Son of the Demon:
A Ranma 1/2 Gargoyles Crossover
By Son Ranma
Disclaimer: I don't own either Ranma or Gargoyles. Viz and Disney own them respectively. So please don't sue me seeing as how I can't afford even pocket lint.
Thoughts are in .
Telepathy is in ~~.
Prologue
@@Manhattan 1997@@
It was a cloudy night in Manhattan and people were hurrying home to beat the rain that seemed imminent. All of a sudden a loud roar was heard followed by a loud explosion. A huge pillar of smoke arose from the roof of the nearby Nightstone building.
"This city sure has gotten worst since those gargoyles came here," one pedestrian remarked to his companion as they rushed away from the scene.
Moments before:
A red headed female figure bursts out of the door leading to the roof. As the figure comes into the light of the building's helicopter landing we see the figure is not entirely human. Her blue skin matches to the color of the night sky, one of her three clawed hands holds a bag the other a large laser rifle, her tail lazily waves back and forth, and her wings are open and ready for action. Her lovely face held it's usual sneer. The figure, which was better known as a gargoyle, was Demona.
"Tonight," she began. "These miserable humans die tonight. I grow weary of them. I grow weary of all of them, but most especially that constant annoyance Elisa Maza."
"That is a harsh way to feel Demona," a voice called out. "Perhaps you need to have a better outlook on life."
Demona spun quickly in the direction of the voice with her rifle cocked and aimed. "Who are you?" she asked. "Your life depends on it."
From out of the shadows walked a beautiful woman with light green skin and long hair down to her waist. "Hello Demona," she stated. "I am Titania."
Demona's eyes widen slightly as she took a step back. "What do you want?" she questioned. "Is this about that your mirror?" Demona remembered the incident that had resulted in her condition. Like all gargoyles, she used to undergo the stone sleep during the day, but an incident with Titania's mirror, Puck, and Clan Manhattan had resulted in her changing to human with the sunrise. Her natural form returned at sunset as that was the time she would have normally broke out of her stone shell. The faire Puck had such a good time that night that he granted her a wish that she be allowed to bypass the stone sleep but considering his joking nature, he had intentionally given her a human form. Which resulted in her breaking Titania's Mirror.
"My dear that is not why I wanted to see you," Titania replied. "I have been watching you for some time and I feel that what you intend to do can cause serious harm to my grandson. If you don't let go of this hatred for humans, especially Elisa Maza, then you weaken Clan Manhattan, which endangers my grandson. That I can not allow."
"What do you plan to do about it?" Demona asked. "I will not allow humans to live while breath is in my body."
Titania smiled lightly. "Yes my dear I had figured that," she started. "I can simply break your bond with MacBeth thereby allowing you to finally die. But that would have dire consequences as well. Your daughter, Angela, would be upset and probably not protect as well. No I have a better way for you to let go of this hate for humans. And it only requires this special artifact." She pulled the Phoenix Gate from behind her back and her smile got a little bigger. "You will experience life as a normal human. And you will not remember any of this. I will eventually return you to this time but not until I feel it is time."
Demona's eyes burned bright red as she roared. "I WILL NEVER LIVE AS A HUMAN!" she roared. "I CHOOSE DEATH FIRST!" And with those words she leaped forward, aiming the laser rifle at Titania. But before she could pull the trigger the rifle was gone from her hands and she was frozen in place.
"I am the Queen of Avalon," Titania said, "Do you really believe I would be so easy to defeat? I think not." A gesture with a hand and a few quickly spoken words and Demona was transformed into her human form of Dominique Destine. Another set of spoken words and a huge fireball consumed Demona and Titania.
@@Japan 1974@@
A huge fireball burst into existence in the Japanese countryside and two figures were deposited outside it. The only one around to see them was a young stocky man clad in a white gi with a white bandanna on his head. He leaped into a tree and watched as the 2 figures resolved themselves into two women. One was a light skinned red head while the other was blonde. Both had exceptional figures but the red head's figure hinted at someone who fought. He watched as the blonde looked around then looked directly at the tree he was in.
"You in the tree," she said. "Please come down here."
The man in the tree looked around as if gauging his options before he simply leaped down from the tree. His stance indicated he was ready to run at anytime. "Yes," he replied. "What do you want and how did you know I was in that tree? And what was with the giant fireball? Don't tell me you two are demons."
"We were just wondering where we are young man," the blonde replied. "And I am searching for a great warrior. Perhaps you know of one." She then looked the young man up and down. "Or perhaps you are one yourself." This was said with a sly look. The red head merely scowled through all this.
The young man looked at them and adjusted his stance slightly. It went from one of readiness to run to posturing. "Maybe I am," he replied. "I am Saotome Genma. Who are you two?"
"My name is Tita and this is my companion Demona," the blonde replied. "My friend Demona is looking for a good instructor in the ways of the warrior. Again I ask might you be a good warrior?"
Demona looked at Titania and mentally growled. How dare she treat me like this. Me? Looking for a good instructor. If I could get loose I would show them both a good warrior. And how dare that human look at me as if I am beneath his notice. Unfortunately for Demona, Titania wasn't allowing her to do as she pleased. Demona was going to act human and there wasn't anything she could do about it. ~Now my dear, do try to get all that out of your system. I said you were going to act like a human and you are. Be thankful I at least left you some of your dignity.~ Demona mentally howled again. She didn't want to act human and she didn't want to be around filthy humans. Especially this Saotome Genma. Then she felt her mind getting sluggish and then there was nothing. Demona the human hating gargoyle was on hiatus until later notice. "He looks like a good warrior Tita," Demona stated. "Maybe I should test him out."
"That my dear might just be a good idea," Tita stated. She gestured to Genma. "I do believe she has challenged you Genma. Are you prepared to defend yourself?"
Genma backed up with his hands upraised. "I don't fight women," he replied. "They are weaker and should be protected." That was probably the wrong thing to say since it resulted in Demona leaping at him and attacking with unparalleled fury. (A.N.- At least to those who don't know Demona.) He defended himself as best as possible but she was quick and strong. Genma finally was knocked back at least ten feet from a solid kick to the stomach. He quickly rose and took another defensive stance. He barely was able to keep his feet after Demona unleashed a few more punches and kicks against his various blocks. He was slow dodging a punch to the head and his glasses were knocked from his face. Without even thinking about it, he retaliated with a leg sweep that Demona leaped over. The two separated before clashing again.
It was wise of me to allow Demona to retain some of her anger and gargoyle traits while in this form. I sense this Genma gets into situations that just call for a companion of her strength and talents. She watched as Demona and Genma clashed again with fists and feet. Genma had finally decided to fight back after Demona had bloodied his nose and blackened his left eye. He ducked a hasty left jab from Demona, grabbed her outstretched arm with his left hand, and landed two punches to her left side. Maintaining his grip on her arm, he swiveled and tossed her over his shoulder. Demona rolled with the throw but Genma was already in motion before she finished rolling. He rushed forward and leaped into the air just as Demona was regaining her footing. She looked left and right for Genma but unfortunately for her she forgot about the other dimension of 3-D. Height. Genma descended and unleashed a wicked kick to her back that knocked her into a tree and knocked her out.
"Excellent show Genma," Tita stated. "Perhaps you are the warrior we sought. I am impressed." She fairly slid over to Genma and touched him on the shoulder. When his eyes had achieved a glazed look she let go of his shoulder. Now to do what needs to be done. She magically grabbed Demona and Genma and using the same potion Oberon had used on her those so many years ago, she made them fall deeply in love. This should be interesting.
@@Japan 2 years later@@
In a small house in Juuban, a pregnant red headed woman was looking at her husband and growling lightly. The husband was doing his best to reach the door and run to freedom but it was not to be.
"SAOTOME GENMA!" Demona roared as she grabbed him in a neck lock. "Did you eat my last rice ball? And what happened to my bowl of sharkfin soup? And where is all that chocolate that I had in the cupboards? TELL ME NOW HUSBAND!" She tightened her hold and for a brief instant it seemed her eyes glowed bright red.
Genma knew the temper his wife had and with the pregnancy it seemed to get worst at times. At least it was worst to everyone but Genma. He knew his wife loved him but this time he had gone too far. For the last few months, Genma had been making sure that Demona had all the food she wanted but he had a weak moment and ate all the food she had stored away. Even the things she only ate due to her pregnancy. He gulped as she physically slammed him through the floor of their home. His mind flashed back to what happened to Happosai not one month earlier.
*****Flashback*****
Happosai was rummaging through Demona's underwear drawers and quietly cackling. He stopped for a second thinking he had heard a sound. His tiny shoulders shrugged when he did not hear it again.
"The sheer bras are in the bottom drawer," a silky voice purred out.
Happosai froze when he heard that voice. He turned his head slightly and there standing directly beside him was Demona. She had a wicked looking smirk on her face as well as a wicked looking mace in her hand. "Well, Demona," he began. "Come to help the Master with his collection? That's a good girl." He barely leaped above the mace swing that destroyed the dresser. "Now why would you want to hurt the Master with such a weapon?" He dodged the various swings and thrusts. "Too bad you are a simple weapon user girl. If you knew how to use your body as another weapon you might be have gotten closer. You might have had more luck without it." He took out his pipe and blocked an overhead swing while leaping backwards. He cackled when Demona stopped swinging. "Finally figured out who the Master was girl?"
"Not really you old fart," she replied. "The problem with you is that you are too caught up in your own desires to see the truth." She smiled when he gave her a confused look. His pipe completely disintegrated in his hand. The bag of underwear he had collected was missing and he noticed she had it behind her. With her forefinger she pointed down and watched as his eyes swiveled in that direction. When his eyes widened at the various cuts and tear his clothing had, her smile got bigger. She waited until he noticed the area around his crotch had a rip before she rushed over and smashed him into the floor with an ax kick then began to pummel him. The fact that she was eight months pregnant didn't seem to factor into it. She beat Happosai for a solid ten minutes then picked up his beaten and bloody form and deposited him in a bucket filled with boiling tar. "Genma bring me that box would you?" she called out. Demona waited until Genma had brought a huge box lined with men's underwear up to her before tossing the bucket into the box. She smiled at the groans she heard from the ancient pervert before slamming the lid closed on the box. Genma quickly hammered it close and wrapped chains around it. He then watched as Demona hefted the box up before booting it out of Juuban. As it flew away from Juuban it exploded. "Honestly," she grumbled. "That's the fifth time this month I've had to deal with that lecher. Are you sure that pervert taught you martial arts Genma?" She left the room before she could catch Genma's dumbfounded look. The room, except for the area she had pounded Happosai on and the dresser was totally neat and clean. In fact the bed was neatly made and Genma was certain it wasn't earlier.
"She defeated the Master and cleaned the room at the same time?" he asked out loud. "That can't be possible." He shook his head as he walked out of the room. "If it was anyone but Demona I wouldn't believe it for a second. That woman seems to do the impossible on a regular basis."
*****End Flashback*****
Genma gulped loudly and looked at his wife as she advanced on him. There didn't seem to be anything he could do. He remembered when he tried to use the move he developed just for the Master on her. She took one look at the Crouch of the Wild Tiger, narrowed her eyes, and tossed him onto the couch. He was restricted from the bedroom, the kitchen, and the dining room table for three weeks. He remembered her exact words. 'GENMA SAOTOME DID YOU JUST BEG ME? DON'T EVER LET ME SEE YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN MY PRESENCE AGAIN! ACT LIKE THE WARRIOR YOU ARE! STAND UP FOR YOURSELF! JUST FOR THAT CONSIDERED YOURSELF BANISHED!' Needless to say he had never used the Crouch of the Wild Tiger in his wife's presence again. He resigned himself to his punishment. Demona was hardly what one would call an abusive spouse but there were times when he pushed it and he deserved the blows she dished out to him.
"AAAAHHHHHH!" Demona screamed. "Genma something's wrong with me."
Upon hearing his wife scream, Genma broke free of the floor and cradled his wife. "What's wrong Demona?" he asked. He looked at his wife and ran for the phone. Then he noticed his arm cradling her legs was wet and looked at her. "I will not loose my wife!" He bypassed the phone and rushed out the door into the night. Once outside he leapt to the neighbor's roof and headed straight to the hospital. People gawked at seeing the martial artist bounce from roof to roof but his only concern was Demona. Soon, Genma had arrived at the emergency room and bust through the doors. "SOMEONE HELP!" he cried out. He dispatched two orderlies that sought to restrain him in quick order while Demona kicked a third onto a stretcher. Quickly switching Demona to a one handed grip he grabbed an orderly by the neck and began to tighten his grip. "Get me a doctor now!" he told the orderly. Making sure the orderly got the message Genma flicked him down the passageway and narrowed his eyes menacingly. An elderly nurse took in the sight of Genma and Demona and walked over to them with a wheelchair.
"Excuse me young man but is this you and your wife's first child?" she calmly asked. When Genma nodded she got a wheelchair. "Figures. Only first time fathers act that way. Place her in the wheelchair young man." After Demona was situated, she began rolling her down the hallway with a nervous Genma in tow. "Now let's get you to the delivery room. I think you are almost ready to have this baby my dear." She pushed Demona into the delivery room and pointed at the bed with the stirrups. "Place her there young man." Genma picked Demona up and placed her on the bed, then yelped in pain after Demona cracked him over the head with an open handed slap. "I see those contractions are getting closer and closer together. And young man watch out for her. She's in a great deal of pain and you put her in it." She left the room with a smile as Demona began to choke Genma all the while yelling about the agony he was going to face later for the pain she was in.
"I knew this would be interesting," the nurse, better known as Titania, mused to herself as she went to get the doctor. She smiled as another yelp of pain came from the delivery room.
Genma peeked into the room and watched as his wife and son were resting. "Hello Demona," he said. "How are you?" He smiled as she gestured for him to come closer. "Is this little Ranma?"
"Yes it is Genma," Demona replied. She remembered when she had chosen that name. The baby had just kicked her especially hard and she decided if it was a boy its name was going to be Ranma. Genma picked the name Rei if it was a girl. She watched as Genma gave Ranma his finger and wince slightly. "Yes Genma he has a very good grip for a newborn. He is such a blessing."
Genma nodded and hugged Demona. To the young martial artist all was right with the world.
@@Juuban, Tokyo 1978@@
People walking by the Saotome residence were treated to a rare sight. A stocky young man clad in a white gi was running on the wall surrounding his house chasing after a tiny blur. The blur finally resolved itself into a little boy that couldn't have been any older than two years old. The little boy, Ranma, looked at his dad and smiled.
"What in the world have you been eating, boy," Genma said between pants. "And how the hell are you running on all fours like that?" Genma didn't expect an answer but he seemed to get one anyway. The boy smiled just like his mother. It was weird for Genma to see Ranma doing what he had dubbed as, 'Demona's wicked smile'. Especially since she seemed to use that whenever they went to bed together or she decided to get the master. "Now c'mon boy, you have to take a bath." He leaped forward at Ranma with his arms outstretched. His hands closed on nothing but air as Ranma once again began to move on all fours. The little boy bounded onto his dad's chest, bounced off his head and leaped off the wall to land into Demona's waiting arms. The sound of something impacting into a trash can followed by barely audible curses filled the air and Demona laughed deeply while cradling her baby.
"Well, Genma," she began. "When I told you to give Ranma a bath I never meant for you to have to take one with him. Of course if that is your wish go right ahead." She walked back into the house laughing at her husband as he reappeared on top of the wall covered in garbage and dirt. "Did you give Daddy a hard time angel? That's a good boy. Always make them work for victory and never give up." Demona snuggled Ranma closer to her as he clapped his hands and smiled.
"First she does impossible things," Genma stated. "Now the boy's doing them too. Incredible." Genma shook his head as he walked back to the house. I wonder if Demona taught him that four-legged running technique. She seems to use it on various occasions herself. Genma looked up in time to see Demona leaping after Ranma on all fours as the boy ran away laughing. He blinked twice before shaking his head. I have got to learn how she does that technique. If nothing else it'll make the boy easier to catch. He was knocked out of his musing when Ranma ran between his legs and Demona bounced off his head. "Okay, that's it." He turned to face Ranma and Demona and pointed at them. "I'll get you both for this." He ran into the house with his fists balled up.
"Hmm," Demona stated to Ranma. "It seems we've upset daddy." She shrugged. "Oh well, it's not like he'll do anything drastic anyway." She turned back to get ready to chase Ranma when she was hit with a sheet of water. "AHHHH!" She leaped into the air and flipped around to face the direction the water had come from. She spotted Genma with a bucket in his hands, an empty bucket at his feet, and a grin on his face. "Genma Saotome!" She leaped away just as he tossed the water in her direction. "Stop that Genma! I'm getting wet!" As she touched down a white blur rushed into her and the next thing she knew her husband had her cradled in his arms while Ranma was watching from behind the sakura tree in their yard.
Genma looked Demona up and down slowly and a huge smile blossomed on his face. "But I like the way you look wet," he responded. "You look very good." He watched as Demona blushed slightly right before she kissed him deeply. "Now let's say we take care of Ranma's needs before we handle our own." He watched Demona nod quickly.
"Ranma, into the house," Demona called. "And head for the bathroom angel. Momma's got to get you taken care of so she can get taken care of." She watched as Ranma bounded into the house ahead of them and smiled. Always could rely on angel to help momma get what she wanted from his daddy. As Genma carried her into the house she suddenly let loose with a squeal, "Genma that tickles!"
@@Juuban Park, Tokyo 1980@@
Demona looked up as Ranma came running to her with a huge smile on his face. She held her arms out and was not disappointed as Ranma barreled into her for a hug. Ranma is such a blessing to me. He seems to drive away the feelings of darkness and despair I have in my soul. "Angel what do you have there?" she asked her four year old son.
"I found this other there momma," he replied. "Do you know what it is?" He held out a small pendant that had a winged figure on it. The figure seemed to be red haired and blue skinned and was posed in a crouch with her wings flared open. It was also a female. It didn't resemble any kind of angel she had ever seen before but Ranma seemed to be fascinated with it. "Do you think I can keep it momma?"
The image struck a chord in Demona. It's almost as if this figure seems so familiar to me. Why? Why do I feel like I know what or who that is supposed to be? "I don't know angel," she said. "It might belong to somebody. Where did you find it?" She stood up and held Ranma's hand as he lead her to where the pendant had been found. Demona looked around the spot but she only saw an elderly lady sitting on a bench near the area. "Let's ask that lady if it's hers, Ranma." She lifted Ranma up and walked over to the elderly woman. "Excuse me, but does this belong to you?" She held the pendant out for the old woman to look at. Why does this old woman remind me of something? And why am I getting this strange feeling? Like I am in extreme danger? What is going on here?
The old woman turned to face the mother and child and smiled a toothless grin. "Why yes, dear," she replied. "That surely does belong to me." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the sight of Ranma holding it then she smiled.
"But I figure that yer little one can have it instead of me. I got no more use it myself."
"That's kind of you," Demona began. "But we just can't take such a nice work of art." Especially since I don't really trust it myself. She gave the pendant back to the old woman and walked off with Ranma. Something about that old woman really bothers me. Like I've met her before and she's pissed me off. She was so deep in thought that she never noticed the pendant had attached itself to Ranma's neck and glowed brightly for a split second.
The old woman nodded slightly. Ahh, Demona, you impress me more and more each time. To think that you actually care enough about a human to protect him. Titania changed out of her old woman disguise and smiled lightly. But all good things must end at some time or another. I apologize for what I am about to do my dear. She stood up and walked after Demona.
Demona stopped long enough to grab the things she had brought to the park with her before heading home. "Come on, Ranma," she said. "Let's go get dinner." And find that husband of mine. He better not be drinking with that buddy of his again. What was his name? Tendon? Tenon? Oh yeah Tendo. She walked out of the park with Ranma on her shoulders heading towards her home.
Unfortunately, Genma was drinking with his friend Tendo Soun yet again. And to make matters worse they were well into their 20th bottle of the day of sake since starting at noon. Not to mention the fact that neither man had eaten since breakfast. Both men were on their last legs but they couldn't be persuaded not to drink anymore. They had enough ability in them to physically threaten the bartender when he cut off their supply of sake. Both had spent the day talking about their families. Soun was the proud father of three daughters and married to a lovely woman named Kimiko. He was extremely happy about his family but he longed for a son so he could pass down his art and dojo. His youngest Akane seemed to take to martial arts like a fish to water but he still held hopes for a son. His dojo was somewhat of a success seeing as people all over Nerima came to train there.
Genma, on the other hand, was happy with his life but he had dreams of making Ranma the best martial artist in the world. He had hinted to Demona that he believed she coddled the boy too much but she simply gave him one harsh look before pummeling him into the floor. And then to make matters worse she pointed out the fact that she didn't want Ranma to be the best martial artist in the world. She only desired her son being happy. And the boy seemed to be happiest following what she thought a warrior should be. He had tried everything to persuade Demona, from gifts to a seppuku pledge. That particular incident was a serious mistake.
*****Flashback*****
Demona was sitting with Ranma in her lap as she read The Art of War to him, when Genma walked in with a piece of paper in one hand and an inkpad in the other. "What is that darling?" she questioned.
"Demona, I want to take the boy on a training trip," he began. "I feel you are coddling him too much for him to get the most out of training." He leaped back just in time to avoid the thrown book. He looked at Demona's face and gulped deeply. I just have to keep asking for this don't I?
"What exactly are you saying husband?" she snarled out. "And be quick about it. Right now I am not in the mood for any of your games." This was the third time in a day that Genma had come to her with the proposition of taking Ranma away from her. It seems the earlier beatings I administered weren't enough to dislodge this idea from his head. The first time he had appealed to her about the trip she had simply stated that as long as she could go it would be allowed. He had stated no and told her she coddled the boy too much. That response did not go over well with her at all. She pounded him flat then took Ranma outside for his daily dose of exercise. Unlike most children's exercise his involved bounding around the yard, leaping off the walls, and deflecting thrown objects.
The second time had come around lunch. Genma told her in no uncertain terms that she was to allow Ranma to go on the training trip. Then he made a classic mistake. He commanded her to say no more. Demona's eyes had narrowed as she started to snarl. Genma took one look at her and said that Soun's wife, Kimiko, understood the place a woman had in the family. Her response had been to whack him ten times with the table and yell, 'WELL IF YOU WANTED A PROPER WIFE LIKE KIMIKO YOU SHOULD HAVE MARRIED HER!' right before booting him out of the house.
Now it was the time for his best idea yet. "Demona, this is a seppuku pledge," he began. "I will sign this as well as Ranma so you can rest assured that Ranma will come back as a great warrior and martial artist. If he is not trained to your satisfaction then you can have us commit seppuku. That should settle your worries shouldn't it?" He looked up in time to see Demona walk out of the room.
"Ranma, I want you to go play outside," she said. "Momma and Daddy have much to discuss." She closed the door as Ranma ran into the yard towards the practice dummy she had set up. She smiled as he began to attack the dummy with an assortment of moves and maneuvers. Then her eyes began to glow red as she turned to face her husband. "Now as for you!" She strode towards Genma while yanking a club off the wall. "How dare you assume I would ever want to kill my angel! How dare you assume that some idiotic pledge like that would allow me to take my angel from me! How dare you!" Her grip on the club became so much that it started to warp under the pressure.
Genma looked at his wife and his life flashed before his eyes. He remembered something his father, Akume, had told him long ago about getting between a woman and her child. His exact words were, 'To get between a woman and her child is pure foolishness boy. If you want to die horribly that would be the method I'd suggest.' It looked to Genma like his prediction was about to come true.
Ranma looked back at his house as the screams of outrage mingled together with the screams of pain. "Oooohh," he stated. "Papa do something bad." He turned back to the dummy and began to strike it in the movements his mother had taught him.
*****End Flashback*****
He was still sore from that day and he could still hear Demona shout that Happosai had more honor than he did. That was what hurt the worst to him. He loved his wife but this was something he had to do. He had to prove to his wife that he could be a good father.
"Hey Saotome," Soun started. "Howzabout we promize to have our kids marry one day?"
"What do you mean Tendo?"
"I mean, 'ave 'em marry each other so the schools can unite and get stranger," Soun replied. (A.N.- I think he had it right the first time.) "I mean stronger."
Genma thought it over for a split second then agreed. "Somebody get me a piece of paper and a pen!" he shouted. "We've got a deal to make."
@@Later that night at the Saotome home@@
Demona looked up as a slight noise came from outside the house. She hopped from her bed and pulled her favorite mace from underneath it. That had better not be Genma drunk. If it is, I'm going to hurt him severely. She crept down the stairs and peeked around a corner as the door started to slide open slowly. Her hearing had always been sharp and she instantly knew it was not her husband walking into the house. Whoever it is definitely picked the wrong place to attempt robbery. Wrong time as well. She waited until the footsteps came closer to her position before she leapt at the intruder. She had just started an overhead swing with her mace when she was hit with pure unadulterated pain. Her mace fell from her limp fingers as she crashed to the floor. The pain seemed to worsen as time passed and she heard fabric ripping. What's happening to me? Why am I in such pain? Her pale skin began to darken to a blue coloring while her muscles enlarged and a tail ripped through the bottom of her nightgown. Her feet changed shape while her hands did the same. She felt some of her teeth get sharper and her throat unwillingly let out a roar resembling a panther's roar. Finally the pain ended and Demona stood up on her shaky feet. "What happened?" she asked out loud. "Why do I feel so different?" She took a step forward and fell flat on her face. She turned her head to look down at the reason she fell and gasped out loud. Her skin was blue and she had a pair of wings on her back. "What has happened to me?"
"Mother decided to send you back," a voice stated out of the darkness. "I'll be responsible for your family now." A young woman dressed in a kimono carrying a wrapped bundle appeared in Demona's line of sight. "Don't worry, I'll care for them as if they were my own." The woman's grin did nothing to reassure Demona.
"Over my dead body," she growled out. She surged to her feet and prepared to take the woman out as quickly as possible. "Leave before I do something you'll regret." She got ready to leap when the world went entirely black.
"Mother said to get her ready to go home," another voice spat out from the darkness. "She never said to goad her into a fight."
"Mother is not here to correct me is she?" the young woman asked.
"Are you so sure of that my child?" Titania asked as she appeared behind the woman. "Nodoka, if what you have done in anyway dislodges Demona from the path I have set her upon you will answer to me." She waited until Nodoka had bowed her head before turning to the other figure. "Ku Lon return to China. I thank you for your assistance my child."
"It was nothing mother," Ku Lon replied. "Her memory is somewhat intact. All that is required is that you merge the two together." She smiled as she hopped forward on a cane that was at least three times her size. "Is there anything else I can do for you mother before I go rejoin my family?"
Titania nodded once as she pulled the Phoenix Gate out. "Change to your normal form my child," she replied. "I want to see my daughter as she is before I go away."
A golden light surrounded Ku Lon as she changed from an old woman with long white hair to a young woman with purple hair. Her body filled out the green robe she wore making her a fantasy come true. Her body became voluptuous and the wrinkles had completely left her face. "That is not a problem mother," she said with a slight smile. "Will there be anything else before I go home?" She waited for the shake of the head before disappearing.
Titania turned to Nodoka stating, "You know what to do. Do not fail in this task." She began to chant the words to use the Phoenix Gate as Demona's body floated in the air beside her. The fireball consumed her and Demona as Nodoka turned to the opening door.
Nodoka started to murmur then gestured at the door as it opened to show Genma entering. A green ball of energy enveloped him for a few seconds before encompassing the entire house. As the light died from the house, her eyes lit brightly before she turned to the mirror hanging on the wall next to her. The light streamed from her eyes into the mirror then dispersed. "And that should take care of that," she stated. "No more memories of Demona except for those of midsummer's night dream." She chuckled lightly before turning to Genma. "Now my dear what was this talk of a training trip?" She watched as Genma smiled lightly before tipping over. "I guess we'll talk about it in the morning." She left him to sleep on the floor as she headed up the stairs to check on Ranma. I wonder why mother is so interested in one little gargoyle and her spawn. This bears looking into. She started to smile evilly. And maybe Oberon will reward me for any information I give him.
@@Manhattan 1997@@
A fireball left just as Titania and Demona reappeared in a fireball. The Queen of Avalon set the gargoyle down gently and caressed her temples.
"Time to awaken Demona," Titania said. "We have returned to your right time and form. Now arise."
Demona's eyelids fluttered a few times before they snapped open fully. She shook her head before looking directly at Titania. "What have you done to me?" she demanded. "Why are you here? What do you want?"
"Want Demona?" Titania asked. "Why nothing my dear. What do I offer? Many things." With a slight smile, the Faire Queen walked away from Demona. "But you will know what I have done in time. And then the choice will be yours. If you ever have questions use this. It will show you the answers that you need to know." A small hand mirror appeared at Demona's feet. "I took into account your temper with this mirror so no worries about breaking it. I also suggest you speak to Clan Manhattan. You might have need of their help. As well as the help of Detective Maza. She is such a resourceful human." And with those words, Titania, Queen of Avalon, disappeared.
"Why would I need the help of Goliath and his pet human?" Demona asked herself. "And why would Titania leave me a mirror? What would be so important that I need this..." she trailed off as memories began appearing in her head. "Ranma," she breathed out. "RANMA!"
End Prologue
A Ranma 1/2 Gargoyles Crossover
By Son Ranma
Disclaimer: I don't own either Ranma or Gargoyles. Viz and Disney own them respectively. So please don't sue me seeing as how I can't afford even pocket lint.
Thoughts are in .
Telepathy is in ~~.
Prologue
@@Manhattan 1997@@
It was a cloudy night in Manhattan and people were hurrying home to beat the rain that seemed imminent. All of a sudden a loud roar was heard followed by a loud explosion. A huge pillar of smoke arose from the roof of the nearby Nightstone building.
"This city sure has gotten worst since those gargoyles came here," one pedestrian remarked to his companion as they rushed away from the scene.
Moments before:
A red headed female figure bursts out of the door leading to the roof. As the figure comes into the light of the building's helicopter landing we see the figure is not entirely human. Her blue skin matches to the color of the night sky, one of her three clawed hands holds a bag the other a large laser rifle, her tail lazily waves back and forth, and her wings are open and ready for action. Her lovely face held it's usual sneer. The figure, which was better known as a gargoyle, was Demona.
"Tonight," she began. "These miserable humans die tonight. I grow weary of them. I grow weary of all of them, but most especially that constant annoyance Elisa Maza."
"That is a harsh way to feel Demona," a voice called out. "Perhaps you need to have a better outlook on life."
Demona spun quickly in the direction of the voice with her rifle cocked and aimed. "Who are you?" she asked. "Your life depends on it."
From out of the shadows walked a beautiful woman with light green skin and long hair down to her waist. "Hello Demona," she stated. "I am Titania."
Demona's eyes widen slightly as she took a step back. "What do you want?" she questioned. "Is this about that your mirror?" Demona remembered the incident that had resulted in her condition. Like all gargoyles, she used to undergo the stone sleep during the day, but an incident with Titania's mirror, Puck, and Clan Manhattan had resulted in her changing to human with the sunrise. Her natural form returned at sunset as that was the time she would have normally broke out of her stone shell. The faire Puck had such a good time that night that he granted her a wish that she be allowed to bypass the stone sleep but considering his joking nature, he had intentionally given her a human form. Which resulted in her breaking Titania's Mirror.
"My dear that is not why I wanted to see you," Titania replied. "I have been watching you for some time and I feel that what you intend to do can cause serious harm to my grandson. If you don't let go of this hatred for humans, especially Elisa Maza, then you weaken Clan Manhattan, which endangers my grandson. That I can not allow."
"What do you plan to do about it?" Demona asked. "I will not allow humans to live while breath is in my body."
Titania smiled lightly. "Yes my dear I had figured that," she started. "I can simply break your bond with MacBeth thereby allowing you to finally die. But that would have dire consequences as well. Your daughter, Angela, would be upset and probably not protect as well. No I have a better way for you to let go of this hate for humans. And it only requires this special artifact." She pulled the Phoenix Gate from behind her back and her smile got a little bigger. "You will experience life as a normal human. And you will not remember any of this. I will eventually return you to this time but not until I feel it is time."
Demona's eyes burned bright red as she roared. "I WILL NEVER LIVE AS A HUMAN!" she roared. "I CHOOSE DEATH FIRST!" And with those words she leaped forward, aiming the laser rifle at Titania. But before she could pull the trigger the rifle was gone from her hands and she was frozen in place.
"I am the Queen of Avalon," Titania said, "Do you really believe I would be so easy to defeat? I think not." A gesture with a hand and a few quickly spoken words and Demona was transformed into her human form of Dominique Destine. Another set of spoken words and a huge fireball consumed Demona and Titania.
@@Japan 1974@@
A huge fireball burst into existence in the Japanese countryside and two figures were deposited outside it. The only one around to see them was a young stocky man clad in a white gi with a white bandanna on his head. He leaped into a tree and watched as the 2 figures resolved themselves into two women. One was a light skinned red head while the other was blonde. Both had exceptional figures but the red head's figure hinted at someone who fought. He watched as the blonde looked around then looked directly at the tree he was in.
"You in the tree," she said. "Please come down here."
The man in the tree looked around as if gauging his options before he simply leaped down from the tree. His stance indicated he was ready to run at anytime. "Yes," he replied. "What do you want and how did you know I was in that tree? And what was with the giant fireball? Don't tell me you two are demons."
"We were just wondering where we are young man," the blonde replied. "And I am searching for a great warrior. Perhaps you know of one." She then looked the young man up and down. "Or perhaps you are one yourself." This was said with a sly look. The red head merely scowled through all this.
The young man looked at them and adjusted his stance slightly. It went from one of readiness to run to posturing. "Maybe I am," he replied. "I am Saotome Genma. Who are you two?"
"My name is Tita and this is my companion Demona," the blonde replied. "My friend Demona is looking for a good instructor in the ways of the warrior. Again I ask might you be a good warrior?"
Demona looked at Titania and mentally growled. How dare she treat me like this. Me? Looking for a good instructor. If I could get loose I would show them both a good warrior. And how dare that human look at me as if I am beneath his notice. Unfortunately for Demona, Titania wasn't allowing her to do as she pleased. Demona was going to act human and there wasn't anything she could do about it. ~Now my dear, do try to get all that out of your system. I said you were going to act like a human and you are. Be thankful I at least left you some of your dignity.~ Demona mentally howled again. She didn't want to act human and she didn't want to be around filthy humans. Especially this Saotome Genma. Then she felt her mind getting sluggish and then there was nothing. Demona the human hating gargoyle was on hiatus until later notice. "He looks like a good warrior Tita," Demona stated. "Maybe I should test him out."
"That my dear might just be a good idea," Tita stated. She gestured to Genma. "I do believe she has challenged you Genma. Are you prepared to defend yourself?"
Genma backed up with his hands upraised. "I don't fight women," he replied. "They are weaker and should be protected." That was probably the wrong thing to say since it resulted in Demona leaping at him and attacking with unparalleled fury. (A.N.- At least to those who don't know Demona.) He defended himself as best as possible but she was quick and strong. Genma finally was knocked back at least ten feet from a solid kick to the stomach. He quickly rose and took another defensive stance. He barely was able to keep his feet after Demona unleashed a few more punches and kicks against his various blocks. He was slow dodging a punch to the head and his glasses were knocked from his face. Without even thinking about it, he retaliated with a leg sweep that Demona leaped over. The two separated before clashing again.
It was wise of me to allow Demona to retain some of her anger and gargoyle traits while in this form. I sense this Genma gets into situations that just call for a companion of her strength and talents. She watched as Demona and Genma clashed again with fists and feet. Genma had finally decided to fight back after Demona had bloodied his nose and blackened his left eye. He ducked a hasty left jab from Demona, grabbed her outstretched arm with his left hand, and landed two punches to her left side. Maintaining his grip on her arm, he swiveled and tossed her over his shoulder. Demona rolled with the throw but Genma was already in motion before she finished rolling. He rushed forward and leaped into the air just as Demona was regaining her footing. She looked left and right for Genma but unfortunately for her she forgot about the other dimension of 3-D. Height. Genma descended and unleashed a wicked kick to her back that knocked her into a tree and knocked her out.
"Excellent show Genma," Tita stated. "Perhaps you are the warrior we sought. I am impressed." She fairly slid over to Genma and touched him on the shoulder. When his eyes had achieved a glazed look she let go of his shoulder. Now to do what needs to be done. She magically grabbed Demona and Genma and using the same potion Oberon had used on her those so many years ago, she made them fall deeply in love. This should be interesting.
@@Japan 2 years later@@
In a small house in Juuban, a pregnant red headed woman was looking at her husband and growling lightly. The husband was doing his best to reach the door and run to freedom but it was not to be.
"SAOTOME GENMA!" Demona roared as she grabbed him in a neck lock. "Did you eat my last rice ball? And what happened to my bowl of sharkfin soup? And where is all that chocolate that I had in the cupboards? TELL ME NOW HUSBAND!" She tightened her hold and for a brief instant it seemed her eyes glowed bright red.
Genma knew the temper his wife had and with the pregnancy it seemed to get worst at times. At least it was worst to everyone but Genma. He knew his wife loved him but this time he had gone too far. For the last few months, Genma had been making sure that Demona had all the food she wanted but he had a weak moment and ate all the food she had stored away. Even the things she only ate due to her pregnancy. He gulped as she physically slammed him through the floor of their home. His mind flashed back to what happened to Happosai not one month earlier.
*****Flashback*****
Happosai was rummaging through Demona's underwear drawers and quietly cackling. He stopped for a second thinking he had heard a sound. His tiny shoulders shrugged when he did not hear it again.
"The sheer bras are in the bottom drawer," a silky voice purred out.
Happosai froze when he heard that voice. He turned his head slightly and there standing directly beside him was Demona. She had a wicked looking smirk on her face as well as a wicked looking mace in her hand. "Well, Demona," he began. "Come to help the Master with his collection? That's a good girl." He barely leaped above the mace swing that destroyed the dresser. "Now why would you want to hurt the Master with such a weapon?" He dodged the various swings and thrusts. "Too bad you are a simple weapon user girl. If you knew how to use your body as another weapon you might be have gotten closer. You might have had more luck without it." He took out his pipe and blocked an overhead swing while leaping backwards. He cackled when Demona stopped swinging. "Finally figured out who the Master was girl?"
"Not really you old fart," she replied. "The problem with you is that you are too caught up in your own desires to see the truth." She smiled when he gave her a confused look. His pipe completely disintegrated in his hand. The bag of underwear he had collected was missing and he noticed she had it behind her. With her forefinger she pointed down and watched as his eyes swiveled in that direction. When his eyes widened at the various cuts and tear his clothing had, her smile got bigger. She waited until he noticed the area around his crotch had a rip before she rushed over and smashed him into the floor with an ax kick then began to pummel him. The fact that she was eight months pregnant didn't seem to factor into it. She beat Happosai for a solid ten minutes then picked up his beaten and bloody form and deposited him in a bucket filled with boiling tar. "Genma bring me that box would you?" she called out. Demona waited until Genma had brought a huge box lined with men's underwear up to her before tossing the bucket into the box. She smiled at the groans she heard from the ancient pervert before slamming the lid closed on the box. Genma quickly hammered it close and wrapped chains around it. He then watched as Demona hefted the box up before booting it out of Juuban. As it flew away from Juuban it exploded. "Honestly," she grumbled. "That's the fifth time this month I've had to deal with that lecher. Are you sure that pervert taught you martial arts Genma?" She left the room before she could catch Genma's dumbfounded look. The room, except for the area she had pounded Happosai on and the dresser was totally neat and clean. In fact the bed was neatly made and Genma was certain it wasn't earlier.
"She defeated the Master and cleaned the room at the same time?" he asked out loud. "That can't be possible." He shook his head as he walked out of the room. "If it was anyone but Demona I wouldn't believe it for a second. That woman seems to do the impossible on a regular basis."
*****End Flashback*****
Genma gulped loudly and looked at his wife as she advanced on him. There didn't seem to be anything he could do. He remembered when he tried to use the move he developed just for the Master on her. She took one look at the Crouch of the Wild Tiger, narrowed her eyes, and tossed him onto the couch. He was restricted from the bedroom, the kitchen, and the dining room table for three weeks. He remembered her exact words. 'GENMA SAOTOME DID YOU JUST BEG ME? DON'T EVER LET ME SEE YOU DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT IN MY PRESENCE AGAIN! ACT LIKE THE WARRIOR YOU ARE! STAND UP FOR YOURSELF! JUST FOR THAT CONSIDERED YOURSELF BANISHED!' Needless to say he had never used the Crouch of the Wild Tiger in his wife's presence again. He resigned himself to his punishment. Demona was hardly what one would call an abusive spouse but there were times when he pushed it and he deserved the blows she dished out to him.
"AAAAHHHHHH!" Demona screamed. "Genma something's wrong with me."
Upon hearing his wife scream, Genma broke free of the floor and cradled his wife. "What's wrong Demona?" he asked. He looked at his wife and ran for the phone. Then he noticed his arm cradling her legs was wet and looked at her. "I will not loose my wife!" He bypassed the phone and rushed out the door into the night. Once outside he leapt to the neighbor's roof and headed straight to the hospital. People gawked at seeing the martial artist bounce from roof to roof but his only concern was Demona. Soon, Genma had arrived at the emergency room and bust through the doors. "SOMEONE HELP!" he cried out. He dispatched two orderlies that sought to restrain him in quick order while Demona kicked a third onto a stretcher. Quickly switching Demona to a one handed grip he grabbed an orderly by the neck and began to tighten his grip. "Get me a doctor now!" he told the orderly. Making sure the orderly got the message Genma flicked him down the passageway and narrowed his eyes menacingly. An elderly nurse took in the sight of Genma and Demona and walked over to them with a wheelchair.
"Excuse me young man but is this you and your wife's first child?" she calmly asked. When Genma nodded she got a wheelchair. "Figures. Only first time fathers act that way. Place her in the wheelchair young man." After Demona was situated, she began rolling her down the hallway with a nervous Genma in tow. "Now let's get you to the delivery room. I think you are almost ready to have this baby my dear." She pushed Demona into the delivery room and pointed at the bed with the stirrups. "Place her there young man." Genma picked Demona up and placed her on the bed, then yelped in pain after Demona cracked him over the head with an open handed slap. "I see those contractions are getting closer and closer together. And young man watch out for her. She's in a great deal of pain and you put her in it." She left the room with a smile as Demona began to choke Genma all the while yelling about the agony he was going to face later for the pain she was in.
"I knew this would be interesting," the nurse, better known as Titania, mused to herself as she went to get the doctor. She smiled as another yelp of pain came from the delivery room.
Genma peeked into the room and watched as his wife and son were resting. "Hello Demona," he said. "How are you?" He smiled as she gestured for him to come closer. "Is this little Ranma?"
"Yes it is Genma," Demona replied. She remembered when she had chosen that name. The baby had just kicked her especially hard and she decided if it was a boy its name was going to be Ranma. Genma picked the name Rei if it was a girl. She watched as Genma gave Ranma his finger and wince slightly. "Yes Genma he has a very good grip for a newborn. He is such a blessing."
Genma nodded and hugged Demona. To the young martial artist all was right with the world.
@@Juuban, Tokyo 1978@@
People walking by the Saotome residence were treated to a rare sight. A stocky young man clad in a white gi was running on the wall surrounding his house chasing after a tiny blur. The blur finally resolved itself into a little boy that couldn't have been any older than two years old. The little boy, Ranma, looked at his dad and smiled.
"What in the world have you been eating, boy," Genma said between pants. "And how the hell are you running on all fours like that?" Genma didn't expect an answer but he seemed to get one anyway. The boy smiled just like his mother. It was weird for Genma to see Ranma doing what he had dubbed as, 'Demona's wicked smile'. Especially since she seemed to use that whenever they went to bed together or she decided to get the master. "Now c'mon boy, you have to take a bath." He leaped forward at Ranma with his arms outstretched. His hands closed on nothing but air as Ranma once again began to move on all fours. The little boy bounded onto his dad's chest, bounced off his head and leaped off the wall to land into Demona's waiting arms. The sound of something impacting into a trash can followed by barely audible curses filled the air and Demona laughed deeply while cradling her baby.
"Well, Genma," she began. "When I told you to give Ranma a bath I never meant for you to have to take one with him. Of course if that is your wish go right ahead." She walked back into the house laughing at her husband as he reappeared on top of the wall covered in garbage and dirt. "Did you give Daddy a hard time angel? That's a good boy. Always make them work for victory and never give up." Demona snuggled Ranma closer to her as he clapped his hands and smiled.
"First she does impossible things," Genma stated. "Now the boy's doing them too. Incredible." Genma shook his head as he walked back to the house. I wonder if Demona taught him that four-legged running technique. She seems to use it on various occasions herself. Genma looked up in time to see Demona leaping after Ranma on all fours as the boy ran away laughing. He blinked twice before shaking his head. I have got to learn how she does that technique. If nothing else it'll make the boy easier to catch. He was knocked out of his musing when Ranma ran between his legs and Demona bounced off his head. "Okay, that's it." He turned to face Ranma and Demona and pointed at them. "I'll get you both for this." He ran into the house with his fists balled up.
"Hmm," Demona stated to Ranma. "It seems we've upset daddy." She shrugged. "Oh well, it's not like he'll do anything drastic anyway." She turned back to get ready to chase Ranma when she was hit with a sheet of water. "AHHHH!" She leaped into the air and flipped around to face the direction the water had come from. She spotted Genma with a bucket in his hands, an empty bucket at his feet, and a grin on his face. "Genma Saotome!" She leaped away just as he tossed the water in her direction. "Stop that Genma! I'm getting wet!" As she touched down a white blur rushed into her and the next thing she knew her husband had her cradled in his arms while Ranma was watching from behind the sakura tree in their yard.
Genma looked Demona up and down slowly and a huge smile blossomed on his face. "But I like the way you look wet," he responded. "You look very good." He watched as Demona blushed slightly right before she kissed him deeply. "Now let's say we take care of Ranma's needs before we handle our own." He watched Demona nod quickly.
"Ranma, into the house," Demona called. "And head for the bathroom angel. Momma's got to get you taken care of so she can get taken care of." She watched as Ranma bounded into the house ahead of them and smiled. Always could rely on angel to help momma get what she wanted from his daddy. As Genma carried her into the house she suddenly let loose with a squeal, "Genma that tickles!"
@@Juuban Park, Tokyo 1980@@
Demona looked up as Ranma came running to her with a huge smile on his face. She held her arms out and was not disappointed as Ranma barreled into her for a hug. Ranma is such a blessing to me. He seems to drive away the feelings of darkness and despair I have in my soul. "Angel what do you have there?" she asked her four year old son.
"I found this other there momma," he replied. "Do you know what it is?" He held out a small pendant that had a winged figure on it. The figure seemed to be red haired and blue skinned and was posed in a crouch with her wings flared open. It was also a female. It didn't resemble any kind of angel she had ever seen before but Ranma seemed to be fascinated with it. "Do you think I can keep it momma?"
The image struck a chord in Demona. It's almost as if this figure seems so familiar to me. Why? Why do I feel like I know what or who that is supposed to be? "I don't know angel," she said. "It might belong to somebody. Where did you find it?" She stood up and held Ranma's hand as he lead her to where the pendant had been found. Demona looked around the spot but she only saw an elderly lady sitting on a bench near the area. "Let's ask that lady if it's hers, Ranma." She lifted Ranma up and walked over to the elderly woman. "Excuse me, but does this belong to you?" She held the pendant out for the old woman to look at. Why does this old woman remind me of something? And why am I getting this strange feeling? Like I am in extreme danger? What is going on here?
The old woman turned to face the mother and child and smiled a toothless grin. "Why yes, dear," she replied. "That surely does belong to me." Her eyes narrowed slightly as she took in the sight of Ranma holding it then she smiled.
"But I figure that yer little one can have it instead of me. I got no more use it myself."
"That's kind of you," Demona began. "But we just can't take such a nice work of art." Especially since I don't really trust it myself. She gave the pendant back to the old woman and walked off with Ranma. Something about that old woman really bothers me. Like I've met her before and she's pissed me off. She was so deep in thought that she never noticed the pendant had attached itself to Ranma's neck and glowed brightly for a split second.
The old woman nodded slightly. Ahh, Demona, you impress me more and more each time. To think that you actually care enough about a human to protect him. Titania changed out of her old woman disguise and smiled lightly. But all good things must end at some time or another. I apologize for what I am about to do my dear. She stood up and walked after Demona.
Demona stopped long enough to grab the things she had brought to the park with her before heading home. "Come on, Ranma," she said. "Let's go get dinner." And find that husband of mine. He better not be drinking with that buddy of his again. What was his name? Tendon? Tenon? Oh yeah Tendo. She walked out of the park with Ranma on her shoulders heading towards her home.
Unfortunately, Genma was drinking with his friend Tendo Soun yet again. And to make matters worse they were well into their 20th bottle of the day of sake since starting at noon. Not to mention the fact that neither man had eaten since breakfast. Both men were on their last legs but they couldn't be persuaded not to drink anymore. They had enough ability in them to physically threaten the bartender when he cut off their supply of sake. Both had spent the day talking about their families. Soun was the proud father of three daughters and married to a lovely woman named Kimiko. He was extremely happy about his family but he longed for a son so he could pass down his art and dojo. His youngest Akane seemed to take to martial arts like a fish to water but he still held hopes for a son. His dojo was somewhat of a success seeing as people all over Nerima came to train there.
Genma, on the other hand, was happy with his life but he had dreams of making Ranma the best martial artist in the world. He had hinted to Demona that he believed she coddled the boy too much but she simply gave him one harsh look before pummeling him into the floor. And then to make matters worse she pointed out the fact that she didn't want Ranma to be the best martial artist in the world. She only desired her son being happy. And the boy seemed to be happiest following what she thought a warrior should be. He had tried everything to persuade Demona, from gifts to a seppuku pledge. That particular incident was a serious mistake.
*****Flashback*****
Demona was sitting with Ranma in her lap as she read The Art of War to him, when Genma walked in with a piece of paper in one hand and an inkpad in the other. "What is that darling?" she questioned.
"Demona, I want to take the boy on a training trip," he began. "I feel you are coddling him too much for him to get the most out of training." He leaped back just in time to avoid the thrown book. He looked at Demona's face and gulped deeply. I just have to keep asking for this don't I?
"What exactly are you saying husband?" she snarled out. "And be quick about it. Right now I am not in the mood for any of your games." This was the third time in a day that Genma had come to her with the proposition of taking Ranma away from her. It seems the earlier beatings I administered weren't enough to dislodge this idea from his head. The first time he had appealed to her about the trip she had simply stated that as long as she could go it would be allowed. He had stated no and told her she coddled the boy too much. That response did not go over well with her at all. She pounded him flat then took Ranma outside for his daily dose of exercise. Unlike most children's exercise his involved bounding around the yard, leaping off the walls, and deflecting thrown objects.
The second time had come around lunch. Genma told her in no uncertain terms that she was to allow Ranma to go on the training trip. Then he made a classic mistake. He commanded her to say no more. Demona's eyes had narrowed as she started to snarl. Genma took one look at her and said that Soun's wife, Kimiko, understood the place a woman had in the family. Her response had been to whack him ten times with the table and yell, 'WELL IF YOU WANTED A PROPER WIFE LIKE KIMIKO YOU SHOULD HAVE MARRIED HER!' right before booting him out of the house.
Now it was the time for his best idea yet. "Demona, this is a seppuku pledge," he began. "I will sign this as well as Ranma so you can rest assured that Ranma will come back as a great warrior and martial artist. If he is not trained to your satisfaction then you can have us commit seppuku. That should settle your worries shouldn't it?" He looked up in time to see Demona walk out of the room.
"Ranma, I want you to go play outside," she said. "Momma and Daddy have much to discuss." She closed the door as Ranma ran into the yard towards the practice dummy she had set up. She smiled as he began to attack the dummy with an assortment of moves and maneuvers. Then her eyes began to glow red as she turned to face her husband. "Now as for you!" She strode towards Genma while yanking a club off the wall. "How dare you assume I would ever want to kill my angel! How dare you assume that some idiotic pledge like that would allow me to take my angel from me! How dare you!" Her grip on the club became so much that it started to warp under the pressure.
Genma looked at his wife and his life flashed before his eyes. He remembered something his father, Akume, had told him long ago about getting between a woman and her child. His exact words were, 'To get between a woman and her child is pure foolishness boy. If you want to die horribly that would be the method I'd suggest.' It looked to Genma like his prediction was about to come true.
Ranma looked back at his house as the screams of outrage mingled together with the screams of pain. "Oooohh," he stated. "Papa do something bad." He turned back to the dummy and began to strike it in the movements his mother had taught him.
*****End Flashback*****
He was still sore from that day and he could still hear Demona shout that Happosai had more honor than he did. That was what hurt the worst to him. He loved his wife but this was something he had to do. He had to prove to his wife that he could be a good father.
"Hey Saotome," Soun started. "Howzabout we promize to have our kids marry one day?"
"What do you mean Tendo?"
"I mean, 'ave 'em marry each other so the schools can unite and get stranger," Soun replied. (A.N.- I think he had it right the first time.) "I mean stronger."
Genma thought it over for a split second then agreed. "Somebody get me a piece of paper and a pen!" he shouted. "We've got a deal to make."
@@Later that night at the Saotome home@@
Demona looked up as a slight noise came from outside the house. She hopped from her bed and pulled her favorite mace from underneath it. That had better not be Genma drunk. If it is, I'm going to hurt him severely. She crept down the stairs and peeked around a corner as the door started to slide open slowly. Her hearing had always been sharp and she instantly knew it was not her husband walking into the house. Whoever it is definitely picked the wrong place to attempt robbery. Wrong time as well. She waited until the footsteps came closer to her position before she leapt at the intruder. She had just started an overhead swing with her mace when she was hit with pure unadulterated pain. Her mace fell from her limp fingers as she crashed to the floor. The pain seemed to worsen as time passed and she heard fabric ripping. What's happening to me? Why am I in such pain? Her pale skin began to darken to a blue coloring while her muscles enlarged and a tail ripped through the bottom of her nightgown. Her feet changed shape while her hands did the same. She felt some of her teeth get sharper and her throat unwillingly let out a roar resembling a panther's roar. Finally the pain ended and Demona stood up on her shaky feet. "What happened?" she asked out loud. "Why do I feel so different?" She took a step forward and fell flat on her face. She turned her head to look down at the reason she fell and gasped out loud. Her skin was blue and she had a pair of wings on her back. "What has happened to me?"
"Mother decided to send you back," a voice stated out of the darkness. "I'll be responsible for your family now." A young woman dressed in a kimono carrying a wrapped bundle appeared in Demona's line of sight. "Don't worry, I'll care for them as if they were my own." The woman's grin did nothing to reassure Demona.
"Over my dead body," she growled out. She surged to her feet and prepared to take the woman out as quickly as possible. "Leave before I do something you'll regret." She got ready to leap when the world went entirely black.
"Mother said to get her ready to go home," another voice spat out from the darkness. "She never said to goad her into a fight."
"Mother is not here to correct me is she?" the young woman asked.
"Are you so sure of that my child?" Titania asked as she appeared behind the woman. "Nodoka, if what you have done in anyway dislodges Demona from the path I have set her upon you will answer to me." She waited until Nodoka had bowed her head before turning to the other figure. "Ku Lon return to China. I thank you for your assistance my child."
"It was nothing mother," Ku Lon replied. "Her memory is somewhat intact. All that is required is that you merge the two together." She smiled as she hopped forward on a cane that was at least three times her size. "Is there anything else I can do for you mother before I go rejoin my family?"
Titania nodded once as she pulled the Phoenix Gate out. "Change to your normal form my child," she replied. "I want to see my daughter as she is before I go away."
A golden light surrounded Ku Lon as she changed from an old woman with long white hair to a young woman with purple hair. Her body filled out the green robe she wore making her a fantasy come true. Her body became voluptuous and the wrinkles had completely left her face. "That is not a problem mother," she said with a slight smile. "Will there be anything else before I go home?" She waited for the shake of the head before disappearing.
Titania turned to Nodoka stating, "You know what to do. Do not fail in this task." She began to chant the words to use the Phoenix Gate as Demona's body floated in the air beside her. The fireball consumed her and Demona as Nodoka turned to the opening door.
Nodoka started to murmur then gestured at the door as it opened to show Genma entering. A green ball of energy enveloped him for a few seconds before encompassing the entire house. As the light died from the house, her eyes lit brightly before she turned to the mirror hanging on the wall next to her. The light streamed from her eyes into the mirror then dispersed. "And that should take care of that," she stated. "No more memories of Demona except for those of midsummer's night dream." She chuckled lightly before turning to Genma. "Now my dear what was this talk of a training trip?" She watched as Genma smiled lightly before tipping over. "I guess we'll talk about it in the morning." She left him to sleep on the floor as she headed up the stairs to check on Ranma. I wonder why mother is so interested in one little gargoyle and her spawn. This bears looking into. She started to smile evilly. And maybe Oberon will reward me for any information I give him.
@@Manhattan 1997@@
A fireball left just as Titania and Demona reappeared in a fireball. The Queen of Avalon set the gargoyle down gently and caressed her temples.
"Time to awaken Demona," Titania said. "We have returned to your right time and form. Now arise."
Demona's eyelids fluttered a few times before they snapped open fully. She shook her head before looking directly at Titania. "What have you done to me?" she demanded. "Why are you here? What do you want?"
"Want Demona?" Titania asked. "Why nothing my dear. What do I offer? Many things." With a slight smile, the Faire Queen walked away from Demona. "But you will know what I have done in time. And then the choice will be yours. If you ever have questions use this. It will show you the answers that you need to know." A small hand mirror appeared at Demona's feet. "I took into account your temper with this mirror so no worries about breaking it. I also suggest you speak to Clan Manhattan. You might have need of their help. As well as the help of Detective Maza. She is such a resourceful human." And with those words, Titania, Queen of Avalon, disappeared.
"Why would I need the help of Goliath and his pet human?" Demona asked herself. "And why would Titania leave me a mirror? What would be so important that I need this..." she trailed off as memories began appearing in her head. "Ranma," she breathed out. "RANMA!"
End Prologue