[FFML] [FANFIC] [Ranma ½/Rifts RPG/Orig] Rift Asunder Part 6

* * * * * * * * *
Sometime later in yet Another Dimensionï¿½
A new day has arrived at the Nerima Ward, all is quiet, far too quiet since
Ranmaï¿½s departure about 2 monthes ago...All was disturbed by the roar of a
high-powered turbine-like engine...
Pulling off of a nearby freeway, a massive motorbike, no, more like the
American ï¿½Hogsï¿½ from the look of it, obviously heavily customised from one
glance at it, carring two passengers. Driving, an equally large human male,
wearing dark glasses, matching his own black hair, that is tied into a 3 foot
long pigtail off of the base of the skull. The passenger, much smaller than the
one driving, no where near as massively built, but still muscled
proportionately, female wise, with flaming red hair and with a 4ï¿½ foot
french-braid off of the back of the head, also wearing dark shades, but of the
mirror variety.
The Buxom-RedHead leaned forward,ï¿½I still cannot believe that we are finally
meeting the others after all these years...Feels like that were have been gone
for a millenium!!ï¿½ she exclaimed just a little too much into her partnerï¿½s ear.
Wincing at the high vocal volume and close proximity, ï¿½Yeah, but itï¿½ll be great
to show that old lech what we are made of now, and I think that heï¿½ll be a
ï¿½littleï¿½ happy to see you too, Ranko-chan.ï¿½ he chuckled, before she could speak,
they have reached their destination...the Tendo Dojo.
The big-man chimes in, ï¿½And I hope that will meet Mom today...havenï¿½t seen her
in so long....I just donï¿½t care if she threatens me...us..with suppuku...ï¿½, he
got cut off with an elbow to the ribs. ï¿½Yeah, Yeah already...you told me about a
thousand times since we have gotten back!! Now, letï¿½s go in and reaquaint
ourselves with our past lives, nehï¿½neh?!?ï¿½, said Ranko, with the ï¿½Cute-Factorï¿½
cranked 1000% over normal.
A little stunned, he looked down to his one former self, and thought of
something. ï¿½Hey, how about you go in first...then myself...so that I donï¿½t scare
the hell out of them with this...ï¿½ trailing off as he gestered himself, with his
overly large musculature bulging. Nodding, ï¿½Agreedï¿½plus the shock factor of
myself should break them in just nicely!ï¿½, she giggled at the thought.
Taking a deep breath, ï¿½OK! let get this going already!!ï¿½, she paused as she saw
her significant other duck around the wall, with his head peeking around it.
Shrugging her shoulders, she banged on the heavy wooden doors. They resounded
throughout the neighborhood, but all is still asleep around the household except
for the people contained within.
The doors creaked on their massive hinges, as a shapely young woman in her
early twenties steped out. ï¿½Hello?ï¿½ she asked to nobody, but then a small blur
of red grasped her from the front, upon closer inspection, it is a person. Her
eyes widened as the redhead looked up, still hugging Kasumi almost feircely,ï¿½
R-R-Ranma?!?ï¿½, she managed to croak as she fainted dead away...
But all this didnï¿½t go unnoticed, Soun Tendo, peeked out the front doorway of
the house as he saw his eldest daughter collapse, he was about to do the Soun
Falls(tm), but stopped short as he lost his wind to a fierce crushing to his
ribs. Soun almost fell unconsious, but he saw who is holding him. ï¿½R-Ranma!! You
ï¿½re back from your trip!! Now we can finally join the Family Dojos!!ï¿½ Now the
father of said individual sticks his head out the door, where his now
face-falted jaw now rests, but recovers quickly a puts on a mad demeanor. With a
sneaky grin, he pulls the Hot Water Kettle out of Kettle-Space(tm).
Ranko stops the somewhat joyous reunion with Tendo, to turn around to a face
full of hot water. ï¿½GAH!! Whatcha do that for Oya-Ji!!!ï¿½ she exclaimed with a
flaming red aura shimmering. Genma pulled another facefault,ï¿½WAAAAHHH!! Now the
Dojoï¿½s cannot be joined!!ï¿½ both Genma and Soun cried as they held each other.
ï¿½Pop...you are NOT going to start that bullshit again are you??ï¿½, said a very
large man, who is carrying a limp Kasumi in his arms.
* * * * * * * * *
Akane awakes with a start. ï¿½Eh...ï¿½, looking around with P-Chan cuddled in her
arms, ï¿½Must those two fools crying again...ï¿½, she trailed off as she leaned up
to the window with a yawn, wonderfully relaxed since Ranma left for his trip.
Looking out the window, ï¿½Ahhh...a beautiful day...ï¿½, trailing off again as she
stared at the man carrying Kasumi. ï¿½Kami-Sama...he looks like....like...ï¿½, she
thought as she burst out of the room, dropping a startled P-Chan with a curious
ï¿½Bwee?ï¿½
She emerged to the doors at near sonic speed as she heard: ï¿½Pop....you are NOT
going to start that bullshit again are you?ï¿½ in a deep voice. ï¿½Couldnï¿½t
be...Ranma would never use that sort of language around Mr. Saotome...but he
almost looks like him...ï¿½. Then she looked over to Mr. Saotome, mouth agape as
she watched the redhead pickup Mr. Saotome with one arm, exclaimed, ï¿½We just got
home and youï¿½re already trying to marry him off again!!! How low can you GO!!!ï¿½
she yelled as she hefted him in to the wild-blue-yonder with one arm.
The man spots the shocked Akane, ï¿½OH! Hello, Akane...nice to see you again...ï¿½
he said as he put the now conscious Kasumi back down onto her feet gently. He
took off his sun-glasses, the unmistakable shade of blue now showing themselves
off once again, but something is different about them now, much more experience
and...age behind them now, something else that shimmered behind them, like they
have whitnessed to many horrors. Holding his shades in one hand, he opens his
arms in hopes of receiving a welcoming hug.
He never got it...
ï¿½Ra-Ranma??? RANMA NO BAKA!!!ï¿½, Akane yelled as she pulled a long unused
ï¿½Mallet-Samaï¿½ from its Dimension pocket and swung it at Ranma. But it doesnï¿½t
connect. Puzzled, she looks up through her tearing eyes to see that he is
holding the head of the massive hammer with one hand.
Ranma peeked around the edge of Mallet-Sama, ï¿½Nice to see you too, Akane...And
I see that you are still opposed to this arranged marriage bull, neh?ï¿½ he said
sarcasticly. He then proceded to rip the hammer out of her iron grip with the
one hand he caught it with, ï¿½And still jumping the gun before ANYONE gets a
chance to explain anything right?ï¿½ he said dryly with a sly grin, then tossed
the mallet aside. ï¿½Glad to see that you havenï¿½t changed one bit...ï¿½, he stopped
as a fist soared through the air and connecting to his skull with a resounding
*POW!!!*
Meanwhile, Ranma, didnï¿½t budge an inch as Akaneï¿½s punch connected, everyone
winced, except Ranko, they then stood agape at the sight before them. ï¿½Heh..ï¿½
Ranma said as he pulled her fist off of his face,ï¿½ I sï¿½pose that I deserve that
for leaving you all so suddenlyï¿½ï¿½,he then narrowed his eyes in a most
threatening manner,ï¿½ï¿½but I have better things to do then sit here and argue with
YOU right now. Ja.ï¿½ he said as he turned and walked away from the stunned Akane.
She shook her head in hope to get the cobwebs out,ï¿½WAIT! Please Wait...ï¿½ she
cried as she tried to stop from Ranma walking out again from her life. He turned
around,aura visibly flaring,ï¿½No! You wait! I have taken your petty bickering for
too damned long, Akane!...Accusing me of things that were not my fault...and
then slamming me with that damned mallet of yours....I was hoping to get back
with little to no trouble since I *DID* like you...BUT NOOOOOOoooooooo....YOU,
as usual, have to hit me for the slightest thing...I will not have it anymore!ï¿½,
she was about to retort but was cut off by a slicing gester from Ranma, now in
awe from the display of backbone that he is showing to her, ï¿½I wanted to come
back and maybe make amends...maybe at least be FRIENDS, instead being iinazuke,ï¿½
pointing a meaty finger straight into her face, very close to her nose ,ï¿½but as
usual...you fly off the handle before I can _EXPLAIN_ anything to you...ï¿½
trailed off again, shaking his head in disgust,ï¿½Why do I even bother...You never
listen to me anyway...ï¿½ he said as he walked out again.
Akane sank to the ground crying,ï¿½R-Ranma...Donï¿½t leave me again...I donï¿½t think
I can handle it again...ï¿½ she managed to croak out before another wave of tears
and sobs overcame her, dropping P-Chan when they wracked at her relentlessly
when she heard a motor crank over and soon roared off.
P-chan was FURIOUS at what Ranma did to Akane, leaving for two monthes without
hardly a word, tearing her apart in the process. AND THEN coming back...he lost
his trail of thought as he scampered for the bathing room, almost losing himself
to his own line of RAGE...
Regaining his composure, Soun let loose the Demon Head at the nearest Saotome
ï¿½RAAAAANNNNNMMMMMAAAAAAAAAA!!!ï¿½ he shouted at the redhead, who just shook her
head in disgust. Looking up, her eyes shown with almost uncontollable mirth, ï¿½Is
that suppose to mean something now? MY name is RanKO...Not Ranma.ï¿½ she
sarcasticly said with her arms crossed acrossed her chest, not in the least
afraid of the hilarious sight that is before her.
That deflated the so-called Demon Head real quick, ï¿½Nani?ï¿½ he managed to get
out before he was cut off. ï¿½Look...SHE hit him first, Ranma did not do anything
other than try to be _NICE_ to her...and you ACTUALLY think that despite the
treatment he just recieved, that he should remain placid and tame like a little
rabbit???ï¿½ Soun cowered under the firery gaze, ï¿½Just so that you can have YOUR
FUCKING DOJOS JOINED?!?!?ï¿½ the fire turning abolutely volcanic, ï¿½At what COST
HUH?!?ï¿½ she spat out, poking Sounï¿½s chest...HARD. He looked like he committed
the worst crime in history, ï¿½Um...Uh...Well...ï¿½ Cut off again with another jab
with the finger, but to the forehead, ï¿½YOU and POP better cut it off with that
fiance crap or both myself and Ranma...ï¿½ thrusting her thumb out toward the
doors, ï¿½...will do something that both YOU and Pop will regret...AND I am NOT
talking about a quick beating EITHER!!ï¿½, she paused for a second noticing the
heavily sweating individual, she blinked a couple of times and instantly changed
demeanor, like changing gears in a car,  ï¿½Well...now that is out of the way...ï¿½
she paused again to look around to find Kasumi going into the house, ï¿½How about
we forget this mess for awhile and get some breakfast...And talk about what has
happened to ourselves and around here.ï¿½ she stated with the Cuteness Factor
cranked very high, with a very noticable bounce as she darted into the house.
All Soun could do was dumbly nod at the redhead.
* * * * * * * * *
Ranma trudged along the streets for what seems to be hours, for since it is
already noon, having parking the bike at a local parking garage for safe
keeping.
He stopped before a lightpole. Let loose a frustrated scream into the air above
him, shattering windows for several blocks around. And put his fist _though_ the
lightpole.
Succeeding in nearly shattering it on brute force alone.
Collapsing to his knees, trying to calm himself. With controlled breathing, he
gazed around at the sight around him. Noticing that he is standing in front of
ï¿½Ucchanï¿½s Okonamiyaki-Yaï¿½ shop. Got up, was about to knock on the door. The door
flew open and he jumped out of the way of the infamous ï¿½Mega-Spatulaï¿½. Noticing
its weilder, ï¿½Ucchan!!ï¿½ he cried out hurriedly.
Dumbfounded, Ukyo looked up to see this BIG man standing in front of her
yelling the one pet-name that she allowed only one person to say. About to swing
the ï¿½Mega-Spatï¿½ at the perp, he took off his shades.
She dropped the Mega-Spat at the sight she is seeing, she recognized her
childhood friend and iinazuke almost instantly, also recognizes that very
distinct difference in him as well. She put her hands to her mouth wondering in
such as his new profound height and build, but less distinctly, the green and
brown dragon tattoo around his left eye. ï¿½There must be a reason to hide such a
tattoo..ï¿½ she pondered as she gazes at the staggering amount of detail contained
within it. Almost losing herself it, she shook her head, to see if this is a
dream,ï¿½R-RanChan...ï¿½ she managed to get out from her own tears that are
threatening to overwhelm her as she she glomped him tightly. Tears now flowing
freely, ï¿½Youï¿½re back!!!ï¿½ she cried out.
Much to her surprise, he returned the hug, ï¿½Much better reception than one
other that I happen to know...ï¿½ He grated out. ï¿½I know about who you are talking
about. Iï¿½d also expect that much from her...ï¿½ she trailed off as Ranma tightened
his grip slightly. ï¿½Yeah...But Ucchan...I kinda need to ask favor from you...ï¿½,
cut off again as her lips touched his, mostly to silence him. But there is
something else that is nagging him, canï¿½t make anything of it, but it is very
VERY familiar and GOOD about it, ï¿½Iï¿½ll leave it to another timeï¿½ï¿½
She is as surprised at her own actions as he is. She put her hand up to her
lips and smiled, ï¿½Anything, Ranchanï¿½ she managed to get out before she
remembered to breathe again.
Raising an inquisitive eyebrow, ï¿½Good...Me and my sister..ï¿½, cut off yet again
but by the very surprised Ukyo, ï¿½SISTER?!?! I thought you were an only child?!?ï¿½
Before she could say anything more, a raised finger on Ranmaï¿½s part to her lips
ceased that. ï¿½Iï¿½ll explain later...but now can I finish please??ï¿½ he said,
dripping with joking sarcasm. She couldnï¿½t miss that, giggling, ï¿½OK, Ranchan.ï¿½
Shaking his head, ï¿½Ok...Me and my sister need a place to stay untill we can
find a suitable apartment around here, not to mention jobs...ï¿½ he trailed off as
he crossed his arms and furrowed his brow.
Ukyou chimed in cheerfully,ï¿½Sure Ranchan, I can let you stay here for as long
as you need to...ï¿½ she paused, thinking hard,ï¿½...but about the jobs, I am
looking for only one person. Whom I need to help me run this place.ï¿½ she said,
gesturing her hand to the store. Ranma nodded, ï¿½I believe Ranko can go for
that...Hell...She might even pick up the business here while sheï¿½s at it!ï¿½,
letting loose an almost guttural laugh, but before Ukyou can speak, ï¿½But I think
Iï¿½ll probably be into Construction or something like that...shouldnï¿½t be too
hard...but for right now, I have things I have to finish first. So Iï¿½ll probably
see ya later tonight...ï¿½ Another surprise of the night, Ranma clasped the side
of Ukyouï¿½s face and kissed her forehead. That left her speachless, ï¿½Ma-ta-ne,
Ucchan.ï¿½ Ranma said as he walked away, waving.
Coming out of her stupor when Ranma went far enough away, she spun and squealed
in sheer delight when she darted back into the restaurant.
* * * * * * * * *
Meanwhile at the Nekohanten...

Cologne heard the tailend of a powerful scream. It made her skin crawl for the
life of her. It contained possibly many times more power than even the infamous
Happosai, in fact, she cannot even imagine who or WHAT could have that kind of
power, ï¿½I hope that I do not make an enemy of whoever, or whatever did that...ï¿½,
she was cut off from her reverie from a worried and concerned look from Shampoo.
ï¿½What is it, Obaba?ï¿½, the quiver in her voice is apparent.
Cologne quickly squelched a worried look, ï¿½Nothing child...go back to work.ï¿½she
said as she waved off the young one. ï¿½She is handling her husbandï¿½s
disappearence very well...ï¿½ she cut off her thoughts as she felt the greater
power getting _very_ close, it doesnï¿½t seem to be quite benovolent. ï¿½Oh
Kami-sama...ï¿½
Ranma approached the Nekohanten, lost in his own thoughts. Thinking of his
brief, and very violent meeting with Akane. ï¿½I think Iï¿½ll *TRY* to talk to her
again sometime...maybe when I find my own place, and a job...ï¿½ he trailed off as
he spotted the sign to the Nekohanten when he looked up from the ground. ï¿½I
might as well say ï¿½Hiï¿½ while Iï¿½m here...ï¿½ he mumbled to no one in particular..
Watching the door from the Kitchen opening in the back of the resteraunt.
Cologne watched a powerfully built man lift the outer curtains to the shop,
ï¿½Kami-sama..it couldnï¿½t be...ï¿½ she thought, wide eyed.
Shampoo, noticing the wide-eyed expression on Obabaï¿½s face, looked to were she
was staring at...
Feeling the underlying tension on the rise. ï¿½Uh oh...great...just what I need
right now...ï¿½, now feeling a little _playful_ for some reason or another, ï¿½I
think I shall justify that a little before I reveal who I am.ï¿½ He looked at
Shampoo through his shades and grinned like a lion who just spotten his prey.
Shuddering under the predatory grin, she walked over to him, almost unable to
contain the fear that is threatening to overwelm her. The lunch crowd was
already overwelmed by his presence and high-tailed it out of there.
She was just about to greet him but was cut off. ï¿½Well??ï¿½ Ranma said in his
most fearful voice, ï¿½Are you going to seat me?ï¿½ finishing it off with a tension
to his arm, making the musculature ripple along it. Shampoo gulped, ï¿½Right this
way.ï¿½ she gestered the direction with her hand. Ranma walked forward, and took
the seat showed by the hostess.
Shampoo was about to dart back into the back when her arm is grabbed. She was
about to fight back, in her current fearful composure to get free when the man
spoke, ï¿½Hello Shampoo.ï¿½ he said, much more reassuring than it last be, while
taking off his sun-glasses.
Her eyes widened as she saw the face underneath the shades. Almost unmistakable
smirk crossed Ranmaï¿½s lips, ï¿½Ahhï¿½I see that you recognize me...ï¿½ he was cut off
when Shampoo glomped him...
Or at least attmpted to. She was stopped by the ghoulï¿½s cane. ï¿½There is time
for that later child.ï¿½ She turned to an almost seemingly disappointed Ranma.
Managing to stifle the slight smile coming to her face, ï¿½I see that you have
returned from your ï¿½expeditionï¿½, MukoDono, I was...ï¿½ she stopped at the faint
glow emanating from  Ranmaï¿½s aura, ï¿½OOOoooooOOOh No you Old Ghoul! I WILL not go
for your tricks again!ï¿½ raising his voice to her, but coughed and regained his
original composure, ï¿½I just stopped by to say ï¿½Helloï¿½ and not get hoisted again
against my freewill!ï¿½, he rised to his full 6 foot 3 inch height, and leaned
into Cologneï¿½s face, failing to notice the tremor threatening to rack her,
ï¿½Either lay off and play nice. Or one of the worst things even you can imagine
with befall both to you and your village...Do we have a deal?ï¿½ his voice is just
dripping with the most malevolent rancor.
Cologneï¿½s eyes widened to the pronounced threat, then narrowed in ancient
defiance. She reluctently sighed in resignation, ï¿½Alright...Ranma, you win...ï¿½,
a snicker crossed her face,she muttered under her breath when he leaned back
into his full height,ï¿½...For nowï¿½
Ranma was just turning to Shampoo when he actually heard what Cologne had said.
ï¿½Time to _REALLY_ freak her out now...ï¿½ He queried his Inner Strength [Ki,Chi,
etc...However you want to call it. ï¿½KnightHawke] for a little mind power
trickery, namely, telepathy. He mentaly coughed and spoke, in a sense, in his
deepest and most ominous voice,ï¿½I HEARD THAT!ï¿½ he said, directly into Cologneï¿½s
mind.
Ranma looked to Cologne with an Artic Wind for Voice and Eyes, ï¿½My threat still
stands firm you old ghoul,ï¿½ before she could even move, Ranma held her in the
air by the head of her cane, ï¿½You try *ANYTHING* and Iï¿½ll have YOUR head and
YOUR CLANSï¿½!!ï¿½ With that final statement his eyes flared a deep emerald green
fire, empisizing that he can very well keep his promise. Shampoo looked upon him
and shivered, ï¿½He madmanï¿½ï¿½
ï¿½Shampooï¿½ï¿½ Ranma said in his most reassuring voice, which startled Shampoo
none-the-less, ï¿½You are safe from the laws while hereï¿½I am dissolving the
egagement with youï¿½ï¿½ He sighed and smiled, ï¿½Officially, thanks to the old ghoul
hereï¿½ï¿½ The fire that was present in his eyes while glaring at Cologne stopped
any retort that she had in her throat, he continuued on when he dropped her to
the floor, ï¿½Same goes for all the engagementsï¿½Iï¿½ just donï¿½t want to mess with
this type of crap right nowï¿½ï¿½ shugging his shoulders,ï¿½I just home from a land
that could classify as hell itselfï¿½ï¿½
Ranma was about to continue, ï¿½RANMA!! PREPARE TO DIE!!!ï¿½ rang through the air.
Ranma groaned as he turned to the direction of where the challenge came from.
And saw something that he thought heï¿½d shouldnï¿½t see, at least not for awhile.
Hawk standing in the doorway, leaning against the jam, wearing typical street
clothes ,plus his unmistakeable ï¿½Rabbit-Earsï¿½ helm and holding Ryougaï¿½s
shoulder, keeping him from moving. Hawk gestured for one moment and put his hand
on the back of Ryougaï¿½s head and he collapsed into a heap on the floor. Cologneï¿½
s eyeï¿½s widened as she felt the power flow through this new young man. She
pogoed back into the kitchen to ponder the dayï¿½s events...to simmer to the
outrage that Ranma has caused her. Also to wonder about this other person that
stepped inï¿½he seemed more adept at Ki ability than Ranma or even herself could
ever beï¿½
Ranma stode up to his long time friend and clapped hands with him, ï¿½You donï¿½t
waste time, do you?ï¿½ he said laughingly. Hawk just shrugged, ï¿½Yeahï¿½So whatcha
doinï¿½ here?ï¿½ he said, gesturing the violet haired Amazon behind Ranma, giving
him the look: ï¿½You Sly Dog you!ï¿½ He looked back, ï¿½Nothinï¿½ muchï¿½Just meeting past
aquaintences and getting something to eat during the mean time. Letï¿½s sit down
manï¿½ï¿½ he said as he walked to his table.
Hawk looked around and whistled, ï¿½Nice placeï¿½ï¿½ then he eyed Shampoo standing
there and started, ï¿½Whoa! And the waitressï¿½ï¿½ shaking his hand in front of him
and whistling, ï¿½Hot damn!ï¿½was she one of yourï¿½?ï¿½ he trailed off as he was
treading on some very shaky and dangerous ground. A scowl crunched Ranmaï¿½s face,
ï¿½*Was* is the appropriate word, but all that is behind me now since I dissolved
all the engagments.ï¿½ Sounding quite a bit happier now.
Just remembering something, Hawk dug into his pocket and brought out a smallish
case, ï¿½That reminds meï¿½ï¿½ putting the case in front of Ranma, ï¿½Think sheï¿½ll like
it?ï¿½ Dumbfounded, wondering what he is talking about Ranma picked up the case
and opened it. His eyes bugged out at the contents. An engagment ring, with a
HUGE rectangular purple-ish diamond on a slender band of white-gold, and a pair
of platnium dragons, one encrusted in tiny rubies, while the other has emeralds,
both are encircling the diamond, heads touching to form a heart-like symbol on
top, their tails wrapping around the white-gold band. Ranmaï¿½s jaw hit the table
as he marveled in the detail work of the dragons themselves. They seem almost
alive, and the diamond seems to have a faint glow to it.
Meanwhile, Shampoo, wondering what could shock Ranma like that, walked up
behind him and saw the ring that he is holding. She gasped and put her hand to
he mouth, ï¿½Aiya! Ring most beautiful.ï¿½ Words seem to fail her as she looked to
the one that presented it. Hawk noticed the inquiring gaze and beamed a little,
ï¿½For who it is forï¿½Only Ranma knows.ï¿½ He said mysteriously, looking over to
Ranma, ï¿½Now Ranmaï¿½ï¿½ he inquired, Ranma closed the case and looked up, ï¿½I want
this to be a surprise.ï¿½ Ranma smiled and nodded in understanding as he gave the
case back to Hawk, ï¿½Be one _HELL_ of a surprise though!ï¿½ he laughed. Hawk dug
into his pocket again and tossed a similar case to Ranma, who fumbled a bit in
surprise catching it. He opened it and found an exact copy of the ring contained
in it and quickly closed it again. Hawk leaned closer and whispered, ï¿½That is
for your lucky gal that you find, think of it as an early wedding present from
me to you, Sensei.ï¿½ He completed with a chuckle.
Ranma blinked and quickly dug the ring into his pocket. Hawk looked around
again, ï¿½Now where did that waitress go?ï¿½ he inquired to nothing but air,
shrugging as he got up, ï¿½Wellï¿½if they serve all their customers that way, then I
guess we can always go to someplace elseï¿½Any ideas?ï¿½ he asked to Ranma as they
walked out of the Nekohanten. A bit down the street, Ranma clicked his fingers,
ï¿½Yepï¿½follow me!ï¿½ he called out when he took off down the sidestreet.
Meanwhile, Ryoga groaned as he came to. Clasping his hand to his head, ï¿½What
the hell hit me?ï¿½ he asked to no-one in particular. He then looked at his
current surroundings, and that Ranma is not around. Growling as he got up onto
his feet, ï¿½RANMA! YOU COWARD!! YOU RAN AWAY AGAIN!!ï¿½, he yelled out has he ran
off down the wrong way down the street. ï¿½I will beat you yet!!ï¿½ he grated out as
he destroyed wall that untimely got into his way.
They pair reached Uuchanï¿½s Okinomiyaki-Ya. Ranma turned and thumbed the sign,
ï¿½This is it!ï¿½ he called out as he went inside. Shrugging his shoulders, Hawk
walked inside, then the wonderful smells attacked his nose. ï¿½Smells like a good
choice to meï¿½ï¿½ he trailed off as he spotted Ranma at one of the stools at the
counter, who also spotted him and waved him over.
Uukyo saw Ranma take a seat and someone else sit next to him, they are laughing
about something. Having completed and dished out the last of the orders for
awhile, she trotted over to them, ï¿½Hey Ran-Chan, what can I get for you and your
friend here?ï¿½ she said as she gestured to Hawk. He looked up to the menus on the
walls, looking inquisitive with his hand to his chin, ï¿½Hmmmï¿½Iï¿½ll try the Pork
Deluxe for right now.ï¿½ She quickly jotted it down on a notepad, ï¿½Ran-Chan?ï¿½ she
inquired, he was gazing at something. He started when Uukyo called him, ï¿½Uhhhhï¿½I
ï¿½ll have the same.ï¿½ He said just a little to quickly, she nodded and went to
fill there orders in. Ranma turned to Hawk and asked, ï¿½JUST where DID you get
those rings?ï¿½
ï¿½I knew this was coming, so what am I worried aboutï¿½?ï¿½ Hawk coughed, ï¿½Wellï¿½a
friend made those for me.ï¿½ Trying to keep it on subject, ï¿½A friend that I met on
an accidental side trip on the way hereï¿½to this dimension.ï¿½ Ranma raised an
eyebrow to that, ï¿½Ohï¿½thereï¿½s another universe like this one then?ï¿½ he said,
remembering the infinite universe theory that Mai briefly explained to him. Hawk
shrugged, ï¿½Yepï¿½and the good thing is that thereï¿½s only two of those made in the
entire mega-verse!ï¿½ laughing out loud, perhaps a little to loud. Uukyo caught
the tail-end of the conversation and inquired, ï¿½What two are the only ones made
in theï¿½mega-verse? Mega-Verse? What is that?ï¿½ she asked to Hawk as she gave the
two their orders. Shrugging again, then digging in his pocket, he pulled out the
ring-case, ï¿½Wellï¿½ï¿½ opening the case and handing it to her, ï¿½THAT is one of
themï¿½ï¿½ he started when she squealed as she saw the ring. She looked at Hawk
with wide eyes, ï¿½Itï¿½s GEORGEOUS!! Where did you find this?ï¿½ she asked him, ï¿½A
friend made that for meï¿½not cheaply, mind you.ï¿½ Pointing his index finger into
the air.
Uukyo closed the case and handed it back to Hawk, ï¿½Soï¿½who the lucky girl,
hmmm?ï¿½ said with a beaming smile. Pointing his finger in the air again, but
with a twist, ï¿½THAT, my dearï¿½Is my little secret, but will be revealed at the
proper time. Alsoï¿½*PLEASE*, please keep the knowledge about this ring to
yourself.ï¿½ He dodged any further inquiries by digging into his okonamiyaki with
gusto. The exasperated Uukyo shrugged, ï¿½Suit yourself, suger.ï¿½ She said as she
turned to fill out more orders to the other customers.

Meanwhile, Ranko, out on a search for her brother, walked into Uuchanï¿½s. She
saw him at the counter, sitting next to someone that she thought she recognized.
She sighed sadly and walked up behind Ranma, putting her hand on his shoulder,
ï¿½Hey Ranma!ï¿½ she called out to him. He turned around with a start and with a
piece of okinomiyaki hanging out of his mouth. She giggled when he stuck the
rest of it into his mouth and swallowed it, ï¿½Hey, Ranko-Chan! Whatï¿½s up?ï¿½ he
asked. She closed her eyes and bapped him upside the head, ï¿½Baka! We are
supposed to go to Momï¿½s house and say ï¿½Helloï¿½!! Remember??ï¿½ he groaned as he hit
his head on the counter, ï¿½Damnï¿½how could I forget?!?!ï¿½ he yelled to no-one in
the ceiling above him.
Finishing his lunch, Hawk turned around to see Ranma get slapped upside his
head. Leaning on the counter with his elbows, fingering his helm up, ï¿½I think it
is a great idea, Ranko-chan!ï¿½ he called out to her with a smirk on his face.
Ranko looked up to who called her, eyes widening for since she recognized the
voice. ï¿½Itï¿½s him!!ï¿½ she thought as she jumped into his lap, hugging him tightly,
ï¿½Youï¿½re back!ï¿½ she cried out to him, face buried in his chest. He curled his
arms lovingly around her, ï¿½Yep, Iï¿½m back, and Iï¿½m here to stayï¿½at least for a
few years.ï¿½ He finished off saying, not bothering to cover his excitement of
that fact.
Not able to keep her tears from flowing, she kissed him, rather hard-like,
producing howls from the crowd in the shop. After a few minutes, she reluctantly
let him go. Hawk wiped the tears from under her eyes, ï¿½There, there. This time I
donï¿½t have any previous engagements to take me away from you, in fact, I am
actually thinking about retiring.ï¿½ He finished with his hands on her upper-arms,
going down to her hands, ï¿½Now Iï¿½ll pay the bill here and then we can go and say
ï¿½Hiï¿½ to your Mom, OK?ï¿½ she nodded affirmative. He dished out a couple 1000 yen
bills from his pocket and gave them to a very stunned Uukyo, ï¿½Keep the change,
Uukyo.ï¿½ He stated as he got up and walked out of the shop, hand in hand with
Ranko and with Ranma trailing not too far behind.
Still with the bills in her hand, ï¿½Wowï¿½I wonder what their story isï¿½ï¿½ she
thought as she rang the register to put the money away.
During their walk to the train-station, Ranko eventually looked up to Hawk and
asked, ï¿½So how did you get here so quickly anyway?ï¿½ Looking thoughtful for a
moment, Hawk looked down to Ranko, ï¿½A friend help me rebuild my Dimensional Jump
drive on my ship so that there is controllable time dilation between dimensions.
Exactly how he did that, I have no ideaï¿½ï¿½ shrugging his shoulders, ï¿½ï¿½even Max
hasnï¿½t quite figured it out yet, but is trying to while we are talking!ï¿½ he
finished with a laugh. He felt Ranko-chan squeeze a little tighter, he looked
down toward her again, ï¿½Weï¿½re here.ï¿½ She stated flatly, pointing to the sign in
front of them. ï¿½Kewl!ï¿½, the guys chorused, she rolled her eyes and dragged Hawk
into the station.
They got into line for the tickets they need. Hawk noticed Ranma digging into
his pockets for money. Hawk raised his hand, ï¿½No need to, Ranma. My treat.ï¿½ He
completed with no small amount of flourish as he went into his own pocket to
bring out a rather sizable wad of 10,000 yen bills. Ranma whistled at the sight,
ï¿½Remind me to ask you for cash instead of Nabiki!ï¿½ Chuckling at the thought,
Hawk paid for three tickets to the other side of Tokyo, ï¿½At least I wonï¿½t charge
an arm and a leg in interest!ï¿½ he said as he clapped Ranma shoulder, who also
laughed at the thought.
The train arrived a few minutes later, the ride was totally uneventful during
it.

They got off the train, Hawk with Ranko on his shoulders, ï¿½You take it from
here, Ranma. I have NO idea where the hell to go from here.ï¿½ He said with a
gesture to the expanse of roads in front of them. Ranma chuckled as he started
off, ï¿½Thank GOD I donï¿½t have the sense of direction like someone else we know!ï¿½
Ranko and Hawk howled in laughter when they quickly figured out who he was
talking about, ï¿½Disaway!ï¿½ Ranma said as he ran off pointing in front of him.
* * * * * * * * *
Nadoka Soatome sighed as she flipped through the family photo album, ï¿½I wonder
where they are right nowï¿½ï¿½ she thought to herself, sighing again as she closed
the album, ï¿½Most likely off on another training trip again. It has been too long
Genma dear, bring my son home to me!ï¿½ A tear ran down her cheek, ï¿½Maybe this
time I will see them at the Tendosï¿½ï¿½ she thought as she gathered her things for
yet another trip to the Tendo home, hoping to meet her husband and son, complete
with the family katana.
* * * * * * * * *

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E-mail: knight_hawke@glblnet.com
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