Ranma ½ Got Change?
- Thread starter Lord Raa
- Start date
'would' I think should be either 'would be' or 'was being'
Hmmm... as for the snippet... Ranma might face interference from 2 possible sources.
Gary Seven, and the one Vulcan officer left behind in TPol's story told to Archer in the one Enterprise series episode.
The first little can be done about... The second might not be too big an issue, and might make for very interesting discussions between the two.
Since Nabiki seems in on at least some of his tasks, and implied semi-approval of them, she might also be a part of any confrontations with these others.
Hmmm... as for the snippet... Ranma might face interference from 2 possible sources.
Gary Seven, and the one Vulcan officer left behind in TPol's story told to Archer in the one Enterprise series episode.
The first little can be done about... The second might not be too big an issue, and might make for very interesting discussions between the two.
Since Nabiki seems in on at least some of his tasks, and implied semi-approval of them, she might also be a part of any confrontations with these others.
I'm curious why Ranma moved ahead so quickly with plans for interstellar technology. He could have stayed with medical or communications technology, built up his financial resources and reknown.
That way when he actually started with things that could be turned to weaponry he might have the influence to either prevent or mitigate it.
That way when he actually started with things that could be turned to weaponry he might have the influence to either prevent or mitigate it.
Well, aside from the fact that these are scenes that I just ground out in the attempt to spark off something half-decent, I suppose that Ranma could be a little bit frustrated with his situation.
Yes, I know that the Dominion likes to play the long game, but Ranma's not seen anything that represents the threat to the Founders that his Changeling was sent back to prevent.
What has he seen?
A planet with idiots like Kuno on it and a population that might destroy itself because of these idiots.
But as I say, I don't know how canon these scenes are for this fic. It's entirely possible that the next thing I write for this is the bit Nabiki and Kasumi discover that Ranma can change shape and scheme to put his ability to perverted use.
Yes, I know that the Dominion likes to play the long game, but Ranma's not seen anything that represents the threat to the Founders that his Changeling was sent back to prevent.
What has he seen?
A planet with idiots like Kuno on it and a population that might destroy itself because of these idiots.
But as I say, I don't know how canon these scenes are for this fic. It's entirely possible that the next thing I write for this is the bit Nabiki and Kasumi discover that Ranma can change shape and scheme to put his ability to perverted use.
There was a episode of Enterprise... still first seaon I believe (can't remember offhand), where Archer and Tripp invited TPol to dine with them, as he wanted to get to know her a bit better.
After telling some small stories, They ask her to 'tell a story'.
She tells of a Vulcan science mission around 1960ish or so where the craft had to make a emergency crash landing in the area I think around Pennsylvania... in a small little hideaway town. Only 3 survived. And how the surviving team members had to disguise themselves, and interact in society while awaiting their rescue, which took several months. One of the 2 males integrated so well, he stayed behind. Another incident of interference in that episode is just before the resue, the lady (TPol's ancestor, played by actress whom plays TPol) took a simple device from their craft, and sold it to a bank for college money for a kid that they had befriended... it was for what we know as Velco.
The important thing... TPol at the end was *very* specific in telling Archer and Tripp that he had asked her to 'tell a story' and that was exactly what she did. But immeidately after she left and went back to her cabin, and it was shown to us viewers that the evidence she had proved it really occured.
I realize this was 1960ish this occured, not the time frame of this Ranma fan fiction story, but the Vulcan was fairly young looking, and likely would still have been alive both now and the forseeable future. He knows full well what technologies Earth is/was capable of, and would likely notice and investigate any likely jumps.
Since he is not a time traveler, he would not be affected by changes Ranma making to insure no Federation. He is trapped on the planet, and Vulcan itself believes him dead, because the two that did go back agreed to hiding the fact he survived.
As I stated, it might make for some interesting twists to have him show up... You could go either way on him either helping or attempting to stop or at least investigate Ranma. He would have no knowledge of the founders of course, though we know shapeshifters have existed in the Alpha quadrant, so he might at least know of that..
EDIT: My mistake, it is called 'Carbon Creek', and it is season 2, episode 2.
After telling some small stories, They ask her to 'tell a story'.
She tells of a Vulcan science mission around 1960ish or so where the craft had to make a emergency crash landing in the area I think around Pennsylvania... in a small little hideaway town. Only 3 survived. And how the surviving team members had to disguise themselves, and interact in society while awaiting their rescue, which took several months. One of the 2 males integrated so well, he stayed behind. Another incident of interference in that episode is just before the resue, the lady (TPol's ancestor, played by actress whom plays TPol) took a simple device from their craft, and sold it to a bank for college money for a kid that they had befriended... it was for what we know as Velco.
The important thing... TPol at the end was *very* specific in telling Archer and Tripp that he had asked her to 'tell a story' and that was exactly what she did. But immeidately after she left and went back to her cabin, and it was shown to us viewers that the evidence she had proved it really occured.
I realize this was 1960ish this occured, not the time frame of this Ranma fan fiction story, but the Vulcan was fairly young looking, and likely would still have been alive both now and the forseeable future. He knows full well what technologies Earth is/was capable of, and would likely notice and investigate any likely jumps.
Since he is not a time traveler, he would not be affected by changes Ranma making to insure no Federation. He is trapped on the planet, and Vulcan itself believes him dead, because the two that did go back agreed to hiding the fact he survived.
As I stated, it might make for some interesting twists to have him show up... You could go either way on him either helping or attempting to stop or at least investigate Ranma. He would have no knowledge of the founders of course, though we know shapeshifters have existed in the Alpha quadrant, so he might at least know of that..
EDIT: My mistake, it is called 'Carbon Creek', and it is season 2, episode 2.
Something that could be interesting here: the Vulcans were literally in the neighborhood when Cochrane made his warp flight. While it'd be unlikely for them to be hanging around while Ranma sends out this probe, it doesn't seem out of the realm of possibility that they'd notice over a long span of time, come to Earth to investigate, and be puzzled, to say the least, that Ranma knows so much about technology that should be beyond him. That could be an interesting direction for this story to go--Ranma trying to stay ahead of the Vulcans while he advances his own goals.
They would never believe the truth...
"The Vulcan Science Directorate has concluded that time travel is impossible."
This phrase and variations of it have come up repeatedly in the Enterprise series... Even when they have done it multiple times and repeatedly shown evidence... TPol had a hard time believing it occured and they are not being misled by some elaborate ruse... by either the Sphere Builders or the Xindi. To a bunch of Vulcans nearly 160 years earlier (depending when Raa having this occur 2158-160 gives 1998) without the benefit of being worked on by Archer and evidence galor thrown at them... They would conclude instead that likely a advanced alien is merely giving them their tech and interfering with a lesser species.
Edited.
"The Vulcan Science Directorate has concluded that time travel is impossible."
This phrase and variations of it have come up repeatedly in the Enterprise series... Even when they have done it multiple times and repeatedly shown evidence... TPol had a hard time believing it occured and they are not being misled by some elaborate ruse... by either the Sphere Builders or the Xindi. To a bunch of Vulcans nearly 160 years earlier (depending when Raa having this occur 2158-160 gives 1998) without the benefit of being worked on by Archer and evidence galor thrown at them... They would conclude instead that likely a advanced alien is merely giving them their tech and interfering with a lesser species.
Edited.
Doh! That's right. I read that and then completely didn't process it. So much the better then. The Vulcans are already going to be interested, as that was Ranma's plan.
Right. The Vulcans may end up helping keep the peace and not letting humanity destroy itself before the Founders can come in and take the best of what's around, but they would still rightly view Ranma as suspicious, even if they won't believe any time-travel's involved. I dare say Ranma, in trying to do more, has just made his situation more complicated. Vulcans may be stubborn about time travel, but they're not so stupid to think Ranma's come up with all this as a normal human, and they should rightly wonder what's feeding humanity all this advanced knowledge and why.
Right. The Vulcans may end up helping keep the peace and not letting humanity destroy itself before the Founders can come in and take the best of what's around, but they would still rightly view Ranma as suspicious, even if they won't believe any time-travel's involved. I dare say Ranma, in trying to do more, has just made his situation more complicated. Vulcans may be stubborn about time travel, but they're not so stupid to think Ranma's come up with all this as a normal human, and they should rightly wonder what's feeding humanity all this advanced knowledge and why.
I did not mean to imply that they would not be suspicous...
I meant they would not believe Ranma if he outright told them exactly what has occured and what and why he was doing it and where the knowledge came from.
The question becomes... could they stop him? At least, in such a way that would not tip off anyone that it was them that did so.
I meant they would not believe Ranma if he outright told them exactly what has occured and what and why he was doing it and where the knowledge came from.
The question becomes... could they stop him? At least, in such a way that would not tip off anyone that it was them that did so.
Hmmm....
Had a thought about this one.
Does the concept of the central character becoming a Changeling work better with Ranma or Keitaro ?
I'm not saying that I'm going to abandon this idea yet or effectively write the same story twice - there are enough people who do that already.
I was just thinking that Ranma might not be the best person for this change. Seeing as how everyone has used him for pretty much every crossover going.
Do any of you have anything to say about that?
Had a thought about this one.
Does the concept of the central character becoming a Changeling work better with Ranma or Keitaro ?
I'm not saying that I'm going to abandon this idea yet or effectively write the same story twice - there are enough people who do that already.
I was just thinking that Ranma might not be the best person for this change. Seeing as how everyone has used him for pretty much every crossover going.
Do any of you have anything to say about that?
To be honest with the way you have things going Keitaro would be a better character as a Changeling. Keitaro is on the path as an academic which works toward introducing advance technology and his personality is a better fit. Ranma on the other hand has become someone rather unrecognizable despite the suspension of belief with the changes wrought onto him.
Ranma is a fighter through and through even with some memories and more leaning towards order, his path should of followed along what he was passionate about which is martial arts. Keitaro on the other hand has one goal in mind and that's with his promise girl which involves getting into Tokyo University and that setting gives you more leeway in writing the story the way it was heading to than with Ranma as the lead.
Ranma is a fighter through and through even with some memories and more leaning towards order, his path should of followed along what he was passionate about which is martial arts. Keitaro on the other hand has one goal in mind and that's with his promise girl which involves getting into Tokyo University and that setting gives you more leeway in writing the story the way it was heading to than with Ranma as the lead.
It might work better from a character standpoint, but with Keitaro as a changeling I'm not sure what the plot would be. He'd get into Tokyo U first try so even before the canon plot begins its already halfway broken.
Also, without someone there to run interference he'll be found in his bucket quickly.
Also, without someone there to run interference he'll be found in his bucket quickly.
Would he tell the girls what happened to him when he gets back? If he doesn't I have a hard time imagining them not noticing something different.
Ranma might actually be better in some respects, at least in that he doesn't have much of an official record so there wouldn't be much to say he ISN'T that smart. Keitaro has ample documentation to prove that he isn't a genius. Not to mention that he's an archaeologist, which, while an academic, doesn't really lend itself towards any of the fields a Founder would move into; once again it would make his drastic change suspicious.
If Keitaro is going to continue at the dorm, there would almost have to be some considerable time devoted to how he tries to influence them. They each might vaguely respect him by the end of canon, but as a Founder Keitaro likely wants more than that.
Ranma might actually be better in some respects, at least in that he doesn't have much of an official record so there wouldn't be much to say he ISN'T that smart. Keitaro has ample documentation to prove that he isn't a genius. Not to mention that he's an archaeologist, which, while an academic, doesn't really lend itself towards any of the fields a Founder would move into; once again it would make his drastic change suspicious.
If Keitaro is going to continue at the dorm, there would almost have to be some considerable time devoted to how he tries to influence them. They each might vaguely respect him by the end of canon, but as a Founder Keitaro likely wants more than that.
Repostan' for some reason.
Maybe it's so I can gain approval from people. Or get new ideas. Or just make this nonsense readable for you lot.
I don't know anymore.
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Got Change?
By Lord Raa
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Disclaim-me-do: A boob job is not the equivalent of a bulletproof vest. So don’t go getting breast enhancements as a means to deflect a possible incoming bullet.
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A light streaked across the night sky, its trail burning brightly behind it as it sped towards the ground.
It crashed into a temporary settlement in a Chinese mountain range. Right where two Japanese martial artists were sleeping after a long day’s training.
The canvas tent burst into flames as it was punctured by the extraterrestrial object, waking the older of two men.
“Ranma, wake up!” he shouted, roughly shoving his son to get him to move.
Ranma, however, didn’t respond – the object that had set the tent on fire had slammed into his chest, shattering on impact and leaking its contents into the young man’s body.
Not knowing what else to do, Genma Saotome dragged his injured child out of the tent and put out the flames.
“Graaaaaaaaaaarghhhhh!” Ranma screamed in agony as his body was wracked with violent spasms.
“Ranma?” the older, balder man asked, rushing to his side. “Are you alright?”
“No, I’m in crippling agony,” the long-haired young man muttered. “But the pain’s fading.”
He let out a deep breath as he sat up. “So, what happened?”
“Our tent burst into flames. I think we’ve lost everything, Son,” Genma replied sadly.
“Well that’s just great!” Ranma said angrily, standing up to pace as he ranted. “It’s bad enough that we’re here, out in the wilds of China, but now we don’t even have a tent. What?”
“Your chest, you’re hurt.”
“No, well, I was, but I’m feeling better now.”
“Let me take a look at it,” Genma ordered. “We don’t need it getting infected.”
“Fine,” Ranma said as he slipped out of his gi.
The elder Saotome noticed that there was some debris sticking out of his son’s chest and pulled some of it out. “Son, what is this?”
“I don’t know, Pops,” the teenager snapped. “Like I’m supposed to know everything!”
“Well, I thought you’d remember if you suffered a chest wound. There’s blood smack in the centre of your chest. We spent most of today travelling, not fighting. And I certainly didn’t get a hit on you like this,” Genma countered. “Tell me, honestly, how do you feel?”
“I don’t know, like... like normal, I guess.”
The older man rolled his eyes, but dropped the subject. “Fine, but if you start feeling dizzy or weak, you let me know, alright? We’re too far from a hospital for you to take risks.”
“Whatever, Old Man. Look, it’s nearly dawn, why don’t we salvage what we can and get going?”
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Four hours later, the Saotomes arrived at the cursed training ground of Jusenkyo.
“Well, what do you think?” Genma asked his son.
“Doesn’t look so impressive,” Ranma said as he looked at the bamboo poles jutting out of the springs.
“Ah-ha, sirs are very strange,” a man in a Mao suit laughed nervously as he approached the two Japanese men. “Welcome to Jusenkyo.”
“So, what’s the deal with all the pools of water?” the teenager asked.
“They’re the Pools of Sorrow, whatever fall into spring take form or what last drowned in spring,” the guide explained.
“Wait, what?” Ranma asked, turning his full attention to the local man.
“Is very sad tale from hundreds of years ago,” the Chinese man said as he gave a brief history of Jusenkyo.
“Oh,” Genma said. “Well, perhaps this isn’t such a great place to train.”
“Sirs are very strange people – no-one trains here these days. Nearby village much better choice.”
“Then take us there,” Ranma said. “Maybe we can get a new tent, ours was ruined this morning.”
“Yes, if we leave now, we can get there before dark,” the guide said happily.
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It was dusk when the trio arrived at the village of renowned warrior women. Ranma had been listening to the guide’s stories about their feats of bravery and fighting prowess with interest.
“Hey, Pops, I think we can learn a lot from them,” he said as he looked up to see his father rummaging through his pack for something.
“Yes, I’m sure that we can learn something from them,” Genma said with a frown on his face as he closed his pack.
“Is something wrong?”
“I hope we can find something to eat here, we’re out of food,” the balding man answered. “All we’ve got left is this chocolate bar. Want some?”
“No, I’m not hungry,” Ranma answered, looking off into the distance.
“You haven’t been hungry all day. Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine, I just haven’t been feeling hungry.”
“You haven’t drunk any water, either,” Genma countered. “If you’re feeling sick, you should have said something.”
Ranma let out an exasperated sigh. “I told you that I’m fine, Pops. Besides, if I’m not hungry, it just means there’s more food for you!”
“I see that I still need to teach you a few lessons about manners, Boy!”
“You’re welcome to try Old Man.”
The two Saotomes faced off against each other.
“Please Sirs, the village is just there,” the Jusenkyo Guide said, hoping to avoid trouble.
“One day, Pops, one day,” Ranma said, not flinching away from his father.
“Maybe, when I’m old and decrepit,” Genma said as he looked to where the local man was pointing.
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Upon entering the village, Ranma noticed that the locals seemed to be enjoying themselves with a hearty celebration.
The Jusenkyo Guide introduced Genma to one of the senior members of the village, while Ranma decided to have a look around.
Absently, the pigtailed man wiped his brow as he let out a deep breath, feeling the heat from some unknown source. He blinked, trying to focus on the two locals escorting his father approach him.
“Ranma, we’re going to be staying for the night,” Genma said with a smile on his face. He noticed that his son seemed to be struck down by something. “Are you alright, Son?”
“I...” Ranma struggled for breath. He grabbed a nearby bucket, fully expecting to vomit.
What happened surprised everyone there.
The young Saotome turned into a golden, viscous liquid that poured itself into the wooden bucket, causing the locals who witnessed it to scream in terror.
“What manner of sorcery is this?” a guard with a spear demanded from Genma. She jabbed at the pile of clothes that Ranma had shed.
“I... I don’t know.”
“Well, then you won’t mind if we kill it!” the guard said, preparing to case the bucket into the fire pit at the centre of the village.
“What? No, I can’t let you do that!” Genma said, snatching the bucket and fleeing into the wilderness.
“¬What do you want us to do now, Cologne?¬” the guard asked, ready to chase the man and his bucket down.
“¬Leave them be,¬” the elder replied. “¬Keep a watch over the lands just to make sure that they’ve gone, but I think we’ve seen the last of them.¬”
“¬Yes, Elder.¬”
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Genma Saotome ran from the village for over an hour, unsure of which direction he was heading in. He realised that he should have suspected that something was wrong – his son hadn’t asked to stop for food or drink since their tent had been destroyed.
‘But dehydration doesn’t do that to you...’ he mused under the starlight. He peered into the bucket, curious as to if his son was alright or had died when he poured himself into the wooden container. “Can you hear me, Ranma?”
A face appeared in the viscous mass, gradually becoming more detailed before it lifted itself out of the bucket.
“P-Pops? What’s going on?” the face asked. “What happened?”
“R-Ranma? Is that really you? You turned into... well, this gloop and everyone at the village panicked. They were going to burn you. Are... are you alright?” Genma asked.
Ranma emerged from the bucket and assumed his old body’s shape. He reached up to the heavens before bringing his arms down to his sides. “I’m feeling much better since I had that nap in the bucket. We better keep it with us in case I need it again.”
“Ok, but it’s late and I have no idea where we are. I just grabbed the bucket and ran as fast as I could.”
There was a silence as the Saotomes considered their situation.
“So, we’re lost, we have no supplies and you can’t go on,” the pigtailed martial artist summarised. “Either we stay here for the night or we push on. Either we risk being found by those crazy women or you risk hurting yourself.”
“You could carry me,” Genma hinted. When Ranma didn’t look convinced, he added, “You know, help your father out, since he saved your life.”
“Fine, I’ll carry you, Old Man,” Ranma smirked. “Just don’t forget that bucket.”
“But before you do, Son, why don’t you magic up some clothes or something. Aren’t you cold?”
“No, I’m not cold at all. Wait, let me try something,” the pigtailed man said. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists as he concentrated. After a moment, a white gi appeared on his body. “Hey, this is cool. Come on, Pops, we’ve got to get out of here.”
With that, Ranma unceremoniously hoisted his father onto his shoulder in a fireman’s carry and followed a nearby stream.
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For three days, the Saotomes hiked through the Chinese wilderness. During this time, Genma considered Ranma’s new condition. The fact that his son hadn’t been hungry for several days was certainly a plus, but the need to return to that bucket every 16 hours or so seemed to be quite the disadvantage.
The two martial artists were taking a break by a river, intent on catching some fish for their dinner.
It was then that a thought occurred to Genma.
“Ranma,” he said, turning to look his son in the eyes.
“What’s up, Pops?”
“You know this thing where you have to turn into a liquid every day, well, since you reform into yourself, do you think you could change what you look like?”
“Like what, change my hair?” Ranma asked. He closed his eyes and his hair became more closely cropped. “I guess I can at least change my hair style.”
Genma nodded. “That’s good, but that’s not quite what I meant. I was thinking that of you could change your physical body then you could be the ultimate sparring partner.”
The younger Saotome paused for a moment as he considered his sensei’s words. “Possibly even the best fighter ever. Imagine the strength and power of a sumo wrestler mixed with my Anything Goes skills,” he said broad smile on his face.
“Not only that, but you can push yourself further, harder than you could before. Think about it, you don’t have to worry about strained muscles or broken bones. You can keep fighting until your opponent is defeated. Can you try to change something about your body? Try bulking yourself up.”
Ranma rubbed the back of his head and frowned. He’d gotten used to wearing his hair long and willed it to grow back to its previous length. “Hmm, let me try this.”
Closing his eyes again, the long-haired martial artist forced his body to change. He altered his physique to match that of his father’s. “How about that?”
“Perfect!” Genma laughed. “You’re going to be unbeatable, Son.”
“Yeah,” Ranma chuckled. After a moment, his face fell.
“What’s up, Ranma?”
“Why are we running? Those crazy women tried to kill me because I’m different,” the younger man said, returning his body to its more familiar shape. “As soon as people find out about this, we’re going to be hunted down.”
“Shit!” the balding man cursed. “You’re right, Son. I’m so sorry, I got so caught up with your potential, I lost sight of our current problems. We need to return to Japan.”
A silence fell and Genma turned his attention back to the river, intent on finding something for dinner.
“GRAAARRRGHGH!” Ranma yelled, writhing in agony on the riverbank.
“Ranma!” the portly man called out as he rushed to his son’s aid. “What’s wrong?”
“I...” the pigtailed man panted. “I just had a flash of memory...”
“W-what kind of memory?” Genma asked, cradling his slowly recovering student.
“I... I don’t think that I’m human any more than you are a fish, Pops,” Ranma answered. “What if I told you that... that I’ve experienced what happened in the village before?”
“Ordinarily, I’d tell you to stop being stupid. But that’s before you became able to change your shape, Ranma. What else do you remember?”
“Fear, hatred, mistrust, chaos,” the pigtailed man answered. “I can’t explain it, but I get this weird feeling that the memory’s going to become clearer and make more sense in the future.”
“But are you alright, Son?” Genma asked.
“I think so, but do you mind if I rest in the bucket for a bit?”
“Go right ahead, Son. I’ll find us something for dinner.”
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As he lay in a gelatinous state in the bucket, Ranma tried to make sense of the memories that had nearly overcome him earlier.
The flashes of images of mistrust and fear over people with abilities like his replayed in his mind. He saw angry mobs chasing down and killing people who could take other forms for no other reason than they were different.
And it enraged him.
But then, a new word entered his mind and he felt calmer.
Order.
Ranma thought about that word and what it meant.
Order.
Previously, it only meant a sequence actions and body movements for martial arts, but now...
Now imposing Order was the only way to keep himself and any others like him alive.
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To be continued...?
Maybe it's so I can gain approval from people. Or get new ideas. Or just make this nonsense readable for you lot.
I don't know anymore.
@@@@@
Got Change?
By Lord Raa
@@@@@
Disclaim-me-do: A boob job is not the equivalent of a bulletproof vest. So don’t go getting breast enhancements as a means to deflect a possible incoming bullet.
@@@@@
A light streaked across the night sky, its trail burning brightly behind it as it sped towards the ground.
It crashed into a temporary settlement in a Chinese mountain range. Right where two Japanese martial artists were sleeping after a long day’s training.
The canvas tent burst into flames as it was punctured by the extraterrestrial object, waking the older of two men.
“Ranma, wake up!” he shouted, roughly shoving his son to get him to move.
Ranma, however, didn’t respond – the object that had set the tent on fire had slammed into his chest, shattering on impact and leaking its contents into the young man’s body.
Not knowing what else to do, Genma Saotome dragged his injured child out of the tent and put out the flames.
“Graaaaaaaaaaarghhhhh!” Ranma screamed in agony as his body was wracked with violent spasms.
“Ranma?” the older, balder man asked, rushing to his side. “Are you alright?”
“No, I’m in crippling agony,” the long-haired young man muttered. “But the pain’s fading.”
He let out a deep breath as he sat up. “So, what happened?”
“Our tent burst into flames. I think we’ve lost everything, Son,” Genma replied sadly.
“Well that’s just great!” Ranma said angrily, standing up to pace as he ranted. “It’s bad enough that we’re here, out in the wilds of China, but now we don’t even have a tent. What?”
“Your chest, you’re hurt.”
“No, well, I was, but I’m feeling better now.”
“Let me take a look at it,” Genma ordered. “We don’t need it getting infected.”
“Fine,” Ranma said as he slipped out of his gi.
The elder Saotome noticed that there was some debris sticking out of his son’s chest and pulled some of it out. “Son, what is this?”
“I don’t know, Pops,” the teenager snapped. “Like I’m supposed to know everything!”
“Well, I thought you’d remember if you suffered a chest wound. There’s blood smack in the centre of your chest. We spent most of today travelling, not fighting. And I certainly didn’t get a hit on you like this,” Genma countered. “Tell me, honestly, how do you feel?”
“I don’t know, like... like normal, I guess.”
The older man rolled his eyes, but dropped the subject. “Fine, but if you start feeling dizzy or weak, you let me know, alright? We’re too far from a hospital for you to take risks.”
“Whatever, Old Man. Look, it’s nearly dawn, why don’t we salvage what we can and get going?”
@@@@@
Four hours later, the Saotomes arrived at the cursed training ground of Jusenkyo.
“Well, what do you think?” Genma asked his son.
“Doesn’t look so impressive,” Ranma said as he looked at the bamboo poles jutting out of the springs.
“Ah-ha, sirs are very strange,” a man in a Mao suit laughed nervously as he approached the two Japanese men. “Welcome to Jusenkyo.”
“So, what’s the deal with all the pools of water?” the teenager asked.
“They’re the Pools of Sorrow, whatever fall into spring take form or what last drowned in spring,” the guide explained.
“Wait, what?” Ranma asked, turning his full attention to the local man.
“Is very sad tale from hundreds of years ago,” the Chinese man said as he gave a brief history of Jusenkyo.
“Oh,” Genma said. “Well, perhaps this isn’t such a great place to train.”
“Sirs are very strange people – no-one trains here these days. Nearby village much better choice.”
“Then take us there,” Ranma said. “Maybe we can get a new tent, ours was ruined this morning.”
“Yes, if we leave now, we can get there before dark,” the guide said happily.
@@@@@
It was dusk when the trio arrived at the village of renowned warrior women. Ranma had been listening to the guide’s stories about their feats of bravery and fighting prowess with interest.
“Hey, Pops, I think we can learn a lot from them,” he said as he looked up to see his father rummaging through his pack for something.
“Yes, I’m sure that we can learn something from them,” Genma said with a frown on his face as he closed his pack.
“Is something wrong?”
“I hope we can find something to eat here, we’re out of food,” the balding man answered. “All we’ve got left is this chocolate bar. Want some?”
“No, I’m not hungry,” Ranma answered, looking off into the distance.
“You haven’t been hungry all day. Are you feeling alright?”
“I’m fine, I just haven’t been feeling hungry.”
“You haven’t drunk any water, either,” Genma countered. “If you’re feeling sick, you should have said something.”
Ranma let out an exasperated sigh. “I told you that I’m fine, Pops. Besides, if I’m not hungry, it just means there’s more food for you!”
“I see that I still need to teach you a few lessons about manners, Boy!”
“You’re welcome to try Old Man.”
The two Saotomes faced off against each other.
“Please Sirs, the village is just there,” the Jusenkyo Guide said, hoping to avoid trouble.
“One day, Pops, one day,” Ranma said, not flinching away from his father.
“Maybe, when I’m old and decrepit,” Genma said as he looked to where the local man was pointing.
@@@@@
Upon entering the village, Ranma noticed that the locals seemed to be enjoying themselves with a hearty celebration.
The Jusenkyo Guide introduced Genma to one of the senior members of the village, while Ranma decided to have a look around.
Absently, the pigtailed man wiped his brow as he let out a deep breath, feeling the heat from some unknown source. He blinked, trying to focus on the two locals escorting his father approach him.
“Ranma, we’re going to be staying for the night,” Genma said with a smile on his face. He noticed that his son seemed to be struck down by something. “Are you alright, Son?”
“I...” Ranma struggled for breath. He grabbed a nearby bucket, fully expecting to vomit.
What happened surprised everyone there.
The young Saotome turned into a golden, viscous liquid that poured itself into the wooden bucket, causing the locals who witnessed it to scream in terror.
“What manner of sorcery is this?” a guard with a spear demanded from Genma. She jabbed at the pile of clothes that Ranma had shed.
“I... I don’t know.”
“Well, then you won’t mind if we kill it!” the guard said, preparing to case the bucket into the fire pit at the centre of the village.
“What? No, I can’t let you do that!” Genma said, snatching the bucket and fleeing into the wilderness.
“¬What do you want us to do now, Cologne?¬” the guard asked, ready to chase the man and his bucket down.
“¬Leave them be,¬” the elder replied. “¬Keep a watch over the lands just to make sure that they’ve gone, but I think we’ve seen the last of them.¬”
“¬Yes, Elder.¬”
@@@@@
Genma Saotome ran from the village for over an hour, unsure of which direction he was heading in. He realised that he should have suspected that something was wrong – his son hadn’t asked to stop for food or drink since their tent had been destroyed.
‘But dehydration doesn’t do that to you...’ he mused under the starlight. He peered into the bucket, curious as to if his son was alright or had died when he poured himself into the wooden container. “Can you hear me, Ranma?”
A face appeared in the viscous mass, gradually becoming more detailed before it lifted itself out of the bucket.
“P-Pops? What’s going on?” the face asked. “What happened?”
“R-Ranma? Is that really you? You turned into... well, this gloop and everyone at the village panicked. They were going to burn you. Are... are you alright?” Genma asked.
Ranma emerged from the bucket and assumed his old body’s shape. He reached up to the heavens before bringing his arms down to his sides. “I’m feeling much better since I had that nap in the bucket. We better keep it with us in case I need it again.”
“Ok, but it’s late and I have no idea where we are. I just grabbed the bucket and ran as fast as I could.”
There was a silence as the Saotomes considered their situation.
“So, we’re lost, we have no supplies and you can’t go on,” the pigtailed martial artist summarised. “Either we stay here for the night or we push on. Either we risk being found by those crazy women or you risk hurting yourself.”
“You could carry me,” Genma hinted. When Ranma didn’t look convinced, he added, “You know, help your father out, since he saved your life.”
“Fine, I’ll carry you, Old Man,” Ranma smirked. “Just don’t forget that bucket.”
“But before you do, Son, why don’t you magic up some clothes or something. Aren’t you cold?”
“No, I’m not cold at all. Wait, let me try something,” the pigtailed man said. He closed his eyes and clenched his fists as he concentrated. After a moment, a white gi appeared on his body. “Hey, this is cool. Come on, Pops, we’ve got to get out of here.”
With that, Ranma unceremoniously hoisted his father onto his shoulder in a fireman’s carry and followed a nearby stream.
@@@@@
For three days, the Saotomes hiked through the Chinese wilderness. During this time, Genma considered Ranma’s new condition. The fact that his son hadn’t been hungry for several days was certainly a plus, but the need to return to that bucket every 16 hours or so seemed to be quite the disadvantage.
The two martial artists were taking a break by a river, intent on catching some fish for their dinner.
It was then that a thought occurred to Genma.
“Ranma,” he said, turning to look his son in the eyes.
“What’s up, Pops?”
“You know this thing where you have to turn into a liquid every day, well, since you reform into yourself, do you think you could change what you look like?”
“Like what, change my hair?” Ranma asked. He closed his eyes and his hair became more closely cropped. “I guess I can at least change my hair style.”
Genma nodded. “That’s good, but that’s not quite what I meant. I was thinking that of you could change your physical body then you could be the ultimate sparring partner.”
The younger Saotome paused for a moment as he considered his sensei’s words. “Possibly even the best fighter ever. Imagine the strength and power of a sumo wrestler mixed with my Anything Goes skills,” he said broad smile on his face.
“Not only that, but you can push yourself further, harder than you could before. Think about it, you don’t have to worry about strained muscles or broken bones. You can keep fighting until your opponent is defeated. Can you try to change something about your body? Try bulking yourself up.”
Ranma rubbed the back of his head and frowned. He’d gotten used to wearing his hair long and willed it to grow back to its previous length. “Hmm, let me try this.”
Closing his eyes again, the long-haired martial artist forced his body to change. He altered his physique to match that of his father’s. “How about that?”
“Perfect!” Genma laughed. “You’re going to be unbeatable, Son.”
“Yeah,” Ranma chuckled. After a moment, his face fell.
“What’s up, Ranma?”
“Why are we running? Those crazy women tried to kill me because I’m different,” the younger man said, returning his body to its more familiar shape. “As soon as people find out about this, we’re going to be hunted down.”
“Shit!” the balding man cursed. “You’re right, Son. I’m so sorry, I got so caught up with your potential, I lost sight of our current problems. We need to return to Japan.”
A silence fell and Genma turned his attention back to the river, intent on finding something for dinner.
“GRAAARRRGHGH!” Ranma yelled, writhing in agony on the riverbank.
“Ranma!” the portly man called out as he rushed to his son’s aid. “What’s wrong?”
“I...” the pigtailed man panted. “I just had a flash of memory...”
“W-what kind of memory?” Genma asked, cradling his slowly recovering student.
“I... I don’t think that I’m human any more than you are a fish, Pops,” Ranma answered. “What if I told you that... that I’ve experienced what happened in the village before?”
“Ordinarily, I’d tell you to stop being stupid. But that’s before you became able to change your shape, Ranma. What else do you remember?”
“Fear, hatred, mistrust, chaos,” the pigtailed man answered. “I can’t explain it, but I get this weird feeling that the memory’s going to become clearer and make more sense in the future.”
“But are you alright, Son?” Genma asked.
“I think so, but do you mind if I rest in the bucket for a bit?”
“Go right ahead, Son. I’ll find us something for dinner.”
@@@@@
As he lay in a gelatinous state in the bucket, Ranma tried to make sense of the memories that had nearly overcome him earlier.
The flashes of images of mistrust and fear over people with abilities like his replayed in his mind. He saw angry mobs chasing down and killing people who could take other forms for no other reason than they were different.
And it enraged him.
But then, a new word entered his mind and he felt calmer.
Order.
Ranma thought about that word and what it meant.
Order.
Previously, it only meant a sequence actions and body movements for martial arts, but now...
Now imposing Order was the only way to keep himself and any others like him alive.
@@@@@
To be continued...?
Got Change?
By Lord Raa
@@@@@
Disclaim-me-do: Where there’s power, there’s someone to abuse it.
@@@@@
Part 2
@@@@@
It was only later that evening when Ranma was willing to talk about shape changing with his father.
Genma had wanted to discuss it earlier, but was reluctant to press the matter. He didn’t want to alienate his son.
“Do you feel well enough to try changing?”
“Yeah, I think so. I’ve been thinking about what I saw,” Ranma said. “Would you believe me if I said that think there are more people with the ability to change their shape.”
“You do? Where do you think they are?” Genma asked.
“I keep getting the vaguest of hints that there’s something out there,” the pigtailed young man answered. “As for where they are? I don’t know, maybe on the other side of the galaxy.”
“I see. Well, did you want to try seeing if you could handle having a different body build for a while? You know, maybe trying a little sparring with a longer reach.”
Ranma nodded before closing his eyes to focus on growing. He gained nearly 20cm in height and 10kg in muscle mass before opening his eyes and gesturing to his father that their sparring match was on.
@@@@@
Half an hour later, Genma Saotome was breathing hard, sweat pouring off his brow as he faced his son. They had traded kicks and punches, with Ranma revelling in his extra reach and power.
Genma had gotten in some clean hits on his student early on, as he had still to get used to the balance of his new body.
‘I don’t know how much longer I can go on for,’ the portly man thought as he tried to spot an opening.
Moments before Genma launched another attack on his son, Ranma convulsed violently.
“Ranma!” he cried out, again rushing to his side. “Are you alright?”
“B-bucket...” the pigtailed martial artist gasped. “I need the bucket...”
@@@@@
In the morning light, Ranma emerged from his bucket and stretched upwards, reaching the branches of a nearby tree.
“This is never going to get old,” he told himself. He turned to see his father had fallen asleep holding the bucket. He shook his head at the surprising display of sentimentality. “Pops... Get up, you lazy bum.”
“Shut it, boy, I’m resting,” the balding man muttered reflexively. He lifted his head and saw that his son was standing over him. “I see you’re feeling better.”
“Yeah, much better, thank you. Now, do you want to head on back to Japan or lie there on the ground?”
“Going home would be nice,” Genma admitted. “So, what was up with you last night? It wasn’t your time to rest, was it?”
“I don’t know. Normally, I can hold this shape for 16 hours or so, but yesterday, I couldn’t after we sparred. While I was out, I had some more flashes of memory,” Ranma said. “I just want to go somewhere where people aren’t going to try killing us because I’m different.”
“Fair enough. Let’s get everything ready and we can be off.”
@@@@@
It was just over a week later when the Saotomes reached the nearest Chinese seaport. They tried to barter passage on a cargo freighter, but Genma’s negotiation skills weren’t up to the task.
However that was because he had nothing to offer the crew.
Ranma shook his head in dismay. He was about to try his luck when a thought occurred to him. ‘Maybe I can turn into dolphin or something? Sure, it’ll take more than 16 hours to get there, but if pops has the bucket, he can hitch a ride on my back...’
“Hey, Pops, I’ve got an idea. Grab the bucket.”
“Oh? You have a plan?”
“Yeah, well, two actually. If my main plan doesn’t work, we’re going for a swim with the dolphins. Either plan should be quicker than the way over here,” Ranma smirked. “Now, just go with this.”
@@@@@
Ten minutes later, a cute girl, dressed in silk shirt and black pants walked along the docks with a concerned look on her face.
“¬Can we help you, Miss?¬” a sailor asked her, enjoying the view.
“¬I...don’t speak Chinese, only Japanese,¬” the girl replied.
“Well, I speak some Japanese, my dear, now, what can I do for a pretty young thing like yourself?”
The girl was visibly relieved at the man’s language skills. “Well, I need to get back to Japan with my father. But I don’t have much money...”
“Well, money isn’t the only thing that has value. Perhaps we can make a deal?”
“Thank you,” the busty girl beamed happily. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“¬Oh, I have some idea...¬” the sailor smirked in his native tongue.
“What was that?” the girl asked, clearly not understanding what she was getting herself into.
“Oh, nothing you need to worry about.”
@@@@@
Things had not gone well for Ranma. His plan to get on board the freighter had been a partial success, but now the sailors were leering at him.
“¬So then lads, who’s going after me?¬” the leader of the rabble asked in Chinese.
“¬Going? Going where?¬” Ranma asked, having picked up one or two words of Chinese during her stay in China.
“We’re just deciding who gets to have some fun with you after I’ve led the way.”
‘I should have known that this was going to end up like this,’ the busty girl sighed. “I see. Well, have you discussed this with my father?”
“You’re father’s lying unconscious on the deck, and the only reason you’re not like that is we prefer our women to show some signs of life,” said another Japanese speaking sailor. “Come on, show us your tits!”
“Y-you mean you hurt my f-father?” Ranma said, tears forming in her bright blue eyes. “Y-you’re so mean!”
The sailors laughed.
“Luckily, I can be just as mean,” Ranma said as she morphed into his normal form.
“¬W-what kind of monster are you!¬”
“¬Kill it! Burn it before it infects us!¬”
“I suggest you run as there’s a chance I might get bored chasing you down before I beat the shit out of you all,” the pigtailed martial artist smirked as he fell into an aggressive stance. “No takers of my generous offer? Well, that’s fine too...”
Ranma launched himself into the crowd, creating a whirlwind of kicks and punches as he unleashed his fury.
It took less than a minute for him to knock the men unconscious.
“That was disappointing. I was hoping for more of a challenge,” the martial artist sighed. “Still, I guess that means I’ve outstayed my welcome. See you in Hell, boys!”
@@@@@
Three hours later, Genma Saotome woke up in a lifeboat.
“W-what happened?”
“It turns out our generous friend wasn’t so generous. They knocked you out so they could have their way with me,” Ranma answered as he continued to steer the small boat to Japanese territorial waters.
“But... Oh, right, that girl you changed into to get us on board.”
“Yeah,” the pigtailed man said as he held a steady course. “So, where to in Japan? Do we have family to meet or do you have some sort of master plan?”
“Well, there is your mother,” Genma said. “But...”
“But what, Old Man?”
“Well, we kind of promised that I’d turn you into a man among men,” the portly man winced.
“Keep talking.”
“I... might have accidentally promised that if you weren’t a man among men, we’d both commit seppuku.”
“But since I’m not a man among men, what do we do?” Ranma asked. “You do realise that I no longer have a stomach to slit open, right?”
“Yes,” Genma sighed. “I’m sorry, Son, but it was the only way to get her to agree to the training trip.”
“But what if she reacts badly to me being able to change my shape? What then? Are going to have to kill ourselves? You were banging on about my potential with this body of mine, so what do we do?” the Changeling asked.
“I can’t let you down here, Ranma. I promise I’ll do what I can to protect you and keep us alive, but I don’t know how Nodoka will react to your new body.”
Ranma clenched a fist in frustration. “But seriously, what are we supposed to do now?”
“Head back to Tokyo. I’ve got the bucket,” Genma said, holding up the wooden receptacle. “Hey, I’ve just had a thought. You know how you can change your body? Well, what if you could change into an animal? You know, like a horse?”
“You want me to carry you to Tokyo?” the pigtailed man glared. “You got two legs that work, walk you lazy bastard!”
The older Saotome couldn’t fault his son’s position on the matter – he’d have said the same thing just weeks ago. He was about to say something about time being of the essence when it occurred to him that if his son could turn into an animal, then turning into a bird would be much easier and quicker.
No, Genma needed another incentive. ‘What could I offer Ranma...Those! I hoped to keep them sealed, but if Ranma could use them, then he’d truly be unbeatable!’
“How would you like to learn my most powerful techniques, Ranma?”
“I’m listening.”
“These are so powerful, I had to seal them. One of them is lethal,” Genma said, his face serious. “So what do you say? We shave a couple of days off our journey to Tokyo and I teach you the ultimate techniques of the Saotome School of Anything Goes.”
Ranma nodded. “Sounds reasonable enough. But if you try to eat me, I will kill you from the inside out.”
@@@@@
The journey from Nagasaki to Tokyo took the Saotomes two days. During that time, Genma had impressed his son with the techniques he’d taught him. And Ranma was not easily impressed with martial arts techniques.
Not that the Changeling was disrespectful of skilled masters, but after a decade of training with some of the best martial artists in Japan, it took a lot to impress him.
Ranma would admit to his father that he hadn’t mastered the Umisenken or Yamasenken, but he promised he would focus his training on them for the next few weeks until had.
The two martial artists walked through Nerima.
“Excuse me,” Genma said walking up to a shopkeeper who was opening up his toyshop for the day’s trading. “But do you know where the Tendo Dojo is?”
“Tendo Dojo?” the man in his mid-thirties repeated, he noticed the gis the Saotomes were wearing. “I know where it is, but...”
“But what?” the stout martial artist asked.
“Well, I don’t want to spread rumours, but I don’t think the master there has taken on a student in years.”
“I’m not too worried about that, Tendo’s an old friend of mine. Perhaps I’ll even offer my services as a sensei myself,” Genma shrugged. “I’ve been training my son here for over a decade.”
The shopkeeper looked at Ranma and saw that the two men clearly took their training seriously. “I see. Well, you need to go down that street, take the third on the right and follow the road there for about two kilometres. You can’t miss it.”
“Thank you.” The Saotomes bowed politely before moving on.
“Pops, I hope we can get there soon, I’m getting tired,” Ranma said as they walked down the street.
“Has it been that long already? I’d lost track of the time. Still, we should be there in less than an hour.”
“I hope so, Pops.”
@@@@@
About half an hour into this last leg of the trip, Ranma found walking increasingly difficult. He had to take a break every few steps.
“Pops, I... can’t go on. I’m slowing us down,” he panted.
“Ok, Son,” Genma nodded, seeing the pained expression on the Changeling’s face. “Do you want me to carry you in the bucket?”
“Yeah,” Ranma gasped. “J-just don’t spill me.”
After he’d watched his son melt into his trusty bucket, the elder Saotome picked up the pace and continued to see his old friend. During the silent march, Genma idly wondered what Soun Tendo and his daughters would think about Ranma and his condition.
Would they be comfortable around someone who couldn’t stay in the same shape for more than 16 hours a day?
Could Ranma still have children?
Would any of Soun’s children want to marry Ranma?
The balding man considered that last part. ‘Well, if Ranma can change his shape, then, then surely they wouldn’t be disappointed with that...’
@@@@@
Half an hour later, Genma walked into a secluded alleyway and tapped the side of the bucket, causing a golden facsimile of Ranma’s face to rise up.
“What’s up, Old Man?”
“We’re nearly there, Son.”
“Oh, right. Hang on a moment,” the Changeling instructed, his gelatinous form flowing out of his bedding and solidifying into the shape of a pigtailed martial artist. “Right then, lead the way, Pops.”
The pair of martial artists walked silently to the Tendo Dojo. Standing outside the gates to the Tendo property, Ranma looked questioningly at his father.
“Is there something you want to tell me? As in why are we going here and not to our family home?”
“Yes,” Genma said nervously. He took a deep breath. “Before China, I had planned to get you engaged to the daughter of my old training friend.”
“Why?”
“Because we pledged to unite the Schools of Anything Goes,” the portly man answered. “Also, because I promised your mother that I’d make you a man among men. And what’s manlier than having a fiancée?”
“An arranged fiancée,” Ranma deadpanned, “makes me sound like I can’t get a girl on my own. But this was before China. What are we doing here now?”
“Well, I’d still like you to meet my friend’s daughters, and since we still need to figure out what’s going on here, what better place to regroup?”
Ranma ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Are you going to try fixing me up with your friend’s daughter?”
“No,” Genma answered truthfully. “But I won’t object if there’s a spark between you and one of Tendo’s girls.”
“Then lead the way, Old Man, lead the way.”
Genma rang the doorbell and was greeted by the sight of his old friend, Soun Tendo.
“Tendo-kun!”
“S-Saotome-kun? Is that you? It’s been so long, I thought that...” the moustachioed man said, his eyes tearing up. He leapt forward and embraced his old friend.
“You shouldn’t have worried about me, Tendo-kun! You know how I was always able to get out of trouble,” Genma laughed. “But let me introduce my son, Ranma.”
“Hello, Mister Tendo,” Ranma bowed respectfully.
Soun turned to look at Ranma. He was tall, with a honed physique and long black hair. ‘Good thing he got his looks from his mother.’
“Pleased to meet you, Ranma-kun. Please, come in. I’ll have Kasumi get us some refreshments and we can be formally introduced and you can pick your fiancée,” he said as he walked back inside his home. “I’ve been looking forward to this day for so many years.”
Ranma turned to his father. “Care to explain how we’re going to get out of this one?”
“I’ll sort something out, but we’ll have to go along with it for now.”
@@@@@
The Saotomes sat opposite the Tendos in their lounge. Soun Tendo was looking emotional about the whole thing, having long planned for the day Genma would show up with Ranma.
‘He’s a fine looking young man, I’m sure that his children will be strong,’ he thought happily. ‘But who should he marry?’
“Please allow me to formally introduce my daughters. Kasumi, the eldest at 19, Nabiki is 17 and Akane is the youngest at 16. Pick one to be your fiancée,” the widower smiled.
Ranma looked over the sisters, taking in the details of their appearance. Kasumi had long, brown hair in a simple ponytail, but wasn’t looking too enthusiastic about the idea of being his fiancé.
Nabiki was appraising him just as much as he was appraising her. She was certainly a pretty girl and she seemed interested in the engagement, at least peripherally.
Ranma turned his attention to Akane, the youngest girl there. She was pointedly not looking at him. It was rude, but it did allow him to look at the profile of her face. ‘She’s cute, but if she’s feeling like this about an engagement, how is she going to react when she finds out about me? And what if the others react badly, too? No, I can’t take that risk; I’ll have to stall for time.’
Turning his attention back to Soun, Ranma wore a thoughtful look on his face as he tried to word his response in a way that wouldn’t upset everyone there.
“Mr. Tendo, I appreciate that you have been planning this engagement for a long time, and that your three daughters here are all very attractive, but I cannot just agree to an engagement with anyone after such a brief encounter.”
“W-what are you saying?” Soun asked, unsure if he should turn on the waterworks or start trying to intimidate the young man.
“What I am saying, Mr. Tendo, is that I cannot pick a life partner on the basis of ‘Hello there, my name is Ranma, what’s yours?’ What if we’re not compatible? Would you condemn us both to an unhappy existence?” Ranma asked rhetorically. “I am not rejecting this engagement, but it’s too soon for me make such a commitment.”
“Oh, but you will make a decision soon, won’t you?”
“When I have a more of an understanding with your daughters, yes, we will make our decision together,” the pigtailed man said. “But it’s been a long day and I need to rest.”
“Of course, Ranma-kun, please follow me to the guest room,” Kasumi smiled.
At the doorway to the guest room, Ranma smiled politely, but asked to remain undisturbed for at least an hour.
“Of course, Ranma-kun,” the brunette smiled. She noticed that Ranma had picked up a bucket en route from the living room. “Oh, I didn’t realise you carried a bucket around with you. I’ll put that downstairs with the rest of your things.”
“No, it’s quite alright, Kasumi. But please, wait for at least an hour before disturbing me.”
“Ok,” Kasumi nodded. ‘But what could he want that bucket for?’
A though occurred to her and she knocked on the door. “Err, Ranma-kun, our facilities still work normally. You don’t need the bucket for that.”
“...” Ranma’s brow furrowed as he realised what the brunette was talking about. “What? Oh, right. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine after I’ve had a nap.”
@@@@@
To be continued...
By Lord Raa
@@@@@
Disclaim-me-do: Where there’s power, there’s someone to abuse it.
@@@@@
Part 2
@@@@@
It was only later that evening when Ranma was willing to talk about shape changing with his father.
Genma had wanted to discuss it earlier, but was reluctant to press the matter. He didn’t want to alienate his son.
“Do you feel well enough to try changing?”
“Yeah, I think so. I’ve been thinking about what I saw,” Ranma said. “Would you believe me if I said that think there are more people with the ability to change their shape.”
“You do? Where do you think they are?” Genma asked.
“I keep getting the vaguest of hints that there’s something out there,” the pigtailed young man answered. “As for where they are? I don’t know, maybe on the other side of the galaxy.”
“I see. Well, did you want to try seeing if you could handle having a different body build for a while? You know, maybe trying a little sparring with a longer reach.”
Ranma nodded before closing his eyes to focus on growing. He gained nearly 20cm in height and 10kg in muscle mass before opening his eyes and gesturing to his father that their sparring match was on.
@@@@@
Half an hour later, Genma Saotome was breathing hard, sweat pouring off his brow as he faced his son. They had traded kicks and punches, with Ranma revelling in his extra reach and power.
Genma had gotten in some clean hits on his student early on, as he had still to get used to the balance of his new body.
‘I don’t know how much longer I can go on for,’ the portly man thought as he tried to spot an opening.
Moments before Genma launched another attack on his son, Ranma convulsed violently.
“Ranma!” he cried out, again rushing to his side. “Are you alright?”
“B-bucket...” the pigtailed martial artist gasped. “I need the bucket...”
@@@@@
In the morning light, Ranma emerged from his bucket and stretched upwards, reaching the branches of a nearby tree.
“This is never going to get old,” he told himself. He turned to see his father had fallen asleep holding the bucket. He shook his head at the surprising display of sentimentality. “Pops... Get up, you lazy bum.”
“Shut it, boy, I’m resting,” the balding man muttered reflexively. He lifted his head and saw that his son was standing over him. “I see you’re feeling better.”
“Yeah, much better, thank you. Now, do you want to head on back to Japan or lie there on the ground?”
“Going home would be nice,” Genma admitted. “So, what was up with you last night? It wasn’t your time to rest, was it?”
“I don’t know. Normally, I can hold this shape for 16 hours or so, but yesterday, I couldn’t after we sparred. While I was out, I had some more flashes of memory,” Ranma said. “I just want to go somewhere where people aren’t going to try killing us because I’m different.”
“Fair enough. Let’s get everything ready and we can be off.”
@@@@@
It was just over a week later when the Saotomes reached the nearest Chinese seaport. They tried to barter passage on a cargo freighter, but Genma’s negotiation skills weren’t up to the task.
However that was because he had nothing to offer the crew.
Ranma shook his head in dismay. He was about to try his luck when a thought occurred to him. ‘Maybe I can turn into dolphin or something? Sure, it’ll take more than 16 hours to get there, but if pops has the bucket, he can hitch a ride on my back...’
“Hey, Pops, I’ve got an idea. Grab the bucket.”
“Oh? You have a plan?”
“Yeah, well, two actually. If my main plan doesn’t work, we’re going for a swim with the dolphins. Either plan should be quicker than the way over here,” Ranma smirked. “Now, just go with this.”
@@@@@
Ten minutes later, a cute girl, dressed in silk shirt and black pants walked along the docks with a concerned look on her face.
“¬Can we help you, Miss?¬” a sailor asked her, enjoying the view.
“¬I...don’t speak Chinese, only Japanese,¬” the girl replied.
“Well, I speak some Japanese, my dear, now, what can I do for a pretty young thing like yourself?”
The girl was visibly relieved at the man’s language skills. “Well, I need to get back to Japan with my father. But I don’t have much money...”
“Well, money isn’t the only thing that has value. Perhaps we can make a deal?”
“Thank you,” the busty girl beamed happily. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”
“¬Oh, I have some idea...¬” the sailor smirked in his native tongue.
“What was that?” the girl asked, clearly not understanding what she was getting herself into.
“Oh, nothing you need to worry about.”
@@@@@
Things had not gone well for Ranma. His plan to get on board the freighter had been a partial success, but now the sailors were leering at him.
“¬So then lads, who’s going after me?¬” the leader of the rabble asked in Chinese.
“¬Going? Going where?¬” Ranma asked, having picked up one or two words of Chinese during her stay in China.
“We’re just deciding who gets to have some fun with you after I’ve led the way.”
‘I should have known that this was going to end up like this,’ the busty girl sighed. “I see. Well, have you discussed this with my father?”
“You’re father’s lying unconscious on the deck, and the only reason you’re not like that is we prefer our women to show some signs of life,” said another Japanese speaking sailor. “Come on, show us your tits!”
“Y-you mean you hurt my f-father?” Ranma said, tears forming in her bright blue eyes. “Y-you’re so mean!”
The sailors laughed.
“Luckily, I can be just as mean,” Ranma said as she morphed into his normal form.
“¬W-what kind of monster are you!¬”
“¬Kill it! Burn it before it infects us!¬”
“I suggest you run as there’s a chance I might get bored chasing you down before I beat the shit out of you all,” the pigtailed martial artist smirked as he fell into an aggressive stance. “No takers of my generous offer? Well, that’s fine too...”
Ranma launched himself into the crowd, creating a whirlwind of kicks and punches as he unleashed his fury.
It took less than a minute for him to knock the men unconscious.
“That was disappointing. I was hoping for more of a challenge,” the martial artist sighed. “Still, I guess that means I’ve outstayed my welcome. See you in Hell, boys!”
@@@@@
Three hours later, Genma Saotome woke up in a lifeboat.
“W-what happened?”
“It turns out our generous friend wasn’t so generous. They knocked you out so they could have their way with me,” Ranma answered as he continued to steer the small boat to Japanese territorial waters.
“But... Oh, right, that girl you changed into to get us on board.”
“Yeah,” the pigtailed man said as he held a steady course. “So, where to in Japan? Do we have family to meet or do you have some sort of master plan?”
“Well, there is your mother,” Genma said. “But...”
“But what, Old Man?”
“Well, we kind of promised that I’d turn you into a man among men,” the portly man winced.
“Keep talking.”
“I... might have accidentally promised that if you weren’t a man among men, we’d both commit seppuku.”
“But since I’m not a man among men, what do we do?” Ranma asked. “You do realise that I no longer have a stomach to slit open, right?”
“Yes,” Genma sighed. “I’m sorry, Son, but it was the only way to get her to agree to the training trip.”
“But what if she reacts badly to me being able to change my shape? What then? Are going to have to kill ourselves? You were banging on about my potential with this body of mine, so what do we do?” the Changeling asked.
“I can’t let you down here, Ranma. I promise I’ll do what I can to protect you and keep us alive, but I don’t know how Nodoka will react to your new body.”
Ranma clenched a fist in frustration. “But seriously, what are we supposed to do now?”
“Head back to Tokyo. I’ve got the bucket,” Genma said, holding up the wooden receptacle. “Hey, I’ve just had a thought. You know how you can change your body? Well, what if you could change into an animal? You know, like a horse?”
“You want me to carry you to Tokyo?” the pigtailed man glared. “You got two legs that work, walk you lazy bastard!”
The older Saotome couldn’t fault his son’s position on the matter – he’d have said the same thing just weeks ago. He was about to say something about time being of the essence when it occurred to him that if his son could turn into an animal, then turning into a bird would be much easier and quicker.
No, Genma needed another incentive. ‘What could I offer Ranma...Those! I hoped to keep them sealed, but if Ranma could use them, then he’d truly be unbeatable!’
“How would you like to learn my most powerful techniques, Ranma?”
“I’m listening.”
“These are so powerful, I had to seal them. One of them is lethal,” Genma said, his face serious. “So what do you say? We shave a couple of days off our journey to Tokyo and I teach you the ultimate techniques of the Saotome School of Anything Goes.”
Ranma nodded. “Sounds reasonable enough. But if you try to eat me, I will kill you from the inside out.”
@@@@@
The journey from Nagasaki to Tokyo took the Saotomes two days. During that time, Genma had impressed his son with the techniques he’d taught him. And Ranma was not easily impressed with martial arts techniques.
Not that the Changeling was disrespectful of skilled masters, but after a decade of training with some of the best martial artists in Japan, it took a lot to impress him.
Ranma would admit to his father that he hadn’t mastered the Umisenken or Yamasenken, but he promised he would focus his training on them for the next few weeks until had.
The two martial artists walked through Nerima.
“Excuse me,” Genma said walking up to a shopkeeper who was opening up his toyshop for the day’s trading. “But do you know where the Tendo Dojo is?”
“Tendo Dojo?” the man in his mid-thirties repeated, he noticed the gis the Saotomes were wearing. “I know where it is, but...”
“But what?” the stout martial artist asked.
“Well, I don’t want to spread rumours, but I don’t think the master there has taken on a student in years.”
“I’m not too worried about that, Tendo’s an old friend of mine. Perhaps I’ll even offer my services as a sensei myself,” Genma shrugged. “I’ve been training my son here for over a decade.”
The shopkeeper looked at Ranma and saw that the two men clearly took their training seriously. “I see. Well, you need to go down that street, take the third on the right and follow the road there for about two kilometres. You can’t miss it.”
“Thank you.” The Saotomes bowed politely before moving on.
“Pops, I hope we can get there soon, I’m getting tired,” Ranma said as they walked down the street.
“Has it been that long already? I’d lost track of the time. Still, we should be there in less than an hour.”
“I hope so, Pops.”
@@@@@
About half an hour into this last leg of the trip, Ranma found walking increasingly difficult. He had to take a break every few steps.
“Pops, I... can’t go on. I’m slowing us down,” he panted.
“Ok, Son,” Genma nodded, seeing the pained expression on the Changeling’s face. “Do you want me to carry you in the bucket?”
“Yeah,” Ranma gasped. “J-just don’t spill me.”
After he’d watched his son melt into his trusty bucket, the elder Saotome picked up the pace and continued to see his old friend. During the silent march, Genma idly wondered what Soun Tendo and his daughters would think about Ranma and his condition.
Would they be comfortable around someone who couldn’t stay in the same shape for more than 16 hours a day?
Could Ranma still have children?
Would any of Soun’s children want to marry Ranma?
The balding man considered that last part. ‘Well, if Ranma can change his shape, then, then surely they wouldn’t be disappointed with that...’
@@@@@
Half an hour later, Genma walked into a secluded alleyway and tapped the side of the bucket, causing a golden facsimile of Ranma’s face to rise up.
“What’s up, Old Man?”
“We’re nearly there, Son.”
“Oh, right. Hang on a moment,” the Changeling instructed, his gelatinous form flowing out of his bedding and solidifying into the shape of a pigtailed martial artist. “Right then, lead the way, Pops.”
The pair of martial artists walked silently to the Tendo Dojo. Standing outside the gates to the Tendo property, Ranma looked questioningly at his father.
“Is there something you want to tell me? As in why are we going here and not to our family home?”
“Yes,” Genma said nervously. He took a deep breath. “Before China, I had planned to get you engaged to the daughter of my old training friend.”
“Why?”
“Because we pledged to unite the Schools of Anything Goes,” the portly man answered. “Also, because I promised your mother that I’d make you a man among men. And what’s manlier than having a fiancée?”
“An arranged fiancée,” Ranma deadpanned, “makes me sound like I can’t get a girl on my own. But this was before China. What are we doing here now?”
“Well, I’d still like you to meet my friend’s daughters, and since we still need to figure out what’s going on here, what better place to regroup?”
Ranma ran a hand through his hair and sighed. “Are you going to try fixing me up with your friend’s daughter?”
“No,” Genma answered truthfully. “But I won’t object if there’s a spark between you and one of Tendo’s girls.”
“Then lead the way, Old Man, lead the way.”
Genma rang the doorbell and was greeted by the sight of his old friend, Soun Tendo.
“Tendo-kun!”
“S-Saotome-kun? Is that you? It’s been so long, I thought that...” the moustachioed man said, his eyes tearing up. He leapt forward and embraced his old friend.
“You shouldn’t have worried about me, Tendo-kun! You know how I was always able to get out of trouble,” Genma laughed. “But let me introduce my son, Ranma.”
“Hello, Mister Tendo,” Ranma bowed respectfully.
Soun turned to look at Ranma. He was tall, with a honed physique and long black hair. ‘Good thing he got his looks from his mother.’
“Pleased to meet you, Ranma-kun. Please, come in. I’ll have Kasumi get us some refreshments and we can be formally introduced and you can pick your fiancée,” he said as he walked back inside his home. “I’ve been looking forward to this day for so many years.”
Ranma turned to his father. “Care to explain how we’re going to get out of this one?”
“I’ll sort something out, but we’ll have to go along with it for now.”
@@@@@
The Saotomes sat opposite the Tendos in their lounge. Soun Tendo was looking emotional about the whole thing, having long planned for the day Genma would show up with Ranma.
‘He’s a fine looking young man, I’m sure that his children will be strong,’ he thought happily. ‘But who should he marry?’
“Please allow me to formally introduce my daughters. Kasumi, the eldest at 19, Nabiki is 17 and Akane is the youngest at 16. Pick one to be your fiancée,” the widower smiled.
Ranma looked over the sisters, taking in the details of their appearance. Kasumi had long, brown hair in a simple ponytail, but wasn’t looking too enthusiastic about the idea of being his fiancé.
Nabiki was appraising him just as much as he was appraising her. She was certainly a pretty girl and she seemed interested in the engagement, at least peripherally.
Ranma turned his attention to Akane, the youngest girl there. She was pointedly not looking at him. It was rude, but it did allow him to look at the profile of her face. ‘She’s cute, but if she’s feeling like this about an engagement, how is she going to react when she finds out about me? And what if the others react badly, too? No, I can’t take that risk; I’ll have to stall for time.’
Turning his attention back to Soun, Ranma wore a thoughtful look on his face as he tried to word his response in a way that wouldn’t upset everyone there.
“Mr. Tendo, I appreciate that you have been planning this engagement for a long time, and that your three daughters here are all very attractive, but I cannot just agree to an engagement with anyone after such a brief encounter.”
“W-what are you saying?” Soun asked, unsure if he should turn on the waterworks or start trying to intimidate the young man.
“What I am saying, Mr. Tendo, is that I cannot pick a life partner on the basis of ‘Hello there, my name is Ranma, what’s yours?’ What if we’re not compatible? Would you condemn us both to an unhappy existence?” Ranma asked rhetorically. “I am not rejecting this engagement, but it’s too soon for me make such a commitment.”
“Oh, but you will make a decision soon, won’t you?”
“When I have a more of an understanding with your daughters, yes, we will make our decision together,” the pigtailed man said. “But it’s been a long day and I need to rest.”
“Of course, Ranma-kun, please follow me to the guest room,” Kasumi smiled.
At the doorway to the guest room, Ranma smiled politely, but asked to remain undisturbed for at least an hour.
“Of course, Ranma-kun,” the brunette smiled. She noticed that Ranma had picked up a bucket en route from the living room. “Oh, I didn’t realise you carried a bucket around with you. I’ll put that downstairs with the rest of your things.”
“No, it’s quite alright, Kasumi. But please, wait for at least an hour before disturbing me.”
“Ok,” Kasumi nodded. ‘But what could he want that bucket for?’
A though occurred to her and she knocked on the door. “Err, Ranma-kun, our facilities still work normally. You don’t need the bucket for that.”
“...” Ranma’s brow furrowed as he realised what the brunette was talking about. “What? Oh, right. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine after I’ve had a nap.”
@@@@@
To be continued...
Got Change?
By Lord Raa
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Disclaim-me-do: I’m too alive to die!
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Part 3
@@@@@
After his rest, Ranma walked down to where his father was talking with Soun Tendo.
“Ah, there you are, Ranma-kun,” the moustachioed man smiled. “Please, sit down and tell me about yourself.”
“I’m not sure what there is to say, Mr. Tendo,” Ranma said, taking up a place on the porch next to the older men.
“Would you like some tea? Kasumi,” Soun called out. “Could you bring us some more tea out?”
Kasumi quickly emerged with a fresh pot of tea and some snacks. She was curious about the young man, but was too polite to ask direct questions.
“Thank you for the offer, Mr. Tendo, but I’m not thirsty,” the pigtailed man said apologetically.
“There’s no need to be polite, Ranma-kun,” Kasumi insisted as she poured four cups of tea. “You must need some refreshment after your journey.”
“Well, maybe some tea,” Ranma conceded. “But what would you like to know about me, Mr. Tendo?”
“Well, what are your hobbies?”
The Changeling pondered that question for a moment. “Well, I haven’t really had time to find out what I like doing, Mr. Tendo. I’ve spent most of the last twelve years learning how to fight.”
‘That doesn’t seem very interesting,’ Kasumi mused. ‘Perhaps Akane or Nabiki will have more in common with Ranma-kun?’
“Although,” Ranma added, “I did enjoy the travelling. Some of the views from the mountaintop temples were stunning.”
“Do you think you could draw one of them?” Soun asked, hoping that some artistic talent would make him a more attractive suitor for one of his daughters.
“I think so,” the pigtailed man nodded. “I don’t have any paper or pencils though...”
“Don’t worry, Ranma-kun, I’ll find you some,” Kasumi smiled.
@@@@@
Nabiki was surprised when her elder sister asked to have some paper and borrow a few pencils.
“Sure thing, Kasumi, but what do you need them for?”
“It’s for Ranma-kun, he’s going to try drawing some scenes from his memory,” the homemaker answered. “Father insisted.”
“Well, there’s a surprise,” Nabiki muttered, already fathoming out her father’s cunning plan. “Still, it might be nice to have a cute boyfriend who can do things other than beat people up.”
“So you think he’s cute, do you?” Kasumi asked, a teasing smile on her lips.
“I’ve seen uglier men,” the short-haired sister countered neutrally. She was about to hand over the pencils but paused for a moment. “But you seem quite interested in what Ranma can draw...”
Kasumi fumbled for words. “Well... it’s what Father wanted...”
“I see,” Nabiki drawled before finally handing over the pencils. “Here you go, but I reserve the right to sell the drawings off. It’s my paper and pencils he’s using after all.”
@@@@@
Ranma tapped his thumbs on the table as he tried to decide which temple view he should attempt to draw for Mr. Tendo.
“Well?” the moustachioed man asked, unable to keep the expectancy from his voice.
“...” the pigtailed man turned to face his host. “I think I’ll try the view from above the Shankuku temple in Kyoto. This could take some time.”
Picking up a pencil and sheet of paper, Ranma started to sketch out the basic positions of the temple, its surrounding water feature and trees.
Soun wasn’t sure what to make of the light pencil strokes Ranma was making, but decided that he should leave him to work on his drawing. Turning to Genma, he asked, “How about a game of go, old friend?”
“A fine idea, Tendo-kun.”
Five minutes later, Ranma growled in frustration.
“Is something the matter, Ranma-kun?” Kasumi asked, peering around the door frame.
“It’s not quite right,” the martial artist complained. “I drew the wrong type of tree in the background. I only remembered that the hackberries are on the north side of the grounds after I started to add the larch copse.”
Ranma was about to screw up the paper and start again when Kasumi stopped him. “Let me see, Ranma-kun.”
“But it’s wrong.”
“Please,” the homemaker asked. “At least let me see how the rest of the picture is.”
“Fine,” the pigtailed martial artist sighed. “Revel in my mistakes if it makes you happy.”
The brunette frowned at Ranma’s attitude before turning her attention to the pencil drawing. “Oh my... I haven’t seen anything like this before.”
“Yeah, I know,” Ranma sighed. “You don’t have to rub it in.”
“That’s not what I meant, Ranma-kun,” Kasumi gently chided. “This is a fantastic drawing.”
“But the order of the trees is wrong,” the Changeling said before standing up to leave. “And Order is the most important thing in the universe.”
@@@@@
Akane was training alone in the dojo. Her mind turned to Ranma and how he was supposed to be getting engaged to her or one of her sisters. The pigtailed young man’s insistence on waiting until he knew them better seemed to put the brakes on her father’s plans.
‘Perhaps he’s not like the boys at school?’ she mused as she paused in her stacking up of some old bricks.
But there was a nagging doubt in her mind that something wasn’t quite right with Ranma.
It annoyed her and she vented her frustration on the stack of bricks, breaking them easily.
@@@@@
Nabiki decided to see what sort of artist Ranma was. Art supplies weren’t exactly expensive, but she wasn’t a charity. If Ranma wanted paper for doodling, he’d have to get it himself.
However, if his art was worth a damn, then she might be able to work out a deal to keep him in paper for a slice of his commissions.
Quietly walking down the stairs, the short-haired Tendo walked to where Kasumi was admiring a picture.
“So, what’s he capable of, Kasumi?”
“Oh, you surprised me, Nabiki,” the elder sister replied. She held the paper to let Nabiki get a better look.
The mercenary sister examined the picture closely. The way everything seemed to be the right size for the distance from the main building gave the drawing an almost photographic feel.
Nabiki let out a whistle. “Not bad at all.”
“Ranma-kun isn’t happy with it though,” Kasumi replied. “He said that the trees are the wrong sort, that he forgot which ones went where.”
“If you say so. Wait, these actually are different types of tree,” Nabiki said, holding the picture closer. “So, when was Ranma last here?”
“Five years ago,” a male voice answered from behind the sisters.
“Ranma-kun, you surprised us,” the homemaker said. “Five years is a long time for remembering little details.”
“So, Ranma-kun, how are you at drawing people?” Nabiki asked. “I think there could be a market for portraits.”
Ranma gestured for a clean sheet of paper and a pencil.
@@@@@
Five minutes later, there was a sketch of Nabiki’s face in perfect detail, right down to the texture on her lips.
Holding the paper against the short-haired sister’s face, Ranma asked Kasumi what she thought about it.
“It’s... it’s perfect,” the homemaker answered.
“Let me see,” Nabiki insisted, grabbing the portrait and striding off to the nearest mirror.
Upon putting the sketch in line with her own reflection, the mercenary girl was stunned at the likeness Ranma had created. It was only the fact that it was in pencil that marked it out as not being a reflection.
“And he did this without looking up at me...”
One word entered Nabiki’s mind at that revelation. “Kerching!”
Sauntering back to where Ranma and Kasumi were standing, the middle sister smiled at the pigtailed man. “So, Ranma-kun,” she said as she placed a hand on his shoulder, “How do you want to make some money?”
“What are you planning?”
“Well, I just thought that it would be a shame to allow your artistic skills to go to waste. I might know of a way how we can put them to good use. How do you feel about doing commissions?” Nabiki asked. “I’m sure that you know that people at school like to have pictures of their boyfriends and girlfriends and photographs can feel a bit... impersonal, if you know what I mean.”
“What sort of cut are you asking for?” Ranma asked, suddenly wondering why he was reminded of a word when dealing with Nabiki.
“Well, I feel that 40 percent is a good place to start negotiating.”
“How much are you planning to charge for a portrait?”
“A thousand yen for a quick pencil sketch like this one, but prices go up if they want more.”
The Changeling smiled. “Let’s say that I can do five sketches at lunchtime. Your cut for doing very little would be two thousand yen. That doesn’t seem very fair, does it?”
“Like I said, it was a starting point for our negotiations,” Nabiki smiled. “What if the supplies came out of my share?”
“Thirty percent and you pay for the supplies. That’s my final offer.”
“Done,” the middle sister said, extending a hand to shake on the deal.
“Of course, you should realise that if you try to cross me on anything, you will regret it,” Ranma warned in a neutral tone. He started to smile as he added, “But of course, we won’t ever have to worry about that, will we?”
“N-no, of course not,” Nabiki answered. ‘Just what have I gotten myself into?’
@@@@@
The following morning, Kasumi frowned when she saw that Ranma wasn’t joining them for breakfast. She turned to Genma. “Saotome-san, there’s something I don’t understand; does Ranma-kun have special dietary needs? He doesn’t seem to be at all interested in food.”
The portly man winced slightly. “It’s a complicated situation, Kasumi.”
He noticed that he was the centre of attention. “It’s not my place to talk about someone’s personal details like that.”
“No, it’s not,” Ranma said from the doorway. He took a seat and poured himself a cup of tea. “I appreciate your concern, but I value my privacy. Please do not pry further.”
Akane was beginning to get a better understanding on why she didn’t like Ranma. Sure, he hadn’t acted like any of the boys at school, but he had remained aloof and distant. It was, in her opinion, unsettling for someone to behave like that.
‘Just what are you hiding, Ranma?’ she asked herself.
“Well, now that we’ve got that sorted, what’s the plan for today?” the pigtailed martial artist asked, savouring the warmth from his teacup.
“School,” Genma answered.
“Yes, it would help you get to know Akane and Nabiki better,” Soun chimed in.
“I see,” Ranma drawled. He cast a look at his father, who nodded once. “Ok, I’ll go to school with Akane and Nabiki.”
Placing his teacup on the table, Changeling stood up and left to prepare his things.
“I must admit that I was expecting more of a fight, Saotome-kun,” Soun confided.
“Yes, but remember that sometimes you have to do what you’re told to,” Genma replied. ‘Ranma is planning something, but what?’
@@@@@
On the way to school, Ranma asked Nabiki and Akane about Furinkan and its denizens.
“The faculty is fairly easy going,” Nabiki answered as they stopped at a pedestrian crossing. The signal to cross started and the trio approached the school gates. “But there are one or two things you should watch out for.”
“Oh?”
“Akane Tendo, date me!”
“Akane Tendo, accept my love!”
“Akane Tendo, we can be together at last!”
The Changeling turned to the younger sister and gave her a questioning look. “What are they talking about?”
“It’s some stupid thing that’s none of your business!” Akane said charging in to unleash some righteous fury upon the crowd of hormonal boys.
As Hurricane Akane swept through the majority of the male student body, Ranma turned to Nabiki. “Perhaps you can explain to me what’s going on here?”
“See that guy there with the bokken?” the mercenary girl asked.
“Yes.”
“He said that if you wanted to date Akane, you had to defeat her in combat first.”
“That’s possibly the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” the pigtailed man said. “So, how come all these people are doing what that guy says?”
“Because they’re all idiots,” Nabiki sighed.
Akane had finished demolishing the untrained horde and sighed tiredly. “Every day this happens.”
“Alas, but I cannot deny that their endeavours would be worth any suffering,” the bokken carrying boy said, standing in what he considered to be a heroic pose.
“Kuno-sempai,” the Tendo heir muttered.
“My beauteous Akane Tendo, how are you this fine morning?” Kuno asked, flashing the girl of his dreams a winning smile.
“I’d be better if you left me alone, Kuno,” Akane spat.
“But the Heavens themselves would weep were I to abandon our sacred courting ritual! If I defeat you, I will allow you to date me.”
“Now I see,” Ranma said calling out.
“And what is it that you do see?” Kuno demanded, hoping to deal with this interloper quickly.
“We haven’t been introduced, so I shan’t be discussing any of my thoughts with you. Good day, Sir,” Ranma said striding towards the main entrance.
Tatewaki Kuno, the self-titled Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School was surprised at the attitude of the newcomer. Did he have no idea to whom he was talking to? Could he not appreciate the beauty of the fierce tigress that is Akane Tendo?
“You there! Who are you?!”
“I’m Ranma Saotome,” the Changeling answered, turning to face his inquisitor. “That is all I am willing to tell the likes of you.”
“The likes of me?!” the kendoist demanded, his face turning purple with rage. “How dare you? Do you know who I am?”
“No, and I do not care to change that fact,” Ranma said not bothering to turn back to face Kuno. “I have to register for class.”
Nabiki was surprised that Ranma has acted like this. Given his history as a martial artist, she’d expected him to be more confrontational and fight Kuno. ‘Interesting.’
@@@@@
Ranma stood before his new classmates and introduced himself.
“Pleased to meet you all,” he said with a polite bow.
“Wait, I saw you walking to school with Akane and Nabiki Tendo, how do you know them?!” a voice called out from the back of the classroom.
“Our fathers are old friends; they trained under the same master,” the Changeling answered.
“So are you staying at her house?” another voice asked.
“It is none of your concern. Besides, she’s made it clear that she’s not interested in me.”
Fifteen pairs of female eyes turned to Akane, all asking the same question: “Why not?”
“Hey, I only just met him,” Akane said, shrinking into her seat.
“It’s true, but unlike some people around these parts, I don’t pursue people who have made it perfectly clear that they’re not interested in me,” Ranma said, directing his comments at the male portion of the class. “Now, if we have finished our little question and answer session, perhaps we can get to the important business of learning?”
“Indeed, Saotome-kun,” the teacher said. “Pick an empty seat, we’re all here today.”
“Thank you, Sensei,” the pigtailed youth bowed before heading to a window seat.
@@@@@
In Nabiki’s classroom, Tatewaki Kuno was ranting about the pretentiousness of the new student.
“How dare he show such disrespect to his sempai? I must teach him a lesson!” the kendoist declared. “Nabiki Tendo, tell me what you know about him.”
“He doesn’t seem to like you,” the mercenary girl smirked.
“Clearly, but I must know more about this insolent man if I am to teach him a lesson. Since you walked to school with him, you must know something about him,” Kuno said, reaching for his wallet. “What can you tell me for two thousand yen?”
Pocketing the money, Nabiki smiled. “Well, I can tell you that he was recently in China. That he’s supposed to be a skilled martial artist. I haven’t seen him in action, so I don’t know how good he actually is. Also, he doesn’t eat much and he’s pretty good at drawing.”
“Hmm,” the kendoist nodded. “And how do you know about his eating habits?”
“He’s staying at our place for the time being.”
“What?! Under the same roof as Akane?! I cannot allow such a thing!” Kuno declared, jumping to his feet.
“Kuno, outside,” the teacher ordered, pointing to the hallway.
The Blue Thunder sprinted down the corridor to Akane’s classroom, intent of dispensing the Justice of the Heavens™.
@@@@@
Ranma sat attentively at his desk. He’d been making a good impression with his teacher thanks to his intelligent questions and answers.
It made Akane wonder what sort of person he was. She would admit that she hadn’t been friendly towards him, and that she hadn’t been thrilled to learn about the planned engagement, but now that it became clear that Ranma wasn’t just someone who’d blindly follow Kuno like the rest of the boys at school.
No, Ranma was his own man.
Though the question remained: what sort of man was he?
As the teacher was about to ask someone to answer a question on algebra, the door slid open, almost jumping off its rail.
“SAOTOME!” Kuno bellowed. “I see your plan and I will not allow you to continue to sleep under the same roof as Akane Tendo! Prepare to taste my blade of justice!”
“No,” Ranma said pointedly. He turned back to the teacher. “Please continue, Sensei.”
“How dare you ignore me?!” the kendoist demanded, rushing to Ranma’s window seat.
In one fluid motion, Ranma stood up from his chair, picked Kuno up by the throat and pinned him against the glass.
“How dare you interrupt this lesson?” the pigtailed martial artist countered, continuing to apply pressure on the kendoist’s carotid artery. “I’m just getting to grips with algebra and I don’t need blithering idiots to come charging in and disrupting the class. Apologise to Honda-sensei and the rest of the class.”
“I...”
“Apologise,” Ranma ordered, increasing the pressure on Kuno’s neck.
“F-f-forgive my intrusion, H-Honda-sensei,” Kuno gasped.
“That’s better. Now leave,” the Changeling said, allowing his opponent to drop to the floor.
The kendoist scrambled to his feet and rushed out.
“I apologise as well, Honda-sensei,” Ranma bowed. “Please continue with the lesson.”
“R-right,” the bespectacled man nodded.
@@@@@
At lunchtime, Furinkan was abuzz with gossip about the new student Ranma Saotome and how he had dealt with Kuno’s interrupting his class.
Ranma was sitting under a tree and casually observing the rest of the students when Nabiki approached him.
“Hi there, Ranma,” she smiled. “Someone asked me if you’re willing to draw their portrait.”
The Changeling turned to look at the brunette and smiled. “I would be if I had some paper and something to draw with.”
“Here,” the middle Tendo said, handing over a sketchpad and tin of pencils. “Come on, Yuki-chan, how can Ranma draw you if he can’t see you?”
A girl with her long black hair in a single ponytail blushed shyly as she was moved into Ranma’s view.
“And how do you want me to draw you?”
“I don’t know,” Yuki answered, her cheeks reddening further.
“Hmm... let’s try this...”
Five minutes of furious pencil strokes later, Ranma turned the sketchpad around to reveal Yuki grooming a pony with a brush. “Is this what you were after?”
“Yes,” the raven-haired girl squealed happily. “Thank you!”
“Not bad at all, Saotome,” Nabiki smiled as Yuki skipped away.
Another student approached the pair, this time it was a boy.
“Hi,” he said, trying not to sound nervous. “I hear you can draw pictures?”
“I can,” Ranma nodded.
“Can you draw me a picture of a girl?”
“Not without the girl’s permission,” the artist answered. “It’s not right to just start drawing people’s likenesses without their permission.”
“O-oh.”
“That said, I could probably draw someone who doesn’t exist. That would cost extra though,” Ranma shrugged. “Five thousand yen.”
“O-ok,” the customer nodded as he reached for his wallet. “Can you draw me a cute girl with a nice body at the beach?”
“Yes,” the Changeling nodded as he started his next commission.
After the customer had left clutching his picture of a girl dressed in a daring one-piece swimsuit, Ranma turned to Nabiki. “I don’t mean to be rude, but where’s my 4200 yen?”
“What?” Nabiki asked, distracted by some movement from across the yard.
“One thousand yen for a basic sketch and five thousand for the original commission makes six thousand yen. Minus your cut of 30 percent,” the martial artist explained. “That was our deal.”
“Oh, yes, sorry,” the mercenary girl winced. “It’s just that...”
“YOU!”
“...Kuno is coming over here.”
@@@@@
To be continued...
By Lord Raa
@@@@@
Disclaim-me-do: I’m too alive to die!
@@@@@
Part 3
@@@@@
After his rest, Ranma walked down to where his father was talking with Soun Tendo.
“Ah, there you are, Ranma-kun,” the moustachioed man smiled. “Please, sit down and tell me about yourself.”
“I’m not sure what there is to say, Mr. Tendo,” Ranma said, taking up a place on the porch next to the older men.
“Would you like some tea? Kasumi,” Soun called out. “Could you bring us some more tea out?”
Kasumi quickly emerged with a fresh pot of tea and some snacks. She was curious about the young man, but was too polite to ask direct questions.
“Thank you for the offer, Mr. Tendo, but I’m not thirsty,” the pigtailed man said apologetically.
“There’s no need to be polite, Ranma-kun,” Kasumi insisted as she poured four cups of tea. “You must need some refreshment after your journey.”
“Well, maybe some tea,” Ranma conceded. “But what would you like to know about me, Mr. Tendo?”
“Well, what are your hobbies?”
The Changeling pondered that question for a moment. “Well, I haven’t really had time to find out what I like doing, Mr. Tendo. I’ve spent most of the last twelve years learning how to fight.”
‘That doesn’t seem very interesting,’ Kasumi mused. ‘Perhaps Akane or Nabiki will have more in common with Ranma-kun?’
“Although,” Ranma added, “I did enjoy the travelling. Some of the views from the mountaintop temples were stunning.”
“Do you think you could draw one of them?” Soun asked, hoping that some artistic talent would make him a more attractive suitor for one of his daughters.
“I think so,” the pigtailed man nodded. “I don’t have any paper or pencils though...”
“Don’t worry, Ranma-kun, I’ll find you some,” Kasumi smiled.
@@@@@
Nabiki was surprised when her elder sister asked to have some paper and borrow a few pencils.
“Sure thing, Kasumi, but what do you need them for?”
“It’s for Ranma-kun, he’s going to try drawing some scenes from his memory,” the homemaker answered. “Father insisted.”
“Well, there’s a surprise,” Nabiki muttered, already fathoming out her father’s cunning plan. “Still, it might be nice to have a cute boyfriend who can do things other than beat people up.”
“So you think he’s cute, do you?” Kasumi asked, a teasing smile on her lips.
“I’ve seen uglier men,” the short-haired sister countered neutrally. She was about to hand over the pencils but paused for a moment. “But you seem quite interested in what Ranma can draw...”
Kasumi fumbled for words. “Well... it’s what Father wanted...”
“I see,” Nabiki drawled before finally handing over the pencils. “Here you go, but I reserve the right to sell the drawings off. It’s my paper and pencils he’s using after all.”
@@@@@
Ranma tapped his thumbs on the table as he tried to decide which temple view he should attempt to draw for Mr. Tendo.
“Well?” the moustachioed man asked, unable to keep the expectancy from his voice.
“...” the pigtailed man turned to face his host. “I think I’ll try the view from above the Shankuku temple in Kyoto. This could take some time.”
Picking up a pencil and sheet of paper, Ranma started to sketch out the basic positions of the temple, its surrounding water feature and trees.
Soun wasn’t sure what to make of the light pencil strokes Ranma was making, but decided that he should leave him to work on his drawing. Turning to Genma, he asked, “How about a game of go, old friend?”
“A fine idea, Tendo-kun.”
Five minutes later, Ranma growled in frustration.
“Is something the matter, Ranma-kun?” Kasumi asked, peering around the door frame.
“It’s not quite right,” the martial artist complained. “I drew the wrong type of tree in the background. I only remembered that the hackberries are on the north side of the grounds after I started to add the larch copse.”
Ranma was about to screw up the paper and start again when Kasumi stopped him. “Let me see, Ranma-kun.”
“But it’s wrong.”
“Please,” the homemaker asked. “At least let me see how the rest of the picture is.”
“Fine,” the pigtailed martial artist sighed. “Revel in my mistakes if it makes you happy.”
The brunette frowned at Ranma’s attitude before turning her attention to the pencil drawing. “Oh my... I haven’t seen anything like this before.”
“Yeah, I know,” Ranma sighed. “You don’t have to rub it in.”
“That’s not what I meant, Ranma-kun,” Kasumi gently chided. “This is a fantastic drawing.”
“But the order of the trees is wrong,” the Changeling said before standing up to leave. “And Order is the most important thing in the universe.”
@@@@@
Akane was training alone in the dojo. Her mind turned to Ranma and how he was supposed to be getting engaged to her or one of her sisters. The pigtailed young man’s insistence on waiting until he knew them better seemed to put the brakes on her father’s plans.
‘Perhaps he’s not like the boys at school?’ she mused as she paused in her stacking up of some old bricks.
But there was a nagging doubt in her mind that something wasn’t quite right with Ranma.
It annoyed her and she vented her frustration on the stack of bricks, breaking them easily.
@@@@@
Nabiki decided to see what sort of artist Ranma was. Art supplies weren’t exactly expensive, but she wasn’t a charity. If Ranma wanted paper for doodling, he’d have to get it himself.
However, if his art was worth a damn, then she might be able to work out a deal to keep him in paper for a slice of his commissions.
Quietly walking down the stairs, the short-haired Tendo walked to where Kasumi was admiring a picture.
“So, what’s he capable of, Kasumi?”
“Oh, you surprised me, Nabiki,” the elder sister replied. She held the paper to let Nabiki get a better look.
The mercenary sister examined the picture closely. The way everything seemed to be the right size for the distance from the main building gave the drawing an almost photographic feel.
Nabiki let out a whistle. “Not bad at all.”
“Ranma-kun isn’t happy with it though,” Kasumi replied. “He said that the trees are the wrong sort, that he forgot which ones went where.”
“If you say so. Wait, these actually are different types of tree,” Nabiki said, holding the picture closer. “So, when was Ranma last here?”
“Five years ago,” a male voice answered from behind the sisters.
“Ranma-kun, you surprised us,” the homemaker said. “Five years is a long time for remembering little details.”
“So, Ranma-kun, how are you at drawing people?” Nabiki asked. “I think there could be a market for portraits.”
Ranma gestured for a clean sheet of paper and a pencil.
@@@@@
Five minutes later, there was a sketch of Nabiki’s face in perfect detail, right down to the texture on her lips.
Holding the paper against the short-haired sister’s face, Ranma asked Kasumi what she thought about it.
“It’s... it’s perfect,” the homemaker answered.
“Let me see,” Nabiki insisted, grabbing the portrait and striding off to the nearest mirror.
Upon putting the sketch in line with her own reflection, the mercenary girl was stunned at the likeness Ranma had created. It was only the fact that it was in pencil that marked it out as not being a reflection.
“And he did this without looking up at me...”
One word entered Nabiki’s mind at that revelation. “Kerching!”
Sauntering back to where Ranma and Kasumi were standing, the middle sister smiled at the pigtailed man. “So, Ranma-kun,” she said as she placed a hand on his shoulder, “How do you want to make some money?”
“What are you planning?”
“Well, I just thought that it would be a shame to allow your artistic skills to go to waste. I might know of a way how we can put them to good use. How do you feel about doing commissions?” Nabiki asked. “I’m sure that you know that people at school like to have pictures of their boyfriends and girlfriends and photographs can feel a bit... impersonal, if you know what I mean.”
“What sort of cut are you asking for?” Ranma asked, suddenly wondering why he was reminded of a word when dealing with Nabiki.
“Well, I feel that 40 percent is a good place to start negotiating.”
“How much are you planning to charge for a portrait?”
“A thousand yen for a quick pencil sketch like this one, but prices go up if they want more.”
The Changeling smiled. “Let’s say that I can do five sketches at lunchtime. Your cut for doing very little would be two thousand yen. That doesn’t seem very fair, does it?”
“Like I said, it was a starting point for our negotiations,” Nabiki smiled. “What if the supplies came out of my share?”
“Thirty percent and you pay for the supplies. That’s my final offer.”
“Done,” the middle sister said, extending a hand to shake on the deal.
“Of course, you should realise that if you try to cross me on anything, you will regret it,” Ranma warned in a neutral tone. He started to smile as he added, “But of course, we won’t ever have to worry about that, will we?”
“N-no, of course not,” Nabiki answered. ‘Just what have I gotten myself into?’
@@@@@
The following morning, Kasumi frowned when she saw that Ranma wasn’t joining them for breakfast. She turned to Genma. “Saotome-san, there’s something I don’t understand; does Ranma-kun have special dietary needs? He doesn’t seem to be at all interested in food.”
The portly man winced slightly. “It’s a complicated situation, Kasumi.”
He noticed that he was the centre of attention. “It’s not my place to talk about someone’s personal details like that.”
“No, it’s not,” Ranma said from the doorway. He took a seat and poured himself a cup of tea. “I appreciate your concern, but I value my privacy. Please do not pry further.”
Akane was beginning to get a better understanding on why she didn’t like Ranma. Sure, he hadn’t acted like any of the boys at school, but he had remained aloof and distant. It was, in her opinion, unsettling for someone to behave like that.
‘Just what are you hiding, Ranma?’ she asked herself.
“Well, now that we’ve got that sorted, what’s the plan for today?” the pigtailed martial artist asked, savouring the warmth from his teacup.
“School,” Genma answered.
“Yes, it would help you get to know Akane and Nabiki better,” Soun chimed in.
“I see,” Ranma drawled. He cast a look at his father, who nodded once. “Ok, I’ll go to school with Akane and Nabiki.”
Placing his teacup on the table, Changeling stood up and left to prepare his things.
“I must admit that I was expecting more of a fight, Saotome-kun,” Soun confided.
“Yes, but remember that sometimes you have to do what you’re told to,” Genma replied. ‘Ranma is planning something, but what?’
@@@@@
On the way to school, Ranma asked Nabiki and Akane about Furinkan and its denizens.
“The faculty is fairly easy going,” Nabiki answered as they stopped at a pedestrian crossing. The signal to cross started and the trio approached the school gates. “But there are one or two things you should watch out for.”
“Oh?”
“Akane Tendo, date me!”
“Akane Tendo, accept my love!”
“Akane Tendo, we can be together at last!”
The Changeling turned to the younger sister and gave her a questioning look. “What are they talking about?”
“It’s some stupid thing that’s none of your business!” Akane said charging in to unleash some righteous fury upon the crowd of hormonal boys.
As Hurricane Akane swept through the majority of the male student body, Ranma turned to Nabiki. “Perhaps you can explain to me what’s going on here?”
“See that guy there with the bokken?” the mercenary girl asked.
“Yes.”
“He said that if you wanted to date Akane, you had to defeat her in combat first.”
“That’s possibly the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard,” the pigtailed man said. “So, how come all these people are doing what that guy says?”
“Because they’re all idiots,” Nabiki sighed.
Akane had finished demolishing the untrained horde and sighed tiredly. “Every day this happens.”
“Alas, but I cannot deny that their endeavours would be worth any suffering,” the bokken carrying boy said, standing in what he considered to be a heroic pose.
“Kuno-sempai,” the Tendo heir muttered.
“My beauteous Akane Tendo, how are you this fine morning?” Kuno asked, flashing the girl of his dreams a winning smile.
“I’d be better if you left me alone, Kuno,” Akane spat.
“But the Heavens themselves would weep were I to abandon our sacred courting ritual! If I defeat you, I will allow you to date me.”
“Now I see,” Ranma said calling out.
“And what is it that you do see?” Kuno demanded, hoping to deal with this interloper quickly.
“We haven’t been introduced, so I shan’t be discussing any of my thoughts with you. Good day, Sir,” Ranma said striding towards the main entrance.
Tatewaki Kuno, the self-titled Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School was surprised at the attitude of the newcomer. Did he have no idea to whom he was talking to? Could he not appreciate the beauty of the fierce tigress that is Akane Tendo?
“You there! Who are you?!”
“I’m Ranma Saotome,” the Changeling answered, turning to face his inquisitor. “That is all I am willing to tell the likes of you.”
“The likes of me?!” the kendoist demanded, his face turning purple with rage. “How dare you? Do you know who I am?”
“No, and I do not care to change that fact,” Ranma said not bothering to turn back to face Kuno. “I have to register for class.”
Nabiki was surprised that Ranma has acted like this. Given his history as a martial artist, she’d expected him to be more confrontational and fight Kuno. ‘Interesting.’
@@@@@
Ranma stood before his new classmates and introduced himself.
“Pleased to meet you all,” he said with a polite bow.
“Wait, I saw you walking to school with Akane and Nabiki Tendo, how do you know them?!” a voice called out from the back of the classroom.
“Our fathers are old friends; they trained under the same master,” the Changeling answered.
“So are you staying at her house?” another voice asked.
“It is none of your concern. Besides, she’s made it clear that she’s not interested in me.”
Fifteen pairs of female eyes turned to Akane, all asking the same question: “Why not?”
“Hey, I only just met him,” Akane said, shrinking into her seat.
“It’s true, but unlike some people around these parts, I don’t pursue people who have made it perfectly clear that they’re not interested in me,” Ranma said, directing his comments at the male portion of the class. “Now, if we have finished our little question and answer session, perhaps we can get to the important business of learning?”
“Indeed, Saotome-kun,” the teacher said. “Pick an empty seat, we’re all here today.”
“Thank you, Sensei,” the pigtailed youth bowed before heading to a window seat.
@@@@@
In Nabiki’s classroom, Tatewaki Kuno was ranting about the pretentiousness of the new student.
“How dare he show such disrespect to his sempai? I must teach him a lesson!” the kendoist declared. “Nabiki Tendo, tell me what you know about him.”
“He doesn’t seem to like you,” the mercenary girl smirked.
“Clearly, but I must know more about this insolent man if I am to teach him a lesson. Since you walked to school with him, you must know something about him,” Kuno said, reaching for his wallet. “What can you tell me for two thousand yen?”
Pocketing the money, Nabiki smiled. “Well, I can tell you that he was recently in China. That he’s supposed to be a skilled martial artist. I haven’t seen him in action, so I don’t know how good he actually is. Also, he doesn’t eat much and he’s pretty good at drawing.”
“Hmm,” the kendoist nodded. “And how do you know about his eating habits?”
“He’s staying at our place for the time being.”
“What?! Under the same roof as Akane?! I cannot allow such a thing!” Kuno declared, jumping to his feet.
“Kuno, outside,” the teacher ordered, pointing to the hallway.
The Blue Thunder sprinted down the corridor to Akane’s classroom, intent of dispensing the Justice of the Heavens™.
@@@@@
Ranma sat attentively at his desk. He’d been making a good impression with his teacher thanks to his intelligent questions and answers.
It made Akane wonder what sort of person he was. She would admit that she hadn’t been friendly towards him, and that she hadn’t been thrilled to learn about the planned engagement, but now that it became clear that Ranma wasn’t just someone who’d blindly follow Kuno like the rest of the boys at school.
No, Ranma was his own man.
Though the question remained: what sort of man was he?
As the teacher was about to ask someone to answer a question on algebra, the door slid open, almost jumping off its rail.
“SAOTOME!” Kuno bellowed. “I see your plan and I will not allow you to continue to sleep under the same roof as Akane Tendo! Prepare to taste my blade of justice!”
“No,” Ranma said pointedly. He turned back to the teacher. “Please continue, Sensei.”
“How dare you ignore me?!” the kendoist demanded, rushing to Ranma’s window seat.
In one fluid motion, Ranma stood up from his chair, picked Kuno up by the throat and pinned him against the glass.
“How dare you interrupt this lesson?” the pigtailed martial artist countered, continuing to apply pressure on the kendoist’s carotid artery. “I’m just getting to grips with algebra and I don’t need blithering idiots to come charging in and disrupting the class. Apologise to Honda-sensei and the rest of the class.”
“I...”
“Apologise,” Ranma ordered, increasing the pressure on Kuno’s neck.
“F-f-forgive my intrusion, H-Honda-sensei,” Kuno gasped.
“That’s better. Now leave,” the Changeling said, allowing his opponent to drop to the floor.
The kendoist scrambled to his feet and rushed out.
“I apologise as well, Honda-sensei,” Ranma bowed. “Please continue with the lesson.”
“R-right,” the bespectacled man nodded.
@@@@@
At lunchtime, Furinkan was abuzz with gossip about the new student Ranma Saotome and how he had dealt with Kuno’s interrupting his class.
Ranma was sitting under a tree and casually observing the rest of the students when Nabiki approached him.
“Hi there, Ranma,” she smiled. “Someone asked me if you’re willing to draw their portrait.”
The Changeling turned to look at the brunette and smiled. “I would be if I had some paper and something to draw with.”
“Here,” the middle Tendo said, handing over a sketchpad and tin of pencils. “Come on, Yuki-chan, how can Ranma draw you if he can’t see you?”
A girl with her long black hair in a single ponytail blushed shyly as she was moved into Ranma’s view.
“And how do you want me to draw you?”
“I don’t know,” Yuki answered, her cheeks reddening further.
“Hmm... let’s try this...”
Five minutes of furious pencil strokes later, Ranma turned the sketchpad around to reveal Yuki grooming a pony with a brush. “Is this what you were after?”
“Yes,” the raven-haired girl squealed happily. “Thank you!”
“Not bad at all, Saotome,” Nabiki smiled as Yuki skipped away.
Another student approached the pair, this time it was a boy.
“Hi,” he said, trying not to sound nervous. “I hear you can draw pictures?”
“I can,” Ranma nodded.
“Can you draw me a picture of a girl?”
“Not without the girl’s permission,” the artist answered. “It’s not right to just start drawing people’s likenesses without their permission.”
“O-oh.”
“That said, I could probably draw someone who doesn’t exist. That would cost extra though,” Ranma shrugged. “Five thousand yen.”
“O-ok,” the customer nodded as he reached for his wallet. “Can you draw me a cute girl with a nice body at the beach?”
“Yes,” the Changeling nodded as he started his next commission.
After the customer had left clutching his picture of a girl dressed in a daring one-piece swimsuit, Ranma turned to Nabiki. “I don’t mean to be rude, but where’s my 4200 yen?”
“What?” Nabiki asked, distracted by some movement from across the yard.
“One thousand yen for a basic sketch and five thousand for the original commission makes six thousand yen. Minus your cut of 30 percent,” the martial artist explained. “That was our deal.”
“Oh, yes, sorry,” the mercenary girl winced. “It’s just that...”
“YOU!”
“...Kuno is coming over here.”
@@@@@
To be continued...
Got Change?
By Lord Raa
@@@@@
Disclaim-me-do: Acguy is love.
@@@@@
Part 4
@@@@@
“You!” Kuno shouted as he ran towards Ranma, flanked by the kendo team.
“What about me? I’m going about my business, not bothering anyone. Unlike you.”
“I challenge you to a duel,” the kendoist said, pointing his bokken at the Changeling. “Unless you are too cowardly to face me in honourable combat, that is!”
Several members of the kendo team laughed mockingly at Ranma.
“What, like how you challenged Akane,” Ranma sighed.
“What?” Kuno asked.
“You all ganged up on her. That hardly seems honourable to me. But hey, I guess that honour has a flexible definition these days.”
“You...”
“Either go away or pay up for your sketches,” Ranma waned.
Nabiki nodded. “You’re scaring away potential clients. I’d hate to have to bill you for that, Kuno.”
“What a mercenary creature you are, Nabiki Tendo!” the Captain of the kendo team declared.
Ranma looked at the way Nabiki was seething at Kuno’s ill-thought out comment. “Does it matter that Nabiki’s loyalty has been purchased rather than earned?”
“What?” Kuno asked.
“Loyalty, like respect and trust must be earned. We have entered a business arrangement, and should it work out, we may engage in further deals on more favourable terms,” the Changeling explained. “Please leave me alone.”
“I will never allow you to have Akane Tendo!”
Ranma laughed. “What? What are you gibbering on about now?”
“I see what your plan is, you foul beast!” Kuno started frothing at the mouth as he continued his tirade. “You are clearly unable to resist the beauty that is Akane Tendo! Your plan was as cunning as it is despicable! You use the friendship of your father and the honoured Tendo-san to get close to Akane and worm your way into her heart!”
Nabiki stood incredulous at the logic her classmate was using. She considered correcting him, but quickly realise that any mention of her father’s plan for an arranged marriage would be taken out of context.
“A man should be judged by his actions,” the pigtailed martial artist said sagely. “Your actions have shown me that you are worthy of nothing more than contempt. And possibly violence. I suggest that you leave the Tendos and me alone.”
“Or what? What can someone as low-born as yourself do to thwart me, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School and tool of Heavenly Justice™?!” Kuno demanded, his face turning scarlet at the insolence Ranma was showing him.
Ranma finally stood up and stepped into Kuno’s personal space. “I have been very reasonable in my dealings with you. I suggest that you think about your next words very carefully. You may think that you can best me in combat, but you are wrong. You may think that you can continue to behave in such a deplorable way, but you are wrong.
“If you attack me or the Tendos again, I will destroy you. Do you understand what that means?”
“Foul trickster!” the kendoist screamed. He lifted his arm up to strike at Ranma, only to have it casually held in place by the Changeling gripping his elbow.
“That was a mistake. You, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School, will learn your place in the order of things,” Ranma said calmly. He turned to look at the other members of the kendo team. “I suggest you find a new club to attend, because you don’t want to be near this idiot when I put him in his place.”
“W-what will you do to him?” a blonde boy asked.
“Do you really want to know? Nabiki, get our things, it’s time for us to leave here.”
@@@@@
“Saotome-kun,” Soun Tendo said as he placed a black stone on the go board. “I was thinking about Ranma-kun.”
“What about him, Tendo-kun?” Genma asked, his mind pondering the options for his next move.
“Is everything alright with him? Kasumi was concerned that he isn’t eating properly,” the moustachioed man leant back slightly. “In fact, she’s concerned that he hasn’t eaten at all since he’s been here.”
Genma removed his bandana and ran a hand through his thinning hair. “Ranma is... Ranma is special. I believe that he could be the best martial artist in human history.”
“R-really?” Soun asked, his mind thinking to the kudos such a teacher would bring to the Tendo Dojo.
“Yes, but I don’t think that he’ll be happy teaching here at the dojo.”
“Why not?”
“Because, Tendo-kun, I can feel that Ranma is destined for great things,” the portly man answered. “And not just being famous for mastery of martial arts, either.”
@@@@@
Back at Furinkan High School, Nabiki was thinking about Ranma. While she would normally have dealt with Kuno with ease, the way he defended her made her feel special.
“Ranma,” she said when they were alone. “Can I ask you a question?”
“You just did, but go on,” the pigtailed man said.
“Did you realise that you might have made a big mistake by antagonising Kuno like that?”
“Why?”
“Well, his dad’s the principal of the school,” the mercenary girl answered.
Ranma looked thoughtful. “That explains why he seems to be able to get away with such outrageous behaviour. I may be able to use this nepotism against him by insinuating that he’s always going to remain in his father’s shadow.”
“Perhaps,” Nabiki said sceptically. “Oh, and here’s your money, Ranma.”
The Changeling looked to see his business partner holding out a five thousand yen note.
“I don’t have any change on me right now, Nabiki.”
“Oh,” Nabiki replied. “Well, I don’t have anything smaller and I don’t want you to think that I’ve been trying to cheat you.”
“If you insist,” Ranma shrugged. “I feel like treating you to something nice after school. Nothing much, just a cup of coffee somewhere.”
“That sounds fine to me.”
@@@@@
Back in his classroom, Ranma approached Akane.
“Excuse me, Akane,” he said.
“What do you want?” she snapped. She looked up and saw that it was Ranma who was talking to her. “Sorry, Ranma, it’s just that I’ve had a bad morning.”
“I just wanted to say sorry,” the Changeling said, his head bowed respectfully.
“Sorry? Sorry for what?” Akane asked in confusion.
“For interfering with your business: I’m taking steps to stop Kuno and his band of idiots from harassing you,” Ranma explained.
The youngest Tendo blinked. “What? Why did you do that?”
“Who you date is your business, not mine, but Kuno’s actions offend me. Having him attack you at random intervals disrupts the order of things.”
“Oh, thank you, I think. So what’s going to happen now?”
“I’ve warned the rest of the kendo team, so they should behave themselves, but Kuno is going to require more effort. Do you want me to continue or can you handle it from here?” Ranma asked.
“Err... I don’t know,” Akane admitted. She gave the situation a moment’s thought. “Err, carry on?”
“Will do,” the Changeling smiled before returning to his seat.
Yuka leaned into to Akane’s desk. “Is he really going to deal with Kuno and his stupid declaration?”
“Apparently so,” the Tendo heir answered.
@@@@@
The rest of the school day passed uneventfully, though Nabiki did receive several enquiries about Ranma’s artwork.
“Do you think Ranma could draw some doujinshi?” a boy in the class asked.
“Let me guess, you know someone who knows someone who wrote a story and they want it illustrated?” the middle sister asked, managing to keep a knowing smirk off her face.
“Y-yeah,” the prospective customer nodded.
“Well, we’ve not yet worked out a price for such a project, but I do know that it won’t be cheap,” Nabiki hinted. “He won’t draw someone without their permission, so I don’t know how much convincing he’ll need to commit to something like this.”
“B-but you will ask him, right?”
“I’ll ask him tonight.”
@@@@@
In a local coffee shop Ranma sat down opposite Nabiki and handed her a menu.
“So, what are you thinking of having, Ranma?” she asked as she scoured the menu for something particularly appealing.
“I’m not thirsty,” the Changeling answered.
“Oh. You don’t eat much, do you?”
“No.”
Nabiki frowned. “Rather inscrutable, aren’t you?”
“I just don’t like talking about myself, that’s all,” Ranma smiled. “I told Akane that I’m going to take care of Kuno.”
“You did? How did she take it?”
“She was a little confused at first.”
The waitress arrived and asked them for their order.
“I’ll have a Columbian latte,” Nabiki answered.
“And you, sir?”
“I’m not thirsty, but add a slice of chocolate cheesecake for my friend here,” Ranma smiled.
“Very well, I’ll get your order,” the waitress bowed before leaving them.
“Oh, I had an interesting proposition put towards me earlier today,” the short-haired girl said casually. “Now, I know that you don’t like the idea of drawing someone’s picture without their permission, but how do you feel about drawing doujinshi?”
“Drawing what?”
“Doujinshi,” Nabiki repeated. “Think of them as fan-made comics.”
“Sounds like copyright infringement. I don’t think I can do that.”
Nabiki looked a little downcast for a moment as the thought of lots of lovely profit drifted away. “What if I told you that the publishers were ok with it? There are conventions where you can buy all sorts of these unofficial comics, but the publishers allow them.”
The Changeling frowned. “No, I’m not willing to put my name on something that’s a legal grey area.”
“Did I mention that these doujin groups all have pen-names? It’s incredibly rare if anyone goes by their real name in the publishing industry.”
The waitress returned with their order and quickly left.
“Obviously it would be expensive and time consuming,” Nabiki added as she prepared to sample her cheesecake. “It would take weeks, if not longer to complete the project. And during that time, you wouldn’t want to take on more work, so you’d have to be compensated for loss of earnings that way.”
“What sort of figure were you thinking, Nabiki?” Ranma asked.
“Well, it would tens of thousands of yen at the very least. Plus a slice of the cover price.”
“Of course,” the Changeling nodded. “Tell your client to meet me at lunchtime tomorrow. He’ll need to bring the story he wants me to illustrate and a sample of the original source material for reference.
“If I accept the commission, it’ll be half up front, half on completion. The price will depend on the story he wants me to draw and how much effort it’ll take.”
“I’ll pass on the message,” Nabiki smiled before eating her treat.
@@@@@
After their coffee and business discussions, Ranma escorted Nabiki home with the conversation turning to small talk and general gossip about Nerima and its inhabitants.
“So, no-one had really stood up to Kuno before I arrived?”
“No, the thing is, he is the best fighter at Furinkan, so he can see off pretty much every challenger,” Nabiki explained.
“You only think he’s the best because you haven’t seen me in action,” Ranma smirked.
“I can see that you’re not crippled by self-doubt, Ranma.”
“It may surprise you that I have indeed been in danger, in fact when I was in China I came close to being burnt alive,” the Changeling said, his face darkening at the memory of the Amazon village. “But enough about that-”
“There he is!” a male voice called out, attracting the couple’s attention.
“And you are?” Ranma asked, falling into a neutral stance.
Several boys from Furinkan ran towards Ranma, causing Nabiki to hide behind him.
“I... we’re from the kendo team. We’re not here to fight you,” a boy with sandy coloured hair explained.
“Then what are you here for?”
“We’ve been thinking about what you said to us earlier.”
“And what? You’re planning on distracting me so Kuno can sneak up behind me and stab me in the back?” Ranma asked, his eyes scanning the group for any aggressive signs.
“No,” the sandy-haired boy said, shaking his head. “We don’t want any trouble, but because Kuno is the captain, we have to do what he says. None of us have the skills to challenge him, so we’re stuck acting as his lackeys.”
The Changeling relaxed his posture slightly. “If you’re tired of being his underlings, then you should resign from the kendo team.”
“But we need to a part of an afterschool club.”
“If you don’t like the other clubs, then start your own club. You seem to have the respect of your friends, or at least, some measure of organisational ability about you. Pick something that you all like and apply to the faculty,” Ranma said, pointing at the boy who had been explaining the situation.
“But all we know is kendo,” a smaller boy whined.
“Do I have to think of everything for you?” the pigtailed man sighed. “Fine, start your own kendo club, focusing on two-handed techniques and styles. There you are, all your problems are solved. You don’t have to deal with Kuno, you keep being a part of an afterschool club and you can keep doing your kendo.
The sandy-haired boy blinked. “I... yes, thank you, Saotome-san. Your advice is most appreciated. I cannot thank you enough.”
“Now, run along and make this happen,” Ranma gestured to the end of the street. “But before you go, one last thing: if any of you think of harassing Akane Tendo again, you’re going to be in big trouble.
“If you want to date her, ask her normally. The worst that can happen is she says ‘no’. If you act like Kuno, the worst that can happen is you get treated like Kuno.”
“... Perhaps we will consider our dating options?”
“You do that.”
@@@@@
Back at the Tendo home, Soun was excited to hear that Ranma had gone out with Nabiki. It seemed that despite his distant attitude towards people, Ranma was a man of his word and was getting to know his potential fiancées better.
“So, how do you think they were getting along, Akane?” Soun asked his youngest daughter.
“I don’t know, Daddy,” Akane sighed. “Nabiki just said that she was going out for coffee with Ranma. Maybe they’re just discussing some sort of business deal? You know how Nabiki likes money.”
“Oh, but they don’t hate each other, do they?”
The door opened, cutting off further questions from the moustachioed man.
“We’re back,” Nabiki called out as she removed her shoes.
“Ah, did you have a nice time?” Soun asked.
“We did,” Ranma answered. “Oh, and Akane? I think we’re a little closer to sorting out that thing.”
“That thin... Oh, that,” Akane said, realising that Ranma was trying to be subtle. “Thank you, Ranma.”
“You’re welcome. Now, please excuse me, I’d like to take a nap,” the Changeling said as he walked towards the stairs.
“But dinner will be ready in half an hour,” Soun said.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not hungry right now.”
The Tendos looked at each other in confusion, but remained silent.
@@@@@
Ten minutes later, Nabiki was feeling restless.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as she waited for Kasumi to serve dinner. It wasn’t that she was particularly hungry after her coffee and cheesecake, but it was rather that she was anxious to start her negotiations for Ranma’s latest commission.
Dinner would bring a distraction to her keen mind, allowing her to relax a little, even if it was only for a short while.
Though, if things worked out, she could make a tidy profit for very little work.
‘I wonder what Obayashi-kun wants Ranma to draw?’ she asked herself as she looked out of the window at the darkening sky. ‘And why does Ranma seem to sleep more often than he eats?’
Resolving to find an answer to that question, Nabiki stealthily made her way to the guest room to see if Ranma was up to something.
As she approached the door, Genma appeared silently behind her and coughed loudly.
“Can I help you with anything, Nabiki?” he asked.
“I...”
“You were what? Intent on robbing Ranma while he slept? I’m not sure he’d like that. And you seemed to be getting on so well earlier,” the portly man sighed.
“I... it’s not what you think, Saotome-san,” Nabiki insisted. “I was... well, Ranma never seems to eat anything. I was just checking that he was alright.”
“Ranma is fine,” Genma said with a tone that suggested it was not a topic for discussion. “Please, he just needs to rest and he’ll be ready to do whatever it is you youngsters do these days.”
The mercenary girl sighed. ‘It’s not over, I will find out what’s going on here.’ “Ok, would he sleep so much if he ate properly? You know what Kasumi’s food is like, so unless he’s got some obscure allergy, I don’t see what the problem is.”
“I didn’t want to say anything, but Ranma does have a condition. I didn’t want to say anything, because it’s a personal matter.”
“Oh. So what is it?” Nabiki asked.
“It’s nothing that you can help with because it’s so complicated. The best thing you can do to help him is to leave him alone when he asks to be alone,” Genma explained.
The door opened and Ranma stepped out.
“Nabiki, I apologise for being so secretive, but I can’t risk people finding out about it. If Kuno discovered my weakness, then he’d defeat me. And then he’d take Akane away to do whatever he wanted to her,” the pigtailed Saotome said. “Do you really think I will allow someone like Kuno to do what he wants?”
“No, but... alright, I won’t pry any further,” the brunette replied. ‘For now.’
@@@@@
After dinner, Genma was sitting in the guest room with Ranma.
“So, who is this Kino person you were talking about earlier, Son?”
“Kuno, Pops, his name is Kuno. And he’s an idiot who said that if you want to date Akane, you have to defeat her in combat. So every day, a mob of horny cretins tries to attack her,” Ranma explained.
“That sounds... no, that is actually stupid. And we used starving animals as a training tool!”
“I know,” the Changeling sighed. “It turns out that he’s the son of the Principal, so the teachers can’t do anything.”
Genma cast a glance at his son. “Sounds like you’re planning to do something about it yourself there, Ranma.”
“I might be working on something,” Ranma hinted teasingly.
“Dare I ask?”
“It might be better if you don’t know the details of a purely hypothetical plan to correct a perceived injustice. But that’s just how I see things.”
Genma shook his head. “What are you going to tell Nabiki about your condition?”
“I don’t know,” the Changeling admitted. “I was hoping to keep it a secret for a bit longer.”
“You will have to tell the Tendos at some point, Ranma.”
“Yeah, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
@@@@@
To be continued....
By Lord Raa
@@@@@
Disclaim-me-do: Acguy is love.
@@@@@
Part 4
@@@@@
“You!” Kuno shouted as he ran towards Ranma, flanked by the kendo team.
“What about me? I’m going about my business, not bothering anyone. Unlike you.”
“I challenge you to a duel,” the kendoist said, pointing his bokken at the Changeling. “Unless you are too cowardly to face me in honourable combat, that is!”
Several members of the kendo team laughed mockingly at Ranma.
“What, like how you challenged Akane,” Ranma sighed.
“What?” Kuno asked.
“You all ganged up on her. That hardly seems honourable to me. But hey, I guess that honour has a flexible definition these days.”
“You...”
“Either go away or pay up for your sketches,” Ranma waned.
Nabiki nodded. “You’re scaring away potential clients. I’d hate to have to bill you for that, Kuno.”
“What a mercenary creature you are, Nabiki Tendo!” the Captain of the kendo team declared.
Ranma looked at the way Nabiki was seething at Kuno’s ill-thought out comment. “Does it matter that Nabiki’s loyalty has been purchased rather than earned?”
“What?” Kuno asked.
“Loyalty, like respect and trust must be earned. We have entered a business arrangement, and should it work out, we may engage in further deals on more favourable terms,” the Changeling explained. “Please leave me alone.”
“I will never allow you to have Akane Tendo!”
Ranma laughed. “What? What are you gibbering on about now?”
“I see what your plan is, you foul beast!” Kuno started frothing at the mouth as he continued his tirade. “You are clearly unable to resist the beauty that is Akane Tendo! Your plan was as cunning as it is despicable! You use the friendship of your father and the honoured Tendo-san to get close to Akane and worm your way into her heart!”
Nabiki stood incredulous at the logic her classmate was using. She considered correcting him, but quickly realise that any mention of her father’s plan for an arranged marriage would be taken out of context.
“A man should be judged by his actions,” the pigtailed martial artist said sagely. “Your actions have shown me that you are worthy of nothing more than contempt. And possibly violence. I suggest that you leave the Tendos and me alone.”
“Or what? What can someone as low-born as yourself do to thwart me, the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School and tool of Heavenly Justice™?!” Kuno demanded, his face turning scarlet at the insolence Ranma was showing him.
Ranma finally stood up and stepped into Kuno’s personal space. “I have been very reasonable in my dealings with you. I suggest that you think about your next words very carefully. You may think that you can best me in combat, but you are wrong. You may think that you can continue to behave in such a deplorable way, but you are wrong.
“If you attack me or the Tendos again, I will destroy you. Do you understand what that means?”
“Foul trickster!” the kendoist screamed. He lifted his arm up to strike at Ranma, only to have it casually held in place by the Changeling gripping his elbow.
“That was a mistake. You, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High School, will learn your place in the order of things,” Ranma said calmly. He turned to look at the other members of the kendo team. “I suggest you find a new club to attend, because you don’t want to be near this idiot when I put him in his place.”
“W-what will you do to him?” a blonde boy asked.
“Do you really want to know? Nabiki, get our things, it’s time for us to leave here.”
@@@@@
“Saotome-kun,” Soun Tendo said as he placed a black stone on the go board. “I was thinking about Ranma-kun.”
“What about him, Tendo-kun?” Genma asked, his mind pondering the options for his next move.
“Is everything alright with him? Kasumi was concerned that he isn’t eating properly,” the moustachioed man leant back slightly. “In fact, she’s concerned that he hasn’t eaten at all since he’s been here.”
Genma removed his bandana and ran a hand through his thinning hair. “Ranma is... Ranma is special. I believe that he could be the best martial artist in human history.”
“R-really?” Soun asked, his mind thinking to the kudos such a teacher would bring to the Tendo Dojo.
“Yes, but I don’t think that he’ll be happy teaching here at the dojo.”
“Why not?”
“Because, Tendo-kun, I can feel that Ranma is destined for great things,” the portly man answered. “And not just being famous for mastery of martial arts, either.”
@@@@@
Back at Furinkan High School, Nabiki was thinking about Ranma. While she would normally have dealt with Kuno with ease, the way he defended her made her feel special.
“Ranma,” she said when they were alone. “Can I ask you a question?”
“You just did, but go on,” the pigtailed man said.
“Did you realise that you might have made a big mistake by antagonising Kuno like that?”
“Why?”
“Well, his dad’s the principal of the school,” the mercenary girl answered.
Ranma looked thoughtful. “That explains why he seems to be able to get away with such outrageous behaviour. I may be able to use this nepotism against him by insinuating that he’s always going to remain in his father’s shadow.”
“Perhaps,” Nabiki said sceptically. “Oh, and here’s your money, Ranma.”
The Changeling looked to see his business partner holding out a five thousand yen note.
“I don’t have any change on me right now, Nabiki.”
“Oh,” Nabiki replied. “Well, I don’t have anything smaller and I don’t want you to think that I’ve been trying to cheat you.”
“If you insist,” Ranma shrugged. “I feel like treating you to something nice after school. Nothing much, just a cup of coffee somewhere.”
“That sounds fine to me.”
@@@@@
Back in his classroom, Ranma approached Akane.
“Excuse me, Akane,” he said.
“What do you want?” she snapped. She looked up and saw that it was Ranma who was talking to her. “Sorry, Ranma, it’s just that I’ve had a bad morning.”
“I just wanted to say sorry,” the Changeling said, his head bowed respectfully.
“Sorry? Sorry for what?” Akane asked in confusion.
“For interfering with your business: I’m taking steps to stop Kuno and his band of idiots from harassing you,” Ranma explained.
The youngest Tendo blinked. “What? Why did you do that?”
“Who you date is your business, not mine, but Kuno’s actions offend me. Having him attack you at random intervals disrupts the order of things.”
“Oh, thank you, I think. So what’s going to happen now?”
“I’ve warned the rest of the kendo team, so they should behave themselves, but Kuno is going to require more effort. Do you want me to continue or can you handle it from here?” Ranma asked.
“Err... I don’t know,” Akane admitted. She gave the situation a moment’s thought. “Err, carry on?”
“Will do,” the Changeling smiled before returning to his seat.
Yuka leaned into to Akane’s desk. “Is he really going to deal with Kuno and his stupid declaration?”
“Apparently so,” the Tendo heir answered.
@@@@@
The rest of the school day passed uneventfully, though Nabiki did receive several enquiries about Ranma’s artwork.
“Do you think Ranma could draw some doujinshi?” a boy in the class asked.
“Let me guess, you know someone who knows someone who wrote a story and they want it illustrated?” the middle sister asked, managing to keep a knowing smirk off her face.
“Y-yeah,” the prospective customer nodded.
“Well, we’ve not yet worked out a price for such a project, but I do know that it won’t be cheap,” Nabiki hinted. “He won’t draw someone without their permission, so I don’t know how much convincing he’ll need to commit to something like this.”
“B-but you will ask him, right?”
“I’ll ask him tonight.”
@@@@@
In a local coffee shop Ranma sat down opposite Nabiki and handed her a menu.
“So, what are you thinking of having, Ranma?” she asked as she scoured the menu for something particularly appealing.
“I’m not thirsty,” the Changeling answered.
“Oh. You don’t eat much, do you?”
“No.”
Nabiki frowned. “Rather inscrutable, aren’t you?”
“I just don’t like talking about myself, that’s all,” Ranma smiled. “I told Akane that I’m going to take care of Kuno.”
“You did? How did she take it?”
“She was a little confused at first.”
The waitress arrived and asked them for their order.
“I’ll have a Columbian latte,” Nabiki answered.
“And you, sir?”
“I’m not thirsty, but add a slice of chocolate cheesecake for my friend here,” Ranma smiled.
“Very well, I’ll get your order,” the waitress bowed before leaving them.
“Oh, I had an interesting proposition put towards me earlier today,” the short-haired girl said casually. “Now, I know that you don’t like the idea of drawing someone’s picture without their permission, but how do you feel about drawing doujinshi?”
“Drawing what?”
“Doujinshi,” Nabiki repeated. “Think of them as fan-made comics.”
“Sounds like copyright infringement. I don’t think I can do that.”
Nabiki looked a little downcast for a moment as the thought of lots of lovely profit drifted away. “What if I told you that the publishers were ok with it? There are conventions where you can buy all sorts of these unofficial comics, but the publishers allow them.”
The Changeling frowned. “No, I’m not willing to put my name on something that’s a legal grey area.”
“Did I mention that these doujin groups all have pen-names? It’s incredibly rare if anyone goes by their real name in the publishing industry.”
The waitress returned with their order and quickly left.
“Obviously it would be expensive and time consuming,” Nabiki added as she prepared to sample her cheesecake. “It would take weeks, if not longer to complete the project. And during that time, you wouldn’t want to take on more work, so you’d have to be compensated for loss of earnings that way.”
“What sort of figure were you thinking, Nabiki?” Ranma asked.
“Well, it would tens of thousands of yen at the very least. Plus a slice of the cover price.”
“Of course,” the Changeling nodded. “Tell your client to meet me at lunchtime tomorrow. He’ll need to bring the story he wants me to illustrate and a sample of the original source material for reference.
“If I accept the commission, it’ll be half up front, half on completion. The price will depend on the story he wants me to draw and how much effort it’ll take.”
“I’ll pass on the message,” Nabiki smiled before eating her treat.
@@@@@
After their coffee and business discussions, Ranma escorted Nabiki home with the conversation turning to small talk and general gossip about Nerima and its inhabitants.
“So, no-one had really stood up to Kuno before I arrived?”
“No, the thing is, he is the best fighter at Furinkan, so he can see off pretty much every challenger,” Nabiki explained.
“You only think he’s the best because you haven’t seen me in action,” Ranma smirked.
“I can see that you’re not crippled by self-doubt, Ranma.”
“It may surprise you that I have indeed been in danger, in fact when I was in China I came close to being burnt alive,” the Changeling said, his face darkening at the memory of the Amazon village. “But enough about that-”
“There he is!” a male voice called out, attracting the couple’s attention.
“And you are?” Ranma asked, falling into a neutral stance.
Several boys from Furinkan ran towards Ranma, causing Nabiki to hide behind him.
“I... we’re from the kendo team. We’re not here to fight you,” a boy with sandy coloured hair explained.
“Then what are you here for?”
“We’ve been thinking about what you said to us earlier.”
“And what? You’re planning on distracting me so Kuno can sneak up behind me and stab me in the back?” Ranma asked, his eyes scanning the group for any aggressive signs.
“No,” the sandy-haired boy said, shaking his head. “We don’t want any trouble, but because Kuno is the captain, we have to do what he says. None of us have the skills to challenge him, so we’re stuck acting as his lackeys.”
The Changeling relaxed his posture slightly. “If you’re tired of being his underlings, then you should resign from the kendo team.”
“But we need to a part of an afterschool club.”
“If you don’t like the other clubs, then start your own club. You seem to have the respect of your friends, or at least, some measure of organisational ability about you. Pick something that you all like and apply to the faculty,” Ranma said, pointing at the boy who had been explaining the situation.
“But all we know is kendo,” a smaller boy whined.
“Do I have to think of everything for you?” the pigtailed man sighed. “Fine, start your own kendo club, focusing on two-handed techniques and styles. There you are, all your problems are solved. You don’t have to deal with Kuno, you keep being a part of an afterschool club and you can keep doing your kendo.
The sandy-haired boy blinked. “I... yes, thank you, Saotome-san. Your advice is most appreciated. I cannot thank you enough.”
“Now, run along and make this happen,” Ranma gestured to the end of the street. “But before you go, one last thing: if any of you think of harassing Akane Tendo again, you’re going to be in big trouble.
“If you want to date her, ask her normally. The worst that can happen is she says ‘no’. If you act like Kuno, the worst that can happen is you get treated like Kuno.”
“... Perhaps we will consider our dating options?”
“You do that.”
@@@@@
Back at the Tendo home, Soun was excited to hear that Ranma had gone out with Nabiki. It seemed that despite his distant attitude towards people, Ranma was a man of his word and was getting to know his potential fiancées better.
“So, how do you think they were getting along, Akane?” Soun asked his youngest daughter.
“I don’t know, Daddy,” Akane sighed. “Nabiki just said that she was going out for coffee with Ranma. Maybe they’re just discussing some sort of business deal? You know how Nabiki likes money.”
“Oh, but they don’t hate each other, do they?”
The door opened, cutting off further questions from the moustachioed man.
“We’re back,” Nabiki called out as she removed her shoes.
“Ah, did you have a nice time?” Soun asked.
“We did,” Ranma answered. “Oh, and Akane? I think we’re a little closer to sorting out that thing.”
“That thin... Oh, that,” Akane said, realising that Ranma was trying to be subtle. “Thank you, Ranma.”
“You’re welcome. Now, please excuse me, I’d like to take a nap,” the Changeling said as he walked towards the stairs.
“But dinner will be ready in half an hour,” Soun said.
“I appreciate the offer, but I’m not hungry right now.”
The Tendos looked at each other in confusion, but remained silent.
@@@@@
Ten minutes later, Nabiki was feeling restless.
Time seemed to slow to a crawl as she waited for Kasumi to serve dinner. It wasn’t that she was particularly hungry after her coffee and cheesecake, but it was rather that she was anxious to start her negotiations for Ranma’s latest commission.
Dinner would bring a distraction to her keen mind, allowing her to relax a little, even if it was only for a short while.
Though, if things worked out, she could make a tidy profit for very little work.
‘I wonder what Obayashi-kun wants Ranma to draw?’ she asked herself as she looked out of the window at the darkening sky. ‘And why does Ranma seem to sleep more often than he eats?’
Resolving to find an answer to that question, Nabiki stealthily made her way to the guest room to see if Ranma was up to something.
As she approached the door, Genma appeared silently behind her and coughed loudly.
“Can I help you with anything, Nabiki?” he asked.
“I...”
“You were what? Intent on robbing Ranma while he slept? I’m not sure he’d like that. And you seemed to be getting on so well earlier,” the portly man sighed.
“I... it’s not what you think, Saotome-san,” Nabiki insisted. “I was... well, Ranma never seems to eat anything. I was just checking that he was alright.”
“Ranma is fine,” Genma said with a tone that suggested it was not a topic for discussion. “Please, he just needs to rest and he’ll be ready to do whatever it is you youngsters do these days.”
The mercenary girl sighed. ‘It’s not over, I will find out what’s going on here.’ “Ok, would he sleep so much if he ate properly? You know what Kasumi’s food is like, so unless he’s got some obscure allergy, I don’t see what the problem is.”
“I didn’t want to say anything, but Ranma does have a condition. I didn’t want to say anything, because it’s a personal matter.”
“Oh. So what is it?” Nabiki asked.
“It’s nothing that you can help with because it’s so complicated. The best thing you can do to help him is to leave him alone when he asks to be alone,” Genma explained.
The door opened and Ranma stepped out.
“Nabiki, I apologise for being so secretive, but I can’t risk people finding out about it. If Kuno discovered my weakness, then he’d defeat me. And then he’d take Akane away to do whatever he wanted to her,” the pigtailed Saotome said. “Do you really think I will allow someone like Kuno to do what he wants?”
“No, but... alright, I won’t pry any further,” the brunette replied. ‘For now.’
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After dinner, Genma was sitting in the guest room with Ranma.
“So, who is this Kino person you were talking about earlier, Son?”
“Kuno, Pops, his name is Kuno. And he’s an idiot who said that if you want to date Akane, you have to defeat her in combat. So every day, a mob of horny cretins tries to attack her,” Ranma explained.
“That sounds... no, that is actually stupid. And we used starving animals as a training tool!”
“I know,” the Changeling sighed. “It turns out that he’s the son of the Principal, so the teachers can’t do anything.”
Genma cast a glance at his son. “Sounds like you’re planning to do something about it yourself there, Ranma.”
“I might be working on something,” Ranma hinted teasingly.
“Dare I ask?”
“It might be better if you don’t know the details of a purely hypothetical plan to correct a perceived injustice. But that’s just how I see things.”
Genma shook his head. “What are you going to tell Nabiki about your condition?”
“I don’t know,” the Changeling admitted. “I was hoping to keep it a secret for a bit longer.”
“You will have to tell the Tendos at some point, Ranma.”
“Yeah, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
@@@@@
To be continued....