As always, respective copyrights still belong to their prospective owners.
I try to address Adyen's valid concerns at the end of this chapter.
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The twins looked at their dad with wide-eyed amazement. How could such things even be possible? It was one thing to know Ranma Saotome. They could even except being related to him by marriage and the soul switch for lack of a better term. The fact that he was Miss. Johnson was a bit of a bombshell, but they knew how that was possible. If he had told them out right that he was on close terms with the Queen and her inner court before hand they would have called him a liar. Yet the proof was right there in front of them. The Queen was listening to him intently, so they decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe that he knew powerful aliens and had been on another planet.
Jack was absolutely stunned. His dad had actually been to another planet. "But Dad, I thought interstellar space flight was still just a pipe dream. Heck we're still having problems with interplanetary travel. It still takes three months to reach Mars."
Mamoru's eyes gleamed, "So very true Jack. For our limited science base it is still just a pipe dream. That does not mean we can't use their technology until we catch up. Your Aunt makes at least one trip a year. I try to go at least once every two."
Jill comes to a realization. They only see their aunt once a year. "Dad, is that where Aunty Uchan is right now?"
Mamoru pulls out a PDA and taps at the screen several times. "Actually she made a special trip just for this meeting. She's running a little late. She just checked in at the main gate and is on her way here right now."
Before the twins could comment further the doors opened and their favorite aunt was announced. Both twins scrambled toward her and dog piled her with hugs and kisses. The greeting went own for several minutes as Ukyou was bombarded with lots of questions.
Serenity looked at Mamoru with a hurt look while watching the twin's response to Ukyou's sudden presence. "I'm feeling a little left out. They did not greet me like that this morning." Mamoru had heard her and turned around to smirk at her. Serenity was not stupid and knew all about Mamour's mischievous nature. "No, No, that's quite all right. No need to make me feel like I belong." Mamoru ignored her and called out. "Hey kids!" He waited for their attention and got it. "Your Auntie Serenity is feeling left out." Before the palace guards could respond the Queen was bombard with hugs and kisses of her own. Mamoru dropped onto the floor rolling with laughter. Ukyou soon joined him in the laughter but maintained her dignity by remaining on her feet. Once the guards had accepted that the Queen was not in any real danger they backed off and enjoyed the show listening to her halfhearted protest.
Just as soon as the hug assault started, it ended when Mamoru called off his attacking children. He observed that Serenity looked no worse for the ware. Mamoru let her compose herself as he changed the subject. "Kids, allow me to formally introduce you to the co-ambassador to Jurai, Your very own Aunt Uchan.
Jack stumbled over part of the introduction. "Co-ambassador? Who is the other ambassador then?"
Mamoru had always liked his children's sharp minds and constant curiosity. "Why me of course." He watched his children's chins hit the floor at this announcement. "Due to the distance between planets we felt that it best we had some sort of co-ambassador ship to Jurai."
Jill was always a sucker for a romance story bluntly changed the subject. "So has Tenchi married anyone yet?"
Ukyou grinned at the question. "Why yes he has in fact. In order to juggle all the political alliances he has been put in the position of taking more than two wives. It's not unprecedented. He of course is married to Tsunami/Sasami solidifying his position among the royals of Jurai. He later married Ryoko, once the chase was over, she calmed down quit a bit and the two of them spent plenty of time together as friends. They announced their plans to wed to the pleasure of Washu. Mamoru did explain that Tsunami is a demi-god right?" She watched the twins nod their heads yes. "Well it turns out that Washu is her sister. Tenchi has made large inroads with the Galaxy Police and had to make a political marriage there also." Jack interrupted her, "Let me guess, he married Mihoshi." Ukyou smiled at him, "Wrong, it was Kiyone of all people. Mihoshi had already moved on." Jill took her turn to interrupt, "Gee, how many wives does he have?" Ukyou looked at her inquisitive niece. "That's it for now. I'm just grateful that our Queen has shown no interest in Crystal Tokyo having such a relationship."
Queen Serenity took that opportunity to clear her throat. "Ukyou, I've been seriously considering it. In a hierarchy such arrangements can cause very strong ties. How would you like to become a Duchess?" Ukyou stammered at the question and offer put before her. She was not interested in the least, but at the same time she could not turn down her Queen's request. What was she going to do?"
Queen Serenity saw the deer caught in headlights look on Ukyou's face. "Don't worry old friend. I was only teasing." She paused for several seconds. Mamoru, I believe you were about to tell your children how you met us."
Mamoru was glad for the topic change. He felt bad for the ringer Ukyou just went through. "That I was, I was back at the Tendo Dojo and thin................
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The trip to the dojo was horrendously odd. He had not tried to contact the Tendo's or Dr. Tofu since he left the hospital so many months ago. The risk of Ranma being moved and hidden was to great at the time. Now the rules had changed. He would know where Ranma was at all times. Any listening devices at the dojo would be disabled during his visit. Thanks to Little Wahsu's manipulation. Before he knew it, he was at the front gate. Looking over at Washu who is standing next to him. "Well, here goes nothing." He then knocks on the door.
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For the first time in a long time the Tendo Dojo stood silent. It had been quite for months. Ever since the kidnapping of Ranma; the sisters who always brightened up the neighborhood became lack luster. They were fairly much left alone. Even the Kunos did not bother them anymore.
In the dining room the Tendo home the three oldest residents where in conference. They were at a loss as to what to do about the two youngest Tendo daughters.
Kasumi was addressing her father who had given up crying after the kidnapping. There were more important things happening around him at the time. Both his daughters where hurting and there was nothing he could do about it.
His oldest daughter was frustrated. Ever since Ranma's kidnapping and the complete disappearance of Mamoru her two younger sisters had been moping about. He gave her his full attention at the end of her rant. "I don't know what to do about them father." He understood his oldest daughters frustration. He had been sunk into a depression for a very long time after his wife's death. "Just when everything calms down, now our daughters are hurt and there is nothing we can do. We should never have trusted Cologne. Mamoru has not contacted Dr. Tofu since he has left the hospital..." He sighs in his own frustration, "What can we do?"
Nodoka is just as frustrated. After all, it is her son who had been kidnapped; however, she still trusted Mamoru's judgment. "Dr. Tofu said to sit and wait and that's what I plan to do. You should have more faith in him. Where you expecting him to train up in just a few months?" She was worried; however, he should have been back by now.
Before either could respond to her comment there is a knock at the door. Soun was irritated by the intrusion. They had not had a visitor to call on them in months. Why now? "Who could that be at this hour? Everyone is home and Genma, the baka, left for China months ago."
Kasumi looks at her father oddly. "Well, there is only one way to find out."
The entire group went to greet the guest that was now persistently knocking at the door like a cop. Fear gripped their hearts as that possibility crossed their minds. Their question was answered as they open the door. A very tall gagin stood there with a grin on his face. They were surprised when he bowed in respect. He then walked up to and gave Kasumi a hug and kiss on the cheek. He then repeated this act with Nodoka. Everyone was in to much shock to respond.
Soun was the first to regain some composer, and he was rather hot under the collar. "Just who the hell are you and what are doing in my home? Uninvited I might add, and your behavior toward the women of the house is most dishonorable.
The visitor/invader looked at Soun with a lop sided grin. "And here I thought I was always welcomed old friend." In hindsight he thought to himself. 'That was not exactly the best way to go about things.
The clues matched and Kasumi was the next to regain her composer. "Mamoru?" It was both a statement and question.
Soun looks the stranger in the eye trying to discern anything that would suggest a lie.
Mamoru notices the glare from Soun and turns his attention to Kasumi. "Right as always Kasumi! I hate to be rude but my time is extremely limited. How is everyone holding up?"
Soun sighed at the question accepting that it was indeed Mamoru. "Not so well ... Akane is only functioning and Nabiki is not much better herself."
Mamoru looks down at the floor and sighs himself. It was not as he was hoping. "I'm sorry to hear that, I..."
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Nabiki had been listening to the elders of her family chat like this every night for the last few weeks with her listening devices. She supposed she should perk up and move on. It was obvious that Mamoru had already skipped out on them realizing there was no way he could ever fulfill his promise to them. It was quite a disappointment in her opinion. She was just as startled as them as she heard a knock at the door. She had not bothered to replace the camera that had been destroyed at the front entrance. 'What was the point she thought, probably just some sells person trying to make a honorable living.' It was to her great surprise when she heard her father yelling at this guest for doing something to Kasumi and Aunt Nodoka. She grew concerned, hand hovering over the phone, just in case to call the police. She paid very close attention and hit the record button on her tape recorder. What was said next shocked her. Kasumi had identified this guest as Mamoru. Hope, Anger, Depression, Desperation, Fear, and Happiness all filled her mind at the same time. Anger won out and she rushed out of her room. Rushing down the stairs hope and fear enter her mine once again. 'Will he still feel anything for me? Will he be able to save Ranma for Akane?' Once she reached the bottom of the steps she glared at him. She knew he was tall and had claimed to be overweight when Ranma's body had been hosting him. She was not prepared for what she saw before her; however, she could not complain. Now he was very lean and muscular. The light tan he had suggested that he was sensitive to the sun and would easily burn. His hazel eyes suggested that he had seen and done a lot in his now twenty-three or so years of life. Suddenly the dam broke and she lost all her composer while rushing up towards him.
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Before he could finish they heard someone rushing down the stairs. The person in question stops at the bottom and glairs at him. Before he can greet her she rushes at him and starts to pound on his chest yelling at him. "How dare you? How dare you come back into our lives after Ranma's kidnapping? A little over a year to the day you last contacted us. Not so much as one word after that."
Mamoru reached around her and brings her into a tight embrace. "Biki, it had to be done, we were not sure what kind of surveillance Cologne might have had on the place. After some long drawn out surveillance it was determined this place was being visibly watched. A phone repairperson discovered several bugs and left them in place. With the help of a friend they are being jammed right now, but we don't have long before we cause suspicion. I need them to believe they still have the upper hand. The lady outside is the head of my security team."
Nabiki relaxes into his embrace and quiets down. She reflects on what she is told. While it was not easy to except his decisions, she would have done the same thing. All that really mattered to her was that he was here and apparently ready to move forward. "What now?"
Mamoru is surprised by her sudden mood change. 'Then again, this is Biki.' "I need to contact some of Ranma's friends and make a few arrangements. Then we can go and do as we please with a few Chinese Amazons."
Nabiki liked the confidence he had in his voice. The predator look that had been absent these last few months had come back. "What do you need me to do?"
Mamoru smiled at her and somehow rested his chin on top of her head. "Akane and you need to stay on constant stand by and be ready to move out on a moments notice."
Nabiki blinks at the instructions. Of course she had wanted to go, but she thought she would have to invite herself along. This was to good to be true. "Standby? I can understand Akane... but why me?"
Mamoru smiles at the question. "All will be revealed in its due time." He takes in a deep breath and savors the smell of her hair. 'Strawberries.' He then bends down to give her a quick kiss on the lips, hoping he was not being to forward. Nabiki had other ideas; however, and wrapped her arms around his nick. Both found them selves locked in a deep passionate kiss much to the enjoyment of everyone in the room. His mind had gone into sensory overload as an electrical shock went through him. Soon enough the kiss ended and Mamoru stepped back ever so reluctantly and pulled out a small box and hit a button on it. "Thank you for your help in finding a proper dojo Mr. Tendo, your help has proven most valuable." Mamoru puts a finger on his lips and then places that finger on Nabiki's lips and winks at her. Then he walks silently out the door.
That kiss was something else he thought. Perhaps someday he thought he would have a future with that young women.
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Upon his departure it was all Nabiki could do to keep from shouting with joy. Her old domineer was back. Were the kiss came from she had no idea. Without thinking she had simply just done it. Did it really matter? He had been receptive of the kiss and had even returned it. She turned to go back up stairs to reflect further on what she had learned that night when she spotted Akane with quivering lips at the top of the stairs. She rushed up and quickly embraced her, and let her cry on her shoulder. "I know it's hard sis, but he is back and a plan is being set in motion." Silently she thinks to herself, 'Mom, I've finally found someone, please help us let Akane have the same thing.'
Akane had heard the exchange down the stairs and went to go investigate herself. She had heard the person claiming to be Mamoru admit to a plan and to be ready to move out at any time. She had lost all sense of time as she tried to process and digest this simple information. Could it be true? Watching them kiss she realized it was. Nabiki would never let herself go like that with just anyone. Tears had formed in her eyes as she realized she finally had hope. Soon enough she found herself engulfed in a hug and she freely cried into the embrace not caring who it was.
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A little different from what I usually type. I have been wanting to avoid diving into the feelings and thoughts of others, as I slowly grow more comfortable with just the process of writing itself. I hope this attempt is good enough. I don't really want to lose Mamoru's prospective for this story. How many people have really shared their deep personal thoughts with him? Jerry wanted me to add Nabiki's prospective, and I felt it a good idea. It went much further than I had originally anticipated. I also felt it appropriate to start doing this now as I lean heavily on the thoughts of another character later in the story. Sorry if this transition in style is confusing. I know it is to me. As always all constructive criticism is welcome.
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Adyen - Ya, things are in a bit of a rush, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to add to beef up the Tenchi arc without making things even more complicated. There is only so much fluff I can add on training and I feel that such fluff would detract from the main story line. What was originally supposed to be around 20k turned into this monster your reading today. I added that arc for two reasons. Who could I get to help with Mamoru's training? What could I do with Ukyou when I finally found a way to keep her in the story? It has also allowed me to add some characters in the Senshi arc. I wrote myself into a nasty little corner in that arc. That should be coming up in the next two chapter so I decided to embellish just a little bit with a character that has always interested me in her lack of use after Nephrite died.
As to Ranma being brain-dead or brainwashed in a year's time frame. Great insight. I would have expected such brainwashing to happen within two weeks, if that much, myself. That's hardly enough time to mount a real rescue while still recovering. I've allowed myself plenty of breathing room as a novice writer. The original story line had the training at six months with him training himself off Ranma's memories. Ya right... like that is realistic. I do have an ending mapped out, and I feel it's solid enough, and no, its not time travel. I think the approach is rather original. I'm sorry I can't reveal more in fear of giving away too much, plus the cat is crying out for food. If you want more detail, (spoilers) please feel free to e-mail me.
Final Fan - Thanks for your personal preference. :) That's what I thought too, and I still do. I can't help but remember reading some sort of synopsis from an interview from ?Hitoshi Okuda?, or was it the director of the OVA that stated Ryoko was not one of the final two girls. There was still an unnamed girl floating around out there. It was years ago and I've let it influence my writing. Sorry I don't have the reference material. I hope the list of Tenchi's wives is satisfactory.
As to my needing a proofreader. I know, I know, boy do I know. I recognize that I have major problems. Thanks about thinking about offering (did that come out right), but I understand school comes first. I've had to make rather harsh decisions in the past. I remember a classmate who could not balance her social life and school. The results were nasty. I hope you get the grades you are after. I've still got to sign up for English II for the summer. God only knows how I scored a 2 on the Regents exam.
I try to address Adyen's valid concerns at the end of this chapter.
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The twins looked at their dad with wide-eyed amazement. How could such things even be possible? It was one thing to know Ranma Saotome. They could even except being related to him by marriage and the soul switch for lack of a better term. The fact that he was Miss. Johnson was a bit of a bombshell, but they knew how that was possible. If he had told them out right that he was on close terms with the Queen and her inner court before hand they would have called him a liar. Yet the proof was right there in front of them. The Queen was listening to him intently, so they decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and believe that he knew powerful aliens and had been on another planet.
Jack was absolutely stunned. His dad had actually been to another planet. "But Dad, I thought interstellar space flight was still just a pipe dream. Heck we're still having problems with interplanetary travel. It still takes three months to reach Mars."
Mamoru's eyes gleamed, "So very true Jack. For our limited science base it is still just a pipe dream. That does not mean we can't use their technology until we catch up. Your Aunt makes at least one trip a year. I try to go at least once every two."
Jill comes to a realization. They only see their aunt once a year. "Dad, is that where Aunty Uchan is right now?"
Mamoru pulls out a PDA and taps at the screen several times. "Actually she made a special trip just for this meeting. She's running a little late. She just checked in at the main gate and is on her way here right now."
Before the twins could comment further the doors opened and their favorite aunt was announced. Both twins scrambled toward her and dog piled her with hugs and kisses. The greeting went own for several minutes as Ukyou was bombarded with lots of questions.
Serenity looked at Mamoru with a hurt look while watching the twin's response to Ukyou's sudden presence. "I'm feeling a little left out. They did not greet me like that this morning." Mamoru had heard her and turned around to smirk at her. Serenity was not stupid and knew all about Mamour's mischievous nature. "No, No, that's quite all right. No need to make me feel like I belong." Mamoru ignored her and called out. "Hey kids!" He waited for their attention and got it. "Your Auntie Serenity is feeling left out." Before the palace guards could respond the Queen was bombard with hugs and kisses of her own. Mamoru dropped onto the floor rolling with laughter. Ukyou soon joined him in the laughter but maintained her dignity by remaining on her feet. Once the guards had accepted that the Queen was not in any real danger they backed off and enjoyed the show listening to her halfhearted protest.
Just as soon as the hug assault started, it ended when Mamoru called off his attacking children. He observed that Serenity looked no worse for the ware. Mamoru let her compose herself as he changed the subject. "Kids, allow me to formally introduce you to the co-ambassador to Jurai, Your very own Aunt Uchan.
Jack stumbled over part of the introduction. "Co-ambassador? Who is the other ambassador then?"
Mamoru had always liked his children's sharp minds and constant curiosity. "Why me of course." He watched his children's chins hit the floor at this announcement. "Due to the distance between planets we felt that it best we had some sort of co-ambassador ship to Jurai."
Jill was always a sucker for a romance story bluntly changed the subject. "So has Tenchi married anyone yet?"
Ukyou grinned at the question. "Why yes he has in fact. In order to juggle all the political alliances he has been put in the position of taking more than two wives. It's not unprecedented. He of course is married to Tsunami/Sasami solidifying his position among the royals of Jurai. He later married Ryoko, once the chase was over, she calmed down quit a bit and the two of them spent plenty of time together as friends. They announced their plans to wed to the pleasure of Washu. Mamoru did explain that Tsunami is a demi-god right?" She watched the twins nod their heads yes. "Well it turns out that Washu is her sister. Tenchi has made large inroads with the Galaxy Police and had to make a political marriage there also." Jack interrupted her, "Let me guess, he married Mihoshi." Ukyou smiled at him, "Wrong, it was Kiyone of all people. Mihoshi had already moved on." Jill took her turn to interrupt, "Gee, how many wives does he have?" Ukyou looked at her inquisitive niece. "That's it for now. I'm just grateful that our Queen has shown no interest in Crystal Tokyo having such a relationship."
Queen Serenity took that opportunity to clear her throat. "Ukyou, I've been seriously considering it. In a hierarchy such arrangements can cause very strong ties. How would you like to become a Duchess?" Ukyou stammered at the question and offer put before her. She was not interested in the least, but at the same time she could not turn down her Queen's request. What was she going to do?"
Queen Serenity saw the deer caught in headlights look on Ukyou's face. "Don't worry old friend. I was only teasing." She paused for several seconds. Mamoru, I believe you were about to tell your children how you met us."
Mamoru was glad for the topic change. He felt bad for the ringer Ukyou just went through. "That I was, I was back at the Tendo Dojo and thin................
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The trip to the dojo was horrendously odd. He had not tried to contact the Tendo's or Dr. Tofu since he left the hospital so many months ago. The risk of Ranma being moved and hidden was to great at the time. Now the rules had changed. He would know where Ranma was at all times. Any listening devices at the dojo would be disabled during his visit. Thanks to Little Wahsu's manipulation. Before he knew it, he was at the front gate. Looking over at Washu who is standing next to him. "Well, here goes nothing." He then knocks on the door.
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For the first time in a long time the Tendo Dojo stood silent. It had been quite for months. Ever since the kidnapping of Ranma; the sisters who always brightened up the neighborhood became lack luster. They were fairly much left alone. Even the Kunos did not bother them anymore.
In the dining room the Tendo home the three oldest residents where in conference. They were at a loss as to what to do about the two youngest Tendo daughters.
Kasumi was addressing her father who had given up crying after the kidnapping. There were more important things happening around him at the time. Both his daughters where hurting and there was nothing he could do about it.
His oldest daughter was frustrated. Ever since Ranma's kidnapping and the complete disappearance of Mamoru her two younger sisters had been moping about. He gave her his full attention at the end of her rant. "I don't know what to do about them father." He understood his oldest daughters frustration. He had been sunk into a depression for a very long time after his wife's death. "Just when everything calms down, now our daughters are hurt and there is nothing we can do. We should never have trusted Cologne. Mamoru has not contacted Dr. Tofu since he has left the hospital..." He sighs in his own frustration, "What can we do?"
Nodoka is just as frustrated. After all, it is her son who had been kidnapped; however, she still trusted Mamoru's judgment. "Dr. Tofu said to sit and wait and that's what I plan to do. You should have more faith in him. Where you expecting him to train up in just a few months?" She was worried; however, he should have been back by now.
Before either could respond to her comment there is a knock at the door. Soun was irritated by the intrusion. They had not had a visitor to call on them in months. Why now? "Who could that be at this hour? Everyone is home and Genma, the baka, left for China months ago."
Kasumi looks at her father oddly. "Well, there is only one way to find out."
The entire group went to greet the guest that was now persistently knocking at the door like a cop. Fear gripped their hearts as that possibility crossed their minds. Their question was answered as they open the door. A very tall gagin stood there with a grin on his face. They were surprised when he bowed in respect. He then walked up to and gave Kasumi a hug and kiss on the cheek. He then repeated this act with Nodoka. Everyone was in to much shock to respond.
Soun was the first to regain some composer, and he was rather hot under the collar. "Just who the hell are you and what are doing in my home? Uninvited I might add, and your behavior toward the women of the house is most dishonorable.
The visitor/invader looked at Soun with a lop sided grin. "And here I thought I was always welcomed old friend." In hindsight he thought to himself. 'That was not exactly the best way to go about things.
The clues matched and Kasumi was the next to regain her composer. "Mamoru?" It was both a statement and question.
Soun looks the stranger in the eye trying to discern anything that would suggest a lie.
Mamoru notices the glare from Soun and turns his attention to Kasumi. "Right as always Kasumi! I hate to be rude but my time is extremely limited. How is everyone holding up?"
Soun sighed at the question accepting that it was indeed Mamoru. "Not so well ... Akane is only functioning and Nabiki is not much better herself."
Mamoru looks down at the floor and sighs himself. It was not as he was hoping. "I'm sorry to hear that, I..."
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Nabiki had been listening to the elders of her family chat like this every night for the last few weeks with her listening devices. She supposed she should perk up and move on. It was obvious that Mamoru had already skipped out on them realizing there was no way he could ever fulfill his promise to them. It was quite a disappointment in her opinion. She was just as startled as them as she heard a knock at the door. She had not bothered to replace the camera that had been destroyed at the front entrance. 'What was the point she thought, probably just some sells person trying to make a honorable living.' It was to her great surprise when she heard her father yelling at this guest for doing something to Kasumi and Aunt Nodoka. She grew concerned, hand hovering over the phone, just in case to call the police. She paid very close attention and hit the record button on her tape recorder. What was said next shocked her. Kasumi had identified this guest as Mamoru. Hope, Anger, Depression, Desperation, Fear, and Happiness all filled her mind at the same time. Anger won out and she rushed out of her room. Rushing down the stairs hope and fear enter her mine once again. 'Will he still feel anything for me? Will he be able to save Ranma for Akane?' Once she reached the bottom of the steps she glared at him. She knew he was tall and had claimed to be overweight when Ranma's body had been hosting him. She was not prepared for what she saw before her; however, she could not complain. Now he was very lean and muscular. The light tan he had suggested that he was sensitive to the sun and would easily burn. His hazel eyes suggested that he had seen and done a lot in his now twenty-three or so years of life. Suddenly the dam broke and she lost all her composer while rushing up towards him.
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Before he could finish they heard someone rushing down the stairs. The person in question stops at the bottom and glairs at him. Before he can greet her she rushes at him and starts to pound on his chest yelling at him. "How dare you? How dare you come back into our lives after Ranma's kidnapping? A little over a year to the day you last contacted us. Not so much as one word after that."
Mamoru reached around her and brings her into a tight embrace. "Biki, it had to be done, we were not sure what kind of surveillance Cologne might have had on the place. After some long drawn out surveillance it was determined this place was being visibly watched. A phone repairperson discovered several bugs and left them in place. With the help of a friend they are being jammed right now, but we don't have long before we cause suspicion. I need them to believe they still have the upper hand. The lady outside is the head of my security team."
Nabiki relaxes into his embrace and quiets down. She reflects on what she is told. While it was not easy to except his decisions, she would have done the same thing. All that really mattered to her was that he was here and apparently ready to move forward. "What now?"
Mamoru is surprised by her sudden mood change. 'Then again, this is Biki.' "I need to contact some of Ranma's friends and make a few arrangements. Then we can go and do as we please with a few Chinese Amazons."
Nabiki liked the confidence he had in his voice. The predator look that had been absent these last few months had come back. "What do you need me to do?"
Mamoru smiled at her and somehow rested his chin on top of her head. "Akane and you need to stay on constant stand by and be ready to move out on a moments notice."
Nabiki blinks at the instructions. Of course she had wanted to go, but she thought she would have to invite herself along. This was to good to be true. "Standby? I can understand Akane... but why me?"
Mamoru smiles at the question. "All will be revealed in its due time." He takes in a deep breath and savors the smell of her hair. 'Strawberries.' He then bends down to give her a quick kiss on the lips, hoping he was not being to forward. Nabiki had other ideas; however, and wrapped her arms around his nick. Both found them selves locked in a deep passionate kiss much to the enjoyment of everyone in the room. His mind had gone into sensory overload as an electrical shock went through him. Soon enough the kiss ended and Mamoru stepped back ever so reluctantly and pulled out a small box and hit a button on it. "Thank you for your help in finding a proper dojo Mr. Tendo, your help has proven most valuable." Mamoru puts a finger on his lips and then places that finger on Nabiki's lips and winks at her. Then he walks silently out the door.
That kiss was something else he thought. Perhaps someday he thought he would have a future with that young women.
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Upon his departure it was all Nabiki could do to keep from shouting with joy. Her old domineer was back. Were the kiss came from she had no idea. Without thinking she had simply just done it. Did it really matter? He had been receptive of the kiss and had even returned it. She turned to go back up stairs to reflect further on what she had learned that night when she spotted Akane with quivering lips at the top of the stairs. She rushed up and quickly embraced her, and let her cry on her shoulder. "I know it's hard sis, but he is back and a plan is being set in motion." Silently she thinks to herself, 'Mom, I've finally found someone, please help us let Akane have the same thing.'
Akane had heard the exchange down the stairs and went to go investigate herself. She had heard the person claiming to be Mamoru admit to a plan and to be ready to move out at any time. She had lost all sense of time as she tried to process and digest this simple information. Could it be true? Watching them kiss she realized it was. Nabiki would never let herself go like that with just anyone. Tears had formed in her eyes as she realized she finally had hope. Soon enough she found herself engulfed in a hug and she freely cried into the embrace not caring who it was.
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A little different from what I usually type. I have been wanting to avoid diving into the feelings and thoughts of others, as I slowly grow more comfortable with just the process of writing itself. I hope this attempt is good enough. I don't really want to lose Mamoru's prospective for this story. How many people have really shared their deep personal thoughts with him? Jerry wanted me to add Nabiki's prospective, and I felt it a good idea. It went much further than I had originally anticipated. I also felt it appropriate to start doing this now as I lean heavily on the thoughts of another character later in the story. Sorry if this transition in style is confusing. I know it is to me. As always all constructive criticism is welcome.
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Adyen - Ya, things are in a bit of a rush, but I'm at a bit of a loss as to what to add to beef up the Tenchi arc without making things even more complicated. There is only so much fluff I can add on training and I feel that such fluff would detract from the main story line. What was originally supposed to be around 20k turned into this monster your reading today. I added that arc for two reasons. Who could I get to help with Mamoru's training? What could I do with Ukyou when I finally found a way to keep her in the story? It has also allowed me to add some characters in the Senshi arc. I wrote myself into a nasty little corner in that arc. That should be coming up in the next two chapter so I decided to embellish just a little bit with a character that has always interested me in her lack of use after Nephrite died.
As to Ranma being brain-dead or brainwashed in a year's time frame. Great insight. I would have expected such brainwashing to happen within two weeks, if that much, myself. That's hardly enough time to mount a real rescue while still recovering. I've allowed myself plenty of breathing room as a novice writer. The original story line had the training at six months with him training himself off Ranma's memories. Ya right... like that is realistic. I do have an ending mapped out, and I feel it's solid enough, and no, its not time travel. I think the approach is rather original. I'm sorry I can't reveal more in fear of giving away too much, plus the cat is crying out for food. If you want more detail, (spoilers) please feel free to e-mail me.
Final Fan - Thanks for your personal preference. :) That's what I thought too, and I still do. I can't help but remember reading some sort of synopsis from an interview from ?Hitoshi Okuda?, or was it the director of the OVA that stated Ryoko was not one of the final two girls. There was still an unnamed girl floating around out there. It was years ago and I've let it influence my writing. Sorry I don't have the reference material. I hope the list of Tenchi's wives is satisfactory.
As to my needing a proofreader. I know, I know, boy do I know. I recognize that I have major problems. Thanks about thinking about offering (did that come out right), but I understand school comes first. I've had to make rather harsh decisions in the past. I remember a classmate who could not balance her social life and school. The results were nasty. I hope you get the grades you are after. I've still got to sign up for English II for the summer. God only knows how I scored a 2 on the Regents exam.