Ranma ½

Chapter 7

Sacrifices of the Self

Disclaimer: I don't own this series or any other series. I am just floating an idea. I am making no money, nor plan to, off this venture. If you think of suing me over this, then grow up.

Quick note: 1. This is a thought of a character.

2. This is the thought of past Nabiki, known as the mercenary girl.

I would like to first personally thank all of those reviewing my stories. I enjoy reading your comments, and try to correct the grammatical errors I miss with my final read-through as well as my spell checkers. The suggestions you all make will help make this story better for everyone to enjoy, as well as allow my to fix some plot holes I may unintentionally leave. I would also like to personally thank dogbertcarroll for pointing out a stupid mistake I made in chapter 2, which has been corrected.

I find that if I let things sit for a while in my head; I can play them out farther. Plus by trying and keeping my chapters between 2500 and 3000 words, it helps keep me from making the story slide out of control, turning a diamond to a pile of shit.

I also plan to start sending these out to have someone else proofread them before I post them. Volunteers are welcome. I have found a website #ranma1) where the moves have been listed. If I spell them incorrectly, then I apologize, as this is my guide.

Also, it may be a while before my next update. I just lost my father yesterday, and need to deal with that first. Thank you for your patience.

Now, on with the show.

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Nabiki woke to herself, smiling. Last night had gone pretty good. Ranma acted as happy as a kid in a candy store. Man, was he surprised that I could get all those chestnuts out of the fire. Good thing he didn't repeat Akane's mistake and build the fire too far from the pond.

Shouldn't he have been cussing his head off? Your memories show him as a little 'rough'.

I guess he was trying to maintain his composure in front of us. He even listened to my pointers.

But you still need to come up with an excuse for when Shampoo arrives. You know she'll recognize those moves. How do you plan to explain how you know secret Amazon techniques?

I guess we can go with the simplest one. I'll just say it was a scroll left over by some guy named Happosai. We would give it back, but it was misplaced some years ago. I only remember them because I wrote them down. With Cologne's history with him, I know she'll buy it in an instant.

And if she doesn't?

Hell, I've seen what that Amazon can do, I watched her a few times do an all-out practice with Shampoo. As long as she doesn't try to slip us some truth serum, we should be fine. Besides, we still have about a week and a half before Shampoo tracks down 'girl-type airen' here. Let's make the most of it.

Not like I have a choice, but know if they are about to kill us, I will kill you first.

Nabiki then opened her eyes and tried to sit up.

But then it hit her.

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After hearing the second splash, Soun Tendo turned out to look at his back yard. He saw Ranma, now in her girl form, standing back from the pond, while a giant panda surfaced. At least they are doing it outside. If I had let them practice in the dojo like they wanted, I'd probably have about twenty holes to fix.

"So pops, you still think I'm a little slow? Or do I need to bruise your black & white ass again?"

He looked over to the panda, which was holding a sign again. 'Careful boy, confidence can also cause your defeat.'

"Come on pops, every time I beat your shaggy ass, all you do is complain about how I still need training. Sometimes I feel it would've been better if I let those Amazons have you." She turned to head back inside to get ready for breakfast, until her father grabbed her and flipped her into the pond.

'Didn't see that coming now did you?' The panda put the sign down and headed inside.

Ranma, once again soaked, sat in the pond. Mental note, if get chance to go back in time, leave stupid panda with Shampoo. If trade needed, take rock. Price about same.

"Ranma," Kasumi called. "Breakfast is about ready, could you go get Nabiki for me. I'd appreciate it." She walked over to the girl, now out of the pond, and poured a cup of hot water on her.

"No problem," the now male Ranma replied. "Just make sure the stupid panda doesn't eat my breakfast."

"Sure thing." Kasumi returned inside, seeing the panda now holding a sign, proclaiming that he would never do such a thing. But she just continued to smile and walk into the kitchen. I'll have to remember to put Mr. Saotome on a diet. His panda side looks a little unhealthy.

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Nabiki slowly raised her head from her trashcan, after 'graciously' donating her dinner and midnight snack to it. Her mind was no longer clouded by an intense feeling of dizziness, but her stomach still felt like it was willing to try and see if another 'donation' was around, so she didn't move far from the trashcan.

Why the hell did you do that, it could've killed us. Are you out of your fucking mind?

Hey! I felt that too you know. I didn't trigger that.

If you didn't, and I didn't, then what the hell happened?

It was then that she heard a dripping sound. It wasn't steady, and not constant, but the sound it was making in the pail was enough to get her to look down.

BLOOD!

Nabiki quickly put her hand to her face, but pulled it back when she felt the source of the dripping blood; her own nose. Oh no! It started.

What started!? What the hell is going on?!

Our countdown. We'll live for a while longer, but we don't nearly have as much time as we thought to merge.

What the hell are you talking about? Make some god-damned sense!

Neither of us caused that. But our body did it. I thought the damn mirror meant we only had to come to an understanding, an agreement. But look at this blood. Our body is rejecting us. We have to merge, and before the day is out.

You mean if we don't merge...

Then we don't wake up tomorrow.

Neither Nabiki spoke while the elder one tried to clean up the mess, stop the blood, and get dressed. Her nose finally stopped bleeding after a few minutes, and thankfully it had happened before she had run out of tissues. She then tied up her trash bag, and quickly chucked it out the window to the open trashcan below.

But even she could feel the fear from her younger self. It was so strong; she had to stop dressing several times to calm her down. It will be OK.

OK. OK! You just said we had less than a damn day to merge; which means we cease to exist. Do you know how fucking scared I am right now!

Only half as much as me.

What do you mean?

I came all this way to find him, to save him, to save all of them. But after today, it will and it won't be me. And if it goes wrong, I end up being a murderer, because my love caused me to put your life in danger. When you die, it will be with a clear conscious. When I go, I will be taking an innocent life.

This is just great, just when I meet a cute guy who likes me with no ulterior motives, I have to die.

So you think he's cute.

Now is not the time for this.

It's the perfect time for this. Tomorrow we die.

Fine then. I think he's cute, OK. He has a nice body, and seems to really enjoy being with use. He doesn't see us as the Ice Queen, and he actually cares about what we think. Are you happy now? I LIKE HIM!

It was then that Ranma opened the door, forgetting to knock. "Hey Nabiki, breakfast is..." Oh SHIT!

Nabiki turned around, forgetting her conversation, and seeing Ranma's face go completely red from blushing. Still so innocent. Guess not all of Akane's stories were lies. "Ranma, thanks for the info, but do you think you could leave so I can finish getting dressed. Unless you want an eyeful of your fiancée?"

Ranma quickly shut the door, and proceeded to pass out. Nabiki...topless...very nice...going to die soon...die happy.

"I wonder why Nabiki is laughing so hard?" asked Kasumi, hearing her sister bust out laughing louder than she did yesterday in the bathroom.

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Nabiki and Ranma were walking together to school. As usual from her perspective, he was walking along the fence, trying to not stare at her, while she went along the ground, catching his occasional glances and smiling. This just added to the poor boy's embarrassment, almost causing him to nearly fall into the canal several times. Eventually, Nabiki knew she had to clear the air, but was cut off by Ranma.

"Are you OK, you look a little pale?"

Nabiki forgot how observant he was, as well as how she must look from this morning's dizzy spell. She knew that if she told him she was slightly sick; he would either walk her back home, or watch her like a hawk all day. If she was going to attempt this mental fusion of her two selves, she would need to be alone. "I guess my snack last night didn't sit to well. I woke up this morning with an upset stomach, but I'm fine now Ranma, so don't worry."

"Does this have anything to do with that sickness your family is afraid of?"

Damn, he really doesn't miss a beat.

Tell me you have a cover story for that one.

I do, so relax. The last thing we need right now is to be stressed out. "It isn't a sickness Ranma; it was; I hope a one time event. It may happen again, but I won't let it control how I plan to live my life, and I will be stronger for it. Please don't ask me anymore about it. It is one of those little secrets we talked about yesterday before your bath. I really trust you Ranma, but I'm afraid I'm not comfortable enough to even trust this secret to Kami. I hope you understand. When I'm ready, I'll tell you all about it."

"Does that mean you'll be OK?" Ranma had hopped off the fence and was standing beside her.

I guess he's afraid of losing his new friend.

That and the fact that other than himself, you are the first girl he has probably seen topless.

We'll have to tease him about that later.

"I won't lie Ranma. I'm bound to have another incident sooner or later, but I will survive. After all, I have a gorgeous fiancée to return for. Besides, I know you like me, or do you pass out for every topless girl you see."

After hearing that, Ranma froze in place, while Nabiki giggled a little. Of course, what always happens to Ranma happens again, the old lady splashes him with water, turning him to a she.

"Damn, it's gonna be one of those days," she says, feeling that the water magnet the curse seems to instill in him/her was once again active.

But before she could get depressed and try to turn around, she felt hot water being poured over her head. He turned to see Nabiki with a small thermos.

"Thought you might need this today. I got a spare." She handed him the empty one. "Fill that up when we get to school; never know when you might need it."

They continued walking, each one enjoying the company of the other.

That is till they entered the yard of Furinken High.

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"I, Tatewaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furinken High, once again remind you my fellow classmates that no one may ask for the fair hand of the lovely Akane Tendo to date unless they defeat her in honorable combat. Today my brave warriors, you must put your past defeats aside, and strive for the manliness that has allowed me to woe her young heart."

Ranma and Nabiki had arrived in time for Kuno's morning pep talk. Ranma himself found it hard to keep his breakfast down after hearing the idiot speak. Nabiki would have had the same problem; except for she had more 'dire' problems to deal with.

"Remember Ranma; only knock his block off, not the other losers. Akane needs to release some stress once and a while, and she seems to enjoy these morning workouts." Nabiki had told him about Kuno and his proclamation last night while they were practicing. Ranma, in his usual selfless desire to help, had offered to kick all of their asses. But Nabiki asked him to only concentrate on Kuno, the strongest fighter.

"I know, I know. The Blue Blunder is my only target. At least I can see how Akane fights, but from what you said, she wouldn't listen to anything I say anyway."

"You just have to be gentle. Sister dear is really rough, but you can understand why she wasn't too keen on the whole fiancée issue, as well as why she called you the pervert when she walked in on you. Just be gentle with her, and try to teach her. And don't give me that 'I don't hit girls' stuff. Martial artists do not fall onto gender issues. Think of her as any other student, and she'll be OK. If not and she starts to get angry, tell her that I am still keeping score on the photos she owes me."

"Photos?" Ranma had wondered why Akane was worried about Nabiki teaching him. Whatever photos had to do with it, he knew he had better ask Akane after her fight.

"I'll explain after school." With that, she gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, and ran off towards class.

This was supposed to be the first bet her crew were doing on their own, and she needed to make certain they did it right. When her talk was finished, she had found out that she had taught them well, and that the odds were set the exact way she would do it. Then they heard the beginning of the morning brawl.

"I HATE BOYS! I HATE BOYS! I HATE BOYS!!!"

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Ranma watched with fascination as Akane began taking on the Pervert Horde as she called them. One by one, each of the athlete and other club members went down. In the short time span of about three minutes, Akane had 'dissuaded' about three dozen would-be suitors. But the fight had taken its toll, as she had used up a large portion of her energy; as well as her anger thankfully, on the Pervert Horde.

"Not bad. I see Nabiki's teachings have really helped you out. If you like, I could show you some things I know, and I promise not to use the methods pops did. No charge, just try and be patient with me. In no time, you'll be downing these wannabes in under half a minute flat, and feel like it was no effort at all."

Akane smiled a little. Between Nabiki and him, I'll be the best again.

It was then that Ranma caught a red rose that had been sailing towards her. Shit, not the Shooting Mouth again. Akane knew it was going to be one of those days.

"Look Akane, someone gave me a rose." Ranma knew where it had come from, but decided he was going to taunt Kuno first. "I must say whoever you are; I'm flattered, but taken." He then proceeded to launch the rose back.

"Foul creature, for what reason do you profane the presence of my beloved Akane Tendo?"

Ranma didn't even try to answer; Nabiki had told him that Kuno wouldn't give him the chance. So he listened as word for word, Kuno repeated the statement that Nabiki had told him. Ranma had to stifle a laugh. This guy is so full of it, it's a wonder the flies aren't always on him.

As Kuno finished his 'grand' introduction, Ranma decided to follow Nabiki's advice and try what she asked him to say. "I am Ranma Saotome, of the Saotome School of Anything Goes Martial Arts. I have been sent by the Tendo family to stop these honorless duels and deal out punishment to those involved. And I can see no one more deserving than this wannabe samurai in front of me." As an afterthought, "Besides, do you really think one lousy rose will buy me off?"

Half the school face faulted at that last statement, even Nabiki had to admit it was a nice way to get Kuno angry. Ranma had just accused him of trying to pick up Ranma himself.

"Foul, accursed mongrel. You dare insult the Great Tatewaki Kuno, declared by the gods themselves to be the best warrior on this earth. For this grievance, you will pay dearly."

"I guess the girls were right, you really are too stupid to take no for an answer. Sorry man, I just don't swing that way. And if I did, I could do way better than your delusional ass." Ranma knew he was making the guy furious, and decided to keep pressing him. "Besides, there isn't a girl around saying how manly you are, from what I hear, the only place you have been declared a great warrior is in that empty coconut you call a skull."

He then turned around. "Akane, you like this idiot at all?"

Akane, finally catching on, despite being mad at Ranma for stealing her chance to kick Kuno's ass, she decided she could play along as well. Humiliating Kuno in any form was a fun time she enjoyed. "Nope, the asshole actually believes I will date whoever I defeat. I guess he was too stupid to understand when I said no the first time last year, I MEANT IT FOR EVERY SINGLE SECOND AFTERWARDS UNTIL THIS PLANET IS DUST!!!!!!"

Ranma turned around to see Kuno clenching his teeth. "This fowl usurper has tricked the beautiful Akane Tendo into believing that she does not love me, I, Tatewaki Kuno. For this transgression, you will pay dearly!"

Kuno ran towards Ranma, who stood still until the disillusioned kendoist trust his wooden sword out. Ranma simply kicked the sword free and into the air, followed by several dozen punches to Kuno's body, sending him back into a tree and knocking him out.

Ranma caught the wooden sword as it came back down, and decided to finish the rest of his lines Nabiki had given him. "I have defeated you, you who are without honor. By my words, let these morning fights end, let all who dare continue fear my wrath and that of the Tendo family. I shall keep your 'little' sword as a keepsake, as I do with all dishonored warriors I defeat. Enjoy your nap, Kuno."

Ranma and Akane headed inside, a delirious Nabiki watching from the window. I am so glad I had the girls videotape that.

We should easily sell the copies for at least 2000 yen a piece. Tomorrow if we survive, we should get a better script.

As if on queue, rain began to fall.

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It was lunchtime in the school. Ranma had hoped to spend more time getting to know Nabiki, as he really enjoyed being with her last night, aside from the martial arts training. But she had informed him that she needed to finish up a meeting, and she would meet him on the roof after school, to tell him about her 'sickness'. He was disappointed, but said it was OK.

But the roof was where she went. She picked a spot where the shade would stay for the rest of the day, not needing to add severe sunburn to her already precocious list of problems. When she found a suitable spot, she proceeded to sit in the lotus position, and calm her mind.

But she said aloud, hoping that the gods of fate would grant her request. "Ranma, when I wake up, I hope to be able to tell you everything."

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It was a serene world that both Nabikis found themselves in, not really a solid meadow, but more like a sea of light. The younger Nabiki looked at her older self; noticing that she looked much better than she had in her later memories, probably do to her desire and happiness to finally be near Ranma. Not bad, I hope our body still looks like that ten years from now.

So what do we do now?

We hold onto one another, and try to become one. We must each fight for survival, or otherwise what we consider our core could be lost.

Do you know what you are doing?

Cologne told me some stories of how some Amazons were so distraught after a battle that their minds fractured. This was a meditation ritual she told me about, that was supposed to make them whole again.

However, we are not parts of a mind, we are two distinct minds. There is no guarantee that this will work. But the principles are the same. It's our best shot.

OK, I'll do what you ask, but if we die, I am so kicking your ass for all of eternity.

I do wish we could have said goodbye.

I know little sister. But we must do what we can, when we can. If we fail, maybe things will be for the better. After all, the mirror still exists here, and Ranma would always come back to save us. For now, we must simply trust the fates.

I'm scared.

So am I, so am I.

The two Nabikis moved towards each other, taking each other into a hug. For a while nothing happened, the two girls who were each Nabiki continued the hug, each one closing their eyes as tightly as possible.

The light around them began to become brighter. Finally, after what seemed an eternity to them, both girls broke apart into millions of glittery pieces, each one a memory, and a representation of a Nabiki. The pieces swirled around, orbiting an unknown center of where the two girls had been.

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In the real world, Nabiki had shot straight up, her back bending over as far as it could go, her mouth opened in a silent scream, before falling to her side, her legs finally moving out from under her. Her eyes were now closed, a slight foam appearing at the corners of her mouth, and a small flow of blood coming out of her nose, dripping onto the school rooftop.

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If I messed anything up, then let me know including typos.

Any suggestions on how I should continue the story or improve it would also be accepted.

Also, if you have any suggestions for how this should go, let me know. My own imagination, while vast, always enjoys a new thought. Also, catch me if you don't think I am making the characters true to form, or a way to make them better.