Muyami Academy
What if they ALL went to the same school?
        
Previous chapters at: http://www.maisonbellchan.net/

        Thanks to my prereaders, T.H. Tiger, Bombadil Goh, Jeffrey Cornish and William Morse. Also thanks to Jed Hagen and Stardragon for surprise C&C. ^_^

        DISCLAIMER: Ranma 1/2 characters and stuff, and Inu-Yasha characters and stuff, not to mention Ursei Yatsura characters and stuff, copyright 1999 Rumiko Takehashi. Tenchi Muyou characters and stuff, copyright 1999 Pioneer & AIC. Mamono Hunter Yohko characters and stuff copyright 1999 AD Vision, NCS, Toho Company, LTD, Mad House, and I don't know who else. Koko wa Greenwood characters copyright Yuki Nasu. Mint na Bokura characters copyright Wataru Yoshizume. Other characters and stuff also copyright the creators and owners.

Chapter Thirteen
Fiancee Shuffle

        Ranma Saotome, her parents Genma and Nodoka, Akane Tendo, Ukyo Kuonji, and Akane's sister Nabiki Tendo were at dinner in a small okonomiyaki restaurant in the town just below Muyami Academy. Things had been going well, until an unfortunate accident had revealed that Ranma was currently stuck as a girl. From there, things had gotten out of hand. Ranma explained that a demon had somehow trapped her in her cursed form. Ranma's mother proclaimed Ranma her daughter, rather than her son. Akane got Nodoka to agree that her engagement to Ranma was impossible. Ukyo related to Nodoka the story of her own engagement to Ranma. Then she surprised everyone by claiming that she was cursed to transform into a boy. For proof, she bared a surprisingly masculine chest.
        As it turned out, things were only getting started.
        Tears rolled down Ukyo's face, as she -- or he, rather -- turned in an acting performance greater than Ranma's recent masterpiece. "Oh, the humiliation! Abandoned by my future groom and father in law, then forced to live as a man! Trapped in the body of a boy! My shame was so great that I didn't dare return to my parents ever again!"
        "Oh, you poor thing!" Nodoka Satome exclaimed.
        Ukyo paused, then seemed to bring himself under control.
        "However, Mrs. Saotome," he said, "I was not aware of Ranma's curse until a few days ago. Under the circumstances, it seems that we can still be wed, and fulfill the contract that our parents agreed to."
        "No!" Ranma exclaimed. She looked like she might be sick at any moment. "You can't!" She looked wildly about the room, then focused on her mother. "Mom, surely you can't expect me to...."
        Her voice trailed off as she took in the thoughtful look on her mother's face.
        "Now wait a second," Akane began. Having just weaseled her way out of a marriage to Ranma, she found herself, for some reason, completely opposed to a marriage between Ranma and Ukyo, no matter who was the bride and who was the groom. She paused, wondering why she felt so strongly opposed to something that had nothing to do with her, then mentally shrugged and forged ahead. "Mrs. Saotome, you just can't force Ranma to... I mean, Ranma really isn't... that is, she isn't always a...." Akane's voice trailed off. This was all wrong, she knew it, but the arguments against it seemed to lead nowhere.
        "Yes," Nodoka said, slowly. "Yes, Ukyo-san, I do believe you are right. And, I must say, despite your past you seem like a fine young boy, very manly... you are a martial artist, correct?" Ukyo nodded, and Nodoka's smile blossomed. "Very good! Why, my husband could even train you in the family styles!"
        At this, even Mr. Panda took a renewed interest in the conversation. All he'd ever wanted was an heir to the school that he could be proud of, and if Ranma was going to wimp out, then perhaps a substitute son would do. True, Ukyo was already a teenager, which was a bit old to start training... but of course, being a martial artist, the boy was already in very good shape. Genma was nothing if not a master at teaching others the ways of a martial artist, he thought smugly. It would only take a few years to transform Ukyo into a top-notch student of the Anything-Goes style. Even now, Genma could think of several training shortcuts that could help speed up the process... he'd need a large pit, of course, and several dozen alleycats....
        "However," Nodoka said, glancing up. "I know this may seem a strange request, Ukyo-san, but, given your abandonment by your parents, would you consent to Genma and I adopting you?"
        "It wasn't my parents who abandoned me," Ukyo started to mutter. Then she paused, eyes going wide. "A-Adoption?" she managed to squeak out. "But Ranma...."
        "You would still be able to marry Ranma," Nodoka reasoned. Ukyo sighed in relief. "But," Nodoka continued, "if you were legally my son, then you could also marry Akane, and help our Clan fulfill both obligations...."
        Everyone in the room, save Nodoka, facefaulted.

***

        Ushio looked around the dorm room. He wasn't exactly thrilled to be living in a dorm -- he'd always lived with his father, in the same old house -- but travelling to and from his father's shrine every day, even by attack helicopter, wasn't very convenient.
        His new roommate happened to be present. He was a tall Chinese boy with thick glasses and long black hair hanging down to his waist. he wore the standard boy's Muyami school uniform -- black slacks, shoes, and a black jacket with a somewhat military look.
        "This is my room?" Ushio asked.
        Dorm President Mitsuru Ikeda nodded. "The boy that was here before transferred out. To be honest, he seemed terrified -- something about demons and aliens and explosions every night. But those things wouldn't frighten a guy like you, would they, Ushio?"
        Ushio just snorted and leaned his spear against the dresser.
        The strange boy bowed deeply. "I am pleased to meet you, Ushio," he said. "I am Mousse, of the Joketzu Amazons. If there is anything I can help you with, please ask."
        Ushio smiled. "Thanks, Mousse. Nice to meet you too."
        "I understand you are a martial artist. Will you be joining our martial arts club, then?"
        "There's a martial art's club?" Ushio asked, eyes lighting up.
        "Oh, yes," Mousse replied. "A very good one, taught by my beloved Shampoo's grandmother. Some of the students are very talented. I, myself, have not a little skill...." As he spoke, Mousse smiled and extended his hand, which suddenly held a very sharp blade.
        Ushio glanced from the blade to Mousse's face. "I only practice unarmed combat," he said.
        "Yet you carry a spear," Mousse replied.
        Ushio glanced to his spear, completely bound in cloth. "How did you know?"
        "It's obviously a spear," Mousse said. "Concealed weapons are, after all, my specialty, and you do not conceal yours at all well."
        "Well, anyway, the spear's different," Ushio said.
        Mousse glanced at the Dorm President. "Mitsuru, you're a martial artist too?"
        Mutsuru shrugged. "A little," he said casually.
        "I smell death," Tora said suddenly. The massive tiger-like demon was perched on Ushio's shoulder, as usual. He liked to 'haunt' Ushio in that way. Ushio barely noticed, most of the time -- Tora presence when haunting was more metaphysical than physical, and he therefore weighed nothing. Other people could rarely see him in that state.
        "What are you babbling about?" Ushio asked.
        Mitsuru and Mousse exchanged glances.
        "I smell death and decay. It makes my nose itch."
        "Death and decay?"
        "Ushio?" Mitsuru asked.
        "A demon," Tora said.
        Ushio snatched up his spear. "Shit! Here? Are you sure?"
        "Are you saying my nose could be mistaken?"
        Mousse adjusted his glasses and looked about. "Who are you talking to?" he asked.
        "Tora says there's a demon nearby," Ushio said, heading for the door. "You two had better be careful. I'll handle this."
        Mitsuru looked at Mousse and raised an eyebrow. "A demon?" he asked.
        "So who's Tora?" Mousse replied.

***

        "You want me to what?"
        Two friends -- Yohko Mano, a Devil Hunter, and Chigako Ogawa, her self-proclaimed manager -- were arguing in Chigako's dorm room. Chigako had a camera set up on a tripod, two bright photographer lights, a backdrop depicting a tropical beach, and a collection of bathing suits and lingerie for Yohko to wear. But Yohko had taken one look and heard only the beginning of Chigako's explanation before coming unglued.
        Chigako sighed dramatically. "Come on, Yohko! It's not that big a deal. First, it's good advertising for you personally and for Ikari's team project, and second...."
        "No way!" Yohko exclaimed. "There is no way I'm going to pose for some pinup calender! Chi, what are you thinking? Every disgusting hentai boy in school would be drooling over me in private... yuck! You can forget it!"
        "Yohko," Chigako said, "don't you want to find a boyfriend?"
        "Of course I do!" Yohko said. "What's that got to do with this?"
        "Oh, give me a break! Can't you see? Putting you in this calendar... it's like advertising for a boyfriend!"
        Yohko made a sour face. "Advertising for a pervert, maybe."
        "All boys are perverts," Chigako said. "Some just hide it better than others."
        "That's not true!"
        "Oh yes it is! Trust me, Yohko, every boy in school is going to want one of these calenders! Unless you think that the entire male population of Muyami Academy is beneath you...."
        "Of course not! Why would I think that?"
        "Good," Chigako said, "because sometimes I think you're waiting for a perfect man -- a prince, a knight in shining armor...."
        "And what's wrong with that?" Yohko asked, defensive.
        "Nobody's perfect, Yohko. You want to be choosy, that's true, but not too choosy."
        Yohko sighed. "I know, I know. But... you really think this calender could help?"
        Chigako smiled. Bingo! she thought. "Why, of course it will...."
        Ten minutes later, Chigako was snapping her camera as Yohko assumed various poses, in various states of semi-dress.
        "That's good. Great! Now smile! Stop grimacing! You look like you're in pain!"
        "Not pain," Yohko said. "Just terminal embarassment."
        "What's to be embarassed about? You have a great body...."
        "And I'm displaying it for the entire school...."
        "Just try to look happy, won't you?"
        "It's hard to look happy when you're posing for smutty pictures."
        "Oh grow up, Yohko!" Chagako said. "These aren't smutty pictures. These are tame -- just pinup shots. Now, if I could get you to stand to the right, and hold this beach ball...."
        But Yohko wasn't listening. Instead, she was staring at her yoma ring, lying on the desk nearby. The dragon eyes were flashing....
        Yohko tapped an earring. "Base? You there? This is Alpha Leader."
        "This is base." Lain's voice was a soft whisper in her ear.
        "I'm getting a demon reading from my ring. Is Tora around?"
        "Just a moment," Lain said. Yohko slipped the yoma ring onto her hand. Chigako stood waiting, photo shoot momentarily forgotten.
        Lain finally responded. "Beta Leader confirms that a demon is nearby, somewhere near town, below the school. He and Tora are moving to intercept. Advise you do the same."
        Yohko's eyes widened. "Gotcha. On my way. Please notify Alpha Squad."
        Yohko headed for the door.
        "Wait!" Chigako cried out. "Your clothes...."
        "There's no time!" Yohko yelled back, as she disappeared down the hallway.
        "But," Chigako said, "that's my favorite swimsuit!"
        After a moment, Chigako growled low in her throat. She snatched up her camcorder and raced after her friend.

***

        "How's that?" Dr. Tofu Ono asked.
        Tenchi Masaki was sitting in the school infirmiry. Ryoko had brought him here right after he'd come down with severe stomach cramps -- not coincidentally, after eating something cooked by her. After hearing the story, Dr. Tofu had produced a foul-smelling milky-white potion and forced Tenchi to drink it.
        He'd also made Ryoko wait in the other room. Tenchi was grateful for that.
        He made a face and set the cup down. "Doc, that tasted terrible!"
        "Oh?" Dr. Tofu said. "Do you still feel sick then?"
        Tenchi paused, then sat up. "Actually... no. I feel better already." He blinked and looked at the school's doctor. "What is that stuff?"
        "Oh, just an old Chinese remedy," Dr. Tofu said. He turned and picked up a book, sliding it back in it's place on a high shelf. "Actually, it's been years since I last used it, but if you're going to be eating any more of Ryoko's cooking, I should probably keep it handy...."
        Tenchi slid off the exam table. "That... might be a good idea," he said. "Anyway, thank you very much, Dr. Tofu. That was exactly what I needed!"
        "This is an Alpha Squad alert." It was Lain's soft voice, coming from Tenchi's lapel pin. "We have reports of demonic activity in the area...."
        Yohko's voice cut in. "This is Alpha Leader! The demon is in the town below the school. I'm moving to intercept. Meet me there!"
        Tenchi stared at the lapel pin, then up at the school doctor. Dr. Tofu raised his eyebrows. "A demon? So soon?"
        "I... guess so. I'd better get going, Doctor."
        With a humm of displaced air, Ryoko was beside him.
        She wrapped her arms around Tenchi. "Hang on Tenchi! We've got to move!"
        "Did you have to teleport?" Tenchi asked. "You were only in the next...."
        And with another rush of air, the two were gone.

***

        "M-m-marry Akane?" Ukyo sputtered. "B-b-but... I can't marry two people... I mean, that isn't... it's against the law...."
        "Mrs. Saotome!" Akane exclaimed. "That's -- that's polygamy!"
        "The obligations of the Saotome family supercede any such laws," Nodoka said with conviction.
        "Oh, please," Nabiki said. "That's not just illegal, it's disgusting. You can't be serious."
        "I assure you I am most serious," Nodoka said. "Our two families will be united. That is a vow that I intend to keep."
        "Ranma!" Akane said. "Your yoma amulet!"
        Everyone looked at the brass object on the table. The gem set in the forehead of the goat's head was flashing. Ranma gasped, then grabbed the object and slid it over her left hand. She snatched the earrings up.
        "Ranma dear," Nodoka said, "exactly where did you get this flashing jewelry? The earrings are nice, but this hand thing... it is cheap looking and excessively gaudy. It is not proper adornment for a lady."
        Ranma looked up as she donned the earrings.
        "Look. Mom, Pop," she said, "I don't know how to say this, but -- I'm a Devil Hunter. Mrs. Mano is training me, and I'm part of a secret project at the school... Yes? Kohran? This is Ranma... Gamma Leader. Look, I got a demon nearby... can I get a loc on Tora?"
        Ranma paused for a moment, silent. Mrs. Saotome leaned back and placed a hand to her head. "Oh my! A Devil Hunter?"
        Akane nodded. "Yohko is a devil hunter as well."
        "Yes, so I remember," Mrs. Saotome replied. "Still, it does not seem at all ladylike...."
        "He is?" Ranma replied. "They did? Then... this is the real thing! Okay, yeah, I'm moving outside...."
        Ranma stood, then glanced down. "Look, Mom, I'll explain more later! I gotta go!"
        Mr. Panda sat up, doused himself with a tea kettle, leaned back, and adjusted his glasses.
        "Ah yes," Genma said. "Devil Hunters. I know all about them. Fearocious warriors who battle the darkest fiends from the pits of hell. They are superb martial artists, skilled in terrifying, secret techniques designed specially for battle with demonic forces, such as calling forth a sword made of pure chi energy. So, the boy is a Demon Hunter? Of course, I'm not surprised! That's my boy!"
        "Ranma is you daughter," Nodoka said. "And you didn't read about that technique, you saw Yohko use it in our living room."
        "Mr. Saotome," Akane said, "you realize, don't you, that Demon Hunters are always female?"
        Genma stared at Akane a moment, as if stunned. Then he nodded.
        "Yes. Yes, of course I knew that. But after all, the boy is a girl...."
        The blade of Nodoka's katana was suddenly at Genma's throat. "You will not refer to our daughter as 'the boy'. Understood?"
        Sweat appeared at Genma's brow. "Yes, dear. Yes, of course! The b... I mean, the girl... that is, Ranma... is our daughter. How could I forget?" The katana lowered, and Genma stroked his chin in thought. "Still, Ranma's become a Devil Hunter, has she? Very interesting...."

***

        Sometimes being head of one of the more exclusive high schools in Japan, as well as the guiding force behind a secret project backed by the government to do battle demonic incursions, not to mention a voting member on the board of Mishima Heavy Industries and an all-around brilliant scientist, hailed as one of the best in the country, who has been secretly working on bringing his dead wife back to life, wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
        At the moment, Principal Gendo Ikari was listening to one of his more hysterical employees rant and rave about the school's recent demonic incident. The woman was clearly mad -- the whole thing had happened nearly a day ago, and nobody had been hurt. Certainly there was no reason to fall apart now.
        He listened, impatiently. He steepled his hands.
        "They destroyed the statue of Mr. Matsukata, and moved Mr. Sakagawa's statue to the middle of the lawn! And he's in a different position!" Miss Shida wailed. "I tried to talk to Mr. Ayaki, he's normally a very level-headed person, but all he can talk about is volleyball, and Nagayoshi Academy, and beating his old rival. He's become completely obsessed, Mr. Ikari! And who's going to fix those statues, I want to know! Those were a part of the history of this school...."
        There was a buzzing sound. Mr. Ikari turned to the vid screen on his desk. "Yes?"
        "Sir, we have a... situation." The voice, Miss Shida realized, was that of Dr. Natsume, the school's science teacher. She didn't like him much, always hiding away and working on heaven's knew what. They said he'd built that destructive android girl....
        "An entity?" Ikari asked. He could only hope.
        "Yes, it looks that way. We have confirmation from all three team leaders."
        "Understood." Ikari punched the line closed, then looked Miss Shida in the eye.
        "I'm sorry, Miss Shida," he said, "but we'll have to continue this conversation some other time." He punched another button, and a portion of the bookshelf behind him folded back, revealing a small alcove. His chair glided back into the alcove, and then descended into the floor.
        "But..." Miss Shida said. A moment later, the bookshelf moved back into place, and Miss Shida, much to her shock and dismay, was the only person in the office.

***

        Ranma stepped into the street and looked wildly about. She didn't see any demon, but....
        Ranma's eyes bugged out. Directly in front of her was a small dress shop. Floating in the display windows were several elaborately dressed mannequins -- floating, because the entire shop was filled, floor to ceiling, with murky green water.
        Something was swimming in that water, deeper in the store, away from the glass front. Something with powerful arms and a massive, fish-like head. And there was someone else -- a girl? It was hard to see through the watery gloom.
        "Ah, Base," Ranma said, "I have, uh, visual confirmation...."
        "Hai," Kohran said in her ear. "Kohran alert Alpha, Beta Leader, Gamma team member. It few minute to intercept. Ranma be careful!"
        "Yeah, gotcha," Ranma said. She stared into the water-filled shop, then glanced down at the flashing amulet on her wrist.
        "Um... so what do I do now?" she asked.
        There was a sigh at the other end.
        "Wait," Kohran said. Others be there soon. Kohran see if can get Yohko there faster...."

***

        Atsuko Natsume, aka Nuku Nuku, strolled across the campus. She'd just been released from another meething with Ikari-Sensei and Papa-San, and while she was always happy to do whatever Papa Natsume wanted, she was a little sad that she'd missed P.E.. Gym was the only class at school that she really enjoyed.
        "Hello Anthy! How are you doing today?"
        Outside the girl's dormitory, Anthy Himeya was busy pruning and watering the roses that grew at the base of the walls. The dark-skinned girl looked up and smiled warmly.
        "Hello there, Nuku Nuku. Are you done fighting with Arisa today?"
        The cat-girl cyborg nodded her head. "Arisa's toys all broke, so she went home. I'm sure she'll be back though."
        Nuku Nuku paused, and cocked her head. Odd metal antenna ears sprung from the sides of her head. The cyborg girl's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands together.
        "Oh! Nuku Nuku gets to play with something news! A demon!"
        Anthy frowned. "A what?"
        The dorm doors burst open, and a red-headed girl, running impossibly fast, flew by.
        "Ai-Chan?" Nuku Nuku said.
        "Race you there!" Aiko called out, and was gone.
        "Right!" Nuku Nuku replied. With a leap, she was off, chasing after the red-headed speed demon.
        Behind her, Anthy smiled and called out, "Good luck, Nuku Nuku! Have fun with the demon!"

***

        At the Cat Cafe, in the corner of the student cafeteria, the lunch rush was long over. Cologne and her two assistants -- technically they weren't employees, as she paid them nothing -- were busy cleaning up and preparing for dinner. Normally by this point, Shampoo and Mousse would be done and off to gym class, but with all of the distractions and interruptions of the day, they'd had little time to work. Shampoo had just returned from a brief afternoon meeting with Ikari and Dr. Natsume, and as for the nearsighted boy, well, Coach Fujisawa likely wouldn't miss him.
        Suddenly, Shampoo stood stock still. She touched a hand to her ear, where teardrop earrings dangled.
        <It's cousin Kohran,> she said. <She says they've found a demon! It's in the town!>
        "Speak Japanese, child," Cologne chided.
        Shampoo flashed her grandmother an irritated look, then grabbed her bonburi. "Red-head girl have demon cornered," she said. "Shampoo must hurry!"
        "Be careful, Shampoo!" Cologne said. "Don't do anything foolish!"
        "Grandmother not worry!" the purlple-haired girl called out as she took off. "Shampoo fight demon before!"
        "Shampoo!" Mousse called out. "Let me come with you!"
        Crack! Cologne's staff slammed into the boy's head. "You're going nowhere until dinner prep is done!" Cologne snapped.
        "Stupid old ghoul," Mousse muttered, rubbing his head.
        "What was that?"
        This time, Mousse dodged the serving tray aimed at his head.
        "Ah," Cologne said, "getting a little better, I see...."

***

        Yohko ran across the school lawn. The air above her shimmered, and Ryoko appeared, with Tenchi under one arm. The blue-haired alien girl pivoted, swooped down, and snatched the Devil Hunter up.
        "Hey! What gives?" Yohko exclaimed. But the words were barely out of her mouth before the world around them shifted. Suddenly, they were cruising over a city street -- the town just below campus, Yohko realized.
        Ranma was already there, standing in front of a small dress shop. Ryoko landed next to her.
        "Where's this demon?" Ryoko asked.
        "In the dress shop," Ranma said.
        "Ryoko," Tenchi said, "Yohko's our leader, remember."
        "Yeah, whatever."
        All four of them stared at the shop.
        "Green water?" Ryoko said. "What gives?"
        "I think I see it," Yohko said. "Big. Ugly. Fish-headed."
        "I see it too," Tenchi said.
        "There's someone in there with it," Ranma said. "Yohko, what do I do? I don't know how to work this!"
        Yohko sighed. "You need to transform," she said. "Stand still. Relax, and repeat after me, and do as I say.
        Yohko held her left hand out in front of her. Ranma did the same.
        "Dark powers whose deeds escape even the light of the moon...."
        "You gotta be kidding me."
        "Say it!"
        Ryoko began to snicker.
        "Um... Dark powers whose deeds escape even the light of the moon," Ranma repeated.
        "...behold now the raidiance of the power of love!"
        "...behold now... oh please, are you serious?"
        Yohko glared at Ranma fiercely. "Oh all right," Ranma said. "Behold now the radiance of the power of love."
        Yohko swung her arms about and then brought her hands to her breast. Ranma mimicked her.
        "We shall destroy all who dare threaten this world! We are the scourge of evil!"
        "We shall destroy all who dare threaten this world," Ranma said. "We are the scourge of evil, Ican'tbelieveI'msayingthis."
        Yohko growled low in her throat before finishing, "Behold, the 108th generation of devil hunter, Yohko! Use your own name," she added in a hiss.
        "Gotcha," Ranma replied. "Behold, Ranma Saotome, devil hunter and martial artist! And I'm gonna kick your ass!"
        Ryoko nodded her head approvingly. "Nice improv. Exactly what I'd say, if I had to say that -- which I don't, thank the stars."
        Yohko was already spinning in the air. Her clothes shredded and flew apart, leaving her naked. Ranma had seen this before... Yohko's transformation sequence. Moments later a red silk Chinese dress would form on her, with deep side slits and a yin yang symbol on the chest. But Ranma didn't have time to watch.
        Suddenly the world was spinning. Ranma was flying through the air, and her own clothing was being ripped to shreds. And she realized, Tenchi and Ryoko were watching... and Ukyo, and Akane, and Nabiki, and her parents. They were standing just outside the okonomiyaki restaurant, along with the cook and hostess.
        Nabiki was taking pictures.
        Moments later she felt new clothing forming about her. She came to a sudden stop.
        "I did it!" she exclaimed. She glanced down at her new outfit.
        Instead of the long, sleeveless clinging dress that Yohko wore, Ranma had a loose dress that was much shorter -- not much more than a tunic really. The hem was about mid-thigh, perhaps a little higher, and where it wrapped on the left side her leg was exposed almost to the waist. Like Yohko's the dress was red with the yin yang symbol on the front, but had short cuffed sleeves, and was belted at the waist with a yellow ribbon.
        Ranma also had white fingerless gloves on, and loose white leggings that were tied below the knee with yellow ribbons. She reached up to touch her forehead, where another ribbon was tied about her forehead like a bandana, with a big bow in back.
        It wasn't exactly the slinky, sexy outfit that Yohko wore. In fact, more than anything, it was cute.
        "Allright!" Yohko cheered. "Ranma you did it! You're a devil hunter for sure now!"
        "Um, do I get a choice of outfits?" Ranma asked.
        "What? No, of course not!" Yohko retorted. "Come on, Ranma, it's show time! Let's do it!"
        Yohko held her hands together, then drew them apart. "Soulsword, appear!" she cried out, and suddenly there it was: her Demon Hunter's sword.
        Ranma tried the same move. "Soulsword, appear!" she cried out. Something formed out of the air, but it wasn't like Yohko's sword. Ranma blinked, surprised to find a long spear in her hand.

***

        While Yohko coached Ranma through her first transformation, Ryoko wasted no time. She flew to the door of the dress shop, grabbed the handle, twisted, and pulled.
        The door refused to budge. Ryoko stared in confusion for a half-second, then applied maximum pressure. With a metallic scream, the handle was sheared and ripped from the wood frame.
        The door still wouldn't open. Growling now, Ryoko flew back, then forward, slamming herself into the door. Glass shattered and wood splintered. Ryoko ripped what was left of the door from it's hinges and tossed it back into the street.
         The wall of water refused to budge, as if an invisible barrier or force field held it back. Ryoko poked it, then threw herself against it, but she only bounced back.
        "What is this stuff?" Ryoko muttered. "Jello?"
        "Can't you just phase through, or teleport in?" Tenchi asked.
        "I already tried," Ryoko said. "There's something blocking me... demon magic of some sort."
        Her red energy sword formed in her outstretched hand. In one fluid motion, she stabbed the green wall of water, burying the full length of the blade.
        "Ha!" she crowed. "There's more than one way to pick a lock!"
        The demon inside was indistinct, but appeared to be screaming. Tenchi frowned. "It looks hurt," he said. "But you only stabbed the water...."
        His own sword, also named tenchi, flared to life. At the same time, Yohko and Ranma appeared on either side of him.
        "The water -- ectoplasmic jello, whatever it is -- is an extension, a part, of his body," Yohko said. "It has to be! Everyone attack it!"
        Tenchi and Yohko struck through one of the shop windows, scattering glass everywhere. Ranma took one look at them, then at her spear. She launched herself at the other window, smashing it and stabbing into the green wall beyond. She pulled back, and stabbed again, and again.
        Aiko and Nuku Nuku had arrived. They threw themselves at the green wall of water, to little effect. Only the energy weapons of Tenchi, Ryoko, Yohko and Ranma could penetrate the surface. It presented a very odd tableau, four high-school students hacking away at solid wall of murky green water. But the demon inside was writhing in agony, and now a high-pitched keening could be heard. Bits of the water-wall were coming loose, and splashing down on the pavement. The keening grew louder and louder, and then....
        Without warning, the wall gave way. Several tons of water crashed down on the Muyami students. Ryoko managed to fight her way free, with Tenchi in tow. Yohko, Ranma, Aiko and Nuku Nuku were swept across the street and slammed into the brick facade of the okonomiyaki restaurant. More glass rained down. The water flowed down the street in both directions, spreading out until it was one gigantic puddle.
        Ranma's parents, along with Ukyo, Akane, Nabiki, the restaurant's chef and tge hostess, had all been pounded by the water. As Ranma got to her feet, she noticed that some of them were unconcious. Then she saw that Yohko was also sprawled on the concrete, out cold from a blow to the head.
        Ranma gripped her spear. Aiko and Nuku Nuku were up and ready for more. Ryoko was lowering Tenchi to the street, when the demon burst out of the remains of the dress shop.
        It was monstrous -- over eight feet tall, with a green, scaled, vaguely humanoid body, but the head of a giant fish. The arms bulged oddly, as if there were more muscles there than nature reccomended. The forearms were finned and semi-flat, with webbed hands that ended in wicked claws. The head itself was huge, with bulbous yellow eyes and a wide mouth filled with razor-sharp teeth.
        It was dragging a girl by the arm. She looked suspiciously like Ukyo's roommate, Shun Isigari.
        The demon moved incredibly fast. It spun as Tenchi and Ryoko set down, and with one surprisingly quick blow, knocked them both down the street. Ranma lunged at it with her spear, but the demon spun again, slamming a fist into the side of her head.
        "Fishy!" Nuku Nuku yelled out with glee. There was another loud THWACK, and the sound of someone colliding with a light pole. Ranma, ears ringing, looked up, just in time to see the light pole crash to the pavement. Aiko was beneath it. As for Dr. Natsume's android cat-girl, she was clamped firmly to the fish-demon's back. On her face was a look of indescribable joy.
        Ranma twitched. At times like this, she was all too aware of Nuku Nuku's cat-like tendencies.
        The demon howled and spun about. Tenchi and Ryoko had their weapons out and were looking for an opening. Ranma, realizing that the android girl probably couldn't be hurt anyway, balanced her soul-spear a moment, then heaved....
        Something was falling out of the sky... something orange and black. Ranma recognized Tora, but the boy on his back, with the spear and the long, flowing hair -- could that possibly be Ushio? He looked immensely fierce and powerful.
        Ranma scrambled back, anxious to be nowhere near the cat-like demon. Ushio leapt from Tora's shoulders and drove his spear at the demon.
        The demon twisted and spun. Both spears missed their mark, each grazing the demon, cutting into it's scales.
        The fish-demon failed to dodge the third attack. From above, Tora dug in with his claws, opened his mouth, and took a massive bite out of the creature's head.
        The demon staggered a moment, then collapsed slowly sideways, into a pile with Tora, Nuku-Nuku, and a stunned, nearly unconscious Shun.
        Nuku Nuku sat up and surveyed what was left of the demon. "Aw," she said, sounding disappointed. "You killed it already."
        Tora patted his belly. "Fish demon," he said. "Not bad!"
        The demon's body began to melt. In moments, it had dissolved to water and flowed out to join the huge puddle in the street. But as it dissolved, the body of another girl was revealed -- Ranma's roommate, Noel.
        "Noel!" several yelled out at once. Tenchi quickly knelt beside her. He reached for her wrist.
        Tora sniffed at the skinny girl. "Stupid fish demon!" he growled. "He did a bad job of eating this human. She's still alive...."

***

        On the hill above the campus of Muyami Academy, two misshappen humanoids huddled amid thick brush and shadows. One had the head of a monkey, while the other had the head of a hawk.
        "One of the three is dead," the monkey-headed one said.
        "Yes," Hawk-head said. "It is... unfortunate. He was not cautious."
        "There were demon hunters."
        "It was unexpected," Hawk-head said. "There was more than one."
        "Unexpected," the other echoed, "but not surprising. There were demon hunters before...."
        "That is true."
        "The master will not be pleased."
        The hawk-headed one stirred. "They will look for us," it said. "We must hide for now."
        "But the master needs a body," Monkey-head said.
        "There is still time," the other said. "For now, we must go away."
        And the two faded into the darkest of the hillside thickets.

***

        The fight was over. Genma had to admit that, for a girl, the boy -- make that girl -- had fought well. Because of my teaching, he thought smugly. Really, the more he thought about it, the more he realized that all of his teaching had been leading up to this point. He'd been training Ranma for this purpose. The lines of destiny intersected and connected to reach this point in time, and only now, having witnessed Ranma in action, did Genma realize how clever he'd been to teach the boy -- make that girl -- everything she needed to be a first-class Devil Hunter.
        Sometimes, Genma thought, I even amaze myself.
        Having a Devil Hunter in the family was something to be proud of, and possibly exploited. Of course, he was left without an heir to the Saotome School of Anything-Goes Martial Arts. But there was the boy to consider -- Ukyo, that is. He would make a good heir, once Genma was through with him. In fact, Genma must have been planning for this eventuality all along. Yes, that was it -- it explained some of his past actions. How very clever of him to have anticipated all of this. And wasn't that how a true martial artist operated, after all? Didn't they do things without even knowing why until later, and reveal hidden truths to themselves in dreams?
        Something like that, anyway. Genma had known all of this was going to happen, and had been planning for it for years. The fact that he didn't remember it that way only proved that he'd even fooled himself, which was very clever indeed.
        More people were arriving -- school officials, other students (some in very odd, dress-military style uniforms), townsfolk, a couple of reporters, and a man who claimed to be the local Chief of Police. Ranma, Nodoka, and the others were talking to the various officials, giving their accounts of what had happened. It was all very boring, and Genma was sure that if he stayed on the street, he'd be drafted into helping with clean-up.
        He wandered back into the okonomiyaki restaurant. He was hungry. The whole front of the place was a disaster. There was broken glass, debris, soggy napkins and menus floating in standing water. He stepped carefully through the mess and looked about.
        A fresh, tasty meal completely failed to appear before him. They'd been the only ones in the restaurant, and Genma had made certain that everyone's plates were clean before dashing outside to witness the battle.
        He frowned, scratching his belly. He paused. His hand slipped beneath his gi. What was this? He pulled out a box. Oh yes, that bento box for his son... correction, his not-a-son. Idly, Genma wondered, if Ranma was not attending school as a boy, then whose bento box had it really been, anyway? But it hardly mattered -- it now belonged to Genma Saotome.
        He popped the lid off and began to eat. Waste not, want not, after all. When it came to food, that and "finders, keepers" were two proverbs near and dear to his heart.
        One minute later, Genma dropped the now-empty bento box. He felt something stirring inside him, something that he'd been ignoring for years. Suddenly, food was the last thing on his mind. The room felt warm. Genma felt... well, not exactly like singing and dancing, but....
        Like a dream, the past 15 years of his life flashed before him. There was plenty of eating and training, interspersed with sleeping and games of shogi. Drinking figured in there somewhere, and running from angry innkeepers. But something was missing. Before his long training trip with Ranma, there had been something else... some other pursuit... something that brought as much pleasure as, say, food.
        And it wasn't stealing undies for the master.
        Genma went looking for Nodoka.

***

        The street was filled with people.
        The other members of the NERF squads were there, several of them in their official outfits. All of the advisors were there. Principal Ikari was there, along with several of his staff. For a man who showed virtually no emotion, he seemed quite pleased with himself.
        Townsfolk were there. Reporters were there. Principal Ikari had already provided them with a reasonable, non-demonic explanation for what had happened, and then distracted them with the help of his aides. Chief of Police Daisuke Ido was also there, and would not be swayed by Ikari's explanations. He was asking questions, and taking names, and kept insinuating that he smelled a rat -- one with glowing, demonic eyes, if you got his drift.
        Yohko was awake. She'd missed the final moments of the battle. Akane, Ukyo, and Nabiki were up as well. Everyone seemed to be okay, although several had minor cuts from all of the shattered glass.
        Noel and Shun were getting cleaned up nearby. Shun had refused to say why she was currently a girl. "It's a secret," was all she had offered to anyone.
        At the moment, with the reporters and Ido elsewhere, Ikari was grilling Ushio, Tenchi, and Ryoko, while Ayeka hovered nearby. "It was not like the one from before? Not like the shadow-demon you fought on the campus the other night?"
        "No, sir," Tenchi replied. "This one was like a giant human, with the head of a fish."
        Ryoko snorted. "This one was a pushover. Quick, but not very resilient. Any one of us could have killed it with a single blow."
        "It took a lot of blows before the final one," Tenchi said. "Remember? The wall of water was part of it, somehow."
        "Where is it?" Ikari asked. "Did it escape?"
        "No, sir," Ushio said. "Tora killed it, but the body melted away."
        "Then we have no evidence of the fight?"
        Nabiki, who'd been standing beside Ranma, listening, stepped forward. "Oh, I wouldn't say that," she replied. She held up her camera. "I might have a few photos of the battle... would those be worth anything to you?"
        Principal Ikari looked her up and down. He raised an eyebrow. "I am not given to bribery," he said cooly. "Miss...?"
        "Nabiki Tendo," Nabiki said. "And it's not bribery, just good business. I was thinking of a job. Part-time, of course, while I'm still in school. Promotions or marketing, perhaps? That would be where my strength lies...."
        Akane rolled her eyes. Ikari stared at her for a long moment, then nodded curtly. "That can be arranged. We need people to... direct public opinion...."
        "Spin Doctors?" Nabiki said. "Even better."
        "I prefer the term 'Public Relations'," Ikari said. He held out his hand. "Hand me the camera now, and see me tomorrow afternoon."
        Nabiki smiled. "Deal!" she said, handing the camera over. "By the way, I believe Chigako got here in time to take some video footage of the tail end...."
        Yohko sat down on the curbside next to Ranma. "So," she said, "what did you think?"
        "Of the fight?" Ranma shrugged. "Intense, but short. It was over too quickly."
        "Well, you know," Yohko said. "Minor demon, I think, and it was up against two Devil Hunters, the Beast Spear, Tenchi and Ryoko, Aiko and Nuku Nuku, and a more powerful demon... it really didn't stand a chance."
        "How powerful is Tora?"
        "Pretty powerful, I think," Yohko said. She glanced at Ranma and added, "I could take him if I had to."
        "You think you might have to?"
        "Hard to say. He is a demon, after all. I've never heard of friendly demons before."
        "Sure you have. Inu-Yasha."
        "Well... he's only half demon."
        "So," Ranma said, "how did I wind up with the Devil Hunter Junior outfit?"
        Yohko inspected Ranma. "You don't like it? I think it's cute."
        "Well sure," Ranma said, "but it seems like a costume for a little girl doesn't it? Like I'm your sidekick or something."
        "Well, you are the Junior Devil Hunter," Yohko said. "Maybe you are my sidekick. Or maybe it'll change as you develop your powers."
        "Well okay, whatever," Ranma said. "So how do I transform back?"
        "Transform back?"
        "You know," Ranma said, gesturing to the red Chinese dress she wore. "How do I get my old clothes back?"
        "You don't," Yohko said. "Didn't you notice that they were shredded during your transformation?"
        Ranma blinked in confusion.
        "Well yeah, but... can't you do a reverse transformation or something, and they fix themselves?"
        Yohko shook her head. "All of that was shredded," she said. "I was wearing Chi's favorite swimsuit, too."
        "But -- where did this tunic thing come from?"
        "It's a by-product of the transformation sequence," Yohko said. "I've got dozens of them. Chi plans to start selling them as suoviniers to help recoup the cost of all the clothes that I've lost."
        "But I was wearing my school uniform! Those are expensive!"
        "Actually," said Shun Isigari, who was seated nearby, "you were wearing my school uniform. She glanced down at herself. "I left yours in your room, but it looks like I've destroyed this outfit I borrowed."
        Ranma snorted. "That's okay. I can afford to lose one or two."
        Principal Ikari cleared his throat.
        "As I mentioned earlier, an expense account has been set up to cover replacement of clothing lost during combat or transformation. Therefore, new uniforms will be provided. But it might be easier if you wear your official NERF Project uniforms next time."
        "We didn't have time," Yohko said. The Principal only gave her a look that clearly said: There is always time.
        Ranma looked around. "Where's Mom and Pop?"
        Yohko shrugged. "I haven't seen them since the fight started."
        Nabiki smirked. "I saw your father drag your mother back into the restaurant."
        "Only Pop could think of food at a time like this," Ranma said.
        "Oh," Nabiki replied, "based on what I saw, I hardly think food was on his mind...."
        Tora was still prowling about, senses alert. Every time he came near, Ranma flinched and drew back. "Not a cat, not a cat, not a cat," Ranma muttered under her breath.
        "What are you mumbling about?" the demon asked. It turned to look at Ranma, who went rigid.
        Ushio laid a hand on Tora's head and scratched it. "Find anything?" he asked.
        "I smell demons," Tora said.
        "Naturally," Ushio replied. "We just killed one."
        "Not this fish-demon. Other demons."
        Yohko stood up. She stared at her ring for a moment. It, and Ranma's amulet, were both flashing, but of course Tora was right in front of them.
        "There are other demons nearby," Yohko said. "At least one, that I can tell, besides Tora. Maybe more."
        "M-more d-demons?" Ranma stammered. She hadn't actually taken her eyes off of the cat-like Tora.
        "Maybe that shadow one we fought the other day."
        Principal Ikari stepped between Ranma and Tora, something Ranma was quite grateful for. "Alpha Squad will search the area," Ikari said. "Check the town and the campus, and the surrounding area. Beta and Gamma squad can stand down, for now, but should remain on alert."
        "Tora and I will help," Ushio said. "Tora can sniff out other demons better than anyone here."
        "I'm not leaving that mummy woman alone with Lord Tenchi," Ayeka said.
        The Principal stared at the others in his impassive way.
        "Very well," he said. "But no more. We don't need half the student body wandering about."
        Yohko turned to Ranma. "Go find your parents," she said. "Ushio and I can handle this."

***

        For Ranma, the rest of the day had been interesting, in the same way that Chinese water torture was interesting.
        Nodoka Saotome, convinced that all of Ranma's girl clothing had been given away to charity, had insisted on buying Ranma a new wardrobe. Ranma did not particularly like shopping, especially for clothes, and especially for girl's clothes. But she'd learned that, above everything, what she really didn't like was shopping for girl's clothes with the help of Akane, Nabiki, and an over-enthusiastic Shun Isigari, who really should have been lying down somewhere, recovering from shock.
        Nabiki had been most keen on adding sexy lingerie to Ranma's stack of goods. Ranma had no idea why.
        Genma was nowhere to be found. He'd drug Ukyo off somewhere to discuss martial arts and training. Coward, Ranma thought.
        It was evening now. Shun was back to normal and back in his dorm room. Nabiki was off making plans with Chigako. Ranma was alone with her mother and Akane, and they were standing in front of a public bath.
        "Mom?" Ranma asked, uncertainly. "Um... why are we stopping here?"
        "Come, Ranma," Nodoka said. "It's time we bathe together, as mothers and daughters do. And you as well, Akane."
        Ranma froze. Bathing? With her Mother? She'd avoided it until now, despite living as a girl with her mother for several weeks. The thought terrified her.
        "But I'm a guy!" Ranma exclaimed.
        Akane rolled her eyes. "This, again? Have you looked in a mirror lately?"
        "Well, sure, I'm a girl right now, but...."
        "You were born as my son," Nodoka said, "but here and now, you are my daughter, correct?"
        "Well... I suppose."
        "You are trapped in that body, are you not?"
        "Sure. For the moment."
        "Perhaps forever," Nodoka said. "You are registered as a girl. You live as a girl, in the girl's dorms. You've bathed with other girls?"
        "Y-yeah."
        "Then where is the problem?"
        "But I've... I've never bathed with you," Ranma said. "You're my mother. I'm not sure you'd understand...."
        Nodoka smiled. "But I suppose you've bathed with your father on many occasions."
        "Well, sure."
        "Then there is nothing strange in this."
        "Stop being such a sissy!" Akane growled, and shoved Ranma through the door.

***

        Naked. The word echoed in Ranma's mind sounds of water drops bouncing off the tiled walls of the bath. Ranma had never felt more exposed.
        Ranma thought his mother was beautiful, and elegant, and sophisticated, and... here she was, standing next to Ranma, naked. Warm steam filled the room, but Ranma shivered as if in a chill winter wind. It didn't seem right, seeing her mother like this, or being exposed before her mother in this body. This wasn't like bathing with Akane or Yohko or the other girls -- Ranma was almost getting used to that. But now, Ranma was uncomfortably aware of the curves and valleys of her female body, of her wide hips and rear, her narrow waist and shoulders, her breasts which rose and fell as she stood there breathing, her thin, weak arms and the small crevice between her legs. For the first time in a while she really felt ashamed of this body. It felt wrong. It felt alien.
        "Oh, Ranma! You're such a beautiful young girl!" Nodoka exclaimed. Ranma flinched. It still didn't sound right. She busied herself with soap and water, and tried not to notice the woman next to her.
        "Here," Nodoka said, "let me wash your back."
        Ranma flinched again, but her mother's touch was gentle, yet firm. With a wash rag and a bar of soap, Nodoka began to scrub, and something began to happen. The touch of her mother's hands felt good, and right. Ranma's embarassment slowly faded. In its place, she felt a bond growing between her and her mother.
        With soap and washcloth, Nodoka's soft but firm hands continued to explore Ranma's body, scrubbing everything. And it seemed to Ranma that where her hands passed, the wrongness of her body faded, and everything felt right and proper again. What could be unnatural about a mother and daughter washing, anyway? It was extremely intimate, almost erotic, but completely natural. It felt good. And it was something Ranma had never experience in all her years with her father.
        Ranma thought about what it might be like to grow up in this body, to become like her mother. It didn't seem like such a bad thing, and was certainly a better alternative to becoming fat, bald, and stupid. But for all his ugliness, Genma was very strong. Ranma wanted to be strong too.
        Why couldn't she be both?
        Akane was watching in silence. Either she was being very introspective, or she recognized that Ranma and Nodoka needed to talk to each other, without her interferance.
        "I remember doing this when you were a little b... when you were a child," Nodoka said.
        "When I was a boy," Ranma said.
        "Yes," Nodoka replied. There was a moment of silence, and then she added, "Ranma, if you had been born a girl, do you think you'd have been happier?"
        "I don't know," Ranma replied. "I've never thought about it."
        The three rinsed away the suds and stepped into the hot bath. At the moment they were the only three present. Akane sank into the corner, maintaining her silence.
        "Well?" Nodoka asked. "Have you thought about it?"
        "Mother," Ranma said, "Would you have been happier, if I'd been born your daughter?"
        Nodoka thought only a moment.
        "I was very happy and very proud to have a son," she replied. "But perhaps, if you'd had a sister, I would have been even happier. Especially during those long years when you and your father were away...."
        Nodoka turned Ranma to face her. She held the red-headed girl by the shoulders and look sharply into her eyes. "Listen, Ranma," she said. "This is very important. You must answer me with complete honesty. Are you truly my daughter?"
        Ranma blinked in confusion, then said, "Would I bathe with you if I wasn't?"
        "Do not get flippant with me, child."
        Ranma's eyes widened. "I wasn't...."
        "What I mean is this: If the curse were to revert again, so that you could become male, would you want to be considered a man again? Because I absolutely will not have my only child decide that she is female one week and male the next. You must decide who and what you are, now and forevermore, and that is how it shall be."
        Ranma looked scared. "Um... can I think about it?"
        "Ranma, this is not a game. There are many things that I can and must teach you if you are truly to be my daughter, things that a girl may only learn from her mother. Things, I might add, that you, Miss Tendo, could learn from me as well."
        Ranma sank down into the water.
        "M-me?" Akane exclaimed. "But I...."
        "...Have not had the benefit of a mother to teach you," Nodoka said, "something I certainly intend to fix."
        "But Kasumi...."
        "I'm sure your sister has done the best she can, but she herself was only a child when your mother passed away. She's done an admiral job raising herself, but perhaps not so good a job teaching Nabiki and yourself."
        "Y-yes, Mrs. Saotome," Akane said, looking down. "If you say so."
        "I do. But that is a matter we can discuss later. Ranma? Do you have an answer?"
        "You've engaged me to Ukyo..." Ranma said.
        "Indeed I have," Nodoka said. "That, however, is not an answer. It is, in fact, one more reason to decide this matter once and for all."
        Ranma stared down into the rippling water. "Pop taught me that girls are weak and inferior," she said.
        "Your father is not always the best source of life's wisdom," Nodoka said. "Surely you've noticed this?"
        "Well, yeah," Ranma replied. "Still, I never wanted to be a girl. But I'm kinda getting used to it. When I came back, and you decided I was your daughter, you seemed so happy... and when I was your son again, you seemed... sad. More distant."
        Nodoka pursed her lips. "This isn't about me," she said. "It's about you."
        "But it is about you!" Ranma replied, looking up. "Dad never really cared for me, except when I was studying the art. To him I'm less a son than a symbol of what a great martial artist he is. If it weren't for the art, I'd be nothing to him! But you love me, Mother. That's different. I don't want to lose that."
        "But Ranma, I'll love you whether you are my son or my daughter."
        "But it's different when I'm your son," Ranma said, looking away. "When I'm your son, it's like I belong to Dad first. That's why you let him take me away for all those years."
        Nodoka slid over and enveloped Ranma in a hug.
        "Oh, Ranma, I'm so sorry I allowed that to happen. I missed you all those years. I'm so very, very sorry. I thought it was necessary, to make you a man...."
        Ranma froze for several moments, unsure what to do. Finally, tears began to run down her cheeks.
        "It's okay, Mom," Ranma said. "You did what you thought was best. But... I want to be close to you. Like this. Not distant."
        "Then you truly wish to be my daughter?"
        "I... if that makes you happy."
        "This is not about me, Ranma."
        "I... yes," Ranma said. "I want to be your daughter."
        "Then it's settled," Nodoka said. "From this day forward, you are and always will be my daughter."
        Nodoka was smiling. So was Akane. Ranma looked scared, then hopeful, then confused, and then determined.
        "Mom, you're crying," Ranma said.
        Nodoka's hug became even tighter. "Yes, I suppose I am," she said. "But not because I'm sad...."

***

        (partial scene)

        "Ah. Belldandy, wasn't it?"
        The girl nodded. "Is this where Ranma was hurt the other night?" she asked.
        Chief Ido nodded. Belldandy looked about, taking in the destroyed restaurant.
        "Are you looking for the guardian?" she asked.
        "The what?"
        "The shadow creature that attacked Yohko here, and again the next day on campus."
        "The demon?" Chief Ido replied. "Yes. I was hoping to find some clues here, to help me track it down."
        "Oh, but it's not a demon," Belldandy said. "At least, not exactly...."
        "Of course it's a demon!" Yohko exclaimed. "I know! I'm a devil hunter!"
        Belldandy smiled. "Yes, I know. But even you should know that not all demons are evil."
        "The proprieter of this establishment is missing, Miss Belldandy, and presumed dead. This demon... or whatever you want to call it... is the prime suspect."
        "Oh my!" Belldandy exclaimed. "I hope he isn't hurt! But when I sensed this creature the other night, I felt an incredible sense of anger directed at you, Yohko, but I also sensed... that it had a purpose. That it was guarding something, and that you had done something to interfere with it's duties. I also sensed fear... that a great danger was brewing, and this guardian could not stop it...."
        "I haven't interferred with anything," Yohko said, "aside from fighting a rampaging demon that is attacking me and my friends."
        "Well, that makes a very interesting tale," Chief Ido said, "but really, Miss Belldandy, how could a young girl like you possibly sense all of that?"
        "Oh, I'm not a normal girl," Belldandy said brightly. "I'm a goddess."


        "There's a legend," Ido said, "about a demon that was imprisoned here long ago. The librarian told me about it."
        "Imprisoned? Where?"
        "On this hill," Ido said. "Further up, I think, in a cave. They sealed the cave and placed a shrine before it, and set a guardian to keep the shrine and the seal intact...."



*to be continued*
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