OPEN: MULTIVERSE ULTRANET SERVER ACTIVE
TAKAHASHI SUBNODE: 4322117638-8764552-8732465-02
DOWNLOAD RELEVENT DATA
NO CROSSNODE DETECTED
INITIATING SCAN.........
DISPLAY:
Dragon's Destiny
____________________
It was lunchtime before Nabiki could catch up to her errant fiancé. She found him sitting under a tree, eating a bento Kasumi had prepared for him. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
"I hope you realize I can't cook." She said as she sat down nearby.
Ranma gave a knowing smile. "I don't know if that's enough incentive to call it off." He said referring to their engagement.
"It was worth a try. So are you going to tell me how you did all that to Kuno this morning?"
Ranma seemed to think for a second then put his chopsticks down. "It's part of the curse really. It really is difficult to explain. Part of what happened gave me a larger pool of ki to draw from. You know how everything has ki, you know the energy that binds and ties the universe together?"
"Yeah, I've seen Star Wars. So the Force is strong in you?"
Ranma blanched at the movie reference. "Well, when I was young, my father tried to train me in a supposedly unbeatable martial art called the Neko- ken."
"The cat fist? Sounds more like a Chinese art." Nabiki commented.
Ranma shrugged. "I won't go into the details, but the training actually worked. One of the side affects was a total fear of cats. However I wasn't able to use the technique except under special circumstances."
"You're scared of cats?" She'd have to talk to Kasumi, she was always feeding strays around the house.
"Not so much anymore. Anyway, after I was cursed, I trained with a group of people I met near Jusenkyou and learned to use the Neko-ken under conscious control. I've been told it's much weaker than what I used to be capable of before though." Ranma finished his bento and wrapped it back up.
"What do you mean conscious control?" Nabiki asked.
"Well before I learned how, I would black out whenever I used it. I had no memories of the fight afterwards. As a member of a martial arts family you know how important control is in the art. That was why I trained so hard."
Nabiki nodded to herself. Her respect for Ranma had increased since their initial meeting but she still felt uneasy around him.
After a few moments of silence Ranma spoke up, "I was wondering if you'd mind going out to dinner with me tonight. We had a nice talk about me last night but I want to know more about you before I decide to let you in on my big secret."
Nabiki goggled. "Are you asking me out on a date?" She hadn't been out on a date in years, at least not on a date that she hadn't manipulated the guy into taking her. Most of the male population was fearful of her reputation. She was known to leave many a date penniless, sometimes even owing her money afterwards. Unfortunately it was a well-deserved reputation.
Ranma smirked. "I guess I am. You'll have to pick the restaurant, I'm afraid I don't know where anything is."
"Sure. I know just the place." This would be a good opportunity to feel him out for his monetary worth as well as his willingness to spend money on others.
Ranma looked off over to the other side of the grounds before speaking, "I half expected you to be over in the crowd selling information on me or taking bets. At least from what I'd heard of your reputation from some of my classmates."
"What, can't a girl spend time with her fiancé? My lackeys are more than competent to take care of things for one lunch period. Besides, me talking to you will spur more rumors which people will come to me or my associates to buy the 'truth' from."
Ranma nodded as if he already knew that much. He looked Nabiki in the eyes and she felt an involuntary shudder pass through her.
"So where does all this money you make go to? I've been in your room, other than a CD player on your desk and an impressive manga collection, you don't have much in the way of material possessions." Ranma said.
"Who do you think pays the bills? Father doesn't work or teach martial arts anymore. He still thinks we're living off of Mom's insurance settlement from when she died. I haven't had the heart to tell him it ran out years ago."
"In that case, it wouldn't be proper for me and Pops to live at the dojo without helping out. I'll get my lazy father to find a job. I can help out as well. I have some resources. You've seen how much my father and I eat."
"If I were Kasumi I'd tell you that you are a guest and we couldn't possibly impose on you in such a way. Good thing I'm not Kasumi. I'll come up with some sort of rental agreement and we can haggle the amount all right?"
"Agreed," Ranma held out his hand and they shook on it, "I knew you were the right choice for a mate."
Nabiki blushed and wondered at his choice of words.
* * * * * * * * * *
Akane stomped home angrily. Things had started out bad and had degraded to worse as her day progressed. She was still aching from her morning training with Ranma and was actually thankful she didn't have to fight the morning hentai squad. She'd deny it if anyone had asked though. Of course she'd deny she liked the attention as well.
It was during first period that things started getting weird. Ranma had been introduced to the class and was seated right next to Akane. Something about him still bothered her but not in the same way other boys did. She was so intent on her thoughts about her sister's fiancé that she missed hearing the teacher call on her. She had almost been sent to the hall for that. Then the notes started. It was just one or two at first, various boys in her class asking her out on a date. It was bizarre. She didn't know how to handle it. No one had ever just asked her out before. After the tenth note the teacher finally noticed and sent Akane out of the class with buckets full of water.
It wasn't until the end of her first class that she got an explanation. Her friend Yuka filled her in on what had happened that morning between Ranma and Kuno. That made Akane mad. How dare Ranma interfere in her morning fights! And he told everyone to ask her out. Like she was a cheap whore or something! Before she had the chance to chew out her future brother-in-law, her second class began. She didn't get another break until lunch. Ranma simply jumped out the third story window with his bento forcing Akane to go downstairs and get her shoes. When she opened her shoe locker, hundreds of notes spilled out onto the floor as well as a few boxes of candy or other gifts.
As she was leaving the school building to find Ranma and give him a piece of her mind, the morning hentai squad mobbed Akane. Only instead of fighting, this time they were offering her flowers and boxes of candy. By the time she made her way through the mob, lunch was over and she not only did not find Ranma but she hadn't even had the time to eat her own lunch.
Akane was sent to the hall again during afternoon classes because her stomach kept growling. By the time school let out, the youngest Tendo daughter was in a foul mood. Ranma again disappeared as soon as the bell rang. Nabiki wasn't where she usually met Akane after school either. So Akane was walking home in a bad mood.
Finally making it home, Akane barely had the presence of mind to call out her arrival as she took off her shoes.
Kasumi called out from the kitchen, "Welcome home," and asked how her day was.
Akane muttered something noncommittal and asked if Ranma or Nabiki had come home yet.
"Oh yes. They stopped by a few minutes ago to tell me they were going out for dinner and not to worry about them. Isn't it nice that Nabiki has such a sweet fiancé?"
"I'll be in the dojo until dinner." Akane growled and stomped out of the house.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki had to admit she was having a good time. It seemed Ranma was a good listener and sat patiently listening to Nabiki's life story. They had gone to a moderately priced restaurant that specialized in American food. Ranma had surprised Nabiki by ordering two T-bone steaks, easily the most expensive item on the menu. Then he had told her to order anything she wanted. Deciding to see just how deep his pockets were Nabiki ordered a shrimp and steak dinner with a side salad.
Nabiki was finishing up her story over ice cream. She was describing how Akane had become so popular because of Kuno's proclamation that only the one who beats her in combat may date her. Ranma shook his head in disbelief.
Nabiki laughed, "It was forbidden fruit. All those boys were told they couldn't have her so all of a sudden they had an interest. Heck, boys who'd never even heard of Akane were suddenly out there every morning with sports gear."
"So how did you feel about it?" Ranma asked.
Nabiki shrugged. "Well, it proved that most of the boys at school don't think with anything above the waist. Other than that it was pretty profitable."
Ranma gave her an enigmatic smile. "Must have been hard to find a date then."
Nabiki felt her face heat up. "I... I never dated much. Most of the guys at school are total perverts like Akane claims...the rest are kind of scared of my reputation."
Ranma nodded as if he had already figured as much.
Nabiki decided a change of topic was in order, "So when are you going to tell me your big secret?"
Ranma's face became serious and he wiped ice cream off his mouth with his napkin. "I think I can trust you with my secret. You have to promise me you won't tell anyone else without my permission."
"Ten thousand yen." Nabiki said automatically holding out her hand. She went beet red when she realized what she was doing.
"Sorry, it's a reflex action. That's my usual fee for keeping secrets." She looked down and had the decency to look embarrassed.
She was surprised to feel a roll of bills placed in her hand.
"It would be unfair to your other customers to make an exception to me, at least until we've made our engagement official. That is for you, not the dojo, not to pay bills. That money is for you and you alone."
Nabiki was at a loss for words as she pocketed the money. She hoped Ranma's secret also told how he had so much money to throw around.
Ranma sat back and relaxed before starting. "Hmm, I guess the best place to begin would be at Jusenkyou. You heard how my father fell into the spring of drowned panda right? Well, he didn't realize he'd changed until after he started attacking me again."
Nabiki watched Ranma carefully, seeing the change of emotions play across his face. It was amazing the way he turned from warm to cold and back again so quickly. It was almost as if he was fighting against some aspect of himself.
"Anyway, I managed to barely avoid his first attack and leapt back to another bamboo pole. The pole cracked under me and I had to regain my balance or fall into the pool below. Unfortunately Pops caught me off guard and knocked me into a spring surrounded by other springs. The only way to get to it would have been by leaping from pole to pole. Turns out it was the first spring, it sat in the center of the valley."
Nabiki was sitting on the edge of her seat, engrossed in his tale when she saw him tense up.
"Get down!" He shouted suddenly as he reached over and grabbed Nabiki pulling her to the floor.
The wall nearby exploded in a shower of shrapnel and debris. Nabiki coughed as Ranma helped her to her feet. As the dust began to settle she could see a figure coming through the hole in the wall. It was a tall female, a couple inches taller than herself, with long purple hair and a figure Nabiki would have killed for. The way she wielded two steel maces effortlessly spoke volumes for her strength.
"Damn." Ranma swore, "Amazons."
The purple headed warrior focused on Ranma and said something in a singsong voice that Nabiki recognized as some form of Chinese.
"Run," Ranma said, "Head for home Nabiki and tell my father the Amazons have caught up with us."
Nabiki hesitated for a second as she tried to make sense of what was happening.
Ranma pushed her towards the door shouting, "It's me they're after. Go! I'll explain everything later, I promise."
Giving him a look that said she'd hold him to that promise, Nabiki turned and ran out the door of the restaurant.
"Why are you here?" Ranma asked in Chinese.
"Don't play stupid Ranma. Return the Key and come back to China like a good husband and you'll be forgiven." The woman said.
"I will never lay with murderers and thieves Xian Pu." Ranma returned.
"Then Shampoo Kill!" The Amazon shouted in Japanese as she charged the pigtailed boy.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki was out of breath as she entered the gates to her house. She opened the door and rushed in to the main dining area.
"Mr. Saotome! It's Ranma, he's been attacked..." she trailed off, seeing that there was company seated at the table.
There was an ancient crone sitting at one end of the table, at least Nabiki assumed it was female. She was accompanied by two tall, strong looking women in full battle dress carrying a spear each with a sword at their hips. Nabiki saw two more warriors outside in the yard as if on guard.
Genma looked terrified and was sitting at the other end of the table. He looked about to bolt at the first opportunity. Akane sat in silent defiance as Kasumi served tea in a calm serene manner. Nabiki's father was bawling, as was his usual reaction to anything stressful.
"Ah, you must be Tendo Nabiki." The ancient spoke.
Nabiki forced herself to relax and catch her breath.
"I am Khu Lon of the Chinese Amazons. Am I correct in assuming you are the one engaged to marry Ranma Saotome?"
Nabiki gulped despite herself and nodded hesitantly.
The old woman cackled to herself. "There, there child. There is no reason to be afraid of me, quite the contrary in fact. I'm here to warn you of an extreme danger."
"And what danger would that be?" Nabiki asked as she found her center.
"Ranma Saotome. The man you are engaged to is no man at all. He is a monster from the deepest pits of hell. He is a thief as well. We have tracked him here from our village to recover an item he has stolen from us."
Nabiki was about to laugh in disbelief but Akane interrupted, "Hah! I knew there was something weird about that pervert!"
"What? You don't believe Ranma is a monster do you?" Nabiki looked around. Soun was crying harder and Akane had a smug 'I told you so' look on her face. Genma looked guilty as hell, which made Nabiki wonder if maybe there was some truth to what she was being told. Kasumi looked clueless as usual but Nabiki could see the signs of her worry. Probably of her family first then of Ranma.
"Tell me child, has Ranma shown you a jeweled key or have you seen it in his possession?" Khu Lon asked.
"No, is that the item he supposedly stole from you? I'm sorry, I can't believe anything you've said without proof."
"I understand. I suppose telling you he injured over thirty of our women and almost killed one of our men would mean nothing as well. I will propose this then, do not interfere with Ranma Saotome and us and we will not take any action against you or your family. This does not involve you. The boy must be brought to justice and people who get in the way are obstacles. There is an old Amazon saying, 'obstacles are for killing.' You seem like a nice young girl with a full future ahead of her." The elder laughed to herself before taking a sip of tea.
Nabiki didn't like being threatened but knew you didn't have to win every battle to win the war. "I'll think on what you've said elder." She said.
Khu Lon looked Nabiki in the eye and smiled as if at some joke only she knew and nodded. She stood and shouted out something in Chinese. Hopping out into the yard atop her cane, the other four warriors flanked her and they left the compound.
Nabiki sighed and sat down. Collecting her thoughts for a moment she finally leveled her gaze on the fat man in a white gi.
"I think it's time we heard the rest of the story. Wouldn't you agree Mr. Saotome?"
There was a flurry of movement, a splash, and a sign in the yard saying 'I'm just a cute panda'.
Nabiki sighed and rubbed her eyes. She got up and placed a hand on Kasumi's shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.
"I'll be in my room." Nabiki said as she went to the stairs.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki was lying on top of her bed in her pajamas. It was nearly ten o'clock and there had been no sign of Ranma. She had tried without success to do her homework. Then she had attempted to work on her finances and determine who owed what for the day. That didn't work either. So there she was, staring at the ceiling worrying about a boy she'd only known for two days. She turned her head to see if there was a manga she hadn't read in a while so she could distract herself. A tapping at her window startled her.
Looking up, she saw Ranma hanging upside down from the roof. Rushing over, Nabiki opened the window and let Ranma in.
"Are the Amazons gone?" He asked.
"Yes and you owe me an explanation! They threatened my family!" Nabiki growled.
She suddenly realized Ranma wasn't in the best of shape. His clothes were cut and torn and he had multiple bruises and small cuts. Her level of worry increased, if someone could do this to Ranma then she was completely defenseless.
Nabiki cut him off before he could start, "Let's go downstairs. You can tell me what happened while you clean up in the furo."
Ranma stammered a reply but Nabiki gave him a look that didn't allow argument. Pulling him by the hand she took him downstairs and to the furo. Grabbing a first aid kit out of a cupboard, Nabiki pushed Ranma out of the changing room and into the bath.
"So what happened?" Ranma asked nervously as Nabiki undid his shirt and tossed it aside.
"Some old ghoul of an Amazon told me you weren't human, that you were evil and you had stolen something from them. Then she promised that nothing would happen to my family or me as long as we didn't interfere with their capture of you. Your pants are ruined, take them off so I can clean those cuts."
Ranma blushed and hesitantly did as Nabiki commanded. "I'm sorry Nabs. I knew the Amazons were after me but I thought I had more time."
Nabiki used a washcloth to dab away the dried blood on Ranma's thigh. "So why are they after you? Did you really steal something from them?"
Ranma winced slightly as Nabiki cleaned a bruise. "Sort of. If you can call taking something that didn't belong to them in the first place stealing. I should finish my story so you can judge for yourself."
"Why, are you really an evil monster?" Nabiki joked as she scrubbed his back.
"Depends on your definition of evil and monsters I suppose." Ranma shrugged then winced at the pain the motion caused his shoulder.
"Ok, spill it." Nabiki demanded.
"All right. As I was saying earlier, Pops kicked me into the oldest pool in the center of the valley."
* * * * * * * * * *
Ranma fell backwards off the bamboo with a loud splash as he hit the pool. There was a moment of silence while Genma suddenly realized he had paws instead of hands now. As the ripples settled in the pool, the guide began shouting something in Chinese before switching to Japanese. Genma caught the words 'Great Dragon of the West' and something about three thousand years ago as the pool began to glow with a white light.
The water suddenly began to bubble, becoming almost a boil of turgid froth. A shape suddenly shot forth from the water into the sky and seemed to hover over the springs glowing brightly.
Elsewhere, a man looked up from his martial arts practice with slitted eyes and gazed towards Jusenkyou. He called to his two companions who were busy trying to figure out how to get an apple from the top of a nearby tree and together the three rushed towards the cursed springs.
Genma stared at the glowing form as it pulsated and writhed, growing larger. Finally it seemed to stop changing and the glow began to settle as what used to be Ranma Saotome slowly descended to the ground.
The Jusenkyou guide approached along with Genma to look at the form given to the young Saotome.
"Oh most horrible tragedy of all sirs! Young sir falls in spring of drowned DaiRyuujin no Nishi! Very tragic story of dragon that drown here three thousand years ago to create cursed valley. Now whoever fall in spring take body of dragon. Hmmm, I thought he be bigger than that."
"Growf!" Genma said.
* * * * * * * * * *
"It was a little later when I woke to find myself being carried by this huge guy wearing a tiger skin. I looked myself over and didn't see anything different so I figured I didn't get cursed like Pops. Of course they explained the cold and hot water thing later. Anyway, it turns out the guy Herb is a prince of one of the groups of people that lived in the area. He was descended from the dragon that originally drowned in the spring so he had this whole dragon worship thing going on. He took us in and I trained with him for a while on how to use my dragon side. Finally he had this magic item that allows a person who is cursed to lock themselves in cursed form. I guess they used to use it to make wives for themselves by throwing animals into the spring of drowned girl and locking the curse. I used it and now can't turn back into my human self anymore."
Nabiki had stopped her ministrations on Ranma's wounds as she listened to his story. It seemed to fit with what the elder Cologne had said about Ranma being a monster but he didn't look like a dragon.
"That's a good story Ranma but you forgot a very important detail."
"Huh? What's that?"
Nabiki grinned saying, "You don't look like a dragon."
"Oh, well one of my abilities is to change my form."
"Of course, I should have realized that." Nabiki said sarcastically.
Ranma frowned and got up to get in the furo. Nabiki blushed and looked away as he pulled off his boxers.
"So do you want to hear the rest or not?" he asked testily as he settled into the hot water to soak his sore muscles.
"Sorry, It's just so hard to believe." Nabiki admitted.
"It gets worse. Part of the curse is also memories from the original dragon. It doesn't make me think I'm him but I remember a lot of things from when he was alive. They're not complete though. Usually it's more like déjà vu. Anyway, I remembered that I, that is the original dragon, had an alliance with a tribe on phoenix mountain so after saying my goodbyes to Herb and the rest of the Musk, I went to visit Lord Saffron."
Ranma relaxed a little more and Nabiki sat down on a stool so she could look at Ranma without embarrassing either of them.
"The Phoenix tribe are a race of bird people. Really weird I know. They are also extremely xenophobic. They nearly killed me on sight except for the fact I changed into my dragon form. Unfortunately their leader Lord Saffron was a child at the time so I had to deal with Kiima who was captain of the guard."
Nabiki interrupted, "Saffron was a child? Is this the same guy you said was leader three thousand years ago?"
"He's a phoenix, rises from his own ashes like the myth. But anyway, I remade my alliance with the phoenix and chat with Saffron about the old days. When he's a child his memories are kind of like my dragon ones. By talking we happened to remember quite a lot from back then."
Ranma took a deep breath and seemed to organize his thoughts.
"I remembered who killed me, I mean... well you know what I mean. A new group of people had entered the region from over near Turkey. They'd been driven out by some guy named Herakles and decided to settle near Jusenkyou. Unfortunately for them the area was already occupied by the phoenix and the Great Dragon of the West and his wife."
"Wife?" Nabiki wasn't sure about that.
"She was human. Her son was Herb's ancestor. Back to my story, the Amazons managed to capture the dragon by holding his wife hostage. He allowed himself to be bound by a golden chain in exchange for his wife's safe release to the Phoenix. Rather than kill him outright, the Amazons attempted to steal his magical power for themselves. I, I mean he, tricked them at the end though and infused the springs they were using for their ceremony with his essence locking the power to the springs and away from the Amazons. While I'm not the first person to fall into the spring of drowned dragon I think I'm the first one to absorb the essence that had been locked there."
"So the Amazons want to kill you to keep their dirty little secret?" Nabiki asked.
Ranma chuckled dryly replying, "If only it was that simple. Along with killing the dragon they also stole his treasure. I'm sure you've read stories about dragons and their vast hoards of gold?"
He leaned forward resting his elbows on the edge of the furo and held out a hand. A jewel encrusted golden key appeared in his palm.
"That's the key the elder said you stole." Nabiki said in awe. She immediately began to estimate its worth and realized if it was as old as Ranma said then it was priceless.
"Yes, the Key that they stole from the DaiRyuujin no Nishi. It unlocks the vault to a treasure greater than any I've ever seen." Ranma gestured and the key disappeared to wherever it had come from.
Nabiki sat stunned for a second. "So you stole the key because you are now the DaiRyuujin no Nishi? So what's to keep the same thing from happening again if you marry me? I don't like my family being threatened Ranma."
Ranma's eyes hardened. "Because things are different now. For one thing, I'm aware of their treachery. I've also come to a populated area where the law will be on my side. They can't travel around in large groups without attracting a lot of attention and I can beat even their strongest warrior in a one on one battle, although I'm not sure about their matriarch. Besides, here in Tokyo I can use the wealth I have to help defend myself and those I care about."
Nabiki blushed again and asked, "So you're staying even though they know where you live?"
"If I left now it would only leave you unprotected. They would hurt you to get to me."
"If you're this big powerful dragon why haven't you just flown over their village and blasted it like in the movies?" Nabiki wasn't sure what she believed anymore but she tried to point out the holes in his story anyway.
Ranma smirked which irritated Nabiki slightly. "I'll tell you this, Dragons tend to live for tens of thousands of years. They become more and more powerful the older they become."
"Yeah, so?" Nabiki said, not understanding.
Ranma leaned out of the furo and looked Nabiki straight in the eyes and said in a low even voice, "Nabs, I'm sixteen years old. Think about it."
Nabiki's eyes went wide in realization and she fell backwards off her stool laughing. "You-you're just a hatchling!"
Ranma frowned at Nabiki with a slight pout on his lips.
Nabiki took a few minutes to compose herself a few snickers escaping every now and then. "Sorry. I didn't mean to laugh."
Ranma sighed, "It's all right. Because of my human heritage I'll mature faster mentally and emotionally. My physical growth however will take a couple hundred years or so to reach maturity."
"So you'll outlive everyone then? I'll be dust before you even grow up?" Nabiki was hoping now that Ranma was lying. She was just getting used to the idea she'd be married to the boy now he was telling her she'd grow old and gray while he looked like a teenager still.
Ranma's eyes showed understanding. "The one I share my heart with will also share my life. If we truly fall in love you won't age any faster than me."
That shocked Nabiki into thoughtful silence. The two teens sat and just looked at each other quietly for a while. Ranma realizing Nabiki needed to think about what she'd learned.
Finally Nabiki cleared her throat, "Um, do you think... that is, could you show me what you really look like?"
Ranma grinned again. "I think you're ready. Dragons put out an aura that scares the shit out of mere humans. That's why everyone is so uneasy around me while I'm human. You seem to have adjusted to it quite well."
Ranma stood up from the furo and Nabiki was given a free show as she realized just how well built her 'wild horse' really was.
Ranma didn't notice however as he stepped out onto the floor and closed his eyes in concentration. His form shimmered as if Nabiki was looking at him through water then she felt her eyes begin to cross as she couldn't focus on him anymore. Ranma began to glow as he shifted. He fell forward as his arms became legs and he grew in size. Finally his shape seemed to wobble before solidifying.
Nabiki stared at Ranma's new form. He was roughly the size of a small horse and was sitting on his haunch like a dog would. She noticed that Ranma had the classic features of a European mythical dragon. He had a long narrow head and neck with sharp horns and pointed ears. Large expressive green reptilian eyes looked at Nabiki in apprehension. A pair of leathery wings were folded along his back and his long tail was wrapped around the front of his feet. She idly noted that his front claws had opposable thumbs. On top of all that he was a soft brown copper color and his scales looked soft and smooth.
Ranma sat as if awaiting judgment or for Nabiki to go running off in fear. So what happened next was something he was totally unprepared for.
"KAWAII!" Nabiki said loudly. She moved forward and gestured as if to touch him. Ranma nodded dumbly and Nabiki reached out to stroke the skin on his shoulder. To her surprise it was soft and warm. She felt an irresistible urge to hug him like a big stuffed animal.
* * * * * * * * * *
Akane had just finished her homework and headed downstairs to brush her teeth before going to bed. The whole day had been beyond bizarre and she was still trying to straighten it all out in her head. First some guy and his dad show up out of nowhere and he gets engaged to her sister Nabiki. Then it turns out he's not even human which was a lot more believable since seeing Mr. Saotome turn into a panda. Plus he's a thief on top of being a pervert! She had tried to convince her father to kick the Saotomes out for the sake of the family. But Soun Tendo simply said something about how it reminded him of the old days under the master then began crying again.
Turning down the hall Akane decided to put it all behind her for the evening. She'd deal with it tomorrow, and if he tried that training bit in the morning again she'd show him how much she'd been holding back. She entered the changing room and noticed the door to the furo was ajar. She approached curiously and slid the door open.
Akane gasped in shock. There was a monster attacking her sister!
With a mighty scream Akane charged forward to save her sister from certain death!
* * * * * * * * * *
Author's Rant:
HAH! So there! To you Nay sayers that claimed I was writing another Ranma becomes a god type fic, I say NAY! So now excuse me while I go off in a corner and sulk.
"I'm just a cute little trans-dimensional eldritch horror."
-Cthulhu
(Stupid H key sticks)
TAKAHASHI SUBNODE: 4322117638-8764552-8732465-02
DOWNLOAD RELEVENT DATA
NO CROSSNODE DETECTED
INITIATING SCAN.........
DISPLAY:
Dragon's Destiny
____________________
It was lunchtime before Nabiki could catch up to her errant fiancé. She found him sitting under a tree, eating a bento Kasumi had prepared for him. He seemed to be enjoying himself.
"I hope you realize I can't cook." She said as she sat down nearby.
Ranma gave a knowing smile. "I don't know if that's enough incentive to call it off." He said referring to their engagement.
"It was worth a try. So are you going to tell me how you did all that to Kuno this morning?"
Ranma seemed to think for a second then put his chopsticks down. "It's part of the curse really. It really is difficult to explain. Part of what happened gave me a larger pool of ki to draw from. You know how everything has ki, you know the energy that binds and ties the universe together?"
"Yeah, I've seen Star Wars. So the Force is strong in you?"
Ranma blanched at the movie reference. "Well, when I was young, my father tried to train me in a supposedly unbeatable martial art called the Neko- ken."
"The cat fist? Sounds more like a Chinese art." Nabiki commented.
Ranma shrugged. "I won't go into the details, but the training actually worked. One of the side affects was a total fear of cats. However I wasn't able to use the technique except under special circumstances."
"You're scared of cats?" She'd have to talk to Kasumi, she was always feeding strays around the house.
"Not so much anymore. Anyway, after I was cursed, I trained with a group of people I met near Jusenkyou and learned to use the Neko-ken under conscious control. I've been told it's much weaker than what I used to be capable of before though." Ranma finished his bento and wrapped it back up.
"What do you mean conscious control?" Nabiki asked.
"Well before I learned how, I would black out whenever I used it. I had no memories of the fight afterwards. As a member of a martial arts family you know how important control is in the art. That was why I trained so hard."
Nabiki nodded to herself. Her respect for Ranma had increased since their initial meeting but she still felt uneasy around him.
After a few moments of silence Ranma spoke up, "I was wondering if you'd mind going out to dinner with me tonight. We had a nice talk about me last night but I want to know more about you before I decide to let you in on my big secret."
Nabiki goggled. "Are you asking me out on a date?" She hadn't been out on a date in years, at least not on a date that she hadn't manipulated the guy into taking her. Most of the male population was fearful of her reputation. She was known to leave many a date penniless, sometimes even owing her money afterwards. Unfortunately it was a well-deserved reputation.
Ranma smirked. "I guess I am. You'll have to pick the restaurant, I'm afraid I don't know where anything is."
"Sure. I know just the place." This would be a good opportunity to feel him out for his monetary worth as well as his willingness to spend money on others.
Ranma looked off over to the other side of the grounds before speaking, "I half expected you to be over in the crowd selling information on me or taking bets. At least from what I'd heard of your reputation from some of my classmates."
"What, can't a girl spend time with her fiancé? My lackeys are more than competent to take care of things for one lunch period. Besides, me talking to you will spur more rumors which people will come to me or my associates to buy the 'truth' from."
Ranma nodded as if he already knew that much. He looked Nabiki in the eyes and she felt an involuntary shudder pass through her.
"So where does all this money you make go to? I've been in your room, other than a CD player on your desk and an impressive manga collection, you don't have much in the way of material possessions." Ranma said.
"Who do you think pays the bills? Father doesn't work or teach martial arts anymore. He still thinks we're living off of Mom's insurance settlement from when she died. I haven't had the heart to tell him it ran out years ago."
"In that case, it wouldn't be proper for me and Pops to live at the dojo without helping out. I'll get my lazy father to find a job. I can help out as well. I have some resources. You've seen how much my father and I eat."
"If I were Kasumi I'd tell you that you are a guest and we couldn't possibly impose on you in such a way. Good thing I'm not Kasumi. I'll come up with some sort of rental agreement and we can haggle the amount all right?"
"Agreed," Ranma held out his hand and they shook on it, "I knew you were the right choice for a mate."
Nabiki blushed and wondered at his choice of words.
* * * * * * * * * *
Akane stomped home angrily. Things had started out bad and had degraded to worse as her day progressed. She was still aching from her morning training with Ranma and was actually thankful she didn't have to fight the morning hentai squad. She'd deny it if anyone had asked though. Of course she'd deny she liked the attention as well.
It was during first period that things started getting weird. Ranma had been introduced to the class and was seated right next to Akane. Something about him still bothered her but not in the same way other boys did. She was so intent on her thoughts about her sister's fiancé that she missed hearing the teacher call on her. She had almost been sent to the hall for that. Then the notes started. It was just one or two at first, various boys in her class asking her out on a date. It was bizarre. She didn't know how to handle it. No one had ever just asked her out before. After the tenth note the teacher finally noticed and sent Akane out of the class with buckets full of water.
It wasn't until the end of her first class that she got an explanation. Her friend Yuka filled her in on what had happened that morning between Ranma and Kuno. That made Akane mad. How dare Ranma interfere in her morning fights! And he told everyone to ask her out. Like she was a cheap whore or something! Before she had the chance to chew out her future brother-in-law, her second class began. She didn't get another break until lunch. Ranma simply jumped out the third story window with his bento forcing Akane to go downstairs and get her shoes. When she opened her shoe locker, hundreds of notes spilled out onto the floor as well as a few boxes of candy or other gifts.
As she was leaving the school building to find Ranma and give him a piece of her mind, the morning hentai squad mobbed Akane. Only instead of fighting, this time they were offering her flowers and boxes of candy. By the time she made her way through the mob, lunch was over and she not only did not find Ranma but she hadn't even had the time to eat her own lunch.
Akane was sent to the hall again during afternoon classes because her stomach kept growling. By the time school let out, the youngest Tendo daughter was in a foul mood. Ranma again disappeared as soon as the bell rang. Nabiki wasn't where she usually met Akane after school either. So Akane was walking home in a bad mood.
Finally making it home, Akane barely had the presence of mind to call out her arrival as she took off her shoes.
Kasumi called out from the kitchen, "Welcome home," and asked how her day was.
Akane muttered something noncommittal and asked if Ranma or Nabiki had come home yet.
"Oh yes. They stopped by a few minutes ago to tell me they were going out for dinner and not to worry about them. Isn't it nice that Nabiki has such a sweet fiancé?"
"I'll be in the dojo until dinner." Akane growled and stomped out of the house.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki had to admit she was having a good time. It seemed Ranma was a good listener and sat patiently listening to Nabiki's life story. They had gone to a moderately priced restaurant that specialized in American food. Ranma had surprised Nabiki by ordering two T-bone steaks, easily the most expensive item on the menu. Then he had told her to order anything she wanted. Deciding to see just how deep his pockets were Nabiki ordered a shrimp and steak dinner with a side salad.
Nabiki was finishing up her story over ice cream. She was describing how Akane had become so popular because of Kuno's proclamation that only the one who beats her in combat may date her. Ranma shook his head in disbelief.
Nabiki laughed, "It was forbidden fruit. All those boys were told they couldn't have her so all of a sudden they had an interest. Heck, boys who'd never even heard of Akane were suddenly out there every morning with sports gear."
"So how did you feel about it?" Ranma asked.
Nabiki shrugged. "Well, it proved that most of the boys at school don't think with anything above the waist. Other than that it was pretty profitable."
Ranma gave her an enigmatic smile. "Must have been hard to find a date then."
Nabiki felt her face heat up. "I... I never dated much. Most of the guys at school are total perverts like Akane claims...the rest are kind of scared of my reputation."
Ranma nodded as if he had already figured as much.
Nabiki decided a change of topic was in order, "So when are you going to tell me your big secret?"
Ranma's face became serious and he wiped ice cream off his mouth with his napkin. "I think I can trust you with my secret. You have to promise me you won't tell anyone else without my permission."
"Ten thousand yen." Nabiki said automatically holding out her hand. She went beet red when she realized what she was doing.
"Sorry, it's a reflex action. That's my usual fee for keeping secrets." She looked down and had the decency to look embarrassed.
She was surprised to feel a roll of bills placed in her hand.
"It would be unfair to your other customers to make an exception to me, at least until we've made our engagement official. That is for you, not the dojo, not to pay bills. That money is for you and you alone."
Nabiki was at a loss for words as she pocketed the money. She hoped Ranma's secret also told how he had so much money to throw around.
Ranma sat back and relaxed before starting. "Hmm, I guess the best place to begin would be at Jusenkyou. You heard how my father fell into the spring of drowned panda right? Well, he didn't realize he'd changed until after he started attacking me again."
Nabiki watched Ranma carefully, seeing the change of emotions play across his face. It was amazing the way he turned from warm to cold and back again so quickly. It was almost as if he was fighting against some aspect of himself.
"Anyway, I managed to barely avoid his first attack and leapt back to another bamboo pole. The pole cracked under me and I had to regain my balance or fall into the pool below. Unfortunately Pops caught me off guard and knocked me into a spring surrounded by other springs. The only way to get to it would have been by leaping from pole to pole. Turns out it was the first spring, it sat in the center of the valley."
Nabiki was sitting on the edge of her seat, engrossed in his tale when she saw him tense up.
"Get down!" He shouted suddenly as he reached over and grabbed Nabiki pulling her to the floor.
The wall nearby exploded in a shower of shrapnel and debris. Nabiki coughed as Ranma helped her to her feet. As the dust began to settle she could see a figure coming through the hole in the wall. It was a tall female, a couple inches taller than herself, with long purple hair and a figure Nabiki would have killed for. The way she wielded two steel maces effortlessly spoke volumes for her strength.
"Damn." Ranma swore, "Amazons."
The purple headed warrior focused on Ranma and said something in a singsong voice that Nabiki recognized as some form of Chinese.
"Run," Ranma said, "Head for home Nabiki and tell my father the Amazons have caught up with us."
Nabiki hesitated for a second as she tried to make sense of what was happening.
Ranma pushed her towards the door shouting, "It's me they're after. Go! I'll explain everything later, I promise."
Giving him a look that said she'd hold him to that promise, Nabiki turned and ran out the door of the restaurant.
"Why are you here?" Ranma asked in Chinese.
"Don't play stupid Ranma. Return the Key and come back to China like a good husband and you'll be forgiven." The woman said.
"I will never lay with murderers and thieves Xian Pu." Ranma returned.
"Then Shampoo Kill!" The Amazon shouted in Japanese as she charged the pigtailed boy.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki was out of breath as she entered the gates to her house. She opened the door and rushed in to the main dining area.
"Mr. Saotome! It's Ranma, he's been attacked..." she trailed off, seeing that there was company seated at the table.
There was an ancient crone sitting at one end of the table, at least Nabiki assumed it was female. She was accompanied by two tall, strong looking women in full battle dress carrying a spear each with a sword at their hips. Nabiki saw two more warriors outside in the yard as if on guard.
Genma looked terrified and was sitting at the other end of the table. He looked about to bolt at the first opportunity. Akane sat in silent defiance as Kasumi served tea in a calm serene manner. Nabiki's father was bawling, as was his usual reaction to anything stressful.
"Ah, you must be Tendo Nabiki." The ancient spoke.
Nabiki forced herself to relax and catch her breath.
"I am Khu Lon of the Chinese Amazons. Am I correct in assuming you are the one engaged to marry Ranma Saotome?"
Nabiki gulped despite herself and nodded hesitantly.
The old woman cackled to herself. "There, there child. There is no reason to be afraid of me, quite the contrary in fact. I'm here to warn you of an extreme danger."
"And what danger would that be?" Nabiki asked as she found her center.
"Ranma Saotome. The man you are engaged to is no man at all. He is a monster from the deepest pits of hell. He is a thief as well. We have tracked him here from our village to recover an item he has stolen from us."
Nabiki was about to laugh in disbelief but Akane interrupted, "Hah! I knew there was something weird about that pervert!"
"What? You don't believe Ranma is a monster do you?" Nabiki looked around. Soun was crying harder and Akane had a smug 'I told you so' look on her face. Genma looked guilty as hell, which made Nabiki wonder if maybe there was some truth to what she was being told. Kasumi looked clueless as usual but Nabiki could see the signs of her worry. Probably of her family first then of Ranma.
"Tell me child, has Ranma shown you a jeweled key or have you seen it in his possession?" Khu Lon asked.
"No, is that the item he supposedly stole from you? I'm sorry, I can't believe anything you've said without proof."
"I understand. I suppose telling you he injured over thirty of our women and almost killed one of our men would mean nothing as well. I will propose this then, do not interfere with Ranma Saotome and us and we will not take any action against you or your family. This does not involve you. The boy must be brought to justice and people who get in the way are obstacles. There is an old Amazon saying, 'obstacles are for killing.' You seem like a nice young girl with a full future ahead of her." The elder laughed to herself before taking a sip of tea.
Nabiki didn't like being threatened but knew you didn't have to win every battle to win the war. "I'll think on what you've said elder." She said.
Khu Lon looked Nabiki in the eye and smiled as if at some joke only she knew and nodded. She stood and shouted out something in Chinese. Hopping out into the yard atop her cane, the other four warriors flanked her and they left the compound.
Nabiki sighed and sat down. Collecting her thoughts for a moment she finally leveled her gaze on the fat man in a white gi.
"I think it's time we heard the rest of the story. Wouldn't you agree Mr. Saotome?"
There was a flurry of movement, a splash, and a sign in the yard saying 'I'm just a cute panda'.
Nabiki sighed and rubbed her eyes. She got up and placed a hand on Kasumi's shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile.
"I'll be in my room." Nabiki said as she went to the stairs.
* * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki was lying on top of her bed in her pajamas. It was nearly ten o'clock and there had been no sign of Ranma. She had tried without success to do her homework. Then she had attempted to work on her finances and determine who owed what for the day. That didn't work either. So there she was, staring at the ceiling worrying about a boy she'd only known for two days. She turned her head to see if there was a manga she hadn't read in a while so she could distract herself. A tapping at her window startled her.
Looking up, she saw Ranma hanging upside down from the roof. Rushing over, Nabiki opened the window and let Ranma in.
"Are the Amazons gone?" He asked.
"Yes and you owe me an explanation! They threatened my family!" Nabiki growled.
She suddenly realized Ranma wasn't in the best of shape. His clothes were cut and torn and he had multiple bruises and small cuts. Her level of worry increased, if someone could do this to Ranma then she was completely defenseless.
Nabiki cut him off before he could start, "Let's go downstairs. You can tell me what happened while you clean up in the furo."
Ranma stammered a reply but Nabiki gave him a look that didn't allow argument. Pulling him by the hand she took him downstairs and to the furo. Grabbing a first aid kit out of a cupboard, Nabiki pushed Ranma out of the changing room and into the bath.
"So what happened?" Ranma asked nervously as Nabiki undid his shirt and tossed it aside.
"Some old ghoul of an Amazon told me you weren't human, that you were evil and you had stolen something from them. Then she promised that nothing would happen to my family or me as long as we didn't interfere with their capture of you. Your pants are ruined, take them off so I can clean those cuts."
Ranma blushed and hesitantly did as Nabiki commanded. "I'm sorry Nabs. I knew the Amazons were after me but I thought I had more time."
Nabiki used a washcloth to dab away the dried blood on Ranma's thigh. "So why are they after you? Did you really steal something from them?"
Ranma winced slightly as Nabiki cleaned a bruise. "Sort of. If you can call taking something that didn't belong to them in the first place stealing. I should finish my story so you can judge for yourself."
"Why, are you really an evil monster?" Nabiki joked as she scrubbed his back.
"Depends on your definition of evil and monsters I suppose." Ranma shrugged then winced at the pain the motion caused his shoulder.
"Ok, spill it." Nabiki demanded.
"All right. As I was saying earlier, Pops kicked me into the oldest pool in the center of the valley."
* * * * * * * * * *
Ranma fell backwards off the bamboo with a loud splash as he hit the pool. There was a moment of silence while Genma suddenly realized he had paws instead of hands now. As the ripples settled in the pool, the guide began shouting something in Chinese before switching to Japanese. Genma caught the words 'Great Dragon of the West' and something about three thousand years ago as the pool began to glow with a white light.
The water suddenly began to bubble, becoming almost a boil of turgid froth. A shape suddenly shot forth from the water into the sky and seemed to hover over the springs glowing brightly.
Elsewhere, a man looked up from his martial arts practice with slitted eyes and gazed towards Jusenkyou. He called to his two companions who were busy trying to figure out how to get an apple from the top of a nearby tree and together the three rushed towards the cursed springs.
Genma stared at the glowing form as it pulsated and writhed, growing larger. Finally it seemed to stop changing and the glow began to settle as what used to be Ranma Saotome slowly descended to the ground.
The Jusenkyou guide approached along with Genma to look at the form given to the young Saotome.
"Oh most horrible tragedy of all sirs! Young sir falls in spring of drowned DaiRyuujin no Nishi! Very tragic story of dragon that drown here three thousand years ago to create cursed valley. Now whoever fall in spring take body of dragon. Hmmm, I thought he be bigger than that."
"Growf!" Genma said.
* * * * * * * * * *
"It was a little later when I woke to find myself being carried by this huge guy wearing a tiger skin. I looked myself over and didn't see anything different so I figured I didn't get cursed like Pops. Of course they explained the cold and hot water thing later. Anyway, it turns out the guy Herb is a prince of one of the groups of people that lived in the area. He was descended from the dragon that originally drowned in the spring so he had this whole dragon worship thing going on. He took us in and I trained with him for a while on how to use my dragon side. Finally he had this magic item that allows a person who is cursed to lock themselves in cursed form. I guess they used to use it to make wives for themselves by throwing animals into the spring of drowned girl and locking the curse. I used it and now can't turn back into my human self anymore."
Nabiki had stopped her ministrations on Ranma's wounds as she listened to his story. It seemed to fit with what the elder Cologne had said about Ranma being a monster but he didn't look like a dragon.
"That's a good story Ranma but you forgot a very important detail."
"Huh? What's that?"
Nabiki grinned saying, "You don't look like a dragon."
"Oh, well one of my abilities is to change my form."
"Of course, I should have realized that." Nabiki said sarcastically.
Ranma frowned and got up to get in the furo. Nabiki blushed and looked away as he pulled off his boxers.
"So do you want to hear the rest or not?" he asked testily as he settled into the hot water to soak his sore muscles.
"Sorry, It's just so hard to believe." Nabiki admitted.
"It gets worse. Part of the curse is also memories from the original dragon. It doesn't make me think I'm him but I remember a lot of things from when he was alive. They're not complete though. Usually it's more like déjà vu. Anyway, I remembered that I, that is the original dragon, had an alliance with a tribe on phoenix mountain so after saying my goodbyes to Herb and the rest of the Musk, I went to visit Lord Saffron."
Ranma relaxed a little more and Nabiki sat down on a stool so she could look at Ranma without embarrassing either of them.
"The Phoenix tribe are a race of bird people. Really weird I know. They are also extremely xenophobic. They nearly killed me on sight except for the fact I changed into my dragon form. Unfortunately their leader Lord Saffron was a child at the time so I had to deal with Kiima who was captain of the guard."
Nabiki interrupted, "Saffron was a child? Is this the same guy you said was leader three thousand years ago?"
"He's a phoenix, rises from his own ashes like the myth. But anyway, I remade my alliance with the phoenix and chat with Saffron about the old days. When he's a child his memories are kind of like my dragon ones. By talking we happened to remember quite a lot from back then."
Ranma took a deep breath and seemed to organize his thoughts.
"I remembered who killed me, I mean... well you know what I mean. A new group of people had entered the region from over near Turkey. They'd been driven out by some guy named Herakles and decided to settle near Jusenkyou. Unfortunately for them the area was already occupied by the phoenix and the Great Dragon of the West and his wife."
"Wife?" Nabiki wasn't sure about that.
"She was human. Her son was Herb's ancestor. Back to my story, the Amazons managed to capture the dragon by holding his wife hostage. He allowed himself to be bound by a golden chain in exchange for his wife's safe release to the Phoenix. Rather than kill him outright, the Amazons attempted to steal his magical power for themselves. I, I mean he, tricked them at the end though and infused the springs they were using for their ceremony with his essence locking the power to the springs and away from the Amazons. While I'm not the first person to fall into the spring of drowned dragon I think I'm the first one to absorb the essence that had been locked there."
"So the Amazons want to kill you to keep their dirty little secret?" Nabiki asked.
Ranma chuckled dryly replying, "If only it was that simple. Along with killing the dragon they also stole his treasure. I'm sure you've read stories about dragons and their vast hoards of gold?"
He leaned forward resting his elbows on the edge of the furo and held out a hand. A jewel encrusted golden key appeared in his palm.
"That's the key the elder said you stole." Nabiki said in awe. She immediately began to estimate its worth and realized if it was as old as Ranma said then it was priceless.
"Yes, the Key that they stole from the DaiRyuujin no Nishi. It unlocks the vault to a treasure greater than any I've ever seen." Ranma gestured and the key disappeared to wherever it had come from.
Nabiki sat stunned for a second. "So you stole the key because you are now the DaiRyuujin no Nishi? So what's to keep the same thing from happening again if you marry me? I don't like my family being threatened Ranma."
Ranma's eyes hardened. "Because things are different now. For one thing, I'm aware of their treachery. I've also come to a populated area where the law will be on my side. They can't travel around in large groups without attracting a lot of attention and I can beat even their strongest warrior in a one on one battle, although I'm not sure about their matriarch. Besides, here in Tokyo I can use the wealth I have to help defend myself and those I care about."
Nabiki blushed again and asked, "So you're staying even though they know where you live?"
"If I left now it would only leave you unprotected. They would hurt you to get to me."
"If you're this big powerful dragon why haven't you just flown over their village and blasted it like in the movies?" Nabiki wasn't sure what she believed anymore but she tried to point out the holes in his story anyway.
Ranma smirked which irritated Nabiki slightly. "I'll tell you this, Dragons tend to live for tens of thousands of years. They become more and more powerful the older they become."
"Yeah, so?" Nabiki said, not understanding.
Ranma leaned out of the furo and looked Nabiki straight in the eyes and said in a low even voice, "Nabs, I'm sixteen years old. Think about it."
Nabiki's eyes went wide in realization and she fell backwards off her stool laughing. "You-you're just a hatchling!"
Ranma frowned at Nabiki with a slight pout on his lips.
Nabiki took a few minutes to compose herself a few snickers escaping every now and then. "Sorry. I didn't mean to laugh."
Ranma sighed, "It's all right. Because of my human heritage I'll mature faster mentally and emotionally. My physical growth however will take a couple hundred years or so to reach maturity."
"So you'll outlive everyone then? I'll be dust before you even grow up?" Nabiki was hoping now that Ranma was lying. She was just getting used to the idea she'd be married to the boy now he was telling her she'd grow old and gray while he looked like a teenager still.
Ranma's eyes showed understanding. "The one I share my heart with will also share my life. If we truly fall in love you won't age any faster than me."
That shocked Nabiki into thoughtful silence. The two teens sat and just looked at each other quietly for a while. Ranma realizing Nabiki needed to think about what she'd learned.
Finally Nabiki cleared her throat, "Um, do you think... that is, could you show me what you really look like?"
Ranma grinned again. "I think you're ready. Dragons put out an aura that scares the shit out of mere humans. That's why everyone is so uneasy around me while I'm human. You seem to have adjusted to it quite well."
Ranma stood up from the furo and Nabiki was given a free show as she realized just how well built her 'wild horse' really was.
Ranma didn't notice however as he stepped out onto the floor and closed his eyes in concentration. His form shimmered as if Nabiki was looking at him through water then she felt her eyes begin to cross as she couldn't focus on him anymore. Ranma began to glow as he shifted. He fell forward as his arms became legs and he grew in size. Finally his shape seemed to wobble before solidifying.
Nabiki stared at Ranma's new form. He was roughly the size of a small horse and was sitting on his haunch like a dog would. She noticed that Ranma had the classic features of a European mythical dragon. He had a long narrow head and neck with sharp horns and pointed ears. Large expressive green reptilian eyes looked at Nabiki in apprehension. A pair of leathery wings were folded along his back and his long tail was wrapped around the front of his feet. She idly noted that his front claws had opposable thumbs. On top of all that he was a soft brown copper color and his scales looked soft and smooth.
Ranma sat as if awaiting judgment or for Nabiki to go running off in fear. So what happened next was something he was totally unprepared for.
"KAWAII!" Nabiki said loudly. She moved forward and gestured as if to touch him. Ranma nodded dumbly and Nabiki reached out to stroke the skin on his shoulder. To her surprise it was soft and warm. She felt an irresistible urge to hug him like a big stuffed animal.
* * * * * * * * * *
Akane had just finished her homework and headed downstairs to brush her teeth before going to bed. The whole day had been beyond bizarre and she was still trying to straighten it all out in her head. First some guy and his dad show up out of nowhere and he gets engaged to her sister Nabiki. Then it turns out he's not even human which was a lot more believable since seeing Mr. Saotome turn into a panda. Plus he's a thief on top of being a pervert! She had tried to convince her father to kick the Saotomes out for the sake of the family. But Soun Tendo simply said something about how it reminded him of the old days under the master then began crying again.
Turning down the hall Akane decided to put it all behind her for the evening. She'd deal with it tomorrow, and if he tried that training bit in the morning again she'd show him how much she'd been holding back. She entered the changing room and noticed the door to the furo was ajar. She approached curiously and slid the door open.
Akane gasped in shock. There was a monster attacking her sister!
With a mighty scream Akane charged forward to save her sister from certain death!
* * * * * * * * * *
Author's Rant:
HAH! So there! To you Nay sayers that claimed I was writing another Ranma becomes a god type fic, I say NAY! So now excuse me while I go off in a corner and sulk.
"I'm just a cute little trans-dimensional eldritch horror."
-Cthulhu
(Stupid H key sticks)