Ranma and the Talismans chapter 5
Authors notes: Today's my birthday, and to celebrate, I brought you guys a chapter. To make this chapter extra special it is the first chapter I completed since I posted this story. So I hope you all enjoy it.
Disclaimer: I own none of these characters, Ranma 1/2 Is owned by Rumiko Takahashi and VIZ Communications. Jackie Chan Adventures is owned by Adelaide Productions, Sony Pictures, and probably Jackie Chan.
I recommend supporting the source material.
The Eternally Lost Boy
It has been almost 2 weeks since Ranma and Genma arrived on their doorstep, and each member of the household has a different opinion on the matter.
Soun loves it. Ranma's simple presence is a sign that the future of the anything-goes schools is in good hands, and with Genma around, he finally has someone to play shogi with. Kasumi on the surface seems very joyful about having two extra guests, but with her poker face, it's hard to tell her true feelings from time to time. Nabiki is practically as happy as Soun based on the extra fat wallet she has been caring around. Jade has been ecstatic. In her words, "I get some super awesome training, and see some cool fights what's not to like about having the Saotomes around"? The only Tendo who hasn't warmed up to the Saotome family yet was Akane. Because she's not going to forget about the bathroom incident anytime soon.
Regardless of their thoughts on their guests all the girls in the house, even Jade, can agree on one thing, and this one thing terrifies the currently female Ranma. "No! No way"? The Redhead shouted as she ran throughout the house. Yet even for someone of Ranma's skill level, there was no way she could successfully avoid the Tendo sisters and Jade in their own house for long. Eventually cornered in the hallway Ranma protested one last time, "I am not wearing girl's clothes, and that's final"!
Kasumi interjected, "but all of your clothes are in the wash. It's only for a little while Ranma".
Ranma objected once again, "but I'm a guy".
However, Jade had a counter ready, "even for a guy wearing only a pair of dirty boxers is embarrassing. Besides this is the third time in the past hour you have been turned into a girl"! The redhead had nothing to say to this, but he wasn't going to give in just yet.
Nabiki then chimed in in the most threatening tone she could. "Ranma you're a guest here, and hot water ain't cheap. Unless you want to start paying for a month's worth of hot water every week it's time to expand your wardrobe".
Ranma let out a deep breath and answered, "just nothing with a skirt".
—-—-—-—-
Five minutes later
"I understand Ranma needs clothes, but why do you have to go through my closet". Akane said irritatedly.
Jade was quick to counter with, "you two are the closest in height. Kasumi is at least as tall as Ranma in boy form, Nabiki is more than half a head taller than girl Ranma, and I am literally a head shorter than my sensei right now". To prove her point even further Ranma had just finished putting on an old pair of Akane's overalls, and in terms of length, they were practically perfect.
Akane with a surprised look said, "wow it's a perfect fit".
Ranma looked in the mirror, and even the pigtailed martial artist couldn't deny those pink overalls look good on her. Wanting to support her fiancé Nabiki chirped," oooh! It's so you!
However, surprisingly enough looks weren't the problem with this outfit, and Ranma was more than willing to let her frustrations be known.
"The chest is too tight". Ranma said in discomfort.
In curiosity, Nabiki asked, "how about the waist"?
Ranma in response fluttered loose cloth in that area and said," it's too baggy".
Akane at that moment began marching to the corner of her room. Kasumi unaware said, "no worries Ranma I could fix the waist and chest issues in no time". However, those who were aware of what was about to go down, like Jade and Nabiki, quickly took a few steps back.
With a kendo sword in hand, Akane angrily shouted in a way that was eerily like Kuno, "Ranma I will kill you".
Chaos irrupted in the Tendo house for a good two hours after that. For those hours Ranma frantically Ran away from Akane's devastating sword swings or was being used as a human dress-up doll by Nabiki.
The first outfit was an innocent, but extremely feminine kimono, but things quickly swung into the ridiculous and risqué when Ranma came running out in a Vegas-style showgirls outfit. Nabiki was loving every second of this chaos, even her wallet was happy. As the middle sister was sure her next batch of pigtailed girl photos are going to sell for at least ¥100,000.
—
A few hours later at the koi pond
After the chaos had settled down the redhead was now wearing the adjusted pink overalls. Ranma couldn't deny after Kasumi's alterations that they fit like a glove and look good on her. Even with the bruises dotting her frame. Although she was reluctant to admit this fact.
Something Ranma was willing to admit though was Jade's improvement. "Well done Jade that makes 10 successful trips over the board in a row. I think you're ready for phase two". Jade's face lit up in excitement after hearing this. Ranma seeing the look on his student's face quickly began working on setting it up by shouting, "yow Akane can I borrow your hammer, and can you spar with Jade for a little bit".
A now much calmer Akane lit up in joy at these words and said, "Sure thing Ranma, but why do you need my hammer"?
In a nonchalant tone, Ranma replied, "you will have to wait and see". Akane could only shrug her shoulders at this, began walking to the dojo with Jade, and tossed her mallet to Ranma. However, with a little more force than necessary, the mallet accidentally hit her fiancé on the head and for the first time Akane apologized for harming Ranma.
"Sorry, Ranma! I guess I put a little too much force into that swing".
—-
20 minutes later
Jade and Akane in a chipper mood had finally finished their sparring match and spotted Ranma with a mallet casually leaning on her shoulders had finished her project. "I was curious what was taking you two so long. So tell me Jade what do you think of your new training course"? Jade could only raise an eyebrow at the image in front of her.
Ranma had removed the plank of wood, but kept the rope and stands on the side of the pond. The only new addition was the half a dozen logs now dotting the Koi pond. Jade in a nervous tone replied, "you added some decorations for the fish".
Ranma chuckled at this and said, "I think it's time for a demonstration.
Jade and Akane began to rapidly swing the jump ropes around and Ranma began nonchalantly hopping from one log to another, before speaking up again. "The balance beam exercise was to improve your dodging abilities and reflexes with limited room. All the while improving your balance. This next phase does the same thing, but amps up the difficulty. Each log is separated so you can't comfortably stand on two at once, and each log is only big enough for 1 foot. Meaning unless you're very precise with each leap you would be forced to essentially stand on one leg during your trip across the pond. Once you completed this phase of your training you could probably comfortably stand on a bamboo pole without losing your balance. Lastly, the rules of this exercise are the same as last time".
When Ranma finally finished speaking she also successfully made it across the pond without a single drop of sweat on her face. Taking a deep breath Ranma asked, "so Jade want to get started"? Her student determinedly nodded yes and they began their training session.
Jade during her first attempt managed to jump across two logs but fell into the water when she attempted the third one. Her second attempt was slightly better as she managed to get halfway across before slipping. The next three attempts Jade attempted to focus more on her balance and footwork but still got hit by the ropes. Yet despite the fact she successfully managed to reach the final log four times, the girl never made it fully across the pond. Disappointed in herself Jade decided to simply go to bed for the night. However, not before Ranma gave her student a reassuring pat on the back, and the words, "Jade for your first attempt you did well, and I'm sure you will make it across soon". Jade was still disappointed after hearing this, but at least she finished her training with a small smile after hearing her sensei's words.
—
The next morning
Genma in panda form held up a sign that read [starting today I have a part-time job].
Nonchalantly Ranma replied, "so did doctor tofu hire you"?
The panda turned the sign over, [no. I found an even better job at the zoo]. Everyone's jaw hit the floor at this revelation. Meanwhile, Genma held up another sign, [I just need to lend the zoo a panda bear for a couple of hours and I get a decent size paycheck in exchange]. Flipping the sign around it continued with, [the best part is I just need to sit around and do nothing to make that money, and if I want to stretch my legs I just have to hand out some balloons to the kids].
Everyone sat around in silence at this answer. However, Kasumi as optimistic as ever replied "that's wonderful Mr. Saotome, I'm so glad to hear you got a job you love. By the way, Akane do you mind returning this book to Dr. Tofu for me"? Ranma and Jade found it peculiar that Kasumi borrowed a book titled "Advanced Guide to Human Pressure Points".
However, before either of the two could ask Kasumi about the book another shocking statement occurred, but this time from Akane. "could you do it yourself, Kasumi? Today is just… um…. Not good for me".
Curious Ranma asked his fiancé, "come on Akane you know you're dying to go". However, this only seemed to make Akane even more nervous.
The girl quickly grabbed Ranma, began dragging him out of the house at full speed, and said, "oh look at the time Ranma we need to go to school right now, or we're going to be late".
Akane ran at full speed holding Ranma's hand. Frantically Ranma hollered to Akane, "hey what's the hurry? I wasn't done eating". Yet these words only seem to make Akane more frantic and run faster. She was so focused on running to school that the youngest Tendo didn't even realize that the person she was dragging along suddenly became smaller and lighter.
When Akane eventually reach the school she was so early and arrived so fast that her horde of pursuers was still preparing for the fight. Yet Akane's main concern was telling Ranma something important. She quickly pulled Ranma against the wall and said, "you need to keep your big mouth shut. I don't want to spill the beans about Tofu"!
Yet at that moment she finally realized Ranma suddenly has red hair. In shock, she opened up a few buttons to make sure Ranma transformed and muttered, "when did you"? Yet before she could get an answer she finally noticed the crowd of boys nearby and got into a fighting stance.
Ranma was the first one to say anything, "what the heck are you jerks looking at"?!
However, before any of the boys even attempt to take a step forward they all began to cry, and in unison said, "Akane we shall not be pursuing you anymore. We know we stand little chance against you, but there's no way we can win over a lesbian! Besides if Kuno wasn't able to defeat Ranma we might as well throw in the towel now".
Akane in joy said, "does this mean I won't have to fight a small army every time I go to school now"?! One of the boys stepped forward and nodded his head, "pretty much. The only boy who hasn't given up yet is Kuno. Even after Ranma beat him up so bad he was left as a mummy, the guy still refuses to admit defeat".
The crowd of boys then decided it was time to leave, but before they entered the school some of the guys hollered, "give our congrats to whoever your new red-haired girlfriend is".
Akane Tendo stood there shell-shocked. She has been yelling at the top of her lungs to get them to stop but they didn't listen. She then broke at least 100 of her pursuers' bones during the first week of their attacks, but they refused to give up. Yet the moment they realize they would have to fight the strongest guy in school, and thought she swung the other way they immediately threw in the towel.
In joy Akane hugged Ranma and said, "Thank you Ranma! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I never thought I would say this but I am happy you came into our lives Ranma Saotome". Ranma could only stand there in complete shock. The hug didn't last long though, and when she broke it Akane began walking to the school, and shouted to the pigtailed martial artist, "now if you excuse me, I am going to try to clear that lesbian rumor before it spreads".
Ranma still in shock just stood there staring at Akane, contemplating what just happened. However, out of nowhere Jade suddenly appeared and said, "I am happy for my cousin and all, but is it wrong for me to say I will miss seeing Akane in a cool fight every morning"?
Ranma after hearing this leaped back and said, "Jade when and how did you"?
"I ran after you two the moment Akane left the house. I didn't get here in time to hear the whole story, but I got the gist".
Ranma simply patted their pupils back and said, "I haven't been in town long, but I'm sure the next big fight will be here before we know it". They didn't know it then, but a great warrior had just wandered into Tokyo.
—-
A few hours later
A dirty, yellow-clad boy had arrived at the school. In desperation, he grabbed onto the nearest student and asked him, "you, where is Furinkan high school"?! The boy confusedly in nervously pointed at the sign in front of the building and the boy's eyes lit up in joy. "I am almost at the school; I am just a few steps away from entering". However, contrary to the boy's words he began walking to the right of the entrance.
The local resident then confusedly inquired, "if you want to get into the school you have to walk through the Front gate".
The boy wearing the bandanna simply said "thank you" and began going in the exact opposite direction. In exasperation, the student grabbed onto the wanderer's shoulders and guided him towards the building.
After safely getting the wanderer inside the building the traveler then said, "thank you for all your help, I'm not all that good at directions. Although if you can do one more thing for me can you tell me where Ranma Saodome is"? However, the student didn't have to answer that question because at that moment the pigtailed martial artist had just appeared in the courtyard being chased by an angry Akane.
Not sparing a second the bandanna-wearing traveler jumped up, and attempted to skewer the young Saotome with his umbrella, while announcing, "Ranma prepare to die". However, his attack only left a crater on the ground as Ranma at the last possible second somersaulted away from the devastating impact. All the umbrella wielder could say to Ranma's impressive dodge was, "you haven't changed at all. Ranma you're still good at running away".
All Ranma could do after seeing the yellow-clad boy was simply get into a thinking pose. It was evident on the martial artist's face that he knew the person in front of him, but couldn't remember where. Seeing his rival like this the traveler asked, "Just tell me Ranma. Why did you walk out on our fight"?!
These words jumpstarted Ranma's memories, and in realization, he proclaimed, "Wait! I remember! You were in my class in Junior high school, Ryoga Hibiki! Long time no see, how have you been". Getting continuously more irritated Ryoga asked again, "just answer my question".
Ranma in annoyance answered, "I waited three days for you at the place we agreed upon".
"Yes, but when I came on the fourth day you had already ran away". Ryoga huffed out.
Sarcastically Ranma then asked, "Ryoga can I ask you something? Why did it take you four days to get to the empty lot behind your house"? Angrily Ryoga shouted, " do you think I was out for a casual stroll for four days?! I suffered more than you could imagine to meet up with you"!
At that moment a girl too young to be a student arrived and said, "sorry pal, but any formal challenge would consider being absent for 15 minutes to be an automatic forfeit. So do I need to explain what happens when you are late over 300 times that, and don't have a good excuse, except for being direction impaired"!
Akane seeing her cousin then asked, Jade what are you doing here"?
"I heard of some guy asking a few of my classmates where this school was, and if they know where he could find Ranma Saotome. I then rushed here as soon as school let out".
Angrily Ryoga said, "still I at least deserved a chance to ask for a rematch, but you ran all the way to China with your father. Since that day I have asked at least 1000 people, every restaurant the Saotome family pulled a dine and dash at, and one old man your father stole a mung bean sandwich from on hints on your location, Ranma Saotome". With his anger boiling over the eternally lost boy swung his umbrella at his former classmate, but Ranma nonchalantly jumped over it.
Calmly Ranma asked, "so in other words you want to finish our fight"?
"I don't want to finish our fight?! This is revenge". After Ryoga's declaration, he spun his umbrella at his target, but as one might suspect the pigtailed martial artist simply sidestepped it, completely ignoring the fact the crowd was pushing against each other to avoid the spinning umbrella of doom. When the umbrella boomeranged back into Ryoga's hands he continued by saying, "no matter what it takes Ranma I shall destroy your happiness".
All Ranma could say to this was, "am I happy"?
Akane responded with, "why are you asking me for"?
Meanwhile Jade responded with, "sensei if you're asking that you need some professional help".
However, instead of pondering Jade's words or paying closer attention to the greatest source of anger for 100 miles the young Saotome had a realization. He quickly said, "Ryoga excuse me for a second. Wait here".
—-
10 minutes later
Ranma tossed a piece of curry bread at the bandanna-wearing boy, and all Ryoga could say was, "what is this a joke"?! "geez you're greedy. Here have some chow mein bread, croquette bread, melon bread, garlic bread, seaweed bread, and a cult sandwich. Happy now? I didn't forget anything, did I? However, all of this food didn't seem to quench Ryoga's burning rage. In fact, it only seemed to make him more wrathful. "What do you take me for, Ranma Saotome"?!
Akane about as angry as Ryoga asked, "yeah Ranma what do you take him for"?!
"I went to an all-boys junior high school, Akane. Do you have any idea what it's like there? Lunchtime was just like a battlefield".
Taking a deep breath Ranma continued his story. "Every day boys climbed on top of each other for the best piece of bread, but no matter how early you wait in line there never seem to be enough food to go around. One day the lunch lady threw out one piece of bread into the crowd of students and called it lunch for the entire school! Luckily with my martial arts skills, I was always able to snag some food, but for some strange reason, this always seem to short-change Ryoga specifically. I attempted to make it up to the guy by guiding him back home after school, but after going hungry during lunch a few too many times he challenges me to that faithful fight Ryoga was four days late to".
Ryoga in anger shouted, "my rage goes far beyond any type of bread-feud, and cannot be forgiven by any type of bread! Besides all of these are expired"!
Ranma could only mutter to himself, "I know I shouldn't have spent all of my photo money at that bread vending machine". The two leaped into the air preparing for a fight, and in mid-air, Ranma asked, "tell me then what this is all about".
"Because of you Saotome, I've seen things that have scarred me for life". Yet no matter how many times Ranma asked Ryoga refused to give a clear answer. Until eventually Ranma was forced to jump into the crowd of students to avoid one of his rival's attacks. In response, the eternally lost boy ran straight into the crowd and beyond. He kept on running even after reaching the school, not letting walls and desks slow him down. Until Ryoga was well beyond the school's property.
The boy just kept on running until sunset. Yet when he finally asked for directions horror struck his face when Ryoga realized he made it all the way to the village he saved in Shikoku. Well, at least the villagers were willing to give The eternally lost boy food and a place to stay for the night.
—
Later that night, Tendo House
Kasumi came into the room and said, "Ranma you have a letter from someone called Hibiki". Akane was the first one to ask the biggest mystery of the letter, "so how did Ryoga send a letter here anyway"? Nabiki quickly replied, "if Ryoga was able to figure out where Ranma goes to school then figuring out where he lived shouldn't be too much of a stretch".
The pigtailed martial artist after reading the letter said, "Ryoga, sent me a challenge letter scheduled for yesterday. Although knowing his sense of direction the fight will likely take place sometime between two days to two weeks from now".
—-
High school soccer field one week later
A crowd had appeared for the prompt to fight. Nabiki advertised the battle as best as she could. However, even for her she was shocked by the large crowd that showed up for the fight that was advertised only for a couple of hours, and the number of people taking bets. Although, the answer for this extra-large crowd and the successful betting ring became known when an exhausted Jade came running to her. The exhausted girl said, "I have been advertising the fight as well as I could. I even convinced as many of the wealthier Furinkan students as I could to make favorable bets".
The older girls simply chuckled at this and asked, "I take it you want a cut of the profit"?
"Duh if I was able to knock off all my anger issues just by seeing Akane overreact, I was bound to pick up some of your bad habits". Nabiki smirked at this and said, "your uncle Soun might consider this as some bad habit, but to you and me it's just a deserved bonus to our allowance". With those words said she handed ¥500 to Jade.
Jade stared at the bill in shock, and asked, "I thought I would get more after drumming up so much business".
Nabiki calmly replied by saying, "what are you talking about Jade this is the exact amount of money I charged to deliver a letter for Kuno earlier this month. It should be appropriate, for advertising the fight". Jade reluctantly excepted her cousin's answer and went to find a seat.
Meanwhile, the two combatants were staring each other down and began some pre-fight banter. "So Ranma you finally had the guts to show up"! "What are you talking about Ryoga you're the one who wandered off and got lost, twice"!
Angerly the eternally lost boy shouted, "what would you know about it anyway? I traveled the deep blue sea, and travel jungles risking life and limb to find where I need to go. All for the chance to fight you"!
With that declaration, the fight began. Ryoga began swinging and jabbing his umbrella like a sword. Meanwhile, Ranma avoided every move with well-placed steps, instinctive ducks, and perfectly timed hops.
With the fight going as expected Nabiki and her two friends quickly begin calculating the overall takes. The total was ¥17,473 and The majority of the cash was going in favor of Ranma. Seeing the worried faces of her two friends and Jade Nabiki reassured them by saying, "trust me, ladies. I am a professional. I was planning on using this fight as an experiment to see what the bedding would look like in the future involving my fiancé, and have put money away just in case Ranma mops the floor with the guy".
The yellow-clad boy opened up his umbrella and sent it spinning like a top at his opponent. However, this attack was simply a distraction as Ryoga quickly pulled out his bandanna and wrapped it around his adversary's arm. Proudly the eternally lost boy proclaimed, "This'll keep you from running away"! However, this barely seemed to concern Ranma. Although the fact that Ryoga still had a yellow and black bandanna on his person did catch Ranma's eye. "How many bandanas are you wearing"? All Saotome got as an answer was an angry growl.
Even with such close quarters Ranma still managed to dodge most of Ryoga's attacks. Although as the number of close calls skyrocketed, Ranma began to sweat from the effort. The only advantage the pigtailed martial artist now had was him being more easily able to change the trajectory of Ryoga's kicks with his own now. Leading to a breathtaking upward ax kick lock from the two martial artists.
At that moment it was evident to everyone in the crowd that this was Ranma's toughest fight so far, and one that required the anything-goes practitioner to go all out if he had any shot at winning.
However, even with this magnificent display of martial arts skill, it didn't stop one of the students from seeing Ryoga's parasol had finally stopped moving. The boy tried to lift it but couldn't even move it an inch. Curiously Akane attempted it herself, but despite her tremendous strength, she was barely able to get the umbrella off the ground with both arms.
Jade took a glimpse at this and her blood went cold. She quickly got Nabiki's attention and pointed at the ridiculously heavy bamboo umbrella, and the middle-Tendo's jaw hit the floor at the site.
Nabiki prided herself on taking accurate bets and calculating odds. However, one of her safest assumptions is to always bet on Akane's strength. Without question, her little sister in many students' eyes is the physically strongest living thing in Furinkan high. By extension, even in the martial arts-obsessed town they call home one would be hard-pressed to find someone with equal or greater strength than Akane Tendo. Yet Ryoga just by holding a parasol outclassed all previous definitions of physical strength Jade and Nabiki could imagine a human performing.
In seeming unison, all three girls shouted, "Ranma don't stay too close to him! Whatever you do stay out of Ryoga's reach. His strength is off the charts". However, their fears were unwarranted, as Ranma use the restraints to his advantage. He quickly slipped underneath Ryoga's legs and got onto his opponent's back. With the bandanna still connecting them Ryoga found himself pinned and unable to use one arm.
Yet this didn't stop the eternally lost boy. With a grunt of effort, he polled a one-arm handstand and sent the two of them skyward with one mighty push. However, aerial combat was the Saotome specialty. Ranma pulled on the bandana once more to get Ryoga into the perfect position for a devastating kick that sent the yellow-clad boy hurtling towards the ground. This attack was so devastating Ryoga finally let go of the bandanna.
Forced on the defensive Ryoga quickly grabbed his umbrella and launched a devastating thrust on his opponent. Ranma manage to dodge, but this attack left a major rip in Ranma's shirt. This attack was easily the most concerning part of the fight so far in Ranma's eyes. Angry the gender-changing martial artist shouted, "this was my favorite shirt". However, Ryoga countered by saying, "this is war! Don't act like a girl"! The statement only made the young Saotome angrier, and subsequently kicked Ryoga over the fence. The two boys were so enraged that they didn't care where they battled.
When the fight left the school grounds the crowd began to chase after them. However, it wasn't hard to determine where the martial artists went. As there was a trail of destruction wherever Ranma and Ryoga fought. Although, there was one sign of destruction that acted as a beacon for the crowd. This beacon came in the form of a massive pillar of water erupting from the Zoo. The first two to arrive were Akane thanks to her excellent physical stats compared to everyone else in the crowd, and Jade who had a freaky talent and an unquenchable desire to watch cool fights.
—
Zoo
Ryoga seeing the geyser of water used his umbrella to keep himself dry, but Ranma wasn't so lucky. The subsequent image of a girl with a torn shirt left the eternally lost boy in complete shock. "Wait A second who are you".
Yet it didn't take Ryoga long to figure out who this redhead is when the girl was trying to attack him in a way exactly like Ranma. In confusion, Ryoga asked, "Ranma is that you?" The girl simply replied, "Who do I look like, you jerk".
Seeing Ranma Jade quickly got in front of her sensei, and Akane shouted, "Ranma your blouse". These words finally caused Ranma to finally look down and realize he had transformed. Frantically she put her arms in front of her chest in embarrassment, and as an attempt to preserve some modesty.
The redhead quickly began taking off her shirt and tying it around her upper torso. Sure her stomach will be exposed but at least Ranma could preserve what little modesty she has. Embarrassed Ranma said, "well? Why don't you laugh? Hum? Listen I don't know what I could've done to make you so bitter and wrathful Ryoga, but look at me cursed with this body! Yet I take it in stride and treat others with kindness".
Yet all Ryoga could do after hearing this was to laugh maniacally. "Hahahahahaha! You called that a curse?! Since when is having such a beautiful body like yours a curse"? with those words said the boy pulled out multiple bandannas and sent them flying. Each one was the equivalent of a saw blade, as they tore through everything they came in contact with.
Seeing this Akane said, "don't move I'll get you some hot water". Yet the girl distracted by the bandannas tripped on the roots of a tree. Ranma seeing the danger the two girls were in grabbed Jade, and sprinted to Akane. Seeing this as an opening Ryoga sent his umbrella flying, but at the last possible second Ranma grab the parasol and used it to reflect all of the projectiles before jumping on top of a tree.
Ranma Without thinking spat out the words "why did you have to butt in Akane".
Angrily Akane said, "you can't beat him in girl form"!
Seeing an argument erupting Jade attempted to defuse the situation, "Akane you of all people shouldn't underestimate girl power, Ranma could win in either form. On the other hand, Ranma shouldn't you thank Akane for trying to get some hot water"? Yet Jade's words fell on deaf ears as the couple's argument had already begun.
"Jade's right you shouldn't butt in on a man-to-man fight"!
Akane shouted back, "I don't see any guys- just one obnoxious pervert"!
While the two were arguing Jade saw Ryoga walking menacingly, as his belt seemingly became straight and sharp, like a sword. Nervously Jade said, "guys I think we have to move". Yet the two were so wrapped up in their argument that the two only noticed what was happening around them until the tree was cut in half.
Quickly Ranma grabbed onto Akane and Jade before leaping into the air. However, this didn't stop Ryoga's assault. He attacked once more with his belt, but Ranma blocked with the umbrella. This trick only work once as the umbrella got cut in half. Upset Akane shouted, "let us go"!
However, Jade had the opposite opinion seeing they were multiple feet in the air, "Ranma don't let go". After multiple quick leaps, Ranma finally let the girls down. Jade was happy to finally catch her breath. However, Akane had the opposite opinion. She slapped the redhead and stormed off.
Ranma's mind was officially split in two. Half of her mind focused on the fight, and the other half was focused on trying to make things right with Akane. The side focused on her fiancé one out and Ranma ran after her. Yet this proved to be a mistake because at that moment two miss throne bandannas came hurling by. One move dangerously close to Akane, and the other was heading straight to where Ranma was just at. Ironically enough this also put Jade in the line of fire.
Through pure reflexes, Ranma grabbed Akane in a bear hug and tackled Jade to the ground. Akane completely unaware of the danger the two were in furiously shouted, "why did you do that you jerk". Ranma didn't respond immediately as he was frantically looking over Jade for injuries. Yet all Akane could say after seeing this was, "stop looking over my cousin, for injuries, you caused and answer me"!
Ranma after she made sure Jade was fine took a glance at Akane and shouted, "excuse me for saving you two from those bandannas of death flying all around us, and making sure your cousin is fine! At least we all came out of that situation safe...". However, before the redhead could finish that sentence she felt the back of her head and froze.
Ranma's head slowly scanned the ground, eyes frantically dotting every which way hoping to spot it. Yet the site in front of her made the gender-bending martial artist go catatonic. Ranma's trademark pigtail laid severed on the ground, and the thread used to hold it had been shredded into pieces. The dragon's whisker had been damaged beyond repair, and its pieces were already being blown away out of reach in the wind.
The red-haired girl just stood there in shock, eyes blank. Even Nabiki was worried and saddened by Ranma's current state. Akane attempted to snap the teenager out of it by snapping her fingers in front of Saotome's face, but no response.
Worriedly Akane said, "why and how is she in shock"? One of the girls in the crowd commented, "what do you expect caught in public with a haircut like that! She's lucky she didn't die of embarrassment. You should know this better than most Akane. You would think a girl would know her girlfriend better than this"?
luckily Jade stepped in to divert attention away from her cousin, "Tch, I would rather lose a few good locks of hair than get hit in the arm with one of those bandannas. Besides I have seen girls rock even worse haircuts than what Ranma currently has". However, to add emphasis to her next few words Akane's cousin shouted, "Should we be more worried by the fact the former pigtailed girl has been a deer caught in headlights for a good minute now than her haircut"?!
Ryoga decided now was the best time to reintroduce himself by saying, "sorry for getting you two into such trouble. When I get mad, I get tunnel vision. It helps me power through the troubles I face on my long journeys. Although it does occasionally get me carried away in a fight. How about the next time I see you two I'll bring you some special treats to make up for it"?
However, the eternally lost boy's focus quickly switched back to the fight when he saw Ranma stunned. He ran straight at the redhead and shouted, "Ranma prepare to die".
This apparently snapped Ranma out of it. With a cry of rage that left even Akane speechless, the girl began to deliver a flurry of punches and kicks at Ryoga. Jade and Nabiki had seen the blur of this technique before with kuno. However, despite the blinding speed, the two could tell this barrage of hits easily surpassed the one used on Kuno in every possible way.
Ryoga to his credit was powering through, but even so, his defeat was set in stone. The eternally lost boy was only able to barely manage a single punch or two during the onslaught. Yet Ranma effortlessly avoided those attacks and delivered at least 20 good hits every few seconds. The fight eventually ended when Ranma delivered a mighty uppercut that sent the yellow-clad boy skyward, and by extension unconscious when he hit the ground.
With a battle cry of victory, the redhead just stood there for what felt like a good minute. After getting about 30% of her anger out Ranma simply walked away depressed. Jade attempted to run after her mentor, but Nabiki grabbed her cousin's shoulder, and said, "I think Ranma needed to be alone for a little bit".
Shaking her head Nabiki switched her focus from her fiancé to the bets. In a more chipper tone, the betting ringmaster announced to the crowd, "OK anyone who bet on Kuno's newest crush winning the fight against Ryoga step on up and get your winnings"! Yet no one stepped up.
However, a few students angrily yelled, "wait a second shouldn't Ryoga win since Ranma disappeared". Meanwhile, another member of the crowd shouted, "shouldn't Ranma win as Ryoga is unconscious right now, and the strongest guy in school is likely still standing"? Nabiki calmed down the crowd before saying, "trust me I put down the redhead as a possible winning candidate for a reason. In fact, I have this exact outcome listed on the betting sheets. If you don't believe me, check out the paper, and I am sure the furious girl who took down the living bulldozer over there would be more than happy to explain why she won the fight". Some of the students decided to give up on the matter fearing for their well-being against the pigtailed-less girl, and others began spitting out wild theories as to what happened to Ranma, but none of them came close.
Tendo Furo
Ranmatrepidatiously stared at the faucet. She pondered if she should risk it. "If I change back I risk becoming that thing? Although I haven't tested that curse in a while, maybe it went away on its own"? With a glimmer of hope firmly established in their mind, Ranma turned on the faucet.
As soon as steam began to appear Ranma splashed himself, and immediately changed back, but quickly regretted it. An uncomfortable feeling quickly emerged along his scalp. This feeling was followed by the sensation of hair slithering down his neck. Frantically Ranma turned off the hot water and turned on the cold. Yet before the pipes could even register the change Ranma knew it had already reached his shoulders and was not slowing down.
Time seemingly stood still for the martial artist. Yet even in this frozen time, the slithering sensation continue to creep down his body. Flashes of a sea of hair irrupt it in the young man's eyes. Ranma in fear, closed his eyes shut.
Yet with a familiar tingling sensation the uncomfortable feeling along his scalp, along with the creeping feeling down his back stopped. Ranma slowly opened his eyes in hope, and his hope became realized with crimson locks partially covering their vision.
Taking a deep breath Ranma slowly walked to the mirror to see the damage. Yet the site in front of her was simultaneously good and bad. Ranma just a few seconds ago had hair that barely reached her neck, and now she had hair that reached halfway down their back within the short amount of time it took her to get cold water.
Ranma had no idea how she was going to manage to explain the hair, or why he is staying in female form for the foreseeable future. All the redhead could do was shrug her shoulders, and sigh in exasperation. "Oh well, I'm sure I'll think of something. However, the better question is, where am I going to find another dragon's whisker?! That thing was the only proof I had dragons even existed, and I am no good at research like that"!
However, a long-dormant thought of someone who could rang through her mind, "Jade's Uncle! If anyone has a piece of a mythical creature, it would have to be a wizard! Even if the guy doesn't have one, he might be able to cure me of the hair curse or know where I could find a dragon's whisker". With a seed of hope planted Ranma set about looking for Jade. She wasn't sure what it would take, but with the memories of drowning in hair firmly planted in her mind, Ranma would drag Uncle here even if it means breaking every bone in both their bodies.
End of chapter notes:
As for if Uncle has, or doesn't have a Dragon's whisker let me bring up the fact captain black is still bald.
On the other hand, Uncle has countered and removed stronger magical spells on the fly. So who's to say? :3
The next thing worth mentioning is I was originally planning on releasing the Ryoga arc in one mega chapter, but this arc proved longer than expected. This chapter by itself is the longest chapter yet. At least it allows me to experiment with longer chapters, and see which you guys and girls prefer. Although, I should mention that the longer chapters mean a longer wait time between updates in the grand scheme of things.
So leave a review on what you think of the chapter, what you think might happen next, and lastly tell me if you like better the shorter or longer chapter format.
Reviews:
AsheTDust- Yeah Nabiki's actions and behaviors throughout Ranma ½ makes me think she is a little bi. Although I'm not quite sure if Nabiki herself knows this fact yet? I'll come to that bridge in the story when I get to it.
Yeah is definitely more aggressive on the romantic front then her sister in all stages of the game.
As for who wears the pants in their relationship Nabiki will try to give the illusion to Ranma that he wears the pants. However, to literally everyone else including Nabiki herself it is the full time girl who wears the pants in their relationship.
No Name steak- pretty much. The only real change to canon so far is Jade. She might be a good character, but her mirror existence isn't going to turn the original Ranma 1/2 plot on its head immediately. However, the butterfly effects of her presence alone is causing changes, like with Nabiki and that bad haircut. Now imagine all the plot possibilities these two factors bring in along with Uncle and the talismans around the corner.
Djinn- this is one idea I thought of immediately why I was thinking of how to deal with Nabiki's photography of Ranma. By making this deal Ranma gets some cash, Nabiki's pictures in terms of quality and quantity increase, and Nabiki's actions becomes a lot more morally acceptable.
As your ideas:
You read my mind about the tiger talisman. If the tiger talisman is used on someone with a Jusenkyo curse, the talisman can be used normally or be used to split someone from their cursed form. However, this method doesn't just create a version of the target that doesn't have a curse, but also makes a version of the target that's locked in curse form. Keep in mind this is not even adding in the middle side effects.
On top of this everyone's cursed form with two exceptions, would be doing everything in their power to reunite both halves of the talisman to go back to normal after seemingly being stuck as animals.
Although as a side note the tiger talisman and can be used on more than one person. For example, the tiger talisman was able to work on Springhill jack despite still being active on Jackie.
I like that idea. After learning about the talismans he would likely send Sasuke to snatch as many as he can from the Tendo house. The wannabe samurai would claim he stole them to get these powerful items out of the evil Ranma's hands, and uses their power to slay the vile Saotome. Although Kuno would make one good point about the fact the Tendo family doesn't have the security to keep the talismans safe and that the Kuno clan defensives are the best in town.
Indeed, the monkey talisman has weird effects on those with a Jusenkyo curse. I'll keep the specifics of this one a surprise, but I will say this. The monkey talisman can be used to counter or lock animal themed curses, but cannot remove or negate the curse. This talisman has the power of transformation not curse removal after all.
Next time: Ranma reveals his second curse to a select few people, Ryoga comes for revenge, and the most aggravating enemy our protagonist has faced yet emerges.
Next time: Ranma reveals his second curse to a select few people, Ryoga comes for revenge, and the most aggravating enemy our protagonist has faced yet emerges. Chapter 6 should be out by March 1.