Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Dark Family ❯ 7 ( Chapter 8 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Imported From: RAAC
From: "Nicholas Stone" <bnstone@ix.netcom.com>

Well, since my first post met with baubles upon baubles of errors, I'll send
this version in hopes it gets posted correctly.
I also made several corrections (many thanks to Kayu-chan, whose C&C is most
graciously appreciated).
Now, on with the story...







Ranma 1/2

DARK FAMILY

Part Three:

`Unwanted Reunions'





Nicholas Stone









And With a Heavy Hand of Justice.

Chapter Twenty-One

Ad found in the Yomburi Tombun:

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Your words will bring us closer
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and begin the journey to total enlightenment

The High-Elders

"BINGO!" cried Ken Homa across the room at his partner.
Wanabe looked up from the document in his hands,
startled by Ken's cry.
"Bingo what?" he asked.
Ken rushed over, slamming a sheet of paper down on the
desk. "We found her," he said.
Tamigari picked the paper up. His eyes scanned over
the readout, then he looked excitedly up at Ken.
"This is--,"
"Konatsu's address, yes," Ken finished for him. He
beamed with pride, pleased at the success of his efforts.
"Now we have her, and those terrorist ingrates harboring in
her nest."
Tamigari quickly grabbed his phone. "I'll get the
squads moving on it right away."
"All ready done, m'friend."
"Really? Tell the boss yet?"
No, but you'd better get on the horn with him pronto.
I'll bet he's gonna flip when he hears about this."
"Is that a good or bad thing?" asked Wanabe, punching
the numbers on the phone.
"Hey, this is great news! He should be excited that
we've found more of the Tendo gang."
"I'll say, but he wasn't so pleased about us looking up
this Konatsu girl on our own."
Ken laughed. "Don't worry. The boss won't see
anything wrong about this at all."

* * * * *

After leaving the sumo hall, Lieutenant Kira made his
way over to Tosa's office. He was sure his nephew would be
in deep depression after the trial, but Oneda did not expect
the fiery reception he received when he arrived.
Tosa was livid, pacing back and forth before his uncle,
ranting incessantly near the top of his lungs.
"Uncle, you could have helped me a bit better than you
did!"
Oneda waved his hands, trying to calm his nephew down.
"Toto, Toto, there is no need to get--,"
"Upset!" cried Tosa, rounding on him. "I've just lost
the biggest case of my life, watched as Masuda flushed my
career down the drain, and all you can say is not get
upset!"
"Things are not as bad as they look," answered Oneda.
Tosa's jaw sagged in astonishment. He could not
believe his uncle just uttered those words to him. Not
bad... not bad? Tiredly, the young man sat down in a chair,
resting his head in his hands.
"Uncle, I have been disgraced."
Lieutenant Kira smirked. He leaned towards Tosa. "No
you have not," he said, confidently patting him on the
shoulder.
Tosa looked sharply up. "Uncle, you know more than you
are letting on," he said.
Caught off guard, Oneda sat back, eyeing his nephew
with a silent gaze. The sharp return he received told him
he better let Tosa in on the secret happenings before an
altercation began.
"Heh, heh, heh. Shrewd thinking, Toto. Yes, I have
been keeping some things from public knowledge."
"Such as?"
Oneda took a casual glance about the room. "Well, I
have located several of the `Tendo' gang members."
"What?" shouted Tosa, springing from his chair.
"Uncle! Why, why--,"
The hardy chuckling from Oneda brought Tosa's angry
words stammering to a halt. He gaped at him, speechless.
Finally, the laughter died away.
"Toto, oh Toto, if you could have just seen the
expression on your face just then," said Oneda, teetering on
the edge of another fit.
"This is not funny, Uncle!" replied Tosa. "I thought
you were on my side?"
"I am, Toto."
"Then why didn't you bring them in? Their testimony
would have turned the tables on Masuda!"
"Because I only have one of them in custody, Toto. The
rest I only found a half hour ago."
Tosa started pacing again. He ran his hands through
his hair in frustration, and then abruptly stopped. "Who?
Who do you have right now?"
"A young man by the name of Mousse."
"Mousse?" smirked Tosa. "I don't remember any Mousse
in the line up."
"Yet he was there, along with Shampoo, Cologne, and
others of the `Tendo' gang."
"But, but, how can you be sure he was involved? His
name is not--,"
"I had a long talk with the young man. He described in
great detail the events from that night. I've no doubt
Mousse is telling the truth."
"Then you should have brought him to the trial!"
"And like you said, he was not on the list, therefore a
witness of disputable creditability. Besides, I have other
reasons for not producing him at the moment."
Tosa leaned menacingly towards Oneda. "Reasons I know
you will divulge to me now?"
"I, ah, can," replied Oneda.
"You better," replied Tosa. "After all, I'm the one
taking the heat for losing this case."
"Have faith, Toto. We will--,"
The ring of his cell phone cut off Lieutenant Kira.
Excusing himself, Oneda pulled it out. "Hello?"
Tosa waited patiently, a flurry of new questions
teetering on the tip of his tongue waiting to be asked. He
never got the chance to speak.
"You did what!" shouted Oneda, shooting to his feet.
"Who told you to act without my permission?... I don't care,
I left specific instructions not to do anything until I
returned!... To hell with opportunity!... Call them back,
right now. Do you hear me, right now!"
Angrily, Oneda jabbed the disconnect button.
"Uh, uncle?" said Tosa.
"Not right now, Toto," answered Oneda as he dialed
another number.
"Iron Brother, this is Player. Shift in plans. Send
the egg over to pick up the brood. No, no, just the egg...
it will be safe, but do it quickly. Snakes have ears."
He hung up.
"Eggs? Iron Brother? Uncle, what was all of that
crap?" asked Tosa. "And for that matter, who were you
talking too?"
A long silence followed, Oneda staring at his nephew.
"I've got to go, Toto."
Immediately, Tosa interposed himself in front of the
door.
"No you don't," he said. "I want answers, and police
officer or no police officer, I'm going to get some."
"This is not the time, Toto."
Tosa remained immobile, crossing his arms across his
chest. Seeing that the only way past his nephew would be by
fighting, Oneda arched a brow and smiled lightly. He
reached over to the coat rack, pulling Tosa's jacket down.
"Here," he said, tossing it to him. "I'll explain on
the way."

* * * * *

Marcus stared at Ranma kneeling on the floor before
him, satisfaction on his face. As he listened to Yamaguchi
give his report, the light echoes of sobs could be heard
emanating from Akane's cage, pleasing him even more.
"And Ukyo's body sank?" he asked after Itchioni
finished.
"Like a rock!" exclaimed Huuchu-so, making a diving
motion with his hand.
The Zuchen twins appeared to be excited about the whole
affair, but Renon noticed the stern look Rei cast upon
Yamaguchi.
"Something wrong, Rei?"
Slowly, the eldest of the Zuchen brothers looked over
at Marcus. "I'm not pleased that Ukyo did not fall at my
hands," he said.
"Rei," replied Renon, shaking his head with a laugh.
"She's dead. Gone! You mortal nemesis is off some where's
in the afterlife contemplating what life she'll get next."
Rei briefly glanced over at Yamaguchi. "I still wanted
to kill her," he said.
"Boy, nothing satisfies you, does it?" commented
Itchioni.
Bien-so slapped his brother on a shoulder. "Come on,
Rei. That bitcth is gneth. There is no one to humiliate us,
ever!"
"Yeah, we can go back to China now," added Huuchu-so.
Renon arch a brow. Allowing the Zuchen brother to
leave did not fit into his plans; it would be detrimental to
him if they did. Their presence made him strong, especially
Rei. A wise man and smart fighter.
Rei turned to his brothers. "We'll be staying for a
while," he said, much to their surprise.
"But, but, Rei!" stammered Huuchu-so. A wave of their
brother's hand ended any further discussion.
Renon was pleased.
"That is, if Doctor Marcus will allow us to remain,"
finished Rei.
"Of course, my friends. My home is yours."
"Thank you, Doctor Marcus," replied Rei. Making a
slight bow, his eyes cut briefly over to Yamaguchi, and then
he turned guiding his brothers to the door.
"We must go and practice," said Rei as they walked out.
Renon clapped his hands excitedly together. "Do you
see, Saotome!" he said, leaning towards the grief stricken
man. "See how the Zuchens realize what advantages there are
working for me?"
Ranma shook, quivering between fits of pain and
breaths. He looked up, staring Renon defiantly in the eyes.
"You... you will never... never get me to work
willingly... for you, Marcus!" he growled. "Like I told...
them,... like I told your... flunky here... I'm going to
kill them... just like I'm going to... to kill you..."
Sneering angrily at Ranma, Renon sat back and kicked
him in the face. Ranma grimaced, falling back to the floor.
The fierce spasms of pain left him helpless, and he quivered
unable to respond.
"You are stubborn, Saotome. Stubborn and stupid. Tch,
tch, tch. A shame for one with so much talent."
"He's not the only one who's going to get you, Marcus,"
Akane's angry voice called from behind.
Yamaguchi looked up to see the woman gripping the bars
of her cage, fury etched deep on her face. What Akane could
do if let loose from that cage intrigued him. Would be an
interesting fight that was sure.
However, Renon was in no mood to hear Akane's threats.
A quick jab on the control in his pocket sent her screaming
away from the bars. Sapparo burst through the doors,
looking around expecting trouble.
"It is nothing, Sapparo," said Marcus. "Disciplining,
that is all."
Sapparo glanced up at the cage, then down at Ranma.
"Yes, you may take Saotome now. He will need rest for
tomorrows mission."
Taking a tight grip on Ranma's collar, Sapparo dragged
the helpless man out. Once they were alone, Yamaguchi
cleared his throat and sat down at the table.
"Doctor, I think we should keep Saotome here," he said.
"Really?"
Itchioni nodded. "He's on the brink of ignoring his
suffering to risk divulging our operations to the police.
Even Sapporo cannot keep him silent once they reach the Diet
building."
"Saotome will do as instructed, Yamaguchi. He will
obey, and he will fit right well into our plans."
"Sir?" questioned Itchioni.
Renon chuckled. "Let's just say the icing on the cake
for both Nabiki and Ranma. Their... final `acts' in this
drama."
"nnooo." moaned Akane.
Yamaguchi caught his meaning as well, shocked by
Marcus's decision.
"You are the resilient one, Akane Tendo," said Renon.
He looked back, a smug expression on his face. "I'm looking
forward to breaking your spirit."
Slowly, Akane pulled herself up just enough to peer
over the bottom of the cage. "I'll... I'll kill myself
first," she gasped before slumping back down out of view.
"Yes, it will be quite interesting indeed." Renon
turned back around. He tapped his fingers together lightly
before him in silent anticipation.
Revulsion passed through Itchioni, but he hid it behind
a mask of calm. To see the dark side of Marcus all these
many years finally wore down his patience. Action need to
be taken, a time to finish what had begun so long ago.
He stood up. "If you have nothing further for me,
Doctor, I'll be going to check on Asaiko, and Hibiki's
termination."
"Excellent," replied Renon. "Let me know when those
two problems have been eradicated."
Yamaguchi paused but for a brief second.
"Yes, Doctor Marcus," he said, and walked out.

* * * * *

Ono Tofu slinked through the alleys of Nerima, making
his way carefully back to Konatsu's apartment. Night had
set in, concealing his movements as he made for the stairs.
A quick peek around a corner found the way clear, Ono
dashing across the street, and up the steps.
"Doc!" exclaimed Tsubasa as he shut the door behind
him.
Kasumi ran over, hugging him tight. "You're back," she
said. "I was getting worried."
Ono gently stroked her hair. "Worry brings gray hair
prematurely, Kasumi," he said. "I don't think we can afford
enough hair dye to keep you looking young."
Kasumi looked up. "Funny," she said with a smile.
Laughing, they hugged each other close again.
"So doc, did you see this Lieutenant Kira guy?" asked
Tsubasa.
"Yes," answered Tofu. "I took a chance and I gave him
your address, Konatsu."
Konatsu, seated next to the window, turned away from
his silent vigil. "Understandable, Doctor. I did not feel
any malice from him when I delivered your message."
"Let's just hope he's on the level and not in league
with Marcus," added Hikaru.
"If he had been, I don't think I would have made it
back here before Marcus's thugs set upon me," replied Ono.
"So what did he say?" asked Kasumi.
"Said he would be in contact with us soon."
Tsubasa nervously scratched the back of his head.
"Yea, but uh, like who or how is the question, doc."
"He didn't say."
"WHAT!" the others exclaimed around him. Ono winced,
moving protectively back for the far wall.
"Doc! You mean you gave us away without even finding
out how he's going to come get us?" said Tsubasa.
"He said he'd send `proof' of his sincerity over to get
us," answered Ono.
Gosunkugi took a fearful swallow. He began packing the
laptop.
"What are you doing, Hikaru?" asked Tofu.
"Getting ready to run," he answered.
"Run?"
"Ono," gasped Kasumi. She looked at him with a strange
gaze mouth agape.
"What, Kasumi, what?"
"I think she's trying to say you might have made a
mistake, doc," answered Tsubasa.
"What do you mean?"
"Like it has been said. What if he's working for
Marcus?"
"People," said Ono. "We all decided to go this route,
and I think Lieutenant Kira can be trusted."
"Like those `cops' in Ucchans?" questioned Konatsu.
"He could have come back with you instead of keeping us
in the dark," added Kasumi.
That was true. Ono smirked, mentally kicking himself
for being so careless. They were committed though, and
there would be no turning back.
"We'll just have to wait and see what turns up," he
said.
Konatsu started to say something when his ears caught
the sound of a car pulling up from the street. Quickly, he
turned off the light, and then slightly pulled aside the
curtain, peering out.
A police car sat at the curb, lights out, its two
occupants looking up at the apartment. They watched for a
few minutes more before finally stepping out.
"Police are here," whispered Konatsu to the others.
"So is this the proof Kira was talking about?" asked
Tsubasa.
Ono frowned. One police car? Okay, sensible if
Lieutenant Kira was trying to avoid attention. However, one
car would not transport them all to Police headquarters.
"Do we open the door, doc?" Hikaru said.
"No," replied Ono. "Konatsu, what are they doing now?"
"Standing there," he replied. Konatsu squinted, trying
to make out their faces in the dim streetlights. "I think
they're still trying to figure out what apartment we're in."
One of the cops suddenly looked up. He gave his
partner a light tap on the arm, pointing up in Konatsu's
direction. They both stepped into the spot of a lamp, and
Konatsu drew in a breath.
It was the same two impostors that came looking for
Tsubasa down at Ucchans.
He let go of the curtain and turned. "Policemen," he
said, making a quoting gesture with both hands.
"Shit," cursed Ono. Lieutenant Kira set them up it
seemed, and now they had to go on the run once more.
"What now, doc?" Hikaru fearfully said.
"We scram. Konatsu, is there any other way out of this
apartment?"
"Skylight leading up to the roof in the bathroom."
"Okay, Tsubasa, Hikaru, Kasumi get moving. Konatsu and
I will cover our trail."
Konatsu took another peek outside. The pseudo-cops
were coming up the stairs. One of them stopped, turning
briefly around looking up the street behind him. Following
his gaze, Konatsu could see several dark figures darting
across.
"Uh oh, doc."
"Trouble?"
"They're not alone."
"More police?"
"Doubtful."
A sharp rap on the door sounded. Everyone paused,
hoping that the thugs would think nobody was home and
depart. No luck, the rapping sounding again.
"Miss Konatsu, open the door. Police!"
Tofu arched a brow. "Konatsu, you did see Lieutenant
Kira, did you not?" he whispered. Konatsu nodded, sending
Ono into deep thought. Now why are they calling Konatsu
`Miss', he wondered?
The knock came again. "Open up, Konatsu. We know
you're in there!"
"Doc?" whispered Konatsu.
Ono mouthed a no to him. He turned gesturing for the
others to get a move on before Marcus's thugs forced their
way in. As the three rushed into the bathroom, Doctor Tofu
and Konatsu took defensive stances backing away from the
front door.
In the bathroom, Kasumi, Tsubasa, and Gosunkugi stood
staring up at the skylight. It was small, a tight fight for
sure, but the worse thing about it was the fact that it
appeared to be all one solid pane of frosted glass.
"You've got to be kidding me," said Tsubasa, scratching
his head.
"Looks like it hinges up," Hikaru noticed. "That's
going to make getting out easy."
"Well let's not stand here," said Kasumi. She stepped
up under the skylight, looking it over for a second. "Lift
me up, guys."
Hikaru and Tsubasa linked hands, allowing Kasumi to
place her foot in them. The hefted her up and she undid the
latch. Just as Kasumi was about to push it open, she heard
a thump from outside. "Down, down!" she whispered
frantically. They quickly lowered her back to the floor.
Ono stuck his head inside. "Why are you still here?"
he asked in a low voice.
"Ono, somebody's up there," answered Kasumi.
With a sneer, Tofu gazed up at the skylight trying to
come up with an idea. The pounding on the front door
increased emphasizing their need to depart in a hurry.
It was Tsubasa who acted first. Gently moving Kasumi
aside, he told Hikaru to cup his hands together.
"Tsubasa, what are you doing?" asked Ono.
"Those creeps up there probably don't know what
apartment to be looking for. Gives me the advantage of
surprise."
A brilliant idea, thought Tofu. He helped Hikaru heft
Kurenai up. Slowly, Tsubasa inched the skylight up. He
paused hearing the sound Kasumi had heard, then inched it up
just enough to peer through the crack.
Two of Marcus's ninja assassins stood with their backs
to the skylight, gazing around. Tsubasa winced, lowering
the skylight. Two, he whispered to the others. He took
another peek. One of the ninjas had walked out of sight,
leaving his partner on watch. This would take some quick
action.
"Doc," he said. "I'm going to count to three, then
push this open. When I do that, you guys give me a strong
boost up, okay?"
"Got it," replied Ono.
Tsubasa drew in a breath. One last look around, he
counted down and pushed back the skylight. Hikaru and Ono
tossed him up with everything they had. Back flipping
through the air, Tsubasa landed nimbly on his feet facing
the assassin. He turned, seconds late to avoid the sole of
Tsubasa's foot that greeted his chin. The ninja's cry faded
away as he pummeled over the side to the street below.
Uh oh, Kurenai realized that was not a good move. He
heard the running of the impostors rushing over to their
fallen comrade.
"Doc, get up here... Yiiiii!"
A flash marked the spot where Tsubasa had been; the
second ninja assassin fractions of an inch from decapitating
him. Tsubasa bounded back, dodging the furious swipes from
the knife blades. He hit a pole, tripping off balance and
sprawled out on the roof.
"Noooo!" cried Tsubasa as the ninja bore down on him.
His life was spared by a sturdy kick from behind. The
ninja sailed over him, landing hard on the roof, dazed.
Konatsu knelt next to Kurenai. "You all right?"
Slowly, Tsubasa sat up. "Yeah, yeah," he replied
rubbing the sore spot on his head. "Guess I'm out of my
league here."
"Small set back," replied Konatsu. "These guys are--."
He paused, noticing the ninja slowly rising up on all
fours. In a flash, Konatsu set upon him, a flurry of fist
sending the assassin back into unconsciousness.
Meanwhile, Ono and Hikaru help Kasumi up through the
skylight. Hikaru slammed it closed, joining the rest of the
group at the far end of the building. Tofu was looking
around, searching for a quick way out of their predicament.
The next building over was a short hop away, perfect for
their needs.
"Konatsu, where's the nearest police station?"
"About eight blocks behind us," he answered.
"Eh, that'll make things difficult," commented Tsubasa.
"Small problem we can overcome."
The beam from a flashlight cut the darkness. From the
ladder on the other side of the apartment, one of the pseudo-
cops panned it around, stopping as the beam caught them.
"FREEZE, TOFU. YOU ARE ALL UNDER ARREST!"
"Yeah, right," muttered Hikaru.
They took several steps back, then leaped across to the
other building. The angry cries from behind were ignored,
Konatsu leading them in a mad dash for the other side.
Reaching the ledge, Konatsu signaled a stop. He peered over
the side checking for any of Marcus's goons, finding the
street below empty.
"We better not dally around here," he said to them.
Tofu pointed to a ladder leading down to the street and
they scrambled for it. The light from the flashlight panned
around the darkness. Ono dropped into a crouch while Kasumi
stepped onto the ladder.
"Ono," she said, fearing for his safety.
"Climb down, Kasumi. I'll be right behind you."
Tofu gave her a quick peck on the forehead, and then
started her on the way down. The beam panned around again
forcing Ono to duck behind an air conditioning unit. The
grunts and curses from the pseudo-cops could be heard as
they jumped the gap in pursuit.
"This way," one of them shouted.
The flashlight's beam fixed on the ladder, growing
narrower as they closed. Ono waited, then sprang up
knocking the light from the intruder's grip. Two solid
blows had the first one quivering in pain on the roof,
clutching his arm. Before his partner had time to react,
Tofu planted the heel of his left foot square into his chin.
As the pseudo-cop fell, Ono dashed for the ladder, looking
over the side. Down below, the others were waiting,
nervously looking around for more of Marcus's assassins.
"Doc, come on, man!" Tsubasa called up to him.
"Coming, coming."
Tofu quickly scampered down the ladder. "Sorry I'm
late. Had to neutralize our friends."
"Well let's not stand here," Konatsu said. "Which way,
Doctor Tofu?"
"Anywhere right now will be good."
So saying, Konatsu and Tsubasa started up the street
checking the way as the others followed close behind. They
reached the corner and peered carefully around. It looked
clear, but Konatsu was taking no chances. Carefully, he
stepped out looking around. Tsubasa, still lurking at the
corner, gave him a quizzical gesture that Konatsu replied
with a shrug.
"Go?" asked Kurenai to Tofu.
"Let's," he replied.
They stepped out into the open, and almost immediately
were set upon by Marcus's assassins swarming out of their
hiding places.
"Back, go back!" shouted Konatsu as he fended off the
nearest attackers.
Tofu took Kasumi by the hand bolting down the alley,
Hikaru in full stride right behind them. A cry cut the air.
Ono chanced a look back to see Konatsu and Tsubasa running
for their lives ahead of Marcus's people.
Reaching the end of the alley, they turned out and
headed up the street hoping to run into a real police
officer or anybody who could call for help. The five
reached the next intersection and skidded to a brief stop.
Several more of Marcus's thugs appeared ahead blocking their
route.
"Oh, doc, this is getting bad. Real bad!" exclaimed
Gosunkugi.
"This way," said Tofu leading them up the left street.
The chase continued, a mad race that weaved in and
around the streets of Nerima. Finally, they arrived in front
of a building they were all familiar with.
"Ucchans!" exclaimed Kasumi.
"Yeah, and that means we've been running around in
circles," added Konatsu.
"But it will be a good place to hold out and call for
help," said Tofu.
They ran for the front doors, but a closer look found a
heavy steel chain wrapped around the handles locking them
tight.
"Aw no!" cried Tsubasa, frantically jerking on them.
Ono moved him aside and knelt down, examining the lock.
"Hm. I think I can pick this."
"Uh, Doc," replied Tsubasa.
"Yes, yes, I can do this," continued Ono.
"Doctor Tofu," called Konatsu.
"Hikaru, give me one of your tweekers."
"Oooh, Doc!" said Gosunkugi with some urgency.
"It will take but a--,"
Kasumi tapped him on the shoulder, and he looked up.
She was grimacing, pointing out in the direction of the
street. Doctor Tofu stood up and instantly lost his breath.
Renon's goons stood arrayed before them brandishing
weapons, ready to finish their assignment.
"We're gonna die," gasped Hikaru, dropping to his
knees.
Kasumi latched fearfully onto Ono's arm. He guided her
behind him, readying for the fight sure to follow. Tsubasa
and Konatsu moved up, eyes cutting back and forth waiting
for the first move towards them.
"We're gonna die!" Hikaru exclaimed again.
"Will you stop saying that!" Tsubasa shouted back at
him.
Apparently, Marcus's assassins found that funny,
laughing evilly for a moment. Ono pulled Gosunkugi up from
the ground, pushing him back next to Kasumi. It was a
futile gesture at best, Tofu realizing that if they were
rushed, there would be no way he, Konatsu, or Tsubasa could
stop them all.
The killers started to close the ring around them when
suddenly there came several loud pops, followed by clouds of
smoke that plumed rapidly around them. Vision became
obscured, then a voice called out to the five fugitives.
"Don't just stand there, run!"
A cry was heard from the now startled ninja, the smack
of fist and rapid blows accompanying them. Doctor Tofu was
not about to stay and figure out who it was that delivered
this miracle. He took Kasumi by an arm, grabbed Hikaru by
the collar, and called to Tsubasa and Konatsu as he ran off
through the smoke away from the fighting.
They ran on, not caring to see if there was any
pursuit. Rounding the corner, the five moved as fast as
their legs could carry them, traveling several blocks until
Kasumi pleaded for Ono to stop. Tofu slowed, halting at the
next corner. Kasumi leaned back against the wall of the
store they stood in front of, drawing in deep breaths while
recovering her strength.
"Hey... hey," panted Hikaru, kneeling on all fours on
the sidewalk. "Anybody recognize that voice?"
"Sounded familiar, but I can't rightly place it,"
answered Tsubasa.
"Well he... he saved our lives," added Kasumi.
"But we're not safe yet," Ono said. He paused and took
in their surroundings. Realization suddenly set in.
"Uh oh."
"Uh oh what, doc?" asked Hikaru.
Konatsu answered for him. "I think the Doctor is
referring to where we are."
"Huh?"
They all looked around, noticing that they had
inadvertently ran almost back to where they had started.
Konatsu's apartment complex was visible two blocks up the
street, the police car still parked in front.
"This is not good, people," said Tsubasa.
"Let's get out of here before Marcus's clowns catch
wind of us," Ono said.
A bright beam of light suddenly caught them. The group
froze, as out of a side street appeared the two impostors.
Ono heard the click of a hammer being pulled back.
"Don't move!" snarled one of the cops.
His companion laughed. "You've already been caught,
Doctor Tofu," he said.
"So you admit you're working for Marcus," answered
Tofu.
The two ignored his comment. "Kasumi Tendo, step away
from Tofu!"
A slight shuffle sounded, Konatsu ready to spring at
them. The beam quickly centered on him and he stopped.
"Don't try it, kid," threatened the man.
"Well you better shoot us now," said Tsubasa, moving
into a stance. "We're not going anywhere with you!"
"They don't intend on taking us anywhere," Ono said.
"They're going to kill us."
"Everyone but Kasumi," added Konatsu.
"SHUT UP!" shouted the impostor holding the gun.
"Tendo, move away from Tofu now!"
Kasumi shook her head. "No," she replied defiantly,
moving in front of Doctor Tofu.
"Kasumi!" cried Ono, but she waved him off.
"They won't shoot me, Ono. Marcus will have their
heads if I'm harmed."
An odd standoff began, Kasumi bravely staring down the
two imposters. They fidgeted nervously, not sure what to do
next.
Tsubasa chuckled at them. "So, boys," he teased.
"Looks like you guys are, ah, in a bit of a jam here."
"Maybe," replied one. "We may not be able to get Tendo
right away, but I think we can begin eliminations, starting
with you."
The pistol turned towards Kurenai.
"NO, DON'T!" cried Kasumi.
From the darkness behind the impostors, a chain snaked
its way around the shooters wrist, jerking his arm aside.
The gun went off, and a cry from Hikaru cut the night air as
he jerked back, crumpling to the sidewalk.
Doctor Tofu started in shock at Gosunkugi, then turned
rage livid in his eyes. There was no need for him to act
though, a blurred figure pummeling the two with hard blows
and kicks. As the last of the imposters fell, Ono finally
got a good look at who it was that again saved their lives.
"Mousse?" he gasped.
Mousse stood over Marcus's men, looking for any signs
of movement. Hearing Doctor Tofu's call he turned around,
briefly lifted his glasses, squinted his eyes, then smiled.
"Doctor Tofu, long time no see," he said.
"Mousse?" Ono said again.
"Hmm, I can see you're happy to see me too."
Ono shook his head. "What the hell are you doing
here?"
"I came to get you guys."
"What?"
"I came to get you all. Didn't Lieutenant Kira tell
you I was coming?"
Surprised, Doctor Tofu turned to Konatsu. "Proof," he
said.
Kasumi's call brought them around. She and Tsubasa
knelt next to Gosunkugi's motionless body on the sidewalk
trying to revive him. They rushed over and Tofu began
looking him over.
"Hikaru!" shouted Kurenai, worry lit bright in his
eyes. "Hikaru, don't you die on us, pal. Not now!"
Kasumi patted a hand lightly, praying that the young
man was not seriously injured. He did not move, and she
looked desperately at Doctor Tofu.
"Ono?"
"Hmm, no blood, no entry wound?" Tofu sat back,
scratching his head. "Hikaru, wake up."
A twitch of the brows was seen, Gosunkugi eyes slowly
opening. He looked at the faces staring down at him, and
then let out a low moan.
"I'm not dead?" he said. Hikaru spotted Mousse. "Wait
a minute, I must be. Mousse is standing behind you all."
"What?" snapped Tsubasa. He swatted Hikaru on the
forehead. "Chucklehead. You can't even get shot decently."
Kasumi swatted him on the head. "Behave," she said.
"So what happened then?" asked Mousse.
"Good question," said Ono. "I saw you get hit."
Hikaru sat up. He rubbed his chest, grimacing slightly
in pain. "I dunno, unless I've suddenly grown superpowers."
"Doubtful," replied Konatsu, pointing to the computer
bag lying behind him.
There was a bullet hole in the leather covering, the
punctured protective shell visible beneath that. Gosunkugi
gasped. He snatched the case up, opening it and let out
another moan.
"Oh Doc!" he cried, turning around.
The laptop computer was ruined, the casing shattered
and cracked where the bullet had lodged itself. Gosunkugi's
lips formed into a pout, and he hugged the machine close to
his chest.
Ono and the rest of the group traded lost looks.
"Really, Hikaru. You must get out more," he said.
"It's dead. Doc, they killed the computer," sobbed
Gosunkugi.
"Is he for real?" exclaimed Mousse.
"I'm afraid so," replied Konatsu.
Kasumi hugged Hikaru. "There, there. We'll get you a
new one, Gosunkugi," she said.
"We will?" stammered Ono.
Mousse covered his face with a hand, head shaking for a
moment. "Doctor Tofu, we've got to get going," he finally
said.
"Where too?"
Mousse grinned. "A safe place."
"Where is a safe place?" asked Tsubasa.
"Ah, no time to explain. Look, those goons of Marcus's
are not going to be put off much longer, so we've got to get
moving."
Nervous eyes stared silently at Mousse, unsure if they
could trust him. Mousse frowned.
"Hey, it's me. I'm not under Marcus's control, and
what other choice do you have now?"
"He's right," said Tsubasa.
Ono stood up. "Okay, Mousse, but first indications of
trouble and we'll disappear in a heartbeat."
"Doc? Me set you up... never."
"Okay. Let's go."
Mousse motioned for them to follow him, and they raced
off up the street into the night.

* * * * *

An unsettling mood coursed through Ryoga, mind filled
with worry as he sat staring out the bedroom window, Akari
nestled next to him a sleep. This whole Renon Marcus affair
irked him. Sitting helpless while his friends suffered
angered him to no end.
Akari's unfortunate involvement also worried him. The
woman was determined to stay at his side no matter what the
danger. He certainly did not want her to get hurt, but if
he was going to try and make it down to the Diet tomorrow,
then chances are that would happen.
Katsunishiki's hulking form stirred in the darkness,
head rising up briefly before lowering back down. The sumo
pig's position before the door made any quick exit
impossible, and with Akari latched tightly to one arm, there
was no way Ryoga would have a chance of flittering off
undetected.
One of the farm animals let out a loud hoot, Ryoga
pausing to glance out the bedroom window. It went quiet and
he relaxed.
I've got to figure out a way to convince Akari to stay
here and allow him and Katsuni to rush downtown before
Nabiki's sentencing. She was headstrong, a stubborn trait
that ran in her family, certain to protest even the
suggestion of such a thing.
Another sharp bark startled him. He looked back out
the window, and then Akari let out a low murmur, slowly
waking up.
"Ryoga?" she said, blinking her eyes.
Ryoga remained silent, eyes squinting, senses searching
for anything unusual.
"Ryoga, what are you doing?" asked Akari.
The barking stopped. Ryoga inched back down, but
remained tense, nerves on end.
"One of your animals was making noise," he answered.
"So? They're always making some sort of noise."
"Not this late at night."
She nudged him lightly. "Will you stop being such a
worry wart."
Ryoga looked down at her. "I worry about you. Marcus
is still very much a threat, and if he finds out I'm still
alive he will try to kill me... and you."
Fear passed through Akari. She shuddered, pressing
closer to Ryoga.
"Sorry," apologized Ryoga. "Didn't mean to make it
sound so ominous."
"That's... that's okay. I should be aware of what's
happening. This Marcus seems like such a bad person."
"One you don't want to meet."
Silence passed, Ryoga forming his next sentence
carefully.
"Akari... I'm going down to the Diet first thing in the
morning."
Akari nodded. "So how are we going to get there without
being seen?"
Well here it comes, thought Ryoga. "You're staying
here."
Instantly, Akari sat straight up, glaring at her man.
"No you don't, Ryoga Hibiki!" she shouted at him. "I am--,"
"You have to!" snapped Ryoga, cutting her off. He took
Akari's hands in his. "Look, Marcus does not know where we
are, and that means I can safely keep you here without
worrying you'd get hurt."
"But what about you? You don't think I'm going to not
worry about that as well? Ryoga, how selfish can you be?"
"I'm not being selfish, honey! This is too dangerous.
Marcus is bound to have goons out between here and the Diet.
If I have to fight, it's not going to be good."
Akari's eyes brimmed with tears, bottom lip trembling.
She let out a gasp, wrapping her arms around him crying into
his chest. Ryoga held her tight, rocking back and forth to
settle her down. He looked over to see Katsunishiki staring
at them. He shrugged, wishing there was some way to
convince Akari his way was in her best interest.
"Ryoga, Ryoga, please take me with you," sobbed Akari,
drawing back. "I want to go with you!"
It pained Ryoga to see anguish on Akari's face.
Gently, he wiped the tears from her cheek. "I can't,
Akari."
"You'll be killed! You aren't even close to being up
to your usual strength yet!"
"I'll take Katsuni with me, dear. He'll be more than--,"
Ryoga stopped, noticing that Katsunishiki was looking
out towards the far window. He appeared to be agitated,
mouth turned down in an angry frown.
Something was wrong.
"Ryoga, I--,"
"Shh," sounded Ryoga, placing a finger to her lips.
Quietly, they listened to the night air. Several bays
and barks echoed form the barnyard, then Katsunishiki
hulking form stood up. Ryoga quickly jumped out of the
futon, running over to the door. He pressed up against the
wall, listening for a moment before going into a crouch next
to the sumo pig.
"We got company," he whispered. Katsuni let out a low
grunt, nodding his head.
Akari was about to call to him again, but he held up a
hand stopping her. Thinking a moment, Ryoga went back over
to the futon. He motioned for Akari to get out, then
gripped the far side pulling it back.
"Lay down," he whispered. She did, and he placed the
mat back over her.
"Ryoga?"
"Stay there, Akari," he told her. "No matter what you
hear, no matter how worried you get, stay there and be
quiet."
Katsuni's grunt of concurrence made Akari do as
instructed.
Akari hunkered back, fear making her tremble, wondering
if there would be another tomorrow for them all. She heard
the door slide slowly open, then the light pad of Ryoga's
feet as he stepped into the hall. It grew quite once again,
tension filling the air. Akari bit her bottom lip,
desperately fighting back the urge to peek out and go after
them. Suddenly, three came a loud crash from the front
room.
AHHHH!
Crunch!
Bash!
GGGGGRRRRRROOOONNNNNII IIKKKKKK!
BAM!
World War Three had erupted in Akari's living room,
crashing furniture, painful yells, and Katsunishiki's
furious roar piercing the walls. Tears flowed freely, Akari
crying hard as the battle raged. As sudden as it began,
silence returned once more to the home.
Time seemed to stand still for Akari. She held her
breath, listening a moment. Footsteps came from the hall,
and she tensed wondering if it was safe or not to peek out.
"Akari," Ryoga called in a weak voice.
She peeked out from under the mat. Ryoga stood up
against the side of the doorway in obvious pain, chest
heaving, and weak from all of his exertions. He called her
name again sliding down to his knees.
"Ryoga!" cried Akari, pulling herself out. Quickly,
she was at his side holding him up. Katsunishiki staggered
into view, snout bloodied from a blow.
"Both of you get in here!"
Akari helped Ryoga over to the futon and laid him down
on his back. She rushed into the bathroom, returning with
two towels. Wrapping one around Katsunishiki's injured
snout, Akari sat Ryoga up. He had suffered a blow to the
cheek, the wound clearly visible even in the ambient light
from outside.
"Oh, Ryoga. You're a mess," said Akari.
Ryoga grimacing as she dabbed at the wound. He looked
up at her.
"We've got to go."
Akari paused. "Go? Go where?"
"Anywhere," came Ryoga's strained replied.
"We can't move now. You and Katsuni are in need of
rest and--,"
"Akari! Marcus knows where we are. Those had to be
his goons!"
"How many were there?"
"Enough. We drove them off, but they'll be back, and
you can bet in larger numbers."
Akari paused. She did not like the idea of abandoning
the farm, but the situation left her with no other choice.
"I'll gather a few things,"
"No! No time for that. We've got to get going now."
"Right now?"
Ryoga nodded.
"Where will we go?"
"The hills, the forest, anywhere until morning. Then
we can try and make our way down to the Diet."
She understood then, deliberating a moment. "I think I
know where we can go," said Akari.
"You do?"
Akari smiled. "Trust me, okay?"
Ryoga looked at her strangely. "Okay," he replied,
returning the smile with some difficulty. "You're the
boss."
Akari helped Ryoga up to his feet. Come on, Katsuni,"
she called to the sumo pig.
"Gee, I hope this place is large enough for all of us,"
said Ryoga.
"It will be perfect. Now stop worrying," replied
Akari.

Chapter Twenty-Two

The Biwako-Ohashi Bridge
Midnight;

Tatewaki sloshed out of the cold dark waters of Lake
Biwa-ko, Kodachi latched tightly on his back; Sasuke a few
steps behind. The overturned boat they had used as a raft
sank short of the shoreline, and it took considerable effort
to make the last few meters to safety.
Picking his way across the rocks and growth, Tatewaki
reached the rising slope and came abruptly to a halt.
Kodachi peered over his shoulder.
"Tachi, why have you stopped?"
Tatewaki frowned, looking back at his deranged sister.
"You want me to climb up there?"
Kodachi looked up at the rise. "Yes," she replied.
A brow narrowed. "With you on my back?"
"Yes."
"Kodachi, I am soaking wet, my clothes, not to mention
this breastplate, weigh a ton. You are soaking wet, and you
weigh about three tons."
"So?"
"Get off!" snapped Tatewaki.
Kodachi slid off Tatewaki's back, muttering and
grumbling up under her breath.
"Such a mean brother you are," she said.
Tatewaki let out a frustrated sigh, and then looked
around at their current surroundings. The Biwako-Ohashi
Bridge was a short walk away, the sounds of traffic echoing
in the distance. Good, that meant finding help would be
swift and easy, thought Tatewaki. Asaiko Nari had missed
her chance to kill them, and now it was time to be rid of
this unpleasant affair.
But still.
"Sasuke, scout the terrain ahead. See if there is a
way leading to the highway."
"At once, Master Kuno."
Sasuke scampered up the rise leaving the Kuno siblings
alone. Finding a half buried bolder, Kodachi sat down in a
huff.
"Tachi, why don't we just move on to the bridge instead
of waiting for our ex-employee to tell us the way?"
"Are you that naive, sister? What if Nari manages to
set a trap for us, hmm?"
"How? We left her on the other side, brother dear." A
firefly buzzed around Kodachi's face. She let out a growl,
swatting fruitlessly at the thing.
"Leaving us here with all of these, these insects and
rodents chirping up a racket, annoying me."
"Fitting justice I would say."
She ignored his comment. "And my fingers, not to
mention my toes, feel all wrinkly. I must look like a
prune."
Tatewaki rounded on her. "Would you rather look like a
corpse?"
Kodachi pondered a second. "No. Then I would appear
all bloated and fat."
Clutching the sides of his head, Tatewaki let out a
strained growl, turning away from his sister in frustration.
"And who knows what vile things have damaged my fair
skin," continued Kodachi. "Clutching boat slime for most of
the night. Disgusting to say the least."
Tatewaki thudded his head repeatedly against the rocky
ravine. "Please hurry back, Sasuke," he muttered.
His plea must have been heard, Sasuke peering down over
the edge of the rise.
"Master Kuno," he called down.
"Sasuke, thank the gods! What have you found?"
"A path leading through the brush and trees. It
appears to go all the way to the highway, but I could not
see much more for the darkness."
"Excellent. Come, Kodachi. We're leaving."
Kodachi let out a huff, rising. "About time," she
grumbled as she walked past.
Sasuke helped his two charges up, and the trio started
along the beaten path. The sounds of the highway were
getting louder with each passing minute, spirits rising
among them. Parting the limbs of a tree, Tatewaki caught
sight of bridge and stopped.
"We're almost there," he said excitedly.
Kodachi sputtered, swatting away more branches. "Well
let's move on, Tachi, before these trees ruin what's left of
my looks."
"Anything to keep you quiet," answered Tatewaki.
He started pressing his way through the brush. Kodachi
staggered along, letting out brief squeals and grunts as
insects and limbs assailed her.
"Oh this is very annoying," she said. "At least these
creatures have learned to be quiet."
Abruptly, Tatewaki came to a stop. Standing
motionless, Kodachi blindly ran into his back.
"Tachi, what-MMMRRRPPHH!"
Tatewaki's hand clasped tight over her mouth, stifling
her voice. He looked around at the surrounding terrain,
eyes and ears suddenly alert. Noticing the change, Sasuke
calmly turned around. He reached back with both hands, Sai
twirling into each palm.
A dead silence prevailed.
Tatewaki stood still; Kodachi's eyes wide with fear;
Sasuke in stance ready for anything. The sound of
stretching cord cut the air, and Tatewaki wrapped an arm
around Kodachi's waist as he dived into the brush. Sasuke
followed suit, seconds before an arrow streaked through the
air where he had stood.
The Kuno's pressed as close to the ground as their
bodies would allow, stillness returning to the night.
Taking in a slight breath, Kodachi started to say something,
but Tatewaki clinched a fist tight before her face,
signaling silence. Listening a moment longer, the sound of
rustling could be heard through the brush ahead to his
right.
"Sasuke?" he called lightly.
"Here, Master Kuno," came Sasuke's reply from their
left.
Not good.
"Shift," he said.
Tatewaki and Kodachi rolled away from each other,
another pair of arrows lodging themselves into the dirt.
"Master Kuno! Escape Plan Number Twelve!" called
Sasuke.
"Excellent choice. Go Kodachi!"
Kodachi burst up out of the brush, running as fast as
her legs would allow for the highway and bridge beyond.
Nari's assassin, perched up in one of the trees, took aim
ready to drill her from behind. He drew back, and Sasuke
quickly homed in on the sound. A Sai lodged itself into the
archer's chest, and he cried out tumbling to the ground.
Two more of Nari's assassins burst out of the brush
chasing after Kodachi. Tatewaki, his blade cutting down the
first ninja with one swipe, suddenly met them. The second
turned, thrusting his weapon at him, but he effortlessly
parried the blade aside metal sparking against metal. A
rounding cut produced a satisfying growl of pain, the
assassin falling forwards.
Tatewaki looked around for more of Asaiko's henchmen,
but there were none in the immediate vicinity.
"Tachi!" shouted Kodachi. She stormed over to him. "I
thought you said Escape Plan Number Twelve?"
"Yes."
"That was Attack Plan Number Four! I could have been
killed!"
Tatewaki chuckled. "Some plans have to be modified,
dear sister."
Out of the brush came Sasuke, startling them both.
"Found you," he said.
Tatewaki lowered his guard. "Please be so kind as to
give us some sort of signal next time you have to do that,
Sasuke."
"Yes, Master Kuno." Sasuke walked over to Kodachi,
handing her a bow and quiver full of arrows.
"What's this for?" she asked him.
"You are the only one not armed, Mistress."
Kodachi looked down at the weapon in his hand with
disgust. "I, wield such an encumbrance? Never."
"Take it, stupid sister!" snarled Tatewaki. "Asaiko
has out foxed us, and set a trap along this shoreline."
"But how could she--?"
"It does not matter! She knows, and now we've got too
make a run for the bridge."
Tatewaki looked abruptly past them, letting out a sharp
gasp at what he saw. Kodachi and Sasuke turned, started
sharply, then joined him in a sprint for the Biwako-Ohashi
Bridge. Seconds later a swarm of Nari's killers sprinted
after them in hot pursuit.
The expanse of the six-lane bridge loomed before the
Kuno clan members, inviting safety from their unwanted
attention. As they turned out into the highway and on
coming traffic, Tatewaki slowed his pace. He stopped,
turning around.
"Kodachi, run ahead and flag down one of these
vehicles! Sasuke and I will delay our insidious friends."
Kodachi bolted past them, arms waving frantically at
the rushing traffic. Sasuke took stance next to Tatewaki,
and they made a slow withdrawal before the onrushing
assassins.
"A fine way to die, if I may say so, Sasuke," commented
Tatewaki.
"Facing the enemy in final combat... yes I would say
this is the way to go, Master Kuno."
A smile creased Tatewaki's lips. "You were always one
to stand by us, Sasuke. Faithful confident, and friend."
Sasuke paused, partially stunned by Tatewaki's words.
"Why, why thank you, Master Kuno."
"Don't mention it. Now get ready, it's time to make
Kuno history."
Meanwhile, Kodachi was having no success at stopping
traffic. Although the fight breaking out behind her began
to slow things, still no one would stop and render her any
assistance. Furiously, she jumped and raved, crying at the
top of her lung for help.
"STOP! Will you misbegotten people stop and help us!"
raged Kodachi at the passers by.
Her words were falling on deaf ears. Desperately,
Kodachi ran out into the highway hoping the car approaching
would stop. Its headlights grew bright, Kodachi drawing in
a breath before leaping aside.
"What?" she growled as she stood up. Looking across
the bridge, Kodachi noticed that traffic heading away
towards Otsu had come to a complete stop. Several of the
passengers sat looking not at the battle raging behind them,
but at something in front on their side. Kodachi peered
ahead, then let out a squeal in fright.
It was Asaiko Nari, Miska close at her side, leading
another swarm of assassins across the bridge.
Kodachi called out her brother's name, dashing back
towards him.
Spotting her nemesis fleeing before them, Asaiko let
out a laugh, smoothing a brow in triumph.
"We have them, Miska!" she cried. "There is no escape
for the Kuno's now. ATTACK! Kill them all!"
"What of the witnesses?" asked Miska.
"These fools are too scared to do anything but fear for
their lives. They will be of no consequence!"
Miska nodded sharply, leading a portion of the ninja
assassins up along the center divider.
The battle between Tatewaki, Sasuke, and the ninja
assassins picked up in earnest breaking off into two
separate brawls flowing through the now halted traffic
around it. As Tatewaki juke, dodged and backed his way
through the cars and trucks, he warned for their passengers
to get down and stay inside for their safety. There was no
argument from most of the innocent spectators, especially
after seeing the scion of the Kuno clan dispatch several of
the assassins.
Sasuke maintained a steady pace close by, warding off
blows and swipes, hindering the advances of the ninjas upon
them. His keen ears caught Kodachi's troubled cries.
Crossing the blades of his Sai above his head, Sasuke caught
the downward blow of a sword. He levered it aside, slashing
up gaining a satisfying cry, then leaped sliding across the
top the car behind him. With weapons out to his sides,
Sasuke took a glance in her direction.
"Master Kuno!" he called out. "Nari is here and she's
brought more of her cutthroats with her!"
Tatewaki's blade sparked against the swords pressing
down on him, deflecting them aside, driving home his own
attacks. A ninja fell arms clutching his mid-section,
another feeling the blades icy sting of death across the
chest. A look in Kodachi's direction made Tatewaki grimace
slightly.
"And she would bring them our way too," he muttered,
casually deflecting aside an arrow.
It was time for a new plan, and Tatewaki was one never
to tarry in tight situations.
"Sasuke, Kodachi, the other side!" he shouted, making
for the center divider and highway beyond.
Asaiko skidded to a stop, searching for Kodachi. As
her team raced to close the trap, there moving past several
cars and trucks she appeared. Letting out a chuckle, Asaiko
notched an arrow and took aim.
The bolt passed through the air with a loud hiss.
Kodachi heard its approach, too late to react.
Unexpectedly, the door of the truck she stood next to opened
up and the arrow lodged itself in the side, the razor sharp
tip thrusting out scant millimeters from Kodachi's face.
Asaiko let out an angry cry, quickly notching another arrow.
From the cab, the driver peered out over the top of the
door.
"Do you need help?" he asked.
Kodachi hunkered down behind the front of the truck.
"What a stupid question, and yes I need assistance! Now get
back in there!"
He quickly obeyed the order, crawling over to the other
side away from any harm. The driver rapidly rolled down the
window.
"What can I do?"
"Get on your radio thingy and call the police. Hurry!"
she shouted.
He re-closed the window and was frantically jabbering
on his CB radio.
"The help nowadays," muttered Kodachi with a sigh.
Running steps sounded from across the highway. Three
of Nari's assassins appeared along the outer wall of the
bridge obviously in search of her. Letting out one of her
evil laughs, Kodachi launched three arrows in rapid
succession, the fading cries following as the ninjas fell
into the lake below.
"Hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo, hoo!" chuckled Kodachi
as she crawled away.
Across on the other side of the bridge, Tatewaki moved
through the crowd of vehicles, Sasuke close in trail,
heading towards the head of the highway.
"Get down and stay in your cars!" he warned the people
around him.
Ahead, Miska and his teams suddenly appeared. Tatewaki
stopped, and their eyes met. Grim determination narrowed
their gazes. With a sharp flick of his sword, Tatewaki
brought it up, the blade gleaming beneath the amber lights
ready to quench its thirst for blood.
The assassins around Miska started to charge, but the
he held out his arms, the signal to them that this was his
fight. As they shifted their attention to Sasuke, Miska
took stance, and beckoning to Tatewaki, got ready.
An angry war cry split the night. Tatewaki rushed
towards Miska, leaping over cars, bounding across the
highway to drive his sword at the ninja. His blade was
parried, a scything slash just barely slicing past his face.
Tatewaki brought his sword up in a sweeping motion, but
again Miska parried his attack. A kick to the chest
hammered Kuno back into the side of a car. Miska's blade
found its way through Tatewaki's defenses, racing down at
his now exposed chest.
Metal clacked loudly against laminated armor, startling
him. He drew back ready to slash again, but Tatewaki
regained his wits, deflecting the blow.
"Ha, ha, ha!" laughed Tatewaki. "Even your pitiful
weapon is no match for Blue Thunder!"
Miska stepped back, eyes narrowing with his frown.
"Blue Thunder?" he asked. "Is that some sort of joke?"
Again, the angry cry from Tatewaki cut the air as
combat was rejoined.
Back near the center divider, Asaiko and her ninja
teams continued their hunt for Kodachi. Extra caution was
being taken, several of the assassins felled by Kodachi's
marksmanship. Nari stood with arrow notch on the concrete
partition scanning for any sign of the Kuno.
"Ko-daaa-chi," she called, inching slowly along.
Beneath one of the cars not far ahead, Kodachi crawled
along the highway, fighting the urge to cough from the
exhaust and fumes. Despite the hardship, she found herself
enjoying this experience, hide and seek still being one of
her favorite games.
She rolled out, taking a crouch against the side of the
car, and readied another arrow. Nari's call sounded again,
drawing a smirk from her.
"Bitch," muttered Kodachi, chancing a peek up.
A call went up, one of Asaiko's ninja's spotting her.
He quickly received an arrow to the throat, gurgling as he
pitched back out of sight. Kodachi burst from her position,
racing down the side of the partition.
"DIE!" raged Asaiko, letting loose with an arrow of her
own.
It barely missed as Kodachi ducked behind another
truck. She reappeared again, returning fire. Nari leaped
into the other side of the highway.
"You'll never get me, Asaiko!" Kodachi yelled to her.
"Don't be too sure about that!" Asaiko replied.
Dropping into a crouch, Kodachi took stock of her
situation. Six arrows remained, one on the bow, five in the
quiver. Not a good thing considering there were twice that
number, maybe more, between her and her brother's
protection. The fighting on the other side could be heard
above engines and honking horns. She prayed that the police
would arrive soon, otherwise Nari and her minions would end
this affair, and not in their favor.
If she was to stand any chance of survival, Kodachi
knew she would have to rejoin her brother, or Sasuke, and
fast!
Somebody knocked on the window behind her. A young
child was pressed up against the pane, pointing frantically
at the rear of the car she was in. A ninja stalked towards
Kodachi's side, unawares of the discovery he was about to
make. Kodachi leaned out, drilling the assassin in the
shoulder. His cry brought the attention of his companions.
She bolted, giving the child a brief wave while leaping over
the divider.
Asaiko was startled by Kodachi's sudden appearance;
Kodachi just as surprised to see the woman turning her bow
at her. It was due to her gymnastic skill that Kodachi was
able to spring for cover between two cars, but Nari's arrow
managed to pin part of a sleeve to the grill behind her.
Quickly, Kodachi shrugged out of the coat, grabbed what
remained of her arrows and ran.
Asaiko leaped up onto the roof of a car, grinning with
delight.
"I see you!" she shouted, launching another arrow at
Kodachi's back.
Kodachi dived, enduring the scrapes and cut received as
she slid across the rough surface, rolling out of sight
beneath a truck.
"Oh that won't save you, Kodachi!"
Asaiko jumped down and began searching for her once
again, when a new sound caught her ears. The fighting
stopped as the sound grew louder with each passing second.
Sirens...
Police sirens, accompanied by blue and white flashing
lights raced up from either side of the Biwako-Ohashi
highway.
"No," stammered Asaiko. She could not believe fate had
turned against her once again. So close, the last real
chance of killing the Kunos slipping away yet again.
"Miska!" she angrily cried.
Miska was fully aware of what was transpiring. His
fight with Tatewaki had turned into a bitter standoff. The
appearance of the police forced his hand. With a sharp
break, he leaped back, landing on the embankment of the
bridge, and signaling to two of his bow-wielding assassins.
They responded, taking aim at Tatewaki's unprotected
parts. Sasuke's keen eye spotted the move. Breaking away
from the ninja attacking him, Sasuke flipped both Sai
around, hurtling them end over end through the air. The two
archers dropped their weapons clutching the blades
protruding up from their chest. They both fell down between
the cars.
Nari sneered. "Well, if I can't kill Kodachi, at least
I can kill you, Tatewaki," she said to herself.
Crawling from beneath a car, Kodachi pulled herself to
her feet. She was frazzled, half stunned and stinging from
the scrapes and cuts on her arms and legs. She looked up to
see Tatewaki engaged in combat again with Miska, and then
spotted Asaiko across the way leveling her bow at his back.
An arrow remained in her grip, Kodachi letting fly at
her arch-nemesis. The shot was wide, but enough to disrupt
Nari's aim. Asaiko ducked, appearing with another arrow
notched ready to drill Tatewaki through and through.
With nothing left to use, Kodachi threw the bow aside
running towards her brother, calling out his name. The
piercing cry that followed broke Tatewaki from his fight,
drawing him around.
Everything appeared to be moving slow motion, a cold
chill flushing Tatewaki's skin as he watched Kodachi
screaming at the top of her lungs, an arrow lodged deep in
her chest. She gripped the shaft with both hands, teeth
grit tight together trying to pull it out. The pain
engulfed Kodachi, and she sank to her knees.
"KODACHI!" cried Tatewaki, rushing to his sister's
side. He caught his sister before she could fall, cradling
her in his arms. Asaiko fired another arrow, but Tatewaki
angrily deflected it away, glaring at the woman. Several of
the ninja assassins tried to take advantage of the
situation. They attacked, only to be greeted by Sasuke,
barring the way with a commandeered sword. The dark gleam
in his eye warned them back, and with the addition of the
police, forced them to break contact and retire.
Miska made several hand gestures to the rest of his
force. The assassins made haste their retreat, leaping over
the side of the bridge.
"Asaiko!" he called.
Nari stood immobile, a look of hatred locked on the
Kuno siblings. Tatewaki glared back at her, sword hand
shaking with bitter fury. Miska's call broke Asaiko from
her stare. The police were running down the highway towards
them, and she knew this affair would have to be continued
another time.
A smile appeared, Asaiko smoothed a brow letting out a
giggle as she ran past. Tatewaki could only watch helpless
as she leaped up onto the embankment. Giving him a quick
wink, Asaiko and Miska leaped out of sight.
"You better flee, Asaiko Nari!" shouted Tatewaki. "If
my sister dies, you will pay with your life!"
Kodachi's cries brought his attention back to her, and
as a ring of policemen formed, Tatewaki let his sword drop
pulling her up close to his chest.
"Let go, dear sister. Let go," said Tatewaki, trying
to pry Kodachi's hands away from the shaft.
She released it, bloodied hands clawing empty air. Her
tears flowed in torrents, body quivering in pain.
Sasuke kneeled beside them, but he could see there was
nothing he could do to help.
"Don't just stand there looking," shouted the
manservant to the police. "Call an ambulance!"
Meanwhile, Tatewaki did the best he could to comfort
his injured sister.
"Tachi... (cough, cough) this, this hurts so bad!"
Tatewaki blinked back his own tears. "Yes, sister.
I'm sure it does. Stop talking. It will only make things
worse."
Kodachi coughed again, blood dribbling from the corners
of her mouth.
"Tachi, Tachi... I-I'm so sorry I've been such a pain
to you!"
"You've not been a pain," lied Tatewaki.
"No... no, I've messed everything up. A-a-all I wanted
to do was be a good s-s-sister!"
"And you... have, Kodachi. Now quiet yourself. Help
is on the way."
But Kodachi continued to speak. Her breath grew
shallow, and she beckoned her brother to move closer.
"What is it, sister?"
"Tachi, Tachi, if I die... promise me one thing,"
"And that is?"
She reached up, pulling his head closer. "You better
not sell one portion of my stock to that bitch, Nabiki!" she
scowled up at him.
Tatewaki drew back. "Stock?" he said.
"N-not one note, not... (cough) not one portion, do you
hear me?"
"Stock? Kodachi you are on the brink of death, and all
you can think about is Stock?"
"I know you, brother dear!" Kodachi let another cough
pass before continuing. "I don't care how much you love
her, or, or, or how good she is with money. Not one yen!"
"She is delirious, Master Kuno," commented Sasuke.
"I hope that's all it is."
"I am not!" growled Kodachi. She paused, tensing for a
moment, then looked up with a forlorn gaze in her eyes.
"Tachi, you, you want my soul to rest, don't you?"
"Yes, but--,"
"No `Buts'!" cried Kodachi. She went into a renewed
fit of coughs, clutching Tatewaki's lapels tight. The
coppery taste of blood drew panic into Kodachi's voice.
"Oh, Tachi. Tachi, this hurts so much!"
Her cries carried up into the night sky, and Tatewaki
hugged his sister close rocking her gently while they waited
for help to arrive.

* * * * *

Tosa's sullen form sipped on a glass of brandy, to
dazed by the explanation he just heard. The office was
quiet, Oneda staring at his nephew wondering if he would
have to resort to smelling salts to get a response from him.
They returned to Police Headquarters, but it was not
until reaching Lieutenant Kira's office did the information
hit Tosa full on. While Oneda talked to his two
subordinates, Tosa calmly took a seat trying to formulate a
new plan in this now complicated affair.
"Toto?" called Oneda across from him. His nephew
continued to stare out into distant space, frustrating him.
He rubbed his face, then tried again.
"Toto?"
The glass of brandy was placed on the desk, Tosa's head
turning towards him. He made a light twitch of a cheek
before responding. "I should be stomping your guts out
right now, uncle."
Oneda leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh.
"Well that's a relief," he said. "I could not even fathom
your mother's reaction if I had to tell her I had you
committed."
Tosa maintained a steady glare on him, and Oneda arched
a brow.
"Oh, still mad I see."
"Duh," replied Tosa. He suddenly stood up. "Uncle,
this is so amazing I can't even begin to describe what I'm
thinking right now."
"I'm sure you'll manage a way, Toto."
"Yeah, right." Tosa paced for a few minutes, his uncle
watching him in silent humor, stopping abruptly to round on
him.
"This is huge. This is much more than a conspiracy!
This, this is--,"
"Mind-boggling?" Oneda interjected.
"Yeah, yeah, that too."
"Now you understand why I had to do what I've done?"
Tosa sat down again. He held his head in his hands,
then nodded.
"Excellent," continued Oneda. "Now then, we have to
plan accordingly if things are going to turn out in our
favor."
"Where do we start first?"
Lieutenant Kira held up a thoughtful finger, tuning to
his computer. A quick tap brought up the days e-mail.
Suddenly, Oneda's eyes briefly went wide, a sign to Tosa
that something was wrong.
"Uncle?"
Before Lieutenant Kira could respond, a timid knock
came at the door. It opened, Wanabe peering slowly inside.
"Uh, boss?"
"Yes?"
Wanabe stepped in. "Sorry to bother you, but, ah,
you've got a call waiting on line three."
Lieutenant Kira picked up his phone, pushing the
flashing button.
"Lieutenant Kira... ah huh, yes... really? This is
good news, extremely good news. Are they... What! How
serious? Hmm, that bad. I want full protection around the
clock, understood? Now then, ...no keep them there. This
will turn out to our advantage. Contact me with any
changes, or happenings."
He hung up and leaned back, a bemused smile on his
face.
"Something we need to concern ourselves with, sir?"
asked Wanabe.
Lieutenant Kira cut his eyes up at him, then shook his
head. "Not at this time, Tami."
"Oh. I'll just go back out and try to settle Ken."
"He's still brooding?"
Tamigari just shrugged his shoulders as he walked out.
"What was that all about, uncle?" asked Tosa, leaning
forwards in his chair.
The smile returned to Lieutenant Kira. "Something that
will benefit you greatly."
"It will?"
"Yes, I--,"
Oneda's cellphone rang. "Excuse me," he said,
answering the call. "Kira... Iron Brother! I told you not
to--,"
The expression on Oneda's face dropped into one of
shock. He sat ridged in his chair, phone pressed close to
one ear.
"How long ago?" he took a quick glance at the time.
"Coherent? Good. Have you been able too talk to--, ah I
see. Okay. What about the brood? The egg hatched
successfully, eh? No, keep our nest warm and comfortable.
There will be time for changes, and I think they will be
coming soon. Some info for you. The kids are safe. Yes,
yes, they have been taken under wing. Let the brood know
just to ease tensions. I will contact you later."
Oneda hung up, and Tosa could see that his mind was
devising and scheming ways to take advantage of all the
information he'd received tonight.
"So I take it we're about to close this case?" he
asked.
A pause, Kira looking briefly back at his monitor.
"Not yet, Toto."
"So what's the plan?"
"I'll tell you in a little while. Right now I want you
to go home and get some sleep. You're going to need the
rest."
"I can't sleep now. Not with what I know."
"You better try, nephew. Tomorrow is going too be long
and hard on everyone."
Tosa could see by the serious look in Oneda's eyes that
it might be prudent to take the advice.
"Good night, uncle," he said as he headed for the door.
Left alone at last, Lieutenant Kira leaned back in his
chair. He placed a hand to his chin in thought, mulling
over details and ideas. The few hours till sunrise would be
busy for him, but if all went well then the final stroke
would be played out, justice finally being served.
Another glance at the monitor, Oneda sat up and pulled
out his cell phone again.
"Hello, this is Lieutenant Oneda Kira. I need to speak
with the Prime Minister. It's urgent."

Chapter Twenty-Three

Marcus's estate, 2AM;

Fierce shudders passed through Ranma, body curled up in
a tight ball. The poison inside him was spreading deeper
into his nerves and muscles, drawing sharp spasms that
threatened to cause severe injury if allowed to run it's
full course.
Renon was not ready to allow such a thing though. He
stood in his den staring down at Ranma lying at his feet.
Itchioni and Sapparo stood at the door, waiting to carry out
Marcus's next orders.
"Is she on her way?" asked Renon to Itchioni.
"I told her you wished to see her, Doctor."
"Did you tell her why?"
Yamaguchi hesitated. "Uh, no, Doctor Marcus."
Renon laughed. He knelt down next to Ranma, turning
him onto his back. Ranma's eyes were slit, barely able to
make out the face peering down at him.
"Your mother is being stubborn, Saotome. Pity, I could
be easing your pains right now."
The door to Marcus's den opened, a guard ushering
Nodoka Saotome in. She stood hair in disarray, kimono
wrapped tight around her, annoyed by this disruption so late
at night.
"This had better be worth my trouble, Renon Marcus. I
do not--,"
Nodoka's eyes fell upon Ranma and all her angers
immediately disappeared. "My baby!" she cried running over
to him. Sapparo caught her, holding Nodoka back as she
struggled in his grip.
"Let me go, you cretin!" she shouted.
Marcus stood up. He gave his man a nod and the grip
was removed. Nodoka went to her knees and pulled Ranma up
into her arms. Tears formed, a light sob coming from the
grief stricken mother as she cried.
"What are you doing to him?" said Nodoka. "Why are you
tormenting him like this?"
"I thought that was obvious," answered Renon.
"He's near death. Marcus, you must stop this!"
A sinister grin formed, Renon Marcus kneeling down
behind Nodoka. He ran his fingers through the lengths of
her long hair, toying at the ends.
"I plan to, Nodoka. Ranma has a task he must perform
for me today."
"What?" said Nodoka, looking back.
"Yes. Ranma is going to accompany Sapparo here into
the city."
A weak cough sounded, Ranma barely able to turn his
head. "nnnooo." trailed his horse voice. "I-I-I'm nnoottt
ggggoooiiiinnngggg."
Renon stood back up. "Yes you are, Ranma. Isn't that
right, Nodoka?"
The look Renon gave her warned Nodoka that the mad
doctor would go to any lengths to see that his request were
carried out.
Gently, she turned her suffering son's face to her.
"Ranma, please go."
"I would take her advice, Ranma," added Renon.
"Mothers are usually right about things like this."
"...don't you... don't you... touch my... mother!"
growled Ranma. He clutched at his stomach, letting out a
long moan.
"Ranma, my baby. Please go and spare yourself anymore
pain."
"But, but, but... mom--,"
Nodoka pulled Ranma up close, planting a gentle kiss on
his forehead. One of her tears dripped down onto his face,
its warmth soothing to Ranma's skin.
Hesitantly, he nodded. "I'll, I'll go, mom."
Marcus applauded Ranma's decision. "Well done, Nodoka.
Well done!"
"I did not do it for you, Renon Marcus," she answered,
casting an angry look back at them. "Now help my son."
"Of course, of course. Sapparo."
The Master Ninja pulled out the vial of light-blue
liquid, kneeling next to the Ranma and Nodoka. She allowed
Sapparo to set her son up, watching as he poured a small
amount into Ranma's mouth. Ranma coughed, jerking sharply a
few times, making several choking and gagging sounds.
Nodoka tried to assist him, but Sapparo held out an arm
stopping her. Finally, Ranma sagged, body visibly relaxing.
"There, satisfied, Nodoka?" asked Marcus.
She did not answered, eyes fixed on Ranma. Slowly, he
looked up; beads of sweat dotted his forehead, a strained
look in his eyes. Sapparo pulled Ranma to his feet.
"Wise decision, Ranma," said Renon. He took a quick
glance at his watch. "We've tarried too long, Sapparo.
There still is time if you get going now."
"We will be in position well before it is time, Doctor
Marcus," replied Sapparo.
Sapparo took hold of Ranma's collar, pulling him
towards the door. Ranma stared at his mother, wishing there
was someway he could relieve her worries, save her from
Marcus's mad grip.
The door closed, and Nodoka stood still not wishing to
see Renon's face again. He did not mind, eyes running
across her exposed back and shoulders, lurid urges burning
his loins. Taking light steps up behind her, Marcus began
tracing a finger gently across her skin.
"It's too bad you son is such a stubborn young man," he
said, voice draw in a low, suave tone. Nodoka tried to
ignore him, tried to shut out the feel of his cold fingers
upon her flesh.
Marcus stepped closer and began massaging Nodoka
shoulders. "You know, Nodoka. We could be more...
`Friendly', you and I. You would be welcome here in my
home."
His fingers began playing with the lengths of her hair,
twirling the locks in an amorous manner.
That was enough for Nodoka. She spun around, and in
the flash of an instant brought the palm of her hand sharply
across Marcus's face. The sting from the slap startled
Marcus, and his head jerked to one side. He quickly
recovered, catching Nodoka's recoiling arm by the wrist
before it could draw fully back.
Angry looks were traded, the two going eye to eye.
Itchioni thought he would have to intercede as the tension
built. Marcus's grip tightened around Nodoka's wrist, but
the woman fought back her cries of pain, teeth grit
together, short shallow breaths the only sign that he was
affecting her.
The stinging in his cheek finally stopped, Marcus
letting out a brief, but nasty snarl.
"You-will-PAY for that, Nodoka Saotome!" He thrust her
aside towards Yamaguchi. His henchman caught Nodoka in his
arms, and they both stood looking in fear at Renon.
"Itchioni! Take Ms. Saotome back to her room, and lock
her inside."
Yamaguchi gave Marcus a nod, ushering Nodoka towards
the door. She shrugged herself free from his grip. Slowly,
she readjusted the kimono around her body, and with head
held high walked out the room.
Renon leaned against his desk, fury raging bright in
his eyes. He contemplated several ways to avenge the insult
Nodoka had dealt him. "Damn her!" he shouted, slamming a
fist down on the top of the desk.
He paused a moment, the anger suddenly melting away
into a sinister grin.
"Ah, yes. I cannot wait to see your face, Nodoka,
after this afternoon's pleasantry." He let out a short
chuckle, flopping down into his chair.
"Yes, it will be interesting. Then we'll see whose
will is the stronger."
Marcus laughed loudly, the sound echoing through the
estate halls.

* * * * *

Japan Baptist Hospital
Kyoto, 4:23AM,

The past hours had been long and arduous for Asaiko.
Once she and her teams made their escape from the police,
they took up surveillance and waited to see where the Kunos
were taken. The trail lead to Kyoto, Kodachi being admitted
to a hospital for treatment of her wound.
Too bad, she thought, pushing along a nursing cart down
the hall of the intensive care ward. To die in the one
place where death was supposed to be vindicated. Yes,
ironic in deed.
It was merely a simple matter of waylaying one of these
nurses, assuming her role to finish her task, and gain the
vengeance so long overdue. Tatewaki might be close by, and
so would that slave of theirs, but it would not matter.
What she had in store for Kodachi could take care of them
too.
Ahead, two police officers stood guard, watching
Asaiko's approach. She twitched a brow slightly, giving
them her cutest smile.
"I'm here to check on the patient," she said.
One of the policemen eyed badge on her lapel. He cut a
quick glance up at Asaiko, then nodded stepping aside.
Asaiko nodded thankfully as she went in to the room.
When the door closed, the two cops looked at each other and
headed off down the hall.
A small light on the far wall dimly lighted Kodachi's
room. Asaiko moved towards the bed, eyes locked on the
figure huddled up beneath the blankets. That annoying tuff
of hair so familiar with the Kuno family could be seen, and
Asaiko sneered evilly.
Tatewaki was not here, and neither was Sasuke.
Strange, but then again it was after visiting hours.
Hopefully, Miska's and what remained of the ninja assassins
would relocate them in their sweep of the hospital. For now
it was time to complete her end of the mission.
Asaiko quickly doffed the nurse uniform she wore,
drawing a pistol from its concealment under the cart. As
she fixed a silencer to the barrel, Asaiko moved closer to
Kodachi's inert form.
"I would liked to have killed you in combat, Kodachi,"
she whispered low. "You and your accursed brother have
forced me to resort to such disgraceful methods."
Slapping a clip into the magazine, a quick pull back on
the slide readied the weapon.
"Nevertheless, you will die now, Kodachi Kuno." She
stopped to smooth a brow with a finger, chuckling to
herself.
"Say hello to the Devil for me."
THWIPT!
TUNK!
THWIPT!
TUNK!
THWIPT!
TUNK!
Asaiko stopped. She frowned at the bed, the body in
it, and the three scorched holes.
Tunk, she wondered?
Grabbing the blankets, Asaiko yanked them back. She
drew in a sharp gasp staring in shock and surprise at the
mannequin lying there instead of her archrival.
Surprise gave way to fury. "No!" growled Asaiko. An
angry kick dumped the bed and its occupant aside. This was
a trap she realized. That witch anticipated her arrival,
and like a fool she walked straight into the web.
Leave, raged Asaiko's mind! Leave now while you can,
but Asaiko's thoughts were blinded by hate and the desire
for revenge. Suddenly, an irritating laugh echoed from
behind her. Spinning, Asaiko held the pistol out expecting
to see Kodachi in her sights. The room was empty, and then
the laugh sounded again.
[Now that was not nice, what you did to my stand-in,
Asaiko,] said Kodachi.
The television on the wall flickered, Kodachi's face
appearing in full color. Her grin made Asaiko growl loudly.
Kodachi laughed again. [Oh, Asaiko. I guess it's now
you who are the hunted one, eh? Ohhohohoho--, ow, ow ow!
Sorry, that hurts... hoh hoh hoh hoh--.]
THWIPT!
THWIPT!
The screen shattered in a flash of blue light.
Asaiko dropped into a crouch, expecting a horde of cops
to come storming into the room. She waited for long minute,
nervous eyes on the door. Nothing happened.
Kodachi's irritating laugh carried suddenly across the
hospital speaker system, and she looked up. Again, her mind
begged for Asaiko to flee, but it did no good. She was not
going to run, and she certainly was not going to take
Kodachi's insult of being hunted lying down.
Moving to the side of the door, Asaiko took hold of the
knob and flung it open. There was no reaction, no one
waiting for her out in the hallway. The banks of lights in
the overhead were dimmed in all directions. Kodachi's laugh
continued to tug at her nerves. Angrily she stepped out and
began making her way back towards the reception area.
Asaiko got to the next intersection when the lights
around her came up. At the far end was Kodachi seated in a
wheelchair, flanked by the same two officers that guarded
her door earlier. In the corridor to Asaiko's right, police
officers stood poised with gun at the ready. The sound of
safeties being released echoed from behind. A curt `I-told-
you-so' from her conscience added more insult to her
situation.
"Asaiko Nari! Put the weapon on the floor, step back
and place your hands behind your head," instructed a strong
voice. "You are under arrest!"
Asaiko's eyes darted back and forth, senses reeling in
confusion. This was not how things were supposed to happen,
she thought. Another call for her to drop the pistol came,
but she could not respond nor move, everything but a rapid
blur.
"Give up, Asaiko," Kodachi called to her. "You have
lost."
Lost, thought Asaiko? No, no, not again. Not this
nightmare again!
Kodachi's deviant laugh focused her. The only thing
Asaiko could see, the only thing her brain acknowledged was
Kodachi with an annoying grin on her face. Their eyes met,
and Kodachi gave her a curt wink. She held up a pinky
finger and proceeded to mockingly smooth one brow.
That was the final straw.
"No, Asaiko, no! I was only kidding!" cried Kodachi.
Her plea fell on deaf ears; Asaiko's face twisting into a
mad scowl.
Ignoring the warnings from the police, Asaiko Nari
lunged for her.

* * * * *

Several gunshots cut the air, Miska and the ninja
around him stopping dead in their tracks. He looked up at
the ceiling, waiting for more, but the prevailing silence
returned.
Miska knew Asaiko had a silencer, so that meant trouble
loomed on the horizon. It was time to depart, report back
to Doctor Marcus, and gain new instructions.
A sharp sweep of a hand sent them rushing for the
nearest exits. Miska led them down a nearby fire escape to
the ground floor. There, he collected the rest of his
teams, and they set out across the grounds.
Miska gave the hospital one last look. A pity, he
thought, hurrying after his people.
The ninja were cutting across the vast grounds when
suddenly spotlights flashed on all around them. Several
growls sounded as the assassins shielding their eyes, trying
to see what was going on. Miska peered ahead and made out a
familiar figure.
It was Tatewaki Kuno, seated daiyamo fashion, right
hand resting on the pommel of his samurai sword stuck blade
first into the ground. Sasuke knelt on one knee to his
left, and behind them on either side stood the officers of
the riot police arrayed around them.
Tatewaki let out a chuckle. "So..., Miska, I believe?
Yes," he said. "Allow me to introduce to you the Third and
Fourth Police Divisions."
Miska glanced from side to side at the baton and shield
wielding force, letting out an angry snarl.
"Ah, I can see you are impressed. They are here to
convey the need for you to... give up this little drama and
atone for the crimes you, and Miss Nari have committed. I
trust you will make the right decision."
A tense silence followed as the Ninja and Police glared
angrily at each other. Finally, Miska drew his sword,
taking a fighting stance. Tatewaki was pleased.
"I knew you would," he said, pulling his sword from the
ground as he stood up. "Prepare yourself, cretin, to feel
the wrath of `Blue Thunder'."
Miska gave him a sharp gesture, beckoning them to come
on. Tatewaki was not about to disappoint him, leading the
police forward.

Chapter Twenty-Four

The outskirts of
North Nerima, 7AM;

Ryoga stood looking down on Akari's sleeping form, a
thin beam of sunlight playing across her face. He wished
she would stay this way for a few hours longer. There would
be no chance of that happening, Akari, or Katsuni's ears
sure to pick up his movements.
After the fight at Akari's farm, the three stole away
through the night, sneaking off to a barn once used by her
grandfather years ago. It was still in good shape, plenty
of room and not far from the main highway leading into town.
Ryoga sighed, turning to finish readying his backpack.
An array of bandannas was tied around his arms, the ever-
faithful umbrella in its holder. Making another sad sigh,
Ryoga paused to allow a brief rush of dizziness pass, then
looked back again at his love. He hated what he was about
to do, but felt it was for the better.
Katsunishiki's hulking form stirred straw rustling off
his back as he yawned. The sumo pig stopped when he caught
sight of Ryoga, eyes narrowing slightly at the backpack.
Ryoga noticed the look, then Akari let out a light moan.
"Mmmm... Ryoga?" she muttered, hands reaching around
for his body. Finding nothing but empty space, Akari
smirked. Her eyes blinked, and she slowly sat up. "Ryoga?"
she called again.
"I'm here, Akari," he answered, kneeling beside her.
"You're up early?"
"Yeah, I couldn't sleep too well, and... well its time
to thinking about what's happening today."
"Oh. Nabiki's sentencing."
Ryoga nodded. "Yes. I-- we've got to get ready to
go."
Akari looked at him, her cheerful smile making Ryoga
feel regret even more. She reached out, turning his head to
one side examining the bruise on his cheek.
"Tch, tch, tch, tch. That looks like it's getting
infected. Let me get some--,"
"No!" said Ryoga with some urgency.
"Why, Ryoga? That needs to be tended too."
Gently, Ryoga took Akari's hands guiding her up to her
feet. Placing an arm around her shoulder, he led her over
to the barn doors. A quick peek through one of the gaps in
the wooden planks, Ryoga saw that the area was all clear.
He pulled the door open slightly; sunlight bathing them in
its warm glow.
"Mmmm, this feels good," said Akari, hugging him close.
Ryoga smiled, hiding his true feelings from her.
A sudden thump sounded from behind. The couple looked
back to find Katsunishiki standing there with Ryoga's fully
prepared backpack at his feet. The sumo pig had not brought
it over for them to go, but stood with a hard glare upon
Ryoga, suspicion wrinkling his brow.
Ryoga swallowed lightly.
"Katsunishiki," said Akari. "Behave with your jealous
self."
"Gronk?"
Much to Ryoga's relief, Akari had completely
misunderstood what the Sumo pig was trying to convey to her.
"Ryoga is not doing anything bad, so stop it."
"Gronnnk!" sounded Katsunishiki. He nudged the
backpack again with his snout, but Akari still did not
understand.
"Go on now," she continued, shooing him away. "We'll
call you when we're ready."
Katsuni's gaze went from Akari to Ryoga and back before
he let out a huff and walked away to the other side of the
barn. That was a relief to Ryoga. For a moment he thought
he would have to act now, risking a confrontation with
Katsunishiki that he could not win.
Akari's firm grip broke him from the thought. Her head
nestled up against his chest, and he began to lightly stroke
her hair.
"Akari," he said.
"Hmm?"
"Akari, I want to thank you for taking care of me when
I was injured."
She giggled. "Silly. I don't need any thanks. It's
my job, and I'm not done yet."
"I would be dead now if it weren't for you. The
chances you took taking me to the vet, knowing that Marcus's
thugs would be searching for me. You were very brave."
Ryoga drew back, gazing deep into Akari's eyes,
caressing her cheeks with his hands.
"That's why I love you, and would die if you are
harmed."
A tremble ran down Akari's body, Ryoga's words pulling
at her emotions. She could do nothing more than look up at
him, lost in the moment. The setting was perfect, the
atmosphere just right. Ryoga cut his eyes over to
Katsunishiki, finding the Sumo pig watching them close.
Great, thought Ryoga.
Tipping Akari's chin up towards him, he moved closer.
This time Akari was not about to fight, allowing his lips to
touch hers, the warmth of his kiss sending a tingle through
her body. They embraced, and Ryoga guided Akari back into
the barn. Katsunishiki stood up, his maternal instincts
rising as they moved towards a stack of hay across the room.
Akari's back pressed up against one of the wooden post.
They ended their kiss, Ryoga stepping slightly back. The
barn felt suddenly hot to Akari. She was breathing hard,
blood racing with excitement, defenses down ready to give
herself to him.
"Ryoga... Ryoga, why are you wearing so many bandanas
on your arms?" she asked out of curiosity.
The smile faded away from Ryoga's face. Without
warning, he turned and with fluid grace launched two of the
bandanas at Katsunishiki. They wound themselves around the
sumo pigs' legs, binding him. Katsunishiki let out a
surprised grunt, crashing onto his side struggling to get
free.
That brought Akari out of her spell. She looked at
Ryoga, mouth gaping in shock. "Ryoga?"
He turned. "I'm sorry, Akari."
The bandanas flashed again, Akari bound to the post.
She squirmed desperately to get free.
"Ryoga, what are you doing?"
Ryoga went back to the door. He picked up the
backpack, pulling it on. "I'm going to the Diet and try to
help Nabiki."
"What! Alone? Ryoga, you can't go by yourself!
You're still weak, you're not ready to confront Marcus's
people!" Akari strained against the bandanas. "Ryoga,
untie us!"
Ryoga was quickly in front of her again. "Akari, I
cannot allow you to be injured, and that's what will happen
when I run into those thugs again."
Akari began crying. "I don't care! Ryoga, please,
please take us with you!"
Katsunishiki's angry grunt startled him. "I, I can't,
Akari. You both are better off here."
Ryoga kissed Akari again; hugging her briefly then went
back to the door.
"Ryoga, Ryoga, please!"
He paused, looking sadly back at them.
"I'm sorry, Akari," he said, closing the door shut
behind him.
"RRRYYYOOOOGGGAAAAA!!!!"
Akari's cries hurt Ryoga, but he fought back his
feelings, knowing that this was how it had to be. Looking
up the road, he wondered how he would ever find his way to
the Diet alone, cursing his bad sense of misdirection.
There was no sense in delay this, Ryoga figured as he
set off down the road. He just hoped that luck would shine
favorably upon him; otherwise this might end up being his
last day alive.

* * * * *

The report that Kasumi Tendo had yet again eluded
capture did not sit well with Marcus at all. Brooding
silently at the head of his dinning table, Renon ran several
scenarios of death and pain for his minions through his
mind. Yamaguchi, the Zuchen brothers, Suin-Tan, and Yun-Fong
calmly continued eating their breakfast, awaiting the fury
sure to follow.
Renon suddenly slammed a fist on the table, startling
them.
"She has escaped me again!" he roared loudly. "Tofu
and those three miscreants are still alive, and, and what
was Mousse doing there?"
"It appears that he was saving your Doctor Tofu and his
friends, Renon Marcus," Yun-Fong curtly answered.
Tension filled the air, everyone but Fong stopping in
mid-move by the remark.
"Is that supposed to be some kind of joke, Yun-Fong?"
Renon asked in a threatening tone.
Fong never missed a beat, reaching out with his
chopsticks to pluck another piece of fish from the center
platter.
"No. I believe I was merely stating a fact."
Marcus tensed, knuckles turning white as he clenched
his fist tight.
Suin-Tan looked at him. "Doctor, I did offer to finish
Mousse off. I think if I had been allowed to hunt him down,
this might not have had happened."
That took some of the wind out of Marcus's sails.
Thinking a moment, he sat back and nodded. "Yes, Suin, you
might be right. I have erred in this regard."
"Doctor, if I may suggest, why don't we step up our
search of Furinkan Township?" said Yamaguchi.
"Most of our people are out now, Itchioni. Nari still
has not reported back, and Rei's teams are in North Nerima
hunting down Ryoga."
Yamaguchi pondered a second. "We could send some of
the grounds security out."
That stopped Rei. He looked over at him. "Thinning
our defenses don't you think, Itchioni, hmm?"
"If we are to be successful, then it is necessary."
The smug look Rei gave him felt disturbing, Itchioni
smirking briefly as he turned back to Marcus.
"No. Let's wait for word from Asaiko and Rei's team,"
said Renon. "Rei, do you intend to go back to Nerima?"
"After finding out the results of Nabiki Tendo's
sentencing. Incidentally, that might affect our next
moves."
"Oh? How so?" asked Renon.
"Your Kasumi, her friends, Mousse, and Ryoga, are sure
to have seen the trial. They might try to make an
appearance."
That thought had completely eluded Renon. He smiled,
eyes lit bright. "Why Rei, that is a brilliant observation.
Itchioni, redirect our people to cover all direct routes to
the Diet."
"But that will--."
Renon cast him a stern look, silencing his protest.
"Yes, Doctor Marcus," he said, casting Rei an irate
look.
Renon's mood had risen. He continued to eat his
breakfast, then a thought hit, stopping him again. Tapping
the ends of his chopsticks against his chin, Marcus sat back
staring out into space in silent wonder.
"I still wonder though. How did Mousse know where to
find Kasumi?" he asked to no one in particular.
"Pure luck?" replied Huuchu-so.
"Doubtful. No, I must check my source. If Mousse had
been tipped off, then quite possibly they might also be in
contact with Doctor Tofu and his friends."
"Meaning?" asked Yun-Fong.
Renon arched a brow. "The trial, remember?" He stood
up. "Itchioni get on that shift immediately. I must go
make a few calls."
"It will be done, Doctor."
Marcus headed for the door to his den. He stopped,
sensing an odd stare on him. Looking back, he spotted Akane
staring down at him from her cage. Every word they had said
registering sharply on her emotions. Her concern for her
family, the anguish over Ranma's torment tore at her soul,
but the news of Kasumi's escape brought some hope to her
eyes.
It was that glimmer that Renon found irritating. His
hand reached into his pocket, but a second thought held back
the urge to hurt Akane. He wasn't sure why, something told
Renon it would not matter anyway.
Turning, he started to go and then paused briefly,
taking another glance back. A troubled frown formed as
Marcus shut the door.

* * * * *

It was over two hours and Ryoga still ran through the
streets of Nerima trying to find his way to central Tokyo.
He thought about hailing down a cab, or even jumping on a
train, but his natural bad sense of direction prevented him
from even finding the nearest station.
Several times Ryoga stopped to ask for directions, and
several times he was pointed in the right direction. That
would last up to the next block or two, then an inadvertent
turn and he was right back where he started, lost.
Finally, he sat down on the curb to catch his breath.
Akari was right about one thing; he still was not up to full
strength. The fatigue Ryoga felt would not normally hit him
so soon. Damn that Rei Zuchen, damn Marcus for disrupting
our lives, he thought.
No sense in sitting here brooding, he said to himself,
standing up. Ryoga took another look around, and headed
across the street to an open-air restaurant.
"Uh, excuse me," he said to the hostess standing at the
entrance podium. "Can you direct me to the nearest police
station?"
The woman eyed Ryoga suspiciously, noting his tousled
appearance. "Go up the street, turn right, two blocks
down."
Ryoga snatched one of the napkins from a table. "Could
you, ah, write that down, or maybe even draw me a map...
please?"
The hostess jotted down the directions and drew a quick
map for him. Ryoga thanked her and dashed off.
"Sir!" the hostess suddenly called out.
"Yes?"
She pointed in the opposite direction. "That way."
Damn, muttered Ryoga, running off in the right
direction. He reached the corner, stopped to check the map
before continuing on. One block past, it appeared to Ryoga
that luck would finally turn his way, when suddenly his
battle senses perked up.
Ryoga reigned in his steps, barely dodging a flying
body tackle by one of Marcus's men from across the street.
The thug slammed into a mailbox, dropping painfully to the
sidewalk. Startled eyes from passers by stared at him, then
Ryoga stepped back.
"Well that aught to teach you to try and blindside me,
jerk," he said.
A glance up the street found two more of Marcus's
people charging across the street. One of them was
frantically talking into a mini-radio, no doubt calling the
hordes down upon him.
"No!" snarled Ryoga. "I don't have time for this,
folks!"
He made a quick retreat back up the street.

* * * * *


The change in color was nice, thought Nabiki while
fixing the jacket of the dark blue business suit Tosa
Kurisawa provided her. She tugged on the ends, smoothed the
pleats of her skirt, then stopped to admire herself in the
full length mirror on the wall.
"It will do," she said with a nod. Nabiki stepped into
a pair of low-heeled pumps and presented herself before Tosa
seated in the chair behind her.
"What do you think?"
Tosa gave her a brief once over. "Yes, you do look
better in blue than gray," he replied.
Nabiki let out a hum peering back at the mirror again.
"You think if I hike the skirt up a bit and show more leg,
the PM and judges might change their verdict from life to
fifty years?"
Kurisawa laughed.
"Hey, I'm serious," said Nabiki.
Tosa stood up. "Nabiki, I'm hoping they won't give you
anything," he said.
"Huh, right. Remember, I have all ready been found
guilty, Mister Kurisawa. Anything positive will only help
my situation."
"There will be no need, Nabiki," replied Tosa.
She frowned at him. How could this loser of a lawyer
be suddenly so confident after what happened yesterday?
Maybe he was getting some kind of kickback from the
prosecutor. Would not surprise her one bit.
Someone knocked on the door to the cell. It opened,
and two female officers stepped inside, each carrying a set
of manacles, the final part of Nabiki's wardrobe.
"Time to go all ready?" she asked as they approached
her.
"Behave," warned Tosa.
The cold steel cuffs were locked around her wrist, the
link between them attached to the loop of chain around her
waist.
"Hey, not so tight down there," complained Nabiki as
the ankle cuffs were attached. "Those are new nylons and I
don't want any runs in them."
Fighting to conceal his snickering, Tosa lead the way
out of the cell. Outside, Ken Homa waited expectantly for
Nabiki to appear; Wanabe just up the hall talking on his
cell phone.
"About time you decided to come out here, Tendo," he
growled.
"Detective Homa? I was not expecting you here,"
commented Kurisawa.
"My partner and I have been assigned to watch Ms. Tendo
here. Just in case she attempts to escape."
"Oh yeah, I'm doing that," said Nabiki, rolling her
eyes up to the ceiling. She jerked on the cuffs restricting
her movements, rattling the chains. "Yeah, yeah, oh yes,
I'm going to make my way down this hall, right past every
cop in the building with blinding speed!"
Ken's annoyed expression humored Tosa, but he thought
it better not to tease the man.
"Uh, Nabiki, as your lawyer I think you should keep
quiet."
"Well this so-called detective should not make such
stupid remarks," she snapped.
Ken tensed, balling his fist for a moment. He settled
down, giving Nabiki a hard stare.
"You talk bold now, Tendo. I wonder how you're going
to be talking after they sentence you."
Nabiki gulped, moving timidly behind Tosa.
"Okay, Detective Homa. There's no need for fighting,"
Tosa said.
Tamigari finished his conversation on the phone and
rejoined Ken. "Okay, everything is set," he told him.
"Good. Let's get Ms. Tendo on her way and finish what
should have been completed a long time ago."
Wanabe smiled at Nabiki. "How are you doing today,
Miss Tendo?" he asked.
"I could be better."
"Yes. Ah, you'll have to excuse my partner's attitude.
He comes from a strict, traditional background."
"Alright, let's go!" ordered Ken.
Wanabe gave Nabiki a wink as she was escorted past.
Ken nudged him on the arm.
"What do you mean `Traditional'?" he asked.
Tamigari shrugged innocently. "Just poking a little
fun, Ken."
Homa let out a short huff. "Ha, ha, not funny."
"Noho, such a grouch. Have you gone to see a shrink
about that yet?"
"Can we get on with this?" snapped Ken.
Wanabe laughed, following his partner down the hall.

* * * * *


Ryoga's loud cry cut the air as he pummeled another of
Marcus's hitmen into dazed mush. Fist flashed, bone
crushing blows launching his unfortunate target across the
street. Another assailant made a swipe with a knife, barely
missing his back. Ryoga brought a fist around, and she too
joined her partner in unwilling sleep.
A brief pause followed, Hibiki panting heavily from all
of his efforts. The surrounding streets were rapidly
vacated by those not involved, fearful eyes peering at him
from the windows.
"Say, has anybody thought about calling the police?"
Ryoga called out. Several of Marcus's people rounded the
corner.
Uhoops, guess not, he thought bolting up the street.
"Stop, Hibiki!" cried one of the killers.
"Yeah, I'm doing that!" Ryoga replied, picking up the
pace.
A hard thump jerked Ryoga from behind. He staggered,
gripping behind at his backpack, coming to a stop at the
next corner. Pulling it off, Ryoga found two throwing stars
imbedded in the pack.
"Hey! This was my favorite backpack you fools!" he
shouted at the thugs approaching him.
Ryoga gripped the end of his umbrella, slinging the
pack at his attackers as he pulled it out. One of them
caught it full in the face, dropping from the fight, the
rest producing more shuriken.
"Uh oh," said Ryoga, dropping into a crouch.
He opened the umbrella, weathering the hail of blades
that sailed through the air. When it stopped he stood up,
grinning at the shocked faces.
"What a bunch of losers," he teased.
That set the killers off in a renewed fury. They
attacked, but Ryoga expected that. He closed the umbrella
then snapped it open, launching the shuriken lodged in it
back at them.
Ryoga laughed loud as several of them collapsed, the
rest diving frantically for cover. A new sound caught his
ears, running steps from behind. He turned to see another
team coming for him, brandishing an assortment of weapons in
their hands.
"Come on, guys. Go away and leave me alone! I've got
to get down to the Diet!"
A bandanna flashed from one arm, wrapping tightly
around the throat of the nearest thug, anchoring around the
lamppost behind him. Several more throws hobbled another,
Ryoga dispatching him as he tumbled to a stop at his feet.
The glimpse of a shadow on the wall sent Ryoga into a
roll, dodging the fist meant for his head. A sturdy kick up
caught a chin, satisfying grimaces of pain catching his
ears. He was up in a flash, deflecting the staff from one
of the weapon-wielding killers, tagging its owner in the
stomach with the head of the umbrella.
A surprise foot connected on Ryoga's already injured
cheek, staggering him. He hit the wall behind him and
slumped to one knee, pain flowing through his face. A look
up found a knife rushing towards him, and he just barely
moved aside. The blade cracked against the concrete; Ryoga
letting out an angry cry as he tackled the man. They
struggled, rolling out into the street trading blows.
Finally, Ryoga got a foot up into his chest and
launched him back into another pair running to join the
scuffle. He stood up, greeting the wooden staff that
cracked across his back. Ryoga collapsed into the side of a
car parked along the curb, his umbrella dropping from his
hand.
The staff hit him again and he cried out, rolling
beneath the car to the sidewalk on the other side. In his
normal condition this would have been child's play, but as
weak as he was, the odds were quickly mounting against him.
One of the killers leaped over the car, landing next to him.
Ryoga let out a yelp, catching the upraised foot rocketing
towards his face. A firm thrust toppled the thug back.
Running steps sounded from behind, Ryoga leaning aside
catching the length of a metal staff rushing by in his
hands.
The hitman's body bounced along the sidewalk, landing
on top of his companion previously dispatched. Ryoga stood
up turning to run, but several more of Marcus's goons
appeared to block the way. He turned only to find that way
blocked as well. With no other choice, Ryoga leaped up onto
the roof of the car. Immediately, it was surrounded and a
standoff ensued.
"Oh, this is getting very ugly," said Ryoga. The
killers around him laughed, menacing chuckles that conveyed
the bleakness of his situation. They could feel Ryoga's
disadvantage, sensing victory close at hand.
Suddenly, one of them leaped making a spinning kick
aimed at Ryoga's legs. He jumped over the blow, returning
one of his own that caught the leg at the knee. There was
no time to pause, the cries of pain echoing loud around the
street, another strike from a pair of nunchaku clattering at
his feet.
It was time to get out of this trap, thought Ryoga. He
leaped for the open street, curling up in a ball as he
sailed over the their heads. Unfortunately, his timing and
current state made him misjudge his landing, and he hit the
street hard on one side. Ryoga let out a moan as he stood
up. Before he could react, a foot caught him beneath the
chin, propelling him back against the store wall.
With pain shooting up and down his back, Hibiki growled
through grit teeth as he slid down to the sidewalk.
"Oh this is... is definitely getting way out of hand,"
he muttered.
Marcus's hitmen steadily approached, ready to finish
Ryoga off. Through blurred eyes he could only watch them,
helpless, too dazed to even lift an arm.
"Ryoga!"
Oh great, now I'm hearing things, thought Ryoga. I'm
hearing Akari's voice. Must mean I'm about to die.
Akari's voice called again, but it was not a
hallucination. The group of killers stopped, looking down
the street in the direction of the sound. Around the
corner, Katsunishiki trundled into view, Akari on his back.
They started sharply, painful memories returning.
It got deathly quiet.
The sumo pig glared at the scene, looking at Ryoga,
then at the people standing in the middle of the street. A
flinch of his shoulders told Akari to climb down and she did
moving aside.
Ryoga grinned. "Say, ah, if I were you, I'd seriously
think about running right about now," he said to them.
Katsunishiki's angry roar filled the air, breaking
Marcus's thugs from their stupor. They fled for their
lives, bolting helter-skelter up the street with the sumo
pig hot on their heels.
Ryoga drew in a deep sigh. He started to get up, but
Akari's appearance stopped him in mid-rise. Looking up, the
stern gaze she gave him brought a lump of fear to his
throat.
"Uh... hello, dear?" he meekly said.
Akari said nothing. They looked at each other for a
moment then she reached down, helping him the rest of the
way up. Quietly, Akari began fixing him up, straightening
his shirt, brushing the loose gravel from his arms and
shoulders.
"Akari I--," began Ryoga, but a sharp stare silenced
him.
Finally, Akari finished, taking a step back.
"There," she said.
Ryoga gave himself a once over. "Gee, Akari, you
didn't have--,"
KER-SLAP!
Quivering on the sidewalk, Ryoga held his cheek staring
up at Akari in shock.
"Ryoga Hibiki! How dare you leave me and Katsunishiki
behind like you did!"
"Well, honey, I was only thinking about your well
being."
"My well being? Look at the situation you were in when
we found you!"
"Hey, I had everything under control!" lied Ryoga.
Akari let out a huff, helping Ryoga back to his feet
again. "Tying us up like that. I had such a time squirming
out of those bandannas of yours."
A sharp bump hit Hibiki's back. He turned around,
shirking back from Katsunishiki's angry face. Another bump
staggered him.
"Okay, okay! I made a mistake. Geessh, can't a guy
make one wrong decision in his life?"
Akari's arms suddenly wrapped tight around him. Not a
bad thing except her firm grip pressed on new bruises and
injuries.
"Uh, Akari--,"
"Ryoga, please don't do anything foolish like that
again."
"Uh... well..., I--."
She looked up, and Ryoga could not resist Akari's
sorrowful eyes. He hugged her, resting his head against
hers.
"I won't, Akari," he said.
"Promise?"
"I promise."
They held each other in a long embrace. Katsunishiki
suddenly prodded Ryoga's arm, gaining his attention.
Looking back, Ryoga could see several of Marcus's thugs
peering around the far corner, watching them but careful to
keep their distance.
They would not stay that way for long. Even
Katsunishiki would succumb to the numbers Marcus could throw
at them.
"We gotta go," he said. A glance at his watch made him
roll his eyes in frustration. "Busted," he said, tossing it
back over a shoulder.
"It's ten thirty-five," Akari told him.
"Nabiki's trial is at noon. We still have time to get
down to the Diet."
"You're kidding?"
"No. I've been heading in the right direction...
haven't I?"
"Ryoga, my dear lost loved one. We're still on the
outskirts of town. You've been heading east instead of
south."
"What?"
"If Katsuni had not picked up your scent, we would
never have found you."
"Oh great! Now I'll never get to the trial in time!"
"Stop worrying, Ryoga. We still have time to reach
Central Tokyo."
Ryoga let out a frustrated sigh. "I was better off
trying to find a police station and turning myself in."
"Oh now that would have been stupid."
"W-w-what!"
"Stupid. The police would have just placed you in a
cell and waited for somebody from Tokyo Headquarters to come
and pick you up."
"And how do you know this, may I ask?"
Akari swatted Ryoga lightly on one arm. "You really
are out of touch. Don't you watch any television?"
"Okay, I give up!" exclaimed Ryoga, throwing his hands
in the air. "What do we do now, Akari?"
"We head towards Central Tokyo. Once we get near one
of the metropolitan police stations, then we go and turn you
in."
"What about taking a cab?"
"Your friends around the corner would jump at the
chance of killing you in an auto accident. Another stupid
idea."
"Will you stop saying that!"
Giggling, Akari placed an arm around Ryoga's leading
him up the street, Katsunishiki close behind.
"And don't think I am done with you, Ryoga Hibiki. Oh
no, you are definitely in for more trouble once things
settle down."
They disappeared around the corner, and Marcus's people
cautiously moved up to follow. Reporting their position to
the rest of the teams around the city, they continued to
track their quarry, waiting for the right moment to strike.


* * * * *

The House of Councilors Chamber was filling up rapidly,
Nabiki amazed at throng of cameras trained in her direction.
She felt like a piece of meat on display, up for sale to the
highest bidder. Next to her, Tosa sat slightly slumped down
in his seat, chin resting on his chest with eyes closed.
What a time for him to go too sleep, thought Nabiki.
She gave Kurisawa a quick kick up under the table.
"Huh, what? Yes, your honor!" he let out with a start,
looking around lost.
"Hey, the trial has not started yet!" Nabiki whispered
low to him.
"So what's wrong? Why did you wake me up?"
"How can you sleep at a time like this? Aren't lawyers
supposed to have just a bit of compassion in them?"
Laughing, Tosa sat back, eying Nabiki with a smile.
"Nabiki, relax."
"Wha-relax! Relax you say? Mister Kurisawa, you've
suddenly gone strange on me. What's going on?"
"Oh, nothing," replied Tosa. He casually looked past
her, Lieutenant Kira, Wanabe, and Ken seated two rows back.
"Let's just say, I am confident."
Nabiki's shoulders sagged. She sat forward, dejected.
"I'm going to the hole, and you are confident." Nabiki
suddenly rounded on him again. "Tell me what's to be so
confident about!"
Tosa was not fazed by her angry tone. "Plenty," he
replied, chuckling lightly.
A clap of hands from the main entrance announced the
arrival of Fumaro Masuda.
"Ooo, there's the evil stud muffin again," commented
Nabiki. "He's come to gloat at my expense."
"Let him," said Tosa.
Masuda looked over at the defense table, eyes filled
with triumph. He expected his once ago associate to be
humbled, eyes averted in defeat. Instead, Kurisawa watched
him with a bemused, almost arrogant grin. Fumaro's brows
furrowed together. He lost a step, wondering what it was
that made Kurisawa so bold.
"Yes, this will be sweet," said Tosa, dropping back
into his relaxed position.
"You better be right about this," snapped Nabiki. "I'm
not looking forward to spending my life in complete
solitude."
Tosa cut his eyes at her, giving Nabiki a quick wink
before closing them again.

* * * * *

An odd sight greeted the people walking along Hakusan-
Dori Avenue as the noon lunch hour approached. It was not
common to see a man and woman ridding atop an extremely
large Sumo-pig, especially when it was running pell-mell
away from a small group of men and women on motorcycles in
hot pursuit.
The chase had started almost as soon as Akari lead them
to the thoroughfare. Marcus's people decided then to
attempt another assault, only to find them in a footrace
with Katsunishiki. He easily out ran that bunch, but the
thugs were not easily deterred. Ryoga chanced a look back
at the group of killers steadily closing in on them.
"Akari, we've got to shake these jokers behind us!" he
said.
Akari nodded. Tapping Katsunishiki lightly on one
flank, she pointed off to their left towards a turnoff, and
the sumo pig cut around the corner.
His move came as a surprise to the killers,
overshooting the street. Ignoring traffic, they made quick
turns, fanning out to cut off any escape routs.
Two of the killers raced down a street, searching for a
sign of their intended targets. They stopped at an
intersection, then motored their way down the right
following the sound of the passing traffic. They made it
half way, when a garbage can streaked out of a side alley,
connecting with one of the killers. He was launched from
his bike straight into his partner, and they both tumbled to
the ground.
The first rider rose up. He shook his head then a
tight grip tugged him around. Ryoga sneered, fist rapidly
connecting with his face. The second one let out a scream
of terror as Katsunishiki made a resounding belly flop on
him. The street shook, arms and legs quivering in the air
for a brief moment before slapping to the ground.
Ryoga raced over. He lifted an arm, finding it limp as
spaghetti and then dropped it.
"Good job, guy," he said. Katsunishiki let out an evil
grunt as he rose up.
Over near the now vacated motorcycles, Akari struggled
to separate them. Ryoga arrived, and they soon had one back
up.
Akari hopped excitedly onto the seat. "Come on,
Ryoga," she said.
"What, me ride one of those things?" he replied.
"You don't know how drive one, do you?"
He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Ah,
well... you do?"
Akari made a slight kick, the motorcycle staring up.
Ryoga stood in stunned silence, amazed.
"Well, don't just stand there," she said. "Climb on."
"Me, on that?"
"Yes."
Ryoga was hesitant, but he cautiously climbed on the
back of the seat. "Hey, what about Katsunishiki?"
"What about him?"
"Won't we outrun him when we get going?"
Akari looked back with a frown. "This little scooter?
Feh, Katsuni could run all day and still out run this thing.
Isn't that right, Katsunishiki."
She gave her sumo-pig a light pat on a cheek, bringing
a smile to his face.
The sounds of motorcycles came from up the street, and
they looked to see Marcus's killers staring at them.
"Go, go, go, go, go!" cried Ryoga frantically.
Akari gunned the engine, tires squealing as she turned
the commandeered motorcycle towards the thoroughfare.
Not long after, Marcus's killers were hot on their
trail. Ryoga was torn between what to fear most, them or
Akari's weaving and bobbing through traffic. He clenched
his eyes tight, letting out a long moan as the motorcycle
shot between the narrow gap of two cars.
"Akari, will you please be more careful!" he shouted
above the rushing air.
But Akari was having the time of her life, enjoying the
chance to drive again. Ryoga's grip tightened as she banked
the bike around a turn.
"Look, Ryoga. There's Koishikawa High School!" she
said, pointing ahead at the intersection.
"So?"
"I have some friends there. I wonder if they're in?"
"They wouldn't happen to be the jokers blocking the
street now, would they?"
Two cars suddenly raced out into the intersection,
stopping traffic ahead. Akari brought them to a halt as a
mob of thugs boiled out of the doors to greet them.
"GO right, go right!" shouted Ryoga, and she turned the
bike around, Katsunishiki not far behind. They sped on down
the street, making another turn heading back towards the
center of the city. Suddenly, Akari slowed their pace.
"Ooo, Koishikawa Botanical Gardens," she said, stopping
the motorcycle at the apex of a side street.
"Huh?" said Ryoga. He shook his head in disbelief.
"Akari! We've got pirates chasing us down, and you're
conducting a tour of the city sites?"
Akari inched the bike up a bit, peering down the street
to her right. "Oh, Murata Girl's High School. They have a
great volleyball team."
Ryoga's mouth sagged open. "And?" he finally said.
"Well, if memory serves me right, there should be a
police station or two in the near vicinity. You did say you
wanted to turn yourself in, no?"
"No! We're almost to the Diet Building, and you want
me to turn myself in?"
Akari let out a huff, crossing her arms. "Sometimes,
Ryoga Hibiki, you can be so indecisive!"
A car shot suddenly rounded the far corner, racing
towards them. Ryoga let out a cry in surprise.
"Move! That decisive enough for you?"
The motorcycle's engine growled, Akari opening the
throttle wide. The shot off down the street, then abruptly
stopped, as a second car appeared to block their way. The
sounds of motorcycles from behind eliminated that route.
Ryoga pointed to the street on their left, and they sped
off.
As the three fugitives raced along, Akari spotted the
same two cars that had blocked their route earlier
approaching ahead.
"Ryoga, what do we do?" she called back.
He looked up, grimacing at the sight, then spotted the
open gates of the botanical garden.
"In there!" he told her, and she banked over towards
them.
The gate guard seated in his booth could only watch in
growing apprehension as the odd sight of a motorcycle and
hulking pig shot past. "Hey!" he cried, dashing out to rage
at them at the top of his lungs. "Hey, no pet's allowed!
No motorcycles allowed!"
Marcus's thugs came screeching to a stop behind him.
>From out of one car, one of them went up and without
warning, clocked the guard from behind.
"Secure the grounds!" he ordered the rest of the teams.
They fanned out, moving into the garden.

* * * * *

From the cover of the bushes, Ryoga crouched low
watching as several of Marcus's thugs ran past. He waited
until they were around the bend, then drew back rejoining
Akari and Katsunishiki waiting for him on the other side.
"Well?" said Akari.
"Ah-uhn. They're everywhere," he replied.
"So, what now? We can't sneak out, and there is a wall
all around the grounds."
"Oh, we're all getting out of here, count on that."
"How?"
Ryoga thought again. "First we gotta ditch this bike,"
he finally said.
"No, I like it!"
"Akari, it's bringing attention to us, so get off it!"
"No, Ryoga, I--,"
Katsunishiki clamped down on the back of Akari's
collar, lifting her up.
"Thanks, big guy," said Ryoga, as he pushed the
motorcycle into the brush.
Akari fumed at her pet. "Ganging up on me,
Katsunishiki. Shame on you."
"He knows I'm right," Ryoga said in the pigs defense.
"Okay, now we find a route back to the main gates, then kick
some butts on our way out."
"Ryoga, by now those creeps have called in the
reserves, with more on the way. It will be like that song,
how did it go? Oh yeah, BAM! Bad Guys fill the room!"
Ryoga eyed her for a moment. He laughed, planting a
fond kiss on the top of her head.
"Uh, I think it's `Bam! Black Suits fill the room',
dear, and no we're not going to be here that long."
A yell cut the air, several hitmen pointing at them
from the road. Ryoga grabbed Akari by the hand and they
shot off into the garden grounds. The killers were in hot
pursuit, chasing the three through the narrow paths,
ignoring the angry shouts from people inadvertently being
pushed aside.
Ryoga pulled Akari along, racing out into another wide
path. Katsunishiki rounded the turn, and suddenly out of
the trees leaped a Ninja, his sword held high above his
head. The Sumo-pig let out a surprised cry totally caught
off guard, but Ryoga swiftly leaped planting a sturdy kick
to the Ninja's ribs knocking him away into the trees.
He landed, stumbling a bit, then turned around.
"Katsuni, get Akari out of here!"
Akari let out a scream as two of the killers rush at
her. She ran, then Katsunishiki interposed himself before
them. Several hard butts with his thick head sent them
flying. Meanwhile, Ryoga was back in action, fending off
more of the thugs. A rapid series of punches slammed one to
the ground, another kick launching two more into the trees.
The crack of bones could be heard loudly as Ryoga's knee
connected with the ribs of a knife-wielding assassin.
"Katsunishiki! Get Akari out of here," Ryoga shouted
again.
Katsunishiki grunted and roared loudly, battling the
angry mob trying to kill him and Akari. Hooves stomped
bodies into moaning casualties, others flying every which
way as he bucked them around. Behind him knelt Akari, hands
held fearfully to her mouth as the fight raged. She cried
with every blow Ryoga and Katsunishiki endured, inching back
further into the trees for protection.
Rounding the turn in the road behind Ryoga, what
remained of Marcus's killers appeared. They rushed into the
fray; one of them noticing Akari.
"Ah! Ah! Ryoga, help!" she cried, ducking behind the
tree.
It was the biggest mistake they could have made; Ryoga
looking back to see his beloved engaged in a deadly game of
dodge. Fury boiled the blood in his veins, a dark rage
bursting forth. Every ounce of energy he had became focus,
every blow a blinding flash that decimated his targets.
"BASTARDS!" he cried, bursting his way through the mob.
Katsunishiki joined him, covering his move.
The thug pursuing Akari finally cornered her. He
grinned, brandishing a knife in his hand, making several
swipes in her direction. Akari cried out again, waiting for
the pain, but Ryoga's grip spun the killer around. His head
rocked back and forth, body doubling over before crashing
through the branches of the trees on his to the moon.
"Akari, are you--?"
"Ryoga, look out!" she suddenly cried, pointing behind
him.
Ryoga narrowly dodged a kick to the head. He gripped
the killer's leg tight and flung him around into another
rushing up from the rear. "I have had just about enough of
you guys!" raged Ryoga, aura glowing bright around his body.
He cried out, dashing into the pack, kicking and punching
anything that offered resistance. Katsunishiki joined in,
and it quickly became a mad route for Marcus's people.
Akari watched in awe at the carnage her two companions
were delivering. Movement off to right caught her eye, the
ninja knocked away earlier staggering back out of the brush.
He started sharply, eyes narrowing in silent anger. A flick
of each wrist produced a pair of throwing knives, his sights
set upon Ryoga's back.
"No!" gasped Akari, dashing towards him.
Ryoga was pummeling several thugs into mush when he
heard Akari's cry. She grappled with the ninja, struggling
to keep him from throwing the knives.
"Leave her alone, you rat!" he cried, charging towards
them.
Akari was thrust away, the Ninja turning with a knife
poised ready to fly. He was too late as Ryoga's rock hard
knuckles smashed into his face. The ninja flopped to the
ground.
That brought a halt to the fight. Marcus's people
stared at Ryoga in fear, then from outside the surrounding
walls sirens were heard. They traded looks before breaking
off, running away.
Ryoga by then was too beat to pursue. Tiredly, he sank
to his knees and looked over at Katsunishiki.
"We won," he said in a weak voice. Katsunishiki let
out a grunt, dropping to his stomach. Around them, moans
and cries of pain came from those unfortunate enough meet up
with the two.
"We won, Akari," Ryoga said again, looking over at her.
Akari stood on shaky legs, a pained smile on her face.
Something was wrong, sensed Ryoga. Slowly, he stood up.
"Akari?" he said.
Akari took a step towards him, body quivering. The
smile she held was accompanied by a look of shock and
surprise. Ryoga ran over as she began teetering over,
catching Akari in his arms.
"Akari?" he said.
Moisture crept down his hands, a warm flow that soaked
the back of Akari's blouse. Ryoga drew back his hand and
found it stained with blood; a knife stuck in the lower part
of her back.
"Oh, no!"
Akari's head turned up to his, her gentle smile never
leaving her lips.
"...r-r-ryoga... I guess... I guess you were right--,"
Her voice trailed off, and Ryoga frantically tried to
revive her.
"Akari, Akari please speak to me! Don't die, oh gosh,
please don't die!"
It was no use; Akari had passed out from the loss of
blood and pain. Ryoga's tears flowed down his cheeks, then
Katsunishiki let out a deep groan, nudging Akari's body with
his snout.
No, no," muttered Ryoga, hugging her close to him. He
tipped his head back and let out a long cry in anguish.
"NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"

* * * * *

The doors of the Nihon Hospital Emergency Room burst
open, paramedics rushing a gurney and its injured patient
through the corridors to the nearest operating room.
Ryoga ran in close trail a few steps behind, making
sure nothing happened to Akari. The hospital staff took
over, and he stopped as they closed the doors. Peering in
through one of the windows, there was not much he could see
except a team of doctors and nurses working feverishly to
stabilize his girlfriend's condition.
This day had gone so sour, Ryoga thought as he
staggered over to a near by chair and sat down. He held his
head in his hands, vision blurred from the tears building in
them. How could he have let this happen, he thought angrily
to himself. It should have been him with the knife lodged
in his back, not her!
A shadow moved over him, marking the presence of
somebody standing before him. Ryoga looked up, and in a
flash leaped from his seat taking a fighting stance.
A tall man clad in black boots, pants, and pullover
sweater watched him calmly. His dark crew cut hair was neat
and trimmed, thick brows slightly raised waiting for Ryoga
to move. After a tense moment, he spoke in a deep, thick
voice.
"Ryoga Hibiki?"
Ryoga sneered; fist balled expecting this newcomer to
try something. "Stay away from me!"
The stranger frowned, taking a step forwards, only to
pause as Ryoga drew back.
"I said stay back!"
"I'm not here to harm you, Mister Hibiki," said the
man.
"Who knows what you want to do, buster!"
Taking a brief glance around, the stranger leaned
slightly towards him. "I'm not with Marcus, if that is what
you're worried about," he said low.
The mention of Marcus's name made Ryoga flinch. He
turned his head to one side, narrowing an eye at the man.
"You are going to have too do better than that, pal."
"Mister Hibiki, I'm with the Police Anti-Terrorist
Unit. We heard you were in the vicinity and rushed right
over."
"What, so you can drag me off to that bastard Marcus?"
"No, I am not here to arrest, or kidnap you. However,
I do hope you would like too help corner our elusive Renon
Marcus."
Ryoga's body relaxed, but he maintained his guard.
"You've got to come up with something else."
The stranger paused to think a second. "Does the word
`P-chan' mean anything to you?" he asked.
Only a few people knew about Ryoga's alter ego. With
mouth agape, Ryoga stared at the stranger. "It certainly
does," he replied.
"So that means you believe me now?"
"Yeah."
The stranger smiled. "Good. Now we've got to--,"
"What about Akari?" asked Ryoga.
"Your lady friend? Don't worry. Several of my men
will be on guard here twenty-four and seven."
"Katsunishiki?"
"Who?"
"The Sumo-Pig ranting up a ruckus out in the parking
lot."
"Oh. He can come along too. The more the merrier."
Ryoga looked back at the operating rooms doors, a
feeling of worry passing though him. He did not want to
leave not knowing if Akari would live or die, but knew there
was nothing he could do to help the situation. He had faith
in the doctors, and there still was the matter of revenge to
attend to.
"Okay, but we've got to get Marcus's ass today! No
more damn surprises. He goes down hard!"
"We have every intention of doing just that, Mister
Hibiki."
Ryoga nodded. "So where to now?"
"First things first. We must stop and see a few old
friends," replied the stranger.
"What are we waiting for then," said Ryoga. "Let's
go."

Chapter Twenty-Five

The National Diet Building,
Central Tokyo, Noon.

Amidst the trees surrounding the Diet Building grounds,
Sapparo maintained a steady vigil on the main entrance, one
ear covered by an earphone listening to the upcoming trial.
Ranma sat against the base of the tree behind him, trying to
stave off the painful effects slowly creeping back up
through his body.
Another sharp stab wracked his stomach, and he doubled
over.
"H-h-hey! I'm hurting down here. Wanna do something
about it?" shouted Ranma.
Sapparo leaped from the limb to the ground. Taking
Ranma in a tight grip of his chin, he pulled him up,
slamming him painfully back against the trunk of the tree.
"You are beginning to try my patience, Saotome,"
snarled Sapparo, getting up close in his face. "Ever since
we've arrived in the city, your little attempts to get us
discovered have jeopardized this assignment. One more, ONE
MORE, and I will notify Doctor Marcus of your foolish
behavior. Do you think Akane can handle more of his
attention?"
Ranma slowly shook his head. A sharp rap smacked the
back of his head painfully against the tree.
"Then knock it off," finished Sapparo.
He let go, and they glared at each other. Voices came
from the direction of the path. Quickly, the Master Ninja
pulled Ranma into the brush. They lay low, waiting for the
couple that appeared to pass. Sapparo peered slowly out
seeing the area was clear.
"Yo!" said Ranma. Sapparo looked down at him. "What
are we doing here?"
Sapparo narrowed his eyes. "That is for me to know
right now, Saotome."
A shudder passed, Ranma sitting up. He leaned against
a tree and sighed. "How am I to help you if I don't even
know what it is I'm supposed to be doing?"
Ranma had a good point, although it would not be smart
to tell him he was going to die today.
"We are going to retrieve something from the Prime
Minister's Office," lied Sapparo.
"What?"
"Let me worry about that! All you are here for is
support. Understand?"
Ranma glared at him, confused by the instructions, but
nodded.
The tiny radio in Sapparo's ear suddenly announced the
beginning of Nabiki Tendo's trial. Telling Ranma to stay
there and remain silent, he leaped back up into the limbs of
the tree. One last look down, Sapparo smiled sinisterly
beneath his dark mask.
Yes, this would be a day of satisfaction, one that was
long over due.

* * * * *

Tension mounted as the people in the House of
Councilors Chambers awaited the appearance of the Prime
Minister and His Highness; the Emperor. Nabiki had been
escorted to the defendant's box, and stood quietly despite
the knots twisting in her stomach.
Over at his table, Fumaro Masuda's thoughts were of
victory and the upcoming increase in prestige he would
attain as a result of it. No doubt putting away Nabiki
Tendo would increase not only business, but improve
substantially his income and worth. Every large
corporation, every executive in Japan would be pounding on
the door for his services.
Alas, poor Tosa, thought Fumaro. If he had only
thought about his decision to leave, thought about the
company instead of moral issues, this public humiliation
would not have occurred. There was some regret having to
crush a former associate under thumb, but he would get over
it.
Fumaro looked over in the direction of the Defense's
Table expecting to see Kurisawa in the long dregs of
despair. Instead, Tosa appeared quite calm to him. In
fact, he looked as if he had not a worry in the world.
Kurisawa suddenly glanced up and their eyes meet. For
a moment, they just stared at each other, then Tosa smiled
beetling his brows. That drew a frown from Masuda. He was
still wondering what Kurisawa had up his sleeve when the
Bailiff announced the arrival of the Judges, and Prime
Minister.
The presiding court entered and took their seats. A
long hush followed, every eye on them waiting for the
decision of Nabiki's fate. Finally, the Prime Minister
finished sorting the papers on the podium. He sat back,
steepled his fingers together, and tapped his chin
thoughtfully. A short glance and nod to the bailiff
commenced the trial.
"Nabiki Tendo, are you ready for the decision of this
court?" asked the bailiff.
Nabiki made a brief swallow before answering. "Yes...
yes I am."
The Prime Minister sat forwards, leveling a withering
stare on her. "Nabiki Tendo, it is the decision of this
court, at the behest of His Highness the Emperor, that you
are to be executed without delay."
Loud murmurs broke out through the council chambers,
surprised and stunned expressions on the faces of the on
looking crowd. Nabiki's face went pale, jaw sagging open,
the pulse of her veins racing.
"No," she muttered in utter disbelief. "I'm, I'm
innocent. I'm innocent!"
The Prime Minister's gavel returned silence to the
court. "In addition, since this was an affront not only to
myself and the Emperor, you will be executed by beheading as
per Imperial edicts."
Nabiki dropped to her knees. "Mister Prime Minister,
you've got to believe me, I'm innocent!" she cried.
"Please, please don't kill me!"
"Tendo, get up and face your fate!" snarled the Prime
Minister. "You don't deserve--,"
"Mister Prime Minister," Tosa suddenly called.
"Yes?"
Tosa walked over to the defendant's box. "Stand up,
Nabiki," he said, handing her a handkerchief.
"Mister Kurisawa," the Prime Minister in a stern tone.
Tosa look back, a smile on his face.
"What is it that you wish to say?"
"Oh, oh yes. Forgive me, sirs. I would like to
present new testimony into the case."
Anger flushed the PM's face. "What?"
"Ah, yes sir. I have testimony that it think you will
all be interested in hearing."
The judges traded looks of confusion. "Are you mad,
Mister Kurisawa?" one of them asked.
"No, sir."
"Your turn had come and gone long ago, Prosecutor,"
said another.
The Prime Minister cut in then. "Sentencing has been
decreed, Mister Kurisawa. The Emperor is away on affairs and
cannot be bother with appeals now!"
"I am not appealing, sir," replied Tosa. He approached
the bench, arms held out to either side, pleading his case.
"In all due fairness of this court, if there is any chance
to spare a life I will pursue it to the utmost. Nabiki
Tendo deserves any chance to clear her name, and I am sure
our esteemed leaders can have in their hearts enough mercy
to allow this."
That hit home, the judges going silent once more. The
started talking among themselves, then the lead judges
conferred with the Prime Minister.
"Mister Kurisawa. Whose testimony are we to hear?" he
finally asked.
Tosa smiled again. "Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno, sir."
The noise from the crowd cut off the Prime Minister's
reply. Tosa looked back at Fumaro's table, noticing the
shock that held him. He grinned, chuckling to himself. The
hammering of the Prime Minister's gavel brought him back
around.
"Order!" shouted the PM, and the chamber grew silent
again.
"Mister Kurisawa, did we not have this discussion
before?"
"Yes sir, but this time I have found them."
The Prime Minister looked around the room. "I don't
believe I see them," he said.
"Sir. Allow me to introduce Lieutenant Oneda Kira from
the Tokyo Police Anti-Terrorist Division."
Ken and Wanabe looked at Oneda as he stood up from his
chair and walked around to the center floor.
"Mister Prime Minister," he said with a slight bow.
"The Kuno's were located a few hours ago. We have them in
our protection and will be here in less than two hours."
The clamor that broke out obscured the Prime Minister's
frantic beating of his gavel. It took a loud shout by the
bailiff to finally restore order.
"Lieutenant Kira," said the Prime Minister, face
flustered from his exertions. "This is information that
should have been brought to our attention sooner. Why did
this not happen."
"I thought it best not to divulge this incase certain
factions tried to prevent their appearance, sir."
"Factions?"
"The same factions that have prevented us from locating
the Kunos' from the beginning."
The Prime Minister sat back and placed a thoughtful
hand to his chin. He glanced over at the judges beside him,
then let out a hum.
"This does change things, Mister Kurisawa," he said.
"Sir!" cried Masuda. He literally leaped from his
seat, coming around to approach the podium. "The decision
has all ready been made. I have proven Nabiki Tendo's
guilt. Are we to upsure the Emperor's word and allow this,
this terrorist to go free based upon late testimony?"
"We could be condemning an innocent woman to death,
Mister Prosecutor," interjected Tosa, nonchalantly.
"And it is not definite that this testimony is unbiased
either!"
"Stop this bickering!" shouted the Prime Minister.
Silence returned, the tension between the two lawyers
hanging heavily through the court. Finally, the Prime
Minister cleared his throat.
"Mister Masuda's comments are right, Mister Kurisawa.
We have found Nabiki Tendo guilty, and the Emperor has
handed down a royal decree of execution."
Tosa started slightly. "But sir--,"
"However," continued the Prime Minister, "We are not a
government without mercy. Therefore, I will allow a three-
hour stay of execution. Lieutenant Kira can you assure us
that the Kuno's will arrive by then?"
"Sir, I will guarantee they will be here."
"Then we are done."
The gavel came down with a sharp tack, closing the
final page of Nabiki's trial. The Prime Minister looked at
her with a stern gaze. "Nabiki Tendo, the court will
adjourn over to my office and await the arrival of the
Kunos. If what we hear is sufficient evidence to clear your
name, then I will rescind the order of execution." He
narrowed an eye at Nabiki, voice dropping into a threatening
tone. "If it is not, then you, Nabiki Tendo, will be taken
out into the Imperial Garden grounds and summarily beheaded
without delay. Court is adjourned!"
An explosion of flashes filled the chamber hall;
cameras and video units thrust out towards Nabiki as the
police guided her from the defendants box. The lead guard
began shouting for them to clear the way, but the reporters
were not budging, determined to get an exclusive scoop over
their rivals.
Lieutenant Kira was suddenly at Nabiki's side. He took
her by an arm and pulled her away.
"Keep those idiots back, sergeant," he ordered.
"Wanabe, take Miss Tendo through one of the connecting
tunnels over to the Committee Offices."
"Yes, sir. Come along, Miss Tendo."
As Wanabe guided Nabiki away, Ken started to follow but
Kira's firm grim stopped him.
"Not you, Ken," he said.
"Then what do you want me to do, Lieutenant?"
Oneda pulled out a pad of notepaper and started
scribbling something down. "Do this," he answered,
snatching off the top sheet. Ken read, then re-read the
words before looking up in shock.
"You want me to do this, sir?"
"Yes, and you need to get moving now."
Homa stared down at the instructions again. He let out
a low sigh and shook his head. "Okay, boss. Don't know
what you're thinking, but I'll get right on this."
Homa left leaving Oneda with his nephew watching the
throng of reporters.
"Well, I guess this is better than expected, Uncle,"
Tosa said.
Oneda arched a brow. "Let's hope it brings us success,
Toto."

* * * * *

"So she has failed me," Renon Marcus growled to
himself.
He sat at the edge of his chair, shocked by the
revelation that Asaiko Nari had indeed not eliminated the
Kunos. This brought more concern to mind, thought that if
they managed to testify then the police would have no reason
to doubt Nabiki's story. That also meant the obscurity he
enjoyed would be destroyed, and with it the means to operate
unobstructed.
More importantly, the Chairman will no doubt be quite
furious.
"What do we do now, Doctor?" Yamaguchi asked from his
position behind him.
"What we do, Itchioni, is let things play out for now."
That caught Yamaguchi off guard. "You're not worried
about the Kunos' and their testimony?"
Renon sat back. "I am concerned, Itchioni, but we
still have several cards to play. Things I trust will turn
out."
"You're finished, Marcus," Akane's voice called down
from the ceiling.
Renon narrowed a brow, slowly looking back up at his
imprisoned spectator. She clutched the bars, a bright look
on her face.
"And what makes you think that, Akane?"
"Your hitman failed to stop Tatewaki, and when they get
to Tokyo everything you've done will be know to the
government. Once word gets out that Nabiki is innocent,
Doctor Tofu, and the rest of our friends will come forth to
add fuel to the flames of vengeance I'm sure the government
will be putting together."
"Oh, really?" said Renon. He stood up, walking up
under the cage. "Several problems with that theory, Akane.
One, our illustrious government will not know where to begin
to look. Two, I still have a surprise for both the Prime
Minister, and Nabiki. So you see, things are not lost yet."
"They'll find you, Marcus! And I can't wait to see
your head lying at the Emperor's feet!"
Renon laughed. "Not to ever happen, my dear, sweet,
Akane Tendo. This is ironic. Here you are making silly
statements, while Ranma is out getting ready to ensure that
this never happens."
Akane drew in a gasp. "Ranma... Damn you, Marcus! I
hate you, I HATE YOU!"
"Humph, quite obvious. I'll break that spirit. Then
we'll both grow to like each other and become one big happy
family." His cheerful face melted away behind a scowl of
anger. "Now shut up, before I silence you."
A hand to one pocket made Akane draw away from the
bars. She trembled, then turned moving to the center of the
cage.
"You'll pay, Marcus," she said low.
Marcus smiled. "Itchioni, we should be getting some
disturbing news soon across the networks. Please inform me
when it arrives."
"What news is that, Doctor?"
Renon's smile grew larger. "You'll know when it
happens. I'll be in my den."
Marcus left leaving his assistant wondering what it was
he would be looking for.
Whatever it is, it would not be good for anyone.

* * * * *

Yanking the earpiece form his ear, Sapparo leaped back
down to the ground. Ranma sat still, eyes clenched tight in
pain. The Master Ninja's eyes narrowed, then he took a
handful of his shirt and jerk him up to his feet.
"Hey, watch it, pal!" cried Ranma. "I'm, I'm not
feeling... to good right, right now!"
Several sharp slaps across the face stunned him.
Sapparo pulled the vial of light-blue liquid from his shirt
and popped the top. He forced Ranma's mouth open and poured
half of the antidote down his throat.
"There," he snarled, dropping Ranma. As he coughed and
gagged for breath, Sapparo knelt next to him.
"The rest you will receive once we have achieved our
goal."
Ranma slowly looked up. "What's... what's this goal
we're after?"
"You will know very shortly. Stand up."
Ranma did as he was instructed, rising up on weak legs.
Sapparo smirked inwardly, a slight shake of the head
conveying his displeasure. "Think you can keep up?" he
asked.
"Do I have a choice?" replied Ranma.
"No."
Sapparo lit out through the trees with out any warning.
Ranma drew in a tired breath, then reluctantly set out after
him.

* * * * *

There were many tunnels that lead from the National
Diet Building to the offices of the political parties that
comprised the ruling houses. Currently, they were all
devoid of traffic, something Nabiki found disturbing as she
and Wanabe walked down one of the newer extensions.
The clanking of her chains echoed around the walls, a
chill in the air sending several shudders through her body.
They arrived at a four way intersection, and Wanabe came to
a stop.
Looking around for a moment, he pointed in the
direction of a semi-lit tunnel, partially complete awaiting
the final layers of paint and adorations to its walls.
Nabiki frowned, wondering if he was not lost, but he
motioned for her to move on and she complied.
As they walked along through the dim lights, Nabiki
thoughts were on what Tatewaki and Kodachi's testimony would
do to change this nightmare she was in. Wanabe suddenly
stopped again.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
He did not answer, looking back and forth around the
tunnel for a moment. Finally, Wanabe looked at her.
"Run," he said.
Nabiki shook her head. "I'm sorry I didn't quite hear
you. Did you say `run'?"
"Yes I did, Miss Tendo."
"Why?"
Wanabe smirked. He reached into his jacket and pulled
out a pair of black gloves and pulled them on. "Run, Miss
Tendo," he said again.
A quick glance behind them found nothing life
threatening to her. Nabiki could not understand what it was
Detective Tamigari was trying to do.
"Uh, Detective. Could you tell me what's going on?"
Wanabe started at her question. He turned his head to
one side, giving her a stern look.
"Do I have to get you started, Miss Tendo?" he said,
grabbing Nabiki by one arm, pushing her forward.
Nabiki staggered back, ending up against the wall.
"Ow, that hurt!" she shouted.
The sight of Wanabe's .38 drew the breath from her. He
reached into a pocket and produced a silencer, screwing it
into the end of the pistol.
"What are you doing?" gasped Nabiki.
Wanabe stopped. "How am I going to prove that you
tried to escape if all your wounds are on the front side of
your body?"
It finally dawned on Nabiki what was going on. Her
mouth sagged open, a fearful tremble coursing down her back
as Wanabe finished affixing the silencer. She pressed up
against the wall and stood up.
"Oh my gosh! Y-y-you're going too--,"
"Kill you? Yes." finished Tamigari.
"You're no better than that deranged partner of yours!"
Wanabe arched a brow, smirking. "Please," he said.
The cold look in his eye brought realization to Nabiki
Tendo. "No... oh no! You're working for Marcus!"
A short pause, Wanabe glaring at her. He finally
moved, taking her by the arm again.
"Will you stop all of this bantering and get moving,"
he said, thrusting her down the tunnel yet again.
Nabiki fought to maintain her balance, staggering to a
stop in the canter of the tunnel. She turned around.
"No! This will only convince the Prime Minister that I
was guilty after all. If you're going to shoot me, it's
going to be in the chest or something like that!" She
gasped, blinking her eyes. "I can't believe I just said
that."
"Look Tendo, it really does not matter where I shoot
you. My word will be the one they believe, so you are
guilty no matter which way you turn."
Nabiki dropped to her knees. "No, no, please don't
shoot me!"
Wanabe shrugged. "Sorry, unavoidable you know."
He took aim, closing one eye to focus on Nabiki's
chest. Suddenly, Wanabe raised the pistol up.
"Uh, Nabiki, one question?"
Nabiki opened her eyes. "A question?" she said
incredulously.
"What makes you think I'm working for Marcus?"
She had no answer, expression frozen in shock.
"Oh well, just thought I'd ask. Good bye."
Wanabe pointed his pistol at her again, drawing the
hammer back.
"DROP IT, WANABE!" roared a strong voice from the
darkness behind them.
Out of the gloom walked Lieutenant Kira, his .44 Magnum
aimed right at his former prot'g'. Oneda's expression was
twisted in a hateful scowl, eyes locked on Wanabe filled
with rage.
"B-b-boss?" gasped Wanabe.
"I said drop it, Wanabe!" snarled Oneda again. "Don't
make me have to shoot you."
A long moment passed between the two men, painful
emotions and hurt that ripped the friendship that had grown
between them. Wanabe's expression softened into a gentile
smile.
"Now boss, you know I can't do that," he said.
His trigger finger twitched, a loud boom filling the
tunnel.
Nabiki cried, expecting to feel the sting of death.
Instead, she opened her eyes to find not a mark on her. A
low gurgle came from behind, and she looked back to see
Wanabe Tamigari lying in a crumpled heap on the ground,
blood pooling around his body.
Up the tunnel, Oneda stood immobile shocked by what he
was forced to do. Very slowly, his gun arm came down, and
the detective hung his head. Steps sounded behind him, then
the glow of a cigarette could be seen. Out walked the Prime
Minister, several of the Judges, and much to Nabiki's
surprise, the Emperor himself.
They stared at Wanabe's now lifeless body, then the
Prime Minister turned to Kira.
"A hard thing to do, Lieutenant," he said.
Oneda shuddered, letting out a long sigh. He
reholstered his gun. "Yes, sir. It was very, very hard."
The Prime Minister looked back. "I believe this clears
Miss Tendo, and her friends names."
The judges nodded, then the Emperor went over to
Wanabe's body. A fist balled up, his majesty turning an
angry gaze upon the Prime Minister. No words were needed,
and as the Emperor and judges headed back up the tunnel, the
Prime Minister paused.
"Lieutenant Kira, bring us this Renon Marcus. Dead or
alive."
"Yes, sir."
The PM disappeared into the gloom leaving a stunned
Nabiki alone with Lieutenant Kira.
Oneda went over and started undoing the cuffs around
her wrist and ankles.
"Just like that?" she said. "I'm free?"
"Yes, Miss Tendo. You have been exonerated of all
crimes against the state."
Joy rose in Nabiki, joy that was quickly shattered by
the worry for her family and friends. Oneda helped her to
her feet and they both paused to take one last look at
Wanabe.
"Gee, what a shame. I really liked him," commented
Nabiki.
Lieutenant Kira swallowed the painful lump that had
built up in his throat. "Yes," he said, voice hoarse.
"Yes, I liked him too."
"What now?"
"We bring in Marcus, and rescue your family."
"Good. That bastard has a lot to answer for."
Kira let a light smile crease his lips.
"And he will pay, Nabiki Tendo. He will pay."

Chapter Twenty-Six

Ranma and Sapparo came to a halt in the midst of the
bushes surrounding the Prime Ministers Office. They scanned
the area searching for any security personnel, but found
none. Sapparo crouched low, pulling Ranma back down with
him.
"This is what you are going to do, Saotome," he
whispered low. "I will gain entry through the upper floors.
You will enter the building through the back."
"And then what?"
"Ensure that no one enters or exits the Prime
Minister's Office."
Ranma thought a moment. "We're splitting up? What
brings on this moment of reasoning?"
A tight grip locked around Ranma's throat; Sapparo
pulling him closer.
"Do not question me, Saotome! Do as instructed and
your pitiful woman will not suffer. Is this clear?"
"Alright, alright!"
The grip was removed and Ranma drew in a haggard
breath, rubbing his neck. "Grief, you didn't have to do
that--, Sapparo... Sapparo?"
The Master Ninja had disappeared leaving Ranma alone.
The thought of leaving came to mind. This was his chance to
run for help, or maybe alert somebody in the building that
they had intruders lurking about. Akane's image suddenly
filled his eyes, breaking that idea. He sighed, hating all
of the manipulation Marcus was putting him through. The
burning hatred inside him cried out for revenge, but there
was nothing he could do right now. Pain shot briefly
through his stomach, dull but enough to remind him of the
bitter poison still flowing in his veins.
"Better get moving before this dose of the antidote
wears off," muttered Ranma to himself.
Peering around the grounds again, Ranma set off for the
rear entrance.

* * * * *

Strangely enough, the building was virtually devoid of
staff members, Ranma finding it easy to enter without any
problem. Moving quietly through the hallways, Ranma crept
along, ducking occasionally into the shadows and doorways to
avoid secretaries and staff carrying out their daily chores.
He so wanted to avoid hurting anybody. It was bad enough
remembering how he converted Sakita for Marcus's
machinations. Who knows what it was that Sapparo was doing
here... now that he... was in--.
Something clicked inside Ranma's head. "Wait a
minute," he said. "If we converted Sakita, then how come
Marcus sent Sapparo here to the Prime Ministers Office? He
has control of the market now, so there's no need to
influence anybody else."
Confusion crept into Ranma's mind, and he stepped into
a vacant room to pause and sort things out.
"This is all wrong. What can the Prime Minister have
that would prompt Marcus to send his best goon out on a job
like this? Marcus might be trying to convert the Prime
Minister again, but to do that would mean they would have to
feed Ginsukou to him."
He shook his head. "No, I'm not in my alter form so
that's out. It has to be something more drastic."
Suddenly, a chilling thought came to Ranma, a thought
that shook him to his very soul.
"That bastard wouldn't dare," said Ranma. Memories of
Nabiki in the Diet Grounds removed his doubts. "That
murdering son-of-a-bitch! He's going to kill the Prime
Minister. Something went wrong and now he's going to remove
the one obstacle that can interfere with any plans he has
made!"
Ranma's pulse increased, panic filling him. "Oh no, oh
no! I've got to do something. This is bad, and I'm not
about to stand by and let it happen." He stopped, looking
up to the ceiling. His decision could very well mean the
end for those he held dear to his heart, but he could not
allow the assassination to happen.
"I'm sorry Akane, Mom, Dad. I know you can't hear me,
but I've got to stop Sapparo. Please forgive me."
Throwing the door open, Ranma bolted out heading for
the Prime Minister's Office, praying he was not too late.

* * * * *

Ranma's thundered down the last hallway leading to the
PM's office, desperately calling out the alarm as he
approached the secretary seated at his desk.
"Hey, hey! My name is Ranma Saotome and I need to see
the Prime Minister! It a life or death... huh?"
The secretary sat still as stone, a distance look about
him, eyes glassy and cold. Ranma reached hesitantly out and
tapped him on one shoulder.
"Hey guy, a-are you listening too me?" he said.
With a heavy thud, the secretary's body slumped over to
the floor. Ranma jumped back startled, realizing that he
was dead. Sapparo, thought Ranma eyes cutting around the
walls. He slid gingerly over to the doors and grabbed the
handle, turning it.
The office appeared to be normal, all the furniture was
in place. The chair at the desk was turned away from him
facing the window, but Ranma could see a hand resting on
one of the arms. He went in and closed the door, locking
it.
"Mister Prime Minister, I-I-I'm Ranma Saotome and I
have information for you that might be critical to the
interest of Japan."
There came no response from the Prime Minister, and
Ranma took fearful steps towards the desk. "Sir?" he
called, fearing the worst.
The click from the door behind him drew Ranma around.
Sapparo's evil chuckle filled the room.
"Excellent job if I may say so, Saotome," said the
Master Ninja, relocking the door behind him. "I could not
have pulled this off any better."
"You murdering bastard," scowled Ranma. He took a
defensive stance, body trembling with rage. "You're not
going to get away with this!"
"I already have, Ranma. Thanks to you, the police will
think you, in conjunction with Nabiki Tendo, have
assassinated the good Prime Minister."
Ranma took a quick glance back over his shoulder at the
chair where the Prime Minister sat.
"Oh, don't worry, the Prime Minister will die shortly.
I only hit him with a drugged dart to keep him quiet."
Rage covered Ranma's face. "I'm not going to let you
kill him!"
"You cannot stop me, Saotome. This is the end for both
of you."
Ranma knew then why he had been forced to come along.
He was to be the sacrificial lamb so to speak in this game.
It all made sense now. They would find his body no doubt
poised in some form of death grip with the Prime Minister,
all the blame focusing on Nabiki and the so called `Tendo
Gang'. It would be perfect, but Ranma had other ideas.
"You've got to kill me first, and that's not going to
be possible," Ranma said.
A sharp spasm of pain shot through him, staggering
Ranma for a second. Sapparo chuckled again.
"You think not, Saotome? I see thing quite
differently." Sapparo's eyes narrowed into menacing slits.
"Prepare to die, Ranma."
The two men squared of, pacing around waiting for the
other to make the first move. A sharp flick of a wrist from
Sapparo sent three shuriken streaking through the air
towards Ranma. He dived, rolling across the floor, coming
up only to receive a sharp kick to the chin that knocked him
back into the bookcase behind him.
As the shelves tumbled down on Ranma, Sapparo laughed.
"Your arrogance has disappeared, Saotome," he said as he
approached. "You're no match for me."
Ranma shrugged the books from his back, looking up. He
drew in a sharp breath and came up on one knee.
"I'm still alive, Sapparo!" he shouted.
"But not for long," replied the Master Ninja.
Sapparo leaped, coming down feet first towards Ranma's
head. He expected to feel and hear his neck snapping, but
instead landed on the mess created moments ago. What?
Wondered Sapparo, then a sharp blow hit him from behind.
Ranma unloaded with a flurry of fist, pummeling Sapparo
mercilessly. A strong kick caught the ninja in the chest,
and he sailed across the room smashing into a table and
chairs with a loud crash. Pain shot through Ranma's stomach
and he dropped to his knees, breathing hard from his
exertions.
"Feel... feel that, Sapparo?" he said.
Sapparo pulled himself around, anger lit bright in his
eyes. A wet patch of blood stained the area around his
nose.
"Not bad, young one," he said. "You will pay for that
though, and I assure you, the pain will be great."
Ranma pulled himself to his feet. "Bring it on," he
managed to say, taking stance once more.
They squared off again, then Sapparo threw a punch
aimed at Ranma's face. He parried it with an arm block,
launching one of his own in return. The battle raged back
and forth across the center of the office, sharp smacks
cutting the air as fist and legs met in their deadly game of
death.
Sapparo attempted a leg sweep, but Ranma caught his
foot by the ankle. He dropped, kicking Sapparo's other leg
from beneath him and the Master Ninja slammed down to the
floor, crying out loudly in pain. A kick freed his foot,
another sharp kick staggering Ranma. Before Ranma could
recover, Sapparo was up, bringing a knee up into his
stomach. Ranma collapsed, rolling onto his back.
"You've lost, Saotome!" shouted Sapparo. His foot rose up
over Ranma's chest.
Ranma yelled, rolling to one side. Sapparo's foot
stomped down precariously close to his head, rising up
again.
"Hold still, Saotome!"
Sapparo repeated his attack, missing again and again as
Ranma rolled and dodged about on the floor. Finally,
Sapparo knelt, slamming a fist into his chest. He drew
back, ready to deal a deathblow, but at the last second,
Ranma caught his fist. A foot came up kicking Sapparo in
the face and he staggered back.
It took every once of strength he had left to turn
over, Ranma pulling himself to his knees. Sapparo stood
with a hand to his chin glaring at him. He noticed the
sharp quivers Ranma's body made, the effects of the poison
beginning to return.
Sapparo let out a chuckle. "So, Saotome. Feeling a
bit under the weather, hm?"
He pulled out the vial of light-blue liquid dangling it
in the air, taunting Ranma.
"Bet you could use the rest of this right about now."
Ranma's mouth became dry, eyes locked on the vial and
his only hope of salvation. His lips quivered, a lump
forming in his throat.
"Since you will not be need this anymore, I might as
well dispose of it properly."
Sapparo popped the top and began to tip the vial over.
"Nooo!" cried Ranma.
He leaped, tackling Sapparo around the waist. They
fell back, tumbling across the desk into the Prime
Minister's chair. A scuffle ensued, arms and legs flailing
before Sapparo pulled himself away.
Ranma lay prone across the Prime Minister, staring back
at Sapparo. The Master Ninja reached behind him, drawing
out a knife ready to kill them both.
"Like I said, Saotome, now you--, what is this!"
Ranma frowned. He traced Sapparo's gaze back to the
Prime Minister, only it was not the Prime Minister, but
someone made up to look like him. Ranma started, then
suddenly began to laugh.
"Look's like we've both been had, Sapparo!" he said,
tossing the dislodged toupee at him.
Sapparo swatted it aside. He shook with rage,
infuriated by the deception. "You did this, Saotome!" he
seethed. The Sai came up and Sapparo started towards him.
"Somehow you managed to alert the authorities. You will
still die here!"
The door to the office was suddenly kicked in. Ken
Homa and a team of police burst in with weapons drawn. The
stopped, looking around at the carnage, then Ken aimed his
pistol at Sapparo.
"Freeze!" he ordered.
Sapparo's eyes remained fixed on Ranma. He took
another step for Ranma.
"I said FREEZE!" Ken shouted again, pulling back on the
hammer.
Sapparo ignored the repeated clicks, chest heaving with
each breath.
"RRRRAAAUGGHH! SAOTOME!" shouted Sapparo.
The Sai flashed, an explosion of shots immediately
there after. Glass shattered, Ranma protectively covering
up as the noise filled the room.
It suddenly drew very quiet.
There was no pain Ranma realized to his relief. He
opened an eye, peeking out. Sapparo was nowhere to be seen,
and he slowly rose up, looking over the desk. Ken Homa
stared at him, gun still poised in his direction.
"Don't shoot," called Ranma. He stood up and raised
his hands. "I'm Ranma Saotome, and I need to see the Prime
Minister."
Ken lowered his gun. He shook his head, then walked
over to the window, peering down at the grounds below.
Sapparo's lifeless body lay sprawled on the grass, chest
riddled with bullet holes
"Yeah, Saotome. I, uh, think you might already be
expected," he said, moving back.
Ranma lowered his arms. "So you knew we were coming?"
he asked.
"Kid, I don't know what to think right now."
A sharp spasm hit Ranma, and he doubled over.
"Saotome!" exclaimed Ken. "Are you hurt?"
Ranma gasped, then dropped to his knees. "Where, where
is it!" he said, frantically looking around the floor.
"Where's what?"
Ranma ignored him. He went prone, peering up under the
desk. The vial holding what remained of Ranma's antidote
lay on the carpet, it's top open and the contents soaking
into the carpet.
"No, no, no!" he shouted.
Grabbing the vial, Ranma pulled it to his lips, sucking
what remained of the light-blue liquid into his mouth. It
was futile, a half-teaspoon of drops that might extend his
tolerance for a few hours more.
"Saotome, what are you doing?" asked Ken.
Ranma cast the vial aside. "I've been poisoned, pal!"
he replied. "Marcus gave me something that's tearing up my
insides. If I don't get him soon, I'm dead."
Ken reached down and helped Ranma to his feet. "Let's
get you to a hospital then."
"No! I've got to go and rescue my family and friends!
You gotta help me before Marcus kills them!"
The desperate look on Ranma's face convinced Ken that
he was telling the truth.
"Come on," he said heading for the door.
"Where are we going?"
Ken looked back. "To see Lieutenant Kira."
"Can he help me?"
Ken briefly smiled. "Right now he's probably your best
chance of success."