Hey all, thanks again for the wonderful reviews! They're so touching! And
for those of you who DIDN'T review. tsk tsk tsk! I hope you enjoy this
chapter ANYWAY, though. Heh, just kidding, no hard feelings.
-I don't own Ranma ½ or Sailor Moon, thank you very much!
Partial Eclipse
By Rio Grande
Chapter Four: NOW You Tell Us.
From Nabiki's point of view, or rather, Sailor Mars', the whole situation just didn't look too good.
In front of Akane, kneeling protectively, Neko-Ranma looked as though he was ready to strangle the demon to death with his own intestines, his fingers curled up like claws, a dangerous sound reverberating from his throat. Akane looked torn between trying to stop Ranma, or to dust the monster herself. There didn't seem to be any handy bucket of water around (wouldn't you know it?) that would help in changing Ranma back to normal, however, and he didn't look as though he was eager to be subdued by her, this time around. Never a good sign, generally. Akane looked ready to try anything, though, and her fingers kept traveling unconsciously up to her tiara when she looked at the demon.
Unnoticed by the Akane, was Ukyo, storming towards Ranma, determined to prove her status of not only cutest, but most MENTALLY DERANGED fiancée, by going ahead and trying to change Ranma back to normal herself, large, menacing demon standing by a few yards away be damned. Nabiki winced, Ranma, most likely, wasn't going to like that one, but she wasn't about to tell Ukyo to stop. She had that sort of insane gleam in Ukyo's eye before, and last time Nabiki had seen her with it, she had hurled a small BOMB at someone.
Also not noticed by Akane or Neko-Ranma, was Luna, quietly trying to dart behind Sailor Moon when the demon was distracted, her main objective the small envelop behind the girl. She HAD to get that envelop, they couldn't afford to let Ritsuko get away with another artifact!-
Artemis was quietly cursing to himself next to Nabiki, and scarring the scout slightly. what was HIS problem? He seemed pretty upset about Ranma's curse though.Nabiki chose to ignore him, and focus her efforts back onto deciding whether or not she should help defeat the big saber tooth demon, or start a pool for who would win the battle with the crowd of students surrounding the fight.
Speaking of students, all of them seemed pretty non-plused at this point over the fact that, yes, there was a big mean demon on their school grounds, and that, yes, now the Sailor Scouts had come to deal with it. In fact, they thought it was sort of cool! They had never had the SAILOR SCOUTS come by before! Some people were cursing their lack of cameras, in fact.
The demon itself, its black coat shining proudly in the sunlight, and reminding Nabiki that the darned thing was bullet proof, seemed unsure of what to do with the new, odd version of Ranma. Though it looked to be leaning towards 'violently attacking'. Hmm.
Ryoga stood off to the sidelines, with the students, his umbrella in hand. He looked a bit confused, to be honest, and didn't quite know what to do with himself. But Nabiki knew he would protect Akane if the need came- waita sec! Nabiki slapped herself on the head and groaned. Nobody recognized them, of course! Luna had told everyone that they would be unrecognizable to their friends and family after they transformed, and this would help with keeping their identities a secret.how could she have forgotten an important detail like this? Nabiki supposed this was all for the best, she didn't need the entire student body finding out she wore a red mini skirt and went around fighting demons. but, then, how did RANMA recognize AKANE?
'Must be his . cat like sense of smell or something.' she decided, shrugging. Well, all the better for them! This meant he would protect them! And while the Sailor Scout team might be currently lacking in dexterity and skills, (among other things) Ranma could kick some major ass!
"Ranma," Akane tried, rubbing her hand on her friends shoulder, in a slow, soothing motion, her voice quiet so the students couldn't hear. She had to approach this one carefully. "Please. calm down. we can take care of this, just calm down!.." Ranma glanced up at his fiancée, his face a picture of adoration, and rubbed his cheek against her hand in a completely innocent motion. Akane felt her heart melt, and her face warm up. Awww. why couldn't he ALWAYS be like this?
However, as soon as Ranma was done with the cuteness and the coddling, he nudged Sailor Moon away in a distinct 'Stay back, this is MY job', manner, forcing Akane onto Luna.
"Ranma, no!-Oh sorry!" the girl apologized to the half crushed cat. Luna jumped onto Akane's lap with a envelope in her mouth. Akane looked at it, and a few things clicked.
"That's the envelope from the safety deposit box! The one that demon took!" she exclaimed, taking it.
"Right, now hold on to that, we CAN'T let the demon get it back! Otherwise Ristuko will-"
"Ristuko, who's Ritsuko?" Akane questioned. However, before Luna could launch herself into a long explanation, the fight between Ranma and the saber tooth demon began .
"Ran -chan!" Ukyo cried, having not reached her fiancée in time, watching in horror, as the two now cat like creatures leaped into the air, 'claws' extended in front of them.
"Rrrooowww!" Was Ranma's comment to that.
Akane watched, morbidly fascinated, and realizing that this was out of her hands, as, just when it looked as though he were about to collide, Ranma soared over the demon, and landed on all fours, safely on the ground. The demon itself growled and landed with his back to the martial artist gone neko-ken. Then he howled in pain, favoring three newly made, long gashes along his side, the bright red blood showing up manifestly with his black fur.
"Whoa! But he didn't even touch him!" Ukyo said, watching Ranma lick a few stray drops of blood from his hand. He looked thoroughly unfazed. It was sort of frightening.
The demon looked at Neko-Ranma with a new sort of respect now, but definitely not the sort of respect one can fully appreciate. Especially not Ranma just then, as the demon decided it was time for a new approach, and opened his mouth wide, letting a large, bright yellow blast explode from the back of his throat. It was about the size of a basketball, and it was speeding straight at Neko-Ranma. Ranma looked confused, but dodged it just in time, his small, cat brain having enough sense to get out of the way. even though a piece of his loose, red Chinese shirt was burned away. Akane and Ukyo gasped.
"Well, we didn't know it could do THAT." Nabiki commented.
"It probably didn't feel threatened enough to try that attack on you guys," Artemis explained blatantly.
"Gee, thanks, cheer me up will you," Nabiki said, rolling her eyes.
Neko-Ranma now looked as though it was definitely time to get down to business, seeing as how there was now the peril of getting his head blown off his shoulders, as he took up a more threatening pose, and began to sprint at the demon. The demon growled and leaped to the side, having learned from past experience that you didn't want to let this one get too close to you, no matter how swift you thought you were. But Ranma was persistent, and followed the demon wherever he went, around the schoolyard, chasing him in a sort of quick, zippy dance. The cat demon began to spit yellow little balls of energy to keep Ranma at bay and as far away from itself possible. The crowd screamed in terror and back peddled fiercely as chi blasts exploded above their heads. unfortunately, one flew in too low.
"Ahh!" Nabiki said, as she spotted one of the blasts came flying at her. If she dodged, the crowd of kids behind her would just get bombed! "What do I do!?" she cried, looking down at Artemis. Artemis sighed. He was ceaselessly surrounded by idiots.
"You're Sailor Mars! Use your fire power!"
"But I don't HAVE gun! Believe me, if I did, I would have used it by now." Nabiki snorted.
"No that sort of fire power!" Artemis said, "Your SCOUT fire power!" However, it seemed as though he was too late, for the energy blast was nearly on top of them now. Artemis howled in fear, dammit!.. luckily, at that moment, Nabiki's eyes seemed to glaze over a bit, and her survival instinct took control.
She felt a new power bloom in her, as it had with Akane and Kasumi just the day before, and she grabbed it for all she was worth. It was this or nothing. Literally nothing. Like, she would be dead.
"MARS! CELESTIAL FIIIREEE. IGNITE!" she screamed, arms stuck straight out in front of her, fingers steapled horizontally. A second later, a large ball of flame, spurting sparks and power, blasted out of her fingers, and smashed together with the yellow demon energy ball. The energy ball barely stood a chance, as it was overcome by Sailor Mars' power, and evaporated into nothingness, Nabiki's ball of flame leaving a thick cloud of smoke from where it had connected.
The students began to clap, that had been exiting! Nabiki bit her lip, looking at her hands.
"Since when could I do that?" she asked quietly to Artemis, a little shocked, but hiding it well.
"Since we made you a Sailor Scout! Why, did you think all there was to it was a cute pair of shoes?" he asked unbelievingly.
"Welll."
"Wait! Don't answer that, I don't want to know!"
"Whoo, go Nabiki!" Akane and Ukyo cheered from a distance, happy she had found her 'inner powers', Ukyo a little perturbed over the fact that she had yet to find her own.
The demon, on the other hand, looked more than a little weirded out now. What, was EVERYONE a super freak around here? Spitting and hissing, he lurched forward, a little lame thanks to Ranma's earlier attack, and threw himself on the boy, mouth open and ready to shoot, hoping for the best. He was getting desperate now.
Ranma hissed too, and crouched down, grabbing the demon around the belly, and then flipping him down onto his back, Ranma on top, holding the large cats paws far apart. The demon howled with pure rage, trying to crane its neck upwards so it could properly bite Ranma's face off, but when the demon gave it too much effort, the deep wound in his side began to throb uncontrollably, and he just couldn't pull it off. Neko Ranma seemed to notice this, and made a triumphant, annoying face. one that possibly Ranma himself would wear.
This, all of it, actually, seemed to be a bit too much for the demon's one track mind. He was supposed to get that envelope to Lady Ritsuko dammit! And he would rather die than have a bunch of lousy kids get in the way of that!-Hey, where was the envelope, anyway? Glancing quickly around, the look in his eyes quite hysteric, the demon spotted the said envelope, just over Ranma's shoulder. it was in the hands of that stupid little blue haired girl with the dinky outfit!! Over come with a sudden bout of blind rage, (a symptom that most newcomers faced when staying in Nermia for any period of time, really.) the demon ignored his pulsing pain, and shot up quick enough to surprise Ranma, its impressive fangs grazing his face, and leaving a line of red on his cheek bone. Ranma snapped back, snarling, arms extended and ready for another attack, this thing was DEAD now!- only to find that the demon had already zipped passed him, another goal in mind now.
Akane squeaked in horror as she realized too late that the demon was headed straight towards HER, and didn't have the time to remove her tiara, or effectively use it at this close a range. She clutched Luna and the envelope to her, hoping to at least shield them. A ways off now, Ranma gave off a roar of anger. How DARE that MONSTER attack HIS mate!! He raced forward, but before he could make it the whole way, someone else got to the demon first.
"Jupiter, Thunder. SPATULAS!" Ukyo cried, arms raised above her head as she brought her large spatula down, for the second time that day, on the demon's head. However, this time, there was an extra punch to the attack, in the form of powerful lightening and scout energy. The demon barely knew what hit him before he was unconscious on the floor, deep red blood trickling from his mouth, body covered in access lighting, and his head looking distinctly flatter.
"Oh my gosh, Ukyo!" Akane gasped in surprise, as Nabiki and Artemis broke away from the crowd, and jogged over to the group. Now that the danger had passed, of course.
"Good job Jupiter! That was an innovative. and. creative way to use your new powers!" Luna congratulated. Well. that had been different, but at least it worked!
"Thanks!" Ukyo gasped, cheeks flush, her face a large smile. However, her smile was quickly replaced by a frown as Neko-Ranma came onto the scene, practically flying onto Akane's lap, and licking her face gently, as if searching for wounds. Akane looked a little flattered that he was so worried for her, but pushed him away anyway, giving him a heartening smile. Ukyo glowered darkly, unnoticed by anyone. She could never get his attention like this with that cat! What was it about Ranma's neko-ken form that loved Akane so much? Heck, he noticeably ignored all of the other fiancées when he was like this, and Ukyo decided firmly that it was simply because he was so unnatural in neko-ken, and couldn't express his feelings properly. Yeah. That was it. She turned her head away as Akane began to absentmindedly stroke his head when she talked, and he purred, in turn. The students formed a tighter ring around the girls as they began to discuss further plans, but a sharp look from Sailor Mars, which looked so terrifyingly familiar, scared the better part of them off.
"Good job girls. even though a large part of the job was done by your unusual friend here, two of you DID unlock your powers! I am very pleased!" Luna said, talking softly, even though in her heart she knew that none of the students would blink if they heard her really talk.
"Plus, now we have this artifact, and that's one more Ritsuko DOESN'T have!" Artemis added happily.
"About this Ritsuko person." Akane said, still confused about this woman, who was apparently very evil and troublesome, according to the two cats. Luna sighed.
"Yes, we must talk about her. She is a very dangerous enemy, and is the cause of all of our problems thus far. We'll have to have a scout meeting later." she said simply.
"Ohhh. scout meeting! Sounds official," Nabiki gushed.
"It is. and we'll expect you all to be there tomorrow at five. in the arcade on Sakura Street."
"But that's all the way in Juban!" Akane protested, while Ukyo sighed. The Uchan really couldn't take too much more of this, when would she be able to go back to work?
"I know, but you'll just have to manage." Luna acknowledged. "It's the real scouts hide out, after all."
"Great." Nabiki snorted. "The universe's greatest super heroes discuss the world's well being while playing serious games of pac-man."
"Actually it's the Sailor V game."
"Even better!"
"Come on guys, we better go, too many people around here," Artemis interjected quietly, eyeing the students warily. Nabiki picked him up, and Akane Luna, agreeing to the fact that maybe it was time to go. "What about him?" Artemis asked, as Ranma started to travel along with the girls. His eyes narrowed slightly. He would definitely have to ask more about that one later. If he really WAS Ranma Saotome, perhaps he could still be of great use. now, how to actually TALK to him.
"Oh!" Akane said. "Well. we need a bucket of water to change him back. but. Sailor Moon wouldn't know how to fix this. soo." looking around, Akane quickly spotted Ryoga, off to the side, still awkwardly observing everything. He obviously didn't want to approach the huddle of girls in uncomfortably short skirts, and was beside himself with confusion. Akane smiled kindly.
"Hey Ry- you!" she said quickly, trotting over to him, with Ranma in tow. "Could you take care of him, please? You're his friend, right?"
"Y-yes." Ryoga said softly. This girl. Sailor Moon, she was so beautiful! He felt his heart rate speed up considerably. He could hardly believe she was talking to him!
"Could you help him then? We have to go now." Akane explained.
"Ummm. sure." Ryoga said hesitantly, although he realized that with his luck, when he tried to splash Ranma with water, he would inevitably get turned into P-chan, and then Ranma would beat him up in his pig form.
"Thanks!" Akane chirped, turning to go. However, Neko Ranma held onto her thigh with one hand, refusing to let her leave, with a small frown. Akane smiled involuntarily.
"Hey Kitty-Ranma. I have to go now. but I'll be back soon.okay?" she whispered softly in his ear, so that only he could hear, and kneeling down. Neko Ranma clearly heard the urgency in her voice, and released her with one more intimate lick to the face. Akane blush, and wished, once more, that he could really be like this more often. Ryoga raised an eyebrow, wondering why Ranma's cat self had taken a liking to Sailor Moon, and Ukyo growled quietly, knowing just why. Nabiki smirked, Artemis, on her shoulder, wondering if there was more going on between those two than he had originally thought.
"Well, let's go!" Akane said, rejoining her group, as Ryoga wandered off in search of water, Yuka and Sayuri eventually having to guide him the right way so that he didn't end up in Jamaica. Ranma trotted along behind them all, occasionally sneaking glances in the way Akane had left.
And as the scouts finally exited the school grounds, the students all cheered for them, thanking them for helping with the monster, and encouraging them to come back ANY TIME they wanted! The girls all laughed, obviously liking the attention.
"Remember girls! Tomorrow at five!" the cats reminded the scouts as they all went their separate ways, Ukyo promising to inform Shampoo, and Nabiki her own sister, of their meeting for the following day. Friday. Right. TGIF to you, too.
*
"No!" Ritsuko hissed, clenching her fists, and chipping the paint off her deep red nails. She stood outside the gates of her current high school, pleated skirt blowing around her knees as she stared into space, not seeing what was actually in front of her, but the actions of her precious Demon Cat. she did not like this. The new scouts were NOT supposed to be learning this quickly, and they were NOT supposed to be getting outside assistance from random freaks who had mastered neko-ken! She made a face that scared two students innocently walking by, urging them to hurry along their way now, bitches.
"Heh heh.having some trouble handling the new scouts, are we, Ritsuko- chan?" a taunting voice came from the shadows, its form unclear and partially invisible. His voice was only heard by the evil blond who posed as a high school girl, and it was probably better that way. His kind was rarely accepted by humans.
"Oh go jump off a bridge," Ritsuko pouted, folding her arms and looking very cross. Furious, even. She did NOT need to talk to HIM right now. "I'll get them! I've just been underestimating their strength, is all. sending second raters like my Demon Cat after them was bad judgment." she explained.
"Ha, I'll say!" the thing croaked in its annoying rasp of a voice. "At this rate, you might have to go all out!"
"Oh, what do you know, Miji!" she snapped, her eyes flashing with an inner steel. Miji, the eerie form, laughed yet again at her predicament. He loved it when she was in trouble.
"Come on, let me get a piece of the action! I'll take them all out for you!" Miji promised. "After all, it was I who first informed you of the scouts disappearance first! Is this how I am repaid?"
"Miji, you can hardly make your self solid anymore, much less take out five scouts! Terribly green ones even! But. you have been a reliable source of information."
"Yes, yes!"
"Perhaps I'll let you try your hand at them."
"Whheee!"
"Later."
"What?" Miji croaked, crest fallen. "But that's no FAIR!" he whined pathetically. Ritsuko snorted daintily and began to hurry away.
"Sorry, but it's the best I can offer," she said simply, purposely walking down a very, very sunny street. "I have something of my own planned for those wretched girls," she added, smiling cruelly at the mere thought of her wonderful brilliant and wicked plan. This curse hadn't been placed upon a town in YEARS! It was perfect. "If they're still alive when I'm done with them. you can have a go!" she said.
"Come back here Ritsuko!" Miji called, trying to pull himself out of the shadows, and violently recoiling when his small foot hit sunlight. He fell back into the darkness with a hiss, like a vampire. He simply couldn't TAKE such brightness! "Ritsukooo!"
Ritsuko sashayed off, smiling and brewing a new, better plot in her head. She would get them this time.. And then no one would be in her way of sucking the entire country dry of their precious energy!
Mwahahahahahaha.mwah.ha..
*
The now male Ranma winced slightly as Kasumi applied the disinfectant with a cotton swab to the lone scrape across his cheekbone, while Dr. Tofu wrapped up Ryoga's severely scraped arm. Apparently, getting Neko-Ranma to sit still while you splashed a bucket of bone freezing water over him was harder than first imagined.
"So. you say that the Sailor Scouts were there, Ryoga?" Kasumi asked again, trying not to look TOO interested. Tofu had told her that someone named 'Luna' had called for her when they were working on Mr. Tekura after the accident, but she hadn't realized there had been real trouble! Well, she supposed there would have been nothing she could have done about it, anyway.
"Yeah, it was sort of weird. Ranma did most of the fighting, anyway, but I think that's mainly because no one else could control him. He seemed pretty eager to get rid of that cat demon though."
"C-cat demon. ugh. Glad I don't remember anything!" Ranma said, shivering with a sick look on his face.
"What happened, exactly?" Kasumi pressed, as Dr. Tofu finished Ryoga's bandage. She got out a smaller band-aid for Ranma's cheek, and listened carefully. The two boys had come quickly to Dr. Tofu's clinic after Ranma had woken up from his neko-ken state for treatment and hot water, but, luckily, neither of them had sustained many injuries from both the fight with the demon, and the fight they had started before hand. Just a bunch of bruises.
"Y-Yes, I- I would be interested to hear what the S-Sailor Scouts were d-d-doing in our neighborhooood," Tofu agreed in the most controlled voice he could muster. When he had been operating with Kasumi, who had, luckily, been on hand earlier, (Kasumi was a wonderful helper/nurse at the clinic when needed.) he had been totally cool and concentrated, luckily. But the spell was wearing off now that Mr. Tekura was out of the woods. Soon he would be dancing with Betty again. oh well.
"Well, first Ranma and I were fighting." Ryoga began.
"I remember that part," Ranma added helpfully.
"And then all of the sudden there was this big cat demon, that looked sort of like a saber tooth, right there in the school yard!"
"I kind of remember that.ahhh."
"And then Ranma froze all up, obviously, and started to change. Then, before you knew it, the Sailor Scouts were there too!"
"I don't remember that. It's where my memory stops." Ranma finished, nodding his head.
"We were all pretty surprised. there were a lot of students watching, you know, but then Ranma turned all Neko-ken on Sailor Moon, and we had something else to worry about." Ryoga got a wicked gleam in his eye. "Speaking of Sailor Moon, Ranma, you were cozying up to her pretty well."
"What are you talkin' about, bacon breath!?" Ranma questioned furiously.
"It's true! You were acting really familiar with her, rubbing up against her, licking her face, and being pretty damn protective, if I remember correctly." He snorted, a bit of fang showing with his smile.
"WHAT?!" Ranma gasped, mortified. He had LICKED Sailor MOON!?! Noooo! Ryoga was letting out barks of laughter now, and Ranma glared as Kasumi and Dr. Tofu joined in with polite little giggles. Fine. Laugh at his misfortune. He slapped Ryoga hard on the back, and after the muscular boy almost choked, he sobered up a bit and continued on.
"So. anyway. The demon and Ranma fought for a while, Ranma had the upper hand. but after a bit the demon started spitting out these little yellow balls of energy, and the scouts started taking some initiative. One of them shot fire out of her fingers, and one of them threw lighting . spatulas. at the demon."
"Spatulas?" Ranma asked, raising an eyebrow. "But that's just like Ukyo!"
"I know! Weird coincidence, hu?" Ryoga said.
"I'll say," Ranma agreed. Kasumi let out a breath. While she was happy that two more scouts had found their dormant powers. couldn't they have been a little less OBVIOUSE about everything? Especially when they were at the school! She tried to keep her placating smile firmly plastered on as the story went on.
"So, as I was saying, things were getting a little weird, but Ranma had beaten up the demon pretty good already," the strong boy acknowledged, albeit a bit grudgingly. Ranma beamed. "So when the demon got attacked by those spatulas, he keeled over, totally out."
"Interestiiiinnngggg." Tofu sang.
"Yeah. and then Sailor Moon brought Ranma back over to me, I guess she must have seen us together before, and left him with me. Of course. not after he gave her an ADORABLE little kitty kiss!" he added cruelly, sniggering. Ranma's eyes nearly bulged out of his head.
"I did NOT!" he argued.
"You DID too, I watched!" Ryoga retorted, grinning.
"Did NOT!"
"Yes, you DID!"
"No, I DIDN'T!"
"Boys, boys!" Dr Tofu interjected quickly, as the two boys began to rise to their feet. "Let's just forget about it, and think more about this demon, and the Sailor Scouts." he said, his control back momentarily. "Like, what was that demon after, do you think? Why was it at, Furiken?"
"Actually, it just tripped over my umbrella."
"Your umbrella?" Kasumi asked, frowning.
"Yeah, this one," He showed her.
"Ohhh." She understood.
"So, I think it didn't really mean to stop at Furiken," Ryoga elucidated. "I think it may have been running away from the scouts, and they just happened to catch up with him at the school."
"I seeeeee." Doctor Tofu mumbled, eyes cross slightly as Kasumi moved closer to him, very captivated with the story.
"So basically, this was all just some big freak accident. Ch. Big freaking surprise." Ranma sighed, rubbing his head lightly.
"Yes, I'm sure it didn't mean anything!" Kasumi encouraged, smiling innocently.
"Anything! Yes anything!" Tofu chortled in a sort of dazed voice. Kasumi sighed. Oh boy, she knew what was coming. Ranma and Ryoga's eyes twitched slightly. They knew what was coming, too. No! Not when they were injured!
Before Tofu could do any bodily harm to them, Ryoga and Ranma quickly jumped to their feet and made a fast dash for the exit, mumbling their sincere thanks for the bandages, see you sometime Tofu, see you and dinner Kasumi, byeeee!
"Oh, my," Kasumi sighed, as she was left alone in the clinic, the good doctor dancing around the room with a female skeleton in the background. "I better clean things up."
*
The night was fairly warm, so Akane found herself sitting on the roof above her room, enjoying the early autumn breeze, her short hair billowing about her ears. She wore a long pleated skirt that reached her ankles even when she was sitting, and a small white t-shirt. She hooked her arms around her knees, and watched the koi pond from her perch on the roof without a word.
Hearing a small scuffling sound from off to her left, Akane turned her head to watched a newcomer make their way onto the roof as well. She smirked a little as she recognized the person. Ranma. She knew he came up here to be alone and think, often enough. She heard him moving about from inside her room, since he usually liked to lie above it.
The martial artist quickly met her eye, and froze for a second, surprised. Usually, Akane never ventured up here unless Ranma was already occupying a space. It was sort of surprising.
Akane watched Ranma's facial expressions carefully as he struggled with the situation. Technically, he knew he should still be frustrated or angry with her for ditching him at lunch, not telling him what she was up to. hiding things. but seeing her there, looking all pretty in the moonlight. he couldn't bring himself to muster the ugly feelings he needed to be upset. Best to let it wait until morning, where feelings like agitation and disgust were abundant.
"Hey Ranma," Akane said kindly, once it was obvious the boy was going to be content to simply sit next to her. She blushed as she realized just how close he was sitting. she had not forgotten his actions as Neko-Ranma from earlier. Oh, on the contrary, they were all she had been thinking about since the fight ended. She bit her lip as she remembered that Ranma, nor anyone, realized that it had actually been HER he had been so affectionately rubbing up against earlier. Damn it all. Er. she meant.
"Hey," he replied, nodding his head, a pleasant expression on his face. "What's up," Akane sighed and looked back up at the stars. They weren't as easy to see as in other places out of Tokyo, but they were still pretty vibrant that night, none-the-less.
"Oh, nothing much. I guess I was just thinking about stuff. you know. homework and such." she said, lying out of her ears. When was the last time she had lied so much? Well, she guessed she damn well better get used to it. Ranma nodded, apparently understanding.
"Yeah, I don't think I did any of the homework for school yesterday. or today." he commented nonchalantly.
"Ranma!" she sighed. "How do you expect to pass your classes like this?"
"Ahhh. we've been through this 'Kane." He groaned. And they HAD. "I don't plan on passing! A martial artist doesn't need school to reach his goals! He needs to train! Luckily for me, Furiken is pretty crazy, so just going to class is like training all day, in any case!" the boy explained, grinning. Akane resisted the overwhelming urge to ring his neck. When he talked like that, it felt like he was throwing all of her ideals, and her entire way of life thus far, out of the window! Well, she was a martial artist too, and she planned on not only passing all of her classes, but going to college! Why did he have to be so utterly dumb about his future? Not that she CARED or anything, but. oh, who was she kidding, she really cared! It bothered her!
"Whatever Ranma, I don't really feel like arguing about THAT right now," she admitted, wearily, placing her chin on her knees. She was pretty exhausted from all of the action earlier, come to think of it. Ranma looked startled by her comment. AKANE, didn't want to fight?
"Yeah, I don't want to either," he acknowledged, leaning back on the roof, with his arms acting as a pillow for his head. They sat in silence for a bit longer, both lost in their own thoughts, before Akane joined him in laying down, their heads mere inches apart now. Surprisingly, neither of them seemed to notice it, much.
"Ranma. what is it like, to be really powerful?" she asked, her question so innocent and honest, it took the great Ranma Saotome by surprise.
"What?" he asked. "Like. what do you mean really powerful?"
"Like. you know. to be really strong and have a lot of power!" she sighed, spelling it out for him as she turned her head to face him. In a softer, more demure voice, she added. "Like you." Ranma felt his face heat up, but hid his embarrassment and pleasure over the fact that Akane thought he was really powerful, by seriously considering her question.
"Welll." he said, blue eyes clouding over as he recalled all of the times he had REALLY had power, and had to use it. "It's a lot of responsibility." He decided to start off with. "Because, when you have a lot of strength, it makes you really aware of how WEAK everyone else is, and if you're in a tough situation, that you have to protect 'em!" Akane was listening intently. Did he feel that way about her all the time? Was she just another weak person who needed protecting that he had to add to the list? "But. it's also a good feeling, as long as you don't get carried away with it, and become some jack ass who's obsessed with themselves. Though, usually, when you really reach your peak in power, its because there's someone equally as strong, or stronger then you, wanting a fight. So, you rarely get to appreciate how strong you are just then, you know?" he said, turning his face towards Akane's as well, watching to see if she had followed him. That was one of the longer speeches he had ever said. Usually, it was the other person doing all of the talking/ranting/insulting/accusing. but tonight, the other person seemed perfectly content to just LISTEN to him. A bit of a dramatic change in Akane, if you asked him.
"Yeah, I think I do," Akane replied simply, looking into his eyes, a bit surprised. That had made a whole lot of sense, coming from Ranma! But. she had just wanted to know because, as Sailor Moon, she was beginning to realize that all of her skills, martial art wise and in terms of scout power, were really enhanced. And it wasn't as though she was just overflowing with might and strength as of yet. but. she could see herself becoming a whole lot stronger if this Sailor Moon thing continued on. She wasn't to sure what she thought of that, but Ranma's words HAD really helped. "And. thanks," she added in a softer voice.
Their noses were nearly touching now, and they were finally getting to realize just how close they were. Ranma looked deeply into Akane's chocolate brown orbs, and suddenly realized, just then, for a fact, that she was definitely hiding something very important from him. But as her intense gaze, and soft pink lips began to melt his heart, he realized he honestly didn't care. not just then. anyway.
'What am I doing?' Akane wondered as their faces got closer and closer, and Ranma's stormy blue eyes began to close, her own head instinctively tilting up, the moonlight washing over them giving everything a dreamy, even romantic light. 'Is he going to. am I going to.' Akane was sure not only Ranma, but the entire neighborhood was acutely aware of the sound of her pounding heart, her burning cheeks, her shaking hands. and then she wasn't sure of anything. as their lips connected.. And she . kissed. Ranma. 'OhhhhhmiGod.'
"Akane," he breathed softly, as the small, warm and innocent kiss ended, and they were both left to stare at each other again. 'She's so pretty.' he discovered, watching her deep pink blush spread over her pearl white cheeks. 'But. what did I just do.' And suddenly, Ranma was hit with a wave of confusion. What DID he just do? Oh no. if any of the other fiancées were watching, if Nabiki had gotten that on camera, was Akane mad!? So completely insecure, the poor boy leaped to his feet, Akane gasping and abruptly sitting up as he did so, the spell broken. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning.
"Ranma?" she asked, cocking her head, her expression looking maybe a little hurt.
"Akane. I'm sorry. don't be mad!" he said, bracing himself. He was going to get malleted to England for that one! But. but he found himself not really caring, since he had thoroughly enjoyed the kiss. 'She's really good,' he acknowledged, a goofy grin making its way onto his features.
But Akane was frowning now. Sorry? Sorry for what? For kissing her? Why? Had he not liked it? Did he not want to do it again? She did. Wait! What was she saying? No she didn't! Not with that creep!
Now just as confused as her fiancée, the small school girl got to her feet and dashed off the roof, not even bothering to mallet the apprehensive boy. She just didn't have it in her. sleep was what she needed. yes! Sleep! She quickly traveled down the ladder and was out of sight in a blink, shaking her head and successfully holding back tears until she reached her room. What was it about him that made her so damn selfconscious? Ranma stared after her, dumbly. Ummm. maybe he shouldn't have jumped up like that. she had looked pretty pissed.
"Ranma, you are such an idiot!" the boy cursed, smacking his head. His mother should have married a lawyer. or a banker. or a butcher. anyone but a father who engaged his son to numerous off-their-rocker girls, and then got his own child cursed to BE one of those girls. Jesus. "I need some valium." He decided firmly, for the first time in his life wishing he actually did drugs.
* The next day, all five girls found themselves reunited once more.
"Aiya! Shampoo wish had been there!" Shampoo cursed, folding her arms and frowning. "Talk to Grandma, get to give Shampoo more breaks!"
The girls had all obediently caught a bus to Juban after school, as requested, that Friday, and by five exactly, had reached 'Crown Arcades', a seemingly innocent arcade, with numerous Juban high school students wasting all of their allowance on Sailor V and racing games. The girls sat in a booth off to the side, drinking milkshakes and fountain sodas. How quaint. Was this really where the Sailor Scouts met and planned their attack strategies? Right next to the Alien Attack Game and the big fake plant?
"Ah, you didn't miss much Shampoo," Ukyo assured the girl. "It was all just Neko-Ranma beating up the demon, we hardly did much," She brushed her long brown hair over her shoulder, still in her male uniform, and getting a lot of looks from guys that said simply 'But do I wish I was HIM, getting to sit with all those pretty girls.' She glowered at them quietly.
"Heh. Neko-Ranma seemed to be enjoying himself, though," Nabiki grinned, elbowing her little sister. "Ey, Akane?"
"Err." Akane mumbled. She was still recovering from the kiss last night, and had not spoken to Ranma all day, the two walking close together to school and to class, but not saying a word, for fear of starting an emotional avalanche of sorts. She didn't no WHAT to think about Ranma. Had he meant that kiss? Was it just an accident? A freak happening never to be performed again? SHE HAD TO KNOW! "I guess."
"What?" Shampoo asked, confused. Nabiki's grin] widened. Oh, she loved upsetting people!
"Ranma's neko-ken form was ALL OVER Akane as Sailor Moon. It was sooo cuute!" Nabiki explained.
"Hmmm." Shampoo growled lightly. Maybe Ukyo was right, maybe she HADN'T missed anything.
"In any case, girls, I do believe we have things of much importance to discuss." Luna informed them all. Everyone shut up quickly, listening intently to their new and tiny mentor.
"Now, we know that you all wanted to know how much of an obligation this was going to be, and how long you would be holding this position. We also know it would be very informative for you at this point to know who the enemy actually is, currently." Artemis started, ticking off things on his paws.
"Yes, when WILL the Sailor Scouts be returning? We asked before, but you didn't say." Kasumi mentioned, sipping on her chocolate milk shake.
"Hm, well, about that." Artemis seemed hesitant to answer. Well. they had to get around to it sometime.
"And what are they doing off Earth for so long a period of time, anyway? Shouldn't their main priority be this planet?" Akane pressed. She had been wondering about this one, actually.
"Ummm." Luna said, intelligently.
"Aiyah, is irresponsible of them!" Shampoo agreed vigorously.
"See, the thing of it is," Artemis finally sighed. Here goes.
"We don't actually know if they're coming back."
".WHAT!?" Was what everyone had to say to THAT.
*
Author's Notes:
Hmmm, what could have happened to the Sailor Scouts?! Ahhh!! You'll just have to wait to the next chapter to find out! (Chapter five: .Haven't made a title yet.) And, about that, but, sorry I don't know when I'm going to be able to actually get the new chapter out. Possibly next week, maybe longer. there are a lot of things going on right now, that could hinder my writing. Among them are: midterms, a police interrogation, (actually I'm sort of exited about that one.) I'm grounded, an entire school I don't even go to anymore thinks I'm a slut, my parents aren't talking to me right now, I lost my cell phone, need new orthodontist, (even though I don't have braces) I failed my math test by one point, clubbing issues, I have to go to school on weekends and do community service for a month, and I don't really know why I'm telling you all this. BUT, please review! (Eye twitch.) PLEASE.
Rio ~
-(Whoa! Did you know another Rio reviewed my story? Duuuude.) -(Saturn Cat and Shane, thank you so much! Sorry I just don't have the time to mention everyone's names. yeah.)
Partial Eclipse
By Rio Grande
Chapter Four: NOW You Tell Us.
From Nabiki's point of view, or rather, Sailor Mars', the whole situation just didn't look too good.
In front of Akane, kneeling protectively, Neko-Ranma looked as though he was ready to strangle the demon to death with his own intestines, his fingers curled up like claws, a dangerous sound reverberating from his throat. Akane looked torn between trying to stop Ranma, or to dust the monster herself. There didn't seem to be any handy bucket of water around (wouldn't you know it?) that would help in changing Ranma back to normal, however, and he didn't look as though he was eager to be subdued by her, this time around. Never a good sign, generally. Akane looked ready to try anything, though, and her fingers kept traveling unconsciously up to her tiara when she looked at the demon.
Unnoticed by the Akane, was Ukyo, storming towards Ranma, determined to prove her status of not only cutest, but most MENTALLY DERANGED fiancée, by going ahead and trying to change Ranma back to normal herself, large, menacing demon standing by a few yards away be damned. Nabiki winced, Ranma, most likely, wasn't going to like that one, but she wasn't about to tell Ukyo to stop. She had that sort of insane gleam in Ukyo's eye before, and last time Nabiki had seen her with it, she had hurled a small BOMB at someone.
Also not noticed by Akane or Neko-Ranma, was Luna, quietly trying to dart behind Sailor Moon when the demon was distracted, her main objective the small envelop behind the girl. She HAD to get that envelop, they couldn't afford to let Ritsuko get away with another artifact!-
Artemis was quietly cursing to himself next to Nabiki, and scarring the scout slightly. what was HIS problem? He seemed pretty upset about Ranma's curse though.Nabiki chose to ignore him, and focus her efforts back onto deciding whether or not she should help defeat the big saber tooth demon, or start a pool for who would win the battle with the crowd of students surrounding the fight.
Speaking of students, all of them seemed pretty non-plused at this point over the fact that, yes, there was a big mean demon on their school grounds, and that, yes, now the Sailor Scouts had come to deal with it. In fact, they thought it was sort of cool! They had never had the SAILOR SCOUTS come by before! Some people were cursing their lack of cameras, in fact.
The demon itself, its black coat shining proudly in the sunlight, and reminding Nabiki that the darned thing was bullet proof, seemed unsure of what to do with the new, odd version of Ranma. Though it looked to be leaning towards 'violently attacking'. Hmm.
Ryoga stood off to the sidelines, with the students, his umbrella in hand. He looked a bit confused, to be honest, and didn't quite know what to do with himself. But Nabiki knew he would protect Akane if the need came- waita sec! Nabiki slapped herself on the head and groaned. Nobody recognized them, of course! Luna had told everyone that they would be unrecognizable to their friends and family after they transformed, and this would help with keeping their identities a secret.how could she have forgotten an important detail like this? Nabiki supposed this was all for the best, she didn't need the entire student body finding out she wore a red mini skirt and went around fighting demons. but, then, how did RANMA recognize AKANE?
'Must be his . cat like sense of smell or something.' she decided, shrugging. Well, all the better for them! This meant he would protect them! And while the Sailor Scout team might be currently lacking in dexterity and skills, (among other things) Ranma could kick some major ass!
"Ranma," Akane tried, rubbing her hand on her friends shoulder, in a slow, soothing motion, her voice quiet so the students couldn't hear. She had to approach this one carefully. "Please. calm down. we can take care of this, just calm down!.." Ranma glanced up at his fiancée, his face a picture of adoration, and rubbed his cheek against her hand in a completely innocent motion. Akane felt her heart melt, and her face warm up. Awww. why couldn't he ALWAYS be like this?
However, as soon as Ranma was done with the cuteness and the coddling, he nudged Sailor Moon away in a distinct 'Stay back, this is MY job', manner, forcing Akane onto Luna.
"Ranma, no!-Oh sorry!" the girl apologized to the half crushed cat. Luna jumped onto Akane's lap with a envelope in her mouth. Akane looked at it, and a few things clicked.
"That's the envelope from the safety deposit box! The one that demon took!" she exclaimed, taking it.
"Right, now hold on to that, we CAN'T let the demon get it back! Otherwise Ristuko will-"
"Ristuko, who's Ritsuko?" Akane questioned. However, before Luna could launch herself into a long explanation, the fight between Ranma and the saber tooth demon began .
"Ran -chan!" Ukyo cried, having not reached her fiancée in time, watching in horror, as the two now cat like creatures leaped into the air, 'claws' extended in front of them.
"Rrrooowww!" Was Ranma's comment to that.
Akane watched, morbidly fascinated, and realizing that this was out of her hands, as, just when it looked as though he were about to collide, Ranma soared over the demon, and landed on all fours, safely on the ground. The demon itself growled and landed with his back to the martial artist gone neko-ken. Then he howled in pain, favoring three newly made, long gashes along his side, the bright red blood showing up manifestly with his black fur.
"Whoa! But he didn't even touch him!" Ukyo said, watching Ranma lick a few stray drops of blood from his hand. He looked thoroughly unfazed. It was sort of frightening.
The demon looked at Neko-Ranma with a new sort of respect now, but definitely not the sort of respect one can fully appreciate. Especially not Ranma just then, as the demon decided it was time for a new approach, and opened his mouth wide, letting a large, bright yellow blast explode from the back of his throat. It was about the size of a basketball, and it was speeding straight at Neko-Ranma. Ranma looked confused, but dodged it just in time, his small, cat brain having enough sense to get out of the way. even though a piece of his loose, red Chinese shirt was burned away. Akane and Ukyo gasped.
"Well, we didn't know it could do THAT." Nabiki commented.
"It probably didn't feel threatened enough to try that attack on you guys," Artemis explained blatantly.
"Gee, thanks, cheer me up will you," Nabiki said, rolling her eyes.
Neko-Ranma now looked as though it was definitely time to get down to business, seeing as how there was now the peril of getting his head blown off his shoulders, as he took up a more threatening pose, and began to sprint at the demon. The demon growled and leaped to the side, having learned from past experience that you didn't want to let this one get too close to you, no matter how swift you thought you were. But Ranma was persistent, and followed the demon wherever he went, around the schoolyard, chasing him in a sort of quick, zippy dance. The cat demon began to spit yellow little balls of energy to keep Ranma at bay and as far away from itself possible. The crowd screamed in terror and back peddled fiercely as chi blasts exploded above their heads. unfortunately, one flew in too low.
"Ahh!" Nabiki said, as she spotted one of the blasts came flying at her. If she dodged, the crowd of kids behind her would just get bombed! "What do I do!?" she cried, looking down at Artemis. Artemis sighed. He was ceaselessly surrounded by idiots.
"You're Sailor Mars! Use your fire power!"
"But I don't HAVE gun! Believe me, if I did, I would have used it by now." Nabiki snorted.
"No that sort of fire power!" Artemis said, "Your SCOUT fire power!" However, it seemed as though he was too late, for the energy blast was nearly on top of them now. Artemis howled in fear, dammit!.. luckily, at that moment, Nabiki's eyes seemed to glaze over a bit, and her survival instinct took control.
She felt a new power bloom in her, as it had with Akane and Kasumi just the day before, and she grabbed it for all she was worth. It was this or nothing. Literally nothing. Like, she would be dead.
"MARS! CELESTIAL FIIIREEE. IGNITE!" she screamed, arms stuck straight out in front of her, fingers steapled horizontally. A second later, a large ball of flame, spurting sparks and power, blasted out of her fingers, and smashed together with the yellow demon energy ball. The energy ball barely stood a chance, as it was overcome by Sailor Mars' power, and evaporated into nothingness, Nabiki's ball of flame leaving a thick cloud of smoke from where it had connected.
The students began to clap, that had been exiting! Nabiki bit her lip, looking at her hands.
"Since when could I do that?" she asked quietly to Artemis, a little shocked, but hiding it well.
"Since we made you a Sailor Scout! Why, did you think all there was to it was a cute pair of shoes?" he asked unbelievingly.
"Welll."
"Wait! Don't answer that, I don't want to know!"
"Whoo, go Nabiki!" Akane and Ukyo cheered from a distance, happy she had found her 'inner powers', Ukyo a little perturbed over the fact that she had yet to find her own.
The demon, on the other hand, looked more than a little weirded out now. What, was EVERYONE a super freak around here? Spitting and hissing, he lurched forward, a little lame thanks to Ranma's earlier attack, and threw himself on the boy, mouth open and ready to shoot, hoping for the best. He was getting desperate now.
Ranma hissed too, and crouched down, grabbing the demon around the belly, and then flipping him down onto his back, Ranma on top, holding the large cats paws far apart. The demon howled with pure rage, trying to crane its neck upwards so it could properly bite Ranma's face off, but when the demon gave it too much effort, the deep wound in his side began to throb uncontrollably, and he just couldn't pull it off. Neko Ranma seemed to notice this, and made a triumphant, annoying face. one that possibly Ranma himself would wear.
This, all of it, actually, seemed to be a bit too much for the demon's one track mind. He was supposed to get that envelope to Lady Ritsuko dammit! And he would rather die than have a bunch of lousy kids get in the way of that!-Hey, where was the envelope, anyway? Glancing quickly around, the look in his eyes quite hysteric, the demon spotted the said envelope, just over Ranma's shoulder. it was in the hands of that stupid little blue haired girl with the dinky outfit!! Over come with a sudden bout of blind rage, (a symptom that most newcomers faced when staying in Nermia for any period of time, really.) the demon ignored his pulsing pain, and shot up quick enough to surprise Ranma, its impressive fangs grazing his face, and leaving a line of red on his cheek bone. Ranma snapped back, snarling, arms extended and ready for another attack, this thing was DEAD now!- only to find that the demon had already zipped passed him, another goal in mind now.
Akane squeaked in horror as she realized too late that the demon was headed straight towards HER, and didn't have the time to remove her tiara, or effectively use it at this close a range. She clutched Luna and the envelope to her, hoping to at least shield them. A ways off now, Ranma gave off a roar of anger. How DARE that MONSTER attack HIS mate!! He raced forward, but before he could make it the whole way, someone else got to the demon first.
"Jupiter, Thunder. SPATULAS!" Ukyo cried, arms raised above her head as she brought her large spatula down, for the second time that day, on the demon's head. However, this time, there was an extra punch to the attack, in the form of powerful lightening and scout energy. The demon barely knew what hit him before he was unconscious on the floor, deep red blood trickling from his mouth, body covered in access lighting, and his head looking distinctly flatter.
"Oh my gosh, Ukyo!" Akane gasped in surprise, as Nabiki and Artemis broke away from the crowd, and jogged over to the group. Now that the danger had passed, of course.
"Good job Jupiter! That was an innovative. and. creative way to use your new powers!" Luna congratulated. Well. that had been different, but at least it worked!
"Thanks!" Ukyo gasped, cheeks flush, her face a large smile. However, her smile was quickly replaced by a frown as Neko-Ranma came onto the scene, practically flying onto Akane's lap, and licking her face gently, as if searching for wounds. Akane looked a little flattered that he was so worried for her, but pushed him away anyway, giving him a heartening smile. Ukyo glowered darkly, unnoticed by anyone. She could never get his attention like this with that cat! What was it about Ranma's neko-ken form that loved Akane so much? Heck, he noticeably ignored all of the other fiancées when he was like this, and Ukyo decided firmly that it was simply because he was so unnatural in neko-ken, and couldn't express his feelings properly. Yeah. That was it. She turned her head away as Akane began to absentmindedly stroke his head when she talked, and he purred, in turn. The students formed a tighter ring around the girls as they began to discuss further plans, but a sharp look from Sailor Mars, which looked so terrifyingly familiar, scared the better part of them off.
"Good job girls. even though a large part of the job was done by your unusual friend here, two of you DID unlock your powers! I am very pleased!" Luna said, talking softly, even though in her heart she knew that none of the students would blink if they heard her really talk.
"Plus, now we have this artifact, and that's one more Ritsuko DOESN'T have!" Artemis added happily.
"About this Ritsuko person." Akane said, still confused about this woman, who was apparently very evil and troublesome, according to the two cats. Luna sighed.
"Yes, we must talk about her. She is a very dangerous enemy, and is the cause of all of our problems thus far. We'll have to have a scout meeting later." she said simply.
"Ohhh. scout meeting! Sounds official," Nabiki gushed.
"It is. and we'll expect you all to be there tomorrow at five. in the arcade on Sakura Street."
"But that's all the way in Juban!" Akane protested, while Ukyo sighed. The Uchan really couldn't take too much more of this, when would she be able to go back to work?
"I know, but you'll just have to manage." Luna acknowledged. "It's the real scouts hide out, after all."
"Great." Nabiki snorted. "The universe's greatest super heroes discuss the world's well being while playing serious games of pac-man."
"Actually it's the Sailor V game."
"Even better!"
"Come on guys, we better go, too many people around here," Artemis interjected quietly, eyeing the students warily. Nabiki picked him up, and Akane Luna, agreeing to the fact that maybe it was time to go. "What about him?" Artemis asked, as Ranma started to travel along with the girls. His eyes narrowed slightly. He would definitely have to ask more about that one later. If he really WAS Ranma Saotome, perhaps he could still be of great use. now, how to actually TALK to him.
"Oh!" Akane said. "Well. we need a bucket of water to change him back. but. Sailor Moon wouldn't know how to fix this. soo." looking around, Akane quickly spotted Ryoga, off to the side, still awkwardly observing everything. He obviously didn't want to approach the huddle of girls in uncomfortably short skirts, and was beside himself with confusion. Akane smiled kindly.
"Hey Ry- you!" she said quickly, trotting over to him, with Ranma in tow. "Could you take care of him, please? You're his friend, right?"
"Y-yes." Ryoga said softly. This girl. Sailor Moon, she was so beautiful! He felt his heart rate speed up considerably. He could hardly believe she was talking to him!
"Could you help him then? We have to go now." Akane explained.
"Ummm. sure." Ryoga said hesitantly, although he realized that with his luck, when he tried to splash Ranma with water, he would inevitably get turned into P-chan, and then Ranma would beat him up in his pig form.
"Thanks!" Akane chirped, turning to go. However, Neko Ranma held onto her thigh with one hand, refusing to let her leave, with a small frown. Akane smiled involuntarily.
"Hey Kitty-Ranma. I have to go now. but I'll be back soon.okay?" she whispered softly in his ear, so that only he could hear, and kneeling down. Neko Ranma clearly heard the urgency in her voice, and released her with one more intimate lick to the face. Akane blush, and wished, once more, that he could really be like this more often. Ryoga raised an eyebrow, wondering why Ranma's cat self had taken a liking to Sailor Moon, and Ukyo growled quietly, knowing just why. Nabiki smirked, Artemis, on her shoulder, wondering if there was more going on between those two than he had originally thought.
"Well, let's go!" Akane said, rejoining her group, as Ryoga wandered off in search of water, Yuka and Sayuri eventually having to guide him the right way so that he didn't end up in Jamaica. Ranma trotted along behind them all, occasionally sneaking glances in the way Akane had left.
And as the scouts finally exited the school grounds, the students all cheered for them, thanking them for helping with the monster, and encouraging them to come back ANY TIME they wanted! The girls all laughed, obviously liking the attention.
"Remember girls! Tomorrow at five!" the cats reminded the scouts as they all went their separate ways, Ukyo promising to inform Shampoo, and Nabiki her own sister, of their meeting for the following day. Friday. Right. TGIF to you, too.
*
"No!" Ritsuko hissed, clenching her fists, and chipping the paint off her deep red nails. She stood outside the gates of her current high school, pleated skirt blowing around her knees as she stared into space, not seeing what was actually in front of her, but the actions of her precious Demon Cat. she did not like this. The new scouts were NOT supposed to be learning this quickly, and they were NOT supposed to be getting outside assistance from random freaks who had mastered neko-ken! She made a face that scared two students innocently walking by, urging them to hurry along their way now, bitches.
"Heh heh.having some trouble handling the new scouts, are we, Ritsuko- chan?" a taunting voice came from the shadows, its form unclear and partially invisible. His voice was only heard by the evil blond who posed as a high school girl, and it was probably better that way. His kind was rarely accepted by humans.
"Oh go jump off a bridge," Ritsuko pouted, folding her arms and looking very cross. Furious, even. She did NOT need to talk to HIM right now. "I'll get them! I've just been underestimating their strength, is all. sending second raters like my Demon Cat after them was bad judgment." she explained.
"Ha, I'll say!" the thing croaked in its annoying rasp of a voice. "At this rate, you might have to go all out!"
"Oh, what do you know, Miji!" she snapped, her eyes flashing with an inner steel. Miji, the eerie form, laughed yet again at her predicament. He loved it when she was in trouble.
"Come on, let me get a piece of the action! I'll take them all out for you!" Miji promised. "After all, it was I who first informed you of the scouts disappearance first! Is this how I am repaid?"
"Miji, you can hardly make your self solid anymore, much less take out five scouts! Terribly green ones even! But. you have been a reliable source of information."
"Yes, yes!"
"Perhaps I'll let you try your hand at them."
"Whheee!"
"Later."
"What?" Miji croaked, crest fallen. "But that's no FAIR!" he whined pathetically. Ritsuko snorted daintily and began to hurry away.
"Sorry, but it's the best I can offer," she said simply, purposely walking down a very, very sunny street. "I have something of my own planned for those wretched girls," she added, smiling cruelly at the mere thought of her wonderful brilliant and wicked plan. This curse hadn't been placed upon a town in YEARS! It was perfect. "If they're still alive when I'm done with them. you can have a go!" she said.
"Come back here Ritsuko!" Miji called, trying to pull himself out of the shadows, and violently recoiling when his small foot hit sunlight. He fell back into the darkness with a hiss, like a vampire. He simply couldn't TAKE such brightness! "Ritsukooo!"
Ritsuko sashayed off, smiling and brewing a new, better plot in her head. She would get them this time.. And then no one would be in her way of sucking the entire country dry of their precious energy!
Mwahahahahahaha.mwah.ha..
*
The now male Ranma winced slightly as Kasumi applied the disinfectant with a cotton swab to the lone scrape across his cheekbone, while Dr. Tofu wrapped up Ryoga's severely scraped arm. Apparently, getting Neko-Ranma to sit still while you splashed a bucket of bone freezing water over him was harder than first imagined.
"So. you say that the Sailor Scouts were there, Ryoga?" Kasumi asked again, trying not to look TOO interested. Tofu had told her that someone named 'Luna' had called for her when they were working on Mr. Tekura after the accident, but she hadn't realized there had been real trouble! Well, she supposed there would have been nothing she could have done about it, anyway.
"Yeah, it was sort of weird. Ranma did most of the fighting, anyway, but I think that's mainly because no one else could control him. He seemed pretty eager to get rid of that cat demon though."
"C-cat demon. ugh. Glad I don't remember anything!" Ranma said, shivering with a sick look on his face.
"What happened, exactly?" Kasumi pressed, as Dr. Tofu finished Ryoga's bandage. She got out a smaller band-aid for Ranma's cheek, and listened carefully. The two boys had come quickly to Dr. Tofu's clinic after Ranma had woken up from his neko-ken state for treatment and hot water, but, luckily, neither of them had sustained many injuries from both the fight with the demon, and the fight they had started before hand. Just a bunch of bruises.
"Y-Yes, I- I would be interested to hear what the S-Sailor Scouts were d-d-doing in our neighborhooood," Tofu agreed in the most controlled voice he could muster. When he had been operating with Kasumi, who had, luckily, been on hand earlier, (Kasumi was a wonderful helper/nurse at the clinic when needed.) he had been totally cool and concentrated, luckily. But the spell was wearing off now that Mr. Tekura was out of the woods. Soon he would be dancing with Betty again. oh well.
"Well, first Ranma and I were fighting." Ryoga began.
"I remember that part," Ranma added helpfully.
"And then all of the sudden there was this big cat demon, that looked sort of like a saber tooth, right there in the school yard!"
"I kind of remember that.ahhh."
"And then Ranma froze all up, obviously, and started to change. Then, before you knew it, the Sailor Scouts were there too!"
"I don't remember that. It's where my memory stops." Ranma finished, nodding his head.
"We were all pretty surprised. there were a lot of students watching, you know, but then Ranma turned all Neko-ken on Sailor Moon, and we had something else to worry about." Ryoga got a wicked gleam in his eye. "Speaking of Sailor Moon, Ranma, you were cozying up to her pretty well."
"What are you talkin' about, bacon breath!?" Ranma questioned furiously.
"It's true! You were acting really familiar with her, rubbing up against her, licking her face, and being pretty damn protective, if I remember correctly." He snorted, a bit of fang showing with his smile.
"WHAT?!" Ranma gasped, mortified. He had LICKED Sailor MOON!?! Noooo! Ryoga was letting out barks of laughter now, and Ranma glared as Kasumi and Dr. Tofu joined in with polite little giggles. Fine. Laugh at his misfortune. He slapped Ryoga hard on the back, and after the muscular boy almost choked, he sobered up a bit and continued on.
"So. anyway. The demon and Ranma fought for a while, Ranma had the upper hand. but after a bit the demon started spitting out these little yellow balls of energy, and the scouts started taking some initiative. One of them shot fire out of her fingers, and one of them threw lighting . spatulas. at the demon."
"Spatulas?" Ranma asked, raising an eyebrow. "But that's just like Ukyo!"
"I know! Weird coincidence, hu?" Ryoga said.
"I'll say," Ranma agreed. Kasumi let out a breath. While she was happy that two more scouts had found their dormant powers. couldn't they have been a little less OBVIOUSE about everything? Especially when they were at the school! She tried to keep her placating smile firmly plastered on as the story went on.
"So, as I was saying, things were getting a little weird, but Ranma had beaten up the demon pretty good already," the strong boy acknowledged, albeit a bit grudgingly. Ranma beamed. "So when the demon got attacked by those spatulas, he keeled over, totally out."
"Interestiiiinnngggg." Tofu sang.
"Yeah. and then Sailor Moon brought Ranma back over to me, I guess she must have seen us together before, and left him with me. Of course. not after he gave her an ADORABLE little kitty kiss!" he added cruelly, sniggering. Ranma's eyes nearly bulged out of his head.
"I did NOT!" he argued.
"You DID too, I watched!" Ryoga retorted, grinning.
"Did NOT!"
"Yes, you DID!"
"No, I DIDN'T!"
"Boys, boys!" Dr Tofu interjected quickly, as the two boys began to rise to their feet. "Let's just forget about it, and think more about this demon, and the Sailor Scouts." he said, his control back momentarily. "Like, what was that demon after, do you think? Why was it at, Furiken?"
"Actually, it just tripped over my umbrella."
"Your umbrella?" Kasumi asked, frowning.
"Yeah, this one," He showed her.
"Ohhh." She understood.
"So, I think it didn't really mean to stop at Furiken," Ryoga elucidated. "I think it may have been running away from the scouts, and they just happened to catch up with him at the school."
"I seeeeee." Doctor Tofu mumbled, eyes cross slightly as Kasumi moved closer to him, very captivated with the story.
"So basically, this was all just some big freak accident. Ch. Big freaking surprise." Ranma sighed, rubbing his head lightly.
"Yes, I'm sure it didn't mean anything!" Kasumi encouraged, smiling innocently.
"Anything! Yes anything!" Tofu chortled in a sort of dazed voice. Kasumi sighed. Oh boy, she knew what was coming. Ranma and Ryoga's eyes twitched slightly. They knew what was coming, too. No! Not when they were injured!
Before Tofu could do any bodily harm to them, Ryoga and Ranma quickly jumped to their feet and made a fast dash for the exit, mumbling their sincere thanks for the bandages, see you sometime Tofu, see you and dinner Kasumi, byeeee!
"Oh, my," Kasumi sighed, as she was left alone in the clinic, the good doctor dancing around the room with a female skeleton in the background. "I better clean things up."
*
The night was fairly warm, so Akane found herself sitting on the roof above her room, enjoying the early autumn breeze, her short hair billowing about her ears. She wore a long pleated skirt that reached her ankles even when she was sitting, and a small white t-shirt. She hooked her arms around her knees, and watched the koi pond from her perch on the roof without a word.
Hearing a small scuffling sound from off to her left, Akane turned her head to watched a newcomer make their way onto the roof as well. She smirked a little as she recognized the person. Ranma. She knew he came up here to be alone and think, often enough. She heard him moving about from inside her room, since he usually liked to lie above it.
The martial artist quickly met her eye, and froze for a second, surprised. Usually, Akane never ventured up here unless Ranma was already occupying a space. It was sort of surprising.
Akane watched Ranma's facial expressions carefully as he struggled with the situation. Technically, he knew he should still be frustrated or angry with her for ditching him at lunch, not telling him what she was up to. hiding things. but seeing her there, looking all pretty in the moonlight. he couldn't bring himself to muster the ugly feelings he needed to be upset. Best to let it wait until morning, where feelings like agitation and disgust were abundant.
"Hey Ranma," Akane said kindly, once it was obvious the boy was going to be content to simply sit next to her. She blushed as she realized just how close he was sitting. she had not forgotten his actions as Neko-Ranma from earlier. Oh, on the contrary, they were all she had been thinking about since the fight ended. She bit her lip as she remembered that Ranma, nor anyone, realized that it had actually been HER he had been so affectionately rubbing up against earlier. Damn it all. Er. she meant.
"Hey," he replied, nodding his head, a pleasant expression on his face. "What's up," Akane sighed and looked back up at the stars. They weren't as easy to see as in other places out of Tokyo, but they were still pretty vibrant that night, none-the-less.
"Oh, nothing much. I guess I was just thinking about stuff. you know. homework and such." she said, lying out of her ears. When was the last time she had lied so much? Well, she guessed she damn well better get used to it. Ranma nodded, apparently understanding.
"Yeah, I don't think I did any of the homework for school yesterday. or today." he commented nonchalantly.
"Ranma!" she sighed. "How do you expect to pass your classes like this?"
"Ahhh. we've been through this 'Kane." He groaned. And they HAD. "I don't plan on passing! A martial artist doesn't need school to reach his goals! He needs to train! Luckily for me, Furiken is pretty crazy, so just going to class is like training all day, in any case!" the boy explained, grinning. Akane resisted the overwhelming urge to ring his neck. When he talked like that, it felt like he was throwing all of her ideals, and her entire way of life thus far, out of the window! Well, she was a martial artist too, and she planned on not only passing all of her classes, but going to college! Why did he have to be so utterly dumb about his future? Not that she CARED or anything, but. oh, who was she kidding, she really cared! It bothered her!
"Whatever Ranma, I don't really feel like arguing about THAT right now," she admitted, wearily, placing her chin on her knees. She was pretty exhausted from all of the action earlier, come to think of it. Ranma looked startled by her comment. AKANE, didn't want to fight?
"Yeah, I don't want to either," he acknowledged, leaning back on the roof, with his arms acting as a pillow for his head. They sat in silence for a bit longer, both lost in their own thoughts, before Akane joined him in laying down, their heads mere inches apart now. Surprisingly, neither of them seemed to notice it, much.
"Ranma. what is it like, to be really powerful?" she asked, her question so innocent and honest, it took the great Ranma Saotome by surprise.
"What?" he asked. "Like. what do you mean really powerful?"
"Like. you know. to be really strong and have a lot of power!" she sighed, spelling it out for him as she turned her head to face him. In a softer, more demure voice, she added. "Like you." Ranma felt his face heat up, but hid his embarrassment and pleasure over the fact that Akane thought he was really powerful, by seriously considering her question.
"Welll." he said, blue eyes clouding over as he recalled all of the times he had REALLY had power, and had to use it. "It's a lot of responsibility." He decided to start off with. "Because, when you have a lot of strength, it makes you really aware of how WEAK everyone else is, and if you're in a tough situation, that you have to protect 'em!" Akane was listening intently. Did he feel that way about her all the time? Was she just another weak person who needed protecting that he had to add to the list? "But. it's also a good feeling, as long as you don't get carried away with it, and become some jack ass who's obsessed with themselves. Though, usually, when you really reach your peak in power, its because there's someone equally as strong, or stronger then you, wanting a fight. So, you rarely get to appreciate how strong you are just then, you know?" he said, turning his face towards Akane's as well, watching to see if she had followed him. That was one of the longer speeches he had ever said. Usually, it was the other person doing all of the talking/ranting/insulting/accusing. but tonight, the other person seemed perfectly content to just LISTEN to him. A bit of a dramatic change in Akane, if you asked him.
"Yeah, I think I do," Akane replied simply, looking into his eyes, a bit surprised. That had made a whole lot of sense, coming from Ranma! But. she had just wanted to know because, as Sailor Moon, she was beginning to realize that all of her skills, martial art wise and in terms of scout power, were really enhanced. And it wasn't as though she was just overflowing with might and strength as of yet. but. she could see herself becoming a whole lot stronger if this Sailor Moon thing continued on. She wasn't to sure what she thought of that, but Ranma's words HAD really helped. "And. thanks," she added in a softer voice.
Their noses were nearly touching now, and they were finally getting to realize just how close they were. Ranma looked deeply into Akane's chocolate brown orbs, and suddenly realized, just then, for a fact, that she was definitely hiding something very important from him. But as her intense gaze, and soft pink lips began to melt his heart, he realized he honestly didn't care. not just then. anyway.
'What am I doing?' Akane wondered as their faces got closer and closer, and Ranma's stormy blue eyes began to close, her own head instinctively tilting up, the moonlight washing over them giving everything a dreamy, even romantic light. 'Is he going to. am I going to.' Akane was sure not only Ranma, but the entire neighborhood was acutely aware of the sound of her pounding heart, her burning cheeks, her shaking hands. and then she wasn't sure of anything. as their lips connected.. And she . kissed. Ranma. 'OhhhhhmiGod.'
"Akane," he breathed softly, as the small, warm and innocent kiss ended, and they were both left to stare at each other again. 'She's so pretty.' he discovered, watching her deep pink blush spread over her pearl white cheeks. 'But. what did I just do.' And suddenly, Ranma was hit with a wave of confusion. What DID he just do? Oh no. if any of the other fiancées were watching, if Nabiki had gotten that on camera, was Akane mad!? So completely insecure, the poor boy leaped to his feet, Akane gasping and abruptly sitting up as he did so, the spell broken. She looked up at him, her eyes questioning.
"Ranma?" she asked, cocking her head, her expression looking maybe a little hurt.
"Akane. I'm sorry. don't be mad!" he said, bracing himself. He was going to get malleted to England for that one! But. but he found himself not really caring, since he had thoroughly enjoyed the kiss. 'She's really good,' he acknowledged, a goofy grin making its way onto his features.
But Akane was frowning now. Sorry? Sorry for what? For kissing her? Why? Had he not liked it? Did he not want to do it again? She did. Wait! What was she saying? No she didn't! Not with that creep!
Now just as confused as her fiancée, the small school girl got to her feet and dashed off the roof, not even bothering to mallet the apprehensive boy. She just didn't have it in her. sleep was what she needed. yes! Sleep! She quickly traveled down the ladder and was out of sight in a blink, shaking her head and successfully holding back tears until she reached her room. What was it about him that made her so damn selfconscious? Ranma stared after her, dumbly. Ummm. maybe he shouldn't have jumped up like that. she had looked pretty pissed.
"Ranma, you are such an idiot!" the boy cursed, smacking his head. His mother should have married a lawyer. or a banker. or a butcher. anyone but a father who engaged his son to numerous off-their-rocker girls, and then got his own child cursed to BE one of those girls. Jesus. "I need some valium." He decided firmly, for the first time in his life wishing he actually did drugs.
* The next day, all five girls found themselves reunited once more.
"Aiya! Shampoo wish had been there!" Shampoo cursed, folding her arms and frowning. "Talk to Grandma, get to give Shampoo more breaks!"
The girls had all obediently caught a bus to Juban after school, as requested, that Friday, and by five exactly, had reached 'Crown Arcades', a seemingly innocent arcade, with numerous Juban high school students wasting all of their allowance on Sailor V and racing games. The girls sat in a booth off to the side, drinking milkshakes and fountain sodas. How quaint. Was this really where the Sailor Scouts met and planned their attack strategies? Right next to the Alien Attack Game and the big fake plant?
"Ah, you didn't miss much Shampoo," Ukyo assured the girl. "It was all just Neko-Ranma beating up the demon, we hardly did much," She brushed her long brown hair over her shoulder, still in her male uniform, and getting a lot of looks from guys that said simply 'But do I wish I was HIM, getting to sit with all those pretty girls.' She glowered at them quietly.
"Heh. Neko-Ranma seemed to be enjoying himself, though," Nabiki grinned, elbowing her little sister. "Ey, Akane?"
"Err." Akane mumbled. She was still recovering from the kiss last night, and had not spoken to Ranma all day, the two walking close together to school and to class, but not saying a word, for fear of starting an emotional avalanche of sorts. She didn't no WHAT to think about Ranma. Had he meant that kiss? Was it just an accident? A freak happening never to be performed again? SHE HAD TO KNOW! "I guess."
"What?" Shampoo asked, confused. Nabiki's grin] widened. Oh, she loved upsetting people!
"Ranma's neko-ken form was ALL OVER Akane as Sailor Moon. It was sooo cuute!" Nabiki explained.
"Hmmm." Shampoo growled lightly. Maybe Ukyo was right, maybe she HADN'T missed anything.
"In any case, girls, I do believe we have things of much importance to discuss." Luna informed them all. Everyone shut up quickly, listening intently to their new and tiny mentor.
"Now, we know that you all wanted to know how much of an obligation this was going to be, and how long you would be holding this position. We also know it would be very informative for you at this point to know who the enemy actually is, currently." Artemis started, ticking off things on his paws.
"Yes, when WILL the Sailor Scouts be returning? We asked before, but you didn't say." Kasumi mentioned, sipping on her chocolate milk shake.
"Hm, well, about that." Artemis seemed hesitant to answer. Well. they had to get around to it sometime.
"And what are they doing off Earth for so long a period of time, anyway? Shouldn't their main priority be this planet?" Akane pressed. She had been wondering about this one, actually.
"Ummm." Luna said, intelligently.
"Aiyah, is irresponsible of them!" Shampoo agreed vigorously.
"See, the thing of it is," Artemis finally sighed. Here goes.
"We don't actually know if they're coming back."
".WHAT!?" Was what everyone had to say to THAT.
*
Author's Notes:
Hmmm, what could have happened to the Sailor Scouts?! Ahhh!! You'll just have to wait to the next chapter to find out! (Chapter five: .Haven't made a title yet.) And, about that, but, sorry I don't know when I'm going to be able to actually get the new chapter out. Possibly next week, maybe longer. there are a lot of things going on right now, that could hinder my writing. Among them are: midterms, a police interrogation, (actually I'm sort of exited about that one.) I'm grounded, an entire school I don't even go to anymore thinks I'm a slut, my parents aren't talking to me right now, I lost my cell phone, need new orthodontist, (even though I don't have braces) I failed my math test by one point, clubbing issues, I have to go to school on weekends and do community service for a month, and I don't really know why I'm telling you all this. BUT, please review! (Eye twitch.) PLEASE.
Rio ~
-(Whoa! Did you know another Rio reviewed my story? Duuuude.) -(Saturn Cat and Shane, thank you so much! Sorry I just don't have the time to mention everyone's names. yeah.)