all usual disclaimers apply.  And as always, all C&C welcome.

Previous chapters can be found on :

http://www.rakhal.com/florestica/lsmcgill/dragon/index.htm

Tears of a Dragon Book Two: Dragon's Child


Chapter Eight:  Conflicts of Interest


It was a subdued bunch of girls the tiger stripped saucer let out at the
Amazon village.  Zhu Shu led the way, followed by the Senshi.  They looked
weary and tired, but no worse for wear, though the mood was far from
jubilant.

"I'm sorry Xi'an Chi escaped."  Sailormoon said for the umpteenth millionth
time to the downcast Chinese girl.

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "Not fault.  Project Banshee finished.  All that
matters.  Zhu Shu will deal with Xi'an Chi again.  Next time will not
escape."  She sighed heavily.  "Is not Usagi fault Zhu Shu not catch Xi'an
Chi.  No need apologize."

"No indeed, Princess."  A still young Lo Shen said, coming up to meet them.
"It is an honor for Princess Serenity to grace our humble village with her
presence.  Be welcome, along with your guardians."  She bowed to the Senshi,
then turned to Zhu Shu, "and to you as well Dragon's Child."

Zhu Shu bowed back, then kicked Usagi in the shin.  The taller blonde
jumped, then hurriedly bowed as well.  The other girls had already returned
the courtesy.

"How'd you know I was Princess Serenity?"  Usagi asked.

"The Amazons are one of the few peoples who were not silenced by Saturn when
she rebirthed the world, Princess.  We still remember what was in truth, not
the history rewritten."

"Saturn?"

Lo Shen raised an eyebrow, then nodded.  "Not all your guardians have been
reborn, yet Princess."

Usagi's eyes got round.  As the blonde girl attempted to absorb that, Zhu
Shu spoke up.  "Loremistress?" she asked in Chinese

"Yes, Child?" Lo Shen replied, in Chinese as well.

"I have spoken with my Grandfather.  He has finally told me who I am."

Lo Shen nodded.  "If I may be so forward, Empress, it's about time Shi told
you the truth."

Zhu Shu sighed.  "Please Loremistress; I have no desire to be the heir to a
throne no-one even remembers.  I am content to be a servant.  The titles
have done nothing save make me a target of a madman, and cost Amazons their
lives."

"Whether you wish it or not Zhu Shu, you are the Empress.  You are our
liege.  The Amazons swore an oath a millennia ago to be the guardians for
Lin Tzu and Clan Dragon.  We have spent three hundred years believing we
failed our oath.  You're not going to stop being the Empress just because
you wish it, anymore than we can abandon our oath to defend you.  And I do
not think Skorpions attack on our village was primarily directed at you."
Lo Shen said as gently as she could.  "I know you don't feel comfortable
with this, child, but you cannot escape your heritage.  We will do what we
can to support you, but now that you know the truth, you can no longer be
shielded by ignorance."

Zhu Shu nodded, her eyes lowered.  "I understand, Loremistress.  But please,
my name is far more comfortable for me to hear than a title."

Lo Shen smiled.  "Very well.  I certainly can sympathize.  You have no idea
how tired I get of being addressed as Loremistress."

Zhu Shu blushed.  "My apologies, Lo Shen."

"None needed, Zhu Shu."

"So can we know what you two are talking about?"  Usagi asked.

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Zhu Shu and Lo Shen needed settle something.  Will need to
advise elders of what occur in Hong Kong."

"Yes.  The report Har Spra sent was... sketchy at best.  She kept bemoaning
the fact she'd finally found a male who could best her, and he was
unavailable.  If I never hear the name Chan again..."  Lo Shen sighed.  "Of
course, living in China, that shall be unavoidable.  And, she failed to
mention the Princess."  She gave Usagi an amused look.  "Though I am curious
as to how you felt being at a festival held to mourn the fall of your
previous self and Prince Endymion."

Usagi shrugged.  "Kinda sad I guess.  It was strange."

The other Senshi nodded.  Rei stepped up next to Zhu Shu.  "Are you okay?
You look like she gave you bad news."  she asked quietly.

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "No.  Remind Zhu Shu of things she wish not
necessary."

"Oh.  Pushing you to find a husband?"

"Only part.  Usagi not only person stuck with title not want."

"Oh.  It was about you being the empress, huh?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Yes.  Xi'an Chi tries capture because.  If Zhu Shu no
empress, maybe be safer."  She shrugged.  "Zhu Shu think curse less
trouble."

Rei nodded.  "I guess.  I can't say Usagi's really gotten much use out of
being a princess either, other than it making her a target for Beryl."

Zhu Shu smiled.  "Zhu Shu not feel alone then."

Rei laughed softly as they turned to follow Lo Shen to the Elders hall.

Inside the large hut, they found the Amazon elders waiting.  Zhu Shu bowed
to Ke Lun as she entered, then guided the Senshi to seats along the wall.

"Zhu Shu must needs tell elders what happen."  she explained to the curious
girls.

They nodded, watching as she stepped before the elders table.

"Greetings Zhu Shu." Ke Lun started.  "Lo Shen informed me that Shi has
finally told you your true heritage."

"Yes, great grandmother.  He has told me of the history of Clan Dragon and
his role in the events that lead to the fall of our stronghold.  I know
about Clove of the Musk, and the events that led to his hiding."  She
paused.  "I do not know if you know why my Grandfather hid himself"

Ke Lun shook her head.  "Shi has never explained."

Zhu Shu sighed.  "According to my Grandfather, Xi'an Chi was behind the
aggression the Musk showed.  He promised Clove she would have Shi following
the destruction of our clan.  When my Grandfather escaped, Xi'an Chi
attempted to capture him, and Clove gave her life to allow him to escape,
realizing Xi'an Chi had used her."  She paused and looked Ke Lun in the
eyes.  "I am cursed with her form, Great grandmother.  I know you could not
help but to have known that."

Ke Lun nodded.  "Yes.  I did not know what you truly knew of your history,
grand daughter.  I did not wish to burden you if you were unaware of the
past."

The little Chinese girl nodded.  "I understand great grandmother."

"What of the events in Hong Kong?"

"There is not much I can say.  Xi'an Chi was working with a group of
Americans to create weapons.  With the aid of the Senshi and the Heir of
Clow Reed, as well as an American researcher named Chan and his niece Jade,
we ended the experiments they were performing on a young woman named Alice
and destroyed the base, but the leaders escaped."

Ke Lun nodded.  "I see.  That is a far cry from a 'scouting mission', young
lady.  I believe you promised to avoid danger, did you not?"

Zhu Shu hung her head.  "I did Warleader.  I did not seek out danger, but it
found me anyway."

"I see.  You are fortunate indeed I have already decided to only bring Ran
Ran and Ling Ling with me to Japan.  Were you not as formidable a warrior as
you are, Empress, I would have a full contingent of warriors follow you
around."

Usagi saw Zhu Shu's face pale and leaned over to Rei.  "What are they
saying?"

Rei shrugged.  "I don't know.  I don't speak Chinese."

Zhu Shu meanwhile had recovered from the thought of being surrounded by a
horde of Amazons at all times and looked at Ke Lun.  "I thank you for your
praise, great grandmother.  And for your allowing me the freedom to defend
myself."

"You have earned it Zhu Shu, at least until such a time as I deem greater
protection is warranted.  I will not allow the heir to the empire to come to
harm."

Zhu Shu nodded.  "I understand great grandmother.  Yet I do ask for as much
leniency in this as you are willing to give."

Lo Shen laughed.  "She's already given you far more leniency than some on
this council feel she should, child.  Yet I agree with her that keeping you
on a light leash is best.  For all that you are our Empress, you are still
young, and have much of life to learn about.  Experience is always the best
teacher.  Still, we will all rest easier knowing that Ke Lun will be near to
your hand, as will our champion.  I will also keep in touch occasionally.
We do not seek to interfere in your life Zhu Shu, but we will not allow
serious harm to come to you."

Zhu Shu bowed again.  "I understand, revered elders.  I will not resist you
in this unless I feel it is overly restrictive."

"Fair enough, Zhu Shu.  Thank you for not putting us in a position where we
would feel a need to disobey your orders to keep our oaths to your clan."
She looked to the other elders and switched to Japanese.  "However, Zhu Shu
is safe, so I believe this matter is settled?"

The other elders nodded.  Ke Lun cracked an almost imperceptible smile.
"Good."  She added, also in Japanese.  "Now, we have other matters to
settle, including welcoming our esteemed...."  She broke off as her ears
twitched.  "Ah... but first, we have a new arrival."  She turned to the
Senshi.  "I apologize Princess Serenity, but I fear we have a tribal matter
that must be dealt with immediately.  I must beg your continued indulgence
and patience.  Once we have this settled, we will have a dinner to prepare
in your honor.  Our esteemed liege neglected to inform us you were returning
with her, or we would have had a feast already prepared.  It has been a
millennia since the Moon Kingdom had been our guests."

Usagi blinked until Rei nudged her.  "Tell her thank you, dummy!"

"Oh, um... Thank you and we don't mind waiting for you to finish your...
um... tribal business."  Usagi managed.

The sounds that Ke Lun's ears had picked up were audible now to everyone,
proving to be the roar of a helicopter.  It took several minutes as the
vehicle landed, then Tao-Ching was escorted in by an Amazon bearing a spear
with an enormous blade.  She bowed to the elders.

"I have returned with my son as you requested, Lo Shen.  He submitted
without protest."

"Thank you Rin Se."  Ke Lun said.  She turned to Lo Shen.  "Before the
accused is tried, I wish to make a statement."

"That is your right, Warleader.  It may have no bearing on my decision as
Loremaster."

"Of course not.  Your job is to interpret the Law, as mine is to enforce it
if need be.  I wish merely to remind the Loremistress that Tao-Ching nearly
died defending my grand-daughter against the Musk.  Herb owed a blood-debt
to him."

Lo Shen nodded.  "I have taken that into consideration Ke Lun."  She turned
to Tao-Ching.  "So, I'm in a bit of a quandary here, Tao-Ching.  You
disobeyed a direct order to report Herb's whereabouts when you found him,
choosing instead to take him on by yourself.  In so doing, you jeopardized
our quest to retrieve the Kaisufuu.  While you apparently succeeded in
obtaining the Chisuitton, you succeeded only by luck, and we suspect by
ambushing Herb.  Despite your services to the tribe in the past Tao-Ching,
your actions were reckless in the extreme and endangered our entire tribe.
What have you to say?"

"I have no defense, Loremistress, save that Herb owed me a debt of honor.  I
took what steps I saw as necessary to ensure the Kaisufuu was returned to
the Joketsuzoku, and that Herb was repaid for the debts he owed to myself
and the tribe."

"You took this on yourself?  Why?"

Tao-Ching sighed.  "With all due respect, elder.  I had no time to do
anything else.  Those I had hired to detain Herb were killed.  I went armed
to deal with Herb, expecting to have him delivered unconscious and in
chains, only to find him the only living person who left the boat."

"You should have advised us before making such arrangements, Tao-Ching.  I
could have advised you that Herb would have overcome any common warriors."

"She did not overcome me, elder.  I retrieved the bucket and ladle, and the
kettle."

Lo Shen looked at Tao-Ching for a long uncomfortable moment.  Finally, as
the silence grew oppressive, Lo Shen spoke again.

"It is only because you were indeed successful that I am willing to be
lenient in sentencing you, Tao-Ching, but I cannot allow you to go
unpunished.  You were raised an Amazon, and as such, you are governed by our
laws.  I am tolerant of the fact that you are truly Japanese, Tao-Ching, but
I cannot allow you to wholly forget your upbringing."

She stood and stepped around the table to look Tao-Ching in the eyes.  "Your
actions reflect your attitude, Tao-Ching.  You are arrogant."

She motioned to an Amazon who stood to the side, and she brought forward a
long chest and laid it on the table next to Lo Shen.  Lo Shen placed a hand
on the chest.

"You need to learn that there are some things more important than simple
success.  Winning at all costs is sometimes worse than losing when victory
comes without honor.  I fear that there may yet be repercussions to your
actions we will all regret, but only time will tell.  You have proven you
can be a fighter, Tao-Ching, but the soul of a warrior requires an
understanding of honor that I am not certain you possess."

She opened the chest to reveal seven katanas.  "This is your punishment,
your quest, your lesson.  Among the treasures recovered from the Musk we
found these blades.  They are ancient, marked by family crests.  You are
charged with their return to the families they were stolen from.  Return
their honor and perhaps you will find your own."

Tao-Ching bowed.  "I understand Loremaster.  I will obey."

Usagi looked puzzled.  She whispered to Rei.  "That doesn't sound like much
of a punishment."

Rei looked at her in surprise.  "Are you mad?  Don't you have any idea how
impossible that's going to be?  Finding the families those blades belong to?
Between the War and the Shogunate, many samurai families don't even exist
anymore!"

"Oh."

"And if those are the family blades, their loss would have destroyed the
families honor.  If any of them survived that disgrace, they'd have been
pariah.  The odds he can even finish this test in a lifetime are slim."

"Then why give it to him?"

"Test remind Tao-Ching of own honor.  Test not intended to be completed."
Zhu Shu supplied.

Usagi shrugged.  "Okay, I guess.  Sounds silly to me."

"I think it's a rather fitting punishment."  Makoto said.  "Martial Artists
have a responsibility to uphold their own honor and respect the honor of
those they fight.  Sounds to me like Tao-Ching didn't fight fair."

Minako shrugged.  "I don't know.  He seems nice enough to me, and really
cute and muscular."

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "No.  Hentai boy already claimed by Nabiki.  No
chase."

They all blinked.  "Hentai boy?"

"Tao-Ching very appreciative of females.  Fewer clothes better."  Zhu Shu
sniffed.

Lo Shen's ears twitched.  "What was that, Empress?"

Zhu Shu blinked as Tao-Ching looked at Zhu Shu and paled.  "Empress?"

Lo Shen smiled.  "Yes.  Empress.  Song Zhu Shu is the heir to the true Song
Dynasty and your liege as an Amazon.  Did I hear her correctly?  That you
have treated our Empress improperly?"

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "Tao-Ching has only expressed his opinion that I am
attractive, mostly.  While that opinion has been expressed several times
while I have been in a more or less unclothed state, he's never done more
than comment or look."  Zhu Shu told Lo Shen in Chinese.  "He has never laid
hands on me."

That didn't stop Rin-Se from hitting Tao-Ching in the head with her giant
spear.  "Son!  I taught you better than that!"

Tao-Ching growled.  "Yes mother.  It's a bad habit I picked up in the JSDF.
Most male soldiers are perverts because they get denied access to females
for so long."  He gave his mother a look.  "And I grew up in a village where
I was surrounded by beautiful women every day.  I've developed a taste for
having them around."

"Please, I'm fine with him.  He's crude, but tolerable."  Zhu Shu said.

Lo Shen gave the still pale Tao-Ching a look.  "Very well.  Your Empress is
magnanimous."  The twinkle in her eye told Zhu Shu she was rather amused.

Turning back to the girls, she bowed.  "That concludes our official
business.  We certainly wish to show you proper hospitality, Princess
Serenity.  If I may escort you, we have a dwelling prepared for you to
refresh yourselves as dinner is prepared."

She gathered up the Senshi and gently herded them out as Ke Lun motioned Zhu
Shu to stay.  As the Loremistress left, she gave Zhu Shu a brilliant smile.

"She wanted to be the one to do this, but I overruled her based on our
relationship, grand-daughter.  We have catalogued the treasures of the Musk
this last week, and we found some things that need to be returned to you."

Zhu Shu blinked.  "But I have never met the Musk before.  They have stolen
nothing from me."

"They stole your heritage, Zhu Shu."  She turned to the guard who had
brought Lo Shen the swords.  "Bring it in, please."

Every person in the hall was grinning as Zhu Shu blinked in confusion.  The
guard opened the large door she had been guarding and stepped inside,
reappearing a few minutes later bearing a long pole with a golden banner on
it.  Zhu Shu's breath caught as the emblem captured the light and the
Imperial Song Dragon glared at her.

Behind the banner, four more guards walked in bearing a sedan chair, also
carved with Clan Dragon's crest and covered with gold inlays.  More guards
followed, each bearing in additional treasures, all adorned with the Dragon.
Then a final package was handed to Ke Lun, who brought it to Zhu Shu.

"These are the treasures of the Dragon.  It is our honor to return them to
their rightful place with the Dragon's Child."  She unwrapped the silk
covering the bundle she was carrying and offered it to Zhu Shu.  "This, I am
especially proud to return, since it was originally my gift."

Zhu Shu unfolded the cloth to find a Mandarin long dress of an incredibly
fine silk.  The crimson fabric had been woven as a single piece and adorned
with small Dragon mandalas made of tiny jewel beads.  The hem was pure gold
thread so fine it appeared nearly liquid, and the material was incredibly
soft.

"I crafted this for Mu for her wedding dress.  I had feared it destroyed
forever with the fall of the Clan.  Now, it can serve for you.  The silk is
from a rare species of silkworm that creates nearly unbreakable thread.  It
will stretch to fit regardless of whether you are in your true form or
cursed."

Zhu Shu nodded.  "It's beautiful."

"I look forward to your wearing it on your wedding day."

Zhu Shu blushed and reached behind her back to pull out her case.  She
opened it and lifted the trays out to reveal a small panel, which she
lifted.  Then she folder the dress carefully and laid it in the secure
space.  reclosing the case she smiled at Ke Lun.  "I shall keep it safe for
that day, Great Grandmother."

Ke Lun then led her on a tour of the items explaining their history and
leaving Zhu Shu breathless with wonder.  She had never imagined so much
opulence.

"Shouldn't this all go to Grandfather?"  She finally asked Ke Lun.

"Shi did not wish to see it.  Too many painful memories.  He said to keep it
safe for you."

Zhu Shu nodded, running her hands over a beautifully carved tea set.  "Yes.
Please, Great Grandmother.  I have no idea what to do with any of this.
Please keep it safe for me."

Ke Lun nodded.  "There are other treasures as well.  The Musk stole from
more than just Clan Dragon.  There is one especially I set aside for you.  I
think perhaps it will mean more coming from you."  She lifted the cloth over
one last item.

Zhu Shu stared for a long moment before hugging Ke Lun in joy.  "They're
perfect!  Thank you so much Great Grandmother.  I can't wait to get home and
give them to her!"

* * * * *

The dinner the Amazons threw for the girls was entertaining, and was a
welcome break from the aggravations of their recent adventure.  Zhu Shu
smiled and danced along with the girls, glad most of the Amazons seemed
unaware of her title, or at least, uncaring.

The flight back to Japan in Tao-Ching's helicopter was uneventful, the girls
spending most of the flight looking out the windows.  Stepping out of the
chopper at Tokyo airport, Tao-Ching smiled.  "Good to be home."

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Zhu Shu feel same.  Village not seem home anymore."

"Your heart's here."  Ke Lun said as she hopped over on her stick, once more
her normal self.  "It's only natural that you feel more comfortable here."

The unloading went uneventfully, and they waved the girls away in a taxi as
Tao-Ching was trying to step into the drivers seat of the Humvee, but Ke Lun
waved him into the back, making Shan Pu's father drive instead.  Zhu Shu had
just met the small wiry man, Gel, but she could see where Shan Pu's niceness
was coming from.

They pulled up at the Tendo's to let Zhu Shu out before heading off to the
restaurant Ke Lun had bought, leaving her at the path with the single large
crate she had brought back.  As she looked up at the Tendo house, she
blinked away a tear.  Visiting her home village had illustrated where she
really felt home was anymore.

As she started up the walk to let Kasumi know she was home, it being a
school day, she stopped when a small pink and purple kitten pounced her from
the roof.  She smiled as Shan Pu nuzzled her face.  "Zhu Shu happy see
sister too." she said as Kasumi was opening the door.

"Oh my.  You know?"  Kasumi asked.

Zhu Shu blinked.  "Know?"

"That that's Shan Pu."

Zhu Shu gave the kitten a look, then blinked, remembering Ke Lun's statement
that Shan Pu was helping Ranma overcome his fear of cats.

"Akane and Ranma not know?"

Shan Pu shook her head.

"Akane's calling her China.  She thinks she's just a smart cat."

Zhu Shu rubbed her temples.  "Who tell you do this?"  she asked.

"Apparently, Ke Lun told her to give this a try." Kasumi said.

Zhu Shu sighed.  "Hope Great Grandmother know what do.  Zhu Shu not sure is
best course.  Akane not like be fooled."

Shan Pu looked forlorn.

Zhu Shu sighed.  "Let get bath and you tell Zhu Shu what happen so far."

Kasumi looked at her crate.  "Are we bringing that in?"

Zhu Shu smiled.  "Zhu Shu not.  Cannot lift.  Was hoping  Panda bring in."

Kasumi smiled.  "Of course.   I'll bring you up a tea set."

* * * * *

"I'm doing my best not to spy, Zhu Shu.  I'm just being around her when
she's here.  And trying to give Ranma lots of small doses of kitty me."
Shan Pu said as they shared the tub.

"I understand."  Zhu Shu replied.  "I just am worried.  Akane is much
mellower than she used to be, but she was extremely upset with me when I
didn't tell her about you."

Shan Pu pouted.  "All I want to do is get her to love me, and Ranma not to
run whenever I come into a room."

"I know.  I'm sorry I wasn't here to help much."

"You had your own life to deal with Zhu Shu.  You can't always help me out.
Besides, I'm the Champion of the Joketsuzoku; I should be able to do this on
my own."  Shan Pu groused.

Zhu Shu splashed her.  "Silly.  Being a good warrior doesn't always make you
good at the ways of love.  Particularly with these two.  Give it time.
Akane takes forever to figure out her heart because she so seldom listens to
it.  Ranma ignores his because he doesn't understand it.  And you are all
way too competitive.  The way of hearts is not a challenge match.  If you
compete with each other, there are only losers."

"Gods, Zhu Shu.  Why won't you just accept all of our offers of marriage?
You could make this mess work.  It's so tangled I don't even think my wish
is going to come true, whatever Urd does."

"Hummm?"  Zhu Shu looked at her.  "Wish?"

Shan Pu laughed.  "Yeah.  When I was looking for Ranma, I ran across a drunk
goddess.  She granted me a wish, and has been trying to fulfill it ever
since.  She said she arraigned for the voodoo priest to seal up the demon
master, and called in Great Grandmother to witness it.  She's been trying to
help out, but she's not very good at it, I don't think."

"What did you wish for?"

"For everything to work out for us."

"Were those your exact words?"

"No.  But I wanted to make sure that if I wished that my quest for Ranma
worked out, I didn't want it be at your expense, so I included everybody
involved.  Not that I really expected the wish to be granted, but..."

Zhu Shu blinked.  "Well, that explains some of the coincidences.  I wonder
what she's up to now."

The door slid open to admit Kasumi with a tea tray.  "I'm sorry, I wasn't
trying to listen but I did hear you as I came in.  You said a goddess was
involved in giving you a wish?"

Shan Pu nodded.

Kasumi looked at Zhu Shu.  "Rei said a demon came to you and told you where
to find Ranma?"

Zhu Shu nodded, then looked at Shan Pu.  "I wonder if they're connected?"

"Urd did come in a few times complaining about someone named Mara."  Shan Pu
said, then did a double take at Kasumi.  "You're speaking Mandarin?"

Kasumi blushed.  "Well, Zhu Shu has been learning Japanese.  I did study
some Mandarin in school, so I went to the library and got a couple of
learning books and I've been teaching myself."

Zhu Shu blinked.  Kasumi's accent was so slight she'd not even noticed it,
and in retrospect, she could recall a few times Kasumi had said something in
Mandarin and she'd never noticed.

She stuck out her tongue. "You make me jealous.  I'm lousy with languages.
I know a lot of vocabulary words, but I'm lousy with sentence structure in
Japanese.  My English is a joke, and my Tibetan is embarrassing.  I'm not
even all that good at Cantonese."

Kasumi laughed.  "I don't know what to say, dear.  I'm fluent in English,
French and now Mandarin."

Shan Pu and Zhu Shu both splashed her.  Kasumi laughed.  "I figured it would
be easier for you.  I know you're both working on your Japanese, and Akane
now understands Mandarin since she got it from Zhu Shu, though Zhu Shu's
lost the Japanese she learned from Akane..."  Kasumi stopped.  "I wonder if
all of this is connected."

The two girls in the tub blinked.  "Huh?"

"Shan Pu made a wish, and suddenly, Zhu Shu is visited by a demon who tells
her where Ranma is."  Kasumi explained as she set on the side of the tub.
"And you said nothing like the exchange you had with Akane happened when you
learned from Sarhia?"

Zhu Shu nodded.

"I remember Ranma said the priest asked about magic surrounding the dojo
during that night.  I wonder if the reason you two merged was due to Shan
Pu's goddess?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "That would explain a lot."

Shan Pu blinked at Zhu Shu.  "You merged chi with my Airen?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Not intentionally."

Shan Pu smiled.  "So that's how Akane knew the Song School."

"And the Dance of Shiva."  Zhu Shu noted.  "She learned all my skills, and I
mainly got her emotions.  After I died, I seem to have lost most of it."

Shan Pu frowned.  "I still wish I had been there.  I could have kept you
from dying."

"I had to merge all the power the Senshi could throw my way and every last
bit of my own chi to kill that thing, Shan Pu.  I wasn't planning on dying,
but I couldn't control my fall."

"I could have caught you."

Zhu Shu gave her sister a peck on the cheek.  "Of course you could have."

The sound of the front door opening caught their attentions.  "Kasumi!
We're home!" Akane's voice came up from below.

Shan Pu looked at the bucket of cold water, then smiled mischievously.
"Great Grandmother came with you, right?"

Zhu Shu nodded.

Shan Pu smiled wider and launched herself out of the tub and out of the
room.  Kasumi and Zhu Shu listened as she bounded down the steps with a cry
of "Airens!"

There was a surprised cry of "Shan Pu" then a crash.

Kasumi smiled.  "She's been pouncing Akane everyday when she comes home.
Sound's like she just did it as herself."

Zhu Shu laughed.

* * * * *

They found Akane downstairs drying off after a hug from a very smug, wet,
naked Amazon.  Ranma was snickering from the roof, where he'd escaped a
similar fate, but lost his balance in surprise when Zhu Shu came down the
stairs in a towel.

"Zhu Shu!  You're back." Akane said when she noticed the diminutive Chinese
girl.

"Yes.  Return with Tao-Ching and Ke Lun."

"Cool.  Nabiki will be happy to hear her fiance's back."  Akane said with a
smile

Zhu Shu blinked.  "Nabiki engaged?"

"Yeah. Short story.  Dad caught her trying to make out with him in the front
yard, so he engaged them."

"There's more to it than that, dear.  We were having a bit of a problem with
hyperactive sex drives.  Nabiki was extremely frustrated."

"Airen not bunny girl anymore."  Shan Pu added.

Zhu Shu's eyes widened.  "Being rabbit make want sex?"

Kasumi smiled.  "Extremely."

"AND ZHU SHU NOT HERE?"

Everybody laughed at the forlorn note she put into her voice.

* * * * *

Zhu Shu spent the next hour with Akane, Ranma and Shan Pu catching up on
what had happened, letting Ranma and Akane think Shan Pu had arrived with
Zhu Shu and Ke Lun, but finally, Kasumi called to let them know dinner was
ready.

After dinner, Zhu Shu rose to stand by the big crate she'd had Genma lug in
and waited for everybody's attention.

"Zhu Shu brings gifts from China.  Many things discovered in Musk fortress."
She unlocked the catches and opened the lid.

"First, for aid in defending village, Amazons share spoils."  She struggled
to pick up a large chest, finally looking pleadingly at Genma.  He stood and
hefted the chest out, grunting with the weight and set it down on the floor.
Zhu Shu knelt and unlocked it as well.  As she lifted the lid, everyone
gasped.

The chest was filled with gold 100,000 yaun pieces.  Nabiki blinked in
shock.  "Do you have any idea how much that is?"

Zhu Shu shook her head.  "Did not count."

Nabiki blinked several times, her eyes not moving.

Zhu Shu went back to the crate.  "Zhu Shu also bring several treasures as
gifts."  She brought out a finely embroidered silk shirt.  "Clan Dragon
recover many things from Musk.  This for soldier of high rank."

She handed the shirt to Ranma, who shook out the midnight blue silk to
admire the gold and scarlet dragon.  "It's beautiful."  he said.

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Ranma need nice clothes wear on date."  She tossed him a
pair of matching pants and shoes, as well as a red sash belt.  "No have no
excuse."

Ranma sighed as everyone gave him a significant look.  "Alright already!"

Zhu Shu smiled as she handed a package to Kasumi.  "These for you."

Kasumi unrolled the bundle to find a set of kitchen knives.  "Oh my!"

"Very sharp.  Amazon smiths say very old too."

Kasumi nodded and smiled.  "Thank you, these are wonderful."

The next item was an abacus carved from a dark wood and inlaid with gold and
silver dragons.  The beads were various shades of jade.  Zhu Shu handed it
to Nabiki.  "This for you."

Nabiki took it and smiled as well.  "An antique worth a small fortune.  I
shall have to find a safe place for this."

Zhu Shu nodded and handed the next item to Soun.  "For both fathers Zhu Shu
has in Japan."

Genma peeked over Soun's shoulder as he lifted the lid to reveal an ornate
antique Go board made of jade, with ivory and jet stones.  They both looked
at her with tears of joy.  "We will treasure this forever!"

The next item she took out was a set of gold and silver combs that she
handed to Shan Pu.  "For use on dates with Airens."

Shan Pu smiled and nodded happily.

Zhu Shu gave a long slow smile to Akane.  "Zhu Shu not forget Akane."  She
reached into the crate and pulled out a long case of carved teak.  "Zhu Shu
save for last"

She placed the case on the table in front of her and pointed out two
carvings.  "To open must press here."  She touched the two together and
there was a faint click.    She lifted the lid towards Akane.

Akane gasped.  "Oh my."  she said faintly in imitation of Kasumi.
Hesitantly, she reached out, hardly daring to blink lest the vision in the
case vanished.  Her touch confirming its reality, she lifted the twin
objects for the case to display them for everyone.

The twin Song broadswords were nearly as ancient as Zhu Shu's; the blades
still mirror bright and razor sharp.  Etched into the sides of the blades
were matched tigers in mid spring.  The circular guards were also carved
into tigers curled around the blade.  The hardwood hafts were of an orange
and black wood, ending in carved gold tigers head pommels, their roaring
mouths forming the rings to which long orange and black striped ribbons were
attached.  Akane stood and took them to the small wooden deck just outside
the dining room and took a stance, flowing into a twirling form that caused
the swords to sing merrily.  Akane beamed.

"How ever can I repay you for this?"

Zhu Shu smiled and in Chinese replied.  "There was never a need to repay me,
Akane.  If anyone deserved those swords, it was you.  I do not know their
age or history, but they were crafted by a master.  And like my blades, they
were crafted for a blood bond."

Akane blinked.  "You are linked to your swords?"

Zhu Shu nodded.  "As you must be to these if you wish to fully use the Song
School.  Only by joining with the blade may the full power of your chi be
unleashed.  The blades will be a conduit that will not resist your will.
Once linked, you will be bound to these blades for life."

Akane looked down at the swords.  "The Dragon and the Tiger."  she murmured
softly.  Looking up she smiled.  "Tell me what to do."

You must anoint them with you blood and chi."  She held up her palm to show
the faint crescent mark in her palm.  "It doesn't require much."

Akane nodded.  Stepping up to the table, she laid the blades in the box and
held out her palms.  Shan Pu produced a small throwing dart and looked at
Zhu Shu.  At her nod, she stepped forward and as gently as she could cut two
small crescents on Akane's palms.  Akane reached down and grasped the
blades, channeling chi into her blood as it touched the hilts.  A slow wave
of gold fire burned along the blades as the tigers seemed to spring to life
and roar.  As the fire encompassed the entire blade, Akane gasped.

"I can feel them.  Like extensions of my body."

The ribbons unfurled themselves and began to make slow undulations despite
the absence of wind of movement of the blades, lashing almost like the slow
wave of a tiger's tail.

Setting the blades back down, Akane looked down at her hands and the healed
crescents.  Shaking her head, she reached behind her back and pulled out her
other swords, handing them to Shan Pu, then took her new ones and put them
away.

Looking at Zhu Shu again, she smiled.  "Thank you."

* * * * *

After dinner, Shan Pu "went home" and China put in her appearance, earning a
fuss from Akane as a lazy kitty who'd probably been sleeping in some warm
corner until the sun set.  China just gave her a cool look, as if to say "I
was doing no such thing" before confiscating Akane's lap.   Ranma set behind
Akane, doing fine so long as he couldn't actually see the kitten.

While Soun and Genma broke in the new go board, Zhu Shu filled everybody in
on her visit to Hong Kong, and dragged every last detail about the last
couple of weeks out of the Tendo girls.  She also answered the mystery of
where Kodachi had vanished to, informing them that the obsessive martial
gymnast had tracked her to Hong Kong in an attempt to "defeat the Chinese
demon who had dared lay hands on her goddess."  This news made Akane wince.

Zhu Shu also told them of the meeting Tao-Ching had had with the elders and
the quest he'd been put on.  Nabiki sighed in relief when Zhu Shu gave them
the news.

All in all, the night went quietly, a far cry from what awaited tomorrow.

* * * * *

The next morning began quietly enough, China sneaking away after to
breakfast so that Shan Pu could be waiting outside to join them for her
first day at school.  Even the walk to school was uneventful, for once
no-one splashing any one, nor was any one waiting to attack at the school.

Indeed, nothing at all unusual, strange or out of the ordinary occurred
until home room.  That was when the handsome new student was escorted into
the room by the vice principal.  Ranma blinked as most of the girls sighed
happily.  There was something about the boy that struck a familiar cord in
his memory.

Then, the teacher announced his name.

"Let's all give a big welcome to Ukyo Kuonji."

Ranma straightened like a shot.  "Uc-Chan?"

The new guy looked at Ranma and smiled, a rather cold smile.  "So you do
remember me, huh.  I certainly remember you Ranma."

"Yeah, I remember you.  We used to be best friends."

"Really?  That's why you ran away?"  The smile grew even colder.  "I've
spent years hunting you, all so I could give you this!"

A small round object flew from his hand towards Ranma's face.  He caught it
and looked, noting it was an okonomyaki.  Spelled out in sauce on the pizza
was a challenge.  He blinked.

"You're challenging me?"  He looked at the cold stare Ukyo was giving him
and shrugged.  "Fine.  When and where."

"After school, in the stadium.  I want everyone to have a nice view of me
beating the tar out of you."

Ranma shrugged again.  "Okay."  He ate the okonomyaki.  "Heh.  Just as good
as I remember."

The teacher looked between the two boys.  "That settled?  Good, take your
seat."

* * * * *

"You really should have gone to school today, Usagi."  Mamarou said as the
boat pulled up to the dock.  "Not that I'm not enjoying a day with you, but
you've already missed a week."

"A week without you.  I just couldn't stand it."

Mamarou smiled.  "Silly.  You called me almost every day.  And I didn't even
need to rescue you from anything."  He stepped up to the dock and offered
Usagi his hand, helping her out of the boat.

"Oh, you're so gentlemanly."  Usagi said as she stepped on to the dock.

Mamarou avoided saying it was because Usagi likely would have fallen into
the water otherwise, though she was benefiting some from these martial arts
courses with Zhu Shu.  He simply pulled her close.  "Of course.  You bring
out the gentleman in me."

Usagi smiled and pulled him down for a long kiss.

Sadly, said kiss was interrupted.

All Usagi knew was that something heavy landed on her head, knocking her to
the ground.  When she recovered enough to look up, she saw Mamarou had been
knocked down, and a small, vibrantly pink haired girl was kissing him.

"HEY.  WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE!?!"  she yelled.

The pink haired girl turned, revealing eyes were a sinister shade of
magenta.  "Usagi Tsukino.  Why are you wearing my trademarked odangos?"

"Hey, odangos are my trademark! And I'm Usagi Tsukino!"

"You are Usagi Tsukino?  Then you know where the Silver Crystal is."  The
small girl hopped over to Usagi and produced a pistol, placing the barrel
between Usagi's eyes.  "Give it to me."

"Now, now."  Mamarou tried to move towards them.  "Little girls shouldn't
play with guns."

"One more step and she gets it!"  The girl warned.  "Now I want the Silver
Crystal!"  she said to Usagi.

"Um...err...um...I don't know what you're talking about?"  Usagi tried.

"So, you won't just give it to me, huh.  Too bad."

The pink haired girl pulled the trigger as Mamarou screamed "Nooo!" and dove
towards Usagi.  He grabbed her as she fell backwards, then both their eyes
went to the small flower stuck to Usagi's head by a suction cup.

"It was a toy?"  Usagi asked.

Mamarou looked for the girl to tell her it wasn't a funny joke...

But the pink haired girl had vanished.

* * * * *

"She's going to be fine Urd.  She's just still weak.  As far as I can tell,
she wasn't mortally wounded, just tortured."  Belldandy said as she came
from the room they'd put Mara in.  "Though I shudder at the fact someone
would do that to her."

Urd nodded.  "The only one I can think of who could, would be Hild.  You've
heard the stories."

"I know.  I just hate to think anyone could be that cruel."  Belldandy said
sadly.  She wrung her hands in her apron.  "And I have no idea what Legend
did to her either.  She's not a demon anymore.  I think she's a goddess."

"How is that possible?  How can anyone change what she is?  I've never even
heard of Kami-Sama doing that!" Urd shook her head.  "And wouldn't the
doublet system stop it?"

Belldandy raised her hands.  "I don't know."

Urd sighed.  "Is she awake?"

Belldandy nodded.

Urd knocked on the door and opened it to the faint response.  Mara looked up
from her breakfast.  "Urd!"

"Um, heya Mara.  Feeling better?"

"Much.  Bell says I lost a lot of blood, so I have to eat to replace it.  My
natural energies are coming back slowly too."

Urd smiled.  "That's good.  Do you remember much?"

Mara shook her head.  "I was in a funk, I know that.  A lot of my memories
for the last couple of months are foggy.  I... I was angry a lot.  And I
remember the pain, knowing that I was going to be forced to hurt..."  her
voice fading so that Urd barely caught the "you." Mara couldn't meet her
eyes.

"You didn't want to hurt me?"  Urd asked.  "You were saying you were going
to make me your slave."

Mara looked away.  "I'm sorry.  I don't remember much.  I know I was a
bitch."

"You're always a bitch Mara.  It's your job.  You were positively evil for
awhile though."  Urd laughed.

Mara sighed.  "I never wanted to be a demon Urd.  I couldn't help what I was
born as.  I was always jealous that you could choose; that you chose to be a
goddess while I had to be a demon."

Urd blinked.  "I never knew that."

Mara gave her a half lidded look.  "No.  You never did.  You never asked
either.  Do you even have any idea how hard I had to work to get assigned to
you all as chief adversary?"

Urd shook her head.  "I thought it was just luck."

Mara laughed.  "You wish.  I had to beat out Velsper for it."  She gave Urd
another half lidded look.  "I think it was worth it."

Urd shifted uncomfortably in her seat.  Those looks carried way more meaning
than she was sure she wanted to respond to.  Mara noted the fidget and
looked away.  Urd sighed.

"Do you remember when Keiichi and I brought you here?" she asked finally.

Mara nodded.  "It's one of the few things I do remember clearly.  You held
me in your arms as we started leaving the apartment."

Do... do you remember what you said?"

Mara shrugged.  "Do you?"

"I... I'm not sure."

"Then don't worry about it."  Mara sighed.  "He did tell me I might have to
be patient."

"Legend?"

Mara nodded.

"You're in love with me aren't you?"  Urd said.  "That's what you said; 'I
love you'."

"Yes."

"For... for how long?"

Mara laughed bitterly.  "For forever.  Since we were in school together."

"I...  I don't know what to say."

"Then don't say anything.  Let me keep hoping that someday my love won't be
in vain."  Mara sighed.  "He gave me a choice, don't you know, for killing
his chosen.  I could die and escape Hild's wraith, and no longer have to do
her bidding, sparing you from the mischief she wanted me to wreak."

"Or?"  Urd prompted.

"I could give up everything I was to him in exchange for a chance.  Only a
chance."

"A chance at me?"

Mara nodded.  "I gave up everything, my life, my job, even my powers as a
demon.  I'm nothing anymore, Urd.  Just a mortal in love with a Goddess.
Gods, I can certainly sympathize with Keiichi now."

Urd blinked.  "Mara... "

"Please Urd, I don't need false words of comfort."

"Belldandy said she thinks you're a goddess now."  Urd finished.

Mara blinked.  "What?"

Urd looked around and grabbed a hand mirror, handing it to Mara.  The former
demon looked, and blinked.  "Yin Yang's?"

Urd raised an eyebrow and looked closely at Mara's marks.  It wasn't obvious
unless it was in shadow, but she was right, the golden marks she had taken
to be claws were one half of the overall symbol.  The Yin half was such a
pale gold, it had blended in with her skin.  In shadow, it contrasted
better.

"We think Legend made you a Goddess... " Urd said softly.  "Like me..."

Outside in the hall, the phone rang.  Urd and Mara both looked towards the
sound.  After a second, there was a knock on the door and Belldandy peeked
in.  "Um... I have a phone call from Licensing... for a Mara, Goddess, third
class, probationary."

Mara fainted.

* * * * *

"Yes, okay, alright, Shan Pu's IS my fiancee as well as Ranma!"  Akane
finally yelled to the pestering girls in her gym class.  "THAT DOES NOT MAKE
ME A PERVERT!"

"But if you're marrying a girl, you have to be."  Asuka said, holding her
towel up to cover her breasts.

Akane growled.  Shan Pu just had to give her a kiss and a swat on the rear
in the hall as they went to classes.  She was going to kill the Amazon!

"Look.  I had to get engaged to her because of the laws of her tribe!
Ranma's Grandfather arraigned some sort of dual marriage with her as his
other fiancee, so I had to get engaged too!"

"Why Airen not tell truth?  She won Shan Pu in fair combat."  Shan Pu's
voice came from behind her.

Akane turned to the dressing room door.  "What are you doing here?  Don't
you have class?"

"Shan Pu have Home Ec.  She teach teacher right way make Ramen.  Teacher
send in hall, so Shan Pu come find Airen.  Ranma in number class, so come
see other Airen."

"Oh gods."  Akane mumbled.  "Shan Pu, you can't just wonder the halls.  If
the teacher had you stand outside it was meant to be a punishment."

"Punishment?  Teacher only give buckets of water to hold.  Shan Pu learn
balance when child.  Put buckets on top of funny thing in yard outside."

Curious, Akane had to go to the door and look.  "That's a goal post, Shan
Pu.  However did you get them up there."

"Jump.  Not too high for Shan Pu."

A flash of light from across the stadium caught Akane's glance, and she
blinked.  "That's funny."

Shan Pu looked up from admiring Akane's rear in the tight fitting gym
outfit.  "Humm?"

"I could have sworn I just saw sombody watching us.  Someone in a long
Chinese robe."

Shan Pu looked out.  "No see anybody."

"He's gone now."

"So you two want some privacy?"  Sayuri said.

Akane whirled.  "What?"

"She shows up and you just forget we're here, hummm?  And you say you're not
a pervert?"

Shan Pu picked Sayuri up and said, "You no call Airen pervert!"

"Please put her down, Shan Pu.  This is my problem."  Akane said.  As the
Amazon set the girl down, Akane stepped forward.

"Now, I'm only going to say this once.  Yes, I do like girls as well as
guys.  In my case this is limited to a very select few girls.   Namely two:
Zhu Shu and Shan Pu.

"Now, knowing I live with Zhu Shu, and her preferences are well known, it
should be obvious where that came from.  Now, Shan Pu is Zhu Shu's sister,
and that should answer a few other questions.  Now, on top of that, Shan Pu
can almost beat Ranma in a fight, and holds even with me.  In light of all
that, do you really want to aggravate any of us?"

Sayuri swallowed hard.  "Geez, Akane, we're just joking."

Akane looked around at the other girls in the gym.  "Is that true?"

The other girls nodded, wide eyed.

"Good.  I will consider the matter settled."

"My Goddess!  There you are.  I'm so sorry I was away for so long!  I got
delayed in Australia, but now I'm here!"

Akane cringed.  "Oh gods.  Kodachi's back."

The raven haired gymnast landed at Akane's feet.  "What may I do to show my
adoration for my goddess?"

The feeling of a raging battle aura filled the air as Shan Pu looked at
Kodachi.  "Shan Pu think not like what girl say.  Akane Shan Pu Airen."

Kodachi looked at the Amazon.  "Airen?"  she looked back at Akane.  "Have
you gotten some cheap Chinese whore to be your slave because I was gone,
Mistress?"  She gave Shan Pu a cool look.  "I'm certain you must have been
desperate to have chosen such a barbarian."

It was a good thing the gymnast was quick, as she barely moved away from the
sudden impact crater left by Shan Pu's bon buri.

"Shan Pu kill!  Akane is Shan Pu Airen.  Fiancee!"

"Fiancee?  My Beloved Goddess?"  Kodachi laughed.  "I see my Mistress has
been ensorcelled.  I say never!  I accept your challenge, barbarian!  I will
trounce you and free my Goddess!"

"Idiot girl meet Shan Pu outside!"

"Pagh!  I shall meet you in a proper challenge!  In one week I shall meet
you on the field of combat in the school gym!  The Rhythmic Gymnastics
tryouts shall determine which of us My Goddess shall favor!"  With a
maniacal laugh, Kodachi started her rose petal blizzard.  "Farewell for now,
Barbarian!"

Shan Pu incinerated the petals as Kodachi bounced away across the field.
"Shan Pu very angry now.  Make idiot bouncy girl very dead at challenge."

Akane sighed and shook her head.

* * * * *

At lunch time, Ai watched Zhu Shu come out into the school yard with a
smile.  Phase one was about to start.  She had been patient; waiting for the
Chinese girl to return to school, but now, the time to strike had come.  She
signaled the squad to stand ready.

"Now remember, DON'T LET HER DISTRACT YOU AGAIN.  I don't want a repeat of
last time."

"But won't that drink weaken her?" Kyoko asked.  "You said it was going to
weaken her."

"Yes, but that would only make losing to her even more humiliating.  Stay
focused!"

The five girls watched as part one was carried out flawlessly.  The Hentai
Squad, carefully armed with Super Soaker Bazookas, managed to catch Zhu Shu
after little more than five minutes.  She shook her head ruefully as she
stood dripping in the thin white dress, then bowed to the crowd of boys who
had all fainted from nosebleeds.

Ai's eyes narrowed as Zhu Shu then went to her customary spot near a tree at
the edge of the field and set down to eat, pulling out her small brazier and
bento.  Ai paid special attention to the small thermos Zhu Shu pulled out,
grinning viciously as she sipped.  As Zhu Shu finished her lunch, Ai gave
the signal.

The blonde dragon girl sighed as the cheerleading squad tumbled into the
open area before her tree and struck poses.  Ai stepped down from the hands
of Ayeka and Megumi and gave Zhu Shu a long look.  "Okay, Zhu Shu.  We never
settled this last time, and I've trained my squad better.  I'm the prettiest
girl in this school and it's time Furinkan re-learned that!"

"Ai not get argument form Zhu Shu that is pretty.  Has tried to get Hentai
not chase."  She gave the tall cheerleader a long look.  "But is right.  Zhu
Shu lose temper last time, not fight well.  Is game for rematch."

The news spread like it always did, and less than five minutes later the
stadium was crowded.  Akane and Ranma stood at Zhu Shu's end of the field
looking at the cheerleaders nervously.

"Be careful, Zhu-chan.  Ai's been training the squad pretty intensely since
your last match." Akane said.

"Yeah.  Are you sure you want to fight her in your cursed form?"  Ranma
added.

Zhu Shu nodded.  "Lose temper last time when change.  Maybe if already
changed not lose control."

"Okay."

"And no interfere!"

"Okay, okay.  I promised last time.  So long as she's not trying to outright
kill you."

"Don't worry, Zhu-chan.  I'll keep him out of it."

A cheery "Nihao!"  announced Shan Pu's arrival.  "Heard Blood-Sister
challenged."

"Yes."

Shan Pu nodded.  "Is referee.  Make sure fight fair."

"Not one on one.  Zhu Shu fight squad."

Shan Pu grinned.  "Even better.  Shan Pu like Melee."

Zhu Shu shook her head, and blinked at the wave of dizziness.

"Sister okay?"  Shan Pu asked, noting the surprised look.

"Zhu Shu fine." She stepped out onto the field to stop any further
questions.

Ai led off with a flying kick after being catapulted by Ayeka and Megumi.
Zhu Shu dodged as she reached to pull out her ribbons, then blinked in shock
as she felt her chi refuse to respond.  A wave of dizziness struck as Ai's
heel slammed into the small of her back and hurled her towards the waiting
squad.

Ranma blinked as Zhu Shu landed in the middle of the girls.  "Something's
wrong.  She's moving way too slow."

Akane blinked and nodded.  "She's not glowing.  Her chi's missing!"  She
waved at Shan Pu, trying to get the Amazon's attention as she monitored the
fight.  "Shan Pu!"

The Amazon was frowning at where Zhu Shu was blocking several pom pom
thrusts.  She heard Akane's shout and hopped over, keeping her eyes on the
fight.  "Why sister not use weapons?  She want lose?"

"Something's wrong with her chi!" Akane hissed. "I can't see her aura!"

Shan Pu raised an eyebrow.  "If sister no have chi, she maybe not win!"

"Oh man.  I gotta stop this!"  Ranma said, preparing to step out on the
field.

"Airen will not!  Is challenge!"  Shan Pu responded.  "Will keep eye on
sister!  Airen stay!" She jumped back out into the center of the field
towards the fight.

Zhu Shu for her part had just blocked a high kick from Kaede when she felt
her head spin savagely.  She stumbled to her knees as Ai smiled.  "Feeling a
little punch drunk?"

Zhu Shu warily stood again and gave her a grim and toothy smile.  "Again,
Zhu Shu not fight best."  She yanked at the sash to her dress, and lashed
out with it, catching Ai's leg and tripping her.  "But she still game."

Kyoko and Megumi responded with an exploding pom pom attack that left Zhu
Shu's dress in tatters.  The dragon girl gave the viciously smiling Kaede a
glare as she stood smoking.  "Not want make Zhu Shu mad!"

The glare lasted for a few seconds only as once more the wave of dizziness
hit, leaving her wide open for an air kick.  More cloth flew as Zhu Shu
slammed into the wall around the field.  She braced herself against the wall
as she tried to stand, but the dizziness was overwhelming.

"Shan Pu call Halt!"  she heard her Blood-Sister announce.  "Sister never
fight this poor!  Shan Pu think Ai do something to Sister."

"Stay out of this girl!  This is between Zhu Shu and my squad!"

Zhu Shu fought to her feet and nodded.  "I will fight, Shan Pu.  I'm just
dizzy."  She said in Chinese.  "This is between Ai and I."  She turned to
the blonde cheerleader.  "Zhu Shu not care if Ai cheat.  Still will beat."

"Big words, Zhu Shu.  Won't be so easy without your magic."

"Sister no need magick deal with pervert girl." Shan Pu said as she handed a
pair of wooden practice swords to Zhu Shu.  "She only need sword."

Zhu Shu took the swords and smiled.  "When ready."

The other cheerleaders looked to Ai for a cue.  Ai smiled.  "I think maybe I
like it when you're naked Zhu Shu.  Maybe after I've beaten you, you can be
my pet."

Ayeka's eyes burned at Zhu Shu as the Chinese girl nodded.  "You say same
last time.  Still no do."

Ai's eyes gave her just enough warning to jump above the pair of batons that
cut across where her ankles had been , but without chi, her speed wasn't
enough to avoid a second volley of exploding pom poms.  Barely enough of her
dress survived the blast to keep the Hentai squad from going comatose, but
the explosion left her reeling.  She recovered just in time to meet a baton
attack from Ayeka that would have sent her into unconsciousness.  Her swords
twisted as she sent the batons flying into Kaede, doubling her over.

"Y-you bitch!" Kaede choked out.  "I'll get you for that!"  She launched
herself at the dragon girl.

Zhu Shu met the attack with a parry and a twist that sent Kaede face first
into the ground, but it left her open as Ai once more planted both feet in
her back.  She staggered forward into a simultaneous Air Kick and pom pom
barrage, the impacts driving the wind from her as she was hurled into the
wall around the field again.  She slammed into the concrete with a gasp of
pain as within her she felt her hold over her anger fail, and a sound of a
vast beast roaring in triumph filled her ears

 She faintly heard Akane scream her name as the world turned inside out and
fire burned along every nerve.  She lurched forwards on her hands and knees
as she tilted her head back and screamed.  It felt like her very soul was
burning.

The entire school watched in amazement as a column of fire shot out of Zhu
Shu's mouth and engulfed the bench by the field. As the flames died, ash
drifted down from where the bench had been.  Zhu Shu shakily stood and
stumbled a few steps clutching her head as her aura returned, glowing a
swirling gold streaked with black.  The cheerleaders stepped back, wondering
what was happening.

Zhu Shu hit her knees again, her aura growing brighter and brighter as she
moaned softly.  With a loud tearing noise, the remaining shreds of her dress
ripped asunder as a pair of small wings sprouted from her shoulders and a
thick tail sprouted from her spine, both covered in tiny black scales..  The
claws on her fingers grew another inch longer and sturdier as a pair of
horns pushed through her hair and swept back behind her ears, which had also
grown longer.  As the flaring of her aura died, she coughed, a puff of smoke
escaping her mouth.

Ai was staring transfixed as the entire school gasped.  Blood gushed in
rivers from the noses of most of the boys as the nearly naked half dragon
shook her head to clear it.  Zhu Shu tried to stand, and stumbled.  She
didn't seem to notice as her wings fluttered and set her back upright, her
stance none to steady.  Her eyes locked on Ai, the anger in them nearly
incandescent.  "What do!  What do to Zhu Shu!"  She launched herself at the
tall cheerleader, not realizing she was flying as she grabbed her and lifted
her effortlessly thirty feet off the ground.  "WHAT DO TO ZHU SHU!!!!"

Ai stammered.  "It- it was just Dragon Wine.  It- it was supposed to make
you a little drunk!"  Ai gulped.  "It's only alcoholic for dragons!  It
wasn't supposed to do this!"

"Zhu Shu!  You're flying!"  Akane yelled up at the transformed girl.  "You
grew wings!"

Zhu Shu blinked, and looked over her shoulder, to where her small wings were
working overtime to keep her hovering.  "Zhu Shu can fly?"  She turned back
to Ai, her eyes wide.  "Zhu Shu can fly?"

Ai nodded.  "Um. yeah?"

She screamed as Zhu Shu let her go, only to be grabbed a second later in an
embrace.  She looked into the dragon girls eyes fearfully.

The anger was gone, replaced by a different light.  "ZHU SHU CAN FLY!!!!!"

And there, in mid air, in front of the entire school, she bussed Ai noisily
on the lips with a loud "MMMMMMWAH!" before setting Ai back down on the
ground.  She smiled at the blonde cheerleader and offered "Zhu Shu can fly,"
by way of an explanation.

"YOU BITCH!"  Ayeka screamed as Ai blinked in confusion.  Zhu Shu turned to
the raven haired girl.

"Zhu Shu can fly!" She said happily, trying to convey the immensity of that
fact to the steaming Ayeka, but the jealous girl would have none of it.

"You have kissed my darling Ai!  For this sin, I, Ayeka, can never forgive
you!"  Wielding her baton like a two handed sword she charged.

Zhu Shu dodged out of her way and fluttered over to where Akane and Shan Pu
were watching the exchange with dropped jaws.  "Zhu Shu can fly!"  She said
to them, hoping against hope she was conveying the importance of this to the
stunned girls.

Akane nodded.  "You can fly."  She blinked  "Watch out!"

"I'll kill you with one swing!" Ayeka screamed as her baton, glowing with
the orange light of her angry chi slashed down through the air where Zhu Shu
had been fluttering.

Zhu Shu had zipped behind her.  She pursed her lips and let fly with a
stream of fire, engulfing the enraged girl.  "ZHU SHU CAN FLY!"  Why couldn'
t anyone understand?

The soot covered girl, protected by her chi aura, coughed a small puff of
black smoke.  "Perhaps I have underestimated you.  I will forever regret
this."  Then she gave a mad grin.  "But now the real action begins!  Die!"
She swung her glowing baton at Zhu Shu again in a swing that would have
sliced her in half.

Zhu Shu had dodged behind her.  "Zhu Shu can fly!"  she tried explaining
again.

"Don't think you can talk your way out of this one!  I Ayeka will not fall
for your charms you sneaky dragon girl!"  She swung repeatedly as Zhu Shu
dodged.  Backing up across the field she came to the goal post.  Without
thinking about it, she bent it backwards with one hand as Ayeka advanced,
then let go to let the post slam into the cheerleaders face.

Akane cheered as Ayeka stumbled back several steps, dazed, but Kaede decided
to lend a hand and threw an exploding pom pom at Zhu Shu.  Caught unawares,
the dragon girl was knocked to the ground by the explosion.  Ayeka shook her
self and recovered enough to start swinging again.

"DIE!  DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!" she screamed as Zhu Shu dodged blow after blow,
rolling on the ground shedding the final scraps of her dress.  With a last
dodge, she leaped up to the cross bar of the goal post.

"You can't get away!"  Ayeka yelled.  "I won't let you escape!"  She leaped
after Zhu Shu, landing on the crosspost.  "I ATTACK!"

Zhu Shu dodged her downward slice, blinking as the baton sheared through the
post.  Ayeka blinked as the crosspost creaked, then gave way under her.  She
crashed to the ground.  Zhu Shu blinked down at the fallen girl.

"I Ayeka, shall forever regret this!"  The girl moaned.  Zhu Shu fluttered
down to see if she was okay.

"Why don't you just give up?"  Akane yelled at the raven haired girl.  Ayeka
's head popped up.

"I, Ayeka, will never give up!  MEGUMI!"

A pair of pom poms connected by a wire wrapped around Zhu Shu entangling her
wings and arms and grounding her.  The red haired cheerleader looked down
from the goalpost and shrugged.  "She's my teammate.  Even if she is
currently insane."

Zhu Shu blinked sadly at the charging cheerleader.  She'd failed to
communicate the immensity of being able to fly to the girl, and now she wasn
't going to be able to fly anymore.

"Oh for Pete's sake!" Ranma growled as he jumped forwards and kicked the
baton out of Ayeka's hands.  It lost its glow as it flew up, watched by the
crowd.  Ayeka stared dumbstruck at her empty hands.

Then the baton bounced off her skull and she looked at Zhu Shu in amazement.

"One more step. and I could have. avenged the squad. and earned a reward
from Ai. and regained our popularity.  I. Ayeka. shall. forever. regret...
this..."

With the last words, Ayeka collapsed to the ground, out cold.  Zhu Shu
blinked at her, then looked at Ranma pleadingly.  "Zhu Shu can fly?"

Ranma unwrapped the pom pom bolo from around her.  "Yes.  Zhu Shu can fly.
Maybe we should have you fly to Doctor Tofu's?  You're acting really
 strange"

Zhu Shu nodded.  It seemed like a brilliant suggestion to the happy fog in
her brain, and she told him so.

"Zhu Shu can FLY!"



End Book Two


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