Why always me? Chapter 1 		Written by Matdeception

Disclaimer: Ranma ½ was created, and is owned by Rumiko Takahashia. No
infringement intended. Gold Digger was created, and is owned by Fred
Perry. No Infringement intended. In no way does the author of this story
profit from its production, except to increase his rather pathetic
writing ability.

**

The entirely chained and bound form of Saotome Ranma fell to the floor
before the conclave of mages. Victim of a rather intense paralysis
spell, Bugee noted, from the rather mentally unstable Dr. Diggers. This
situation was turning out to be more comical than both he and Happosai
intended. Heh.

"Why Bugee? Why are you doing this to me? Can't you just send me to the
mines or something? Anything but what your doing.. please." Pleaded the
once proud, yet still powerful Aura mage from his seat at the table.

"Oh quit your bitching Theo. You know damn well we can't really hold him
in custody, and the moment Sheila finds out that Gar is pressing those
charges of assault he'll be out of jail faster than holy hell." Bugee
stated, chuckling inwardly the entire time. Its true, when Sheila finds
out Gar pressed the assault charges against her wishes he would be let
go, and that little tid bit was not part of this scheme. Nope, not part
of this scheme at all.

"Look at him Theo, even you can see the potential this boy has! Besides,
" Bugee grinned maliciously, "I think you'll rather enjoy the 'control'
you'll have over him, once we get the 'Reform' equipment on him of
course." There, if that doesn't win Theo over to the cause, nothing
will. Gazing upon Theo's features as they turned from pissed to
righteous mischief, Bugee couldn't help but review the master plan
behind all this. 'That's right Theo, fall deeper into our trap. You'll
never know what hit you, until its to late of course.'

"Right. Your dismissed Theo, go enjoy your wife's victory and continued
mantle of honor as the Armsmaster of Jade, just make sure to come by
tomorrow before you leave back to earth and pick up Ranma. Hopefully by
then the enchantments will be finished." Theo nodded as ordered,
standing from his seat he began shuffling towards the exit, taking one
last moment to glare at the downed form of a certain pigtailed martial
artist.

"Theo. Do not tell your wife, or anyone else about what has happened
here, and what will happen tomorrow until after the 'link' has been
established." Bugee called out, before Theo left the room. Theo raised a
questioning gaze at Bugee. Link? What the hell are they talking about?
"Umm. What link?" Theo ventured to question.

Bugee simply smiled, idly noting Ranma was still aware of his
surroundings, and listening in from what he could see, as he held up a
rather plan looking collar. "All of the 'Reform' equipment enchantments
and programming will be directed to this simple collar. Once placed upon
the subject, its spells will begin to go into effect. The first person
the subject see's will spark a compulsion spell to utter the word
'Master'. That will trip the spells to combine the subject and 'Master'
in thoughts, as well as link the effects of the other bindings to the
master's mind. This will allow you to read his thoughts, and he yours.
Provided he 'see's you first." he added rather unconcerned

 Theo glared at Bugee, who cheerfully smiled and ignored him as he
continued "Don't worry though, both you and the subject can shield your
thoughts from the other if its so desired. That's actually a side effect
of combing the other 'shackles' effects to their master's mind. With but
a thought you will be able to inflict whatever pre-determined justice
that we will impart to the artifacts." Bugee chuckled, tomorrow was
going to be so much fun. "Enough, leave us Theo, we will see you
tomorrow."

When Theo left, Bugee called out for Garfeild, "Gar! Get in here and
drag the prisoner back to his cell!" and like clockwork, or a completly
obedient idiot savant, Gar appeared and roughly dragged Ranma out of the
room, "And remember Gar, don't tell Sheila anything. We both know she
won't like your interference on her part in this matter. Do we
understand each other?" at Gar's nod Bugee waved him off, laughing madly
inwardly at the whole situation.

Once Gar had exited the room, the council exploded into action. One
rather useless peon on the council, usually completely beneath Bugee's
attention, sauntered up and asked "Master Bugee? Is all this really
needed to ensure that boy's master stays away from here?"

Bugee nodded, "Indeed Serinos. What's the problem with alittle misuse of
political power, some magical artifacts we've been seeking to test, and
a few lies here and there when it will assure for the next ten years
complete freedom from the horrible 'Panty Theif'. Besides, Happosai and
myself planned all this for months, there's no backing out of it now."

"Um, its Sirinios, Master Bugee" the blithering fool responded. Bugee
shrugged, he honestly didn't care if his name was Roger Rabbit.

"Just make sure the artifacts are charged and the dictates on their
programming complete." He turned his attention to two other mages, "You
two, go and prepare the boy's body, as well as that little 'surprise'.
And remember, tell no one. We don't want to ever witness this.. 'Mardi
Gras' Happosai warned us about, should we fail in this attempt." Mardi
Gras, what a stupid name for a attack they were all sure could destroy
their little sub space hole in the wall. Ignorance is bliss I suppose.

And with that Bugee left the inner sanctum, retiring to his quarters. He
wasn't surprised in the least when he found Karia waiting for him. This
to, was to plan. As Bugee relayed information to the Darkelf Warmage, he
couldn't help but wonder how pissed Theo would be come tomorrow. Ah
well, such is life.

**

"BWHAHAHAH" yelled the diminutive master of the Anything Goes School of
Martial arts as his subordinate, one Darkelf Warmage by the name of
Karia reported how his master 'plan' was proceeding. It had been
Happosai's pet project for some time now. To get revenge on his student
for bringing him to this hellhole in the first place, he was still sore
about that, and to get revenge on one Julia Brigand-Diggers - The
shameless hussy who refused to allow him to grab a feel off her ample
bosom three years ago. It took him nearly four months to heal from the
beating he received after that last encounter, and another week to piss
anything more than blood. Yep, Happosai was rather pissed at the
Armsmaster, and soon his trap would be sprung.

"Excellent, alls going to plan." He stated, while noticing the rather
sexy Darkelf looked at him pleadingly. He sighed, and said "Something on
your mind Karia?"

The mage nodded, and answered, "I was wondering.. is this absolutely
needed? Do we really need to bind Ranma to the Diggers just so he can
learn to love me? Just so he can come to grips with his feelings so he
can marry me?" Ah shit! Happosai swore inwardly. He had told that crock
of bullshit to the dark elf just to gather her support. It was quite
apparent that she was completely and with out a doubt in love with his
'son'. Ah well, best keep up appearances.

"Yes Karia. His father had instilled complete distrust in the female
gender, and despite the time I've spent trying to break him of his
lecherous ways, he's still not ready to commit to anyone yet. Even you,
despite his obvious feelings of true love for you." It cracked Happosai
up that she believed that crock of shit he fed her. What would she do
when she found out he is the way he is because of his own influence, and
not Genma's.  Prolly kill him, but that's the chance one takes when
dealing with her kind.

"Trust me Karia, when he return's he'll be a changed man, and will
undoubtly rush into your waiting arms the moment he's finished with his
training."

Turning to walk away, pointedly ignoring the love sick Darkelf as she
practically beamed in her disillusioned mind about all the loving and
tender moments to come when 'her' Ranma returned. Truly sickening,
Happosai thought as he keeled over and began puking his guts, such a
display always made his stomach churn.

**

Ranma was not happy. Nope, not one bit. He had overheard everything
Bugee said about his 'righteous punishment'. Everything about how his
'assault' on an edge guard member was being fabricated to keep him in
jail. Nope, he wasn't happy at all, and the thought of 'linking', as
they put it, to a fool like Theodore Diggers made his blood churn. He
wouldn't mind so much if it was some sexy female with nymphomaniac
tendencies, but to be mentally bound to a 'guy' was NOT going to happen
anytime soon. He currently was back in his cell, having been unchained
after these two weirdo's did some weird magic crap to him. His only
guard that insufferable bastard Gar.

"So.. Gar.. what are you getting out of all this?" Ranma asked, his
voice so full of scorn and hate no one, not even an idiot savant like
Gar, could miss. "Look man, I'm sorry you walked in on me doing your
girl friend like that, but she asked for it!"

Gar visibly began shaking in barely contained rage at THAT remark, so he
snarled "Sheila's my /sister/ you piece of dung!" Dung? Ranma repeated
in his mind, and mentally thought "Why can't they say 'Shit' like normal
people?'

 "Eer, well. You know what they say.. Incest is best, put your sister to
the test.." Ranma trailed off, chuckling as a vein popped out into plain
view on his 'guards' forehead.

Turning around on his cot, allowing his gaze to focus on a far off wall,
and ignoring the seething were-jaguar, Ranma focused inwardly to try and
come up with a plan to escape this hellhole. Whatever spell's they cast
on these cell's to keep those of magic ability from casting also cut off
his ability to gather in Chi, and whatever those goon's had cast while
he was chained up had drained nearly all of his Ki as a side effect to
whatever it was they had planned. He knew he couldn't fight his way out,
with out a full store of Ki and the ability to draw in Chi he was pretty
much a normal human, granted a rather tough and awesome ass kicker, but
still a human who can't compare to the sheer mystical powers granted to
the assorted were creatures.

'I can't fight my way out. I know Happosai won't come to help, I get the
distinct impression this is all his fault, and with Gar as my guard I
can't seduce him into letting me go. Not that I would even THINK about
seducing any guy." Ranma sighed, it appeared as thought they had planned
this scheme well in advance for his arrival.

 Since he wasn't tired, and didn't feel like staying awake any more, he
commented, "You know your sister is nice and tight down there. I managed
to snake a finger up.." Ranma was then  blasted by a rather angry
were-jaguar, off his bed and into the far wall, causing him to slump
blissfully into unconsciousness.

**

The next day.

Theodore Diggers had risen early, to prepare for his, and his wife's
return trip back to earth. The whole incident concerning Saotome Ranma
pushed from his mind immediately after leaving the inner conclave's
sanctum the night before, so he could relax and enjoy his wife's victory
to his fullest. It was a fun night, even though he passed out drunk
rather early in the evening. No one ever said mage's had alcohol
tolerances worth a damn.

After he finished packing his, and his wife's bags, he set them to the
side and went about awakening the lovely red headed half giant known as
Julia Brigand-Diggers. His eyes trailed and glued themselves to her
rather shapely posterior 'How could that wretch even think Julia's ass
was fat." He sighed, rather thankful he had such a sexy creature as his
life mate as he gently shook her to consciousness.

His wife let off a tired yawn as her eyes fluttered open, then groaned
as her hang over crashed down. She felt like utter rot, so she only
managed, "Oohhh my head."

Theo chuckled, sitting down next to his wive's head as he spoke. "You
should have known better than to challenge G'nola to a drinking contest.
Dwarfs have much higher resistance to that sort of thing." He received a
playful pinch to his leg as she rebuked, "Don't you start on me
'husband', you might end up sleeping on the couch tonight."

Theo feigned shocked horror at the sentence, "B-b-but Julia! What ever
will I do?"

"You'll manage. I'm sure." His wife giggled softly.

Theo sighed, he really needed to get this business with Ranma taken care
of immediately, "I have some last minute business to finish up hun, and
the bags are packed and ready to go. Once I get back we should be able
to return home."

Julia nodded into her pillow, "Don't take to long. I miss the kids
already." And so she lifted herself up slightly, and kissed her husband
on the cheek. "Go, hurry up."

With that Theo stood from the bed, adjusting the small wrinkles in his
black body suit before stepping out the door, with a final comment, "See
you soon, love." He was gone.

With Theo gone Julia leapt from her bed, appearing completely aware and
in no sense suffering from a massive hang over as she had earlier
stated. Quickly she dressed, grabbed a personal summons she had received
the night before from the Edge Guard, and was out the door. It was odd,
Julia agreed, that they would ask for her presence like this. She
couldn't think of anything that needed her direct attention, but still -
it was her duty as Armsmaster to answer the call for help. She just
hoped Bugee had a good reason for this.

**

Ranma sighed as the second to final 'chain' was attached to his wrists.
He was kinda curious thought, he assumed the mages would do this at
there place, and not here at his cell. Still, with the sharp 'click' of
his bonds he knew he was doomed.

Theo had shown up a few minutes ago, his perma scowl showing for all to
see as he sat away from the cell, reviewing the purpose of the
enchantments from some leather bound book. Gar looked like shit, obvious
he stayed awake the entire night instead of switching guards. Prolly so
Ranma wouldn't escape into the night after tricking the uninformed
guards. Bugee freaked him out though, he seemed to have a permanent
cheery smile plastered to his face as he watched the proceedings.

"You know this is the same thing those Shadows did to you guys all those
years ago." Ranma stated nonchalantly, feeling rather smug that his
words gave them all pause in their actions. Even Bugee's smile
evaporated, and Theo's scowl turned into shocked wonder of some one who
just realized their so retarded as to not see it from the beginning.
Still, despite this, the bastards continued in their preparations. When
all was said and done, and all that had to be executed was placing the
collar around Ranma's neck, Bugee stepped forward into the cell, handing
Ranma the collar. He stepped out, and Theo stepped in as they locked the
cell door behind him, sealing both people into the room.

"So yah old coot, how you going to get this collar on me?"

"I won't have to, your going to put it on yourself." He answered calmly.
Ranma couldn't help but smirk at that as he replied, "Not bloody likely.
Slavery isn't my thing."

Theo knew this was going to be the 'hard' part, but as far as he knew
everything was going to plan. He snapped his fingers, which caused all
the magical shielding to collapse instantly. Then spoke "Saotome Ranma,
place the collar around your neck. Now."

Magic, Ranma knew, sprung up all around him. His right hand, which was
holding the collar, sprung to life on its own accord, shortly followed
by his left. Within moments the collar snapped into place around his
neck, put there by his own hands. Well, he thought of one little flaw in
their plans, and as the collar snapped around his neck he slammed his
eye's shut.

Theo glared as Ranma closed his eyes, "Oh hoho! Smart little bastard
aren't you? Well, we planned for that to."

Had Ranma kept his eyes opened, he would have seen the evil smirk pop
onto Bugee's face. He would have seen all the mages step back and away
from the Cell as Theo uttered the next word, the word that Theo believed
would force him to open his eyes. How wrong he was.

"Unlock."

And like a torrent of flame Ranma felt all his Ki flare to life inside
him, appearing as if it had always been there, but had gone into hiding.
'This is my chance! The magic zone's down! Move it Ranma! Your not
becoming bound to this retard if you can help it!' And with a explosion
of power Ranma flooded his body with Ki, the energy of life and all
creation. Using it to increase his sense of hearing, touch, smell, and
taste to give him a sorta 'sight beyond sight' type of ability. He knew
he couldn't open his eyes, else he become some one's personal toy, so
this would have to suffice.

In movements none could follow, Ranma flared his aura and tore through
the room, crashing through the now unmagically sealed bars, plus Theo,
and into the main Antechamber. Rushing from the room he couldn't help
but laugh as the others shouted the alarm, and the sound of Theo Diggers
screaming and cursing his existence for crushing his 'Family Jewel's in
the process of making his escape.

**

Bugee barely held in his laughter at the sight of Theo clutching his
crotch. Everything so far had gone to plan, his fellow mages had
purposely laid the trap for Theo to stumble upon. The command 'Unlock'
would normally have forced the subject's eyes to open, however the
council of Mages had changed that to give Ranma an immediate flood of
power. Now, if the final piece in this game of chess followed his plans,
everything would be perfect. Still.. what the boy said about Slavery
irked him. Could he be right?

**

Julia had been nearing the Edge Guard's head quarters in Seer's hamlet
as the alarm went off, immediately she jumped into action and raced for
the building. Little did she know, she was being lead as the final piece
in a massive game of chess designed by none other than Master Bugee, and
a perverted lecher she refused to remember.

**

Looking on from Karia's scrying crystal, Happosai was on the edge of his
seat. Everything was going perfect thus far, granted the whole attack on
Theo's private parts was icing on the cake, but the true focus of this
endeavor was falling into his well-placed trap.

"Yes, may you rot in hell for everything you did to me Julia Diggers! My
revenge is almost complete!"

"Umm, I thought you were doing this to help Ranma…" spoke a rather
miffed female voice. Happosai sighed, guess the cats out of the bag,
besides - There's nothing she can do about it at this point in the game.
"No, not really. This whole thing will prolly screw your chances with my
grandson up forever."

Karia seethed, already powering up all assortments of nasty surprises to
inflict upon the grand master, however, before she blew the weasel sky
high she needed to know the end effect of this fiasco, "What do you mean
my chances are.. gone? Whats going to happen?"

Happosai pointed at the crystal, "If my plans continue as they are,
Ranma will

**

Crashing into the 'lobby' for this 'Police' station Ranma idly noted
multiple Chi Signatures exploding in power from behind him. 'Heh, looks
like their pissed.' He shrugged as he focused on what he believed to be
the door. His escape was at hand, nothing will stop him. 'BWAHAHAHAHA.
Try and put a leash on me will yah!'

As he neared the thin wooden door, running at his top speed for the
moment, it swung open and a rather focused and powerful Chi signature
flared to his senses. Now, the problem with all this is that Ranma was
running at nearly 40 mph's in his attempt to escape, and currently there
was only ten feet remaining between himself and this other Chi
signature.

"Oh shit" Ranma screeched as he tried with all his might to stop his
forward momentum, failing he slammed into the person, taking both him
and a certain Armsmaster of Jade to the ground in a heap. A reflexive
impulse surged into him at that moment, causing him to open his eyes and
gaze at the beauty now pinned beneath him. One thought kept echoing
through his head as the magic in the collar took effect. 'I'm fucked.'

 "Master."

**

Hooting and hollering in triumph, Happosai continued ".. will become
bound to Julia Bitch-Diggers! Completely enslaving him to her iron will,
and her to his depraved mind! Ahahaha, the perfect revenge! Two birds
with one stone and all that!"

Karia wanted to cry at that! All this time she had been helping the old
letch to ensnare her love, all this time she was being led around by the
nose so that which she most wanted could be bound to some other woman.
Of course of all women it had to be the Armsmaster, the one person she
really couldn't outright kill, especially since she's as much a victim
of this scheme as her Ranma was.

'Well, since I can't kill her.. I'll settle for the old man.' Karia
swore within her mind as she prepared to unleash hell on a certain
diminutive grandmaster of the anything goes school of martial arts.

 "HAPPOSAI, PREPARE TO DIE!!!!"

**

Julia's mind was buzzing uncontrollable as tried to take stock of the
situation. She had just opened the door to the Edge Guards headquarters
when this young man slammed into her, bringing both of them down in a
rather suggestive heap. This 'heap' was actually with him in-between her
legs, his hands slammed on either side of her head, and causing rather
intense reactions as he struggled to get off of her. Looking up at the
young man as his eyes flared open, she noted immediate panic, and
uncompromising horror at what just occurred. 'I'm not that ugly am I?"
she asked herself.

"Master." The young man spoke.

 'Huh?' was all that went through Julia's mind as a rather plain looking
choker around the young man's neck burst into a nimbus of overwhelming
and frightening power. Magic, she knew, snaked its way into her body. It
felt warm, comforting in its own way, and after a moment of
uncomfortably, quiet nice. Nice, that is, until she began receiving
images not of her own mind. Uncontrollable they were, flying like a
tornado through her mind as whatever magic just infested her continued
its grisly work. Julia couldn't see the outside world anymore, having
retracted into her own mind to try and control whatever was happening to
her. Had she known her body would react on instinct, she wouldn't have
done that.

**

Bugee and the assortment of council members rushed out the building,
with Theo in tow. To their horror, and Bugee's secret delight, the sight
of Julia Brigand-Diggers and Saotome Ranma coupled in a rather
passionate kiss, with Julia's athletic legs wrapped around the boy's
waist, sent most into fainting fits, but also sent Theo into full blown
skull of hell mode.

"WHAT THE HELL!" screamed the insanely mad Aura Mage now hell bent on
destruction. Bugee sighed, quickly drawing in magical energy from the
ethereal stream and sending both bond and bonded into a dreamless
slumber, while at the same time restraining Theo's intended actions of
revenge against the now unconscious Saotome Ranma. He couldn't help but
think something seriously wrong had gone wrong with his plan, though, as
the plan never indicated THIS would happen. That being Julia and Ranma
damn near fornicating in the middle of the street.

**

Consciousness restored itself rather slowly for the pigtailed martial
artist as he found himself on his cot, apparently returned to his
earlier cell. He could still feel the 'chains' that they put on him, but
became mildly surprised as he realized they weren't actually 'on' him
anymore, but more 'in' him. Opening his eyes slowly, Ranma ignored this
strange sensation of shame and betrayalment rushing through him at that
point, glancing curiously to Bugee, who sat in a chair within his cell,
looking himself rather pissed off, and ashamed.

He noticed Ranma's eyes staring back at him, and sighed. His plans
didn't go well at all, nope, not at all. The original plan was to bind
Ranma and Julia so they could get along and train together, so that her
iron will could rub off on the young man, hopefully turning him into
some semblance of a respectable member to the human race. He knew Julia
wouldn't agree to it, so he and Happosai took steps to make it happen.
Still, it seems Happosai had betrayed him, and snuck one past in the
form of a 'hidden' magical directorate. Bugee didn't understand it
fully, but he knew he couldn't break the bond that Julia and Ranma now
shared, at least not yet. He was alittle irked that the bond itself
allowed Ranma to shield his thoughts and feelings from Julia, but not
the other way around. Bugee could only curse Happosai for this, it was
all his fault after all.

"Welcome back Ranma."

"Uh.. yeah. So.. Whom did I end up as my master?" Ranma asked curiously,
noting oddly that feeling of shame only grew, and the image of a
familiar man cursing at him flashed through his mind.

"Julia Brigand-Diggers Ranma. The Armsmaster of Jade." Bugee reported
with some trepidation. Ranma just laughed.

"Kinda poetic justice I suppose. This whole mess started with her ass,
and it looks like it will end with it to." He sighed softly, continuing,
"So tell me, what is it I have to accomplish before I'm released from
this slavery?"

Bugee winced, it really was a form of slavery. "We.. don't know.
Something happened to the original programming we placed on the spells.
We don't even understand how you resisted the compulsion to open your
eyes." He half lied, he had to cover his own ass didn't he? "Things are
rocky at the moment. A side effect of the bonding between you and
Julia.." he blushed, "caused an extreme.. intimate reaction. We did
manage to knock both of you out before anything more than kissing could
come from it."

Ranma blinked, he didn't remember any of that. "Okay… does Theodork
know?" course he already knew the answer. If what he was feeling through
the bond was any indication, he was laying into his new 'Master' like a
pack of wolves. Completely cursing her out for something she had no
control over. Oddly though, Ranma felt anger at that. He didn't know why
either, nor did he particularly care.

"RANMA!" yelled the familiar form of Sheila as she stalked into the cell
with the old mage and young man. She seemed extremely happy for some
reason, and showed this by jumping into Ranma's lap, immediately hugging
him for all she was worth. Ranma smiled lecherously at the sight of this
bundle of female flesh. "Hey sexy, how you doing?"

She giggled, purring excitedly, "I'm great! How are you?"

Ranma was about to answer when he felt, experienced through the bond,
the sharp pain of one being slapped. Images of Theodork running through
his mind faster than he could grasp. To Ranma, it appeared his rage had
reached a new height, if the feeling of complete surprise and horror
Julia was projecting through the bond was any indicator. Theo had
slapped her. Theo had slapped his own wife in a fit of utter jealously.
Now THAT Ranma would not stand, his resolve became even firmer as she
ran from her husband's harsh words of 'Whore' and 'Tramp'. Ranma knew
what he was feeling, and planning, had to be from this fucked up link
that had formed. Still, even he never hit a woman, well.. not with
intention of hurting em. 'My life blows ass.'

"Bugee." Ranma stated with deadly calm.

"Yes Ranma?" Bugee was abit surprised at the rather sudden shift of
atmosphere the boy displayed, he looked down right pissed off.
"Something wrong?"

"Yes. Yes it is. Am I free to go?" at Bugee's nod Ranma continued, this
time to Sheila. "Sheila, I want to thank you for all you've done for
me."

"Is something wrong?" she asked, to which Ranma retorted in action. In
the blink of an eye he stood up abruptly, pushing and knocking Sheila to
the floor in one quick movement.

"I dunno, unless you call being charged for assaulting a member of the
Edge Guard, you, and then getting punished for something that wasn't my
fault wrong, then yes." Ranma then turned and exited the cell, pointedly
ignoring the hurt and confused look on Sheila as he did so. He did say
one more thing over his shoulder as he went, "Theodork just crossed the
line Bugee. Find him before I do, or the council will be short one Aura
Mage by the end of the day." And then Ranma was gone.

Bugee sighed as he stepped up to his feet, "Sheila. Gar pressed the
charges of assault you asked to be dropped, and as such he was punished
for it. His punishment.. isn't pleasant." Then Bugee left the cell and
area as well, in search of Theodore Diggers, hopefully he could find the
rightfully angry mage before Ranma did. He didn't know what was going
on, but far be it from him to discount Ranma's claim. He'd already done
enough damage, it seemed.

**

Julia ran. Ran for all she was worth from the harsh words and treatment
her husband had shown here. She was tough, of that you could be certain,
but never in a million years did she think Theodore would jump to
conclusions as he did. She only got a basic gist of what happened with
the boy, but nothing she caught could explain why the council sought to
perform such an action against him.

She was also mad, extremely so at how shallow her husband was being. It
was an accident! No one could have guessed the effects of Ranma bonding
to some one he wasn't originally intended to! No one even understood the
suddenly different set of protocols the enchantments now operated under.
Worse, she couldn't blame Ranma for any of this either. If she was in
his shoes she would have tried to run to, would have kept running until
they killed her. Slavery wasn't accepted, but that's exactly what they
were doing, even if they called it 'Punishment to Reform'.

Then there was the part of her that felt unending shame for what
happened between her and Ranma. She could remember every sweet detail of
his lips against hers, every feather light touch of his fingers as they
strolled over her. Worse, she could remember the warmth of his body
against hers, and even more horribly she realized - She liked it. A lot.
That's why she felt shame. True she hadn't been in control of herself,
and neither had Ranma, but the simple fact that in a moment of weakness
she nearly betrayed her husband of many many years hurt her. Hurt her
even more when she remembered him staying celebant through out the years
of her exile.

All this flowed into a torrent of memories and feelings, with the most
damaging memory flowing to the surface. The fresh memory of him striking
her, of him hurting her, of his harsh words. That's why she ran from
Seer's hamlet, out into the fields beyond to get away. She needed to
think, recover from the emotional wreak she was becoming.

Stopping aways from Seer's hamlet, Julia curled up on top of that same
conviently placed boulder, and began to sob out her hurt, her pain. She
never cried in front of others, but she had been sorely tempted to when
Theodore over reacted. What was she going to do now? Her husband
obviously hated her, obviously thought she was nothing more than trash.
What would the rest of the family think? Would they hate her? Scorn her
for something she couldn't control? Will her daughters ever want to see
her again? So many questions, and no answer within her sights.

This only caused her uncontrolled sobs to flow out ever harder,
painfully wracking her lilth frame as she hugged her knees, planting her
head in-between her knees. It came as quiet a surprise then, when the
boy - Ranma - appeared silently, answering the questions she had just
asked minutes ago. "You're going to live. Your family won't hate you for
something neither of us had control over, and something that didn't even
get as far as Theo Is imagining it would."

Julia shot a withering glare at the boy, mentally wondering how he could
know what she was thinking. She asked, her voice full of accusation and
hate. "How would you know! This is all your fault!" she didn't really
mean it, but she was still hurt from her husbands actions.

Ranma chuckled, which only raised her ire, "My fault eh? I didn't slap
you, I didn't call you all those names, and I certainly didn't go out of
my way to try and become a slave." He scoffed, continuing, "Oh wait, I
get it now. Its my fault I was born, its my fault I grew up the way I
did, its obviously my fault the council lied and tried to force me to
become your husbands slave. Yep, all my fault I'm forced to watch and
feel every little hurt and pain you go through." He shot her a withering
glare, one that forced her to wince as he punctuated every word with
contempt, contempt of her and everything she stood for.

She could only imagine what he must be going through, to be forced into
this situation when in the very end only he would suffer. It had
confused everyone at first when they discovered she couldn't shield her
thoughts and feelings from him, but the hell of having two different
sets of thoughts within him at all times couldn't be removed as it
stood, and no one knew how to break the bond between them.

"I'm sorry." Julia stated softly, she wasn't some naive little girl, but
a married woman, mother, and warrior. She wouldn't let another mistake
ruin her life like she did in the past.

"Heh, its okay. I'm not mad really, if anyone I'm kinda glad its you
this happened to."

"Why?"

"I know you won't abuse it, won't force me to do the things I'm almost
sure your husband would have. I don't take well to being forced into
anything. Besides, despite my comment that started this mess, I have to
agree Theodork was in the right. You really do have a great ass."
Perhaps not the greatest thing to say, but it broke the rather gloomy
atmosphere by causing Julia to bark out in laughter.

"You telling me this whole situation started because of a comment you
made about my butt?" she asked, incredulously.

Ranma chuckled and nodded, "Yep. Theo went ballistic and nearly tried to
kill me. Wanna see?"

"See?" she asked, slightly confused. Ranma explained, "The link works
both ways yah know, I can send you the images and feelings I remember
through it, course it might be difficult to understand, considering it
would be from my perspective, and emotionally charged as such."

"Ah.. " then she nodded, "Go ahead."

And with that Ranma let what he remembered flow through the link,
everything from the moment he made the comment about her ass to the
point up till now. Julia reacted as about expected.

She fainted.

**

Theodore Pisqual Diggers was mad, mad and full of shame. He knew she
didn't have control, he even knew Ranma had no choice. He just hadn't
expected the link to form and cause that type of immediate reaction.
Still, he couldn't control his anger at the situation.

He struck her, he actually struck his wife. It didn't help matters that
he continued to harry her with names he knew deep down she didn't
deserve. He knew he could have possibly hurt her, and their relationship
permanatly by his actions. Such things aren't really uncommon in the
Earth realm, once the abuse started, even if it was an accident, things
would never be quite as good between the two respective lovers.

"I'm such a idiot."

"I gathered as much when Ranma stormed out of his cell." Bugee stated as
appeared in the room. Theo continued to stare out the window, though,
neither replying nor acknowledging his existence.

"Theo, I can only guess how hard this must be for you, not to mention
Julia and Ranma, but.. you can't blame them for what happened. It was an
accident, granted a freak one, but still beyond any of our control."

Silence.

"I'd stay out of sight for the mean time, Ranma told me you crossed the
line, and if he found you there would be one less Aura Mage on the
council in the morning. I hold no illusions that you can't defend
yourself, but whatever set him off must have been bad."

Silence.

"Tomorrow I want you to send your wife and Ranma to your home. Were
completely certain there will be no relapse of uncontrollable affection
like today, and this should get them out of the way while we try to find
out why this happened, and hopefully how to fix it."

Silence.

"Theo? Talk to me old friend. Let me at least know if there's anything I
can do, or if there's anything I can help."

"I hit her Bugee. I slapped her when she tried to tell me she didn't
mean for what happened to happen. I hit her, chased her off with some
harsh words." Theo sighed, continuing after taking a moment to compose
himself. "I just lost control.. and I don't know why. I understand what
happened, I know it wasn't her fault, but the sight of her and Ranma… of
Ranma touching her like that.. and how she responded to his advances
just.. it hurt me more than anything. And now their linked like this..
I'm scared I might lose her to him."

Bugee simply stared at Theo. Well no fucking wonder Ranma stormed out of
there ready to kill the dumb ass. Theo continued, "And now.. now that
I've hurt her, spurned her when she needed me most to understand..
there's anger between us now. Small anger and hate that won't disappear,
no matter what we do."

This time, when Bugee spoke it was full of regret, regret and shame.
"Theo. Apologize to her. Let her know how you feel. For god sakes don't
ruin the last few decades of your life with her. And don't worry about
Ranma. I know him, his type, and what drives him. He's an over confident
jerk, but a strong one. Strong and deep down he cares for every person
he meets, no matter what happened in they're past, he's quick to forgive
and understand. He won't attempt to steal Julia from you, that's not his
way."

Theo nodded, looking at least slightly more convinced. "Thanks Bugee.
However.. I can't see her right now. Until we can find a way to dissolve
the link between them, I don't think I can cope with the utter jealously
I feel for Ranma at being so close with her. Do you think you can send
her home tomorrow? I'll write a letter for her. Please?"

At Bugee's nod Theo turned from the window, conjuring up parchment and
paper he set about writing his letter. When it was finished he handed it
to Bugee, smiling sadly, "And tell Ranma I don't blame him for not
wanting to become a slave.. we were wrong to even try it."

Sighing softly, Bugee nodded, "I don't see how we could have fallen into
such actions, I'm appalled we would even think of it. Still, the action
has been done, and in the end Ranma is the one suffering, he is the one
enslaved in a way."

"Ranma probably wants to kill us you know. I can't really blame him
either."

"True, which is why I hope your wife can change him. If we do manage to
dissolve the link, Ranma may decide to get revenge in the end. I know I
would if some one just came out of no where and placed me in chains for
no real reason other than believing it would help them become a better
person. A weak reason if I ever heard one."

"When it's dissolved, I'll let him.. let him claim my life if he demands
it.. it's the least I can do for what we've done." Theo stated with
finality. Bugee just sighed, his friend taking this way to far out of
proportion. Or at least he hoped so.

**

Julia nearly burst out laughing when she had awoke. It was a rather
comical situation, and she blushed when she thought of his incident with
Sheila compared to their own, and how he kept pissing people off because
he was bored. She had to admit, Ranma had a rather strange way of
viewing things, it made her feel so much better though when he felt
anger towards what Theo did. It made her feel that it wasn't her fault,
and that's what she really needed from Theo. Understanding. It kinda
scared her that understanding came from Ranma, but she still accepted it
in the end.

Ranma for his part looked indignant at the whole situation. "I don't see
what's so funny!" Of course he did, he's an arrogant ass with a cynical
view of the world, but still he didn't like it when he could 'feel' the
way some one was holding in their laughter at him. Still, if it made her
feel better he could live with it. Live with it and get back to his
perversions.

"Ranma." Julia growled with alittle menace in her voice.

"Eer.. yes master?" Ranma replied nervously, having forgotten to shield
his thoughts.

"Your going to be living with my family for awhile.. and I don't want
you doing anything to corrupt my girls? Do you understand?"

"You wound me Master! I would never do.."

At her glare Ranma shut the hell up and simply nodded.

"Good. And Brittany's off limits no matter what happens. She's engaged
to be married, and I don't want you trying to tear that apart."

"Okay okay. I promise I won't try to corrupt your girls or instigate any
kind of relationship with any of them on my own. Can we go now master?
I'm getting kinda hungry."

Julia winced slightly when she came to the realization he wasn't calling
her by her first name as most people did, but was using the term
'Master' to show, even in his own small way, complete contempt at what
had happened to him, and as a ever present reminder that until the link
is resolved he is the one enslaved to her. Slavery.. the concept itself
disgusting to her. To now actually be faced with it, worse being the
slaver, left a rather bad taste in her mouth.

"Okay. Lets go." She said dejectedly, her thoughts returning to what was
awaiting her when she returned to the town. She drew strength from
knowing Ranma, even though forced to her will, still willingly was there
to offer his support in this. Today just, as Ranma would loving put it,
sucked ass.

**

Sheila was pissed. Pissed and completely annoyed at the sight of her
brother, beaten black and blue from her earlier frenzy. She had finally
met some one other than Tigra who showed any interest at all in her, and
was willing to cast off what society thought was proper at the drop of a
hat, and with out a second thought. Then, as if to spite her, her
brother went and got him punished for something that even she admitted
openly wasn't his fault. When she learned from her brother what this
'punishment' was she had furiously attacked and beaten him to the
ground. No wonder Ranma was pissed at her! Because she didn't take a
more direct approach to dropping the charges he was punished.

Sheila kicked the downed form of her brother one more time before
spatting, "Brother dear. I don't care how you fix this, but you better
fix it, or I'll make the rest of your life a living hell! Honestly how
STUPID can you be?"

Receiving no reply except a grown of pain, Sheila pouted and left her
brother were she was as she went to track Ranma down. She had to at
least explain that this wasn't her fault, and see if she could help him
with his new relationship with the Armsmaster.

"SHEILA MY LOVE!" screamed Tigra as he swooped out of nowhere and
embraced her in a bone-crushing hug. Yep, Sheila swore under her breath,
"My life sucks ass."

**

Ranma and Julia took their time getting back to Seer's Hamlet, both lost
in their own thoughts as they ventured on. Ranma himself was completely
flabbergasted as to why he went out of his way to help his 'Master'. He
should feel scorn, even hate for being forced into this, and in a small
way he did. Still, when she needed help he willingly flew towards her.
He knew Sheila had no idea what was going on, but he hurt her just
enough so she wouldn't follow him. 'I'll make it up to her before we
leave.'

Julia herself had fallen back into her depression as she replayed every
instance Ranma had just shown her. Seeing things from a man's point of
view was beyond screwed up, hell her general consensus on the male
gender went down a few pegs after viewing Ranma's slightly screwed
memories. Do all men look at women that way? Or just Ranma? She didn't
know, and never wanted to have to see something like that again.

"Ranma."

"Yes, Master?"

"Never do that again."

"What, Master?"

"Never show me your memories again."

"Eer, okay. I take it you don't want to see my plans for Sheila when we
get back, huh?"

Julia snorted, "Men are such pigs." She slowed down in her walking,
something in those memories Ranma had shared with her sparked her
interest. "You a martial artist?"

"Yes Master, the best." Ranma smirked arrogantly, obviously he
completely believed his statement.

"Well.. since were stuck together like this, I plan on increasing your
knowledge. Just a quick question though, whose your master in the arts?"

"Pops, Grandfather, sensei. Happosai." Ranma completely ignored the
angry visage instantly appearing on Julia's face. Happosai. That
letcher! No wonder Ranma's view of the world was so screwed up!

Ranma just sighed as a tiny bit of her anger flared through the bond. He
really needed to figure a way to ignore her presence in his mind, god
only knows what he's going to go through when she starts menstruating.
"I take it you've meet pops."

"That troll's your father?" Julia screeched. Yep, obviously she's met
him before.

"Not really. My real father is actually named Genma. Eight years ago
Genma banished me and grandfather to this world. I was ten at the time,
and latched on to Happosai. He seemed the only normal thing around here,
and since we still haven't figured a way to get back home, I stayed with
him. Never know, he might figure a way home some time."

"Where's your home?"

"Earth. Don't remember what continent, I think Japan though." Ranma
shrugged, he couldn't care less. He figured she didn't even know what he
was talking about.

"Um.. Ranma. You know there's plenty of mages on Jade that know how to
open a portal to the Earth realm. That's were my home is, well in
America, but its still on Earth."

Ranma, for his part, remained about as calm as expected considering the
new information he was given. "Wait wait. You mean all we had to do was
find a mage, get him to open a portal to earth, and then presto? Were
home?!" he screamed, suddenly feeling like the biggest idiot to ever
walk the realm. How could he and Happosai miss it? It was so simplistic!
But noooooo, we had to be dumb shits and go about it as though we were
stuck here.

"Master."

"Yes Ranma?"

"If you'll excuse me, I have some.. 'thinking' to do. As I'm sure you
do. I'll be back at my cell by tomorrow morning." Ranma seethed, oh the
moment he got away from Julia something was going to go 'BOOM'.

Julia sighed, suddenly feeling all the strength she had summoned for her
return trip to Seer's hamlet, and to Theo, dry up and die with Ranma's
request. Still, he looked as angry as any frenzied were-creature at the
moment, so she felt it safe for both his mental sanity, and her
husband's life, that Ranma wasn't around for what was to come. "I'll see
you tomorrow." Little did she know she would arrive to find that
Theodore had already left the area, off to some library to research a
way to dissolve the stupid bond.

With that they parted ways for the night. However, late in the night
Julia swore she heard a voice carrying off into the night screaming and
ranting about little oompa lumpa's and his own retarded way of thinking.

To be continued

Authors note: Well that's it. I kinda stopped (or at least tried) the
whole first person spiel. I think I'll just leave the first person point
of view to the prologue and switch to 3rd or some crap while I write.
Anyway, this will prolly be my last posting for this, or any other
story, for about a week or so. Moving and its going to be a bitch to get
the Internet set up again.

Little note on this 'bond'. Its something like what the Aes Sedai do to
their warders, but different in many regards. There is no 'instant'
power up as in the Wheel of time series. Nope, not one bit. Julia could
conceivably control Ranma's every action once she figures out the mental
commands to 'trip' the other 'chains' punishment centers. As for the
protocols the bond has, that's for me to know and you to slowly find
out. Happosai, while usually completely ignorant of magic, had spent a
lot of time working on this, and he told no one what the absolute end
result would be.

In the next chapter: Ranma gets to meet the rest of the Digger family.
Begins training with Julia, as well as a hundred little things. Wonder
how Brittany, Gina, Brianna, Strype, Genn, Séance, and the rest of the
gang will react with they hear what happened? Heh, You'll find out soon
enough. I think the next chapter will be the biggest yet, for this story
anyway.

Give me some feed back, whether on the forums or to my email at
narkanarka@hotmail.com. Thanks for reading.