A/N: Don’t own Ranma, Love Hina, Trigun, Witch Hunter Robin, Tenchi Muyo, Dragon Ball Z, Fatal Fury or any of their rights. Suing me would result in hysterical laughter along with finger pointing and public embarrassment.

Chaotic Destiny

“NO!” cried the distraught and frightened voice of Ranma, lurching upright in bed, sweat covering his upper body.

A cool hand touched his bare chest, his head jerking in the direction to find out who had touched him.

“It’s okay Ranma,” said the soft voice of Nabiki, her deep brown eyes full of love and concern for her husband.

The pig tailed martial artist sought comfort within her eyes even as his body leaned into hers. He swallowed hard several times, finding his mouth to be dry and a raw feeling in his throat.

“I keep seein’m Nabs…it’s like he’s right THERE, but I just can’t reach’m,” he said to her, letting himself be pulled back down into their bed. Resting his head on her tee shirt covered chest, he breathed in deeply of her scent, slowly closing his eyes.

“I know Ranma,” she soothed him, her fingers running absently through his hair. This was the third night in a row he’d had nightmares of what he’d seen in the place between. ‘Not to mention hell,’ she thought darkly, frowning as she tightened her arms around the man she loved so much.

When he’d come back from the mission to finally stop Drake and his mad schemes, he’d been exhausted past his limits and ended up sleeping for almost 24 hours. Nabiki’s heart had almost stopped at the sight of his limp body lying on the grass of her backyard, the shadows having simply just spit him and the remnants of the group he’d been with out.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the slight shudder that coursed over Ranma, pulling her from the almost endless ‘What if’s’ that had been plaguing her since his return. Kissing the top of his head, she thought of the man that had seemingly sacrificed himself to ensure that Drake was stopped once and for all.

Ranma responded to her affections by clinching in tighter to her, exhaling as he did. He didn’t realize the effect the simple action would have on her, though it was soon readily obvious by the twin points that appeared on the thin cotton shirt she wore.

It was now her time to shudder, for completely different reasons. Smiling slightly as her eyes closed, she pulled his head deeper into her chest while her left leg ran invitingly up his, her heel hooking across his lower back.

Not needing more encouragement then that from his wife and lover, Ranma responded by moving his hand under her shirt to further tease her. The low growling she gave back bringing a smile to his face as he moved closer to her.

The thin blanket that had been covering them was soon kicked from the bed, followed closely by the shirt that Nabiki had been wearing. Ranma’s shorts joined them on the floor in a matter of moments, accompanied by a throaty giggle from Nabiki as Ranma put his lips and tongue to good use on her sensitive skin.

Losing themselves in not only the moment, but into one another, they pushed back the darkness that had been haunting them since his return. For the next hour they touched and loved, lived and explored, celebrating their life and love.

The next morning…

A gentle knocking at the door brought Ranma sitting up quickly, his eyes wide and blinking as he gathered his wits. “Yeah?” he called out, rubbing his eyes and stifling a yawn.

“Breakfast will be ready shortly,” came the sweet voice of Kasumi through the door, knowing better than to open it. She’d only done so once since they’d moved into Nabiki’s room and discovered them not quite being intimate but close enough to leave a blush on her face for several hours afterwards.

“Thanks Kasumi, we’ll be down in a minute,” he called, his stomach reminding him that he’d missed too much food recently and it wanted to make up for lost time.

He looked down at the sexy and sleek form of Nabiki still sleeping peacefully next to him. His heart swelled with love and appreciation for the woman, his eyes going soft as they drank in her curves. Unable to resist, he ran a finger from just under her arm pit, along the curves her chest down to her hip, to the finely toned upper thigh that was still draped over him.

The reward he got for his efforts almost made him pass out from shock and pain. Her leg reflexively shot upwards at the stimulation, a frown creasing her face as she made a grunting noise of disapproval. The knee attached to said leg, drove upwards into a very tender and sensitive part of Ranma’s anatomy, his eyes widening as he whimpered while falling back into the pillows.

Unconsciously feeling her lover back in the bed with her, the frown disappeared as her arm snaked across his torso pulling him tight to her once more with a wan smile.

Ranma could only sit in agonized silence, his appetite gone for the moment as his body tried to cope with the sudden leaden pain in his lower abdominal area.

Downstairs, several pain filled minutes later…

Shampoo looked over at her husband and wife as they entered the kitchen, her happy smile fading slightly as she saw the traces of pain still evident on Ranma’s face. “Ranma okay? Look like eat kitchen destroyer cooking,” she asked him, unsure of what had happened.

Nabiki gave an embarrassed chuckle, looking up at him with obvious sympathy. “No, nothing like that Shampoo, we just uh…had a bit of…a collision, and Ranma got the worst of it,” she said, trying hard to hide the smile she wore as he glared at her.

“Collision?” he squeaked out, his voice a couple octaves higher than normal.

Blinking slowly at them, comprehension dawned on the lavender haired beauty, as she quickly lowered her face lest he catch her knowing smile as well.

The others at the table simply looked at the couple with mild curiosity, but said nothing about the incident. “What are your plans for today dear?” asked Nodoka, scooping rice into their bowls as they sat down at the table.

“I’ve got some work to take care of regarding a business deal I made, and then I’ve got to handle the school about our marriage,” she informed her mother in law with a smile.

The older woman’s eyes went dreamy at the mention of the marriage, images of grandchildren floating in her head. It was a soft and thoroughly pathetic whimpering that brought her from her dream world. Her visage went stern as she glared at the tied up man in the corner of the kitchen. “I’m sorry husband, but we’re eating at the moment and it’s rude to interrupt,” she told him coldly.

Looking back to her son, her face went sunny once more. “Perhaps today would be a good day to show your father what being a man amongst men means Ranma,” she told him, the smile wide yet icy cold.

Glaring over at his father with a sinister grin, Ranma nodded enthusiastically at the idea. “Yeah, me’n Pop have gotta lot to discuss,” he said, cracking his knuckles.

Soun shuddered at the boys actions, remembering all too well how powerful a martial artist he’d become. “Indeed, just make sure not to destroy the stone fence again, it was just replaced,” he advised before shoving a pickle into his mouth.

Genma Saotome’s eyes went wide as his long time friend and partner in crime deserted him to the not so tender mercies of his son and wife. ‘Ungrateful man! Just because the schools are joined is no reason to desert his old friend like this,’ he thought haughtily, though the only sound that escaped his lips were a few muffled grunts and a long whimper.

“I thought that today we could go and see Akane as well. Dr. Tofu said that she should be up to visitors today,” chimed in Kasumi, smiling at everyone peacefully.

The silence was palpable at her suggestion, no one daring to speak about the angry young woman since her return. It was Ranma that finally nodded, never in his life having been able to deny Kasumi anything. “Sounds good ta me Kasumi, just let me’n Nabs get finished with our stuff first, okay?” he offered to her.

Nabiki’s fingers intertwined with his under the table at his words, pride showing in her face at his response. “We should be done no later than noon, then we all can walk over together,” she added.

Ranma nudged Shampoo with an elbow, smiling at the girl. “You comin’ too, right Shampoo?” he asked, making sure to include her along with them.

Since the betrayal by Cologne, Shampoo had been hesitant to insert herself into the lives of the married couple, not wanting them to resent her presence. According to Amazon Law, when Ranma had challenged Geese Howard for her and defeated the man, he’d become her husband. The fact that he was already married when he’d done so and that Shampoo hadn’t challenged Nabiki for the right of first wife, had led to her great grandmother and matriarch into stripping her of her title and rank in the tribe. Now all the girl had left was the slim hope that somehow either the two of them accepted her into their union or that Nabiki found a loop hole in the laws that would allow Shampoo her honor and place back within the tribe. Neither prospect looked all that promising, but Shampoo wasn’t giving up her hopes until every option had been explored.

She nodded to her husband, “Of course, Shampoo happy to help,” she replied with a matching smile.

Nabiki watched them interact with a careful eye, ruthlessly stomping out the growing sense of jealousy she had at their banter. ‘She did save my life,’ the girl reasoned with herself, feeling a growing sense of fondness for the girl since she’d been forced into their life.

The rest of the meal went quickly, with the majority of those present making sure not to place limbs before Ranma as he ate to his fill.

As Nodoka and Kasumi started to clear the dishes, Nabiki got to her feet and stretched her arms over her head. “Okay then, I’m going to make some calls lover boy, have fun with your father for a little while,” she said with a cheshire grin as she leaned down and kissed him fondly.

Ranma smiled happily as their lips parted, his eyes dancing as he watched her moving away from him. “C’mon Shampoo, you can play goalie again,” he said, holding out his hand to the girl.

She took his hand with a slight blush and beaming smile, eager to take some of her own frustrations out before they left for the day. With all that had happened in recent days, she hadn’t had much time to train beyond the thrashing she’d given Kodachi.

Giving her hand a squeeze before releasing it, they walked over to where a horrified Genma was trying to become one with the wall behind him.

“Aw Pop, you ain’t CRYIN’ are ya? That ain’t no way for a martial artist to act!” he chastised the man, grasping the front of the man’s gi in both fists. Looking over his shoulder, he smiled at Kasumi and nodded.

“Thank you for remembering Ranma,” she told him, sliding open the window and stepping back.

“Hey Shampoo, betcha can’t kick’m before he hits the ground,” he challenged his friend, spinning around and then tossing the bound man out of the open window.

Rising to the challenge, the girl was less then a meter behind the man as he exited the building, tumbling into a fighting stance before unleashing her kick into the man’s backside.

With a muffled howl, Genma was soon only a sparkling event horizon above them.

Whistling low, Ranma held a hand over his eyes as he watched his father go. “Nice hang time Shampoo,” he complimented the girl, used to having taken such trips thanks to Mallet Air, via Akane Airlines.

Giggling happily at the compliment, the two talented martial artists bounded off after the man, playing a form of tag as they roof hopped the way there.

Kasumi smiled as she closed the window, “I’m glad Ranma hasn’t taken it out on Shampoo for what her Grandmother did,” she said, picking up the drying towel and helping Nodoka with the dishes.

Nodding her agreement, the mother smiled at her. “My manly son wouldn’t do such a thing to an innocent girl like that,” she reaffirmed, not mentioning the fact that she was actually looking forward to having Shampoo bear her some grandchildren as well.

Chuckling softly, knowing well what the dreamy look in the woman’s eyes meant, Kasumi didn’t comment. ‘I hope you can deal with the chaos little sister, it doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon,’ she thought to herself, feeling a twinge of worry for Nabiki and the life she’d chosen.

Meanwhile…

Ukyo looked over at the red headed doctor as she checked on Ryoga and Akari. “They both gonna be okay right?” she asked, her brow furrowed in concern as the woman worked.

Jules looked at her shadow from the past 3 days with a look that said what she thought of the question and went back to her exam of the two of them.

Ryoga had to be forcibly sedated when he’d finally come to, his concern for the girl next to him so great. Julia Menzies winced at the memories of trying to get the narcotic through the boy’s skin, finally having to almost pound it into his bared chest. Though effective in the end, it wasn’t something she cared to repeat and had kept him under sedation since.

Folding her arms across her chest Ukyo huffed in frustration. She hated having to babysit, though she did understand why. After everything that had happened and the fight that had taken place between Akane and Ryoga, no one was willing to take the chance he’d try to finish what he’d started.

Akari’s light, dry cough drew both women to her bedside. Her eyelids fluttered weakly, tears flooding the slits as the light burned them.

Reaching over and lowering the brightness, Jules smiled warmly at the girl. “Welcome back, how you feeling?” she asked gently, checking the girl’s wrist for her pulse as she talked.

Swallowing weakly and moving her tongue around her dry mouth, she managed to get out a rough sound that might have been the word ‘Fine’.

“Just take it easy m’duck, you’ve been through quite a litt’l bit. Don’ try ta move too quickly, your body is going to need some time to readjust to the injuries and surgery. Don’ worry though, everything went well and with a bit a’ time, therapy and a lot of love, you’ll be as good as new,” assured the doctor, leaning a bit closer to the girl’s face so that she could see her better.

Akari smiled at the woman with a tired expression, her dark eyes looking past her to where Ryoga was sleeping in the bed next to hers. Her eyes warmed immensely at the sight of her love, banishing the hidden fears and nightmares she’d had of what the girl had done.

“Is…is he going to be alright?” she asked, her voice still raspy.

Pointing to the clear cup of water with a bendy straw in it, Jules waved her hand impatiently until Ukyo handed it to her. Letting her drink in small sips to help with the dryness, she let her drink her fill.

Looking refreshed and slightly more coherent with the water, Akari settled back into the pillows with a sigh. “What happened? All I remember is Akane attacking us…then nothing but blackness,” she asked finally, knowing something bad had happened but unsure of what.

The two women looked at one another before answering the other girls’ question. “I’ll tell ya what we know for sure,” allowed Julia, giving her the barest details of the assault and the resulting medical attention she’d needed.

Akari took the information well, though she paled when she heard of the destruction of her home and Ryoga’s reaction to the whole event. Glancing back at the man, she nodded in his direction. “Is he going to be alright? Did she hurt him too?” she asked quietly.

Ukyo took the lead, placing a hand on her arm as she spoke. “He tried to kill Akane, but didn’t succeed. He knocked himself out, and messed her up really bad but they both lived. He had to be sedated so that he wouldn’t try to leave here to finish what he’d started,” she explained gently.

Taking a deep breath, the girl observed the young man in the bed. “He used to love her you know,” she whispered, not taking her eyes from the man.

“I love him, I love him so much,” her voice almost broke, tears flooding her eyes then coursing down her cheeks. Closing her eyes, she forced the excess liquid from them.

“I must sound foolish,” Akari told them with a sad smile, bringing a weak arm up to wipe a trail of tears from her eyes.

“Ya sound naught of tha’ sort my dear,” Dr. Menzies told her softly, handing her a soft tissue.

Waiting until the girl had regained more of her composure, they all sat in the thickening silence. “I’ll let him wake up on his own now that you’re awake and coherent. I think it would do the both of you a world of good to talk this out,” Julia told the girl, smiling bravely.

Akari could only nod her agreement, feeling relief at being able to talk to him soon.

“Gimme a hand here will you?” she asked Ukyo, motioning towards the foot of the bed. With little effort the two women moved her bed so that it was next to Ryoga’s.

As they walked from the room, both saw her timid hand reaching for his.

“Thanks for helping me out around here,” Julia told the okonomyaki chef as she quietly shut the door.

Ukyo nodded, but had a sour expression on her face. “It’s not like I had much of a choice in the matter. With everything else that happened and Ryoga flipping out like that, I was kinda the only one left,” she said grumpily.

The doctor walked to the desk that had been left for her use by her colleague and friend Dr. Tofu. Pulling open the drawer, she reached in and retrieved a bottle of very old and finely aged scotch. Holding up the bottle, she shook it’s contents. “Fancy a drap?” she offered.

The tall girl thought for a long moment about it, then nodded tiredly. “Sure why not? It’s not like I’ve got anywhere else to go now,” her tone still moody.

Jules poured them three fingers into two tumblers and pushed the girl the glass. After clinking them softly, she proceeded to down hers without preamble, amazing the younger girl at her actions.

Before she could warn Ukyo not to follow suit, the girl attempted to mimic the action. She ended up almost spewing the alcohol all over her new found friend. With a wrinkled expression and a massive body shudder, Ukyo forced her drink down then gasped for air as it burned all the way to her toes.

“Shoulda warned ya about that,” chuckled the woman, earning her a teary eyed glare.

Holding up the bottle once more, she poured them each another drink. Replacing the stopper, she set the bottle down. “Alright, let’s drink like the civilized people we’re s’posed ta be this time,” her smile was infectious.

Ukyo nodded, still feeling the warmth from the last drink spreading over her body. She’d had a drink or two before, but never in quantity.

“You know it wasn’t his choice, don’t you? You can’t go blaming anyone but the old hag that set them up,” Jules told her suddenly, knowing exactly what her mood was about.

Looking at the woman with outright hostility, Ukyo shook her head. “It’s more than that sugar, lemme tell you!” she said, pointing a finger at the woman across the desk from her.

“With Ranma-honey, it’s ALWAYS his choice! That boy can get himself into the worst situations without even thinking about it. Hell, half the time it’s a wonder he’s still alive at all,” she grumbled.

Julia let the girl talk, unwilling to interrupt her from venting. ‘Gotta love the lightweights,’ she thought, knowing she could probably drink most everyone she knew under the table.

“And ANOTHER thing! I’m SURE that hussy had SOMETHING to do with this. She’s tried everything under the damn sun to get her cheap little paws onto my Ranma! So don’t go expecting me to believe that she ain’t jumping for joy at this little turn of events,” the girl continued the tirade about the injustice of Shampoo with Ranma.

Taking a deep sip of her drink, she winced once more as she did. Her gasp for breath was just as deep as before, though her voice lost none of it’s fire. “I mean, it ain’t like I blame her or nothing…well, I DO, but I know what she’s feeling. I’d do just about ANYTHING to get with Ranma, I dunno about sharing him with Nabiki though. Just cuz I dress up like a guy don’t mean I like girl’s or nothing like that, don’t get me wrong,”

Holding in the smile as the girl continued off, Julia realized that this was going to be an interesting introspective on the girl.

Her hand pointed the glass at the doctor, almost sloshing the liquor out of the tumbler in the process. “Speaking of that ice cold bitch, she’s got some NERVE pulling what she did. She had a hand in that whole fiasco too ya know! She SOLD the information to us, KNOWING that we’d get pissed off sugar! How come SHE ends up seeming like a rose while I get shafted like this huh? Answer me that! Can’t, can you?” she asked and answered all at the same time.

As the girl tipped back her glass to finish off the drink, Julia added her thoughts on the matter. “That may be, but she did apologize and make an effort to change, didn’t she? It’s not like he just forgave her out of tha’ blue,” she said calmly, sipping her drink casually as she leaned back in her chair.

Slamming the glass down onto the wooden desk, Ukyo glared at the woman. “I TRIED dammit! He just wouldn’t listen to me when I tried to explain,” she said defensively.

Nodding sagely, she pursed her lips in thought. “How long after though Ukyo? How long did it take you to get over your own sense of guilt at your actions ta actually approach him about it?” she asked softly, her green eyes flashing slightly.

Her hands itched for her battle spatula, wanting to destroy something at the line of questioning. Shaking her head, she only succeeded in making herself dizzy. ‘What the hell is this stuff anyways? It sure as hell ain’t sake,’ thought the girl, trying to focus through the thickening of her head.

“Ran-chan and me have ALWAYS been friends, he KNEW I didn’t mean it,” Ukyo told her, her voice not sharing the conviction of her words.

It was then that the tears started, his words coming back to her. “But I didn’t listen to him did I? I knew he wouldn’t kill anyone and here I go trying to kill off Akane…” she trailed off, her tone going sorrowful.

Leaning forwards, her red curls falling around her face, framing it, Julia gave her a sympathetic smile. “He’s ALWAYS gonna be your friend Ukyo, ya know that. No matter what happens. Sometimes we jus’ gotta play the hand we’re dealt, no matter how badly it sucks,” she told her, reaching out and grasping the girl’s hand with her own.

“I can tell you this much about Shampoo though, it ain’t like you’re thinkin’. From what I hear none of them wanted it, yet if they don’t go along with it, someone gets hurt, an we both know how much our boy won’t let that happen,” Julia admitted, giving her a comforting smile.

Ukyo nodded, tears falling down her beautiful face, finally releasing her anger and jealousy into tears. Her cries were soft at first, growing stronger by the moment until the girl was sobbing uncontrollably, her face buried in her hands.

Coming around the desk, Julia knelt at the girl’s side, wrapping her arms around her. Pulling her close, she felt Ukyo resist for a moment, pride trying to override her need for comfort, then she fell into the woman’s embrace.

“Life’s a bitch, just don’t let it get you, kick her in the ass whenever you get the chance,” she soothed, letting the emotions and alcohol help the girl deal with her pain.

Tendo Dojo, almost 3 hours later…

Nabiki sat on the porch, watching the wind play through the leaves, a distant expression on her face. Her thoughts on the conversations she’d had with several of her contacts and one prominent lawyer in Tokyo. The first warning she had that Ranma was on his way back was a slight whistling sound, followed by a thudding impact by his father.

Landing nearby with the grace that excited her, Ranma brushed off his hands with a satisfied smile as he walked past the crumpled form of his father. “That’ll teach you Pop. I told ya before, you ain’t got nuthin’ more ta teach me,” he said confidently.

Seeing his wife, his smile grew wider. “Hey Nabiki, miss me?” he teased as he bounced over to her, scooping her up into his arms before she truly knew what was happening.

After giving a most unladylike squeak by the sudden actions, she fixed her husband with a baneful look that stopped him cold. “Do we have to go over the rules again Ranma?” she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

Shampoo had landed right behind Ranma, and watched their interaction with a knowing smile. For all her bluster and demeanor, she knew Nabiki loved the attention Ranma doted on her. She smiled sadly at their growing intimacy as she walked closer, wanting to feel such things with the boy that owned her heart.

“Uh, no…that’s okay Nabs,” he said hastily, setting her gingerly back on her feet, making a show of brushing her off.

“Shampoo, a little help here,” called Nabiki, giving the girl a sly wink.

Before Ranma could turn to defend himself, Shampoo had already crossed the yard and slapped him in the back of the head.

“HEY! Whaddya do that for?” he cried, holding the back of his head and taking a step back from the two women.

“Why it’s actually very simple Ranma. She, being my co-wife, is going to help me get you civilized…even if it kills you,” Nabiki told him with a smile, springing the first of her many surprises on him.

He blinked at her words, unsure that he’d heard her right. “Wha? But, I thought that you didn’t like the idea of havin’ her with us like that,” he stammered, suddenly on uncertain ground.

Shampoo’s heart suddenly pounded in her chest, having Nabiki acknowledge her as a co-wife wasn’t what she’d expected. Ever since she’d saved Nabiki from Kodachi they’d grown closer, talking and sharing more with one another but nothing to this degree.

Seeing the stunned expressions on both of their faces, she smiled. ‘Still got it Nabiki,’ she congratulated herself before speaking. “I’ve been looking into Amazon laws and had to call in some big favors for help. The advice I got was to adhere to the laws for the time being and treat this like the real thing, it’ll make it easier in the long run when we deal with the Amazons. That doesn’t mean I’m ready to share him with you Shampoo, so just get THAT thought out of your head right now. I just don’t want you to think that we don’t care about what happens to you or your feelings,” she clarified.

Ranma looked from one girl to the other, not sure exactly what was happening, but feeling better once Nabiki put her arm around him. “So, what’s that mean then Nabiki?” he asked her.

The girl nodded to Shampoo, holding out her hand to her. “What it means Ranma is that she’s family now. According to her laws, she belongs with us. I may be a lot of things, but I won’t turn my back on her when she needs us,” she explained, pulling Shampoo into a hug.

“I know this isn’t easy on you Shampoo and I do appreciate how you’ve not tried to interfere in our marriage. I promise you this much though, if I can’t find a way out of this with your honor intact than I won’t fight you on your rights as his second wife,” she whispered to the girl. Nabiki showing her just how determined she was to find a resolution to the quandary they were in.

Shampoo’s eyes widened at her whispered promise, happy tears filling her eyes and hope filling her chest that she wouldn’t be cast aside or forgotten. She clutched at the girl, unabashed at showing her appreciation for her efforts.

Seeing them hugging, Ranma smiled, happy that they’d seemed to be on the same page with one another. Still not quite sure about the whole ‘co-wife’ idea, he was more than willing to have Shampoo around him. She’d proven herself to be a valuable friend and more than adequate sparring partner. He still hadn’t forgotten about her actions at the failed wedding, but that was something he could discuss with her later, along with Nabiki.

“Are you three ready to go?” asked Kasumi, her hands folded before her as she waited for them on the porch.

Ranma smiled at her, “Just about Kasumi, we’ve still gotta get Pop up ta his room to sleep off his training,” he explained, walking from his wives and hoisting the man up by the waist of his gi. Half carrying, half dragging the man into the house, he made sure that the bandana covered head of the man soundly encountered each and every stair they had to cross.

Kasumi frowned as she walked behind them. “Now Ranma, what have I told you about respecting your father?” she asked, wincing as the man’s head made a small dent in the wall of the hallway when Ranma turned to face her.

“But Kasumi,” he started to protest only to instantly back down from the calm and determined look in her eyes. Hanging his head, he reluctantly slung the unconscious man over his shoulder and continued to the room he normally used.

Pushing the door open with his foot, he found his mother and the bounty hunter Nagi within, kneeling before each other in conversation. They looked up at him as he entered, unceremoniously dumping the man onto the futon nearby. “Hey Nagi,” he said with a smile, having not seen the woman since their return some days past.

“Ranma,” she acknowledged him with a nod, gracing him with a slight smile.

“Ranma dear, it would seem that Nagi has a way for your father to earn back some of the honor he has cost our clan,” Nodoka informed her son.

“Huh? How’s that? Selling his body to science? Or did the zoo finally get desperate enough to need the old man for their panda?” he asked, hands on his hips. With all the schemes, tricks and lies Genma had told in the past 12 years, it was hard to imagine he’d have any hope of restoring even a fraction of his honor.

Nagi slowly stood and pulled a length of glowing cord from the hilt of her sword. Kneeling next to the snoring man, she bound his wrists and ankles together quickly before energizing the cord to immobilize him completely. “There, now I won’t have to worry about him attempting to escape me before he’s able to try and restore honor to the Saotome name,” she said, giving a crooked grin down at him.

Raising an eyebrow, he looked from the bounty hunter back to his mother. “Um, what’s she talkin’ about?” he asked, hooking his thumb towards Genma.

Waving her hand at the boy, Nodoka simply smiled. “Oh, nothing for you to concern yourself with Ranma, Nagi simply requested his presence for a job she’s conducting and I readily agreed. She offered us a stipend for his services as well as the knowledge that should they succeed, it would give your father his dignity and honor back,” she told him, before frowning in concern. “To a degree at least, dearest one seems to have forgotten the true meaning of honor,” she added sadly.

‘At least she ain’t fingering that sword no more when she talks about honor,’ thought Ranma with relief. “Oh, okay then. Well, we’re gonna go talk to Akane now,” he said, moving back towards the door where Kasumi was waiting.

“Have fun dear, don’t be too hard on her,” his mother told him, turning her attention back to the bounty hunter.

They rejoined Nabiki and Shampoo near the front door, the two girls looking at Ranma with smiles that made him decidedly nervous. Swallowing slowly, he glanced back and forth at them, “Hey, everything okay?” he asked, the fine hairs on the back of his neck standing up.

Nabiki grabbed his left arm, while Shampoo took the right, both smiling happily as they did. “Everything’s fine Ranma,” assured Nabiki, “Isn’t that right Shampoo?”

“Aiyah! Shampoo is happy, we go now yes?” she asked, smiling shyly at Ranma, further unnerving him.

Kasumi’s hands clasped next to her cheek, face tilting slightly as she watched them. “Isn’t that just the sweetest thing? I’m so glad you three are happy together, you make such a beautiful…um, well…trio I guess,” she said, her expression changing for a moment to thoughtful as she spoke, trying to figure out the best word for the three way marriage.

Ranma blushed deeply as they walked down the streets of Nerima with the three beautiful women, two them affectionately attached to his side. The conversation was light and the topic of Akane was avoided by all of them, each holding separate thoughts and apprehensions about talking with the girl.

They reached the small home that Akane had been staying at while she recovered, Tofu standing outside talking to the owner as they enjoyed the midafternoon sunshine. He smiled broadly when he caught sight of them, his glasses starting to fog up, only to be stopped by the good doctor giving himself a good slap across the cheek that swivelled his head to the side. The hand print all but glowed on his fair skin as he opened the gate for them. Taking Kasumi by the hand, he smiled at her with a clear mind and eyes. “I’m so glad you all could make it,” he said happily, motioning them all in.

Nabiki and Shampoo giggled at the man’s actions, having talked with Kasumi about the changes in Tofu since the fateful night of his transformation. As the powers of the Virtues faded once more into them, the psychosis had started to reassert itself, only to have Dr. Tofu literally take matters into his own hands.

Ranma whistled low as he closely eyed the hand print, “Nice one Doc, been practicing?” he asked nodding his approval. ‘Just the right amount of force without doing lasting damage, good one,’ he thought.

“Why yes actually I have, but I’ve getting better the more I’m around Kasumi. The only time it gets away from me now is when I’m totally surprised, I hadn’t expected everyone at the same time. Please come in, her spirits are a bit low right now, she could use some support from her family,” the man told him, smiling distantly as he realized that Kasumi hadn’t released his hand.

“You three go ahead, I’d like to spend some time with MY fiancé,” said Kasumi, blushing slightly as she waved them in, pulling Tofu closer to her side.

The three of them saw his glasses start to fog at the close proximity and decided it was safer just about anywhere BUT there at the moment, ducking quickly into the recovery room Akane was in.

She was sitting up in her bed, hands folded loosely in her lap, eyes staring vacantly out the window nearest the bed. Her hair had grown back in, though it was shorter then before it wasn’t unattractive, only adding to her cute features. Her skin still had a ruddy complexion to it from the damage and exposure to everything that they’d encountered. It was the lifeless quality to her eyes that ate away at Ranma the most. Gone was the life and energy that always seemed to dance in them, as if someone had simply flipped a switch and turned off her happiness and exuberance.

“Yo Akane! How ya feeling?” asked Ranma, putting on a smile for the girl, spinning a chair around and sitting in it backwards, arms resting across the top of it as he leaned forwards.

Nabiki and Shampoo went to the opposite side of the bed, each pulling a chair closer as well. Nabiki gave her sister an appraising look before smiling lightly at her, noting her sunken eyes and vacant expression.

Shampoo smiled shyly at the girl, scarcely able to believe this was the same girl that had been her rival for so long. She hardly appeared as the powerful and headstrong girl she’d come to grudgingly respect if not like. Even after all they’d gone through, Shampoo had come to form a tentative friendship with her…of a sort.

Akane looked over to Ranma, giving him a tired and distant smile that never reached her eyes. “Hello Ranma,” she said quietly.

The pig tailed hero blinked at her response, or lack of it. “You feelin’ okay? You look like crap,” he said to her bluntly.

Something behind her eyes flashed a moment, then was gone as she let out a sigh and turned away from him. “What do you care anyway Ranma? It’s not like you even noticed me before,” Akane told him quietly, eyes once more drifting to the window, ignoring the two girls sitting before it.

His brow furrowed at her statement, annoying him. “That ain’t true an’ you know it! I noticed ya plenty of times before, you just hit me for doin’ it,” he said defensively.

The left eyebrow twitched on the girl’s face, the first indication of her fiery personality struggling to break through. As her head slowly turned back to Ranma, Nabiki put a restraining hand on Shampoo’s, not taking her eyes off the interaction. “Let them go, she needs this,” whispered Nabiki.

Shampoo nodded, wondering if Ranma would still let the girl hit him as he always had, just to satisfy her craving to feel like a true martial artist.

“So, you finally ADMIT that the only times you noticed me was when you were acting like a pervert?” she asked him, her voice coming out of the monotone as she questioned him.

Ranma looked like he’d tasted some of her cooking at her words. “Huh? Get REAL you tomboy! It’s not like I ever noticed you like that at all, only that if I DID notice you, you’d just hit me for thinking I was acting like a pervert. You ask me, it was YOU that was the pervert, that’s why you always hit me…thinking that I was thinking like you were thinking I was thinking,” he said, almost making himself dizzy.

Shampoo blinked at his words, not sure they were supposed to be understood, looking at Nabiki for clarification, and finding her to have a similar expression on her face as she mouthed his statement back to make sense of it.

Akane however, didn’t bother to try and process his statement, only that he was obviously insulting her…it was what he always did, something he was extraordinarily good at. Narrowing her brown eyes, she glared at him, “Oh, so now I’M the pervert? Just who in the hell do you think you are anyways? I’M not the one that had so many fiancées hanging all over him, or just HAD to make sure he looked good no matter who he was fighting!” she said, her hands knuckling up and shaking as her anger broke through her apathy.

Ranma smirked at her in the infuriating way he did when he’d duped his opponents. “That’s better, you look much cuter when you’re not feelin’ sorry for yourself. That’s the Akane I know,” he said, smile growing broader at her stunned expression.

“Huh? You mean?” she asked, anger fleeing in light of his ruse, realizing how easily she’d been baited again. Hanging her head, she closed her eyes, “Guess I still have my temper huh?” she asked him quietly.

“Akane, it ain’t nothin’ you can’t control. You just gotta find a way to channel it into something good and not try’n bash people into jelly, ya know?” he asked her seriously, scooting his chair closer to the bed.

She looked up at his intense face, seeing that he didn’t hate nor even dislike her, despite what she’d done. “Oh Ranma, how can you be so nice to me after everything I’ve done?” she asked him, her voice breaking with emotions, tears starting to fall from her eyes.

‘Uh oh, this could be trouble,’ thought Nabiki, watching the panic building on Ranma’s face, hoping that he’d learned something from her in their time together to stand firm even in the face of tears from a girl.

“Aw, c’mon now you tomboy, doncha start cryin’,” he said quickly, “It ain’t like you can’t try’n fix what happened, so don’t go cryin’ okay?” he asked her, scooping up a box of tissues and handing it to her.

“What do you mean Ranma? I killed Akari and tried to do the same to Ryoga, you and Nabiki? How can I EVER fix something like that?” she asked, beginning to cry harder.

“You ain’t killed nobody Akane! Akari’s fine and so is Ryoga,” he told her sternly, knowing what guilt over killing someone could bring, memories of Saffron coming back to him. Pointing to Nabiki, “Everything you did wasn’t you, we KNOW that now…it was that idiot Drake that did it all, twisting you up on the inside, using you against yourself like that. She knows that Akane or she wouldna come all this way to see ya an’ make sure you’re okay. She loves ya Akane, that ain’t gonna change,” he told her sincerely, touching everyone in the room with how heartfelt his words were, no matter how course they might have sounded.

Nabiki finally got to her feet, smiling softly as she sat next to her sister. “He’s right Akane, not very articulate, but right nonetheless. It took us a while to figure it out, but when we did, none of us really blamed you, except Ryoga…but he’s not too tightly wrapped most days anyways,” she assured the girl.

Akane choked back a sob and leaned into Nabiki, clutching at the girl tightly as she cried. Her guilt and shame over her actions were eating away at her self esteem and worth, a constant reminder of how far she’d fallen with her actions. “I just couldn’t control it Nabiki, and he made it sound so easy…like it was all someone else’s fault, telling me what I wanted to hear,” she told her, voice ragged with tears and emotion.

Rubbing her back affectionately, the older sister comforted the younger. “It’s okay Akane, none of us are angry with you, just worried about you,” she whispered to her.

Pulling back from Nabiki, Akane wiped away the tears that were still freely falling. “But what about Ryoga? And Akari? How are they ever going to be able to forgive me? How can I forgive myself?” she asked pointedly.

Ranma moved from his seat to the bed as well, “Trust me, bacon breath ain’t gonna want to be anywhere NEAR you after this, his honor was stained too, remember? It ain’t like he was innocent in the deal,” he said to her, wincing slightly at having brought up the root of the problem between them inadvertently.

“Akari ain’t one to hold a grudge Akane, she’s a real nice girl…better’n the pig deserves, but a real nice girl. It’s gonna take some time, but I’m sure she won’t hold this against you,” he added hastily, looking to Nabiki for support, feeling vastly out of his element here.

“Why Ranma? Why didn’t you TELL me?” asked Akane quietly, shame coloring her features at the thoughts of all the times Ryoga had taken advantage of her. ‘Though it does make sense now why P-chan always freaked out when I brought him in the bathroom with me…and the nosebleeds he’d get when I was in the tub,’ she thought, the blush deepening.

It was Ranma’s turn to blush and hide his eyes. “It ain’t like I didn’t try’n warn ya or nothing, you just didn’t listen to me. I gave enough hints an’ all,” he said defensively, then sighed and looked up at her.

“Look, when I found out about his curse, he made me swear on my honor to not reveal it, as one martial artist to another. I don’t have a lot in my life, but I take my honor real serious…besides, it WAS kinda my fault he got the curse by knockin’ him in,” he told her softly, having the courage to not turn away from her as he spoke.

“I ain’t tryin’ to say my honor was more important than yours or his, it ain’t like that. I just was stuck in a no win situation, and we all know how much I HATE to lose...I was tryin’ to find a way to tell you without you killing him for bein’ stupid,” he continued, seeing that she wasn’t going the route of flaming aura followed shortly by intense pain and suffering upon his person.

Akane nodded at his story, her anger for once not interfering with the explanation. She could see how earnest he was about this, how much it had effected him and in the end tainted their fragile relationship. “I would have been mad Ranma, really REALLY mad, but I still had a right to know, even if it would have hurt me,” she told him quietly.

“Geez Akane, you think I didn’t think about that? Even when I got so fed up with everything I wanted ta just scream it at you, it wouldn’t have mattered. You used to take his side all the time, tellin’ me to stop picking on him or something. In the end you’d a just pounded me or tried to knock me into next week for keeping it from ya anyways, no matter WHAT I’d of done,” he said miserably.

Tears once more flooded her eyes as she could truly see, for what seemed like the first time, how much pain he’d been in for their engagement due to circumstances too ridiculous and beyond control to have been even considered. “Is that why you and Nabiki…” she trailed off, seeing the rings on their fingers.

He nodded to her, “Yeah, kinda. We got real close after the whole wedding fiasco, it just kinda happened from there. She started listening to me, being a real friend for a change without trying to blackmail or force me into anything,” he said with a shrug, smiling over to his wife.

Nabiki picked up where he left off, “I started getting to know him as more than my cash cow, and found out how much of a great guy he really was…once you get past all the macho stuff,” she added with a wink to her husband.

“I didn’t want to hurt you, but I knew that you two weren’t going to be good for each other. With all his social mishaps and high sense of honor, your jealousy and anger…it would have killed one of you in the end. I would have preferred something a bit slower, but I’m not complaining how it all turned out. I just wish we could have explained it to you more gently then the way it happened. You’re my sister Akane, and I love you…no matter what. I never wanted to hurt you like this,” she told the girl sincerely.

Biting her lower lip to keep from crying at the situation, Akane nodded, still feeling the pain of loss but trying to come to grips with it. They hadn’t come to her to hurt or humiliate her, but instead to mend fences even after all she’d done. ‘Could I have done the same?’ she asked herself, shamed when she didn’t know the answer to the question.

“You really love him don’t you?” asked Akane brokenly, hanging her head as she saw Nabiki nod. “Good, you both deserve that…you really do,” she whispered, a hollow emptiness opening up within her.

“So do you Akane, you’ve got to love yourself and forgive yourself too. I know it’s hard, but you’re worth it,” Nabiki told her, grasping her sisters hand and squeezing it softly.

“She’s right Akane, I may tease you an’ everything but you ain’t a bad person at all, I ain’t never thought that about you,” chimed in Ranma, looking concerned at her moods.

It took several moments for Akane to get a hold of herself, struggling to find a way past the dark emptiness inside her. “What do I have left though? You’re married to Ranma and you two are going to carry on the schools. I’ve spent my whole life thinking I was a martial artist only to find out that I’m not even good enough to defend myself when Ranma came around,” she said in a miserable tone, looking thoroughly defeated.

Nabiki’s mind whirled as she tried to come up with something that would bring up her sister’s spirits, show her that she wasn’t worthless. It was Ranma that surprised her with the answer, catching everyone off guard with his idea.

“Why don’t I train you in both styles? That way you’ll always have the art and still be a part of the family, no matter what. You got the basics down an’ I’m sure I can teach ya if you’re willing to learn, whaddya say?” he asked, smiling slightly at her stunned expression and the growing smile on the face of Nabiki as well.

Akane looked over at his face, making sure she’d heard him right and seeing that he was indeed serious. “I thought you didn’t hit girls,” she told him.

Ranma snorted at her, “It ain’t like I’m gonna pound you or nothin’, you’ve got a long way to go before you’re ready to spar with me. Hey, that ain’t an insult,” he said defensively, seeing her hand knuckle up once more.

Nabiki simply shook her head at the exchange, knowing that Ranma’s heart was in the right place but his mouth tended to take matters south in a hurry. “What I’m sure he’s TRYING to say to you Akane is that you can’t run before you know how to crawl. With Happosai out of the picture, that leaves only Daddy and Mr. Saotome as the masters of Anything Goes…do you REALLY think that either of them are going to present much of a challenge to Ranma when he decides to take the Grandmaster title?” she asked.

She blinked slowly, considering that simple yet most often overlooked fact. Ranma, for all his bravado and arrogance, did have the skills to back up his words. The only thing that had held him back was his age and the fact he hadn’t felt himself to be strong enough to challenge for the titles. ‘With everything that’s happened, he’s stronger than ever,’ she thought, looking at the pig tailed martial artist intently for a moment.

“You’re really serious Ranma, about training me?” she asked him quietly, almost fearfully. ‘He’s never really offered before, he can’t be serious this time, can he?’ she questioned, even as he nodded enthusiastically at her.

“Sure, but you gotta know that you’re gonna be just another student. I ain’t gonna hold back on ya or nothin’, but you have to act like a student as well. I ain’t gonna try and embarrass you or anything, not on purpose anyways, so you gotta trust me when I do teach you stuff, okay…and not get all mad and stuff,” he told her, seeing the hope blossom in her eyes once more. ‘She really does love the art,’ he thought idly.

Akane could only nod, the darkness that had threatened to take her soul receding in light of his offer, knowing that he was going to take her serious for the first time since they’d met. “Thank you Ranma, I promise I’ll do my best,” she said, a smile finally crossing her face.

He returned the smile with pleasure. “You learned a buncha stuff from that idiot Akane, now you just gotta learn to control both yourself and your art. Until you do, you dangerous to everybody and that ain’t right. It ain’t gonna be easy but together we can get you through this, I promise,” he swore to her, extending his hand.

She took his hand and pulled him into a fierce hug, crying lightly into his shoulder.

Shampoo’s eyes widened at the sight, glancing over to see a happy smile on Nabiki’s face at the sight. Releasing a held breath, she realized there was much she had to learn about living with the two of them and how they dealt with the obstacles life gave them. The thought also gave her strength as well, knowing that neither of them were going to let her languish away, but would stand by her no matter what.

Ranma looked uncomfortable with the hug, looking in first terror, then relief over to Nabiki, seeing that she understood the situation completely. The proud smile she gave him let him know he’d done the right thing, for both them and Akane. ‘C’mon Akane, you gotta take it easy for a couple of days and get your strength back. Once you do that, we’ll get started on your training, so get better quick,” he told her, putting his hands on her shoulders as she pulled back.

Wiping her eyes with the back of her right hand, she smiled happily through the tears, nodding as she did. “Thank you Ranma, for not giving up on me…even when I’d of given up on you,” she told him, watching as he retook his feet.

“I’ve already made arrangements for you to be taken home when Dr. Tofu says you’re ready, so you just concentrate on getting well. If you need anything at all, just call, okay?” Nabiki told her sister, rising and walking to Ranma’s side.

Akane nodded, watching as Shampoo took her place alongside Ranma as well. A sudden feeling of jealousy at her being so close to him washing over her. “Why’s Shampoo hanging on Ranma? Aren’t you gonna stop her Nabiki, he’s YOUR husband after all,” she asked, her tone going harsh and making her wince in shame.

Before either Ranma or Shampoo could respond, Nabiki stepped to the bedside once more. “It’s complicated Akane, but for now…she’s just as married to him as I am. That doesn’t mean we share him or anything, but that she’s got just as much of a claim to him as I do. It isn’t something she asked for nor expected, so why take it out on her? If anybody is to blame it’s Cologne,” she told her sister, looking back at Shampoo and Ranma.

“But, that’s not right Nabiki…you CAN’T be married to him and have her married to him at the same time,” countered Akane, wondering how her sister could tolerate a situation that would have driven her insane. ‘Could that be why she’s with him and you’re not?’ her mind asked her, not receiving an answer to the blunt question.

Nabiki smiled at Akane, “Only according to Japanese law Akane, which we all know Shampoo ISN’T a Japanese citizen…she’s chinese. Chinese Amazon to be exact, which not only allows this type of marriage but encourages it. I’m fine with it, for now anyways. Cologne took Shampoo’s position away from her in the tribe, so if we desert her…she’s got nothing left,” she explained slowly, making sure Akane understood the situation.

The explanation did little to curb the feelings boiling up in her, but she did understand the predicament they were in. “Leave it to Cologne to screw it all up,” she muttered, taking a deep calming breath, something that wasn’t missed by anyone in the room.

Shampoo nodded sadly, “Is true, old woman trick us all…now Shampoo have no home or tribe. If Nabiki and Ranma no want Shampoo around,” she said quietly, her eyes going downcast at the still very real possibility for her future.

“Don’t worry about it Shampoo, we’ll figure something out, I promise,” Ranma told her sincerely, fully trusting in Nabiki’s abilities to discern a way out of the situation that would give everyone what they wanted.

Looking at him gratefully, she gave him a warm smile, heart melting in the depths of his blue eyes. “Thank you Ranma,” she said, leaning into him affectionately.

Nabiki’s jaw set as she watched the interplay, though she remembered her words to the girl not so long ago which stopped her from verbally setting the amazon right. “We won’t let her get away with this Shampoo, one way or another, we’ll figure something out,” she reiterated, not feeling as confident as her words sounded.

Akane looked dubious at the statements, “If you say so Nabiki,” she told her sister, eyeing her expression carefully.

Giving the younger girl a smirk, she walked back to her husband, slipping her arm around his waist possessively. “Don’t worry about the old woman, she’s going to learn that you don’t play games with a Tendo and come out on top,”

Ranma gave her a loving smile, agreeing with her. “She’s played too many games already, this time she ain’t gonna get away with it,” he agreed, squeezing her shoulders with his arm.

“Anyways, we just wanted to stop by and make sure you were okay. We’ve got a lot of stuff to take care of still, but we’ll come by tomorrow, alright?” Nabiki told Akane, moving towards the door.

She gave them a smile that had some of the life and energy she’d lost, “Thanks guys, for everything. I’ve got so much to make up for to everyone, I thought no one would forgive me…ever,” Akane said softly, tearing up once more.

“We’re family Akane, and family ALWAYS takes care of each other, no matter what. You get some rest, you’ve got a lot of training ahead of you,” said Nabiki, smiling gently at her sister, feeling much better about the situation upon seeing and hearing the life returning to her sister.

With smiles and waves, the trio left Akane to her thoughts and recovery, walking quietly through the home until they reached the porch once more. “So, what else we gotta do Nabiki?” asked Ranma, stretching his arms over his head as he yawned.

“I’ve got to speak with Bulma about moving forward with that tournament. Even though you beat Geese, it’s still one hell of a good money maker. With the growing interest in MMA it’s sure to have a HUGE buy rate on pay per view,” she said thoughtfully, her mind going over all the details she’d been discussing with Bulma.

Both Shampoo and Ranma looked at her in trepidation, “You sure about that Nabiki? I mean, look at what that idiot did the last time I faced him. I don’t wanna have to deal with something like that again,” Ranma told her cautiously.

She looked at him with a confident smile. “That’s where you’re wrong Ranma. That contract he signed is legally binding, even if he doesn’t acknowledge it. He’s now REQUIRED to show a team to take part in it, otherwise he loses not only his reputation but credibility as well. As long as we’re in the public eye, we should be fine from any attempts into coercing you into fighting for him. Not only that, but it’s a chance to gain revenge in a very public forum, something I’m sure he won’t pass up,” the girl explained as they began to walk slowly back home.

“I dunno Nabs, I just don’t feel right about it,” Ranma said, looking perplexed by the whole idea.

Nabiki stopped and stepped in front of her husband, taking his hands in hers. “It’s no big deal if you think about it Ranma. It’s going to attract the very BEST martial artist from all over the world, all competing to see who’s the best of the best. Basically, rather than have us travel all over world to find them, they’ll come to us. This way, it’s controlled and documented, no different from any small town tournament,” she explained to him.

He listened to her carefully, beginning to see the benefits of the idea, even if Geese Howard was involved. His smile started small then grew bigger, “So, I’ll be able to fight with a whole bunch of great martial artists without having to worry about them tryin’ ta marry me, kill me, kidnap you or anything stupid like that?” he asked, sounding more enthused by the idea.

She giggled and nodded at him. “Exactly, now you’re getting it. Not only that, but you won’t be fighting alone. The way the tournament is designed, you fight as part of a three person team. Only when all three team members have been defeated are you eliminated from the round. It’s actually a well thought out system that boosts both interest and strategy, it should be interesting if the past tournaments are any indication,” Nabiki told him.

Shampoo looked excited by the idea as well. “Shampoo want to help in tournament too. Was Amazon champion for long time before Ranma show up,” she said, bouncing slightly with enthusiasm.

“Yeah, maybe we can get Ryoga to join us too, the three of us’d be unstoppable together,” Ranma agreed, starting to really get behind the idea as well.

Nabiki only sighed as she looked at them, a knowing smile on her face. “So I take it that you don’t feel uncomfortable about it anymore then?” she teased her husband, taking the half step forwards to press her body against his.

His arms slid around her, holding her tight to him, “Nope, in fact I can’t wait, this’ll be GREAT!” he said enthusiastically.

Rolling her eyes at him, “I should’ve KNOWN how easy it would be to convince you. C’mon, let’s get home, I want to get this ball rolling as quickly as possible,” she told him, leaning her head against his chest for a moment before clasping her hand to his and walking down the street.

Tendo Dojo…

Walking through the gates, they stopped suddenly, finding the front door hanging off it’s hinges. “What the hell?” asked Nabiki quietly, releasing Ranma’s hand and starting to rush into the house.

It was Ranma’s hand that stopped her, pulling her back to him, his eyes on the house. “Don’t. Something’s wrong here, I don’t want you just rushing in,” he told her.

Looking back at Shampoo, “Keep an eye on her, I’ll go check it out,” he said to his friend before returning his eyes to Nabiki.

“Stay with Shampoo until I find out what’s happened, okay?” he asked her earnestly, his whole demeanor changing at the situation.

Frowning at him, Nabiki nodded reluctantly, not liking the decision but understanding why. “Becareful Ranma,” she whispered, kissing his chin lightly before letting him go.

The two girls watched him leap deftly up to the roof, landing without so much as a sound and run silently to the point above their window. With a twisting leap, he disappeared from sight, entering in the bedroom to begin his search from the house.

Shampoo’s face was focused as she eyed the house carefully, taking Nabiki by the hand and leading her from the grounds to the street. “Safer here if anyone try to attack,” she told her co-wife, giving her a tight smile.

“Yeah, I suppose so. What’s all this about do you think?” asked Nabiki, pulling her cell phone from her pocket and flipping it open.

“Not sure, but with Ranma could be anything,” Shampoo told her, eyes drifting back towards the house once more.

Nabiki gave a dark chuckle at the thought, knowing how true it was. Pressing a speed dial, she put the phone to her ear. “Dr. Tofu, we’ve had a break in at the house, could you keep Kasumi there until we figure it out? Ranma’s inside right now checking it out, shouldn’t be long,” she said quickly, then nodding as the man spoke on the other end.

“I will. The front door has been kicked in, other than that we’re not sure. I’m with Shampoo,” she said with moderate pauses as the man asked questions of her.

“Thanks, I’ll call you back,” she finished, snapping the phone shut and folding her arms across her chest.

They only had to wait a few moments before Ranma poked his head out of the gate looking for them, his face a mask of concern. “There ain’t nobody here, but the house is real tore up,” he said, motioning for them to come with him back onto the grounds.

Picking up the door and resting it against the inside wall, Ranma led them into the living room. It was in horrible shape, furniture overturned and in more than one case ripped open, the stuffing strewn across the room. The TV was smashed and resting on it’s side by the wall, the stand it was setting on utterly destroyed.

Nabiki’s eyes narrowed at the destruction, turning her head to observe what she could see of the kitchen. It too had suffered by the unknown intruders, nothing was untouched by them. Appliances, tables, cabinets and even the sink fixtures were ruined, fountains of water arcing across the room.

Tears of anger and rage sprang to her eyes, her fist clenching as she turned to look at Ranma. “Who could’ve done this?” she asked in a husky, emotionless whisper.

He looked up from where he was righting the low table they usually ate at, his face a match for hers. “I dunno Nabs, but I’m gonna find out and teach’m NEVER to mess with my house,” he swore, anger coloring his words.

Shampoo’s eyes were wide as she tried to help, both her and Ranma carefully avoiding the water in the kitchen. “Where your parents Ranma?” she asked, looking around and not finding any trace of them. “Or your father Nabiki?” she added, pointing to the destroyed shogi table near the hallway to the dojo.

Swallowing the lump of fear in her throat, Nabiki shook her head. “I don’t know; Ranma, did you see them?” she asked him, stepping closer to him as she did.

He pulled her close, both to comfort her and to try and calm his rapidly rising anger. Shaking his head grimly, “No, there ain’t nobody here at all, least not that I saw,” he told her, feeling her arms tighten around him.

“C’mon, they trashed our rooms too. It ain’t pretty…it’s like they were looking for something, and didn’t care about our stuff,” he said, taking Nabiki by the and walking with her up the stairs.

Shampoo followed close on their heels, watching behind them as they moved. The house was eerily quiet, and with all the destruction it gave a surreal appearance, like a nightmare come true. She rested her hand on Nabiki’s shoulder, needing to feel the touch of another to quiet her own frayed nerves at the scene they beheld.

Doors were ripped or shredded, lying in pieces on the floor where they once hung. Long parallel cuts were criss-crossed down the hallway walls, sometimes deep enough to penetrate into the rooms beyond. Heading for the room they shared, Nabiki was silently praying that not everything was destroyed. ‘I only have a couple of things left from mom,’ her mind raced with the fear of losing her last remaining link to her mother.

Stepping gingerly over the ruined remains of door and frame, her breath caught in her throat. Her bed was destroyed to the point that it was barely recognizible as a piece of furniture. Her dressers were smashed and the contents shredded as well. Turning towards the closet, the doors were forcibly pulled off and the insides torn down.

Letting go of Ranma’s hand, she hesitantly crossed and brushed aside some of the debris, uncovering her untouched hidden compartment in the back. Breathing a sigh of relief, she quickly undid the catch and popped it open, her eyes relaxing as she saw her most private contents unharmed by the intruders. Looking over her shoulder, she had tears back in her eyes again, “They didn’t find the stuff my mother left me,” she said quietly, holding the small box of invaluable items to her chest.

Ranma’s hand’s were clenching and unclenching, knuckles popping ominously as he did. He saw the look of pain and fear in Nabiki’s eyes and wanted to rend the people that had done this limb from limb for causing her to look this way. A pair of arms wrapped around his middle from behind, a head resting against his back.

“It okay Ranma, Shampoo help you find who did this and punish them. No one hurt Shampoo’s family and get away with it,” she promised to him, her own heart breaking at the situation and what it was doing to the people she was married to.

He smiled distantly at her touch and comfort, touching her clasped hands with one of his own, the other extending to Nabiki. “I’m glad they didn’t find your stuff Nabiki,” he said quietly as she allowed herself to be pulled into his chest, burying her face there as the tears started to fall.

Standing in the midst of their ruined belongings, the trio simply stood and comforted one another, trying to come to terms with what had happened and thinking of who would do something like this.

A cracking sound from the first floor caused Ranma’s aura to flare into existence, his sorrowful eyes turning ice cold as he pulled himself from the embraces of his wives. “Stay here, if anything happens, get to Doc’s quick,” he ordered them sternly, his voice harsh and barely above a whisper.

Before either woman could say anything, he simply vanished from sight, moving faster then their eyes could track. Shampoo pulled Nabiki close, shielding her with her body as they strained their ears to hear what was happening downstairs.

For a long moment they could hear nothing, then a squawk of surprise and pain, followed by Ranma’s voice, yelling for them to come quick.

The girls bolted out of the room and rushed to the stairs, finding Ranma at the bottom, holding a very beaten and abused Mousse. The young man’s face was a mass of bruises and cuts, one eye swollen shut, blood crusted at the corner of his eye and beneath his nose. His usually pristine white robes were soiled and stained with blood and dirt, torn open in more than one spot, revealing his battered body to them all.

“Mousse is hurt pretty bad, call the Doc!” called Ranma, gently lowering the boy to the ground while cradling his head.

“What happened to you Mousse?” he asked, trying to keep the boy conscious by talking to him.

Coughing heavily, he tried to focus on the face of Ranma, smiling with busted open lips. “I showed them Ranma…” he said, his voice weak and raspy.

His brow furrowed, “Who? Who’re you talking about?” he pressed him, trying to keep him coherent and conscious.

“The guys that tried to kill us,” he mumbled, his dark eyes finally landing on the shocked face of Shampoo as she knelt next to him.

“Shampoo,” he said thickly, his wounded hand trying to reach to her.

She grabbed his hand quickly, trying to ignore the punishment he’d obviously suffered. “Shampoo here now Mousse, you tell us what happened,” she encouraged him.

He could only nod weakly, his eyelids fluttering as he struggled to stay with them. “I couldn’t stop them Shampoo, I’m sorry,” he began, getting worked up in the memory of it and starting to cough once more.

Nabiki clicked her phone shut and crouched next to Ranma, leaning close to his ear. “I got a hold of Tofu and he’s sending an ambulance for him,” she whispered, not wanting to interrupt the young man’s story.

Ranma nodded, eyes still intent on Mousse as he related his story. His frown deepened, until it looked like it would split his face in two. “It’s okay Mousse, helps coming,” he assured the man, but his eyes strayed to first Nabiki then Shampoo.

Both women wore expression of outraged surprise at the duplicity that Cologne had gone through to ensure that Ranma would be forced into accepting Shampoo. She’d known of Geese’s intentions and had not interfered with the plan nor warned anyone of it beyond what she’d absolutely had to. Instead, she’d allowed the fight to take place, knowing that Ranma would defeat Geese, even though it would have meant the death of Mousse at the hands of his goons.

When they’d attacked the Cat Café, he’d been left for dead by everyone, including Cologne as the restaurant had burned. He’d awoken to find himself a prisoner of Geese Howard, collateral to be held in reserve if something went wrong with the fight. His life would be held in the balance, forcing Ranma to do as Geese wanted or he would slowly torture and kill him. It was only the fact that Mousse was a master of the hidden weapons art that he was able to fight his way free, though he paid a high price for it.

“Ranma, I know we shouldn’t move him but our house just got ransacked by someone that could be still around,” cautioned Nabiki, feeling very vulnerable sitting amongst the debris of their living room.

Chewing his lip, he finally nodded. “You’re right, we gotta get outta here in case they come back. Hey Shampoo, gimme a hand with him will ya?” he asked, sliding his arms beneath the other man’s knee’s and upper torso. When Shampoo had grasped his hands beneath Mousse, they formed a kind of cradle and hurried from the house back to the street.

They arrived in time to hear the distant wailing of the incoming ambulance, quickly growing louder as it got closer. They gently set him down by the curb as Nabiki walked a few paces away to flag down the medical help.

Mousse clutched his arm across his side in agony, blood flecking to his lips as he coughed, showing them both how seriously he’d been injured.

“Just take it easy man, we got ya,” Ranma tried to sooth him, the muscles on the sides of his jaw bunching as a vein popped in his forehead in rage.

Shampoo couldn’t find the words to comfort Mousse, her mind still reeling from the information he’d given them. She’d known her great grand mother was crafty and conniving, but never to the degree that she’d allow someone from the tribe to be killed so callously. Mousse was annoying, arrogant and stubborn but he was still considered a friend, undeserving of such treatment.

Ranma’s hand found hers, bringing her tear filled eyes up to his, seeking comfort in the depths of his expressive blue eyes. “He’s gonna be okay Shampoo. We’ve gotta score to settle with the old ghoul when this is done, she ain’t gonna get away with this,” he swore to her, squeezing her hand as he did.

She nodded stiffly, trying to fight back the sobs that threatened to break free of her controls, only to lose the battle and throw herself into his arms. Rather then him being shocked or even surprised, he enclosed her in his arms warmly, holding her tightly to him as she cried out her rage and betrayal into his shoulder.

He looked up and found Nabiki staring at them with an expression that was mixed between jealousy and sympathy, her arms crossed over her chest as she stared at them. Shaking her head, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before looking to the heavens above for strength and guidance. ‘I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but,’ she thought with a trace of malice, not liking the situation but understanding it at the same time.

Seeing that Ranma bore an expression of fear and guilt, she gave him a weak smile and nod. His look of relief warmed her, but it would take more than a simple look to assure her that her place as his one true love wasn’t in jeopardy, ‘Like a day or two of just us, alone…and naked, for most of it, well, ALL of it,’ she amended, her smile growing larger at the thought.

Ranma felt the guilt lessen as she smiled wider, granted it had more of a predatory gleam to it, but it WAS Nabiki after all, and he was her prey of choice. ‘Guess Pops was right, a martial artist life IS fraught with peril…pleasure too,’ he said, returning her smile with a goofy one of his own that caused his wife to giggle.

The ambulance’s screeching arrival erased that line of thinking as the trio helped as best they could to get Mousse to the proper medical attention. Answering what questions they could to help them in determining the extent of his injuries, all of them felt more than a bit useless at the turn of events. As the doors of the rig were slammed shut and it began it’s hurried departure back to the hospital, Ranma turned to Nabiki with a look of determination.

“I’m sick’n tired of being used, lied to, played for a fool and treated like an idiot!” he said, smacking his fist into an open palm.

Shampoo nodded her agreement, her own rage beginning to truly boil now that the medics were seeing to Mousse. Still standing close to Ranma, she felt connected to him in their focus of revenge on the woman they held responsible for the situation. She now felt like she belonged by his side, that simply being with him gave her purpose beyond that of a second wife, that she was an equal once more.

“Me too Ranma, I have NEVER been taken advantage of and NOT gotten back at the person trying to do so. I don’t intend to start now,” she agreed darkly, wrapping her arms around his waist and leaning into him, enjoying the comfort his arms brought to her. The afternoon had started promisingly, only to have it spiral out of control quickly when they’d returned home. For someone as accustomed as she was to control over her life and environment, it was extremely disconcerting and unsettling to have her life upturned so violently in such a short time.

The fine hairs on the back of Ranma’s neck stood on end, a tingling of his nerve endings that usually foretold of an impending attack or bodily danger. Clutching Nabiki even more tightly to him with one arm, the other grabbed Shampoo’s arm as he leapt them backwards across the street.

The space they’d occupied only moments before erupted in a fiery column that rose to the skies above. The heat was so intense that he was forced to turn his back to the flames, unable to cover his eyes as his hands were full with his wives.

“Ranma Saotome, it seems your reputation is well deserved,” said a serene voice as the flames suddenly vanished, leaving molten concrete in their wake. “Though the question still remains if you plan on honoring your commitments,” the clearly obvious female voice said.

His eyes darted around trying to locate the source, his ki senses flaring out to find the telltale signature and not finding any. ‘That can’t be right, that’d mean that they’d…oh no,’ he thought, his eyes widening as realized what it truly meant.

“You can’t know that,” he muttered, swallowing hard as he eyed the rooftop nearby as an escape route, preparing to utilize the Saotome School of Anything Goes Ultimate Attack.

The woman laughed lightly at his exclamation, “Oh, I assure you that not only I but my whole clan know the technique Ranma Saotome. May I also add, before you do anything foolish, that we are also well versed of your honorless clan’s technique of running away as well. To do so now would ensure the deaths of those we have detained from your home,” she told him.

“Huh? What the hell’re you talking about?” he challenged, releasing both Nabiki and Shampoo, the three of them slowly turning as they tried to find their attacker.

“Daddy,” whispered Nabiki, her mind working much faster than his at the implications. “Ranma, I think they’re saying they’ve got our parents,” she whispered to her husband quickly.

“We have taken the man and woman that were staying within, though they proved less then forthcoming with any information about the locations of either Genma Saotome, or that of my fiancée, one Ranma Saotome. In fact, I was rather rudely informed that you were not only married, but married to TWO women…quite the lothario aren’t you?” she told him nastily, her tone seeming to drop the air temperature several degrees.

Ranma groaned, his fists clenching tightly in outrage. “Lemme guess, the old fool sold me to you for some food or something stupid, then stole me back when no one was looking?” he asked through clenched teeth.

Nabiki was getting a cold feeling in the pit of her stomach over the situation, used to dealing with surprise fiancées, but never ones that were able to do such damage and chaos so easily. The memories of what Bill showed her suddenly crashed back into her mind, causing her to gasp. ‘No! This can’t be happening…I made sure that this wasn’t going to happen!’ she said to herself, taking a step back from Ranma’s side in case he was forced to suddenly act.

“It ain’t like that!” shouted Ranma, still unable to find the woman nor concentrate enough to pierce the illusion she was holding due to his concern for both Nabiki and Shampoo. If this girl knew the forbidden techniques and had mastered them, then she wasn’t someone to take lightly.

“He stole our sacred scrolls after swearing your life to ours in exchange, reneging on the agreement once he’d gotten his hands on the scrolls by stealing you back. It’s taken us YEARS to recover from this slight on our honor Ranma Saotome, all the while I’ve been a pariah amongst my people, less then the dirt beneath their sandals. Unable to be loved, to marry and carry on my families honor and traditions until both of you had been punished,” she spat at him, her anger finally disturbing her ki enough that he was able to get a sense of where she was.

Rather than turning to look at top of the wall where he was almost sure she was standing, he tried the technique that Nabiki was good at, talking without moving his lips. “I know where she’s at, but I don’t know if she’s alone. When I give the word, you two get outta here! I’ll try to hold them off,” he said in a low tone of voice.

Nabiki shook her head, “No way Ranma, they’ve still got our parents. If we leave there’s no guarantee they won’t kill them,” she countered, knowing that his plan would only get Nodoka and Soun killed.

“Quite right Mrs. Saotome. Tell me, was marrying him worth the pain and suffering I’m going to deliver upon your family?” she asked, dropping the invisibility and revealing herself to them finally.

The girl was tall, almost the same height and build of Kasumi, with her long black hair tied up into single ponytail. On each hand she wore ancient weapons called Katar, single bladed swords that extended out over the fist, attached to the forearm by straps. Her clothing was reminiscent of a ninja, though her face wasn’t masked.

Her eyes were a deep brown, her high cheekbones and fine skin giving her a classic look of beauty, if it weren’t for the look of utter disgust and rage she wore.

“Look lady, I ain’t my old man and I sure as hell don’t wanna fight you, can’t we just figure something else out that don’t involve fightin’, hurt’n anyone or me getting married?” asked an exasperated Ranma, used to having unknown fiancées show up, just not having them trying to kill everyone.

She sneered at him, “As if I would sully myself on the likes of you! When your father stole from us, he sealed his and your fate. The only thing that now awaits you is death, if not by my hands then by the hands of my clan. To insult one of us is to insult the whole. Never again will you be safe from us Ranma Saotome, we will hunt you and yours until the ends of time,” the girl promised him, her right hand blade rising up in salute.

Holding up his hands placatingly, he swallowed hard. “Okay, okay…I get it. You’re here to kill me, fine, whatever. Just let the others go, they ain’t got nothing to do with this. I’ll fight you and anyone else you want, not trying to run or nothing, but ya gotta let them go first,” he offered, ignoring the protest from both Nabiki and Shampoo.

“Wait just a second Ranma!” spouted Nabiki, turning a worried look to his face, her fears seeming to materialize right before her.

“Shampoo fight with you Ranma, you no fight alone!” she promised him, knowing that if he was going to die to protect them, she’d be at his side until the end.

The girl laughed mockingly at their interplay. “It looks like they’re quite attached to you Ranma. My, how you can inspire loyalty in those around you. If your family wasn’t such a line of cowards and thieves, I’d be touched. You wish to have the elders returned to you, fine. I will take someone else in their stead, your words hold no merit with me,” she said menacingly, pointing to Nabiki.

“NO!” shouted the pig tailed martial artist, moving quicker then the eye could see, scooping up Nabiki and launching himself from the area. He landed on a rooftop almost 3 blocks away, crouching with a low grunt as he landed.

Nabiki hadn’t even had time to scream so surprised was she by the actions of her lover. As she pulled her arms from around his neck, their eyes met. “Ranma,” she whispered, seeing the look of pain and fear in his blue eyes.

“I gotta go back Nabs, Shampoo can’t stop all of them and I won’t leave her alone. Besides, I gotta get our parents back. Just stay safe, okay? I don’t what I’d do if something happened to you,” he told her, pulling her into a deep kiss, his strong arms wrapping around her.

She fell into the kiss passionately, trying to convey her love and adoration for this indescribable man she’d married. His love left her breathless as he pulled back, touching her face tenderly for a moment. “I love you Nabiki,” he said before he leapt back towards the house and the fight waiting for him.

Getting to her shaky feet, she looked down at her hands and found them covered in blood, Ranma’s blood. “Oh gods no,” she moaned, icy dread filling her, pushing her to get down from the rooftop as quickly as possible.

Ranma landed in the center of a mortal battle, Shampoo attempting to hold off three attackers all armed with the strange bladed weapons. Landing with his full weight on the head of one of the men, he smiled cruelly as he felt the man’s upper torso crumple beneath the surprise assault. “Head’s up next time,” he taunted him, backflipping to land with Shampoo, giving her a cocky smile.

She gave him a grateful smile in return at the respite he’d given her. The people seeking to kill her husband were very skilled, forcing her into a defensive tactic rather than being able to take the offensive.

The remaining two men eyed him warily, circling the back to back duo, looking for weaknesses in their styles and stances. With Ranma being unarmed, they focused on him first, thinking him to be the easier of the two because of it. Shampoo’s bonbouri were weapons to be feared and respected, especially given the way she wielded them with such speed and power.

They rushed Ranma as one, seeking to drive them apart to easier dispatch him. They never knew what hit them.

“Kachü Tenshin Amaguriken!” called out Ranma, blurring from sight as he danced around the two incoming attackers. His fists and feet beat a steady barrage on them, pummeling them so badly and violently that they seemed to vibrate for several seconds before collapsing to the street, crumpling where they stood.

Reappearing before Shampoo, Ranma’s chest heaved with the exertion he’d given, the back of his red shirt wet and stuck to his body. He looked down at the two men with a sad anger, hating that he was being forced to fight yet again.

“Ranma!” called Shampoo, her hands gently touching the boy’s back and finding the wetness to be blood, a 2 inch cut through the shirt revealing a deep piercing wound to the right of his spine that was oozing steadily with blood.

“I’m okay Shampoo, did they hurt you?” he asked in a strained voice, turning back to the lavender haired beauty in concern. He smiled at her when she shook her head, “Good, sorry ‘bout that, but Nabiki ain’t a fighter…least not with her fists anyways,” he explained, wincing as he moved.

The girl appeared before them once more, her face now a study in control. “I didn’t think that I missed, but I’m impressed ‘Husband’,” she told him coldly, the word dripping with malice. “Not everyone could have protected the intended target. Perhaps there’s more to you than I thought,” she said.

Turning, Ranma frowned at her. “I ain’t interested in you lady, not after you kidnaped my family and tried to kill my wife,” he said darkly. “This is your last chance, go home and never bother us again or I’m gonna havta get mean,” he said, bringing up his hands once more.

She arched an eyebrow at him, “Really? Those are my ONLY choices? Now that I’ve heard your offer, allow me to make a counteroffer,” motioning with her left hand.

A bound and blindfolded Nodoka appeared, a sword to her throat as she knelt behind the girl, the man holding her while he watched the woman for the signal to execute her.

A similarly trussed Soun appeared behind her on the right side, the man holding him struggling to stay dry from the twin rivers flowing down the sobbing man’s face.

“And last but not least,” the girl said pointing behind the two fighters, smiling coldly as she did.

Nabiki was running towards them, her face showing her concern as she was talking on her phone. Skidding to a stop as she analyzed the scene playing out before her, her mind worked out what her options were. “Oh shit,” she muttered, realizing she’d just walked into a trap.

“Now then, here’s MY offer Ranma. As I’m not a heartless woman, I shall give you a choice. Choose. Pick the one that will live even as you give your life. I swear upon the honor of the Kiechi Clan that your choice shall be unharmed,” she vowed to him.

Grinding his teeth in frustration at the lunacy of the whole exchange, he turned to look into the eyes of Nabiki, noting distantly that there were two men behind her, ready to strike her down as well. His anger started to swell, then went deadly cold as he found the ice cold center of his ki, fueling it with his rage, pain, fear and determination. Locking his eyes back onto the woman, he focused his energies, expanding an orb of icy power outwards from himself.

“That just won’t do Ranma, for you see, we too have command of the elements…in particular, fire,” she said, her eyes glowing with an internal flame before a matching orb of fire exploded around her. “CHOOSE YOUR FATE RANMA SAOTOME AND PERISH IN THE FLAMES!” her voice echoed from within the fires, booming over the surrounding landscape.

Shampoo felt the power of the young man deepen and expand as he opened himself up to the Soul of Ice, using it to reinforce his body and mind for whatever it was he was planning. ‘It’s not going to be good no matter what he chooses,’ she thought, eyeing the distance to Nabiki carefully, tensing her leg muscles as the woman had her full attentions on Ranma for the moment. Uncoiling the power in her legs, she sprang towards Nabiki, tackling her into her arms and tumbling her to safety from the two men intent on doing her harm. “Shampoo no let them hurt you,” she whispered as they came to a stop, her back to attackers, using her body as a shield.

Ranma felt her leave and her ki envelope Nabiki, leaving him open to do what he had to do to save the two adults. ‘Thanks Shampoo, I owe ya,’ he thought, leaping towards the girl’s orb with all his focus and might.

The resulting explosion as heat met cold reverberated throughout the district and beyond, clouds beginning to form above them, winds whipping wildly about. With a shout, Ranma poured himself into his shield, forcing it further into the woman’s, taking step by painful step forwards, forcing her backwards.

She struggled to hold the determined young man back, hands pushing outwards in a vain attempt to slow his inescapable advance. For the first time since she’d arrived in Nerima, she felt fear. ‘It’s impossible for him to be this powerful…we could not have so greatly misjudged him,’ she thought, gritting her teeth as she opened her self to her ki enhanced magic, pulling more deeply upon it to deflect him from reaching her. Sweat collected on her brow as she concentrated her body rigid from the strain. “NO! You cannot be doing this! It’s impossible!” she screamed at him, her reserves met and passed, endurance failing. Her control over the magic slipped, subtly at first, but then more so to the point that massive cracks appeared in her shield until with a whooshing sound of wind and thunder it collapsed before his onslaught.

Just before it totally collapsed, she crossed her forearms before her, ducking her head behind them in a blocking maneuver that would allow her to partially protect herself from the bulk of his incoming super powered attack. The icy cold winds washed over her, blowing her down the street and into a small shop several blocks away, the front buckling atop of her, pinning her to the street face down.

The explosion of elemental forces ravaged the neighborhood, blasting out windows and doors, removing roofing and terraces from their anchors, ripping bushes and trees up before hurling everything thousands of feet into the air and miles around in all directions.

Nodoka felt the immense power that could only be attributed to her son, and for a moment, she feared him and what he’d become. All her life she’d dreamt of her son being a man amongst men, though his capabilities in the martial arts far exceeded even her wildest expectations. He’d simply blown the attackers away as if they were nothing more than insects to him, as well as a good section of the neighborhood as well. Through it all, she remained untouched though slightly chilly, her flesh goose pimpling from the super cooled air rushing past her. Gentle hands seemed to touch her, loosening her bonds before vanishing as quickly as they’d appeared. Opening her eyes, she thought for a moment that she’d gone blind, everything before her was hazy and indistinct. Only when she moved her arms did she realize that there was a dense fog surrounding them that was almost visually impenetrable. “Ranma?” she called out hesitantly, rubbing her chafed wrist tenderly.

Shampoo’s face twisted in agony, her arms tightening around Nabiki reflexively. With a mighty effort, she pushed herself forwards, once more carrying Nabiki from harms reach, though she left herself vulnerable.

Nabiki looked in concern at the suddenly very pale girl, having to suddenly support her weight as they landed once more. Looking over Shampoo’s shoulder, she saw two men slowly approaching them, blades dripping with blood as they slowly approached. Reaching a shaking hand down, she found the back of the silk dress she wore torn open along with her skin. “Shampoo,” she whispered, pressing her hands onto the wounds firmly in an attempt to staunch the flow of her life’s blood. The cuts were long and deep, reaching from one side of her back to the other in an X type shape.

The girl groaned at Nabiki’s actions, her eyelids fluttering. “Shampoo sorry she not able to stop them,” she said faintly, trying to smile bravely for her co-wife.

“Don’t you dare Shampoo! Stay with me,” Nabiki growled back, struggling to pull the dead weight of her body from harms way as the men closed the distance. She succeeded in getting her to the sidewalk and against the building before taking her feet and extending her arms out to the side.

“STOP!” she shouted at them forcefully, giving them an icy stare. The skies around them suddenly darkened, winds picking up scattered papers and dust sending them swirling around the standoff.

The two men, unused to being so openly confronted, actually paused and assessed the threat the girl posed to them. Eyes narrowed as they warily watched her, waiting for a trap or attack of some sort, only taking a hesitant step forwards after seeing nothing was forthcoming.

“Let me explain this to you just ONE time,” Nabiki told them, finding comfort in her persona, showing them the merciless façade of the Ice Queen of Furinkan High.

Pointing to where the twin forces were battling in a test of power and will, her eyes narrowed dangerously. “My husband has NEVER lost when his family is on the line, something your boss over there is about to learn. Take my advice; Run. Now. Before he gets over here and sees what you’ve done to his wives. That’s your ONLY chance, or so help me….I’ll give him a hand in pulling off your balls and shoving them up your nose,” she said darkly.

As if to punctuate the statement, Ranma’s icy orb slammed through the fiery one at just that moment, explosive winds from the concussive force slamming into the men. They were sent smashing into the sturdy stone wall that lined the street, creating men shaped craters in it, before the rest of the blast leveled the wall as well.

Through it all, neither Nabiki nor Shampoo were touched by the flying debris or massive forces unleashed upon the district. Her hair was blown wildly for a moment, her body shivering from the icy chill that seeped across the concrete walkway, but it was as if they were shielded from any harmful effects by an unseen force.

“Told you,” Nabiki said with an ominous tone, turning back to where Shampoo was slowly bleeding onto the ground, a large puddle of blood growing beneath her.

Kneeling next to her, she struggled to remember some of her first aid training from school, all the while knowing that this was well beyond anything she could hope to manage. “Don’t give up Shampoo, I’m going to get you some help,” she promised, ripping some of the already short hem line off of the chinese girl’s dress and using it to bind the wounds as best she could.

“RANMA! HELP ME!” she cried out as Shampoo’s head lolled to the side, her beautiful purple eyes closing as she smiled.

“Shampoo love Ranma, you tell him yes?” she whispered, her voice barely audible, haunting in the thick fog that suddenly enveloped them.

Nabiki felt the weak touch of her hand, trying to squeeze it reassuringly, bringing tears to her eyes at the effort. “He knows Shampoo, he loves you too… and so do I, now don’t you give up on us now. We need you Shampoo, you can’t let it end like this,” she pleaded with her emotionally.

The corners of her mouth turned up slightly at Nabiki’s heart felt words and plea. “Thank you, Shampoo happy to know someone love her,” she said to her co-wife, growing more and more tired by the moment. ‘Maybe I just relax for a few moments,’ she thought fuzzily, finding it hard to focus or concentrate.

Pulling the severely wounded girl into her arms, Nabiki started to cry, holding her tightly as if that very act alone would stop her from dying. “SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!” she screamed, her body shaking with the emotional toll of the moment.

Soun sobbed as he pulled the blindfold from his face, absolutely sure that the end of times had come and he was without his family. Upon seeing only a vast white mist before him, he shuddered and crawled on his hands and knees calling out for his daughters. “KASUMI! NABIKI! AKANE!” his voice seemed muffled and close in the thick fog. A set of hands grasping the back of his gi and hoisting him up to his feet caused the overly emotional man to squeal like a little girl, “Don’t hurt me!” he cried out, covering his face with his hands.

“SOUN! It’s me, Nodoka,” said the highly annoyed Saotome Matriarch at his less then manly actions. “Where is my son?” she asked as he lowered his arms.

“I’m…I’m not sure, I thought I was dead,” he said woodenly, beginning to feel more than small measure of shame over his actions.

Frowning at him, she shook her head. “No, but I’m afraid that someone might be if we don’t hurry,” taking his hand and moving off slowly down the street.

He nodded quickly, concern for his daughters washing over him again, realizing that he’d not seen nor heard them in the commotion or fallout.

“What manner of fiend is able to summon the elements like this?” came a pompous voice from the fog, a dim shadow appearing before them.

They stopped and waited as the figure slowly approached them, finally revealing itself to be none other then Tatewaki Kuno and his man servant Sasuke.

“Son, what are you doing here?” asked Soun, raising his eyebrow in question.

“It would seem that I chose poorly the day to start repaying my debt to Ranma, for no sooner than I arrived here then nature itself rose up in complaint,” he said, looking puzzled and bothered by the turn of events.

“SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!” cried a distraught Nabiki from within the dense fog.

While Soun, Nodoka and Kuno looked around, Sasuke leapt from his masters side into the depths of the fog. A moment later, his voice wafted to them, “Come quickly, someone is gravely wounded,” he called to them, a bright light shining within the fog as he threw down his illuminating capsule.

Rushing over, they saw Nabiki holding a very pale and still Shampoo, her face a mask of pain and fear. “She’s hurt bad, someone get some help here quickly,” she ordered them.

Sasuke nodded, “I’ll go master, I move with the wind,” he said and simply vanished from sight.

Kuno knelt next to the two, his face showing his concern. “Is there anything I can do Nabiki?” he asked quietly, picking up Shampoo’s wrist and finding a faint and thready pulse there.

Shaking her head, she looked hopelessly up to her father and mother-in-law. “She protected me, she used her body to save me,” she mumbled, tears falling down her cheeks as she rocked the girl gently back and forth.

Soun, his emotions threatening to squash any rational thinking he was having, ruthlessly stomped them down, focusing instead on the bloodied girl before him. “Nabiki, I must see her wounds, perhaps I might be able to help,” he said neutrally, remembering all the times he’d had to stitch himself and Genma back together after the escapades of their perverted master.

She moved with the help of her father, never relinquishing her hold on Shampoo as he examined her wounds, his face grim as he did. “It’s very serious Nabiki, she has two deep stab wounds and many cuts. If we don’t stop her bleeding, she’ll never make it to the hospital,” he said, replacing the blood soaked makeshift bandage and pressing his hands to her back.

Nodoka gasped at the horrible wounds as Soun examined them. Seeing the flow of blood, she pulled harshly on the sleeve of her kimono, ripping it off and handing it to the man.

He nodded gratefully, replacing the ruined bandages with the new sleeve, folding it into the wound, temporarily stopping the bleeding.

A set of hand suddenly appeared next to his, Ranma appearing almost out of thin air by them. His face born the horrors of the moment, his eyes pained and promising pain to the one that had done this. “Everyone stand back,” he ordered, stopping only Nabiki as she tried to move away.

“No, I need your help Nabiki, only you’re going to be able to do this,” he said to her quietly, his love and worry melting the icy blue in his eyes.

She nodded without hesitation, “What do you need me to do?” she asked him earnestly.

Laying Shampoo gently on the ground, he took Nabiki’s hands and placed them on the wounded girl’s chest. “Look, I know you ain’t studied the art in years but I need you to focus now. Close your eyes and act like the Ice Queen for a minute, okay?” he asked, resting his hands atop hers.

Frowning at the orders, she complied, feeling a bit betrayed by the way he’d said it.

Nabiki gasped suddenly, feeling the powerful ki of her husband flowing through her hands and into Shampoo, chilling her to the very core of her being.

“Focus Nabiki…you’re the one that gave me the idea of this technique. Lose your emotions, focus only on the power I’m channeling through you, feel it within you. Now, add to it, send your own power with it, concentrate on being emotionless, distant, cold,” he talked her through it, slowly lifting his hands from hers as she began to funnel her own ki powers into Shampoo.

“That’s it, you’re doing it. Concentrate Nabiki, wrap her in it, don’t let her go no matter what,” he coached, his eyes intent on her face as she listened to his words.

Shampoo’s breathing stabilized, her chest rising and falling steadily though her color was still very pale.

Looking up at his mother, he once more wore the face of the warrior. “I’m going to finish this,” he said coldly, slowly rising to his feet.

Nabiki’s eyes flew open at his words, “No Ranma, I need you here…Shampoo needs you here. I’ve never done this before and it’s beginning to exhaust me, don’t leave us now, we need you,” she told her husband, her body starting to shake slightly from the exertion she was giving into Shampoo.

His lips set into a thin line, the need to punish the one’s that harmed his family warring with the desire to save his family no matter the cost. In the end, there was no contest. He knelt back down and gently replaced Nabiki’s hands with his own, closing his eyes in concentration. “You’re right Nabs, I gotta take care of you guys first,” he agreed, smiling faintly as he did.

She got to her feet with the assistance of Nodoka, her legs feeling rubbery from both the terror of the events and trying to save Shampoo’s life. Leaning on the woman, she looked down at her face with gratitude, “Thanks Daddy, for finally showing up when we needed you,” she told him.

The man nodded, lowering his head to hide his face at the girl’s words. “I’ve not been there for you girl’s as I should have, but I swear to you that I will try to correct my ways,” he said solemnly.

“That’s all we can ask you to do, well…that and to stop crying at the drop of a hat,” she added dryly, giving him a crooked smile as he looked up at her in shock.

Kuno stood nearby, standing guard over Ranma as he struggled to help Shampoo. “Sasuke should return directly with medical assistance, I will stand by to ensure nothing happens to either you or your wives Ranma Saotome. It is the least I can do in repayment for my ignorance,” he told him quietly, not looking at his long time rival.

Ranma gave a half smile at the man’s words, “It’s ‘bout time you talked like a normal guy Kuno, but thanks. I appreciate it,” he told him, not opening his eyes.

He could feel the gentle spark that remained in Shampoo, the only indication that her life wasn’t extinguished from the horrible wounds she’d received. He slowly altered his ki, changing it from the biting chill of the Soul of Ice to the warmth that showed the strength of his heart and soul. The air surrounding him slowly began to warm, burning through the fog that still swirled around them. His hands glowed with a golden color that began to flow into her, soaking into her body.

Everyone looked around as the fog receded, revealing the amount of devastation to the neighborhood, causing Nabiki to groan at the sight. “This is gonna cost us an arm and a leg,” she muttered darkly, shaking her head.

“Oh, I’m sure that things will work out. All we have to do is explain the situation and that we’re fully prepared to make restitution, that should be enough to appease our neighbors,” Nodoka said, appraising the damage with a knowing eye.

“I hope so mother, I really do,” said a forlorn Nabiki, sighing heavily at the thought of all the money it would take to fix this little accident. Turning back to her husband, she saw that the back of his shirt was now plastered to his body, shining brightly with the blood that was still flowing from him.

“Ranma!” she said, lurching forwards from the support of Nodoka and falling at his side. His hands, covered in the rich golden light, were pulsing in time with his heart beat. “You’re injured Ranma, how bad is it?” she asked him, knowing that he’d know far better than anyone the extent of his wounds.

As her hands touched him back, he smiled faintly. “It’s bad, but I’ve had worse. I can’t stop. If I do, Shampoo might not make it,” he said quietly.

She looked down to where he was touching her, noticing that she was glowing slightly as well with that golden light. Blinking a few times to make sure she was seeing it correctly, she gasped as the light in Shampoo started to pulse in time with Ranma’s. “What’s going on?” she whispered in awe.

“I don’t really know, but I can feel Shampoo’s ki with mine and I’m kinda holding it in place. I think if I let go she’s gonna die,” he told his wife serenely, as if this were nothing at all out of the ordinary.

Her eyes widened at the proclamation, “Isn’t that dangerous?” she asked him, not knowing enough about the mystical arts to truly draw a conclusion of the probable outcomes.

Swallowing past a dry throat, he could feel waves of nausea and dizziness eating at the outer edges of his control and consciousness. “Yeah, but I ain’t got no choice Nabiki. She did everything she could to save you, I just gotta do the same for her,” he said.

Licking her lips nervously, she grit her teeth together as she made the decision. “If you’re doing this, then so am I. I’ll be damned if you’re gonna die on me now, EITHER of you,” she said forcefully, resting her hands atop of his.

Closing her eyes, she sought the icy calm of her soul, seeking it’s power and refuge. Once fully in it’s grasp, she strained to feel Ranma’s ki as he’d shown her earlier. She could almost touch the power that flowed from her husband, though instead of being cold, it was warm and loving. Focusing on the flow of ki from his body to Shampoo’s, she added her own as best she could, feeling the sudden drain on her life force.

“Focus Nabiki!” said Ranma forcefully, feeling her faltering under the strain. “Ya gotta want her to live, show her the love you have, the understanding,” he coached her once more, assisting her in finding the true depths of her own ki.

Slowly, she focused her ki into tune with his, hearing only her own breathing and heartbeat, feeling the gentle pulse that was Shampoo’s very life force thriving in the embrace of theirs.

After what seemed like only moments, a hand gripped her shoulder and a voice called to her from so far away. “Nabiki, let go, the medics are here,” said a familiar and loving voice.

Her eyes fluttered open to find Ranma’s loving blue eyes gazing at her, “Ya did good Nabiki,” he said warmly, finally pulling her hands from the wounded girl.

Looking down, she noticed two men working feverishly on her, attaching various machines and IV’s to her. Somehow, without her notice, they’d gotten her on top of a gurney. “What happened?” she asked, finding her mouth to be very dry.

Nodoka had tears in her eyes as she spoke reverently to them. “You both started to meditate on her and just tuned everything else out. Even when Sasuke returned with the medics, neither of you moved until they’d stabilized her. I don’t know how you did it,” she said to her, then clasped her daughter-in-law to her chest affectionately.

Ranma smiled warmly at the sight, slowly and painfully getting to his feet. One of the medics noticed his injuries and turned him around. “You’ve got a rather deep laceration sir, you’re going to need immediate medical attention,” he said professionally, fingers prying and prodding the wound.

His face wrenched in pain, his eyes squinting shut with the pain he was inadvertently giving him. “OUCH! Leggome!” he said through clenched teeth, trying to move away only to be stopped by his firm hands.

“I’m afraid I can’t do that, you’re going to have to come with us,” he said evenly, taking him by the arm and starting to lead him to the waiting ambulance.

Before Ranma could protest there was a bright flash and roaring of flames as a pile of rubble down the street erupted into the air. From within the flames walked the woman that had started the events, looking weak and extremely ticked off. Her right arm hung limply by her side, blood easily seen coating it as her left hand cradled it. She walked with a pronounced limp, her clothing torn and tattered, revealing the tight chest wrapping beneath as well as a heavily scarred stomach.

“Ranma Saotome,” she growled, falling to her knees as she cleared the rubble, glaring over at the collection of people nearby the Tendo home.

Ranma moved quickly, disengaging himself from the hands of the medic and catching her before she was able to hit the ground. She didn’t have time to protest before she was cradled in his arms, his hands gently checking her arm and legs. Her glare softened to resignation, “Finish me then, I am ready to join my honored ancestors,” she said quietly, closing her eyes.

“Huh? Get real lady! I ain’t gonna kill you,” he said with a snort, shaking his head in disbelief.

Her eyes snapped open, anger once more in them. “What then? Do you expect me to fawn over you? Submit myself to you simply because you defeated me?” she asked harshly, narrowing her gaze at him.

“You’ve got a lot to learn about me lady. I ain’t interested in you at all. All I want is for you guys to just leave me an’ my family alone. I know the old man is an idiot but there’s gotta be a better way to settle this besides tryin’ ta kill us,” he responded, looking frustrated at her attitude.

She shook her head, “No, this is a blood debt that MUST be paid! Your father slighted us and as such must be punished for his atrocities to our clan,” she said, gritting her teeth as a spasm of pain wracked her body.

Sighing at her, “You ain’t in no condition to even THINK about stuff like that right now,” Ranma told her sadly, wondering why everyone his father had ever met wanted to kill him at some point and time.

“Just a moment Ranma, I think I have something to say about this,” said Nabiki as she reached her husband’s side, a look of annoyed anger on her face.

The woman looked into the eyes of the Ice Queen defiantly, as if challenging her to say something.

“You talk of a blood debt that must be paid. Alright, but as of now, you’ve got greater problems besides an honor debt,” Nabiki started, crossing her arms over her chest.

“That girl that you wounded? She’s a Chinese Amazon as well as Ranma’s wife, so that means you just declared war on the Amazon nation, congratulations,” she said with a cold smile. “I’m sure your clan elders will be so thrilled to learn that little tidbit of information,”

“Further more, my husband has just recently defeated and killed the demi-god Saffron, you know…the phoenix god?” she added with a distracted wave, enjoying the look of fear that suddenly appeared on the woman’s face.

Crouching down near her, Nabiki locked gazes with the woman. “Let me introduce someone you may want to speak with before you decide to continue this futile little crusade of yours,” she said, extending an arm out to Nodoka.

“Allow me to introduce Nodoka Saotome, Ranma’s mother and holder of the family honor. You see, all those years when that worthless lump of flesh that’s his father was making deals betrothing Ranma to everyone and their sister…he NEVER had the clan approval to do so. In fact, they were totally unaware of ANY engagements until they’d returned here after ten years,” she filled her in, smiling with cold satisfaction as Nodoka nodded in agreement with her words.

“No, this cannot be. His agreement was made, he accepted the dowry…then took his son back without repaying it,” she countered weakly, seeming to shrink within Ranma’s arms.

“Yep, you’ll find that you’re not the only one he’d done that to unfortunately. However, once Ranma married me, it rendered all his previous engagements null and void. Oh, you still have some legal respite from all of this, but you’re about to find out that revenge of the sort you just attempted to carry out isn’t taken lightly here. In fact, you and your clan are going to be hit with a rather hefty fee to repair all the damage caused by your little fracas, as well as compensation for the injured parties if you don’t want the authorities to discover your activities. Trust me on this one, you DON’T want to cross me. I’m VERY good at what I do, and I will promise you that if you even THINK about trying to get out of this or attempting to do any further harm to my family or I, that I will take your clan apart piece by piece. All of this BEFORE I let my husband come after you to finish this once and for all. After everything you’ve seen today, do you really think you can offer more than token resistance? No, I didn’t think so,” Nabiki said to her, making sure that she fully understood the ramifications of the day’s events and what it entailed for her clan.

Nodoka stepped forwards, resting a hand on Nabiki’s shoulder. “My clan will hear your grievance and both give restitution for your injury as well as mete out justice to Genma Saotome. You should have approached us through the proper channels before taking such extreme measures young lady,” she chastised her.

Ranma nodded in agreement with them. “You coulda saved a lot of time an’ pain by talkin’ to me first, but Nabs is right about one thing. If you EVER hurt someone I love again…there ain’t no place you can hide that I won’t find you,” he promised her, his eyes showing the icy determination of his words.

The girl nodded slowly, fearful of the murderous expression on his face. The network that had gathered the information on them had been wrong, dead wrong about how powerful he was. She could only hope that something could be salvaged so that her honor was not forever tainted by this mistake. “Very well, I will take your claims back to my clan. My family name is Kiechi of the mage clans, we shall honor this agreement with the clan Saotome,” she told them stiffly, struggling to get out of Ranma’s grasp.

Helping her to her feet, Ranma looked at her with a more sympathetic expression. “Pop’s is an idiot, I’ll be the first to admit it, but if you talk to Mom, I’m sure she’ll allow you the chance to beat your price outta him. So long as you don’t kill him,” he offered her, knowing what it’s like to live in service to your honor.

Eyeing him carefully, she nodded at him, then turned her expression to Nodoka. “I would like that chance, to have some measure of revenge on the one that sullied my clans honor. If you would do me that honor,” she asked formally, attempting a bow only to be stopped by Nodoka’s gentle touch.

“That will be part of the agreement no matter what young lady, I’m afraid my dearest one has much to atone for to many people. You would honor me by showing him the error of his ways,” she said to her, smiling softly.

Shaking her head, the woman gave a weak smile. “You are a very strange clan,” she said, walking slowly away from the group.

Nabiki wrapped her arms around Ranma, resting her head on his shoulder. “She has NO idea,” she said, releasing a deep breath. Looking at him with a suddenly stern expression, “Now then, about you and the doctors,” she said in a warning tone.

A few days later…

Shampoo slowly opened her eyes, finding everything fuzzy and an odd gritty feeling in her eyes. Raising her hands up to wipe the sleep from the corners of her eyes, she stifled a gasp of pain at the movements. Her whole body seemed to ache in time with both her breathing and heartbeat, something that hadn’t occurred to her before. Working her mouth a couple of times to get the dry crusty sensation from it, she leaned heavily back into her pillows. Observing the ceiling above her, her thoughts were distant and idle as she realized she didn’t recognize it.

“Hmmm?” she made a questioning sound, struggling to remember what happened, bits and pieces of the horrible ambush and fight coming back to her. “Nabiki,” she said weakly, pushing her upper torso into an upright position.

“Take it easy Shampoo, you got pretty messed up,” said a concerned Ranma, immediately on his feet with his hands on her shoulders and gently pushing her back down to the hospital bed.

Her wild eyed expression softened, “Is Nabiki okay?” she asked, allowing herself to be settled back into the pillows.

He gave her a warm smile as he nodded, “Yeah, thanks to you. She didn’t even get a scratch,” he said, pulling his chair closer to the bed and setting with her.

Closing her eyes, she gave a relieved smile, “That good, Shampoo worried about her,” she said, controlling her breathing to get her heart rate back under control.

“You had both of us worried sick as well,” he said, taking her hand in his, his thumb tenderly rubbing her knuckles.

She looked down at their hands, then slowly back up to his face. It was one of the first times he’d initiated contact with her without being forced. She found her heart beating wildly once more, bringing a fine blush to her pale face.

Ranma gave her a crooked smile, looking mildly uncomfortable at her blush. “I wanted ta say thanks Shampoo. Without you, I woulda lost her, you don’t know how much that means ta me. You almost died because of that, an’ I got ta thinking about what if you wouldn’t of come through it,” he told her, rambling slightly as he tried to both express his gratitude and feelings for her.

Grasping his hands with her free one, she smiled at him. “Shampoo love Ranma and Nabiki, is only right that Shampoo do what have to do for them,” she said, eyes shining at the emotions she had raging through her.

“That’s just it Shampoo, you risked your life to make sure Nabiki wouldn’t get hurt, KNOWING that you could’ve died. I mean, I KNOW we’re married an’ all; it’s just that I never expected you to do something like that. You coulda let her die an’ no one woulda really thought about it,” he said, showing her his hidden doubts about her.

The excitement died within her, some of the light leaving her eyes at his words. For all her actions before, she’d struggled to make her life mean something, WORTH something in his eyes. Her smile faded, her body seeming to shrink in the bed as she accepted his views of her. “Is okay Ranma, Shampoo know you no love her like she love you, but still know that Nabiki is important to you. Shampoo want Ranma to be happy, want Nabiki to know that Shampoo love her too,” she said, her voice choking up with the emotion.

Shaking his head furiously at her unshed tears and heartbroken tone, “NO! It ain’t about that Shampoo, it’s just that I got so used ta you playing games and schemes and everything that I forgot how much you care about everyone,” he said defensively, really beginning to hate both his tongue and mind for not being more clear when he spoke. ‘I got the best intentions but whenever I talk it all comes out wrong,’ he thought harshly, realizing how special both Nabiki and Shampoo were to actually TRY and decipher what he was trying to say…most of the time.

Sighing heavily, he sagged in his chair. “It’s like this Shampoo, I ain’t treated you very good an’ all, and I want to kinda make up for that,” he said quietly, hoping this wasn’t taken the wrong way as well. ‘If I make her cry Nabiki is gonna kill me,’ he thought dismally, not liking the prospect of having both his wives upset with him.

Though it was what Shampoo wanted more than anything, she also knew that he was only doing so because of his feelings of debt to her for what she’d done. “No Ranma, Shampoo no want sympathy. Ranma no ask to be married to Shampoo but still accept her. If Ranma want to show Shampoo he appreciate her, then do that because he love Shampoo, NOT because he feel like he has to, understand?” she explained painfully, the words and truth of her statement hurting her. To accept anything less would be nothing more than a sham and a mockery of both of their feelings.

Her heartfelt words rocked him, never expecting her to turn down his overtures of a relationship, especially when he’d been convinced it was something she wanted. ‘Why can’t girls be EASY ta understand?’ he asked himself, wondering why the gods hated him. “But, I DO want to show you Shampoo, yeah part of it is because of what you did an’ all, but that’s not it,” he said, struggling not to lose his train of thought in frustration, this was NOT his strong point.

Leaning close to her, he picked up her hands and held them in his, making sure that she could clearly see his eyes. “Before this, all I had ta go on was how you acted, I wasn’t sure what was going on. Now, you showed both me’n Nabiki that you DO love us, so much so that you were willin’ ta DIE for us…that’s something that no one has done before,” he explained, knowing it was disjointed but speaking anyways.

“I ain’t sure about all this Shampoo, I didn’t ever think I’d get married, much less to two girls, but..” he shrugged, giving an embarrassed smile. “Here we are. I got a lot to learn about both of you guys, ‘specially how to love two women, but I’m willing ta try if you are,” he offered, blushing to the tips of his ears at the offer.

Shampoo looked deeply into the boy’s eyes, making sure that he wasn’t under the influence of any drug, magic item, supernatural enemy or super powered foe. Seeing that his eyes were clear, she felt the sadness lessen, finding the love she’d craved for so long beginning to foster there. “Shampoo no want interfere in Ranma and Nabiki’s marriage,” she said weakly, her last and greatest hurdle still standing before her.

“That’s not something you have to worry about Shampoo, let’s just say that it’s never going to be dull in our bedroom,” said Nabiki wryly, leaning against the far wall watching them.

Both Ranma and Shampoo jumped at the sound of her voice, neither having heard her enter the room. “We’ll just take it day by day, after all, we don’t wanna kill poor Ranma before his time now do we?” she asked her co-wife with a sly wink.

“Nabiki sure about this?” asked Shampoo, a hesitant smile beginning to cross her face, hoping that this wasn’t some sort of sick joke being played on her. The blush on her face from the insinuations radiant in the stark white of the recovery room.

Ranma swallowed hard, having been intimately informed of what this would entail for his part. He was sure that at the moment the blush that covered him carried all the way down to his toes. “Um, yeah Shampoo…trust me, she’s VERY sure,” he said, squeezing her hand as he spoke.

Shampoo gave a strangled cry, a cross between joy and relief, and pulled Ranma down into her arms, finally holding him like a wife, burying her head into his shoulder.

Fearful of harming her, Ranma tried to gently return the hug, his eyes straying up to Nabiki’s, seeking her approval and acceptance. Seeing her smile, he held and comforted Shampoo, taking the first of many steps towards making her an integral part of their marriage.

Walking over to them, Nabiki leaned down and softly kissed Shampoo’s cheek, then moving her lips hungrily to Ranma’s, staking her claim on him as well as reminding him why she was ALWAYS going to be his first wife. Running her fingers through his hair, she gazed down at him affectionately. “I’ll leave you two alone for a bit, don’t let her over exert herself lover boy,” she teased him with a wink, making her way back to the door.

Hearing Shampoo’s giggle, Nabiki smiled at them as the feelings of jealousy were dissipated by the one’s of love. ‘Massive and drastic,’ she reminded herself as she softly closed the door behind her.

“I’m impressed Nabiki, not everyone could have accepted someone that easily,” said Bill, waiting against the far wall of the hall, thumbs in his pockets.

She frowned at first then smiled at the man that had played such a major role in getting her life to the point it was at now. She walked over to him and extended her hand, “I just wanted to say thank you…for everything,” she told him as he shook her hand.

Raising an eyebrow, “An expression of gratitude from the Ice Queen? My, maybe hell really did freeze over,” he joked with her, knowing that she’d get the reference.

They walked side by side from the crowded corridor into the nearby atrium, taking seats on a high backed bench under a Japanese Maple tree. He handed her a thick envelope attached to a large flat box that was setting nearby. “These are for you, it’s the first of 5 installments from the mage clans. Looks like they’re serious about making amends with you, nice work by the way on that. Seems like they didn’t like the idea of having to look over their shoulders for the Amazons to show up as well as hiding from the legal system as well,” he told her dryly, actually quite glad that someone beside himself was feeling the power of her influence for a change.

Nabiki shrugged and gave an innocent smile. “It’s a talent,” she said modestly, accepting both from him. Looking at the box that was wrapped in fine golden paper and tied with silken ribbons, she furrowed her brows slightly in question. “What’s this?” she asked him.

He looked uncomfortable for a moment, blushing slightly. “Well, yeah, about that,” he said, clearing his throat. “That’s, uh, from me and my wife. Call it a late wedding present,” he said. Tapping the corner of the box, “That paper is actually gold foil, the ribbons are silk. Chayn has a lot more taste than me, must be a girl thing or something,” he muttered good naturedly, enjoying the look on her face.

She blushed at the simple extravagance of the wrapping, wondering what could lay within. “But, why? Not that I’m complaining or anything,” she said, regaining her composure quickly.

It was his turn to shrug, “Call it a thank you, call it a gift from grateful friends, whatever. I know that you haven’t had much time to plan for the big tamale with your house being rebuilt, much less do any shopping or planning. I talked it over with Chayn and we decided that it’s the least we could do for you two. Besides, with what you just did, I think you’ve more than earned the right to spoil yourself. When I said something drastic, I never thought you’d actually be able to do something like this. I have to tell ya though, I’m impressed and proud of you,” he said fondly, finding himself finally warming up to her.

Nabiki looked at him intently for a long moment, weighing her response. “Thank you Bill, that means a lot,” she finally told him quietly, a pleased smile on her face as she gingerly opened the package.

They sat in silence until she’d finished unwrapping the package, and with deft fingers opened the lid. Her breath caught at what she found within, eyes growing wide. “How did you know?” she almost whispered, fingers touching the silk wedding kimono, beneath that the western style wedding dressed she’d been admiring.

It was his turn to give her a crooked smile. “Well, you’re not the only one with a network around here. I just put mine to use for something other than demon hunting for a change, hope you don’t mind me poking my nose into your business like that," he teased her.

Nabiki looked up at him in shock. “I…don’t know what to say,” she admitted, finding it suddenly very hard to control her emotions. The lump in her throat made it suddenly very hard to talk or think.

“Then don’t. Just accept it. We wanted to let you know that we believe in you three, that you can pull this off. It ain’t gonna be easy, but I think you guys’ll be just fine,” he told her gently, slowly getting to his feet.

“I don’t got a lot of time, but I’ll be around again soon,” the man said, looking at his watch with a frown. “Something else, something very important for you to know,” he added, crouching down on the balls of his feet before the sitting girl.

“Remember what I showed you before? The death and destruction? Well, when you accepted Shampoo like you did, that little event diverted the time stream enough to get you three clear of it. That don’t mean you guys are going to have it made in the shade, but you don’t gotta worry about anymore suitors coming to kill you guys off. Now all you have to do is make sure that Ranma don’t get his heroic butt killed by stupidity,” he told her with a crooked smile.

Nabiki gave him a slight nod, tears in her eyes at knowing she’d saved not just Ranma and her family, but herself as well. “After what she did, it just didn’t seem right to keep her on the outside anymore, not that it was an easy decision,” she admitted, hastily wiping the excess moisture from her eyes.

Licking her lips, she recomposed herself, knowing that the man before her wouldn’t dare say a word about it. Her expression went cold and business like as she thought about the other piece of business she had to deal with. “Speaking of which, it seems that one of our deals got reneged,” she told him, finding him nodding already.

“I’m already on it. I warned her not to test my limits about this. She’s about to find out that I’m NOT someone you make a deal with then double cross me. I’ve already spoken with Mousse and gotten his side of the story, so I know what she did. All I can is that I’m sorry Nabiki, I honestly thought she’d honor her end of it,” he apologized.

“Not your fault Bill, you did all you could. It’s not everyday I get the wool pulled over my eyes like that either, I just got too arrogant in my own abilities. I can tell you this much though; it WON’T happen again,” she said forcefully, still annoyed that she’d been snowed.

Taking a deep breath, Nabiki gave him a cold smile. “I take it that I’m free to do as I see fit to her as well? After all, it’s now a matter of honor for me,” she told him.

Taking his feet once more, he returned her calculating smile. “Of course, with Shampoo now being part of the family, it’s not something that can go unanswered. Speaking of which, one last ‘gift’ if you will,” he said, pulling a small book from his back pocket and handing it to her.

She looked at the worn cover and chuckled, “Trying to tell me something Bill?” she asked.

The man shrugged at her question, laughing slightly. “Far be it from me to tell you which way is right, I just thought it’d be kind of fitting for the old crone,” he told her.

She pursed her lips and smiled at the thought, “You’re right, it would serve her right…and I’m sure that Ranma and Shampoo are going to be VERY receptive to the idea as well. She’ll never see it coming,” Nabiki laughed darkly, enjoying the idea and it’s multi-leveled implications.

“It’s all you,” he said, this time extending his hand to her, shaking it firmly. “Well Nabiki Saotome, it’s time for me to get scarce. Can I give you guys a call if you’re needed again?” he asked, hooking his thumbs into his pockets once more.

“Of course, though I would hope you’ll stop by to visit even if you don’t, and bring your family. I’d like to meet them,” she offered, placing the book a top of the dresses and closing the lid.

He gave her a warm smile and nodded. “I think I’ll take you up on that offer,” he said. He waited for her to get to her feet once more before speaking again. “Take care of yourself Nabiki, as well as Ranma and Shampoo. They’re both gonna look to you for support and guidance, something I’m sure you’ll do fine with. Trust your heart Nabiki, it ain’t gonna steer you wrong,” he advised her, walking slowly to the doors of the atrium.

Snapping his fingers, he stopped her for a moment. “Oh yeah, almost forgot. You’re going to have a visitor in the next week. I couldn’t get Herb to loan me the stuff to lock Ranma into guy form, but he did agree to personally offer it to you guys. Seems like he wants to stay on your good side given that you’ve both got an issue with Amazons at the moment,” he told her with a wry smile.

“Thanks, I almost forgot about that. I think that Ranma will be more interested in locking Shampoo from her cursed form though, you know how much he just loves cats,” she joked with him, walking through the door he held open for her.

They walked to the elevators and waited for the doors to open. “One question before you go Bill,” she asked, looking at the older man in speculation.

“Sure, name it,” he said, watching the lights indicating the floor that the elevator was on.

“You ever going to tell me who you really are or who you work for? I’ve got some ideas but I’d like to hear it from you,” she asked directly.

He gave her a cryptic smile and shrugged. “Tell you what. You graduate from Tokyo University at the top of your class and I’ll do better than that. I’ll introduce you to some rather interesting people that I’m sure you’d love to interview with. We’re always looking for bright, quick thinking and practical people. Somehow I think you’ll fit right in,” he offered her, taking the few steps into the now open doors.

She looked at him with a thoughtful expression, “We’ll see. I’m not sure you could afford me,” she teased him with a knowing smile.

Placing his hand on the doors to stop them from closing he looked around the empty corridor before speaking. “When the time comes I’ll remind you that you said that,” he chuckled, wiggling his eyebrows at her. “You’ve no IDEA of what they can offer,” he said as the doors finally slid shut, leaving her with the strange and intriguing statement.

“And you’re going to PAY for making me wonder what the hell you’re talking about Bill,” she chuckled in return, shaking her head as she walked back towards the room where Shampoo was.

She met a blushing Ranma as he stepped from her room. “Everything okay Ranma?” she asked her husband as he eyed her package curiously.

“Huh? Oh yeah, she just got tired and I wanted her to get some rest. We’ve still got a lot to talk about and stuff, but I ain’t never seen her happier,” he told her, sliding an arm around her waist.

“I know that it’s going to be hard on you Ranma, but thank you for going along with this,” she told him, kissing him affectionately.

He responded to her kiss by deepening it slightly, almost crushing the box she held, forcing her to break it off quickly before he ruined it’s contents. “Easy lover boy, you don’t wanna ruin my wedding dress do you?” she asked seductively.

“Your wedding dress?” he asked, realization finally dawning on him, a goofy smile appearing on his face.

“Yep, I ran into Bill, he and his wife bought it for me, and I’m NOT going to let it go to waste. So, whaddya say? Wanna get married?” she asked him coyly, fluttering her eyelids at him.

He blushed and nodded enthusiastically, “Anytime, anywhere Nabs,” he said quickly.

“Good answer Ranma, good answer,” she said, walking with him towards the elevators, leaning her head onto his shoulder as they moved.

Tendo Dojo and home(currently undergoing extensive renovations)…..

Nabiki and Ranma walked past a couple of construction workers as they entered the house. There were over a dozen of them working on the home and dojo, coming and going like worker bees as they slowly brought the house back into shape with some much needed improvements.

“I’m going to put this in our room and I don’t want you peeking at it or there’s gonna be hell to pay, got it?” she asked in mock anger.

“Sure Nabs,” he responded with a smile, holding up his hands defensively.

“Good boy, I knew you could be trained,” she teased him, kissing him before walking up the stairs.

He walked to the kitchen, opening the fridge and pulling out a can of juice and popping it open. Covering his mouth as he belched, he leaned on the makeshift counter and watched the activity in the house.

“Oh Ranma, could you help me?” asked Kasumi, struggling with a large bundle.

“Sure thing Kasumi,” he told her, placing the can down and scooping the surprisingly heavy package from her arms. “What’s in this thing?” he asked, readjusting the package to a more comfortable position.

Kasumi looked at him with a happy smile, “It’s got things that I needed for my wedding Ranma, isn’t it exciting?” she asked him with a joyous expression.

He couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Yeah, sure is Kasumi. I’m glad you’n Doc are getting married with me’n Nabiki,” he told her, looking around for where she wanted the box.

“We were only happy to do so Ranma, it’ll make it even more memorable for all of us. Could you carry that to my room?” she asked him, pointing to the stairs.

They caused a couple more construction workers to move aside on the stairs as they went up, though none seemed to mind. They were highly paid for the job, more so to get it done as quickly as possible.

“Thank you Ranma, now if you’ll excuse me, I need to unpack it,” she told him, waiting until he’d left to open the box top.

Tapping gently on his room door, he waited for Nabiki’s acknowledgement to enter. Her warnings were never given lightly and the last thing he wanted was to be on her bad side…ever.

She motioned him to sit on their bed with her. “Everything alright?” she asked curiously.

“Yeah, just had to help Kasumi with her stuff for the wedding,” he answered, laying on the bed next to her, his head in her lap, feet hanging off the end.

Her fingers ran through his black hair, playing with his pig tail as she smiled down at him. She was always amazed at the depth and power of the love she felt for him, thrilling to it and thriving on every second that they were together.

“You sure you’re okay with Shampoo in our marriage Nabs?” he asked quietly, voicing his concerns again. He loved Nabiki to the very core of his being and didn’t want to do or be a part of anything that would cause her pain or grief.

She smiled softly at his concerns, knowing that he honestly did care for what she felt and thought. “Yes Ranma, I am. It’s going to take some getting used to but I’m not put off by the idea of her joining us. I’ll be the first to admit that this isn’t what I had in mind when I married you, but life with you is NEVER simple,” she teased him, leaning forwards and kissing him softly to show she didn’t mean it maliciously.

Touching the side of his face, her heart swelled with love for him. “Besides, in the end, she’s going to be good for both of us. She’s an excellent martial artist, devoted wholeheartedly to you, with the ability to protect me and our children if you’re not around,” she explained, showing him the practical side of the union.

He blinked at her for a moment, several things catching his attention. “But what about when we get Cologne to restore her place and honor in the tribe?” he asked, addressing the first concern.

Grinning wickedly, Nabiki chuckled. “Don’t worry about that Ranma, Bill gave me an idea about that. Let’s just say that her punishment will more than fit the crime and Shampoo’s honor will be greater than ever before…especially as your wife and mother to your children,” she told him.

Ranma blushed at the mention of having children with Shampoo, still getting used to the idea of not only being intimate with one woman but two…possibly at the same time if Nabiki was to be believed in her explanations from the day before.

“Kids?” he asked with wide eyes, blinking slowly.

Her smile grew widely, nodding as slowly as he was blinking. “Oh yeah lover boy, we’re going to make your mother deliriously happy,” she said, licking her lips seductively before kissing so passionately that his toes curled to his ankles, pig tail sticking straight out from his head.

“Very, very soon,” she added, enjoying the way he simply collapsed into her lap.

Looking onto his unconscious face she sighed happily, feeling excitement and hope for her future. A future filled with love, compassion and understanding, one that didn’t rely on her having to simply be the Ice Queen, but a loving wife and mother. “I love you Ranma,” she whispered to her beloved, fingers tenderly touching his lips as he slept.

Her words and loving touch were answered by a soft smile that crossed his face with her touch, telling her all she needed to know.

End of Book Notes:

Well, there it is. I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I have. Yes, I’ve left it open, I’ve got ideas for what the next book will entail. Rather than put another dozen or so chapters onto this story, I’ll give it the attention it deserves. Thanks go out first and foremost to my best friend Apoggen and my wife, both of whom had to put up with my plotting and story line progression for so long it drove them nuts. Next to my proof reader Innortal, a man beyond his years in knowledge and wisdom, not to mention patience. He’s helped not only this story but my growth as a writer and is someone I truly admire. His skill with words is outstanding as is his sense of humor and depth to characters. Enough gratitude can’t be given to his assistance on this story. I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge all my readers and reviewers, for without them I wouldn’t have been as motivated as I was at writing this story. Thank you, as always, I’m humbled by your attention and devotion to my writings. It’s a singular honor for me to know that I was able to entertain and enthrall you. Time is very precious, to know that you actively decided to spend some of yours on my stories is the greatest honor a writer can have. Thank you. Please leave a review if the story moves you to do so, I enjoy reading what you’ve thought of it.