Ranma and the Talismans chapter 4

Happy Valentine's Day everyone. Since I couldn't bring chocolates to all my readers I decided to cook up a new chapter a day early instead. The best part is there's even a nice romantic scene toward the end involving Nabiki and Ranma. I hope you guys enjoy.

However, before I begin I feel like I should answer the reviews. I was planning on answering them towards the end, but since there are only two of them and one of them is best answered before the story starts, I might as well do it here.

Reviews:

No Name Steak- Sorry to hear that. Although if it helps there is one slight but notable change at the end of the Kuno arc here if that helps. Plus, I have some big changes for the second half of the Ryoga arc. Although, I will admit 99% of the changes to Cannon Ranma 1/2 for my long running story will take place in the talisman saga. So skip ahead to chapter 7 with Uncle's arrival and the first chapter of the talisman saga.

Dijnn- Thank you.

Disclaimer: I own none of these characters, Ranma 1/2 Is owned by Rumiko Takahashi and VIZ Communications. Jackie Chan Adventures is owned by Adelaide Productions, Sony Pictures, and probably Jackie Chan.

I recommend supporting the source material.

Knowing Nabiki

Ranma was relaxing in the furo enjoying the hot water around him, but the tub quickly began to overflow. When he got up to see what was causing it to flood, the room became a natural Hot Spring that extended as far as the eye can see. To make matters stranger Kuno emerged from the water and said, "I love you".

Angrily Ranma said, "you're an idiot Kuno, look at me! I'm a guy!" but when he looked down he saw a familiar reflection of a red-haired girl in the water. "but, but, but how am I a girl! I am surrounded by warm water". However, in her panicking Ranma saw she was rapidly shrinking and Kuno was growing to a gigantic size.

The giant Kuno spoke in a deep menacing voice, "Go out with me! Ranma immediately began swimming as fast as she could, but Kuno's hand steadily got closer until it engulfed her, and Ranma began to scream at the top of her lungs.

These girly screams quickly shifted into masculine ones as Ranma bolted upright. Looking around Ranma saw he was in the dojo in the middle of the night. Beside him lay a panda that was somehow still sound asleep, despite his screaming.

—

Way to school

A sleepy Ranma couldn't help but yawn. After that nightmare, it was hard to get even a wink of slumber. Akane noticing this asked, "didn't get much sleep last night".

The gender-bending martial artist tiredly replied, "I had this totally gross nightmare".

Akane with a knowing smirk said, "Oh let me guess it was a dream involving a giant Kuno or a small army of the Kunos encircling you".

Ranma seemed wide awake after hearing this and confusedly muttered, "how did you know".

Letting out a deep exhale his fiancé explained, "I have had those dreams once or twice since Kuno announced to the school anyone who beats me in a fight could have a date with me. Since he is sort of the top athlete at the school and has various connections in the community; a lot of desperate boys took it as fact, regardless of what I say or how many bruises I deliver".

Ranma couldn't help but wince at this before saying, "that explains so many things about you. I know there are a lot of creeps out there, but geez. By the way, how do you get over those bad dreams".

Akane simply shrugged her shoulders before saying, "I found punching Kuno in the face is surprisingly cathartic".

A few minutes later Ranma was helping Akane take care of the boys and in less than a minute Kuno appeared right in front of his fallen men. However, before he could get a sentence out the Blue thunder found a male and female foot in his face knocking him out.

After doing this Ranma realized Akane was right that punching Kuno is surprisingly soothing.

—-

A few hours later, café Ponamaru

After recovering from his injuries, Kuno waited for Nabiki Tendo to arrive. With only a stuffed animal to keep him company the seconds seem to drag by. Luckily he didn't have to wait long because Nabiki arrived right at the requested time.

As customary with special meetings like this Kuno provided Nabiki with a special treat for the meeting, fresh mochi, with some tea. Curious Nabiki asked, "what's this about? It's not like you to treat a girl to snacks for nothing".

Kuno replied, "I have a favor to ask".

With those simple words spoken he held the stuffed panda in front of the second oldest Tendo sister. In a deadpan tone, Nabiki asked, "who is it for"?

"This panda is a present for my goddess, the pigtail girl. I would have gotten her a doll, but for some strange reason my eyes were naturally drawn to the panda".

Nabiki in a rare moment broke her icy facade and burst out in laughter at the situation in front of her. Subsequently Spitting out some of her meal onto Kuno's face. Once the giggling fit had settled she switched back to business mode and pulled out something from her bag that she knew would distract Tatewaki Kuno from what just happened. She tossed some pictures down on the table, and Kuno's eyes began to bug out.

The 5 pictures were of Ranma in female form. The first one was innocent enough with the redhead being splashed with the garden hose. The same thing can be said about the next one with Ranma fanning herself with a panda splashing around in the Koi pond. The next one was the red-haired girl snoring the night away. The last two were so risqué Nabiki would have gotten an earful from Ranma if he ever learned she was selling those types of pictures of his cursed form.

All Kuno could say after seeing these pictures was, "she is so, so unashamed before the camera".

Lightly chuckling Nabiki quipped, "she's kind of like a boy huh? Well, they are ¥1920 per shot. I would have lowered the price, but I didn't pay you just for looking at them this time".

In shock, Kuno muttered," the heavens themselves would weep at such a price, but that won't stop me from buying them".

Grinning Nabiki said," you're really something you know? I mean dropping my sister so quickly like that".

Confused Kuno replied, "who said I was dropping her". Glaring with slight anger Nabiki said, "so you're two-timing Akane then"?

Kuno could only reply with, "would you call it two-timing? Deceit? That I cannot stand to choose? That I would openly wish for all of them?"

Nabiki could only roll her eyes before pulling out four pictures of Akane doing her work out, and said, "I'm pretty sure that is the definition of two-timing Kuno baby. If you treat me to ice cream, I will sell you each picture at ¥1625 per picture. Let's consider this the two timers tax". Kuno could only stare at the pictures in shock before saying, "sold".

In a sweeter Tone Nabiki said, "For doing such good business with me I will tell you how to deliver that gift for only ¥1400".

After handing over the money to the girl Nabiki simply said, "You just have to give it to Ranma Saotome and he will do the rest".

—

A little while later by a random apartment complex

"You know Jade you didn't have to come".

"Come on Ranma your first fight with Kuno got interrupted, and I wasn't there for your next two fights with the guy. Then I was too tired from training to tag along for your confrontation yesterday. Plus, your fight earlier with the guy could barely be called that. I want to see you fight Samurai Shakespeare at least once".

Ranma simply shrugged his shoulders and said, "fine, I understand. Just no promises things this time will be interesting. But things get violent just try to watch from a safe distance, Ok". Jade simply nodded her head in agreement and continued walking along.

When they finally arrived Ranma irritatedly asked, "now what is it, Kuno? What'd you call me here for"?

Just as Irritated Kuno replied, "you will address me as "upperclassmen", Saotome". He then handed Ranma the stuffed panda before continuing. "tell me why I must give this to you. According to Nabiki Tendo the quickest way to give this to the pigtail girl is to give it to you! How do you know the pigtailed beauty"?!

Ranma then pushed the stuffed animal back into Kuno's arms, and angrily said, "forget about her. If I had anything to say about it my way, you'll never see her ever again. Kuno at that moment was frozen in rage, as Ranma walked away. However, before Ranma could so much as get off the building's property someone from the upper floors of the apartment complex tossed a bucket full of water off onto the streets, hitting Ranma.

Kuno finally began to rush after his nemesis in rage wanting an explanation, but when he looked behind the corner where Ranma went all he found was his favorite redhead. Quickly he hugged her, but the female Saotome quickly pushed him away.

Seeing this Nabiki figured it was time to make her presence known. In the middle of the two struggling she poured hot water onto Ranma. "sorry if it was a little too hot Ranma, but I figured it's about time Kuno get the full story".

Ranma looked at Kuno and asked, "do you get it now".

Kuno in a dumbfounded voice said, "I can't believe it, Ranma Saotome is a practitioner of Black magic. Where have you hidden my Goddess?! Do not try to fool me with your petty tricks, evil one".

Hearing this a dumbfounded look appeared on all three of their faces. Nabiki put a finger to her chin in thought before saying, "hmmm. looks like we will have to spell everything out to him. Here's the thing Kuno baby. You know that girl you like, well, her body and soul both belong to Ranma. And do you know what that means, do you".

These words seemingly have the opposite effect as he only got angrier. Quickly throwing the stuffed animal to Jade he swung his wooden sword at Ranma. Irritated Ranma leaped away and said, "Kuno how thickheaded can you be. You are so far off the mark you throw your darts at the opposite end of the room".

Angrily Kuno shouted, "silence, oh I know the truth you are doing more awful things to the pigtailed girl than I dare say, and switch places with her whenever her brave knight, Takawaki Kuno gets too close to breaking the spell with his sheer charisma. I shall smite thee and rescue the pigtailed one"!

All Jade could do after seeing the events in front of her was hold up the stuffed panda and say, "well Genma Jr. it appears I'm finally going to see Kuno go all out against Ranma".

Kuno swung his bokken skillfully but frantically in hopes of hitting his adversary, but like in their first duel Ranma manage to avoid every swing. This continued until Ranma saw an opening than proclaimed, "so then if you lose you will forget about her, right"! With those words said Ranma delivered a powerful midair two-legged strike. This attack did not defeat Kuno, but it did force the kendo master back a few steps and caused a few pictures to flutter out from his robes.

Curiosity piqued Ranma grabbed one of the pictures, and his blood ran cold at what he saw. Kuno had somehow gotten pictures of his female form. In fact, the one he currently held is of his bare back.

Seeing this distraction Kuno successfully landed his first direct attack against Ranma Saotome. However, Ranma powered through the pain in his right side and even grabbed the other pictures that were fluttering in the air. Despite his side quickly turning red underneath his shirt, and facing the strongest swordsman in school Ranma's top concern was on the pictures in his hands. Ranma was left muttering, "these are, these are…".

Before he could finish Kuno interrupted by saying, "you insult me with your inattention! I shall teach you not to take Tatewaki Kuno so lightly". With these words spoken he delivered a thrust that forced Ranma to roll backwards to avoid being impaled. This resulted in Ranma ending up close to Nabiki.

The greediest Tendo sister felt like she should warn her fiancé of the mess he found himself in. "I think you should know when Kuno baby gets really mad about something, he fights at a completely different level. If you're not careful he will cut you in two".

Confidently Ranma replied, "no worries I handily defeated him three times already. An angry Kuno should be no different than a good workout".

Ranma then leaped up into the air preparing for another aerial attack, but Kuno only smirked at this and began thrusting his kendo sword at a speed that took all of Ranma's focus to avoid. These strikes did nothing to Ranma, but the stone pillar behind him was a different story. The pillar despite being multiple feet away began to crack and shatter. Nabiki couldn't help but comment, "whoa, just from the air pressure alone".

Despite this impressive showing of power Ranma managed to get within Kuno's guard by ducking low and delivering his own onslaught of kicks at such speeds that neither Nabiki nor Jade could see. But as soon as Ranma stopped his attack, Kuno took two steps forward and fell unconscious. Turning the knocked-out upperclassman over they found footprints all across his body. Jade after seeing this said, "whoa every footprint is on a vital spot, no wonder he went down. Ranma I didn't know it was even possible but you're even more awesome than I thought".

Ego fueled by the praise Ranma commented, "I thought upperclassman Kuno didn't put up much of a fight".

Nabiki inquisitively asked, "didn't you take a hit in that fight too"? Now curious Jade poked Ranma's side, and Ranma immediately fell to his knees doing everything in his power not to shed tears.

This caused a question to appear in Jade's mind, and she asked, "I saw you dodge every attack Kuno threw at you in two fights, but what kind of distraction could have thrown you off your game so much"?

Ranma simply said, "nothing a kid like you should be concerned about".

However, still wincing from pain Ranma couldn't stop Jade from snagging the pictures he grabbed earlier. Taking a quick peek Jade then looked directly at Nabiki and smugly said, "here I thought Akane told you to stop taking pictures of her"?

In a cheery voice, Nabiki then chirped out, "can't blame a girl for trying to make a little cash". However, seeing Jade staring at her with a smug smile that refused to fade Nabiki in a more businesslike tone said, "fine. If you keep quiet about this to Akane, I will let you off the hook for getting me engaged to Ranma, but only if you help me with a small special side hustle or two somewhere down the line".

Knowing how well Nabiki can hold a grudge and how devious her revenge can be Jade let out a huff and reluctantly said, "deal". With this, the 3 began walking, or in Ranma's case hobbling to dr. Tofu's clinic. By then the pain from Ranma's injuries seems to have gotten worse. Because he was left twitching in pain by the time the doctor started examining him.

It only took a good look for dr. Tofu to say, "this is astonishing. The wounds from the sword are nothing in comparison to these old bruises and dislocations. You should've had me see them as soon as possible. What kind of thug could have done this"?

Ranma replied with the words "an angry tomboy did this to me".

—

Tendo House

"Achoo", Akane sneezed. She quickly regained her focus and continued her workout. Yet before Akane could smash another cinder block she muttered to herself, "for some strange reason I have the desire to punch Ranma when he gets home".

—

Dr. Tofu's clinic

"Let me guess it was Akane who did this".

Jade was the one to reply with, "yeah Akane hit Ranma with a table a few times about half a week ago".

Tofu nonchalantly smiled at this and said, "well it figures, and luckily for you Ranma I have had some extra experience dealing with old injuries caused by Akane as of late".

With those words said Tofu began popping a few joints, twisting certain body parts at odd angles, and putting all of his body weight into several precise jabs and punches. All the while saying, "So you're Ranma aren't you? I heard you are Akane and Nabiki's fiancé".

Nonchalantly Nabiki interjected, "that was our parent's idea".

"Well… it's still early isn't it. You're still kids after all".

Nabiki could only roll her eyes at this before replying, "all of us are in high school. Plus, you know as well as I do that my dad isn't the sharpest crown in the box, and based on what I've seen of Ranma's father that man often leaps before looking".

Tofu blinked in confusion at this before saying, "really I spoke to Mr. Saotome earlier today about a job interview and he seemed like an ok guy. Although the fact he can change into a panda is peculiar".

After those words, Tofu stopped his procedure, and Ranma was finally able to get some words in edgewise, "she's not wrong about Pops, but more importantly that hurts you know".

Tofu only looked confused at this statement and asked, "somewhere still hurts? show me".

At that point, Ranma looked at his body and started experimentally shaking certain limbs. Yet all he could say was, "wow, I haven't felt this good all month".

Dr. Tofu simply smiled, put a large bandage over Ranma's cut, and said, "before you go Ranma. Fiancé or not do try to get along with Akane and Nabiki".

Ranma seemed puzzled by this before saying, "it's not me who starts fights, or gets violent".

"You know Akane is actually a very sweet girl, and the same thing can be said about Nabiki, but she doesn't like to show it". Tofu added in a cheery, voice.

Surprised Ranma said, "oh really since when? You do realize one of them is like a canon with a short fuse, and the other sold indecent pictures of me when I did nothing to her"!

With a sweat drop, Tofu replied, "you don't have to sound so surprised. I can't say for sure what's going on in those twos heads, but they are really sweet girls, you'll understand soon enough". With those words said the doctor patted his patient on the back and guided him out of the clinic.

—-

The road back to the house

"So Ranma what did you talk to Tofu about". Ranma stared at Nabiki before saying, "nothing. He was just sympathizing with me for having to put up with a short-tempered fiancé, and a fiancé that would sell me to the highest bidder". Nabiki calmly said again, "you can't blame a girl for trying to make a quick buck".

Seeing Ranma was getting mad Jade attempted to distract her sensei by holding up the stuffed panda from Kuno. In confusion Ranma asked, "why are you still holding onto that thing. I don't want to accept any gifts from that guy anytime soon".

Jade seeing she got his full attention replied, "you might not want Genma Jr, but it doesn't mean I don't want him. I am planning on teasing your father with this little guy sometime soon". Ranma couldn't help but smile in approval at the words his student just gave.

Taking a deep breath Nabiki figured she at the very least should explain the Kuno fiasco. "Ranma I didn't try to set you up with Kuno, to simply make a quick buck off the guy. I was doing it for my sister's sake". Ranma stopped dead in his tracks after hearing this and paid closer attention to the Furinkan's resident mercenary. "I had suspicions Kuno had developed a crush on your female form last knight, but they weren't confirmed until this afternoon. I figured if I gave him a few alluring pictures of you he would give up on Akane, and go after you instead. In the best-case scenario, Akane doesn't have to worry about that creep and his army of goons. In the worst case scenario, I double my photo business. Win, win. However, Kuno decided to go after both of you simultaneously."

Based on the look on his face the two girls couldn't tell if Ranma was willing to forgive Nabiki for that answer or chew her out. However, before Ranma could say his thoughts, his legs began to wobble and shake. Before Ranma could tell what was happening he fell onto his butt, unable to stand.

Seeing this Nabiki huffed, crouched down with her back facing her fiancé, and said, "Come on Jade help put Ranma on my back".

" Hold up"! Ranma said in alarm. "you can't expect a guy to do something embarrassing like that. Besides I highly doubt you could carry me piggyback style all the way to the house."

Before Ranma could continue his list of reasons why piggyback was a bad idea Nabiki grabbed a nearby hose, splashed her fiancé, and said, "their problem solved. If you're a girl you shouldn't find yourself embarrassed by this, and with over 30 pounds less to carry I think I can manage. Besides I need it a good workout today anyway".

Just like that Ranma found himself being carried by Nabiki home. However, one question still remained that Ranma wanted answered. "So Nabiki why did you take my pictures in the first place? I haven't been here that long and unless someone had a crush on me like Kuno I highly doubt you could sell some of those pictures at a decent price. Now that I think about it why did you develop those pictures so quickly"? However, before Nabiki could answer that question a giant smug grin plastered itself onto Ranma's face. The redhead then experimentally pressed her chest into her fiancé, and Nabiki began to blush red. "Hahaha it appears my female form is so hot I'm starting to attract girls".

Nabiki in an irritated voice said, "just for that I am charging you extra for carrying you".

Ranma's smug smile disappeared after hearing this and sarcastically said, "let me guess, can't blame a girl for trying to make a little cash".

With slight anger coursing through her veins Nabiki's Icy facade cracked when she said, "someone in my family has to make money". Everything went silent after hearing this. In a more subdued tone, the middle Tendo sister said, "our father hasn't had a paying student in about a decade! Sure he does rent out the dojo from time to time and does the occasional odd job, but that isn't enough to pay for prime real estate in Tokyo! The only sustainable source of income he has is on the City Council, but thanks to him only sticking to the low-level positions that paycheck isn't very big. Add in the occasional repairs caused by a martial arts accident, and now 7 mouths to feed it's a miracle my family isn't living in a cardboard box right now. By setting up successful betting rings, selling a few photographs at exorbitant prices, and other things I was able to keep the bills at bay".

In the most sympathetic voice, Ranma could muster she tried to calm the brunette. "I completely understand. Heck feel free to take a few more pictures of me, just be sure to get my good side next time". Nabiki was left speechless by these words. Ranma continued by saying, "me and Pops didn't have a lot of money traveling by foot everywhere. We had to resort to more devious acts than I can count to keep ourselves fed. Heck, I am disgusted by Half the stuff pops gets up to, yet I can't fully blame the guy either. So if there's anything I can do to help feel free to ask".

Nabiki couldn't help but smile at this and shed an unseen tear or two. Once Nabiki had recovered she asked, "so can I take some pictures of you like this when we get home".

Ranma grimaced at this before replying, "I said I will be your model, not agree to every photo you take of me. Besides I was maybe hoping for a little cut of the profit".

"Fine has about 10% sound to you".

In slight anger, Ranma shouted, "What?! 10% is no way to pay such a beautiful model like myself. I was hoping for at least 50%".

After letting out a deep exhale Nabiki said, "you do realize you and your father are eating and sleeping at my place for free, right"?

Ranma gulped at this and said, "15% is fine". With a happy smile on her face, The brunette said "deal"

Jade saw the two were getting along and subsequently walked closer to her cousin and said, "you know a few days ago I was not being fully serious about you being Ranma's best choice for a fiancé. Although now I see you two are just a couple of love birds. So when's the wedding"?

The two girls couldn't help but blush at these words, their faces pink at the teasing. Eyes narrowing, the redhead swiped her arm in an attempt to grab her student. With an impish smile, Jade ducked out of reach and started to run home at her top speed.

Grunting in frustration, Ranma pointed in the direction of her wayward student and yelled "Come on, Nabiki! After her!"

"You don't need to say that twice." Nabiki replied, grumbling as she picked up the pace while still carrying Ranma's surprisingly dense, but soft frame.

With that, the two girls begin racing down the streets. With the three of them occasionally giggling. This site couldn't help but bring a thought into Ranma's mind. "Maybe this is what Tofu meant"?

—

Meanwhile in a small village in Shikoku

Warning bells rang throughout the rural village and shouts of, "wild boar on a rampage" echoed for miles. Many people began to take cover, and those who didn't thought, "no big deal we could handle a wild pig easily". Yet they were proven dead wrong then as a bore at least 10 feet tall burst through the wooden walls of the village.

The boar ran through the streets shattering stalls, windows, and anything else the pig found in its way. The boar's speed and strength were of legends, and no villager had any hopes of stopping this beast's rampage. The one bright side was everyone had successfully gotten out of the way. Excluding one boy who was focused solely on the map in front of him.

Yet before the wild animal could run him over the young man pulled out his bamboo umbrella and place the tip right in front of the boar's snout. Yet despite the way the overgrown pig was trying to push forward, hooves digging trenches into the dirt road, the beast couldn't so much as move an inch closer to the yellow-clad boy. With a bored expression on the teenager's face, he pulled back the umbrella, tucked underneath the charging boar, and hurled the creature into the sky.

The pig went up and up and then began falling with such force it left a small crater. Hesitantly the farmers began to gather around, and what they saw shocked them. The boy who saved them didn't so much have a scratch on him and the animal that destroyed a decent chunk of their settlement lay unconscious. All the villagers began to congratulate their savior, but the wanderer simply held up his map and asked, "tell me where is Furinkan high school"?

A villager looked at the map and said, "hey don't you know? That there is a map of Tokyo".

The bandanna-clad boy commented, "well of course the school should be around here somewhere".

In confusion one of the villagers said, "but this here is Shikoku"?

A moment of silence went throughout the village. The black-haired young man in embarrassment said, "very well goodbye", and immediately walked away in the opposite direction of Tokyo. Muttering to himself "Ranma Saotome you can't hide from our man-to-man fight for much longer".

I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. The next one should be on the 22nd, which is a ironically enough my birthday.

If you have any ideas for future chapters, and story lines please speak up in the reviews. Remember I read and give shout out to all my reviewers.

Next time: Ryoga comes to town, and does something that shocks Ranma to his core.

Have a happy Valentine's Day everybody.