Since Flashman, Sakura and Trident are a little busy at the moment,
(Re: Otaku Leap) until such time as they return, new C&Cs will be
done by that group of super heros... The Trio.
TRIO: C&C
_______________________
Mama's Hand
By
Douglas Helm
Edited/Co-Plotted
By
"Tuxedo" Will Wolfshohl
Rated : R
AUTHOR'S WARNING!!!
[(Gohan turns the volume on the TV down.)]
This piece of fanfiction contains disturbing images and deals with
material that IS inappropriate for younger readers. Please respect
the rating that I've given it.
[Usagi:(Looks up) I thought you said you wouldn't give us perverted
stuff!
Voice: Trust me, that's not why it has the disclaimer.]
Part III - A Painful Past
She screamed. It echoed through the room, reverberating and bouncing
back. Her body arced to try and get away from the pain but it was too
intense, too close. Suddenly the pain became dull, throbbing but not
as intense. She bit back the bile that rose in her throat. She could
smell the charring skin, hear the sizzling, the skin was literally
cooking. The acrid odor hung in the air and filled her nostrils with
its sickening odor.
[Ranma:(Grumbling as he and the others turn green) Nice thing to see
right after having lunch.]
Weakly, she tried to move her hands but they were securely bound. Her
shoulder ached, all of her weight was placed upon them as she hung
suspended from two poles and a crossbar. There was no relief and as
her head was lifted up she had to fight down the nausea.
"So," Endymion voice said, "You're strong." His form was backlit by
the light coming in through the doorway. "I really should put some
light in this place. At least so you could see it." She couldn't see
the smile but his tone implied it, "The dark ages had some
interesting equipment, ne?"
[Usagi: Endymion... why does that name sound familiar?
Ranma: You KNOW a creep like this???!!!
Usagi: I HOPE not.]
He gripped her throat, pulling her towards him. She whimpered
slightly as her already stretched muscles were pulled even further.
"Where has that brat gone?"
<He doesn't remember?!?> she thought dully, <Why can't he remember
her?>
[All: Join the club.]
"ANSWER ME!!!" he shouted while throwing her back. She swung
backwards and, when she swung forward, he planted his fist into her
stomach. She gave a hoarse cry, "Tell where your little `Rabbit' has
gone..."
"No," Serenity gasped out. She dimly saw him turn and walk towards
the door, "Endymion..."
[Gohan: Hey... doesn't that Serenity look kind of like an older
version of you Usagi?
Usagi:(Shudders) I hope not.]
"Don't worry, Serenity," he said, "I'm not going to kill you. I want
you to watch. I want you to watch as your little Rabbit slowly
withers in front of your eyes."
[(Usagi turns as white as a sheet and faints into Ranmas arms.)
Ranma:(Growling at Endymion) Monster.]
The door opened and Ikuko stepped into the house. Kenji who had been
in the kitchen stepped out and was about to say something when Ikuko
held up her hand and made a shushing motion. He gave her a quizzical
look but complied. As Ikuko stepped out of the doorway Usagi entered
the house one hand behind her back.
[(Usagi comes to.)
Usagi: Ohh, is it over?
Ranma: The scene's over, but we still got the rest of the fic.
Gohan: And guess what, you're on.]
"Dad, I want you to meet someone," Usagi said, gently she pulled her
arm out and Chibi-Usa slid around. She stared at Kenji in silence, a
small tremble showing on her lip, her one arm snuck around Usagi's
leg trying to seek comfort. "This is Tsukino Usagi, but we can call
her Chibi-Usa." She looked down at Chibi-Usa and said, "Chibi-Usa-
chan, this is my dad."
"Konnichiwa Ojii-san," came the soft reply.
[Usagi&Ranma: OJII-SAN?!?!
Gohan:(Looks at his friends in concern) Don't tell me you've gone
that far yet.
(Ranma and Usagi shake their heads rappidly.)]
"Hey, who's the rugrat?" came Shingo's voice from the stairs. Chibi-
Usa yelped and hid behind Usagi once more. Ikuko glared at her son.
Chibi-Usa then whimpered a little bit.
"Mommy, who's that?" she asked Usagi.
"MOMMY?!?" both males shouted. Chibi-Usa gave another whine of fear
and tears started to come to her eyes.
[Usagi:(In shock) Mo...mmy?
Ranma:(Also in shock) No way...
Gohan: Remember, this is just a fanfic, this kid probably doesn't
even exist.]
Usagi nodded and, reaching around, took Chibi-Usa's hand, "Come on,
honey." She saw that Chibi-Usa seemed reluctant. Kneeling, she said,
"They were just surprised to see you." She reassured the young girl,
"Shingo's nice and my dad wouldn't hurt you." Sniffling a little,
Chibi-Usa wiped away some of her tears and looked deeply into Usagi's
eyes, "Now come on, let's go see my room." A panicked expression went
through Chibi-Usa's features. "What's the matter?" Usagi asked softly.
"Daddy says I'm not allowed in your room," Chibi-Usa said softly.
[Ranma: Why do I get the feeling that I've been told the same thing
during my life?]
"But it's only my room. Your dad doesn't live here." Usagi tried to
smile. It seemed to reassure Chibi-Usa who relaxed slightly. Giving
her hand a reassuring squeeze, Usagi led the little girl up to her
room and opened the door.
"Wow!!!" Chibi-Usa exclaimed, her eyes shone brightly as she looked
around the room. Tentatively, she entered and started turning around
trying to see every square inch. Drinking in all the details, she
stopped when her eyes landed on something in a corner. "Mommy, what's
that?" she asked pointing towards a neatly stacked pile of stuffed
bunnies.
[(All three jaws drop.)
Usagi:(Tears brimming) She... doesn't even know what a stuffed bunny
is?
Gohan:(Shaking his head) That poor kid.]
"Those are stuffed animals. Toys, don't you have any?" Usagi asked
curiously. Chibi-Usa shook her head, "Well let's get you one then."
Walking over, she dug through her pile until she found what she
considered a suitable bunny. "Here you are," she said holding out a
small gray bunny who had large shining pink eyes.
Chibi-Usa stared at it for several seconds before walking over. She
reached out as if to take it then stopped. "I can't have it," she
said sadly, "Daddy says I'm too big for toys. He says bad little
girls like me don't deserve them." She gave a little shiver, "He gets
mad if I ask for a toy."
[(All three growl.)
Ranma:(Shaking with rage) That.. that... {Censored}!!!
Usagi:(Eyes filled to the brim with tears) Poor (sniff) poor little
girl.
(Gohan is strangly silent.)]
Chibi-Usa shook her head, "If Daddy finds out, he'll be really mad,"
she said seriously, "I don't want him to be mad." <But the bunny is
so kawaii...> She was torn. Her mother was giving her something that
she'd like to hug but if her father found out... <I have to be good
or Daddy won't love me.> "Please Mommy..." she said. She didn't want
to upset her mother. <I wish I could hug that bunny,> she thought
longingly.
"Okay, Chibi-Usa-chan," Usagi said softly, "You don't have to take it.
If you ever want it again, it'll be here, okay?" Chibi-Usa gave a
small nod but didn't look at Usagi. "Are you scared?" Another nod,
this time accompanied by a sniffle. Reaching out, Usagi slowly drew
her into a hug. "Shhh..." Usagi comforted, "It's going to be okay.
I'm going to help you." She stroked Chibi-Usa's hair, "I know it's
all scary but I'll be here and my friends will be here." Chibi-Usa
just wrapped her arms around Usagi's neck and cried.
[(Usagi finally breaks and cries on Ranmas shoulder. Ranma is
clueless {as usual} as to what to do now.)]
******
Endymion entered his throne room. Stepping up to the dais, he sat
down on the single finely crafted chair that was placed there. He sat
silently for several seconds before reaching into his pocket and
pulling out a key. It was a Time Key, one of four he had removed from
Pluto. <So where did you get a fifth, Serenity? Did Pluto make it?>
He clutched it in his fist, <No matter! Serenity you will watch your
future die a slow death.>
"Rubeus!" he said, his tone resonating power through the Throne Room.
[Usagi:(Suddenly turns off the water works) Why does that name sound
so familiar?]
A young man with flaming red hair stepped from the courtiers that
were present and bowed low. As he raised his eyes he snapped
expectantly. He liked Endymion; Diamondo had been such a fool. <Why
should I follow a prince when a king is present?> He also liked
Endymion because Endymion gave him free rein over his "projects".
[(All three growl again.)]
"Rubeus, I have a special mission for you," Endymion said, "Take four
others, find the child. Bring her back alive!" He tossed the Key
towards Rubeus, "Use this to go back to past. Find the Rabbit and
bring her here."
"As you command," Rubeus said and bowed low. He started to back away
when Endymion's voice drew him up short.
"Rubeus, do not fail me in this or you shall take her place." He
smiled, it was disarming and friendly, "And one other thing, be
careful there are Senshi where you are going. They will oppose you."
[Usagi: I guess he's talking about the other Senshi that Ami told us
about.]
Rubeus bowed once more before he left the room. Endymion began to
brood. <She must have fled into the past. That is the only reason for
her to take a Time Key. But why can't I remember her?> Endymion
scowled. "Pluto!" he called out, rage building. <She dare interfere!>
"Pluto! I command you to appear! I, YOUR King, summon you!"
She did not appear. "Damn you, Pluto," he said, "It will only go
harder on Serenity because of your lack of respect. Play your tricks,
hide that abomination... it will do you no good."
[Usagi: So Pluto is there too?
Gohan: Or NOT there in this case.
Ranma:(Grumbling) That woman is EVERYWHERE.]
That first supper at the Tsukino home was an awkward one. Chibi-Usa
shied away from everyone except Usagi. She adverted her eyes away
from Ikuko, Shingo, and Kenji. Any sudden movement in her direction
made her freeze, and a terrified expression would come over her.
Chibi-Usa sat silently beside Usagi staring at her plate.
"Chibi-Usa-chan, would you like a drink?" Ikuko asked. The little
girl raised her head and looked at Ikuko if she didn't understand and
then turned to look at Usagi.
"Honey, would you like some milk?"
"Hai, please," Chibi-Usa said softly. Usagi poured her a glass of
milk and Chibi-Usa said, "Arigato, Mommy," when she was handed the
glass. Chibi-Usa took a small sip and then sat it down carefully,
almost as if she thought it might shatter at any moment.
[Usagi:(Confused) So this Ikuko woman looked at me and asked me if
I'd like some milk and then Chibi-Usa said yes and I poured her a
glass of it?
Gohan: I don't think that's what the author meant.]
Dinner proceeded at a similar pace. Chibi-Usa seemed reluctant to
speak to anybody except Usagi. Occasionally, she would be forced to
make some type of answer but Chibi-Usa kept it very polite and very
short. Usagi chalked it partly up to the fact that Chibi-Usa was
likely very uncomfortable sitting. They had put a thick cushion on
her chair to make it easier for her but, even when she sat down on it,
she couldn't hide the wince of pain. The other part was likely that
Chibi-Usa didn't know anyone.
[Ranma: Poor kid.
(The others nod their heads, sadly, in agrement.)]
"Chibi-Usa-chan?" Kenji said when it was nearing the end of the meal,
"How old are you?"
"Seven," she said, "Me and Mommy have the same birthday." Ikuko and
Shingo stared at Chibi-Usa for some moments. That had been the
longest thing she had ever said to anybody that wasn't Usagi.
"Well, you're a very polite little girl for seven," Kenji said, "You
should be very proud of yourself." Kenji was trying to make Chibi-Usa
feel a little bit better about herself and it seemed to work.
She raised her eyes to look at him for the first time since coming
into the house. She gave a little smile and said, "Really Ojii-san?
Did I behave?"
Kenji stifled the grumble he felt about being called "Ojii-san" and
smiled at her. "Hai, you were a very good girl. You ate all your food.
" That got a little bigger smile out of her. <If I ever find that
bastard, I'll rip his heart out,> Kenji thought darkly. "Would you
like some dessert?"
[Gohan: And I'll play soccer with it.
Ranma: Then I'll tear out his lungs.
Usagi: Then I'll heal him with my crystal so I can have the pleasure
of crushing his fingers in a printing press. Then I'll use Trunks's
sword to chop off his legs. Then I'll poke out his eyes with it.
THEN I'll use his own legs to kick him in the... (grins evily and
starts a very Kodachi like...)
OHHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHOHO!
Ranma/Gohan: O_o;]
It was about seven that evening when Ikuko went up the stairs and
tapped softly at Usagi's door. When a soft response came she opened
it and found that Usagi was sitting at one of her low tables
scribbling something on a sheet of paper. Chibi-Usa was sitting
beside her looking at a picture book that Usagi had managed to find.
[Gohan: Calm before the storm.
R/U: Huh?
Gohan: For some reason, that's what this brings to mind.]
Ikuko looked at the little girl and saw the look. <She doesn't trust
me yet,> Ikuko thought. She could also see the haunted expression on
the child's face, <I want to help you, little one. I hope that you
can learn to trust me soon.> But Ikuko knew that it might take a long
time to gain that trust. "Chibi-Usa-chan, why don't you come and have
a bath." Ikuko said, "Why don't we let Usagi finish her homework."
She looked at her daughter, "You ARE doing homework, ne?"
"Um well..." Usagi said looking sheepishly. "No," she admitted.
[(Gohan and Ranma snicker.)
Usagi: HEY! That poor kid is starving for attention and you want me
to do homework? What kind of priorities are those?
Ranma: She's got a point there.
Gohan: Toche.]
This caused Chibi-Usa to pause. <I don't wanna fib, but... I don't
know her.> She looked at Ikuko, <She's Mommy's mommy but she's not
with Mommy in the future. And she looked mad at Mommy, not like Daddy
but I don't want her to hurt Mommy.>
"Chibi-Usa-chan, I promise I'm not going to hurt you," Ikuko said
holding out her hand, "Now come take a bath." Chibi-Usa gave a little
whimper. Ikuko could see the indecision, the pleading look towards
Usagi. "Honey, would you take a bath if Usagi helped you?"
"Hai," Chibi-Usa squeaked out.
"Okay, Chibi-Usa-chan, I'll help you," Usagi said putting down her
pencil, "Let's find you something you can wear for tonight."
"Usagi-chan, I'll leave the salve in here too. When you're done you
can put it on like the doctor was telling you. Okay?" Ikuko asked.
Usagi nodded. <Good, I don't think she would have let me put the
salve on. I wonder why she's so attached to Usagi?> Softly closing
Usagi's door, Ikuko went down the hall wondering about that puzzle.
Usagi found a extra pajama top and held it up to Chibi-Usa. The arms
were certainly too long but it would make a suitable nightgown since
it would stretch past Chibi-Usa's knees. "What do you think, Chibi-
Usa-chan? Would you like to wear this?" Chibi-Usa felt the fabric and
considered the question for several seconds before nodding. "Okay
then, let's go get you washed up," Usagi said setting the make shift
nightgown on her bed.
Chibi-Usa took Usagi's hand and they walked to the bathroom. Once
Usagi had the door closed, she said, "Honey, let's get you undressed,
okay?"
"Hai," Chibi-Usa said and lifted her arms above her head, "I like
having baths. Mommy always tells me stories." She smiled. It was one
of the few retreats that Chibi-Usa and her mother had when her father
was around. That was where bedtime stories were told and secrets
shared.
[All: Awww...]
Walking over, Usagi gently pulled the top off. She could hear Chibi-
Usa pull in her breath slightly as the bottom part brushed against
the tender areas of her skin. Once the top was off, Usagi gave a
little gasp. She hadn't really seen the bruises when she was helping
the doctor. She had been more focused on reassuring the little girl
that everything was okay and that the doctor was trying to help her.
[(Ranma covers Usagis eyes.)
Usagi: HEY! What are you doing?
Ranma: I don't think you wanna see this.
Usagi:(Pulling off Ranmas hands) I can handle it!
Gohan:(Concerned) You sure?
Usagi:(Yelling) YES!!!]
"Mommy washes the back and I wash the front." Chibi-Usa said, "Mommy
can reach the places I can't."
Getting two washcloths, Usagi handed the little girl one and, turning
on the water, adjusted it so it wouldn't be too hot. After soaping
her washcloth she handed the soap to Chibi-Usa who did the same. As
the little girl started to scrub her front, Usagi was faced with the
prospect of doing her back. The little girl's back was a mass of
bruises varying in color and size. Some were dull and fading others
appeared to be fresh and painful looking.
[(Usagi faints and there is the sudden sound of igniting ki as Gohan
has gone SSJ.)]
"Chibi-Usa-chan, I'm going to start washing your back now. You let me
know if it hurts."
"'Kay," Chibi-Usa said. Usagi was slightly shocked. Chibi-Usa's
response sounded like Usagi's request was just a natural fact of life.
As she gently started to wash Chibi-Usa's shoulders, Usagi could see
and feel Chibi-Usa tense. As she slowly moved towards the small of
the little girl's back Chibi-Usa would occasionally whimpered or
shudder a little. Usagi felt herself start to cry. She just couldn't
understand what type of person would do this. She felt angry as well.
She wanted to call the Senshi together, to find this person.
[(Ranma starts panicing as he tries to wake up Usagi and a large
amount of ki gathers around Gohan.)]
<Oh you poor thing,> Usagi thought sadly and sniffled, <I promise you
that when I find the person responsible, I'll make him pay!> She
gritted her teeth as Chibi-Usa gave a muffled yelp of pain as the
cloth brushed against one of the fresh welts on the small of her back.
<I'll make you pay! What I did to Beryl is NOTHING compared to what
I'm going to do to you!>
Then Usagi growled, Chibi-Usa's buttocks were a mass of fresh welts
caused by what the doctor thought was a belt. Chibi-Usa turned
slightly and saw that her mother was looking angry. She gulped
slightly but didn't move. Usagi let out a little sob and bit her
lower lip as tears started to stream down her face in earnest. Chibi-
Usa became even more alarmed at this and gave a little burble of fear.
Reaching out, she gently touched Usagi, seeking reassurance that
everything was all right, that she wasn't in trouble.
[(Gohan goes SSJ Level 2.)]
Usagi looked towards her and sniffled. Wiping away a few tears, Usagi
tried to smile but she faltered. "I'm sorry, honey," Usagi said
softly, "I just don't like to see anybody hurt." She looked at Chibi-
Usa and noticed the concerned look. "I wasn't angry with you," Usagi
said softly, "I was just angry because you got hurt."
"I thought I did something wrong," Chibi-Usa said softly. <I'm always
bad.> Why else would her father punish her so much? <I want to make
Daddy love me but I'm scared.> She trembled, partly in fear but also
because the water was cooling.
[Gohan: KAAAA... MEEEEE...]
"No, you are very good!" Usagi reassured, "Chibi-Usa-chan, I have to
wash your bum." She reached out and gently touched Chibi-Usa's arm,
"It might hurt some. I don't want to hurt you though."
Chibi-Usa understood, "I know you wouldn't hurt me on purpose, Mommy.
" She smiled back trying to reassure her mother. Usagi, after a
moment, smiled too.
"Okay then, let's get that over with that way you can relax in the
furo for a little bit." Chibi-Usa nodded and turned to face the wall.
Despite Usagi's gentleness though, it was still painful and when it
was done both of them had tears in their eyes.
Settling Chibi-Usa into the furo, Usagi wiped away some of her other
tears and made a silent vow. <Kami-sama save your soul you monster,
because when I get my hands, your life won't be worth living!>
[Gohan: HAAAA... MEEEE....]
End of Part III
_______________
Ranma: AIM IT UP GOHAN! FOR GOD'S SAKE, AIM IT UP!!!!
Gohan: HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!
(Gohan cups his hands and unleashes the gigantic ki attack out an
open window and into the sky.)
Ranma: Feel better?
Gohan:(Powering down) Much.
Usagi:(Comes to again) Is it over?
Ranma: The chapter and this C&C? Yes.
Usagi: Good. I just hope that whoever this Endymion character is
gets his and gets it good.
Voice: Well, from what the author's said, we can look forward to it.
The Flashman
May The Spirit Preserve You!