"Hey, you're okay," hands gently caressed her, one taking her right hand while the other held her face. Rose's eyes fluttered open.
"Mama?" Rose saw her stepmom smile kindly at her.
"There's my baby bud. Are you with us?"
"Yeah. Why are you here?"
"Well, I liked to say a mother always knows when her child is crying-"
"I'm crying?" Rose touched her face. It was indeed wet.
"And more. Screaming, kicking, the whole show. I'm assuming you had a nightmare ofthatday?"
"Yeah, guess seeing the bitch last night triggered it."
"That and more according to the news," Nabiki grabbed a remote and turned on the television.
"-Investigations into the mysterious fire last night have experts thus far puzzled."
"Oops," Rose scratched her head.
"I'm just happy you managed to direct yourself to an uninhabited area," Nabiki's eye turned from the television to her daughter, "I'm guessing Nodoka visited last night?"
"Tch," Rose growled, "Brought another fiancée for mother to deal with."
"You didn't…" Nabiki searched for the right word, "Hurt anyone, did you?"
"No," Rose rolled her eyes.
"And that includes Nodoka."
"Your younger self stopped me," Rose withheld growling barely.
"Good to hear."
"I still think we should kill her."
"You think of a lot of things, including torturing her," Rose looked to her mother, glaring but silent, "All of which is non-negotiable. At the bare minimum, killing her would muck up Ranma."
"Not if no one-"
WACK
Nabiki lightly karate-chopped her daughter's head.
"No! Despite whomever you knew her as, she is not that person. She's done nothing to deserve death or anything of the sort. Of course, if she decides to try and take our beloved's life we will step in, but killing her isn't necessary."
"But if-"
"People are messy Rose. You and I both know this," Nabiki pleaded, "If we're going to judge people on their possible future actions, then honestly I should have myself hanged. Not to mention Takewaki, Sasuke, Shampoo-"
"Alright, alright, I get it!" Rose threw her hands up.
"Do you?" Nabiki narrowed her eyes.
"Well no, but I'll avoid her for now. Nerima doesn't need radiation to make it nuts."
"Outbursts like this can also attract unwanted attention," Nabiki sighed.
"A little fire like that? Who's gonna care?"
In China's south-central mountain range, a storm was brewing. Its lightning dramatically lit the dim throne room not unlike a certain kendo user in Nerima.
"Your majesty," two loyal vassals spoke, "What do you require of us?" The larger one asked.
"I sensed something late last night, as did father. A surge of power in Japan. Dragon's power."
"But that cannot be, only you and your father remain of the royal family, and true dragons have been extinct for centuries!" The smaller one protested.
"You think I don't know that?" The royal's reptile-like eyes seem to glow with power.
"Apologies, your majesty. I-I was-as merely shocked."
"Hmph, the sages have pinpointed where the surge likely occurred and as we are familiar with the location, Father has chosen to send me alongside you two to investigate."
"You mean, we're going back?"
"Boobs?" The larger one began to drool.
The prince growled, "Yes, back to Nerima."
"Of course, Prince Herb. We will begin preparations at once," The smaller one declared, as his comrade's mind was still lost in perverted thought.
'It will be good to see you again Saotome, perhaps a rematch is in order,'thought the prince overlooking his future dynasty. Suddenly, the storm began in earnest and the wind blew rain into the throne room, soaking Prince Herb and activating the curse.
'Boobs' both Mint's and Lime's minds were lost staring at Prince Herb's expanded chest.
"...damn this curse."
"Damn this manga," Nabiki muttered as she walked downstairs, a Dragon Ball volume in hand.'Why is it so damn long! Thank goodness I had a lackey to burrow this all from, otherwise buying over forty volumes would not have been an enjoyable hit to my savings.'
Nabiki had forgone her investigations of Anko and her usual businesses these past two days to binge-read Dragon Ball, hoping to find the clue to solve the mystery of Ryu Anko.
'And yet this manga's relation to reality concerns me further. Is there a green demon about to take over the world? Some fascist militia on the hunt for wishes? Is Anko an alien, cyborg, both!?'
Nabiki auditable groaned as she sat at the table. Her sister Akane was kind enough to put coffee in front of her.
"You ok, sis?" Akane asked, "You have big bags under your eyes, have finals gotten to you or something?"
"School, ugh… now there's something I've neglected," Nabiki grabbed her coffee and poured the hot drink down her throat. "Ahh, no I've been cursed with questions and I was directed toward this stupid manga for answers."
"Ooo, Dragon Ball!" A child sat next to Nabiki, "Now there's a classic!"
Nabiki double blinked, took another sip of coffee and then stared at the long black-haired child sitting next to her.
"And who is this brat? We really don't need another freeloader…" Nabiki questioned.
Kasumi returned to the living room with drinks in hand, "Why she's a friend of Akane's I believe. Quite an energetic one too."
Nabiki looked to her younger sister who looked away.
"I'm Himiko, goddess of fortune!" The child stood proudly, "And I am here to guide Tendo Akane in the ways of her ancestor Tendo Shinzo."
"Great, just what we needed, another weirdo…" Nabiki leaned to Akane, "Is she… actually a god? This town is making me paranoid."
Akane shrugged, "I don't know? She knows some weird stuff and is pretty weird, but she hasn't done anything godly besides promise me a wish."
"A wish?"
"Ahem," Himiko startled the girls, "The other gods have barred me from using my powers on Earth on top of giving me this insulting form."
"And why would they do that?" Nabiki questioned.
"Well on top of just wanting to piss me off, we gods aren't supposed to take a physical presence on Earth. Ever since the era changed, we have progressively lost more and more power over the mortal realm due to several case rulings and their findings that the more we gods meddle in things the higher the chance of extinction becomes. Hence we're only allowed to be minor influences from above these days."
"What counts as minor influences?" Akane asked.
"Changing probabilities, giving ideas through dreams, bad vibes, that sorta thing. These days we gods are glorified audience members sending petitions and ranting about things we don't like. Then again, I wasn't around for the Golden Age of godhood, having been only one for a millennium.
"The divine is sounding rather… mundane," Nabiki commented, "Although if that's the case, why are you here? Offering a wish sounds like more than a minor influence."
Himiko looked away, "There's a stipulation if other divine beings and or their children are involved. My matter is such one."
"Children, eh?" The girls turned to see Ranma joining them at the table, "I will say, gods' being real ain't far-fetched. That Phoenix guy was supposed to be one."
"Correct Saotome-san!" Himiko seemed to perk up at his presence, "Saffron is merely a minor deity though due to his small worship size historically. He certainly does have divine chi and has been offered a place in the heavens for a few of his past incarnations."
"He was still a heck of a fight. Wonder how much he's grown thinking on it," Ranma pondered while Nabiki kept her eyes on the godchild.
"But why exactly are you involving my sister in your matters?" Nabiki let her irritation slip.
"Your ancestor was my previous champion and nearly slew this demon before."
"A demon?" Ranma asked.
"Yes!" Himiko stood on the table, dramatically posing, "The Shadow Flame, Devourer of Innocence, the ditz with the big tits, the Yokai of a thousand Faces!"
"One of those isn't like the others…" Nabiki commented.
"Why can't I fight this demon? I'm way better than that tom-" Ranma for once noticed his fiancé's angry aura, "I mean I'm pretty strong, I already beat that Phoenix guy like I said!"
"Uh, those with Jusenkyo curses aren't a good matchup against this demon let's just say," Himiko scratched her cheek as she sat back down, "And I considered a lot of people. Unfortunately, a lot of other great nearby fighters have Jusenkyo curses. I even looked at you Nabiki and Kasumi. But Kasumi doesn't have the ruthlessness for it and Nabiki is… Nabiki reminds me of someone I knew and won't be a good matchup either."
"So I was your last option…" Akane's forehead twitched.
"Hardly, you are honestly perfect for the role. You remind me a lot of your ancestor shall we say. I like to consider all my options just in case."
Nabiki leaned towards the mini-god, "And how does Ryu Anko fit into all this?"
Himiko tilted her head, "Who?"
Nabiki's face fell, "Nerima's latest weirdo. The overpowered reporter who became the new grandmaster of Everything Goes, is an assassin among other things."
"Assassin?" Ranma and Akane questioned.
"She sounds like filler or some dumb OC," Himiko shrugged, "Honestly, I haven't been paying much attention to the happenings in Nerima since the failed wedding fiasco. It seemed like the best ending we were going to get out of here."
The teenagers double blinked, "Best wha-?"
"Oh, who is this?" Nodoka asked as she joined everyone at the table.
"I'm Himiko, the most talented kindergartener around!" Himiko gave the best cutie pose she could muster.
'Something ain't right in her head…' the teenagers collectively thought.
"Oh, aren't you the cutest thing!" Nodoka hugged the little girl, "It's children like you that make me excited for grandchildren."
Ranma began to sweat while Akane looked pissed.
"Yeah, but from his wife or mistress?" Akane grumbled.
"Oh yes, Ranma I saw Moyoco off at the station, we will try to have you two meet again another time when things are… better," Nodoka explained.
"Oh thanks, I kinda forgot about her," Ranma scratched his cheek, "Things have been hectic lately."
"Yes, it seems that way. Are you handling it all ok?" His mother asked, concern evident on her face.
"I… I don't know?"
Nodoka touched his shoulder, "I'm here if you need to talk at all, son."
"Oh Akane, kindly dig up your ancestor's weapon after school today would you?" Himiko asked her mouth half stuffed with food.
"Uh sure, aren't you going to be here though?" Akane replied.
"I have separate business to take care of today, unfortunately," Himiko thrust a thumbs up at Akane, "Follow your gut kid and you'll find it!"
"Toddler god business?" Nabiki chuckled, before ceasing as Himiko's dark gaze turned on her.
"I will make all your coffee taste burnt for a century if you don't watch your words brat," Himiko threatened, "If you must know, Akihabara calls for me."
"The otaku district?" Akane commented.
"It's not merely an otaku district but the best source for all manner of legendary media of this new era!" Himiko posed with her fan, before stage whispering, "Shipping to the heavens is a hellish thing you must know."
"Why?" Nabiki asked.
"When everyone is immortal, everyone is lazy and a decade delivery time becomes the standard…" Himiko sighed.
'Why is it becoming more believable that she's actually a god when what she's saying is pathetic stuff…'Nabiki thought,'Then again, what child would make up stuff like this?'
The child's theatrics reminded her of another person, "Where's Kuno this morning?"
Kuno was screaming.
"What sorcery is this?!" He yelled, staring at his reflection in the mirror.
"Master Kuno!" Sasuke appeared by his door, "What is wrong?"
Kuno shrieked, covering his head with a blanket, "No! Out with you, interloper!" Kuno began to kick away his servant, "No one must see me this morning!"
"But Master-"
"No one!" Finally, he pushed his retainer away, and into the hall. The door slammed shut, and Sasuke was left lost at what to do. His mistress then strolled up.
"Whatever has my brother making a racket this morning?"
"I'm not sure my lady," Sasuke's eyes lingered on the door.
"Relax Sasuke, I'm certain he will be his usual self within the hour. That or performing something mad. Although I suppose that's one and the same." Kodachi past Sasuke and continued on her way.
Sasuke lingered for a few more moments before returning to his many duties.
Kuno meanwhile continued to stare at himself in disbelief.
"How could this be?" He racked his brain for answers, "Could I have been cursed with Jusenkyo like Saotome or is something else at play?"
His telephone rang at that precise moment. Usually, Sasuke would answer it but Kuno decided to reach for it himself before his retainer could elsewhere.
"Hello, this Kuno Takewaki. To whom am I speaking?"
"Ah my young boy, I was hoping to reach you," a familiar elderly voice spoke, "This is Master Ryu."
"Master Ryu!"
"Indeed, and if I'm not mistaken you're likely feeling the latent effects of the unlocking now, yes?"
"You mean to say these accursed things that have grown atop my head are a result of my unlocking?!"
"Indeed, although it is more complicated than that," Ryu mused, "I will meet with you soon, later today in fact and provide you the answers you need."
"Why not now and free me?"
"I have other pressing matters to attend to today first, vital matters. In the meantime, keep yourself hidden, especially from your retainer,"
"Sasuke?"
"The same," the old master pleaded, "I'm sorry I cannot explain more over the phone but understand that there are lives at stake here and it is pivotal that this remains secret for now."
"If only you hold true to your pledge of answers," Kuno stated.
"This very evening then!" Ryu said, "Meet me at your school. Class 3-B. Until then, good luck!"
The line cut and Kuno placed the phone down.
'What manner of fiction have I gotten myself wrapped into? A comedy, horror, or a tragedy?!'
Kuno shook his head, "Perhaps all three."
Three minutes remained until class began, yet its students could not stop chattering. Ranma looked to his fiancé.
"What's got everyone in a tizzy?"
"Apparently there was a mysterious fire at a large construction site last night," Akane shrugged. "Went up instantly."
"I'm telling you, it's not easy to melt steel beams, there's gotta be a conspiracy!" One student proposed.
"Or black magic?" Offered Gosunkugi.
"I hear they've detected radiation at the site, and not low levels either! It's gotta be an alien or something," Hiroshi informed.
"Ahem!" Their English teacher for once caught everyone's attention without draining their life forces.
"Everyone, I have an announcement to make. I understand it may seem strange to occur at this time of year, but we have a new transfer student. One I'm sure many of you are familiar with. I'd like to introduce you all to a new student, please welcome… Hibiki Ryoga."
"Ryoga?!" Akane and Ranma both blurted out. Lo and behold, Ryoga walked into the classroom, scratching the back of his head and in the male school uniform, although he kept his signature bandanna on.
"Uh, hi everyone… you probably all already know me but uh… sorry about putting that hole in the school wall yesterday… and the one last month… and the one-"
"Ok! Thank you, Mr. Hibiki, please go and sit by Gosenkugi in the back row," their teacher pointed to an empty back seat, which Ryoga began to walk to. Passing by Ranma, Ryoga did something Ranma almost never saw. He smiled at him, with that sharp tooth grinning like an idiot and with a slight bow too.
"Wha the?" Ranma didn't get to question his best buddy as Hibiki continued on his way. The class continued on, even if Ranma didn't pay any attention.
Eventually, when the class finished, Ranma got up to chat with Ryoga but found his friend already surrounded.
"So what's the scheme behind this Hibiki?" One student questioned.
"Are you actually going to be a student?" Asked another.
"Hey so who is stronger, you or Hibiki?"
"Would you be willing to pose for a doujinshi I'm making?"
"Ryoga-!"
"Sorry everyone, but I need to chat with Ranma before I answer any questions," Ryoga calmly said, standing up. "Excuse me."
Ryoga moved past the crowd and to Ranma, "Mind we talk somewhere more private?" Ryoga asked.
"Uh, sure man," Ranma answered.
Ryoga began to lead them out, passing by Akane but only giving her a wave. Eventually, he led Ranma to a quiet hall corner.
"So, what's this all about?" Ranma questioned.
Ryoga however just smiled like a giddy boy, "I did it!"
"Did wha?"
"Ranma, it really worked like you said it would!" Ryoga embraced his rival, "I led us here without getting lost!"
Ranma couldn't believe it, even as Ryoga began to cry tears of joy into his shirt, "But how-? It's gotta be a fluke!"
"A fluke?!" Ryoga gave some space, "No way! I got myself here, didn't I? I said I'd join your class just like you asked and I made it here all on my own! That stupid poke thing you did is a miracle!"
"What pokey thing?"
"Don't play humble with me Saotome," Ryoga normally would get annoyed but he just remained so happy, "Two days ago you visited me after our fight. You said you could cure my sense of direction and you did! I still can't believe it myself. I made my way home yesterday and called the school like you suggested. They let me in no problem! My life… I can actually have a normal life now! Thank you, Ranma!"
Ryoga hugged Ranma again.
Ranma's eye twitched while in his friend's hold, "But Ryoga… I haven't seen you since our fight the other day!"
"Huh? But I met you that evening!" Ryoga looked up at Ranma, letting him go.
"Clearly it was someone else!"
"No way. He moved just like you, had a pigtail, usual wear and your voice. He was a carbon copy, he was even smug about helping me! Said you were just paying me back for accidentally kicking me into the spring and that he felt sorry for me."
"Well, we both know you're not the best at seeing through disguises!" Ranma waved off.
"But how would he know about the accident? Or the fight we had that day?"
"I… I don't know," Ranma grabbed his forehead, "Listen, man, things have been weird lately."
"It's Nerima."
"A different kind of weird. The old ghoul closed up shop, the Kunos are playing nice, I've been tasked with finding happiness, I'm hearing voices and seeing another me walking the streets! Shits weird is what I'm saying."
"Are you… ok?"
Ranma paused "I…"
N̶̻̤̳̍͂͝ō̸͈,̴̣̦̲̒̕ ̷̡̍ȟ̴̘̈́̓ḛ̶̝̭̒̏̿l̵̡͕̭̅p̴͕̈́ ̵̭̥͠m̷͚͚̐ȩ̸͉̾̏͝
"Of course I'm ok! Listen, I'm happy you're cured and everything, but don't give me credit I don't deserve. I've got enough on my plate as is."
"Ok Ranma, but if you need help, I'm here, ok?"
Ranma looked like he wanted to yell but couldn't, shrugging instead. "Whatever, thanks, man."
He sighed and began to walk back to class, "Wonder how Shampoo and Mousse are doing… it's got to be better than this."
Meanwhile in the wilderness of Siberia,
A goose and cat stood in a field of snow, the winds howling as a blizzard blasted the tundra.
Mousse held up a sign,
-Well this sucks…-
The cat nodded in agreement.
At Tendo House later that afternoon,
"What a haul, what a lovely haul!" Happosai counted his new collection at the dinner table. The gremlin had returned regrettably earlier that day with Anko's absence becoming known. Nodoka and Kasumi did their best to ignore the imp as they discussed housework and prepared dinner. Genma, in his panda form, and Soun as per usual played their endless game of shogi. Akane meanwhile stared at the yard, a shovel in hand.
"Oh Akane, are you wanting to do gardening?" Kasumi inquired.
Akane sighed, "No, I was tasked to find an artifact in our yard."
"Oh, the same one Anko was searching for?"
"Probably, the coincidence of two artifacts seems unlikely."
"Two artifacts in our yard won't be out of the ordinary though," Kasumi wondered, "Would you like to see Anko's notes and maps on it?"
Akane shook her head, "I was told to follow my gut and…"
"And?"
"It's telling me it's over there."
"Then what is the issue Akane?"
"Well, my gut is also telling me not to dig there strangely enough," Akane's face twisted.
"How peculiar," Kasumi pondered, "I must return to the kitchen. Let me know if you decide to dig by the pond, I have been meaning to ready the soil for spring."
"Sure sis," Akane sighed, before reaffirming herself. 'The path of a martial artist is full of peril,'she thought before stepping forward and striking the ground with her shovel.
'Huh, still closed. Hopefully, the ghoul's still around,'Ranma thought standing at the Nekoken cafe.
"The health inspector finally shut the place down?" Ranma turned to see a surprising face standing behind him.
"Uh, hey Nabs- I mean boss," Nabiki was standing right behind him, "Listen, I haven't meaning to skip out on our scheduled-"
"I haven't been scheduling you for fights Ranma, so relax," Nabiki kept a stern face, "You seemed to need a break and I've been dealing with…other business."
"Oh, then you're not here for ramen either?"
"Either? My my, I thought you smarter than to risk dealing with the Amazons unless your stomach betrayed you."
"Tch, nothing like that, just… personal business and the old ghoul is best around here for advice."
"Touché, Nerima isn't known for its wisest inhabitants."
Nabiki walked up to the front, opened the door and walked in. She was surprised to see the place so lifeless. No lights, no sounds, and no signs of life. The dust had even begun to settle about the place.
"What happened here?" Nabiki said aloud.
Soon after saying that though, the familiar sound of a staff tapping stairs could be heard. A minute later, Cologne had entered the hall.
"Oh it's you two, I've been expecting you," she lightly chuckled, "Although not at the same time."
"Hey old ghoul-" Nabiki stepped in front of Ranma.
"Elder Cologne, I have a few questions and I believe you can answer them."
"Yes yes, knowledge is all us of old timers are good for these days, not that the young seem inclined to listen to our wisdom," she huffed before flicking a light switch and moving over to a dining table, "Come, let us talk."
Kuno sat in the empty classroom, questioning his situation and path forward. In part this was to distract himself from thinking about the baseball cap on his head, the only one he had quickly at hand at home.
"The hour is at hand, but still this master alludes me," Kuno muttered.
"Alludes you, yes, but present I am," the old man's voice spoke from behind Kuno. Kuno lept, pointing his wooden sword toward the old man who sat atop a desk.
"Good evening, Kuno Takewaki," the old man said, "It is good to see you."
"To you as well, Master Ryu," Kuno lowered his blade, "You display your mastery yet again. Are you trained in ninjutsu?"
"Technically no, this technique was developed for other means," The master seemed to chuckle at the notion.
"I see," Kuno inspected the elder, his eyes noticing details that seemed off. Takewaki knew much of theater and the man before him seemed to be wearing makeup he did not discern prior.
"You seek answers, yes?"
"You claim to be the only one who provides them, so yes."
"Well technically your sister and aid could help you, but you need to beat it out of your aid first and convening with your sister risks alerting a dangerous foe."
"One I doubt is Saotome."
"Interesting, what brought you to this conclusion?"
"Your unlocking of clarity in my mind has brought fore revelations I had been blind to for long. Examining my memories, with the aid of my diary and other documents of my history, has revealed to me that I suffered from a sickening madness prior to our encounter. Forcing myself upon those who rejected me wholeheartedly, attacking without reason or care, and crafting a grand illusion of grandeur for myself. I felt ill until the discovery this morning of my... new appendages." Kuno removed his hat, displaying his new features.
"I see," Ryu nodded, showing no surprise.
"Now, several questions remain. Why is my family affected by this madness? Why did none seek it to be cured? And what do you, sir, seek by curing me?" Kuno smiled, "Or should I say, madam?"
Master 'Ryu' huffed, smiling as she removed her fake beard. "To be fair, I intentionally did a poor disguise job to test you," she said, "My name's Ryu Anko, and I'd like your help. With that in mind, hit me with your first question. I'm sure I can answer them all, no matter how heavy they are."
"Hff, that thing is heavy," Akane lifted a long crate onto the porch. It was about eight feet long, covered in sealings and protection wards, and was very old. Her gut was, in the end, correct as Himiko suggested. The act drew the eyes of most of the inhabitants save Happosai, still distracted by his panties.
"What is this Akane?" Soun questioned.
"This… *huff* is our ancestor's ancient weapon. Apparently, Shinzo buried it in our yard."
"The same 'Shinzo' Anko mentioned the other day?"
Akane nodded, which put the senior Tendo in serious thought which his friend happily took advantage of.
"Tendo Shinzo, I believe he was the one who built our house, at least originally in this spot," Tendo stroked his mustache.
"Did you say Shinzo, Akane darling?" Happosai asked, having finished unloading his precious cargo upstairs.
"You know of him, master?" Soun asked.
"Know of him?" Happosai laughed, "I knew the lad!".
"Really?" Akane and her father both said. Now the whole house's inhabitants were interested as Genma, Nodoka, and Kasumi moved closer.
"Of course, in fact, the only reason I took you as my student initially was because I had such a respect for the lad," Happosai barked out, "The tragedy of Tendo Shinzo was famous! Now there's a good reason he was legendary and it wasn't just because you know…"
"You know?" the collective questioned.
Happosai examined his audience, "Ah, that's for another day. It'd just confuse most of ya. Either way, that boy was terrifying in a fight, had a massive battle aura, and a temper to back it up. It sent me running countless times!"
-Running?- Genma asked with a sign.
"Oh, I worked for his mortal enemy for a while after all. Plus he hated my hars-my devotion to women."
"You worked for our ancestor's mortal enemy?" Soun seemed horrified.
"Well, mortal is the wrong word for it. Fuji-chan was certainly no mortal, those boobs were divine!" Happosai seemed to fade away from the present while reminiscing.
"Whose Fujichan?" Asked Akane.
"I'm getting there!" He snapped, "Fujichan was the most beautiful woman in the world and commanded respect throughout the region. Ran a number of brothels and theatres that were under her protection, and I tell ya, one never made the mistake of being mean to her women without receiving punishment."
"She doesn't sound that bad," Akane commented.
"Well her business was certainly immoral," Nodoka noted.
-Then how are you alive if she punished the wicked?- Genma questioned.
Happosai took his sign and smacked Genma with it, "I am a gentleman to women, you fool!" Happosai sat himself back down, "But no, it wasn't her business that Shinzo took issue with. Shinzo actually met his future wife at the theatre while doing some bodyguard work I believe."
Akane's face soured, "Our ancestor was a pervert?"
"Akane, Tendo Shinzo is the last man in the world I'd call a pervert. He saw it as his duty to punish perverts, even innocent gentlemen like myself." Happosai huffed, but then his face turned dour.
"I was young back then. I didn't realize the truth of Fujichan. Perhaps I was willfully blind to it. It was Shinzo who discovered the truth."
"What truth?" the elder Tendo asked.
"That Fujichan was a yokai, a monster that preyed on humans, particularly children."
The mood took a sharp turn, but the old man continued.
"Shinzo found out when searching for missing children, the younger siblings and children of the workers. The truth was that Fuji-chan was the great shadow demon of Nerima, the master of countless monsters that ravaged all of Japan. Shinzo put a stop to it, wounding Fujichan who fled the country after. Shinzo himself was forced to retire to care for his wife and children. But he swore his family would one day find her and finish the job he started. "
"I… never knew," Soun said, "I let in my ancestor's enemy into my family home…" Tendo grew angry.
Happosai leapt to his feet, "Hey! He declared I was no longer his enemy after I helped him rescue some of the children!"
"Really?" Akane asked.
"Yup, just said if I ever came within sight of his home he'd cut my balls off. Ha, I showed him!"
"Oh my, he did have quite the temper," Kasumi added.
"Yeah well I kinda did seal away a friend of his before I knew what was going on…" Happosai looked away.
The room stared at him, "And did you unseal his friend?" Nodoka asked.
"Ha, never! That woman was a menace to mankind!"
-Let me guess, solely to 'men' like you?- Genma signed, Happosai grumbled but made no rebuttal.
"But wait, what was tragic about him then?" Akane asked.
"Oh, because he cut off his beautiful boobs."
Silence filled the household,
-Huh?- Genma asked on behalf of everyone.
"Huh, so where'd the duck and cat run off to?" Nabiki asked while Ranma shivered at the accursed word.
"A senior member of the tribe has taken them on a special training journey."
"This senior member won't happen to be the same one who trained Ryu Anko, would it?"
"The same. Are you here to inquire about her?" Cologne sat at a round table.
"I have questions, yes." Nabiki sat across, putting her elbow on the table, "Like why would an Amazon train an outsider who's an assassin?"
"Is Anko really an assassin?" Ranma questioned as he sat next to Nabiki, but it seemingly went unheard.
"Ryu Anko is an honorary member of the tribe in fact, and it was an Amazon, her Sensei, who turned her into an assassin from my understanding."
"Why?"
"It is not my place to say, only that it is complicated and they were somewhat justified at the time."
"Hey, old ghoul, are you alright?"
"I… have learned troubling news. A loved one of mine has lost her way, becoming a monster. Others I care for are in danger which I cannot protect them from," her eyes lingered on Ranma.
"This senior member, she's someone important to you?" Nabiki further questioned.
"She holds a place in my heart equal to my own children," Cologne sighed, "Do not worry for an old fool like myself, I would worry for yourselves and your peers. What troubles bring you here anyhow?" Nabiki looked at Ranma who put his arms forward.
"I've got some questions. Things I wanna be sure of."
"Ask and I will do my best to answer."
"Was Jusenkyo created by a god and if so, wha kind?"
"It was, and the being that created has a place in both yours and our myths, a nine-tailed fox."
"The yokai?" Ranma said.
"Aren't they shapeshifters? I guess that makes sense," Nabiki added.
"A fox gains a tail every century it lives and upon gaining its ninth, it is said to achieve godhood. The creator of Jusenkyo goes by Himiko if I recall."
Ranma and Nabiki looked at one another.
"That brat made the springs?" Ranma commented.
"Confirms she isn't kidding around about her divinity."
"What do you mean, children?"
"A kid calling herself Himiko and the god of fortune has made my sister her champion against some demon."
"This… is concerning news. Things are changing then from what was foretold."
"What was foretold?" Ranma and Nabiki questioned together.
"I must confer with others before revealing more on that subject."
"You know what's going on exactly then, Elder?" Nabiki questioned.
"Yes," she answered.
"But ya ain't going to tell us?" Ranma asked.
"It… it is not my place to reveal such matters I'm afraid."
"Bullshit!" Nabiki yelled.
"Woah Nabs-!"
"I'm sick and tired of these games Grandma! I've been playing this goose game for the past week and it's driving me crazy! I'm not someone's others, that's the rules!"
Cologne laughed, harder than either could recall.
"And what's so funny,elder?" Nabiki was visibly still angry.
"Oh, the irony… Child, you now understand that you can be outplayed. Good, it is a lesson many refuse to learn," Cologne sighed again, "I do not speak for ill intent nor desire to fool you. Rather, I do not speak due to the discretion required with these matters and because it's not my story to tell. It would be wrong for me to tell you both. But I will tell you some of what I know. There is an enemy coming, unlike any either of you have faced before."
Nabiki crossed her arms, "Is it the demon we keep hearing about?"
"I've beaten demons and bigger before, what's this one's big deal?" Ranma wondered.
"You said so yourselves. This demon has attracted the attention of the divine. Saffron, comparatively, was not to be concerned about in their eyes. This demon is, after all, the daughter of Himiko, the aforementioned god of Jusenkyo and more."
"You're kidding," Ranma remarked.
"So that's why the brat was granted permission to get involved," Nabiki commented.
"She has gone by many names over the centuries and is apparently close to receiving her own ninth tail, becoming divine herself. Her most well-known name is Fujiko. She is ancient, without remorse or empathy, fiercely wise andverypowerful. I fear these coming days, children more than any other in my life. She has played this game for a long time, one none of us can play. We lose this game, none of us will be spared despair."
"What is this game you are playing, Miss Ryu?" Kuno questioned holding his blade up again.
"Hey man, hate the game, not the players," Rose shrugged her shoulders, "I didn't even set this game up."
"Then who did?"
"The same person who put a mental curse on you, your sister and father. The same person who will come to Nerima in a few months' time, kills a number of people and breaks Saotome Ranma's ."
"You speak of things as if they've yet to come, by what means do you possess such knowledge?"
"I am from the future," she said.
"I see," he shut his eyes.
"You accept this without evidence?"
"Accept and believe are a different matter," he reopened his eyes, "I will accept it for now but need further proof to believe it. Now, out with the truth, woman!"
"Oh, but you love theatrics," Anko unseated herself, standing to Kuno's chest, "The same can be said of our culprit, she is after all your mother; Kuno Fujiko."
"My… mother?"
"Memory's cloudy on her, ain't it?" Rose smiled as Kuno searched his memory, his ears visibly twitching. Including his new fox ears which sat atop his head.
Meanwhile on the outskirts of Dharavi, a ghetto outside Mumbai, India.
"You're really too kind!" The elder man spoke.
"Please think nothing of it," the dark-haired woman smiled. She looked to be in her early thirties. She wore square-framed glasses which sat perfectly on her face, fitting equally perfectly with her professional ponytail hair. "My mistress's kindness knows no bounds. She only asks that you aid again in the future in similar matters. That, and one small thing."
The elder looked frightful at that last comment, "Oh, whatever does she need?"
"She asks you to attend a performance of hers."
"Is that all?" The old man couldn't believe his ears. "When does it begin?"
"In the next thirty seconds actually. Please, take a seat."
The man turned around and saw that an outdoor theatre had been constructed, complete with seating for a large audience. The man looked back to the aid who smiled again and gestured to the seats. He sat down in a provided chair and looked ahead at the newly assembled stage.
'How ever did they construct this so quickly?'He considered. The lady was certainly strange, but the fortune she provided was a fortune regardless of its strangeness. The elder smiled. It wasn't too often someone did anything for an outcast ghetto like theirs, and never to the grandness as Lady Kuno had done. Schooling, cleaning their streets and water, and helping the adoption of dozens of orphans. She clearly was a miracle woman as they called her in the papers. Hard to believe considering she was a television producer of all things. The elder had no time for further thought as the curtains parted.
Centre stage was Fujiko Kuno herself, sitting on her knees with a guitar in her hands. Despite what one might expect with a traditional Japanese aesthetic, wood floors, sliding doors behind her and the kimono she wore, she held an electric guitar in hand. It fitted her contrasting yet profoundly beautiful appearance. Her long silky blonde hair, enchanting brown eyes with long lashes and womanly face seemed caught in a tug of war between a traditional Japanese woman and a rock star. Even when oddly dressed, the woman commanded attention due to the radiant beauty she always carried. To fit her odd appearance, the first few notes on the guitar produced sounds like a shamisen mysteriously. The elder was certainly no expert in Japanese culture outside of a few viewings on television, but even he could tell this performance was likely to be strange.
The woman began to sing in Japanese with a heavenly and powerful voice, communicating sorrow despite the language barrier. Then the guitar solo began and the elder was left befuddled as to what he was experiencing. The show lasted an hour and a knowledgeable viewer of entertainment would probably describe her performance as a solo rock opera crossed with traditional Japanese theatre. No viewer besides Fujiko's aid, Maya, was so well-versed in multimedia forms so the few other watchers were left confused but certainly enthralled and entertained at least. The crowd cheered as the performance closed and Fujiko took a bow.
"Thank you all for joining us this evening and being such kind people," Fujiko smiled radiantly, "I hope to return someday with a performance inspired more locally. Till then, adieu!"
Lady Fujiko exited the stage as curtains swung in to cover her. Fujiko let out a breath and smiled to herself as her attendant appeared beside her.
"Maya!" Fujiko excitedly hugged her aid, "How was the show?"
Maya remained composed and lightly blushed, "Breath-taking as all of your performances, my lady."
"Ah darn it, you say that about all my shows!" Kuno lightly pouted. The two women began to make their way toward a private helicopter stationed a few meters away from the theatre that was left in place as a gift to the community. Boarding the helicopter, they began to fly to the nearby airport.
"We are next scheduled to be going to the Isle of Man in the UK for a special dinner party. Apparently, they'll be serving a dish that is supposed to taste like "real man"," Maya read through their schedule, "We may have to leave early to make it to Broadway in time. I know you were eagerly anticipating its new show."
"Oh, I just recalled something," Fujiko snapped her fingers, "Maya?"
"Yes, my lady?"
"When are we set to visit Nerima again?"
"Well, I believe we have a visit scheduled in late May, my lady. To coincide with the anniversary of the battle between you and Shinzo."
Fuijko hummed, "Could it possibly be moved up?"
"I can attempt to, what is the reason, my lady? You're usually quite stern about keeping things… thematic."
"Well, that is well and true. However, I felt someone disturb my missing tail. It appears someone has dug it up."
Maya's eyes turned red, "I will have our forces converged on the household and secure it before daylight, my lady-"
"There is no need," she calmly said.
"But my lady, if it's destroyed-!"
Fuijko pressed her finger to Maya's lips, "Then we wait another century, my dear," Fujiko then pinched Maya's cheek, "Be patient Maya. We mustn't ruin all our lovely setup just forefficiency'ssake. We strike now and all that work building up the local drama will be proven for naught. Remember, tis better to wait for a delicious meal than sour it with cheap filth. Dramaislife."
"Of course, my lady," Maya sighed, the helicopter landing simultaneously. Maya stood, exiting first and leading her lady out. Maya continued as they walked through the airport. "Still, I will have my forces investigate further. Sasuke's reports show no indication that anyone is aware of you. Either my brother is failing as per usual or another hidden factor is at play. May perhaps that Yakuza killer? They've been killing a number of our undercover agents. They may not be as coincidental as we believed."
"Mhh, I'll leave you to the matter my dear, I must take my leave," she said walking up the steps to her jet, "My appetite is distracting me."
Both women now stood inside the private jet.
"Of course, they're in the lounge waiting for you," Maya gestured further down the airplane.
"Thank you, Maya. Without you, life would be duller." The lady skipped down the aisle, already salivating and feeling their anxious emotions through the door. Opening it, she's greeted by two smiling children. Two orphan siblings with no hope in their future but saved from death by a miraculous intervention of a kind wealthy foreigner. Their love pure, their gratitude immense, and their joy beautiful. The horror on their faces when she takes the first bite is priceless. Their screams, their wailing and their pleas. These things are the most fulfilling things Fujiko knows.'Children truly do taste the best,'she thinks, licking her lips sitting in the carnage. Alone, no performance is needed, and her inner emptiness salivates the droplets of raw emotion she ate. Her mind lingers on the future.'Nerima… I suppose I hope it proves itself to be pleasant. If nothing else, destroying something mother loves should be.'
The thought lingers until the endless nothing retakes its hold on her and the ancient actress awaits her next act.
