A Dragon Called Ranma II Chapter II A Tale of Confusion?
"This is incredible!" Akane said, "He's really gone back in time?"
"Well it's either that, or he's gotten lost at a renaissance fair." Cologne shrugged.
"Hey!" Ranma protested, "Seeing as how that's a hundred times more likely, cant we explore that possibility before we throw me back in time too?"
Cologne scratched her chin. "No."
Ranma shook his head, "I don't think this is such a great idea, I mean how am I gonna get back?"
"Ah, an informed question."Cologne nodded. "Are you ready to go?"
"Wait, you didn't answer my informed question!" Ranma protested.
"Here, take a juice box with you." Akane said, handing him a box.
"Uh . . . thanks." Ranma said nervously. "But seriously, how do I get back? Do I signal you when I've found Ryoga? Say some magic word? Will you be watching on the crystal ball? Couldn't we tie a rope around my waist or something?"
"Son-in-law, the portal would disintigrate the rope."
"How do we know it wont disintigrate me?" Ranma demanded.
"Hmm . . . I never thought of that." Cologne admitted. "Maybe I should test this on Mousse . . . no, no time. Good luck son-in-law, I hope for your safe arrival and your speedy return."
"But how do I retur–" Ranma wailed as he got sucked into the crystal ball.
The war room was a poorly lit chamber where two of Ranmorgan's generals tried to explain to Ryoga where they had troops, where they didn't, how strong those troops were in theory and where the enemy would likely strike from.
"I just don't understand," Ryoga said, "if you and Sounthur are allies why are you planning for war? Is the merger going that badly?"
"Sounthur and I are still allies," Ranmorgan said, "and I wouldn't be this nervous if it was him planning to attack me. The man is like a father to me, but let's face it, he couldn't fight his way out of a sack. Problem is he ain't in control of his kingdom no more."
"What?" Ryoga scratched his head.
"He got ousted." Ranmorgan shrugged. "We're not exactly sure how, details are sketchy, all we know is what our spies have reported back. You see when you disappeared Nabiatrix tried to put off her impending marriage. Arkane thought it was just that she was hoping you'd return."
"I don't think we were that close." Ryoga shook his head.
"Yeah, well Sonthur made the mistake of politely but firmly asking her to choose a husband, any man she wanted. She asked him to allow her to interview the sons of the richest and most influential regents in the land. It was the sort of thing everyone expected her to say, so he agreed. My Red Knight, Sir Kaneosuke also took a shot at it."
"I see . . ." Ryoga nodded, though he really didn't understand. "After nearly a year of interviews and no firm decisions one way or the other on any of the suitors Sounthur demanded that Nabiatrix choose a husband and arranged a night for her to announce it to the kingdom. And there, before her father, the holy knights of the kingdom, and the ten most eligible bachelors, each of them the son of a powerful, influential land owner, she declared that Rubadub was to enter a "new era of prosperity". She declared the kingdom her own, and to emphasize the point Kaneosuke's army barged into the room and took everyone hostage."
"Uh-huh . . . didnt you say details were sketchy?" Ryoga cocked an eyebrow at the prince.
"Shut up, I'm not done."
"Aww man . . ."
"Y'see she'd cleverly set herself up with the sons of the most powerful regents and merchants, so as long as she holds those boys hostage she controls their fathers and their assets. So aside from the initial coup, there apparently hasn't been any bloodshed in the kingdom."
"What happened to Sounthur?" Ryoga asked.
"He and his knights are being kept under lock and guard in the Tower of Bubblybub, which we've been told has been renamed to Nabitopia."
"It's a slight improvement." Ryoga pointed out.
Ranmorgan shrugged. "As far as we know Sounthur and the regent's boys are all being well taken care of. However one kingdom isnt enough for her, she's been placing the Crimson Legion on the borders ready to move in on our lands. We've been sending our ambassadors, but it's the strangest thing, you see the last five have had unfortunate fatal accidents. One was killed by bandits on his way to the capital, one choked to death on his dinner, and the other three tripped and fell on their swords."
"Why did you keep sending them?" Ryoga gave Ranmorgan a look to question his sanity.
"We were hoping that eventually one of them would manage to get an audience with her." Ranmorgan said. "I tried to go personally, but she sent one of her assistants to turn me back at the border, told me that 'in light of the recent accidents' my presence might not be such a grand idea. It was a threat."
"Sounds like a warning." Ryoga said.
"You say tomato, I say tomato."
"Tomahto. You say tomahto." Ryoga corrected.
"Why would I say tomahto? That's not even a word." Ranmorgan snorted.
Ryoga shrugged. "So you think she's going to attack?"
"Think? Sir Ryoga, the only thing she hasn't done is set a date." Ranmorgan shook his head. "At least as far as our spies can tell. She's moving entire brigades into various strategically important locations, drilling conscripts into real soldiers, and there have been a few incidents where our border towns have been pillaged."
"Right . . . a brigade . . . is that a lot of men?" Ryoga licked his drying lips.
"Five battalions. A battalion is one hundred men. In light of that . . . any ideas?"
Ryoga shrugged. It was obvious. "She's relying on those hostages, if we could just free the king and the regents' sons, Nabiatrix would lose the support of their fathers wouldn't she?"
Ranmorgan grinned. "That's exactly what we've been planning. And now that you're here we can go through with it."
"Uh . . ." Ryoga shuddered. "Why me?"
"I cant go, it'd be a declaration of war! I need to stay here. On the other hand you're not officially a part of the Dirt military . . . yet. So I issue you some elites, you go in disguised as raiders or mercenaries or something."
"Again . . . why me?"
"You're the dragon slayer, if word gets out that you're opposing the Empress it might rise the people up in rebellion."
"So you want me to make a show of this?" Ryoga asked. "Are you insane?"
Suddenly the room lit up, the generals dove under the table hissing at the light, Ranmorgan shielded his eyes, Ryoga jumped back and assumed a battle position. What was this? Some freaky dark ages Light Elemental or something?
Worse.
Ranma was thrown from the portal and he barreled right into Ranmorgan, the two rolled and then Ranmorgan came up, saber drawn, Ryoga rushed over and grabbed the young prince's sword hand.
Ranma stood up and dusted himself off. He pointed to Ryoga and shouted, "Ryoga! I've come t'yer rescue! Not sure how I'm supposed to get ya back but I've come so ya owe me, man!"
"On second thought . . ." Ryoga grumbled, letting Ranmorgan's sword hand free.
However the prince didn't cut his lookalike in half as he had originally planned. Instead he took a good long look at him. "What sorcery is this?" He asked.
"Who the heck are you?" Ranma grunted.
"I am Prince Ranmorgan of Dirt! Declare yourself, impostor!"
"I'm Ranma Saotome, of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts."
Ranmorgan shook his head. "The resemblance is amazing." He turned to Ryoga, "Do you know this man?"
"Of course he does! I came here to rescue him!" Ranma cried. "C'mon Ryoga, smash that wall and lets get outta here!" Ranmorgan's knights came up from behind Ranma and grabbed him, holding him firmly between them Ranmorgan approached him, saber still in hand.
"Is he . . . a friend of yours?" Ranmorgan asked.
"Define 'friend'." Ryoga scratched his chin.
"Ryoga!" Ranma protested.
"Oh all right, yes he is." Ryoga admitted.
"You knew a man of such likeness unto myself existed, yet you never told me?" Ranmorgan looked surprised.
"Well when I tried to tell him about you they sent me to The Crazy Home for Boys for three months."
"How'd you get outta there anyway?" Ranma asked.
"Got lost on a field trip." Ryoga shrugged.
Ranmorgan shook his head in amazement. "He even has my voice. And he appeared as if by magic . . . he must have been sent to help us."
"Uh . . . yeah, I'm guessing it's something like that." Ryoga said.
"Release him." Ranmorgan commanded. "Have him fitted for armor and give him a sword."
"Armor? A sword?" Ranma looked at Ryoga. "Ryoga? What just happened?"
"We've been drafted." Ryoga explained.
Ranma shook his head and took out a box of juice, he examined it then gave it to Ryoga. "Here buddy . . . I'm gonna need something stronger."
Nabiatrix tapped her fingers on the marble armrests of her father's throne. It was uncomfortable and cold, she didn't like it. But it was hers now. The entire kingdom was hers.
The cost? A mere one hundred and eight lives. One hundred and eight citizens of her kingdom killed either in the initial coup, or the one pathetic half-hearted riot that followed. One hundred and eight of her people dead were because of this.
More would follow.
"We have a brigade hidden in Scrubbitybub as you requested, and we've moved a battalion into the Bubbly Forest, my spies inform me that Ranmorgan and his generals expect us to launch an attack from Bubbly on the granaries in Mud." Kaneosuke said.
"Then let us not prove him wrong." Nabiatrix said in a commanding tone. "Move two battalions into the forest."
"My legions are stretched thin as it is . . . and your new army is nowhere near ready for battle."
"Send them from the brigade guarding the capital city."
"Madam, if we did that we'd be left almost defenseless!"
"What have we got to fear, Kaneosuke?" Nabiatrix sighed. "Give Kay-Dachi command and she'll give us the results we desire."
"Are you sure you can trust her with such a task? Blood is thicker than wine, and you are holding her brother hostage." Kaneosuke said.
"You needn't remind me, Kaneosuke, he complains more than any of the others." Nabiatrix sighed wearily. "But she hates her brother almost as much as I do, and she's smart enough to know better than to betray me."
"You're certain? She's reputed to be quite mad."
"I know Kay-Dachi." Nabiatrix said firmly. "If it concerns you, send an able commander along as well, if she so much as thinks of defecting I want her heart brought to me on a silver platter."
"And if her madness should put my men's lives in danger?"
"Her madness will save more of your men than it will doom." Nabiatrix assured him.
"Very good my queen." Kaneosuke bowed.
"I prefer the title 'empress'." Nabiatrix reminded him, and he nodded. She stood up, "Have there been any . . . unusual reports?"
"Unusual, empress?"
"You know the kind I mean." Nabiatrix said.
Kaneosuke shrugged. "My spy network in Dirt is not great, Ranmorgan knows almost everyone I've ever worked with, and it is only by secret message that I can receive any word from the kingdom at all."
"And within our own borders?" Nabiatrix pressed.
"Nothing." Kaneosuke said, Nabitrix' shoulders slumped and he quickly added, "News does travel slowly."
Nabiatrix shook her head and sank into her father's uncomfortable throne. "That will do. Leave me." She commanded.
"Empress . . . I was wondering–"
"Leave me, Kaneosuke!" She commanded.
He bowed and left. She was alone now, since the insurrection she found herself alone more often than not and when she was alone she questioned the wisdom of her actions. She glared up at the ceiling thought that she might not be alone now if someone had kept his word. "You swore to me that you'd return should a crisis arise. Can it be that the kingdom does not face a great enough peril? Must I unleash the hell of war? Do not think for a moment that I will not if it helps me acheive my ambition! Where are you Sir Ryoga?"
Of course there was no answer. She was simply talking to herself, which was, as a matter of fact, quite unhealthy. She closed her eyes and wondered how long she could last before she went as mad as Kay-Dachi.
To Be Continued . . .
"This is incredible!" Akane said, "He's really gone back in time?"
"Well it's either that, or he's gotten lost at a renaissance fair." Cologne shrugged.
"Hey!" Ranma protested, "Seeing as how that's a hundred times more likely, cant we explore that possibility before we throw me back in time too?"
Cologne scratched her chin. "No."
Ranma shook his head, "I don't think this is such a great idea, I mean how am I gonna get back?"
"Ah, an informed question."Cologne nodded. "Are you ready to go?"
"Wait, you didn't answer my informed question!" Ranma protested.
"Here, take a juice box with you." Akane said, handing him a box.
"Uh . . . thanks." Ranma said nervously. "But seriously, how do I get back? Do I signal you when I've found Ryoga? Say some magic word? Will you be watching on the crystal ball? Couldn't we tie a rope around my waist or something?"
"Son-in-law, the portal would disintigrate the rope."
"How do we know it wont disintigrate me?" Ranma demanded.
"Hmm . . . I never thought of that." Cologne admitted. "Maybe I should test this on Mousse . . . no, no time. Good luck son-in-law, I hope for your safe arrival and your speedy return."
"But how do I retur–" Ranma wailed as he got sucked into the crystal ball.
The war room was a poorly lit chamber where two of Ranmorgan's generals tried to explain to Ryoga where they had troops, where they didn't, how strong those troops were in theory and where the enemy would likely strike from.
"I just don't understand," Ryoga said, "if you and Sounthur are allies why are you planning for war? Is the merger going that badly?"
"Sounthur and I are still allies," Ranmorgan said, "and I wouldn't be this nervous if it was him planning to attack me. The man is like a father to me, but let's face it, he couldn't fight his way out of a sack. Problem is he ain't in control of his kingdom no more."
"What?" Ryoga scratched his head.
"He got ousted." Ranmorgan shrugged. "We're not exactly sure how, details are sketchy, all we know is what our spies have reported back. You see when you disappeared Nabiatrix tried to put off her impending marriage. Arkane thought it was just that she was hoping you'd return."
"I don't think we were that close." Ryoga shook his head.
"Yeah, well Sonthur made the mistake of politely but firmly asking her to choose a husband, any man she wanted. She asked him to allow her to interview the sons of the richest and most influential regents in the land. It was the sort of thing everyone expected her to say, so he agreed. My Red Knight, Sir Kaneosuke also took a shot at it."
"I see . . ." Ryoga nodded, though he really didn't understand. "After nearly a year of interviews and no firm decisions one way or the other on any of the suitors Sounthur demanded that Nabiatrix choose a husband and arranged a night for her to announce it to the kingdom. And there, before her father, the holy knights of the kingdom, and the ten most eligible bachelors, each of them the son of a powerful, influential land owner, she declared that Rubadub was to enter a "new era of prosperity". She declared the kingdom her own, and to emphasize the point Kaneosuke's army barged into the room and took everyone hostage."
"Uh-huh . . . didnt you say details were sketchy?" Ryoga cocked an eyebrow at the prince.
"Shut up, I'm not done."
"Aww man . . ."
"Y'see she'd cleverly set herself up with the sons of the most powerful regents and merchants, so as long as she holds those boys hostage she controls their fathers and their assets. So aside from the initial coup, there apparently hasn't been any bloodshed in the kingdom."
"What happened to Sounthur?" Ryoga asked.
"He and his knights are being kept under lock and guard in the Tower of Bubblybub, which we've been told has been renamed to Nabitopia."
"It's a slight improvement." Ryoga pointed out.
Ranmorgan shrugged. "As far as we know Sounthur and the regent's boys are all being well taken care of. However one kingdom isnt enough for her, she's been placing the Crimson Legion on the borders ready to move in on our lands. We've been sending our ambassadors, but it's the strangest thing, you see the last five have had unfortunate fatal accidents. One was killed by bandits on his way to the capital, one choked to death on his dinner, and the other three tripped and fell on their swords."
"Why did you keep sending them?" Ryoga gave Ranmorgan a look to question his sanity.
"We were hoping that eventually one of them would manage to get an audience with her." Ranmorgan said. "I tried to go personally, but she sent one of her assistants to turn me back at the border, told me that 'in light of the recent accidents' my presence might not be such a grand idea. It was a threat."
"Sounds like a warning." Ryoga said.
"You say tomato, I say tomato."
"Tomahto. You say tomahto." Ryoga corrected.
"Why would I say tomahto? That's not even a word." Ranmorgan snorted.
Ryoga shrugged. "So you think she's going to attack?"
"Think? Sir Ryoga, the only thing she hasn't done is set a date." Ranmorgan shook his head. "At least as far as our spies can tell. She's moving entire brigades into various strategically important locations, drilling conscripts into real soldiers, and there have been a few incidents where our border towns have been pillaged."
"Right . . . a brigade . . . is that a lot of men?" Ryoga licked his drying lips.
"Five battalions. A battalion is one hundred men. In light of that . . . any ideas?"
Ryoga shrugged. It was obvious. "She's relying on those hostages, if we could just free the king and the regents' sons, Nabiatrix would lose the support of their fathers wouldn't she?"
Ranmorgan grinned. "That's exactly what we've been planning. And now that you're here we can go through with it."
"Uh . . ." Ryoga shuddered. "Why me?"
"I cant go, it'd be a declaration of war! I need to stay here. On the other hand you're not officially a part of the Dirt military . . . yet. So I issue you some elites, you go in disguised as raiders or mercenaries or something."
"Again . . . why me?"
"You're the dragon slayer, if word gets out that you're opposing the Empress it might rise the people up in rebellion."
"So you want me to make a show of this?" Ryoga asked. "Are you insane?"
Suddenly the room lit up, the generals dove under the table hissing at the light, Ranmorgan shielded his eyes, Ryoga jumped back and assumed a battle position. What was this? Some freaky dark ages Light Elemental or something?
Worse.
Ranma was thrown from the portal and he barreled right into Ranmorgan, the two rolled and then Ranmorgan came up, saber drawn, Ryoga rushed over and grabbed the young prince's sword hand.
Ranma stood up and dusted himself off. He pointed to Ryoga and shouted, "Ryoga! I've come t'yer rescue! Not sure how I'm supposed to get ya back but I've come so ya owe me, man!"
"On second thought . . ." Ryoga grumbled, letting Ranmorgan's sword hand free.
However the prince didn't cut his lookalike in half as he had originally planned. Instead he took a good long look at him. "What sorcery is this?" He asked.
"Who the heck are you?" Ranma grunted.
"I am Prince Ranmorgan of Dirt! Declare yourself, impostor!"
"I'm Ranma Saotome, of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts."
Ranmorgan shook his head. "The resemblance is amazing." He turned to Ryoga, "Do you know this man?"
"Of course he does! I came here to rescue him!" Ranma cried. "C'mon Ryoga, smash that wall and lets get outta here!" Ranmorgan's knights came up from behind Ranma and grabbed him, holding him firmly between them Ranmorgan approached him, saber still in hand.
"Is he . . . a friend of yours?" Ranmorgan asked.
"Define 'friend'." Ryoga scratched his chin.
"Ryoga!" Ranma protested.
"Oh all right, yes he is." Ryoga admitted.
"You knew a man of such likeness unto myself existed, yet you never told me?" Ranmorgan looked surprised.
"Well when I tried to tell him about you they sent me to The Crazy Home for Boys for three months."
"How'd you get outta there anyway?" Ranma asked.
"Got lost on a field trip." Ryoga shrugged.
Ranmorgan shook his head in amazement. "He even has my voice. And he appeared as if by magic . . . he must have been sent to help us."
"Uh . . . yeah, I'm guessing it's something like that." Ryoga said.
"Release him." Ranmorgan commanded. "Have him fitted for armor and give him a sword."
"Armor? A sword?" Ranma looked at Ryoga. "Ryoga? What just happened?"
"We've been drafted." Ryoga explained.
Ranma shook his head and took out a box of juice, he examined it then gave it to Ryoga. "Here buddy . . . I'm gonna need something stronger."
Nabiatrix tapped her fingers on the marble armrests of her father's throne. It was uncomfortable and cold, she didn't like it. But it was hers now. The entire kingdom was hers.
The cost? A mere one hundred and eight lives. One hundred and eight citizens of her kingdom killed either in the initial coup, or the one pathetic half-hearted riot that followed. One hundred and eight of her people dead were because of this.
More would follow.
"We have a brigade hidden in Scrubbitybub as you requested, and we've moved a battalion into the Bubbly Forest, my spies inform me that Ranmorgan and his generals expect us to launch an attack from Bubbly on the granaries in Mud." Kaneosuke said.
"Then let us not prove him wrong." Nabiatrix said in a commanding tone. "Move two battalions into the forest."
"My legions are stretched thin as it is . . . and your new army is nowhere near ready for battle."
"Send them from the brigade guarding the capital city."
"Madam, if we did that we'd be left almost defenseless!"
"What have we got to fear, Kaneosuke?" Nabiatrix sighed. "Give Kay-Dachi command and she'll give us the results we desire."
"Are you sure you can trust her with such a task? Blood is thicker than wine, and you are holding her brother hostage." Kaneosuke said.
"You needn't remind me, Kaneosuke, he complains more than any of the others." Nabiatrix sighed wearily. "But she hates her brother almost as much as I do, and she's smart enough to know better than to betray me."
"You're certain? She's reputed to be quite mad."
"I know Kay-Dachi." Nabiatrix said firmly. "If it concerns you, send an able commander along as well, if she so much as thinks of defecting I want her heart brought to me on a silver platter."
"And if her madness should put my men's lives in danger?"
"Her madness will save more of your men than it will doom." Nabiatrix assured him.
"Very good my queen." Kaneosuke bowed.
"I prefer the title 'empress'." Nabiatrix reminded him, and he nodded. She stood up, "Have there been any . . . unusual reports?"
"Unusual, empress?"
"You know the kind I mean." Nabiatrix said.
Kaneosuke shrugged. "My spy network in Dirt is not great, Ranmorgan knows almost everyone I've ever worked with, and it is only by secret message that I can receive any word from the kingdom at all."
"And within our own borders?" Nabiatrix pressed.
"Nothing." Kaneosuke said, Nabitrix' shoulders slumped and he quickly added, "News does travel slowly."
Nabiatrix shook her head and sank into her father's uncomfortable throne. "That will do. Leave me." She commanded.
"Empress . . . I was wondering–"
"Leave me, Kaneosuke!" She commanded.
He bowed and left. She was alone now, since the insurrection she found herself alone more often than not and when she was alone she questioned the wisdom of her actions. She glared up at the ceiling thought that she might not be alone now if someone had kept his word. "You swore to me that you'd return should a crisis arise. Can it be that the kingdom does not face a great enough peril? Must I unleash the hell of war? Do not think for a moment that I will not if it helps me acheive my ambition! Where are you Sir Ryoga?"
Of course there was no answer. She was simply talking to herself, which was, as a matter of fact, quite unhealthy. She closed her eyes and wondered how long she could last before she went as mad as Kay-Dachi.
To Be Continued . . .
