-AN-
Okay, time to get back on track with the update schedule. Wait, I was updating really fast before, well whatever. On with a new chapter, Genma is being good? Ranma meets the parents? Oh dear.
-Story Start-
It had been an overcast morning so far that screamed summer storm, but Ranma was happy all the same. Classes and most importantly his students were still going strong, no complaints about his dad taking over for a few days. He'd have to thank the man later, maybe. He'd have to wait until the afternoon martial arts class to know for sure. As he led the morning group through their last stretches and cool down, Ranma idly noted Shampoo and Kiima in the corner, stretching and making small talk together. Not quite friends but able to keep it civil for their mutual like of him, one because of loyalty and the other for love, it was still odd for Ranma to see. Nice for sure but odd all the same.
Finishing up the class and ushering everyone out with parting words and the usual small talk, Ranma himself turned back towards the waiting pair.
"Husband ready for lunch yes? I make." Shampoo bounded away to the back room to make use of her skills.
Kiima however had her arms crossed, "This seems very below the level of a King, sire."
Ranma nodded, "Think of it as practice. I can't lead people if I can't relate to them on some level, as well, things are different here. I need money to run my school, so I gotta do some boring stuff to be able to do the good stuff." Granted he knew she had her own point, pretty soon he more than likely wasn't going to have time for this anymore. "Just watch along for now, I won't be asking you to do anything with the school."
Kiima bowed, "As you wish my lord, I shall perform any duties you ask of me." Ranma felt like that was a little ominous but let it go. He had briefly forgotten just how dedicated this woman was to his rule. Well, the Phoenix King really. Which he currently was. Bah. Behind him he heard the door chime and he turned to take in his father come in with a gym bag over his shoulder.
"Ah, Ramna my boy, you're back." All grins, the portly man rubbed his head out of nervousness.
Turning to him, the younger martial artist nodded, "Yup, safe and sound, just like my dojo apparently." Looking his father over, he still couldn't forgive him. But for now his dad had done him a solid favor and had done so just as he had asked. "Well if you'd like, since no one complained, I could use an assistant. It would give me time to get out a bit more, take care of other business I have to deal with now."
Genma was quick to agree, nodding along with his son, "It would be my honor. I will admit, I had forgotten the joy of teaching students." That he couldn't teach them to the same level as Ranma was a sore point, but he did enjoy the work. At least this way he could do something that he actually liked. Plus lazy though he was he might make it back into some working shape.
Ranma turned away, "Well alright. Let's get ready for the afternoon class then, I still need to hear from them about you after all." So saying Ranma and Genma went about moving yoga mats and bringing out sparring equipment. Ranma paused eventually to have lunch with Shampoo and Kiima, his father mentioning that he ate before coming so he wouldn't be joining them. Leaving his father to greet the incoming class, he retreated to the back room while Shampoo happily served him food.
"So we go on date later yes?"
Ranma actually considered it, before he remembered he promised Usagi he would accompany her to talk to her parents. "How about in two days after classes? I've gotta help Usagi tonight."
Eyes lighting up, Shampoo nodded, "Okay! Wednesday we go on date!" Happy and in an even better mood, Shampoo happily ate with him.
Kiima nodded to Ranma as she ate her own food, "What would you like for me to do my lord?" Besides watching over him, she really did not have much to attend to in this city. Like he had mentioned, she was getting bored.
Ranma thought about it before making eye contact with her, "Actually, can you head back to the house? Usa and mom usually spend all day together, but I think mom might appreciate the help, plus Usa won't be here forever so she should spend time with everyone that she can."
"But that would leave you unprotected my King."
"By that logic, your princess is currently unprotected, and she has less battle ability than me." Sure she was a magical girl from the future, but Ranma wasn't above being dirty to win an argument.
Which Kiima hadn't caught onto yet, "That…is a good point. I will return home at once. By your leave my King." Getting a nod from Ranma the Akane look alike was up and out of the door moments later.
Shampoo shook her head, "You couldn't even last a day with a guard hovering over you."
Ranma smiled, "I can level a city now with a thought, what do I need a guard for?"
Shampoo decided to scoot her chair closer to him, brushing her shoulder with his, "Maybe you just want time alone with wife yes?"
Chuckling he leaned down and kissed her unprompted, "Could have been part of it. Come on, let's finish up, I can hear most of the class is here." Proceeding to do so, both martial artists returned to the main room where Genma was lining up everyone and getting them started. Ranma himself walked over and stood in front of the class to some raised eyebrows and happy greetings. Making a motion for everyone to continue their warmups, Ranma finally squared up to face the class.
"So, let's here some thoughts, how was my pops for 3 days?"
"He's awesome!"
"He's insane!"
"He's just like you but bigger and meaner!"
Eyebrows raising now, Ranma turned slowly to his father who was chuckling nervously, "What did you do?"
"I introduced toughness training?"
Ranma rubbed his temples, "Please tell me you didn't do what you did to me."
"He tied a punching bag to the ceiling and made us stand in front of it and not move. Then he threw it, repeatedly."
"Like I said, toughness training, and no where near the level I did with you, just like you asked." Genma was sweating however. He had really tried this time, he didn't want to go back to construction.
Ranma nodded, "Yeah that's uh, actually the safer way to do it."
"That's insane!"
"It's actually pretty normal for us. To note, none of you have to do it, but if you want to improve you should." Getting grumbles and nods from most of his students he clapped his hands. "From now on my pop will be overseeing Friday and Saturday classes alone. He'll be assisting me during the week when I'm here. If I have other business to attend to he'll take over while I'm away. Got it?"
"HAI SENSEI!" Feeling good at the hearty responses, Ranma grinned and started walking among the students.
"Then let's get started!" Beginning the class in full, Ranma decided it could have been worse. Sure his dad was a little enthusiastic, but he couldn't blame him. Genma's only real student had been him and that was a complete cluster fuck. That he was willing to tone it down at all was a miracle. Walking among the students, correcting basic forms and flatly ignoring knowing smirks and grins from the senshi crew, Ranma settled into an afternoon and evening of being a sensei again. Shampoo did her best among the female dojo goers, something he'd have to remember to ask about sooner or later, and his father was following his lead.
At the end of the night, with students leaving and his father and Shampoo helping clean up, Usagi almost immediately bounded to him and latched onto his arm, "Today was a good day!"
Seeing that there was no one present beside the Senshi and his family, Ranma relaxed just a tad, "It was, good to be back?"
"Uh huh."
Genma had gathered up his bag after he finished cleaning and waved to Ranma as he walked by, "I'll get going. I need to hit the train if I want to have some of Kasumi-chan's cooking while it's warm."
Ranma thought about it before holding up a hand and halting the older man, "I'll uh, put in a good word with mom. Since you're helping me out." Seeing an odd emotion cross his father's face, the older man none the less nodded and left the dojo. Leaving the senshi alone with Ranma and Shampoo.
Shampoo herself bounced up to him for a hug and a kiss, "I go too, find mother and train Usa-chan." Smiling, the bombshell was gone, missing the wave of odd looks from the senshi.
Minako however was grinning, "I see we missed some things over the weekend." Leering at the sweating martial artist, Usagi was the one to hold up a finger.
"One hundred years!"
"Spoil sport."
Rei actually held up a hand as everyone started breaking out school supplies and snacks, "Actually Ranma-kun, could I ask something of you?"
Ranma looked to the raven haired beauty and nodded, rare was it that Rei talked to him directly. "Sure what's up?" Usagi bounced over to the loose circle and sat between Minako and Makoto, snagging snacks from one and homework notes from the other.
Rei had her arms crossed as she tilted her head this way and that. "So you know how we all have been improving with our magic since you've been teaching us?" Seeing the only boy of their group nod she continued, "Well my fire readings have been getting much easier to read, at least until recently."
Ami leaned forward, "That's news, is it anything we should be worried about?"
Rei shook her head, "I don't really know. But all I keep seeing recently is just Ranma in either his male form or female form. It's fuzzy. I'm thinking if I can have you come by the shrine, maybe sit in while I do the reading, that would help."
Hopefully it had nothing to do with his magic or becoming the Phoenix King. Ranma agreed without any real hesitation, "Sure, we can do it tomorrow. I've got something to do tonight and the rest of the week I'm sure to be busy."
"Something or someone huh?" A random hand smacked Minako, who only whined in response.
Rei was fine with that. She'd need to warn her grandfather anyway, "Sure, tomorrow it is. We can go after we hang out here like normal?" Seeing him give in and nod, she went back to her work.
Ranma however was blindsided by Setsuna who had a wide smile on her face, "Soo how is the new King acclimating to his role?" She was due to enact some new chaos on the group. This week was as good a time as any to start something.
Ranma held up a hand, wreathing it in magical fire, "Finding out I'm the Phoenix King has actually not been that bad."
"You know…" Setsuna motioned to Usagi, "While a King has certain duties, perhaps you need not be so loud in the future?" She herself had been the only one awake that night after their first bath together. She had also been awake to hear certain, activities, that lasted well into the morning.
With the other senshi one could almost hear a pin drop the noise level had gone to silence so fast. Ranma had forgotten that the inner senshi still had no clue what had happened during the trip. Looking over at the women, he was feeling very much like a gazelle before lions, "Yeah, noted." Damn you Setsuna!
Usagi was already vaulting the table, "No stealing by husband!" That they hadn't gotten married yet was only a slight issue. She had decided it was happening, so it was happening. Grabbing onto her man, he bounced them away from a slightly faster Minako who tried to grab hold of him.
"Oh come on! Share the love! I like cookies too!"
"Not yet! Later, much much much later!"
Hotaru pulled on Michiru's sleeve, "Michiru-mama, why is everyone so interested in Ranma's cookies?"
Snorting Haruka tussled the smaller girls hair, "That's a good question kiddo."
"Stingy!" Makoto was now up and smiling, why not join in on the teasing?
Usagi now had to contend with Makoto and MInako together. And was that Ami staring a little to hard at the Phoenix King? Nope! Time for a retreat. Hoisting Ranma above her head with magical strength, she blew a raspberry at everyone, "We're outta here!" And in the next breath just before her friends lunged for her, Usagi and Ranma were gone in a teleport. Minako and Makoto crashed together in a tangle of limbs, while Haruka, Michiru, and Setsuna all laughed.
Minako stood up quickly, "We have to go after them!"
Ami sighed as, fun as this was, they still had their own work to do. "We should leave them be for now. I'm sure they will tell us everything that happened later."
Minako took a moment before sitting down in her spot with a huff, "They better, I want all the pounding details pronto."
"It's juicy details Minako."
"That's what I said?"
Makoto sighed and patted her friend on the arm, "One day Mina-chan. One day."
Not far away in an alleyway a giggling Usagi and an exasperated Ranma appeared in a flash of light. Grabbing his arm and pulling him away, Usagi caught her breath, "That was fun!"
Ranma could agree somewhat, "Yeah, if you aren't the one everyone wants to tear apart."
"I don't think they want to tear you apart Anata. Maybe just your clothes."
"Says you, that look in Minako's eyes was very disturbing."
"She just needs cookies, she'll be fine."
"I'm never looking at baked goods the same way again."
Leaning into each other and starting to walk, Ranma allowed the shorter girl to lead him along. He had promised that he would go home with her, now he hoped that the evening wouldn't fall the way things usually did with him. That being chaos or drama. Sometimes a smattering of both.
As they transitioned deeper in the suburbs and came up to a cute two story home with a name plate reading Tsukino, Usagi turned to the taller man, "So. Here we are."
Ranma smirked, "Ready?"
"Nope, but it's for the best. I think." Walking through the gate and into the house proper, Usagi raised her voice, "I'm home! And I brought someone!"
Ikuko Tsukino was the first to appear, blue hair tied into a loose ponytail while she finished preparing dinner. "Welcome home Usagi-c" Pausing at the sight of the taller and muscular boy, Ikuko's hand flew to her mouth, "A man?"
Pounding footsteps was all the warning they got as Kenji Tsukino burst through from a different door, "A man with my daughter!?"
Usagi chuckled and scratched her cheek, "Uh, hi everyone." Standing aside and motioning to Ranma who bowed, Usagi introduced him, "This is Ranma Saotome."
Kenji calmed down almost right away, "Oh, your gym instructor. That was nice of him to bring you home safely. Those demon attacks are rare but still happening after all." Kenji moved forward to shake the younger man's hand. He appreciated the firm grip, even if the boy was also now chuckling nervously.
Ikuko however spotted that as well, "It's rare for you to be home so early. Not going to study with your friends dear?"
Usagi stepped away from her father, "Well, I wanted to introduce you all to Ranma, and talk with you about something important."
Hand not letting go of Ranma's, Kenji's grin became something a little more manic, "Something important?" Ranma wasn't afraid of the man, no of course not. The sweat building on his neck had nothing to do with his increasing hand grip.
Ikuko was also now frowning, "What would be important that involves your gym instructor?" Hopefully her daughter hadn't gotten hurt, she had seemed so happy to finally take an interest in a sport after all.
"No, not hurt." Taking a breath and deciding to just rip the band aid off, Usagi laid the minor news out, "He's also my boyfriend."
"Boy-"
"-friend?"
That both parents finished the word had a shiver crawl up Ranma's spine. Kenji also had yet to let go of his hand, the grip becoming close to something Ryoga could produce. That couldn't be normal.
"Yeah uh. Surprise?"
Hand reaching behind him for something, Ranma didn't wait for Kenji to complete the motion, already turning around and bolting out the door. Screw that, angry father's were terrifying!
"Come back here you baby stealing casanova!" And then they were gone, running up and down the street.
Ikuko sighed and turned to her daughter, "I know I said bring your boyfriend around sometime, but maybe some warning would have been nice?"
Usagi lowered her head and nodded, "I uh, didn't think daddy would react this bad."
"I'll cut your pecker off and feed it to you through a straw!"
"I really do love you daughter sir!"
"Touch her and die!"
"Should we stop them mama?" Ikuko shrugged, "Mom!"
Ikuko turned back to the kitchen, "Your father will tire himself out in a minute. Your boyfriend seems very fit."
Instantly transported back into her memories Usagi nodded, "Oh yes, very fit." Her mother was looking at her oddly, "What?"
"Do we need to have the contraceptive talk already? You will be finishing school after all."
"Mama!" Oh right she had, forgotten, to attempt some type of magical protections on herself. Might want to experiment with that later.
"I mean it Usagi, no daughter of mine will be a high school drop out. You only have a year and a half left after all." Finally making it to the kitchen she ushered her daughter to the table, "However, we can talk so. What's he like?"
Usagi smiled in a dreamy way. "Super loyal and dedicated. Strong and motivated towards his dreams. He runs his dojo on his own, well he did at first. Now he has his father working as an assistant."
Ikuko hummed from where she was finishing dinner preparations, "So honest and driven, good qualities." Seeing the light blush on her daughter's face, the older woman sighed, "We do need to have the talk don't we?"
Usagi shook her head quickly, hands warding her mother off from where she was sitting, "No no, not necessary." Thinking about it the girl figured her mother was always just looking out for her best interest, "We've been, safe, during that."
"That's all I'd like to hear, even if I think it's a little early for that." Ikuko herself hadn't had Usagi till at least 20. But she could understand getting close to one's love a little early. "I want to be a grandmother one day, but not now." Turning a warning look to her daughter, Ikuko repeated herself, "I'm not grandmother age just yet, you hear?"
Usagi nodded rapidly, "Of course mama of course!" Usagi's attention was drawn to the hallway where her brother was coming down the stairs, "Hey Shingo."
"Hey Sagi. What's with dad?"
"Hey met my boyfriend."
"You have a boyfriend? But you have like, no charm at all."
"What!? Say that to my face brat!" Chasing after her laughing brother, Ikuko sighed, "Why am I the only sane one in this house?"
Ranma had made his way inside, leaving behind the panting and tired father on the lawn, "Uh, sorry about this ma'am."
Ikuko jumped slightly in surprise, the boy sure could move quietly, "Oh no worries dear, every family has their own brand of crazy." Wiping her hands on her apron she walked forward and pulled the boy into a hug, "It's very nice to meet you. You've been kind to my daughter yes?"
"Of course, I'd do anything for Usagi."
"That's all I ask in the end." Pulling away with a smile, Ikuko motioned to the table, "Just make sure she's able to finish school. I'd like no little accidents just yet."
Chuckling as he took a seat Ranma nodded, "Yeah of course. No worries there." Well, actually now that he thought about it. Their first time wasn't exactly safe. Neither was the second time…..oh boy.
Shingo flew down the hall, "Com'on sis I was just joking!" Close behind him Usagi was waving a sandal.
"My honor has been slighted! Repent!"
Ranma turned back to the disappointed mother who was blushing, "I'm really sorry about this." She tried to smile through her embarrassment.
Ranma smiled, "It's okay, this is actually pretty normal for me."
"That sounds like a fun story time."
"My life is one big movie, I've got lots of crazy stories." Well at least this information unload was going okay. Probably due to a mother who wasn't off her rocker and wasn't way more traditional that she needed to be. He loved his own mother very much, but she could wait for grandbabies at least a few years.
Eventually wrangling everyone together and serving dinner, the evening started off crazy and mellowed out for a while. Kenji gave Ranma the stink eye all through the meal, while Shingo tried to question the martial artist about what cool moves he had. Answering questions as he could, they all eventually found themselves in the living room. Where a nervous Usagi still planned on tell her parents her other more important secret. That of course, got derailed.
Ikuko smiled over a cup of tea, "So Ranma, by your dress, have you spent time in China? Or are you from there?"
"I'm Japanese, but I travelled a lot when I was younger with my pops. We've been all over Japan and China both. I've been training to be a martial artist since I could walk."
"So a baby nabber and a ronin, oh joy." Kenji missed the sandal that collided with his forehead.
Ikuko waved a hand at the boy, "Please ignore my husband, he can be very protective of Usagi."
"I get it, she's one of a kind, I'd want to protect her with everything I have too." That she didn't need the protection was unsaid. They still hadn't gotten to that information yet.
Shingo was watching how Usagi would occasionally lean into the muscular boy, a content smile on her face. Mind racing with ideas of how to get his sister back for chasing him and hitting him, the boy decided to make a quip and see what stuck. "So Sagi, how was the weekend with this guy?"
"Great." Answering without thinking about it, it took her a moment to realize that was not the best answer. "Wait."
"You were with him!?" Her daddy was up and pointing at the sweating boy.
"Uh, long story?"
"We have time! I'm going to ground you for the rest of your life!"
"Usagi, you did tell us you were with your friends. That's not very responsible." Her mother was frowning at her now, that wasn't good.
"We just had some business to take care of it all."
"Business, what business do two teenagers have to do alone?" Kenji's voice was trailing off even before he finished the statement.
Ranma was looking for exits, Usagi would understand, maybe.
Ikuko was now looking at him, "You didn't take my daughter to get married in secret, right?"
"Ww-w-w-at of course not. Nope, we wouldn't do it in secret, no sir." Points for a partially correct answer Ranma.
"Who said you'd get to marry my daughter at all!? Come here you bastard!" Leaping forward at the boy, Ranma dodged by spinning over the back of the couch and was out the back door, his soon to be father in law on his heels.
"Daddy don't hurt him!" Ugh, Ami and Setsuna were the thinkers of the group. She'd bring one of them next time. There was no way they would be talking about Senshi business now. Maybe next week, or next century.
Shingo was laughing so hard he was clutching his stomach, "Dang sis, you sure move fast."
"Die you little brat!" Peace was not an option, nor would it return to the Tsukino household for a while.
-b-
The next evening saw Ranma and Usagi's close friend Rei walking up the steps for the Hikawa shrine, carrying out his promise to help the raven haired girl. Yawning and hoping he could get some sleep tonight, knowing Shampoo was home waiting for him curbed that idea.
"I almost expected Usagi-chan to tag along with us."
"She wanted to, but her parents are kinda mad at her right now about me being her boyfriend. So she's trying to smooth that over." He'd make himself scarce for now, maybe visit before his trip to China at the end of the week.
"Well I appreciate this, I normally would try to figure this out but it's starting to worry me." That she hadn't had much difficulty with a fire reading in a long time was bothering her. If she could just make sure nothing horrible was going to happen to them she'd be more at ease.
"Didn't know you were a shrine maiden as well. That's commitment." He'd spent time among lots of shrines between here and China. Every priest or priestess he'd spoken with had been saintly patient with him over the years. Maybe he should take a tour, go back and thank some of them.
"I wasn't always, I've been here with my grandfather for a long time, since my father is always to busy with politics." Tone going sour, Ranma picked up on the discontent she felt.
"Don't get along with your pops?"
"Not even close."
"Seems to be a popular club these days."
Rei giggled, "Yours has to be in the top tier of shitty dads."
Ranma linked his hands behind his head, "Won't argue there." Pausing as he watched the smiling girl next to him, he probed lightly with his chi, frowning a bit. "Everything okay? Besides the fire reading?"
Rei looked over at the insightful boy next to her, "Well…" He was strangely good at helping out the scouts and giving advice. "I'm, unsure of what to do next is all." Seeing Ranma's questioning face the girl continued, "Sure we're going to finish high school soon, and college for those of us who want to. But what do I want?" She had been staunchly against doing anything remotely related to politics like her father, but with their powers growing and Usagi ascending to the throne properly now, there was a chance they would all get pulled into that arena soon anyway.
Ranma however had a different mindset. "Well, Setsuna keeps hinting at the fact that you all are going to be pretty long lived. So why not do a little bit of everything? Find something to make money now, and then explore. Travel the world, see the sights. You're a priestess right? Go travel through China and India, have a spiritual awakening, and then come back. Share the experience with your friends." Ranma looked around as they topped the hill and entered the shrine. "As someone who got to travel to someone who apparently has been stuck in one place, the freedom of the road is something I think everyone should experience at least once."
Rei thought that over as she waved to Yuichiro before she made her way to the shrine itself, beckoning Ranma to follow her. "That's, not a terrible idea. I'd never thought to go and see the world."
Ranma nodded, "You've saved it a few times now right? Why not go meet some people and experience life outside of Japan. Plus you're a magical girl with some experience, you can protect yourself if you wanna go it alone." Being a realist he knew that the world wasn't a safe place everywhere. But the senshi could handle themselves well enough.
"Yeah, that's true." A thoughtful frown on her face, she took a minute to realize they were already before the sacred fire, motioning for Ranma to sit off to the side, she turned to go change, "Give me a minute, I'm gonna change and I'll be back."
"Sure sure." Watching her go, Ranma seated himself on the floor in the lotus position and decided to get some practice in himself. Against a side wall he closed his eyes and reached into the well that was his magic. The connection was strong here, noting that their shrine was directly above a vein of natural energy. Probably helped her fire readings somewhat. Taking a calming breath and missing the fire respond to him, Ranma sank into meditation for the moment.
Rei however took almost no time to change into her priestess garb and return to the room where she had left Ranma. He was quiet in the corner and obviously meditating. What was drawing her attention however was the fire. Having risen to nearly touching the ceiling, the heat was intense but not with heat. Warmth for sure, but she got the feeling she could probably touch it if she wanted. Behind her someone coughed to gain her attention. Turning she found her grandfather and someone who set a frown on her face, her father.
"You seem to have brought someone interesting today." Her grandfather was smiling gently, and also steadfastly ignoring her father. Walking around the fire, his gaze moved between it and Ranma, "Never had the chance to meet a kami before."
Rei sighed and turned to her grandfather, "I'm pretty sure he's not a kami."
"With this kind of power, he's closer to one than you or I."
Rei's father rubbed his head, "Father, as interested as you might be, I need a moment with my daughter. If you wouldn't mind." Dressed smartly in a suit, something told Rei he must have either just been on business, or on his way to a function. Her grandfather waving her away to examine the fire, Rei turned completely to her father.
"Yes? You normally don't bother coming around to see me much anymore." Not meaning to be so cold, Rei decided she could at least hear what he had to say before she got to what she considered actually important to her for the night.
"Yes well." Looking her over and then looking over the boy dressed in red and black, the man decided to make this quick. "I won't keep you from your work, I just wanted you to know that I'll be gone in America for a few months." It was a rare time that he'd warn her of any of his business these days. But a trip out of the country demanded some notice.
Rei nodded, "Okay, you've told me. Is that it?"
"You could, have a little more respect for me. I am still your father."
"Don't know what that means, ji-san has done more for me than you." Irritated now, she knew it was showing on her face. Behind her she missed the fire becoming more violent, and Ranma's cold eyes locking onto her father. The man however was quick to notice.
"You….you're right, I'll leave you to your boyfriend then. I'll be on my way." Turning without another word, her father left via the main hall and was gone before she could correct him.
"Ugh, what'd he come here for, just to bug me?" Turning back to the fire, now calmer and somewhat shrunken, Rei tilted her head at the expression her grandfather was giving Ranma. "What's up?"
"Have you ever seen a kami angry?"
"Haven't seen a kami, so no can't say I have."
He sighed as he walked past her, patting her on the shoulder, "It's truly a life changing thing. I'll be resting outside on the steps granddaughter." Now also leaving her, Rei turned to where she now noticed Ranma watching them all quietly.
"What'd you do?"
Ranma waved his hands, "Nothin'!" He hadn't either, at least not intentionally.
Rolling her eyes Rei walked to come sit in front of the fire. "You're nothing but trouble, aren't you?"
Ranma nodded and relaxed back, "Guilty on that one. So, what're we doing tonight?"
Rei bowed to the fire, "I'm going to perform a reading. If you can, try to get a feel for the magic and chi and hopefully you can help me out. Find what I'm doing wrong." Sitting up and looking at him, she smiled, "This might take a while."
Ranma shrugged and moved forward to sit with her, "I've got plenty of spare time. Let's do this." It felt good to help one of Usagi's friends with something that didn't involve fighting. Plus it let him practice with his magic in a more subtle way. Feeling his skin tingle as she began mingling her chi with the fire, he put everything else out of his mind. Doing his best to just observe the fire. Though when his face was looking back at him, he raised an eyebrow. Rei turned to look at him as well, "You see my issue?"
"It's me."
"Yeah, obviously, I need you to go away."
"But you asked for me to come." Getting a slap, Ranma thought about it again, "Oh right, you mean in the fire. Well what are you asking of it?"
Rei sighed, "I'm trying to search the future for potential problems. It's not exactly precise. But I've gotten good hints in the past."
Ranma nodded, "Try again, I'll follow along." Feeling her do just that, he felt just what her chi was doing with the fire, and compared that to what he was feeling from the fire itself. Again being met with a vision of himself, now shirtless and reclining in a chair, he couldn't help but smirk. "Hmmm."
Rei however was blushing, "Sh-shut up. It's all your fault I just know it."
Ranma shrugged, "Let me give it a go." Feeling her chi pull away, Ranma extended his own. It wasn't a truly concrete process, again more belief and will than a technical exercise. He however felt like he had the gist of it, and let his thoughts mold a question for the living fire.
Rei groaned as a vision of a swim suit clad Shampoo and Akane came to life in the fire. "Yeah, I don't think that's really a threat."
Ranma shook his head, "Say's you. My health is on the line." Adjusting his thoughts accordingly however, the vision floated away. "Potential threat, not a real one." Thoughts taking shape, a new image floated in the fire now.
Rei was both blushing but transfixed. Before them was now a picture of a smirking Rei on top of a sultry looking Usagi. She couldn't see clothes involved, "Pervert. That's not the kind of threat I'd call world ending."
"Says you." Blushing as that wasn't what he was going for, he pulled his chi away. Maybe magic would do better. After a few moments of manipulation and searching, he let his magic seep into the fire. The fire rose and clear as crystal they both were greeted with the smiling face of a grade schooler with dark purple eyes and dark hair with red streaks through it. She was holding someone's hand and waving. "She's cute."
Rei nodded, "Yeah, looks like your girl side."
"I was gonna say she looks like you." There was silence as, after a moment of thought and realization, the image faded away.
Rei was still staring into the fire however, "We speak of this to no one."
"I don't know, that image of you and Usagi seems pretty threatening now huh?"
Outside Yuichiro could have swore he heard a slap echo out from the shrine but played it off as his imagination playing with him. Returning to sweeping, he wondered what plans he could make for the weekend. Maybe he could try asking out Rei again.
-AN-
And here we are, back home and already causing trouble. Ranma has a week to relax and get back into his groove before it's back to China. Just how much trouble can he get into?
