A/N: Okay, don’t own Ranma or the others, still wish I did. This is going to be a by-line to the Immortality Sucks storyline, telling a different aspect of events from Nerima.

Never Negociate with the Ice Queen(and expect to keep your soul)

Ranma hung his head as Nabiki smiled at him triumphantly, “C’mon now Ranma, it’s not that bad.” she told him, scooping another bite of the triple deluxe sundae he’d bought for her, into her mouth.

The boy simply glared at the mercenary girl from under his brow, experience telling him when it was wise to keep his mouth shut around the Ice Queen.

His expression seemed to amuse her, “I would have found out eventually anyways. Think of it as time I don’t have to expend...or charge you for.” she told him, cocking her head to the side and trying to appeal to his sense of practicality.

‘That and I hate worrying about you...’ her mind told her, albeit very quietly. She’d paid close attention to the situations he’d gotten himself into ever since the failed wedding, an event that she’d had a hand in, a fact that had caused her more guilt then satisfaction.

Nabiki had sold the information about the wedding to his other fiancees’, though in the end the profit was far out weighed by the damage done to not only the house and dojo, but to the strained relationship between Ranma and the Tendo’s.

In the weeks following the debacle, Ranma had tried to make amends as best he knew how only to have all his efforts rebuffed rather ruthlessly by not only his reluctant fiancee Akane, but by Soun Tendo as well.

The Tendo patriarch, also known as the mobile human sprinkler, had not let up on Ranma about his duty to fulfil the promise made between the families, no matter the personal cost to the one thing that Ranma held dear...his honor.

Nabiki had found herself at a crossroads, one the likes of she’d not encountered before. Though Ranma had known of her involvement, he’d done nothing of it. What irritated and scared her more than she’d admit, was the fact that Ranma made no effort of revenge...rather he’d tried to find ways to help her make ends meet. Something that he’d proven not just capable of, but talented at as well.

The epiphany had come to her at some cost though, in the form of her sudden inability to capture the pig tailed girl in any photos for Kuno. ‘It just doesn’t feel right to exploit him like that, not when he’s helping out so much...’ her mind told her, seeming to enjoy rubbing her face into the fact that Ranma was now closer to her than any of her underlings.

“Gimme a break Nabiki, you know I couldn’t afford too much more anyways.” said Ranma sullenly, snapping her from her thoughts of the not so distant past.

Making sure her ice mask was firmly in place, she gave him the predatory smile she was renowned for. “Then consider the information payment in and of itself. However...” she said, setting her spoon down into the dish, then folding her arms before her on the table as she leaned forwards.

Ranma swallowed hard, realizing that he’d just entered into negotiation phase with the most cut throat and ruthless business woman to walk the face of the earth...in his mind at least.

“I want to speak with this Bill...it’s not easy for anyone to escape my notice like he’s done.” she said, fixing Ranma with a firm stare.

Ranma, realizing that he was actually on semi-stable ground, found himself leaning forwards as well. “Ain’t happenin’ Nabiki. He won’t talk to you unless he has to. He ain’t gonna want ta talk to you unless something’s up.” he shot back, giving her the confident smirk that both infuriated and enticed her at the same time.

She raised a lone eye brow at him, “Come now Ranma...I’m sure you could explain to him the benefits of having someone that knows the in’s and out’s around here. Not to mention the ability to silence any...shall we say...’unfounded’ rumors that may or may not appear?” she told him, her tone making no mistake about her intentions.

Ranma’s eyes narrowed at her offer, “You wouldn’t dare!” he hissed angrily. “I promised that I wouldn’t say anything, I promised!” he reiterated.

Nabiki leaned back, her palms on the table before her, “I’m not asking you to go back on that Ranma...I simply want the opportunity to meet your benefactor and offer my expansive services. That’s all.” she explained. ‘That and make sure you’re not getting taken advantage of...or getting into something WAY over you head, you dumb lug.’ she thought, not voicing her true intentions.

He grunted at her unintelligibly, shaking his head. “I’ll tell him...that’s all I’m saying, alright?” he finally acquiesced, his face showing how deeply he was disturbed by the latest series of events.

She smiled at him warmly, “Thank you Ranma, now was that so hard?” she teased, motioning over the waitress.

As he heard her order more items from the menu his head sank slowly to the table top, his groan of despair at the amount this was going to cost him heard by all.

A few days later...

Nabiki waited impatiently for the mysterious man that given Ranma such a large amount of building supplies, groceries and had spoken with several of the Tendo’s creditors about the status of their debts. Whoever the man was, he had a lot of pull within the community to make several of the largest outstanding debts disappear overnight. ‘I don’t like surprises.’ she thought darkly, wondering how someone like this could have gone unnoticed by her or her girls.

A man matching the description given to her by Ranma entered into the shoppe, looking around casually. Raising her hand, she motioned the stranger over, taking note of his appearance, clothing and body type.

‘Works out, but not a martial artist...nice suit...EXCELLENT shoes...kinda cute in an older guy kinda way.’ she appraised quickly, storing the information away for future use.

“Nabiki Tendo?” asked the man as he paused by her table, only sitting when she smiled at him and motioned for him to have a seat.

“Yes, and that would make you Bill. No surname Bill?” she asked pointedly, trying to force the man onto weak footing immediately.

Shaking his head, he gave her a tight smile, “Nope, didn’t have enough cash. So it’s just Bill.” he countered, though inside he realized that Ranma hadn’t given him the full rundown of how truly dangerous Nabiki could be. ‘Great...this is going to be SO much fun...’ he thought with a sinking feeling.

Nabiki smirked at the man’s verbal jousting, “Sorry to hear that Just Bill, perhaps I could offer you a loan to buy a proper last name. I hear they’re quite the rage within the human culture.” she told him drolly.

Rolling his eyes at her, “It’s Bill, and no thanks. Your loans are not only legendary by their expedience but by the amount of interest it would take to pay off. Maybe another time.”

Shrugging, she met his eyes, “Your loss. Now then ‘Bill’, I understand you have a situation you need assistance on. How can my associates and I be of help?” she asked, leaning back slightly to allow the waitress to drop off her favorite double fudge chocolate sundae.

“You don’t mind paying for our meeting do you? Good, I think better with ice cream.” she said offhandedly, motioning the check to Bill.

He blinked dumbly as the girl handed him the bill, only to notice that there was no total and that there were more than just that rather expensive sundae on the bill. “Hey now...just a second here...” he started, pointing to the bill.

Nabiki smiled sweetly at him, “Why my dear man, you thought you were dealing with a simple highschool girl that was unused to the ways of the corporate offices? I assure you of one thing Bill, my people and I are professionals and expect to be treated as such. We are not people to be trifled with.” she said, her voice going emotionless, fulling exposing the Ice Queen persona to her prospective client.

Bill glared at her hard for a moment, waiting to see if she was done. Hearing nothing more from her, “I am not here to be bullied into anything Nabiki Tendo, nor am I or the people I work for to be taken lightly. Now if you’re done overtly threatening me, may we get down to business?” he said, taking a sharp edge to his tone.

“Of course. What is it we can do for you?” she asked, picking up her spoon and taking several small bites as she listened to his story.

She ate thoughtfully, nodding and asking a minimum of questions until he’d finished his story. Nabiki looked at the man thoughtfully for several long moments, weighing her options and gauging the man’s worth to meet her costs and profit margin.

“So, you need help to not only discredit Kuno Baby but keep him quiet. Neither of those should prove too difficult, though it will be costly given the amount of capital the Kuno line has to work with.” she told him with a knowing nod.

She picked up a brief case that had been sitting in the booth next to her, setting it on the table and popping the latches, allowing the lid to spring open. Pulling a manilla envelope from within she slid it across the table to him. “I’m sure you’ll find the photo’s inside to be most useful in this instance. Enough of those prints spread around will effectively discredit anything he has to say.”

Bill’s eyes widened at the pictures within, a very amorous Kuno embracing and kissing a very annoyed and very MALE ranma. The boys pig tailed was sproinged straight out from his head and his eyes were wide in horror, while Kuno’s were closed in what appeared to be ecstacy. He whistled low as he flipped through the 5 picture stack.

“These are very good. My respect to the photographer. However, I need something more. I can’t have him spouting off about certain events that have transpired. What else have you got?” he asked, replacing the photos within the envelope and looking at her expectantly.

“I’ll have you know up-front that this next bit of information isn’t going to come cheaply.” she told him, the shark like smile on her face once more.

From within the same case she pulled a small solid black colored vial, filled to the stoppered cork. Holding it gingerly across the table, she placed it delicately into his hand. “Don’t breathe the stuff inside...unless you like looking like a raving horny lunatic that is indiscriminate about the targets of your affections,” Nabiki warned him.

He handled it as if it were ready to bite him, rolling it in his palm before looking up at her with a curious expression. “What’s it do and how am I supposed to get it to him?” he asked, unconsciously taking a look over his shoulder.

Nabiki’s smile was far from pleasant, “For an additional fee it can also be administered to obtain the highest level of discrediting possible.”

Nodding slowly, Bill face turned serious. “Alright then, how much for everything; the whole nine yards? Pictures spread liberally throughout the district and rival schools or teams, this powder making him appear like a raving lunatic and your personal reputation on the line that NONE of this comes out into the open...no matter what!” he asked, naming the effects he was looking for.

The ice mask almost slipped when he listed off his conditions; never had she dreamed he would be so adamant about having the reputation of someone so thoroughly destroyed. Nabiki leaned back and made several calculations about up-front costs, bribes that would be needed and of course hush money to key individuals.

“I’ll need about 500,000 yen for this job, half up front; the rest payable upon completion of the job. How soon did you need this to happen?” she asked, narrowing her eyes at the man.

“Yesterday would be nice, but I’ll settle for sundown tomorrow. Any later and too much damage could be done. Can you handle this or do I find someone better?” he taunted her.

The icy silence that followed the off handed slap at her capabilities was felt for 2 tables in every direction. “Bill, don’t insult my intelligence or capabilities like that. We both know that there is NO ONE better than my network or you’d have gone there to begin with. So let’s dispense with the posturing,” she informed him with a cold hard voice.

“My prices just went up...to ensure MY silence.” she stated coldly, leaning forward into a glare at the man across the table from her.

“I know what you’ve done for Ranma, and even though he won’t say why I can make a fairly accurate assumption. You offered him a challenge he couldn’t refuse. Whatever it was, was significant enough for you to not only supply my family with supplies but to also handle some of our debts,” she ticked off her thoughts on one slender hand.

“It’s obvious you have resources and are not afraid to use them, just as I do. However, Bill, on top of what it’s going to cost you to use my network in this matter, I have some personal issues I would like YOUR assistance on,” Nabiki revealed, steeling her eyes and resolve.

Bill sighed at the girl, “You may be overestimating your help here, Nabiki,” he warned quietly.

The smirk she gave him was frosty, “Oh, on the contrary Bill, I think I’ve estimated it just right. I’ve intimate knowledge of all parties involved and have the capabilities at my fingertips to reach out and direct this which ever way I so desire. I could easily bring this to the light of day as soon as sweep it under a very large and well hidden rug. Do we understand each other?” she asked dangerously.

Now it was Bill’s turn to narrow his eyes, but he didn’t out right dispute her claims. “I’m listening, but understand that things could be difficult for all of us if you try to pry too much out of me,” he said testily.

“I know how unhappy Ranma has been since that botched wedding. Hell, you’d have to be blind not to see it. I’m looking for a way for him to keep his honor while getting out of his attachments. You are going to help me in this,” she said, watching his facial expressions closely to gauge his response.

Bill swallowed, remembering all too well the amount of strife in the young man’s life. ‘He makes Keitaro’s life look simple and pristine...though most of it isn’t his fault...’ he thought quickly, but nodded slowly to her.

“Okay, supposing I can help...what’s to stop anyone from screwing it up all over again?” he asked, extending a hand out to the side as if weighing the decision. “It would be a poor investment if my work was wasted by more of his father’s…stupidity…making itself known. I have no desire to try and drain an ocean with a bubble wand.”

Now it was Nabiki’s turn to smirk, “You leave that to me. Let’s just say I owe him and I don’t like having outstanding debts. If you can remove the three obstacles from his path, I’ll take care of the rest,” she explained.

He looked at her suspiciously for a long moment. “Okay...what obstacles?” he asked, knowing the response, but praying he was wrong.

With a wide Cheshire grin, she explained the situation of Akane, Ukyo and Shampoo, then added the warped views of one Tatewaki Kuno and his obsession with the girl type Ranma, and finally Kodachi’s obsession with the boy type Ranma and all its depraved glory.

Bill laughed out loud at hearing about the demented young man’s misguided attempts to romance his most hated rival. “So, basically you want me to clear the road for him...so that you can move in on him?” he asked bluntly.

Nabiki’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the vocalization of her inner most thoughts and plans in public. “I simply want to give him the choice, something that NO ONE ever has before. If he then so happens to choose me, well...” she trailed off, giving the man an appraising look as if daring him to comment.

For once Bill figured silence was the better part of valor and let her statement lay. “Do you have any idea how much work this is going to take? I’m supposed to be keeping a LOW profile and now you’re asking me to actively interfere in situations that are already explosive at best,” he said, leaning back heavily into the seat. “Even demons and angels would fear to disturb this wasp nest.”

“If you can’t do it, then say so now. I’ll simply find something else for compensation, I would have thought that you would jump at an opportunity to assist him,” she taunted back.

He shook his head, “You don’t lose very often, do you?” he asked quietly, his shoulders slumping.

Nabiki gave him a broad smile, “Actually, I lost once and I don’t intend on repeating that performance again. I, unlike some others, learn from my mistakes. We both know that he’s been through hell and back due to that waste of flesh known as his father. I can’t fix the problems without becoming deeply embroiled into the chaos around him, that’s where you come in. You’re an outsider that can tread less lightly then I’d have to without having to worry about being sent to an early grave. I intend to use that to get things we both want. Now are you willing to meet my demands or not?” she asked, forcing her point home.

“Did anyone ever tell you that you can be heartless when you want to be?” he asked her with a defeated tone, but then nodded his head. “Alright, alright...I’ll do what I can. You hold up your end of the bargain and I’ll keep mine.” he agreed, extending a hand across the table.

Her smile was triumphant as she grasped his hand, “A couple of minor details to cover also. One, I don’t want him working with Shampoo. To have them grow closer, even as friends would work against my aims and I can’t have that. Two, you tell NO ONE about this deal...except Ranma. Just tell him that I’ve got some stipulations for him as well for my help. He won’t argue...trust me.” Her smug smile sent chills down the man’s back.

‘If this is how she handles business, I’d hate to be in his shoes if she loves him.’ he thought idly as she listed off the last of her clauses.

“And finally I need you to find something called Nannichuan. I don’t think there’s anymore of it around now but if anyone can find it I’m guessing it’s going to be you. Ranma may not ask for this, but I know how much it means to him. Also, make certain that it is a cure for Jusenkyo curses. If not, get what is. Now, are we agreed?” she asked, her fingers tightening on his hand, not releasing it.

Bill groaned, “Yeah, yeah...deal. Remind me to bring you to my next review. With you negotiating for me my raise should be substantial.” he said darkly, bringing a twinkling gleam to her eyes.

“That would all depend on how much of a cut I’d get from doing that for you,” she said, her facial expression deadly serious.

Furinkan High School...

Kuno strode purposefully through the well groomed grounds of his domain, gracing many of the legions of fans with a look of disdain. ‘They should feel privileged to witness one as noble as the Blue Thunder...’ he thought pompously, then paused as he noticed something odd.

Now normally Kuno was oblivious to the goings on around him, especially when it concerned his fellow students. However, when the remainder of his kendo club was huddled together and ignoring him rather than falling into step behind him, it gave him pause. It was this pause that led to him noticing the stares, giggles and gestures from the remainder of the school.

He stopped in the center of the pathway, glaring at those mongrels around him that dared to make such blatant disrespectful gestures to one of his lineage. He stalked towards his faith disciples, his knuckles tightening on his ever present bokken.

“Hail! Pray tell what is so interesting that it would bring you to distraction when your better has arrived for you to pay homage to?” he demanded, startling his second on the kendo team.

The boy jumped and thrust both hands behind his back as he turned to face Kuno, a look of embarrassment on his face. “Uh...Kuno, hehehe...nice, uh morning, isn’t it?” he managed to squeak out, trying to back slowly away from the now suspicious Captain of the Kendo Club.

“Hold knave, what are you hiding?” he asked coldly, thrusting the bokken towards the boys chest.

“Me? Uh, nothing...nothing at all!” he stammered, looking over his shoulder for support only to find the rest of the team whistling tonelessly and trying to saunter away unnoticed.

Kuno’s eyes narrowed, “You will hand me what it is you are hiding or face the wrath of The Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!” he proclaimed, striking a noble pose, only to hear the snickering laughter from those around him instead of the usual thunder.

Hanging his head slightly, the boy handed Kuno the picture, “Don’t blame me...I found it on my locker...” he mumbled as Kuno snatched it from his hand.

As he looked over the picture, his eyes widened in horror and shock. “What foul treachery is this? Who dares to defame and besmirch the noble honor of the House Kuno?” he shouted, looking up to find his teammates vanished, the only thing remaining a rather large cloud of dust.

He glanced around and saw a lone figure waiting for him by the stairs that led into the main hallways. “Nabiki Tendo! I would have words with you.” he said, walking stiffly over to where she was standing.

She smiled at him as if she didn’t have a care in the world, “Heya, Kuno Baby. What can I do for my favorite customer today?” she asked, giving him a challenging look.

He shoved the photo into her face, a photo that showed him kissing Ranma. “What is the meaning of this atrocity? I can sense you underhanded and mercenary hand in this and I will not allow you to sully my honor with such filth!” he spat, glaring at her furiously.

Her eyes hardened at his tone, “Careful, Kuno, that sounds like a threat,” she warned him, not looking at the photo. “In any case it would seem like you should be more discriminate about who you decide to kiss,” she added, though her expression hardly changed.

He all but had steam pouring out of his ears, “I will NOT tolerate...” he began to fume only to be left sputtering in anger as she turned and started to walk away.

“I was speaking with you, Nabiki Tendo!” he called, striding after her.

She glared at him over her shoulder, “No you weren’t, Tatewaki Kuno. You were attempting to yell at me for your own stupidity, something that I will not allow or accept. Now if you are willing to apologize we may continue our conversation,” she told him, anger flashing in her face and eyes.

Kuno ground his teeth in frustration; he KNEW she had something to do with this. However, one did not cross the Ice Queen and live to tell the tale. “I apologize for being rude and curt,” he said, his jaw still clenched.

Nabiki turned to face him and shook her head, “That was pathetic, Kuno Baby. But given our long history I’ll let it slide this time...for only a minor fee,” she added at the end, enjoying the look of outrage on his face.

“What are you going to do about this…this...” he sputtered, crumpling the photo in his hand as words escaped him.

She looked at him with a single raised eyebrow, “Nothing at the moment, unless you are willing to barter for my services.”

“How…much?” he said slowly, his face turning almost burgundy in anger.

Looking towards the sky, she tapped her foot thoughtfully, “Hmmmm...I could see giving you a discount seeing as what a valued customer you’ve been. Let’s say...2500 yen per photo I recover.”

His eyes widened to the point that they almost encompassed his head, the only sounds he was able to make a squeaking and croaking that was very unbecoming. Without thought, his hand shot out and grasped her by the upper forearm, causing her to gasp in shock then pain as he squeezed.

“Leggome!” she shouted, her voice holding a vast amount of anger though inside she wondered if she’d finally pushed him too far.

He blinked at her, his expression one of distance and rage, as if he wasn’t seeing her at all but rather the slight upon his honor. As she tried to jerk from his grasp, he tightened his hold and pulled her back towards him, almost yanking her from her feet in the process.

Kuno growled low in his throat at her, his face contorted into a mask of indignation and outrage as he brought up his opposite hand to deliver a vicious backhand to her face.

Nabiki flinched, wincing her eyes closed as she saw the hand descend, only to have nothing occur. She popped open one eye to find out what had happened, finding his hand only inches from her face, his wrist firmly grasped by another’s hand.

“Kuno!” said a dangerously angry Ranma. The knuckles on his hand whitened as he increased the pressure on Kuno’s wrist, forcing him to release his grasp on Nabiki’s arm. As he did, Ranma moved with the superhuman speed and power he was noted for, “You. DON’T. HIT. A. GIRL!” he said, each word punctuated with a vicious slap to the now stunned boy’s face.

His head jerked from side to side with each blow, the only thing keeping him from flying into the horizon was the hold Ranma still had on him. As he started to slump to the ground, Ranma blurred for a moment and a rushing, roaring wind was heard before Kuno vanished from the school grounds, moving so quickly through the air that contrails were left in his wake.

Ranma dusted off his hands and snorted after the arrogant and insufferable wannabe samurai before turning back to check on the still shaken Nabiki. “Hey Nabiki...you okay?” he asked, helping her back to her feet gently, his hands holding hers as she steadied herself.

For a moment, Nabiki wanted to forgo the mask she wore and lose herself in the powerful safety that Ranma offered. Regaining a measure of her self-control, she nodded, “Yeah, I’m fine Ranma. Thank you.” she said quietly, tears in her eyes at the pain Kuno had given her.

Ranma saw the tears and felt his anger rise once more at the boy and he almost leapt after him to pummel him some more. It was only the tight grasp Nabiki held on his hands that kept him from acting on that impulse. “C’mon...I’ll walk ya ta class,” he said as she pulled her hands from his reluctantly.

“We need to swing by the locker rooms before we do...I’ve got something to drop off in Kuno Baby’s locker. NO ONE touches me like that...no one!” she said darkly, inadvertently setting off chills in the boy next to her. She pulled out a small black bottle from her pocket as she walked, taking a gleeful delight in finishing the humiliation of one Tatewaki Kuno. ‘I’m even going to give Bill a discount for this one...well, a little one anyways.’ she thought, anger and rationalism fighting within her.

Ranma, rather than argue with her, simply nodded and walked along side her through the halls. Neither of them were aware of the looks or whispers from the other students, nor of the glare of animosity from the youngest Tendo at them.

‘How DARE that pervert hit on my sister like that!’ she thought in outrage, her anger flaring over the jealousy that Ranma would save anyone else but her. She stalked into the building thinking of the most suitable punishment she would administer later to the unlucky pig tailed martial artist.

End of Chapter Notes: First of all I'd like to thank Innortal for his input and thoughts to make this chapter and the developing story with our favorite pigtailed martial artist. This is going to be a paralell story to Immortality Sucks, exploring both events that effect Ranma and Nabiki as well as the growing attraction between them. Hope you all enjoy it! I recommend reading Immortality Sucks to understand some of the characters and events that have led to this story being published.