Chapter 7
Nodoka, Soun, and Genma arrive at a massive creator that extends two blocks from what use to be Furinkan High's front gates. Everything in the area was gone, even the school. Scattered all around the edges of the creator is the unconscious bodies of Ryoga, Shampoo, Moose, and the Kunos. In the center of the creator is a large glowing ball of blue-white light that cast an eerie glow on the aftermath.
Soun stood in disbelief. "My GOD Satome! What on earth could have done this?"
Out of nowhere Happosai appeared behind them. "This was Ranma's doing."
Nodoka turned to face the old freak. "Ranma did all of this?"
Genma holds up a sign, "But how can this be Master?"
Happosai shakes his head. "Somehow, during the fight, Akane was killed. This sent Ranma into a state that amplified his power by ten. We were lucky that it wasn't the full Rage trance, or else all of Tokyo would be a creator."
"Akane..." was all Soun could get out through his whimpering.
Tears form in Nodoka's eyes. "Does that mean Ranma's dead too?"
Happosai looks at the ball of light. "No, my dear, Ranma is in there with Akane. Right now, he is trying to give her some of his life force to bring her back." He turns back to the group. "Before any of you think about going over there, DON'T! Right now Ranma is in a dangerous situation, and if anyone gets near and disrupts it, both he and Akane will die." He points over to the group of fallen martial artists. "If you really want to help, get these fools out of here before they do something else. I'll wait here for Cologne. As soon as those fools are taken care of, send Tofu and Kasumi here. If Ranma and Akane survive this, those two are the only ones who can touch them."
Akane found herself standing in a blue-white void. The only sound she can hear is a heartbeat and breathing. Where am I? "Ranma! Where are you?"
"He is trying to save you." responded her voice from behind.
Akane spins around to see an almost mirror image of herself. But this Akane had chrome hair and light gray eyes, wearing a gray robe. "Who are you?"
"My name is Void," gives Akane a small bow, "and right now my dear, you're dead."
"How can that be? I can hear my breathing and heart beat. I'm not dead!" A single tear rolls down her cheek, "How can I be dead? Ranma always protects me."
"I'm sorry Akane, but you are technically dead. The heart beat and breathing you hear is Ranma's. But there is still hope of you being revived, but you must listen carefully." Receiving a nod, she continued. "I'll start from the beginning. As I have said, I am Void or I guess I should say a spark of Void's energy. I've been a part of your energy since you were born. The only reason you are seeing me is because somehow you have swerved off the path of your destiny."
"Where are we?"
"We are still in your body." She points the void, "That is Ranma's life energy. It is keeping your soul," points at Akane, "in your body. It is also trying to recharge your life energy. But, if you do not listen to me, not only you will be dead, but Ranma as well. Doing what he is doing is very dangerous, and if it fails, very deadly."
Akane stares at Void, "Ranma's doing this for me. Why?"
Void shakes her head, disbelieving what she is hearing. "You know, your sister is right. You are a baka."
Anger washes over Akane, she grits her teeth and clinches her fists. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"
"Calm down. You're letting your anger control you again." Seeing that had no effect, Void backhanded Akane causing her to fall backwards and land on her butt. "Now, as for why Ranma is risking his own life to bring you back. You can't honestly say that you don't know he has feelings for you?" Void pauses a moment to hear Akane's remarks. Getting none, she continued. "That's what I thought. Now, I need you to be honest, what are your feelings to him? Do you love him?"
"Me, love that pervert? You GOT to be kidding."
"Listen, now is not the time to pretend to not care. Your so-called pervert is risking his life, his very soul to save you! To me, that says that he does care. Now the question is, do you care?"
Akane couldn't keep from blushing. Unwilling to look Void in the eyes, her voice was barely more that a whisper. "Yes."
"Good. Now its time to face your demons. Only then, will you be able to help Ranma and yourself." Waving her hand, a door appears in front of Void. Void pushes the door open revealing only darkness inside. Holding her hand out towards Akane, "Come Akane, we don't have much time and there is so much to do."
Taking Void's hand, Akane steps through the door with Void. The door closes silently behind them, leaving them in darkness.
Happosai stood watch over the energy ball that contained Ranma and Akane. Things were definitely not going according to the plan. He watched as Genma and Soun help carry the last two of the foolish martial artists back to the dojo to be treated for their injuries. They're lucky that Ranma's rage attack didn't kill them. Really, what chance did they actually think they have against him when both Cologne and myself are having more and more trouble defeating him? Only thing they are to him anymore is a good warm- up, no real challenge. If the boy would only trained Akane, then none of this would of happened.
Cologne hopped next to Happy. "I've taken care of the National Guard and the emergency personnel. It'll take them an hour to get here, maybe two. Any change Happy?"
Closing his eyes and puffing on his pipe, "No. And unless something changes soon, we'll loose them both."
"At least Ranma has his curse. With two souls and two pools of chi, he can last a little longer than a normal would."
Happosai shakes his head, "The curse won't help very much. The second soul is shadow of what it use to be, and the chi isn't near what Ranma's is. But either way, by the time the our time is up and the officials get here, either Ranma would have succeeded and have saved her and we'll be gone, or they'll find their lifeless corpses here."
"I'm amazed in how little faith you have in my chosen ones." replied Nul, appearing from nowhere. "They will make it, the Fates have guaranteed that."
Ukyo ran for all that she is worth. She never felt herself move so fast, but then she never had any reason to till now. Ranma's in trouble. I just know it.
When she approached the edge of the creator, she skidded to a stop. The destruction was horrific. Buildings, lampposts, even the road, gone. Not one bit of debris. Its as if a giant scoop came down and took it all. Even Furinkan High, was gone. Ukyo's face turned ghostly pale from seeing the destruction. "Who, or what did this?" she quietly whispered to herself.
A flicker of light in the center of the devastation caught her attention. It was a large glowing blue-white ball of light. In front of it, was Happosai and Cologne. They were just standing there, talking quietly amongst themselves, looking at the ball. Then, out of thin air appeared a third figure and neither Cologne nor Happosai seemed to be surprised about his appearance.
I know that guy from somewhere, but where? Searching her memory for an answer. Where did she see a guy wearing a gray cloak, and had chrome hair in a pigtail? My dream! That guy is from my dream! But what did he have to do with this?"
But before Ukyo could move any closer, the mysterious person vanished in a bright flash of light leaving Happosai and Cologne watching over the energy ball. She settles back into her original hiding place and observes the two mummies. I don't know what is going on here, but I'm not leaving until I get answers.
Ranma found himself standing in a blue-white void. What happened? Where am I? Where is Akane? Then he remembered. Akane's limp and lifeless body in his arms. He remembered checking for a pulse and finding none. All his blood seemed to of vanish as he turned pale white. The fire that existed in his eyes vanished. And for a brief moment, he could have sworn that his heart had stopped beating when he realized what had happened. Akane was dead.
Ranma fell to his knees, "No! All of my training, all of my skills, and I couldn't save her. I failed her. I FAILED HER!"
Nul appeared behind Ranma unnoticed. Even if he were noticed, Ranma wouldn't care. Nul gently places a hand on Ranma's shoulder. "Ranma, there is still a chance to save her. But you must listen to me and do as I say."
Ranma's head perked up, color returned to his skin, and some of the fire has returned to his eyes. A chance to save her! A chance to save Akane! Turning his head to see Nul, "Mister, I don't know who you are but if you can help me save Akane then I'm all ears."
Nul grinned at Ranma, "I've always liked your priorities. Make sure Akane is safe and worry about the rest latter. There is much you need to know, but time is limited. So, I guess I'll have to tell you along the way." Nul waves his hand and a door appears before them. The door opens silently, revealing darkness inside. "Come Ranma. To save Akane, the first thing you must do is face your demons." Nul removes his hand from Ranma's shoulder and walks though the door.
Ranma stands up and looks into the forbidding darkness inside the door. "If it'll save Akane, I'll get through hell and back." Stepping through the door, Hold on Akane! I'm coming! The door silently closes behind him.
Akane stood next to Void in the darkness, and the area lit up around them, it appeared that they were in a hospital hallway. Doctors and nurses passed right by them as if they didn't exist.
Akane looked over at Void, with a bewildered look on her face. "Where are we?"
"We are here to face the first of your demons."
"Alright, bring them. I'll beat them."
Void places her hand on Akane's shoulder, "Martial Arts cannot always win every fight. And not all demons can be beat. Some have to faced, and accepted. Come, its time." Void pulls Akane through a door as if they were ghosts. Inside the hospital room, is a woman in a bed surrounded by three little girls and a younger version of Soun Tendo without his mustache.
Akane looks over at Void, anger filling her eyes. "Why did you bring me here? I thought I was suppose to face a demon, not a memory!"
Void doesn't look at Akane, she just continues looking at the scene before her. "True, this is a memory. But it is also one of your greatest demons. Just watch. What you do not get, I will explain latter."
If looks could kill, then Akane's would vaporize Void. "FINE! But if you're doing this for nothing then I'll tie you up and give you to Kuno."
Before them, the woman who was Akane's mother stirred. Soun leaned forward to hear what she was saying. "Soun?"
"Yes dear."
Lifting her hand to her husband's cheek. "I am growing too weak to fight anymore. Please, promise you will look after our daughters when I'm gone."
Placing his wife's hand between his, "Shhh? Please don't talk that way. You'll pull through."
Little Akane tugged on her mother's other hand. "Mamma, you rest. I'll fight for you!"
Akane's mother slowly turned her head to see her youngest daughter, giving a weak smile that seems to take all of her strength. "Dear sweet Akane. I'm afraid that this is a fight you can't help me with. Even if you could help, death would still win. In the end, death always wins. Be strong for me little one."
Little Kasumi took a step closer. "Mother, please don't go."
"Kasumi, I'm afraid I can't help it. But I've taught you all that you need to know, all you need is practice. Promise that you will look after your father and your sisters. Teach them what I couldn't."
Tears begin streaming down Kasumi's cheeks. "Yes mother. I promise."
"Nabiki, you have a keen mind. You see opportunities that others ignore. And you always can turn a bad situation to your benefit. I hope that you will use your gifts to help people." Their mother's breaths was now coming in short gasps.
Soun kisses his wife's hand. "Dear, please rest."
Her glaze moves to her husband. "I'll have plenty of time to rest later. Please, all of you live out happy lives. Husband, allow yourself to love again and marry. I'll want to hear all about your lives when you join me." Releasing one last raspy breath, she slipped into a deep eternal sleep. The darkness soon envelopes them leaving Akane and Void alone.
Akane looks over at void, "What was the point of that. I already know what happened."
Void turns to face Akane, "Yes, but do you remember your thoughts? Do you remember what you were thinking at that time?"
Akane lowers her head. "No."
"I'm not surprised. Most can easily remember events, but few remember what they were thinking during them. Your thoughts at the time are what laid the seed for your demon."
"And what just might those be?"
Void waves her hand; a younger Akane's voice comes from the darkness. "No mamma, don't give up. Let me fight for you! I'll fight death. I'll train, I'll get strong like you said, and I'll beat death to get you back."
"I? I was only a kid then.," stuttered Akane.
"True, but your actions afterwards lead you to work for your goals from then. Afterwards, you trained to be the best martial artist in Nerima. The whole time, you started loosing more and more of your patience. Though, over time you forgot your true reason for training so hard, you still trained. You eventually did become the best in Nerima, but at the cost of your patience." Void could see the tears in Akane's eyes.
"How can you say I'm the best? I was until Ranma showed up, then Ryoga, Moose, and Shampoo showed up and they all can beat me. I'm no longer the best anymore, not even close. I failed my mom." Tears are now flowing like small rivers. "I FAILED MY MOM! She wanted my to be strong, but I'm not."
"Have you ever asked Ranma to train you?"
Akane was startled by the question. "What good would it do? The jerk won't fight me seriously. Some stupid thing about not hitting girls."
"It would help if you wouldn't loose you temper with him. Even IF he would train you, why would he want to when you fly off the handle so easily?" Void saw that Akane was dumb founded. "Besides, haven't you ever considered that what you mom meant by being 'strong' is the ability to face your fears, conquer them, and move on. As I said, not every battle can be solved with martial arts."
"And JUST what fears am I afraid of facing?" growled Akane.
"That you might fall for Ranma, that even through your fathers' stupidity they might have done something right. But most of all, the fear that WHEN you and Ranma do admit your feelings to each other that you'll loose him like you did your mother."
Ranma and Nul appeared in the middle of a bright spotlight. Outside of the light was nothing but pitch-black darkness. Null looks down at his wristwatch then back at Ranma. "Looks like we made good time getting here, so I'll have time to tell you what you need to know before your trial starts.
Ranma turned to face Nul, "Who are you? Where are we and where is Akane?!"
"All in good time Ranma," replied Nul. "If you don't interrupt me I'll tell you all that you want and need to know." Hearing no protests from Ranma, he continued. "My name is Nul, and we are inside your mind right now. You and Akane are in a unique situation. As we speak, both of your minds and souls are linked which mean now that either both of you will survive this trial or neither of you will. There is no middle ground."
Shock crossed Ranma's face, "Our minds are liked? Y... you mean that she knows my thoughts?"
A small grin formed on Nul's face. "Not right now, my partner Void and myself are keeping control of passes between you two. But if you two survive, the links will still remain. Only death can break the bond. Ranma, what is happening here is only the first step towards your destiny. There are large powers at play that are now converging on you. Now before you say anything, these powers are far greater than anything that you've ever seen. They are to Happosai and Cologne as an insect is to you."
"How can anything be that strong? And even if it is, how am I important?"
Nul looks at his wristwatch. "No time to fully explain everything to you now. But believe me that Cologne was right that you were special, she just didn't know how special. Someone like you only appears in the universe once every twenty million years. But I'll explain further latter." out of nowhere. They silently swing open to reveal a brightly lit courtroom. Nul looks from the doorway to Ranma and back. "Ranma, no matter what happens and what is said, I need you to watch your temper and not to speak unless directly spoken to. There is too much at stake and if you make the judge angry both you and Akane will die."
Dr. Tofu was shocked by the site he saw when he arrived at the Tendo dojo. Sprawled out on mats on the floor were some of Nerima's finest martial artists in a condition that appeared to him as if they were in a middle of a war.
All of the teens on the floor obviously had several burns, numerous cuts and abraitions, and possibly several broken bones as well. It was the burns that concerned Tofu the most. All of the burns were giving off mass amounts of Ranma's chi. As Dr. Tofu looked deeper into each victim, he noticed that all of their chi and ki levels were dangerously low, but stable.
Soun noticed the young doctor standing at the door with the look of shock on his face. Stepping away from Kasumi who attending Ryoga, Soun walked over to Dr. Tofu. "Aw, doctor. I'm glad that you made it so soon."
"Mr. Tendo, what has happened?"
"It's a long story doctor. The short version is that they were fighting Ranma and Akane when something happened to Akane. The master had us bring them here" stated Soun.
Tofu does a quick scan of the room, surveying the damage. "Ranma did this?" It was more of a statement then a question. He knew that Ranma was responsible just by sensing Ranma's chi signature. Soun's nod only confirmed his suspicions. If theses kids weren't martial artists, I doubt that they would have survived whatever happened. "You said something happened to Akane? Where is she?"
The already pale Soun turned five more shades white. "The master said she was killed in the fight and that Ranma was trying to give her some of his life energy to bring her back."
That explains a lot then. If Akane was killed, we're lucky just to be standing here. But Nul never said anything about Akane dying in the plan. Something must have gone wrong. "Mr. Tendo, I have faith in Ranma. If there is a way to save Akane, he'll find it. Until we hear something, these other kids need our attention." I hope he can save Akane, or else nothing will stop Ranma from getting his vengeance.
When the fog cleared, Akane found herself standing in the empty Tendo dojo with Void. The outer door opens to show Ranma walking into the dojo. Not taking any notice of the other two, Ranma begins his workout.
"Stupid family. Always leaving me here whenever Akane cooks. Can't that tomboy learn that her cooking is toxic?" spouted Ranma as he performed his kata.
Akane pulls out her mallet and starts stomping over to Ranma. "YOU INSENSATIVE JERK!!!!" Akane's swing, however, never connects to Ranma's head. Instead, the mallet passes through as if Ranma was a ghost.
Void walks over and yanks the mallet out of Akane's hands. "I did not bring you here to beat him up, I brought you here to teach you something."
Akane gave Void an angry glare. "What's that?! That he doesn't like my cooking, that he NEVER appreciates the hard work I put into it?! I ALREADY KNOW THAT!"
Void raises Akane's mallet over her head. "AKANE NO BAKA!" Taking a swing, Void sends Akane flying across the dojo. "NOW, as I was saying. I brought you here to learn something. And that is Ranma's side of things and point of view, things that not even you are willing to listen to. You're no better than anyone else. You only listen to what you want to hear and that fits into your concept of the truth. So, to fix that, you will be placed inside Ranma's head. You will see everything he sees, hear everything he hears, and know everything he is thinking. Try to keep an open mind."
Before Akane could even respond, Void snapped her fingers and Akane's view shifted. She could see and feel her body moving through a kata, but she was no longer in control of it. What is going on here? What did Void do to me?
Just then, Akane saw herself enter the dojo. "Ranma, dinner is ready. And you better eat it!"
Akane heard Ranma in the back of her mind. Why does she always make me eat her food? She could at least make curry, she doesn't mess that up. What makes it worse is that I can't win with her. I don't eat it and I either get malleted or she cries and mallets me. If I do eat it, I gag and still get malleted but at least she won't cry.
Come on Ranma, I'm not that bad!
Sitting down at the table, the other Akane handed Ranma a plate full of red goo. "I'm trying one of Kasumi's Italian recipes."
Ranma couldn't help but notice how the food tried to crawl off the plate. So much for hoping for curry. "Umm, Akane. What is it?"
Akane fumed silently inside Ranma's head. Can't you tell its spaghetti you baka?
The other Akane gave Ranma a smile. "Its lasagna."
What?!
Ranma looked at Akane then back down at the goo. Even though I know I'm going to get malleted for this, it's worth it. She is cute when she smiles. Ranma took a forkful of the goo and slowly put it in his mouth. The taste almost made him gag instantly, but he fought back the urge to try and swallow the foul mess. Once swallowed, Ranma's world started to go black.
The Akane inside Ranma's mind started gagging. I can't believe my cooking is this bad! No wonder Ranma doesn't like it. I'm sorry Ranma.
The last thing either Ranma or Akane heard before blacking out was the other Akane screaming "RANMA NO BAKA!" When they came to, they were in the back alley of the Nekohanten with Shampoo glomping onto them.
"Aiya!! Airen come see Shampoo! We go on date?"
Ranma's mind was screaming GET OFF ME! Akane will kill me if she saw me. "Shampoo let go."
Shampoo only squeezed Ranma tighter. "If Ranma let Shampoo hug him, Shampoo give Ranma roman."
Ranma felt his stomach agree to the offer. I really wish Akane made curry. At least I could eat it and don't have to risk getting kill again from Akane. "I guess Shampoo."
Just then, Moose burst out of the back door whipping chains at Ranma. "Satome, I will not allow you to take away my Shampoo."
Ranma easily dodged the chains. Geez, I'll never understand him. When is he going to realize that I want nothing to do with the flake? I rather eat Akane's toxic waste then have to worry about Shampoo or the old ghoul drugging my food. "You want her, you can have her."
Throwing more chains at Ranma. "Are you saying that you're too good for Shampoo? I shall make you pay for that with your life!"
Shampoo jumped behind Moose, hitting him on the head with her bonbori and knocking him out as she passed. "Stupid Moose, you no see that Ranma is better than you." Dropping her bonbori, Shampoo ran over and glommed Ranma. "Shampoo so happy with present Airen bought."
That immediately got Akane's attention. PRESENT!! HE BOUGHT THAT BIMBO A PRESENT!!
Ranma was dumb founded. "W? w? what do you mean?"
Shampoo immediately pulled out a gold locket on a gold chain. "This one. Mercenary Girl said she give Shampoo present from Ranma early if pay five thousand yen."
Anger was very visible on Ranma's face. Damn you Nabiki!! I've saved my own money for months to buy that for Akane's birthday, and she sells it to Shampoo for a quarter what I paid for it!! Reaching for the locket, "Give that to me! I didn't buy that for you, I bought it for Akane." Unfortunately, Shampoo pulled the locket away before Ranma could get it.
Akane was stunned. He bought that for me? Ranma...
Shampoo gave him a look that would send anyone else off to dig their own grave. "Why for you buy present for stupid pervert girl and not one for wife?"
Making another attempt for the locket, "I have not been or will ever be your husband. Now give that back! Nabiki stole it from me!"
Shampoo quickly puts the locket down her shirt. "If Airen want back, then marry Shampoo."
Ranma takes a leap to the roof. "Forget it. Nothing is worth having to marry you." Turning on his heels, he immediately takes the most direct route back to the dojo. Upon arriving, Ranma went straight to Nabiki's room and kicked open the door.
Nabiki was lying on her bed reading a magna when Ranma came bursting in. When she looked up, she saw anger clearly painted on his face. "There better be a good reason for busting in like that Satome."
Ranma looked down at her with nothing but hate racing through his mind. "How DARE you steal that locket from me! I knew that you were into money laundering, racketeering, extortion, and a pedophile; but this is out right thievery! I never knew you were such a cold hearted bitch!"
RRRRANMA!!!!! HOW DARE YOU TALK TO MY SISTER LIKE THAT! screamed Akane.
Nabiki kept her face an expressionless poker face. "I told you that refusing to pose for those pictures for Kuno would cost you."
Ranma glared at her. "Why should I pose for them? I paid all my debts to you, I saved the money for it on my own, WHAT IN THE HELL GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO GIVE IT TO SHAMPOO?!!"
Closing the magna and sitting it on the bed. "Easy, you defied me. I couldn't send goons out to beat you up because you'll beat them up instead, so I got you where it hurts. Now, if you want money to get Akane a gift, you have to borrow it from me. And to do that, you need to perform some favors for me."
Akane was shocked. Nabiki, how could you?
Ranma turned to walk out. "Forget it. I'm free of you and I'm not going to be put back under your grasp."
Nabiki quickly stood up and grabbed Ranma before he could leave. "Listen RANMA! If you think you can find a way to get a new present for Akane before tomorrow then you're dumber than I thought. And even if you do, I still can make your life hell. Your other fiancées showing up to grope you at her birthday party, Kuno and Ryoga showing up to challenge you, making your other present disappear. Hell, if all else fails, I can doctor up some picture of you getting 'intiment' with one or all of your other fiancées. And Akane will never believe you over me. Nobody will believe you over me. And if it broke off the engagement, then all the better. I wouldn't want you in the family anyways. Face it Ranma, you will play by my rules."
Lowering his head in defeat, "Fine. What do you want?"
A smirk grows on Nabiki's face. "I'll tell you AFTER Akane's birthday. But for not accepting my request for the photo shoot, you will be punished by not having a present for Akane for her birthday. Now get out of my site before I decide to scream and claim that you were going to assault me."
As Ranma walked through the doorway, Akane saw a blinding flash of light. When it cleared, she was back in the dojo in her body standing in front of Void.
Void grinned at Akane and place a hand on her shoulder. "I hope it was enlightening to see things through Ranma's eyes."
Akane could not believe everything that she saw. "Is it true? Did all this really happen?"
Void nodded. "Yes, this all happened the day before your birthday last year. I hope that you now see that things aren't always Ranma's fault. Unfortunately we don't have any time to discuss this. We have to go, the trial is starting."
"What trial?"
"Ranma's." With the snap of her fingers, they both vanished in a bright flash of light.
Ranma found himself sitting behind a large table. To his left, was his look-alike with the chrome hair. Further to the left was another table, but this one appeared to be unoccupied. In front of him, was a solid oak bench that was three times as tall as he was. To the left of it, was a small platform that held a single chair on it.
Just as he was going to ask his companion what was going on, a man in a police uniform appeared in a puff of smoke. "Hear ye, hear ye. Court is now in session. The honorable judge Reaper presiding. All rise."
At the top of the bench, there was another puff of smoke. When it cleared, a figure in a black hooded robe was sitting at the bench. A bone hand swung a gavel down. "Court is now in session. Bailiff, bring out the Disney characters for execution."
A sweat drop appears on the bailiff's head. "Umm sir, that's next."
The judge takes his boney hand and smacks the side of his head. "Aww, where is my memory. This is the Sailor Scouts versus 'The People Who Have Migraines Because of Listening To Them' case."
"No sir, the SS versus TPWHMBLTT case is next Thursday."
Slamming his hand down on the bench, "Then what case is this?"
The bailiff pulls out a folder from hammer space and hands it to the judge. "This is the Fates versus Satome case sir."
The judge takes the folder and studies the content for sometime. "Aww, Mr. Satome. Boy this is a mess you got yourself into. Defying the Fates, lying to your fiancée and family, AND being an accomplice in Akane Tendo's murder. You have entered a plea of not guilty and request that not only we spare Miss Tendo her life but yours as well. I have to say, I haven't seen a case like this in six thousand years." Tossing the file behind him, "Normally, this is where we would have opening statements. But since I want this trial over with so I can see Mickey Mouse executed, we will skip them. The prosecution may call their first witness."
A puff a smoke appears at the table to the left of Ranma, when it clears Ben Matlock and Ally McBeal are sitting behind it. Matlock immediately stands. "I must object your honor. We're not really crappy lawyers, we just play them on T.V."
The judge slams his gavel down. "Over ruled. You have no choice here. Either you can finally do something important here, or you can go back to your pathetic shows and I'll find some other T.V. lawyers."
Matlock takes a step away from the table. "Very well. My first witness is Genma Satome." Genma appears in the chair next to the judge's bench in a puff of smoke. "Mr. Satome, would you describe your son for the court."
Genma reached up and adjusted his glasses. "My son is laziest and the most disrespectful person I have ever seen. He never listens to me or shows me or his fiancée the respect we deserve. And he is always slacking off in his training."
Matlock walks over to the witness stand. "Tell me Mr. Satome about the other fiancées."
"His only problem with them is that he can't tell them to take a hike. And as for Akane, he won't admit his true feelings to her."
Matlock walks back towards his chair and motions to Nul. "Your witness."
Nul stood and walked towards the witness stand. "Mr. Satome, could you tell me exactly how many people you have engaged Ranma to?"
Genma's face paled. "Well? umm?"
"Isn't true that in Japan alone, you have engaged Ranma to over five thousand people, a thousand of them are men engaged to his cursed form."
Ranma began digging his nails into the table. How could that baka engage to guys? I'm going to kill him for this.
Nul continued with his questioning. "Isn't true that during your trip to China that you engaged Ranma to another seven thousand girls? And isn't true that just this week, you engaged Ranma to ten more?"
Ally jumped to her feet. "Objection! He has no bases for this line of questioning."
Nul waved his hand and a pile of paperwork appears on both the judge's bench and the prosecution's table. "In these files, contains the information to all of the twelve thousand five hundred and eighty five fiancées that Genma Satome had arranged for Ranma and the reasons why Genma arranged them. His reasons vary from wanting a cup of sake, to being caught stealing family heirlooms."
The judge dug through the pile of papers. After pausing for a moment on a few pages, he grabbed the pile and tossed it behind him. "Objection overruled."
Nul sticks his tongue out at the prosecution then turns back to face Genma. "Mr. Satome, could you tell me why you decided to go to the Tendos and honor that engagement?"
Genma sat up in his chair and gave one of his 'I am wiser than you' looks. "Aww yes, I decided that after Ranma's extensive training that it was time to honor my agreement to Soun Tendo and combine the schools."
Nul, now pacing in front of Genma, "So, your decision had nothing to do with the fact that you were being hunted not only but various authorities in both Japan and China, but also by Shampoo and numerous demons? Isn't true that the only reason you went to the Tendos is because you needed a place to lay low? Before you answer, may I remind you that all your memories are on record and filed as evidence."
Genma slumped back into his chair. "True, I did go back there to lay low. But I also intended to honor the agreement to merge the schools."
"Mr. Satome, why should anyone believe that you ever intended to honor this one agreement when you have already made the same one to twelve thousand eight hundred eighty five other people and still continue to add people to this number to this very day? They shouldn't! You said that you needed a place to lay low. Why couldn't you go home to your wife that you abandoned for the past ten or eleven years?"
"Are you kidding? With the curse both me and Ranma would both be dead!"
A large book appeared in Nul's hands titled 'Genma Satome's Thoughts and Memory' with a large red stamp on it that said 'EVIDENCE.' Thumbing through the pages, "Lets see? Aww yes. The promise. From the way its stated here, you tricked Ranma to unknowingly sign it stating, and I quote, 'Boy, if you don't sign it I'll make sure that the rest of your life is as miserable as I can make it.' So I don't see how the promise could effect Ranma." Nul flips through some more pages. "In fact, according to your own thoughts, the reasons you didn't want to go home is that you didn't want to be force to get a job and you didn't want to risk Nodoka finding out what you have done and punish you for it. You talked about Ranma not being able to solve his problems, well you are the source of most of them."
Ally jumped up. "Objection!"
The judge looked down at her, "On what grounds?"
Nul gave Ally a smirk, "Probably on the grounds that she doesn't many lines in this story."
Ally sunk back down. "Objection withdrawn."
A timer bell chimes from the judge's bench; the judge looks down at Genma. "I'm sorry, but that's all the time we have for you. But we do have a nice consolation prize." An anvil appears above Genma's head sending the elder Satome through the floor. Seconds later, the floor and chair mysteriously repair themselves. "Does the prosecution have another witness?"
Matlock pulled himself out of his seat. "Umm yes sir. I would like to call Ryoga Hibiki to the stand."
A portal appeared above the witness stand; out of it Ryoga fell and landed in the witness chair. Ryoga scanned the room with a dumbfounded look on his face. Noticing Ranma, "Ranma! How did you get to Brazil?"
Matlock walked over to Ryoga and tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me Mr. Hibiki, I was hoping that you could answer a few questions. Could you please describe Ranma Satome to the court?"
Ryoga looked over at Matlock, "Umm sure. Ranma is a dishonorable coward, always cheating to win his fights. He is a womanizer, and never treats Akane right. But most of all, he is the reason I am cursed and why I've been through hell."
Matlock grin and returned to his seat. "No further questions."
Nul stands and mutters to himself. "They got to be kidding if these are their best witnesses." Stepping in front of Ryoga, "Mr. Hibiki, could you give me one example on how Ranma is a 'dishonorable coward?"
Ryoga shot a glance at Ranma. "That's easy. The fight he was suppose to show up for but ended up chickening out and running to China."
Nul shook his head, not believing what he was hearing. "Lets see if I got you correct. You're saying that the fact that you were four days late for the fight, that fact alone would have most people saying you forfeited, and he only waited three days makes him a dishonorable coward? It wasn't even his fault that he wasn't there on the fourth, his father dragged him off."
Ryoga shot Nul a hateful look. "Well, it's because of him that I'm cursed."
Nul took a step closer to Ryoga. "Maybe its true that he accidentally knocked you into the spring, but its nobody's fault BUT your own that you were in China chasing him for a fight that you're not even man enough to admit that you forfeited. Tell me, why did you never tell Akane about your curse and that you were her P-chan? Let me remind you like I did Mr. Satome, your thoughts and memories are on record and are logged as evidence."
Ryoga tried to leap at Nul but ended up bouncing off a blue force field and landing back in his chair. "How dare you invade my thoughts and memories! What gives you that right?!"
Nul held out his hand, a sheet of paper appeared with the word 'Sopena' in large letters at the top. "This gives us the right! Now, answer the question."
Defeat washed over Ryoga's face. "If Akane found out my curse, she would hate me."
"So, you're saying that you were afraid of Akane hating you because of your curse. But, if you were honest with her to BEGIN with then she would never hate you. No, there is another reason. Isn't there?"
Crossing his arms, "I have no idea what you mean."
Reaching behind himself, Nul pulled out a think book entitles 'The Thoughts and Memories of Ryoga Hibiki.' Opening the book at the bookmark, "It says here, that you purposely did the whole P-chan routine to get revenge on Ranma for cursing you and for being better than you in martial arts."
Ryoga once again tries leaping for Nul, but finds that the force field is still there and lands back in his seat. "Ranma is not better than me! The ONLY reason he beats me is because he cheats!"
Closing the book, "Aw, one of the famous Nerima lines. I believe my client even said that once or twice. I never understood the way you think even after," holds up the book, "reading this book. You can never admit that someone can possibly be better than you. The only way they can ever beat you is if they cheat. But enough of that. Will you tell us about you P- chan plan, or should I start the video tape?"
Lowering his head in defeat, "I originally did the P-chan bit and pretend to be in love with Akane to ruin Ranma's happiness. After all he did ruin my life with this curse. I saw that driving a wedge between those two, and possibly getting Akane would be the perfect revenge." Looking up at Nul, "But I knew if Akane ever found out that I was P-chan than all my plans would be for nothing. So, before I set my plan into motion I made Ranma promise on his honor, what little there is, that he would never tell Akane about my curse. I wasn't expecting that Ranma would keep it. I was expecting that Ranma would break it and I could prove that he had no honor and wasn't fit to marry Akane. But he kept it, much to my surprise. Along the way I fell in love with Akane, which would only make my revenge sweeter. Not only would I take away Ranma's happiness, but I'll also be getting a woman that I love. But I realize that if Akane ever found out that her P-chan that slept with her, watched her change her clothes, and listen to her deepest secretes was me; than not only my plans for ruining Ranma's happiness be destroyed, but also any chance of me being happy."
Nul whaps Ryoga on the head. "You, and you alone are the reason for your unhappiness. You're directional problem is because you never pay attention to where you are going. You're curse is the result of you never being able to admit that someone could be better than you, failing to arrive at a battle on time, and then pushing the blame onto Ranma and following him to China because you lost by default."
Returning to his chair next to Ranma, Nul looks to the judge. "Your honor, I move that the prosecution stop wasting the court's time and actually present worth-while witnesses or else rest their case."
The judge ponders a moment. "Agreed. The prosecution is allowed only one more witness." Looking down at Ryoga, "Thanks for playing. For participating we have a parting gift for you."
The judge presses a button on his chair. Above Ryoga, water appears and drenches him, turning him into P-chan. As Ryoga escaped his clothing, Asuza can bouncing in and snatched her Charlotte and exited the courtroom.
Ranma look on in disbelief. What in the hell is going on here? This is just too weird. The next thing I know, they'll be calling my cursed half.
Ally smacked Matlock on the back of the head as she stood. "Your honor, for our final witness we call Ranma Satome's cursed half, Ranko Satome."
Ranma's jaw dropped as his female side appeared in the witness stand. Ally seemed to take great pleasure from Ranma's reaction and began Ranko's questioning. "Ranko, could you for the court, tell us about yourself?"
Ranko looked around the courtroom, taking a long look at Ranma. "First of all, my name is neither Ranko or Ranma. But my spirit has been trapped in Jusenkyo for so long and in so many other bodies I have forgotten my true name over the centuries, so I will accept Ranko if I must."
Ally shuffles through some papers in front of her. "Could you tell us about the background of Jusenkyo? Particularly Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan?"
"Aww! The first two springs in Jusenkyo, back when Jusenkyo was holy ground. The springs were setup as blessings for people whose destiny requires someone that can be both male and female. The spring's magic will draw those who need it to it unknowingly and will not allow the magic to be lifted until the destiny is fulfilled. The biggest differences in those two springs compared top the others it only the people who need Nyanniichuan or Nanniichuan will be able to fall into them, and the changes that the blessings those two pools give can be fully controlled."
Ally looks over at Ranma, "And ever since Ranma fell into Nyanniichuan, he has used your form numerous times to save his fiancée Akane. And yet he has never accepted you as being part of him." Looking back at Ranko, "Could you tell the court what is it like inside Mr. Satome?"
Ranko was puzzled for a moment, searching for the right words. "I believe I'd have to say it's cramped. There is Ranma's soul, my soul, a cat's soul from Neko-ken training, a piece of Nul's essence, four chi dragons, and four ki phoenixes. Then there is the enormous amount of powers and abilities that he hasn't even tapped into yet."
"I see..." stated Ally. "You said that Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan were blessings, but why is it that even the Jusenkyo guides call them curses?"
Ranko pulls out a book entitled 'Jusenkyo Unmasked' and opens to the bookmark in the middle. Reading from the book, "In the year 3512 B.C. Jusenkyo's grounds was tarnished and became cursed when members of the Shadow Dragon cult attempted to create a third pool using a hatching from a Shadow Dragon. Instead of creating a new spring, the act caused the wrath of the gods that watched over Jusenkyo. From that moment on, the grounds where forever cursed and all knowledge about Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan was lost."
Tuning the page, "Approximately one thousand, two hundred years ago, The Order of Light attempted to remove Jusenkyo's curse by recreating what was thought to be the lost springs of Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan. As fate would have it, the two were drowned in still very active blessed springs of Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan. Seeing that Jusenkyo's curse wasn't lifted, the springs where named on that day the cursed springs of Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan." Tossing the book behind her, "That the short version of the spring's history."
The judge's timer goes off causing Ranko to vanish in midair. Smashing the timer with his boney hand, the judge looked down at Ally and Matlock. "I should of known better than to get T.V. lawyers, but budget cuts won't allow me to hire a real prosecution team. For your failure in presenting a decent case, your Ally will always be remembered as an airhead lawyer on some stupid show. And you Matlock, will only be remembered by old people. Well, that's if they can remember." With the wave of his hand, the pathetic lawyers where gone. "As for if Ranma is fit for bringing Akane Tendo back to the living, I will have to deliberate. We will take a short recess." With a puff of smoke, the judge was gone.
Ono Tofu saw many injuries throughout his training and career. But these injuries that the teens before him had were mind-boggling. All of them received what should have been a fatal chi blast, but what he could tell Ranma's residual chi signature was the only thing keeping alive while their own chi levels return to safe levels.
Accepting the cup of tea offered by Kasumi, Tofu sat against the dojo wall surveying his patients. Other than the low chi, broken ribs, and burns they will be up and about in a few days. Whatever Nul had planned, did it have to be so dangerous?
Tofu was too deep in his thoughts to notice Soun's approach. "Doctor, how are they doing?"
Looking down into his cup of tea, "Honestly, they're very lucky to even be alive right now. Whatever Ranma hit them with was very powerful and almost completely drained all of their chi. The only then that is keeping them alive right now is Ranma's residual chi signature." Looking up at Soun, "Just how big was the blast?"
"Everything within a two block radius was destroyed. But we felt the shockwave several blocks way." Stated Soun.
Behind them, the dojo door opens and a figure in a gray robe steps in. Soun starts to step towards the newcomer, but Tofu immediately stands and places a hand on Soun's shoulder. "Mr. Tendo, its alright. I know him." Looking up at the figure, "What is it Nul?"
The figure shook his head, "Sorry, I'm not Nul. I'm his brother Nil. Nul sent me to look after these mortals while you go retrieve the boy and the girl. They about the be released from the energy bubble."
Tofu gave a nod and glance over at the approaching Kasumi. "Very well, we'll be leaving then."
Before they could leave, Nabiki stepped out and blocked the doorway. "Oh no you don't. Nobody is leaving here until they explain what the hell is going on here."
Nil's eyes began to glow inside the darkness created by the hood. "Listen mercenary, there are powers at play that you can never comprehend and stakes so high that if you were told you'd go into shock. If you dare try to stand in the way of the fates, then I will have to remove you. Now, I suggest you step aside. You will be told what you need to know if and when you need to know it."
Nabiki look unconvinced. "Nice cheap affect. But I don't scare that easily and I won't move until I get answers."
Kasumi looked Nil almost begging. "Nil, please don't hurt her. She just doesn't understand."
Nil's glowing eyes disappear back into the darkness under the hood. "Very well, only because it'll use too much power to do that and we can't risk being discovered yet." Waving his hand, both Kasumi and Tofu vanish in a bright flash of light.
Soun, seeing this, immediately begins to freak out. "KASUMI!!! What happened to my little girl?"
Nil shakes his head in disbelief. "Nul and Void told me that you were emotional, but I never expected this. Calm down Mr. Tendo. Kasumi is fine, I only teleported her to Ranma and Akane." Seeing Soun calm down, he turned his attention back to Nabiki. "And you, if you try to interfere again I'll curse you to never be able to touch money again."
Akane sat in a baron room with Void. The only things inside the room other than themselves were their chairs and the TV that displayed Ranma's so- called trial. What Akane saw on the screen was the weirdest thing that she has ever seen, and being around Ranma that was saying a lot.
Void watch the events unfold silently, only speaking to answer Akane's questions. Even Void had to admit the trial was weird, and she's been around the universe once or twice.
Both of them were pulled out of their thoughts when the TV turned itself off and the bailiff appeared in the room. "The judge will see her now Void." stated the bailiff.
Void turn to face Akane, "Akane, from this point on you must go alone. You must answer all of the judge's questions truthfully. Remember, you're not the only one with something at stake here, Ranma is also putting everything on the line for you so don't fail him."
"But what if the judge doesn't like my answers? What will happen then?"
Void took Akane's hand into her own. "You must have faith in yourself. I know you can do this if you remember who you're doing this for and especially remember to watch your temper. Now get out of her before you make the judge mad." With that said, both Akane and the bailiff vanish in a puff of smoke.
Ranma sat in his chair nervously. What's takin' the judge so long? How long does it take for him to let me and Akane go back home?
To answer Ranma's question, the judge reappeared at his bench. "After careful deliberation, I've come to a possible decision but I must ask a few follow up questions. Bailiff, bring in Akane Tendo."
As soon as the bailiff vanished, Nul leaned over and whispered in Ranma's ear. "From this point on, I can't help you much. Just remember who you are doing this for and why. Also, make sure that you think before you speak. But most importantly, you must be truthful. If you don't do as I said, then all of this would have been for nothing and both you and Akane will perish."
Before Ranma could respond, the bailiff reappeared next to the witness stand with Akane sitting on the stand. The judge turns to face the stand. "Thank you bailiff. Now Miss Tendo, I have a few questions that I need answered so that I can get to watching Minnie Mouse at the gallows and Mickey Mouse in the electric chair."
"Um... ok. What do you need to know?" responded Akane hesitantly.
The judge pulls out a notepad and begins to read from it. "Very well. First, how would you feel if had a Jusenkyo curse such as Nanniichuan? What if you got the Neko-ken curse? Which one would you prefer to have?"
Curse? Why would I get a curse? Ok Akane, think carefully. Ranma's and mine lives are at stake here. Taking a deep breath, Akane gave her answer. "I really don't know about how I'd feel if I go a Jusenkyo curse. If it was something like Nanniichuan, I guess I could learn to live with it; at least I would still be human. As for the Neko-ken, I don't think I would want it. Sure, it's an unbeatable technique but the costs are too high. To gain the technique also means that someone also gains a fear of cats and sometimes looses their sanity."
The judge wrote some notes down on the notepad. Flipping to the next page, he continued. "One last question, what are your feelings towards Mr. Satome?"
Oh man, not that one. Anything but that question. Looking at Ranma for an answer, she couldn't find one. "I'm not sure. Every time we seem to be getting along something happens to ruin it. Every time we're alone, we keep getting interrupted."
Writing more note down on the pad, "And you Mr. Satome, what are your feelings towards Miss Tendo?"
Ranma looked like a deer caught in headlights after the judge asked him the question. "I... I'm not sure. I do sorta like her but other than that I don't really know."
Scribbling some more in the notepad, "Uh huh..." Setting the pad down, the judge looks from Ranma to Akane and back. "It is my understanding that, despite what you both have said, you do know how you feel about each other and are just too afraid to say it. Normally, I would hold this against you. But since both Nul and the fates want to back into the world of the living and I REALLY want to get to the execution, I will restore Akane Tendo's life and return both of you to the living on the following conditions. First, both Nul and Void will cease the filtering of Ranma's and Akane's now established and permanent mental link. Second, both Ranma and Akane are forever soul bound. That means, if one of you should die the other will not be able to live any longer than a year. This also means that you, Akane, will receive a curse similar to Ranma's. So, from this point on if you get splashed with cold water you will become a man." To prove his point, the judge takes his glass of water and tosses it at Akane causing her to transform into her new male form. "And the final condition, you both will spend seven years alone in the spirit realm. During that time, Ranma is to train Akane to get her up to par with him as well as you both learn to control your curses. Failure to meet those terms will result in your immediate termination. Case closed!"
With a swing of his gavel, both the judge and bailiff vanished in a puff of smoke leaving Nul alone with Ranma and Akane. "I can't say that was the best trial I've seen, but at least you two are still alive."
Akane looks down at her new male self. "Just great! Now I'm stuck turning into a guy every time it rains."
Ranma crosses his arms in front of his chest and leans back in his chair. "Welcome to the club. But I gotta say that this is the weirdest way to join."
Nul waves his hand and the courtroom transforms into a campsite in the middle of a forest. Both Ranma and Akane fall to the ground after their chairs disappeared out from under them. "Welcome to your new training camp. Sorry about the single tent, but with budget cuts we couldn't afford another. Besides, you're both engaged so it'll be no problem."
"Just great, not ONLY do I have to spend seven years with that pervert, but I have to share a tent with him too!" spouted Akane.
Nul shook his head. "Now, now; that's no way to talk about someone that you have to spend so much time with. Besides, when I leave you will be able to hear each other's thoughts."
"Great, now I'll get hit more cuz of her cooking.," muttered Ranma under his breath.
Swinging her mallet at Ranma, "I HEARD THAT!"
Snapping his fingers, Nul caused the mallet to vanish in mid-swing. "Akane, you'll have to find another way to deal with your anger. Because once I'm gone, all the pain Ranma feels, you'll feel." Pulling a thermos out of mid-air, Nul dumped the contents onto Akane's head, changing her back to her normal body. As the water flowed down Akane, it changed her gi into a green and black chinese outfit like Ranma's. "Consider it my going away present.," stated Nul as he vanished in a bright flash of light.
Nodoka, Soun, and Genma arrive at a massive creator that extends two blocks from what use to be Furinkan High's front gates. Everything in the area was gone, even the school. Scattered all around the edges of the creator is the unconscious bodies of Ryoga, Shampoo, Moose, and the Kunos. In the center of the creator is a large glowing ball of blue-white light that cast an eerie glow on the aftermath.
Soun stood in disbelief. "My GOD Satome! What on earth could have done this?"
Out of nowhere Happosai appeared behind them. "This was Ranma's doing."
Nodoka turned to face the old freak. "Ranma did all of this?"
Genma holds up a sign, "But how can this be Master?"
Happosai shakes his head. "Somehow, during the fight, Akane was killed. This sent Ranma into a state that amplified his power by ten. We were lucky that it wasn't the full Rage trance, or else all of Tokyo would be a creator."
"Akane..." was all Soun could get out through his whimpering.
Tears form in Nodoka's eyes. "Does that mean Ranma's dead too?"
Happosai looks at the ball of light. "No, my dear, Ranma is in there with Akane. Right now, he is trying to give her some of his life force to bring her back." He turns back to the group. "Before any of you think about going over there, DON'T! Right now Ranma is in a dangerous situation, and if anyone gets near and disrupts it, both he and Akane will die." He points over to the group of fallen martial artists. "If you really want to help, get these fools out of here before they do something else. I'll wait here for Cologne. As soon as those fools are taken care of, send Tofu and Kasumi here. If Ranma and Akane survive this, those two are the only ones who can touch them."
Akane found herself standing in a blue-white void. The only sound she can hear is a heartbeat and breathing. Where am I? "Ranma! Where are you?"
"He is trying to save you." responded her voice from behind.
Akane spins around to see an almost mirror image of herself. But this Akane had chrome hair and light gray eyes, wearing a gray robe. "Who are you?"
"My name is Void," gives Akane a small bow, "and right now my dear, you're dead."
"How can that be? I can hear my breathing and heart beat. I'm not dead!" A single tear rolls down her cheek, "How can I be dead? Ranma always protects me."
"I'm sorry Akane, but you are technically dead. The heart beat and breathing you hear is Ranma's. But there is still hope of you being revived, but you must listen carefully." Receiving a nod, she continued. "I'll start from the beginning. As I have said, I am Void or I guess I should say a spark of Void's energy. I've been a part of your energy since you were born. The only reason you are seeing me is because somehow you have swerved off the path of your destiny."
"Where are we?"
"We are still in your body." She points the void, "That is Ranma's life energy. It is keeping your soul," points at Akane, "in your body. It is also trying to recharge your life energy. But, if you do not listen to me, not only you will be dead, but Ranma as well. Doing what he is doing is very dangerous, and if it fails, very deadly."
Akane stares at Void, "Ranma's doing this for me. Why?"
Void shakes her head, disbelieving what she is hearing. "You know, your sister is right. You are a baka."
Anger washes over Akane, she grits her teeth and clinches her fists. "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"
"Calm down. You're letting your anger control you again." Seeing that had no effect, Void backhanded Akane causing her to fall backwards and land on her butt. "Now, as for why Ranma is risking his own life to bring you back. You can't honestly say that you don't know he has feelings for you?" Void pauses a moment to hear Akane's remarks. Getting none, she continued. "That's what I thought. Now, I need you to be honest, what are your feelings to him? Do you love him?"
"Me, love that pervert? You GOT to be kidding."
"Listen, now is not the time to pretend to not care. Your so-called pervert is risking his life, his very soul to save you! To me, that says that he does care. Now the question is, do you care?"
Akane couldn't keep from blushing. Unwilling to look Void in the eyes, her voice was barely more that a whisper. "Yes."
"Good. Now its time to face your demons. Only then, will you be able to help Ranma and yourself." Waving her hand, a door appears in front of Void. Void pushes the door open revealing only darkness inside. Holding her hand out towards Akane, "Come Akane, we don't have much time and there is so much to do."
Taking Void's hand, Akane steps through the door with Void. The door closes silently behind them, leaving them in darkness.
Happosai stood watch over the energy ball that contained Ranma and Akane. Things were definitely not going according to the plan. He watched as Genma and Soun help carry the last two of the foolish martial artists back to the dojo to be treated for their injuries. They're lucky that Ranma's rage attack didn't kill them. Really, what chance did they actually think they have against him when both Cologne and myself are having more and more trouble defeating him? Only thing they are to him anymore is a good warm- up, no real challenge. If the boy would only trained Akane, then none of this would of happened.
Cologne hopped next to Happy. "I've taken care of the National Guard and the emergency personnel. It'll take them an hour to get here, maybe two. Any change Happy?"
Closing his eyes and puffing on his pipe, "No. And unless something changes soon, we'll loose them both."
"At least Ranma has his curse. With two souls and two pools of chi, he can last a little longer than a normal would."
Happosai shakes his head, "The curse won't help very much. The second soul is shadow of what it use to be, and the chi isn't near what Ranma's is. But either way, by the time the our time is up and the officials get here, either Ranma would have succeeded and have saved her and we'll be gone, or they'll find their lifeless corpses here."
"I'm amazed in how little faith you have in my chosen ones." replied Nul, appearing from nowhere. "They will make it, the Fates have guaranteed that."
Ukyo ran for all that she is worth. She never felt herself move so fast, but then she never had any reason to till now. Ranma's in trouble. I just know it.
When she approached the edge of the creator, she skidded to a stop. The destruction was horrific. Buildings, lampposts, even the road, gone. Not one bit of debris. Its as if a giant scoop came down and took it all. Even Furinkan High, was gone. Ukyo's face turned ghostly pale from seeing the destruction. "Who, or what did this?" she quietly whispered to herself.
A flicker of light in the center of the devastation caught her attention. It was a large glowing blue-white ball of light. In front of it, was Happosai and Cologne. They were just standing there, talking quietly amongst themselves, looking at the ball. Then, out of thin air appeared a third figure and neither Cologne nor Happosai seemed to be surprised about his appearance.
I know that guy from somewhere, but where? Searching her memory for an answer. Where did she see a guy wearing a gray cloak, and had chrome hair in a pigtail? My dream! That guy is from my dream! But what did he have to do with this?"
But before Ukyo could move any closer, the mysterious person vanished in a bright flash of light leaving Happosai and Cologne watching over the energy ball. She settles back into her original hiding place and observes the two mummies. I don't know what is going on here, but I'm not leaving until I get answers.
Ranma found himself standing in a blue-white void. What happened? Where am I? Where is Akane? Then he remembered. Akane's limp and lifeless body in his arms. He remembered checking for a pulse and finding none. All his blood seemed to of vanish as he turned pale white. The fire that existed in his eyes vanished. And for a brief moment, he could have sworn that his heart had stopped beating when he realized what had happened. Akane was dead.
Ranma fell to his knees, "No! All of my training, all of my skills, and I couldn't save her. I failed her. I FAILED HER!"
Nul appeared behind Ranma unnoticed. Even if he were noticed, Ranma wouldn't care. Nul gently places a hand on Ranma's shoulder. "Ranma, there is still a chance to save her. But you must listen to me and do as I say."
Ranma's head perked up, color returned to his skin, and some of the fire has returned to his eyes. A chance to save her! A chance to save Akane! Turning his head to see Nul, "Mister, I don't know who you are but if you can help me save Akane then I'm all ears."
Nul grinned at Ranma, "I've always liked your priorities. Make sure Akane is safe and worry about the rest latter. There is much you need to know, but time is limited. So, I guess I'll have to tell you along the way." Nul waves his hand and a door appears before them. The door opens silently, revealing darkness inside. "Come Ranma. To save Akane, the first thing you must do is face your demons." Nul removes his hand from Ranma's shoulder and walks though the door.
Ranma stands up and looks into the forbidding darkness inside the door. "If it'll save Akane, I'll get through hell and back." Stepping through the door, Hold on Akane! I'm coming! The door silently closes behind him.
Akane stood next to Void in the darkness, and the area lit up around them, it appeared that they were in a hospital hallway. Doctors and nurses passed right by them as if they didn't exist.
Akane looked over at Void, with a bewildered look on her face. "Where are we?"
"We are here to face the first of your demons."
"Alright, bring them. I'll beat them."
Void places her hand on Akane's shoulder, "Martial Arts cannot always win every fight. And not all demons can be beat. Some have to faced, and accepted. Come, its time." Void pulls Akane through a door as if they were ghosts. Inside the hospital room, is a woman in a bed surrounded by three little girls and a younger version of Soun Tendo without his mustache.
Akane looks over at Void, anger filling her eyes. "Why did you bring me here? I thought I was suppose to face a demon, not a memory!"
Void doesn't look at Akane, she just continues looking at the scene before her. "True, this is a memory. But it is also one of your greatest demons. Just watch. What you do not get, I will explain latter."
If looks could kill, then Akane's would vaporize Void. "FINE! But if you're doing this for nothing then I'll tie you up and give you to Kuno."
Before them, the woman who was Akane's mother stirred. Soun leaned forward to hear what she was saying. "Soun?"
"Yes dear."
Lifting her hand to her husband's cheek. "I am growing too weak to fight anymore. Please, promise you will look after our daughters when I'm gone."
Placing his wife's hand between his, "Shhh? Please don't talk that way. You'll pull through."
Little Akane tugged on her mother's other hand. "Mamma, you rest. I'll fight for you!"
Akane's mother slowly turned her head to see her youngest daughter, giving a weak smile that seems to take all of her strength. "Dear sweet Akane. I'm afraid that this is a fight you can't help me with. Even if you could help, death would still win. In the end, death always wins. Be strong for me little one."
Little Kasumi took a step closer. "Mother, please don't go."
"Kasumi, I'm afraid I can't help it. But I've taught you all that you need to know, all you need is practice. Promise that you will look after your father and your sisters. Teach them what I couldn't."
Tears begin streaming down Kasumi's cheeks. "Yes mother. I promise."
"Nabiki, you have a keen mind. You see opportunities that others ignore. And you always can turn a bad situation to your benefit. I hope that you will use your gifts to help people." Their mother's breaths was now coming in short gasps.
Soun kisses his wife's hand. "Dear, please rest."
Her glaze moves to her husband. "I'll have plenty of time to rest later. Please, all of you live out happy lives. Husband, allow yourself to love again and marry. I'll want to hear all about your lives when you join me." Releasing one last raspy breath, she slipped into a deep eternal sleep. The darkness soon envelopes them leaving Akane and Void alone.
Akane looks over at void, "What was the point of that. I already know what happened."
Void turns to face Akane, "Yes, but do you remember your thoughts? Do you remember what you were thinking at that time?"
Akane lowers her head. "No."
"I'm not surprised. Most can easily remember events, but few remember what they were thinking during them. Your thoughts at the time are what laid the seed for your demon."
"And what just might those be?"
Void waves her hand; a younger Akane's voice comes from the darkness. "No mamma, don't give up. Let me fight for you! I'll fight death. I'll train, I'll get strong like you said, and I'll beat death to get you back."
"I? I was only a kid then.," stuttered Akane.
"True, but your actions afterwards lead you to work for your goals from then. Afterwards, you trained to be the best martial artist in Nerima. The whole time, you started loosing more and more of your patience. Though, over time you forgot your true reason for training so hard, you still trained. You eventually did become the best in Nerima, but at the cost of your patience." Void could see the tears in Akane's eyes.
"How can you say I'm the best? I was until Ranma showed up, then Ryoga, Moose, and Shampoo showed up and they all can beat me. I'm no longer the best anymore, not even close. I failed my mom." Tears are now flowing like small rivers. "I FAILED MY MOM! She wanted my to be strong, but I'm not."
"Have you ever asked Ranma to train you?"
Akane was startled by the question. "What good would it do? The jerk won't fight me seriously. Some stupid thing about not hitting girls."
"It would help if you wouldn't loose you temper with him. Even IF he would train you, why would he want to when you fly off the handle so easily?" Void saw that Akane was dumb founded. "Besides, haven't you ever considered that what you mom meant by being 'strong' is the ability to face your fears, conquer them, and move on. As I said, not every battle can be solved with martial arts."
"And JUST what fears am I afraid of facing?" growled Akane.
"That you might fall for Ranma, that even through your fathers' stupidity they might have done something right. But most of all, the fear that WHEN you and Ranma do admit your feelings to each other that you'll loose him like you did your mother."
Ranma and Nul appeared in the middle of a bright spotlight. Outside of the light was nothing but pitch-black darkness. Null looks down at his wristwatch then back at Ranma. "Looks like we made good time getting here, so I'll have time to tell you what you need to know before your trial starts.
Ranma turned to face Nul, "Who are you? Where are we and where is Akane?!"
"All in good time Ranma," replied Nul. "If you don't interrupt me I'll tell you all that you want and need to know." Hearing no protests from Ranma, he continued. "My name is Nul, and we are inside your mind right now. You and Akane are in a unique situation. As we speak, both of your minds and souls are linked which mean now that either both of you will survive this trial or neither of you will. There is no middle ground."
Shock crossed Ranma's face, "Our minds are liked? Y... you mean that she knows my thoughts?"
A small grin formed on Nul's face. "Not right now, my partner Void and myself are keeping control of passes between you two. But if you two survive, the links will still remain. Only death can break the bond. Ranma, what is happening here is only the first step towards your destiny. There are large powers at play that are now converging on you. Now before you say anything, these powers are far greater than anything that you've ever seen. They are to Happosai and Cologne as an insect is to you."
"How can anything be that strong? And even if it is, how am I important?"
Nul looks at his wristwatch. "No time to fully explain everything to you now. But believe me that Cologne was right that you were special, she just didn't know how special. Someone like you only appears in the universe once every twenty million years. But I'll explain further latter." out of nowhere. They silently swing open to reveal a brightly lit courtroom. Nul looks from the doorway to Ranma and back. "Ranma, no matter what happens and what is said, I need you to watch your temper and not to speak unless directly spoken to. There is too much at stake and if you make the judge angry both you and Akane will die."
Dr. Tofu was shocked by the site he saw when he arrived at the Tendo dojo. Sprawled out on mats on the floor were some of Nerima's finest martial artists in a condition that appeared to him as if they were in a middle of a war.
All of the teens on the floor obviously had several burns, numerous cuts and abraitions, and possibly several broken bones as well. It was the burns that concerned Tofu the most. All of the burns were giving off mass amounts of Ranma's chi. As Dr. Tofu looked deeper into each victim, he noticed that all of their chi and ki levels were dangerously low, but stable.
Soun noticed the young doctor standing at the door with the look of shock on his face. Stepping away from Kasumi who attending Ryoga, Soun walked over to Dr. Tofu. "Aw, doctor. I'm glad that you made it so soon."
"Mr. Tendo, what has happened?"
"It's a long story doctor. The short version is that they were fighting Ranma and Akane when something happened to Akane. The master had us bring them here" stated Soun.
Tofu does a quick scan of the room, surveying the damage. "Ranma did this?" It was more of a statement then a question. He knew that Ranma was responsible just by sensing Ranma's chi signature. Soun's nod only confirmed his suspicions. If theses kids weren't martial artists, I doubt that they would have survived whatever happened. "You said something happened to Akane? Where is she?"
The already pale Soun turned five more shades white. "The master said she was killed in the fight and that Ranma was trying to give her some of his life energy to bring her back."
That explains a lot then. If Akane was killed, we're lucky just to be standing here. But Nul never said anything about Akane dying in the plan. Something must have gone wrong. "Mr. Tendo, I have faith in Ranma. If there is a way to save Akane, he'll find it. Until we hear something, these other kids need our attention." I hope he can save Akane, or else nothing will stop Ranma from getting his vengeance.
When the fog cleared, Akane found herself standing in the empty Tendo dojo with Void. The outer door opens to show Ranma walking into the dojo. Not taking any notice of the other two, Ranma begins his workout.
"Stupid family. Always leaving me here whenever Akane cooks. Can't that tomboy learn that her cooking is toxic?" spouted Ranma as he performed his kata.
Akane pulls out her mallet and starts stomping over to Ranma. "YOU INSENSATIVE JERK!!!!" Akane's swing, however, never connects to Ranma's head. Instead, the mallet passes through as if Ranma was a ghost.
Void walks over and yanks the mallet out of Akane's hands. "I did not bring you here to beat him up, I brought you here to teach you something."
Akane gave Void an angry glare. "What's that?! That he doesn't like my cooking, that he NEVER appreciates the hard work I put into it?! I ALREADY KNOW THAT!"
Void raises Akane's mallet over her head. "AKANE NO BAKA!" Taking a swing, Void sends Akane flying across the dojo. "NOW, as I was saying. I brought you here to learn something. And that is Ranma's side of things and point of view, things that not even you are willing to listen to. You're no better than anyone else. You only listen to what you want to hear and that fits into your concept of the truth. So, to fix that, you will be placed inside Ranma's head. You will see everything he sees, hear everything he hears, and know everything he is thinking. Try to keep an open mind."
Before Akane could even respond, Void snapped her fingers and Akane's view shifted. She could see and feel her body moving through a kata, but she was no longer in control of it. What is going on here? What did Void do to me?
Just then, Akane saw herself enter the dojo. "Ranma, dinner is ready. And you better eat it!"
Akane heard Ranma in the back of her mind. Why does she always make me eat her food? She could at least make curry, she doesn't mess that up. What makes it worse is that I can't win with her. I don't eat it and I either get malleted or she cries and mallets me. If I do eat it, I gag and still get malleted but at least she won't cry.
Come on Ranma, I'm not that bad!
Sitting down at the table, the other Akane handed Ranma a plate full of red goo. "I'm trying one of Kasumi's Italian recipes."
Ranma couldn't help but notice how the food tried to crawl off the plate. So much for hoping for curry. "Umm, Akane. What is it?"
Akane fumed silently inside Ranma's head. Can't you tell its spaghetti you baka?
The other Akane gave Ranma a smile. "Its lasagna."
What?!
Ranma looked at Akane then back down at the goo. Even though I know I'm going to get malleted for this, it's worth it. She is cute when she smiles. Ranma took a forkful of the goo and slowly put it in his mouth. The taste almost made him gag instantly, but he fought back the urge to try and swallow the foul mess. Once swallowed, Ranma's world started to go black.
The Akane inside Ranma's mind started gagging. I can't believe my cooking is this bad! No wonder Ranma doesn't like it. I'm sorry Ranma.
The last thing either Ranma or Akane heard before blacking out was the other Akane screaming "RANMA NO BAKA!" When they came to, they were in the back alley of the Nekohanten with Shampoo glomping onto them.
"Aiya!! Airen come see Shampoo! We go on date?"
Ranma's mind was screaming GET OFF ME! Akane will kill me if she saw me. "Shampoo let go."
Shampoo only squeezed Ranma tighter. "If Ranma let Shampoo hug him, Shampoo give Ranma roman."
Ranma felt his stomach agree to the offer. I really wish Akane made curry. At least I could eat it and don't have to risk getting kill again from Akane. "I guess Shampoo."
Just then, Moose burst out of the back door whipping chains at Ranma. "Satome, I will not allow you to take away my Shampoo."
Ranma easily dodged the chains. Geez, I'll never understand him. When is he going to realize that I want nothing to do with the flake? I rather eat Akane's toxic waste then have to worry about Shampoo or the old ghoul drugging my food. "You want her, you can have her."
Throwing more chains at Ranma. "Are you saying that you're too good for Shampoo? I shall make you pay for that with your life!"
Shampoo jumped behind Moose, hitting him on the head with her bonbori and knocking him out as she passed. "Stupid Moose, you no see that Ranma is better than you." Dropping her bonbori, Shampoo ran over and glommed Ranma. "Shampoo so happy with present Airen bought."
That immediately got Akane's attention. PRESENT!! HE BOUGHT THAT BIMBO A PRESENT!!
Ranma was dumb founded. "W? w? what do you mean?"
Shampoo immediately pulled out a gold locket on a gold chain. "This one. Mercenary Girl said she give Shampoo present from Ranma early if pay five thousand yen."
Anger was very visible on Ranma's face. Damn you Nabiki!! I've saved my own money for months to buy that for Akane's birthday, and she sells it to Shampoo for a quarter what I paid for it!! Reaching for the locket, "Give that to me! I didn't buy that for you, I bought it for Akane." Unfortunately, Shampoo pulled the locket away before Ranma could get it.
Akane was stunned. He bought that for me? Ranma...
Shampoo gave him a look that would send anyone else off to dig their own grave. "Why for you buy present for stupid pervert girl and not one for wife?"
Making another attempt for the locket, "I have not been or will ever be your husband. Now give that back! Nabiki stole it from me!"
Shampoo quickly puts the locket down her shirt. "If Airen want back, then marry Shampoo."
Ranma takes a leap to the roof. "Forget it. Nothing is worth having to marry you." Turning on his heels, he immediately takes the most direct route back to the dojo. Upon arriving, Ranma went straight to Nabiki's room and kicked open the door.
Nabiki was lying on her bed reading a magna when Ranma came bursting in. When she looked up, she saw anger clearly painted on his face. "There better be a good reason for busting in like that Satome."
Ranma looked down at her with nothing but hate racing through his mind. "How DARE you steal that locket from me! I knew that you were into money laundering, racketeering, extortion, and a pedophile; but this is out right thievery! I never knew you were such a cold hearted bitch!"
RRRRANMA!!!!! HOW DARE YOU TALK TO MY SISTER LIKE THAT! screamed Akane.
Nabiki kept her face an expressionless poker face. "I told you that refusing to pose for those pictures for Kuno would cost you."
Ranma glared at her. "Why should I pose for them? I paid all my debts to you, I saved the money for it on my own, WHAT IN THE HELL GIVES YOU THE RIGHT TO GIVE IT TO SHAMPOO?!!"
Closing the magna and sitting it on the bed. "Easy, you defied me. I couldn't send goons out to beat you up because you'll beat them up instead, so I got you where it hurts. Now, if you want money to get Akane a gift, you have to borrow it from me. And to do that, you need to perform some favors for me."
Akane was shocked. Nabiki, how could you?
Ranma turned to walk out. "Forget it. I'm free of you and I'm not going to be put back under your grasp."
Nabiki quickly stood up and grabbed Ranma before he could leave. "Listen RANMA! If you think you can find a way to get a new present for Akane before tomorrow then you're dumber than I thought. And even if you do, I still can make your life hell. Your other fiancées showing up to grope you at her birthday party, Kuno and Ryoga showing up to challenge you, making your other present disappear. Hell, if all else fails, I can doctor up some picture of you getting 'intiment' with one or all of your other fiancées. And Akane will never believe you over me. Nobody will believe you over me. And if it broke off the engagement, then all the better. I wouldn't want you in the family anyways. Face it Ranma, you will play by my rules."
Lowering his head in defeat, "Fine. What do you want?"
A smirk grows on Nabiki's face. "I'll tell you AFTER Akane's birthday. But for not accepting my request for the photo shoot, you will be punished by not having a present for Akane for her birthday. Now get out of my site before I decide to scream and claim that you were going to assault me."
As Ranma walked through the doorway, Akane saw a blinding flash of light. When it cleared, she was back in the dojo in her body standing in front of Void.
Void grinned at Akane and place a hand on her shoulder. "I hope it was enlightening to see things through Ranma's eyes."
Akane could not believe everything that she saw. "Is it true? Did all this really happen?"
Void nodded. "Yes, this all happened the day before your birthday last year. I hope that you now see that things aren't always Ranma's fault. Unfortunately we don't have any time to discuss this. We have to go, the trial is starting."
"What trial?"
"Ranma's." With the snap of her fingers, they both vanished in a bright flash of light.
Ranma found himself sitting behind a large table. To his left, was his look-alike with the chrome hair. Further to the left was another table, but this one appeared to be unoccupied. In front of him, was a solid oak bench that was three times as tall as he was. To the left of it, was a small platform that held a single chair on it.
Just as he was going to ask his companion what was going on, a man in a police uniform appeared in a puff of smoke. "Hear ye, hear ye. Court is now in session. The honorable judge Reaper presiding. All rise."
At the top of the bench, there was another puff of smoke. When it cleared, a figure in a black hooded robe was sitting at the bench. A bone hand swung a gavel down. "Court is now in session. Bailiff, bring out the Disney characters for execution."
A sweat drop appears on the bailiff's head. "Umm sir, that's next."
The judge takes his boney hand and smacks the side of his head. "Aww, where is my memory. This is the Sailor Scouts versus 'The People Who Have Migraines Because of Listening To Them' case."
"No sir, the SS versus TPWHMBLTT case is next Thursday."
Slamming his hand down on the bench, "Then what case is this?"
The bailiff pulls out a folder from hammer space and hands it to the judge. "This is the Fates versus Satome case sir."
The judge takes the folder and studies the content for sometime. "Aww, Mr. Satome. Boy this is a mess you got yourself into. Defying the Fates, lying to your fiancée and family, AND being an accomplice in Akane Tendo's murder. You have entered a plea of not guilty and request that not only we spare Miss Tendo her life but yours as well. I have to say, I haven't seen a case like this in six thousand years." Tossing the file behind him, "Normally, this is where we would have opening statements. But since I want this trial over with so I can see Mickey Mouse executed, we will skip them. The prosecution may call their first witness."
A puff a smoke appears at the table to the left of Ranma, when it clears Ben Matlock and Ally McBeal are sitting behind it. Matlock immediately stands. "I must object your honor. We're not really crappy lawyers, we just play them on T.V."
The judge slams his gavel down. "Over ruled. You have no choice here. Either you can finally do something important here, or you can go back to your pathetic shows and I'll find some other T.V. lawyers."
Matlock takes a step away from the table. "Very well. My first witness is Genma Satome." Genma appears in the chair next to the judge's bench in a puff of smoke. "Mr. Satome, would you describe your son for the court."
Genma reached up and adjusted his glasses. "My son is laziest and the most disrespectful person I have ever seen. He never listens to me or shows me or his fiancée the respect we deserve. And he is always slacking off in his training."
Matlock walks over to the witness stand. "Tell me Mr. Satome about the other fiancées."
"His only problem with them is that he can't tell them to take a hike. And as for Akane, he won't admit his true feelings to her."
Matlock walks back towards his chair and motions to Nul. "Your witness."
Nul stood and walked towards the witness stand. "Mr. Satome, could you tell me exactly how many people you have engaged Ranma to?"
Genma's face paled. "Well? umm?"
"Isn't true that in Japan alone, you have engaged Ranma to over five thousand people, a thousand of them are men engaged to his cursed form."
Ranma began digging his nails into the table. How could that baka engage to guys? I'm going to kill him for this.
Nul continued with his questioning. "Isn't true that during your trip to China that you engaged Ranma to another seven thousand girls? And isn't true that just this week, you engaged Ranma to ten more?"
Ally jumped to her feet. "Objection! He has no bases for this line of questioning."
Nul waved his hand and a pile of paperwork appears on both the judge's bench and the prosecution's table. "In these files, contains the information to all of the twelve thousand five hundred and eighty five fiancées that Genma Satome had arranged for Ranma and the reasons why Genma arranged them. His reasons vary from wanting a cup of sake, to being caught stealing family heirlooms."
The judge dug through the pile of papers. After pausing for a moment on a few pages, he grabbed the pile and tossed it behind him. "Objection overruled."
Nul sticks his tongue out at the prosecution then turns back to face Genma. "Mr. Satome, could you tell me why you decided to go to the Tendos and honor that engagement?"
Genma sat up in his chair and gave one of his 'I am wiser than you' looks. "Aww yes, I decided that after Ranma's extensive training that it was time to honor my agreement to Soun Tendo and combine the schools."
Nul, now pacing in front of Genma, "So, your decision had nothing to do with the fact that you were being hunted not only but various authorities in both Japan and China, but also by Shampoo and numerous demons? Isn't true that the only reason you went to the Tendos is because you needed a place to lay low? Before you answer, may I remind you that all your memories are on record and filed as evidence."
Genma slumped back into his chair. "True, I did go back there to lay low. But I also intended to honor the agreement to merge the schools."
"Mr. Satome, why should anyone believe that you ever intended to honor this one agreement when you have already made the same one to twelve thousand eight hundred eighty five other people and still continue to add people to this number to this very day? They shouldn't! You said that you needed a place to lay low. Why couldn't you go home to your wife that you abandoned for the past ten or eleven years?"
"Are you kidding? With the curse both me and Ranma would both be dead!"
A large book appeared in Nul's hands titled 'Genma Satome's Thoughts and Memory' with a large red stamp on it that said 'EVIDENCE.' Thumbing through the pages, "Lets see? Aww yes. The promise. From the way its stated here, you tricked Ranma to unknowingly sign it stating, and I quote, 'Boy, if you don't sign it I'll make sure that the rest of your life is as miserable as I can make it.' So I don't see how the promise could effect Ranma." Nul flips through some more pages. "In fact, according to your own thoughts, the reasons you didn't want to go home is that you didn't want to be force to get a job and you didn't want to risk Nodoka finding out what you have done and punish you for it. You talked about Ranma not being able to solve his problems, well you are the source of most of them."
Ally jumped up. "Objection!"
The judge looked down at her, "On what grounds?"
Nul gave Ally a smirk, "Probably on the grounds that she doesn't many lines in this story."
Ally sunk back down. "Objection withdrawn."
A timer bell chimes from the judge's bench; the judge looks down at Genma. "I'm sorry, but that's all the time we have for you. But we do have a nice consolation prize." An anvil appears above Genma's head sending the elder Satome through the floor. Seconds later, the floor and chair mysteriously repair themselves. "Does the prosecution have another witness?"
Matlock pulled himself out of his seat. "Umm yes sir. I would like to call Ryoga Hibiki to the stand."
A portal appeared above the witness stand; out of it Ryoga fell and landed in the witness chair. Ryoga scanned the room with a dumbfounded look on his face. Noticing Ranma, "Ranma! How did you get to Brazil?"
Matlock walked over to Ryoga and tapped him on the shoulder. "Excuse me Mr. Hibiki, I was hoping that you could answer a few questions. Could you please describe Ranma Satome to the court?"
Ryoga looked over at Matlock, "Umm sure. Ranma is a dishonorable coward, always cheating to win his fights. He is a womanizer, and never treats Akane right. But most of all, he is the reason I am cursed and why I've been through hell."
Matlock grin and returned to his seat. "No further questions."
Nul stands and mutters to himself. "They got to be kidding if these are their best witnesses." Stepping in front of Ryoga, "Mr. Hibiki, could you give me one example on how Ranma is a 'dishonorable coward?"
Ryoga shot a glance at Ranma. "That's easy. The fight he was suppose to show up for but ended up chickening out and running to China."
Nul shook his head, not believing what he was hearing. "Lets see if I got you correct. You're saying that the fact that you were four days late for the fight, that fact alone would have most people saying you forfeited, and he only waited three days makes him a dishonorable coward? It wasn't even his fault that he wasn't there on the fourth, his father dragged him off."
Ryoga shot Nul a hateful look. "Well, it's because of him that I'm cursed."
Nul took a step closer to Ryoga. "Maybe its true that he accidentally knocked you into the spring, but its nobody's fault BUT your own that you were in China chasing him for a fight that you're not even man enough to admit that you forfeited. Tell me, why did you never tell Akane about your curse and that you were her P-chan? Let me remind you like I did Mr. Satome, your thoughts and memories are on record and are logged as evidence."
Ryoga tried to leap at Nul but ended up bouncing off a blue force field and landing back in his chair. "How dare you invade my thoughts and memories! What gives you that right?!"
Nul held out his hand, a sheet of paper appeared with the word 'Sopena' in large letters at the top. "This gives us the right! Now, answer the question."
Defeat washed over Ryoga's face. "If Akane found out my curse, she would hate me."
"So, you're saying that you were afraid of Akane hating you because of your curse. But, if you were honest with her to BEGIN with then she would never hate you. No, there is another reason. Isn't there?"
Crossing his arms, "I have no idea what you mean."
Reaching behind himself, Nul pulled out a think book entitles 'The Thoughts and Memories of Ryoga Hibiki.' Opening the book at the bookmark, "It says here, that you purposely did the whole P-chan routine to get revenge on Ranma for cursing you and for being better than you in martial arts."
Ryoga once again tries leaping for Nul, but finds that the force field is still there and lands back in his seat. "Ranma is not better than me! The ONLY reason he beats me is because he cheats!"
Closing the book, "Aw, one of the famous Nerima lines. I believe my client even said that once or twice. I never understood the way you think even after," holds up the book, "reading this book. You can never admit that someone can possibly be better than you. The only way they can ever beat you is if they cheat. But enough of that. Will you tell us about you P- chan plan, or should I start the video tape?"
Lowering his head in defeat, "I originally did the P-chan bit and pretend to be in love with Akane to ruin Ranma's happiness. After all he did ruin my life with this curse. I saw that driving a wedge between those two, and possibly getting Akane would be the perfect revenge." Looking up at Nul, "But I knew if Akane ever found out that I was P-chan than all my plans would be for nothing. So, before I set my plan into motion I made Ranma promise on his honor, what little there is, that he would never tell Akane about my curse. I wasn't expecting that Ranma would keep it. I was expecting that Ranma would break it and I could prove that he had no honor and wasn't fit to marry Akane. But he kept it, much to my surprise. Along the way I fell in love with Akane, which would only make my revenge sweeter. Not only would I take away Ranma's happiness, but I'll also be getting a woman that I love. But I realize that if Akane ever found out that her P-chan that slept with her, watched her change her clothes, and listen to her deepest secretes was me; than not only my plans for ruining Ranma's happiness be destroyed, but also any chance of me being happy."
Nul whaps Ryoga on the head. "You, and you alone are the reason for your unhappiness. You're directional problem is because you never pay attention to where you are going. You're curse is the result of you never being able to admit that someone could be better than you, failing to arrive at a battle on time, and then pushing the blame onto Ranma and following him to China because you lost by default."
Returning to his chair next to Ranma, Nul looks to the judge. "Your honor, I move that the prosecution stop wasting the court's time and actually present worth-while witnesses or else rest their case."
The judge ponders a moment. "Agreed. The prosecution is allowed only one more witness." Looking down at Ryoga, "Thanks for playing. For participating we have a parting gift for you."
The judge presses a button on his chair. Above Ryoga, water appears and drenches him, turning him into P-chan. As Ryoga escaped his clothing, Asuza can bouncing in and snatched her Charlotte and exited the courtroom.
Ranma look on in disbelief. What in the hell is going on here? This is just too weird. The next thing I know, they'll be calling my cursed half.
Ally smacked Matlock on the back of the head as she stood. "Your honor, for our final witness we call Ranma Satome's cursed half, Ranko Satome."
Ranma's jaw dropped as his female side appeared in the witness stand. Ally seemed to take great pleasure from Ranma's reaction and began Ranko's questioning. "Ranko, could you for the court, tell us about yourself?"
Ranko looked around the courtroom, taking a long look at Ranma. "First of all, my name is neither Ranko or Ranma. But my spirit has been trapped in Jusenkyo for so long and in so many other bodies I have forgotten my true name over the centuries, so I will accept Ranko if I must."
Ally shuffles through some papers in front of her. "Could you tell us about the background of Jusenkyo? Particularly Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan?"
"Aww! The first two springs in Jusenkyo, back when Jusenkyo was holy ground. The springs were setup as blessings for people whose destiny requires someone that can be both male and female. The spring's magic will draw those who need it to it unknowingly and will not allow the magic to be lifted until the destiny is fulfilled. The biggest differences in those two springs compared top the others it only the people who need Nyanniichuan or Nanniichuan will be able to fall into them, and the changes that the blessings those two pools give can be fully controlled."
Ally looks over at Ranma, "And ever since Ranma fell into Nyanniichuan, he has used your form numerous times to save his fiancée Akane. And yet he has never accepted you as being part of him." Looking back at Ranko, "Could you tell the court what is it like inside Mr. Satome?"
Ranko was puzzled for a moment, searching for the right words. "I believe I'd have to say it's cramped. There is Ranma's soul, my soul, a cat's soul from Neko-ken training, a piece of Nul's essence, four chi dragons, and four ki phoenixes. Then there is the enormous amount of powers and abilities that he hasn't even tapped into yet."
"I see..." stated Ally. "You said that Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan were blessings, but why is it that even the Jusenkyo guides call them curses?"
Ranko pulls out a book entitled 'Jusenkyo Unmasked' and opens to the bookmark in the middle. Reading from the book, "In the year 3512 B.C. Jusenkyo's grounds was tarnished and became cursed when members of the Shadow Dragon cult attempted to create a third pool using a hatching from a Shadow Dragon. Instead of creating a new spring, the act caused the wrath of the gods that watched over Jusenkyo. From that moment on, the grounds where forever cursed and all knowledge about Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan was lost."
Tuning the page, "Approximately one thousand, two hundred years ago, The Order of Light attempted to remove Jusenkyo's curse by recreating what was thought to be the lost springs of Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan. As fate would have it, the two were drowned in still very active blessed springs of Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan. Seeing that Jusenkyo's curse wasn't lifted, the springs where named on that day the cursed springs of Nyanniichuan and Nanniichuan." Tossing the book behind her, "That the short version of the spring's history."
The judge's timer goes off causing Ranko to vanish in midair. Smashing the timer with his boney hand, the judge looked down at Ally and Matlock. "I should of known better than to get T.V. lawyers, but budget cuts won't allow me to hire a real prosecution team. For your failure in presenting a decent case, your Ally will always be remembered as an airhead lawyer on some stupid show. And you Matlock, will only be remembered by old people. Well, that's if they can remember." With the wave of his hand, the pathetic lawyers where gone. "As for if Ranma is fit for bringing Akane Tendo back to the living, I will have to deliberate. We will take a short recess." With a puff of smoke, the judge was gone.
Ono Tofu saw many injuries throughout his training and career. But these injuries that the teens before him had were mind-boggling. All of them received what should have been a fatal chi blast, but what he could tell Ranma's residual chi signature was the only thing keeping alive while their own chi levels return to safe levels.
Accepting the cup of tea offered by Kasumi, Tofu sat against the dojo wall surveying his patients. Other than the low chi, broken ribs, and burns they will be up and about in a few days. Whatever Nul had planned, did it have to be so dangerous?
Tofu was too deep in his thoughts to notice Soun's approach. "Doctor, how are they doing?"
Looking down into his cup of tea, "Honestly, they're very lucky to even be alive right now. Whatever Ranma hit them with was very powerful and almost completely drained all of their chi. The only then that is keeping them alive right now is Ranma's residual chi signature." Looking up at Soun, "Just how big was the blast?"
"Everything within a two block radius was destroyed. But we felt the shockwave several blocks way." Stated Soun.
Behind them, the dojo door opens and a figure in a gray robe steps in. Soun starts to step towards the newcomer, but Tofu immediately stands and places a hand on Soun's shoulder. "Mr. Tendo, its alright. I know him." Looking up at the figure, "What is it Nul?"
The figure shook his head, "Sorry, I'm not Nul. I'm his brother Nil. Nul sent me to look after these mortals while you go retrieve the boy and the girl. They about the be released from the energy bubble."
Tofu gave a nod and glance over at the approaching Kasumi. "Very well, we'll be leaving then."
Before they could leave, Nabiki stepped out and blocked the doorway. "Oh no you don't. Nobody is leaving here until they explain what the hell is going on here."
Nil's eyes began to glow inside the darkness created by the hood. "Listen mercenary, there are powers at play that you can never comprehend and stakes so high that if you were told you'd go into shock. If you dare try to stand in the way of the fates, then I will have to remove you. Now, I suggest you step aside. You will be told what you need to know if and when you need to know it."
Nabiki look unconvinced. "Nice cheap affect. But I don't scare that easily and I won't move until I get answers."
Kasumi looked Nil almost begging. "Nil, please don't hurt her. She just doesn't understand."
Nil's glowing eyes disappear back into the darkness under the hood. "Very well, only because it'll use too much power to do that and we can't risk being discovered yet." Waving his hand, both Kasumi and Tofu vanish in a bright flash of light.
Soun, seeing this, immediately begins to freak out. "KASUMI!!! What happened to my little girl?"
Nil shakes his head in disbelief. "Nul and Void told me that you were emotional, but I never expected this. Calm down Mr. Tendo. Kasumi is fine, I only teleported her to Ranma and Akane." Seeing Soun calm down, he turned his attention back to Nabiki. "And you, if you try to interfere again I'll curse you to never be able to touch money again."
Akane sat in a baron room with Void. The only things inside the room other than themselves were their chairs and the TV that displayed Ranma's so- called trial. What Akane saw on the screen was the weirdest thing that she has ever seen, and being around Ranma that was saying a lot.
Void watch the events unfold silently, only speaking to answer Akane's questions. Even Void had to admit the trial was weird, and she's been around the universe once or twice.
Both of them were pulled out of their thoughts when the TV turned itself off and the bailiff appeared in the room. "The judge will see her now Void." stated the bailiff.
Void turn to face Akane, "Akane, from this point on you must go alone. You must answer all of the judge's questions truthfully. Remember, you're not the only one with something at stake here, Ranma is also putting everything on the line for you so don't fail him."
"But what if the judge doesn't like my answers? What will happen then?"
Void took Akane's hand into her own. "You must have faith in yourself. I know you can do this if you remember who you're doing this for and especially remember to watch your temper. Now get out of her before you make the judge mad." With that said, both Akane and the bailiff vanish in a puff of smoke.
Ranma sat in his chair nervously. What's takin' the judge so long? How long does it take for him to let me and Akane go back home?
To answer Ranma's question, the judge reappeared at his bench. "After careful deliberation, I've come to a possible decision but I must ask a few follow up questions. Bailiff, bring in Akane Tendo."
As soon as the bailiff vanished, Nul leaned over and whispered in Ranma's ear. "From this point on, I can't help you much. Just remember who you are doing this for and why. Also, make sure that you think before you speak. But most importantly, you must be truthful. If you don't do as I said, then all of this would have been for nothing and both you and Akane will perish."
Before Ranma could respond, the bailiff reappeared next to the witness stand with Akane sitting on the stand. The judge turns to face the stand. "Thank you bailiff. Now Miss Tendo, I have a few questions that I need answered so that I can get to watching Minnie Mouse at the gallows and Mickey Mouse in the electric chair."
"Um... ok. What do you need to know?" responded Akane hesitantly.
The judge pulls out a notepad and begins to read from it. "Very well. First, how would you feel if had a Jusenkyo curse such as Nanniichuan? What if you got the Neko-ken curse? Which one would you prefer to have?"
Curse? Why would I get a curse? Ok Akane, think carefully. Ranma's and mine lives are at stake here. Taking a deep breath, Akane gave her answer. "I really don't know about how I'd feel if I go a Jusenkyo curse. If it was something like Nanniichuan, I guess I could learn to live with it; at least I would still be human. As for the Neko-ken, I don't think I would want it. Sure, it's an unbeatable technique but the costs are too high. To gain the technique also means that someone also gains a fear of cats and sometimes looses their sanity."
The judge wrote some notes down on the notepad. Flipping to the next page, he continued. "One last question, what are your feelings towards Mr. Satome?"
Oh man, not that one. Anything but that question. Looking at Ranma for an answer, she couldn't find one. "I'm not sure. Every time we seem to be getting along something happens to ruin it. Every time we're alone, we keep getting interrupted."
Writing more note down on the pad, "And you Mr. Satome, what are your feelings towards Miss Tendo?"
Ranma looked like a deer caught in headlights after the judge asked him the question. "I... I'm not sure. I do sorta like her but other than that I don't really know."
Scribbling some more in the notepad, "Uh huh..." Setting the pad down, the judge looks from Ranma to Akane and back. "It is my understanding that, despite what you both have said, you do know how you feel about each other and are just too afraid to say it. Normally, I would hold this against you. But since both Nul and the fates want to back into the world of the living and I REALLY want to get to the execution, I will restore Akane Tendo's life and return both of you to the living on the following conditions. First, both Nul and Void will cease the filtering of Ranma's and Akane's now established and permanent mental link. Second, both Ranma and Akane are forever soul bound. That means, if one of you should die the other will not be able to live any longer than a year. This also means that you, Akane, will receive a curse similar to Ranma's. So, from this point on if you get splashed with cold water you will become a man." To prove his point, the judge takes his glass of water and tosses it at Akane causing her to transform into her new male form. "And the final condition, you both will spend seven years alone in the spirit realm. During that time, Ranma is to train Akane to get her up to par with him as well as you both learn to control your curses. Failure to meet those terms will result in your immediate termination. Case closed!"
With a swing of his gavel, both the judge and bailiff vanished in a puff of smoke leaving Nul alone with Ranma and Akane. "I can't say that was the best trial I've seen, but at least you two are still alive."
Akane looks down at her new male self. "Just great! Now I'm stuck turning into a guy every time it rains."
Ranma crosses his arms in front of his chest and leans back in his chair. "Welcome to the club. But I gotta say that this is the weirdest way to join."
Nul waves his hand and the courtroom transforms into a campsite in the middle of a forest. Both Ranma and Akane fall to the ground after their chairs disappeared out from under them. "Welcome to your new training camp. Sorry about the single tent, but with budget cuts we couldn't afford another. Besides, you're both engaged so it'll be no problem."
"Just great, not ONLY do I have to spend seven years with that pervert, but I have to share a tent with him too!" spouted Akane.
Nul shook his head. "Now, now; that's no way to talk about someone that you have to spend so much time with. Besides, when I leave you will be able to hear each other's thoughts."
"Great, now I'll get hit more cuz of her cooking.," muttered Ranma under his breath.
Swinging her mallet at Ranma, "I HEARD THAT!"
Snapping his fingers, Nul caused the mallet to vanish in mid-swing. "Akane, you'll have to find another way to deal with your anger. Because once I'm gone, all the pain Ranma feels, you'll feel." Pulling a thermos out of mid-air, Nul dumped the contents onto Akane's head, changing her back to her normal body. As the water flowed down Akane, it changed her gi into a green and black chinese outfit like Ranma's. "Consider it my going away present.," stated Nul as he vanished in a bright flash of light.