Ranma: Mazoku Factor

Part 8

The Awakening.

OooOOooOO

Ranma Saotome rose from the ground. His arms shook as he lifted his torso up and frowned. “That was...interesting.” He flipped his hand over in front of his face a few times as he shoved himself onto his rear. He used the staff to push himself off the ground as he looked around in the darkness. He didn't need to illuminate his staff to see. He turned to look at the doorway behind him and smirked. “So, you were guarding this were you? I wonder what's inside?”

The doorway shifted as he opened his palm and touched the center of the intricate carvings that covered it. Serpents curled around the frame, and the door had a carving of an angel and a demon standing on either side of a round stone with some sort of light shooting from it. The angel was on the right, the demon on the left. It split apart in the middle and he stepped back as it opened into a small chamber.

“Well, what have we here?” He stepped into the room and smirked as he saw a round stone in the middle of an empty room. It looked almost like a small stone table, but there were carvings of ancient runic characters etched over every surface. His grin grew wild as his eyes went wide. “Heh. I can't believe I found it so quickly.” He seemed quite pleased with himself as he raised his staff over the stone and closed his eyes. “So, now the game begins.” A loud crack could be heard in the darkness of the cavern. The thing's lips turned up at the sound as his face became bathed in light. He felt a powerful wave of something shoot through his body.

OooOOooOO

Akane Tendo frowned as Tatewaki Kuno stood in front of her with his blade held before him. “How does the day greet you, Akane Tendo?”

The girl was standing amidst the remains of her usual morning routine. The male populace of Furinkan groaned as it attempted to crawl to safer ground. She narrowed her eyes at him and cracked her knuckles. The mess was all his fault, and she was feeling more frustrated than usual by their new house guest. “I've had better.”

“It saddens me to hear such things. Come, I shall lift your spirits this very day! On the event of your defeat, weep with joy, Akane Tendo, for I shall date with you!” He shifted and prepared to charge her.

“I've had enough of you!” The girl screamed the words and pointed her finger at him. She felt something hit her like a wave in the air. After it passed, she felt something new. A build up of something very, hot.

The students backed away from Akane Tendo rather quickly after she pointed at Kuno and made her declaration. A half second later it seemed as if some sort of wind had been kicked up under her feet. Her hair blew about her face wildly as she glared at the object of her current anger. She hung her head a bit and started muttering something under her breath. She wasn't sure where it was coming from, but she didn't stop. Her anger overshadowed her confusion as she focused on the boy rushing towards her.

“Get out of my way.” A ball of fire about as big around as he was shot towards Tatewaki Kuno and slammed into him head on. It exploded and engulfed him in flames. It only took a few moments for the flames to die down. He was standing with a charred hunk of wooden sword in his grip with his eyes wide. He was singed all over and his hair was sticking back and smoldering a little. What was left of his Kendo uniform was smoking with rings of bright orange around most of the many new holes. He was still decent and didn't look to be speaking anytime soon.

“Holy shit!” A lone male voice was able to utter behind her.

She turned to frown at the boys that were standing around staring at her. “You'd better remember that. Leave me alone.” She turned and moved back towards the gate towards home while looking at her hand. “How the hell did I do that? Can I do it again? I'll bet Ranma had something to do with this.” She didn't seem all that upset about it as she left the grounds and started walking down the street towards her home.

Nabiki was just on her heels and rushed up to her side. “What the hell did you do?”

“I'm not sure.” She brushed back her hair and looked thoughtful. “I think something has happened.”

“No kidding!” Nabiki looked somewhat annoyed with her sister. “We need to find him.”

“No kidding.” Ranma spoke up from behind them in his usual cheerful and uninterested tone.

Both girls gasped and whirled around. He was leaning against a fence just beside them along the sidewalk with his arms crossed. He was looking at the ground as if they'd almost walked by him without noticing.

Akane growled at him and pointed her finger. “Don't do that!”

Ranma was at her side before she fried a length of chain link fence. The metal was glowing orange in a rather large circle. “Okay. I lied. I do have a thing about teaching flat chested tomboys how to throw fireballs.”

Both of the girls were facing him again, but Akane didn't try to attack.

“At any rate. I imagine you two wish to speak with me?”

“Where have you been?” Nabiki glared at him and tapped her foot on the ground while crossing her arms.

“It's a secret.” He seemed to be his usual self.

“What did you do to me?” Akane didn't sound very angry, though it was clear she wanted to make him think it.

“Nothing. It's just your natural talent for that kind of magic showing itself. Kasumi is the same way.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Why?” Nabiki hadn't moved yet and seemed a bit more impatient with each passing second.

“Magic?” Akane was more than a little surprised.

“Yes.” Ranma seemed to be losing interest in the conversation. “You'll be noticing that sort of thing from now on.”

“How are you doing this?” The elder sister looked about ready to grab him.

He simply sighed. “I'm not that strong you know. That power isn't coming from me.”

“Then where?” Nabiki grabbed his shoulder and forced him to face her.

“Why?” The pigtailed boy seemed more amused than anything. The girl's younger sister was getting more and more relaxed.

Akane stood watching the pair argue and stepped forward. “I want to know too.”

Ranma shrugged his shoulders. “I can't really give you directions. You'll have to use what you've got to find it. I think it'd be good for both of you. If you go, take Kasumi with you. You'll need her.”

“What?” was the stereo reply.

“How are we supposed to do that?” Akane seemed more irate than ever.

“You don't have to leave right now you know. You've got plenty of time, and you'll be going sooner or later I imagine. Something is stirring, and it will require the attention of someone just like you.” He was looking directly at Akane as he said this.

“Me?” She blinked and her head cocked back.

“You'll be needing both your sisters, actually. I wouldn't turn down any help you're offered. It'll be a more difficult journey than you think.”

Nabiki didn't look pleased. “He's using us. He has been from the start. I don't know what this is about, but I'll bet he's behind it.”

Akane frowned at her and nodded.

The boy just sighed. “You don't really have much choice I'm afraid. You'll be going one way or another. I wouldn't worry about it just yet. It's not time.”

“What the hell are you babbling about?” growled the older girl. “I'm getting tired of this cryptic crap. You'd better give me a straight answer.”

“Once you start this journey, there is no going back.” He smirked and turned away from her. “I'll see you later this evening. I'm afraid I've got business to attend at the moment.”

OooOOooOO

Ryoga Hibiki frowned as he glared out across the Japanese wilderness. “Now where am I?” He continued his trek watching the woods around him with only passing interest. He paused for a moment and cocked his head. “Who's there?”

“I should have known you'd spot me. He said it'd be difficult.” The voice was difficult to place, but he could hear it well.

Ryoga couldn't see anyone, but he could tell whoever it was had a slight accent. “Come out where I can see you. What do you want?”

“Your life.” The noise was to his left, but the lost boy, true to his name was searching the right side.

“Come and claim it then.” The immortal smirked as he tossed his traveling bag aside.

“You're a strange one, no light within you. Guess I don't have to feel bad then.”

Ryoga gasped as dozens of blades shot out of the shadows in the woods around him. He fell into several distinct pieces that sprayed the surrounding area with blood. After the pieces died down Mousse jumped down and stared at them from the tree's above. “That was easy. A little too easy.” He turned and walked away from the hollow body. He glanced back over his shoulder and frowned. “I get the feeling there's something more to this.” As far as he knew, he just murdered a dead body. Nothing had come out, and he hadn't seen anything inside his target. “I just have to find that demon again.”

OooOOooOO

Ranma was leaning against a brick wall in an alleyway. He had a sardonic smile on his lips as he looked out from under his bangs at the figure approaching him.

“I've done your dirty work. Now, your end...” Mousse seemed confident as he walked up with his hands in the sleeves of his robes.

The monster chuckled. “You think you've killed Ryoga Hibiki?”

“I cut him into about six pieces. He's dead.” The Chinese national seemed irate.

Ranma wasn't worried. “I'm afraid it's not that simple. Hibiki is immortal, he was probably up and walking around within hours of your rather pathetic attempt on his life.” He pushed himself off the wall and sighed. “Let's take a walk.”

“How do you expect me to kill him then?” Mousse was very angry as he watched the monster stroll by him. He was clenching his fists in rage. Ranma was moving off into the street on a somewhat busy business district and the Chinese boy rushed up to his side. “Where are we going? Why didn't you tell me about this before?”

“Where's the fun in that?” Ranma noted a small yakitori stand had gotten Mousse's attention for a moment and he walked over.

The Chinese boy didn't dare touch the creature as it set about buying a stick of beef with a very large bill. The vendor frowned and started to count out the change. Ranma turned away from the stand after sliding a single coin out of the pile the man was counting out.

Mousse was frustrated, but not dumb enough to try and take it out on the being in front of him. He could see what it looked like. “You're using me.”

“Yes. I thought you were aware of that when this started. I'm afraid you'll have to be a bit more creative in dealing with Hibiki. I'm not the type who would torment you with something that can't be done, don't worry. I'll have to hang around for a few hundred years at least before I get that bored.”

The Chinese boy looked a little relieved. “How do I kill him?”

“You just did.” Ranma handed him the coin he'd taken from the vendor and smiled. The boy's eyes went wide as he realized something was different about it.

“What did you...?” Mousse looked a bit like he didn't really want to know.

“I needed your eyes. Hibiki won't die, and I'm afraid he may have a bit of a grudge against you now. Shouldn't be too bad though. At any rate, you've satisfied your end as far as I'm concerned.” Ranma put his palm against the boy's head and moved it down his face, passing it over the coin in the boy's open palm as he pulled his hand back. The monster tossed his glasses aside after he did it and smiled.

Mousse stared at him a little slack jawed as he glanced back at the vendor behind him. “What happened just now? What was that thing you took out of that coin? It looked like...”

“The soul of the man you just killed. Yes.” Ranma nodded and shrugged his shoulders. “He was abusing it anyway. I'm sure I can find a use for him.”

“It's none of my concern.” Mousse took a step back. He was just starting to realize that his position was favorable.

“I'd recommend going home. Hibiki will not be pleased with you if he ever meets you again.” Ranma glanced over his shoulder at him as he turned to walk away.

“I don't think I can go back. You fixed my eyes, but I will always hate you. You destroyed everything.” Mousse hung his head as bitter tears fell down his cheeks. “They aren't likely to welcome me home.”

“Come now. Can you really hate me for getting you out of that? I mean, think about it.” Ranma looked a little miffed at the implication. “I've been rather kind to you as things go.”

The boy was shaking, with both of his fists clenched at his sides and his head held low. “I loved her. You destroyed that.”

“Did I really?” Ranma seemed to think about it as he started walking away. “I suppose you could look at it that way if you wish. My business with you is finished I'm afraid.” He chuckled to himself as he walked away and shook his head. “So much for Ryoga Hibiki. Heh.”

OooOOooOO

“Hey Kasumi.” Akane sat down next to her surprised looking sister.

“Akane! Oh my. Why aren't you in school? Are you feeling well?” She seemed to calm a bit as she realized Nabiki had sat down on her other side.

The middle sister looked a little dazed. “What the hell?”

Akane was pretty cheerful about the whole affair. “I'm fine, but I've learned I have magic powers. I set Kuno on fire before school started today. I should probably stay home. I want to write down what I have to say to get it to work so I don't forget.”

Nabiki turned her eyes towards her sister. “Say?”

“Yeah. I point my hand and say 'East winds that blow beyond western sands, let your power gather in my hand and...” She held her palm out and a ball of fire burst to life above her fingers. “I'm not sure how I know that.”

“Ranma. I'm sure he's got something to do with it.” Nabiki stood up and walked out into the yard.

“Oh my! That looks dangerous!” Kasumi looked shocked and worried about her sister. “Nabiki? Are you all right?”

“...let your power gather in my hand!” The older girl pointed her palm at a brick her sister had set up for her next practice. She fell on her rear and squeaked in surprise as a small ball of fire erupted from her hand and shattered the brick and singed anything within four feet of the spot.

“Cool.” Akane was rushing up to her side. “You can do it too then?”

Nabiki was still gasping and looking at the still burning debris with wide eyes. “Holy...”

“Wasn't as big as mine was. I wonder why?” Akane looked a bit surprised.

“She's not as suited to that kind of magic as you are.” Ranma was sitting at the end of the table with his chin in his palm watching the three girls on the porch.

Kasumi gave a frightened squeak as she started and whirled around. Her eye twitched a little as she calmed herself down a bit. “I suppose everyone is staying home today?”

“I suppose so. Her talents are less obvious, I've not figured it out myself yet.” Ranma smiled at her and nodded. “I feel I should add, I'm not the one doing this. I'm flattered, but I'm not quite so powerful.”

“How then?” Nabiki slapped her palms on the table and leaned towards him.

“There's more Mana available for some reason. Something has changed, and it may not be a good thing. I've a feeling we'll all be dealing with it in our own way soon. It's not something we can let lie very long I'd wager.”

Kasumi had her eyebrows scrunched up and her finger to the corner of her lip. “I'm confused.”

“So are we.” Akane narrowed her eyes at the boy and sat down at the table again.

“Yes, well, things are going to change more than you expect very soon. Something is going on, and your new talent is just the beginning.” Ranma turned away and looked out towards the yard.

“Why am I getting the vibe you're not telling us everything you know about this?” Nabiki was clenching a paper napkin in her hand very tight.

“Because I'm not. I'm not really obligated to inform you of anything. I just thought it'd be nice to have a little talk.” He shrugged and stood up walking out into the yard and away from the scene.

“Oh my. I don't like the way that sounds. Do we have to go somewhere?” Kasumi seemed concerned and confused. It made her feel a bit better that her sisters seemed the same.

Akane glanced at her and gave a small grin. “Well, we'll be going together at least. I can keep us safe.”

“So it would seem.” Nabiki seemed to only be paying half attention to the conversation. “What sort of power suits me then I wonder?” She shook her head and glanced at her sisters. “We've got to figure out what he's doing. He's not hiding the fact he's tied us up in something. I don't think that's a good thing.”

Her younger sister grinned. “Maybe, but it's hasn't been all that bad so far. I don't trust him either, but I'm not so sure I'll be sorry he showed up when it's all over.”

OooOOooOO

“Oh, good morning...” Ranma ducked his head as a wooden blade sliced through the air. “Is this about Akane again? I thought we'd talked about that. I'm sort of attached to her sister.” He was walking by the large tree in the courtyard.

“Fiend! At last I have discovered your fiendish plot to destroy Akane Tendo forever!” The boy posed with his blade on his shoulder and pointed at the younger student with his finger.

“Hmmm. I'm not recalling that one.” The boy's cape fluttered a bit as he lifted his shoulders and gave the older boy a rather blank expression. “Maybe I've just forgotten. Quite a few things going right now. Could you remind me? I might be more apt to defend it if I'm sure you're really foiling one of them.”

“Very well! You intend to turn the beautious Akane Tendo, into...” The older boy whipped something from his robes and pointed it at the girl in question. Nabiki and Akane were looking on just behind the exchange and caught most of it. “A rough necked, man hating, greedy, violent, flat chested, self serving, shrew!” In his hand was a volume of manga, a young smiling redhead adorned the cover dressed in a cape, yellow shirt, tight pants, and sword. “The mighty Tatewaki Kuno's perfect hearing and memory recalls well the love poem my beloved Akane Tendo spoke unto me from this very volume!”

A complete dead silence covered the grounds.

“Wh-what? L-love poem?” Akane's eyes were wide, and the corner of her mouth was twitching.

“What makes you think I had anything to do with that?” The ponytailed wizard scratched the side of his head and looked confused.

Akane took a step forward, with her head hanging down and her arms limp.

“Come on Kuno! She's always been like that!” One of the boys out of sight in the crowd called out.

“Yeah! It's really hot!” A boy from the Karate club agreed.

“If her sister was a tomboy too, we'd be in heaven already!” Another boy, dressed as a hockey goalie nodded in agreement.

“Tell me about it! Screw personality, I'd put up with anything for that!”

Akane stood with her head hung low and her shoulders were shaking. The vast majority of boys in the school were coming to Ranma's defense.

No one noticed Ranma was nowhere to be seen.

Nabiki looked horrified and disgusted. “You jerks! This is exactly what keeps you idiots from getting laid!” Akane broke out of her state and looked back with surprise. “I don't believe this! Akane is used to this crap, but you'd think I'd put up with it too? The nerve!” She stomped her foot on the ground and columns of dirt, rocks, and grass shot up from the ground from the boys who had dared speak against her.

“Hey!” Snapped Akane, but she was cut off as her sister's magic threw a fit.

The older girl's eyes were closed and she waved her arms while whispering something under her breath. She finished as the last boy was tossed into the air and collapsed onto her knees right after. The courtyard to Furinkan looked like an ancient ruin and a barren forest at the same time. “Whoa!” Two very tall ones were in Kuno's former location, and she was panting right in front of them. “That took a lot out of me.”

“Are you all right?” Akane rushed over to her side and slid to her knees next to her. “Nabiki?”

“I'm fine.” The girl twisted onto her rear and sat down. “I feel winded though. Like when Daddy used to make me practice.” She flipped the manga around in her hands and thumbed through it. “What the heck is this anyway?” She stood up and leaned on her sister. “Come on.”

“What? You need to rest!” Akane was fretting and glancing over her shoulder. “We really can't miss school again, but...”

“We're not going!” Her older sister pushed her off and reached into a nearby bush. The rest of the students were filing into the building behind them. “Gosunkugi? What can you tell me about this?”

“Y-you know me?” The boy swallowed and held a camera between his face and the older girl's.

“Shut up. I know everyone. Out of all the dorky, so not going to get laid, otaku nerd types. You're the biggest.” The girl frowned at him.

“Nabiki! Even if it is true, you shouldn't be so...” Akane flushed and looked away while shifting her foot about a bit. “Who are you anyway? Are you new here?”

“I've been in your class since the fifth grade. Nobody notices me.” The boy was shaking and looking about.

The bell rang and Nabiki forced the boy to move towards the gates as she shoved the manga into his hands. “It's called 'The Slayers'.”

“So, you have the rest of this then?” Akane looked confused. “What does it matter?”

“We need to see those books.” Nabiki glared at him and shoved him forward.

“B-but...m-my parents...” Hikaru swallowed and fumbled with the book. “I don't have the manga anyway. There were a few television shows, I've got...”

“Great. We'll make a day of it then.” Nabiki gave him a stern glare that more than conveyed that he wasn't allowed to say no.

“What? What are you talking about?” Akane frowned at her. “I guess you should sit for a while, but...I'm not so sure we can get away with...”

The older girl snatched the volume from Hikaru's hands. She flipped about for a moment and shoved the open book into her sister's chest. “Here.”

As Akane was looking at it, with a slow dawning crawling over her face, Hikaru spoke up. “What do I get out of this exactly?” He looked a bit annoyed, but was still too spineless to do anything but frown a little.

Nabiki shrugged and gave him a very small smile. “You get to spend a day watching anime with two pretty girls, that you aren't allowed to touch, or talk too.”

“Yeah. What she said.” Akane had just read her spell for casting a fireball in the manga she'd been handed.

“Oh. Can I sit and stare at you? I don't want to weird you out, but...it's the best I can hope for right?” The boy licked his lips and was rubbing his hands together.

Nabiki gave a small sigh and looked at her sister. “Fine, but if you touch us. My sister will burn your manga collection. I know you've got one. Only for today. I don't want you glaring at us at school.”

Hikaru decided it was best to not mention that he already was. Akane was the focus of his attention, but Nabiki wasn't bad looking either. He had started to realize that the two girls were very interested in that particular manga. The same two sisters who had each caused a bit of a mess at school in the past two days. Akane Tendo was a witch, a real one. She really was his perfect woman. “If only I could make her see that.” Distracted by his own line of hormone driven thought as he was, he didn't forget that he should probably have another look at that particular series again. It might even be worth investing in the manga.

OooOOooOO

Akane Tendo wasn't sure why Hikaru's parents started crying. They welcomed the group and waved the girls up to his room. As soon as they were gone, both of them were on their knees at the family altar. She found herself in a black painted room, all sorts of jars lined the shelves and walls, and a large collection of manga, anime tapes, and posters filled the walls. She didn't think she'd ever seen the word 'magic' in one place so much before. Some of the titles were run of the mill. Magical girl this, or that, some where disturbing. “Magical Penis? Are you kidding me?” Her face contorted, and the very pale boy went very red.

“This is what you want.” He pointed down at the bottom corner of the very large bookshelf and sighed.

OooOOooOO

Akane was having a good time. It was only the first show, and she was really starting to like the main character. She had a grin on her face and was holding fits of giggles back as she watched. Nabiki was frowning at her, and paying more rapt attention.

“I wish they'd cut the jokes and get to the point.” The older girl was getting annoyed fifteen minutes in. It was a comedy, set in a fantasy world. Nothing useful had come up.

“I don't know. I kind of like this one. I might get it myself later on.” The younger girl shrugged and seemed pleased. “I'm starting to like Lina, and the first show isn't over yet.”

The older girl rolled her eyes as a dragon started to destroy a village. “Ooh. A dragon. Like we're going to run into one of those.”

Both girls went quiet a few minutes later, when the lead character started to chant something. A moment later, as a maroon red filled the screen and bathed the room, they sat and stared with wide eyes.

“Holy...” Akane spoke up. She looked down at her hands and gasped. “I have got to try that.”

Neither one heard the choking sound as Hikaru froze up in wide eyed horror.

“Yeah? You'll blow up the ward if you do.” Her older sister's eyebrow twitched. “Come on, let's keep watching. We might find something else to try that won't kill everyone we know.”

Akane hung her head. “Yeah. I guess you're right. Still, I'll take a trip or something. I've got to try, I mean, come on. That was so cool!”

“What are you going to do with it?” Nabiki rolled her eyes again. “Use your head.”

The younger girl shrugged and grinned. “Who cares? It's still cool. I just want to see if I can.”

“Whatever, the next episode is starting.” The girl grumbled and fast forwarded through the credits.

OooOOooOO

Akane's sister had taken a baseball bat to the side of Hikaru's television. She'd gotten more and more frustrated as the second season went on. “Hey. It's not over yet!” She jumped up as the screen flickered and wavered, grabbing the girls arms.

Nabiki was livid, her face was red as she huffed through her nose and glared at the screen. “That dirty son of a bitch! I'll kill him! The nerve! An anime character!? Is he kidding? Why that jerk! Wait until I see that...”

The boy had his back against the door and looked on in hopeful terror as his television managed to survive the assault. “Hey! Please, don't break that!”

The older girl settled her gaze on him. He swallowed hard and stopped speaking as he pushed himself up against the door. She dropped the bat and sat down, glaring at the screen again.

“What the hell are you doing?” The younger girl looked a bit angry.

“Don't tell me you've not noticed.” Nabiki's jaw dropped a little. “Are you blind? He even dresses like him! That bastard! He's some sort of Otaku freak! He figured out how to use real magic and turn himself into a real wizard! He's jerking us around, Akane! Playing with us!”

The younger girl looked over at the screen. “You mean that guy? He seems okay so far. I guess he does dress a bit like that.”

Nabiki's head fell between her shoulders. “Who cares who he is?! That jerk Ranma figured out how to turn himself into that guy there!” She pointed at the screen. “Like for real. Now he's just screwing with us! Are you dense or something?”

“If what you're saying about Ranma is true, you should care.” Hikaru seemed to figure out what they were talking about. He jumped back as they both looked at him. Neither one looked angry.

“Why?” Akane frowned at him.

“Well, I...um...” The boy looked very nervous. “No way. I mean. Sure he's...but...oh man. He's for real isn't he?”

“Yeah. Now what do you know?” Nabiki frowned as she stood up and clenched her fist. “I noticed that stack of magazines under your bed. I say we start a campfire in the middle of the room with those. Why on earth should I care about who that guy is? Looks like an untrustworthy member of their group. He's probably just a wizard working against them, he'll stab them in the back and...”

The boy shook his head. “Xellos is much more than that. If you think Ranma is like that guy, you shouldn't screw with him. Trust me.” He didn't look like he wanted to elaborate and hand jumped on his bed to hide everything below his eyes with his sheets.

Akane looked interested and frowned at her sister. “You know, he is talking.”

The older girl frowned. “Well, he's not finished either. What the hell are you talking about? I don't feel like watching another four hours of this crap to find out.”

The boy tried to cover his head, but the candles tied to the sides of his head prevented it. “He's not human. He's a monster, a really strong one. Besides, he never really stabs them in the back. Seems to like them for some reason. He is using them though.” The boy gave up hiding. “Look. I'll give you this if you leave my television alone. I think it has what you want to know in it. I never cared for it much, I prefer more serious stuff.” He pulled a dusty book off the shelf.

Akane turned her head and snorted. “Pervert.”

The boy blushed as Nabiki took the book and started for the door. She thumbed through it. “Encyclopedia Slayers huh...” Her eyes went wide. There was a large section detailing the incantation, and effects of various spells. “Holy...” There were quite a few. She stopped halfway down the stairs and gripped her sisters arm, pulling her from the home at a faster pace.

“What's going on?” Akane was confused.

“Be nice to Hikaru Gosunkugi, he just gave us what we needed, and we didn't have to spend all day with him.” Nabiki hung her head and gave a small sigh. She handed the book over. “There are all sorts of spells here.”

“Really?” Akane almost dropped the book as she staggered back. Her sister was ignoring her, and a two foot long beam of light had appeared in her grip. It was slim enough for her to grasp, and she didn't look uncomfortable holding it.

“Elmechia Lance!” The girl tossed it into the drainage ditch on the other side of the fence they were walking beside, a hail of water came down on the street in front of them. “Yeah. It's a real spell book. Come on, we've got to go find...”

“Oh. Hello.” Ranma appeared to be digging something out of his fingernails, but was wearing gloves. He seemed satisfied. “I'm really getting to enjoy these little talks.”

“What the hell do you think you're...” Nabiki put her nose up to him. “Are you even human?”

“Finally figured that out did you? Took a surprising amount of time. I'm glad I gave Kuno that little present. Worked out better than I'd hoped.” The boy seemed pleased and looked back and fourth as both girls started stepping away from him. “I trust you know what I expect of you then?” He leaned on his staff and smiled at the pair.

“What have you involved us with?” Akane was flipping through the pages of the book.

The boy gave a small sigh as Nabiki started muttering under her breath. “You know, I've not hurt either one of you. I don't see why you're so upset. Besides, it'll be good for you both to get out and see more than the burg here.” He shook his head.

The older girl calmed a bit, Akane looked up from the pages. Nabiki spoke up first. “What are you?”

The boy shrugged. “I'm a monster of course. This isn't my true form, it's just something I use to keep from stirring up the population.” It was the most direct answer he'd ever given them.

“What?” Akane dropped the book. She wanted to scream 'you're out of your mind!', but it wouldn't come out.

The boy walked over and picked it up and started flipping through the pages. Akane kept her distance from him and both girls watched as he did it. “Not all of these will work just yet. You need to do something about it if you want to try some of them. Some will work in a limited fashion. Just the extra mana about for some reason combined with a natural affinity for a particular kind of magic. Not just anyone can do it you know, even with a book like this.” He waved his finger and closed it up with his cheerful grin remaining as he strolled up to Nabiki and handed it over. “I suggest making a copy so each of you can have one. Should be useful.”

“Wait. Did you just say something about doing something about...what?” Akane looked confused and took a protective step towards her.

The boy shook his head. “Sorry. You've got a trip to plan. Not going to find out what's going on sitting around the house. Don't forget to take your sister.”

“What? No! I don't care what you think you are! You've got no right too...” Nabiki stiffened up and bowed her back as she moved away from him.

“Well, I suppose you could stay here and die if you want. Won't bother me much, but you need to do something about it.” Ranma hung his head and gave a small sigh. “Stop acting like I've ever hurt you. Come on, really.”

“If this isn't the real you...then wh...”Akane cut herself off, her hand moving up to her mouth. “That...dog thing...” Both girls became visibly more alarmed as soon as it had left her mouth.

The boy shrugged again, Nabiki had latched herself onto the fence she was standing against. “Why is that important anyway? Look. I'll be nice and explain things straight just this once. You've got a problem, and it isn't me. I'd rather see it solved myself, as it will be messy for everyone if it isn't.”

He had their full attention. Nabiki had managed to move over to her sister's side, and they were huddled together and looking at the boy. The street around them was empty and quiet, a bit too much. Akane managed to speak first. “But...”

“I'll explain. Someone has broken a powerful seal. As a result, there is now a leak in the mana flow of the planet. You need to find the rest, and unseal them as well, to relieve the pressure. I'm afraid I can't do much to help but offer a bit of advice and point you in the right direction on occasion. You've got to find and deal with them yourselves.”

“Why?” Akane scrunched her face up.

“It's a bit like a dam that's sprung a leak. If you don't release the safety valves to control the flooding, the dam will slowly begin to rip itself apart. As you can imagine, that could be quite catastrophic.”

Nabiki frowned. “Plug up the hole.” She crossed her arms and turned away.

“I suppose you could ask the demons and gods to stop their little war long enough to make up and take care of it again if you wanted. Asking the gods might not be so bad, asking the demons... Well, it's bound to be unpleasant.” The boy shrugged. “You'd need both of them to do it.”

“What happens if we don't?” Akane looked a bit shaken.

“Hmmm? Oh! It seems I have an appointment to keep. Excuse me.” The boy turned and walked away.

Neither girl did anything to stop him.

“Now what?” Akane looked at her sister and frowned.

“You're asking me? Look, we have no idea how crazy he is...” Nabiki flushed.

“I'm pretty sure he's not lying about not being human.” Akane looked at her sister and took a step back. “Wait. The engagement! You can't...”

The older girl went rigid. “No way! Don't be disgusting! What good would I be to something like that anyway? Come on...we've...oh man.”

“Oh. Hello Nabiki, Akane. What brings you two about...” Ono Tofu's smile wavered a bit as he realized the girls had rather blank expressions on their faces as he turned a corner and noticed them almost right in front of him. They looked dazed, and afraid. “Um, are you two all right? Maybe I should have a look at you both. You seem a bit pale.”

Both girls seemed too dazed to bother resisting as he put his hands on their shoulders and led them along.

OooOOooOO

Ryoga Hibiki snorted as he walked by a long haired stranger. Both men were passing on a distant trail, far into the wilderness in Japan. The trees around them were still covered in snow, and a beaten path and the dead silence of winter. They stopped after passing, several paces away.

“Is there a problem? You look like you've seen a ghost.” Ryoga had noticed the uncomfortable stare.

“I wasn't expecting anyone on this road.” The stranger nodded, he was dressed in Chinese robes and had a clam piercing glare.

“Heh. You should have kept your mouth shut and kept going. I remember that voice. A lot of people have seen me die, but you're the only man still around that got away with killing me is you.” The lost boy snarled as he turned to face Mousse. He tossed his traveling pack aside and gripped his umbrella.

“Funny I didn't see you coming.” The Chinese boy grumbled and crouched low. “He said you were dead.”

“Who? Maybe I'll let you live if you tell me. Don't take that to mean I'm letting you off either.” Ryoga pointed at him and gave him an angry looking frown.

“Fine. The demon goes by the name 'Ranma Saotome'. He offered to lift my curse if I killed you. I wasn't expecting to run into you again. According to him, you've been killed.” The Chinese boy had produced a pair of swords and was holding them out to his sides with his leg lifted up.

“I guess he was wrong then!” Ryoga jumped forward with his umbrella thrusting at Mousse.

Both combatants landed on either side of Ranma Saotome. He had appeared out of nowhere between them. “Thank you. You've been useful. I suggest you leave, if you run into him again, I won't stop him from killing you. I don't care how much you've got stuffed into those robes. You've got nothing that will stop him.” He looked over his shoulder at Mousse. The boy nodded and turned to rush away. Ranma snorted as he frowned at Ryoga. “Now to you.”

The lost boy was shaking with rage. “You! What are you doing here!? I'll deal with you later. I've got a score with...”

“Keep your mouth shut and do as your told.” Ranma grinned at him in an unpleasant way. “Leave him be. It's not his fault I used him. Quite clever of you to hide your soul away from me. If you'd not done it with me in mind, I might not have needed him to find it.” The boy walked in a circle around the now frozen Ryoga Hibiki. The boy was shaking, his jaw was hanging. “He played his part beautifully. I've been keeping an eye on you for a while Hibiki. I can track souls. Call it an instinct if you must. You've caused me no end of trouble up to now. Patience wins out again. I gave him his curse about the same time you became a Wu, and it's worked out quite well in the end. Don't you think?”

“Y-you've got my soul?” Ryoga's brow furrowed. “You bastard! You give it back right now!”

“Or you'll what?” Ranma was leaning over his staff and smirking at him. “It's mine now. I got it as change for lunch earlier. Quite tasty, and a very good deal.”

Ryoga hung his head and clenched his fist. “No! You...”

“Hibiki. You are now my personal property.” Ranma smiled. “Don't worry. It won't be so bad. I've got plenty for you to do.”

“You can't make me obey you!” Ryoga snarled and punched out with his fists. Ranma didn't move, and the lost boy connected. He fell to his knees and gripped at his fist in pain. “No! I won't...”

“That's the spirit! Don't be boring!” Ranma slapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, we've got to get you ready.”

OooOOooOO

Ryoga shielded himself with his arms. The ground was red, the air was searing, waves of heat could be seen coming off of every surface. Jagged black stones jutted up from the ground all around them, and nothing but stones and red orange sand could be seen in any direction. “Where?”

Ranma was gone, he was left standing alone in the empty hellish place. “Where? What's going on here?” He staggered into the desert. The lost boy shielded his eyes as he looked up into the sun. “I've never been to this desert. Am I in Japan still?” He clenched his fist and staggered onward. “Damn you Saotome!”

OooOOooOO

It lives! Bwahahahahahhaaa!

Next time: Calm before the storm.

TBC...