Chapter 1: Two Boys, a Girl, an Archeologist, and the Dark Hand
Hey everyone, I'm here with a new story. Recently I've been getting back into the anime Ranma 1/2 and thanks to the help of kival737101, Chris Ketchum, and kurenai ryu, I finally finished the first chapter. And ironic that I get the cartoon with a focus on the Chinese Zodiac ready during the Year of the Dragon. Talk about timing. I've also added some characters from other anime and shows to make it more interesting. I hope you like what I have planned. Please Review and Enjoy.
This is a story of two different boys and how the company they keep and the lives they live affect them. If done right, it can lead to a life of happiness and adventure, but if down wrong it can lead to a life of struggles and suffering.
In Bavaria, we see a group making their way through the remains of an old forest and into an old castle.
Leading them was an Asian man with black hair, and tan archeological clothes, behind him was a teenage boy with chestnut brown hair with blonde highlights, green eyes, camouflage pants, with a tan shirt as well as a bow and quiver of arrows strapped to his back. These were Jackie Chan and Adrien Krei.
"The Mad King Ludwig would invite guests into the Castle Linderhof, where they would fall victim to any of his dozens of deadly traps." An Archeologist said.
"Rude." A man with blonde hair named Skip said.
"That's why his name was not Lovable Ludwig or Good Neighbor King of Bavaria." Jackie jokes.
"Keep your eyes open. Something tells me there might be a few traps throughout the castle." Adrien warns.
"Stop." Taking his advice Jackie spotted something.
Taking a spray bottle he sprayed revealing a hidden trip wire.
"Ah, come on, what are the odds that these traps still work?" Skip asks walking forward.
Taking the hat off his head, Jackie drops it on the trip wire and the second it touched two large blocks shot out and crushed his hat.
Jaws drop in fear, Skip watched as Jackie and Adrien gave him back his hat.
"Never doubt Jackie," Adrien smirks closing his mouth.
Making their way further into the castle, Jackie revealed a secret entrance.
Lighting a few torches, they saw it was filled with treasures.
"Ludwig's lost treasure." Adrien grins.
"Now some of the treasure is probably booby-trapped so until we figure out which is safe don't—" Before Jackie could finish Skip ran in and grabbed a jewel-encrusted golden sword causing a trap to go off. "Touch anything."
As the door began to close, Jackie kicked a spear so it would hold the door up for them.
"Go! Go! Go!" Jackie orders.
"No time to be picky people grab something and run!" Adrien yells grabbing a small chest.
Tying a rope to handle, Adrien fires an arrow causing the chest to fly out.
As the others grabbed various pieces of treasure they ran out of the room
"Skip come on!" Adrien yells grabbing him and the sword that set off all the traps.
With Jackie following behind he was about to escape when the door closed on him.
"Bad day." Jackie cringed as arrows began shooting out of the wall. "Bad day! Bad Day! Bad Day!" Doing a series of flips and jumps Jackie dodges all the arrows before noticing a golden shield with what appeared to be a talisman on the ground.
Grabbing it, Jackie used the shield to deflect fire.
Scanning the room for another way out, he noticed a small hole up above.
Jumping up, Jackie slid down the exit on his newly acquired shield.
In another part of the castle, Adrien was leading the group as they made their escape only to see a large hole in the ground in front of the exit.
"We're trapped!" Sky gasps.
"Hold this." Giving him the chest, Adrien draws his bow.
Tying a rope to an arrow, Adrien fires it at the ceiling.
"Come on!" Handing them the rope each one swung across the opening one at a time as the ground crumbled.
Grabbing the rope for his turn, Adrien narrowly avoids falling in and escapes with the others.
Just as they exit, Jackie bursts out from an upper-level and slid along a steep slope like he was snowboarding, and lands right in front of them.
"Always gotta make an entrance huh Jackie?" Adrien chuckles.
"Snowboarding works much better with snow," Jackie said.
Turning around Adrien glared at Skip who set the trap that almost killed them.
"If I were you I'd start writing that letter of resignation when we get home," Adrien suggests.
"Wait am I fired?" Skip gulps.
"Not yet. But as of today, I don't see you doing so well in the field. I'm giving you the chance to leave on your own terms. Your call." Adrien hints before turning to Jackie. "Well it's not much but at least we got something to present to the museum and the University."
"Give your mother my regards," Jackie said as all the treasures they had procured were loaded into boxes with the Logo Krei Industries slapped on the box going to San Francisco.
"Time to go home." Adrien sighs happy to finally be done with this place.
Little did they know two groups of people were watching them.
In one group we see a man with a bald head, a black coat over a red shirt looking down at them through binoculars. This was Augustus Black.
"Follow them." He orders.
In another group, we see a man with blonde hair tied in a ponytail, pale skin, and a green suit watching Jackie and Adrien through binoculars. This was Valmont.
"Follow him." He orders.
Meanwhile, in China, something even uglier than escaping a Bavarian Castle filled with deathtraps was going on.
"Get the hell away from me old man!" A male voice echoes from a forest trail near the city.
Zooming in we see a teenage boy with black hair in a ponytail, a red vest, and blue pants storming down the path with an enraged look on his face. This was Ranma Saotome.
"How dare you talk to me like that!" Leaping in we see a bald man in a white karate gi and glasses approach him. This was Genma Saotome. "Ranma this is ridiculous. You are acting like a child."
"I'm acting like a child? Well, you're acting like an idiot if you think I'm actually going through with this crap!" Ranma snapped leaping up a tree to get further away.
"Get back here!" Genma yells leaping after him and landing on a branch opposite of him. "Enough fooling around, son. It's time we get back on route back to Japan."
"You want to go to Japan be my guest but I am done following you around. This past week has had some of the worst moments in my entire life and the only constant in all of it was you." Ranma glares.
"Oh, you're still whining about this? My god you sound like a girl." Genma shakes his head.
"It was only a few days ago!" Ranma snaps.
Ever since Ranma was two years old and started to walk Genma took his only son away from his mother to go on a training trip and after 14 years of traveling they were nearing the end of their trip.
But unfortunately, throughout their world tour, it was anything but pleasant.
"So a few bad things happened. I raised you to be a man among men and what do I get? A whiny, ungrateful son who doesn't see all the good I've done for you." Genma glares.
"All of the good things huh?" Ranma glares back. "Let's go down the list shall we, pop? You took me away from my own mother, of which I don't even know who she is or what she looks like since you always dodged the question."
"You don't need to know unnecessary information like that. It would only be a distraction." Genma brushes off.
Growling Ranma held himself back and decided to keep going. "Number two the Nekoken."
"That was part of your training. It was supposed to make you stronger." Genma said.
"It made me develop a fear of freaking cats!" Ranma snaps.
"Not my fault you couldn't learn fast enough." Genma scoffs.
"You wrapped me up in fish sausages and threw me into a pit of hungry cats! And here's the kicker, the training manual you stole, I had one last page you didn't read until the last minute that said quote 'Just another technique that would only be used by a total idiot. Anyone who would teach it should have his head examined,' end quote. And I agree with that!" Ranma yells.
"I am the Master here, I decide if something is worth learning or not. You are the student which means you do what I say and don't question it." Genma said.
"Oh really? What about that stupid spring incident? You not only ignored a million signs but also our guide! Why couldn't you just shut up and listen for once? Oh wait, let me answer that for you. It's because you are the most idiotic, moronic, and a failure piece of shit father I've ever seen, met, and have!" Ranma snaps.
"Alright that's it! Ranma if you won't come with me willingly then I'll drag you to Japan if I have to! Now get back down there and start walking or else!" Genma threatens jumping on the same branch as his son.
"No. I'm done." Ranma declares.
"Done? What do you mean done?" Genma asks.
"You heard me old man. I'm done. I'm done with you, I'm done with this trip, and I'm definitely done listening to everything you say or do to me! From this day forth, you are no longer in control of my life!" Ranma declares before slamming his foot down causing the branch to break resulting in Genma falling and hitting several branches before hitting the ground.
Groaning Genma was slow to get up.
"Good riddance," Ranma said before running off.
Making his way down the path, he heard a loud noise.
Peeking through some bushes he noticed an airport with planes heading who knows where.
If he got on one, there's no way his stupid old man could catch up with him.
Running across the runway, Ranma noticed an open crate that was labeled for San Francisco.
Acting quickly, Ranma climbed into the crate and closed the lid just as someone came and loaded it onto a plane.
As Genma recovered he searched all over for a sign of his son unaware that he was on a plane going far away from him.
After returning from Bavaria, we found ourselves in San Francisco as we gazed upon a large penthouse atop a tall building.
In a big bedroom, Adrien was sound asleep in his bed when a figure walked in and opened the curtains.
"Rise and shine Master Adrien." A British voice calls out.
Groaning Adrien slowly opens his eyes to see a beautiful young woman with long blonde hair dressed in a maid's outfit opening his windows. This was Angela Johnson.
"Morning Angela." Adrien yawns.
"It's good to have you home safe and sound. Your family was very pleased with what you managed to bring back from Bavaria." Angela said.
"But not enough to let me sleep in a little more?" Adrien asks rolling his head over.
"I know you're still a little jet lagged but you need to get up." Angela smiles rubbing his head.
Slowly sitting up she giggles at his tired face. "Go freshen up, breakfast will be ready shortly."
As Angela leaves the room, Adrien looks to his desk where we see a picture of him and a beautiful girl around his age with long blonde hair, blue eyes, and a red dress.
In the picture we see said girl standing close to him and hugging his arm affectionately while Adrien had a small blush with a little smile on his face.
"Hmm, maybe I'll call her later to see how she's doing," Adrien mutters to himself.
After a few minutes, Adrien came down wearing a dark blue t-shirt over a white sleeveless vest, dark blue pants, and designer sneakers.
You see Adrien was the second son of two amazing companies that merged together. Krei Industries was a company that prized itself on not only making amazing strides in technology but also in persevering history.
At the table, we see a woman of Japanese descent with long brown hair wearing a long-sleeved white collared shirt black pants, and high heels and a young man who was a few years older than Adrien with short blonde hair, a light blue collared shirt, and black pants. These were Junko and Ethan Krei. Adrien's mother and older brother.
"Master Adrien is here," Angela announces as the two look up.
"There's my little helper." Getting up, Junko gives her son a big hug.
Glancing at Angela, Adrien pleads for help but she giggles amused by it.
"I take it you saw the treasures I brought back?" Adrien asks as she lets go.
"I did and the University is already begging us to donate them. You've done your family proud." Junko assures.
"So what was Bavaria like Little Bro?" Ethan asks.
"Oh you know, lots of forests, bugs, an old castle run by a former mad king. Nothing too fancy." Adrien said deciding to leave out the part about almost dying. "So, where's dad?"
"He had to go in a little early. He got called in to help with some business." Ethan said.
"I get it, when duty calls Dad answers," Adrien said knowing his father well.
"Believe me, I'm trying my best to get that man to take more personal time off, but it's not easy. He really wanted to be the one to tell that company we bailed out and fixed up the big surprise he has in store." Ethan assures.
You see being the oldest son, Ethan was learning under their father so that he would be prepared to run the company someday. Since Adrien was the second kid, he had a bit more freedom in how to live his life.
So while Ethan helped with their father, Adrien helped with his mother.
"By the way, I noticed in the report one of the artifacts hasn't been brought in." Junko points out.
"Jackie needed to bring that one to his Uncle's Shop. They wanted to translate some inscriptions on it." Adrien said as a glass of juice was poured for him.
"I like that you work under him. Mr. Chan is a real professional." Junko smiles.
"I learn a lot from him." Adrien chuckles as Ethan finishes breakfast.
"Well, I'm off to help Dad. Try not to cause too much trouble." Ethan jokes playfully nudging him.
"I'm guessing you have to go to work too?" Adrien asks glancing at his mother.
"I do, but don't worry I asked Angela to clear your schedule for today. I even called your friend Elena, she's coming over shortly." Junko said making Adrien smile.
"Thanks, Mom," Adrien said turning to Angela. "Oh and thank you, Angela."
"Of course." Angela smiles.
Hours later, at an airport warehouse, we see security going through baggage being on the lookout for anything.
When they approached a large crate, they saw it was open with packing peanuts scattered on the floor to their confusion.
Making his way through the city, Ranma was looking around the city in awe.
"Wow, I've never seen a place like this before," Ranma said checking out his new environment.
Walking by a store with several TVs an interview started.
"We now go live to the reopening of the United Tool company where Nicholas Krei, the man who sponsored the remodeling will be making an announcement." On it, we see an adult man with blonde hair, green eyes, and a tux. This was Nicholas Krei, Adrien, and Ethan's father.
"Mr. Krei, what do you plan to do with United Tool now that it's repaired?" A reporter asks.
"Honestly, I don't plan to do anything." He admits confusing the paparazzi and workers. "Now that my company has helped repair and modernize everything, I plan to hand back control of this company to the workers. I just hope that you'll allow us to remain a sponsor."
Hearing this declaration, the workers were overjoyed. Not only did they have their jobs back but they didn't have debt or other financial issues to hold them back.
"Man that guy must have a lot of money if he can do stuff like that," Ranma said as the workers and Nicholas shook hands sealing the deal.
Turning away, Ranma kept looking around but just as he was about to step onto a street when a cable car came in forcing him to step back.
"Hey watch where you're going, kid!" The conductor yells.
"What the heck?" Ranma pauses never seeing one of those before.
He was about to call the conductor out when his stomach started to growl. Blushing embarrassed Ranma realized he hadn't eaten anything since he ditched his old man.
'I gotta find some food and fast.' Ranma thought when a tasty aroma flew to his nose. "Mmm like that."
Licking his lips Ranma followed the smell hoping to find something.
Several blocks away, we find ourselves at an antique store where Jackie is training in a room filled with martial arts gear and pictures on the wall.
Suddenly a bell began to ring getting his attention. Looking at the wall, he saw the bell was to alert him that someone needed his help.
Walking out the door, we see an elderly Chinese man with grey hair that spikes in several directions, a white polo shirt under a yellow vest, blue jeans, brown dress shoes, and small round armless glasses on his nose. This was Uncle Chan.
"What is it, Uncle?" Jackie asks looking down from the second floor.
"Come, give Uncle a hug," Uncle said referring to himself in the third person.
Leaping down, Jackie was about to embrace the old man but was whacked in the head by him.
"You did not make coffee this morning. Coffee is the only thing keeping Uncle's ancient heart beating. You want dead Uncle? No? Then you make coffee." Uncle scolds.
"Okay," Jackie said going off to do it.
"One more thing." Uncle said getting his attention. "You receive phone call from University, they want you to translate some parchments."
"Okay." Jackie nodded understanding this and was about to go off.
"One more thing." Uncle said stopping him again. Looking at the desk, we see Uncle examining the shield they brought back with small inscriptions near the center of it. "I cannot read these inscriptions. Very old writing. I must go in back, look at my journals."
"Okay," Jackie said about to leave.
"One more thing." Uncle said for a third time. "This is Jade, your niece. She will be living with you for a year." Gesturing nearby we see a young girl about 3 feet tall with black hair, a white long-sleeved shirt covered by an orange short-sleeved hoodie, blue high-water jeans, red sneakers as well as several suitcases next to her. This was Jade Chan.
"Okay," Jackie said before the shock finally caught up with him and freaked out. "I have a niece?!"
"Your cousin Shen's girl from Hong Kong. Jade is not behaving well there; doing poorly in school. Your cousin thinks she will do better in America with you." Uncle said.
"Nobody asked me," Jackie said quickly.
"Did not want to bother you." Uncle shrugs. "Now you both get acquainted while I work on this."
"But I don't know anything about children," Jackie said.
"Then what do you do with that Adrien boy?" Uncle asks.
"It's different. He's part of my archeological team. His mother funds my expeditions. We're basically coworkers." Jackie defends.
"Then this will be good practice." Uncle said taking the shield and going into the back leaving him alone with his niece.
"Uh hi, I'm Jackie." Jackie introduced by Jade said nothing. "Hmm no English." He assumes. "Ni hao ma?" But still no answer.
Suddenly the door opens and Jackie goes behind the counter to greet them. Walking in we see three men. One was a skinny man with pale skin, and red hair, wearing a 70's white disco suit over a pink long-sleeved, button-up shirt, and blue-black shoes. Another was a tall man with greyish-green skin, short, spiky black hair, a bandage over his nose, wearing a black suit, a red tie, a white undercoat, and black dress shoes. The last one was a short man with spiky black hair, orange sunglasses over his eyes, wearing a grey t-shirt over a black jacket, black pants, and black shoes. These were Finn, Ratso, and Chow.
"Welcome to Uncle's Rare Finds. How can I help you?" Jackie asks.
"You're Jackie Chan, the archaeologist?" Finn asks.
"Heh, I dabble in the study of past civilizations," Jackie said humbly.
"Well, we are aware that you recently "dabbled" a shield from a Bavarian castle. Our extremely wealthy employer is interested in purchasing that shield." Finn said.
Narrowing his eyes, Jackie glances at each of them suspiciously.
"I'm sorry, but I already donated that piece to the university," Jackie said lying about the whereabouts. Jade however was curious about what this was about.
"Really?" Not a fan of this answer, Finn signals Ratso who knocks two vases off a shelf.
Gasping Jackie leaps over the counter and catches both vases before they hit the ground. Across from him, Chow knocks a third vase over Jackie quickly kicks a chair cushion under it preventing it from shattering.
Tossing the other two vases up before catching the third one and putting them all back on the shelves surprising the three goons and his niece.
"It would be in your family's best interest to un-donate the shield, Mr. Chan. By this time tomorrow." Finn suggests patting Jade on the head to emphasize his point before they leave the store.
From the back, not knowing what just happened Uncle walks out.
"Did they buy anything?" Uncle asks.
"No," Jackie answers.
"You terrible salesman." Uncle scolds.
"Watch the girl and hide the shield," Jackie said before walking out.
"Where am I going to hide a big shield?" Uncle asks before pausing. "Wait where did I put it?"
As the three thugs got in their car and drove away, Jackie exited the shop. Jumping up the fire escape ladder he swung up onto the rooftops.
Running along the roof, Jackie followed the car to a stoplight. Wanting to get a closer look he grabs onto a storm drain pipe, he slides down it. Unfortunately, the pipe couldn't hold an adult male which caused it to break resulting in Jackie falling right on the hood of the car startling them.
Seeing Jackie on the hood of their car, they instantly realized that he was trying to follow them.
"That will buff right out," Jackie said gesturing to the dent casually.
Flooring the gas pedal they raced through the streets forcing Jackie to hang on for dear life.
Meanwhile a few streets over, at a tasty hamburger restaurant, Adrien was sitting with a girl with shoulder-length dark silver hair that had a bang partially covering her right eye, dark gray eyes, a light blue tank top, and jeans. This was Elena Arshavina, Adrien's best friend for years.
"And before Jackie can even finish that sentence the guy grabs the shiniest thing in the room and sets off the booby traps," Adrien said telling her his story.
"What an idiot," Elena said with a Russian accent. "You should have fired him for such incompetency."
"I made it very clear he doesn't have much of a future here but if he quits on his own at least this way he can still find a new job," Adrien said.
"Adrien the fact that you can be cold but also kind at the same time is truly amazing. Do you ever hate anyone?" Elena asks taking a bite of her burger.
"I do, but that's only people who really piss me off or who I think really deserve bad things to happen to them. What Skip did was stupid but I'm not gonna ruin his life just because of that." Adrien said sipping his drink.
"You need more people you can depend on." Elena hints.
"You want to go on expeditions with me?" Adrien asks.
"Why not? We've known each other for years and you know I wouldn't do anything crazy like that." Elena said.
"Hmm, I don't know Elena." Adrien pauses at the thought however that just made Elena sulk and hang her head in shame.
"Do you think so little of me? You're mocking me." Elena sulks making Adrien yelp.
"No I didn't mean it like that, Elena. I bet you could be a great archeologist if you wanted to be." Adrien assures.
"Then why don't you want me to help you? Am I that worthless?" Elena asks still sulking.
"Elena snap out of it. You're not worthless I mean…maybe we can figure something out to give you a chance. Just please stop." Adrien said trying to think of something to make her feel better.
From the window, a hand slowly reached in and grabbed his burger but when it did Elena briefly snapped out of her sulk and threw her drink out of the window startling Adrien.
"Elena?!" Adrien said turning around to see Ranma had narrowly avoided the drink.
"Hey, what's the big idea?!" Ranma snaps before taking a bite of Adrien's burger.
"Hey, that's my lunch!" Adrien said but Ranma ate the whole thing.
"Oh man, I needed that." Ranma smiles.
Growling Adrien leaped out the window.
"No one steals from me and gets away with it!" Adrien said.
"You shall pay for this!" Elena said glaring daggers.
"Whoops sorry but I gotta run!" Ranma said running for his life.
Narrowing her eyes Elena leaped after him.
"Hey, you didn't pay!" The waitress called out just as Adrien was about to follow.
"Sorry." Reaching into his wallet, Adrien slams a 50 down. "Keep the change!" Adrien calls out before running after Elena and the boy who stole his lunch.
As Ranma was near the park, Adrien and Elena cornered him to a fence.
"Alright thief any last words?" Elena glares.
Ranma was about to answer when he noticed something.
"Look out for that car!" Ranma points.
"Right, as I would fall for such an obvious—" Elena starts as Adrien turns around.
"Lookout!" Adrien panics.
Grabbing Elena, he yanks her out of the way while Ranma rolls to the side as the car smashes against the fence with Jackie on the hood.
"All this over some food?!" Ranma said thinking this was about him.
"Jackie?" Adrien said seeing his mentor outside of the car.
"Adrien look out! These men are dangerous!" Jackie warns as Finn, Ratso, and Chow get out of the car.
"Oh boy. Elena get back." Adrien warns not wanting her to get caught in this.
Seeing the three of them as potential witnesses the three thugs realized they would have to deal with them too.
Reaching into their pockets they pulled out 3 baton-like weapons before electricity flowed through them.
"What in the heck are those?" Ranma asks surprised.
"Electric swords! Look out!" Jackie said as they charged in.
As Jackie dodges Finn's strikes he ends up slicing a big hole in the fence behind them. Leaping back, Jackie lands atop of a nearby parked truck and pulls the windshield wipers off.
Pausing everyone looked at him surprised before Jackie wielded the wipers with expert skill.
Nearby Chow, lunges at Ranma who backflips away.
"Come on, I don't even know this guy," Ranma said ducking under the strike and sweeping his leg to knock Chow off balance.
Across from them, Ratso lunges at Adrien but he dodges the strikes and elbows Ratso in the ribs making him cringe in pain. Moving in Adrien delivers a kick sending Ratso crashing atop Chow.
"Hey, thanks." Ranma smiles.
"You're still not off the hook for stealing." Adrien points much to his annoyance.
While all of them were focused on the thugs, nobody noticed Elena pressing her fingers to her watch causing it to beep.
Using the wipers, Jackie knocks Finn's electric sword out of his hand and punches him knocking him atop of his friends.
Seeing that they were near a playground, Jackie quickly ran over.
"Playtime over! Go! Go! Go!" Jackie said making all the kids run.
"So what do these guys want with you?" Adrien asks joining him.
"They want the shield we brought back," Jackie answers.
"What for?" Adrien asks.
"No clue," Jackie answers.
"Uh, you guys want to save your conversation for later? Can someone tell me what the heck is going on?" Ranma asks as the three thugs get up.
"We'll talk later. We need to deal with these guys." Jackie points.
"Can you fight?" Adrien asks looking at Ranma.
"Can I fight?" Ranma smirks taking a fighting stance.
Chow attacks Adrien but he deflects his attacks with a series of palm strikes and quick circle movements making Chow unable to get a solid lock on him.
Jumping onto the monkey bars, Adrien swings his feet forward kicking Chow onto one of the rocking horse rides before he falls face-first into the sand.
As Ratso attacks Ranma he deflects each strike before kicking him onto see saw. Jumping on the other end Ranma launches him into the air and he crashes into the sand.
Using the swings, Jackie ties up Finn with them before doing a backflip on top of the play structure.
Seeing that the three of them were clearly outmatched the three goons had another idea.
"Let's get out of here!" Finn said as they ran off.
"And good riddance!" Adrien calls out.
"Wow, you guys are good. Where'd you learn to fight like that?" Ranma asks.
"My Martial Arts Master. And some lessons from Jackie." Adrien shrugs pointing to him.
"Good work now I just need to—" Before Jackie could finish, he noticed Jade standing nearby with a blank expression on her face. "Jade?"
Before Jackie could react the three of them got sprayed by something causing them to pass out unconscious.
Soon the three boys were lying in the back of a large van.
Groaning Jackie was the first to wake up.
"He's coming to." Opening his eyes, Jackie saw Augustus Black and two other men.
"Wha? Augustus Black!" Smiling Jackie gave him a big hug. "What are you doing here? Ow, what am I doing here?"
"I'm afraid it's official business, my friend," Black said.
"Wait where are Adrien and that other boy?" Jackie asks.
"They're fine. See?" Moving to the side, Jackie saw Adrien with his head on Elena's lap while Ranma was lying against the chair.
Slowly Adrien opened his eyes and saw he was right under Elena's chest.
"Uh Elena?" Adrien said as he sat up.
"Awake already? And to think you make such a cute face when you sleep." Elena said making him blush as Ranma woke up.
"Ugh my head," Ranma said before looking around. "What the? Where the heck am I?!"
"Calm down. You're in good hands." Augustus said looking at him.
"Who are you people?" Ranma asks.
"My name's Augustus Black. If you kids are with Jackie then don't worry. I'm a friend." He assures.
"It's true. He's one of my best friends." Jackie adds.
"What's going on here?" Adrien asks.
"And where have you been? I haven't seen you in 6 years and then boom you save us." Jackie said before holding his head. "Ugh, those thugs must have knocked us out."
"Actually we knocked you out." Black cringed making the three of them pause.
"What?!" Adrien snaps as the van pulls over in an alley with an old phone booth.
"Why did you do that?!" Jackie asks as the three of them get out.
"Jackie…" Black starts.
"I thought we were friends," Jackie said.
"We are, Jackie. I'm sorry, but this location must remain secret." Black insists.
"Some friend you are. What kind of friends abduct each other?" Ranma asks.
"Oh, yes. I can see this is some very special garbage." Jackie gestures.
"Jackie…" Black starts again.
"Maybe I'll see you in another six years. Excuse me, while I call a cab." Jackie said approaching the phone booth.
"I'm calling my lawyers," Adrien said reaching into his pocket to take out a cellphone.
"Jackie wait." Black calls out but as Jackie dials a number a hidden hole opens up and he drops down a tunnel.
When it came to a stop, Jackie found himself in an unknown location.
"Tried to warn you," Black said as Adrien and Ranma walked in behind him.
"How'd you get down here?" Jackie asks.
"The stairs." Black answers simply.
"Sir everyone is waiting for us inside," Elena said getting Adrien's attention.
"Elena? What are you talking about?" Adrien asks confused.
"I see you already know one of our agents." Captain Black said gesturing to Elena.
"Wait what?" Adrien said confused.
"Okay, what the heck is going on?" Ranma asks wanting some answers.
"Listen uh…what's your name?" Black asks.
"Ranma. Ranma Saotome of the Anything Goes Dojo." Ranma declares.
'Anything Goes? What kind of Martial Arts is that?' Adrien raises an eyebrow.
"Well, Ranma Saotome, my name is Captain Augustus Black and unfortunately for you, you got pulled into a complicated situation. I'll explain everything." Black said leading them into a large high-tech facility. "Welcome to Section 13."
"I thought you were in Interpol?" Jackie said.
"Even when you knew me then, I was shepherding this agency in secret." Captain Black admits.
"Whoa, so you guys are like spies?" Ranma asks.
"Law Enforcement Ranma. Elite Special Forces." Black corrects.
"So why give us the tour?" Jackie asks.
"We are aware that you and Adrien recently acquired an artifact in Bavaria," Black said turning to them.
"Why does everyone know this?" Jackie asks getting Adrien's attention.
"Wait what are you talking about?" Adrien asks.
"You're the second person to ask about the shield," Jackie explains.
"As I feared." Captain Black ponders.
"Uh does someone want to fill us in on what the heck is happening?" Adrien asks.
"And why am I dragged into it now?" Ranma adds.
Leading them to a computer terminal, Captain Black began typing.
"Section 13 was founded to investigate large-scale international crimes. Crimes which it seems can often be traced to a syndicate called the Dark Hand. The Dark Hand has connections to nearly every criminal activity in existence. Their leader is this man, Valmont." Black explains as an image of Valmont appears on the screen.
Meanwhile, with the ACTUAL Valmont, we see him listening to Finn, Ratso, and Chow's story.
"You're telling me one man and two boys stopped you?" Valmont asks unamused.
"Well…yes but…" Finn starts.
"Three of my enforcers armed with high-tech weapons were defeated by an... archaeologist and two children?" Valmont asks turning to face them.
"Well, technically they were teenagers. Older teens. And uh did we mention he had windshield wipers?" Finn adds.
"Tohru," Valmont orders a large, fat, Japanese man with narrow eyes, black hair, a white T-shirt with black or gray overalls, and brown sandals. This was Tohru.
"Uh oh." The three goons gulped seeing him tower over them.
Grabbing them, Tohru crushes the three men against him in an agonizing bear hug.
Squirming in agony the three enforcers tried to break free from his hold but to no avail. Valmont wanted to teach them a lesson.
After a few more seconds they were struggling to breathe.
"That's enough," Valmont said as Tohru let go and they gasped for air when they dropped to the floor. "Tohru bring me the shield."
Behind Valmont, a golden statue of a Chinese dragon's eyes glowed red. This was Shendu.
"While your Tohru impresses Valmont, perhaps he should be aided by…" Appearing out of the shadows, dozens of ninjas with grayish blue skin, red eyes, and dressed in black lined up along Valmont. "The Shadowkhan."
"As you wish, Shendu." Valmont nods.
Back in Section 13, Captain Black was continuing his explanation.
"We recently learned that the Dark Hand has a sudden interest in collecting certain historical artifacts." He finishes.
"So that's why you thought to tell me because Jackie and I are part of the same projects." Adrien realized.
"Exactly. We don't know why they're after them but Section 13 could use an archaeology expert such as yourself." Captain Black said looking at Jackie.
"Oh that's nice but I'm just an amateur," Jackie said.
"A wise and talented amateur, whom I know and trust. And Elena's told us a lot about you, Adrien." Captain Black said.
"Which is funny because she's never brought up any of you people," Adrien said crossing his arms.
"Adrien you have to understand, I wasn't allowed to share this with you," Elena said.
"Elena, how could you not tell me about this?" Adrien gestures.
"I wanted to, many times. But Captain Black made me swear to secrecy." Elena said.
"Don't be too hard on her, when we found Elena she had nothing. No home, no family, nothing. So we took her in as part of our Junior Agent program, but we tried to make sure she had a normal life whenever she could. Of course, we never pictured the second son of Krei Industries to befriend her but it did help us keep close tabs in case your family got involved in any shady business. Especially when Jackie started doing business with you." Captain Black said.
'Wait Krei? I've heard that name before but where?' Ranma pauses trying to remember.
"So, all these years of us spending time together. Becoming my best friend. Was any of that real? Or was it just part of your cover?" Adrien asks.
"Of course not," Elena vows taking his hands. "Please you have to believe me. I always treasured the time we spent together."
Looking at her face, Adrien saw she truly enjoyed being with him. No deception, no lies.
Sighing Adrien looks to Jackie. "Listen even if I wanted to, I'm not exactly in a situation where I can just run all over the world at a moments notice."
"Not to mention my university work." Jackie agrees.
"It wouldn't be full-time. Research only. To help us stay one step ahead of Valmont." Captain Black assures.
"We'll think about it," Jackie said before looking at Ranma. "Oh forgive me, I don't think we've met. I'm Jackie."
"Ranma, and yeah I kinda just got involved in this by accident," Ranma said.
"He stole my lunch and we chased after him," Adrien said.
"Look I'm sorry but I haven't had a decent meal in a long time. And I don't have any money." Ranma said.
"That's not an excuse to steal. Didn't your father ever teach you it's wrong to steal?" Captain Black said making Ranma tighten his fist.
"No he didn't." Ranma growls and Black sighs.
"Look, Adrien, if all you want is money, I'll pay you back for what he took but don't worry Ranma. Once we clear this shield mess up, I doubt the Dark Hand will ever want to look into you again." Captain Black offers.
"If you say so," Ranma said unsure but grateful to have one more problem dealt with.
Suddenly the moment was interrupted as Jade came racing in on a motor scooter.
"Jackie!" Jade yells as they all jump out of the way.
"Who is that?!" Black asks in anger.
"Uh no relation," Jackie said quickly.
Spinning around, Jade raced back towards them.
"Stand back!" Jumping on an office chair, Jackie grabbed onto the back of the scooter and raced alongside Jade holding on for dear life.
"Whoa, this guy is full of moves," Ranma said impressed again.
Not even his old man would dare try something like that.
"We're busting out of here!" Jade said.
"You speak English?!" Jackie said surprised she could even speak.
As the scooter went down the stairs Jackie was struggling to avoid crashing into anyone.
"Sorry! Look out! Sorry! Ah! Look out! Sorry." Jackie apologizes.
Reaching out, Jackie manages to turn off the ignition causing the scooter to come to a stop but the chair kept going until Jackie crashed into something.
Groaning Jackie was on the ground as Captain Black approached him.
"Jackie, how many fingers do you see?" Black asks holding up two fingers.
"Look fishies," Jackie said in a delusional tone.
Nearby Elena grabs Jade by the arm.
"Let go of me!" Jade said struggling to break free.
"Young Lady, how did you get in here?" Captain Black asks turning his attention to her.
"The stairs." Jade answers.
"Where did you get that bike? You could have been hurt!" Jackie asks pulling himself together.
"I snuck it out of their garage. Knew we'd need it to blow this taco stand. So, we outta here?" Jade asks.
"Jade, these people are my friends." Jackie gestures.
"Your friends knocked you out and took you to a secret government base?" Jade asks unsure.
"Uh yes." Jackie nods.
"America is so cool!" Jade said loving this.
"Some secret base. A little kid managed to get in." Ranma mocks.
"I'm not a child! I'm Jackie's niece." Jade corrects surprising Adrien and Black.
"I didn't know you had a niece, Jackie," Adrien said.
"Me neither." Captain Black said equally surprised.
"Join the club," Jackie said leading Jade away. "Jade."
"Come on. Just admit. Wasn't I brave?" Jade smirks.
"Yes, but you also need wisdom. To know when challenges are too big. Courage without wisdom is foolishness. Understand?" Jackie asks.
"Uh, my English must not be too good," Jade said having no clue what he said.
As Jackie's cell phone rang he answered it to see it was from Uncle.
"Jackie, where are you?" Uncle asks.
"Uh can't say," Jackie said glancing at Black and his agents.
"Oh. One more thing. Have you seen Jade?" Uncle asks.
"Yes, she's with me," Jackie confirms.
"See. I knew you two would get along." Uncle smiles. "One more thing. I have been doing research on the shield. Jackie, I have found what the inscriptions mean; they're incantations."
"Incantations?" Jackie said not expecting that.
"Magic. Very powerful. But the shield not important." Uncle assures.
"Of course, the shield is important, Uncle. Everybody I meet today wants the shield." Jackie corrects.
"Nah, shield not important." Uncle said as a dark shadow loomed over him.
Gasping Uncle saw Tohru had entered the shop and was looking down at him.
"The shield." Tohru orders.
"Uncle? Uncle? Uncle?!" Jackie panics but gets no answer.
"Your uncle is fine for now, Mr. Chan," Tohru answers picking up the phone. "But every hour I do not get the shield…"
"Yes, yes, I understand. I will bring it. I will tell no one." Jackie nods before hanging up.
"What's going on Jackie?" Adrien asks concerned as Black walks over.
"A favor, between friends. Watch my niece." Jackie said before heading to the exit.
"Jackie, where are you going?" Captain Black asks.
"Please don't ask questions," Jackie said leaving.
Seeing this Adrien and Ranma narrowed their eyes. He was hiding something bad.
"Elena, if you really meant what you said. I need you to get me a bow and arrow." Adrien whispers surprising her.
"Alright, young lady—" As Black turns around he sees Jade, Adrien, and Ranma are gone.
That night at Uncle's shop, we see Jackie looking around for the shield.
"Where would Uncle hide the shield?" Jackie asks moving a screen door aside only to see Jade hiding behind it. "Jade?!"
"Hi." Jade waves.
"How did you—" Jackie starts.
"The stairs." Turning around Jackie saw Adrien and Ranma walk in.
"What are you doing here?" Jackie asks.
"You think I don't know what a ransom phone call reaction looks like?" Adrien deadpans.
"I'm just here because he brought me here and I have no idea where to go." Ranma shrugs.
"Well then Jade, you take these stairs to your room and you two take the stairs out the door." Jackie insists.
"Oh let me help. Uncle's my Uncle too…I think." Jade pleads.
"I like that old man. He needs as much help as he can get." Adrien agrees.
"Wait, they took an old man hostage to get to him? Not cool." Ranma growls not liking this.
"Fine. You can help me find the shield. It's round and gold with a talisman in the middle of it." Jackie explains.
As they searched the shop Jade noticed something that met the description under a stake of junk.
Yanking it out the pile came down on Jackie making everyone cringe.
"Is this it?" Jade asks holding up the shield.
"Yes!" Jackie said surprised.
"I must be getting that "wisdom" you were talking about." Jade shrugs.
"Not really wisdom. More like good eyes." Ranma said as Jackie took the shield.
"Thank you. Now go to your room." Jackie orders.
Pouting Jade was not a fan of that.
"Going somewhere?" Elena asks standing by the door.
"Out of my way. This is not Black's business." Jackie insists.
"No but putting Adrien in danger is my business." Elena glares.
"So what? You're going to stop us?" Ranma asks.
"No. I just came to bring these." Elena said revealing a quiver of arrows and a black collapsible bow.
"Thanks, Elena." Adrien smiles.
"So…am I forgiven?" Elena asks hopeful.
"Absolutely." Adrien declares and a soft blush appears on her face.
As the moon was high in the sky, Jackie, Adrien, and Ranma approached a tall skyscraper.
"Uncle's up there huh?" A familiar voice asks.
Turning around Jackie saw Jade had followed them.
"You speak English?" Jackie asks.
"You know I do." Jade raises an eyebrow.
"So what part of go to your room, don't you understand?" Jackie snaps much to Jade's annoyance.
"Listen kid do us a favor and wait here," Ranma said.
"Aww." Jade whines.
"Do it, or you're on the next flight back to Hong Kong," Jackie threatens.
"Scout's honor." Jade salutes.
"You two stay here and keep an eye on her." Jackie insists.
"Wait what?" Ranma said not liking this.
"I'm not a babysitter Jackie," Adrien said.
"Just do me this one thing," Jackie said as he headed in.
Pausing for a few seconds, Adrien glanced at Jade. "You're not really a scout, are you?"
"Pfft. As if." Jade scoffs.
"Then come on. There's more than one way into these places." Adrien said as they headed in.
Taking the elevator, Jackie rides it to the top floor.
Exiting it, Jackie sees Uncle and Tohru on the roof.
"The shield." Tohru orders.
"Why does your employer want it?" Jackie asks holding the shield up.
"That is not your concern," Tohru said as the door to the stairwell opened revealing Adrien, Jade, and Ranma.
Seeing them, Jackie makes a subtle gesture towards Uncle.
"Okey dokey, you want the shield? Catch!" Jackie throws the shield at Tohru but he fails to catch it but the shield boomerangs back and lands in Jackie's hand.
"Fool! Say sayonara to your uncle!" Tohru said about to attack but saw Uncle was gone.
"Go! Go! Go!" Ranma said as Jade took Uncle and the two of them ran to the staircase.
"Come on Jackie! We got to move!" Adrien said grabbing Jackie.
As the three of them tried to make their escape, the Shadowkhan suddenly surrounded them.
"What the heck?" Ranma pauses never seeing these guys before.
"So Jackie…any ideas on what to do?" Adrien asks slowly reaching for his bow.
"Uh. Come and get it?" Jackie asks strapping the shield to his arm.
Taking the signal the Shadowkhan attacked them.
Rolling out of the way of one, Adrien loads an arrow into his fire hitting one in the arm causing its arm to disappear into shadows.
"What the hell? What are these things?" Adrien gasps.
Hearing this the other two immediately realized the situation had changed. While the three of them were fighting none of them noticed Tohru going to the elevator.
Swinging his bow like a club, Adrien whacks a ninja in the face before loading two arrows and shoots hitting another in the chest.
Leaping at Ranma, one Shadowkhan did a flying roundhouse.
Bending backward, Ranma narrowly dodges the strike and does a spinning hook kick nailing the ninja in the face.
"Don't mess with me! I've had a really long day!" Ranma snaps.
Charging in, Ranma delivers a flying kick knocking another Shadowkhan in the chest.
Behind him, Jackie was fighting off the Shadowkhan attacks and using the shield to block throwing stars thrown at him.
Running along the roof, Jackie does a series of flips stopping just short of the edge before regaining his balance.
As the Shadowkhan were about to move in, Jackie jumped off and ran along the ledge.
They tried to follow but Adrien and Ranma were not gonna give them the chance.
"Out of the way!" Delivering a powerful strike Ranma knocks one into a 3 sending them falling back.
Grinning Ranma was about to follow when one swung a bola and hurled it at Ranma tying up his legs and making him fall over the edge.
"Ranma!" Adrien gasps as Ranma falls a few levels and crashes atop a window cleaner which causes the cleaner to drop down a few levels resulting in a bucket of water dropping down on Ranma's head.
Cringing Adrien hoped he was okay but he had to help Jackie at the moment.
As six Shadowkhan ninjas stared him down Adrien took a stance.
Making the first move, two do a series of flips and kicks at Ranma but he uses the bow to block them.
Dropping down, Adrien sweeps their legs before kicking them both in the face.
Rolling along the roof tiles, Adrien grabs an arrow and fires behind him hitting a Shadowkhan in the head.
Loading two arrows he fires one before firing the other right at it causing the first to split into two resulting in him hitting 3 ninjas at the same time.
Staring down the last Shadowkhan, Adrien delivers a powerful left hook to the face.
Panting heavily, Adrien looked to see his quiver was low on arrows. He would have to be careful.
"Hurry Uncle!" Leading Uncle down the stairs, Jade was eager to get them out of the building as fast as possible. Neither of them was aware that Tohru was calmly taking the elevator down to cut them off.
Back on the upper levels, Jackie tried to outrun the Shadowkhan when two jumped in front of him forcing him to stop and allowing the others to catch up.
Sliding down the face of the building, Jackie grabs onto a ledge to prevent him from falling.
Unfortunately, the Shadowkhan had caught up and trapped him with nowhere to run.
Running out of the building, Jade looks up to see Jackie's situation.
"Jackie!" Jade yells getting his attention.
Seeing that he was surrounded, Ranma was on the window cleaner and Adrien was still on the upper level, Jackie only had one way out.
Tossing the shield down, the Shadowkhan watched it fly right towards Jade and Uncle.
"Mine!" Jade said as she caught it before it landed.
However, this victory was short-lived as Tohru approached them.
"The shield." Tohru repeats ready to crush the girl and old man.
"Hiyahhh!" Uncle delivers a strike to his gut but Tohru doesn't even feel it.
Chuckling nervously, Jade handed it to Tohru.
"Aw, man." Adrien groans seeing that they lost this.
Almost on cue, all the Shadowkhan disappeared into puffs of smoke making their escape.
Suddenly flying in from above on a helicopter, Jackie looks to see Captain Black arriving on the scene.
"Honest, it's a research position," Black assures over a speaker.
Eventually, they all made their way down to the bottom to meet up with Uncle.
"Jackie, I never meant for your family to get involved in this." Captain Black assures.
"It's not your fault. The Dark Hand was after the shield." Jackie said only to be hit by Uncle. "Ow!"
"I told you! Shield is not important! The talisman in the center of the shield is. That's where the magic lies." Uncle clarifies.
"Uh, don't you worry. We'll be sure to look into that once we reclaim the talisman from the Dark Hand." Captain Black said not really believing that last part.
"Don't need to." Reaching into her pocket, Jade pulls out the talisman surprising everyone.
"When did you—" Adrien starts.
"Admit it. I'm getting wise." Jade smirks.
At the Dark Hand base, we see Tohru approaching Valmont and Shendu before taking a knee.
"Master." Tohru declares presenting the shield.
Grinning Valmont was pleased with this until he noticed the talisman hole in the shield.
"Thoru." Valmont and Shendu glare.
"What?" Tohru asks confused about why they were so angry.
Back with Jackie, we see him, Jade, Adrien, Elena, Uncle and Agent Black looking at the talisman.
"One more thing. See the markings?" Uncle said pointing to the rooster markings. "Sign of the Rooster from the Chinese Zodiac. There are 11 more Talismans where that came from."
"And my gut tells me the Dark Hand is after them too. You on board Jackie?" Agent Black asks.
"Uhm…" Jackie pauses.
"Absolutely," Jade said answering for them.
Jackie looked down at her smiling face and he had to admit, he couldn't really say no.
"What about you, Adrien? Wanna join the team?" Jade asks.
"I don't know about that Jade. I can't run around the entire world chasing this. My family runs one of the biggest companies in the world. If got into any serious trouble—" Adrien starts.
"I'll cover your tracks." Elena steps forward immediately. "I'll make sure nothing gets traced back to you and your family."
"Elena? You would do that for me?" Adrien said surprised.
"Like I said. Being close to you was never part of my cover." Elena smiles.
Hearing this Adrien gives Elena a hug surprising her.
"Get a room you two," Jade said making them blush and quickly let go.
"I think you're looking too far into this Jade," Adrien assures.
"Hey wait where's Ranma?" Jade asked as they looked around to hear a soft groaning noise and saw a figure still on the window cleaner.
Running to the controls, they lowered the cleaner down to their level.
"Ranma we did it. We fooled them." Adrien said helping him up but his face was still covered by the bucket. "Hang on I'll get this off."
When he pulled it off, everyone saw Ranma but his face had changed. Not to mention he now had long red hair and a bigger chest.
"Dude…you're a girl?" Adrien said in disbelief.
Cringing the now female Ranma looked at herself to see her body changed. "Aw, man. I hate it when this happens."
Curious Jade looks at Ranma and pokes her breast area multiple times checking to see if they are real.
"Will you stop that?!" Ranma said smacking her hand away but her voice even sounded female.
"What is going on with you?" Jade asks.
"It's a long and crazy story." Ranma cringed.
Of all the surprises and twists today, this one was definitely up there.