[FFML] [Ranma]Choose your own adventure 7

***** YOU GET TO CHOOSE!!! YOU HAVE THE POWER!!! ****

Here is the next installment of Choose Your Own Adventure!

Basically, you tell me what should happen next. I either pick one that's the best or combine various responses with my own ideas and write the next chapter. This way, you get to have a say in writing the story without having to go through the effort of actually writing!

To be honest, I can't thank anyone specifically for this chapter, it was pretty much all my idea. However, I have been reading your suggestions, and I am almost sure that some of them will show up. Keep them coming!.

Just a reminder that if you don't see any of your suggestions so far, just be patient. The story's not over yet.

The assembled Saotome and Tendo clan stood on the platform to
one of Tokyo's many public train stations. Ready to depart, Genma and
Nodoka began saying their final farewells.
"Well, Ranma, today is the day," said Genma grimly. Ranma
nodded solemnly, depressed despite himself. "I just want you to know,
son, how proud I am of you. You are an amazing martial artist, with
more potential than your poor father ever hoped to have."
"Dad!" Ranma complained, flushing with embarrassment.
"Not only that Ranma," continued his mother, "but you are a man
amongst men." Ranma shifted uncomfortably, not refuting their claims,
but still uneasy with their praise.
"C'mon, you two," muttered Ranma quietly. "It's not like I'll
never see you again."
Genma shook his head, tears in his eyes. "After these past ten
years, Ranma, not to be training with you, struggling on the path of
becoming the perfect martial artist, it will feel like it. This is
where our lives begin to separate. We will no longer be enduring the
same trials, fighting the same fights, sharing the same adventures. You
will have your life, and I will have mine. Were it not so sad, I would
weep for joy."
Nodoka virtually glowed, and held tightly to her husbands arm.
"And perhaps we can continue our lives as well."
Genma smiled at his wife. Turning to Soun he nodded. "Soun,
old friend, look after my son, will you? After all you have done for
him and I, to now ask this-"
"No need to ask, old friend," interrupted Soun. Tears glittered
in his eyes as well. "I will treat him like my own flesh and blood.
And perhaps," Soun glanced down at Akane, "one day he may be." Akane's
expression hardened.
"Kasumi," said Genma gently. "You have been a calm voice in a
raging storm. Thank you." Kasumi nodded, wiping away her own tears.
By now the only person not crying was Nabiki. Even Akane fought back
tears.
Nabiki, you have taught my son about the deviousness of others,
and also of many things, whether you know it or not. Please, continue
to challenge him. It is the only way he will grow."
Nabiki, thinking of the encounter in the dojo several weeks ago,
choked on the pop she was drinking. Trying to cover for her gaff, she
said, "Words of praise from you? Who'd have thought?"
"Akane," Genma concluded. "I know that you are mad at Ranma
about something. Please forgive him. He's young, impulsive and pretty
stupid-"
"Hey!" Ranma bridled
"-but not everything bad that happens to you is his fault."
Akane's scowl lessened slightly as she was momentarily confronted with
the apparent pettiness of her past actions. Behind Genma, a train
pulled up, and the announcement of the trains' destination blared over
the lounspeakers. It was their train. Stepping back, Genma snapped to
attention, then he and Nodoka bowed low. Ranma and the Tendo family
returned the bow.
"Goodbye Ranma."
"See ya, Pop."
"I love you son," said Nodoka tearfully. The couple then raced
for the train and just barely made it inside before the doors shut
behind them. Then they were gone.
Ranma stared in the direction of the train long after it had
departed. It was strange. It felt like something should be different,
but the world around him continued running as it always had. He felt a
hand on his shoulder.
"Son?" said Soun quietly.
"Yeah, I'm coming." He turned and walked with the others
towards the exit just as another train pulled in.
"Nihao, Ranma!"
"Huh?" Ranma turned just in time to get engulfed in a swirling
whirlwind of purple.
"Ranma come to greet Shampoo!" gushed the Chinese teenager.
With her arms wrapped tightly around his shoulders, and her legs
threatening to do the same for his torso, Ranma began to squirm
uncomfortably. "Shampoo is so happy!"
"Shampoo!" exclaimed Kasumi in surprise. "What are you doing
here?"
"We're back from China, obviously," replied Cologne, who came up
to the group more slowly. "Hello, son-in-law. You obviously didn't
know we were returning today. So why are you here."
By this time Ranma had finally managed to escape the iron hold
of his Chinese fianc�e. "Pop moved back in with Mom," he explained
shortly. Just behind Cologne, Mousse seethed. He must have had
explicit instructions not to interfere, since he made no move to attack.
One of Cologne's eyebrows rose. "Really? Was he finally
evicted?"
"Nah, Mom convinced him."
The Amazon Elder chuckled. "I imagine she did. A very nice
woman, as I recall. Definitely some iron underneath her soft exterior.
She would have made a good Amazon, I think."
"I'll be sure to tell her."
"Well, it is good to see all of you again. Come, Shampoo."
Cologne began to leave the platform.
"But-!" Shampoo just spent a month away from her fianc�, and
wanted to spend some time to become...reacquainted.
"There's more than enough time for that later," Cologne replied
crossly. "The trip has been long and these old bones of mine ache.
Besides, we have to get the restaurant up and running."
Sighing in disappointment, she quickly moved up and pecked Ranma
on the lips. "Shampoo see you later, okay?" Bouncing with the energy
of a newborn kitten, Shampoo followed her mentor, with Mousse in tow.
Nabiki put one hand on Ranma's shoulder. "Out of the fire and
into the frying pan, eh?" Ranma groaned. He then noticed Akane was
missing.
"Where's Akane?"
"I think she left after the first glomp."

"Master! Master! Wonderful news? They're back!"

<Come one Mu Tsu! You can work faster than that!> complained
Shampoo. Several hours had passed while they cleaned and tided up the
Nekohanten. Cologne wanted the restaurant to be open for business in
two days, and that meant they all had plenty of work to do.
<But Xian Pu-!> whined Mousse.
<Don't take that tone with me!> Mousse flinched and continued
working, silent and cowed. Shampoo did not know what they threatened
him with but the Elder's had done an effective job of making him nice
and tractable. Shampoo smirked. Just like a proper male should be.
And totally unlike Ranma. A shiver of desire washed through her. Maybe
tomorrow-. Suddenly, the door crashed open and Kuno strode boldly into
the room.
"Behold," he boomed. "The Blue Thunder of-uurk!" Mousse,
itching for a fight ever since seeing Ranma, lashed out almost
instantly, striking Kuno with a blunt head attached to a chain. The
weapon struck him in the throat and drove him back to the wall, where
several knives pinned him to it.
"What you doing here?" demanded Shampoo, as Kuno struggled to
recover from the blow.
"I -cough- want to speak to the old one who runs this
establishment," he weezed.
"Yes, what can I do for you, Kuno?" asked Cologne, who had
arrived in time to hear his statement.
"I bear fearful news of the happenings of the Tendo dojo! The
foul sorcerer Saotome performs his evil magic on the fair women of that
household. I have proof of his actions against Nabiki Tendo!"
Cologne, who had been mostly ignoring the young Kendoist, perked
up at the last bit of news. "What did he do?"
"Weaving a foul enchantment, he took her virtue from her and
satisfied his own baseless lusts!"
The three Amazons gaped at him in astonishment. Shampoo's
silvery laughter filled the room.
"Silly Kuno! Ranma never do something like that. If Ranma
wants, he can ask Shampoo!"
"If this is true, then Shampoo is mine!" exulted Mousse. "By
claiming his rights with another woman-!" With a sharp rap on the head
with her staff, Cologne sent Mousse into dreamland.
"Yes," acceded Cologne, though her tone was much less sure.
"Why would he go to Nabiki? He could have Ukyo or your sister, or my
Shampoo. They'd all be willing, in that regard."
"I tell you my words are true!" he bellowed. "My manservant
Sasuke has seen this with his own eyes!" As though speaking his name
summoned him, Sasuke walked through the door, breathing heavily
"Master!" he panted. "You have to slow down-" He stared in
horror as he saw Kuno's predicament. With a cry, he began pulling the
knives out of the wall and in short order, Kuno was freed.
"So, Sasuke, your master has told us what you saw," grated
Cologne, glaring at the short ninja. "Tell us, why don't you?" Sasuke
paled, and glanced over at Kuno who nodded.
Gulping once, Sasuke began his tale.

"...and that's everything," Sasuke concluded.
By this time Shampoo was shaking with rage, her face as purple
as her clothing. Cologne just sat where she was, her large eyes half
closed, looking for all the world like a lizard half asleep.
Taking up a bonbori, Shampoo cried, "Nabiki Tendo, you I kill!"
Suddenly, Cologne's eyes snapped open and she glared at her
granddaughter.
<Shampoo, be silent!> Turning to Kuno she said, "We will
consider your words, mighty warrior. It is true that his magics are
powerful, and even a samurai of your stature and prowess could not
defeat him. Even the strongest sword fails to sorcery. However, you
are in luck. We have just returned from our home armed with powerful
enchantments of our own. We intend to take Saotome back with us, but
his powers must first be nullified. We need time to plan, though.
Perhaps if we came to your abode say...tomorrow night?" All though
this, Kuno was nodding slowly, glad that they understood his dilemma.
"Very well, Elder. I thank you for your assistance. Know that
having the friendship of the Kuno family is no small thing. I will
relinquish my revenge against Ranma, but in return, I desire Akane Tendo
and the Pig Tailed Girl."
"We will meet again tomorrow night."
"Good." He looked around the restaurant. "I have never come
here before, rejecting this place as it was run by foul gajin. Now I
see there is virtue in even the strangest of peoples. My thanks."
Bowing slightly, he departed.
Once he was out of earshot, Shampoo was startled by a loud
crack. Spinning around she saw that Cologne had broken one of the
tables in half with her staff, and her eyes were glowing red with anger.
<That...that...that...male! How dare he talk to me like that!
If I didn't need him so badly, I'd disembowel him for his impudence!>
Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself. <We must act quickly,
granddaughter!>
<Do you believe him?>
Cologne snorted. <Obviously the fool blames Ranma for almost
everything that happens to him. It is more likely that Nabiki seduced
Ranma. Why though, I have no idea. Well, it doesn't matter. The
stakes of the game have risen, and we must match them or be left
behind.>
<What was with all that talk about magic?>
<That was just to make it easier to get him to do what we want.
We disguise our methods as magic, and that gullible moron won't be able
to tell the difference. Sorcerer, bah! If Ranma's a sorcerer, then I'm
a ninja!>
<What are you going to do?>
<Simple.> Cologne rummaged around in one of the boxes that was
still packed, coming up with a small earthenware jug that looked like it
could hold maybe four cups of liquid.
<We'll just use the same stuff we threatened Mu Tsu with.>

They met the next night in the main room at the Kuno residence.
"The problem with Ranma's magics is that they are both subtle
and powerful," stated Cologne.
"This is true. Despite all my efforts, I have never been able
to defeat him consistently. He has always managed to overcome. His
powers are great."
"Yes. Also, his magic is sexual in nature, as evidence by his
taking of Nabiki. You know of how to fight fire yes?"
"Of course. With fire."
"Exactly. He uses sexual magic, so we must counter with the
same. Ranma's powers, as I said, were subtle and powerful. Since we do
not have the time to teach you our advanced sexual magics-" She paused
and glared at Shampoo, who was desperately trying to smother laughter,
and barely succeeding. "-we can only counter with power. Just as a
diamond is hard and can cut through almost anything, it still shatters
under the weight of a hammer."
Kuno's face glowed with eagerness and revelation. "Of course!
What do you propose?"
"This." Pulling out the earthenware jar, she placed it on the
ground between them. Kuno stared at the jar, confused at first, then
disappointed.
"And what is this?"
"This is a magical potion that, if you have sex with a woman, it
breaks any sexual enchantment. As a precautionary measure, it also
binds the woman to you so that no one other than you may control her.
You will be able to free Akane Tendo and Ran- er- the Pig Tailed Girl
from Ranma's control. As a bonus, they will be bound to you, never to
be controlled by Ranma ever again."
"I feel uneasy," replied Kuno. "This sounds too much like the
foul enchantments Ranma has wrought." Even despite his hesitation, he
could not take his eyes of the jar. To have both his loves! The
thought was almost more than he could bear.
"Do we not have to fight fire with fire?"
"Ye-es..."
"And do not Akane and your Pig Tailed Girl long for you anyway?"
Kuno stiffened defensively. "Of course! Long have they stated
their disgust for me. But that only shows the power of their love!
Ranma's enchantments reverse the feelings of their hearts, making their
love turn to hate."
"Then you would be doing nothing they don't already want in
their hearts anyway." Kuno nodded slowly. It seemed logical. "There
are three things you must know. First, never, ever, EVER, use this
potion both on yourself and the one you are going to copulate with. The
reaction of the magics would be fatal to you both." Kuno paled
slightly, but nodded. "Second, this is all we have, so don't waste it!
And third, you must bring your first victim to the basement of our
restaurant. Only there can the magic be activated."
Kuno's brow furrowed in confusion. "Why?"
"Underneath is a special ritual circle of binding. When you
take your first victim there, it will bind the potion to you, making it
effective. It is the final step needed. This was done to prevent abuse
by thieves who managed to steal our supply."
"I see." He thought for a moment. "So this will free Akane and
the Pig Tailed Girl?"
"Absolutely. Ranma will be unable to control them."
Kuno clapped his hands. "Excellent! Soon, the both my loves
will be mine!"
"Actually, about the Pig Tailed Girl..."
"What is it?"
"We must take her and Ranma with us to China."
"What?! Impossible! I will have them both or I-"
"-will have nothing," interrupted Cologne coldly. "The Pig
Tailed Girl is one of ours. Ranma stole her from us with his powers.
You can free here, and you can even have her for a short time, but when
Ranma comes with us, so does the girl."
"But...but...!" Kuno sputtered impotently.
"Decide quickly Kuno. With this potion, you can have any girl.
Akane, Nabiki, Kasumi, Ukyo, anyone you desire. All we ask is that we
take the Pig Tailed Girl with us with Ranma.
"I...I..." Kuno's face was stricken. How could he decide? But
even as part of his mind whirled with indecision, another part was
analyzing what the old woman told him. Any girl? Anyone? A multitude
of beautiful women flashed through his mind. Pop idols, movie stars,
models, he could have anyone. What was the Pig Tailed Girl compared to
the great beauties of the earth?
"I...I...accept." Kuno sighed. A part of his heart would
always ache for his love, but he knew he had made the right decision.
By letting go of the Pig Tailed Girl, he was also letting go of his
hated rival, Ranma. He would trouble the Kuno family no more.
"Excellent!" The two Amazons stood. "Remember, bring your
first victim to our basement so the magic can be activated." Kuno
nodded, not looking at either of them. Sasuke showed them out.

<That was brilliant, Grandmother!> cried Shampoo as they walked
back to the Nekohanten.
<Yes, yes it was.> Cologne basked in the glow of her own
success. <Soon, the women around him will be slaves to Kuno. Ranma
will come to us, and we will offer him the antidote only if he marries
you.>
<Yes!> Shampoo was almost crying with happiness. Then she
paused. <But what if Kuno managed to capture Ranma as a girl?>
<Oh I highly doubt that. Besides even if he does, Ranma will be
immune to it in his male form. He'll eventually be able to come to us
for the antidote. And even if Kuno does manage to capture and keep
Ranma, we can all ways rescue him.>
<Oh.> Shampoo was silent for a long moment. <Grandmother, how
does the potion work anyway? And where did it come from? And what was
with telling him to come to the basement?>
<Ahh, now that's a bit of lore that hasn't been told for a very
long time. It should be passed on, so I'll tell you. But I warn you,
Shampoo, if you tell anyone other than your heir, you could be cast out
of the tribe! That's how dangerous this potion is.
<This is what we've been able to discover, based on old stories
and lore, as well as studies done at the time. It's been centuries
since we've used it, so we don't have any first had accounts of its use.
<Anyway, we think that the potion somehow bonds to the user.
Before we thought it was some sort of spiritual bond, but now we think
it absorbs DNA samples of the user. During intercourse, the potion has
four specific functions. First, it acts as a neurotoxin immobilizing
the subject, making it impossible to resist. Second, it increases the
virility of the user, and third, it creates on the vaginal wall, a
series of highly sensitive nerve endings that connect to the nerves that
lead from the clitoris. This means that the entire vaginal cavity
becomes as sensitive as a clitoris. Finally, it increases the
production of various chemicals in the subject's body, further
heightening intercourse and orgasm.
<The most important feature is that upon the climax of the user,
his DNA is encoded onto the nerve endings. That means that only that
person can create the powerful pleasures in the subject. This creates
an addictive relationship, with the user having the 'drug' if you will,
and the subject craving it.
<Now despite the malarkey I fed Kuno, this is no ordinary
potion! There is strong magic bound up with its making. The ones who
are bonded will be normal, except if they try to go against the user's
wishes, their body will rebel, invoking painful withdrawal symptoms.>
<Our people developed the potion thousands of years ago, just
before the founding of our village. We used it to entice males to join
our society.> Cologne cackled. <And it worked too. Anyway, we used it
to first entice males, then control them once they arrived. After
awhile we stopped using it except as punishment. The addictiveness it
created almost became too much for us to handle. It is a true
addiction, and our women were almost drained beyond their capacity.
Fortunately, we just killed some of the men and the problem eased.>
<So what happens when two people use the potion and have sex?>
<Simple, they become addicted to each other and, ignoring the
need for food, drink, sleep and so on, they descend into an abyss of
pleasure, and eventually die of exhaustion. Even the antidote isn't
effective when that happens.>
<And the basement?>
Cologne laughed. <That is our backup plan. It actually has
nothing to do with the potion. An orgasm releases an immense amount of
chi. When he couples with a woman in the ritual circle we'll
create, his life force will be bound to the circle. When he and his partner
comes, most of that energy will be stored away for us to use as we see
fit. Even after the first, every encounter he had as long as the circle
is intact will add energy to our stores. Each time one of his partners
or he has an orgasm, we will gain power. If somehow Ranma does defeat
Kuno and manage to somehow break the power of the potion, you will
challenge him do a duel. If you win, he comes with us and the two of
you get married. Of course, with the energy that you will be able to
bear against him, he will certainly lose.>
<And it works for both sexes?> Cologne nodded. <Then why
haven't you told me to used it on Ranma?>
Cologne made a face. <I would rather Ranma came to us with a
relatively free will. That fire is one of the things that make him so
valuable to us. Don't worry, Shampoo. Starting today, Ranma is
doomed.>

Your turn!

Nighthawke