Pug Productions
**************************
Author:  Pug 
cruzd@rpi.edu 
http://www.rpi.edu/~cruzd/pug/pug.html


Insert standard disclaimer here:  A fan fiction
based on Takahashi Rumiko's Manga series, Ranma 1/2.
The characters of Ranma 1/2 are the property of
Takahashi Rumiko and her licensees.  All characters
portrayed in this story are owned by their
respective creators and companies.  I don't own any
of them.  Please don't sue me.


Genra:  Ranma/Tenchi Muyo Alternate Reality,
cross-over.


Version notes:

Ver:  	1.00 created:  July 7 1999

Ver:  	1.25 Major grammar corrections.  Major
		spelling corrections.  Addition of Spam.
		(What is Spam?  Spiced Ham?  I think not!)
		Special thanks to Chad Walker for proof
		reading.

		C&C 12/7/99 - 14/7/99 (dd/mm/yy)	
		Chad Walker,cswvna@hotmail.com(main)
		cswvna@mail.austasia.net (FFML / 	
		alternate)

Ver:  	1.30 Minor grammar corrections.

Ver:  	1.99 Final revision.  Better word wrap.
		Completed July 28 1999


Summary:  Ranma is finally free of the fiancee mess
and in a quest to find his cure stumbled upon a
place called the Masaki shrine.  There he meets a
young pretty girl named Achika Masaki.







The Girl who wasn't and the Princess who was.


Chapter 1.

It was a peaceful night at the Tendo residence.

	Alone in the dojo, Ranma sat enjoying the
moment which was all too rare.  Given an hour ago,
anyone passing by would have heard the yells and
screams of 'tomboy' and 'pervert'.  And who could
forget the resounding battle cry of 'Ranma no Baka!'

	It was another fight, just like the others
in a long string of never ending mayhem.  Ranma
shook his head, which had yet another lump in it
thanks to 'Mallet-sama'.  And that was the problem.
In over the past year of staying in the Tendo home,
he and Akane were still fighting as if he had just
gotten there the day before.

	"Nothing changes..."  he sighed.  It had
been two months since the failed wedding attempt.
He had hoped that with such a drastic event,
everyone would finally see things in focus and
realize that things had just gone too far.  He had
also hoped against hope that Ukyou, Shampoo, and
Kodachi would finally give up on him, and that Akane
and he could finally come to an understanding.

	"If only she wasn't so jealous, and short
tempered, and could cook, and..."

	Things seemed to look better the first week
after the wedding.  Both Shampoo and Ukyou had
apologized for the destruction they caused.  Akane
had even stopped hitting him.  But paradise didn't
last; and then things got back to 'normal'.

	The bickering, the arguing, the rivalries,
all of it came back in full force.  He had forgiven
everyone for all the trouble that they had caused,
and everyone took it as a sign to resume what they
had been doing before.  Shampoo was back to her
'glomp of death', his father and Mr.  Tendo were
again hounding him about the engagement, and Akane
was once more sending him on those one way trips
into the great blue yonder.

	Ukyou had come by that afternoon.  Before
she left, Ukyou had dropped off one of her specials
for him.  As luck would have it Akane came home just
in time to run into the 'cute' fiance.  Seeing the
package, the inevitable argument began.  It ended
with his foot in his mouth and Akane's mallet on his
head.

	And that brought him back to the present.

	"The Kami must hate me!"  He groaned feeling
the dull ache in his head.

	"A yen for your thoughts Ranma?"  a voice asked.

	Facing the direction from where the voice
came, Ranma saw its source.  "Hi mom."

       The handsome woman looked at her son fondly.
Nokoda, matriarch of the Satome clan was dressed in
her usual kimono and the ever-present Saotome family
blade was strapped to her back.

	 "Do you want to talk about it?"  She asked
taking a seat in the dojo next to him.

	"I'm just trying to figure out why my life
is so messed up."  He said.

	"Oh, is that all."  Nodoka said smiling.

	"You think I'm being silly don't you?"

	"Not at all dear.  But the way you put it,
it seems that the weight of the world is on your
shoulders."  (1)

	"Well it feels like it.  "

	"Is it because of the argument that you and
Akane had?  My son these things happen..."

	"But they've been happening for the past
year now.  After all we've gone through, Akane and I
are still at each other's throats.  Then there's
Ukyou and Shampoo.  They're still after me.  They
just don't give up.  And I don't even want to
mention Kodachi.  If any or all of them ever get
together everything just explodes.  "

	Ranma frowned.  "Things have gotten so out
of hand.  I just don't know what do any more.  It's
like my life is a leaking roof.  I have one drip
coming down so I get a bucket to catch the water.
But when I get there another drip pops up.  When I
get a bucket for that, two more appear and it just
keeps going from there.  I can't keep up anymore and
I'm all out of buckets."

	Nokoda had never seen this side of her son
before.  He was best known for his brashness, and
arrogance.  Ranma's tenacity, his refusal to give up
in front of any odds was his trademark.  But what
Nokoda heard now, the tone in his voice.  It
conveyed the loneliness and despair within his
heart.

	 Doing only what a mother could do, she held
him close to her and gently rocked him.  "I never
knew Ranma, I never knew..."  Nodoka cursed herself.
Her dreams, which she shared with Genma of joining
the two families had blinded her from her son's
pain.  She had only the best intentions, wishing
that Ranma have a good wife by his side as he walked
the road of life.  She had become quite fond of
Akane during her time with the Tendos.  With the
wedding, her wishes were almost realized.  But with
that disaster, and now this...  Her eyes were now
open.

	 "Thanks mom, I needed that."  He quickly
wiped his eyes.  'Crying was un- manly', he reminded
himself.

	"Ranma, tell me something."  Nodoka spoke.
"What do you want to do?"

	"What do you mean?"

	"I just wanted to know.  If you could do
anything you wanted.  What would it be?"

	"I-I don't know..."  He frowned.  "What do
you want me to do mom?  I'll do what ever you want."

	"Oh, Ranma."  She let out a rich laugh.
"You are my treasure, and I am so proud that you are
my son.  I know that, that which you hate most is to
see those whom you care about hurt.  But I
understand now that you can't live your life based
on the wishes of others."

	"Mom..."

	"Now close your eyes.  That's right.  Clear
your mind.  Forget about the engagements, the
fights, and the problems.  Think about what you
want, Ranma.  Look deep in your heart.  What is it
that you wish with your life?"

	With his eyes shut, Images flashed through
his mind.  Akane smiling at him.  Ukyou fixing him
an okonomiyaki, even fighting with Ryoga.  The
pictures jumbled in his mind.  Then one by one they
faded away leaving only one image.  It was what 'he'
wanted.

	"I...  I want to find a cure for my curse," 
he said simply.

	"I know your feelings for the other girls,
but what about Akane?  I know that you care for her
the most, though you still wish to hide it."

	"I care about her a lot...  but I don't want
to get married yet.  At least not that way I am now.
When I do get married I don't want any one forcing
me to do so, and I want to be cured.  And maybe then
it might be her..."

	Nodoka nodded her head.  "I'm glad to hear
you make your own decisions now.  You've grown to be
a fine young man.  Is it any wonder why the girls
chase you so?"

	"Well, what good does it do me?  You know
how Pop and Mr.  Tendo feel about the engagement.
And besides, that family honor is at stake also.  I
can't leave my responsibility.  I'm right back where
I started.  Nothing changes..."  He sighed in
resignation.

	Nokoda studied her son, her expression
serious.  In a few moments she had come to a
decision.  The hardest decision that she had to ever
make.  But her mind was clear.  'Sometimes you just
had to let go of the things you love most'

	"Don't be too sure of that Ranma.  To live,
is to embrace change."

	"I guess..."  he said, unconvinced.

	From the house Kasumi's voice could be
heard.  "Everyone, dinner is ready."

	"Ranma."  Nodoka spoke, stopping her son
from getting up.  "Sit with me for a while longer.
We rarely get to be together like this."  'And these
times will get rarer still' she thought to herself.

	"Sure mom, I'd like that too."


****----***----****

	"Another excellent dinner, Kasumi" Genma
said patting his paunch.

	"Just like your dear mother use to make!"
Soun seconded, suppressing a sob.

       "Thank you Mr.  Saotome.  Thank you father."
Kasumi said getting up.  "Would anyone like some
more tea?"

	"Kasumi dear, could you sit down for a
moment?  Every else please remain seated.  I have an
announcement to make," Nodoka said.

	All eyes turned to the older woman with
interested looks.  Ranma raised an eyebrow.  After
their talk at the dojo, his mother had been
unusually quiet.  Barely making conversation at the
dinner table, only to approve of Kasumi's meal.
Even as he had fought his father over the meal for
the pieces of food, he read a troubled expression on
her face which no one else seemed to notice.

	"What's up mom?"  He asked a bit warily.

	"Ranma, this evening when we talked at the
dojo, I finally understood what you are facing and
the stress it has put on you.  What was once a
time-honored tradition of engaging your child to
another in hopes of bettering their lives, has
turned into a circus.  The multiple fiances, the
bitter disputes, and the curses have brought nothing
but chaos and destruction into your life.  The
failed wedding is proof of this."  She paused to
glare at her husband.

	Genma who was sitting Nodoka was beginning
to sweat.  His eyes darted around the room looking
for quick exits for an escape.

	Nodoka continued.  "In trying to do what was
best for my son, I made the mistake of neglecting to
ask him what he thought what was best for him.  I
plan to remedy this mistake.  Tonight I asked my son
what 'he' wanted.  I had judged him as a man, and a
man is responsible enough to make his own decisions.
Because of this, I have decided to no longer support
the engagement to the Tendo's, or any of the
engagements that my idiot husband has agreed to."

	There was silence as everyone's minds raced
to digest what Nodoka had just said.  Both Genma and
Soun looked wide-eyed, disbelieving what they had
heard.  Nabaki's eyes narrowed, thinking of the
repercussions that would soon follow.  Akane felt a
hollowness grow within her.  The hundreds of times
which she had declared of never wanting to marry
Ranma were coming back to haunt her.

	Ranma was just as shocked as the rest of the
family.  For almost the last two years, his
existence had revolved around the engagement to
Akane.  Now the world was being turned upside down.
'Things are changing...'

	It was Kasumi who broke the silence.  "Oh
my!"  And the room exploded.

	"The two houses must be joined!"  Genma and 
Soun echoed

	"Why don't you ask Ranma what he wants?"  
Nodoka suggested

	"It doesn't matter what the boy wants!  This
is a matter of honor!"  Genma said clenching his
fist in a noble pose.

	"Ranma, you do want to marry my daughter
Akane?  Don't you?"  Soun pleaded.  He was on the
verge of bursting into tears.

	Ranma glanced back and forth between his
father, Mr.  Tendo and his mother.  Then he saw
Akane's face.

	"Ranma?"  the youngest Tendo daughter
questioned.  Her expression was void of any emotion.

	"Akane, I..."  He felt himself faltering.
Then his mother's words came to him.  '...you can't
live your life based on the wishes of others.'

	"Akane, I don't want to marry you.  I'm not
ready for it.  I want to do some things for myself
first.  Like find a cure for my curse.  I'm
sorry..."  He turned his face away, and looked down
at the floor.

       "I see."  she said.  Her voice was cracking.
She got up from the table.  "Please excuse me
everyone.  I-I have some homework I need to
finish..."  She quickly ascended the stairs,
hurrying so that no one would see the tears.

	"Now the two schools will never be
joined!!!"  Soun wailed, as soon as Akane left.

	"Chear up Soun!"  Genma said consoling his
friend.  "Ranma might not marry Akane, but you still
have two other daughters."

The two remaining girls looked at each other.

	"Father," Kasumi said.

	"Daddy," Nabiki said.

	Before either could continue, Nodoka
interjected.  "Don't worry yourselves girls.  No one
will force you into a marriage you don't want
either.  "

	They both looked at her gratefully and
quickly excused themselves.

	"Genma, I said that I would no longer support the
engagements."  She said dangerously.

	"But dear, " Genma said, cringing from his
wife.  "The honor of the Saotome family is at stake.
The pledge that Tendo and I made stated that our
children would marry to unite the schools.  I can
not take back my word.  To do so would plunge the
Saotome name into shame."

	"And what about the other engagements?  Did
you plan on just conveniently forgetting them?

	"Well I...  er..."  Grabbing a glass of
water, he splashed himself.  He pulled out his sign
saying <I'm just a cute panda>

	Nodoka shook her head wearily.  "Genma you
foolish man you.  How could you have been so
careless with our son's welfare?  Your unthinking
actions have forced my hand."  She paused trying to
compose herself.

	"So that my son will be free of the
obligations that my husband has unjustly placed on
him, and so that the Saotome honor can be
maintained, I here by disown my son Ranma from the
Saotome clan.

	"Mom!"  Ranma gasped.  A faint "Oh my."  Was
heard from upstairs.  "Genma!  Do something!"  Soun
begged.  Panda sign.  <Nodoka, be reasonable!>

	"I'm sorry Ranma, but this is the only way, 
" Nodoka said.

	"But I don't want to lose you."

	"Lose me?  No Ranma, you can never lose me.
I have loved you since that day you were born.  I
have loved you though we were apart for ten years,
and I shall always love you.  Your life is your own
now Ranma.  What you make of it is up to you."

	"Thank you mother."  He gave her a hug.

	"That will be the last that you will be able
to call me that Ranma.  And this will be that last
time that I can call you my son..."

	Giving her a kiss on the cheek, Ranma got up
and ran up the stairs to pack his things.


(-------------------------------------------------)


It was a clear day.

	At least it was clear now.  A spring shower
had come by earlier, lasting only long enough to
soak a certain martial artist and trigger a certain
curse.  Ranma wasn't surprised.  She was use to
being a 'water magnet'.

	Ranma took a deep breath of the fresh air.
She marched along with a firm stride.  She wore her
usual red shirt and ankle tied black pants.  She
also carried a massive backpack holding the few
wordily possessions she had.

Sunlight filtered down through the emerald branches
of the trees painting the ground in marble pattern
of light and shade.  She enjoyed the quiet solitude
of the forest as she walked.

	Three weeks had passed since she had left
the Tendo home.  Mr.  Tendo was an inconsolable
wreck.  Her father seemed no better.  She found out
that his mother and father were also moving out of
the Tendo home shortly after her.  Nodoka had
decided that they should no longer impose upon the
Tendo's.

	She had left on good terms with Kasumi and
Nabiki, both of them wishing her well.  Akane wasn't
there to send her off though.

	Even now she could see the pain on Akane's 
face.

****----***----****

	"Akane?"  Ranma said speaking to the wooden
duck with Akane's name carved on it.  "Akane, it's
me.  I...  I just wanted to talk.  Akane?"  He
knocked on the door a few more times.

	He took a breath.  "Akane, I just wanted to
apologize for everything.  The engagement, the
fights...  You're not uncute or a tomboy.  And your
definitely not built like a brick.  I just said
those things to get back at you for the things you
did to me...  I'm sorry, Akane.  Good-bye," he said.
With a sigh he headed down the stairs.

	Just then, the door opened.  "Ranma..."

	"Akane..."  He could tell that she had been
crying.

	"You're not a pervert," She said looking at
him.  "But you're still a jerk."  Forcing a smile.

	"And you can't cook."  He said returning the
smile.  He instantly regretted what he said, seeing
her expression.

	"Akane, I didn't..."

	"It's all right Ranma..."  Sadness showed on 
her face.

	Ranma saw this and tried his best to console
her.  "Akane, you got nothing to worry about now.
Nobody's going to force you to do things any more.
And you don't have to worry about Kodachi and Shampoo
trying to kill you or poison you.  Besides, who'd
want to marry a sex changing pervert like me
anyway?"  he said jokingly.

	Before he could do anything, he found Akane
on top of him.  He closed his eyes, expecting a
mallet, for having put his foot in his mouth again.
It never came.  Instead he felt something warm and
soft tough his lips.

	Akane stepped back breaking the kiss.  "I
would have."  She said, answering his question.

	Ranma stood there dumfounded.  "Akane, I...  
I..."

	"Ranma no baka" Akane said softly.  She
turned her face, which was wet with tears.  And with
a 'click' her door was closed.

****----***----****

	'It's not too late.  I could still go
back..."  she thought to herself.  Ranma felt her
resolve crumble, as Akane's face formed in her mind.
But then another voice spoke within her.

       'That part of your life is over.  It is time
to move on.  Isn't this what you wanted?  Freedom?
Change?  Will you give up your dreams so easily?'

	And then all was clear, the last traces of
uncertainty were banished.  She continued her pace
with firm purpose.  With that, she closed that
chapter of her life.

	Ranma unfolded her map.  The most obvious
place to begin his search for a cure would have been
China.  This is why that early on she had decided
that it would be the last place she would go to.
She was quite sure that the moment she set foot in
China, she would be facing Shampoo, Cologne, and the
might of the entire Amazon tribe.  Once she had
exhausted all his options in Japan, she would
only then consider going to China.

	She had already come up with some possible
leads for a cure.  While searching in one of the
public libraries, there had been some references to
an old book, which was suppose to have been able to
grant three wishes to the person who found it.  It
was called the "Book of Four Gods of the Earth and
Sky".

	Another possibility Ranma picked up on was
some information on strange occurrences of Daimons
roaming around Juuban.  Battling the daemons were a
group of young girls calling themselves the Sailor
Senshi.  Their leader was some chick named Sailor
Moon who had supposedly healed people of Daimon
possession.

	The last place on her list of most likely
places was a small holy shrine located in one a
rural regions of Japan.  There had been some written
accounts of various people traveling there to pray
for cures for various afflictions.  A number of them
were actually healed.

	Coming to a decision on which trail to
follow first, Ranma had picked the third one.  She
had enough experience with wishes gone wrong, or not
coming out the way the user intended.  And her ego
just wouldn't let her go crawling to a bunch of
underdressed girls for help.

	'Hmm...  I'm pretty close now.'  She looked
at the unfolded map on the ground.  Judging from
where she was, she guessed that she was only a
little less than twenty miles from her goal.  She
was confident that she could get there before the
day was out, with time to spare.

	'Thank Kami I'm not like Ryoga.  No way in
hell I'd ever find this place.'  She carefully
folded up the map, placing it in one of the pockets
of her backpack.  Somewhere out there, a certain
martial artist with fangs sneezed.  (2)

	Checking to make sure that everything was
secure, Ranma started out again.  She bounded
through the woods, strong legs carrying her over,
bushes, rocks, and trees as she made her way to the
Masaki shrine.  (3)

****----***----****

	A faint blush of red touched the afternoon 
sky over the Masaki shrine.

	Most of the patrons had gone for the day.
And except for a young girl sweeping the steps the
place would have been deserted.

       She dressed in a garb befitting that of a
Shinto shrine maiden.  Her long black hair was done
up in a ponytail, which reached down her back.  With
a morose expression, she swept the ground.

	'Nothing changes.'  Achika Masaki, daughter
of Katsuhito Masaki, the keeper of the Masaki
shrine, thought to herself.  Tending the shrine had
been a routine part of her life ever since she was a
little girl.  She had nothing against the traditions
of the shrine, it was just that tradition was so
boring.

	 It happened every summer as school ended.
While other children enjoyed their vacation with
outings and trips, she spent her time tending the
family shrine.  She didn't mind the work though.  In
fact she took her responsibilities very seriously.
It was the lack of her friends, which she found
difficult.

	The Shrine was located in one of the last
remaining untouched areas of Japan, hidden from the
modern world.  Its remote location made visiting
friends difficult at best.  Sometimes her friends
did come to visit, staying over for a time.  But
there was little at the shrine to keep teenage girls
occupied.  Namely, teenage boys.

	Achika sighed as she resigned herself to
another vacation of peaceful solitude.

	Her peaceful solitude was broken when she
felt a touch on her shoulder.

	"Excuse me?"  a voice, said.

	 "Eeep!!!"  Achika jumped.  She hadn't heard
anyone behind her.  She spun around, taking her
broom and gripping it like a sword.

	"Ack!"  Exclaimed the redheaded girl now in
front of her.  She instantly leaned back to avoid
the wild swing of the broom.  As she did so, the
massive backpack she carried caused her to lose
balance.  With a thump, the redhead fell backwards.

	Achika's eyes widened, as her heart got back
to it's normal pace.  "Are you all right?"  She
asked the prone form in front of her.

	"Uuuuggh..."  replied the fallen girl
struggling to sit up right.

	Achika dropped the broom and was quickly by
the girl's side.  "Here, let me help you.  I'm sorry
about that.  I didn't hear you come up behind me."

	"No problem."  Said the girl, sitting up.
"It was my fault.  I didn't mean to startle ya.  I
tried to get your attention before, but ya didn't
hear me."

	"I guess I was daydreaming."  Achika said 
lamely.

	"Yeah, I do that a lot too."  The redhead
smiled as she stood up.

	"Well in any case, welcome to the Masaki
shrine," Achika said bowing.  "I'm Achika Masaki, my
father is the priest here."  She returned the smile.

	"Hi, I'm Ranm...  Ranko!"  she said
scratching the back of her head.  "Pleased to meet
ya!  Ya got a very nice place here.  I really hope
that it's not customary to attack the visitors."
She said wryly.

	Achika found Ranko's laughter contagious.
Soon both of them were laughing.  She noticed that
Ranko laughed out loud, with out restraint, like a
boy would.  The redhead wore Chinese cloths, which
were a little large though snug enough to show off
her form.  And, judging from that large pack she
carried, Ranko was stronger than she looked.

	"What brings you to the Masaki shrine?"  
Achika inquired.

	"Well, I...  just wanted to look around and
see what's here.  I read about this place in some
books.  It seemed very special.  I wanted to find
out for myself.  Would it be ok if I look around?"

       'I could always finish my chores later,'
Achika thought.  Besides, she missed being around
others her own age.  "How about I show you around,
Ranko?"

	"That would be great."

	Achika smiled.  "Follow me then."


****----***----****


	Two girls walked down a dirt trail through 
the woods.

	"It's very peaceful here," Ranko said.

	"Yes, it is."  Achika sighed, recalling her 
dilemma.

	"Is something wrong with that?

	"Nothing, I guess, if you like it.  But it's
always like that here.  Nothing exciting ever
happens.  Every year it's the same thing.  Just
another peaceful summer."

	"Ya won't hear me complaining."  Ranko shut
her eyes enjoying the calm.

	"So, Ranko, where are you from?"

	"Nerima..."

	"What's it like there?"

	"Pretty hectic.  So many things going on at
once that it was hard to keep track of all of them.
It's good to finally get away."

	"I guess that saying is true."

	"What saying?"

	"The grass is always greener..."  Achika 
laughed.

	"I guess so," Ranko said rubbing her chin and
smiling.

	"We're here."  Achika said after a few more
minutes of walking.  She stopped in front of a cave
decorated with wards.

	"What is this place?"  Ranko asked.
Something about this place caused her some unease.

	"This is the demon cave of the Masaki 
shrine."

	"Demon?"

       "Um-hum.  It's the legend of how the Masaki
shrine was founded.  Almost seven hundred years ago
a demon fell to the earth.  It was an evil creature,
large enough to walk over mountains, strong enough
to pick them up and crush them.  Its eyes burned
with anger and it shot out fire from its mouth.
Ryoko was its name.

	No one could stop it, and it seemed that the
world was fated to be destroyed.  But then a warrior
flew down from the heavens, riding a ship in the
shape of a dragon.  He carried a sword of light in
hands, and set forth to slay the demon.  The
warrior's name was Yosho.

	Yosho and Ryoko fought for two days and two
nights.  It was on the third day that Ryoko was
finally defeated.  Yosho placed the remains of the
demon in this very cave, and sealed the place with
his sword.  Since that time, Yosho's descendants
have cared for the shrine.  "

	"Ahhh..."  Ranko said.  "Wish I could have 
seen the fight."

	"It's true!"  Achika said defensively.  She
thought she was being teased.  Her friends had
laughed, the times they had come up to visit her,
when she had told the story.  She couldn't blame
them because it did sound like something out of a
fairy tail.  But she had been told the tale ever
since she could remember.  And the way her father
had told it made it seem all the more real.

	"I believe you," Ranko said seriously.
"I...  I can feel it.  I think it's watching us."

	Achika smiled.  "Yes, when ever I come here I sense
I'm being watched.  When I was a little girl, I
played a game and talked to Ryoko."  She walked up
to the mouth of the cave and bowed.  "I'm sorry to
disturb you Ryoko.  I just wanted to show my friend
around."  Achika felt a slight breeze as if in
response.

	"Did Ryoko ever talk back to you?"  Ranko asked.

	"I believe so..."

	As they left the cave, Achika caught
something from the corner of her eye.  "I'll see you
later, Ryoko," she said softly to the fleeting
image.  "Come on, I'll show you the rest of the
place."

	"Lead on then," Ranko said cheerfully.

	They continued chatting as Achika continued
her tour.  Though she had just met Ranko she felt
comfortable talking to the redhead.  It was just
easy to talk to her.  Ranko's face read like a book.
The sincerity of her expressions conveyed a feeling
of trust, which was usually reserved for close
friends.

	But despite her openness, Ranko was still a
bit of an enigma.  First of all, what would a girl
like her be doing at the shrine.  It just wasn't
something normal girls her age do.  'Heck, I'd
rather be some where else' Achika thought.  Second,
whenever the question of family came up, Ranko kept
avoiding the subject, and a hollow expression came
over her.  Not wanting to pry, any more Achika
changed the subject.

	"So Ranko, what are you interested in?"

	"Martial arts," She said simply.

	"Really?"  Achika said a bit surprised.  "My
father practices Kendo, and I know a little bit
myself.  What form do you study?"

	"All of them," Ranko said brightly.

	At first she thought Ranko was joking, but
then she saw the look on her face.  "You're not
kidding, are you?"

	"Nope.  I've been training since I could
walk.  Pop taught me a lot of stuff, and I picked up
a few tricks along the way."  She demonstrated with
a quick kata.

	"Your very good."  Achika complimented.  Any
doubts she had were gone.  Though the kata was a
simple one, Ranko had moved with the grace and
strength of a true martial artist.  A master even,
as she compared Ranko's proficiency in the art with
her father's skill in the Masaki style of kendo.

	"What's this place?"  Ranko asked bringing
Achika out of her thoughts.

	"Huh...oh..."  Achika found herself in a
familiar area, a small lake of blue water.  At the
center was a large tree, decorated with prayer
strips.  There were stone steps leading from the
shore to the tree.

	"This is the Masaki holy tree."

	"Aaahhh!!!"  Ranko exclaimed.  An excited
look came over the girl's face.  "Is it true about
this tree being able to cure people?"

	Achika nodded her head.  "Yes, there have
been some incidents where people came here to be
healed of one thing or another.  Sometimes the
people were healed, and other times they weren't.
It's also said that you can also pray for rain to
the tree also."

	"Do you...  do you know if the tree can cure
curses?"

       "I'm not sure.  But I wouldn't be surprised
if it could.  It's very special."  Then something
came to Achika's mind.  "You seem pretty interested
in the tree, Ranko.  Is that why you came here?  Do
you have something you what to have cured?"

	"I...  " Ranko shied away from her.

	"Oh, I'm sorry..."  She apologized upon 
seeing Rankos reaction.

	"It's ok.  But it's something I'd rather not 
talk about..."

	Achika looked concerned.  She remembered how
ill some of the visitors had been.  Coming to the
shrine had been their last chance.  A desperate
hope.

	 'What could be wrong with Ranko?  Is she
sick?  She looks so healthy.'  Achika studied the
girl.

	"Ranko, my father knows more about the
history of the tree than I do.  When he gets back
you could ask him whatever you want.  He might be
able to help you find what your looking for."

	"That would be great Achika."  The girl
instantly livened up.  "Would it be alright if I
stayed here a little while?"

	"Sure, Ranko.  Please stay as long as you
like.  I still have some chores to finish anyway.
Just follow the trail when you're finished.  It will
lead you back to the shrine."

	"Thanks for the tour, Achika."

	"It was my pleasure."  Achika smiled.
Walking back, she thought more about the girl she
had met.  Ranko, a brash, fiery, cheerful young
girl.  But Achika saw a hidden sadness that the
redhead carried.  Ranko had come to the shrine
looking for something.  Achika hoped that she would
find what she was looking for.  Whatever the case,
at least she made a new friend.

****----***----****

Galaxy Police headquarters, the future.

	The sirens were blaring and red lights
flashed through the corridors of the expansive
complex.

	As the tech officers frantically struggled 
to find the source of the red alert, the Grand 
Marshal entered the command room.

	"What's going on here?  What is the cause of
this?"  The lion faced Marshal asked.

	"We are tracing the source of the alarm now
sir."  One tech said.

       "It's coming through.  The source is
originating from...  oh my god..."  the man at the
terminal paled.  "Main detention block, c-central
containment.  It's a breach in the security field!"

	The Marshal's face became a mask of worry.
'No...  it can't be..."

"Sir, it's Kain!!!"

End (for now)



Spam notes:

(1) Washu <appears from nowhere>:  Not literally the
entire world, but it would take a Herculean effort
to tolerate this situation.  <Nodoka facefaults.>
Ranma:  Please don't tell me you're another fiancee.
Washu:  Heh, heh, heh.  Of course I am, Ranma.  So
you shouldn't have a problem with giving me a
'sample'...

(2) Ryouga:  Where am I now?  Man:  You're in Hay.
Ryouga:  Why's it so hot?  Man:  'Hay, Hell, and
Booligal; the three hottest places on Earth.'
Ryouga:  Huh?  Man:  It's just a quote I heard.
Ryouga:  Booligal?  I've never been there...

Well, he has seen hell...

(3) Over *trees*!?  *Over* trees!?  Yeah well, he's
Ranma, nuff said!


Story notes:  I have been a fan of Ranma 1/2 and
Tenchi Muyo for some time now.  I have enjoyed
reading fan-fic crossovers where the two casts
interact.  But it was always the same thing, one
chaotic world collides with another to form one big
mess.  So with this little experiment, I being the
all powerful god that I am, changed the timeline
just a tad.  Ranma appears just a little bit earlier
in the Tenchi time line than he usually does.  Where
could this possible go?  I'd like to find out
myself.


Author's notes:

	This concludes the first part of what I hope
will be a continuing series.  Weather it continues
or not, will depend of the response to this piece or
work.  Please feel free to flood my e-mail account
with various letters burning me in effigy.  I look
forward to any "Creative Criticism" my pears are
willing to offer.
 
Cruzd@rpi.edu


Pug Productions

*********************************
Author: Pug
cruzd@rpi.edu
http://www.rpi.edu/~cruzd/pug/pug.html
*********************************

Insert standard disclaimer here:
A fan fiction based on Takahashi Rumiko's Manga series, Ranma
1/2.  The characters of Ranma 1/2 are the property of Takahashi
Rumiko and her licensees.

All characters portrayed in this story are owned by their
respective creators and companies.  I don't own any of them.  Please 
don't sue me.


Genra:  Ranma/Tenchi Muyo Alternate Reality, cross-over.


Version notes:

Ver: 1.00 	    created: July 16 1999
        	    This is still a draft.  Forgive any spelling or grammar 
   		    mistakes.

Ver: 2.00	    Slight change to the story line.  Ending is different 
		    from previous.
		    Some spelling and grammar corrections.

Ver: 2.10	    Minor spelling and grammar corrections.  
    		    Change of my e-mail address to cruzd@rpi.edu
     		    Some additions to the Authors Notes at the end. 
		



Previous:       Ranma leaves the Tendo dojo in search of a cure to his  
                curse.  To escape the fiancée mess, his mother has      
                disowned him from the Saotome clan.  In his search,     
                Ranma has come to the Masaki Shrine and had met the     
                daughter of the priest there.  Her name is Achika       
                Masaki.





The Girl who wasn't and the Princess who was.

Chapter 2.

Ranma sat alone.
        Facing her was the Masaki sacred tree, a massive thing, resting 
in the center of a small pond.  From her place on one of the stone 
steps, Ranma marveled at its beauty.

        She held her arms out, palms facing toward the tree.  A faint 
yellow glow surrounded her.  This was her Ki.  Everyone has their own 
spirit force, or Ki, which was unique to each individual.  Not only did 
people have such auras, but so to do plants and animals. The aura that 
the Masaki tree produced was amazing.  The intensity of it was 
awe-inspiring.   

        Not everyone could see the aura though.  Only those who had 
trained in its use could see or even manipulate Ki.

        She reached out toward the tree by focusing her Ki.  A 
sensation of falling washed over her and in a blinding flash a New 
World opened up as she probed deeper within the tree's aura.  A 
kaleidoscope of colored light danced around her, fleeting images 
materialized in her mind.  

        Stars shone out in the blackness of space.  In the open expanse 
a deadly ballet was taking place as two great ships caught in flame and 
fire fell to the blue sphere of Earth. 

        'What am I seeing?  What is this?'  Ranma tried to keep up with 
the images. 

        The impact when the two ships crashed to the ground was 
awesome.  Trees for miles around lay flattened, and the ground was 
smoking and blackened.  From the remains of one of the craft a figure 
appeared.

        'A girl?'  Ranma shivered looking at the woman.  Her cyan 
colored hair framed her red glowing eyes.  'Is this Ryoko?'

        The demon flew across the sky, what little was left untouched 
by the destruction of the crash fell before her as she unleashed her 
own powers.  It seemed as if the world would shatter before her wrath.  
But then another figure appeared before her.  A handsome young man 
dressed in pastel robes.  In his hands was a glowing blade. 

        'Yosho!' Ranma looked in awe.  She struggled to see more but 
something was fighting her.  Slowly the images were starting to fade.  
Gradually she felt herself being pushed away.  Using whatever strength 
she had left she pushed back.  But the harder she fought against it, 
the stronger the resistance she felt.  

        The final image she saw was Ryoko struggling her last, as Yosho 
ran his blade through her.  When the demon died a calm washed over 
Ryoko's face.  The madness and anger were gone and a peaceful smile 
rested on the girl's face.  

        In the blink of an eye Ranma found herself facing the Holy tree 
again.  She tried once to get up only to find herself completely 
exhausted.  She had used much of her Ki and had overextended herself. 

        Ranma glanced up at the sky.  'It's almost been two hours!'  
With a tired groan, she got up and started to slowly make her way back 
to the shrine. 

****----***----****

Achika breathed deeply.

        Adjusting her grip on the boken, she steeled herself and 
launched out in another attack.  "Heya!" she yelled.  The clacking 
sound of two wooden swords hitting each other was heard.  After a series of 
thrusts and slashes Achika fell back, disengaging from the duel to 
catch another quick breath. 

        "Hmm... Your form is getting better Achika-chan. But you're 
still dropping your guard too much.  Keep your focus.  Doing so becomes more 
difficult when you become tired," her opponent commented. 

        "Yes father. " Achika nodded.  She took another breath and 
faced off again.

        Katsuhito Masaki, Shinto priest of the Masaki shrine moved with 
the grace of a true master.  His relaxed posture and casual grip on the 
boken, showed the accustomed feeling of holding a blade in his hand.  
Though still middle aged, there were wisps of gray in his mustache and 
dark hair.  He also wore a pair of rectangular wire rimed glasses which 
caught the light as he moved.  Of all the people Achika knew she 
trusted and loved no one more. 

        "Much better," Katsuhito commented as he parried the incoming 
strikes. 

        Achika could only manage a slight grunt as she struggled to 
keep up with the older man.  The two fought in an open area within the 
grounds of the shrine.  It had been the training ground of the Masaki 
family for generations.  

        The sparring was conducted on top of small wooden pegs anchored 
to the earth.  Achika and her father not only had to concentrate on 
attacking and defense, but also on balance and form as they stood 
precariously on their perches. 

        "If you had kept up your training during school you would still 
be in shape."  He said with that incorrigible grin of his. 

        "I am in shape!"  Achika said, her knuckles turning white on 
the boken.  "Just not great shape."

        Blocking the last of her swings, Katsuhito leapt back and 
bowed, ending the day's session.  Achika returned the bow glad that 
practice was over.  Her shoulders slumped from the exertion.  Seeing 
her father's face she frowned.  "Your enjoying this aren't you father?"

        "Ah, so how was your day." Katsuhito asked, wisely changing the 
subject. 

        "It was the same as usual." She said relaxing. 

        "Did you meet anyone interesting?" 

        "Y-yes... yes I did." Achika said a bit surprised. 

        "A young girl I believe." 

        "How did..."

        Katshito looked off in the distance, the sun catching his 
glasses.  "She has red hair tied in a pigtail and wears Chinese 
clothes."

        Achika could only nod.  'How does he know?'  When she was 
growing up her father has always hinted about some greater power within 
the Masaki line.  'Hidden potentials within you Achika-chan' were his 
exact words.  Was this it?  An ability to see things which others 
can't. 

        "Father, do you have ESP?"

        Katshito leaned in his face taking a serious expression.  
"No..."

        "Then how..."

        His eyes narrowed.  "She's standing behind you." He pointed.

        "Uh, hi a Achika." Ranma said lamely waving her hand. 

        Achika face-faulted.  

        Taking a moment to recover.  "How long were you standing there 
Ranko?  And why do you keep sneaking up on me?"  Achika said trying to 
get back some of her dignity.   

        "I didn't mean to do it again.  I was watching you practice and 
since I didn't want to disturb you I waited till you were done.  
Sorry..."

        Achika sighed, she was more annoyed at her father than she was 
at Ranma.  "It's ok Ranko."

        "Achika, why don't you introduce your friend," the older man 
suggested.

        "Ranko, this is my father, Katsuhito Masaki.  Father, this is 
my friend, Ranko."

        "Pleased to meet ya. " Ranma replied. 

        "You have a very cute friend, Achika-chan." He patted Ranma on 
the head.  "All visitors are welcome here, Ranko-chan. "

        "Thank you Masaki-san," she said through her teeth.  Ranma 
smiled weakly. 'Cute !?!'

        "Father, Ranko came up here because she is interested in the 
Holy tree.  Since you know more about the history of the shrine, I was 
hoping that you could help her. "  Achika explained.

        Ranma nodded. "I read stories about the people being healed 
when they came up to this shrine.  I wanted to know how you could cure 
somebody if you needed to.  I would appreciate any help that you could 
offer. " Ranma bowed deeply.  

        "Hmm...  The Holy tree..." Katsuhito mused as he rubbed his 
chin.  His face took on a mask of deep thought.  "Ah yes, now I 
remember..."

        Ranma's heart raced. 'He knows the secret of the tree! He knows 
how to cure me!  I'm never going to be a girl again!'  The redhead hung 
on every word the older man spoke. 

        "Ah yes, now I remember..."

        "Yes?"

        "It's a secret." The old man smiled.

        "What?!?" Ranma exclaimed as her jaw hit the ground. 

        "But you are welcome to stay as long as you like.  Achika-chan, 
why don't you invite your friend for dinner.  I still have some things 
to finish at the shrine.  I'll be home for dinner. Bye-bye."  He said 
walking off leaving the two girls.

        "Ranko, you can close your mouth now." Achika suggested.  
"Ranko? Ranko?" 

**--*--**

        "You have a nice home, Achika," Ranma commented looking at the 
small house.  The exterior was in good shape showing the effort put 
into maintenance.  It sat by its lonesome at the edge of a lake.  The 
surrounding view of the trees and hills framed the house in a serene 
setting.  

        "Father built it himself," Achika said proudly.   "Please come 
in."

        Ranma looked around.  It was a cheerful place bestowing a sense 
of safeness.  She placed her backpack down in a corner where no one 
could trip on it. 

        "Please make yourself at home Ranko.  Sorry if it's a bit 
messy.  It's just me and father living here.  Mother was the neat one."  
She smiled sadly.

        Ranma nodded understanding.  "Where are you going?"

        "Upstairs for a quick change, then I need to start dinner.  
Father is a horrible cook."  She grimaced recalling growing up on 
Katsuhito's cooking. 

        "Would you like some help with dinner?"  Ranma offered.  She 
wanted to do something to help. 

        "Give me a few minutes and I'll be right down." Achika said 
lightening up. 

        Ranma sat down on one of the steps of the stairs.  Her brows 
knit as she brooded over the day's events.  She thought back to the 
Holy Tree.  From the first moment she saw it, she knew it was what he 
was looking for.  She had felt pricks on the back of her neck from the 
life-force the tree radiated. 

        'I'm positive that the tree can cure my curse!  I just got to 
figure out how...' Asking Masaki-san had been useless. 'What am I going 
to do now?'

        Ranma was about to chalk up her trip to the shrine as complete 
waste when Achika came back down.  She wore a pale blue dress and her 
hair was  "Sorry to keep you waiting."  

        'I guess coming here wasn't a total waste.' Ranma smiled.   "No 
problem Achika."

**--*--**

        Achika started getting the pots they would need for the meal 
while Ranma started preparing the vegetables.  As Achika was reaching 
into the cupboard to pull out a pot, She heard a battle cry sound out 
from the redhead.  Turning around her eyes widened. 

        "Ha!" Ranma said tossing up a head of lettuce into the air.  
Then taking a kitchen knife, she slashed at it, her movements becoming 
a blur.  What was once a head of lettuce fell into a waiting bowl.  
Ranma did the same thing again with a tomato, this time sectioning it 
into equal pieces.  When she was finished with the rest of the 
ingredients, she tossed the ingredients into a wok and began the 
stir-fry.

        Achika applauded the feat of dexterity.  "Ranko that was 
amazing.  Where did you learn to do something like that?"

        Ranma laughed.  "Thanks Achika.  I guess it was my Pop's idea.  
He was the one who always said that a martial artist was in constant 
training.  So I kind of started seeing everything as an exercise."

        Achika nodded.  She was a bit surprised at how far martial arts 
was ingrained into Ranko.  She walked over and sampled the dish.  
"Ranko, this is great!  You really do know how do cook."

        "Yeah well, I had to learn myself since my fiancée couldn't 
cook worth a..." Ranma froze.

         "Fiance!!!" Achika choked on the bite of food. 

        "Oh boy..." Memories of the fiancée mess came back. 

        "Your getting married?"

        "No, it's not like that!"  Ranma frantically gestured.  "It was 
my Pop's idea."

        Achika blinked.  "An arranged marriage?"

        Ranma's shoulders sagged.  "Yeah, pretty much.  See, Pop and 
this friend of his were training buddies.  Well, they made an agreement 
with each other to marry their children together so that the two 
schools of Anything Goes Martial Arts would be joined.  In fact, my Pop 
took me away from my mother to train me in the art for ten years. "

        "Isn't that a bit old fashioned?  And if you are engaged, what 
are you doing here?"  Achika blurted. 

        "My fiancée and I didn't get along very well.  Our fathers were 
forcing us pretty hard but all that did was make things worse.  We 
fought a lot, and I usually ended up getting hit..."  Ranma replied 
distantly as she recalled the first time she met Akane and being brought 
low by a coffee table. 

        "Your fiancé beat you?!?"  Achika felt her blood boil as she 
imagined some large brute manhandling the petite redhead.   'What kind 
of scum would do that to a girl?!?'  

        Ranma continued on oblivious to her words were implying. "You 
get use to it after a while," she mumbled.  

        "What?"  Achika gasped in horror.   "How could your father 
expect you to marry someone like that?"

        "Well, it was a matter of family honor, and besides, I've taken 
harder hits from my Pop." Ranma said proudly.  

        Achika couldn't believe what she was hearing.  What kind of 
hell did Ranko go through?  Growing up with an abusive father, then 
being forced into a marriage with some jerk that was no better.  Then 
Achika pieced together the puzzle in her mind.  "Is that why you're 
here then, Ranko?  To get away from those horrible people?"

        "Yeah, I..." Ranma cut off when Achika grabbed her in a rough 
hug. 

        "Oh Ranko, you're so brave to run off like that."

        "Huh?!?"  

        "You did the right thing Ranko.  Your father is a monster if he 
strike at his own daughter.   My own father has never done anything 
like that, no matter what I've done.  And no woman deserves a beast of 
a husband who hurts her.   He didn't do anything else to you did he?"   
Achika said in a concerned voice. 

        "H-Husband?"  Ranma blurted.  She sudden realized what Achika 
was implying.   "Achika, your getting the wrong idea it wasn't like 
that.  You don't understand, " Ranma said, desperately trying to find a 
way out of this mess.  

        "But your fiancé..."

        "It's not as bad as it sounds.  We were both martial artists so 
we both knew how to pull our punches."  'At least I did, whenever Akane 
and I sparred' Ranma thought.  "And my Pop just had an odd sense of the 
word 'training'.  You wouldn't believe the sort of stuff he had me do."    

        "It just sounded so horrible though. "  Achika said still 
unconvinced. 

        "Well it wasn't no picnic, which is why I left.  To get out of 
the marriage agreement, my mother had to disown me from the family so 
that our honor would remain intact. She was the only one who helped me 
get away from everything.  Now I don't even have her anymore..." 

        Achika didn't know what to say.   She looked at Ranma, who 
stood with a dejected expression, wondered how a person's life could 
get so complicated. 

**--*--**

        "This is delicious Achika-chan," Katsuhito commented after 
tasting the food. 

        Achika blushed.  "Actually, Ranko was the one who did most of 
the cooking.  I just helped."

        "Couldn't have done it without you Achika," Ranma said with a 
mouth full of food. 

        Katsuhito nodded, "You'll make a good wife someday Ranko-chan." 
He smiled.   

        A sweatdrop appeared on Ranma's brow. 

        "Uh, Ranko?  Where are you planning to stay the night? Achika 
asked. 

        "I usually camp out.  The weather is pretty nice this time of 
year so it isn't that bad."  She filled her bowl up with rice again.  
It was her third bowl.  

        Achika was still working on her first bowl of food.  'How does 
she eat so much and still keep her figure like that?' she wondered 
enviously.   "Ranko, you could stay here for the night.  Right father?"

        "It's dangerous for cute girls to be wandering alone at night." 
Katsuhito agreed.

        "It's settled then.  Ranko you can share my room." Achika 
smiled. 

        "I-I wouldn't want to impose."  Ranma said a bit nervous.  "The 
couch here is fine." 

        "Oh..." Achika said a bit disappointed.  It would have been 
nice to have someone to talk to.

        The rest of the meal was enjoyed quietly.   

****----***----****

	Ranma frowned.  That morning she had tried once again to reach 
into the tree, and once again found herself being pushed back.  She was 
about to get up when she felt someone approaching.  

        "Beautiful isn't it?"  The figure said.

        "Yeah it is." Ranma said not facing the older man. 

        "You woke up pretty early.  It must be an important thing your 
looking for," Katsuhito commented.  He glanced at the backpack by 
Ranma's side.

        "I can't find what I'm looking for unless you help me.  Will 
you tell me the secret of the Holy tree?" Ranma said bluntly.

        "No."

        "Why?"

        "I told you, it's a secret."  The priest smiled.  

        Ranma shot out an irritated look.  "If that's the way it is 
then..." With a heavy stride she started to walk off slinging her 
backpack on. 

        As she passed the older man, Katsuhito sighed and shook his 
head.  "Ah a pity today's youth, spoiled beyond belief, expecting 
everything to be handed to them on a silver plate."

        Ranma stopped.  "What was that 'old man'?"

        Katushito continued as if he wasn't interrupted.  "They give up 
so easily, not willing to put any effort in what they set out to do.   
Just up and running away when the going gets tough," he said shaking 
his head sadly.

        "Are you saying what I think your saying 'old man'?"  Ranma 
said through her teeth.

        "Truly a sad future our society has to look forward to.  Not 
only have our children become a bunch of quitters, but their dense now 
too. Maybe television is to blame."

        Something in Ranma snapped.  Who was this guy thinking he was?  
'How dare he judge me!  The jerk has no idea of the thing's I've gone 
through!  Call me a quitter!?!?  Me, Ranma Saotome!?!?'  "Shut yer trap 
'old man'!  I ain't no quitter and I've never given up!"

        "Oh your still here?  I thought you had already left."  
Katsuhito said.

        "That's it 'old man.  You asked for it.  I challenge you!!!"  
She threw her backpack to the ground and took on a battle stance.  "If 
I win you tell me the secret of the Holy tree."

        "And if you lose?" Katsuhito's eyes narrowed. 

        "I do what ever you want." 

        He nodded. "Rules?"

        "Sudden death.  First clean strike wins."  

        "Agreed," the priest said taking a similar stance to Ranma's. 

        'All right 'old man', let's see how good you are with out your 
stick,'  Ranma smiled to herself.  With a battle cry she leapt forward 
and attacked.

**--*--**

        Achika wiped her brow.  It was getting hotter now that the sun 
was coming up.  She was kneeling down carefully pulling the weeds from 
the garden.  Most of their food was grown there.  The careful tending 
and caring for the plants had always yielded a bountiful harvest.  But 
what Achika loved the most about the garden was that it had been her 
mother's.  

        That morning she had woken, finding Ranko up and out.  The 
redhead seemed preoccupied with something.

        Ranko had seemed troubled after last night's dinner.  When she 
had asked her about it, the redhead had told her the frustration she 
felt concerning the Holy tree.  Her father and refused to give any 
information about the curative abilities of the tree even after Ranko 
practically begged him for an answer.

        Achika had never seen her father turn down a plea for help 
before.  She didn't know what to make of it.  She had privately asked 
him why he refused and his response had been that irritating grin of 
his. Achika knew her father well enough that she wouldn't be able to 
get anymore out of him.  

        As she pulled out another weed, Achika turned her thoughts to 
Ranko again.  It was obvious that the girl wanted something cured, but 
what?  The redhead was a perfectly health girl.  She was a bit of a 
tomboy Achika conceded but other that that Ranko was quite normal. She 
had hoped that she could have found out why Ranko was so desperate for 
a cure.  It came from a mix of curiosity and a sincere wish to help a 
friend. 

        "Achika-chan." She heard her father's voice.  Looking up she 
saw her father dressed in his usual attire and beside him a very 
annoyed looking Ranko wearing the same Shinto garb she was wearing. 

        "R-Ranko?" She said looking back and forth between the two. 

        Katsuhito smiled.  "Ranko will be staying with us for a while.  
In fact, she has volunteered to help you with your duties around the 
shrine.  Achika-chan, please show her the proper way things are done.  
I know that Ranko-chan here is very excited about learning here.  
Right?"

        "Yeah... great...can't hardly wait..." the redhead deadpanned. 

        "I'll leave you two now then."  He patted Ranko on the head.  
The girl was livid.

        As soon as her father was out of earshot, Achika raised an 
eyebrow and looked at Ranko.  "All right, spill it." 

**--*--**

        "I can't believe you challenged my father!!!"  Achika 
exclaimed.

        "I can't believe I lost!" Ranma said viciously tearing out a 
weed.

        "What did you expect!?!  Ranko, I know your good but father is 
a grand master at kendo.  He spent years training.  You just don't 
challenge someone like that and expect them to be a push over."  Achika 
shook her head, the girl wasn't listening. 

        'I lost!  I shouldn't' have lost but I did!'  Ranma knew her 
abilities and was confident in her skill.  She knew that she wasn't the 
best in the world but she believed that she was at least in the top 
ten.  The only people that she had ever lost consistently to were 
Happosi and Cologne, but they had three hundred years of experience 
under their belt, Katsuhito was the same age as his father whom she
had surpassed years ago.  

        'How could I have lost?!?'  Ranma thought as she replayed the 
fight back in her mind. 

**--*--**

        Ranma leapt into the attack with a battle cry.  Charging 
forward, she started with a quick series of punches and kicks.  She 
didn't feel like hurting Achika's father too much so she had decided to 
stick to the basics.  

        Katsuhito met the ferocity of her attack head on.  With each 
punch and kick Ranma threw the priest would either block or dodge.  The 
older man matched her speed for speed and skill for skill.  As 
Katsuhito defended himself he refrained from launching his own 
offensive.  In fact when Ranma stepped back to reevaluate her tactics, 
the priest yawned.  This irked Ranma even more. 

        'All right then.  This time for real!'  Ranma launched herself 
into the air. The specialty of the Saotome School of anything Goes was 
mid air combat.  She was surprised when Katsuhito followed.  The two 
met in a furious exchange with Ranma just barely fending off 
the man's strikes.  

        Ranma landed to the ground with a tumble.  'What's going on?!?  
He doesn't even have his stupid sword.'  As if reading her mind, 
Katsuhito waved his open palms at her and winked.  With her jaw 
clenched, Ranma charged again, this time holding nothing back.  

        Her movements were true to the advanced forms of Anything Goes. 
 The flowing unpredictable form of unrestrained adaptability being it's 
foundation.  A complicated barrage assailed her opponent, each movement 
unreadable until the last moment of the strike.  Mixed in with the 
attacks were deceptions meant to throw off the defender, feints within 
feints within feints.  And through all this, Katsuhito kept up with 
her. 

        Pulling the last trick out of her hat, Ranma pretended to 
strike low with a sweep.  Then as the older man went to defend, she 
vaulted over him twisting in the air and landed behind.  Seeing the 
opening she punched.  "Heeeyaaaaa!!!"

        A 'smack' was heard was her fist connected.   Ranma blinked.  
Somehow Katsuhito had managed to stop her punch with his palm. 'How?' 
Then as she was still to grasp how he had managed to do that, Achika's 
father pulled his hand back.  Ranma who had put all her weight forward 
into the punch fell off balanced.  A finger poked her on the forehead 
which kept her from falling over.

        "You lose." Katsuhito smiled.

**--*--**

        "So since you lost your going to be staying here the rest of 
the summer?"  Achika asked.

        Ranma nodded.  "Yeah, but your father said that if I could ever 
manage to beat him I'd be free to go and he would tell me the secret. "

        "It won't be so bad Ranko," Achika said.  With someone her age 
to be with, spending a summer at the shrine didn't seem so lonely. 

        'I'll show that old man!' Ranma thought.  She'd beat Achika's 
father, if it was the last thing she'd do.  And she wouldn't use any of 
her 'special moves' either.  'I'll win fair and square. That'll teach 
him!'  Ranma got a maniacal look on her face and started laughing 
evilly.  Insert image of chibi Ranko jumping up and down over a 
defeated Katsuhito. 

        Behind her, Achika grew a sweatdrop.

**--*--**

Time passed.

        Days at the Masaki shrine became a routine.  The mornings 
started with Ranko and Katsuhito dueling it out on top of the wooded 
pegs of the training grounds as Achika watched from the sidelines.  
Each of the fight's ended as the previous others did with Ranko somehow 
being humiliated by the older man.  Achika could only shake her head at 
Ranko's stubborn refusal to give up.  It was apparent the redhead was 
outclassed but each defeat only drove Ranko harder. 

        The girls would spend the rest of the day tending to the 
shrine.  Sweeping the stone steps, cleaning graves of old flowers and 
offerings, and caring for the vegetable garden.  

	  In the afternoons Achika would train with her father while 
Ranko wandered off on her own.  Achika wondered where Ranko spent her time.  
After one practice, she looked around for the redhead and found her 
sitting crossed legged by the Holy tree.  

        "I know that the answer I'm looking for is here Achika," Ranko 
explained.  "I can feel it. All I got to do is find it."

        "Mind if I keep you company while you look?" Achika asked. 
 
        Ranko smiled.

        Days turned to weeks and the two girls grew closer to each 
other.  Sweeping the steps was hardly an exciting task, so to pass the 
time Ranko had told stories of her training trips.  Achika enjoyed 
listening about the places Ranko had visited and sights she had seen.  

        Achika shared her experiences at the shrine, telling all that 
she knew of its past history.   Since it's founding the shrine had 
always been a sanctuary.  'All with a good heart are welcome here.' It 
was a tradition passed down through the generations, and her father 
lived true to the words that the hero Yosho had said himself.  

        The two girls also began teaching each other their respective 
families form martial arts.  Achika was a bit envious at how quickly 
Ranko picked up the use of the sword, but Ranko was a good sensi taking 
time to carefully show Achika the complicated forms which made up 
Anything Goes.  

        During one such session Achika was balancing on the wooden pegs 
showing off a piece of Masaki swordplay when she noticed Ranko wasn't 
paying attention.  "Ranko, is something wrong?"  

        "I'm so close."  Ranko mumbled.  "The tree...  I almost had it 
that time!"

        "Ranko, will you please tell me what you need cured so 
desperately.  You told me that your not sick or dying and as far as I 
can tell you perfectly normal.  I'm your friend Ranko and I'm just 
worried.  You fight my father constantly and your spending more and 
more time by the holy tree.  It's becoming an obsession with you.  
Please, I want to understand."  

        Ranko looked at her feet.  "Achika..."

        "I just want to help."

        "I-I can't.  It just so complicated.  I don't want you hating 
me..."

        "Hate you?  Ranko I..." She moved forward Trying to reason with 
her friend.  As she did so one of the pegs she stepped on gave way and 
she found herself falling.  She braced herself for the hard ground, but 
instead a pair of firm hands caught her. 

        The moment she saw Achika falter, Ranko reached and caught her. 
 Ranko felt softness and warmth of Achika's body as she held her.  
Their faces were only inches apart.  Ranko could smell the scent of 
Achika's perspiration, as the girl's breath fell on her lips.  Ranko 
felt a flush grow on her face.  "I can't.  I-I can't tell you."  She 
managed to stammer. She staggered back almost tripping on the pegs.  
"Let's call a day Achika."  With out waiting for a reply Ranko headed 
swiftly back to the house. 

        Achika stood there, a breeze passed by.  She had never seen 
Ranko so distraught before.  'I went too far,' she thought. She slowly 
walked home trying to think up an apology to her friend.

        When Achika got home she caught Ranko coming out from a shower. 
 A towel was wrapped around her and her hair was still dripping.  
"Ranko, I... I wanted to say I'm sorry for earlier.  I promise never to 
ask about it again."

        "Achika, when I do get cured, you'll understand why I couldn't 
tell you." 

        Achika nodded.  "Are we still friends then?"

        Ranko smiled putting Achika's fears to rest.  "Bathroom is all 
yours, and you could use a shower," Ranko sniffed playfully.

        "Humph!"  Achika said pretending to be annoyed.  She walked 
into the bathroom to take her shower.

        As Ranko walked to down the hall Achika's voice screamed out.  
"THIS WATER IS FREEZING!!!"

        "Oops..."

**--*--**

Again time passed.  

        Ranma looked at he large house located in the hills.  "What is 
this place Achika?"  Ranma asked as she unloaded the things from the 
car. 

        "Every year father and I visit here It's a fairly popular 
vacation resort.  They close down for a week every time this year to do 
maintenance.  Father knows the owner so we get to go here for free 
while no one else is around.  Isn't that right father?" 

        Katsuhito who was helping Ranma unload nodded his head. 

        Just then an old lady came out from the pavilion and greeted 
them.  "Ah Achika-chan.  It's good to see you again," the woman said. 
Sachiko was the old friend of Katsuhito.  She was the owner of the Hot 
Springs resort. (S1) 

        Achika bowed.  "It's good to see you also Obasan."

        "And this must be your friend who your father said you were 
bringing."

        "Yes, this is Ranko."

        "Hi."  Ranma smiled.    

        "What a fine young girl.  Achika-chan, you know where 
everything is, make yourselves at home."  

        "Thank you, Obasan.  Come on Ranko, I know you'll love this 
place."  Achika bubbled as she took Ranma's hand and led her away. 

        Walking down the halls, Achika turned into one of the doors and 
pulled Ranma along with her. 

        "Where are we?" Ranma asked looking around. 

        "The changing room silly."

        "What!"

        "Here," Achika said handing Ranma a towel.  "You can get 
undressed in one of the stalls over there."

        "B-but..." Before she could say anything more Achika had 
entered a stall.  'What is this place?'  Ranma thought as she quickly 
undressed and wrapped the towel around her. 

        She found Achika waiting wearing nothing but a towel also. 

        "Come on."  Achika said grabbing her hand once again. 

        "Where?"  

        "You'll see."

        The two walked down the covered path of the resort.  The narrow 
walkway opened up to a large area.  Ranma's eyes bulged out at what she 
saw.  In front of her was a large pond of steaming water, fenced in 
with a bamboo wall and surrounded by various boulders. 

        "Well what do you think, Ranko?  This is one of the most 
popular hot spring resorts and we have it all to ourselves."  Achika 
said excitedly. 

        "H-hot springs?"  Ranma's voice cracked. 

        "Let's go, Ranko.  The water will feel great!"  

        "Achika, I... I can't... um..."

        "What's wrong?"  Achika saw the nervous look on Ranma's face. 

        "Swim!  That's it!  I can't swim Achika.  Why don't you go in 
with out me.  I'll just stay here and..."

        Achika laughed.  "Ranko, the water barely reaches your waste in 
some places."  She began pulling Ranma toward the steaming water. 

        "No wait!  Achika, I really can't" Ranma said frantically as 
she edged closer to the edge of the spring.  She grabbed a nearby 
boulder near the edge and held on. 

        "Ranko, its only water. You're being a baby about this!"  
Achika said tugging onto Ranma.
        
        "I don't wanna go in!!!"  Ranma yelled holding onto the rock 
for dear life. 

        As the comical struggle continued near the water's edge, 
Ranma's towel started to come lose.  As it fell, Ranma instinctively 
grabbed at it letting go of the rock before realizing her mistake.  The 
two girls quickly found themselves unbalanced and moments later two 
splashes were heard hitting the water.   

        'NO!'  Ranma thought as she saw the water quickly approaching.  
'NOT LIKE THIS!!!'  And then she felt the liquid's warm embrace and 
shuddered at the change the soon followed. 

        Achika surfaced first.  "Ha!  Serves you... right...  Ranko..." 
Her words died in her mouth as she found herself facing a handsome 
dark-haired young man who had no clothes on. 

        "W-who are you?"  Achika said backing away fearfully.  She held 
on to her towel protectively. 

        "Achika, wait!  It's me!"  Ranma moved toward her but quickly 
fell back into the water as he realized there was no towel around him.  
"It's me Achika.  It's me..."  He said quietly.  He turned away from her 
ashamed. 

        "R-ranko?" Achika said not believing her eyes.  "How..."

        "I'm cursed.  Whenever I touch hot water I turn into a boy.  
And whenever I touch cold water I turn into a girl.  That's why I came 
to the shrine, I wanted to find a cure..."

        "Ranko, what are you?  A boy or a girl."  A faint blush 
appeared on Achika's cheeks.

        "I'm a guy!"  Ranma replied automatically.  "And Ranko is what 
my mother use to call me in my girl form.  I never meant to deceive you 
Achika, please believe that.  I never planned on staying at the shrine 
but losing to your father and trying to find the secret of the Holy 
tree...  It hurt keeping it from you, but I didn't want you hating me, 
or thinking I was some kind of freak.  I...  I'm sorry, Achika..." 

        Achika could only stare at the boy in front of her.  'Ranko, it 
that really you?' She thought.  Memories came back to her.  The first 
time they had at the shrine, the times the spent working in the fields, 
and company they shared just talking to each other.  Her mind struggled 
with the concept of Ranko actually being a boy.  

        And then she saw his eyes, and she knew. From the moment she 
had first met the redhead, Ranko had always been a true friend.  Achika 
had always been able to read Ranko's face like a book, and when she saw 
her eyes, Achika would sometimes see a quiet sadness to them.  Achika 
saw that sadness now in the eyes of the boy facing her.  What ever the 
curse may have changed, it didn't change who Ranko was inside.

        "Ranko... what did your mother call you as a boy?" Achika asked 
softly.

        "Ranma..." he replied.

        Achika felt the blush grow on her face as she looked at Ranma.  
His body was firm and well muscled.  Years of rigorous training in 
martial arts had shaped Ranma's physique into an elegant yet powerful 
from of masculinity.  

        The cuteness of Ranko's face was toned down by the more angular 
features on Ranma,s face.  But that served to give him a more mature 
and handsome quality.  In either form though, Ranma's most striking 
feature were his blue eyes. 

        'What do I do now?' Achika thought looking at him.

**--*--**

        Ranma struggled to look at anything other than the girl across 
from him.  When he had first come to the shrine he had considered 
Achika a beautiful girl.  This wasn't anything new to him though.  If 
anything the fiancée mess left him wary of women. But the more time 
they spent together, the more he had begun to notice Achika. As he got 
to know her better he saw a beauty that was more than skin deep.

        He had fought against the feelings growing within.  'You just 
got out of one mess, you don't need to get your self into another one.  
And you got more important things to do, like getting your cure!'  With 
each passing day Ranma found it harder push those feelings down. 

        'Now what do I do?' he thought looking across to Achika.

**--*--***

        "Ranma," Achika began.

        "Achika," Ranma also started. 

        The two found themselves looking at each other's eyes.

        "..." Achika swallowed.  Was it her or did some one turn up the 
water temperature.
        
        "..." Ranma felt a nosebleed coming. 

        The awkward silence was broken when an old woman entered the 
pavilion.  "Achika-chan, I brought you and Ranko-chan some extra 
towls."  The woman said.

        "O-obasan!" Achika stuttered.  

        "Achika-chan?  Is something wrong?"  Sachiko asked.  "Where's 
Ranko-chan?" Her eyes finally came upon Ranma who was frozen shock. 

	A pause.

        The old woman dropped the towels she was carrying and screamed. 
"Pervert!!!"

        In the ensuing commotion Ranma was sent running for his life as 
the old woman chased him around the vacation spot wielding a large 
broom.  He managed to lose the old woman but still continued to run 
just to be on the safe side.  

        It wasn't until Achika's father stepped in did the chase end. 
He had grabbed Ranma by the pigtail as he ran by and brought the young 
man to a halt. 

        "M-M-Masaki-san!"  Ranma yelped seeing who had caught him. 

        Katsuhito leaned in with a serious expression.  His rectangular 
caught the light giving him and intimidating expression.  "Hmm... The 
men's locker room is that way Ranko-chan," he said pointing to one of 
the doors.  With a pat on Ranma's head, Katsuhito walked off.

        "..." Ranma stood there dumfounded. 'He knew?" By the time her 
recovered from the shock, he saw Sachiko-san barreling down at him.  
The last things he heard were the sound of the broom handle connecting 
with his head and Achika asking if he was all right.

****----***----****

        "Hmm... I thought I'd find you here."

        "Masaki-san," Ranma said.

        "This is a good place."  Katsuhito said simply.  The two of 
them stood on a ridge which overlooked forested grounds of the below. 

        "You knew didn't you?"  Ranma asked.  "You knew about my curse 
since the beginning."

        The older man nodded.

        "You didn't say anything.  Why?"

        "It didn't seem important to mention."  He said simply.

        "But I lied to you and Achika."

        "Everyone has something they wish to hide.  Everyone has his or 
her own secrets they want to keep. "  

	Katsuhito placed his hand on Ranma's shoulder.  "Achika told me 
about your family.  It is difficult to be alone.  I know.  I too left my 
family on somewhat difficult terms.  But I found peace. 

        Ranma saw a distant look on the man's face.  

        "Ranma, what ever the curse changes, it does not change the 
person you are within.  You have a good heart and that is all that 
matters.  Ne?  You are welcome at the shrine for as long as you wish.  
You've worked hard up till now, so it's a fair trade.  As for your 
cure, it is something you should find for yourself."

        Ranma nodded understanding.  Looking at the older man, Ranma 
swallowed his pride and spoke.  "Masaki-san, if you won't tell me the 
secret of the Holy tree, will you train me instead?"

        Katsuhito looked at him and smiled.  "What do you think I've 
been doing for the last month?"

        Ranma had always seen Katsuhito as playful lighthearted man 
seeming to take nothing seriously. But at the same time, Ranma also saw 
wisdom in the man's eyes and kindness in his voice.   "Thank you 
sensi," Ranma said sincerely.


****----***----****

Galaxy Police headquarters, the future. 

        The command center was in a state of panic.  Techs sat at their 
consoles frantically typing away at the keyboards.  

        "Sir, the main containment is failing!"  A tech officer 
reported to the Grand Marshal. 

        "Reroute all power to the security field.  Seal off the main 
detention block immediately."  The marshal barked.

        "Yes sir, in progress now sir!"  As the man hurriedly worked at 
his terminal, A shudder passed though the whole of the complex.

        "Report!"

        "Sir, sensors report a tear forming in the time space 
continuum! Point of origin is Central containment!  It's growing 
exponentially sir!"

        More shudders followed.  "Explosions reported on all decks.  
Cause is the spatial tear.  Emergency and backup systems are not 
responding!"

          The Marshal looked at the following reports gravely.  "Begin 
evacuation of headquarters.  Send out a distress call to all ships as 
well as to the Jurian royal family!"

        As the officers worked to comply one man screamed out, "The 
security field is down!!!  He's free!!!  Kain is..." In a blinding 
flash of light the Galaxy Police headquarters disappeared.  In the 
fluctuating energies left behind, a ghostly white face formed.  Kain 
had returned. 
 

End (for now)


Story Notes:

(S1): In the OVA series Tenchi and the gang went to the resort.  The 
old woman was there.  Her name was never given.  According to the 
Tenchi encyclopedia, she is actually Tenchi's great-grandaunt.

On this piece I have concentrated on the growing relationship between 
Achika and Ranma.  They seem like an interesting couple.  

As for the setting of the story, it is based on the "Tenchi Muyo In 
Love" movie.  The time this takes place at would be around the 70's.  


Author Notes:

Due to positive responses to the first part, I have continued my pet 
project.  Hopefully this will also be met with good results.  I'd like 
to thank everyone for their support and the helpful comments and 
criticism I've received vie e-mail.  

As always I look forward to any suggestions anyone has to offer.  Feel 
free to e-mail me. 

I'm looking for anyone who would be interested in pre-reading my works.
Also, I'm getting a web page soon.  Since I cant draw I was wondering 
If anyone out there would mind doing some fan-art and send me a picture
Of Ranma and Achika together.

Send all mail to the address below.  For the subject please put:

Ranma|Tenchi

****************
Cruzd@rpi.edu
**************** 



Pug Productions

*********************************
Author: Pug
cruzd@rpi.edu
http://www.rpi.edu/~cruzd/pug/pug.html
*********************************

Insert standard disclaimer here:
A fan fiction based on Takahashi Rumiko's Manga series, 
Ranma 1/2.  The characters of Ranma 1/2 are the property of 
TakahashiRumiko and her licensees.

All characters portrayed in this story are owned by their
respective creators and companies.  I don't own any of 
them.  Please don't sue me.


Genra:  Ranma/Tenchi Muyo Alternate Reality, cross-over.


Version notes:

Ver: 1.00 	created: Aug 10 1999
		This is still a draft.  Forgive any spelling or 
		grammar mistakes.

Ver: 1.25	Some spelling and grammar corrections.
		Formatting also cleaned up.
		Change of e-mail address.
		Addition of author's notes at the end.

Ver: 1.99  	Final Version	


Previous:	Ranma leaves the Tendo dojo in search of a cure 
		to his curse.  To escape the fiancée mess, his 	
		mother has disowned him from the Saotome clan.  
		In his search, Ranma has come to the Masaki 	
		Shrine and had met the daughter of the priest 	
		there.  Her name is Achika Masaki.
	


The Girl who wasn't and the Princess who was 

Chapter 3.


The Future.

	The room was dim, the only light coming from the 
flickering of an old 8mm film being watched on the screen. 

	"Tenshi-sama, what are we watching?" Ayeka asked.  
She was munching on a seaweed wrapped cracker of which she 
had a bowl full. 

	"It's an old film."  Tenchi explained.  "Sasami-chan 
found it and a bunch of old pictures when she was cleaning 
out the basement.  I didn't even know they were there."

	Tenchi turned his head back to the screen.  The home 
made movie showed a young dark haired girl walking alone 
through a wooded area.

	"Tenchi, who is that girl?"  Sasami looked on 
curiously.  Ryo-Ohki was perched on top of the little 
girl's head as usual.

	"That's my mother Sasami-chan."

	"Ahhh, she's very pretty!"  Sasami said taking 
another cracker from the bowl Ayeka held.

	"She should be, she's a descendent of the Juri 
family.  It's in the royal blood," Ayeka commented. 

	"Funny, don't you have royal blood too, Ayeka?" Ryoko 
asked smirking. She finished the cracker she was munching 
on and reached for another. 

	Ayeka pulled her bowl away.  Glaring at the space 
pirate.

	"Hey!  You can't eat all of it!"  Ryoko growled.  
Ayeka just stuck her tongue out at her, then bit down on a 
cracker.  

	Ryoko went over and grabbed Tenchi's elbow.  
"Tenchi," she said in a fawning voice, "Ayeka is being 
greedy again, eating all those crackers.  Everyone can see 
how much weight she's gained cause she's such a glutton."

	"Uh..." Tenchi said nervously as he looked between 
the princess and the pirate. 

	Before the inevitable fight could begin, Sasami spoke 
up.  "Tenchi, who's that?"  The green haired girl said 
pointing to the screen. 

	Everyone forgot about the argument and looked to the 
film.  There they saw another girl standing next to Achika.  
She was a bit shorter with her hair was tied up in a 
pigtail.  Achika was next to the pigtailed girl the two 
were obviously friends.  Achika seemed to be enjoying the 
day while the other girl had a somewhat annoyed expression. 

	"She looks kind of familiar, can't seem to recall 
from where though."  Ryoko's brows knitted in thought.  

	"I don't know," Tenchi replied.  "I don't think I've 
seen her before.  I guess she was a friend of my mother's."

	As the group continued to watch, an odd thing 
happened.  Almost as if a person was taking an eraser to 
the projected image, Achika and the pigtailed girl began to 
disappear. 

	"Hm, something must be wrong with the film." Tenchi 
got up to check the projector. And then the pain hit him.  
"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!" 

	"Tenchi!" Ryoko cried.

	"Oneesan!  What happening to Tenchi!"  Sasami 
grabbed at her sister. 

	"Tenchi-sama is disappearing!"  Ayeka screamed.

	Tenchi looked at his hand as he gasped for breath.  
It was translucent and quickly fading away.  "W-what's 
happening to m-"

****----***----****

The present, 1970.

	"I got ya now 'old man'!" Ranma taunted throwing a 
quick series of punches at his opponent. 

	Katsuhito fell back before the onslaught.  The past 
two months of constant sparing had greatly improved Ranma's 
skill, and Ranma's tenacity only served to make the boy 
more dangerous.  But even backed by his stubbornness, Ranma 
was still no match for the Shinto priest. 

	Ranma charged in and quicker than he could react, 
Katsuhito sidestepped and smacked him on the back adding to 
his momentum.  Ranma was sent sprawling with the little 
push and landed on the ground taking a mouth full of dirt.  

	"Not bad."  Katsuhito said walking over to him.  "Not 
bad, but not good either. "  He held his hand out. 

	"I'll get you tomorrow," Ranma vowed taking the hand 
up.  Ranma laughed to himself.  He had been saying that 
since he had first fought the older man.  'One day...' he 
thought.

	"It's almost time for dinner.  Achika-chan said she 
was making something special tonight."

	"I'll catch up, sensi.  I just want to practice a bit 
more," Ranma said. 

	Katsuhito nodded.  "Don't over do it."

	Ranma started the kata Katsuhito had taught him.  He 
owed much to the Shinto priest.  Even though Ranma had been 
a stranger when he first came, Katsuhito had welcomed him 
openly.  The Masaki shrine had become a new home for Ranma. 
Katsuhito and Achika, a new family.  His curse changed 
nothing in the priest's eyes. In fact Katsuhito had already 
known about it.  The priest wouldn't tell him how he had 
known which still bothered Ranma.

	When he finished, Ranma went home for dinner. 

**--*--**

	"That was great Achika!  I'm so stuffed, that I can 
hardly eat another bite," Ranma said finishing the last of 
the rice in his bowl.  It was his fourth serving. 

	"Well that's too bad, you'll have to miss desert 
then."  Achika smiled getting up to go to the kitchen.  She 
came out carrying a small chocolate cake.  "I baked it 
myself," she said proudly.

	"Wow!"  Ranma said, feeling his appetite returning.  
"What's the occasion?"  He asked.

	Achika glanced at her father and smiled. 

	"Sensi?" Ranma looked at the man. 

	"This is for you, Ranma."  Katsuhito said pulling a 
paper wrapped package from behind him. 

	"What's this?"  Ranma pulled the strings and 
unwrapped the gift.  Inside was a black jacket and matching 
black pants.  "A uniform?"

	Achika nodded excitedly.   "Yes, father arranged it 
so that you could attend school with me when it opens next 
week.   At first they wouldn't admit you since you didn't 
have any parents..."  

	Ranma winced at the statement. 

	"Ranma I didn't mean..." Achika said embarrassed.  

	"It's ok Achika.  So how did ya get ronin like me 
into school old man."  He said looking at Katsuhito.

	Achika handed him a slip of paper.  "Father declared 
himself your legal guardian.  This is your registration 
card, Ranma."

	Ranma's eyes widened when he saw the piece of paper.   
"Sensi?"  Katsuhito had already done so much for him, and 
now this.  As his guardian the old man was willing to take 
responsibility for him.  Ranma felt a knot in his throat as 
he spoke.  "Thank you... thank you very much, Masaki-
sensi."

	"Are you sure, Ranma?"  Katsuhito asked. 

	"Yes sensi, I am sure.  It would be nice to go back 
to school," Ranma said looking down at the card.  

	Achika smiled and began cutting the cake. 


****----***----****

	It was autumn.  With the end of the summer months 
came the beginning of a new school year.  Students once 
more walked down the halls, played in the schoolyard, and 
gossiped about things that had happened during their 
vacation. 

	It was a time for friends to see old faces.  In 
Ranma's case it was a time to see a whole bunch of new 
faces.  Getting off the bus, he looked at the campus.  
'Feels just like my first day at Furinkan,' he thought.  

	"Ranma?" Achika asked.

	"Just remembering a few things from the last school I 
went to, Achika," Ranma said to the girl next to him.  He 
tugged at the collar of the school uniform her wore.  
"These things itch," he muttered.

	Achika laughed.  "The uniforms aren't that bad Ranam.  
Besides, didn't you have to wear on at the school you went 
to before?"

	Ranma frowned.  "No, never wore a uniform in my 
life."

	"Well I think you look quite handsome in one," Achika 
said blushing.  She noticed as an odd expression came on 
his face.  
"Ranma?"

	"We're going to be late Achika," he said walking off. 

	"I'll catch up.  I just want to say hello to my 
friends."  

	Ranma nodded and headed off to class. 

***---**---***
	
	Ranma got to the homeroom. The teacher wasn't there 
yet.  The students patiently waited at their desks chatting 
among themselves.

	Ranma took one of the seats near the back of the 
room.  Ignoring the looks he received from the flustered 
girls in the class he leaned back in his chair and relaxed. 

	"Hello," the student next to him said.  "You must be 
new here."

	"Yeah, I transferred.  I'm Ranma," he said 
turning to the boy who had spoken.

	"Pleased to meet you, Ranma-san." 

	"You don't have to be so formal.  Just call me 
Ranma."

	"Very well then, Ranma.  I'm Nobuyuki."  They shook 
hands. 

	From the corner of his eye, Ranma saw Achika come in 
with two other girls.  The three were caught up in some 
friendly conversation. 

	"How was your vacation Achika-chan?"  A girl sitting 
next to her asked. 

	"It was ah... interesting, Tanaka-chan."  Achika 
said.

	"Meet any cute boys at your father's shrine?"  Tanaka 
said teasing.  She knew how isolated the shrine was.  

	Achika choked. 

	As Achika was about to answer, another girl turned 
around.  "No keeping secrets now Achika."  Akemi said.  I 
saw you coming off the bus with that boy.  You looked 
pretty close.  Spill it, Achika!"

	"Which boy?"  Tanaka butted in.

	"The one with the pigtail sitting near the window.  
Oh he looks sooooo cute!"  Akemi held her hands to her 
face and sighed.

	"Him?  That hunk with Nobuyuki-kun?" Tanaka said 
surprised.  "So, Achika-chan.  Tell us about your 
boyfriend."  Tanaka leaned in.

	"R-ranma and I aren't like that," Achika said 
desperately.

	"His name is Ranma..." Akemi had a dreamy look on her 
face. 

	"There's nothing between us, he just stayed up at the 
shrine during the summer."  Achika tried to explain.

	"You spent the summer the summer at that isolated 
shrine of yours with that cute guy?  How romantic!  I want 
to hear everything you did, and don't leave out the juicy 
bits."  The two other girls were practically drooling. 

	"It wasn't like that!"  Achika argued.

	"Ranma..." Akemi sighed again. 

	"I just feel sorry for Nobuyuki-kun, being tossed 
aside like yesterday's newspaper.  I know you had the 
biggest crush on him last year when school ended."  Tanaka 
looked at the other boy next Ranma was chatting with.    

	Achika blushed. 

	"Achika-chan, now that you have your Ranma I can have 
Nobuyuki-kun right?"

	"No!  I'm telling you that Ranma's not my boyfriend."  
Achika said exasperated.

	Tanaka sniffed.  "Humph how greedy, wanting two cute 
boys for yourself." 

	"Ranma..." Akemi said. 

	Achika gave up in disgust; she was saved from further 
embarrassment when the teacher came rushing through the 
door.  The teacher was a tall blond woman, nicely tanned 
and wearing a pink sweater with a dune skirt.  

As the woman moved to her desk she tripped over the chair 
and fell throwing various papers she had been carrying into 
the air.  She got up with a sheepish look on her face and 
introduced herself to the class.  "Um... hello... I'm 
Mihoshi Kurumitsu."   The papers fluttered down around her.

	Everyone in the class was too shocked to stand up and 
greet Mihoshi.

"Please don't tell me that's our teacher," Ranma said.

Nobuyuki could only shake his head in wonder as Mihoshi 
fell to the floor again while trying to snag a paper in the 
air.

	It took a full ten minutes for Mihoshi to get 
organized, the class looked on with a mixture of disbelief.  
Just as Mihoshi was about to begin the day's lesson, the 
principal walked into class and introduced himself.

	"Mihoshi-sensi, sorry to interrupt your class but 
you'll be teaching two more students who will be joining 
you."  

	"That's wonderful!"  Mihoshi said.

	The principal, Mr. Tamo addressed the room.  "I know 
that all of you will welcome our two new students to our 
school."

	Achika and everyone else in the class turned their 
attention to the new students coming through the door.  
There were oohs and aahs when the first girl walked in.  
She walked with a graceful step and her demure manner 
captivating the students.  

	Achika felt like a clumsy walrus comparing herself to 
how the girl moved.  Nervously she glanced over to Ranma 
gauging his reaction to the new girl.  Achika relaxed when 
she saw his indifferent look.  Achika caught herself.  'Why 
am I being so protective all of a sudden?'

	"Hello," the girl said softly.  "I'm am Ayeka Juri."  
She bowed and took her seat in the class.  She sat just a 
seat over from Achika.

	As the class was marveling Ayeka, another girl 
entered the room.  Everyone gaped in shock at her spiked 
hair and punkish look.  "Yo!" She said giving the victory 
sign as she sauntered in.  

	"Ahem."  The principal cleared his throat. 

	"Name's Ryoko Hakubi," she said casually.  She then 
took a seat next to Ayeka who seemed perturbed by the act. 

	From his seat Ranma perked up.  'Ryoko?  Naw, can't 
be.  Just a coincidence.'  

	As Mihoshi started class, Achika saw the tension 
between the two girls grow.

	"Honestly, Ryoko, why can't you act normal for a 
change!"  Ayeka whispered angrily.

	"Well, I guess I can't be all prim and proper like a 
stuck up snob I know."  Ryoko smirked. 

	"Ryyyyyyyoooookkooooo..." Ayeka said through her 
teeth as she leaned in. 

	"Any time," Ryoko replied, her hands began to tingle 
with energy.  It was then that Ranma fell out of his seat 
from leaning back too far.  Both Ayeka and Ryoko noticed 
the reaction that the boy had.  The two quickly stopped 
their argument andturned their attention to the 
front of the class. 

	Ranma climbed back into his seat.  Now and again he 
would steal some glances to the two new girls.  'Damn, 
those two make Akane's battle aura look like a night 
light.'  He shivered thinking what could happen if those 
two ever went all out. 

	Achika sat in her chair growing a bit distressed at 
Ranma interest in other girls.  

***---**---***

	With the noon bell came lunch.  The students got out 
their bentos, clustering around together to talk.  

	Achika opened up her container looking at the food 
inside.  'Wow, Ranma sure packed a lot of food for me.  I 
don't think I can finish this much.' 

	At his desk Ranma sneezed.  "Au nuts!"  He muttered. 

	"Something wrong Ranma?"  Nobuyuki asked.

	"I packed myself the wrong lunch."  Looking over 
across the room he was Achika digging into 'his' lunch.  
His stomach growled as he poked his chopsticks in the bowl.

 	From their part of the room Ayeka and Ryoko were 
watching the two boys.   
	
	"Amazing isn't it, Ayeka?"  Ryoko was talking with 
her mouth full.  "Going back in time and seeing Tenchi's 
mother and father?"

	"Tenchi looks as handsome as his father doesn't he?"  
Achika said daintily picking at her food. 

	"I agree, he does look cute.  But not as cute as my 
Tenchi though."   

	Ayeka slammed her chopsticks down.  "What do you mean 
'your' Tenchi!?!"

	"Just what you think it means!" 

	Everyone in the room was looking at them now.  Ryoko 
spun around.  "What are you all looking at?!?"   The 
students quickly turned back to their food and started to 
eat quickly. 

	"Humph!"  Ryoko said sitting down and tearing into 
her food.  Ayeka grew a seatdrop.	

***---**---***

	The halls became filled with students when the end of 
the day came.  Going to their lockers to change their shoes 
and pack their books.  

	As Achika made her way through the hall, she saw a 
familiar pigtail stick out in the crowd.

	"Ranma!"  She yelled above the noise.  Achika saw 
Ranma wave at her as she made her way toward him. 

	When she got to him she was surprised to see another 
familiar face.  "Nobuyuki-kun!"  

	"Achika-san, how are you?"  The spectacled boy 
smiled. 

	"You know each other?"  The three of them spoke at 
the same.   

	Nobuyuki laughed.  "Achika and I were friends since 
grade school"

	"Oh..." Ranma said.

	"Ranma, how do you know Nobuyuki-kun?"  Achika asked.

	"We just met today."  Ranma confessed.

	"And you two know each other already right?"  
Nobuyuki asked. 

	"I live with her."  Ranma said tilting his head to 
Achika.  Ranma flushed realizing what he said.  "I mean 
we're living together...  but not like that!  Well ya 
see..." Ranma found himself turning to Achika for help.  

	"Ranma's been living up at the shrine with father and 
me.  He's been training with father and helping with the 
shrine."  Achika explained calmly, though her face had a 
slight red tint to it.  

	"Ah..." Nobuyuki said understanding.  

***---**---***

	"You and Nobuyuki seem to know each other pretty 
well."  Ranma said.  He and Achika were the last people on 
the bus.  The commute from the shrine to the school was a 
long trip because of its remote location. 

	Achika perked up at the remark.  "We're very good 
friends," she said.  

	"Just friends?"  Ranma asked. 

	"Yes, just friends.  Why do you ask?" said Achika.  
She felt her heart beat a little faster.  'Is Ranma 
jealous?' She studied his face and wondered. 

	Just then the bus slowed to a stop.  Looking out they 
saw the stone steps leading up to the shrine.  "Our stop," 
Ranma said.  

	Achika quickly got up and exited the bus.  Ranma 
slowly made his way down the aisle.  At the front of the 
bus he saw his reflection in the rearview mirror.  'Just 
friends...' he thought to himself.

	As he stepped off, Achika grabbed his hand.  "Ranma 
it looks like it's going to rain," she said.  "If we hurry 
we might be able to get home before it starts."  

	Ranma nodded and the two of them were quickly 
scampering up the steps.  The house came into view as Ranma 
felt the first drops of water hit him.  "Should have known 
by now that it was pointless trying to avoid cold water," 
he muttered.

	"Well at least we're home."  Achika said opening the 
front door.  "Hello?  Father?"  Ranma wrung her red pigtail 
before she walked in.  

	When Achika and Ranma entered the main room, they saw 
Katsuhito sitting at the table having tea with two girls. 

	"You two!" Achika exclaimed as she recognized Ayeka 
and Ryoko.

	"Achika-chan, we have some guests staying with us for 
a while.  The school called and asked if we could look 
after Ayeka and Ryoko. It seems that they live a good 
distance away and the daily commute to school would be too 
difficult for them." the priest explained.  Ayeka and Ryoko 
both smiled and waved.  "I'm sure we will all enjoy the 
extra company."

	Achika smiled.  "I'm sure of it father.  And besides, 
Ayeka and Ryoko are in the same class as I am. "

	Ayeka and Ryoko saw Ranma slinking away toward the 
kitchen.  Katsuhito noticed and cleared his throat.  "You 
already know my daughter Achika, but you might not know 
Ranko-chan."

	Ranma froze in mid step.  "Uh... Hi!" 

	"Pleased to meet you Miss. Ranko," Ayeka said. 

	"Yo!"  Seconded Ryoko.

	"Ranko-chan is a student of my.  She is also staying 
here." Katsuhito explained.

	"You go to the same school as us?" Ayeka asked, 
looking at the boy's uniform the redhead was wearing.

	"Um... sorta..." Ranma said hesitating.
	
	"Funny, I don't remember seeing you at school," Ryoko 
commented.  Her brows knit thoughtfully.

	Ranma was beginning to sweat.  "Well... I guess I 
better get dinner started," she said with a forced smile.  
"Achika, would you please help me?"

	"Sur- ack!" Achika felt herself grabbed and was 
dragged away to the kitchen.

	"Would you like some more tea?"  Katsushito asked.

	Ayeka and Ryoko blinked. 

	In the kitchen, Ranma was pacing back and forth while 
Achika was calmly getting the utensils.  "What am I going 
to do now?  They've already seen me like this. I can't 
changed back."

	"We could tell them about your curse," Achika 
suggested trying to calm the redhead down. 
	
	Ranma gave her the 'look'.

	"Ok... I guess you'll have to be Ranko for a while."

	"I'm already getting a bad feeling about this."  
Ranma shivered.  She began to chop up the vegetables for 
the meal.  "Ayeka seems ok, but that Ryoko...  I mean her 
name..."

	"Odd isn't it?  It just seems to fit her though."  
Achika shrugged.  

	"Why do I feel like everything has suddenly gotten 
complicated."

	"I thought it would be every guy's dream to be in a 
house filled with cute girls."  Achika smirked.

	"Not when I'm one of the girls!"  Ranma said 
exasperated.  

	Achika saw the expression on Ranma's face and burst 
out laughing.  "Sorry Ranko er... Ranma."

	The redhead shook her head in disgust.  "Well at 
least three cute girls out of four ain't bad."  

	"Hey!"   

	"Gotcha!"  Ranma smiled.

	The rest of the cooking was carried out smoothly. 

***---**---***

	It was evening.

	"How are things going?" Tenchi asked as Ayeka and 
Ryoko approached.  He, Sasami, Mihoshi and Kiyone were 
waiting at the now deserted Masaki shrine. 

	"Tenchi!"  Ryoko said wrapping herself around the 
boy's arm. 

	"Ryoko, can't you see that your bothering Tenchi-
sama," Ayeka snarled.  

	"Your just jealous cause Tenchi is showing his true 
affections for me."  Ryoko retorted. 

	"Ryoko..." Ayeka began dangerously. 

	"A-Ahhh...  Ayeka...  Ryoko..." Tenchi began so sweat 
heavily. 

	Just then Sasami jumped up gathering her backpack.  
She looked very cute wearing a shirt and shorts toped off 
with a baseball cap on her head.  "Everyone, Washu is 
giving us a call," she piped in.   She pulled down a pair 
of reflective shades from the brim of the hat and an 
antenna emerged from her backpack. 

	The shades became a small monitor and after a bit of 
static an image of Washu at her terminal was seen.  
Everyone crowded in around the little girl to get a better 
view. 

	"Ah good!  You all made it to the past safely.  I 
wasn't sure if the time machine was going to work or not," 
Washu, the greatest scientific genius in the universe, 
said.

	"What!?!" was the collective response from the group.

	Ryoko pushed Tenchi out of the way went to the front 
of the small monitor.  "What do you mean that your weren't 
sure!  We could have been sent to who knows where by your 
stupid machine!"  Ryoko was fuming. 

	"Details, details.  What's important is that your all 
there and now we have a chance at saving Tenchi's parents," 
Washu said chearfully.

	"Washu-chan!"  Tenchi squeezed between Ryoko and 
Sasami.  "Do you know when my mother will disappear and 
who's causing it?"

	"Well, with Kiyone's help we've verified the 
disappearance of GP headquarters.  Their last transmission 
dealt with something called KAIN.  I have also managed to 
narrow down the time the incident will occur.  It will be 
some where within the next seven days.  With a little more 
time I'll give you a more accurate answer."

	"Thank you Washu-chan," he said gratefully.

	"How was school?"  Washu said turning to Ayeka and 
Ryoko.  "Did any of you find anything interesting?  How are 
Tenchi's parents?"

	"Tenchi's mother looked fine."  Ayeka told the group.

	"I saw her also," Tenchi said. "She almost spotted me 
during her gym class.  I'll have to be more careful next 
time.  I didn't see my father though.  How's he doing."

	"You father looked almost as cute as you, Tenchi."  
She pressed herself against him.  

	Ayeka cleared her throat.  "The two seem to be 
getting along well.  I saw them talking in the halls after 
class."

	"That's a relief.  If those two don't get together 
I'll never be born," Tenchi said.

	"Oh, we also found out who the other girl in the 
movie was."

	"Who is she Ayeka?"  Tenchi asked. 

	"Her name is Ranko, she's a student of your 
grandfather.  She's living up at the shrine with your 
mother.  They are pretty good friends."  Ayeka explained.

	"In the film she was disappearing also, just like my 
mother.  That means that what ever happened to my mother 
must have happened to Ranko also," Tenchi said.

	"Hm...  I think it would be best if you keep a watch 
over Achika and Ranko until I can pinpoint the exact time 
and place the two of them disappear," Washu said from the 
small view screen.  

	Everyone nodded in agreement.  "We better turn in 
then, we have a long day tomorrow," Tenchi said to the 
group.

****----***----****

	Four girls rode on the bus to school.  Achika sat 
with Ranma sharing one of the seats.  Achika looked at the 
redhead who was nodding off.  "Ranko are you ok?"  

	Ranma had a groggy look on her face. "Yeah, I'm fine.  
I just couldn't seem to get to sleep last night."  Ranma 
yawned.  "There was some kind of buzzing in my ears.  It 
kept me up all night.  Did you hear anything?"

	Achika shook her head.  "No, I didn't hear a thing. 
Ryoko, Ayeka, did you hear anything last night."  Achika 
turned to the two other girls sitting behind them. 

	"The only thing I heard was Ayeka snoring."  Ryoko 
smirked.

	"I do not snore!"  Ayeka said angrily.

	"Ah...  Never mind."  Achika said quickly as she saw 
another argument starting to build.  She quickly sat back 
in her seat.

	 "Don't those two ever stop?"  Compared to them, 
Akane, Shampoo and Ukyou's arguments seemed tame.  Ranma 
felt sorry for anyone unlucky enough to get caught in the 
middle when the two were going at it. 

	The girls disembarked at the school.  Walking through 
the gates, Ayeka leaned over to Ryoko.  "Ryoko, do you know 
why Ranko is wearing a boy's uniform?"  She said in a 
hushed voice. 

	"Um-hm," Ryoko said nodding.  "She's a tomboy." 

	"Ah... so that's it," Ayeka nodded.  'I guess 
thats the way things work on Earth,' the Juri princess 
thought.

	Achika and Ranma had both heard the remark.  Achika 
covered her mouth to keep from laughing while Ranma 
struggled to keep her temper. 

	"Well, I better get going," Ranma said leaving the 
group.  Along with her books and lunch, she also carried a 
large thermos.  'Just got to find a place to change,' Ranma 
thought.

	"Where's Ranko-san going?"  Ayeka asked.

	"Ranko is in a different class than us," Achika said. 

	"It's for all the tomboys," Ryoko said. 

	"I see," Ayeka said. 

	Ranma walked off, her pigtail standing on end. 

****----***----****

	"Today we will be going over the legend of the Demon 
of Rashomon," Mihoshi said starting class.  "It is a love 
story between a princess, a demon and a warrior..." She was 
reading through her notes.

	"Ah, Mihoshi-sensi?"  Nobuyuki raised his hand up.  
"Didn't you already go over that sto...  eh?"  He felt a 
jab at his ribs and saw Ranma shaking his head.

	"What was that?"  Mihoshi asked looking up from her 
mess of notes.

	"Ah... Never mind sensi," Nobuyuki whispered over to 
Ranma.  "Ranma, why did you stop me?"

	Ranma yawned "I wanted to get some sleep but I didn't 
want to miss anything.  Wake me up when it's lunchtime will 
ya?"  With that he rested his head in his arms.  Quiet 
snoring was heard a few minutes later.

	Nobuyuki rolled his eyes, then pulled out his 
sketchbook and started drawing.

	The rest of the class followed suit, as Mihoshi was 
busy fumbling with writing down notes on the chalkboard.

	After lunch was recess.  Many students took the 
opportunity to stretch their legs and enjoy the outdoors 
before the second part of the day began.  

	Ranma was on his way to his locker to put his lunch 
box away.  As he rounded the corner he spotted Achika going 
through one of the doors leading out to the campus.  
"Achika!"  Ranma called out, but the girl didn't hear him.  
With a shrug, Ranma followed after. 

	Rounding the corner he crashed into one of the 
janitors.  "Sorry about that.  Are you ok?"  She asked dark 
haired woman.

	Kiyone nodded.  "I'm fine, are you ok?  I should have 
been more careful." 

	Ranma picked up the empty bucket and mop and handed 
it to Kiyone.  "Here ya go." He said hurrying after Achika.

	"Thanks."  Kiyone walked off muttering to herself.  
"Graduated second in my class in the academy and I'm 
mopping floors..."

****----***----****	

	Nobuyuki sat by himself near the edge of campus.  He 
enjoyed the view and peacefulness of the place.  With a 
content look he sketched away in the drawing pad he always 
carried.

	"Nobuyuki-kun aren't you on clean up duty today?" A 
voice said behind him.

	"Oh Achika!"  He said a bit startled at her sudden 
appearance.  He quickly closed the book and shoved it under 
his bag. 

	"What are you doing way up here?"  Achika asked.  
Then her eyes fell upon an exposed corner of the drawing 
pad.  "Hey, what are you drawing?"

	"It doesn't matter..." Nobuyuki said hesitantly. 

	"Well..." Achika feigned indifference then as soon as 
Nobuyuki let his guard down she quickly pulled the book 
from beneath the bag and flipped through the pages.  
"Please show me, show me!"  She chirped as the looked 
through the book.

	Nobuyuki tried in vain to get the book from her. 

	"What's this?"  What's this she asked pointing to one 
of the sketches. 

	"It's a house," he said giving up.

	"A house?"

	He looked out to the horizon. He began a bit 
nervously.  "Well I--I I love..." 

	"Yes?"  Achika looked at him a blush coming to her 
cheeks.  

	"I love to imagine and draw different houses like 
this.  I'd like to be able to build one some day."  
Nobuyuki explained to her.

	"Oh?"  Achika said.  Oddly she felt a mixture of 
disappointment and relief at his remark.

	"What's wrong with you?"  He asked looking at her 
expression. 

	"Oh, it's nothing..."  
	
	"Can I have the book?"  Taking the book in hand, 
Nobuyuki started to fill in the last of the details in the 
picture.

	"Uh you know, a window might be nice by the roof," 
Achika suggested as she watched him.  "Don't you think?"

	"What?"  He tried adding a few lines.  "Like this?

	Achika shook her head.  "Well more like that."

	"Hey you've got good taste Achika-chan," Nobuyuki 
laughed as he added the finishing touches. 

	"You really think so?"

	"Yeah."

	In the distance hidden behind one of the trees, Ranma 
watched.  With a downcast expression, he put his hands in 
his pockets and slowly walked back to school.

****----***----****
		
	"How was your day, Achika-chan?"  Katsuhito asked 
greeting the four girls coming home. 

	"It was ok, father.  I just can't wait for tomorrow 
though."  Achika smiled.

	"Ah, that's right."  He said rubbing his chin.  "The 
field trip to Tokyo eh?"

	Achika nodded.  She looked over to the other girls, 
"Would you like some help with diner, Ranko?"  Behind were 
Ryoko and Akea who were caught up in another petty 
argument.

	"No thanks Achika.  I can do it myself."

	"Oh..." she said surprised by Ranma's brisk manner.  

	"What's eating her?"  Ryoko asked turning away from a 
fuming Ayeka.

	"I don't know..." Achika had a concerned look on her 
face.  'Ranma seemed pretty excited this morning about the 
trip.'  

	Ranma set dinner at the usual time.  Everyone 
gathered around the table with expectant looks on their 
faces.

	"Mmmm... Smells good!"  Ryoko said as Ranma brought 
out the dishes.  "Looks good too."

	"You've done a wonderful job Ranko-san."  Ayeka dug 
into the bowl.  

	"Thanks."  Ranma brought out the last of the meal. 

	Achika noticed that Ranma didn't even look at her 
when she served her.  Ranma had been like this since the 
afternoon.  Achika kept silent hoping that Ranma would get 
over what was bothering her.

	"Ranko-chan, are you not having dinner with us?"  
Katsuhito asked when he was Ranma head back into the 
kitchen.  

	"I ate when I was making dinner, sensi.  I better 
start packing my things for the trip." Ranma said curtly.

	Katsuhito nodded his head. 

	Achika slowly chewed her food.  She wasn't' feeling 
that hungry anymore. 

	Dinner ended and Ranma was nowhere to be found.  
Achika had cleared the table and washed the dishes in the 
redhead's absence.  With the chores done, she excused 
herself and went looking for her friend. 

	Going to the only place she could thing of, Achika 
put on a jacket and went outside.  Though it was late in 
the evening, a full moon was out lighting up the night sky.  

	Achika carefully made her way down the lit path.  
When she reached the training area she heard her.  Through 
the opening in the woods, she saw Ranma going through 
various katas while balancing on the wooded posts anchored 
in the ground.  

	The redhead's brow was covered with drops of 
perspiration and her shirt was damp with sweat.  "What do 
you want?"  Ranma asked, not stopping in the exercise.

	Achika was startled by not only the way he had 
detected her presence but also by the coldness of his 
words.  "I-I did the dishes for you..." she began.

	"You didn't have ta, I would have done em' later," 
she said. 

	"Ranma, I..."

	"Just leave me alone for a bit, Achika.  Please..." 
Ranma turned her back to her and started the exercise 
again. 

	Achika's face was filled with confusion.  She 
couldn't understand why Ranma was acting like that.  She 
tried to speak out but no words would come. The night air 
seemed colder and she felt a dull ache grow with her. The 
path home was dark and lonely. 

	Achika was gone.

	Ranma stopped the kata and wearily leaned up against 
a tree.  "Damn it!" she said slamming her fist into the 
wood causing a chunk to break off.  'You don't need another 
fiancée.  You got more important things to do.  You got a 
cure to find,' She reasoned with herself.  'Besides, how 
could she possibly love some freak like you?'  Ranma sank 
down to the ground and buried her face in her hands.

	As she sat there a dull ringing grew in her ears.  It 
was the same ringing which had been plaguing her sleep for 
the past few nights. 

	Ranma shook her head a few times but the ringing 
remained.  She tried cupping her hands over her ears but it 
did no good.  With a resigned sigh she groggily made her 
way back to the house.

	As she walked the ringing became stronger.  "What the 
hell is going on?"  She started running through the woods 
trying to get back to the house.  When the noise became too 
painful Ranma staggered to the ground gripping her head.  
And then the sound suddenly vanished. 

	 Looking around, Ranma found herself facing the 
Masaki Holy tree.  "Here?"  Her eyes widened.  The tree 
stood solemnly in the moonlight. 

	"Your doing this to me, aren't you?"  Anger started to 
grow.  Around her a yellow aura of Ki formed.  As she had 
done countless times before, Ranma used her Ki reaching out 
to the Holy tree.  Once again the images of the past filled 
her mind. The ringing returned and now she understood that 
the noise was actually the sounds that were associated with 
the images flashing before her.

	As she watched she felt the barrier again.  Some 
unknown force pushing here away.  "You won't beat me... not 
this time..." Ranma said through her teeth.  She focused 
her Ki and fought back pushing against the force.  With the 
force of her will, she compressed her aura tighter and 
tighter as far as she could down to a single point.  With a 
final push, she punched her way through.

	Ranma found herself tumbling in a swirl of light and color 
pulled by a force that was irresistible.  Glancing below 
her she saw her body sitting near the Masaki tree.   The 
tree itself was glowing, a pillar of light was shooting out 
from it.  She realized that she was in that pillar.  

	Ranma traveled upward, the land below her growing 
smaller with each second.  Soon the earth was nothing more 
that a point of light as her journey continued through the 
stars.  

	Her mind reeled, trying to contemplate what was 
happening.  But the stress was too much, and consciousness 
left her.

	When she awoke Ranma found herself lying on top of a 
stone pillar.  There were other pillars around her, varying 
in height and size. All of them rising out from water.  
"Where am I?"  The surreal world stretched out toward an 
endless horizon of black. 

	Picking a direction in random, Ranma hopscotched from 
one pillar to another. On the water's surface she saw her 
reflection, her male body stared back at her. "How..."

	It was then that a shaft of light rose up in the 
distance.  "I guess someone's home."  She made her way 
toward it hopping from pillar to pillar again.  Surprise 
grew on her face when she found the source of the light.  
It was another tree just like the one in the Masaki shrine.  
But this one looked older, more ancient. 

	"What is this?"  She moved forward.  She was caught 
in mid-stride as an elegant woman appeared facing her. She 
wore silken robes of pastel shades, and her cyan hair 
reached far down her back. 

	"Hello Ranma," the woman said.

	"How do you know me?"  

	"I've been watching you.  From the first moment you 
came to the shrine I've been watching you." 

	"Who are you?" Ranma asked in awe.

	"Tsunami."  Her rich voice echoed around them.
 
	"Your were the one behind everything.  The 
images, the sounds, the power... You were what I felt 
within the tree weren't you?"  Ranma accused.

	"Yes."

	"Why?"  

	"To test you... To train you..." she said simply.  
"You passed.  In fact you were more than I expected."  

	"Train me for what?" Ranma felt her anger grow as she 
realized she had been manipulated. 

	"Something is coming Ranma.  Something so dark and 
evil that, even those who would call themselves gods 
tremble in its wake.  I have chosen you Ranma.  You will be
the instrument of my design in stopping what is to come." 

	"Forget it!"  Ranma yelled back.  "No body uses me! 
Go find som-"  She stopped as a collage of horror passed 
through her eyes.  Ranma saw slaughter of thousands, she 
heard the screams of anguish when they died, and through 
all the suffering a ghostly face of white smiled.

	Ranma fell to the ground shivering.  "Get out of my 
head!"  She said through clenched teeth. 

	"You've seen the face of evil, Ranma.  You've seen 
Kain."  

	Ranma relaxed as the face faded from her mind.  From 
where she sat Ranma saw Tsunami's reflection in the water 
around. It was the image of a little girl with two 
ponytails. 

	"What are you?" she gasped.

	"I am older than most stars, I have watched 
civilizations rise and fall, and yet with all my power my 
hands are tied.  To interfere directly would allow others 
to do the same.  Only you can do what needs to be done,"  
She said simply.

	"I said I don't wa-"

	"Do you love Achika?"  Tsunami asked.

	"What?"  Ranma was taken back by the question.  She 
found herself looking at Tsunami's pale eyes.  

	"Kain is coming for her.  He'll find her no matter 
where she hides and chase her to infinity and back.  You 
are her only hope." 

	"Why!  Why Achika?"

	"Because of what she is.  As a descendant of Yosho, 
there is a potential with her that has yet to be awakened.  
Given more time Achika could fend for herself.  But as she 
is now...  At best she might survive the conflict only to 
live a shortened life.  At worse..."

	"Why should I believe you?  You could be lying to me, 
using me again!  Hell, I could be dreaming this entire 
thing!"

	"Do you truly believe that?"

	Ranma shut her eyes and steadied her breath.  She 
knew the answer, she knew it within her heart.  "What can I 
do against that monster?" 

	Tsunami smiled.  "You'll know when the time comes."  
She held her palm out.  "Return..."

	Ranma's mind snapped back into focus.  "No! Wait, I 
need to know if you can cure me!!!" She yelled as she felt 
herself falling away.  She tumbled back through the stars, 
speeding through Earth's atmosphere via pillar of light.  
And then she was back. 

	"Achika... What do I tell her?"  Kain's face surfaced 
in her mind again.  "Nothing..." Ranma decided.  "Better if 
she didn't know..." With a tired sigh, Ranma slowly made 
her way home. 

****----***----****

	A knock came to the door.  Achika placed the last of 
her things in her bag and went to answer it. 

	"Ranma..." 

	"Can I come in?" the redhead asked.

	Achika nodded and stepped back from the door. 

	"About tonight..." Ranma began.  "I..."

	"Ranma?"  Achika saw the hesitation on her face.  

	"Achika I'm sorry about the way I acted.  I shouldn't 
have treated you like that.  You... I..."

	Achika felt her heart beating faster and her mouth go 
dry.

	"I... just wanted to tell you that whatever happens I 
promise to be there for you Achika.  I'm your friend no 
matter what."  Ranma said quietly. 

	"Ranma wait, I..." Achika caught herself.  Her heart 
was beating faster and she could feel a warm flush grow on 
her face.

	"Goodnight Achika." Ranma closed the door behind her. 

	She went to her bed and curled up with a pillow.  
"Just friends?" she wondered. 

****----***----****	

	The train ride to Tokyo had been a disaster.  About 
half way through the trip a massive breakdown occurred in 
one of the cars.  Luckily no one was hurt but the delay 
lasted for hours.  The students got to their rooms late in 
the evening leaving little time to explore the bustling 
city of Tokyo that night. 

	The next day the tour of Tokyo began, everyone was 
tired and grumpy from the lack of sleep.  It was a blessing 
that the first stop of the was the city park.  It gave the 
students some time to relax and wander off on their own.

	Achika walked among the trees, gold and orange leaves 
of autumn fell around her.  It amazed her how in a large 
city like Tokyo, a place like this could exist.  It 
reminded her of the Shrine back home. 

	As she walked, Achika saw Ranma walking toward her 
with an annoyed look on her face. 

	"Ranma, what are you doing?  Why are you a girl?"  

	The pigtailed girl frowned.  "You wouldn't believe me 
if I told you.  I can get wet if I was in the middle of a 
desert." she muttered.

	Achika turned her face in amusement.  It was then 
that she and Ranma noticed that they weren't alone.  
"Nobuyuki-kun?"  A boy with a camera stood there.  "Oh come 
on, you again?  What are you shooting me for?"  Achika said 
in embarrassment. 

	"To make a record of memories."  Nobuyuki said.  
"Who's your friend Achika-chan?"  He turned the camera at 
Ranma.  The three continued to walk entering the center of 
the park.  Other students were gathered around there also. 

	"This is Ranko.  She is a friend of mine in a 
different class," Achika said.

	"Hi," Ranma said softly looking between the two. 

	"Nice to meet you, Ranko-san. Now I've got a question 
for the two of you.  Are you enjoying this trip?"  He said 
focusing the camera.

	"Yes I am, but there is one thing I'm worried about 
my father," Achika said.  I wonder if my father is eating 
ok." 

	"I'm sure the old man's fine."  Ranma said.  

	Achika smiled.  "I know, but still I worry about 
him."

	"Next question," Nobuyuki said pointing his camera at 
them.  "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  

	Achika thought for a moment.  "Maybe a bride?"  She 
said blushing.

	Around the three, other students heard the 
conversation. "Whew, Getting hot and heavy, aren't you, you 
two?"  They commented on Nobuyuki and Achika's red faces.  

	"What are you implying we're just talking."  Achika's 
face was flush with embarrassment.  "Ranko, how about you, 
what do you want to be when you grow up?"  She asked.

	Ranma shrugged.  "A guy..." She walked off ignoring 
the odd looks and stares she got from everyone.  "I'll 
catch you later, Achika."

	Achika was just as surprised as the others with the 
bluntness of Ranmas answer.  "Ranko..."  

	From a park bench, Ryoko and Ayeka watched her go. 

	"Tomboy, definitely a tomboy."  Ryoko said. 

	Ayeka nodded in agreement. 

****----***----****

	Everyone sat around the table with worried looks on 
their faces.  With a quiet hum, the hologram projector 
turned on and a small image of Washu appeared before the 
group.  

	"Washu-chan!"  Tenchi said to the image.

	"Hello everyone!"  said the super genius.

	"Have you figured out a way to save Tenchi's mother 
yet Washu?"  Ryoko asked. 

	Washu nodded.  "Yes, but before I explain my plan we 
should better know who we're facing."  With that, another 
screen popped up and a text box opened up and gave a 
rundown of information. 

Code name K-A-I-N
Super A-class criminal
Age: unknown.
Gender: unknown.
History: unknown.
Distinguishing characteristics: none
Offender number 070669 rank A
Universal era 507410
Characteristic energy form classified as NVO
General warrant issued: 
Wanted for destruction of planets, suspicion of murder
Destroyed 13 federated planets and 275,000 spacecraft
Confined in the GP subspace network for the past 100 years

	The room was silent as everyone digested the 
information.  "Kiyone, I'm scared," Mihoshi cowered next to 
her partner.

	"Get a grip Mihoshi!  Remember you're a member of the 
Galaxy Police!"  Kiyone said harshly, but inside even she 
was terribly frightened. 

Finally Tenchi spoke.  "Washu-chan, why is he after my 
mother?"

	"Kain is a being of pure anti-Juri energy.  One 
hundred years ago he went on a killing spree rampaging 
throughout the known universe and destroying all in his 
path.  He was finally caught by a trap laid by the Galaxy 
Police and with the help from the royal family of Juri.  
Ever since Kain has had a personal hatred for anyone having 
the Juri energy which imprisoned him.  Now he has traveled 
back in time to kill Achika and Lord Yosho."  Washu 
finished.

	"I can't let that happen.  I won't let it happen."  
Tenchi said. 

	"How can we stop this guy Washu?"  Ryoko asked. 

	"Tomorrow is the day that Kain will come for Tenchi's 
mother. It will happen in Tokyo tower.  No one here is 
strong enough to face Kain head on.  Our only option is to 
set a trap for him." 

	"A trap?"  Ryoko questioned. 

	"Yes.  We will need to produce enough Juri energy to 
trap Kain back into subspace."

	"How about Achika or Yosho?  Can either of them give 
us the Juri energy we need?"  Ayeka said. 

	"No, I don't think that either of them could produce 
that amount. And in any case it would be better if we they 
didn't.  When Kain was caught, the emperor of Juri died in 
the process from giving up too much of his energy. Our only 
choice is to find another source of energy."

	Then how do we get the Juri power we need?"  Ayeka 
looked at Washu's flickering hologram. 
	
  	"Kiyone, show them the map I gave you."  Washu 
instructed. 

	The police detective unfolded a map of Tokyo.  
"Washu-san said of five places where we can produce Juri 
energy here on Earth.  We should be able to channel the 
energy from these places using this..." she pulled up a 
brief case onto the table and opened it. "...the Psy-Wave 
booster."  

	Washu nodded.  "There are five transmitters which 
need to be placed at each of the five sites.  The main 
booster has to be in position at Tokyo Tower.  When Kain 
arrives, we can set off the trap by remote and send him 
back to subspace.  Timing is critical.  Everything has to 
be in place before Kain arrives.  Each of you will have to 
go to one of the sites and place the transmitters."

	"Let me take the main booster to Tokyo Tower," Tenshi 
said.  "I have to be there for my mother.  No matter 
what..."  He pulled out the Tenchi-ken from his pocket, a 
determined look was on his face. 

	"Right then, Tenchi.  Leave the rest to us," Ryoko 
said.
 
	Washu nodded.  "All right then.  Tenchi will take the 
main booster to the tower.  The rest of you will have to 
place the other pieces of the device at the stated 
locations.  As soon as you place the transmitters, make 
your way back to the tower." 

	"Be careful then Tenchi."  Sasami said worriedly.   

	"Myia..." seconed Ryo-Ohki 

	"I will, Sasami."  

****----***----****

	Tenchi made his was through the crowd.  He carried 
the main booster unit in the bag on his back.  The area 
was packed as numerous tourists and visitors milled their 
way around the base of Tokyo tower.  There were long lines 
for the elevators as people waited patiently to ascend up 
to the observatory deck.  

	"Where are they?"  Tenchi looked around searching for 
the group of students, which his mother was in.  "Maybe I'm 
early?"  

	Just then where a section of the crowd parted, he saw 
his mother with her friends.  She was talking to boy with a 
smile on her face.  "Is that my father?"  Tenchi struggled 
making his way near the edge of the crowd to get a better 
look.  As he pushed his way through he tripped and 
staggered forward running into another figure.

	"Ack! Grugle! Watch where you're going!"  Sputtered 
the angry redhead whom he had accidentally pushed at the 
water fountain.  "All I wanted was a sip of water, not a 
bath!"

	"S-sorry," Tenchi backed up from the angry redhead.  
She looked familiar to him somehow and then is clicked in 
his mind.  "You!" He exclaimed recognizing the redhead as 
Ranko, his mother's friend who also disappeared in the 
film. 

	"Huh?"

	"I mean... you alright?"

	"Yeah... Do I know you?  Ya look kind of familiar."  
She said leaning in and squinting.
	
	"Um... I don't think so."  Tenchi replied nervously. 

	"I'm sure I've seen you some where before..." she 
said frowning. 

	"I positive that we haven't met before.  Excuse me," 
Tenchi ducked back into the crowd.

	"Hey, wait," the redhead called out after him.  
	
	Weaving his way though the pack of people, Tenchi 
finally breathed a sigh of relief seeing he had lost Ranko.  
"Got to get the booster on the observatory deck," he 
reminded himself.  He looked down at his watch; Time was 
running out.  

****----***----****

	"Where did he go?"  Ranma searched the crowd.  An 
ominous feeling had been haunting her ever since they left 
school.  Though out the entire trip Ranma had been on guard 
preparing for anything.  

	Achika had commented on her jumpiness.  Her excuse 
was never being in a large a city as Tokyo before. Ranma's 
constant state of alertness was taking its toll on her.  
There were just so many things happening to keep track of. 

	"I'm never going to find that guy with all these 
people!"  She said in disgust.  
	
	"Ranko!"  A voice called out over the crowd. 

	She turned and saw Achika waving at her.  Achika and 
the rest of the students were getting in line for the 
elevator to go to the observatory.  Ranma saw Nobuyuki next 
to her and frowned.  Ranma looked at this school bag and 
thought about the thermos full of hot water inside. "Damn, 
no time to change back."

	With a sigh Ranma headed toward the group.

****----***----****

	'I hope everyone got to their assigned places on 
time,' Tenchi worried.  From his position in the back of 
the line he could see his mother.  He also looked at the 
redhead Achika was with.  

	He was a bit nervous at how Ranko had seemed to 
recognize him.  Everyone said that he took after his 
mother.  Seeing Achika now, he realized how right everyone 
was. 

	The ding of the elevator opening brought Tenchi back 
from his thoughts.  Slowly the line moved forward as people 
boarded the lift.  When he saw that he wasn't going to make 
it onboard, Tenchi hurriedly pushed his way through the 
line.  "Excuse...  Sorry...  Passing though...  Hold the 
doors!" As the doors were closing, Tenchi made a last ditch 
effort reaching out and squeezing his way though the 
receding opening. 

	Making it inside, Tenchi felt something soft and 
round in his hands.  Tenchi looked down and saw the very 
annoyed redhead he was fondling.  "I-I-I..."  A smack was 
heard.  "Sorry..." he said.  His voice was muffled from 
the fist that was connected to his face. 
	
	"Jerk..." Ranma said pulling her fist back.

	"What's going on over there?"  Nobuyuki asked.

	Achika turned to see what the commotion was about.  
"Ranm... Ranko?"  Achika pressed her way to the redhead who 
was busy strangling a boy.

	"All right you pervert, who are you?"  Ranma said 
shaking Tenchi around.

	"It was an accident," Tenchi pleaded.

	Achika was about to intervene but as she moved 
forward, a pain coursed through her body.  Clutching at her 
sides she gasped out and would had fallen if Nobuyuki 
hadn't caught her. 

	"Achika!" Nobuyuki said.  "What's wrong?" 

	At the same time Tenchi staggered slightly.  He too 
felt the pain through his body.  He shook fighting against 
the urge to fall over.  

	Ranma looked at Tenchi in confusion.  "Hey, I didn't 
hit you that har-"  She stopped.  The danger sense inside 
of her kicked in.  She had never felt a force as strong or 
as malevolent as the one she felt now.  

	"Ranko..." Achika whimpered on the floor. 

	She now saw Achika in agony as Nobuyuki tried to 
comfort her.  "Achika!"  It was then that the elevator 
stopped. 

	The students inside the cab looked around in 
confusion.  "What's happening?  What's going on?  Why did 
we stop?"

	Tenchi saw the darkening of the clouds around them.  
It was soon followed ay a racing light that swirled around 
the tower itself.  "He's here...  Kain..."

	Ranma spun around hearing the comment.  "What did you
say?!?" she said grabbing Tenchi by the collar. 

	Tenchi's eyes widened in surprise. It was then an
explosion occurred shaking the entire tower.  When the smoke 
cleared there was a hole torn from the elevator.  Outside 
looking in was a ball of dark energy.  

	"I smell it." A voice spoke. A face formed in the center 
of the ball.  It looked at the survivors hungrily. 

	"No..." Ranma shivered remembering the face.  She 
moved placing herself in front of Achika.  

	Tenchi also moved closer to Achika.  

	"I smell it.  I can taste the blood of Juri."  Kain 
smiled.  Then from his mouth a frigid gust of air blew.  I 
froze all students left on the elevator.  Only those 
closest to Achika, (Ranma, Tenchi and Nobuyuki) were left 
untouched. 

	Kain moved in hungrily as he saw the remaining few.  
"I'll have the blood of Juri."

	Ranma watched in horror as the faced approached.  
"Stay back you monster!"  She cupped her hands and focused.  
"Your not going to get her!  MOUKO TAKABISHA!"  A yellow 
ball of Ki erupted from her hands striking Kain head on.  
The impact caused dust and debris to cloud the air.  Ranma 
felt someone pulling at her. 

	"Ranko, we have to get Achika out of here!"  Tenchi
screamed.

	"How did you do that?" Nobuyuki yelled over the 
noise. 
	
	"No time to explain!" she said.  In the chaos Ranma 
forced opened the elevator doors and she and Nobuyuki 
carried Achika between them.  

	"Where to?"  Ranma asked.

	"Up the stairs to the observation deck."  Tenchi 
called out from behind.  When the four got there the floor 
was empty. Tenchi immediately kneeled down and opened his 
bag pulling out the Psy-Wave booster.  "Got the find the 
center of the room."  He panted. 

	Ranma and Nobuyuki set Achika down gently.  "Wait!  
Who are you?"  Ranma called out to Tenchi as the boy 
scurried off.  "Nobuyuki, keep an eye on her."  Ranma stood 
up and went after Tenchi. 

	"Hai," the spectacled boy nodded.  "Achika, please be 
all right."

 	She began to stir from his words.  Her face took on a 
look of terror.  "He's coming...  He's coming..." Another 
explosion ripped through the tower.  The jarring effect set 
off the fire sprinklers.  Cold water sprayed down from the 
ceiling drenching everything. 

	Both Tenchi and Ranma halted in their tracks as they 
saw the black form of Kain appear.  The criminal was an 
amorphous mass ever-changing in shape and form.  His body 
flowed like slick oil as he floated in the air.  The only 
constant was the face of white. 

	"I feel it, some one from the house of Juri is here."  
Kain said. "There is some one here who holds tremendous 
power."

	Tenchi ran up to Ranma, both of them were shivering 
from the spraying water and from fear.  "Please you have to 
place this at the center of the room!"  He handed off the 
disk shaped booster to the protesting redhead.  "I'll hold 
him off so hurry."

	"Wait!  Damn it!"  Ranma cursed.  "What the hell is 
this thing!"  She ran back to Achika and Nobuyuki as Tenchi 
moved forward to face off with Kain.  "Come on!"  Ranma 
said to the two, we have to get out of here.  

	"Who is that boy?" Achika said looking in awe as 
Tenchi pulled out the Tenchi-ken.  The blue light of the 
blade lit up the shattered room.  

	Ranma's eyes also widened at the sight but she 
quickly recovered.  "Lets go!"  She pulled Achika way with 
Nobuyuki following after. 

	"This is as far as you go!"  Tenchi declared.  The 
sword of light glowed with energy. 

	Kain looked at him curiously.  "Are you from the 
house of Juri?" the hollow voice questioned.  Kain laughed.  
"Very interesting.  We'll see how much power you have."  
Kain struck out with his hand, his arm stretching to reach 
Tenchi.

	Tenchi held firm and held the light blade in front of 
him stopping the attack.  The mix of the two energies 
clashing against each other was an awesome sight as light 
crackled against the dark folds. 

	"Now what?"  Ranma said exasperated after placing the 
booster on the floor.  "What's suppose to happen now!"  A 
scream was heard.  Ranma looked up and saw Tenchi fly 
across the room and land heavily onto the floor.  The sword 
he held winked out as he struggled to get back up. 

	Kain moved forward menacingly.  "This looks like the 
end of the house of Juri.  I'll eradicate you and put you 
out of your misery!"  The monster swore. 

	The Tenchi-ken once more flashed back to life.  "I 
won't let you touch my mother!"  

	Ranma blinked at the statement. 

	Achika stared stupefied at the boy's remark.  She saw 
Tenchi's features, his nose, his mouth, and his eyes.  
Somehow deep inside her she knew that he has spoken the 
truth.  She clutched at this, which gave her the strength 
she needed. 

	"Achika!"  To Nobuyuki's alarm Achika stood up.

	Tenchi steeled himself for what was to come.  His 
body was numb from the pain and cold from the water.  
Everyone had worked so hard to get to this point.  The 
obstacles that they had to overcome just to face Kain were 
miracles in themselves.  He knew that there was no option 
left for him.  He would die before Kain harmed his mother.   
As he prepared to attack, a voice rang out. 

	"Stop!"  Achika stood.  A force flew out from her 
pushing back the debris around her.  "Don't touch him!"  
The fallen water on the floor rippled around radiating out 
in waves.

	Kain halted his advance.  A look of amazement was on 
his face.  "I found...  It's you.  I found you!  None of 
the others were the same.  I've come all the way to this 
planet in the middle of nowhere to destroy you!"  He turned 
away from Tenchi to face the small girl.

	Achika felt her strength falter and fear grew within.  
"What?  What are you?"

	"I am one who has suffered grievously from the power 
that lies within you!"  Kain growled.  

	Tenchi watched in horror as Kain went toward his 
mother.  He yelled out to the redhead next to Achika.  
"Ranko!  Press the red button!  Hurry!"

	Ranma didn't have to be told twice.  'What ever this 
thing does it better do it quick!'  She pressed the button 
on the disk and instantly the thing lit up. He grabbed 
Achika's and Nobuyuki. "Come on!"

	"What's this?"  Kain saw the glowing disk.  All 
around Tokyo, the five transmitters worked as predicted, 
gathering energy and shunting it to the main booster at the 
tower.  A pillar of light shot forth from the device 
opening a portal.  Kain realized too late that it was a 
trap and was caught up in the vortex of the portal.  
"NO!!!"  He screamed as his black body slowly began to get 
sucked in.  

	Ranma, Nobuyuki and Achika held on for dear life to 
anything that was bolted down.  Around them smaller bits 
and pieces were being pulled in.  The water from the 
sprinklers whipped around like a hurricane was in the room.  
The force that was imprisoning Kain threatened to do the 
same to them.

	"No!!!"  Kain struggled against the pull of the 
device but it was a senseless struggle.  Bit by bit his 
dark form was torn away into the void.  "I will take you 
with me!"  He bellowed.  From his hands, red tendrils shot 
out wrapping themselves around Achika pulling her from her 
hold.

	"Achika!!!"  Ranma reached out grabbing a hold of the 
screaming girl's hand.  With her other hand she held on to 
one of the supports of the room.  "Hold on, don't let go of 
me!!!" 
	
	"Ranma!!!"  Achika cried out.  She could barely be 
heard over the racket. 

	"I will take you with me!"  Kain promised as more of 
his body was pulled in. 

	Ranma felt herself being torn apart as she held on to 
both Achika and the metal pole.  Then the pole gave way.  
Ranma felt the jarring sensation of being pulled in.  
Nobuyuki reached out and tried to grab on to the redhead 
hand.  He missed managing only to catch on to Ranmas 
sleeve.  For a moment it looked like the three could hold 
on but then the shirt sleeve tore off from Ranma and she 
and Achika were sent spiraling into the void.  And then it 
was over; The portal had closed.

	"Ranko... Achika..." Nobuyuki looked at the 
devastation around him.  Water rained down on the twisted 
rubble.  Fatigue and stress finally took their toll on the 
young boy and Nobuyuki collapsed in exhaustion. 

****----***---****

	"Mother!!!"  Tenchi screamed as the portal closed 
before him.  He ran forward not caring about the 
consequences.  'I can make it... just a little closer...' 
He was about to fling himself into the opening until a 
figure blurred in front of him, holding him back.

	"Ryoko!"  He struggled against Ryoko as the girl held 
him back.  "My mother! Ryoko, I have to help her."

	"No, Tenchi!  It's too dangerous," Ryoko begged as 
tears formed in her eyes mixing with the falling water from 
the broken sprinklers.  She had finally made it back from 
placing the transmitter only to find she had been too late. 

	"Let me go, Ryoko!  I have to save both of them!"  
Tenchi continued to fight against her grip.

	"They've already been sucked into subspace."  Ryoko 
cried. 

	"Let me go!  Let me go!  Let me go!"  Tenchi pleaded 
desperately.  "Mother!!!"
	
****----***---****
	
	Ranma woke up.  Her body was cold and sore.  Looking 
around she found herself alone in a barren wasteland of 
gray dust and jagged rocks protruding from the ground.
 
	"Achika!"  Ranma called out over the desolate 
landscape.  The last thing she remembered was holding on to 
Achika, as they were both pulled through the portal by 
Kain. 

	Her clothes were torn ripped beyond repair.  
Fortunately Ranma still had her shoulder bag which survived 
the trip with her.  Opening it up, Ranma pulled out her 
thermos.  

	"Please let there be some left," she prayed.  Shaking 
it she felt the liquid slosh within.  Crossing her fingers 
she unscrewed the cap and poured the contents on herself.  
The water was still warm enough and Ranma felt the tingling 
sensation of the transformation. 

	Tossing the empty container aside, Ranma launched 
himself, bounding across the landscape.  "Achika!  Achika!"

	He came up a ridge overlooking a large crater.  At 
the center of the crater he saw Achika lying there.  "No... 
Achika!!!"  Ranma moved sliding down the sides of the 
crater.  He was at the girl's side soon after.  

	"Achika..."  She wasn't moving.  As he reached out to 
touch her, a dark form emerged from the girl's shadow and 
launched after him.  "What?!?"  Only his honed reflexes 
saved him from being caught as he leapt back from the 
surprise attack.  

	Ranma watched in horror as the dark form grew into a 
huge human like shape.  Held at the base of the body was 
Achika who was still unconscious.  At the head of the 
figure the ghostly white face of Kain formed. 

	Around him an aura of yellow Ki flared.  His muscles 
bulged as the energy coursed through his body. "Let her go 
you monster!"  Ranma roared.

	The face just grinned at him and liked its lips.  His 
arms stretched out flying across the ground tearing up 
anything in their path.  Streams of living darkness shot 
out toward Ranma. 

	"Bastard!!!"  Ranma charged in, zigzagging his was 
past though the streams of black.  He ducked and dodged in 
between Kains arms, his body twisting in an acrobatic style 
he had spent years mastering.  But even with his training, 
he still felt the bite of pain as he took slight nicks and 
cuts from the near misses. 

	One such near miss caught him across the chest, 
barely managing to twist his body out of the way.  Had he 
been less conditioned it would have been fatal.  'I guess 
those matches with the 'old man' were paying off,' Ranma 
grimly mused.  He prayed that it would be enough. 

	As much as her tried he couldn't get close enough to 
Achika.  His punches and kicks did nothing to the liquid 
form of Kain, serving only to bloody his hands and legs.  
Slowly he felt himself faltering.  His aura was also 
growing weaker as doubt and depression ate away at his 
confidence.  

	"Achika, wake up!"  Ranma yelled at the trapped girl. 
Her body was almost immersed in Kains dark form.  
Desperately he tried to reach out to her.  "Achika! You got 
ta wake up!  Please!!!"  

	Achika's eyes fluttered and opened.  "Ranma?" she 
said dazed.  Her mind snapped into focus as she realized 
where she was and the danger that her friend face.  "Ranma!  
Look out!!!"

	Ranma staggered as a strike grazed his leg.  
"Achika!!!"  She was still alive.  Hope grew inside of him 
and once again his battle aura flared.  "Hold on Achika!  
Just hold on, I'm coming for you!!!"  

	Achika watched in horror as he headed straight for 
her, throwing caution to the wind as he charged into Kain's 
waiting grasp.  Then at the last possible second Ranma 
jumped up into the air.  The ground which he on a moment 
ago was shattered by Kain's fists.  

	In the air Ranma saw the opening he needed.  The 
exposed face of Kain looked at him in surprise.  Ranma 
again called on his Ki as he cupped his hands together.  
"Eat this you bastard!!!  MOUKO TAKABISHA!!!"  A yellow 
ball of energy flew from his hands and struck the white 
face, shattering it.  A shudder passed though the large 
body. 

	"I did it..." Ranma said weakly as he landed to the 
ground.  He barely managed to keep upright, using one hand 
to steady his landing. 

	"Ranma!!!"  Achika screamed out. 

 	He looked up hearing her voice.  His eyes 
widened.  "No..." The face was there again, smiling at him. 

	Achika felt Kain's pain from Ranma final attack.  As 
Ranma landed to the ground she could see relief on his 
face.  'It's over...' she thought, and then she felt the 
anger grow with Kain.  "Ranma!!!"  She screamed out.

	She watched in terror as Kain's hand flew out and 
clamped onto the unprepared martial artist's face.  It 
picked Ranma up and swung him around like a rag doll.  The 
arm moved and held the struggling boy before her.

	"Ranma..." Achika's eyes filled with tears as she saw 
the agony he was in. 

	With an indifferent gesture, Kain tossed the boy into 
the air and let him drop.  Achika turned her face away 
wishing she could cover her ears when the impact came.  Her 
heart broke when she opened her eyes again and saw the 
mangled form lying lifeless on the ground.  

	"Ranma!  Ranma!!!"  She struggled against the dark 
folds holding her.  She didn't care how she did it, but all 
she wanted was to go to his side.  She felt the power 
inside of her again.  Using it she forced her way free and 
ran towards the pigtailed boy.  

	She reached Ranma's side and paused. 'He's not 
breathing!'  "Ranma!"  She clutched at him frantically.  
When she touched him a shock passed though her arm to his 
body.  The result was Ranma instantly gasping for a breath.  

	"Ranma..." Achika held on to him gently.  She could 
feel her hands tingling where she touched him.  

	"What... what are you doing Achika..." Ranma asked 
weakly.  He felt the pain in his body subside. 

	Achika couldn't answer; She didn't understand it 
herself. "Shhh...  It will be over soon," She said softly.  
Slowly getting up she faced Kain.  She felt it now, the 
power she had.  Her father had hinted about it, the legacy 
of the Masaki family. 

	"Achika..." Ranma said in a broken voice.  He tried 
to get up but his body wouldn't move.  

	"I'll never forgive you for what you've done."  
Achika said to Kain.  She stepped forward and undid 
the ribbon holding her hair.  The black tresses shimmered 
and turned silver gray.  On her face Jurian war marks 
appeared, and her clothes were torn away replaced by 
flowing pastel robes.  The power washed over her as the 
transformation completed itself. 

	A door was opened in her mind and memories that 
weren't her own came pouring through.  "Tenchi..." The boy 
in the tower who had faced Kain. "My son..."  She could see 
what he was doing now. He was searching for her.  
Looking though the countless dimensions.  

****----***----****

	"Washu!" Tenchi yelled.  With the help of Washu's
device he had sought out the astral pattern of his mother. 
"I've found her!  Can you open up the portal?"

	I'm trying Tenchi!  Keep concentrating on you mother 
until I can get a lock in sub-space.

	"Mother, please hang on." Tenchi said.

****---***----****

	Tenchi her son had come through time to save her.  
"No, I won't let you risk your life for me," she said.  "I 
won't let you harm my son, Kain!" Achika faced the monster. 

	Kain acted first, fire spouting from his mouth 
threatening to incinerate her and Ranam.  Achika stood 
unwavering against the flames.  When the fire reached her 
it met a shield of Juri energy. 

	"Pretty good but not good enough."  Kain intoned.  
Again he attacked his fists battering against the shield 
Achika held.  The pummeling was relentless and the girl 
struggled against the onslaught. 

	"Get back!" yelled Achika.  She motioned with her arm 
and her shield expanded pushing Kain back.  Achika wavered 
from the act.  

	From where he lay, Ranma felt the massive release of 
energy.  Achika's metamorphosis and the power she displayed 
awed him.  But in the same glance he saw that Tsunami was 
right about Achika not being prepared.  Achika's attacks 
while powerful, lacked focus.  She wasted too much energy 
with each blow.  It became a stalemate with Achika forced 
to the defensive while Kain struggled to break through her 
shields.  Ranma saw Achika slowly weakening.  "Achika..."

	Growing frustrated Kain roared and a hole opened 
within his body.  "If I can't destroy you I'll absorb 
you!!!"  With that a vortex swirled pulling Achika toward 
him.  

	Achika used her declining power to hold firm.  From 
the corner of her eye she saw Ranma on the ground 
threatening to be taken in.  "Ranma!"  She grabbed his hand 
before he could be dragged any farther.  Again she felt the 
shock and tingling sensation when she touched him.  She 
drew him closer and held on tight.  Slowly the two were 
pulled in.

	In her mind she heard a voice.  'Achika?'
	
	'Ranma!' she felt him in her mind.  

	'How can this be,' Ranma wondered.

	'I don't know but I'm scared Ranma.  I don't know 
what to do anymore.'

	Ranma also didn't know.  To fight anymore seemed 
useless.  Even with his training he was nothing more than 
nuisance to Kain.  And Achika lacked the skill to properly 
focus her reserves of energy.	 In the darkness of the 
situation he recalled Tsunami's words to him.  'You are 
the instrument in stopping what is to come.'  All became 
clear to him.  

	'Achika if we work together we can stop him.' Ranma 
said.

	'How?'

	'Lend me your power Achika.'

	'I don't know how to...'

	'Your doing it now, I can feel it.  I wouldn't be 
alive right now if it weren't for you.' 
 
	Achika focused on his words.  'He's right.'  The bond 
they had now was from the energy mixing between them.  She 
concentrated.  In her mind Ranma's face appeared.  Blue 
eyes stared back at her with a quite smile.  Memories 
surfaced, the walks they took together at the shrine, the 
laughs they shared.  She felt what was in her heart.  
'Ranma...'  

	Ranma gasped as the surge of power hit him.  Strength 
flowed through his limbs again and around him his yellow 
aura glowed but this time its edges were laced with deep 
blue.

	His senses came back to him and with an inhuman leap 
he pulled himself and Achika away from the vortex Kain 
held. 

	They landed dozens of yards away.  He let Achaka 
stand on her own.  He could see the energy flowing from her 
into him.  'Are you all right?' he asked.

	Achika nodded and smiled.  'Yes.  Face him Ranma, I 
will be with you.'  She shut her eyes and concentrated on 
the link between them.  

	Ranma felt the intensity of power entering him.  It 
was as Tsunami had told him.  He had become an instrument 
for Achika's energy.  Like a lens used to focus the Sun's 
light, he was able to manipulate the Juri energy like his 
Ki and concentrate its intensity.  

	Kain was enraged at being denied his prize.  "I will 
have her blood!!!"  He screamed lashing out.

	The glow around Ranma became even brighter, the 
mixture of Ki and Juri energy crackled in the air.  "I'll 
drag you to hell with me first!"  Ranma charged in his 
fists blazing with blue light.  Whatever he punched burned.  
He hacked away at Kain's arms drawing blood with each blow.   

	Kain countered using his icy breath and energy 
attacks.  The ground was shredded, turned into a crater 
filled battle zone.  Ranma was forced to fall back from the 
barrage. 

	'Achika, I need more power,' he said with his mind.

	Achika's jaw clenched in the effort.  'I'll try 
Ranma.'

	Ranma shuddered from the link.  His body felt like it 
was on fire. The energy being forced into him was trying to 
escape.  It was only by shear will that he was able to keep 
himself moving.  

	'Ranma!'  Achika felt the resistance in the link.

	Ranma realized now how Tsunami had prepared him for 
this.  The countless hours he has spent focusing his Ki in 
trying to find the secret of the Masaki holy tree was in 
preparation for this battle. 'I'm fine Achika.  Don't 
worry.'  

	Ranma attacked again, his movements becoming nothing 
more than a blur.  A normal human body would have destroyed 
itself by now, muscle tearing from the bone from the 
intensity of the movements.  The only thing that kept him 
from flying apart was Achika using her strength to 
reinforce the failing flesh. 

	 Kain struggled against the ferocity of Ranma's 
attacks.  In the span of a second, hundreds of wounds were 
torn into Kain's body.  But still Kain fought on his 
strikes growing more desperate.  

	As he fought Ranma could feel the Juri energy eating 
away at him.  He was saturated with it.  Every pore of his 
body seeped with the blue light.  But he knew that it still 
wasn't enough.  He leapt back from Kain and readied 
himself. 'Achika help me.'

	'Ranma you can't take any more!'  Achika begged. 

	'Please...' Ranma closed his eyes and concentrated.

	'No!' she realized what he was doing. 

	He began.  "MOUKO..."  

	"You can't, its too much!'

	"TAKA..."

	'Don't make me do this to you..."

	"BISHA..."

	'Please...' tears came to her face as she funneled 
energy into him once more. 

	Ranma's eyes opened.  But instead of his eyes were 
two pools of swirling blue.  His voice was a whisper.  
"PERFECT..."

	A column of yellow Ki erupted from his hands.  Around 
it spiraled the Juri energy focused in a tight beam.  The 
blast tore into Kain and a brilliant flash of light filled 
the sky. 

****----***----****

	When the light cleared there was nothing left of 
Kain.  

	"Ranma, we did it!"  Achika said.  "Ranma?"

	He stood there saying nothing.  Like a puppet with 
its strings cut Ranma wavered slightly and fell to the 
ground.

	"Ranma!!!"  She went to him and felt his pulse.  It 
was there but weak.  His breath was also shallow.  "Please 
don't leave me."  She placed her head on his and closed her 
eyes letting the darkness take her. 

	A drop of water touched her face.  Then another one 
came followed by many more.  Water rained down over the 
two.  It was enough to trigger Ranma's curse.  The water 
came from the portal that had opened up above them.  Three 
figures emerged from it. 

	"Mother!" Tenchi said landing next to Achika.  
Flanking him were Ayeka and Ryoko.  All of them were 
dressed for battle.  

	Ayeka quickly checked the fallen girl then tended to 
the redhead.  "It's all right Tenchi.  They're both 
extremely tired.  They need rest."

	"Where's Kain?"  Ryoko asked looking around 
cautiously. 

	Tenchi also scanned the area, his sword glowing ready 
for anything.  "Washu-chan, do you pick up anything?"  he 
asked.

	From her terminal the super genius looked at the 
incoming data on the screens.  "Nothing Tenchi, Kain's 
astral pattern is a negative.  All I'm picking up are 
residual traces of him and a mixture of Juri energy."

	Ayeka's eyes widened.  "That means that Achika-sama 
must have defeated him."

	"It seems like it but from my previous calculations 
that should have been impossible." 
	
	"What about Ranko?  Maybe she had something to do 
with it."  Ryoko suggested.

	"What?  A mere human?  That's very doubtful.  If I 
had more information I could run more tests." Washu said 
frustrated.  She hated it when she didn't have the answers.

	"We don't have time for this," Tenchi interrupted.  
"Let's go home, he said."

	Ayeka picked up Ranma while Ryoko helped Achika and 
Tenchi.  The group made their way back up through the 
portal and found themselves back in the wrecked 
observatory.  The water had come from the broken 
sprinklers. 

	They made their way down the tower and met up with 
Kiyone, and Mihoshi.  Sasimi was there also, looking after 
Nobuyuki.

	"We better get out of here," Ryoko said.  In the 
distance sirens were heard.  Police and rescue vehicles 
were coming to the scene.  "Ayeka do you have it?"

	Ayeka nodded and pulled out a small box.  There were 
three small metallic triangles inside.  She placed one on 
the foreheads of Achika, Ranma and Nobuyuki. 

	"So they won't remember a thing?"  Tenchi asked.

	"Yes, it's best that way," Ayeka said finishing. 

	"It's time to go," Ryoko said. 

	Tenchi nodded and looked at the sleeping form of 
Achika.  "Sleep well mother." he said softly.

	Before he vanished he heard her say something in her 
sleep.  

	"Tenchi..." she said.

****----***----****

	Achika woke up finding, herself lying in a bed that 
wasn't her own. Katsuhito walked in carrying a cup of tea. 

	"Ah... you're awake. You've been a sleep for a day 
now." a look of relief was on his face.  

	"Where are we?"  She looked around the room.

	"We are at Tokyo General hospital.  What was the last 
thing you remember Achika-chan?" he asked.
 
	"I was with my class...  We were at Tokyo tower 
and...  I can't remember anything else.  What happened 
father?"

	"They say that the tower was struck by lightning.  An 
explosion occurred and several people were injured as a 
result."

	"Father, where's Ranma?"

	A pause, "Come with me," he finally said. 

***--**--***

	"No..." Achika saw the redhead lying in bed with 
machines hooked up to her.  The beep of the heart monitor 
was heard.  

	The doctor was with them.   

	"I'm sorry Masaki-san.  There's nothing we can do.  
Her body is deteriorating at a rapid rate. We're running 
tests but so far we haven't yet isolated the cause.  It's 
only a matter of time before her body shuts down 
completely, maybe three days at the most.  I'm afraid that 
only a miracle can save her now." 

	"Father..." Achika began tears welled up in her eyes. 

	Katsuhito nodded understanding.

***--**--***  

	Achika prayed.  There was nothing left she could do.  
Her father and her had taken Ranma home.  The doctors 
didn't protest; they couldn't do anything. 

	"Only a miracle can save her now," was what one of 
them had said.  

	"If that's what it takes then." Achika told the man.  

	She kneeled facing the Holy tree.  "To anyone who can 
hear me.  My friend needs your help.  He's dying and I know 
of no other way to cure him.  He good person with a kind 
heart.  Please, I love him."  She said quietly.  Her face 
was wet with tears.  

	Katsuhito looked sadly at his daughter's grief.  It 
had been difficult for Achika when her mother died, and now 
she had to deal with this.  He looked at Ranma's body lying 
next to them.  With a worried expression he wondered, 
'Tsunami, are you listening?'

***--**--***
	 
	Ranma gazed out over the tranquil waters.  He knew 
where he was but how he got there he couldn't remember.  He 
felt a touch on his shoulder. 

	"Tsunami," he addressed the woman.  "What am I doing 
here?"

	"Remember," she said and touched his forehead.  

	Images flashed through his mind.  The class trip, 
Tokyo tower and, "Kain!"  Ranma said.  "He's gone isn't 
he?" 

	"Yes.  You and Achika were able to stop him."

	"Then why am I here?  I don't remember coming here."  
His brows knitted. 

	"Look," she said pointing to the waters below.  

	Ranma saw his reflection, the redhead stared back at 
him.  It blurred and another image appeared.  It was of 
Achika and her father kneeling before the Sacred Tree.  
Beside them he saw his body wrapped in a blanked between 
the two. 

	"Achika...  Tsunami, what's happening?"  Ranma started 
to panic.

	"You're dying Ranma.  The human body has no defenses 
against the anti-Juri energy that Kain used.  His essence 
somehow contaminated you when you fought.  It's slowly 
killing you from within."

	Ranma nodded remembering the cuts and scrapes he 
received. What about Achika, is she all right?

	Yes, her body can withstand Kain's corruption.

	Relief washed over him.  "At least she's safe now."
	
	"Do you have any regrets? she asked. 

	A pause, He looked Tsunami in the eye.  "No, I'd give 
my life for her again if I had to."  

	"You love her then?" she asked.

	"Yes."

	Tsunami smiled.  She held out her hand.  There was 
what looked like a small pebble floating above it.  

	"What is that?"  Ranma looked at the object 
curiously.  

	"A seed, the symbol of new life."

	"New life?"

  	"Accept it and it will save you, but you will be 
changed."  

	"Changed?"

	"There is too little of you body left functioning to 
repair.  What can be saved will be saved but the rest must 
be rebuilt entirely.  With out this you will die."

	"I don't have much of choice then do I?" he said 
wryly.

	"I'm sorry, Ranma," she said sadly. "It is the only 
way." 

	"I accept then."

	Tsunami nodded.  She placed it upon his chest.  It 
passed through his skin and entered his body.  The blue 
glow could be seen from the point on his chest.

	"What's happening to me?"  Ranma asked frightened.  
He watched as lines grew out from the seed and made their 
way out through his entire body.  He realized that they 
were roots. The seed was growing inside of him. 

	"Do not be afraid Ranma.  It is mending your body.  
Rest now and accept."  She spoke in a soothing voice quelling
his doubts.

	Ranma relaxed letting go of the last of his fears.  

***--**--***

	"Ranma," the voice said.  "Ranma, can you hear me?"

	Ranma opened his eyes and saw the most beautiful face 
he had ever seen.  "Am I in heaven?" he asked.  "Are you an 
angel?"

	Ranma! she held him tightly and buried her face on 
his chest sobbing. 

	"Achika-chan?"

	"I though I lost you," she cried.

	"Never," he said.  He held her chin up and gently 
brushed the loose strands of hair away from her wet face. 
"I'll never leave you.  Achika-chan I... I love you."  
	
	She looked into his deep blue eyes.  "I love you 
too," she said and kissed him passionately on the lips.  
Their kiss deepened and the rest of the world faded away.

	"Ahem," Katsuhito said clearing his throat. 

	Masaki-sensi!  Ranma blurted realizing the other 
man's presence.

	"Father!"  Achiak said her face becoming beat red. 

	The two pulled away from each other hastily with 
sheepish expressions on their faces.  

	"Achika-chan, why don't you help Ranma back to the 
house?  I'm sure that he could use some more rest.  Right 
Ranma?"  he said narrowing his eyes at the two.

	Ranma swallowed.  "Y-yes, sensi."

	Achika also nodded as she helped Ranma up. 

	Katsuhito watched then go and chuckled to himself.  
He faced the Holy tree and bowed.  "Thank you Tsunami," he 
said gratefully.

	"No thanks are required lord Yosho."  An image of the 
woman appeared from the tree.  She smiled.  "The boy is 
remarkable, you trained him well."

	"What did you do to him?"  Yosho the crown prince of 
Juri asked.  "I can feel the Juri energy coming from him 
now." 

	"The only way I could save him was to graft a seed of 
a Juri tree into him."

	"Then the seed you used..."

	"Yes, it was to be Achika's tree, just as Funaho is 
you tree."  She patted the bark fondly.  "You know as well 
as I that a seed will not grow on Earth.  And without her 
own tree to sustain her, Achika would only live as long as 
a normal human."  
	
	"So Ranma is now..." Yosho was shaken by the 
revelation.  'A tree of Juri that isn't...'

	"As I said, the boy is remarkable.  Watch over both 
of them Lord Yosho.  You'll have to tell them the truth 
soon.  Ranma already knows some but Achika must learn of 
her true heritage.  I leave the rest to you."

	"One more thing Tsunami," Yosho asked.

	"Yes?"

	"About Ranma's special problem?"

	Tsunami laughed.  "He'll find out soon enough."  As 
she disappeared it began to rain.

	Yosho chuckeled as he walked home. 

***--**--***

	As the first drop of water hit him, Ranma groaned.  
Achika smirked at his usual reaction.  Ranma felt more 
drops and braced himself for the inevitable change.  
Nothing happened. 

	"Ranma..." Achika said softly her eyes were smiling.

	He looked at her and saw that she was getting soaked.  
He looked at himself and saw the same.  "I'm still a 
guy..." he said unbelieving.  "I'm still a guy!"

	"I'm happy for you Ranma!"  Achika said.

	He picked her up and hugged her tightly.  "I love 
you."

	"I love you too."


****----***----****

The Future.

	"We're back!"  Sasami happily shouted as the group 
reappeared in the room.  It was as how they left it.  
Ayeka's bowl of crackers was on the table, the box of 
pictures was on the floor and the movie was running.  

	"Is everyone all right?" Tenchi asked. 

	"It worked!"  Ryoko said looking at film.  Achika was 
there again walking through he woods, with her was Ranko.

	"Yes, everything is back to normal," Ayeka agreed. 

	"Tenchi, lets celebrate," Ryoko said in a husky 
voice.  She snaked under his arm and started rubbing his 
chest. 

	Tenchi felt a nosebleed coming. 

	"Have you no decency?"  Ayeka growled.  

	"Oh, what are you going to do about it little Miss 
proper?"  Ryoko stuck her tongue out at her. 
	
	"Ah... Ayeka, Ryoko?"  Tenchi saw the wooden blocks 
appear around the princess and Ryoko's light sword flashed 
into existence. 

 	Before the battle started the front door opened.  
"Mom!  Dad!"  Tenchi said.  Instantly the two girls jumped 
apart from each other and greeted the couple.

	"We're home!" Achika said.  Behind her Ranma followed 
carrying a bag of groceries.  She walked up and gave Tenchi 
a peck on the cheek.  She winked at him.  

	"Welcome home Achika-sama," Ayeka said in her demure 
matter. 

	"Did you have fun shopping, auntie?" Ryoko asked 
sweetly.  

	Tenchi grew a sweatdrop seeing the sudden change in 
the two.  The girls tried to out do each other in 
sweetness toward the elder woman.

	"Every thing was just fine girls."  Achika said.  "I'm 
glad to see that you're getting along well together.  It's good 
that you're not fighting anymore."

	Ayeka and Ryoko looked at eachother nervously. 

	Tenchi smiled at his mother gratefully.  She was a 
beautiful woman and though she was in her early forties she 
looked like she was in her late twenties.  In her eyes he 
could see the years of wisdom within.  

	With just a few subtle hints she could diffuse the 
arguments that Ryoko and Ayeka always got into.  He hated 
to think what his life would be like if his mother wasn't 
there.    

	Ranma set the bags on the table.  "How was your night 
Tenchi?"

	"It was interesting dad..." Tenchi said to the older 
man.  His father was also in his early forties with a few 
streaks of gray in his pigtail, which reached down the 
length of his back.
 
	His father looked at him curiously and laughed.  "You 
can tell me about it later."  He tussled Tenchi's hair 
playfully. 

	Tenchi loved his father's easygoing manner in things.  
He could easily talk to his father when he wanted and Ranma 
would patiently listen giving advice whenever he could.   
	
	Tenchi couldn't believe how close he had come to 
losing his family.  What would he do with out them? He 
wondered. 

	"Tenchi, is everything all right?"  Achika asked.

	"Yeah mom, everything's great."  Tenchi said.


The End




Story Notes:
First rule of Love in Anime.  Love comes in the shape of a 
triangle or more complicated geometric shapes.  

If you haven't noticed, this story is set in the Tenchi 
Muyo in Love story line.  I think I'm following it fairly 
well.  If you haven't seen the movie, it shouldn't matter. 

If you have seen the movie you might be wonder about the 
Operative.  He's there in the background but I didn't see 
the need to write him in. 

Ranma a Juri Tree you ask?  Well, I think it could work.  
It's an excuse to make Ranma more powerful and it keeps 
Achika alive.  Cures his cure to boot!  

I'm not really sure where else to take this.  I'm open to 
any suggestions.  


Author Notes:

Well, that's all folks.  I am tired.  It seems that each 
chapter is getting longer and longer.  I really hope it's 
worth it.  I'm not boring anyone am I?  If I am, please let 
me know.  

I'd like to thank everyone for their support.  It's readers 
like you that made this possible.  If you have any comments 
please send your messages to both the e-mail address below. 
I'm in the process of moving and my address will soon 
change. 


I'm looking for anyone who would be interested in pre-
reading my works.
Also, I'm getting a web page soon.  Since I cant draw I was 
wondering 
If anyone out there would mind doing some fan-art and send 
me a picture
Of Ranma and Achika together.

Send all mail to the address below.  For the subject please 
put:

Ranma|Tenchi

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Cruzd@rpi.edu
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