Broken Hearts Combined
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I do not own Gold Digger and its associated characters. They belong to that marvelous fellow Fred Perry. I do not own Ranma ½ and its associated characters. They belong to the wonderful lady Rumiko Takahashi. This production is strictly for entertainment, and I am not making any money off of the writings. I am just a poor student, so please… Don't sue me… Please?
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Broken Hearts Combined Chapter 16: Training with the Edge Guard… New Feelings Come Forth!?
It's been two weeks since Ranma and Britanny have arrived at Seer's Hamlet. Ranma has beaten the second Weaponsmaster, met the Edge Guard, and met the third Weaponsmaster.
Unfortunately for Ranma, Karia is a War Mage, a sorcerer, or in the case, sorceress that specializes in attack magic… And magic is one of the areas that Ranma is lacking in…
And so, for the past two weeks, Ranma has started training with Nali. However, there is a bit of trouble… Even though Ranma has more than enough etheral energies in him, and a great connection to the Etheral Stream, he can't seem to get a grasp on any magic…
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In Nali's home, Nali, Ranma, and Britanny are in the study. It's a small room with a bookshelf, a large writing desk, a few chairs, and a whole bunch of loose books, scrolls, and notes scattered around. Ranma seems to be sweating, from his exertion of mental energies. Nali rubs the sides of her head.
Nali: Okay… I don't understand this… We tried everything… And I can't seem to teach you anything.
Ranma: Please Nali can we try again?
Nali (Shakes her head): At his point, I can't see why we should…
Ranma: Huh!? Why not?
Britanny: Yeah Nali. You said that Ranma has a great connection to the Etheral Stream.
Nali: He does.
Ranma: Then why can't I learn magic?
Nali: Ranma… Let me put it this way. I've been trying to train you for the past twp weeks. Correct?
Ranma: Yes.
Nali: I first tried to teach you the art of an Aura Mage. The mage that works with their aura, and mind, correct?
Ranma: Correct…
Nali: And what were you able to do?
Ranma: Hey! I did well in that. You taught me that shield spell…
Nali: Aura Shield.
Ranma: Yeah. And that cool ki blast.
Nali: Aura Beam.
Ranma: Yeah. So, I can learn!
Nali: Those were the only two spells you learned from aura magic.
Ranma (Sweat-drops): Well… Yeah…
Nali: And, do you remember what we did next?
Ranma: We tried that that stage magician stuff, right?
Nali: Sigh… It's called illusion magic. And what did you learn?
Ranma: That cool spell that made me invisible. Invisibility right?
Nali: Correct. And?
Ranma stops to think for a moment before answering. He frowns.
Ranma: Nothing else…
Nali: Yes. And then I tried to teach you to be a War Mage. Do you remember how you did with that?
Ranma: Yeah! I learned that cool spell that makes a blinding flash…
Nali: Sunburst. And then?
Ranma: Well… I wasn't even trying… But I guess all that sparring with Sheila helped me do that spell her sword can cast. You know, the one that covers what I hit in ice.
Nali: Freeze…
Ranma: Yeah! That's the one.
Nali: And then what else did you learn of the magical arts of the War Mage?
Ranma: I learned… Um… Uh… (Sweats). Eh heh heh…
Nali: That's right. Nothing else… Then we worked on the art of the mental sorcerers, psionist magic. Do you remember how that ended up?
Ranma (Sweat-drops, scratches back of his head): Eh heh heh heh heh…
Nali (Left eye twitches): Correct… In that field of magic, you learned NOTHING!
Ranma: Hey! I'm not big with mental strategy, all right?
Britanny: Yeah Nali. Give Ranchan a break. At least he really tried.
Nali: Yes… He did try… And finally I tried to teach you my art Ranma. The magic art of the Healing Mage.
Ranma: Yeah. And you taught me the spell Healing. I found that useful.
Nali (Smirks): Indeed… With the bruises you take from your training with Britanny, I would think so…
Britanny and Ranma blush.
Nali: And what else did you learn from my art?
Ranma (Looks around the room): Um… I… Well…
Nali: That's right. Nothing else… That is why I can't help you become a mage.
Ranma: I still don't understand.
Britanny: Neither do I.
Nali: Sigh… I'll be blunt. Ranma, to be a mage of some sort, you have to be able to learn all of, or at least a lot of one area of magic. You unfortunately, cannot do that. And that is simply because you do not have the capability to do so. And before you start speaking, it's true what I said before. You do have an incredibly strong connection to the Etheral Stream, but your own aura is too chaotic. It gets in your way of summoning energies from the Etheral Stream. Therefore, you only have the capability to learn very little magic from each field, so you will never be a real Mage… (Eyes widen). Wait… A little from each field…
Ranma: What is it Nali?
Britanny: Yeah? What's wrong now?
Nali seems stunned for a moment. Then she smiles…
Nali: Ranma… You may actually be a mage, and I didn't realize it…
Ranma: Really?
Nali: Yes.
Britanny: Cool! What kind of mage would Ranchan be?
Nali: I'll hold my suspicion for now… I just need to say this. Once a person tries to switch their magical arts, they usually lose all of their past abilities. Ranma, we started left off on haling magic, so that should still be fresh in you. Ranma, no do as I say.
Ranma nods his head.
Nali: Ranma, perform Aura Shield.
Ranma nods his head again. He then concentrates his aura, and forms a sphere around himself based off of his aura. Nali nods her head.
Nali: Good you still now that… Ranma, try the freeze spell… But not one that is too strong.
Ranma nods his head. He concentrates once again, gathers energies from the Etheral Stream, and shoots a weak Freeze spell at a nearby footstool, covering it in ice. Nali starts to smile, getting excited.
Nali: You can still perform it… Ranma, try Invisibility next!
Ranma nods his head again. Once again, he closes his eyes and concentrates. The energies from the Etheral Stream gather around him like a blanket, and reflect the light through him, making him invisible to the naked eye. Nali nods her head.
Nali: You can stop now Ranma.
Ranma relaxes his senses, his mind. The energies leave him, and he is once again a visible being.
Britanny: That's impressive Ranchan.
Ranma: Thanks Britchan.
Nali: Impressive indeed… I can honestly say that I understand now…
Ranma: You do? What is it Nali?
Nali: You Ranma, thanks to your chaotic aura, are unable to learn too deeply into any form of magic. However, I may just be guessing, but I think because of your style, the Anything Goes, that you have an ingrained skill to adapt to almost anything that is thrown your way. And because of that training, it has allowed you to retain the capabilities so that you can do all sorts of magic from different fields. Therefore Ranma, you are a Rouge Mage…
Ranma and Britanny look at Nali with a look of confusion.
Britanny: What's a Rouge Mage?
Ranma: And what do you mean that you think my fighting style made me, as you put it, a "Rouge Mage"?
Nali: As I was saying, Ranma has the capability to learn from different fields. After all, the ki usage of the Anything Goes style is like a Rogue Mage; a mage that can use any form of magic. Almost a Jack-of-all-trades if you will. One that learns from all fields; but is a master of none.
Britanny: Hmm… So basically, Ranchan can only learned half-assed magical skills.
Ranma (Stares at Britanny): HEY!
Nali: No, no. Ranma can learn magic from all fields. It's just that he can't learn any major level spells from any field of magic in return.
Britanny: Oh. Okay!
Ranma: Well… I guess low-level stuff is better than nothing… Hey Britchan.
Britanny: Yeah?
Ranma: Want to go over the Edge Guard building again to do more sparring?
Britanny: Um… Okay… How about we do some shopping afterwards?
Ranma: And where are you going to shop, besides the village marketplace?
Britanny: … DAMN IT! I MISS MALLS!
(-)
At the base of the Edge Guard, a certain weretiger is preparing his room for his next 'quarry'…
We see Tirga on a ladder. He is hanging flowers of all sorts from the ceiling and such. Right now he is hanging some mistletoe above his doorway…
Tirga: Who cares if it's supposed to be used only on Christmas? I sure as hell don't!
Suddenly, the door to Tirga's room swings open with such a strong force. The door hits the ladder Tirga is standing on, and it falls to the floor with a loud crash.
Tirga (Mangled in the ladder): Ow…
We see Gar looking around the room, from the doorway.
Gar (Turning his head left and right): Hey Tirga, you in here?
Tirga: Down here dumbass!
Gar looks at the floor. He sees nothing. He then closes the door, and sees the area that was obstructed from view by the door. Gar sees Tirga lying on the floor, with the ladder wrapped around him a bit.
Gar: Oops… Sorry…
Tirga: Sorry my striped ass!
Gar (Looks around): Hey… What's with all the flowers? You planning on holding an orgy or something?
Tirga: … Why does everybody say that!?
Gar (Stares at Tirga): … Tirga…
Tirga: What?
Gar: … Need I remind you of your reputation and all your infamous 'incidents'? Like the now infamous 'Noodle Incident'?
Tirga (Smiles): Hey, was it my fault those three luscious, female Elven ninjas stole that love potion that we chased around Seer's Hamlet then crashed into that ramen cart and had the contents fall on them? And was it my fault they then looked right at me, and then dragged me into the noodle cart with them to have their way with me? Not that I minded… It's just that I never knew Elves were so…
Gar (Interrupts): Never mind! … Look, I need your help Tirga.
Tirga: I'd be glad to help if you'd help me get up.
Gar (Stares at Tirga): … I don't swing that way…
Tirga: NOT THAT 'UP' DUMBASS! I MEAN GET ME OUT OF THIS LADDER!
Gar: Oh!
Gar then goes over to Tirga, and helps get the ladder off of him. Tirga then stretches his arms and legs, as to get the feeling back into them.
Tirga: Ahhhhhhh… Much better… So Gar, what is it you need.
Gar: Well… You know how Britanny is here in the Retreat, right?
Tirga (Smiles): Of course I do! I must admit, she is one fine piece of ass… (Whistles).
Gar (Glares at Tirga): HEY! DON'T TALK ABOUT BRITANNY THAT WAY!
Tirga (Raises his hands defensively): Okay, okay, settle down Gar my man… Now, what is it you want?
Gar: Okay… What I want to now is this… What is the best way to pick up women?
Tirga blinks as Gar starts to blush like a ripe tomato. Tirga then falls back onto his bed, laughing.
Tirga: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAA!
Gar: HEY! I'M SERIOUS!
Tirga: BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Gar (Narrows eyes): Tirga, I'm warning you…
Tirga: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA… GURK!
Tirga is now hoisted into the air, by his neck, as Gar is now strangling him.
Gar: Listen Tirga! I don't often go looking for help. But when I do, I expect to be treated seriously! Now, are you going to help me, or do I have to kick your ass!?
Tirga (Face pales): C, c, can't… Cough! I can't breathe…
Gar drops Tirga down onto his bed. Tirga massages his throat.
Tirga: Damn… You know, you'll never score with any of the ladies if you keep up such a violent front…
Gar blushes.
Tirga: Listen. Women like a smooth, caring, handsome sort of person… And they like leather. Lots and lots of leather!
Gar (Stares at Tirga): You sure?
Tirga: But of course! Why else do you think I wear black leather clothes all the time?
Gar: Because you're the type of person that's into bondage…
Tirga: … Besides that…
Gar: Because you like to look at yourself in the mirror, because you are, as my sister puts it, "a male chauvinist"?
Tirga: … Besides that…
Gar: Because you like the way it outlines your body, because it gives you a feeling of being 'macho'?
Tirga: … Besides that…
This could indeed take awhile…
(-)
Ranma-chan and Britanny walk inside the main entrance room to the Edge Guard Base. They see Thropan playing his wooden guitar. Thropan stops playing his guitar and looks up at the two visitors.
Thropan: Hello again Britanny, Ranma. (Looks at Ranma-chan). … Why are you soaked? It's not raining out, is it?
Ranma-chan (Mutters): Stupid ladle lady… I can't believe they got one her as well…
Thropan: Huh?
Ranma-chan: Never mind!
Thropan (Confused): … Okay… So, what brings you two here today? Here to do more training?
Britanny: Yes Thropan.
Ranma-chan: Yeah. But could I please get some hot water?
Thropan: Sure. You can use the stove in the kitchen, and one of the kettles to heat up some yourself. The kitchen is upstairs. Use the stairs and go left. It should be the eighth door on your right.
Ranma-chan: Hey thanks Thropan.
Thropan: No problem.
Ranma-chan: Hey Britchan, I'll meet you in the arena in a bit.
Britanny: Sure Ranchan…
And so, Ranma-chan and Britanny walk off their separate ways through the Edge Guard base…
(-)
Ranma-chan walks down the halls, trying to get to the kitchen. She stops when one of the doors open up. Gar steps out of it.
Ranma-chan: Hello!
Gar (Turns towards Ranma-chan): Huh? Oh. Hey Ranma. What brings you here? Training, or hot water?
Ranma-chan: Both.
Gar: Figures… (Eyes brighten): Is Britanny here with you?
Ranma-chan (Nods her head): Yeah. She went to the arena to do some exercises while she waits for me to…
Ranma-chan doesn't get more out, as Gar takes off like he was shot out of a canon.
Ranma-chan: … Get some hot water… (Blinks). … Wow… I didn't think jagweres were that fast…
Suddenly, Tirga glomps Ranma-chan from behind.
Tirga: PIG-TAILED GIRL!
Ranma-chan grits her teeth, her aura begins to flare.
Ranma-chan: Would you cut that out Tirga? You KNOW I'm a guy!
Tirga (Shakes his head): Not like this you're not. How about it? Sometime later, you and me get to know each other better?
Ranma-chan: … You only think with your balls, don't you?
Tirga: You could say that…
Ranma-chan has decided this has gone on far enough. She then grabs Tirga's arms, and tosses hi into one of the walls. Tirga is then indented upside down in a crater he made from his impact.
Tirga: … Ow…
Ranma-chan: Pervert…
Ranma-chan then walks off to the kitchen to get some hot water…
(-)
Sheila is in the 'arena' of the Edge Guard base. She does a slow kata. Using her scimitar to slash downwards, then upwards, the turning around ninety degrees, slashing horizontally to the left, then right, and piercing forward. And then she repeats this for quite some time.
Sheila stops. Her eyes pick up the faintest of footsteps heading towards the arena. After a minute, the door to the arena opens, and Britanny walks in.
Britanny: Hi Sheila!
Sheila (Smiles): Hi Britanny! Let me guess, Ranma wanted to do some more training.
Britanny: Sigh… Yeah… I only wish he was enthusiastic for shopping as he is for training…
Sheila: Look at it this way. At least he's dedicated to something.
Britanny (Nods her head): True.
Sheila: Hey Britanny, how's Ranma's magic training under Nali been going? I've heard that he's been having a bit of trouble.
Britanny: Actually it's quite interesting… Turns out he wasn't having trouble…
Sheila (Raises an eyebrow): Oh?
Britanny: Yeah. Turns out that that's his style. He's a Rouge Mage.
Sheila: A what?
Britanny: A Rouge Mage. That's basically a mage that learns a bit from all fields.
Sheila: Oh… So Ranma is a Rouge Mage huh? Cool.
Britanny: Yeah…
Sheila's ears perk up again. She hears some more footsteps. There is more weight to them, making Sheila think that it's a man running.
Sheila (Thinks): Please let it be Ranchan, please let it be Ranchan, oh please, oh please, oh please!
The doors burst open. Gar stands in the doorway trying to catch his breathe…
Britanny: Hi Gar!
Sheila: Hey bro! What brings you here? (Thinks: DAMN! I was hoping it was Ranchan…)
After a few minutes, Gar finally stops breathing heavily. He looks up at Britanny and smiles.
Gar: Britanny…
Britanny: Yeah Gar? What is it?
Sheila (Thinks): Great… Here he goes again…
Gar walks up to Britanny. He decides to use Gar's advice…
Gar (Thinks): Okay, okay… Remember what Tirga said… Be forward… Geez… I really hope this works…
With that Gar walks up to Britanny, a smile on his face. Britanny looks at him confused…
Britanny: Gar?
Gar doesn't say anything. He just encloses Britanny in his arms, and kisses her on the lips. Britanny's eyes widen, and Sheila stares, totally shocked.
Gar (Thinks): Wow… This is nice…
Britanny (Thinks): OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD! I CAN'T BELIEVE GAR IS DOING THIS! … Hey… He's a pretty good kisser…
Sheila (Thinks): BY THE GODS OF JADE! I CAN'T BELIEVE GAR DID THAT!
Finally, Gar breaks the kiss. He stares at Britanny, and his smile widens. Her face is flushed, the light red, and she stares at him with widened, tentative eyes.
Finally, after a few moments, Britanny finds her voice…
Britanny: G, Gar?
Gar (Smiles): Yes?
Britanny doesn't say more. Her eyes seem to actually widen more then they are, and her face then pales to a ghostly white, even whiter than the fur on her face. Gar also notices that his sister is paled a bit. Gar turns around and he sees Ranma standing there staring at them. Now Gar's face pales.
Gar (Thinks): … Oh shit…
Britanny: Ranchan, this isn't what it looks like! Really it isn't!
Ranma just looks on. He doesn't say or do anything, but his eyes… His eyes show the betrayal he feels at the moment.
Ranma: Yeah Britanny… I do understand… I saw the whole thing… Bye…
With that, Ranma turns around and walks away slamming the door shut behind him, and leaving Britanny, Gar, and Sheila in the arena. After a minute, Britanny's brain starts working. She pushes Gar away, and gets into a position to start running, but Sheila grabs her shoulder.
Sheila: Britanny!
Britanny: Huh!? What do you want? I have to get to Ranchan, tell him this was all a mistake!
Sheila: Let me do it.
Britanny: And why should I!?
Sheila: You really think he would listen to you at the moment?
Britanny seems to be unsure of herself, and averts her eyes from Sheila's.
Sheila: Sigh… Look. Let me do this. He's hurt… And I really don't think he would want to listen to you at the moment…
Britanny then looks at Sheila, tears starting to brim her eyes.
Britanny: Please Sheila… Get him to understand. This was all a mistake…
Sheila nods her head. She starts to take off, but then stops. She turns around and glares at her brother.
Sheila: GARFIELD!
Gar: Uh, yeah?
Sheila: WHAT THE F*CK GOT INTO YOU! YOU WANT ME TO KAPOWIE YOUR ARSE TO THE MOON?
Gar: No! I just listened to what Tirga was telling me. I asked how to get my point across, and Tirga told me to be forward…
Sheila: DAMN IT GAR! NOW, YOU APOLOGIZE TO BRITANNY! I need to go explain this to Ranma…
Sheila starts to run.
Britanny: WAIT!
Sheila (Stops, turns around): What?
Britanny: You might fine Ranchan outside city-limits, doing some exercises. And when you find him, please tell him to see me at Nali's home, okay?
Sheila (Nods her head): Okay.
With that Sheila starts running, the door to the arena slamming shut behind her. Britanny then turns to Gar.
Britanny: Gar…
Gar: Yes?
Britanny glares at Gar; the tears that were welled in her eyes now begin to stream. She grits her teeth and openly growls.
Britanny (Trembles slightly): Garrrrr…
Gar: Britanny, I just wanted you to know how I feel. I'm sorry that it turned out like this…
Britanny doesn't say anything. She just jerks her right fist back, and then shoots it forward, smashing Gar in the jaw. Gar flies back fifteen ft, and he lands on his back. Gar rubs his jaw, which feels like it's on fire.
Gar: … Shit…
Britanny then turns around and walks toward the door. She stops in front of it, and speaks, not even turning around to look at Gar.
Britanny: Garfield…
Gar: Yeah?
Britanny: I'll say this now… I don't love you… I can't love you… And if it weren't for the friendship we have, I would say I hate you… Just don't talk to me for a while, all right? BYE!
Britanny then opens the door, walks out, and slams it behind her, leaving Gar there alone in the arena…
(-)
It's been a good hour now. As Britanny said, she won't find Ranma in the city. She kept her ears peeled for his specific voice, and she hasn't heard a word, or even a grunt of displeasure. So Sheila stared making her way towards the outskirts of the city. As she got outside, she could definitely hear the sounds of nature, like birds chirping, blades of grass wafting in the wind, small animals moving about and chattering, but no Ranma…
Sheila: Sigh… Where are you Ranchan?
Sheila begins to worry… Did Ranma just run away? That wouldn't be good… Especially at this stage of the game… He's already learned so much, and fought many a good fight… He can't just give up… He can't…
Suddenly, Sheila's ears perk up again and her eyes widen. She would swear she just heard screaming from the far off plains. She starts running towards the plains and stops. She sees a two scared little human girls, both about eight-years-old, and a larger troll, one with dark brown skin, an 'X' shaped scar on it's left shoulder and welding a huge iron battleaxe. Sheila decides that the search for Ranma can wait. She has to perform her duty. Sheila summons her scimitar Ice Fang and points it at the troll.
Sheila: IN THE NAME OF THE EDGE GUARD, I COMMAND YOU TO HALT!
The troll turns away from the girls and glares at the small werecat before him. He starts twirling his battleaxe in his left hand, the throws it at the werecat, who manages to duck it. The troll then catches the battleaxe as it comes flying back to him like a boomerang. Sheila then recognizes the troll…
Sheila: So you're Gunther; the troll with the 'Axe of Return' that was terrorizing the city of Arn on the island south of here, right?
Gunther smiles. His focus no longer on the little girls who are scared stiff, but now on the werecat.
Gunther: And what if I am?
Sheila: Then I will have to take you in! This is your last warning. Surrender now, and you may get a lenient punishment!
Gunther: … BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA! Oh, you are a funny one little Edge Guardian. However… I would rather have you for a bit of… 'Fun'…
Gunther then licks his yellowed teeth, making Sheila want to vomit.
Sheila: You leave me no choice. ICE BEAM!
With that Sheila points her scimitar at him, shooting a beam of ice from it. Gunther raises is axe to block it, but it just encases his axe, and his left hand in ice. Gunther stares at his hand in shock.
Gunther: You… You… You…
Sheila: Yep. I froze your axe to you. Now I'm gonna give you such a kapowie!
Gunther starts to sweat. He then waves his frozen axe at the children.
Gunther: Try to do anything to me, and these kids get it.
Sheila stares at Gunther, and grits her teeth.
Sheila: You leave those little kids out of this…
Gunther then raises his frozen axe, intent on smashing the two little girls to pulp.
Sheila (Wide-eyed): DON'T!
Gunther smiles and brings his hand down towards the two terrified little girls… But they suddenly disappear, and Gunther's left hand literally breaks off as his frozen axe and limb smashes into the ground.
Gunther (Holds bleeding limb): GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGHHHHHHHH!
Sheila (Blinks): W, what happened? Where are those two kids?
Male voice: Right here…
Sheila turns around and sees Ranma. He cradles each of the girls in his arms and they're clinging to him tightly.
Sheila: Ranma!
Ranma doesn't say anything. He just walks up to Sheila and hands her the two children. He then stalks over to Gunther.
Ranma: You… Attacking innocent children… Just give me one good reason not to kick your ass from here to kingdom come!
Gunther glares at Ranma with murderous rage. He then reaches to his belt pouch with his right hand, and pulls out an iron dagger, about seven inches in length.
Gunther: I'LL KILL YOU!
Ranma (Eyes narrow): WRONG ANSWER!
Suddenly, Ranma's aura springs forth… But it is not the usual blue… This aura is black… And is shaped like a large feline, with two spots of glowing gold eyes. Sheila slightly jumps back as she actually hears Ranma's aura let off a roar of an angry wildcat.
Sheila: By all that's holy…
Gunther: W, w, w, WHAT THE F*CK IS THAT!?
Ranma holds out his right hand, gathering his ki. Blades of black energy about six ft in length adorn each finger.
Ranma: Neko-Ken…
Gunther drops his dagger in shock. He gets on his knees and starts begging…
Gunther: P, PLEASE! DON'T KILL ME!
Ranma: TOO LATE! KAMISORE NEKOTSUME!
Ranma then makes a striking motion towards the troll, who raises his arm to protect his face. However, that is not enough… The attack goes through the trolls arm, slicing it into six pieces. And then making three slices into his head… Gunther's corpse falls to the ground a bloody mess.
Sheila stares in shock at Ranma as the two little girls cling tighter onto her legs. She watches as Ranma's aura dies down… Turning from a feline-shape of bubbling darkness to its normal shimmering light blue coloring… And finally, that aura dies down too, leaving Ranma standing there, a slight breeze making his pigtail waft in the breeze…
Sheila (Wide-eyed): R, Ranma?
Ranma turns around to see Sheila, and the two girls. He mentally frowns upon seeing them slightly tremble in fear. He then smiles to try to comfort them.
Ranma: Hey, are you all okay? I hope that troll didn't hurt you.
Sheila (Shakes her head): No. He didn't. Thank you Ranma.
Ranma: No problem. I couldn't let that troll hurt little kids.
Sheila then kneels down to get to eye-level with the two little children.
Sheila: It's okay. Where do you two live. I'll get you home.
The little girls point towards Seer's Hamlet, all the while keeping their eyes on Ranma.
Sheila: Okay. Let's get going. (Looks up). Hey Ranma, you want to come along? We have much to talk about.
Ranma looks at Sheila for a moment, his eyes seem unfocused, as if going into an internal conflict. Finally after a minute he nods his head. And so, Ranma and Sheila walk off towards Seer's Hamlet to take the two little girls home.
(-)
After taking the children home, Sheila got a messenger at a nearby tavern, the Blue Dragon Inn, as to get a messenger. She gives him a message for them to pick up Gunther's body, and where they can find it. Then Sheila turns to Ranma, who is standing in a corner.
Ranma: Can we leave now Sheila?
Sheila: Actually… I thought you'd like to get something to eat…
Ranma is about to voice a protest, when his stomach suddenly grumbles loudly, attracting the attention of everyone in the tavern.
Ranma (Scratches the back of his head): Eh heh heh heh…
Sheila: You sure you don't want to get anything to eat?
Ranma: Well… Okay…
(-)
Twenty minutes later, we see Ranma and Sheila sitting in a booth near one of the corners. There are dishes stacked upon dishes. Sheila stares wide-eyed at Ranma as he munches on a huge turkey leg with his usual Saotome gusto.
Sheila (Stares): Holy… How much are you going to eat!? I've seen bog-threshers eat less than this… And more neatly too!
Ranma finally finishes eating all the meat off of the turkey leg. He takes a cloth napkin and wipes his mouth.
Ranma: Thanks Shechan. I really appreciate that.
Sheila: You're welcome. So Ranma… I've been meaning to ask you a few questions…
Ranma (Raises an eyebrow): Oh?
Sheila: Yeah… May I?
Ranma (Shrugs his shoulders): Go ahead…
Sheila: How do you feel?
Ranma: Well, my stomach feels appeased at the moment.
Sheila (Sweat-drops): That's not what I meant…
Ranma: … Are you referring to Britch, I mean, Britanny?
Sheila: Yeah.
Ranma averts his eyes from Sheila, and looks at his hands.
Ranma: To be honest… I feel betrayed…
Sheila: Why?
Ranma: … That's why I walked off. I needed to think… I felt betrayed… Yet I didn't know why…
Sheila: What do you mean?
Ranma: I know Britanny and me have been close… And we've spent a lot of time together… And well…
Sheila (Eye widen): You mean you did the deed?
Ranma (Blushes): NO!
At Ranma's outburst everyone in the tavern turns to look at him. Ranma blushes and averts his eyes away. After a minute, the other tavern patrons go back to what they were doing before.
Sheila: So, what are you trying to tell me about you and Britanny?
Ranma: Well… Britanny and I are good friends… But… Well…
Sheila: You thought it was more?
Ranma: I guess… Or maybe, I'm hoping it could be more… It's just that… Damn… I wish I was better with words…
Sheila: You mean you thought Britanny loved you?
Ranma nods his head as he blushes.
Sheila: Do you love her?
Ranma is silent for a few moments. He looks Sheila directly in the eyes and speaks.
Ranma: I don't know what to think.
Sheila face-faults right onto the tabletop, making all the plates slightly jump and clatter. Sheila gets her face off of the table and rubs her nose.
Sheila: Owwies…
Ranma: Are you okay Shechan?
Sheila: Yeah… Hey, Ranma… What are you going to do now?
Ranma: … Well… I still have to teach Britanny… She's my student… But… It hurts… I saw how she was with Gar, and… Well… I know I lost her…
Sheila (Shakes her head): Sigh… No you didn't Ranma.
Ranma: Huh?
Sheila: Yes. My brother Gar just took some of Tirga's 'advice', and tried to be bold. He just went up to her and kissed her… It wasn't anything… Just a simple kiss…
Ranma stares at Sheila.
Ranma: Are you sure?
Sheila: Yeah Ranma… Britanny felt awful after you left. She does care for you… And you had misinterpreted what happened… She felt she lost you… By the way… Where were you all that time before I found you? And what was it you did to Gunther.
Ranma: I was outside just doing some katas, to get out some… Tension… What I did was probably what helped me calm down. That attack you saw me do was a move from the Neko-Ken training.
Sheila: Ah… But, I thought you said that Theo had taken away the cat demon your soul? So why did your aura go all… Evil-looking?
Ranma: Sigh… He was able to get rid of the cat demon, but it's influence remains… That is also one of the reasons I started training under Julia… It's my own way of trying to 'purify' myself.
Sheila: Ah… I see… So Ranma… What are you going to do next?
Ranma: Well… I'll have to find Britchan. Apologize for what I did…
Sheila: Okay then. You'll most likely find her at Nali's home. She said she was going to stay there waiting for you to return.
Ranma (Nods his head): Okay… Hey Shechan…
Sheila: Yeah?
Ranma: Thanks for the pep talk.
Sheila: Hey, no biggie. Oh… And Ranma…
Ranma: Yeah?
Sheila: If you ever get into a tough time with Britanny… Just come by and see me okay? I'll gladly give you an ear to talk to, and a shoulder to cry on if you need. (Thinks: Gods damned, that sounds lame…)
Ranma (Nods his head, smiles): Yeah. I think I will… Thanks Shechan. You're a real good friend.
With that, Ranma leans forward and lightly kisses Sheila on the forehead. He then takes off from his seat and starts running off to Nali's home. Sheila just sits there, blinking. She gingerly touches the spot on her head where Ranma kissed and smiles faintly.
Sheila (Closes her eyes): Sigh… Britanny… If you don't treat him nicely… I may be tempted to take him myself…
Sheila then opens her eyes and frowns slightly.
Sheila: But… I love Tirga… And he loves me… So why do I feel this way about Ranma? I have Tirga now… Right?
Sheila continues to sit in the tavern booth and think to herself.
(-)
Britanny sits at Nali's table. Her eyes are puffy and red. She hasn't felt this bad since her failed wedding with Stripe… And now, because of a misunderstanding… She may have lost the one person that has been there for her, helped her feel better about herself.
Britanny hears some footsteps. She doesn't pay attention to it. It's probably Nali back from making a house call. The steps get closer and finally stop at the doorway to the kitchen.
Ranma: Britchan…
Britanny's eyes snap wide-open. She literally jumps up, pushing the chair she was sitting in onto the floor. She smiles widely.
Britanny: RANCHAN!
Britanny pounces at Ranma, pushing him to the floor. She hugs him tightly, and purrs.
Ranma: It's good to see you too Britchan…
Britanny: RANMA! Please, please, please, DON'T LEAVE ME AGAIN!
Ranma: Okay Britchan… I promise… Look… Sorry about before… I thought that you and Gar were…
Britanny (Shakes her head): NONONONONOOOOOO! We're not like that at all! It's just that Gar really likes me… But I can't return those feelings to him… You however… (Smiles seductively). Puuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr…
Ranma gulps audibly. He forgot this aspect of Britanny…
Ranma (Sweats): Um… Britchan… It is good to be with you again… But… Don't you want to… Um… Well… Get off of me right now?
Britanny: NOPE!
Britanny hugs onto Ranma even tighter, and she nuzzles her face into his neck. Ranma blushes the shade of a ripe tomato. Their eyes snap open as they hear a female voice.
Nali (Smiling): Well, I'm glad to see that you two came to an understanding…
Britanny blushes, and Ranma turns a deeper shade of red.
Britanny: Eh heh… Sorry about that Nali…
Ranma: Sigh… I can't catch a break…
(-)
At the Edge Guard base, Tirga is done decorating his room. It seems like something out of the Home and Garden channel. He smiles triumphantly.
Tirga: There… Now there's no way Sheila will say no… I'll have her this time for sure.
Suddenly there's a knocking on Tirga's door.
Tirga (Smiles): Ah… perfect timing. If it's my favorite jagwere, you may come in!
The door bursts open, and in steps a pissed-off looking Gar.
Tirga (Smiles): Hey buddy, how'd it go with Britanny?
Gar: TIRGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Tirga: Uh oh…
(-)
Onoli sits in his room, sipping from a cup of lemon tea, and reading up on the history of the Tournament of Arms… Suddenly, an explosion rocks the base, making everything shake. Onoli looks out his window and sees Tirga flying through the air, his tail on fire…
Tirga (Flying): IT BURNS, IT BURNS!
Tirga then flies out of sight.
Onoli: … I guess Gar found Tirga… Hmm… That's odd… I thought that thanks to Tirga's weapon he was immune to fire… (Eyes widen): OH! Silly me… He's only immune to fire-based magic…
Onoli goes back to calmly sipping on his tea.
(-)
End Chapter 16
Next Time: Ranma has finished his training. Now he is off to fight off against the third Weaponsmaster, Karia. Will Ranma be able to use his newfound magic skills properly and defeat Karia? Or, will Ranma, as Karia put it, "Go down, and go down hard"?
Author's note: Dum, dum, DUMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! Looks like Ranma is now having trouble with his own feelings… He's now beginning to realize he cares for Britanny more than just as a friend… And he now he's unintentionally caused new feelings for him in the jagwere of the Edge Guard, Sheila…
Looks like Ranma may be in some hot water now…
-This is RedPriest17, signing off.
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