Ranma ½ Night Shift 3

[Wharpt]

D'ya think anybody will finally notice Akane's paranoia over that nice, quiet girl Hotaru?

 

[shiki]

He, Artie tried the Tonnura-san.

 

[Lawra]

He, Artie tried the Tonnura-san.

I'm more or less modeling him after one Mr. Salem Saberhagen. With all the major threats having been defeated, he's had a lot of downtime to just enjoy himself.

With how things will be happening starting next chapter, Akane won't really have a lot of time to be all paranoid about Hotaru.

 

[Lawra]

Leaning against the doorway into the living room, Nabiki had her arms crossed and was idly tapping her fingers to some tune she heard earlier in the day. She was watching the two fathers debate how best to remove the cat from their home before Nodoka could see how Ranma reacted to felines. It surprised her that this scenario hadn’t already occurred when the gender cursed teen was hiding as Ranko.

‘Would have made for an interesting night.’ She mused, imagining the chaos that would have erupted.

‘Not as interesting as the secrets you have though.’ Nabiki’s eyes turned to the side to fall on Chibi-Usa who had returned from her talk with the kitten trailing at her feet. In her hands, the pink haired girl was carrying a comparatively large black ball with a cartoon cat face staring back up at her. At first Nabiki thought it was some toy until the big blue eyes shifted over to her.

“What an interesting crescent mark.” Nabiki snatched the cat ball away from Chibi-Usa who hadn’t seen her. “Any relation to your new friend? Hmm?”

“Ah! Give Luna P back!” Usa exclaimed, jumping up and down in a futile attempt to take the metal ball back.

“Yes, give back her majesty’s device!” The kitten demanded angrily.

“Oooh, her majesty is it? Someone has quite the ego to teach a pet that.” Nabiki smirked as she backed away from the pair to keep her prize.

“Daughter, don’t be a nuisance and give the girl her toy back.” Soun absently ordered her.

“I don’t know, I’m kind of curious what this thing does.” She tossed the ball with cat features back and forth between her hands as Usa chased her around the room. Apparently Genma’s training was paying off as she was having a hard time keeping it away from the little girl. “Even if it looks like some ultra cheap Chinese knock off.”

“It’s not important.” Genma reached out to steal her prize from out between her hands before she could react and gave it back to Chibi-Usa. “Cat, are you going to be staying long?” He asked the grey kitten.

“Oh dear, I had no idea my presence was a negative. Nabiki-san indicated that it would be alright for me to stay as long as I wished. Even though I just wanted to find out what Small Lady was doing.” Diana answered with an apologetic bow of her head.

“Diana does have to get back home, but first, if you would just look at this.” Chibi-Usa gestured towards the cat ball as she somehow bounced it’s hard surface off the floor like a basketball.

A flash of bright white light from the direction of the koi pond along with a loud yelp by Akane, made Nabiki look away from whatever Chibi-Usa was going to do. She did see Genma hastily grab Diana and shove her into his gi to hide. Through the open doors she saw that Kasumi, Nodoka, Akane, and Ranma were in a circle holding hands with Akane up to her knees in the koi pond. She found their positions, with Ranma having her back to her, less weird than the fact that Kasumi and Akane were wearing fancy gowns.

‘Where did they get those?’ She wondered, knowing for a fact that neither of her sisters possessed such clothing.

“Ranma! I’m all wet! This is all your fault!” Akane weakly slapped at the redheads shoulder as she pulled herself out of the koi pond.

“I told you I don’t normally do this.” The girl protested Akane’s accusation.

“You did a good job, son.” Nodoka straightened out her kimono before noticing that the quartet had an audience. “Oh Genma, I’ve been meaning to talk to you.” She said sweetly as she strutted across the grass.

“Wha-- what about?” Genma asked nervously, crossing his arms over his stomach to hide Diana squirming to get out.

“Oh nothing-- just-- things.” The woman took a position next to her husband and pulled one of his hands out to hold. “I guess it can wait a little while though.”

“Alright.” He stuttered out before grimacing in pain.

“Welcome back, did you have a good time?” Soun asked calmly, having run out his emotions earlier.

“A wonderful time.” Kasumi answered and Akane nodded in agreement.

Nabiki raised an eyebrow at the brief conversation and the way Nodoka was looking at Genma with lidded eyes. “What do you think that’s about?” She asked as her sisters and Ranma finally entered the home, with Akane wringing out the bottom of her dress.

“I’m staying out of anything between them.” Ranma answered.

‘You’re not as dumb as I thought, Saotome.’ She looked again at the redhead and noticed that there was a white cat with blue eyes held in Ranma’s arms. “Ranma, are you aware that you are holding a cat?” Nabiki asked very slowly.

“You’re so observant Nabiki.” Ranma gushed sarcastically.

“That’s Artemis, he’ll be staying with us for a few days.” Kasumi supplied helpfully, reaching out to scratch the feline behind the ear. From his spot at the table, Genma made a pained whimper. “I think you two will get along great.”

“And you’re okay with this, Saotome?” Nabiki continued questioning, struggling to get over this mental hurdle.

“It’s cause he’s a Mau not a cat-- right?” Akane slurred slightly.

“Help!” Diana squeaked as she clawed her way up and out from the prison of Genma’s gi.

“Let my daughter go right now!” The white cat demanded with a gruff male voice.

‘Mau? And two of them?’ Nabiki’s jaw dropped just a little bit.

“Genma what are you doing with that kitten?” Nodoka asked, squeezing her husband’s hand so tight that several pops were heard.

The glasses wearing master martial artist winced while glancing swiftly between Nodoka, Ranma, and the glaring white cat in his son’s arms. “Nothing! You know how cats are, always getting into weird places!” He laughed nervously and quickly put Diana down on the floor.

“Father that is a lie!” The kitten rushed over to Ranma’s feet. “And he smells of stolen food!”

“Justice will prevail and your lies will always come to light, Pops.” Ranma groaned in disgust before kneeling down to place the white cat on the floor. “I’m sure he was just being an idiot and didn’t mean anything by it.”

“Are you alright?” The white cat asked in concern, circling the other feline.

“Just a little traumatized, father. And you’re right Ranma-sama, I should never attribute to malice what stupidity explains.” The grey kitten positively beamed at Ranma’s attention.

“The cat has you pegged, eh Saotome?” Soun slapped his friend on the back and laughed heartily.

“And what’s your name?” Akane asked kneeling down as well to get closer to the cats height.

The grey kitten gave a polite bow of her head. “My name is Diana. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“If you know Ranma, do you know the others?” Artemis asked, hovering protectively between the grey cat and Genma.

“I do not.” Diana answered.

“Well I’m Akane and this is my older sister Kasumi. The nice lady crushing uncle Genma’s hand is Ranma’s mother, Nodoka.” Akane introduced helpfully.

“The talking cats being interesting and all-- but where were you?” Nabiki interrupted before her sister could go any further with her cute animal fascination. Though at least this time it wasn’t some endlessly squealing piglet she was doting on.

“Pledging ourselves to our new overlord.” Ranma answered, picking up Artemis to hold in her arms again.

“You’re what?”

“Artemis and Diana are very-- special cats.” The redhead approached slowly, gently scratching at the back of the white cat’s head like she was a super villain. “They’re going to be our rulers soon. There’s a whole armada of ships just waiting to pounce on our unsuspecting planet. It really won’t take very long before the Earth is subjugated. And personally I wanted to get my important people in on the ground floor.”

Nabiki backed up into the wall as Ranma got uncomfortably close. ‘Is that why Ranma can deal with cats? Maybe some kind of magic spell? Is that why everyone’s been acting so weird?’

“Better to be a pampered pet than-- kitty litter, no?” Increasingly manic blue eyes bore into Nabiki’s as the gender cursed teen held Artemis up to place his front paws on her chest. “I think he’d be willing to offer you a spot, what do you say?”

“Well that’s--- uh-- very generous-- uh-- but I’ll have to think on it.” She stammered.

“What do you think Artemis-sama? Should we give her time to think on it?” The white cat stared up at her with piercing blue eyes before giving off a slow sinister sounding meow. Ranma’s shoulders slumped and she tisked. “Oh that’s too bad-- and really? Right now?”

“Right now what?” She asked worriedly.

“Well you know too much now-- so you need to be disposed of.” Ranma sadly answered, taking a step back away from her. “But I’ll give you a few minutes head start, just to a little bit of a chance to escape.”

“You’re not serious.” She scoffed and laughed, barely able to hide her nervousness.

“With your limited physical abilities, you may not want to be wasting time.” Artemis answered for Ranma. “Five minutes should be more than enough.”

“Akane, could you hit Ranma over the head and knock some sense into him?”

“You should have said yes.” Akane nodded her head solemnly.

“Daddy, do you mind talking to them? This isn’t very funny.”

“I don’t know, I kind of want to hear what the cat is offering.” Her father answered, pulling out a cigarette.

Nabiki was almost willing to believe Akane’s act or Ranma’s until the redhead’s mouth repeatedly quirked upwards. “Ha, ha, very funny. But I’ll remember this, Saotome.” Roughly pushing the gender cursed teen on the shoulder before storming off to plot her vengeance. “And your acting was terrible little sister.”

--------

All hail Artemis, devourer of worlds, render of souls, the coming of the end! But don't worry, tiny cute kitten will save everyone!

 

[Wharpt]

So, when does a mini-Ranma show up to bolster Evil Ranma's claim?
Oh, Wait! Chibi-usa's there! Nevermind! :snigger:

 

[Lawra]

So, when does a mini-Ranma show up to bolster Evil Ranma's claim?
Oh, Wait! Chibi-usa's there! Nevermind! :snigger:

Unfortunately while I like the idea of them trolling Nabiki like that, it felt too out of place.

So here's the next ending to that scene and the end of the chapter.

-----

“I do not.” Diana answered.

“Well, I’m Akane and this is my older sister Kasumi. The nice lady crushing uncle Genma’s hand is Ranma’s mother, Nodoka.” Akane introduced helpfully.

“The talking cats being interesting and all-- but where were you?” Nabiki interrupted before her sister could go any further with her cute animal fascination. Though, at least this time it wasn’t some endlessly squealing mindless piglet she was doting on.

“We were out having a very nice dinner with a few of Ranma’s friends. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it earlier. I hope you were able to get by without me.” Kasumi answered her question helpfully.

“And where was that?” She continued.

“Just a little place I found a few months ago.” Ranma volunteered before Kasumi could answer.

“Very strict dress code.” Akane gestured down to the gown adorning her form.

Nabiki simply stared at her sister in disbelief before shifting her eyes over to Ranma who was wearing the same red silk shirt and black pants that the gender cursed teen prefered to wear. “Daddy, Akane is lying to me, make her stop.” She whined in her best ‘get Akane in trouble’ voice. A tone she had honed from a lifetime of extorting her younger sister.

“Be nice to your sister.” Soun absently parented, too engrossed in comforting Genma who was still slumped over in pain.

“I, too, doubt this dress code.” Diana declared before suddenly twisting her head towards Artemis. “Is any of this true, father?”

Artemis looked away evasively. “Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

Diana appeared to pale even through her grey fur. “But it’s only nine thirty, at home I can stay up till ten! Or eleven if it’s the weekend!” (8)

“It’s been a long day, would you like to sleep in my room?” Kasumi asked the feline while hiding a yawn behind her hand.

The kitten rapidly looked between Artemis, Ranma, and Chibi-Usa before nodding her head and leaping up into Kasumi’s waiting arms. “I would like that, Kasumi-san.”

“Usa, Isn’t it time for you to go to bed as well?” Nodoka asked the pink haired child.

Chibi-Usa’s red eyes widened in surprise at becoming the center of attention. “Maybe.”

“You’ll need the sleep for tomorrow.” Genma warned ominously with a groan.

“Fine.” Usa pouted, kicking at imaginary dirt on the floor, and holding her cat shaped toy to her chest.

“Come on, you can help show our guest to his room.” Ranma told Usa while picking up the white cat to leave with Kasumi.

“Do you do room service too?” Artemis asked Chibi-Usa as they left. “I would simply adore some tuna before I turn in.” The male cat added in a teasing tone.

“I think I see why Ranma likes him.” Akane rolled her eyes as Usa trailed after the two. “Oh no! I forgot my homework-- and my school uniform!”

“I want a snack too!” The little girl demanded, tugging repeatedly on Ranma’s shirt.

Nabiki watched as her sisters, Ranma, and a pair of cats left the room. She already suspected that something strange was going on and now she had further proof that she was way out of the loop. Normally she didn’t care too much, preferring to be on the sidelines manipulating or just enjoying the show. But since being attacked by those monsters, she got the impression that being a passive bystander wasn’t the best course to follow.

‘I’ll start trying to dig info from that kitten, she seems more gullible than the one Ranma is being clingy with.’

zx

The next morning

Walking to school with her sister Nabiki and Ranma, Akane paused to look down and keep stock of where the two cats were walking along next to her fiance. The grey kitten Diana was eagerly looking at everything with interest but was refraining from leaving her father, Artemis’ side. She didn’t know how to react to the cute image of the two felines but it seemed rude to treat them like normal cats.

Since she really didn’t know how to treat cats like people, Akane focused on the fact that her sister was changing her morning routine. She really did enjoy that her sister appeared to want to spend more time with her. But on this day it would have been nice for Nabiki to have left earlier so she could speak freely with Ranma.

It had been difficult for her fall asleep last night because she had been so excited by the trip to Sailor Theia’s castle. ‘Going into space, visiting a magical space castle, and meeting more senshi-- what a night!’ She giddily glanced in Ranma’s direction, the black haired boy walking next to her.

‘And since I still have to get back my other uniform, I can make him to take me again!’ Akane almost demanded that they take the day off so she could explore more but was able to control herself. ‘Maybe I can finally convince Ranma to tell me more about her life as Sailor Theia.’

The high pitched voice of Diana interrupted her staring at her oblivious fiance. “Akane-san, isn’t it impolite to stare at Ranma-sama so intently?”

Instantly Akane looked away as Ranma was alerted to gaze. “I wasn’t staring!” She protested loudly, too embarrassed to point out that Diana shouldn’t really be talking while out on the street, even if no one was really around to overhear.

“Oh? Was Akane making come hither glances at Ranma?” Nabiki asked teasingly, causing her to blush, and sputter out denials.

“No, more like how you were, as though you were a gull eagerly waiting for some food to drop.” Diana explained in complete seriousness. Akane’s jaw dropped along with her sisters at being described in that way.

“That’s normal for Nabiki.” Ranma shrugged, unconcerned by the kittens remark.

“Diana, it’s impolite to call your hosts, gulls.” Artemis gently chastised his daughter, the kitten immediately looking like she had just been chewed out for hours.

Stopping suddenly, Diana prostrating herself before Akane and Nabiki. “I apologize for my rude remark, please forgive me.”

“Aw! You’re so adorable!” Akane couldn’t contain herself anymore and gathered up the furry ball of cute to hold to her chest. “Of course you’re forgiven.”

“Yay!” Diana squeaked and nuzzled her cheek.

“Your kid’s a pretty good manipulator.” Nabiki told Artemis, sounding impressed.

“She makes friends so easily.” Artemis raised a paw to wipe away an imaginary tear.

Akane gave her sister a dark look. “Not everyone has an ulterior motive.”

“I’m pretty sure she has some motive.” Ranma crossed his arms. “Cuddles being one of them.”

“A dastardly plot that only a cat would perpatrate.” Nabiki joined in on the Senshi’s little joke about Diana having secret motives. “Most impressive.”

“Don’t you have school to get to?” Diana asked with a small purr to her voice. “It’s important to be on time.”

Akane nodded emphatically and put a little spring in her step to continue down the street. Her enthusiasm to get to school lasted only until she saw that a large moving truck was parked next to Doctor Tofu’s old clinic. “I didn’t know anyone was moving in.” She remarked, watching as a couple men were pulling a heavy oven out of the truck onto the liftgate in the back.

“Obol Cafe?” She asked, reading the english name printed on a decorative sign installed above the door. “What’s Obol mean?” She turned towards the rest of the group for an answer.

Ranma shrugged his shoulders. “Who knows?”

“I wonder where Doctor Tofu went to, he left so suddenly.” She squeezed Diana a little tighter. “Didn’t even tell anyone.”

“Yea that was weird, but it’s nice not getting maimed every time I walk by.” Ranma shivered at the memory of one such instance where Tofu’s obsession with Kasumi had resulted in severe bodily harm.

“No wonder you two are always late, you’ll stop and have conversations for anything you see.” Nabiki shook her head, ignoring the work being done.

‘I guess we do get distracted a lot.’ She admitted to herself, resuming her walk to school. Noticing the slight weight of Diana in her arms, she was reminded of her pet pig. “Ranma, when P-chan gets back you better not pick on him again.” She told her fiance suddenly.

“Huh? Where did that come from?” He asked in confusion.

“I’m just giving you fair warning that I don’t want to see you being mean to him.” She sniffed and turned up her nose. “I thought you were better than that, imagine being so petty as to pick on a little pig.”

“Alright, alright.” Ranma put his hands up in defeat before freezing in his tracks.

“Ranma, what are you doing?” She asked, noticing that her Senshi fiance wasn’t moving.

“Isn’t that Hotaru?” Artemis asked, making Akane also freeze up. Slowly turning back towards the school gates, her eyes confirmed that the dark violet haired girl who had threatened her last night was approaching them.

“Good morning.” Hotaru greeted cheerfully, wearing a Furinkan school uniform.

“Good morning, Hotaru-sama.” Diana happily leapt from Akane’s arms to pad over to stand near Hotaru.

“Good morning.” Ranma suddenly broke out of his shock to return the girl’s greeting with equal cheer. “What’s with the uniform?”

“Is that the one I left last night?” Akane asked accusingly while hiding behind Ranma for protection.

“Of course not, silly.” The dark violet haired girl giggled to herself. “I picked this up before the party last night so I’d be ready for class in the morning.” Hotaru grabbed the sides of her skirt and did a little curtsy. “Much more flattering colors than my first schools uniform.”

“You transferred?” Ranma asked with barely restrained glee.

“Setsuna-mama even managed to find a nice house near yours so I don’t have to commute so far.” Hotaru added.

“What?!” Akane exclaimed in shock.

“Well isn’t this interesting?” Nabiki’s voice purred in absolute delight.