Just a plan
Author: Poly
Authors note:
Wahoo! Broke the 20,000 word barrier with this chapter. This means this
fic belongs to the small group of 12% of all Ranma fics on ff.net that have
done that. This is an extra long chapter to celebrate.
For those of you who wonder what happened to Ranma's pendant stone,
she used the hidden weapons technique to hide it. What happened with
Taro will come to light in this chapter. Just read it.
Adyen: Running through walls? Isn't that shampoo's technique?
Ghost in the machine: I thought you might like this twist on the 'rescue'
angle. Grin.
Mr. Confusion: I'm not sure how super or magical those girls are. Haven't
seen that many episodes of sailor moon I must confess. I just know they
are crummy fighters when you compare them to Ranma. Skill wise that is.
Raw power they have. Knowing how to use it efficiently is another story.
All other reviewers: Thanks for the kind replies.
Disclaimer:
What do you mean they're not mine! Are you sure?
PART X
Can you say Neko?
Ranma awoke with a groan. The first thing she saw when opening her
eyes was the face of her mother. She was about to react in her usual way,
that is cling to the ceiling and scream, when she realized two things. The
first one was that she was inside a tent and clinging to the 'ceiling' would
probably collapse the whole thing. Second was the fact that she
remembered her mother knew about the curse and she wouldn't have to
hide anymore.
"Welcome back Ranma-chan." Her mother smiled. "Would you like a glass
of water? The doctor said you should drink lots of fluids."
"Thanks mom. I'm kind of thirsty." Ranma groaned again. She rubbed her
eyes trying to clear her sight. She noticed someone had put a wet wash
cloth on her forehead. Pulling the cloth off her head she tried to sit up.
Her mother just returned with a glass of water.
"Here you go dear. Don't drink too quickly. You might get dizzy."
Ranma accepted the glass gratefully. Her throat felt dry. She drank about
half the glass before she focused on her mother again.
"What happened?"
Her mother got a thoughtful look. "I only know what I saw. I came to visit
the fair and see how you were doing when all the commotion started. It
was most confusing. There was this huge monster standing over you
roaring how nobody was going to get the old freak but him. I was really
concerned you might be hurt. It was then that several of the Sailor Senshi
showed up and started fighting the monster. I'm not sure what happened
after that because I was much to concerned about you."
Ranma winced when her mother told her about the fight between the
Senshi and Taro. She didn't know who she should feel more sorry for.
Pantyhose for getting chased by angry magical girls or the Senshi for
fighting Pantyhose. She wasn't really worried about the fight though. The
Senshi relied too much on there magical attacks and they needed a semi
stationary target for that. Tarou was much too agile for that. If the fight
was getting to hot for him he could always find some hot water and turn
human.
"What happened to the old freak mom?"
There was a scowl on Nodoka's face when Ranma mentioned Happosai.
"There were reports of several panty raids in the area so I assume he is
still on the loose."
Ranma was not happy with that bit of news. Where ever the old goat was
trouble soon followed. She gulped down the last of her water and tried to
stand up but her mother pushed her back on the field bed.
"Ranma dear. You should try to take it easy. You don't want to faint again
now do you?"
Ranma's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Mom! I did not faint! Guys
do not faint!"
Nodoka raised an eyebrow. "You hardly a guy at the moment are you? I
like the wedding dress." She added with a smirk.
Ranma felt even more embarrassed. Struggling she managed to stand up
and was about to pull the offending dress off when her mothers hands
stopped her.
"Come over here Ranma-chan."
Nodoka led the neo girl to a standing full length mirror. Halting the girl in
front of it they both looked to their reflection. Nodoka had a serious look
on her face.
"What do you see Ranma?" She asked gently.
Ranma grumbled. "I see myself stuck in a wedding dress." She replied
dejectedly.
Her mother didn't reply to that immediately. "You know what I see
Ranma? I see a beautiful girl that is refusing herself to shine like the
brilliant star she could be."
Ranma frowned. "So you want me to be a girl?"
Nodoka shook her head. "No Ranma. I just want you to be yourself. I
know your father tried to raise you to be a 'man amongst men'. I'm partly
to blame for that. The contract was a way for me to keep your father in
line although I'm slightly appalled the way he tried to comply with the
contract. His version of a 'man amongst man' was never what I had in
mind. I'm just glad you managed to turn out the way you did."
Ranma just stared at her mother while she was speaking. There was
always some doubt in her mind that her mother might be disappointed in
her. And now she was hearing her mother was glad she turned out the
way she did!
There was a smile on Nodoka face and she looked deep in her child's eyes.
"Don't suppress anything of yourself. This curse is just another part of
you. And no matter what you look like I still love you."
Ranma felt tears dripping down her face. Her mother really did love her!
She didn't mind the curse. There was always some doubt in her mind but
her mother's words washed them away. It was the first time since she
started the 10 year training trip that she felt unconditional love from a
parent. With a cry she wrapped her arms around her mother burying her
tear stricken face in her mother's kimono.
Nodoka gently wrapped her arms around the distressed girl whispering
soothing words to calm her down. "Genma, Genma. What ever have you
done." She thought to herself. She had expected an emotional outburst
for some time now. The outburst after the failed wedding was just the tip
of the iceberg. She silently cursed her cowardly husband for making
Ranma such an emotional mess. She cursed herself for ever trusting him
to raise their child properly. This would never have happened if Genma
would have stuck to there original agreement. Whenever he and Ranma
would stay long enough in one place Nodoka would come and visit. He
never lived up to that promise though. Whenever she tracked down her
wayward husband they would be long gone by the time she arrived. It
wasn't until the Tendo's that she had a solid lead on them. She sighed.
The time she and Ranma spend here in Juuban was as much a change for
Ranma to get away from Nerima as it was a change for her to get to know
her child again. And perhaps undo some of the damage Genma had
caused
The sobbing red head finally seemed to calm down. Taking a deep breath
she straightened up untangling herself from her mother.
"I'm ok now." She said with a whispering voice.
"Are you sure?" Here mother asked with a concerned voice.
The red head just nodded while drying her eyes. She seemed slightly
ashamed about her show of emotion.
"I think I should change now. Do you know where my regular clothes are
mom?" She tugged at the wedding dress. "I think I want to get out of this.
It reminds me of…" She trailed of not finishing her sentence.
"I know dear. The failed wedding is not one of my favorite memories
either." She frowned disapprovingly. "I'm still not happy with some
people's behavior."
Ranma giggled a little, her mood slightly lightening when she remembered
the glare her mother pinned Ryoga with when he visited.
* * *
Usagi was walking besides her friend Ami towards the medical tent. A
worried expression on her face.
"The others are still looking for the monster?"
"I think at least Rei is seriously looking." Ami replied. "Minako and Makoto
are looking for that cute boy they encountered." She frowned
disapprovingly. "I still don't understand how we could have lost that thing.
It was too big to hide easily."
"Yeah. That was strange. It didn't even want to fight us." Usagi was
actually relieved by that. That thing had looked scary. "Do you think it's
connected to the other attacks?" She asked her friend.
Ami just frowned. "It's always possible but this incident doesn't have any
similarities whit with the previous attacks."
Both girls approached the medical tent when they heard Nodoka's voice
inside.
"I know dear. The failed wedding is not one of my favorite memories
either. I'm still not happy with some people's behavior."
"Wedding?" Ami whispered to Usagi.
"No wonder Ranma was so reluctant to put on the wedding dress." Usagi
whispered back. "I would be devastated if my wedding would be
canceled." Her eyes teared up "Poor Ranma. We have to do something to
cheer her up. I wonder who her fiancé is though."
Ami just nodded in agreement. Both girls entered the tent. When they saw
Ranma they both noticed the girl had been crying. Not wanting to
embarrass there friend they didn't mention it.
"Ranma? I brought you your clothes. I don't think we need a model for
the fashion show anymore." Usagi put the bundle she was carrying on the
bed.
"Thanks Usagi-chan." Ranma was relieved that she could ditch the dress
and change. She did notice the disappointed look on Usagi's face though.
"What is the matter Usagi-chan? I'm sure you can find someone else to
model the wedding dress."
Usagi just sighed. "That's not the problem Ranma. The show was canceled
because the stage was utterly destroyed in the fight. There is just no way
we could repair it in time." The blonde girl sighed again looking defeated.
Ranma didn't like seeing her friend sad. She touched her mothers arm to
get her attention and whispered something in her ear. A smile appeared
on Nodoka's face when she heard what Ranma had in mind.
"Excuse me girls. I have some errands to run." With that Nodoka left the
tent.
Usagi and Ami just looked confused. Ranma just smiled.
"Usagi, can you help me whit with some of my make up?" the red head
tried to distract the blonde girl. "I think I smudged some of it."
The blonde girl immediately brightened. "Sure Ranma. Didn't you want to
change first though?"
Ranma's smile broadened. "Not just yet Usagi. I think I'll wait for a while."
Usagi just shrugged her shoulders and went to collect some of the make
up she needed to help Ranma. It didn't take long to repair the damage.
While Usagi was helping Ranma she remembered that she and Ami were
here to cheer Ranma up. She knew just the thing that would do it.
"Some of my friends and I are having a small get-together Saturday
evening. Would you like to come over as well? It will be fun"
Ranma was slightly taken aback. She never got invited to any kind of
party before. Back in Nerima people didn't invite her because they were
afraid of the trouble that followed everywhere she would go.
"Sure! That would be great."
Usagi just smiled happily. Her friend would come over and they would
have a great time. Ami wondered if Luna and Artemis would provide some
answers when they would meet Ranma.
The three girls were chatting normally when Nodoka returned.
"Come on girls. There are some people that would like to meet you."
* * *
Dayu Hiraoka was talking animatedly at his cell phone.
"I'm telling you Takuma, it's the biggest discovery of the year. If we play
our cards right this could get huge. I'm sending you the photos as soon as
possible and you can judge for yourself."
The dark haired man was holding a camera in his hand as if it was made
out of pure gold.
* * *
Saturday evening seemed to approach rapidly and Ranma was actually
looking forward to it. Most of the time until that evening he spent reading
mangas or doing katas on the roof of the apartment building. Residents of
the neighborhood spotted Sailor Sapphire on occasion as well when one of
those mud monsters appeared. None of them would make the connection
to the pig tailed boy that walked through the neighborhood from time to
time. Not much excitement for the martial artist just some time to relax.
When Saturday evening finally approached Ranma was ready to go. A
splash of water and a change of clothes was enough.
"Here you go Ranma." Nodoka handed Ranma a covered plate whit
cookies. "Have fun dear and don't be back to late."
"Don't worry mom." Giving her mother a quick kiss she exited the
apartment. She was in a good mood and she bounced down the
apartment buildings stairs giving Miss Kaneko from apartment 2E quite a
fright.
"Sorry Miss Kaneko. I'm just in a hurry to get to my friends place." Ranma
apologized.
The startled young woman just smiled at the red head. Such spirited
children were a joy to watch even if they surprised you.
"That's ok dear. Have fun with your friends." She shook her head when
the energetic red head run out the door with a wave. Both she and her
brother had become a well known sight in the building the past week.
Meanwhile Ranma was running down the streets of Juuban at a leisurely
speed. She wasn't in a hurry and Usagi's house wasn't that far away. It
only took her a few minutes to reach her destination. Ringing the front
door bell she waited for her friend to open the door. Looking around she
noticed Usagi lived at a nice place. It felt like a home.
When the door opened Ranma was greeted by a smiling Usagi.
"Hi Ranma. I'm glad you could make it. Come in and I'll show you where
the others are."
"Thanks Usagi. I really appreciate it that you invited me. I brought some
cookies. I baked them myself." She handed Usagi the plate. The blonde
girl was already drooling.
"Cookies. I love those." She walked to the living room whit her friend in
tow. When she entered she called to her friends. "Hey guys. Ranma is
here and she brought cookies!" She noticed her friends weren't paying
attention and were staring at something behind her. When she turned
around she saw Ranma frozen in the doorway whit a terrified expression
on her face.
"C…C… Cats!" the red head managed to stutter.
* * *
"I'm sorry miss. There won't be any prints until early next week." The
saleslady apologized.
Akane sighed. "Come on Sakura. We will come back next week and check
if they have Sapphire posters then." The younger girl looked slightly
disappointed.
"You promise Akane?"
"Sure Sakura. I want one myself remember. Now let's go find a mail box.
I still have a letter to post."
* * *
END PART X
Additional authors note:
It seems I have another proof reader. This should keep the spelling and
grammar errors to a minimum. Thanks NSB!
Next episode: Let's party!
Author: Poly
Authors note:
Wahoo! Broke the 20,000 word barrier with this chapter. This means this
fic belongs to the small group of 12% of all Ranma fics on ff.net that have
done that. This is an extra long chapter to celebrate.
For those of you who wonder what happened to Ranma's pendant stone,
she used the hidden weapons technique to hide it. What happened with
Taro will come to light in this chapter. Just read it.
Adyen: Running through walls? Isn't that shampoo's technique?
Ghost in the machine: I thought you might like this twist on the 'rescue'
angle. Grin.
Mr. Confusion: I'm not sure how super or magical those girls are. Haven't
seen that many episodes of sailor moon I must confess. I just know they
are crummy fighters when you compare them to Ranma. Skill wise that is.
Raw power they have. Knowing how to use it efficiently is another story.
All other reviewers: Thanks for the kind replies.
Disclaimer:
What do you mean they're not mine! Are you sure?
PART X
Can you say Neko?
Ranma awoke with a groan. The first thing she saw when opening her
eyes was the face of her mother. She was about to react in her usual way,
that is cling to the ceiling and scream, when she realized two things. The
first one was that she was inside a tent and clinging to the 'ceiling' would
probably collapse the whole thing. Second was the fact that she
remembered her mother knew about the curse and she wouldn't have to
hide anymore.
"Welcome back Ranma-chan." Her mother smiled. "Would you like a glass
of water? The doctor said you should drink lots of fluids."
"Thanks mom. I'm kind of thirsty." Ranma groaned again. She rubbed her
eyes trying to clear her sight. She noticed someone had put a wet wash
cloth on her forehead. Pulling the cloth off her head she tried to sit up.
Her mother just returned with a glass of water.
"Here you go dear. Don't drink too quickly. You might get dizzy."
Ranma accepted the glass gratefully. Her throat felt dry. She drank about
half the glass before she focused on her mother again.
"What happened?"
Her mother got a thoughtful look. "I only know what I saw. I came to visit
the fair and see how you were doing when all the commotion started. It
was most confusing. There was this huge monster standing over you
roaring how nobody was going to get the old freak but him. I was really
concerned you might be hurt. It was then that several of the Sailor Senshi
showed up and started fighting the monster. I'm not sure what happened
after that because I was much to concerned about you."
Ranma winced when her mother told her about the fight between the
Senshi and Taro. She didn't know who she should feel more sorry for.
Pantyhose for getting chased by angry magical girls or the Senshi for
fighting Pantyhose. She wasn't really worried about the fight though. The
Senshi relied too much on there magical attacks and they needed a semi
stationary target for that. Tarou was much too agile for that. If the fight
was getting to hot for him he could always find some hot water and turn
human.
"What happened to the old freak mom?"
There was a scowl on Nodoka's face when Ranma mentioned Happosai.
"There were reports of several panty raids in the area so I assume he is
still on the loose."
Ranma was not happy with that bit of news. Where ever the old goat was
trouble soon followed. She gulped down the last of her water and tried to
stand up but her mother pushed her back on the field bed.
"Ranma dear. You should try to take it easy. You don't want to faint again
now do you?"
Ranma's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Mom! I did not faint! Guys
do not faint!"
Nodoka raised an eyebrow. "You hardly a guy at the moment are you? I
like the wedding dress." She added with a smirk.
Ranma felt even more embarrassed. Struggling she managed to stand up
and was about to pull the offending dress off when her mothers hands
stopped her.
"Come over here Ranma-chan."
Nodoka led the neo girl to a standing full length mirror. Halting the girl in
front of it they both looked to their reflection. Nodoka had a serious look
on her face.
"What do you see Ranma?" She asked gently.
Ranma grumbled. "I see myself stuck in a wedding dress." She replied
dejectedly.
Her mother didn't reply to that immediately. "You know what I see
Ranma? I see a beautiful girl that is refusing herself to shine like the
brilliant star she could be."
Ranma frowned. "So you want me to be a girl?"
Nodoka shook her head. "No Ranma. I just want you to be yourself. I
know your father tried to raise you to be a 'man amongst men'. I'm partly
to blame for that. The contract was a way for me to keep your father in
line although I'm slightly appalled the way he tried to comply with the
contract. His version of a 'man amongst man' was never what I had in
mind. I'm just glad you managed to turn out the way you did."
Ranma just stared at her mother while she was speaking. There was
always some doubt in her mind that her mother might be disappointed in
her. And now she was hearing her mother was glad she turned out the
way she did!
There was a smile on Nodoka face and she looked deep in her child's eyes.
"Don't suppress anything of yourself. This curse is just another part of
you. And no matter what you look like I still love you."
Ranma felt tears dripping down her face. Her mother really did love her!
She didn't mind the curse. There was always some doubt in her mind but
her mother's words washed them away. It was the first time since she
started the 10 year training trip that she felt unconditional love from a
parent. With a cry she wrapped her arms around her mother burying her
tear stricken face in her mother's kimono.
Nodoka gently wrapped her arms around the distressed girl whispering
soothing words to calm her down. "Genma, Genma. What ever have you
done." She thought to herself. She had expected an emotional outburst
for some time now. The outburst after the failed wedding was just the tip
of the iceberg. She silently cursed her cowardly husband for making
Ranma such an emotional mess. She cursed herself for ever trusting him
to raise their child properly. This would never have happened if Genma
would have stuck to there original agreement. Whenever he and Ranma
would stay long enough in one place Nodoka would come and visit. He
never lived up to that promise though. Whenever she tracked down her
wayward husband they would be long gone by the time she arrived. It
wasn't until the Tendo's that she had a solid lead on them. She sighed.
The time she and Ranma spend here in Juuban was as much a change for
Ranma to get away from Nerima as it was a change for her to get to know
her child again. And perhaps undo some of the damage Genma had
caused
The sobbing red head finally seemed to calm down. Taking a deep breath
she straightened up untangling herself from her mother.
"I'm ok now." She said with a whispering voice.
"Are you sure?" Here mother asked with a concerned voice.
The red head just nodded while drying her eyes. She seemed slightly
ashamed about her show of emotion.
"I think I should change now. Do you know where my regular clothes are
mom?" She tugged at the wedding dress. "I think I want to get out of this.
It reminds me of…" She trailed of not finishing her sentence.
"I know dear. The failed wedding is not one of my favorite memories
either." She frowned disapprovingly. "I'm still not happy with some
people's behavior."
Ranma giggled a little, her mood slightly lightening when she remembered
the glare her mother pinned Ryoga with when he visited.
* * *
Usagi was walking besides her friend Ami towards the medical tent. A
worried expression on her face.
"The others are still looking for the monster?"
"I think at least Rei is seriously looking." Ami replied. "Minako and Makoto
are looking for that cute boy they encountered." She frowned
disapprovingly. "I still don't understand how we could have lost that thing.
It was too big to hide easily."
"Yeah. That was strange. It didn't even want to fight us." Usagi was
actually relieved by that. That thing had looked scary. "Do you think it's
connected to the other attacks?" She asked her friend.
Ami just frowned. "It's always possible but this incident doesn't have any
similarities whit with the previous attacks."
Both girls approached the medical tent when they heard Nodoka's voice
inside.
"I know dear. The failed wedding is not one of my favorite memories
either. I'm still not happy with some people's behavior."
"Wedding?" Ami whispered to Usagi.
"No wonder Ranma was so reluctant to put on the wedding dress." Usagi
whispered back. "I would be devastated if my wedding would be
canceled." Her eyes teared up "Poor Ranma. We have to do something to
cheer her up. I wonder who her fiancé is though."
Ami just nodded in agreement. Both girls entered the tent. When they saw
Ranma they both noticed the girl had been crying. Not wanting to
embarrass there friend they didn't mention it.
"Ranma? I brought you your clothes. I don't think we need a model for
the fashion show anymore." Usagi put the bundle she was carrying on the
bed.
"Thanks Usagi-chan." Ranma was relieved that she could ditch the dress
and change. She did notice the disappointed look on Usagi's face though.
"What is the matter Usagi-chan? I'm sure you can find someone else to
model the wedding dress."
Usagi just sighed. "That's not the problem Ranma. The show was canceled
because the stage was utterly destroyed in the fight. There is just no way
we could repair it in time." The blonde girl sighed again looking defeated.
Ranma didn't like seeing her friend sad. She touched her mothers arm to
get her attention and whispered something in her ear. A smile appeared
on Nodoka's face when she heard what Ranma had in mind.
"Excuse me girls. I have some errands to run." With that Nodoka left the
tent.
Usagi and Ami just looked confused. Ranma just smiled.
"Usagi, can you help me whit with some of my make up?" the red head
tried to distract the blonde girl. "I think I smudged some of it."
The blonde girl immediately brightened. "Sure Ranma. Didn't you want to
change first though?"
Ranma's smile broadened. "Not just yet Usagi. I think I'll wait for a while."
Usagi just shrugged her shoulders and went to collect some of the make
up she needed to help Ranma. It didn't take long to repair the damage.
While Usagi was helping Ranma she remembered that she and Ami were
here to cheer Ranma up. She knew just the thing that would do it.
"Some of my friends and I are having a small get-together Saturday
evening. Would you like to come over as well? It will be fun"
Ranma was slightly taken aback. She never got invited to any kind of
party before. Back in Nerima people didn't invite her because they were
afraid of the trouble that followed everywhere she would go.
"Sure! That would be great."
Usagi just smiled happily. Her friend would come over and they would
have a great time. Ami wondered if Luna and Artemis would provide some
answers when they would meet Ranma.
The three girls were chatting normally when Nodoka returned.
"Come on girls. There are some people that would like to meet you."
* * *
Dayu Hiraoka was talking animatedly at his cell phone.
"I'm telling you Takuma, it's the biggest discovery of the year. If we play
our cards right this could get huge. I'm sending you the photos as soon as
possible and you can judge for yourself."
The dark haired man was holding a camera in his hand as if it was made
out of pure gold.
* * *
Saturday evening seemed to approach rapidly and Ranma was actually
looking forward to it. Most of the time until that evening he spent reading
mangas or doing katas on the roof of the apartment building. Residents of
the neighborhood spotted Sailor Sapphire on occasion as well when one of
those mud monsters appeared. None of them would make the connection
to the pig tailed boy that walked through the neighborhood from time to
time. Not much excitement for the martial artist just some time to relax.
When Saturday evening finally approached Ranma was ready to go. A
splash of water and a change of clothes was enough.
"Here you go Ranma." Nodoka handed Ranma a covered plate whit
cookies. "Have fun dear and don't be back to late."
"Don't worry mom." Giving her mother a quick kiss she exited the
apartment. She was in a good mood and she bounced down the
apartment buildings stairs giving Miss Kaneko from apartment 2E quite a
fright.
"Sorry Miss Kaneko. I'm just in a hurry to get to my friends place." Ranma
apologized.
The startled young woman just smiled at the red head. Such spirited
children were a joy to watch even if they surprised you.
"That's ok dear. Have fun with your friends." She shook her head when
the energetic red head run out the door with a wave. Both she and her
brother had become a well known sight in the building the past week.
Meanwhile Ranma was running down the streets of Juuban at a leisurely
speed. She wasn't in a hurry and Usagi's house wasn't that far away. It
only took her a few minutes to reach her destination. Ringing the front
door bell she waited for her friend to open the door. Looking around she
noticed Usagi lived at a nice place. It felt like a home.
When the door opened Ranma was greeted by a smiling Usagi.
"Hi Ranma. I'm glad you could make it. Come in and I'll show you where
the others are."
"Thanks Usagi. I really appreciate it that you invited me. I brought some
cookies. I baked them myself." She handed Usagi the plate. The blonde
girl was already drooling.
"Cookies. I love those." She walked to the living room whit her friend in
tow. When she entered she called to her friends. "Hey guys. Ranma is
here and she brought cookies!" She noticed her friends weren't paying
attention and were staring at something behind her. When she turned
around she saw Ranma frozen in the doorway whit a terrified expression
on her face.
"C…C… Cats!" the red head managed to stutter.
* * *
"I'm sorry miss. There won't be any prints until early next week." The
saleslady apologized.
Akane sighed. "Come on Sakura. We will come back next week and check
if they have Sapphire posters then." The younger girl looked slightly
disappointed.
"You promise Akane?"
"Sure Sakura. I want one myself remember. Now let's go find a mail box.
I still have a letter to post."
* * *
END PART X
Additional authors note:
It seems I have another proof reader. This should keep the spelling and
grammar errors to a minimum. Thanks NSB!
Next episode: Let's party!