Eloping
By JoPa-kun
I don't own Ranma, or any of its chast. They belong to someone else. Really. I swear.
This is a continuation of sorts. I will try not to let the characters get to much out of character, but then again I'm lazy. I tried more to bring the story on paper, then spending time developing characters.
chapter 8 Returning
Mousse freed Shampoo from his chains that bound her. Thanks to her, they had missed their passage home and all the money they had left. Now they had to either find another way home or work up enough money to pay for a place on another boat. Mousse already knew from his previous trip to the harbour, that the next boat to Japan would leave in a month.
*********
Nabiki sat infront of the Tv and watched the news.
"Recent reports, relate that the unknown Heroes, also known as Ying-Yang soldiers, battled Battra in Shinjuku. This is now the seventh appearance of these true heroes. There seem to be at least three soldiers. They are a girl with short dark hair, a girl with fiery red hair, and a boy with black hair. A lot of Managers are chasing them offering merchandise contracts. Although we not know who you are, we thank you Ying-Yang soldiers for rescuing us once again."
Nabiki smiled. She had a suspicion whom those soldiers really were. She watched the scene changing from the anchorwoman to an outside view of Shinjuku.
A huge moth like creature flew overhead, it's golden wings reflected the light almost blindingly, while its Dragonhead spit rays of energy. Two figures danced around it attacking it seemingly randomly. The woman in the white clothing and the black circle on her back, sent of a sichel formed wave of chi towards the beast. The beast anticipated this and flew over it, this although proved to be the wrong thing to do, because this put him in the way of her partner's attack. The man, who was dressed similarly to the woman, just with inversed colours, shot a chi blast in the creature side, sending it tumbling towards the ground.
The two fighters ignored this and started to dance on top of the buildings, jumping from roof to roof, circling the position, Battra had just occupied. Seconds later the thing was airborne again, attacking the two annoyances. When it was in the same spot before falling, the two warriors called something striking the air before them with a fist, the other hand grasping the wrist for support. A huge globe of energy formed around the beast, it shrieked in anger and pain, energy-rays shot from it, but were absorbed by the globe, feeding it with more energy. The Globe started crackling and the air seemed to shimmer around it. It all exploded upwards.
It started with a small beam of energy arching towards the clouds, which rapidly grew until it was as wide as the globe, and then there was nothing, well not really nothing, there was something hovering in midair, were that beast had been moments ago, and as gravity reclaimed it, the man jumped and snatched it out of midair. Both soldiers then jumped away and out of sight before hordes of fans came dashing for them.
Nabiki watched it silently a smile playing around her lips. It seemed only she, her sister, Mrs. Saotome, and Cologne had ever noticed it, and it was clearly visible in this recording, as well. Two pigtails jumped away from the scene.
"Heroes. Heroes. They call them." Mr. Saotome yelled. "They are actors, kids, playing Martial Artists if you ask me. Isn't that right, Tendo?"
"You surely are, Saotome my friend. Those are just special effects, and no respectable practitioner of the art would wear such costumes. They are pathetic."
Nabiki rolled her eyes and tuned the conversation out. She had heard it often enough. Soon they would be boasting again how easily they would be able to defeat them if they ever met.
"So how long before they are here?" she asked turning to her sister.
"It takes almost three hours to get from Shinjuku to here."
"Yeah but they don't use public transportation. They have far more efficient ways to travel, so I guess an hour maybe."
"What makes you think they are returning home today and not spending their last night gone, in a hotel?" Mrs. Saotome chipped in.
"True. Well I think we'll see, won't we?"
About 40 minutes later, two figures silently landed on the roof. One crept to the edge, and looked over it. When it saw that everything was clear, it nodded to the second figure, and they dropped to the ground into the Tendo yard.
"Tadaima!" they both shouted. The new arrivals had not even blinked, when they were flocked by their families.
"Ranma! Akane! Your back."
"How are you."
"Why didn't you wed here, you disappointed me, son." The originator was knocked out cold for this, surprisingly not from his son or wife, but by Kasumi.
"Welcome home."
"Wah. My little Baby has finally come back!"
"Come in we made something to eat for you."
The families (minus Genma, who was unconscious) blinked. The new arrivals had suddenly vanished.
"I thought you mentioned food?"
Everybody turned around to see the young couple sitting at the table, chopsticks in hand. They face faulted.
When the Families were seated, Nabiki took her time to look over her sister and Brother-in-law.
Akane now wore a Shoaling Shirt, not in the standard colours black and white, but in yellow and red. She wore black pants similar to those Ranma usually wore, except they were bound all the way to her knee, and instead of his yellow sash a blue one kept her pants up. Her feet stuck in a pair of Chinese slippers, and her hands in fingerless gloves, the wristband was two inches thick and equally high. She also sported a pigtail, much like Ranma's.
Ranma wore what Nabiki classified as standard Ranma outfit. Red Chinese Shirt, Chinese slippers, black pants, and a yellow sash. The difference in his apparel was that he also tied his pants up to his knees now, and he wore the same gloves as Akane did.
Nabiki accepted her share of food. Her gaze never left the odd couple. "So what's with the Pig-Tail Akane?"
"Hn?" Akane turned her head to face her sister. "Oh, that. Uhm. When Ranma really started training me, we thought the school needed its own set of traditions and well I could not picture the art without thinking of Pig- Tails. So I braided myself one and surprised Ranma."
"Yeah surprise me she did. I thought she had lost it, before she explained it. Then I thought it was kinda cool. So as the new Masters of the combined Ryu we put it on the first page of our treatise of the combined ryu."
"Who says you're the master of anything boy. That is still my position boy."
"Lets talk about is later pops, I really don't feel like ruining a good meal. 'Sides I think Tendo-san and the letch want to have a word or two with the master."
With those words Soun had finally comprehended what his friend had just proclaimed. He was about to argue but Kasumi caught his eye and shook her head in disapproval. Genma for his part had the decency to look sheepish.
When everybody had there share of food, they began eating.
"More please Oneechan." Came the double demand from the new arrivals, even before Nabiki had taken a bite. She looked up, and sure enough both there plates were empty.
"Hey!"
Everybody turned to Genma, who also had an empty plate before him.
"Where did my Food go?" he asked, aloud.
Everybody's gaze turned to Ranma. He just shook his head, smirking.
"Ranma, is that any way.!!" his father started saying, but was interrupted by Akane, who suddenly began to giggle.
"Ranma didn't. I did." She said. They all stared at her for a second before Genma spoke up.
"Ha. Do not try to protect the boy. Or does Ranma have to hide behind you, now?"
That earned him a death glare from all females; Ranma just snorted and grinned at his father.
"Oh, Father Saotome look at what I have found here." She held up Genma's headscarf. Genma's hand flew to his head, and sure enough, his headscarf was gone. Laughter erupted around Genma.
"Give it up Pops I trained her she is better than you."
"Who do you think you are, boy?"
"I am Ranma Saotome, one half of the combined Saotome-Tendo Anything goes school of Martial Arts, slayer of Gods and demons. Who are you Panda-man?" Ranma's face was an inch from his fathers. Everybody fell silent around them. Akane just nodded, silently agreeing with her husband. Nabiki smirked, due time somebody kicked his butt. Kasumi smiled, it was sincere and not the usual smile she wore. Nodoka gasped and wanted to tell her son to respect his elders, but she did not. Soun just stared at Ranma as if he had grown a second head.
Genma was seething. "You better plan to back up those words, boy."
"Don't 'boy' your betters, man. And if you plan to fight me, well you will have to beat my student first."
"Who says you are allowed to have your own students already? You are still my student until I say so. Moreover, even if I allowed you your own student, hiding behind one, will ya? And there I thought I had made a man out of you."
Ranma just sat back and took a careful measured breath. "How low have you fallen, old man? Here you are insulting me, but have, yet, to back up your word. If insults and dishonour to yourself is all you can give, then you better leave us alone." He slowly began to eat of the freshly filled plate. Every movement was slow, almost taunting his father to try to steal his food once again. It was like telling Genma he was too pathetic to be a threat to him anymore.
"That's it boy. If that is how you want to play it have it. Send your student outside boy, I will teach you humility, yet."
"Akane?"
"Hai sensei?" she stood up and went outside and stood opposite of Genma.
"Ranma If my little girl gets hurt.!!" Soun growled. Ranma just ignored him and watched as the two combatants squared off.
"Sorry girl that I have to do this, but I will try not to hurt you to much."
Akane just stood there and did not move. When it was apparent that she was waiting for him to attack, he did. He jumped up high coming down on her to hit her from atop. She did not move. Suddenly, when he was little less the two yards away from her, she spun on her heel, her right leg extended. It squarely connected with his chin, sending him spinning against the outer wall of the yard.
Genma slowly stood up shaking of the debris. "Girl, I wanted to go easy on you, but you are leaving me no choice." He charged her again and pulled back his fist every intent on hitting her.
"Akane no fooling around, he's your father-in-law." Akane never acknowledged her husbands request. She stood there unmoving, and Genma's punch struck home . and went right through Akane. The image of the girl wavered and then was gone. Akane reappeared behind her father-in-law and extended her finger between his shoulder blades. He fell to the ground unconscious.
"Well I guess that settles who the master of the new school is. Huh, Otou- san?"
Soun just nodded his head at Ranma. Akane had beat Genma with ease she was far better then he ever was. Maybe there was a thing or two he could still teach her, but she was his better. Maybe together, Ranma and Akane could even beat the master. Soun smiled, and then blinked. Ranma's words had just struck home. He had called him father. Soun broke down wailing.
After Akane and Ranma had told a short version of what had all happened since they had started on their honeymoon, they had excused themselves and stood up to go to the Saotome residence.
"Ranma that won't be necessary, true Daddy was a little peeved when you to eloped, but he has calmed down. The Dojo is yours." His new sister-in-law informed him. "Let me show you to your new room, and then you can go take a bath and rest up."
The old guest room was remodelled to a new master bedroom, and all of Akane's things had been moved into it. Her bed although was replaced by a much bigger one. It was a huge thing Ranma decided. It was 7'x7' mattress, which rested on a springbox. Four two-by-fours held it two inches above the floor. Akane's desk was set against the windows and two nightstands flanked the bed. Her cupboards were set opposite the built in cupboards where Ranma and his father used to store their things in. Ranma and Akane, putting away what little they had carried in their backpacks, explored their new room. Soon the exhaustion of the days events caught up to them and they fell asleep.
The next morning was a Sunday. Akane and Ranma were literally forced to tell everybody of what had all happened since they had started on their honeymoon. The two left out smaller details like they have been over the whole globe, that the sensei they met Kami's were, or that they were the Ying-Yang soldiers.
Immediately after, Soun had pulled them aside and presented them with the papers for the Tendo-ke.
"So what do you two plan with this all?" After all, maybe she could make a yen or two.
"Oh yes can we still live here?" Akane was taken aback by Kasumis question.
"Of course you can. What kind of question is that?"
Ranma smiled, but tried to put on a serious expression anyways. "Of course that technically makes you the guests and me and Akane hafta run da house."
Akane smiled. "Yes I get to do the cooking. Yay."
Everyone paled at that statement. That is everyone except Kasumi. She slowly stood up and walked to the other side of the table.
"Uncle Saotome, could you please stand up?" she asked.
Genma replied this was Kasumi after all. "Now whaaaaaa." He never ended the sentence. Just at that moment Kasumi had grabbed Genma at the collar of his Gi, her other hand pulled at his belt, and threw him into the Koi pond. Everyone just stared at her, as she put her hand to her mouth and giggled. "Panda Dunking! That was funny."
Behind her, a panda emerged from the Pond and growfed before walking back into the house. He made a bee-line for the kitchen and re-emerged as bald Martial Artist. "Now what was that about?" he demanded. He wasn't really angry. How could he? This *was* Kasumi.
"Come here husband." He walked over to his wife and ended up in the pond again. "You are right Kasumi-chan. Panda Dunking is fun."
Before the silliness got out of hand, Ranma and Akane pulled Nabiki towards their room. Akane sat Nabiki in to her chair and she sat on the bed. Ranma laid on the bed, and just listened to what his wife was saying.
"Okay Nabik Onee-chan. I'll be blunt about this. Ranma and me have not a single clue about how to deal finances, and we have already talked this out a while ago, we want you to keep taking care of them."
"For a fee of course."
"Of course. We need to learn it sooner or later, and we'll probably take a course in college, but for now it would be great if you explained everything you do to us, and let us in on the decisions."
"I don't see how this is going to work out Akane. You know the dojo doesn't make any money, and that what kept us afloat was my other business."
"Yeah, I know that Nabiki. Just let me finish. We thought we would make Daddy and Unc. Father Saotome teach one or two classes in the morning. You know for the old and very young people, who do not have school or work they have to be at and Ranma and I teach afternoon classes. That would also work out with college, so we could keep going. We do not really believe that alone will do it though. If not Ranma or me will look for some kind of other work and only one runs the dojo, and after that either one runs the dojo and the other works, we both teach and hope for the best or we both take part-time jobs and teach." Akane was also thinking about the statues they had found, but did not want to tell her sister, yet.
"I am not sure if that will work, but I'll help you of course. Now since you will not be able to pay me a salary, I'll settle for percentages of whatever money the dojo makes."
"How much?"
"fifteen percent."
"I thought more around fife."
"twelve. And I think I'm wasting my time."
"seven. If this works, everything your other businesses earn you can keep, though I have a few things to say about that. In the end you earn more if you help us."
"That is true. None the less I want money for my work. What makes you think I'll work for so little? Ten."
"Well you are my sister, and we talked to a professional in Nagoya. He said fife is the normal percentage. Seven a half."
"Eight."
"Eight and you have to take one of our self-defence courses. Deal." Akane shook her sister hand, before she objected. Behind her Ranma rolled away from them and picked up a backpack, to hand to his wife. Akane accepted it and placed it before her. Now she could tell her about the statues.
"Why would I have to take a self-defence course?"
"Well you probably still know everything Daddy taught you, it would like the old times. Besides, with everything that happens around us something will happen and you won't be able to talk your way out of it. Think of it as another ace up your sleeve, or a way to trim up your body."
"I'll let you know I am very satisfied with my body, and I don't think self- defence will do me any good against what you two face all the time."
"True but it will buy you a few seconds for you to run or for help to arrive. Enough you'll be our first student and that is it." With that she slowly unpacked what was left in the backpack. Nabiki's scowl turned from surprise, to that of financial interest and finally to awe.
"You see we got these eleven statues, as far as we now, they are pure gold." Akane had been giddy ever since they had gotten the last of the statues. They not only were formidable Martial artists, but maybe stinking rich as well. Akane had never been well off. For her this meant that Kasumi could finish her schooling. Nabiki could stop being the 'Ice Queen'. And her future, and those of her kids would be secured. Kids? Where had that come from? She was too young for that.
"Akane!" Nabiki snapped exasperated, shaking Akane out of her stupor.
"What?"
"Dear your sister has been trying to talk to you, but you were of in some kind of La La Land." Nabiki felt sick. She would have to get used to them displaying their affection so openly.
"I was asking you what you had planned with all this money."
"Oh well supporting my family of course. Send Kasumi to college and well take care of everything so you don't have to run your other business."
"A motorcycle for my wife is a good idea, and well a few things for the dojo. Maybe extend the house a little, it's getting a little full with my parents, or buy the neighbouring parcel."
"We'll see about that. I believe you need my help selling this?" She wondered how much she could make out of this.
"It belongs to the dojo. The more you sell it for the more you'll earn. Remember eight percent." Nabiki smiled she would have liked to renegotiate the bargain concerning the gold, but they said it was the dojo's. Eight percent of. Nabiki lifted one of the statues. .about 60 to 70 pounds of gold weren't that bad. Not bad at all. The price for gold was about 1.050.000 Yen per Kilo that ment her share would be.
"2.520.000 Yen" Nabiki blurted out. Akane caught her before she fell of her chair. "Akane I think Ranma should leave the room, because I just messed up my pants." She screamed again, as she remembered that these were ornaments and they were more expensive then the gold they were made of.
It was later that day, that Nodoka and Kasumi finally let everybody know that they had attended the wedding. Predictably, Soun, Genma and Nabiki were upset. Twenty minutes later when Nodoka had finished yelling, the two men looked sheepish and looked at the wedding album, Kasumi, Nodoka and Cologne had composed. Nabiki, after reminding her that she had invited the bombers to the wedding attempt, too, preferred looking at the wedding album then at her sisters' faces.
Soon they were talking about school and, how they would take care of everybody there. Nabiki had the saving idea. She pushed Ranma and Akane towards their room and told them to put on what they had worn on their wedding day. After that Nabiki made a few more shots of them before a white sheet Nabiki had put up on the porch. Nabiki with the couple's help then drew up a letter, more of an interview actually, that explained the bombed wedding and why they eloped but also answered a few other questions that were likely going to be asked. Nabiki took one of the wedding albums and headed out. She would add the new pictures and the letter to the thing and get a few hundred copies until tomorrow.
"I can't believe that we have to go to school already. I mean we just got home yesterday." The family was sitting in the living room having breakfast.
"I know Ranma. I know." Going to school meant that the two had to 'behave' the whole day, and she had so hoped that she and he could do some more 'training', for the rest of the day.
"*I* can't believe you two are not dead tired already. I hope that Hinako sucks you two dry. I hate sleeping in the room next to you. I couldn't sleep the whole night." A drowsy Nabiki put in.
"Nabiki-chan it is perfectly normal for a married couple to share some intimacy, at night. Although I could have done without the barking." The newest Mother-in-law put in with a playful glint in their eyes. The pertained teens, although comfortable with sharing intimacy, were not yet comfortable with making it a breakfast discussion. Foreseeable they blushed.
"Akane. It is not necessary to cry out a confirmation for everything Ranma does." Kasumi said. She just could not stop herself from joining the teasing. They turned another shade of red.
"Yeah. I mean I never heard so much variations of the word 'yes'. Listen carefully Akane this ones free. No. Nnoouu. Got that? Try that next time."
"It really is a shame that I and aunty insisted that Nabiki make no records of you two anymore that would be something for the family album."
"Oh by the way Mrs. Kudo from next doors called. Ranma is supposed to come over and show her what he does that is worth waking the whole neighbourhood." Nodoka decided it was just too much fun to stop.
"Why I even heard you over in the Nekohanten. If I were just a century younger..." Nobody had noticed the Old Ghoul dropping on to the porch. Both teens looked like they were going to explode any second now. In addition, Ranma now also sported an unhealthy shade of green. Akane looked at the elder pleadingly. "I fear I was not exaggerating dear. I actually came over to beg you to tell me your secret, or prepare some scrolls with the technique."
"No Way. No way am I going to school ever again. Nuh Uh. Come Ranma we're going to the dojo." Akane started to get up.
"Oh please not in the dojo, too. Have you no shame?" A sly Nabiki asked with mock upset.
"Akane dear I must insist that you go, you have already missed to much schooling, and I doubt that anybody could have made out the source of the . disturbance. Nabiki will go with you so you do not get lost on your way." Her look said all.
"Ahh. So you return Akane Tendo to your true love, and you have brought the pig-tailed goddess. Come to me my loves, so I can cure the Jinx the foul Saotome has put upon thee." Predictability is a gift . for thy enemies.
Akane and Ranma stared at each other, and then Ranma shrugged. And stepped back to Nabiki. Akane slowly advanced towards Kuno growling, then stopped. She seemed to be considering something then called out in a voice so sweet, that it sent shivers down the backs of those who heard, with the exclusion of Kuno. "Oi, Kuno-sempai. Can you come here, please? I really have to confess something to you." Ranma grimaced, he did not want to trade place with Kuno.
"Ahh surely my love. Let your sweet lips, testify your undying love to I, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High." Kuno quickly covered the space between the two of them. When he was close enough, Akane took his hands in hers.
"It is really important Kuno-Sempai. Are you sure you are really paying attention, and not in some Dream Land of yours?"
Kuno was baffled. His love had never acted this affectionate. "thy, Akane Tendo has my full attention I can assure."
"And that is where you make your first mistake." Nearby a car suddenly stopped as the gasoline suddenly caramelized. "I am not Akane Tendo anymore, I am Akane Saotome now."
"Such Injustice to the heavens. Fear not my Aaarrgghh." Akane twisted his pinkie, bad.
"Listen Kuno for every bad answer you give I'll brake one of your fingers. Got that?" Kuno nodded. "Good, because pursuing a married woman brings dishonour to yourself and what is more important it brings dishonour to myself. Do you want to dishonour me?" He shook his head in response she bent his pinkie back into a natural position. "You will stop your continued attacks on my family. That means all Tendo's and Saotome's. Ok?" nearby students teeth were decaying rapidly. "Has the foul sorcerour, no Aaaaargdammit." He tried to pull his hands away, but to no awail, her hands would not budge. Behind Akane, Nabiki and Ranma winced they had heard the bone snap. They jumped forward as one.
"Shh. Akane. Shh. Akchan calm he is not worth it. Shh." Onna-Ranma pulled Akane in a loose hug, stroking her wifes hair. "Nabiki will take care of him." Akane returned the hug, she had broken somebody's finger on purpose. True it was only Kuno, and he had enough pre-warning, still.
Nabiki patted her sister on the back. "Yeah let Onee-chan take care of everything." She then proceeded to help Kuno to the Nurse.
In class their friends, who had not only seen but, more importantly, also heard what had happened to Kuno, immediately swarmed both. Nabiki would start sales during lunch.
"Is it true? Are you two married? How was the Honeymoon? How was the wedding night? Is he any good? Did you Kiss?" such and other questions were asked. They only admitted being very happily married, that Nabiki would be selling wedding albums, which would answer most questions and that nothing beside that was subject of public gossip. The questions just didn't want to stop, but soon Akane found her friend Yuka half asleep, at her desk. She immediately moved over to her friend in worry, and hope that the pestering would stop.
"Yuka. Hey sleepyhead, wake up. Didn't you get any sleep tonight?"
"No. Not really."
"Yuka don't tell me you. You got a boyfriend?"
"No. No. There was some kind of animal dying last night, it was just horrible."
"Yeah Akane. Didn't you hear it, it suffered the whole night. Poor thing. It finally died this morning." Sayuri asked from her seat, which was the one in front of Yuka's.
"No I didn't hear anything."
"I wished I was so a blessed sleeper." Yuka murmured, her head rested on her desk.
"First I thought it was a dog or a wolf, but then it changed its cry. It was like. JeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJEJEJEJEJEnnggghhANMAGAWD. It then stopped for a few seconds then it started from the beginning. Makoto thinks it was some monster or Youma crying for its bride or something."
Akane looked confused for a few seconds, then her face cleared up to turn in a blush. "Sorry Yuka. I'll try to be a little quieter tonight." She mumbled more to herslelf. Yuka caught it anyways.
"That was you?!" She screamed bolting upright. Akane tried to quiet her down, but most of the girls had heard their previous conversation and made the connection immediately. Again all the girls crowded around her. Whispering now.
"That was her?" "Must be a martial arts thing?" "Yeah boosted endurance and stuff." "Not to mention that he has looks to boot." "The whole night?" "How creative can he get?" At that all the girls fell silent and looked over to the pigtailed now male Martial Artist.
Around Ranma all the boys immediately quieted when they noticed the girls staring at them. Suddenly the oestrogen ruled half of class erupted in giggles and continued to twaddle. Ranma hung his head low, he just new he was in deep.
By JoPa-kun
I don't own Ranma, or any of its chast. They belong to someone else. Really. I swear.
This is a continuation of sorts. I will try not to let the characters get to much out of character, but then again I'm lazy. I tried more to bring the story on paper, then spending time developing characters.
chapter 8 Returning
Mousse freed Shampoo from his chains that bound her. Thanks to her, they had missed their passage home and all the money they had left. Now they had to either find another way home or work up enough money to pay for a place on another boat. Mousse already knew from his previous trip to the harbour, that the next boat to Japan would leave in a month.
*********
Nabiki sat infront of the Tv and watched the news.
"Recent reports, relate that the unknown Heroes, also known as Ying-Yang soldiers, battled Battra in Shinjuku. This is now the seventh appearance of these true heroes. There seem to be at least three soldiers. They are a girl with short dark hair, a girl with fiery red hair, and a boy with black hair. A lot of Managers are chasing them offering merchandise contracts. Although we not know who you are, we thank you Ying-Yang soldiers for rescuing us once again."
Nabiki smiled. She had a suspicion whom those soldiers really were. She watched the scene changing from the anchorwoman to an outside view of Shinjuku.
A huge moth like creature flew overhead, it's golden wings reflected the light almost blindingly, while its Dragonhead spit rays of energy. Two figures danced around it attacking it seemingly randomly. The woman in the white clothing and the black circle on her back, sent of a sichel formed wave of chi towards the beast. The beast anticipated this and flew over it, this although proved to be the wrong thing to do, because this put him in the way of her partner's attack. The man, who was dressed similarly to the woman, just with inversed colours, shot a chi blast in the creature side, sending it tumbling towards the ground.
The two fighters ignored this and started to dance on top of the buildings, jumping from roof to roof, circling the position, Battra had just occupied. Seconds later the thing was airborne again, attacking the two annoyances. When it was in the same spot before falling, the two warriors called something striking the air before them with a fist, the other hand grasping the wrist for support. A huge globe of energy formed around the beast, it shrieked in anger and pain, energy-rays shot from it, but were absorbed by the globe, feeding it with more energy. The Globe started crackling and the air seemed to shimmer around it. It all exploded upwards.
It started with a small beam of energy arching towards the clouds, which rapidly grew until it was as wide as the globe, and then there was nothing, well not really nothing, there was something hovering in midair, were that beast had been moments ago, and as gravity reclaimed it, the man jumped and snatched it out of midair. Both soldiers then jumped away and out of sight before hordes of fans came dashing for them.
Nabiki watched it silently a smile playing around her lips. It seemed only she, her sister, Mrs. Saotome, and Cologne had ever noticed it, and it was clearly visible in this recording, as well. Two pigtails jumped away from the scene.
"Heroes. Heroes. They call them." Mr. Saotome yelled. "They are actors, kids, playing Martial Artists if you ask me. Isn't that right, Tendo?"
"You surely are, Saotome my friend. Those are just special effects, and no respectable practitioner of the art would wear such costumes. They are pathetic."
Nabiki rolled her eyes and tuned the conversation out. She had heard it often enough. Soon they would be boasting again how easily they would be able to defeat them if they ever met.
"So how long before they are here?" she asked turning to her sister.
"It takes almost three hours to get from Shinjuku to here."
"Yeah but they don't use public transportation. They have far more efficient ways to travel, so I guess an hour maybe."
"What makes you think they are returning home today and not spending their last night gone, in a hotel?" Mrs. Saotome chipped in.
"True. Well I think we'll see, won't we?"
About 40 minutes later, two figures silently landed on the roof. One crept to the edge, and looked over it. When it saw that everything was clear, it nodded to the second figure, and they dropped to the ground into the Tendo yard.
"Tadaima!" they both shouted. The new arrivals had not even blinked, when they were flocked by their families.
"Ranma! Akane! Your back."
"How are you."
"Why didn't you wed here, you disappointed me, son." The originator was knocked out cold for this, surprisingly not from his son or wife, but by Kasumi.
"Welcome home."
"Wah. My little Baby has finally come back!"
"Come in we made something to eat for you."
The families (minus Genma, who was unconscious) blinked. The new arrivals had suddenly vanished.
"I thought you mentioned food?"
Everybody turned around to see the young couple sitting at the table, chopsticks in hand. They face faulted.
When the Families were seated, Nabiki took her time to look over her sister and Brother-in-law.
Akane now wore a Shoaling Shirt, not in the standard colours black and white, but in yellow and red. She wore black pants similar to those Ranma usually wore, except they were bound all the way to her knee, and instead of his yellow sash a blue one kept her pants up. Her feet stuck in a pair of Chinese slippers, and her hands in fingerless gloves, the wristband was two inches thick and equally high. She also sported a pigtail, much like Ranma's.
Ranma wore what Nabiki classified as standard Ranma outfit. Red Chinese Shirt, Chinese slippers, black pants, and a yellow sash. The difference in his apparel was that he also tied his pants up to his knees now, and he wore the same gloves as Akane did.
Nabiki accepted her share of food. Her gaze never left the odd couple. "So what's with the Pig-Tail Akane?"
"Hn?" Akane turned her head to face her sister. "Oh, that. Uhm. When Ranma really started training me, we thought the school needed its own set of traditions and well I could not picture the art without thinking of Pig- Tails. So I braided myself one and surprised Ranma."
"Yeah surprise me she did. I thought she had lost it, before she explained it. Then I thought it was kinda cool. So as the new Masters of the combined Ryu we put it on the first page of our treatise of the combined ryu."
"Who says you're the master of anything boy. That is still my position boy."
"Lets talk about is later pops, I really don't feel like ruining a good meal. 'Sides I think Tendo-san and the letch want to have a word or two with the master."
With those words Soun had finally comprehended what his friend had just proclaimed. He was about to argue but Kasumi caught his eye and shook her head in disapproval. Genma for his part had the decency to look sheepish.
When everybody had there share of food, they began eating.
"More please Oneechan." Came the double demand from the new arrivals, even before Nabiki had taken a bite. She looked up, and sure enough both there plates were empty.
"Hey!"
Everybody turned to Genma, who also had an empty plate before him.
"Where did my Food go?" he asked, aloud.
Everybody's gaze turned to Ranma. He just shook his head, smirking.
"Ranma, is that any way.!!" his father started saying, but was interrupted by Akane, who suddenly began to giggle.
"Ranma didn't. I did." She said. They all stared at her for a second before Genma spoke up.
"Ha. Do not try to protect the boy. Or does Ranma have to hide behind you, now?"
That earned him a death glare from all females; Ranma just snorted and grinned at his father.
"Oh, Father Saotome look at what I have found here." She held up Genma's headscarf. Genma's hand flew to his head, and sure enough, his headscarf was gone. Laughter erupted around Genma.
"Give it up Pops I trained her she is better than you."
"Who do you think you are, boy?"
"I am Ranma Saotome, one half of the combined Saotome-Tendo Anything goes school of Martial Arts, slayer of Gods and demons. Who are you Panda-man?" Ranma's face was an inch from his fathers. Everybody fell silent around them. Akane just nodded, silently agreeing with her husband. Nabiki smirked, due time somebody kicked his butt. Kasumi smiled, it was sincere and not the usual smile she wore. Nodoka gasped and wanted to tell her son to respect his elders, but she did not. Soun just stared at Ranma as if he had grown a second head.
Genma was seething. "You better plan to back up those words, boy."
"Don't 'boy' your betters, man. And if you plan to fight me, well you will have to beat my student first."
"Who says you are allowed to have your own students already? You are still my student until I say so. Moreover, even if I allowed you your own student, hiding behind one, will ya? And there I thought I had made a man out of you."
Ranma just sat back and took a careful measured breath. "How low have you fallen, old man? Here you are insulting me, but have, yet, to back up your word. If insults and dishonour to yourself is all you can give, then you better leave us alone." He slowly began to eat of the freshly filled plate. Every movement was slow, almost taunting his father to try to steal his food once again. It was like telling Genma he was too pathetic to be a threat to him anymore.
"That's it boy. If that is how you want to play it have it. Send your student outside boy, I will teach you humility, yet."
"Akane?"
"Hai sensei?" she stood up and went outside and stood opposite of Genma.
"Ranma If my little girl gets hurt.!!" Soun growled. Ranma just ignored him and watched as the two combatants squared off.
"Sorry girl that I have to do this, but I will try not to hurt you to much."
Akane just stood there and did not move. When it was apparent that she was waiting for him to attack, he did. He jumped up high coming down on her to hit her from atop. She did not move. Suddenly, when he was little less the two yards away from her, she spun on her heel, her right leg extended. It squarely connected with his chin, sending him spinning against the outer wall of the yard.
Genma slowly stood up shaking of the debris. "Girl, I wanted to go easy on you, but you are leaving me no choice." He charged her again and pulled back his fist every intent on hitting her.
"Akane no fooling around, he's your father-in-law." Akane never acknowledged her husbands request. She stood there unmoving, and Genma's punch struck home . and went right through Akane. The image of the girl wavered and then was gone. Akane reappeared behind her father-in-law and extended her finger between his shoulder blades. He fell to the ground unconscious.
"Well I guess that settles who the master of the new school is. Huh, Otou- san?"
Soun just nodded his head at Ranma. Akane had beat Genma with ease she was far better then he ever was. Maybe there was a thing or two he could still teach her, but she was his better. Maybe together, Ranma and Akane could even beat the master. Soun smiled, and then blinked. Ranma's words had just struck home. He had called him father. Soun broke down wailing.
After Akane and Ranma had told a short version of what had all happened since they had started on their honeymoon, they had excused themselves and stood up to go to the Saotome residence.
"Ranma that won't be necessary, true Daddy was a little peeved when you to eloped, but he has calmed down. The Dojo is yours." His new sister-in-law informed him. "Let me show you to your new room, and then you can go take a bath and rest up."
The old guest room was remodelled to a new master bedroom, and all of Akane's things had been moved into it. Her bed although was replaced by a much bigger one. It was a huge thing Ranma decided. It was 7'x7' mattress, which rested on a springbox. Four two-by-fours held it two inches above the floor. Akane's desk was set against the windows and two nightstands flanked the bed. Her cupboards were set opposite the built in cupboards where Ranma and his father used to store their things in. Ranma and Akane, putting away what little they had carried in their backpacks, explored their new room. Soon the exhaustion of the days events caught up to them and they fell asleep.
The next morning was a Sunday. Akane and Ranma were literally forced to tell everybody of what had all happened since they had started on their honeymoon. The two left out smaller details like they have been over the whole globe, that the sensei they met Kami's were, or that they were the Ying-Yang soldiers.
Immediately after, Soun had pulled them aside and presented them with the papers for the Tendo-ke.
"So what do you two plan with this all?" After all, maybe she could make a yen or two.
"Oh yes can we still live here?" Akane was taken aback by Kasumis question.
"Of course you can. What kind of question is that?"
Ranma smiled, but tried to put on a serious expression anyways. "Of course that technically makes you the guests and me and Akane hafta run da house."
Akane smiled. "Yes I get to do the cooking. Yay."
Everyone paled at that statement. That is everyone except Kasumi. She slowly stood up and walked to the other side of the table.
"Uncle Saotome, could you please stand up?" she asked.
Genma replied this was Kasumi after all. "Now whaaaaaa." He never ended the sentence. Just at that moment Kasumi had grabbed Genma at the collar of his Gi, her other hand pulled at his belt, and threw him into the Koi pond. Everyone just stared at her, as she put her hand to her mouth and giggled. "Panda Dunking! That was funny."
Behind her, a panda emerged from the Pond and growfed before walking back into the house. He made a bee-line for the kitchen and re-emerged as bald Martial Artist. "Now what was that about?" he demanded. He wasn't really angry. How could he? This *was* Kasumi.
"Come here husband." He walked over to his wife and ended up in the pond again. "You are right Kasumi-chan. Panda Dunking is fun."
Before the silliness got out of hand, Ranma and Akane pulled Nabiki towards their room. Akane sat Nabiki in to her chair and she sat on the bed. Ranma laid on the bed, and just listened to what his wife was saying.
"Okay Nabik Onee-chan. I'll be blunt about this. Ranma and me have not a single clue about how to deal finances, and we have already talked this out a while ago, we want you to keep taking care of them."
"For a fee of course."
"Of course. We need to learn it sooner or later, and we'll probably take a course in college, but for now it would be great if you explained everything you do to us, and let us in on the decisions."
"I don't see how this is going to work out Akane. You know the dojo doesn't make any money, and that what kept us afloat was my other business."
"Yeah, I know that Nabiki. Just let me finish. We thought we would make Daddy and Unc. Father Saotome teach one or two classes in the morning. You know for the old and very young people, who do not have school or work they have to be at and Ranma and I teach afternoon classes. That would also work out with college, so we could keep going. We do not really believe that alone will do it though. If not Ranma or me will look for some kind of other work and only one runs the dojo, and after that either one runs the dojo and the other works, we both teach and hope for the best or we both take part-time jobs and teach." Akane was also thinking about the statues they had found, but did not want to tell her sister, yet.
"I am not sure if that will work, but I'll help you of course. Now since you will not be able to pay me a salary, I'll settle for percentages of whatever money the dojo makes."
"How much?"
"fifteen percent."
"I thought more around fife."
"twelve. And I think I'm wasting my time."
"seven. If this works, everything your other businesses earn you can keep, though I have a few things to say about that. In the end you earn more if you help us."
"That is true. None the less I want money for my work. What makes you think I'll work for so little? Ten."
"Well you are my sister, and we talked to a professional in Nagoya. He said fife is the normal percentage. Seven a half."
"Eight."
"Eight and you have to take one of our self-defence courses. Deal." Akane shook her sister hand, before she objected. Behind her Ranma rolled away from them and picked up a backpack, to hand to his wife. Akane accepted it and placed it before her. Now she could tell her about the statues.
"Why would I have to take a self-defence course?"
"Well you probably still know everything Daddy taught you, it would like the old times. Besides, with everything that happens around us something will happen and you won't be able to talk your way out of it. Think of it as another ace up your sleeve, or a way to trim up your body."
"I'll let you know I am very satisfied with my body, and I don't think self- defence will do me any good against what you two face all the time."
"True but it will buy you a few seconds for you to run or for help to arrive. Enough you'll be our first student and that is it." With that she slowly unpacked what was left in the backpack. Nabiki's scowl turned from surprise, to that of financial interest and finally to awe.
"You see we got these eleven statues, as far as we now, they are pure gold." Akane had been giddy ever since they had gotten the last of the statues. They not only were formidable Martial artists, but maybe stinking rich as well. Akane had never been well off. For her this meant that Kasumi could finish her schooling. Nabiki could stop being the 'Ice Queen'. And her future, and those of her kids would be secured. Kids? Where had that come from? She was too young for that.
"Akane!" Nabiki snapped exasperated, shaking Akane out of her stupor.
"What?"
"Dear your sister has been trying to talk to you, but you were of in some kind of La La Land." Nabiki felt sick. She would have to get used to them displaying their affection so openly.
"I was asking you what you had planned with all this money."
"Oh well supporting my family of course. Send Kasumi to college and well take care of everything so you don't have to run your other business."
"A motorcycle for my wife is a good idea, and well a few things for the dojo. Maybe extend the house a little, it's getting a little full with my parents, or buy the neighbouring parcel."
"We'll see about that. I believe you need my help selling this?" She wondered how much she could make out of this.
"It belongs to the dojo. The more you sell it for the more you'll earn. Remember eight percent." Nabiki smiled she would have liked to renegotiate the bargain concerning the gold, but they said it was the dojo's. Eight percent of. Nabiki lifted one of the statues. .about 60 to 70 pounds of gold weren't that bad. Not bad at all. The price for gold was about 1.050.000 Yen per Kilo that ment her share would be.
"2.520.000 Yen" Nabiki blurted out. Akane caught her before she fell of her chair. "Akane I think Ranma should leave the room, because I just messed up my pants." She screamed again, as she remembered that these were ornaments and they were more expensive then the gold they were made of.
It was later that day, that Nodoka and Kasumi finally let everybody know that they had attended the wedding. Predictably, Soun, Genma and Nabiki were upset. Twenty minutes later when Nodoka had finished yelling, the two men looked sheepish and looked at the wedding album, Kasumi, Nodoka and Cologne had composed. Nabiki, after reminding her that she had invited the bombers to the wedding attempt, too, preferred looking at the wedding album then at her sisters' faces.
Soon they were talking about school and, how they would take care of everybody there. Nabiki had the saving idea. She pushed Ranma and Akane towards their room and told them to put on what they had worn on their wedding day. After that Nabiki made a few more shots of them before a white sheet Nabiki had put up on the porch. Nabiki with the couple's help then drew up a letter, more of an interview actually, that explained the bombed wedding and why they eloped but also answered a few other questions that were likely going to be asked. Nabiki took one of the wedding albums and headed out. She would add the new pictures and the letter to the thing and get a few hundred copies until tomorrow.
"I can't believe that we have to go to school already. I mean we just got home yesterday." The family was sitting in the living room having breakfast.
"I know Ranma. I know." Going to school meant that the two had to 'behave' the whole day, and she had so hoped that she and he could do some more 'training', for the rest of the day.
"*I* can't believe you two are not dead tired already. I hope that Hinako sucks you two dry. I hate sleeping in the room next to you. I couldn't sleep the whole night." A drowsy Nabiki put in.
"Nabiki-chan it is perfectly normal for a married couple to share some intimacy, at night. Although I could have done without the barking." The newest Mother-in-law put in with a playful glint in their eyes. The pertained teens, although comfortable with sharing intimacy, were not yet comfortable with making it a breakfast discussion. Foreseeable they blushed.
"Akane. It is not necessary to cry out a confirmation for everything Ranma does." Kasumi said. She just could not stop herself from joining the teasing. They turned another shade of red.
"Yeah. I mean I never heard so much variations of the word 'yes'. Listen carefully Akane this ones free. No. Nnoouu. Got that? Try that next time."
"It really is a shame that I and aunty insisted that Nabiki make no records of you two anymore that would be something for the family album."
"Oh by the way Mrs. Kudo from next doors called. Ranma is supposed to come over and show her what he does that is worth waking the whole neighbourhood." Nodoka decided it was just too much fun to stop.
"Why I even heard you over in the Nekohanten. If I were just a century younger..." Nobody had noticed the Old Ghoul dropping on to the porch. Both teens looked like they were going to explode any second now. In addition, Ranma now also sported an unhealthy shade of green. Akane looked at the elder pleadingly. "I fear I was not exaggerating dear. I actually came over to beg you to tell me your secret, or prepare some scrolls with the technique."
"No Way. No way am I going to school ever again. Nuh Uh. Come Ranma we're going to the dojo." Akane started to get up.
"Oh please not in the dojo, too. Have you no shame?" A sly Nabiki asked with mock upset.
"Akane dear I must insist that you go, you have already missed to much schooling, and I doubt that anybody could have made out the source of the . disturbance. Nabiki will go with you so you do not get lost on your way." Her look said all.
"Ahh. So you return Akane Tendo to your true love, and you have brought the pig-tailed goddess. Come to me my loves, so I can cure the Jinx the foul Saotome has put upon thee." Predictability is a gift . for thy enemies.
Akane and Ranma stared at each other, and then Ranma shrugged. And stepped back to Nabiki. Akane slowly advanced towards Kuno growling, then stopped. She seemed to be considering something then called out in a voice so sweet, that it sent shivers down the backs of those who heard, with the exclusion of Kuno. "Oi, Kuno-sempai. Can you come here, please? I really have to confess something to you." Ranma grimaced, he did not want to trade place with Kuno.
"Ahh surely my love. Let your sweet lips, testify your undying love to I, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High." Kuno quickly covered the space between the two of them. When he was close enough, Akane took his hands in hers.
"It is really important Kuno-Sempai. Are you sure you are really paying attention, and not in some Dream Land of yours?"
Kuno was baffled. His love had never acted this affectionate. "thy, Akane Tendo has my full attention I can assure."
"And that is where you make your first mistake." Nearby a car suddenly stopped as the gasoline suddenly caramelized. "I am not Akane Tendo anymore, I am Akane Saotome now."
"Such Injustice to the heavens. Fear not my Aaarrgghh." Akane twisted his pinkie, bad.
"Listen Kuno for every bad answer you give I'll brake one of your fingers. Got that?" Kuno nodded. "Good, because pursuing a married woman brings dishonour to yourself and what is more important it brings dishonour to myself. Do you want to dishonour me?" He shook his head in response she bent his pinkie back into a natural position. "You will stop your continued attacks on my family. That means all Tendo's and Saotome's. Ok?" nearby students teeth were decaying rapidly. "Has the foul sorcerour, no Aaaaargdammit." He tried to pull his hands away, but to no awail, her hands would not budge. Behind Akane, Nabiki and Ranma winced they had heard the bone snap. They jumped forward as one.
"Shh. Akane. Shh. Akchan calm he is not worth it. Shh." Onna-Ranma pulled Akane in a loose hug, stroking her wifes hair. "Nabiki will take care of him." Akane returned the hug, she had broken somebody's finger on purpose. True it was only Kuno, and he had enough pre-warning, still.
Nabiki patted her sister on the back. "Yeah let Onee-chan take care of everything." She then proceeded to help Kuno to the Nurse.
In class their friends, who had not only seen but, more importantly, also heard what had happened to Kuno, immediately swarmed both. Nabiki would start sales during lunch.
"Is it true? Are you two married? How was the Honeymoon? How was the wedding night? Is he any good? Did you Kiss?" such and other questions were asked. They only admitted being very happily married, that Nabiki would be selling wedding albums, which would answer most questions and that nothing beside that was subject of public gossip. The questions just didn't want to stop, but soon Akane found her friend Yuka half asleep, at her desk. She immediately moved over to her friend in worry, and hope that the pestering would stop.
"Yuka. Hey sleepyhead, wake up. Didn't you get any sleep tonight?"
"No. Not really."
"Yuka don't tell me you. You got a boyfriend?"
"No. No. There was some kind of animal dying last night, it was just horrible."
"Yeah Akane. Didn't you hear it, it suffered the whole night. Poor thing. It finally died this morning." Sayuri asked from her seat, which was the one in front of Yuka's.
"No I didn't hear anything."
"I wished I was so a blessed sleeper." Yuka murmured, her head rested on her desk.
"First I thought it was a dog or a wolf, but then it changed its cry. It was like. JeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJeJEJEJEJEJEnnggghhANMAGAWD. It then stopped for a few seconds then it started from the beginning. Makoto thinks it was some monster or Youma crying for its bride or something."
Akane looked confused for a few seconds, then her face cleared up to turn in a blush. "Sorry Yuka. I'll try to be a little quieter tonight." She mumbled more to herslelf. Yuka caught it anyways.
"That was you?!" She screamed bolting upright. Akane tried to quiet her down, but most of the girls had heard their previous conversation and made the connection immediately. Again all the girls crowded around her. Whispering now.
"That was her?" "Must be a martial arts thing?" "Yeah boosted endurance and stuff." "Not to mention that he has looks to boot." "The whole night?" "How creative can he get?" At that all the girls fell silent and looked over to the pigtailed now male Martial Artist.
Around Ranma all the boys immediately quieted when they noticed the girls staring at them. Suddenly the oestrogen ruled half of class erupted in giggles and continued to twaddle. Ranma hung his head low, he just new he was in deep.