There Can Be Only One...Half? A Ranma ½ and Highlander Crossover Written by M. Clark Disclaimer: All characters from "Ranma ½" are from the talents of Rumiko Takahashi, and are the respective property of her, Shogakukan, Kitty Films, Viz Video, etc., and I'm just borrowing them for a short time! All "Highlander" characters are property of Davis/Panzer Productions as well. No copyright infringement is implied! What would happen if the Ranma universe was suddenly changed by a new revelation...that not only was Ranma cursed, but that somehow, he had become...Immortal? Duncan MacLeod awoke from a deep slumber with a sudden flash of insight. Somewhere nearby, not too far, a new Immortal was about to be "born". Still groggy from sleep, he searched his memories, remembering what Methos had told him when they parted last; by withdrawing from "The Game", and forsaking the company of his fellow Immortals, there would be a price exacted from him. He had been given an ability possessed by few of his fellow beings, and could sense the nearness of new Immortals before they became so, a very useful quality indeed. Perhaps it meant that Duncan could keep his head for another few hundred years...and could help others to keep theirs as well. Rising from his bed, MacLeod reached to his side and slowly drew his katana from its sheath. Closely examining the razor-sharp steel, folded some 60 times in a feat still not duplicable today, he looked for imperfections. Finding none, he turned to the hilt of the magnificent blade, given to him by a Samurai warrior, Hideo Koto, in 1778 - so long ago! Looking at its intricate carvings, he sighed and let his mind wander back to the past, to the cherry blossoms floating down from the myriad trees in the outskirts of Tokyo... In the Nerima Ward of modern Tokyo, a sleepy Ranma Saotome, heir to the Anything Goes School of Martial Arts, rose from his futon and gazed at the figure sleeping next to him. Adjusting his eyes to the light, he noticed the familiar black and white fur of his father, Genma, once again in his cursed panda form. "Just one time, Oyaji, I would love to wake up and find you back to normal...and me with you," he sighed, then stood up and reached for the nearby bucket of cold water. Standing ready to drench the panda, he paused, then stopped and replaced the bucket on the table. "Not worth the trouble today, think I'll just head for the furo instead" he thought, quickly exiting the room and padding softly down the hall to the Tendo family bath. "Maybe", he thought, "today will be the day that Akane and I can finally talk about our feelings...and I can tell her that I love her! And maybe the Kami will grant me a reprieve from my Jusenkyo curse while I'm at it too!" Stepping slowly into the deep tub of warm water, Ranma soaked his worries away, never dreaming that today would change him even further than what he had already been through in the last several years. MacLeod pulled back from his dreams of old Tokyo and began to dress, having showered and prepared himself physically during his morning kata. In addition to detecting new Immortals before their first Quickening, Duncan had also gained the ability to mask his presence among others of his kind. This effectively prevented them from actively hunting him, and he could go about his new "business" - finding these new ones, and helping ease their transition to their new lives before they could be found by other Immortals who were not so generous as MacLeod. He remembered well the confusion surrounding his discovery of immortality, the banishment by his clan, his departure from the Highlands he loved. He had vowed that he would, if he could, help others with their lives so they would not suffer as he had before his kinsman Connor had found him. Connor had trained him to survive, had taken him under his wing and made him understand what being Immortal truly meant. That was over 400 years ago, and Duncan had learned much and fought many impossibly tough foes since that time. Placing his katana in its familiar place in his coat, MacLeod looked once more around his small room, ensuring he was not leaving anything he might need. Satisfied, he left the room and began the journey to Nerima, knowing he would be meeting his new disciple within a few short hours. "Ranma-kun? Breakfast is ready, please come downstairs now" called Kasumi Tendo through the bathroom door. "Be right there Kasumi!" he answered, rising from the furo and toweling off quickly. Exiting the bathroom, he caught sight of his fiancé, Akane Tendo, answering the call to breakfast. Almost running into her, he stopped quickly and gently patted her on the shoulder. "How's my very kawaii iinazuke this morning?" he chirped as he passed her. "RANMA NO B...nani? Did he just say 'kawaii' and not 'kawaiikune'???" Akane paused in mid-rant, stunned by Ranma's words. Sinking slowly to the hallway floor, she murmured "Cute! He actually called me 'very cute'! Something must be wrong, I'll get to the bottom of this somehow!" Taking his place at the table, Ranma joined his future sister-in-law Nabiki, her father Soun, and his father. Akane slowly approached the table, still stunned over the events of the past few minutes. Kasumi entered, placing the breakfast bowls around the table, telling the family not to wait for her as she was creating a special dish in the kitchen. "Mornin' everyone!" Ranma exclaimed and happily began spooning soup into his mouth. "Good morning, Ranma-kun" said Soun, casually reading the morning newspaper. Genma was busy stuffing food into his mouth, and grunted a reply, while Nabiki sat and casually regarded the younger Saotome for a moment. "You're in a very good mood, Ranma," she said thoughtfully. "Something nice happen between you and Akane last night?" Blushing red, Akane turned to her sister and growled "Leave it alone, Nabiki. What Ranma and I choose to do is OUR business and no one else's! Nothing happened, okay? Can't Ranma be in a good mood without everyone being suspicious?" Immediately after saying that, however, Akane's brow wrinkled. Thinking to herself, she noted that indeed, nothing had happened yesterday...except for the surprise goodnight kiss that Ranma had placed on her lips after they finished studying! Ranma looked at Akane and smiled. "Now now, Akane, just let Nabiki say what she wants...we know that things are going well for a change, don't we? Besides, getting angry at Nabiki just makes you un...er, I mean it changes your beautiful face and we don't want that, do we?" Akane, momentarily flustered by Ranma's refusal to label her "uncute" returned to her bowl and contemplated events as she ate. Nabiki thanked Kasumi for breakfast and announced she was off on a shopping trip with Kuno and wouldn't be back until later that night. Ranma finished his meal, bowed to Kasumi, then winked slyly at Akane, asking her if she would be interested in a sparring session at the dojo. Surprisingly, she found herself nodding yes, and going upstairs to change into her workout gi. Ranma, already dressed for practice, headed off to the dojo, leaving Soun and Genma setting up yet another of their endless games of Shogi. Entering the customs area of Narita International Airport, Duncan MacLeod smiled as he handed his carry-on bag to the inspector. "Anything to declare, Sir?" inquired the inspector. "No, nothing," he replied. "Are you entering Japan for business, or pleasure Sir?" the inspector asked. "Business, I'm afraid, and I'm running late as it is...my business associate lives in Nerima Ward, could you please tell me which train to take?" Courteously, Duncan bowed to the inspector and listened to his directions carefully. Thanking him for his assistance, MacLeod exited the Customs area and went to claim his luggage, hoping his katana had gone unnoticed by the x-ray team. Once he felt its familiar weight back in his coat, he would be grateful. Exiting the airport, he went immediately to the train station, knowing he would be in Nerima in a short time. "HYAHHHHHH!!!" With that loud battle cry, her aura a deep blue, Akane crashed down from her perch in the Tendo dojo, striking Ranma a blow on his shoulder. Surprised that she actually connected with him, and knowing his usual speed, Akane completed the attack and spun around, assuming a ready stance to await Ranma's next move. "That was excellent, Akane!" spoke Ranma, rubbing the spot on his shoulder where she had connected with her attack. "I didn't expect you to be able to strike so fast with this new technique, but I'm glad that you reacted so quickly. Wish I had reacted a little faster though!" "Ranma, are you okay?" she spoke, knowing that even if he wasn't, Ranma would never admit that anything she had done would hurt him. "It...it just came to me, I didn't mean to catch you off guard." Smiling, Ranma nodded that he was fine, and came and stood face to face with Akane. "Never apologize for doing what you've been trained to do, Akane" Ranma gently chided her. "I want you to be fast and prepared for the challenges to come in the future...after we're married." Akane thought to herself. Speaking now, she said "Ranma? What did you say?" Smiling brightly, Ranma reached out to hold Akane's hands. "You heard me correctly, my kawaii iinazuke. After we're married. As in 'I love you and want to marry you Akane.' Not because of honor, or because the panda and your father want it. Because I want it. And I want you, Akane...only you!" Ranma leaned into Akane's face and melted his lips to hers, reaching back with one hand to steady her as her knees were bending rapidly. Scarcely believing her ears, Akane joined Ranma in the kiss, letting her arms wrap around him and feeling her heart soaring on eagle's wings. she thought, seeing her soul and Ranma's becoming one entity. Interrupting the kiss, Akane sighed "Yes, Ranma, I will marry you! You're the one that I want, the only one!" Smiling broadly, Kasumi closed the door to the dojo, leaving Ranma and Akane to their new feelings. "Oh my," she noted, "Nabiki will be sorry she missed this event!" A short time later, the dojo door opened, and Ranma and Akane, hand in hand, returned to the living room to find their parents. "Oh, Hello Ranma-kun, Akane-chan," said Soun as he watched them come into view. he thought. Clearing his throat, Ranma bowed before Soun and began to speak. "Honorable Tendo-san, Otosan, I have something important to say." Hearing this, both men turned from the shogi board to face the two young adults. "Otosan," Ranma said, addressing Genma, "When you first engaged me to Akane-chan, I resisted with all my will. I was not interested in having a fiancé, only in returning to China to remove my curse. I know that Akane was not interested in me either at that time. Tendo-san. You know that Akane and I have faced many obstacles together, and overcome many enemies. Although I have referred to her as an 'uncute tomboy' in the past, that...that is no longer a term I will use." Shock hit both fathers simultaneously. They watched their children holding hands, and noticed Akane's smiling face staring straight at Ranma as he continued. "I have come to a realization over the past few months, one that has been with me all along but I was simply too much of a baka to notice. What I want to tell you is that I love Akane. Unconditionally, and with all my heart. I have asked Akane to marry me today, not because of honor, and not because it was your desire. I want to spend the rest of my life with her, and she feels the same way. We are both still young, but I no longer wish to have Akane as my iinazuke. If you agree, Akane will become my kanai as soon as we can have a ceremony." With that, Ranma hugged Akane to him and awaited the response. "Let me get this straight, boy" said Genma, mentally trying to understand what his son had just announced. "You've finally come to your senses and realized Akane's the right girl for you? And you did this without potions, blackmail, or threats?" Ranma nodded, and Akane decided to finish the conversation. "Otosan, Genma-ojisan, I love Ranma with every beat of my heart. I want to become his wife more than anything in the world. Together, we can face whatever else life has in store for us, and as a team, no one can beat us! We'd like to be married right away, by the weekend if that's at all possible." Sobbing uncontrollably, Soun leaped up and embraced them both. "Kasumi, come quickly! Ranma and Akane are getting married! Oh, happy day! We've done it, Saotome! Our schools will be united at last!" As Soun danced around the room, Genma produced a bottle of sake, and they headed off to celebrate. Kasumi appeared from the kitchen and appraised the couple. "Kasumi-oneechan! Did you hear Ranma's speech to father?" asked Akane. "Yes, I did Akane...and I'm so very happy for you both! It will be so nice to have you married and sharing your love together, instead of chasing fiancees all over Nerima. Oh my! How will you tell them...all of them?" This is the end of Part 1 of the story. My first attempt at writing fanfiction, and I decided to try a crossover, just to be unusual! If you're not familiar with the Highlander series, it's well worth checking out. The movies were good, but the series absolutely rocked! Positive comments may be sent to kyranmafan@yahoo.com, and flames will be fed to Midorigame. Thank you! Part Two A Ranma ½ and Highlander Crossover Written by M. Clark Disclaimer: All characters from "Ranma ½" are from the talents of Rumiko Takahashi, and are the respective property of her, Shogakukan, Kitty Films, Viz Video, etc., and I'm just borrowing them for a short time! All "Highlander" characters are property of Davis/Panzer Productions as well. What would happen if the Ranma universe was suddenly changed by a new revelation...that not only was Ranma cursed, but that somehow, he had become...Immortal? While Ranma and Akane pondered Kasumi's words, a young man walked down a lonely Nerima street. Backpack held in one hand, a large umbrella in the other, he rubbed at the yellow and black bandanna across his brow as he tried to remember what direction he needed to turn to find the Tendo Dojo. Shrugging in resignation, Ryoga Hibiki continued down the street, then suddenly gasped as the Dojo came into view. "I'm here! I finally made it! Whew, what a relief! Now to go find Akane and pledge my...well, let her know how I feel about her anyway," he said, staving off a nosebleed by focusing his thoughts on other matters. "And if Ranma interferes, then it's time he understood just how tired I am of seeing him hurt Akane." With that, Ryoga knocked on the door and awaited his reuniting with Akane. A moment later, Kasumi appeared at the door. "Why, Ryoga-kun!" She exclaimed, surprised to find the "eternal Lost Boy" beckoning at the door. "How nice of you to come by this evening! We're having a celebration, but I think it's best if Akane tells you about it. Wait one moment, and I'll see where she is. Please come in!" Kasumi went off in search of Akane, while Ryoga placed his bags near the door. he thought, settling down to wait. "Akane-chan? Ryoga-kun is here, waiting to see you...shall I send him in, or would you rather receive him...alone?" asked Kasumi. Akane looked at Ranma with wide eyes, knowing he would not take the news of the day's celebration well, and she wasn't sure if she could face Ryoga without Ranma there to help. Smiling, Ranma answered her unasked question. "Akane-chan, we should talk to Ryoga together, ne? I'm hoping he'll be an adult about all this, but just in case, I really should be there." Relief was evident in Akane's eyes as she clasped Ranma's hand in hers. Together they left to see Ryoga. The ability that Duncan MacLeod had received, being able to sense the impending birth of a new Immortal, was somewhat quirky as well as exceptionally rare. He was driven to go to a certain place, and usually, within a day or so, he would learn the precise location of the one who needed his help. Sometimes, especially in large, crowded cities, it was easier to secure a spot to overlook the city...easy to spot the events which marked the new Immortal's arrival. He had done exactly this tonight, sitting in a high tree overlooking most of Nerima. Relaxing slightly, enjoying the boxed bento dinner he had bought in the train station, MacLeod sent his thoughts forward, searching for the feeling of other Immortals in the neighborhood. After a few moments, satisfied that no others of his kind were present, he contemplated the true meanings of sushi and vinegar rice and waited patiently for his task to begin. Turning at the noise in the hallway, Ryoga saw Akane and Ranma coming towards him. As his eyes gazed, he noticed both were smiling, which was rare enough, and that they seemed to be joined together at the hand. he thought. "A..ak..Akane? R-r-r-Ranma?" he asked. Ranma stopped a few feet short of Ryoga and begin to address him. "Hey, Ryoga, how ya doin'? Long time no see! Glad you're here though, me and Akane...uh, that is, Akane and I need to talk to ya about somethin'...and I'm pretty sure you ain't gonna like it, but it has to be said anyway!" Something about the cocky grin on Ranma's face, coupled with the reality of him holding hands with Akane, forced Ryoga's brain into overdrive. He heard Ranma talking to him, in an odd sort of way, like being inside a tunnel. Akane watched as Ryoga's battle aura began to glow, ever brighter, and it became more apparent that he was not listening to a single word Ranma was speaking. Suddenly frightened, Akane dropped Ranma's hand and began backing away, urging Ranma to stop talking and be ready for what was already too late to stop. As Ranma watched Ryoga's aura surround him, he had just enough time to push Akane down the hallway and block Ryoga's path. "Get out, Akane! I don't know what Ryoga's gonna do, but I'm not lettin' him touch ya!" With that, Ranma assumed a battle ready position, but he was just a second too late. "SHISHI HOKODAN!!!" yelled Ryoga, unleashing a bright burning ball of chi energy toward Ranma's chest. "Ryoga, NOOOO!" yelled Akane from the hallway. Ranma took the energy blast squarely in the center of his chest, as he had not had time to properly block Ryoga's angry first strike. The blast lifted him off his feet, and threw him to the opposite wall, where he slumped down on his back. Ranma struggled to rise to his feet, but was unprepared for the continued assault. "R..Ryoga...please w..wait.." he managed to get out, his chest heaving with the effort. "So, Ranma, you think you can just get away with it, do you? Well, not as long as I'm around! Have another, with my compliments!" Ryoga directed another blast towards Ranma, forcing him flat on the floor, completely unable to defend himself from the attack. Seeing Ranma failing to counterattack, Ryoga assumed a ready stance and waited. The blast from Ryoga's angry energy had done more than incapacitate Ranma. The resulting flare, as well as the muffled noise, had reached the eyes and ears of Duncan MacLeod, still sitting in the tree. Pinpointing the direction, MacLeod sighed to himself in resignation. "So it begins. I wish I could help him through this, the hardest part...the first time he dies." Akane's scream, as well as the noise from the chi explosion, had brought the rest of the family running to Akane's side as she tried to assess the situation. Ranma was lying slumped on the floor, neck in an odd position, trying to speak. Ryoga was standing some ten feet away, still in ready stance, with a shocked look on his face. He had never managed to completely surprise Ranma in this way before, and was unprepared for the reality now in front of him. "Ryoga, what...what have you done?" Akane said, trying to hold back tears as she rushed to Ranma's side. Kneeling, Akane looked into Ranma's sky blue eyes and saw they were glazed and unfocused. He was having trouble breathing, and his neck did not look like it was supporting his head at the proper angle. She struggled to hear him trying to speak, and bent down to his lips as they parted. "A...ak..Akane...I..love..you.." whispered Ranma, as he closed his eyes for the final time. Akane kissed his lips, knowing in her heart what could not be true, yet seeing with her eyes that it was. "Ranma! NO! DON'T GO! I LOVE YOU TOO!!" she yelled, as his chest rose once more then fell. Sobbing uncontrollably, Akane put her head on Ranma's chest, trying to hear his heartbeat, which she knew had gone. No one moved for several moments, as the realization sank in that Ranma had breathed his last. Finally, Kasumi broke the silence. "Father, I've called Dr. Tofu, and...the police" she said, scarcely believing the scene before her. Calmly, more calm than anyone had ever seen him, Soun Tendo regarded Ryoga, still standing, stunned. "Ryoga Hibiki" he began, "I don't know what madness possessed you, but you have murdered my daughter's fiancée. If you try to leave before the police arrive, I will kill you myself. Stay here and do not move, do you understand?" Ryoga could only nod, not daring to speak after the terrible events had penetrated the fog in his mind. "Saotome...please take Akane and Kasumi to the Dojo and help them...I will stand guard over Ranma and this...this foul creature who stands here!" Putting his anger in check, Genma gently pulled Akane from Ranma's body, and guided her and Kasumi back to the Dojo. He knew he should avenge his son, but right now he felt the whole universe spinning. Later, he would determine what to do. For now, he had to comfort Akane and wait for further events to unfold. A police car had been in the neighborhood when they were ordered to the Tendo residence, and had arrived just a few minutes after Dr. Tofu Ono, family doctor to the Tendo's and Kasumi's fiancée, arrived. Entering the hallway, they saw Ranma's body on the floor, and Tofu checking his vital signs. Soun introduced the police to Ryoga, and stated that he wanted him charged with first-degree murder. The police led Ryoga to the waiting car and begin to question him, as other officers began the task of interviewing the family and taking photographs. Tofu officially declared Ranma deceased, and signed the forms for the police. The ambulance arrived, and Tofu assisted them in removing Ranma from the house, asking them to allow him to discuss the matter with the coroner before an autopsy was conducted. As the ambulance and police departed, Tofu went to the Dojo to help comfort the family and learn the details of the day's events. Later that evening, Nabiki returned home and Kasumi told her sister the terrible story. The tears flowed freely from everyone, even Nabiki cried for the brother-in-law that she did not get to have after all. From the shadows, MacLeod had taken note of the situation and decided to follow the ambulance. He would need to be wherever it was taking Ranma in order to facilitate the inevitable events that would follow. He just hoped that the lateness of the hour would forestall an autopsy and that the early morning hours would give him the time that he...and Ranma...so desperately needed. At the morgue, the ambulance crew placed Ranma's body in cold storage, glad to be done with their task. They departed for their homes, not noticing the figure of MacLeod slipping in before they left. Quickly, he began to work. Opening the drawer, he pulled Ranma out and moved him to a place near the gas fireplace. Starting a fire to begin warming Ranma, MacLeod found the bathing area and began to warm the furo. His estimate of time might be a little off tonight, he mused to himself, as it normally took some few hours from the first time someone died until they found themselves reborn. Hopefully, this "Ranma Saotome" would be able to handle things. MacLeod took a good look at Ranma, noticing his muscle tone and athletic body. "Hmmm, athletic, perhaps he is a martial artist? That would be nice, as it would certainly help him with what is to come in his new life. Suppose I'll know soon enough." Checking the temperature of the furo, Macleod decided that it was just about right. Seeing Ranma's body warming up, he detected small nerve jumps and blood flow through Ranma's hands. "Won't be long now," he said, ready for the next step. Placing Ranma gently in the hot water, MacLeod eased him back so the water covered him up to his chest. Deciding the pass the time with some music, Duncan saw a small radio on a desk behind the furo. Turning on the switch, he found it had been placed on a station playing foreign rock music. As the beat of Queen's "It's A Kind of Magic" began, Duncan smiled to himself. "It certainly is 'magic' indeed." For years, Ranma had heard stories of what dying was supposed to be like. Thoughts of a brilliant white light, loved ones pointing the way, had entered his mind more than once. He still couldn't believe that it had happened though. How had Ryoga managed to do this to him? The world went black as he saw Akane sobbing over his chest, his last conscious thoughts only of his beautiful love. Suddenly, Ranma sat bolt upright in the tub and inhaled sharply, the rush of oxygen filling his lungs causing him to sputter and cough. This was what Duncan was waiting for; the first moment when an Immortal returns from being clinically dead and returns to life...permanently changed. Ranma coughed for several minutes as his lungs began their normal rhythm, and his eyes slowly focused on his location. He wasn't where he expected to be, and his ancestors seemed nowhere in sight. He couldn't believe that he was sitting in a hot furo, the water easing the tension in his muscles and relaxing him somewhat. Once his vision returned to normal, he began to take in his surroundings. thought Ranma. As he struggled to clear his mind, he felt a sharp tingling sensation in his spine, something he had never felt before. Almost like a new sense, telling him that danger, or someone who could cause danger, was near. Just at that moment, he noticed Duncan MacLeod sitting a few feet away from him, watching him intently. Trying not to panic, Ranma noticed that he was dressed all in black, his hair done in a ponytail, and resting beside his chair was...a katana? "You're wondering who I am, and why you're here," said MacLeod. "Please do not panic, I mean you no harm and in fact am here to help you." "Before you say anything, know this - you are Ranma Saotome, and you have been clinically deceased for approximately four hours. You are in the Nerima Morgue. This is not a dream, and yes, you are alive once again. There's a story behind that. Care to hear it?" Ranma couldn't believe what he had just been told. He'd remembered seeing science fiction movies where people returned from the dead, but they were, ahh, that gaijin word, what was it, oh yeah, zombies! Surely he couldn't be one of those, could he? Deciding, for once, to remain calm and listen, Ranma nodded and said "Hai." "To begin with, let me introduce myself. I am Duncan MacLeod of the Clan MacLeod, and I was born in the year 1592 in the village of Glenfinnan, on the shores of Loch Schiel in Scotland. I am an Immortal. That means that I am over 400 years old, and that I cannot die. Well, not through most normal means, anyway. I am here, young Ranma, because you have been given Immortality yourself. I have come to be your Sensei, and to teach you the ways of the Immortals." To say that Ranma was stunned would be the understatement of the new Millennium. Taking another deep breath, Ranma decided to speak. "Okay, MacLeod-sensei, since it's about 4 in the morning, ohayo gozaimas to you. Now that that's out of the way what in the name of the kami is going on here? First I'm dead, still don't know how that happened, now I'm alive again, and now I'm Immortal? Call me suspicious at the very least, and confused at the very most! Please, tell me what happened?" Smiling, Duncan approached the furo. "Is that water hot enough, or would you like to sit by the fire and talk? You'd probably be more comfortable dressed, as I'm sure talking to a complete stranger while naked in the bath is more than a little disconcerting. I will gladly explain everything to you, but we must get you warmed and ready to leave. We cannot be here when the morgue staff arrive, it will be complicated enough without dealing with those issues too!" "Yeah, I'd be a lot more comfortable outta here, and the sooner the better! They got a towel around here somewhere? I'll get dressed, and...say, where are my clothes?" "Ahh yes, they left them on you, so I removed them to get you into the bath. They're behind you on the chair. Here's your towel. I estimate we have about half an hour before things get going here, and we need to be well away from here by then. If you please!" Ranma finished dressing as he and MacLeod made their way out of the side entrance to the morgue. Glancing at Ranma, he asked him if there was anyplace indoors that he would recommend where nobody would ask any questions for awhile. Ranma thought a moment, and recommended Dr. Tofu's clinic. "Tofu? Isn't he the doctor your family summoned when you died?" asked MacLeod. "Well, I don't remember that, but he's our doctor and my fiancé's sister's fiancé. He knows all my history, and...er, other things that we might need to talk about too. He'll safeguard us." Swiftly, they made their way through the darkness, although it would only be an hour or so before the sun rose over Nerima. Ranma wasn't up to his usual speed, though hardly surprising given the events of the previous day. As they approached Tofu's clinic, Ranma asked the Highlander how they were going to gain entry. "Simple," he replied, "No healer can turn down an injured man, especially if it's one of his regular patients. He just won't know which patient it is until we're inside." The Highlander knocked quietly at the side door to the clinic, as Ranma had told him that was the "after hours" entrance. Inside, there were noises of someone approaching the door. "Yes, who is it?" came from within. "One of your patients needs your assistance, Doctor Tofu, please open the door!" Duncan said softly. The door opened, and Tofu looked at MacLeod, holding the hooded figure of Ranma in his arms. "Please come in, the examining room is just to your left. Can you tell me what happened?" Tofu said. Duncan laid Ranma gently on the table, then uncovered his face to the doctor. "We'll tell you, but you're not going to believe it!" he said. In shock at seeing Ranma, Tofu grabbed the table for support. "R..Ranma...obake?" Tofu sputtered as he took in the sight before him. Ranma opened his eyes and looked at the doctor. "No, Tofu-sensei, I'm not a ghost...but it's quite a story!" After regaining his composure, Tofu sat down next to Ranma and waited for the explanation. "Tofu-sensei, let me introduce myself. I am Duncan MacLeod, of the Clan MacLeod. I rescued Ranma from the morgue, and brought him here to you so he can recover fully from the events of the last day. You are quite right, he certainly was dead, as you yourself pronounced last evening. However, he has acquired...shall we say, a different physical reality since you last saw him! What I am about to tell you is not easily told and certainly not easily understood, at least not by most men. Ranma tells me that you are his doctor, soon to become related through marriage, and that he trusts you implicitly. That makes you also trusted by me, and I can discuss this with you without fear of your reaction. Would you say that is true?" Tofu thought for a moment before answering. "MacLeod-san. I have known Ranma for some time, and very little he does is surprising to me anymore. He is an excellent martial artist, a good, kind man, and one I will be pleased to be related to through marriage. Beyond the doctor-patient relationship, Ranma is my friend and I would never betray any secrets he might have." Smiling, Duncan relaxed and settled into his chair before continuing. "There is much to be discussed here, as you can imagine. There are certain things you must know immediately, as you have things to do in the next several hours that are of vital importance to Ranma's future. Very well, we will begin." This is the end of Part Two. Part three is not far behind! Positive comments may be sent to kyranmafan@yahoo.com, flames will be fed to Midorigame. Thank you! There Can Be Only One...Half? A Ranma ½ and Highlander Crossover Part Three Written by M. Clark Disclaimer: All characters from "Ranma ½" are from the talents of Rumiko Takahashi, and are the respective property of her, Shogakukan, Kitty Films, Viz Video, etc., and I'm just borrowing them for a short time! All "Highlander" characters are property of Davis/Panzer Productions as well. What would happen if the Ranma universe was suddenly changed by a new revelation...that not only was Ranma cursed, but that somehow, he had become...Immortal? MacLeod began his explanation as Ranma concentrated on regaining his strength and Tofu listened intently. "As I told Ranma, I was born in the Highlands of Scotland...the difficult part of that is that it was a very long time ago...December 21, 1592. I am slightly more than 400 years old. I'm sure you find that hard to believe?" Tofu looked at Duncan and replied, "No, not really. There is a Chinese Amazon elder here in Nerima, Khu Lon, who claims to be over 300 herself. Given the Chinese mystic's knowledge of herbs, magic, and other matters that is not impossible to believe at all. However, a 400 year-old Scotsman, on the other hand, is certainly not something I've ever heard, seen or read about. Please continue." "Very well, Doctor. I died on October 2, 1622, in a battle with a rival Clan. It was that death that made me what you see before you today. Given the times, and the location, our Clan was very primitive and superstitious. When I 'returned from the dead' as it seemed, my fellow warriors could not understand what had happened, and I was seen as being a demon come to life. Disowned by my family and Clan, I was forced to leave Glenfinnan. It took some time before another of my kind found me and trained me. I would spare you that fate, Ranma. That is why I am here. Simply put; Doctor, we are known as Immortals. We cannot die in the traditional means you are aware of, only through having our head completely separated from our body. As you can imagine, I have 'died' many times in the last 400 years. Luckily enough, none of those deaths have been permanent to this point!" "An Immortal is most vulnerable when he has first joined our kind, and has not had the training needed to prepare him for his new life...and The Game. Though I do not believe there are other Immortals nearby at the moment, that will not always be so. Some of my kind take a particularly perverse delight in dispatching new Immortals before they can become a threat to them, and it is those that we must defend Ranma against. While lengthy explanations must wait, I will give you the most important facts now. The first rule is that there is no fighting another Immortal on holy ground, whatever the local religion may be. Second, all battles between Immortals are single combat and no other Immortal or human may interfere. Third, most fights between Immortals end in only one way - the beheading of the loser. There is no quarter asked or given. In the end, there can be only one. You will understand this later, Ranma, but it is essential that you know these facts now." Though Ranma's eyes were closed, he had heard all of MacLeod's words. Dr. Tofu was considering everything carefully, and looked intently at MacLeod as he spoke. The Highlander continued. "Now this is the difficult part. Ranma, you have some serious decisions to make and they will forever impact your life from this point. Doctor, how many people know of Ranma's death at this time? "Well, his father Genma, Tendo-san, Kasumi-chan, Akane and Nabiki, and of course his killer, Ryoga Hibiki. The ambulance attendants, and the investigating officers from the Police, and myself. I doubt if the Tendo family has had time to notify anyone else." "Are there other, shall we say, 'interested parties' who would like to know of Ranma's death? Particularly anyone who would wish him harm, or would harm his supposed killer?" asked MacLeod. "MacLeod-san," began the Doctor, "That list could fill an entire page. At his young age, Ranma has managed to acquire a number of enemies, some rather strange friends, and several fiancés as well! Some would rejoice in his death, some would weep quietly, some more openly, and some may well kill themselves imagining a world without Ranma." "Hmmm. That complicates things a great deal. Well, these are not insurmountable problems, but they will require a good deal of luck and finesse to create a successful future for Ranma. Let me ask you a question before we begin discussion on this topic. I noticed Ranma's muscle tone and apparent quick healing properties. Is he a martial artist? Is there anything else important that I should know about him before we proceed?" With that, Ranma sat up and looked at MacLeod. "Yeah, there is, and chances are that YOU ain't gonna believe it this time!" Surprised by this, MacLeod eased back in the chair and motioned for Ranma to continue. "Well, I'm the heir to the Saotome 'Anything Goes School of Martial Arts', a unique fighting style that emphasizes hand-to-hand combat and no dependence on weapons. The other family that practices this style is the Tendos. Mister Tendo and my Pop trained together as young men, and vowed that someday their families would be united through marriage. That's how I wound up with the fiancé mentioned earlier, Akane. Pop took me away from home at the age of 6 to begin hard training all over Japan. Somewhere along the journey, he managed to get me engaged to fiancé number two, Ukyo Kuonji. While training in China, Pop took us to the Jusenkyo springs in the mountains of Quinghai Province. Unknown to us, since we don't read Chinese, these springs are cursed by ancient magic. Each spring has its own legend, and someone, or something, drowned in that spring thousands of years ago. Whoever falls into the spring takes the form of that person, or animal, when doused with cold water. Hot water reverses the change. The individual is apparently permanently cursed, at least I can't seem to find a cure yet." "That's an incredible story Ranma, is there more? I do believe you, please continue." Sighing, Ranma continued. "Well, Oyaji fell into the 'Spring of Drowned Panda', and he becomes a panda when he gets wet. I fell into the 'Spring of Drowned Girl', and I become female when I get wet. Truly female, smaller stature, big chest, the whole deal. It's given my life a new meaning, that's for sure. Say, wonder if being Immortal will rid me of the Curse? Doc, get me some cold water, willya?" Tofu appeared with a bucket of water, which Ranma promptly doused himself with. "Man, that's COLD!" he said, then finished his sentence with a rather high-pitched "Brrrr!" Sitting on the exam table was a very wet, very...female Ranma. "Chikusho!" onna-Ranma yelled, startling MacLeod slightly. "Well, there's no doubt as to the truth of your story, is there Ranma? That certainly does complicate things...but it might be to your advantage too, there's hope here yet!" MacLeod exclaimed. "Is that the extent of things, or is there more?" "Well, yeah, there's more," she said sullenly. "Before we left China, Pop and I were chasing each other when we knocked someone off a ledge and into one of the pools. Come to find out, it was my schoolmate Ryoga, and he fell into the 'Spring of Drowned Pig' and has never forgiven me for that. Trouble is, he's become my fiancé's pet in his pig form, known as 'P-chan', and everyone BUT Akane knows it! Leaving China, we stopped in an Amazon village and accidentally got involved in a fight; I defeated this Chinese girl, Shan Pu, and now she's fiance number three as a result! As it happens, she and her great-grandmother, Khu Lon, followed me to Japan and now run a restaurant here in town while she tries to get me to marry her. As if that ain't enough, she was cursed too, and she becomes a cat when wet, and I HATE cats! Her boyfriend, Mu Tzu, is also cursed and becomes a duck. Great life, ain't it? Listen, there's more, but I'm getting cold. Doc, can I take a hot shower and change back?" "Certainly Ranma, you know where the bath is, and I'll get your clothes dry while you do that. It sounds like we have a very busy day ahead of us!" "You don't know the half of it, Doctor," said the Highlander softly. End of Part 3. Ready for Part 4? Positive comments may be sent to kyranmafan@yahoo.com, flames will be fed to Midorigame. Thank you!