DARKNESS RETURNS
Chapter 10
Marsha Wilson had been a flight attendant for nearly six years, and in that time she had met all sorts of people. Most were quiet and understanding, although far too many were unreasonable jerks. Every once in a while, though, you met someone who made it all worth while, and 32A and 32B fell into that category. 32A, that is Kasumi, was a joy. She quieted children, helped people in and out their seats and hummed a quiet lullaby that had put the entire cabin to sleep when they needed it most to fight jetlag.
But what was special as far as Marsha was concerned was the sheer happiness that radiated off the young woman. In the long flight from Japan, Marsha had found out that Kasumi was finally going to college after a two year wait to take care of her family and that she was joining her boyfriend in Jump City. Even the grumpiest of travelers basked in her glow.
Her beauty was plain to see in spite of the rather unflattering clothes she wore. The red blouse and black pants really didn't suit Kasumi, but the younger girl insisted she had to wear them when flying.
32B was an entirely different kettle of fish. Mrs. Saotome was calm and dignified and the politest person Marsha had ever met. The American stewardess envied the beautiful kimono and the elegance of the woman wearing it. Marsha thought she detected a hint of worry and sadness in the older woman's eyes, but not once did the Japanese beauty have a harsh word for anyone.
As Marsha walked along the aisle, rousing passengers and making sure all was in order for landing, Kasumi asked, "Will we be landing soon Marsha-san?"
"We're on our final approach now, the captain will be announcing it any minute. Do you have someone meeting you?"
"Oh, yes, my sister Nabiki and Victor said they would meet us."
"Well, I wish you both luck and hope you enjoy Jump City. It's a beautiful town."
For most of her life, ever since her growth spurt, Kasumi had been used to being tall. It was one of the reasons why she was so lady-like, to compensate for her unfashionable height. So it was a quite a shock to realize that in America, she was barely middling height. There were women a head taller then her, something she had never encountered before. Now she knew what Ranma-chan felt like.
This all came to Kasumi as she and Nodoka Saotome tried to find the people meeting them and for the first time in her adult life, Kasumi couldn't see over the heads of most of the people around her. Luckily, Nabiki had anticipated this and the two women caught sight of a large sign held above crowd with her name in Japanese characters. The eldest Tendo couldn't help but smile as she noticed the metallic gleam of the arms holding the sign.
Making her way through the bustling streams of people, Kasumi led Nodoka towards the sign. Catching sight of Nabiki in her trademark shorts and t-shirt, the usually reserved Kasumi leapt into her sister's arms. The middle Tendo was laughing and crying a little.
"Kas-chan, it's so good to see you!" Nabiki exclaimed and then laughed a little harder. "Wearing your flying outfit I see."
"Of course," Kasumi replied huskily. Turning shy eyes towards her sister's companion, the eldest Tendo laid a gentle hand on Cyborg's forearm. "Thank you for meeting me Victor. It's very good to see you." The big man blushed as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Y- yeah me too, Kasumi. Your English has gotten really good."
"I've been studying. Oh! Where are my manners?" Kasumi bowed to the auburn-haired woman patiently waiting a few steps from the reunion. "Victor, Nabiki, this is Nodoka Saotome. She very kindly consented to travel with me to put Father more at ease. Auntie, this is my sister Nabiki and my very good friend Victor." Both teens bowed to the older woman. Nodoka smiled at Kasumi possessive little hand clinging to the impressive boy's arm.
"Thank you, Kasumi-chan has told me so much about all of you and your heroics. You honor your heritage Nabiki-chan."
"Saotome? Are you related to Ranma by any chance?" Nabiki asked.
"Oh yes. I'm his mother you see." Both Titans looked stunned.
"I- I'm glad to see that Ranma was right when he figured out that Genma was lying about your passing away," Nabiki said. Her eyes narrowed. "Of course the old panda wouldn't want you in Ranma's life. It would weaken his control over Ranma." Cyborg nodded.
"The Ran-man's dad is a piece of work. Still, I can see it, you look a lot like Ranma," Cyborg said. "You should be really proud of your son, Mrs. Saotome, he's a great Titan."
"Are you friends with Ranma then Victor-kun?" Nodoka asked avidly.
"Oh yeah, I just wished he liked video games more, but the Ran-man, er, Ranma really likes working with his hands and helps me out in the shop. Took me a while to get used to his girl half, but with those little hands and her strength, she's great working around engines." Nodoka frowned in severe disapproval. "Uh, did I same something wrong?"
"Auntie, I explained that Ranma had been cursed just like his father," Kasumi interjected. The older woman still looked unhappy.
"But it is not manly to be a girl. Ranma really shouldn't use his cursed form."
"Perhaps we can continue this discussion at the Tower in less public surroundings?" Nabiki suggested quietly. The now subdued group carried Kasumi's and Nodoka's luggage to the T-car.
Once the trip to the Tower started, however, spirits began reviving. Sitting up front with Cyborg, Kasumi basked in Nodoka's astonishment on discovering the big man's talents.
"This- this is amazing, Victor-kun! You built this car? I can't believe it! You're not even twenty and you can do such things? Kasumi is a lucky girl." The two teens in the front seats blushed and Cyborg shook his head.
"I'm the lucky one, Mrs. Saotome. Most girls can't get past the…" Cyborg trailed off, gesturing vaguely at the robotic half of his face. Kasumi frowned slightly.
"Nonsense, Victor. I think you look quite dashing. And you've never objected to how plain I am." Cyborg shook his head as Nodoka rolled her eyes.
"Kasumi-chan, you are a very beautiful young woman."
"Oh, don't worry Auntie, you don't have to try to make me feel better, I don't mind how I look, really."
"Give it up, Saotome-san, if Akane and I couldn't convince her how good-looking she is, you don't have a prayer," Nabiki whispered.
"So tell me about your latest projects, Victor. I've been studying electronics, perhaps I could help?" The remaining short drive was dominated by Cyborg as he monologued about what he was working on. The two women in the rear seat just smiled at Kasumi's animation.
All conversation ceased as the metal-clad Titan expertly drove the T-Car down a long tunnel and into the Tower's basement. Nodoka's anxiety, temporarily forgotten in her amazement at the T-Car and the Tower, returned full force. Cyborg led them to an elevator and the Top Room, Kasumi beaming as she took his arm. Nabiki noticed her older sister's happiness was marred by something as Kasumi looked back at the older Saotome with concern.
The Top Room was decorated in a festive manner, a large banner hanging above the view screen reading 'Welcome Kasumi'. As Nabiki hung back, Cyborg guided the two Japanese women to the three costumed Titans and the diffident blonde in the room. With a shriek of glee, Starfire launched herself towards Kasumi, embracing her in a fierce hug.
"Kasumi-chan, I am very happy to see you and such glorious news! You can follow your dreams. Cyborg has been talking of nothing else for weeks!" Tara rubbed her arms in sympathy and smiled, extending a hand.
"Hi, I'm Tara. I thought you could use a hand with Starfire's hug. They can get pretty extreme." The alien blushed as she released the older Japanese girl.
"Not at all, Tara-san, I'm always glad to see my friends," Kasumi replied sweetly as Starfire beamed. "Beast Boy, I'm happy to see you. Victor wrote me that Tara-san is your girl friend?" The question reduced the green Titan to dithering silence. Kasumi frowned and she turned to Tara. "If he starts dancing whenever he's near you, I shall be cross."
"Nah, Gar's all right," Tara assured her. "Better than all right."
"Robin-sama, thank you so much," Kasumi said, bowing to the Titan leader. "For everything." The Boy Wonder smiled.
"It was my pleasure, Kasumi. Did you have a good flight?" Kasumi nodded. "And who is this?"
"Oh my! I seem to have misplaced my manners today. Robin-sama, Titans, Tara-san, this is Nodoka Saotome, Ranma's mother. Auntie Nodoka, these are the Teen Titans, Robin-sama, Beast Boy and Starfire. Tara is not a member?"
"She is, but is currently not going on missions," Robin replied evenly. "Ranma's mother? Welcome to the Tower." The older woman bowed gracefully.
"Where is Ranma-kun?" Kasumi wondered, a little hurt creeping into her voice.
"Oh, she's watching over stuff for Cyborg. The two of them have been cooking up a feast for your arrival," Tara assured her, hugging Beast Boy's arm. "It's good to know at least one girl on this team isn't a disaster in the kitchen."
"Girl?" Nodoka asked in a steely tone.
"I explained to you about Ranma's curse Auntie." Kasumi said quickly. Nodoka's frown deepened.
"I understand, but why-"
"Yo, Nabs, you back?" a soprano bellow interrupted from the kitchen. "How about giving your cute fiancée a hand here?" Nabiki closed her eyes but grinned a second later. The pale girl floated into the kitchen and a few seconds later emerged levitating ten trays of food. Close on her heels, a tiny redhead came out balancing six trays. Sliding them on the tables, Ranma immediately jumped over to Kasumi, embracing the taller girl.
"Kas-chan, it's great to see you! Still wearing your flying outfit I see." Kasumi blushed, but smiled. "And who's this? Hi, I'm Ranma Saotome."
"I am Nodoka Saotome," the older woman replied coldly. "Your mother, although I was sure I had given birth to a son." Ranma gaped at the woman and looked at Kasumi who nodded. Tears springing up in her eyes, the redhead moved to hug her mother.
"Mom? I thought you were dead. Pop always- well, that doesn't matter, I can't tell how happy I am to see you," her voice breaking on the last word.
"Ranma!" Nodoka shouted. "Stop this disgusting, unmanly display at once!" The redhead froze. She looked as if she had been slapped, while the other teens were stunned. Kasumi only appeared sad.
"M- mom?"
"Why are you in your cursed form? It's unmanly to remain a girl any longer than you have to. Go change at once!" Her expression going from stunned to sad, Ranma morphed back to male. Nodoka's expression hardened even further.
"I was given to understand that hot water was required for the change?" the older Saotome asked Kasumi. The younger girl washed her hands in anxiety.
"Ranma's learned to control his change, Saotome-san. He can be a girl or a boy as he chooses," Nabiki explained. Nodoka's face was filled with bitter disappointment.
"So, you can control your curse but still turn into a girl when the mood suits you. Ranma, words cannot describe how much you have shamed and disappointed your mother. I thought with the example of your father, you'd still be a man amongst men, even with this horrible curse, but clearly I was wrong." The older woman seemed to come to a decision. "Pack your things. We are returning to Japan at once, so you can regain your honor."
"What do you mean, Mom?" Ranma asked quietly. Nabiki put a comforting arm around his waist as Nodoka produced a worn piece of paper.
"This was a contract signed by both Genma and Ranma before they set out on their training. Genma promised that he would make Ranma a man among men or they would both commit seppuku." Robin and Starfire paled as the other Titans looked at Starfire. Robin took the paper from the older woman and Nabiki moved around to read over his shoulder, translating for the Titan leader.
"Seppuku is ritual suicide," Starfire explained. "This, this woman intends for Ranma to kill himself." Cyborg, Beast Boy and Tara stared aghast at Nodoka who seemed not to notice their reaction.
"I don't see Ranma's signature, ma'am," Robin said evenly. Nodoka sniffed.
"Of course not, he was too young. His father assumed the obligation for him and Ranma put his hand print on the paper. It's quite binding."
"How old was Ranma?" Robin asked in the same quiet, dangerous voice.
"I hardly see why that is any of your concern young man. Ranma, why are you not packing? Go."
"Seeing as I'm his fiancée, it concerns me, Saotome-san," Nabiki said as the room darkened. "How old was Ranma?"
"I believe he was three," Nodoka replied airily. "It really doesn't matter, the contract could have been written before he was born and it would be just as binding since Genma agreed to it."
"And I assume you want to take Ranma back to Japan so that he can commit seppuku to regain his honor."
"Of course," Nodoka agreed, with a hint of uncertainty creeping into her voice. The room was now dimly lit and Nabiki's eyes were flashing white. Instinctively the other Titans remained silent as Nabiki struggled with her emotions.
"And what exactly is a man among men, Saotome?" Nodoka bristled at the lack of an honorific. "It's not defined anywhere in this piece of crap contract. So what do you mean by a man among men?"
"A man among men is manly, he has many girls seeking his hand and he can handle them all," Nodoka answered, a little troubled.
"So a man among men is a perverted creep who strings women along." Nabiki summed up. Nodoka made no reply. "Tell you what Saotome, I'll make this easy on you. Robin, Beast Boy, Cyborg, could you please stand over by Ranma. Thanks. There you go, Saotome-san, Ranma is a man among men. Contract satisfied."
"Don't mock me girl-"
"Please stop it." Everyone turned to look at Kasumi. "Nabiki-chan, don't mock Saotome-san. I know you're very modern, but that's disrespectful. Auntie, I thought you agreed to give Ranma-kun a chance."
"Ranma flaunts his girl-curse. How can that be manly?" Nodoka protested. "I won't repeat myself, Ranma. Go pack at…" The older woman trailed off as she noticed the heartbreak on her son's face. Nabiki hugged him for comfort.
"Do you know Saotome-san, of all the Titans, Ranma is the only one whose mother is still living in this plane? I would have thought that was a good thing. I don't understand what you're thinking, but for Ranma's sake, I'm willing to play the game," Nabiki said, eyes still flashing. "You say a man among men should have many girls after him. Ranma certainly qualifies on that score. I went so far as to fight a duel to free him from one of the engagements your husband foisted on Ranma. He didn't 'handle' them, he did something far harder, he resisted them and preserved their honor."
"Ranma has helped save thousands of lives," Robin put in. "He, or she as the case may be, has never flinched from putting her life on the line to save innocent people."
"When I was out of control, Ranma and Nabiki stood with me in the heart of volcano, helped me stop it and saved my life," Tara said. Starfire drifted over to the couple and added her embrace.
"My dear friend Ranma is Gnepnord Silmpalast, one whose spirit encompasses both male and female. It is a great honor, please do not reject Ranma because of this."
"Rimi, er Ranma did something no one else ever has, she's mastered the powers from Jusenkyo. That alone should tell you all you need to know about Ranma."
"Mrs. Saotome, look at me. I'm half robot. I didn't ask for it even though it saved my life and I think I've done a lot of good. I've tried not to ignore what's happened to me, I've made improvements, worked to better my mechanical half. I don't think that's made me any less of a man. The Ran-man's done the same thing. He could have quit, given up because he would lose his manhood when he was splashed with cold water. Instead he overcame it, embraced it and made something great out of it." Kasumi's eyes were shining as she hugged Cyborg's arm. Nodoka studied the metal-clad Titan for a minute.
"Do you have anything to say, my son?" the older woman asked in a far more civilized tone than she had been employing.
"I'm sorry you're disappointed in me Momma. Pops never told me anything about no contract. Heck, he always hinted you were dead," Ranma said miserably. "I thought I was doing the best I could." The room fell silent as Nodoka studied her child. Starfire and Nabiki were still hugging him, the older woman noted with approval. Nodoka was the first to speak.
"You've given me much to think about," the Saotome matriarch said, bowing to the group. "I need to pondor this, I was much too hasty. Please forgive me my son, for words said in the heat of the moment."
"That's okay Momma. It takes everybody a while to get used to me changing, even Nabiki and she likes it that I change."
"Does she?" Nodoka asked, eyes gleaming, studying the middle Tendo. The older woman bowed again. "In any case, it was inexcusably rude for me to bring up my own concerns before a celebration of Kasumi's arrival. I apologize Kasumi-chan, for spoiling your day. Even if I was totally in the right, I should not have put myself forward."
"That's all right Auntie. Why don't we just settle down and enjoy the hospitality the Titans have offered us? Oh my, did you prepare all this, Victor?" Kasumi asked with brittle cheer.
"No, it is all right Kasumi-chan. I need to meditate and center myself. I think I have been too narrow in my thinking. I realize it is a bother, but could you take to an inexpensive hotel?"
"I'd be happy to, Mrs. Saotome," Cyborg offered. "Now don't y'all start eating without me, okay?"
"May I come as well?" Kasumi asked meekly.
"Of course, Kasumi-chan. Thank you Victor-san. I will talk to you again my son, please forgive an old woman set in her ways." To Ranma's obvious delight, Nodoka hugged him.
"Old? You?" the pigtailed boy asked in obvious bafflement. Nodoka colored slightly at the indirect but sincere compliment. Bowing a third time, Nodoka along with Cyborg and Kasumi took their leave.
"Well, that could have gone worse," Nabiki observed. "Don't worry, Ranma, I think she'll come around." The pigtailed boy nodded.
"So does this mean we're calling off the party?"
"BEAST BOY!" the room chorused.
After Cyborg and Kasumi returned, at the latter's insistence the get-together went forward. Too subdued for a party, it still broke the ice and allowed the Titans to get to know Kasumi better. Tara was particularly taken with the dignified Japanese girl. After eating though, the gathering broke up and Kasumi found herself on the roof with Cyborg, watching the sun set.
"Kasumi, are you okay?" Cyborg asked, concern plain in his voice. The eldest Tendo daughter sighed.
"No Victor, I'm not. I thought I had prepared Auntie Saotome for this meeting and clearly I failed. I knew about the contract after I found it among Uncle Saotome's things when he was panicking about Auntie Saotome coming to the dojo. But I was so sure she would see Ranma for the fine young man and young woman he is. I was hoping this would make Ranma happy, not add to his burdens. I really should apologize to him."
"Look, you've known Ranma a lot longer than I have, but he ain't that kind of guy. You were trying to reunite him with his mom, I'm sure he knows that."
"Oh I know he won't blame me," Kasumi agreed sadly. "But I still feel bad."
"Knowing the Ran-man, he probably feels bad about your party being spoiled. Why don't you go talk to him?"
"I think I will. Thank you Victor, you're always looking out for me." The brunette bit her lip and then greatly daring, stood on tip toes and kissed Cyborg's cheek. "Could you guide me, Victor?" she asked, grabbing an arm.
"Um, sure," Cyborg said sheepishly but with a big smile. The couple set off back into the Tower. Ranma wasn't in his room, but Cyborg directed the search to Raven's room where they found a 'Do Not Disturb, Meditating' sign posted on the door. Kasumi dithered for a minute until Raven's voice sounded from within,
"Come on in, sis, we were kind of expecting you."
The eldest Tendo opened the door with Cyborg peering in around the frame. Ranma, Raven and Starfire were floating three feet above the floor around a large crystal ball. The first two girls had their eyes closed, but Raven was looking at the door.
"Hey Kasumi, what can I do for you?" the indigo-haired girl asked. The older girl twiddled her fingers.
"I'd like to talk to Ranma and apologize."
"What for, Kasumi-chan?" the redhead asked without opening her eyes.
"Well, I was the one who told your mother about your transformation even though I knew about the contract. I thought I had prepared her, but I failed," the brunette finished with a slight sob. Ranma opened her eyes and got her feet under her. Putting her hands on Kasumi's shoulders, Ranma gave her a little shake.
"You did the best thing you could, Kasumi. At least it didn't catch Mom out of the blue. No one is ever really prepared to accept a Jusenkyo curse until they see it. You did good Kasumi and I should have told you that instead of letting you get all worked up."
"B- but her reaction…"
"Given how traditional she seems, I was pleased that she at least backed down at the end," Raven said. "I mean the woman wore a full-bore kimono on a trans-Pacific flight. That's dedication."
"Besides, I do not think she truly wishes for Ranma to pass from this world," Starfire put in. "I think she will accept Ranma for who she is."
"Yeah, she did seem to be coming around before she left, didn't she?" Ranma mused. Kasumi looked hopeful.
"Do you really think so?"
"I got hope, Kasumi-chan. Mom doesn't seem nearly as unreasonable as-" A klaxon cut off the redhead and Robin's message finished job.
"Titans, trouble! Report to the monitor area!"
In a few minutes, all of the Titans and Kasumi arrived in the Top Room. The latter was cooing over Typhoon's costume. "Ranma, you look so dashing in that outfit. And it's so clever!"
"Um thanks, Kasumi, but when I'm dressed like this, could you call me Typhoon?"
"Oh my! Just like Nabiki and Raven?"
"Fashion show's over," Robin cut in, all business. "We have a break-in that tripped a silent alarm in the Wells Fargo Bank. They've just received a large shipment of gold, probably what the thieves are after. Titans, move out! Kasumi, stay here, you should be safe."
"Of course, Robin-sama."
Ryoga grimaced before taking a deep breath, centering himself. He knew the trick now of not getting lost, or least greatly diminishing the chances. Stay calm, stay focused, don't get distracted by anger, frustration or depression, and he could navigate fairly well.
Instead, he had been blindsided by nervousness at the thought of facing Ranma. Would the pigtailed boy be willing to let bygones be bygones? Could they be friends? Lost in his concerns, Ryoga found himself lost in reality.
Looking around, he quickly figured out he was in a bank. It was not the first time he had wandered into one, a few times ending up in the locked vault. Man, bankers really got angry when they opened up in the morning and saw you camped out inside. They got even madder if you busted out of their vault, so he generally stayed put.
Such familiarity made the open vault door a glaring anomaly. Banks always locked their safes after closing time. The soft light spilling out the opening and the voices told the fanged boy pretty much what was going on. He hoped he was wrong and they were doing a late night audit, but he doubted it. Ryoga peered into the vault.
Closest to the fanged boy, a large boy was straining at an enormous pallet of gold bullion. The large boy revealed a set of fangs that might have made him family. A slender girl wandered by, grinning delightedly at the large diamond necklace she was examining. Her dark pink hair screamed Amazon or dye job. Ryoga blinked as a small, bald boy flew between the two.
"Come on you snot munchers, we don't have all night," the smaller boy said.
"Yeah, well I don't see you moving this gold," the larger boy growled, groaning as he tried to lift the pallet.
"So what are you guys doing?" A quiet voice asked from behind Mammoth.
"What does it look like, we're robbing the bank," the large boy replied sarcastically.
"Hmmm, you better move the gold a few bars at a time. No way can you lift the whole thing," the quiet voice advised.
"Yeah, I think you may be right," Mammoth agreed. "Hey, you think you could give me a hand…" The large boy whirled around. "Who the heck are you?" The rough-hewn Japanese boy bowed.
"Ryoga Hibiki. I'm afraid I can't let you steal this stuff. Nothing personal, you know? So who are you guys?"
"I'm Mammoth, the girl is Jinx and the little guy is Gizmo. You think you can take us by yourself, little man?"
"Got to try," Ryoga said grinning. Mammoth lunged for the lost boy. Ryoga blinked. It was like the larger boy was moving in slow motion. All those fights against Ranma had really improved his speed. Spinning out of the way, Ryoga delivered a tremendous kick to the back of Mammoth's head that sent him crashing into the vault door.
Ripping a half dozen bandana's off his forehead, the lost boy sent them spinning at Gizmo who just stared at the attack. "So what, you want me to wipe my nose or something, booger breath?" the bald genius quipped right before the six bandanna cut into his back pack, totally destroying it. With a yelp Gizmo fell to the floor.
"You're pretty good," Jinx purred. "But let's see how you handle some bad luck!" The girl gestured and waves of pink energy flared from her hands. Ryoga frantically dodged and nothing appeared to happen. Mammoth came charging back into the vault, a water cooler held over his head. Ryoga watched with an expression of mingled outrage and resignation as the large boy threw it at him.
Amazingly, the fanged boy dodged it and the resulting splash, only to bump into a shelf and spill an open can of soda on himself. Ryoga's look of triumph faded to terror as his curse activated. The three H.I.V.E. members watched in shock as their antagonist seemed to melt away.
"What the crud! Who is this guy, the wicked witch of the west?" Gizmo said, climbing to his feet. Mammoth looked worried as he moved over to the pile of clothes and began prodding them.
"I didn't mean to kill the guy," he rumbled.
"Wow, and I thought I had bad luck," Jinx said, walking over to the clothes. She stared fascinated as the pile began to move. A small, black piglet squirmed out. Quick as lightning, Jinx scooped it up. "That is a heck of a weakness," she muttered.
"Frag the pickle-headed snot muncher and let's get going," Gizmo ordered. "He totaled almost all of my equipment." Jinx held the now struggling pig firmly.
"Yes, we're going to leave, but we're bringing the raw bacon with us. Weakness aside he looked like a pretty powerful fighter and the Headmaster might be able to recruit him and help him."
"That's a good idea," Mammoth said, rubbing the back of his head. "He hits harder than Cyborg."
"Yeah, I guess," Gizmo allowed. "The handkerchief trick was pretty good."
"Okay, we're down a third of our fighting power with Gizmo out of action," Jinx said. "Grab some light stuff and let's split. Come on Mister Piggy, you have an appointment with the Headmaster."
The Titans made their best speed towards the Wells Fargo bank without getting separated. Robin had opted for his supped up motorcycle while Starfire flew just above easily keeping pace. The rest of the Titans were riding in the T-Car. There was no conversation until the car's radio crackled to life.
"Hello, Vi- Cyborg, this is the Tower. I have further information for you on the bank break in. Over." The four Titans stared at the receiver then each other. "Cyborg, come in please, this is the Tower. Over."
"Tower, this is Robin. Report on your findings. Over."
"Robin-sama! I have discovered a few things about the bank robbery. There have been no explosions but the sensors read the vault as open. Also, there was a security camera that caught the thieves for a few seconds. The footage looks like at least three people broke in. A large, long-haired muscular man, a small child who is bald and appears to be able to fly and a girl with upswept twin ponytails. No color, I'm afraid. The feed only lasts a few seconds before the child appears with a most unpleasant smile and the picture goes to static. Over"
"Thanks, Tower, that gives me a pretty good idea that the H.I.V.E. is behind this. We've tangled with them before. Over," Robin said. Cyborg finally managed to grab his microphone.
"Kasumi? What the heck are y'all doing?" There was a longish pause.
"Cyborg, you're supposed to say over when you're finished speaking. It's in all the books I've read. As for what I'm doing, I'm trying to help." There was another pause. "Over."
"Cyborg, watch your on air security. Her call sign is the Tower. Now let's move. Robin out."
"B- b- but how did you get our frequency and how did you get the video feed? Um, over?" Cyborg asked plaintively.
"We can discuss that when you return. Good luck Titans. I will call if any more information comes to light. Tower over and out."
As Cyborg gabbled incoherently, Typhoon looked quizzically at Raven. "Since when was Kasumi a techie?" The pale girl shrugged.
"Her studies seem to follow her love life. When it was Tofu, she was into medicine. Now that it's Cy, she reading up on electronics. Kind of fickle."
"Heh, I wonder if the Tomboy will comfort the Doc now that Kasumi's gone," Typhoon mused. These speculations were cut short as they arrived in front of the bank.
The Titans stormed through the building, quickly reaching the partially ransacked vault. Several safety deposit boxes had been torn open, their contents spilled on the floor, but it appeared the gold shipment was intact. Robin tapped his chin staring at the bullion Pulling out his communicator he flipped it open.
"Tower, this Robin. Come in please, over." The Titans stared at their leader. Less then a minute passed, before the communicator came to life.
"This is the Tower, I read you Robin-sama. Over."
"Tower have there been any other emergencies since we left? Over."
"No Robin-sama, it's all quiet. Over."
"Thanks, Tower. Robin out."
"Hey, Robin, what's with all the over and out stuff? We never use that," Beast Boy complained.
"No, but Kasumi seems to want to use proper radio protocol, so I figured, why not."
"Imagine, my big sister wanting to use proper protocol," Raven remarked dryly "So why did you have her check for other emergencies? They usually come in on our comms."
"I just wanted to be sure Raven. It's not like the H.I.V.E. operatives to leave such a big stash, even if they couldn't move it. I would have expected them to still be here like the monkey trying to get the fruit out of a bottle. So my next thought was that this might be a decoy, but that doesn't seem to be true either."
"Hey Robin, it was the H.I.V.E. all right. I found Gizmo's jetpack and battle harness. It's been cut to pieces," Cyborg reported.
"Did you find some tiger-striped bandanas around it, Cy, because I have a pretty good idea what interrupted the H.I.V.E. guys," Typhoon said, fond exasperation in his voice. He held up a tan tunic and drawstring pants. "I'm pretty sure these are Ryoga's clothes and they're wet."
"The pig guy?" asked Beast Boy. "Wait, if they're wet…"
"Yeah, exactly, he must have turned into a pig," Raven finished for him. "Are you sure Typhoon?" Cyborg held out a handful of tiger-striped bandanas. "I guess that answers that question."
"So what do you think happened, Typhoon?" Robin asked.
"Knowing Ryoga, he probably stumbled onto those H.I.V.E. guys while they were trying to steal the gold. Ryoga may have problems with destroying stuff, but that's because he gets frustrated. Like a lot of martial artists, he hates stealing, so he probably tried to stop them. Do you know their powers?"
"They have a super-strong guy who's kind of slow, names Mammoth and a little punk tech geek called Gizmo," Raven enumerated, counting off on her fingers. "That's his gear that got trashed."
"That doesn't sound like anything Pig Boy couldn't handle. Anybody else?"
"Yeah, a girl named Jinx," Beast Boy replied. Typhoon groaned.
"Is she pretty?"
"If you like that sort," Raven sniffed.
"What's her power?"
"Um, she can give you bad luck," Beast Boy muttered.
"Are you kidding me?" Typhoon yelled. "A pretty girl who brings you bad luck? If Ryoga didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck at all. Oh man, she's like Ryoga kryptonite!"
"So you think the H.I.V.E. operatives took Ryoga?" Robin asked. "That really isn't their normal SOP."
"I spotted his backpack and Pig Boy never goes anywhere without it. I've seen him drag it miles as a pig," Typhoon said. Raven looked thoughtful.
"Maybe they want to recruit him? Ryoga is really strong and tough and a pretty good martial artist. If the H.I.V.E. had some way of curing his curse, it'd give them a lot of leverage."
"I guess," Typhoon muttered.
"For now, let's head back to the Tower. We can take Ryoga's pack with us and return it to him if her turns up," Robin decided.
"I hope the stupid pig is all right." Typhoon muttered, unconsciously switching to female.
The returning Titans found Kasumi in the Top Room sitting next to the SysOp terminal and reading a book on electronics. The room had been cleaned thoroughly and sparkled in the overhead lighting. A selection of snacks waited on the sideboard. The eldest Tendo looked up with a smile on her face.
"Welcome home everyone. No trouble at the bank, I hope?"
"Uh, no, well maybe a little bit," Typhoon replied, looking at the snacks. "Ryoga may have been kidnapped, but you know him, he just might be lost." Kasumi followed the redhead's gaze.
"Oh! I made some snacks, I thought you might be hungry after your outing. And I hope you don't mind, I cleaned up a little."
"Cleaned up a little?" Robin repeated in awe. "The room didn't look this good when it was new!"
"Anyway Kasumi, I still want to know how you got into the main computer and how you knew how to contact us," Cyborg insisted, scowling slightly.
"Well, Victor, as for how I could contact you, you do know you leave your communication equipment tuned to your frequency?" Kasumi said gently. The other five Titans looked at their tech expert.
"Oh, well, um, yeah, of course."
"As for the computer, I'm afraid you left it logged in when you left. Really Victor, I know you were in a hurry, but that is not proper security procedures. In all the books I've read, they stressed that a security routine is only as the good as the people practicing it," Kasumi finished with a slight frown.
"Yeah, um, sorry," the metal-clad teen muttered. Kasumi's bright smile absolved him.
"No harm done, I was here to look after things, Victor. That even experts like yourself can make mistakes is a lesson to a novice like myself. I hope I was of some use, Robin-sama?"
"First of all, you were great, Kasumi, but please forget about the sama thing. I'm just Robin. Secondly, well, I was wondering if you'd like to work for the Teen Titans as our emergency dispatcher and coordinator?" There was a collective 'huh' from the other Titans. Beast Boy was the first to recover.
"So you're asking Kasumi to join the Titans to help us out? What about Terra?"
"Tara is a Titan, Beast Boy," Robin replied calmly. "But I was very impressed with how well Kasumi performed as our link here in the Tower. That's not something Tara is really good at. Kasumi, you wouldn't have to live in the Tower, but when things get crazy, we could use a steady voice helping us coordinate action." The Titan leader looked at his team. "Anyone have any objections?"
"I think my big sister would be a perfect choice for what you're proposing, Robin. Would we reveal our identities to her?"
"Well, I think y'all just want my girl to make snacks for you, but I'm okay with it."
"Then it's unanimous," Robin said, seeing the other Titans' nods. "Would you accept, Kasumi? As for secret identities, well, yes I guess we would."
"I would be honored, Robin-sa-, Robin," Kasumi said with shining eyes. "I'll study hard."
"One stipulation sis," Raven drawled. "You have to promise not to become the Titans' housekeeper. I don't want you to fall into the same rut you were in, in Nerima. Okay? I want you to enjoy college."
"Well, as long as I get to cook for you occasionally, it's a deal little sister." The two sisters solemnly shook hands. Starfire engulfed both of them in a hug.
"Welcome to the Titans!"
The three H.I.V.E. agents stood in a semicircle around the Headmaster's desk, Jinx a little closer to him then Gizmo or Mammoth. The Headmaster himself was in artfully crafted shadows in the otherwise brightly lit room. He stroked his goatee as he contemplated his errant operatives. When he spoke all three teens gave a start.
"So you return with a few baubles and a small pig in lieu of the gold you were tasked to bring back. While it is true I do indulge in the occasional late night snack, I don't find the piglet an acceptable substitute."
"Headmaster this is no ordinary pig," Jinx began.
"What, a pig this good you don't eat all at once?"
"Uh, no Headmaster, this oinker is really a guy and he was giving us some trouble until he turned into a pig," Mammoth explained.
"Not much of a superpower," the saturnine man remarked.
"No Headmaster, I think that's his weakness," Jinx said, frustration in her voice. "He was quite a good fighter before the change. I thought if you could do something about that, he may make a valuable additional to the school."
"I see," said the Headmaster. "And what do you think, Gizmo?"
"The belch sniffing peanut brain trashed most of my gear. I say we have bacon for breakfast tomorrow."
"Hmmm," the older man pondered, examining the pig. "Do you retain human intelligence?" The pig nodded. "Extraordinary. Can you change back?" The pig nodded and began looking about the room. "Ah, but you need something in order to change." Suddenly, the small pig leaped onto the Headmaster's desk and in one smooth motion flipped a steaming cup of coffee onto himself. The now human Ryoga rolled behind the desk. A moment later the upper half of his body appeared.
"Um sorry about that, but I'm uh, you know, not wearing any clothes, on account of, you know, pigs not wearing any." The three males nodded while Jinx stared at him, a trace of drool marring her chin.
"Not at all dear boy," Headmaster assured him. Switching on his intercom, the older man said, "Doris, I need a large sweat suit in here. Thank you." He turned his attention back to Ryoga. "So, what powers do you have?"
"Um, none really. I'm a pretty good martial artist and I guess I'm pretty strong. Oh, I can destroy stone with a touch. Learned that from a Chinese Amazon."
"What about those crud eating handkerchiefs of doom?" Gizmo growled.
"Huh, oh that's just the Iron Cloth technique applied to my bandanas," Ryoga explained, rubbing the back of his head. The conversation was interrupted as a middle-aged woman entered the office, deposited a plastic bag on the desk, nodded to the Headmaster and left. A few seconds later, Ryoga was clothed.
"Well now, I would be most interested in seeing what you can do, young man. I am Brother Blood, the headmaster of this academy. Would you be willing to take a run through the testing room?" Ryoga looked uncomfortable.
"Ryoga Hibiki, sir. Um, well, it's just that when I met your students they were robbing a bank. I've done some bad stuff in my life, but I don't steal."
"Robbing a-, oh I understand, I can't blame you for the misunderstanding," Blood said breezily. "As you have probably deduced, the H.I.V.E. Academy is a school for super-powered teens. Its operations are quite expensive and to defray the cost, I hire out my more advanced and gifted students for missions. Jinx and her team were hired by Wells Fargo to test their bank's security. Needless to say, we found a considerable number of weaknesses."
"Really? Well that's okay," Ryoga said, relieved. "In that case, I'd be happy to show you what I can do."
Brother Blood looked out at the arena-like testing ground, clearly impressed. Mammoth was awestruck and even Gizmo was grudgingly admitting the fanged boy was adequate. Jinx was fascinated.
Ryoga had torn through the tests, demonstrating his various special techniques as well as his prodigious strength and martial arts skills. The Headmaster estimated that the fanged boy was nearly as strong and as tough as Mammoth and far more skilled. The Academy could indeed use such a prized pupil.
Finally done after the half an hour workout, Ryoga ambled back to his waiting audience. Jinx gave him a scorching smile that had the lost boy blushing. Blood noticed only a faint sheen of sweat on the boy, who was breathing evenly. Extraordinary endurance was added to the list.
"That was impressive, Mister Hibiki. I think I would be more than justified in offering you a place at the H.I.V.E.," Blood said smoothly. "I do have a few questions, though. First, turning into a pig…"
"Yeah, heh heh. It's a curse I picked up in China. Cold water turns me into a pig, while hot water restores me. It's kind of a stupid story, but I was chasing a guy after I was four days late for a duel and I blamed him for running away." Ryoga snorted. "When you're four hours late, people don't wait for you. This guy waited for three days before his father dragged him off."
"Anyway, the guy I was chasing got cursed by his father as I arrived by the cliffs over Jusenkyo," Ryoga continued. "He was cursed to turn into a girl, and was chasing his old man around the Pools and accidently knocked me in." Mammoth and Gizmo snickered. "What's so funny?"
"I thought a pig was bad, but a girl?" Mammoth said. Ryoga grinned unpleasantly.
"I hope you get a chance to meet Ranma and tell him that. You think I'm fast. Ranma makes me look like I'm stuck in cement." The three younger H.I.V.E. members gaped at the fanged boy. "Especially in girl form. Of all the Jusenkyo victims he's made it work for him the best."
"So these Pools of Jusenkyo have the ability to curse people with different forms. Is there any cure that you know of?" Blood asked. Ryoga shrugged.
"Water from the Pool of Drowned Man or Drowned Girl might work, but it's tricky. The magic seems to have a mind of its own."
"I see," mused Blood. "This bears investigation, but for now, you're welcome at the Academy. One last question, Mr. Hibiki. How did you come to be in the bank so late at night?"
"Uh, well, you see sir, I have a very bad sense of direction. That's why I was so late to the duel. I've discovered I can avoid getting lost if I remain calm, but I was nervous about meeting Ranma to bury the hatchet and well, I ended up in the bank."
"The doors were locked behind us, we made sure," Jinx said, smiling at Ryoga again.
"Yeah, well, I have to tell you, I've ended up inside bank vaults with the safe door closed. Heck I've come out of doors of airplane bathrooms while they were in flight."
"How is that possible?" Blood wondered. Ryoga shrugged helplessly. "I wonder if you don't have a super power, well another super power I suppose, and just don't know how to control it. In any case, you must be tired. Jinx, why don't you show Mr. Hibiki to one of the guest rooms? I'll have clothes ready for you in the morning."
"Thank you sir," Ryoga said and looked at Jinx. Her predatory smile made him blush. The pink haired girl took him by the arm and led him away. Mammoth and Gizmo watched them go, shaking their heads.
Once the two teens were out of earshot, Jinx cuddled up to Ryoga, delighting in the rock-hard muscles of his arm. "So you were going to see this old enemy when you got sidetracked?"
"Y- yeah. I've been feuding with Ranma for a long time and I think we're both tired of it. At first we were fighting because of him getting me cursed and running out on our duel. After a while though, we started fighting over a girl."
"A girl, huh," Jinx said coquettishly. "Is she prettier than me?"
"Um, I, uh, heh, heh, heh. You know I um," Ryoga stuttered, sweating. Jinx giggled.
"Sorry, I know that's not a fair question. So what happened?" Ryoga took several deep breaths to recover.
"Well, it started when Ranma was engaged to Akane, the girl we fought over. It was an arranged marriage and neither of them liked it very much. Ranma treated Akane terribly and to be honest, Akane was just as bad. Anyway, after I found Ranma again, I fell in love with Akane."
"The estranged fiancée of your big enemy. That was awfully convenient," Jinx observed.
"Yeah, the same thought has occurred to me since I calmed down. You remember how I said I'd done some bad things in life. The worst was pretending to be Akane's pet pig. Akane adopted me and would take to her room and tell me all her secrets, which I used against Ranma. When she found out, she threw us both out."
"Okay I can understand why she'd be mad at you, but why Ranma?"
"Ranma knew about my curse but kept it secret, out of guilt for having cursed me in the first place," Ryoga told her.
"Wow, he doesn't sound like much of an enemy."
"I know, that's why I want to talk to him. We were kind of friends once, maybe we can be again." Ryoga paused. "Um, that's a lot more than I've told anyone else, but thanks for listening Jinx, you're really easy to talk to."
"Don't mention it," the pink haired girl replied airily. "You've had a lot of bad luck in your life, trust me, I know how that feels."
"Your powers?"
"Yeah. I mostly give other people bad luck, but that's enough. Who wants to hang around a bad luck charm like me?'
"I- I wouldn't mind. I figure you couldn't make my luck much worse," Ryoga said with a smile and this time Jinx blushed slightly.
"Anyway, here's your room, handsome. The Headmaster was really impressed with you. Maybe he'll put you on my team. That would be great! So, um, good night Ryoga."
"Good night Jinx." After the door closed, Ryoga stared at it sadly. He peeled off his sweat shirt and lay down on the bed. Right before turning off the light, he muttered, "That wasn't a security test." As he closed his eyes he said even more softly, "Don't worry Jinx, I'll help you."
Nodoka Saotome glided along the main hallway of the Jump Megamall looking at the colorful displays, but not really seeing them. From time to time she shook her head and wiped away a tear. As she entered the food court, the Saotome matriarch squared her shoulders. It was well before noon, and since the Cat Café didn't serve breakfast, Nodoka thought the proprietors would have time to answer her questions.
Ignoring the closed sign, Nodoka tried the door and to her relief, it was unlocked. Inside the well-appointed restaurant, a lone figure was mopping the floor with the chairs up on the tables. The long-haired boy looked up, adjusting his glasses. "I'm sorry, we don't open until 11:30."
"Yes, I thought so," Nodoka replied. "I'm here on other business. Nabiki Tendo gave me the direction to this restaurant and told me I need to speak to Cologne. I am Nodoka Saotome," she finished with a bow. The long-haired boy peered at her, hostility plain on his face.
"Any relation to Ranma Saotome?" he asked dropping the mop and stalking towards Nodoka, who held her ground with quiet dignity.
"He's my… son. And you are?" The older woman asked, trying to keep things civil.
"The man your demon son wronged," the boy ground out. "Mousse of the Joketsuzoku. That filth you call a son stole my bride!" To Nodoka's surprise, Mousse dropped bonelessly to the floor to reveal a very short, very old woman glaring at the boy in disgust.
"Please accept my apologies for the rude and threatening behavior of my employee, Ms. Saotome. I'm afraid he labors under the delusion that he owns my great granddaughter. Unfortunately, politics in our home village prevent me from correcting this belief properly." Both women bowed. "Did I hear correctly? You are Son-in-Law's mother?"
"I'm Ranma's mother. Why do you refer to him as Son-in-Law?"
"Ah, old habits and wishful thinking, for the most part," the old woman replied. "I am Cologne of the Joketsuzoku. My great granddaughter Shampoo is trying to marry your son." Smiling at Nodoka's puzzled expression, Cologne pulled down a chair. "Please, sit. I'll make us some tea and I'll tell you the whole story."
After serving tea and some snacks, Cologne related the saga of Ranma's adventures in Nerima. By the end, Nodoka was just shaking her head.
"So let me see if I understand correctly. There were four girls pursuing Ranma, three with honorable claims to his hand, the Tendos. the Kuonjis and the Amazons. A fourth girl was after him but didn't know about his curse and was trying to kill his girl side. There were other girls, but they were dissuaded from continuing pursuit. At least one boy was in love with my son's cursed side, but also didn't know about his curse and wanted to kill his boy side. Have I covered everything?"
"Very cogently, Saotome-san," Cologne said. "In the last few months, the Tendo agreement was switched from the youngest, Akane, to the middle sister Nabiki. Son-in-, sorry, Ranma seems to have bonded with Nabiki. I wonder, how much you know about Nabiki Tendo?"
"I know she has great power, seems to care for my son in both his forms and is a formidable young woman," Nodoka replied, taking a sip of tea. "We seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot when I decided to take Ranma back to Japan to commit seppuku, but I do approve of her, even if she is a little modern for my tastes."
Only centuries of experience allowed Cologne to mask her reaction to the last statement. Her tea didn't even slosh as she took a sip herself. "Tendo-san is very impressive. Why, may I ask, do you want Ranma to kill himself?"
"When Genma took Ranma away on the training trip, he signed a contract in his and Ranma's name that he would make Ranma a man among men or they would both commit seppuku."
"I see. From your earlier statement, I take it you are holding them both to the contract. What exactly do you mean by a man among men, if I may ask?" Cologne probed, still sipping her tea. For the first time since her arrival, Nodoka appeared flustered.
"Well, basically I suppose I wanted Ranma to be brave, honorable and have a lot of women interested in him. Are you all right, Elder?" Nodoka asked with concern as the old woman doubled over in laughter. Cologne waved her away as she wiped tears from her eyes.
"If you were going to have him commit suicide, then it must have been an impossible task you set your husband, Saotome-san. While it is true that Ranma is rather shy and fearful in social situations, he is the bravest warrior I know in combat. I will admit his honor can be flexible, but he forgives his enemies and helps his friends. As for women, I've never met a boy so sought after. And since becoming a Titan, he has only improved."
"But, but he turns into a girl. How can that be manly?"
"Ranma still meets all of the criteria you laid down when she is female. She is brave, honorable and has a lot of women chasing her. I simply don't see the problem. In fact, I would argue by becoming a girl, he's made him self a stronger man. Ranma mastered the power of Jusenkyo. I have never heard of that being done." Nodoka's expression became a good deal happier.
"Do you really think so, Elder?" Cologne nodded.
"Do a little sightseeing around Jump City, see how the Titans are thought of, and then tell me if Ranma is man among men and a woman among women. Remember that his battle name with the Titans is Typhoon."
"Thank you Elder, I think I will follow your advice. I will take my leave of you, I'm sure I have taken up too much of your valuable time. Thank you very much."
"Not at all child, I can see where Ranma gets his character." With a bow, the Saotome matriarch took her leave and walked out into the mall.
After a few minutes, Nodoka came to a small store that catered to Teen Titan memorabilia. In the large windows taking up most of the store front, two posters dominated the display, a matched set of Typhoon in both forms. The
Saotome matriarch noted with interest as a gaggle of teenagers came up to the store. The two boys were riveted by the female Typhoon, while two of the three girls were drooling over the male version.
"I used to think Starfire and Raven were hot. Ooph," the boy grunted as his compatriot elbowed him sharply. "Okay, El, they are hot, but Typhoon, I mean man…"
"I'll agree that Typhoon is the top pick, Ted. Too bad she turns into guy. That's kind of a turn off."
"You mean he turns into a girl, right Elliot?" a blonde girl asked with some asperity, before turning dreamy. "He's cuter than Robin," she sighed.
"Nobody's cuter than Robin, but he is hunkier," the blonde's companion said, a black-haired girl with sharp eyes. "Besides, I think it's cool that he turns into a girl. It gives him perspective on what we girls go through." Ted laughed.
"That's what I was thinking about her, Susan. I bet she'd never trample some poor guy's ego."
"Poor baby," cooed the black-haired Susan. "Doesn't it make you feel so sorry for them, Sarah?"
"You're all nuts," the fifth member of the squad chimed in. "They're brother and sister, anyone can see that."
"Ellen," Sarah said in exasperation, "Lots of people have seen him change. He's been caught on film, eye witnesses and even Robin has mentioned it. You can't tell me it's a hoax." Ellen rolled her eyes.
"Of course not, dimbulb. Hasn't anyone read Captain Marvel? They switch places from an alternate dimensions. That would explain the difference in mass." The brunette brought a hand dramatically to her forehead. "It's so tragic, brother and sister forever together but always apart."
"Sorry, I'm going with Occam's razor on this one sis. The Titans have been fairly upfront that Typhoon changes and why would they hide something like that? It would be great press." Elliot said.
"Besides, it been established that she shows the same damage after switching." Ted pointed out. "Why would that happen if they were swapping bodies?"
"Hmmm, you raise good points kemosabe. My way would make a better story, though."
"Um, excuse me," Nodoka interrupted diffidently. The five teens stared at her. "So you all admire Ran- Typhoon, even though he turns into a girl? Do you think he's manly?"
"Well, sure, ma'am," Elliot replied. "I don't know what you mean by manly, but she's been a great addition to the Titans who were a great team to begin with. Boy or girl, Typhoon kicks butt!" The other four teenagers nodded in agreement.
"I see. Thank you very much, you have helped me a great deal," Nodoka said, bowing. Spotting a particular store a few doors down, she smiled. "Please allow me to treat you all to some ice cream."
A few hours of random wandering had brought Nodoka to a small park. Sitting down on a convenient bench she wistfully watched the children playing, reminding her of happier times with her son. It was no surprise that the children were playing 'Teen Titans', but she was impressed with the structure and costuming. The six children taking the roles of the Titans were all recognizable, including a boy who was mostly green where he hadn't sweated off the makeup.
All of the children were involved, either as foes or Titans save for one well-built boy in a red t-shirt and black pants who knelt beside Nodoka's bench. The Saotome matriarch's eyes warmed with concern. "Are you all right, why aren't you playing? Did you injure yourself?"
Startled, the boy looked up at her. "Huh? Naw, I'm fine, I'm just waiting for my sister to change." Nodoka's puzzlement was obvious and the boy began explaining. "You see Jenny and I always-" A childish soprano interrupted the boy.
"I'm going fast, I'm going fast!" an auburn haired girl yelled out. "Jimmy! You can't move when I'm going fast!" the girl screeched in outrage. Once all the children froze, the girl ran quickly behind the boy in a cape, the seeming leader of the Titan's foes. Cocking her fist, the girl waved to the boy beside Nodoka. "Here's a trick you haven't seen-" The girl froze herself as the boy in red and black ran out, taking her place and mimicking her stance. The girl ran back to stand near Nodoka
"I turn into a boy!" the boy cried. "Everyone can move! Chestnuts!" the boy yelled pistoning his fists in the general direction of the caped boy, who threw himself backwards.
"Great work Typhoon," 'Robin' said. "Let's finish them off. Titans go!"
Nodoka looked at the slightly out of breath girl beside her. "So you and your brother play as Typhoon?"
"Yeah," the girl identified as Jenny said. "It's great, almost everybody has to take turns, but Howie and me always get to be Typhoon 'cause we're twins and my hair is kinda the right color." Jenny scowled. "I just wish it was more redder, like Typhoon's."
"So Typhoon is your favorite? Even though he turns into a girl?"
"She turns into a boy," Jenny corrected primly. "Everybody knows Typhoon is a girl. She just turns into a boy when she needs to get stronger. Anyway, yeah, Howie and me both really like Typhoon even though Howie thinks she's a boy. Howie used to like Robin the best, but now we like Typhoon."
"So why do you like Typhoon?" The auburn haired girl pondered for a moment.
"Well, she's really pretty like Starfire but she gets to be cool like Robin. And she's really brave!"
"What makes you say that?" Nodoka asked.
"Well, she turns into a boy and doesn't get embarrassed or anything. I think I'd die if I had to be a boy." A shout from the playground caught the girl's attention. The battle royale seemed to be over, with the 'Titans' triumphant.
"Yo, Jen, it's almost two, we gotta meet Dad in a little while," Howie called. Jenny waved.
"I have to go", the girl informed Nodoka. "I really like your costume. See ya!" Jenny scampered off with her brother. Nodoka's expression became serene and she turned towards Titan Tower.
The Saotome matriarch stood before the double 'T' kiosk for a while before punching in the number she had been given. She sighed as she recognized the voice coming form the speaker. "Is that you Saotome-san?" Raven asked.
"Yes, Nabiki-chan. If it's not too much trouble, I would like to see my son." Nodoka said with more assurance than she felt.
"Okay, I'll be right out. See you in a few minutes Saotome-san"
Nodoka was silent on the trip over to the Tower and Raven said even less. The older woman was not surprised when the other Titans and Kasumi were clustered protectively around Ranma. She bowed deeply to the group and then knelt before a flustered Raven. Removing a worn piece of paper she presented it to the pale girl.
Raven stared at the contract in her hand and then into her prospective mother-in-law's eyes. "I take it you have found Ranma 'manly', then? And please stand up, Saotome-san."
"I have found that I am as poor a judge as I am a mother," Nodoka said, dry eyed. "I have no idea what the twenty two year old girl who demanded this contract meant, only that her head was full of dreams of glory instead of love for her son. I give it to someone who takes far better care of my child than I."
"Mom," croaked Ranma. "You- you're not disappointed in me?" Nodoka embraced her son.
"No, Ranma, I'm afraid I should worry about you being disappointed in me."
"Nah, it's cool Mom. The transformation messes with everybody's head. I'm just want to get to know you again." Neither Saotome noticed as the contract disintegrated in a burst of black energy.
"I would like very much to get to know my son." Nodoka took in a deep breath. "And also m- my beautiful daughter."
"I think I'd like that Mom."
"Oh, I have a glorious idea!" Starfire caroled. "We females may all go down to the Mall of Shopping and partake of the bonding, yes?"
"If that would be all right with Ranma," Nodoka said. "I wouldn't want to bore him."
"Mom, I have a confession to make," Ranma said. Nodoka looked worried. "It ain't the sort of thing a guy wants to admit, but I am half girl so…"
"W- what is it Son?"
"I kind of like shopping," Ranma half-whispered. Nodoka stared at her child before turning to the Titans.
"He gets his sense of humor from his father. Ah well, no one's perfect."