New Neighbors:
(Ranma/GoldDigger cross)
Note: I don't own any of these characters. Please don't sue, I have no money.
The Digger families move to Japan. The Ranma, Brit, Gina are about 17 when the stories began.
Ranma timeline... after Saffron.
Gold Digger timeline... I really don't know.
Version 2.1
Chapter 1. (Since no one bothers to read intros)
Dr. Digger yawned as he tightened the belt on his bathrobe. He slowly strolled to the front door for the morning paper. The quiet morning was disturbed by a heavy thud at the front door. Dr. Diggers opened the door to an empty residential street. He then noticed an object at eye level in the doorframe to his left. The Sunday paper was firmly embedded in the wood around the door. "Hell even our newspaper delivery boy knows martial arts," Dr. Diggers said staring at a newspaper embedded into his doorframe.
Meanwhile in the back yard....
"Dull, dull, dull," Gina Digger's keep repeating to herself. She was in her family's small backyard at their new home. Her family had recently moved to Japan and her lab hadn't arrived yet. She amused herself rebuilding hand held phase array radar. Her adopted sister Britany was lounging on a towel in the sun. She sighed, "what was a seventeen year old to do in a new country." She then notices her sister retying her bikini top and then sitting up.
"What's up Brit, I thought you were going to work on your tan," Gina said.
"Something approaching quickly," Brit replied.
At that moment a dot appeared in the sky. The dot rapidly increased in size as it closed on the Digger's back yard.
"Incoming," Gina yelled before her sister grabbed her and ran her into the house.
"Ahhhhhhhh!!!!" The scream was followed by a dull thud as the object crashed into the back yard. A minute later the two girls cautiously approached the crater.
A voice could be heard barely from the crater. "Damn tomboy. I finally call off the damn engagement and she hits me. You think she'd be happy the number of times she's called off the engagement"!! The figure in the crater then stood up and began dusting himself off.
"Excuse us," Gina said in passable Japanese. "Who are you"?
A tall figure dressed in Chinese turned around and stared at the two girls. "I better apologize," he thought to himself. He said, "I'm Ranma Saotome, sorry about this". He then gave a low bow to both girls. "I'll come by later and fill the hole in if you wish".
"Dad, we've got company," Brit yelled in English.
"Would you care to come in," Gina managed to say in Japanese neverously. She had enough problems talking to guys much less talking to them in a foreign language.
Ranma briefly consider the offer and accepted (he really didn't want to listen to his father rant, when he got back). "I be delighted," Ranma replied.
Several minutes later Ranma is formally introduced to Dr. Digger, his wife (Julia)
, and the two girls. Ranma noticed Dr. Digger make a small hand movement before sitting down (Ranma could have sworn, he saw a red aura around the hand. "We just moved here from the United States," Dr. Digger began in perfect Japanese. "I'm a researcher in..... ancient lore and my wife is a skilled swordswoman. My daughter Britany is the athletic one. And Gina is the inventor. Please tell us about yourself."
"I'm Ranma Saotome of the 'Anything Goes School' of Martial Arts. I had a normal childhood until age six. My father then took me on a ten-year training mission through Asia. We returned to Japan a year ago. Since then life had been 'interesting' to say the least."
"My daughter said you landed in our back yard. How in the world did you manage that," Ms. Digger asked in perfect Japanese.
"That's a long story but.... My former fiancee hit me hard enough, that I landed in you back yard," Ranma said.
After a minute the Diggers recovered from a family face fault. "Are you sure your not exaggerating," Brit said as she stared at Ranma.
"Hmmm... I know, I will demonstrate chi," Ranma said. He laid an arm upright on the table and concentrated. The Diggers stared in amazement as a small ball of blue light appeared in Ranma's hand.
"How'd you manage that," Ms. Digger asked with sudden interest. Gina just stared in amazement at the ball of light.
"As I said. I spent my whole life training in martial arts. I learned to generate and harness chi like this," Ranma said. "My former fiancee can only channel her chi into her strength. Strength she like to use, when she got angry with me".
Dr. Digger studied the boy closely before speaking. "Ranma, do you believe in magic," he said.
Ranma laughed and the ball of chi faded. "I've seen enough magic to last me for a lifetime. I could tell you stories, you wouldn't believe," Ranma said with a smile.
"I noticed you have some magic surrounding you," the doctor said. "It almost seems like a curse".
Ranma's jaw dropped. "How'd you know?"
"As I said, I study ancient lore of many types," Dr. Digger's said. "If you don't mind. What type of curse do you have?"
"I hate to say, it's kind of embarrassing," Ranma replied nervously. "But would you know how to cure a Jusenkyo curse?"
"Jusenkyo," Dr. Master's replied. "I think, I can help you, Ranma. But I need you to keep this a secret," the doctor said.
"Sir, as long as it's nothing wrong. I'll agree," Ranma said after a minute.
Dr. Digger's raised a hand and drew a rune in red light in the air. "Hmmm...," the Doctor said. "It appears your curse will be harder to cure than expected. Have you been exposed to any other sources of magic."
"Let's see there is the 'Dragon Whisker Soup, the 'Phoenix Pill', that damn mirror of the amazons,....". Several minutes later Ranma said, "I guess that about covers the magic; I've been exposed to.
"The problem, Ranma, is the various types of magic have joined. The magic, curses, and spells have formed a weave around you. I cannot unravel easily. If I cure one without thought of the others....".
"What," Ranma asked.
"Many things could happen," Dr. Digger's replied. "Anything from changing your eye color to horribly mutating your body."
"That's bad, right," Ranma asked?
.Several hours later at the Tendo's.............
The Tendo family was sitting around the table for dinner. Soun was crying his eyes out and threating to drown the rest of the family. Genma sulked and munched on his son's portion of dinner. Akane sat there contemplating her fourth set of broken a chopstick (that was of course Ranma's fault). "Hi, sorry I'm late!" Ranma said as he landed in the back yard.
Genma and Soun immediately jumped to their feet and charged the boy. "You will apologize for what you said to Akane," Genma yelled. "You'll marry, Akane," Soun yelled.
Ranma smiled and became a red blur of movement charging at the men.
.Several seconds later....
Ranma dusted his shirt off as he walked causally past the two unconscious men. Akane taking the excuse raised her mallet as she charged Ranma. "How dare you attack my father," she screamed winding up with the mallet. Ranma jumped over the charging girl to and continued into the house. Akane unexpecting the turn of events tripped and created a trench in the ground with her head.
Akane regained consciousness and overheard the conversation from inside. "You realize, you hurt Akane, don't you Ranma!" Nabiki said with venom in her voice.
"I don't see why you care Nabiki," Ranma replied eating. "I'm just a finical burden to you and a unwanted pain in the ass to your sister. You'll both be happier without me."
"You better not plan on staying here," Nabiki said. "Because my father will... !"
"Nope! I'm leaving tonight and going home," Ranma said cheerfully. "You might as well stop acting so hurt. The only downside to this is your losing a source of income." With that Ranma ran upstairs and began packing his clothes.
Akane stumbled crying into the house and was quickly hugged by Kasumi. After several minutes the girls heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Akane quickly disentangled herself from her sister and headed for the stairs.
Akane attempted to slap Ranma, who deftly avoided the attack and held Akane in a tight hug. He then leaned close to Akane's ear and whispered quietly. "Akane, It's for the best that, I go. It would never work out." He then whispered almost too quietly to hear, "I realized, I don't love you. I can admit that now, we'd never be happy together." He kissed her on her left cheek and let her go. He then turned and walked into the den. Akane stood there stunned, unable to follow Ranma. He then underarm a small bundle of yen and said, "that what I owe you, Nabiki". He then turned to Kasumi and bowed and said, "it has been an honor staying at your home. I just wish, I was leaving on better circumstances. He said over his shoulder as he left, "goodbye... I'll miss you all"!
Chapter 2:
Ranma stood in front of a door gathering his courage. He then raised a hand and was about to knock, when the door opened. "Ranma, what are you doing here," Nodoka asked?
"I have ended my engagement with Akane and I'd like to return home," Ranma said.
"Oh my! You better come in so we can talk about this," Nodoka said.
.Several minutes later in the Nodoka's den....
"Ranma, tell me what happened, but first. Where is your father," Nodoka asked?
"Genma is unconscious at the Tendo's," Ranma said. "He doesn't even know, I'm here. But the reason I ended the engagement is complex. I've spent some time since my fight with Saffron thinking. I realized, I don't love Akane. We have some things in common but.... I realized, I've come to hate her. I once heard a saying in China, 'that which one hates most is often that which one once loved'. We had our moments but.... Not enough to build a relationship on," he said in a tired voice.
"That's your decision Ranma," Nodoka replied. "But have you considered you other fiancees," she asked.
"Well.... I not really interested in them either," he finally said.
The next morning at the Digger's house...
Gina opened the front door of the house and ran into Ranma. "Hi guys," Ranma said.
"Well hello, Ranma," Ms. Digger said as she approached the door. "What are you doing here," she asked.
"I thought, I would walk your daughters to school," Ranma replied. "You are both going to Furinken High School," he said to Gina and Brit.
"Yeah.... that's right," Gina managed to stammer.
"Well, we better get going," Ranma said to the girls.
Several minutes later the trio was on their way to school.
The quiet morning was broken by a barely audible 'ring.. ring' Ranma didn't even bother turning to the origin of the sound. He rolled to once side, barely avoiding an incoming projectile. Shampoo failing to connect to Ranma's skull landed face forward, when her bike flipped. Ranma turned to the two girls and said, "we should keep going or will be late for school."
"Should we leave her," Gina said as she looked at the unconscious girl.
"Shampoo, she'll be fine," Ranma said. "I've seen her take worse hits. And anyway Moose is here to take care of her," he continued. "Hey Moose, you should probably take her home!"
A tall figure in robes stepped out from a nearby alley. "I'll fight you later, Ranma," Moose said as he picked up the unconscious girl.
"So does that happen often around here," Gina said looking at the twisted metal frame of the bike.
"All the time," Ranma said as he continued walking. Several minutes later the trio entered Furinken High School.
"Hold scolderal," Kuno yelled. He raised his bokken and took a stance. "It has come to my attention, that you made, Akane Tendo cry!"
Ranma smiled to himself and thought, "now to release some stress"! Ranma smiled and said, "my relationship to Akane Tendo is not your concern, Kuno!"
"You dare! Have at thee," Kuno yelled as he charged.
Gina and Brit watched as Ranma closed on Kuno. The next few minutes Ranma spent bouncing Kuno of trees, walls, and the ground. Ranma left the battered form of Kuno. He turned to the girls and said, "we better get moving or will be late!"
Later at lunch....
The day had been agonizing for Ranma. He was now sitting under a tree by himself to get away from his classmates. His classmate asked about his relationship to the Digger sisters. There were also the questions about Akane.
"Hey! Ranma," Brit yelled as the two sisters walked to where Ranma was sitting.
"O! Hey...," Ranma replied looking up at the two girls.
"What's the matter? You look really depressed," Brit said.
"It's... nothing," Ranma said.
Gina decided to change to subject asked, "what's with the guy this morning".
"Kuno?!" Ranma smiled, "now that's a story." He then describes Kuno's relationship to Akane.
"You sure, you're not exaggerating," Brit asked?
"Hard to believe? I'll admit, I dislike him. But the story is the truth. Kuno will probably arrive in a few minutes to attack me. He tries every lunch," Ranma said with a smile.
"Hold vile sorcerer," Kuno yelled as he strode to the trio's location. "Are your conquest not enough, you enemy of women!! I shall deliver you to justice," Kuno yelled!
"I think, I understand now," Brit said listening to the kendoist bellowing.
Further ranting was ended when Soun and Genma literally landed on Kuno. "We are here to punish you, son," Genma yelled! "You will marry Akane and carry on the 'Anything Goes School of martial arts'," Soun yelled.
"No," Ranma said. He quickly packed up the meager leftovers from lunch (Yes, leftovers. He's been talking).
"You brought this on yourself," Genma yelled as he charged Ranma. He charge was abruptly ended as Ranma connected a foot to his face. Soun ignored Genma's flying body as began concentrating.
A red hue surrounded Soun and he launched a Tendo special of the 'Anything Goes School'. His massive 'demon head' threatened to intimidate even Ranma with it's horror factor.
No one noticed Brit's eye grew large with fear. Few people heard her scream. People did notice several seconds later a large (and shapely) figure charge Soun. The large eye of the demon head barely blinked before a fur cover hand hit the figure right between the eyes.
Ranma was the only figure, who saw the attack clearly. His eyes were wide in terror as he watched deliver forty punches to the 'demon head'. His terror increased after Soun collapsed and the figure ran towards him.
"What's with Ranma," Brit asked her sister.
"He didn't know about your ability," Gina answered. "He's also afraid of cats and now seems to be in shock!"
Ranma stood there stammering quietly and staring at Gina. Gina grabbed him by his shoulders and tried to shake him out of it. "Ranma, calm down. It's me, Brit," she said.
Ranma's poor mind gave up at this point and his body relaxed in her grip. The few remaining spectators felt with dread what was coming up. Gina and Brit stood in disbelief at Ranma.
"Meow..," a loud noise sounded from Ranma. Gina released Ranma and he settled on his haunches. He then began licking his arm like a cat.
"Any ideas, sis," Brit said to her sister. Her sister silently shook her head.
A girl slowly approached the trio. Ranma turned to face the girl. "Meow?!"
She sat down and extended a hand to Ranma. "Ranma. Here kitty," the girl called. Ranma walked on all fours slowly toward the girl. When he was about ten feet away, he stopped and meowed again. He then slowly turned and returned to the Digger sisters. He then jumped at Brit. Brit's reflexes allow her to catch Ranma before he impacted.
Brit stared in amazement at the bundle of purring flesh in her lap. "Can anyone tell me what's going on," she said in a stunned voice.
The girl, who had called to Ranma earlier now, approached. "It's the 'Cat Fist Training'! His father threw him repeatedly into a pit of staring cats at age six. He now deals with his fear of cats in this way," she said.
"You are," Gina asked?
"Ukyo," she replied. "And you are?"
"Gina and Britany Diggers." She then turned to her bundle and said, "well at least he's not violent," Brit said. "He's acting like a harmless kitten," she said.
"Only if he likes you," Ukyo said. Kuno took that moment to regain his feet on the other side of the schoolyard. Ranma opened one eye and swiped a hand in the air.
Brit and Gina watched in amazement as Kuno's body was flung thirty feet before landing. "I see what you mean," Gina said.
"I'll be right back," Ukyo said. A minute later she returned with a bucket. She stared at Brit for a moment (who had returned human). "How do you do that," she asked.
"I'll explain later," Brit said.
"Hold still," Ukyo said as she poured water on Ranma (and Brit).
"Welcome back Ranma," Akane said dropping the bucket.
"What the hell.....," Ranma said as he jumped up. "Oh.. It's you, Akane," Ranma said.
"Ranma," the Digger girls replied staring at the now female figure?!
"Yeah, it's me," Ranma said. "It put it simply this is my cursed form. My body changes but, my emotions and thoughts remain the same."
"I think its kewl," Brit said. "You wanta go clothes shopping at the mall."
"What," Ranma asked in shock?!
"Well with a body like that, you really should show it off," Brit said.
.Several hours later...
Ranma was spared the embarrassment/torture of clothes shopping with the Digger girls. They stopped by an ice-cream parlor and sent several hours talking. The group had discussed the 'Cat Fist' and his curse by the time they arrived at the Digger home. Gina also had explained her shapeshifting. Once they arrived at the Digger house, Ranma excused himself and quickly left the group.
"So what do you think of Nerima," Brit asked?
"I don't know yet," Gina said. "But I doubt it'll be dull."
"So what do you thinks of Ranma," Brit asked?
"I do know... He's rough around the edges but seems a nice guy."
"Really I thought you might be falling for him," Brit said mockingly.
"It's not like that... He's a nice guy and all, but he's not my type," Gina said.
"Whatever," Brit said. "If not for his fear of cat, I might consider chasing him," she said.
"Come on. I don't want to be late for dinner," Gina said before they entered the house.
Chapter 3:
In the Saotome's back yard a short time later...
"Ranma," Genma yelled! "I taking you back to the Tendo's boy."
"You can't make me, Pop," Ranma replied.
"Wanta bet boy," he yelled! He flung the pail of water at Ranma.
Ranma attempted to dodge but, the water still splashed him.
".....," Genma began only to stop. A male and wet Ranma stood before Genma. Genma was so stunned; he wasn't able to dodge his son's counter attack. Ranma stood there as his father pulled himself from the crater in the wall surrounding the backyard.
"Your cured?! Ranma, I demand, you tell me how you got cured," Genma said.
"How much is it worth to you," Ranma replied.
"What do you want, son," Genma replied?
"I want you to stop attempting to marry me to Akane," Ranma replied. "We've been put through enough by you two morons!"
Genma was silent a moment and said, "all right boy, what's the secret". "I don't have to keep this promise," Genma though to himself.
Ranma noticing a small smirk on Genma knew his father was lying. "All right Pop, the answer is simple". "I gotta think of something to tell the moron," Ranma thought. Ranma smiled and said, "It must have been Akane's cooking."
Genma was running for the Tendo's before Ranma had finished closing his mouth. "Sucker," Ranma said to himself as he went back inside. "That waterproof soap, I ordered from China was worth the money," he thought to himself.
Several hours later at the Tendo home....
"Are you sure, Genma? You don't look so well," Soun said in a concerned voice. "Maybe this isn't how Ranma cured himself."
"I'm fine... Soun.. Ranma is enough of a moron to believe my promise Soun," Genma muttered fighting against a upset stomach.
"Here's some more Mr. Saotome," Kasumi said cheerfully as she ladled 'food' onto his plate. "Oh my! Ryouga and Shampoo don't look so well! Are you sure they'll be okay father," she asked? The two unfortunate martial artists had both been looking for Ranma at the Tendo's, when Genma are arrived. The news of Ranma's 'cure' had quickly led to Akane cooking (shudder). Ryouga was drooling and twitching randomly. Shampoo apparently though she was a valkyrie from a German opera and was attempting to sing (in German).
Nabiki sat there watching the spectacle with growing anticipation. "Shortly I be able to overcharge for some Rolaids. "Hmm... I doubt Ranma has cured himself. He probably uses the soap to stay male. With these morons eating Akane's cooking... Everyone will be too sick to bother Ranma (except Kuno). I wonder if Ranma actually planned this? Nah.. Ranma not that smart," she thought to herself.
Akane was smiling to herself in the kitchen. "Someone finally appreciates my cooking," she said to herself.
In the shadows near the Tendo house Colonge watched the unsuspecting gathering. "So Ranma is cured!? Well if it's Akane's cooking... I'm Sailor Moon," she thought to herself.
"Princess! Thank goodness I found you," a white cat behind Colonge said. "Quickly take this brooch so you can fight the Negaverse".
Colonge smacked the cat with her cane and quickly slung the unconscious cat over her shoulder.
"I looks like, I'll be eating traditional Chinese tonight," she said to herself as she hobbled off (Sorry dear reader.. lack of sleep or satan made me do it.).
Back at the Digger's house........
"Ranma, I think, I have some leads for you," Dr. Diggers said. "I came across several possible cures for you. One is a 'Miracle Tree' at the Maskai shrine. This is the easiest to try. The second is a temple in the land of Jade. The others would be difficult if not impossible. They include a wish sword rumored to belong to a Kuno family. The legendary 'Seven Balls of the Elder Dragon', The Holy Grail, the Mage Macross the Black, and the 'Bast Amulet'."
"I already tried the wish sword, but.... The Masaki shrine sounds worth a try," Ranma said.
"Road trip," Brit yelled!
"I quess we're tagging along," Gina said. "That is if there aren't any objections," she said looking at her parents.
"Fine with me dear," Julia replied. "I'll call the shrine and ask if they have sleeping arrangements."
"Well if you two want to go," Ranma said. "How about we leave Friday? That way if it turns out to be any sign of a cure, we'll have a weekend to investigate it."
Meanwhile in the backyard....
Happi slowly raised his head over the wall surrounding the Digger's house. " Now for my silky darlings," he said to himself.
Elsewhere in the Digger grounds. Target acquired... Processing data... Unidentified target... Targeting.. Starting combat protocols...
Happosai gently lowered himself to the ground and surveyed the backyard. He gently stepped around several tripwires that stretched the perimeter of the Digger back yard. "Now where would my silky darlings be kept?" The ground exploded infront of Happi throwing him back into the wall. His landing set off two more land mines that blew the short martial artist into the wall surrounding the backyard. He slowly pried himself from the wall and noticed two sentry guns that had burst from their hiding place.
The family inside the house heard muted explosions from the backyard. "What's that," Ranma asked.
"A home security system," Gina said with pride. "I heard this area has notorious perverts, so I built a security system yesterday!"
The next morning.........
The trio entered the front gates of Furinken High School, when a familiar voice called out. "Hold vile fiend," Kuno bellowed. The kendoist left his tree and advanced on Ranma
"What now, Kuno," Ranma said.
"You will address me as upperclassman," Kuno said.
"Whatever," Ranma replied.
"You have given up your vile grasp on Akane. Now I demand you free these girls from your grasp. I saw the evil curse you put on my 'sun-haired goddess'," Kuno bellowed. Brit took the opportunity to walk up to Kuno and kneed him in the groin. No one notice the arrival of Akane in the background.
"Well that was different," Ranma said as he winced in sympathy.
"Hey Ranchan," Ukyo said as she walked up.
"Hey Uchan," Ranma said.
"You interested in seeing a movie later," Uchan asked as they approach the door of Furinken High School.
"Sure. What time," Ranma asks?
Akane, who's walking behind them being growing extremely angry. "Ranma no baka...," Akane screams as she attacks. Ranma begins to cringe. He amazed; he's conscious several seconds later. Ranma turns around and shudders. The mallet is suspended several inches from his head by a furry hand.
The furry hand belongs to Brit, who has gone 'cat'. "Akane, I believe that is uncalled for. Will you please not attack Ranma, Akane," Brit asks.
"This... This pervert... deserves it," Akane sputters with venom in her voice.
"No he doesn't, Akane," Ukyo said. "You have no right to continue hitting him. Remember Ranma might have a problem fighting girls but, I sure as hell don't." With that Ukyo grabbed Ranma's elbow as escorted him into the school.
Later at lunch four people sit under a large tree in the Furinken schoolyard...
"Brit, I forgot to thank you for helping Ranma earlier," Ukyo said.
"No problem, Ukyo," Brit said. "What was she so mad about anyway?"
"She always has a short fuse," Ukyo said. "Hasn't she, Ranma?"
Ranma looks up from the lunch, he'd been eating. "Yeah... But let's not gossip, I will not help anything."
"Ranma Saotome prepare to die!!!" With that a figure leaped over the wall of Furinken High school.
"O..," Ranma said dodging the incoming umbrella. "Hey, I'll like you to meet Ryouga."
"Ranma...," Ryouga began on to stop, when he notice three cute girls staring at him. "Uh... Hi!
I'm, Ryouga," he said.
"If you haven't heard, I ended the engagement with Akane," Ranma said.
"I.. Huh...," Ryouga said looking at him.
"No I'm not kidding. If you're willing to stop trying to kill me, I know a possible cure," Ranma said.
"You're lying," Ryouga screamed before he leapt at Ranma. Ryouga was splashed in mid-flight and caught by a hairy hand. Ranma quickly closed his eyes to avoid looking at Brit's werecheetah form.
"Oh... Isn't he cute," Brit said holding P-chan by his bandana
"Hey," Akane yelled as she stormed over. "That's my pet!"
"Really!? Here you go," she said handing the pig to Akane. Akane immediately hugged the pig tightly into her chest.
"Pardon me, Akane," Gina said. "Do you normally refer to Ryouga as a 'pet'."
"What the hell are you talking about," Akane yelled. "P-chan isn't Ryouga.
Ukyo resolved the arguement by dumping hot ramen noodles and sauce on P-chan. Leaving Akane holding a naked Ryouga.
"R.... Ry.... Ryouga?! Die," Akane screamed as she conducted a 40 hit combo with a mallet to Ryouga's skull. Akane eventually stopped pounding the unconscious Ryouga and stormed off.
"Gosh, what else could happen today," Gina asked.
A dull ringing of a bell could be heard rapidly approaching. The bike jumped the wall of Furinken High school and streaked for stunned Ranma. The front tire impacted into Ranma's skull and the rear tire landed on Brit's lunch.
"Nihao! Husband go on date now," Shampoo said.
Ranma's muffled reply was drowned out by a scream. "You dare attack a defenseless can of 'tuna'," Brit screamed!!! The onlooker notice the rear tire of the bike had smeared a can of tuna into the ground.
The next several minutes were filled with screams, curses, and the crunch of metal. Ranma kept his eyes closed through the whole process.
.An hour later at the 'Cat Cafe'.......
"Now where could Shampoo be," Colonge wondered. The door to the cafe opened and a misshapen figure stumbled into the door. Colonge raised an eyebrow at Shampoo's battered and bruised form. She was also suprised by the multiple knots someone had tied the bike in around Shampoo.
"Shampoo has got new rival," she said before passing out.
The next day at Furinken High School at lunch......
Ranma was eating lunch, when he detected an attack. "Ranma for what you did to Shampoo, prepare to die!!!" The Digger girls watched in amazement as Moose began attacking a tree nearby.
Chapter 4. Ranma's Quest: (Masaki Shrine)
Several days later Ranma and the girls return to the Digger household.
"How'd the trip turn out," Ms. Digger asked the trio?
"No help on the cure but, it did turn out to be an interesting visit," Ranma said.
"Why don't you tell me how it went," Dr. Digger said.
Ranma sat down at the kitchen table as the girl carried their bags to their rooms. "We arrived at the Masaki shrine with no problem. We met the priest, Yosho. He was kind enough to show up around the shrine and gave us directions to the 'Miracle Tree'. I spent several hours meditating under the tree following Yosho's advice, before... Well maybe I should let Brit continue," Ranma said.
Well since Ranma was doing nothing but sitting under a tree, we moved our bags in the shrine and setup our sleeping bags in a storage room. We walked into the woods and found a small clearing. Gina started to modify a MKII grenade launcher and I decided to get a tan. I didn't want tan lines and so.... And so half an hour later we heard and explosion. And the next thing I know, I see a charred figure about to crash into the ground. And so I caught him. And then... Ranma why don't you continue?"
"Well I heard the explosion and so I ran in the direction the noise was coming from. And I found your daughter and one charred and half-naked guy. This I could have dealer with but.... Two other young ladies showed up. They were apparently young for the young man and they weren't happy to see us. They yelled something about tramps and attacked us. They were tough, if they hadn't fought each other as much as us... We'd might have been in trouble.
Elsewhere.....
"Ranma Saotome prepare to die," Ryouga said. "Smack!" Ryouga stared at the figure stuck in the wall. "You're not Ranma," he said. The hairs on the back of Ryouga's neck stood up. He turned around slowly and was confronted with two girls.
"Truce," Ayeka asked?
"Truce," Ryoko replied with an evil grin?
Fadeout with the sound of Ryouga's screaming..............
Chapter 5. Ranma's Quest: (El Hazard)
"Where to begin... So what happened was.......
Ranma slowly opened his eyes and glanced around. "Hmmm.... Definitly not Nerima," Ranma said.
He glanced at the dense woods surrounding him.
"Christ! Where am I...," a voice said a short distance to his left.
Ranma turned and headed in the direction of the voice.
Ranma heard two people talking briefly but he failed to hear what they said. He suddenly stumped out of the dense ferns and into a clearing. He noticed two men staring at him. The older one was dressed in a set of sweats and needed a shave. The younger one was dressed in a school uniform.
"Uh... Hi. I'm Ranma Saotome. Do you know where we are," Ranma asked?
"I'm Makoto Mizuhara and he is Masumiji Fujisawa ," the younger one said.
"How did you get here," asked Makoto?
"Let's see... We were visit some high school so Gina could meet her pen pal," Ranma said.
"How about you Mr. Fujisawa," Makoto asked?
"Not sure, one minute I was eating, the next I was wrestling the shrubs," said the teacher as he threw his cup over his shoulder. "Guess I'll be heading back now, I'm working nights now, can't keep the campus open."
"Ya know, something seems out of place here. This might not be Japan, or even earth," said Makoto nervously.
Gee, what makes you say that Makoto?" said Ranma dryly as he emerged from the bushes with what looked like a red eel with wings in his grasp. He let it go and it flew off squawking loudly.
"Uh huh, have you two been hanging out with Haiashi of the science fiction club?" asked Fujisawa. "Well I gotta hit the road."
"And just what road will you be taking?" asked Makoto.
"What? You think I don't know," said Fujisawa defensively.
"No," replied Ranma digging through more bushes.
"Will you quit that? Who knows what you'll pull out of there!" cried Makoto. Fujisawa looked around. "You're right, I don't know," he said. "I know! I'll just ask the next person who comes along."
A strange creature emerged from the bushes and made his way across the clearing they were standing in. Makoto and Fujisawa stood in shock. "Uh, sensei? You didn't ask him," said Makoto.
"You saw him too? I thought I had the DTs. I need a cigarette," said the teacher as he fumbled for his lighter. He inhaled deeply and frowned. "A drink that'll calm my nerves," he muttered and reached for his bottle. He looked into it and gasped. "Gone! It's all gone! God I need a drink I can't live with out it! I need a drink!" he cried hysterically.
"And I though Soun's crying was annoying," muttered Ranma as he walked over to them.
Then someone screamed.
"Oh, shit! Someone else is out of alcohol!" cried Fujisawa.
Fujisawa stared at her and moved in front of the boys. His face turned completely red. "Stop looking you're too young! I know how easily you kids get stimulated."
"It's nothing I haven't seen before," commented Ranma under his breath.
"Sensei what's that?" cried Makoto.
"Do I have to blind fold you? I told you not to look," cried the man.
"No, I'm not talking about that, look," Makoto grabbed the teachers head and forcing him to look at the purple mass that was coming towards them.
"What in the hell do you think of that?" said Fujisawa.
"You run, I'll carry her," Ranma yelled.
"Come on Fujisawa," said Makoto before running.
"I'll be with you in a second," Ranma yelled. Said Ranma, who quickly threw the woman over his right shoulder and turned to face the approaching enemy. Several of the large bug things jumped at Ranma. Ranma quickly jumped backwards carrying his unconscious burden and fired off a quick chi blast at the landing figures. Several of the figures fell in smoking piles and several more were thrown into the approaching horde. Ranma quickly took a stance after landing. And the horde stopped and quickly formed ranks. "Now for the Anything Goes School of martial arts final attack," he yelled loudly. "Ready! Set! Run-away..." Ranma yelled before disappearing into the forest.
The horde stopped following. The horde then turned around and headed in the opposite direction from Ranma. "I wonder what this is all about," Ranma said before heading after Makoto and Mr. Fujisawa. He shortly reached a clearing with the two men and several other strangers. "Hey Makoto and Mr. Fujisawa, those things gave up chasing me," Ranma said as he landed next to the two figures. Uhh.. Hi," Ranma said.
A tall dark skinned man walked over to them and kneeled. "Great warrior, we are forever in your debt for saving the life of our princess. From what kingdom do you hail?" he looked at Makoto and gasped. "Incredible!" The women helped the woman they had saved to her feet and she looked at Makoto with a gaze of pure joy.
"Fatora! You're back! Where have you been? I've been so
worried about you!"
"Uh oh, I'm afraid there has been some confusion, I'm not your friend Fatora," said Makoto.
"You're not her?" said the girl in surprise.
"My name is Makoto Mizuhara."
"I can vouch for him you see he's one of my students. Oh, where are my manners? I am Masumiji Fujisawa, a teacher at Shinanome state high school. Pleased to meet you."
"And I am Ranma of the Anything Goes school of martial arts," said the other boy as he bowed politely.
"It must be fate, we were on our way to consult the Oracle this very day to learn the whereabouts of princess Fatora. Meeting you must be a sign from god," said the tall man to the little group.
"Yes," agreed the woman.
"Perhaps you two could answer something for me? Just where exactly is this place?" asked Fujisawa. "We really need to get back to school cause I'm sure some people are probably looking for us."
"No, we can't let you return without repaying you," said the man to them. "It would be an embarrassment to the royal house, please allow us to return you to the palace to reward you for your bravery."
"We can't accept rewards, it's against the martial arts code," said Ranma.
"Ah.. Ranma. We do not want to be rude to these people, lets go with them," said Makoto calmly.
"But, I have to get back I have classes to teach," said Fujisawa to them.
"I will simply not take no for an answer, come along now. I am Lanz chief servant to the royal family," said the man pulling Fujisawa along.
"But I have a job to do," insisted Fujisawa.
"Prepare the Transport at once!" cried Lanz.
Once loaded aboard the ship Ranma quickly found a comfortable niche and went to sleep. The others began a conversation nearby.
"Tell me more of this land from whence you came. I wish to know more of this kingdom," said Lanz. "Ah, I see you enjoy our wine."
"Yea this is good stuff," replied Fujisawa, already in a half-drunken state.
"But that girl, she said something about El-Hazard," said Makoto.
"The woman you rescued leads the many tribes of El-Hazard, She is Princess Rune Venus. A member of the royal family of Roshtaria, whose blood line has long ruled this land," said Lanz proudly. Ranma opened a eye and closed it shortly thereafter.
"Your friend doesn't speak much," said the man watching the Ranma carefully.
"He not really a friend. We just met today. But he did say our lives," replied Makoto glancing at Ranma.
"Whasat?" slurred Fujisawa as a light approached.
"Do not be alarmed, we approach Floristica the royal city of Roshtaria!" said Lanz dramatically as they exited the forest and the great city came into view.
"Whoa!" cried Makoto.
"This is better than a commercial," quipped Fujisawa.
"Hmm, impressive," agreed Ranma slightly opening an eyelid.
They flew over a great city with Persian architecture and great plants and gardens could be seen on many of the buildings. The air ship approached the largest building and settled in the courtyard. They were led down a hall and ran into Lanz's back as he stopped.
Fade to present....
"And so it turned out Makoto looked like the missing princess. So he eventually volunteered to impersonate the missing princess to calm the alliance members. While Makoto and Mr. Fujisawa stayed in Roshtaria, while I went to help the alliance defend it's borders against the bugrum. After several weeks I managed to capture the new bugrum military leader. He was some guy name Katsuhiko Jinnai. He was also from Earth. Without him the bugrum advance turned to a retreat. I returned to Roshtaria to find a race known as the 'Phantom Tribe' trying to unleash an ancient weapon (Eye of God). There was a short and brutal fight before we regained control of the stairway to Heaven (that controlled the Eye of God), but we were too late. The 'Phantom Tribe' succeeded in starting the ancient weapon. The weapon created rifts in the fabric of space and time destroying a large part of the surrounding area. Suddenly a new enemy appeared on the stairway. The Queen of the bugrum had release Ifurita (a demon god) from her tomb. After a brutal fight in which Lanz died, Makoto stopped Ifurita's rampage. He managed to free Ifurita from the compulsion to obey the bugrum Queen. I later learned she was the one, who sent us originally to El-Hazard. She left El-Hazard and arrived a thousand years ago in Japan. She then built a small shrine and slept for a thousand years for Makoto to awaken her. A year later on El-Hazard Makoto found a way to return to the present Earth. And so here I am," Ranma said finishing his story to the Digger family.
**Eye catches #1**
We see a SD Happosai run across the screen followed by a a male Ranma, a werecheetah, a suit of power armor, a glowing skull, a red haired barbarian swordwoman, and a patton tank.
**End eye catch**
*******************
(Ranma/GoldDigger cross)
Note: I don't own any of these characters. Please don't sue, I have no money.
The Digger families move to Japan. The Ranma, Brit, Gina are about 17 when the stories began.
Ranma timeline... after Saffron.
Gold Digger timeline... I really don't know.
Version 2.1
Chapter 1. (Since no one bothers to read intros)
Dr. Digger yawned as he tightened the belt on his bathrobe. He slowly strolled to the front door for the morning paper. The quiet morning was disturbed by a heavy thud at the front door. Dr. Diggers opened the door to an empty residential street. He then noticed an object at eye level in the doorframe to his left. The Sunday paper was firmly embedded in the wood around the door. "Hell even our newspaper delivery boy knows martial arts," Dr. Diggers said staring at a newspaper embedded into his doorframe.
Meanwhile in the back yard....
"Dull, dull, dull," Gina Digger's keep repeating to herself. She was in her family's small backyard at their new home. Her family had recently moved to Japan and her lab hadn't arrived yet. She amused herself rebuilding hand held phase array radar. Her adopted sister Britany was lounging on a towel in the sun. She sighed, "what was a seventeen year old to do in a new country." She then notices her sister retying her bikini top and then sitting up.
"What's up Brit, I thought you were going to work on your tan," Gina said.
"Something approaching quickly," Brit replied.
At that moment a dot appeared in the sky. The dot rapidly increased in size as it closed on the Digger's back yard.
"Incoming," Gina yelled before her sister grabbed her and ran her into the house.
"Ahhhhhhhh!!!!" The scream was followed by a dull thud as the object crashed into the back yard. A minute later the two girls cautiously approached the crater.
A voice could be heard barely from the crater. "Damn tomboy. I finally call off the damn engagement and she hits me. You think she'd be happy the number of times she's called off the engagement"!! The figure in the crater then stood up and began dusting himself off.
"Excuse us," Gina said in passable Japanese. "Who are you"?
A tall figure dressed in Chinese turned around and stared at the two girls. "I better apologize," he thought to himself. He said, "I'm Ranma Saotome, sorry about this". He then gave a low bow to both girls. "I'll come by later and fill the hole in if you wish".
"Dad, we've got company," Brit yelled in English.
"Would you care to come in," Gina managed to say in Japanese neverously. She had enough problems talking to guys much less talking to them in a foreign language.
Ranma briefly consider the offer and accepted (he really didn't want to listen to his father rant, when he got back). "I be delighted," Ranma replied.
Several minutes later Ranma is formally introduced to Dr. Digger, his wife (Julia)
, and the two girls. Ranma noticed Dr. Digger make a small hand movement before sitting down (Ranma could have sworn, he saw a red aura around the hand. "We just moved here from the United States," Dr. Digger began in perfect Japanese. "I'm a researcher in..... ancient lore and my wife is a skilled swordswoman. My daughter Britany is the athletic one. And Gina is the inventor. Please tell us about yourself."
"I'm Ranma Saotome of the 'Anything Goes School' of Martial Arts. I had a normal childhood until age six. My father then took me on a ten-year training mission through Asia. We returned to Japan a year ago. Since then life had been 'interesting' to say the least."
"My daughter said you landed in our back yard. How in the world did you manage that," Ms. Digger asked in perfect Japanese.
"That's a long story but.... My former fiancee hit me hard enough, that I landed in you back yard," Ranma said.
After a minute the Diggers recovered from a family face fault. "Are you sure your not exaggerating," Brit said as she stared at Ranma.
"Hmmm... I know, I will demonstrate chi," Ranma said. He laid an arm upright on the table and concentrated. The Diggers stared in amazement as a small ball of blue light appeared in Ranma's hand.
"How'd you manage that," Ms. Digger asked with sudden interest. Gina just stared in amazement at the ball of light.
"As I said. I spent my whole life training in martial arts. I learned to generate and harness chi like this," Ranma said. "My former fiancee can only channel her chi into her strength. Strength she like to use, when she got angry with me".
Dr. Digger studied the boy closely before speaking. "Ranma, do you believe in magic," he said.
Ranma laughed and the ball of chi faded. "I've seen enough magic to last me for a lifetime. I could tell you stories, you wouldn't believe," Ranma said with a smile.
"I noticed you have some magic surrounding you," the doctor said. "It almost seems like a curse".
Ranma's jaw dropped. "How'd you know?"
"As I said, I study ancient lore of many types," Dr. Digger's said. "If you don't mind. What type of curse do you have?"
"I hate to say, it's kind of embarrassing," Ranma replied nervously. "But would you know how to cure a Jusenkyo curse?"
"Jusenkyo," Dr. Master's replied. "I think, I can help you, Ranma. But I need you to keep this a secret," the doctor said.
"Sir, as long as it's nothing wrong. I'll agree," Ranma said after a minute.
Dr. Digger's raised a hand and drew a rune in red light in the air. "Hmmm...," the Doctor said. "It appears your curse will be harder to cure than expected. Have you been exposed to any other sources of magic."
"Let's see there is the 'Dragon Whisker Soup, the 'Phoenix Pill', that damn mirror of the amazons,....". Several minutes later Ranma said, "I guess that about covers the magic; I've been exposed to.
"The problem, Ranma, is the various types of magic have joined. The magic, curses, and spells have formed a weave around you. I cannot unravel easily. If I cure one without thought of the others....".
"What," Ranma asked.
"Many things could happen," Dr. Digger's replied. "Anything from changing your eye color to horribly mutating your body."
"That's bad, right," Ranma asked?
.Several hours later at the Tendo's.............
The Tendo family was sitting around the table for dinner. Soun was crying his eyes out and threating to drown the rest of the family. Genma sulked and munched on his son's portion of dinner. Akane sat there contemplating her fourth set of broken a chopstick (that was of course Ranma's fault). "Hi, sorry I'm late!" Ranma said as he landed in the back yard.
Genma and Soun immediately jumped to their feet and charged the boy. "You will apologize for what you said to Akane," Genma yelled. "You'll marry, Akane," Soun yelled.
Ranma smiled and became a red blur of movement charging at the men.
.Several seconds later....
Ranma dusted his shirt off as he walked causally past the two unconscious men. Akane taking the excuse raised her mallet as she charged Ranma. "How dare you attack my father," she screamed winding up with the mallet. Ranma jumped over the charging girl to and continued into the house. Akane unexpecting the turn of events tripped and created a trench in the ground with her head.
Akane regained consciousness and overheard the conversation from inside. "You realize, you hurt Akane, don't you Ranma!" Nabiki said with venom in her voice.
"I don't see why you care Nabiki," Ranma replied eating. "I'm just a finical burden to you and a unwanted pain in the ass to your sister. You'll both be happier without me."
"You better not plan on staying here," Nabiki said. "Because my father will... !"
"Nope! I'm leaving tonight and going home," Ranma said cheerfully. "You might as well stop acting so hurt. The only downside to this is your losing a source of income." With that Ranma ran upstairs and began packing his clothes.
Akane stumbled crying into the house and was quickly hugged by Kasumi. After several minutes the girls heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Akane quickly disentangled herself from her sister and headed for the stairs.
Akane attempted to slap Ranma, who deftly avoided the attack and held Akane in a tight hug. He then leaned close to Akane's ear and whispered quietly. "Akane, It's for the best that, I go. It would never work out." He then whispered almost too quietly to hear, "I realized, I don't love you. I can admit that now, we'd never be happy together." He kissed her on her left cheek and let her go. He then turned and walked into the den. Akane stood there stunned, unable to follow Ranma. He then underarm a small bundle of yen and said, "that what I owe you, Nabiki". He then turned to Kasumi and bowed and said, "it has been an honor staying at your home. I just wish, I was leaving on better circumstances. He said over his shoulder as he left, "goodbye... I'll miss you all"!
Chapter 2:
Ranma stood in front of a door gathering his courage. He then raised a hand and was about to knock, when the door opened. "Ranma, what are you doing here," Nodoka asked?
"I have ended my engagement with Akane and I'd like to return home," Ranma said.
"Oh my! You better come in so we can talk about this," Nodoka said.
.Several minutes later in the Nodoka's den....
"Ranma, tell me what happened, but first. Where is your father," Nodoka asked?
"Genma is unconscious at the Tendo's," Ranma said. "He doesn't even know, I'm here. But the reason I ended the engagement is complex. I've spent some time since my fight with Saffron thinking. I realized, I don't love Akane. We have some things in common but.... I realized, I've come to hate her. I once heard a saying in China, 'that which one hates most is often that which one once loved'. We had our moments but.... Not enough to build a relationship on," he said in a tired voice.
"That's your decision Ranma," Nodoka replied. "But have you considered you other fiancees," she asked.
"Well.... I not really interested in them either," he finally said.
The next morning at the Digger's house...
Gina opened the front door of the house and ran into Ranma. "Hi guys," Ranma said.
"Well hello, Ranma," Ms. Digger said as she approached the door. "What are you doing here," she asked.
"I thought, I would walk your daughters to school," Ranma replied. "You are both going to Furinken High School," he said to Gina and Brit.
"Yeah.... that's right," Gina managed to stammer.
"Well, we better get going," Ranma said to the girls.
Several minutes later the trio was on their way to school.
The quiet morning was broken by a barely audible 'ring.. ring' Ranma didn't even bother turning to the origin of the sound. He rolled to once side, barely avoiding an incoming projectile. Shampoo failing to connect to Ranma's skull landed face forward, when her bike flipped. Ranma turned to the two girls and said, "we should keep going or will be late for school."
"Should we leave her," Gina said as she looked at the unconscious girl.
"Shampoo, she'll be fine," Ranma said. "I've seen her take worse hits. And anyway Moose is here to take care of her," he continued. "Hey Moose, you should probably take her home!"
A tall figure in robes stepped out from a nearby alley. "I'll fight you later, Ranma," Moose said as he picked up the unconscious girl.
"So does that happen often around here," Gina said looking at the twisted metal frame of the bike.
"All the time," Ranma said as he continued walking. Several minutes later the trio entered Furinken High School.
"Hold scolderal," Kuno yelled. He raised his bokken and took a stance. "It has come to my attention, that you made, Akane Tendo cry!"
Ranma smiled to himself and thought, "now to release some stress"! Ranma smiled and said, "my relationship to Akane Tendo is not your concern, Kuno!"
"You dare! Have at thee," Kuno yelled as he charged.
Gina and Brit watched as Ranma closed on Kuno. The next few minutes Ranma spent bouncing Kuno of trees, walls, and the ground. Ranma left the battered form of Kuno. He turned to the girls and said, "we better get moving or will be late!"
Later at lunch....
The day had been agonizing for Ranma. He was now sitting under a tree by himself to get away from his classmates. His classmate asked about his relationship to the Digger sisters. There were also the questions about Akane.
"Hey! Ranma," Brit yelled as the two sisters walked to where Ranma was sitting.
"O! Hey...," Ranma replied looking up at the two girls.
"What's the matter? You look really depressed," Brit said.
"It's... nothing," Ranma said.
Gina decided to change to subject asked, "what's with the guy this morning".
"Kuno?!" Ranma smiled, "now that's a story." He then describes Kuno's relationship to Akane.
"You sure, you're not exaggerating," Brit asked?
"Hard to believe? I'll admit, I dislike him. But the story is the truth. Kuno will probably arrive in a few minutes to attack me. He tries every lunch," Ranma said with a smile.
"Hold vile sorcerer," Kuno yelled as he strode to the trio's location. "Are your conquest not enough, you enemy of women!! I shall deliver you to justice," Kuno yelled!
"I think, I understand now," Brit said listening to the kendoist bellowing.
Further ranting was ended when Soun and Genma literally landed on Kuno. "We are here to punish you, son," Genma yelled! "You will marry Akane and carry on the 'Anything Goes School of martial arts'," Soun yelled.
"No," Ranma said. He quickly packed up the meager leftovers from lunch (Yes, leftovers. He's been talking).
"You brought this on yourself," Genma yelled as he charged Ranma. He charge was abruptly ended as Ranma connected a foot to his face. Soun ignored Genma's flying body as began concentrating.
A red hue surrounded Soun and he launched a Tendo special of the 'Anything Goes School'. His massive 'demon head' threatened to intimidate even Ranma with it's horror factor.
No one noticed Brit's eye grew large with fear. Few people heard her scream. People did notice several seconds later a large (and shapely) figure charge Soun. The large eye of the demon head barely blinked before a fur cover hand hit the figure right between the eyes.
Ranma was the only figure, who saw the attack clearly. His eyes were wide in terror as he watched deliver forty punches to the 'demon head'. His terror increased after Soun collapsed and the figure ran towards him.
"What's with Ranma," Brit asked her sister.
"He didn't know about your ability," Gina answered. "He's also afraid of cats and now seems to be in shock!"
Ranma stood there stammering quietly and staring at Gina. Gina grabbed him by his shoulders and tried to shake him out of it. "Ranma, calm down. It's me, Brit," she said.
Ranma's poor mind gave up at this point and his body relaxed in her grip. The few remaining spectators felt with dread what was coming up. Gina and Brit stood in disbelief at Ranma.
"Meow..," a loud noise sounded from Ranma. Gina released Ranma and he settled on his haunches. He then began licking his arm like a cat.
"Any ideas, sis," Brit said to her sister. Her sister silently shook her head.
A girl slowly approached the trio. Ranma turned to face the girl. "Meow?!"
She sat down and extended a hand to Ranma. "Ranma. Here kitty," the girl called. Ranma walked on all fours slowly toward the girl. When he was about ten feet away, he stopped and meowed again. He then slowly turned and returned to the Digger sisters. He then jumped at Brit. Brit's reflexes allow her to catch Ranma before he impacted.
Brit stared in amazement at the bundle of purring flesh in her lap. "Can anyone tell me what's going on," she said in a stunned voice.
The girl, who had called to Ranma earlier now, approached. "It's the 'Cat Fist Training'! His father threw him repeatedly into a pit of staring cats at age six. He now deals with his fear of cats in this way," she said.
"You are," Gina asked?
"Ukyo," she replied. "And you are?"
"Gina and Britany Diggers." She then turned to her bundle and said, "well at least he's not violent," Brit said. "He's acting like a harmless kitten," she said.
"Only if he likes you," Ukyo said. Kuno took that moment to regain his feet on the other side of the schoolyard. Ranma opened one eye and swiped a hand in the air.
Brit and Gina watched in amazement as Kuno's body was flung thirty feet before landing. "I see what you mean," Gina said.
"I'll be right back," Ukyo said. A minute later she returned with a bucket. She stared at Brit for a moment (who had returned human). "How do you do that," she asked.
"I'll explain later," Brit said.
"Hold still," Ukyo said as she poured water on Ranma (and Brit).
"Welcome back Ranma," Akane said dropping the bucket.
"What the hell.....," Ranma said as he jumped up. "Oh.. It's you, Akane," Ranma said.
"Ranma," the Digger girls replied staring at the now female figure?!
"Yeah, it's me," Ranma said. "It put it simply this is my cursed form. My body changes but, my emotions and thoughts remain the same."
"I think its kewl," Brit said. "You wanta go clothes shopping at the mall."
"What," Ranma asked in shock?!
"Well with a body like that, you really should show it off," Brit said.
.Several hours later...
Ranma was spared the embarrassment/torture of clothes shopping with the Digger girls. They stopped by an ice-cream parlor and sent several hours talking. The group had discussed the 'Cat Fist' and his curse by the time they arrived at the Digger home. Gina also had explained her shapeshifting. Once they arrived at the Digger house, Ranma excused himself and quickly left the group.
"So what do you think of Nerima," Brit asked?
"I don't know yet," Gina said. "But I doubt it'll be dull."
"So what do you thinks of Ranma," Brit asked?
"I do know... He's rough around the edges but seems a nice guy."
"Really I thought you might be falling for him," Brit said mockingly.
"It's not like that... He's a nice guy and all, but he's not my type," Gina said.
"Whatever," Brit said. "If not for his fear of cat, I might consider chasing him," she said.
"Come on. I don't want to be late for dinner," Gina said before they entered the house.
Chapter 3:
In the Saotome's back yard a short time later...
"Ranma," Genma yelled! "I taking you back to the Tendo's boy."
"You can't make me, Pop," Ranma replied.
"Wanta bet boy," he yelled! He flung the pail of water at Ranma.
Ranma attempted to dodge but, the water still splashed him.
".....," Genma began only to stop. A male and wet Ranma stood before Genma. Genma was so stunned; he wasn't able to dodge his son's counter attack. Ranma stood there as his father pulled himself from the crater in the wall surrounding the backyard.
"Your cured?! Ranma, I demand, you tell me how you got cured," Genma said.
"How much is it worth to you," Ranma replied.
"What do you want, son," Genma replied?
"I want you to stop attempting to marry me to Akane," Ranma replied. "We've been put through enough by you two morons!"
Genma was silent a moment and said, "all right boy, what's the secret". "I don't have to keep this promise," Genma though to himself.
Ranma noticing a small smirk on Genma knew his father was lying. "All right Pop, the answer is simple". "I gotta think of something to tell the moron," Ranma thought. Ranma smiled and said, "It must have been Akane's cooking."
Genma was running for the Tendo's before Ranma had finished closing his mouth. "Sucker," Ranma said to himself as he went back inside. "That waterproof soap, I ordered from China was worth the money," he thought to himself.
Several hours later at the Tendo home....
"Are you sure, Genma? You don't look so well," Soun said in a concerned voice. "Maybe this isn't how Ranma cured himself."
"I'm fine... Soun.. Ranma is enough of a moron to believe my promise Soun," Genma muttered fighting against a upset stomach.
"Here's some more Mr. Saotome," Kasumi said cheerfully as she ladled 'food' onto his plate. "Oh my! Ryouga and Shampoo don't look so well! Are you sure they'll be okay father," she asked? The two unfortunate martial artists had both been looking for Ranma at the Tendo's, when Genma are arrived. The news of Ranma's 'cure' had quickly led to Akane cooking (shudder). Ryouga was drooling and twitching randomly. Shampoo apparently though she was a valkyrie from a German opera and was attempting to sing (in German).
Nabiki sat there watching the spectacle with growing anticipation. "Shortly I be able to overcharge for some Rolaids. "Hmm... I doubt Ranma has cured himself. He probably uses the soap to stay male. With these morons eating Akane's cooking... Everyone will be too sick to bother Ranma (except Kuno). I wonder if Ranma actually planned this? Nah.. Ranma not that smart," she thought to herself.
Akane was smiling to herself in the kitchen. "Someone finally appreciates my cooking," she said to herself.
In the shadows near the Tendo house Colonge watched the unsuspecting gathering. "So Ranma is cured!? Well if it's Akane's cooking... I'm Sailor Moon," she thought to herself.
"Princess! Thank goodness I found you," a white cat behind Colonge said. "Quickly take this brooch so you can fight the Negaverse".
Colonge smacked the cat with her cane and quickly slung the unconscious cat over her shoulder.
"I looks like, I'll be eating traditional Chinese tonight," she said to herself as she hobbled off (Sorry dear reader.. lack of sleep or satan made me do it.).
Back at the Digger's house........
"Ranma, I think, I have some leads for you," Dr. Diggers said. "I came across several possible cures for you. One is a 'Miracle Tree' at the Maskai shrine. This is the easiest to try. The second is a temple in the land of Jade. The others would be difficult if not impossible. They include a wish sword rumored to belong to a Kuno family. The legendary 'Seven Balls of the Elder Dragon', The Holy Grail, the Mage Macross the Black, and the 'Bast Amulet'."
"I already tried the wish sword, but.... The Masaki shrine sounds worth a try," Ranma said.
"Road trip," Brit yelled!
"I quess we're tagging along," Gina said. "That is if there aren't any objections," she said looking at her parents.
"Fine with me dear," Julia replied. "I'll call the shrine and ask if they have sleeping arrangements."
"Well if you two want to go," Ranma said. "How about we leave Friday? That way if it turns out to be any sign of a cure, we'll have a weekend to investigate it."
Meanwhile in the backyard....
Happi slowly raised his head over the wall surrounding the Digger's house. " Now for my silky darlings," he said to himself.
Elsewhere in the Digger grounds. Target acquired... Processing data... Unidentified target... Targeting.. Starting combat protocols...
Happosai gently lowered himself to the ground and surveyed the backyard. He gently stepped around several tripwires that stretched the perimeter of the Digger back yard. "Now where would my silky darlings be kept?" The ground exploded infront of Happi throwing him back into the wall. His landing set off two more land mines that blew the short martial artist into the wall surrounding the backyard. He slowly pried himself from the wall and noticed two sentry guns that had burst from their hiding place.
The family inside the house heard muted explosions from the backyard. "What's that," Ranma asked.
"A home security system," Gina said with pride. "I heard this area has notorious perverts, so I built a security system yesterday!"
The next morning.........
The trio entered the front gates of Furinken High School, when a familiar voice called out. "Hold vile fiend," Kuno bellowed. The kendoist left his tree and advanced on Ranma
"What now, Kuno," Ranma said.
"You will address me as upperclassman," Kuno said.
"Whatever," Ranma replied.
"You have given up your vile grasp on Akane. Now I demand you free these girls from your grasp. I saw the evil curse you put on my 'sun-haired goddess'," Kuno bellowed. Brit took the opportunity to walk up to Kuno and kneed him in the groin. No one notice the arrival of Akane in the background.
"Well that was different," Ranma said as he winced in sympathy.
"Hey Ranchan," Ukyo said as she walked up.
"Hey Uchan," Ranma said.
"You interested in seeing a movie later," Uchan asked as they approach the door of Furinken High School.
"Sure. What time," Ranma asks?
Akane, who's walking behind them being growing extremely angry. "Ranma no baka...," Akane screams as she attacks. Ranma begins to cringe. He amazed; he's conscious several seconds later. Ranma turns around and shudders. The mallet is suspended several inches from his head by a furry hand.
The furry hand belongs to Brit, who has gone 'cat'. "Akane, I believe that is uncalled for. Will you please not attack Ranma, Akane," Brit asks.
"This... This pervert... deserves it," Akane sputters with venom in her voice.
"No he doesn't, Akane," Ukyo said. "You have no right to continue hitting him. Remember Ranma might have a problem fighting girls but, I sure as hell don't." With that Ukyo grabbed Ranma's elbow as escorted him into the school.
Later at lunch four people sit under a large tree in the Furinken schoolyard...
"Brit, I forgot to thank you for helping Ranma earlier," Ukyo said.
"No problem, Ukyo," Brit said. "What was she so mad about anyway?"
"She always has a short fuse," Ukyo said. "Hasn't she, Ranma?"
Ranma looks up from the lunch, he'd been eating. "Yeah... But let's not gossip, I will not help anything."
"Ranma Saotome prepare to die!!!" With that a figure leaped over the wall of Furinken High school.
"O..," Ranma said dodging the incoming umbrella. "Hey, I'll like you to meet Ryouga."
"Ranma...," Ryouga began on to stop, when he notice three cute girls staring at him. "Uh... Hi!
I'm, Ryouga," he said.
"If you haven't heard, I ended the engagement with Akane," Ranma said.
"I.. Huh...," Ryouga said looking at him.
"No I'm not kidding. If you're willing to stop trying to kill me, I know a possible cure," Ranma said.
"You're lying," Ryouga screamed before he leapt at Ranma. Ryouga was splashed in mid-flight and caught by a hairy hand. Ranma quickly closed his eyes to avoid looking at Brit's werecheetah form.
"Oh... Isn't he cute," Brit said holding P-chan by his bandana
"Hey," Akane yelled as she stormed over. "That's my pet!"
"Really!? Here you go," she said handing the pig to Akane. Akane immediately hugged the pig tightly into her chest.
"Pardon me, Akane," Gina said. "Do you normally refer to Ryouga as a 'pet'."
"What the hell are you talking about," Akane yelled. "P-chan isn't Ryouga.
Ukyo resolved the arguement by dumping hot ramen noodles and sauce on P-chan. Leaving Akane holding a naked Ryouga.
"R.... Ry.... Ryouga?! Die," Akane screamed as she conducted a 40 hit combo with a mallet to Ryouga's skull. Akane eventually stopped pounding the unconscious Ryouga and stormed off.
"Gosh, what else could happen today," Gina asked.
A dull ringing of a bell could be heard rapidly approaching. The bike jumped the wall of Furinken High school and streaked for stunned Ranma. The front tire impacted into Ranma's skull and the rear tire landed on Brit's lunch.
"Nihao! Husband go on date now," Shampoo said.
Ranma's muffled reply was drowned out by a scream. "You dare attack a defenseless can of 'tuna'," Brit screamed!!! The onlooker notice the rear tire of the bike had smeared a can of tuna into the ground.
The next several minutes were filled with screams, curses, and the crunch of metal. Ranma kept his eyes closed through the whole process.
.An hour later at the 'Cat Cafe'.......
"Now where could Shampoo be," Colonge wondered. The door to the cafe opened and a misshapen figure stumbled into the door. Colonge raised an eyebrow at Shampoo's battered and bruised form. She was also suprised by the multiple knots someone had tied the bike in around Shampoo.
"Shampoo has got new rival," she said before passing out.
The next day at Furinken High School at lunch......
Ranma was eating lunch, when he detected an attack. "Ranma for what you did to Shampoo, prepare to die!!!" The Digger girls watched in amazement as Moose began attacking a tree nearby.
Chapter 4. Ranma's Quest: (Masaki Shrine)
Several days later Ranma and the girls return to the Digger household.
"How'd the trip turn out," Ms. Digger asked the trio?
"No help on the cure but, it did turn out to be an interesting visit," Ranma said.
"Why don't you tell me how it went," Dr. Digger said.
Ranma sat down at the kitchen table as the girl carried their bags to their rooms. "We arrived at the Masaki shrine with no problem. We met the priest, Yosho. He was kind enough to show up around the shrine and gave us directions to the 'Miracle Tree'. I spent several hours meditating under the tree following Yosho's advice, before... Well maybe I should let Brit continue," Ranma said.
Well since Ranma was doing nothing but sitting under a tree, we moved our bags in the shrine and setup our sleeping bags in a storage room. We walked into the woods and found a small clearing. Gina started to modify a MKII grenade launcher and I decided to get a tan. I didn't want tan lines and so.... And so half an hour later we heard and explosion. And the next thing I know, I see a charred figure about to crash into the ground. And so I caught him. And then... Ranma why don't you continue?"
"Well I heard the explosion and so I ran in the direction the noise was coming from. And I found your daughter and one charred and half-naked guy. This I could have dealer with but.... Two other young ladies showed up. They were apparently young for the young man and they weren't happy to see us. They yelled something about tramps and attacked us. They were tough, if they hadn't fought each other as much as us... We'd might have been in trouble.
Elsewhere.....
"Ranma Saotome prepare to die," Ryouga said. "Smack!" Ryouga stared at the figure stuck in the wall. "You're not Ranma," he said. The hairs on the back of Ryouga's neck stood up. He turned around slowly and was confronted with two girls.
"Truce," Ayeka asked?
"Truce," Ryoko replied with an evil grin?
Fadeout with the sound of Ryouga's screaming..............
Chapter 5. Ranma's Quest: (El Hazard)
"Where to begin... So what happened was.......
Ranma slowly opened his eyes and glanced around. "Hmmm.... Definitly not Nerima," Ranma said.
He glanced at the dense woods surrounding him.
"Christ! Where am I...," a voice said a short distance to his left.
Ranma turned and headed in the direction of the voice.
Ranma heard two people talking briefly but he failed to hear what they said. He suddenly stumped out of the dense ferns and into a clearing. He noticed two men staring at him. The older one was dressed in a set of sweats and needed a shave. The younger one was dressed in a school uniform.
"Uh... Hi. I'm Ranma Saotome. Do you know where we are," Ranma asked?
"I'm Makoto Mizuhara and he is Masumiji Fujisawa ," the younger one said.
"How did you get here," asked Makoto?
"Let's see... We were visit some high school so Gina could meet her pen pal," Ranma said.
"How about you Mr. Fujisawa," Makoto asked?
"Not sure, one minute I was eating, the next I was wrestling the shrubs," said the teacher as he threw his cup over his shoulder. "Guess I'll be heading back now, I'm working nights now, can't keep the campus open."
"Ya know, something seems out of place here. This might not be Japan, or even earth," said Makoto nervously.
Gee, what makes you say that Makoto?" said Ranma dryly as he emerged from the bushes with what looked like a red eel with wings in his grasp. He let it go and it flew off squawking loudly.
"Uh huh, have you two been hanging out with Haiashi of the science fiction club?" asked Fujisawa. "Well I gotta hit the road."
"And just what road will you be taking?" asked Makoto.
"What? You think I don't know," said Fujisawa defensively.
"No," replied Ranma digging through more bushes.
"Will you quit that? Who knows what you'll pull out of there!" cried Makoto. Fujisawa looked around. "You're right, I don't know," he said. "I know! I'll just ask the next person who comes along."
A strange creature emerged from the bushes and made his way across the clearing they were standing in. Makoto and Fujisawa stood in shock. "Uh, sensei? You didn't ask him," said Makoto.
"You saw him too? I thought I had the DTs. I need a cigarette," said the teacher as he fumbled for his lighter. He inhaled deeply and frowned. "A drink that'll calm my nerves," he muttered and reached for his bottle. He looked into it and gasped. "Gone! It's all gone! God I need a drink I can't live with out it! I need a drink!" he cried hysterically.
"And I though Soun's crying was annoying," muttered Ranma as he walked over to them.
Then someone screamed.
"Oh, shit! Someone else is out of alcohol!" cried Fujisawa.
Fujisawa stared at her and moved in front of the boys. His face turned completely red. "Stop looking you're too young! I know how easily you kids get stimulated."
"It's nothing I haven't seen before," commented Ranma under his breath.
"Sensei what's that?" cried Makoto.
"Do I have to blind fold you? I told you not to look," cried the man.
"No, I'm not talking about that, look," Makoto grabbed the teachers head and forcing him to look at the purple mass that was coming towards them.
"What in the hell do you think of that?" said Fujisawa.
"You run, I'll carry her," Ranma yelled.
"Come on Fujisawa," said Makoto before running.
"I'll be with you in a second," Ranma yelled. Said Ranma, who quickly threw the woman over his right shoulder and turned to face the approaching enemy. Several of the large bug things jumped at Ranma. Ranma quickly jumped backwards carrying his unconscious burden and fired off a quick chi blast at the landing figures. Several of the figures fell in smoking piles and several more were thrown into the approaching horde. Ranma quickly took a stance after landing. And the horde stopped and quickly formed ranks. "Now for the Anything Goes School of martial arts final attack," he yelled loudly. "Ready! Set! Run-away..." Ranma yelled before disappearing into the forest.
The horde stopped following. The horde then turned around and headed in the opposite direction from Ranma. "I wonder what this is all about," Ranma said before heading after Makoto and Mr. Fujisawa. He shortly reached a clearing with the two men and several other strangers. "Hey Makoto and Mr. Fujisawa, those things gave up chasing me," Ranma said as he landed next to the two figures. Uhh.. Hi," Ranma said.
A tall dark skinned man walked over to them and kneeled. "Great warrior, we are forever in your debt for saving the life of our princess. From what kingdom do you hail?" he looked at Makoto and gasped. "Incredible!" The women helped the woman they had saved to her feet and she looked at Makoto with a gaze of pure joy.
"Fatora! You're back! Where have you been? I've been so
worried about you!"
"Uh oh, I'm afraid there has been some confusion, I'm not your friend Fatora," said Makoto.
"You're not her?" said the girl in surprise.
"My name is Makoto Mizuhara."
"I can vouch for him you see he's one of my students. Oh, where are my manners? I am Masumiji Fujisawa, a teacher at Shinanome state high school. Pleased to meet you."
"And I am Ranma of the Anything Goes school of martial arts," said the other boy as he bowed politely.
"It must be fate, we were on our way to consult the Oracle this very day to learn the whereabouts of princess Fatora. Meeting you must be a sign from god," said the tall man to the little group.
"Yes," agreed the woman.
"Perhaps you two could answer something for me? Just where exactly is this place?" asked Fujisawa. "We really need to get back to school cause I'm sure some people are probably looking for us."
"No, we can't let you return without repaying you," said the man to them. "It would be an embarrassment to the royal house, please allow us to return you to the palace to reward you for your bravery."
"We can't accept rewards, it's against the martial arts code," said Ranma.
"Ah.. Ranma. We do not want to be rude to these people, lets go with them," said Makoto calmly.
"But, I have to get back I have classes to teach," said Fujisawa to them.
"I will simply not take no for an answer, come along now. I am Lanz chief servant to the royal family," said the man pulling Fujisawa along.
"But I have a job to do," insisted Fujisawa.
"Prepare the Transport at once!" cried Lanz.
Once loaded aboard the ship Ranma quickly found a comfortable niche and went to sleep. The others began a conversation nearby.
"Tell me more of this land from whence you came. I wish to know more of this kingdom," said Lanz. "Ah, I see you enjoy our wine."
"Yea this is good stuff," replied Fujisawa, already in a half-drunken state.
"But that girl, she said something about El-Hazard," said Makoto.
"The woman you rescued leads the many tribes of El-Hazard, She is Princess Rune Venus. A member of the royal family of Roshtaria, whose blood line has long ruled this land," said Lanz proudly. Ranma opened a eye and closed it shortly thereafter.
"Your friend doesn't speak much," said the man watching the Ranma carefully.
"He not really a friend. We just met today. But he did say our lives," replied Makoto glancing at Ranma.
"Whasat?" slurred Fujisawa as a light approached.
"Do not be alarmed, we approach Floristica the royal city of Roshtaria!" said Lanz dramatically as they exited the forest and the great city came into view.
"Whoa!" cried Makoto.
"This is better than a commercial," quipped Fujisawa.
"Hmm, impressive," agreed Ranma slightly opening an eyelid.
They flew over a great city with Persian architecture and great plants and gardens could be seen on many of the buildings. The air ship approached the largest building and settled in the courtyard. They were led down a hall and ran into Lanz's back as he stopped.
Fade to present....
"And so it turned out Makoto looked like the missing princess. So he eventually volunteered to impersonate the missing princess to calm the alliance members. While Makoto and Mr. Fujisawa stayed in Roshtaria, while I went to help the alliance defend it's borders against the bugrum. After several weeks I managed to capture the new bugrum military leader. He was some guy name Katsuhiko Jinnai. He was also from Earth. Without him the bugrum advance turned to a retreat. I returned to Roshtaria to find a race known as the 'Phantom Tribe' trying to unleash an ancient weapon (Eye of God). There was a short and brutal fight before we regained control of the stairway to Heaven (that controlled the Eye of God), but we were too late. The 'Phantom Tribe' succeeded in starting the ancient weapon. The weapon created rifts in the fabric of space and time destroying a large part of the surrounding area. Suddenly a new enemy appeared on the stairway. The Queen of the bugrum had release Ifurita (a demon god) from her tomb. After a brutal fight in which Lanz died, Makoto stopped Ifurita's rampage. He managed to free Ifurita from the compulsion to obey the bugrum Queen. I later learned she was the one, who sent us originally to El-Hazard. She left El-Hazard and arrived a thousand years ago in Japan. She then built a small shrine and slept for a thousand years for Makoto to awaken her. A year later on El-Hazard Makoto found a way to return to the present Earth. And so here I am," Ranma said finishing his story to the Digger family.
**Eye catches #1**
We see a SD Happosai run across the screen followed by a a male Ranma, a werecheetah, a suit of power armor, a glowing skull, a red haired barbarian swordwoman, and a patton tank.
**End eye catch**
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