Dragonball is the property of Akira Toriyama and Funimation.
by Joe Fenton
Chapter 2: The Games We Play
Nabiki woke to what sounded like thunder. A quick glance out the window revealed nothing but clear skies. She settled back in bed only to be disturbed by another thunderous rumble. She sighed and got up as she knew she'd never get back to sleep now. She gathered her bath supplies so she could have a quick scrub before breakfast.
Downstairs, she started toward the bath, then stopped as she noticed Kasumi seated on the porch and her father standing next to her. Nabiki moved over to the sliding doors and looked out into the yard, curious about what they were watching.
Outside, Genma seemed to be performing some odd kata. Two things struck Nabiki - first was the speed at which he was moving, at times becoming a blur too fast to be seen clearly. Nabiki had never seen that speed out of the elder Saotome in the two weeks he had been staying with them. Second, the kata was strange and unfamiliar. Having watched Akane practice the Tendo school of Unrestricted Grappling, she felt that the Saotome school should be relatively similar. What she saw bore no resemblance to anything she'd seen her little sister perform.
She sat next to Kasumi, still holding a rinse bucket with her bath supplies. "That's an unusual kata Uncle Genma's doing."
"He's not performing a kata, he's fighting Ranma."
Now Nabiki never considered herself a morning person, but there was no way she could have missed seeing Ranma had he been present. She frowned and squinted in the bright morning sunlight. After a minute, she swore something was right on the edge of her perception. Something about the strange motions Mr. Saotome was making - something almost glimpsed.
Mr. Saotome crossed his arms in front of him in a block as another thundering shock wave shook the house, blowing back Kasumi's and Nabiki's hair. For just a split second, Nabiki could almost swear she made out a figure in the air at the tail end of an ax kick. The blow sent Mr. Saotome sliding backwards almost to the wall surrounding the property, his feet carving deep ruts in the dirt.
"No way."
Genma frowned. "Careful, Ranma. We are trying to avoid any damages."
Ranma blinked into view, hovering in the middle of the yard. "Sorry, Pop. It's just a little hard to hold back that much."
Nabiki sat in shock. "No way!" This was well beyond anything she'd ever seen. As fast as Mr. Saotome had been moving, his son had been that much faster. Ranma blinked out of sight as Genma leapt back into the middle of the yard, resuming their fight.
Nabiki glanced at her father, watching as he glanced back and forth, sometimes at odds to where Mr. Saotome was currently. Another glance at Kasumi showed her mimicking his moves.
"How can you see what's going on?"
Her father kept watching the nearly invisible fight. "It's more about feeling the power being expended than actually seeing what's happening. Your eyes aren't really fast enough for that."
Kasumi nodded. "It's like feeling a bonfire, or looking at the sun with your eyes closed."
Soun smiled. "Yes, exactly."
Nabiki sighed and stood up. "I'm going to take a bath." She grinned. "If Ranma finishes early, tell him he's welcome to join me."
Kasumi flushed. "Nabiki!"
Nabiki chuckled as she headed back to the bath.
Kasumi stood and sighed too. "Well, I need to get back to working on breakfast. They're bound to be hungry after their fight." She headed for the kitchen, leaving Soun to watch the pair.
A little later, the Saotomes finished their spar. They were conversing with Soun as Akane came jogging through the front gate. She kicked off her jogging shoes and went upstairs for her bath supplies. She stopped downstairs at the kitchen.
"Hey Kasumi! I'm back." She glanced around. "Where's him? I want to take a bath."
Kasumi could hear the emphasis on the word. "Ranma and his father are outside talking with Daddy after the sparring match they had. Nabiki's in the bath right now."
Akane headed back to the bath. She left her clothes in the hamper and entered the inner bath. Inside, Nabiki was lounging in the furo. She glanced up as Akane entered.
"Damn! I was hoping you were Ranma."
Akane frowned. "What?"
Nabiki laughed. "Just kidding!" She leaned on her elbows on the edge of the furo. "You really missed something this morning. Ranma and his dad were really going at it."
Akane sniffed as she scrubbed down. "It couldn't have been that much. They weren't fighting when I left, and were done before I got back." She rinsed off. "Doesn't sound like they have much stamina."
Nabiki grinned at her. "More than you have."
Akane just growled.
In the kitchen, Ranma stopped for a sports drink, needing it after the sparring match. He tossed one to Genma as he passed.
Kasumi paused in her cooking. "Ah, Ranma. Nabiki and Akane are in the bath right now. While Nabiki said she didn't mind you sharing the bath, I rather doubt Akane shares her sentiment."
Ranma choked and sprayed a mouthful of his drink onto Genma, who promptly changed into a panda.
"Sorry, Pop." He gave Kasumi a nervous laugh. "Thanks for the warning, Kasumi. I think I'll wait."
Genma held up a sign. 'Can I get some hot water?'
Kasumi passed him the kettle.
"Thank you, Kasumi." He handed the kettle back, then drained half the sports drink. He nodded at Ranma. "I don't think you'll have any trouble at the budokai."
"What's that?" Nabiki entered the kitchen, dressed for school.
Ranma turned to address her. "The 25th World Martial Arts Tournament. Some of my friends plan to enter, so I'm going to as well. A rival of mine should also be there."
"And don't forget about the prize money!" Genma had a greedy look on his face Nabiki had come to recognize.
"So you were practicing for the tournament." She certainly felt after this morning's fight that Ranma would probably do well.
Ranma nodded. "Actually, I had Pop holding back to simulate a lesser opponent."
Nabiki tried to figure that one out. "Huh?"
Ranma laughed. "Well, I don't want to get disqualified for going too hard on my opponent if he's not on the same level. There's a big difference between most martial artists and the level me and my friends fight at."
Nabiki nodded, finally seeing the connection. "I've noticed." She eyed Genma. "So he was holding back some?" It was hard to imagine.
Ranma nodded again. "Don't let his size fool you, he's actually much faster and still has some tricks I haven't been able to beat out of him."
Genma frowned. "Show some respect for your elders, Boy!"
Ranma gave him a raspberry. "Make me." He turned to Nabiki. "Is Akane out of the bath?"
Nabiki bit back the urge to say yes. Ranma probably wouldn't appreciate that so soon after the last incident. "I'm not sure. After the other day, you'd best wait until you see her not in the bath before taking your own."
Ranma grimaced. "Yeah. Good idea."
"What's a good idea?" Akane entered the kitchen to find out what everyone was talking about. She was dressed for school as well.
"Nothing." Ranma laughed nervously, pretty sure that any discussion involving Akane and the bath would probably end badly. "I'm going to go clean up for breakfast." Ranma left quickly.
Akane frowned, still angry about yesterday's incident. "What's everyone talking about?"
Soun entered the kitchen as well. "I imagine they were discussing the upcoming budokai. Ranma is going to enter."
Akane brightened. "Can I enter too?"
Soun frowned. "My little girl? Fight those brutes?" He grabbed Akane in a strangling hug and started to cry as the girl struggled to get free. "What would your poor mother say if I let her little baby get hurt in a fight?"
Akane finally managed to work herself free, falling on her rear as she popped free from Soun's arms. She growled. "Daddy! I'm not a little kid! I'm a martial artist too! I've been in plenty of matches before."
Mr. Saotome shook his head. "Not like this one. This is a world-class event. You'd be facing people like Ranma."
Akane's battle aura flashed into being as she was reminded of her current nemesis. She shot to her feet. "I can take that pervert any time!"
The others just stared at her.
"What?" She glanced around, taking in the disbelieving stares. Even Kasumi was looking at her like she'd lost her mind. "I can, and I will! Just let me enter the tournament and I'll prove who's best!"
Nabiki rolled her eyes, then addressed her father. "Let her enter. If she can qualify, she should be allowed to try." She shrugged. "Besides, it's not too dangerous. You're disqualified if you kill your opponent, so the odds are slim that she'll die - just get horribly maimed."
Akane had been nodding, then the last part registered. "Hey!" She whirled to face her smirking sister.
Kasumi frowned. "That's enough!" The outburst startled everyone present. "I need to get breakfast served, so take it out of the kitchen." She made shooing gestures. "So, get out!"
Ranma found everyone settled around the table, glaring at each other. "Okay... what'd I miss?"
Kasumi smiled as she appeared behind him. "Nothing much. Please, have a seat. Breakfast is ready."
Ranma settled next to his father as Kasumi started serving breakfast.
Nabiki noticed he was dressed normally. "Not to pry or anything, but are you attending school?"
Ranma shook his head. "When I was training in the Room of Space and Time, I finished all my high school studies. There really isn't much to do if you aren't training. There's no TV, no newspapers or magazines - so I brought all my school books with me."
Nabiki thought about it. "If you haven't done so already, I'm sure I can set you up for the equivalency tests. After that, you might think about going to college."
Ranma nodded as he ate his rice. "It's one of the reasons I'm entering the tournament. If I can place at least fifth, it would really help pay the bills."
Akane smirked. "So the great Ranma Saotome isn't even sure about making the semi-finals?"
Ranma shook his head. "If I get a bad draw, I could face someone better right off the bat."
Soun nodded. "As long as he fights well, it'll be good advertising for the school, but he wouldn't get any prize money."
Akane thought about it. "I suppose you're right. You could draw Mr. Satan as your first match." She was surprised as most of those seated at the table choked on their breakfast as they fought to keep from laughing.
Ranma fought to control his scorn for the man. "Uh - yeah. Something like that."
Genma frowned. "Are the people entering really that strong?"
Ranma nodded. "Gohan came to Kami's Lookout to tell Piccolo that he and some of the others were going to enter." He ticked off the names on his fingers. "I know that Gohan, his father Goku, Vegeta, Krillin, his wife Eighteen, and Videl are going to enter."
Akane didn't recognize any of the names beyond the last three. Krillin and Eighteen were in his story the other day, but the last one she knew well.
"Videl? Mr. Satan's daughter? She'll be in it too?"
Ranma nodded. "Yeah. She's been training with Gohan from what I picked up."
"Wow..." Akane settled back, daydreaming of her and Videl fighting in the finals to determine the best in the world.
Ranma was puzzled, but decided it was best not to ask what the girl was thinking. He returned to the original topic. "I know for a fact that Gohan, Goku, and Vegeta are all stronger than Eighteen, and she can kick my butt pretty handily." He frowned. "I'm not sure exactly how strong Piccolo is, but I know he's pretty close to her level."
The two fathers exchanged a look.
Mr. Tendo sighed. "Well, just do your best and hope for a good draw."
Genma thought of something. "You said a rival would probably be there - which one would that be?" He tried to remember any of Ranma rivals who might be good enough to enter.
"That would be Ryoga." He noticed the blank look on his father's face. "Yeah, I didn't remember him either - until Kami pointed him out to me." He looked embarrassed. "It's another long story - but not as long as the last one."
Nabiki couldn't curb her curiosity. Ranma had such great stories. "Well, don't keep us in suspense."
"It was in my last year of junior high - lunch time was a real battle as everyone fought over the last of the bread. Naturally, I managed to snag the last piece every time."
Akane snorted. "Naturally."
"One of the boys there was a martial artist as well. He didn't take too well to my getting the last piece every day, so one day he finally challenged me."
Nabiki and Kasumi were intrigued, while Akane rolled her eyes.
Kasumi prompted him to continue. "So what happened?"
Ranma sighed. "The problem was, he has this really bad sense of direction. The fight was to be in the lot behind his house, but he never made it."
Genma suddenly remembered the incident. "That's why you wanted to stay in that lot!"
Ranma nodded. "After three days, we finally gave up and left for China." Ranma laughed nervously. "Well, it seems he turned up the day after we left."
Nabiki thought about it. "Let me guess - he got angry that you weren't there and swore revenge."
"Something like that." Ranma rubbed the back of his head. "He followed us to China."
Nabiki suddenly pointed. "Don't tell me he -"
Ranma interrupted. "Yep."
Akane frowned. "Some of us aren't mind readers, so it would be better if you just told us what happened."
Ranma rolled his eyes. "He got cursed, the same as me and Pop." He sighed. "It was partly my fault. I was chasing Pop around so I could strangle him after we got cursed. I wasn't paying any attention to what I was doing and knocked him into a pool."
Akane looked non-plussed. "You really make people happy wherever you go, don't you?"
Nabiki elbowed her in the side, then addressed the younger Saotome. "So what does he turn into?"
Ranma thought a moment. "Uh - I don't think I should say. It doesn't matter to the story in any case." He resumed the story. "When I was done training at Kami's lookout, Kami pointed out Ryoga to me, then reminded me of my responsibility in the matter. So I went down and rescued Ryoga before he could get eaten -" He broke off. "Uh, forget that last part."
He sighed. "Anyhow, I brought Ryoga up to Kami's Lookout, explained to him how the Room of Time and Space worked, and showed him how I controlled my curse. Then I let him know that I would be fighting in the budokai and he could settle our grievances by entering as well."
He resumed eating breakfast as the others thought about it.
Nabiki was the first to remember something from the previous day. "What about that girl you beat? Shampoo?"
Ranma blinked. "Uh - last I knew, she was climbing Korin's Tower. I'm sure her great-grandmother is taking care of her."
Akane smiled. "Isn't she supposed to give you the kiss of marriage since you beat her?"
Ranma squirmed nervously. "Well, she hasn't managed to yet, so as long as I avoid her, that shouldn't be a problem."
Nabiki made the connection. "And if she shows up at the tournament?"
Ranma looked blank. "Uh -"
Akane laughed. "Knowing your luck, you'll have to fight her in the first round." She smirked. "So what is the great Ranma Saotome going to do? Beat her and have to marry her, or lose and be out of the tournament?"
Ranma went completely white.
Genma frowned. "Let's not assume too much here. She might not even come. She might not qualify. She might have to fight someone else."
Soun nodded. "We should just wait and see what happens." He frowned. "Besides, Ranma is to marry one of you girls, not some girl from China, no matter what their barbarian laws dictate."
Akane looked like she was going to say more, but was interrupted by Nabiki.
"Would you look at the time... we have to run or we'll be late to school!" She grabbed her school bag. "Bye everyone!" She leaned over and whispered into Ranma's ear. "I'll see you in a few hours, Ranma."
Ranma gave the girl a puzzled look as she left the house, closely followed by her sister. "Now what was that supposed to mean?"
A few hours later, he was to figure that out.
Kasumi handed him a bento. "Nabiki forgot her lunch this morning. Could you take it over to Furinkan High? I've got to go shopping for dinner."
Ranma sighed. "So that was her plan." He smiled at Kasumi. "Of course. No problem." He took the boxed lunch, stepped outside, and took off into the sky.
Kasumi watched him fly off with a slight smile, then shook her head. "I've got to get going myself." She grabbed her canvas bag and left for the market.
Ranma circled above the town. "School, school, where the heck is the school..." He really should have asked for directions. He spotted an athletic field next to some buildings and dropped down out of the sky. His descent interrupted a group of girls playing baseball.
Ranma was getting a strange feeling as they all stared. "Uh - this wouldn't happen to be Furinkan High, would it?" A quick glance around showed no boys around at all.
One of the girls shook her head, the single pony tail off the side of her head swishing back and forth. "Why would you wish to go there in any case? I think you'll find things far more - accommodating - here at Saint Hebereke."
Ranma was definitely getting nervous as more of the girls got that look in their eyes.
A bit later Ranma landed just slightly away from Furinkan High School. He checked the sign by the gates, then hopped over the wall.
"Ranma!"
He noticed Nabiki waving from a second floor window. After a quick check around, he hopped up to the sill. He handed her the bento.
"Thank you, Ranma! That was soooo sweet of you to bring me my lunch." She smiled at the young man.
Some of girls in the class stared. Nabiki? Flirting with a guy? A few felt it appropriate to faint in shock.
Ranma frowned. "You forgot it on purpose, didn't you?"
Nabiki affected an innocent look. "Who, me?"
Ranma sighed. "At least I got the school right this time."
Nabiki frowned. "What do you mean?"
Ranma looked a little nervous. "You - uh - know the girl's school a few miles that way?" He hooked a thumb over his shoulder. "I might have gone there first."
"Don't tell me stopped by Saint Hebereke? Those girls are the most boy-starved pack of -" She stopped as she noticed the disarray of his clothes. "I see - you already found that out."
Ranma laughed self-consciously. "I've never been happier I wear weighted clothes."
Nabiki stared, then burst into laughter. This caused the remaining students in the class to keel over unconscious.
Nabiki shook her head in mirth. "Ranma, Ranma, Ranma. Only you could make taking someone their lunch into an adventure."
The door slid open sharply and a tall young man wearing hakama pants entered, a bokken held at ready.
Nabiki frowned. "What are you doing here, Kuno. Shouldn't you be tormenting my sister?"
The young man frowned as well. "Whilst wooing the fair Akane, I did happen to hear your evil cackling and came forthwith to thwart your vile machinations." He glanced around at the unconscious students. "I perceive my fears were justified."
Ranma joined in the group frown. "Well, he has a decent vocabulary, but no points for style."
Kuno turned his attention to the young man in the window. "You are not a student in our fine institution. Identify yourself or face my blade!"
Ranma started to introduce himself. "I'm Ranma -"
Kuno interrupted. "Ah, but should not your betters precede you?" He pointed the wooden sword at Ranma. "Very well! Know that I am Tatewaki Kuno, sophomore, captain of the kendo club, also known far and wide as the Blue Thunder!"
Ranma looked non-plussed. "Is it my turn now, or do you wish to bore us with more minutiae of your incredible high school existence?"
The young man looked annoyed. "You mock the mighty Blue Thunder of Furinkan High?" He moved into a offensive stance, holding the bokken in both hands. "I shall teach you to mind your betters, cur!"
Ranma snorted. The boy couldn't even put bruise on him if he held still. However, there was Nabiki to consider. He hooked a thumb over his shoulder, out the open window he was perched in. "Let's take it outside." He flipped backwards off the window sill.
Kuno rushed past Nabiki. "I accept your challenge!" He leapt through the window as well - and promptly fell two stories to the ground below.
Ranma winced as the boy plowed head-first into the ground. He shook his head. "What was he thinking? Jumping from the second floor when he doesn't know how to fall, much less fly."
Nabiki smiled at the young man hovering just outside the window. "Not everyone knows how to fly."
Ranma laughed. "Imagine that!" He sobered up. "Think he's okay?"
Nabiki looked out the window. "Should be fine - he landed on his head."
"Well, I guess I'll be going then." He waved, then shot off into the sky.
Nabiki pouted. "You could have stayed for lunch." She sighed as she prepared to eat one of Kasumi's fabulous lunches.
Outside, Akane frowned as she noticed Kuno out cold. She flipped him over with a foot, then gave a startled cry as his eyes snapped open.
Kuno jumped to his feet and started thrashing about with his bokken. "Have at you, varlet!" He noticed his opponent was not present. He shook a fist at the sky. "You dare to run off? Coward! You are no man!"
Akane sighed. "You have no idea how right you are."
Kuno finally noticed her. "Akane! You have finally decided to admit your feelings and shower me with your love!" He moved to embrace her.
Akane held him off with a foot to the face.
Kuno rubbed his nose. "Dost thou know the vile knave who was speaking with your wretched sibling?"
Akane started to smile, then put on a long face. "It's horrible! He's trying to persuade my father to force me to marry him! He's a pervert who lusts after innocent young girls like myself. He - he tried to force himself on me in the bath yesterday!"
Akane could almost see the volcano go off in Kuno's head as rage overcame him.
Kuno dashed off. "He will die! I will make him suffer most grievously whilst he begs for mercy!"
Akane snickered at her subterfuge. "Well, Nabiki. It seems you aren't the only Tendo who can manipulate people."
Ranma sat in a lotus position next to the koi pond in the Tendo compound. He was still working on his stationary soft qigong training. The pointers he'd gotten from Piccolo, who used this method extensively, had helped him tremendously. Hard training would destroy the compound without nearly as much benefit. There was a knock on the gate. Ranma sighed, then hopped to his feet.
As he opened the gate, a bokken blurred at him.
"DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!" Kuno punctuated each strike with a loud yell.
Ranma easily dodged each thrust. "Is there a problem? Kuno, wasn't it?"
"Prepare yourself for the wrath of heaven! The Magnificent Scion of the Kuno family has come to slay the enemy of all women!" He followed Ranma around the compound as Ranma yawned.
"Well, let me know when he arrives." Ranma smirked as Kuno screamed incoherently and started slashing with abandon. Ranma led the young man in a gradually tightening spiral.
"Ranma! Who is your guest?"
Ranma glanced over to see Kasumi carrying some groceries. He ignored Kuno as he tightened the spiral a little more. "I think he's one of Nabiki classmates. I'll be in to help in a moment. I just have to send Kuno here back to school."
Kasumi nodded and entered the house.
Ranma glanced back at his opponent. "Well, you weren't much, but I do appreciate the opportunity to practice a special move." He punched upward. "Hiryu - Shoten - HA!"
A whirlwind sprang up, catching Kuno in it's winds. The young man was thrown high up into the sky. Ranma shaded his eyes with a hand, watching the fool as he was thrown back in the direction of Furinkan.
"I see you learned your lessons well."
Ranma spun to find the Elder of the Joketsuzoku behind him.
"While I didn't expect to find you showing off secret techniques, you showed fine control - using the winds to send your opponent where you wished."
Ranma laughed nervously. "Sorry about that. It was just the perfect chance to try that for real." He glanced around. "Uh - you didn't happen to bring - her along, did you?"
Cologne cackled, sending shivers up Ranma's spine. "Now if I told you that, I wouldn't have the pleasure of watching you jump at every shadow."
Ranma hooked a thumb at the house. "I gotta help Kasumi with the - stuff. Maybe you'd like to come by later?"
Cologne grinned. "Or maybe you might invite a poor old woman inside?"
Ranma just sighed. He moved over to the porch and called through the sliding doors. "Kasumi?"
The young woman appeared. "Yes, Ranma? Oh!" She started at the appearance of the old woman next to Ranma. At least, she assumed it was a woman.
Ranma gestured at the diminutive figure. "This is Cologne, Elder of the Joketsuzoku. I told you about her yesterday?"
Kasumi bowed. "It is an honor to meet you. I am Kasumi Tendo. Please, come in and have some tea."
Cologne smacked Ranma on the head with her staff as she hopped past.
"Ow! What'd you do that for, old hag!"
Cologne sighed. "At least she has some manners."
Ranma followed the pair inside.
Kasumi poured some tea and waited until Cologne took a sip and nodded.
"So, Elder Cologne. Why is it you are here?"
Cologne smiled at the young lady. At least, Kasumi assumed it was a smile.
"I'm just checking on my prize student." She turned to Ranma. "I understand you're going to enter the World Martial Arts Tournament."
Ranma nodded. "Yeah. We figure it can stir up some interest in the family school."
Cologne smiled. "So you're going to show more secret techniques on a world-wide broadcast."
Ranma fell face first into the table. "No!" He shook his head and calmed down. "Like I said, it's to bring some attention to the family school, so I'll just be using the Saotome school."
Cologne enjoyed his squirming for a moment. "Relax, Ranma. I'm just checking out the tournament to see if there are any other potential members for the tribe."
Kasumi hesitated, then asked. "What about Ranma and your great-granddaughter?"
Cologne thought about letting them suffer, then relented. "Shampoo did not give Ranma the kiss of marriage before he became an honorary member of the tribe. Now that he is a member, she would have to issue an official challenge for marriage, which you are free to decline." It spoiled any more potential fun on that issue, but she was sure something even more fun would present itself shortly. Ranma seemed to have a knack for that.
Cologne was quick to notice that Kasumi breathed as big a sigh of relief as Ranma. This looked to be an interesting visit. She turned back to Ranma. "Go finish your soft training. I wish to speak with Kasumi." It wasn't a request.
Ranma nodded gratefully and fled back outside to train. He hardly noticed the passage of time until Nabiki roused him from his meditation.
"Hey, Ranma." She was still wearing her school uniform and holding her book bag. "When did Kuno learn to fly?"
Ranma started. "What?"
Nabiki frowned. "Well, he came flying down at the end of lunch. He really needs to work on his landings though. If he hadn't hit the pool, he might have broke something."
Ranma sweated. "Well, everybody is doing it these days."
She gave him a skeptical look, then glanced toward the house. "So, who's the old mummy talking with Kasumi?"
Ranma shushed her. "That's Elder Cologne - from my story yesterday - and don't let her hear you refer to her that way if you don't want a headache."
Nabiki frowned. "She here to make sure her great-granddaughter's fiance is keeping his nose clean?"
Ranma gave a sigh of relief. "No. In fact, it seems I'm in the clear on that one. Shampoo didn't give me the kiss before I got accepted into the tribe, and now she has to give a formal challenge which I can decline."
Nabiki looked happy. "Really? Great!" She practically skipped into the house.
Ranma stared after the girl, not quite sure how to take that. He sighed and followed her.
Inside, Kasumi was drinking tea with Cologne. Akane was out cold on the floor next to the table.
Ranma glanced down at the unconscious girl. "Do I want to know what happened?"
Cologne frowned. "Student, you are no longer the most rude and obnoxious person I've ever met."
Ranma clapped his hands together and bowed his head. "Thank you, Kami-sama!"
Cologne smiled. "I don't think Dende had anything to do with that."
Nabiki caught the tail end of the conversation. "Who?"
Cologne gave Nabiki the once over. "Dende is the current Kami of Earth."
Ranma nodded. "Cologne spent some time talking with him while I was training with Eighteen and her family." He looked thoughtful. "I might be rude, but it really didn't feel right to use his name like that."
Nabiki smiled. "So you just use his title in a familiar manner."
Ranma shrugged. "It seemed appropriate."
Cologne set her tea cup down. "So, my student, have you contacted your mother yet?"
Ranma punched himself in the side of the head. "Ahhhh! I knew there was something I was forgetting!" He turned to Nabiki. "Can I borrow your phone?"
Nabiki nodded and led him to it. A few minutes later, he was back at the table, smiling.
Nabiki noticed the smile. "I take it you managed to get a hold of her?"
Ranma nodded. "She's actually on her way over. I was barely able to get a word in before she told me to stay put, that she'd be right over." After so many years, he was looking forward to seeing her.
Genma popped up behind him, pack in hand. "Quick, Boy! We have to go!" He strained vainly to budge Ranma from the table.
Ranma frowned at his father. "I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here and meeting my mother. After all, I haven't seen her since I was six."
Genma looked greatly disturbed. "You don't understand! If she finds out about your curse, she'll have our heads!"
Ranma waved him off. "I've had a chance to think about it since I heard about the contract from Kami. I think it was just an attempt to try to limit your stupidity during training - not that it had a chance of succeeding with you."
Genma yanked on one of Ranma's arms. "No! You don't understand! You're going to get us both killed!"
Nabiki frowned. Genma was truly afraid of his wife. "Ranma? Did Kami-sama tell you that?"
Ranma shook his head. "When I learned I still had a mother, I pestered him for a few hours, but he refused to tell me more about her." He was still puzzled about that. Kami had just shook his head and mumbled something about not being boring.
Cologne cleared her throat. "It is clear Ranma takes after his mother, so I do not think we need worry about the coming reunion."
Genma redoubled his efforts, doing everything from belittling to outright threats in an attempt to make Ranma leave with him. After almost half an hour of ranting, there was a knock at the door. Genma froze, then shouldered his pack.
"I tried to warn you. I'll be back when she leaves." He dashed out the sliding doors to the yard and leapt the boundary wall.
Ranma abruptly found himself smothered in a back-breaking hug from a woman in a formal kimono and her hair done up in a bun.
"My son! It's been so many years, and now you're finally home!" The lady shoved Ranma out to arms length and gave him a long stare. "You look a little old to be my Ranma. He'd be about sixteen by now."
Kasumi explained. "He spent some time training in a magic room, so he's a few years older than he should be."
Ranma found himself back in the strangling hug again. "WAAAAHHHHHH! I've lost even more time with my son! I've missed his whole childhood!"
Nabiki gave them a sly look. "Don't look at it like that - look at as getting to be a grandmother a few years earlier, thus having more time to spend spoiling your grandchildren rotten."
Ranma's mother redoubled her hugging and crying. "I'm going to be a grandmother!"
Kasumi frowned at her sister. "That wasn't very nice."
Nabiki laughed. "He's a big boy. He can take it." She suddenly found herself the object of the woman's attention.
"So which of you is bearing my grandchild?"
Nabiki's jaw dropped.
Kasumi smirked, just a little. "We haven't yet decided who wishes to marry whom." She found herself scrutinized closely.
The woman backed off a little and nodded. "I will help my son. We'll have one of you married in no time!"
"Nodoka?"
The woman turned at hearing her name. "Soun? It's been too long." She frowned. "Where's that husband of mine?"
Everyone glanced at each other for a moment before Ranma finally spoke.
"He - uh - went to train." He laughed a little as he rubbed the back of his head.
Nodoka shook her head. She noticed the old woman sitting at the table, still sipping her tea. "I'm sorry, we haven't been introduced. I'm Nodoka Saotome, Ranma's mother." She glanced over at Soun. "I wasn't aware that Soun had remarried."
Everyone else but Cologne, who was already seated, fell over in shock. Cologne cackled merrily.
"I'm sorry, my dear. I'm Ranma's teacher in ancient Chinese martial arts. But I do thank you for the compliment." She winked at Soun, who promptly fainted dead away.
Nodoka smiled at her son. "Well, I must admit your father did a fine job. You are certainly a man among men!"
Ranma frowned a little. "That reminds me. I understand that Pop had some kind of contract with you -"
His mother interrupted. "Oh yes! The contract." She pulled a paper from her kimono. "I keep it with me. I was so proud when you put your hand prints on it to show your determination." She showed the paper, which indeed had several small hand prints on it.
Nabiki frowned. "You didn't really expect Ranma and his father to abide by that, did you?"
Nodoka looked sober. "It was my solemn duty to make sure the terms of the contract were met, or to serve as their second if they were not." She picked up the cloth-wrapped object she had brought with her. As the cloth came away, the scabbard and hilt of a traditional katana were revealed.
Nodoka drew the blade in a sharp motion. Unfortunately, the blade slipped from her hand. Ranma caught it by the blade inches from Nabiki's forehead, then handed it back to his mother.
She laughed, embarrassed. "Sorry about that. I'm just awful with a sword. I spent all my time practicing one stroke." She demonstrated, doing a fine job of the beheading stroke needed by a second for seppuku.
The others shared a worried look.
Nodoka looked at them with shining eyes. "It's wonderful knowing my boy turned out great and I won't have to be his second as he upholds his end of the contract." She slid the sword back into the scabbard - or tried to. She missed the scabbard and the sword embedded itself into the floor inches from Akane's head.
"Whoops." Mrs. Saotome frowned as she yanked free the sword and carefully slid the sword back in the scabbard. She glanced at the girl. "Who's this, and why is she passed out on the floor?"
Kasumi tried to explain. "This is our youngest sister, Akane. I am Kasumi, and this is my sister Nabiki. As to why Akane is -"
Nodoka waved her explanation off. "No need to explain, Dear. With two such fine older sisters, she obviously fainted at the worry that she'd never have a chance with my son."
Ranma fell on his rear next to the table. "Uh - she really doesn't want to marry me."
His mother shook her head. "She's just a little unsure of herself. With my help, we'll whip her into a fine candidate for your wife!" She held up one fist in triumph.
The others all shared a look. Cologne looked as if she were watching a particularly engrossing show.
Nodoka frowned. "So - how far have you gotten with my son? Any bathroom incidents? Or are you past that yet?"
Nabiki was glad her father was still unconscious. She thought hard. "Well - uh - Ranma was in the bath with Akane yesterday."
"Nabiki!" Ranma and Kasumi echoed the yell.
His mother looked ecstatic. "My son is so manly!" She cried tears of joy.
Ranma banged his head against the table.
Suddenly, the front door slammed open and Kuno came charging into the room, bokken at ready.
"Where is the foul ravager?"
Nodoka turned to take in the new guest. "Who?'
Kuno bowed. "Excuse me, fair lady. Needs I must smite this abomination!" He pointed his wooden sword at Ranma, who kept banging his head on the table.
Nodoka frowned. "What is your problem with my son?"
Kuno frowned as well. "I find this hard to reveal to such a refined lady - but pray I would warn you - yon cad is a womanizer of the worst sort! A defiler of women! Why, I heard from mine own sister how this lecherous villain tried to have his way with her and many other innocent maidens at Saint Hebereke."
Nodoka stood a moment in silence, tears welling up in her eyes. She suddenly started bouncing around in exuberance. "WAAAAHHHHH! My son is sooooo manly!"
Kuno's jaw and bokken hit the floor. "But Madam! Did you not hear me? This upstart seeks to despoil fine young women such as these -" He gestured at the Tendo sisters.
Nodoka hugged herself. "I'm going to have so many grandchildren!" She was in her own universe.
Nabiki sat down next to Ranma. "Well, Ranma. I don't think you need to worry about that contract."
Ranma kept banging his head against the table.
Cologne sipped her tea and smiled. This was the most fun she'd had in a century.
After an hour, Kuno tired of trying to convince Mrs. Saotome about Ranma's foul intentions towards the fairer sex. It wasn't that she didn't believe him, she just didn't see the problem with them. Completely frazzled and unable to shake the woman's glee at her son's impending actions, Kuno finally wandered off to contemplate another strategy for confronting the foul demon and his deluded mother.
Much to the dismay of the Tendo sisters, she turned her attention back to more immediate targets.
"So, what are you and my son planning?"
Akane had finally come around and was holding a bag of ice to her head. "Planning? With him?" She glared. "He saw me naked in the bath yesterday! He's a pervert!"
Nodoka gave her a hug. "It's good that you are trying to protect your reputation, but you don't need to suppress your impulses around my manly son. Just let yourself go!"
Akane stared at the woman like she had a second head.
Kasumi decided she'd better steer the conversation in a less dangerous direction. "Ranma is taking me out tomorrow."
Ranma looked puzzled. "I am?"
Nabiki elbowed him. "Yes, you are."
Nodoka clapped her hands together. "Wonderful! I'll help with the preparations. I know a place with dresses that will drive men wild. Ranma won't be able to keep his hands off you!"
Soun frowned. "I'm not sure -"
Nodoka cut him off. "There's this restaurant not far from here - it has the most romantic atmosphere..."
Soun held up a finger. "Well, that doesn't sound too bad, but about that dress -"
Mrs. Saotome broke in. "And of course, I'll help you pick out some lingerie." She elbowed Kasumi. "You know - for after the date. I'm not sure how much experience you have, but as a married woman, I can give you plenty of pointers."
Kasumi turned red, then white as a sheet.
Akane frowned as Nodoka dragged a weakly protesting Kasumi out the door. "The withered old crone was right, you do take after your mother - you're both the worst perverts I've met." She paused a moment. "Well, other than Kuno of course." She thought about it again. "Or half the boys in my class, or -"
She fell silent again as Cologne whacked her on the head with her staff. Cologne frowned as the girl fell, unconscious once more.
"That girl really needs to be disciplined." She frowned at Soun, who sweated profusely at the attention.
Ranma nodded. "Maybe you could make her a special project or something."
Cologne gave a short barking laugh. "Me? Instruct her?"
Ranma shrugged. "Why not? She has some potential, and she could really use the - experience." He gave the elder a sly look. "Unless you're not up to the task, old woman."
Cologne whacked him on the head with her staff. "You may not be the most rude or obnoxious anymore, but you're still second on the list."
Ranma rubbed his bruised head. "So you'll do it?"
Cologne frowned. "Don't think that I'm doing this because of anything you said, I just don't care for the bad reputation she gives women fighters."
Akane groaned and sat up. She glared at Cologne, but held her tongue.
Ranma smiled. "See? She's getting better already - she was only unconscious a few minutes that time."
The next evening found Ranma and Kasumi ready to leave on their date. Ranma was slightly frazzled as the oldest sister had turned out to be a real knockout in the outfit his mother had purchased for her. With her hair hanging loose and a light amount of makeup, Kasumi would turn heads anywhere.
Kasumi tugged in vain at the super-short skirt on the outfit. She was mortified at the dress, but hadn't been able to convince Ranma's mother to go with something more demure.
Mrs. Saotome frowned at the modest dress Kasumi had managed to talk her into buying. At least, she felt it modest. She watched the pair exit the house, then moved to follow.
Nabiki was waiting at the door. "Going somewhere, Aunty?"
Nodoka nodded. "I'm going to follow them." She waved a hand. "Don't worry, I'll be discrete. I just want to be on hand in case Kasumi needs a little help." She exited the house, trailing the couple a block back.
Akane was next.
Nabiki frowned. "And you, little sister?"
"I just want to be on hand in case Kasumi need a little help." She smacked a fist into the palm of her other hand.
Nabiki rolled her eyes as Akane left, trailing Nodoka a block back. She about lost her composure as Cologne appeared at the door.
"Uh - going out, Elder Cologne?"
The old woman cackled. "You think I plan to stay here when all the fun will be out there?" She gestured with her staff, then set off as well, leaping to the roof of the neighbor's house to follow the group from above.
Nabiki shook her head and sighed. She pulled out her cell phone and hit the speed dial.
"Kuno-baby? Yeah, love you too." She rolled her eyes. "I have some info... if the price is right." She held the phone away from her ear for a moment until the volume decreased. "Yes, the same arrangement as usual." She smiled evilly. "Don't worry, this info is definitely worth the price. Akane has decided she cannot fight her feelings for you any longer. She wants to meet you - discretely - at the Toshi Sushi Palace. She'll be hiding in the bushes waiting for you."
She closed the phone with a snap, then shouldered her camera bag. With some luck, she'd have some nice photos for Kasumi to remember the evening, and some embarrassing photos for Akane to never forget the evening. She left, laughing silently.
Nabiki, Kasumi, and Nodoka sat around the low table, looking over the photos Nabiki had taken the previous evening.
Nabiki held one of Ranma and Kasumi before they left. "Here's the happy couple - that turned out rather well, wouldn't you say Kasumi?"
Kasumi took the photo from her, smiling.
Nodoka frowned until Nabiki passed her a copy. "I've got the negatives in case we need more or you want a larger print."
Nodoka smiled. "You make such a nice couple."
Nabiki had to agree, which made her a little jealous. She sighed, then picked up another photo.
"And here's one of Akane and her date." Said photo was more of an action shot as Akane kicked Kuno between the legs.
Nodoka frowned. "Now Akane, how do you expect to catch a man when you react to such a minor thing in such a manner?"
Akane glared at the group at the table. She stomped out the sliding doors, headed for the dojo. "I'm going to practice those exercises Cologne showed me this morning." She was doing anything she could to get the previous evening off her mind.
Kasumi scooped up another. "Here's one of Ranma saving me from the ninjas Kuno-san hired to break up our date."
Nodoka frowned. Events had conspired to spoil all her carefully laid plans. She sighed. At least her son had the chance to show how manly he was in battle, but it wasn't getting her any grandchildren.
She blinked at the next one. "Nabiki? What is this?"
Nabiki glanced at the photo Mrs. Saotome referred to. "Oh, that's the demon hunters attacking Cologne."
The elder popped up at the mention of her name. She frowned at the photo. "Imagine, mistaking me for Happosai." At least the fight had been fun.
Nodoka held up one of a young woman wearing a leotard and wielding a gymnastics ribbon. "Who was this?"
Nabiki gave it a glance. "That's Tatewaki's sister, Kodachi." She frowned at the thought of the girl chasing her Ranma.
Kasumi stood. "Well, I have to start on lunch. I'll look through the rest later."
She stopped next to Ranma, who was leaning against the wall. "While things might not have gone as anyone planned, it was still the best evening in my life. Thank you." She smiled at the young man, then entered the kitchen.
Ranma blushed. "Uh - you're welcome."
Nabiki continued sorting through the pictures with Nodoka.
"If it's all the same with you, Ranma, I think it'd be best to put off our date until after the tournament." She sighed. "Maybe they'll have the restaurant rebuilt by then as well."
Ranma laughed nervously, then muttered under his breath. "Like they'll let any of us near the place again." He too exited the house. He needed to do some more soft training in preparation for the upcoming tournament.
End Chapter Two
Author's Notes: While most people say "how the mighty have fallen," the saying is often also stated as "how the mighty are fallen." I prefer the latter. I wanted the date to be a little longer, but this chapter was already getting pretty long. I may go back later and do it as a side-story. I didn't feel it was directly related to the main story, which I wish to get into. I don't care to spend too much time in Nerima with minor characters. About the dragonballs, this is after Dende remade them, so there are two wishes, but they still can't revive someone more than once. If you remember, when they used the dragonballs to wish back everyone Cell killed, Goku wasn't revived. When they specifically asked to revive Goku with the second wish, the dragon told them he couldn't revive someone more than once. Dende had made it clear earlier that he could make the dragon to revive multiple people once, or a single person multiple times, but not both multiple people multiple times. I think the chapter answered most of the other questions. So, on to the tournament! Next time...