Ryoutou
By: Lord Strife
Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma½ or Sakura Taisen or Love Hina or Rurouni Kenshin (or a little bit of Sailor Moon or CCS or Vandread)! I wish I did so I could finally skip this part.
Advanced Merry Christmas and season's greetings to one and all!
Book of Water
Chapter 7: Hajimeru
--- Himura Clan Estate ---
Ranma gave a stretched as he woke from his sleep and sat up. It was still quite dark, but he gotten used to getting up before the break of dawn to train. Because of his sudden motion, two sleeping bodies to either side of him, moaned a little in protest and tried to snuggle closer to get back the missing warmth. He glanced to either side of him and noted, Motoko and Sakura still asleep. It won't be long before those two decide to wake-up as well. He found it strange that he did not immediately freak out finding two beautiful females sleeping beside him. He shrugged and got out of bed, getting dress in his usual garb, kissed both girls in the cheek, who both unconsciously smiled, before heading out for his usual morning training with Ryouga.
"Good morning, Ranma-kun." Nodoka greeted her son as she spots him exiting his room. "How was last night?" Her voice held her…curiosity out openly.
Ranma blushed, knowing what his mother was hinting at. "Mother, please. I may have slept with them, but I haven't "slept" (with emphasize on slept) with either of them."
Nodoka looked a little disappointed but decided to hold her peace. For the time being, having the newly engage teens sleep in the same room/bed should be enough…for now. "Sorry, I couldn't help but be curious my son." But she was hopeful it wouldn't be long.
Ranma sighed with relief that his mother didn't push the matter anymore, well at least for the time being. It had been a nerve racking event last night when they learned that he should share his sleeping quarters with his new fiancées. "By the way, mother…has grandfather and Master Yahiko left already?"
"Yes, they have."
"I never knew trains leave that early in the morning."
"Actually they don't. They just pulled some favor from the governor and had arranged a train for them so they can avoid the usual rush of commuters. He said he'll telegram us later the result of his audience with the Emperor. He also mentioned he'll be somewhat late in returning and that he'll be attending some sort of meeting to take place at the capital."
"I see, mother." Ranma was always impressed that the clan had so many favors they can pull not to mention his grandfather attending all those functions. He just couldn't imagine himself in that position.
--- Same time somewhere in the Pacific ---
Seta was quietly sneaking his way into the cave excavated by the "secret organization" that was bent on world conquest. Whenever this group was about, no end of trouble was sure to follow. What he hated the most was that this group tends to destroy or mishandle several valuable and irreplaceable artifacts they find, and that really ticks him off.
He managed to slip past several armed guards before finally making it inside the cave. He idly noted that the said cave had similar markings to those found in the old ruins beneath the imperial capital back at home. "Sealing rock formations…this does not bode well." Seta said to himself. He trekked deeper into the cave, hoping that his findings will not be what he thinks he will find.
---
Sakura and Motoko found themselves embracing one another when they woke-up. Apparently, they subconsciously seek out warmth when Ranma left. Blushing, they let go of one another and started to get dressed for their usual morning routines.
"Do you think Ranma-kun's at the footpaths again?" Sakura asked her co-fiancée as they dressed.
"I think so. Ukyou-san said that, that is his usual place of practice. Do you think we should join him there?" Motoko asked as she grabbed the Hina Sword from its' stand after putting on her hakama.
"I guess…I just thought it would be nice to train besides him…now that were engaged and all." Tying her hair in its usual ponytail, she also grabbed her sword, Arataka, from its' stand. "Perhaps we can ask Akane-san and Ukyou-san to show us the way."
Motoko thought about it, and nodded in agreement. It would be nice indeed if they all trained together. It could all help them improve their skills much further than practicing alone. After exiting their room, both girls seek out Akane and Ukyou.
---
Tsuruko and Tomoyo wear sipping some tea prepared by Kasumi when they spotted their respective charges leave the estate grounds accompanied by their temporary bodyguards.
"You know, I never thought it would happen when I am still alive that the day would come when all our three families would be united into a single clan." Tsuruko started. "Say, when Sakura-chan marries into the Himura, will the Shingujis moved here from Sendai?"
Tomoyo placed the cup down before answering, "Yes, we will be moving the main household here. But we will still keep the holdings we have at Sendai. The clan head has decided to use the old Shinguji house as a retreat house for the joined families." She looked at Tsuruko, "I guess your clan's more fortunate that you live close by to the Himura household."
Tsuruko smiled, "That we do but we also decided to move the main household here. The clan head decided that our old home will be used as a joint dojo for the clan. It would also serve as barracks for the samurai force we have."
After the restoration, the Meiji Emperor has banned the clans from possessing private armies. With the exception of several, key families. The foremost was the Himura Clan, whose root's was still quite young, forming only after the restoration. The now defunct Kuno Clan had, before its fall, the largest private army in the empire. The Aoyamas kept a small samurai force, as did the Shingujis. Several other families still have small samurai armies up in Hokkaido and down south in Shikoku and Kyushu. Although at the aftermath of the coup, a debate in parliament was launched on whether to allow the remaining families to keep their private armies or to disband them. The final decision has yet to be finalized.
"Might I join you ladies?" Hotaru asked as she enters the veranda with Kurumi in tow.
Tomoyo nodded, "Please, Hotaru-sama." Hotaru then sat besides Tomoyo.
Tea was poured for the elderly Himura before they continued with their chatting. Though the women wanted to start immediate preparations for the upcoming wedding they knew that they have to wait first for the Emperor's approval. Now, will be the waiting period.
---
Seta skidded into a halt and ducked into a small crevasse to the side as his pursuers passed him by, yelling for other security forces to help in the search for the intruder.
"Damn…me and my clumsiness." Seta peaked out and noted no further security detail were present and ran back towards the very back room. A while ago he found the organization's supreme commander standing in front a sealing stone laughing maniacally stating he had found the perfect weapon in his bid to rule the world. He was leaning for a closer look when he trip on a stone and fell down on top of the enemy commander. That's when all the commotion started.
Nearing the entrance he then felt the earth rumble. 'This could not be good.' He then made a dash, avoiding stalactites that were falling from the ceiling. Upon rounding the corner he saw a brief flash of light from the entrance of the sealing room before four men of the organization were thrown out via unseen force slamming into the ground in a heap.
He rushed towards them and checked for a pulse, and found none. He then grabbed one of the guards' guns and rushed in, what he saw shocked him. The sealing stone was split in two. The supreme commander was embedded on the far wall, and was not moving. Then he caught movement from beyond the ruble of the sealing stone, five figures he noted. One stepped forward, a gush of water streamed out from a drawn sword and headed towards him. He barely dodged the water blast, noting that the wall behind him have caved in from the impact. Then light burst forth from the ground and several machinations emerged. Seta noted it looked so much like those wakijis that plagued the capital not too long ago. 'Oh, crap!'
--- Two days later, Imperial Palace ---
Yahiko stood when he spotted Kenji walked outside the audience room. "How did it go, Kenji-sama?" He asked as he handed Kenji's sword back. Though individuals could be granted to carry blades, one must show reverence to the Emperor by leaving themselves unarmed.
Kenji took his sword and smiled, "We have been granted the boon." In the past, clan heads could take more than one spouse without need of permission from the imperial family, but that all changed during the restoration. And the Himura have been the first family granted this since the imperial edict. "Konatsu!"
The ninja materialized, besides his clan leader. "Yes? Kenji-sama?"
"Please go to an electronic telegram station, and send a message back home and tell them the good news."
"At once, sir!" Konatsu bowed then disappeared to do his duties.
Yahiko smiled to his friend, "Now that's off our backs, shall we buy some souvenirs before meeting the old men?"
--- Some time later, Himura Clan Estate ---
"Thank you Tsubasa-chan. That will be all, you are dismissed." Hotaru said as she read the telegram handed to her a while ago.
The said ninja gave a bow before disappearing.
Nodoka approached her mother, anxious to hear the result of the audience. She smiled brightly when her mother said that they had been granted the favor. "Ami-chan, please call Tsuruko-san and Tomoyo-san, I think they are still at the veranda. Tell them of the good news and that we can finally begin our preparations."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Nodoka then shouted after the retreating girl, "And be sure to tell Ranma and the others too!"
"Will do, ma'am!"
---
Ranma wiped the sweat off his brow as he leaned by the dojo post. He was utterly exhausted. Fighting Ryouga, Akane and Ukyou has been a normal routine for him, and he could handle the three with some effort. But add to equation two very talented women, and he found himself biting more than he could chew. Albeit he managed to emerge victorious, he found himself pushed to the limit. He then grinned, "We have to do this again sometime!"
"You can bet on that sugar! And next time we will beat you!" Ukyou declared as she helped Akane stand.
Ryouga mocked growl, before laughing it off. "How long have it been since we kept saying that Ukyou? The passed ten years?"
"Seems like forever, but know this Ranma-sama, we will beat you someday!" Akane said confidently.
"Bring it on guys! You know I love it when you go all out!"
Motoko and Sakura just kept lying on the dojo floor, panting. They were too tired to even join the verbal exchanges. If the spar the other day was tiring, this one takes the cake. But both were positively glowing with happiness. Never had they fought like they did a while ago. Inavertly, the two girls have joined Ryouga and company in their effort to defeat Ranma in their sparring.
Ami rushed in the dojo and stopped upon seeing the scene in front of her. "Wow, looks like you guys took on an imperial regiment!"
Sakura groaned, "I fought beside the imperials once at the capital…and believe me, Ranma feels like an army rather than a regiment!"
Motoko groaned in agreement.
Ranma approached the newly arrived girl as Ukyou and Akane helped the other two up. "So what brings you running here, Ami-chan?"
Ami smiled brightly, "Good news! Kenji-sama has sent word that the Emperor has granted us the boon! Congratulations, Ranma-sama!"
Ryouga playfully punched Ranma's back. "Way to go, Ranma!"
Ukyou and Akane squealed, "Alright! Now we can really start the wedding planning!"
Sakura and Motoko, having caught their breaths, hugged Ranma from each side, bouncing with joy. Ranma also smiled as he hugged the two girls back.
--- Three days later, Tokyo train station ---
Sakura and Motoko have both decided to tell their friends directly of their impending wedding, instead of a telegram. So Sakura will be heading back to the Imperial Theatre and Motoko back to Hinata-Sou. Ranma will be accompanying them as well as Ryouga, Akane, and Ukyou. Nodoka, Hotaru, Tsuruko and Tomoyo were left to plan the wedding, whose date has yet to be finalized.
"I'll be going ahead of you two, but be sure to be at the theatre as soon as you can, alright?" Sakura said as she kissed Ranma on the cheek and hugged Motoko. "Though we have been together for only a few days, I'll miss you guys."
They will be parting ways for the moment. Sakura wanted to go back to the theatre to break in the news that she has a fiancé before having them meet him.
Motoko on the other hand was more courageous in taking Ranma to meet with the Hinata-Sou residents. After all, weird things always happen at the inn. "Take care of yourself Sakura-chan, we will be there sooner than you might expect."
Ranma also gave Sakura a kiss on the cheek, "We will miss you too, but we will be separated for only a short amount of time." He turned to Akane, "Be sure to look out for Akane-chan."
Akane nodded, "Don't worry. She's in good hands, Ranma-sama." She then squealed, "I have always wanted to meet the actresses of the Imperial Theatre first hand now I will finally have the chance!"
Having said goodbyes for the time being, Ranma, Motoko, Ryouga and Ukyou all boarded a local train for the Hinata district, while Sakura and Akane exited the station and began walking towards the theatre.
---
"The capital sure looks more crowded than the last time I was here." Akane stated as she glanced around.
Sakura nodded, "I thought so too when I first arrived here. After all, Sendai was much more rural than Tokyo. But I never got used to riding those cars."
"As do I, so…you positively sure that your friends will freak out when they learn you're engaged Sakura-san?"
A sigh escaped her lips, "I certainly hope not. Last time they thought I was being married against my will, they commandeered the airship Shougei-maru, and rushed into Sendai."
"Wow. Maybe it was best that Ranma-sama went to Hinata first then."
"Yeah…but maybe I should have told the others ahead of time…oh well no use crying over spilled milk."
"I guess so. But I think we should brace ourselves just in case. Not only are you engaged…but the man who is your fiancé has two fiancées." Akane did not know how she would react if she ever had a fiancé engaged to more than one woman. She later sneezed.
"No arguments there." Sakura nodded, handing Akane a tissue.
After some walking, both girls arrived at the Imperial Theatre. It has been two years since Akane last visited the place. "The place still looks the same. I remember the last play I watched…Destiny of the Dragon. The lead back then was Kanna and ever since I have idolized her."
"I think Kanna will be happy to hear she has such a devoted fan." Sakura led the way. They were greeted at the door by Fujii Kasumi.
"Sakura! When did you get back?" The girl rushed to her and gave her a brief hug. "How were your family affairs? Last we heard of you was when you left Sendai for Kyoto. Apparently you have been quite busy!" She then noticed the girl with Sakura, "Oh, you seem to have brought some company."
Sakura smiled at the enthusiastic greeting Kasumi gave, "I've been fine, Kasumi. Sorry about not writing often. As you said, I…uh, have been busy. Anyways…" She motioned Akane over, "This is my friend, and bodyguard. Tendo Akane. She will be staying with me for a while."
Akane bowed, "Tendo Akane…pleased to make your acquaintance." She idly noted the said girl had almost the same aura as her older sister, Kasumi had. Not to mention having the same given name and long brown hair.
Kasumi returned the greeting, "Fujii Kasumi…pleased to meet you as well." She then turned her attention back to Sakura, "Umm…bodyguard? Is there a reason for you needing a bodyguard, Sakura?"
Sakura shook her head, "It's nothing serious, so don't worry Kasumi. I'll explain later when everybody is gathered."
Kasumi nodded, "Come then, let me help you with your luggage. I think everyone's at the common room right now."
"Good, that will save me some time. Is Manager Yoneda in?"
"Yes he is. He's also at the common room trying to get the captain to drink some sake again."
Sakura giggled. "We'll leave our luggage here at the reception for the moment. Let's go meet the others first." She led the way for the newcomer, Akane.
Kasumi followed slightly behind the two women. She was indeed curious as to why Sakura has a bodyguard. Perhaps it had something to do with her visit to Kyoto.
Sakura opened the door to the common room, and all activity ended when they spotted her. Iris was first to run up to her. "Sakura-neechan! You're back!" She hugged the bigger girl which Sakura reciprocated.
Maria, Kanna, Orihime, Reni, Sumire, Kohran, Yuri, Tsubaki, Kaede, Oogami and Yoneda all approached her, welcoming her back.
Maria noticed a new face was also present. "So who is your friend, Sakura?" Everyone turned to look at the girl Maria pointed out.
Sakura grabbed Akane's hand ushering her to stand in front of her, "Akane, I would like you to meet the members of the Imperial Theatre." She then pointed each of her friends, introducing their names. "Now then everyone, this is Tendo Akane, a friend and bodyguard of mine."
Akane bowed, "Please to meet you, everyone." Everyone returned the greetings.
Maria looked dumbfounded, "Bodyguard? Is there some trouble Sakura?"
Sumire couldn't help herself but tease Sakura, "I think she's here to prevent Sakura-san from causing trouble." She was immediately smacked by Kanna.
Akane smiled. She didn't mind teasing, but sometimes some teasing is out of line. She finds herself respecting Kanna more as she watched the two actresses duke it out. "Don't be alarmed. I'm basically here as a ceremonial guard, following family traditions that an important member of the clan should not be without any guard."
Oogami was in deep thought when he heard that. He was with Sakura when they went to Sendai to fix Arataka. He didn't notice any yojimbo present back then, or any semblance of bodyguards to the Shinguji clan members.
Yoneda too, had the same line of thought with Oogami, but soon deduced it. 'It seems like the match-make went well.' He cleared his throat, "I think Sakura has something to say to all of us…so, why don't we all get seated and let her tell us her story?"
Sakura smiled graciously and nodded. Everyone followed suite and made their way to a circular table. Sakura sat at one chairs and flanked to either side by Iris and Oogami.
Maria noticed that Akane did not seat herself but dutifully stood behind Sakura. 'She seems more than just a ceremonial guard. She appears to be a seasoned warrior and have the experience to back it up.' In all, she deduced that Akane was a bodyguard in every sense of the word. "So Sakura…last we heard from you was a letter stating that you left Sendai for Kyoto to fulfill a family obligation?"
Iris also spoke, "Yes, oneechan. You also promised to tell us that family tradition you needed to do when you get back!"
Sakura smiled, albeit she was slightly nervous. "They're all connected. Actually a few weeks back…I received a letter from my grandmother indicating the time came for my family to fulfill a long standing commitment."
"Commitment?" Oogami asked.
Sakura braced herself, "Umm…yes. A Commitment for a formal match-make between the heirs of the Haja/Hokushin Itto Ryu and that of the Hiten Misturugi/Kamiyaa Kashin Ryu.
Everyone, saved Yoneda and Kaede who already knew before hand, stared at the slightly fidgeting blue haired girl.
Kanna pointed out and her voice croaked a little, "Uh…Sakura if memory serves me correctly…you are the heir of the Haja, aren't you?"
Sakura nodded.
Maria was stupefied, "Then the family duty was…a match-making ceremony?"
Sakura nodded again.
Kohran leapt from her seat, "See! See! I told you guys this time it was sure that she was getting hitched!"
Iris looked up to Sakura, "Um, are you getting married oneechan?"
Sakura smiled at the younger girl, "Yes, Iris. I am. I have consented and accepted the match-make and will be marrying into my future husband's clan. Don't be sad though, doesn't mean you're no longer going to be my friend if I get married."
Iris smiled at her reply. Sakura was right. She will always be her friend…and her big sister. "We are invited to wedding aren't we, oneechan?"
"Of course, everyone here at the theatre will be invited, Iris." The members of the defense troupe all sighed with relief. For a moment there they thought Sakura would not be inviting any of them to her wedding.
"I guess that explains, Akane-san here." Oogami pointed out. He was slightly saddened by the thought that Sakura was getting married but convinced himself that he should be happy for her. "I guess the clan you're marrying into has a protocol that important members must have a yojimbo?"
Akane nodded, "Yes that is correct. Although I am a temporary bodyguard until a more permanent guard will be assigned."
Sumire suddenly sat straight, "Wait…you mentioned Hiten Mitsurugi/Kamiyaa Kashin?" After receiving a nod from Sakura she slumped down.
"What? What is it? Why are you pale, Sumire-san?" Orihime asked, seeing Sumire's reaction.
Yoneda seeing Sumire was still in shock, decided to explain, "It means Sakura is marrying into the 'Himura' Clan." He smiled as he noticed some of the people around the table recognized the famous family name.
Reni was among those who didn't know and asked the question, "Himura? Are they famous?"
Maria nodded, "Very much so, Reni. They are, second only to the imperial family in terms of prestige in the empire."
Kohran cat-whistled, "Wow! That's amazing!"
"Indeed…I heave heard the legends of that clan…." Kanna was in awe.
Iris turned to Sakura again, "That makes you like a princess, right oneechan?"
Yoneda smiled as he noted the cheers of congratulations to Sakura. It seemed it turned out way better than he had expected.
Sumire was still in a state of shock…babbling something about imperial titles and stuff.
Kaede noted Sakura was still fidgeting. "What's the matter Sakura? I think most everyone here reacted quite well to your news of engagement."
Yoneda and Oogami indeed noted Sakura was still nervous.
"You're not against the wedding right?" Maria asked.
"No! Of course not! Its just…umm…uh, how do I say it…umm…" Sakura was deciding how to say it. But Akane decided to speak on her behalf.
"What Sakura-san is saying is that she is one of two fiancées to the Himura heir."
Silence erupted in the room as everyone stared at Akane then to Sakura. And then chaos followed.
"SHE IS WHAT!?"
---
"I hope she's doing well." Ranma stated as he and the others climbed the long steps of the Hinata-Sou.
Motoko squeezed his hand, "You worry too much. I'm sure she'll be fine. Right now, we should be more worried about ourselves."
Ranma nodded as the inn came into view. "Hmm, nice atmosphere…I think now I know why you like it here."
Kitsune noticed, from her seat near the veranda of the second floor, that Motoko was ascending the stairs of Hinata-Sou. Nothing was new there. But the said girl, a certifiable man-hater to some extent, was in the company of three handsome young men. She decided to call in the residents to meet their friend. "Hey guys! Guess what? Motoko's back! And she brought over some friends!"
Motoko smiled when she heard Kitsune's call. Sure enough, Kaolla appeared out of nowhere and attached herself to her back. "Heya, Motoko! Did ya miss me?"
"Of course I did Suu." She shifted her weight as the enthusiastic girl settled on her shoulders. "I've brought some souvenirs for everyone and I have some people for you all to meet."
Suu noted the three people with Motoko and waved to them happily. Motoko then led the way inside the inn.
Keitarou, as well as the other residents, were happy to see Motoko back. "Welcome back, Motoko-chan. How was your trip home?"
"It was fine, Urashima-sempai. I've brought over some friends…I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all, please make yourselves at home." Keitarou ushered in Ranma, Ryouga and Ukyou. Truth be told, he was quite happy to be in company of some men for a change. (Withstanding the other members of the glasses trio)
Shinobu emerged from the kitchen bringing in some tea for their guests. "So, who are your friends, Motoko?" She asked, as she poured each of them a cup.
Motoko each introduce Ranma and company to the Hinata residents. Suu and Sara were making a scene holding out the souvenirs Motoko brought back. Shinobu was just glad that her friend was home but was finding herself, slightly nervous at the presence of other men, though they were indeed quite handsome in her honest opinion.
Naru and Mutsumi sat to either side of Keitarou, while Kanako leaned on his shoulders from the back. Haruka stood at the doorway smoking a cigarette, seemingly disinterested, albeit casting curious glances at their new guests. 'Hmm…that young man seems familiar somehow…'
Naru noted Motoko's company. "Wow, Motoko. I never thought I'd see you in the company of men." She then noticed that they each carried swords, "Even if they are swordsmen." 'Or handsome ones at that.'
Kitsune nodded, "I'd say." While she noted both Ryouga and Ukyou cute, it was that Ranma guy that blew her mind away. And she slyly slid next to the pigtailed boy. "So handsome…how about you and me paint the town red?"
Motoko snarled at Kitsune's antics. "Hey, hands off my fiancé!"
Everyone, except for Ranma and company, stared at Motoko's outburst. Even Haruka, as her cigarette fell from her open mouth.
Naru was first to recover, "Did I hear you right Motoko? Did you say fiancé?"
Shinobu cried, "Awooo…Motoko sempai lost to her sister again and got engaged!"
Mutsumi, seeing the honest glint of happiness in Motoko's eyes, gave a smile and said, "Congratulations, Motoko-chan."
Kanako smiled, one less girl to chase after her oniichan.
Suu and Sara, noticing the upcoming chaos, did a sentai pose. "Fight for Motoko!"
Keitarou grabbed Motoko's hand, "Don't worry Motoko, we will help you through all this! But first let me talk to Tsuruko-san…"
Before Keitarou could finish, Motoko decked him on the head. "Ahem, before any of you jumped into further conclusions, let me say that I did not lose to any battle against my sister. I chose this for myself." She smirked, anticipating the upcoming reactions from her friends' faces.
Most everyone sighed in relief then stared back at Motoko, her implications finally sinking in. 'Motoko actually accepted to be married to a man?' Kitsune added an, 'It's not fair!' to that thought.
Keitarou rubbed his head before shaking Ranma's hand. "I guess congratulations are truly in order." His example was followed by the other residents.
Ranma smiled "Thanks." He smiled further as Motoko sat beside him again and started to cuddle him.
Kitsune whistled, "Now that I never thought I'd see in my life time. Motoko willingly cuddle with a man…"
Naru nodded, "Yeah…but in any case…congratulations Motoko-chan and to you too, Ranma-kun. I can clearly see that you two really like each other." Perhaps now Motoko won't be chasing Keitarou, not that she cares though.
Kitsune sighed dramatically, "The best ones are always taken…" She then decided to sit besides Ukyou and Ryouga, "How about you two? I hope you two are available?"
Ryouga chuckled, "Sorry lady. But I am engaged as well." Heaven help the guy…or girl, that gets in the way of him and Akari.
Kitsune then turned to the only other 'man' in the room.
"Yes, I am available but…" 'He' raised 'his' hand stopping the fox before she glomp onto 'him.' "Before you do anything sugar…I'd like to say first that I am a girl. Not a guy."
The others stared at Ukyou. Kitsune poked Ukyou's chest and confirmed that he…err, she had the assets alright. "Damn!"
Kanako nodded approvingly. That Ukyou was really good in disguises if she could fool even her into thinking she was a man.
"Why are you dressed like a guy then?" Naru asked. 'Hope she's not a pervert!'
Ukyou shrugged, "Force of habit sugar. My old man's been trying to break me from that though."
Ryouga snorted, "You should see her part of the family…they all have their genders confused!" POW! "Hey, what you do that for?" Ryoug asked Ukyou as he rubbed the back of his head.
"You deserve it jackass, anyways…enough about me and Ryouga."
Naru nodded, "Yes, how did Motoko-chan and Ranma-kun got to be together?"
Motoko blushed, "Actually…umm, it was all about a match-making ceremony a few weeks passed."
"You mean, when you left back then, it was to attend a match-make? No wonder you looked a little glum." Kitsune said as she stroked her chin. "But your look then as compared to now is very different!"
Ukyou smiled, "I guess you might say it was love at first sight."
Shinobu have a gleam in her eyes, "Really?"
Ryouga laughed, "Well more like love at first sword clash."
"I don't think it was." Motoko stated while leaning into Ranma, "After all I think I already liked Ranma-kun even before he made me kiss the floor."
Keitarou, Naru, Kitsune and Kanako stared at Ranma then Motoko.
"You defeated Motoko in battle?" Naru asked. As far as she can tell, Motoko was very skilled and it takes an extra-ordinary person, like Tsuruko or Keitarou (if he gets lucky), to defeat her.
Ranma nodded, "Yes I did. I even fought against Motoko sister once."
Keitarou looked up at that, "Uh…how did that one go?"
Motoko giggled, "The same thing that happened to me. My sister ended up kissing the floor as well, although she did last far longer than I did."
"You defeated Tsuruko?" Keitarou asked bewildered then slapped Ranma at the back, "Cool! I never thought anyone alive could beat her!" The sentiment was shared by everyone in the room.
"Say, Urashima-sempai."
"What is it Motoko-chan?"
"Could I ask for a small favor?"
"If I can…what is it?"
"Umm…could you possibly allow Ranma-kun and the others to stay here at the inn for a while?"
Naru looked startled. She never thought she'd hear Motoko ask to allow more men to stay at the inn. Albeit, they seem to be descent guys…and not perverted like Keitarou.
Kitsune opened her eyes when Motoko asked the favor. "Can't believe you just asked that Motoko."
"We'll be paying for our stay of course." Ranma added.
Keitarou shrugged. "Personally I don't mind at all. Though we only have two more spare rooms, as the other rooms still need renovations. So I guess the guys could share a room and Ukyou-san can have the other?"
Motoko smiled slyly, a smile no one in the inn has ever seen on her face before. "Ryouga-san and Ukyou-san can each have their own rooms. Ranma-kun will be staying at my room."
Everyone was starting to feel like they were in the twilight zone as they stared in shock at Motoko.
"YOU TWO WILL WHAT!?"
---
A large mobile sea fortress was approaching Tokyo bay slowly. Machinations known as the Elementhors lined the deck and were eager to land and begin their rampant call for destruction.
A figure stood at the top of the great sea ship. The Mon of the Fenrir can be seen at the back of his hakama. He grinned evilly at the sight of the capital from his vantage point, "And so it begins."
To be continued...
AN: Title translates into "Start" or "Beginning"