Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma, I only rent him.
Chapter five. Things change
Nabiki couldn't believe how much things had changed in the last couple weeks. Yoshi and Nakama had been welcomed into the house as a part of the Saotomes family. She could tell that Nakama wasn't too happy about the reasons for him being here. She knew that he felt like he was dishonoring his family's memory, but he couldn't fight Yoshi's logic about this also being their family.
It still didn't mean he had to like it.
Nakama had taken to training with Ranma in the mornings while Genma watched and gave pointers. At first Ranma was actually getting angry about Nakama's power, but soon recovered when he realised that Nakama couldn't adapt as fast as him. Ranma still lost a few of their training spars, but he accepted it much better lately.
Yoshi had taken to helping Kasumi around the house whenever possible. It was obvious that there was something between the two, but Yoshi seemed to be holding back for some reason. Nabiki was still very much entertained by how Yoshi treated Ranma like a little brother, fawning all over him.
Nabiki had at first been very worried about the families finances, but had gone to her room one day to find her books out and Nakama looking them over. She started to talk to him, when he just got up and tossed a wad of money at her. He left with out a word, but had reappeared in her room every few days doing the same thing. Everytime, he left her more than enough to get threw the next weeks expenses.
He was trying to help her take care of the family. She had even seen him give Ranma money a couple times. She knew that where ever he was getting the money, it had something to do with where ever he went to at night. She had stayed up one night and heard him return silently. She had snuck out of her room to find Yoshi bandageing several wounds and bruises all over his body. Nabiki had berated herself for being attracted to what Nakama looked like shirtless, but Nakama had made it clear that he didn't want any type of relasionship with anyone.
This had been found out by Nodoka attempting to set up Nakama and Ukyo together. It hadn't gone well. Ukyo had been mad, but Nakama had stayed silent. He had left that night leaving a note saying that he wouldn't be used like that. Yoshi had taken Ranma and together they had somehow convinced him to return.
Nakama had even agreed to go on one date with Ukyo, it had ended very badly. Ukyo couldn't take her mind off Ranma, and Nakama could be Ranma's twin if he wasn't wearing his reading glasses.
This brought Nabiki to her goal for tonight. She was determined to discover the secret to his money, no matter the cost. She couldn't allow him to remain if he turned out to be dangerous.
Nabiki turned down the street that she had followed Nakama down. He had vanished. Nabiki smirked. He was good, but she was prepared. She had made arrangements to have several dozen spotters out tonight to aid her in her quest. One quick cell phone call later and she was off again. It seemed that Nakama was leaveing Nerima and heading deeper into Tokyo.
OOOOO
It was now thirty minutes later and Nabiki was not happy. Nakama had gone into a known building that belonged to the underworld. It was said to house an underground fighting arena. She was about to leave when she was aproached by a couple of large men.
"Mr Tanaka would like the pleasure of your company Miss."
Nabiki looked past the goons and saw a sofisticated looking old man. He didn't look the type to take advantage of young women, but you couldn't really tell. A fool would have tried to run, but Nabiki was no fool. She knew that her only chance to get away lie with patience and waiting for the right moment.
Perhaps she could find Nakama in there.
Nabiki strolled up to Mr Tanaka as confident as she could. He barely moved his arm for her to take it. She did and they entered the building.
It turned out that her guess had been right and she was treated to watching brutes tear each other apart. Her stone cold face was slowly fading as she saw the second person that night get killed in the arena. She still hadn't seen Nakama yet.
Suddenly the load speakers came on again.
"Well folks, I think that we've had enough of the preliminaries. Tonight we have with us Thunder God, The Blade, Fuji Sama, and a special treat. Tonight we are once again treated to the cold, calculating, fury of THE ICE KING!"
Nabiki looked around at this announcement. Everyone had erupted in cheers. It seems that this Ice King was a crowd favorite. She felt Mr Tanaka pless some money into her hands.
"Please place a bet for the Ice King my dear."
Nabiki started tomove off when she realised that one of the goons was turning to follow her.
"Ladies and Gentleman. I have just been informed of a change in the scedule. It seems that there will be no more One on One watches tonight. Instead, the Ice King has agreed to a three on one match. PLACE YOUR BETS!"
Nabiki turned to Mr Tanaka, but he only nodded for her to continue. Nabiki found the bet taker and place the bet with what she realised was a MILLION YEN!
Nabiki actually trembled slightly as she took the betting slip and returned to Mr Tanaka. As she tried to had him his slip, he spoke.
"You hang on to it my dear, I want to see what kind of luck you'll bring us tonight."
Nabiki turnedturned to the arena and watched as three powerful looking men enter the arena. One look told Nabiki that these were not common thugs, they were highly skill warriors. She hoped and prayed that Nakama was only here because he could size up fighter well and only made bets here.
Her prays were crushed when the speakers announced the arrival of the Ice King. It was Nakama. Even from the high class booth that she was watching from she could make out the look on his face. His soul must have been frozen to produce such an emotionless look.
OOOOO
Nakama looked at his opponents. Yoshi wouldn't be too happy with the wounds that he'd be wearing home tonight. Yoshi was already claiming that the others were starting to notice them. Ranma had out right ask him and Nakama knew that Nabiki had noticed them. He realised that she didn't know that he had spotted her that one night she had stayed up.
He knew it was a matter of time before they discovered his activities. He hoped that with the payment and his bet on this fight, he would have enough money to retire tonight. He prayed that he had lost Nabiki when she tried to follow him tonight.
Nakama finished sizing up his opponents and moved to the center of the arena. He watched as they surrounded him. With out a word it began. Fuji Sama started off with a chi blast that covered half the arena.
The crowd gasped as Nakama caught it and started pushing back. Suddenly Thunder God and The Blade drew weapons and charged at Nakama's sides.
Nakama vanished from sight. Fuji Sama suddenly floated in the air vilently, as if he was being held up by several repeating punches. He fell to the ground again and didn't move again during the rest of the fight.
The Blade suddenly vanished as well and only the Thunder God was left. The Thunder God began raising his aura and bolts of lightning started erupting from his aura and dancing around the arena.
Nabiki watched in horror as Nakama fell out of his UmiSenken when he was struck by said lightning. The Blade suddenly appeared again at Nakama's side and started fighting him with his sword. He got in several decent strikes while they both tried to dance around the lightning.
Nakama was bleeding and was pushed against his limits. He was running out of time. He had to do something drastic. He turned his back to The Blade, giving the perfect oppertunity to strike. The Blade failed a fatal strike solely because he expected a trick of some sort and it threw off his aim slightly.
Nakama was suddenly in the Thunder God's face and stuck with one all out blow before he could react. This had the effect of striking Nakama point blank with all of the lightning.
Nakama fell to his knees as The Blade walked over. Nakama slowly got to his feet. He would face his defeat like a man. He stood ready for his opponent to use the finishing strike.
"NOOOO!"
The Blade paused for a moment when Nabiki screamed. Nakama recognized the scream imedeately and realised that she was here. And if she was here then she was in danger, a LOT of danger.
Nakama didn't really know where that last bit of strength came from, but when The Blade struck he met air as Nakama started moving faster than before.
This time without the lightning to dodge Nakama soon gained the upper hand. When Nakama broke The Blade's sword his oppnent paused just long enough for Nakama to throw the winning blow.
The crowd erupted.
OOOOO
Mr Tanaka looked at the young woman at his side as the winner was announced. He took the ticket stub from her and gave it to one of his men. He smiled slightly and got up. He motioned for her to join him and they left the booth.
Nabiki was not officially worried. She didn't know what to do now. She didn't know what had possesed her to scream like she had. She really needed to get to Nakama.
It was because he could get her out of here. It had nothing to do with her being worried over his injuries. No, of course not.
Nabiki found herself being moved to where there were various rooms and offices. She found herself lead to a room surrounded by people.
Mr Tanaka turned to one of the people at the side and spoke to him.
"Tell him, She is here."
Nabiki watched as the man entered the room, to the annoyance of the obvious fans. After a moment he came back out and motioned for them to approach.
Nabiki followed Mr Tanaka into the room and saw Nakama standing there shirtless and tending to his own wounds. He looked up at her and his words shocked her, as did his next actions.
"I see you made it anyway dear."
Nabiki found herself swept into Nakama's arms as well as his lips on hers. She had never felt a kiss so full of passion. Heck, she had barely been a teenager the last time she was ever kissed. He moved to nibble on her ear a little. She couldn't help moaning as she felt him manipulate her body in very desirable ways. She almost missed what he whisper in her ear.
"Play along, it's the only way out."
Nabiki barely had the sense to nod lightly.
"I see that the lady is a friend of yours then."
"This is my fiancee. I didn't want her watching me fight, but she can be very persistent. I thank you for taking care of her Mr Tanaka."
"I find her quite intriguing myself. How much?"
Nabiki's heart went cold at those words. She felt the panic start to rise. Nakama was too injured to do anything.
"No."
Nabiki didn't know what shocked her more. The fact that Nakama was actually trying to resist him, or the coldness that started to come off his aura. She looked around and realised that the room was actually starting to freeze over.
They were interupted by an old man entering with a suitcase.
"King, I have your money. I wish we could convince you not to quit, but a deal is a deal. Hello Tanaka, what brings you here?"
"I was only playing chaperone it seems. Another time King. Good bye Goda."
Nakama turned to Mr Goda and bowed in respect.
"It was an honor, but this woman is the reason for my early retirement. We are to be married later this year. I believe that she'd like her husband in one piece."
"Well anyways, it was quite a ride. You're welcome back anytime."
With that Nakama took the case and offered his arm to Nabiki. They left the building, ignoring everyone in the process.
OOOOO
They were most of the way home when Nakama sat on the ground. He was having trouble breathing. They hadn't talked since they left. They had kept their arms linked at first for appearences, and then for support.
"You're hurt. We should get you to Dr Tofu's clinic."
"I ain't going to that quack."
"Quack? Most everyone respects him. What's your problem with him?"
"Maybe the fact he's ripping Yoshi's heart in two. The jerk loves Kasumi and Yoshi knows that. Yoshi won't make a move on Kasumi because he doesn't wanna dishonor the guy. Haven't you been wondering why my older brother was holding back around Kasumi? He's hoping that he can at least be her friend.
"If that damn doctor doesn't make a move one way or the other soon, I'm gonna hurt him myself."
Nabiki stered into Nakama's eyes as he sat there. Her next words were a statement, not a question.
"Yoshi loves her."
Nakama slouched a little.
"The world is cruel. By the way, here. This is yours. I already got what I need out of it."
Nabiki stared as she saw Nakama push the suitcase towards her.
"That should be enough to get your family out of the red and such. It should even pay for a couple colleges I'd say."
Nabiki was at a loss for words. She had sacrificed her good name and her happiness to keep her family afloat. Now, the end of all of her years of work was just being handed to her.
"Why?"
"I guess I just remember your mother. You're a lot like her you should know. You've become a wonderful woman that she'd be proud of. I never realised how much I missed having a mother until she took us into the dojo..."
Nabiki started crying at Nakama's words. Suddenly she saw him fall over and saw the blood along his back. She paniced and ran to a phone.
OOOOO
Nabiki was pacing in the waiting room when everyone arrived. Nodoka was the first to run up to her.
"Nabiki, what happened?"
"He was in a fight. Damn stupid asshole wouldn't show how wurt he actually was. I'm still waiting on the doctors..."
The door opened and the doctor arrived and greeted them.
"Hello everyone. Shall I assume that you are the Tendos and the Saotomes?"
"Yes doctor. What about my son? Is he alright?"
"That's just it. He slowly healing just fine. One night here and it actually looks like he'll be fine to leave in the morning. We had a little scare when we thought he had entered a coma, but a collegue of ours said that it was actually a healing trance of some kind. Dr Tofu assures us that He'll be fine in the morning."
Nabiki caught the sad look in Yoshi's eyes when Tofu's name was said. It seemed that Nakama was right, and Nabiki felt like a blind fool.
Kasumi moved over to Nabiki.
"Little sister, do you want to go home and rest? It looks like you could use some sleep."
Nabiki nodded her head and left with her sisters and their father. Nabiki was trying to put the memories of both Nakama kissing her to rescue her, and Nakama slowly bleeding to death after he had given her a small fortune so that she could support her family until she finished college.
She had never had someone come rescue her when she had needed it before. Someone who risked everything, including their own life just for her...
"I remember your mother... woman she'd be proud of..."
Tears slowly started to fall from Nabiki's eyes for the first time in years.
OOOOO
Author's notes:
Here you go everyone. Things are starting off. Honestly, I must admit that this was as far as I had planned for this to go. I'd love any ideas about where to take it from here.
Do I hook up N and N?
Who should Kasumi end up with, Yoshi or Tofu?
What future lies ahead for our crew?