Chapter Eleven: Nighttime is the Right Time for Fighting
Akane slowly opened the door and peeked into the guestroom. If it's true, if he tried to ra... rape me... then he'll be gone, to hell I hope! However, if he is in here, then it was just a dream...
On first glance, all she saw was Ranma's empty futon, in an empty room. So it wasn't a dream, it really happened. He tried to rape me… A wave of shame, sorrow and depression crashed down upon her, drowning her and she started to curse the name of Ranma Saotome, "Damn ecchi hentai...!"
But then a slight movement caught her eyes. A pair of slender, feminine legs was sticking out from behind the futon, and the owner seemed to be trying to slide under the bed, away from her view.
Akane all but wept in relief at the sight of those legs. HE'S HERE! So it didn't happen, it really was just a dream! The waves of negative emotions parted, receding, and a bright sunny look of joy lit up Akane's face. The legs suddenly disappeared, hiding themselves totally under the futon.
He heard me cursing! He must think I'm here to pummel him. I... I want to kiss him! She felt like she was on cloud nine!
"Ranma!" Akane voice now sang out in delight, rushing in greet her fiancée, needing to be with him, to be comforted by him after that horrible dream. But as Akane rounded the end of the bed she noticed two things.
First, that the girl's body under the futon was rather "large" for Ranma-chan. Not fat, just bigger, taller..., and that it was totally nude. Next was the long purple hair. NO! It wasn't a dream! Akane now knew, it was all too true!
The dream..., the Nightmare... was real. The proof was literally lying before her eyes. Akane slowly shook her head from side-to-side in revulsion, as she tried to piece together the broken fragments into one continuous memory. ...Ranma had screwed Shampoo... ...Ranma had groped her onee-chan... ...Ranma had-- had tried to rape her....
It came as quite a kick in the teeth to her, the finial blow, the straw that broke the camel's back. Akane had lost ...everything... she'd once believed in.
Once she was the best fighter in all of Nerima, now she at best just second string. She used to be the school belle, the local beauty, now a cross dressing cook and that gaijin bimbo caught everyone's eyes. Kuso, even... that RAPIST is prettier than I am!
Who would want a girl like ME anyway? An un-cute tomboy with no femininity at all. Can't cook, can't sew, built like a brick! Akane berated herself. With a head as thick as a brick as well! To think I believed Ra..., that bastard actually loved me! But he has now shown his true colors....
Visions of Shampoo poised above Ranma, his bloodied manhood in her hand flooded Akane's mind. That slut had both lost and taken something from Ranma that should have been hers! She should have been Ranma's first!
Damn, how could he FUCK that bimbo? He were suppose to be mine! Akane seethed, well, not anymore! I'd rather DIE than f-fu-ck..., than marry him!
With a steely hard glare like a dagger, Akane's gaze returned to the form huddled under the futon.
That... piece of trash belongs in the gutter, just like him! She's the root of all my sufferings! Akane fumed. Before Shampoo came, Ranma was all mine!
Then... SHE... arrived, rubbing her slutty body up against him, exotic, sexy, a first-rate fighter, everything I'm not! She could even cook! Akane wanted to scream! She's nothing but poison! Poisoning his thoughts, his feelings! Poisoning him!
Somehow this last thought caused something inside Akane to break free and an intense fury like she never felt before washed over her. One way or another that whore won't leave here alive!
"BITCH! You damn gaijin SLUT! I'm going to kill you!" The flames of her rage lit up Akane as her battle aura sparked red with anger around her.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Nabiki was lying on her bed, eyes bloodshot red from all her crying and her pillow soaking wet from the tears. She had been soul searching, examining her life and found she was lacking both a life and a soul.
Just when did I become such a cold-hearted bitch? she asked herself. "All I care about is money..."
I guess it started with "Uncle," she remembered. Long ago on the day her mother left home for the last time, never to return. It still hurts, all these years later Nabiki thought, as she screwed her eyes shut and buried her head again into her pillow, the buckwheat chaff helping to deaden her sobs. I can't let Kasumi hear me crying again...
It had been 11 years ago, that night when she had awoken from a nightmare and cried out for her mommy. A mommy who didn't come, who no longer COULD come.
Her onee-chan came instead, an inadequate substitute for the one she really wanted. Kasumi tried to comfort her younger sister, parroting the words she remembered their mother telling her.
"I WANT MOMMY! NOT YOU!" Nabiki remembered yelling, fighting off Kasumi's attempts to console her. No one can replace her Mother, no one would be allowed to!
Kasumi finally gave up and returned to her own room, leaving Nabiki crying quietly into her pillow. Just like I'm doing tonight....
That night, long ago, Happosai heard her sobs and for some unknown reason took pity on the 7-year-old girl. He didn't try to take mother's place, he just wanted to talk, to play games with her.
. [No, not THAT types of games! Gees, she was only SEVEN!]
He... changed me..., taught me how to manipulate others and made a game of it... Nabiki recalled. He never meant to ...hurt... me, he only saw a keen mind and a thirst to find out "secrets" and learn what you could do with them.
The love of money I think I was born with she acknowledged.
And look at me now! I don't have any "friends", just clients and underlings Nabiki honestly believed. No one would fight for ME, no one even LIKES me...
The sudden loud cry of "Ranma!" , followed by "BITCH, you gaijin..." jolted Nabiki out of her funk, out of her bed, and out of her room.
"Well I guess 'Kane woke up" Nabiki said to herself with a smirk, as she restored her well-practiced facade of detached indifference. Although I would love to see Sis kick her ass, Shampoo can't really defend herself right now.
Nabiki knew Akane would enjoy beating the living shit out of Shampoo and the last thing she really wanted to do was "interrupt" her pleasure.
But if I didn't stop Akane, before she did anything "permanent," how would she explain it to Cologne, or worst... KASUMI? She wondered. Oh well..., can have EVERYTHING my way. But if I were to "save" that bimbo.... an evil little smirk gracing Nabiki's face.
Nabiki sauntered out of her room, towards the guestroom located just down the upstairs hallway from hers. I'll keep 'Kane from hurting Shampoo too much, but damn if I'll hurry to stop her fun! she smirked. Only when the moment was right will she intercede on the behest of the "gaijin slut."
* * * * * * * * * *
Kasumi had long since finished the dirty dishes, and was now busy dusting the main room of the Tendo residence. Not that the room was dusty, it was probably the most dust free room in all of Nerima, you could build microchips in it, but this was Kasumi's way to escape from reality. She wasn't delusional or mentally ill, she just didn't like facing brutal truths and housework was her way coping and hiding from them.
But today that was not working as she was busy examining her life as well.
I had to forget my own plans, my own dreams. As I got older, I could sometimes "feel" how other felt. Kasumi remembered. I wanted to help them, to be a healer like Ono. He always knew just what to say, how to help...
Unbeknownst to anyone, (even Nabiki!) Kasumi's hobby of reading medical books and all her frequent shopping trips were more than just idle curiosity or a necessity. Kasumi was dead set on being at least a nurse and spent several hours a week "while shopping" taking courses at the local teaching hospital instead. She had gone as far as she could. The next step, actual internship under a RN and the tougher credits, Kasumi couldn't spare the time or money to complete.
Her family came first, that was more important. She had to wait before she could finish following her dreams.
But after today, after what happened with Shampoo..., something awoke inside me, Kasumi realized. Like a new perception, a new way of... understanding? An extra sense?
This new "ability" both scared and thrilled her, it was like magic or E.S.P. Is that it, am I a mind reader? But (with the exception of Ono-kun) I think it is more moods or emotions that I sense, not actual thoughts.
The word "Empathic" suddenly jumped into Kasumi's mind. Is that's it, I'm empathic? she wondered. But how? Why? Even now I can feel it working....
It was something like a faint scent in the air too weak to identify or a sound too low and quiet to hear, filled Kasumi a feeling of remorse and sadness. Some thing to do with Nabiki and Mother...? And Kasumi recalled her own sad memories of that time.
It hurt so much when Mother died. I had to listen to my sisters crying in the night while fighting back my own tears. Father just cried himself sick and hit the sake, doing nothing to help. I the one who had to be the "adult," to be "mother" and hold the family together she sighed. I had to give up my childhood, as well as my dreams...
Piercing the veil of Kasumi's thoughts or rather smashing though them like they were tissue paper, was a new source of raw emotions. First came a mix of confusion, doubt, and fear, only to be surmounted by a wave of utter joy and happiness. But then these were replaced by a feeling of inadequacy and failure.
Who is that? Kasumi tried to identify the source, it had something having to do with Akane and.... Ranma. Is it... Akane...?
Then Akane's yells echoed down to Kasumi, disturbing both her thoughts and her work.
"Oh my!" Kasumi cried out, dropping her duster. Kasumi could "feel" the intense rage and anger now boiling out of Akane. The duster lay forgotten on the floor as Kasumi rushed up the stairs, hoping to stop Akane before she did something unwise and brought dishonor to the family.
* * * * * * * *
In the clearing by the canal....
Ryouga tried to yell a warning, "Konatsu! Get outa there! She in Neko-ken! She'll kill you!" But the lovelorn Ninja was lost in his own world of grief as he dropped to his knees and cradled the unconscious body of his beloved Ukyou in his lap and bent his head to kiss her.
Ukyou felt the cool silk covering Konatsu's lap under her head, his gentle hand caressed her face and heard soft almost musical voice of her friend as the blood returned to her brain and she fought her way back to consciousness.
She peered up at Konatsu and suddenly his face loomed larger before her eyes. Ukyou thought she might be passing out again, but instead she felt the warm caress of his soft lips as he kissed her cheek, then her lips... and she felt her mouth opening.... My first real kiss from a boy, but it wasn't... wasn't... from Ranma....
Her eyes open slightly and Ukyou saw the concern and sorrow in his face and ...something else.... Ukyou felt his hot tears drip on her own face and heard Konatsu whisper something she long knew he felt but had never before dared tell her, "I Love You..."
Ukyou wasn't sure how she felt. She THOUGHT it would upset her, that her first real kiss wasn't from Ranma, but somehow it just seemed right kissing Konatsu. She felt a strange spark, an excitement in her chest and felt herself starting to blush. He's the first "boy" to kiss me, even if he's a prettier "girl" than I am.
A noise! Call! Neko-Ran heard Male/Foe's evil bellow resound from the dark, calling out to Male/Fake. Then Female/Friend fell(?) and lay helpless on the ground. NO! must save!
Visions/memories of what the males did to her, of her lying defenseless on the ground and ...what came next... swam before Neko-Ran's eyes. The fears and visions were too new, too fresh! They almost paralyzed her with fear and terror at their memory.
Then Male/Fake struck, crouching down and seizing Female/Friend's body, lowered its muzzle down..., starting..., starting to...!
Something in Neko-Ran just snapped. What? STOP! ...Too late! Not allow! Defend, KILL! Anger and bloodlust for revenge overrode her fear and terror of Males, she would not let THEM hurt/use other females!
The moment Konatsu lips had touched Ukyou's cheek, a low growl started to rumbled from deep in Neko-Ran's throat, not a hiss or yowl of fear, but an ghastly snarl of rage and hatred that left no doubt that she was ready to maim, mutilate, and kill. It had started as a vibration deep in Neko-Ran's chest and by the time it welled out of her throat, her entire body shook in resonance.
Neko-Ran gave voice to all the fury and rage pent up within as she launched herself at the dreaded male before her in that terrible cry, and it would haunt the dreams of all that heard it for years to come.
"...U-R-R-Y-O-W-W-L-L-L-L...."
The horrendous cry assaulted Ukyou's ears as she caught a glimpse of a fearsome shape flying over her. It body was four-legged, smooth and muscular and it seemed to glow red, and the anger and rage in it was almost a palpable stench around it. The only other features Ukyou had time to notice, where its long red claws and a dirty red mane.
It's... not Ran-chan, it's an oni! a monster! In her dazed state Ukyou was unable to (or rather un-willing to) believe it was really Ranma she saw.
Ukyou felt Konatsu's body being wrenched out from under her and as her head smacked down on the hard packed earth of the clearing, she blacked out again.
Neko-Ran leap struck the ninja dead on the upper torso, her 8 chi claws gouging deep bloody furrows in Konatsu's chest. The force of the blow flung Konatsu away from Ukyou, knocking him flat on his back, legs flailing as his voluminous silken kimono billowing around him.
Konatsu clasped his arms firmly across his chest in pain, already stained crimson red with fresh blood. trying to staunch his life's essence from pouring out of the grievous wounds.
Ukyou lay dazed, frozen in terror and unable to move even if she wanted to. Suddenly she heard the "crunch... crunch... crunch..." of earth, twigs and leaves under the paws of the monster as it prowled alongside her, sending a shiver of fear up and down her spine. She screwed her eyes shut, Ukyou did not want to see it again, nor did she dare even glance its way.
Ukyou felt the puff of its hot breath around her groin, sniffing her, as if trying smell the fear within. It took all of Ukyou's will power to keep from screaming in terror as she waited its inevitable attack. Time seemed to stand still as the hot breath of the oni moved up her body inch by agonizing inch.
Suddenly its breath withdrew and just as Ukyou thought the monster was gone, a mass of rank hair its head? rammed repeatedly into her, smelling of dirt, sweat, blood, and other much more vile substances.
"Nooooo..." escaped involuntarily from Ukyou's lips and her body shook in revulsion. It knows I'm alive! Now it will kill me.... Ukyou's last thought, as she waited for the claws to strike, but then ...NOTHING!
Another microsecond or two slipped by or they might have been hours, they both seemed the same to Ukyou as she waited for her death.
Neko-Ran had paused in her attack for only a moment, to sniff Female/Friend's body from groin to snout and to nudge Female/Friend with her head. Female/Friend's body stirred, whimpering slightly, and that was enough to reassure Neko-Ran that Female/Friend was still alive and "untouched."
But that did NOTHING to lessen the murderous rage in her body and she pounced once again on Male/Fake.
A snapping of twigs and a waft of disturbed air, Ukyou had heard and felt the oni leaping away. Its left... its GONE! Ukyou hoped. But then, from only a few feet away came the oni's cry of rage and fury once more, along with a strange tearing sound like a giant cotton bed sheet being ripped a hundred ways at once.
Konatsu's billowing kimono and his slight form helped to hide most of his body under a shroud of fluttering silk, enough so that Neko-Ran's razor sharp claws shredded only cloth upon landing and not flesh. But with two more quick swipes of her forepaws, Neko-Ran had reduced the kimono to nothing more than strips of tattered silk.
In a flash, Neko-Ran struck at Konatsu's exposed legs.
"YOWLRR..." Neko-Ran howled again in a weird combination of rage, fervor, and blood lust as she tore at the strange fur. Somewhere underneath was flesh of Male/Fake and she longed to taste its blood. There! Legs, GROIN! Neko-Ran spied its rear legs and lower belly of the Male.
With a sudden exhilaration, Neko-Ran knew what to do, what she wanted!
She leapt on Male/Fake's limbs and savaged its thighs with her claws, trying to slash muscles and sinews, but this was not her only goal. Neko-Ran sank her fangs into the strange fur still covering Male/Fake's groin, ripping and tearing her way though it, hearing Male/Fake cry out in pain.
There was a certain appendage, a… a... member...? in there she wanted, wanted to rip out, crush! She WILL make sure this Male can never hurt Females again!
I must escape! Ukyou thought. But if I move, it will see me, it'll know that I'm alive. Ukyou wondered if she dared even to reach for her throwing spats. Its to my left, she realized, listening to all the noise the monster was making.
If I could move my right arm a little, it might not notice... Ukyou slowly search the ground around her for a weapon, her dropped battle spatula, a rock, a sharp stick, something, ANYTHING!
Finally she felt a small cloth bag that fit snuggly into the palm of her hand.
It's one of Konatsu's poison bags! Ukyou identified the object by touch. Where...? Is, is he ok? Almost as if in answer to her unspoken question came a pain filled cry.
"Uk-ky-e-ooo... AAHhh...!"Ukyou mentally screamed, KONATSU! as she recognized the tortured voice of her friend. The monster, the oni! Its got him! Konatsu needed her and it was Ukyou's turn to protect him.
Ukyou sat up and slowly opened her eyes as she turned to face her monster. She felt the blood drain from her head as she caught sight of it. Though she tried to deny it, seeing was believing and Ukyou had to accept what she saw.
"Ran-chan?" Ukyou yelled, but with no effect. "NO! Please stop, don't hurt him!"
The sheer viciousness and brutality of the attack on Konatsu was beyond anything Ukyou ever dreamed her "Ran-chan" capable of, even while in Neko-ken. I gotta stop her, If Konatsu were to die-, if he's... hurt, protecting me...? How could I live...?
Ukyou's only weapon was the bag she found, but anything could be in it. Did she dare throw it? She might hurt or even kill Konatsu by mistake!
Then help came from an unexpected source, as Ran-chan's mom rushed past her and drove Ranma away from Konatsu, giving her a clear shot.
Nodoka, upon hearing that sheer cry of rage and hatred from Ranko, felt her blood freeze and her heart miss-beat. She watched in horror as the demon inside made Ranko attack the other two girls. In a flash Ranko was on top of the slender, pretty one in the flowered kimono as the second girl lay dazed on the ground.
Kami-sami! Nodoka gasped as she saw Ranko biting and slashing the girl's lower torso, is she trying to gut the girl?
What the kami am I doing just standing here like a baka! Nodoka cursed at herself and raised her sword and rush to aid of the two girls. She quickly closed in on Ranko from behind while mumbling out the phrase "May-The-Silent-Dragon-grant-you-peace!"
A flash of neon blue foxfire blazed and crackled along the katana's length as Nodoka drove the flat of the blade hard onto Ranko's back.
"YYEERROOOWWLL..." screamed Neko-Ran Males...! behind! Want me..., HURT me...! Flames lanced across her hindquarters from a burning hot? what? claw? that drove against her spine. Neko-Ran was finally weakening, the chi reserves that were sustaining her battered body and suppressing its pain were not limitless and the sword seemed to be draining away what was left of them.
Nodoka heard Ranko screech out from the touch of the sacred blade as she twisted and writhe as if in agony. Nodoka had never banished an Oni before, but she knew this wasn't right.
It should have driven the evil from her soul, banishing it to the spirit-world! Nodoka realized as her attack failed. But it did seems to be doing something...! She thought as Ranko turned to run, trying to escape the sword.
Neko-Ran's body was in agony as she twisted and turned away from the ?claw?, her only thought was escape. Males catch me! Must run, hide! No hurt again, die first. and she forced her tired limbs into motion once again. Then as suddenly as it struck, the claw was gone and the burning fire with it.
Now! Now's my chance! Ukyou's arm snapped forward and the bag sped on its way. Ukyou still didn't know what was inside the bag and in all honesty didn't really care, as long as it stopped Ran-chan from further hurting her Konatsu.
Then "something" did happen, but far from what Nodoka expected or hoped for. The bag Ukyou threw missed Ran-chan by a hair's breadth, only to strike Nodoka in the chest instead. The bag broke open with a "pop!" and a swirl of yellow powder swelled up to envelope Nodoka.
"AUUGG! [Gasp] ...Ka-Ka... KAA-augg!" Nodoka coughed and choked. She could barely gasp out a breath, her eyes were burning and her throat was on fire. On top of all that, her skin itched.
But it was not the slight tickle of a burr or small stone in your shoe, nor the annoying itch of a mild rash. It was as if a thousand biting insects; fleas, chiggers, lice, bed bugs, spiders, mosquitoes..., (well you get the idea) attacked her all at once.
Nodoka was torn between gouging out her eyes, ripping open her throat, or scratching her skin raw. But she was her Son's Mother and a skilled martial artist, she forced down these "minor distractions."
As she staggered clear of the dust cloud, Nodoka immediately started feeling better. Whatever that powder was, it was as short-lived as it was fast acting. An irritant, to distract prior to a direct assault, but no actually hurt your opponent Nodoka realized, a "non-lethal" weapon. What an oxymoronic that term is!
* * * * * * * * * * *
From the all-encompassing darkness beyond the clearing's edge, a lone figure was watching.
Cologne's sense of duty and honor cried out for her to do something, anything, as she witnessed Ranma's attacks. But this urge was tempered by the knowledge and wisdom she developed over her many years of life. Son-in-l..., Cologne thoughts started, then broke off suddenly, cursing at herself. Damn it ya stupid old woman!
Here ya are still thinking he'll be a worthy husband for Xian Pu. Cologne continued as she shook her head in regret. Xian Pu has proved herself unworthy of him!
RANMA is still in "Cat Fist" Cologne realized. I'm afraid her "cat" persona doesn't like me very well. She'll kill me as soon as lay eyes upon me, or at least try to... Cologne thought as she remembered her previous encounters with Ranma while he (or she) was under the sway of Neko-Ken.
A motion off to one side drew her eyes like iron to a lode stone, the Swordswoman Cologne noticed earlier was on the move. That Swordswoman better be good, or Ranma will make mince-meat outa her!
By the seven gods Cologne exclaimed, as she further scrutinized the mysterious Swordswoman shrouded in blue foxfire. That was not a normal battle aura; it was too precise, too controlled and that bothered her, it was some type of shield or ward made out of pure chi.
How is she focusing and channeling her chi like that? Cologne wondered, maybe she has a magic amulet or sacred weapon of some kind?
Maybe the katana? Cologne thought, studying the sword. It seemed to spark some long forgotten memory... HUH? What! But... it can't be that blade! Cologne stared, rounded eyed. That's IMPOSSIBLE! That would mean she's..., But SHE can't be, they're all DEAD!
In her youth, Cologne had traveled near and far in search of knowledge to enrich the village lore. She eventually made it all the way to shogun era Japan, just before the Meji revolution. While there, she trained with the Dragon Servants, a group of 'secret' schools that emphasized helping the weak and innocent over work for material gains or power. The Servants fought against evil, both physical and supernatural, as well as injustice in all forms. They were the closest things in fighting spirit and honor to the Amazons that Cologne had ever seen.
But standing before Cologne was an aberration, an incongruity, something from the past that she thought long lost and forgotten. The woman was clearly a cleric of the Silent Dragon school and armed with one of their most sacred weapons as well. A Dragon Servant, a true to life Dragon Servant, and here I thought them all dead years ago!
Cologne had to hold back her own foray into the battle, lest she interfered with the Servant's attack. If Ranma stays focused on the pancake maker and her serving boy, the Dragon Servant might have a chance to sneak up on her.
Cologne knew a true Dragon Servant wouldn't kill unless she felt it absolutely necessary, she'll kill only to save another's life. She'll be trying to use a submission 'spell' first, to subdue Ranma rather than kill'em! Cologne thought, knowing the clerics preferred the word "spell" to "technique" or "attack." But if Ranma senses her intent, he might kill her!
She is very skilled! Cologne quickly determined after seeing her use another Chi technique. It took me over a 100 years to master a chi warding and she's what? 30, 35? Cologne noted with more than a little jealously, and she did it in the heat of battle without batting an eye or missing a step!
The only individual I'd ever known that could learn a chi attack that fast or well would be Ranma. Suddenly Cologne both mentally and physically smacked herself on the head!
No wonder the swordswoman was skilled! Dark red hair, very well endowed figure, beautiful face and piercing blue eyes, she must be Ranma's mother! Cologne realized, I always found it hard to believe Ranma inherited his skills from that damn Panda!
A noise off to her side revealed Cologne wasn't the only one watching from the shadows.
Ah, Ryouga...? Cologne recognized the other watcher He's showing a little more discretion and intelligence than normal for once. But then Cologne noticed him preparing and actually moving in to attack.
A very little more..., she thought. I gotta stop him before he messes up, um... Nodoka? ...yes, that was it... Nodoka's attempt to subdue Ranma.
I must stop this! Ryouga thought. She's flaying Konatsu's legs to the bone!
Bile weld up in Ryouga's throat as he watched the savage attack on the ninja. I think Ranma is trying to... to... castrate him he thought with a shutter and instinctively grasp his hands over his own manhood.
Then he saw Nodoka's attack.
Oh Kami-sami help me! I'm must stop her! She sill trying to kill her own daugh...ur SON! Ryouga thought as he left the protection of the shadows and started towards them, ready to save Ranma from his mother's wrath.
Suddenly a gnarled staff lashed out and struck him squarely on the chest, stopping Ryouga dead in his tracks. The staff felt more like a bar of hard unyielding iron than the varnished wood that it was actually made of, and his eyes fixated on its length as it barred his way.
"Wait!" spoke a voice of command in a near whisper, a voice Ryouga knew only too well. Cologne! Where did she...? Ryouga thought. His eyes moved down the elder's staff length, up the withered bony arm, to the grim look of determination and... regret? written on Cologne's face.
She stopped me? Does she want Ranma to die? WHY? Ryouga wondered, although there was one obvious reason, revenge for not choosing Shampoo....
But before Ryouga could finished this thought, the elder's staff fell away from his chest and he heard Cologne muttering to herself..
"Damn! I hoped she could stop Ranma! Why didn't she use sleep or calming...?"
Looking away from Cologne, Ryouga was just in time to see a rock or ball of some sort strike Ranma's Mother right between her... um... bosom...! Ryouga notice, blushing slightly.
As the cloud billowed up around Nodoka, Ryouga saw his chance. He knew the time was now or never to put his plan into action, before Ranma's mother or Cologne could attack again. Am I the only one who wants to save Ranma?
From out of the darkness Ryouga charged, one..., two..., three great strides and then Ranma-chan was within his grasp. She musta heard me coming! Ryouga thought, as Ranma-chan turned at the last moment and tried to run for him.
* * * * * * * * *
Back at center stage....
Weak, can't now kill all Males, Neko-ran was still reeling from strange claw's burning attack. After staggering a step or two away, Neko-Ran was finally able to look behind her and was surprised to see Mother/Pride Leader just a step or two behind her.
Mother! Males hurt/attacked you? as Neko-Ran noticed dust and her Mother's torment. Where Male? It gone/hide again
Then she saw her Mother's sword.
"HIIISSS..." Neko-ran spat out as she spied strange Long Claw gripped in her Mother's hand, It hurt me? It kill me...? Memories from her human mind were slowly leaking into her "cat" side. In essence she was getting "smarter", remembering more and more of her true self as time went by.
It kill me? kill if not act Male? She wondered again of Long Claw, NO! Mother no do that! I...? I do if..., I kill self with 'IT' if not... Male?
These thoughts so confused and troubled Neko-Ran that all she wanted to do was run, from both the katana, and the strange terrifying images and ideas entering into her mind.
FLEE! Run, Find/watch Males, learn! Neko-Ran was subconsciously using her father's training, The Saotome Final Attack. Then Kill! Eat flesh/blood of all Males!
Ryouga bore down on Ranma-chan and realized just how weakened the girl had become. Ranma isn't even defending herself anymore, just trying to escape... he thought.
Nodoka, still coughing and half blind, was trying to overcome the lingering effects of the dust when she more felt the rush of air than actually see the speeding form as it raced past her.
Who's that, the boy? She wondered. That hentai is still here?
Ryouga raced towards the canal, ready to complete his scheme. Unfortunately, there was still that one tiny little hole in Ryouga's plan, a hole about the size of say..., the Grand Canyon!
Because of P-chan, Ryouga was prone to thinking that cold water meant becoming an animal and hot water meant returning to human. But Ranma was human in BOTH forms and in the heat of battle Ryouga had forgotten that Ranma-chan was already in her cursed form and the cold water of the canal would have no effect on her what so ever. (Other than really pissing her off!)
Neko-Ran's worst fears came to pass, even as she fled one of the dreaded evil Males was upon her. By its smell, its sound, and its shape, Neko-Ran knew exactly who her attacker was..., Male/Foe had returned.
No... not again..., no hurt anymore. Neko-Ran silently pleaded as Male/Foe seized her and she was carried away in its grasp, too terrified and weak to resist any longer.
Oh no, RANKO! As Nodoka thought as the hentai boy scooped up Ranko on the fly and jumped head first into the swift cold black waters of the canal.
The familiar tingle washed over his body as Ryouga plunged into the canal. As he morphed into P-chan, his vision and impression of his surroundings underwent a complete change in perspective. But like always, rather than feeling that he had shrunk, it appeared more like the world around him had expanded.
"LEAVE HER ALONE YOU DAMN ETCHI......Eppp?!" Nodoka broke off in shock, unable to believe what she had seen, although the irony of such a "fate" appealed to her own sense of divine justice.
It must be the dust, some kind of hallucinogenic drug in it.... He didn't, couldn't just turn into a pig! I must have imagined it, a startled Nodoka tried to rationalize. He must of just... what?, disappeared?
P-chan squirmed free of his drifting clothes and bobbed up to the surface of the water only to face a very wet Ranma-chan, still in the deadly grip of Neko-ken.
Kuso! Baka baka baka! P-chan cursed to himself as he realized his mistake. What I needed was HOT WATER, not COLD!
"MER...A-Ack HAK! YEROLL-ACK!" Spat and coughed a very wet and angry Neko-Ran. Cats and water mix about as well as oil and vinegar, though the shock of the cold fluid seemed to re-energize her somewhat.
Male? Where Male/Foe? It hide, wait/soon attack again! she thrashed and flailed her forelimbs about her, anything to keep the males at bay.
Ryouga barely avoided the thrashing limbs and claws as he set out doggy style (or rather piggy style!) for shore, I gotta out swim Ranma, she'll kill me, no... she'll EAT ME!
Then Neko-Ran saw the small black creature that was in the water near her. It Male! Help other Males! KILL IT! KILL IT! KILL IT! Neko-Ran raged.
She struck at it but it was too far! Neko-Ran tried to follow, she had to catch it! To Neko-Ran it was prey! Food! A black "mouse" to eat and regain strength.
The fact that it was also Male would just make it all the more tasty!
But the canal's flow tugged at Neko-Ran, the icy cold current swept her off her paws. Neko-Ran floundered in the belly deep water, all she had to do was stand up on her two rear paws, but she was too much a "cat" to think of that.
Males were still there, all round her, she could FEEL them! Even now, a Male tried to seize foreleg, but she taught it lesson! That paw won't touch again. It hurt! Feel pain!
Vainly Neko-Ran tried to swim for shore, but the bank was so far and she was getting so tired...
Nodoka forgot her own "discomforts" and rushed to the canal's bank, afraid Ranko might be swept away by the swift current. Without thought or heed for her own safety, she dropped the katana, stripped off her kimono, and leapt into the water.
C-C-COLD! Nodoka gasp, struggling to maintain her footing on the slime and muck covered bottom. It feels like... like, NO! I don't want to think what it feels like! as she waded toward the thrashing girl.
"BBBWEE-ock-ca-ca-caok! BWEEEEPP EEK!" came the half coughs, half squeal of a black piglet swimming near her.
It's the pig, its real? Kami-sama... it... it... IS the boy! as Nodoka did something many others (well at least ONE other) failed to do, recognize P-chan by his distinctive "collar."
Part in aid, but mostly in disgust, Nodoka picked up and flung the piglet in a high arch, listening to the frighten "BEEEEeee-e-e..." and then very gratifying, painful sounding "THUD!" as the pig landed head first on shore.
Now that I've thrown out the trash... Nodoka half swam, half waded out towards Ranko. The girl was swimming, if that is what you call IT, in a frantic jerky parody of ... what? A drowning cat, of course! She realized.
Damn it, she as slippery as an eel, I can't get a grip on her! Nodoka thought as she made an effort to grab the struggling girl.
"Yooowch!" Nodoka exclaimed as she tried to snag one of Ranko's failing arms, only to receive the gift of four matching claw marks, deep and bloody, just above her wrist.
She definitely doesn't want anyone touching her, not that I'd blame her... Nodoka thought while gritting her teeth from the pain. Although the wounds were painful, they were far from debilitating.
At least it wasn't my sword arm!, Nodoka gratefully thanked the Silent Dragon. Besides trying for an arm or leg again, there was little else to grasp. Ranko was nude, wet and very slick.
I have to watch those damn chi claws! I was VERY lucky the first time! Nodoka knew of only one safe way to subdue the girl, If I can just reach, as much as I hate to do this....
While making every effort to avoid the deadly claws, Nodoka stretched her uninjured arm to it's fullest and reached for the tangled mess of matted hair that use to be Ranko's brilliant flame colored tresses.
Got them! She felt her fingers entwined in the reddish dirty mass. What Nodoka did next was NOT nice, she yanked on Ranko's hair so hard she almost tore it out by the roots.
"MERROOWWLLL.. HACK, HIISSS... GRRROWLL!"
Nodoka heard as demon inside Ranko voiced its rage at her. Straight back Nodoka pulled Ranko's head and at the same time she managed to flip the girl belly up in the water.
NOOO! Males! No honor! Strike/attack behind! Neko-Ran raved as one of her hidden Male tormentors latched onto her long mane. Neko-ran cried out in pain and anguish as the evil monster wrenched her head by the fur and rolled her over to expose her vulnerable belly and groin.
Nodoka maintained her hold on Ranko's hair with one hand, while she used the other to grip the back of Ranko's neck as she started to drag the girl towards shore. Now she looks more like an upside down turtle than a cat! Nodoka mused. Ranko still tried to resist, but lacked neither the leverage nor the flexibility while floating on her back, she couldn't reach Nodoka.
IT, Male/Foe? had her, could gut her, could feast/feed on her flesh, could...! Terror of what her Male captor would do almost overwhelm Neko-Ran. With belly/groin exposed and Male bite/hold head, it do anything, it could even...!
NO! Not THAT! No hurt... Not force mate again! as Neko-Ran remembered another, more common reason for a Male to grab or bite the back of Female's head/neck.
A dreadful fear and terror welled up in Neko-Ran's mind, "THAT" was a fate worse than death.
Rather be gutted/eaten than MATE with Male! Neko-Ran wished they would all die! No need Males! Kill, maim, hurt all Males! Males had no honor, only wanted to hurt, force mate with females!
I know Males! I was Male... Huh? Strange thoughts invaded Neko-Ran's psyche. I Male? No, I Female! But(?), was Male?
More broken fragment of memories forced their way in, I cursed? To turn/become male? Neko-Ran mind rebelled at that vile image, No, never be Male! Die/kill self-first! Stay Female!
Neko-Ran still tried to resist the Male that had her, arching her spine and splaying her legs, trying to make it as hard as possible for it to drag her away.
Something in Neko-Ran's soul or spirit made her want to tilt her head back and stare Male in eye. I no give in, face death unbroken! Neko-Ran growled in both fear and contempt as she looked upon her detested foe, though it loathed her to do so.
If she would only stop struggling, this would be so much easier. Nodoka silently wished. Ranko suddenly arched her spine and rigidly locked her limbs straight out from her body, as if frozen in place. Ranko tilted her further back and Nodoka could feel the piercing angry gaze as Ranko stared defiantly at her.
What? It not Male? It... MOTHER! It was not Male/Foe, or any other Male for that matter, but her own Pride/Family leader! Relief and elation flooded into Neko-Ran's mind as she stopped her growling and voiced a greeting to her Mother/Pride Leader.
"GRROO-...!" Ranko's vocal assault on Nodoka's eardrums suddenly stopped, replaced a very submissive and kitten like "...Meow?"
Instinctively Neko-Ran, just like any kitten would when their Mother gripped them by the head or neck, let her whole body go limp and she placidly allowed her mother to pull her to shore.
Nodoka saw a look of, what...? Peace, relief? seem to sweep over Ranko's face, although it was difficult to tell for sure with all her injuries. Ranko's whole body relaxed and she curled herself up in to a fetal position.
Kami, what happened? She's gone totally limp! Has the demon fled from her? Nodoka asked herself. No, she still has a cat aura and I can still hear, or rather feel her growling very quietly, almost like a...?
Mother save, protect me! Take to den/home, where no males can find/hurt me. and Neko-Ran started to ...P-U-R-R-R... loudly in sheer relief and happiness
End Chapter Eleven.
(See, no cliffhanger for once!)
Nuki Mouse.