Under the Cresent Moon

by Lord Overon

Part II

School passed by with a blur as Ranma was occupied with other thoughts. Ranma changed quickly where no one saw and met Akane behind her Dojo. Even Akane saw the change within him as he trained her.

"Hey Ranma, is there a problem?"

"Hn...no not really. Something is on my mind. Tell ya what just continue what I told ya to do and tomorrow I'll stay a little later."

"Are you sure, is there anything I can do to help?"

He looked at her for a second. "No, there's nothing you can do now," he replied. She stared at him for a second, wandering what he had meant then shrugged and went back to her practice.

Ranma almost flew as he made a beeline to the place where he lived. He did not even knock as he entered and surprised Ukyou as he entered without announcement.

"Ucchan, time to go!"

"Huh. What!"

"Just follow," he replied almost pleadingly. She frowned slightly but followed him leaving the food sizzling on the pot. He took to the rooftops once again but this time when he looked behind he realised that Ukyou was having a hard time keeping up. He had temporarily forgotten who she was and what she had been through. He waited for a minute for her to catch up.

"Are you all right?" he asked.

"Yeah," she replied as she panted. "Just give me a few seconds." She sat on the roof for a second and started breathing deeply. That was before she was startled when someone lifted her off the ground.

"I can get you there faster," smirked Ranma to Ukyou's wonderment, and he took off. Ukyou did not know what was going on but she was not going to complain. She did not remember much of anything that happened last night except that she had awoken nude on the futon with Ranma in his female form. The only thing she did know was that nothing dishonourable had happened. She would have known if anything like that happened. Those thoughts just flittered on the edge of her mind though as most of her thoughts focused on the hands holding her.

She had been on the road for more than nine years and for most of those nine years she had never been hugged. She had never really felt any affection from those around her. Even her father had stopped hugging her after Ranma had left. This was the first time she felt arms around her. Warm comforting arms that had not asked something of her. She did not mind one bit, in fact, she nuzzled against his arm as he carried her.

"Ucchan, Ucchan..."

"Hmm...who..." She opened her eyes. "Ranchan."

"We're here," he stated softly. Her vision cleared and she realised that she was holding him tightly, her arms around his neck. Slowly, reluctantly, she released him. Fortunately, he did not move far but just lay next to her and placed his hands under his head as he stared upwards.

"Do you remember when we used to stare at the stars?" he asked.

She looked to the sky. "Yeah, but it was clear then."

He turned and smiled at her. She smiled back then his face turned serious.

"Do you want to know what you are?" he asked.

"A vampire?" she replied.

"No, something much worse."

"What can be worse than that!"

"I'll tell you."

Ten minutes later...

Ranma had his hands around a visibly shaking Ukyou as he comforted her.

"It...It's worse than I thought," she whispered.

"I know," he whispered back. The clouds above had been threatening to break but instead of a full shower, there was a slight drizzle. A slight drizzle was all that was needed for the change. "You need to feed," he reminded.

"No, you said I wasn't..."

Ranma placed her hand over Ukyou's mouth. "You're not, but you're not fully converted as yet. There's no need to worry. We're far away from anyone else. No one will interrupt."

Ukyou stared into her eyes but her eyes were not what was capturing her attention. She could feel the blood surging through Ranma's veins and something more than that. She could feel Ranma. She could feel the connection between her and Ranma, she could feel Ranma next to her.

The fangs grew expectantly and she, driven by some unknown force drew forth the new and more dangerous life she had been given. She heard Ranma's soft gasp as she drew forth the life from her as the sweet fluid filled her. Ranma gasped and held her strongly. Soon the emotions that Ukyou had felt the night before returned as the potent elixir made her drunk. She realised that she had been the protagonist the night before but she did not care at that moment. Ranma was almost helpless as she lay there, almost but not quite.

Ukyou released her once deadly kiss and began caressing Ranma's neck with her lips. Slowly she moved upwards until finally she embraced the weakened girl fully and then in her drunken state, she could not control the primal urges that drove her onwards. Just as Ranma had told her, she became detached from her body and could only watch as she was carried into blissful happiness.

The first thing she remembered was the smell of roses as she awoke. She was surprised to find herself in the small room that Ranma rented and she was even more surprised to find Ranma next to her, sleeping blissfully. Ranma's hair was in its normal pigtail and was draped across her shoulders as she slept.

Ukyou had heard of curses but she did not know if Ranma's was a curse or a blessing in disguise. Unable to make up her mind, Ukyou did the one thing she knew she wanted to do. She wove her hands around the tiny redhead and hugged her more tightly and tenderly than anything else she had in the last ten years.

Ranma's tale had frightened her. It was as horrible as Ranma had said it would be, but Ukyou could only find amazement and wonder at what Ranma had been through in the last couple of months. Had it been her, she would have tried the same thing he had saved her from the other night. Ranma was different; he wanted to live. He knew he would not have much of a life but he was adamant on staying alive. He was adamant also in enjoying life while he still had it. She did not exactly know what he had become; he had skirted the topic when she brought it up. He did not even disguise that he was trying to avoid it. Either he was a bad liar or was too innocent to even ponder lying. No, he could not be called innocent. That had been taken from him a long time ago.

One thing Ukyou did know was that she enjoying lying next to Ranma as she slept. Ranma would not desert her now. He was in some way attached to her and the fact that he did go out of his way to save her was not totally lost on her. He was part of her life and she did not mind one bit. Whether Ranma wanted her there or not was not his choice either. She would stay there like a leach until he died. She owed him that much.

She bent and kissed the redhead on the crown as she slept. Whether Ranma wanted it or not, she would be there for him. She could tell that he had a lot of secrets. She did too. She would tell him when she was ready and she was sure he would tell her when he was ready too.

 The memories of what she had done earlier slowly came back as she slumbered holding Ranma tightly. She had drunk a bit too much. A lot more than the night before. She had brought them back here, to the room and she had snatched some roses on the way. The remains of the roses were in a pile the petals scattered across the futon they were sleeping on. Sleep was good, she was feeling both tired and invigorated at the same time.

She nuzzled up next to the slumbering Ranma and gave her a soft kiss on the lips. Ranma might not know it, but he was not escaping her again.

***********
 
 

Akane Tendo was not known for her patience as she waited on her sensei to arrive. So characteristically, she began her own workout. She hated tom admit it but the training she had been getting under her knew sensei had done wonders for her. He had not taught her anything about the martial arts but he had taught her how to prepare the body for battle. He had trained her and she had to admit that he was good at training people. She could feel that she had grown more powerful and it had shown last night while she had search for the night-walkers. She had defeated two of them and the strength and the speed with which she did it surprised her. As usual Ryouga had been lost for the past few days and had not returned. She had to get some kind of tracking device for him. He got lost so easily she was wondering if there was anything she could do. She sighed and started the workout he sensei had led her through for the last few days.
 
 

***********
 
 

Ukyou awoke and she awoke again with a smile. The redhead next to her was still sleeping deeply and Ukyou could understand why, after all, she had drank a bit too much. That was when she realised something. She was not thirsty anymore. Well at least not at the moment. She had grown so accustomed to that need to be fulfilled at the back of her mind that she had forgotten what it had felt like not to have it. That was what Ran-chan meant the other night. It brought a slight chill but that was easily warmed up by the presence next to her. No more thirst meant no more need. At least for the time being.

She playfully stroked Ranma's cheek making her try to slap away the offending hand. She could see from the lazy way Ranma did that that Ranma had to be very tired. Ukyou checked the clock though and when she saw the time she couldn't believe it. They had slept for almost the entire day. She opened the door and was surprised to see the old woman lumbering up the stairs towards her.

"It's almost six. Ranma said to wake you up at six," spoke the woman then she turned around and started hobbling down the stairs again at an angle. One foot was higher than the other and it took her a bit of trouble to descend the stairs. She didn't mind the exercise though.

"Ranma said?"

"Oh yes, said you wouldn't be working today too. Don't worry about it child. You two have more than made up for it since you have been here." With that the woman continued to hobble down the stairs whistling something she had heard on the radio not too long ago.

"Wake up at six..." muttered Ukyou as she returned to the room. It was about six and Ranma had told her to wake them up at six.

Ukyou lay next to Ranma and caressed her cheek. "Wake up," she spoke softly and getting no response she said it louder and louder. She finally had enough of talking and shouted at Ranma. The only response she eventually got was the girl half-heartedly swatting her face away. Ukyou was amused. She returned to the bathroom and returned with a bucket of water. Unceremoniously she dumped the water on Ranma but still the girl did not get up. Instead she just threw off the wet covers from around her.

Confused but not frustrated Ukyou thought she had a much better means of waking Ranma up. Ukyou undressed Ranma and carried her to the furo they shared with the old woman. It was large since the old woman liked to relax in the warm water after a day's work. She did not work really but at her age, a nice soak probably felt wonderful. Ukyou knew it had for her after a good day's workout. Ukyou lay Ranma down on their towels, opened the taps and undressed herself. Before she would have never thought about doing this, now, she did not think of repercussions anymore. There were no repercussion for her in reality. Reality was different and was growing more complex the more she thought about it.

She checked the temperature of the water and then picked Ranma up in her hands. The warm water felt wonderful and slowly she sat in the water with Ranma in her hands. Ranma had told her that she would be connected to him and would have to protect him if she wanted to stay alive. Ukyou figured it was time she started protecting or at least showing she cared. In the past she would have balked at what she was about to do but after the past few months, her ideas about morality and rules had changed. Who was she kidding, everything had changed!

As she lay in the water with Ranma, she saw the change as she had seen it happen once before. She blushed slightly as instead of bathing with a girl she was bathing with a boy and certain anatomical differences made themselves more pronounced to her. She shrugged it off though, as Ranma started to slowly wake up.

He was breathing very deeply as he awoke and the first question to come out of his mouth was: "Where am I?"

"You hon, have to get up at six and I thought this was the best thing to wake you up since you sleep like a log. Plus, you are smelling a bit," noted Ukyou from behind him.

In his many adventures, Ranma had had the pleasure, as other males would put it, of bathing with women. That did not make the embarrassment go away though.

"Ucchan..." he began again but this time you could hear that he actually had to force himself to speak louder. "Why did you have to be with me?"

"Silly boy," she replied. "You and me both know you aren't rested enough or strong enough to be left alone."

"What?" he exclaimed.

"Oh stop being a baby and just enjoy the warm water...and me."

"You don't have to do this you know," he replied as he turned around to stare her in the eye. "I never asked for any repayment...."

"Repayment?"

"You…and me, in the furo…naked," he replied wearily.

"You think that's why I'm doing this!" she shouted. "You think this is how I want to pay you back!" she shouted while pushing her chest into his face. "I'm not that kind of girl Ranma Saotome!"

Ranma warded her off. "That's not what I meant," he replied defensively.

"Then what do you mean?" she asked, folding her hands under her breasts while angrily waiting for an answer.

"Look, I just ain't comfortable with this okay," sounding more defeated than worried. "I...I...it's just that...it's nothing." He then rose to get out of the water but Ukyou grabbed his hand. Her temper was gone but concern was etched across her face. "Ran-chan, tell me, please?" Ranma turned towards her again. "Let's just say that I've helped many people and their ideas of trying to repay me have usually caused me more problems."

Ukyou lift a finger to his lips. "Shh...I'm not like that. So just sit down and relax." He obeyed and sat back down in the furo with her. When he sat down she continued to pass her hands through his hair. He really was tired and she could feel the tiredness within him. "Just relax, Ran-chan. I won't let anything happen to you."

It was rather quite late when Ranma made it to the Tendo Dojo. Akane was almost finished with her training when she finally noticed he had been watching her. Then when he realised she was paying attention to him, he threw a ball and a couple of clubs at her. He himself held out a ribbon. The ribbon was easy to use plus he did not have to do much to use it against her, which in his weakened state was a plus.

"Attack me," he ordered.

Akane was well and truly pissed that he had been late and wasted no time in attacking him. However, ball and clubs remained unused as she tried to clobber him with her hands. The result of that was a girl tied up like a mummy in the corner of the Dojo with the ribbon.

"You're supposed to attack me with the weapons tomboy, not your fists. Again."

Akane glared at him but this time she used the weapons. The result was the same though as she found herself mummified once again.

"Where is the grace and speed that normal girls have," chided Ranma. "Attacking with all your power won't help you here. You have to think about using the weapons effectively. Remember the training. Again."

Ranma hoped the girl understood after all that time. He basically had her doing weapon katas with barbells which although not effective as the real thing, made sure that she knew the forms and would have more control and speed. He was pleasantly surprised when she did start attacking him using what he had taught her. At least now he knew she had the ability to learn though he still had her bound and gagged in a few minutes.

He deliberated stayed later that night to train Akane longer and was very surprised to see the Tendo patriarch peek in and take a look. He wasn't too worried though since instead of interfering the man just sat at the side of the Dojo and watched. Ranma saw him but he knew that Akane hadn't since her back was to her father. Ranma therefore kept her facing him by making his attacks move her around a certain position. He was getting a great degree of satisfaction by knowing he could so easily play with a slayer even in his weakened condition.

The father still watched with interest but Ranma could see the frown on the man's face every time he hit his daughter. That wasn't bad though since it was expected of him to do so. What Ranma did not expect was for the man to frown deeply every time Akane lost her temper again or attacked with just power and no technique as she was inclined to at times. He wondered if the man would join in and train Akane.

He had already been there for an hour more and when Akane tripped herself by attempting a complex manoeuvre with a ribbon he thought it was quits for the night and sent Akane to the bathroom but not without a humiliating flick of the ribbon to her behind. From the yelp he heard and the glare he received he was sure he was going to hear some more choice language from her tomorrow. The father had disappeared from the door so Akane had not seen him. Ranma just shrugged and started placing the equipment to the side of the Dojo in case someone else wanted to use it. He felt another presence coming closer though.

"You were still holding back against my daughter."

"So. She's not ready for me as yet."

"I am Soun Tendo, a Master of the School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. Give me the honour of knowing what School you practice. I can tell you possess great skill."

"Tendo-san, I...used to have a school but would you honour me about not asking which school I belong to. There are some things which should be said and others that shouldn't. I'm just here to help train your daughter Tendo-san. Nothing more. Her job is very dangerous and she is still a baby."

"Well then would you give me the pleasure of knowing your name?"

"Ranma, just call me Ranma. Anything else and you might get to know me more than you should."

"I will honour your wishes Ranma-san but I ask you to train my daughter harder. You are teaching her tricks but not the Art."

"Everything in time Tendo-san. In time...now, its time for me to go."

"As you wish Ranma-san."

Soun tuned to leave but Ranma stopped him just before he was to go.

"There is one thing I would like you to do for me Tendo-san. Do not repeat what you have heard in this conversation to anyone?"

Soun nodded and left. Ranma waited until he could no longer feel the man's presence before he too disappeared into the night.

The distance between the Tendo's and the place where Ranma lived was easily covered even while he was feeling weak but that did not mean that Ranma made it there easily. He still had to deal with Ukyou when he got back. Then there was also the thing with the Tendo's. His father had told him about his training and when Ranma had seen the sign above the Dojo Ranma knew he had found the other half of the Anything Goes school. Ranma had a problem though, if the man knew who he was, he would ask about Genma then he would want Ranma to stay with him. Ranma knew that wasn't the best thing. Ukyou would have to stay wherever he stayed and with the curse and who he was...he did not want to draw too much attention to the slayer. No it was better if the attention was drawn to him and halflings, not the slayers.

He still had to worry about Ukyou though but he knew that it was something he had to face sooner or later. Resignedly he hopped into one of the open windows of the second floor and was surprised when Ukyou stood in the doorframe waiting for him.

"I felt you," she said as he entered through the window sill.

"You did?" She had felt him, that wasn't supposed to happen.

"I...I think so. I knew you were close but that was it. It was...weird."

They stared at each other until Ukyou pulled out a tray of okonomyaki from somewhere.

"I knew you would be hungry," she said simply. "I know I overdid it last night."

"You're telling me!"

She smiled. "Hey, you're the one who said it was okay and you were the one who was tempting me and carrying me to dark places in the middle of the night," retorted Ukyou. Her comment however was left unanswered as Ranma returned to swallowing down his food at high velocity. Ranma patted his stomach and murmured his appreciation of the snack then yawned loudly.

"Off to bed with you!" commanded Ukyou as she took the plate from him.

Surprisingly she walked away down the stairs and Ranma found that the task he was braving himself for was no longer necessary. He discarded is clothes except for his usual vest and boxers and slipped under the covers in his dark closet room. He wondered which room the old woman had decided to put Ukyou in.

Five minutes later though, the door slid open and someone entered. Ranma heard the rustle of covers and Ranma felt the distinct touch of someone hugging him from behind. He bit his tongue for a few seconds to gather his composure.

"Ucchan, you should not be sleeping with me," he stated slowly.

"Why not?" she asked demandingly.

"Well I'm a boy..."

Splash...his voice faltered.

"It's still not right," continued Ranma-chan.

Ukyou got up and sat down, staring her straight in the eye.

"Look here Ranma Saotome, you are my ticket to life. You said so yourself: if you go I go. You aren't going anywhere as long as I can help it and I'm not going to let someone come in the middle of the night to kill you without getting through me first. Plus I may get hungry again and you are my late night snack." Ranma tried to say something but Ukyou's hand covered her mouth tightly before she could say a word.

"I don't want to hear a word from you, besides Mrs. Hideshi doesn't mind either. She think it'll be good for you. Besides," she added with extra emphasis, "you're still weak and you need your sleep."

Ranma-chan found herself at a loss for words when Ukyou finished and finding nothing to say, she decided she was too weak to argue with her tonight. Mother always said best to let them think they have won the argument before starting it again. Besides they had school tomorrow.

The next day in school, there was a new student who like the one before was a girl but with her unfeminine ultra conservative school uniform, no real notice was taken of her and she moved to the back of the class to sit with the redhead. Gosunkugi found himself with company for the second time in history at the back of the class and as time went on everyone forgot that a new student had been admitted. Everyone except Ranma and Akane. Ranma because she knew who the girl was and Akane who noticed the other girl simply because she wanted to keep and eye on Ranma. Akane still remained oblivious to the difference in names between the girl and the boy. Although she called Ranma-onna Ranko, Akane had not registered that the students referred to her as Ranma whenever they infrequently addressed the redhead at the back of the class. Whether that was a coincidence or whether Akane was too preoccupied to take notice was unknown. Ranma had still yet to be known as Akane's new sensei in gymnastics by her family most of who just took a passive interest in the youngest daughter's knew challenge. Nabiki was not bothered until the day of the match when she would be able to make some money and Soun did not realise the true importance of the training until the night before when he had witnessed it first hand. Kasumi frequently talked to the boy but that was only to offer a brief refreshment. She had no idea that there was a female Ranma Saotome.

It came as no surprise then that two girls: one short with redhead and the other with long black hair tied up in a conservative bun were not part of the social scene of Furiken High School. The only interest in them were from one girl who had a small grudge and several desperate boys. All and all they were left to themselves which they did not mind. Three weeks had passed since Akane had issued the challenge and Akane thought she was ready. It was time to tell her sensei.
 
 

***************
 
 
 
 

Ranma was there on time and waiting for Akane to enter the Dojo. His student had surprised him. She had learned a lot and still had a bit to go. He still had to teach her things in the art that she was not ready for as yet. She was a slayer but he knew her chances of survival would be low if she still lived with that temper of hers as a means of fuelling her power. He felt her coming towards the Dojo and held the tools in his hand in anticipation. When she entered though, she was not wearing her gi as she usually did. Instead she was wearing her normal home clothes. Ranma knew that something was up.

"I'm ready to challenge her," informed Akane.

"No you're not," he replied as he folded his hands in front of her. "There's still no way you can beat her."

"Say's you!" replied Akane angrily. "I can take her on, anytime."

"Well then, if you say so. I'll go get her. Be ready to fight in an hour."

"In an hour!" exclaimed Akane.

"What, you need time to practice?"

"No," fumed Akane. "You go get your sister. I'll be here."

Ranma pointed at the small ring in the centre of the Dojo that he had erected days earlier. "She'll be here in an hour."

"I'll be waiting," smirked Akane.

 When Akane finally made sure that Ranma had left, she dashed to her room quickly, pulling out the leotard she had bought for the occasion. She had a phone call to make to a certain clinic. She was sure that once Tofu got a very good example of her in action he would fall madly in love with her as he had with her sister and maybe then she would have a chance. She'd also be able to show that girl and a brother a thing or two. Imagine the nerve of him calling her a tomboy and insulting her femininity. She would show him what a real girl looks like. She smirked as she realised that she had the prime opportunity to make him embarrass himself in front of his sister and in front of others. A little charm here and there and she would him blushing like a little school boy. That should be payment enough for him insulting her like that all the time.

As Akane fitted the one piece outfit she noted how snug it actually fit her and just how much it revealed. While it was something she could wear to the beach, it was not something she would wear on a whim in front of others. Glad that her competitor would be returning soon Akane made haste with her preparations and bounded to the phone to make that call that needed to be made.

Nabiki had just entered the room and seeing her sister in her leotard, she knew what was going on. She clenched her fists and bided her time for Akane to finish her call. Seconds when Akane put down the receiver, Nabiki snatched it up and began calling everyone she knew. If this was what she thought it was, she would be able to make a lot of money. Her preliminary calls completed, she sprinted off to the Dojo. She was not surprised to find her sister there in the ring waiting.

"So when is the match?"

"Ten minutes..."

"Ten minutes!" replied Nabiki out loud. She hoped the others would be able to get here in time with the crowd otherwise this was not going to be as profitable a match as she had thought. That annoyed her. Her sister just might have put one over on her. No matter, she would be able to get back at her later.

"So Akane, what have you and your boyfriend been doing all this time in the Dojo."

"What! Boyfriend!" exclaimed Akane.

"Well let's see you and him have been in the Dojo training for the last three weeks and everyday you are in the Dojo nice and early waiting for him and you have Kasumi make some nice treats for him. Yep I'd say that he's your boyfriend," smirked Nabiki.

"For your information he is the most obnoxious jerk I have ever met and he is not my boyfriend."

"He's your boyfriend?" asked Kasumi as she overheard the shouting and came out to investigate. Soun was also there. "I've met the boy and he's a good lad. I approve Akane."

Akane could not glare at her father since he was in the direction of Kasumi and glaring at Kasumi was something that was not done. So she glared at Nabiki who of course took no notice of her and walked away. Strangely enough Kasumi seemed even more pleased with the announcement than before and Soun was happily thinking of the grand children he would get from that union. Hmm…the boy was strong and had very good training. He would complement Saotome and his son well when they arrived. If Akane was going out with the boy then he was sure that Saotome's son would be persuaded to marry Nabiki or Kasumi.

At the appointed time, Akane, Kasumi, Nabiki and Soun waited for Ranma to arrive. Tofu had been there a minute ago but he had seen Kasumi and well, I don't think an explanation was necessary. Ryouga -who had strangely found himself in the Dojo at the appropriate time- went to bring him back under Akane's instruction and again, you know what happened.

It was a short while before Ranma returned in girl form wearing her own leotard initially covered with a coat. When she slid it off the sight of her in a leotard had Soun drooling a little bit. After all, he was a man! Plus he didn't know Ranma was really a boy. Akane gave him a glare and entered the ring while behind Ranma another girl entered the Dojo and sat in Ranma's corner.

"Akane, this is Ukyou she will be my second. Who's yours?"

Akane hadn't thought about that and then smiled. "I'll pick your brother." What better than to pit brother against sister.

"Sorry, but he's not coming…had some other things to do. Promised he would come tomorrow to help you with your training when you lose to me."

"I'm not going to lose!" shouted Akane. "Nabiki will be my second!" Nabiki pointed to herself. "Moi?" Oh well, she'd get her sister to pay for her use later.

"And who is the referee. You did get a referee for the match after you challenged me didn't you?" asked Ranma mockingly.

Akane quieted for a few seconds until her father stepped into the ring as the referee. With everything ready and Nabiki's attempts to delay the fight until her paying guests arrived failing, the match began.

Akane called for her clubs, her best weapon, while Ranma called for a hoop. While Akane attacked ferociously with her clubs, Ranma hopped and bobbed away from her using her hoop to deflect anything that came to close. She had to make Akane lost a bit respectably although she knew the girl would just get more fired up if she lost anyway. It would be good demoralising her student too much. Of course within minutes, Akane lost her temper and that was when Ranma did the unthinkable. Akane charged and Ranma fell just before she came close in a one-armed press stretching the hoop to snag Akane's balancing foot. Akane tripped and fell through the ropes at the side onto the padded floor. Ukyou and Soun congratulated Ranma while Kasumi helped a furious Akane from the floor.

"That's foul. There's no way she could beat me! I want a re-match!"

Soun turned around and glared at Akane. "She beat you Akane, now you had better train some more with Ranma-san before you challenge her again." Akane noted the commanding aura around her father and gulped a little. Apparently he was not too impressed by her display. This was all Ranma's fault.

With the match over Ranma and Ukyou were going to leave when Soun invited them to stay for dinner. Ranma did not want to accept but Kasumi pleaded and when Kasumi pleaded, it was hard to say no. So the Tendos and their guests retired to the living room to eat.

However, just before Soun could make introductions before tea,

Ranma felt something on the edge of her senses. It was a little warning she was being given from one of her contacts. She pressed a little button in her coat pocket. A small beep was emitted from her other pocket and she brought out a little pager.

"Oh, I'm sorry. It seems that I must go home. Perhaps we can do this another time. Maybe the next time Akane challenges me," added Ranma as a bit of a jibe.

Nabiki and the others recognised it as such while Akane took it as an insult.

"Please feel free to come by anytime with your brother…Miss?"

"Ranko, just call me Ranko," replied Ranma. "But we really must be going."

After saying some brief goodbyes, Ranma and Ukyou left but they were not heading in the direction of home. Ranma had left because he felt something that was more urgent than food. He knew they were feeding tonight and he was going to make sure he handed them a one way ticket to Hades.

Nabiki sat at the table. I don’t remember a Ranko entering school this year, she thought. I'll have to take a look into this.

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