Chapter Three: You'd be Surprised!
After dinner, and a lengthy talk, the Candidates returned to their rooms.
Roose scooped Yamagi into his arms, nuzzling his neck. "Chibi-chan, you don't have to be scared. I don't bite."
Yamagi looked at his roommate, shaking his head. {I've never seen you like this, man.}
Roose smiled. "I'm still me, Chibi. Let's just say---I feel alive." He chuckled, kissing Yamagi's cheek. "Tell me, does it freak you out that I can turn into a wolf, or that I'm in love with you?"
"Both."
"So if you're not in love with me, just say so." {Or can you, Panda-chan?}
"This is all uncharted territory for me," Yamagi whispered, as Roose peppered his face and neck with sharp kisses.
"So let's enjoy the journey," Roose said, claiming his roommate's mouth.
In the other room, Zero, Clay, and Hiead got ready for bed.
"You think this guide's on the level?" Hiead asked. "Seemed to me like a right crackpot."
"Crackpots," replied Clay, "don't know about this region."
"I dunno," Zero said. "Remember that martial artist who brought his son here to train? He didn't know a word of Chinese. He just dragged the kid on a wild goose chase."
"And tell me, Enna," Hiead shot back, "what good your reading of the calligraphy did for us! I have to learn how to wear a bra now, thanks to you."
"Not so long as you avoid cold water," Clay piped up. "And believe you me, the prospect of being a tiger does not warm my heart." He climbed into bed, pulling up the covers.
"Well, you'll always be our little love cat," Zero yawned, as he got into his bed. "Night, guys."
Clay's eyes glowed in the dim light. "I am not a 'love cat,' Zero!"
Hiead snickered. "He told you where to stick it."
Clay hissed, "Gner, I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you."
Hiead reclined, turning to a side. Damn stupid Enna. Stupid wormhole, stupid Jusenkyo, stupid curses---screw this, I'm leaving!
He waited until the others fell asleep, and made a satchel with his clothing. He gave a last look, and took off.
Clay woke up, five minutes later. "Zero!"
"Yeah?" Zero replied, a little groggy.
"Hiead's not here."
"Is that all? So Hiead's flown the coop, no big deal, let's get some sleep." Realization flooded his senses, and he shot out of bed. "Hiead, you bastard! What in effing hell are you trying to do?" The two candidates bolted from the room, and began searching.
Thunder rumbled, and a heavy downpour drenched Zero and Clay.
Zero-ryu roared. {Clay no baka! Remind me to kill you when we find Gner!}
Clay-tora snarled in reply. {Shut up and search! You take the air, and I'll cover the grounds. He can't have gotten far.}
Zero-ryu took to the sky, wings beating against the storm. {Come out, come out, wherever you are. Clay and I promise to buy you a nice new dress.}
Hiead, meanwhile, had scrambled into a cave, cut into a low gorge. The chilling rain had soaked the boy-turned-girl, who sat on the muddy ground, shivering. Hey, Mother Kali, if you're laughing while I take my karmic comeuppance, let me just say: up yours! Hiead-chan raised both hands, index and middle fingers crooked, in a parody of the peace sign. Bet she's having a wonderful time making me suffer. Allecto, if you could see me now. Silly girl would be laughing her ass off. And then she'd probably make me wear some awful pink, frilly nightie, and join the other Repairers at a slumber party. Good god, I'd rather snog Enna. Wait a minute---did I say, "snog Enna"? I must be delirious! I'm a boy. Well, I will be, soon as I can get into a hot bath.
She relaxed, a low chuckle escaping her lips. Doesn't look like I'm going anywhere at this time.
A low rumble interrupted her train of thought. {Yes you are. You're coming with us, mademoiselle!}
Hiead-chan looked at the entrance to the cave. Clay-tora stood there, fur damp and muddy, a paw digging into the dirt.
"So where's Enna?" she asked. The tiger turned, craning up, giving a yelp. {She's over here, Zero! Come get us.}
Zero-ryu answered with a bellow. {On my way!} The dragon landed, extending dark wings.
Hiead-chan and Clay-tora scrambled onto the dragon's back.
Clay-tora gave a low rumble. {Contact?}
{Contact, Clay-sama!}
{Take off.} The dragon flew up, through the rain, back toward the inn.
The rain began to taper off; stars began to peek out from behind the clouds.
Zero-ryu sighed, plumes of flame escaping his nostrils. {What a view.}
"Lovely," Hiead-chan quipped. "Keep moving."
The three returned to the inn, under a clear night sky. Hiead-chan jumped from the dragon's back, shivering.
Running to the baths, he filled a bucket with hot water, and upended it. Clay made a similar dash, throwing himself into the heated pool.
"It's not like he did this for fun, you know," Clay snarled.
"He's a big boy. And I don't have to hear him yammer," Hiead replied.
"Maybe we should have left you to the elements, Gner."
"Maybe."
Zero-ryu snorted, curling up. Moonlight glistened off his scales, softening the red and gold.
Hiead sighed, filling the bucket again. "Fine," he muttered, splashing the dragon.
A naked Zero made his way to the bath, joining Clay in a late-night soak.
{And you don't even bother to thank me, Enna?}
{Hey, when you thank us for saving you from pneumonia---I'll think about it.}
Hiead walked inside, stripping down and sitting in the pool with the others.
Zero turned his head to the side, thankful for the distance between the silver-haired boy and himself. Stubborn jerk! Does he not care that he could have gotten killed out there? No, wait. He'd polish off any would- be assailant without a second thought. Hannibal Lecter would be proud. He sank deeper into the water, taking a deep breath. Too much tension, Enna. Relax. You'll be back in bed, with Hiead, in no time---hold it! What the hell kind of thought is that? Hiead is going to his bed, and you are going to sleep in yours. You're riding an adrenaline high. Get a grip. Not that kind of grip, you horndog. Think about the lunch line at GOA---week-old laundry---Kizna chucking a blancmange at your head!
Hiead leaned back, closing his eyes. This is my worst nightmare. Stuck in a hot pool with the brat and the brainiac. Take me now, Mother Kali.
Clay stole glances at his two roommates and groaned. Could somebody just lock these two in a room, where they can just pound each other senseless? I don't know if they want to kill each other, or shag like minks in heat--- and I think I'll be happy if I never work that out. He heard a faint crackle, and snapped to attention.
Hiead and Zero leaped out of the pool, darting to the door.
Zero stood on one side, Hiead on the other.
A light nod, and both stood, waiting, as the sound drew nearer.
Clay crept out of the water, padding across the floor, sniffing at the air. Zero narrowed his eyes, picking up a scent.
"You catch that?" Zero hissed, glancing at Clay. "We've got company."
"Yes, and they smell of sex," Clay replied, chuckling. "You suppose Roose and Yamagi decided to wash up?"
"Excuse me," Hiead interrupted. "How in hell do you two know it's them?"
Zero's lips curved up. "How do you think Clay found you in the woods?"
Hiead's eyes widened. He smelled me?
Zero laughed for a moment, and then pressed himself against a wall.
Roose and Yamagi walked, arm in arm, into the bathhouse. Yamagi adjusted the water temperature of the nearby shower, and washed his lover. Roose returned the favor, peppering Yamagi's shoulders and neck with nips and sharp kisses.
Zero crept up on the couple, when Roose spoke up.
"Zero, I've got a shower hose and I will use it if you insist on sneaking up on us." Hiead snickered, but sputtered when Yamagi said, "That goes for you too, Hiead."
Clay leaned back in the pool. That ought to shut those two up for a while.
Zero cleared his throat. "I'm just getting to bed now. See you in the morning." He ran outside, making a beeline for his bed.
Hiead snorted, walking off.
Clay got out of the pool, drying off. He winked at Roose and Yamagi, and said, "Thank you for getting those two to behave. Oh, and I promise to tell you the story in the morning."
Roose smiled and resumed kissing Yamagi.
Clay padded toward his room. If they're still fighting, I will personally drag them into the forest and leave them there.
He opened the door, surprised at the sight inside: Zero lay in his bed, legs sticking out from the covers. Dark hair cloaked his face.
Hiead dozed in his own bed, hands pressed to his chest.
After the initial shock, Clay went inside, diving into bed.
He fell asleep before his head sank into the pillow.
Author's Notes
Hello, and thank you for your patience. I do hope everyone is well.
I first read Ranma almost 10 years ago, and it is interesting to revisit the Ranmaverse. If we could only get Takahashi-san and Yukiru-san to collaborate on some new material!
Cloa: I know things are a little loose. I promise, I will do my best to keep the thread. But I do want this to be a bit more over-the-top than the other stories. Lady AA-chan: I'm mulling the possibility of a little H/Z romance---see what happens. Anime Cat: Glad you like the idea of Hiead turning into a girl! I think he's going to meet some interesting challenges. Mo_mo: Thank you so much. Here is more! Nozomi-san: how is "Perchance to Dream" coming along? I want to read more. I will probably incorporate elements from the manga and the anime for this story. As for introducing Ryoga---I suspect he, or P-Chan, will turn up during the Candidates' trek to Japan. I would also like to bring in Shampoo and Mousse, as they've also been affected by the waters of Jusenkyo. And I think that poor Hiead will probably end up clobbering Tatewaki Kuno---when he's not fending off the way-beyond-evil Kodachi.
Next chapter: the Candidates set off for Japan! How many sets of clothing are going to get ruined when they get caught in the rain? What happens when Hiead-chan and Zero get sidetracked at the Dragon Festival in a back- of-beyond village? Why is Roose so bold now? And how will Clay stay out of the sights of a mad taxidermist? Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome all of your feedback---the sweet and the fiery alike. Thanks.
Antoinette (poetisa)
After dinner, and a lengthy talk, the Candidates returned to their rooms.
Roose scooped Yamagi into his arms, nuzzling his neck. "Chibi-chan, you don't have to be scared. I don't bite."
Yamagi looked at his roommate, shaking his head. {I've never seen you like this, man.}
Roose smiled. "I'm still me, Chibi. Let's just say---I feel alive." He chuckled, kissing Yamagi's cheek. "Tell me, does it freak you out that I can turn into a wolf, or that I'm in love with you?"
"Both."
"So if you're not in love with me, just say so." {Or can you, Panda-chan?}
"This is all uncharted territory for me," Yamagi whispered, as Roose peppered his face and neck with sharp kisses.
"So let's enjoy the journey," Roose said, claiming his roommate's mouth.
In the other room, Zero, Clay, and Hiead got ready for bed.
"You think this guide's on the level?" Hiead asked. "Seemed to me like a right crackpot."
"Crackpots," replied Clay, "don't know about this region."
"I dunno," Zero said. "Remember that martial artist who brought his son here to train? He didn't know a word of Chinese. He just dragged the kid on a wild goose chase."
"And tell me, Enna," Hiead shot back, "what good your reading of the calligraphy did for us! I have to learn how to wear a bra now, thanks to you."
"Not so long as you avoid cold water," Clay piped up. "And believe you me, the prospect of being a tiger does not warm my heart." He climbed into bed, pulling up the covers.
"Well, you'll always be our little love cat," Zero yawned, as he got into his bed. "Night, guys."
Clay's eyes glowed in the dim light. "I am not a 'love cat,' Zero!"
Hiead snickered. "He told you where to stick it."
Clay hissed, "Gner, I wouldn't be so cocky if I were you."
Hiead reclined, turning to a side. Damn stupid Enna. Stupid wormhole, stupid Jusenkyo, stupid curses---screw this, I'm leaving!
He waited until the others fell asleep, and made a satchel with his clothing. He gave a last look, and took off.
Clay woke up, five minutes later. "Zero!"
"Yeah?" Zero replied, a little groggy.
"Hiead's not here."
"Is that all? So Hiead's flown the coop, no big deal, let's get some sleep." Realization flooded his senses, and he shot out of bed. "Hiead, you bastard! What in effing hell are you trying to do?" The two candidates bolted from the room, and began searching.
Thunder rumbled, and a heavy downpour drenched Zero and Clay.
Zero-ryu roared. {Clay no baka! Remind me to kill you when we find Gner!}
Clay-tora snarled in reply. {Shut up and search! You take the air, and I'll cover the grounds. He can't have gotten far.}
Zero-ryu took to the sky, wings beating against the storm. {Come out, come out, wherever you are. Clay and I promise to buy you a nice new dress.}
Hiead, meanwhile, had scrambled into a cave, cut into a low gorge. The chilling rain had soaked the boy-turned-girl, who sat on the muddy ground, shivering. Hey, Mother Kali, if you're laughing while I take my karmic comeuppance, let me just say: up yours! Hiead-chan raised both hands, index and middle fingers crooked, in a parody of the peace sign. Bet she's having a wonderful time making me suffer. Allecto, if you could see me now. Silly girl would be laughing her ass off. And then she'd probably make me wear some awful pink, frilly nightie, and join the other Repairers at a slumber party. Good god, I'd rather snog Enna. Wait a minute---did I say, "snog Enna"? I must be delirious! I'm a boy. Well, I will be, soon as I can get into a hot bath.
She relaxed, a low chuckle escaping her lips. Doesn't look like I'm going anywhere at this time.
A low rumble interrupted her train of thought. {Yes you are. You're coming with us, mademoiselle!}
Hiead-chan looked at the entrance to the cave. Clay-tora stood there, fur damp and muddy, a paw digging into the dirt.
"So where's Enna?" she asked. The tiger turned, craning up, giving a yelp. {She's over here, Zero! Come get us.}
Zero-ryu answered with a bellow. {On my way!} The dragon landed, extending dark wings.
Hiead-chan and Clay-tora scrambled onto the dragon's back.
Clay-tora gave a low rumble. {Contact?}
{Contact, Clay-sama!}
{Take off.} The dragon flew up, through the rain, back toward the inn.
The rain began to taper off; stars began to peek out from behind the clouds.
Zero-ryu sighed, plumes of flame escaping his nostrils. {What a view.}
"Lovely," Hiead-chan quipped. "Keep moving."
The three returned to the inn, under a clear night sky. Hiead-chan jumped from the dragon's back, shivering.
Running to the baths, he filled a bucket with hot water, and upended it. Clay made a similar dash, throwing himself into the heated pool.
"It's not like he did this for fun, you know," Clay snarled.
"He's a big boy. And I don't have to hear him yammer," Hiead replied.
"Maybe we should have left you to the elements, Gner."
"Maybe."
Zero-ryu snorted, curling up. Moonlight glistened off his scales, softening the red and gold.
Hiead sighed, filling the bucket again. "Fine," he muttered, splashing the dragon.
A naked Zero made his way to the bath, joining Clay in a late-night soak.
{And you don't even bother to thank me, Enna?}
{Hey, when you thank us for saving you from pneumonia---I'll think about it.}
Hiead walked inside, stripping down and sitting in the pool with the others.
Zero turned his head to the side, thankful for the distance between the silver-haired boy and himself. Stubborn jerk! Does he not care that he could have gotten killed out there? No, wait. He'd polish off any would- be assailant without a second thought. Hannibal Lecter would be proud. He sank deeper into the water, taking a deep breath. Too much tension, Enna. Relax. You'll be back in bed, with Hiead, in no time---hold it! What the hell kind of thought is that? Hiead is going to his bed, and you are going to sleep in yours. You're riding an adrenaline high. Get a grip. Not that kind of grip, you horndog. Think about the lunch line at GOA---week-old laundry---Kizna chucking a blancmange at your head!
Hiead leaned back, closing his eyes. This is my worst nightmare. Stuck in a hot pool with the brat and the brainiac. Take me now, Mother Kali.
Clay stole glances at his two roommates and groaned. Could somebody just lock these two in a room, where they can just pound each other senseless? I don't know if they want to kill each other, or shag like minks in heat--- and I think I'll be happy if I never work that out. He heard a faint crackle, and snapped to attention.
Hiead and Zero leaped out of the pool, darting to the door.
Zero stood on one side, Hiead on the other.
A light nod, and both stood, waiting, as the sound drew nearer.
Clay crept out of the water, padding across the floor, sniffing at the air. Zero narrowed his eyes, picking up a scent.
"You catch that?" Zero hissed, glancing at Clay. "We've got company."
"Yes, and they smell of sex," Clay replied, chuckling. "You suppose Roose and Yamagi decided to wash up?"
"Excuse me," Hiead interrupted. "How in hell do you two know it's them?"
Zero's lips curved up. "How do you think Clay found you in the woods?"
Hiead's eyes widened. He smelled me?
Zero laughed for a moment, and then pressed himself against a wall.
Roose and Yamagi walked, arm in arm, into the bathhouse. Yamagi adjusted the water temperature of the nearby shower, and washed his lover. Roose returned the favor, peppering Yamagi's shoulders and neck with nips and sharp kisses.
Zero crept up on the couple, when Roose spoke up.
"Zero, I've got a shower hose and I will use it if you insist on sneaking up on us." Hiead snickered, but sputtered when Yamagi said, "That goes for you too, Hiead."
Clay leaned back in the pool. That ought to shut those two up for a while.
Zero cleared his throat. "I'm just getting to bed now. See you in the morning." He ran outside, making a beeline for his bed.
Hiead snorted, walking off.
Clay got out of the pool, drying off. He winked at Roose and Yamagi, and said, "Thank you for getting those two to behave. Oh, and I promise to tell you the story in the morning."
Roose smiled and resumed kissing Yamagi.
Clay padded toward his room. If they're still fighting, I will personally drag them into the forest and leave them there.
He opened the door, surprised at the sight inside: Zero lay in his bed, legs sticking out from the covers. Dark hair cloaked his face.
Hiead dozed in his own bed, hands pressed to his chest.
After the initial shock, Clay went inside, diving into bed.
He fell asleep before his head sank into the pillow.
Author's Notes
Hello, and thank you for your patience. I do hope everyone is well.
I first read Ranma almost 10 years ago, and it is interesting to revisit the Ranmaverse. If we could only get Takahashi-san and Yukiru-san to collaborate on some new material!
Cloa: I know things are a little loose. I promise, I will do my best to keep the thread. But I do want this to be a bit more over-the-top than the other stories. Lady AA-chan: I'm mulling the possibility of a little H/Z romance---see what happens. Anime Cat: Glad you like the idea of Hiead turning into a girl! I think he's going to meet some interesting challenges. Mo_mo: Thank you so much. Here is more! Nozomi-san: how is "Perchance to Dream" coming along? I want to read more. I will probably incorporate elements from the manga and the anime for this story. As for introducing Ryoga---I suspect he, or P-Chan, will turn up during the Candidates' trek to Japan. I would also like to bring in Shampoo and Mousse, as they've also been affected by the waters of Jusenkyo. And I think that poor Hiead will probably end up clobbering Tatewaki Kuno---when he's not fending off the way-beyond-evil Kodachi.
Next chapter: the Candidates set off for Japan! How many sets of clothing are going to get ruined when they get caught in the rain? What happens when Hiead-chan and Zero get sidetracked at the Dragon Festival in a back- of-beyond village? Why is Roose so bold now? And how will Clay stay out of the sights of a mad taxidermist? Stay tuned.
As always, I welcome all of your feedback---the sweet and the fiery alike. Thanks.
Antoinette (poetisa)