The  characters  of the Ranma �  universe  are  the
creation   and   possession  of  the  brilliant   Rumiko
Takahashi.  They  belong  to Rumiko  Takahashi  and  her
licensees   (Shogakukan   Inc.,   Kitty-Fuji   TV,   Viz
Communications   Inc.)  No  copyright  infringement   is
intended.   

This fanfiction is somewhat grittier than my other works and
less WAFFY.  There are scenes containing strong language, violence and
death.




Chapter 3

     "There she is. Get her. GET HER!"
     "Dodging, leaping and twisting the small black cat
sped through the gauntlet of grabbing hands to dash down a
side street.
     "Dead end. DEAD END!" Panting heavily the stocky
man cautiously approached the black cat. On either side
other men , some wearing heavy gloves and thick jackets, cut
off all avenues of escape.  One man in kendo armor complete
with face-mask came up behind the gasping man.
     "Ya . . .ya thin . . .think thas' the one Eiji?"
     "'Course it is Ikki, ya stupid . . ." Eiji paused to gulp
air. "How many black cats wi' gold collars ya thinks IN
Nerima?" A few seconds passed while Eiji gulped air.
Without warning he  lunged forward. There was a confusing
tangle of man and cat, blood and fur.
     "Aaaaaaaaaaa!" Screaming in pain Eiji lurched
backward, frantically trying to shake a black furry meat
grinder loose from his arm. The crowd of men scattered from
Eiji's flailing form. Sensing an opening the small cat dropped
free and streaked for freedom. 
     "Ahhhh. SHIT! Shitshitshit." Cursing and crying Eiji
clasped his bleeding right hand under his left arm. "My hand!
That dammed cat chewed off my finger."
     "For twenty five million yen," Ikki brushed past Eiji
on his way back to the street. "I'd chew off my OWN
finger." Running down the street looking for the missing cat
Ikki passed a series of posters placed every thirty meters or
so. 
     LOST: Beloved pet. Please find our little Velvet.
Female, black cat. Wearing gold colored collar. Twenty Five
Million Yen reward for safe return or information leading to
return. 

Below that was a phone number. 

 All of Nerima and by now probably half of Tokyo were
looking for that cat. And if Eiji hadn't been afraid of a little
blood, he thought disgustedly, they'd be rich men right now.
Forgetting about Eiji ,his best friend since childhood, Ikki
sped on down the street looking for a small black shape. 

************************************************
     "Do you understand Mu Tsu?" Cu Lon watched the
crowds of men, women and children rushing around the
streets of Nerima." Economy of force . . . why exhaust
ourselves when we can get others to work for us."
     "Others can betray us." Mu Tsu looked with distaste
at the rushing mass of people as he walked beside the
Matriarch."  This is a mistake� what if she communicates
with one of these barbarians, tells them who she is, what
we've done. OR  they may kill her before her transformation
stabalizes. THEN where will we be?"
     "It is unlikely she will have an opportunity to
communicate . . .unless you think they will provide her with
ink and brush as they stuff her in a sack on their way to
collect their reward? And they have twenty five million
reasons NOT to harm her."
     "Even so," Mu Tsu continued stubbornly. "there are
many things that might go wrong. Do you really think these
fools can catch her in the eleven days we have left? And what
if Saotome gets curious as to why we are so interested in this
cat? Especially when Shan Pu no longer has her curse. And
how long can we keep them from knowing Akane is
missing?"
     Cu Lon frowned inwardly. The stupid boy was out-
of-character again. Not that he'd ever fooled her with his
sincere-but-stupid act. It was the principle of the thing. He
should not allow his emotions to affect him so readily. He
always had lacked true discipline.
     "It is not important that they catch her; it is important
only that they chase her so hard that she had no chance to
think, to contact son-in-law or the others." 
     Mu Tsu grimaced at Cu Lon's designation for
Ranma. 
     "The posters lead to an old, established, Tai family
with no connections to either China or the Amazons. And I
have taken steps," Cu Lon continued. " to distract son-in-
law."

************************************************
     "Hey everybody." Nabiki shouted from in front of the
television. "It's the Ms. Fitness World Contest on the news.
Maybe we'll see Akane."
     "Ahhh maaaaan." Ranma plumped down on the floor.
"What 'r they thinkin' of, pickin' that tomboy. I'm much
better built."
     "Yeah, but YOU are a guy." Nabiki glanced down at
the fuming Ranma. "And they were looking for that
wholesome, girl-next-door-type."
     "HEY, I'm wholesome!"
     "Unless you got splashed with hot water . . .in front
of millions of TV viewers. Then you'd be an international
pervert."
     "I don't never get splashed with HOT water
accidentally." Ranma insisted. "They shoulda picked ME for
that contest. I'm cuter, an' a better martial artist an' . . ."
     "Forget it!" Nabiki said flatly. "Akane was a better
choice. For one thing, a company wants a RELIABLE
spokesperson for their products. They do NOT want grudge
fights or deamons or weirdness. OR someone with the
manners of a starving pig " Nabiki glared at Ranma, daring
him to open his mouth. "There were only three other girls
from Japan who were chosen. Akane will be up against
almost two hundred girls from around the worl---"
     "Tha's what I mean." Ranma broke in, unable to
keep his mouth shut." How could they pick that gorilla-girl? 
She don't stand a chance against all those other girls."
     "You don't win Ms. Fitness World by beating up the
other contestants's. You have to have poise, charm AND the
ability to speak in public.  Corporations are NOT charitable
organizations.  They picked Akane as one of the Japanese
contestants because they felt she was the best choice to sell a
product." 
     "I can sell their stupid products." Ranma muttered.
     " _This is good stuff. Buy it_ " Nabiki mimicked
nastily. "is NOT going to make you salesman of the year."
     "They didn't give me a chance. I coulda been some
one. I coulda been a contender."
     Nabiki bopped Ranma on the head. "You've GOT to
stop watching those gajin movies on the late-show." Nabiki
looked at the TV. "Everyone . . .it's starting!" She turned
back toward Ranma. "Face it. Akane was the better choice.
She's cute, athletic , and most of all . . ."
     Ranma looked on expectantly at Nabiki's dramatic
pause. 
     " . . .AKANE acts like a human being."
     "HEY!"
     " If Akane wins this thing she can get MILLIONS in
endorsements. Plus it'll be a perfect jumping off spot for an
Idol career. She could be RICH!" The thought of all that
Yen made Nabiki's eyes moist with passion.
     "Oh dear." Kasumi patted the drool off Nabiki's chin
with a clean handkerchief. "Are you feeling alright?"
     "OH my baby girl is going to be a star!"
     "You must be very proud Tendou. You are truly
blessed "
     "I do hope we can see Akanechan." Nodoka sat next
to Kasumi. "I worry that she's not eating well. If only phone
calls were not so expensive. It's a pity the connection was so
bad when she called from the airport in Hawaii. I could hardly
understand her."
     "She has written to us," Kasumi put in. "And sent
those very nice souvenirs."
     "Still,  I'm not sure I approve of foreign travel for
girls."
     "Hawaii is a very civilized place, Auntie." Nabiki said
over her shoulder while adjusting the TV volume. "Why I
understand they even have indoor plumbing."
     "I'm sure it's very nice." Sarcasm was wasted on
Nodoka. "But it's not Japan."

     " . . .marred with tragedy as one of the contestants is
killed during a hang gliding accident late yesterday."
     "Oh, that poor girl." Kasumi gentle heart ached. "Her
parents must be devastated. What a terrible thing to happen."
     "This amateur video was shot by a visitor to Sea Life
Park on the eastern end of Oahu."
     The NHK announcer was replaced with the fuzzy
image of a vast expanse of ocean that merged into an
impossibly blue sky. The picture panned around, then stopped
on a group of gaily colored shapes that darted and swooped
through the sky like giant butterflies.  One of the hang-gliders
dove toward the sea and pulled up sharply, apparently
attempting an acrobatic stunt. One wing suddenly bent
catastrophically upward and the glider tumbled toward the
sea; like a broken winged angel in a horribly slow motion
spiral.  The picture shuddered at the cameraman started
running, trying to keep the glider in view as it disappeared
below the cliff. After a short sprint the camera again picked
up the glider as it splashed into the sea. Moments later the
brightly colored glider sank beneath the water, taking it's pilot
with it.
     The news-studio replaced the video-taped tragedy.
     "An investigation is underway into the cause of the
accident. A spokesman for the 'Birds of Paradise' hang
gliding school had this to say. The NHK announcer
disappeared again, supplanted by a tired looking young man
wearing a blue jacket with 'Birds of Paradise' blazoned across
the breast pocket in gold lettering.
     "We have the area segregated into zones for
beginning, intermediate and advanced students.  The young
lady was still restricted to the beginners  area. Unfortunately
she disregarded safety warnings and not only left the area but
attempted to loop a glider that was not rated for stunts." He
brushed his hands across his eyes, overcome with emotion. 
"I . . .I'm sorry. This is . . .we've never had an accident like
this. She was a special young girl. Always very friendly. And
she showed a real aptitude. She loved to fly. I guess she was
just impatient to . . .she really loved to fly."
     Mercifully the interview cut off and was replaced by
the NHK announcer once again.   "Authorities in Hawaii have
recovered the wreckage of the glider and are investigating the
cause of the crash. A search is still on going for the body of
the pilot who's name has not been released, pending
notification of next-of-kin.  Ms. Fitness World organizers
have announced that the contest will continue despite the
tragedy. A tape delay of today's contest highlights will be
shown at eleven o'clock.   In other news . . ."
     "Oh, who could that be?" Kasumi came gracefully to
her feet at the sound of a knock and  went to answer the
door.
     "That's so sad." Nodaka turned to her son. "I always
worried about you while you were away training." She
hugged Ranma tightly. "I don't know what I would have done
if anything had happened to my precious baby-boy."
     "Ahhhhh geeeez." Ranma squirmed in embarrassment.
"Ya' aint'gotta worry 'bout me none. I can take care of
myself."
     "Don't get cocky boy. You've still got a lot to learn."
     "Hey old man, you ain't got NO room to talk� 
He broke off suddenly as Kasumi came back into the room. A
Kasumi who seemed suddenly aged and frail. Behind her came
a uniformed policeman carrying a black-bordered envelope.
     "Forgive me for disturbing you." He bowed formally.
"I have news from the ministry of travel that I must deliver to
the head of the Tendou household."

*************************************************
     "Great grand mother. Great grand mother. Just now,
on the radio. There was a news report about� 
     "Yes child." Cu Lon looked up from the small
television set. "I just saw a bulletin a minute ago. It is very
tragic."
     "Great grand mother," Shan Pu looked deeply
distressed. "may I be excused from work tonight?"
     "Certainly child. Do you have something special
planned?"
     "I would like to take a koden to the Tendou's. And,
perhaps I can help with tsuya . . .at least help Kasumi prepare
food or maybe clean the house, run errands."
     "The thought does you credit Shan Pu." Cu Lon
smiled approvingly. "An obituary gift is a good thought, but
offering to help with the wake is very kind and does you
credit. You have my permission. Please convey my
condolences, personally and as Matriarch." Cu Lon thought
for a moment. "In my medicine chest there is incense wrapped
in gold foil. It is very rare. Please take it with the jade incense
burner and offer it to the Tendou's for shoko. There is
enough for a traditional incense offering for as many as
twenty mourners if they so wish. Tell them this is my gift to
honor one who would have made a worthy Amazon."
     "Hummmp." Mu Tsu snorted. " Tendou Akane was
your greatest rival. If RANMA died I'd throw a party. Or are
you planning on slipping a little something in the 
food . . .perhaps to help Ranma overcome his sorrow?"  Mu
Tsu smiled nastily, for about a tenth of a second. Between one
heart-beat and the next Mu Tsu was slammed against the wall. 
Darkness clouded his vision� he tried to take a breath, and
failed, as an iron hand clamped around his neck threatened to
tear his throat out. Heart pounding in his chest he scrabbled
frantically at the hand. With great effort he managed to focus
on the face, inches from his own. Shan Pu's face,  wearing an
expression he'd never seen before.
     "Let him go child." Cu Lon sounded as if she were
asking Shan Pu to pour her a cup of tea. "It would be bad
karma to kill him now. You don't want to mar the Tendou's
time of mourning do you?"
     Shan Pu opened her fist, dropping Mu Tsu to the
ground gasping for breath. Without even a glance back, she
turned and left the room.
     "I really should let you marry her right now, boy." Cu
Lon cackled. "But I just had new carpet put down . . .and
blood stains are so hard to remove."
     Mu Tsu glared at Cu Lon from the floor as he
massaged his neck. When he could speak again his voice was
a hoarse whisper.
     "Why are . . .why are you supporting Shan Pu in this
foolishness?"
     "If it is foolish of my great grand daughter to honor a
fallen foe, to show compassion to a grieving family, then I can
only hope all of The People are as foolish as she."
     Mu Tsu glared at Cu Lon but could think of no
suitable response. 
     "What? Nothing to say?"
     "I've got something to say old crone." Mu Tsu's
attempt to bait Cu Lon failed as she looked at him as a nanny
might look at a fractious child. Flushing with embarrassment
Mu Tsu struggled to his feet. "You think you've been very
clever. But when the American authorities fail to find a
body� 
     "Ah, but they will find a body."
     "You killed your pawn?" Mu Tsu laughed in delight.
"Now that is good news. What do your friends think of you
now? Killing your Akane look-alike must have cost you a lot
of favors."
     "You really are an idiot, aren't you?" Cu Lon
remarked without heat. " I do not kill for sport, only out of
necessity. To protect what is mine. I do not reward loyalty
with treachery.  If I did so I would find it difficult to obtain
loyalty in the future. The young woman who so skillfully
played the part of Tendou Akane, in a far off land where none
knew her,  is alive and well and on her way back to China. In
a few days the authorities will find a badly decomposed body
on the beach, unrecognizable except for a few bits of clothing
and jewelry. These things will positively identify the body as
that of Tendou Akane." Cu Lon looked at the dumfounded
Mu Tsu. "Bodies are easily come by� finding a young
female corpse, not dissimilar to Tendou Akane, was a matter
of patience and planning."

*************************************************
     Shan Pu hurried through the gathering gloom toward
the Tendou's. In her pocket she carried a slender envelope
with a traditional obituary offering of money and in her hands
a hot meal. The awful news had come just about the time
Kasumi would have been starting to cook supper. Shan Pu
knew all too well the hideous shock of that sudden knock at
the door, the hushed whispers, crying in the dark. When her
mother died she felt like the world had come to an end.  She
could only imagine what the Tendou's must be feeling with
the death of the baby of the family. And Ranma . . .despite his
bravado and skill, had led a very sheltered life. Shan Pu had
grown up in a warrior culture, existing on sufferance,
surrounded by enemies. Death was a daily companion;
disease, starvation, accident, murder and war all took a toll.
And still death was a shock and a sorrow. How much worse
for a boy who wouldn't hit girls and thought of combat as a
game. The events on Mt. Phoenix had started his education in
the realities of life� Shan Pu only hoped he could survive
this lesson. Hurrying through the twilight, lost in thought,
Shan Pu never noticed a shadow, darker than the rest, that
seemed to flow along the ground after her. A shadow that
watched her with hot, hating eyes.