Figured I'd throw this up on here since I haven't seen too much updating going on lately. I was goaded into making a oneshot fukufic so I decided to do one with a rather casual senshi Ranma. So he doesn't become girly, isn't trapped as a girl, doesn't move to Juuban, and isn't the focus of his life.
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Akane looked up from her textbook towards her alarm clock to see just how late it was becoming. ‘Why did I wait so long?’ She groaned and dropped her head to her desk. The test was tomorrow morning and she had been too busy to properly study. Getting caught up in Ukyo, Shampoo, and Kodachi freaking out over Auntie Nodoka’s pillbox had really drained her energy for schoolwork. The Saotomes had been forced to move back into her home after Ranma’s other fiances had destroyed their home, causing another distraction from studying.
Not that she would admit that it was nice to have Ranma back, nope never, because that was just impossible.
“Whatever.†She sighed and clicked off her light to get to bed. Hearing the clacking of feet on the roof above her head, her eyes narrowed dangerously. ‘If that’s Kodachi I’m going to shove all her roses down her throat.’ She snorted and reached for a nearby shinai to go beat up whichever fiance was trying to sneak in. Of course she had to keep the weapon in her room for when Happosai decided to invade her space.
Through her window she saw three figures drop past to the ground. ‘Three?’ That immediately eliminated the other fiances for Ranma as they wouldn’t be able to coordinate.
Rushing out of her room and down the steps to find out what was going on, hearing three girls talking, she slowed to a stop at the side of the building to peak around the corner. She was so shocked over the trio of brightly dressed females having a conversation that her jaw wouldn’t drop. To the left was Sailor Mercury and Sailor Venus while to the right was the normally solo, Sailor Theia.
‘Wha-- wha-- what are they doing here?’ She nearly stumbled out of her hiding spot, struggling to make out details in the dark.
“You should really visit more, I could really help out with those modifications you want to do if we had more time together.†Sailor Mercury with her blue themed uniform and hair suggested to red haired Sailor Theia who had a silver skirt and bows with large red border trimmed by a slim band of gold.
“I know.†The redhead’s shoulders slumped, her unbound hair reaching midback. “But-- you know why.â€
“Just remember we’re a team, the lone protector schtick does get old.†The blonde Sailor Venus wagged a gloved finger disapprovingly. “I did it long enough, I should know.†She added tiredly and planted her hands on her orange skirted hips.
“Aw come on, these stupid things are push overs except when they have some stupid trick.†Sailor Theia whined. “I would have had this one tonight if it didn’t keep splitting into more everytime I hit it.â€
“See! That’s why you need a team!†Venus crossed her arms and made a big show of frowning angrily at the redhead.
“Fine I’ll think about it.†Theia held up her hands in mock defeat. “But can we talk about this later?â€
“Sure.†Mercury nodded.
“Call me.†Venus warned as the pair turned and bounced over the wall at high speed.
Sailor Theia scratched at the back of her neck as her form was enveloped by a bright white light with rainbow colored flecks swirling throughout. Suddenly the light popped away from her body like shattering glass to reveal a familiar red long sleeved chinese shirt and a black pair of pants. Both being nearly a dozen sizes too big for the form underneath.
“Ah, tonight was fun.†Ranma stretched her arms high up over her head, hair now back in its usual pigtail.
“Ranma?†Akane whispered in a tiny voice.
“Hmm?†The redhead twisted her head around towards Akane’s hiding spot. “Oh-- uh-- hi Akane, how long have you been there?†The gender cursed teen asked hesitantly.
She couldn’t form an answer as her eyes rolled up in her head as she fell face first towards the ground.
zx
The next morning
Scribbling the last answer on his test, Ranma glanced up to see that he had more than a half hour to spare before the period would end. Checking his answers through again only ate up five more minutes. Shrugging in indifference, he headed for the front of the class and deposited his test on the teacher’s desk before returning to his seat.
He heard some of the usual whispers about how he had just turned his test in because he didn’t know the answers but ignored them. Just because he refused to show off his scores didn’t mean he got bad ones. Ranma never got to sit back down as Akane slammed the door open and knocked desks out of the way as she stormed towards him. He stared in shock at her, the youngest Tendo still wearing pale yellow pajamas.
“You-- me-- talk-- now!†She demanded and grabbed him by the pigtail to drag him out of the class.
“Ow ow ow, quit pulling on that!†He whined, seeing most of the class get drained by Hinako as they tried to follow him and Akane out of the room.
“Finish your tests then you can leave!†The now adult teacher declared.
Ranma snickered as his violent tomboy of a fiance dragged him down the hall to a chorus of pathetic groans from his classmates. Akane rounded a corner, paused, then Ranma found himself being thrown into a dark room. Crashing into several brooms, a dry mop ended up landing on his head like a terrible wig.
“Oh Akane, you always pick the most romantic places to talk.†He gushed sarcastically and picked the mop off his head.
Akane ignored his jab to close the door and click on the overhead light. “How in the world are you a beautiful sailor suited warrior of love and justice?!†She yelled at him.
Ranma unburied himself from the cleaning supplies to cover up Akane’s mouth. “Shh! Are you trying to tell the entire ward?†He looked around, suspecting the entire school to pop out of the shadows.
“How?†Akane demanded, batting his hand away.
“Lucky me, I guess.†He shrugged.
“Give me details!†She almost screamed at him. “When did it happen? How did you get picked? What are the senshi like? Can you get me their autographs? What bad guy are you fighting?â€
“Akane.†Ranma interrupted his clearly overzealous fiance and crossed his arms. The short haired girl actually stopping to hear what he had to say. “I’m not going to have this conversation in a broom closet.â€
“But--.†She started.
“I’ll get you an autograph if you can wait till later tonight.†He offered.
Akane’s eyes looked around wildly in indecision as she struggled with a clear desire to try and learn more. “Promise me.†She focused on him and narrowed her eyes dangerously.
“On my honor as a martial artist, I promise to get you one of the senshi’s autograph.†He answered seriously.
“You better, Sailor Theia or not.†She warned before smiling deliriously. “Ohh I wonder which one I’ll get!â€
“Maybe I’ll get em to compliment your pjs.†Ranma snickered, causing Akane to look down and see that she had ran to school in her sleepwear.
zx
Ukyo desperately wanted to pester Ranma to find out what Akane’s interruption was all about but she didn’t feel comfortable with talking to him at the moment. Helping to destroy his mother’s home had done little to advance her goal of marrying her childhood friend. When she had found out that it was just a cheap pill box with a fake ring, she had been too embarrassed to go to school for three days.
None of that stopped her from getting as close as possible during class breaks to listen to Ranma be pestered by the other students with less discretion. Ranma kept his mouth shut though, acting as though he was oblivious to why Akane had shown up in her pajamas to confront him about something.
Glaring at the male classmate who openly suggested that Ranma had ravished Akane, putting her into a sex coma until a few minutes before her arrival. Ukyo would have pounded the little toad if Ranma hadn’t beat her to the punch.
During the last break of the day, she approached Ranma’s two male friends, HIroshi and Daisuke. Dropping herself in a nearby seat without a word, the two boys playing cards turned from their game and gave her a confused stare. “You two.†She started before being interrupted.
“We have names.†Daisuke stated with narrowed eyes.
“Ah-- right.†She sat up a little straighter and tried to look happier. “Sorry sugar, I’m just real worried about Ranchan. Do either of you know what’s up between him and Akane?â€
“Nothing out of the usual.†Hiroshi shrugged and placed a card on the table. “Been kind of quiet actually.â€
“Wouldn’t that be out of the usual?†Daisuke added as he drew a card.
‘Sure is.’ She pursed her lips and wondered how much pressure she should apply in finding out what was going on between Ranma and Akane. “Swing by sometime, half price okonomiyaki.†She offered and retreated to her desk to contemplate a plan of action.
zx
Announcing his return, Ranma kicked off his slippers, and nearly bumped into his mother as he turned the corner. She was dressed in a light purple kimono with a pattern of hanashobu, and she was lacking the Saotome family sword. Something Ranma had noticed happening more and more often.
“Did you have a good day at school?†Nodoka asked, a pleasant smile on her face. “Any homework?†She continued without allowing him a response.
“No, no homework tonight.†He answered awkwardly. Casual conversations with his mother were not something he was comfortable with. He was always worried he would say something that would set off her manliness obsession and lead to his mother grabbing her sword.
“That’s good, I wanted to talk to you about a few things.â€
“Uh-- what things?†Ranma asked with a gulp.
“Things.†Nodoka answered with an amused lilt to her voice. “Why don’t you go have a seat in the living room and I’ll prepare us some tea?â€
“Sure.†He nodded slowly, a little unnerved by his mother’s tone. Ranma decided that it was likely a good thing because if it wasn’t then she wouldn’t be so casually enigmatic about it.
Outside the living room, his panda father and Soun were playing shogi, neither looking like they had moved all day. “Gee Pop, are you trying to become one with the floor?â€
#A true master of the art# Genma held up a second sign. #Can make standing still into rigorous exercise#
“Too true Saotome, excess motion is for the young and foolish. A lesson your son still hasn’t learned.†Soun added as he slid a piece across the board.
“Since you’ve been here all day, do you know what Mom wants to talk to me about?†He was far more interested in that topic than mocking his father for being slower moving than the sap of the Venusian hoary albizia. Ranma nearly missed his father shaking his head the negative as he had to struggled to remember that it took five hundred years for the sap to travel from root to leaves.
#Find out what she wants and make her happy# He signed, focus clearly back on the game.
Dismissing his father, he placed his bookbag on the table, and took a seat. There was a small stack of papers off to one side that he was just reaching for when Nodoka appeared, announcing that the tea was ready. The Saotome woman placed a small tray loaded with two cups, a kettle, and traditional tools for making tea. At one time he had enjoyed watching the process, but after the whole martial arts tea ceremony fiasco he found it tiring. But his mother did seem to enjoy the preparation so he tried to look cheerful even if he was worried about what she wanted to talk about.
“So what did you want to talk about?†He asked, growing increasingly paranoid over her silence.
“Oh I just got curious.†She answered as she carefully set a cup down in front of him. “I know how-- unreliable Genma can be, and I wanted to know about your progress in school.â€
#I’m hurt!# Genma signed and held a paw to his heart dramatically. Ranma just rolled his eyes at his father’s mock pain.
“While there are a few-- missing spots.†Nodoka continued, giving Genma a dirty look. “I was able to get a copy of your records.â€
“That’s it?†He didn’t think there could be anything special or embarrassing contained within his school records.
“I was very surprised.†She finished pouring her own tea and picked up the top paper. “I expected you to be manly but with your father I didn’t expect for your grades to be this good.†Nodoka smiled proudly at him and slid the paper over. “For all these years, you’ve been consistently in the top ten of your class while still training full time. It’s very impressive.â€
“Th-- thanks.†He responded to her praise nervously, unused to being openly complemented. Especially not by his mother, who usually only spoke in things that he wasn’t supposed to do. Ranma was unprepared to stop the wooden sign that broke over his head. “What was that for?! Stupid old man!†He whined, clutching the back of his head.
#Don’t let the boy get a big head!# Genma smacked him again with the sign before holding up another. #He never studies and is always slacking off!#
“Is this true?†Nodoka asked him in a scandalized tone.
“It’s all pretty easy.†He answered with a shrug and casually kicked his father squarely in his fat panda stomach. “And the art takes up a lot of time.â€
“Unacceptable!†She announced and slammed both hands down on the table, startling everyone present. “It’s most unmanly for you to neglect such a gift to focus solely on the art.â€
“Mom--.†He started to protest but withered under her glare.
“I’m not sure how often you are tested but I expect you to be scoring in at least the top three by months end. If you are this accomplished without effort you should be more than capable of being top of your class. If you’re unable to do that then we may have to enroll you in a juku.†Nodoka punctuated her ultimatum by the simple act of closing her eyes and taking a sizeable sip of tea.
“But--.†Ranma opened his mouth to say that he couldn’t dedicate that amount of time to school when he could be attacked at any moment. But seeing that she wasn’t paying any attention he just slumped his shoulders and tried to rationalize that it wouldn’t immediately hurt him. Just later on when one of the crazies came up with some unbeatable technique.
Soun decided to throw in his own thought just as he completely shifting all the board pieces around to benefit him. “An education is important.â€
‘What an epiphany.’ He mentally groaned.
zx
Furinkan
Nabiki smirked in pride at her elder sisters impressed look at the school’s gymnasium. Around them several booths and smaller tables had been setup for various girls to sell different and competing beauty product brands. Smaller tables were also there for more random items but overall the theme screamed girls only. Even if there were a few boyfriends who had been dragged kicking and screaming inside.
“This is very ambitious, Nabiki.†Kasumi smiled in approval.
“This is just the first one. I figure if we can spread the word a bit and make it a regular event then I’ll be able to make a whole lot of money.†She wrung her hands in anticipation. Nothing like getting a cut of vastly overpriced cosmetics being sold to gullible and vain girls.
“I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun.â€
“Very.†Nabiki nodded, wondering if it would be possible to get some kind of corporate sponsorship if things really took off. Almost thirty students had shown up and it had only been advertised for two weeks.
“Whatever gave you the idea?â€
“One of my-- helpers wanted me to come to some Avon party. After I saw how much yen was getting thrown around I couldn’t help but think there had to be a better way.†She finished proudly as though she had just discovered some great secret.
“Do you happen to have any security?†Her elder sister pointed towards two girls from competing brands who were about to start fighting.
“Hey!†She shouted over to Ryoga who was tied with a long heavy chain up to the ceiling mounted basketball hoop. “Job for you enforcer.†She pointed to where the volatile situation was starting to boil over.
“I’m not sure I’m cut out for this.†Ryoga admitted, glancing fearfully at the now fully brawling females.
“How are you doing Ryoga-kun?†Kasumi asked, oblivious to one of the booths that had now toppled over.
“Oh-- I’m fine Kasumi-san.†The easily lost teen admitted bashfully. “I was just trying to get back to the dojo to challenge Ranma when Nabiki said she’d show me how to get there after I helped her keep everyone in line.â€
“You don’t have to do that, I’m sure Nabiki would be happy to help you.†Kasumi volunteered sweetly.
“That would be great thanks.†He sighed in relief. “Can’t believe you can find it with how often it moves around.â€
“We have a verbal contract.†She pointed out, ignoring the stupid comments coming from Ryoga, and noticing that the fight had ended as quickly as it began. “Or are you not a man of honor?†Nabiki asked tauntingly.
“I am.†Ryoga bowed his head in defeat before glancing to his right. “Those guys look pretty rough, are they supposed to be here?â€
“Probably just a couple of perverts.†Nabiki shrugged, ignoring the quintet of large figures shrouded in shadows near the entrance. “Just keep your eyes open for another fight.â€
‘Heh if that lunk head Ranma was half as smart as me he could get this moron to be waiting on him hand and foot instead of attacking him every couple of weeks.’ She thought smugly over having an advantage Ranma could never have.
zx
Akane scanned the courtyard of her home sourly as she tried to find her betrothed. As desperate as she was to find out more about Ranma’s gigantic secret, she wasn’t so stupid as to blurt it out over dinner. But the pigtailed boy had vanished without a trace as soon as the meal was completed. There was some tension between Ranma and his mother but it didn’t seem like anything too life threatening. But that didn’t excuse him from neglecting to give his promised explanation!
“And he better have my autograph.†She snarled as she stomped her way towards the dojo to see if he had decided to hide there.
She was completely unprepared for the gentle tap on her right shoulder. “Hey tomboy.†Ranma greeted.
Screaming, she jumped straight up in the air in shock. Tripping as she was landing, Akane collapsed on her backside. “Ouch.†She whined and glared at Ranma. “Jerk.â€
“Sorry, I saw an opening and-- took it.†He smiled so widely that his eyes were almost tiny slits.
“Where have you been?†She demanded, jumping to her feet, and preparing to pummel him about the head and shoulders for surprising her.
“Eh--.†He shrugged like her question was unimportant. “Studying, mom has it in her head that I need to do better at school.†He supplied, shifting a book and notepad held with his right hand.
“And you should.†She snorted. “Do you know how embarrassing it is to be engaged to an idiot who never studies?â€
“I know right.†Ranma groaned and slapped his forehead.
“Wait-- are you talking about me?†Akane asked in confusion.
“Shampoo doesn’t go to school and Ucchan gets good grades even though she runs a store--.†He trailed off and started to strut arrogantly towards the front gate. “So who else?†Ranma picked up his pace at finishing his thought.
“Get back here you jerk!†She shouted and ran after the gender changing teen and Sailor Senshi.
“Nuh uh!†Ranma easily bounded to the top of the wall and flashed a piece of paper. “Maybe if you can catch me you can have this autograph I was able to get.†He taunted before vanishing behind the wall.
zx
Ranma slowed to a crawl in Furinkans main courtyard so Akane could catch up to him, the youngest Tendo sister was hopelessly outmatched by him in speed and endurance. ‘All that jogging and she can’t even keep up with me to Furinkan.’ He shook his head, partially glad that he hadn’t had such a soft life.
“I guess you earned it.†He held out the piece of paper for the spent Akane to take.
Akane’s eyes sparkled in pure joy as she gazed at the intricate calligraphy that had been lovingly transcribed on the simple paper. “I have a Senshi’s autograph.†She gushed and looked like she wanted to cry.
‘You know a Senshi.’ Ranma rolled his eyes at Akane’s focus on a simple autograph. He did get a particular thrill watching as she tried to figure out just what was written down.
“Um-- what does it say?†She finally asked, eyes crossed. “What language is this?â€
Smirking, he responded to her question in a language that hadn’t been heard in thousands of years. Linguists could spend their entire careers deconstructing every minute detail. Historians would beg to learn more about the long gone Silver Millenium that it represented. Of course the importance of it was completely lost on Akane who looked like she wanted to pound him into the ground.
“Did you just call me tomboy in some alien language?†Akane asked dangerously.
“Civilized culture is totally lost on you.†Ranma shook his head in disgust. “I said that it says to Tendo Akane, my most important fan, Sailor Theia.â€
“I have Theia’s autograph!†Akane squealed in delight, dancing around in the empty courtyard.
‘Wish I could get that happy over something.’ He lamented, feeling a little put off that she was so focused on it being from Theia and not that he had just called her his most important fan. “You know that’s from me right?†Ranma asked in annoyance.
Akane paused to blink down at the paper while deep in thought. Ranma however started to feel a familiar and unwelcome tingle up his spine. He felt the faint chill in the air that signaled to him that a monster was nearby. Judging by how strong the feeling was, they weren’t acting alone, which meant this could be dangerous.
“You promised to get me an autograph!†Akane brought her fist back to punch him but he casually caught her fist before she could bring it forward.
“I am a Senshi, remember.†He spoke seriously, looking towards the side of the school. “I need to go find cold water.â€
“Ranma? What is it?†Akane asked, noticing his suddenly serious demeanor.
“Duty calls.†He replied and rushed off towards the pool area. Briefly turning around he yelled back. “You can’t help, so don’t be your dumb tomboy self, and go back home!â€
--------
Akane looked up from her textbook towards her alarm clock to see just how late it was becoming. ‘Why did I wait so long?’ She groaned and dropped her head to her desk. The test was tomorrow morning and she had been too busy to properly study. Getting caught up in Ukyo, Shampoo, and Kodachi freaking out over Auntie Nodoka’s pillbox had really drained her energy for schoolwork. The Saotomes had been forced to move back into her home after Ranma’s other fiances had destroyed their home, causing another distraction from studying.
Not that she would admit that it was nice to have Ranma back, nope never, because that was just impossible.
“Whatever.†She sighed and clicked off her light to get to bed. Hearing the clacking of feet on the roof above her head, her eyes narrowed dangerously. ‘If that’s Kodachi I’m going to shove all her roses down her throat.’ She snorted and reached for a nearby shinai to go beat up whichever fiance was trying to sneak in. Of course she had to keep the weapon in her room for when Happosai decided to invade her space.
Through her window she saw three figures drop past to the ground. ‘Three?’ That immediately eliminated the other fiances for Ranma as they wouldn’t be able to coordinate.
Rushing out of her room and down the steps to find out what was going on, hearing three girls talking, she slowed to a stop at the side of the building to peak around the corner. She was so shocked over the trio of brightly dressed females having a conversation that her jaw wouldn’t drop. To the left was Sailor Mercury and Sailor Venus while to the right was the normally solo, Sailor Theia.
‘Wha-- wha-- what are they doing here?’ She nearly stumbled out of her hiding spot, struggling to make out details in the dark.
“You should really visit more, I could really help out with those modifications you want to do if we had more time together.†Sailor Mercury with her blue themed uniform and hair suggested to red haired Sailor Theia who had a silver skirt and bows with large red border trimmed by a slim band of gold.
“I know.†The redhead’s shoulders slumped, her unbound hair reaching midback. “But-- you know why.â€
“Just remember we’re a team, the lone protector schtick does get old.†The blonde Sailor Venus wagged a gloved finger disapprovingly. “I did it long enough, I should know.†She added tiredly and planted her hands on her orange skirted hips.
“Aw come on, these stupid things are push overs except when they have some stupid trick.†Sailor Theia whined. “I would have had this one tonight if it didn’t keep splitting into more everytime I hit it.â€
“See! That’s why you need a team!†Venus crossed her arms and made a big show of frowning angrily at the redhead.
“Fine I’ll think about it.†Theia held up her hands in mock defeat. “But can we talk about this later?â€
“Sure.†Mercury nodded.
“Call me.†Venus warned as the pair turned and bounced over the wall at high speed.
Sailor Theia scratched at the back of her neck as her form was enveloped by a bright white light with rainbow colored flecks swirling throughout. Suddenly the light popped away from her body like shattering glass to reveal a familiar red long sleeved chinese shirt and a black pair of pants. Both being nearly a dozen sizes too big for the form underneath.
“Ah, tonight was fun.†Ranma stretched her arms high up over her head, hair now back in its usual pigtail.
“Ranma?†Akane whispered in a tiny voice.
“Hmm?†The redhead twisted her head around towards Akane’s hiding spot. “Oh-- uh-- hi Akane, how long have you been there?†The gender cursed teen asked hesitantly.
She couldn’t form an answer as her eyes rolled up in her head as she fell face first towards the ground.
zx
The next morning
Scribbling the last answer on his test, Ranma glanced up to see that he had more than a half hour to spare before the period would end. Checking his answers through again only ate up five more minutes. Shrugging in indifference, he headed for the front of the class and deposited his test on the teacher’s desk before returning to his seat.
He heard some of the usual whispers about how he had just turned his test in because he didn’t know the answers but ignored them. Just because he refused to show off his scores didn’t mean he got bad ones. Ranma never got to sit back down as Akane slammed the door open and knocked desks out of the way as she stormed towards him. He stared in shock at her, the youngest Tendo still wearing pale yellow pajamas.
“You-- me-- talk-- now!†She demanded and grabbed him by the pigtail to drag him out of the class.
“Ow ow ow, quit pulling on that!†He whined, seeing most of the class get drained by Hinako as they tried to follow him and Akane out of the room.
“Finish your tests then you can leave!†The now adult teacher declared.
Ranma snickered as his violent tomboy of a fiance dragged him down the hall to a chorus of pathetic groans from his classmates. Akane rounded a corner, paused, then Ranma found himself being thrown into a dark room. Crashing into several brooms, a dry mop ended up landing on his head like a terrible wig.
“Oh Akane, you always pick the most romantic places to talk.†He gushed sarcastically and picked the mop off his head.
Akane ignored his jab to close the door and click on the overhead light. “How in the world are you a beautiful sailor suited warrior of love and justice?!†She yelled at him.
Ranma unburied himself from the cleaning supplies to cover up Akane’s mouth. “Shh! Are you trying to tell the entire ward?†He looked around, suspecting the entire school to pop out of the shadows.
“How?†Akane demanded, batting his hand away.
“Lucky me, I guess.†He shrugged.
“Give me details!†She almost screamed at him. “When did it happen? How did you get picked? What are the senshi like? Can you get me their autographs? What bad guy are you fighting?â€
“Akane.†Ranma interrupted his clearly overzealous fiance and crossed his arms. The short haired girl actually stopping to hear what he had to say. “I’m not going to have this conversation in a broom closet.â€
“But--.†She started.
“I’ll get you an autograph if you can wait till later tonight.†He offered.
Akane’s eyes looked around wildly in indecision as she struggled with a clear desire to try and learn more. “Promise me.†She focused on him and narrowed her eyes dangerously.
“On my honor as a martial artist, I promise to get you one of the senshi’s autograph.†He answered seriously.
“You better, Sailor Theia or not.†She warned before smiling deliriously. “Ohh I wonder which one I’ll get!â€
“Maybe I’ll get em to compliment your pjs.†Ranma snickered, causing Akane to look down and see that she had ran to school in her sleepwear.
zx
Ukyo desperately wanted to pester Ranma to find out what Akane’s interruption was all about but she didn’t feel comfortable with talking to him at the moment. Helping to destroy his mother’s home had done little to advance her goal of marrying her childhood friend. When she had found out that it was just a cheap pill box with a fake ring, she had been too embarrassed to go to school for three days.
None of that stopped her from getting as close as possible during class breaks to listen to Ranma be pestered by the other students with less discretion. Ranma kept his mouth shut though, acting as though he was oblivious to why Akane had shown up in her pajamas to confront him about something.
Glaring at the male classmate who openly suggested that Ranma had ravished Akane, putting her into a sex coma until a few minutes before her arrival. Ukyo would have pounded the little toad if Ranma hadn’t beat her to the punch.
During the last break of the day, she approached Ranma’s two male friends, HIroshi and Daisuke. Dropping herself in a nearby seat without a word, the two boys playing cards turned from their game and gave her a confused stare. “You two.†She started before being interrupted.
“We have names.†Daisuke stated with narrowed eyes.
“Ah-- right.†She sat up a little straighter and tried to look happier. “Sorry sugar, I’m just real worried about Ranchan. Do either of you know what’s up between him and Akane?â€
“Nothing out of the usual.†Hiroshi shrugged and placed a card on the table. “Been kind of quiet actually.â€
“Wouldn’t that be out of the usual?†Daisuke added as he drew a card.
‘Sure is.’ She pursed her lips and wondered how much pressure she should apply in finding out what was going on between Ranma and Akane. “Swing by sometime, half price okonomiyaki.†She offered and retreated to her desk to contemplate a plan of action.
zx
Announcing his return, Ranma kicked off his slippers, and nearly bumped into his mother as he turned the corner. She was dressed in a light purple kimono with a pattern of hanashobu, and she was lacking the Saotome family sword. Something Ranma had noticed happening more and more often.
“Did you have a good day at school?†Nodoka asked, a pleasant smile on her face. “Any homework?†She continued without allowing him a response.
“No, no homework tonight.†He answered awkwardly. Casual conversations with his mother were not something he was comfortable with. He was always worried he would say something that would set off her manliness obsession and lead to his mother grabbing her sword.
“That’s good, I wanted to talk to you about a few things.â€
“Uh-- what things?†Ranma asked with a gulp.
“Things.†Nodoka answered with an amused lilt to her voice. “Why don’t you go have a seat in the living room and I’ll prepare us some tea?â€
“Sure.†He nodded slowly, a little unnerved by his mother’s tone. Ranma decided that it was likely a good thing because if it wasn’t then she wouldn’t be so casually enigmatic about it.
Outside the living room, his panda father and Soun were playing shogi, neither looking like they had moved all day. “Gee Pop, are you trying to become one with the floor?â€
#A true master of the art# Genma held up a second sign. #Can make standing still into rigorous exercise#
“Too true Saotome, excess motion is for the young and foolish. A lesson your son still hasn’t learned.†Soun added as he slid a piece across the board.
“Since you’ve been here all day, do you know what Mom wants to talk to me about?†He was far more interested in that topic than mocking his father for being slower moving than the sap of the Venusian hoary albizia. Ranma nearly missed his father shaking his head the negative as he had to struggled to remember that it took five hundred years for the sap to travel from root to leaves.
#Find out what she wants and make her happy# He signed, focus clearly back on the game.
Dismissing his father, he placed his bookbag on the table, and took a seat. There was a small stack of papers off to one side that he was just reaching for when Nodoka appeared, announcing that the tea was ready. The Saotome woman placed a small tray loaded with two cups, a kettle, and traditional tools for making tea. At one time he had enjoyed watching the process, but after the whole martial arts tea ceremony fiasco he found it tiring. But his mother did seem to enjoy the preparation so he tried to look cheerful even if he was worried about what she wanted to talk about.
“So what did you want to talk about?†He asked, growing increasingly paranoid over her silence.
“Oh I just got curious.†She answered as she carefully set a cup down in front of him. “I know how-- unreliable Genma can be, and I wanted to know about your progress in school.â€
#I’m hurt!# Genma signed and held a paw to his heart dramatically. Ranma just rolled his eyes at his father’s mock pain.
“While there are a few-- missing spots.†Nodoka continued, giving Genma a dirty look. “I was able to get a copy of your records.â€
“That’s it?†He didn’t think there could be anything special or embarrassing contained within his school records.
“I was very surprised.†She finished pouring her own tea and picked up the top paper. “I expected you to be manly but with your father I didn’t expect for your grades to be this good.†Nodoka smiled proudly at him and slid the paper over. “For all these years, you’ve been consistently in the top ten of your class while still training full time. It’s very impressive.â€
“Th-- thanks.†He responded to her praise nervously, unused to being openly complemented. Especially not by his mother, who usually only spoke in things that he wasn’t supposed to do. Ranma was unprepared to stop the wooden sign that broke over his head. “What was that for?! Stupid old man!†He whined, clutching the back of his head.
#Don’t let the boy get a big head!# Genma smacked him again with the sign before holding up another. #He never studies and is always slacking off!#
“Is this true?†Nodoka asked him in a scandalized tone.
“It’s all pretty easy.†He answered with a shrug and casually kicked his father squarely in his fat panda stomach. “And the art takes up a lot of time.â€
“Unacceptable!†She announced and slammed both hands down on the table, startling everyone present. “It’s most unmanly for you to neglect such a gift to focus solely on the art.â€
“Mom--.†He started to protest but withered under her glare.
“I’m not sure how often you are tested but I expect you to be scoring in at least the top three by months end. If you are this accomplished without effort you should be more than capable of being top of your class. If you’re unable to do that then we may have to enroll you in a juku.†Nodoka punctuated her ultimatum by the simple act of closing her eyes and taking a sizeable sip of tea.
“But--.†Ranma opened his mouth to say that he couldn’t dedicate that amount of time to school when he could be attacked at any moment. But seeing that she wasn’t paying any attention he just slumped his shoulders and tried to rationalize that it wouldn’t immediately hurt him. Just later on when one of the crazies came up with some unbeatable technique.
Soun decided to throw in his own thought just as he completely shifting all the board pieces around to benefit him. “An education is important.â€
‘What an epiphany.’ He mentally groaned.
zx
Furinkan
Nabiki smirked in pride at her elder sisters impressed look at the school’s gymnasium. Around them several booths and smaller tables had been setup for various girls to sell different and competing beauty product brands. Smaller tables were also there for more random items but overall the theme screamed girls only. Even if there were a few boyfriends who had been dragged kicking and screaming inside.
“This is very ambitious, Nabiki.†Kasumi smiled in approval.
“This is just the first one. I figure if we can spread the word a bit and make it a regular event then I’ll be able to make a whole lot of money.†She wrung her hands in anticipation. Nothing like getting a cut of vastly overpriced cosmetics being sold to gullible and vain girls.
“I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun.â€
“Very.†Nabiki nodded, wondering if it would be possible to get some kind of corporate sponsorship if things really took off. Almost thirty students had shown up and it had only been advertised for two weeks.
“Whatever gave you the idea?â€
“One of my-- helpers wanted me to come to some Avon party. After I saw how much yen was getting thrown around I couldn’t help but think there had to be a better way.†She finished proudly as though she had just discovered some great secret.
“Do you happen to have any security?†Her elder sister pointed towards two girls from competing brands who were about to start fighting.
“Hey!†She shouted over to Ryoga who was tied with a long heavy chain up to the ceiling mounted basketball hoop. “Job for you enforcer.†She pointed to where the volatile situation was starting to boil over.
“I’m not sure I’m cut out for this.†Ryoga admitted, glancing fearfully at the now fully brawling females.
“How are you doing Ryoga-kun?†Kasumi asked, oblivious to one of the booths that had now toppled over.
“Oh-- I’m fine Kasumi-san.†The easily lost teen admitted bashfully. “I was just trying to get back to the dojo to challenge Ranma when Nabiki said she’d show me how to get there after I helped her keep everyone in line.â€
“You don’t have to do that, I’m sure Nabiki would be happy to help you.†Kasumi volunteered sweetly.
“That would be great thanks.†He sighed in relief. “Can’t believe you can find it with how often it moves around.â€
“We have a verbal contract.†She pointed out, ignoring the stupid comments coming from Ryoga, and noticing that the fight had ended as quickly as it began. “Or are you not a man of honor?†Nabiki asked tauntingly.
“I am.†Ryoga bowed his head in defeat before glancing to his right. “Those guys look pretty rough, are they supposed to be here?â€
“Probably just a couple of perverts.†Nabiki shrugged, ignoring the quintet of large figures shrouded in shadows near the entrance. “Just keep your eyes open for another fight.â€
‘Heh if that lunk head Ranma was half as smart as me he could get this moron to be waiting on him hand and foot instead of attacking him every couple of weeks.’ She thought smugly over having an advantage Ranma could never have.
zx
Akane scanned the courtyard of her home sourly as she tried to find her betrothed. As desperate as she was to find out more about Ranma’s gigantic secret, she wasn’t so stupid as to blurt it out over dinner. But the pigtailed boy had vanished without a trace as soon as the meal was completed. There was some tension between Ranma and his mother but it didn’t seem like anything too life threatening. But that didn’t excuse him from neglecting to give his promised explanation!
“And he better have my autograph.†She snarled as she stomped her way towards the dojo to see if he had decided to hide there.
She was completely unprepared for the gentle tap on her right shoulder. “Hey tomboy.†Ranma greeted.
Screaming, she jumped straight up in the air in shock. Tripping as she was landing, Akane collapsed on her backside. “Ouch.†She whined and glared at Ranma. “Jerk.â€
“Sorry, I saw an opening and-- took it.†He smiled so widely that his eyes were almost tiny slits.
“Where have you been?†She demanded, jumping to her feet, and preparing to pummel him about the head and shoulders for surprising her.
“Eh--.†He shrugged like her question was unimportant. “Studying, mom has it in her head that I need to do better at school.†He supplied, shifting a book and notepad held with his right hand.
“And you should.†She snorted. “Do you know how embarrassing it is to be engaged to an idiot who never studies?â€
“I know right.†Ranma groaned and slapped his forehead.
“Wait-- are you talking about me?†Akane asked in confusion.
“Shampoo doesn’t go to school and Ucchan gets good grades even though she runs a store--.†He trailed off and started to strut arrogantly towards the front gate. “So who else?†Ranma picked up his pace at finishing his thought.
“Get back here you jerk!†She shouted and ran after the gender changing teen and Sailor Senshi.
“Nuh uh!†Ranma easily bounded to the top of the wall and flashed a piece of paper. “Maybe if you can catch me you can have this autograph I was able to get.†He taunted before vanishing behind the wall.
zx
Ranma slowed to a crawl in Furinkans main courtyard so Akane could catch up to him, the youngest Tendo sister was hopelessly outmatched by him in speed and endurance. ‘All that jogging and she can’t even keep up with me to Furinkan.’ He shook his head, partially glad that he hadn’t had such a soft life.
“I guess you earned it.†He held out the piece of paper for the spent Akane to take.
Akane’s eyes sparkled in pure joy as she gazed at the intricate calligraphy that had been lovingly transcribed on the simple paper. “I have a Senshi’s autograph.†She gushed and looked like she wanted to cry.
‘You know a Senshi.’ Ranma rolled his eyes at Akane’s focus on a simple autograph. He did get a particular thrill watching as she tried to figure out just what was written down.
“Um-- what does it say?†She finally asked, eyes crossed. “What language is this?â€
Smirking, he responded to her question in a language that hadn’t been heard in thousands of years. Linguists could spend their entire careers deconstructing every minute detail. Historians would beg to learn more about the long gone Silver Millenium that it represented. Of course the importance of it was completely lost on Akane who looked like she wanted to pound him into the ground.
“Did you just call me tomboy in some alien language?†Akane asked dangerously.
“Civilized culture is totally lost on you.†Ranma shook his head in disgust. “I said that it says to Tendo Akane, my most important fan, Sailor Theia.â€
“I have Theia’s autograph!†Akane squealed in delight, dancing around in the empty courtyard.
‘Wish I could get that happy over something.’ He lamented, feeling a little put off that she was so focused on it being from Theia and not that he had just called her his most important fan. “You know that’s from me right?†Ranma asked in annoyance.
Akane paused to blink down at the paper while deep in thought. Ranma however started to feel a familiar and unwelcome tingle up his spine. He felt the faint chill in the air that signaled to him that a monster was nearby. Judging by how strong the feeling was, they weren’t acting alone, which meant this could be dangerous.
“You promised to get me an autograph!†Akane brought her fist back to punch him but he casually caught her fist before she could bring it forward.
“I am a Senshi, remember.†He spoke seriously, looking towards the side of the school. “I need to go find cold water.â€
“Ranma? What is it?†Akane asked, noticing his suddenly serious demeanor.
“Duty calls.†He replied and rushed off towards the pool area. Briefly turning around he yelled back. “You can’t help, so don’t be your dumb tomboy self, and go back home!â€