Author note: So it has been a bit hasn't it and we have had quite the amazing start of the year and covid is starting to run its course. I recently got both my covid vaccinations and am working at a decent job that keeps me quite busy 11 hours a day so sorry for the long delay its hard to write with limited time and all but my health overall is improving.
I wanted this chapter to be a good deal longer but I decided to cut it short so you wouldn't have to wait as is there some developments in this chapter that I hope you readers will enjoy and help further along the story so as to not rush it.
With all that said on with the show! -Zeltronica
Ikaros
Persocom1/2 chapter: 7
After taking the train which gave Nabiki time and a lot to consider before she had finally arrived in Nerima on the outskirts, proceeding inward towards her destination being the apartment address that had been given to her by Minoro.
She had considered calling her sister along with her Nephew and Niece but decided against it since she decided to investigate the matter herself and meet this Angeloid that is said to be her brother-in-law.
'I wonder if, in fact, Ikaros is indeed Ranma does he still change genders depending on the water temperature?' she Inwardly offhandedly wondered as she walked nearing her destination.
Eventually, she arrived at the apartment observing several nameplates, she then looked to a piece of paper with an address written on it to compare information eventually spying the name she was looking for which read on the plate: Tobishita residence
she reached up placing a finger upon the buzzer to chime the resident of the apartment assuming any were inside currently occupying it.
A moment later the intercom came to life and a female Nabiki recognized instantly inquiring, "Tobishita residence Hiro can't come to the door right now may I inquire who is buzzing?"
"Hey Megumi it's your Aunt Nabiki I was wanting to speak with Tobishita Ryuu is he in?" Nabiki inquired as she waited patiently.
She then waited for her Nieces reply, "Oh well Mister Tobishita isn't here right now but I'll buzz you in I doubt Hiro will mind."
Nabiki then heard a buzzing sound and the unlocking of the door mechanism as she reached up opening the door entering proceeding to walk to the elevator that would take her up to the floor the Tobishita apartment was located on.
'Tobishita Hiro oh!' she inwardly exclaimed 'Lil' Hiro Riichi and Megumi's little friend.' she inwardly thought as a memory of her Nephew and Niece bringing their odd friend to her office once when showing her their report cards.
Eventually, she arrived at the apartment in question reaching up giving it a couple of wraps of the back of her knuckles at which it slid open revealing Megumi who was all smiles gesturing for her aunt to come inside which the older Tendo did so removing her shoes placing them by the door next to theirs.
"I honestly didn't expect to find you here Megumi what are you doing?" Nabiki inquired in curiosity as she gave the apartment a cursory glance as if looking for something or someone.
Megumi shrugged her shoulders, "Well Hiro needed a tutor for his math so I came over to help, and well Riichi tagged along he is in Hiro's room playing video games and well Hiro is in the toilet."
"Oh I see are you three the only ones here currently?" Nabiki inquired as she was curious if the siblings knew of the supposed Angeloid occupant of the apartment.
Megumi tilted her head raising a curious brow inquiring, "Yea... Um,' why you ask Auntie?"
"Oh no reason I was simply curious," Nabiki stated, still searching the area with her eyes a blank mask to her features.
Megumi observing her aunt's eyes seems to dart in various directions despite her blank mask felt suspicious of her Aunts motivation, 'She's looking for something...' she inwardly trailed in observation.
Though due in part from previous experience she didn't bother to ask since she doubted her Aunt would be very forthcoming with an answer and instead dance around it or avoid it all together changing the subject the woman was pretty good at such things.
Eventually, Hiro exited the restroom stepping out observing his friends' Aunt was standing in his living room just inside the entrance of his apartment, "Miss Tendo what brings you here?" he inquired.
"Oh I am here to speak with your father I am going to be his attorney at an upcoming settlement case." Nabiki coolly stated almost as if rehearsed when in fact she thought the excuse up in a split second. Not once did her famous mask break in the process of telling a lie.
Still eyeing her aunt with Suspicion Megumi chose to say nothing very aware her Aunt may have just told a lie but the one thing she was sure of her visit was definitely for the father of her friend.
Hiro let a sigh escape his lips, "Figures Dad probably got himself into some legal trouble... though not sure how he will afford your services he is mostly broke." he dully explained, before heading back to his room leaving the his friend and her aunt alone together.
"It is purely probono work since he is an old friend." Nabiki offered in a lie calling after the boy though she observed her niece eyeing her suspiciously all but announcing she knew she had lied just then.
Hiro shut the door to his room, Megumi then spoke her mind, "Auntie what are you really doing here to lie like that did Mom send you to spy on us?" she inquired.
"Oh no I honestly don't know what you are talking about why would your Mom ask me to spy on you?" Nabiki inquired curiously.
Megumi shrugged saying, "Well this is a sleepover and well me and Riichi even if but half the time are both girls in a boys house and Mom can be a bit paranoid."
"Well I didn't come here on your Mom's asking," Nabiki assured just as the door slid open and Ryuu was on the other side pausing observing a woman he hadn't seen in some time though he knew her quite well along with the reputation she had from back then, along with a girl that resembled the Angeloid in his room.
He then smiled as he entered his home sliding the door shut, "Why Tendo-san it has been quite a few years since I last seen you."
"Tobishita-san yes it has been quite some time," Nabiki said, as she stepped back a bit from the door to a comfortable distance.
Ryuu then looked to the young Saotome, "You wouldn't be Akane's daughter?"
"Yep I am Saotome Megumi my brother is in Hiro's room playing video games at the moment-." she then found herself interrupted by Ryuu who said, "Yes Saotome Riichi I had just got done meeting your mother at a cafe earlier she showed me a picture of you and your brother with my son."
Nabiki then decided to speak to the elder Tobishita explaining that M had sent her and had given her some extra details, "Mister Tobi-" she then found herself interrupted.
"Just call me Ryuu no need to stand on formality Tendo-san." Ryuu offered, at which Nabiki gained a slim smile and a nod saying, "If we are not standing on formality just call me Nabiki then."
"Sounds good Nabiki so how can I help you and why have you and your Nephew and Niece come to my place is there something I can do for you?" Ryuu inquired his curiosity peaked as he thought the whole thing felt strange and he was feeling slightly paranoid.
Megumi spoke up before her aunt could say anything, "Mister Tobishita-san me and Riichi came to visit our friend as for Auntie here she came to see you apparently."
"Yep they were here before I got here. Ryuu can we talk in your room perhaps for some privacy M said you might have some information for me regarding a case?" Nabiki inquired in a small lie since the nature of her visit needed to be kept on the down-low.
Megumi left the two adults to their own devices heading back to her friends room, Nabiki looked to Ryuu expectantly being patient.
Ryuu seemed to think a moment before nodding gesturing for her to follow him, "Sure but before you jump to conclusions of what you might see I promise I didn't build her." he whispered proceeding to open the door.
Nabiki walked past him and into the room glancing around observing an empty room, "So you know why I am here she inquired?"
Entering the room he shut the door locking it, "I was talking to your little sister and she showed me pictures of your Niece and Nephew and they look just like that persocom I found in my salvage yard." he explained.
"Did you tell my Sis'?" Nabiki inquired a curious brow raised as she glanced about the room.
Ryuu shrugged his shoulder's, "Well yes and no but what I did mention she kinda blew it off. What I don't understand is why does she look like them?" he inquired.
"Well that is a hard story to swallow and I figured most everyone knew but guess you didn't but Ranma-" Nabiki started to explain finding herself interrupted by Ryuu, "What does Ranma have to do with this?" he queried feeling quite confused.
"Well simple terms Ranma had a curse and would upon contact with cold water would turn into a red-haired girl version of himself well your persocom is no persocom at all in fact she is an Angeloid," Nabiki explained then going into a full explanation of everything Minoro had told her.
All the while Ikaros also listened to the conversation from her spot in the corner of the room in stealth camouflage mode. 'I remember her the name is on the tip of my tongue...' she inwardly trailed to herself before finally saying in soft monotone, "I called you Nab's..." she trailed.
Nabiki turned to the voice she had remembered from her younger days the soft lilt of a long-missing friend though it seemed dull and hollow. In the corner of the room the angeloid in question being Ikaros materialized into existence.
"Yes you used to call me that how much do you remember Ranma?" she inquired of the red-head.
Ikaros was sitting in the corner where she materialized on her haunches her back against the corner of the wall, the Hibiki umbrella leaning against the wall by her right shoulder.
"I-I don't really remember anything past that sorry... I am Ikaros my other self Ranma is locked away currently and cannot be reached by anyone but myself until I allow him out," she explained in a dull voice.
Ryuu frowned as he couldn't believe what he was hearing, nor wrap his head around the story the mercenary girl had just told yet here Ikaros was confirming it.
"So Ikaros is Ranma your Little Sister's missing Husband and those kids in there are their children?" Ryuu inquired almost stunned since none of it had been expected by him he had never met female Ranma before now since he couldn't recollect ever meeting anyone of her description before the salvage yard.
Nabiki nodded her head saying, "Bingo... Though she currently the way I understand it for the lack of a better word is like a whole other person right now."
"Well, that kinda sucks." Ryuu dully stated as he considered his son.
Nabiki shrugged saying, "Well I heard about your want for Ikaros to be his birthday present well now that you know she is Ranma you can't very well do that anymore."
"Well that is obvious but its hard to take in but I knew the moment Akane showed me that picture to me those kids of hers that looked so much like Ikaros there was something I just didn't know the connection and all honestly I guess I was still processing it when I found you in my apartment," Ryuu explained, walking over sitting upon his futon as he really needed to sit down.
Nabiki considered her options, "Well this is kinda awkward but I take it your son doesn't know she is here?" she inquired.
"Yea that is right I didn't want to get his hopes up," Ryuu explained just as the door slid open and Megumi walked into the room sliding the door shut.
Nabiki moved quick to her Niece, "What you doing in here?" she inquired.
"I am sorry for barging in unannounced but I was wondering if you could walk me and Riichi home? We were only going to stay the night since it was getting late." Megumi inquired of her aunt not yet registering the Angeloid in the corner of the room.
Nabiki nodded her head saying, "Sure I will do so but with a concession."
"The concession?" Megumi inquired a curious brow raised.
Nabiki then went on to say, "The concession is simple I want you to go get your brother and bring him in here and only him."
Feeling slightly confused but nodded her head, "Sure Auntie one moment." she said as she turned heading for the door sliding it open, "Riichi get in here... No not you Hiro just Riichi."
"Whatever..." Came Hiro's trailed reply just as Riichi entered the door his sister moving aside allowing him entry before sliding the door shut.
Megumi then looked to her aunt expectantly inquiring, "Okay we are all here Auntie what's up and why can't Hiro be in here?"
Riichi also had a curious expression stepping further into the room pausing as his gaze fell on the the persocom with his fathers likeness, "Sis look over there." he called pointing with his right index finger.
Glancing to where her brother was pointing she gasped, "Its her!" she exclaimed though not loud enough to be heard by the teen in the other room who had his music up.
"Why is she here?" Riichi inquired his features a mix between bewilderment and anger. No one in the room spoke a peep which he once again spoke this time demandingly as he piercingly gazed at Ryuu, "Why is she here... Did you create her?"
Ryuu shook his head negatively, "No I did not create her I found her I swear." he said raising his hands in warding.
"Auntie?" Megumi inquire gaining a confused look not quite sure how to feel about being in this 'persocom's or what appeared to her to be one's presence.
Riichi then said crossing his arms just under his chest which was a habit he generally displayed while in his female half, "Because of her the Hibiki's have been causing me problems as of late."
"Hibiki... Pchan." Ikaros trailed aloud as she slowly stood up picking up the umbrella as she did so twirling it placing it on end on the floor as she pushed herself the rest of the way into a standing position.
Perking her left brow up Nabiki was intrigued by her words, 'Well Ikaros definitely has some of my brother-n-law in there now if we could fully unlock those memories.' she inwardly thought.
"Well Megumi and Riichi no easy way to say this but she was and well is your father." She explained then proceeded to relay the same story she had given Ryuu and what had been told to her by Minoro.
Riichi didn't quite know how to feel at this new information the angst expression to his features slipped into a blank mask. 'My Father... no way a perso-no Angeloid an alien? This is some kind of joke or bad dream surely no this can't be real.' he inwardly thought to himself though he knew his Aunt wasn't one to pull elaborate jokes, especially in such poor taste.
"That's my old man huh..." Riichi called as he rushed forward throwing several punches all of which was quickly blocked by Ikaros with relative ease the umbrella all the while stood on end in a perfect balance by itself as its user was blocking one strike after another.
Riichi then tried for a kick which Ikaros blocked with her right forearm, he then quickly in a reverse roundhouse managed to nearly get a kick into her side when he found it stopped by the last second as she caught his leg lifting it by the ankle causing him to fall on his butt.
Riichi rolled away standing up by his sister, "Well if she is in fact Dad she certainly is skilled as I would expect from him." he then went on to think, 'I didn't get a single hit in the Hibiki brothers are right she is a monster I will look forward to sparring with her but I am not ready to call her Father and this is going to tear Mom up when she finds out and she had finally gotten over him too.'
Ryuu for his part watched the spectacle amazed nothing had got broken, however Riichi's antics only went so far and it would appear he was done for the time being.
"That was a Saotome defensive style," Megumi explained after having watched Ikaros's little spar with her brother.
Nabiki nodded her head inquiring, "Yes; Well anyways Ryuu would you mind if we take her home with us?"
"I guess if what you are saying is true then I cannot very well say no... Though all honesty it should be her choice I wasn't forcing her to stay here she owes me nothing but a debt she claims has yet to be paid herself even though she paid for her freedom herself using a magic trick as she described it." Ryuu explained as he was okay with whatever the choice the woman he just learned was actually an Angeloid made.
Ikaros seemingly took a breath then let it out something her body was programmed to do seeming to give the idea of going with the Saotome's and Tendo woman some serious thought.
"What about your son's birthday will he still get a persocom?" Ikaros inquired, as this matter was concerning to her.
Ryuu shrugged his shoulder's saying, "Well I'll figure something out but your definitely not for him that is for sure you are free to make your own decisions and rightfully so."
"Why don't you call M and give him some specifications and have him call me for payment arrangements its a small price to pay for your kindness in allowing her to stay here." Nabiki offered in-kind since her family was important to her.
Ryuu looked to the woman known as the Ice Queen a curious brow raised, "Are you sure you really would be willing to do that for me and my son?"
"Sure since you been so kind to Ikaros I see no issues in doing so." Nabiki offered in assurance since this again to her was a small price to pay for her family.
"Okay, so It's coming with us, Auntie?" Riichi inquired tilting his head a thoughtful expression to his features.
Nabiki looked to Ikaros, replying, "Totally up to her."
"I will go with you Nab's," Ikaros stated in a dull monotone.
Megumi then considered something posed a question, "Well that settles that but how do we get her out of the apartment without Hiro noticing?"
"I'll go out the window," Ikaros stated walking over unlatching the window opening it before climbing up onto the window seal then jumping out of it her wings sprouting from her back as she used them for a soft landing upon the ground below both Riichi and Megumi ran to the window observing she had landed and was waiting for them below her wings withdrawing into her, the Hibiki umbrella leaning over her right shoulder.
Ryuu stood up stunned at what he had just seen exclaiming, "So it wasn't just a dream she actually has wings!"
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A Shadow encounter...
After saying their goodbyes the Saotome twins, and their Aunt and Angeloid father were finally heading in the direction of their home Nabiki walking at the front of the group, Ikaros following right behind her with Megumi to her left and Riichi to her right, the time had grown late almost too early morning.
In the distance the sound of mewing could be heard the entire time causing a shiver to go up and down Ikaros's spine though she didn't know why, but the sound of those creatures stayed distant and didn't seem to be getting closer.
The atmosphere had a charge about it which had both siblings eyeing their surroundings due to their martial arts training, even Nabiki felt as if they were being watched as they walked through in present company she wasn't all that worried about being accosted since she was sure the Angeloid with them could handle any situation.
Ikaros eyed her surroundings her grip on the handle of the umbrella tightening slightly as she too felt as if she was being watched as in her minds eyes she started flipping through the various camera feeds in the surrounding area observing many of them had been deactivated which was very concerning to her.
As they continued their trek Megumi spoke up, "Auntie some people are up there." she called as she observed four men in suits with dark sunglasses on which was very odd at this time.
"I see them," Nabiki called slowing her steps as time seemed to slow down and what sounded like a gun of a very large caliber being fired in the distance was heard and time seemed to slow down to a crawl as Ikaros found herself cut in half as blood and innard pieces spattering and flying every which way.
Both Saotome twins found themselves splattered by Ikaros's blood as they gained shocked expressions at what just happened, Ikaros's top half started to fall backwards as her bottom half continued walking forward briefly.
But just as shortly as the scene played out it almost seemed to rewind as if a tape in a recording device was being rewound as Ikaros was quickly whole again, and the Saotome Twins were no longer covered in blood, even the suited men that were walking towards them seemed to be walking backward at a very fast pace.
The scene started to play out once more the sound of a shot was heard, Ikaros quickly ducking low to the ground pushing both Saotome twins to the side causing them to hit the ground, as she then rushed forward with the Hibiki umbrella held as if a sword, while shoving Nabiki down and to the side.
Megumi repeating her previous line, but adding in this time, "Ikaros where are you going?" she inquired.
The suited men retrieving some guns proceeding to fire at the charging Angeloid only for her to easily dodge their shots, Nabiki and the twins getting to their feet and taking cover behind a nearby car as shots rang out ricochets nearly hitting them as the ducked behind said car.
Ikaros quickly dealt with the men in quick succession seemingly blinking in and out of reality taking them all down in swift succession, she then continued her charge leaping up bounding off multiple building heading in an upward direction as another shot rang out taking a chunk out of one of the nearby structures she bounded off of glass shattering from the windows raining down to the street level.
Her gaze narrowed observing several towering buildings nearby observing a flash of a muzzle as she once again dodged a projectile which was obviously being fired by a fifty caliber rifle most likely using armor-piercing ordinance meant for armored vehicles.
Eventually, she reached the structure the sniper was posted on proceeding to run from the ground upward straight up as if a blue of red-n-white due to her outfit which had a blue hue due to the moonlit night popping up over the edge observing a raven-haired Angeloid that resembled herself wearing dark clothing consistent with a uniform its eyes crimson.
The Angeloid in question didn't have time to react as Ikaros brought the umbrella down and hard, shifting the fifty caliber sniper rifle up using it to block the strike only for it to be crushed and broken in half at which she rolled backward and away throwing her broken weapon away and onto the ground whilst retrieving a combat knife with a plasma cutting blade from under the jet black poncho she was wearing.
Landing on her feet Ikaros continued forward bring the umbrella in for another strike as the other Angeloid brought the blade in barely missing the umbrella which she was targeting.
The duo then exchanged a fast-paced barrage of blows each giving as good as they gave in rapid succession all the while Ikaros was observing several individual's moving in from all directions on the roof.
"Zafkiel by order of The Black hand and you are hereby under arrest further resistance will be met with lethal force!" The Angeloid called as she rushed in attempting to disarm her red-haired opponent.
Ikaros avoiding being disarmed proceeding to back peddle finally engaging two opponents that had come in from either side with stun batons she quickly dealt with them knocking them out, opening a portal she tossed the umbrella in before retrieving a staff with the numeral one upon the middle that was etched in twice both side erupting in electricity revealing them to be like the stun baton she had used once before on Hideki.
She then proceeded to twist at the middle of it separating them before giving both a flourish as if a pair nunchaku, "I refuse to be arrested by an illegal organization whoever you are it is best you go, home sister before I am forced to hurt you seeing as you already did try to use lethal force from the start."
"My name is Zeta-One and you will obey my order!" the raven-haired Angeloid demanded, proceeding charge forth as she and Ikaros exchanged blows her plasma cutter couldn't cut through the stun batons her opponent was using though that wasn't the intended target yet her opponent was an expert at parrying each attempted strike.
Ikaros continued her assault all the while also repelling other assailants that were attacking her from multiple angles, even shots were fired the slugs hitting an invisible shield that surrounded her person falling to the ground clanking on the stone material rolling every which way.
"Aegis shielding? Zeta-two deploy Aurora!" Zeta-one ordered as she ducked in swinging in with her plasma blade, as Ikaros used both batons to block it, hearing a roaring blast from somewhere to her right as she then spun into a roundhouse kick sending Zeta-one flying backward and into the stone wall of the stairwell entrance to the structure causing it to crack and crumble inward upon itself burying her.
The rest of the combatants backed off a safe distance as Ikaros found herself hit from her right by a beam of light that once sent her flying into the railing causing it to bend and break as she then plummeted to the street below before impacting with a car causing it to be crushed smashing into the pavement and crashing through it sending both itself and its scorched angeloid content into the sewer below.
Above Zeta-one dug herself out of the rubble of the stairwell structure proceeding to cross the distance to the broken railing looking down observing the broken pavement and crater created in the street below Ikaros had crashed through.
Ikaros tried to move but could not her skin had been burnt away leaving her metal skeleton slightly exposed her internal components were undamaged due to a protective layer just under her chassis, though she had sustained severe damage still as warning klaxons were going off inside her head, along with a display warning her of severe damage to her right leg and arm.
Her hair scorched and singed to the scalp, her right eye completely smashed in a look of pain to her features as she looked up the building observing an object rapidly descending upon her location.
Lifting her right arm Ikaros looked down at it with her left eye observing the skin was in the process of regenerating at a rapid pace as her nano's worked their magic but it was just a stub the metal skeleton was slowly piecing back together but not quick enough, 'I cannot get hit by that weapon again.' she inwardly noted.
looking around for where the blast had to have come from observing an aircraft similar to a helicopter without rotors do a flyover she watched helplessly as Zeta-one got closer eventually some figure came onto the scene In a blur sending the descending Angeloid flying to the right and out of her vision a second later she heard a loud crash of metal, stone and glass meaning zeta-one had been sent hurling into a nearby structure.
A second individual appeared into her vision rapidly descending revealing it to be an Angeloid one she was familiar with being Nymph.
Nymph was calling out to her but she couldn't make out a word as her hearing was dead the audio system reading as malfunctioning.
Finally reaching her newly acquired friend and sister unit Nymph spoke, "Chrono's you okay?" she inquired of her very badly damaged sibling unit.
Ikaros's vision started to darken as she did so she observed several rockets fall on her location but they exploded safely against a shield most likely created by Nymph as eventually her consciousness faded away to black.
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A decision made...
Ikaros awoke in a grassy field her gaze directed up at the clouds from her laying position she heard someone let out a whistle, turning her head to the right she observed Ranma standing nearby his head tilted to the side while glancing at her, sitting just on the ground just to his left was Zafkiel the sword she wielded in their previous meeting now sheathed and leaning against her left shoulder.
"That Aurora weapon sure packed a punch think we can recover from that?" he inquired of her, shifting his gaze forward.
Slowly sitting up Ikaros pondered only but a moment, "We have sustained serious damage but are in the process of repairs however... currently since I am here we are helpless to our attackers per the moment."
"I see well hopefully Nymph can defend us in the meantime... though she isn't built for sustained combat you know that right?" Ranma inquired of his other half.
Ikaros nodded her head, "I already estimated she is capable for her expected roles but sustained combat it is highly doubtful she can protect us indefinitely without help and the repairs will be slow unfortunately there isn't enough time."
She pondered momentarily remembering something she wanted to ask, "So Riichi and Megumi they are?"
"Our kids that was what they were to be named... I missed their birth I actually was planning to be there since to do otherwise surely wouldn't have ended well for me with Akane anyways our wife." Ranma explained as he spared her a glance.
He then pondered as he swiped with his hand a screen appearing with the two children displayed upon it from the subway interaction they had going on to say, "I must say they turned out okay Riichi I am guessing is the girl that shoved us down... but Megumi really looks like her Mom in this picture."
"So that is why I said what I did... I wish I could say I remember but all I have is bits and pieces that are merging with my psyche." Ikaros dully stated.
She seemed to think a moment, "I am almost feeling what I guess what can be described as fear I am feeling of the unknown but if I go through with the merge what will happen to me?" she inquired.
"Well if we merge we become one so becoming whole is all that really will happen. We will also fully upgrade to our full potential though I believe I can eventually create you your own body down the road if you wish to live separate but this one has and always will be mine and yours so long as we are one." Ranma explained in an assuring voice to his other-self.
Though he wouldn't outright admit it even he was slightly fearful of the unknown much like he had always been afraid one day his curse would take him over even though that never came to fruition.
Zafkiel's eye's blinked her magenta-colored eye gained a clock-like appearance complete with roman numerals, while her sapphire blue eye gained rings the outer one turning clockwise, while the inward one turned counterclockwise.
Ikaros walked over as Zafkiel raised her left hand up to which she reached down taking the proffered hand, while Ranma hesitantly took the right hand that had been lifted up and offered for him to take.
"So we are in agreement then?" Ranma inquired of his counterpart who simply nodded her head as she reached with her left hand opening a portal retrieving the black pack from within proceeding to place it upon an invisible platform the portal dissipating.
Upon opening the pack a keypad was revealed at which she started keying in a sequence with her left index finger eventually once she had the right combination entered upon the indicator screen which was translucent it said process complete starting ten-second count down.
After the count reached zero a flash of light seemed to overtake the surrounding area eventually engulfing them all in blinding white light then everything went black.
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Back in the waking world Nymph sat over her inured sibling unit, while more rockets continued to pound the shielding she had put up she bit her lip knowing she couldn't sustain the shield for much longer, she then turned to a voice being her elder sister.
"How is she Nymph?" Ikaros inquired, as she was still engaged with Zeta-one in fast-paced hand-to-hand combat though Zeta was inferior to a point due to being incomplete she was finding her to be a workout.
Nymph called over her shoulder, "She is fine for the time being Alpha though her regeneration is going at a slow pace..." she trailed as she started to observe what was once a slow regeneration process suddenly had sped up as now Ikaros's right arm had completely repaired itself the skin regrowing at a rapid rate over the metal components.
The earpads seemed to also change shape similar to her own though they had glowing violet-purple inlays that ran their length in a thunderbolt pattern, her right leg also rapidly regenerated eventually leaving her entire body flawless, then she opened her eyes to reveal her left sapphire eye along with her right magenta eye both with cats eye pupils.
Even her hair seemed to regrow to quite a long length to a point when standing it would be just below her knees, she slowly sat up as Nymph moved back slightly saying, "Are you okay Chronos?"
"Ye-yes I-we Zafkiel is okay." the red-haired Angeloid said her words jumbled slightly as her mind was addled as it was still adjusting to the melding process.
Slowly she stood up observing an unfamiliar Angeloid battling with Zeta-one, though her eyes diverted quickly to a flying object which had fired off several rockets which again made contact with the shield Nymph had put over them though her shield dissipated as it reached its limit.
Reaching to her right a portal opened up she reached in retrieving her rifle, proceeding to cock it raising it up taking aim at the flying enemy as the portal slowly faded to nothingness.
"Chronos? you will only get one shot I don't have enough energy to put up another shield for a bit." Nymph called to her sibling unit, as she looked quite drained from the sheer amount of energy she had exerted maintaining her shield.
The red-haired angeloid remotely adjusted the scope on her rifle saying, "I am Zafkiel and I only need one shot." as she proceeded to pull the trigger as a roaring blast was heard though nothing appeared to come out of the barrel with exception of smoke.
A moment later the attack helicopter was quickly blown apart the debris raining down on the surrounding structures causing some of them to catch fire.
One occupant had escaped the craft and was flying towards them as wings appeared on its back revealing yet another Angeloid that almost appeared to look like Zeta-one assault rifle in hand firing a full spread the projectiles hitting a shield this time that had been put up by Zafkiel.
Zafkiel then proceeded to open the portal once more replacing the rifle back into it, then proceeding to shut the portal as she then jumped up with both hands outstretched to her sides as the stun batons that were laying upon the ground seemed to fly into her hands as the ends became electrically charged.
The incoming Angeloid rushing towards her then slung the assault rifle she was wielding behind her, retrieving a modified black bladed katana its edge served as if that of a plasma torch preparing to strike her target which was heading right for her in one leap with a rapid ascent.
Nymph watched as her sibling who now referenced to herself as Zafkiel was speeding upward towards the approaching enemy as she got further away her wings manifesting as she went her clothing that had been scorched on the right seemed to repair itself and shine in the light revealing it had hardened into armor plating.
Elsewhere Nabiki and the Saotome Twins all stayed behind the sedan they had taken cover, a group of individual's that had earlier engaged Ikaros were currently in combat with a young woman with blonde hair that appeared to have white wings on her back wielding a decorative blue-n-gold Aegis shield strapped to her left arm, in her right hand she held blue photon blade who was seemingly there to protect them.
The men attacking her all held stun batons though they tried to get around her to get to Nabiki and the siblings the Angeloid was quick to head them off blocking their path.
Backing her up appeared to be a little girl in a nuns outfit though she wasn't actively attacking or defending she was back a bit just a couple feet from the Sedan Nabiki and her niece and nephew had taken cover behind supporting the blonde-haired one.
Unbeknownst to Nabiki and the siblings Chaos was in the process of supporting Astraea with an ability that manipulates the perception of the men attacking her sibling making them see Astraea as if there were four of her so some of the men were attacking thin air.
"Auntie, who are they swinging at there is only one persocom?" Megumi inquired as she thought the scene was absurd.
Nabiki pondered as she looked at the woman who was valiantly defending them, "I don't think those are persocom's I think they are Angeloids."
"So more machines like Dad was turned into apparently..." Riichi trailed with minor disgust as he wasn't entirely on board with everything he had recently learned.
Elsewhere a van was parked its windows jet black, inside was a crew of six individual's all dressed in black suits with ties and black sunglasses, and a woman with blonde-hair worn in a short bob and emerald green eyes in a three-piece black business suit dress.
She bit the corner of her right bright red painted lips, as she watched the scene depicted on the six led monitor screens displaying the various combatants.
"Zoom in on that one." she softly ordered, as one of her men zoomed in on the camera which revealed Ikaros who was putting Zeta-one on the retreat.
She retrieved her cellphone as she glanced observing another screen depicting two other women protecting the group originally accompanying the target they were after. Dialing in a number she brought it to her ear.
"Sir there is a problem..." she trailed rocking her head side to side, she then spoke, "No sir the job is not going as planned we believe we experienced a loss in time and had a Dejah-Vu moment which means she may have altered time briefly to save herself... but now those Synapse Angeloids are involved the Sky Queen being one of them I recommend we abort the mission for the time being and attempt to acquire Zafkiel later." she offered.
She waited briefly before saying, "Yes sir Zafkiel has apparently been awakened she has adapted and upgraded to her full potential I am afraid the current mission our two incomplete Angeloids will not be a match for her much less against four Angeloids from the Synapse."
She then listened to her boss's orders saying, "Very good sir I'll call our dogs home for now."
With that she ended the call, then reached down tapping a red indicator button, "Zeta-one and Zeta-two along with all black-hand forces disengage immediately and withdraw."
Back with Zafkiel who was locked in a furious air battle with Zeta-two both fast using fast-paced flurry of attacks on one another, and down below the same was going on between Ikaros and Zeta-one who in a flash had started to run away Ikaros starting to follow only to pause in her step.
Zeta-two started to retreat only for Zafkiel to close the distance proceeding to grab her from behind putting her in a sleeper hold.
"Let go!" Zeta-two called as she proceeded to spin her katana around proceeding to plunge it into Zafkiel's right thigh though that didn't cause her grip to loosen at all.
Zeta-two then gained a look of horror to her features as she realized another intelligence had entered her thought process and was in the process of searching through her internal database, and hacking her systems remotely.
"Black Hand 'eh... Don't struggle your mine now." came a voice from within her thought processes.
Back at the surveillance van, the blonde-haired woman observed the status of both her Angeloid units one of which being Zeta-two who's information suddenly ceased transmitting realizing the unit may have been compromised she retrieved a black remote proceeding to press the switch waiting a few seconds before clicking it several times to no avail.
'What is going on.' she inwardly wondered which was almost the same thought Zeta-two had since she observed in her vision a box that had got a command order for self destruct yet it was quickly canceled and its remote activation sequence could not be achieved.
She then tried to obey manually only to find she couldn't since she couldn't even activate it on her own, "What have you done she inquired of her red-haired counterpart.
"I have disabled your self-destruct program... I will not allow a sibling unit to be destroyed," she replied as she continued hacking her sibling unit proceeding to change a few settings making her not a threat to her or any of her fellow siblings.
Just below them, a larger portal opened up as they sank into it at which it closed rapidly.
Nymph glanced around not seeing either Zafkiel or Zeta-two, turned slightly observing Ikaros walking up, and just between them both a portal opened Zafkiel steps out onto the street said portal closing behind her.
"Where is she?" the earlier inquired.
Zafkiel spared a glance to the unfamiliar Angeloid speaking to the one she already met, "Somewhere safe for the time being out of the reach of the Black Hand as they call themselves. There are five more that I will eventually have to acquire if it can be helped at all."
"I do not think I have met you. Are you the Alpha Nymph spoke of?" she inquired.
Ikaros gave a slight nod of her head saying, "Yes and you are Zafkiel my Earth-born sister. Also, you are Saotome Ranma."
"So you know my name from when I was once human?" the red-head inquired tilting her head.
Ikaros shook her head negatively saying in reply, "Yes and no I read your files as uploaded by the synapse. This will be the first I have met you in person in all honesty. I am pleased to make your acquaintance my name is Ikaros, you have already met our sister Nymph here." pausing momentarily.
She then continued saying, "We have two other siblings who are protecting the humans you were accompanying."
"Yes, Nab's who was my sister-n-law and my children." Zafkiel softy said as she gained a thoughtful expression to her features as she glanced to her right observing two more unknown Angeloids approaching with Nabiki, Megumi and Riichi following not far behind them.
Gaining a feeling of what she considered to be relief wash over her at seeing her family members safe she waited silently as she watched them approach.
Nabiki as she walked up saying, "Leave it to my brother-n-law to surround himself with beautiful ladies even if they are Angeloid's my little sister would be quite jealous and accusing."
"Your sister has no competition from any of us we are all sibling units." Nymph stated nonchalantly, though as she did so scanning her surroundings observing all enemies had indeed fled the scene.
Riichi looked to his 'Female-Angeloid' father observing the changes since the start of the conflict noting while not much was very drastic and her demeanor had changed though it was small in contrast it didn't go unnoticed by him.
'Heterochromia, wow those pupil's are like that of a cat as well weird.' he though to himself observing the magenta color and detail of Zafkiel's right eye.
Megumi as she approached also observed the changes saying, "Auntie she looks a little different now."
"Yes, she does." Nabiki softly said also taking note to which Zafkiel spoke up in a nonchalant voice explaining the change, "I have fully upgraded myself to my final form and am now mostly fully operational."
Nabiki hearing this posed a question, "What do you mean by mostly?"
"She means her body is fully upgraded but her mind is still processing and adapting and that may take some time." Ikaros explained she then posed a question of her own, "Zafkiel is Ikaros gone 'er well the persocom version of yourself?"
The redhead shaking her head negatively saying, "No she is still here we have simply merged though it will take time for us to complete the merger."
"So whom are we speaking to now huh? Riichi inquired of the red-haired Angeloid.
Looking to her son a moment saying, "I am your father Saotome Ranma but I am also Zafkiel sorry about this but I couldn't greet you initially in person but I was locked away within my own mind as strange as that is to say."
"You will forgive me if I am not ready to call you Pop's just yet," Riichi stated, crossing his arms over his chest since he still wasn't quite ready to accept things at face value.
Megumi looked to Zafkiel pondering momentarily gaining a thoughtful gaze before finally speaking on what she was thinking about, "Are you truly him our father or a clone?" she inquired.
"I would like to believe I am me and not a clone. Yet I know with all the changes I have undergone I can never truly be like I was before my death." Zafkiel admitted in a slightly dull monotone voice like her earlier incarnation as Ikaros.
Ikaros listening to the conversation added her two cents, "I can assure you she is genuine and not a clone but I realize it may be hard for you to believe right now."
"Yea..." The Saotome twins trailed and while they were sure that Ikaros wasn't lying to them it was going to take some time to get used too.
"Would all of you like to accompany us we are heading to my sister's home currently?" Nabiki offered, looking to the Angeloid's who were now standing together.
Before Ikaros could say anything Astraea spoke up, "We would love to accompany you!"
"Wonderful then let us get going before it gets any later," Nabiki stated proceeding to lead the way, her Nephew and niece right behind her with Zafkiel and synapse siblings following along.
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Eventually, the group finally arrived at the Tendo estate Riichi went to open the white arch gate with picket fence allowing the group entry Zafkiel pausing in her step as she gave the home a long look as various emotions welled up as memories of her past seemed to flood her thoughts though for some reason she couldn't quite properly place the emotions she was feeling.
'I-I am home I feel-I feel this feeling its sadness.' She inwardly thought a slightly glum look as she thought of her memory with the eldest Tendo sister whom she in her human life was to buy groceries for.
"In or out Zaf'" Riichi called since he was getting tired of holding the gate open.
The other Angeloid's and Nabiki all turned to look at the redhead who seemed to be staring at the home with a far away expression to her features.
Megumi walked back to the red-head reaching with her right hand taking Zafkiel's right hand pulling lightly to coax her forward saying in an assuring voice, "Come on not sure what you are feeling but you can do it inside."
At the girls prodding Zafkiel followed her towards the house Riichi closing the gate behind them as they passed, while Nabiki was at the door opening it allowing them all entry.
"Sis' I have come with guests," Nabiki called, as the group piled into the house, Riichi being the last to enter slid the door closed.
Akane having heard her sister's call sat up from her laying position on the couch proceeding to push the blue blanket she had been resting under away as she swung her legs off the couch proceeding to stand turning upon hearing the padding of feet.
Observing the group she noted several women that looked to be persocom's, both her children, elder sister however her gaze then focused on one of the individual's past the group noting familiar details from the past she gained an expression of someone who had just scene a ghost but in that token, she could see something was different about this individual that held a strong resemblance to her husband.
"Ran-ma..." she trailed lightly as she started to step forward losing consciousness starting to fall forward due to tiredness and the strain of seeing someone who resembled what she thought was her deceased husband's female half was too much.
Zafkiel in an instant was in the front of the group catching the blue-haired woman in a fashion she had done many a time in the past picking her up into a bridal carry though she didn't speak she just started walking towards where she knew their bedroom was located due to memory.
The group followed after her witnessing the red-haired Angeloid lay the unconscious woman down onto the bed before stepping back leaning against the wall still looking to the woman from her past she once called her wife a thoughtful expression to her features.
"What are you thinking Zaf?" Riichi inquired of her.
Zafkiel spared her son a brief glance, "I guess my returning was too much not that it wasn't at all expected she probably thought I am dead and she would have been accurate in a sense and I should be by all rights."
She paused a moment before adding, "Nothing about this is natural but yet here I stand in this body of mine and I know I can never go back to the life I once knew."
"Who killed you?" Nabiki inquired, as did Megumi seeming to speak in unison.
Shaking her head negatively ever so slightly Zafkiel then stated, "I-I rather not say I don't wish the person harm or send you off on a vendetta I will deal with them in my own way if and when the time presents itself."
"Ranma-baby whoever did it deserves to be punished they put our family through a lot your son and daughter here grew up without a father and my Sister has been pushing herself to keep things together don't you think justice should be served?" Nabiki inquired.
The Angeloids in the room remained silent witnesses to the conversation at hand as did Riichi and Megumi all looking to the red-head who seemed to be internally thinking as the clockwork symbols appeared in only her right magenta eye.
"Under ordinary circumstances, Nab's I would agree with you and be out for blood especially since because of this person's actions I have been turned into this-this part biological machine." she paused as she gestured to herself with her left hand in a rapid up and down motion.
She then went on to say, "As I said earlier I will deal with them in my own time when the time presents itself for now I am going to let sleeping dogs lay where they are and I don't want anyone else getting hurt on my behalf."
"Riichi felt curious inquiring, "Biological machine?"
Zafkiel looked to her son nodding her head explaining, "Yes biological machine I have certain elements incorporated from my previous body implanted within this one."
"Like what do you mean?" Megumi inquired as she was curious.
Zafkiel looked slightly uncomfortable but then elaborated, "Basically this body is partially my previous body it was used in the process using Synapse technology to create my Angeloid body and well I still have my female reproductive organs so yes I can as much as it pains me to say can have babies."
"We were given life through biological engineering so yes we are not much different from humans in that regard. The key difference is we are endowed with great strength, speed, and knowledge some of which revolves around battle it's what we four were built for." Nymph explained.
Ikaros nodded her head adding, "Yes, and we were built to please our master and obey. However we four have broken our chains with our old Master, of course, Nymph forgot to mention that not all Angeloids are made for combat alone some are pure scientists, engineers, and medical technicians."
Akane started to stir as all eyes in the room turned to her she slowly opened her eyes blinking as she looked to a familiar ceiling, she then looking around observing her sister, children as well as four persocom unit's or what she thought were anyways, then glanced to a fifth observing it did indeed look like her 'female' husband though with heterochromia eyes.
"Who are all of you? And why does she look like my former Husband?" she inquired of the group.
Nabiki then went into introducing everyone present then went into an explanation all the while Akane looking at the red-head the entire time to a point Zafkiel turned her gaze to the floor and to the right so as to not meet her gaze.
Having heard her sister's explanation Akane had a great many thoughts cross her mind she then after some deliberation focused on her 'female' husband proceeding to say, "Riichi-Megumi and Sis' why don't you show them our dojo mind you it needs some fixing but please have a look around me and Ra' no Zafkiel need to talk please."
"Mom?" both siblings inquired as Akane shot them with a sharp gaze.
Shaking her head at them, "You heard me now clear the room." she sternly stated.
A few minutes later...
The door was closed Akane still sat on the bed leaning against the headboard her gaze directed at the red-head leaning against her bedroom's east wall gaze cast to the wood floor.
"Look at me please and come here let me get a good look at you please." she inquired.
Zafkiel turned her gaze looking to the blue-haired woman as many outcomes crossed her thought process as she observed the woman was giving her a scrutinizing gaze and was now off the bed as if studying her which made her quite uncomfortable but she did her best to keep it hidden.
Akane's lip trembled as a stray tear dropped from her left eye, "Oh Ranma what have they done to you?" she inquired.
"Sorry 'bout-" Zafkiel started to say finding herself interrupted by Akane who finished her words in a dull voice saying, "'This' yes you always were one to apologize for things beyond his or should we say her control."
Zafkiel lightly sighed, "Yes..." she trailed.
"So can you change with hot water?" Akane questioned looking with a hopeful expression more for Zafkiel's sake than her own.
Zafkiel shook her head negatively elaborating, "No when I died it would seem the curse ceased functioning, however with my nano-tech I could simulate the gender change though it serves no real purpose since you have already moved on and I don't blame you since I died I cannot expect to remain your husband it would be wrong of me to expect that you would stay my wife so I am letting go."
"Thank you Ran' no... Thank you Zafkiel would it be alright to remain friends?" Akane inquired feeling saddened but at the same time relieved and any guilt she felt was fading away.
Zafkiel gained a faint smile to her lips saying, "I would like that Aka-chan very much so."
"I am okay if you wish to build a relationship with our children you are their father after all." Akane offered though she smiled it was strained since she was quite upset with the situation but held it together in silence though her anger was not at her now former Husband rather it was now focused on whatever caused hers and her children's lives to be turned upside down.
She then questioned, "Who was it that killed you?"
"Who was it that did what?" Zafkiel inquired, shifting uncomfortably.
Akane questioned once more, "Who killed you please tell me?" she then before the red-head could speak spoke once more sharply, "Don't give me your typical spiel on how you will deal with it on your own who was it answer me with the truth."
"I don't want you going off on your own Aka-chan besides going after her wouldn't do any good," Zafkiel explained holding her hands up palms out.
Akane then grilled once more, "Who was it that Amazon bimbo or Ukyo?"
Seeing the woman wasn't going to let the subject go Zafkiel let yet another sigh escape her lips as she considered her next words carefully going on to explain, "No it wasn't Shanpu or Ukyo it was 'Datchi though know that going after her wouldn't serve any purpose she is insane from the get-go."
"I see so Nabiki was right all along..." Akane trailed she then went on to consider what to do next though she wanted to go give the insane martial artist her long-overdue medicine in the form of a stomping she understood the wisdom in her former husband's words.
She then addressed the Angeloid, "Zafkiel I don't really have many of your belongings left since you never had much, to begin with, much of it I dispersed between Riichi and Megumi. However, I still have a pack with your hidden and forbidden technique notebook within it?" she offered.
"It's fine I have it all in here," Zafkiel stated tapping the right corner of her forehead with her index finger.
She then went on to say, "Please destroy the journal if I wish to teach its contents I no longer have need of it. However Aka-chan there is a silk bundle within that pack it is yours and our children's now I was planning to give it to you for your birthday but I wasn't able to make it to the occasion."
"I see I'll open it later then," Akane said once again a strained smile to her lips as she felt a ting of guilt knowing where things must go from here on.
Not at all lost on her Zafkiel had noted the expression her former wife held, "Well I guess this is it for now I'll show my Synapse-born siblings out as I go."
With that Zafkiel walked over exiting the room sparing the blue-haired woman one last look before shutting the door walking down the corridor finally following the stairs down observing both her kids, Nabiki, and Synapse-born siblings all watching a soap opera.
Nabiki turned hearing the padding of feet on the floor, "So what's up Ranma-baby?"
"Well nothing that was unexpected but it ended on a good note I would like to think." Zafkiel explained, glancing at her Synapse-born siblings saying, "Nymph, Ikaros, Astrae, Chaos it is time to go."
Nymph grumbled saying, "But it was just getting to the good part." as she stood up along with the rest of her siblings.
"You're going Zaf?" Riichi inquired of his father to which the red-head nodded her head ever so slightly going on to say, "For now Riichi I must go it won't do any good for me to linger here much longer except to bring your mother further pain she needs her space so please give it to her for the night."
Megumi then spoke up, "Will we see you again?"
"I am sure we will the future is ever-changing and never set Megumi please take care of your mother for me and that goes for you as well Riichi though I doubt I needed to say it," Zafkiel stated before turning to follow her siblings out of the house, Nabiki following them out since she to needed to head home.
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A Mercenary girl's offer...
"If you should need our help or somewhere to stay you know how to contact us and where we live so don't hesitate to call or drop by Chronos." Nymph offered, as she and her siblings then departed heading for home leaving both Zafkiel and Nabiki to watch them go for a time until they disappeared from view.
Zafkiel glanced to the night sky observing the moon was full, she spoke softly, "I'll walk you home Nab's it is not safe for you to go alone."
"Kind offer then let us go shall we Ranma-baby?" Nabiki questioned to which Zafkiel nodded her head as they walked in the direction of her home.
A few minutes into their walk Nabiki thought of many things though one thing seemed to come to mind that she genuinely wondered deciding to speak on it, "So where will you go from here Ranma-baby since it would seem you are not staying with my sister?"
"I haven't really thought about it... I guess I am going to wonder for a bit then probably take Ikaros and Nymph up on their offer it is not exactly safe for me to be off on my own given a number of reasons. Oh, I can take care of myself and hold my own but those people will constantly pursue me, and no matter how powerful this body of mine is there will always be a small chance they could get the better of me." Zafkiel explained.
Nabiki then posed another question, "So Ranma-baby Nymph calls you Chronos, yet you call yourself Zafkiel care to explain?"
"Oh Chronos is my model and Zafkiel is my designation human's had explorers that sometimes got a hold of information from the synapse time to time and due to that came up with fanciful tales of god's one of them being Zafkiel not realizing they were telling fanciful tales of an Angeloid never built until now," Zafkiel explained from her own understanding.
Nabiki considered her words a moment remembering something from a mythology class she had attended speaking on the memory, "Wait a minute Zafkiel.. that rings bells come to think of it Zafkiel 'Emperor of time' correct?" she inquired.
With an affirming nod Zafkiel spoke, "Bingo though it more befitting reference would be 'Empress'."
"Does that mean you can control time itself?" Nabiki inquired her curiosity peaked.
Reaching into her right vest pocket Zafkiel retrieved her pocket watch going on to explain, "For a lack of better words yes I can step back in time however I will not on the notion I could very well while undoing events in the past could undo myself as well. Time is very fragile and I must be careful and wary should I decide to medal with affairs of the past,"
She paused momentarily before speaking once more, "My right eye I can see the past to its entirety nothing is a secret to me anymore. In my left eye, I can see an infinite number of possible futures since it is ever-changing and not set in place."
"There are some who would pay handsome sums of money for the ability to see into the past Zafkiel you could be rich if you had the will." Nabiki both noted and offered though she already figured the redhead's answer would be.
Zafkiel gained a slim knowing smile on her lips, "Yes but I will deny them since I don't have need of money and some things should be left for debate. Also, some would deny the truth even if put in front of them such as the notions religious scholars hold dear."
"Imagine their faces though realizing God is a woman," Nabiki said with a light chuckle.
Zafkiel smiled at this though she shook her head negatively saying, "No I am no God or Goddess for that matter but I and my Synapse-born siblings are the closest beings that humans could ever meet in hopes to get closer to Kami-sama."
"Both Interesting and humble." Nabiki noted aloud, considering a change of topic as they neared their destination going on to say in an offer, "Why don't you stay the night with me Ranma-baby?"
Zafkiel spared the brown-haired mercenary girl a glance saying, "Are you sure Nab's I don't want to be a bother to you?"
"You won't be a bother Ranma-baby that I can assure you." Nabiki stated through a yawn going on to inwardly think, 'Besides an opportunity has presented itself and I will have it if I can.'
Eventually, they arrived at a high rise apartment building, of course, Nabiki had her apartment at the very top which was quite a nice studio apartment featuring an island kitchen, a large Jacuzzi bath the one thing that struck Zafkiel was observing no walls with the exception for the toilet which was on the far west wall of the apartment.
It was furnished with everything a woman such as Nabiki could want as well, her bed was rather large laid upon it was a black-n-white tiger-striped comforter. Just beyond the foot of the bed was a glass TV stand with a 65'' flat screen television mounted on it.
The floor was using wood tile to give it a hardwood floor appearance, also was a small dining setup in traditional Japanese style floor seating in case the mercenary girl ever had guests she wished to cook for.
Each wall had a large observatory window with vertical Venetian blinds that currently were drawn open to give a view of the outside world.
"This is a really nice place you have here," Zafkiel noted as she glanced from one scene to another genuinely impressed.
Nabiki smiled at the compliment saying, "Thank you though it costs a small fortune I am saving up to get a house when one becomes available."
"Yea housing is hard to get here in Tokyo," Zafkiel noted as she walked over finding a black leather love seat proceeding to sit down.
Nabiki observed the red-head sitting on her one and only couch, "Say do Angeloids sleep?" she inquired.
"Not really we do have sleep mode in which case we can do self scans of our hardware and software to ensure everything is operating properly," Zafkiel explained.
Nabiki considered her friends' words saying, "So you could in effect simulate sleeping behavior if you wanted but is that all what about taste, touch, and other sensations?"
"We Angeloids can do everything a human can do and experience pleasure it is only our sleep that is different from that of a human we can even experience pain if our pain receptors are active," Zafkiel explained.
Nabiki gained a rye smile to her lips, placing her hands upon her hips, "Look at you talking like you were never once a human." she said with a light giggle.
"I yea... probably sounds strange but that is what I am now I can never truly go back to being human even if I wanted to." Zafkiel somberly stated raising her hands in warding.
Nabiki smiled at the redhead's antic's which reminded her of the boy sometimes girl she knew growing up the mannerisms were there but the girl seemed to have grown up, "Well to me despite appearances you still look quite human Ranma-baby."
"Arigato Nab's that really is most appreciated," Zafkiel said as she lowered her hands sitting them in her lap.
Nabiki nodded her head going on to offer, "Want something to eat I could make a light snack or an actual meal it is entirely up to you?"
"Sure I wouldn't mind some nourishment to replace the resource stores I used in the earlier battle about now what you got in mind?" Zafkiel inquired tilting her head ever so slightly in a cute fashion.
Nabiki bringing her right hand up placing her index finger to the bottom of her chin, "Perhaps some pork dumplings I made I can heat them up they are from yesterday but should still be both tasty and filling." she offered.
"Oh home-cooked by you Nab's this would be a treat," Zafkel stated with intrigue wondering if the woman's cooking had improved while her memory of the past told her Nabiki's skills were only marginally better than Akane's she didn't veer off from the recipe she cooked from which meant there was a lot of room for improvement especially given how much time had passed.
Time had passed Nabiki had reheated the dumplings splitting them into equal portions between two plates both sat at the dining table across from one another as they ate their meal soft music played from the surround sound speakers set up throughout the apartment.
The rooms only light provided by two candles set on silver candlestick holders at the middle of the table two feet from one another on opposite sides, Zafkiel already had gobbled down four dumplings following this up with some red wine, the bottle sitting in a bucket of ice to her right on the table just before the candle stick on her right.
As for Nabiki she was slower when it came to eating but she watched the red-head intently waiting for any reaction being good or negative but she did want to know if she had improved to her the dumplings were great but this would be the first time in a long time she shared her cooking with anyone, not even her Niece and Nephew ever got to partake of it.
"Oh, this was good Nab's though maybe a tad less salt unless you meant to add a pinch more than the recipe called for?" Zafkiel both complimented and questioned.
Nabiki gained a slightly strained look, "You are definitely Ranma... yea it was an accident on my part but it tasted good I thought thanks for the compliment I am glad you mostly liked it I have been working on improving should I ever find someone I really want to be with." she explained.
"I think you would definitely make anyone quite happy if you became their girlfriend," Zafkiel said with an assuring smile as she was quite content with the meal since her resources were still quite low especially given the battle, then there was the time she was dormant as Ikaros with only her nanites constantly probing out foraging for sustenance and other resources to keep her internal biological components functioning properly and not degrading.
Nabiki beamed at the redhead's words, "Oh you really think so?" she inquired.
"Absolutely your a woman of taste you own and run your own company and a law firm at that. I won't say you are super-rich since most of your wealth is invested into your company but you can have anything you desire if it was or became available what is not to like in that?" Zafkiel offered in a question that was not quite a question despite appearances.
Tapping her right-hand fingers against her wine glass before picking up and partaking and finishing off her glasses contents, "Kind words really very nice touch I must say your observation skills are pretty good." she stated pausing momentarily as she sat her glass down.
"Whoever I get with they don't need to work as hard as I do. I wouldn't expect much from them except that they are honest with me and never tell me what I simply want to hear and do their share of the chores of his or her choosing... he or she could work or not work a job but if they wanted I would gladly support them in their interests so long as they would always be true to me," she explained.
Zafkiel considered her former sister-in-law's words asking, "Someone who will always be true to you huh... I wonder if someone like that exists in today's world do you have anyone in mind?"
"Well, a few come to mind though one of them it will be harder to get than the others and are a bit rough around the edges. I think they would be worth it when the time comes." Nabiki replies tilting her head looking to the red-head who had turned her gaze to one of the observation windows a thoughtful expression to her features.