A/N: Don’t own Ranma, the NWC, Genma or his antics, Soun’s tears...you get the idea. (Though Soun’s tears could end drought in the world if properly harnessed. Note to self Talk with Nabiki about selling Soun to science.)

The Queen Enters the Chaos

The taxi slowed before the Tendo Dojo, it’s sign displayed proudly by the gates. ‘Here we go.’ Bill thought darkly, taking and releasing a deep breath before exiting the cab.

“I shall await the arrival of my reward at the designated location, Bill,” Tsuruko said to the man as he exited, her smile not reaching her eyes.

He crouched down and looked back into the cab, “Shouldn’t be that hard to get the old glutton there, just make sure you don’t kill him. Beyond that...well...” he said with a matching smile and shrug.

Standing he closed the door and approached the open window of the drivers door, handing the man the fare as well as a substantial tip. “We were never here, you’ve never seen us,” he told the man, raising his eyebrows as he looked at the man as if to drive the point home.

The driver snorted, “Yeah, like YOU’RE a Jedi or something. Don’t worry about it, pal. You’ve got more guts than brains to actually WANT to visit this place. ‘Sides, money talks if you know what I’m sayin’,” he assured the man before driving off.

“Why does that not reassure me?” muttered Bill, watching the tail lights of the car vanish around the corner.

He hefted the small but weighty package under his arm and stepped into the gates, crossing the short distance to the front door and ringing the bell.

“Just a moment...” came a sweet voice from within, moments before the door opened to reveal the eldest sister, Kasumi.

“Yes? May I help you?” she asked, holding her hands before her.

Bill stood for a long moment regarding the beautiful woman. ‘This makes sense, in an odd sick twisted kinda way...’ he told himself, shaking his head slightly before speaking.

“Um, yeah...I’m here to see Ranma.” he told her, smiling crookedly at her.

“Oh, you’re a friend of Ranma’s? Please come in. My name is Kasumi,” She told him, turning and leading him into the house.

He followed the woman into the controlled chaos that was life at the Tendo home. Both the Tendo’s and the Saotome’s were seated in the living room, either snacking(Ranma), reading(Nabiki), watching TV(Akane and Nodoka), playing shogi while sipping on sake(Soun and Genma) or talking(Kasumi and Mutsumi).

Mutsumi, upon seeing Bill, gave him a warm smile and waved to him. “Hello again. Thank you so much for helping me find my good friend, Kasumi.”

“Uh, yeah...no problem,” he said, sighing inwardly as pieces started to click, showing him a picture of something he wasn’t sure he wanted to see just yet.

Ranma stood up with a huge piece of watermelon still in his mouth, and before everyone’s eyes practically inhaled it leaving just the rind, which he then tossed to the plate on the table. “Yo, Bill! How ya been?” he asked, smiling broadly at the man.

Bill, glad to see a friendly face finally, returned the smile. “Pretty good, Ranma. Looks like life’s been going good for you as well,” he answered, shaking the young man’s hand.

Akane watched the interaction with open suspicion, “Who’s this, Ranma?” she asked, positive that she’d not seen him before.

Stuttering slightly as he rubbed the back of his head, he smiled at her. “Um, no one really. Just a guy that I trained with a while back. Right, Bill?” he told the man, directing the attention back to the guest.

The simple and innocent comment had it’s desired effect, as all eyes turned to the man before them, awaiting clarification on his relationship with the pig tailed martial artist. Swallowing, Bill nodded, “Yep, I had an old scroll that he wanted to see only it got stolen, so he was kind enough to help me get it back. I let him learn the move on the scroll as thanks. He really helped me in a pinch,” he elaborated, giving everyone a confident smile as he thought quickly on his feet.

“Really, boy? I don’t remember you using any new moves lately,” said Genma, folding his arms across his chest and closing his eyes.

“Hey! You’re that famous martial artist of the Saotome Anything Goes School of Martial Arts, aren’t you? Man, am I glad I found you!” Bill said, handing the package to Ranma with a sly wink and crossing the room to kneel before Genma.

Genma gave the man a wary look, trying to place the man’s face as he racked his brain to remember if he owed the man money...or Ranma.

Pulling an ornate envelope from his pocket, Bill handed the man it with both hands, head bowed slightly. “I got this letter from a friend of mine a while back. When I mentioned being friends with Ranma Saotome, he asked if I knew Genma. Seeing how you’re Ranma’s father I told him I’d give you this letter. Looks like someone wanted to give you something as payment for services you gave while traveling through his village,” Bill lied to the man, playing on his greed and ego.

Genma, making a wise and worldly noise, nodded sagely. “Ah yes, the life of a martial artist is dedicated to helping those in need, eh, Tendo?” he asked his long time friend.

“And since WHEN have you helped anyone besides yourself pop?” muttered a disgusted Ranma.

“Quite right, Saotome. I wonder which of the people would have remembered however,” mused the Tendo patriarch.

“No matter. It is the least I can do to accept the offering my good works have wrought,” he said, snatching the letter from the hands of Bill.

Ripping open the envelope, he shook it vigorously in an attempt to empty it of any money...to have only a single folded sheet of paper fall from within. Picking it up with a mild look of disappointment, he read it quickly, his face lighting up.

Jumping to his feet, his substantial girth shaking as he did, he tucked the letter into his gi. “Seems as if an emissary is awaiting me, to reward me personally for my actions. Can’t keep them waiting, be back soon,” he said, speeding from the room and house.

“Oh my, I’ve never seen Uncle Saotome move that quickly before,” said a mildly surprised Kasumi, holding a hand to her face.

“Oh, I’m sure it’s just excitement of doing good things, more watermelon?” asked Mutsumi, showing a smile that matched Kasumi’s.

“Please. Would anyone else care for more?” responded Kasumi, returning to her place at the low table with her friend.

Shaking his head, Ranma looked over at the two women. “Save some for me. With the old man gone, I don’t have to worry about it disappearin’ or nothing,” he told them.

The young man turned back to Bill, “So, what brings you here Bill?” he asked, showing his curiosity about the visit, handing the package under his arm back to its owner.

“Actually, I’m kinda lost. I wanted to find the Cat Café, but for some reason the directions I got from Ryoga kept leading me from town,” he said sheepishly, shrugging and rolling his eyes.

Ranma snorted, “That figures, he couldn’t find his way outta bed in the morning without a rope and compass. I can take you there, no problem,” he said.

“Ranma, you promised Kasumi that you would walk her and Mutsumi to the train station later,” reminded Akane, still unsure of the man, though Ryoga having given the man directions alleviated some of her fears of him.

“Oh yeah...I kinda forgot...” he said distantly, remembering his words now through the joys of eating the first 4 watermelons the lady had brought.

“Big surprise there...” muttered Akane darkly, not looking at the man.

“What’d ya say?” asked Ranma, giving Akane an angry look.

Akane glared back at her fiancé. “You heard me. If it doesn’t involve food, fighting, or sleeping, you ain’t going to remember it without help. I swear, Ranma, sometimes I think you’re hopeless,” she shot back to the boy, giving him an angry glare.

“Yeah, well who asked you, anyways. Least I can cook something that’s edible without having to memorize the recipe,” he yelled back, giving back the glare.

“At least I TRY! I don’t know why I bother even cooking for you in the first place, all you ever do is make fun of me and insult my cooking,” growled Akane, rising to her feet, a red glow shimmering into existence around her.

Bill, getting a stiff neck from glancing back and forth at the arguing young people, noted the growing rage in Akane and took a prudent step back from the boy.

“I only insult you, not try to kill you! Have you even TASTED that slop you call yakisoba? Akane, it ain’t supposed to CRAWL OFF THE STUPID PLATE, YOU UNCUTE TOMBOY!” Ranma roared back, seemingly oblivious, or apathetic, to the aura around her.

“RANMA! YOU IDIOT!” she yelled, and with a strength that shocked and scared Bill, scooped up the largest blunt object she could find, the table, and nailed the unlucky martial artist in the head with it.

“See if I’m nice to you again you moron!” she huffed, stomping from the room and up the stairs. The sound of a slamming door a moment later, gave notice she was fuming in her room.

Kasumi and Mutsumi, now holding plates of sliced watermelon, helped to right the table from off the pig tailed boy. “I suppose that Akane won’t want anymore watermelon,” said Kasumi, smiling serenely, despite the rather violent display that just took place.

After setting down the plates, the two smiling women helped the dazed and confused boy to a sitting position, though he was wobbling drunkenly.

With a heavy sigh, Nabiki closed her manga and stood from her lying position on the couch. “Seeing how Ranma has checked out of the hotel reality for a bit, I’ll take you over there...if you buy me some ramen for my trouble,” she said, pausing to give the visitor a look that told him not to argue.

Bill, still slightly shocked by the display from Akane, nodded dumbly as he followed the middle Tendo from the living room and out the front door.

Nodoka looked over to Soun, an expression of irritation visible on her normally placid face. “My son does not need to prove his manliness by getting a concussion daily,” she told him icily.

Soun, without his partner in crime present to help deflect her anger, simply nodded. “I will...speak with Akane once she’s calmed down a bit. Perhaps sending them off for a quiet evening alone would make amends?” he offered, smiling gently.

Nodoka’s eyes went distant upon hearing of her son spending an evening alone with Akane, sure that he would be performing manly arts upon her. “I agree, in fact, I insist!” she said, a smile replacing the frown once more as she sipped her tea while her mind worked.

Soun let out a breath of relief silently as her attention turned from him once more. ‘Forgive me son, but a martial artists life is fraught with peril...especially at the hands of family.’ he thought, saying a prayer in the boy’s honor.

Outside enroute to Cat Café...

“So, why exactly did you decide to make an appearance at my home?” she asked him.

He looked at her from the corner of his eye, “I needed to give you an out in case this goes bad. This way, if this all blows up in my face it, looks like it was my doing, not yours,” he explained.

She nodded, her face showing that she was mildly impressed by the forethought. “So, I take it that box is part of our agreement?” asked Nabiki as they walked through the quickly through the streets.

“Yep, call it part one of too many more to count,” chuckled Bill, giving the girl a sidelong glance. “You mind if I ask you something?” he ventured.

She extended her left hand out, palm up and snapped her fingers. “1000 yen for simple answers to questions, up to 5000 for complex answers,” she said automatically without missing a beat or footstep.

Bill stopped and looked at her incredulously, “You’ve GOT to be kidding me! Haven’t you gotten enough outta me yet?” he asked, wondering about the nature of this girl’s heart...not to mention soul.

She shrugged, “I’m a business woman first and foremost, and you should’ve realized that already. When you’ve had to support a family for as long as I have, you take advantage of EVERY situation that comes up. It’s simply a matter of survival,” she explained emotionlessly, her foot tapping impatiently as she waited for him to catch up.

Shaking his head, Bill wasn’t sure exactly what to say to something like that. “It’s about Ranma and Akane. Is it always like that with them?” he asked, forking over a rumpled bill into her hand.

Nabiki smiled at him, pocketing the money before answering. “No, today was actually tame compared to when he really gets her going. Usually she’ll blast him out of the room, through the roof and into the surrounding homes. All of which I have to pay for,” she said, a trace of bitterness in her voice.

He gave her a sympathetic look as they walked, “I see...” he told her, not willing to intrude on her feelings without invitation. He paused a few blocks from the café. “Hold up a second. I don’t want you seen with me by them. If this is going to work, I’ve got to play this one solo. Besides, this way if any fallout comes down, it hits me not you,” he told her firmly.

She gave him an appraising once over, “You sure about this? You don’t look like the type to handle the Amazons, especially the love crazed one.”

Bill took a step closer and lowered his voice, “If you want this to play out like you said, then it’s the only way. They can’t know it’s you pulling the strings without repercussions coming back on you. By all accounts, you can’t handle the Amazons either if they decide to remove you as an obstacle,” he explained, looking over his shoulder in the direction of said amazons.

Nodding to his words, Nabiki’s eyes softened slightly, showing more humanity then he’d ever seen there before. “Alright, but this doesn’t change my rates,” she told him with a crooked smile.

He chuckled despite himself. “Didn’t figure it would, but given what I saw back there, it’s the least I can do. Let’s say I understand better now why you’re doing this.”

Nabiki smiled genuinely at the man, then turned and walked back in the direction she’d come from, her hips shaking in a very seductive manner.

‘Spirits be with ya, Ranma, you’re gonna need the help with that one,’ he thought to himself before walking back towards the café.

The bell tinkled merrily as Bill stepped in. Shampoo turned from her orders and smiled in his direction. “Nihao! Welcome to Cat Café, Shampoo be right...Oh! Is you. You come for help again?” she asked, bouncing over to him with an expectant look.

He smiled at the energetic young Chinese girl, “Nope, not this time Shampoo. I actually came to speak with your grandmother, is she around?” asked Bill, seeing the look of disappointment in her eyes.

“Of course, young man, how can I help you?” asked Cologne perched atop her stick which was resting on the back of one of the chairs.

Bill smiled at her, bowing in respect. “I have come on something of importance to your village and history. Is there someplace we can speak privately?” he asked her as he stood up right once more.

Shampoo looked at the man oddly, noting the carefully wrapped package he carried. “What going on? Shampoo want to know,” she said, stepping closer to the two.

Mousse, glasses perched on his forehead, peeked his head around the corner and caught sight of Shampoo standing next to a man. “RANMA! How dare you come to flirt with my Shampoo!” he yelled, throwing his arms out and launching several weapons from his sleeves, complete with hooks, chains, knives, spikes and one duck shaped potty chair.

Cologne looked with annoyance at the boy that had just destroyed two stools, a vase, the statue she’d replaced last week and the chair she was standing on. Twirling on her stick, she sent a glass of water flying into the boy, turning him instantly into a furiously quacking duck.

“Shampoo, put our part timer back into his cage until he calms down,” she said with a heavy sigh, before turning back to speak with the man that had arrived...only to find him on the floor with a duck shaped indention on his forehead.

“And bring me some smelling salts for our guest. It would appear that Mousse’s aim is getting better,” she added, shaking her head sadly at the man’s dazed expression. “Or that he hasn’t learned how to ‘duck’ yet.” she added with a wry chuckle.

20 minutes later, upstairs of the Cat Café...

Rubbing his bruised forehead, Bill glared at the caged duck. “And you wondered WHY I didn’t want you along? Get a clue duck boy...geezz, did ya have to hit me with the potty chair for Pete’s sake?” he muttered, wondering about roast duck for the tenth time in as many minutes.

Mousse hissed angrily at the man, but didn’t move from him morose position in the middle of the cage.

Swinging his legs off the bed, he rose to his slightly unsteady feet with a minor groan. Walking from the room, he almost bumped into Cologne on her way in. “How are you feeling young man? No lasting damage I trust,” she inquired, smiling at him.

“Not here, too thick a skull...but it sure hurt likasonova...pup,” he finished lamely, realizing he was in mixed company...albeit very OLD mixed company.

Cologne laughed at the man’s actions, “Trust me, I’ve heard worse. Now come and let us speak of what is so important to my tribe and its history,” she said, pogoing away into another room a few doors down from the one he’d been resting in.

They sat at a simple wooden table, a steaming pot of tea and two cups awaiting them. “Honored elder, I have something to speak with you about,” Bill began, only to be interrupted by a short barking laugh by Cologne.

“Come on now sonny, you don’t need to butter up an old lady. I appreciate your respect for our customs, but I’m not getting any younger. Get right to it,” she told him with a sly smile.

Bill nodded, giving her a smile of his own, “Thanks, I probably would’ve screwed it up anyways.” He told her. He took a deep breath before speaking, making sure to maintain eye contact with her.

“I have come to barter for the release of Ranma from both kisses from Shampoo,” he said, causing Cologne to pause mid sip and regard him coldly.

“And why, pray tell, should I allow such a thing? It is a matter of honor for my granddaughter, and something that she has paid a great price for,” she told him, dropping the friendly attitude.

“I understand this, as I know of her curse. What I have to offer is substantial, both to yourself as well as your tribe,” he told her, picking up the wrapped package and sliding it across the table to her.

She didn’t touch the package, instead glanced at it then back to Bill. “I will not discuss this with you, it is out of the question,” Cologne said.

He raised a single eyebrow and smiled crookedly at her. “I think you should look inside before you decide this. I would hate to have the elders of your village discover what you passed up to maintain a futile chase,” he challenged, tapping the package once.

Cologne’s eyes narrowed, “I know you work for higher powers, but you tread on ground now that is dangerous. Your friends will not be able to help you if you rouse my anger,” she warned, extending hands to the package.

Bill shrugged at her. “Then you already know what I deal with on a daily basis,” he told her as she pulled off the wrapper to reveal a jade box that was carved with bas relief of various Amazon activities.

Her eyes widened involuntarily as her hands shook slightly, pulling the lid off and examining the contents within. Her breath caught in her throat as she regarded them, her face slowly rising back to regard the man across the table from her. “How did you?” she spoke in a quiet voice, almost a hushed whisper of amazement.

The smile fled from his face, “It’s not a matter of how, but to what extent am I willing to go for Ranma Saotome. I’m sure you agree now that what I offer is more than adequate for his release while maintaining your granddaughter’s honor,” he told her, his voice dropping in tone.

Cologne pulled the magic mirror from within the box, without a crack or mark upon it. She had tears in her eyes as she regarded it closely, trying to discover it to be a forgery, but unable to find a single flaw. “This is impossible...” she muttered, eyes darting back and forth from the mirror to his face.

“Not impossible, hard as hell...yes. But not impossible. I’m sure you’ll find the other treasures to be there as well. Should you agree to my terms I will deliver the remainder of your lost treasures to you without delay, but ONLY if you agree to my terms for Ranma’s release,” Bill said, seeing that he now had her full attentions.

Gently setting the mirror back down, she replaced the lid with a heart felt sigh. ‘Forgive me child, but the tribe must come first,’ she thought, then nodded slowly to him. “What are your conditions?” she asked finally.

“I don’t want to hurt Shampoo or dishonor her in any way, which is why I’ve come to you like this. So far as anyone need know, Shampoo recovered these items herself. In a round about kind of way, she did. Just not in the way you’d of expected,” he told her, steeling himself as he knew he was about to break Shampoo’s heart.

“First, Ranma is no longer bound by either the Kiss of Marriage, nor is he to be pursued by the Kiss of Death,” Bill told her, holding up the index finger on his right hand.

“Second, there will be no further attempts to drug, trap, trick or coerce him into any kind of relationship with ANY of your tribe or any OTHER Amazon tribe unless he himself wants it, and by that I mean his EXPRESSED consent, not under duress or chemical influences. No more duels, no more chasing him, nothing, zip, nada,” he listed with the next finger.

Not hearing her debate the first two points, he began to feel a sense of relief. ‘Why couldn’t Nabiki be this easy?’ he thought, wondering about that fact for a moment before continuing.

“Lastly, there is to be NO repercussions on Ranma, Akane or any of the Tendo’s, any other fiancée or myself for this deal. If there’s ONE, just ONE instance of this and I can assure you that as sure as you hold your treasures, that not only will I take them back but I will exact a price from you that is both terrible and permanent,” he said darkly, leaning forwards as he spoke.

When her eyes narrowed in anger at his blatant threat, he held up a hand, “I know all about your 3000 years of Amazon history, I also now about how that history came about. I didn’t say you couldn’t continue to train him, despite what he thinks you’ve been more than responsible for some of his most powerful moves. I’m just asking that you keep your accord with me on this, I’m sure you agree the kid has been through enough. That and I said nothing about Genma...” he trailed off with a devilish smile.

Cologne closed her eyes and thought of what was offered compared to what was being lost. ‘Son-in-law will probably never accept Shampoo as his bride, no matter what lengths she goes to. This would be a viable solution to her situation to return to the village should she desire to do so,’ the old woman thought carefully, listening to the man sip his tea as he calmly allowed her time to consider the momentous decision placed squarely in her lap.

“What if Shampoo wishes to try to gain Son-in...I mean Ranma’s favor by traditional means, such as dating? Would that be breaking the accord?” she asked, knowing that Shampoo wouldn’t be acceptable to simply leaving Ranma be.

Bill regarded her for a moment, trying to see ulterior motives to the question. “So long as she doesn’t step over the bounds and abides by what he says or does. I see no problem with that,” he allowed, leaving himself some wiggle room. ‘Well, Nabiki wiggle room, to be exact. I sure hope she can get this deal through his head or there’s gonna be hell to pay in more ways than one,’ he thought, trusting in the girl to handle her side of this bargain.

“Before I agree to this, I must know one thing. You are not acting of your own will here if I’m not mistaken. The fact that Shampoo isn’t allowed to work with Ranma in the place between by order of Nabiki Tendo has something to do with this. Am I correct?” she asked the man.

He looked at the older woman for long moments, deciding how much of his hand to tip or bluff as need be. “Let’s just say that the chaos surrounding him has gotten out of hand and steps have to be taken,” he allowed, pulling a small wooden box from his pocket and sliding it across the table to her.

Cologne looked at the box curiously, then back at the man’s deadly serious expression. Her fingers deftly flipped off the lid of the box, before her hand flew to her mouth in shock. “Is this?” she asked, her leathery skin going pale.

Bill nodded, “It is. Something has to be done,” he told her, pulling the box back across the table, replacing the lid and returning it to his pocket.

The elder Amazon closed her eyes and released a deep breath, “Very well. I accept your terms and will cancel both the Kiss of Marriage as well as the Kiss of Death. All other stipulations stand as stated,” she said, hoisting her cup up.

He lifted his cup in salute as well, drinking to their accord. Draining his cup, he sighed heavily. “I’m sorry, for what this is going to do to Shampoo, but it had to be done,” he said quietly, truly meaning the words.

Cologne smiled distantly, but nodded her thanks. “My granddaughter will grow from this experience. Who knows, perhaps she will give the Tendo girl a run for him after all. I take it that this is just the first of many deals you’ll be running?” she asked, pouring them both more tea.

Shaking his head, Bill just smiled at the question. “It’s gonna be a long week that’s for sure. I should go and let you handle your family matters. Can I still call upon you should the need arise?” he asked as he reached the door.

Leaping back to the top of her stick, she nodded to him. “Yes, though this deal changes her relationship with Ranma, it does nothing to change our responsibility to our world at large,” she assured the man.

“Come on, sonny boy, I’m sure you’d enjoy a few orders of ramen to go,” Cologne told him, pogoing down the stairs.

Outside the Cat Café...

Bill walked down the street; his head hung low but an expression of determination on his face. ‘Okay, phase one is outta the way,’ he thought, his heart heavy at having to break the young Amazon’s heart.

A chirping from his back pocket startled the man, causing him to leap behind a metal lamppost before he realized it was just his phone. “Stupid Nerima...” he growled, hating the insanity that came with being in the district.

“Hello?” he said into the phone as he opened it. He listened for a moment before nodding, “Yeah, it’s done. Went better’n I thought, but we’ll see how she handles it,” he answered, picking back up the four bowls of ramen and continuing to walk as he spoke.

“Nope, gotta still fill her in on it and make sure she understands the whole deal. I sure as hell don’t wanna havta do that again,” he told the caller, before nodding once more, as if they could see him.

“I know, I know. Trust me, have I let you down before...don’t answer that.” he said, adding the last part hastily with a broad smile. “Gotcha, see ya soon,” he told the caller then snapped the phone shut.

He continued walking towards the Tendo Dojo, a distant roaring sound catching his attention. A little gnome looking man in all black with a ridiculous handkerchief wrapped around his face and a large sack on his back bounced into view before him, leaping up to a roof top with hardly an effort, all the while cackling manically. “Wotta Haul! Wotta Haul!” he yelled gleefully into the night.

“I REALLY hate Nerima,” said Bill, recognizing the old man and taking several steps to the right to avoid a rather large crowd of irate women with various implements of destruction that was racing down the street.

Pointing to the direction Happosai went, he nodded to the ladies before continuing on his way.

Snapping back open his phone, he grumbled lightly as he entered in a number and listened to it ring. “Hey, it’s me. You’ve got company inbound of the short perverted nature, along with the usual followers. I ain’t coming anywhere near that place with that going on. Meet me at the usual okay?” he said.

“Right, and YES, I did thank you very much. See ya in a minute,” he said, hanging up the phone and diverting his directions slightly.

He waited at the entrance to the park near the Tendo Dojo, leaning against the gate post as he watched the night sky.

“I take it that you’ve dealt with Shampoo then? Given you’re still alive and not in a coma or worse, I’d say it went well,” said Nabiki as she walked up to him.

“She’s gonna have a broken heart over this, but I got Cologne’s word on it. Ranma is, as of this moment, free and clear of any Amazonian attachments. You just gotta make sure that he don’t fall for anything from either her or Shampoo. I told them that she could still try to make him notice her in the ‘Traditional’ ways, like dating. So it’s up to you to make sure that you get and keep his attention,” he told her, handing her the boxes of noodles, steam still coming off the bowls.

Nabiki narrowed her eyes in annoyance, “That wasn’t part of the deal Bill.” she told him darkly, glaring at him.

Bill shrugged at her, “Look, I got the kisses removed, made sure they couldn’t drug, trick or what not with him, as well as made sure nothing was going to come back on him, his friends, or your family. You want to crush the poor girl? Then do it the normal way and have Ranma declare he loves you or something. She’s a good girl, Nabiki, misguided as hell, but she’s got a good heart,” the man told her, defending his actions.

Nabiki sighed, but finally nodded once. “Fine. I can deal with that, I suppose. When will I see you again?” she asked directly.

“Not sure really, probably sooner than later though. Something tells me Mr. Saotome senior is going to have a rather extended hospital stay in his immediate future. Tsuruko came with me,” he said with an evil smile.

Nabiki looked at the man and shook her head. “Can’t say the old panda doesn’t deserve it. When and where?” she inquired.

“I’ll give you a call in a bit, gotta let the lady have some fun first. I’ll make sure the bill is covered, don’t worry.” he told the young girl with a knowing smile.

“Why, Bill, you DO know me after all,” she said sweetly, her smile happy and innocent, and sending chills down his spine.

“Go on, I’ll be in touch. Just make sure you keep Ranma on a short leash, I don’t want a crying binge by Shampoo to ruin what we’ve done so far,” he told her, nodding back in the direction of her home.

Nabiki’s answering smile was confident. “Don’t worry about that, I can make sure Ranma doesn’t break under the pressure,” she told him, starting to turn and walk away, before pausing and looking over her shoulder.

Bill regarded her curiously for a moment, wondering what she wanted now.

“And...thanks...for doing all of this,” she said quietly, then turning and moving back towards home.

Bill’s smile was soft. “Just make it count, Nabiki, you both deserve this chance.,” he whispered to her retreating back. He stepped back into the shadows and disappeared without a trace.

Tendo Dojo...

“I’m home!” called Ranma, sliding the door shut behind him and removing his shoes before stepping into the main living area. Not seeing anyone immediately, he paused and listened to the silence of the house.

He walked into the kitchen, finding a bowl of ramen waiting for him there. “Alright!” he said, ripping off the cover and diving into the noodles.

He was happily slurping away when a touch on his shoulder caused him to jump up and to the side several feet, not spilling a drop of the soup or losing a single noodle in the process.

“Nice reflexes, Saotome,” said Nabiki with a smirk at the boy’s actions, leaning against the doorframe to the kitchen.

“Nahbihi!” he shouted through the mouthful of noodles, before slurping them into his mouth and down his throat. “You scared the wits outta me!” he said, taking a seat on the counter and regarding her. “Where is everyone anyways?” he asked her, before finishing off the remainder of the noodles.

Nabiki shook her head, still amazed at the speed the boy could put away food with. “It seems your father was beaten rather savagely while on the way to collect his ‘reward’,” she told him with a droll smile, knowing that he would understand.

Ranma winced slightly. “Can’t say I’m sorry about that, the old man sure deserves that and more,” he told her, shrugging at the news.

“So why’re you still here?” he asked, wondering about the situation for the first time. “Shouldn’t you be taking care of the old mooch’s bill or something?”

She smiled wanly. “It seems as if an unknown benefactor and Good Samaritan had already paid in full his expenses for his stay. Nice guy really, if you ask me,” she told him.

He groaned and dropped his head. “He didn’t,” he said.

“Oh yes, he did. Now then, Saotome, we have something to discuss. I told you there would be stipulations,” Nabiki told him as she stepped into the kitchen.

Ranma swallowed hard at the news, but managed to control his flight instinct. “Um, yeah...about that...” he started, only to be shushed with a wave of Nabiki’s hand.

“Don’t start that now, Ranma, besides it’s not as bad as you think,” she told him, giving him a comfortable smile as she crossed her arms.

“I know you’ve been helping me out with the bills here, I just don’t know why,” the girl started, fixing him with a knowing glance before continuing. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me get to the point here.”

Nodding slowly, Ranma waited for the proverbial noose to wrap tightly around his neck.

“I know you already heard that I didn’t want you paired up with Shampoo when you and Bill go gallivanting around doing what ever it is you do. I’ve also taken steps that have given you freedom from the Kiss of Marriage and Death, WITHOUT compromising either yours or Shampoo’s honor in the process,” she told him, smiling slightly at the stunned expression on his face.

“But, Nabiki...how?” he finally stammered out, blinking at the girl dumbly.

Cocking her head to the side, “Come now, Ranma, do you really expect me to give up all my secrets just like that?” she asked coyly.

“You aren’t jokin’, are ya? Cause if you are, this ain’t funny,” he said, jumping down from the counter to his feet.

She fixed him with the patented glare, as if disbelieving that he would think something like that from her. “Oh, I assure you, Ranma, I’ve very serious.”

He blinked at her for a moment, confusion easily read on the boy’s face. “But why would you do something like that, Nabiki? And why now?” he asked slowly, still trying to fully comprehend the fact that he was no longer engaged to Shampoo.

Nabiki looked at him. “I’ve got my reasons, but we can start with the fact that you’ve been through enough from them and don’t deserve it anymore,” she said quietly, watching his face as he disseminated the information she’d given him.

Before he could speak, she continued. “I moved now because before would have been useless. I don’t like having my work undone through stupidity; whether it is yours or others. Things have progressed to a point where I could influence events to a satisfactory outcome.”

Seeing that he wasn’t quite grasping the concept of what she was saying, she smiled and shook her head. “In other words Ranma, it would have been like attacking Ryoga when he’s ready and prepared for the attack you’re about to throw. Instead, you hit him with something he’s not expecting so that you get the most out of it, understand now?” she asked him, her eyebrow raised expectantly.

Ranma snapped his fingers and she swore she could see a light bulb pop into existence over his head. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?” he asked accusingly, fully grasping what she’d done now.

Nabiki chuckled at him, but declined to answer that question. “Now then, we’ve got to get something perfectly clear. Under no circumstances are you to agree to ANYTHING with Shampoo or Cologne without speaking to me about it first. I don’t care what it is, you run it by me first,” she elaborated to him, pointing a finger first at his chest then hers.

“They might decide to pull the trump card and have her come crying to you, hoping that you’ll cave in and wind up back in the same situation you started in. No matter how much she cries, begs, or pleads with you, Ranma; DON’T...DO...ANYTHING!” Nabiki punctuated each word with a poke of her finger into his well muscled chest.

He rubbed the spot she poked almost petulantly. “Like I’d fall for something like that, Nabiki, gimme a break!” he retorted indignantly, only to jump back slightly, his hands giving off the fearful sign.

Her expression was stern, almost hostile, and something he’d never expected in a thousand years from her. “Okay, okay...I’ll come get you first...geezzz, I’m not a baby you know,” he muttered, a frown creasing his features.

“I know that, but history...YOUR HISTORY, has shown how easily you’re manipulated by the others with tears, either fake or real. I don’t want all this hard work down the drain because you couldn’t hold you own,” the girl told him, once more crossing her arms across her chest.

Sighing, he nodded reluctantly. ‘Hard to argue with that, especially when...’ he thought, only to have the rest of his thoughts vocalized as he looked at her with a shocked expression. “They do that all the time...and you KNEW THAT?” he asked.

She smiled once more at him, “Of course, I usually stayed out of the line of fire though. I do know that you’re not the pervert or two-timer my sister constantly accuses you of, a fact that always escaped her and your other fiancées used against you.”

Ranma, having reached his fill of surprises in this conversation, promptly sat down...or rather fell to his butt on the floor. Looking up at her, he once more had the wide owl eyed blinking expression that informed her he was about to check out of reality again.

Crouching down before him, she snapped her fingers several times and thumped him on the tip of his nose to bring back his concentration. “Stay with me, Ranma, gotta few more things to cover before you go into la-la-land again,” she told him.

He almost crossed his eyes as he tried to see what he was sure to be a bruise on his nose, rubbing it tenderly before meeting her eyes once more.

“Back with me again? Good, now then...” she told him, dropping the mask and finally giving him a legitimate smile. “I know things are tough between you and Akane, especially since the um...failed wedding,” she said, having the decency to blush about the topic.

Seeing that he didn’t get angry with the topic she continued. “I want to know how you feel about her. Do you still love her like you used to?” Nabiki asked him directly, watching his body language closely.

He tensed at the blunt question about his feelings for the violent and usually unreasonable girl. Blushing he started to shake his head violently, “That tomboy...” he started, only to be silenced from the normal tirade by a stern look from Nabiki.

He hung his head in defeat, knowing that this was one person he couldn’t bluff or distract. Her brutally honest nature was one of the things that drew him in, he’d grown sick and tired of the all the hidden agendas and subterfuge that normally ruled his life.

“I dunno, Nabiki, I really don’t. I mean, she’s kinda cute and all...in her own sorta tomboy way, and sometimes she’s even really nice to me. But then she gets all mad, and don’t listen to nothing I say, even if I didn’t do anything wrong. She always believes other people before me and even after everything I’ve done for her, she still don’t trust me,” he admitted, showing the pain he kept hidden from everyone regarding the tempestuous relationship with Akane.

His shoulders sagged as he sighed, feeling the weight of so much on him. “I don’t always say the right things, but I dunno what she wants to hear and most times my mouth moves before my brain does. Usually ending with me getting hit with a mallet, table, book bag, desk, dumbbell, fist, foot, P-Chan, book...” he started ticking off the items she’d nailed him with, frowning slightly as he was running out of fingers. “Eh, you get the idea,” he muttered, folding his hands into his lap as he pulled his legs into the lotus position.

Nabiki used to seeing the results of his foot in mouth disease, let him vent for a change, giving him the one thing he’d never really had. A friend to talk to that wouldn’t necessarily judge him for it. “That may be true, but you both seem to bring out the worst in each other, Ranma. I asked that for one reason...is marrying Akane what YOU want?” she asked him point blank.

His blush was luminescent as he stammered, finally swallowing heavily before being able to speak, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he did. “Huh?” he asked her intelligently, drawing a smile from the girl.

“Yep, articulate as ever, Saotome. Do you really want to marry her, or are you going through with this because it’s want everyone wants you to do?” she asked again, trying to focus his thoughts and emotions.

Ranma blinked at her a couple of times, “I...dunno. I mean, yeah, kinda and all...but after that whole mess from the wedding...” he trailed off, giving her an angry look for the first time.

“Half that stuff never woulda happened if you didn’t sabotage it. Even after she found out that it was you, she STILL blamed me! Like I wanted all that to happen! I didn’t ask for any of that, all I wanted was the...” he trailed off, realizing he’d just given his feelings away about the wedding.

“Nannichuan. So, that’s why you never blamed me,” Nabiki said, smiling as she realized her hunch was true.

“Not only that...there were other reasons,” he said sullenly, feeling like he’d been tricked.

“Such as?” she asked, not letting him off the hook.

“I dunno, but there were reasons,” he defended angrily, leaning forwards.

Nabiki cocked her head to the side. “Look Ranma, I’m not here to fight with you or even get you mad. I’m trying to work something out that will give you back your honor, without having to sacrifice everyone else’s in the process.”

He statement stopped his anger cold, “But, you ain’t gonna yell at me?” he asked dumbly, unsure of what to do in the face of acceptance rather then anger.

“Have you done something to deserve it?” she countered bluntly, before shaking her head. “I don’t have many friends, Ranma, and even fewer still are the people that would help me without ulterior motives. You, the one person that had the least motive to trust or even help me, has done so. I’m willing to meet you half way and listen to you, without yelling, or hitting you, threatening or trying to force you on a date,” Nabiki told him, opening up to him finally.

His eyes narrowed. “You ain’t trying to get me ta be your fiancé again, are ya? Remember the last time...” he growled, still smarting from the treatment he’d gotten from her.

She closed her eyes, “Look, that was then...a lot of water has passed under the bridge since then. Am I trying to force the engagement to me? No, I wouldn’t do that to you. I’ve seen the results when that happens and don’t want them repeated,” she told the boy quietly, opening her eyes and showing him how sincere she was about her statement.

“We both know our families are dead set on this engagement, whether or not it’s with Akane is irrelevant. They won’t stop putting pressure on you about it and it’s only going to serve to drive more problems between you two. I’m offering you an option, if you can’t take it anymore, I’ll step in. My sister may not be able to deal with Daddy, but I know how to get him to back off. I can only promise you that I’ll listen to your side of the story before judging you if you promise not to treat me like I’m an idiot. Everything else will come in time,” the girl spoke quickly, finding her normally steely nerves starting to fail as she vocalized her plans to him for the first time.

Nabiki waited for a moment, catching her breath and calming herself. It was rather easy to see the stunned expression on his face as his mind and heart warred it out about whether or not she was serious about what she’d just said.

Deciding to give him a verbal push, she smiled...a smile that she didn’t show anyone, one that was always hidden behind the mask of the Ice Queen of Furinkan High. “I’m not saying we get married and run away. You’re my FRIEND, Ranma, probably one of the only true ones I have. I wouldn’t force you into anything, and without that friendship we couldn’t have ANYTHING. You understand?” she asked him.

Blinking at her, he finally nodded, “Okay...I don’t know if you’re being real with me, Nabiki...but I’m willing to give it a shot,” he said slowly, as if unsure of his thoughts.

He extended his hand to her. “I’ll trust you if you trust me,” he said, giving her a smile that began to melt the ice that had so long encased her heart.

She took his hand, nodding as she shook it. “It’s a deal, Saotome,” Nabiki told him.

Lowering herself to a kneeling position, they looked at each other, neither sure of what to do or say next. Finally, it was Ranma that spoke, licking his lips nervously. “What are you going do about Akane? I don’t wanna hurt her, she don’t deserve that,” he told her quietly, drawing a frown from Nabiki.

Sighing, she met his worried eyes. “Leave that to me, but you have to realize that most of the troubles you’ve found yourself in have been BECAUSE you didn’t want to hurt someone. I’m not saying that it’s going to be easy, and people are going to have their hearts broken by us doing this, but if you want out of the messes your father made for you, you’re going to have to trust me.”

He was about to protest but she shushed him by touching a hand to his mouth, shaking her head. “I’ll ALWAYS be there for you to talk to, Ranma, no matter what or when. I’ve seen you coming and going through Akane’s window too many times, you just come to mine. It’ll be unlocked for you. Despite my sister’s rather vehement proclamations otherwise, I know you’re not a pervert or a molester,” she assured him, giving him a sly smile.

Ranma sat in a stupor, realizing just how serious she was about this, and finding that it both excited and scared him. “Are you sure about this, Nabiki? I mean, I don’t have much to offer outside of my Art,” he asked her, unsure that he was brining anything that could be considered useful to a relationship with her.

Nabiki smiled at him, “Don’t worry about that, Ranma; there’s more to you then meets the eye. Besides, just because you’ve got no aspirations beyond taking over the schools now, doesn’t mean you might not want something more later,” she assured the ego sensitive young man, careful not sound like she was trying to force him into anything.

His answering smile was unsure, but steady. Any further conversation was halted by the sounds of people talking within the yard. Nabiki looked at him with wide eyes. “Remember our deal, Ranma. Come to me if you need anything, even just to talk,” she whispered, only scant inches from his now blushing and shocked face.

In a low sultry voice she whispered, “And no matter what, don’t fall for any tears, Ranma. It’ll be worth it later, I promise you.”

Her breath was warm and moist on his lips, bringing to his mind thoughts he’d not experienced awake for some time, not without a tangible fear of getting malleted or beaten to within an inch of his life.

Seeing that she had his full and undivided attention, she kissed the tip of his nose, causing him to fall over backwards in surprise.

Covering a very un-Nabiki like giggle at the power she could wield over the inexperienced boy, she extended a hand down to him, helping him up. “C’mon, Ranma, let’s go find out how your father is,” she said, turning and walking from the kitchen as if nothing monumental had just happened between them.

Touching the tip of his nose gently, he followed her into the living area just as Soun entered carrying one heavily bandaged Genma, complete with crutches.

“Hey, pop! What happened to you? Try to steal some kids sucker?” he taunted his father.

Genma, his face totally wrapped except for his eyes, nose and mouth, simply glared at his son.

“Ranma, did you know that Kuno got admitted to the psychiatric ward down at the hospital? From what we heard he went and tried to kiss the wrestling coach and started declaring his undying love for him. Sounds like he must’ve tried to eat Kodachi’s cooking again,” Akane said, slipping off her shoes.

“Yeah, well that freak had it coming for all the times he’s tried to molest me in girl form,” said Ranma, more than a little disgust in his voice for the kendoist.

Nabiki simply smiled distantly as she flopped back on the couch with her manga. “Kuno-baby never was too tightly wrapped. Maybe I’ll go visit the poor sod and offer to help him out of this jam...for a price, of course,” she said, waving a hand distractedly in Akane’s direction.

Kasumi, wrapping the strings of her apron around her waist, smiled in Ranma’s direction. “Did Mutsumi find her train alright?” she asked, stepping into the kitchen.

He followed her into the kitchen, picking up his bowl and taking it to the sink, “Yep, made sure she got on the train and everything. She seemed real tired though, she okay?” he asked, beginning to wash his bowl.

Kasumi, having opened the fridge and poking around inside, looked up at the young man. “She’s always been a bit anemic, but she seems to be much happier. Thank you so much for helping her,” she said, crossing to the martial artist and hugging him in thanks.

“Aw geez, Kasumi, it was no big deal...” he faltered, unused to physical contact of the female type that didn’t involve pain and suffering.

“My son is so manly!” gushed Nodoka as she passed by the entrance of the kitchen, a huge smile on her face.

Ranma blushed heavily while Kasumi simply smiled and shook her head, “Oh, Auntie Nodoka...” she said, returning to the preparations of the next days meal.

Turning around, he walked back into the living room to watch TV with the others, leaving Kasumi alone with her thoughts in the kitchen. She stood motionless for long moment, staring at the very spot where Nabiki and Ranma had had their heart to heart talk, a smile on her face.

She began to hum a happy tune as she returned to her chores, her thoughts on a blossoming and powerful new emotion rising with the Tendo Dojo.

Elsewhere...

“So now, what’s next?” asked Chase, regarding the screen both her and Bill watched, showing the Tendo Household settling in for the night.

Bill sighed. “I’ll deal with Ukyo next, I suppose. She’s gonna be the most difficult one. Not an easy answer there, given the history between them and her rather stubborn nature. I’ll figure something out in the morning,” he answered, rubbing hands over his tired face.

Chase smiled at her long suffering friend, “You’ve been at this too long, Bill. You’re going to burn yourself out if you don’t take it easy,” she advised, tapping the console to call up the display of the place between.

It showed the darkened caricature of the city, still crawling with minor demons and spirits. “Gonna send in a clean up team for that?” she asked, pointing to the screen.

“Yeah, probably take care of that tomorrow. Might do Ranma some good to blow off some steam that way. Maybe him and Ryoga could have a contest or something about who can kill more,” the man said, stifling a yawn.

The woman’s laughter was light, “Get outta here you! Chayn is worried about you and you ain’t seen your kid in forever. Take the rest of the night off, I’ll cover your watch,” she ordered him, helping him to the door.

He hooked a hand on the door frame, and turned to look at her, “Oh yeah, get in touch with Tsuruko, and tell her to hang around Nerima for a bit. Gonna need her help to rein in the old pervert,” he said, trying to remember everything else he was supposed to do both going home.

“I’m the one in charge here, remember? I’m sure I can handle it. Now, get moving...or...” she threatened, cracking her knuckles ominously with a smile.

He ducked involuntarily and was out the door, “Nope, I’m outta here. See ya in the morning your worshipfulbossladyness.” he teased, chuckling as he walked down the corridor.

She shook her head as the door slid shut behind him, watching the monitors carefully as she retook her seat. Sighing heavily, she opened up several displays, checking over the ebb and flow of the demons through the minor tears.

A blinking red light drew her attentions, an expression of dread on her face. “Oh hell...” she muttered, opening the display.

It revealed not the place between, but of the real world. Before she could begin her search, another red lamp started blinking, then another...and another.

Icy fear gripped her stomach as she struggled to maintain composure before she finally tapped in the codes that would alert what meager forces she had standing by.

“We’ve got a problem. There are 5, say again, 5 breaches within the following locations...” she began, reading out co-ordinates to her dispatcher.

Chase held her head in her hands, her thoughts rocketing around her head as she tried come up with a plan to counter this unexpected move.

Finally the woman turned a determined expression to the screens, “Looks like we gotta get involved personally this time...you’re gonna regret doing this, Drake, mark my words,” she growled.

She spun in her chair and turned to face a darkened display, tapping in a code that caused the screen to flicker before revealing a woman with silver blue straight hair to appear on the other end.

“Hello, can I...Oh! Hi Chase! What’s up?” she asked, a happy smile on her face.

“I’m gonna need to speak with your husband, sorry for the short notice. Something big has come up,” Chase told her quickly, sending her the data.

The woman nodded as she received the data, but frowned slightly. “Don’t know how to tell you this, Chase, but that Drake guy has already talked to both him and couple of the others,” she said apologetically with a shrug.

Chase closed her eyes for moment, fighting the sinking feeling she had. “Don’t tell me he joined that asshole...” she ground out.

“Yeah, right! You know him, he had to find out who was stronger first, otherwise...” the blue/silver haired woman said, her voice taking on a deep and grating quality. “It wouldn’t be worth my time to destroy such weaklings! I am a born fighter and if they are not worthy of my full power then they are not worthy of my time,” she finished, causing both women to giggle at the absurdity of it all.

“You’d of thought that after all he’s been through he would be a bit less anal. Oh well, who’s going with him then?” asked Chase, feeling more that a bit relieved that some things would never change.

Rolling her eyes, “Guess? Like he’s gonna take anyone else. He’s still got that grudge against him about who’s more powerful. I swear sometimes it’s just like raising another kid,” she told her friend.

“Look at the bright side,” said Chase, “at least he’ll listen to him. Let me know how it goes, if he decides to take up Drake on his offer, I’ve got to make sure to balance the scales some.”

Nodding with a grim smile, “Don’t worry about that, Chase, he’ll choose the right side if I have to beat him half to death...that or not feed him for a week. Either way, he’ll do the right thing if it or I kill him,” she laughed.

Chase laughed with her long time friend, “Thanks Bulma, I’ll be in touch.” she told the woman closing the connection.

Steepling her fingers beneath her chin, she considered this latest turn of events. ‘Well, looks like our lives are about to get VERY interesting,’ she thought darkly, beginning to form contingency plans if Vegeta decided to explore his dark-side once more.

‘Hopefully Goku can still talk some sense into the thick headed moron...’ she told herself, placing her faith in the good natured warrior to sway his long time rival and friend to help them.

End of chapter notes: First of all, let me thank and apologize to Innortal. He proof read this story and pointed out a rather simple yet prolific error in my writing and fixed ALL of them. Thanks man, I really owe you for that(and sorry that you had to do that, it couldn't have been much fun). Next, I wanted to apologize for the lack of updates on this story as well, but things are getting better and I should be able to pump out some updates quickly(compared to these last few anyways...lol). Hope you all are enjoying this so far, and didn't see the arrival of my newest guest stars. I just HAD to add those two, not only are they some of my favorite fighters in anime but their constant bickering is hilarious. As far as the way I'm portraying the starts of a R/N pairing, I actually did alot of research into both of them(both manga and anime) and I'm trying to stay true to both characters and how they'd act in a situation like this. Hopefully I haven't disappointed anyone with it so far. Anywho, I'm already at work on the next chapter here, though it probably won't be this long, but it'll have a fair amount of action as well as the fallout of Shampoo and Ranma. Thanks again for all the support and reviews, they mean alot to me and help keep me motivated to finish this story. I also have to give credit to Innortal for his kind advice and patience with my mistakes as well as his well written stories and ideas. He's served to inspire me on more than one occasion. Alice the Raven for keeping me supplied with my KOTOR fix, her stories rock! Read and be addicted! R&R if it moves ya to do so, and cya next chapter!