I'm stuck on some parts of this, but I am getting there.
No word from Hitomi yet to everyones comments, but given how many people
enjoy her writing, I'm willing to start a perfect memory page. If
anyone has anything that I can use to make it, I would appreciate it.
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Ranma's Father
The Start of the Knightmare...
Part 2
>From the series, The Bet, initiated by Gregg Sharp, Metroanime@aol.com
http://members.aol.com/greggsharp/index.html
Original concept by Gregg Sharp under the name RANdom.
Revised concept by Gregg Sharp by request
Grey is copyright by ?
A fan fiction based on Takahashi Rumiko's Manga and Video series, Ranma 1/2
Saotome Ranma, Saotome Genma, Saotome Nodoka, Tendo Akane, Tendo Soun, Tendo Kasumi, Tendo Nabiki, Kuonji Ukyou, Hibiki Ryouga, P-chan, Shampoo, Mousse, Kuno Tatewaki, Kuno Kodachi, are copyright 1987, 1999 by Takahashi Rumiko.
Publishing rights:
Japan: Shogakukan Inc. Tokyo
Hong Kong: Jademan (Holdings) Ltd.
North America: Viz Inc.
Also based upon the Batman series created by Gil Kane
Bruce Wayne, Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Nightwing, Richard Grayson, Alfred Pennyworth, Commissioner James Gordon, Barbara Gordon, Catwoman, Selina Kyle, Joker, Two-face, and Timothy Drake are copyright 1936, 1999 by DC Comics, and Time-Warner Entertainment.
Publishing rights:
North America: Direct Current Comics
By Jessica Samolson and Ichinohei Hitomi
***
Tokyo, Japan
There were many words that could be used to describe the weather that covered the vast city on this day. Overcast, cloudy, or dulled would have been generous given the underlying feel of heaviness due to the moisture. Gloomy, dark, heavily weighing, or perhaps even frightening would have better described what people felt that day.
However, none of that mattered to the foreigner that had just come off of a private plane only a few minutes before.
Bruce Wayne, billionaire American industrialist whose various interest spanned the globe, looked at the very modern city that sprawled out before him. One place in a country that was as much his home as Gotham City was. It was here that he learned patience, calm, and gained an inkling of the true abilities the human mind and body had, if put to the test. Nihon had given him a sense of peace that he had been missing until he came here at Alfred's insistence.
Bruce never found out what Alfred's reasons for sending here were, or how he was able to arrange so many things. He supposed it had to do with his past in the British Secret Service, but it would not explain how many contacts his butler/mentor had. There were times when he wondered how much of his life was dictated by the opportunities that Alfred had provided.
Very few people would have indulged his varied interests as Alfred had, or given him the opportunity to come to Japan. Bruce was drawn to his chosen life like a moth to the flame despite being presented with his greatest challenge. A life as an ordinary person, without money, without special favours, and without everything that life could offer.
He had grown into a strong, independent person here, and gained an appreciation for life once again. It was not from being in this city, or even from the others he had met in school. Instead it was in a place that seemed more ancient than could be accounted for. A place that seemed removed from time and ageless. There, in that small dojo, Bruce had come to appreciate all the small things living had to offer. During that time, Bruce also earned the respect, and love, of the third man he had ever considered a father to him.
Those idyllic days were not to last however.
The mission that he had taken upon himself as a youth, to become the greatest of all crimefighters, caused him to eventually turn his back on the peace and solace that he had discovered. It was one of the saddest days in his life when Bruce had informed the Sensei that he had to leave. It pained him that the old man had never said a word against his leaving. If he had given even the slightest sign that he had wanted Bruce to stay with him history would have been much different. Bruce had cried privately that day, much like he had cried when his parents were killed so many years before. On that day, he died a second time.
But even that paled in comparison with what had happened a few days later, when he met with the one woman in the world that he had fallen in love with. The one woman that he stilled loved with his entire soul.
Masaki Nodoka.
She was the daughter of his Sensei whom Bruce had met after one of his private practice sessions. At the time, he had just joined the Dojo, and was working extremely hard to learn all he would need in the shortest period of time possible. Bruce felt that if he failed to learn as fast as possible, another would suffer as he had, and his vow, and all of the honour that he had staked upon that vow, would be as naught.
Nodoka started practising with her bokken, moving clearly, precisely, and practically, and using techniques that he had thought were the realm of fiction. This woman was not only a skilled martial artist, but she had a lot to teach him, if not the world. Then again, not many people still used swords, and no one that he knew of had her facility with them. He had asked her for lessons, and his fascination with her grew until they began to date.
Few people outside of the Dojo knew who he was or where he was from, but they had accepted the foreign looking sixteen year old because of Nodoka, and the reputation he had. Of course, his life wasn't completely smooth. Although he had gained many friends, Bruce also succeeded in attracting a few rivals as well. Nodoka was highly sought after, not only because of her beauty, but that of her own line of descent from a family of the nobility. Having to fight almost every day on the way to and from school was not one of his most pleasant memories.
It was also fortunate that he had gone under an adopted name while he was in Japan. After all, Bruce Wayne was a rich foreign idler who dabbled in the arts now and then while Tsukino Ran was considered the future heir of the Masaki Dojo. It wouldn't have been prudent to have Bruce Wayne winning fights, or the information being recorded somewhere, unless he wanted to be open about all of his abilities. As Ran, he had a reputation to keep as the best martial artist in the area.
He still remembered that day from so long ago....
Twenty years earlier...
He was ready to leave, to continue training in order to start his chosen mission in life...
...and he was so nervous about meeting with Nodoka that his palms were sweating.
Bruce sighed, looking over all of the equipment and belongings that were here, from the case containing the swords that he had earned, to the small cabinet that contained mementoes of the life he had led. Given how little he had come here with, it amazed him that he could collect so much in such a short time. It had only been five years, and he had been training for most of it, so how HAD he managed to buy so much?
Shrugging his shoulders, he went to the main hall of the house. Tonight would be the last time he saw Nodoka for a long time, perhaps even the rest of his life, and he dread telling her that. She wasn't the sort to be willing to disappear in the background, nor was she the type to let him face danger by himself. He had learned that the hard way.
Of course, when it came to Nodoka, he had learned a lot of things the hard way, including to avoid her when she was angry for any reason. It really didn't do his reputation any good when he was forced to run from her practice swords. Few people outside of the Dojo knew how accurate she could be with them.
Gulping a bit, he decided to check his wallet, knowing he'd need every yen he had. /If I wined and dined her, as people say, perhaps I can come out of this without any bruises. Fortunately, uncle Alfred makes sure that I have a good allowance./
"Ran-kun, is something the matter?" a slightly musical voice called out to him.
Bruce quickly put his wallet away, and looked towards the voice, and then took a few seconds to gape openly at his girlfriend. For some reason that he was unaware of, Nodoka had gone all out. Absolutely everything about her spoke of beauty, grace, and elegance. The dress she wore, the way her hair was styled, even the sparkle in her eyes.
He looked down at himself, in his usual loose black pants and pull on top, and then back up. "Ahhh...Nodoka-chan, can you give me a few minutes?"
Nodoka smirked quietly to herself as Ran walked quickly back towards his room. /You would think that he would get dressed up for once, especially given how nervous he's been for the past week. I know he's going to ask me tonight, and after the two of us get married, daddy can retire and Ran and I will take over the Dojo./
Her eyes glittered even more as she thought of how lucky she was to find such a handsome young man. While others would have rejected him due to his mixed blood, it only made him seem more exotic to her. Ran was the perfect man for her. Skilled in the Art, strong, willing to fight and learn from her, and best yet, dedicated to protecting the reputation of her fathers dojo. It was no wonder her father looked at Ran as his heir.
She knew about the private meeting that the two of them had a few days before, and had guessed that it would be about Ran asking her fathers permission to marry her. At least that was what it had _better_ have been about. If Ran didn't ask her to marry him tonight, there would be hell for him to pay until he did.
It was at that moment that Ran came back into the room, his body defined by the well cut tuxedo that he wore. While you couldn't usually tell where the muscles were on a person, Nodoka could see the muscle definition on him, and his light walk was a clear indication of his fighting prowess. A fine catch indeed.
Bruce gulped as he observed Nodoka smile in that way of hers that made him nervous. He _KNEW_ that smile meant trouble, especially since he had seen it several times before. Usually before she followed him on his little training sessions, or when she wanted something.
Unconsciously he felt for his wallet and chequebook. It was either going to be a very expensive, or very long night. Probably both.
***
Bruce looked at Nodoka nervously, wondering what was going on in her mind. Up to now, the whole evening had been very strange and somewhat surreal. First the two of them being dressed up, then her not making a fuss when they went to the only fancy restaurant that he could easily afford, and finally no one bothering them, or coming at them and shouting for him to defend himself. No, he was dreaming. That had to be it.
"Ran-kun, what's wrong?" Nodoka asked as she noted his nervousness, and him keep putting his hands into his lap. There had been so many opportunities for him to ask her, and he kept putting it off. To think that the best fighter of their generation was that scared of marriage was a little funny.
Bruce gulped. This was it. He had to keep his voice steady, keep himself centred and calm, and most of all, watch out for her bokken. Although he had never seen how she did it, Nodoka had a habit of pulling that thing out, even when he was sure that it wasn't on her. "Nodoka-chan, I..I've got to tell you something very important. I've already discussed it with your father, and you should hear this from me."
Nodoka's eyes lit up as she learned forward. This was it, the question that she had been waiting for him to ask for almost three years now. "Go on, Ran-chan."
Bruce suddenly got a lot more nervous as she leaned forward. Her cleavage was now very noticeable, and that look of possessiveness in her eyes scared him. Whatever was going on in her head, it definitely wasn't about him leaving. "I...I...I...I was wondering if you wanted to go to a movie after dinner."
Nodoka closed her eyes and leaned back into her chair. Ran chickened out again, and it was going to take forever to get him to ask. If he didn't ask her during or after the movie, then she wasn't going to wait any longer. /I'll ask him myself, and if he doesn't reply right away, I'll drag him down to the records building myself. One way or another, Ran is going to marry _me_!/
***
It had been a great movie. Bruce wasn't sure where they had found it, but seeing the one feature length adventure of his favourite hero, 'The Grey Ghost' was great. The perfect way to top off an evening.
Nodoka, on the other hand, was bored. She would have preferred to go to the romance film playing in the next theatre, but Ran took one look at the movie poster and bought the tickets before she could say a word. And from the looks of it, he had forgotten what he was going to ask her! "Ran-chan..."
Bruce stopped, gulped, and looked at his girlfriend. She was annoyed, and he had forgotten to tell her about what he was going to do. "Nodoka-chan, I...I.."
Nodoka huffed, "Tsukino Ran, I've been waiting all evening, and I've had it. Answer one question. Are. You. Going. To. Marry. Me?"
Bruce continued on, not even realising the question, except on the periphery of his awareness. "Well...You see...My training....I've got to...WHAT DID YOU SAY!!!"
Nodoka grabbed the shoulders of her boyfriend who's eyes had widened to an almost unimaginable degree. "I said, 'Will you marry me?' It's a simple question with a simple answer. Yes or no."
"I..I...I..."
She grabbed him, and started pulling him towards home. In the morning she'd take him to the government offices and make sure that they were married. Besides, it was the best thing for both of them.
Being forced to walk caused Bruce to stop stuttering. "Nodoka-chan. I can't marry you."
Nodoka stopped, turned around, and glared at him. "WHAT!"
Bruce gulped. "I'm going training. In China. And I'm not sure when, or if I'll be back. I'll try to come back as soon as possible, but..."
He never got to finish the sentence since he ended up unconscious thanks to a bokken that came out of nowhere.
Present Day...
Nodoka frowned to herself as she remembered what Bruce-kun had said. If she hadn't been so quick to anger, so quick to try to forget, then she would never have married Genma. It had turned out the man had married her for her fathers properties and the money that they would bring. After a few years, Genma had succeeded in squandering several million yen.
But that had not been the worst part.
It had only been about a six months after her marriage when Bruce came back. It had barely been a year since he had left, and when he met her once more, did not know of the marriage. Bruce had come back from his training much earlier than expected, and with only one thing in his mind. Proposing.
Seeing the pain on his face and in his eyes when she told him about Genma was the worst experience in her life.
Now, after all these years, everything could finally be put right. Her child, Bruce's child would survive and live. He would take up the mantle that was meant for him, and take up his fathers business. Ranma would become the next teacher of her fathers school.
She, of course, would not be there to see it.
For the shame she had brought upon her family by marrying Genma and allowing him the freedom that she had, there was only one honourable recourse.
The private elevator dinged and she saw Bruce entering with a young woman and a boy. Both of them had training in the martial arts, but failed at hiding it well. These would be two of Bruce's partners, Batgirl and Robin.
Bruce was looking straight at the woman he loved and left the others with the bags, "Nodoka-chan. It's been so long."
Nodoka gently touched Bruce's hand. "Yes, too long. We have much to talk about, and so little time to do so."
Bruce led her to a room where they could have some privacy, "We have the rest of our lives together. Years to get to know one another again."
"No Bruce-kun," Nodoka said in a small, sad voice. "We do not have much time together, and I must make sure that my son is well before I do what I have to."
Bruce was becoming worried, starting to get what was on Nodoka's mind, and praying that he was wrong. She couldn't be contemplating Seppuku over that fool of a man she had married, could she? "Nodoka-chan, Ranma will have the best of everything as will you. You are the woman I love, the one I have always loved. Whatever is wrong, we will find a way to correct it."
Nodoka smiled gently. Ran was still the same, so very honourable, and so strong. "Bruce-kun, there isn't anything that we can do to change what must be. Genma must be punished properly. He must face the sword, and I will find him no matter where he hides now. When he lies dead, then my time on Earth will be done."
"There has to be another way, some manner of restitution. The man may not have any honour, but what was done to you was his fault. Your honour is clean, the clan and the school are clean. There is no need for Seppuku."
"And the failure that I've been to our son? Bruce-kun there is only one way to redeem myself, and this is it." She said levelly and without emotion. "Would you deny me my honour?"
Bruce kept his face dispassionate. He would have to come up with a way, any way, to stop her, but he couldn't figure out how. If he tried anything physically, it wouldn't help. He would have to think of something that she could do, redeem herself in her eyes in another way. "I will find another honourable means for you to regain your honour. Please, allow me a chance to do that."
Nodoka nodded, and they began to discuss many things, including how to deal with their son and tell him the truth.
The next day...
It was a beautiful day. The skies were clear, the day was warm, and everything seemed almost right with the world. Today, Bruce would meet his son.
Of course, anyone who was looking for millionaire Bruce Wayne would have hardly recognised him. Being back in Japan, and since he wanted to spend the day remembering his youth, Bruce dressed as he did when he was younger. A pair of soft black Chinese slippers, loose black pants, and a plain pull on top. Even his face had an animation that was missing when he was seen back in the States. Barbara and Tim couldn't believe the complete change that had come over the stern and unemotional man that they were familiar with.
They also couldn't believe that Bruce had opted to take the bus and walk most of the way.
As they approached the Tendo Dojo, Bruce said, "Are you ready for this Nodoka-chan?"
Nodoka smiled back at Bruce. "I'm ready Ran-kun. It's been much too long, and given what I now know of how Genma has raised our son, it's time to set things right. I hope you're ready to meet little 'Ranko-chan'."
Bruce raised one of his eyebrows, "Not even a day, and you're already calling me Ran again."
She laughed cheerily, "Ran-kun, that's how I first knew you. To me, that's who you'll always be. I don't see Bruce Wayne when I look at you. The person I see is Tsukino Ran, the nervous, brave, and strong warrior."
Behind them, Tim looked at Barbara. "Do you understand anything that's going on?"
Barbara shook her head to try and clear it. "Not really."
***
Ranma was in his room, still trying to come to grips with the revelations of a few days ago. Still trying to come to grips with the fact that all of his engagements were cancelled, even the supposed on with Shampoo. The old ghoul had formally dissolved the kiss of marriage for which Mousse was eternally happy. For some reason, Ranma believed that it would only make her and Shampoo try harder. He shuddered involuntarily at the thought. He wasn't ready to get married yet.
Getting up, he decided to go down to the kitchen to get a snack, not really concentrating on anything. Everything was changing around him and while some of it was for the better, it was still disheartening. Ever since he got to the Dojo, he had a stability that he had never known before. And there were people, other than Genma, that he cared about.
He frowned, did he really care about Genma? True, the man wasn't his real father, but he was the one who had raised him and thought him about the Art. Ranma decided he would always think of him as a father, even if he wasn't.
"Oh, Hello Ranma-kun. Is there something I can help you with?" Kasumi's voice said.
Looking up, he smiled at her, a genuine one. She was the only person who knew that hadn't treated him any differently. "Oh, I was only going to get a small snack, oneechan."
Kasumi nodded, "You can have one of the nikkuman I'm making for when your mother comes by latter."
Ranma's eyes bulged, and he rushed to the tap. "Mom's coming here? Today?"
"Oh my. Your mother called yesterday and said she was going to be here with some guests today. I was so busy preparing that I forgot to tell you." Kasumi said apologetically.
Ranko nodded her head, "It's alright Kasumi-oneechan."
At that moment, someone knocked at the entrance, and a familiar voice called out. "Hello, is anyone home?"
Kasumi looked around, seeing how much she still had to prepare. "Ranko-chan. Could you please answer that?"
Ranko gulped and said, "OK."
When she answered the door, she was surprised, "Hi, auntie Nodoka. How are you and who's this with ya."
Nodoka frowned. She and Ran had agreed to let 'Ranko' deal with matters for a little while before they confronted her with their knowledge. She would never think of taking the life of her child for an accident that occurred while training, but it still angered her that Ranma had not told her of this before. That damned contract that she Genma had pushed on her caused the both of them more grief than it was worth.
"Ranko-chan, please be polite." She turned to introduce the people with her. "Tendo Ranko, I would like to introduce an old friend of mine, Tsukino Ran, and his friends from America, Barbara Gordon, and Timothy Drake."
Ranko bowed to them and then said, "Please come in and be welcome in our house."
Ran bowed back, "I am happy to meet you Tendo-San, and bid everyone in this house good tidings."
Barbara and Tim also bowed, imitating Bruce. Although she spoke fluent Japanese, she decided to keep quiet. It was amazing to see Ranma in person however, despite being warned by Alfred on what to expect.
After being introduced to Kasumi, they took seats at the table. Nodoka asked her usual question about Ranma and got her usual answer. Sighing she said, "I was hoping that he would be here instead of on another trip. Before Ran-chan goes back to America, I was hoping to introduce the two of them. He is the person I named Ranma after."
Ranko perked up a bit, "You named Ranma after Ran-San?"
Nodoka smiled at her daughter, "Yes, and since Ran-chan was my fathers choice for taking over the family dojo, I wanted to see how they would spar together."
Ranko looked over at the older gentleman, who was dressed quite a bit like herself, although with western style clothing instead of Chinese. "So, you're a martial artist? How good are you?"
Ran smiled mysteriously, "Quite good, young lady. I've trained in a lot of places, and can easily say that I've yet to be completely defeated. No matter what, I come back stronger than ever."
The young girl snorted, "I bet ya can't take me on."
Ran's smile widened, "No offence, Ranko. I don't think a girl who stays at home would be able to take on someone like me."
Despite everything, Ranko said, "Oh yeah? I can take you on anyday. I've been practising the art my entire life, and I can't be beat when it counts."
"So you say."
"How about we spar a bit, and I'll show ya," Ranko said. No way was this old guy better than her. Hell, she was better than the old man and Happosai, and was also able to fight the ghoul to a standstill.
Ran chuckled, "All right. Shall we go to the dojo?"
Ranko snorted, "How 'bout we fight over the koi pond. That way the one who loses gets dunked."
Nodoka's face took on a stern look. "Ranko, please watch your language."
The girl blushed. "Ah..Sorry about that auntie Nodoka. I'll try to do better."
Ran had already gone outside and was waiting for Ranko near the pond. "How many times do I have to dunk you?"
Ranko smirked to herself. "Let's take it easy. We'll go until I put you in the pond once."
Ran bowed to her and took up his stance, left hand open and a little way in front of his face and the right one down close to his waist, facing forwards. He started to slowly circle the pond.
Ranko simply took off and leapt over the pond, expecting to land behind him and then do a foot sweep to make him fall in. She was amazed when he stopped moving, shifted his weight slightly, and used his foot to cause her to fall in herself. Coming up sputtering, she got on the other side of Ran. "OK, I underestimated ya once. It won't happen again."
Taking it more cautiously, Ranko also began circle the pond, and at an unheard signal they both leapt above the water, striking and defending themselves at the same time, testing each others reactions and skills, and holding a lot back. She was surprised that he had managed to counter each of her blows. She also noticed that he was holding back a lot since his strikes contained very little power. "Come on, fight me. That's what we doing."
Ran's mouth formed a thin line. "I don't fight girls."
Ranko's face flushed, "Hey, I'm just as good as any boy!"
"Not from where I stand."
Angered, Ranko decided to take the fight up a notch, attacking more and trying to get kicks and punches in. Unfortunately, Ran not only blocked everything she was throwing, he was looking bored. He wasn't even bothering to punch back even when he had the opportunity.
/Arrghh! How do I fight this guy when he won't fight back?/ She thought to herself as she tried to punch at him again, /He ain't so tough, but he's slippery. I gotta put him into the pond./
Try as she might however, Ran just evaded her blows, and in one evasion, she ended up dunked in the pond again.
This went on five more times before Ran said, "Had enough yet?"
"That's it! I ain't gonna take this!" Ranko said before she shot up out of the pond and used the Katsu Tenshin Amagurikan to strike at her fastest speed. Forcing him back, she noticed that the old guy was now taking her seriously. The fight remained even for five more minutes before she was finally able to force him into the pond. Unfortunately, it wasn't due to her own efforts since he had slipped on a wet rock.
"Well, it looks like I was finally dunked," Ran said as he came out of the pond, a bit of laughter in his eyes, "I guess that this sparing match is over."
He bowed and left her fuming in the yard. She wanted another match, and there wasn't a way to get one now. It was frustrating, it was angering. He was treating her like a little girl!
"<Wow, Bruce! I didn't know anyone could fight like that. I like her! Do ya think she'd be willing to come back ta Gotham with us, because I wouldn't mind dating her.>"
Nodoka listened to the young boy sitting beside her on the porch talking to Ran and started to giggle slightly. Barbara, who had also heard, started herself, and soon both women were laughing hard, while Bruce had an eyebrow raised at the two of them. Nodoka was finally able to gasp, "<Young man, I think you should talk to me. I am \her\ mother after all.>"
Tim looked at her, and then back at the red headed girl fuming in the garden, going after the Panda that had just come in through the gate. "<Cool! Do ya think she'd be willing to come back to America with us?>"
Barbara who was just calming down a little, broke off into further gales of laughter.
"<I think we may be able to persuade her, but let's talk about this later when everyone else arrives.>" Bruce told his young ward. Having tested his child's skill, he was pleased to note that Ranma had fierce will to survive and conquer. Some of his moves were sloppy in this form, but that could be improved upon. Perhaps he could impose upon Cologne to train Ranma further, especially since she was in the area.
***
Nabiki came home humming to herself, happy to have gotten a lot of the paperwork out of the way. It had been easy to arrange a transfer out of Furinkan given the abnormalities of the place, starting with the Head Master. The one stipulation that they had, her being able to complete the Juken at the appropriate time, was perfectly agreeable. If her plans didn't work out, then she would be able to come back home and complete her studies in a proper university.
She had also succeeded in arranging the purchase of a house instead of an apartment, having seriously overestimated the amount that she would need. Nabiki would still be able to go to school, afford a proper home near the Wayne estate, and play the American stock market. She had a lot more purchasing power than she had imagined.
By this time next week, she would be in Gotham city, ready to start pursuing two subjects at the same time. A degree in economics and Ranma Wayne. While the first was important to her future, it could wait until she got the object of her desire.
Nabiki actually blushed at the thought of Ranma's body when she started to think of him in a romantic sense. She shook her head. /What am I thinking? Ranma making me blush? I'm only doing this in order to get control of a fortune, not to actually fall in love with the naive lug. All I am going to do is use the honour arrangement to get my foot in the door that's all. It isn't like I find Ranma handsome, honourable, nice, kind, generous, loveable, or any of those other adjectives. No, I'm the ice queen, not some simpering, love-sick little girl. No way, Tendo Nabiki is made of sterner stuff than that./
When she opened the door, Nabiki was surprised to see Bruce Wayne sitting at her family table next to aunt Nodoka. "He..hello everyone. How was your day?"
Ranko's face showed frustration, Mr. Panda was playing with his ball, Akane was smirking at Ranma, and Soun's face was a little serious. "Very well, Nabiki. I was just discussing matters of the art with Tsukino-San. It seems he was able to defeat Ranko-chan very easily earlier today."
Nabiki blinked and looked at around. No, no one else about. "Um...Tsukino-San?"
Akane's smiled, her voice oozing honey, "Oh, Nabiki-oneechan, I would like to introduce you to Tsukino Ran, the heir to the Masaki Dojo. It seems he didn't really find Ranko to be a challenge."
"I would not say that Akane-San." Ran said then. "I am older than her and have more experience in the art than she would at her age."
Nabiki blinked. That was Bruce Wayne sitting there. She recognised him from the research she did after the revelations about Ranma's past, so why was he pretending to be someone else? And how could a dilettante playboy be able to defeat someone who's whole life was martial arts? Something was wrong here and until she could figure it out, she'd play along. "I am afraid I've never heard of the Masaki dojo, could you please tell me about it?"
Nodoka looked over at Nabiki, "The Masaki Dojo is my families school Nabiki. Father teaches many disciplines there ranging from open handed combat to the use of the sword. When Ran-chan was a teenager, he spent years learning, and became the schools best student. He's only become better over the years."
Nabiki took this in and added it to the datum that she already had. What had everyone stated for that wish again? /Rich, mature, intelligent, not cowardly, freeloading, or immoral, and an even better fighter who could teach. Well, the particulars were being filled, but for Bruce Wayne to teach Ranma, it meant that he had to be an extremely good fighter who spent decades learning the art. How could Bruce Wayne be a fighter, and a lazy playboy at the same time?/
"Don't tell me. You also do the training trip bit like Ranma-kun does. Disappearing all the time in the pursuit of the being the best in the art." Nabiki said lazily. Reaching for some tea, she continued. "I bet that you aren't much of a scholar either."
"Well, I have managed to keep up, Nabiki-chan. Computers are good ways of studying." Ran said, sounding a little annoyed.
"Oh, don't get me wrong. I can understand Ranma-kun not having the best marks in school knowing that he devotes so much of his time to other studies he considers just as, if not more important than bookwork. After all, being a Sensei and protector requires a different type of knowledge from that learned in an academic setting." Nabiki said quietly as amazed looks appeared on the faces of everyone at the table, especially Ranko.
She looked around at everyone, "Don't be so surprised. While I may try and keep his ego down now and then, I do respect Ranma. How many other people around here could take care of Happosai, or some of the other unusual things that show up? While Ranma may not have book smarts, he is the best person I know in his field of endeavour. There are times I regret that I gave up my chance to be with him."
Soun coughed, "You mean you wish that you were engaged to Ranma?"
Nabiki blushed a bit, looking at Akane. "I don't think I should answer that question. Besides, he's Akane's fiance."
Ran's right eyebrow twitched slightly. /As far as the reports I had, there were three official fiancees and one girl who wanted to be. Now I have to add another suitor to the list. What is it about Ranma that has so many girls after him despite not having any money?/
His eyes glanced quickly towards Nodoka who was now talking with Nabiki about their son. Well, no matter how hard he tried, he had never figured out how the female mind worked. He had come close a few times, at least enough to catch the female criminals, but was never able to really bring it all together.
Mr. Panda, or Saotome Genma was the only one who noticed the slight look towards Nodoka. He was familiar with Tsukino Ran, after all, there were times he had been compared to him, especially after his marriage. Ran was always the better warrior, the more honourable opponent, and the cleaner fighter. If he had beaten Ranma, then he was at least at his level of the art, possibly a bit better. Unfortunately, there wasn't anything he could do about it, especially since to do so would mean Nodoka would take his life with that sword.
How he longed to fight and beat the man who was Nodoka's first love.
For the next few hours, the talk disintegrated into the various arts that the people there practised, the pros and cons of each, and how different moves could be used or countered.
It was time that Nabiki was using to put various small clues together.
Bruce Wayne, billionaire, was known as an idle playboy, not really concentrating too much on anything other than his business and the various charities he sponsored. He partied hard, made contacts, and generally kept to himself for the most part. Wayne Manor, his families ancestral home, had hosted numerous charity functions over the years, and by official record, Bruce had gone to all of the right schools when growing up.
That was completely at odds with the statement that as a teenager Bruce had studied for years at the Masaki Dojo. The man was obviously at masters level in the art since he had been able to beat Ranma, and he was able to talk about martial arts as an expert, even to the point of giving small demonstrations with his hands, which had the toughness of an experienced fighter. He spoke fluent Japanese, without an accent, and had more than a passing familiarity with Nodoka.
She thought back again to what the Demon had shown; The party where the Joker showed up, and Batman coming after him so quickly. The way Batman didn't have an accent, and most of all, how he managed to get into and out of the country without being traced or noticed. Batman's home base was Gotham city as was Bruce Waynes. The devices that the Batman had cost lots of money. On the scale of millions. Given the number of enemies he had, Batman was well hidden. This indicated strong governmental or private backing.
Nabiki's eyes widened slightly as she put it together, although she didn't say a word. Bruce had two wards, Richard Grayson and Timothy Drake. He was seen in the company of one of his employees quite often, the daughter of the city's police commissioner, Barbara Gordon. Batman had three partners, Nightwing, Robin, and Batgirl. /So, Bruce Wayne, billionaire playboy is actually Batman. I think Gotham city is going to be quite exciting./
***
Supper that night was quite an event. Since Kasumi didn't have enough prepared, even with the extra shopping she did with Barbara and Tim, she had called Ukyou to deliver some of her restaurants specialities. What was unexpected was that both Shampoo and Ukyou had arrived with a feast, telling the others that they were trying to combine their talents in order to run a restaurant together when they were older.
After the meal, everyone was relaxing and Ran looked at Nodoka. She nodded slightly. Taking that cue, he said, "Everyone, there is something we need to discuss. It affects a lot of people here, especially one person."
Nabiki smirked. She knew what was coming, but how would Ranma explain his curse was the real question.
"Although I was designated the heir of the Masaki Dojo, Nodoka and I have been talking, and have decided on a new heir. Someone who could better carry on the traditions of her fathers dojo, quite possibly throughout the world. This heir has been practising for many years, seen many troubles and sacrificed a lot in order to become the best of his generation." Bruce sipped his tea slowly, and then quickly tossed it at Ranko, "Isn't that right son?"
Everyone but Nodoka and Barbara, were stunned at this action. A look of horror came across the face of Mr. Panda who was quickly trying to escape, only to be brought up short by a katana being held at it's throat. "Why, Genma, don't tell me that you are going to leave when we all have so much to discuss."
Defeated, the panda came back in the room, looking at the blade held in his wife's hands.
Ranma was looking at his mother, and at the man who had managed to beat him earlier in the day, "I...I mean...It's not what....You see..."
Bruce chuckled, as Tim looked on, blinking slightly, his face getting an excited look. "It's OK son. Your mother and I know all about it."
Ranma blinked and then stood up and faced Nodoka, saying calmly, "I am ready to commit Seppuku mother. It is obvious that I am not a man among men, and never could be."
Nodoka smiled mysteriously. "My son, you do not need to commit Seppuku. The promise that was held has no meaning in this case. It is time for you to speak with your father while I take care of Genma."
That was enough to start Ranma thinking again, if only slightly. "You mean Bruce Wayne is already in Japan?"
Genma, Soun, Barbara, Nodoka and Bruce started. Bruce was the first to find his voice. "You mean you know? How did you find out that I was your father?"
Ranma blinked hard and looked at Ran. "You're Bruce Wayne?"
"Oh, a number of people know." Nabiki said calmly, sipping her tea as if nothing had happened. "We found out a few days ago, and were wondering when you'd be coming by. How long will it be before you take Ranma back to America with you?"
This gave Bruce the opportunity to regain his composure. "How many others know?"
Kasumi spoke up, "A small number of people. I don't think the Kuno's do, and I haven't told anyone myself. It would have been impolite."
Soun took this opportunity to faint.
***
While Soun was being tended to by Kasumi, Ranma took the opportunity to gather his wits. He was still amazed that his mother knew about Jusenkyu, and more surprised that his natural father had heard of them as well. Shaking his head, he looked around the room at everyone there. Kasumi, Shampoo, and Ukyou were talking with each other, Akane had this angry look on her face, his mom and dad were talking over in a corner, or more like Nodoka was talking while Genma was gulping a lot, and Mr. Wayne was talking with Nabiki.
"Tim is asking where he can get powers like yours, Ranma," Barbara said to the young man who was the focus of these events. "He likes people with super powers, like Superman and Supergirl, so he thinks it's cool that you have the power to shape change."
Ranma looked over to the young man and then shook his head, "Please tell him that I don't think he'd like what it does to a person. It ain't a nice ability most of the time so I don't think he'd want em. No one would. It ain't called a curse for nuthin'."
Barbara translated this for Tim, whose expression was shocked at that.
"<What? That's nut's! He's great as a fighter, an' with those powers, imagine the number of criminals he'd pound away.>" the boy said while he punched in demonstration. "<I'd love to have 'em, and be able to hide while the Joker or Two-Face is looking for me.>"
Barbara stared Tim down at the last sentence. "He said he'd love to have those abilities, especially if he could fight like that."
Ranma looked at the boy, "Is he entirely sane? It's a pain shifting back and forth, feeling as if you're losing a part of yourself everytime. And he wants to have these 'abilities?"
Barbara sighed herself. "Well, his favourite hero is Batman, so being able to switch forms seems like some sort of super power to him."
Ranma then smirked to himself, remembering his own youthful dreams of being a hero to hundreds, if not thousands of people. "Well, from the looks of it, I'm gonna end up living with Mr. Wayne, I mean father, soon, so I can train him in some things whenever he comes by. I will not, however, tell him how to get this damned curse."
Tim is surprised and utters the words cool' and asked how he can gain shape shifting powers like that.
Everyone gets to know one another, with Akane being very cool and calm towards Ranma, and Tim asking all sorts of embarrassing questions of Ranma which Barbara attempts to stop as only Barbara, Nodoka, Bruce, and Nabiki can fully understand him.
Ranma is ready to pack up, and an appropriate punishment is met out to Genma, with Soun being told not to help Genma out.
Akane walks out on this to the disappointment of Ranma.
They do not see each other again.
Nodoka's sepuku intent is stopped by Ranma saying that he needs her, especially since he doesn't even know her. He realises the promise of being a man among men is void with the curse.
Nodoka shakes her head a bit, and then tells Ranma that if she comes with them, many changes, some pleasant, some not, will be in store for him.
Next day...
Nodoka puts in papers to the government, supported by Bruce, for a divorce from Genma Nodoka and Bruce talk with each other, and Nodoka tells him that she is proud of him, and the way he is carrying out her fathers legacy to him.
Bruce replies and tells her he still loves her.
Nodoka smiles, and says the same.
They go to see Nodoka's father and receive his blessing.
Ranma says his goodbyes to everyone.
Old enemy of Batman appears, and knows who Bruce Wayne really is.
Involves Ranma and Barbara and Barbara ends up breaking her leg.
To be continued...