Disclaimer; This fanfiction uses existing ideas, characters and or worlds, but is an independent work of art. I own nothing, hence the reason for publishing my writings here instead of in real books where I could make some money.
Just off the coast of Japan, something very unusual was taking place.
The crashing waves roared in defiance of the cliffs, rocks and boulders of the shore, but that was not out of place, as this had been going on since the dawn of time. The seagulls were shrieking and crying while flying over the water, occasionally swooping down to pick up some piece of something to eat. This was also very normal.
What was unnatural was that a car was headed for shore, just barely staying above water, its wheels were horizontal instead of vertical. A glowing white strip was barely visible in the reflections of the ocean as the car passed over it, and behind this car was a trail of water that had been stirred twenty feet into the air in its wake as a result of displaced air and speed.
Now, a car in this area was not all that unusual, as people came here to picnics or swim or even for fishing at nearly all the times of the year, but a flying one that was travelling at speeds above that of sound from the ocean instead of land was very strange.
This car was also strange in its design, being large and bulky, but still had a sleek design, and on its hood was painted the silver outline of a black paw. This was Ranma's car. But it wasn't Ranma that was piloting it at the moment.
The owner and builder of the car was sitting in the front seat, tinkering with what looked like a foot-long slim metal flashlight. Parts would float around him in the air for a little while until he needed them, and then they would float to their place and wait until he used the claw of his index finger combined with ki as a soldering iron or blow torch to attach or detach them.
This was Ranma's latest project, based on two things, one being Nabiki's half-serious suggestion, the other was the plans Gina had for her own stunner.
Beebee was in the driver's seat, having gotten the job as pilot because she wouldn't get tired so Ranma could rest. That, and Ranma didn't feel right endangering all of their lives piloting something in the air when he hadn't tried it before … he needed lessons or at least some simulator hours before he dared fly his own car. Beebee, as a machine, had a natural feel for these things, mostly because Brianna included something like simulator experiences in the programming of this special machine, but for what purpose, remained a mystery.
Ranma, on the other hand, had decided to use a meditation technique to catch up on his rest, cutting down his nap time to barely half an hour. It was not recommended to use the technique very often, the monk that had taught it to him had been very clear on that account, because the body still needed actual rest, so he had only used it once or twice before. But the project was so tempting, so he used the time to tinker with it. If there was one thing he didn't like, it was unfinished ideas, and he didn't want to put everything down on paper so he could do them later, because that was a sure way of making sure you'd never find the time for it. There'd always be things that became more important, and he didn't like that idea … so he took what time he had and did the project. He could worry about making blueprints later.
"We can see land now, Ranma," whispered Beebee.
The reason for her whispering was the sleeping passengers in the back seats. Nabiki was behind Ranma and Lydia behind Beebee, both leaning against the sides of the car while snoring lightly.
Ranma was glad neither of them drooled … he didn't like cleaning up after people. Maybe this was how Kasumi felt …
Looking up from his work, Ranma saw the rocky shore, where the spray from crashing waves stood several feet into the air before falling to the power of gravity. He was back in his native land.
The car tilted up a bit as Beebee avoided the rock cliffs along the ocean, missing them by barely a foot before continuing along the ground.
The reason for this low altitude was very simple. They didn't want to get detected by radar. Sure, there was satellite, but they needed to have a location set in to be able to track them, and at best those things needed twenty minutes to manoeuvre into the right position to see anything, along with the permission from the head of state and an alert to neighbouring nations to prevent them from thinking they were spying on them with this shift in position. By that time, the car would be long gone, but there was no need to test the theory.
Ranma had Beebee do the same thing over American soil, so no one would think they were a UFO and send a squadron of fighter planes after them. It had worked so far, and when they reached the city limits of Tokyo, the plan was to touch down and drive.
Gina would have used the Light Gate to transport them to Japan, but she had realised that she didn't trust it as much as before, as it had started malfunctioning, depositing her off target, and sighed in resignation before telling them that she'd expect to be contacted as soon as possible and as often as possible.
Dr Diggers could have teleported them there, but Ranma didn't like the idea much … it seemed like a waste of energy to teleport five people, then have one teleport back since he had no need for being there.
No matter, it was good to be back.
Nodoka was pacing her apartment.
As soon as Kasumi had returned from classes, Nodoka had informed her of the situation, and Kasumi had offered to spend a few days with a couple of friends from school. Apparently, they had asked for the last few days to have a "slumber party", but Kasumi knew it was only an excuse to stay up all night and party before returning to the home of one of the others and sleep off any alcohol. The two others would be there to make sure their friends didn't end up doing anything they would regret. Kasumi had not taken the offer because she was worried that Auntie Nodoka would be lonely … but now she could go and let her hair down … maybe she could meet Ranma again soon, when this incident was over and done with.
She had only brought her books and a few changes of clothing before leaving, and telling Auntie Nodoka to give Ranma and her sister a big hug from her.
Nodoka was worried about her son. He had not said which flight he would be on, nor when he would get there, so she could not head to the airport to greet him. Added to that, she didn't know if Genma would show up when she was gone, so she stayed put. But to let out her inner turmoil, the woman paced the living room, casting worried glances at the phone, willing it to ring with her son on the other end, telling her that he was on his way.
It had been getting late in America when she called, maybe he decided to go to sleep before heading out … that made sense, he'd need to be rested for the flight and travel to the apartment. And he was bringing Nabiki back as well, and she had nowhere near his constitution, so she'd slow him down a bit at least.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a firm knock on the door.
Was that Genma? Had he found her already? What would she do if that was the case? No, no, Genma wouldn't knock … he'd sneak in the window or break down the door.
After a moment of distress and indecision, Nodoka firmed her resolve and went to the door.
Unfortunately, this apartment had no peephole in the door, so she had to place the chain on the door and open it carefully to peer into the hallway.
At first she saw nothing but the hallway, which made her nervous … but then something black moved into view.
Wearing what looked like a tight black turtleneck sweater that could have been painted on, loose black pants and sturdy black boots, was none other than her son, with a haircut and pointed ears.
Ranma had barely gotten time to greet his mother through the cracked open door before it was torn open and a hundred and fifteen pounds of emotional mother spilled out and wrapped around him, squeezing out the life she had given him while sobbing happily about having him back.
The three women accompanying Ranma were moved, quite literally as well as figuratively, as the unbalanced Ranma tried to regain his footing, and stumbled around with his arms flailing wildly.
After a little while, Nabiki sighed and with the help of Beebee, managed to manoeuvre mother and son inside the apartment before the neighbours would start asking questions.
It took a while to manage prying the near-hysteric mother from her son, but she was eventually removed from his person, much to the relief of Ranma's lungs. Emotional mothers had a tendency of growing stronger than they normally should be able to … maybe select emotions release some of the blocks the brain erects to keep the body from harming itself … normally only about ten to fifteen percent of one's potential was used, due to those blocks … he should look into this later …
Now for the part he didn't look forward to.
"Mom, there's something I didn't tell you over the phone," he started seriously. How did you tell your parents that you weren't human anymore?
"I'm going to be a grandmother?" she asked hopefully, while sizing the women up to see which one it might be.
"NO!" exclaimed Ranma, feeling a need to make this very clear. After all, he didn't need to have the women in his life even more active in their pursuit of him than they already were, and a baby was most definitely one thing that would increase that … he'd probably be in front of the alter or priest within moments of finding it out.
Nodoka slumped slightly at this news, but motioned for Ranma to continue with his speech.
"I'm not exactly human anymore …" blurted Ranma, unsure how she'd react. Behind him, Nabiki slapped her palm across her face, feeling ashamed on his behalf for the stupid presentation he had just made. What kind of idiot just blurted out something like that to their mother?
"Are you shikima?" asked Nodoka, stars twinkling in her eyes. Oh, how many grandbabies she'd get!
"Kami! NO!" exclaimed Ranma again. "I'm a werecreature!" Once more, Nabiki slapped herself. How blunt could one get? She slapped herself a third time when Ranma transformed right in front of Auntie Nodoka without warning … how stupid could geniuses get? What did he expect? That she'd accept him without question?
"Wai!" screamed Nodoka, and Ranma once more found himself wondering if his mother was part octopus with her ability to cling to him.
Nabiki felt like slamming her face into the wall or floor. They truly were family … it had to be a family trait …
After another few minutes, the women managed to pull the mother from her son again.
"What kind of werecreature are you," asked Nodoka finally, nearly bouncing in her seat. The supernatural had been very fascinating to her for most of her life, and now her son was a member of one of the more feared ones in Northern European and some Native American Mythology. He was feline in appearance, shorter and slimmer, but she couldn't be certain … appearances could be deceiving.
"Weredinictis," supplied Beebee. "The only one of his kind."
Pride was not an adequate description of the look in Nodoka's eyes as she looked upon her furred son.
"That means he has to give me many, many grandbabies!" squealed the elder woman and once more attached herself to her son. "The species will live on!" she turned to the two women that Ranma brought apart from Nabiki. "Have either of you considered being the mother of those babies?" she asked bluntly, as though she was conducting business. Of course, where grandbabies were concerned, she could be serious enough to make a heart attack seem like fun in comparison.
Both Lydia and Beebee blushed a deep red, which was more than enough of an answer to the question.
Ranma didn't really have the heart to tell his ecstatic mother that Beebee wasn't human, or even completely biological, how much of her was biological Ranma didn't know and didn't think it polite to ask, and thus had no reproductive abilities … it would put a damper on his mother's mood. But he still needed to bring her down to Earth.
"Any more news about pops?" he asked seriously, incidentally derailing his mother from the grandbaby train of thought.
"Nothing so far," admitted Nodoka. "But I'm getting nervous … the longer he takes, the more worried I get."
"I wouldn't worry too much," shrugged Ranma confidently. "If he hasn't found you yet, the phonebook might not have been updated and he has to find you through other means … besides, you have me to protect you."
This statement was somewhat of a comfort, but not a whole lot.
"What does make me worry is that there has been no trace of him since the robbery," finished Ranma. "If he's left the country … he'll be a lot more difficult to track down and return to justice."
"Yes," agreed Nodoka. She did feel safer now that her son was there. A silent moment caused her to once more look around. "Well, how about a round of introductions, then we can discuss the sleeping arrangements!" Heh, did Ranma really think she'd lose track of what was important for longer than a moment? Not a chance, she'd make sure she was a grandmother within the year!
Meanwhile, in the Minato ward, Hyuta Akane, male teller at the bank, was being bothered.
In front of him stood what had to be the worst female impersonator in the history of cross-dressing.
"Would you please repeat that, ma'am," he intoned, putting a sarcastic emphasis on the title. The man in front of him obviously didn't notice it, as he went on with his charade.
"My name is Koki Nodoka," said the man in what was supposed to pass for a woman's voice … it was not even close, too much subdued bass and scratchy tones, not even smoking women had that voice. "And I'd like to withdraw all the money from my son's account."
This teller may not be among the smartest, but he knew there was something familiar about the man in front of him. He had seen the real Nodoka only a couple of days ago when she had stopped by to pay back the small amount of money she had borrowed from the account, and this certainly was not her, even if she had allergies that caused her to swell up and was beaten with an ugly-stick. The man in front of him hadn't even thought about his weight or the possibility that he might be recognised as male … especially with that stubble on his cheeks and neck… he should really demand identification on the spot, but decided that finesse was required unless he wanted a scene with a possibly violent outcome.
"Certainly, ma'am," he said in a dull tone, "let me just check to see if we have enough money in our vault to fill your request."
The cross-dressing man bought the act and stood patiently in his kimono and red wig.
Mr Hyuta made his way to the back, where the bulletin board was, and quickly browsed through the images of wanted criminals that the police had been so kind as to hand out in case they were stupid enough to go out in the open and enter the bank.
Finding only a few that nearly matched the description, he was less than satisfied, until he saw the image of a fat face with glasses and no hair.
This looked very much like the customer he had at his window, however … taking a red marker, he defaced the image by drawing on red hair on it, and was pleasantly surprised to discover that this was indeed whom he had thought … one of the country's most wanted and dangerous criminals.
Not being one for heroics, Mr Hyuta triggered the nearest silent robbery alarm and returned to his window, well knowing that the police would be there within minutes.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Ms Koki, but it will take a few more minutes to put together such a large order in cash," he said politely, trying not to reveal that he knew the disguise was not real. "Perhaps a cup of tea while you wait?"
It is a well known fact that banks treat their big customers very well, bordering on offering their employees to the services of that customer if it so pleases them … however, this is not really the case if said customer was trying to remove the money from their account, especially not in such large amounts. After all, a bank without money was like an ocean without water … useless. This is why they usually try their best to convince their customers to keep their money in the bank … this Saotome Genma did not know this from the way he relaxed under the poor guise of Koki Nodoka and was not suspicious of the sudden politeness.
"If you have sake, I'd appreciate that," said the man, still trying to sound feminine. In so doing, he added a snicker at the end and covered his mouth with his hand.
"Of course," said Mr Hyuta. "I'll be right back."
Genma barely managed to keep his grin and chuckle in check. The fool teller was buying it. In only a matter of minutes, he'd be rich! He was free and would have money! His retirement was assured!
Unfortunately, the security guard on duty, one Uzami Taka, was informed about the silent alarm over his radio, and was the foolhardy type that acted before he thought things over. Said guard jumped to his feet from where he had been sitting by the door.
"All right!" he bellowed. "Everyone remain calm! There is a robbery in progress, do not try to do anything! Would the robber please step away from the counter and get on their knees, or I'll have to use force!"
As he said this, a can of mace was produced from his pocket, and a tazer from his belt started crackling with power.
There was a sound of glass breaking, and suddenly the bank had air-conditioning through where its glass door was. A silk bundle of cloth that was a kimono lay before one of the windows.
Not far away, sirens could be heard approaching.
Mr Hyuta saw his hard work vanish because of the impatient tendencies of the security guard, and could not restrain himself in screaming "Taka no baka!"
In Atlanta, Georgia, Dr Theodore Diggers had awoken early from a nightmare, something he rarely ever got and those he did get were normally about himself falling onto the same path his father did … by becoming a Lich and kill most of his family, or try to. It was truly a gruesome vision, but this time, the nightmare was different. This one was about him holding another lesson for Ranma, but somehow, Ranma knew all the answers, and knew more spells and magic than he did … making him feel like he was of no good. And worst of all, it seemed like the Ranma in his dream was unaware of being superior to him, merely assuming that his sensei was playing with him.
He had sat up abruptly with a gasp as he roused from the disturbing vision.
"Huh?" yawned a sleepy Julia next to him, having sensed the disturbance of the mattress. "What's wrong, Theo?"
"Nothing of importance, dear," he breathed, slowly calming down.
"Another nightmare, huh?" summed up Julia. Her husband could be so stubborn about admitting some things. "What was it this time? The Lich King dream, or the more recent one? The one where you whimper about being nothing?"
Dr Diggers growled in annoyance that he hadn't managed to sneak that one by her unnoticed.
"That one," she confirmed to herself. "How could you think you're nothing?"
"I don't know …" sighed the Archmage in resignation. Once women started down the path of emotional openness, the only thing to do, apart from fighting over it, was to give in. The last option was the safer one. "I just realised that I'm not as good as I thought I was …"
"Ranma," concluded Julia. "He's progressing so fast in his training, and you fear you'll not have anything to teach him soon. That he will look down on you like he does his father."
"It's that obvious, is it?"
"Of course it is!" laughed Julia. "It's one of the reasons most students shouldn't be as fast in learning as Ranma is … the masters would feel inferior and insecure of themselves and their own hard-earned skills. Ranma is a special case, he has a gift for learning, provided he finds the teachings interesting. And the only teacher Ranma truly disliked was his father, if you didn't leave out anything from what he told you … with good reason, I might add … if I ever meet that man, I'll probably make a pretzel out of him, cut little holes all over him, and spread salt in his wounds … For starters."
Cringing at his wife's sudden maniacal look, Dr Diggers couldn't help but feel more grateful for her support. He didn't know, nor did he want to find out, how he would have gotten along if he hadn't interrupted her fight at the tournament when he first saw her … she'd probably never have noticed him, and they'd probably never would have married or gotten such wonderful children … the thought was simply too unbearable.
"So, how will your lessons progress now that Ranma has gone?" asked Julia, rousing Dr Diggers from his thoughts.
"Oh," he said, clearing his throat. "He will call when it is a good time to start, and I'll teleport in, show him how the new spells are done a couple of times, then leave for the rest of the day. I'll check on his progress the next day … if he has gotten the spell, I'll move on to another, if he hasn't, I'll try and clarify where he went wrong, and give him the day to try again, then repeat until the spell is mastered."
Sensing some residual doubt of his own abilities, Julia gave her husband a hug and intentionally let the covers drop from her chest.
"There's a good boy," she purred. "Let's not worry about this anymore, and have some fun until it's time to get up … hmmm? I could do with some endurance training …"
Oh boy! Was all Dr Diggers could think before his wife bowled him over with a playful shriek.
Outside the Washington Memorial Library of Macon, Georgia, an Amazon hunting party was waiting for their leader in this realm. It was early morning, before the working hours, but they had managed to gain access through an open window.
Well, open is such a broad term … not sufficiently secured would be the more accurate term.
The window opened again, and out came Cologne, two sheets of paper rolled up under her arm, while her staff was held in the other. She was grumbling about uppity young hoodlums who mocked their elders' for not being able to keep up with modern technology that was changing faster than one could change socks.
After her came one of the less skilled warriors, who had actually been out in the world before joining this mission. Her head sported a large bump, which was throbbing with pain. She was internally grumbling about temperamental, senile elders and their canes.
"Pay attention," barked Cologne. Rotten kids. "There are two registered Dr Diggers in this state … I have obtained a map with directions to both of them … luckily, they live within close proximity to one another. Hopefully, Archmage Diggers does not have a false name which he lives by in this realm.
"We will not split into groups, because half of us have never been in this realm and most of the other half hasn't been outside China … you'd get lost, so we will stay together and thus present a bigger threat if they do not wish to share with us the location of my wayward and elusive son-in-law."
Author's Notes; I have to admit, I am somewhat ashamed of myself … I actually tried to make Genma cover his mouth with his mouth … not very good of me, but it has been corrected. The rest of the changes were luckily not as severe and can be categorised as cosmetic.
Credits; The Bank robbery scene was inspired by Gelionlegends who pointed out that Genma could try to make Nodoka empty their son's account for his use. The scene just popped into my head, along with the image of Genma impersonating that old lady that had snapped Ranma from the Neko-Ken the first time, and his Ranma disguise for Nodoka. Those disguises were even worse than Ranma's disguises to fool Ryoga. The scene just came rushing after that.
