On Mon, 24 May 1999 dreiser1@ix.netcom.com wrote:
Black Rose, Blue Thunder:
An Altered Destiny
By: Dreiser
-Prologue-
It was raining in Nerima.
To the citizens of this nominally unusual district in Tokyo rain
was an annoyance they had become used to. The rain came as often
as the scattered brawls caused by the various martial artists who
resided in the area. But unlike the martial artists the rain would
disappear. And when it did a most enjoyable peace would fill the air.
Today it had rained. And when the rained cleared away a
peaceful lull did indeed embrace the community.
It was a lull that lasted precisely five seconds before being
disturbed by a sight that even the oldest citizen of Nerima would find
bizarre. The sight of a rather large kangaroo wearing black boxing
gloves simultaneously fighting two very angry looking girls wearing
huge backpacks.
Kangaroo. THAT'S new. ^_^;
As the gymnast did this her companion, an incredibly
statuesque girl with white blonde hair and glowing cobalt eyes, dodged
a series of attempted punches from the kangaroo as she herself got a
few punches in. The blonde had her hair pulled back in a pigtail which
somehow seemed to accent her exotic beauty. And those watching her
stared closely at her sharp features and wondered about the slightly
pointed edges her ears had. Unlike her friend the blonde dressed
entirely in Chinese style clothing that consisted of a short sleeved red
silk shirt and black tie off pants. Out of the two the blonde appeared
to be the exalting the most in this mutual attack on their furry foe. As
she leapt about punching the kangaroo she moved with such grace that
it seemed like she was floating. In such a motion the blonde hovered
slightly into the air and delivered a strong kick at the back of the
kangaroo's head.
Hmmm. The image I'm getting here is of a Deedlit looky-likey. Right?
"The oaf deserved it," said the gymnast as she brushed some
He always does...
Suddenly a golden glow surrounded the blonde and the
gymnast glanced around uneasily to stare at the gaping citizens of
Nerima. The citizens were frozen in shock as they saw something they
had never observed in their years of living with nonstop martial arts
weirdness.
They saw a girl flying.
The blonde hovered in the air a moment before she shouted
down at the gymnast who was staring up at her with a wary
expression. "I'm gonna fly ahead!" the blonde shouted. "I'll meet up
with you later, okay? I have to find someplace to dump the old man!"
Saying that the blonde girl flew away at rapid speeds leaving
only a few white clouds dissipating in her exit. Her companion
watched this then gave a bemused sigh before moving into a quick run
towards the direction of the aforementioned Tendo dojo.
And in doing this they left the several hundred shocked
Nerima citizens behind. Citizens who were all experiencing
simultaneous queasy feelings in their stomachs. Things were definitely
about to get stranger in their small district. That much was for sure.
This is going to be a strange one, isn't it...
-One-
Tendo Kasumi walked out of the sitting room that was filled to
the rim with her Father's wails. He was loudly declaring his
disappointment about their protesting the engagement that he had
arranged for them. As his wailing grew louder Kasumi headed outside
and towards the sound of knocking that had caused her to leave the
sitting room.
More than anything Kasumi disliked her Father's habit of
throwing highly emotional fits. Often it felt like a form of blackmail to
her. A simple ploy that he would use against them to get what he
wanted. Sighing at this thought Kasumi paused at the front doors to
Yup. Sounds like emotional blackmail to me... "If you *really* loved me
you'd <fill-in-the-blank>."
"Joining the Anything Goes schools?" questioned Kodachi as
she moved forward. "Excuse me Tendo-san but what exactly does our
dearest Ranma have to do with such matters? Explanations as to this
situation is why we have arrived so rudely at your premises. If you
might inform us as to the circumstances surrounding this promise we
shall swiftly leave your company never to bother you again."
I can see at least one Neriman going 'Huh?' when faced with Kodachi's
eloquence...
Finally Akane broke the silence and said bluntly, "I think this is
stupid." Everyone blinked at her harsh statement and unruffled from
the reaction Akane continued, "Just because Ranma is a girl is no
reason to treat her this way Dad. We should let them stay here."
A calm Akane. Go figure. (Face it, even the *manga* she was *never* this
laid back)
On hearing this the new arrivals exchanged sly looks that did
not make their way past Nabiki who watched them with careful hazel
eyes. "We thank you a thousand times over," said Kodachi politely as
she bowed lowly. Flashing Akane a charming smile she produced a
black rose out of thin air and offered it to the other girl. "Truly you are
a person possessing a wealth of kindness to share such rich dwellings
with beggars like us. Even if it is for only a night we meekly accept
your offer and give our endless thanks."
"Kodachi Kuno, BsC in Outrageous Flattery (Advanced)"
Blushing Akane stammered, "I-I... okay. It's okay." Managing
to spit this out Akane said in more assured tones, "We don't mind at
all... but only a night? You can stay longer if you want." She gave her
Father a slight shake. "Right Dad?" As a response Soun merely
moaned again and Akane beamed. "See? He agreed. You can stay
longer if you want. Our dojo is your dojo."
"Truly you are an angel fallen to earth," said Kodachi warmly
with her violet eyes shining. "But sadly we must return to our usual
troublesome quest that sustains our lives for now. We merely wished
to resolve matters with your family while discovering the truth behind
the whispered rumors of an engagement involving Ranma darling."
Kodachi shifted her attention then poked Ranma in the ribs and the tall
blonde jumped a bit as she seemed to hover in the air. "Isn't this
correct dearest?"
"If you can't dazzle them with dexterity, Baffle them with bullshit." -
P.T.Barnum, I think.
At this Ranma leapt eagerly to her feet and trailed after
Kasumi. A silence filled the room and finally Nabiki turned her
attention to the dark haired girl who had been controlling almost the
entire conversation. Kodachi, that was what she said her name was,
that and something about some type of black flower. Nabiki knew
what Kodachi was the second she started talking. She had met
thousands of con artists and some at her school would even venture to
say that Nabiki herself was one of them.
o/~Smooth operator...o/~
Noting Nabiki's study the Kodachi raised an eyebrow and
questioned, "Are there horns sticking out of my head or do you simply
not trust me?"
Heh.
theirs before. I wonder if bro knows about any of this? Last time I got
Ryouga, right? I'm gonna enjoy hearing about this one...
fully intimate with her. This decision was also helped by the fact that
Ranma had met her older brother briefly when he attended middle
school and he knew exactly what Tatewaki would do to him if he
maltreated Kodachi.
Interesting. I wonder if he is more stable, too.
Kodachi was the only girl for him. He knew this and so did
she. This knowledge was instinctive and so strong was their belief in
their destined love that none of the many admirers they had picked up
in their three years of traveling together ever had the slightest chance of
destroying their bond. This was because Kodachi knew Ranma inside
and out, just as he knew her, and that sort of connection simply cannot
be broken. Especially when the people sharing it have only found
acceptance in each other.
Hmmm. I foresee a shortage of Humourous Comedic Jealous
Misunderstandings(tm), here
In their meeting they encountered the first person in their lives
who did not scorn their natural indiscretions of stealing food or conning
people out of money for survival. Rather they traded secrets and
devised new and better plans for doing so. In short, Ranma and
Kodachi found in one another their partner in crime. And they vowed
to be partners forever. Together they made a phenomenal team and
Kodachi had helped Ranma out of more tight jams then he'd like to
recall. Jams which were all mostly caused by his bumbling Father.
Hmmm. So no spoilt upper-class 'dachi, eh? Presumably been on the road for
a while...
'Course some things never change.
Once you disregarded that frightening laugh of hers of course.
I refer you to my previous comment...
"Are you sure you wish to spar Nabiki?" asked Kodachi as
she removed her silk Chinese style jacket and set it aside gently. In
doing so she revealed the tight violet top to her gymnast's uniform
which accented her impressive upper body muscles.
So no martial artist Akane. This may explain a lot...
Inspecting Kodachi's toned body Akane looked anxiously to
her older sister and said in exasperation, "Nabiki! Why do you always
have to be so violent? You know this is why all the boys think you're
so strange! And Kodachi is a guest, you shouldn't be fighting with her.
Even if it is for fun."
...
"Akane," Nabiki said slowly as she cracked her knuckles. "As
the next in line for the Tendo dojo I'm supposed to give and receive
challenges in order to improve my skills as a martial artist. Maybe if
you weren't so occupied with the fair play attitude of all the sports you
play you'd remember the code of a true fighter."
Forming a slightly wounded expression Akane folded her arms
across her chest and sniffed as she said, "Fine. Go ahead and fight
Kodachi for no reason."
"Thank you," said Nabiki sardonically as hazel eyes focused
clinically on Kodachi. "I will." Narrowing her gaze she questioned,
"You ready?"
Giving a short nod Kodachi replied, "Always."
You can feel the machisma... (Term borrowed from "Tales From the Floating
Vagabond" RPG)
Kodachi studied Nabiki and wondered if she should
implement any of her weapons in the battle. Certainly it would only
add to her current problem but it might be necessary if Nabiki's skills
proved higher than she estimated. The problem being if she and
Ranma wanted to stay in the dojo for the night, then leave in the
morning as planned they would have to stay in the Tendos good
graces. And staying in their good graces did not include Kodachi
beating up the arrogant middle daughter of the household. Frowning
slightly Kodachi reluctantly moved into fighting position. She held up a
graceful one legged arch that preceded any type of action that
Arch? I'm confused.
followed and eyed Nabiki with calm violet eyes.
Suddenly Nabiki crouched lowly then leapt at Kodachi with
unexpected speed and the dark gymnast barely had time to dodge as
the other girl aimed a strong kick at her midsection. Eyes wide at this
maneuver Kodachi bounded swiftly into the air to put some space
between her and Nabiki. Upon landing on her toes she saw that
Nabiki was once again in a crouched position. Her mannerisms caused
Kodachi to note the similarity the middle Tendo sister had to that of a
wild cat. In another swift movement Nabiki flew at her, this time her
hands flashing in undeterminable speed as she aimed a series of
punches at Kodachi. Ducking each would be blow Kodachi bent
herself into a huddled position and was about to move into a backflip
when without warning a large kangaroo bounded angrily into the dojo
then launched itself at her. In an instant Kodachi pushed Nabiki to one
side and retrieved her favorite weapon.
...and a perfectly good fight is interrupted...
Pulling out the violet ribbon Kodachi snapped it into position
and flung it at the kangaroo. Wrapping it effectively around it's ankles
she laughed her echoing high pitched laugh that she had been trying not
to use as often because she knew how it disturbed Ranma. Covering
Heh.
"Akane!" shouted Nabiki to her younger sister from across the
dojo. The two had observed this odd scene with some shock for
several moments before Nabiki snapped out of this state. "Go get
Ranma for help! If she's the heir the Saotome Anything Goes school of
martial arts she should be able to help get rid of this thing!"
Blinking Akane nodded her head rapidly before dashing out of
the dojo leaving Nabiki to observe the battle between Kodachi and
the kangaroo. Watching this peculiar scene Nabiki said to herself, "A
kangaroo. Why is there a kangaroo in our dojo? And on top of that
why in the world is a kangaroo attacking her?"
o/~They're coming to take me away, ho ho, hee hee, ha ha...o/~
Considering all of these self induced questions Nabiki hoped
that she would get lucky and Ranma might be able to explain the
abnormality of a violent kangaroo appearing to know martial arts
suddenly showing up in their dojo.
Harder than explaining just where all the ice-cream went... -_-;
Akane trailed off dumbly as she gazed at not the figure of the
statuesque blonde girl from before but rather at a rakishly handsome
young man with jet black hair who was gazing at her in certain panic.
The boy started stammering a series of explanations, none of which
accessed in Akane's mind, as he hastily rose to his feet to reveal all of
his muscular and rather abundant assets. Immediately on seeing this
Akane blushed deeply as she tore her light brown eyes away from
where they had been previously focused. Noticing the change in her
facial color and direction of her former gaze the boy yelped then dove
back into the water while still babbling rapidly at her. Backing out of
the furo slowly Akane shut the doors to it then stared at them for a
long moment then said in puzzlement, "Who was that?"
Wibble.
Halting in her work Kodachi gave Nabiki a warm smile then
stepped off the kangaroo. "Certainly you're correct," said Kodachi
smoothly as she walked towards the other girl. "I was merely taking
precautions to ensure that he would no longer be able to menace us
further. The animal suffers from what would could be called a
psychosomatic complex and appears to have a vendetta against us.
Ranma and I believe that it had been the subject of laboratory
experiments which caused its mania and perhaps the unusual fighting
skills implemented against us. It has been pursuing us for many leagues
and no matter how many times we defeat the shoddy creature and ship
it off to a local zoo it always returns to attack us once again. It's quite
the puzzle you see."
Well, it's better than when my sister blamed her crayon drawing on the
walls on the dog...
Listening to this with a face of obvious skepticism Nabiki said
drolly, "Right. Tell me another one." Placing her hands on her hips
Nabiki continued, "I'm not buying it and if I were you I'd start telling
the truth. Especially since it looks like your furry friend is starting to
wake up."
...but didn't get any further, though.
Seeming agitated at this the kangaroo flipped over its sign and
began writing even more rapidly. Holding the sign in clear view of both
Kodachi and Nabiki it read: <He's my son. It's my right to decide who
he marries.>
I hate that argument. Always have. Children are *NOT* property. Nor are
spouses (spice?). The sooner people wake up to this, the better.
"Your right?" asked Kodachi incredulously as she rose slowly
to her feet while gripping the dojo wall. "Surely you must be jesting.
Producing a child does not mean you have the right to play role of the
Kami in their life. Ranma is of sound mind and you have no right---"
It would appear that Kodachi agrees...
"Hot water?" questioned Nabiki as she wondered about it
being mentioned in such emphasized tones by both Ranma and now
the kangaroo.
"Ah well, we're all members of this secret hot-water worshipping cult..."
this Akane said, "This is getting weirder and weirder... first it's some
guy in the furo and now it's a kangaroo in the dojo. I knew I shouldn't
have started taking Coach's new iron supplement pills. They're
messing with my brain."
o/~They're coming to take me away...o/~
"Well," said Akane thoughtfully. "I might've been imagining it
but when I went to the furo to get Ranma there was this guy in there
instead. And don't ask me how he got in there. All I know is that he
definitely isn't one of my old boyfriends. They're not that big."
Must... Supress... Hentai... Thoughts...
"Ranma?" said all the Tendos at once.
"You mean..." said Nabiki slowly.
"It's the furo guy!" said Akane happily.
o/~They're...o/~ Oh, they've gone away. Phew.
"Thank the Kami," said Soun crying.
"Oh my," said Kasumi softly.
Observing all of these reactions at once the pigtailed boy
grimaced and met the eyes of Kodachi who shrugged as way of an
answer. Sighing at this he said reluctantly, "I'm Saotome Ranma."
Like I said, some things never change...
"Yeah," said Ranma with a touch of boredom. "That was me
Obviously had to do this one before...
Snorting Ranma replied, "Maybe because you deserved it for
getting me stuck in another engagement. I ain't going along with this
Pop. You ought to know that by now. I've got my own mind and
there's no way you're forcing me to marry a complete stranger. I said
no to this sort of stunt all those times before and I'm gonna say no
again."
"All those times before?" repeated Nabiki. "You mean that
he's done this type of thing more than once?"
"Oh yeah," began Ranma eagerly as he leaned across the
table. "At least a billion--"
"You're exaggerating again!" shouted Genma. He paused to
solemnly push his wire rim glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I've only
made five engagements for my boys. That also includes Tendo here."
He glared at Ranma then added, "And you've only met three of your
iinazukes, not a billion. I'd say that you're confusing the large amount
of girls chasing after you with the number that I've enagaged you to."
"I only engaged you 5 times... Oops..."
Ranma snarled at this and looked ready to attack Genma
when Kodachi intervened. "Now, now, dearest," she said in soothing
tones. "This is hardly the time for such things." Violet eyes turned to
the elder Saotome as Kodachi questioned, "If the Tendos are the
fourth iinazuke for us to encounter then who is the fifth?"
Snorting Genma folded his arms across his chest and said,
"That's none of Ranma's concern. His brother is the one responsible
for that engagement. Just like he'd be responsible for this one if he
hadn't gotten lost again."
"Who cares about all that," said Akane in dismissive tones as
she looked to Ranma. "Cold water really changes you into a girl elf?
That sounds so neat!"
<facefault>
"Don't you mean that it's not right that you would have to give
up your legions of fans, Akane?" said Nabiki with a smirk. "If you got
engaged to Ranma there would be no more nonstop dating for you."
Looking flustered Akane retorted, "I don't date that much
Nabiki! And besides, this engagement is a stupid idea. You even said
so yourself."
Ah. So this is why she didn't flip... Aaaargh! Hentai thoughts again!
<bangs head against wall for a bit>
"It's dumb," said Akane with a shrug. "I said it once and I'll say
it again. Ranma seems like a nice guy but I don't want to marry him."
"An apt answer," said Kodachi in satisfaction. Turning
to Kasumi she said, "What are your feelings on this offered prospect
of marriage?"
"Oh my," said Kasumi, it was not often that she was asked her
thoughts on matters. "While I do find him very handsome I'm afraid I
must agree with Ranma about the idea of marrying a complete
stranger. It just isn't proper."
Nodding sagely at this Kodachi turned lastly to Nabiki then
said dryly, "And you?"
"Ditto," said Nabiki with a shrug. "Kasumi pretty much said it
all for me. I have to admit I think this Ranma of yours is pretty
attractive but I don't much bow into the idea of being forced to marry
anyone."
"Then we all are in agreement," said Kodachi smiling. "There
shall be no engagement. Wonderful!" Rising to her feet she looked at
Ranma then said, "Lets be off Ranma dearest. There is no need to stay
further."
Consensus.
Damn, I had my weird-o-meter calibrated for normal Ranmaverse. It just
exploded.
"Fine with me," said Ranma as he stood beside Kodachi. "I
got better things to do than hang around here."
"Places to go, meals to cadge..."
Leaning forward to whisper in his ear Kodachi said, "I feel it
rings of some truth Ranma darling. Perhaps we might reach a stalemate
of sorts until we may investigate things further. We were planning to
reside in this area as we continued the search. Added to that fact there
is the truth that this is an ample dwelling in which to live and the
Tendos will happily supply us with free food and board."
Smiling at this last statement Ranma replied, "You always got
the big picture in mind. All right... do it."
Gack. Forward planning. Backup weird-o-meter just took out two rooms...
Pulling away from Ranma the dark haired gymnast coughed
then said, "Ranma dearest has decided that he will not immediately
rescind the promise of his father and Tendo-san but before he shall
even consider marrying anyone he must first know them better.
Therefore we would like to ask permission to live in this dwelling so to
better know the prospective iinazukes. Perhaps in doing so a mutual
romantic relationship shall come to pass but no vows as to this nature
are to be made. It is not yet secured and if a romance to seal the
engagement does not arise we shall depart. Agreed?"
"And if you'd like to buy this second-hand car..."
"Agreed! Agreed!!" shouted Soun. He immediately snapped
out of his sobbing state and leapt towards Kodachi then began shaking
her hand rapidly.
I don't think he read the fine print, there.
"A-k-a-n-e. That's who we want to be!" Nabiki said in
mocking sing-song tones as she walked into the room and sat next to
her younger sister. "With thighs of milky white, she's the one everyone
likes. Gooooo Akane!" After completing this parody of the Furinkan
High cheerleading squad Nabiki broke out into hysterical laughter.
...
"Certainly," Kodachi said, looking a bit nonplussed at Nabiki's
surprise. "Ranma darling and I both place great value on the benefits of
a fine education."
"Plus it's where we do a lot of our business," Ranma said
plainly before Kodachi lightly pinched her on the thigh causing her to
yelp. Coloring a bit she corrected, "Learn to do business I mean. Me
and Dachi are interested in finance you see and we gotta go to school
for that. Understand?"
"Yes," said Nabiki slowly as she carefully studied the pair. "I'm
beginning to."
Hehehehe.... ^_^;;
Her lips forming a wide 'o' shape Ranma flitted her long
eyelashes and formed a cutesy pose then said, "Do you really think so
Dachi? I'm so happy!"
Accepting the bowl of soup from Kasumi with a low nod
Kodachi replied dryly, "You will have to endeavor to improve your
tone quality if you wish to righteously fool the male population of our
new institution of learning. Remember that the more saccharine your
voice levels are the more freely they distribute their gifts. That and the
lessening amounts of clothing you wear. Do not forget that my darling."
Ebber yeeber yabble...
what I learned most from having this curse. It ain't my fault that elf
chicks are so hot... but do they care? Nope. They chase after me like
"Why, they've even got their own newsgroup..."
"Very well," said Kodachi as she sighed with exaggerated
annoyance. "If I must pretend to be acting irrationally jealous over
anyone romantically it may as well be you Ranma darling. And at times
spewing that jealous spiel, as you so aptly call it, can be somewhat
amusing."
"Aw," drawled Ranma as she moved forward in a lightning fast
movement as she rested her face only inches from Kodachi's. Her
breath on the other girl's lips Ranma whispered, "But you like it
dontcha Dachi? Telling everyone that I belong to you..."
"Ranma darling," Kodachi said huskily as she wound her
fingers into the back of Ranma's white-blonde head as to draw the
other girl's lips closer.
Excuse me. <leaves to take cold shower>
"Oh my," the voice of Kasumi broke in and turning their heads
the couple saw that she was blushing a deep hue of red. Seeing their
gaze on her she said quickly, "Oh! I'm so sorry... it's just you two
seem such good friends..."
"I'd say they're more than that Oneechan," Nabiki said
Understatement of the 'fic so far.
"That ain't lucky," snorted Ranma derisively. "Pop probably
talked him into it. He'll do anything for free booze."
Hmmm.
Resting her chin in the palms of her hands Akane smiled
almost dreamily and said, "You guys make such a kawaii couple. I'm
glad you're together. There isn't enough love in the world." After she
said this Akane gave a happy sigh then bounded to her feet. "We
better get going or we'll be late for school." Looking to Nabiki as she
put on her backpack and questioned, "Coming Oneechan?"
My head hurts...
Following the direction Nabiki was gazing in Ranma and
Kodachi observed the front walk to Furinkan high school which was
lined on either side with what looked to be around a hundred students
who all wore almost the exact same face of adoration. Several of the
girls seemed to swoon as Akane stepped a foot onto the campus,
while a good portion of the boys began drooling.
Akane didn't seem to notice this as she kept her light brown
eyes facing steadily forward as she continued to dribble her basketball
while walking towards the entrance to Furinkan. She stopped
suddenly and looked at a group of ten girls all wearing identical
uniforms and eagerly hopeful looks on their pretty faces. There was a
long pause before Akane ceased the dribbling of her basketball to
now spin it on her index finger as she faced the girls and said bemused,
"Go on. It's okay... I know you want to."
The girls released simultaneous squeals of happiness as they
bounced up and down. They then cleared their throats then in perfect
harmony chanted, "Akane everyone loves so much and only she
everyone wants to touch!"
After they said this the girls looked expectantly at Akane who
stopped spinning the basketball on her index finger and said, "Nice
job. Your rhyming is improving." Now finished, Akane strode towards
the front entrance to Furinkan and went inside.
Seconds after Akane entered the building over half of the
crowd stormed in to follow her and in doing so looked quite like a
group of occultists. Leaving scarcely any people remaining in the
school yard. Still standing at the entrance to the Furinkan campus
Nabiki was gratified to see the puzzled and intrigued looks on Ranma
and Kodachi's faces.
"What...?" began Ranma hesitantly.
"Was that of concern to?" finished Kodachi.
"Akane's fan club," said Nabiki in dry explanation. "She's
Furinkan's top athlete and is pretty much responsible for the
championship seasons of the girls basketball, softball, soccer,
volleyball, track, and diving team. And these are all the people who
worship her for it." Nabiki paused a moment to inspect the abandoned
yard then mused, "But today was a pretty small gathering. Only two
hundred or so people. She usually has a minimum of four hundred
people greeting her. It's that damn flu that's going around..."
Proceeding to walk inside the school Nabiki left the forms of
Ranma and Kodachi standing at the front entrance with stunned
expressions on their faces.
Describes how I feel...
And watching this entire scene the Sensei known as Godai
Yusaku sighed as he saw two more idols for Furinkan High School
being made.
Heh.
Ceasing their eating the couple accepted the pieces of paper
from Nabiki and studied them carefully. Finally Ranma formed a smirk
and said, "Pretty detailed stuff Nabiki. But do they really gotta know
my pants size? I ain't even sure that I know that one..."
"Waist thirty, inseam thirty-two," said Kodachi immediately
while wearing a small smile.
ROTFL ^_^
The couple wore identical frowns and Ranma was the first to
speak. "No... we didn't say that. We wanna work with you," he
corrected.
"The three of us," Kodachi purred, moving sleekly across the
table to touch Nabiki's chin lightly with her index finger. "Would make
a magnificent team."
And one wonders who'll end up leading...
Coloring a bit Nabiki reluctantly pulled her hand out of
Ranma's hold and shifting her eyes to Kodachi she saw that the dark
gymnast was observing them with fond amusement. Seeing Nabiki's
surprise Kodachi said, "Do not fret Nabiki dearest. There is little
cause for me to feel any jealousy towards you for Ranma merely
acknowledging your allure." Rising smoothly to her feet Kodachi
stepped forward to extend her hand to Ranma, who was now on his
feet, and walking away with him she said, "Especially when I most
completely agree with and share his admiration."
Glancing backwards at the bewildered Nabiki a smiling
Ranma called, "See you later partner!"
"What," began Nabiki numbly as she stared blankly ahead.
"Have I just gotten myself into?"
Aaargh! Hormone Overload!
"Sure," said Nabiki slowly, flushing a bit from the 'dearest'
being added to her name. She wondered how Ranma had gotten used
to all the cute acronyms Kodachi used. He was a fighter just like she
Acronyms? Did I miss something, or do you mean pet names?
pigtailed boy she wondered about him. Ranma was definitely not like
any of the guys she had ever met. Not only was he intelligent and
charming he seemed completely secure in his manhood... despite his
curse. The admiration she felt for him made Nabiki ponder the
'Dachi's influence here?
engagement their FatheKrs so desperately wanted to arrange. Was there
any chance for her and Ranma? And what about Kodachi? Was it just
Nabiki's imagination working overtime or did the gymnast flirt with her
Erk. More polygons...
Halting in their easy run Ranma and Kodachi stood before an
abandoned mansion, a sight which stood out very clearly in an
otherwise normal looking neighborhood. The black haired gymnast
leapt from the high wall they'd been running on to slowly walk towards
the rusted wrought iron gates that were locked with heavy chains.
Touching the gate lightly Kodachi whispered, "Home."
Approaching quietly from behind Ranma drew his arms
around her waist and murmured into her ear, "We finally found it
Dachi. And someday we'll find him too. The both of them. Our
sources say they're travelling together."
"Yes," breathed Kodachi, mesmerized as she looked at her
ancestral estate. Without looking down she produced a metal hammer
in her grasp and sending it smashing down she broke the locks that
held the gate shut. Pushing the gates open she once again walked on
the lawn to the home that she was taken away from so long ago and
said, "Tatewaki... I have searched not only the scant memories of my
past but every resource available to find the home in which we once
dwelled but where must I search to find you? Each time I attempt to
locate you I return with an empty hand and a broken heart..." Trailing
off Kodachi looked towards the heavens and questioned, "Where are
you now my brother? I beg you... please return from whence you
came."
Explains a lot.
And at that same moment, in the wilderness of China, the well
traveled figure of Kuno Tatewaki released an abrupt sneeze before he
laid his eyes on the cursed training grounds of Jusenkyo.
Oh dear.
To be continued...
Yay!
All characters in this fanfiction are from Ranma 1/2. This fanfiction was
inspired by the works of the great goddess Rumiko Takahashi but the
insanity behind it is purely my own. Okay, this was a draft and nothing
more. I just wanted to get some opinions on this series before I finish
the editing process. This is an alternate universe fanfic so I'm going to
get a bit crazy with it. I remember when I first posted Switching Heirs
someone wrote to me saying it was too predictable. That it followed
the orginal storyline too much and if it's an alt universe fic I shouldn't
be afraid to change not just one thing but everything. That's the basic
drive behind this series. All right, enough stupid babbling. A special
thanks to Jim Robert Bader for his advice and Wade Tritschler for
allowing me to a part of his Altered Destinies project.
Certainly different... Yib yib yibber...