Chapter 3

The night sky was darker than a cave, no stars showed through the cloud cover as both families trudged through the deep forest of Northern Japan. As Akane looked around she could make out a few landmarks that looked very familiar to her. I hope we're not going where I think we're going, she whispered loud enough for Ranma to hear her.

What are you whispering about Akane? Ranma asked as he sped up to walk beside her. They had been traveling for over an hour since it was discovered that he and Akane had the marks. He was happy that they had no more incidents since loosing the Amazons at the last train station. Nabiki had made sure that no one had followed them by giving the conductor a sizable bribe.

Ranma, don't you recognize those landmarks? Akane replied, pointing towards a distinctive statue that they had passed a few years ago when they were heading back home.

Ranma glanced in the direction that Akane was pointing, scratching the back of his head while deep in thought. they do kinda look familiar but I can't remember where I saw them before.

You baka, were heading towards Ryogonzawa! Akane hissed to him as she carefully scanned the surrounding area for any giant animals.

Aw man! I don't ever want to go there again! Are you sure we're heading there? he said as he unconsciously mirrored Akane, scanning their surroundings.

I'm very sure that we are heading in that direction. See, we just passed another one," Akane said pointing towards a statue. "I think we should ask Auntie where we're going. If she is taking us to Ryogonzawa, then we've got a problem, Akane muttered as she adjusted her traveling pack so that its weight settled evenly on her shoulders.

Fine, I'll ask her, Ranma said, quickening his pace so that he walked abreast of his mother he cleared his throat to get her attention.

Akane and I couldn't help notice that we seem to be heading towards Ryogonzawa. Do you know how dangerous this place is? I mean its got giant animals that try to eat you for kami sake! Ranma pointed out while trying not to show how worried he really was.

Yes dear, I know that already and yes, we are heading through there as the estate is on the other side of this forest. The animals will not bother us this time since I know of a special path that will lead us through without any problems. We should be arriving there in another hour or so, Noduka calmly replied as she pulled out her katana and began to polish it with a spare cloth.

Ranma, seeing her pull out the katana, nervously backed away while stammering, When he dropped back far enough to walk at Akane's side again he told her what his mother had said.

That's just great! But are you sure that we won't be attacked? she asked him nervously as she edged a bit closer to his side.

Ranma didn't seem to notice this as his attention was elsewhere. Mom said that the path we're going to take is protected, but we better be on guard anyway. We should be at the estate in an hour maybe, he muttered while adjusting his pack to a more comfortable position. Ranma saw his mother up ahead, pointing out the path, before following and keeping a wary eye out for the giant animals. He began to remember the mad scramble of packing and running into the night with only the clothes stored in their packs. He was very nervous about what would happen when they got to the estate. The last few hours after dinner up until they had gotten off of the train had been nerve wracking. Glancing over at Akane, he noticed she wore the same worried expression that he was sure he had on his face.

Akane what's wrong? Are you nervous about what's going to happen to us? Ranma asked her while hoping over a downed tree.

I don't know what to expect when we get there. Yes, I'm a bit uneasy about what we're going to do when we get settled in. Are we going to train or are we going there to find out more about our heritage? It's so confusing, I wish we knew more about this, she said dejectedly. Sighing, Akane batted a low lying branch aside before reaching for the next one.

Noticing that their parents had stopped ahead of them, Ranma and Akane hurried to see what they were doing. As they got close enough they had to push aside some branches that were obscuring their vision. Glancing over in the direction that his mother was pointing, Ranma and Akane both gasped in surprise. In front of them stood what appeared to be an ancient castle that stood as tall as a skyscraper. The gates alone were taller than a six story building and looked to be guarded by two huge dragon statues. Ranma started to step forward to the doors, but his mother stopped him.

Wait Ranma, all is not what it appears to be, Noduka said as she picked up a stone and threw it so that it landed in between the dragon statues. Faster than he could blink, both statues came to life and spewed twinjets of flame directly at the stone, melting it on the spot. Ranma thought to himself as he watched it happen. The statues were positioned so that if anything moved into their line of vision that didn't have permission to enter, they would be able to destroy the intruder quickly.


Ranma gulped audibly as he backed away, glancing at his mother he asked, What the hell just happened!


Ranma, why do you think that no one has found our estate yet? Noduka questioned him while gesturing at the gates.

I don't know maybe it's hidden very well, he replied uncertainly.

Akane muttered under her breath as she rolled her eyes at him.

Really Saotome, I think you're smarter than that. Pay attention now, Nabiki said as she stepped closer and started pointing a few facts out to him. First of all, judging by the reactions of the guardian statues, this place seems to have magic on its side, so it would be safe to assume that the estate is hidden by magic. Since the gates are guarded by these statues. There probably is no other way in than to go through them. And there must be a special key to get in and I believe that you two are the key.

What do you mean by that Nabiki? Akane inquired as she stepped closer to get a good look at the statues without getting fried.

Take a look at the eyes of the statues, people. Do you see how they follow Ranma and Akane's movements, not to mention that they are glowing blue this time instead of red, Nabiki said, while she rolled her eyes, sarcasm barely concealed in her voice.

I believe that they are very curious about you two, Noduka commented as she motioned for Ranma and Akane to come forward. When they stepped closer, Noduka motioned for them to go to the dragon that had their family crest emblazoned on its pedestal. When they were close enough to touch the stone gate, the dragons came to life once more. Ranma and Akane flinched as two heads; almost the size of a large dog came within an inch of their faces.

Don't move a muscle Akane, Ranma said nervously as he felt the dragon breathe, blowing its hot breath in his face.

easy for yyou to ssay that b..baka. I'm so scared right now I feel like I could faint, Akane replied, gulping, while she nervously eyed the two rows of gleaming razor sharp teeth less than a millimeter from her nose. Switching her gaze from its teeth to its jewel toned eyes, Akane's breath caught in her throat as she met its gaze. Her world spun out of control as she was caught and held within their multifaceted depths. A strange lassitude settled over Akane, calming her to the point where she was only aware of its eyes and nothing else. Not too far away, Ranma experienced the same sensation of falling and of peace as both dragons inspected the Tendo and Saotome heirs.

Soun watched the scene before him trying to get ahold of his mixed emotions. As soon as he saw the two huge heads inching close to Ranma and his youngest daughter, he lost it completely. Waaaaa! It's going to eat my baby girl..! Waaaaa! he wailed as tears started spraying in all directions, soaking Genma in the process.

Really Dad, get a hold of yourself! I don't think that they are going to eat them. Personally, I think that they are being checked out to confirm that they have a right to enter, Nabiki said as she rolled her eyes in exasperation.

Genma-panda held up a sign stating, then pointed at the sign. *Yes Tendo, you really should wait to see what is going to happen before you loose it. Anyway, I think that the guardians won't harm any of us since we are of the Saotome and Tendo bloodline.*


Kasumi smiled, nodding her head in agreement while commenting to everyone in general, Oh my, what nice dragons they areso beautiful, and isn't it wonderful that they can breathe fire.


Kasumi dear, I don't think you should have said that last part so loudly, Noduka said, pointing at Soun and raising her voice to be heard over the renewed bout of wailing.

Nabiki called to get his attention. Soun glanced towards his middle daughter to see her pointing at the dragons. Turning around, Soun saw that the dragons had begun to twitch in reaction to his constant caterwauling. I really think you should stop making that noise or they just might decide to do something about it, Nabiki drawled, covering her ears to block out the sound of her father's crying.

Little by little, she began to inch away from her father, her eyes riveted on both dragon's eyes. She saw them begin to change in color as they lifted their heads to stare at the Tendo patriarch. She decided that she didn't want to stand next to her father and bolted, just at twinjets of flame scored a direct hit. This had the effect of silencing the annoying noise while also lightly charring Soun. It was like getting hit by the masters Happo Darkin bombs.

Soun stood there motionless and in a state of shock. His hair smoldering, his face black, blinking a few moments before reaching towards his mustache to put out the smoldering fire. Then he stood there for few more moments before the pain finally registered. he squeaked before falling over backwards to take an unscheduled nap.

Sighing, Nabiki moved towards her comatose father to see if he would be all right. Finding that he had only a few minor burns and was unconscious at the moment, she quickly dragged her father out of harms way. I told you to stop making that noise but you wouldn't listen. Boy, I'm going to charge you for this one when you wake up daddy, she muttered before dragging him a few meters away, then Nabiki glanced back towards her sister to see what she had missed.


What Nabiki saw made her blink a few times in disbelief. Both dragons had their necks arched back and were taking a big gulp of air, opening their jaws, they let loose green tinged flames this time. The flames were aimed at Akane and Ranma. Ranma and Akane didn't move a muscle as they seemed to be trapped within the dragons' gaze as if they were hypnotized. The flames burned their shirts off to reveal to all the tattoo emblazoned on their shoulders and right above their hearts.

Tilting their heads, the dragons positioned themselves to get a better look at the marks that now were visible to the human eye. Once cleansed by dragons fire the marks had become blindingly visible as they pulsed with an inner magic. Seeing what they had been looking for, both dragons reared back roaring their joy of finally being able to greet the chosen once more. As their roars echoed into the night sky, a SCHNICK was heard, then a creaking sound as the two massive doors into the castle opened to reveal a walled garden, a path. The path lead deep into the garden to disappear in the deepest shadows of the castle.

Nabiki gave a soundless whistle of admiration as she glanced around the garden from where she stood on the opposite side of the gate. Wow! This place is huge and the garden is very beautiful. I think we should go in now before something else happens."

Shouldn't we get Ranma and Akane now? Kasumi asked worriedly as she glanced over towards her youngest sister. Seeing that they still stood there in a daze, Kasumi stepped forward towards the two dragons and bowed politely. If you please honored guardians, could you release my sister and Ranma so that we may enter.

The dragons nodded their heads acknowledging the eldest Tendo daughters' request, then they started to sing. The sound of the two dragons singing brought tears to everyone's eyes as it touched a place deep in their souls.

Oh my, how beautifulisn't it dear? Noduka asked Genma as she closed her eyes to savor the bell-like sounds.

Genma nodded his head in agreement while his eyes glazed slightly in delighted pleasure. A smile slowly formed on his face, washing away the years so he looked much younger.

are those angels singing Soun muttered before he became aware of his surroundings. Standing he looked around to see the rest of his family looking at the dragons. Turning his head, Soun finally noticed where the noise was coming from, his jaw dropped in surprise. What a harmonious sound so soothing

Kasumi smiled, contented. It was the most wonderful music she had ever heard. I wish I could listen to them sing forever, she said before she noticed her sister and Ranma starting to move.

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Ranma and Akane blinked, trying to clear their thoughts and remember what had just happened to them. The last thing that both remembered was staring into the dragons eyes, then the feeling of floating through the air.

Suddenly a breeze blew through the clearing, Akane jumped when she felt it brush over her naked chest. she yelped and she covered her chest with her hand while searching frantically through her pack for her clothes.

Ranma was wondered how his shirt had just disappeared on him without him noticing when he heard Akane's squeak of surprise. Glancing over, he saw her without a shirt. he yelped blushing, he quickly turned his back to stare at anything else but he kept having trouble getting rid of the memory of Akane's unbound breasts. Nervously, Ranma tried to think of anything else to calm his raging hormones but everything he tried wasn't having any effect.

Noduka yelled at him, noticing that his face was bright red, she turned her gaze towards Akane and found the reason. Ah, I seeshe quietly murmured to herself as she motioned for Ranma to follow her and the rest of the family into the estate grounds.

ya decent yet? he asked her, his back still turned.

Ok Ranma. You can turn around now, Akane told his as she finished tying her gi belt.

Ranma glanced over his shoulder and absently noticed that Akane had donned her gi instead of a normal shirt. He decided not to question her about it. Come on, we have to catch up with everyone else or well get lost in this place, he said as he started through the gate with Akane following a few steps behind.

After they stepped over the boundary between the outside world and their ancestral grounds, the gate slammed shut. BOOOM!

Akane yelled as she jumped two feet into the air and latched onto Ranma when she landed.

Ranma started a bit when he heard her scream but he was more surprised when she latched onto him. He tried prying her arms away from his neck so that he could breathe better, but Akane had fear driven strength on her side, she was still shaking like a leaf and she was breathing fast like she had just been in a race. Urk! Akanecan't breathe, he gasped as he managed to hold her arms away from his throat far enough so that he could talk without choking.


I'm s-sorry RRanma. This place is scary and there might be ghosts here," Akane whispered as she nervously glanced around, scanning every nook and cranny, shivering. "It's making me a bit jumpy. And those doors slamming shut on their own scared me a bit, Akane replied as she forced herself to let go of him and slid to the ground. Standing, she glanced back at the gates one more time before shaking her head. Ok. I'm fine now, let's hurry up because I'd like to get some sleep before daybreak.

"That's ok, Akane. This place is old and it has the feeling of not being lived in for a long time. Also, it feels like we're being watched, Ranma replied as he led Akane the rest of the way to the house, neither spoke a word as they explored their surroundings while they walked.

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