[Ranma][FanFic] Anijza Part1/05: "The Confrontations"

[Nicholas Stone]

Ranma 1/2

Anijza

Part One:

'As on Earth as in Hell'

Nicholas Stone

The Confrontations

Akane had taken Ranma out on Nabiki's balcony. She knew her room was not
safe with Anijza lurking around, and the now setting sun's glow brought
about a peaceful, tranquil feeling that they both needed.
The couple stood on opposite ends with their backs to each other nervously
waiting for the other to start. Ranma stared across the yard fighting to
form his words. Realizing that this was his idea, he decided to get things
going.
"Uh, Akane," he began, "Listen, I know things have been rough between us
these past few days, but I just wanted to let you know I, I..."
His silence brought urgency to Akane. Here was Ranma trying to say what
amounted as an apology, and admitting that a relationship existed between
them made all of the past difficulties go away. Hesitantly, Akane look back
over her shoulder and at the same time Ranma did likewise. Their eyes met
and she quickly looked away to hide her sudden embarrassment.
"I don't mean... I didn't mean all of those things I said yesterday."
"About me getting 'whooped'?"
"That and things about our being in the same math class."
"Totally uncalled for."
"Not needed at all."
They went quiet, a long lingering silence passed pierced only by the shrill
caw of a raven in the trees. Nature took over the couple meeting at the
middle of the balcony hugging each other tight. Ranma took Akane's hands in
his staring down into her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Akane! I wasn't trying to hurt you, really I wasn't!" he
blurted out.
"It's okay, Ranma. I should be the one apologizing for acting like such a
bitch lately!" replied Akane, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Their ramblings made them stop, staring at the other in amazement.
Embarrassed giggles followed, turning quickly into a flood of laughter
realizing how silly they had been acting. Akane's laughs drifted into sobs
and Ranma pulled her close once more to settle her down.
After a moment she stopped and looked up at him. "Ranma, is Anijza taking
you away from me?" she asked.
"Anijza? Akane didn't I tell you several times that I'm here for you?"
"That's not what I meant."
Ranma frowned. "What do you mean then?"
"She's trying to take you away!"
Akane pulled back leaning against the railing. Her dreams came back to
mind, the foreboding tone that warned of impending doom for him. Her head
felt heavy and Akane sighed pressing her face into her hands.
"Akane?" Ranma called. "Akane, are you okay?"
She looked back up. "She's not right Ranma."
Ranma turned and rested up against the railing thinking for a moment. An
unusual girl I will agree, but it had to be nothing more than a small crush.
Akane must know I love her, doesn't she? He scratched the side of his head
attempting to figure out some way from this predicament.
"You know she did ask me to go to Korea with her when she left."
Akane spun around. "She asked you to do what?"
"Go back to Korea with her, or someplace further I think."
She was setting him up, thought Akane. Anijza asking Ranma to go with her
bore out the urgency of their situation. Cologne; they needed Cologne's
help and right now!
"Ranma what did you tell her?"
"Well... I really did not tell her anything, but it would be neat to go and
see-."
Akane drew up close to him, desperation in her eyes. "Don't promise her
anything, Ranma!"
"Why not? I hear Korea is nice."
"Ranma, please don't say or promise Anijza anything!"
Her sad look brought concern to Ranma's mind. Could Akane be that jealous
of Anijza? Damn am I a lucky guy or what?
"I did ask if you could come with us," he said.
"Ranma!"
Akane buried her face into his chest, crying hard. He regretted that
comment and held her tight.
"I'm sorry, Akane. Please stop crying, okay."
She looked up at him again.
"Swear Ranma, swear you won't do or say anything for her, okay."
Ranma knew he better do as she asked; Akane looked just about ready to try
something drastic. He smiled, brushing the hair from her eyes.
"I didn't come up here to upset you, and I certainly did not come out here
to talk about Anijza. If it will make you happy though, I won't decide on
anything without telling you first."
That seemed to satisfy Akane. Resting her head on his chest, she wished
this whole thing would just go away. Ranma too felt relieved. At least
they were back together and on speaking terms. Now to tackle this math
test, pass it and show the world nothing was impossible.
"So I take it you forgive me?" he asked.
"Not totally," replied Akane. Her arms tightened around him and Ranma
thought she was about to throw him over the side or something like that.
"You better study hard, Ranma Saotome. I don't want to be alone going into
the junior year."
"I will pass that test, Akane."
She drew back smiling at him. "I know you will, and I do have faith in
you."
Her words made Ranma feel good inside.
"We should go and continue our studies then, eh?"
Something rustled the leaves of the tree out in the yard startling the
couple. Ranma squinted hard trying to see what it was, then a raven burst
out from the top cawing loudly as it soared up into the sky. Nothing, the
two trading laughs then hand in hand went back inside.

* * * * *

Dark eyes seethed with fury watching Ranma and Akane walk back into Nabiki's
room. A strong shudder shook the surrounding limbs of the tree, taloned
hands gouging away at the bark leaving deep grooves in their path.
Bitch!
Anijza's incensed mind pictured Akane Tendo in horrid and excruciatingly
painful situations, each increasing in intensity as she fought to hold back
her cries of fury. He made a promise! He made a promise to her! What form
of power does this, this, this bitch possess? What spell has she cast upon
her chosen one!
Turning, Anijza sprang out from the tree with a powerful leap landing atop
the roof of the dojo. She ranted and cursed the air, fingers clawing the
sky unable to withhold her emotions.
Bitch! Bitch, bitch, bitch, bitch... BITCH!
Anijza clamored about like a hound in heat, pacing back and forth trying to
dispel her displeasures but it was not to be. She spun leaping again
through the air, skittering across several rooftops until she stood a number
of blocks away.
Against the backdrop of the evening sky, Anijza tipped her head back and let
out a blood curdling cry...

* * * * *

"What the hell is that?" asked Ryoga, looking up to the ceiling as he and
everyone else listened to the shriek cutting the air. It finally faded away
leaving them all slightly afraid of the coming darkness.
"Maybe somebody hit a dog," suggested Mousse.
"You think?" asked Kasumi.
"Could be," answered Ranma. The dogs in the neighborhood began to bark, and
even the sounds of some cats joined in chilling the mood. Finally, they
stopped. No one spoke for a long moment, and then Nabiki stood up.
"Uh, Kasumi, is dinner about ready?" she asked.
Kasumi gasped. "Oh, I almost forgot about it. I better go and check."
As she rushed into the kitchen, Ranma too suddenly gasped in fright. Akane
noticed, arching a brow.
"Ranma, something wrong?"
"Ukyo!" he exclaimed.
"What about Ukyo?"
"I and Anijza were supposed to go down to Ucchan's for dinner! I got so
engrossed in my studies and you that I forgot all about it!"
"Maybe that was her doing all of that screaming," joked Kodachi.
Ranma almost fell back. "She's going to kill me," he muttered fearfully.
"No she's not!" Akane shot Kodachi a short frown. "Just call her and let
her know you'll have to take a rain check on her offer."
"You think she'll accept that?"
"Yes."
Ranma got up and went to the phone. Meanwhile; Akane and Kodachi started to
set the table. A lot of people, but Kasumi always made plenty especially
when it came time to feed Ranma. As she set out the plates she noticed that
Anijza was missing from the group. She asked Mousse where their guest had
gone and he told her upstairs.
Upstairs?
"She really wasn't in a cheerful mood," finished Mousse.
No doubt angered by the way she and Ranma spirited off from his 'studies',
hopefully the girl did not choose to eavesdrop on their conversation.
Letting her know that she was suspect would not be good.
"Akane," called Ranma from the hallway. She went to find out what he wanted
and when she got there, Ranma handed her the phone. "Ukyo. She wants to
talk to you."
Akane took the receiver. "Hello?" A torrent of words filled Akane's ear as
Ukyo recounted her encounter in the study room. Akane listened intently,
sometimes letting out a hum, other times glancing at Ranma and the stairs
beyond. Finally, she whispered something low to Ukyo and hung up.
"Girl Talk?" said Ranma, curious.
Akane pondered a second. "Ranma, about what we were discussing upstairs,"
she said.
"Us or Anijza?"
She smirked at him. "Who do think?"
"And?"
"Ukyo told me-." Akane's words trailed away as she caught sight of Anijza
standing right behind Ranma. She wasn't there a moment ago!
"-that you're making progress and thinks Anijza is helping you after all,"
she lied.
"She did? From the look on her face this afternoon you would think she had
it in for Anijza."
A familiar pair of arms slid around his, Ranma immediately knowing who they
belonged too. He found Anijza smiling up at him and forced a smile. "Ah,
Anijza. Sorry I left in such a hurry."
"I understand. See, even your fiance thinks I'm a good thing."
"Who, Akane?"
The grip tightened for a second. "No, Ukyo. Maybe you'll stop fighting me
and continue on with your studies."
"I'm not fighting, and it's about time for dinner anyway."
Anijza drew in the luscious aroma of Kasumi's cooking. "Yes it is. But
immediately after that!" She stopped and then gave Akane a broad grin.
"That is if you don't mind, Akane."
Akane forced a grin of her own, but the tension in the air could be clearly
felt. "No problem, Anijza," she replied through strained lips. "We all can
use some extra instruction, and I am curious to see how much Ranma is
improving."
I'll bet, you toad!
You won't get him without a fight!
"I think that would be great, Akane."
"It sure will, Anijza."
Ranma looked back and forth between the two shaking his head not believing
what he heard. The odd grins reminded him of two cats before a brawl, not a
good thing to see.
"Let's get to the table before Ryoga and Mousse eat everything," he said,
leading Anijza away.
Akane waited until they were around the corner before shifting from a grin
to a dark sneer. It was important now more than ever to stay close with
Ranma, and after what Ukyo had said; she was not about to allow her a minute
chance of ever being left alone with Ranma again.
"Cologne, please hurry back," she said to herself. Forcing away the sneer,
Akane went to rejoin the others...

* * * * *

It had been a long chase, and an even longer fight, but Cologne finally
prevailed over the desperately fleeing Happosai. Their route took them up
into the mountains of northern Japan, a frantic chase and struggle that left
much of the surrounding trees and growth broken or destroyed altogether.
Now she stood looking out across the range shaking her head knowing it would
take at least three days to get back to Nerima. Worse yet, she still had
not been able to get Happosai to divulge what it was Anijza was after, or
her real identity. Angrily, she turned and stomped back through the brush
to the campsite.
There, Happosai was bound tightly to Colognes staff by several loops of her
holy beads effectively holding him fast and helpless. He strained hard,
fighting to free himself, letting out frantic cries into the air.
"Oh will you be silent!" scowled Cologne as she reached the fire. The
warmth from the flames felt good and she sat down to ponder her next move.
"GAAAHHH! Cologne! Let me go!" cried Happosai. "I must get away, I must
leave this place before-."
"Before what, Happi?" Cologne said, quickly up in his face.
He grimaced, turning his head to one side. "You don't understand."
"I will if you tell me," she replied, but the old man remained silent.
Frustrated, Cologne huffed and threw up her arms.
"This is insane, Happosai! Anijza must possess considerable power, and yet
she dallies around like a weak sprite!"
"Even she has limits, Cologne," came the warbled voice of Happosai's demon.
"Once she has permission, only then can she do her bidding."
Permission, wondered Cologne, for what?
"Tell me more," she said.
"No! I have told you too much as it is! Forget the chosen one. His fate
is sealed."
"I will not!" Cologne grabbed Happosai by the front of his shirt. "Ranma
is to be my son-in-law, and I will do everything in my power to see that no
harm comes to him!"
Happosai grimaced again closing his eyes tight. His head dropped forward
and in a weak voice he said, "Ranma is lost, Cologne. Don't you see this?"
She let him go and started to gather her things. "No. Ranma can be saved
if we get back in time, and that we will do."
"Return? Cologne no, please don't take me back there!"
"We are going back now!"
Ignoring the cries, Cologne leaped atop her staff. With Happosai bound to
it, she would be hard pressed to keep a steady pace, but the old woman had
weathered more than her fair share of hardships and strife. Anijza must be
stopped and there was no time for delay.
"Hang on, Happi. This is going to be rough."
"No, no, NOOOO!"
Cologne, with staff and all, bounded off through the brush...

* * * * *

The evening meal was over and Kasumi stood washing the dishes while Nabiki
packed away what leftovers that managed to escape the ravenous clutches of
Ranma and his friends. She was pleased that nothing odd happened tonight.
Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the meal; even Akane seemed relaxed after
what had happened to her. Kasumi smiled; glad to see things were returning
back to normal.
The door opened and in walked Anijza carry what dishware that was left out
in the dinning room. She set them on the counter and gave Kasumi a light
tug on her sleeve.
"I need to get Ranma back to his studies," she told her.
Nabiki and Kasumi understood. As Anijza went out, Nabiki stopped from what
she was doing and moved over next to Kasumi.
"So you want to go and talk to our little sister, or shall I?" she asked
her.
Kasumi did not answer at first, continuing to wash the dishes in the sink.
She sighed, shrugging lightly. "Akane's never been this jealous over Ranma
before. I don't know if there is anything we could say that would make her
give him up to Anijza for a day."
"I have some rope in my closet. That should work."
Kasumi stopped and looked sharply over at Nabiki. They stared at each other
then began to giggle at the idea.
"I don't think we have to go that far, Nabiki."
Nabiki, still giggling, went to the door and cracked it slightly open.
Ranma, Akane, their fathers and the rest of their guest were seated around
the table apparently engaged in a game of Charades. Ryoga stood making
slight hand gestures while everyone else sat trying to figure out who he
was. Only Anijza appeared dismayed upset by Ranma's lack of concern.
"Well I can understand Anijza worry," said Nabiki, closing the door again.
"Ranma's friends have literally put a halt to his studies."
"Then we'll have to tell them to leave," replied Kasumi.
Nabiki nodded. She rubbed her chin trying to think of a way to get them all
away from Ranma before his test day. "Odd them all suddenly showing up here
like this."
"It's nothing different, Nabiki. If Ryoga's not here, usually one of
Ranma's girlfriends would be."
"Yeah, but this feels more organized."
"Organized?"
"Ahuh." Nabiki could see the doubtful look Kasumi gave her. "Trust me,
sis. I know all about thing like this."
"But why would Akane do such a thing?"
"It can't be because she's afraid of Anijza. More like intimidation?"
Kasumi frowned. That could be true, reflecting on the characters that had
shown up. "Oh that poor girl." She said.
"Akane?"
"No, Anijza. Bringing Kodachi Kuno around like this, and, and, Ryoga; a
total stranger, to try and draw her away from Ranma."
Angrily, Kasumi pulled off her apron, throwing it down on the counter top.
"Well I'm just about mad enough now to give them all a small piece of my
mind and stop this nonsense," she said, striding towards the door.
"You go, Kasumi," Nabiki said. "That should-, HUH!"
In a flash, she stopped Kasumi before she could open the door.
"What are you doing, Nabiki?" asked Kasumi, but she did not get an answer.
Nabiki stood eyes darting from side to side as her mind recalled the earlier
proceedings. She went quickly to the backdoor, thinking some more, arms
moving to and fro replaying the events. Nabiki suddenly turned around to
give Kasumi a thoughtful gaze.
"Kasumi, we might be premature in our judgment about Akane," she said.
"What?" Kasumi shook her head. "What?" she said again.
"Akane's suspicions might be right about Anijza."
"Nabiki, what has gotten into you? Why the entire sudden turnabout here?
What makes you now think there is something wrong with Anijza?"
"Ryoga."
"Ryoga?"
"Yes, Ryoga. Remember when he first got here?"
"When Kodachi showed up, yes. So?"
"And Anijza was standing right next to you."
"Probably scared out of her wits meeting two completely strange strangers
like that."
A brow arched up, Nabiki grinning sarcastically at Kasumi. "But she wasn't.
In fact, she knew Ryoga."
"What about it?"
Kasumi drew in a sudden fearful gasp, both hands pressing up against her
chin. Nabiki allowed a few more minutes to pass allowing the shock to fade
before continuing.
"A total stranger. Never met those two before and yet Anijza calls Ryoga by
his first name. How could she have known that, hmm?"
Kasumi had no answer for Nabiki. She turned and cracked the door peering
out into the dinning room. They were still at their game, but Anijza
flinched and with a slow deliberate turn, looked in her direction. Their
eyes met and Kasumi thought for a moment she saw a red flicker in them. She
shut the door and stepped back.
"This is getting scary," said Kasumi, looked over at Nabiki again. "She
could not have known."
"Unless they've met before, and Ryoga certainly gave no indication of that,
Anijza is hiding something from us. Something that has to do with Ranma,"
replied Nabiki.
"What could that be?"
"I don't know, sis, but let me check a few things first though my network
and then we'll have a talk with Akane again."
"And if you find out something is wrong with Anijza?" asked Kasumi.
Nabiki could only shrug, staring lost at the floor.
Kasumi placed a hand to the side of her face, looking back at the door
again.
"Oh, my..."

* * * * *

Wednesday;
Anijza could feel tension in the air.
It was not from her, nor was it from all of the delays she was experiencing,
and definitely not from the people around the room she stood in.
It was the Master, and he clearly was angry with her.
The sixth period class neared completion and then Ranma's free study period
would begin. Anijza decided that today her to be betrothed would finish
reading the tomes imbedded in the pages of the books she'd taken from the
library; tomes designed to weaken his spirit and gain his commitment. Then,
then would be the time to leave this ghastly plain and return to the
comforts of home.
A warm buzz made Anijza shudder thrilled by the image of her and Ranma
together at last. That day would be coming soon enough, but first she had
to answer the master's call. Someone tapped her lightly on one shoulder and
she turned around. There stood Ranma with Gosunkugi at his side each
holding a tray full of dissected toad parts ready for preservation.
"Ew yuck!" said Anijza, cringing away from them in disgust. It was only a
ruse, the morsels on the trays more than drawing hungry grumbles from her
stomach.
Ranma laughed. "Anijza, we're just about ready to mount these. You want to
watch and see how a maestro does it?"
"Ranma-chan, you're not going to play with those things are you?"
"Huh, who me? Naw, Hikaru's going to do it."
Anijza glanced at the creepiest man-child she'd ever seen on this plain. He
would fit in perfectly with Baalzebul's court jesters. Pluck the eyes and a
few teeth, a perfect match.
The tension she felt returned, drawing Anijza to the far window. "Uh, no
Ranma. I think I want to go and get a breath of air."
"Okay," said Ranma, shrugging. "We'll Gosunkugi, looks like its gonna be
just you and me."
"Oh. I really want to show off my skills. Not often I can get an
audience."
They headed off to continue their project; while Anijza walked over to the
window. Opening the panes, she leaned out against the sill and gazed down
at the campus ground s below. A quick scan found no sign of the masters'
presence. Odd? I am sure I can feel his call.
She gazed around again, stopping when she spotted a dark figure at the
corner of the main gates. It was a dog, a very large and powerful looking
pit-bull staring up in her direction. Anijza drew in a breath realizing
that the master had sent one of his pets to check up on her. A quick glance
back at the clock told her that the bell was about to ring in five minutes.
Gazing back down at the dog, Anijza concentrated, narrowing her eyes.
{The Park,} she sent, {twenty minutes.}
{No longer,} came the ghostly reply.
The pit ran off and Anijza shut the windows.
Finally, the bell rang and both Ranma and Anijza were heading down to the
third floor study hall. More reading, thought Ranma. He dreaded the
notion, testing the weight of the two books he carried underneath each arm.
Anijza might be trying to help him, but her method really did not do much in
his opinion. So far he had retained nothing, and with the test coming
tomorrow, Ranma was beginning to think he'd bitten off more than he could
chew.
As they reached the stairs, Anijza suddenly stopped him. "Ranma-chan," she
cooed in a seductive voice. "Can we go somewhere else today?"
Alone with Anijza, not the situation he wanted to be in. "Uh, why?"
"Well, I think you can get more accomplished if you and I can dedicate our
remaining time together alone with no interruptions."
A hard knot formed in Ranma's throat. "Uh, Anijza, I don't mean to sound
ungrateful but..."
"But what, Ranma-chan?" Anijza cut in, moving up closer to him.
Her innocent gaze forced back his confession of doubt. "... there is no
other place where we can be alone here at school."
"So lets leave."
"Leave?"
Anijza nodded. "Let's go to the park."
"The park!"
"No one to interrupt us, nobody to break you away from my spell, I mean my
instructions!" Anijza grinned deviously at Ranma, a slight glint of
mischief in her eyes. "And no Akane Tendo," she finished.
Ranma shuddered. "What about Ukyo?" he asked.
"Ukyo!" snapped Anijza. "She's not going with us!"
"That's what you think," came a voice from behind.
Anijza whirled around to find herself staring straight into Ukyo Kuonji's
face. How long had she been standing there she did not know, but it must
have been long enough to hear what she intended to do.
"Ukyo! You scared the devil out of me!"
"Doubtful," replied Ukyo. She crossed her arms and placed a suspicious
glare upon them both. "Leaving campus is not right, you know, Ranma."
"Ahah... not my idea, Ucchan," Ranma nervously answered.
"He needs to be left alone to study, Kuonji," Anijza told Ukyo.
Anijza's tone felt like a challenge, Ukyo more than ready to pick up where
they had left off in the study room. Her hands began to run casually across
the bandolier of mini-spatulas across her chest. "Don't you mean to be
alone so you can steal Ranma away, Anijza?"
Did this whelp of a woman know of my intentions, thought Anijza? She had to
be driven off, and there still was the masters' messenger to deal with.
Delays!
"She's not stealing me from anyone, Ukyo," Ranma was heard to say.
This called for drastic measures and Anijza made a fist drawing upon her
powers.
The Announcing system suddenly crackled to life. <Ukyo Kuonji, report to
the Administration Office immediately,> came the call.
"Now who would be calling me here?" Ukyo said.
"Maybe it's Konatsu," suggested Ranma.
Could there be something wrong down at Ucchan's? A possibility, Ukyo knew
she could not ignore this call. She sneered angrily before spinning on her
heels trotting down the steps. Ranma watched her go mystified by this turn
of events. A hand slipped into his and he looked down to see Anijza
wrapping her yellow scarf tightly around his wrist.
"What gives?" he asked.
"I'm not losing you again, Ranma. Now come, we have much to do."
Ranma's protests were cut short as Anijza pulled him along down the steps.

* * * * *

A quick pace soon found the two nearing the Nerima Central Park. Anijza
kept her grip tight on her scarf, hurrying him along as they passed though
the archway. Finally, she came to a stop and looked around for a place well
secluded from prying eyes or potential interruptions. Great, the park was
literally empty! This pleased Anijza and she tugged Ranma along over
towards a spot close by a cluster of trees.
"Sit," she ordered Ranma. He obeyed, and Anijza took one of the books
slamming it open on the ground before him. "Read."
Ranma stared at the open book for a minute. He sighed not really wanting to
do what she asked, but a firm stomp of a foot startled him. "Read!" ordered
Anijza again, and he quickly pushed his face into the pages.
Anijza smiled. "Now you stay there and don't stop, you hear me? I'll be
right back."
"Yeah, but where are you going?"
She swatted him sharply on the head. "Never you mind," continued Anijza,
"don't stop reading until I get back."
Anijza headed for the trees, leaving Ranma alone and very much confused. He
slowly looked up, smirking to himself wondering what Anijza was up to.
Through the trees, Anijza's stuck her head out. "I said READ!" she shouted.
Ranma's head ducked back down into the book.
Grief, he muttered, such a pushy girl...

* * * * *

"What do you mean nobody called for me?" shout Ukyo at the receptionist in
the schools administration office.
"I'm sorry, Ukyo, but I don't recall ever calling you over the announcing
system," answered the receptionist.
Ukyo slammed a fist down on the countertop. "I distinctly heard my name
called telling me to report here!"
"Well it certainly didn't come from me."
Steamed, Ukyo turned around shaking hard as her fury grew. She knew she was
not hearing things, somehow that little bitch Anijza did this and now she
had Ranma alone to herself. "They went to the park," she said, "I need to
get down there fast!"
"Wait a minute, Ukyo!" the receptionist called just as she started for the
door. She whirled sharply around a questioning look in her eyes.
"I'll check with the superintendent and see if he was the one who called for
you."
"Uh, that's okay. I must be going. There's something I really need to take
care of."
"Nonsense. Now you just sit down and I'll call him. This should only take
but a moment."
Ukyo rolled her eyes. "I really do not have-."
"Sit-Down."
Ukyo quickly sat rigidly down into the nearest chair not daring to move.
Time slowly passed it seemed increasing the desperation running in Ukyo's
mind. Every minute gone meant that much more of an opportunity for Anijza.
I've got to do something, she frantically thought. A small shift towards
the door brought the immediate attention from the receptionist stopping her
cold.
"Uh... heh-heh, can I make a phone call?" asked Ukyo.
The receptionist arched a brow and pointed over to the phone on a corner
table. Ukyo darted over and dialed the one number she knew she could get
help from.
[Tendo Residence,] came Kasumi Tendo's voice.
[Kasumi, it's Ukyo. Let me talk to Mousse. It's urgent!]
The phone was silent for a moment then Mousse could be heard as he came to
the phone. [Ukyo?]
[Mousse, red alert! Anijza's got Ranma alone!]
[What! How'd she manage that?]
[No time to explain. They're at the Nerima Park. You and Ryoga... scratch
that... you get down there and don't let them out of your sight!]
[Okay. What about Ryoga?]
[Besides not allowing him to get lost, he can cover the dojo if they show up
there.]
[Right, we're on it!]
Ukyo hung up and let out a sigh of relief. She found the receptionist
staring at her and grinned.
"Ha-ha, uhm just a little girl stuff," said Ukyo, slinking back to her
seat...

* * * * *

Anijza pressed through the hedges and brush in search of her master's
messenger. "Ner'kur!" she called in a light whisper. She parted a few more
limbs, looking around. "Ner'kur! Where in the hell are you?"
"I wish," came a ghostly reply from her left.
She pushed her way along coming out into a sheltered opening. There sat the
pit-bull, watching her with deep dark eyes.
"What?" hissed Anijza, charging out of the brush.
"You tell me," answered the hound.
Anijza knelt down before the dog grabbing it by the scruff of its thick
neck. "I am handling this as best I can! Why can't the Master see this?"
"He is getting impatient, Mistress. You have never dallied this long in an
acquisition."
"It is because I've never run into the difficulties I have experienced."
The pit narrowed its wrinkled brows. "Would you like me to neutralize your
opposition?"
Tempting, very tempting to Anijza, but she shook her head. "You know we
cannot do such a thing, Ner'kur."
"I will not kill them, just... maim them a bit."
Anijza released the dog. "Maim them?"
"Just slightly."
"No," she said, standing up. "There will be no harming them... as of yet."
She began pacing in a small circle, trying to think of a way to get Ranma's
agreement before time ran out. It would be close, but now with him away
from his friends she stood a chance of taking him with no further delays.
"You may tell the Master I will gain Ranma by this plain's ending cycle,"
she said.
"And if you do not?"
Anijza turned giving the beast a hard gaze. "Do not curse me, subling," she
snarled in a rough voice. "Only the Master may question my actions, not
you."
The pit whined, bowing its head beneath Anijza's fiery glare. "Yes,
Mistress," it said, shirking back.
"Now, you will relay my words and assure the Master that I will achieve my
goal."
"Yes, Mistress."
Anijza smiled gazing up at the sky. "It will be such a glorious event. One
that will shine brightly throughout the domains."
Suddenly, there came a shuffle from the trees behind them. Ner'kur
immediately came up on all fours, arching its back with a deep growl.
Anijza turned to the sound, and then rushed over to see what it was. She
parted the trees and caught glimpse of a figure running through the brush
towards the open grounds. Another hard look quickly identified who it was.
"Mousse," she said with a sneer. "And he is heading towards Ranma."
"Shall I go after him, Mistress?" asked the beast.
"No," replied Anijza.
"But he might have seen us together."
"I will handle Mousse, Ner'kur. Now go and do as instructed."
The pit-bull bowed its head and backed away. "I wish you success, milady,"
it said. "Do be careful."
It turned and with a powerful leap, disappeared into the bushes.
Anijza thought about what it had said, wondering if more force would be
required to finish her task. As for Mousse, well if he did see enough and
try to warn Ranma, there were ways to keep him silent without wasting
precious energy.
Ranma, she thought again, heading back to join him...

* * * * *

Mousse scrambled through the trees every ounce of strength in him pumping
his arms and legs with reckless abandon. After what he considered his best
time ever running from the dojo to the park, he knew that what kept him
going now was pure fear, fear from what he stumbled across moments ago.
When he first arrived Mousse knew finding Ranma and Anijza would be
difficult among the large make up of the park. Nevertheless, he had to try
making his way along the pathways in search of them. His eyesight might not
have been the best, and several times he stumbled into the occasional
pedestrian, but his hearing was keen and while searching a secluded portion
of the park he made out Anijza's petite voice.
Naturally, Mousse followed the sound of her voice coming up to some high
brush and paused when he heard another voice along with hers. It didn't
sound like Ranma; carefully did he part the limbs blocking his view and that
was when he caught sight of Anijza accompanied by a large and mean looking
dog. She appeared to be talking to it. Nothing really out of the norm,
every girl he'd known has done the same thing.
But dogs were not known to answer back and this one did.
Not a second was lost, Mousse darting away, his heart pumping rapidly from
the extra burst of adrenaline secreted into his veins. He tried to scream,
but terror held the muscles of his throat tight and all he could do was hope
he came across Ranma before Anijza did.
The rapid patter of footsteps was the only warning Ranma got before Mousse
collided with him sending the two men head over heels across the open lawn.
When they finally stopped, Ranma let out a low moan and rose up on his hands
and knees trying to shake away the stars flickering in his eyes. When he
finally regained enough of his senses, he found himself poised over a dazed
Mousse.
"Mousse?" he said, tapping his erstwhile friend on one cheek. Mousse let
out a moan and slowly opened his eyes.
"Who's that?" he asked.
"Its me, Ranma."
A burst of motion, Mousse grabbing Ranma by his collars and rolled over on
top of him. He pressed his face into Ranma's then drew back.
"Ranma! Ranma, it is you!"
"Yyyeeesss."
Mousse was frantic almost to the point of hysterical Ranma could see. He
started to crawl back, but Mousse suddenly leaped jerking him up to his
feet.
"We gott'a go!" exclaimed Mousse.
"Why?"
"A-A-Anijza! It's Anijza, she's, she's, she's-."
"I'm what?" came Anijza's voice from behind them.
Mousse whirled terror etched deep on his face. He let out another cry and
then dashed fearfully behind Ranma. However; Ranma could not see what it
was that had Mousse so frightened. Anijza appeared to be the same, except
for the small bouquet of yellow daises held in one hand.
"So, ah, Mousse. Anijza is here and?"
"She's weird! S-s-strange!"
He's lost it, thought Ranma. "And what is so strange about Anijza?" he
asked, turning around.
Mousse gripped him firmly by the shoulders. "She talks to dogs."
"Dogs," replied Ranma.
"Yes, Dogs!"
Ranma hesitated. "Dogs?" he said again.
"Yeah! Talking Dogs!"
It's not that hot out, Ranma staring deep into Mousse's terror filled eyes
searching for some indication of a fever. Calmly, he turned to Anijza.
"Were you talking to a 'talking' dog, Anijza?"
Anijza giggled. "Ranma-chan, be serious." She held the flowers out to him.
"For you."
Ranma took them, drawing in their pleasant aroma. "Thank you."
"Nothing for the soon to be top math student in Furinkan High."
Mousse spun Ranma around, the flowers flying up though the air. "But she
was talking to a dog!" he shouted. "I heard them, Ranma!"
"Oh really?" said Anijza. She peeked around Ranma, and Mousse drew in a
gasp. Quickly, he shifted to the other side with Anijza's giggles filling
the air. "And, ah, what was I saying, Mousse?"
Mousse's mouth hung open, but then he realized that he could not remember
anything from that incident, just the low murmurings or what he thought were
murmurings coming from them. Meanwhile; Ranma too awaited an answer. After
a long moment, he realized that Mousse was lost and placed a comforting hand
gently on his shoulder.
"It's okay, Mousse," he told him, "We all sometimes think we hear things.
Maybe the trees or something else in the background sounded like it was
coming from Anijza."
"But the dog!"
"What dog?" asked Anijza.
"I SAW A DOG! I DID, I DID!" screamed Mousse, hopping furiously up and
down. From his ranting, his glasses slipped of his face into the grass
behind him.
"Calm down, Mousse," Ranma said going to retrieve them.
Mousse did, panting tiredly as he tried searching for them as well. He
dropped to his knees fishing around until his hands came upon something firm
and oddly warm. Following it up, Mousse suddenly found himself face to face
with Anijza. He paused, squinting hard until her features became focused.
Suddenly, she let out a low growl and then grabbed him by the throat
stifling his cries. The grip tightened and Mousse tried to pull away but
Anijza's hard grip remained firm.
"Naughty, naughty," hissed Anijza in a low voice, "I see you need a lesson
in manners, duck-boy."
"Here they are," announced Ranma. Anijza quickly let Mousse go as he
returned with Mousse's glasses.
"Mousse, what are you doing down there?" asked Ranma.
"Being bad," answered Anijza.
Ranma helped Mousse to his feet, waiting until he finished hacking and
gasping for breath before replacing his glasses.
"Ranma, she tried to kill me!" he said.
"I would too if somebody was groping around at my feet while I was wearing a
dress."
It was a lost cause realized Mousse. Anijza had Ranma eating out of his
hand and without any proof there was no way he would be able to convince him
that something was wrong with her. He drew in a long breath and sat down.
"So... should we continue on with your studies, Ranma?" he said.
Now it was Anijza's turn to look shocked. "No!" she cried out, dropping to
her knees. "You've got to leave!"
Ranma though thought differently. "Mousse, is that why you're here?" he
said, sitting down too.
"Yeah. Ukyo called and asked me to foll- I mean, join you guys and help out
with your studies."
"No, no! You must leave, Mousse!"
"Now hold on a moment, Anijza," cut in Ranma. He appeared to be happy that
his friend was showing so much concern for his well being. "Ukyo sent you
down here?"
"Sure did. It's part of Akane's idea to help you get past that math test.
Nobody wants to see you fail."
The back part of Mousse's tongue ached after that lie, but he controlled his
true thoughts and continued on with the charade.
"Akane?" said Ranma.
"Akane!" hissed Anijza.
"She really is concerned, and we all decided to help you pass."
Ranma laughed. "You guys are alright!" he said. "With friends like this, I
can't fail! Don't you agree, Anijza?"
"Yeah. Good friends. Can't live without'em." Anijza slammed a fist down
on the ground. "Ranma, you said we'd be alone!"
"Geesh, Anijza. I can't just send Mousse away like this. He's here to
help, and you know what they say; the more help the better."
Bitch, thought Anijza! I will get you, Akane Tendo. I will get you for
your meddling before I leave this plain!
"Where were you?" Mousse asked Ranma.
You and your pitiful friends!
Ranma call broke Anijza from her mulling. "Anijza, are you all right?" he
asked her noticing the tight frown on her face. She forced it away, giving
him a broad smile.
"Sure, Ranma-chan."
"You're not upset that my friends are trying to help us are you?"
"Ranma-chan, if it helps you, I'm happy."
The painful tugs at her stomach were barely concealed from them.
"And when I pass, I'm going to treat you and Akane both to the largest
sundaes in town!"
"That (gulp) that will be wonderful."
"Just think, all of us passing that test! What a triumph it will be!"
All of you?
The forced grin on Anijza's face melted into a natural one, brows furrowing
deviously together. "That is an excellent thought, Ranma," she said, eyes
shifting about as dark thoughts came to mind. Anijza let out a chuckle,
which soon turned into an eerie chortle of laughter that left both Ranma and
Mousse with a chill in their souls.
They traded worried looks and picked up the books, mindful to inch out of
arms reach of the cackling girl...

* * * * *

"A dog?"
"Yes, a dog!"
Beneath the dim glow of the moon, Akane stood in the backyard of the dojo
giving Mousse a skeptical stare after hearing what happened earlier that
day. She knew he wasn't one to exaggerate, but still Anijza conversing with
a dog did sound a bit far fetched.
Her mind raced, not sure what to make of what she just heard, and looked
back at the open patio doorway where the rest of the family sat watching
Ranma and Ryoga locked in an intense arm wrestling match.
"You're going (urgh) down, Saotome!" said Ryoga amidst his grunts and
strain.
"Not on... not on you life... Ryoga," replied Ranma, "I've got you (augh)
just where I... want... you!"
"Thatshwhatyou... said... ten minutes... ago!"
"I'm just warming up!"
Akane rolled her eyes. Ego's, she thought turning back to Mousse.
"Mousse-."
"Hm?"
"-a dog?"
"Yes a dog! Will you stop asking me that!"
"But it sound so silly."
Mousse let out an exasperated sigh, pacing around in a small circle. "I
know, but it's what I saw. Anijza, standing there talking to this huge,
mean looking dog."
"Well I've heard about people wanting to commune with nature, but never
anything like this."
"Was that supposed to be funny?" asked Mousse, jerking to a halt.
Akane shook here head. "Not as a insult to you, Mousse. Anijza is a
strange girl we both agree. Did you tell Ranma about it?"
"Yes, and he doesn't believe me."
"Figures. With Anijza manipulating him like she is, he won't believe
anything unless he sees physical proof."
"She has a mean grip too."
"What?"
Mousse unbuttoned his collar showing Akane the red marks where Anijza had
gripped his throat. She drew in a breath, moving in for a closer look.
"Mousse, she did this?"
"Yep. Supposedly in response to my 'groping' around her legs." Before
Akane could ask, Mousse held up a hand. "Don't ask, long story. Anyway,
beneath all of that Miss Innocence stuff, is the strength of a gorilla."
Or that of a madwoman, thought Akane.
A cry from the patio drew their attention. Ranma lay holding Ryoga by one
arm dangling precariously out over the pond with a mischievous glint in his
eyes. Ryoga whimpered lightly, his eyes pleading for mercy, begging Ranma
not to let him fall and expose his secret to Akane.
"Give?" said Ranma.
"Never!" cried Ryoga.
A slight dip of Ranma's arm quickly changed his mind.
"Okay, okay! You've won!"
"I dunno, Ryoga. Maybe the truth needs to be told here."
"I said I give, okay Ranma!"
"Ranma!" shouted Akane. "Stop teasing Ryoga like that!"
Ranma quickly pulled Ryoga up. "Hey, I was just playing, that's all."
"Well you shouldn't embarrass your friends like that!"
"I won fair and square!"
"That round, Saotome," said Ryoga.
"Oh, you want some more, huh?"
"Bring that arm on!"
Nabiki stepped in between them pocketing the money she had just collected
from Soun and Genma. "Children, children behave," she said. "Besides,
diner is almost ready so go and clean up."
Ryoga and Ranma traded angry gazes before parting.
"I'm still not done with you Ranma," quipped Ryoga as he headed in the
direction of the training hall.
"We've got all night," replied Ranma.
Anijza stole up, wrapping her arms tight around his. "You were so
wonderful," she said loud enough for Akane to hear. "I'll bet you're the
strongest man here."
Ranma's cheeks flushed red. "Ah, yeah, ha-ha, I guess I am. Uh, shall we
go to the table?"
Furiously, Akane watched the two head back inside. Anijza looked back just
enough to give her a quick wink before they stepped out of view.
"Oooo!" growled Akane, spinning around, her fist clenched tight to her
sides.
"You know Ryoga is asking for more trouble," Mousse said.
Akane started sharply. "Ryoga? Mousse, it's Anijza we're concerned about
here!"
"Oh yeah... bitch."
"What!"
"Anijza. She's really gotten close to Ranma."
Daggers filled Akane's eyes, and she slowly turned around to face the dojo.
"Yes, but have you noticed she's not worried about him studying anymore?"
"After all of the studying we did this afternoon, she shouldn't really."
"No. Whatever plans she has made are about to be put into motion."
"How can you tell?"
"I can feel it. And we have to be ready."
"So what do we do now?" asked Mousse.
Still the question at hand, Akane knew that they were going to have to keep
up their guard over Ranma now more so than ever. It all depended on what
happened tomorrow, and when Cologne returned. "Mousse, after dinner you
call Shampoo. Tell her we're going to have another meeting over at Ukyo's
tomorrow after school."
"All of us?"
"No. You and Ryoga stay with Ranma. Nothing's going to happen until after
he gets the results of the test, so I don't think you two will have anything
to worry about."
"I hope not. She almost snapped my neck last time she latched on to me.
I'm not looking forward for a rematch."
That could happen, but Akane sensed that the time was still not right yet
for Anijza to make her move. No, she still needed something, and it had to
do with Ranma.
"She's not ready," she said. "Now let go and bring Ryoga back before he
wanders off into the city."

* * * * *

Thursday;
Silence...
It gnawed on Ranma's nerves while he sat working steadily on the test spread
out on his desk. Every beat of his heart sounded like a gong in a shrine, a
steady beat that seemed to draw more and more of his life from him. With
every question on this test critical to his advancement and future, his life
seemed oddly mote at this stage of the game.
Ranma finally set the pencil in his hand down and sat back to take a break.
He looked up to see his math teacher's eyes lock upon him with and almost
hungry look like that of a lioness on the hunt. He sensed Sensei Mukuro's
hidden delight, the anticipation of sweet victory lingering on the tip of
his tongue ready to snatch Ranma up and ridicule him before the class for
such audacity.
Oh how Ranma so wanted to just look back and see how Akane was doing. I'll
bet she's already three-quarters of the way done by now, mere child's play
for her. He knew the second his head began to turn, the teacher would point
him out and take away the test. No, the urge felt strong, but he forced it
away picking up the pencil once more.
{Faith, Ranma-chan,} he thought he heard a voice say in his mind. Ranma
shook his head, squeezing his eyelids tight to relieve some of the tiredness
in them.
{Faith,} called the tiny voice again.
Anijza, wondered Ranma? It sounded like her voice but that couldn't be.
Anijza had been excused from this test and were somewhere about the school
grounds waiting for him to finish.
{You will pass, and then you will be with me,} said the voice.
Huh?
{Trust me.}
Ranma's hands trembling, not sure it was from fear or tension.
Nevertheless, he looked over the next problem on the paper and then after a
brief moment wrote down an answer. He did this several times more finding
himself feeling more and more at ease with the task.
{And you will be with me... forever,} whispered the tiny voice.
If he heard he paid it no mind continuing on with the test...

* * * * *

Patient eyes waited for Akane Tendo to down the last bit of tea in her cup,
eager to question her about the day's major event. For Akane though, the
day felt more like a day of dismay reeking with the feeling of evil and of
bad tidings. She set the cup down on the table and stared at it without a
word.
"Akane!" Ukyo finally exclaimed, startling them all.
"What?"
"The test. What about the test?"
What about it?"
They all frowned at her, wondering where this girls mind was.
"Hoo, hoo, hoo... I see Akane has suffered some brain damage after having to
exert such a demand from her pathetic mind," commented Kodachi.
"No I have not, Kodachi!"
"Then what is silly-Akane thinking about besides evil girl?" asked Shampoo.
"I am not silly, Shampoo!"
"So what's on your mind?" asked Ukyo.
Akane heave a sigh, holding her head in her hands. She moaned almost as if
she were in pain. Ukyo told Konatsu to bring a glass of cold water over,
placing a confiding hand around her shoulders. "Akane, was the test that
rough?"
Akane looked up. "I can't remember it," she answered.
"See, is silly-."
"Shampoo," said Ukyo firmly silencing the woman. "Akane, you've never had
any problems with test before."
"That's just it, Ukyo!" Akane stood up going over to the window. She
stared out at the street and the people moving about, and then turned
around. "It did not look difficult when I first started, but for some
reason I can't remember anything about it."
"You finished it, right?" said Kodachi.
"Yes... I mean I know I was answering the questions. It just, it just..."
"Just what?" said Ukyo.
Akane began gesturing like she was trying to draw some fleeting thought out
from her mind. "I just can't remember any of the questions," she finally
said.
Konatsu returned with the glass of water and Ukyo told Akane to come back
over and sit down. She did, drawing a long swallow from the glass.
"In either case," continued Ukyo, "the test is over and now we wait until
tomorrow to see how Ranma did."
"He's going to pass."
The startling comment from Konatsu shocked the girls. He sat down allowing
them to return to the living and then went on. "When he does, that's when
we must Ranma as best we can."
"Going psychic on us, Konatsu?" asked Kodachi.
"I am only drawing upon what has happened so far, and our earlier meeting
about this Anijza. She is evil in some way and now with Ranma less than a
day from whatever it is she wants, our interference might be the only thing
that saves him."
"Eew, Konatsu. That sounded like something out of a Stephen King novel,"
said Ukyo.
"Excellent stories. Soothing. Very soothing," added Kodachi.
"Alright," said Akane, "let's not digress. I'm more worried about what
Anijza will do if she sees she can't get Ranma because of us."
Ukyo laughed. "I know you're not afraid of her, Akane."
"She's attacked Mousse already."
"WHAT!" exclaimed Shampoo, shooting to her feet.
"It had something to do with him, his glasses, and her dress; don't ask me,
Shampoo, I don't know, but I saw the marks she left on his throat."
"Evil. Pure evil," said Konatsu.
"So let me get this straight," said Ukyo, "This little squirrel beats you at
basketball, then you have several bad dreams about her, I get threatened,
and now she's attacking our men? Hmm. Akane, I'm starting to lean more to
Shampoo's side of the situation if you know what I mean."
"I go weight down Bon-bori right now!" said Shampoo.
"Shampoo, hold on," called Akane, stopping her in mid-stride. "Again, and
as much as I despise saying it, what if we are wrong."
"Not matter, girl will be gone!"
"Sit down, Shampoo," Ukyo said. Shampoo reluctantly obeyed.
"Now then, our main job tomorrow will be to stick to Ranma like glue," said
Akane. "Everyone, and I mean everyone we can get involved. Us-."
"My brother?" asked Kodachi.
"Tatewaki, Ryoga, Mousse, everyone."
"And then?" asked Ukyo.
"We wait for Cologne."
The bell above the main door rang and in walked Nabiki with Kasumi behind
her carrying a small bundle in her hands. She looked around, spotted them
and the sisters walked over to their table. "Is this a private meeting or
can we join in?" asked Nabiki.
"It is kind of personal," answered Kodachi. A sharp kick from Akane
silenced her.
"We're having an official meeting of sorts," she said, cutting Kodachi short
looks.
Nabiki pulled up a chair and sat down. "Oh I think you want us here," she
told them. Kasumi sat down and everyone was quiet for a long moment.
"So, are we discussing Anijza by small chance?" Nabiki finally said.
"If you're here to lecture us about picking on your 'innocent' guest, forget
it," said Ukyo.
"Nope, not here for that at all."
"So then why are you here?" asked Akane. "I thought you two were on her
side?"
"We were," replied Kasumi.
Something was bothering Kasumi. She appeared agitated, and the bundle set
on the table away from her like she wanted nothing to do with it.
"What changed your mind?"
Nabiki, in her usual aloft demeanor, shifted in here chair. "Ah, several
things that we've found out," she said, lightly tapping the tips of her
fingers together.
"And how much is it going to cost us?" asked Kodachi.
"Will you stop it, Kodachi!" snapped Akane.
"No, I was going to ask the same thing, Akane," said Ukyo.
Nabiki giggled, inwardly berating herself for not setting a price
beforehand. "In this situation... free."
Once the shock passed, Akane finally managed to pull herself back into her
chair along with the rest of the girls. Nabiki waited until their pulse
returned to normal, then went on.
"The other day something came to my, and Kasumi's, attention that warranted
further research. After directing my networks to review our Miss Anijza,
several interesting facts have come to light."
"What did you find?" asked Ukyo.
Nabiki leaned forward. "For starters, our own admin department cannot trace
down the exchange authorization from their files. Strange, no?"
"Very strange," said Shampoo.
"They're saying it's probably misplaced, but then I asked to see her student
records. You want to guess what I found?"
"Nothing?" answered Akane.
"Right you are, sis. Nothing!"
"Nothing out of the ordinary, nothing strange about her home school?"
"Didn't even get that far. They now cannot find those records either."
"No way!" said Ukyo. "Our admin department is not inept."
Nabiki shrugged and sat back. "Still, they can't find them, a contact
number, or even who made the arrangements in the first place."
"So she like illegal alien," Shampoo said.
"Not quite. My other sources down at city hall did have this on file."
Nabiki pulled a clear plastic sandwich bag out from one of her pockets,
tossing it out on the table. Akane opened it up and drew back wrinkling her
nose.
"Yuck," she said, dumping out what appeared to be a folded letter. They
stared at it, catching the pungent odor slowly wafting up into the air.
"Smell like rotting carcass," said Shampoo.
Akane took hold of one corner and gingerly opened the document up. "It's
got that same greasy feeling like that other letter we received," she said.
"You mean this one," replied Nabiki, pulling another plastic bag out.
As Ukyo opened the other bag, Akane finally managed to spread hers out and
skim over its contents. It was becoming hard to read the writing amid the
odor, but after a moment she finally finished.
"It's a request for temporary admission to Japan," she told them. Akane
tried to read the signature written at the bottom, but it appeared to be
faded with a bright red seal stamped inconveniently across it.
"Looks like the Korean seal," said Nabiki, "but I can't be too sure from the
condition its in."
"Yeah, and the words on this letter are just as bad," added Ukyo showing
them the letter sent to the Tendo home.
"They didn't look like that when I first saw it," Akane said.
"It's as if they're both decaying," commented Nabiki. "That brings up our
next little subject."
She patted the bundle on the table. Akane grabbed it, opening the wraps
until she came to a black woman's hand purse. It looked to be well-made,
delicate stitching running along its width from top to bottom in the fine
grain of material. As she handled the purse, she felt an oily substance
sticking to her fingers. It felt familiar, and then she set it down.
"It must be homemade from the way it's been preserved," Akane said.
"Maybe, but did you happen to notice how that 'preservation' is on those two
letters also?" asked Nabiki.
It was true, Ukyo rubbing the corner of one letter, then the corner or the
other, and finally the side of the purse.
"That's not paper," she said to them.
Kasumi drew up to the table. "After Nabiki told me what she found I took
advantage of my daily cleaning to sneak a peek through Anijza's things."
The pause she took made the others nervous not liking what it suggested.
"The rest of her clothes appeared to be untouched like she's never used
them. Then I found that."
Shampoo picked the purse up giving it a closer look. Her expressions shifted
several times while she turned it over feeling the sides and hard lips of
the top.
"Is not regular hide," she finally said.
"I can't make out what kind of animal skin it's made of either," added
Kasumi.
"Artificial?" Kodachi suggested.
"We can figure that out later," Nabiki cut in. "Shampoo, why don't you open
it up and see what's inside."
Shampoo unsnapped the purse and peered into its interior. "Huh?" she said
lightly with a smirk.
"Don't keep us in suspense," said Ukyo.
Shampoo started to reach into the purse, thought better of it, and turned it
over with a shake dumping the contents out on the table. Only one item fell
out clattering loudly on the tabletop. It wasn't exactly small; in fact
Akane could not believe it actually fit inside. The silver and black
tarnished amulet lay on its front, an oval shaped keepsake that had seen
better days. There were small etchings written completely around the side,
and a long thin cord of dark material was looped through the eyelet at the
top.
"Oh great, now we're stealing," she said.
"Consider it investigative necessity, sister," answered Nabiki.
"So what's different about some picture locket, Nabiki?" asked Ukyo.
Nabiki turned the amulet over and slid it towards Akane. "Open it," she
told her.
Akane stared down at the thing, almost dreading to open it for fear of what
she might find. Ukyo grew impatient and started to reach for the amulet,
but Nabiki swatted her hand. She arched a brow, pushing the amulet closer
to Akane.
"Open it," she said again.
Akane picked it up. Finding the small button on the side, she pressed it
and the cover popped open. For a moment, the rest of the girls watched as
Akane stared into it, their curiosity quickly growing.
"This can't be," Akane finally said.
"What? What can't be, Akane?" cried Ukyo.
She turned it around and Ukyo drew in a sharp gasp. It was a picture of
Ranma. Nothing odd except for the fact that it was a picture of him from
several years ago; about the time he was still training in China.
"Where did she get this from!" shouted Ukyo, snatching the amulet from
Akane's hands.
Shampoo rushed around behind Ukyo and stared at the picture. "That not
right!" she exclaimed taking the amulet from her, "Ranma not give me
picture!"
"Not one from that long ago," said Akane. "Is Anijza lying to us about
being from Korea?"
"That document as it stands says no, but her having a picture of Ranma at
that age makes me wonder," said Nabiki.
"There has to be some explanation," Kodachi said.
"And we're going to get it too," Ukyo declared coldly.
"I would wait until Cologne returns," Konatsu said.
"Why? We need to know what is going on, Konatsu?"
"True, but all we have is a picture of Ranma. How do we know he did not
give it to her, and then what will her reaction be?"
"I not care what this Anijza do!" shouted Shampoo, "she going to tell us how
she get picture of husband!"
Kasumi shook here head. "We're thieves right now, girls," she said. "I
took that without Anijza's permission, and if we threaten her and we're
mistaken, Daddy and the rest of the community will be furious at us."
"But something is wrong, Kasumi," said Akane.
Nabiki held up a finger. "Patience," she told them. "We need solid
evidence before we confront our guest."
"And let her get away with what she is going to do?"
"As long as we're around Ranma, she will not get the chance."
Akane did not like that answer, but they all were not exactly right in this
situation. The evidence was starting to shape up, but to confront Anijza
now would be premature. The advantage still lay with Anijza, but there was
one thing Akane could do to hinder her progress.
"I'm going to talk to Ranma again," she said.
"And tell him what?" asked Ukyo.
"Tell him again I don't trust Anijza. Tell him about what we've found."
"And he's going to believe you?" said Kodachi.
"Yes!"
"Like he did after your loss?" added Nabiki.
Akane tensed stung by her remark. She thought about it for a second then
set a determined look on her face.
"He's got to," she said. They could see there would be no way of talking
Akane out of it.
"Okay, if you must then try not to agitate Ranma to where he goes and
confronts Anijza himself," Nabiki told her.
Akane nodded. "I won't even tell him about this picture either."
"Gee I hope not," said Kasumi. "I still have to put that back before Anijza
discovers it missing."
They all could not help but giggle at Kasumi's inadvertent joke.
"This still sits bad with me," said Ukyo, "but I'll wait a bit longer. If
Ranma does pass that test tomorrow-."
"He will," Konatsu said.
"WHEN he passes that test tomorrow, I am going to be right with him for the
rest of the weekend."
"We all will!" added Shampoo.
"Not you, Shampoo," Nabiki suddenly said.
The Amazon reared back sneering at her. "Why not Shampoo?"
"Because Cologne might arrive at your restaurant, or even call. In either
case it might be wise to have you standing by there to give her and update
before she comes to the dojo."
Shampoo let out a huff and crossed her arms. "Okay I wait for great
grand-ma," she said. "You better keep girl away from husband!"
"Trust me we will," answered Nabiki.
Akane felt sure that Ranma needed to be warned about Anijza. How to do it
without creating an incident remained the problem, but she had to try before
it was to late. She reached our and grabbed the amulet opening it up again.
Gazing upon Ranma's features, Akane faintly smiled at his features, noting
the way his hair kind or floated about his head, the speckles of light
dancing around in the background, his seemingly lost-. She smirked and
pulled the picture close to her face staring at it for a moment. It was odd
but to here it appeared that Ranma was floating or maybe even submerged
in... water? It was hard to tell and she blinked straining to get a better
look.
"Something wrong, Akane?" Ukyo asked her.
She hesitated then closed the amulet. "No, just my eyes playing tricks on
me." Akane stood up, putting the amulet back in the purse. "I'm going to
find Ranma and try to talk some sense into his brain."
"He and Anijza are at the dojo," Nabiki said. "And he looks to be about
three short steps from being frazzled."
"Then we better get back home before he falls completely under that witches
spell."
"I'm going with you," Ukyo said. "Konatsu, can you handle-."
"Go."
Before they could leave, Kodachi spoke up asking Akane again what she was
going to do if Ranma did not believe what she was about to tell him. They
all waited for her answer; Akane nibbling nervously on her bottom lip in
thought.
She glanced around at them and then started for the door. "He's got to,"
she said, "He's got to..."

* * * * *

A skeptical glint played at the back of Ranma's eyes; both Ukyo and Akane
sensing that he was not taking their words seriously. They stood out in the
back away from the dojo after Kasumi 'conveniently' called Anijza away to
help her in the kitchen. Now, beneath the spread of a tree, Ranma listened
as the two women told him about their fears and what they suspected their
guest intentions were of him.
For a moment he remained silent, and then suddenly turned taking a few steps
around the tree before facing them again.
"You have got to be kidding?" he finally said.
"No, Ranma, we're not," answered Akane. "Anijza is after you, for what we
don't know but it can't be good."
"We think she's going to try and take you away," added Ukyo.
Ranma thought back, reflecting on Anijza's desire for him to come to Korea.
Could she really be so afflicted with him to actually try kidnapping? Come
to think of it, Korea is not exactly a safe place to be traveling alone. A
boy like me could-."
He paused, thinking how ridiculous that sounded and started laughing. Ukyo
traded a lost look with Akane.
"Ranma, you don't believe us?" she said.
"And why should I," he replied once his chuckles subsided. "Ucchan, listen
to yourselves will'ya? Anijza kidnapping me? Come on!"
"She's not playing around, Ranma!" said Akane. "Anijza has already attacked
Mousse-."
"Yeah, because he was literally crawling up her dress!"
Akane shook her head, waving her hands before her trying to clear the
imaginary clouds befuddling Ranma's mind.
"No, no, no! Ranma listen to us! Anijza attacked Mousse and she's
threatened Ukyo. If you find that ordinary then there is something wrong
with your way of thinking."
"Wha...? Akane, there is nothing wrong with my thinking. In fact I think
this is all some kind of jealous scenario you girls thought up because
Anijza has got such a crush on me."
"Think again, Ranma!" shouted Ukyo. She swatted him a few times across the
head. "Why can't you see we're trying to keep you out of her clutches."
"Because it is all in your imaginations that's why! Anijza is just a girl
who's a little scared, and a maybe just a bit too amorous, but definitely,
definitely nobody to be worrying about."
The girls could see that unless they came up with solid evidence, Ranma was
not about to take them seriously at all. Ukyo looked at Akane and shrugged,
shaking her head as she strolled casually away back to the dojo.
"Ranma," called Akane. A deep look of sadness appeared; Akane moving up
closer to him. "Ranma, I can't force you to believe us and I don't have
anyway to prove that what we say is right, but please, please be careful
tomorrow. Anijza is going to try something I just know it."
Akane rested her head gently on his chest, wrapping her arms around his
waist. "Please, for me, okay?"
"I told you I would not do anything she wants without telling you first,
remember?" he replied.
Gently did Ranma lift Akane's chin up giving her a warm smile. She smiled
back hugging him even tighter.
"And like I told Mousse, once we've passed, I'm going to take us all down to
the chocolate shop and buy us the largest parfait sundaes they have to
celebrate. So, ah, don't eat to much, eh?"
"Okay."
A call from Kasumi announced that dinner was about to be served, Ranma and
Akane strolling back towards the dojo hand in hand. He chuckled a bit
humored by the things they had told him, then said, "Gee, the next thing
you'd be telling me is that I'm going to marry her."
Akane's grip tightened, the shudder of dread running through his arm.
"Not even in jest, Ranma Saotome," she replied cutting him a dark look.
"Uh, yes ma'am," he replied.

* * * * *

Friday;
An audience in any class meant something big was about to unfold, and today
in Ranma's math class there were enough people gathered to fill a small
auditorium. No doubt they were all here to see the results of Ranma's big
'dare' as it had become known around the campus.
A nervous look back by Ranma made him shirk noticing how many of the
faculty, several upperclassmen; including Tatewaki and Nabiki, stood waiting
for Sensei Mukuro to finish passing out the test to his current class.
"Remember, no looking until I say," he said as he headed up the last aisle.
Reaching Ranma's desk, Mukuro paused meeting Ranma's terror filled face with
calm eyes. He laughed ominously, not the thing Ranma or Akane wanted to
hear, and then placed Ranma's test face down on his desk.
Ranma stared at it, his hands flexing nervously, every vein pumping as his
apprehension grew. The tension hung think in the air with all eyes locked
upon Ranma. A light tap on a shoulder made Ranma yelp.
"Anijza!" he exclaimed, frantically gasping for breath. She giggled at him.
"Are you worried, Ranma-chan?" she asked.
"Yes!"
"Tch, tch, tch, tch. You should be ashamed of yourself not believing me."
"Your next semester is not hanging in the balance either."
Again, Anijza giggled then placed her arms around his neck. "Faith," she
whispered to him kissing him lightly on the lips.
The creak of Akane's knuckles could be heard above the suddenly silent room.
Ranma, fearing more for his life, quickly drew away from Anijza's arms and
faced forward. He felt the heat burning his cheeks, but remained
motionless, lost for words.
Finally, Mukuro returned to his desk and sat down. A long purposeful pause
followed before he arched a brow. With a sly glint sparkling in his eyes,
he stood up again.
"You may now look at your test," he told the students.
The rustling flurry of papers filled the air as eager eyes read over the
test. Most of the spectators in the back stared at Ranma awaiting his
reaction. Anijza peered over his shoulder wondering why he hesitated
telling them what his score was.
"Ranma-chan?" she said, but he did not respond at first. Suddenly, he
turned around.
"I don't get it?" he said to her, holding the test up. She, as well as
everyone else looked to see that the test in his hand was nothing more than
blank pieces of paper. A laugh from the front brought Ranma around to see
Sensei Mukuro chuckling hardily in his chair.
"Okay, where's my test?" shouted Ranma.
"Calm yourself, Saotome," he replied.
Reaching into his desk, Mukuro produced Ranma's test. He smiled as he
approached Ranma. "Sorry about the teasing, but I wanted to personally
congratulating you for doing what amounts to as the impossible."
In bold red at the top of the test was written the score of one hundred and
fifty.
"You even answered all of the bonus questions correctly, Ranma. I am truly
impressed by your achievement." Mukuro set the test down before the stunned
boy and looked at Anijza. "And I am impressed by your training of him as
well, Miss Kwong."
A resounding cheer rose up from Ranma. He leaped from his chair arms held
up high in triumph. "YES! YES! I did it, I did it!" he cried dancing
around.
"Pay up, Tatewaki," Nabiki said to a stunned Tatewaki Kuno.
Meanwhile, Ranma had pulled Anijza out from her chair and was twirling her
about as the rest of his class gathered to congratulate him on his latest
triumph.
"You were right, Anijza! You were right all along!" said Ranma to Anijza,
hefting her up into the air once more.
She giggled with glee, hugging him thrilled that she had finally won over
his trust. "And you had doubts?" she said.
Ranma set her down. "Well, I did, but with you and Mousse's help I made
it!"
Mousse, thought Anijza with distain? Can you not see that it is I who allow
you to pass this insult of a test!
Before Anijza could question him, Ranma spun around seeking to find Akane.
She sat still at her desk, back ridged with her gaze locked straight ahead.
Ranma sensed something was wrong, but then Sensei Mukuro spoke again.
"And for all of those who failed my test, there will be a mandatory study
period tomorrow and Sunday, followed by a make-up test Tuesday. Please be
on time."
Ranma went over to Akane's desk. "Akane?" he said, but she remained still.
He called her name again then looked down at the test clutched tight in both
hands. There were several red checks all over it, so many that he thought
it had been dipped in a bucket of red ink. It dawned on him then why she
was in this state, and with a trembling hand turned back the top corner
dreading what he already knew. He started slightly as he read what it said,
and it took no genius for the rest of the class to figure out what happened.
Akane had failed...

* * * * *

This might have been the darkest moment of her young life; Akane Tendo, ace
student and star athlete now nothing more than a broken failure, her
reputation tarnished and her chances of advancement now slim. She shuffled
aimlessly along down the sidewalk towards home oblivious of the entourage
escorting her, face drawn down in a lifeless expression of failure.
Beside her walked Ranma concern in his eyes; Anijza at her usual spot on his
arm. She could barely hide the twinkle of cheer dancing at the back of her
gaze, enjoying Akane's despair. She peered over to take another look,
inadvertently catching the dark gaze from Ukyo as their eyes met.
Ukyo made a faint sneer as Anijza drew back then looked at Akane. "Akane,
come on snap out of it," she said. "It's only one test."
"Only one test?" said Nabiki, walking behind them. "She could get set back
because of this one test, Ukyo."
"And that would be a dreadful thing to happen to my dear Akane," added
Tatewaki, in step beside Nabiki holding an umbrella above her to shade out
the sun.
"That's not going to happen!" said Ranma. "Akane is going to study this
weekend and take that make-up test, and, and pass it just like me!"
"That's asking a bit much isn't it, Ranma?" asked Ukyo.
"Maybe without a perfect score, but she's gonn'a pass!"
Ranma suddenly shook his arm free from Anijza and stopped Akane taking her
by the shoulders. "You heard me, Akane? You're gonn'a pass that test!"
Akane remained lifeless, staring up at him. "Did you hear me?" he asked,
but she did not reply. Angrily, Ranma shook her. "Damn it, say something!"
"Ranma, stop!" cried Ukyo. She pulled Akane away before he could hurt her.
This was not right and everyone there knew it. They stared at Akane not
knowing what to do, fearing that the girl had gone off the deep end.
Unexpectedly, Akane's head lifted up and stared at Ranma. "I was the only
one who failed, Ranma," she said in a low voice.
Ranma felt relieved. At least Akane was talking now, and that meant that
she still clung on to her sanity, a bit shaken.
"Yes, Akane, but everyone trips now and then. I honestly think there is a
reason why you did, but I'm not one to go about casting accusations around."
"Oh, really?" said Ukyo, catching it hidden meaning behind his comment. A
short giggle from Anijza brought a dark look her way.
"Something funny, Anijza?" she snarled.
Anijza re-took her place at Ranma's side. "No, just happy that Ranma-chan
is not going be set back."
"Well I wouldn't be giggling about that around us right now," said Nabiki.
"It might be taken in the wrong way."
Akane's stare went to Anijza, and she blinked back tears feeling that this
girl or thing was again victorious. The only thing to do now was keep her
from being alone with Ranma, and to prepare for the upcoming make-up test.
Akane silently walked on past Ranma with Ukyo, Tatewaki, and Nabiki in close
trail.
Ranma followed then abruptly stopped. "Anijza," he said. "Would you please
stop hanging on to my arm like that?"
Reluctantly, Anijza let him go. "Did I do something wrong, Ranma-chan?" she
sadly asked. Ranma started to answer, but thought better of it, rushing to
catch up with his friends.
They arrived at the dojo, and as they walked up the path Kasumi, Mousse, and
Ryoga stood waiting at the door. Akane stopped gazing sadly at her still
fighting back her tears.
"Your teacher called," said Kasumi. "He told us about your test."
Akane lowered her head allowing Kasumi to guide her inside. They went into
the living room where Soun and Genma sat waiting. Akane knelt before her
father, the others taking a place behind her. She could not bear to look at
him, shamed by her failure, saddened by the embarrassment brought on the
Tendo name.
"I'm sorry, Daddy," she said, sniffling lightly.
Soun did not look displeased, no he could never be upset with his girls, but
there was a sense of disappointment coming from him. He cleared his throat
and leaned forward.
"Akane, you can redeem yourself," he said.
"And I will, daddy!" replied Akane. "I'll pass the make-up test. You'll
see!"
Soun sat back, glancing briefly back at Genma. "I have faith in you, Akane.
However; you must begin your studies now."
"Now?" questioned Ranma.
"Do not interrupt, boy," snapped Genma.
Soun continued. "Anijza, since you helped Ranma so well, would you do the
honor of the Tendo clan and assist Akane?"
It felt like a dagger thrust into her heart, Akane not believing that her
father would suggest such a thing. Anijza though grinned pleased by the
request.
"I would be honored, Mister Tendo," she said. "But I want Ranma to do
something for me."
"He will do anything you ask."
Panic rushed through the others seated around them. It was the one thing
they were trying to prevent, and now Soun Tendo was literally placing Ranma
in Anijza's hands.
Anijza knelt up close to Ranma. He drew slightly back as she began to
playfully trace her fingers around his neck and chin. "Remember what I
asked you earlier?" she said. Slowly, Ranma nodded. The grin on Anijza
grew broader.
"All you have to do is say 'yes'."
Ranma gulped, cutting his eyes over to Akane. "Well... if it'll help Akane
then-."
"NO!" came a loud cry from the others.
Tatewaki, stunned by the outburst, pulled himself up from the floor. "You
don't want Akane to pass?" he asked, holding his head.
Akane quickly faced her father again. She bowed her head as low to the
floor as she could. "Daddy, please, I can do this without Anijza's
assistance!"
"But Akane, you need help!"
"No I don't!"
"Akane, insulting our guest like that," said Genma.
Oh, this is going to suck, thought Akane. She turned around, bowing
repeatedly towards Anijza. "I mean... no insult to you (oooh), Anijza, but
I must do this (oh gosh), must do this by myself."
"I would be more than happy to assist you, Akane," answered Anijza trying to
maintain the opportunity she knew Akane was attempting to destroy. "All
Ranma has to do is-."
"No!" cried Akane. She spun back around and with pleading eyes stared up at
her father. Soun's resistance faded away.
"Okay, Akane," he said, "but you must pass and remove this blight to our
name."
A disaster narrowly avoided, Akane literally collapsed on the floor. She
looked back seeing the slight snarl curling the corners of Anijza's lips.
"I will, daddy," she said, feeling the satisfaction flow through her.
Thwarted again, and by this toad, Anijza's mind raged. She will rue her
intrusions! "Now you must go and begin studying, Akane," she heard Soun
say, but paid no attention to it trying to think up another way to get Ranma
alone and into her grasp. A thought came to mind, Anijza smiling again.
"Ranma," she said.
"Yes?"
"Ah, do I still get that chocolate sundae you promised me?"
"This girl does not give up," Nabiki whispered to Ukyo.
Ranma held up a finger remembering his promise. "Oh yes, I do owe you don't
I." Ranma made short pause. "And you to, Mousse," he added.
"Me?" answered Mousse. Ukyo pinched his leg. "Oh yes, that! Yes, I
remember now."
Will this interloper ever go away? Anijza hid her displeasure. "Tomorrow?"
she asked.
"Tomorrow," replied Ranma. He did not sound too enthused about it, but
Anijza let it pass.
Akane stood up. "I better get started," she said. Ranma asked her if she
wanted his company, but she shook her head.
"No, I think I need to be alone now," she said.
Akane picked up her school bag, heading for the stairs...