Ranma New Half Chapter 8 Drafting:

What had followed Xian Pu's shameful defeat and honorable rescue was... Confusing to the warrior. She knew her Japanese was not totally fluent, but even the natives seemed somewhat confused in their sheer panic. 

Still, while Ranma had raced off, grudgingly followed by the brunette, Akane lingered to explain at least a little. Much was still confusing to Xian Pu, save that apparently Ranma's father, the panda oaf as she called him, had somehow dishonored the blade wielders family. 

Thus he was seeking revenge and Ranma either feared his success or his failure, perhaps both. 

Akane had raced off afterwards to join the manhunt, promising to be back to visit shortly. Xian Pu however, rose on momentarily shaky feet before planting her feet and forcing her mind to wakefulness. 

'I owe her no small debt, perhaps with this, I can begin to repay her, my Ranma.' 

She had thrown on her clothes forcefully dried with Chi and left, ignoring the nurses call to stay as she leapt from the nearest window and began her hunt. 

'I was taught to track and trail enemies, if anyone has a chance of finding him, it is I!' 

It was nearly two hours later that she found her trail leading to a ruinous series of slim crated that looked to have been carved into the street with giant blades. 

Ignoring the crowds, Xian Pu inspected the ruin and hissed at the sight of blood and mangled metal. 

'His weapons and the imprint... Yes, it was the Shinobi who fell here, not the cursed fool and yet...' 

There was no body, and even as strong as the attack was it could not have vaporized one who fought her on equal footing so easily. 

Leaping from the crater, Xian Pu bounded around the roof tops in an increasingly wide circle looking for a sign when a familiar voice cried. 

"Don't pull on my hair!"

Xian Pu skidded to a halt and saw Ryoga carrying a bloody and near broken Ukyo Kuonji on his back. Some of the brunette's wounds looked tended to, and the brunette tugging on the boy's hair, weakling whispering, "Turn... Left..." 

'I have found him, but if he will survive, that is another question,' Xian Pu thought, leaping down to the boy's side, her small first aid kid, thoughtfully restocked by Dr Tofu already in one hand and a borrowed cellular phone in the other. 

'I must act quickly!' 

______________________________________

Ranma was halfway across the city when she heard Ukyo had been found and was being treated at the Tendo Dojo. Like a bolt of lightning she'd launched herself with blinding speed, the ground cracking beneath her first foot falls as she raced to her friends side. 

Landing with a sharp clap on stone her shoes went flying as Ranma scrambled into the house. She nearly ripped the door of its rail when she burst into the dining room, "Is Uchan OK!?" 

Awaiting her were Akane & Kasumi, Xian Pu, Dr Tofu and even Ryoga for some reason, most hovering somewhere in the room. Laying in the heart of the room was Ukyo, his body wrapped in bandages and stinking of blood but his barrel chest still rising and falling weakly. 

"He'll live, but he won't be fighting for a time," Dr Tofu intoned gravely as he packed his kit. 

Ranma just staggered forward and fell to her friends side, Ukyo's dark brown eyes meeting hers for a moment before looking away, shame radiating in his Chi. 

"Oh Uchan," She whispered, taking the Shinobi's one none bandaged hand, "I promise I'll get him for this, I'll kill him myself." She spat hotly. 

"Ranma-Chan..." Akane whispered, a hand resting on her back. 

"D- Don't..." Ukyo whispered, "He has a... Secret Technique..." Ukyo finally looked at her, "It was enough to crush me... In an instant." 

That didn't make sense, her father had taught her everything he knew, she'd beaten him before and yet- 

'I'm still useful to him if I'm alive... Uchan's just an enemy he needed to get rid of... That bastard's been playing me for all these years!' A tremor or terror and rage ran through her. 

Kasumi's gentle tones drew her back from the brink of... Of something, "The best thing to do right now is stay here where its safe and help your friend recover, I think." 

Xian Pu surprisingly cut in, "Agreed, attack was immense, best to strategize and prepare." 

Ranma felt a knot in her chest tighten and loosen with every beat of her heart before she slumped to the floor. "I'll wait... I'll freaking wait." 

She could see Uchan smile through the bandages, "Good... I'll Explain it... When I... Wake up..." And like that he was out again. 

Dr Tofu tapped the boy's chest three times, "He won't wake for the world now, not unless he feels threatened at least, but we can continue to speak freely." 

Akane patted her back, "You made the right call, Ranma-Chan." 

Ranma ran a hand through her hair, "I'd be no good running into a fight this angry anyway." That was when her gaze flickered to Ryoga, "Speaking of... Hibiki-Chan, did you want that Spring Water now?" 

Rygoa flushed, using their old umbrella like a shield and squawking, "Why'd that remind you of me, jerk!?" 

"Because you fight angry," Xian Pu intoned without a care. 

Rygoa's blustering slowed as Ranma rose to her feet, "Just wait here, I'll get you that Spring Water from its hiding spot, K? If you want it that is." 

Rygoa stared at her for a very long moment, face burning and half hidden behind umbrella and bangs alike before nodding minutely. 

Nodding, Ranma made to leave but stopped herself, turning around she bowed, "Thanks for helping Uchan, all of you." 

She didn't wait for a response and marched deeper into the house and towards the attic. It didn't even take a minute of rummaging to find the aged red thermos she had stowed the water in and Ranma clutched it to her chest. 

'Thank you, for everything,'

She was brought from her thoughts with the sound of Nabiki's foot falls thudding around the house, her voice crying out, "Genma and dad are incoming and they have company!" 

Ranma tore her way from the attic with nary a blink, launching herself down the stairs and over Nabiki. She lobbed the thermos at a stunned Ryoga who never the less caught it and took up a guarding stance between everyone else and the doorway. 

Ranma was barely aware of Xian Pu arming herself and standing at her back, or the others guarding Ukyo. She could only watch the door and wait as the sound of foot steps grew closer and finally the door slid open with a near silent click. 

Soun looked nervous, her fathered looked sick with terror and both stood behind a woman. She had dark red hair in traditional style, a dark blue patterned kimono, two katana gently wrapped in a cloth and everything about her radiated a sense of serene regality. 

They blue eyes met and Ranma found herself frozen in place by that gaze, something strange and familiar but all together different that she couldn't place. 

The woman strode up to her, "Name yourself for me, please." 

Ranma answered without thinking, "Ranma Saotome." 

A single elegant hand reached out and cupped her chin as the woman looked her over, slowly tilting her head from one side to the other, murmuring. 

"Yes, I can see it, you have your fathers ears, but my mothers hair and our families regal jawline," She cradled Ranma's face in one hand. "Oh my son what has happened to you?" 

Ranma lurched back as if stung, "I, I am no one's son and I sure as hell don't have a living mother!" 

The woman's gaze turned cold, an ominous aura radiating around her as she turned her frozen gaze on Genma, "You told my son I was dead?" 

"What the hell is wrong with you!?" Nabiki of all people howled.

Genma nearly crumpled to the floor, Ranma was used to seeing her father cower but this was... This was extreme even for him. 

"It was, it was necessary Nodoka, to ensure he would grow strong and fierce and not long for the comforting hug of a mother like some weakling I swear!" 

Ranma could barely tell what to do and her gaze snapped to Soun who nodded grimly. "I swear on my honor and the name of my dearly departed wife, this woman is Nodoka Saotome, wife of Genma and father of Ranma-Kun." 

"M... Mother?" 

Nodoka's daze snapped back to Ranma, "I wonder then what else he did not tell you of, the contract perhaps?" 

"Nodoka-Chan, please!" 

"What contract?" Ranma could see Genma practically begging her with his gaze not to ask, but she pressed on, "Why is the old man so scared of you, what's going on?" 

Nodoka sighed and slowly revealed two certificates from her kimono sleeve, one marked with Genma's hand writing and the other what looked to be hand prints. 

"This contract, a solemn oath taken as martial artists, giving me assurance that taking my only son away from me was necessary for him to become a suitable heir to the Saotome Ryu. A man Among Men." 

"So, that's where you got it from old man?" She muttered, as Nodoka slipped the contracts away. 

"If you two fail in this path, I am to oversee your ends, as you commit Seppuku to reclaim you honor." 

The room fell silent save for Genm's groveling and Ranma felt her stomach fall out from under her, "W- What?" 

A chorus of cries rang out, none greater than Kasumi's, "Are you mad, that was your child!?" 

Nodoka merely shook her head, eyes glistening, "The path of a martial artist is fraught with peril and honor to kin, school and honor matter above all else. Of it was necessary, then it was necessary, and if honor demands our family line end here, then so be it." 

Ranma thought might die right then and there from Nodoka's words alone burying cold steel in her heart. 

She barely heard Genma's begging, "Now, now Nodoka-Chanm remember what I said, Ranma is cursed, cursed! But now that he has been reminded of the contract he will surely have been shocked back into his senses and we can seek a cure and get things back on track!" 

'So that's why he brought her here....' 

Ranma's entire body quaked, her teeth grinding as she spat out, "You... Sniveling, cowardly piece of shit!" 

The whole room lurched back at her cry, but Ranma barely registered it, words spilling from her mouth like flood water from a broken dam. 

"You really thought you found it hadn't you? A way to force me back into being what you wanted! Did it ever occur to you I might rather die than go back to living as your man amongst men? As your son!?" 

Nodoka especially tensed at that her eyes wide. 

"Ranma-" 

"Shut up, Genma!" No honorifics, no honor for the man before her. She dragged him up from the floor and roared, "You think you've trapped me? I could marry Uchan tomorrow and make your insane contract null and void if I wanted! I could kill myself and take you down with me, or-" 

She threw Genma across the room and out the door, only his skill let him skid to a stop. 

"Or I could put an end to everything, the contract, the fiancé's and your hold on me!" 

The fear vanished form Genma's face as he marched back towards her, while Nodoka and Soun gasped, "You wouldn't!" 

Ranma level a finger at Genma, "As your heir I challenge you for the Saotome Ryu, for the clan and the rank of family head!" 

Foot slamming against the wooden floor, Genma rose to his full height, his broad frame near blocking out the light from outside. 

"To see how that fight ends, boy, you should just look at the girl-" 

"Stop stalling, accept my challenge or yield!" 

She couldn't even make out her fathers eyes behind his glasses, his expression dour. "You understand don't you, that a challenge like this could cost you everything?" 

"Better that the alternative, but don't worry, I'll let you surrender, old man." 

Genma snorted, his head shaking as Soun threw himself between them, tone pantafive and desperate. "Now, now, there's no need for violence, or swords or any of that! I mean, I mean... You girls saw it did you not? Ranma-Kun just confessed to the curse, clearly we are shaking its hold on him! I am sure if we-" 

"We all knew about the Jusenkeyo, daddy," Nabiki said scathingly. 

"I did too, dad."

"She's right father."

"I as well, Tendo-San." 

"You didn't ask me, but I knew the moment I saw her." 

"Ignorant man, you have no understanding of how curse works, oaf." 

Soun stared at his family, his physician and the stranger in his house in utter confusion and quiet despair. Ranma thought her mother might be moving to speak, but Genma's tone cut through the air like ice. 

"If you aren't willing to surrender when I defeat you son, I will be forced to end you. I cannot let the Saotome line, the school end here, so Nodoka and I will simply have to start again." 

"G- genma!" Soun stammered, while her mother just looked between them, her eyes wide. 

Ranma scoffed, "You're so afraid of losing even one scrap of control over me aren't you? So terrified of what I could become without you."

Genma's Chi was burning, the air around him rippling with heat, the wood turning to blackened ash beneath his feet. "I will give you twenty four hours to rethink this foolishness, but if you do not... We shall fight at the temple of the Jade Buddha, and I shall put an end to this farce. One way or another, boy."

With that he marched out, Soun following hastily behind him, color drained from his usually tan features.

Ranma's fists didn't uncurl, her entire body was rigid aflame with tension and unspent energy, as her gaze snapped to her mother. 

She met her gaze and in a strange tone murmured, "Whatever form you take... Whatever way you have chosen to live your life... A martial art must be in pursue of some great goal. My son, is this battle in service of that goal?" 

Ranma steadied herself, she looked back at everyone who had come together to help her in this last week and answered. "As a martial artist and your daughter, it is." 

Nodoka tightened her grip on the swords but nodded and without a word, turned and left. 

______________________________________

Ryoga was fairly quick to excuse themself from the room after Ranma's confrontation with her father. Unsure on what to say or to feel about the entire sordid matter and seeing Ranma was seeking out Dr Tofu for advice, it was clear they weren't needed. 

So Ryoga had taken the kindly Kasumi's directions to the Furo and left, thermos still clutched tightly in his... her, their? Hands; but sadly, they were already lost, as was sadly custom. 

'At least I haven't wandered off the Tendo's property yet,' Ryoga thought, looking at the sign that hung at the back of the Tendo's household. The fanged fighter nearly jumped at the sudden raised voice from the other side of the wall. 

"Genma, what madness is this?" Ryoga heard someone cry. 

Ryoga ducked down on instinct, sliding across the path in near total silence to listen in on the men's conversation. 

"... To, to kill your own child." 

"That thing is not my child, it is a curse, a mockery of my life's work, of our plans Tendo!" 

"I... I know, but still." 

"Oh calm down old friend, remember, we still have time to collect an item that can fix this mess. Why do you think I gave Ranma that twenty four hour window? The boy's too proud to back down even from a fight he's sure to lose."

"I see, I see, Ranma-Kun will play along while it gives us the time we need, oh Genma, you are as canny as ever, but... Wat if it doesn't work?" 

There was a poignant silence. 

"Then I will do what I must to defend my clan and school from an accursed pretender." 

"... A martial artist life is filled with perils, but this... This is truly terrible." 

'Terrible is right! I have to find Ranma-Chan!' 

______________________________________

Nodoka's mind was like the ocean on a wind-less day, on the surface it was blank, flat, calm and even perhaps numb. But beneath the surface waters roiled and currents clashed. A thousand and one creatures danced to death beneath the silent surface and not a one could she make out. 

She was barely able to maneuver around the dark haired boy who was practically the picture of how she expected Ranma to grow up, racing by her. 

"Ranma-Chan, where are you!?" 

Nodoka slowed her stride at the too high pitched, "In here" that drew the boy into the very room she had just left. 

'That boy, he seemed calm when I was leaving, what has changed?' 

Nodoka knew it was not ladylike to pry, but this was... This was personal. So she stilled her racing heart and pressed down her breathing, practically erasing her presence as she slipped into a side room and placed her ear to the wall. 

"Ranma-Chan, your dad has a scheme to use some magical item to turn you back."

"He what!?"

'He what!?'

A rougher voice cut in, wheezing, "He was... He was buying something like that... When I ambushed... Him, I broke it... There could be more..."

"Mhm" The fanged boy intoned. "I heard him discussing it with Tendo-San, it is why he gave you the twenty four hours, they have to go and collect it." 

She heard a fist slam into the ground, "Before he can use it on me, meaning this entire fight is just one big ambush to him!" She could practically hear Ranma shaking her head, "Well that's good to know, thanks Hibiki-Chan." 

'Chan?' Nodoka shook off the oddness quickly. 

"Ranma-Chan," Tendo's middle daughter said smoothly, "Does this change anything?" 

"It means I'll have to be more careful of traps I guess, but beyond that not sure what I can do to prepare." 

"Well," Soun's youngest said, "That means he won't try to kill you at least?" She ventured weakly. 

Nodoka could hear the gulp and felt her stomach drop at the next words, "No, I heard that too, if this plan doesn't work, he will kill Ranma."

"I can't believe that man!" Akane cried.

"A man? No, he's a monster," Kasumi said quietly, seething.

She could hear someone clapping their hands, "Much as I agree, this doesn't help Ranma-Chan. What we need is to figure out how to stop Genma's magical trick, and somehow beat him in a fight." 

"I Can... Explain his technique..." 

"And as I said, Ranma-Chan, I am happy to help you prepare before-hand," Added the unfamiliar doctor. 

"Perfect, then we have a way for me to fight him and win set, now... Now I just need to figure out the magic side of things." 

The conversation was interrupted by a sharp voice, tinged with a foreign but unfamiliar accent. "There are few items that can counter Jusenkyo, especially here, but Great Grandmother knew of one, a legendary kettle. If nothing more, it may force even twice locked victim back to their birth form."

"Dammit, I don't want that, but I could at least go back to China and take another dip I guess." 

There foreigner hummed, "You have bathed in blessed waters twice yes?" There was a moment before she continued. "Imbibe the water, leave nothing of the old self behind, no old Chi, no old form, only your new one." 

There was a moment of silence, before several stunned gasps rang out, "Why shake your head, is a good idea!" 

"I gave that water to Hibiki-Chan, I ain't taking it back just for me." 

"But you need it more," Nabiki groused. 

"Don't agree and even if I did I don't care, its not honorable to go back on one's word." 

"You'd... Do that for me?" Intoned the... Child, sounding very quiet and unsure. 

Nodoka could practically hear Ranma's shrug, "It was my fault you were cursed and I promised you the water. Whatever anyone else says, I don't go back on my word."

"... Then, I want you to have it!" 

There was a sound of metal slapping against skin, as Ranma presumably caught the thermos Nodoka had seen the Hibiki child carrying. 

"I can't take it, I gave it to ya!" 

The thermos whistled through the air again. 

"Don't throw it at me, and listen you stubborn fool, I'm telling you I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you lost who you are now just to do right by me!"

"I can always go back to the Springs, you can't!"

"Scre you, I can totally find my way to them!" 

"We know that's a lie!" 

"Well what if you did, what then idiot!?" 

"I'll figure it out- Ah! Nabiki Nee-Chan!"

"Why did you hit me too!" 

"You're shouting was hurting my ears," Intoned the girl, the rippling sound of water splashing inside a thermos accompanying her words as she likely waved it about. 

Akane was quick to cut in, "Ranma-Chan, you said Chi can be messed up by mood and even body, right?"

"Well... Yeah, using my Chi's been way easier since I changed."

"Then I further insist!" Ryoga shouted.

"She makes a good point," Kasumi added.

"Indeed, a warriors focus cannot be parted in battle!"

"Genma's a cheating bastard Ran-Chan... He probably wants to use it to throw you off... So he can get an easy win."

"I concur with everyone here, Ranma-Chan," added the doctor. "if it really does mar your honor, you will at least be alive to fix it." 

Nodoka heard palms slap against wood as Ryoga cried out, "Take the water, please. My honor wouldn't be able to stand it if you refuse."

"... OK fine, but I insist on paying you back later."

Nabiki sighed, "Lets focus on getting you to next week alive, OK, Ranma-Chan."

Nodoka pulled away and slipped out of the room, making for the gates, hands gripping the katana so tight they nearly snapped in her hands.

______________________________________

After the night's string of dramatic revelations and looming tension Nabiki had, somewhat counter intuitively, tried to be helpful. 

Of course, she wasn't a martial artist, or magical or really any help save for the occasional reality check on those matters. 

Thus she left Ranma to strategizing over Kuonji's tale of Genma's secret attack. Followed by sparring with Dr Tofu, Xian Pu & Hibiki throwing themselves into the fray at times as well, while Akane pawed over old family scrolls and Kasumi tended to food. 

Nabiki had taken her elder sister aside to discuss some of their plans. If nothing else the secret bank account was finally ready for use, but that was the best she could do. 

Thus, she ended up being the first in bed and thus, very uncommon, was the first to rise. 

'Or so I thought,' Nabiki mused, toweling off her hair as she walked into her toom to find Ranma perched on her windowsill. 

The girl instantly looked away from her barely covered form, cheeks tinged pink. 

"Hey now, its just us girls here you know~" 

"I know, but ah, still," Ranma mumbled, looking very intently at the wall. 

"A shame, I thought you'd come to confess your undying affection and how you'd whisk me away to an island resort." 

"... Isn't it usually a deserted island?" 

"Please, Ranma-Chan, I have standards, no less than four stars dear."

The redhead snorted, muffling her laughter with her hand as Nabiki threw on some clothes and let the redhead gather her thoughts before finally asking. "So, what can I do for you this morning?" 

Ranma's posture stiffened and she finally looked at Nabiki, staring intently. "I have a favor to ask, and I can't ask any of the others." 

"What could I do to help that they couldn't?" 

Ranma rolled her shoulders, "The old bastard would see help from them coming, hell be on the look out. Plus, I'm not sure they'd agree given what I have in mind." 

"Even Xian Pu?" 

"I don't wanna use her honor oath against her, and still, pops will be ready." 

"Ah, so I'm just your last, best option," Nabiki joked, but Ranma looked, ill. 

"I'm... I'm asking cos I trust you, Nabiki Nee-Chan." 

'Terrible decision really.' 

Sighing, she strode up to the redhead and ruffled her hair, "All right, fill me in on your plan and I'll help you." 

______________________________________

Time somehow felt to be passing too quickly and agonizingly slowly to Akane. The fight for Ranma's future, her very life was going to happen, soon.

Their motley crew marched through the streets of Nerima. In the distance she could see a glimmering jade statue, the signature attraction of the Buddhist temple rising from the ground. 

Everyone was present, Dr Tofu had closed his practice for the day and walked alongside Ukyo who was keeping up through use of a cane. Ryoga was being gently guided to stay on the path by Kasumi, while Nabiki walked at Ranma's side and at her own. 

Akane felt a shoulder nudge her, Xian-Pu's shimmering red eyes meeting hers. "Fret not, there is a plan." 

Akane leaned in to whisper, "You're sure?" 

Xian Pu just nodded, "Call it instinct," Her gaze drifted to Ranma, "I sense no fear, she is at peace." 

She slowly nodded, trying to attune her still ill practiced senses to Ranma's aura with some success. Out of everyone's present hers was the only one that seemed alive at the moment, shimmering like like fire, but clinging to her frame like a second skin. 

Once again she saw Ranma's head drift to Nabiki, or more, the bag she was holding, but her sister just smiled and said nothing, ensuring Ranma's head turned away again. 

Akane didn't know how she felt about a plan involving her sister, but as they arrived at the temple steps she knew she could do nothing about it. Sucking in a breath, she followed Ranma up barely registering the tiered forest on every level of the giant rise. 

Just as they began nearing the top, Ranma froze, turning to face them she said. "I... Thanks for coming, all of you and-" She bit her lip, "Just for everything." 

"You're blushing Ranma-Chan~" Nabiki sang, poking her cheek, "Its cute, you should do that more." 

"Don't bully her Nabik-Nee-Chan," Akane groused, grasping Ranma's hand and smiling, "Don't thank us, its what friends are for, OK?" 

Ranmas eyes shimmered a moment as her gaze drifted across them all before she nodded, a grim expression blooming on her  face. Ponytail flicking over her shoulder she added, "And guys, please remember. 'I' don't want to kill him."

With that ominous rejoinder, Ranma turned back and they reached the top of the stairs in silence. 

______________________________________

Awaiting her at the top of the steps was a respectable Buddhist Shrine, much the same as any and every one she had visited. Wooden beam posts, elevated floors, with a subtly golden hip-and-gable roof that went out in sharp arches. All that jumped out to her was the surrounding tree line and the monstrous jade Buddha, easily three stories in height. 

Standing before the temple were four people, two were obviously monks, dressed in humble robes and shaved head. The younger was holding a clipboard while the elder strode forward, radiating serenity. 

'And there they are, but one is missing,' Ranma observed, spying her mother, standing away from the whole affair, swords still in her arms and her face mute. In contrast her old man strode up to her alongside the monk glaring intently as they came to a stop before her. 

"Boy," Genma muttered. 

Ranma pointedly ignored him, her attention on the monk who offered a polite bow. "Good day to you challenger, I am the head of this humble temple and the official observer for this match. Tell me, what are the terms you both have agreed to?" 

Ranma pointed a thumb to herself, "I am Ranma Saotome, heir to the clan and martial arts schools of the same name. I exercise my right to challenge my master and clan head for leadership! We fight until one surrenders, fall unconscious or dies and the loser surrenders to the winners edicts!" 

The monk smiled and bowed, turning to Genma, "You agree to these terms then?" 

Genma snorted, "It will not matter seeing as I shall win!" 

The monk stared, "Whether you win or not is irrelevant, you must consent to the terms." 

Genma muttered something about stepping on his moment, his gaze drifting to her friends and then back to Nodoka. "Very well, but I want to add a clause to our fight." 

"And that is?" Ranma arched her brow. 

"We can both use any tool, technique or weapon, including those given to us by outsiders, but, no outsider may participate in the fight." 

'That explains where Soun is, probably hiding to throw a weapon 'to' Genma, through me or...' A chill ran down her spine, 'Something worse.'

 Genma saw he got to her, he was smirking already, but Ranma steadied herself, 'You aren't the only one with plans old man!' She pointedly did not look at Nabiki and instead offered a cocksure grin, "Sure, whatever helps you last longer than two minutes." 

"Trust me, 'boy' this will not last long," Genma intoned, turning he began to walk, and Ranma followed Genma and the monk to the center of the sharply cut stone square courtyard. 

As the monk went off to organize things with his apprentice, Genma looked over his shoulder at Nodoka, "Do you wish to say anything to your son my wife?" 

Nodoka... Barely even turned to face him, her gaze on the grinning Buddha as she answered. "I am but the wife and mother, it is not my place to interfere in this battle." 

Her father looked soured, but Ranma felt something.... Ease off her chest at that. Whatever her mother thought, she would respect the outcome of this fight, and with it, Ranma's nullification of the contract. That was.. Something, at least. 

Any other thoughts were cast aside as the elder monk raised his hand high, "The rules have been agreed, the declarations made and witnesses stand ready. The match for the Saotome clan and School can now begin!" 

Neither waited for the other to begin the attack. 

Each fighter kicked off from their easy standing position into a perfect striking form. Ranma's fist was caught in Genma's grasp just as se caught his with her free hand. 

Each made for a right legged round house kick before the reality of their potential blows forced them to flip backwards and apart. 

Ranma had one palm out flat to catch any blows and the other braced to strike when-

A burning hot, stinging sensation splashed across her frame, making her yowl as some ancient looking kettle soared over head and into Genma's snatching grasp. 

"Sorry about the water boy, but we can't help it if you got... Splashed?" 

Ranma's entire body was burning, seething, screaming but it was still 'her' body, clear to all as the steam cleared. 

"But... How, this was meant to break the curse!" 

Xian Pu cackled, "Ignorant oaf, that artifact cannot overcome a willing embrace of the waters!" 

Renma's enraged shout was buried under Ranma's cry of fury. The ground shattered as she exploded towards him, aura flaring like a beacon. 

Genma's defense wasn't enough, she smashed his secret 'weapon aside. Her free fist crashed against his and drove it back. With a roar, she drove her knee into his jaw
and there was a violent crack of bone and air as he shot up. 

'Not getting away!' She snagged his ankles and slammed him into the stone. The ground sundering and cratering beneath her power, screams ringing out from the audience. 

She dragged his legs aside, intent on stamping his chest down until something broke, but a sudden burst of his battle aura sent Ranma reeling. Genma loosed a demonic howl, it stung her ears and gave him just enough time to spin his hips and kick his way out of her grip, leaping away from her reach. 

Marching from the crater, Ranma snapped, "That trick won't work twice old man, and your secret weapon is a dud. So give up, or I swear-" 

She was interrupted by a bitter peel of laughter from Genma, "Threaten me all you like boy!" Genma wiped the small river of blood from his chin, "Boast and bellow until you can't speak anymore, it won't make a difference." 

Ranma's march stilled as she saw something wild and furious whipping out from his Battle Aura, the air itself seemed to be screaming. 

"Because for all I taught you Ranma, I never taught you everything, so bear witness to a true masters power. Demon God, Multiple Strike"

"Ranchan!" 

'This is it!' 

Ranma flung herself to the side, the air around her screaming, the soles of her shoes disintegrating as a screaming gale of wind blades tore passed her towards the jade Buddha. 

"Mum!" 

Nodoka had barely been pulled aside by the Chief mink in time. 

But they all saw the invisible blades cut through the treated stone like it was paper, sending the giant statue crumbling to the ground with such weight and force it shook the earth. 

"Behind me all of you!" The Head Monk proclaimed, hands falling into a prayer as the sound of a distant gong rang out, a glowing, spectral shield materializing before the monk and his temple as everyone hurried behind him. 

Genma was still radiating anger, even as he forced it down, "Do you see now boy how out of your-" 

"Shit. UP!" Ranma shot to her feet, her gaze locking onto Nabiki who was on the edge of the defensive barrier. 

"You think you're the only one who can plan, the only one with secret techniques? Idiot! You're the one who taught me a technique you can't even use!" 

Ranma launched herself in the air, Nabiki drew back her arm and loosed her bag, a feline yowl muffled by the material as rage drained away fro her faithers face to be replaced by terror. 

"You can't!" He cried. 

But Ranma already had the bag, she was looking into the cats eyes, its claws dug into her palms and-

______________________________________

Genma acted on instinct, fear and rage suppressed in a moments notice to embrace the Umesenken. 

He moved forward, invisible and swift to deliver a dozen strikes along the boy's spine and lay him low. 

Mere moments before the first strike could land he saw Ranma's ears twitch, heard a faint sniff on the air, and a hiss. 

His blow surged down but Ranma was gone in a flash, vaulting over him, the cat hugged protectively to his chest. 

Landing, the redhead swept his feet out from under him, only years of training let Genma arch out of the way of the blow. 

Ranma's hand struck out like a claw and the blades of Chi it unleashed ripped across his back even as he surged away.

Rising to a defensive stance, Genma watched in muted horror as the maddened Ranma took up something akin to a martial artist stance. The cat on his students shoulder hissing alongside them.

'This... This has never happened before!' 

But then, Ranma had never willingly embraced the madness of the Neko-Ken before now. 

'If this is its true power!' 

Genma launched himself into the sky, barely dodging Ranma's bounce. 

The redhead glared up at Genma as he began to spin, a roar cracking across the skies like thunder. 

"Dance of the Mad Demon God!" 

A dozen fold blades of screaming air descended upon Ranma, a chaotic chorus of cutting death one bore no chance of dodging. 

So Ranma did not, instead sucking in a terrible, singular breath and unleashing a roar that split the air as it crashed against the heart of his many blades. 

The explosive wave of force tore the surrounding woods to shred, tore stone up like mere paper in a hurricane and in the chaos, Ranma leapt. 

Tearing through the remains of his attack, the younger fighter was too fast, for Genma to strike against, barely able to brace as he was ripped from the sky. 

Descending to the earth with a crash, all he could think to do was craft his Battle Aura into a barrier. It surged around his body, welling and reshaping itself into a facsimile of his form, gargantuan enough that even Ranma's claw strikes only weakly cut his skin. 

With swipe of a single, giant hand he drove the fighter back, even as his body rebelled and ached at the strain of it all. Shooting up, he launched a giant fist only to see it ripped and shredded by Ranma's feral strikes. 

'Surprise is my only chance!' 

He surged forward, shaking the earth and loosing a deafening war cry. 

Ranma's roar match and even surpassed his own, the cursed fighter charging him and unleashing those deadly strikes. 

Genma's Battle Aura gave wave with ease and instead Ranma's strike shredded the nearby tree line to timber. 

The real Genma slid passed Ranma and kicked off from the ground, intent on delivering a final blow! Only for the redhead to spin around and forcing him to catch her wrists to stay another attack. 

Damn... You... Boy..." 

Genma's entire body was screaming as he tried to overwhelm Ranma on raw strength, only to see it being met as the ground cracked and crumbled beneath them. 

Then he saw Ranma suck in another breath. 

'No.' 

There was a quiet gleam of near sanity in those eyes as Ranma leaned forward and roared. 

______________________________________

"Cover your ears!" 

Nabiki didn't know who shouted it but she was way ahead of them, but she she didn't look away as others did. 

Instead she watched and felt the booming, echoing roar unleashed by Ranma, so intense it made shockwaves and made her skeleton rattle in her skin. 

Genma fared no better, his body lurching back violently, blood exploding from his ears and nose before he even touched the ground. 

Crashing against the monk's barrier, Genma fell limp against the shimmering wall. His clothes in tatters, blood staining his skin as he clumsily tried and failed to stagger to his feet. 

All the while Ranma approached, a tiger ready to but down on its prey's neck and end the hunt, her entire body ablaze with power. 

"I- I surrender! I Yield!" Genma cried, his words confused and clumsy as he curled in on himself. 

Ranma didn't listen, lunging for the man. 

'I don't want to kill him,' she had said. 

Others must have been listening because the barried vanished and in a blur, Dr Tofu, Xian Pu, Ryoga, Akane and even Ukyo moved forward, barring Ranma's path. 

The was a burst, a blazing wall of Chi and hissing as Ranma pressed against them but she did not strike or thrash, even as she snarled and gnashed her fangs. 

Ukyo and Dr Tofu were silent, but the others dis speak.

"Ranma-Chan, you didn't want to kill him!" 

"Your honor still remain, Ranma." 

"You won Saotome." 

Kasumi was the next to move, slow and steady she strode up to Ranma's side, the snarling mass of primal fury softening at her presence. 

Kasumi took Ranma's cheek in her hand and cooed, "You've don so well Renma-Chan, you can rest now." 

Ranma's arms lower slowly, the feral gleam in her eyes fading as she dropped to her knees and fell into their collective embrace. 

Nabiki let out a quiet sigh, even as she turned her gaze to Genma and was pleased to see him pass out in her fathers arms. 

'I think... It might be over.' 

______________________________________

Old scene: 

______________________________________

Genma leveled an accusing finger at her, roaring, "Ranma! Now that you know the true weight of the contract, of your duties as a man of the clan and my heir, you have no choice but to cast off this curse. No choice but to heed the wisdom of your parents, your elders, your master and to aid us in overcoming this curse so all things can be in their proper place."

Nabiki's hiss was acidic, "You bastard."

Ranma could hear Xian Pu's questioning tone but couldn't stop a bitter, broke laugh from escaping her gut. The room stared at her, wariness and worry in their eyes, as she rose to her feet.

"A bastard, oh yeah, that's definitely right," She spat and held up a fist, uncurling a single finger. "Option one I go back to pretending to be a man for you and so you're worthless hide is spared. Option two, I'm magically cursed and so its not your fault fault if I'm not a man among men. Or option three, I commit seppuku and take you down with me."

She snorted, "But if you instilled one thing in me it was a healthy survival instinct, wasn't it old man?" Her head lolled to the side and she could just catch the cocky gleam in his eyes, as the other adults stared at him in mute consideration. But they wouldn't stop his plan, this is what they wanted too after all.

The only one who could stop him was Ranma herself and so she would.

"But you forgot one option in this clever little scheme ol man." Now it was she who cast her hand at him. Her chi burning and roiling around her, cracking the floor and flickering like fire as it lit up the chamber in a burning blue light.

"You forgot my right as heir and student to challenge you for the Saotome Ryu, for the clan, for the rank of family head! With those ranks, I'll be within my rights to tear that stupid contract up and declare it null and void won't I?"

One could hear a pin drop, Nodoka stepped back clutching her katana as Genma's glasses glinted in her Chi light, casting him in sinister shadows.

"You don't know what you're saying, boy," He looked passed her at Ukyo's prone form. "You should ask that little gir-"

Ranma blurred forward and lashed out with her fist. Genma shot back, barely catching her strike. The air around them snapped with the clashing of Chi and the striking of fist against palm.

Ranma snarled, pushing forward as Genma braced against the boards, his tone guttural. "If you challenge me like this, we will fight and I will kill you. Nodoka is still young, there's time for another heir, one who won't get himself cursed."

Soun gasped, "Genma!"

Nodoka simply stared, her eyes wide, the katana quietly rattling in her grasp.

The words didn't even sting, not really, this was always her reality, just a tool for her fathers ambitions, for the clan and school.

So she didn't weep, she smirked, "You're so afraid of losing even one scrap of control over me aren't you? So terrified of what I could become without you."

"I fear nothing from you boy, you're ten years too early to challenge me!" Genma's Chi burst to life and he forced her back with a fierce swipe that burnt her skin as she retreated.

Genma turned and snapped, "I will give you twenty four hours to rethink this foolishness, but if you do not... We shall fight at the temple of the Jade Buddha, and I shall put an end to this farce. One way or another, boy."

With that he marched out, Soun following hastily behind him, color drained from his usually tan features.

There was a beat of silence, before Ranma sked, "And if he doesn't?"

Nodoka could hear the gulp and felt her stomach drop at the next words, "Then he'll kill you."

"I can't believe that man!" Akane cried.

"A man? No he's a monster," Kasumi said quietly, seething.

Nabiki cut in, "None of this helps Ranma-Chan, what do we do?"

"I could help Ranma prepare," offered the doctor, "But I can only do so much in that amount of time."

"I can assist as well," added the amazon.

"Thanks, though... I have an idea for my ol man, but if he's bringing magic into this..."

"The Amazon cut Ranma off with an airy tone, "You already used Spring Water a second time once. If you drink the last thermos, nothing that stupid man finds will undo the magic."

"That... Could work," Nabiki murmured.

"It could," Ranma said simply, "But I won't do it, that water belongs to Ryoga-Chan."

"You'd... Do that for me?"

Nodoka could practically hear the shrug, "It was my fault you were cursed and I promised you the water. Whatever anyone else says, I don't go back on my word."

"... Then, I want you to have it!"

"I can't take it, I gave it to ya, I'm honor bound not to use it for myself!"

"Well, well, I'm telling you I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you lost who you are now just to do right by me!"

"I can always go back to the Springs, you can't!"

"If you survive and screw you, I'll figure it out!"

"Its not honorable- Ow, Nabiki-Nee Chan!"

"You're shouting was hurting my ears."

Akane was quick to cut in, "Ranma-Chan, you said Chi can be messed up by mood and even body, right?"

"Well... Yeah, using my Chi's been way easier since I changed."

"Then I further insist!" Ryoga shouted.

"She makes a good point," Kasumi added.

"Indeed, a warriors focus cannot be parted in battle!"

"Genma's a cheating bastard Ran-Chan, he probably wants to use it to throw you off so he can get an easy win."

"Take the water, Ranma-Chan, please. My honor wouldn't be able to stand it if you refuse it."

"... OK fine, but I insist on paying you back later."

"Lets focus on getting you to next week alive, OK, Ranma-Chan."

Nodoka pulled away and continued down the walkway and to the gates, hands gripping the katana so tight they nearly snapped in her hands.

"Is personal clan business, thanks for the concern Ryoga-Chan, but this duel is my responsibility." Ranma's voice was still too high and yet somehow low and lifeless.

'Chan?' Nodoka shook it off quickly.

"No, its not just that, your father has some scheme to use some magical item to turn you back."

"He what!?"

'He what!?'

A rougher voice cut in, wheezing, "He was... He was buying something like that... When I ambushed... Him, I broke it... Bit there could be more."

"What he said. That's why he gave you the twenty four hours, so he'd have tome to get it!"

There was a beat of silence, before Ranma sked, "And if he doesn't?"

Nodoka could hear the gulp and felt her stomach drop at the next words, "Then he'll kill you."

"I can't believe that man!" Akane cried.

"A man? No he's a monster," Kasumi said quietly, seething.

Nabiki cut in, "None of this helps Ranma-Chan, what do we do?"

"I could help Ranma prepare," offered the doctor, "But I can only do so much in that amount of time."

"I can assist as well," added the amazon.

"Thanks, though... I have an idea for my ol man, but if he's bringing magic into this..."

"The Amazon cut Ranma off with an airy tone, "You already used Spring Water a second time once. If you drink the last thermos, nothing that stupid man finds will undo the magic."

"That... Could work," Nabiki murmured.

"It could," Ranma said simply, "But I won't do it, that water belongs to Ryoga-Chan."

"You'd... Do that for me?"

Nodoka could practically hear the shrug, "It was my fault you were cursed and I promised you the water. Whatever anyone else says, I don't go back on my word."

"... Then, I want you to have it!"

"I can't take it, I gave it to ya, I'm honor bound not to use it for myself!"

"Well, well, I'm telling you I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you lost who you are now just to do right by me!"

"I can always go back to the Springs, you can't!"

"If you survive and screw you, I'll figure it out!"

"Its not honorable- Ow, Nabiki-Nee Chan!"

"You're shouting was hurting my ears."

Akane was quick to cut in, "Ranma-Chan, you said Chi can be messed up by mood and even body, right?"

"Well... Yeah, using my Chi's been way easier since I changed."

"Then I further insist!" Ryoga shouted.

"She makes a good point," Kasumi added.

"Indeed, a warriors focus cannot be parted in battle!"

"Genma's a cheating bastard Ran-Chan, he probably wants to use it to throw you off so he can get an easy win."

"Take the water, Ranma-Chan, please. My honor wouldn't be able to stand it if you refuse it."

"... OK fine, but I insist on paying you back later."

"Lets focus on getting you to next week alive, OK, Ranma-Chan."

Nodoka pulled away and continued down the walkway and to the gates, hands gripping the katana so tight they nearly snapped in her hands.