Subject: [fanfic][ranma] Mysteries of the Mind - Part 9
From: "Coutuva" <coutuva@vecdev.com>
Date: 8/22/1997, 10:08 AM
To: "FFML" <fanfic@fanfic.com>

Well, here goes the next Chapter of the series!  This is based
heavily on events and situations from the previous stories,
and the previous Chapters, which are finally available on
my Web Site.  And for those of you who wondered, no, this
is *not* going to be a fifty part series... fourty-eight maybe.
*KIDDING!*

As always, C&C is anticipated, accepted, and appreciated.
Thanx again to Kunoichi, whose "Ranma Nibun no ichi"
Lemon Series inspired my Ranma works.

All original Ranma1/2 Characters and Backstory Copyright
Rumiko Takahashi, and are used without permission.


Coutuva.

+++++


Mysteries of the Mind - Part 9
Destiny Unfolds
---------------------------------------------------------------------

	Mu Lin glared angrily at the Amazon for few long, anxious
seconds.  Abruptly, she snatched the symbol from the air and held the
energy in her hand.
	"Amazon... I see that in fact you do bear the honor of your
ancestry.  I withdraw my aspersion against you for any lack."  Mu Lin
indicated, eyes narrowing.  "And because you acted based on your honor,
and on your love... I shall let you live."
	Shampoo, eyes wide with surprise, breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
	"However, this does not change the fact you caused harm to the
one that I love...  and I cannot allow that to go unpunished!"  she
snarled, suddenly throwing the mass of chi energy directly at the stunned
Amazon.
	The mass hit Shampoo square in the chest, throwing her several
meters through the air. Her body hit the ground hard, ending up in a
heap near the side of the building.
	"None shall ever harm you, little one.  I have so pledged to
the one known as Hitomi.  As well, the Amazon will be useful to me...
the fulfillment of my destiny requires that I return to my ancestral
home, and the Amazon knows it's current form."  The Princess explained,
offering Kikyo her hand.  "Be you well enough to stand?"
	"Hai... I think so."  Kikyo replied, still somewhat stunned. 
	Helping Kikyo to her feet, the Princess then smiled with relief.
"I am pleased to see you are unharmed."
	"I`ll be okay... Now, tell me why you're doing all this... and
why you're picking on Hitomi."  Kikyo demanded, regarding the Princess
levelly.
	"I shall reveal all, my child... only the place to do so is not
this one.  To that end, I put forth that we return to your quarters, that
we may converse in private."
	"I... don't know if I want you in my 'quarters'..."  Kikyo
responded, evenly.  "You're not Hitomi anymore... in fact, you're the
reason she's gone.  I don't know what your 'destiny' is, but I do know
that you took her away from me... and I'm not sure I can ever forgive
that."  she continued, voice cracking with emotion.
	Mu Lin lowered her eyes slowly, then raised them to meet Kikyo's
level glare.  "I can only ask for your indulgence and your forgiveness
for my actions, as I do not seek to cause you undue pain.  My Destiny
has waited in excess of 1500 years to be met... It must be seen to
conclusion."  Mu Lin explained, carefully.  "I would ask that you allow
me the occasion to explain all... so that you may understand."  she added,
eyes becoming imploring.
	"That's fine for you... everything's going the way you want.
I've been going through hell... watching Hitomi slowly disappear as you
took her over.  What gives you the right..."  Kikyo protested bitterly,
voice choking off as her emotions got the better of her.
	"I cannot explain here.  While I understand your grief and
confusion, there is much about the one known as Hitomi that you are not
aware of."  Mu Lin explained, placing a hand on Kikyo's shoulder.  "And
it may be difficult to fathom."
	Kikyo was about to snap an angry retort back at the Princess,
but when she looked into her big, familiar blue eyes, she couldn't bring
herself to do it.
	"Fine... We'll go back to the apartment.  But, this better be
good."  she finally stated, bitterness still edging her voice.
	"Thank you, my child. I will explain all.  But first, we must
rouse the Amazon, and I must bid my friends farewell."  Mu Lin replied,
smiling with relief.  Turning, she walked over to Shampoo's crumpled form
and knelt beside her.  "The Amazon is but stunned, and should recover
shortly.  I will propose my arrangement to her, and should she be willing
to aid me in my quest, I shall be grateful.  Should she decide against,
she will be free to take her leave." she indicated, glancing back up
at Kikyo.
	"I can look after her... give me a second."  Kikyo replied,
wiping the drying tears from her eyes.  "I need to get something first."
she added, walking back to where she had fallen.  Bending down, she
picked up her .45 and wiped it off.  "Hell of a way to treat a baby
like this."  she muttered, checking it over before sliding it back into
her beltline.  "Okay... now I'm ready.  You go do whatever you're doing...
I'd like to get out of here soon."  she directed, waving the Princess
away.
	"I shall.  We will depart in but moments."  Mu Lin responded,
rising and heading into the Center.
	Mu Lin stepped through the rear doors and walked over to the
largest gathering of children, who immediately stopped their play and
turned to look at her.  Despite her very different dress and slightly
different carriage, they seemed not to notice any change in her.
	Instantly, they all smiled in unison and ran up to her, happily
surrounding the now brightly smiling woman.
        Kneeling, Mu Lin chatted excitedly with the closest ones before
rising to speak to the entire group.
	"My children... it is with a heavy heart that I tell you that
I must go away for a time.  Matters of urgency require that I return to
my homeland to attend to them."  she began, sadly.
	The children, shocked by the news, immediately began to protest,
some even starting to cry.  Minako, standing a few feet away, was also
quite stunned.
	"Weep not for me, little ones... I will again return to watch
over you, you have my word in bond."  she continued, insistently.
Kneeling before them once again, she looked deep into their eyes before
finally speaking again.
	"Do I have your assurance that you will all be of good spirits
and manner in my absence?"  she asked, which resulted in a sea of nodding
heads.  "My faith is justified then, as I knew it would be.  Fare you
all well... I shall return as soon as I am able."  she concluded with
a smile, rising to her feet and bowing respectfully.  The children all
returned the bow, and didn't see the hastily wiped away tear.
	As Mu Lin turned to walk away, Minako caught up to her, gasping
her arm to get her attention.
	"Is this true, Hitomi-Sensei?  You are leaving?"  she asked,
worriedly.
	"It is true.  Despite my overwhelming desire to remain, I must
attend to this urgent matter.  My visitor informed me of it just now.
I will return when it is settled, you have my word."  Mu Lin replied,
sadly but firmly.
	"We will all miss you, Sensei."  Minako responded, bowing sadly.
"I wish you success in your efforts...so you will be back to us soon."
	"Nothing would satisfy me more, Minako-Sensei."  Mu Lin smiled,
returning the bow.

	A few moments later, Mu Lin returned to find Kikyo keeling beside
a still-winded but conscious Shampoo.
	"You have recovered, Amazon... I am glad.  I knew the effect of
such a small attack would be minimal."
	"Why did you not... kill me?"  Shampoo asked painfully, regarding
the Princess questioningly.
	"It occurred to me that to fulfill my Destiny, I have need of one
such as you.  Someone who knows the lay of the land in what was once my
home."
	"You mean... China?"
	"Yes.  My quest begins there.  I will say no more until we are
once again in more suitable conditions."
	"What do you mean?"  Shampoo asked, rising with difficulty to a
sitting pose.
	"She wants to go back to my apartment."  Kikyo droned, having
already had this discussion.  "She says that she wants to explain
everything, but not here."
	Shampoo looked up at Kikyo, then glanced back at Mu Lin.
	"Agent-girl... I... want to know.  Ranma is in there somewhere...
and I want to know what happened to him."  she indicated at length, her
voice quiet.
	Kikyo glanced down at her for a moment, then sighed resignedly.
"I already agreed.  And you can call me Kikyo."
	"Arigato, Kikyo-san.  I am Lin Shan Puu... everyone calls me
'Shampoo'.  The Amazon smiled, sheepishly.  "I am sorry about attacking
you... I get that way around Ailen."  she stated, lowering her eyes.
	"Can't fault you for that, I guess..."  Kikyo replied, smiling
weakly.  "Okay, Mu Lin... We'll hear you out.  But for now, that's all
I'll promise."  she stated, offering a hand to Shampoo.  Mu Lin smiled
politely, bowed quickly, then stepped forward to help Kikyo with Shampoo.
The Amazon glared at her, and refused to accept her proffered hand.
	"Not until after you talk.  Then I will decide about you."
Shampoo stated, firmly.
	"I can accept that condition.  Let us go."  Mu Lin acquiesced,
stepping back from the two women.


	Once back at the apartment, Kikyo sat Shampoo on the couch and
went to make tea for all of them, while Mu Lin disappeared without a
word into the bedroom.  A few moments later, she appeared again,
wearing a loose tank-t and a pair of denim cutoffs.  Wordlessly, she
went to the couch and perched cross-legged in the middle of it, then
turned on the TV.
	Just then, Kikyo entered the livingroom, carrying a tray with a
full tea service and some cookies.  When she caught sight of Mu Lin,
she froze in her tracks.
	"Ya... YA!  You're not going to do this to me!  You're not!"
she blurted, tears suddenly rolling down her face.  Both Mu Lin and
Shampoo looked back at her, blinking in surprise.
	"What do you mean, little one?"  Mu Lin asked, completely
baffled.
	"Sitting there like that.. dressing like that... Hitomi-chan
did those things... and you're not her!"  Kikyo retorted angrily, her
entire body shaking so much that the teacups rattled.
	"Forgive me, my child.  I acted out of habit, not thought.
This body has it's own practices, and I allowed it to do as it was
accustomed.  I will change the garments."  Mu Lin explained, leaping
from the couch.  "I meant no disrespect."  she added as she walked
from the room.
	"You... really loved her, didn't you..."  Shampoo observed,
her voice almost a whisper.
	"Hai... I do.  Seeing that... Princess in Hitomi's body is
tearing me apart."  Kikyo indicated, voice wavering. "You know her...
doesn't it bother you?"  she added, stepping forward and setting down
the tray.
	"I'm used to it... When you've been around onna-Ranma as long
as I have, nothing surprises you anymore."  Shampoo smirked, sitting
forward to get her tea.  "Although, this 'Hitomi' is different a bit."
she added, thoughtfully.
	"I can't get used to it... every time I see her, I see Hitomi.
She's going to drive me crazy!"  Kikyo sniffed, wiping her flushed
cheeks.  "And I still don't trust her about all this... what guarantee
have I got that she'll give Hitomi back?"
	"Hai... I'd probably be the same if it were otoko-Ranma...
I've loved him for almost 15 years."  Shampoo indicated, wistfully.
	"I'd rather not know that..."  Kikyo stated, looking at Shampoo
almost pleadingly.  "This is hard enough already."
At that moment, Mu Lin returned from the bedroom, wearing only a short
terry housecoat, and an apologetic look.  "I was unable to find anything
suitable... I felt they would all upset you, little one.  I will wear
this for the interim."  she explained, quietly.
	"I have some clothes that might fit you... if I decide to help
you."  Shampoo chimed in, momentarily caught herself by the Princess's
familiar appearance.
	Kikyo only nodded, not really caring to contribute.
	Taking a cup and pouring herself and Kikyo a tea, Mu Lin then
moved back to the center of the couch and sat demurely, avoiding the
cross-legged perch.  Taking a sip of her tea, she glanced at the other
two women, both of whom were regarding her expectantly.
	Smiling politely, she set down her cup and crossed her hands in
her lap.
	"I see you wish me to relate my tale.  Be forewarned, there are
aspects of it that will upset you both."  she advised, looking again at
each woman.
	"I don't think I could be any more upset..."  Kikyo intoned,
levelly.
	"Very well then.  Shall I begin?"
	"Hai."  Both women responded in chorus, then looked at each
other sheepishly.
	On the affirmative, Mu Lin lowered her head slightly and closed
her eyes.
	"Fifteen Hundred years ago, when I still lived, I met a Spirit
in a place called Jusenkyo.  I had been captured by our enemies, and was
to be used as bait to draw my father from his palace.  This Spirit set
me free, and I tried to return to warn my Father of the trap.  I was
seen again, and as I was wounded, tired and surrounded, and in order
that I not be used as a means to harm my Father, I jumped from a cliff.
	I landed in a cursed pool, and my Spirit became trapped there...
until I was released into the body of a young man... one Ranma Saotome.
Once I was within him, I discovered it was in fact he who had come back
through the ages as that Spirit, and given me the chance to protect my
Father."  she related, glancing up once more.  The other two women
simply stared in amazement, and then gestured for her to go on.
	"For that act, I owed him a debt...  which is being paid as we
speak.  When the incident that triggered my rebirth occurred these
months ago, my benefactor, Ranma Saotome... died.  I was unable to
prevent it as his journey home had begun before I was awakened by the
rains."
	Shampoo reacted as if someone had slapped her.  "No... Ailen...
It can't be true..." she whispered, tears brimming in her large,
horrified eyes.
	"Sadly, Amazon, I speak the truth.  This is the reason that
the one known as Hitomi has no memories of a former life... they died
with Ranma."
	"NO!  You lie!  You have just taken him over... and now you
don't want to give him back!"  Shampoo yelled, jumping to her feet and
glaring angrily at the Princess though ever increasing tears.
	"I do not lie.  My time in this mortal shell is limited... I
have nothing to gain by such an act.  I will tell you but once more...
the man known as Ranma Saotome is dead.  His existence is ended."  The
Princess responded, eyeing Shampoo sternly.
	Shampoo continued to stare at the redhead, searching vainly for
something to indicate that it wasn't true... but she could find nothing.
Her bottom lip began to tremble as the reality hit home, and she began
sobbing, then turned and ran wailing to the bathroom.
	The Princess's face softened in sympathy.  "I shall give her
time to mourn." she stated softly, then rose and walked from the room.
Kikyo simply nodded and watched her go.
	Having heard the truth at last about the man known as Ranma,
suddenly Hitomi's lack of a past, and lack of a desire to find it made
perfect sense to Kikyo.  It also explained why Hitomi was living as a
female, and seemed so happy with life.
	Sighing, Kikyo rose from her chair and walked slowly to the
hidden panel in her wall.  Opening it, she reached in and carefully
removed the dossier on Ranma.  Flipping through the documents, she
smirked to herself with a huff.  Closing the file, she turned and
walked toward her gas fireplace, lit it up, and after looking sadly
at the picture of the smiling, black-haired man on the cover, tossed
the file into the flames.
	A few hours later,  the Princess again sat in the livingroom,
regarding the other two women questioningly.    "Are you certain you
are ready to resume?"
	"Hai... we are.  We want to know more."  Kikyo indicated,
insistently.  Shampoo nodded her agreement.
	"Very well.  To continue, through the grace of the Fates and
the matter of my debt, Hitomi, as she is known, was created.  She
bears within her the essence, honor, skills, strength and great
capacity for love and compassion that were a part of Ranma, and also
possesses the body that was once his cursed form.  In that way, my
debt to him is repaid... for it was once my body.  I also bring to
this sanctioned union my manner, life energy and the spell known as
'The Fire of the Dragon'.  I also have at my command certain 'powers'
granted me that I may complete my assigned task." the redhead
explained, sipping her tea.
	"Once my Destiny is met I shall finally go to my Eternal Rest,
and the one known as Hitomi will live out her natural life as she and
the Fates see fit.  For the present, she sleeps within me, and will
have no knowledge of these events."  the Princess continued, glancing
at Kikyo for a reaction.
	Kikyo sank back into the couch, face fixed and somewhat
relieved, yet surprised by what she had just heard.  Shampoo meantime,
wiped more tears from her reddened eyes, but didn't seem as concerned
by Hitomi's true nature.
        "That's very nice, but it doesn't tell why you are here."
Shampoo commented, sniffing and wiping her cheeks yet again.
	The Princess simply smiled and nodded.  "Centuries agone, in
the days before the great wars, an act of treachery and deceit forever
tarnished my family's name.  Writings exist of the plan for this act,
and are in the hands of a descendant of the conspirators.  I am to set
right this great wrong against my family... not only to clear the names
of our descendants, but to settle a long-raging war in the Spirit World
that threatens to divide it irreparably.   The souls of countless beings
are in turmoil over this unrest, and it could create even more
widespread strife."  Mu Lin related, her eyes and voice serious.
	"Ranma's passing, while unfortunate, provided all of the
necessary circumstances to permit me to meet my Destiny.  I would have
acted sooner, but the one called Hitomi possesses a strong will and
character, and it was difficult for me to gain control of the body
once she came to be."  she continued, sighing heavily.  "In fact, she
was created in order for me to have a body in which to enact my charge.
In a manner, by using the remnants of Ranma's essence as a part of her,
the task of gaining control of the body created for me was made very
difficult."  she added, thoughtfully.  "It was your trickery, Amazon,
that finally upset the balance of power, enabling me to gain the
control I required."  she continued, stopping for another sip of
her tea.
	"How?  That charm should have forced you out."  Shampoo blinked,
stunned that she was responsible for creating Mu Lin.
	"Simple, Amazon... your charm was intended to rid one of a
possession...  I am the original life force of this body, and in fact
Hitomi is the 'Spirit" that inhabits it.  Your charm did as it should...
but not as you intended."  Mu Lin replied, grinning smugly.
	Shampoo's face darkened at the comment, but to her credit, she
held her tongue.
	"So... how say you, Amazon?  Will you aid me in the completion
of my deed, or do you wish to simply take your leave?"  Mu Lin asked
abruptly, leaning forward to regard Shampoo.
	Shampoo at first did not reply, but glanced for a moment at
Kikyo, then turned her gaze to the floor.
	"I... cannot answer that yet.  I must think it over."  Shampoo
replied, softly.  "I will be in the bedroom." she abruptly indicated,
and quickly exited the room.
	"Poor child... she still has not accepted that over which she
has no control.  I feel for her, but she must decide... My time is
limited, and it runs away as we speak."
	"You're heartless!  Can't you see how much she's suffering?!?
This 'Ranma' was everything to her... and all you're worried about is
your 'task'?"  Kikyo abruptly growled, walking right up to the
Princess's shocked face.
	"I cannot allow myself the luxury of such compassions, child.
My 'task' as you call it, is of the utmost import to the Spirit World.
Has it not occurred to you that exceptional things have been granted
to ensure it's completion?  In point of fact, had the need to resolve
this conflict not existed, there would be no Hitomi... and you would
never have known her!  Is that how you would rather things be?"  The
Princess shot back, uncharacteristically angry at Kikyo.  "You talk
of my heartlessness... yet all you see is your own pain.  What of
the strife of countless millions of souls, supposedly gone to their
final rest?  I think it is you that shows the selfish traits, not I!"
she continued, glaring hard at the now petrified Kikyo.
	Totally stunned at the outburst, Kikyo stepped backward away
from the scowling Princess, afraid she had gone too far.  Suddenly,
the Princess's expression changed from one of anger to one of horror.
	"My Child... forgive me.  I raised my voice in anger to you...
please forgive my impertinence."  she breathed, eyes wide and pleading.
	Kikyo's jaw dropped open.  She couldn't believe that the woman
she thought was about to blow her away was suddenly acting like a
scolded puppy.
	"Ano... what do you mean?"  was all Kikyo could manage as she
stared at Mu Lin.
	"Forgive me, my Child... my passions got the better of my
promise to Hitomi.  It will never happen again."
	"Hai..."  Kikyo breathed, glad she still could.
	"I thank you."  Mu Lin replied, bowing slightly.
	After a few long, silent moments, Kikyo looked back at the
Princess who sat demurely across from her, eyes lowered and patiently
waiting to be spoken to.
	"Mu Lin... if I help you... will that bring Hitomi back sooner?"
Kikyo responded, eyeing the Princess expectantly.
	"Yes, Child... If your assistance enables me to complete my
task more quickly, then Hitomi will reawaken earlier.  I would have you
know that I wish to gain my Eternal Rest, and to that end also wish for
an expedient completion."  Mu Lin stated, nodding.
	"Then I'll help you.  Anything to have her back.  I don't care
why or how she came to be... I love her... that's all that matters to
me."  Kikyo responded, eyes shimmering.
	Mu Lin smiled appreciatively.  "She chose you well, little one.
You are indeed a special person, albeit single-minded."  she smiled,
winking and rising from her seat.
	Just as the redhead was about to speak again, Shampoo returned
from the bedroom looking totally defeated, eyes puffy and moist.
	"I have thought it over..."  she began quietly, voice wavering
slightly.   "With Ailen being... gone, my life no longer has a purpose...
I have no reason to return to Japan to endure my sham marriage...  and
I will be banished from my tribe for my failure."  she continued,
raising her eyes to meet Mu-Lin's.  "An Amazon is nothing without
purpose, so I have decided to go with you... if you will have me."
she concluded, tears again running down her reddened cheeks.
	"Amazon, I would welcome you with open arms.  To me, that
situation is of little consequence.  As well, given the nature of my
quest, you may in fact be able to save face."  Mu Lin answered, smiling.
	"Thank you, Mu Lin.  I will not forget this kindness."
Shampoo stated, wiping her face.  "At least... I have a purpose again."
she added, trying to smile.
	"Our travels begin on the morrow.  My time is limited, so we
must act with all haste.  We depart at first light."  she instructed,
turning to leave the room.
	"Ano... In order to get to China, we have to get packed, book
a plane, get a hotel..."  Kikyo interjected, shaking her head.  "Could
be a week or more before we get a flight to wherever we have to be."
	Mu Lin smiled knowingly at the two women.  "We depart at first
light."  she repeated, then disappeared into the bathroom.
	Kikyo and Shampoo simply blinked at each other, both at a loss
for words.
	
	The next morning,  Kikyo wandered sleepily from the bathroom to
see Shampoo and Mu Lin sitting in the living room, chatting away to one
another in Chinese.  For a moment, she let herself think that it was
Hitomi sitting there, and smiled slightly despite her rough night.
	Mu Lin had slept in Hitomi's spot on the bed, and had curled up
in exactly the same way.  The only difference was that the Princess slept
nude, which predictably resulted in a sleepless night for Kikyo.
	Kikyo had not wanted Mu Lin to sleep in her bed, but the Princess
had slipped in and fallen asleep before an alternate location could be
prepared.  Resignedly, Kikyo had just decided to let well enough alone,
but was now regretting that decision.
	"Greetings of the day, little one.  I hope you slept well."
the Princess wished, noticing Kikyo in the hallway.
	"Actually, I didn't... but that's another story."  she replied,
yawning.  Just at that moment, a familiar scent wafted past her nose.
"MMM... Coffee.  Just what I needed.  Who made it?"  Kikyo asked,
surprised.
	"I made the coffee... I owned a restaurant in Japan, so it's no
big deal."  Shampoo indicated, smiling happily.  "Breakfast is on the
table."
	"Sugoi... what time is it?"  Kikyo blinked, noting the
microwave's clock.  "Ho.. it's only six o'clock!"  she observed, stunned.
	"We are already behind schedule, little one... please make
haste." the Princess commented, a hint of urgency to her tone.
	"Hai, hai... I will.  Let me get some coffee, and I'll be ready
soon.  You two seem to be getting along better... did I miss something?"
Kikyo noted, regarding the other women questioningly.  She wasn't sure
why, but seeing the two of them getting along so well bothered her
slightly.
	"We have talked, and found some common ground.  We understand
one another now."  Mu Lin said, smiling.
	"I wish I could..."  Kikyo grumbled under her breath as she
nodded her acknowledgment.
	Within a few minutes, Kikyo had gathered certain of her 'Business
Papers' and some other necessities for the trip, and stood ready beside
the other two women.
	"You will have need of naught but your weapons, child.  I will
provide for all else.  Amazon... are all your effects here now?"
	"Hai.  They are.  I gave up my room already."  Shampoo replied,
nodding.
	"Have you any weapons?  They will be needed." 
	"I do...  I always have bonbori and sword handy.  I should be
okay."  Shampoo winked, grinning.
	"Very good.  Little one, have you all you need?"  Mu lin asked,
turning to Kikyo expectantly.
	"Hai.  I do."
	"Then let us away."  Mu Lin stated, raising her hands to her
forehead.
	"Are you two coming?" Kikyo asked abruptly, holding open the
apartment door.
	Mu Lin lowered her arms and smiled reprovingly.  "My child, the
first thing you must learn is to stop thinking as a mortal... our
chances of success will be lessened if you restrict yourself in such a
way.  Close and lock the door, and come stand by us."  she beckoned,
still smiling.
	"Okay..."  Kikyo replied, walking over to them.
	"Just stand still..."  Mu Lin instructed, then raised her arms
to her forehead again and closed her eyes.
	Abruptly, the room disappeared in a flood of blackness, to be
suddenly replaced by another.  Only this new room bore a distinctly
Chinese decor.
	"Sugoi...!"  Kikyo breathed, unable to accept what her eyes
were telling her.  She and Shampoo turned and looked at each other in
disbelief, then both turned to stare at Mu Lin.
	"We have arrived.  Before us now lies the difficult part of my
task... erasing the blight that has soiled my family's name for nigh on
two millennia."  the Princess stated, smiling wickedly.  "And I hope
there is *much* resistance."  she added, eyes narrowing.
	Kikyo and Shampoo looked back at each other and bigsweated.





==========================================================================
END - Mysteries of the Mind - Part 9        A Ranma1/2 FanFic by V. Coutu


Comments Welcomed, Flames Extinguished!
coutuva@vecdev.com




----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------
Catch all my 'Fics (and more!) at Water's Edge!
http://home1.gte.net/teseract/archive/Vic

Main Address: coutuva@vecdev.com
Backup Address: coutuva@hotmail.com

"No, we don't broadcast animation live anymore... it puts too
much of a strain on the Artist's wrists."