Disclaimer: I don't own either Ranma ½ or Vandread...I wish I did so I can
skip this part
Into the Void By Lord Strife
Warning: Characters may act OOC. You have been warned as such so don't flame me!
Version 1.1 Prologue
--- Somewhere in Kyoto ---
(Age check, Ranma: 6 yrs old. Akane: 6 yrs old. Ukyou: 6 yrs old. Kasumi: 9 yrs old. Nabiki: 7 yrs old. Natsume: 7 yrs old. Kurumi: 6 yrs old.)
A young girl was crying along the street, her supposed fiancé and her fiancé's father apparently left her behind in a trail of dust taking her yatai with them.
"WAAHH! Ran-chan how could you?" the girl cried out. Streams of tears were flowing down her cheeks. "Don't you like me anymore?"
The girl felt a shadow loomed behind her, when she turned she saw a woman with an auburn hair carrying a cloth 'package' on her back. She knelt by the girl and much to the girl's surprise hug her and tried to comfort her.
"There, there young one, are you alright? Are you hurt?" The woman asked while gently rocking the girl, soothing whatever pain she was feeling.
The young girl shook her head, "My fiancé....he...he left me behind..."
The woman was shocked, 'Fiancé? Isn't she a bit young for that? Wait a minute...' She gently releases the girl from her hug, "What is your fiancé's name, little one?" 'If this is what I think it is...'
"Ranma, Saotome Ranma..." The girl answered.
'GENMA! You are so dead when I catch-up to you!' She took deep breaths to calm herself, last thing she needed was to go berserk while this young girl was hurting still. After a few minutes she clamed a bit enough and smiled at the young girl, "Oh, pardon my manners. We haven't introduced ourselves properly have we? My name is Saotome Nodoka. What's your name little one?"
The girl look at her, "Kuonji Ukyou...are you Ran-chan's mommy?"
Nodoka nodded, "Yes I am dear. I know for one thing though, it wasn't Ranma that left you..." 'When I get my hands at you Genma!'
The girl looked at her quizzically.
Nodoka gestured to Ukyou as she stood up. "I happen to be tailing Genma for taking my son away from me...along the way that bastard did a lot of less than honorable things...if you want you can come with me and help deal with Genma."
Ukyou nodded, after all her father said to go with the Saotomes. If this person was Ranma's mom then it should be alright.
--- At the same time in Nerima ---
Tendo Kimiko has just finished shopping and was heading home when she spotted two young girls about the crowd. Apparently they were asking some people, probably for directions. She couldn't help but noticed the disheveled look on the two. 'How could any parent leave their children in that state?' She approached the two; one thing she can't stand is the sight of children in distress.
The older of the two girls sighed for the nth time. Then she noticed a woman approaching her and her sister. 'Maybe she knows where my daddy is?'
Kimiko approached the two, "Hello there. Are you looking for someone? Perhaps your parents?"
The two girls nodded, "Yes we are. We are looking for our father." The older girl replied. She then took a photo out her pocket and gave it to lady, perhaps hoping she would know.
Kimiko accepted the picture, maybe she knows the person. 'Hmm...can't tell who the person is when his back is on the camera...but definitely those two girls are on the photo.' She then turned the photo to look at the back and immediately noticed handwriting. After reading the last line, she re-read it again to make sure she got it right. 'SOUN! You have better explain this!'
The girls noticed her expression again it was the older of the two that asked, "Umm, do you where Tendo Soun is?"
Kimiko calmed herself, it's not the fault of this children. "Yes I do. He's my husband."
Upon hearing this, the two girls hugged her. "Then that means you're our mommy!"
Kimiko sighed, "I guess I am. I was heading home already." She then smiled at the two girls, "What are your names little ones?"
The older girl spoke first, "My name is Natsume. My little sister is Kurumi."
"Well then, Natsume-chan and Kurumi-chan, we should head home and meet your father then."
The two girls smiled happily; finally they would meet their long lost father!
--- A few days after, somewhere in Kyoto ---
Genma was browsing through a training manual, "Hmm...Neko-ken, an invincible martial arts technique guaranteed to defeat any foe..." Genma smiled smugly, "The boy would definitely love this technique...let's see all I need to do is dig a pit...fill it with starving cats...tie the trainee in fish-sausage...and toss him in...sounds easy enough."
Genma took one look at his son, who was practicing a kata he taught him a while ago. 'I better get started.' He stood up and called his son, "Boy, I have a new training regime for you."
Upon hearing new form training, Ranma's ears perked up and ran along side his father. "What training is it pop?"
"First I need you to gather some stray cats in the neighborhood, while I go prepare the training environment here."
"Okay."
Genma watched as his son ran out of the shed and began looking for some stray cats. "Well, better start digging...or maybe I should let the boy do it. He is a sucker for things I call training." Genma nodded to himself, after all why should he waste his strength. Besides, in a way it is training.
--- Same time, Tendo Dojo, Nerima
It has been a few days since Kimiko brought home two girls with her. Soun was shocked when they suddenly latched on to him crying out daddy. He shook his head, it took a while but he did manage to convince his wife that he did not have an illicit affair. Thankfully he remembered of an event his old master told him of adapting two girls. Unfortunately, his old master used his name in the process. He took a look at his children (both adopted and his own flesh and blood) sparring. He smiled, 'At least the family legacy is now much more secure. One of them will be engage to my old friend's son and continue on the Anything Goes. Now how to deal with that rich-brat Kuno...'
--- Back to Genma ---
'Where is that boy? He's been gone for over three hours now...' Genma was getting impatient. Then he heard the shed's door open, 'Ah finally...' He stop short upon seeing his son was not alone and was accompanied by two females. One he recognized immediately, 'Uh-oh!'
"Hello Genma, you thought I wouldn't be able to track you down don't you?" She gestures to the two children, "Ranma take Ukyou with you and go play outside. I'll be talking to your father for a while."
"Okay mom! Come on, Uchan let's go outside!"
Ukyou followed Ranma happily outside.
Nodoka then turned her attention back to Genma, "Care to explain why you took our son while I was sleeping? For that matter, engaging our son to another girl when he is supposed to be engaged already to a Tendo? For that matter stealing Kuonji's yatai and abandoning that poor child in the streets? Or for the other unmentionable dishonor you accumulated along the way?"
Genma cringed, 'I'm dead...think Genma...think fast!' Then he got an idea, "Saotome Secret Technique!" Nodoka was mildly surprise, but held a neutral stance. "RUN AWAY!" And Genma bolted out of the shed, smashing into the wall and running as fast as his fat legs could carry him.
Nodoka shook her head in exasperation, "Coward! Can't expect him to do the honorable thing...hmm what's this?' Nodoka picked up book that seems to be martial arts manual. She also noticed a piece of paper slide into it acting as a make shift bookmark. "Neko-ken? First you..." Nodoka's face pale upon reading on how to teach the trainee the supposed technique. She then turned the page, "And only idiots would teach this technique for it causes the trainee to loose one's own wits..." 'Trust that idiot to not read everything before trying them or completely ignoring the warning; thankfully I got to Ranma before he got started. Now what's this paper...a seppuku contract?' Whatever restrain Nodoka had left vanished when she read the content, "GENMA when I find you...you are SO dead!"
Ranma and Ukyou came in after Nodoka yelled her battle cry. "What's wrong mom? And where did pop go?"
Nodoka tried to calm herself first before answering, "Don't worry about your father for the moment Ranma...I...sent him on a...training trip. So for the moment, you'll be training under me, is that okay with you?"
Ranma nodded happily, after all his mother was with him now as well as his best friend.
--- One week later, Tendo Dojo, Nerima ---
Kimiko stood up to answer the door, leaving Kasumi in-charge of the kitchen. She was showing signs of a great culinary chef in the making; add to that her martial arts prowess.
When she opened the door she was greeted by a delightful surprise, "Nodoka!" She embraced her best friend in a tight hug. "It's been such a long time. So did you find your wayward husband and your son?"
Nodoka nodded, "It would be best if we talk about it inside. By the way this is my son, Ranma and girl with him is Ukyou. I'll explain later."
Kimiko ushered in the three, wondering what Nodoka was going to tell her. She also noticed Genma was not with her, oh well to be honest she didn't want the lazy bastard near her house anyway.
Soun soon noticed they had guess and just as Kimiko was surprised to see Nodoka, even more so when he noticed her son is with them. He got Ranma and Ukyou get acquainted with his daughters, all five of them at the dojo, and left them to spar against the other. He then returned to his wife's side to listen to what Nodoka has to say.
"I never knew you had two more daughters Kimi-chan." Nodoka asked while sipping her tea.
Kimiko smiled, "Well I'm not exactly Natsume and Kurumi's birth mother but they are in every sense became my daughters."
Nodoka smiled what would she give to have many children. She sighed; her only consolation is that hopefully she would have many grandchildren instead. "You mean they're adopted or..." looking at Soun curiously "Soun had an affair?"
Soun choked on his tea, while Kimiko giggled at Soun's expense. "No, he didn't have an affair. At least he better not." Kimiko said as she glared at Soun then smiled again, "Actually, it's one of the few kind things that old pervert ever did."
Nodoka look confused, "Happosai?"
Soun cringed at the name, "Don't mention his name No-chan! He might hear you and come back!" His hands were visibly trembling as if expecting his master to pop-out at a moment's notice.
"Honestly, Soun. Anyway what did he do?" Nodoka asked the question again.
"The old pervert came along finding those two young orphan girls and decided to adopt them and teach them Anything Goes. Apparently he adopted them while using my husband's name. I found them wandering Nerima a few weeks ago, since the old pervert isn't here anymore, we decided to take them in as our own."
Nodoka nodded, "It's a good thing your children welcomed them openly."
"Oh yes, even my little Akane made friends with them in such a short notice. She appears to be in good terms with Kurumi since they are about the same age. Oh, that reminds me where is Genma and who is that young girl with you?" Soun asked.
Nodoka sighed, "As you can see it started something like this...Genma wanted to go on a training trip and take Ranma with him to train him in the family art." She paused looking at Soun and Kimiko and both nodded for her to continue, "I said no. I have no intention of leaving Ranma alone without a mother to grow up into to. Knowing Genma, who knows what morals he might instill in my young child's mind!"
Soun was about to protest in defense of his friend when Kimiko elbowed him in the stomach while glaring at him at the process. He wisely shut-up.
"Your right about that No-chan, I wouldn't trust that lazy oaf with anything. Especially with rearing up a child."
"It couldn't be that bad." Soun manage to get in before his wife elbowed him again.
"Actually..." Nodoka began, "He spirited Ranma away when I was sleeping. It took me two years before I found him. And you wouldn't believe what that idiot did along the way of his so-called training trip."
Nodoka explained about several things like stealing of several martial scrolls from temples and dojos. Not to mention stealing money and several artifacts. And top it off, engaging Ranma to several families in exchange for food.
Soun was angry, "Saotome how could you do this to me?"
Kimiko was comforting her husband, "So, where you able to resolve those problems?"
Nodoka nodded, "Except for one though. The other families easily accepted financial disbursement for compensation on Genma running away from them. But with Ukyou..." She took a deep breath, "Her father was vehemently into the engagement and since Genma took the yatai as dowry, the engagement was good as solid to him."
Soun was shocked, "But...but he promised Ranma to marry one of my daughters!"
Nodoka nodded, "I know. But we did come to an agreement. Ukyou will stay with Ranma and is in an equal position to marry him as any of your daughters. If he chooses one of your daughters then I'll simply adapt Ukyou into my family so her family honor would be intact. Should Ranma choose her...well we can decide on that matter now."
Soun was definitely angry at his old friend, "Saotome-kun! I can't believe you would dishonor us as such!"
Kimiko hugged her husband, who visibly relaxed the moment she hugged him. "Why don't you divorce that idiot and get on with life Nodoka?"
Nodoka smiled, "Already filed a petition for a divorce Kimi-chan. I'll be taking back my family name and Ranma will be taking my maiden name as well. From now on, anything that idiot promises in the name of Saotome, will no longer affect Ranma nor dishonor my family in any way. As for Ukyou I decided to give her a chance. After all she was my son's first friend, even though he thought she was a boy at first."
Kimiko nodded, "Well if goes to that point that Ranma would choose Ukyou why don't Soun and I adopt her first into the family that way, it can save our entire honor on the matter."
Soun nodded, "Yes it does. Also, Genma is no longer welcome in this house."
Kimiko smiled, as well as Nodoka.
"By the way Soun, I have a few favors to ask of you."
"What is No-chan? If I am capable of doing so, then go ahead."
"I was planning on selling the Saotome home and if it's too much trouble with you, I was hoping of staying with you two along with Ranma and Ukyou."
Kimiko hugged her friend, "Of course you can stay with us. Your always welcome here No-chan! Isn't that right Soun?"
Soun nodded, "Yes, you're always welcome here. And besides Ranma can get to know better my daughters as well. He can even join the classes I've been teaching!"
"Thank you Soun, Kimi-chan. Actually that was my second favor to ask you...to train Ranma in Anything Goes. I can train him in the way of the sword and kendo, but I felt to unite the schools he needs to learn the Anything Goes fighting style."
Kimiko beamed, "If he wants I can teach him how to use a naginata and bow and arrows as well."
"I'm sure Ranma would love to learn that. He seems to adapt to anything related to martial arts."
Soun look towards the garden, following the laughter of the children. "Hmm, seems Ranma and Akane are getting along fine. Oh that reminds me, what style would Ukyou study?"
Nodoka gently placed her tea cup on the table before pulling a scroll from her purse. "Ukyou's father gave me this. Apparently it's a guide to their school of martial arts."
Soun took the scroll and began reading it, "Martial Arts Okonomiyaki? Hmm...principal weapons are the assortment of okonomiyaki ingredients and battle spatulas. I think I can learn the basics, Ukyou must have already been thought the underlying foundation so it shouldn't so much trouble."
"If she's going to wield a battle spatula, might as well teach her naginata too."
"How long will you be able to move here No-chan?" Soun asked tentatively.
"Well Ranma and Ukyou can move in today. That backpack we were carrying basically contains all of Ranma and Ukyou's stuff. I'll probably move in later this week after I take care of the Saotome property."
"I see, alright then...I'll prepare the guest room for Ranma to stay in. Ukyou can move in with Akane. Since Natsume is sleeping with Kasumi and Nabiki is with Kurumi. Then I can prepare the attic for you to stay in No- chan. I hope that is satisfactory." Kimiko said.
"That is quite satisfactory Kimi-chan. I better go now. Less Genma beats me in taking care of the Saotome home."
Nodoka gave Ranma and Ukyou a final hug before she left. Saying she'll be back soon.
Kimiko was watching the three when she noticed her daughters watching Ranma closely. "So how is Ranma's impression on you girls?"
"I like him! He's kind and knows a lot of martial arts!" Akane chirped happily.
"Oh, my! And I thought Akane dislike boys!" Kasumi was surprised at her little sister. After all that rich kid Kuno likes to hound her sisters, especially Akane.
Kimiko was smiling much more brightly, 'Seems like Ranma has made quite an impression on my little tomboy!' She goes to watch as Akane went to Ranma's side and began waving to Nodoka as she leaves.
--- 6 years later ---
Soun was watching Ranma perform the latest kata he has taught him. He was truly impressed, despite all the years he have been teaching the boy; Ranma managed to grasp the fundamentals of each kata and performed them almost immediately and fluidly after only one demonstration. He remembered learning this kata from his shiver old master when he was already 25 yrs of age and didn't master it for 2 whole months, Ranma had done so in just one 30-minute demonstration.
Another thought that struck him in awe is that Ranma was able to teach what he has learned to others, specifically to his daughters. Either Ranma was exceptionally gifted in both learning or teaching...or his daughters have taken a liking to Ranma so much that they can follow Ranma's instructions to a tee. Even Ukyou was learning just as fast. There was no doubt in Soun's mind; Ranma has now surpassed, way surpassed, his own current skill level. And only his daughters and Ukyou can now keep up with him.
Soun lost part of smile when he remembered Genma approaching them on several occasions in the past few months, trying to spirit away the boy on his training trip. Fortunately, the boy was already well verse in the art that Genma could no longer bully the child. Ranma even refused to acknowledge him as his father, saying his father was already dead. Genma eventually backs down whenever he sees his former wife, Nodoka. On one instance Genma, pounced on a sleeping Ranma and he would have succeeded on taking the boy if not for Akane who happened to be going to Ranma's room. Under the combine prowess of all girls, Nodoka and Kimiko included, Genma was reduced to a human pretzel and was turned over to the police for attempted kidnapping. They learned later that the idiot managed to escape jail.
Soun clapped his hands to get the children's attention, "That's it for today children. You still have your homework to do; we will resume your practice tomorrow." 'The children may have surpassed my skill but I have still better experience. I guess that's the only thing that allows me to win against our sparring. Perhaps we do need a training trip, but I better make sure that the mothers all accept the idea. And since we'll be gone for quite some time I hope they can pitch in as temporary instructors for the dojo'
Ranma toweled himself and stop before entering the house, letting the girls go first. "Uncle Tendo?"
"Hmm? What is it Ranma?" Soun turned his attention to his would be son-in- law.
"That scroll you gave me...the one my father used to have..."
"The forbidden techniques? What about it? Have you mastered it already?"
"I have grasped the concept of it, and the necessary ki-manipulation all I need is to practice it...but I don't think the dojo is the right place to use it."
"Coincidentally, I was thinking of a training trip...perhaps when we do go we will have all the open space of the great outdoors to practice it! What do you say?"
"That's great uncle! When do we go on a training trip?" Ranma asked enthusiastically.
"Perhaps we can go when your school is on summer break. That way it will not interfere with your schooling. Besides I still need permission from the mothers before we set out and I do need to plan where we are to go."
"Summer break it is then!" Ranma nodded and head inside to change and wait his turn in the furo.
Soun then pulled out another scroll he has recently acquired from another old friend of his, "Ki-blast techniques...I'm sure Ranma and the girls will be able to put this into good use." Soun nodded to himself, very proud of the accomplishment of the children. 'Even if the master should appear, heaven-forbid, the children may be able to take him down without too much of a problem...I hope.'
Nodoka was helping Kimiko with dinner, her best friend is now slowly recovering from her illness, and thankfully the money she got from selling the Saotome home was enough to provide Kimiko with the treatment to her disease. Now she can expect to live to a ripe old age, 'and with grandchildren too!' Nodoka happily thought to herself.
Nodoka couldn't help but notice that her son has the uncanny ability to attract girls' attention. 'Oh, my son is so manly!' She giggled at the sight of the Tendo sisters and Ukyou fending off several other girls trying to make a pass at Ranma. And Ranma being Ranma was oblivious to it.
Nodoka couldn't help but frown at that rich boy Kuno. 'That child needs help and yet his father does nothing to curb his son's delusional fantasies. Then again there is also his sister who in every chance she gets attempts to date Ranma.' She chuckles lightly on how the girls usually deal with the Kuno siblings, punted into LEO.
"No-chan? You there? You seemed spaced out." Kimiko said as she looks at her friend curiously.
"Oh it's nothing Kimi-chan. I was just thinking of how well Ranma is turning out." She then sighed, "Truthfully I'm glad I didn't leave him to Genma. Who knows what morals he would have instilled in my son's mind?"
Kimiko nodded in agreement, "Morals like women are weak, or nothing is more important than the art, or stealing his food saying its training." Kimiko tasted the soup, "Seeing Ranma turning out to be such a lady killer would have fired his fiancée scheme to all new heights."
Nodoka laughed at her friend's joke, "Yes Ranma is such a man amongst men isn't he." And then both women laughed.
"I must say he is. I haven't seen a twelve year boy turning heads of girls like some famous idol singer or something." Kimiko said as she added a few more spices into the soup. "It's a good thing he got his looks from your side of the family."
Soun then stepped into the kitchen, "You have minute dear? You too No- chan?"
"What is it?" Both women chorused.
Soun cleared his throat, "I was planning on taking the children to a training trip this coming summer break. It would help improve their martial arts a lot if they get to practice on a much more open space."
Nodoka looked at her friend who merely shrugged, "If you think it's wise I guess so."
Kimiko then added, "But be wary of Genma. Once he finds out you are going on a training trip he may take the opportunity to steal Ranma."
Soun laughed at that, "I'll make sure to watch over Ranma, but I think the girls have that well covered."
Parents just laugh at that.
--- Next day, Friday ---
Ranma was walking on the fence top as balance training; following him were Akane and Natsume. Kasumi, Nabiki, Kurumi and Ukyou were all walking on the road alongside the three.
"We're nearing the school you three..." Kasumi chimed, "Perhaps you should get down here, especially you two young ladies, unless you plan on giving the boys a free show."
Akane and Natsume blushed then jumped down. Ranma followed suite.
"I can't wait for our training trip this summer!" Ranma began. "I couldn't wait to try out those techniques I read from those scrolls!"
"What techniques sugar? The one's from your father? Or the one from Uncle Soun?" Ukyou asked.
"Both techniques actually." Ranma answered then he pointed ahead of them, "Looks like Kuno is early today."
The girls turned to face the kendoist and their smiles turn to a scowl.
"Ah fair maidens! Elegant beauty such as yours should be escorted by one of noble birth! Not that of some commoner!" Kuno said in usual, poetic yet irritating tone.
Nabiki turned to face her siblings and friends, "Who gets to pound Kuno today?"
Kurumi raised her hand, "It's my turn today." She walked ahead of the group to face Kuno.
"Fair maiden, how could you side yourself with the foul sorcerer? Surely you should see that he is manipulating you with his vile magic? With his foul sorcery?" Kuno was oblivious to the growing battle aura the girls were now radiating.
Akane was fast loosing her temper, 'No one calls my Ranma a foul sorcerer and gets away with it!' Her fist was so tightly clenched that they were starting to get white.
Natsume placed a restraining hand on Akane's shoulder, "Easy Akane-imouto. It's Kurumi's turn today to pound the clueless idiot. Much as I wanted to do it myself for insulting Ranma, it is her turn."
Akane nodded but was straining in trying to keep herself calm. 'Must not kill Kuno...must not kill Kuno... must not kill Kuno...yet'
"Kurumi, you better start pounding the idiot before one of us takes the honor." Nabiki said matter-of-factly.
Kurumi nodded, then blurred. She reappears just short of Kuno's bokken range, avoiding his clumsy strike, before delivering a roundhouse kick to his solar plexus knocking the wind out of him, and then moved in to deliver an uppercut that sent the idiot to LEO.
Everyone could hear Kuno's fading voice, "I'll fight ooonnnnnnnnn..."
Ranma shook his head, "Baka. I guess he'll be calling me more of a sorcerer when I finally get this ki-blast down."
Akane went next to Ranma, "Don't fret on it. It doesn't really matter what that idiot thinks."
Ukyou not wanting someone else getting close to her Ranma, moved to his other side. "Like what Acchan said. Who cares what that delusional samurai-wannabe thinks?"
Ranma sighed, "Yeah, guess you're both right."
"Oh Ranma-sama! Ohohohohohoho!"
Everyone cringes at the inhuman laughter. "MINE!" Yelled by each of the girls and soon Kodachi followed her brother into LEO.
"Man I can't wait to get to that training trip and leave all the loonies behind!" Ranma said exasperated.
The seven then entered Furinkan Junior High, unknown to them a shadow was tailing them. "So the boy is heading for a training trip eh?" The shadow nodded to himself, "I'll show them that I am the better teacher! And since Soun doesn't welcome me at his house anymore, I'll just engage the boy to another girl! That will teach them! Yukashii Ranma indeed! He'll be a Saotome through and through!"
"You were saying Genma?" asked woman's voice behind him.
"Eek! No-chan!" Genma yelped then disappeared in a trail of dust as he ran for his life.
Yukashii Nodoka grimaced at her former husband. "The idiot doesn't get it yet that he's no longer Ranma's father." She re-sheathed her katana before heading back to the Tendo dojo. "I better warn Soun of Genma's knowledge of his training trip."
Since filing of the divorce, Nodoka reverted back to her maiden name. And Ranma taking the name as well, abandoning the Saotome clan. The local magistrate was more than willing to remove Genma as Ranma's father due to numerous felony accounts against him, stating he was unfit to raise his son and gave Nodoka full parental authority.
---
The bell at Furinkan Junior High rang signaling lunch period. Ranma closes his notebook and stretches. "Oh man, I thought history class would never end!" He was oblivious that most girls find his motion quite...attractive.
"You sure sound bored for someone who is number one in academics, sugar." Ukyou said as she pulled her bento out, while Akane nodded in agreement.
"Heh, I still prefer P.E. over any other classes." Ranma said with a grin that most girls found irresistible.
Akane and Ukyou found themselves blushing, but only to frown seeing most girls in class were too.
Kurumi was in another class but always joins them during lunch and that goes the same for Natsume, Nabiki, and Kasumi all of whom are in a higher grade.
"Hold foul demon! How dare you monopolize the fair maidens! I shall smite thee for corrupting them with your foul presence!" Kuno points his bokken at Ranma angrily.
"Stupid perverted jerk! I guess by reading between his lines, he's saying he has the right to monopolize us!" Akane said as she gritted her teeth in anger.
Kasumi stood up and walk next to Kuno and gave him an uppercut that sent him flying in Kasumi Airlines (Oo first time for everything isn't it?). Kasumi turned to face her friends and family with a smile, "Oh, my! He was getting rowdy and I had to do something."
"Trust oneechan to say it diplomatically." Nabiki said as she smirked to herself.
"Thankfully mom managed to get Nabiki and I transferred out his class. I couldn't bear to stand his idiotic speech for a minute let alone the entire day." Natsume said as she began to attack her bento.
"I wish they would transfer that idiot to an asylum!" Akane snorted.
"Sugar, when you're that rich that tend ignore that you're an idiot."
"Guess we will put with Kuno for a long, long time." Kurumi sighed, placing her bento cover back after finishing her meal in a heartbeat.
Ranma nodded, "At least we can get some peace and quiet when we go that training trip."
"Yeah, it is something to look forward too." Natsume agreed. "Besides, when we master those ki-blasts we will need a dummy for target practice anyway."
Everyone laughed at that.
--- Four weeks after, Joketsuzokou Village ---
Genma was winded, after all six very angry teenage girls and a very angry Soun was chasing after him. Genma did manage to kidnap...err...retake custody of Ranma, though he did use a blunt object to knock out the poor boy. He sat their gasping for breath while unceremoniously dropping his cargo beside him.
A shadow loomed over him; he turned to look at a young girl around Ranma's age, striking was that she had purple hair. Albeit she was talking to him in Chinese, 'Damn I knew I forgot something...should have duped...err...hired a translator.'
The girl was irritated; a man was ignoring her commands! 'How dare him! He must be punished!' the girl though as she pulled out of nowhere her bonboris. With a yell 'DIE' in Chinese she leapt to attack.
The moment Genma saw the bonboris he knew he was in trouble. 'Just what I need...another weak girl distracting me from my objective...err...art!' He was about to put the girl into her proper place (by performing of course the 'crouch of the fallen tiger') when Ranma began to stir. 'Ah! What luck! The boy is stirring! I'm sure he can help...err...spar with this young girl!' He then jumped towards Ranma, grabbed him by his gi and threw him towards the purple haired-girl.
"WHOA!" Ranma yelped as he felt he was thrown into the air. He then noticed his trajectory involved slamming into a girl bearing two large maces. With reflex born from years of martial arts, he flipped to the side narrowly missing the arc swing of the girl. What he did not intend was the reeling in his leg to gain control of his flight, he struck the girl at the head knocking her out temporarily.
Everyone in the village saw the event unfold; some were nodding in approval looks (mostly women) and those burning glares at the young boy (mostly men, and especially a boy in white clothes with thick glasses). Ranma managed to straightened himself and noticed Genma nodding his head.
"You did well boy. But not good enough, I can see you have been lax in your training and I can help you with that!"
Ranma was seething in anger, he knew this buffoon for quite some time now. He had been forcing himself unto him claiming he was his father. Apparently, her mother and both Tendo parents warned him not to trust anything the idiot was to say; after all he could be as delusional as that idiot Kuno. "Where Am I?" Ranma snarled at the fat man.
"That's no way to speak to your father!" Genma attempted to hit the boy on the head but his blow was deflected and instead found himself imbedded on the ground. 'Strange...my body hurts...'
"You aren't my father! Besides I know for one thing you kidnapped me! Now...where am I?" Ranma asked again over the prone form of Genma. Before he got any answer from the fat fool, the girl he had knocked out regained consciousness and suddenly glomped onto him.
"Wo da Airen!" said the young girl enthusiastically.
Ranma was about to say something when the girl gave him a kiss on the mouth. The boy with glasses was so furious that he removed his glasses and charged blindly at the boy...at the other side of the town...Ranma was in shock, he was holding his lips that the girl a few moments ago kissed. Then he noticed a certain something pogo her way towards him. "Hello there young one, from what I can tell you are Japanese are you not?"
Ranma nodded, "Umm...where am I? Judging from your question, I got a feeling this is not Japan anymore."
"You are in the Amazon village in China little one. And my name is Khu- lon."
"Mine is Yukashii Ranma."
"NO! Your name is Saotome!" Genma bellowed, earning a glare from both Ranma and Cologne.
Ranma then remembered his current status, "Could you get her off me please?" Ranma asked while blushing, 'Man the other girls are going to kill me when they find out.'
Cologne said something in Chinese and the girl released him reluctantly. "This is my great granddaughter, Xian-Pu. My village has the custom, if outsider male defeats a female Amazon in battle...the said Amazon must marry the outsider male."
Ranma froze at that, "M-marry? But I'm too young to marry! Besides I hardly count that as battle!"
Cologne nodded, "Yes it seems that way...but I believe that everything in life can be viewed as some form of battle and I regarding the wedding, I think my great granddaughter can wait." She then smiled at the young boy, "Unless of course you change your mind!"
"Ack!" Ranma was wildly flapping his hands, trying to figure out a way out of this predicament. 'Kasumi's gonna kill me...Nabiki's gonna kill me...Akane's gonna kill me...Natsume's gonna kill me...Kurumi's gonna kill me...Ukyou's gonna cook me...hell at least mom will be happy...but Uncle Tendo's gonna kill me...'
Genma paled at that, 'No way is the boy going to marry that weak girl! By means he should marry a rich, weak girl so that he can take care of his poor father!' Genma took the opportunity that Cologne was distracted by Ranma's antics and grabbed the boy running outside the village.
"AIREN!" Shampoo should as she ran after her would be husband's abductor. Cologne followed afterwards.
"Ouch! Watch it where you're grabbing old man!" Ranma retorted while still being carried by a running Genma.
"Be grateful boy! I just saved you from those Amazons! And this is the thanks I get?
"Save? You're the one who put me in that situation in the first place! First by kidnapping me from Uncle Soun then secondly by tossing me head first towards that purple haired girl!"
Genma ignored Ranma's argument, for one he was still trying to loose the purple haired girl giving chase. Not to mention the old woman who resembled his old master so much. 'Why am I plagued by such weak women?'
---
"Do you think we'll find Ranma father?" Kasumi asked hopefully, 'If that old man hurt Ranma in anyway...oh my!' Kasumi blushed as she tried to control her anger. She then noticed her sister Akane didn't even bothered controlling her temper as she pounded another bolder to bits with her mallet-sama. She then took in the scenery before her, several poles looming over some pools of water.
Their guide began, "Welcome honored guests to Cursed Springs, Jusekyou."
"Cursed?" Nabiki asked. "Why would Genma train in a cursed place?"
Sound shook her head, "I know Genma, Nabiki. For starters, he isn't really bright. Anything related to martial arts, he'll try regardless of consequences."
"So we wait for them here?" Natsume asked.
Soun was about to reply when a noise got all their attention. They turned to see Genma running away from something, because he wasn't looking ahead but kept looking back, while carrying a struggling Ranma. "RANMA!" Everyone yelled at the same time.
The shout caught Genma's ear as he turned to face Soun and the girls. "Uh- oh!" He managed to stop his momentum (considering his bulk) with the help of Soun and girls pulling him to a halt. "Soun old friend, what fancy meeting you here!"
Genma received glares from everyone but the Guide who sighed in relief that no one got dunk in the pools. Ranma was still struggling to free himself when Shampoo, who was unnoticed and at full momentum, collided with the group sending everyone towards the pool. "AIYAAA!!!"
"EEKKK!"
"WAHH!!"
Several scream where heard as well as several splashes of water.
The guide sighed, "Too good to be true that honored guests not fall in cursed spring." He looked on as an assortment of animals and a few 'modified' people came out of the pools. "Honored sir with glasses fall in Spring of Drown Panda, there very tragic story of panda who drowned there 2000 year ago, now who ever fall in spring take body of panda."
Genma was in shock, 'I can't be a panda! What of my dreams of freeloading, err taking care of my son's family?'
The guide gestured to the others, "Honored sir carried by man who turn panda now, fall in Spring of Drown Girl, there tragic story of young girl who drown in spring 1500 year ago now whoever fall in spring take body of young girl." The guide paused as he looked at Ranma touch her...his chest in utter shock, he shook his head and turned to the others "Honored paying customer, fall in Spring of Drown Monkey. Honored nice girl, fall in Spring of Drown Ashura, very bad. Honored mercenary girl, fall in Spring of Drown Wolf. Honored girl with big cooking utensil, fall in Spring of Drown Man. Honored girl with big appetite, fall in Spring of Drown Hawk. Honored girl with temper, fall in Spring of Drown Twins, must remember to bring extra clothes no? (One of the Akane twins was naked after all). Honored girl who is with honored guests but me don't know what to call, fall in Spring of Drown Tiger. And honored Amazon warrior, fall in Spring of Drown Cat. All very tragic story, now splash with cold water turn to cursed forms, but hot water change you back."
Ranma, after a few minutes spending in complete system shock, clenched her...his fist and glared at Genma, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT OLD MAN!"
The panda brought out a sign from who knows where, 'Weren't you prepared to give your life for the art?' It said but soon grew a large sweat drop as the collection of animals and people glared death at him and were clearly emitting battle auras. 'SAOTOME SECRET TECHNIQUE!' flip 'RUNAWAY!'
Genma-panda fled for his life as several martial artist turned animals and modified humans ran after him intent on having a panda-skin rag. And up on a cliff a certain lost boy was over looking the area, 'I know my house is here somewhere...'
"SHAMPOO! You came back for me!" A certain half-blind boy hugged himself onto the lost boy.
"HEY! Leggo your pervert!" With that the lost boy lost his footing and both boys fell into the springs below.
The guide approached the two, "Aw, to bad. Honored sir with glasses, fall in Spring of Drown Duck there very tragic tale of duck who drown in spring after escaping Chinese chef from turning him into pecking duck, now whoever falls in spring take body of would be pecking duck dinner." The guide then turned to the other boy, "Honored sir, fall in Spring of Drown Black Piglet. There tragic story of piglet who drown there many year ago escaping same Chinese chef who about turn him into sweet and sour pork. Now who ever fall in spring take body of piglet who would be sweet and sour pork." The guide then headed for his hut, "Better have cooking utensils ready."
"QUACK!"
"BWEE!!"
Both translated into, 'I ain't gonna be dinner!'
"Bwee Bubwee!!!"
It translates into 'Duck boy! This is all your fault!'
Both newly cursed boys leapt out of the pool, with the pig tailing the duck angrily.
---
Ranma, Soun, and the girls (in their normal uncursed form) were all gathered in one of the huts within the Amazon village along with the Cologne.
"So did your people managed to catch the old fart?" Ranma asked.
"Ranma! It's not polite to call that panda-man a fart. It's degrading farts everywhere." Kasumi admonished, earning stares from everyone. "Oh, my! Did I just say that?"
Cologne cleared her throat to gain their attention, "I'm very sorry to say that you people, including my great granddaughter fell into the cursed springs. And I'm afraid that there is no cure for the curse."
"Can't we just dunk in another pool? Like us girls in the Spring of Drown Girl?" Nabiki asked.
"It won't work. Curses are additive, and they do not cancel out one another. For you people except maybe Ranma and Ukyou, dunking in the appropriate pool will only solidify your gender and not cancel the curse. For those two, well they may take both aspects of the curse." Cologne explained.
Ranma and Ukyou shivered at the thought of having both genders at the same time.
Akane hug Ranma's right arm tighter, "You mean we're stuck with the curse for life?"
Cologne nodded, "The best we can do for you people is to adapt yourselves so that instead of the curse being a handicap, it can be made into an advantage."
Soun nodded, "Yes indeed, a true martial artist must make full use of what he or she has. But still..." Everyone looked at the Tendo patriarch. "I still want to skin Genma alive for what he did to us!"
Everyone nodded, "I call dibs!" Natsume said.
"Umm...Natsume-neechan, I think Ranma-kun deserves first crack...after all that bad old man kidnapped him." Kurumi voiced out.
Ranma shook his head, "So much I want first shot, and this is somewhat my fault. If I wasn't too careless that idiot would have not taken me in the first place."
Akane comforted Ranma a little, while Shampoo moved to Ranma's left and latched on him there.
Soun noticed this, "By the way, you mentioned your great granddaughter is now supposed to marry Ranma for defeating her in combat?"
Cologne nodded, "I'm sorry if this inconvenienced you. I've been trying to get the council to drop the laws of kiss of marriage and kiss of death, unfortunately some of our elders can be quite thick headed sometimes. Thankfully, nothing bad has happened because of it."
"Wo ai ni!" Shampoo exclaimed rubbing herself to Ranma, who was fidgeting because Akane was starting to emit a battle aura as she glared at the purple haired girl.
Soun sighed, "That complicates things more than it is. Genma, the one who you saw earlier, engaged Ranma to this girl Ukyou even though we have already a standing agreement that Ranma was to marry one of my daughters."
"He isn't very honorable is he? I see the reason why the boy doesn't respect nor like in anyway. And he is the reason why Shampoo here ended up being another probable love interest to Ranma." Cologne took a few minutes to ponder things. "Well we can adopt you people as honorary Amazons so we can forego the kiss of marriage. Or if Ranma so wishes he can marry Shampoo and become an Amazon male. Though Amazon males don't have any say in running the village, they are permitted to have more than one spouse, provided he can beat them in a marriage challenge."
"I don't know, perhaps. We can at least keep both options for a while. Besides I doubt Ranma would like to live here." Soun said.
"True. I guess he would still prefer to live in Japan." Cologne then turned to her great granddaughter and spoke in Chinese, "Xian-Pu dear, your chosen spouse has decided he will live in his home country instead of here. Do you wish to go with him or drop the claim of marriage instead going for their membership in the tribe?"
Shampoo thought for a minute, "Elder I want to go with my airen to Japan."
"Even if there is likelihood, that he may choose another girl to be his wife?"
Shampoo nodded, "Better there than stay here in the village with Mousse stalking me around wherever I go. Besides, I think I can be friends with them."
Cologne nodded with a smile, 'She has only been with these people a short time and already she is starting to have a better social outlook. I guess it is for the best. Besides should Ranma choose one of the other girls, she can adapt them all into the tribe and even start a Japanese Amazon community.' She then speaks to Shampoo in fluent Japanese, "Very well then Shampoo, if you are to go with them, you must learn to speak there language fluently. Lack of knowledge results in miscommunication and may eventually lead to disaster."
Shampoo nodded, "Shampoo understand. Shampoo learn speak Japanese."
Cologne turned to Soun, "Well I guess I'll leave my great granddaughter to your care then. I'll be visiting her from time to time. May I acquire your residence address?"
Soun nodded and wrote the Tendo address on a piece of paper, "I promise to take care of your great granddaughter as if she was my own daughter, on my honor."
Cologne nodded, "Shampoo you should start packing now if you are to go with them. I'll handle Mousse."
Shampoo detached herself from Ranma and ran towards her hut to get her things. The other girls just sighed, 'Great another girl after my Ranma!'
"By the way..." Cologne started, "The young girl attached to Ranma may want to change to her cursed self."
"What for?" asked a puzzled Akane.
"For one thing child, the curse of Jusenkyou will turn you people into cold water magnets. You'll get splashed more often than not. And I doubt you'll want to be naked in public do you?"
Akane shivered at though of being naked out in public. She still hasn't gotten used to the idea that her twin is just herself in another body, that when they recombine they're still the same person with both memories and experiences. 'This may take getting used too. At least it doubles my chances at Ranma.' She smiled at that thought as she picked up a change of clothes and proceeded to the bath to douse herself with cold water.
"What about us?" Nabiki asked.
"Yours will be harder to handle. I doubt the customs may allow wild animals into Japan." Cologne chuckled.
"Hey!" shouted several girls.
"Anyway, I might suggest you take a plane back to Japan. Taking a boat may attract water much more at least the chances in the plane are minimal. As for the fare, we'll handle it."
Nabiki nodded in appreciation. "Thanks elder."
"What about Genma?" Soun asked Cologne.
"We'll send word once we found and catch him. After all you said he can break free easily from your jail. We on the other hand will prove much harder." Cologne grinned.
"Mom ain't gonna like this." Ranma grumbled.
"I think she'll like Shampoo Ranma-kun." Kasumi said cheerfully.
"Not Shampoo Kasumi...our curse." Ranma replied.
"At least you turn into a human Ranma; we on the other hand turn into animals." Natsume said sadly.
"Yeah...guess your right. Apparently Ucchan and I will start dressing more unisex clothes to accommodate our curses."
Soun nodded, "Well I guess we should be carrying umbrellas wherever we go. We'll leave as soon as Shampoo is ready."
---
"BWEE!"
"QUACK!"
A duck and piglet came barreling through the forest, with fear in their eyes. Right behind them, a panda holding a fork and knife chased them tirelessly.
--- A few days later ---
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN OUR CHILDREN ARE CURSED?"
Soun cringed before the burning glares of the two mothers.
"It isn't his fault mom, Auntie Kimiko, if I had been more careful that old man would have never have kidnapped me." Ranma in his cursed form said regrettably.
Nodoka and Kimiko slowly took calming breaths. It was indeed pointless to get angry now. And it is useless to lay blame on people who are not at fault.
"When I see Genma I'll skin him alive!" Nodoka said with a voice filled with the vigor of vengeance.
"He turns into a panda now, Auntie Nodoka." Kurumi said.
Kimiko laughed, "Well I had always wanted a panda rag. Just this once, I'll overlook the fact that pandas are endangered species." No one missed the evil gleam in Kimiko's eyes.
Soun relaxed now with relief, at least he is now out of the fire. "By the way, let me introduce you to Shampoo." He gestures to the purple-haired girl.
--- 4 years after the events of Jusenkyou ---
Nodoka was setting the table for dinner when Kimiko stepped from the kitchen carrying the rice.
"The nice young doctor seems to have a crush on your little Kasumi, Kimi- chan. I haven't seen anyone that love struck before." Nodoka giggled as she remembers the said doctor dancing in the streets with his skeleton Betty.
Kimiko shared the giggle as she lay down the rice. "It seems that way. When I ask Kasumi what she felt for the doctor, all she said he was just a funny friend."
"It seems like Kasumi hasn't given up on Ranma yet."
Kimiko nodded, "Your son is quite the lady's man isn't he No-chan?"
"Why yes he is, especially when he is a lady half the time." Both women giggled at that little joke.
Nodoka then continued, "Aside from being a man amongst men, my son turned daughter part-time is also a woman amongst women."
Kimiko nodded, "Ranma sure is. Just as he can turn heads when is a boy, he can just as well turn heads when is a girl."
Nodoka sighed, "Yes, and now that delusional kendoist now pursues Ranma's girl half. He can't even tell that the male Ranma and girl Ranma is the same person."
"Yes, their entire family needs psychiatric help."
"So how are the young ones today?" asked Cologne as she entered the dining room. She had been visiting for the last four years, seeing how her great grandchild is doing and from time to time, teaches Ranma and the girls several Amazon techniques.
"Good afternoon Cologne. Well as you can see, they're energetic as usual." Nodoka pointed out towards the yard. Cologne's gaze followed where Nodoka pointed
Soun (uncursed form) was watching off to the side while, Ranma-chan and Ukyou-kun were sparring near the koi pond. The Akanes were off to the other side, Kasumi in her cursed form was meditating/floating above the koi pond. A wolf and a tiger were engage in primal combat, while a hawk was trying to catch the cat in the tree.
"Dinner is ready everyone." Kimiko called out. And immediately, all activity in the yard ceased.
Everybody reverted back to normal form by the warm water provided by Soun.
Cologne gave the teenagers an approving look. "I take it to account that you all now have mastered your ki-blasts appropriately?"
Everyone nodded, and then Ranma spoke up. "We did grandmother, and we each use different emotions to power them."
Cologne nodded; it was true that each individual favor a certain emotion. 'I wonder what emotions that the young ones' uses. The original was that of depression but I can hardly imagine them using such a negative emotion...much less master it. I haven't heard of anyone mastering the original Shishi Hokoudan as most commit suicide after mastering it.'
Before anyone Cologne could ask for specifics on their emotion for their ki- blast, Genma appeared nowhere carrying some kind of magical artifact in the shape of a basketball. "With this artifact the boy will finally recognize me as his father!" He bellowed out as he pointed it towards Ranma. "At last my dreams will be realized..."
The girls formed a protective ring around Ranma, who was slightly irritated that he needs to be protected...he can after all pound the idiot himself.
Cologne was about to beat the crap of the idiot, when a bright light emitted from the artifact. The light blinded everyone with its sheer brightness. When the light faded, Ranma, Kasumi, Nabiki, Akane, Natsume, Kurumi, Ukyou and Shampoo all disappeared.
Soun, Nodoka, Kimiko, and Cologne all turned their heads towards Genma with a glare. Nodoka spoke for them, "Alright Genma, what did you do this time?"
"Ah...err..."
"Let me guess..." Cologne said, "You have no slightest idea what that artifact can do?"
Genma nodded. "I...ah...forgot to ask the person I stole...err...borrowed it from what it actually does..."
"DIE!" shouted Nodoka, Kimiko, and Soun as they launch to attack Genma, who did not escape fast enough.
Cologne looked the artifact closely, 'Hmm...the archaic symbols read, Time and Space Displacement Orb.' She sighed, 'Wonder when and where they'll appear now.' She looked at the human pretzel once known as Genma, and decided to finally give a much due punishment for the greedy idiot. 'I hope Ranma and the other young ones will be alright. I doubt we will see them again in this lifetime...unless they find a way back'
End Prologue
AN 1.1:
Revised some parts and added new bits into the story.
AN 1.0:
Yukashii means elegant or refined, therefore Yukashii Ranma would mean Elegant War Horse or Refined War Horse. After all Ranma grew-up with his mom and the Tendos.
Imouto means little sister
Oneechan means older sister
Oh, yeah I'm planning this to be indeed a cross with vandread, starting of at the second stage.
Into the Void By Lord Strife
Warning: Characters may act OOC. You have been warned as such so don't flame me!
Version 1.1 Prologue
--- Somewhere in Kyoto ---
(Age check, Ranma: 6 yrs old. Akane: 6 yrs old. Ukyou: 6 yrs old. Kasumi: 9 yrs old. Nabiki: 7 yrs old. Natsume: 7 yrs old. Kurumi: 6 yrs old.)
A young girl was crying along the street, her supposed fiancé and her fiancé's father apparently left her behind in a trail of dust taking her yatai with them.
"WAAHH! Ran-chan how could you?" the girl cried out. Streams of tears were flowing down her cheeks. "Don't you like me anymore?"
The girl felt a shadow loomed behind her, when she turned she saw a woman with an auburn hair carrying a cloth 'package' on her back. She knelt by the girl and much to the girl's surprise hug her and tried to comfort her.
"There, there young one, are you alright? Are you hurt?" The woman asked while gently rocking the girl, soothing whatever pain she was feeling.
The young girl shook her head, "My fiancé....he...he left me behind..."
The woman was shocked, 'Fiancé? Isn't she a bit young for that? Wait a minute...' She gently releases the girl from her hug, "What is your fiancé's name, little one?" 'If this is what I think it is...'
"Ranma, Saotome Ranma..." The girl answered.
'GENMA! You are so dead when I catch-up to you!' She took deep breaths to calm herself, last thing she needed was to go berserk while this young girl was hurting still. After a few minutes she clamed a bit enough and smiled at the young girl, "Oh, pardon my manners. We haven't introduced ourselves properly have we? My name is Saotome Nodoka. What's your name little one?"
The girl look at her, "Kuonji Ukyou...are you Ran-chan's mommy?"
Nodoka nodded, "Yes I am dear. I know for one thing though, it wasn't Ranma that left you..." 'When I get my hands at you Genma!'
The girl looked at her quizzically.
Nodoka gestured to Ukyou as she stood up. "I happen to be tailing Genma for taking my son away from me...along the way that bastard did a lot of less than honorable things...if you want you can come with me and help deal with Genma."
Ukyou nodded, after all her father said to go with the Saotomes. If this person was Ranma's mom then it should be alright.
--- At the same time in Nerima ---
Tendo Kimiko has just finished shopping and was heading home when she spotted two young girls about the crowd. Apparently they were asking some people, probably for directions. She couldn't help but noticed the disheveled look on the two. 'How could any parent leave their children in that state?' She approached the two; one thing she can't stand is the sight of children in distress.
The older of the two girls sighed for the nth time. Then she noticed a woman approaching her and her sister. 'Maybe she knows where my daddy is?'
Kimiko approached the two, "Hello there. Are you looking for someone? Perhaps your parents?"
The two girls nodded, "Yes we are. We are looking for our father." The older girl replied. She then took a photo out her pocket and gave it to lady, perhaps hoping she would know.
Kimiko accepted the picture, maybe she knows the person. 'Hmm...can't tell who the person is when his back is on the camera...but definitely those two girls are on the photo.' She then turned the photo to look at the back and immediately noticed handwriting. After reading the last line, she re-read it again to make sure she got it right. 'SOUN! You have better explain this!'
The girls noticed her expression again it was the older of the two that asked, "Umm, do you where Tendo Soun is?"
Kimiko calmed herself, it's not the fault of this children. "Yes I do. He's my husband."
Upon hearing this, the two girls hugged her. "Then that means you're our mommy!"
Kimiko sighed, "I guess I am. I was heading home already." She then smiled at the two girls, "What are your names little ones?"
The older girl spoke first, "My name is Natsume. My little sister is Kurumi."
"Well then, Natsume-chan and Kurumi-chan, we should head home and meet your father then."
The two girls smiled happily; finally they would meet their long lost father!
--- A few days after, somewhere in Kyoto ---
Genma was browsing through a training manual, "Hmm...Neko-ken, an invincible martial arts technique guaranteed to defeat any foe..." Genma smiled smugly, "The boy would definitely love this technique...let's see all I need to do is dig a pit...fill it with starving cats...tie the trainee in fish-sausage...and toss him in...sounds easy enough."
Genma took one look at his son, who was practicing a kata he taught him a while ago. 'I better get started.' He stood up and called his son, "Boy, I have a new training regime for you."
Upon hearing new form training, Ranma's ears perked up and ran along side his father. "What training is it pop?"
"First I need you to gather some stray cats in the neighborhood, while I go prepare the training environment here."
"Okay."
Genma watched as his son ran out of the shed and began looking for some stray cats. "Well, better start digging...or maybe I should let the boy do it. He is a sucker for things I call training." Genma nodded to himself, after all why should he waste his strength. Besides, in a way it is training.
--- Same time, Tendo Dojo, Nerima
It has been a few days since Kimiko brought home two girls with her. Soun was shocked when they suddenly latched on to him crying out daddy. He shook his head, it took a while but he did manage to convince his wife that he did not have an illicit affair. Thankfully he remembered of an event his old master told him of adapting two girls. Unfortunately, his old master used his name in the process. He took a look at his children (both adopted and his own flesh and blood) sparring. He smiled, 'At least the family legacy is now much more secure. One of them will be engage to my old friend's son and continue on the Anything Goes. Now how to deal with that rich-brat Kuno...'
--- Back to Genma ---
'Where is that boy? He's been gone for over three hours now...' Genma was getting impatient. Then he heard the shed's door open, 'Ah finally...' He stop short upon seeing his son was not alone and was accompanied by two females. One he recognized immediately, 'Uh-oh!'
"Hello Genma, you thought I wouldn't be able to track you down don't you?" She gestures to the two children, "Ranma take Ukyou with you and go play outside. I'll be talking to your father for a while."
"Okay mom! Come on, Uchan let's go outside!"
Ukyou followed Ranma happily outside.
Nodoka then turned her attention back to Genma, "Care to explain why you took our son while I was sleeping? For that matter, engaging our son to another girl when he is supposed to be engaged already to a Tendo? For that matter stealing Kuonji's yatai and abandoning that poor child in the streets? Or for the other unmentionable dishonor you accumulated along the way?"
Genma cringed, 'I'm dead...think Genma...think fast!' Then he got an idea, "Saotome Secret Technique!" Nodoka was mildly surprise, but held a neutral stance. "RUN AWAY!" And Genma bolted out of the shed, smashing into the wall and running as fast as his fat legs could carry him.
Nodoka shook her head in exasperation, "Coward! Can't expect him to do the honorable thing...hmm what's this?' Nodoka picked up book that seems to be martial arts manual. She also noticed a piece of paper slide into it acting as a make shift bookmark. "Neko-ken? First you..." Nodoka's face pale upon reading on how to teach the trainee the supposed technique. She then turned the page, "And only idiots would teach this technique for it causes the trainee to loose one's own wits..." 'Trust that idiot to not read everything before trying them or completely ignoring the warning; thankfully I got to Ranma before he got started. Now what's this paper...a seppuku contract?' Whatever restrain Nodoka had left vanished when she read the content, "GENMA when I find you...you are SO dead!"
Ranma and Ukyou came in after Nodoka yelled her battle cry. "What's wrong mom? And where did pop go?"
Nodoka tried to calm herself first before answering, "Don't worry about your father for the moment Ranma...I...sent him on a...training trip. So for the moment, you'll be training under me, is that okay with you?"
Ranma nodded happily, after all his mother was with him now as well as his best friend.
--- One week later, Tendo Dojo, Nerima ---
Kimiko stood up to answer the door, leaving Kasumi in-charge of the kitchen. She was showing signs of a great culinary chef in the making; add to that her martial arts prowess.
When she opened the door she was greeted by a delightful surprise, "Nodoka!" She embraced her best friend in a tight hug. "It's been such a long time. So did you find your wayward husband and your son?"
Nodoka nodded, "It would be best if we talk about it inside. By the way this is my son, Ranma and girl with him is Ukyou. I'll explain later."
Kimiko ushered in the three, wondering what Nodoka was going to tell her. She also noticed Genma was not with her, oh well to be honest she didn't want the lazy bastard near her house anyway.
Soun soon noticed they had guess and just as Kimiko was surprised to see Nodoka, even more so when he noticed her son is with them. He got Ranma and Ukyou get acquainted with his daughters, all five of them at the dojo, and left them to spar against the other. He then returned to his wife's side to listen to what Nodoka has to say.
"I never knew you had two more daughters Kimi-chan." Nodoka asked while sipping her tea.
Kimiko smiled, "Well I'm not exactly Natsume and Kurumi's birth mother but they are in every sense became my daughters."
Nodoka smiled what would she give to have many children. She sighed; her only consolation is that hopefully she would have many grandchildren instead. "You mean they're adopted or..." looking at Soun curiously "Soun had an affair?"
Soun choked on his tea, while Kimiko giggled at Soun's expense. "No, he didn't have an affair. At least he better not." Kimiko said as she glared at Soun then smiled again, "Actually, it's one of the few kind things that old pervert ever did."
Nodoka look confused, "Happosai?"
Soun cringed at the name, "Don't mention his name No-chan! He might hear you and come back!" His hands were visibly trembling as if expecting his master to pop-out at a moment's notice.
"Honestly, Soun. Anyway what did he do?" Nodoka asked the question again.
"The old pervert came along finding those two young orphan girls and decided to adopt them and teach them Anything Goes. Apparently he adopted them while using my husband's name. I found them wandering Nerima a few weeks ago, since the old pervert isn't here anymore, we decided to take them in as our own."
Nodoka nodded, "It's a good thing your children welcomed them openly."
"Oh yes, even my little Akane made friends with them in such a short notice. She appears to be in good terms with Kurumi since they are about the same age. Oh, that reminds me where is Genma and who is that young girl with you?" Soun asked.
Nodoka sighed, "As you can see it started something like this...Genma wanted to go on a training trip and take Ranma with him to train him in the family art." She paused looking at Soun and Kimiko and both nodded for her to continue, "I said no. I have no intention of leaving Ranma alone without a mother to grow up into to. Knowing Genma, who knows what morals he might instill in my young child's mind!"
Soun was about to protest in defense of his friend when Kimiko elbowed him in the stomach while glaring at him at the process. He wisely shut-up.
"Your right about that No-chan, I wouldn't trust that lazy oaf with anything. Especially with rearing up a child."
"It couldn't be that bad." Soun manage to get in before his wife elbowed him again.
"Actually..." Nodoka began, "He spirited Ranma away when I was sleeping. It took me two years before I found him. And you wouldn't believe what that idiot did along the way of his so-called training trip."
Nodoka explained about several things like stealing of several martial scrolls from temples and dojos. Not to mention stealing money and several artifacts. And top it off, engaging Ranma to several families in exchange for food.
Soun was angry, "Saotome how could you do this to me?"
Kimiko was comforting her husband, "So, where you able to resolve those problems?"
Nodoka nodded, "Except for one though. The other families easily accepted financial disbursement for compensation on Genma running away from them. But with Ukyou..." She took a deep breath, "Her father was vehemently into the engagement and since Genma took the yatai as dowry, the engagement was good as solid to him."
Soun was shocked, "But...but he promised Ranma to marry one of my daughters!"
Nodoka nodded, "I know. But we did come to an agreement. Ukyou will stay with Ranma and is in an equal position to marry him as any of your daughters. If he chooses one of your daughters then I'll simply adapt Ukyou into my family so her family honor would be intact. Should Ranma choose her...well we can decide on that matter now."
Soun was definitely angry at his old friend, "Saotome-kun! I can't believe you would dishonor us as such!"
Kimiko hugged her husband, who visibly relaxed the moment she hugged him. "Why don't you divorce that idiot and get on with life Nodoka?"
Nodoka smiled, "Already filed a petition for a divorce Kimi-chan. I'll be taking back my family name and Ranma will be taking my maiden name as well. From now on, anything that idiot promises in the name of Saotome, will no longer affect Ranma nor dishonor my family in any way. As for Ukyou I decided to give her a chance. After all she was my son's first friend, even though he thought she was a boy at first."
Kimiko nodded, "Well if goes to that point that Ranma would choose Ukyou why don't Soun and I adopt her first into the family that way, it can save our entire honor on the matter."
Soun nodded, "Yes it does. Also, Genma is no longer welcome in this house."
Kimiko smiled, as well as Nodoka.
"By the way Soun, I have a few favors to ask of you."
"What is No-chan? If I am capable of doing so, then go ahead."
"I was planning on selling the Saotome home and if it's too much trouble with you, I was hoping of staying with you two along with Ranma and Ukyou."
Kimiko hugged her friend, "Of course you can stay with us. Your always welcome here No-chan! Isn't that right Soun?"
Soun nodded, "Yes, you're always welcome here. And besides Ranma can get to know better my daughters as well. He can even join the classes I've been teaching!"
"Thank you Soun, Kimi-chan. Actually that was my second favor to ask you...to train Ranma in Anything Goes. I can train him in the way of the sword and kendo, but I felt to unite the schools he needs to learn the Anything Goes fighting style."
Kimiko beamed, "If he wants I can teach him how to use a naginata and bow and arrows as well."
"I'm sure Ranma would love to learn that. He seems to adapt to anything related to martial arts."
Soun look towards the garden, following the laughter of the children. "Hmm, seems Ranma and Akane are getting along fine. Oh that reminds me, what style would Ukyou study?"
Nodoka gently placed her tea cup on the table before pulling a scroll from her purse. "Ukyou's father gave me this. Apparently it's a guide to their school of martial arts."
Soun took the scroll and began reading it, "Martial Arts Okonomiyaki? Hmm...principal weapons are the assortment of okonomiyaki ingredients and battle spatulas. I think I can learn the basics, Ukyou must have already been thought the underlying foundation so it shouldn't so much trouble."
"If she's going to wield a battle spatula, might as well teach her naginata too."
"How long will you be able to move here No-chan?" Soun asked tentatively.
"Well Ranma and Ukyou can move in today. That backpack we were carrying basically contains all of Ranma and Ukyou's stuff. I'll probably move in later this week after I take care of the Saotome property."
"I see, alright then...I'll prepare the guest room for Ranma to stay in. Ukyou can move in with Akane. Since Natsume is sleeping with Kasumi and Nabiki is with Kurumi. Then I can prepare the attic for you to stay in No- chan. I hope that is satisfactory." Kimiko said.
"That is quite satisfactory Kimi-chan. I better go now. Less Genma beats me in taking care of the Saotome home."
Nodoka gave Ranma and Ukyou a final hug before she left. Saying she'll be back soon.
Kimiko was watching the three when she noticed her daughters watching Ranma closely. "So how is Ranma's impression on you girls?"
"I like him! He's kind and knows a lot of martial arts!" Akane chirped happily.
"Oh, my! And I thought Akane dislike boys!" Kasumi was surprised at her little sister. After all that rich kid Kuno likes to hound her sisters, especially Akane.
Kimiko was smiling much more brightly, 'Seems like Ranma has made quite an impression on my little tomboy!' She goes to watch as Akane went to Ranma's side and began waving to Nodoka as she leaves.
--- 6 years later ---
Soun was watching Ranma perform the latest kata he has taught him. He was truly impressed, despite all the years he have been teaching the boy; Ranma managed to grasp the fundamentals of each kata and performed them almost immediately and fluidly after only one demonstration. He remembered learning this kata from his shiver old master when he was already 25 yrs of age and didn't master it for 2 whole months, Ranma had done so in just one 30-minute demonstration.
Another thought that struck him in awe is that Ranma was able to teach what he has learned to others, specifically to his daughters. Either Ranma was exceptionally gifted in both learning or teaching...or his daughters have taken a liking to Ranma so much that they can follow Ranma's instructions to a tee. Even Ukyou was learning just as fast. There was no doubt in Soun's mind; Ranma has now surpassed, way surpassed, his own current skill level. And only his daughters and Ukyou can now keep up with him.
Soun lost part of smile when he remembered Genma approaching them on several occasions in the past few months, trying to spirit away the boy on his training trip. Fortunately, the boy was already well verse in the art that Genma could no longer bully the child. Ranma even refused to acknowledge him as his father, saying his father was already dead. Genma eventually backs down whenever he sees his former wife, Nodoka. On one instance Genma, pounced on a sleeping Ranma and he would have succeeded on taking the boy if not for Akane who happened to be going to Ranma's room. Under the combine prowess of all girls, Nodoka and Kimiko included, Genma was reduced to a human pretzel and was turned over to the police for attempted kidnapping. They learned later that the idiot managed to escape jail.
Soun clapped his hands to get the children's attention, "That's it for today children. You still have your homework to do; we will resume your practice tomorrow." 'The children may have surpassed my skill but I have still better experience. I guess that's the only thing that allows me to win against our sparring. Perhaps we do need a training trip, but I better make sure that the mothers all accept the idea. And since we'll be gone for quite some time I hope they can pitch in as temporary instructors for the dojo'
Ranma toweled himself and stop before entering the house, letting the girls go first. "Uncle Tendo?"
"Hmm? What is it Ranma?" Soun turned his attention to his would be son-in- law.
"That scroll you gave me...the one my father used to have..."
"The forbidden techniques? What about it? Have you mastered it already?"
"I have grasped the concept of it, and the necessary ki-manipulation all I need is to practice it...but I don't think the dojo is the right place to use it."
"Coincidentally, I was thinking of a training trip...perhaps when we do go we will have all the open space of the great outdoors to practice it! What do you say?"
"That's great uncle! When do we go on a training trip?" Ranma asked enthusiastically.
"Perhaps we can go when your school is on summer break. That way it will not interfere with your schooling. Besides I still need permission from the mothers before we set out and I do need to plan where we are to go."
"Summer break it is then!" Ranma nodded and head inside to change and wait his turn in the furo.
Soun then pulled out another scroll he has recently acquired from another old friend of his, "Ki-blast techniques...I'm sure Ranma and the girls will be able to put this into good use." Soun nodded to himself, very proud of the accomplishment of the children. 'Even if the master should appear, heaven-forbid, the children may be able to take him down without too much of a problem...I hope.'
Nodoka was helping Kimiko with dinner, her best friend is now slowly recovering from her illness, and thankfully the money she got from selling the Saotome home was enough to provide Kimiko with the treatment to her disease. Now she can expect to live to a ripe old age, 'and with grandchildren too!' Nodoka happily thought to herself.
Nodoka couldn't help but notice that her son has the uncanny ability to attract girls' attention. 'Oh, my son is so manly!' She giggled at the sight of the Tendo sisters and Ukyou fending off several other girls trying to make a pass at Ranma. And Ranma being Ranma was oblivious to it.
Nodoka couldn't help but frown at that rich boy Kuno. 'That child needs help and yet his father does nothing to curb his son's delusional fantasies. Then again there is also his sister who in every chance she gets attempts to date Ranma.' She chuckles lightly on how the girls usually deal with the Kuno siblings, punted into LEO.
"No-chan? You there? You seemed spaced out." Kimiko said as she looks at her friend curiously.
"Oh it's nothing Kimi-chan. I was just thinking of how well Ranma is turning out." She then sighed, "Truthfully I'm glad I didn't leave him to Genma. Who knows what morals he would have instilled in my son's mind?"
Kimiko nodded in agreement, "Morals like women are weak, or nothing is more important than the art, or stealing his food saying its training." Kimiko tasted the soup, "Seeing Ranma turning out to be such a lady killer would have fired his fiancée scheme to all new heights."
Nodoka laughed at her friend's joke, "Yes Ranma is such a man amongst men isn't he." And then both women laughed.
"I must say he is. I haven't seen a twelve year boy turning heads of girls like some famous idol singer or something." Kimiko said as she added a few more spices into the soup. "It's a good thing he got his looks from your side of the family."
Soun then stepped into the kitchen, "You have minute dear? You too No- chan?"
"What is it?" Both women chorused.
Soun cleared his throat, "I was planning on taking the children to a training trip this coming summer break. It would help improve their martial arts a lot if they get to practice on a much more open space."
Nodoka looked at her friend who merely shrugged, "If you think it's wise I guess so."
Kimiko then added, "But be wary of Genma. Once he finds out you are going on a training trip he may take the opportunity to steal Ranma."
Soun laughed at that, "I'll make sure to watch over Ranma, but I think the girls have that well covered."
Parents just laugh at that.
--- Next day, Friday ---
Ranma was walking on the fence top as balance training; following him were Akane and Natsume. Kasumi, Nabiki, Kurumi and Ukyou were all walking on the road alongside the three.
"We're nearing the school you three..." Kasumi chimed, "Perhaps you should get down here, especially you two young ladies, unless you plan on giving the boys a free show."
Akane and Natsume blushed then jumped down. Ranma followed suite.
"I can't wait for our training trip this summer!" Ranma began. "I couldn't wait to try out those techniques I read from those scrolls!"
"What techniques sugar? The one's from your father? Or the one from Uncle Soun?" Ukyou asked.
"Both techniques actually." Ranma answered then he pointed ahead of them, "Looks like Kuno is early today."
The girls turned to face the kendoist and their smiles turn to a scowl.
"Ah fair maidens! Elegant beauty such as yours should be escorted by one of noble birth! Not that of some commoner!" Kuno said in usual, poetic yet irritating tone.
Nabiki turned to face her siblings and friends, "Who gets to pound Kuno today?"
Kurumi raised her hand, "It's my turn today." She walked ahead of the group to face Kuno.
"Fair maiden, how could you side yourself with the foul sorcerer? Surely you should see that he is manipulating you with his vile magic? With his foul sorcery?" Kuno was oblivious to the growing battle aura the girls were now radiating.
Akane was fast loosing her temper, 'No one calls my Ranma a foul sorcerer and gets away with it!' Her fist was so tightly clenched that they were starting to get white.
Natsume placed a restraining hand on Akane's shoulder, "Easy Akane-imouto. It's Kurumi's turn today to pound the clueless idiot. Much as I wanted to do it myself for insulting Ranma, it is her turn."
Akane nodded but was straining in trying to keep herself calm. 'Must not kill Kuno...must not kill Kuno... must not kill Kuno...yet'
"Kurumi, you better start pounding the idiot before one of us takes the honor." Nabiki said matter-of-factly.
Kurumi nodded, then blurred. She reappears just short of Kuno's bokken range, avoiding his clumsy strike, before delivering a roundhouse kick to his solar plexus knocking the wind out of him, and then moved in to deliver an uppercut that sent the idiot to LEO.
Everyone could hear Kuno's fading voice, "I'll fight ooonnnnnnnnn..."
Ranma shook his head, "Baka. I guess he'll be calling me more of a sorcerer when I finally get this ki-blast down."
Akane went next to Ranma, "Don't fret on it. It doesn't really matter what that idiot thinks."
Ukyou not wanting someone else getting close to her Ranma, moved to his other side. "Like what Acchan said. Who cares what that delusional samurai-wannabe thinks?"
Ranma sighed, "Yeah, guess you're both right."
"Oh Ranma-sama! Ohohohohohoho!"
Everyone cringes at the inhuman laughter. "MINE!" Yelled by each of the girls and soon Kodachi followed her brother into LEO.
"Man I can't wait to get to that training trip and leave all the loonies behind!" Ranma said exasperated.
The seven then entered Furinkan Junior High, unknown to them a shadow was tailing them. "So the boy is heading for a training trip eh?" The shadow nodded to himself, "I'll show them that I am the better teacher! And since Soun doesn't welcome me at his house anymore, I'll just engage the boy to another girl! That will teach them! Yukashii Ranma indeed! He'll be a Saotome through and through!"
"You were saying Genma?" asked woman's voice behind him.
"Eek! No-chan!" Genma yelped then disappeared in a trail of dust as he ran for his life.
Yukashii Nodoka grimaced at her former husband. "The idiot doesn't get it yet that he's no longer Ranma's father." She re-sheathed her katana before heading back to the Tendo dojo. "I better warn Soun of Genma's knowledge of his training trip."
Since filing of the divorce, Nodoka reverted back to her maiden name. And Ranma taking the name as well, abandoning the Saotome clan. The local magistrate was more than willing to remove Genma as Ranma's father due to numerous felony accounts against him, stating he was unfit to raise his son and gave Nodoka full parental authority.
---
The bell at Furinkan Junior High rang signaling lunch period. Ranma closes his notebook and stretches. "Oh man, I thought history class would never end!" He was oblivious that most girls find his motion quite...attractive.
"You sure sound bored for someone who is number one in academics, sugar." Ukyou said as she pulled her bento out, while Akane nodded in agreement.
"Heh, I still prefer P.E. over any other classes." Ranma said with a grin that most girls found irresistible.
Akane and Ukyou found themselves blushing, but only to frown seeing most girls in class were too.
Kurumi was in another class but always joins them during lunch and that goes the same for Natsume, Nabiki, and Kasumi all of whom are in a higher grade.
"Hold foul demon! How dare you monopolize the fair maidens! I shall smite thee for corrupting them with your foul presence!" Kuno points his bokken at Ranma angrily.
"Stupid perverted jerk! I guess by reading between his lines, he's saying he has the right to monopolize us!" Akane said as she gritted her teeth in anger.
Kasumi stood up and walk next to Kuno and gave him an uppercut that sent him flying in Kasumi Airlines (Oo first time for everything isn't it?). Kasumi turned to face her friends and family with a smile, "Oh, my! He was getting rowdy and I had to do something."
"Trust oneechan to say it diplomatically." Nabiki said as she smirked to herself.
"Thankfully mom managed to get Nabiki and I transferred out his class. I couldn't bear to stand his idiotic speech for a minute let alone the entire day." Natsume said as she began to attack her bento.
"I wish they would transfer that idiot to an asylum!" Akane snorted.
"Sugar, when you're that rich that tend ignore that you're an idiot."
"Guess we will put with Kuno for a long, long time." Kurumi sighed, placing her bento cover back after finishing her meal in a heartbeat.
Ranma nodded, "At least we can get some peace and quiet when we go that training trip."
"Yeah, it is something to look forward too." Natsume agreed. "Besides, when we master those ki-blasts we will need a dummy for target practice anyway."
Everyone laughed at that.
--- Four weeks after, Joketsuzokou Village ---
Genma was winded, after all six very angry teenage girls and a very angry Soun was chasing after him. Genma did manage to kidnap...err...retake custody of Ranma, though he did use a blunt object to knock out the poor boy. He sat their gasping for breath while unceremoniously dropping his cargo beside him.
A shadow loomed over him; he turned to look at a young girl around Ranma's age, striking was that she had purple hair. Albeit she was talking to him in Chinese, 'Damn I knew I forgot something...should have duped...err...hired a translator.'
The girl was irritated; a man was ignoring her commands! 'How dare him! He must be punished!' the girl though as she pulled out of nowhere her bonboris. With a yell 'DIE' in Chinese she leapt to attack.
The moment Genma saw the bonboris he knew he was in trouble. 'Just what I need...another weak girl distracting me from my objective...err...art!' He was about to put the girl into her proper place (by performing of course the 'crouch of the fallen tiger') when Ranma began to stir. 'Ah! What luck! The boy is stirring! I'm sure he can help...err...spar with this young girl!' He then jumped towards Ranma, grabbed him by his gi and threw him towards the purple haired-girl.
"WHOA!" Ranma yelped as he felt he was thrown into the air. He then noticed his trajectory involved slamming into a girl bearing two large maces. With reflex born from years of martial arts, he flipped to the side narrowly missing the arc swing of the girl. What he did not intend was the reeling in his leg to gain control of his flight, he struck the girl at the head knocking her out temporarily.
Everyone in the village saw the event unfold; some were nodding in approval looks (mostly women) and those burning glares at the young boy (mostly men, and especially a boy in white clothes with thick glasses). Ranma managed to straightened himself and noticed Genma nodding his head.
"You did well boy. But not good enough, I can see you have been lax in your training and I can help you with that!"
Ranma was seething in anger, he knew this buffoon for quite some time now. He had been forcing himself unto him claiming he was his father. Apparently, her mother and both Tendo parents warned him not to trust anything the idiot was to say; after all he could be as delusional as that idiot Kuno. "Where Am I?" Ranma snarled at the fat man.
"That's no way to speak to your father!" Genma attempted to hit the boy on the head but his blow was deflected and instead found himself imbedded on the ground. 'Strange...my body hurts...'
"You aren't my father! Besides I know for one thing you kidnapped me! Now...where am I?" Ranma asked again over the prone form of Genma. Before he got any answer from the fat fool, the girl he had knocked out regained consciousness and suddenly glomped onto him.
"Wo da Airen!" said the young girl enthusiastically.
Ranma was about to say something when the girl gave him a kiss on the mouth. The boy with glasses was so furious that he removed his glasses and charged blindly at the boy...at the other side of the town...Ranma was in shock, he was holding his lips that the girl a few moments ago kissed. Then he noticed a certain something pogo her way towards him. "Hello there young one, from what I can tell you are Japanese are you not?"
Ranma nodded, "Umm...where am I? Judging from your question, I got a feeling this is not Japan anymore."
"You are in the Amazon village in China little one. And my name is Khu- lon."
"Mine is Yukashii Ranma."
"NO! Your name is Saotome!" Genma bellowed, earning a glare from both Ranma and Cologne.
Ranma then remembered his current status, "Could you get her off me please?" Ranma asked while blushing, 'Man the other girls are going to kill me when they find out.'
Cologne said something in Chinese and the girl released him reluctantly. "This is my great granddaughter, Xian-Pu. My village has the custom, if outsider male defeats a female Amazon in battle...the said Amazon must marry the outsider male."
Ranma froze at that, "M-marry? But I'm too young to marry! Besides I hardly count that as battle!"
Cologne nodded, "Yes it seems that way...but I believe that everything in life can be viewed as some form of battle and I regarding the wedding, I think my great granddaughter can wait." She then smiled at the young boy, "Unless of course you change your mind!"
"Ack!" Ranma was wildly flapping his hands, trying to figure out a way out of this predicament. 'Kasumi's gonna kill me...Nabiki's gonna kill me...Akane's gonna kill me...Natsume's gonna kill me...Kurumi's gonna kill me...Ukyou's gonna cook me...hell at least mom will be happy...but Uncle Tendo's gonna kill me...'
Genma paled at that, 'No way is the boy going to marry that weak girl! By means he should marry a rich, weak girl so that he can take care of his poor father!' Genma took the opportunity that Cologne was distracted by Ranma's antics and grabbed the boy running outside the village.
"AIREN!" Shampoo should as she ran after her would be husband's abductor. Cologne followed afterwards.
"Ouch! Watch it where you're grabbing old man!" Ranma retorted while still being carried by a running Genma.
"Be grateful boy! I just saved you from those Amazons! And this is the thanks I get?
"Save? You're the one who put me in that situation in the first place! First by kidnapping me from Uncle Soun then secondly by tossing me head first towards that purple haired girl!"
Genma ignored Ranma's argument, for one he was still trying to loose the purple haired girl giving chase. Not to mention the old woman who resembled his old master so much. 'Why am I plagued by such weak women?'
---
"Do you think we'll find Ranma father?" Kasumi asked hopefully, 'If that old man hurt Ranma in anyway...oh my!' Kasumi blushed as she tried to control her anger. She then noticed her sister Akane didn't even bothered controlling her temper as she pounded another bolder to bits with her mallet-sama. She then took in the scenery before her, several poles looming over some pools of water.
Their guide began, "Welcome honored guests to Cursed Springs, Jusekyou."
"Cursed?" Nabiki asked. "Why would Genma train in a cursed place?"
Sound shook her head, "I know Genma, Nabiki. For starters, he isn't really bright. Anything related to martial arts, he'll try regardless of consequences."
"So we wait for them here?" Natsume asked.
Soun was about to reply when a noise got all their attention. They turned to see Genma running away from something, because he wasn't looking ahead but kept looking back, while carrying a struggling Ranma. "RANMA!" Everyone yelled at the same time.
The shout caught Genma's ear as he turned to face Soun and the girls. "Uh- oh!" He managed to stop his momentum (considering his bulk) with the help of Soun and girls pulling him to a halt. "Soun old friend, what fancy meeting you here!"
Genma received glares from everyone but the Guide who sighed in relief that no one got dunk in the pools. Ranma was still struggling to free himself when Shampoo, who was unnoticed and at full momentum, collided with the group sending everyone towards the pool. "AIYAAA!!!"
"EEKKK!"
"WAHH!!"
Several scream where heard as well as several splashes of water.
The guide sighed, "Too good to be true that honored guests not fall in cursed spring." He looked on as an assortment of animals and a few 'modified' people came out of the pools. "Honored sir with glasses fall in Spring of Drown Panda, there very tragic story of panda who drowned there 2000 year ago, now who ever fall in spring take body of panda."
Genma was in shock, 'I can't be a panda! What of my dreams of freeloading, err taking care of my son's family?'
The guide gestured to the others, "Honored sir carried by man who turn panda now, fall in Spring of Drown Girl, there tragic story of young girl who drown in spring 1500 year ago now whoever fall in spring take body of young girl." The guide paused as he looked at Ranma touch her...his chest in utter shock, he shook his head and turned to the others "Honored paying customer, fall in Spring of Drown Monkey. Honored nice girl, fall in Spring of Drown Ashura, very bad. Honored mercenary girl, fall in Spring of Drown Wolf. Honored girl with big cooking utensil, fall in Spring of Drown Man. Honored girl with big appetite, fall in Spring of Drown Hawk. Honored girl with temper, fall in Spring of Drown Twins, must remember to bring extra clothes no? (One of the Akane twins was naked after all). Honored girl who is with honored guests but me don't know what to call, fall in Spring of Drown Tiger. And honored Amazon warrior, fall in Spring of Drown Cat. All very tragic story, now splash with cold water turn to cursed forms, but hot water change you back."
Ranma, after a few minutes spending in complete system shock, clenched her...his fist and glared at Genma, "THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT OLD MAN!"
The panda brought out a sign from who knows where, 'Weren't you prepared to give your life for the art?' It said but soon grew a large sweat drop as the collection of animals and people glared death at him and were clearly emitting battle auras. 'SAOTOME SECRET TECHNIQUE!' flip 'RUNAWAY!'
Genma-panda fled for his life as several martial artist turned animals and modified humans ran after him intent on having a panda-skin rag. And up on a cliff a certain lost boy was over looking the area, 'I know my house is here somewhere...'
"SHAMPOO! You came back for me!" A certain half-blind boy hugged himself onto the lost boy.
"HEY! Leggo your pervert!" With that the lost boy lost his footing and both boys fell into the springs below.
The guide approached the two, "Aw, to bad. Honored sir with glasses, fall in Spring of Drown Duck there very tragic tale of duck who drown in spring after escaping Chinese chef from turning him into pecking duck, now whoever falls in spring take body of would be pecking duck dinner." The guide then turned to the other boy, "Honored sir, fall in Spring of Drown Black Piglet. There tragic story of piglet who drown there many year ago escaping same Chinese chef who about turn him into sweet and sour pork. Now who ever fall in spring take body of piglet who would be sweet and sour pork." The guide then headed for his hut, "Better have cooking utensils ready."
"QUACK!"
"BWEE!!"
Both translated into, 'I ain't gonna be dinner!'
"Bwee Bubwee!!!"
It translates into 'Duck boy! This is all your fault!'
Both newly cursed boys leapt out of the pool, with the pig tailing the duck angrily.
---
Ranma, Soun, and the girls (in their normal uncursed form) were all gathered in one of the huts within the Amazon village along with the Cologne.
"So did your people managed to catch the old fart?" Ranma asked.
"Ranma! It's not polite to call that panda-man a fart. It's degrading farts everywhere." Kasumi admonished, earning stares from everyone. "Oh, my! Did I just say that?"
Cologne cleared her throat to gain their attention, "I'm very sorry to say that you people, including my great granddaughter fell into the cursed springs. And I'm afraid that there is no cure for the curse."
"Can't we just dunk in another pool? Like us girls in the Spring of Drown Girl?" Nabiki asked.
"It won't work. Curses are additive, and they do not cancel out one another. For you people except maybe Ranma and Ukyou, dunking in the appropriate pool will only solidify your gender and not cancel the curse. For those two, well they may take both aspects of the curse." Cologne explained.
Ranma and Ukyou shivered at the thought of having both genders at the same time.
Akane hug Ranma's right arm tighter, "You mean we're stuck with the curse for life?"
Cologne nodded, "The best we can do for you people is to adapt yourselves so that instead of the curse being a handicap, it can be made into an advantage."
Soun nodded, "Yes indeed, a true martial artist must make full use of what he or she has. But still..." Everyone looked at the Tendo patriarch. "I still want to skin Genma alive for what he did to us!"
Everyone nodded, "I call dibs!" Natsume said.
"Umm...Natsume-neechan, I think Ranma-kun deserves first crack...after all that bad old man kidnapped him." Kurumi voiced out.
Ranma shook his head, "So much I want first shot, and this is somewhat my fault. If I wasn't too careless that idiot would have not taken me in the first place."
Akane comforted Ranma a little, while Shampoo moved to Ranma's left and latched on him there.
Soun noticed this, "By the way, you mentioned your great granddaughter is now supposed to marry Ranma for defeating her in combat?"
Cologne nodded, "I'm sorry if this inconvenienced you. I've been trying to get the council to drop the laws of kiss of marriage and kiss of death, unfortunately some of our elders can be quite thick headed sometimes. Thankfully, nothing bad has happened because of it."
"Wo ai ni!" Shampoo exclaimed rubbing herself to Ranma, who was fidgeting because Akane was starting to emit a battle aura as she glared at the purple haired girl.
Soun sighed, "That complicates things more than it is. Genma, the one who you saw earlier, engaged Ranma to this girl Ukyou even though we have already a standing agreement that Ranma was to marry one of my daughters."
"He isn't very honorable is he? I see the reason why the boy doesn't respect nor like in anyway. And he is the reason why Shampoo here ended up being another probable love interest to Ranma." Cologne took a few minutes to ponder things. "Well we can adopt you people as honorary Amazons so we can forego the kiss of marriage. Or if Ranma so wishes he can marry Shampoo and become an Amazon male. Though Amazon males don't have any say in running the village, they are permitted to have more than one spouse, provided he can beat them in a marriage challenge."
"I don't know, perhaps. We can at least keep both options for a while. Besides I doubt Ranma would like to live here." Soun said.
"True. I guess he would still prefer to live in Japan." Cologne then turned to her great granddaughter and spoke in Chinese, "Xian-Pu dear, your chosen spouse has decided he will live in his home country instead of here. Do you wish to go with him or drop the claim of marriage instead going for their membership in the tribe?"
Shampoo thought for a minute, "Elder I want to go with my airen to Japan."
"Even if there is likelihood, that he may choose another girl to be his wife?"
Shampoo nodded, "Better there than stay here in the village with Mousse stalking me around wherever I go. Besides, I think I can be friends with them."
Cologne nodded with a smile, 'She has only been with these people a short time and already she is starting to have a better social outlook. I guess it is for the best. Besides should Ranma choose one of the other girls, she can adapt them all into the tribe and even start a Japanese Amazon community.' She then speaks to Shampoo in fluent Japanese, "Very well then Shampoo, if you are to go with them, you must learn to speak there language fluently. Lack of knowledge results in miscommunication and may eventually lead to disaster."
Shampoo nodded, "Shampoo understand. Shampoo learn speak Japanese."
Cologne turned to Soun, "Well I guess I'll leave my great granddaughter to your care then. I'll be visiting her from time to time. May I acquire your residence address?"
Soun nodded and wrote the Tendo address on a piece of paper, "I promise to take care of your great granddaughter as if she was my own daughter, on my honor."
Cologne nodded, "Shampoo you should start packing now if you are to go with them. I'll handle Mousse."
Shampoo detached herself from Ranma and ran towards her hut to get her things. The other girls just sighed, 'Great another girl after my Ranma!'
"By the way..." Cologne started, "The young girl attached to Ranma may want to change to her cursed self."
"What for?" asked a puzzled Akane.
"For one thing child, the curse of Jusenkyou will turn you people into cold water magnets. You'll get splashed more often than not. And I doubt you'll want to be naked in public do you?"
Akane shivered at though of being naked out in public. She still hasn't gotten used to the idea that her twin is just herself in another body, that when they recombine they're still the same person with both memories and experiences. 'This may take getting used too. At least it doubles my chances at Ranma.' She smiled at that thought as she picked up a change of clothes and proceeded to the bath to douse herself with cold water.
"What about us?" Nabiki asked.
"Yours will be harder to handle. I doubt the customs may allow wild animals into Japan." Cologne chuckled.
"Hey!" shouted several girls.
"Anyway, I might suggest you take a plane back to Japan. Taking a boat may attract water much more at least the chances in the plane are minimal. As for the fare, we'll handle it."
Nabiki nodded in appreciation. "Thanks elder."
"What about Genma?" Soun asked Cologne.
"We'll send word once we found and catch him. After all you said he can break free easily from your jail. We on the other hand will prove much harder." Cologne grinned.
"Mom ain't gonna like this." Ranma grumbled.
"I think she'll like Shampoo Ranma-kun." Kasumi said cheerfully.
"Not Shampoo Kasumi...our curse." Ranma replied.
"At least you turn into a human Ranma; we on the other hand turn into animals." Natsume said sadly.
"Yeah...guess your right. Apparently Ucchan and I will start dressing more unisex clothes to accommodate our curses."
Soun nodded, "Well I guess we should be carrying umbrellas wherever we go. We'll leave as soon as Shampoo is ready."
---
"BWEE!"
"QUACK!"
A duck and piglet came barreling through the forest, with fear in their eyes. Right behind them, a panda holding a fork and knife chased them tirelessly.
--- A few days later ---
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN OUR CHILDREN ARE CURSED?"
Soun cringed before the burning glares of the two mothers.
"It isn't his fault mom, Auntie Kimiko, if I had been more careful that old man would have never have kidnapped me." Ranma in his cursed form said regrettably.
Nodoka and Kimiko slowly took calming breaths. It was indeed pointless to get angry now. And it is useless to lay blame on people who are not at fault.
"When I see Genma I'll skin him alive!" Nodoka said with a voice filled with the vigor of vengeance.
"He turns into a panda now, Auntie Nodoka." Kurumi said.
Kimiko laughed, "Well I had always wanted a panda rag. Just this once, I'll overlook the fact that pandas are endangered species." No one missed the evil gleam in Kimiko's eyes.
Soun relaxed now with relief, at least he is now out of the fire. "By the way, let me introduce you to Shampoo." He gestures to the purple-haired girl.
--- 4 years after the events of Jusenkyou ---
Nodoka was setting the table for dinner when Kimiko stepped from the kitchen carrying the rice.
"The nice young doctor seems to have a crush on your little Kasumi, Kimi- chan. I haven't seen anyone that love struck before." Nodoka giggled as she remembers the said doctor dancing in the streets with his skeleton Betty.
Kimiko shared the giggle as she lay down the rice. "It seems that way. When I ask Kasumi what she felt for the doctor, all she said he was just a funny friend."
"It seems like Kasumi hasn't given up on Ranma yet."
Kimiko nodded, "Your son is quite the lady's man isn't he No-chan?"
"Why yes he is, especially when he is a lady half the time." Both women giggled at that little joke.
Nodoka then continued, "Aside from being a man amongst men, my son turned daughter part-time is also a woman amongst women."
Kimiko nodded, "Ranma sure is. Just as he can turn heads when is a boy, he can just as well turn heads when is a girl."
Nodoka sighed, "Yes, and now that delusional kendoist now pursues Ranma's girl half. He can't even tell that the male Ranma and girl Ranma is the same person."
"Yes, their entire family needs psychiatric help."
"So how are the young ones today?" asked Cologne as she entered the dining room. She had been visiting for the last four years, seeing how her great grandchild is doing and from time to time, teaches Ranma and the girls several Amazon techniques.
"Good afternoon Cologne. Well as you can see, they're energetic as usual." Nodoka pointed out towards the yard. Cologne's gaze followed where Nodoka pointed
Soun (uncursed form) was watching off to the side while, Ranma-chan and Ukyou-kun were sparring near the koi pond. The Akanes were off to the other side, Kasumi in her cursed form was meditating/floating above the koi pond. A wolf and a tiger were engage in primal combat, while a hawk was trying to catch the cat in the tree.
"Dinner is ready everyone." Kimiko called out. And immediately, all activity in the yard ceased.
Everybody reverted back to normal form by the warm water provided by Soun.
Cologne gave the teenagers an approving look. "I take it to account that you all now have mastered your ki-blasts appropriately?"
Everyone nodded, and then Ranma spoke up. "We did grandmother, and we each use different emotions to power them."
Cologne nodded; it was true that each individual favor a certain emotion. 'I wonder what emotions that the young ones' uses. The original was that of depression but I can hardly imagine them using such a negative emotion...much less master it. I haven't heard of anyone mastering the original Shishi Hokoudan as most commit suicide after mastering it.'
Before anyone Cologne could ask for specifics on their emotion for their ki- blast, Genma appeared nowhere carrying some kind of magical artifact in the shape of a basketball. "With this artifact the boy will finally recognize me as his father!" He bellowed out as he pointed it towards Ranma. "At last my dreams will be realized..."
The girls formed a protective ring around Ranma, who was slightly irritated that he needs to be protected...he can after all pound the idiot himself.
Cologne was about to beat the crap of the idiot, when a bright light emitted from the artifact. The light blinded everyone with its sheer brightness. When the light faded, Ranma, Kasumi, Nabiki, Akane, Natsume, Kurumi, Ukyou and Shampoo all disappeared.
Soun, Nodoka, Kimiko, and Cologne all turned their heads towards Genma with a glare. Nodoka spoke for them, "Alright Genma, what did you do this time?"
"Ah...err..."
"Let me guess..." Cologne said, "You have no slightest idea what that artifact can do?"
Genma nodded. "I...ah...forgot to ask the person I stole...err...borrowed it from what it actually does..."
"DIE!" shouted Nodoka, Kimiko, and Soun as they launch to attack Genma, who did not escape fast enough.
Cologne looked the artifact closely, 'Hmm...the archaic symbols read, Time and Space Displacement Orb.' She sighed, 'Wonder when and where they'll appear now.' She looked at the human pretzel once known as Genma, and decided to finally give a much due punishment for the greedy idiot. 'I hope Ranma and the other young ones will be alright. I doubt we will see them again in this lifetime...unless they find a way back'
End Prologue
AN 1.1:
Revised some parts and added new bits into the story.
AN 1.0:
Yukashii means elegant or refined, therefore Yukashii Ranma would mean Elegant War Horse or Refined War Horse. After all Ranma grew-up with his mom and the Tendos.
Imouto means little sister
Oneechan means older sister
Oh, yeah I'm planning this to be indeed a cross with vandread, starting of at the second stage.