Twisted Path-Part3 [FanFic]

[Twister]

Chapter Twenty-Two
------------------

Smiling grimly, Twister came back to the Tendo home.
*Magic. Now that brings a whole new light on things.* She paused.
*That could also be the reason Malkon sent that water. He _must_ have realized
that this would happen.* Twister frowned. *Also, he didn't strike me as the
wasteful type. No, he was very intelligent. Given time he wouldn't strike
in useless anger. Demons have always been told as power-hungry in most
stories that I've read and that brings a _nasty_ thought.* She shuddered.
*Psionic power would be useless to him; he's a being of magic. If my power in
_this_ form is equal, as it must likely be to my male side, then...he'll try
to take it for himself. How? Hmm. Not in a very pleasant way I bet. I'd better
start preparing myself.* She continued to mull over this as she entered the
house.
Kasumi saw her enter. "Are you all right Twister?" She looked a little
worried.
Twister sighed, "If Ranma can handle it so can I."
"I made some hot water for you to change back."
"Thanks Kasumi, I'll..." A chilling thought came over her. "...do it
in an hour. There's something I think I have to do first."
Puzzled, Kasumi nodded, "All right."
Walking quickly upstairs, Twister went into her room.
*I can't _believe_ I forgot that. Practically every magic-based novel
I've read has had scrying spells to watch enemies. The only solution was
counter-spells. Which I had better make quickly or Malkon will know exactly
what I'm doing.* Sitting down, Twister tried to consider all possible
methods of spying with magic.
One: Normal sight.
Two: Normal hearing.
Three: Using animals to see with their senses.
Four: Magical constructs instead of animals.
She finally gave up on specifics. *Hmm. Why not just cast a spell
that prevents him from spying _period_. A good all-round shielding spell that
would prevent him from extending his senses into the town. That would cover
all bases.* Twister had to smile slightly, *Why do I feel like I'm getting too
used to this?*
After forty-five minutes, she finally came up with a, hopefully,
suitable rhyme. *I think visualization is important. Also, how much
strength to put into the spell. I guess that light was so weak a spell I didn't
even realize I had made any effort.* Twister calmed herself and saw in her
mind her spell as a _very_ large, domed shield around the town and called out
the rhyme.
"Evil magic, stay away,
By power strong and cannot fool,
Turn around, I now shall say,
Within my sphere of rule.

Sight be blinded, ears be stuffed,
No creatures can be used,
Malign power, now handcuffed,
Shall not now be abused."

Force drained out of Twister in a, now, noticeable flow. Trying to
make sure it was strong, she managed to place a lot of her power into the
stream. It stopped finally and Twister was surprised that she could sense the
now-created dome of protection around the town.
*Not bad for an _extremely_ new beginner. I hope it works. It _should_.
Most of its form came from what I intended even though that rhyme was needed.*
Twister slowly stood up. The spell had drained her more than she
thought and she was now a little tired. Not surprising. The spell protected
the _entire_ town from scrying eyes. She just hoped Malkon didn't know much,
or rather, _anything_, about electronics. _That_ would be fun preventing.
*I think it's time to become myself again. Magic promises to be
fun though.* She chuckled. *Kuuuuuunou. Nyuk nyuk nyuk.* Twister started
to go get that hot water Kasumi talked about, amused by that last thought.

Malkon was both pleased and annoyed.
He was in a wooded area as human settlements annoyed him. A recently
made hole had been filled with water by him and Malkon had been staring
at the pond with inhuman patience to get the information he had sought.
He chuckled.
*Well, that was certainly quick. Only after...what? Two? Three hours
of being awake?* Malkon sighed. *At least I saw what I wanted to see. Good
to have a theory confirmed.* He considered the purple-tinged barrier that
had sprung up to block his magical sight. *Quite strong indeed. Perfect.
Twister's magical abilities match in power with the psionic ones. In vastly
different ways of course but matched all the same.* The image of the female
Twister came up in his mind again. *And very pretty as well. Always a bonus.*
Malkon stood up and brushed the leaves off his robe. He shook his
head.
*I am just surprised Twister realized I must have been watching.
Not just formidable in power but in intelligence. This should be quite
a struggle to get the magical power I sensed.* He chuckled quietly. *I told
_her_ when we were in the Void that I was bored and was looking for some fun.
I got that indeed, though 'challenge' likely fits this situation better.
'Existance-threatening' is another.*
He paused while considering what to do next. A head-on encounter
with Twister would definitely be a Bad Idea.
*I had better create a power base first. In this China there _must_
be some formidable warriors I can 'recruit'. I'll also need some low-level
demons to back them up. Then, I can plan on getting that which I desire. After
I get that, nothing will be able to stop me.* Malkon smiled. *I have not had
such an interesting opponent for millennia. Timing is everything. If I wait too
long, I may never be able to defeat Twister. Pity it must end fairly soon.*
The laugh he released scared off all wildlife for a mile.

In the kitchen, Twister asked Kasumi where that hot water was.
"It's over on the burner, in the kettle. I kept it hot, not boiling."
Picking up the kettle, Twister replied, "Thanks Kasumi. Um." She
paused, looking a little fearful.
"What's wrong?"
"I thought about what happened last time. Flambe. But...that might
have been the initial reaction and not what will happen every time." Twister
sighed. "Acid test time." She poured the water on herself.
The normal change occurred.
Twister looked down at himself, "That's a relief." He wiped water from
his eyes.
Kasumi smiled, "The first flames didn't do anything so I wasn't
terribly worried."
"It still puts my mind at ease. Speaking of said member, I think I'm
going to use it right now. No rest for the weary." He smiled to belie his
words and left to go back to his room again.
In his room, Twister thought about what he should do.
*I think I'll make another diamond just in case I forget and need
money later. Then I'll think about what I should try magic-wise since it
_is_ new for me to use at the moment.* That decided, he readied himself for
making the diamond. Focusing his mind, he created a small vacuum in which
to work. Then he commanded only the carbon atoms from the CO2 he knew was
in the air to separate and join in the crystal pattern he was creating
inside the vacuum. The free oxygen atoms separated by this action quickly
found their brothers in flaming glory around the vacuum, making what looked
like a ball of fire in mid-air. Twister had done this before but he noticed
something obviously different from before.
The ball of fire was a LOT bigger now.
He checked what he was doing and realized that he was making the
diamond a lot faster now. He hadn't noticed because he had used the same
amount of effort on his part.
For some reason Twister had gotten stronger in his psionic power.
He pondered this and found the answer. *I was only Mind before. Now
that the Magic is accessible to me now it seems to have increased the power
available on both sides. That must have been why I felt whole when I woke up.
A new facet of my being had opened, allowing me to use more power in the
other facet. My powers are still equal to each other, Mind is just greater
than what Mind alone had been. Useful.*
As a result, the diamond was now as large as the last one he had made
for Nabiki to sell.
Twister pondered this diamond. *Magic can be used to enchant items
I believe. I'll just form this diamond into a disk and see what I can
do with it.* He smiled. *And I think I know what to try first...*

Much later, Ranma walked into the Tendo home, backpack on his back.
Alone.
*Hmp. What does Nabiki need to know that only Akane could tell her?*
He threw the backpack into it's usual place when he entered the room he and his
father shared. *Not like _she_ would know anything useful. Unless...,* Ranma
blinked as he realized something, *Unless...it has something to do with
Twister's new _curse_! Great. Nabiki must think Akane's an 'expert' because of
me.* He fumed a little at the idea as he left and walked past Twister's room.
He stopped.
*What the...?*
Walking backwards, Ranma came to Twister's open door again and was
puzzled at what he saw inside the room.
The newly female form of Twister was staring at a crystalline disk
as she sat cross-legged on the floor. Not moving. Not expressionless though.
Her face showed...grief? Despair?
*That's not like the guy...* Pausing for a moment, Ranma decided to
find out what was bugging Twister.
"Hey Twister. What's with you?"
The still form blinked and slowly looked at a slowly becoming worried
Ranma. "Oh. Hi, Ranma. Nothing much." The tone in Twister's voice didn't match
the words she spoke.
"Yeah right. What's bugging _you_ so much?"
Twister picked up the disk and started flipping it over and over in
her hands. After watching this for half a minute, Twister started talking
to Ranma in a hesitant voice, still looking at the disk.
"While you might be used to this Ranma...I'm not. '_This_' is not just
the cursed water....though that's part of it. Chucked from my universe, my
_home_, into another, almost killed by an arch-demon, gaining powers along with
a different body, fighting battles like ones I used to _read_ about, and
now...this. Even if I find a way home, I can't go back in _either_ form. Too
much of my male body has changed. I've handled all this mostly by not thinking
about it and just finding out what all I can do now." She paused.
"Until...ten minutes ago."
Suddenly, Twister's body tensed up and she gripped the disk with a
white knuckled hand. Raising the other, she slammed it into the floor, denting
it, while shouting...
"_WHY_ DID THIS HAPPEN TO ME!?"
She slumped loosely over the disk after that, tears forming in her eyes.
Shocked, Ranma paused a moment before hesitantly walking over and
gently placing a hand on Twister's shoulder, causing her to look up in surprise.
"I guess...I haven't seen it that way." Ranma confessed. "You came here
and saved Ak...us when _I_ couldn't from that Malkon creep. You were to able
to fight well because of something powerful and not through years of training.
That made me a little...resentful I guess. I didn't think about your side."
Wiping moisture from her eyes, Twister commented, "I'd wondered why you
seemed...distant to me." Her spirits started to come back up and she added, "I
guess should be grateful that I'm alive and have a good shot at getting back
a life." Twister smiled. "Thanks Ranma."
"Yeah...well...," Ranma was embarrassed because of his revelation to
Twister and took back the hand on Twister's shoulder to rub the back of his
head. He tried to get off topic, "How come you look like me when I'm female
anyway?"
Standing up, Twister blinked at the question, "Well...it wasn't exactly
a normal change to begin with. But...it's likely because I know of only one
person who changes into a woman, hint hint," Ranma wasn't sure how to react to
that comment, "and that thought likely influenced the magic somehow." She
shrugged, "That's _my_ best guess and so now we're both in the same boat."
"Huh. Yeah, I guess we are at that."
"At least we can understand each other pretty well on that point."
Twister chuckled and extended a hand to Ranma. "Friends now?"
Ranma considered the outstretched hand for a second before slowly
bringing up one of his own to complete the handshake.
"Sure. Why not?"
"Great!" Twister chuckled. "At least you won't have to worry about
me attacking you over some girl like most other guys you know."
Snorting at first at that truth, Ranma had to smile back when they
finished the handshake.
"True. That's a definite plus."
Remembering about the disk, Twister suddenly walked out of the room
saying, "Let me change back and I'll show you and the others something neat!"
Blinking, Ranma wondered what Twister was up to as he left the
room as well.
*What's _he_ got planned?*

Twister had changed back and was now heading towards the eating table
where he could hear Ranma, and the returned Akane and Nabiki, talking at the
moment. He thought about what had happened a few minutes ago.
*Jeez. I was _really_ depressed there before _Ranma_, of all people,
got me out of that dark mood. Never been that down before. Then again, this
isn't like it was back home either.*
Trying to get his mind of that train of thought, Twister examined the
diamond disk he had made. *Maybe I shouldn't have tried. But I did and at least
I finally got it to work. I didn't realize how many tries I would have to make.
Tired me out though I didn't realize it while talking to Ranma.*
He finally walked into the dining area and the three seated by the
table saw him arrive.
"You work it out Twister?" Nabiki looked concerned at Twister's
tired state.
"Yeah. I've had to be flexible for a while, this doesn't exactly
change that." He sighed. "I found something to keep me occupied anyway."
He pulled out a crystal-looking disk from a pocket and placed it on the
table.
"What _is_ that thing anyway?" Ranma was curious.
Instead of answering, Twister touched the disk and clearly said,
"And now for something completely different." At the disk.
The three were wondering what he was doing until light gathered
above the disk and resolved into a semi-transparent form.
It was Twister's new female self.
Suddenly, the image spoke as the watchers gaped, "Testing, testing,
one two three... Good. This darn thing finally worked." Twister's
image gave a victory sign. "Bet this comes as a shock. Apparently,
while in female form I can use _magic_ instead of psionics so I can do _this_
now. Wicked, huh? I think the Event gave me the potential to use both in
the beginning but I could only use Mind because they don't seem to _work_
together. The cursed water allowed the Magic part to come into play so now my
_full_ power has been unlocked. I have an easier time with Mind now as
well, this disk is diamond I created today. Well, I think time's up.
And I bet you thought I couldn't surprise you any more." The figure
smirked, waved, and shimmered out of existence.
The three were still gaping and Twister had to laugh at the sight.
"Ah, the look on your faces..." He chortled.
"W-when did you find _this_ out?" Ranma got out.
"I was walking down a street and saw somebody, with _candles_ on his
head, trying something magical. Without success. He let me look in some
magic book and I read a rhyme aloud. Darn thing put a light on above my head.
Literally. I realized what had happened and knew that rhyme was the key to
my kind of magic."
Akane and Ranma both said together, "Gosunkugi."
Twister nodded, "I remembered as soon as I became myself again."
Nabiki shook her head, "This should liven things up around here. As if
it needed it."
"Well, it does put a plus on my new situation." He sighed wearily, "It
_is_ tiring. I really need to eat something that gives me more calories so
I can do more stuff without draining myself each time. Kasumi's cooking
is great but I need something more."
Ranma thought for a second then smiled. "Well...if you don't mind doing
something; I have an idea. Your treat."
Akane looked peeved and crossly said, "Ranma, you _like_ doing that,
_don't_ you?!"
Eyebrow raised, Twister asked, "Am I not going to like this?"

Chapter Twenty-Three
--------------------

"I was right. I'm not going to enjoy this." Twister said, embarrassed.
"Just follow my lead. It's not _that_ bad." Ranma-chan said beside
her.
They looked like twins with the exception of Ranma's pig-tail. The two
were walking besides each other and people's heads were turning as they passed
by. Men's especially. The fact that they looked very attractive, young, and
cute together likely had a lot to do with that fact. Despite wearing men's
clothing. On the other hand, it could have enhanced the look.
"I'm just glad you didn't have us dress up to do this."
Looking indignant, Ranma-chan replied, "I don't enjoy it _that_ much.
Just the food. Even though I've _had_ to do that on occasion, I don't like it."
Smiling, Twister commented, "You've _done_ that? Oh, right." Smirk.
"I wouldn't comment. _You_ might have to sooner or later." Ranma
growled.
"I'm kidding! If you had to, you had to." Twister continued softly,
"Sometimes you have no choice..." She shook her head. "Anyway, are we almost
there yet?"
Ranma-chan stopped before a store open to the street. "Here it is.
Start acting cute."
Wearing a serious face for a moment, Twister replied, "Yes sir! We
shall achieve our objective!" Then she went into cute mode. "Golly! Let's
go in!" And practically danced and skipped in.
Ranma-chan stared after her before walking in herself.
"Should've realized he'd ham it up," she muttered.

A little while later, they walked out with some chocolate on their
faces. This did not help to diminish the cute factor.
Twister was waving inside, "Thank you!" She smiled happily.
Ranma-chan was right on her heels. "Thank you!"
They then started walking away and waited a minute before wiping
the chocolate off.
"I like eating sweets like that and this allows me to do it safely
but..." Ranma-chan looked incredulously at Twister, "How did you _eat_ that
much???"
Looking a little bashful, Twister said, "My body looks like yours
but my metabolism is the same as my male body. I told you that I don't
_need_ to eat if I don't use my powers or exert myself. Apparently, I can
also store that energy when I don't need it." Placing a hand over her stomach
she went on, "I wanted to eat that high-calorie stuff till I was full so
that I wouldn't have to worry about being wasted after I do something special.
Unfortunately, I also seem to digest food a _lot_ faster." Twister chuckled.
"It helped my wallet that those guys serving us gave us free sundaes. I
guess they figured that a hyper-active girl like me needed a lot of food
just to keep moving."
"Think you'll need to do that again?"
"I might have to if Malkon's around." Twister frowned. "Practicing
the magic half of me now will take a lot of energy." She grinned. "Know
any all-you-can-eat places?"
Ranma-chan snorted, "They won't letcha in after the first time."
"Not if I alternated between forms and acted _really_ cute in this
one." Twister debated.
"Ranma!" Cried a familiar voice.
Ranma-chan was resigned to it. Twister was wary of it.
"Hi Shampoo." Ranma-chan replied cautiously.
Shampoo's attention was all on Ranma-chan as she leaped to land in front
of Ranma-chan, totally ignoring the almost exactly-looking Twister. The pig-tail
had identified Ranma.
"Want to go with Shampoo on date?" She smiled.
"I thought you were trying to kill Twister." The person mentioned was
not pleased with this reminder and made a face at Ranma-chan.
"Shampoo have plenty time for that! Now you date Shampoo?"
"Well, I'm glad she doesn't _quite_ have a one-track mind." Twister
said sourly.
Shampoo whirled at this strange female voice which insulted her.
"Who you, not nice girl?" What she saw was a mirror image of Ranma-chan's
face which understandingly confused Shampoo when she registered the similarity.
Twister chuckled because of Shampoo's face, "Two, two, two for the
price of one!"
"How...two...Ranma?" Shampoo looked back and forth between the faces.
Locking on Ranma's pig-tail, she confidently said, "_This_ Ranma!" Whirling
to face the other, she continued, "Who you??" Her face mirrored her puzzlement.
"I'll give you three guesses and the first two don't count," Twister
smiled.
Still puzzled, Shampoo thought about it. Eventually, realization
dawned as she recalled the one person she knew with that kind of humour.
"YOU TWISTER???" She looked completely confused now.
Twister sighed and nodded, "Yup. Thank Happosei for this."
Confusion give way to a smiling, murderous intent. "Then if Shampoo
lose _this_ way, I not have to marry you!"
"I don't think it works that way Shampoo. I believe you thought
that about Ranma once, remember?" Twister started backing away in spite of her
words.
"Shampoo not care! I still KILL!" Shampoo raised now-present maces
and leaped to attack Twister.
Dodging and thanking deities that she still had heightened reflexes in
this form, Twister shouted, "Shampoo! I've found my power is different in
this body! I'd rather not have to use it!"
Shampoo replied with a strike that would have driven her into the
pavement.
"Yikes!" Jumping out of the way, Twister thought of a quick,
relatively harmless rhyme and called out, "Have it your way then!"
She shouted out,
"Maces that care not where they land,
Rebel against thine owner's hand!"
Twister put a small amount of power into it, not wanting it to last long
or seriously harm Shampoo.
A purple glow enveloped Shampoo's maces. She paused; puzzled at
the strange light coming from her weapons. Suddenly, one of her maces
jumped towards _her_ in a strike while she was still holding it. Too
stunned to react, Shampoo was unable to protect herself and was knocked
unconscious by the mace. Her maces were going to continue the attack but
Twister mentally cancelled the hastily made spell quickly.
Walking over to the prone Shampoo, Ranma-chan and Twister contemplated
the knocked-out figure.
"That fight ended in a hurry." Ranma-chan commented.
Twister smiled, "So much for her date." Sighing she continued, "I'd
better get her home, we can't leave her here and since I'm the one who did
it..."
Looking dubious, Ranma-chan nodded, "Ok, but you'd better do it quick."
Picking up the unconscious girl, Twister sighed. "You don't need to
tell me twice. I'll be home soon!" With that, she leaped to a roof-top and
bounced away to deliver Shampoo.
Ranma-chan rubbed the back of her head after seeing the manner Twister
had departed in.
"Twister's _gotta_ be getting used to things 'round here."

Soon, Twister and her unconscious burden reached Shampoo's restaurant.
Knowing that her form wasn't the same, she decided to walk into the building.
Telling Cologne about the arch-demon's now-confirmed status was important.
Twister walked in and called out, "Cologne! You here?"
Coming out, Cologne saw someone who looked like Ranma-chan but not
in Chinese clothing and minus a pig-tail holding a limp Shampoo. "Is
that you son-in-law? What happened to Shampoo?"
Sitting Shampoo on a chair, Twister replied, "I'm not Ranma and
Shampoo tried to kill me again." She sighed. "That's a habit I'd really like
her to break."
"Twister??" Cologne's eyes widened.
Twister nodded and said ruefully, "Malkon wasn't killed. He must have
gone to the cursed springs in China and sent some water to Happosei. You can
guess the rest." Brightening, she continued, "The bonus is that I can use
rhyme magic in this form."
Still a little stunned that the arch-demon still lived, Cologne nodded,
"I had wondered about that. Shampoo told me you had entered the Event but the
lack of magic caused me to wonder." Looking at Shampoo again, she went on,
"You'd better leave before she comes to."
Nodding, Twister stood up, "I came inside to warn you about Malkon but
you're right. Wouldn't want to trash the place." She bowed towards Cologne
and headed for the door.
Unfortunately, Mousse happened to come in at that time. He was still
looking a little battered from the last time with Twister but was almost
recovered. He spotted Twister leaving, and even without the pig-tail Mousse
thought it was Ranma.
"Ranma! What are you doing here?" He readied himself for battle.
Not wanting to fight again so soon, Twister didn't correct him,
"Shampoo there tried to kill Twister again. As you can see she didn't fare
too well but she's basically alright. Just unconscious. You'd better check
on her just in case." That said, she passed the now running Mousse, who was
going to Shampoo, and left.
Cologne chuckled to herself, "That one is clever, that is for sure."

Going home, Twister decided to stop by Ukyou's and have a chat. And
something to eat. She wasn't hungry but having the extra energy couldn't
hurt.
Stopping at the door, she chuckled, *Another person to surprise.*
Then headed in.
Ukyou had her back to Twister so she was able to get a seat before
Ukyou noticed. When Ukyou turned, she saw Twister and smiled broadly.
"Ranma, honey! Did you come to have something to eat?" She saw the
absent pig-tail and her face showed shock, "What happened to your hair??"
"BUZZZZZ! Incorrect! The correct question was, 'Who the heck are you?!?'"
Puzzled by 'Ranma's' behavior, Ukyou was concerned. "Are you alright
Ranma?"
Twister rolled her eyes and looked to the ceiling, "And here I thought
my charming personality would shine though." She said to herself out loud, "I
certainly thought the first time we talked you got a pretty good impression
of me then."
Still confused, Ukyou just gazed at Twister until Twister started
pantomiming a tornado. "TWISTER??!! How...did...THIS...??"
"Add arch-demon and cursed water with lust-crazed old Master and stir
well. You should get a wonderfully confused Twister." She chuckled.
Shocked at Twister's predicament, Ukyou said, "You don't look very
shocked or angry."
"I used up my confusion account a long time ago." Twister paused. "I'm
overdrawn in fact. All the things that have happened to me kind of does that
to you. I just hope nothing more too serious happens to me. Unluckily,
with Malkon about that's not too likely." She looked towards the kitchen,
"Mind making another special for me?"
Grateful for doing something familiar in her surprise, Ukyou complied
with the request and headed towards the kitchen.
"Hmm. At least, I'm having fun updating people."

"So Shampoo attacked you _twice_ since I last talked with you?"
"Yup. Beat her once with magic and once with psionics." Twister shook
her head. "I _wish_ she'd get the point!"
Ukyou looked incredulous, "After going after Ranma for so long?? I
don't think she _can_ take a hint. When she puts her mind on something,
she doesn't give up easily."
Forlorn, Twister sighed, "You're right. Well, I told Ranma I'd meet
him...er...her...er...AGGGHH! Whatever! At home, anyway." She stood up.
"Thanks for the wonderful meal again and the talk. It's good to do that."
Ukyou smiled, "No problem, it's my pleasure. You certainly talk about
interesting events."
"Till next time then!" Twister paid for the bill and went back to
the Tendos.

The reception Twister got when she returned surprised her.
"What took you so long? It's almost dinnertime!" Akane was angry.
"Whoa! I just talked with Cologne about Malkon for a bit. I thought
it better she know he was alive. I also stopped at Ukyou's for a chat and
to update her on my status in case she confused me for Ranma in the
future." Twister was surprised. "Why are _you_ so angry? I would think Ranma
would be more of a worry on your mind."
Nabiki spoke up, "We thought something had happened to you. Given the
current state of affairs I would think that kind of concern would be
understandable." She concluded worriedly, thinking more of Malkon than anything
else.
Twister sighed, "You're right. I hadn't thought you'd be that concerned
though."
Ranma spoke from where he was leaning by the wall, "I think we've all
gotten to know you enough to consider you a friend."
Akane nodded firmly, "And friends look out for each other."
Twister looked at Nabiki, "I guess we should at that."
Nabiki blushed.
Surprised and nervous at this reaction, Twister called out, "Well!
Is supper almost ready?"
Ranma groaned. "How can you _eat_ after that ice-cream _and_ likely
eating at Ukyou's??" He ate a lot but Twister...
"I open mouth, insert food, close mouth, and swallow. Simple, no?"
Twister grinned at Ranma's green face. "I take it you yourself haven't quite
recovered from the dairy delights yet. Ah well, more for me...and Genma."
Ranma groaned again.

Chapter Twenty-Four
-------------------

Early morning sunlight caressed a restless sleeper. The sleep was
a troubled one, as the groans issuing from the mouth proclaimed. Head turning
back and forth in denial, the body twisted away from whatever vision filled
its head. With a final, sharp groan the sleeper awakened and sat up sharply
from the bed.
*No!* Twister was shocked and dismayed at what he had just woken
up from. He rubbed his eyes with his hands. *No. That can't happen. I won't
_LET_ that happen!* He shook his head to clear the cobwebs from his mind.
Thinking more clearly, he pondered the dream, or rather, nightmare.
*I can't afford to think that was a _normal_ dream. I've never
remembered dreaming something so vivid in my life. It _has_ to do with
my precognitive power.* He smiled grimly. *But like I said to Ranma a
while ago, there are likely _infinite_ paths to the future. I just dreamed
the most likely path to happen at the moment. Not a pleasant one. But one
can _change_ paths. If one knows what is to come if one does nothing.* He stood
up determined. *No time for games now, Twister. Malkon is coming. I don't
know how soon or how much time I have to prepare for it but unless I am,
and also my friends and allies, I see a dark path ahead.* He pondered what
to do. *From what I saw, those I recruit will need a lot of help. I think
only _I_ can furnish that. Time to work in earnest on magic I believe.*
Twister smiled grimly again.

Nabiki was worried. Twister had changed, for some unknown reason, a
week ago. The night before the change, he was normal. The morning
after, a completely different Twister came out of his room. Only for
breakfast. He had looked a little frightened but a _lot_ more determined
about something. And serious. He never cracked a smart comment or made
a joke anymore.
*What happened that night?* She wondered. *Something changed him
and I'm not sure why.*
He had even flew out for a time, even though she now knew about his
slight fear of heights, and had returned with a large sack of _something_
extremely heavy by his stance. Twister had refused to comment about it.
Happosei hadn't even tried to change Twister into a girl. He too was
frightened by the change.
Ranma, idiot that he was sometimes, had confronted Twister and had
asked what was up. Twister looked like he was going to say something then
had changed his mind and merely commented that Ranma would find out soon
enough. The look in his eye discouraged even Ranma.
Soun and Genma had tried to peek into Twister's room when he was
away. They had found out that he had enchanted his room in some way and only
he could enter and see into the room.
Whatever Twister was doing must be taking a _lot_ of power since he
ate for a hour non-stop when he left his room and visited all-you-can-eat
restaurants frequently.
What was puzzling was the large amounts of hot and cold water he
took with him to his room.

After two weeks of this, Nabiki spotted Twister looking very tired
and staring into the pond. This was unusual. He had been only eating and
doing whatever it was in his room lately.
"Twister?" She said softly.
He started and looked at her, "Oh. Hi, Nabiki." He smiled tiredly at
her.
This brightened her spirits. "So, you've come out to breathe some air
finally have you?"
Twister sighed, "I think I've been going at this a little too hard but
I don't know how much time we have left."
Nabiki knew about Malkon's possible threat to Twister but she still
couldn't understand this need for urgency.
He continued, "I've done all I can for the others. Now _I_ have to
become prepared." He fingered a new necklace around his neck that she had
never seen before. It was mearly string with a sphere of some black substance
hanging from it. "_This_ is what I've done for myself so far, but I'm still
afraid it might not be enough..."
"Enough for _what_ Twister?? Why have you been so serious these past
two weeks?" Nabiki demanded.
Twister sighed, "It will happen soon. I might as well tell you now..."
SPLASH!!!
Something fell into the pond with the resulting wave drenching Twister
and Nabiki. A form rose up from the water and regarded the two humans on the
ground.
"NO!" Changed into female form, Twister shouted out in horror as she
recognized the demonic form before her from her dream. Acting with swiftness,
she quickly grabbed the sphere hanging on the necklace and broke it open.
Purple fire erupted from the sphere and enveloped Twister. Before the demon
could react, she pointed at it. Purple flames spewed forth from Twister's
finger, blasting the surprised demon unconscious.
Spinning quickly to Nabiki, Twister grabbed her shoulders and spoke
rapidly, "I don't have much time. Malkon's attacking _now_! Remember these
words. 'The truth shall come out' Go to my room with Ranma and the others.
Don't worry about the spell barring the room. Just speak those words and
it will collapse. Go to my bed _first_. There is a message disk there like
I showed you once before. Touch it and say 'confess' to it. It will tell you
the rest." More flying demons were coming rapidly and Twister didn't have
much time left. "I like you a lot Nabiki. I may even..." Twister looked
depressed. "Maybe I'd better not now. Go and please do as I say. It's
my only hope." That said and ignoring Nabiki's protests, Twister shouted
a word, pointed at Nabiki, and a field of force surrounded her. She whispered,
"Good-bye...for now." Twister turned and ran at the demons.
"TWISTER!!!!" Nabiki pounded at the field in futility.
Twister's flaming form dodged the demons with dexterity as she knocked
more out with her flame. She was aided by the fact that the demons had orders
to take Twister alive. Unfortunately, there were too many. One got behind
Twister without her knowledge and knocked her unconscious, flames gone. It
picked up Twister's limp form and gestured. Mystic bonds wrapped around her
arms, legs, and mouth. The demon looked in satisfaction at this and flew off
with Twister, the other demons following behind it carrying their unconscious
fellows.
"NOOO!" Nabiki sobbed inside the sphere.
The others inside the house finally rushed to help but they were too
late, the demons were gone with their prize. They stared in horror as the
demons flew off.
Akane and Kasumi ran to Nabiki. When Akane cautiously touched the
sphere it collapsed. They rushed to see if their sister was alright. After a
while, Nabiki calmed down and stood up. There was a very determined and angry
look in her eye. It remined Akane of Twister lately.
Nabiki glared at the direction the demons went. "Bastard." She growled.
Her family was shocked, Nabiki had never acted this way before. "Akane, Ranma,
Father, Mr. Saotome, come with me. Now." She said in a voice that allowed
for no argument and went into the house with the others following.
When they reached Twister's door, Nabiki shouted out, "The truth shall
come out!"
With a flash of light, the spell collapsed and the door opened wide.
Nabiki strode directly towards the bed while the others filed into the room.
They looked around the room and looked in wonder at what Twister had done.
Objects with notes attached to them were placed in neat areas around the floor
of the room. Vials of clear liquid, some strange equipment, large diamond
crystals. These were all glowing with a soft purple glow.
Ignoring the objects around her, Nabiki went straight to the bed,
touched the promised disk, and shouted, "Confess!"
Swirling light formed above the disk as the female Twister's form
appeared. It seemed much more solid than the previous message they had seen
weeks before. Nabiki choked and Akane put an arm around her in comfort as the
image started to speak.
"If you all are hearing this, then what I predicted has happened."
Those watching were shocked that Twister had _expected_ this, but the image went
on. "The change in my behavior was due to a dream I had. This was no normal
dream but one that offered a glimpse into the most likely future at that time.
It was not...good." She paused for a second. "Through this dream I knew Malkon
would attack soon and how. This would happen anyway. I kept silence so that
the attack would come when _I_ expected, not just Malkon. Unless he is defeated
utterly, we are never safe. I figured that the best chance to do that was
to _let_ him catch me. Risky, but the only way to find him. I couldn't
find him by spell, he shielded too well.
"My plan was this: To create magical means for you all to resist his
powers of domination and transformation and to enable you to defeat his forces
in his stronghold. Also, a means for the party you have yet to collect to
be transported to a place close to his base. _I_ will provide the location
hopefully when I am brought there. A spell will do this but it will lie
outside his forces." Twister waved around her. "These objects all have their
intended owner's name on them as well as their purpose. I haven't had time yet
to write down _all_ of their powers but what I did put down will be sufficient.
Hopefully." She sighed loudly, "Also, the base's most likely place is Seven
Luck mountain but I cannot be sure," Some inhaled loudly at that. "My dream
included some of the Seven Lucky Gods martial artists fighting for Malkon as
well as minor demons. They are obviously spelled but I created means to break
that hopefully within your own protections. No powerful demons are likely to
be there other than Malkon, I believe demons are _very_ competitive with each
other." Smiling fondly, she added one last thing. "Nabiki." Nabiki started at
this. "Don't go with the others. Please. It's important. I'm sorry to have
caused you...pain. But...it couldn't be helped. I wish it _had_ been."
Twister looked very sad. "I...I..."
The figure faded away.

Chapter Twenty-Five
-------------------

Nabiki stared at where the magical image of Twister had been in
silence.
Ranma muttered, "Seven Luck mountain. Kirin. Oh just great. Why
can't it be _easy_ for once."
"I don't think Twister believed he had much choice Ranma." Akane
answered as she watched Nabiki. "I certainly couldn't think of a much better
way to fight an arch-demon like Malkon."
Nabiki snapped out of her trace and had a fierce look on her face,
"Well, if he doesn't think I should go," She glaced around the room. "then
I'll organize this 'party' he mentioned before you go." Suddenly, she looked
sad. "It's the best thing I can do now."
Akane grabbed her hands and squeezed them. "If he said not to go then
he _must_ have had a very good reason Nabiki. Besides, you're not a fighter.
_We_ are." She looked at Ranma, Genma, and Soun, then at all the equipment
scattered about the room. "You _are_ better at organizing stuff anyway. He
certainly made a lot of stuff didn't he?"
Ranma walked around the objects on the floor. "Sure did. I wonder
who he wanted in this party anyway?"
"Let's check out the sheets on them and see if he mentioned that."
Nabiki started looking at each paper.
Reading each paper as he walked along each object, Ranma's eyes got
bigger and bigger.
"Is he _serious_???"

Shuffling the papers together, Nabiki found the list Twister had made
for the party.
"Ranma, Akane, Ukyou, Mousse, Shampoo," She looked a little surprised.
"Kunou, and Kodachi?? He _must_ be desperate. Hmm. No mention of Genma, Soun,
Happosei, or Cologne. More sense than I thought he had with this crazy scheme."
Soun and Genma looked indignant while secretly relieved, "Daughter!
Is that any way to speak about your father!"
Nabiki smiled, "Likely for protecting the house, Daddy, is what I meant."
"Oh."
Ranma smirked at that. *Nice cover-up Nabiki.*
"I'd better gather the others." Nabiki stood up. "No offence but I think
I'll be able to pursuade them better."
Ranma smirked again. "Or else."
"Ranma!" Akane smacked him.
"Just start finding out who gets what. You can explain what it will do
when they get here." Nabiki frowned. "Ryoga could be a problem."
Flipping though the papers, Akane exclaimed, "Twister thought of that
already. Some sort of personal, one-shot teleport for Ryoga. Twister
apparently used one of Ryoga's bandannas to focus on him."
Laughing, Ranma exclaimed, "I _have_ to see his face when he comes."

Nabiki's first visit was Ukyou's restaurant.
Ukyou saw her immediately as she came in. Ukyou was surprised. Nabiki
practically never came here and from the look of her face something was up.
"Hi Ukyou. I have to see you about something."
"I don't see you around here often Nabiki. What's up?"
"I know Twister has talked to you a few times."
Ukyou nodded. "Yes, but the last two weeks he's been here he was very
quiet. Something seemed to be bothering him but I didn't pry. Do you know
what it is?" Something in Nabiki's expression made her think she wasn't going
to like the answer.
She was right.
"He had a sort of future dream that showed Malkon capturing him. He
was preparing himself for the past two weeks." Nabiki's face fell a bit.
"Twister was taken early this morning."
Ukyou's shock showed plainly on her face, "WHAT? Why? What can I do to
help?"
Nabiki smiled a bit, "Thanks. Apparently, he created a _lot_ of
equipment for a party to rescue him and to get to Malkon. One of the people
he had on the list was you, as well as a few others."
Smiling at this, Ukyou said, "Gladly! Just let me close the restaurant
and I'll go to your house." Ukyou paused and frowned, "What _kind_ of
equipment anyway?"
Nabiki chuckled for the first time in a while, "Knowing Twister, likely
_very_ destructive, considering it's Malkon."

The next stop was Shampoo's restaurant. Walking in, she saw Shampoo
waiting tables while Mousse was staring at Shampoo from a corner table.
Knowing full well of Shampoo's vow to kill Twister, Nabiki looked for Cologne
instead. Walking up to a counter she spotted Cologne in the kitchen.
"Cologne!" Nabiki called out.
Cologne heard her name and walked over to Nabiki. Shampoo wondered
what Nabiki wanted with her great-grandmother and walked towards them.
Looking up at Nabiki, Cologne figured out the most likely reason
she knew of that Nabiki would be here with such a serious face.
"Something happen to Twister?"
Nodding, Nabiki replied, "Demons surprised him this morning and took
Twister away."
Cologne paled, "They didn't try to kill him? That's not good. The
arch-demon will try to take Twister's magic for his own and since Twister is
likely innately more powerful than Malkon..." She shook her head, "Malkon's
power will likely more than double. He will be unstoppable."
Looking at Cologne, Nabiki replied, "That's right. Twister, however,
foresaw this coming with one of his Mind powers. He made a magical arsenal
for a party to rescue Twister and get Malkon. A list he made for the
party included Mousse and Shampoo." Shampoo started at this.
"Shampoo not help Twister!" She looked very angry.
Sighing, Nabiki turned to Shampoo, "Shampoo we are going to be facing
an arch-demon's forces. For all the help Twister made for us, I believe the
party will need everyone to make it successfully." She paused thoughtfully.
"Ranma will be going as well you realize. Twister is his friend and without
your help Ranma may not make it back."
While that point was sinking in, Cologne added, "You _must_ go girl!
An arch-demon with that much power will not be satisfied sitting around!"
Grudgingly, Shampoo nodded, "I go."
"And since Shampoo is coming. You will too, Mousse. Right?" Nabiki
asked Mousse where he was still sitting.
Calmly, Mousse declared, "Of course. I must go with my future bride."
Before Shampoo could debate that point, Nabiki hurriedly said, "Great!
Meet at our house. Twister made some stuff you two are going to love I bet."
Cologne softly muttered to herself as Nabiki, Shampoo, and Mousse left.
"I hope it will suffice..."

Reaching her final stop, Nabiki thought to herself, *Now this should
be fun. Kunou is easy, but Kodachi...well, I'd better try.* Steeling herself
and putting on a cheerful face, which she did not feel herself at the moment,
Nabiki entered the Kunou home.
After much pompous introductions and such, Nabiki finally got to talk
with Kunou and Kodachi together. Nabiki filled them in on Twister's abduction
and the means to help him that he had left behind.
Kunou paused in thought for a moment and then stood up, waving his
bamboo sword above him. "Yes! I shall embark upon this perilous quest to
rescue this 'Twister' person from Evil's clutches. Nothing will withstand
Tatewaki Kunou's might no matter how powerful it may be. I shall also
protect Akane in the midst of the horrors to come. No matter the odds, we
will be victorious!" He posed dramatically, "Beware Malkon! The Blue Thunder
of Furinkan High will defeat you!" Kunou turned to Kodachi. "Sister! Will you
join us on this noble quest?"
Kodachi smiled unnervingly at Nabiki, "Why not? It sounds like fun.
Nothing the Black Rose cannot handle. But..." She leaned towards Nabiki with
a gleam in her eyes. "What sort of 'special' objects did this 'Twister' leave
to help us?"
Smiling broadly, Nabiki said, "Where Twister's concerned you can bet
it's going to be amusing. Not for poor Malkon though."
Kodachi's smile grew broader. "Oh good, I just _love_ those sort of
surprises..."

Ukyou arrived at the Tendo house and noticed Ranma by the pond.
He was placing something on the ground that Ukyou couldn't see.
"Ranma!" She cried out in greeting. "What are you doing? Something
to do with Twister?"
"Hi Uc-chan." Ranma looked up and smiled at her bringing a warm
glow to her heart. "I'm gonna get Ryoga now. Twister made this thing to bring
him here. There's not much chance of finding him otherwise. I was about to
activate it."
Puzzled, Ukyou asked Ranma, "Why are _you_ doing it? I thought you
didn't like Ryoga much."
"I _don't_. I wanna see the look on his face when this brings him.
It should be very funny." Ranma chuckled and backed away from the crystal.
Looking at it, Ukyou wondered, "What is it made of anyway?"
"Diamond." Seeing Ukyou's astonished face, Ranma laughed. "I see
Twister hasn't told you everything he can do yet." That said, Ranma uttered
the phrase he had found to activate the spell. "Come on down!"
Purple light slowly grew within the crystal. It intensified until
both watchers had to look away. Suddenly, the light flared, died, and a small
thunderclap heralded Ryoga's arrival.
His expression was all Ranma could've hoped for. Equal amounts of
startlement, fear, and confusion were clearly pasted on his frozen face as he
stood posed to take another step, holding the straps to his backpack firmly.
Ranma took one look at this and collapsed laughing.
"You...should...see...your....face...Ryoga!" He gasped out.
This released Ryoga from his state of shock. Anger now showed on
his face. "How did you do _this_ Ranma!" Ryoga balled his fists and started
advancing on the still laughing Ranma. Then he paused as he realized something.
"Now I can see Akane again."
This halted Ranma's laughter immediately. "Wanna bet?!" He shouted as
he jumped back up and faced Ryoga, who got ready himself.
Ukyou was wondering what to do when Akane came out and saw the two
facing off, about to attack each other.
"Ranma!" Startled, Ryoga and Ranma swung their faces towards Akane.
"You were _supposed_ to bring Ryoga and tell him what's going on! Not fight
him!" Anger showed on her face.
"Well _he_...um...he..." Ranma couldn't say why he had about to fight
Ryoga to Akane. "Oh never mind! You tell him then! I'll show Ukyou what
Twister made for her. Come on Uc-chan." That said, Ranma went into the house
with a smiling Ukyou behind.
Akane stared after Ranma and Ukyou, anger and something else now
warring within her. After a brief struggle, Akane took a deep breath and started
talking to a waiting Ryoga. "Do you remember Twister, Ryoga?" When he
nodded, she continued, "Well, I've some bad news to tell you." Akane
proceeded to tell Ryoga about the abduction and Twister's plan. That said,
Akane asked Ryoga pleadingly, "Will you help us?"
Ryoga was horrified at the idea of Akane going without him to protect
her from all those demons she had talked about. The choice was a simple one
to Ryoga. "Of course. I will join your group Akane."
The smile she made then lifted his heart. "Thanks Ryoga. Let's go
in and see what Twister made for you while we wait for the others to come.
They should be here soon.
Ryoga nodded and followed Akane into the house as Ukyou had followed
Ranma.

Chapter Twenty-Six
------------------

Twister woke up, still in the arms of her captor. The smell of the
demon threatened to send her back into unconsciousness but she managed to
stay awake. They were still flying so that meant Twister's plan would
work. Or rather, _could_ work.
*I'd better hope I can make plans as well as I can make diamonds.*
Twister mused to herself. *I can only pray that the others gather and are
prepared in time.* Thinking about the group as a whole, Twister silently
groaned in her mind. *I may be doomed. Nabiki, please get them ready in time.*

"WILL YOU ALL SETTLE DOWN ALREADY!!" Nabiki shouted. The sight before
her nearly drove her insane with rage but she forced that luxury down. The
sight before her certainly warranted the rage though.
People froze what they had been doing. There were two groups of people
who had been shouting at each other. One was Ranma, Ryoga, Mousse and Kunou.
The other was Akane, Shampoo, Ukyou, and Kodachi. The arguments had strayed
from Twister's problem to their own problems with each other. The groups
had formed unconsciously, with the boys arguing about the girls, and the girls
arguing about the boys. Typical, but certainly not welcomed by Nabiki who
had always been uninvolved with their love troubles. She _was_ involved with
this current crisis however, and she certainly sounded like it.
Calmly talking in the silence that had followed her shout she continued,
"In _case_ you _all_ have forgotten, we have an arch-demon who is about to
do something with a friend of some of us here. This will result in said
arch-demon's power increasing dramatically enough to likely become unstoppable.
If we don't start preparing _now_, then we will be too late and the problems
you were so intelligently going about before WILL BE MOOT!" She shouted at that
last. "This arch-demon is _male_. We know he was _interested_ in Akane when
Malkon saw her. He will likely take Shampoo, Ukyou, Kodachi, and others.
The guys he will kill or enslave to his will." Nabiki looked at the faces
turned towards her. "So will you _please_ sit down so you can prepare?"
The true threat of Malkon finally sunk in the minds of even the most
stubborn of those present and they all sat down again, although with some
hostile looks between them.
*Well, better than nothing. That's for sure.* Nabiki thought,
exasperated. "Akane. What did Twister leave to protect the group from Malkon?"
Akane left the room and came back with a _very_ large diamond crystal
in her hands. She placed it on the table and started talking about it. "This
crystal apparently does a number of things." She looked at a piece of paper
briefly, then continued, "First of all, when a person puts a hand on the
crystal and says 'shields up', then that person will be protected against
domination and transformation magics. Secondly, the palm which touched the
crystal will, hopefully, break a domination spell for anyone else if the palm
is placed on the forehead of the person enchanted. Lastly, Twister has a spell
that will teleport anyone who was protected by the crystal to a location viewed
by Twister when activated. Twister mentioned that the spell might take a
minute to activate in order to prevent Malkon from stopping it." Akane put
down the paper and went to the crystal. Placing her hand upon it before
anyone could object, she called out, "Shields up!"
Purple fire engulfed her hand and with unbelievable swiftness, spread
all over her body. She almost panicked at this but the fire seemed to sink
harmlessly into her skin and disappeared.
Ranma worriedly said, "You ok? How's it feel?"
Wonderingly, Akane exclaimed, "Like a warm blanket! I'm fine! It feels
like it covers my mind _and_ body. It's comfortable."
Not wanting to appear afraid, especially with Akane's positive reaction
to the spell, everyone else to go in the party touched the crystal and was
prepared as well.
Nodding that this important part was done, Nabiki went on to the next
topic. "Now that _that_ is done," *Finally* she thought, "let's go on to the
things Twister made for you." Flipping through papers, Ranma picked out
the paper intended for each person there and gave it to them. "Some of you
have seen the objects but these papers describe in a lot more detail of
what you will get." Some exclamations were made around the table as they
read what was written on the papers. Twister had managed to match his
descriptions to the personalities of some of the more...unstable ones, so
even they looked happy as well with what he wrote. "Only half will actually
_get_ extra items, since Twister thought most would be more happy with your
normal weapons enhanced rather than brand-new ones." Nods all around the
table with that comment. "Twister also mentions some _extra_ things he did
but didn't have time to write those down so be careful and if you find
them...point in a demon's direction if you can." Nabiki looked thoughtful.
"He also mentioned that some or most of the Seven Lucky Gods martial artists
had become enchanted. I very much doubt that Malkon didn't equip his most
'loyal' followers with magical weapons as well so be careful with them.
You told me how good they had been last time." Several grim nods there.
Nabiki got up and motioned for them all to follow her to Twister's
room. "Now you had better get ready. We don't know how long we have before
Twister reaches Malkon's stronghold." Surprisingly, they were silent as they
followed her but from the look in their eyes, she surmised they were looking
forward to this grand melee. Apparently, they hadn't had a large battle
for some time and were now eager to begin it. Especially, to play around with
the 'extra options'.
*You'll need them, I think.* Nabiki thought grimly.

The demon saw its destination ahead by the large pillars of hot water
coming out of the earth. It started losing altitude to land.
Twister felt this and cracked open an eye. *We're here. Joy. Now the
fun begins.* She thought as they swooped down.
Using the mystic senses she had discovered in this form, Twister felt
the protections surrounding the arch-demon's new lair. *Been a busy boy, hasn't
he? I would guess the _only_ way in, is through the gates. Those shields feel
formidable. He's been preparing.* She thought grimly. *Well, so have I.*
The demon landed, finally, before the first gate. Twister could see
one of the martial artists Malkon had enchanted but the name eluded her.
The lower class demons also swarmed around, eager for battle they felt was
sure to come with Twister's abduction.
*Sooner than you _think_ guys. When you see the people coming to
help me I do _not_ think you will be so eager anymore.*
Seeing that she could wait no longer, Twister looked around for
a good spot. *There.* She smiled inside. A large flat rock well away from
the demons but in sight. Fixing the location in her mind, and praying that
it work, Twister activated one of the two dormant spells she had given herself
when she had broken open the black sphere. It was merely a location spell
and would not be noticed. Only a mental nudge was needed to start it and...
*Done!*
Twister had felt the magic locate the spot she had specified and
was now fixing the _much_ more powerful teleport spell it was attuned to in
the big crystal to this location. Slowly. Malkon wouldn't be able to notice
this until too late, she hoped.
Suddenly, the demon started walking towards the first gate.
Twister's sense of humour came to the fore. *Abandon all hope ye
who enter here... _Not_ a good thought at this time, Twister. I wish I could
be certain this will turn out ok. Get here in time guys...*

The group had been gathered around the table for about a half an hour
when a vision flashed through their minds. A large flat rock, with the first
gate beyond and quite a few demons guarding it. The big crystal on the table
started to glow as the teleport spell prepared itself.
"This is it! Get ready people!" Nabiki shouted.
"I am ready." said Ryoga.
"Let's get this show on the road." Ranma was a little nervous at all
those demons he had seen at the _first_ gate but calmed down when he remembered
the abilities of the group he was with.
"I hope we get there in time." Akane said worriedly.
"Never fear dear Akane, the gods will be with us in this noble quest!"
"Give it a rest elder brother. This should be fun!" Kodachi's eyes
burned with a bright fire.
"Shampoo always ready!" She exclaimed, looking not at all worried.
"And I." Mousse said calmly.
The crystal's light was almost to bright to look at now. Suddenly,
beams of light streaked to each of the party members since they all had touched
the diamond. They froze in place by the beam's magic and purple auras were
visible around each one before, with a multiple thunderclap, they disappeared.
The diamond had been made large in order to store and handle the
powerful magics done with it. However, this final bit of magic was the last
straw and the diamond crumbled to carbon ash.
Nabiki now sat alone, staring at where the diamond had been. The
confident expression she had worn was now gone, along with the need to
maintain it.
Kasumi came in when she heard the party depart and saw Nabiki.
Smiling gently, she went over to her sister and sat down beside her.
"They'll bring him back, Nabiki. Don't worry." She softly smiled.
Suddenly, Nabiki started crying and Kasumi put an arm around her until
she stopped.
Calming down, Nabiki looked though swollen eyes at her sister. "I'll
deny ever doing that if you say anything."
"I know."

Twister heard the multiple thunderclaps just as the demon had reached
the second gate. *They're here! It worked!* She grinned inwardly. *Now the
party _really_ begins!*

Chapter Twenty-Seven
--------------------

They appeared on the large, flat stone of their vision. A little
disoriented at first, they soon steadied themselves as the demons at the first
gate saw them with a shriek of glee. Mortals to play with!
However, the shrieks of glee turned into shrieks of pain and surprise
when the party charged into the ranks of the demons with their Twister-
enchanted weapons.

Malkon was pleased that he had gotten Twister so easily. Of course,
magic requires much more time to cast and practice, so the demons had been
instructed to get Twister wet. If Twister had been able to use psionic powers
then the demons would have had no chance.
*That cursed water proved most useful.* Malkon mused. *Now, I shall
have Twister completely in my power and the power the Event has given Twister
will be mine as well. The magic part of course.* He chuckled. *Also, I will
be able to test another theory of mine. I wonder if that magic immunity works
in Twister's _female_ form. Different powers might mean different weaknesses.*
Malkon smiled with glee. *It will make things _much_ simpler if it is.*
Suddenly, a powerful burst of magic, within the range of his mystic
senses, appeared out of nowhere.
"What was that?!" He shouted aloud.
Closing his eyes, Malkon looked with his mind's eye at the location
where the magic had occurred. He was surprised to find a small force of mortals
encountering his lower demons at the first gate, and winning.
*Who...?* Malkon thought angrily then stopped wondering. *Twister. It
must be. Twister must have prepared some mortals with the magic he figured
out in case of capture. Which just happened.* Smiling now, Malkon applauded
his opponent's foresight. *Very clever. And I wonder if...* He tried to
reach out and control one of the fighters that had just appeared and found,
with little surprise, that he could not, no matter how hard he tried. *Clever
indeed. This must have taken a great amount of time and power. Unfortunately,
for him I struck before he could better protect _himself_ or rather _herself_
now.* Malkon chuckled at the normal gender switching confusion.
*I wonder how far they will get.* Looking at the fight with no concern
in his mind he saw that the fighters were formidable indeed. Half were women
was well. *Hmm. Including that flower I saw when I first arrived. If they
survive to reach this far then I will have four additions to my new harem
I will be starting with Twister.* Thinking about that, Malkon mused over
the method he was going to use to get Twister's magic as his own. *Killing
her would do no good. I have no idea of the effect of the Event's dual powers
will have on me. The safest recourse is...marriage.* He grinned. *Oh, I believe
Twister is going to love _that_ when I tell her.*
Malkon had started thinking of Twister as an equal in his mind. Her
inexperience was a result of mortal life. The power that Twister held placed
her in the ranks of arch-demons and indeed, she had defeated Malkon in
her male body. A defeated _equal_ made victory more sweet as well.
A sudden thought struck him. *I wonder. Mortal though she _was_...
Is she mortal _now_? The level of her power might make it possible that she
is an Immortal now. If she is, then I will have a source of power practically
forever. Time will tell...* He focused his attention on the demon carrying
the bound Twister. *Soon, wife-to-be. Very soon.*
He laughed with great pleasure.

Ranma was fighting hard on the ground along with Akane, Ukyou, Kunou,
Shampoo, and Ryoga. Twister's objects had included some things that allowed
Kodachi and Mousse to fly, as protection against flying demons. He pitied those
demons. Those two could be maniacs when they let loose and fighting demons was
certainly going to do that.
Since he and Akane were primarily hand-to-hand with no ranged weapons,
Twister had created arm-guards and leg-guards that increased the power of their
kicks and punches so that the demons were really getting punished. Kunou's
sword had been boosted so that the weapon inflicted _much_ more damage as
some of the heavier demons were finding out.
Shampoo was having a ball with her enchanted maces, pounding demons
left and right. At one point, she had to let fly one of them to protect Ranma
from a demon sneaking up behind him. The mace created a large BOOM when it hit
the demon. The demon went flying, without wings, and demons around it were a
little stunned. The mace flew back into a surprised Shampoo's hand. She had
just found one of Twister's forgotten features.
She grinned. "Shampoo LIKE!" And then proceeded to try it with the other
mace with the same devastating result.
"Looks like Shampoo's having fun with Twister's party favours." Ranma
shouted as he kicked a demon into unconsciousness.
"Hmp! I guess so but I wish Twister had left more instructions with
these." Akane punched a demon into the atmosphere.
"Well, we're doing fine so far." Ranma replied as he attacked another
demon.
Ukyou flipped a demon with her giant spatula, "I agree, Ranma! These
demons aren't much in the fighting department!" She tossed some enchanted
throwing spatulas at a rushing demon who started backpedalling when he saw the glowing
missiles coming at him. With several small explosions, the demon fell over
backwards. "Case in point. Though it _would_ have been almost impossible
without Twister's help."
Suddenly, a bolt of energy hit the ground where Ukyou had been a
second before. The resulting explosion knocked her off-balance and she started
losing ground to a demon. Looking up she saw an unfamiliar face some distance
away but realized it must be one of the enchanted Seven Lucky Gods martial
artists.
Ranma recognized the fighter as Bishamonten. The big man, seeing he had
missed Ukyou, decided to go after Akane instead and headed in her direction.
Ranma couldn't get away from his fight to help her.
Ryoga, however, saw this as well. With a cry of rage he ki-blasted
a few demons out of the way and went to help Akane. He remembered that touching
the fighter's head with the palm that touched the crystal would release the
person from Malkon's control. With Bishamonten's attention on Akane only,
Ryoga managed to sneak an attack in and touched the fighter's forehead with the
hand. Unfortunately, the weapon Bishamonten held glowed brightly and nothing
happened. Shocked that the weapon had prevented his success, he failed to
counter the blow that came at him. He was thrown back to Akane semi-conscious.
"Akane...weapon...prevents...spell...to...free...him." He managed
to gasp out. "It...must be...destroyed...first!" Ryoga struggled to collect
himself.
"Ryoga! Hang on!" Was all Akane was able to get out before _she_ was
attacked. Akane was hard pressed by the demon-enchanted polearm in the hands
of the burly fighter. She blocked with her arm-guards and leg-guards and sparks
flew whenever they made contact. Suddenly, Bishamonten raised his weapon high
above his head to smash through her defenses. Akane saw it coming and knew
she couldn't stop it in time but she raised her arms and crossed them in
a vain attempt to ward of the blow. Ranma, Ryoga and Kunou saw this but all
were unable to prevent Akane's fall.
Akane's arm-guards and leg-guards thought otherwise. Both sets
of armor glowed and a sub-zero blast of cold air blew Bishamonten back,
stunned hands dropping his weapon that had mostly protected him from the
blast. Quick to take advantage of this, Ryoga went to the dropped weapon
and used his umbrella to smash it. Only the fact that his umbrella was the
only Twister-enchanted object he had on him, allowed him to break the polearm.
In a flash of red and purple light, the weapon was destroyed.
Akane went to the stunned fighter and placed her palm on his forehead.
She felt a clearing of the mind from Bishamonten and he fell down unconscious
as a result of being freed.
Ryoga rushed up to her, "Are you alright Akane?"
A little shaken at the near defeat, Akane managed, "Yes. I'll have to
thank Twister when we get back. That was a close one."
*I will too.* Thought Ryoga.
Akane thought on. *A defeated look that is an attack. He must have
seen something like that coming in his dream and prepared for it.* Then
she and Ryoga went on to beat the remaining demons.
Soon after, the demons of the first gate had all been defeated.

Malkon was not happy at how swiftly his first gate had been taken.
*They are _very_ good. Not that it will help them much. The weapons
Twister gave them only increase their effectiveness though.* He mused over
the fact. *One of my enchanted warriors was not enough. Nor were the amount
of demons very distracting. They will also be able to rest as they go from
gate to gate. I had not foreseen having the need to block the gates.* Malkon
was amused. *You chose your warriors well Twister. But we shall see who wins
the playing field.*
Malkon thought for a minute and decided.
*Yes. That will do nicely, I shall summon _all_ my enchanted warriors
and demons. Then I will have them guard this castle. The combined forces of
the last four gates will definitely give them a rough time, if not defeat
them utterly.* Having thought that, he sent his summons to the four gates and
told them to come guard the castle.
*Too bad some of the warriors here were away but no matter. I have
enough.*
"HMMMMPPPTH! GRHP!"
Turning at this unexpected sound, Malkon viewed the being who had
made the sound and smiled in greeting.
"Welcome, Twister, to my humble abode!"
Twister was not happy with that statement. "GGRRRHMP!" She was dangling
from the hand of a large demon at the moment. It dropped Twister so she could
now stand on the floor at a waved signal from Malkon and left.
"Ah. I will let you speak in a moment. I must first try something."
Malkon stood up from his throne and walked over to the increasingly nervous
and angry Twister. He looked at her with glowing eyes for a moment and went
back to the throne. Sitting down again, he waved a hand and Twister's gag
vanished.
"Gah! Finally!" She worked her mouth to get the feel of a gag out of
her facial muscles.
Malkon looked on with curiousity. "Cast a spell." He commanded.
Looking forward to this, Twister tried to but couldn't. Any attempt
to make a spell caused the words to slip away. The look of shock brought a
smile to Malkon's face.
"Hmm. As I thought. You are not completely immune to magic in _this_
form. Only psionics I would imagine. I have planted a magical suggestion
that prevents you from casting spells." He chuckled.
"That's not fair!" Twister cried angrily.
Malkon chuckled even more, "What _else_ did you expect? I _am_ an
arch-demon you know."
Groaning at this, she rolled her eyes and sighed, "Right. I should
have _known_ you would say that."
"Don't feel too bad. A future bride will soon better know her husband."
Malkon waited for her response in anticipation. This was better than torture.
"I'd rather not." Twister said before the words he said registered.
The reaction was all he had hoped for. "BRIDE?!?!?!?!?" Her mouth hung open
in shock as she paled. "You've GOT to be KIDDING!"
"Well, it is likely the only way to tap into your magical power
safely." Malkon smiled widely. "And as you can see, I do not see a problem
with gender."
She paled further at that. Twister sputtered, "You...you...!"
"I have heard that amoung the succumbi I _am_ rather a favorite. You
should feel honoured. Pity the demon breed cannot reproduce with other races."
Twister was speechless with anger and horror by now.
He chuckled, "I do wish you could see your face. Well, you had better
get ready for the occasion." He clapped and the demon that had brought her
in appeared. "Take the lady to the dressing room." Looking at her with glowing
eyes again, Malkon crooned, "Be as quick as you can, though I do realize you
have not much experience with women's clothing." He waved and the demon carried the
still speechless Twister out.
*She will not be speechless for long, unless I miss my guess.* He
chuckled.

Chapter Twenty-Eight
--------------------

The party continued past the first gate and were ready for action.
However, the second gate was empty. This surprised the team.
"Now _why_ is the gate unguarded?" Ranma wondered.
"Who cares. Let's go through." With that said, Ryoga entered the
second gate safely.
Akane looked at Ranma's surprised gaze, "You were _expecting_ something
to happen to him!" She looked angry.
Unconcerned with Akane's anger, Ranma sighed, "I thought it might have
been a trap. I doubt the jerk would have listened anyway." Looking puzzled, he
continued, "But if it isn't a trap, why is it empty? This ain't right."
Shampoo shrugged, "If not trap then go on." She walked after Ryoga.
The rest shrugged and followed.
The third and fourth gates were empty as well. This made even Ryoga
uneasy and he slowed down so that the others could catch up.
"I don't like this."
"Oh, _now_ you come to that conclusion." Ranma muttered.
Ukyou thought about it, "You don't suppose that..."
"...they all went to guard the castle? That may be it." Mousse replied.
"Oh great! That would mean instead of doing one gate at a time, we
have to do them all at once!" Ranma groaned.
Akane was hopeful, "We don't know that yet Ranma."
"We will soon and Tatewaki Kunou will be ready!" He swished his sword
in practice.

They found out the truth when they reached the final gate to the
castle.
"Oh geez." Ranma stared at the mass of demons surrounding the castle.
The enchanted martial artists that Malkon had caught were amoungst the demons.
They all looked ready for something.
"Or someone." Ryoga finished when Akane voiced that thought.
"Well, we've come this far..." Ukyou looked determined even though
she looked a little daunted by the enemy.
"Come comrades! We will defeat these hordes of Hell with our valor
and our skill! Forward!" And he started to walk towards the small army
of demons.
"Wait for me, elder brother!" Kodachi flew into the air, laughing like
a maniac.
The rest of the party looked at each other, shrugged, and followed
them, ready to fight.

"AGGHHH!!! That rotten, slimy, $#!t-eating, etc." Twister raged as
she was compelled to dress into the wedding gown that Malkon had made for the
occasion. The demon guard outside was used to curses but considering the
source of them, one who had defeated his current Master, he was utterly
relieved that _he_ was not the target of his charge's swearing. Privately,
the demon hoped that Malkon was _very_ careful and not let this powerful
being free. Not out of any loyalty but rather for his own hide.
"THEN he forces me to wear this damned gown! Damned by its maker
_AND_ its construction!" Twister fumed as she struggled with the complex
gown which she had to figure out on her own how to wear.
*GRRR! If Ranma and the others don't come soon I'll murder him myself!
Binding spells or _no_ binding spells!*
Twister let loose a howl of frustration along with a shout that echoed
throughout the castle with its force, "I'LL KILL THE BASTARD!!!!"
Demons shuddered while Malkon chuckled.

Kodachi was having the time of her life. The flying belt and pouch
that Twister had made for her made her far faster and agile then the flying
demons attacking her. Her gymnastic routines were confusing the hell out
of the Hell-flock. The ribbon that she used had been enchanted so that it
couldn't break and responded to her even better than before. Snagging one
demon with it, she would then launch the demon at another, creating a mid-air
collision and then both dropping to the ground, stunned.
"Hahahahahahahahaha!" Kodachi hadn't had _this_ much fun in a long
while. Still, only using a ribbon was starting to become boring and the demons
were learning. Thoughtfully, she remembered this Twister person's letter
about the belt and pouch. It had said:
"Kodachi. You're gonna _love_ this thing while you have it. The belt
will only let you fly but with your gymnastic abilities and ribbon, you will
be devastating. However, in the interests of your background and a break
from using the same thing over again, I made the pouch. Havoc in a small
package. To use it, simply reach into the pouch and think about what you want.
The options are sneezing, sleeping, paralysis, confusion, and freezing powders.
The powders cannot affect the owner of the pouch. Enjoy!"
Laughing out loud, she decided to test it. Seeing a demon coming
at her she reached into the pouch for sneezing powder, felt something in her
hand, and threw it at the demon. It stayed unnaturally together until it hit
the demon. Then it burst apart, causing the demon to pause and then start
sneezing uncontrollably. It crashed, being unable to fly while sneezing that
hard.
This widened her eyes and Kodachi smiled broadly. *Time to try
the others.*
The sleeping and paralysis powders acted like their names. Confusion
powder had demons fighting other demons. The last one, freezing powder, didn't
paralyse like Kodachi had thought but rather iced up a demon so much it
couldn't fly with the extra weight.
She patted the pouch fondly. *Lovely thing, and so _many_ applications.*
"Hahahahahahahahahahaha!"

Mousse wasn't having as much luck as Kodachi. He lacked her grace in
the air though, as a duck, he had _some_ experience. He was running out of
things to throw at the demons. That said a lot about the amount of demons
attacking him.
*I'd better save _some_ things for later, just in case.*
He took out the gloves that Twister had enchanted for him and quickly
put them on.
*I hate to use this instead of my own weapons but...* He flicked his
hand like he did to reveal another weapon. Instead, a card-shaped field of
force snapped into existence. Mousse wondered what Twister had meant by saying
that instead of a 'Bloody Card' he'd have a 'Stun Card glove'. He shrugged and
threw the Card like any other weapon at a demon. The Card hit the demon, energy
flashed, and the demon went unconscious to crash into the ground. A second Stun
Card had appeared immediately after Mousse had thrown the first. He was
surprised at the swiftness and effectiveness of the glove.
Then he smiled.
Using both gloves, he rapidly filled the area where he flew with
accurately thrown Stun Cards.
The sky was suddenly hailing demons.

Ukyou was having trouble with the mass of demons attacking her. Kunou
had been forced to stand behind her and they were fighting back-to-back.
She was starting to get tired and was afraid they'd be overwhelmed. Suddenly,
Kunou shouted in frustration.
"I am Tatewaki Kunou! I will _not_ be defeated!" He swung at a demon
and scored. "For I am the Blue Thunder..." Kunou's sword started glowing
and the demons paused in startlement. Ukyou looked quickly back and saw
what happened next. "...of Furinkan HIGH!" Without realizing it, Kunou
swung his sword in a half-circle in front of him. Along the arc of his
swing, blue lightning bolts shot out with multiple cracks of thunder.
When he finished the swing, the area before him was temporarily clear
of demons.
A little stunned, Ukyou muttered, "Twister. You have a _bad_ sense
of humour. At least it wasn't purple." She turned back to her own demons.
"I wonder if..." She shrugged and swung her giant spatula into the beginning
of a swing like Kunou had done. When it started glowing, she knew she was
right and swung. No lightning for her. It was heat. LOTS of it. More
than even the demons could handle and they were blown back, flaming, by a large
shockwave that accompanied it. "YES!"
Now she and Kunou were in a complete circle of devastation.
*Twister _knew_ Kunou would say that. Must've figured that I would
try the same thing.* Ukyou smiled. "I'd say we're cooking now!"
Ukyou winced at her own pun.
"These demons fall before our might!" Kunou looked as if he had
expected that to happen.
*Likely did.* Ukyou mentally snorted.

Ranma thought things were looking up. All the others were finding the
features Twister had talked about. Akane was using her freezing blast when
she got in trouble. Kodachi didn't look worried at all, she was flying rings
around the demons and laughing like a maniac while knocking them out of the
skies. Mousse was finally using Twister's gloves and his portion of the
sky was clear so he was launching...cards?...around Shampoo's area. Shampoo
was just fine however, and launching her maces occasionally to keep her space
clear. Ryoga was just plain berserk and demons were keeping a wary eye on
the very strong human who threw deadly bandanas and wielded that incredibly
heavy umbrella.
However, Ranma knew that this was useless. They had to help free
Twister or else the arch-demon would be able to wipe them out with no problem.
He didn't think they would be a match for him now.
Malkon was playing with them.
The enchanted martial artists were starting towards them now but
he knew he had to get into the castle now. The problem was that there were
too many demons in the way.
*What special options did Twister put in my equipment?* He had tried
crossing his arms like Akane's but nothing had happened. The only time his
armlets glowed was when he punched.
*Wait a minute!* Ranma quickly glanced at Akane. *Akane's doesn't
glow when she punches! Did Twister try to increase the power of my moves?*
He tried a very fast series of punches. During which, his armlets and leg-guards
glowed brighter. *That's it! It won't trigger unless I do a whole bunch of
punches and there's only one manouver that I can do that would do it.*
"Akane! I'm gonna try to get inside the castle! I think I've
found my special option! Cover me!" He saw Akane nod. "Alright then!"
He faced the direction of the castle doors.
"KACHUU TENSHIN AMAGURI-KEN!" He rapidly threw the super-fast punches
in the direction of the door. Ranma's arm-guards and leg-guards glowed brightly
and a circle of purple light started to form in front of him.
Realization dawned. *Twister choose me to be a gate-crasher in case
there were too many demons! That means....*
"Everybody! Get away from the doors!!!!!" Ranma shouted frantically.
The flying pair saw the disk of light and flew out of the way. Demons
flew into the space they had been, thinking they were running. The enchanted
fighters that were almost upon the party saw the disk as well and ran as best
they could out of the way. The path was clear of all humans now. Just in time.
The disk suddenly started to move forwards. Ranma stopped punching
and ran behind it, just barely keeping up. Anything in front of the giant
disk was consumed in its fiery tempest. Ranma's companions threw all they
could to keep the demons occupied.
When he reached the gates to the castle, the disk merely burned a hole
through them. Apparently, the disk had then reached a limit and slowly started
to fade. Ranma was happy with that. It had done it's work and he was inside.
Now that he was in hallways and rooms he had an advantage since he didn't
have to look in all directions.
Curiously though, there were no demons yet. *Must have sent almost all
outside. Good.* Familiar with the layout of the castle. Ranma headed to where
he had gone last time.
*I hope you're ready Twister because I _know_ I'm no match for
Malkon...*

More than ready was Twister. Ready to rip Malkon's head off his
body and drop kick it into the Void.
*If I get free, I'm going to let him know what True Hell is!* She
fumed as she stood there. Malkon was leisurely walking around Twister and
commenting on how she looked in the gown.
"My dear, you look simply ravishing!" He chuckled at the rage that
burned in Twister's eyes. "You must not get too upset. It _is_ true.
Considering that I've been around a long time, I am a good judge of these
matters."
"As if I had a choice!"
Grinning, Malkon replied, "I think I _know_ what you would choose."
Twister narrowly looked at him with hate-filled eyes.
"I must admit. You are remarkably well restrained for a person in your
current emotional state." He looked puzzled.
She snorted loudly, "And what good would _that_ do?!?! I _know_ you
can freeze me in place instantly if you wanted to! You'd likely enjoy that!"
Comprehension dawned, "Ah! So you restrain yourself to deny me further
pleasure. Intelligently thought out. And correct." Malkon chuckled. "Well
I believe it is time. I decided to have the leader of the mortal fighters
here perform the ceremony. He reminded me of one of the more self-centered
Overseers and it amuses me to use him to perform something like this."
Rage sightly down, Twister queried, "Overseers?"
Malkon nodded, "Overseers are to arch-demons as arch-demons are demons.
Extremely powerful and are the second-highest position a demon can get in Hell."
Seeing Twister's dubious face he nodded, "It is true. All arch-demons serve
under an Overseer. Mine allowed me to leave for some fun. I am his current
favorite this millennium." Malkon shook his head. "Anyway, now we shall proceed
with the ceremony. Stand over there my dear." Malkon pointed to a spot on a
raised platform and went to stand on a spot opposite.
Twister was starting to worry as she walked over to the spot Malkon
had indicated. Where _was_ everyone? Would they make it in time? *Oh _please_
make it on time!*
When Twister reached the spot, Malkon nodded in satisfaction and
turned to the former owner of the castle. "You may beg..."
"STOP!!" Someone shouted. Twister tensed but was shouting inside,
*Finally!*
Twister and Malkon turned to the entrance of the chamber.
Looking a little ragged from random encounters with demons in the
castle, Ranma stood bravely in the doorway. "I've come to..." His voice faded
as he saw Twister in female form and his eyes widened. She looked
heart-stopping gorgeous in the gown that Malkon had designed for her. His jaw
dropped.
Relief turned to major irritation as Twister saw his reaction, "Ranma,
if I may remind you, you have the _same_ form when you get wet." She growled.
Malkon laughed at this, "Ah, the champion arrives! Now we have to try
to see who is the fair damsel and who is the brave hero." He chuckled. Then
he smiled confidently, "I _was_ feeling rather disappointed on missing the
action happening outside at the moment. Time for a fight, I think." Malkon
motioned to the former leader of the castle and calmly said, "Kill him."
Ranma groaned, "Kirin..."

Twister saw Kirin drop the scroll he was holding and walk over to an
opposite position to Ranma. Malkon waved a hand and she felt a shield of
force appear between the two about to fight and them. Twister looked
over at Malkon.
He smiled. "Just in case..."
Then the fight started. Kirin was silent because of the enchantment
and Ranma was thankful for small miracles. The black chop sticks Kirin held,
however, did not look nice at all. Ranma moved swiftly to avoid Kirin's
slightly slowed actions. He did _not_ want to touch those things. Afraid of
touching them, Ranma didn't even _think_ of trying the same thing he had used
to defeat him last time.
Realizing this, Twister shouted out, "You can beat him, Ranma! You've
done it before already!"
Malkon smiled, "But now he fights a foe that has been equipped with
magic of my making."
"Well, he should still _try_ the same method! Come _on_ Ranma!"
*Why is Twister so determined for me to do the same thing? All I
did was dig a hot spring.... Oh. OH! That's IT! Twister needs HOT water!*
Trying to sound exasperated, Ramna shouted, "Alright already!"
He stopped dodging and positioned himself. Kirin stopped as well and readied
himself. Suddenly, Ranma moved and punched...straight down. Blowing a hole
into the floor and further.
Malkon was confused. "How did he defeat his foe before with _that_
move?"
Twister just smiled a beatific smile.
A rushing noise came from the hole which confused Malkon even further
until the hot water rushed up, filling the room.
Confusion turned to comprehension on Malkon's face. Then comprehension
to horror. He whirled to Twister and stared in total shock.
She was glowing with purple flames and smiling widely. "You prevented
me from _casting_ spells Malkon. Not triggering ones already cast! This
one's for you!"
"DISPELL MAGIC!" The second of the spells she had laid upon herself
was then triggered fully and rushed out in a wave of purple flame. It consumed
the barrier Malkon had cast between her and Ranma, it attacked Malkon's personal
protections, and it disrupted his control over Kirin.
Running for the hot water, Twister dived in her gown. Malkon saw this
through the strain of trying to keep his protections up and started to point a
finger in her direction.
Kirin, however, had been aware all this time Malkon had enchanted him.
His rage at this arch-demon almost matched Twister's. He had luckily had his
wife away at the time of the takeover with the twins but that still did not
make him any less angry at being used like this. With an iron will, Kirin won
enough of his control back to throw the black chopsticks at Malkon. When the
sticks hit Malkon's defences, they blew up in a small explosion and staggered
him.
Twister was momentarily forgotten.
This was quickly rectified by Twister's MALE voice shouting loud enough
to vibrate the walls.
"MALKON! YOU ARE TOAST!"

Chapter Twenty-Nine
-------------------

Staring in horror, Malkon saw Twister's male body outlined in his
blue aura. The gown was in shreds around his body because of his rage and
larger body. It no longer looked like a gown of any sort. That did not make
him any less formidable-looking to the other three males in the room. His
eyes were a completely glowing ice-blue now and looking right at Malkon. With
a wave of his hand, Twister teleported Ranma and Kirin down to where the
fighting was happening.
Out of the _true_ battle zone.

They reappeared near their friends who were still fighting.
Kodachi was busy with Monron. She was frantically trying to wrap
the, now, more than razor sharp strings with her ribbon, which the wire could
not cut through. It looked like a stalemate until Shampoo threw a mace at
Monron's biwa. It shattered and burst into red flame. Kodachi and Shampoo
moved in to free Monron's enchantment
Ryoga was shielding Akane from Muu. He had a giant belt on that
apparently allowed him to breathe fire and throw fireballs from his hands.
The umbrella Ryoga had was enchanted to shield people as its main function.
It fulfilled it's task wonderfully. Kunou then suddenly attacked Muu from the
side calling out "I am the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!" The enchantment in the
sword responded and multiple mystic lightning struck the belt. It melted
and the thunder blew it off Muu. Ryoga then rushed up and leaped on Muu
to free him with his palm.
Mousse and Ukyou were busy with Ebiten. They were dodging his
fishing line, which was everywhere it seemed and looked electrified.
Finally, Ukyou launched her heat wave attack with her giant spatula.
The line burnt away and the fishing pole was slightly charred as it protected
Ebiten. Mousse immediately launched about twenty Stun Cards. Two hit Ebiten
and he want down. The rest finished the job on the fishing pole. Mousse
flew down to free Ebiten.
All the lower demons appeared to be out cold.
Ranma turned to Kirin and put his palm on Kirin's forehead. Kirin
staggered a bit but stayed conscious. He smiled.
"Kirin thanks you for saving the Seven Lucky Gods martial arts school
from that fate." He saw the others of the party freeing the enchanted Seven
Lucky Gods martial artists.
Ranma looked up at the top floor of the tower. "It's not over yet."
Looking up as well, Kirin nodded, "Yes. Who is this Twister that
arch-demon seem so afraid of?"
About to answer, Ranma was cut off by a large explosion. The top
floor of the building had been blown apart by blue flames and a figure in
a red aura shot out of control up from it. Another figure in a bright blue aura
was right on its tail.
Seeing Kirin stare in awe and feeling a bit of the same, Ranma finally
said, "Someone he ticked off _big_ time."

Malkon was really starting to become worried now. His protections
had been largely disrupted by the spell Twister had triggered. He was even
more vulnerable now then when he had fought Twister last. To make matters
worse, Twister was thinking more than last time and attacking more frequently.
"ARCTIC ICEWIND ATTACK!"
Malkon groaned as ice pierced his body. He Healed it but he couldn't
last much longer.
Trying to buy some time to think, Malkon rushed Twister and called
his Black Blade into existence. Twister responded by making his diamond
sword and getting ready. When their blades clashed, Malkon looked at Twister's
eyes and shuddered. His doom lay in those ice-blue orbs.
On the ground, the fighters could see the encounter. Twister hadn't
tried to learn swordplay but he still blocked every move. The swords moved
so fast even Kunou couldn't see them clearly.
The combatants locked swords. Malkon was startled when Twister spoke.
"I remember this little fight from last time Malkon. However," The diamond
sword started to flame blue as Twister talked, "when you opened the Magic to
me, the Mind part increased in power as well." With that said, Twister swung
at Malkon in an attack for the first time. Desperate, Malkon blocked with
his sword. When they met, the diamond sword shone blue flame brightly and
Malkon's sword shattered. "Now there is a victor."
Malkon threw what was left of his sword at Twister. The release of
control allowed the dark forces free and streaked towards Twister. Flying down
towards the castle, Malkon gained time while Twister countered the dark force
with his own blue flame.
Now in a panic, Malkon had but one hope of survival. He didn't want
to do it but he had no choice if he wished to survive the hour. Teleporting
was useless. Twister would just follow. Transforming himself was no good.
His aura was too close to hide. Just one thing could save him. Plea for
help.
Not with the mortals but with his own Master.
Flying into the wreckage of the top floor, he swiftly flew down
the inside of the structure until he reached a sub-floor. He entered a heavily
shielded room and entered.
This was where he had summoned all his lower demons. Malkon had also
kept in contact with his Master as was proper. He had seemed amused with
Malkon's progress and towards Malkon's respect towards the mortal Twister.
Sighing, Malkon calmed his mind and initiated contact.
#Well well my current favorite. Something is disturbing you greatly.#
%Yes, Master. Twister had planned for his/her escape and is now%
%hunting me.%
#Why did you call me. Do you wish for a favor?#
%Sigh. You see all Master.%
#What do you wish from me? I will demand a price you know.#
%I know. Better that than non-existence.%
#Twister is that strong? Very well. What do you want?#
%A trans-dimensional switch with me and kill Twister.%
#You think it will require an Overseer?#
%Better safe than sorry.%
#Very true. I accept. I will collect later.#
%Thank you Master. I will not be easy till Twister is dead.%
#I will start the procedure now. While it occurs you cannot be harmed#
#and I will allow you to see through my eyes as I kill Twister.#
%Thank you Master. I am ready.%
As the transfer began, Malkon had to sigh. *What a waste.*

Twister was about to enter the castle when he felt uneasy. Something
terrible was about to happen. Wondering what was up, he extended his senses
in the direction Malkon had gone. He sensed Malkon's aura but it was slowly
fading away. More alarming was the fact that another aura was appearing
in exactly the same place, but much, much more powerful.
*What the heck?* Twister was confused. *Malkon is fading and another
is coming? Who would...?* Remembering Malkon's conversation with him about
Overseers, Twister paled as he hung in mid-air. *He's not... He is! OHHHH
SHIIT!* He rocketed down to the people below.
Akane wondered what was the matter with Twister, he looked frightened.
"What's wrong Twister?"
"Apparently, I've scared Malkon out of his wits. Unfortunately, he
called for help from his Master. I can sense his aura coming as Malkon
leaves. Back to Hell, hopefully." Twister was wondering what to do.
"How strong is his Master?" Ranma inquired. The long, hard look he
got back was answer enough. "What do we do?"
Pausing, Twister appeared to be considering something, then he
answered, "Keep him amused for a minute or two. Or I should say 'blast him
as hard as you can'. I think I might have a way, if an idea about my nature
is correct. I'll be at the final gate." He rose from the ground.
"How will we know you're ready?" Ryoga demanded.
With a grim face, Twister replied to that question as he flew away.
"Oh, you'll _know_."

Chapter Thirty
--------------

The group standing near the castle watched Twister go to the final
gate.
"How the heck will we know when this Overseer comes?" Ranma wondered out
loud. The earth trembled. "I hadta ask."
From the hole in the doors, flames rushed out in a stream. Flame was
soon was shooting out of every part of the castle open to the air. Then, the
building collapsed in a fiery heap. The watchers looked on as a form struggled
effortlessly out of the rubble of the castle. They gasped. He was huge!
Thirty feet tall, the Overseer stepped out of the rubble. He was not as human
looking as Malkon had been. He looked more like a red, giant minotaur.
Flames roared out of his bull-like nostrils and his hooves sizzled the grass.
"I understand the 'amused' part now." Ukyou faintly said.
The bull-head looked around and then bellowed.
"WHERE IS TWISTER?" He spied the mortals on the ground.
Ranma shouted, "He's not here at the moment! Did you want to leave
a message?" The others stared at him. *Musta been around Twister too long...*
"AMUSING. BUT NOT THE ANSWER I SEEK. WHERE IS TWISTER?"
"I _said_ he's not here!"
The Overseer paused for a second, wondering where to start looking.
Meanwhile, the group had gathered together.
"We're only gonna get one shot so everybody hit him with your best
shot at once." Ranma told them.
Nervously looking at the Overseer, Akane said, "Are you sure about
this Ranma?"
"No. But Twister needs time I think. This will give him it. Let's go!"
They positioned themselves around the Hell-creature and at a signal
from Ranma, attacked all at once.
Akane used her frost blast.
Kodachi her freezing powder.
Ranma with the advancing, light shield.
Ryoga with a powerful ki-blast.
Ukyou with her heat wave.
Shampoo with both maces.
And finally, Kunou with his Blue Thunder move.
The heat, cold and energy blasts collided with the Overseer's legs and
he stumbled a bit then stood still again.
Unharmed, the Overseer looked down at the mortals.
"Oboy." Ranma muttered.
"YOU SEEK TO GAIN MY ATTENTION? I WILL ASK ONE MORE TIME. WHERE IS
TWISTER?" The Overseer sounded mildly annoyed.
Ranma was about to speak again when a gigantic voice interrupted him.
"YOU WANTED HIM AND NOW YOU GOT HIM! AND BOY! ARE YOU GONNA REGRET IT!"

Several minutes earlier, Twister had sat down, wondering how to
beat the Overseer, at the final gate.
*I've survived the Event! But can I beat this Overseer though?* He
pondered that fact for a few seconds.
*I wonder. _Can_ I access the Event directly? It _is_ the source of
all Magic and Mind but _I_ in a way _am_ it. Or rather, a small representation
of it. I am Mind and Magic too as a result of entering the Event. Could
a small Event access the much larger Event and tap a very small part of it for
a minute or two?* Twister thought about it and decided. *It's my only option
left that I can try right now. I'd better start.*
Twister gathered his strength and dived deep into his being. He had
much more control over his powers than when he had first arrived but nowhere
near anything approaching competence yet. A rough ride was ahead. Diving deeper,
he could see a strange sight in his mind's eye. It was the junction between
his Mind and Magic powers, it looked just like the Event. He could feel that
it was a part of him now. Now and forever. And since it was part of him,
he could command it to open a very small channel of Power from the larger Event.
He did so.
Power rushed forth, into both Mind and Magic halves of his being. He
felt like he was being torn apart and in opening his eyes saw that he _was_ in
a way. She/he saw from two sets of eyes. Disorienting. One faced the other.
Separate yet together. An Event. Blue flame covered his/her male form and
purple the female form. Yet she/he must be _one_ to _use_ the power. That was
obviously the next step. She/he chose the male form to be the end result of
the union. She/he then touched palm to palm and concentrated. Her/his
forms moved together again but the flames did as well. A male form appeared
but with powerful blue/purple flames roaring about it. The strain of
Mind/Magic forced together was incredible. Twister could not do this for long.
He stood up and found his body glowed a brighter blue/purple than the flames.
Twister had also grown to be forty feet tall. Only a minute he sensed could he
remain like this so he hurried to the castle.
He heard the final query of the Overseer and answered it.
"YOU WANTED HIM AND NOW YOU GOT HIM! AND BOY ARE YOU GONNA REGRET IT!"

Overseer and mortals alike gaped at the glowing figure rushing towards
the Overseer.
"WHAT THE...?!" The Overseer was astonished. The power radiating from
the glowing figure was immense! That was the last thought he had a chance to
form before Twister attacked.
Twister made a flying tackle at the smaller figure and thought, *Time
to _really_ turn up the heat.* He concentrated almost all his power on the
Overseer in his grip.
The Overseer screamed. Flames of Mind/Magic consumed his body, his
magic, and his mind. The overwhelming power of the Event shattered his
defenses and then his life. His form was consumed instantly in Twister's
grip as Mind/Magic flame flowed into it.
He had not much time left and Twister wanted to do some more.
Summoning his power he did two things, he found every demon in the area and
flung them home by means he instinctively understood in this form and then,
facing the castle, he released the rest of his Event borrowed power to
restore the castle to its original, undamaged state.
Feeling himself shrinking, Twister sighed in relief that it had worked
and fell deeply into unconsciousness.

Everyone stared in awe as the glowing, now-forty foot tall figure of
Twister tackled the Overseer. They ran away from the titans as they did not
want to get trampled by the battle.
Which was very brief.
They stopped at the Overseer's cry of death and turned to see Twister
finishing off the Overseer by consuming him in flames.
Then Twister stood for a second and everyone wondered what he was
doing now. Suddenly, demons everywhere vanished from where they lay. Twister
turned to the pile of rubble. The castle reappeared. Unharmed.
They then noticed Twister starting to shrink and sighing.
Before they could get to him, he had collapsed on the ground,
unconscious.
They gazed in awe at the crumpled figure at their feet.
Ranma then commented with a little awe, "I have a feeling he's going
to feel THAT in the morning..."
Kirin stared at his now restored castle in wonder. "Kirin had thought
he would have to rebuild again. Now there is no need. Kirin invites you all to
stay for the night. You look weary." He looked respectively at Twister's form.
"He will recover better in a good bed. Kirin's own. It is the least Kirin
could do. For his generousity."
Akane smiled, "Thank you Kirin."
"The pleasure is Kirin's."

Twister woke up to the biggest headache he had ever had in his life.
When he tried to move without opening his eyes, he found out that every
square inch of his body ached. A lot. Opening his eyes, he saw he was in a
wonderfully soft bed with a canopy. He tried to sit up but pain flared
and he saw spots before his eyes as unconsciousness threatened again.
"Uhhhhhh....." He groaned.
A door opened quickly and Akane rushed in.
"Twister! You're awake!" She cried with joy.
He waved his hand down. "Please... lower the volume. My whole head
echoes."
Speaking more softly, Akane asked, "How are you?"
"Other than I have a headache the size of the Overseer and ache over
every part of my body, I'm ok. I won't try sitting up for a few more minutes
though." Twister groaned and held his head. "I am _never_ going to do that
again. Once is enough and I really don't like pain." His stomach growled
out loud. Twister was startled. "I _must_ be tapped out if my stomach is
complaining _that_ much." He checked his power. Almost nonexistent. "Yup.
Tapped out. How's the food around here Akane?" Twister grinned weakly.
"Ok if you don't mind pickles." She grinned.
"Right. I forgot. Nevermind, I don't care. I need anything I can get
if I want to recover any faster." He sighed. "I sleep long? Hours, days,
weeks?"
She shook her head. "About a day."
Shocked, Twister muttered, "Jeez. I must heal faster than I thought.
I ripped myself apart pretty badly." He tried sitting up again and managed
to stay up. "Another victory! Now to stand."
Ranma then walked in after hearing Akane earlier, "Hi Twister! You
ok?"
Giving the grinning Ranma the Evil Eye, Twister growled, "Yes, once
this echo from your voice goes away."
Turning to Akane, Ranma chuckled, "I _said_ he'd have a headache."
"Yes, and so does Akane now. Cure? Throw Ranma out of room. Shall
I start treatment now or do I kill you later?"
Ukyou walked in, "If he's making jokes, he must be ok."
Twister sighed with great suffering, "Why me?"
Taking something from behind her back, Ukyou placed it in front of
Twister. It was a large pile of pickles.
"Food!" He immediately started devouring the pickles. Less than
two minutes later he finished them all. "Ahh. That's better."
Ukyou, Akane, and Ranma stared.
Smiling, he told them, "I _said_ I was hungry."

Soon, because of the pickles, Twister felt good enough to walk, though
he still ached and his headache was only down a little bit.
The three escorted him to the hall where Malkon was about to marry
Twister.
"Brr. That thought still gives me shivers."
"What thought?" Ukyou asked.
"Malkon marrying me. Now _there's_ a fate worse than death."
Akane and Ukyou were shocked, "He was going to _marry_ you??" They
exclaimed. Then laughed.
Raising an eyebrow, Ranma chuckled, "You should have seen him in that
wedding gown Malkon made."
"You _did_ as I recall. I had to remind you to pick your jaw off the
floor." Twister sarcasticly said. "Even though _you_ have the same damn body
after getting wet! Malkon compelled me to dress myself. Damn thing had more
buttons than I could count."
Akane and Ukyou laughed again.
Twister sighed, "No pity. No pity at all."
"Well, we do have a lot of sex appeal in that form." Ranma offhandedly
said.
Akane smashed him into the wall.
Chuckling, Twister thanked Akane, "Ah good. That saves me the trouble
later."
They then entered the hall, with Ranma a little wobbily behind them.
Kirin was sitting on his throne with his fellow martial artists standing
beside it. The party stood to either side of the hall.
"Ah, you are awake at last Twister." Kirin smiled.
Twister smiled back, "Pardon me for not bowing. If I did, I might
keep going till I hit the floor."
Kirin chuckled, "Kirin understands. You did a mighty thing and mighty
rest is required after such tasks."
"That particular mighty thing I don't care to repeat. It's a little
too...hazardous to my health." Twister sighed, "But at least it got the job
done."
"In any case, the Seven Lucky Gods school of martial arts is thankful
for what you have done. Anything you want, within Kirin's powers, is yours."
Smiling, Twister replied, "I think what I want, most of all, is just
some food and rest. My companions who came at my behest, also deserve a lot
of thanks for battling the demons to get here. When I feel recovered enough
we can go home. Unless..." A thoughtful look came to Twister's eye. "We _are_
in China. Ranma, Shampoo, Mousse, do you want to? It would be something to do
while here and wait for me to regain my strength. Maybe Ryoga too, you're
strong, just to help me...in case I have trouble."
The three mentioned, straightened as they remembered the cursed
springs. Ryoga straightened as well, thankful that Twister hadn't mentioned
him as being cursed.
"Yes! Shampoo like to go!"
"I, Mousse, as well!"
"I can't believe we almost forgot again." Ranma shook his head.
"Of course I'll help Twister."
Suddenly, another thought crossed Twister's mind, "No..." He frowned.
Wondering at this, Akane asked, "What Twister?"
"Just a bad thought that came to mind."
He still looked a little worried.

Malkon wasn't too sure of how he felt as he rested after his ordeal
in his inner chambers of his dwelling in Hell.
His Master was gone. That was bad.
Through the link they had shared, he had received some of the
Overseer's power. That was good.
Before the link ended, he had seen Twister glowing with power. That
was bad.
Twister had returned Malkon's demons. That was good.
The other Overseers were saying he had planned the whole thing
but would find out he couldn't have foreseen the result. Mixed good and bad.
He was sure Twister wouldn't come after him since Malkon was in Hell
again and Twister was likely sorely tired of dealing with demons for a
_long_ while. That was very good.
He guessed he felt fairly good about the whole deal and had come out
a little ahead. The amount of excitement Malkon had had would likely last him
ten thousand years. Not that he would be anxious to have _that_ much excitement
again. It had been a little too close for comfort.
It was a pity though.
Twister had looked _very_ nice.
Malkon chuckled.

Chapter Thirty-One
------------------

Travellers walked up a misty trail hidden in the mountains. Five
figures walked upon it.
The man who called himself the Guide spotted the five people
approaching him. They looked vaguely familiar, except for one.
The one that did not look familiar spoke, "Is this Jusenkyou?"
"Yes it is, sir. Famous cursed springs of Jusenkyou you have found.
I am here to help you understand the many strange and terrible curses that
are found in each spring." He bowed.
"I believe you may have seen a strange figure come this way earlier?"
The One asked. The other four appeared excited.
"Oh yes, sir. Very strange that one. He ask about one cursed spring
and then asked to be alone. When I came back, he gone!"
"Hmm. I hope my fears are unfounded." The One pondered.
"What are you talking about Twister? We're here aren't we?" Ranma
asked Twister.
"You ask this fine gentleman here what you want. I think I'll wait
here. I believe it would be useless for me in any case." Twister sighed.
"Shampoo not understand. Why not work for Twister?"
"It opened and allowed access to my Magic half. I don't think that
door can be closed again. By anything. My power came from the source of all
magic. It will easily be able to resist. It's my nature now."
Ryoga strode forward and started talking to the Guide. Soon, all but
Twister followed the Guide.
Twister muttered to himself, "I _could_ be wrong about this. Malkon
may _not_ have done that."
He heard a few splashes in the distance.
Silence.
Then he heard angry shouts.
"Then again, I _could_ have been right." He chuckled.
The four people he had come with came back. Bone dry.
"How did _you_ know this would happen?!" Ranma shouted.
"Malkon likely believed that I could be cured by coming here. I think
he's wrong but he likely didn't want to take a chance for me to remove my
weakness. He likely cast something so that cursed people couldn't touch
the cursed water again." Twister sighed.
Ryoga demanded, "Can't you _undo_ it?"
"I can't touch water. By Mind _or_ by Magic. I still can't figure
it out." He shrugged.
"What was clear liquid Shampoo pour over maces to enchant?"
"SALT water. I enchanted the SALT and dissolved it into water. It seemed
easier to pour onto something. That's the closest I can get to water."
They all groaned.
"Can't _you_ do something, Twister?" Ranma demanded.
Twister chuckled, "Against a WATER-based spell? Not likely. _Resist_ it
myself, yes, but on someone else?" He shook his head "Not a chance."
Mousse sighed, "I guess we should get home then."
"I'll be strong enough to take us all back when we return to Seven Luck
mountain." He sighed. "At least I don't need to worry about Malkon any more."
"Maybe something else, perhaps." Ranma chuckled quietly to himself.

Nabiki was going crazy. Twister had managed to teleport a long letter
relating what had happened but neglected to mention _when_ they were going
to return.
Genma tried to calm Nabiki, "They likely didn't know how long they
would be, Nabiki. The cursed springs is a hard place to find."
Soun looked curiously at Genma, "I would think you would be upset
at not going, Saotome."
"That's likely because he knows Twister could teleport him there
anytime. Once he's _been_ to a place, he can teleport to it by psionic power."
Nabiki acidly replied.
Genma looked a little sheepish.
She continued. "Ranma's the only person that really _needs_ to be
uncursed. Then Mrs. Saotome wouldn't go head-hunting for them."
Soun laughed. "You're right, Nabiki. Then Saotome could go at his
leisure"
Nabiki was about to say something similarly sarcastic to her father
when...
BOOOM!!
The thunder of displaced air blew Soun, Genma and Nabiki away from
where they were sitting and scattered them on the floor, looking at the
arrivals.
"Whoah! Can we make an entrance or what! Cannons roaring at our
coming!" Twister grinned. "Have Twister, will travel!" He saw Nabiki glaring
at him from where she was rising from the floor and his mood lowered a bit.
"Uh... Maybe I should've sent a note first." He said sheepishly.
Nabiki advanced on him with a strange gleam in her eye that Twister
didn't like. "Uh, Nabiki, are you ok?" He started walking backwards, then ran
with Nabiki close behind. "What did I do???" He cried as he ran upstairs towards
his vacant room with Nabiki on his heels.
The other arrivals looked at their departure and shook their heads.
Ranma chuckled, "He faces demons, an arch-demon, an Overseer,
and he _runs_ from Nabiki. That tells you something."
In a dangerously quiet voice, Akane asked him, "What's that Ranma?"
Oblivious to Akane's mood, Ranma went on, "Which is more dangerous:
demons or girls. Obvious, from _his_ reaction." He smirked.
She threw him _hard_ into a wall and for once, the other girls didn't
object.

Caught in a corner, Twister was trapped by Nabiki who was advancing on
him.
"Heh heh. Uh...are you mad at me?" He replied nervously.
"Now why should I be angry? You've only been captured by an arch-demon,
almost _married_ to him, faced off with a ten-times more powerful being, and
couldn't send a letter for almost a _week_ after that! SO WHY DO YOU THINK
I'M ANGRY?!" She shouted at him.
Twister sighed, and looked her in the eye. "Because you were worried
about me?" He softly said.
Nabiki glared at him for a few seconds more before breaking down and
going into his arms, sobbing. He stroked her hair.
"I'm sorry. I've never been much for bringing to mind important things
sometimes. But I'm getting better." He chuckled. "Not by much, I'll admit."
She stopped sobbing, looked up into his eyes and forcefully said,
"Oh shut up and kiss me already."
"I haven't had much practice..." He started saying.
"On the job training then." She pulled his unresisting head down to
her level and kissed him. Twister returned the favor.
Kasumi walked away from the door smiling.

Ten minutes later, with Nabiki looking like herself again, they went
back downstairs. They saw Ranma holding his nose and figured he must have
gotten Akane mad again.
"Another tiff with Akane?" Twister chuckled.
Ranma nodded sourly. "Yesh."
Nabiki looked around. "Did they all go home?"
Akane walked back in, "Yes. They all wanted to go back to rest in
their own homes again. Ryoga just wandered out for a minute."
"Lost again, the idiot." Ranma muttered.
Twister nodded, "It _has_ been a while. What time is it anyway?"
Kasumi came out with food, "It's lunchtime."
"No more pickles. That's a relief. They may be good but..."
"You wouldn't want to live on them." Akane chuckled.
Twister's stomach rumbled. "Geez. That teleport must have taken more
than I thought. I'll have to go to some ice-cream parlor or something."
"Too bad you don't have that gown. _That_ would get you a lot." Ranma
chuckled.
Mildly, Twister responded, "Ranma, I've gotten pretty good at
teleporting lately."
Ranma frowned, "Yes. So?"
BANG! "Wahhh!" SPLASH!
Calling out to the pond, Twister continued, "Do _not_ mention that
gown again, please!"
Akane struggled to hold her laughter in while Nabiki sighed, "Well,
things look like they're back to normal around here."

After lunch, Twister sighed. He pondered on what to do with his time
now that Malkon was gone. *I'd better make a diamond for Nabiki to sell. I
think I may be getting low on funds.* Mentally going over what he spent on food
he nodded. *Yup. Definitely going to have to. Maybe I should go into jewelry
making. I have a lot of spare gold I TK'ed from the sea. Or maybe save that
for gifts. A telekinetic can make all sorts of goodies.* Twister smiled at
that thought and stood up. He was still hungry and he thought of going to a
all-you-can eat place. *Time to put thought into deed.*
He stopped by Nabiki's room and knocked.
"Come in."
He opened the door and stuck his head inside. "I'm still drained
so I'm going to terrorize an all-you-can-eat place. Then I'll come back to
make another diamond since those people you sold it to suggested they might
want more. I'm low on cash and you too, I would wager."
She nodded. "I haven't had to sell Kunou's negatives yet, though."
Twister laughed, "_That_ was a good one. Well, I just thought I'd
tell you before I charge myself up again." He smiled, "See you later."
She smiled back, "You too."

Chapter Thirty-Two
------------------

After seeing the horrified looks of the all-you-can-eat place, Twister
left.
*Probably wondering how I can humanly eat that much and still live.*
He chuckled. Twister suddenly remembered something about his enchantments.
*Oh dang! I knew I forgot to tell them something! I'll have to tell them
soon.* He started towards Ukyou's. *I'll tell Ukyou, then Shampoo and
Mousse.*

Reaching Ukyou's, Twister went in and smiled at her. "Hello!"
"Hi Twister! Ordering something?" She chuckled.
"Nah. But you should've seen the guy's faces in the all-you-can-eat
place. Priceless."
Laughing now, she queried, "Why are you here then?"
He sighed. "I remembered something about the enchantments. They'll
wear off in likely another week. I'd just thought I'd tell you."
Ukyou nodded, "That's good. I don't want to accidentally fry someone
by mistake."
A sudden idea flashed in Twister's mind, "Do you allow people to
use your restaurant for parties?"
Intrigued, Ukyou said, "It depends on the person. Why?"
He smiled. "I just got this idea..."

After discussing the idea with Ukyou, Twister went to Shampoo's
restaurant.
*Somewhere along the way in China, Shampoo lost her interest to kill
me. That's great but I wonder why.* He shrugged and walked in.
He saw Shampoo waiting tables and Mousse in a corner table, again.
"Hi Shampoo. Hi Mousse. I just thought I'd tell you something."
Shampoo smiled, "Hi Twister. What matter?"
"Those enchantments I made will only last for maybe another week. I'm
still new at this stuff." He shrugged.
"That all right. Shampoo not care much." She'd miss the fun though,
Twister read in her eyes.
"I did not need it much anyway." Mousse replied from the corner.
"By the way... I've been meaning to ask you. What changed your mind
about killing me? Not that I mind, but I'm just curious."
She smiled, "Shampoo see now that just Twister's way of dealing with
thing and not really mean to humiliate Shampoo in bad way."
Twister chuckled, "You're right. I didn't understand why you had been
so angry at the time. I guess I do now though." A mischievous gleam twinkled
in his eye. "Just be careful the next time I get you."
"You certainly are the trickster when you want to be," Cologne replied
by the counter.
"Sometimes. Sometimes." He grinned at Cologne and left waving
good-bye.
Shampoo got nervous. She called out, "You tell Kodachi about
enchantment ending?"
From outside she heard, "You think _I'm_ crazy??"
Cologne chuckled as Shampoo sighed in relief.

Twister soon returned home and started on that diamond.
*Let's make the sucker a larger one this time. Same shape though.*
He went though the same process as he had made all his other diamonds and
the relatively small diamond was ready in half an hour. He stood up, stretched,
and went to Nabiki's room again, knocking.
"Hello?"
"I come bearing gifts." Twister showed the diamond to Nabiki.
"That's half again as large as the first one." She commented.
"Heck. You saw large the teleport crystal was. It only carboned
because of the immense magical power strains on it." He glaced at the one
she now held. "The industrial and scientific applications are far less
stressful on diamonds." He chuckled.
Smiling at the diamond she commented, "Anything else?"
Twister grinned, "As a matter of fact..."
She sighed, "I should have known."
"I asked Ukyou first because I was curious about something and now
you, since you I wanted to ask from the beginning for this."
Raising her eyebrows, Nabiki asked, "What are you talking about?"
"We never really did have a proper celebration for everyone..."

The next two weeks Akane and Ranma didn't see much of Twister. He
always seemed to be going somewhere and there was a strange smile on his
face almost every time they saw him.
"At least he's not grim this time, like he was before." Ranma
commented after school.
"True. But what is he doing? And where? He's not doing anything in
his room. Father looked." Akane was puzzled.
"Knowing him, it'll be different I bet."

Evidently, the next day, which was a Saturday, was the day Twister
would reveal his secret. Akane found a envelope with her name on it in her
room. She opened it and looked in wonder at the card inside. It was minutely
detailed with what looked like gold to Akane and her face was the background
for the card. It read:
----------------------------------------------------------------
Twister would like you to come to Ukyou's restaurant to discuss
an important matter relating to the recent trip to China.
Please do not have lunch as refreshments will be served.
Time will be 4:00pm
Thank you,
Twister.
----------------------------------------------------------------
*What in the world is he up to now?* Wondered Akane. "Ranma!"
"Yeah?" She heard faintly.
"Have you found a card in your room?"
"No. Why...wait. I just found one." Pause. "I guess we'll be finding
out what Twister has been up to."
"I wonder how he put these...never mind. He's Mr. Invisible when he
wants to be." She sighed.
"This gives me something to do today now." Ranma commented outside
her door.
"We'd better get ready then..."

At 4:00pm everyone who had gone to help Twister in China was seated
at a very large table for the number of people involved. Twister had had to
teleport Ryoga again.
Twister and Nabiki walked out of the kitchen with Ukyou and seated
themselves.
Looking very serious, Twister began, "I realized soon after we returned
from China that we had forgotten one major detail. I have been working in
secret with the help of Nabiki and Ukyou to remedy that problem." He gazed at
everyone at the table solemnly.
"What we miss Twister?" Shampoo asked nervously.
In answer, Twister raised his hands and clapped.
The clap became a thunderclap as huge amounts of different sorts of
food and drink appeared on the table simultaneously.
Twister grinned widely, "We forgot to celebrate getting home in one
piece of course!"
Everyone was stunned with the amount of food prepared.
"H-how did you _get_ all this Twister?" Akane stammered.
"I _made_ most of it. With help from Nabiki and Ukyou of course." He
grinned.
"Most of it?" Ranma looked at the vast amount of food.
Twister continued, "Of course, magic spells to keep things fresh
helped."
"So _this_ is what you've been doing!" Akane accused.
"Guilty as charged ma'am. This is just my way of saying thanks." He
paused then chuckled, "If your eyes don't convince you then let your noses!
Dig in!" Twister started selecting various foods on the table. The rest of the
group quickly followed.
Several hours later, the group finally became stuffed and had to
go home. They had mostly eaten, drank, or talked about what had all
happened in China. Surprisingly, no one attacked anyone else though there
were a few close calls that Nabiki or Twister managed to defuse before things
got out of hand.
One of the comments during eating was from Shampoo.
"How you know to make most good stuff?" She was curious.
Twister laughed. "I've always had an urge to cook every once in a
while. Mostly desserts though. Most of the main stuff I learned from watching
Kasumi for a few weeks and some help from Ukyou. Having a perfect memory now
makes cooking a lot easier." He chuckled and handled a slice of pizza he had
made. "Though some main dishes I remembered myself."
Ukyou had tried the pizza and liked it. It was very similar to her
own specialty.
"I declare this meeting a success!" Twister announced, smiling
widely. Then he looked at the still massive amounts of food left over.
"Of course, I would be grateful if some of you took some of this stuff
with you. Not even I could eat _this_ much." Most took quite a bit to
Twister's relief.
Akane, Ranma, Nabiki, and Ukyou were soon the only ones left.
Twister grinned at Nabiki and Ukyou. "Well partners, looks like the
operation was a success. Now to divvy up the spoils before they become the
spoiled. Anything you want Ukyou, take now, or forever hold your peace."
Ukyou took what was left of the pizza. Natch. "That it? Ok."
Clapping his hands again, Twister sent all the food to the Tendo
home. "I mentioned to Kasumi that I might be bringing a lot of food home.
Mr. Saotome and Mr. Tendo should be nicely hungry by now." He grinned. "That
takes care of half of the food. Three-quarters, if Happosei is there. Waste
not, want not."
"This was some surprise Twister." Akane said.
"Well, I _was_ kinda glad everyone came to China. I thought this was
the best way to show it. I felt the urge to make something anyway, and with
my extra talents, this was well within my capabilities."
"It sure was great eating it." Ranma commented.
"Aren't you a fairly good cook Ranma?" Twister questioned.
Nabiki broke in, "Sure. If you can manage to drag him through the
kitchen door."
"Or necessity? Like when Kasumi was sick?" Twister chuckled. Ranma
glanced nervously at Akane at that comment.
Akane was angry and also confused that Twister would know about the
time she and Ranma had done a cook-off when Ranma's mother was there and
Kasumi ill. Then she remembered that in Twister's world this universe was a
story. Her look promised impending doom.
"Perfect!" Twister said happily for some reason, "Now I can ask another
question. Ranma or Akane, would either of you mind teaching me martial arts?
I need something else to do or I'm going to go nuts."
"Huh?" Ranma said.
Akane felt the same way. "I thought you couldn't do that because you
were afraid you would lose control."
"In my _male_ form, yes, that's true. However, I have to call out a
rhyme in order to do anything in _female_ form. To be really safe, all I have
to do is not talk during a session." He looked pleadingly from one to the
other. "I really would like to learn. It would help in a lot of things and
I might as well use that form's advantages for things other than ice-cream."
Twister chuckled.
"I think Ranma better. He's faster than me and your body is already
pretty quick." Akane conceded grudgingly.
"And no future sight." sighed Twister.
"Alright." Ranma agreed after some thought.
Smiling warmly, Twister thanked Ranma.
Turning to Ukyou, Twister thanked her again for the use of the
restaurant.
"No problem. Besides, you _paid_ me for it." Her smile belied the
comment.
"Well time to boom home. It's raining out so I'll take us to my
room." Waving to Ukyou, he did so.
BOOM!
Appearing in Twister's room, the foursome then went downstairs. They
found Soun, Genma, and Happosei still eating the leftover food.
"Ah! The appreciative taste-testers. Two thumbs up?" Twister queried.
"Excellent Twister! Practically like Kasumi's!" Cried Soun.
"I should hope so. I learned most of the main courses watching her."
Walking into the kitchen, he saw Kasumi, "Finish already?"
"Hello Twister. Yes I did. You did very well." She smiled.
"Had a good teacher." He chuckled. "Watching you make it helped a
lot."
"_That's_ why you wanted to watch!" She exclaimed smiling.
"Yup. I don't cook too often though. Just when I have to or the urge
hits me."
Kasumi smiled again, "Well, thank you for doing supper for me today
anyway."
"No problem." He bowed and exited the kitchen.

A little while later, Twister had changed into female form again and
was wearing a gi. Ranma was standing opposite her.
"I'll just go over the basics first." Ranma started showing Twister
moves and correcting her occasionally. Twister had fairly good judgement
in proper movement and she learned fairly quickly.
After an hour, Ranma called it quits. "You're pretty good for a
beginner. Must be those changes in your body."
"Yup. I'd learn faster in the male form but this is safer." She paused
for a second. "When we start practicing against each other...will you have
a problem with this form or not?" Twister turned an inquisitive face at Ranma.
Obviously, he had not thought that far ahead. "Umm. I'm not sure."
"It's not like I'm actually a girl but if the form fits... If you have
trouble with it then maybe _you_ could change too. That would be interesting."
Twister chuckled. "And easier on you."
Ranma thought about and sighed, "I think I'd have to change. I just
don't feel comfortable hitting a girl but when I'm in the other form it's
not as bad."
"Ok then. When I get to the point when we can start sparring against
each other, _you_ change as well." She paused in thought. "That might be better
all round in case someone dropped in. That would compound your problems."
Groaning at the thought, Ranma agreed, "If Kunou happened by..."
Nodding, Twister agreed, "Exactly. 'Ranma! You fight the pig-tailed
one? Die!'"
Sighing, Ranma agreed.
"Now _that_ will be a sight. Ranko vrs. Ranko. Double vision time."
Twister thought of another thing. "Also, I need to do something with my
clothes. If I ever change forms accidentally, I do _not_ want to wreck them.
Hmmm. I guess that would require some thought and some magic."
"You figure _that_ one out, could ya do the same for mine?"
"Sure. No problem. Anything for a friend."
Twister smiled at the words and reflected that things were definitely
looking up in his...um..., *'Her' as well now I guess,* changed life.

----------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------- T H E E N D -------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------- F O R N O W -------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------

Author's Note: This story WILL be continued! Stay tuned! :-)

Profile on Twister so far: Twister was once an average young man going to
university before getting summoned accidentally by Happosei. He was
thrown into a powerful phenomenon called the 'Event' which is a meeting
of the sources of Mind and Magic in the Void. This act was done by an
arch-demon going by the name of Malkon, as true names would give people
power over him.
The result of this action changed Twister from a normal being
into something which even Twister is not fully aware of. Twister has
great power now but not very proud that he has it. He doesn't really
believe it makes him better than everyone else.
Just a little different.
Right now when fighting, he is reluctant to use his powers and
will only use them if wounded, about to be killed, or angered. Twister
is very slow to get angry enough at someone to use his power. He
seems to be very attracted to Nabiki and time will tell how that
relationship comes out.

Twister's Powers: When these appeared first, he had powers of the Mind. These
were apparent at first:
Telekinesis(which he used to boost his physical abilities),
levitation, teleportation, and a curious incarnation of mental power,
mindfire. Prescience was also evident in his swordplay with Malkon.
Other powers may be his but as yet undiscovered. Further testing showed
that he could use some of these powers without calling up his full
strength which is visible by the appearance of Twister's blue aura.
Direct magical effects seem unable to affect Twister in this form.
Twister's body was changed as well. He is much more stronger
than he was before and his strength is currently greater than Ryoga's
or Shampoo's without enhancing it with his power. Speed, reflexes,
stamina, and other things have all been increased as well. He must
eat like everyone else but he uses it much more efficiently and can
store the energy for future use without much visible effect on his
body. Exertion or use of his powers uses that stored energy more
quickly. Digestion also seems improved remarkably though he does not
need to eat if he has stored enough energy to not become hungry.
The arch-demon Malkon viewed Twister's power with some thought
and divined that there was more to Twister's power than mere psionics.
He sent the same cursed spring water that Ranma had fallen into to
Happosei, who proceeded to douse Twister with it. Twister's magic
resistance failed dramatically because the water allowed Twister's
other form of power to come to the surface. Magic.
While in female form, Twister discovered that she was able to
cast magic spells through the use of activating rhymes, visualization,
and power. Magic is very versatile so only the effects Twister has
accomplished so far is listed.
Twister has been able to enchant objects with power for
both offensive and defensive use. She has yet to discover how to make
PERMANENT magical items, for her enchantments will fade if not renewed.
Also has made a anti-scrying shield that covered an entire town in
order to prevent Malkon from seeing what she was doing. Teleportation,
message disk enchantment, personal defenses against domination and
transformation, as well as flight spells were also made by Twister.
However, the ultimate form of Twister's power is not by
either Mind or Magic but rather by a unique combination of the two
united by Twister's being. The use of the power was very stressful
for Twister's body and incredibly draining. Fortunately, while in
use, it is EXTREMELY POWERFUL. The energy of the powerful Event is
directly channeled, in a very small amount, into Twister. This
causes a separation of Twister's Mind and Magic forms and she/he
must unite in order to use the power. Once combined, the power is
amplified by the union and Twister's physical form grows accordingly.
The actual amount of power is unknown but Twister blasted a fresh
Overseer of Hell which was at least ten times more powerful than
Malkon into dust in less than five seconds despite its formidable
magical defenses. He also banished over a hundred unconscious
demons back to Hell and rebuilt a totally destroyed castle.
Twister had to rest for a week before being completely recovered.
He might have recovered faster if he had eaten more than
pickles.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's it for this one.
Twister.

Hope you liked Twister's little description here. :)

--
==============================================================================
Darren Steffler a.k.a "Twister"- mail at <umst...@cc.umanitoba.ca>
==============================================================================