Neriman Newbie
Chapter 3
Feel the fear.(I hate naming things)
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.
As usual a disclaimer:
PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!! PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!! PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!! I don't claim ownership of any of these characters that have their ownership to someone else in writing so you CAN'T sue me for taking them. HA!
Mmmaayy-be I overdid that.
"Okay guys, remember, this is Neo-Tokyo where the schools are owned by MegaCorps. Tanks patrol the streets looking for students that are skipping. Killer Robotic Bees patrol the school hallways. The windows and doors all have steel shutters on them so you can't get in or out. The Educations systems modo is: 'Welcome to Neo-Tokyo, where out childrens education is their future. If they have no education, they have no future...' Got it?" - My friend Tim when I was first run though a campaign in Big Eyes Small Mouth.
Note: [] Denotes the english language.
** Denotes Signs.
{} Denotes thought. All thought is done in the persons first language. So if Ranma reads Shampoo's mind he won't understand a word of it.
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"[EEEEEEYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!! GOAWAYGOAWAYGOAWAY!!]" Jason shouted as he ran as fast as he possibly could.
He was surrounded by black from all angles. And his persuer was most certainly closing. He knew it, he didn't know how he knew it, he just knew it. What was his persuer? He couldn't remember, he just knew it was dangerous.... How dangerous though? What could it do? Was it the guy who almost took him out of the tournament back home this summer? Maybe that lady he met when he was ten... or maybe that tiger that had escaped from the zoo and attacked him.
Or could it be...?
Jason shot a glance over his shoulder to look into the darkness but couldn't see anything. Well, maybe it wasn't his mom. But who knew?
It was starting to get warm in the darkness. Warm was bad. It needed to be cold. Cold was good. Where would it be cold? {Wait, yes, if it's warm where it's dark, then it's cold where there's light. YES!! Now where's a light?} Jason thought to himself as he continued running. Maybe the danger didn't like the cold and would leave him alone if he found the light. Or maybe it didn't like the light and would leave him alone when he found the cold. Or were those both just the same thing?
Wait... LIGHT!! {It's above me!! DAMNIT!!} Jason started trying to jump up to it so that he could reach it. "[Down damn you! Down!!]" He cried as he continued jumping up to reach it, the danger was drawing nearer. He could hear it. Well, maybe he was hearing it, personally he couldn't understand how he was hearing it's footsteps considering when there was no ground. But he was sure he was hearing it.
The steps drew nearer, close enough that he could tell just what kind of shoe it was wearing. High heels. Jason spun around and looked at the danger. It stepped into the light given off by the ball of light.
It had a mainly human kind body, but it had feline features, wore high heels and panties. It carried a pair of nunchaku which it was spinning using feline-like fingers and an opposable thumb. There was a layer of fur over the legs and arms, and embarrassingly none on the chest.
"[JESUS CHRIST!! PUT A SHIRT ON DAMNIT!! I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO SEE THAT!!]" He shouted in dismay.
The creature that held minor resemblance to nearly all his fears stepped forwards once again and spun those nunchaku dangerously. {Oh shit! It means business.} He thought then smacked his forehead. {Of course it means business. It's been chasing me for this long.}
He regained his composure as his Common Sense Warning Alarm went off and took a few steps backwards taking up a boxing posture. The creature before him snarled at him and took an equal amount of steps forwards.
There was a white blur to Jason's right and he heard a WHUMP sound. Looking down to the right he saw a huge Siberian White Tiger beside him sneering at the monster before Jason. "[So, you come to help me?]" Jason guessed hopefully. The tiger seemed to be in his dreams a lot lately, but getting it to actually do anything was usually a pain in the ass.
The tiger looked up at Jason, then sat on it's haunches and yawned.
"[DAMN YOU!!]" He cried indignantly then turned back towards the monster. {Oh god it know's how to use those things, and all I got is my hands. What I wouldn't do for my sword right now.} He thought saddly then mentally kicked himself. {Not that it's BLUNT or anything!} He reprimanded.
Quickly he ran forwards to attack the creature. WHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAP!!
"[OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!]" Jason shouted in pain as he took the beating of his life. Keeping your concentration while fighting a nearly naked woman was rather hard to do.
Some time later when he was beaten nearly senseless, he gazed up in horror as the creature opened it's mouth wide showing rather razor sharp looking teeth. He continued to watch in horror as his mom's face dropped down to bite deeply into his side. "[NO!]" He shouted as best he could.
The attack never connected thankfully. The Siberian White tackled the monster to the side then began battling with it as well, slashing at it with it's fore claws attempting to maul the malformed creature. All to little avail as the butt of one of the nunchaku were applied to the Siberian's head with more than enough force to knock a couple synapses loose and make it's mind whirl. As the tigers assualt had now just been halted the monster threw it off then walked up to it and began to kick it in the side.
A kick which never connected as Jason struggled to his feet and charged at the monster. As the foot came forwards so did Jason's fist, the fist connected with the monsters gut before it's foot met the tigers ribs.
The creature began to gasp as Jason stumbled back a few steps. "[How.. can you... hurt your mother... Jason?!]" It demanded, it's body bleeding in various places from various gashes.
Jason looked appalled to say the least. "[MY MOM?! You don't look like my Mom!]" He cried out. {Aw man... why couldn't I just keep running away? Her... her... agh, jigglies are jiggling...} His thoughts stumbled. Seeing a woman naked would be fine even if he would be embarrassed. But this thing wasn't human! "[DAMNIT THING!! GET DRESSED!! YOU'RE FREAKING ME OUT!!]" {This must be a dream, this must be a dream. Wake up Jason.} He thought them pinched himself. "[Ow.]" {Okay, maybe that wasn't hard enough.} He pinched himself again. "[Ow.]" {Maybe I should just run again.}
He heard a growling sound. Looking down he could see the Siberian White looking up at the light. Jason looked up himself, and saw that it now looked like the moon. "[Ahm... pretty?]" He said confused then watched as the tiger jumped up into the ball. "[Right.]" He looked back to the monster, and reeled in shock. It was now split into three parts. A lady who he didn't like spinning the twin nunchaku, his mom, and the Bengal tiger that attacked him over two months ago. Both the women were now dressed fully.
All three began to approach at once. The lady attacking with the blunt weapons to beat him senseless, his mom about to scold and ground him, and the tiger about to rip him limb from limb.
"[AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!]" Jason screamed in pure terror.
"Wake him up!"
SPLASH
Jason woke up sputtering water. After coughing up more than a little water and noting that he couldn't see anything due to the water that got in his eyes he did this. "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!"
Someone splashed water on him again. "Jeez, won't he shut up?"
Jason sat up quickly and wiped his eyes furiously to get the water out of them. When he could see he looked around the room to see Dr. Tofu, Ranma, Akane, and Mr. and Mrs. Sakawa standing around the bed. Thankfully he realized that whoever splashed him had the courtesy of making sure he didn't get any on Jason's clothes, just his face and the pillow beneath his head. "Uhh... what?"
"You were crying out in your sleep." Akane said blankly while looking down at him with lidded eyes.
A knot seized in Jason's throat. "Uhm, what did I start saying?"
Ranma tugged her pigtail and looked up in thought. "Oh, at about ['Damnit thing, get dressed, you're freaking me out.']" She qouted.
Jason couldn't have been more pale. Yes, that had been a great place to start talking in his sleep. {It was a nightmare, yes, that's it, a nightmare.}
"Then ['Ow, ow'] then I think it was ['Ahm, pretty'] and lastly ['right']. Of course, this is all before you began screaming like a sissy." Ranma informed.
Jason reached up and grabbed Ranma's collar and pulled the red head slightly closer. "Thank you that unnecessary and unwanted recollection of what I was muttering incoherantly about." Jason said and let Ranma's shirt go. He was about to lie back on the bed when noticed the arm he'd grabbed Ranma with. "I know this is a stupid question but why is the hair on my arm white?"
Dr. Tofu shook his head. "We really don't know. Just before we woke you up all the hair on your body became white." He explained with a hand on his chin as if intrigued. "Now I'm not quite sure what caused it. But I can assure you that I'll look into it."
Jasons eyes narrowed as he stared at the group. "How do you know if 'all' the hair on my body turned white?" He asked.
"We didn't do that you pervert!" Akane declared quickly.
Jason let out a sigh of relief. "Well that's a load off my shoulders. Waitaminute. My hair's white too? Someone get me a mirror quick!"
Dr. Tofu gave Jason a hand held mirror that he apparently had on his person. Carefully Jason looked at his wet hair in the mirror. It was white alright, with some black mixed in. "[Don't tell me my nightmare did this...]" He muttered to himself and started brushing at his short bangs. {Mom's gonna freak when she sees this.} He thought as he looked up to the people standing around him once again. "So, what do we do now?" He asked wonderingly. He certainly didn't have any plans for this kinda thing happening.
"Well..." Mrs. Sakawa began. "Dr. Tofu says that you need plenty of food and plenty of rest and that he'd be more than willing to let you stay here a few more nights-"
"Kasumi won't be coming anytime soon will she?!" Jason interupted sitting bolt upright staring directly at Akane.
"Ah, not that I know of..." Akane said.
Jason laid back and let off a sigh of relief. Then he realized he'd stopped Mrs. Sakawa in mid sentence. "Oh sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off like that. It's just ah... well, um..."
Dr. Tofu and Ranma seemed rather confused at Jason's behavior, although Dr. Tofu's glasses fogged slightly. Akane suddenly seemed nervous.
Mrs. Sakawa waved her hand in the air and shook her head while saying, "Don't worry Jason, I know what you meant. Anyways, as I was saying, and Dr. Tofu wanted to conduct a physical on you seeing as he hasn't yet seen your medical profile."
Dr. Tofu took over, "Yes, and while you're here I should be able to do a bit more research if I can examine you. I will certainly allow you to go to school though since your education is important. Things would just go more smoothly if you were here."
"..."
"He does sleep rather soundly when he's not dreaming doesn't he?" Ranma commented leaning forwards to get a better look at Jason.
"Oh," Dr. Tofu said and scratched the back of his head nervously. "He has fallen asleep hasn't he?" He started laughing a little.
"I suppose he'll have to stay here now. Come on dear, I have to prepare supper now." Mrs. Sakawa stated and led her husband out of the room. "Oh, Dr. Tofu." She began to get the Doctor's attention. "Make sure he's fed right will you? I'm sure I'm leaving him in capable hands but it never hurts to be careful you know. I'll come by tomorrow to drop off some of his clothes for him." She said then left the clinic.
Everyone watched the married couple leave. Then they turned back to Jason. "Should we wake him up again?"
Jason began tossing and turning in his sleep again.
"Do it quick! I don't wanna hear him scream again." Ranma warned. Akane quickly picked up ladle, scooped some water into it then dumped it on Jason's face.
Jason woke up sputtering water and once he was sure his throat was clear said, "Oh thank god, I dreamt that I was taking a test I didn't study for. Phew."
Ranma and Akane stared at Jason blankly while Dr. Tofu seemed amused.
"And to think we were worrying that you were having another nightmare." Akane declared condescendingly and crossing her arms over her chest.
Jason raised a white eyebrow at her tone. "Oh, so I suppose I shouldn't care about school and flunk and become a bum and die at a young age because I could never get a job or a good wife or a good home and never have kids to live off of in my old age?"
"He's got you there Akane." Ranma commented. Akane merely growled at Ranma in reply.
"Ahem." Dr. Tofu interupted the two then turned back to Jason. "Anyways, I should tell you now Jason that I don't actually have any idea what so ever as to what's wrong with you. I'll try to figure it out... but it could be any number of things, and it's hard to be sure just which ones to rule out." He explained then sat down on a chair heavily, as if something weighed on him. "Also, I'll have to deal with patients most of the time so that will slow things down even more."
"So...." Jason began confused. "Why are you keeping me here then?"
"Well...." Tofu stalled nervously.
"Jason." Akane said saddly.
"What? What's with all the long faces?" He asked worried.
"You might be dying." Ranma answered.
Jason blinked slowly and stared at each of their faces. Both Dr. Tofu and Akane were watching him with sad eyes, and Ranma turned her head away. {Doctors don't lie about this stuff.} Jason thought to himself. "What from? Does it have to do with my hair?" He asked and touched a few strands of his hair.
Dr. Tofu shook his head. "No Jason, it doesn't have to do with your hair. I know what's the cause of this. Unfortunately I don't know the cure for you, but I do have a treatment."
Jason waited patiently for the doctor to tell him. After he realized that Dr. Tofu wasn't about to tell him without his asking he motioned for him to continue.
"It's rather simple really, I just want you doing the opposite of dieting. Eat lots of food and get plenty of rest." Dr. Tofu finished.
Jason stared at Dr. Tofu blankly. {My god, I was wrong.} He thought blankly. "I can't believe you're all making fun of me like this." Jason accused then pulled his legs over the side of the bed. "I really thought you were all worried about me but this... this is just plain pathetic." He got off the bed and stood on the floor. "You all really had me going there. I actually thought I was dying or sick or something. But now-" Jason stopped talking suddenly as he took his first step towards the rooms exit.
"Um... Jason? Are you okay?" Ranma asked as she and everyone else leaned forwards to get a better look at his face.
Jason didn't move except for his mouth, "I don't feel too good."
Dr. Tofu pushed Jason back onto the bed. "And if you don't eat anything soon that feeling will persist. Food and bedrest are the best I can do to cure this right now." Dr. Tofu stood up and looked at the clock. It was about four in the afternoon. "Infact, I think I better start that meal now." He stated then walked out of the room.
Both Ranma and Akane stood up as well. "I suppose we should both be going too." Akane said as she left the room.
Ranma nodded her head and was about to follow Akane but stopped at the door. "Get well Jason. I'd like to have a sparring match with you soon." She said then left.
Jason smiled, then pulled his pillow out from under his head and wiped his face and hair with the dry side. Once he was sure he wouldn't get the bed wet he tossed the pillow onto a chair and laid down. {I need some music.}
Back at the Tendo residence a few hours later.
"So Jason might be dying then?" Kasumi asked over dinner.
"Well. Dr. Tofu said that Jason should be okay. But if he doesn't take it easy then there could be serious problems." Akane replied.
"Maybe I should bring him something during the day then. Dr. Tofu must be so busy with his patients that he can't spend the whole day taking care of Jason." Kasumi suggested thoughtfully.
"Ah, he's still going to school sis, so you really can't go see him during the day. You could have Nabiki bring him an extra lunch though." Akane stated quickly.
"Oh thank you Akane. I really wanna play babysitter during school." Nabiki drawled before eating a fishcake.
"Maybe Ranma could take it then." Akane suggested and looked over at the two Saotome's.
Ranma and Genma were dueling over their food. Each stealing the others food. Ranma lunged forwards and stole a pickle while Genma snuck around Ranma's arm and plucked some rice, then Genma tried to get it back to his plate Ranma had already gotten the pickle to his own and pulled the rice ball from Genma's chopsticks.
"Then again. Maybe not." She said as a sweat drop formed on her head.
"Well, I do have to go to Dr. Tofu's tomorrow anyways. Maybe I could give it to him before he leaves for school." Kasumi suggested, although no one heard her as the Saotome's food fight suddenly picked up in volume.
Back at Dr. Tofu's, Jason got a chill running down his spine. "Okay, time to close that window." He declared and struggled out of his bed.
Breakfast began late the next morning in the Tendo residence. Before Nabiki, Akane, and Ranma could leave for school though to make sure they were on time Kasumi stopped them.
"Would any of you be able to give Jason this?" She asked as she handed them a bento box. "It's an extra lunch I packed for him."
Nabiki took the item from Kasumi and tried to stuff it into her book bag. "I'll give it to him." Then she whispered. "And tell him what you talked to me about." After that she turned to leave. "Come on you two, we're gonna be late."
Jason was sitting down in class. By his posture you would almost think he was sleeping, when in fact he was listening to his music and struggling to keep awake. All night he'd been plagued by nightmares of that monster chasing him. He knew he couldn't fight it so he simply ran. A shiver ran down his spine as he tried to remove it from his thoughts. It was too damn... femininely obvious for him to really want to think about it. He didn't need that kind of distraction in class.
"Y'know Jason, you don't look too good." Shigefumi stated looking down at the exchange student. "You feeling alright?" He asked worriedly.
In response Jason let out a rather loud snore. Shigefumi quirked an eyebrow and decided to let Jason sleep. Soon outside in the school yard the usual ritual beating of every guy in school commenced as Jason was left in the classroom with only the women. A sickening scream woke Jason up from his abrupt slumber as someone took a rather nasty hit to his ribcage. Jason looked around worriedly as the cries of pain emanated from the outside world. Getting out of his chair he lumbered over to the window and poked his head outside.
His veiw of the carnage and destruction was clear as Akane tore through the mass of half the school population. Ranma was sitting on top of the wall and watching with mute interest. "Keep it down out there! I'm trying to sleep!" Jason shouted and shuffled back to his desk.
A murmur began to overcome the crowd of young women as they realized just what was different about Jason today. Frankly, they were tired of just talking about how sad it was that Akane had to fight the entire population of Furinkan High's boys every morning.
One of the girls seemed to be intent on just asking him just what had happened and shook his shoulder. "[Go 'way.]" He muttered. The person shook his shoulder even harder. "I said go away." He repeated.
"WAKE UP!!"
"AAAAAHHHHH!!" Jason shouted as he nearly jumped out of his desk. He looked up and saw Nabiki putting away a megaphone. "What was that for?!" {And where the hell did you get that from... not to mention where did you put it?}
Silently Nabiki reached into her bag and pulled out a bento box and put it on Jason's desk. "Here, it's from Kasumi."
{Nabiki gave me something... and didn't charge me for it... this can't be right.} "Uh, thanks." Jason replied and took it. "From Kasumi you say? Uh, tell her I said thanks when you get home for me please." He requested politely and looked at Nabiki's confused and quizical expression. "What? Do I have something on my face?"
Just then Jason's mind clicked and he realized what Nabiki was looking at. {My mind must still be foggy.} "I had my hair dyed. Had an accident though and got it all over me." he said quickly.
"What about those black streaks?"
"I dunno. I guess some black got mixed in too and messed it up. Anyways... is there anything else I can help you with?" He asked wonderingly. Normally Nabiki would have sat down by now and paid almost no attention to him unless to con some money outta him. "Something troubling you?"
Nabiki looked around the class almost nervously as all the female students began to sit at their desks and all the male students dragged themselves, bruised and broken, through the door one at a time. She turned back to him and said "I'll tell you at lunch." before sitting down again and preparing for the lesson.
"Your sister is what?" Jason said flatly as he gave Nabiki a blank stare. "You're kidding me right?"
Nabiki shook her head. "Nope."
Currently Jason was sitting at the base of a tree on school grounds eating from one of his three bento's, Nabiki was standing next to him looking forwards with her back to the tree.
"Kasumi really wants me to move from the Sakawa's to the Tendo's? Why?" He queried confused between bites. Really he'd meant to stop for a second but frankly as soon as the chopsticks he held stopped moving he felt a dreadful cramp in his stomache and it took all his will power, fortitude, and effort just to stop from pitching over.
"She seemed really concerned when she heard that you might die. My guess would be that she simply wants to mother you back to health and she can't do that if you're at the clinic." Nabiki supplied, then sat down and pulled out her own lunch.
Jason shrugged more to himself than Nabiki as she wasn't looking. "Maybe. But still, it's a little strange though." Jason said and was about to pause for a moment when the cramps began to come on again. "Still, the thing that's stranger is the fact that you haven't tried to get any money out of me today. Something must be on your mind Nabiki."
Nabiki glared at Jason and he caught the stare. But he wasn't about to stop eating because of it. "I'm trying to figure out what's with Kasumi. And how to support three guests in our house."
"Well, it's not like I can leave the Sakawa's home. I don't think I'm allowed to switch housing unless it's under extrenuous circumstances." Jason stated then scratched his head. "I suppose I should say thanks for the offer though. It is rather nice of her. But is it really a good idea for a boy of my age to be in a house with three young women?"
Nabiki was silent as she ate her lunch. When she finished something came to mind. "Oh, Jason. I think I might have some very important news for you. 5000 yen please." She said and held out her hand.
Annoyed Jason pulled out his wallet and began checking just how much money he had on him. "Hmm." Then he put his hands in his pockets. "Hmm." After pulling his hands out again he said. "Sorry Nabiki, I actually don't have any money on me right now."
Letting out a sigh of saddness Nabiki saw Ranma and Akane approach them from the school while Jason opened up another bento box. "Your life may depend on it."
"I'm broke Nabiki, get over it."
"Well, one always has to try." Nabiki replied as the unhappy couple reached them and sat down.
Ranma took out his own lunch and began eating right away whereas Akane took some time to rant about Kuno being a jerk before starting on her own.
"So what do you two think about Kasumi's suggestion?" Jason asked as he moved to his third bento.
Both Ranma and Akane looked up surprised. "Suggestion?"
Jason gave them a lazy eyed stare. "Something tells me you two haven't exactly been told about it yet." He guessed then looked to Nabiki. "Does Mr. Tendo even know about it?" Nabiki merely shrugged in response. "[Geezus.] I can't wait to see what kinda fit he might throw over it."
"Over what? What's going on?" Akane demanded and looked to her sister. "What's going on?"
Nabiki let out a sigh and began her explanation. "Sis, you're not gonna like this but Kasumi offered for Jason to stay at our house during his stay in Japan."
"What!! Why wasn't I told about this?!" Akane shouted indignantly.
Nabiki didn't bat an eyelash at her sisters outburst. "Well. Kasumi only thought it up last night and didn't want to tell anyone till she got an answer. Seeing as how the Sakawa's will be moving soon and all, she offered Jason a place to stay once Dr. Tufo would no longer be keeping him at the clinic."
Upon hearing this a few grains of rice went down the wrong pipe and Jason began a coughing fit. After a few slaps on the back from Ranma, Jason finally managed to find his voice as his throat cleared. "Whatta ya mean the Sakawa's are moving?! Why didn't someone tell me?!"
"3000 yen."
"I'm broke."
"Then I'm not telling you."
"Damn it Nabiki. This is important. Why are the Sakawa's moving?"
Nabiki shrugged and smiled crookedly. "If I don't have 3000 yen then I don't remember."
Jason began to grind his jaw. Then he finished off the lunch that Shigefumi had given him from Mrs. Sakawa. "Well I'll just have to ask them then now won't I?" He said then stood up to leave.
"Ah don't worry about Jason. It doesn't really matter does it?" Ranma stated. "I mean, Kasumi offered for you to stay at the Tendo's didn't she? Now I'm sure how much you're gonna like being around a violent tomboy but..." Ranma was halted by the fiery aura of death emanating from Akane.
"[Run away!]" Jason shouted as he took off at a decent pace, Nabiki hot on his heels.
"RAAANMAAAA!" Akane growled. "DIE!!" She shouted as she kicked him high into the air.
"UUUUNNNcuuuuute....." Ranma's voice faded into the distance.
Jason and Nabiki watched Ranma fly off towards the horizon. "Reason number two why I think I shouldn't stay at your place. How long would I survive if I did?"
When lunch was just about to end Jason walked into the classroom and saw his friend at his desk.
"Shi-ge-fu-mi..." Jason called musically.
"Mm?" Shigefumi replied with, looking up at Jason as the taller boy approached his desk.
Jason sat down in the desk infront of his room-mate and turned towards him. "I've heard something rather interesting Shigefumi. Your Mom and Dad are apparently moving for some reason." Jason said and leaned forwards to peer suspiciously into Shigefumi's eyes. "When was someone gonna tell me about that?"
"Uhh..."
"Well?"
"Umm..."
"Anytime now."
"That is..."
"2000 yen and I'll tell him so you don't have to." Nabiki said and slammed her hand on the desk, making both boys look up at her in surprise. Shigefumi pulled out his wallet and shuffled through it, pulling out 2000 yen and handed it to Nabiki. "Alright then Jason. To make a long story short, Mr. Sakawa's company is moving to a different location on the other side of Tokyo. The family has to move because their house is infact owned by the company Mr. Sakawa works for and they are being given another closer to the new headquarters."
"But I can't get to Furinkan from the other side of the city.... Oh. So Kasumi knows about it too."
"Mr. and Mrs. Sakawa didn't tell you yet because your condition might be due to stress. Shigefumi didn't tell you because you're a rather scary person when you want to be." Nabiki finished her explanation.
Jason looked back to Shigefumi. "That right?"
Shigefumi nodded quickly. "Yes, we do have to move."
"No. I meant about me being scary."
"Yes that too. You brought a sword with you from Canada, how can that not be scary?"
Jason blinked slowly a few times in a bored sort of way. "I really wish you hadn't said that." He said regretfully.
The Japanese boy backed away a little. "Why?"
"The teacher's looming over your shoulder."
As school ended Jason stared out his window and watched everyone else in school leave while his teacher began reviewing the contract about Jason's stay in Japan.
{This blows.}
"Alright Mr. Reaver, I can't really find anything that says you can't have a weapon just as long as you follow our rules about having it. Don't let me catch you with it in class." The teacher said and handed the written stack of paper back to Jason.
Jason nodded slowly then pulled his gym bag over his shoulder and silently left the classroom. {Stupid teacher.} He thought as he left the school. By now the school grounds had been completely emptied as everyone was already clear on their way home. He quickly set off to Dr. Tofu's. His thoughts entrenched on whether or not he should stay at Dr. Tofu's or move in with the Tendo's. So entrenched that he didn't notice Kasumi talking to a Sukiyaki salesman until he bumped into her.
"Sorry, I should have been watching where I was going." He said with his head down then bent over to picked up a few things he'd knocked out of Kasumi's grocery bags.
"Please, don't worry about it. No harm done." She said not having recognised him yet.
Finally he retrieved everything he'd dropped and stood up holding the items. "Oh, Kasumi. Heh, didn't realize it was you." Jason said as he put the foods back into the bags.
Kasumi smiled sweetly. "I didn't see you at Dr. Tofu's after school. Something happen at school?"
Jason paled. {She was at the clinic?} "Ah, not really, the teacher kept me in a few minutes to discuss something minor." He replied then considered his next move. "Nabiki told me you offered for me to stay at the Tendo's when the Sakawa's move."
Kasumi nodded then turned towards her home. "Would you like to walk with me?"
"Sure."
They set off for the Tendo residence at a comfortable pace. Jason took a few of the bags from Kasumi to lighten her load. "Do you know when they're moving?" He asked.
"Sometime this or next week I think."
Jason seeped into silence as he considered a few things. "What about your father? He know about it yet?" Kasumi shook her head in reply. "Maybe we could go ask him right now?" Kasumi looked at him surprised. "I mean, you should tell him as soon as possible. And I'd like to know for sure if I'm gonna have a place to stay."
"We could go ask father now. Actually I was going to tell him before I started dinner." Kasumi said.
Suddenly the hustle and bustle in the middle of the street parted as Dr. Tofu danced through the crowd with his skeleton, Betty.
"Um. Do you mind if I stay the night at your house too? Dr. Tofu's acting a little too weird for my taste." Jason asked as he watched Dr. Tofu waltz past him and Kasumi.
Kasumi who was smiling at Dr. Tofu's antics looked over to Jason who looked rather pale. {It must be part of his condition.} She thought to herself. "I suppose we could ask father. Shouldn't we stop by the clinic and pick up your things first?"
"Uh. Naw, these can stand an extra day of use." He replied motioning to his clothes.
Kasumi nodded and they both started walking again. Dr. Tofu had long past the street and was causing havoc somewhere else. Hopefully where there wasn't any bystanders.
"I'm back!" Kasumi called into the house as she opened the front door and walked in. Jason took a few seconds to take off his shoes so he didn't ruin the floor and then carried the groceries to the kitchen where Kasumi was beginning to prepare for dinner.
"Aren't you forgetting something Kasumi?" Jason asked when he put the groceries down on the counter.
Kasumi looked up from all the things she was pulling out. "Oh, right. I forgot." She muttered to herself then walked out of the kitchen to find her father.
Jason looked around the kitchen and arranged all the things Kasumi had taken out a little better while he waited, then took out some of the groceries and tried to guess where to put them.
Suddenly three different voices shouted, "WHAT!!"
Jason was about to walk into the living room when a giant demon head floated through the door to the kitchen and broke the door frame on the way with a loud DOOOOM sound. "JAAASOOONN!!" It roared.
Jason gazed up at Soun's Demon Head Attack with awe and fear.
"Father, stop that now." Kasumi's voice ordered with an adamant tone. "I asked if he could be a guest because soon he will have no where to stay."
Slowly Soun's bloated head began to pull back from the kitchen and returned to normal on his shoulders.
Cautiously Jason edged his way into the Tendo living room. "Is it safe?" He asked shakily after poking his head past the broken doorframe.
The Tendo and Saotome families were standing there, the majority of the Tendo's arguing and the Saotome's were standing back in fear of another Demon Head Attack from Soun.
"I can't believe you're gonna allow this Daddy!" Akane protested.
"Do you even know how we're gonna support three freeloading guests Daddy?" Nabiki demanded.
"Please you two. He needs a place to stay." Kasumi pleaded.
Soun rubbed his forehead. {Maybe letting him stay wasn't such a good idea.} He thought to himself then looked at Kasumi. That sad eyed look of self-lessness had just been irresistible though. {I suppose she deserves to get what she wants sometimes though. If only it wasn't a boy.} He added and moved to walk away while his two youngest daughters to assualt him with their words. Better than their fists he supposed.
Ranma walked over to Jason and clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, on the behalf of those who aren't angry about it, welcome to the house."
Jason looked over to Ranma and gave him a wane smile. "Thanks, now I just don't know if I should be relieved or worried."
"Ah don't worry about it, let's go out back and spar while they argue." Ranma suggested then led Jason out to the dojo.
Once they'd started sparring Ranma started out on the defensive to see just how well Jason was able to fight at the moment, then began to fight at the level Jason was showing. Slowly the fight escalated as Jason pushed himself harder and harder despite a growing pain in his stomache.
Ranma quickly came to realize just how Jason fought as a few punches went through the taller boys guard. The simple fact was, Jason had no guard, he would either dodge or merely take the hit and shrug it off while trying to land a punch of his own. {There's an important lesson here that Jason could learn.} Ranma thought to himself then lashed out for Jason's gut with a powerful punch that should leave him winded for a while.
It came as a big surprise to Ranma as Jason pitched forwards somewhat so his stomache was a smaller target and crossed both his arms across the targeted area to block the hit. Sure, Jason still flew back about ten feet and landed roughly on his ass, but how had he predicted the move?
"Not bad Jason. I think I know what we have to work on to make you a better Martial Artist. And it was rather amazing that you predicted that last hit. I knew you were experienced, but not that experienced." Ranma commented.
Suddenly a loud gurgle filled the air. "I wish." Jason said and stood up laughing. "I had suddenly felt my stomache heave and I did what was natural. Lurch and clutch at my stomache. My arms are really sore though."
Ranma began to laugh himself, more relieved than anything else. "Alright then, we'll get something to eat and me and my Pops'll spar with ya. We'll show you a thing or two about combat. And a three way battle might be rather interesting."
Smiling Jason nodded his assent. "Sounds great." He said and both walked into the house.
Upstairs they could hear Akane's and Nabiki's complaints still go on. Idle thoughts of how long Soun could hold out passed through both their minds as they stole into the kitchen and raided the fridge. Coming back to the living room with more than a snack in each of their hands they sat down for a second to eat then quickly stood back up again to leave. Jason once again headed out to the dojo while Ranma went to find his nearly completely useless father.
About ten minutes after the first spar Jason and Ranma now stood in the presence with Genma. "Are you sure about this boy? He's nowhere near your level you know."
Ranma merely smiled up at Genma. "Well Pop, there's only one way to get him there isn't there?"
Tightening his belt Genma let out a resigned sigh. "Alright then. Prepare yourself Jason. If you really think you can stand up to the both of us you have another thing coming." He stated matter of factly then took a ready stance.
"Um..." Jason was about to point out that that wasn't what they were doing but he saw Ranma wink at him and decided to just go with the flow. "Alright then." He said as he took a boxing position.
Genma ran forwards and Ranma followed at a more comfortable pace (Molasses). Genma's first move was a punch to Jason's face. To avoid it Jason just leaned to the side a little so the fist just passed his ear then lashed out with own fist at Genma's chest. The larger man blocked the punch with his free hand and then backed up out of Jason's range.
"He still so slow Pops?" Ranma taunted. Genma growled at his boy then faced off with Jason again.
This time Jason initiated the attack. Moving quickly forwards he threw a punch at Genma's side, then a jab to the stomache, then finished with his usual uppercut to the chin. Each attack was either blocked or dodged.
Both seperated once again and watched each other to see who would make the first move.
"You should watch your back Pops!" Ranma called out and jump kicked his father in the head.
Genma struggled back to his feet after a few seconds. "Why you ungrateful-" He was cut off as he saw Ranma throw Jason over his shoulder and towards Genma. Jason may have been too heavy to throw far but he landed on his feet awkwardly and had keep the momentum going to stay standing. Just before he reached Genma his whole body was leaning to the left and he jumped up in the air swinging his left fist around behind himself. Genma could only watch as the balled hand came around and hit him in the side of the head, leaving him partially dazed.
Jason didn't have much time to worry about how much he might have hurt Mr. Saotome as Ranma quickly rushed him once again. Ranma proved to certainly be persistent, he tried to give Jason little room to think by continually attacking. The fight carried them around the Dojo, and Ranma wasn't the one usually losing ground. Jason quickly came to the realization that he knew little about how to counter anything beyond low level Martial Arts using his style. Apparently Dr. Tofu's advice about learning a new style while in Japan should have been taken more seriously.
As Genma once again got up he quickly joined the fight as well. Possibly now having figured out just what kind of fight they were supposed to be having. For Jason though, it was rather difficult to fight two people at once, he wasn't Akane after all and was nowhere close to being used to it.
A short break came in the form of a standoff between the three fighters. Each one began to plan a strategy on how to fight the other two at once. Plans quickly began to form in Ranma's mind as he guessed just what the other two would do. Genma quickly came to his decision and readied himself. Jason knew that for him this was a losing battle so his decision was rather quick as well.
Genma made the first move, he pointed to the ground and shouted, "Look! A thousand yen piece!"
As soon as Genma had pointed Jason sprang into movement as well. He moved forwards and executed an almost flawless jumping roundhouse kick. Now Jason may not have been as fast as lightning, or be the best at kicking, but even Ranma had to admit, it looked pretty good. Now if only Genma hadn't been ducking down and Ranma being completely out of range of the attack it might even have won Jason the spar. As it was as soon as Jason landed Ranma kicked his planted foot out from under him and Jason landed flat on his back. Making him out.
The spar continued on for a little longer as Genma and Ranma kicked up a storm in the Dojo. The fighting came to a stop though as they heard, "Father, Mr. Saotome, Ranma, Jason, Nabiki, Akane, dinner!"
"Thank you Kasumi!" Genma called out the door of the Dojo and the sparring ended abruptly. Little short of a god could stand between a Saotome and his stomache.
As the Tendo and Saotome families sat around the table Jason managed to plop down beside Genma at the far end of the table from Soun.
Supper wasn't very silent as Nibiki and Akane still insisted that Jason simply could not stay. The argument paused as Ranma suddenly said, "He makes for a good sparring partner though. And he wants me and Pops to train him. So if he stayed here it would be easier for him wouldn't it?"
"A very good point Ranma." Soun stated. "Staying here would make it easier to further his training, wouldn't you agree Saotome?"
"It certainly would make it go quicker Tendo." Genma agreed and stole a pickle off Ranma's plate.
"And just where will he stay?" Nabiki drawled.
"In the guestroom." Soun answered. "Where else?"
Akane slammed her hands against the table and stood up. "You're gonna put the two perverts together? Who knows what will happen when Ranma gets splashed with cold water!"
There were twin SNAPs as the chopsticks in Jason's and Ranma's hands broke between their fingers.
"I don't know... where you got that idea from Akane..." Jason began. "But that... is just sick!"
"And you call us perverts?!" Ranma added standing up quickly. "We're both men Akane and nothing is gonna change that!"
Akane's eyes narrowed. "Strange, I only see three men here."
Ranma looked down at herself. She'd accidentally spilt a glass of water on herself when she stood up. "I'm going to take a bath." She said and walked upstairs.
"Tell me when it's okay to come in." Jason called and using what was left of his utensils finished off his meal.
Akane had already sat down but didn't resume her eating. "You're still a pervert."
What was left of Jason's chopsticks weren't capable of being used on food. "Akane, I'm gonna tell you this nicely. Despite the fact that I'm a guy, a hormone raging testosterone turbulent teenager. I'm not... and I say not, interested in women." He explained indignantly.
"So you swing that way?" Nabiki inquired. After all, knowledge is power.
"GOD NO!!" Jason shouted horrified, then realized just how loud he'd raised his voice. "Sorry. Didn't mean to shout like that." He apologized then stood up to leave. "I've got to wash up now. All that exercise makes one work up a sweat."
"Pervert."
Had there been anything in Jason's hand, it too would have broke. But, since there wasn't, he just walked up to the bathroom and prepared himself for a bath. He decided that he'd probably go to bed earlier than usual today. It'll be the crack of dawn for him tomorrow.
The next day Jason hadn't woken up at the crack of dawn. Infact, if Kasumi hadn't woken him up he'd probably have missed breakfast. As it was, he, Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki were now on their way to school. Akane and Nabiki slightly behind the two boys muttering between themselves about a 'Mr. Kitty.'
Jason on the other hand was busy trying to think of when would be the best time to go to Dr. Tofu's to get his things. He certainly hoped that Kasumi wouldn't be going down there today. All he needed right now was to walk in and never come out again.
The school came into view and all four could see the group of boys massing for the assualt. Both Jason and Ranma had to admire their persistance, and not to mention the fact that no matter how badly Akane beat them up they would be fine and ready the next day.
Cries of "Akane date me!" rung out into the air as the mass charged forwards and the usual slaughter began. The three non-contestants stood to the side and watched as bodies began to fly into the air.
"Good thing we got here early today." Jason muttered.
Nabiki nodded saying, "Yeah, otherwise we'd probably be late. They're taking up the whole gate."
"I can't believe their fighting like this over such an un-cute chick." Ranma grumbled.
"Be happy she can't hear you over the screams of pain." Jason said grinning.
The crowd dwindled down to one man standing, erm woman. Then a second figure approached the scene while Akane stood in the middle of the mass of broken bodies.
"Such a beautiful flower could never be picked from it's stem by these lowly barbarians. For today, I am the one with the shears." Kuno ranted poetically as he took a fighting stance.
"This'll be short." Jason muttered candidly and walked past the two opponents "See ya after school Akane."
The didn't begin as Kuno turned his attention to Jason. "What did you say!!" He shouted and raised his bokken to strike.
Confused Jason turned around and looked at Kuno. "What?"
"You said that you would see the dear Akane after school! What form of mockery is this?!" Kuno waved his bokken menacingly. "I shall not allow you to date the fair Akane Tendo!!" He shouted then attacked.
Jason stood still in confusion as Kuno's slash laid a glancing blow against his left arm. At first it didn't seem that Jason had noticed the hit until he brought his hand up and covered it. He looked over at the hit and saw that it was just a bruise, not actually a cut. He guessed Kuno wasn't giving his all today. "[Leave me alone Kuno. I've got better things to do than deal with dumb-ass horny teenagers who're ready to cream their pants at any given minute.]" Jason said calmly and continued on his way to the school.
"You give me your defeat will you?!" Kuno demanded. "Well I do not accept it! You shall pay for this disruption of tradition! And you shall pay dearly!!" With that said Kuno dashed forwards with his bokken held high in the air for a powerful overhead strike.
He wasn't the only one to snap into action though, Ranma cupped his hands around him mouth and shouted, "Jason! Do that move you used against me and Pops yesterday!"
The response time was remarkable. In under a second Jason dropped his gymbag to the ground then spun low to come up into a jumping roundhouse kick. His calf connected with Kuno's arm and pushed it along as Jason's heel continued it's path of destruction to clout Kuno just above the ear. Kuno smiled as if he'd won, then promptly fell over.
Looking up at Ranma Jason gave a thumbs up sign and said, "Thanks coach." then walked into the school.
"Coach?" Ranma muttered and looked to Nabiki, who seemed to be deep in thought. "Any idea what any of things he was talking about were?"
Nabiki seemed to snap out of her thoughts and looked at Ranma. "Actually yes. And I don't think I should repeat them."
"It took you that long to decide that?"
"No, I was thinking how much money I can make off Jason now that he's actually beaten Kuno."
Akane sighed and walked past them. "You never change Nabiki, you never change."
Class that day went on as usual with the exception of Jason holding a see-through plastic bag of ice and water against his arm and Kuno having a bandage holding his own ice pack against the side of his head.
Being as Jason was right-handed he wasn't able to write very well and being that his main language was english he wasn't able to write Kanji period. So he lazed about in class and tried to learn the lesson visually.
Kuno wasn't able to do much of anything as he found his motor control slightly lacking at the moment. Sure he could move, just not do tasks that needed accuracy. Like writing.
Megumi turned around in her seat and looked at Jason during a pause in the lesson. "So are you alright Jason? And is what Kuno said before he hit you true? Did you ask Akane out?"
Jason quirked an eyebrow at the shorter female. "Yes I'm fine. And no I didn't ask Akane Tendo out on a date. I'm taking training from the Saotome's in the Tendo Dojo right after school." He replied.
"Oh..." She murmured then seemed to remember something important. "Hey, I heard the Sakawa's are moving right? Where are you gonna stay after they do? I mean, I'm pretty sure you're still gonna come here to Furinkan aren't you?" She asked giving him a cute look.
Jason stayed silent for a second as he regarded the girl one seat infront of him. "Don't repeat what I'm going to say alright? It'll piss Kuno off."
"You can say it in english then, I know Kuno doesn't listen during our english lessons." She suggested.
"Still. Don't repeat it." Jason insisted the leaned closer so he was as close to her ear as possible with the desk between them. Quietly he whispered in her ear and her eyes widened.
"You're-" Her response was cut off as a massive hand covered her mouth.
"I said," Jason began giving her a dark look. "Don't repeat it." Then removed his hand.
"Sorry. But are you even allowed to do that? Stay in the same house with three young women?" Megumi asked wonderingly.
"They have nothing to worry about from me. But I think my contract says no. Normally I wouldn't even think of resorting to this but I sure don't want to risk another day at Dr. Tofu's. One scourge of chiropractic horror was bad enough. I don't need a second."
"By the way, that reminds me of something else. Aren't you sick? I remember hearing that you were in a really bad condition the other day." Megumi queried with obvious and good hearted concern.
Jason nodded slightly. "It's not as bad as it sounds though. I'll just either get really hungry or sleepy at times. If I over exert myself though I'll lose a good deal of motor control and freeze in place. I'm told though that if my condition degenerates enough I might die." He explained unconcerned. He leaned back and adjusted the icepack on his arm.
"So you're not gonna be acting like a samurai warrior anytime soon then right?" She asked with a slightly evil looking grin.
Jason gave her a worried look. "Um... no?"
Megumi leaned further over his desk. "So you really can't do anything if I say... kiss you right now can you?"
"Um, Megumi. Three things I should tell you. One, I'm not that pathetic. Two, you're attacting the attention of the whole class. Three, that includes the teacher." Jason pointed out with a troubled expression on his face.
Megumi looked around her to see that indeed the whole class was staring at her. Slowly she slid back into her seat and faced the teacher with a beat red face. The class returned to it's normal activities and Jason let out a relieved sigh.
"That was a close call. Your secret might have gotten out." Nabiki whispered over his shoulder.
"What secret?" Jason asked twisting somewhat to look at the middle Tendo daughter.
"That you swi-"
"No I don't!" Jason interupted annoyed. "Will you please stop saying that? It's disgusting."
Nabiki shrugged her shoulders. "Alright."
Grumbling Jason relaxed in his seat once again and promptly let him mind drift to sleep.
When class ended Nabiki shook Jason awake. "Jason, time for lunch. Wake up."
"[Go away Mom, I wanna sleep in today.]" The white haired boy mumbled.
"Wake up Jason."
"[Piss off.]" He murmured emotionlessly.
"WAKE UP!!"
"AAAAAHHHOOOWWWW!!" Jason shouted as he fell out of his seat in the opposite direction from Nabiki. "What was that for?!" He cried out as she put the megaphone behind her back and it disappeared there.
"Kicks." She said then turned away from to get her lunch.
Jason stuggled to his feet. "Goddamn megaphone. What time is it? Lunch? Lunch! Yes! Food!"
Minutes later Jason is already out of the school and sitting up against a tree near one of the more shaded sides of the school. With a relieved sigh he began to eat his two bento's. One from Kasumi, the other from Mrs. Sakawa.
"Tell me why I must give to you!"
"Say again?"
"Answer me! Why? How do you know my pigtailed goddess?!"
"Forget her! Trust me!"
"What?!"
"You'll probably never even see... her... again."
Ranma walked around the corner of the school and into Jason's view. Then was splashed by some water a student dropped out a window. When Jason looked down from the window he saw that Ranma had disappeared.
Kuno ran around the corner now. "What do you mean?! Ranma Saotome!"
"SO! Quick to run are you?!" Kuno shouted as he cut a tree in half with his bokken. The tree fell to the ground revealing female Ranma as fell with it. "You... you're... the girl!"
Ranma remained silent and held her pants up.
Slowly Jason stood up now that his lunches were finished and walked over to the two as Kuno now tried to grab onto Ranma-chan saying, "How I've missed y--" but was stopped as Ranma punched him in the face.
"Back off!"
Kuno being the stupidly persistant he was tried to grab hold of Ranma once again. Just as his arms were about to encircle Ranma there was only between Kuno's arms. He looked up to see the foul Street Fighter Jason Reaver with his arm around the Pigtailed girls shoulders.
"Hey Babe, lets get outta here." Jason said cheerfully winking at Ranma. Idly he noticed the top of Kuno's head turn into a volcano and start steaming.
Ranma was about to hit Jason a good one but Kuno acted first.
"Foul peasant!! What injustice is this?!" The Blue Blunder demanded angrilly.
Jason shrugged unconcerned. "Nothing much Kuno, we're an item." Jason said then looked down at the much smaller girl, leaned close to her ear and whispered, "You get out of here and change. I don't know how long I can hold him off so hurry."
"Telling my delicate flower what she must do?! You defiler of women!! This shall not be tolerated!!" Kuno spouted while raising his bokken high and looking rather cool for Kuno.
Jason quirked a white eyebrow.
"I can see it now." Kuno said and he covered his eyes as if against seeing some kind of shame.
A strange little scene danced itself through Kuno's head with Jason being rather Sado-masochistic to Ranma's female side, him wearing a yukata and Ranma in only her underwear.
"Well now. That was interesting." Jason commented looking up at the thought bubble above Kuno's head. He rather preferred the baggy khakis with cargo pockets and the matching light brown T-shirt that he was wearing right now over that. "I have to admit I'd never really thought of myself doing that. Ever." He said thoughtfully.
"TYRANT!!" Kuno shouted and charged at Jason. His bokken slash was countered by Jason's own bokken which appeared out from behind Jason's back.
"I'll admit right now Kuno." Jason began as he and Kuno began a contest of strength. "I don't know Kendo. In fact, I don't really know how to use this thing at all. But I'll let not let you tell people how to live their lives according to your whims." Then he pushed Kuno back and the real duel began.
Akane watched the two from behind a statue as the fighting began. Jason looked... competent with the sword to say the most. And Kuno, well, Kuno was Kuno with his sword to say the least. How Jason couldn't see that he was as out-classed as he was ever gonna be she didn't know.
Ranma and Nabiki came up behind Akane soon enough to see Jason and Kuno dueling with Kuno obviously holding the major advantage. Blows rained down on Jason from all angles as he put up a meager defense and tried to put in a few hits of his own.
"Wow, this can't be good." Nabiki commented as she saw just who was fighting.
"Does Jason know how to use a sword?" Ranma asked as he watched the fight slowly degrade to a slaughter. He really didn't need to ask. Also, that cord trailing from his neck looked like it was bothering Jason as well.
A pause in the fighting occured as Jason pushed Kuno back by lashing out with his foot. As Kuno regained his balance Jason reached into the large pocket on his right thigh and fumbled with something in it.
"Why is he listening to music at a time like this?" Akane wondered at the stupidy of what Jason was doing. Futher hindering himself was not the best thing to be doing at this time.
Suddenly Jason went from the defensive to the offensive. Muttering something to himself in english he jumped forwards and began slashing almost randomly at Kuno. Kuno, surprised by this new developement held back and blocked the strikes while trying discern some type of pattern.
The three watchers stared at the fighting pair. Akane and Nabiki's eyes were open in awe, Ranma's eyes were narrow.
"Is it me or is Jason suddenly better then Kuno?" Nabiki asked.
Akane nodded her head.
Ranma shook his head. "Not better, more like on par."
Jason's voice made itself known again as it was raised in song. The melodious english lyrics that a small percentage of the people present understood almost seemed to carry Jason into a dance as he began to spin in circles while attacking at Kuno.
"Curse you heathen! Hold still so that I may smite thee!" Kuno bellowed.
"Like I'm really that dumb!" Jason paused in his lyrical composure to retort. It wasn't the smartest idea though as he suddenly slowed down giving Kuno the chance to stick his bokken between Jason's legs. Toppling Jason to the ground. "Guess it didn't work." Jason muttered to himself and rolled to his feet as the tip of Kuno's bokken found the dirt. Just as he readied himself the tip of Kuno's sword was now at his throat.
"If you renounce the pig-tailed girl as yours I shall spare you my wrath foul one." The air headed one stated calmly.
"So you can claim her as yours? Naw, I think she'd be happier with me." Jason replied smugly.
Kuno was about to spout more non-sense when he was interupted.
"That's right!"
Everyone turned towards Ranma.
"And how would you know of my goddesses preferences?" Kuno demanded.
Ranma racked his brain for an answer. "I'm her... uh... brother! Yeah, that's it, she's my sister!" He answered after much procrastinating.
"What?! You?! The sibling of my dear pigtailed goddess? But, but how can this be?" Kuno wailed. "Why then did you deceive me with lies about her love for me?!"
Ranma blinked slowly. "Um... I didn't?"
"You lie yet again! Our love is forever and you can never deny us that!" the eternally ignorant boy cried.
Jason looked between Ranma and the girls. "What about Akane? You just gonna drop her like that?"
"My love with Akane Tendo is everlasting and no one can deny us that!" the eternally ignorant boy cried.
Much sweat appeared on peoples brows as what Kuno said sunk in.
"You do realize that it's considered dishonorable to try and have two women at once right?" Jason asked wonderingly.
"That's why my sister wants nothing to do with you Kuno! She hates two-timing men!" Ranma shouted.
Finally Kuno lost it. "I shall have none of this non-sense!" He bellowed and lashed out at Ranma with a straight-forward stab. Ranma jumped over Kuno's wooden sword, grabbed onto the end of it and kicked Kuno in the chest with both feet.
"Just leave her alone!" Ranma said as he withdrew himself from Kuno's reach, then he noticed a bunch of photos fly out from Kuno's kendo garb. Snatching one out of the air and looking at it his eyes shot wide. "Hey!!"
Unfortunately Kuno saw the opening and took little time striking Ranma a powerful blow. "Fool!!" Kuno shouted as he hit Ranma with a downwards slash to Ranma's side, his bokken trailing a piece of Ranma's clothing.
Akane gasped at the sight as Jason winced.
As Ranma landed and Kuno once again began slashing Ranma began to collect all of the photos he could grab while bending and swaying out of the Kuno's way.
"You look elsewhere in the midst of battle-" Kuno said rather calmly for Kuno. "You do not take me seriously!" He shouted suddenly as he stabbed forwards at Ranma. Who dodged the strike by going into a backwards roll. Which carried him right up to Akane and Jason.
Akane gave Ranma a tight eyed stare. "I should inform you that when fighting a male opponent. Upperclassman Kuno is very skilled."
"And I should inform you, that blue panties don't really suit you." Ranma stated.
BOOT! "Go back and DIE!!" Akane shouted as she kicked Ranma back towards Kuno.
As Ranma twisted in the air to turn towards Kuno Kuno grinned and said, "The game ends." then lashed out stabbing at the air around Ranma. A statue behind Ranma and near Akane and Jason crumbled to rubble.
"Whoa. Just the air pressure..." Nabiki whispered from a safe distance away.
"Out of the way stupid!" Ranma shouted at Akane who might very nearly have been hit by the attack.
"Eyes front idiot!" She shouted back as Kuno's bokken descended for another powerful blow.
In the blink of an eye Ranma moved himself out of the way of the bokken and flipped back into the air, landing a safe distance away.
Kuno had his usual confident grin plastered to his face as he fell to the ground.
"What the hell?" Jason whispered as he walked over to and flipped over Kuno's body and saw all the foot prints on Kuno's face and clothing.
"Oh my. Each blow has hit a vulnerable spot!" Akane exclaimed.
Nabiki knelt down over the body. "You kicked him?! I never even saw it!"
"Jeez. I knew I was below your level for sure. But I didn't know how much. You must take it really easy on me when we spar." Jason stated.
"'Upperclassman Kuno'...." Ranma began as he started cracking his neck. "...Didn't have much did he?"
"What do you mean? You took a hit didn't you?" Akane replied skeptically.
"Oh that! It doesn't even itch." Ranma said confidently as he put his hands behind his head, and as Akane poked him in the side.
Ranma dropped to a crouching position clutching the wound and rubbing the tears from his eyes. "So Upper classman Kuno didn't have much eh?"
As Ranma sobbing subsided he pulled out the photo's he'd grabbed during the fight. "Say, what was it that distracted you in the fight?" Akane asked looking over Ranma's shoulder. "What in--?! Why do you have pictures of me?!"
"Why do I--? Kuno had these!"
"Just making a little money on the side." Nabiki said innocently.
"My own sister."
Ranma stood up. "Tsk tsk. Really!"
"Don't go there Ranma." Jason warned.
"As if anybody would want pictures of a dorky girl like you anyway!" Ranma said then looked at one of the pictures of himself. "Now me on the other hand..."
"Get running Ranma." Jason warned.
WHAP POW BONK KRAK
"Dr. Tofu! A patient for you!"
Jason put Ranma down carefully on one of the beds in the clinic while Akane stood nervously to the side.
"This is astounding!" Dr. Tofu said scratching his neck. "The wound from the sword is nothing..." He said measuring the sword wound. "... Compared to these other dislocations and contusions."
"This is brutal! What kind of thug did this?"
Akane looked down nervously while Jason looked away.
"A... A... A dorky girl...... did it too me." Ranma replied then FWAK, Akane lifted up the posts on the bed and dumped him onto the floor.
"You say that one more time Ranma and--"
Dr. Tofu pushed the bed back down and Akane realized just what she'd done.
"You did this Akane?"
"Um... well... That is..."
(Feh. What's with the sweet innocent dit?) Ranma wondered.
Dr. Tofu for some strange and oddreason slapped his knee then said, "Well, it figures! I had a feeling!" Then he started laughing.
As Dr. Tofu pushed Ranma back up onto the bed he said, "The way this joint is twisted backwards for instance..."
Jason covered his ears and closed his eyes.
"That's Akane's touch alright! Ha ha!" He said as he snapped Ranma's right arm back into place. Elicting a cry of pain from Ranma. "You're Ranma aren't you?" He asked as he flipped Ranma onto his stomache and punched his back. "I hear you're Akane's fiancŽe." He stated as he fixed Ranma's jaw.
"That's what our parents decided! Not us!" Akane replied for Ranma.
Dr. Tofu cotinued his of chiropractic ability. "Well... It's too early, isn't it? You're still children after all."
"Yes, doctor." Akane agreed then looked away with a look that made her look cute. Too bad the cuteness was lost on everyone in the room.
Jason opened his eyes and removed his hands from his ears just in time to hear Ranma yell, "That hurts you know!"
"Oh? Someplace still hurts? Show me."
"Uh..." Ranma moved his limbs and checked himself. "It's okay! I'm better now!"
"Weird isn't it?" Jason commented before Akane could. "Well, anyways, I'm gonna go on ahead home. See you two when you get there." He said then ran out just before it became dark outside.
Dr. Tofu exchanged a few words with Ranma before he and Akane parted from the clinic. They arrived at the Tendo's soon after with Akane now carrying the now female Ranma.
"Please come back Mr. Kitty." They both heard Kasumi call out gently as they entered the household.
Ranma froze.
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Hey, another chapter up and running. Yay....
And a cliffhangar at the end. Did Kasumi get a cat? Is Ryoga a cute little kitten instead of a cute little pig? Am I gonna tell you? No! Wait for the next part ppl. Well, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea considering how long it took me to write this.
I seek your reviews people. You must give me your reviews, if you don't review... then that makes you people that didn't review. Curse all you people who didn't review! Hell, I'll even accept flames. They might even make it to the top of the chapters if I think they're funny enough.
Damn I'm struggling with this. I'm surprised that I am too. I guess I'm just not as good as I thought. (And I have a rather low opinion of myself) (Sobs)Please tell me if I'm doing a good job... It would... make me able... to write the next chapter.... (Angry) And if you don't want me to write the next chapter and DON'T tell me I'm doing a good job then you can DIE!! (Well, no, I'd rather you not. Can't have that on my conscience.) So you can Email me at MacleodRichard@hotmail.com. How hard can it be?
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.
Now that I'm finished, you can read the next chapter. And if there is no next chapter... then go read... something else... I guess.
Chapter 3
Feel the fear.(I hate naming things)
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.
As usual a disclaimer:
PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!! PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!! PLEASE DON'T SUE ME!! I don't claim ownership of any of these characters that have their ownership to someone else in writing so you CAN'T sue me for taking them. HA!
Mmmaayy-be I overdid that.
"Okay guys, remember, this is Neo-Tokyo where the schools are owned by MegaCorps. Tanks patrol the streets looking for students that are skipping. Killer Robotic Bees patrol the school hallways. The windows and doors all have steel shutters on them so you can't get in or out. The Educations systems modo is: 'Welcome to Neo-Tokyo, where out childrens education is their future. If they have no education, they have no future...' Got it?" - My friend Tim when I was first run though a campaign in Big Eyes Small Mouth.
Note: [] Denotes the english language.
** Denotes Signs.
{} Denotes thought. All thought is done in the persons first language. So if Ranma reads Shampoo's mind he won't understand a word of it.
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"[EEEEEEYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!! GOAWAYGOAWAYGOAWAY!!]" Jason shouted as he ran as fast as he possibly could.
He was surrounded by black from all angles. And his persuer was most certainly closing. He knew it, he didn't know how he knew it, he just knew it. What was his persuer? He couldn't remember, he just knew it was dangerous.... How dangerous though? What could it do? Was it the guy who almost took him out of the tournament back home this summer? Maybe that lady he met when he was ten... or maybe that tiger that had escaped from the zoo and attacked him.
Or could it be...?
Jason shot a glance over his shoulder to look into the darkness but couldn't see anything. Well, maybe it wasn't his mom. But who knew?
It was starting to get warm in the darkness. Warm was bad. It needed to be cold. Cold was good. Where would it be cold? {Wait, yes, if it's warm where it's dark, then it's cold where there's light. YES!! Now where's a light?} Jason thought to himself as he continued running. Maybe the danger didn't like the cold and would leave him alone if he found the light. Or maybe it didn't like the light and would leave him alone when he found the cold. Or were those both just the same thing?
Wait... LIGHT!! {It's above me!! DAMNIT!!} Jason started trying to jump up to it so that he could reach it. "[Down damn you! Down!!]" He cried as he continued jumping up to reach it, the danger was drawing nearer. He could hear it. Well, maybe he was hearing it, personally he couldn't understand how he was hearing it's footsteps considering when there was no ground. But he was sure he was hearing it.
The steps drew nearer, close enough that he could tell just what kind of shoe it was wearing. High heels. Jason spun around and looked at the danger. It stepped into the light given off by the ball of light.
It had a mainly human kind body, but it had feline features, wore high heels and panties. It carried a pair of nunchaku which it was spinning using feline-like fingers and an opposable thumb. There was a layer of fur over the legs and arms, and embarrassingly none on the chest.
"[JESUS CHRIST!! PUT A SHIRT ON DAMNIT!! I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO SEE THAT!!]" He shouted in dismay.
The creature that held minor resemblance to nearly all his fears stepped forwards once again and spun those nunchaku dangerously. {Oh shit! It means business.} He thought then smacked his forehead. {Of course it means business. It's been chasing me for this long.}
He regained his composure as his Common Sense Warning Alarm went off and took a few steps backwards taking up a boxing posture. The creature before him snarled at him and took an equal amount of steps forwards.
There was a white blur to Jason's right and he heard a WHUMP sound. Looking down to the right he saw a huge Siberian White Tiger beside him sneering at the monster before Jason. "[So, you come to help me?]" Jason guessed hopefully. The tiger seemed to be in his dreams a lot lately, but getting it to actually do anything was usually a pain in the ass.
The tiger looked up at Jason, then sat on it's haunches and yawned.
"[DAMN YOU!!]" He cried indignantly then turned back towards the monster. {Oh god it know's how to use those things, and all I got is my hands. What I wouldn't do for my sword right now.} He thought saddly then mentally kicked himself. {Not that it's BLUNT or anything!} He reprimanded.
Quickly he ran forwards to attack the creature. WHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAPWHAP!!
"[OWOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!!]" Jason shouted in pain as he took the beating of his life. Keeping your concentration while fighting a nearly naked woman was rather hard to do.
Some time later when he was beaten nearly senseless, he gazed up in horror as the creature opened it's mouth wide showing rather razor sharp looking teeth. He continued to watch in horror as his mom's face dropped down to bite deeply into his side. "[NO!]" He shouted as best he could.
The attack never connected thankfully. The Siberian White tackled the monster to the side then began battling with it as well, slashing at it with it's fore claws attempting to maul the malformed creature. All to little avail as the butt of one of the nunchaku were applied to the Siberian's head with more than enough force to knock a couple synapses loose and make it's mind whirl. As the tigers assualt had now just been halted the monster threw it off then walked up to it and began to kick it in the side.
A kick which never connected as Jason struggled to his feet and charged at the monster. As the foot came forwards so did Jason's fist, the fist connected with the monsters gut before it's foot met the tigers ribs.
The creature began to gasp as Jason stumbled back a few steps. "[How.. can you... hurt your mother... Jason?!]" It demanded, it's body bleeding in various places from various gashes.
Jason looked appalled to say the least. "[MY MOM?! You don't look like my Mom!]" He cried out. {Aw man... why couldn't I just keep running away? Her... her... agh, jigglies are jiggling...} His thoughts stumbled. Seeing a woman naked would be fine even if he would be embarrassed. But this thing wasn't human! "[DAMNIT THING!! GET DRESSED!! YOU'RE FREAKING ME OUT!!]" {This must be a dream, this must be a dream. Wake up Jason.} He thought them pinched himself. "[Ow.]" {Okay, maybe that wasn't hard enough.} He pinched himself again. "[Ow.]" {Maybe I should just run again.}
He heard a growling sound. Looking down he could see the Siberian White looking up at the light. Jason looked up himself, and saw that it now looked like the moon. "[Ahm... pretty?]" He said confused then watched as the tiger jumped up into the ball. "[Right.]" He looked back to the monster, and reeled in shock. It was now split into three parts. A lady who he didn't like spinning the twin nunchaku, his mom, and the Bengal tiger that attacked him over two months ago. Both the women were now dressed fully.
All three began to approach at once. The lady attacking with the blunt weapons to beat him senseless, his mom about to scold and ground him, and the tiger about to rip him limb from limb.
"[AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!]" Jason screamed in pure terror.
"Wake him up!"
SPLASH
Jason woke up sputtering water. After coughing up more than a little water and noting that he couldn't see anything due to the water that got in his eyes he did this. "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!"
Someone splashed water on him again. "Jeez, won't he shut up?"
Jason sat up quickly and wiped his eyes furiously to get the water out of them. When he could see he looked around the room to see Dr. Tofu, Ranma, Akane, and Mr. and Mrs. Sakawa standing around the bed. Thankfully he realized that whoever splashed him had the courtesy of making sure he didn't get any on Jason's clothes, just his face and the pillow beneath his head. "Uhh... what?"
"You were crying out in your sleep." Akane said blankly while looking down at him with lidded eyes.
A knot seized in Jason's throat. "Uhm, what did I start saying?"
Ranma tugged her pigtail and looked up in thought. "Oh, at about ['Damnit thing, get dressed, you're freaking me out.']" She qouted.
Jason couldn't have been more pale. Yes, that had been a great place to start talking in his sleep. {It was a nightmare, yes, that's it, a nightmare.}
"Then ['Ow, ow'] then I think it was ['Ahm, pretty'] and lastly ['right']. Of course, this is all before you began screaming like a sissy." Ranma informed.
Jason reached up and grabbed Ranma's collar and pulled the red head slightly closer. "Thank you that unnecessary and unwanted recollection of what I was muttering incoherantly about." Jason said and let Ranma's shirt go. He was about to lie back on the bed when noticed the arm he'd grabbed Ranma with. "I know this is a stupid question but why is the hair on my arm white?"
Dr. Tofu shook his head. "We really don't know. Just before we woke you up all the hair on your body became white." He explained with a hand on his chin as if intrigued. "Now I'm not quite sure what caused it. But I can assure you that I'll look into it."
Jasons eyes narrowed as he stared at the group. "How do you know if 'all' the hair on my body turned white?" He asked.
"We didn't do that you pervert!" Akane declared quickly.
Jason let out a sigh of relief. "Well that's a load off my shoulders. Waitaminute. My hair's white too? Someone get me a mirror quick!"
Dr. Tofu gave Jason a hand held mirror that he apparently had on his person. Carefully Jason looked at his wet hair in the mirror. It was white alright, with some black mixed in. "[Don't tell me my nightmare did this...]" He muttered to himself and started brushing at his short bangs. {Mom's gonna freak when she sees this.} He thought as he looked up to the people standing around him once again. "So, what do we do now?" He asked wonderingly. He certainly didn't have any plans for this kinda thing happening.
"Well..." Mrs. Sakawa began. "Dr. Tofu says that you need plenty of food and plenty of rest and that he'd be more than willing to let you stay here a few more nights-"
"Kasumi won't be coming anytime soon will she?!" Jason interupted sitting bolt upright staring directly at Akane.
"Ah, not that I know of..." Akane said.
Jason laid back and let off a sigh of relief. Then he realized he'd stopped Mrs. Sakawa in mid sentence. "Oh sorry, I didn't mean to cut you off like that. It's just ah... well, um..."
Dr. Tofu and Ranma seemed rather confused at Jason's behavior, although Dr. Tofu's glasses fogged slightly. Akane suddenly seemed nervous.
Mrs. Sakawa waved her hand in the air and shook her head while saying, "Don't worry Jason, I know what you meant. Anyways, as I was saying, and Dr. Tofu wanted to conduct a physical on you seeing as he hasn't yet seen your medical profile."
Dr. Tofu took over, "Yes, and while you're here I should be able to do a bit more research if I can examine you. I will certainly allow you to go to school though since your education is important. Things would just go more smoothly if you were here."
"..."
"He does sleep rather soundly when he's not dreaming doesn't he?" Ranma commented leaning forwards to get a better look at Jason.
"Oh," Dr. Tofu said and scratched the back of his head nervously. "He has fallen asleep hasn't he?" He started laughing a little.
"I suppose he'll have to stay here now. Come on dear, I have to prepare supper now." Mrs. Sakawa stated and led her husband out of the room. "Oh, Dr. Tofu." She began to get the Doctor's attention. "Make sure he's fed right will you? I'm sure I'm leaving him in capable hands but it never hurts to be careful you know. I'll come by tomorrow to drop off some of his clothes for him." She said then left the clinic.
Everyone watched the married couple leave. Then they turned back to Jason. "Should we wake him up again?"
Jason began tossing and turning in his sleep again.
"Do it quick! I don't wanna hear him scream again." Ranma warned. Akane quickly picked up ladle, scooped some water into it then dumped it on Jason's face.
Jason woke up sputtering water and once he was sure his throat was clear said, "Oh thank god, I dreamt that I was taking a test I didn't study for. Phew."
Ranma and Akane stared at Jason blankly while Dr. Tofu seemed amused.
"And to think we were worrying that you were having another nightmare." Akane declared condescendingly and crossing her arms over her chest.
Jason raised a white eyebrow at her tone. "Oh, so I suppose I shouldn't care about school and flunk and become a bum and die at a young age because I could never get a job or a good wife or a good home and never have kids to live off of in my old age?"
"He's got you there Akane." Ranma commented. Akane merely growled at Ranma in reply.
"Ahem." Dr. Tofu interupted the two then turned back to Jason. "Anyways, I should tell you now Jason that I don't actually have any idea what so ever as to what's wrong with you. I'll try to figure it out... but it could be any number of things, and it's hard to be sure just which ones to rule out." He explained then sat down on a chair heavily, as if something weighed on him. "Also, I'll have to deal with patients most of the time so that will slow things down even more."
"So...." Jason began confused. "Why are you keeping me here then?"
"Well...." Tofu stalled nervously.
"Jason." Akane said saddly.
"What? What's with all the long faces?" He asked worried.
"You might be dying." Ranma answered.
Jason blinked slowly and stared at each of their faces. Both Dr. Tofu and Akane were watching him with sad eyes, and Ranma turned her head away. {Doctors don't lie about this stuff.} Jason thought to himself. "What from? Does it have to do with my hair?" He asked and touched a few strands of his hair.
Dr. Tofu shook his head. "No Jason, it doesn't have to do with your hair. I know what's the cause of this. Unfortunately I don't know the cure for you, but I do have a treatment."
Jason waited patiently for the doctor to tell him. After he realized that Dr. Tofu wasn't about to tell him without his asking he motioned for him to continue.
"It's rather simple really, I just want you doing the opposite of dieting. Eat lots of food and get plenty of rest." Dr. Tofu finished.
Jason stared at Dr. Tofu blankly. {My god, I was wrong.} He thought blankly. "I can't believe you're all making fun of me like this." Jason accused then pulled his legs over the side of the bed. "I really thought you were all worried about me but this... this is just plain pathetic." He got off the bed and stood on the floor. "You all really had me going there. I actually thought I was dying or sick or something. But now-" Jason stopped talking suddenly as he took his first step towards the rooms exit.
"Um... Jason? Are you okay?" Ranma asked as she and everyone else leaned forwards to get a better look at his face.
Jason didn't move except for his mouth, "I don't feel too good."
Dr. Tofu pushed Jason back onto the bed. "And if you don't eat anything soon that feeling will persist. Food and bedrest are the best I can do to cure this right now." Dr. Tofu stood up and looked at the clock. It was about four in the afternoon. "Infact, I think I better start that meal now." He stated then walked out of the room.
Both Ranma and Akane stood up as well. "I suppose we should both be going too." Akane said as she left the room.
Ranma nodded her head and was about to follow Akane but stopped at the door. "Get well Jason. I'd like to have a sparring match with you soon." She said then left.
Jason smiled, then pulled his pillow out from under his head and wiped his face and hair with the dry side. Once he was sure he wouldn't get the bed wet he tossed the pillow onto a chair and laid down. {I need some music.}
Back at the Tendo residence a few hours later.
"So Jason might be dying then?" Kasumi asked over dinner.
"Well. Dr. Tofu said that Jason should be okay. But if he doesn't take it easy then there could be serious problems." Akane replied.
"Maybe I should bring him something during the day then. Dr. Tofu must be so busy with his patients that he can't spend the whole day taking care of Jason." Kasumi suggested thoughtfully.
"Ah, he's still going to school sis, so you really can't go see him during the day. You could have Nabiki bring him an extra lunch though." Akane stated quickly.
"Oh thank you Akane. I really wanna play babysitter during school." Nabiki drawled before eating a fishcake.
"Maybe Ranma could take it then." Akane suggested and looked over at the two Saotome's.
Ranma and Genma were dueling over their food. Each stealing the others food. Ranma lunged forwards and stole a pickle while Genma snuck around Ranma's arm and plucked some rice, then Genma tried to get it back to his plate Ranma had already gotten the pickle to his own and pulled the rice ball from Genma's chopsticks.
"Then again. Maybe not." She said as a sweat drop formed on her head.
"Well, I do have to go to Dr. Tofu's tomorrow anyways. Maybe I could give it to him before he leaves for school." Kasumi suggested, although no one heard her as the Saotome's food fight suddenly picked up in volume.
Back at Dr. Tofu's, Jason got a chill running down his spine. "Okay, time to close that window." He declared and struggled out of his bed.
Breakfast began late the next morning in the Tendo residence. Before Nabiki, Akane, and Ranma could leave for school though to make sure they were on time Kasumi stopped them.
"Would any of you be able to give Jason this?" She asked as she handed them a bento box. "It's an extra lunch I packed for him."
Nabiki took the item from Kasumi and tried to stuff it into her book bag. "I'll give it to him." Then she whispered. "And tell him what you talked to me about." After that she turned to leave. "Come on you two, we're gonna be late."
Jason was sitting down in class. By his posture you would almost think he was sleeping, when in fact he was listening to his music and struggling to keep awake. All night he'd been plagued by nightmares of that monster chasing him. He knew he couldn't fight it so he simply ran. A shiver ran down his spine as he tried to remove it from his thoughts. It was too damn... femininely obvious for him to really want to think about it. He didn't need that kind of distraction in class.
"Y'know Jason, you don't look too good." Shigefumi stated looking down at the exchange student. "You feeling alright?" He asked worriedly.
In response Jason let out a rather loud snore. Shigefumi quirked an eyebrow and decided to let Jason sleep. Soon outside in the school yard the usual ritual beating of every guy in school commenced as Jason was left in the classroom with only the women. A sickening scream woke Jason up from his abrupt slumber as someone took a rather nasty hit to his ribcage. Jason looked around worriedly as the cries of pain emanated from the outside world. Getting out of his chair he lumbered over to the window and poked his head outside.
His veiw of the carnage and destruction was clear as Akane tore through the mass of half the school population. Ranma was sitting on top of the wall and watching with mute interest. "Keep it down out there! I'm trying to sleep!" Jason shouted and shuffled back to his desk.
A murmur began to overcome the crowd of young women as they realized just what was different about Jason today. Frankly, they were tired of just talking about how sad it was that Akane had to fight the entire population of Furinkan High's boys every morning.
One of the girls seemed to be intent on just asking him just what had happened and shook his shoulder. "[Go 'way.]" He muttered. The person shook his shoulder even harder. "I said go away." He repeated.
"WAKE UP!!"
"AAAAAHHHHH!!" Jason shouted as he nearly jumped out of his desk. He looked up and saw Nabiki putting away a megaphone. "What was that for?!" {And where the hell did you get that from... not to mention where did you put it?}
Silently Nabiki reached into her bag and pulled out a bento box and put it on Jason's desk. "Here, it's from Kasumi."
{Nabiki gave me something... and didn't charge me for it... this can't be right.} "Uh, thanks." Jason replied and took it. "From Kasumi you say? Uh, tell her I said thanks when you get home for me please." He requested politely and looked at Nabiki's confused and quizical expression. "What? Do I have something on my face?"
Just then Jason's mind clicked and he realized what Nabiki was looking at. {My mind must still be foggy.} "I had my hair dyed. Had an accident though and got it all over me." he said quickly.
"What about those black streaks?"
"I dunno. I guess some black got mixed in too and messed it up. Anyways... is there anything else I can help you with?" He asked wonderingly. Normally Nabiki would have sat down by now and paid almost no attention to him unless to con some money outta him. "Something troubling you?"
Nabiki looked around the class almost nervously as all the female students began to sit at their desks and all the male students dragged themselves, bruised and broken, through the door one at a time. She turned back to him and said "I'll tell you at lunch." before sitting down again and preparing for the lesson.
"Your sister is what?" Jason said flatly as he gave Nabiki a blank stare. "You're kidding me right?"
Nabiki shook her head. "Nope."
Currently Jason was sitting at the base of a tree on school grounds eating from one of his three bento's, Nabiki was standing next to him looking forwards with her back to the tree.
"Kasumi really wants me to move from the Sakawa's to the Tendo's? Why?" He queried confused between bites. Really he'd meant to stop for a second but frankly as soon as the chopsticks he held stopped moving he felt a dreadful cramp in his stomache and it took all his will power, fortitude, and effort just to stop from pitching over.
"She seemed really concerned when she heard that you might die. My guess would be that she simply wants to mother you back to health and she can't do that if you're at the clinic." Nabiki supplied, then sat down and pulled out her own lunch.
Jason shrugged more to himself than Nabiki as she wasn't looking. "Maybe. But still, it's a little strange though." Jason said and was about to pause for a moment when the cramps began to come on again. "Still, the thing that's stranger is the fact that you haven't tried to get any money out of me today. Something must be on your mind Nabiki."
Nabiki glared at Jason and he caught the stare. But he wasn't about to stop eating because of it. "I'm trying to figure out what's with Kasumi. And how to support three guests in our house."
"Well, it's not like I can leave the Sakawa's home. I don't think I'm allowed to switch housing unless it's under extrenuous circumstances." Jason stated then scratched his head. "I suppose I should say thanks for the offer though. It is rather nice of her. But is it really a good idea for a boy of my age to be in a house with three young women?"
Nabiki was silent as she ate her lunch. When she finished something came to mind. "Oh, Jason. I think I might have some very important news for you. 5000 yen please." She said and held out her hand.
Annoyed Jason pulled out his wallet and began checking just how much money he had on him. "Hmm." Then he put his hands in his pockets. "Hmm." After pulling his hands out again he said. "Sorry Nabiki, I actually don't have any money on me right now."
Letting out a sigh of saddness Nabiki saw Ranma and Akane approach them from the school while Jason opened up another bento box. "Your life may depend on it."
"I'm broke Nabiki, get over it."
"Well, one always has to try." Nabiki replied as the unhappy couple reached them and sat down.
Ranma took out his own lunch and began eating right away whereas Akane took some time to rant about Kuno being a jerk before starting on her own.
"So what do you two think about Kasumi's suggestion?" Jason asked as he moved to his third bento.
Both Ranma and Akane looked up surprised. "Suggestion?"
Jason gave them a lazy eyed stare. "Something tells me you two haven't exactly been told about it yet." He guessed then looked to Nabiki. "Does Mr. Tendo even know about it?" Nabiki merely shrugged in response. "[Geezus.] I can't wait to see what kinda fit he might throw over it."
"Over what? What's going on?" Akane demanded and looked to her sister. "What's going on?"
Nabiki let out a sigh and began her explanation. "Sis, you're not gonna like this but Kasumi offered for Jason to stay at our house during his stay in Japan."
"What!! Why wasn't I told about this?!" Akane shouted indignantly.
Nabiki didn't bat an eyelash at her sisters outburst. "Well. Kasumi only thought it up last night and didn't want to tell anyone till she got an answer. Seeing as how the Sakawa's will be moving soon and all, she offered Jason a place to stay once Dr. Tufo would no longer be keeping him at the clinic."
Upon hearing this a few grains of rice went down the wrong pipe and Jason began a coughing fit. After a few slaps on the back from Ranma, Jason finally managed to find his voice as his throat cleared. "Whatta ya mean the Sakawa's are moving?! Why didn't someone tell me?!"
"3000 yen."
"I'm broke."
"Then I'm not telling you."
"Damn it Nabiki. This is important. Why are the Sakawa's moving?"
Nabiki shrugged and smiled crookedly. "If I don't have 3000 yen then I don't remember."
Jason began to grind his jaw. Then he finished off the lunch that Shigefumi had given him from Mrs. Sakawa. "Well I'll just have to ask them then now won't I?" He said then stood up to leave.
"Ah don't worry about Jason. It doesn't really matter does it?" Ranma stated. "I mean, Kasumi offered for you to stay at the Tendo's didn't she? Now I'm sure how much you're gonna like being around a violent tomboy but..." Ranma was halted by the fiery aura of death emanating from Akane.
"[Run away!]" Jason shouted as he took off at a decent pace, Nabiki hot on his heels.
"RAAANMAAAA!" Akane growled. "DIE!!" She shouted as she kicked him high into the air.
"UUUUNNNcuuuuute....." Ranma's voice faded into the distance.
Jason and Nabiki watched Ranma fly off towards the horizon. "Reason number two why I think I shouldn't stay at your place. How long would I survive if I did?"
When lunch was just about to end Jason walked into the classroom and saw his friend at his desk.
"Shi-ge-fu-mi..." Jason called musically.
"Mm?" Shigefumi replied with, looking up at Jason as the taller boy approached his desk.
Jason sat down in the desk infront of his room-mate and turned towards him. "I've heard something rather interesting Shigefumi. Your Mom and Dad are apparently moving for some reason." Jason said and leaned forwards to peer suspiciously into Shigefumi's eyes. "When was someone gonna tell me about that?"
"Uhh..."
"Well?"
"Umm..."
"Anytime now."
"That is..."
"2000 yen and I'll tell him so you don't have to." Nabiki said and slammed her hand on the desk, making both boys look up at her in surprise. Shigefumi pulled out his wallet and shuffled through it, pulling out 2000 yen and handed it to Nabiki. "Alright then Jason. To make a long story short, Mr. Sakawa's company is moving to a different location on the other side of Tokyo. The family has to move because their house is infact owned by the company Mr. Sakawa works for and they are being given another closer to the new headquarters."
"But I can't get to Furinkan from the other side of the city.... Oh. So Kasumi knows about it too."
"Mr. and Mrs. Sakawa didn't tell you yet because your condition might be due to stress. Shigefumi didn't tell you because you're a rather scary person when you want to be." Nabiki finished her explanation.
Jason looked back to Shigefumi. "That right?"
Shigefumi nodded quickly. "Yes, we do have to move."
"No. I meant about me being scary."
"Yes that too. You brought a sword with you from Canada, how can that not be scary?"
Jason blinked slowly a few times in a bored sort of way. "I really wish you hadn't said that." He said regretfully.
The Japanese boy backed away a little. "Why?"
"The teacher's looming over your shoulder."
As school ended Jason stared out his window and watched everyone else in school leave while his teacher began reviewing the contract about Jason's stay in Japan.
{This blows.}
"Alright Mr. Reaver, I can't really find anything that says you can't have a weapon just as long as you follow our rules about having it. Don't let me catch you with it in class." The teacher said and handed the written stack of paper back to Jason.
Jason nodded slowly then pulled his gym bag over his shoulder and silently left the classroom. {Stupid teacher.} He thought as he left the school. By now the school grounds had been completely emptied as everyone was already clear on their way home. He quickly set off to Dr. Tofu's. His thoughts entrenched on whether or not he should stay at Dr. Tofu's or move in with the Tendo's. So entrenched that he didn't notice Kasumi talking to a Sukiyaki salesman until he bumped into her.
"Sorry, I should have been watching where I was going." He said with his head down then bent over to picked up a few things he'd knocked out of Kasumi's grocery bags.
"Please, don't worry about it. No harm done." She said not having recognised him yet.
Finally he retrieved everything he'd dropped and stood up holding the items. "Oh, Kasumi. Heh, didn't realize it was you." Jason said as he put the foods back into the bags.
Kasumi smiled sweetly. "I didn't see you at Dr. Tofu's after school. Something happen at school?"
Jason paled. {She was at the clinic?} "Ah, not really, the teacher kept me in a few minutes to discuss something minor." He replied then considered his next move. "Nabiki told me you offered for me to stay at the Tendo's when the Sakawa's move."
Kasumi nodded then turned towards her home. "Would you like to walk with me?"
"Sure."
They set off for the Tendo residence at a comfortable pace. Jason took a few of the bags from Kasumi to lighten her load. "Do you know when they're moving?" He asked.
"Sometime this or next week I think."
Jason seeped into silence as he considered a few things. "What about your father? He know about it yet?" Kasumi shook her head in reply. "Maybe we could go ask him right now?" Kasumi looked at him surprised. "I mean, you should tell him as soon as possible. And I'd like to know for sure if I'm gonna have a place to stay."
"We could go ask father now. Actually I was going to tell him before I started dinner." Kasumi said.
Suddenly the hustle and bustle in the middle of the street parted as Dr. Tofu danced through the crowd with his skeleton, Betty.
"Um. Do you mind if I stay the night at your house too? Dr. Tofu's acting a little too weird for my taste." Jason asked as he watched Dr. Tofu waltz past him and Kasumi.
Kasumi who was smiling at Dr. Tofu's antics looked over to Jason who looked rather pale. {It must be part of his condition.} She thought to herself. "I suppose we could ask father. Shouldn't we stop by the clinic and pick up your things first?"
"Uh. Naw, these can stand an extra day of use." He replied motioning to his clothes.
Kasumi nodded and they both started walking again. Dr. Tofu had long past the street and was causing havoc somewhere else. Hopefully where there wasn't any bystanders.
"I'm back!" Kasumi called into the house as she opened the front door and walked in. Jason took a few seconds to take off his shoes so he didn't ruin the floor and then carried the groceries to the kitchen where Kasumi was beginning to prepare for dinner.
"Aren't you forgetting something Kasumi?" Jason asked when he put the groceries down on the counter.
Kasumi looked up from all the things she was pulling out. "Oh, right. I forgot." She muttered to herself then walked out of the kitchen to find her father.
Jason looked around the kitchen and arranged all the things Kasumi had taken out a little better while he waited, then took out some of the groceries and tried to guess where to put them.
Suddenly three different voices shouted, "WHAT!!"
Jason was about to walk into the living room when a giant demon head floated through the door to the kitchen and broke the door frame on the way with a loud DOOOOM sound. "JAAASOOONN!!" It roared.
Jason gazed up at Soun's Demon Head Attack with awe and fear.
"Father, stop that now." Kasumi's voice ordered with an adamant tone. "I asked if he could be a guest because soon he will have no where to stay."
Slowly Soun's bloated head began to pull back from the kitchen and returned to normal on his shoulders.
Cautiously Jason edged his way into the Tendo living room. "Is it safe?" He asked shakily after poking his head past the broken doorframe.
The Tendo and Saotome families were standing there, the majority of the Tendo's arguing and the Saotome's were standing back in fear of another Demon Head Attack from Soun.
"I can't believe you're gonna allow this Daddy!" Akane protested.
"Do you even know how we're gonna support three freeloading guests Daddy?" Nabiki demanded.
"Please you two. He needs a place to stay." Kasumi pleaded.
Soun rubbed his forehead. {Maybe letting him stay wasn't such a good idea.} He thought to himself then looked at Kasumi. That sad eyed look of self-lessness had just been irresistible though. {I suppose she deserves to get what she wants sometimes though. If only it wasn't a boy.} He added and moved to walk away while his two youngest daughters to assualt him with their words. Better than their fists he supposed.
Ranma walked over to Jason and clapped him on the shoulder. "Well, on the behalf of those who aren't angry about it, welcome to the house."
Jason looked over to Ranma and gave him a wane smile. "Thanks, now I just don't know if I should be relieved or worried."
"Ah don't worry about it, let's go out back and spar while they argue." Ranma suggested then led Jason out to the dojo.
Once they'd started sparring Ranma started out on the defensive to see just how well Jason was able to fight at the moment, then began to fight at the level Jason was showing. Slowly the fight escalated as Jason pushed himself harder and harder despite a growing pain in his stomache.
Ranma quickly came to realize just how Jason fought as a few punches went through the taller boys guard. The simple fact was, Jason had no guard, he would either dodge or merely take the hit and shrug it off while trying to land a punch of his own. {There's an important lesson here that Jason could learn.} Ranma thought to himself then lashed out for Jason's gut with a powerful punch that should leave him winded for a while.
It came as a big surprise to Ranma as Jason pitched forwards somewhat so his stomache was a smaller target and crossed both his arms across the targeted area to block the hit. Sure, Jason still flew back about ten feet and landed roughly on his ass, but how had he predicted the move?
"Not bad Jason. I think I know what we have to work on to make you a better Martial Artist. And it was rather amazing that you predicted that last hit. I knew you were experienced, but not that experienced." Ranma commented.
Suddenly a loud gurgle filled the air. "I wish." Jason said and stood up laughing. "I had suddenly felt my stomache heave and I did what was natural. Lurch and clutch at my stomache. My arms are really sore though."
Ranma began to laugh himself, more relieved than anything else. "Alright then, we'll get something to eat and me and my Pops'll spar with ya. We'll show you a thing or two about combat. And a three way battle might be rather interesting."
Smiling Jason nodded his assent. "Sounds great." He said and both walked into the house.
Upstairs they could hear Akane's and Nabiki's complaints still go on. Idle thoughts of how long Soun could hold out passed through both their minds as they stole into the kitchen and raided the fridge. Coming back to the living room with more than a snack in each of their hands they sat down for a second to eat then quickly stood back up again to leave. Jason once again headed out to the dojo while Ranma went to find his nearly completely useless father.
About ten minutes after the first spar Jason and Ranma now stood in the presence with Genma. "Are you sure about this boy? He's nowhere near your level you know."
Ranma merely smiled up at Genma. "Well Pop, there's only one way to get him there isn't there?"
Tightening his belt Genma let out a resigned sigh. "Alright then. Prepare yourself Jason. If you really think you can stand up to the both of us you have another thing coming." He stated matter of factly then took a ready stance.
"Um..." Jason was about to point out that that wasn't what they were doing but he saw Ranma wink at him and decided to just go with the flow. "Alright then." He said as he took a boxing position.
Genma ran forwards and Ranma followed at a more comfortable pace (Molasses). Genma's first move was a punch to Jason's face. To avoid it Jason just leaned to the side a little so the fist just passed his ear then lashed out with own fist at Genma's chest. The larger man blocked the punch with his free hand and then backed up out of Jason's range.
"He still so slow Pops?" Ranma taunted. Genma growled at his boy then faced off with Jason again.
This time Jason initiated the attack. Moving quickly forwards he threw a punch at Genma's side, then a jab to the stomache, then finished with his usual uppercut to the chin. Each attack was either blocked or dodged.
Both seperated once again and watched each other to see who would make the first move.
"You should watch your back Pops!" Ranma called out and jump kicked his father in the head.
Genma struggled back to his feet after a few seconds. "Why you ungrateful-" He was cut off as he saw Ranma throw Jason over his shoulder and towards Genma. Jason may have been too heavy to throw far but he landed on his feet awkwardly and had keep the momentum going to stay standing. Just before he reached Genma his whole body was leaning to the left and he jumped up in the air swinging his left fist around behind himself. Genma could only watch as the balled hand came around and hit him in the side of the head, leaving him partially dazed.
Jason didn't have much time to worry about how much he might have hurt Mr. Saotome as Ranma quickly rushed him once again. Ranma proved to certainly be persistent, he tried to give Jason little room to think by continually attacking. The fight carried them around the Dojo, and Ranma wasn't the one usually losing ground. Jason quickly came to the realization that he knew little about how to counter anything beyond low level Martial Arts using his style. Apparently Dr. Tofu's advice about learning a new style while in Japan should have been taken more seriously.
As Genma once again got up he quickly joined the fight as well. Possibly now having figured out just what kind of fight they were supposed to be having. For Jason though, it was rather difficult to fight two people at once, he wasn't Akane after all and was nowhere close to being used to it.
A short break came in the form of a standoff between the three fighters. Each one began to plan a strategy on how to fight the other two at once. Plans quickly began to form in Ranma's mind as he guessed just what the other two would do. Genma quickly came to his decision and readied himself. Jason knew that for him this was a losing battle so his decision was rather quick as well.
Genma made the first move, he pointed to the ground and shouted, "Look! A thousand yen piece!"
As soon as Genma had pointed Jason sprang into movement as well. He moved forwards and executed an almost flawless jumping roundhouse kick. Now Jason may not have been as fast as lightning, or be the best at kicking, but even Ranma had to admit, it looked pretty good. Now if only Genma hadn't been ducking down and Ranma being completely out of range of the attack it might even have won Jason the spar. As it was as soon as Jason landed Ranma kicked his planted foot out from under him and Jason landed flat on his back. Making him out.
The spar continued on for a little longer as Genma and Ranma kicked up a storm in the Dojo. The fighting came to a stop though as they heard, "Father, Mr. Saotome, Ranma, Jason, Nabiki, Akane, dinner!"
"Thank you Kasumi!" Genma called out the door of the Dojo and the sparring ended abruptly. Little short of a god could stand between a Saotome and his stomache.
As the Tendo and Saotome families sat around the table Jason managed to plop down beside Genma at the far end of the table from Soun.
Supper wasn't very silent as Nibiki and Akane still insisted that Jason simply could not stay. The argument paused as Ranma suddenly said, "He makes for a good sparring partner though. And he wants me and Pops to train him. So if he stayed here it would be easier for him wouldn't it?"
"A very good point Ranma." Soun stated. "Staying here would make it easier to further his training, wouldn't you agree Saotome?"
"It certainly would make it go quicker Tendo." Genma agreed and stole a pickle off Ranma's plate.
"And just where will he stay?" Nabiki drawled.
"In the guestroom." Soun answered. "Where else?"
Akane slammed her hands against the table and stood up. "You're gonna put the two perverts together? Who knows what will happen when Ranma gets splashed with cold water!"
There were twin SNAPs as the chopsticks in Jason's and Ranma's hands broke between their fingers.
"I don't know... where you got that idea from Akane..." Jason began. "But that... is just sick!"
"And you call us perverts?!" Ranma added standing up quickly. "We're both men Akane and nothing is gonna change that!"
Akane's eyes narrowed. "Strange, I only see three men here."
Ranma looked down at herself. She'd accidentally spilt a glass of water on herself when she stood up. "I'm going to take a bath." She said and walked upstairs.
"Tell me when it's okay to come in." Jason called and using what was left of his utensils finished off his meal.
Akane had already sat down but didn't resume her eating. "You're still a pervert."
What was left of Jason's chopsticks weren't capable of being used on food. "Akane, I'm gonna tell you this nicely. Despite the fact that I'm a guy, a hormone raging testosterone turbulent teenager. I'm not... and I say not, interested in women." He explained indignantly.
"So you swing that way?" Nabiki inquired. After all, knowledge is power.
"GOD NO!!" Jason shouted horrified, then realized just how loud he'd raised his voice. "Sorry. Didn't mean to shout like that." He apologized then stood up to leave. "I've got to wash up now. All that exercise makes one work up a sweat."
"Pervert."
Had there been anything in Jason's hand, it too would have broke. But, since there wasn't, he just walked up to the bathroom and prepared himself for a bath. He decided that he'd probably go to bed earlier than usual today. It'll be the crack of dawn for him tomorrow.
The next day Jason hadn't woken up at the crack of dawn. Infact, if Kasumi hadn't woken him up he'd probably have missed breakfast. As it was, he, Ranma, Akane, and Nabiki were now on their way to school. Akane and Nabiki slightly behind the two boys muttering between themselves about a 'Mr. Kitty.'
Jason on the other hand was busy trying to think of when would be the best time to go to Dr. Tofu's to get his things. He certainly hoped that Kasumi wouldn't be going down there today. All he needed right now was to walk in and never come out again.
The school came into view and all four could see the group of boys massing for the assualt. Both Jason and Ranma had to admire their persistance, and not to mention the fact that no matter how badly Akane beat them up they would be fine and ready the next day.
Cries of "Akane date me!" rung out into the air as the mass charged forwards and the usual slaughter began. The three non-contestants stood to the side and watched as bodies began to fly into the air.
"Good thing we got here early today." Jason muttered.
Nabiki nodded saying, "Yeah, otherwise we'd probably be late. They're taking up the whole gate."
"I can't believe their fighting like this over such an un-cute chick." Ranma grumbled.
"Be happy she can't hear you over the screams of pain." Jason said grinning.
The crowd dwindled down to one man standing, erm woman. Then a second figure approached the scene while Akane stood in the middle of the mass of broken bodies.
"Such a beautiful flower could never be picked from it's stem by these lowly barbarians. For today, I am the one with the shears." Kuno ranted poetically as he took a fighting stance.
"This'll be short." Jason muttered candidly and walked past the two opponents "See ya after school Akane."
The didn't begin as Kuno turned his attention to Jason. "What did you say!!" He shouted and raised his bokken to strike.
Confused Jason turned around and looked at Kuno. "What?"
"You said that you would see the dear Akane after school! What form of mockery is this?!" Kuno waved his bokken menacingly. "I shall not allow you to date the fair Akane Tendo!!" He shouted then attacked.
Jason stood still in confusion as Kuno's slash laid a glancing blow against his left arm. At first it didn't seem that Jason had noticed the hit until he brought his hand up and covered it. He looked over at the hit and saw that it was just a bruise, not actually a cut. He guessed Kuno wasn't giving his all today. "[Leave me alone Kuno. I've got better things to do than deal with dumb-ass horny teenagers who're ready to cream their pants at any given minute.]" Jason said calmly and continued on his way to the school.
"You give me your defeat will you?!" Kuno demanded. "Well I do not accept it! You shall pay for this disruption of tradition! And you shall pay dearly!!" With that said Kuno dashed forwards with his bokken held high in the air for a powerful overhead strike.
He wasn't the only one to snap into action though, Ranma cupped his hands around him mouth and shouted, "Jason! Do that move you used against me and Pops yesterday!"
The response time was remarkable. In under a second Jason dropped his gymbag to the ground then spun low to come up into a jumping roundhouse kick. His calf connected with Kuno's arm and pushed it along as Jason's heel continued it's path of destruction to clout Kuno just above the ear. Kuno smiled as if he'd won, then promptly fell over.
Looking up at Ranma Jason gave a thumbs up sign and said, "Thanks coach." then walked into the school.
"Coach?" Ranma muttered and looked to Nabiki, who seemed to be deep in thought. "Any idea what any of things he was talking about were?"
Nabiki seemed to snap out of her thoughts and looked at Ranma. "Actually yes. And I don't think I should repeat them."
"It took you that long to decide that?"
"No, I was thinking how much money I can make off Jason now that he's actually beaten Kuno."
Akane sighed and walked past them. "You never change Nabiki, you never change."
Class that day went on as usual with the exception of Jason holding a see-through plastic bag of ice and water against his arm and Kuno having a bandage holding his own ice pack against the side of his head.
Being as Jason was right-handed he wasn't able to write very well and being that his main language was english he wasn't able to write Kanji period. So he lazed about in class and tried to learn the lesson visually.
Kuno wasn't able to do much of anything as he found his motor control slightly lacking at the moment. Sure he could move, just not do tasks that needed accuracy. Like writing.
Megumi turned around in her seat and looked at Jason during a pause in the lesson. "So are you alright Jason? And is what Kuno said before he hit you true? Did you ask Akane out?"
Jason quirked an eyebrow at the shorter female. "Yes I'm fine. And no I didn't ask Akane Tendo out on a date. I'm taking training from the Saotome's in the Tendo Dojo right after school." He replied.
"Oh..." She murmured then seemed to remember something important. "Hey, I heard the Sakawa's are moving right? Where are you gonna stay after they do? I mean, I'm pretty sure you're still gonna come here to Furinkan aren't you?" She asked giving him a cute look.
Jason stayed silent for a second as he regarded the girl one seat infront of him. "Don't repeat what I'm going to say alright? It'll piss Kuno off."
"You can say it in english then, I know Kuno doesn't listen during our english lessons." She suggested.
"Still. Don't repeat it." Jason insisted the leaned closer so he was as close to her ear as possible with the desk between them. Quietly he whispered in her ear and her eyes widened.
"You're-" Her response was cut off as a massive hand covered her mouth.
"I said," Jason began giving her a dark look. "Don't repeat it." Then removed his hand.
"Sorry. But are you even allowed to do that? Stay in the same house with three young women?" Megumi asked wonderingly.
"They have nothing to worry about from me. But I think my contract says no. Normally I wouldn't even think of resorting to this but I sure don't want to risk another day at Dr. Tofu's. One scourge of chiropractic horror was bad enough. I don't need a second."
"By the way, that reminds me of something else. Aren't you sick? I remember hearing that you were in a really bad condition the other day." Megumi queried with obvious and good hearted concern.
Jason nodded slightly. "It's not as bad as it sounds though. I'll just either get really hungry or sleepy at times. If I over exert myself though I'll lose a good deal of motor control and freeze in place. I'm told though that if my condition degenerates enough I might die." He explained unconcerned. He leaned back and adjusted the icepack on his arm.
"So you're not gonna be acting like a samurai warrior anytime soon then right?" She asked with a slightly evil looking grin.
Jason gave her a worried look. "Um... no?"
Megumi leaned further over his desk. "So you really can't do anything if I say... kiss you right now can you?"
"Um, Megumi. Three things I should tell you. One, I'm not that pathetic. Two, you're attacting the attention of the whole class. Three, that includes the teacher." Jason pointed out with a troubled expression on his face.
Megumi looked around her to see that indeed the whole class was staring at her. Slowly she slid back into her seat and faced the teacher with a beat red face. The class returned to it's normal activities and Jason let out a relieved sigh.
"That was a close call. Your secret might have gotten out." Nabiki whispered over his shoulder.
"What secret?" Jason asked twisting somewhat to look at the middle Tendo daughter.
"That you swi-"
"No I don't!" Jason interupted annoyed. "Will you please stop saying that? It's disgusting."
Nabiki shrugged her shoulders. "Alright."
Grumbling Jason relaxed in his seat once again and promptly let him mind drift to sleep.
When class ended Nabiki shook Jason awake. "Jason, time for lunch. Wake up."
"[Go away Mom, I wanna sleep in today.]" The white haired boy mumbled.
"Wake up Jason."
"[Piss off.]" He murmured emotionlessly.
"WAKE UP!!"
"AAAAAHHHOOOWWWW!!" Jason shouted as he fell out of his seat in the opposite direction from Nabiki. "What was that for?!" He cried out as she put the megaphone behind her back and it disappeared there.
"Kicks." She said then turned away from to get her lunch.
Jason stuggled to his feet. "Goddamn megaphone. What time is it? Lunch? Lunch! Yes! Food!"
Minutes later Jason is already out of the school and sitting up against a tree near one of the more shaded sides of the school. With a relieved sigh he began to eat his two bento's. One from Kasumi, the other from Mrs. Sakawa.
"Tell me why I must give to you!"
"Say again?"
"Answer me! Why? How do you know my pigtailed goddess?!"
"Forget her! Trust me!"
"What?!"
"You'll probably never even see... her... again."
Ranma walked around the corner of the school and into Jason's view. Then was splashed by some water a student dropped out a window. When Jason looked down from the window he saw that Ranma had disappeared.
Kuno ran around the corner now. "What do you mean?! Ranma Saotome!"
"SO! Quick to run are you?!" Kuno shouted as he cut a tree in half with his bokken. The tree fell to the ground revealing female Ranma as fell with it. "You... you're... the girl!"
Ranma remained silent and held her pants up.
Slowly Jason stood up now that his lunches were finished and walked over to the two as Kuno now tried to grab onto Ranma-chan saying, "How I've missed y--" but was stopped as Ranma punched him in the face.
"Back off!"
Kuno being the stupidly persistant he was tried to grab hold of Ranma once again. Just as his arms were about to encircle Ranma there was only between Kuno's arms. He looked up to see the foul Street Fighter Jason Reaver with his arm around the Pigtailed girls shoulders.
"Hey Babe, lets get outta here." Jason said cheerfully winking at Ranma. Idly he noticed the top of Kuno's head turn into a volcano and start steaming.
Ranma was about to hit Jason a good one but Kuno acted first.
"Foul peasant!! What injustice is this?!" The Blue Blunder demanded angrilly.
Jason shrugged unconcerned. "Nothing much Kuno, we're an item." Jason said then looked down at the much smaller girl, leaned close to her ear and whispered, "You get out of here and change. I don't know how long I can hold him off so hurry."
"Telling my delicate flower what she must do?! You defiler of women!! This shall not be tolerated!!" Kuno spouted while raising his bokken high and looking rather cool for Kuno.
Jason quirked a white eyebrow.
"I can see it now." Kuno said and he covered his eyes as if against seeing some kind of shame.
A strange little scene danced itself through Kuno's head with Jason being rather Sado-masochistic to Ranma's female side, him wearing a yukata and Ranma in only her underwear.
"Well now. That was interesting." Jason commented looking up at the thought bubble above Kuno's head. He rather preferred the baggy khakis with cargo pockets and the matching light brown T-shirt that he was wearing right now over that. "I have to admit I'd never really thought of myself doing that. Ever." He said thoughtfully.
"TYRANT!!" Kuno shouted and charged at Jason. His bokken slash was countered by Jason's own bokken which appeared out from behind Jason's back.
"I'll admit right now Kuno." Jason began as he and Kuno began a contest of strength. "I don't know Kendo. In fact, I don't really know how to use this thing at all. But I'll let not let you tell people how to live their lives according to your whims." Then he pushed Kuno back and the real duel began.
Akane watched the two from behind a statue as the fighting began. Jason looked... competent with the sword to say the most. And Kuno, well, Kuno was Kuno with his sword to say the least. How Jason couldn't see that he was as out-classed as he was ever gonna be she didn't know.
Ranma and Nabiki came up behind Akane soon enough to see Jason and Kuno dueling with Kuno obviously holding the major advantage. Blows rained down on Jason from all angles as he put up a meager defense and tried to put in a few hits of his own.
"Wow, this can't be good." Nabiki commented as she saw just who was fighting.
"Does Jason know how to use a sword?" Ranma asked as he watched the fight slowly degrade to a slaughter. He really didn't need to ask. Also, that cord trailing from his neck looked like it was bothering Jason as well.
A pause in the fighting occured as Jason pushed Kuno back by lashing out with his foot. As Kuno regained his balance Jason reached into the large pocket on his right thigh and fumbled with something in it.
"Why is he listening to music at a time like this?" Akane wondered at the stupidy of what Jason was doing. Futher hindering himself was not the best thing to be doing at this time.
Suddenly Jason went from the defensive to the offensive. Muttering something to himself in english he jumped forwards and began slashing almost randomly at Kuno. Kuno, surprised by this new developement held back and blocked the strikes while trying discern some type of pattern.
The three watchers stared at the fighting pair. Akane and Nabiki's eyes were open in awe, Ranma's eyes were narrow.
"Is it me or is Jason suddenly better then Kuno?" Nabiki asked.
Akane nodded her head.
Ranma shook his head. "Not better, more like on par."
Jason's voice made itself known again as it was raised in song. The melodious english lyrics that a small percentage of the people present understood almost seemed to carry Jason into a dance as he began to spin in circles while attacking at Kuno.
"Curse you heathen! Hold still so that I may smite thee!" Kuno bellowed.
"Like I'm really that dumb!" Jason paused in his lyrical composure to retort. It wasn't the smartest idea though as he suddenly slowed down giving Kuno the chance to stick his bokken between Jason's legs. Toppling Jason to the ground. "Guess it didn't work." Jason muttered to himself and rolled to his feet as the tip of Kuno's bokken found the dirt. Just as he readied himself the tip of Kuno's sword was now at his throat.
"If you renounce the pig-tailed girl as yours I shall spare you my wrath foul one." The air headed one stated calmly.
"So you can claim her as yours? Naw, I think she'd be happier with me." Jason replied smugly.
Kuno was about to spout more non-sense when he was interupted.
"That's right!"
Everyone turned towards Ranma.
"And how would you know of my goddesses preferences?" Kuno demanded.
Ranma racked his brain for an answer. "I'm her... uh... brother! Yeah, that's it, she's my sister!" He answered after much procrastinating.
"What?! You?! The sibling of my dear pigtailed goddess? But, but how can this be?" Kuno wailed. "Why then did you deceive me with lies about her love for me?!"
Ranma blinked slowly. "Um... I didn't?"
"You lie yet again! Our love is forever and you can never deny us that!" the eternally ignorant boy cried.
Jason looked between Ranma and the girls. "What about Akane? You just gonna drop her like that?"
"My love with Akane Tendo is everlasting and no one can deny us that!" the eternally ignorant boy cried.
Much sweat appeared on peoples brows as what Kuno said sunk in.
"You do realize that it's considered dishonorable to try and have two women at once right?" Jason asked wonderingly.
"That's why my sister wants nothing to do with you Kuno! She hates two-timing men!" Ranma shouted.
Finally Kuno lost it. "I shall have none of this non-sense!" He bellowed and lashed out at Ranma with a straight-forward stab. Ranma jumped over Kuno's wooden sword, grabbed onto the end of it and kicked Kuno in the chest with both feet.
"Just leave her alone!" Ranma said as he withdrew himself from Kuno's reach, then he noticed a bunch of photos fly out from Kuno's kendo garb. Snatching one out of the air and looking at it his eyes shot wide. "Hey!!"
Unfortunately Kuno saw the opening and took little time striking Ranma a powerful blow. "Fool!!" Kuno shouted as he hit Ranma with a downwards slash to Ranma's side, his bokken trailing a piece of Ranma's clothing.
Akane gasped at the sight as Jason winced.
As Ranma landed and Kuno once again began slashing Ranma began to collect all of the photos he could grab while bending and swaying out of the Kuno's way.
"You look elsewhere in the midst of battle-" Kuno said rather calmly for Kuno. "You do not take me seriously!" He shouted suddenly as he stabbed forwards at Ranma. Who dodged the strike by going into a backwards roll. Which carried him right up to Akane and Jason.
Akane gave Ranma a tight eyed stare. "I should inform you that when fighting a male opponent. Upperclassman Kuno is very skilled."
"And I should inform you, that blue panties don't really suit you." Ranma stated.
BOOT! "Go back and DIE!!" Akane shouted as she kicked Ranma back towards Kuno.
As Ranma twisted in the air to turn towards Kuno Kuno grinned and said, "The game ends." then lashed out stabbing at the air around Ranma. A statue behind Ranma and near Akane and Jason crumbled to rubble.
"Whoa. Just the air pressure..." Nabiki whispered from a safe distance away.
"Out of the way stupid!" Ranma shouted at Akane who might very nearly have been hit by the attack.
"Eyes front idiot!" She shouted back as Kuno's bokken descended for another powerful blow.
In the blink of an eye Ranma moved himself out of the way of the bokken and flipped back into the air, landing a safe distance away.
Kuno had his usual confident grin plastered to his face as he fell to the ground.
"What the hell?" Jason whispered as he walked over to and flipped over Kuno's body and saw all the foot prints on Kuno's face and clothing.
"Oh my. Each blow has hit a vulnerable spot!" Akane exclaimed.
Nabiki knelt down over the body. "You kicked him?! I never even saw it!"
"Jeez. I knew I was below your level for sure. But I didn't know how much. You must take it really easy on me when we spar." Jason stated.
"'Upperclassman Kuno'...." Ranma began as he started cracking his neck. "...Didn't have much did he?"
"What do you mean? You took a hit didn't you?" Akane replied skeptically.
"Oh that! It doesn't even itch." Ranma said confidently as he put his hands behind his head, and as Akane poked him in the side.
Ranma dropped to a crouching position clutching the wound and rubbing the tears from his eyes. "So Upper classman Kuno didn't have much eh?"
As Ranma sobbing subsided he pulled out the photo's he'd grabbed during the fight. "Say, what was it that distracted you in the fight?" Akane asked looking over Ranma's shoulder. "What in--?! Why do you have pictures of me?!"
"Why do I--? Kuno had these!"
"Just making a little money on the side." Nabiki said innocently.
"My own sister."
Ranma stood up. "Tsk tsk. Really!"
"Don't go there Ranma." Jason warned.
"As if anybody would want pictures of a dorky girl like you anyway!" Ranma said then looked at one of the pictures of himself. "Now me on the other hand..."
"Get running Ranma." Jason warned.
WHAP POW BONK KRAK
"Dr. Tofu! A patient for you!"
Jason put Ranma down carefully on one of the beds in the clinic while Akane stood nervously to the side.
"This is astounding!" Dr. Tofu said scratching his neck. "The wound from the sword is nothing..." He said measuring the sword wound. "... Compared to these other dislocations and contusions."
"This is brutal! What kind of thug did this?"
Akane looked down nervously while Jason looked away.
"A... A... A dorky girl...... did it too me." Ranma replied then FWAK, Akane lifted up the posts on the bed and dumped him onto the floor.
"You say that one more time Ranma and--"
Dr. Tofu pushed the bed back down and Akane realized just what she'd done.
"You did this Akane?"
"Um... well... That is..."
(Feh. What's with the sweet innocent dit?) Ranma wondered.
Dr. Tofu for some strange and oddreason slapped his knee then said, "Well, it figures! I had a feeling!" Then he started laughing.
As Dr. Tofu pushed Ranma back up onto the bed he said, "The way this joint is twisted backwards for instance..."
Jason covered his ears and closed his eyes.
"That's Akane's touch alright! Ha ha!" He said as he snapped Ranma's right arm back into place. Elicting a cry of pain from Ranma. "You're Ranma aren't you?" He asked as he flipped Ranma onto his stomache and punched his back. "I hear you're Akane's fiancŽe." He stated as he fixed Ranma's jaw.
"That's what our parents decided! Not us!" Akane replied for Ranma.
Dr. Tofu cotinued his of chiropractic ability. "Well... It's too early, isn't it? You're still children after all."
"Yes, doctor." Akane agreed then looked away with a look that made her look cute. Too bad the cuteness was lost on everyone in the room.
Jason opened his eyes and removed his hands from his ears just in time to hear Ranma yell, "That hurts you know!"
"Oh? Someplace still hurts? Show me."
"Uh..." Ranma moved his limbs and checked himself. "It's okay! I'm better now!"
"Weird isn't it?" Jason commented before Akane could. "Well, anyways, I'm gonna go on ahead home. See you two when you get there." He said then ran out just before it became dark outside.
Dr. Tofu exchanged a few words with Ranma before he and Akane parted from the clinic. They arrived at the Tendo's soon after with Akane now carrying the now female Ranma.
"Please come back Mr. Kitty." They both heard Kasumi call out gently as they entered the household.
Ranma froze.
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Hey, another chapter up and running. Yay....
And a cliffhangar at the end. Did Kasumi get a cat? Is Ryoga a cute little kitten instead of a cute little pig? Am I gonna tell you? No! Wait for the next part ppl. Well, maybe that wouldn't be such a good idea considering how long it took me to write this.
I seek your reviews people. You must give me your reviews, if you don't review... then that makes you people that didn't review. Curse all you people who didn't review! Hell, I'll even accept flames. They might even make it to the top of the chapters if I think they're funny enough.
Damn I'm struggling with this. I'm surprised that I am too. I guess I'm just not as good as I thought. (And I have a rather low opinion of myself) (Sobs)Please tell me if I'm doing a good job... It would... make me able... to write the next chapter.... (Angry) And if you don't want me to write the next chapter and DON'T tell me I'm doing a good job then you can DIE!! (Well, no, I'd rather you not. Can't have that on my conscience.) So you can Email me at MacleodRichard@hotmail.com. How hard can it be?
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.
Now that I'm finished, you can read the next chapter. And if there is no next chapter... then go read... something else... I guess.