weeping willow's trunk. "Yowch!!" A female voice yelled. The roots of the tree pulled out of the ground as the weeping willow turned around. On one side of the tree was a girl's pretty face, tears rolling down her cheeks. "A tree goddess!!" Gosunkugi dropped to the ground, bowing. "I'm sorry!! I'm sorry!!" "Don't be so silly!!" Tsubasa pulled the nail out of his rear end and threw his weeping willow costume off. "Oh. Just a girl." Gosunkugi turned around to leave "What do you mean, just a girl!!" Tsubasa put on his stone statue costume and jumped in the air to land on top of Gosunkugi's back. "So this doll is supposed to bring bad luck to Saotome Ranma?" Tsubasa tossed the straw doll lightly in the air and then let it drop back down to his delicate hand. Gosunkugi and he were drinking tea at a cafe. "Well, yes, but it hasn't so far." "You're in his class, aren't you, with Ranma, Akane, Ukyou and...and," Tsubasa couldn't finish. He dropped his head into his hands and cried. "and...?" "That GIRL!! She comes out of nowhere and steals my Ukyou away from me." Tsubasa's cries attracts the attention of the entire cafe. "They're never seperate and they disappear for three months!! Uurgh!! This is worse then when Saotome Ranma first came!!" "You know, they're cousins." "Ukyou and that girl? Really!! So that could explain why they're together all the time. Wow. I feel so silly, wasting these past months crying. I could be..." "No. Ukyou's girlfriend and Ranma." Tsubasa's heart dropped down to his foot. This was almost as bad as when he found out that Ranma was actually a guy. To make it worse, there was no way he could compete with someone so pretty. Gosunkugi stared around him, some people were watching. He blushed, he wasn't quite sure how to handle a girl that was crying. He reached out a hand and gently placed it on top of Tsubasa's left shoulder and said, "Um...it can't be that bad." "Don't touch me!" Tsubasa wacked Gosunkugi into the wall. "I hate it when guys touch me! But wait. I've got an idea!" Tsubasa dragged Gosunkugi out of the wall and whispered into his ear. The other patrons of the cafe whispered amongst themselves. "How cruel to make a girl cry like that." "Look at that boy's eyes. He's not normal." "What did he do to her?" "I've seen that kid lurking around before with that camera." "What disgusting things he must do." Tsubasa frowned at his reflection in his mirror. "This is not good." Recently, he found that he had to shave more and more regularly. He also never had to shave his leg hairs before, yet they were getting thicker and thicker. He traced the skin above his lips and said, "I can set a date to get these electrolocized but my legs..." Years ago, Tsubasa had given thought to changing his actual sex. After many days of thought, he had come down to the conclusion that he just liked dressing as a woman, he didn't want to be one. But now, he was nearing the end of puberty, and he was...he was...he could hardly even say it. He was getting...hairier. and...and...*it* (Tsubasa shivered) was getting longer. His face was getting harder too. Curves turning into hard angles, changing his beautiful face into a handsome man's. Tsubasa didn't use too much makeup. He used just enough to enhance the pretty assets he already had, not cover his face completely with a mask. But not all the makeup in the world could cover an Adam's apple or an evening shade. Tsubasa could feel the tears coming. Ukyou was his best choice. Who else could understand him the best other than another person like him? And mother had forced him into a deal and from now on, every Sunday he had to dress as a boy. "WAAAAHHHH!! Why me!? Why me!? First that horrible zit I had last summer and now this!! Why!!" Tsubasa stood up. He was upset. Shaken. Downright pissed. "I need to do something. I know!" Tsubasa grabbed his purse and went shopping. "What's the competition?" "I would think that Herb's team would be the strongest." "Teams?" "Of five people. There's a wish up for stake." "A wish!" The Tendos, Saotomes, Ukyou, Ryouga and Ee-Yan sat along the back porch. "The group has a common wish," said Ee-Yan. "Well, what's our group?" "The best bet would be me, Ranko, Ryouga and Ee-Yan," said Ranma. "We need one more," said Ranko. "And I must be part of Herb's team," said Ee. "What!" Ranko stood up. "I'm sorry. I'm leaving tonight. The tournaments in two weeks. I've arranged for people to find you in China." "Then that leaves two more people!" "What about us!" Mr. Tendo indicated Panda and himself. "Sorry, Mr. Tendo, Pops, but you're outclassed," said Ranma. "Well, Ukyou could be one," said Ranko. "What!" yelled Ryouga. "She's almost as good as me now," said Ranko. "No way! Eh!?" Ryouga looked down. There was a tear in his shirt. Ukyou put one of her long daggers away. "Ranko's exaggerating. I'm still not as good as her." Ranma hardly saw the strike. "Utchan!! That's great!" Ukyou blushed. "But that still leaves one more." "The battle of Waterloo was all but lost. Had the chosen hero been allowed to fight, then the cannon's roar would not have ripped so many to shreds. It was said that man would never walk upon the moon, but it has been done. North and South have been united by a war that has destroyed many. Ying and Yang was never so much fun," said (yeah, yeah, we all know) as he stepped around the corner. "RRRRRAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHH!!" Mr. Tendo got off the phone with the roofers and the group restarted their conversation. "We still need one more." "Hello," greeted a voice from atop the Tendo wall. "You sound familiar, come closer," said Mr. Tendo. The figure jumped down and walked into the light. It was Mousse. Ee laughed. "Another boy!!" Then stopped as Mousse walked up to him. "Careful, sir. We might meet in the ring and I for one will not treat you as a boy." Ranma stared. Mousse, like Ryouga, had matured. It's been half a year since Ranma last saw Mousse, he had returned to China, spurned by Shampoo for the last time, for more training. His hair was still long and loose but now reached to his knees. Something was missing too. "Mousse, where are your glasses?" "Got contacts. What's so funny?" Mousse waited for them to calm down. "The old ghoul told me of the tournament. Sent me back to Japan to tell all of you, but I see you all know already." "Well if the old fart says you can hold your own, then it's cool with me," said Ranma. "Here too," agreed Ranko and Ukyou. "We'll see," said Ryouga. "How're we getting to China," asked Mr. Panda with a sign. "We can't afford to all go." "No prob, pops," Ranma smiled. "I got a fortune in the bank. We can all fly there first class. Us, the Tendo's Mom, you, and any of our friends." "First class!" Panda held the sign up. "I've always dreamed of first class," said Mr. Tendo. The two old friends hugged and began to cry. "Excellent wine!" "Fine food!" "Envy of everyone in economy!" Ranma smiled at their banter. "Oh, Mousse! How'd you get here!" "I jumped the wall." "No! To Japan." "I flew and boy are my arms tired! What!?" Everyone stared. "I see nothing wrong with taking advantage of my curse. It wasn't easy, but still, I got here in good time." Everyone sighed. "Which leads to the obvious choice for a group wish." "What's that?" "A cure." [Now this is a common enough device for a Ranma story, whether done by Rumiko or by other fans. A cure for the curse. Which automatically means that they don't get it.] "Sire!" Herb gracefully stood, the incredibly, stupidly, bright light of the Musk palace shooting off of Herb's really heavy bright gold armor. [Legend has it that Dragons could fly, even though they had no wings. Therefore, Herb, as a dragon descendant, should be able to fly. Ever since Herb was born he had to wear heavy royal clothing and armor, his servants were afraid that he would fly off the face of China.] "Ee-Yan, how was your trip?" "Fine, sire." "Beloved?" "Not one hair harmed." "Good. Have you been keeping up on your sword play?" "As always, sire." "Good. Mint and Lime are practicing in the fields. Go coach." Herb turned and sat down again on his throne. Ee was still kneeling. "Yes?" "Sire..." Ee looked up, concern on his face, "is that really him?" Herb closed his eyes then opened them. "He's part of the team." "But, sire!!" "Quiet! I do believe you have something to do?" "Yes, sire." Ee got up to leave. Herb's father, Root, was a vain man and a horrible king. (Actually, I don't know Herb's father's name but I think I came up with something pretty cool, no?) Ee would never say so in public, probably the opposite, but it was no surprise that Root was upset that his nephew, Hei Long, bastard son of his sister, would quickly outpower him. The boy had mastered chi before Herb. While Herb grew up increasing his chi, however, Hei left for the mountains when he was ten. It was said his father was one of the mountain barbarians. He came back when he was sixteen, his eyes glowing red, and confronted Root in front of his advisors. He said to Root, "I know." Root exploded in chi and tried to destroy Hei. He couldn't even touch him. Then Root had his personal guards attack Hei, foaming at the mouth, yelling to kill the barbarian bastard, screaming that Hei was banished forever from Janek Maneki. After killing half of the royal guard and crippling the King, Hei-Long left. Ee-Yan shivered. He had a long scar across his chest. He was one of the survivors of that horrible day. Shame filled him everytime he remembered. It was the only time he ever felt fear, he had wet his pants that day increasing his shame, the fact that others had also was no condolence. It was a hard time after that, the king randomly killing his servants, demanding virgins be brought to his bed, sometimes tearing them apart. No, Ee-Yan shook his head, whether Herb wanted it or not, Ee will kill Hei now. The bastard can only bring more disastor. He quickly strode outside towards the field where Mint and Lime were supposed to be practicing. Hei was teaching them. Lime was surrounded by a black dome and it seems that he has run out of air. Mint had tried breaking it from the outside but was chased away by some dark stream that streaked through the air. "Lime, you can't even break through this? Well, I'm not doing it for you. Mint, better think of something quick because one of those could easily slice your arm off." "Stop!!" Ee-Yan ran across the field. Hei ignored him and watched interestingly as Lime's face turned purple then watched as Mint's leg got nicked by a dark stream. "You're killing them!!" Hei smiled and waved to him like an old friend. Lime pushed and pushed against his dark barrier then with his last bit of air screamed as his muscles bunched one more time and the barrier collapsed into fragments around him. Lime dropped to the floor. Mint watched as the streams neared him then at the last moment sliced through all of them except one that sliced through his right calf, crippling him to the floor. "You bastard!" Ee pulled out his sword and attacked Hei, who calmly spat on his face. Ee, shocked, stopped. "And who are you? That sword...Cai's?" Hei reached out for it. Ee smacked his hand away with his scabbard. "I know you and the grief you bring. Do not defile this sword with your touch." Hei laughed, "Oh, don't worry, I won't. Give me a second would you?" Hei walked over to Lime's body, flipped it over, hit Lime's chest with a fist, put his ear to Lime's heart and smiled. "This is a strong one. Boy, come here," he called to Mint, who limped over. Hei placed his hand on Mint's leg. Mint yelped in surprise then looked down. His leg was healed. "Go boy, you need food. Take Lime with you." Hei turned back to Ee, "Now I remember you. The rookie guard with his dreams of defending an idiot king." Hei smiled as his dark veil swirled around his body. Ee held the sword up. This was not going as he imagined. He had pictured himself thundering down the field, his arm guided by vengeance, ready to destroy the evil one. "Do you truly think you can hurt me with that?" Ee-Yan's legs shivered visibly, he was sweating. Ee felt fear for the second time in his life. Then, like a fresh breeze (or foul wind), it broke and Ee's arm snapped out. Hei smiled then grimaced. A drop of blood slid down from a small cut along his cheek. The black aura exploded around him sending grass and leaves up. Ee closed his one good eye and waited for death. Nothing happened. Ee-Yan opened his good eye and found himself staring into a dark red pupil. Gasping, he fell back, his fear returning. "You gave me a similar cut years ago, Si-Yan. But that's no longer your name, is it? They've renamed you Ee-Yan for your lost eye, didn't they." Hei-Long kneeled down to the trembling giant. "You're very strong, aren't you? Yet you could only scratch me. Why is that? With Cai's sword, it shouldn't be too hard. When you find out the answer, only then you can defeat me." Hei stood and walked away. "Do not worry, Ee-Yan of the Lion, I have only the best intentions for the Musk Dynasty." Ee-Yan watched the tall dark man walk away. None of his fears have been alleviated. "That's what you said twelve years ago." The shadow loomed menacingly across the Tendo front gate and raised an arm as if to smash it. "Damn it!" Hinako slapped her knee in frustration. She made a couple of hops and tried to grab the top of the wall, barely missing by a few feet. She shuffled back and forth and all around the wall to no avail and finally sat down to cry. After a couple of sniffles she looked up and gasped in wonder. "Where did that chest come from," she asked herself then crawled on top of it and pulled herself over the wall. The chest shuffled into the room and peered left and right. Finding it empty, it walked to a corner of the room and set itself down. "I don't get it," said Ranma walking in followed by Akane. "I mean, it's not like I care so much but why now?" "Oh, Ranma. Your father and Mrs. Saotome need some time alone. To sort things out." "Well, at least I get the room to myself, for once. Maybe you're right. This might be good forYOW!!" Ranma found himself wet with cold water. "Where'd the water come from?" Both of them searched the room to no avail. "Oh, well. I should be used to it," said Ranma yawning, pulling off his shirt. "See you in the morning, Akane." He unrolled the futon and rummaged through his bag for his PJs. "Are we really going, Ranma?" Akane clasped her hands together. "Buy a car? I guess so." "Just as I thought," whispered Gosunkugi to himself. "Thanks to Tsubasa, I got this great disguise. So, no more female Ranma. When did this happen?" Gosunkugi gripped his camera in excitement. He had thrown the water and had taken several pictures as the bucket landed on top of Ranma's head. He watched Ranma fall asleep and was about to put some of the powder that Tsubasa had given him, when someone slid open the door leading outside. Hinako tip-toed in and turned over the bucket of cold water on top of Ranma. "Just as I thought," giggled Hinako to herself. "Ranma!! Ranma!!" Hinako bent to his ear and whispered harshly. Ranma gurgled the water in his mouth. "Ranma!!" Hinako nudged Ranma's chest with her hand. Ranma sputtered the water out of his mouth. "Yes!! Ranma!?" Hinako nudged him again. "Ice cream," mumbled Ranma as he began to snore. Hinako clenched her teeth together, trying not to scream. Ranma often did this in her class too. She smacked him five times across the face. "OOF!!" Ranma snored as he smacked her across the room. "Stop it, Akane," Ranma mumbled and turned over. "Mmmmm. Ice cream. Iluvuiluvuiluviluvuiluvui..." The chest shuffled away in fear from Hinako, who suddenly was covered in a blue aura. Hinako formed a ring with her two hands. "AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!" "What's that?" Soun shot out of bed. "Huh?" Kasumi rubbed her eyes. "Can't I get one nights sleep?" Nabiki pulled herself out of the bed of jewels she made from Herb's gifts. "Ranma!" Akane grabbed her sword ready to blame everything on him. "Get away from me!!" "Stop running away you coward!! Tell me!" "Tell you what!" Ranma circled his room for the fourth time. "How you did it!! You have grown older in such a short time!!" Hinako shot out some of the chi she collected from Ranma. "I don't know! Leave me-AH!!" A huge chi blast destroyed the back wall. "Eh?" Hinako was surprised at the size of her blast. Ranma stared at the now gone wall for a little bit. Then gripped his fist. "That's enough, Hinako sensei." Ranma's knuckles cracked as his eyes slimmed down. He no longer felt like holding back his anger which seemed to explode all the time. Hinako took a step back, despite the added confidence she gets with her other body. She had made a terrible mistake. Not only was Ranma different, he had grown in power, more than she could suck away. She took another step back. Three months ago, Ranma would not have dared attack a woman, but now... The look in his face... Hinako screamed and turned to run as Ranma rushed her. Gosunkugi was trying to sneak out but banged his knee against his costume and a drawer shot out tripping Hinako followed by Ranma who landed on top of her. At which time everyone decided to rush in. "Mm...nice position. Original," said Nabiki. "Oh, what happened to the wall," said Kasumi, her hand over her mouth. Soun and his youngest daughter just stared as Ranma's jaw dropped, sitting on top of Hinako's stomach. The drawer creaked. Ah...umba...duh...see...um," Ranma's brain tried several times to pick up his jaw, but each time it was interrupted when it tried at the same time to get Ranma's legs to unbend and get off of Hinako. His brain tried one more time to place his lower jaw back in its right place and tried to get his legs to move back, then gave up and dropped Ranma on top of Hinako's chest. "Ah!!" Ranma levered himself up with his arm, not realizing he was squashing Hinako's right breast. Nabiki put her head in her hands and walked out, already knowing the outcome. "Raanmaaaa...again..." Soun's head bloated and turned green. Ranma's brain finally snapped to attention when it realized it was in danger of going extinct. "But its not my fault!!" Hinako stared up at the vicious sight and felt her heart pound in love for the widower. "Oh, sir!! Please save me!!" Hinako laid a hand upon her forehead and swooned. Soun's head was growing larger and larger as he yelled death threats to Ranma who had retreated to the farthest corner. Then Ranma couldn't hear anymore. He looked around, confused. Soun was still yelling and Hinako was still crying for help but he couldn't hear them. His gaze shifted over to Akane who had a very dangerous glint to her eyes. He could feel the air crackle around her. WHACK! Squeek! Squeek! "Hup!" Yusuke jumped off the swing. Kurama watched sitting down on another swing as Yusuke landed spraying sand out in front of him. Yusuke stretched out his arms and sighed. "Ak!! I ever tell you how much I hate school?" "What do you mean," said Kurama, pushing a little with his toes. "You don't even go to class anyway." "But everybody else does!" Yusuke sighed again and stared up at the star filled sky. Middle school seemed so worthless compared to saving lives or spirits. "I wonder what Kuwabara's up to." "Hey!!" Both turned toward the voice. Kuwa lumbered over. "How was your day?" He held his cat in his arms. "Boring." "I got rid of some split ends." Both watched in interest as Kuwa put his cat down next to him. It had on a leash that wrapped around the front of its body and around its front legs. The cat did not look too happy. "Um...Kuwabara, is that such a good idea?" "Oh! No prob. Sometimes classes really get to me, so from now on, I'm bringing her along. See, I put air holes in my bag. And look, the leash can roll out to sixty feet but I can stop it at any length by pressing this button. Cool, no?" The cat meowed pitifully. Kurama smiled at Kuwa's big grin. "But I thought you loved your cat," said Yusuke. "What do you mean by that?" Kuwa's lips moved down his chin as it always does when he's confused. "Nothing. C'mon, let's go grab something to eat." Yusuke turned away from Kuwabara and began to stride down the field. "Oy!! Urameshi!! Wait!! What do you mean?" Kuwa followed dragging his cat behind him, followed by an amused Kurama. They walked together, Yusuke and Kuwabara jabbering as usual. Kurama let his feet walk as his mind wandered to yesterday. "Another tournament?" Hiei looked up at Kurama. Kurama nodded. "Nearly the same too." "How did you find this out?" "Well, you know. One of those 'mysterious' sources I have." Kurama smiled the smile that infuriated his friend so much. "So? Why should I bother?" "It'll be fun." "Fun?" Hiei eyed him again. Kurama couldn't help but smile again. Hiei turned around to leave. "Wait! Sorry." Hiei turned back. "Prize is a wish, just like the last tournament we went to." "Wish?" "Actually Botan told me. Koenma wants us there. Apparently Enma-san lost some artifact during a battle a hundred years ago and it re-surfaced about a decade ago." "Why didn't they pick it up then," Hiei wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Some human picked it up and it melded with him, according to Botan, and one of its powers is concealment." "How do they know where it is and what does this have to do with some lame tournament?" "Enma keeps track of strange people and a particularly powerful human attracted his attention, some of his powers are similar to what the artifact is supposed to give. He's supposed to be at this tournament." "So why don't we just fly on down there and kill him?" "They don't know *precisely* where he is." Hiei looked incredibly annoyed, his large eyes easily conveying every ounce of it into its stare. Kurama's smile just made it worse. He shifted his gaze with a humph and accidently killed a small bird with it and cracked a rock. "Great. WONDERFUL." Hiei jumped off the branch and flew straight up until Kurama could no longer see him. Kurama looked up as he realized they reached a cafe. "What do you mean it's not healthy?" "Just look at him!" The cat was lying down on the floor, its tongue out. "Oh, poor Eikichi," Kuwabara said, his voice going several octaves lower, "come to papa. Oh, that's papa's shnoogums. Fluffy-wuffy tired?" Kuwabara smushed the cat's weary face into his own as he entered the cafe. Yusuke entered with his face in his hands followed by Kurama. "Who is she?" Tsubasa asked himself for the hundredth time. He gripped the camera that he had borrowed from Gosunkugi. He gleefully took another picture of the pair who were too busy doing something underneath the blankets. "What are they doing," he muttered to himself, a definitely ungirlish lump growing from his dress. "Could they be..." Tsubasa found himself blushing. "Perhaps I can see...Oh, it's a good thing I have this perfect disguise on and this camera." "Oh, yeah! Well, take this!" Ranko grabbed Ukyou's feet and proceeded to tickle it. "NO! STOP!!" Ukyou wiggled her feet, but not too hard, she didn't want to kick Ranko in the face. She grabbed Ranko's feet and tickled them in retaliation as she laughed. Ranko gritted her teeth, then burst out laughing. "STOP!! YOU WIN!!" Ranko let go of Ukyou's feet and gasped in relief as she felt Ukyou do the same. Ukyou slid herself on top of Ranko then quickly began to poke her fingers into Ranko's sides. Ranko yelped in surprise and nearly leaped out of the blankets. She crawled away from the futon, gasping. "That was unfair," she yelled. "Bleh!! I dare you to come back." "Oh yeah? Well..." Ranko stared behind her. "Um... Ukyou?" Ranko's attention had been distracted to Birdy, who was staring at something, his eyes like tiny beacons illuminating the farthest wall. "Yes?" "When did you get that giant cat statue?" "Oh, I bought a cat statue for luck months ago." "No. B-big. R-really b-big." "What?" Ukyou stuck her head out and gasped. Lurking in the shadows, or trying to lurk, was a giant colored cat statue holding its paw up in salute. "Just a statue, just a statue," Ranko mumbled unconvincingly to herself. The cat statue opened its mouth. Ranko's jaw dropped. Something gleamed within its jaws. Ranko gripped the floor, digging her nails in. A bright flash followed by a click came from its menacing jaws. Ranko zipped underneath the blankets hugging onto Ukyou in fear. "Ranko? Ranko!?" Ukyou pried Ranko's hands off and crawled out from the blankets. Something wasn't right. With the cat statue that is. I mean, after all, everything is obviously not right at all. She walked up to the statue and peered at it closely. Then examined the mouth and promptly sent her fist into it. The cat statue ran out of Ukyou's home minus a head, leaving behind bits and pieces of what used to be a camera. Tsubasa groaned at the thought of ugly bruises across his gentle face but it was worth it. He had found out something tonight. He wasn't sure yet, but he was close. blah, blah, and more blah: a message was sent saying that I wouldn't be able to post anymore. It was true but I got lucky and things turned about, so I'm back!! Pretty fast, no? more blahs: Those of you who follow the Yuu Yuu Hakusho manga and anime, please don't thrash me if I got something wrong with the small part I had involved with them above. I got enough punishment from K-chan who severely whipped my ass on that part, so I fixed it. K, how the hell did you know that 90% of calico cats are female? Never mind. [RR rubs his butt.]