{Part 14- Dreams and/of Returns.}
Great. NOW where am I? Dreaming again? Geez, I've gotta knock off this habit. It's not good
for my sleep.
Ah well, what am I doing here anyway?
Oro? Who's that?
Akane?
Ranma stares into the void. A black emptiness, made familiar to him nearly two weeks ago. That
unsettling sense of spaciness and weightlessness disorients him, but that's not the point now.
Another presence has his attention. A warm.... familiar sensation.
Akane? Is that you?
From the blackness, a form appears. Joy overtakes the empty void in Ranma's own heart as the
familiar face of Akane materializes in front of him. She looks just as surprised as Ranma feels.
Ranma?
The two stare at each other for a while. Then they shake their heads and flick their hands in a
dismissive gesture.
Nah, just a figment of my imagination come to life in a dream.
The two of them blink. Something connects between the two.
Dream void. This place is their dream void. They've met in the dream void, physical restraints
removed but their psych in contact with each other.
Akane?
Ranma?
Geez, of all the places I'd meet you. Whaddaya doing here anyway!?
What, I can't sleep? Is that it? Succubi can't sleep?
Oh, excuse me, I guess my mythology ain't as good as yours!
Ranma!
A moment passes. Something strikes them both.
Ranma, if you're here....
Well, guess it's been almost two weeks now, hm?
What've you been doing?
Oh, this and that.
Anything more..... specific?
Dunno. But.... well, since you're here, what have YOU been doing?
That..... well..... I've been getting myself acquainted with.... some new friends.
*blink*
Friends? I thought there weren't any people on the island?
Who said they were human, Ranma?
Geez, Akane. I knew guys fell for you, but this is ridiculous.
And what's that supposed to mean?
Nothing. 'Cept maybe.... well.... you're getting more uncute? Even demons are falling for you?
*CRUSH*
Ranma HAS to wonder where Akane got that dreamhammer from. Still, it hurts like hell but it's
something worth treasuring. An ache hits Ranma's dreamheart.
RANMA! I've been missing you for over a week and all you can say is this!? You.... you're so...
Hey hey hey, sorry Akane! Didn't mean it! Honest! Just that..... well....
What?
Akane can feel an old ache in herself as well.
I guess.... well, it's kinda quiet around here now that you're gone, and I just can't help but feel
empty. No, I don't miss your cooking, it's just that nothing's..... right anymore.
Really....?
Sure. Heck, even P-Chan misses you.
P-Chan! I almost forgot about him! How's he, Ranma!? I hope you've been treating him well.
Er..... erm, well....
Ranma.
Oh, alright. He's not been around lately. Probably off somewhere trying to find you. He'd
probably swim the seven seas for you.
Really? That's touching....
If the sharks don't decide pork's an interesting change of diet anyway.
RANMA!
But Akane has to admit, it feels good to talk to Ranma again, even if he's only a blurry image
and their voices sound unreal. A throbbing ache wells up in the pit of her stomach.
Ranma......
Yeah?
I.... I miss you.... it's so boring here without you. I miss everyone. My sisters, Otosan, heck, I
even miss your father and Shampoo! I wish I could come back....
Akane? You know what?
What?
I think I'll be visiting you soon.
No! You.... you can't!
Why not? Don't start telling me you've decided I'm not strong enough for you.
Well, actually, yes.
WHAT!?
Just kidding! No.... It's just that.... well, Lina's angry and Kuriimu's almost himself again. I
forgot to mention there's this spell on the island that regenerates the dead demons as a kind of
eternal punishment.... it's not really by their own abilities you know.
Aw man! Give me a break! I've got a gal with a grudge and a diced demon who'd like to do the
same to me!? Man, that sucks!
I'm sorry. I guess we could meet here instead then, it's.... so much safer. Although how....?
Ranma is about to say something else, but he suddenly feels himself being wrenched away from
the void. A shocking numbness hits him, a burning heat, then freezing coldness. He struggles to
say his last pieces, but a sudden shock like a hammer smashing his chest hits him.
*gluuuurg!*
*gwoarg!*
*gasp*
*pant* *pant*
Ranma (C) : "Geez, what...."
Ranma-chan stares at herself in the tub of water. Cold water. Very cold water.
Ranma (C) :
As Ranma drags herself out of the bathtub, something hits her.
Ranma (C) :
And with a shocking clarity, Ranma remembers everything that happened in her sleep as if it had
just happened in a physical conversation.
Ranma (C) :
Happosai : "Wowee! Wouldn't that be wonderful!"
Ranma doesn't realize she's been thinking aloud her thoughts, and Happosai, with some sort of
radar abilities for these things, comes popping in through the window with arms open.
Happosai : "Hee haa! Come to me, sweetie-pie!"
Before Ranma can react, Happosai clings on. He muzzles himself tightly against her chest.
Happosai : "Ahh..... so warm and sweet! I could live in here forever! But Ranma, your chest's
gone down a bit. Must be that new diet plan-"
*KAPOW!*
Happosai goes flying out the bathroom ceiling with a wooden bucket over his head courtesy of
NASA Ranma.
In the dining room, Soun watches as Ranma-chan comes in for dinner mumbling something about
why Happosai wasn't restrained by the spell on some island. Noting Ranma's in his female form,
Soun looks worriedly at Genma, who's tying a napkin around his neck, waiting for Kasumi to
serve dinner. Ranma plops down besides Genma and rests a cheek in her palm as Kasumi scoops
out the rice.
Halfway through dinner, Soun decides to break the news. Putting his half finished bowl of rice
down on the table along with his chopsticks, he clears his throat for everyone at the table.
Soun : *ahem*
Pointed attention from everyone. Except Genma. Soun flicks a shogi piece at him and gets his
undivided attention as well. Nodding to them, he continues.
Soun : "Well.... I've decided to announce something tonight. Ranma, as you know, Akane's....
gone, and now that the current engagement is off, I'd like to as Saotome-kun as to whether he still
wishes to honor our agreement to marry one of my daughters to you."
Ranma blinks. Genma looks empty faced. As usual.
Genma : "Ah..... hm."
Ranma (C) : "Soun?"
Soun nods at Ranma.
Soun : "Yes?"
Ranma (C) : "Do they want to get married to me?"
Ranma looks at Kasumi and Nabiki as she speaks, and the two look back knowingly at Ranma.
Soun looks worried.
Soun : "I don't know.... but as father of this household, I guess the family holdings and name
comes first."
Nabiki and Kasumi turn to face their father. Clear concern is written on Kasumi's face, and Nabiki
just looks tired.
Nabiki : "You aren't really considering that are you, oto-san?"
Soun sighs. He nods.
Soun : "I have to. Why not, Nabiki-chan? After all, you DID...."
Nabiki : "That was a joke. Nothing more, oto-san."
Soun nods sadly, looking very sober. Genma looks at the somber faces around him, then goes on
to eating the other's share of dinner.
*crush*
Ranma (C) : "Hey, oyaji! Aren't ya gonna say something useful, ya fat good-fer-nothin' panda!?"
Genma pulls his face out from his rice bowl as Ranma removes her foot from his head, and looks
seriously at Ranma with rice grains stuck to his face like some sort of mutant chicken-pox.
Genma : "Ranma! How many times do I have to say this!? Respect your father and let him finish
his food first!"
Ranma (C) : "That does NOT apply to taking other's shares!"
Genma : "Well, it doesn't matter! I've already promised Ukyo today that you'll be marrying her
now that Akane's gone! It's next week, so get ready!"
*whooooo...................*
Genma suddenly senses a very, very chill air about him. Soun slides up behind him and puts a
hand
on his shoulder.
Soun : "Saotome-kun, did I just hear that correctly?"
In a puff of purple smoke, Soun's towering Big-Monster head is screaming at Genma with full
force.
Soun : "YOU'RE DISHONORING OUR AGREEMENT FOR PROMISE OF SOME FREE
FOOD!?"
Ranma and the two Tendo sisters quickly collect the dishes and bring them to the kitchen as Soun
deals with Genma. With no appetite left, they wash up quickly and move to Nabiki's room at her
behest as the dojo begins to shake with the sound of combat.
In Nabiki's room, Nabiki is sitting at her chair by her desk while Kasumi sits on the bed and
Ranma does stretches on the floor. Looking at Ranma, Nabiki directs a question at her.
Nabiki : "Ranma, do you really intend to marry Ukyo?"
Ranma stops stretching and looks at Nabiki from her spot on the floor. She replies indignantly as
some dust trickles down from the ceiling after a particularly vicious shaking.
Ranma (C) : "Of course not! Ucchan's just a friend! It wasn't my decision to marry her anyway, it
was my dumb dad's!"
Nabiki nods, but continues, ignoring the sound of planks snapping as the house trembles again.
Nabiki : "But WOULD you marry her if there was no other choice? After all, the agreement to the
Tendos is already broken with Akane's.... departure. And she IS your other iinazuke."
Ranma looks at Nabiki strangely. Kasumi looks quietly on as the two of them trade glances.
Ranma (C) : "That....... erm...... eh.... I.... well...."
Nabiki : "Then what about us? Would you ever marry one of us simply to keep the agreement
honored?"
Ranma blinks at this sudden change of question. She stands and looks at them both. She gives
Nabiki a dark glare, remembering a most unusual and horrible moment in her life...
Ranma (C) : "Why're ya asking me this anyway, Nabiki? It's not like...."
Nabiki : "Not like what, Ranma?"
Ranma stops suddenly as she realizes what she's saying. Her mind races for an answer.
Ranma (C) : "Well, it's not like I wanted to marry that kawai-kunee tomboy anyway! She's always
hitting me and trying to poison me with her cooking, she wouldn't make a good iinazuke!"
Nabiki and Kasumi exchange quick glances. Ranma doesn't notice the look they give each other,
but instead begins pacing the room, ignoring the fact that there're some very irate neighbours
shouting at the Tendous' to shut up.
Ranma (C) : "And besides, it's not as if I miss her that much! Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll
go get myself some hot water!"
As Ranma walks out the door and shuts it with a soft slam, Nabiki nods knowingly at Kasumi.
Nabiki : "You know, one-chan, I think Ranma just might go and do something stupid."
Kasumi : "Oh my, Nabiki.... do you think it's got something to do with....?"
Nabiki : "Ranma's muttering in the bathroom about getting Akane off that island? I'll bet myself a
hundred thousand yen he's thinking of doing just that. And soon."
-=-=-=-=-
Akane wakes up with a start, the sudden shock in her system causing her to gasp. A feminine
chuckle alerts her to a presence to her left.
Sekki : "Rude awakening, hm?"
Up on a short mountain somewhere near Sekki's own hideout, in a cave, Akane gets off the cold
stone bed and peers towards the entrance of her new home.
Akane : "Sekki? What are you doing here?"
Sekki : "Oh, just wanted you to know there're some other friends I'd like you to meet today. I
thought it'd be nice if you knew more than just those weirdo kappas in the lake."
Akane : "Oh.... er.... sure.... I guess."
Sekki walks towards Akane in a slow stride, hips swaying ever so slightly. She sits down besides
Akane on the bed and gently strokes Akane's hair while thinking of what to say.
Sekki : "Well, Akane-chan... let me guess. You're STILL thinking about that boy."
It was definitely a statement. Akane nods.
Akane : "Yes.... and I met Ranma today!"
Sekki looks surprised and interested.
Sekki : "Really. And how did that happen?"
Akane : "In a dream. I saw him in a dream.... I spoke to him. It felt so real!"
Sekki : "Indeed. Tell me about it. We have time to spare."
Akane : "Well, it was like this...."
-=-=-=-=-
In his room, Ranma's mind begins churning over each and every possibility that he can think of
that can happen on the island. Most of them involve having to deal with Kuriimu in some way,
and the thoughts of dealing with a cat, let alone a cat-demon of that size offer some very
unpleasant endings.
Ranma :
Staring at the moon outside his window, Ranma wonders.
Ranma :
A very sick thought comes to mind of Genma tossing him into a pit full of hungry cats as a boy
with fish cakes and sausages tied all over him.
Ranma :
With that, Ranma gets up and opens a window, then hops out of it.
-=-=-=-=-
At the Neko Hanten, Cologne is closing for the night and is locking up the main entrance to the
restaurant when someone appears in the shadows across the street. Observing it, Cologne opens
the door and yells.
Cologne : "Come on in, great-grandson in law! Maybe we can work out some marriage plans for
my great-granddaughter?"
The voice across the street yells back.
Voice : "How'dja know it was me ya 3000 year old ghoulish mummified bat?"
Cologne : "Your pigtail. And who's a 3000 year old ghoulish mummified bat!?"
Voice : ".........."
Crossing the road and into the Neko Hanten, Ranma puts himself at a nearby table while Cologne
shuts the doors. Looking around, Ranma points to the empty restaurant as Cologne hops onto the
table in front of Ranma.
Ranma : "Where're Shampoo and Mousse?"
Cologne : "Gone to get some groceries from China."
Ranma : ".......right."
Cologne : "You came here for something, great-grandson in law....? Well, if it's a marriage
proposal for Shampoo, I'm glad to say she's been waiting for this all week."
Ranma looks shocked, indignant, and angry all at the same time. Cologne's not sure she's seen
such a dangerous mix before.
Cologne : "Ranma?"
Ranma : "Listen here, you old ghoul, I'm not here to marry Shampoo. You know what I'm here
for."
Cologne looks at him calculatingly and taps her staff on the table three times.
Cologne : "And why should I help you this time? She's trapped on the island, there's no way to
break the spell. You know that."
Ranma : "And pigs can fly. Listen here, I'm only gonna say this once. I know you know at least a
little on that island, its history, and some of the demons there. I'm not asking much. Tell me what
you know and I'll leave you alone."
Cologne : "And what, ruin Shampoo's marriage plans?"
Ranma : "They'll be ruined faster if I go there without a usable clue and end up in some demon's
cooking pot."
Cologne appears to consider this. She nods and taps her staff four times on the table.
Cologne : "Point taken. Very well, great-grandson in law, I'll tell you what I know. But I don't
know what you're going to do with what I'm going to tell you...."
-=-=-=-=-
Ryouga trudges tiredly along the beachside, clutching to his makeshift walking staff in exhaustion.
He's ready to drop right there, but with the tide coming in, he knows he'd better be able to find his
way to the jungle first. A few meters to his left actually, but he doesn't know how to get there.
Ryouga : "Damn it! How do I find that forest to camp!?"
Trudging a few more meters, Ryouga finally finds a small creeper running down the beach from
the forest. He follows it up to the forest edge and sighs in relief as he drops the pack and sits.
Ryouga :
Setting up camp quickly, Ryouga spends the rest of the night wondering just which direction the
island is. He doesn't notice a pigtailed figure lugging something big across the sandy beach and
tethering it nearby.
-=-=-=-=-
Back on the island, Akane is sitting by the lakeside. The fact that it is night doesn't bother her. In
fact, the fact that it is night is probably the most comforting thing she has ever known. A creature
new to the dark perhaps, but succubus Akane feels right at home. Maybe it's because she can see
perfectly all right in the dark. Right now, she's reliving the experiences she's had during her time
with Ranma in Japan, such as the Jakou no oni that possessed Kasumi and Happosai and caused a
ruckus in the house.
Akane : "....so the oni got the idea in his head he could use ojisan's pervertedness to regain full
strength. He didn't know ojisama was worse than he could ever be! He got the shock of his life
before Ranma sucked him into a warded wooden box!"
Sekki : "Oh, that is so.... unchic. Possession's been out of style for centuries!"
Laughter all round with some of Sekki's.... acquaintances, some rather human looking although
odd demons, a friendly half-dog demon, a few ghosts and the weird kappas. Akane herself giggles
a little as she thinks back to that time, her current life providing a new perspective on this
happening.
Then an itch develops somewhere around her chest. A very irritating itch.
*SLAP*
Everyone stops laughing to see what Akane's doing. Looking at the thing in her palm, Akane sees
a tiny creature, slightly bigger than a flea. Sekki peers at Akane's palm.
Sekki : "Nokoga....?"
The squished thing in Akane's hand suddenly pops back into shape and looks around groggily
before remembering where he is. Akane notices her blood staining her palm. Her brow creases in
irritation.
Akane :
Sekki and the rest stare at Nokoga rather darkly, especially the half-dog yasha. He looks around
curiously.
Nokoga : "Hey! Why's everyone giving me that look? It's not like I've done anything wrong!"
Akane : "Uh huh. And biting me here isn't exactly wrong."
A small prick of blood is forming on one of the portions of Akane's ample chest, and Nokoga is
using a puppy eyed, innocent look.
Nokoga : "Aw, I only happened to bite there because I.... er...couldn't...."
Akane & Sekki : "Couldn't what?"
Nokoga : "Couldn't find a nicer spot?"
*squish*
Akane drops Nokoga to the floor and uses a thumb to flatten him. He dizzily staggers to one side
seeing stars while they continue their talk.
Akane : "Really! I leave one pervert behind in Japan to find another here!"
Sekki : "You ain't the only one, sister."
Dog Demon : "Yeah, he's an annoying bugger. Bitten me three dozen times at least in the past five
weeks."
Nokoga : "Hey, your blood's sweet! Well.... Sekki's is more tangy. And who's the newcomer?
Hers is really good! I mean it!"
Akane can feel the urge to do something drastic to Nokoga as she feels another prick, this time on
her shoulder.
Akane : "Omai wa......" (You.......)
She gets her fingers in a flicking position and flicks Nokoga, yelling 'aieee......!', away into the lake
with an unnoticable splosh.
Akane : "Someone tell me what's his problem."
Single Horned Guy : "Sure. Here's what...."
-=-=-=-=-
Morning at the Tendo dojo. Ranma opens his eyes just as the sun peeks over the mountaintops of
Mount Fuji. Several bags under his eyes speak of a late night and too much concentration, but
now Ranma is ready.
Ranma :
He sits up and rubs his eyes to get the grit out of his eyes before moving on to his packed packs.
Quietly tiptoeing past his sleeping father (Not that it mattered, a nuclear blast wouldn't wake him
up unless he wanted to.) in the process.
Ranma :
Ranma pulls out a piece of paper. He reads it, noting the fingerprint at the signature space.
Ranma :
Voice : "I see you've already found the will?"
Ranma turns to look at the voice. Nabiki is standing at the doorway, arms folded, leaning against
the frame, a smug look on her face.
Ranma : "Nabiki? What do you think you're doing?"
Nabiki shrugs nonchalantly.
Nabiki : "Nothing much. Just...... making sure your equipment doesn't go to waste."
Ranma glares at her with a dark fire blazing around him.
Ranma : "And what's that supposed to mean? I'm not good enough to survive on that island by
myself?"
Nabiki : "I'm not saying that, I'm just saying should you meet with some accident....."
Ranma : "Uh huh. And?"
Nabiki : "It doesn't state what accident though. Don't jump to conclusions."
Ranma's dark chi flares up for a moment as his anger gets the better of him. He holds out The
Finger at her as the room darkens for some inexplicable reason.
Ranma : "Yeah, right. And I'm the King of England."
Nabiki : "Suit yourself. Here."
Nabiki tosses something to Ranma. Almost immediately, the birds begin chirping again and the
light returns to the room as his dark chi fades and he catches the thing. He looks at it.
Ranma : "A photo of Akane? Nabiki, you...."
Nabiki : "Take it for good luck. Besides, I know you keep it under your pillow every night, just
wanted to make sure you remembered it."
Ranma : "..............."
Nabiki looks at Ranma as if she was reading his mind.
Nabiki : "Call it..... intuition."
Ranma :
Ranma quickly finishes packing as Nabiki leaves, stuffing the photo of Akane into his shirt pocket
without a second thought.
-=-=-=-=-
"Hurry, Sasuke! I fear that my Osage no Onna may already be in danger by the villanous Saotome
Ranma!"
Sasuke : "Hai!"
Kuno is busy pointing his bokken towards the Tendo Dojo as Sasuke pulls the rickshaw full
speed, panting with the effort. (A rickshaw is a traditional man-pulled two wheeled vehicle used
for transporting people. A sort of ancient chinese taxicab.)
They stop at the front gates of the Dojo, Sasuke screeching to a halt in front of the Dojo and then
dumping his feet into the nearest puddle to cool his smoking heels. Kuno hops off the rickshaw
and starts knocking on the massive wooden doors of the Dojo with his sword.
*dong* *dong* *dong*
Kuno : "Open up, in the noble name of Tatewake Kuno, age 17, Blue Thu-"
Neighbour : "Ah, shaddap already jerk!"
*slosh* *donk*
Kuno : "......."
Kuno watches dumbly as a bucket of water flies out of a neighbouring household and lands on his
head with pinpoint accuracy, blocking out Kuno's vision.
-=-=-=-=-
*dong* *dong* *dong*
Voice : "Open up, in the noble name of Tatewake Kuno, age 17, Blue Thu........"
Ranma looks up from his packing as the knocking reverberates through the household. He slaps
his palm against his forehead in irritation.
Ranma : "Not Kuno-sempai! Not now! Why me....!?"
-=-=-=-=-
Elsewhere in the house, Nabiki is busy sorting through her account books when she hears the
knocking. Looking out her window, she sees a bucket flying out of a neighbour's window and
landing on Kuno's head.
Nabiki : "Ah, Kuno-chan's here. I'd better let him in."
-=-=-=-=-
Downstairs, Ranma bumps into Nabiki on her way to open the main gates to the dojo. Eyeing her
suspiciously, Ranma points to the gates.
Ranma : "And what were you thinking, Nabiki, calling Kuno here?"
Nabiki : "Nothing, I was just thinking Kuno-chan would be of some help in finding Akane and
bringing her back with you in one piece."
Ranma :
Nabiki goes on after a slight pause to let Ranma absorb the information.
Nabiki : "And I had to use my most.... 'persuasive'.... methods to convince him to come."
Ranma :
Kasumi : "Ara! Kuno-sempai! Ohayo!"
Kasumi, having deviated from her chore of hanging up the morning laundry to open the main
gates to admit Kuno, bows slightly to Kuno before returning to her duties, humming so slightly.
Kuno comes running into the household, bokken raised over his head, yelling a war cry.
Kuno : "Osage no onnaaaaaaaaa...................!"
Ranma intercepts Kuno with a foot to his face, putting his pack down for the moment. He
practically yells in Kuno's face as Kuno extracts his face from the shoe.
Ranma : "And what do you think you're doing here so early in the morning, Kuno!?"
Kuno eyes Ranma contemptuously.
Kuno : "Saotome Ranma, I have gotten wind of a most villanous scandal lately. This scandal is so
vile that I, Tatewake Kuno, can not bear to tarnish my golden mouth with the mention of its
deeds, save that you, Saotome Ranma, and the beautiful and fair Osage no Onna are involved. I
have already lost my beloved Tendo Akane, I-"
*SMOOSH*
Kuno's sentence is abruptly ended with a fist and shoe to his face.
Ranma : "And who said Akane was yours!? Get a clue, Kuno. Better yet, get a brain!"
Ranma gives Nabiki a dirty look as Kuno falls flat onto the floor, out cold. Nabiki shrugs at the
look Ranma gives her.
Nabiki : "I just told him there was something going on between you and his Pigtailed Goddess.
That imagination of his, which would be so much better used elsewhere, made up the rest."
Ranma : "Wonderful. I'm wastin' my time standing here with you guys. I'm off to get Akane back
now, so please keep Kuno away!"
Waking up with a speed almost unbelievable had Ranma not seen it, Kuno is on his feet and
eyeing Ranma. But Ranma can see a different light in those eyes. He pauses as Kuno speaks.
Kuno : "Saotome Ranma. You wish to reclaim the lovely damsel Tendo Akane from the demon
infested island?"
Ranma : "Yeah, so?"
Kuno : "I have seen the dangers of that island, and-"
Ranma : "Get to the point, Kuno. I've seen as much as you have and more, and I'm very busy as in
about, say, now?"
Kuno nods gravely. Ranma almost begins to believe there's sincerity behind Kuno's words.
Kuno : "High is the sea, low are the scum, now I shall aid thee to reclaim the fair Tendo Akane as
so decree. Saotome Ranma, even though you may fit right in with them...."
Ranma : "........"
Kuno : "......I have deemed you worthy of this one chance alone to be my assistant in the rescue of
my true love Tendo Akane."
Ranma's eyes widen in surprise at Kuno's blatant statement. He scratches his head and gives Kuno
a hard knock to the head.
Ranma : "Hey, Kuno-sempai? Let me get something straight. I am NOT your assistant, Akane is
NOT yours, and if you make one more stupid sentence like that, I'll dump you into the sea. Is that
clear?"
Nabiki has to whistle in silent admiration for Ranma's fire and dedication for Akane. Kuno falls
silent as Ranma fixes him with a burning glare, a determined and grim look. Kuno can feel the
beads of sweat form on his brow as Ranma's glare burns into his soul. Finally, after a few more
seconds, Kuno ends the standoff with a curt nod.
Kuno : "Very well, I accept your current terms. We shall call a truce on this, of equals. Deal?"
Kuno extends a hand to a surprised Ranma, who dumbly takes it and shakes it, shock showing on
his face clear as daylight. Nabiki whistles again, impressed.
Nabiki :
Handshake done, Kuno raises a bokken skywards and proclaims loudly as Ranma still stands
there, upper body limp with shock and disbelief at what just transpired.
Kuno : "Onwards then, brave fellows, towards the Dark Isle! Sasuke! Prepare my boat, we shall
leave at once!"
With a brown flash, Sasuke arrives, acknowledges Kuno's request, and goes off. Kuno laughs
manically for a while before Nabiki hands Ranma a mallet to silence him for the journey to their
departure point so as not to wake up Soun and the entire neighbourhood.
-=-=-=-=-
Ryouga blinks groggily as the first beams of sunlight stream through the thin nylon fabric of his
tent and into his eyes. Getting up, Ryouga blinks to get the last traces of sleep out of his eyes and
immediately sets about an almost instinctual ritual of cleaning up the camp site and packing up,
ready to leave as soon as some basic necessities are met.
Minutes later, coming out from the bushes, Ryouga can hear voices and the sounds of machines
being revved up nearby. Poking his head out of the bushes, Ryouga sees Ranma and Kuno by a
medium sized speedboat, Sasuke holding their packs for them. He overhears their conversation.
Ranma : "Ya sure this thing'll have enough fuel for the trip there and back?"
Kuno : "Assuredly as my name is noble, Saotome Ranma."
Ranma : "Why does that not surprise me? Fine, we're packed. Let's go get Akane back."
Ryouga's eyes take up about 85% of his face at the mention of rescuing Akane from that island,
and without a second thought he makes his way out of the bushes towards Ranma, backpack
already secured.
-=-=-=-=-
Ranma : "Right, let's go."
Kuno hops onto the boat as Sasuke loads their backpacks under the seats. Ranma is about to hop
in before he hears someone else yell out from the forest nearby.
Voice : "Hold, Ranma! I'm coming too!"
Ranma pauses for a moment while he matches the voice to a face, and comes up with a fanged
figure. He turns around.
Ranma : "Hey, Ryouga! Nice of you to join us!"
Ryouga steps up to Ranma and crosses his arms with a serious look on his face.
Ryouga : "You were thinking of getting Akane back without my help, Ranma? You're too naive.
You know better than to go with that guy alone. You'll need my help."
Ranma looks at Ryouga, that stern demeanor, that seriousness. He nods.
Ranma : "You're a good man, you know that Ryouga? Coming all the way here to help us get
Akane back...."
Ryouga : "After all, I was about to go find Akane myself-"
Ranma : "....But I'm sure you came all the way here simply because you got lost."
Ryouga : "-but couldn't find a boat."
Ryouga blinks before Ranma's last sentence registers itself in his brain.
Ryouga : "What was that, Ranma?"
Ranma : "Nothing. Get in."
Ryouga does. Ranma joins him and together, they set out for the Dark Isle, three heroic men in
their little speedboat disappearing into the morning horizon to rescue Akane from the island.
Sasuke sniffs sadly and wipes a tear away with a pink hanky before waving to them as they
disappear into the foggy distance with said handkerchief.
Sasuke : "Good luck, Master Kuno!"
Great. NOW where am I? Dreaming again? Geez, I've gotta knock off this habit. It's not good
for my sleep.
Ah well, what am I doing here anyway?
Oro? Who's that?
Akane?
Ranma stares into the void. A black emptiness, made familiar to him nearly two weeks ago. That
unsettling sense of spaciness and weightlessness disorients him, but that's not the point now.
Another presence has his attention. A warm.... familiar sensation.
Akane? Is that you?
From the blackness, a form appears. Joy overtakes the empty void in Ranma's own heart as the
familiar face of Akane materializes in front of him. She looks just as surprised as Ranma feels.
Ranma?
The two stare at each other for a while. Then they shake their heads and flick their hands in a
dismissive gesture.
Nah, just a figment of my imagination come to life in a dream.
The two of them blink. Something connects between the two.
Dream void. This place is their dream void. They've met in the dream void, physical restraints
removed but their psych in contact with each other.
Akane?
Ranma?
Geez, of all the places I'd meet you. Whaddaya doing here anyway!?
What, I can't sleep? Is that it? Succubi can't sleep?
Oh, excuse me, I guess my mythology ain't as good as yours!
Ranma!
A moment passes. Something strikes them both.
Ranma, if you're here....
Well, guess it's been almost two weeks now, hm?
What've you been doing?
Oh, this and that.
Anything more..... specific?
Dunno. But.... well, since you're here, what have YOU been doing?
That..... well..... I've been getting myself acquainted with.... some new friends.
*blink*
Friends? I thought there weren't any people on the island?
Who said they were human, Ranma?
Geez, Akane. I knew guys fell for you, but this is ridiculous.
And what's that supposed to mean?
Nothing. 'Cept maybe.... well.... you're getting more uncute? Even demons are falling for you?
*CRUSH*
Ranma HAS to wonder where Akane got that dreamhammer from. Still, it hurts like hell but it's
something worth treasuring. An ache hits Ranma's dreamheart.
RANMA! I've been missing you for over a week and all you can say is this!? You.... you're so...
Hey hey hey, sorry Akane! Didn't mean it! Honest! Just that..... well....
What?
Akane can feel an old ache in herself as well.
I guess.... well, it's kinda quiet around here now that you're gone, and I just can't help but feel
empty. No, I don't miss your cooking, it's just that nothing's..... right anymore.
Really....?
Sure. Heck, even P-Chan misses you.
P-Chan! I almost forgot about him! How's he, Ranma!? I hope you've been treating him well.
Er..... erm, well....
Ranma.
Oh, alright. He's not been around lately. Probably off somewhere trying to find you. He'd
probably swim the seven seas for you.
Really? That's touching....
If the sharks don't decide pork's an interesting change of diet anyway.
RANMA!
But Akane has to admit, it feels good to talk to Ranma again, even if he's only a blurry image
and their voices sound unreal. A throbbing ache wells up in the pit of her stomach.
Ranma......
Yeah?
I.... I miss you.... it's so boring here without you. I miss everyone. My sisters, Otosan, heck, I
even miss your father and Shampoo! I wish I could come back....
Akane? You know what?
What?
I think I'll be visiting you soon.
No! You.... you can't!
Why not? Don't start telling me you've decided I'm not strong enough for you.
Well, actually, yes.
WHAT!?
Just kidding! No.... It's just that.... well, Lina's angry and Kuriimu's almost himself again. I
forgot to mention there's this spell on the island that regenerates the dead demons as a kind of
eternal punishment.... it's not really by their own abilities you know.
Aw man! Give me a break! I've got a gal with a grudge and a diced demon who'd like to do the
same to me!? Man, that sucks!
I'm sorry. I guess we could meet here instead then, it's.... so much safer. Although how....?
Ranma is about to say something else, but he suddenly feels himself being wrenched away from
the void. A shocking numbness hits him, a burning heat, then freezing coldness. He struggles to
say his last pieces, but a sudden shock like a hammer smashing his chest hits him.
*gluuuurg!*
*gwoarg!*
*gasp*
*pant* *pant*
Ranma (C) : "Geez, what...."
Ranma-chan stares at herself in the tub of water. Cold water. Very cold water.
Ranma (C) :
As Ranma drags herself out of the bathtub, something hits her.
Ranma (C) :
And with a shocking clarity, Ranma remembers everything that happened in her sleep as if it had
just happened in a physical conversation.
Ranma (C) :
Happosai : "Wowee! Wouldn't that be wonderful!"
Ranma doesn't realize she's been thinking aloud her thoughts, and Happosai, with some sort of
radar abilities for these things, comes popping in through the window with arms open.
Happosai : "Hee haa! Come to me, sweetie-pie!"
Before Ranma can react, Happosai clings on. He muzzles himself tightly against her chest.
Happosai : "Ahh..... so warm and sweet! I could live in here forever! But Ranma, your chest's
gone down a bit. Must be that new diet plan-"
*KAPOW!*
Happosai goes flying out the bathroom ceiling with a wooden bucket over his head courtesy of
NASA Ranma.
In the dining room, Soun watches as Ranma-chan comes in for dinner mumbling something about
why Happosai wasn't restrained by the spell on some island. Noting Ranma's in his female form,
Soun looks worriedly at Genma, who's tying a napkin around his neck, waiting for Kasumi to
serve dinner. Ranma plops down besides Genma and rests a cheek in her palm as Kasumi scoops
out the rice.
Halfway through dinner, Soun decides to break the news. Putting his half finished bowl of rice
down on the table along with his chopsticks, he clears his throat for everyone at the table.
Soun : *ahem*
Pointed attention from everyone. Except Genma. Soun flicks a shogi piece at him and gets his
undivided attention as well. Nodding to them, he continues.
Soun : "Well.... I've decided to announce something tonight. Ranma, as you know, Akane's....
gone, and now that the current engagement is off, I'd like to as Saotome-kun as to whether he still
wishes to honor our agreement to marry one of my daughters to you."
Ranma blinks. Genma looks empty faced. As usual.
Genma : "Ah..... hm."
Ranma (C) : "Soun?"
Soun nods at Ranma.
Soun : "Yes?"
Ranma (C) : "Do they want to get married to me?"
Ranma looks at Kasumi and Nabiki as she speaks, and the two look back knowingly at Ranma.
Soun looks worried.
Soun : "I don't know.... but as father of this household, I guess the family holdings and name
comes first."
Nabiki and Kasumi turn to face their father. Clear concern is written on Kasumi's face, and Nabiki
just looks tired.
Nabiki : "You aren't really considering that are you, oto-san?"
Soun sighs. He nods.
Soun : "I have to. Why not, Nabiki-chan? After all, you DID...."
Nabiki : "That was a joke. Nothing more, oto-san."
Soun nods sadly, looking very sober. Genma looks at the somber faces around him, then goes on
to eating the other's share of dinner.
*crush*
Ranma (C) : "Hey, oyaji! Aren't ya gonna say something useful, ya fat good-fer-nothin' panda!?"
Genma pulls his face out from his rice bowl as Ranma removes her foot from his head, and looks
seriously at Ranma with rice grains stuck to his face like some sort of mutant chicken-pox.
Genma : "Ranma! How many times do I have to say this!? Respect your father and let him finish
his food first!"
Ranma (C) : "That does NOT apply to taking other's shares!"
Genma : "Well, it doesn't matter! I've already promised Ukyo today that you'll be marrying her
now that Akane's gone! It's next week, so get ready!"
*whooooo...................*
Genma suddenly senses a very, very chill air about him. Soun slides up behind him and puts a
hand
on his shoulder.
Soun : "Saotome-kun, did I just hear that correctly?"
In a puff of purple smoke, Soun's towering Big-Monster head is screaming at Genma with full
force.
Soun : "YOU'RE DISHONORING OUR AGREEMENT FOR PROMISE OF SOME FREE
FOOD!?"
Ranma and the two Tendo sisters quickly collect the dishes and bring them to the kitchen as Soun
deals with Genma. With no appetite left, they wash up quickly and move to Nabiki's room at her
behest as the dojo begins to shake with the sound of combat.
In Nabiki's room, Nabiki is sitting at her chair by her desk while Kasumi sits on the bed and
Ranma does stretches on the floor. Looking at Ranma, Nabiki directs a question at her.
Nabiki : "Ranma, do you really intend to marry Ukyo?"
Ranma stops stretching and looks at Nabiki from her spot on the floor. She replies indignantly as
some dust trickles down from the ceiling after a particularly vicious shaking.
Ranma (C) : "Of course not! Ucchan's just a friend! It wasn't my decision to marry her anyway, it
was my dumb dad's!"
Nabiki nods, but continues, ignoring the sound of planks snapping as the house trembles again.
Nabiki : "But WOULD you marry her if there was no other choice? After all, the agreement to the
Tendos is already broken with Akane's.... departure. And she IS your other iinazuke."
Ranma looks at Nabiki strangely. Kasumi looks quietly on as the two of them trade glances.
Ranma (C) : "That....... erm...... eh.... I.... well...."
Nabiki : "Then what about us? Would you ever marry one of us simply to keep the agreement
honored?"
Ranma blinks at this sudden change of question. She stands and looks at them both. She gives
Nabiki a dark glare, remembering a most unusual and horrible moment in her life...
Ranma (C) : "Why're ya asking me this anyway, Nabiki? It's not like...."
Nabiki : "Not like what, Ranma?"
Ranma stops suddenly as she realizes what she's saying. Her mind races for an answer.
Ranma (C) : "Well, it's not like I wanted to marry that kawai-kunee tomboy anyway! She's always
hitting me and trying to poison me with her cooking, she wouldn't make a good iinazuke!"
Nabiki and Kasumi exchange quick glances. Ranma doesn't notice the look they give each other,
but instead begins pacing the room, ignoring the fact that there're some very irate neighbours
shouting at the Tendous' to shut up.
Ranma (C) : "And besides, it's not as if I miss her that much! Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll
go get myself some hot water!"
As Ranma walks out the door and shuts it with a soft slam, Nabiki nods knowingly at Kasumi.
Nabiki : "You know, one-chan, I think Ranma just might go and do something stupid."
Kasumi : "Oh my, Nabiki.... do you think it's got something to do with....?"
Nabiki : "Ranma's muttering in the bathroom about getting Akane off that island? I'll bet myself a
hundred thousand yen he's thinking of doing just that. And soon."
-=-=-=-=-
Akane wakes up with a start, the sudden shock in her system causing her to gasp. A feminine
chuckle alerts her to a presence to her left.
Sekki : "Rude awakening, hm?"
Up on a short mountain somewhere near Sekki's own hideout, in a cave, Akane gets off the cold
stone bed and peers towards the entrance of her new home.
Akane : "Sekki? What are you doing here?"
Sekki : "Oh, just wanted you to know there're some other friends I'd like you to meet today. I
thought it'd be nice if you knew more than just those weirdo kappas in the lake."
Akane : "Oh.... er.... sure.... I guess."
Sekki walks towards Akane in a slow stride, hips swaying ever so slightly. She sits down besides
Akane on the bed and gently strokes Akane's hair while thinking of what to say.
Sekki : "Well, Akane-chan... let me guess. You're STILL thinking about that boy."
It was definitely a statement. Akane nods.
Akane : "Yes.... and I met Ranma today!"
Sekki looks surprised and interested.
Sekki : "Really. And how did that happen?"
Akane : "In a dream. I saw him in a dream.... I spoke to him. It felt so real!"
Sekki : "Indeed. Tell me about it. We have time to spare."
Akane : "Well, it was like this...."
-=-=-=-=-
In his room, Ranma's mind begins churning over each and every possibility that he can think of
that can happen on the island. Most of them involve having to deal with Kuriimu in some way,
and the thoughts of dealing with a cat, let alone a cat-demon of that size offer some very
unpleasant endings.
Ranma :
Staring at the moon outside his window, Ranma wonders.
Ranma :
A very sick thought comes to mind of Genma tossing him into a pit full of hungry cats as a boy
with fish cakes and sausages tied all over him.
Ranma :
With that, Ranma gets up and opens a window, then hops out of it.
-=-=-=-=-
At the Neko Hanten, Cologne is closing for the night and is locking up the main entrance to the
restaurant when someone appears in the shadows across the street. Observing it, Cologne opens
the door and yells.
Cologne : "Come on in, great-grandson in law! Maybe we can work out some marriage plans for
my great-granddaughter?"
The voice across the street yells back.
Voice : "How'dja know it was me ya 3000 year old ghoulish mummified bat?"
Cologne : "Your pigtail. And who's a 3000 year old ghoulish mummified bat!?"
Voice : ".........."
Crossing the road and into the Neko Hanten, Ranma puts himself at a nearby table while Cologne
shuts the doors. Looking around, Ranma points to the empty restaurant as Cologne hops onto the
table in front of Ranma.
Ranma : "Where're Shampoo and Mousse?"
Cologne : "Gone to get some groceries from China."
Ranma : ".......right."
Cologne : "You came here for something, great-grandson in law....? Well, if it's a marriage
proposal for Shampoo, I'm glad to say she's been waiting for this all week."
Ranma looks shocked, indignant, and angry all at the same time. Cologne's not sure she's seen
such a dangerous mix before.
Cologne : "Ranma?"
Ranma : "Listen here, you old ghoul, I'm not here to marry Shampoo. You know what I'm here
for."
Cologne looks at him calculatingly and taps her staff on the table three times.
Cologne : "And why should I help you this time? She's trapped on the island, there's no way to
break the spell. You know that."
Ranma : "And pigs can fly. Listen here, I'm only gonna say this once. I know you know at least a
little on that island, its history, and some of the demons there. I'm not asking much. Tell me what
you know and I'll leave you alone."
Cologne : "And what, ruin Shampoo's marriage plans?"
Ranma : "They'll be ruined faster if I go there without a usable clue and end up in some demon's
cooking pot."
Cologne appears to consider this. She nods and taps her staff four times on the table.
Cologne : "Point taken. Very well, great-grandson in law, I'll tell you what I know. But I don't
know what you're going to do with what I'm going to tell you...."
-=-=-=-=-
Ryouga trudges tiredly along the beachside, clutching to his makeshift walking staff in exhaustion.
He's ready to drop right there, but with the tide coming in, he knows he'd better be able to find his
way to the jungle first. A few meters to his left actually, but he doesn't know how to get there.
Ryouga : "Damn it! How do I find that forest to camp!?"
Trudging a few more meters, Ryouga finally finds a small creeper running down the beach from
the forest. He follows it up to the forest edge and sighs in relief as he drops the pack and sits.
Ryouga :
Setting up camp quickly, Ryouga spends the rest of the night wondering just which direction the
island is. He doesn't notice a pigtailed figure lugging something big across the sandy beach and
tethering it nearby.
-=-=-=-=-
Back on the island, Akane is sitting by the lakeside. The fact that it is night doesn't bother her. In
fact, the fact that it is night is probably the most comforting thing she has ever known. A creature
new to the dark perhaps, but succubus Akane feels right at home. Maybe it's because she can see
perfectly all right in the dark. Right now, she's reliving the experiences she's had during her time
with Ranma in Japan, such as the Jakou no oni that possessed Kasumi and Happosai and caused a
ruckus in the house.
Akane : "....so the oni got the idea in his head he could use ojisan's pervertedness to regain full
strength. He didn't know ojisama was worse than he could ever be! He got the shock of his life
before Ranma sucked him into a warded wooden box!"
Sekki : "Oh, that is so.... unchic. Possession's been out of style for centuries!"
Laughter all round with some of Sekki's.... acquaintances, some rather human looking although
odd demons, a friendly half-dog demon, a few ghosts and the weird kappas. Akane herself giggles
a little as she thinks back to that time, her current life providing a new perspective on this
happening.
Then an itch develops somewhere around her chest. A very irritating itch.
*SLAP*
Everyone stops laughing to see what Akane's doing. Looking at the thing in her palm, Akane sees
a tiny creature, slightly bigger than a flea. Sekki peers at Akane's palm.
Sekki : "Nokoga....?"
The squished thing in Akane's hand suddenly pops back into shape and looks around groggily
before remembering where he is. Akane notices her blood staining her palm. Her brow creases in
irritation.
Akane :
Sekki and the rest stare at Nokoga rather darkly, especially the half-dog yasha. He looks around
curiously.
Nokoga : "Hey! Why's everyone giving me that look? It's not like I've done anything wrong!"
Akane : "Uh huh. And biting me here isn't exactly wrong."
A small prick of blood is forming on one of the portions of Akane's ample chest, and Nokoga is
using a puppy eyed, innocent look.
Nokoga : "Aw, I only happened to bite there because I.... er...couldn't...."
Akane & Sekki : "Couldn't what?"
Nokoga : "Couldn't find a nicer spot?"
*squish*
Akane drops Nokoga to the floor and uses a thumb to flatten him. He dizzily staggers to one side
seeing stars while they continue their talk.
Akane : "Really! I leave one pervert behind in Japan to find another here!"
Sekki : "You ain't the only one, sister."
Dog Demon : "Yeah, he's an annoying bugger. Bitten me three dozen times at least in the past five
weeks."
Nokoga : "Hey, your blood's sweet! Well.... Sekki's is more tangy. And who's the newcomer?
Hers is really good! I mean it!"
Akane can feel the urge to do something drastic to Nokoga as she feels another prick, this time on
her shoulder.
Akane : "Omai wa......" (You.......)
She gets her fingers in a flicking position and flicks Nokoga, yelling 'aieee......!', away into the lake
with an unnoticable splosh.
Akane : "Someone tell me what's his problem."
Single Horned Guy : "Sure. Here's what...."
-=-=-=-=-
Morning at the Tendo dojo. Ranma opens his eyes just as the sun peeks over the mountaintops of
Mount Fuji. Several bags under his eyes speak of a late night and too much concentration, but
now Ranma is ready.
Ranma :
He sits up and rubs his eyes to get the grit out of his eyes before moving on to his packed packs.
Quietly tiptoeing past his sleeping father (Not that it mattered, a nuclear blast wouldn't wake him
up unless he wanted to.) in the process.
Ranma :
Ranma pulls out a piece of paper. He reads it, noting the fingerprint at the signature space.
Ranma :
Voice : "I see you've already found the will?"
Ranma turns to look at the voice. Nabiki is standing at the doorway, arms folded, leaning against
the frame, a smug look on her face.
Ranma : "Nabiki? What do you think you're doing?"
Nabiki shrugs nonchalantly.
Nabiki : "Nothing much. Just...... making sure your equipment doesn't go to waste."
Ranma glares at her with a dark fire blazing around him.
Ranma : "And what's that supposed to mean? I'm not good enough to survive on that island by
myself?"
Nabiki : "I'm not saying that, I'm just saying should you meet with some accident....."
Ranma : "Uh huh. And?"
Nabiki : "It doesn't state what accident though. Don't jump to conclusions."
Ranma's dark chi flares up for a moment as his anger gets the better of him. He holds out The
Finger at her as the room darkens for some inexplicable reason.
Ranma : "Yeah, right. And I'm the King of England."
Nabiki : "Suit yourself. Here."
Nabiki tosses something to Ranma. Almost immediately, the birds begin chirping again and the
light returns to the room as his dark chi fades and he catches the thing. He looks at it.
Ranma : "A photo of Akane? Nabiki, you...."
Nabiki : "Take it for good luck. Besides, I know you keep it under your pillow every night, just
wanted to make sure you remembered it."
Ranma : "..............."
Nabiki looks at Ranma as if she was reading his mind.
Nabiki : "Call it..... intuition."
Ranma :
Ranma quickly finishes packing as Nabiki leaves, stuffing the photo of Akane into his shirt pocket
without a second thought.
-=-=-=-=-
"Hurry, Sasuke! I fear that my Osage no Onna may already be in danger by the villanous Saotome
Ranma!"
Sasuke : "Hai!"
Kuno is busy pointing his bokken towards the Tendo Dojo as Sasuke pulls the rickshaw full
speed, panting with the effort. (A rickshaw is a traditional man-pulled two wheeled vehicle used
for transporting people. A sort of ancient chinese taxicab.)
They stop at the front gates of the Dojo, Sasuke screeching to a halt in front of the Dojo and then
dumping his feet into the nearest puddle to cool his smoking heels. Kuno hops off the rickshaw
and starts knocking on the massive wooden doors of the Dojo with his sword.
*dong* *dong* *dong*
Kuno : "Open up, in the noble name of Tatewake Kuno, age 17, Blue Thu-"
Neighbour : "Ah, shaddap already jerk!"
*slosh* *donk*
Kuno : "......."
Kuno watches dumbly as a bucket of water flies out of a neighbouring household and lands on his
head with pinpoint accuracy, blocking out Kuno's vision.
-=-=-=-=-
*dong* *dong* *dong*
Voice : "Open up, in the noble name of Tatewake Kuno, age 17, Blue Thu........"
Ranma looks up from his packing as the knocking reverberates through the household. He slaps
his palm against his forehead in irritation.
Ranma : "Not Kuno-sempai! Not now! Why me....!?"
-=-=-=-=-
Elsewhere in the house, Nabiki is busy sorting through her account books when she hears the
knocking. Looking out her window, she sees a bucket flying out of a neighbour's window and
landing on Kuno's head.
Nabiki : "Ah, Kuno-chan's here. I'd better let him in."
-=-=-=-=-
Downstairs, Ranma bumps into Nabiki on her way to open the main gates to the dojo. Eyeing her
suspiciously, Ranma points to the gates.
Ranma : "And what were you thinking, Nabiki, calling Kuno here?"
Nabiki : "Nothing, I was just thinking Kuno-chan would be of some help in finding Akane and
bringing her back with you in one piece."
Ranma :
Nabiki goes on after a slight pause to let Ranma absorb the information.
Nabiki : "And I had to use my most.... 'persuasive'.... methods to convince him to come."
Ranma :
Kasumi : "Ara! Kuno-sempai! Ohayo!"
Kasumi, having deviated from her chore of hanging up the morning laundry to open the main
gates to admit Kuno, bows slightly to Kuno before returning to her duties, humming so slightly.
Kuno comes running into the household, bokken raised over his head, yelling a war cry.
Kuno : "Osage no onnaaaaaaaaa...................!"
Ranma intercepts Kuno with a foot to his face, putting his pack down for the moment. He
practically yells in Kuno's face as Kuno extracts his face from the shoe.
Ranma : "And what do you think you're doing here so early in the morning, Kuno!?"
Kuno eyes Ranma contemptuously.
Kuno : "Saotome Ranma, I have gotten wind of a most villanous scandal lately. This scandal is so
vile that I, Tatewake Kuno, can not bear to tarnish my golden mouth with the mention of its
deeds, save that you, Saotome Ranma, and the beautiful and fair Osage no Onna are involved. I
have already lost my beloved Tendo Akane, I-"
*SMOOSH*
Kuno's sentence is abruptly ended with a fist and shoe to his face.
Ranma : "And who said Akane was yours!? Get a clue, Kuno. Better yet, get a brain!"
Ranma gives Nabiki a dirty look as Kuno falls flat onto the floor, out cold. Nabiki shrugs at the
look Ranma gives her.
Nabiki : "I just told him there was something going on between you and his Pigtailed Goddess.
That imagination of his, which would be so much better used elsewhere, made up the rest."
Ranma : "Wonderful. I'm wastin' my time standing here with you guys. I'm off to get Akane back
now, so please keep Kuno away!"
Waking up with a speed almost unbelievable had Ranma not seen it, Kuno is on his feet and
eyeing Ranma. But Ranma can see a different light in those eyes. He pauses as Kuno speaks.
Kuno : "Saotome Ranma. You wish to reclaim the lovely damsel Tendo Akane from the demon
infested island?"
Ranma : "Yeah, so?"
Kuno : "I have seen the dangers of that island, and-"
Ranma : "Get to the point, Kuno. I've seen as much as you have and more, and I'm very busy as in
about, say, now?"
Kuno nods gravely. Ranma almost begins to believe there's sincerity behind Kuno's words.
Kuno : "High is the sea, low are the scum, now I shall aid thee to reclaim the fair Tendo Akane as
so decree. Saotome Ranma, even though you may fit right in with them...."
Ranma : "........"
Kuno : "......I have deemed you worthy of this one chance alone to be my assistant in the rescue of
my true love Tendo Akane."
Ranma's eyes widen in surprise at Kuno's blatant statement. He scratches his head and gives Kuno
a hard knock to the head.
Ranma : "Hey, Kuno-sempai? Let me get something straight. I am NOT your assistant, Akane is
NOT yours, and if you make one more stupid sentence like that, I'll dump you into the sea. Is that
clear?"
Nabiki has to whistle in silent admiration for Ranma's fire and dedication for Akane. Kuno falls
silent as Ranma fixes him with a burning glare, a determined and grim look. Kuno can feel the
beads of sweat form on his brow as Ranma's glare burns into his soul. Finally, after a few more
seconds, Kuno ends the standoff with a curt nod.
Kuno : "Very well, I accept your current terms. We shall call a truce on this, of equals. Deal?"
Kuno extends a hand to a surprised Ranma, who dumbly takes it and shakes it, shock showing on
his face clear as daylight. Nabiki whistles again, impressed.
Nabiki :
Handshake done, Kuno raises a bokken skywards and proclaims loudly as Ranma still stands
there, upper body limp with shock and disbelief at what just transpired.
Kuno : "Onwards then, brave fellows, towards the Dark Isle! Sasuke! Prepare my boat, we shall
leave at once!"
With a brown flash, Sasuke arrives, acknowledges Kuno's request, and goes off. Kuno laughs
manically for a while before Nabiki hands Ranma a mallet to silence him for the journey to their
departure point so as not to wake up Soun and the entire neighbourhood.
-=-=-=-=-
Ryouga blinks groggily as the first beams of sunlight stream through the thin nylon fabric of his
tent and into his eyes. Getting up, Ryouga blinks to get the last traces of sleep out of his eyes and
immediately sets about an almost instinctual ritual of cleaning up the camp site and packing up,
ready to leave as soon as some basic necessities are met.
Minutes later, coming out from the bushes, Ryouga can hear voices and the sounds of machines
being revved up nearby. Poking his head out of the bushes, Ryouga sees Ranma and Kuno by a
medium sized speedboat, Sasuke holding their packs for them. He overhears their conversation.
Ranma : "Ya sure this thing'll have enough fuel for the trip there and back?"
Kuno : "Assuredly as my name is noble, Saotome Ranma."
Ranma : "Why does that not surprise me? Fine, we're packed. Let's go get Akane back."
Ryouga's eyes take up about 85% of his face at the mention of rescuing Akane from that island,
and without a second thought he makes his way out of the bushes towards Ranma, backpack
already secured.
-=-=-=-=-
Ranma : "Right, let's go."
Kuno hops onto the boat as Sasuke loads their backpacks under the seats. Ranma is about to hop
in before he hears someone else yell out from the forest nearby.
Voice : "Hold, Ranma! I'm coming too!"
Ranma pauses for a moment while he matches the voice to a face, and comes up with a fanged
figure. He turns around.
Ranma : "Hey, Ryouga! Nice of you to join us!"
Ryouga steps up to Ranma and crosses his arms with a serious look on his face.
Ryouga : "You were thinking of getting Akane back without my help, Ranma? You're too naive.
You know better than to go with that guy alone. You'll need my help."
Ranma looks at Ryouga, that stern demeanor, that seriousness. He nods.
Ranma : "You're a good man, you know that Ryouga? Coming all the way here to help us get
Akane back...."
Ryouga : "After all, I was about to go find Akane myself-"
Ranma : "....But I'm sure you came all the way here simply because you got lost."
Ryouga : "-but couldn't find a boat."
Ryouga blinks before Ranma's last sentence registers itself in his brain.
Ryouga : "What was that, Ranma?"
Ranma : "Nothing. Get in."
Ryouga does. Ranma joins him and together, they set out for the Dark Isle, three heroic men in
their little speedboat disappearing into the morning horizon to rescue Akane from the island.
Sasuke sniffs sadly and wipes a tear away with a pink hanky before waving to them as they
disappear into the foggy distance with said handkerchief.
Sasuke : "Good luck, Master Kuno!"