I do not own Kamen Rider Den-O or Ranma 1/2. They belong to their respective creators and not me. I am only writing this fic for fun and I hope that you all enjoy it.
Kamen Rider Ran-O
By Ten-Faced Paladin
Chapter 9: The White Swan Prince
If there ever was a saint living in Nerima, everyone would agree that it was Kasumi Tendo. The eldest daughter of Soun was a homemaker goddess and even though she didn't know it, there were several young men in the area who dreamed of dating her. One local chiropractor was one of these men. Unfortunately, for most of these men, Kasumi preferred older men and the majority of the available men were a little younger than her. At the very least, she was gentle about her rejections. Eventually, the men secretly pined for her while accepting the fact that she wasn't going to choose any of them for the time being.
When Kasumi had been told of the engagement, she pondered whether or not if she should take it on for her family. Her only real concern at that time was whether or not Ranma was older than her. Upon meeting him, she handed the engagement down to her youngest sister. It may have been selfish on her part, but that was in the past now. She had kept a close eye on her new little brother and his strange and exciting adventures which seemed to keep happening. Unfortunately, it didn't escape her notice that most of the situations had come from either Ranma's mouth, or because of Genma's dishonesty. Why her father still pressed so hard for the engagement was confusing.
Of course, she was still somewhat excited to be involved in Ranma's newest adventure. She was also pleasantly surprised by the new friends Ranma was making. They were all very nice in their own ways. They were also very kind and friendly.
Momotaros was probably the one who acted most like Ranma. They both liked their little fights and were rather outspoken. They both even had a habit of speaking their minds. They even had a habit of speaking or acting before they thought things through. Momotaros had a small temper problem though. Granted, Akane's was just the same but Momotaros didn't feel the need to pound the one who did set him off unless it was an evil Imagin who was trying to hurt people. Kasumi didn't condone violence as a means of solving problems, but these evil Imagin were too dangerous to just let run around.
Urataros was another odd character. He was very flirtatious and he didn't hesitate to flirt with her. It was a little exciting to have someone try to flirt with her like the blue Imagin did. He complimented her like a real woman rather than a housewife or a homemaker. It felt rather nice. Urataros was also very considerate and polite. He would clean up after himself whenever he was possessing Ranma. He was almost a polar opposite to Momotaros. He was calm at all times and was very thoughtful about his actions. The only downside to him was that he had a penchant for lying.
Kintaros was a very nice Imagin. He held a strict honor code which was a little different from Ranma's. It more or less regarded all opponents as equal and must be shown respect if they can prove that they are worthy of it. Kintaros was very strong even among the Imagin. His little problem with tearing doors off their hinges was proof enough of that. He would often try to fix it before anyone would notice, but in a house as populated as the Tendo Dojo, someone was always there to find out. Akane had tried to mallet him in 'punishment', but ended up breaking the wooden instrument over Ranma Yellow's incredibly hard head.
Ryutaros was the newest addition to the little family. He had also become Kasumi's newest little brother. He was a very excitable little Imagin who just adored Kasumi like someone would their big sister. He even called her his 'nee-chan'. Ryutaros didn't make a good first impression when he forcibly possessed Ranma and hurt Akane in a fight. It sure didn't make him popular on DenLiner. However, he redeemed himself by fighting off the last Imagin and beating it. He was slowly being accepted on the Train of Time.
"Whew," Kasumi sighed as she finished putting the dirty laundry into the wash. "So busy today."
WHAM!!!
CRASH!!!
"You'll pay for that, boy!" Genma's voice bellowed from the backyard.
"Make me, old man!" the voice of not Ranma, but Ranma Red roared in reply.
Kasumi just shook her head and continued on her way to begin the washing machine. Genma must have gotten Momotaros upset again. The oni-like Imagin did not like the part-time panda very much. It was probably because of a number of messes he had gotten Ranma into. Whenever Genma began getting Momotaros upset, the red Imagin would possess Ranma and begin fighting with the older man. It was usually in their sparring practices, but they would sometimes fight when Genma would try to steal Ranma's food.
The sound of violence and yelps of pain echoed from the backyard before it finally went silent with a loud splash. From the sound of it, either Ranma Red or Genma had been thrown into the koi pond again.
"That was fun, Old Man," Kasumi could hear Ranma Red snicker in a masculine voice. "Let me know when you want to go again,"
"Gworf!" Genma-Panda growled.
So it was Genma who was thrown in. As she set the final time for the washing machine, Kasumi walked out to the living room to collect the dishes from breakfast when she saw that her guess on the battle was right. Genma was slogging himself out of the pond while Ranma sat himself down in front of the table, relaxing after beating the crud out of Genma.
"Now that was satisfying," Ranma said as he retook control.
'You know what we should do?' Momotaros asked, 'Tie him up in fish sausages and throw him into a pit full of those things and see how it feels.'
Ranma chuckled. Momotaros and the other Imagin had learnt of all the bad things that Genma had done to him as 'training' and decided to give him punishments befitting each crime. Genma may not learn his lesson soon, but then again it was fun.
"Ranma," Kasumi began as she walked over, holding a broom.
"Yeah, Kasumi?" Ranma answered.
'Ranma, be more polite when you address a lady,' Urataros advised. 'Observe.'
A blue streak appeared in Ranma's hair as his eyes flashed a different color of blue and glasses appeared on his face. Standing up, Ranma Blue took Kasumi's hand and kissed it.
"What do you want me to do, Kasumi-chan?" Ranma Blue grinned.
Kasumi could tell who it was this time and then handed him the broom. "Urataros, would you mind sweeping up the floor outside? Momotaros and Ranma made quite the mess."
"And what of the panda?" Ranma Blue asked, a glint in his eyes.
"Help Mr. Saotome clean up."
"Certainly," Ranma Blue grinned, an idea forming in his head.
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Meanwhile, Nabiki was in her room, all the pictures of Den-O in all his forms spread out on top of her bed. She was looking over them and taking notes.
After a talk with Owner, he had given her permission to use Den-O in her schemes, provided she revealed nothing about the DenLiner being a time traveling train. She noted the seriousness in the man's voice and plus he could intimidate Ranma. Anyone who could do that was not someone she wanted to piss off. After discussing terms and conditions, they made a mutual agreement and became business partners, so to speak.
Now, Nabiki was pondering on how to provide good PR for Den-O.
"Den-O?" Nabiki asked herself. "Sounds too…simple. There should be something added, but what?" She then heard a commotion from outside and turned towards her window to see an amusing sight. Genma, in his panda form, was in a cage and being carted off by what appeared to be animal control. She attempted to listen in on the conversation.
"Well, Saotome-san," one of the men said, "We'll get this panda to the zoo quickly, after we treat him for rabies, of course."
"But of course," Ranma Blue smiled. Genma was foaming in the mouth and rattling the bars of the cage but the men paid no mind. The foam was really the foam Naomi would use on her coffee. "Please, make sure the poor animal is looked after." He smirked at Genma the panda. "And keep it away from hot or warm water."
"Gotcha, Saotome-san," the man nodded after the truck's doors were closed and then he entered the truck and drove off. Ranma Blue smirked and walked into the house.
Nabiki just had to see what brought on this little scheme and went downstairs to talk to Ranma Blue. She found him sweeping up the front porch after what seemed to be a fight. No doubt Ranma and Genma had been sparring again.
"What may I ask possessed you to send Genma to the zoo?" Nabiki asked with a smirk.
Nabiki had long since entertained the idea of having Genma sold to the zoo in his panda form. The problem was getting him to stay there in said form and avoiding fallout from her father and his cries about honor.
"Well, Kasumi-chan did say she wanted him cleaned up," Ranma Blue smirked "I merely thought that this would be the solution that lasted the longest. He'll be back sometime tonight though."
"And out for Ranma's hide too," Nabiki pointed out. "I would have thought you guys have dealt out your revenge by now."
"Only when he's thinking of something foolish," Ranma Blue shrugged. "He has been inconveniencing Kasumi-chan with his actions and I thought it was time for him to face the consequences."
"Fair enough," Nabiki shrugged. "Just try to keep damage to a minimum when he comes back looking to punish you."
"I'll keep an eye out," Ranma Blue smirked. "How goes the PR work now that I think about it?"
"Well, Den-O isn't much of a catchy name by itself," Nabiki sighed. "I'm trying to think of something that will stick in people's minds."
"The Imagin we fight know it pretty well," Ranma Blue pointed out.
"It's a necessity for them," Nabiki retorted. "Unless people see you guys fighting an Imagin, they really won't remember the name of the one who fights to protect them."
"Hmm," Ranma Blue pondered. "Very true. I can't have many fans if they don't know who that dashing gentleman in the blue armor is, can I?"
"No, you can't," Nabiki smirked. "But that is where I come in. Just leave everything to me."
"I am in your capable hands," Ranma Blue smirked.
"Flatterer," Nabiki smiled as she turned back to the house.
"Of course," Ranma Blue agreed.
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Akane was having an average day on her part. Ranma managed to keep his big mouth shut so she didn't have to mallet or punch him. She was alright with not malleting him since she broke her last one on his head. She did finally get her hands on a new one. She was going to be careful with this one though. She didn't want to hit it on the wrong spot and break it.
Of course, Akane knew that Ranma was probably in some kind of trouble by now or those other girls after him were at her house again trying to seduce him. In her mind, if Ranma would just stop flirting with them and actually tell them to take a hike then they might be able to work through what kind of relationship they have. Of course, it wouldn't get the fathers to stop harping on them, but it would make things at least a little more peaceful.
She had heard that Ranma had blown his stack on the other fiancées before her father knocked her out and dragged her to the altar. Her look darkened when she recalled the last fight they got into. Ranma had actually hit her! Ranma never hit a girl before. Just what was going on with him? Her friends Yuka and Sayuri were thinking that maybe Ranma was finally getting fed up with how everyone was treating him. Akane heatedly argued that he deserved it before her two friends pointed out that a good portion of that mess came from Ranma's father, who just shifted the blame to his son. Even Akane had to admit that Genma did contribute to the daily chaos because of how he dodged responsibility or tried to force Ranma to marry her.
When she passed the dojo, she could hear grunts and yells as well as something that sounded like hands hitting against something else. Peeking inside, she saw that it was Ranma again.
Well, not exactly.
Ranma right now had a yellow streak of hair and his hair was in a ponytail in contrast to his usual pigtail. How she couldn't see it was a mystery, but what was more shocking was what he was wearing. Ranma was in a yellow karate gi with black stripes all over it and a black belt around his waist. He was in the horse stance and during a simple drill where he threw his open palms against a training doll repeatedly. Nothing else there, but he was grunting once in a while.
"Hah! Hyah!" 'Ranma' let out as he continued with his training. Actually, this was Ranma Yellow, but Akane didn't know that.
Akane began thinking. Maybe today she could pay Ranma back for beating her the other day. It was worth a shot. She walked over to the yellow clad martial artist and said, "Ranma."
"Hm?" Ranma Yellow didn't stop his training but regarded Akane nonetheless, "Yes, Akane?"
"Do you wanna spar?" she invited. Ranma Yellow quirked an eyebrow.
'She's up to something!' Ranma warned. 'Don't agree to it.'
Ranma Yellow shook his head, "I have no wishes to spar with someone who is not at my level. I only wish to fight those who are worthy opponents."
Okay, not exactly a smart thing to say.
Akane fumed and then she snapped. She yelled, "YOU THINK I'M WEAK!?" She summoned her mallet from its hammer space and pulled it back for a swing, "RANMA NO BAKA!" She swung the weapon straight towards Ranma. Speed lines in the background emphasized as to how fast it was moving.
ZOOM!
SMASH!
SHATTER!
Akane's eyes widened in shock again as her mallet was once again shattered on impact with Ranma Yellow's head. Ranma Yellow merely cracked his neck to get the stiffness out. What the hell was going on!? Ranma would usually fly out into the air or end up on the ground with a large lump on his head, but now Akane had to get another new mallet, and she had just bought that!
"That is highly unnecessary," Ranma Yellow commented before he continued on with his training. Fuming, Akane ignored what had happened to her mallet before throwing a fist against his face.
CRACK!
"ARG!" Akane yelled, flicking her wrist. That hurt! She tried another punch.
POW!
"YACK!" her other hand her too.
"I'd stop if I were you," Ranma Yellow advised, but she wasn't going to listen. She attacked him with punches and kicks and this time he decided to block them. At the end, Akane's whole body hurt and all Ranma Yellow did was block her attacks or let them hit. This was not supposed to happen!
Akane growled and limped her way out of the dojo. Ranma Yellow cracked his neck yet again, "She has far too much pride. It's not healthy."
'Yeah, but I hope this teaches her to control her temper,' Ranma added.
Ranma Yellow yawned, "I'm tired now, I need to go to sleep." A yellow haze of energy then left Ranma's body and he retook control of his body. The yellow streak of hair vanished and his ponytail reverted instantly into a pigtail. Kintaros had the right idea. A nap would be good.
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Ukyo was depressed. Not only because of Ranma, but because of another restaurant that had opened up across from hers. All her customers had decided to go there instead to try it out. Her business began to suffer as a result. There wasn't even a single customer in her restaurant.
A yellow orb of energy hovered close to her, sensing her depression. It then flew straight into her body. She was shocked but then became alarmed when sand fell off her body and began to reform into a strange creature. The upper half of its body was on the floor while its lower body and legs hovered above. It looked like it had a pumpkin for a head and wearing strange armor.
"Tell me your wish, my dear," the creature said in a smooth voice, "And I shall grant it."
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Kasumi finished bandaging Akane's hands and feet since the joints were a little sore and the eldest Tendo didn't want her little sister to sprain them so a little extra support would go a long way. Akane was still fuming about what a jerk Ranma was being. Kasumi only half listened. If Ranma had called Akane weak then it was most likely because one of his 'tenants' had taken control and voiced their opinion of her.
"All done," Kasumi nodded as she packed up the first-aid kit. She idly noted that she was running low on supplies again. She added the item to her mental shopping list.
"Good," Akane frowned as she slowly stood up. "Once I get my hands on that jerk…"
"Akane, at least wait until you recover," Kasumi spoke up. "I'm sure that once you do then things will return to normal."
"Things haven't been normal for a while Kasumi," Akane frowned. "Ranma's been acting really weird. First he's blowing up on the fiancées and then he's seducing them. One second he's taking my hits like they don't even matter and then he's hitting me!"
"Well, you did attack him just because he wouldn't eat your cooking," Kasumi reminded her younger sister. "Ranma has a right to decide what he wishes to eat."
Akane frowned again, understanding what her sister was saying, but it didn't mean that she had to like it.
"Besides, you of all people should know what he had to go through in China," Kasumi continued. "Maybe the effects of fighting at such a level is finally becoming obvious, or maybe he's growing up."
"That baka?" Akane snorted. "He's too dumb to grow up."
Kasumi sighed inwardly at her sister's spiteful words. When Akane lost her temper, she was liable to say anything which would either hurt others, or make her feel better about herself. The latter was usually done when she was proven wrong about something or someone proved better than her. Ranma Yellow breaking her new mallet and hurting her limbs just by taking punches would be one of those things.
"Just rest for now," Kasumi insisted in her usual pleasant way. "I was going to get dinner ready soon anyway."
"Okay," Akane huffed before beginning her hobbling journey to the dining room table.
Kasumi put her medical supplies away in the cupboard. After closing it, she took a moment to heave another sigh. A small bit of breathing exercises she recalled from books on meditation and she was off to the chores again. At least she could get sweeping the porch off her list. Urataros always did a good job. She just couldn't figure out where Mr. Saotome had gone. She assumed it had something to do with the truck that pulled onto the property a while ago, but Ranma Blue only told her that he was doing his part to make her job a little easier for the day. That was all she got before Kintaros took over and went to train.
Hip-hop music began to glide through the house as Kasumi recognized the tune. A small smile came to her face as she heard it. That would be none other than her newest little brother, Ryutaros. Looking out to the main yard, she saw Ranma Purple dancing away with Nabiki's tape player next to him. Her middle sister was recording the dance moves that Ranma Purple was making from the side. Obviously Nabiki was planning on selling his dance moves. Ranma's fans at school had become more active since the Taros-tachi moved in and made him look more sociable. The girls wanted videos like this all the time while the dance clubs wanted to see how his moves worked.
"Hi, Nee-chan!" Ranma Purple smiled as he went through several flips and twists.
"Hello, Ryutaros," Kasumi smiled. "Are you being a good boy?"
"Uh-huh!" Ranma Purple nodded. Kasumi learned that Ryutaros was still very young and decided needed a good role model as well as a parental figure if he was going to remain a good person. With the way he attached himself to Kasumi, the eldest Tendo decided that she would do it. Ryutaros already tried to be good since he didn't want Kasumi upset with him like she was when he almost blew up the school with the students still in it.
"That's nice," Kasumi smiled.
"RAAAAAAANNNNNNNMMMMMAAAAAAAA!!!" came the enraged voice of Soun Tendo. Aparently, Akane had just informed her father about what had hapened.
Sure enough, the single male Tendo came barging out of the house with his demon head going full blast. In the past, it would be good for getting Ranma to do anything he wanted the boy to do to an extent. Surely this would work in getting his future son-in-law to apologize to his fiancée.
"HOW DARE YOU HURT MY LITTLE GIRL?!?!?!" he bellowed. He was fully expecting Ranma to be on the verge of panic.
What he got was Ranma Purple gaping at him in awe before laughing.
"Neat!" Ranma Purple laughed. "That's so cool! Your head is huge! Ha ha ha ha ha! You're a big balloon-head!"
Nabiki muffled her laughs with her hand while Kasumi frowned, "Ranma, that isn't very nice."
"But Nee-chan," Ranma Purple pointed, "Look at him! He's like a big balloon!" Ranma Purple laughed as he clapped.
Soun was dumbstruck. Usually, the Demon Head technique put the fear of God in Ranma, but the boy right now was laughing in his face. That'd never happen before! If Genma was here, they could've made a united front but his friend was nowhere to be seen.
"Okay, Nee-chan, Nee-san," Ranma Purple said, "I'm going out now to meet some friends. Bye-bye!" Ranma Purple then danced out of the compound, his headphones on his ears, leaving a frozen shock Soun, a giggling Nabiki and Kasumi who just shook her head at his antics.
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Kasumi was in the kitchen preparing dinner as she sighed once again. Since Ranma Purple had left, her father had been weeping about how his future son-in-law treated his family so poorly and asked why his friend wasn't there to help discipline the boy. Kasumi learned to drown it out since her father cried over almost everything. Her own thoughts were more trained on the events which had been occurring since the Imagin started entering this time. Ever since the adventure she'd shared with the crew on the DenLiner, she felt a little, well, bored. She was usually on the sidelines watching the chaos but was never directly involved in one on of Ranma's adventures. Plus, it was fun to meet all of Ranma's Imagin friends, solid and in color instead of IN Ranma or in their sandy forms. Plus, Ryutaros loved to spend time with her when he wasn't out hanging out with his friends. Momotaros was gruff and rough around the edges but Kasumi could tell the red Imagin had a good heart. Urataros would flirt with her and she found the attention quite flattering. Kintaros treated her with respect and would help around the house, even if he did end up breaking the mops and brooms.
Lately, she was feeling that she was never really alone, even when she was. There was this strange presence around her. It didn't feel evil so she didn't pay it too much mind and merely thought that maybe it was the weird vibe around Nerima. Kasumi was actually more observant than she looked, but no one would've guessed it. Maybe it was because she was, well, bored with the monotonous life. Being a part of Ranma's adventures for a change really showed her how exciting life could be. Don't get her wrong. She loved caring for her family, but sometimes she wished that she could be more than just a single house wife. When was the last time she had even been on a date? Kasumi never admitted it to anyone, but she still had romantic fantasies. She wanted to get married and raise a family of her own. She knew she couldn't just leave her fathers and sisters alone, but she…well…she had needs too.
"I wish someone could just sweep me of my feet," Kasumi whispered under her breath. That was all the presence inside her needed as sand began to fall out of her clothes and reform. She gasped as she watched the pile of sand grow before it began to reform into a more humanoid shape. It had an impressive frame. The figure also began to fill out with color. It was mostly white with a golden chest. Its shoulders had feathers on them and it also had a raised collar. Its head was white with wings flanking the side. Its eyes were also a shining sapphire color. The bird-like appearance as well as the white coloring reminded her of swans. They were such beautiful creatures.
"Your wish, my dear, is my command," the new Imagin said as he kneeled and bowed his head, his hand on his chest.
"Oh, my!" Kasumi blushed. This Imagin was such a gentleman, but different from Urataros. The White Swan Imagin then stood up, hands behind his back as he stood straight and proud. He had this strong aura about him. He seemed so….princely. "So, you heard my wish?"
"I did," the Imagin nodded.
"What is your name?" Kasumi asked. The Imagin once again bowed, one hand behind his back and the other on his chest. It only made Kasumi's blush more evident since his actions reminded her of some of the men she had often read about in romantic stories.
"My name, is Sieg, my lady," he introduced before taking her hand, "And I know who you are, Kasumi." He then kissed it. They didn't notice someone coming in.
Ranma Purple danced into the kitchen to see Kasumi, "Nee-chan, I forgot my-" the purple eyed and possessed martial artist froze when he saw the scene and immediately grew angry. He darted straight towards the white Imagin kissing his Kasumi's hand and then sent him sprawling with s single punch. He stood protectively in front of Kasumi, "Stay away from Nee-chan, you nasty Imagin!"
Sieg got back up and yelled out, "How dare you!?" His voice sounded angry.
"Nee-chan, run," Ranma Purple said to Kasumi. "It's dangerous here." He already had the Terminal Belt out and was ready to strap it on when Kasumi placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Ryutaros," Kasumi said gently, "You shouldn't be rude. This is Sieg, my Imagin."
Blink.
Blink.
"WHAT!?" Ranma Purple yelled out.
'WHAT!?' Ranma yelled inside his head.
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Aboard the DenLiner.
"WHAT!!!???" Momotaros yelled out as he spat out his coffee.
"What is it?" Hana asked.
Urataros was playing with a toy fishing rod as he fished out small toy fish out of a kiddy pool. He commented, "It would appear that Kasumi-chan has made a contract with an Imagin."
"I know that, baka!" Momotaros shouted, seething.
Kintaros was in the corner, doing pushups…in his sleep. That's right, the Yellow Bear Imagin could even exercise in his sleep.
"Okay, now I'm going to go there and teach this Imagin a lesson!" Momotaros proclaimed.
"But, Sempai," Urataros reminded, "Ryuta's using Ranma's body right now."
Momotaros knew what this meant. They all did. As much as he didn't want to admit it, the childish Purple Dragon Imagin was a lot stronger than they were. He could block them all out if he wanted too. Even Ranma had trouble reigning him in. It nearly drained the poor kid after he tried it just once. Fortunately, the purple dragon had a weakness and it was named Kasumi.
"Damn it," Momotaros grumbled before parking himself on a seat. Naomi served him some coffee to call him down and he guzzled it down angrily.
Hana decided to check into this. If Ryutaros hadn't transformed by now, then something was up. She would have to see for herself since the other Imagin weren't talking.
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"Nee-chan, you made a wish!?" Ranma Purple asked, shocked.
"That's right," Sieg said confidently. Ranma Purple glared at him.
'Ryutaros, let me talk to him for awhile,' Ranma said. Ryutaros nodded and ejected from Ranma's body. However, he appeared next to him as a pile of sand after spilling out of Ranma's clothes. He crossed his arms as he glared at the white Imagin. With some order (mixed with extreme tension) established, Ranma decided to try something that Urataros often hinted that he try to do. Talk things through.
"Kasumi," Ranma spoke seriously, "You actually made a contract with an Imagin? You know how dangerous that is?"
"Ranma, I didn't know he was even inside me," Kasumi said. She did feel a little guilty about that, but Sieg didn't seem very dangerous. In fact, he seemed like a very charming gentleman.
"How long have you been inside her?" Ranma asked turning to the white Imagin. Sieg pondered a moment before giving a reply.
"I think it was about the same day when all the Imagin came into this time," Sieg finally answered.
"THAT long?" Ranma said in surprise. The sound of opening doors caught everyone's attention before they saw Hana suddenly came barreling into the room.
"Hana-san," Kasumi greeted with a nod.
"Hi, Kasumi," Hana greeted, eyes on the new Imagin. "So, this is the Imagin that Momotaros was complaining about?"
"Yup, he is," Ranma answered, "And apparently he's been in Kasumi since day one."
"But that was a long time ago," Hana said in surprise. Usually Imagin immediately manifested themselves as soon as they found themselves a host. Ryutaros was an exception since he had been dormant in Ranma because he'd possessed Ranma at the same time as Urataros. Why did it take so long for Sieg to act?
"You must be curious then," Sieg said. Nabiki walked into the kitchen to see the new white Imagin and quirked an eyebrow.
"Why is there an Imagin in our house?" she asked coolly. To Kasumi and Ranma, they knew Nabiki was on the verge of panic. You could tell by the strain in her voice. Nabiki hated surprises, unless they benefited her in some way.
"Why else?" Ranma sighed. He didn't want Nabiki to start jumping to conclusions so he attempted to drop the news that Kasumi made the wish gently. "Someone made a wish and he appeared."
"Who made a wish?" Nabiki pressed. Sieg, Ranma (reluctantly), and Ryutaros all pointed towards Kasumi. Nabiki rolled her eyes. Some people just had all the luck. On the other hand though, if someone was going to get what appeared to be a nice Imagin to grant them a wish, Kasumi deserved it the most. It didn't stop her from internally cursing her luck though. All these Imagin were going through her house and not one of them decided that she could use a wish.
"To those whom don't know, my name is Sieg," Sieg introduced himself again. Everyone's attention instantly snapped to him. "And as for the wish, Kasumi here said that she wished someone would sweep her off her feet."
Nabiki, Hana and Ranma all stared at Kasumi who had the decency to blush. Of all the things they thought Kasumi would wish for, this wasn't one of the things they were expecting.
"And I have every intention of granting it," the white Imagin added.
"How?" Ranma asked, suspiciously.
"By taking her out on a date, of course!" Sieg replied.
Ranma blinked.
Hana blinked.
Nabiki blinked, twice.
"You…want to take Kasumi, out on…a date?" Nabiki asked, still not believing what she'd just heard. When was the last time Kasumi had even show on interest in dating? Come to think of it, when was the last time a guy actually asked for one?
"That is correct," Sieg nodded. Ryutaros just growled in anger but he couldn't make a scene with Kasumi present. It wouldn't be nice and his Nee-chan would scold him for being rude. Hana just thought this was a little weird. Imagin usually had ulterior motives when granting wishes, it was the thing they did. This Imagin, however, seemed like he just wanted to grant her wish anyway.
"But how exactly?" Hana asked, still wary of this white Imagin. "I mean, you will kinda attract attention."
"This is Nerima though," Ranma reasoned. "He won't stick out as much as you think."
"Even so, I do not wish Kasumi and I to be placed under undue scrutiny. To that end," Sieg tapped his chin and looked Ranma over, "I think you'll do."
"Huh?" Ranma let out in surprise before Sieg changed into white energy and fused with him. This shocked Hana since Ranma hadn't been the one that made the contract with Sieg.
Ranma's appearance had changed. The newest acquisition to his wardrobe was the white feather boa around his neck. Also, Ranma's hair was now loose and a strand of it rested on his shoulder. White streaks decorated his hair. His eyes flashed silver.
"Ah, perfect fit," Ranma White stated. He smiled to Kasumi, "Shall we? How about tonight? Dinner and a movie?"
Ryutaros was ready to throw a tantrum. Actually, he did, "No! No! No!" he yelled out, "Nee-chan, don't go out with him!"
Kasumi still hadn't said word. This was just so sudden! A date? When was the last time she had even gone out for fun? She was still having trouble wrapping her mind around it. Despite being an Imagin, Sieg was still a very charming and gentlemanly fellow. She thought that men like him looked for women who were like princesses, yet here he was asking plain Kasumi for a date.
Ryutaros decided to possess Ranma's body. Maybe he could push Sieg out. There was no way he was going to let this guy get near his nee-chan! As he flew at Ranma's body, his sandy body just shattered as it smashed into an invisible shield. Ranma White let him off, seeing as Ryutaros was just a child and not worth his time.
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"Waaaagh!" Ryutaros cried as he dropped to the cold floor of DenLiner. "Ow!"
"Eh?" Kintaros snorted as he woke up from his exercises. "Ryuta?"
"Oi!" Momotaros snapped as he got up. He instantly dashed over to Ryutaros and stood the young Imagin up. "You saw the Imagin, right? That means Ranma's body is free!"
"Wait, Sempai!" Urataros called, feeling that something was wrong.
"Urusei!" Momotaros snapped as he began to run. "I'm gonna give that Imagin a piece of my mind!"
Momotaros began his charge to take over Ranma's body again. He was about to leap and phase into energy again when a white wave of energy blocked him and sent him crashing back into Ryutaros, knocking them both to the ground.
"Ack!" Ryutaros cried. "Momotaros! You're heavy! Get off so I can beat up that Imagin who took Ranma!"
"EH?!" Naomi, Kintaros, and Urataros cried as they heard Ryutaros' outburst.
"A new Imagin has taken over Ranma!?" Momotaros exclaimed. Great, it was already crowded as it was.
"But, Ranma didn't make the contract, did he?" Urataros asked. "Kasumi did."
Owner was in his booth, enjoying a plate of fried rice. "It would appear that this new Imagin possesses quite a unique ability," he added, "The power to possess those other than his contract holder."
"We have to get him the hell out!" Momotaros cried, angrily. "He's got no right possessing Ranma."
"But it would appear that he is stronger than Ryuta," Urataros pointed as Ryutaros sulked in a corner. "And none of us have been able to take over when Ryuta's in control.
Momotaros growled. But, all he had to do was wait for this new Imagin to come onboard DenLiner and give him a piece of his mind.
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Nabiki and Hana were both shocked to see what had happened. They both knew Ryutaros was powerful and even Ranma put him on the same level as Saffron. For Sieg to just block him like that proved he was much stronger than he looked.
"Well, Kasumi?" Ranma White asked, acting as if Ryutaros hadn't just tried to steal Ranma back.
"Oh my!" Kasumi blushed horribly. Reality seemed to come back to her. "Oh, I can't just go on a date. I have so many things to do."
"Hmm?" Ranma White blinked. He was a little confused. He had known how much Kasumi wished for her personal prince charming, but she had a prince before her and she wasn't reacting the way she hoped. "And what things would those be?"
"Dinner for one thing," Kasumi replied as she turned to the oven. The blush was still evident on her face. "Everything is already cooking and I can't just leave it or it will be ruined."
"And I do NOT want to have Akane's cooking," Nabiki spoke up. "If you're in Ranma's body then you can see it in his memories."
Ranma White blinked at the odd comment before he decided to follow Nabiki's suggestion. After a few moments, he shuddered in sheer revulsion. Surely Ranma had the stomach of the gods if he could swallow those monstrosities Kasumi's youngest sister cooked and only got sick for a short time.
"A compelling argument," Ranma White agreed. "I would not wish that substance on the lowest of life forms."
"It is my responsibility to ensure that my family eats well and properly," Kasumi continued. "I am much to busy to go on a date tonight."
Now Ranma White was finding himself in a sticky situation. He wished to grant Kasumi's wish, but her sense of duty towards her family was amazingly strong. The silver-eyed boy truly had to respect her for her feelings. He couldn't think of many people who would show that level of dedication to another without getting anything in return. With the exception of Nabiki, who kept the home financially secure, Ranma White wondered if the people living here even deserved someone like Kasumi.
"Perhaps another time then," Ranma White sighed in disappointment. "However, I am a patient man and you shall be hearing from me again."
Ranma's body suddenly lurched as white energy left him and reformed into Sieg. Ranma blinked and trembled for a moment. He seemed to be disoriented, but otherwise healthy.
"I shall bid you all adieu," Sieg bowed before he turned toward Hana and the door she was standing in. He walked as a man of stature through the open doorway, ignoring Hana as he walked out to board DenLiner. The young woman from the lost time blinked at the white Imagin's actions. She turned to gaze at the collected people incredulously. Kasumi instantly gasped as it dawned on her that Sieg had nowhere else to go besides the Tendo dojo.
"Ranma," she spoke up. "Would you please share your pass with Sieg?"
"What?" Ranma blinked. "That stuck-up jerk just stole my body and you want me to share my pass with him?"
"Please, Ranma?" Kasumi pleaded. "He has nowhere else to go!"
"Fine," Ranma sighed. There was no way that he could deny Kasumi anything. She had done a lot for him during his time at the dojo and it would be pretty selfish of him. "I'll share the pass with him. It will keep him out of the way anyway."
"Okay," Hana nodded. She then headed out to follow Sieg to DenLiner, closing the door behind her. When she was gone, Ranma let out a long sigh at his misfortune. It was going to be one of those days.
-----------------------------------------DenLiner----------------------------------------
"Hmm," Sieg observed as he stepped onto the DenLiner. Hana was close behind. Somehow, she knew that trouble was brewing and that she would have to try and calm everyone down, again.
"A fine train, I suppose," Sieg mentioned in a bored tone. "I have not much room to complain since I am a guest, but I still expect nothing but the finest."
Hana resisted the temptation to punch the white Imagin. Not only for the fact that he didn't deserve it for the time being, but also because if he was as strong as she was led to believe, then she would be in a ton of trouble for it as well.
The other four Imagin were passing the time in their own ways, waiting for word on the situation. Momotaros was still guzzling coffee while Urataros was still playing with the fishing pole that he had found earlier. Kintaros managed to find a barbell somewhere and was exercising with it. Ryutaros was still sulking in a corner where Naomi was busy trying to cheer him up.
"Rejoice one and all," a sudden announcement called, catching everyone's attention. They turned to the doorway and saw Sieg standing there. "Your prince has arrived."
"You!" Ryutaros cried as he quickly stood up and stomped over to Sieg. The white Imagin was looking the car over, not really taking notice of the upset purple Imagin that was heading towards him. "You had better not have done anything to Nee-chan!"
"Sadly, Kasumi sees her responsibility to her family worth of sacrificing her personal life," Sieg sighed in a sadly dramatic way as he slowly walked down the aisle of the car. "She turned me down."
"Ahh," Urataros nodded. "Kasumi-chan is like that. Family is one of the most important things in the world to her. I would be surprised if she even considered a date."
"Oh?" Sieg commented as he turned to the blue Imagin. "You seem to know Kasumi very well then. May I ask how well?"
"You're contracted to her, Bird-Boy," Momotaros growled. "You should know plenty about her."
"I am not called 'bird-boy'," Sieg huffed, glancing sideways at the red Imagin. "I am known as Sieg. You may call me Prince if you like. It does not matter either way to me. Of course, it will take time for you peons to learn on how to properly address me."
"What did you just call me!?" Momotaros demanded, angrily getting in Sieg's face.
"A peon," Sieg repeated.
"Nobody calls me a peon and gets away with it!" Momotaros yelled as he grabbed Sieg by the collar. He then added, asking everyone, "What's a peon?"
Everyone facefaulted. Urataros then explained, "Peon is another word for servant, Sempai." He silently chuckled under his breath.
"Unhand me, peon!" Sieg exclaimed as he pushed Momotaros away and repaired his collar.
"That's it, Bird-Boy!" Momotaros cracked his knuckles, "Time to feel the pain!" He rushed over to Sieg who simply sidestepped him and stuck out his foot. Momotaros tripped and then fell straight into the counter. Sieg just sighed.
"It will take a long time to train him," Sieg sighed. Momotaros got up and stomped over to Sieg.
"That's it, Bird-Boy! I am at my Climax now!" Momotaros yelled out.
"And it is high time you learnt your lesson!" Sieg declared, pointing to the air, "Your head is too high! Too high!"
Momotaros body suddenly began to tingle. A strange feeling came over his body and before he knew it his body was getting smaller, and smaller, and smaller…"Oi, what's going on!?" In a puff of smoke, he was turned into a 4 inch tall figure. "Hey, you jerk! What did you do!?"
"Kawaii!" Ryutaros darted forward and grabbed the shrunken Momotaros.
"Hey, brat!" Momotaros snapped. "Let me go!"
Everyone gasped when they saw what Sieg had done. The Swan Imagin then sat down on and empty booth and snapped his fingers towards Naomi, "A cup of coffee, please, and make haste."
"Okay!" Naomi replied cheerfully as she began to make a new cup of coffee for the new Imagin on DenLiner.
A door opened and Owner walked in, "A new Imagin I see, and with unique abilities as well."
"Oh, are you the master of this fine train?" Sieg asked. Owner nodded.
"I welcome you aboard DenLiner, Prince Sieg," Owner bowed. Might as well play along.
"Thank you, kind sir," Sieg nodded.
"To be able to possess someone aside from their contract holder is a unique skill, and the ability to shrink others is also quite unique," Owner stated.
Sieg's eyes went over to the screaming and miniature Momotaros who Ryutaros was playing with. "It helps teach valuable lessons."
"Let's just hope you do not use your abilities for bad intentions," Owner said cryptically before sitting down. Naomi served Sieg his coffee and then served Owner his fried rice. "The timeline must be preserved."
"I have no intentions of damaging the timeline," Sieg said as he took a sip. "Ah, how refreshing." He continued, "All I want is to take Kasumi on a romantic date."
Ryutaros dropped Momotaros and stomped angrily over to Sieg, "No, no, no!" he objected, "You cannot take Nee-chan out! She's mine!"
"I see no claim over her," Sieg calmly responded. With children he had to be patient, "Also, who do you think you are to tell me not to take her out on a date? You're not even her real brother."
Ryutaros then cried and went back to his corner to sulk. Hana frowned.
"That wasn't very nice," Hana said, clenching her fist. Sieg didn't have to say that.
"Forgive me. I sometimes don't think before I say anything. It's mostly instinct for me," Sieg said as he took another sip.
"Well, it must be frustrating since you are unable to woo Kasumi-chan," Urataros said, "Believe me, I have tried."
"A woman wants a strong man!" Kintaros grunted before snoring again. He was asleep and exercising at the same time again.
"Well, I can wait," Sieg sighed, "Good women like her are worth waiting for."
"Nyaaa!" Ryutaros cried angrily. No one really paid attention.
--------------------------------------------Tendo Dojo-------------------------------------------------
"I do hope Sieg will be all right," Kasumi spoke as she finished putting the plates on the table.
"Naomi will get him what he needs," Ranma grumbled as he took his usual seat. "I'm more concerned about the others freaking out about him."
"I wonder if he'll be able to become his own version of Den-O," Nabiki pondered as she prepared to eat.
Kasumi shrugged demurely before she walked to the front yard where her father was waiting for Genma to arrive. Kasumi barely held in one of her seldom sighs. Her father was just so silly when it came to looking out for his friend. Her father seemed to turn a blind eye towards Genma's wrongdoings whenever he was faced with them. Kasumi had noted it the first time Ukyo arrived. Her father instantly attacked Ranma for it for some reason.
'That is something I believe is called denial,' Sieg's voice spoke in her mind. It was all Kasumi could do to keep from gasping in shock. Instead, she decided to play it cool and get her father inside.
"Father, dinner is ready," she called to the male Tendo.
"Oh, thank you, Kasumi," Soun nodded as he stood up. "I do wonder where Saotome has been. It isn't like him to run off when things are this peaceful."
'The blue one takes credit for that,' Sieg spoke up again. 'It seems he has sent the cursed thief to the zoo for some of his crimes against young Ranma.'
Kasumi was now trying very hard not to react. She had to remain calm or else her father would begin to get suspicious. She had promised to keep the Imagin and everything remotely connected to them a secret. If her father or Genma found out about DenLiner, then they would try to use it for themselves. Most likely they would try to get rid of the problems Genma made or make sure the failed wedding wasn't such a failure. Kasumi couldn't really see how it would work though. Even if they changed the wedding, Ranma wouldn't have changed at all. He was a Singularity Point after all.
'Beauty and Intelligence,' Sieg sighed wistfully. 'My dear, it is truly amazing that you are not wed by now.'
Kasumi was thankful that she was behind her father at the moment. The rosy blush that came to her cheeks seemed to be luminous. Of course, it only served to enhance her beauty, which any male remotely interested in women would truly appreciate. Heck, even Ranma would think of her as cute and he was oblivious to women.
Soun and Kasumi returned to the living room where the dinner table was placed. Akane was already there, having come back down from sulking in her room. She was still throwing glares at Ranma.
'So this is the one known as Akane,' Sieg observed through Kasumi's eyes. 'I do wonder why Ranma would choose her over you. Is it because they are both martial artists?'
'Sadly, no,' Kasumi replied in her thoughts depressingly. 'When Ranma first arrived, his curse frightened me a little. So I shoved the engagement onto Akane. Nabiki did too. She didn't take it too well. I thought that maybe they would work it out, but with our fathers meddling, more fiancées, and other suitors for Akane, they just haven't gotten the chance to be alone very often. Even when they do, Akane loses her temper over something and hits Ranma for it, despite the possibility that he had nothing to do with it.'
'I see,' Sieg frowned. 'Then it appears that Akane is unsuitable. She is much too immature for something as binding and intimate as marriage. Why hasn't it been moved to either you or Nabiki?'
'Well, Nabiki took it once, but I think she only did it as a ploy for Akane to see how much she really cares about Ranma,' Kasumi replied as she ate. 'As of all the other times, no one really seems to care. Genma and father still try to force the two into marriage for some reason. I just don't understand why they are so desperate to unite the schools. We were doing fine with them being separate.'
'Hmmm,' Sieg pondered to himself.
'Of course the other fiancées don't really help things either,' Kasumi sighed internally.
'Other fiancées?' Sieg blinked.
'Yes,' Kasumi confirmed. 'Mr. Saotome engaged Ranma to other girls so he could get the dowries. Of course, he had no intention of following through with those pledges. Then when those girls come to collect, it somehow becomes Ranma's fault that they come. Mr. Saotome gets upset with Ranma for not making them go away while Akane hits Ranma and calls him a pervert.'
'As an observer, I would say that this Genma here is to blame and is only using Ranma as a scapegoat,' Sieg put in, 'Such a man is dishonorable. He is unable to accept the fact that he is wrong and when he is he just puts the blame on others and gets away scot-free. This Akane girl also has a vicious temper and jumps to conclusions to quickly to see the errors of her ways. Neither of them deserve Ranma, if you ask me.'
Kasumi mentally agreed. Any possible chance for a relationship to form between Ranma and Akane had already been destroyed, but the fathers were too stubborn and still adamant in wanting the wedding to go as planned. Honor may be at stake, but so was happiness. If Ranma and Akane did get married, it'd be both a short and unhappy marriage.
'Ranma deserves a sweet, kind, beautiful and patient person, Princess,' Sieg said, 'like you.'
Kasumi blushed at the compliment and then relayed, 'Did you just call me, 'Princess'?'
'To me, you possess the qualities of a princess, the good ones at least. You're not selfish, vain or self-centered. To me, you are a princess. Is that alright?'
'Thank you, Sieg.'
'You're welcome, Princess.'
Ranma knew why Kasumi was silent as she ate. It was because she was communicating with her Imagin. If the blush on her face was any indication, Sieg was still trying to woo her for a date and he might just be making progres. Earlier, Ranma found out that Momotaros had been shrunken down to size, literally, by Sieg. Could he do that to other things beside Imagin? Who knew? It would prove useful in the future since Sieg had chosen Ranma as his vessel.
Ryutaros wasn't happy about it, but not like Momotaros. Ranma could sense that the Dragon Imagin was jealous because Sieg was coming on to Kasumi. Ryutaros was a little kid by nature and very possessive of the eldest Tendo daughter. Ranma knew there would be trouble there.
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A small restaurant was going about its usual business as the staff catered to their customers. All of a sudden, the window shattered as a figure leapt into the establishment. People screamed as the monster went on a rampage.
It was dressed in black leather clothes, boots and gloves and also wearing crystal armor. Its head was an orange pumpkin carved up like a Jack-O-Lantern. It was also holding scythe. To the stunned audience it now had, the Pumpkin Imagin swung the weapon around, slashing tables in half and causing a panic. It grabbed a waiter by the neck and threw him into the wall before it continued to frighten the innocent staff and customers. Between the fleeing customers and the raging Imagin, the restaurant was being totaled and the tables and chairs laid scattered in pieces. Satisfied that the eating area was totally destroyed, it then dashed into the kitchen. The cooks screamed as the monster actually took hold of its head and detached it from its shoulders. The head was revealed to have a chain attached to it. The Pumpkin Imagin spun the chain around and swung, crushing the stoves with its pumpkin head like a wrecking ball. The stoves exploded and the Pumpkin Imagin looked around in satisfaction. The restaurant was burning before its eyes and seeing the destruction gave it a grin of satisfaction.
"Ahh, I love the smell of arson in the evening," the Pumpkin Imagin chuckled as it turned to the exit.
With the customers and staff gone, there was no one left to witness the Pumpkin Imagin's victory. Sirens were blaring in the distance, which was rare in Nerima. The police may have a lot to be desired for in the community, but the fire department was much more reliable. Amazingly enough, the fire department wasn't needed that often despite the destruction caused by numerous martial arts battles.
With its grin still placed on its orange head, the Pumpkin Imagin began roof-hopping away from the scene, searching for its next target.
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Kasumi woke up with a small yawn the next day. She was up bright and early to get her chores done. All the excitement with Sieg had put her out of sync. Still, it was exciting to know that there was a man with a genuine interest in her, even if he wasn't human. She did wish for someone to sweep her off her feet, but Sieg could have gotten someone else rather than try to date her himself. She still had a small smile on her face when she thought about it.
'Good morning, Princess,' Sieg greeted pleasantly.
"Oh!" Kasumi gasped in slight surprise. Since she was by herself, she didn't have to worry about anyone hearing her. "Good morning, Sieg. Did you sleep well?"
'Very well thank-you,' Sieg replied pelasantly. 'I have managed to obtain a residence fitting for one such as I.'
"That's nice," Kasumi smiled.
--------------------------------------------DenLiner--------------------------------------------------
"Most fitting indeed," Sieg nodded as he sipped from his teacup.
He was lounging on a couch with some minor decorations which looked very pricey. He was also surrounded by a veil of silk. Outside of the veil, it seemed that his room had been set up inside the baggage car. At the doorway of the car, Hana and the four Taros were watching the Imagin lounge away and talk to Kasumi.
"Why does Bird-Boy get his own car?" Momotaros asked angrily.
"Well, no one was using it," Hana sighed. "Owner said there was no rule against it either."
"So he's allowed to bunk here?" wondered Urataros. "A clever fellow."
"No fair!" Ryutaros whined. "I have to sleep next to Kuma-chan, Kame-chan, and Momotaros. I didn't know that we could make a room here!"
"I could have used this for a training room," Kintaros commented as he looked at the spacious area.
"You know," Sieg suddenly spoke up. "If you wish to enter then you must ask for permission."
"Oi!" Momotaros snapped. He stomped over to the silk veils and opened them wide. Sieg looked bored as he stirred his tea. "Who do you think you are, Bird-Boy?!"
"It seems that there is a stubborn one," Sieg sighed before he stood up. "Must I discipline you again?"
"I dare you!" Momotaros raged. Urataros and Kintaros instantly snapped into action and grabbed the angry red Imagin by his arms. Even if Sieg could shrink Momotaros again, they didn't want to get the white Imagin mad if he was as powerful as he seemed. Having an Imagin like Ryutaros around was stressful enough with his mood swings. Having a rival for Kasumi's was going to make things very tense for everyone on DenLiner for the time being.
Sieg had been planning on how to understand Kasumi more and decided that the best course of action would be to associate with the common folk. But how would he do that? He tapped his head for a moment before an idea popped into his head.
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Ranma was snoozing away in his futon, not knowing what was about to happen. This impending disaster was none other than Genma, who had finally managed to escape from the zoo during the night. He had been subject to numerous rabies injections which were extremely painful. Genma vowed that he would make his child respect his elders as he should through their sparring session for the morning. Genma was in his birth form with a bucket of water. His plan was to disorient his son by activating his curse and then throw him out the window before beginning the fight. It worked to catch his child off-guard for a while so he might discipline the boy for his disrespect.
As Genma brought his arms back to splash Ranma, he didn't notice the slight flicker of white energy.
"Wake up, boy!" Genma bellowed as he threw the water at Ranma.
"Hah!"
Ranma's futon blanket went flying as Genma threw the water, blocking the liquid quite easily. When Genma swatted the blanket away, he found Ranma standing right in front of him in his boxers and undershirt. He was also wearing a white feathered boa with his hair free and white streaks running through it. His eyes were also silver, but Genma didn't notice. What he did notice was the 'feminine' garb wrapped around his son's neck.
"Boy!" Genma snapped. "Why are you wearing that frilly thing?! What would your mother say if she saw you in it?"
"This?" Ranma White asked as he raised the end of the boa. "This is a symbol of my status. This is a symbol of my superiority. You have no right to question it."
"What?!" Genma bellowed. "Boy, I am your father and I demand that you remove that frilly, unmanly thing at once!"
"No," Ranma White replied simply.
Genma was struck speechless. Usually, Ranma would raise hell when someone tried to force him to do something. He would fight it both verbally and physically when he thought the aggressor could take it. For him to just casually disregard Genma made the part-time panda even more infuriated.
"That's it, boy!" Genma bellowed. "I WILL make you respect me!"
With that, Genma launched an attack at his son. Ranma White smirked as he watched the bald martial artist come at him. Now he would see how formidable the honorless thief was.
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Nabiki shook the sleep from her eyes as she finally managed to get out of bed. She released a zombie-like moan as she got her bathrobe on. She needed some coffee and she needed it STAT. Her mental facilities usually needed a good caffeine fix or some kind of wake up call to really get moving in the morning.
WHAM!!
And the sounds of someone getting pummeled usually worked. Now fully awake, Nabiki realized that she almost felt the floor shake from the impact of whatever had gotten hit. Quickly making sure that she was decent, she opened the door to the hallway. She was about to go inspect the noise when the door to the guestroom opened in a flurry of white feathers and sunlight. Out stepped none other than Ranma White.
He was donned in his usual Chinese clothes, but these ones were embroidered with the image of a phoenix as well as pure white. The phoenix was made of gold thread and looked absolutely majestic as it spread its wings over Ranma's chest. His feathered boa was draped around his neck and his hair was still loose.
"Good morning, Nabiki," Ranma White bowed respectfully. "My apologies for waking you. The panda had attempted to strike Ranma when he was down just as I took control. I decided to chastise him for his poor judgment."
"Uh...yeah," Nabiki blinked. Despite the fact that she knew it was Ranma's body, Sieg made him look VERY desirable. Nabiki figured that picture profits would skyrocket if she could get a few pics of Ranma White in his preferred clothes. Give him Urataros' charm and probably even devout lesbians would want a piece of him. The prospect of such a market made Inner Nabiki giggle in delight.
Ranma White nodded and stepped into the hall before traveling to the stairs. Nabiki spared a glance into his room and saw Genma unconscious on the floor. Considering that there was no collateral damage beyond a soaked futon blanket, Nabiki could tell that Ranma White had put Genma down in one punch. A considerable feat since the overweight martial artist was used to taking abuse from his son. It made the middle Tendo daughter wonder just how powerful Sieg was.
Meanwhile, Ranma White finished his pilgrimage downstairs where Kasumi was setting plates for breakfast. She stood up to get the food when she saw Ranma White and gasped in surprise. There was a slight flush to her cheeks as well.
"G-good morning, Sieg," Kasumi bowed politely. She actually forgot that she had already said her good mornings when she woke up.
"And another good morning to you as well, Princess," Ranma White smiled before he took Kasumi's hand and placed a tender kiss on it. The eldest Tendo daughter had to fight to keep her blush down. No one had ever treated her like this in such a long time. She was still getting used to the treatment.
"Um...did...did you see Mr. Saotome this morning?" Kasumi asked hesitantly. She was trying to keep things moving normally, but the effect Sieg, a man who was very forward with his interest in her, was proving it difficult.
"I did," Ranma White nodded. "The fool attempted to attack Ranma while he was asleep. It was fortunate that I decided to borrow Ranma's form before he could complete the attack. I then...disciplined him for his actions."
"Oh," Kasumi blinked. "Then I'll set a place for him as well. We will eat once Akane gets back from her jog."
"I look forward to it, Princess," Ranma White smiled.
------------------------------------------------DenLiner-----------------------------------------------
"Gaaahhh!" Momotaros raged as he stomped back into the Dining car where Naomi just finished serving Owner his breakfast. "Bird-Boy stole Ranma's body again! I'm gonna cream him when he gets back!"
"Now, now, Sempai," Urataros spoke as he followed the red Imagin. "He'll just shrink you again. I think he's a rather nice addition to our little family."
"EHHH?!?!?!" Ryutaros cried, somehow coming up between the two Imagin. "You like him?! Kame-chan, he's trying to take Nee-chan away! Kuma-chan said girls like strong men and the birdie is really strong!"
"He is very strong," Kintaros agreed as he walked back into the Dining Car. "A most formidable foe as well. I look forward to sparring with him!"
Hana sighed as she entered the Dining Car last, "All right you four! We can't just go making a fuss because someone new is here. There's more than enough room and if he stays in the baggage car then you won't see him often."
"Humph!" Momotaros snorted as he sat in one of the booths. "Oi, Owner! Can't you kick Bird-Boy off or something? He's not even contracted to Ranma!"
"Ranma is currently sharing his pass with Sieg," Owner replied slowly after taking a bite of his breakfast. "He is permitted onto DenLiner so long as Ranma permits him to be."
"And with Kasumi-chan asking him to do this, I don't think he'll be leaving for a while," Urataros added as he went to get a coffee from Naomi.
"KUSO!!" Momotaros roared before going into his usual grumbling/sulking position in his booth.
---------------------------------------------Tendo Dojo------------------------------------------------
Akane jogged onto her family's property and took a couple of moments to catch her breath. She liked to jog since it helped her clear her head. It was one of her small retreats since the mess with the engagements came into her life. She bent over slightly to help catch her breath but winced when her bruises started reminding her that they were still there. The bruises on her torso were something she had acquired when Ranma actually took her seriously for a change. Luckily her joints weren't bugging her from when she tried a second time. It still bugged her though. When had Ranma gotten the guts to stand up to and actually hit a girl? When did he get so tough in the first place? Akane hated it when the weird stuff went on without explanation and she was determined to get some answers.
Walking towards the house, she noticed that Kasumi and Ranma were sitting at the table, waiting for everyone else. She blinked when she saw that Ranma was wearing all white and a white boa around his neck. Now the weirdness alarm in Akane's head was going on. Ranma wouldn't be caught dead wearing something like that in male form and in female form would be a long shot.
Her temper began boiling when she saw what Ranma was doing while wearing all that white. She could see him talking to Kasumi and that her older sister was actually blushing! That meant Ranma had to be saying something perverted or embarrassing to her older sister. Kasumi NEVER blushed over anything. Akane rubbed her knuckles in anticipation, promptly forgetting what happened the last time she attacked Ranma. Akane knew that she had the pervert this time. There was no way that he was going to try and explain his way out of this one.
Akane dashed over to where her sister and Ranma were sitting. Ranma had his back to her so she had the perfect opportunity for a good shot. She reared back her fist and prepared to let Ranma have it just as she hurtled out her favorite insult.
"RANMA NO BAKA!" she cried as she sent her fist to plow into the back of Ranma's skull.
Ranma White felt the intent for the attack practically a mile away. He let out a small sigh as he realized that Akane's temper truly was as bad as Ranma's memories reported. Kasumi's look of shock as her enraged younger sister came to attack him only gave Ranma White more warning of the attack. Akane's battle cry however, that was the last tip he needed to know when to react.
Acting quickly, Ranma White twisted his torso a little so that he could see the attack coming properly. As Akane's fist came closer to creaming him, he brought up his own hand and effortlessly caught the punch in his right hand. Akane was again stunned as for the third time in only a few days Ranma had stood up to her.
"And what gives you the right to attack me without provocation?" Ranma White asked with narrowed eyes.
"I was protecting my sister!" Akane snapped angrily.
"Protecting her?" asked Ranma White. "From what?"
"From you, you pervert!" Akane shrieked. "Don't deny it either! I saw you flirting with her!"
"Of course I was flirting with her," Ranma White sighed. "I wish to get closer to her."
"Don't try to deny i-huh?" Akane raged before Ranma White's words hit her. "Wait...you admit it?"
"I wish to get closer to your oldest sister," Ranma White repeated. "I don't really see why you should care. You always say you don't wish to marry me."
"Huh?" Akane blinked. She then started getting upset again. "Oh, so you're going to start stringing Kasumi along like you do those other girls? I figured a pervert like you would do that!"
"Oh, you mean the Amazon and the chef," Ranma White sighed. "I can honestly tell you that I do not string them along. They are attracted to my charisma and that is something that cannot turn off like a light switch."
"Oh, I'm sure," Akane snapped, taking her hand back. "You're just using it as an excuse to flirt with other girls!"
"You know," Ranma White sighed. "If you could get a handle on your needless jealously and anger, I don't see why the engagement can't work. As it is, you refuse to trust any male despite the fact that they have helped you numerous times without asking for anything in return and assume that your way is always right."
"It's because all men are perverts!" Akane snapped. "They're all after the same thing!"
"Oh I am impressed," Ranma White snickered. "You know every man in the world? That must be the case if you can say all men are perverts."
"I don't need to," Akane growled. "I just know."
"So then Dr. Tofu and Ryoga must be perverts," Ranma White retorted, causing Akane to stiffen.
"They are not!" Akane cried. "There's no way that they can be perverts!"
"But you just said that all men are perverts," Ranma White shot back. "Which is it, Akane? Are all men in the world perverts or are you going to admit that not all men are perverts?"
Kasumi had to admit that Ranma White was raising some good points. He was looking at the lapses in Akane's logic concerning men and her irrational behavior concerning Ranma and the fiancées. No one really had done that before. Of course, seeing Akane's temper about to blow, she guessed why no one had done so before.
"RANMA NO BAKA!" Akane shrieked white aiming to punt him across the room.
"I think not!" Ranma White frowned as he grabbed the offending leg. Akane was left balancing on one foot as she saw Ranma White look at her with cold eyes. He then used his strength and sent Akane spinning through the air before she landed on the grass with a thud. "If you resort to violence whenever you are faced with being wrong, I think the chance of another heir for the Tendo Dojo would be extremely low."
Akane just began to growl again. The pervert had beaten her again! She was so going to let him have it, once the world stopped spinning of course.
Nabiki, Genma, and Soun finally came downstairs and joined together for breakfast. Genma was still trying to steal from Ranma White's plate, but the possessed boy was more than capable of fending him off. Soun idly wondered why Akane was outside and Ranma White just told him that she was resting after pushing herself on her jog. The Tendo patriarch accepted the answer and continued eating.
Breakfast soon ended with Akane finally getting her footing again and Genma fuming about his son becoming too relaxed in his training. Ranma White didn't even attempt to steal from Genma's plate. His reasons were that it was rude to their hosts if they fought at the dinner table. Soon enough, Akane, Nabiki, and Ranma White were heading to Furinkan for another day of school. Thankfully, the ladle lady seemed to be taking a break from splashing everyone for a change. Of course, just because there was one headache taking a break, it didn't mean that the others were likewise taking a break.
As the trio walked to the gates of Furinkan, they were met by the usual pompous voice that belonged to the insane upperclassman, Kuno.
"Halt, foul sorcerer!" the kendoist bellowed as he stepped forward with his weapon. "I see you have placed your foul magics on both Akane Tendo and her illustrious sister, Nabiki Tendo. Do your foul desires know no bounds? I shall smite you and free them!"
"How dare you accuse me of dark sorcery?" Ranma White frowned as he stepped forward. "One such as I need no such aid in becoming adored by the people."
"Liar!" Kuno roared. "Only dark magic could reign in the likes of the tigress Akane Tendo and the fiery pigtailed girl!"
"Hmph!" Ranma White snorted. "You seem to be confused, Swordsman. My connection to Akane Tendo was forced upon me by her father. This pigtailed girl you speak of is but a close relation. To engage in romantic escapades with her would be unnatural."
"Again, I call these lies!" Kuno bellowed as he raised his bokken. "You seek to keep these beauties for yourself and away from their true love! Today is the day I shall free them from you!"
"Feel free to perceive my words in any way you wish," Ranma White sighed with some annoyance. "You obviously are too deluded to understand something as simple as the truth. Thus, I shall have to chastise you for your ignorance."
"Enough talk!" Kuno roared before he charged at Ranma with his trusty bokken at the ready.
Ranma White didn't even attempt to move as Kuno ran at him with the intent to put him down. When he was close enough, Kuno slashed wide at the possessed boy. Ranma White quickly just stepped outside the attack range, so to avoid being hit. Kuno quickly recovered and slashed at Ranma White wildly, but each time the possessed boy would dodge him by just a simple movement.
"Though skilled for against commoners," Ranma White commented. "Your so-called swordsmanship pales in the face of real skill."
"Do not mock the skills of the Blue Thunder of Furinkan!" Kuno roared as he went for an overhead strike. "I am the rising star of the kendo world!"
WHAM!! Ranma White's elbow met Kuno's gut in the blink of an eye with the force of a freight train. The kendo artist flew back a few feet before he collapsed. He had no air in his lungs to even make some kind of deluded comment before he fell unconscious.
"The truly skilled have no need to boast about their abilities," Ranma White spoke as he stood straight again. "Those that do obviously have very little or no skill at all."
A slight breeze blew through the silent grounds as the students watched in shock as Ranma had destroyed Kuno for a second time. As he stood dramatically, several white feathers fluttered down from the air and swirled around him from the wind. Taking all this in stride, Ranma White calmly walked into the school.
Akane and every other girl on the yard watched him go in amazement. The boys only watched him go because of how powerful Ranma White had shown himself to be. The girls on the other hand had various reasons. For Nabiki and her lackeys, it was disappointment since it went by too fast to get betting stalls up. For Akane, it was another apparent insult since Ranma was 'obviously' rubbing in her face how much better he was. To the other girls and even a few female teachers of Furinkan, they all had blushes on their faces and sighing dreamily. To them, Ranma had gone from Casanova to a true Prince Charming. What more could they ask for in a boy?
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Classes progressed as normally as they could. Ranma White tried to pay attention as he thought the students in public schools did. He did notice that almost all the females in the room were giving him dreamy and/or lustful stares. The only ones who weren't were Akane, who looked hostile as usual, and Ukyo, who seemed distracted about something. Ranma White did his best to ignore such things. If he was to gain a better understanding of commoners and thus a connection to Kasumi, he was going to live like a commoner while staying in Ranma's body.
Above them, on another floor, more girls were going through their cooking classes. Several of them were hoping to make something edible for the boys they were hoping to snare. Well, the ones who weren't drooling stupidly over Ranma's female form or his fiancées anyway. Some of them definitely needed the practice, but others had the potential of become great chefs one day. All they needed was the time, patience, and experience needed to gain the skills needed to become those chefs.
"So, did you see Ranma today?" asked one girl excitedly.
"I did!" giggled another. "He looked so dreamy out there."
"He sounded a little like Kuno though," a third frowned.
"No way!" cried another. "Kuno spouts poetry thinking it makes him look cool. Ranma was speaking with refinement."
"Yeah!" agreed the first girl. "Ranma meant every word of it too. You can tell that Kuno's is just some fake crud he spouts."
The girls in the room gave various nods and murmurs of agreement. Compared to the true prince that Ranma was showing himself to be, Kuno was looking even more like a poser than ever before. Even the teacher was chatting with the girls abut the low quality of most men in Nerima and how her dating life was non-existent.
While they were talking, a dark figure appeared outside the window. At first, no one noticed because they were too busy cooking or chatting, but when the figure smashed open the glass, several screams rang out through the building. Those screams only became louder as they looked on the visage of the Pumpkin Imagin, grinning back at them.
The Imagin looked at the various things being made and noticed that some of them looked quite appetizing. Now that would just not do. It had a wish to grant and there was no way that it was going to allow some cooking upstart get the better of its contract holder.
"Time to compost this joint!" the Pumpkin Imagin laughed as it raised its scythe.
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The screams of terror were not lost on the other people inside the school. Usually, these screams would echo from some crazy martial artists with an insane technique that no one in their right mind would even think existed, or Akane forced someone (namely Ranma) to test the food she made during her own cooking classes. Since Akane was still in her English class, then something was definitely up. Ranma White only stiffened for a moment before his eyes narrowed and he frowned.
"Imagin," he spoke silently before standing up and heading to the door.
"Mr. Saotome!" Hinako cried in her child form. "Are skipping class to do delinquent things?"
"No, fair teacher," Ranma White replied. "I have heard the screams of several young women, and as a gentleman, I must go to see what could terrify these poor victims."
"Oh," Hinako blinked before smiling adoringly. "Just like in a manga! Okay. Go ahead."
Ranma White nodded before dashing form the room. Akane wanted to shout after him and follow, but she doubted that she would be able to get away from Hinako's draining attacks. For the moment, unless either the bell rang or all hell broke loose, there was no way she was going to leave of her own will.
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Meanwhile, Ranma White was following the screams until he got to the classroom from which they were originating. Gripping the door, he slammed it open to see one other than the Pumpkin Imagin causing havoc and destroying all the ovens and various sweets that the girls had been working on.
"Everyone, run!" Ranma White cried in an authoritative voice.
The girls didn't need to be told twice. Running as a mob which would have crushed Ranma White unless he moved, they vacated the classroom at a rapid pace. Soon, only Ranma White remained with the Pumpkin Imagin glaring at him.
"Ruin my fun will you?" it sneered angrily. "Then take this!"
The Pumpkin Imagin threw its scythe at Ranma White, hoping to cut him in two. As it came closer, a flying ring broke though the window and knocked the weapon away from Ranma White and back into the Pumpkin Imagin's hands. The ring hovered around Ranma for a moment before wrapping around his waist. The ring turned out to be the Terminal Buckle, but it was different. It had a gold buckle with wings flanking it with the centre being white and a beautiful tune coming from it.
"To threaten these young women is a crime I shall not permit," Ranma White frowned as he drew out the Hyper Pass. He then brought it down to his belt. "Henshin."
"Wing Form!"
To Be Continued...
A/N: And there you go. Sieg finally makes his appearance. I hope you all enjoy his brand of craziness because you are going to see a lot of it.