If you've read this far, you're either extremely bored or you find my
work mildy interesting. I really hope its the latter. Really.
Drop me a line: oddball22@hotmail.com
DISCLAIMER: I have to say these characters aren't mine or else Akane
will force feed
me her cooking.
"WRITER NO BAKA!"
*WHAM*
"Ite..."
Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
Winds Calling
Chapter 6
Ukyo opened the door of her restaurant and walked inside. With
her release from the hospital, she was anxious to open it back up and
start making the best okonomiyaki in Japan once again.
She closed the door and flicked on the lights, looking around.
The restuarant looked like she felt.
Empty.
Konatsu was gone and now she really felt alone. She never
realized how lonely it felt to come back to an empty home. She was unwilling to finish that line of thought.
She walked across the floor to the door to her room. Hesitating
a second, she opened the door and stepped inside. Everything was just
like she remembered it. I want someone to share this with. I want a
real family. But she had no idea on how to do that.
Walking over to her dresser, she plopped her duffel bag down
and knelt on the floor. Grabbing ahold of the bottom drawer, she
mustered her courage and pulled it all the way out.
There was something else that was bugging her, ever since she
got out of the hospital. There were two times lately, where she had
failed in battle and been injured. The first was when Kenji had been
kidnapped, and again when facing the fire lord. She knew her skills were
falling behind in the increasing dangers that seeemed to spring up
around Ranma. If she wanted to continue to be a part of his life and
live in this town, she had to find a way to get stronger.
And while she was in her coma, she had a flash of insight; and
remembered.
Seven years ago she had gone to visit her grandpa, hopefully to
get some provisions and some idea on where to look for the fiance who
abandoned her. Instead, her grandfather insisted that she train with
him. Knowing that it would help when she finally caught up to Ranma, she
agreed.
When it was time for her to go, her grandfather gave her a
couple of scrolls and told her to take good care of them. He also told
her they contained some of the deepest secrets of their family's martial
art, and to never use them recklessly. Ukyo had agreed and stashed them
somewhere safe, then forgot about them.
Until now.
Turning over the drawer, she slid out the false panel and the
scrolls fell out. Her hands shaking nervously, she picked up the
scrolls.
"Grandfather said there was more to our family's martial art
than making okonomiyaki," she said softly to herself. "I think it's time
I discovered what that was."
She unrolled the scroll and began to read.
After informing Oka about their plans, Kenji, Yuri, and Ryoga
left for Nerima first thing Saturday morning. They were given access to
their mother's account, which contained a little over a million yen, as
their inheritance. Endeavering to get back as soon as possible, they
withdrew some to buy 3 train tickets. The trio packed their belongings
and said their good-byes.
Now, on the train, Kenji sat staring out the window, watching
the scenery flow by. He didn't think the elemental sects would return to
bug them, since by Ranma's account, they had been trashed and the fire
lord was gone. I wonder what really happened after I blacked out up on
Mt. Hago. It's just another thing I can't remember. And just the
thought of what the Fire Lord did to Ukyo, made him invoke a silent
promise to himself that the sects would pay dearly.
He also felt guilty over the fact that the mages were there
because of him in the first place. So it was his responsibility to
neutralize them as a threat.
"Gotta admit, I'm not used to seeing you like this," his
sister's voice broke him out of his reverie.
He turned his head to look at her and frowned. "What do you
mean?"
"I mean, you've changed since that night," she said. He knew
there was only one particular night she would be referrring to: the
night of the fire. "You're so quiet and calm now, when you used to be
quite lively, active, and..." She paused and smiled.
Kenji cocked his head. "And what?"
"A practical joker!"
"Really?" He chuckled. "Well, having memories and experiences
help to influence a personality. What was I like before?"
She was silent a second, as if pondering whether or not to tell
him. "Well, you always used to pull pranks and jokes on all of us." She
grinned. "I remember one time you got mad at mom when she beat you in a
sparring session. So you rigged up a rope trap on a tree and got mom to
chase you. She didn't even see it coming. When me and dad came out to
see what the scream was about, we saw you laughing on the ground while
mom hung upside down from the tree with a whipped cream pie in her face.
It was one of the few times you actually outsmarted and got the better
of her." Yuri ended her narrative with laughter and Kenji joined her.
"But you were always like that: using joy buzzers, water pails on top of
open doors, and getting into various other mischief."
When they calmed down a bit he said, "I can't believe I did
something like that!" Then his gaze turned introspective. "I just wish I
could remember them! I hate this stupid memory seal." Kenji gave his sis
a squeeze, unwittingly getting more comfortable at showing affection for
his sister. "You're lucky in that you can keep them alive in your
memories." He tussled her blond hair. "Are you doin' okay?"
She let go and nodded. "I may not be totally over it, but I've
come to accept their passing. I had a couple of really good cries, and
Neko was a big help bringing me through my emotional breakdown." Her
expression became serious.
"But if you tell anyone about it, I'll remove your spleen!"
There was a knock at the door. "Enter."
A man in a brown cloak, hood down, entered the office. He
approached the desk and the gentleman behind it, then kneeled and bowed
his head.
"You may rise and report, Kato," the man sitting behind the desk
commanded.
"Lord Krynn, we've lost contact with one of our retrieval
teams," Kato said nervously. "The restaurant was apparently a trap and
very heavily infused with powerful magic." Kato gulped and thoroughly
expected to be struck down right then and there.
Kyrnn fumed as he built up a fireball. The fireball
disappeared. Calming himself, he folded his hands on his large oaken
desk.
"I'm only letting you live because we're low on manpower, so
I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself," Krynn said slowly. To which
Kato nodded, visibly relieved. "We have to assume the ones who are
responsible were the same ones who drove us out of our mountain lair. In
time, the three idiots who were foolish enough to be taken prisoner will
reveal our new location and we will be under attack once more. I cannot
allow this just yet. We need something to tip the scales back into our
favor." He thought for a second, then looked up. "Have you ascertained
the dwellings of any of our enemies?"
Kato nodded. "The only two we know about now are the Nekohanten
restaurant and a dojo that is the home of the Tendo's. We are informed
that the one known as Ranma lives there along with his parents."
Krynn steepled his fingers. "That will do. I want you to
dispatch a team and attempt to take as many hostages as you can. I want
a fast surprise raid. In and out in minimal time. Think you can handle
that?" The servant nodded. "Then you are dismissed." Kato left his
master's room, grateful for second chances.
Inside the office, Krynn pulled a drawer open on his desk to
reveal a bluish-white crystal, slightly bigger than his hand. He picked
it up and fingered it.
He carefully placed the crystal back in the drawer, then stood
up and walked to one of his windows. The view of the ocean below had a
calming effect on him. "Garon was a fool. He reduced the sects power by
a 25 percent, all in the pursuit of power. Then we were beaten down when
he went after that Soyokaze kid." He began to clench and unclench his
fist in an attempt to head off the anger that was building again. "We
are now less than half of what we were, thanks to that madman who called
himself the Fire Lord. And now it is up to me to rebuild."
He recalled another disturbing report, delivered a few days
earlier. It said that the remaining members of the sects were driven
from their Tibetan home by something. No one could give details, but a
few of there number had been killed in the escape exodus that followed.
Not all had made it to the Japan compound.
"And I must rebuild fast. I must remain strong, and I must
protect the sects against anything that threatens them."
A couple of hours later, in the predawn light, twelve cloaked
figures surrounded the dojo and snuck inside. The dojo's occupants were
either just getting up, or still asleep. In the kitchen, Kasumi was
starting to prepare breakfast when she detected movement behind her.
"Good morning," she said cheerily as she turned around to see
who it was. "Oh my!" was all she could get out before she was grabbed
and a fine powder sprayed into her face.
She promptly passed out and was tied up, very gently. Somehow,
her attackers felt that they didn't really want to hurt her.
Soun was in the living room when he heard the scuffle in the
kitchen. "Kasumi? Are you alright?" Hearing no reply, he grabbed his
crutches and attempted to get to his feet. Six figures burst into the
room and attacked. He might've been able to handle them if he didn't
have the broken leg and was armed. As it was, he was quickly overpowered
and had the same powder sprayed into his face. The results were the same
and he was tied up next to Kasumi.
Upstairs, Nabiki and Akane had come out of their rooms, hearing
the strange noises downstairs.
"What's going on, sis?" Nabiki said sleepily.
Akane yawned. "I don't know but I thought I heard something."
Just then, several of the cloaked figures came running up the stairs.
"Nabiki, RUN!" She dropped into a fighting stance.
She dodged the first one to get to her and delivered a chop to
the neck, sending #1 to the floor, unconscious. She grabbed #2's
outstretched arm and flipped him onto his back. A punch to the stomach
ensured he wouldn't be rejoining the fight anytime soon. That's when she
noticed her older sister still standing there, shock on her face.
"NABIKI!" Akane yelled. "RUN! GO GET HELP!"
That succeeded in jarring her into action. Nabiki ran back into
her room, and sprinted to her window. Opening it, she warily glanced at
the ground. I really need to brush up on my skills. Anybody else in
this family could easily make this jump. Well, maybe not Kasumi, though
I'm not too sure.
Taking a deep breath, she leaped out the window and rolled when
she hit the ground, to lesson the impact. Only slightly dazed, she was
back on her feet and heading for the back entrance when she felt
something strike her back. It felt like a pin prick. When she began to
get sleepy, she realized it must've been a tranquilizer dart. She barely
registered hitting the ground before blacking out.
Inside, Akane had managed to incapacitate several more of her
attackers, but there was just too many and she had taken a few good hits
herself. A blow to the side of her head staggered her, then she felt
something in her arm. Looking down, she pulled the dart out and prepared
for the next attack. It never came and soon, she was joining her family
in deep slumber.
As the bodies were loaded into the waiting van, Kato smiled.
This had gone off well and now his master would be pleased with him. He
may just survive the day after all! With everyone in the two vans, he
gave the signal and they were off, but not before leaving the note as
ordered.
Several blocks away, Ranma was walking along the fence towards
the dojo. He wasn't quite sure what to say, but he knew he needed to
talk to Akane and figure this whole engagement mess out.
When he first arrived at the dojo, he thought he didn't want to
marry the stupid tomboy. But over the past year, something had changed.
Now, when he began to imagine life without her, the picture turned quite
bleak. I never thought I'd admit to something like this, and I still
might not, but I can't think of life without her. Jusendo had scared
more than he could ever imagine. When he believed she was dead, all
reason for him to go on living vanished. He knew now, that he could
never live without her.
He arrived at the dojo and pushed open the gate. Walking up to
the door, he was about to knock when he realized the door was already
open. "Hello? Kasumi-san? Tendo-san?" He stepped inside and his heart
dropped into his stomach as he recognized the signs of a struggle.
"Akane!" He raced into the kitchen. Nothing. He raced upstairs
and checked the rooms. Nothing. He ran back downstairs and into the
living room all the while calling out names. That's when he saw Happosai
sitting in the midst of the wreckage that was the dining room.
"Old freak!" he exclaimed. "Where are they!? What have you done
with them!?"
Ranma rushed him to attack but the old man simply held up his
hand. In it, was an envelope. Ranma stopped and took it, opening it up
to find four pictures and a note. The pictures were of Soun, Kasumi,
Nabiki, and... Akane. Ranma's heart dropped into his stomach. All were
in unconscious and bound positions.
Ranma scanned the note.
"You have our friends, we have yours," he read. "Don't think of
coming after us or they're dead. We might be able to work out a trade
however, if you find out where we are. Otherwise, stay out of our way
and do not interfere."
"You may think me a freak," Happosai said slowly. "But I do care
about my family." And it was the truth, too. If there was one thing he
had leanred, it was that all the panties in the world weren't worth a
good family or home to come back to. "I promise you we will get them
back and make whoever did this pay dearly." He looked up. "Do you know
who did this?"
Ranma looked up from the note. "Oh, I forgot, you've been gone
for awhile. Yeah, I got a pretty good idea who did this. But we're gonna
need help. Last time we were just barely able to beat these guys, and we
don't everybody we had then. I'll go grab Ukyo and Doc Tofu. You go grab
my pop at our house and we'll meet at the Nekohanten to form a plan."
Together they leapt to the wall surrounding the yard. "Tell Cologne it's
must be the wizard sects again and she'll tell you all about it. Her
trap must've worked if they claim we have some of their men."
Happosai nodded. "Very well, boy. I'll meet you there in a
half-an-hour."
They separated and were gone. As Ranma leapt from rooftop to
rooftop, he said a silent prayer.
"If I find one hair out of place on my Akane, I'll kill every
last one of them!" he promised to himself, then stopped. "Wait a
minute... Did I just say, `my Akane'?" A goofy grin crossed his face. "I
guess I did..." He shook his head and continued on. "Can't think about
that now." He soon arrived at Ucchan's as the owner was opening the
restaurant.
"Hiya Ranchan!" she greeted him cheerfully. She noticed the
grave look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"The Tendo's have been taken, I'm guessing by the wizard sects,"
he explained. "We could use your help if you feel up to it."
She nodded. "Of course! Just let me grab my gear." She
disappeared back inside and emerged a couple of minutes later with her
bandolier, battle spatula, and a determined face. She felt a little fear
at the prospect of facing the group that had hurt her so bad before, but
wasn't going to let that fear control her. "Ok, let's go!"
Ranma shook his head. "We're meeting at the Nekohanten. I want
you to go there right now. I'll be by as soon as I grab Doc Tofu. He'll
want to come with Kasumi being held."
Ukyo gave him a quick shoulder squeeze and they parted. A few
minutes later, Ranma was at the clinic. After a brief explanation of the
situation, which Tofu could barely understand, they were off as soon as
he realized that Kasumi was in trouble.
"So where are we supposed to put these people?" #1 asked the
others. "The cells are full already, and we have to keep this group
seperate from the ones in there."
#2 stopped the group of four carrying their hostages. "How
about in here?"
"A storage room?" #3 questioned. "Are you sure that's a good
idea?"
"Yeah," #4 agreed. "Lotsa magic stuff in there. They could use
it to escape."
#2 waved his hand. "They wouldn't know how to use it, and we
can just tie them up tight. It's perfect."
#1 nodded. "It's as good a place as any. Besides, my back is
getting tired from carrying this guy. Kyrnn just said to stash them
someplace where they couldn't escape."
"Alright," #3 relented. "But let's at least seperate them into
two different rooms. And for kami's sake, don't tell Krynn!"
The other three agreed heartily.
"So you see, Happi, it's happening," Cologne concluded.
Happosai let out a puff on his pipe. "I don't know, Cologne. In
all my years, I wouldn't have suspected that it would happen now.
They're not ready."
"Neither is Shampoo, and that is precisely why we must leave,"
the old woman countered. "Without any real information, we are
vulnerable. And we aren't going to get it here."
"And we can't let them know what we're doing either, I know, I
know." Happosai took another long puff on his pipe. "Very well. I guess
I'm in agreement for the moment."
"Your support means everything to me," Cologne drawled
sarcastically.
A scuffle could be heard outside the Nekohanten kitchen. "Yo!
Old ghoul, we're here!"
Cologne chuckled. "I do believe son-in-law has arrived." She
pogo'ed out of the kitchen, and Happosai leapt out after her.
"Ok, I think Cologne has explained everything to me," the old
man began, "and her three captives have sqealed as to the location of
their brethren." He pointed to the map on the table, where the mages
base was outlined in red.
Ranma studied it. "Okay, so the place where these wizards are
hangin' out is at this building by the sea," he said thoughtfully,
pointing at a spot on a map of Japan. "Then it's pretty obvious to me
that we go ahead and make the trade." Ranma's brain began to think
tactically. "Since they haven't seen Happosai yet, he'll sneak in first
and find the family. Shampoo and mom should go to the train station to
meet up with Ryoga and Kenji and appraise them of the situation."
"No!" Shampoo yelled. "Shampoo go fight!"
"No child," Cologne admonished. "You are still injured and would
be a handicap in a fight. Last night was different since we held the
advantage. You will protect your mother-in-law." Shampoo's countenance
fell, but she muttered compliance.
Happosai spoke up. "While it's true they probably don't know of
me or Tofu yet, I doubt they'll fall for the same plan twice. We should
at least head over and recon the area first. It'll take a couple hours
just to get there so we should leave right away." The group nodded their
assent and began to break up. Ranma felt a tug on his leg and looked
down to see Happosai standing there. "We'll get them back son, I
promise."
For once, Ranma was in complete agreement with the old master,
then he suddenly found herself wearing a bucket.
*Glomp!* *Nuzzle, Nuzzle!*
"But, first I need a recharge!" the old man said happily from
between Ranma-onna's breasts. "Hotcha!"
"Eeeaayyhh!" *POW!* Ranma's fist dropped the old man to the now-
cratered floor. "Stupid letcher..."
Two cabs deposited the ten a mile away from the targeted
building a couple hours later. Then, Ranma, Genma, Happosai, Cologne,
Mousse, Tofu, and Ukyo, along with the three they had captured, began
the trek north along shore and through the forest to the their location,
admist the forested growth.
Pressure points kept their captives slumbering and easily
managed. Of course that meant, Ranma, Genma, and Dr. Tofu had to carry
them, but it was better than risking them escaping.
Within ten minutes, they caught site of the compound, which was
situated on top of high cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They worked
their way around to the western side where they had a higher view point
and could see over the high walls that enclosed the five buildings.
"I'll go scout around since I can move undetected by these
amateurs," said Happosai. "The rest of you wait here." Before anyone
could say a word, he was gone.
"I sure hope the old freak knows what he's doing," Ranma thought
out loud.
Cologne turned on him. "An old freak he may be, but he is
highly skilled. Even you must see that. Now we should all get some rest
while we wait for him to finish his task."
The old ghoul had a point. Ranma hated to admit it (both that
the freak was skilled and they had to wait), but she was right. He sat
down on a rock and proceeded to do the one thing that his insides were
screaming not to do: wait.
Elsewhere, two others were also waiting. Nodoka sat on a bench
at the station with Shampoo. It was going to be another several hours
before the train Ryoga and Kenji were on would arrive, so she thought
she'd use this opportunity to find out a few things. She turned to her
companion.
"Would you mind of I asked you a question, Shampoo-san?" Nodoka
asked. To which Shampoo nodded. "What exactly is your intentions toward
my son?
Shampoo didn't hesitate, but beamed with pride. "Shampoo love
Ranma! Going to marry Airen and go back to Amazon village in China."
"And do you know how he feels about you?"
Shampoo thought a little harder. "Shampoo know he must love me.
But it not matter since law says we must marry."
Nodoka raised an eyebrow. "I was not aware. What is this law?"
"It Amazon law. If outsider male defeat female Amazon, they must
marry."
"And what happens if they don't?"
Shampoo's expression faded a bit. "Then Amazon woman lose much
honor. Shampoo be disgraced before village. Everyone... lose respect for
Shampoo." Especially before her peers, she realized.. They had always
been jealous of her martial arts abilities, and so would take any excuse
to make fun of her.
When she was beaten easily by female Ranma in front of the
entire village, she felt the only way to save face in front of her
people was by using the kiss of death. When it was revealed that Ranma
was male, she perserved her honor by delivering the kiss of marriage.
Knowing Ranma was better than her, she requested training from her
great-grandmother that would give her the ability to match, and that had
resulted in Jusenkyo. To her eyes, that was a fiasco, since she still
was no match for him. All it did was give her a curse Ranma couldn't
stand.
"I see." Nodoka thought for a bit. She knew her son was in love
with Akane, so he couldn't marry this gaijin. Still, if he didn't, she
would face terrible hardship and Nodoka didn't want that to happen to
such a nice young girl. "Is there anyway to break off the engagement
without any loss of face coming to the Amazon?"
Shampoo thought for a few moments. Her situation wasn't as bad
as she made it sound, but she wanted Ranma's mother on her side, so a
little white lie wouldn't hurt. "Shampoo not aware of anything, other
than one of couple dying. Probably rare cases come before council, but
Shampoo not know of any." She looked up. "But Ranma marry Shampoo, so
she no worry."
Nodoka patted Shampoo's leg. "My dear, you may have to accept
the fact that my son may not love you and may choose to marry someone
else. I don't wish any harm to you, so maybe I will have a friendly chat
with your great-grandmother and see if something can be worked out."
They were silent after that, each lost in thought. Shampoo thought.
But somehow, she wasn't entirely convinced.
It was an hour later when Happosai returned and he gathered
everyone together to hear his report.
"I've counted about 30-40 guards and several more in glimpses
of the buildings," he said. "They also have an impressive security
circuit, but nothing that would stop me! Mostly cameras and infrared
beams. The doors are also locked by hi-tech devices." He took a puff on
his pipe. "With all this technology, it makes you wonder what kind of
wizards these people are."
"Any idea where the Tendos are?" Tofu asked.
Happosai shook his head. "No, but I felt the strongest power
coming from the top of the four-story building." He pointed at the
biggest structure. "They're probably in there. The other buildings are
most likely barracks, eating, and storage facilities. I suggest we
concentrate the search on the main building where I sensed the power."
Genma sat back. "So we still need a plan to get in there."
Ranma began pacing. "I think I have a few ideas. So, Happosai,
you say you can get in there?"
He nodded. "Of course m'boy. But even I couldn't search the
entire complex before they noticed something wrong and sounded the
alarm."
Ranma turned to Cologne. "I take it you could get in there
too?"
She nodded. "Of course."
"Okay," he started. "Me, pop, Ucchan, and Mousse will deliver
our guests and attempt to make the exchange, while Happosai and Cologne
sneak in. We'll try to keep them occupied for as long as we can. As soon
as you find them, you'll have to make some noise or something to let us
know when to go all out."
"What about me, Ranma?" Tofu asked.
Ranma grinned at him. "What size are you, Doc?"
work mildy interesting. I really hope its the latter. Really.
Drop me a line: oddball22@hotmail.com
DISCLAIMER: I have to say these characters aren't mine or else Akane
will force feed
me her cooking.
"WRITER NO BAKA!"
*WHAM*
"Ite..."
Ranma 1/2: New Challenges
Winds Calling
Chapter 6
Ukyo opened the door of her restaurant and walked inside. With
her release from the hospital, she was anxious to open it back up and
start making the best okonomiyaki in Japan once again.
She closed the door and flicked on the lights, looking around.
The restuarant looked like she felt.
Empty.
Konatsu was gone and now she really felt alone. She never
realized how lonely it felt to come back to an empty home. She was unwilling to finish that line of thought.
She walked across the floor to the door to her room. Hesitating
a second, she opened the door and stepped inside. Everything was just
like she remembered it. I want someone to share this with. I want a
real family. But she had no idea on how to do that.
Walking over to her dresser, she plopped her duffel bag down
and knelt on the floor. Grabbing ahold of the bottom drawer, she
mustered her courage and pulled it all the way out.
There was something else that was bugging her, ever since she
got out of the hospital. There were two times lately, where she had
failed in battle and been injured. The first was when Kenji had been
kidnapped, and again when facing the fire lord. She knew her skills were
falling behind in the increasing dangers that seeemed to spring up
around Ranma. If she wanted to continue to be a part of his life and
live in this town, she had to find a way to get stronger.
And while she was in her coma, she had a flash of insight; and
remembered.
Seven years ago she had gone to visit her grandpa, hopefully to
get some provisions and some idea on where to look for the fiance who
abandoned her. Instead, her grandfather insisted that she train with
him. Knowing that it would help when she finally caught up to Ranma, she
agreed.
When it was time for her to go, her grandfather gave her a
couple of scrolls and told her to take good care of them. He also told
her they contained some of the deepest secrets of their family's martial
art, and to never use them recklessly. Ukyo had agreed and stashed them
somewhere safe, then forgot about them.
Until now.
Turning over the drawer, she slid out the false panel and the
scrolls fell out. Her hands shaking nervously, she picked up the
scrolls.
"Grandfather said there was more to our family's martial art
than making okonomiyaki," she said softly to herself. "I think it's time
I discovered what that was."
She unrolled the scroll and began to read.
After informing Oka about their plans, Kenji, Yuri, and Ryoga
left for Nerima first thing Saturday morning. They were given access to
their mother's account, which contained a little over a million yen, as
their inheritance. Endeavering to get back as soon as possible, they
withdrew some to buy 3 train tickets. The trio packed their belongings
and said their good-byes.
Now, on the train, Kenji sat staring out the window, watching
the scenery flow by. He didn't think the elemental sects would return to
bug them, since by Ranma's account, they had been trashed and the fire
lord was gone. I wonder what really happened after I blacked out up on
Mt. Hago. It's just another thing I can't remember. And just the
thought of what the Fire Lord did to Ukyo, made him invoke a silent
promise to himself that the sects would pay dearly.
He also felt guilty over the fact that the mages were there
because of him in the first place. So it was his responsibility to
neutralize them as a threat.
"Gotta admit, I'm not used to seeing you like this," his
sister's voice broke him out of his reverie.
He turned his head to look at her and frowned. "What do you
mean?"
"I mean, you've changed since that night," she said. He knew
there was only one particular night she would be referrring to: the
night of the fire. "You're so quiet and calm now, when you used to be
quite lively, active, and..." She paused and smiled.
Kenji cocked his head. "And what?"
"A practical joker!"
"Really?" He chuckled. "Well, having memories and experiences
help to influence a personality. What was I like before?"
She was silent a second, as if pondering whether or not to tell
him. "Well, you always used to pull pranks and jokes on all of us." She
grinned. "I remember one time you got mad at mom when she beat you in a
sparring session. So you rigged up a rope trap on a tree and got mom to
chase you. She didn't even see it coming. When me and dad came out to
see what the scream was about, we saw you laughing on the ground while
mom hung upside down from the tree with a whipped cream pie in her face.
It was one of the few times you actually outsmarted and got the better
of her." Yuri ended her narrative with laughter and Kenji joined her.
"But you were always like that: using joy buzzers, water pails on top of
open doors, and getting into various other mischief."
When they calmed down a bit he said, "I can't believe I did
something like that!" Then his gaze turned introspective. "I just wish I
could remember them! I hate this stupid memory seal." Kenji gave his sis
a squeeze, unwittingly getting more comfortable at showing affection for
his sister. "You're lucky in that you can keep them alive in your
memories." He tussled her blond hair. "Are you doin' okay?"
She let go and nodded. "I may not be totally over it, but I've
come to accept their passing. I had a couple of really good cries, and
Neko was a big help bringing me through my emotional breakdown." Her
expression became serious.
"But if you tell anyone about it, I'll remove your spleen!"
There was a knock at the door. "Enter."
A man in a brown cloak, hood down, entered the office. He
approached the desk and the gentleman behind it, then kneeled and bowed
his head.
"You may rise and report, Kato," the man sitting behind the desk
commanded.
"Lord Krynn, we've lost contact with one of our retrieval
teams," Kato said nervously. "The restaurant was apparently a trap and
very heavily infused with powerful magic." Kato gulped and thoroughly
expected to be struck down right then and there.
Kyrnn fumed as he built up a fireball. The fireball
disappeared. Calming himself, he folded his hands on his large oaken
desk.
"I'm only letting you live because we're low on manpower, so
I'll give you a chance to redeem yourself," Krynn said slowly. To which
Kato nodded, visibly relieved. "We have to assume the ones who are
responsible were the same ones who drove us out of our mountain lair. In
time, the three idiots who were foolish enough to be taken prisoner will
reveal our new location and we will be under attack once more. I cannot
allow this just yet. We need something to tip the scales back into our
favor." He thought for a second, then looked up. "Have you ascertained
the dwellings of any of our enemies?"
Kato nodded. "The only two we know about now are the Nekohanten
restaurant and a dojo that is the home of the Tendo's. We are informed
that the one known as Ranma lives there along with his parents."
Krynn steepled his fingers. "That will do. I want you to
dispatch a team and attempt to take as many hostages as you can. I want
a fast surprise raid. In and out in minimal time. Think you can handle
that?" The servant nodded. "Then you are dismissed." Kato left his
master's room, grateful for second chances.
Inside the office, Krynn pulled a drawer open on his desk to
reveal a bluish-white crystal, slightly bigger than his hand. He picked
it up and fingered it.
He carefully placed the crystal back in the drawer, then stood
up and walked to one of his windows. The view of the ocean below had a
calming effect on him. "Garon was a fool. He reduced the sects power by
a 25 percent, all in the pursuit of power. Then we were beaten down when
he went after that Soyokaze kid." He began to clench and unclench his
fist in an attempt to head off the anger that was building again. "We
are now less than half of what we were, thanks to that madman who called
himself the Fire Lord. And now it is up to me to rebuild."
He recalled another disturbing report, delivered a few days
earlier. It said that the remaining members of the sects were driven
from their Tibetan home by something. No one could give details, but a
few of there number had been killed in the escape exodus that followed.
Not all had made it to the Japan compound.
"And I must rebuild fast. I must remain strong, and I must
protect the sects against anything that threatens them."
A couple of hours later, in the predawn light, twelve cloaked
figures surrounded the dojo and snuck inside. The dojo's occupants were
either just getting up, or still asleep. In the kitchen, Kasumi was
starting to prepare breakfast when she detected movement behind her.
"Good morning," she said cheerily as she turned around to see
who it was. "Oh my!" was all she could get out before she was grabbed
and a fine powder sprayed into her face.
She promptly passed out and was tied up, very gently. Somehow,
her attackers felt that they didn't really want to hurt her.
Soun was in the living room when he heard the scuffle in the
kitchen. "Kasumi? Are you alright?" Hearing no reply, he grabbed his
crutches and attempted to get to his feet. Six figures burst into the
room and attacked. He might've been able to handle them if he didn't
have the broken leg and was armed. As it was, he was quickly overpowered
and had the same powder sprayed into his face. The results were the same
and he was tied up next to Kasumi.
Upstairs, Nabiki and Akane had come out of their rooms, hearing
the strange noises downstairs.
"What's going on, sis?" Nabiki said sleepily.
Akane yawned. "I don't know but I thought I heard something."
Just then, several of the cloaked figures came running up the stairs.
"Nabiki, RUN!" She dropped into a fighting stance.
She dodged the first one to get to her and delivered a chop to
the neck, sending #1 to the floor, unconscious. She grabbed #2's
outstretched arm and flipped him onto his back. A punch to the stomach
ensured he wouldn't be rejoining the fight anytime soon. That's when she
noticed her older sister still standing there, shock on her face.
"NABIKI!" Akane yelled. "RUN! GO GET HELP!"
That succeeded in jarring her into action. Nabiki ran back into
her room, and sprinted to her window. Opening it, she warily glanced at
the ground. I really need to brush up on my skills. Anybody else in
this family could easily make this jump. Well, maybe not Kasumi, though
I'm not too sure.
Taking a deep breath, she leaped out the window and rolled when
she hit the ground, to lesson the impact. Only slightly dazed, she was
back on her feet and heading for the back entrance when she felt
something strike her back. It felt like a pin prick. When she began to
get sleepy, she realized it must've been a tranquilizer dart. She barely
registered hitting the ground before blacking out.
Inside, Akane had managed to incapacitate several more of her
attackers, but there was just too many and she had taken a few good hits
herself. A blow to the side of her head staggered her, then she felt
something in her arm. Looking down, she pulled the dart out and prepared
for the next attack. It never came and soon, she was joining her family
in deep slumber.
As the bodies were loaded into the waiting van, Kato smiled.
This had gone off well and now his master would be pleased with him. He
may just survive the day after all! With everyone in the two vans, he
gave the signal and they were off, but not before leaving the note as
ordered.
Several blocks away, Ranma was walking along the fence towards
the dojo. He wasn't quite sure what to say, but he knew he needed to
talk to Akane and figure this whole engagement mess out.
When he first arrived at the dojo, he thought he didn't want to
marry the stupid tomboy. But over the past year, something had changed.
Now, when he began to imagine life without her, the picture turned quite
bleak. I never thought I'd admit to something like this, and I still
might not, but I can't think of life without her. Jusendo had scared
more than he could ever imagine. When he believed she was dead, all
reason for him to go on living vanished. He knew now, that he could
never live without her.
He arrived at the dojo and pushed open the gate. Walking up to
the door, he was about to knock when he realized the door was already
open. "Hello? Kasumi-san? Tendo-san?" He stepped inside and his heart
dropped into his stomach as he recognized the signs of a struggle.
"Akane!" He raced into the kitchen. Nothing. He raced upstairs
and checked the rooms. Nothing. He ran back downstairs and into the
living room all the while calling out names. That's when he saw Happosai
sitting in the midst of the wreckage that was the dining room.
"Old freak!" he exclaimed. "Where are they!? What have you done
with them!?"
Ranma rushed him to attack but the old man simply held up his
hand. In it, was an envelope. Ranma stopped and took it, opening it up
to find four pictures and a note. The pictures were of Soun, Kasumi,
Nabiki, and... Akane. Ranma's heart dropped into his stomach. All were
in unconscious and bound positions.
Ranma scanned the note.
"You have our friends, we have yours," he read. "Don't think of
coming after us or they're dead. We might be able to work out a trade
however, if you find out where we are. Otherwise, stay out of our way
and do not interfere."
"You may think me a freak," Happosai said slowly. "But I do care
about my family." And it was the truth, too. If there was one thing he
had leanred, it was that all the panties in the world weren't worth a
good family or home to come back to. "I promise you we will get them
back and make whoever did this pay dearly." He looked up. "Do you know
who did this?"
Ranma looked up from the note. "Oh, I forgot, you've been gone
for awhile. Yeah, I got a pretty good idea who did this. But we're gonna
need help. Last time we were just barely able to beat these guys, and we
don't everybody we had then. I'll go grab Ukyo and Doc Tofu. You go grab
my pop at our house and we'll meet at the Nekohanten to form a plan."
Together they leapt to the wall surrounding the yard. "Tell Cologne it's
must be the wizard sects again and she'll tell you all about it. Her
trap must've worked if they claim we have some of their men."
Happosai nodded. "Very well, boy. I'll meet you there in a
half-an-hour."
They separated and were gone. As Ranma leapt from rooftop to
rooftop, he said a silent prayer.
"If I find one hair out of place on my Akane, I'll kill every
last one of them!" he promised to himself, then stopped. "Wait a
minute... Did I just say, `my Akane'?" A goofy grin crossed his face. "I
guess I did..." He shook his head and continued on. "Can't think about
that now." He soon arrived at Ucchan's as the owner was opening the
restaurant.
"Hiya Ranchan!" she greeted him cheerfully. She noticed the
grave look on his face. "What's wrong?"
"The Tendo's have been taken, I'm guessing by the wizard sects,"
he explained. "We could use your help if you feel up to it."
She nodded. "Of course! Just let me grab my gear." She
disappeared back inside and emerged a couple of minutes later with her
bandolier, battle spatula, and a determined face. She felt a little fear
at the prospect of facing the group that had hurt her so bad before, but
wasn't going to let that fear control her. "Ok, let's go!"
Ranma shook his head. "We're meeting at the Nekohanten. I want
you to go there right now. I'll be by as soon as I grab Doc Tofu. He'll
want to come with Kasumi being held."
Ukyo gave him a quick shoulder squeeze and they parted. A few
minutes later, Ranma was at the clinic. After a brief explanation of the
situation, which Tofu could barely understand, they were off as soon as
he realized that Kasumi was in trouble.
"So where are we supposed to put these people?" #1 asked the
others. "The cells are full already, and we have to keep this group
seperate from the ones in there."
#2 stopped the group of four carrying their hostages. "How
about in here?"
"A storage room?" #3 questioned. "Are you sure that's a good
idea?"
"Yeah," #4 agreed. "Lotsa magic stuff in there. They could use
it to escape."
#2 waved his hand. "They wouldn't know how to use it, and we
can just tie them up tight. It's perfect."
#1 nodded. "It's as good a place as any. Besides, my back is
getting tired from carrying this guy. Kyrnn just said to stash them
someplace where they couldn't escape."
"Alright," #3 relented. "But let's at least seperate them into
two different rooms. And for kami's sake, don't tell Krynn!"
The other three agreed heartily.
"So you see, Happi, it's happening," Cologne concluded.
Happosai let out a puff on his pipe. "I don't know, Cologne. In
all my years, I wouldn't have suspected that it would happen now.
They're not ready."
"Neither is Shampoo, and that is precisely why we must leave,"
the old woman countered. "Without any real information, we are
vulnerable. And we aren't going to get it here."
"And we can't let them know what we're doing either, I know, I
know." Happosai took another long puff on his pipe. "Very well. I guess
I'm in agreement for the moment."
"Your support means everything to me," Cologne drawled
sarcastically.
A scuffle could be heard outside the Nekohanten kitchen. "Yo!
Old ghoul, we're here!"
Cologne chuckled. "I do believe son-in-law has arrived." She
pogo'ed out of the kitchen, and Happosai leapt out after her.
"Ok, I think Cologne has explained everything to me," the old
man began, "and her three captives have sqealed as to the location of
their brethren." He pointed to the map on the table, where the mages
base was outlined in red.
Ranma studied it. "Okay, so the place where these wizards are
hangin' out is at this building by the sea," he said thoughtfully,
pointing at a spot on a map of Japan. "Then it's pretty obvious to me
that we go ahead and make the trade." Ranma's brain began to think
tactically. "Since they haven't seen Happosai yet, he'll sneak in first
and find the family. Shampoo and mom should go to the train station to
meet up with Ryoga and Kenji and appraise them of the situation."
"No!" Shampoo yelled. "Shampoo go fight!"
"No child," Cologne admonished. "You are still injured and would
be a handicap in a fight. Last night was different since we held the
advantage. You will protect your mother-in-law." Shampoo's countenance
fell, but she muttered compliance.
Happosai spoke up. "While it's true they probably don't know of
me or Tofu yet, I doubt they'll fall for the same plan twice. We should
at least head over and recon the area first. It'll take a couple hours
just to get there so we should leave right away." The group nodded their
assent and began to break up. Ranma felt a tug on his leg and looked
down to see Happosai standing there. "We'll get them back son, I
promise."
For once, Ranma was in complete agreement with the old master,
then he suddenly found herself wearing a bucket.
*Glomp!* *Nuzzle, Nuzzle!*
"But, first I need a recharge!" the old man said happily from
between Ranma-onna's breasts. "Hotcha!"
"Eeeaayyhh!" *POW!* Ranma's fist dropped the old man to the now-
cratered floor. "Stupid letcher..."
Two cabs deposited the ten a mile away from the targeted
building a couple hours later. Then, Ranma, Genma, Happosai, Cologne,
Mousse, Tofu, and Ukyo, along with the three they had captured, began
the trek north along shore and through the forest to the their location,
admist the forested growth.
Pressure points kept their captives slumbering and easily
managed. Of course that meant, Ranma, Genma, and Dr. Tofu had to carry
them, but it was better than risking them escaping.
Within ten minutes, they caught site of the compound, which was
situated on top of high cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They worked
their way around to the western side where they had a higher view point
and could see over the high walls that enclosed the five buildings.
"I'll go scout around since I can move undetected by these
amateurs," said Happosai. "The rest of you wait here." Before anyone
could say a word, he was gone.
"I sure hope the old freak knows what he's doing," Ranma thought
out loud.
Cologne turned on him. "An old freak he may be, but he is
highly skilled. Even you must see that. Now we should all get some rest
while we wait for him to finish his task."
The old ghoul had a point. Ranma hated to admit it (both that
the freak was skilled and they had to wait), but she was right. He sat
down on a rock and proceeded to do the one thing that his insides were
screaming not to do: wait.
Elsewhere, two others were also waiting. Nodoka sat on a bench
at the station with Shampoo. It was going to be another several hours
before the train Ryoga and Kenji were on would arrive, so she thought
she'd use this opportunity to find out a few things. She turned to her
companion.
"Would you mind of I asked you a question, Shampoo-san?" Nodoka
asked. To which Shampoo nodded. "What exactly is your intentions toward
my son?
Shampoo didn't hesitate, but beamed with pride. "Shampoo love
Ranma! Going to marry Airen and go back to Amazon village in China."
"And do you know how he feels about you?"
Shampoo thought a little harder. "Shampoo know he must love me.
But it not matter since law says we must marry."
Nodoka raised an eyebrow. "I was not aware. What is this law?"
"It Amazon law. If outsider male defeat female Amazon, they must
marry."
"And what happens if they don't?"
Shampoo's expression faded a bit. "Then Amazon woman lose much
honor. Shampoo be disgraced before village. Everyone... lose respect for
Shampoo." Especially before her peers, she realized.. They had always
been jealous of her martial arts abilities, and so would take any excuse
to make fun of her.
When she was beaten easily by female Ranma in front of the
entire village, she felt the only way to save face in front of her
people was by using the kiss of death. When it was revealed that Ranma
was male, she perserved her honor by delivering the kiss of marriage.
Knowing Ranma was better than her, she requested training from her
great-grandmother that would give her the ability to match, and that had
resulted in Jusenkyo. To her eyes, that was a fiasco, since she still
was no match for him. All it did was give her a curse Ranma couldn't
stand.
"I see." Nodoka thought for a bit. She knew her son was in love
with Akane, so he couldn't marry this gaijin. Still, if he didn't, she
would face terrible hardship and Nodoka didn't want that to happen to
such a nice young girl. "Is there anyway to break off the engagement
without any loss of face coming to the Amazon?"
Shampoo thought for a few moments. Her situation wasn't as bad
as she made it sound, but she wanted Ranma's mother on her side, so a
little white lie wouldn't hurt. "Shampoo not aware of anything, other
than one of couple dying. Probably rare cases come before council, but
Shampoo not know of any." She looked up. "But Ranma marry Shampoo, so
she no worry."
Nodoka patted Shampoo's leg. "My dear, you may have to accept
the fact that my son may not love you and may choose to marry someone
else. I don't wish any harm to you, so maybe I will have a friendly chat
with your great-grandmother and see if something can be worked out."
They were silent after that, each lost in thought. Shampoo thought.
But somehow, she wasn't entirely convinced.
It was an hour later when Happosai returned and he gathered
everyone together to hear his report.
"I've counted about 30-40 guards and several more in glimpses
of the buildings," he said. "They also have an impressive security
circuit, but nothing that would stop me! Mostly cameras and infrared
beams. The doors are also locked by hi-tech devices." He took a puff on
his pipe. "With all this technology, it makes you wonder what kind of
wizards these people are."
"Any idea where the Tendos are?" Tofu asked.
Happosai shook his head. "No, but I felt the strongest power
coming from the top of the four-story building." He pointed at the
biggest structure. "They're probably in there. The other buildings are
most likely barracks, eating, and storage facilities. I suggest we
concentrate the search on the main building where I sensed the power."
Genma sat back. "So we still need a plan to get in there."
Ranma began pacing. "I think I have a few ideas. So, Happosai,
you say you can get in there?"
He nodded. "Of course m'boy. But even I couldn't search the
entire complex before they noticed something wrong and sounded the
alarm."
Ranma turned to Cologne. "I take it you could get in there
too?"
She nodded. "Of course."
"Okay," he started. "Me, pop, Ucchan, and Mousse will deliver
our guests and attempt to make the exchange, while Happosai and Cologne
sneak in. We'll try to keep them occupied for as long as we can. As soon
as you find them, you'll have to make some noise or something to let us
know when to go all out."
"What about me, Ranma?" Tofu asked.
Ranma grinned at him. "What size are you, Doc?"
