Gie-chan
___________________________________
Circle Sky
By: Gie (phowah@cs.com)
A Ranma 1/2 and Gargoyles Crossover
Saotome Ranma, Tendo Akane and their familiars are not mine. They are Takahashi Rumiko-sama's. They've just come over to my place for a bit...for a sleepover, yeah, that's the ticket.
Goliath and his familiars are the Big Mouse's (not Mousse) grotesques. Although, they have decided to perch on my roof for awhile.
Aiden Ferguson is Christine Morgan's little gargess, and has asked for permission to attend the sleepover. She said yes, but to make sure she actually got some sleep.
Any unfamiliar characters, such as Shiun, are mine. Sit down and get to know them, you just might find a new friend.
Timeline: Well, I guess you could say it
is after the manga is over with (i.e.. Saffron and the wedding) in Ranma,
but time has passed and they just graduated from school. It's several years
after Hunter's Moon in the Gargoyles line. (Although there were no Chronicles)
I will end up diverging from the timeline some, but since this is my story,
I have the right to, ne? Alright, on with the show.
Chapter Three: Clan Nerima
Later that afternoon, the Xanatos Enterprises' jet touched down at Tokyo International Airport. Ryouga's face showed several colors of the spectrum as he drunkenly staggered off the plane.
"Gee, Ryouga," Ukyou giggled behind her hand, "maybe you should invest in some medicine for the next time you take a plane anywhere."
"Ha, ha, Ukyou. I've never flown in an airplane before. How was I supposed to know how it would affect me?"
Owen came up behind the pair. "Excuse me, but we are ready to go to where you are. We have prepared a special carrying crate for Ranma and Akane; they have been loaded onto a truck, along with all the luggage and equipment, and are ready and waiting to depart for Nerima. Shall we be off, then?"
Ukyou and Ryouga nodded and followed Owen out of the hangar, into the parking lot, and to a waiting Xanatos, who was next to the truck. Ukyou looked in the back of the truck where a large closed crate with large, prominent, red-stamped letters: FRAGILE! THIS END UP!
"Is that where Ranma and Akane are?" she asked. Xanatos nodded. "Is there something inside the crate to protect them from the bouncing around in the truck?"
Xanatos assured, "Don't worry about them. They are securely stowed away in straw and other packing materials. You have my assurances that nothing will happen to them in there. They probably will have a more comfortable ride in there, than if they were outside and awake. Now, I will be heading to Ishimura to collect the clan members from there. I will arrive at your location a little bit after sunset; after the gargoyles have awoken up."
Ukyou, Ryouga, and Owen climbed into a cab that would be leading the truck to the Tendo home. They waved good-bye to Xanatos and took off towards the dojo.
********
A half an hour later, the group pulled up in front of the dojo. 'Here goes nothing,' thought Ukyou. She climbed out of the cab, along with Ryouga and Owen, and went up to the front gates. She rang the bell, letting the occupants inside know someone was there. Kasumi opened the gate, and looked in surprise at Ukyou.
"Why, hello, Ukyou! You're back early! We didn't expect you back for another day or two. You should have called!" She noticed the others behind her. "Hello, Ryouga. Oh, a guest! Who's your friend, Ryouga?" She glanced behind the three. "Where are Akane and Ranma?"
Ukyou came in through the gate. "I'm sorry we were unexpected, Kasumi. This is Mr. Owen Burnett, a friend the four of us made at Jusenkyo. Ranma and Akane will be along in a minute. They have a surprise for you."
'Yeah, a big surprise,' Ryouga thought.
Kasumi bowed and opened the gate wider. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Burnett." Owen bowed back to Kasumi. "Welcome to our home. Father, Uncle and Auntie Saotome are in the living room. A surprise?"
"Yes, we will explain everything once we get inside," Ryouga explained. "Can we put our belongings in the dojo, Kasumi? It would the best place to accommodate everything. We've brought quite a few items back."
"Oh dear. That should be fine. Won't you come in and have some tea?"
Ukyou smiled a little. "Thank you, Kasumi. Ryouga, can you show the men where to put everything, and I'll gather everyone up, okay?" Ryouga nodded and turned back to the truck and started to help the deliverymen unload.
Ukyou and Owen followed Kasumi into the house and to the living room, where Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome were playing shoji and Nodoka Saotome was trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to stop them from cheating too much. Everyone looked up when Kasumi came into the room and announced that the wayward travelers were back, plus one. Ukyou introduced Owen to everyone in the room.
"Kasumi, can I use your phone? I need to call some people and let them know we're back and to come over. Ryouga and I want to explain everything to everyone at one time."
"That shouldn't be a problem, Ukyou. The phone is over there. Help yourself. Mr. Burnett, please make yourself at home. Would you like a cup of tea?"
"Yes, Miss Tendo. That would be very nice. Thank you for your hospitality."
"Such nice manners! I will be back in a minute. Oh dear, I better prepare some snacks if there are a lot of people coming over."
Nodoka spoke up. "Would you like some help in the kitchen, Kasumi?"
She brightened. "Yes, Auntie. I would gladly accept your help." Kasumi turned to the kitchen and Ukyou returned from using the phone, and Ryouga, being led by the delivery driver, came in from the dojo.
He nodded his thanks sheepishly, then turned to Ukyou. "Everything is unloaded and in the dojo. I didn't open the crate yet."
Ukyou nodded. "I called up everyone who we talked about before. Let's go out to the dojo and wait for everyone to arrive."
Genma spoke. "Did you bring back the Nannichuan water? Where are Ranma and Akane?"
Ukyou looked at Ryouga for an answer. He shrugged his shoulders. "Um, they're out in the dojo, waiting for us." Ryouga flinched slightly at her words, but remained silent. Ukyou continued. "Yes, we did bring the Nannichuan water back. You'll get your share when everyone has arrived."
Owen looked to Ryouga for an answer to a question. Ryouga explained to Owen, "Genma has a curse, too. He got it the same time Ranma got his. He fell into Spring of Drowned Panda, though."
Owen raised his eyebrows are Genma. "Interesting. You are Ranma's father?"
Genma nodded proudly. "Yep, that's my boy. He is cured of the curse, isn't he? It did work?"
Ukyou smirked and nodded. "Oh boy. Yeah, he's fully male now. Shall we go out to the dojo and wait for everyone?"
Everyone nodded and started out to the dojo. Ukyou popped into the kitchen and told Kasumi and Nodoka where they were headed, and followed the rest out a few moments later.
About an hour later, everyone Ukyou called had gathered in the dojo and were talking amongst themselves. There were: Ukyou; Ryouga; Owen; the Tendos, including Nabiki; the Saotomes; all three Amazons; and Dr. Tofu. Everyone was talking about what else occupied the dojo: A huge wooden crate, and three smaller containers with stoppers. Ukyou looked around and noticed everyone had arrived and cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. The guests started to settle down and look up at Ukyou. She looked at Ryouga and motioned him to stand next to her. He shot a panicked glance at her and started to inch away. Ukyou grabbed him by his collar and yanked him up next to her. She gave him a stern look and started to speak.
"Thank you for all coming. You all have a feeling of why we gathered you here today. Ryouga and I decided it would be easier to explain everything to everyone all at the same time. Now, I bet you are wondering where Ranma and Akane are." Just about everyone nodded or acknowledged the statement. "We will explain their absence in a moment. But first, the main reason you are here. As you know, Ranma received a letter yesterday from Plum, the Jusenkyo Guide's daughter, telling him that the springs had refilled and Nannichuan and Nyannichuan's locations had been found. The four of us, Ryouga, Ranma, Akane and myself went to Jusenkyo to retrieve the water for the cursed members here in Nerima. Ranma jumped into the Nannichuan water and cured himself there." Several murmurs went through the crowd. "We then filled up several casks with the Nannichuan water to bring home. Mousse, please come forward for your water."
Mousse came forward and Ryouga dumped one of the drowned boy casks on him. Ukyou then poured cold water on Mousse to demonstrate that the Nannichuan water did work, and handed him a towel. Mousse, overjoyed that the duck had flown the coop, went over to Shampoo to give her a hug. Shampoo, on the other hand, was not overjoyed and promptly knocked Mousse over the head with one of her bonbori and put him into a quick slumber. Ukyou then continued. "Mr. Saotome, please come and get your water."
Genma came forward and Ryouga poured one of the two remaining casks over his head. Ukyou then poured some cold water on him to confirm the curse was indeed cured. Nodoka got up and gave her husband a towel to dry off with, and a kiss on the cheek. "Well done, my husband. Finally, no more furballs in the sink." Everyone chuckled at the statement, and awaited the next cursed person's cure.
Ukyou continued. "The last cask is Nannichuan. Dr. Tofu, could you hold on to this and when Tarou comes around, give it to him?"
Dr. Tofu went up to Ukyou and nodded. "Of course, Ukyou. The next time I see him, I'll offer him the water." He took the remaining cask and sat down.
Shampoo glanced around for the remaining cask. "What about Shampoo's cure? Where girl water?"
Ukyou looked at Ryouga, who gulped and smiled sickly, but continued. "We did have a cask for you, Shampoo, but during a 'scuffle,' it got dropped and it broke open on the ground. There is no Nyannichuan water, Shampoo. I'm sorry."
Shampoo looked heartbroken. "Why not get more from spring?"
Ukyou continued, "We couldn't. The spring dried up right after we filled the cask. Same with Nannichuan. After Ranma took his bath, and the casks were filled, the spring dried up. The cask Dr. Tofu is holding is the last of the drowned boy water."
Everyone started to talk amongst themselves. Nodoka frowned and spoke up. "So where are Ranma and Akane?"
Owen stood up and started to speak. "This is where I come in, if you don't mind Miss Kuonji." Ukyou looked relieved and nodded her head. She backed away from Owen to give him center stage. "My name is Owen Burnett and I had the opportunity to meet these four people in Jusenkyo with my employer, Mr. David Xanatos." Nabiki looked up at the mention of Xanatos, but said nothing. "He currently is unable to be here, but will be here after sunset. Mr. Hibiki and Miss Kuonji, plus Ranma and Akane, have asked me to explain where the two missing are. They are, in fact, in this very room with all of you. They are, however, in that crate." Everyone started to talk very loudly and look at the crate oddly. "Please, everyone. I will explain everything in due course. Now, Ranma did get cured with the Nannichuan water. He is fully male. But to circumstances beyond their control," Ryouga blushed deeply and turned towards the crate, "Akane fell into a spring of her own." Astonished gasps arose from the crowd. Soun started wailing about his precious baby and spouting a fountain of tears. Kasumi rushed to comfort her father. "As I was saying, Akane fell into a spring of her own. Ranma jumped in to save her from drowning in the spring. He brought her back to the surface, where I performed CPR on her to get her to breathe again." More alarmed gasps and cries arose from the crowd. Soun increased his stream to a river.
"What spring did they fall into, Mr. Burnett?" Nabiki asked. "Are they okay?"
Owen waited for everyone to quiet down before he continued. "Ranma and Akane are just fine." Ryouga and Ukyou nodded in agreement. "They are, at the moment, asleep. The spring they fell into is called Gaagoirnichuan, or spring of drowned gargoyle. This spring, however, is different from all other springs. This one is permanent." Cries of horror erupted from the crowd. "Do not worry about them. Like I said, they are asleep. Gargoyles are nocturnal beings by nature, meaning they function at night. During the day, however, they go into a stasis that is set in motion by the sunrise, turning them into stone." Before the crowd got out of control, Owen motioned to Ryouga to open the crate. He pried the top off and the four sides fell down at the same time. Inside the crate, amidst the straw and other packing materials, stood two statues holding hands--Ranma and Akane.
The crowd went ballistic. Soun and Nodoka let out a shriek and fainted on the spot. Genma, Dr. Tofu, Nabiki, and Kasumi looked completely stunned, and were frozen, except for an "Oh, my!" from each of them. The girls promptly began to cry, and collapsed in each other's arms. All three Amazons were in shock; Cologne recovered quickly, getting a sad, resigned look on her face; Shampoo's shock faded gradually, turning to one of extreme confusion. Mousse quickly formed a smile; realizing that his rivalry with Ranma was now over.
Shampoo started to get mad. "Where is Airen? That only demon-statue of him and Violent-girl. Why you say rock Ranma?"
Ukyou and Ryouga looked at each other and sighed. They knew this was going to happen. "These statues are really Akane and Ranma. We watched them change to stone this morning with our very eyes when the sun rose. Mr. Burnett is telling the truth."
That only made her madder. "No! You lying! These not real people. How can real people be rocks? Tell me now where spatula girl hold Airen!" Shampoo started to advance on Ukyou and Ryouga, bonbori at the ready.
Ukyou and Ryouga fell into a ready stance. They also drew their familiar weaponry.
Cologne spoke. "Child, calm down. I believe them that the statues are Ranma and Akane."
She shook her head. "They not them!" She continued her advance toward the others.
Before she could attack, Cologne poked a shiatsu point and Shampoo dropped to the ground. "No, child, they are Ranma and Akane. They are telling the truth."
"Really great-grandmother?"
She nodded sadly. "Yes, child, they are. I have heard of gargoyles and their unique 'abilities' before. If it is true that they fell in Gaagoirnichuan, then those statues are really Ranma and Akane, and they will become flesh at sunset. Have you calmed yourself enough?"
Shampoo nodded sadly, and Cologne jabbed the release point. She stood up and went over to Ranma and Akane. Shampoo studied the statues, going around them, looking them up and down. She brought her hand up to touch Ranma's face, dragging her hand down his arms. "Aiyah! It really is him, great-grandmother."
"Yes, Shampoo. It is. You do know what this means now, don't you?"
Shampoo looked confused for a moment. "No"
"Come, child. I have something to discuss with you." The two Female Amazons walked over to a corner and talked quietly.
At this point Nodoka and Soun woke up from their fainting spell. "Kasumi, please tell your poor father that your sister and Ranma have not turned into a demon-statues? That it was all a dream?"
Kasumi wiped her eyes on her apron, and looked at her father. "If what Mr. Burnett, Ukyou and Ryouga say is true, then they have, Father." Soun wailed and started another tributary on River Tendo. Kasumi patted her father's shoulder and handed Nabiki a bucket to catch the tears. She turned to the people in question. "Is it really true? That those statues are Ranma and Akane, for real?"
Ukyou and Ryouga looked to Kasumi and sadly, nodded yes. Soun started wailing again. "My poor baby! What will we do now? My baby is a demon statue!"
Nodoka was still trying to recover from her faint when she turned to Owen. "Mr. Burnett, if what you say is true, then my son and Akane are sleeping, correct?" Owen nodded. "Can you wake them up so we can see for ourselves that they truly are cursed?"
Owen shook his head. "They can not be awoken by force. They will remain stone until sunset, which is in a half an hour. Only then will they break free from their stone casing and become flesh once more. Then, at sunrise, they will return to stone for the day. Now, if everyone could re-gather, I can answer any questions you might have before they wake up. Thank you, Miss Kuonji, Mr. Hibiki. You can join everyone else, if you want." Ukyou and Ryouga numbly sat down with the rest. Owen made himself comfortable and awaited the question session.
Nabiki came up with one first. "Can't they be cured? Why didn't they just dunk themselves in the boy and girl springs again?"
"Remember, it was mentioned that the original springs dried up after the casks were filled. Also, Miss Plum explained that the water only works three times. Ranma had used his three times up, so the Nannichuan water would not work on him. Akane, I have been told, had been dunked twice, but there was no Nyannichuan water left. The last of the spring, in the cask meant for Miss Shampoo, soaked into the ground when it was broken. There is no cure available. Ranma and Akane have been resigned to that fact, and I believe, accepted it."
Soun renewed his waterworks again. Genma spoke up for the first time. "Why didn't they pour hot water on themselves and change back to human form before they turned to stone?"
Owen answered, "Hot water was used right after they recovered from the spring. Miss Plum mentioned that different curses had different temperature triggers. They tried all temperatures, until they reached boiling. When they poured the boiling water on Ranma, it did trigger the transformation." Several people's faces showed some semblance of relief. "However, the change caused Ranma extreme pain, which Ranma mentioned at the time, had never happened before. Cold water was poured on Ranma, and he returned to the gargoyle form with no pain whatsoever. Akane did not attempt changing, seeing the agony Ranma went through. Like I said earlier, the curse is permanent. I believe they have accepted this as fact."
"What if we pour hot water on them, now? Won't that make them switch back to their human forms and out of the stone?" Nabiki inquired.
Owen raised an eyebrow at her. "I do not know what will happen. They might break out of the stone. Or they may not."
Nabiki went and retrieved a hot water kettle. "Only way to know is to try, right? You said it has to be boiling, right?" Owen nodded. Nabiki poured the entire kettle of boiling water over the statues. Everyone watched and waited.
Nothing.
"I guess not," she said quietly. She straightened her shoulders and sat back down next to Kasumi, the stony look upon her face as hard and unyielding as the real thing.
Owen looked at his watch and nodded to Ukyou and Ryouga. "Now, if everyone could step back, it is just about sunset, and Ranma and Akane will awaken. Do not be frightened of them. They will not look the same as when they left here yesterday. Certain characteristics have changed, including skin color and some features. As you can see, some extra parts were added, as well. Remember, they are still the Ranma and Akane you know. Their bodies are the only things that have changed. Also, I need to warn you. They will make a roaring sound when they are fully awake. The gargoyles that I have associated with tend to be quite loud when they awake from their stone slumber. They also tend to shatter the stone skin in a fairly wide arc."
Everyone looked rather alarmed and frightened at Owen's explanation of the awakening. They did listen to his advice and backed away from the stone pair. A minute ticked by, and Owen said, "Be prepared. They will awaken in 30 seconds." As soon as the words left his mouth, hairline cracks began to form upon the statues. Someone said muttered 'Oh my!' and the hairs grew longer and wider. Cracking sounds were heard. Flakes of stone started to fall away, and red and grey skin could be seen peeking through.
Finally, with several loud, reverberating cracks and piercing, vibrating roars, Ranma and Akane burst through their stone covering for the first time, throwing out their wings, eyes glowing white and red, respectfully, stone shards flying in every direction. They looked around, disoriented, and then back to each other. They embraced and gave each other a 'good morning!' kiss.
"We made it home! We're
alive!" They turned around and looked at everyone huddled in horror and
astonishment at the back of the dojo. Their eyes dimmed, their wings fell
into place on their shoulders and they blushed simultaneously. Ranma grabbed
his tail and said, "Hi, everyone. Sorry 'bout this."
After a couple of moments of watching the crowd stare at the newly awakened couple, and the couple staring back, Owen ahemed and greeted the pair. "Good evening, Ranma and Akane. Did you have a pleasant sleep?"
This started a chain reaction of shouts and murmurs intermixed with a weeping father.
"Ranma, Akane? Is that really you?"
"What in the hell happened to you two?"
"Very impressive show, son-in-law."
"Are you guys okay?"
"Ohh, my baby has red skin!!!"
"Oh, Father!"
Ranma and Akane blushed and tried to settle everyone down as quickly as possible. Ukyou and Ryouga took over for them and nudged them in a different direction. After giving Akane's hand a reassuring squeeze, Ranma nudged her in the direction of her family. Akane stepped forward and went to her sisters and father. She looked down at them. "Hello, everyone." She saw their doubting looks. She sighed and reassured them, "Yes, it really is me, Akane. Even though my body has changed, my mind and soul has not." Tears started to well up in her eyes. She pointed at her fiancee. "That is Ranma over there. We know what we have become, and we are going to have to accept it as fact, and learn how to live with it, the same as you all, even though we do not want to. Kasumi? Nabiki? Daddy?"
Kasumi was the first to approach Akane in her new form and looked into her eyes. She walked around Akane and took in her sister's new body from horn to wings to tail. She came back around to the front. Kasumi reached up to touch Akane's tear-stained cheek. "It really is you, Akane. Oh, little sister, what has happened to you?" Akane started to sob out loud and fell into Kasumi's embrace. Nabiki wiped her eyes and tentatively came forward to give Akane a hug. Soun wailed some more. Kasumi gave him a disapproving glance; he calmed down a bit and came over to join his family.
Nodoka started toward Ranma. She noticed someone was missing and went back and pulled Genma up to join her. Ranma met them halfway. "Um...hi Mom, Pops. How's it goin'?"
Nodoka looked at her newly transformed son and studied him the same way Kasumi studied Akane. "Hello, Ranma. It is really you, isn't it? What have you gotten yourself into now?" Ranma blushed and Nodoka gathered him in her arms. "I'm so sorry, Ranma. I should have never doubted it was really you. I recognized you and Akane when you were still statues. I just didn't want to believe..."
Ranma cut her off. "That's okay, Mom. I totally understand. You do understand, though, that the curse is permanent, right? Me an' Akane are stuck like this, forever. There is no cure."
Genma replied, "Yes, Ranma. Mr. Burnett over there explained some things to us before you woke up." Nodoka looked at her husband and elbowed him in the ribs. He glanced back at her and gave her a strained smile. "By the way, Ranma," Genma looked like he was being forced to eat poisoned fish. He quickly glanced around to see if anyone was watching. "Um...Ranma...thank...thank you for the Nannichuan water." He quickly gave Ranma a small bow.
Ranma gaped at his father open-mouthed. 'He thanked me? Did I just hear right? Did he really thank me?' Ranma closed his mouth and returned the bow. "You're welcome, Pop. It's no problem."
Genma grunted and switched topics. "Now that you are back, and I see that you and Akane are getting along much better, don't you think it is time to unite the schools?"
Ranma groaned and smacked his father in the leg with his tail. Nodoka looked surprised at the appendage. "Now, don't get started on us about marriage already, Pops. Don't you think that we should have a time to adjust to our new bodies and get used to uhh...other stuff too? We haven't been gargoyles for barely 24 hours! Plus, I still have three other fiancées to deal with."
At that moment, Cologne and company approached Ranma. Shampoo refused to look Ranma in the eye. "Yes, Son-in..umm..Ranma, about the engagement to Shampoo. I am afraid I have to annul the marriage claim Shampoo has over you." Ranma looked at Cologne in disbelief. "The tribal laws only pertain to humans. They do not cross the species barrier. If the curse was not permanent, it would be a different matter entirely. We will be closing up our restaurant and returning to China. Shampoo's honor will remain intact since she is not forced to marry a...being such as yourself." She turned to the other two Amazons with her. "Mousse, Shampoo, do you have anything to say to Ranma?"
Mousse stepped forward and bowed to Ranma. "Thank you for bringing back the Nannichuan water for me, Ranma. I hope you live the rest of your life happy, content, and free of worries."
Ranma bowed back. "You're welcome, Mousse. Same to you." He turned to Shampoo. "I'm sorry about the Nyannichuan water, Shampoo. If we could have..."
Shampoo looked up at Ranma with heartache in her eyes and sorrow written on her face. She cut in before he could finish his sentence. "Shampoo say goodbye, now. Don't want to but great-grandmother say so. Luck to you in life." She wrapped her arms around Ranma's neck and gave him a hug. She whispered something into his ear and bolted out of the dojo as quickly as she could. Cologne sighed, gave Ranma a small bow and followed Shampoo, pulling Mousse behind her.
Ranma turned to his parents with a surprised look on his face. "Well, that was interesting. I didn't expect the old ghoul to give up so easily. And, to come to think about it, before we left China, Ukyou gave up her claim on me, too. She said we weren't compatible anymore." He smirked a bit. "If it was this easy to get rid of the fiancées, I would have done something like this a lot earlier."
Nodoka frowned at Ranma. "You wouldn't have given up your humanity just to get rid of some girls' unwanted affections, would you, Ranma? That's not right." Nodoka brightened, though. "Now, you and Akane are truly made for each other. No one can get in your way. Who's the third fiancée?"
Ranma grimaced. "Kodachi Kuno. She doesn't have a real claim over me, but she's nuts, and it would be the best for me an' Akane if both her and her idiotic brother Kuno were out of the way."
Nodoka gave Ranma a smile and nodded to herself. "Well, that isn't so bad after all. Just ignore them and they'll go away, right?"
Ranma looked at his mother strangely. "Sure, Mom, whatever." Ranma looked like he remembered something. "I'll be right back. I want to go talk to Akane and Owen for a minute." He left his parents and went over to where the Tendos were talking. "Hey Akane. We need to talk with Owen. Remember, we have guests arriving soon?"
Akane looked up at Ranma with a question on her face. "Guests?" Then she remembered what Ranma was talking about. "Oh, guests! Excuse us, everyone. We'll be right back." Ranma and Akane went over to Owen, who was talking with Dr. Tofu and Ukyou. Ryouga was nowhere to be seen. "Excuse me, Mr. Burnett?" Owen looked up at the two gargoyles. "What time is Mr. Xanatos arriving with the other gargoyles?"
Owen looked at his watch. "They should be arriving anytime. Mr. Xanatos has been at the airport since sundown, waiting for the gargoyles to awaken. He should be getting here any minute now." And, again, as Owen finished his sentence, the gate's bell was heard.
Kasumi looked up. "Oh, we have more visitors. I will be right back."
Owen excused himself and went to intercept Kasumi as she was on the way out the door. "That would be for me, Miss Tendo. Do you mind if I accompany you to the gate?"
Kasumi smiled. "Certainly not, Mr. Burnett. I would appreciate the company." The two then left to go welcome Mr. Xanatos into the house.
Meanwhile, Akane and Ranma were trying to get everyone's attention. Akane started to speak. "Excuse us, everyone. We have an announcement to make. Mr. Burnett's employer, Mr. David Xanatos, has just arrived, I believe, and he's brought along some guests." Kasumi, Xanatos, and Owen returned to the dojo. Xanatos and Owen came over to the pair. "We were aware of this from the start, so please, do not be alarmed. His guests are members of a clan of gargoyles from New York City, USA. They learned of us and are willing to meet with Ranma and me to answer any questions we might have." 'And we certainly do," Akane added silently. She turned to Xanatos. "Do you want them to come in here or should we go out there and greet them?"
Xanatos smiled. "Why don't you come out to the garden and meet them. They're waiting out there."
Xanatos and Owen started to walk out the door, followed by Ranma, Akane, and everyone else. Akane noticed this and turned around. "Why don't you all stay in here and we'll bring them inside. It might be easier on everyone, okay?" 'This way no one will give us a bad impression.' Akane thought silently. She turned around and joined the others outside, standing next to Ranma. He felt her nervous presence next to him and reached down to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. She glanced into his concerned features and gave him a shaky smile back.
"Nervous?" He whispered to her.
She nodded. "A bit. I just don't know what to expect. I'd rather be fighting of Kuno or Shampoo than be doing this."
"Relax, Akane." He stepped closer and brought his arm around her back, giving her a small hug. She leaned gratefully into his embrace. "Nothin' gonna happen. Especially with me here ta protect ya."
Xanatos gave a short whistle and shortly the sky was filled with four winged creatures, gliding down from one of the neighbor's trees. Everyone on the porch gasped aloud at the sight of the new gargoyles. They still weren't used to Ranma and Akane, and as Akane predicted, four more added fuel to the already hot bonfires. All four landed gracefully, and capped their wings. A tall red male with long white hair and horns similar to Ranma's, and a brown leather loincloth stepped forward and bowed. "I am Brooklyn, of Clan Wyvern. It's nice to meet you."
Ranma stepped forward and returned the bow. "I am Saotome Ranma, of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. It's a great to meet you as well."
Akane also stepped forward and returned Brooklyn's bow. "I am Tendo Akane, of the Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. It is an honor to meet you, Brooklyn, of Clan Wyvern. Welcome to our home."
Ranma extended his hand for a handshake. Brooklyn grasped his forearm in a warrior's shake and smiled. "Thank you."
Everyone let out a collective breath they didn't realize they were holding. The three unnamed gargoyles approached the Nerima pair. A lavender female, long, black hair pulled back in a loose braid announced herself. She wore a beige tunic with a belt and stitching at the neck. "My name's Angela. Greetings to the both of you."
A portly, bald, turquoise male with a brown leather loincloth went next. He had a row of nobby horns going down the center of his scalp. "I'm Broadway. It's really nice to meet you both."
A hunter green female with long dark purple hair with the sides pulled up went last. Her horns were arranged on a crown pattern on her forehead. She wore a dark blue tunic with an intricate white cloud design pattern stitched all over it. To Akane, it looked like it was fashioned after a kimono. She gave them a deep bow. "I am Shiun, of Clan Wyvern, formerly of Clan Ishimura." Ranma and Akane looked at each other in recognition. "Hajimemashite?"
Akane replied, returning the bow. "Kochira kosa. Domo arigato gozaimasu."
Shiun and Akane gave each other a bright smile. Akane turned to Ranma, and said, "Ranma, why don't we introduce everyone, and go inside for some tea. Would you all please come this way?" Akane and Ranma turned toward the dojo. Everyone on the porch went inside, seeing where the gargoyles were headed. Kasumi and Nodoka went off to the kitchen to get some snacks and drinks. Ranma and Akane went around and introduced the new gargoyles to their families and friends, and led everyone into the house proper and into the living room.
Once everyone was settled down and Kasumi and Nodoka handed out tea and enough snacks to constitute a meal to everyone, Brooklyn got down to business. "Now, Ranma and Akane, Xanatos told us how you became gargoyles. Is it really true that you fell in a cursed spring and came out as gargoyles?"
Ranma sighed and nodded. "Yeah, it's true all right."
"Why were you there in the first place?"
Ranma blanched but continued on. "I already had a curse. I was there to remove it."
"Which one did you have before?"
"I fell into Nyannichuan. Spring of drowned girl. When I was splashed with cold water, I became female in body only. My mind stayed male. 'Very tragic story...'" The Nerimians laughed at the impression. The NY gargoyles just glanced between each other funny.
"So, now you can't change back to human anymore?" Angela asked.
Ranma and Akane looked at each other and winced. "Well, technically, we can still go back to human form. It's just that the water has to be boiling and the transformation is extremely slow and painful."
The NY gargoyles glanced at each other in recognition. Broadway turned to Xanatos and Owen. "Like Demona's?" They both nodded.
Akane looked confused. "Demona? Who's she? Mr. Burnett didn't mention a Demona when he listed off your clan members."
Angela explained. "Demona is my mother. She's not part of the clan anymore. She's done many horrible and evil things to the clan and to humankind. She's been permanently banished form the clan. But, that's another story, for another time." Brooklyn patted Angela's knee in solidarity. "So, do you have any questions for us?"
Ranma and Akane looked at each other, trying to think of one particular question to ask out of the thousands running through their minds. It was Dr. Tofu who spoke the first one. "Why does the gargoyle physiology need to turn to stone? Mr. Burnett mentioned that you heal with the stone sleep, and feel refreshed after you wake up. Do you know what causes the transformation?"
The gargoyles looked at each other, but before they could answer, Xanatos answered amicably. "I have had many leading scientists study the stone stasis in-depth. They haven't found an answer to that; other than some trace elements and compounds in the gargoyle's bloodstream and throughout the body. There is no solid proof of anything definite triggering the stone. Some say that the gargoyles' stone skin soaks up the rays of the sun and the nutrients from the sun heal them, but they also turn to stone inside, or in the dark. But that's just a theory. No one has come up with the real answer."
Shiun added, "I know I feel better when the sun has been out all day." The other gargoyles nodded their heads in agreement.
"Okay, I have a question," Ranma started out. "Why did our eyes glow when we woke up this morning? That was sort of weird. Mr. Burnett also mentioned that they glow when we are in battle mode."
Broadway smiled. "Well, not just in 'battle mode.' Usually our eyes will light up when strong emotions are involved, like anger, but not just in battle. If you feel strongly about something," he looked over at Shiun and blushed. She blushed back and touched his cheek. Their eyes glow briefly. "Or someone, the emotion is demonstrated through our eyes."
Brooklyn snorted. "Yeah, well, you also get rather passionate about food, too. I remember one meatball sandwich in particular..."
Broadway's stomach grumbled in acknowledgment. He blushed considerably and covered up his stomach with a wing. "Yeah, well, you get the same way about motorcycles. Remember the one Lex built?"
Angela stopped the contest before it got out of control. "Okay, boys. We are guests in someone else's home. Please try and control yourselves." She turned to Akane and sighed. "You can tell they're rookery brothers, can't you? Always at each other's throats, arguing about something." Akane and Ranma laughed and the siblings turned away from each other in a huff.
Nodoka brought up another question. "What about family structure? You said you had a mother, Angela, is it? What about a father or other family members?"
Shiun took this question. "When born, a gargoyle hatches out of an egg. The incubation period of a gargoyle egg is 10 years long. The female can have from one to four eggs. One or two is most common. A few females, called rookery-mothers, raise the hatchling from the beginning in the rookery with the rest of the clutch. The hatchlings, themselves, call each other 'brother' and 'sister.' Gargoyles generally don't take names, but it all depends on the clan. Also, parental lineage is not taken notice of, although it may be obvious who the parents would be through coloring, or characteristics." Brooklyn rubbed his beak in agreement. "The clan raises the clutch as one, not showing favoritism to any particular hatchling. The older members of the clan were referred to by their place or status in the clan, like Leader, or Second, or Elder and others."
"So you two are not really brothers," Nabiki surmised.
"Not by blood, no," Brooklyn shook his head. "By spirit and rookery-ship, yes. Broadway and I were born in the same clutch, along with Lexington, who is back at the Castle with Aiden, Goliath, Hudson, and Bronx. We were like peas in a pod, the three of us, as the saying goes. Where one was, usually the other two were there, or not that far behind." Brooklyn and Broadway chuckled, remembering 'the good ol' days.'
Kasumi looked at each of the gargoyles. "You look to be about Ranma and Akane's age. How old are you all?"
Angela smiled. "Well, that's an interesting subject. A gargoyle only ages while awake, so when we are stone, the aging process is put on hold."
"So you age one year for every two of our years?" Dr. Tofu wondered.
Broadway nodded. "Yes, we are actually 36 years old, or comparatively, 18 in human years. Although, our clutch hatched in the year 964."
Everyone gasped and shook their heads in disbelief. "That can't be true! You would have to 1036, then!"
"That's a long story in itself. In 994, a wizard put a spell on us that would keep us stone at all times until 'the castle rises above the clouds.'"
Xanatos coughed loudly at this point. "This is where I come in. I read about the Scottish gargoyles' story in an old book that I had bought. I was very interested to see if the story was true. I bought and brought Castle Wyvern over from Scotland, brick by brick, gargoyle by gargoyle, and placed it on top of the world's largest building, the Aerie Building, which I had just constructed. That made the castle 'rise above the clouds,' and one night, in 1994, I brought the clan back to life." Xanatos gave them a huge smirk. "They owe their existence to me."
Brooklyn and the others just rolled their eyes and groaned. "Yeah, whatever, Xanatos. There is a whole bunch more to that story, but we won't get into that tonight. That'd take forever to tell."
"Yeah, and you'd be bored out of your minds." Broadway smirked. "Especially the way Brooklyn tells stories."
"Hey!"
Angela sighed again. "Guys, stop it. This isn't the time or the place for your petty arguments."
Akane had been quiet, taking in everything Brooklyn and the others were saying. She leaned over to Ranma and whispered something in his ear. He looked at her in question and whispered something back. They continued like this for a couple of moments. Finally, Ranma nodded and gave her an encouraging smile. "Just ask them, already. We won't know unless we ask and find out. The worst they can say is no."
The New York gargoyles stopped their 'conversation' and looked at Akane in question. She blushed and started in on her thoughts. "I have been listening to you all talk and such." She smiled ruefully. "Your lives sound just as interesting as ours at times. The thing is, and I just talked it over with Ranma; we would like to know, since we just became gargoyles yesterday, we would like to learn how to be a gargoyle and use our new bodies correctly. I know it sounds silly, but all we have is our human background to go on, and that's only going to get us so far. We would like to learn from you, if possible, how to be a proper gargoyle. We don't even know if our wings work or if we did the right thing when we woke up, or anything. You could say we're just mere hatchlings at this."
Akane glanced back at Ranma with a worried look, and back at the visiting gargoyles. Brooklyn raised his browridge at that question, and smiled. "We were wondering when you were going to get to the nitty-gritty. We discussed this on the glide over here, and we were prepared for that question." Brooklyn glanced at the other three Manhattanites. They nodded their heads and smiled at the new gargoyles. "We would be honored and happy to help you and show you both all about the gargoyle way. Although, to get the proper training and experience, we would like to invite you to come to New York and stay with us. If, that is, it's all right with you, Xanatos? How would you like two more ornaments on the parapets?"
David Xanatos, furrowed his eyebrows and rubbed at his goatee. He looked deep in thought. "Well, I don't know..." Ranma and Akane gave each other more worried glances. He gave the Nerimians a big grin. "Of course you are welcome to stay with us at the Castle." He winked at Ranma and Akane. "It's the least I can do for the hatchlings."
Ranma and Akane stood up and moved closer to the others. "Do you really mean it?" The four gargoyles and two humans nodded in acknowledgment. "Thank you very much. You don't know what this means to us."
Soun started to wail once more. "Oh, my baby is leaving the nest with her fiancée! What a proud day this is for me! Waah!" Kasumi patted her father's shoulder in sympathy. Nabiki just rolled her eyes.
Angela looked back at Ranma and Akane with questioning eyes. "Fiancée?"
The pair blushed, sat back down, and explained. "Our fathers arranged the marriage before we were even born."
"I thought you two were mated already. It seemed like that to me," mused Shiun.
They blushed even deeper and looked each other in the eyes. For a moment, you could see their eyes light up and flash at each other, but it was gone in the next instant.
Owen cleared his throat. "Ranma, Akane, you might want to pack up what you will be taking to New York. Sunrise will be in a few hours and Brooklyn and the others will want to give you a few lessons before we leave, correct? That is, if you are still coming with us."
Everyone turned expectantly to Ranma and Akane. They looked startled, and Ranma answered, "I thought we were. Has something changed?"
Brooklyn, smirked and said, "Nope. We were just making sure. Now before we go, let's see if your wings came fully functional. How's about a quick gliding lesson?"
"Don't you mean flying?"
Broadway smiled. "Nope. Gargoyles glide. We don't flap our wings or that silly stuff birds do. We do, though, use the natural air currents to glide on. Jumping from one thermal to the next gets us where we need to be."
Owen suggested, "Why doesn't your family pack up the things you can carry with you, while you have your gliding lesson. You can send for the bulkier objects later, or see what we have available at the castle. You might find we have all that you need." Kasumi and Nodoka nodded their heads in agreement and took off for other ends of the house, getting ready what the travelers would need for the trip.
Xanatos continued, "Or we can always get it for you. Most of my resources are usually available for the gargoyles' use. We'll see how things go once we get back to New York."
Ranma smiled a wide smile. "Okay, let's start! I've been dying to try out these wings. Just think of the hang time with these, Akane!"
Akane just rolled her eyes. "Whatever, Ranma. I'm going to show Kasumi what I want to bring along, and I'll be right out. Do you want anything special along?"
"Nah, just some clothes that fit right. You know that I travel light, Akane."
Shiun looked up and remembered something. "I thought the two of you might not have anything that fits your new forms properly. I brought along some gargoyle-tailored clothing that might suit your new bodies better than what you have available, now. They're here in my bag." Shiun pulled out a dark green belted tunic for Akane and a black leather loincloth and vest for Ranma.
Akane widened her eyes at the tunic. "It's beautiful, Shiun! Thank you very much!" She got a closer look at the dress. It was a soft, treated leather that had an open back to accommodate the wings. A strip of leather tied at the neck for a better fit. The belt was black and had a buckle that looked like it was made out of ivory. The slits were made just right to accommodate the tail and the legs. The front had a few clasps at the neck to make it more comfortable. Akane saw there was a delicate stitching inlaid throughout the fabric. 'I could never in a million years make something like this! It looks like wisps of smoke,' she thought. She looked up at Shiun and nodded her appreciation again. Akane then looked at the outfit Ranma was handed. She giggled. "Ranma, look what you get to wear!"
Ranma held up what Shiun pulled out in between his talons and blushed. The loincloth was of black leather, standard cut, and the belt had a white ivory buckle. The vest was of black leather as well, with slits in the back to accommodate the wings. The vest, however, had some ornate stitching in red and blue. If you followed the pattern closely, it looked like a large bird was flying and twisting through the air. "You don't happened to have a pair of pants in there, do you?"
Brooklyn and Broadway looked mock-insulted at his remark. "I hope you know we have worn loincloths all our lives. There's nothing wrong with them. Try it, you'll see they are very practical. At least, you have a vest. We go bare-chested all the time."
Ranma took the clothes Shiun handed him and went into his room, grumbling. A few moments later, there was some shouting. Nodoka came out of the room a couple of seconds later, looking startled. "Oh my! I guess he didn't see me in there at first." The ones left in the hallways snickered at that comment and continued outside.
Akane went into her room to see if Kasumi was there and to change into her new outfit. She found Kasumi packing a bag. She looked up and saw Akane and her new clothes and smiled. "I was wondering what I was going to pack for clothes, Akane. I didn't think anything you owned was going to fit you anymore. You have grown quite a bit in height and pretty much everywhere else, too. Not to mention wings and a tail."
She nodded and held out the tunic. "Kasumi, could you help me put this on?"
She nodded and moved to where Akane was struggling with the tunic, ducking an errant wing and jumping over a lashing tail in the process.
Kasumi looked Akane once over appraisingly. "That dress really suits you well, Akane. It's very beautiful. The stitching is very delicate." She peered closely at her sister. "You don't need any support or anything, do you?"
Akane blushed at Kasumi's comment. "I don't think so, Kasumi. I sort of noticed that both Angela and Shiun weren't wearing anything else under their tunics. Plus," Akane jumped up and down a bit, "I don't think I really need anything."
Kasumi raised an eyebrow. "Nothing else? Really? If you say so...if you need anything, you can always get what you require in New York." She sighed loudly. "Everything is happening so fast. We're going to miss you tremendously, Akane. You know that, right? Father has started falling to pieces already. Who am I going to cook for?"
Akane sniffled, and hugged her older sister. "Of course I know that, big sister. It's not like I am dying, or anything. Just think of it as--an exchange student-type trip. You can always call; we're in opposite time zones, now. Day is night and night is day. If we stayed here, we would only be awake at night. That'd be too drastic of a change for everyone here. Just think of how much dust and dirt we would drag around the house from the shedding of our stone skin. You would be cleaning constantly. Besides, I'm sure we'll be able to come back and visit every once in a while. Or maybe you can come and visit Ranma and me in New York. Isn't that a good idea?"
Nabiki spoke from the doorway. "Well, one good thing about you two leaving is that there shouldn't have any more repair bills to worry about. Or rampant fiancées barging in at inopportune times. " Nabiki winked at her older sister and put a finger alongside her nose. "Besides, now here's your chance to go after Dr. Tofu, big sister. I'll be back at college soon, and hopefully Daddy will start taking in some students. He said he was thinking of it the other day."
Akane's tear barrier broke. "I am going to miss you both so much!" She gathered Nabiki and Kasumi in a bone-crushing embrace, wings and all.
All too soon, gurgling
noises were heard from behind the black wings.
"Um...Akane...gak...need...air…breathe...too...strong...urk...Akane!"
Akane, startled out of her sobbing by the choking noises, quickly released
her sisters from her grasp. Both fell to the ground, gasping for air. "Geez,
Akane. That new body of yours sure got stronger, didn't it? Good thing
Ranma's increased, as well. He'd never be able to take the abuse." Nabiki
got a wicked gleam in her eye. "By the way, Akane, what's up with you two?
The way you both were acting earlier, I'd say something else besides a
new curse happened in China."
Akane giggled and went to help her sisters up when she heard a tapping on her window. She opened it and saw Ranma hanging down from the gutter like a bat in front of her window. He had a goofy smile on his face. "Are you ready for your gliding lesson, Akane?" He let go of the roof and flipped in mid-air, doing a few circles and loops in the air to demonstrate. "It's tons of fun, an' real easy! I picked it up after one try." He held out his hand to her to bring her outside. "Let's go up to the roof. Put your foot in my hand and flip up, okay?" She did so and grabbed his shoulders for support. She nodded and crouched, ready to jump. "Ready, and go."
Angela and Shiun were circling above the roof, waiting for Akane to come out. They were shocked to see her flying backward, somersaulting, up to the top of the roof. The landed and came over to her. "Akane, are you okay? You didn't try anything without our help, did you?"
Akane landed on her feet and wobbled a little, trying to maintain her the balance her new body gave her. "No, Ranma flipped me up here from my room. We do that all the time. We are martial artists, you know. That was only a simple flip. I have to get used to the extra appendages and the different center of balance I have, now."
Ranma landed on the roof next to her and looked at Akane in her new outfit. He beamed at her and brushed away a lock of hair out of her face. "You look beautiful, Akane. I like that color on you."
Akane looked down at herself, and blushed. She straightened out the dress and looked back up at Ranma with a big smile. "Thanks, Ranma. That means a lot to me. You look pretty handsome in that outfit, yourself." She winked at him. "Just make sure you keep the flaps of that loincloth where they are supposed to be, okay?" Akane turned to Angela and Shiun and bowed to them. "I'm ready for my lesson, sensei."
Shiun bowed back and Angela awkwardly bowed back. "Okay. First let's see you spread your wings to their maximum width." Angela and Shiun demonstrated for her.
Akane thought about the new muscle groups that she seemed to know existed. She spread them out as far as she could. She could feel each muscle and tendon pulling and stretching each of the wing struts to their maximum distance. She looked back at her wingspan. 'Hey, these wings are huge. I have just about the same span as Angela and a little bit larger than Shiun's wings. Ranma's is longer than mine, though. That might be the male aspect to him, though.' "How's that?" Angela and Shiun nodded.
Ranma nodded as well. "That's great, Akane! You're looking good."
Angela then instructed, "Now, move your wings up and down." Angela demonstrated for her. "Feel the air blowing across the inner membranes. Can you feel the different gusts of wind, Akane?"
Akane closed her eyes and concentrated on the wind flowing across her wings. She could feel the different levels of air blowing, some warmer than others, some stronger than others. She opened her eyes and nodded.
She saw that Angela was on one side of her and Shiun was on the other. Ranma was facing her in the front. Shiun continued, "Now, while keeping your wings extended, we are going to run across the roof. Once we reach the end, you are going to bend down and push off with your feet. That's what those huge muscles in your legs are for, Akane. Don't be afraid to use them. After you jump, tuck your legs under, and reach for the strongest air current with the tips of your wings. Imagine yourself latching your wings onto the current and letting it take you away from the house. Are you ready? We'll be holding onto your hands as you jump, so if you don't get it the first time, you won't fall, okay?"
Ranma gave Akane one of his most brightest, confident smiles. "I know you can do it, Akane. I have complete faith in you! I'll be waiting out here, so don't worry about nothin'. I'll be there to catch you if you fall."
Akane, warmed throughout by Ranma's words, felt she could take on anything. She nodded at the females on either side of her, and once to Ranma. He backed off and jumped into the air, waiting for her. Akane also saw Brooklyn and Broadway giving her encouraging smiles from the air. She nodded once again and started to run.
Akane ran as fast as she could. She could feel the extra muscle in her legs, moving in synch with the rest of her body. She saw the end of the roof and prepared to jump. She reached the edge, squatted, and jumped in one fluid motion. She felt the different air currents rushing across her body and her wings. One huge gust of wind caught her attention and she 'grabbed' onto the thermal with all her strength. She felt her wings struggle to catch the gust of wind and for one brief moment, she thought she was going to fall. All of a sudden, she felt her wings catch the air, like a sail blowing in the wind, and started to rise in the air. She looked to the females on either side of her and found they had already let go. She laughed and continued to go higher.
Akane sensed something come up on her left. She looked to her side and saw Ranma beaming at her, with his hand outstretched. Akane smiled back at him and clasped his hand tightly. Together, they glided through the sky, turning and bobbing, weaving up and down, hopping different air currents as their giddiness took over. Finally, they circled back to the roof. The four New York gargoyles had bright smiles on their faces and welcomed the two back with applause and cheers.
"Great job, you two! We have some mighty fast learners, here. Now, Akane, you have the easy part done. Here comes the tricky part. You need to land, and land in one piece."
Ranma, still holding on
to her hand, let go and came in front of her again. "Akane, just think
of it as descending with a parachute. Let your wings be the parachute,
and let the air out slowly from under them." Akane, still on a high from
her maiden flight, let the air out too fast. She started to gain speed
instead of slowing down in the decent to the roof.
"Ranma, help!"
Ranma seeing what was happening, tucked his wings and dove underneath her to try and help cushion her fall. She caught a weak air current before landing and slowed down a little bit, but not enough to save herself and Ranma from crashing into the roof. They rolled a little bit and came to a stop. The four New Yorkers came rushing over to the pair to see if anything was wrong.
Akane groaned and rolled off Ranma. "Ugh...that didn't work out very well. Ranma, are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Ranma just groaned in response. "Boy, with that new body of yours, Akane, you sure felt like a sack of bricks landing on me. I said slowly, not all at once!"
Akane looked sick. "I'm sorry, Ranma. I didn't mean to let out all of the air at once."
Ranma looked at Akane and saw she was near tears. "Aww, Akane. You know you've hit me a lot harder with that damned mallet of yours! I'm fine. Now, stop your whimpering and give me a hug."
Akane quickly dried the tears and glomped onto Ranma. "Wo ai ni, Airen!"
Ranma groaned, but took the glomp in stride. "Now, those I do not miss."
The New Yorkers gave each other puzzled looks and shrugged their shoulders. "I guess they're okay." They turned to Akane. "See what we meant by the hard part?"
Everyone had a good laugh over this, and Ranma asked the others. "So, since we got the flyin' lesson, wanna take a spin around the block?"
The others nodded. "Sure! Might as well since we have some time to waste before we leave."
The six gargoyles jumped
off the roof and sailed through the air, Ranma and Akane in the lead. They
passed over Furinkan High, the Nekohanten, Ucchan's, and various other
places full of memories.
Meanwhile, back at the Tendo compound, the adults were discussing Ranma and Akane's new situation with 'the experts,' Owen and Xanatos.
Nodoka wrung her hands in worry. "So, Mr. Xanatos, are you sure that Ranma and Akane will be okay in New York?"
He assured her with a smile. "Of course, Mrs. Saotome. They will be well provided for and protected."
Nabiki narrowed her eyes. "Why would they need protection?"
Xanatos didn't bat an eye and continued smoothly. "New York, like other major cities, has its dangers. The other gargoyles that have taken residence in New York have run into 'opinionated' humans that would like to see them, for lack of a better term, leave and never come back."
She raised an eyebrow and snorted. "Opinionated? Sounds more like nutcases that hold their ignorance in high regard."
He gave her a nod and a chuckle in response. "I guess you could say it in that way, too."
"So what nutcases will Ranchan and Akane be facing in New York?" Ukyou inquired with a little fear.
"Mostly people who do not understand the gargoyles." Owen answered. "But there are a few factions that would like to see the erasure of the gargoyle species."
"Like who, Mr. Burnett?"
"There is a group that call themselves the Quarrymen that give the gargoyles the most problems. They see them as monsters or demons that need to be destroyed."
"Oh my."
Xanatos put his hands up to reassure them. "Don't worry about them, though. The Quarrymen haven't been heard from in quite some time. If they should restart their activity, the gargoyles have proved in the past to handle their small-mindedness."
Soun started to wail. "Oh my! My baby has enemies already! What will we do?"
Kasumi tried to comfort her father. "There, there, Father. Akane will be fine. The other gargoyles will protect her, and remember, Ranma will be with her as well."
He sniffled a bit and calmed down. "You're right, Kasumi. You're always right. Ranma will protect her. Her fiancée will never let her down!"
Genma nodded in agreement.
"Of course the boy will protect her. He won't let anything come to her
harm."
By this time the six gargoyles had returned from their flight around Nerima and walked into the room. The humans, minus Xanatos and Owen, still not used to Ranma and Akane's new forms, gasped at the sight of the six winged creatures gathered in the room.
Brooklyn spoke up. "Excuse us everyone, but I think it's time for us to be going."
Everyone stood up and talking with each other, walked to the backyard to say their good byes.
Ranma and Akane turned around to the group assembled and gave each one a hug or a handshake. Kasumi, Nodoka and Ukyou were teary-eyed as they gave their goodbye hugs; Genma waved as he held a pail under Soun's eyes to collect his tears. "My baby! My baby! Waaaah!!"
Nabiki hesitated, then caved in and gave each Akane and Ranma a hug. "Now take care of her, Ranma. I don't want to have to come over there and give you a piece of my mind. Wait a minute, maybe I do want to come over there. New York is where the American Stock Exchange is located. And that Xanatos guy is a hunk and a half. Hmmm."
Dr. Tofu gave Akane a hug and Ranma a firm handshake. "Do take care of each other. We'll be here waiting for you when you return home." Kasumi moved up behind Dr. Tofu and took hold of his hand. He started, and saw who held his hand. He gave Kasumi a shy smile, giggled and looked back at Ranma and Akane, glasses only partially fogged. Ranma and Akane both raised a brow ridge at the new couple and smiled. They turned around to their new friends and nodded, indicating they were ready to go. Ranma and Akane jumped onto the roof of the house to get a launching point, while the others climbed a nearby tree. Soon, the six gargoyles were winging their way through the air, waving to the ones left behind.
Akane glided over to Ranma and clasped his hand in hers. He smiled at her and gave her hand a gentle squeeze, intertwining his talons with hers and headed towards the airport and their new life.
____________________________
Review, people, review!!!
I know you're out there....