Neriman Newbie
Chapter 2
YouÕre Ranma Saotome?
All comments and criticisms would be welcome. Send all praise and flames to:
macleodrichard@hotmail.com
Be warned though, flames will be read then used as kindling.
Disclaimer: I donÕt own many of these characters, most of them belong to Rumiko Takahashi and others. The rest that are left over I would like to claim but I canÕt get copyrights for them, damn, so their ownership kinda floats around in limbo. But I still think that anyone should ask me if they want to use them. So if you take them without permission... IÕll send my squad of hit men on your ass.
Note: [] denotes words spoken in the english language.
{} denotes thoughts.
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People in Nerima's streets watched through the rain as a red haired young girl and a large panda ran past, exchanging blows as they went along their way.
"Well I still say this sucks. Choosing my fiancee for me." The girl said then dealt the panda a hard blow. "I'm going back to China." The girl said as she flipped her pig tail over her shoulder. "Suck on that old man."
As she turned her back the panda stood back up and uprooted a street sign, then banged the girl in the back of the head with it. Flipping the girl over it's shoulder the panda took notice of all the people surrounding it. Giving off a few growls made the people walk away quickly.
Soun Tendo accepted the postcard that had just come to him. The picture on the front was of a panda eating some bamboo. On the back it read: Hi. Bringing Ranma from China.
And was signed: Saotome.
ÒR-Ranma? Coming here?Ó He wondered trembling. ÒOh, how I have w-w-waited for this day!
ÒHey! Kasumi!Ó
ÒNabiki!Ó
ÒAkane!Ó
Soun entered the kitchen. ÒKasumi!!Ó
ÒYes daddy?Ó
ÒNabiki!!Ó
Nabiki was lying on her bed in her room reading a manga and eating a corn dog. (Ew) ÒMm?Ó
ÒAkane!! Where is that girl?Ó
Akane arrived back at home from doing some jogging and then took the time to put on a combat gi and break a few bricks.
ÒAhhh! That was nice.Ó Akane muttered gratifyingly as she wiped her brow.
ÒThere you go again Akane. No wonder the boys all think youÕre so weird.Ó Nabiki drawled from behind her sister.
ÒSo why should I care? Not everybody thinks the world revolves around boys Nabiki.Ó
ÒNo? Then I guess this wouldnÕt interest you you.Ó
Some time later.
ÒFiancee?!Ó
ÒYes. The son of a very good friend of mine. The sonÕs name is Ranma Saotome. If one of you three girls were to marry him and carry on this training center then the Tendo line would be secure.Ó
ÒWait a minute! DonÕt we have some say in who we marry?Ó
ÒAkaneÕs right, daddy. WeÕve never even met Ranma.Ó
ÒThatÕs easily fixed.Ó Tendo replied smiling. ÒRanma and his father have been on a voyage of training. Recently it seems, they crossed into China.Ó
ÒWow! China!Ó
Suddenly there was knocking on the front door.
ÒAh, that must be them now. I expected them to arrive later today but the sooner you meet him the better I suppose.Ó Soun stated.
All four walked to the door and Kasumi opened it. As soon as the door opened up Soun grabbed the person standing behind it and hugged him close. ÒThank god you have finally come.Ó
There was a pause as the boy attempted to push Soun off of him.
ÒAh, daddy. The only place this boy has been recently is Canada. Where heÕs from.Ó Nabiki stated plainly.
ÒWhat?Ó Soun said and held the boy at arms length. Now that he thought about it the boy was too tall to be Japanese and did look like a North American. Quickly Soun let go. ÒPardon. I mistook you for someone else.Ó
ÒI most certainly hope so Mr. Tendo.Ó Jason said disgusted. Ò[God I never wanna be hugged by another guy again unless IÕm drunk for crying out loud.]Ó Jason muttered then noticed the gathered crowd. ÒHi Nabiki. Wanted to know if I could use the Dojo again.Ó
Soun gaped at Jason for a few seconds. ÒAnd you are?Ó He urged.
ÒUm... Jason Reaver? IÕm pretty sure weÕve met a few times sir.Ó Jason said confused.
ÒI donÕt believe so.Ó
ÒAh, Daddy?Ó Nabiki began. ÒWeÕve been letting him use the Dojo for a couple months now.Ó
ÒYeah. So can I come in?Ó
Soun shrugged and dismissed it. ÒI see nothing wrong with it. But I have important guests coming later today and I would prefer you gone by then.Ó He said and waved Jason in and made sure that Jason took his shoes off. Yeah, he really wanted an upstart kid disrupting his reunion with his friend.
Kasumi was nice enough to lead Jason to the Dojo like a good host while the rest of the family reasserted their positions around the table. Jason took a short look inside and saw the punching bag he was looking for. ÒAh, good. You still donÕt mind if I use your bath after IÕm done right? I know you always say itÕs okay but I always get nervous if I donÕt ask.Ó He asked slightly embarrassed.
Kasumi gave it no more than a moments thought. ÒPlease do not worry about it. Students are expected to wash themselves after a workout. Feel free to use our bath after you are finished. Just make sure no one else is in there first.Ó She answered.
ÒThank you.Ó Jason said politely and walked to the punching bag in the other end of the dojo and put down the gym bag he had been holding. He took out a muscle shirt and changed the T-shirt he had been wearing along the way. After stuffing the shirt and his shoes into the gym bag he set himself upon making good use of the punching bags function.
ÒNow, where did we leave off?Ó Soun asked.
ÒChina.Ó Nabiki answered.
ÒWhatÕs so great about walking to China?Ó Akane asked and turned her head.
ÒIs he cute?Ó Nabiki inquired.
ÒHow old is he? Younger men bore me.Ó Kasumi asked. ÒWhat kind of guy is this Ranma?Ó
Soun simply laughed. ÒNo idea.Ó
Nabiki leaned forward. ÒNo idea?Ó She quoted.
Soun leaned forward. ÒIÕve never met him.Ó
All three of TendoÕs daughters bowed their heads in shame.
ÒI have to get dinner ready.Ó Kasumi informed and stood up to walk back to the kitchen.
ÒIÕll go read my manga.Ó Nabiki stated and walked to her room.
ÒI need to go train.Ó Akane said and walked back to the dojo.
Soun said at the table in silence as he waited for his old friend and training partner to arrive. {I wonder how well Saotome has trained Ranma. Ten years should have yielded a powerful warrior.}
Akane walked back into the dojo to see Jason going at the punching she had set up earlier with a rather amazing gusto. {I was gonna use that.} She thought annoyed and started doing a kata to relax her muscles. She went through a few kataÕs before she finally got fed up with Jason hogging the punching bag. She walked up to him determined and said ÒCan I use that now?Ó in an angry tone.
Jason paused to look at her, then back at the punching bag, then back at her. ÒI guess.Ó He said shrugging his shoulders. He walked around Akane and to his bag. After pulling out a bokken heÕd borrowed from school he walked into the middle of the Dojo and began practicing a few kataÕs with it that heÕd seen the Kendo club doing.
Akane shook her head and began using the punching bag herself. SheÕd been giving him the cold shoulder ever since KunoÕs announcement during the assembly two months ago. How dare he have assumed that Akane would have dated him. From there they each began to alienate the other more and more. Now they merely put up with each other.
The boys at school had been annoyances since before school had even started. When Jason came she thought that she would give him a chance to see if American boys were different, and at first it had seemed that he was. But when Kuno got up on stage and made the declaration Jason stood up and said something that made Kuno mad. He must have said that he would date her despite whatever Kuno had said. That would be why Kuno would have taken the time to beat Jason up. When she began giving him the cold shoulder he seemed to get angry about it then simply did the same to her.
ÒLeggo yÕolÕ fool!Ó A female voice shouted from the house.
Worried about what the voice was about Akane ditched the bag and ran back into the house. Jason right behind her.
ÒWe have more visitors.Ó Kasumi murmured while sitting at the table.
ÒOOOO! Maybe itÕs Ranma this time!Ó Nabiki said excitedly and ran to the door looking for the world of her like an ordinary girl.
Soun followed close behind her shouting. ÒSoatome my friend! WeÕve been waiting!Ó
{Oh, I hope heÕs older!} Kasumi thought.
{How depressing. Boys!} Akane thought as she realized just what it was.
{Huh?} Jason wondered.
Both Nabiki and Soun came running back followed by a giant panda holding a girl over itÕs shoulder.
ÒHey! Yo! YouÕre scaring Ôem spitless!Ó the red head cried.
ÒDaddy... this... is your friend?Ó Kasumi asked unnerved.
Soun shook his head.
ÒOh. So this panda just decided to visit! Happens all the time!Ó Nabiki cried out.
The panda placed the red head before Soun and the two stared at each other.
ÒYou... wouldnÕt be...Ó
ÒRanma Saotome. Sorry Ôbout this.Ó The red head muttered.
Soun grabbed Ranma by the arms. ÒAt last! YouÕve come!Ó Soun cried joyously.
ÒOooo! HeÕs cute.Ó Nabiki said from behind her father.
Soun engaged Ranma in hug. ÒItÕs so good of you to come! So--Ó Suddenly Soun Tendo realized something was wrong. Holding Ranma out at arms length he now took visual notice of RanmaÕs large well formed breasts.
ÒIsnÕt that a girl Nabiki? Whattaya mean ÔheÕ?Ó Jason guessed.
Soun was speechless.
Kasumi was speechless.
Nabiki walked forwards and poked RanmaÕs breasts a couple times. ÒHmmmmm...Ó
ÒUm... could you stop that.Ó Ranma asked.
Soun lay on a futon in the middle of the living room with water streaming from his eyes.
ÒOh, poor daddy. HeÕs so disappointed.Ó Kasumi stated.
ÒHeÕs disappointed! Some fiance this is!Ó Nabiki declared indignantly.
Ranma and the panda looked downwards sheepishly.
ÒStop it, you two! He... she... is our guest!Ó Akane said.
ÒThis is all your fault, daddy! You should have made sure!Ó Nabiki accused.
ÒWell, he said he had a son!!Ó
ÒDo you see a son here? Hmm? Do you?Ó Nabiki said and ÔpoitedÕ Ranmas breasts.
ÒUm... I really wish youÕd stop that.Ó Ranma muttered.
ÒWhat exactly are you guys talking about?Ó Jason asked. After getting a rather dangerous glare from Soun Jason stood up. ÒI think IÕll be back in the Dojo.Ó And walked away from the family affair.
Akane stood up and gained the read heads attention. ÒHey. Join me in the Dojo too?Ó Akane asked and smiled. ÒIÕm Akane. You want to be friends?Ó
Ranma smiled cutely and seemed to brighten.
ÒYou know Karate, donÕt you?Ó Akane asked as Ranma got up to go to the training hall with Akane.
ÒA little.Ó Ranma answered.
They both entered the training hall to see Jason beating heavily on the punching bag. Akane sighed and shook her head. ÒHeÕll be doing that for hours. HeÕll probably pull something then IÕll be forced to drag him down to the doctors.Ó She said aggravated.
Ranma shrugged. ÒAt least he tries I suppose.Ó And then Jason gave a final left cross and inbedded his hand in the punching bag. Sand began seeping out of the hole he had made. Jason pulled his arm back and looked at the hole heÕd made in the punching bag. Slowly he shook his head then turned around to walk out of the Dojo.
Jason paused as he saw Ranma standing next to Akane. ÒHello. My nameÕs Jason. WhatÕs yours?Ó He greeted pleasantly.
ÒRanma, Ranma Saotome. YouÕre American right?Ó Ranma asked.
JasonÕs smile twitched. ÒNo, IÕm Canadian. YouÕre a friend of AkaneÕs are you? I donÕt believe IÕve seen you around the school yet. YouÕre not enrolled in Furinkan?Ó
Ranma shook her head. ÒNo, IÕm not. I just got to Nerima today actually. What style Martial Arts do you practice? ItÕs amazingly simple.Ó
Jason gave Ranma a blank stare. ÒItÕs not Martial Arts. ItÕs Boxing. And IÕm not quite sure if I should be proud or annoyed that you call it simple.Ó
ÒWell, from what I saw it relies completely on punching, no kicking, throwing, or grappling. What that does is make your moves rather predictable. But it also means that your attacks are more focused and usually more powerful.Ó Ranma explained.
Jason did the double blink of non-recognition. ÒYeah, I suppose.Ó Jason said confused then looked outside. ÒI had better be going back home. Nice meeting you Ranma. Akane.Ó Then he walked out of the dojo.
Both girls watched Jason leave then turned to each other. ÒAlright, now back to that match.Ó Akane said and assumed a ready stance.
The match began with Akane charging forwards and punching at Ranma who jumped up into the air. Akane kicked high while Ranma was airborne and Ranma spread her legs wide so the kick went under her.
None of AkaneÕs attacks really came close and Ranma kept on dodging.
{Why? Why am I missing her? Is she reading my moves?} She wondered then readied herself. {Okay. This time... FOR REAL!} She thought and punched straight through the wall as Ranma jumped clear over the strike.
Ranma landed softly behind Akane and tapped the back of her head twice. ÒHeh-heh-heh.Ó Ranma laughed quietly as Akane stared at her in shock. Soon both were laughing though.
ÒAhem. YouÕre pretty good.Ó Akane complimented. ÒWell, IÕm just glad youÕre a girl.Ó
ÒHuh?Ó
ÒItÕs just... IÕd really hate to lose to a boy! Like Jason, IÕve never fought him yet, but IÕd make sure to beat the stuffing out of him.Ó
Ranma was silent.
Ranma walked into the bath and undressed. She didnÕt need a bath, but Kasumi had insisted guessing that Ranma would be all sweaty from her workout. Ranma opened the door to the bath from the change room and walked in.
ÒWhat in the?Ó Was what Ranma said as the person occupying the furrow said, ÒAH!Ó and ducked under the water.
Slowly Ranma walked over to the furrow put her hand in and pulled the occupant out by the neck. ÒJason? What are you doing in here?Ó A decidely male voice asked.
Jason opened his eyes. ÒKasumi said it was alright if I took a bath after I had a workout.Ó He said then looked around. ÒI thought I saw Ranma come in here. And who are you? And how did you know my name?Ó
The boy sighed and poured some cold water into a bucket, the dumped the water over his head. His body shrunk in size, lost a few articles, and gained a few new ones.
Jason stared in shock, then turned away in embarrassment, his face as red as a chili pepper. {What the hell is going on here...?}
Ranma stepped back into the furrow and turned back into a guy once again. ÒIÕm Ranma Saotome.Ó He said nervously and turned his head away as he relaxed in the furrow.
ÒSo which is the real you?Ó Jason asked wonderingly. HeÕd never met a transvestite before. ÒAnd how do you do that?Ó
ÒUm... I think IÕll tell you when I tell everyone else. Yeah, thatÕs what IÕll do.Ó Ranma muttered.
ÒYou mean, the TendoÕs donÕt know about this yet? Well, actually I suppose it is something youÕd keep secret. Freaky.Ó Jason commented now sizing up RanmaÕs male form. Ranma was still alot shorter than Jason, and Jason looked more muscular still. But now Ranma looked powerful in some way. ÒBut tell me now.Ó Jason insisted leaning forwards to stare Ranma in the eyes.
Ranma settled deeper into the relaxing waters of the furro. ÒAlright, alright.Ó He muttered annoyed and began to give Jason the story of his trip to Jusenkyo.
ÒAck.Ó Jason said once Ranma finished. ÒNow thatÕs just plain weird. Hey if you want me to keep this a secret for you I will. But you should tell the TendoÕs seeing as how youÕre living here.Ó
Ranma nodded. ÒYeah, it is something IÕd like you to keep secret. And I do suppose theyÕll find out anyways. Sooner or later. Just like you have.Ó He said saddly. ÒBut anyways. How long you been in Japan?Ó
ÒTwo months really. Got here at the start of the school year. IÕm still not used to the time zones though and I always wake up early in the morning. The second day I was here I got attacked by an escaped tiger from the zoo while going on an early morning walk and it almost killed me. Great way to start the year huh?Ó Jason explained.
Ranma suppressed a shiver at the thought of being attacked by a tiger. ÒI guess that explains the scar on your left side then. ItÕs huge!Ó He exclaimed as Jason twisted slightly and gave Ranma a better look at it.
ÒI know, took a good chunk outta me.Ó Jason said then stood up. ÒAnyways, I gotta get going.Ó He said and then Ranma stood up as well.
ÒI suppose-Ó
ZHOOP
Both boys looked to the door to the bath where Akane had just walked in completely naked. RanmaÕs eyes went wide as saucers. JasonÕs lower jaw pulled itself down and to the left making it look unhinged. Akane just stared at the two of them. A very peculiar staring contest seemed to ensue but Akane quickly lost as she looked at both of RanmaÕs and JasonÕs nakedness.
Then she walked out.
Ranma stood straight and began to shake and blush as Jason tried to get out and get dressed as quickly as possible.
ÒYAAAAA!!Ó
ÒSomething tells me weÕre in for a world of pain.Ó Jason guessed and quickly dried himself off and got dressed.
ÒEEEEE-YAAAAA!!Ó
Ò[Oh man oh man oh man!]Ó
ÒIÕll weigh them down! IÕll drown them in the bathtub!Ó They both heard.
NabikiÕs voice could be heard but she wasnÕt shouting so they couldnÕt tell what she was saying.
ÒThereÕs a couple perverts in the bathroom!Ó
Nabiki said something else.
ÒBecause IÕm afraid!!Ó
By now both Ranma and Jason were walking out of the bathroom fully dressed. Ranma in his usual chinese shirt and pants and Jason wearing a clean short sleeved shirt and jeans and had his gym bag slung over his shoulder.
ÒThatÕs odd. Ranma was in the bath just now.Ó She said and looked at them ÒUh... who... who...Ó
ÒWho are you?Ó Nabiki demanded looking straight at Ranma. ÒAnd why are you with him?Ó She then demanded looking at Jason just behind Ranma.
ÒIÕm Ranma Saotome. Sorry Ôbout this.Ó Ranma said looking down at the ground nervously.
ÒI didnÕt do anything wrong.Ó Jason denied.
All the girls stared at Ranma, either confused, surprised, or suspicious. Jason felt relieved.
ÒIÕll explain it once more.Ó Soun began. ÒThis is my dear old friend...Ó
Ò...Genma Saotome.Ó The fat man greeted. ÒAnd this my son...Ó
Ò... Ranma.Ó Ranma said.
The SaotomeÕs sat with their backs to the porch, the Tendo girls infront of them, Soun to the SaotomeÕs right, and Jason to their left.
Akane stared at Ranma menacingly as he watched the Tendo girls reactions.
ÒWhatÕs this all about?!Ó Nabiki demanded.
ÒAre you really her? That same girl?Ó Kasumi asked.
Genma put a finger to his head in thought. ÒHmmmm. Where should I begin? I know...Ó he said. ÒHYAH!!Ó He cried as he threw Ranma into the koi pond. With a cry Ranma fell in.
The buxom red head surfaced from the pool. ÒWhat the hell are you doing?!Ó Ranma shouted.
The Tendo girls stared confused. ÒNow heÕs a girl!Ó Kasumi stated.
Genma stood at the edge of the pond with water running from his eyes. ÒMy own son. So humiliating. So humiliating.Ó
ÒWho for?Ó Jason wondered under his breath.
POW! SPLASH. ÒWho are you to talk?!Ó Ranma said after kicking Genma into the pond.
ÒDaddy? Why are you friends with them?Ó Kasumi asked.
ÒThey werenÕt like this before!Ó Soun replied.
ÒNot before they went to China... and took a terrifying training excercise!Ó
Ranma and Genma eventually went back to the bath. As they changed their forms Jason took the time to ask just what was going on between the two families.
ÒOne of us is supposed to marry into the Saotome family, thus uniting our schools and ensuring their futures.Ó Nabiki responded.
ÒAh.Ó Jason said comprehendingly.
Both the Saotomes came down then. ÒAh, yes. It was two fateful weeks ago...Ó Genma began as he went into of what happened at Jusenkyo after sitting down. They both went into how they started figting and ignored the warnings of the guide and then how they both got dunked into the pools.
There was a moment of silence.
ÒThe Legendary Ground of Accursed Springs. ItÕs true horror has always been shrouded in mystery. But now...Ó
ÒDoesnÕt really sound like itÕs that much of a secret. Not with a guide there and all.Ó Jason commented.
ÒFeh! ÔTrue horror.ÕÓ Ranma said getting angry and grabbed his Pop by the gi. ÒYo, old man whatÕs the idea of bringing me to a place like that, anyway?Ó
Once again Genma threw Ranma into the pond. ÒYou sound like a woman! Were you not prepared to give your life for the sake of your training?Ó
ÒMy life, yes.Ó Ranma agreed then jumped forwards and splashed Genma with a bucket of water. ÒMy manhood was another story!Ó
{WhereÕd the bucket come from?} Jason wondered. He hadnÕt noticed it before.
ÒOh, what a tragedy!Ó Soun cried as the SaotomeÕs fought.
ÒStop that! You just went too far, Mr. Saotome!Ó Kasumi cried as she attempted to stop Genma from pummeling Ranma.
ÒYeah! Even for martial atrs training!Ó Nabiki chipped in.
ÒWhat ever made you do something so dangerous?!Ó Kasumi shouted in GenmaÕs face.
Genma was suddenly lifted to his feet by the scruff of his neck and turned so that he was looking at JasonÕs blank face. ÒNot to mention stupid. I may never have heard of this place. And I may not believe in magic. But I know better than to go to some place that has dark rumors around it and more importantly disrespect what they locals tell me.Ó Jason stated and then saw a small pamphlet drop to the ground. Kasumi picked it up and looked at it.
ÒItÕs Chinese. A map... and guide book?Ó Kasumi said.
ÒSomething about... Ôtraining grounds.ÕÓ Nabiki added.
Jason gave Genma a hard look. ÒDonÕt tell me you canÕt read Chinese.Ó Jason threatened. Genma shakily raised a party balloon which popped and the word correct popped out on a peice of paper. ÒI think this is worthy grounds for a death warrant.Ó Jason said lightly and was about to decide whether or not to hit the fat panda. It wasnÕt polite to hit a guest in someone elseÕs house. But he just deserved it soo much.
Before he could make his decision though Soun poured some boiling water on Genma and Jason quickly released him. ÒSo. When doused with hot water, you return to human form.Ó Soun said looking his old friend right in the face.
ÒWell, it neednÕt be quite that hot.Ó
ÒWhen doused with cold water, you become a girl...Ó Soun said now at ranmaÕs side. Ò... But hot water turns you back into a boy!Ó He said bringing the kettle forwards.
ÒHot water! Not boiling!Õ Ranma protested and jumped away.
ÒNo sweat.Ó Soun said then snaked his arm around RanmaÕs shoulders and patted her arm. ÒYour problem isnÕt so terrible after all!Ó
ÒHuh?Ó Ranma replied intelligently.
ÒIt isnÕt?Ó Jason said confused. Ò[YouÕve gotta be shitting me.] How can anything make that not a problem?Ó
Soun shot Jason a hard look. ÒSilence boy.Ó Then he turned back to Ranma. ÒMy daughter Kasumi. Nineteen. And Nabiki. Seventeen. And Akane. Sixteen. Pick the one you want, sheÕs your fiancee.Ó Soun said and waved to each of his girls.
ÒHow does that help?Ó
ÒOh, he wantÕs Akane!Ó Kasumi said and pushed Akane forwards.
ÒOh, definately!Ó Nabiki agreed.
ÒEh?Ó
ÒMe? Marry that pervert?! Never!Ó Akane denied.
ÒSay whaddya mean ÔpervertÕ?!Ó Ranma demanded.
ÒYeah, what the hell did he do?Ó Jason stated.
ÒYou looked at my body. Both of you did you perverts.Ó
ÒHey! We were in there first!Ó Jason argued before Ranma could speak.
ÒItÕs different when a girl seeÕs a boy! And just what were you doing in our bath anyways?!Ó
ÒHell no it ainÕt!Ó Ranma quarreled.
ÒI asked Kasumi if I could go in. And when the fat guy walked out I thought it would be fine!Ó Jason retorted. ÒYou should knock before walking into the bath anyways. And you should know by now that I always take a bath before going home after a work out!Ó
ÒYou... you... if, either of you ever look at my body again-Ó
ÒGoodbye!Ó Ranma said walking away.
ÒWhere are you going, boy?Ó Genma demanded.
ÒBack to China! To find a way to change back for good! This is no time for ÔfianceeÕsÕ.Ó Ranma said then turned to Akane. ÒBy the way... you took a pretty good look at both me and Jason, too yÕknow.Ó
Jason walked up to RanmaÕs side. ÒSo you see Akane, itÕs your fault after all.Ó
ÒBlame it on me will you!Ó Akane shouted and picked up the table.
ÒHold on!Ó Ranma cried worriedly. ÒItÕs no big deal for me too see a naked girl right? I mean, IÕve seen myself plenty of times, right?Ó
Akane bit her lip. That was true. ÒWell, I guess that means youÕre off the hook. But he isnÕt!Ó She cried then slammed the table on top of Jason who was quickly flattened.
Ò[Ouch...]Ó Jason said.
ÒUm... are you alright?Ó Ranma asked leaning over slightly to hear if Jason answered.
ÒIÕm alive... right? I am alive... I think. No, I must be alive. This hurts too much. I even think IÕm bleeding on this nice floor.Ó Jason murmured incoherently.
Ranma lifted the table off of Jason. ÒNaw, youÕre fine.Ó Ranma informed then turned to Akane. ÒJeez Akane, he didnÕt really deserve that you know. But I suppose a tomboy like you wouldnÕt-Ó
BAM!
ÒNow that he had coming.Ó Genma stated as he looked at what little he could see of his son turned daughter under the table that Akane had just used on Ranma.
Ranma woke up a bit later and jerked to awareness.
ÒAh! SheÕs awake!Ó
Ranma let out a pained moan as she struggled to her feet.
ÒAre you okay? DonÕt think too badly of Akane. SheÕs really a very sweet girl. SheÕs just a violent maniac.Ó Kasumi explained sweetly.
ÒOh, good Kasumi. That makes lots of sense.Ó Nabiki stated.
ÒThat American left yet?Ó Ranma asked as his head throbbed.
ÒYep, donÕt ever call him an American though. He doesnÕt seem to like it.Ó Nabiki stated.
Ranma finally got up and began to go to the bathroom. ÒGotcha.Ó {Yeee-ouch! It still smarts. What the hell is all this about anyways.} The memory of when Akane asked to be friends passed through RanmaÕs mind as she walked into the bathroom. {Friends she says! So much for ÔfriendsÕ when she found out I was a boy!} Ranma undressed and was about to walk into the bath when the door opened before her. ÒUh... uh... uh-oh!Ó
ÒWhy you... you... you...Ó Akane growled.
POW!
ÒSo sheÕs got spunk. That just makes a fiancee cuter.Ó Ganma said when Ranma explained what happened to him while drinking some hot tea out on the porch.
ÒCute is not the word.Ó Ranma said as Nabiki and Akane argued behind them in the living room.
Jason approached the Sakawa household slowly. ÒOkay. That was one of the dumber things IÕve done in my life.Ó He muttered to himself as he walked inside the home. It was late out and everyone should have been asleep so Jason made sure to keep quiet.
He passed through the kitchen and spotted Kei getting up from the fridge wearing little more than her underwear while getting a midnight snack.
Her face quickly became red and she was about to say something but Jason held up his hand. ÒDonÕt worry about it Kei. IÕve seen nakeder women than you today. IÕll just go to bed and with my headache IÕll have forgotten about it tomorrow. Good night.Ó He said then walked right past her.
Idly Kei wondered just what had happened, too confused to be embarrassed any longer she quickly returned to her snacks.
The next day had been the seventh day since coming to Japan that Jason hadnÕt woken up early.
Ò[OHMYGODIÕMLATE!!]Ó He shouted and ran out of his room with his gym bag over his shoulder.
ÒSchool?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒWell, we are going to be staying for awhile.Ó Genma answered.
Nabiki walked past them holding her school bag over her shoulder. ÒItÕs the same school me and Akane go to.Ó She added. ÒWeÕll see you there.Ó
Akane ran up to Nabiki. ÒHold on Nabiki, IÕll go with you.Ó
ÒRanma is your fiancee remember? You should walk with him.Ó Nabiki said over her shoulder then walked out the front door.
Ranma and Akane took a second each to glare at each other.
When they set out later Ranma quickly jumped up on the chain link fence along the road while Akane walked calmly on the sidewalk.
ÒWeÕre not getting married you know.Ó Akane remarked.
ÒYouÕre telling me?Ó
ÒSo donÕt hang around me at school.Ó
ÒDonÕt worry! I canÕt stand macho chicks like you anyways.Ó
Akane was about to whip her book bag at Ranma when Genma ran along the fence and hit Ranma in the back of the head.
ÒPop! WhatÕre you-Ó
ÒYouÕre in no position to be choosy about women! Listen Ranma, IÕll tell you only once-Ó
Ranma promptly tripped Genma, sending the fat man into the canal next to the road.
ÒWhatÕs that Pop? WerenÕt you going to say something?Ó Ranma called down at the panda.
Genma jumped up causing Ranma to get off the fence so he didnÕt get wet. ÒHa!Ó SPLASH!
ÒSomething wrong?Ó Akane asked dryly as Ranma held her pants up.
ÒThink IÕll go take a bath.Ó
ÒNot enough time, youÕll be late. All you need is hot water right? I know a place where we can go.Ó Akane said.
Akane took Ranma down to Dr. TofuÕs and went inside to ask for some hot water while Ranma waited outside.
{Hoooo boy. What a way to-} RanmaÕs thoughts were cut short as a skeletal hand put itself on his shoulder.
ÒOh pardon me.Ó Dr. Tofu apologized looking up at Ranma as she had jumped onto a sign for the clinic. ÒThis is Betty, my skeleton. Nothing to worry about.Ó
Akane walked around the corner. ÒRanma, hereÕs the hot...Ó
ÒWell, Akane.Ó
Akane bowed deeply and placed the hot water on top of RanmaÕs head. ÒGood morning.Ó
Dr. Tofu bowed as well. ÒGood morning to you too.Ó
Ranma noticed the blush on AkaneÕs face then took the hot water, walked around the corner and doused himself with it. ÒInteresting.Ó
After Akane finished talking chit-chat with the doctor both now set off at a run to get to school. ÒWho was that guy?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒDr. Tofu, the chiropractor.Ó
ÒHeÕs a Martial Arts Master right?Ó
ÒHowÕd you guess?Ó
{Sneaking up on me that way. He erased all sense of his presence.}
ÒTrue, heÕs very good. But he doesnÕt look very good does he?Ó Akane said. ÒEver since I was little heÕs taken care of my injuries.Ó
Ranma jumped down from the fence as he saw the school coming into view. ÒSo... isnÕt he a man?Ó
ÒYes. So?Ó
ÒI thought you hated men.Ó
ÒThatÕs right. I.... Despise.... MEN!!Ó Akane shouted as she charged towards the group of guys heading straight for her.
Ò[GANG-WAY]Ó Someone shouted behind them. Both Ranma and Akane dodged to the side as Jason came streaming from behind them going much faster than they had been on his skateboard.
Jason had been running late almost since he woke up. And now he was stressed because of it. He planted his left foot squarely in the middle of his skateboard, edged his right toe under it and ducked low. As the crowd of rushing boys came closer he sprung up, pulled the board up and held it between his feet, then began to spin in mid air with his arms flung wide and his hands in fists, his gym bags shoulder strap slung over his head giving it about the range of his arms. The end result made him look like a spinning human tornado. Those students who didnÕt dodge fast enough were bowled over by JasonÕs fists or were blindsided by the bag.
Now while this looked all nice, cool, and to some even pretty. ThereÕs a reason why no one ever does it in real life. You canÕt land it. Jason managed to clear the crowd, surprisingly got himself righted on the board. But when he landed he was still spinning and so he flew off his board.
A quick recovery was in order as he rolled, quickly acquiring his footing and his bag he ran back and skidded almost to a halt to pick up his board, then reversed his momentum to head straight back to school. Unfortunately KunoÕs bokken was there and put a quick stop to JasonÕs getting in on time.
ÒYou dare to stop this event of love to the beauteous Akane Tendo?!Ó Kuno demanded.
ÒIÕm just trying to get to school on time Kuno. Now move it before IÕm late!Ó Jason demanded as Kuno slashed with the bokken again.
ÒYou hath done a grievous injustice today Reaver. You shall pay for it with your life.Ó Kuno swore and started slashing at Jason with his sword.
ÒAkane, who is that guy?Ó Ranma asked from atop the schools wall after Akane had dealt with the rest of the men that hadnÕt been hit by the human twister.
ÒThatÕs Kuno. HeÕs in JasonÕs class and he really doesnÕt like Jason. JasonÕs the only person whoÕs worked Kuno down to a draw. HeÕs also our upperclassman.Ó Akane explained.
Ranma watched JasonÕs movements as Jason continued to dodge KunoÕs strikes and not trying to get any of his own in. ÒIs it me or is Jason looking a little slow? I donÕt think KunoÕs hit him yet but...Ó
ÒThe second day that Jason had been here he was attacked by a tiger and had to spend a few days in the hospital. As soon as he came back Kuno dealt him a near-fatal wound. Jason might not have fully recovered yet, heÕs always tried to avoid his fights with Kuno so far since then.Ó Akane informed.
Ranma jumped down from the wall. ÒShouldnÕt we stop this? WeÕve all got to get to class.Ó
ÒRanma! Akane! Get into the school now!Ó Nabiki called from her classroom.
Both Ranma and Akane looked up at Nabiki. ÒBut shouldnÕt we-Ó
ÒJason can take care of himself. You two donÕt want to be late.Ó
ÒBut heÕs-Ó
ÒSheÕs right Ranma, Jason doesnÕt need our help. And we really need to get to class.Ó Akane said then grabbed RanmaÕs arm and begun dragging him to class.
As they were about to pass by Kuno he grabbed RanmaÕs other arm while pointing the tip of his bokken at Jason. ÒYou! You are being rather familiar with Akane!Ó
Ranma looked to Akane. ÒTell him Akane. Akane?Ó
Akane looked away. ÒTell him what?Ó
ÒWho are you boor! Ah, but it is custom to give oneÕs own name first! Fine then I shall give mine!Ó Kuno shouted.
There was a collective ÒHuh?Ó then Ranma replied with ÒIf you want.Ó
ÒMy name...Ó Kuno began. ÒIs upperclassman Kuno. Junior Group E. Captain of the Kendo club. Undefeated new star of the High School Fencing World. But my peers call me... the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!Ó
ÒWHAT!!Ó Jason shouted outraged. ÒI nearly kicked your ass the first day I came here Shooting Too Far!Ó
ÒSilence!!Ó Kuno shouted back then released RanmaÕs arm to began his standard attack against Jason once again. ÒStrike strike strike strike strike strike strike strike strike!!Ó
Ò[Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit!!]Ó
ÒHey! He doesnÕt want to fight! Leave him alone!Ó Ranma cried and took an offensive fighting stance.
ÒBaka! You canÕt take on Kuno! HeÕs too good!Ó Akane warned and tried to pull Ranma.
ÒItÕs a Martial Artists duty to protect the weak and innocent, and right now Jason doesnÕt want to fight so heÕs innocent!Ó Ranma quoted to Akane over his shoulder.
Kuno once again stopped his assualt to point his bokken at Ranma. ÒGive me your name boor!Ó
Ranma gave Kuno a cocky smirk. ÒAlright then. I am Ranma Saotome, heir to the Saotome School of Indescriminate Grappling. And if you wonÕt leave this foreigner alone then I challenge you!Ó He introduced.
ÒIf it be a fight that you wish for, then it is a fight you shall have!Ó Kuno replied outraged and charged forwards to slash at Ranma, who suddenly wasnÕt there as KunoÕs blade went straight through the wall that was once behind Ranma.
Kuno looked up to see that Ranma had jumped against the tree. ÒBlast!Ó He cried as he slashed through the trunk where, once again, Ranma had been standing.
ÒNow IÕm gonna say this loud and clear...Ó Ranma said as he landed on the ground once again, then was suddenly in KunoÕs face. ÒAttacking an unwilling opponent is the work of a coward, so I suggest you lay off!Ó
ÒCalling me a coward. I FORBID IT!!Ó Kuno shouted and slashed at Ranma once again.
Suddenly there was crack as thunder could be heard from the sky and Ranma came down upon Kuno with his fingers pointed towards KunoÕs forehead.
{Strange. It was clear a minute ago.} Jason thought to himself. {Oh no, the curse!}
Suddenly a raging panda ran through the front gate, knocked Kuno away and picked up Ranma as the rain started to fall.
{Mr. Saotome?} Both Akane and Jason thought as the giant panda ran right by them. Both quickly followed the SaotomeÕs down to the P.E. equipment room.
ÒDang it. If it didnÕt rain I woulda nailed that pansy with one-Ó
ÒI wouldnÕt be so sure.Ó Akane said as both she and Jason entered.
ÒWhatta you mean?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒYour neck.Ó Jason said and pointed before Akane could.
ÒHuh? A bruise? Wow. And he didnÕt even touch me!Ó Ranma exclaimed as Genma began pouring the hot water from a kettle over RanmaÕs head.
ÒIf he had youÕd be breathing through a hole in your neck. Looks like a pretty even match wonÕt you say?Ó
ÒOh I wouldnÕt be so sure about that.Ó Ranma stated confidently before they began to leave.
Jason stopped Ranma just as they left the room. ÒHey Ranma. Thanks for the save. IÕm really not up to a fight with Kuno yet. Heck I know IÕm not a match for him yet. Nearly every fight I get in with him I come out bruised all over and barely on my feet. IÕll see you later then right?Ó
Ranma shrugged then nodded. ÒYeah probably.Ó
ÒCome on guys. We need to get to class now!Ó Akane urged ahead of them.
ÒAlright, alright... geez...Ó Ranma said then was about to say something else to Akane to Jason when he noticed that Jason was long gone. Ò...Ó
2-E.
Running into class Jason sped into his seat with little notice to what or who ever was in his way. Therefore having knocked quite a few people and their desks aside.
ÒAnd you donÕt even remember being touched?Ó Nabiki asked Kuno as Kuno inspected his head with a hand mirror.
ÒHmph, at first I thought this Ranma Saotome was good. But he canÕt even spell!Ó Kuno declared as Jason clearly saw the word ÔPannsyÕ written of KunoÕs forehead. ÒThis is how you spell it!Ó He exclaimed and wrote ÔPanssyÕ on the chalk board.
ÒNo, this is!Ó Nabiki corrected as she wrote ÔPansyÕ on the board next to Kuno.
ÒI detest you.Ó
ÒIÕm so glad.Ó
ÒAH HA HA HA HA HA HA, AH HA HA HA HA HA HA!Ó Jason started laughing out loud hysterically, his side beginning to hurt more than alot.
ÒJason you were late, go stand in the hall.Ó
Ò[Awww nuts.]Ó Jason said then got out of his chair and moved walked slowly to the front of the room, grabbed a pair of buckets filled water and walked out the door.
1-F.
ÒWell, it does seem to be true that you were in China until recently. But that doesnÕt change the fact that you and Akane Tendo were late.Ó The teacher said then handed a couple of buckets to Ranma. ÒGo stand in the hall.Ó
ÒThis is all your fault.Ó Akane accused while holding the two buckets of water given to her.
ÒMy fault? I was busy helping someone, how was it my fault?Ó Ranma demanded outraged as he held his own.
ÒIf the both of you had just butted out I could have finished it quickly enough on my own. After all, I do every morning.Ó Akane replied.
ÒJust what was that all about anyways?Ó
ÒKuno told everyone during an assembly that if they wanted to take me out theyÕd have to beat me. It was the day that Jason was supposed to be formally introduced to the school as an exchange student from Canada so he was up on the stage as well. He told Kuno that he would date me whether or not Kuno accepted it and Kuno got mad. They broke into a short scuffle and Jason ended up on the stage bleeding from a serious wound on his side.Ó Akane explained. ÒIÕve had to beat up almost every boy in school since that day and IÕve also avoided Jason as much as I could.Ó
2-E.
ÒWHAT?! ÔFIANCEEÕ?!Ó Kuno shouted.
{WhatÕs Kuno bitching about now?} Jason wondered and put his ear to the door.
ÒMy dad and his dad decided. AkaneÕs going to marry Ranma.Ó Jason heard Nabiki say.
{Bad move Nabiki. Very bad move. You should know more than anyone else that KunoÕs as dumb as an ox.}
ÒRANMA SAOTOME!!Ó
ÒKuno. Stand in the hall.Ó
Kuno ran out of the classroom holding two buckets of water. Jason had already put down one of his buckets and grabbed the back of KunoÕs shirt. ÒHold on Kuno. How much did you pay Nabiki?Ó Jason asked calmly despite the amount of water from KunoÕs buckets that was spilt onto him.
ÒPay? Nothing.Ó
ÒThen I shouldnÕt have to say anymore.Ó
Kuno stared at Jason for a second as the door to the classroom closed behind them. ÒSay what? I donÕt understand.Ó
ÒIt was a forgery Kuno. You know that Nabiki forces you to pay for every single piece of information that she provides you with. If she didnÕt make you pay then it couldnÕt be true.Ó Jason stated calmly. {Yes, it might just work. IÕm using big words so Kuno has to believe me.}
Kuno stared at Jason for a second. ÒI forbid it!Ó He shouted then began running down the halls again.
{DAMN IT!!}
Jason quickly followed after him. ÒKuno get back here!Ó
ÒSo you fight with Kuno every morning?Ó Ranma guessed.
ÒYeah, and for some reason I always win.Ó Akane replied.
ÒWell, when a guy fights a girl he lets up a lot.Ó
ÒDonÕt underestimate me. Try me for real sometime.Ó
ÒNo way. Violent or not, youÕre still a girl.Ó Ranma said and shook his head slightly. ÒI just couldnÕt do it.Ó
Akane took a position so she could easily toss the water. ÒWhat if you were a girl too?Ó Akane said then suddenly a wave of water flew towards Ranma who quickly jumped up and above the stream.
Both turned their attention to Kuno as he stood leaning forwards slightly and an empty bucket dripping water in his hands. Jason coming up quickly behind Kuno unnoticed.
ÒNever, Ranma Saotome!Ó Kuno shouted angrilly.
ÒUpperclassman Kuno...Ó Akane muttered.
ÒWhat do you think youÕre-Ó Ranma began.
ÒHee-YAH!Ó Jason shouted as he clotheslined Kuno from behind and began dragging him to the stairwell as he passed Ranma and Akane by.
ÒRelease me foul Street Fighter! I must mete out my holy wrath!Ó Kuno shouted as he struggled against JasonÕs iron grip on his neck.
ÒI told ya once Kuno and IÕll tell ya again. She was playing a joke on you!Ó Jason shouted as he struggled to keep Kuno in a headlock while running through the hallways of Furinkan.
Back at classroom 1-E both Ranma and Akane sweat dropped. ÒMaybe we should follow...Ó Ranma muttered.
ÒOr maybe we should just let the baka deal with his own problems.Ó Akane replied annoyed.
ÒOW!Ó
ÒRANMA SAOTOME!! I WILL NEVER ACCEPT YOUR ENGAGEMENT TO AKANE!!Ó Kuno bellowed as he ran back to fight Ranma. Jason came into view behind Kuno holding his shoulder.
Suddenly everyone in classroom were demanding to know what Kuno was talking about. Being that everyone on that floor heard it.
ÒWait! ItÕs not true! ItÕs-Ó
ÒOur parents decided! We never-Ó
ÒThat hurt damnit!Ó
Kuno listened to little of the prattle and instead went straight to attacking Ranma, charging forwards with his bokken raised high for a deadly strike. Ranma saw the attack ahead of time and dropping both of the buckets he was holding dodged out of the way.
ÒStand your ground!Ó Kuno shouted as Ranma began to run away.
ÒThis isnÕt any place to fight. Follow me!Ó Ranma shouted over his shoulder.
ÒThat I shall!Ó Kuno swore as he followed close behind.
Jason ran through the gathering crowd of students to keep as close behind as he could. Kuno was gonna regret that.
ÒHey, donÕt run in the hall!Ó A teacher shouted as all the students passed him.
ÒYes sir!Ó Akane replied ahead of the class by only a foot.
Ò[Like we care.]Ó Jason muttered even further than Akane.
Ranma saw an open window and jumped through it. ÒHere, letÕs take this outside.Ó
ÒFear not.Ó Kuno said as he followed suit.
Jason also got up on the window and was about to jump when he saw just how far below him the pool was. Ò[Maaayyybe not.]Ó He decided and was about to crawl back through when a bunch of people trying to stick their head out the window accidentally pushed his leg off the window sill. Ò[Jesus-]Ó was all he got to say before he pushed off with his other foot and what could have been a magnificent jump became a sloppy fall.
ÒThis is the Third Floor!!Ó The Teacher shouted.
Ò[Aw shit!!]Ó Jason shouted in free fall.
ÒDonÕt worry IÕm- YOW!!Ó Ranma called back but then noticed the pool below him.
ÒMoron!!Ó Akane shouted.
ÒLucky for them the pool was there huh?Ó A boy next to Akane said.
ÒLucky he says!!Ó
Jason would have sighed in relief and gone into a dive, but then he noticed he wasnÕt going to hit the pool. At least, not before he broke the diving board. Shifting his position to a well braced squat he landed feet first on the diving board at the same time Ranma and Kuno hit the pool. The diving board bent so far down that it seemed impossible it hadnÕt broken and Jason struggled to grip the edge for when it back fired.
When it did though, it went so fast Jason found himself rolling off the board and into the water.
ÒLook, KunoÕs surfaced.Ó
ÒYeah, but whereÕs Ranma?Ó
ÒAnd what happened to that transfer student?Ó
Under the water Ranma began swimming to the far end of the pool. {Gotta get away, gotta get away.} Looking up she saw Kuno floating face down in the water. Ranma came up under KunoÕs body and used it to conceal herself. {What else can I do?} She wondered as she swam along.
As unfortunate as can be Kuno awoke, and immediately tried to assualt Ranma. ÒI fight on!Ó He declared as he squeezed RanmaÕs breast.
Ranma reached up and grabbed KunoÕs head, then flipped him overhead and slammed him onto the pavement by the side of the pool. ÒPERVERT!!Ó Ranma flipped up into the air, over top of Kuno, landed and began walking away from the school. And more importantly, Kuno.
Kuno lay on the ground for a second, then crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side. ÒA woman. Yes. That was a woman.Ó He contemplated then came a realization. ÒWhich means-Ó
Ò[Nighty-night Kuno...]Ó An ominous voice said from somewhere behind Kuno.
ÒWha?Ó
Jason pulled himself out of the pool with his left hand, bringing his right fist above then down against KunoÕs face. Ò[Between a rock and a hard place.]Ó Jason muttered and climbed out of the pool. Once standing he almost dropped to his knees. {Rough landing. Oh my god...} He thought to himself as he too began walking off.
ÒRanma Saotome, Jason Reaver you wretches! Do you think you have escaped?!Ó Kuno cried and suddenly sat back up.
{My god. HeÕs still alive.} Jason thought to himself as he painfully chased after Ranma before Kuno found either of them. {Kuno, just be a good dog and DIE!}
Jason walked for a little while, then took the time to rest under a tree so his legs didnÕt hurt too much from any more walking.
ÒPervert. He didnÕt have to squeeze so hard.Ó Ranma said above Jason as he wrung out his pants. Jason felt the small shower and looked up.
ÒThanks alot Ranma! Like IÕm not wet enough already!Ó
Ranma looked down at the base of the tree sure enough Jason was sitting there in a relaxed position. ÒWhatÕre you doing down there?Ó
ÒLooking for you. KunoÕs looking for both of us for a good fight and since youÕre in your girl form I thought IÕd warn you.Ó Jason replied looking forwards again. Gingerly he felt along both his legs. Ò[Ah god.] Feels like I broke something with that fall. When I find out who pushed me out that window IÕm gonna kick their ass.Ó
Ranma smirked as she put her pants back on. ÒIÕll have to ask Pop to train you. Then maybe you wonÕt be such a weakling.Ó
ÒHar har.Ó Jason said then stared off into the distance. ÒAkaneÕs coming. Looks like she has something with her.Ó
Ranma dropped down from the tree next to Jason and watched as Akane walked up to them. ÒYou morons.Ó Was what she first said.
Jason stared at her blankly. ÒOh thank you so very much.Ó He drawled, ÒNot that I was pushed or anything. No, I ÔmeantÕ to break my legs. I ÔwantedÕ to risk killing myself on a DIVING BOARD!Ó Soon after he said that he blushed as both stared at him in surprise. ÒSorry, ah heh. ShouldnÕt have blown up at you like that.Ó
Akane turned to Ranma, ÒAnd what about you Ranma? Jumping into a pool of your own free will?Ó
ÒI didnÕt know it was there.Ó Ranma defended then tried to look at what Akane was hiding behind her skirt. ÒWhatÕcha got there? Hot water maybe?Ó
Akane held the kettle out for Ranma to take it. Gratefully Ranma snatched it and poured the warm water over his head triggering the change.
ÒWhither Ranma Saotome?!Ó
Ò[That would be brainless himself.]Ó Jason muttered looking up at the tree leaves innocently. Slowly he got to his feet, gritting his teeth as he did so. ÒI swear to god, if this keeps up this place is gonna be the death of me.Ó
ÒAh ha. I have found you two scoundrels! Fair Akane, what doth you do with these peasants? Bah it is no matter. I shall defeat you both at once.Ó Kuno declared and held his sword at the ready.
Jason raised an eyebrow as both Ranma and Akane squinted to get a better look at KunoÕs face.
ÒIs it me or does Kuno have an imprint of his forehead?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒIt looks painful.Ó Akane added.
Jason smirked to himself. {Oh itÕs an imprint all right.} ÒKuno weÕre busy having a conversation here. Get lost!Ó
ÒStand your ground heathens!Ó Kuno shouted and charged forwards with his bokken raised high.
Ranma jumped up into the branches of the tree where Kuno shouldnÕt have been able to get him. Akane dodged to the side although it was rather unnecessary, Kuno wouldnÕt hit her. Jason stood stock still.
ÒMove stupid!Ó Ranma shouted in warning from the safety of the tree.
ÒI canÕt!Ó Jason shouted back just before Kuno hit him with a savage slash directed at his shoulder. He sunk to one knee holding his left shoulder and gritting his teeth against the pain, then fell forwards onto the ground as his strength left his body. ÒI canÕt move!Ó
Kuno stood proud of his achievement over the vile Street Fighter. But because his guard wasnÕt up Ranma took his time in swinging down from the branch and kicking Kuno full in the chest, sending the Kendoist back a few meters. The swing shook loose some of the water the branch had collected when Ranma wrung out his pants, just enough water to trigger RanmaÕs change.
The now female Ranma swung back up onto the branch and held herself there watching for any type of reaction from Kuno. Being that he wasnÕt moving yet she turned her attention down to Akane and Jason. ÒHe all right?Ó
Akane looked up at Ranma with unsure eyes. ÒI canÕt tell. HeÕs breathing, and his eyes are open, but he isnÕt doing anything.Ó She said then looked back down at Jason and rolled him over onto his back.
ÒWhither Ranma Saotome!Ó
ÒWha?Ó Ranma said then thought to herself {HeÕs back up? What keeps this guy going?}
Indeed Kuno was once again standing up, wielding his bokken and looking every which way to find Ranma. ÒHath he run away from me?Ó He demanded of no one in particular. Finally he gave up and shook his fist at the heavens, ÒBah that coward. He is no man, he is no man!Ó
Ranma was more than a little angry at that. Jumping down from the tree she assumed a fighting stance. ÒAlright then, you wanna play it that way, fine!Ó
ÒEh, youÕre that girl. You wish to challenge me? Fine, if you defeat me I shall allow you to date me.Ó Kuno stated air-headedly and assumed a fighting stance himself. Quickly he slashed at the red head who jumped clear over the strike.
ÒAnd whoÕs...Ó Ranma said while airborne, she grabbed onto the bokken with her left foot and kicked Kuno in the face with her right. ÒAsking to go out with you?!Ó She shouted indignantly. As Kuno fell to the ground Ranma smirked. ÒAnd guess what Kuno, Ranma SaotomeÕs even betterÕn me.Ó She said then turned to Akane. ÒAlright Akane, weÕd better get him to a doctor. IÕll take his arms, you take his feet.Ó
ÒYou do know that weÕre skipping school right now right?Ó Akane asked.
ÒAh who cares.Ó
ÒDr. Tofu....Ó Akane called out once they reached the clinic.
Dr. Tofu walked into the waiting room and appraised the situation. ÒWhat happened to him?Ó Dr. Tofu asked quickly as he took Jason from Ranma and Akane and took him to the operating room.
ÒWell....Ó Ranma procrastinated then gave Dr. Tofu the whole story of what happened, excluding her change of course. After all, he didnÕt know about that yet and more importantly didnÕt need to.
Dr. Tofu let out a sad sigh and looked down at JasonÕs prone form. ÒI was worried about this....Ó He muttered as his mind wandered right out the window while sitting down on a chair.
ÒWhat? WhatÕs happened to him?Ó Ranma asked curiously and both she and Akane sat down on a couple of chairs as well.
Dr. Tofu jerked at RanmaÕs voice and looked up at the redheaded girl surprised, but quickly regained his composure. ÒWell, IÕve never really been sure of this until now but, heÕs a Martial Arts prodigy is what he is.Ó
ÒA what?Ó
ÒSomeone who would be espescially good at the art. Like Akane here. If trained from birth they are likely to become some of the best Martial Artists in the world.Ó Dr. Tofu explained now looking up at the ceiling.
ÒAnd he practices such a simple style...Ó Akane muttered.
ÒBut it might be his undoing here.Ó Dr. Tofu added.
Both Ranma and Akane blinked confused. ÒHowÕs that?Ó Ranma asked. Being good at Martial Arts couldnÕt be bad for someone. Could it?
Dr. Tofu sighed once again and prepared his explanation. ÒWell now, you see it kinda works like this. You know how a person has their own Ki right? And the land around us has Chi?Ó Dr. Tofu watched both Ranma and Akane nod their heads. ÒWell, prodigies of Martial Arts naturally absorb Chi from all around them into their bodies and it becomes a part of their Ki. What this does is fuel their bodies and enhances it during combat so they become more powerful. ThatÕs what makes them prodigies. But, there are a certain few who can only absorb from a certain element, such as earth or fire or wind. Jason, is one of those people.Ó Dr. Tofu explained.
ÒSo...?Ó
ÒHis body must absorb some kind of Chi that isnÕt currently present in Japan, and is either especially powerful or abundant back at his home. Because itÕs no longer present his body canÕt pull any in. Now this usually wouldnÕt be a problem for most Martial Artists, but Jason here has recently put serious strain on his Ki and his reserves are seriously depleted.Ó
Realization dawned of Ranma. ÒSo... Jason simply has no energy to move, and he canÕt get any either so his body is forcing him to sleep so it saves as much as it can.Ó Ranma stated and snapped her fingers.
Dr. Tofu nodded his head. ÒThe best we can do is have him, eat, sleep, and do as few physical things as possible until I find out what it is he gets Chi from.Ó He stated then stood up. ÒIÕll call the SakawaÕs, if he wakes up please donÕt tell him any of this. IÕd like to tell him myself.Ó He said then walked out the door.
Akane looked back to Jason. He looked rather content, despite being wet, sleeping the way he was. Completely oblivious to the strange truth. ÒA prodigy.Ó She muttered in absent thought and leaned forwards in her chair so she could press her thumb against her lip.
Ranma on the other hand casually leaned back, her impressive bust showing itself off rather well. ÒIÕve heard of something like that once or twice.Ó She stated. ÒIt all sounds like it could be true. But from what I remember hearing progidies were extremely rare throughout most of time. Of course though, it would be rather hard to pick one out of a crowd now wouldnÕt it?Ó
ÒI suppose. Wait, didnÕt Dr. Tofu say I was a prodigy too?Ó Akane wondered, suddenly catching on to those few words.
ÒHm? Yeah, he did didnÕt he? Strange, considering youÕre not all that good.Ó Ranma commented and relaxed into her chair further.
Akane fixed the red head with an angry glare. ÒRanma...Ó She growled and was about to hit her when Jason started tossing and turning in his sleep. ÒDo you think heÕll be okay?Ó
Ranma shrugged, then stood up to find some hot water. ÒI thought you hated boys. Why are you so worried?Ó He asked as he walked off.
ÒI do hate boys!Ó She called back at Ranma, then she hunched her shoulders and leaned forwards a little, as if trying to hide something. ÒBut that doesnÕt mean IÕm uncaring... right?Ó She whispered.
----------
NowÕs the part where I bare to you all my heart and soul.
Well, thankfully IÕm not.
Generally IÕm doing all the events from the Ranma series as it was in the Manga, not the Anime. All the Anime that IÕve seen my friend recorded in random order when he showed me. I havenÕt even seen the first episode of the Anime yet so yeah, IÕve no idea how much of the Manga you guys might not know about or will seem out of place in the story line. But thereÕs nothing I can do about that.
Another thing which people donÕt quite realize, Ki and Chi are in fact the same thing, the energy of all living things. Ki is the English translation for the actual word and Chi is the Chinese(Go figure) word for it. IÕm merely using it in the context that Ki is for people and Chi is the environments energy so that it might be easier to understand later on.
Also, if you see a bunch of O's with weird looking symbols above them, tell me right away so I can get them fixed. My word processor doesn't like txt's or rtf's or anything so I have to remember to check for them and replace them after conversion.
I still hope IÕm doing a good job. (Sobs) I just have no confidence. So review people. Send me EMAILÕs to MacleodRichard@hotmail.com. Give me that confidence boost to get me to sit my lazy ass down and start writing. Come on people you can do it.
ThatÕs about it. I think the end notes have gone on long enough.
Chapter 2
YouÕre Ranma Saotome?
All comments and criticisms would be welcome. Send all praise and flames to:
macleodrichard@hotmail.com
Be warned though, flames will be read then used as kindling.
Disclaimer: I donÕt own many of these characters, most of them belong to Rumiko Takahashi and others. The rest that are left over I would like to claim but I canÕt get copyrights for them, damn, so their ownership kinda floats around in limbo. But I still think that anyone should ask me if they want to use them. So if you take them without permission... IÕll send my squad of hit men on your ass.
Note: [] denotes words spoken in the english language.
{} denotes thoughts.
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People in Nerima's streets watched through the rain as a red haired young girl and a large panda ran past, exchanging blows as they went along their way.
"Well I still say this sucks. Choosing my fiancee for me." The girl said then dealt the panda a hard blow. "I'm going back to China." The girl said as she flipped her pig tail over her shoulder. "Suck on that old man."
As she turned her back the panda stood back up and uprooted a street sign, then banged the girl in the back of the head with it. Flipping the girl over it's shoulder the panda took notice of all the people surrounding it. Giving off a few growls made the people walk away quickly.
Soun Tendo accepted the postcard that had just come to him. The picture on the front was of a panda eating some bamboo. On the back it read: Hi. Bringing Ranma from China.
And was signed: Saotome.
ÒR-Ranma? Coming here?Ó He wondered trembling. ÒOh, how I have w-w-waited for this day!
ÒHey! Kasumi!Ó
ÒNabiki!Ó
ÒAkane!Ó
Soun entered the kitchen. ÒKasumi!!Ó
ÒYes daddy?Ó
ÒNabiki!!Ó
Nabiki was lying on her bed in her room reading a manga and eating a corn dog. (Ew) ÒMm?Ó
ÒAkane!! Where is that girl?Ó
Akane arrived back at home from doing some jogging and then took the time to put on a combat gi and break a few bricks.
ÒAhhh! That was nice.Ó Akane muttered gratifyingly as she wiped her brow.
ÒThere you go again Akane. No wonder the boys all think youÕre so weird.Ó Nabiki drawled from behind her sister.
ÒSo why should I care? Not everybody thinks the world revolves around boys Nabiki.Ó
ÒNo? Then I guess this wouldnÕt interest you you.Ó
Some time later.
ÒFiancee?!Ó
ÒYes. The son of a very good friend of mine. The sonÕs name is Ranma Saotome. If one of you three girls were to marry him and carry on this training center then the Tendo line would be secure.Ó
ÒWait a minute! DonÕt we have some say in who we marry?Ó
ÒAkaneÕs right, daddy. WeÕve never even met Ranma.Ó
ÒThatÕs easily fixed.Ó Tendo replied smiling. ÒRanma and his father have been on a voyage of training. Recently it seems, they crossed into China.Ó
ÒWow! China!Ó
Suddenly there was knocking on the front door.
ÒAh, that must be them now. I expected them to arrive later today but the sooner you meet him the better I suppose.Ó Soun stated.
All four walked to the door and Kasumi opened it. As soon as the door opened up Soun grabbed the person standing behind it and hugged him close. ÒThank god you have finally come.Ó
There was a pause as the boy attempted to push Soun off of him.
ÒAh, daddy. The only place this boy has been recently is Canada. Where heÕs from.Ó Nabiki stated plainly.
ÒWhat?Ó Soun said and held the boy at arms length. Now that he thought about it the boy was too tall to be Japanese and did look like a North American. Quickly Soun let go. ÒPardon. I mistook you for someone else.Ó
ÒI most certainly hope so Mr. Tendo.Ó Jason said disgusted. Ò[God I never wanna be hugged by another guy again unless IÕm drunk for crying out loud.]Ó Jason muttered then noticed the gathered crowd. ÒHi Nabiki. Wanted to know if I could use the Dojo again.Ó
Soun gaped at Jason for a few seconds. ÒAnd you are?Ó He urged.
ÒUm... Jason Reaver? IÕm pretty sure weÕve met a few times sir.Ó Jason said confused.
ÒI donÕt believe so.Ó
ÒAh, Daddy?Ó Nabiki began. ÒWeÕve been letting him use the Dojo for a couple months now.Ó
ÒYeah. So can I come in?Ó
Soun shrugged and dismissed it. ÒI see nothing wrong with it. But I have important guests coming later today and I would prefer you gone by then.Ó He said and waved Jason in and made sure that Jason took his shoes off. Yeah, he really wanted an upstart kid disrupting his reunion with his friend.
Kasumi was nice enough to lead Jason to the Dojo like a good host while the rest of the family reasserted their positions around the table. Jason took a short look inside and saw the punching bag he was looking for. ÒAh, good. You still donÕt mind if I use your bath after IÕm done right? I know you always say itÕs okay but I always get nervous if I donÕt ask.Ó He asked slightly embarrassed.
Kasumi gave it no more than a moments thought. ÒPlease do not worry about it. Students are expected to wash themselves after a workout. Feel free to use our bath after you are finished. Just make sure no one else is in there first.Ó She answered.
ÒThank you.Ó Jason said politely and walked to the punching bag in the other end of the dojo and put down the gym bag he had been holding. He took out a muscle shirt and changed the T-shirt he had been wearing along the way. After stuffing the shirt and his shoes into the gym bag he set himself upon making good use of the punching bags function.
ÒNow, where did we leave off?Ó Soun asked.
ÒChina.Ó Nabiki answered.
ÒWhatÕs so great about walking to China?Ó Akane asked and turned her head.
ÒIs he cute?Ó Nabiki inquired.
ÒHow old is he? Younger men bore me.Ó Kasumi asked. ÒWhat kind of guy is this Ranma?Ó
Soun simply laughed. ÒNo idea.Ó
Nabiki leaned forward. ÒNo idea?Ó She quoted.
Soun leaned forward. ÒIÕve never met him.Ó
All three of TendoÕs daughters bowed their heads in shame.
ÒI have to get dinner ready.Ó Kasumi informed and stood up to walk back to the kitchen.
ÒIÕll go read my manga.Ó Nabiki stated and walked to her room.
ÒI need to go train.Ó Akane said and walked back to the dojo.
Soun said at the table in silence as he waited for his old friend and training partner to arrive. {I wonder how well Saotome has trained Ranma. Ten years should have yielded a powerful warrior.}
Akane walked back into the dojo to see Jason going at the punching she had set up earlier with a rather amazing gusto. {I was gonna use that.} She thought annoyed and started doing a kata to relax her muscles. She went through a few kataÕs before she finally got fed up with Jason hogging the punching bag. She walked up to him determined and said ÒCan I use that now?Ó in an angry tone.
Jason paused to look at her, then back at the punching bag, then back at her. ÒI guess.Ó He said shrugging his shoulders. He walked around Akane and to his bag. After pulling out a bokken heÕd borrowed from school he walked into the middle of the Dojo and began practicing a few kataÕs with it that heÕd seen the Kendo club doing.
Akane shook her head and began using the punching bag herself. SheÕd been giving him the cold shoulder ever since KunoÕs announcement during the assembly two months ago. How dare he have assumed that Akane would have dated him. From there they each began to alienate the other more and more. Now they merely put up with each other.
The boys at school had been annoyances since before school had even started. When Jason came she thought that she would give him a chance to see if American boys were different, and at first it had seemed that he was. But when Kuno got up on stage and made the declaration Jason stood up and said something that made Kuno mad. He must have said that he would date her despite whatever Kuno had said. That would be why Kuno would have taken the time to beat Jason up. When she began giving him the cold shoulder he seemed to get angry about it then simply did the same to her.
ÒLeggo yÕolÕ fool!Ó A female voice shouted from the house.
Worried about what the voice was about Akane ditched the bag and ran back into the house. Jason right behind her.
ÒWe have more visitors.Ó Kasumi murmured while sitting at the table.
ÒOOOO! Maybe itÕs Ranma this time!Ó Nabiki said excitedly and ran to the door looking for the world of her like an ordinary girl.
Soun followed close behind her shouting. ÒSoatome my friend! WeÕve been waiting!Ó
{Oh, I hope heÕs older!} Kasumi thought.
{How depressing. Boys!} Akane thought as she realized just what it was.
{Huh?} Jason wondered.
Both Nabiki and Soun came running back followed by a giant panda holding a girl over itÕs shoulder.
ÒHey! Yo! YouÕre scaring Ôem spitless!Ó the red head cried.
ÒDaddy... this... is your friend?Ó Kasumi asked unnerved.
Soun shook his head.
ÒOh. So this panda just decided to visit! Happens all the time!Ó Nabiki cried out.
The panda placed the red head before Soun and the two stared at each other.
ÒYou... wouldnÕt be...Ó
ÒRanma Saotome. Sorry Ôbout this.Ó The red head muttered.
Soun grabbed Ranma by the arms. ÒAt last! YouÕve come!Ó Soun cried joyously.
ÒOooo! HeÕs cute.Ó Nabiki said from behind her father.
Soun engaged Ranma in hug. ÒItÕs so good of you to come! So--Ó Suddenly Soun Tendo realized something was wrong. Holding Ranma out at arms length he now took visual notice of RanmaÕs large well formed breasts.
ÒIsnÕt that a girl Nabiki? Whattaya mean ÔheÕ?Ó Jason guessed.
Soun was speechless.
Kasumi was speechless.
Nabiki walked forwards and poked RanmaÕs breasts a couple times. ÒHmmmmm...Ó
ÒUm... could you stop that.Ó Ranma asked.
Soun lay on a futon in the middle of the living room with water streaming from his eyes.
ÒOh, poor daddy. HeÕs so disappointed.Ó Kasumi stated.
ÒHeÕs disappointed! Some fiance this is!Ó Nabiki declared indignantly.
Ranma and the panda looked downwards sheepishly.
ÒStop it, you two! He... she... is our guest!Ó Akane said.
ÒThis is all your fault, daddy! You should have made sure!Ó Nabiki accused.
ÒWell, he said he had a son!!Ó
ÒDo you see a son here? Hmm? Do you?Ó Nabiki said and ÔpoitedÕ Ranmas breasts.
ÒUm... I really wish youÕd stop that.Ó Ranma muttered.
ÒWhat exactly are you guys talking about?Ó Jason asked. After getting a rather dangerous glare from Soun Jason stood up. ÒI think IÕll be back in the Dojo.Ó And walked away from the family affair.
Akane stood up and gained the read heads attention. ÒHey. Join me in the Dojo too?Ó Akane asked and smiled. ÒIÕm Akane. You want to be friends?Ó
Ranma smiled cutely and seemed to brighten.
ÒYou know Karate, donÕt you?Ó Akane asked as Ranma got up to go to the training hall with Akane.
ÒA little.Ó Ranma answered.
They both entered the training hall to see Jason beating heavily on the punching bag. Akane sighed and shook her head. ÒHeÕll be doing that for hours. HeÕll probably pull something then IÕll be forced to drag him down to the doctors.Ó She said aggravated.
Ranma shrugged. ÒAt least he tries I suppose.Ó And then Jason gave a final left cross and inbedded his hand in the punching bag. Sand began seeping out of the hole he had made. Jason pulled his arm back and looked at the hole heÕd made in the punching bag. Slowly he shook his head then turned around to walk out of the Dojo.
Jason paused as he saw Ranma standing next to Akane. ÒHello. My nameÕs Jason. WhatÕs yours?Ó He greeted pleasantly.
ÒRanma, Ranma Saotome. YouÕre American right?Ó Ranma asked.
JasonÕs smile twitched. ÒNo, IÕm Canadian. YouÕre a friend of AkaneÕs are you? I donÕt believe IÕve seen you around the school yet. YouÕre not enrolled in Furinkan?Ó
Ranma shook her head. ÒNo, IÕm not. I just got to Nerima today actually. What style Martial Arts do you practice? ItÕs amazingly simple.Ó
Jason gave Ranma a blank stare. ÒItÕs not Martial Arts. ItÕs Boxing. And IÕm not quite sure if I should be proud or annoyed that you call it simple.Ó
ÒWell, from what I saw it relies completely on punching, no kicking, throwing, or grappling. What that does is make your moves rather predictable. But it also means that your attacks are more focused and usually more powerful.Ó Ranma explained.
Jason did the double blink of non-recognition. ÒYeah, I suppose.Ó Jason said confused then looked outside. ÒI had better be going back home. Nice meeting you Ranma. Akane.Ó Then he walked out of the dojo.
Both girls watched Jason leave then turned to each other. ÒAlright, now back to that match.Ó Akane said and assumed a ready stance.
The match began with Akane charging forwards and punching at Ranma who jumped up into the air. Akane kicked high while Ranma was airborne and Ranma spread her legs wide so the kick went under her.
None of AkaneÕs attacks really came close and Ranma kept on dodging.
{Why? Why am I missing her? Is she reading my moves?} She wondered then readied herself. {Okay. This time... FOR REAL!} She thought and punched straight through the wall as Ranma jumped clear over the strike.
Ranma landed softly behind Akane and tapped the back of her head twice. ÒHeh-heh-heh.Ó Ranma laughed quietly as Akane stared at her in shock. Soon both were laughing though.
ÒAhem. YouÕre pretty good.Ó Akane complimented. ÒWell, IÕm just glad youÕre a girl.Ó
ÒHuh?Ó
ÒItÕs just... IÕd really hate to lose to a boy! Like Jason, IÕve never fought him yet, but IÕd make sure to beat the stuffing out of him.Ó
Ranma was silent.
Ranma walked into the bath and undressed. She didnÕt need a bath, but Kasumi had insisted guessing that Ranma would be all sweaty from her workout. Ranma opened the door to the bath from the change room and walked in.
ÒWhat in the?Ó Was what Ranma said as the person occupying the furrow said, ÒAH!Ó and ducked under the water.
Slowly Ranma walked over to the furrow put her hand in and pulled the occupant out by the neck. ÒJason? What are you doing in here?Ó A decidely male voice asked.
Jason opened his eyes. ÒKasumi said it was alright if I took a bath after I had a workout.Ó He said then looked around. ÒI thought I saw Ranma come in here. And who are you? And how did you know my name?Ó
The boy sighed and poured some cold water into a bucket, the dumped the water over his head. His body shrunk in size, lost a few articles, and gained a few new ones.
Jason stared in shock, then turned away in embarrassment, his face as red as a chili pepper. {What the hell is going on here...?}
Ranma stepped back into the furrow and turned back into a guy once again. ÒIÕm Ranma Saotome.Ó He said nervously and turned his head away as he relaxed in the furrow.
ÒSo which is the real you?Ó Jason asked wonderingly. HeÕd never met a transvestite before. ÒAnd how do you do that?Ó
ÒUm... I think IÕll tell you when I tell everyone else. Yeah, thatÕs what IÕll do.Ó Ranma muttered.
ÒYou mean, the TendoÕs donÕt know about this yet? Well, actually I suppose it is something youÕd keep secret. Freaky.Ó Jason commented now sizing up RanmaÕs male form. Ranma was still alot shorter than Jason, and Jason looked more muscular still. But now Ranma looked powerful in some way. ÒBut tell me now.Ó Jason insisted leaning forwards to stare Ranma in the eyes.
Ranma settled deeper into the relaxing waters of the furro. ÒAlright, alright.Ó He muttered annoyed and began to give Jason the story of his trip to Jusenkyo.
ÒAck.Ó Jason said once Ranma finished. ÒNow thatÕs just plain weird. Hey if you want me to keep this a secret for you I will. But you should tell the TendoÕs seeing as how youÕre living here.Ó
Ranma nodded. ÒYeah, it is something IÕd like you to keep secret. And I do suppose theyÕll find out anyways. Sooner or later. Just like you have.Ó He said saddly. ÒBut anyways. How long you been in Japan?Ó
ÒTwo months really. Got here at the start of the school year. IÕm still not used to the time zones though and I always wake up early in the morning. The second day I was here I got attacked by an escaped tiger from the zoo while going on an early morning walk and it almost killed me. Great way to start the year huh?Ó Jason explained.
Ranma suppressed a shiver at the thought of being attacked by a tiger. ÒI guess that explains the scar on your left side then. ItÕs huge!Ó He exclaimed as Jason twisted slightly and gave Ranma a better look at it.
ÒI know, took a good chunk outta me.Ó Jason said then stood up. ÒAnyways, I gotta get going.Ó He said and then Ranma stood up as well.
ÒI suppose-Ó
ZHOOP
Both boys looked to the door to the bath where Akane had just walked in completely naked. RanmaÕs eyes went wide as saucers. JasonÕs lower jaw pulled itself down and to the left making it look unhinged. Akane just stared at the two of them. A very peculiar staring contest seemed to ensue but Akane quickly lost as she looked at both of RanmaÕs and JasonÕs nakedness.
Then she walked out.
Ranma stood straight and began to shake and blush as Jason tried to get out and get dressed as quickly as possible.
ÒYAAAAA!!Ó
ÒSomething tells me weÕre in for a world of pain.Ó Jason guessed and quickly dried himself off and got dressed.
ÒEEEEE-YAAAAA!!Ó
Ò[Oh man oh man oh man!]Ó
ÒIÕll weigh them down! IÕll drown them in the bathtub!Ó They both heard.
NabikiÕs voice could be heard but she wasnÕt shouting so they couldnÕt tell what she was saying.
ÒThereÕs a couple perverts in the bathroom!Ó
Nabiki said something else.
ÒBecause IÕm afraid!!Ó
By now both Ranma and Jason were walking out of the bathroom fully dressed. Ranma in his usual chinese shirt and pants and Jason wearing a clean short sleeved shirt and jeans and had his gym bag slung over his shoulder.
ÒThatÕs odd. Ranma was in the bath just now.Ó She said and looked at them ÒUh... who... who...Ó
ÒWho are you?Ó Nabiki demanded looking straight at Ranma. ÒAnd why are you with him?Ó She then demanded looking at Jason just behind Ranma.
ÒIÕm Ranma Saotome. Sorry Ôbout this.Ó Ranma said looking down at the ground nervously.
ÒI didnÕt do anything wrong.Ó Jason denied.
All the girls stared at Ranma, either confused, surprised, or suspicious. Jason felt relieved.
ÒIÕll explain it once more.Ó Soun began. ÒThis is my dear old friend...Ó
Ò...Genma Saotome.Ó The fat man greeted. ÒAnd this my son...Ó
Ò... Ranma.Ó Ranma said.
The SaotomeÕs sat with their backs to the porch, the Tendo girls infront of them, Soun to the SaotomeÕs right, and Jason to their left.
Akane stared at Ranma menacingly as he watched the Tendo girls reactions.
ÒWhatÕs this all about?!Ó Nabiki demanded.
ÒAre you really her? That same girl?Ó Kasumi asked.
Genma put a finger to his head in thought. ÒHmmmm. Where should I begin? I know...Ó he said. ÒHYAH!!Ó He cried as he threw Ranma into the koi pond. With a cry Ranma fell in.
The buxom red head surfaced from the pool. ÒWhat the hell are you doing?!Ó Ranma shouted.
The Tendo girls stared confused. ÒNow heÕs a girl!Ó Kasumi stated.
Genma stood at the edge of the pond with water running from his eyes. ÒMy own son. So humiliating. So humiliating.Ó
ÒWho for?Ó Jason wondered under his breath.
POW! SPLASH. ÒWho are you to talk?!Ó Ranma said after kicking Genma into the pond.
ÒDaddy? Why are you friends with them?Ó Kasumi asked.
ÒThey werenÕt like this before!Ó Soun replied.
ÒNot before they went to China... and took a terrifying training excercise!Ó
Ranma and Genma eventually went back to the bath. As they changed their forms Jason took the time to ask just what was going on between the two families.
ÒOne of us is supposed to marry into the Saotome family, thus uniting our schools and ensuring their futures.Ó Nabiki responded.
ÒAh.Ó Jason said comprehendingly.
Both the Saotomes came down then. ÒAh, yes. It was two fateful weeks ago...Ó Genma began as he went into of what happened at Jusenkyo after sitting down. They both went into how they started figting and ignored the warnings of the guide and then how they both got dunked into the pools.
There was a moment of silence.
ÒThe Legendary Ground of Accursed Springs. ItÕs true horror has always been shrouded in mystery. But now...Ó
ÒDoesnÕt really sound like itÕs that much of a secret. Not with a guide there and all.Ó Jason commented.
ÒFeh! ÔTrue horror.ÕÓ Ranma said getting angry and grabbed his Pop by the gi. ÒYo, old man whatÕs the idea of bringing me to a place like that, anyway?Ó
Once again Genma threw Ranma into the pond. ÒYou sound like a woman! Were you not prepared to give your life for the sake of your training?Ó
ÒMy life, yes.Ó Ranma agreed then jumped forwards and splashed Genma with a bucket of water. ÒMy manhood was another story!Ó
{WhereÕd the bucket come from?} Jason wondered. He hadnÕt noticed it before.
ÒOh, what a tragedy!Ó Soun cried as the SaotomeÕs fought.
ÒStop that! You just went too far, Mr. Saotome!Ó Kasumi cried as she attempted to stop Genma from pummeling Ranma.
ÒYeah! Even for martial atrs training!Ó Nabiki chipped in.
ÒWhat ever made you do something so dangerous?!Ó Kasumi shouted in GenmaÕs face.
Genma was suddenly lifted to his feet by the scruff of his neck and turned so that he was looking at JasonÕs blank face. ÒNot to mention stupid. I may never have heard of this place. And I may not believe in magic. But I know better than to go to some place that has dark rumors around it and more importantly disrespect what they locals tell me.Ó Jason stated and then saw a small pamphlet drop to the ground. Kasumi picked it up and looked at it.
ÒItÕs Chinese. A map... and guide book?Ó Kasumi said.
ÒSomething about... Ôtraining grounds.ÕÓ Nabiki added.
Jason gave Genma a hard look. ÒDonÕt tell me you canÕt read Chinese.Ó Jason threatened. Genma shakily raised a party balloon which popped and the word correct popped out on a peice of paper. ÒI think this is worthy grounds for a death warrant.Ó Jason said lightly and was about to decide whether or not to hit the fat panda. It wasnÕt polite to hit a guest in someone elseÕs house. But he just deserved it soo much.
Before he could make his decision though Soun poured some boiling water on Genma and Jason quickly released him. ÒSo. When doused with hot water, you return to human form.Ó Soun said looking his old friend right in the face.
ÒWell, it neednÕt be quite that hot.Ó
ÒWhen doused with cold water, you become a girl...Ó Soun said now at ranmaÕs side. Ò... But hot water turns you back into a boy!Ó He said bringing the kettle forwards.
ÒHot water! Not boiling!Õ Ranma protested and jumped away.
ÒNo sweat.Ó Soun said then snaked his arm around RanmaÕs shoulders and patted her arm. ÒYour problem isnÕt so terrible after all!Ó
ÒHuh?Ó Ranma replied intelligently.
ÒIt isnÕt?Ó Jason said confused. Ò[YouÕve gotta be shitting me.] How can anything make that not a problem?Ó
Soun shot Jason a hard look. ÒSilence boy.Ó Then he turned back to Ranma. ÒMy daughter Kasumi. Nineteen. And Nabiki. Seventeen. And Akane. Sixteen. Pick the one you want, sheÕs your fiancee.Ó Soun said and waved to each of his girls.
ÒHow does that help?Ó
ÒOh, he wantÕs Akane!Ó Kasumi said and pushed Akane forwards.
ÒOh, definately!Ó Nabiki agreed.
ÒEh?Ó
ÒMe? Marry that pervert?! Never!Ó Akane denied.
ÒSay whaddya mean ÔpervertÕ?!Ó Ranma demanded.
ÒYeah, what the hell did he do?Ó Jason stated.
ÒYou looked at my body. Both of you did you perverts.Ó
ÒHey! We were in there first!Ó Jason argued before Ranma could speak.
ÒItÕs different when a girl seeÕs a boy! And just what were you doing in our bath anyways?!Ó
ÒHell no it ainÕt!Ó Ranma quarreled.
ÒI asked Kasumi if I could go in. And when the fat guy walked out I thought it would be fine!Ó Jason retorted. ÒYou should knock before walking into the bath anyways. And you should know by now that I always take a bath before going home after a work out!Ó
ÒYou... you... if, either of you ever look at my body again-Ó
ÒGoodbye!Ó Ranma said walking away.
ÒWhere are you going, boy?Ó Genma demanded.
ÒBack to China! To find a way to change back for good! This is no time for ÔfianceeÕsÕ.Ó Ranma said then turned to Akane. ÒBy the way... you took a pretty good look at both me and Jason, too yÕknow.Ó
Jason walked up to RanmaÕs side. ÒSo you see Akane, itÕs your fault after all.Ó
ÒBlame it on me will you!Ó Akane shouted and picked up the table.
ÒHold on!Ó Ranma cried worriedly. ÒItÕs no big deal for me too see a naked girl right? I mean, IÕve seen myself plenty of times, right?Ó
Akane bit her lip. That was true. ÒWell, I guess that means youÕre off the hook. But he isnÕt!Ó She cried then slammed the table on top of Jason who was quickly flattened.
Ò[Ouch...]Ó Jason said.
ÒUm... are you alright?Ó Ranma asked leaning over slightly to hear if Jason answered.
ÒIÕm alive... right? I am alive... I think. No, I must be alive. This hurts too much. I even think IÕm bleeding on this nice floor.Ó Jason murmured incoherently.
Ranma lifted the table off of Jason. ÒNaw, youÕre fine.Ó Ranma informed then turned to Akane. ÒJeez Akane, he didnÕt really deserve that you know. But I suppose a tomboy like you wouldnÕt-Ó
BAM!
ÒNow that he had coming.Ó Genma stated as he looked at what little he could see of his son turned daughter under the table that Akane had just used on Ranma.
Ranma woke up a bit later and jerked to awareness.
ÒAh! SheÕs awake!Ó
Ranma let out a pained moan as she struggled to her feet.
ÒAre you okay? DonÕt think too badly of Akane. SheÕs really a very sweet girl. SheÕs just a violent maniac.Ó Kasumi explained sweetly.
ÒOh, good Kasumi. That makes lots of sense.Ó Nabiki stated.
ÒThat American left yet?Ó Ranma asked as his head throbbed.
ÒYep, donÕt ever call him an American though. He doesnÕt seem to like it.Ó Nabiki stated.
Ranma finally got up and began to go to the bathroom. ÒGotcha.Ó {Yeee-ouch! It still smarts. What the hell is all this about anyways.} The memory of when Akane asked to be friends passed through RanmaÕs mind as she walked into the bathroom. {Friends she says! So much for ÔfriendsÕ when she found out I was a boy!} Ranma undressed and was about to walk into the bath when the door opened before her. ÒUh... uh... uh-oh!Ó
ÒWhy you... you... you...Ó Akane growled.
POW!
ÒSo sheÕs got spunk. That just makes a fiancee cuter.Ó Ganma said when Ranma explained what happened to him while drinking some hot tea out on the porch.
ÒCute is not the word.Ó Ranma said as Nabiki and Akane argued behind them in the living room.
Jason approached the Sakawa household slowly. ÒOkay. That was one of the dumber things IÕve done in my life.Ó He muttered to himself as he walked inside the home. It was late out and everyone should have been asleep so Jason made sure to keep quiet.
He passed through the kitchen and spotted Kei getting up from the fridge wearing little more than her underwear while getting a midnight snack.
Her face quickly became red and she was about to say something but Jason held up his hand. ÒDonÕt worry about it Kei. IÕve seen nakeder women than you today. IÕll just go to bed and with my headache IÕll have forgotten about it tomorrow. Good night.Ó He said then walked right past her.
Idly Kei wondered just what had happened, too confused to be embarrassed any longer she quickly returned to her snacks.
The next day had been the seventh day since coming to Japan that Jason hadnÕt woken up early.
Ò[OHMYGODIÕMLATE!!]Ó He shouted and ran out of his room with his gym bag over his shoulder.
ÒSchool?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒWell, we are going to be staying for awhile.Ó Genma answered.
Nabiki walked past them holding her school bag over her shoulder. ÒItÕs the same school me and Akane go to.Ó She added. ÒWeÕll see you there.Ó
Akane ran up to Nabiki. ÒHold on Nabiki, IÕll go with you.Ó
ÒRanma is your fiancee remember? You should walk with him.Ó Nabiki said over her shoulder then walked out the front door.
Ranma and Akane took a second each to glare at each other.
When they set out later Ranma quickly jumped up on the chain link fence along the road while Akane walked calmly on the sidewalk.
ÒWeÕre not getting married you know.Ó Akane remarked.
ÒYouÕre telling me?Ó
ÒSo donÕt hang around me at school.Ó
ÒDonÕt worry! I canÕt stand macho chicks like you anyways.Ó
Akane was about to whip her book bag at Ranma when Genma ran along the fence and hit Ranma in the back of the head.
ÒPop! WhatÕre you-Ó
ÒYouÕre in no position to be choosy about women! Listen Ranma, IÕll tell you only once-Ó
Ranma promptly tripped Genma, sending the fat man into the canal next to the road.
ÒWhatÕs that Pop? WerenÕt you going to say something?Ó Ranma called down at the panda.
Genma jumped up causing Ranma to get off the fence so he didnÕt get wet. ÒHa!Ó SPLASH!
ÒSomething wrong?Ó Akane asked dryly as Ranma held her pants up.
ÒThink IÕll go take a bath.Ó
ÒNot enough time, youÕll be late. All you need is hot water right? I know a place where we can go.Ó Akane said.
Akane took Ranma down to Dr. TofuÕs and went inside to ask for some hot water while Ranma waited outside.
{Hoooo boy. What a way to-} RanmaÕs thoughts were cut short as a skeletal hand put itself on his shoulder.
ÒOh pardon me.Ó Dr. Tofu apologized looking up at Ranma as she had jumped onto a sign for the clinic. ÒThis is Betty, my skeleton. Nothing to worry about.Ó
Akane walked around the corner. ÒRanma, hereÕs the hot...Ó
ÒWell, Akane.Ó
Akane bowed deeply and placed the hot water on top of RanmaÕs head. ÒGood morning.Ó
Dr. Tofu bowed as well. ÒGood morning to you too.Ó
Ranma noticed the blush on AkaneÕs face then took the hot water, walked around the corner and doused himself with it. ÒInteresting.Ó
After Akane finished talking chit-chat with the doctor both now set off at a run to get to school. ÒWho was that guy?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒDr. Tofu, the chiropractor.Ó
ÒHeÕs a Martial Arts Master right?Ó
ÒHowÕd you guess?Ó
{Sneaking up on me that way. He erased all sense of his presence.}
ÒTrue, heÕs very good. But he doesnÕt look very good does he?Ó Akane said. ÒEver since I was little heÕs taken care of my injuries.Ó
Ranma jumped down from the fence as he saw the school coming into view. ÒSo... isnÕt he a man?Ó
ÒYes. So?Ó
ÒI thought you hated men.Ó
ÒThatÕs right. I.... Despise.... MEN!!Ó Akane shouted as she charged towards the group of guys heading straight for her.
Ò[GANG-WAY]Ó Someone shouted behind them. Both Ranma and Akane dodged to the side as Jason came streaming from behind them going much faster than they had been on his skateboard.
Jason had been running late almost since he woke up. And now he was stressed because of it. He planted his left foot squarely in the middle of his skateboard, edged his right toe under it and ducked low. As the crowd of rushing boys came closer he sprung up, pulled the board up and held it between his feet, then began to spin in mid air with his arms flung wide and his hands in fists, his gym bags shoulder strap slung over his head giving it about the range of his arms. The end result made him look like a spinning human tornado. Those students who didnÕt dodge fast enough were bowled over by JasonÕs fists or were blindsided by the bag.
Now while this looked all nice, cool, and to some even pretty. ThereÕs a reason why no one ever does it in real life. You canÕt land it. Jason managed to clear the crowd, surprisingly got himself righted on the board. But when he landed he was still spinning and so he flew off his board.
A quick recovery was in order as he rolled, quickly acquiring his footing and his bag he ran back and skidded almost to a halt to pick up his board, then reversed his momentum to head straight back to school. Unfortunately KunoÕs bokken was there and put a quick stop to JasonÕs getting in on time.
ÒYou dare to stop this event of love to the beauteous Akane Tendo?!Ó Kuno demanded.
ÒIÕm just trying to get to school on time Kuno. Now move it before IÕm late!Ó Jason demanded as Kuno slashed with the bokken again.
ÒYou hath done a grievous injustice today Reaver. You shall pay for it with your life.Ó Kuno swore and started slashing at Jason with his sword.
ÒAkane, who is that guy?Ó Ranma asked from atop the schools wall after Akane had dealt with the rest of the men that hadnÕt been hit by the human twister.
ÒThatÕs Kuno. HeÕs in JasonÕs class and he really doesnÕt like Jason. JasonÕs the only person whoÕs worked Kuno down to a draw. HeÕs also our upperclassman.Ó Akane explained.
Ranma watched JasonÕs movements as Jason continued to dodge KunoÕs strikes and not trying to get any of his own in. ÒIs it me or is Jason looking a little slow? I donÕt think KunoÕs hit him yet but...Ó
ÒThe second day that Jason had been here he was attacked by a tiger and had to spend a few days in the hospital. As soon as he came back Kuno dealt him a near-fatal wound. Jason might not have fully recovered yet, heÕs always tried to avoid his fights with Kuno so far since then.Ó Akane informed.
Ranma jumped down from the wall. ÒShouldnÕt we stop this? WeÕve all got to get to class.Ó
ÒRanma! Akane! Get into the school now!Ó Nabiki called from her classroom.
Both Ranma and Akane looked up at Nabiki. ÒBut shouldnÕt we-Ó
ÒJason can take care of himself. You two donÕt want to be late.Ó
ÒBut heÕs-Ó
ÒSheÕs right Ranma, Jason doesnÕt need our help. And we really need to get to class.Ó Akane said then grabbed RanmaÕs arm and begun dragging him to class.
As they were about to pass by Kuno he grabbed RanmaÕs other arm while pointing the tip of his bokken at Jason. ÒYou! You are being rather familiar with Akane!Ó
Ranma looked to Akane. ÒTell him Akane. Akane?Ó
Akane looked away. ÒTell him what?Ó
ÒWho are you boor! Ah, but it is custom to give oneÕs own name first! Fine then I shall give mine!Ó Kuno shouted.
There was a collective ÒHuh?Ó then Ranma replied with ÒIf you want.Ó
ÒMy name...Ó Kuno began. ÒIs upperclassman Kuno. Junior Group E. Captain of the Kendo club. Undefeated new star of the High School Fencing World. But my peers call me... the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!Ó
ÒWHAT!!Ó Jason shouted outraged. ÒI nearly kicked your ass the first day I came here Shooting Too Far!Ó
ÒSilence!!Ó Kuno shouted back then released RanmaÕs arm to began his standard attack against Jason once again. ÒStrike strike strike strike strike strike strike strike strike!!Ó
Ò[Shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit shit!!]Ó
ÒHey! He doesnÕt want to fight! Leave him alone!Ó Ranma cried and took an offensive fighting stance.
ÒBaka! You canÕt take on Kuno! HeÕs too good!Ó Akane warned and tried to pull Ranma.
ÒItÕs a Martial Artists duty to protect the weak and innocent, and right now Jason doesnÕt want to fight so heÕs innocent!Ó Ranma quoted to Akane over his shoulder.
Kuno once again stopped his assualt to point his bokken at Ranma. ÒGive me your name boor!Ó
Ranma gave Kuno a cocky smirk. ÒAlright then. I am Ranma Saotome, heir to the Saotome School of Indescriminate Grappling. And if you wonÕt leave this foreigner alone then I challenge you!Ó He introduced.
ÒIf it be a fight that you wish for, then it is a fight you shall have!Ó Kuno replied outraged and charged forwards to slash at Ranma, who suddenly wasnÕt there as KunoÕs blade went straight through the wall that was once behind Ranma.
Kuno looked up to see that Ranma had jumped against the tree. ÒBlast!Ó He cried as he slashed through the trunk where, once again, Ranma had been standing.
ÒNow IÕm gonna say this loud and clear...Ó Ranma said as he landed on the ground once again, then was suddenly in KunoÕs face. ÒAttacking an unwilling opponent is the work of a coward, so I suggest you lay off!Ó
ÒCalling me a coward. I FORBID IT!!Ó Kuno shouted and slashed at Ranma once again.
Suddenly there was crack as thunder could be heard from the sky and Ranma came down upon Kuno with his fingers pointed towards KunoÕs forehead.
{Strange. It was clear a minute ago.} Jason thought to himself. {Oh no, the curse!}
Suddenly a raging panda ran through the front gate, knocked Kuno away and picked up Ranma as the rain started to fall.
{Mr. Saotome?} Both Akane and Jason thought as the giant panda ran right by them. Both quickly followed the SaotomeÕs down to the P.E. equipment room.
ÒDang it. If it didnÕt rain I woulda nailed that pansy with one-Ó
ÒI wouldnÕt be so sure.Ó Akane said as both she and Jason entered.
ÒWhatta you mean?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒYour neck.Ó Jason said and pointed before Akane could.
ÒHuh? A bruise? Wow. And he didnÕt even touch me!Ó Ranma exclaimed as Genma began pouring the hot water from a kettle over RanmaÕs head.
ÒIf he had youÕd be breathing through a hole in your neck. Looks like a pretty even match wonÕt you say?Ó
ÒOh I wouldnÕt be so sure about that.Ó Ranma stated confidently before they began to leave.
Jason stopped Ranma just as they left the room. ÒHey Ranma. Thanks for the save. IÕm really not up to a fight with Kuno yet. Heck I know IÕm not a match for him yet. Nearly every fight I get in with him I come out bruised all over and barely on my feet. IÕll see you later then right?Ó
Ranma shrugged then nodded. ÒYeah probably.Ó
ÒCome on guys. We need to get to class now!Ó Akane urged ahead of them.
ÒAlright, alright... geez...Ó Ranma said then was about to say something else to Akane to Jason when he noticed that Jason was long gone. Ò...Ó
2-E.
Running into class Jason sped into his seat with little notice to what or who ever was in his way. Therefore having knocked quite a few people and their desks aside.
ÒAnd you donÕt even remember being touched?Ó Nabiki asked Kuno as Kuno inspected his head with a hand mirror.
ÒHmph, at first I thought this Ranma Saotome was good. But he canÕt even spell!Ó Kuno declared as Jason clearly saw the word ÔPannsyÕ written of KunoÕs forehead. ÒThis is how you spell it!Ó He exclaimed and wrote ÔPanssyÕ on the chalk board.
ÒNo, this is!Ó Nabiki corrected as she wrote ÔPansyÕ on the board next to Kuno.
ÒI detest you.Ó
ÒIÕm so glad.Ó
ÒAH HA HA HA HA HA HA, AH HA HA HA HA HA HA!Ó Jason started laughing out loud hysterically, his side beginning to hurt more than alot.
ÒJason you were late, go stand in the hall.Ó
Ò[Awww nuts.]Ó Jason said then got out of his chair and moved walked slowly to the front of the room, grabbed a pair of buckets filled water and walked out the door.
1-F.
ÒWell, it does seem to be true that you were in China until recently. But that doesnÕt change the fact that you and Akane Tendo were late.Ó The teacher said then handed a couple of buckets to Ranma. ÒGo stand in the hall.Ó
ÒThis is all your fault.Ó Akane accused while holding the two buckets of water given to her.
ÒMy fault? I was busy helping someone, how was it my fault?Ó Ranma demanded outraged as he held his own.
ÒIf the both of you had just butted out I could have finished it quickly enough on my own. After all, I do every morning.Ó Akane replied.
ÒJust what was that all about anyways?Ó
ÒKuno told everyone during an assembly that if they wanted to take me out theyÕd have to beat me. It was the day that Jason was supposed to be formally introduced to the school as an exchange student from Canada so he was up on the stage as well. He told Kuno that he would date me whether or not Kuno accepted it and Kuno got mad. They broke into a short scuffle and Jason ended up on the stage bleeding from a serious wound on his side.Ó Akane explained. ÒIÕve had to beat up almost every boy in school since that day and IÕve also avoided Jason as much as I could.Ó
2-E.
ÒWHAT?! ÔFIANCEEÕ?!Ó Kuno shouted.
{WhatÕs Kuno bitching about now?} Jason wondered and put his ear to the door.
ÒMy dad and his dad decided. AkaneÕs going to marry Ranma.Ó Jason heard Nabiki say.
{Bad move Nabiki. Very bad move. You should know more than anyone else that KunoÕs as dumb as an ox.}
ÒRANMA SAOTOME!!Ó
ÒKuno. Stand in the hall.Ó
Kuno ran out of the classroom holding two buckets of water. Jason had already put down one of his buckets and grabbed the back of KunoÕs shirt. ÒHold on Kuno. How much did you pay Nabiki?Ó Jason asked calmly despite the amount of water from KunoÕs buckets that was spilt onto him.
ÒPay? Nothing.Ó
ÒThen I shouldnÕt have to say anymore.Ó
Kuno stared at Jason for a second as the door to the classroom closed behind them. ÒSay what? I donÕt understand.Ó
ÒIt was a forgery Kuno. You know that Nabiki forces you to pay for every single piece of information that she provides you with. If she didnÕt make you pay then it couldnÕt be true.Ó Jason stated calmly. {Yes, it might just work. IÕm using big words so Kuno has to believe me.}
Kuno stared at Jason for a second. ÒI forbid it!Ó He shouted then began running down the halls again.
{DAMN IT!!}
Jason quickly followed after him. ÒKuno get back here!Ó
ÒSo you fight with Kuno every morning?Ó Ranma guessed.
ÒYeah, and for some reason I always win.Ó Akane replied.
ÒWell, when a guy fights a girl he lets up a lot.Ó
ÒDonÕt underestimate me. Try me for real sometime.Ó
ÒNo way. Violent or not, youÕre still a girl.Ó Ranma said and shook his head slightly. ÒI just couldnÕt do it.Ó
Akane took a position so she could easily toss the water. ÒWhat if you were a girl too?Ó Akane said then suddenly a wave of water flew towards Ranma who quickly jumped up and above the stream.
Both turned their attention to Kuno as he stood leaning forwards slightly and an empty bucket dripping water in his hands. Jason coming up quickly behind Kuno unnoticed.
ÒNever, Ranma Saotome!Ó Kuno shouted angrilly.
ÒUpperclassman Kuno...Ó Akane muttered.
ÒWhat do you think youÕre-Ó Ranma began.
ÒHee-YAH!Ó Jason shouted as he clotheslined Kuno from behind and began dragging him to the stairwell as he passed Ranma and Akane by.
ÒRelease me foul Street Fighter! I must mete out my holy wrath!Ó Kuno shouted as he struggled against JasonÕs iron grip on his neck.
ÒI told ya once Kuno and IÕll tell ya again. She was playing a joke on you!Ó Jason shouted as he struggled to keep Kuno in a headlock while running through the hallways of Furinkan.
Back at classroom 1-E both Ranma and Akane sweat dropped. ÒMaybe we should follow...Ó Ranma muttered.
ÒOr maybe we should just let the baka deal with his own problems.Ó Akane replied annoyed.
ÒOW!Ó
ÒRANMA SAOTOME!! I WILL NEVER ACCEPT YOUR ENGAGEMENT TO AKANE!!Ó Kuno bellowed as he ran back to fight Ranma. Jason came into view behind Kuno holding his shoulder.
Suddenly everyone in classroom were demanding to know what Kuno was talking about. Being that everyone on that floor heard it.
ÒWait! ItÕs not true! ItÕs-Ó
ÒOur parents decided! We never-Ó
ÒThat hurt damnit!Ó
Kuno listened to little of the prattle and instead went straight to attacking Ranma, charging forwards with his bokken raised high for a deadly strike. Ranma saw the attack ahead of time and dropping both of the buckets he was holding dodged out of the way.
ÒStand your ground!Ó Kuno shouted as Ranma began to run away.
ÒThis isnÕt any place to fight. Follow me!Ó Ranma shouted over his shoulder.
ÒThat I shall!Ó Kuno swore as he followed close behind.
Jason ran through the gathering crowd of students to keep as close behind as he could. Kuno was gonna regret that.
ÒHey, donÕt run in the hall!Ó A teacher shouted as all the students passed him.
ÒYes sir!Ó Akane replied ahead of the class by only a foot.
Ò[Like we care.]Ó Jason muttered even further than Akane.
Ranma saw an open window and jumped through it. ÒHere, letÕs take this outside.Ó
ÒFear not.Ó Kuno said as he followed suit.
Jason also got up on the window and was about to jump when he saw just how far below him the pool was. Ò[Maaayyybe not.]Ó He decided and was about to crawl back through when a bunch of people trying to stick their head out the window accidentally pushed his leg off the window sill. Ò[Jesus-]Ó was all he got to say before he pushed off with his other foot and what could have been a magnificent jump became a sloppy fall.
ÒThis is the Third Floor!!Ó The Teacher shouted.
Ò[Aw shit!!]Ó Jason shouted in free fall.
ÒDonÕt worry IÕm- YOW!!Ó Ranma called back but then noticed the pool below him.
ÒMoron!!Ó Akane shouted.
ÒLucky for them the pool was there huh?Ó A boy next to Akane said.
ÒLucky he says!!Ó
Jason would have sighed in relief and gone into a dive, but then he noticed he wasnÕt going to hit the pool. At least, not before he broke the diving board. Shifting his position to a well braced squat he landed feet first on the diving board at the same time Ranma and Kuno hit the pool. The diving board bent so far down that it seemed impossible it hadnÕt broken and Jason struggled to grip the edge for when it back fired.
When it did though, it went so fast Jason found himself rolling off the board and into the water.
ÒLook, KunoÕs surfaced.Ó
ÒYeah, but whereÕs Ranma?Ó
ÒAnd what happened to that transfer student?Ó
Under the water Ranma began swimming to the far end of the pool. {Gotta get away, gotta get away.} Looking up she saw Kuno floating face down in the water. Ranma came up under KunoÕs body and used it to conceal herself. {What else can I do?} She wondered as she swam along.
As unfortunate as can be Kuno awoke, and immediately tried to assualt Ranma. ÒI fight on!Ó He declared as he squeezed RanmaÕs breast.
Ranma reached up and grabbed KunoÕs head, then flipped him overhead and slammed him onto the pavement by the side of the pool. ÒPERVERT!!Ó Ranma flipped up into the air, over top of Kuno, landed and began walking away from the school. And more importantly, Kuno.
Kuno lay on the ground for a second, then crossed his arms and cocked his head to the side. ÒA woman. Yes. That was a woman.Ó He contemplated then came a realization. ÒWhich means-Ó
Ò[Nighty-night Kuno...]Ó An ominous voice said from somewhere behind Kuno.
ÒWha?Ó
Jason pulled himself out of the pool with his left hand, bringing his right fist above then down against KunoÕs face. Ò[Between a rock and a hard place.]Ó Jason muttered and climbed out of the pool. Once standing he almost dropped to his knees. {Rough landing. Oh my god...} He thought to himself as he too began walking off.
ÒRanma Saotome, Jason Reaver you wretches! Do you think you have escaped?!Ó Kuno cried and suddenly sat back up.
{My god. HeÕs still alive.} Jason thought to himself as he painfully chased after Ranma before Kuno found either of them. {Kuno, just be a good dog and DIE!}
Jason walked for a little while, then took the time to rest under a tree so his legs didnÕt hurt too much from any more walking.
ÒPervert. He didnÕt have to squeeze so hard.Ó Ranma said above Jason as he wrung out his pants. Jason felt the small shower and looked up.
ÒThanks alot Ranma! Like IÕm not wet enough already!Ó
Ranma looked down at the base of the tree sure enough Jason was sitting there in a relaxed position. ÒWhatÕre you doing down there?Ó
ÒLooking for you. KunoÕs looking for both of us for a good fight and since youÕre in your girl form I thought IÕd warn you.Ó Jason replied looking forwards again. Gingerly he felt along both his legs. Ò[Ah god.] Feels like I broke something with that fall. When I find out who pushed me out that window IÕm gonna kick their ass.Ó
Ranma smirked as she put her pants back on. ÒIÕll have to ask Pop to train you. Then maybe you wonÕt be such a weakling.Ó
ÒHar har.Ó Jason said then stared off into the distance. ÒAkaneÕs coming. Looks like she has something with her.Ó
Ranma dropped down from the tree next to Jason and watched as Akane walked up to them. ÒYou morons.Ó Was what she first said.
Jason stared at her blankly. ÒOh thank you so very much.Ó He drawled, ÒNot that I was pushed or anything. No, I ÔmeantÕ to break my legs. I ÔwantedÕ to risk killing myself on a DIVING BOARD!Ó Soon after he said that he blushed as both stared at him in surprise. ÒSorry, ah heh. ShouldnÕt have blown up at you like that.Ó
Akane turned to Ranma, ÒAnd what about you Ranma? Jumping into a pool of your own free will?Ó
ÒI didnÕt know it was there.Ó Ranma defended then tried to look at what Akane was hiding behind her skirt. ÒWhatÕcha got there? Hot water maybe?Ó
Akane held the kettle out for Ranma to take it. Gratefully Ranma snatched it and poured the warm water over his head triggering the change.
ÒWhither Ranma Saotome?!Ó
Ò[That would be brainless himself.]Ó Jason muttered looking up at the tree leaves innocently. Slowly he got to his feet, gritting his teeth as he did so. ÒI swear to god, if this keeps up this place is gonna be the death of me.Ó
ÒAh ha. I have found you two scoundrels! Fair Akane, what doth you do with these peasants? Bah it is no matter. I shall defeat you both at once.Ó Kuno declared and held his sword at the ready.
Jason raised an eyebrow as both Ranma and Akane squinted to get a better look at KunoÕs face.
ÒIs it me or does Kuno have an imprint of his forehead?Ó Ranma asked.
ÒIt looks painful.Ó Akane added.
Jason smirked to himself. {Oh itÕs an imprint all right.} ÒKuno weÕre busy having a conversation here. Get lost!Ó
ÒStand your ground heathens!Ó Kuno shouted and charged forwards with his bokken raised high.
Ranma jumped up into the branches of the tree where Kuno shouldnÕt have been able to get him. Akane dodged to the side although it was rather unnecessary, Kuno wouldnÕt hit her. Jason stood stock still.
ÒMove stupid!Ó Ranma shouted in warning from the safety of the tree.
ÒI canÕt!Ó Jason shouted back just before Kuno hit him with a savage slash directed at his shoulder. He sunk to one knee holding his left shoulder and gritting his teeth against the pain, then fell forwards onto the ground as his strength left his body. ÒI canÕt move!Ó
Kuno stood proud of his achievement over the vile Street Fighter. But because his guard wasnÕt up Ranma took his time in swinging down from the branch and kicking Kuno full in the chest, sending the Kendoist back a few meters. The swing shook loose some of the water the branch had collected when Ranma wrung out his pants, just enough water to trigger RanmaÕs change.
The now female Ranma swung back up onto the branch and held herself there watching for any type of reaction from Kuno. Being that he wasnÕt moving yet she turned her attention down to Akane and Jason. ÒHe all right?Ó
Akane looked up at Ranma with unsure eyes. ÒI canÕt tell. HeÕs breathing, and his eyes are open, but he isnÕt doing anything.Ó She said then looked back down at Jason and rolled him over onto his back.
ÒWhither Ranma Saotome!Ó
ÒWha?Ó Ranma said then thought to herself {HeÕs back up? What keeps this guy going?}
Indeed Kuno was once again standing up, wielding his bokken and looking every which way to find Ranma. ÒHath he run away from me?Ó He demanded of no one in particular. Finally he gave up and shook his fist at the heavens, ÒBah that coward. He is no man, he is no man!Ó
Ranma was more than a little angry at that. Jumping down from the tree she assumed a fighting stance. ÒAlright then, you wanna play it that way, fine!Ó
ÒEh, youÕre that girl. You wish to challenge me? Fine, if you defeat me I shall allow you to date me.Ó Kuno stated air-headedly and assumed a fighting stance himself. Quickly he slashed at the red head who jumped clear over the strike.
ÒAnd whoÕs...Ó Ranma said while airborne, she grabbed onto the bokken with her left foot and kicked Kuno in the face with her right. ÒAsking to go out with you?!Ó She shouted indignantly. As Kuno fell to the ground Ranma smirked. ÒAnd guess what Kuno, Ranma SaotomeÕs even betterÕn me.Ó She said then turned to Akane. ÒAlright Akane, weÕd better get him to a doctor. IÕll take his arms, you take his feet.Ó
ÒYou do know that weÕre skipping school right now right?Ó Akane asked.
ÒAh who cares.Ó
ÒDr. Tofu....Ó Akane called out once they reached the clinic.
Dr. Tofu walked into the waiting room and appraised the situation. ÒWhat happened to him?Ó Dr. Tofu asked quickly as he took Jason from Ranma and Akane and took him to the operating room.
ÒWell....Ó Ranma procrastinated then gave Dr. Tofu the whole story of what happened, excluding her change of course. After all, he didnÕt know about that yet and more importantly didnÕt need to.
Dr. Tofu let out a sad sigh and looked down at JasonÕs prone form. ÒI was worried about this....Ó He muttered as his mind wandered right out the window while sitting down on a chair.
ÒWhat? WhatÕs happened to him?Ó Ranma asked curiously and both she and Akane sat down on a couple of chairs as well.
Dr. Tofu jerked at RanmaÕs voice and looked up at the redheaded girl surprised, but quickly regained his composure. ÒWell, IÕve never really been sure of this until now but, heÕs a Martial Arts prodigy is what he is.Ó
ÒA what?Ó
ÒSomeone who would be espescially good at the art. Like Akane here. If trained from birth they are likely to become some of the best Martial Artists in the world.Ó Dr. Tofu explained now looking up at the ceiling.
ÒAnd he practices such a simple style...Ó Akane muttered.
ÒBut it might be his undoing here.Ó Dr. Tofu added.
Both Ranma and Akane blinked confused. ÒHowÕs that?Ó Ranma asked. Being good at Martial Arts couldnÕt be bad for someone. Could it?
Dr. Tofu sighed once again and prepared his explanation. ÒWell now, you see it kinda works like this. You know how a person has their own Ki right? And the land around us has Chi?Ó Dr. Tofu watched both Ranma and Akane nod their heads. ÒWell, prodigies of Martial Arts naturally absorb Chi from all around them into their bodies and it becomes a part of their Ki. What this does is fuel their bodies and enhances it during combat so they become more powerful. ThatÕs what makes them prodigies. But, there are a certain few who can only absorb from a certain element, such as earth or fire or wind. Jason, is one of those people.Ó Dr. Tofu explained.
ÒSo...?Ó
ÒHis body must absorb some kind of Chi that isnÕt currently present in Japan, and is either especially powerful or abundant back at his home. Because itÕs no longer present his body canÕt pull any in. Now this usually wouldnÕt be a problem for most Martial Artists, but Jason here has recently put serious strain on his Ki and his reserves are seriously depleted.Ó
Realization dawned of Ranma. ÒSo... Jason simply has no energy to move, and he canÕt get any either so his body is forcing him to sleep so it saves as much as it can.Ó Ranma stated and snapped her fingers.
Dr. Tofu nodded his head. ÒThe best we can do is have him, eat, sleep, and do as few physical things as possible until I find out what it is he gets Chi from.Ó He stated then stood up. ÒIÕll call the SakawaÕs, if he wakes up please donÕt tell him any of this. IÕd like to tell him myself.Ó He said then walked out the door.
Akane looked back to Jason. He looked rather content, despite being wet, sleeping the way he was. Completely oblivious to the strange truth. ÒA prodigy.Ó She muttered in absent thought and leaned forwards in her chair so she could press her thumb against her lip.
Ranma on the other hand casually leaned back, her impressive bust showing itself off rather well. ÒIÕve heard of something like that once or twice.Ó She stated. ÒIt all sounds like it could be true. But from what I remember hearing progidies were extremely rare throughout most of time. Of course though, it would be rather hard to pick one out of a crowd now wouldnÕt it?Ó
ÒI suppose. Wait, didnÕt Dr. Tofu say I was a prodigy too?Ó Akane wondered, suddenly catching on to those few words.
ÒHm? Yeah, he did didnÕt he? Strange, considering youÕre not all that good.Ó Ranma commented and relaxed into her chair further.
Akane fixed the red head with an angry glare. ÒRanma...Ó She growled and was about to hit her when Jason started tossing and turning in his sleep. ÒDo you think heÕll be okay?Ó
Ranma shrugged, then stood up to find some hot water. ÒI thought you hated boys. Why are you so worried?Ó He asked as he walked off.
ÒI do hate boys!Ó She called back at Ranma, then she hunched her shoulders and leaned forwards a little, as if trying to hide something. ÒBut that doesnÕt mean IÕm uncaring... right?Ó She whispered.
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NowÕs the part where I bare to you all my heart and soul.
Well, thankfully IÕm not.
Generally IÕm doing all the events from the Ranma series as it was in the Manga, not the Anime. All the Anime that IÕve seen my friend recorded in random order when he showed me. I havenÕt even seen the first episode of the Anime yet so yeah, IÕve no idea how much of the Manga you guys might not know about or will seem out of place in the story line. But thereÕs nothing I can do about that.
Another thing which people donÕt quite realize, Ki and Chi are in fact the same thing, the energy of all living things. Ki is the English translation for the actual word and Chi is the Chinese(Go figure) word for it. IÕm merely using it in the context that Ki is for people and Chi is the environments energy so that it might be easier to understand later on.
Also, if you see a bunch of O's with weird looking symbols above them, tell me right away so I can get them fixed. My word processor doesn't like txt's or rtf's or anything so I have to remember to check for them and replace them after conversion.
I still hope IÕm doing a good job. (Sobs) I just have no confidence. So review people. Send me EMAILÕs to MacleodRichard@hotmail.com. Give me that confidence boost to get me to sit my lazy ass down and start writing. Come on people you can do it.
ThatÕs about it. I think the end notes have gone on long enough.