Lives Unveiled

non-standard disclaimer:
I dont own any of these characters cause if I did Id be filthy obscenely 
rich but since I dont Ill just listen to the vioces in my head while you 
read this story ;)

If you havent read D.B. Sommers story "The Veils Over Others Eyes" then 
please do so before reading this one.




Scene:  A dimly lit room vaguely reminiscent of Washu's lab, after a couple 
of seconds of silence a ringing pierces the silence at first its soft but 
gradually becomes (annoyingly) louder until a robed figure enters the scene.

robed figure: Coming COMING!,  I could've gotten a cordless phone but oh no! 
I had to go for the rustic touch.  (answers the phone) Hello?  yes I am, 
what were you interested in?  yes I still do.  Can you meet the 
requirements?  Excellent! what?  OH! well the events leading up to this 
transaction started 5 (or more) days ago.

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Flashback Warning!!!!
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On the roof of an abandoned building a rip in time+space forms disgorging a 
armored humaniod figure plus some rather large pieces of equipement.

Humaniod Figure: (alpha connect..... <establish cloaking field run 
diagnostics on all systems, power up for burst transmission>) Hmm... whats 
that sound (<extend cloaking field to all equipement and locate source of 
noise>)

Ranma-chan ran for five miles with the cat attached to the back of her head, 
screaming out in terror the entire time. As they passed the outskirts of 
Nerima Ranma-chan ran up the fire escape of a tall, relatively isolated, and 
deserted building and onto its roof. She made one circuit around the edge, 
continuing to scream the entire time, then ran to the center of the roof and 
calmed down. Gently she eased Shampoo-neko off
of her head and went to a heating duct. Calmly she detached the grill 
covering it and reached inside, pulling out a large bundle. She undid the 
wrap around it and pulled out a gas powered hot plate, a bottle of water,
and a purple and pink Chinese outfit. Once the water was heated she used it 
on herself. Then she placed the outfit on the ground and allowed 
Shampoo-neko to crawl inside it. Once she was in place hot water was
poured on the cat.

Humaniod Figure: (<A Ranma unit?...... FULL STEALTH!!! deactivate all 
nonessential systems, begin recording>)

It took Shampoo several moments to reorient herself to the world as she made 
certain all of her limbs were sticking out the proper holes. She turned 
towards Ranma only to see he had already sat down in a ball,
bringing his knees up to his chest and wrapping his arms around them. She 
remained where she was until she heard the first gasp of breath.

"It's okay, Ranma. You can let it out now." She was going to wait a moment
to see how he would react. It seemed to be bad this time.

A second gasp escaped, then a third that was all too close to the second. It 
was a bad one. Shampoo eased herself over to him now and wrapped her arms 
around him. Hopefully he would draw strength from her presence. "It's all 
right. We're away from the others."

"I hate it," he whispered softly.

Shampoo thought she knew what he was talking about. "What did she do to you 
this time?"

"Sh...she hit me," he was practically sobbing as he said that.

Humaniod Figure:(Ranma sobbing, almost crying?  I need more information, how 
did this happen, and who is *she*?)

That must have happened earlier in the day. Shampoo wondered what was 
different about it this time to produce such a result. "She always hits 
you." And sometimes he even deserved it, but she was here for support, and 
that kind of a statement might have some disastrous results at this point.  
Besides, everyone else dumped on Ranma. She wanted to be the exception.

"I saved her," he said softly. "Not twenty four hours after I risked my life 
for her and she hit me just for me telling her I didn't want to eat her 
cooking." Shampoo knew he was glossing over things, he always did that, but 
after what he had done for Akane just a short time ago that was still going 
more
than a bit far, even for her. "It was wrong of her to do that. She should 
have thanked you for risking yourself like that and accepted the criticism."

"She caught me right in the ribs. It's still sore from where Shoi hit me,"  
Ranma pulled himself into Shampoo's embrace. "It was bad, Shampoo. Real bad. 
There were a couple of spots where he nearly killed me. It was like
Saffron, but on a smaller scale, and Akane wasn't in quite as much danger, 
but he was vicious. I nearly died."

"I'm sorry, Ranma." Shampoo whispered in his ear. "If I had known I'd have 
helped. I would have even brought Mousse along, but you left without 
contacting us. There was no way I could have known."

"I know. And I survived, barely. It just keeps getting worse. I don't know 
how much more I can take. They all hit so hard." He held onto her arms 
tightly now, savoring the contact and tried to make himself strong.

Shampoo remained where she was. This one was very bad, perhaps the worst 
yet. More often now it seemed that every time they met he would break down. 
She understood why, now. He needed the release. Besides, wasn't Shampoo 
partially responsible for his current condition? She was far from
the sole person responsible, but responsible she was. She allowed her mind 
to recall the night she first discovered what unintentional damage she was 
doing...

"Let's run away together."

That snapped Shampoo out of her reminiscing. She gave him a pained 
expression. "We can't, Ranma. My great-grandmother, Mousse, Mr. Tendo, your 
father, Ukyou, Kodachi, Akane. None of them are willing to let you or me go. 
They would hunt us down to the ends of the earth to bring us back or gain 
revenge against me for taking you away from them. Nowhere would be safe from 
them. Nowhere."

His voice began to quiver. "I...I can't take it much longer. I need to get 
away from them. To get away from here. Even being with you isn't enough any 
more, not with how little time we get alone. Twice a week isn't enough. I 
need you," he pleaded.

The voice inside her head soothingly told her he belonged to her now. She 
shut it out. Now she had a decision to make. Events were reaching a crux and 
it was time to make a choice that would have repercussions for her
entire future. "How much longer can you hold out?"

He shook his head. "If things don't get worse, another five months. After 
that I won't be able to take it anymore."

She understood what he was alluding to. He would try ending it all once 
more. She recognized the signs in him from that night and thought he was 
being unusually generous. He would be lucky if he could last more than three 
months. She was going to have to come up with a plan. A complicated one that 
was going to take months to set up. It was the only chance they had for 
escaping the Moebius loop they were trapped in. And if the plan failed she 
would be dragged back to China while Ranma, more likely than not, would die 
by his own hand.

"Give me three months," she whispered in his ear. "Then we can make one 
desperate attempt to leave everything behind. Can you do that for me?"

He nodded. "I can keep it together for that long. What's the plan?"

"It's better that you don't know, for both our sakes. You just concentrate 
on dealing with everything they throw at you and I'll take care of you. Do 
you believe me?"

"Yes," he said softly. "Shampoo, can you say it yet?"

The voice told her to lie to him and tell him what he wanted to hear. NO! 
She wouldn't do that. She would not treat him like she had been her entire 
life. "I care about you very much, but we're under a lot of stress. I
won't let myself fall in love with you until we're clear of this entire 
mess. It could still all come crashing down around our heads and if I loved 
you and lost you it might break me. I'm sorry, but I can't allow that to 
happen."

Surprisingly she saw him perk up a little as a bit of the real Ranma 
returned. "Well then, I guess we'll have to get out of this, won't we?"

She found herself smiling in response. "Yes. I guess we will." And maybe 
then she would allow herself to fall for him, but not before. Still, there 
was one gesture she could give him for encouragement. Something for him as 
well as for her. She leaned over and kissed him on the lips. She felt him 
kiss back and he did it pretty damn well for someone that claimed he had 
never done it before. Maybe she would have to sample a little more as
added incentive to succeed in escaping everyone's clutches. He eased her 
back, still kissing, as he added even more incentive for it.

Yes. Just a few more months and it would all be decided, one way or another.

After 2 hours Ranma and Shampoo left the abandoned building after erasing 
all traces of them ever being there, unbeknownst to them a new player had 
entered the game looking to mark all the cards.

Humaniod Figure: Burst Transmission: Begin message: Have arrived safely, 
though am in need of more equipement for new complications  *see attached 
list* one priority item: 5 LB's of Platternite get from Morlocks tell them 
Mage Chaos needs it.(<Transmit, shut off burst transmitter>) now where 
should I position my base of operations?

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A week passess by as everyone gets used to the same old Nerima routine 
(without any princes showing up) without ever realizing how much it's all 
going to change.

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It is a friday afternoon we see a wet Ranma-chan walking home all by him 
er... herself.

Ranma-chan: (tomboy why does she keep calling me a pervert? unlike 
shampoo)(a smile creeps across her face)

Figure: Would this be a good time to talk?

Ranma-chan:(Smile desappears) so which are you a fiance or a challenger?

Figure: Neither I just wanted to talk, oh please forgive my rudeness my name 
is Rem.

Ranma-chan: Im Ranma, what do you want to talk about?

Rem: Oh this and that life in general and plans for the future, would you 
mind if we go to my place to talk its secure so you wont have to worry about 
your fiance's (or Nabiki evesdropping from behind that doorway).

Ranma-chan: (sigh, just had to remind me) Okay just no funny stuff.

Rem: Trust me I dont know any funny jokes.

After 30 minutes of walking they come to a delapidated warehouse located in 
the fishing district.

Ranma-chan:(How can he stand the smell?) I told you no funny stuff, so why 
bring me here?

Rem: This is where I live it's not much...

Ranma-chan: Ya got that right.

Rem: (sigh) But I find it comfortable.

They walk up to the door, Rem enters an elaborate code into the keypad by 
the door knob after several seconds the door swings open into a dimly lit 
room where they enter then just as abruptly closes.

A minute later Nabiki walks up to the door intent on hearing what Ranma and 
his new freind are talking about but after 5 minutes of aimless button 
pushing she decides to wait until tommorrow to interrogate Ranma for now 
though she resolves to head home and find out what Rem is all about.

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Inside the warehouse.

Ranma-chan: not much light around here.

Rem: would you like anything to eat or drink? I dont have much but...

Ranma-chan: nah Im not hungry, could I have some hot water?

Rem returns from another room with a cup of hot water and hands it to 
Ranma-chan who upends it over her now his form.

Ranma: Thanks, so what did you really want to talk about?

Rem: Now my names Mage chaos not Rem, First of all I know that you and 
Shampoo are planning to escape the madness of Nerima, how I know is not 
important at this moment and Second your attempt is not going to work there 
are too many people who know about you and thus want to kill or marry you 
thats why Im talking to you now I want to offer you the chance at a 
relatively peaceful life where you can decide your future instead of 
everyone else deciding for you.

Ranma: What do you get out of it?

Rem: Besides the satisfaction of knowing that Ive helped someone in need? 
well I was hoping that you could teach me some martial arts, in trade Ill 
help you and shampoo escape Ill also teach you most of what I know.

Ranma: (still looking skeptical)Okay but why should I trust you?

Rem: Besides Shampoo Im the only person you can trust, here let me show you 
a movie how everyone really is here in Nerima I call it "The Veils Over 
Other Eyes" you may want to sit down this is going to take awhile.

2 hours 30 minutes 1 bag of popcorn (for Rem) and 1 vomit bag (for Ranma) 
later.

Ranma: (pale and slack jawed) I....I.. never knew is this my fault?

Rem: (in a sad voice) No matter how much other people would like it to be 
no, your just the victim of uncontrollable circumstances.  Now you see why 
you and Shampoo couldn't get away.

Ranma: (still pale) yeah so what can I do?

Rem: Ill help you and Shampoo but only if you want me to (Ranma nods his 
head) in that case it's gonna take some drastic measures like this...

The entire scene fades as whispered plans take shape and promises are made.

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Nabiki sits at her computer intent on finding out just who or what Rem, 30 
minutes of searching proves fruitless its almost as if he didnt exist until 
a week ago, under that assumption Nabiki attempts to find out if Rem's 
identity is fake but just as she begins her search her computer screen 
suddenly goes blank.

Nabiki: What the hell!?

Just as these explicatives are said a message appears on the screen as the 
computer start making sounds among these sounds is the hard drive being 
accessed.

Computer Screen: Hello Nabiki, nice try but Im better

Nabiki: (typing) who are you?

Computer Screen: Rem, dont mess with me or Ranma if you know whats good for 
you, by the way enjoy the virus ;)

Nabiki: What..

Smoke erupts from the computer case.

Nabiki:                .....virus(this is gonna be expensive).

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It is late at night when Ranma returns to the Tendo Dojo, to the untrained 
or even Nabiki's eye Ranma would appear to be incredibly depressed though 
inwardly he is still thinking of the plan he and Rem agreed on trying to 
find some flaw but even if there was a flaw it was the best plan short of 
ritual suicide.  As Ranma enters the kitchen in search of food he notices 
Nabiki sitting at the living room table absently drinking tea and staring 
off into space, a few minutes later he returns with a plate of left overs.

Ranma: Yo Nabiki whats wrong?

Nabiki: (startled) oh  uh  nothing (is he concerned for me? why is he so 
sad)

They both sit in silence, Ranma devouring the left overs as Nabiki gives him 
nervous glances after what seems like hours for Nabiki Ranma finishes his 
meal and starts to return to the kitchen but hesitates.

Ranma: Uh .. Nabiki...

Nabiki: (curious) hmm

Ranma: Im sorry I dont know what I did to make you hate me but Im sorry.

Ranma then puts up his dishes and goes upstairs intent on getting some 
sleep.  All the while leaving Nabiki in shock.

Nabiki:(Ranma apologized to me, what prompted that?)

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Around the same time at warehouse 23.

Happosie: Ah my silky darlings who would be so cruel as to leave you out in 
the cold like this, hey here's another one.

Happosies *silky darlings* were a trail of bras and panties leading into 
warehouse 23, and as happosie stepped into the warehouse the door suddenly 
closed.

Happosie: Hey no fair! let me out.

Mage Chaos: Not yet Happosie, first you must listen to what I have to say or 
would you rather I tell your pupils about you weekly hospital visits?

Happosie: (sighs in defeat) No! fine Ill listen but in return I get to keep 
the panties.

Mage Chaos: (chuckling) Okay have a seat I have something to show you.

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It is a bright and sunny morning in Nerima the birds are singing and the 
children can be heard playing off in the distance, in short its the sort of 
day where something has to go wrong.

Almost everyone is downstairs eating breakfast before going to school, with 
the exception of one Saotome Ranma.

Soun: Akane why dont you go and wake your fiance before he missess 
breakfast.

Akane: (Sighing) He is *NOT* my fiance (stops in midrant as she sees Souns 
eyes fill with tears), fine! Ill go wake the pervert.

Genma: See Soun there getting closer already

As Akane heads towards the stairs Ranma comes down them, everyone can see 
that he is very pale and that he probably hasnt had any sleep, Kasumi 
decides to help.

Kasumi: Ohiyo Ranma, I saved you some breakfast.

Ranma: Thanks Kasumi but Im not hungry, Im off to school now bye.

As Ranma exits the Tendo compound everyone in the dining room is still 
staring at where he was all of them with the same thoughts on there mind.

All: (Ranma turning down food, and getting to school early!)

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Mage Chaos: (dialing a number) yeown its too early for this, Hello 
Nekohenton? yes Id like to order two beef ramens for delivery to warehouse 
23, okay thanks bye.

15 minutes later

Mage Chaos: That was fast, why dont you come inside, Im a freind of Ranma's 
and I want to help you two escape this insanity dont worry this wont take 
long.

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As Ranma-chan (thanks to an old lady and a wash bucket) enters the school 
gates she spies Kuno heading right toward her and without preamble she punts 
him into the small group of trees behind the school, as Kuno starts to get 
up Ranma-chan comes into view from behind a tree.

Kuno: Pig-tailed girl!

Ranma-chan: Stuff-it, I know your faking it.

Kuno: My love is true!

Ranma-chan: (walks over to Kuno and leans down to his ear and whispers one 
word) Gatchaman!

Kunos face is a mix of emotions from anger to fear as he decides what to do 
about this probable leak.

Ranma-chan: Im not working for any of your enemies so dont worry about that 
and if you dont want me to expose you and your family you have to leave me 
alone for the rest of the day, after tonight youll never have to worry about 
me again (grin).

Kuno: Very well, but what happens tonight?

Ranma-chan: (with a sad smile) Everything changes.

The rest of the school day passes in relative peace as Ranma keeps to 
himself not speaking to anyone he even seems to be making an effort on the 
math test, as the teacher grades Ranmas test his face becomes increasingly 
confused.  As class lets out Akane goes to the teacher to get her test she 
looks at Ranmas test (which the teacher is still staring at) and blurts out.

Akane: 100%?!! (He didnt even study!!)

Before Akane can ask Ranma he is out of the room running at breakneck speed 
out of the school grounds and inconsequentially right past Nabiki.

Nabiki: Ranma Wait up!

Amazingly enough Ranma hears Nabiki even though he was already 20 meters 
away, he stops and waits for Nabiki to catch up they begin walking home.

Ranma: What is it?

Nabiki: (smirking)That should be my question Ranma-kun youve been acting 
weird all day, In fact I havent seen you smile since yesterday care to 
explain?

Ranma:(with his own smirk) No I wouldnt and even if I did I know you dont 
care.

Nabiki: (now scowling) Dont play tricks with me saotome, I wanna know or 
should I tell your fiances where you were last night?

Ranma: Hmph I dont care, oh by the way Nabiki I hope youve been stockpilling 
pictures of me cause your gonna need them (proceeds to jump to the roof of a 
close appartment then proceed roff hopping)

Nabiki: What did he mean by that?

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Akane: Insensitive jerk, probably with his other fiances....

Kasumi comes out of the kitchen to greet Akane before her line of reasoning 
leads her to do something destructive.



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