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Ranma stepped through the portal the goddesses created and looked around. Even as the portal closed behind her, she shouldered her pack and headed for the huge trees she could see off in the distance. Ranma still couldn't believe it, Belldandy, Urd and Skuld had helped her so much, and done so without asking or expecting anything in return. Each of the goddesses had given her a gift before she departed. Ranma had told them it wasn't necessary but there was no way she was going to refuse anything a Megami offered. It was bad manners and was likely to piss off an extremely powerful entity or three, as the case might be.
Skuld had given her a stone pendant that would allow Ranma to speak and understand most of the languages on Jade. Belldandy kissed her forehead and told her the Nekoken would bother her no more. As much as Ranma hated the technique, she would miss having access to such powerful moves. When she had asked why, Belldandy just smiled and said it was necessary. Urd's gift was even more enigmatic. With a glowing fingertip, she had touched Ranma's temple and muttered something in a language the girl couldn't understand. She then told Ranma that even with the right outlook, a curse could become a blessing.
So here she was, walking towards what could only be a town beneath huge overhanging trees. She shifted her backpack, a gift from Keichi, and figured at her current pace, she would reach the town in about twenty minutes. As she came closer, she noticed something odd about the place. It was as if there was a hole in the sky that the trees grew up through, and there were houses and walkways in and between the trees themselves. Figuring that would be only one of the strange things she'd witness during her stay, she shrugged and moved on, only to stop at the sound of an explosion. One of the buildings up in the trees suddenly exploded, raining burning debris on the town below. Ranma picked up her pace to see if she would be able to help when another of the buildings down in the town had the wall blow out and some machine fly out and up to where the first building exploded. Sounds of combat and explosions shattered the city's peace.
Ranma broke into a run as hundreds of small flying objects scattered everywhere and began to explode leaving wreckage and wounded everywhere. She finally reached the town in time to pull a woman out of the way of a falling branch. Ranma didn't notice the woman's sharp pointed ears as she was already on the move again. There was a cry for help and Ranma turned to see a couple of people trying to lift a section of collapsed house. It was apparent someone was trapped. She heard a woman crying and realized it was a man and a woman trying to pull someone out. The woman was in tears.
"Please! My son is trapped inside!" she cried.
Ranma moved to another spot and set her legs. Together the three of them lifted the heavy wooden planks.
"Can you hold it? I'm the smallest so I should go in." Ranma announced. The man nodded and braced himself. Ranma let go and slipped under the wreckage. It was dark and Ranma was only able to get around by touch. She finally felt something soft, hairy and warm. Hoping it was the boy she grabbed him and scooted out before the couple's strength gave out. There was a final huge explosion up in the canopy and then all was silent save for the sounds of wood burning and the cries of the wounded. Ranma took a short moment to examine the child she had rescued for injuries. That was when she realized the boy was completely covered in hair, or was it fur? Looking up at the approaching parents, Ranma suddenly realized that they too were covered in fur. Their faces were different as well, bestial in nature with pointed ears at the top of their head very much like...cats.
Ranma gulped nervously as her worst nightmares approached her. She suddenly realized the overwhelming fear wasn't there. She was nervous as hell but these cat people weren't freaking her out at all. Now she knew why Belldandy had said removing the Nekoken had been necessary.
Ranma offered the small bundle of fur to his mother who accepted him with tears of worry mixed with gratitude in her eyes.
"I think he'll be ok." Ranma said hesitantly.
"Thank you! Thank you so much! How can we ever repay you?" The woman sobbed in relief.
Ranma shook her head, "Don't worry about it. I was more than happy to help. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to see if anyone else is in trouble."
Ranma bowed and took off running towards the center of the destruction.
* * * * * * * * * *
It was nearly five hours later that Ranma found herself sitting on a bench outside an inn. She was exhausted. Considering the number of explosions not many people had been injured in the attack, but there had been quite a few fires to put out. Ranma had worked hard alongside the residents of Seer's Hamlet and now knew a few of them by name. She was currently resting, trying to collect herself before going inside. The couple whose son she had helped save insisted on buying her dinner and paying for her stay for the night.
She was just about to get up when a shadow crossed her path. Looking up, Ranma saw a tall, muscular, spotted were-cat looking at her.
"You're not from around here are you?" He asked.
Ranma smirked, "That's gotta be one of the lamest pickup lines I've ever heard."
The were-cat seemed to panic, "No-no! you've got it all wrong! I was told a girl from Earth had been helping with the rescue and fire control. I'd never seen you around before so I thought I'd see if it was you."
Ranma continued to smirk.
The were-cat sighed in defeat, "I'm Gar."
"Ranma Saotome." The girl replied.
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence.
"So, um... are you here with the Diggers family?" Gar asked.
"Ah, no. Are they from earth too?" Ranma inquired.
Gar nodded, "Atlanta Georgia, United States I believe."
"I've never met them. I'm from Japan. I needed to get away from home for a while. I...I lost someone close to me and needed to get away." The pain was evident in Ranma's eyes.
"I understand." Gar replied. And he did understand in a way. The Edge Guard had just lost their leader and founder Gaja not even two hours ago.
"So what do you do?" Ranma asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Gar smiled broadly, "I'm a member of the Northern Edge Guard. We patrol the area and protect Seer's Hamlet."
"Oh, you're cops then. Maybe you could help me out then. What kind of work do you have around here for a martial artist?"
Gar sat down on the bench and looked thoughtful. "Well, there's usually all sorts of jobs for someone who can fight. Bounty hunting, bodyguard, city guard. How good are you with a sword?"
"I'm all right but I don't need one. I'm one of the best martial artists on Earth."
Gar shrugged. Julia Diggers was from Jade originally so Ranma's claim could be true for all he knew. "Well, I'd suggest talking to the sheriff before you do anything. City guard pays pretty good and it's an easy job as long as the town isn't being attacked."
"Thanks, I will." Ranma's stomach growled violently. "I guess that's my cue to go eat dinner. After all, I'm eating for two now."
Gar blinked at Ranma as she got up and entered the inn. Ranma sure as hell didn't look pregnant so he figured she must not be far along. If Ranma was going to be staying in Seer's Hamlet for a while maybe he could introduce her to his sister Sheila. And maybe, just maybe, if he was a friend and helped her through her grief, they could become more than friends. After all, his first love Brittany was married and he did like children.
* * * * * * * * * *
Akane sat at the table with her sisters and the local Nerima Wrecking Crew. The Amazons were noticeably absent. Nabiki was trying to explain the situation in Kuno-ease so that the twisted duo would understand what was going on.
"The ancient Amazon placed a spell on Ranma and the pigtailed girl to try make them fall in love with Shampoo and Mousse in order to steal them back to China. The spell went wrong causing them to fall in love with each other. Now this is the important part and why we need your help. Out of anger, the ancient crone destroyed Ranma's body casting his soul into the body of the pigtailed girl. We're not sure but it's possible the pigtailed girl's soul has fled the earthly plane. I'm sorry."
Tatewaki Kuno was utterly silent as his sister began to shake her head slowly. Kodachi finally stood up and turned away. "Oh well. Ranma-sama would have been quite the catch. I shall take my leave now."
The entire group looked on in disbelief as the insane gymnast twirled her ribbon and took off to find someone else to fixate on. Before they could comment on the cold manner of the younger Kuno, Tatewaki blew up in rage.
"It is so clear now! The evil Amazons have tried to frame Saotome as the dark sorcerer when it was him as well as my two loves who were ensorcelled. How else could one who should be a brother in arms follow such an evil path!"
Kuno continued to rant for a few more minutes with Nabiki interrupting every now and then to correct him and lead him towards her eventual goal.
"I shall not rest until these vile witches have been brought to justice!" Bingo!
Ukyou leaned over and whispered to Akane, "I'm glad she's on our side."
Akane nodded, still in awe over her sister's deft manipulations.
* * * * * * * * * *
Two Amazons made their way through the park to the edge of the road where they had lost sight of their quarry. Cologne sighed as she surveyed the area. The storm had definitely destroyed any remaining signs of Ranma's passage. She knew Ranma had gotten on some vehicle, a motorcycle most likely from the tracks she had seen in the rain. She extended her senses to try and find some clue as to where her son-in-law had gone when she heard the roar of an engine in the distance. After a moment a motorcycle with a sidecar came down the road and passed the duo as it headed into the city. Keichi was on his way to work and barely took notice of the strange women standing on the side of the road.
Cologne watched the motorcycle disappear around a bend in the road then sprang off in the other direction. Shampoo scrambled to keep up and the two made their way up the hill.
"Where are we going Grandmother?" Shampoo asked in fluent Chinese.
"I believe that motorcycle was the one that gave Ranma a ride last night. There is a possibility she is still wherever that boy came from. We must backtrack the vehicle to its source. At worst we've wasted a little time, at best there may be some one there who knows where your husband went."
Shampoo only nodded as she ran after her elder. Who knew an old woman could move so fast just bouncing on a cane?
The road finally reached a plateau and Cologne stopped in front of an old temple. Shampoo noticed her great-grandmother looking at the gates with a frown.
"What is it Grandmother?"
"There is a great power in that temple. We must be careful. Do not provoke anyone here child. Do you understand?"
Shampoo nodded even though she wasn't quite sure what her grandmother meant. They were Amazon Warriors! People feared them not the other way around. Unfortunately Shampoo still had not learned the lesson that there is always someone stronger than you.
The two women cautiously made their way onto the temple grounds. For an old temple, the grounds were well cared for and the buildings were in good condition. They reached the temple and looked inside seeing no one around. Cologne could feel an overwhelming power nearby but could not discern a location. She waved for Shampoo to follow her and they turned towards the caretaker's house off to the side of the temple.
There was a cough behind them and Cologne whipped around to see a lady standing on the steps of the temple where there had been no one before. She was dressed in a long tight black dress and wore her platinum blond hair long down her back. She was dark skinned showing that she was not native to Japan. Then there were the strange tattoos on her face.
Cologne gasped in shock. The woman standing before them was one of the true gods, not one of the almost infinite spirits and other minor powers that inhabited temples and shrines across Japan and China. She quickly went to her knees and bowed reverently. Shampoo was confused but clumsily attempted to do as her elder did.
"Elder Khu Lon, Matriarch of the Remaining Amazon tribes of China. It seems you've been quite busy these past few weeks. A woman your age should really watch her health and not overexert herself."
"My Lady, it is an honor to be in your presence." Cologne began.
"Oh please. Cut the reverent crap. You're just afraid I'll get offended and blast you to dust or something equally horrible." Urd said interrupting the troll-like woman.
"I would never..." Cologne started to say.
"Never kid a kidder. I've been looking over your file and I must say I'm disappointed." Urd sat down on the steps and pulled out a manila folder and began leafing through the pages. "You used to be such a nice person, what happened? It couldn't have been that Happosai person. You were barely twenty back then."
Cologne realized she'd never be able to lie to one of the greater kami and slumped in defeat. "What I've done, I've done for the greater good of my tribe."
Urd scanned a page. "Murder, slavery, lying, cheating, manipulating others to your own ends. Then there's this whole mess with Ranma. That poor boy had a hard enough life without you adding to it."
"You know where Airen is?" Shampoo asked.
"Uh Hm." Urd said distractedly. "What about this phoenix pill episode? You apply the cat's tongue to him, locking his curse when he's already having identity issues because of it. Then tell him if he can learn your chestnuts roasting technique and grab the phoenix pill from you it will cure him. Only you lied to him by switching the real pill for a lemon drop. It wasn't until he showed his real power using the cat-fist to defeat you that you finally relented."
Cologne gulped nervously wondering where this was all leading.
"I hope you can hold out for another hundred years or so because I can tell you you're not going to go to a very nice place after you die. Now as for you Xian Pu, you need to live your own life. Your great grandmother will only corrupt and mislead you until you will share her fate. You have a good soul and I would hate to see you suffer when you could experience so much joy in life."
"She is following the laws of her people." Cologne tried to argue.
"Laws are not always right or just. Xian Pu, you are a smart girl and deserve more than to rot away in some backwards village hiding from the real world." Urd smiled at the lavender haired girl.
Cologne growled under her breath but kept her peace. She was seriously outclassed and needed to get as much information as she could while surviving her encounter.
"Where is Ranma Saotome then?" Cologne asked outright.
Urd frowned at the ancient crone. "He is no longer on this plane."
"He is dead then?"
Urd shook her head. "No he is safe where you and yours cannot reach him or his child. I suggest you abandon your quest and return to hiding from the world."
Cologne bowed and turned to leave. She did not expect to get an accurate answer but now she knew where not to look. As the two Amazons walked away Urd called out one last time.
"Xian Pu, remember what I have said this day. Live for yourself and others and you will be blessed with a happy life. Follow your elder's wishes and know a life of pain."
After the two women left leaving Urd sitting still on the steps, Belldandy and Skuld came out to talk.
"How did it go? Did you screw it up?" Skuld asked.
Urd scowled at her youngest sister, "I did what I could. Already we've overstepped our bounds and as much as I'd like to help that young Amazon girl, her future is in her own hands."
"Do you think they will give up on Ranma?" Belldandy asked with just a hint of worry.
Urd sighed and shook her head, "I don't think the elder will. She's become obsessed. I don't think she will stop until Ranma is either enslaved in the tribe or dead."
"But Ranma is safe on Jade right?" Skuld said.
Urd shrugged, "Most people have never heard of the place but Khu Lon is a sneaky woman. She may have a means of traveling there. It's not unheard of."
Suddenly out of the clear blue sky a lightning bolt shot down and struck the ground near the three Norns. As the dust cleared, a message could be seen in the dirt.
"Urd, My office Now! –Kami Sama."
* * * * * * * * * *
Ranma sighed as she sat back in the hot water in the bathtub after a long day's work. It was a western style bath which took some getting used to but she figured it was just one of many things she'd have to endure in this strange world.
She had gone to the Sheriff's office the day after the disaster and was given a job in the city guard almost on the spot. Apparently the Edge Guard was in trouble and had been temporarily suspended from active duty. She still didn't know exactly what had happened up in the retreat but Gar had seemed like a nice enough were-cat so she hoped he'd get his job back soon. It had only been a few days of working so far and it was an easy job as well as earning her fifteen gold a week. She'd decided to stay at a local inn until she could find a more permanent residence.
So far Ranma liked what she had seen of the people in this quaint town. Most people were friendly up front and Ranma had gained a small measure of notoriety from her previous rescue activities. Everywhere she went people waved to her or asked how she was doing. She felt she could happily stay here for the next nine months or more. As the warmth of the water soaked into her skin she placed her hands on her stomach. It was way too early to start showing but she could feel the small life inside her with her developing senses. She felt a single tear escape her eye as she thought about her child and how things could have, should have been.
There was a noise at the door of someone trying the handle. It stopped then there was a knock.
"Yes?" Ranma answered.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone was in there," A female voice answered back, "I just need to use the mirror. There wasn't one in my room."
That was one of the problems of staying at an inn that only had the one bath. Ranma looked around and figured it wouldn't hurt to let her in. They were both girls right? Ranma reached over and undid the lock letting the woman in. She was mildly surprised to see a girl that looked like she was halfway between human and were-cat hybrid. She had spots in her hair and a stripe over one eye. The woman quickly came in and closed the door behind her.
"Thanks, I won't be long I promise."
Ranma shrugged, "Don't worry about it."
The woman went to the mirror and began brushing out her hair. "By the way, my name's Brianna Diggers."
"Ranma Saotome. Gar mentioned the Diggers family. You're from Earth too huh?"
"You know Gar? Yeah I'm here with my Mom and some friends. So you're from Earth?"
Ranma nodded. "I met Gar the other day after that mess up in the Retreat." She didn't notice Brianna wince then chuckle nervously. "Originally I'm from Japan. My circumstances for being here are unique."
"You and me both then. Very few people here from Earth have what you would call normal lives." Brianna said as she adjusted her makeup. "So how long are you planning on staying at Seer's Hamlet?"
Ranma leaned back so the water reached her neck. "I dunno, at least until the baby's born. After that I don't have any real plans."
Brianna whipped around with an ecstatic smile on her face. "Baby!? Oh how cool! How far are you along?"
Ranma blushed and sank a little deeper in embarrassment. All the girls she had told about her pregnancy had acted in a similar manner. Apparently women just loved talking about babies.
"I'm only a couple of weeks along."
Brianna seemed to deflate a little. Ranma wasn't far enough along to ask any of the really good questions.
"So are you and the father here to just get away from it for a while?"
Ranma seemed to freeze up and Brianna wondered what she had said wrong.
"It's ah, it's complicated. The other parent is dead. I'm here alone."
Brianna didn't understand why Ranma had worded it like that but seeing the pain on her face decided not to pry.
"So have you been shopping for baby clothes and maternity wear yet?" Brianna asked, changing the subject.
"Ah, no. I haven't really thought about it."
Brianna gasped in shock. "We can't have that! I'll tell you what, I'll go with you and we'll pick out some nice things." She said in a tone that left no other answer than yes.
Ranma grinned a little, "Sure, it might be fun."
"Great! I'll meet you in the common room after your bath."
* * * * * * * * * *
The two girls walked through the open market looking over various wares and clothing. Ranma was beginning to think shopping was a bad idea as she was already loaded down with bags and Brianna flitted back and forth buying things from shop keepers she was sure the baby would love.
"You really don't have to do this Brianna. I have eight months at least to get all this stuff." Ranma protested.
"It's no trouble really!" Brianna said as she came to a stop next to the redhead, "I know what you did the other day from when Gar mentioned a redheaded girl rescuing people and I feel it's the least I can do after what happened."
"What do you mean?" Ranma asked as she sat down on a nearby bench.
"Well, most of the damage to the retreat was my fault." Brianna began to explain what had happened. She told about the resurgence of the curse that helped create her, named Grave Digger, the mages attempts to cure her, and the resulting battle where Brianna's technology went out of control.
"I guess the A.I. was a little too vague about what constituted a bad guy." Brianna shook her sadly.
Ranma put her hand on Brianna's shoulder. "Heck I don't even know how to turn on a computer let alone do all the stuff you can. You should be proud of your skills. I'm sure you'll get it right next time."
Brianna seemed to cheer up and she suddenly took off when she saw a crib that was just soooo cute! Ranma just sighed and wondered where she'd keep all this stuff in her room at the inn.
They made their way further down the main aisle of the market only to be stopped when someone stepped out in front of them. It was a woman a little taller than Brianna wearing a dark smile and skin-tight clothes. The sword she carried looked to weigh around a hundred pounds or more. It reminded Ranma of one of those weapons from her buddy Hiroshi's fantasy games, Final something or other. Ranma tensed and dropped her packages, as two more people seemed to emerge from the crowd to surround them.
"Brianna Diggers, daughter of Armsmaster Julia Diggers," the woman said with a sneer, "You're coming with us. Please resist as I want to make this hurt as much as possible."
Brianna seemed confused at first but then exclaimed, "I remember you now! You're the moron that drank the sex changing potion!"
The woman previously known as Hanzo seemed to grit her teeth and her knuckles whitened as she clenched her fists. Then she calmed herself with some effort in order to speak.
"Yes, and it's all the fault of you, the edge guard, and that bitch healer Nali! I will have my revenge but for the moment I have orders to only kidnap you."
Ranma took a moment to follow the conversation and her eyes widened in surprise. "You used to be a guy too?" she exclaimed.
Brianna raised an eyebrow. "Too?"
Ranma chuckled a bit and scratched the back of her head. "I guess I should tell you about my past since you shared yours with me. Now isn't the time though."
"What happened, someone trick you into drinking a cursed potion too?" Hanzo laughed bitterly.
"Nah I fell into a cursed spring of drowned girl. Anyway, I thought you were here to kidnap us." Ranma said as she assumed her classic ready stance, i.e. standing there looking completely helpless.
"Oh yes. Thank you for reminding me. Get Them!" Hanzo ordered.
"Why'd you remind them for?" Brianna shouted.
Ranma shrugged as she backhanded one of the thugs into a fruit stand. "The conversation was getting a little personal for my tastes. Besides, I'm part of the city guard, it's my job to beat up and arrest these jerks."
"I hate to tell you, I can't fight very well. That's Mom and Brittany's area." Brianna yelled as she dodged the other thug's wild swing.
"Don't you have a gun or something?" Ranma asked as he jump kicked the remaining thug in the head, taking him out of the fight.
"No! I sent all my gear home so I wouldn't get in any more trouble." Brianna whined.
Ranma sighed. Looked like she'd have to take care of this mess herself then.
Hanzo was more than a little shocked at the skill the redhead displayed. She soon realized she should have brought more men but had assumed Brianna was defenseless without her technology. She readied herself as Ranma faced off against her.
"So you drank a potion that turned you into a girl huh?" Ranma laughed.
"I was tricked! I will have my revenge!" Hanzo shouted as she lunged with a feint to test Ranma's defenses.
Ranma easily dodged the blow. The sword was huge and definitely lethal but it was too heavy to have any speed to it and speed was Ranma's domain.
"I wonder if Jusenkyou would cure you?" Ranma pondered as she parried the flat of the blade with her hand.
Hanzo stopped. "You know a cure?"
"Maybe, will you leave Brianna alone if I tell you?" Ranma offered.
Hanzo seemed to ponder the proposal, "This is the same magic that turned you into a girl? How come you haven't turned back then if it works?"
"I fell into the spring of drowned girl. There is a spring of drowned boy there that might reverse it. I'd been meaning to go back but life happens you know?"
"Fine, tell me where I can find this spring and I will let her leave in peace. But mark my words, if you have lied to me then I will make you suffer. You will be begging to die before I kill you." Hanzo threatened.
Ranma shrugged, she heard worse from Ryouga. "It's on the Earth Realm in the Bankahla Mountain Range in a country called China. There is a guide there who should be able to show you which spring is the spring of drowned boy."
Hanzo narrowed her eyes and stared at Ranma as if to find any trace of deceit before suddenly strapping her sword to her back and heading off at a hard run.
Brianna blinked a couple of times at the sight of Hanzo leaving at full speed then turned to Ranma.
"So you used to be a guy too? Must be an interesting story."
"Aheh, yeah, I guess I owe you an explanation. But why was that girl trying to kidnap you?" Ranma asked from where she was tying up the thugs to bring them to the jail.
"I'm not sure. I know he was working with Gnolia, mom's old rival... OH NO! The opening ceremonies! I completely forgot! They were going to use me to get to my mom. Come on we got to get to the arena."
At this point some of the other city guard had shown up and Ranma gave them a brief rundown of what had happened. She asked one of the other women on the guard to see about getting the packages back to her room at the inn as Brianna grabbed Ranma's hand and took off towards the arena.
* * * * * * * * * * Author's Rant:
I thought I had a good idea but somehow my plot decided to leave. This is why I need to write these ideas down as soon as I get them. I've got enough material for two to three chapters but I fear I don't have any real story. Oh, well... maybe inspiration will strike (yeah and maybe Kuno will buy a clue)
TAKAHASHI SUBNODE: 8274981650-7194720-9173528-02
DOWNLOAD RELEVENT DATA
CROSSNODE DETECTED: AH! MY GODDESS REF: 1426321-9874355
CROSSNODE DETECTED: GOLD DIGGER REF: 8465920-9163451
INITIATING SCAN.........
DISPLAY:
____________________
Ranma stepped through the portal the goddesses created and looked around. Even as the portal closed behind her, she shouldered her pack and headed for the huge trees she could see off in the distance. Ranma still couldn't believe it, Belldandy, Urd and Skuld had helped her so much, and done so without asking or expecting anything in return. Each of the goddesses had given her a gift before she departed. Ranma had told them it wasn't necessary but there was no way she was going to refuse anything a Megami offered. It was bad manners and was likely to piss off an extremely powerful entity or three, as the case might be.
Skuld had given her a stone pendant that would allow Ranma to speak and understand most of the languages on Jade. Belldandy kissed her forehead and told her the Nekoken would bother her no more. As much as Ranma hated the technique, she would miss having access to such powerful moves. When she had asked why, Belldandy just smiled and said it was necessary. Urd's gift was even more enigmatic. With a glowing fingertip, she had touched Ranma's temple and muttered something in a language the girl couldn't understand. She then told Ranma that even with the right outlook, a curse could become a blessing.
So here she was, walking towards what could only be a town beneath huge overhanging trees. She shifted her backpack, a gift from Keichi, and figured at her current pace, she would reach the town in about twenty minutes. As she came closer, she noticed something odd about the place. It was as if there was a hole in the sky that the trees grew up through, and there were houses and walkways in and between the trees themselves. Figuring that would be only one of the strange things she'd witness during her stay, she shrugged and moved on, only to stop at the sound of an explosion. One of the buildings up in the trees suddenly exploded, raining burning debris on the town below. Ranma picked up her pace to see if she would be able to help when another of the buildings down in the town had the wall blow out and some machine fly out and up to where the first building exploded. Sounds of combat and explosions shattered the city's peace.
Ranma broke into a run as hundreds of small flying objects scattered everywhere and began to explode leaving wreckage and wounded everywhere. She finally reached the town in time to pull a woman out of the way of a falling branch. Ranma didn't notice the woman's sharp pointed ears as she was already on the move again. There was a cry for help and Ranma turned to see a couple of people trying to lift a section of collapsed house. It was apparent someone was trapped. She heard a woman crying and realized it was a man and a woman trying to pull someone out. The woman was in tears.
"Please! My son is trapped inside!" she cried.
Ranma moved to another spot and set her legs. Together the three of them lifted the heavy wooden planks.
"Can you hold it? I'm the smallest so I should go in." Ranma announced. The man nodded and braced himself. Ranma let go and slipped under the wreckage. It was dark and Ranma was only able to get around by touch. She finally felt something soft, hairy and warm. Hoping it was the boy she grabbed him and scooted out before the couple's strength gave out. There was a final huge explosion up in the canopy and then all was silent save for the sounds of wood burning and the cries of the wounded. Ranma took a short moment to examine the child she had rescued for injuries. That was when she realized the boy was completely covered in hair, or was it fur? Looking up at the approaching parents, Ranma suddenly realized that they too were covered in fur. Their faces were different as well, bestial in nature with pointed ears at the top of their head very much like...cats.
Ranma gulped nervously as her worst nightmares approached her. She suddenly realized the overwhelming fear wasn't there. She was nervous as hell but these cat people weren't freaking her out at all. Now she knew why Belldandy had said removing the Nekoken had been necessary.
Ranma offered the small bundle of fur to his mother who accepted him with tears of worry mixed with gratitude in her eyes.
"I think he'll be ok." Ranma said hesitantly.
"Thank you! Thank you so much! How can we ever repay you?" The woman sobbed in relief.
Ranma shook her head, "Don't worry about it. I was more than happy to help. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to see if anyone else is in trouble."
Ranma bowed and took off running towards the center of the destruction.
* * * * * * * * * *
It was nearly five hours later that Ranma found herself sitting on a bench outside an inn. She was exhausted. Considering the number of explosions not many people had been injured in the attack, but there had been quite a few fires to put out. Ranma had worked hard alongside the residents of Seer's Hamlet and now knew a few of them by name. She was currently resting, trying to collect herself before going inside. The couple whose son she had helped save insisted on buying her dinner and paying for her stay for the night.
She was just about to get up when a shadow crossed her path. Looking up, Ranma saw a tall, muscular, spotted were-cat looking at her.
"You're not from around here are you?" He asked.
Ranma smirked, "That's gotta be one of the lamest pickup lines I've ever heard."
The were-cat seemed to panic, "No-no! you've got it all wrong! I was told a girl from Earth had been helping with the rescue and fire control. I'd never seen you around before so I thought I'd see if it was you."
Ranma continued to smirk.
The were-cat sighed in defeat, "I'm Gar."
"Ranma Saotome." The girl replied.
There was a moment of uncomfortable silence.
"So, um... are you here with the Diggers family?" Gar asked.
"Ah, no. Are they from earth too?" Ranma inquired.
Gar nodded, "Atlanta Georgia, United States I believe."
"I've never met them. I'm from Japan. I needed to get away from home for a while. I...I lost someone close to me and needed to get away." The pain was evident in Ranma's eyes.
"I understand." Gar replied. And he did understand in a way. The Edge Guard had just lost their leader and founder Gaja not even two hours ago.
"So what do you do?" Ranma asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Gar smiled broadly, "I'm a member of the Northern Edge Guard. We patrol the area and protect Seer's Hamlet."
"Oh, you're cops then. Maybe you could help me out then. What kind of work do you have around here for a martial artist?"
Gar sat down on the bench and looked thoughtful. "Well, there's usually all sorts of jobs for someone who can fight. Bounty hunting, bodyguard, city guard. How good are you with a sword?"
"I'm all right but I don't need one. I'm one of the best martial artists on Earth."
Gar shrugged. Julia Diggers was from Jade originally so Ranma's claim could be true for all he knew. "Well, I'd suggest talking to the sheriff before you do anything. City guard pays pretty good and it's an easy job as long as the town isn't being attacked."
"Thanks, I will." Ranma's stomach growled violently. "I guess that's my cue to go eat dinner. After all, I'm eating for two now."
Gar blinked at Ranma as she got up and entered the inn. Ranma sure as hell didn't look pregnant so he figured she must not be far along. If Ranma was going to be staying in Seer's Hamlet for a while maybe he could introduce her to his sister Sheila. And maybe, just maybe, if he was a friend and helped her through her grief, they could become more than friends. After all, his first love Brittany was married and he did like children.
* * * * * * * * * *
Akane sat at the table with her sisters and the local Nerima Wrecking Crew. The Amazons were noticeably absent. Nabiki was trying to explain the situation in Kuno-ease so that the twisted duo would understand what was going on.
"The ancient Amazon placed a spell on Ranma and the pigtailed girl to try make them fall in love with Shampoo and Mousse in order to steal them back to China. The spell went wrong causing them to fall in love with each other. Now this is the important part and why we need your help. Out of anger, the ancient crone destroyed Ranma's body casting his soul into the body of the pigtailed girl. We're not sure but it's possible the pigtailed girl's soul has fled the earthly plane. I'm sorry."
Tatewaki Kuno was utterly silent as his sister began to shake her head slowly. Kodachi finally stood up and turned away. "Oh well. Ranma-sama would have been quite the catch. I shall take my leave now."
The entire group looked on in disbelief as the insane gymnast twirled her ribbon and took off to find someone else to fixate on. Before they could comment on the cold manner of the younger Kuno, Tatewaki blew up in rage.
"It is so clear now! The evil Amazons have tried to frame Saotome as the dark sorcerer when it was him as well as my two loves who were ensorcelled. How else could one who should be a brother in arms follow such an evil path!"
Kuno continued to rant for a few more minutes with Nabiki interrupting every now and then to correct him and lead him towards her eventual goal.
"I shall not rest until these vile witches have been brought to justice!" Bingo!
Ukyou leaned over and whispered to Akane, "I'm glad she's on our side."
Akane nodded, still in awe over her sister's deft manipulations.
* * * * * * * * * *
Two Amazons made their way through the park to the edge of the road where they had lost sight of their quarry. Cologne sighed as she surveyed the area. The storm had definitely destroyed any remaining signs of Ranma's passage. She knew Ranma had gotten on some vehicle, a motorcycle most likely from the tracks she had seen in the rain. She extended her senses to try and find some clue as to where her son-in-law had gone when she heard the roar of an engine in the distance. After a moment a motorcycle with a sidecar came down the road and passed the duo as it headed into the city. Keichi was on his way to work and barely took notice of the strange women standing on the side of the road.
Cologne watched the motorcycle disappear around a bend in the road then sprang off in the other direction. Shampoo scrambled to keep up and the two made their way up the hill.
"Where are we going Grandmother?" Shampoo asked in fluent Chinese.
"I believe that motorcycle was the one that gave Ranma a ride last night. There is a possibility she is still wherever that boy came from. We must backtrack the vehicle to its source. At worst we've wasted a little time, at best there may be some one there who knows where your husband went."
Shampoo only nodded as she ran after her elder. Who knew an old woman could move so fast just bouncing on a cane?
The road finally reached a plateau and Cologne stopped in front of an old temple. Shampoo noticed her great-grandmother looking at the gates with a frown.
"What is it Grandmother?"
"There is a great power in that temple. We must be careful. Do not provoke anyone here child. Do you understand?"
Shampoo nodded even though she wasn't quite sure what her grandmother meant. They were Amazon Warriors! People feared them not the other way around. Unfortunately Shampoo still had not learned the lesson that there is always someone stronger than you.
The two women cautiously made their way onto the temple grounds. For an old temple, the grounds were well cared for and the buildings were in good condition. They reached the temple and looked inside seeing no one around. Cologne could feel an overwhelming power nearby but could not discern a location. She waved for Shampoo to follow her and they turned towards the caretaker's house off to the side of the temple.
There was a cough behind them and Cologne whipped around to see a lady standing on the steps of the temple where there had been no one before. She was dressed in a long tight black dress and wore her platinum blond hair long down her back. She was dark skinned showing that she was not native to Japan. Then there were the strange tattoos on her face.
Cologne gasped in shock. The woman standing before them was one of the true gods, not one of the almost infinite spirits and other minor powers that inhabited temples and shrines across Japan and China. She quickly went to her knees and bowed reverently. Shampoo was confused but clumsily attempted to do as her elder did.
"Elder Khu Lon, Matriarch of the Remaining Amazon tribes of China. It seems you've been quite busy these past few weeks. A woman your age should really watch her health and not overexert herself."
"My Lady, it is an honor to be in your presence." Cologne began.
"Oh please. Cut the reverent crap. You're just afraid I'll get offended and blast you to dust or something equally horrible." Urd said interrupting the troll-like woman.
"I would never..." Cologne started to say.
"Never kid a kidder. I've been looking over your file and I must say I'm disappointed." Urd sat down on the steps and pulled out a manila folder and began leafing through the pages. "You used to be such a nice person, what happened? It couldn't have been that Happosai person. You were barely twenty back then."
Cologne realized she'd never be able to lie to one of the greater kami and slumped in defeat. "What I've done, I've done for the greater good of my tribe."
Urd scanned a page. "Murder, slavery, lying, cheating, manipulating others to your own ends. Then there's this whole mess with Ranma. That poor boy had a hard enough life without you adding to it."
"You know where Airen is?" Shampoo asked.
"Uh Hm." Urd said distractedly. "What about this phoenix pill episode? You apply the cat's tongue to him, locking his curse when he's already having identity issues because of it. Then tell him if he can learn your chestnuts roasting technique and grab the phoenix pill from you it will cure him. Only you lied to him by switching the real pill for a lemon drop. It wasn't until he showed his real power using the cat-fist to defeat you that you finally relented."
Cologne gulped nervously wondering where this was all leading.
"I hope you can hold out for another hundred years or so because I can tell you you're not going to go to a very nice place after you die. Now as for you Xian Pu, you need to live your own life. Your great grandmother will only corrupt and mislead you until you will share her fate. You have a good soul and I would hate to see you suffer when you could experience so much joy in life."
"She is following the laws of her people." Cologne tried to argue.
"Laws are not always right or just. Xian Pu, you are a smart girl and deserve more than to rot away in some backwards village hiding from the real world." Urd smiled at the lavender haired girl.
Cologne growled under her breath but kept her peace. She was seriously outclassed and needed to get as much information as she could while surviving her encounter.
"Where is Ranma Saotome then?" Cologne asked outright.
Urd frowned at the ancient crone. "He is no longer on this plane."
"He is dead then?"
Urd shook her head. "No he is safe where you and yours cannot reach him or his child. I suggest you abandon your quest and return to hiding from the world."
Cologne bowed and turned to leave. She did not expect to get an accurate answer but now she knew where not to look. As the two Amazons walked away Urd called out one last time.
"Xian Pu, remember what I have said this day. Live for yourself and others and you will be blessed with a happy life. Follow your elder's wishes and know a life of pain."
After the two women left leaving Urd sitting still on the steps, Belldandy and Skuld came out to talk.
"How did it go? Did you screw it up?" Skuld asked.
Urd scowled at her youngest sister, "I did what I could. Already we've overstepped our bounds and as much as I'd like to help that young Amazon girl, her future is in her own hands."
"Do you think they will give up on Ranma?" Belldandy asked with just a hint of worry.
Urd sighed and shook her head, "I don't think the elder will. She's become obsessed. I don't think she will stop until Ranma is either enslaved in the tribe or dead."
"But Ranma is safe on Jade right?" Skuld said.
Urd shrugged, "Most people have never heard of the place but Khu Lon is a sneaky woman. She may have a means of traveling there. It's not unheard of."
Suddenly out of the clear blue sky a lightning bolt shot down and struck the ground near the three Norns. As the dust cleared, a message could be seen in the dirt.
"Urd, My office Now! –Kami Sama."
* * * * * * * * * *
Ranma sighed as she sat back in the hot water in the bathtub after a long day's work. It was a western style bath which took some getting used to but she figured it was just one of many things she'd have to endure in this strange world.
She had gone to the Sheriff's office the day after the disaster and was given a job in the city guard almost on the spot. Apparently the Edge Guard was in trouble and had been temporarily suspended from active duty. She still didn't know exactly what had happened up in the retreat but Gar had seemed like a nice enough were-cat so she hoped he'd get his job back soon. It had only been a few days of working so far and it was an easy job as well as earning her fifteen gold a week. She'd decided to stay at a local inn until she could find a more permanent residence.
So far Ranma liked what she had seen of the people in this quaint town. Most people were friendly up front and Ranma had gained a small measure of notoriety from her previous rescue activities. Everywhere she went people waved to her or asked how she was doing. She felt she could happily stay here for the next nine months or more. As the warmth of the water soaked into her skin she placed her hands on her stomach. It was way too early to start showing but she could feel the small life inside her with her developing senses. She felt a single tear escape her eye as she thought about her child and how things could have, should have been.
There was a noise at the door of someone trying the handle. It stopped then there was a knock.
"Yes?" Ranma answered.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know anyone was in there," A female voice answered back, "I just need to use the mirror. There wasn't one in my room."
That was one of the problems of staying at an inn that only had the one bath. Ranma looked around and figured it wouldn't hurt to let her in. They were both girls right? Ranma reached over and undid the lock letting the woman in. She was mildly surprised to see a girl that looked like she was halfway between human and were-cat hybrid. She had spots in her hair and a stripe over one eye. The woman quickly came in and closed the door behind her.
"Thanks, I won't be long I promise."
Ranma shrugged, "Don't worry about it."
The woman went to the mirror and began brushing out her hair. "By the way, my name's Brianna Diggers."
"Ranma Saotome. Gar mentioned the Diggers family. You're from Earth too huh?"
"You know Gar? Yeah I'm here with my Mom and some friends. So you're from Earth?"
Ranma nodded. "I met Gar the other day after that mess up in the Retreat." She didn't notice Brianna wince then chuckle nervously. "Originally I'm from Japan. My circumstances for being here are unique."
"You and me both then. Very few people here from Earth have what you would call normal lives." Brianna said as she adjusted her makeup. "So how long are you planning on staying at Seer's Hamlet?"
Ranma leaned back so the water reached her neck. "I dunno, at least until the baby's born. After that I don't have any real plans."
Brianna whipped around with an ecstatic smile on her face. "Baby!? Oh how cool! How far are you along?"
Ranma blushed and sank a little deeper in embarrassment. All the girls she had told about her pregnancy had acted in a similar manner. Apparently women just loved talking about babies.
"I'm only a couple of weeks along."
Brianna seemed to deflate a little. Ranma wasn't far enough along to ask any of the really good questions.
"So are you and the father here to just get away from it for a while?"
Ranma seemed to freeze up and Brianna wondered what she had said wrong.
"It's ah, it's complicated. The other parent is dead. I'm here alone."
Brianna didn't understand why Ranma had worded it like that but seeing the pain on her face decided not to pry.
"So have you been shopping for baby clothes and maternity wear yet?" Brianna asked, changing the subject.
"Ah, no. I haven't really thought about it."
Brianna gasped in shock. "We can't have that! I'll tell you what, I'll go with you and we'll pick out some nice things." She said in a tone that left no other answer than yes.
Ranma grinned a little, "Sure, it might be fun."
"Great! I'll meet you in the common room after your bath."
* * * * * * * * * *
The two girls walked through the open market looking over various wares and clothing. Ranma was beginning to think shopping was a bad idea as she was already loaded down with bags and Brianna flitted back and forth buying things from shop keepers she was sure the baby would love.
"You really don't have to do this Brianna. I have eight months at least to get all this stuff." Ranma protested.
"It's no trouble really!" Brianna said as she came to a stop next to the redhead, "I know what you did the other day from when Gar mentioned a redheaded girl rescuing people and I feel it's the least I can do after what happened."
"What do you mean?" Ranma asked as she sat down on a nearby bench.
"Well, most of the damage to the retreat was my fault." Brianna began to explain what had happened. She told about the resurgence of the curse that helped create her, named Grave Digger, the mages attempts to cure her, and the resulting battle where Brianna's technology went out of control.
"I guess the A.I. was a little too vague about what constituted a bad guy." Brianna shook her sadly.
Ranma put her hand on Brianna's shoulder. "Heck I don't even know how to turn on a computer let alone do all the stuff you can. You should be proud of your skills. I'm sure you'll get it right next time."
Brianna seemed to cheer up and she suddenly took off when she saw a crib that was just soooo cute! Ranma just sighed and wondered where she'd keep all this stuff in her room at the inn.
They made their way further down the main aisle of the market only to be stopped when someone stepped out in front of them. It was a woman a little taller than Brianna wearing a dark smile and skin-tight clothes. The sword she carried looked to weigh around a hundred pounds or more. It reminded Ranma of one of those weapons from her buddy Hiroshi's fantasy games, Final something or other. Ranma tensed and dropped her packages, as two more people seemed to emerge from the crowd to surround them.
"Brianna Diggers, daughter of Armsmaster Julia Diggers," the woman said with a sneer, "You're coming with us. Please resist as I want to make this hurt as much as possible."
Brianna seemed confused at first but then exclaimed, "I remember you now! You're the moron that drank the sex changing potion!"
The woman previously known as Hanzo seemed to grit her teeth and her knuckles whitened as she clenched her fists. Then she calmed herself with some effort in order to speak.
"Yes, and it's all the fault of you, the edge guard, and that bitch healer Nali! I will have my revenge but for the moment I have orders to only kidnap you."
Ranma took a moment to follow the conversation and her eyes widened in surprise. "You used to be a guy too?" she exclaimed.
Brianna raised an eyebrow. "Too?"
Ranma chuckled a bit and scratched the back of her head. "I guess I should tell you about my past since you shared yours with me. Now isn't the time though."
"What happened, someone trick you into drinking a cursed potion too?" Hanzo laughed bitterly.
"Nah I fell into a cursed spring of drowned girl. Anyway, I thought you were here to kidnap us." Ranma said as she assumed her classic ready stance, i.e. standing there looking completely helpless.
"Oh yes. Thank you for reminding me. Get Them!" Hanzo ordered.
"Why'd you remind them for?" Brianna shouted.
Ranma shrugged as she backhanded one of the thugs into a fruit stand. "The conversation was getting a little personal for my tastes. Besides, I'm part of the city guard, it's my job to beat up and arrest these jerks."
"I hate to tell you, I can't fight very well. That's Mom and Brittany's area." Brianna yelled as she dodged the other thug's wild swing.
"Don't you have a gun or something?" Ranma asked as he jump kicked the remaining thug in the head, taking him out of the fight.
"No! I sent all my gear home so I wouldn't get in any more trouble." Brianna whined.
Ranma sighed. Looked like she'd have to take care of this mess herself then.
Hanzo was more than a little shocked at the skill the redhead displayed. She soon realized she should have brought more men but had assumed Brianna was defenseless without her technology. She readied herself as Ranma faced off against her.
"So you drank a potion that turned you into a girl huh?" Ranma laughed.
"I was tricked! I will have my revenge!" Hanzo shouted as she lunged with a feint to test Ranma's defenses.
Ranma easily dodged the blow. The sword was huge and definitely lethal but it was too heavy to have any speed to it and speed was Ranma's domain.
"I wonder if Jusenkyou would cure you?" Ranma pondered as she parried the flat of the blade with her hand.
Hanzo stopped. "You know a cure?"
"Maybe, will you leave Brianna alone if I tell you?" Ranma offered.
Hanzo seemed to ponder the proposal, "This is the same magic that turned you into a girl? How come you haven't turned back then if it works?"
"I fell into the spring of drowned girl. There is a spring of drowned boy there that might reverse it. I'd been meaning to go back but life happens you know?"
"Fine, tell me where I can find this spring and I will let her leave in peace. But mark my words, if you have lied to me then I will make you suffer. You will be begging to die before I kill you." Hanzo threatened.
Ranma shrugged, she heard worse from Ryouga. "It's on the Earth Realm in the Bankahla Mountain Range in a country called China. There is a guide there who should be able to show you which spring is the spring of drowned boy."
Hanzo narrowed her eyes and stared at Ranma as if to find any trace of deceit before suddenly strapping her sword to her back and heading off at a hard run.
Brianna blinked a couple of times at the sight of Hanzo leaving at full speed then turned to Ranma.
"So you used to be a guy too? Must be an interesting story."
"Aheh, yeah, I guess I owe you an explanation. But why was that girl trying to kidnap you?" Ranma asked from where she was tying up the thugs to bring them to the jail.
"I'm not sure. I know he was working with Gnolia, mom's old rival... OH NO! The opening ceremonies! I completely forgot! They were going to use me to get to my mom. Come on we got to get to the arena."
At this point some of the other city guard had shown up and Ranma gave them a brief rundown of what had happened. She asked one of the other women on the guard to see about getting the packages back to her room at the inn as Brianna grabbed Ranma's hand and took off towards the arena.
* * * * * * * * * * Author's Rant:
I thought I had a good idea but somehow my plot decided to leave. This is why I need to write these ideas down as soon as I get them. I've got enough material for two to three chapters but I fear I don't have any real story. Oh, well... maybe inspiration will strike (yeah and maybe Kuno will buy a clue)