Author's notes: I'd like to thank everyone that reviewed last time. Your comments were very insightful and motivating. I have a new pre-reader I would like to thank for checking out the story and helping make it better. His screen name is PlatinumPlayer and he put a lot of time and effort into screening for problems. James Axelrad and idcallie also did a wonderful job of hunting many of my errors. Hee-Haw has also been giving me in depth advice on what elements of my story could use improvement. I really appreciate everyone's help, without these guys I know the fic would not be nearly as good.

Disclamer: I own neither Noir nor Ranma ½

The Fourth Sapling

By: brindani

Chapter 11: Motherly Reminiscence pt2

"I'm sorry about having nothing to offer aside from water. It is the only thing I have stored here." Nodoka apologized as she reentered the room with two plastic cups of water.

"Don't worry about it. I'm used to plain water." Ranma answered, quietly, still thinking about what his mother's explanations thus far. Ranma faced his Mother again as she settled back into her chair.

"To continue where I left off, it was nearly a month after the trials and I had run myself ragged doing jobs. I'm sure people were beginning to suspect there were more than one of me with how many hits I did. I was driven to continue, thoughts of my lost Sakura and title plagued me day and night. Only work offered any reprieve, forcing me to concentrate so hard on staying alive that the pain dulled briefly. It was during this foolish marathon that I was hurt. Unwilling to listen to my body's pleas for rest, I immediately started the next job. I was exhausted, still recovering from a shot to the arm, but it didn't matter. I took the job, hardly paying attention to the name.

Those other assignments were a blur, but this mission I will remember for as long as I live. I snuck into the main house to kill the Saotome head." Nodoka sighed when she heard a gasp from Ranma. "He apparently sealed several high-profile deals that caused suffering to some of the lesser houses.

I easily bypassed all of the guards and stole into the manor proper. Security was child's play to circumvent for my highly trained senses. I almost reached my target's room when I was intercepted by someone that was not even suppose to be there. The heir to the Saotome school, according to my sources, was somewhere in Okinawa training with his disreputable master.

It seems Genma returned far earlier than anyone had anticipated due to complications between the local female populous and his master. It must have been quite the surprise to return home after a long training journey only to find me with my gun drawn.

He didn't call for help. He only watched me carefully; examining me with an intensity I did not at the time understand. As a professional, it didn't matter to me why he was staring. He was between me and my target so he had to be eliminated. I can only describe him as magnificent as he evaded each of my shots, eventually knocking my weapon away.

We went hand to hand from there. Twisting and turning in our struggle, I could easily tell I was the better fighter, but he was fresh while I fought both tired and favoring one arm. We made no sound during the encounter, trading blows faster than most could see. It was all for naught, however. My energy failed at a critical juncture, allowing him to score a direct hit. I flew through the air knowing I had finally met my end. My only thought was of Sakura's beautiful smile and how I would soon see it again.

Instead of hitting the wall, I found myself cradled in his strong arms, gently arresting my momentum. I caught only a glimpse of Genma's concerned eyes before I fainted from fatigue."

"What happened then?" Ranma asked, almost falling off the edge of his seat.

Nodoka smiled again as she noticed Ranma's anticipation.

"I thought I was a goner. Failure in my trade meant certain death. That is why I was very surprised to awaken again. When I did, I found myself in a futon, my wounds dressed and a small tray of food by my bedside. Days since my last meal, I must have appeared an animal, completely ignoring the chopsticks and eating by the handfuls. It was shameless really, I went so far as to stick my face in the bowl and lick the remains of the miso soup. Once every last drop had been licked clean, I realized I was not the only occupant of the room. In the far corner sat Genma, observing me carefully, without judgment. I felt cornered. I tried to stand to protect myself, but only managed to collapse, further aggravating my wounds.

Strangely, he simply sat there watching me. He made no threatening movements, allowing me time to settle down. When I had, he told me that I was in no danger that we were away from the head house and its master's wrath. I must have been quite a sight staring at him in shock. Before he left that night, he gave me more food, never approaching close enough for me to feel threatened.

It was a very odd after that meeting. Days passed as if snowflakes on the wind and yet I remember each with crystal clarity. He was always at my side tending to my every need. If I was hungry, he had food prepared for me. If I wanted to walk amongst the lovely cherry blossom gardens outside, he would be by my side, helping me stumble along. It left me confused. I should be dead by all rights. A failed attempt on the head family is a certain death sentence. During the few times he was away, I discovered from the servants left to attend me that I was indeed very lucky to be alive. Just as I thought, Genma's father was infuriated about the attack and had demanded my life.

I was amazed to learn that Genma had stood up to his father, threatening to drop his name and go ronin if his father attempted to harm me. Genma personally guaranteed that I would never try to harm the family head again.

His father had little choice; he either let me live or lost his only male heir. Fortunately for me, he consented to leave me under Genma's care until such time as I showed signs of aggression.

After months of his tender care, I realized something I had never quite understood in my existence of death and killing, a happiness swelled within my heart whenever I was by his side. It was similar to what I felt for my Sakura, yet so much stronger. Contrived or not, I could only call it by one name: love.

Nearly a year after our first meeting, Genma asked the question that made my heart soar. He lowered to one knee looking up to me in adoration before offering me an ornate diamond ring. He told me that his existence had been dark and dreary. The constant strain of learning his future station hid all light from him. He said he had been floundering until a beacon of hope entered his life, that shining light encompassed him from the moment he met me. He said he never wanted to lose that ray of sunshine he saw whenever he gazed into my eyes. He asked me to marry him. I could not have been any happier.

Of course, Genma's father was strictly opposed to the match, consenting only on the condition that I bear another heir for the family. After that point, he all but disowned Genma. All ties were severed between the two aside for their shared last name.

We were wed in a quiet Japanese ceremony and one year later, I was expecting. As far as I was concerned, my life was perfect. I had a loving and talented husband and a baby on the way. As ties to the main house had been severed, we had our own share of problems, but between the two of us, there was nothing we could not surmount." Nodoka's gaze grew distant as she remembered those fateful days so long ago. Their hopes and dreams for a bright future. Until…

"Darkness entered my personal heaven. Days before you were born, I was approached by someone I had not seen in two years, not since that miserable date so long ago when I lost Sakura. It was the High Priestess of the Soldats. She was old and wrinkled from the stress of failing to initiate Noir.

She told me that she was there to find new saplings to take-up the mantle of Noir. My world shattered. If female, my child would be ripped from my arms, forced into that pit of darkness I had miraculously escaped. My skills would be of little use after nine months of pregnancy. Genma would also have had limited success as his art was not one of killing. If I did not consent I, Genma and very likely the child I gave birth to, would all die.

I never prayed more in my life for a boy. And, for the first time in my life, God answered my prayers. I gave birth to you, my precious Son." Nodoka commented as she cupped Ranma's cheek, eyes glistening with the pride and love she held for him. Ranma allowed a small smile as he gently leaned into the hand.

Ranma savored the smooth feel of his mother's hand against his cheek before blinking as he realized something.

"Wait, Noir can only be made up by female members right?" Ranma asked as he stared up to his Mother.

Releasing her tender hold, Nodoka nodded in the affirmative.

"Then why did they come after me?"

Nodoka shook her head, raising one hand for silence before continuing. "You see, despite being born male, the High Priestess still proclaimed you as the fourth sapling or candidate for Noir. It could have been because she was senile, though I doubt it, or perhaps she somehow knew how things would turn out. To my horror, she tried to take you then and there. Genma would allow none of it. Retrained to my bed, I dispatched them while he prevented them from getting closer to my immobile body. By the end, twenty men were either hospitalized or dead, before the Priestess retreated. She left with the promise she would return for the fourth sapling.

For a short while, we went underground allowing no one to know of our whereabouts. It did not last long however as my old sources informed me that the Soldats were outraged by the High Priestess' proclamation. It was understandable when the High Priestess disappeared without a trace. When we reemerged, no one came for you. I was still terribly frightened by the prospect. Being tied with the Soldats can bring great rewards, but can also lead to a quick death.

We soon realized that you would have to be trained; trained to become the best of your generation to avoid falling into the intricate web the Soldats weave.

As I never wanted you to live the life I had, we decided you would learn Genma's art. I was reluctant even then to allow him to take you on the training journey. To ease my fears; he signed the Sepku contract. It guaranteed on his life and yours that you would become a man among men capable of dealing with the Soldats' intrigue or never have to live with the blood of countless others on your hands."

Nodoka stopped, wiping a tear away from her eye as she continued to remember times long past.

Ranma sat silently contemplating what he heard. This was quite the revelation and yet… "Why didn't you have me fulfill the contract when you found out I was cursed to change into a girl? It must have been the culmination of all your fears." He asked quietly almost too low for Nodoka to hear through her tears.

Nodoka sat looking at Ranma silently, considering his downcast gaze. "Ranma," Nodoka again cupped his cheek, bringing his eyes to meet her own. "You are my precious baby boy. It frightened me terribly when I found out you changed into a girl with a bit of cold water. It made me realize that they could come for you; could bring you back to the dark curse known as Noir. Honor demanded your death to shield you from that fate of killing, but I could not do it. I love you so much that at times it hurts. To lose you would be to lose my light in life.

My only hope was that the Soldats would never know. They had lost interest in us a long time ago. To be certain they had fewer chances to find out, I attempted to make sure that you stayed male as much as possible.

My hope was in vain, however. The Soldats are very powerful and somehow, someway they found out about the curse. Perhaps it was Altena's way of hurting me, or perhaps she was afraid that only three Noir candidates would stain her ascendance as she took up the mantle of High Priestess and Leader of Noir. However it happened, she found out and the rest you know." Nodoka finished, sighing as she leaned back against her chair.

"So Altena played me for a fool. And then she went after my friends to either test or silence me." Ranma said, a tingling sensation creeping up his spine.

"Don't get me wrong, Ranma, I dislike Altena for what she did to me and what she is doing now. At the same time, I know her to be very competent and caring in her own way. She is very complex in her thinking. She may have ordered the trials to begin for you, but I doubt it. As she invited you to the Manor and did not tell you about Noir or what she wanted you to do, it behooves me to believe she would initiate the trials without your full understanding and acceptance."

Ranma stared at Nodoka confused. "Then why were those men sent after me and the Tendos?"

"The Tendos? Did they become ensnared in all of this?" Nodoka asked with a frown.

"Yes, there were seven of them. I took them out, but the last guy… he shot Akane."

"Is she all right?" Nodoka asked looking concerned.

"She lost a lot of blood, but Soun is giving some of his so she has stabilized for the moment." Nodoka nodded in time with his answer. "I should have been faster, Akane just burst out of hiding and I couldn't get to him before he shot her." Ranma said his own eyes glistening. He was startled when he found himself drawn into his Mother's embrace.

"Ranma, sometimes you are too kind for your own good. Akane did what she did to protect her family. You did what you could to protect her, but she made her choice and the consequences of that choice are hers alone. Even then, you did everything in your power and very likely saved her life because of it. You have nothing to be ashamed of. You did what you could and that is all that anyone can ever ask of you."

Ranma felt the tears brimming, but held them back. He was a man, damn it.

"Are you going to be all right?" Nodoka asked receiving a silent nod. She pulled back returning to her chair. She knew Ranma was still in pain, but she could only offer the support that he would allow her to. If she had her way, she would grasp him tightly and protect him from all of his woes. At the same time, she knew that it would not do Ranma any good even if she could protect him. He had to stand on his own and face a destiny she had fervently wished against.

It took another minute, but eventually Ranma's head rose. "So why were those men sent after me and the Tendo's if Altena didn't do it?"

"You must remember, Ranma, the Soldats are by no means ruled by Altena. There are many different factions and not all of them see eye-to-eye. A delicate power balance has developed over the ages that dislikes disruption. In general, you represent a deep threat to that precarious balance.

You were born a man and yet may hold a place where only maidens have trod before. I doubt that they would find that acceptable on general principle. Then there is Altena; a failed Noir candidate that found an ingenious method to hold power equal to the leaders of the Soldats. If she succeeds in initiating the next generation of Noir, she will become the High Priestess controlling the hands of the Soldats. They would lose much of their influence. To aristocratic individuals, that would be unacceptable. I could easily see them striking at you directly before they believe you prepared for the trials. If you failed so early it would also reflect poorly on Altena."

Ranma nodded. It made sense and yet something was itching at the back of his mind. Something that seemed wrong. Ranma blinked.

"Where's Pops? He should have been here by now." Ranma asked.

Nodoka's eyes widened, realizing that Genma should have returned nearly an hour ago.

She fished into her pocket pulling out her cell phone. She was about to dial when it rang. Nodoka nearly dropped the phone in surprise; reluctantly answering.

"Husband?" Ranma watched as Nodoka's eyes widened. "It is… for you." She said, her quivering hand offering the phone to Ranma.

Ranma took the offering, placing it next to his ear.

"Yes."

"We have your Father. Come alone to the abandoned warehouse on 4th or he's dead."

Click

Ranma's shaking hand closed the phone, nerveless fingers handing it back to his Mother. Her expectant look indicating that she knew what was wrong.

"What did they say?" She asked silently.

"They have Pops." Ranma said, closing his eyes.


Darkness had fallen long ago, showering the streets below with the twinkling lights from the stars above. Most people were long since in their bed, tired from a long hard day's work. At least in most places. In an abandoned warehouse on 4th street, several dozen men were anything but asleep.

Crawling around like ants, the men actively patrolled each section of the warehouse, searching every nook and cranny of the gigantic structure. Bright floodlights positioned along each corner illuminated the building, making it as bright as day. In the center of all the commotion tied to a wooden cross was Genma Saotome. His cheeks were purple from a vicious beating. Small lacerations criss-crossed his now tattered gi staining it red; his breathing labored.

The men around him took no notice. They had been told to expect a strong opponent. From the reports given them, they held one of the few aces that would give them success. Taking down the man had been difficult. They had been very lucky to even get a clean shot as he jumped around like a jackrabbit on crack. Even then it took many more shots and a thorough beating to subdue him.

Now that he was subdued, all they had to do was wait for the kid to arrive. Checking his watch, the leader shook his head. And the kid was late. In another ten minutes they would have to shoot the bastard. Not that they would leave him alive if the kid did make it. Even if they were inclined to spare him, he would likely die before help could arrive. Still, he would stay alive long enough to serve their purpose.

Tapping his finger against the crate he sat on, the leader yawned before growling. It was very annoying having to wait with nothing to do. By the nature of their profession, the men liked action and waiting around didn't fill their bank accounts any faster. Most simply wanted to go out and find the kid, but he, the level headed leader, knew that was futile. There were thousands upon thousands of houses the twerp could hide in. No, this was the best and easiest way to flush him out.

Now if only the brat would get here, they could call it a night.

The captive man grunted, forcing his head up. "NO! Don't come any closer." He immediately held everyone's attention as he wildly shook in his confinement. They were unsure if this was a sign that the objective had arrived or the man had gone delusional. Not taking any chances, they double their efforts to scan the area. It wouldn't do to be caught off guard.

"You can't save me now. Just leave and save yourself." One of the guys standing next to the captive was about to slam him in the back of the head, but was stopped by the Leaders hand. The man in the black suit nodded. He realized that when the captive entreats the hero to leave, they always come instead. It happens all the time in the movies. Unlike the movies, this was real life and the kid would find out just how real bullets could be.

"Ranma, my boy. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you. You were taken from your mother at an early age. In a time where most children would cry themselves to sleep in their mother's arms over a scrapped knee, you took my harsh instruction to heart. You practiced both night and day, perfecting each technique until you performed them flawlessly." Genma tried to chuckle, but spluttered as blood dribbled down his cheek.

"I know I wasn't the best parent. I have to admit I didn't know how to take care of a child. Yet you stood beside me even when I did stupid things. For that I thank you.

I know I never said it, but you have grown to become the greatest man amongst men to ever exist. I only wish there was more that I could have done for you." Genma convulsed, his body shaking violently. It took a long time for the shaking to stop and it left Genma ragged. "Please… tell your mother that since the day we met, she has been the sun of my life. Tell her… I wish… I could have held her just one last time.

Remember Ranma, I… love you… my son." Genma's voice drifted off as his chin met his chest.

"If you're out there, you have ten seconds to come into the open before we shoot this man." A cruel smirk crossed the leader's lips before he started counting down. "10, 9, 8,"

BANG

Genma's labored breathing stopped short as the bullet entered.

"Oops, guess I forgot what came after 8," the man said. Now is the time where the boy foolishly charges out, arms swinging to avenge his father's death. It was all so predictable.

The warehouse became very silent as a chilled gust of air swept through the enclosed building.

The men shivered, bringing their arms up to protect against the biting cold. They were startled by the sudden change in temperature. They could even see their own breath as they involuntarily shivered.

"What's that?" someone amongst the group called out, pointing up." His call drew everyone's attention above where they spotted something shimmer near the top of the building.

All their guns trained on the glow as they tried to identify it. Each blinked as the dull object pulsed illuminating a sickly purple sphere gently drifting down. They were captivated by the eerie orb as it pulsed again on its gravity defying path to the ground below.

"Bone crusher." The words were whispered into the drafty wind, echoing from all around. As the phrase ended, the sphere burst, thousands of shards of ruby-red light shot out, lancing through each person's body as they tried to drop to the ground. All made it to the ground, none of them in one piece.


Far above, the only witness to the massacre, eyes widened with excitement, a happy smile across their lips at the efficiency of what they had seen. The power, the grace. Chloe had met perfection as she witnessed the light go through solid crates to kill the men cowering behind them. That attack was death incarnate, completely unstoppable.


Authors end notes: I've read a lot of fanfics and have found a general trend. Genma is the lump in the corner that people beat and nearly kill for stupidity. There are exceptions such as an event that changes his perspective. But no matter how hard I looked I have never found one that explained Genma and Nodoka's getting together other than some basic negative themes. There is the typical mentality that Nodoka didn't know what she was doing, she made a mistake, she was forced into the marriage, or was a nymphomaniac. So here is an attempt to show a good reason why she would choose him. Does that mean I think Genma is smart or doesn't deserve the punishment he receives in other fics? No, not really. I'm just trying to cast him in a unique light.

I'd like to thank everyone that has reviewed. Your comments really do help me try and find my trouble spots and fix them. I apologize if it appeared review obsessed during the last chapter. The chapter before only received four reviews the first day with no explanation as to what had been done wrong. I knew that just about as many people had viewed the chapter and yet they were not reviewing. It left me wondering if I had completely messed up the chapter, but not quite enough to elicit flames. Since then, I've taken to reviewing every story I read to hopefully cheer up the author and perhaps give whatever small piece of advice I can offer.

Anyway, please review to tell me if you like the story or point out parts that could use a little more work.

Thanks for reading,

brindani