Rain
Part 9
Fiancee Explosion!
+++++++++++++
"Mara."
"What is it?"
"It is time."
"Right."
The demoness stood up and stared forward. She was in a room on the
ninth level of hell. Damned souls screamed from the pits nearby, she
grinned dangerously as she strolled forward. She raised her hands into
the air, and a dark energy swirled around her body, engulfing her
completely.
"Amatsu Mikaboshi! I summon thee to my side! Awaken!"
Out of a pit of magma in front of her, a huge black form slowly
rose from the flames, spewing the heated brimstone in every direction
as it slowly swelled out of the fire and lava. "Who has summoned me?"
"It is I, Mara! Demon First Class!"
"Ah, Mara. Is it that time again?" said the booming voice. Souls
cowered away from it, moaning loudly as they began to flee.
"That's right, time to feed you again," said the demoness coldly
as she stretched out her hands.
"Your hatred is most appreciated, my child," said the black thing
as it began to uncoil itself. A huge black head turned towards her, it
was reptilian, and hidden away in the smoke and blistering heat from
the pit. "Feed my desires, it is almost time."
Mara grit her teeth and closed her eyes as she concentrated.
Various minor demons appeared around her, quickly joined by more and
more dizens of hell. Soon, other first class demons began to appear.
All of them with their eyes closed and their hands thrust forward.
Slowly, a dark cloud of hatred, anger, greed, lust, and any other
negative emotion that the demons could conjure up began to form over
them.
Mara shuddered, terror gripping her heart as images flashed in her
mind.
A young Kura Okami. "You're great Mara! Thanks!" His smiling face
brightening her heart in ways that shouldn't be possible. "We'll be
friend forever right?" Her eyes snapped open, a red glow filled them
and she screamed in rage. "You lied to me! Mara! Damn you!" his face
full of pain as he stood over her, his slap still stinging her cheek.
"I had to say it! I had no choice!"
"He's going to attack isn't he?"
"Don't ask me that! You know I can't tell you!" she pleaded.
"You know what will happen if he does? I'll have to fight him,
with the others."
"No! You don't have too! Come with me! Please! Join us, you can!
You know you can! Because of Raiden and Fujin you could..."
"The only reason you aren't dead, is because of what we had once,"
said the god coldly as he turned away from her.
"Once?" muttered the young demoness in horror.
"Goodbye," said Kura as he vanished.
"Kura! No! Don't leave me!"
The cloud around the god of evil began to swirl around like a
typhoon; the dark god raised his head up, and revealed that his eyes
were still sealed shut. It opened its maw and roared.
Sweat began to pour down Mara's face, the image of Kura with Urd.
Both of them embraced in passion, both in past, and now the present
surfaced. "Bastard! I love you! How could you? I'll..." She collapsed
on the ground, and the other demons around her slowly began to lower
their hands.
The dark god stared down at them, the cloud of negative energy
slowly fading away. "Soon, very soon my children. We will rain down
fire upon heaven itself." It turned its attention towards Mara, and
gave a small chuckle. "She has sought out Kura as I have requested?"
"She has, my lord," said one of the demons as he bowed his head to
the evil god.
"Excellent, she has failed to tempt him as I have foreseen. Most
unfortunate, but I shall enjoy my revenge."
"Shall she be punished for failure?" asked another demon as he
glared at her coldly.
"No, have her continue on her doomed mission for now. Kura may yet
turn, and we can use her hatred to fuel our power still."
"She is a pathetic demon," snorted one of the female demons
nearby. "I've heard reports that she's been seen with the Norns
again."
"I'll deal with her personally, when the time comes," snorted the
dark god as he slowly sank into the pit again. As he vanished into the
flames, one of his eyes cracked slightly, revealing a dangerous
looking red glow.
The demons dispersed, leaving Mara where she lay.
+++++++++
"So, now what?" asked Ranma as he looked at Urd for a moment and
smirked. Only a few minutes before, the trio of gods had driven away
the annoying Plum Spirit.
"Oh! You haven't met Skuld yet!" said Urd excitedly.
"Who's Skuld?" said Ranma dumbly.
"Come on!" said Urd cheerfully.
"But...my cure," muttered Keiichi.
"Don't worry. Just give her a little time," said Belldandy
cheerfully.
The boy hung his head and sighed.
++++++++++++
"I don't know why it didn't work," said Raiden with a small shrug.
"Because you put too much into it!" snapped Skuld as she worked at
the giant Banpei's innards from a small hatch in it's backside. "Hand
me that wrench, would you?" said the goddess with an angry looking
frown.
"It's not my fault. You never said how much," snorted Raiden
calmly as he put the tool into her hand.
"Four million volts?" snapped Skuld as she popped her head out for
a moment.
"How was I supposed to know? I'm not into this mechanical stuff,"
grumbled Raiden dumbly.
Urd walked in with Kura on her arm. "Skuld? You in here?"
"Yeah!" said a voice from inside Banpei. The thing's head turned
slightly and jet of smoke poured out of the robot's hatch. "Damn it!"
screamed the young goddess. "What is it Urd? I'm kinda busy."
"This is your sister?" said Ranma as he looked up at the gigantic
robot head. "I can see the resemblance I guess..."
"That's not her!" snapped Urd as she smacked him in the back of
his head.
"What brings you here?" said Raiden as he turned to face his
brother.
"Urd said she had a sister while I was gone," said Ranma with a
shrug.
"Hmm? That's right, you haven't met Skuld yet," commented Raiden
casually.
"What are you doing in here?" asked Urd as she eyed the demon god
suspiciously. "Oh! You and Skuld have been having a secret love
affair!? I'm so proud!"
Raiden blinked and stared at her for a moment. "Huh? Actually, I'm
just playing battery for this thing." He held up two wires and pointed
them at her.
"Dang," muttered Urd. "Come on out Skuld. I want you too meet my
boyfriend!" She pounded on Banpei's belly for a moment.
"Again? Who is it this time? Honestly Urd..." muttered the goddess
as she crawled out from behind the thing and glared at Ranma.
"Again?" said Ranma as he narrowed his eyes at Urd.
"Heh! Come on! I haven't been that bad!" she said nervously.
Raiden and Skuld both glared at her.
Kura continued to stare.
"Who the heck are you too talk Mr. Fiancee?" she snapped.
Ranma blushed, and turned away.
Skuld blinked and looked at Raiden for a moment, and then back to
Ranma again. "You're going out with Fujin?"
"No!" snapped Urd.
"He's outside," said Ranma as he jerked his thumb over his
shoulder. "Wow, you must be Skuld. You weren't even born yet the last
time I saw your sisters."
Skuld blinked and looked at Urd for a moment. "So...who is this?"
"His name is Kura," said Urd cheerfully.
"Kura?" said the young goddess as she blinked and looked at him
for a moment.
"Yeah, God of Rain," said Ranma as he gave her a small bow.
"This is a joke right? Come on Fujin, cut it out."
Fujin walked into the room and turned towards Raiden. The wind god
was chuckling, and tears were rolling down his eyes from laughter.
"Hey, there's a really great movie on! It's called 'The Exorcist'!
It's a riot!"
Skuld blinked and looked at the three gods for a moment.
"But...you...you're..." She promptly passed out on the ground.
Ranma blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
"Oh? No one told you?" said Raiden as he stood up and dusted off
his pants for a moment. "You're some kind of mega romantic hero now.
You know, the story of you and Urd, and the whole contest deal."
"I'm what?!" cried Ranma in shock.
"Man, I am so sick of that story," muttered Urd irritably.
Skuld had woken up, and was now clinging to Kura's leg. "You're
really him? No joke?"
"Um yeah," said the god as he looked down at her nervously.
"EEEEEEEEE!!" squealed the girl excitedly as she kicked her feet on
the ground and squeezed his leg a little more. She paused and looked
up at her older sister. "But that means..."
"What?" said Urd as she suddenly blushed and turned away.
"YOU'RE the 'foolish goddess'?" said the girl as she blinked at
her for a moment.
"What's that supposed to mean?" said Ranma as he looked at her for
a moment.
"It's nothing," muttered Urd quietly.
"BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!" cried Skuld as she began to roll on the
ground in tears.
+++++++++++++
"What you is doing here?" snapped Shampoo as she glared at Ukyo
and Kodachi. The two girls were moving in the same direction as she
was.
"What? You too?" said Ukyo as she glared at them both.
"What are you two harlots doing here?" cried Kodachi.
"Mercenary girl tell you where Ranma is too?" said Shampoo coldly.
"That's right! I'm going to save my fiancee from that hussy!"
snapped Ukyo.
"No! It is I who will save my Ranma-sama from this charlatan!"
snapped Kodachi.
"Shampoo save Airen," snorted the Amazon irritably.
Ukyo smirked at the pair and crossed her arms. "So, it seems we're
all after the same thing."
"Shampoo agree, we get Airen back, and then decide who take him to
wedding," said the Amazon coolly.
"It's decided then," agreed Kodachi. "Not that I'll need any help
from the likes of you."
++++++++++++
"And then there was an incident involving a Kunoichi? Hmmm..."
said Nodoka as she glared at Genma for a moment. He was tied up beside
her, and struggling against his ropes and gag. "Treating a god in such
a way...I wonder what we should do with him?"
"Death would seem appropriate," commented Happosai as he continued
to fold his underwear calmly.
"No, we need something special," commented Nodoka with a dark
lookin her eyes. "Hmmm, he was a poor husband too."
Genma gulped and stared at her with terror stricken eyes.
Soun merely sat next to the scene, frowning at Genma. "Thirteen
different engagements, Saotome?"
The man shook his head desperately, and tried his best too mumble
out an explanation through his gag.
"The book does not lie, husband," said Nodoka calmly. "I think
I've got just the thing."
Happosai blinked and looked up as Nodoka began to mumble something
under her breath. She waved her hands and a soft glow formed around
her and Genma.
When she was finished, Genma Saotome was sitting in his panda
form, the ropes broken from around his body. He blinked and uttered a
small fearful cry.
"You're going to stay that way, for ten years, six months, and
twenty days. The exact amount of time you spent torturing Kura," said
the woman coldly as she stood up and looked down on him.
Genam stood up to protest, and paused suddenly. He paws went down
to his crotch, and he blinked. "Growf?"
"Yes, that is gone as well. I think you'll learn to like being
female after a few years or so," said Nodoka calmly. "It will return,
after your punishment has ended."
Genma's eyes rolled up into his head, and she passed out on the
ground.
Nodoka started to mutter again, and a glowing ring formed around
the animal's body. In an instant, he was gone.
"Saotome!" cried Soun in shock. "What? What did you do?" he
muttered fearfully.
"I sent him to China, it should be mating season about now. I
think I'll extend it a few months this year as well. The goddess there
owes me a favor," said Nodoka with a cruel looking smile.
"Isn't that a bit much?" stammered the man.
"It's actually for his own safety. Once some of the gods and
goddesses hear about what he's done to Kura, they will not be happy
with him," said Nodoka with a slight smirk. "Especially the
goddesses."
"Oh," muttered Soun.
"Now, where is your daughter?" said Nodoka as she looked around
for Nabiki.
"Pardon?" asked Soun.
"Nabiki, she just made a very naughty decision," said Nodoka with
a slight smirk on her face. "It's no use trying to sneak away."
Nabiki frowned, and stepped out in front of her. "Damn."
"Did you really think I wouldn't know?" said Nodoka as she sat
down and took up a very formal tone.
"No! What are you going to do to her?" snapped Akane as she jumped
up.
"Calm yourself, I'm not going to punish her this time," said
Nodoka as she glared at the girl for a moment. "Only because she
didn't take any payment for what she did."
"What?" gasped Akane as she stared at her sister in terror.
"What might that b..."
"You'd best remember who it is you're speaking too Nabiki," said
Nodoka coolly. Another book appeared in front of her, the girl's name
was written across the top. "I could go through this, and point out
everything you've done to Kura as well. I might change my mind about
being lenient with you and your family for his sake."
"My family?" said Nabiki in shock.
"Kasumi is the only person in this entire home, who has committed
no crimes against the gods in one form or another. We were going to
overlook them, especially since Kura would not be very happy with us
punishing you. However, there are things even he cannot protect you
from," said Happosai calmly.
"Like what?" said Nabiki.
"Final Judgement," said Nodoka with a small frown.
"What about you?" snapped Akane angrily. "Sure I might have hit
him a little, but he was a jerk!"
"A little?" said Nodoka with her eyebrow arching.
"He deserved it!" snapped the girl in retort.
"Who are you to judge a god?" asked the woman gently. "Your
jealousy and insecurity is no excuse."
"What?" gasped Akane in shock.
"Ranma was trying too push you away, he didn't realize it of
course. His heart has belonged too someone else since before the
beginning of time. A goddess by the name of Urd."
"Urd?" said Akane in shock. "You mean...?"
"Yes, the meeting of those two, was the hand of fate."
"What about all this manliness crap?" said Nabiki in irritation.
"Can you blame me? I wanted him to have a little fun before he was
tied down again," replied the goddess with another shrug of her
shoulders.
"What? So he really is a pervert?" gasped Akane.
"Hardly, he fought my every attempt foot and nail. I've got to
give him credit for being faithful, without even realizing it."
"So, everything I've went through, for the past year? All that was
just..." Akane was glowing with rage as she said this.
"All what? You mean all those times he's saved your life? Or
perhaps even your virginity from some nameless prince?" Nodoka smirked
at her. "I doubt if you realize what your life would have been like
without him."
Akane paused, and stared at her. "What?"
"Let's see now," she opened another book and smiled. "Akane Tendo,
this would have been your life!" she said cheerfully as she sat down.
"Seventeen years of age, the daily fights degraded your skills so
badly, that you were beaten finally. Tatewaki Kuno, then saved you
from numerous forced dates, and defeated you in battle. You resisted
of course, and were beaten again and again by the boy. Finally, he
struck a deal with your father. It seems he saw how well off the Kuno
family is, and decided that the best way to ensure your family, was to
engage him too you." She paused and looked up at the girl with a
rather evil smirk. "There's more."
"It isn't true," said Akane with tears forming in her eyes.
"She isn't lying, why do you think we picked that idiot Genma? It
was so Kura would be here. There were a few other choices, but you
were the worst off, and we decided to intervene here," said Happosai.
"It started around thirty years ago, when I started to train your
father, and that idiot Genma."
"Yes, you see, you would have married Kuno, and gone as insane as
his sister, who would have still hated you. After a ten-year marriage
of drug induced hysteria, and beatings. You finally snapped, and went
on a murdering spree throughout Japan. Killing many of your former
classmates, and the entire Kuno family. I should also add, that you
would have spent the rest of your life with a bowl cut. In the end,
you were shot dead by the police's Special Forces team."
Akane was staring at her in horror.
"Now, tell me again how much the gods hate you for dealing you
this fate? Or perhaps how much you wish that Kura was never here? That
could be arranged you know. I am sorry for being so harsh, but I want
you to understand, for his sake. He does care about you, all of you.
It was not I who chose this life, but him."
Soun was completely pale, and Nabiki stood behind him, and
undisguised look of shock on her face. Akane merely hung her head
sorrowfully, and remained silent.
"I should go make some calls," said Nabiki numbly.
"Don't bother, I will take care of this myself," said Nodoka as
she stood up and walked out of the room with her Katana in her grasp.
"You aren't..."
"Don't worry, I intend to harm no one," said the woman as she
walked out of the home. "Not yet anyway," she muttered to herself as
she closed the door behind her.
Kasumi walked out of the kitchen obliviously. "I thought you all
might like a snack so I...Oh my!" Her entire family was sitting around
the table glumly.
+++++++++++
"Hello, we are closed at the moment...oh. What can I do for you?"
said Cologne as she hopped out of the kitchen of the Cat Cafe.
"We have much to discuss," said Nodoka calmly as she sat down at
one of the tables.
"Oh? About what?"
"Your Great Granddaughter's meaningless pursuit of Ranma Saotome,
and what that means for your tribe," said Nodoka calmly.
"Pardon?" said the old woman in shock. Nodoka had her full
attention.
"Our laws are quite clear, Ranma must marry Shampoo," said Cologne
calmly as she sat down. "There is no other alternative."
"I think there is," said Nodoka as a glow started to form around
her body. Her clothing changed in a flash of light, leaving her in
flowing robes. She had a bow in her hand where her Katana had been,
and she glared at the old crone purposefully. "You see, I have favored
your tribe for some time now. I think that you owe me."
Cologne gasped and jumped out of her seat. "Who are you?"
"I am Yamma no Kami, the goddess of the hunt, among other things,"
said the woman calmly as she leveled her stare at Cologne. "Ranma is
not a man, and is not bound by your laws. Your Great Granddaughter is
about to attack three goddesses, although she does not realize it."
"What?" gasped Cologne in horror. "Explain, please," she said with
a respectful bow.
"Ranma Saotome, is the recently reborn God of Rain, one of the
three storm gods, and warrior of heaven. His real name is Kura Okami,
and he is quite happy with his wife. I have overlooked your
meaningless pursuit of him, because you were unaware thus far, and
telling you would have endangered more than his life alone. However,
it all stops now."
"Of course," muttered Cologne carefully. "But what of Shampoo? Her
honor is at stake, we cannot return home without a husband. I am in
quite a bind," said the old woman. "Perhaps another of your kind?
Without any attachments would be willing..."
"Hold your tongue," said Nodoka calmly. "I am not some foolish
mortal, your age and wisdom cannot even begin to compare to my own.
You had already formed a back up plan."
"I'm not sure if I..."
Nodoka cut her off again. "Losing my favor would not help your
tribe, use your alternative, and leave this place."
Cologne nodded, and hung her head. "Forgive me."
"There is no need, to be honest, I would have tried myself in your
position. However, I must make it clear that it is not an option.
Young Mousse, and your tale of how the two fell in love during the
pursuit will be sufficient to keep your status intact. Many of the
elders believed that would occur from the beginning. The are childhood
friends after all."
"Shampoo, will not be pleased," commented Cologne.
"Kura is going to change her mind, he is quite swift and merciless
when dealing with those who would threaten the true object of his
heart. What he had for that Tendo girl, is pale in comparison to
this."
Cologne frowned at this, she had heard the tale of Saffron from
Shampoo already. "I see."
"I shall send her back, intact if I can," said the Goddess as she
stood up and walked out the door; reverting back to Nodoka Saotome
again as she did so.
+++++++++++
Benten frowned as she looked at the computer screen and blinked.
It was a sort of newspaper for heaven. "What? What the hell is this?"
"Huh?" said Venus as she walked over and attempted to peer at the
screen. "What's up?"
Benten jumped out of her seat and blocked the screen with her
hands, all eight of them. "It's nothing..." she said nervously.
"Benten? Are you hiding something from me?" asked the blond
sweetly.
"Um, no?" said the goddess nervously.
"I can tell when you are! Come on, let me see too!" said Venus
sweetly.
"It's nothing, just one of those embarrassing porn sites. I
clicked on the wrong link by accident! It's one of those gay things,
you know, two guys!" said Benten desperately.
"Really? Neat! What's so embarrassing about it? We're love gods
after all," commented Venus as she shoved Benten aside and sat down in
front of the screen.
Benten stayed on the floor, and covered her head and ears
protectively. "Here it comes."
"WHAT?! WHAT THE HELL!? KURA AND URD REUNITED?! THAT LITTLE HUSSY!
I'LL KILL THE BOTH OF THEM! HOW DARE HE NOT CALL ME FIRST!?"
"Well, you did lose that bet, and he is her soul mate," commented
Benten as she peeked up at the scene.
"That was unfair cheating! He's mine and she knows it!" snapped
the angry goddess as she stood up and clenched her fist.
"Great," said Benten as she hung her head. Venus vanished in a
burst of golden light. "I guess I'd better warn the poor jerk," she
said as she disappeared as well.
++++++++++
"This is it," said Ukyo as she glared up at the wall surrounding
the home.
"Shampoo ready," snorted the Amazon as she hefted her bonbori over
her shoulder.
"That harlot shall be punished, then Ranma-samma and I can be
reunited at last!"
"Not if I get him first," snapped Ukyo.
"Shampoo not wait any more!" said the Amazon as she swung her
bonbori at the wall.
"Hello! Can I help you?" said a sweet voice that caused all three
girls to freeze in place.
"Huh?" muttered the trio as they stared at Belldandy. She was
standing in front of the gate and smiling at them.
"Oh! You must be Kura's friends! He's not here right now! He and
Urd went to the store to get some things for dinner! Would you like to
wait for him?"
"Who is..." muttered Kodachi dumbly.
"Shampoo not know any Kura," said the Amazon as the scowl returned
to her face. "Shampoo here for Airen."
"Oh, I'm sorry. You probably know him as Ranma," said Belldandy as
she seemed to remember something suddenly.
"So! He is here!" said Ukyo angrily.
"No, not at the moment. He went to the store with Urd. He told me
you might stop by though. Would you like to come in and wait? It's no
problem really." Belldandy simply smiled at them again and cocked her
head slightly.
The three girls looked at one another and blinked.
"Sure. I guess," said Ukyo dumbly.
+++++++++++++
Mara growled as she watched the scene for a moment. "What the heck
are those three doing here?" She snorted in disgust, Kura hadn't been
alone since he arrived, making it difficult for her to get close. She
had a feeling an opportunity would present itself soon though. "I've
just got to wait. Those three are radiating a lot of anger, maybe
something will give me my chance?" She chuckled to herself and moved a
little deeper into the shadows. "I'll make sure Kura makes the right
choice this time, or I should say, the wrong one."
++++++++++++
Ranma and Urd looked up at the sky for a moment, both of them had
bags of groceries in their arms as they walked along.
"I don't see how I got drafted into this," muttered Urd irritably.
"Come on, you know you just wanted to get some time alone,"
commented Ranma lazily.
"Jeez, you aren't as romantic as I remember you," commented Urd
lazily.
"What's that supposed to mean?" said the boy irritably. "I ain't
all there yet! Give me a little time!"
"Whatever," snorted Urd in seeming disinterest. The truth was, she
was enjoying teasing him, perhaps a little too much. "I'll just have
to make sure that I reward him when we get back," she thought to
herself with a slight smirk.
++++++++++++++
TBC...
Next Time: Hell on Earth?
Part 9
Fiancee Explosion!
+++++++++++++
"Mara."
"What is it?"
"It is time."
"Right."
The demoness stood up and stared forward. She was in a room on the
ninth level of hell. Damned souls screamed from the pits nearby, she
grinned dangerously as she strolled forward. She raised her hands into
the air, and a dark energy swirled around her body, engulfing her
completely.
"Amatsu Mikaboshi! I summon thee to my side! Awaken!"
Out of a pit of magma in front of her, a huge black form slowly
rose from the flames, spewing the heated brimstone in every direction
as it slowly swelled out of the fire and lava. "Who has summoned me?"
"It is I, Mara! Demon First Class!"
"Ah, Mara. Is it that time again?" said the booming voice. Souls
cowered away from it, moaning loudly as they began to flee.
"That's right, time to feed you again," said the demoness coldly
as she stretched out her hands.
"Your hatred is most appreciated, my child," said the black thing
as it began to uncoil itself. A huge black head turned towards her, it
was reptilian, and hidden away in the smoke and blistering heat from
the pit. "Feed my desires, it is almost time."
Mara grit her teeth and closed her eyes as she concentrated.
Various minor demons appeared around her, quickly joined by more and
more dizens of hell. Soon, other first class demons began to appear.
All of them with their eyes closed and their hands thrust forward.
Slowly, a dark cloud of hatred, anger, greed, lust, and any other
negative emotion that the demons could conjure up began to form over
them.
Mara shuddered, terror gripping her heart as images flashed in her
mind.
A young Kura Okami. "You're great Mara! Thanks!" His smiling face
brightening her heart in ways that shouldn't be possible. "We'll be
friend forever right?" Her eyes snapped open, a red glow filled them
and she screamed in rage. "You lied to me! Mara! Damn you!" his face
full of pain as he stood over her, his slap still stinging her cheek.
"I had to say it! I had no choice!"
"He's going to attack isn't he?"
"Don't ask me that! You know I can't tell you!" she pleaded.
"You know what will happen if he does? I'll have to fight him,
with the others."
"No! You don't have too! Come with me! Please! Join us, you can!
You know you can! Because of Raiden and Fujin you could..."
"The only reason you aren't dead, is because of what we had once,"
said the god coldly as he turned away from her.
"Once?" muttered the young demoness in horror.
"Goodbye," said Kura as he vanished.
"Kura! No! Don't leave me!"
The cloud around the god of evil began to swirl around like a
typhoon; the dark god raised his head up, and revealed that his eyes
were still sealed shut. It opened its maw and roared.
Sweat began to pour down Mara's face, the image of Kura with Urd.
Both of them embraced in passion, both in past, and now the present
surfaced. "Bastard! I love you! How could you? I'll..." She collapsed
on the ground, and the other demons around her slowly began to lower
their hands.
The dark god stared down at them, the cloud of negative energy
slowly fading away. "Soon, very soon my children. We will rain down
fire upon heaven itself." It turned its attention towards Mara, and
gave a small chuckle. "She has sought out Kura as I have requested?"
"She has, my lord," said one of the demons as he bowed his head to
the evil god.
"Excellent, she has failed to tempt him as I have foreseen. Most
unfortunate, but I shall enjoy my revenge."
"Shall she be punished for failure?" asked another demon as he
glared at her coldly.
"No, have her continue on her doomed mission for now. Kura may yet
turn, and we can use her hatred to fuel our power still."
"She is a pathetic demon," snorted one of the female demons
nearby. "I've heard reports that she's been seen with the Norns
again."
"I'll deal with her personally, when the time comes," snorted the
dark god as he slowly sank into the pit again. As he vanished into the
flames, one of his eyes cracked slightly, revealing a dangerous
looking red glow.
The demons dispersed, leaving Mara where she lay.
+++++++++
"So, now what?" asked Ranma as he looked at Urd for a moment and
smirked. Only a few minutes before, the trio of gods had driven away
the annoying Plum Spirit.
"Oh! You haven't met Skuld yet!" said Urd excitedly.
"Who's Skuld?" said Ranma dumbly.
"Come on!" said Urd cheerfully.
"But...my cure," muttered Keiichi.
"Don't worry. Just give her a little time," said Belldandy
cheerfully.
The boy hung his head and sighed.
++++++++++++
"I don't know why it didn't work," said Raiden with a small shrug.
"Because you put too much into it!" snapped Skuld as she worked at
the giant Banpei's innards from a small hatch in it's backside. "Hand
me that wrench, would you?" said the goddess with an angry looking
frown.
"It's not my fault. You never said how much," snorted Raiden
calmly as he put the tool into her hand.
"Four million volts?" snapped Skuld as she popped her head out for
a moment.
"How was I supposed to know? I'm not into this mechanical stuff,"
grumbled Raiden dumbly.
Urd walked in with Kura on her arm. "Skuld? You in here?"
"Yeah!" said a voice from inside Banpei. The thing's head turned
slightly and jet of smoke poured out of the robot's hatch. "Damn it!"
screamed the young goddess. "What is it Urd? I'm kinda busy."
"This is your sister?" said Ranma as he looked up at the gigantic
robot head. "I can see the resemblance I guess..."
"That's not her!" snapped Urd as she smacked him in the back of
his head.
"What brings you here?" said Raiden as he turned to face his
brother.
"Urd said she had a sister while I was gone," said Ranma with a
shrug.
"Hmm? That's right, you haven't met Skuld yet," commented Raiden
casually.
"What are you doing in here?" asked Urd as she eyed the demon god
suspiciously. "Oh! You and Skuld have been having a secret love
affair!? I'm so proud!"
Raiden blinked and stared at her for a moment. "Huh? Actually, I'm
just playing battery for this thing." He held up two wires and pointed
them at her.
"Dang," muttered Urd. "Come on out Skuld. I want you too meet my
boyfriend!" She pounded on Banpei's belly for a moment.
"Again? Who is it this time? Honestly Urd..." muttered the goddess
as she crawled out from behind the thing and glared at Ranma.
"Again?" said Ranma as he narrowed his eyes at Urd.
"Heh! Come on! I haven't been that bad!" she said nervously.
Raiden and Skuld both glared at her.
Kura continued to stare.
"Who the heck are you too talk Mr. Fiancee?" she snapped.
Ranma blushed, and turned away.
Skuld blinked and looked at Raiden for a moment, and then back to
Ranma again. "You're going out with Fujin?"
"No!" snapped Urd.
"He's outside," said Ranma as he jerked his thumb over his
shoulder. "Wow, you must be Skuld. You weren't even born yet the last
time I saw your sisters."
Skuld blinked and looked at Urd for a moment. "So...who is this?"
"His name is Kura," said Urd cheerfully.
"Kura?" said the young goddess as she blinked and looked at him
for a moment.
"Yeah, God of Rain," said Ranma as he gave her a small bow.
"This is a joke right? Come on Fujin, cut it out."
Fujin walked into the room and turned towards Raiden. The wind god
was chuckling, and tears were rolling down his eyes from laughter.
"Hey, there's a really great movie on! It's called 'The Exorcist'!
It's a riot!"
Skuld blinked and looked at the three gods for a moment.
"But...you...you're..." She promptly passed out on the ground.
Ranma blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
"Oh? No one told you?" said Raiden as he stood up and dusted off
his pants for a moment. "You're some kind of mega romantic hero now.
You know, the story of you and Urd, and the whole contest deal."
"I'm what?!" cried Ranma in shock.
"Man, I am so sick of that story," muttered Urd irritably.
Skuld had woken up, and was now clinging to Kura's leg. "You're
really him? No joke?"
"Um yeah," said the god as he looked down at her nervously.
"EEEEEEEEE!!" squealed the girl excitedly as she kicked her feet on
the ground and squeezed his leg a little more. She paused and looked
up at her older sister. "But that means..."
"What?" said Urd as she suddenly blushed and turned away.
"YOU'RE the 'foolish goddess'?" said the girl as she blinked at
her for a moment.
"What's that supposed to mean?" said Ranma as he looked at her for
a moment.
"It's nothing," muttered Urd quietly.
"BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!" cried Skuld as she began to roll on the
ground in tears.
+++++++++++++
"What you is doing here?" snapped Shampoo as she glared at Ukyo
and Kodachi. The two girls were moving in the same direction as she
was.
"What? You too?" said Ukyo as she glared at them both.
"What are you two harlots doing here?" cried Kodachi.
"Mercenary girl tell you where Ranma is too?" said Shampoo coldly.
"That's right! I'm going to save my fiancee from that hussy!"
snapped Ukyo.
"No! It is I who will save my Ranma-sama from this charlatan!"
snapped Kodachi.
"Shampoo save Airen," snorted the Amazon irritably.
Ukyo smirked at the pair and crossed her arms. "So, it seems we're
all after the same thing."
"Shampoo agree, we get Airen back, and then decide who take him to
wedding," said the Amazon coolly.
"It's decided then," agreed Kodachi. "Not that I'll need any help
from the likes of you."
++++++++++++
"And then there was an incident involving a Kunoichi? Hmmm..."
said Nodoka as she glared at Genma for a moment. He was tied up beside
her, and struggling against his ropes and gag. "Treating a god in such
a way...I wonder what we should do with him?"
"Death would seem appropriate," commented Happosai as he continued
to fold his underwear calmly.
"No, we need something special," commented Nodoka with a dark
lookin her eyes. "Hmmm, he was a poor husband too."
Genma gulped and stared at her with terror stricken eyes.
Soun merely sat next to the scene, frowning at Genma. "Thirteen
different engagements, Saotome?"
The man shook his head desperately, and tried his best too mumble
out an explanation through his gag.
"The book does not lie, husband," said Nodoka calmly. "I think
I've got just the thing."
Happosai blinked and looked up as Nodoka began to mumble something
under her breath. She waved her hands and a soft glow formed around
her and Genma.
When she was finished, Genma Saotome was sitting in his panda
form, the ropes broken from around his body. He blinked and uttered a
small fearful cry.
"You're going to stay that way, for ten years, six months, and
twenty days. The exact amount of time you spent torturing Kura," said
the woman coldly as she stood up and looked down on him.
Genam stood up to protest, and paused suddenly. He paws went down
to his crotch, and he blinked. "Growf?"
"Yes, that is gone as well. I think you'll learn to like being
female after a few years or so," said Nodoka calmly. "It will return,
after your punishment has ended."
Genma's eyes rolled up into his head, and she passed out on the
ground.
Nodoka started to mutter again, and a glowing ring formed around
the animal's body. In an instant, he was gone.
"Saotome!" cried Soun in shock. "What? What did you do?" he
muttered fearfully.
"I sent him to China, it should be mating season about now. I
think I'll extend it a few months this year as well. The goddess there
owes me a favor," said Nodoka with a cruel looking smile.
"Isn't that a bit much?" stammered the man.
"It's actually for his own safety. Once some of the gods and
goddesses hear about what he's done to Kura, they will not be happy
with him," said Nodoka with a slight smirk. "Especially the
goddesses."
"Oh," muttered Soun.
"Now, where is your daughter?" said Nodoka as she looked around
for Nabiki.
"Pardon?" asked Soun.
"Nabiki, she just made a very naughty decision," said Nodoka with
a slight smirk on her face. "It's no use trying to sneak away."
Nabiki frowned, and stepped out in front of her. "Damn."
"Did you really think I wouldn't know?" said Nodoka as she sat
down and took up a very formal tone.
"No! What are you going to do to her?" snapped Akane as she jumped
up.
"Calm yourself, I'm not going to punish her this time," said
Nodoka as she glared at the girl for a moment. "Only because she
didn't take any payment for what she did."
"What?" gasped Akane as she stared at her sister in terror.
"What might that b..."
"You'd best remember who it is you're speaking too Nabiki," said
Nodoka coolly. Another book appeared in front of her, the girl's name
was written across the top. "I could go through this, and point out
everything you've done to Kura as well. I might change my mind about
being lenient with you and your family for his sake."
"My family?" said Nabiki in shock.
"Kasumi is the only person in this entire home, who has committed
no crimes against the gods in one form or another. We were going to
overlook them, especially since Kura would not be very happy with us
punishing you. However, there are things even he cannot protect you
from," said Happosai calmly.
"Like what?" said Nabiki.
"Final Judgement," said Nodoka with a small frown.
"What about you?" snapped Akane angrily. "Sure I might have hit
him a little, but he was a jerk!"
"A little?" said Nodoka with her eyebrow arching.
"He deserved it!" snapped the girl in retort.
"Who are you to judge a god?" asked the woman gently. "Your
jealousy and insecurity is no excuse."
"What?" gasped Akane in shock.
"Ranma was trying too push you away, he didn't realize it of
course. His heart has belonged too someone else since before the
beginning of time. A goddess by the name of Urd."
"Urd?" said Akane in shock. "You mean...?"
"Yes, the meeting of those two, was the hand of fate."
"What about all this manliness crap?" said Nabiki in irritation.
"Can you blame me? I wanted him to have a little fun before he was
tied down again," replied the goddess with another shrug of her
shoulders.
"What? So he really is a pervert?" gasped Akane.
"Hardly, he fought my every attempt foot and nail. I've got to
give him credit for being faithful, without even realizing it."
"So, everything I've went through, for the past year? All that was
just..." Akane was glowing with rage as she said this.
"All what? You mean all those times he's saved your life? Or
perhaps even your virginity from some nameless prince?" Nodoka smirked
at her. "I doubt if you realize what your life would have been like
without him."
Akane paused, and stared at her. "What?"
"Let's see now," she opened another book and smiled. "Akane Tendo,
this would have been your life!" she said cheerfully as she sat down.
"Seventeen years of age, the daily fights degraded your skills so
badly, that you were beaten finally. Tatewaki Kuno, then saved you
from numerous forced dates, and defeated you in battle. You resisted
of course, and were beaten again and again by the boy. Finally, he
struck a deal with your father. It seems he saw how well off the Kuno
family is, and decided that the best way to ensure your family, was to
engage him too you." She paused and looked up at the girl with a
rather evil smirk. "There's more."
"It isn't true," said Akane with tears forming in her eyes.
"She isn't lying, why do you think we picked that idiot Genma? It
was so Kura would be here. There were a few other choices, but you
were the worst off, and we decided to intervene here," said Happosai.
"It started around thirty years ago, when I started to train your
father, and that idiot Genma."
"Yes, you see, you would have married Kuno, and gone as insane as
his sister, who would have still hated you. After a ten-year marriage
of drug induced hysteria, and beatings. You finally snapped, and went
on a murdering spree throughout Japan. Killing many of your former
classmates, and the entire Kuno family. I should also add, that you
would have spent the rest of your life with a bowl cut. In the end,
you were shot dead by the police's Special Forces team."
Akane was staring at her in horror.
"Now, tell me again how much the gods hate you for dealing you
this fate? Or perhaps how much you wish that Kura was never here? That
could be arranged you know. I am sorry for being so harsh, but I want
you to understand, for his sake. He does care about you, all of you.
It was not I who chose this life, but him."
Soun was completely pale, and Nabiki stood behind him, and
undisguised look of shock on her face. Akane merely hung her head
sorrowfully, and remained silent.
"I should go make some calls," said Nabiki numbly.
"Don't bother, I will take care of this myself," said Nodoka as
she stood up and walked out of the room with her Katana in her grasp.
"You aren't..."
"Don't worry, I intend to harm no one," said the woman as she
walked out of the home. "Not yet anyway," she muttered to herself as
she closed the door behind her.
Kasumi walked out of the kitchen obliviously. "I thought you all
might like a snack so I...Oh my!" Her entire family was sitting around
the table glumly.
+++++++++++
"Hello, we are closed at the moment...oh. What can I do for you?"
said Cologne as she hopped out of the kitchen of the Cat Cafe.
"We have much to discuss," said Nodoka calmly as she sat down at
one of the tables.
"Oh? About what?"
"Your Great Granddaughter's meaningless pursuit of Ranma Saotome,
and what that means for your tribe," said Nodoka calmly.
"Pardon?" said the old woman in shock. Nodoka had her full
attention.
"Our laws are quite clear, Ranma must marry Shampoo," said Cologne
calmly as she sat down. "There is no other alternative."
"I think there is," said Nodoka as a glow started to form around
her body. Her clothing changed in a flash of light, leaving her in
flowing robes. She had a bow in her hand where her Katana had been,
and she glared at the old crone purposefully. "You see, I have favored
your tribe for some time now. I think that you owe me."
Cologne gasped and jumped out of her seat. "Who are you?"
"I am Yamma no Kami, the goddess of the hunt, among other things,"
said the woman calmly as she leveled her stare at Cologne. "Ranma is
not a man, and is not bound by your laws. Your Great Granddaughter is
about to attack three goddesses, although she does not realize it."
"What?" gasped Cologne in horror. "Explain, please," she said with
a respectful bow.
"Ranma Saotome, is the recently reborn God of Rain, one of the
three storm gods, and warrior of heaven. His real name is Kura Okami,
and he is quite happy with his wife. I have overlooked your
meaningless pursuit of him, because you were unaware thus far, and
telling you would have endangered more than his life alone. However,
it all stops now."
"Of course," muttered Cologne carefully. "But what of Shampoo? Her
honor is at stake, we cannot return home without a husband. I am in
quite a bind," said the old woman. "Perhaps another of your kind?
Without any attachments would be willing..."
"Hold your tongue," said Nodoka calmly. "I am not some foolish
mortal, your age and wisdom cannot even begin to compare to my own.
You had already formed a back up plan."
"I'm not sure if I..."
Nodoka cut her off again. "Losing my favor would not help your
tribe, use your alternative, and leave this place."
Cologne nodded, and hung her head. "Forgive me."
"There is no need, to be honest, I would have tried myself in your
position. However, I must make it clear that it is not an option.
Young Mousse, and your tale of how the two fell in love during the
pursuit will be sufficient to keep your status intact. Many of the
elders believed that would occur from the beginning. The are childhood
friends after all."
"Shampoo, will not be pleased," commented Cologne.
"Kura is going to change her mind, he is quite swift and merciless
when dealing with those who would threaten the true object of his
heart. What he had for that Tendo girl, is pale in comparison to
this."
Cologne frowned at this, she had heard the tale of Saffron from
Shampoo already. "I see."
"I shall send her back, intact if I can," said the Goddess as she
stood up and walked out the door; reverting back to Nodoka Saotome
again as she did so.
+++++++++++
Benten frowned as she looked at the computer screen and blinked.
It was a sort of newspaper for heaven. "What? What the hell is this?"
"Huh?" said Venus as she walked over and attempted to peer at the
screen. "What's up?"
Benten jumped out of her seat and blocked the screen with her
hands, all eight of them. "It's nothing..." she said nervously.
"Benten? Are you hiding something from me?" asked the blond
sweetly.
"Um, no?" said the goddess nervously.
"I can tell when you are! Come on, let me see too!" said Venus
sweetly.
"It's nothing, just one of those embarrassing porn sites. I
clicked on the wrong link by accident! It's one of those gay things,
you know, two guys!" said Benten desperately.
"Really? Neat! What's so embarrassing about it? We're love gods
after all," commented Venus as she shoved Benten aside and sat down in
front of the screen.
Benten stayed on the floor, and covered her head and ears
protectively. "Here it comes."
"WHAT?! WHAT THE HELL!? KURA AND URD REUNITED?! THAT LITTLE HUSSY!
I'LL KILL THE BOTH OF THEM! HOW DARE HE NOT CALL ME FIRST!?"
"Well, you did lose that bet, and he is her soul mate," commented
Benten as she peeked up at the scene.
"That was unfair cheating! He's mine and she knows it!" snapped
the angry goddess as she stood up and clenched her fist.
"Great," said Benten as she hung her head. Venus vanished in a
burst of golden light. "I guess I'd better warn the poor jerk," she
said as she disappeared as well.
++++++++++
"This is it," said Ukyo as she glared up at the wall surrounding
the home.
"Shampoo ready," snorted the Amazon as she hefted her bonbori over
her shoulder.
"That harlot shall be punished, then Ranma-samma and I can be
reunited at last!"
"Not if I get him first," snapped Ukyo.
"Shampoo not wait any more!" said the Amazon as she swung her
bonbori at the wall.
"Hello! Can I help you?" said a sweet voice that caused all three
girls to freeze in place.
"Huh?" muttered the trio as they stared at Belldandy. She was
standing in front of the gate and smiling at them.
"Oh! You must be Kura's friends! He's not here right now! He and
Urd went to the store to get some things for dinner! Would you like to
wait for him?"
"Who is..." muttered Kodachi dumbly.
"Shampoo not know any Kura," said the Amazon as the scowl returned
to her face. "Shampoo here for Airen."
"Oh, I'm sorry. You probably know him as Ranma," said Belldandy as
she seemed to remember something suddenly.
"So! He is here!" said Ukyo angrily.
"No, not at the moment. He went to the store with Urd. He told me
you might stop by though. Would you like to come in and wait? It's no
problem really." Belldandy simply smiled at them again and cocked her
head slightly.
The three girls looked at one another and blinked.
"Sure. I guess," said Ukyo dumbly.
+++++++++++++
Mara growled as she watched the scene for a moment. "What the heck
are those three doing here?" She snorted in disgust, Kura hadn't been
alone since he arrived, making it difficult for her to get close. She
had a feeling an opportunity would present itself soon though. "I've
just got to wait. Those three are radiating a lot of anger, maybe
something will give me my chance?" She chuckled to herself and moved a
little deeper into the shadows. "I'll make sure Kura makes the right
choice this time, or I should say, the wrong one."
++++++++++++
Ranma and Urd looked up at the sky for a moment, both of them had
bags of groceries in their arms as they walked along.
"I don't see how I got drafted into this," muttered Urd irritably.
"Come on, you know you just wanted to get some time alone,"
commented Ranma lazily.
"Jeez, you aren't as romantic as I remember you," commented Urd
lazily.
"What's that supposed to mean?" said the boy irritably. "I ain't
all there yet! Give me a little time!"
"Whatever," snorted Urd in seeming disinterest. The truth was, she
was enjoying teasing him, perhaps a little too much. "I'll just have
to make sure that I reward him when we get back," she thought to
herself with a slight smirk.
++++++++++++++
TBC...
Next Time: Hell on Earth?