Because....after some days, I haven't gotten any repliles, I'm forced to
post this AGAIN....and make myself public by...talking to everyone.
*shudders*
Hi.
Note #1: Please, if you want to respond to me privately, send your messages
to
anoanime@hotmail.com .
Note #2: I don't really care for spelling mistakes. Grammar, okay.
^_^;...but I really don't care. You don't have to point them out if you
don't want to.
Note #3: What I do care for, is flaming. Bring it on...I need it.
I haven't gotten a comment in three years....so here I am on the FFML, ready
for you dogs to pick at me with your rotten teeth.
Disclaimer:........well DUH. You all know the drill.
AnoAnime.Com
http://cafe-lain.net/AnoAnime.Com
Copyright 2000...whatever.
_________________________________
CUPID:::PASSAGES
So begins an epic tale...
Where a single being shall affect the lives of the many,
And warp the landscape of the planet called Earth.
He shall do his deeds, and learn lessons that will expand his intelligence
twenty-fold.
One lesson is that...
Humans are difficult to deal with.
Part 1: Honorbound
Two men float between the dimly lit sky and the black borders of space,
overlooking the surface of the earth. The men look and dress considerably
different from one another, with the most noticeable difference being their
height and age. One is a silver-haired man, towering at 6'7. The boy is
dwarfed by him, measuring at a mere 5'4.
Oh, and by the way?
The smaller guy looks like Ranma. ^_^
The silver-haired man looks impatiently to the kid, his face knotting
together to emphasize the emotion.
Man: Neal...
The kid, Neal, turns to the other, giving him a frustrated look.
Neal: Yes, Serinus?
You could say that Neal didn't really address the older man, Serinus,
with the tone of respect you and I are used to. Rather, he regards him
with an almost resentful tone. Serinus sees this, but gives no retort.
He ignores it instead, and gives a simple reply.
Serinus: Yeah.
Yeah indeed. Neal is somewhat perplexed by the meaning of "yeah,"
searching for that hidden message. Serinus grimaces to himself, as
there is none. He simply enjoys the tormenting of his pupil.
Serinus: I'd just like to ask you, boy. Are you ready?
Neal's brow goes narrow and firm, forming a V-shaped unibrow. Other
than that expression, however, he stays as he is, staring down at the
earth with no emotion at all.
Neal: Don't call me boy. But yeah, I'm ready. The years of training
ought to keep me in check.
Serinus: Those little "exercises" were just that, exercises. The REAL
training begins here with your assignment.
With the wave of his hand, Serinus produces a modern plastic clipboard
with a list of names on it. He offers it to Neal, who takes it swiftly.
Serinus: These are the names of the last men available to pair with
their respective destined. Please choose quickly.
Neal: Right, right.
Neal skims down the list of male names, flipping through page by page,
muttering each name quickly. One in particular catches his attention.
A Japanese male, it seems, with the name of a man, but strangely, it
could be the name of a woman. Satisfied with how the name caught his
eye, he chooses, pointing at it with his pinky finger.
Neal: That one. Saotome Ranma.
At once, Serinus smirks. That's a bad sign to Neal, who doesn't know
precisely what's running through the older man's head.
Serinus: Saotome Ranma. That is a VERY interesting male.
Neal: Because?
Serinus: Well for one thing, he looks surprisingly similar to you.
Neal: So you mean he's handsome.
Serinus: I mean he looks surprisingly similar to you.
Neal produces no retort as Serinus takes the clipboard away from him and
taps it briefly with the butt of his fist. Like magic, the contents of
the clipboard, from a list of names, to a detailed dossier explaining the
history of events surrounding this Saotome Ranma. Included is a picture
of both his male side, AND female side.
Neal: Why are there two pictures?
Serinus: All the more interesting for you, when you actually find out.
At that, Serinus disappears with an undramatic flash of light. Neal
blinks four and a half times before looking at the clipboard, which
is surprisingly now in his hands. At the same time, he plummets, falling
to the earth with an artificial momentum produced only by something with
an extraordinary, almost God-like power.
*****
Throughout life, Saotomes Ranma and Genma have always been heavy
sleepers. The weight of their snoring told most of the story behind
that. Today is no different, either. Both men, warm and comfy under
their covers, snooze peacefully with no distractions, save for the soft
chirping songs of spring birds. And even they provide no kind of
diversion to their pleasant slumber.
However, Saotome Nodoka is no mere bird.
Donning an apron over her traditional kimono, she busts into the room
with the face of the nagging mother. She knocks on the side of the wall,
producing a rapping sound meant to bring a rise to her two boys. But
she brings nothing.
Nodoka: Wake up!
Her cries have no effect either, so she reverts to her second plan.
From behind her, she picks up a pail of cool bath water with both hands.
She swings forward, with bucket in hand, splashing its contents upon the
unsuspecting males, and she steps back to see the results...
At once, woman and panda rise from their beds, battle ready. Both seem
to magnitize towards one another, and clash in a furious exchange of
blows. Nodoka only turns away, leaving.
Nodoka: Good morning, boys.
*****
Neal: Whoa doggie...
At this point, Neal has stopped his descent, as his attentions have
diverted from flying earth-bound, to reading the contents of Ranma's
dossier.
Neal: An Asian curse, to turn into a woman when splashed with cold
water...? I chose a very...interesting character.
Neal reads on, examining the details of Ranma's proficiency with the
martial arts, and previous major fights and battles he has had. Like
anyone who would read about the accomplishments, Neal was impressed by
his record. But like anyone who would read the personality profile
that followed his physical characteristics, he was a little displeased.
Neal: He has four alleged fianc�es?
He reads on...
Neal: He has MEN in love with his female body?
He reads on...
Neal: He has psychological problems?
He reads on...
Neal: This is too much stuff to worry about. No wonder Serinus bugged
me about him.
*****
Nabiki, age seventeen, exits the bathroom fully clothed in her school
outfit. She's still tired despite the bath, and nearly misses the first
step on the staircase. She erks, hoping that no one saw her, and to
her luck, no one has. Nabiki walks down slowly as to avoid another
incident, then to the dining room. She hastily sits on her usual seat,
and glances out to the yard, where there is not even the faintest sound.
The girl takes no notice of surprise. Even when she suddenly hears the
screams of Onna Ranma and her father, the shattering of glass, the
tumblous entrance they make into the yard, and the smacks and pounds of
fighting, she still takes no notice of surprise.
Nabiki: Kasumi, is breakfast ready?
Kasumi: Not yet, but I'll hurry!
Nabiki: Thank you.
*****
Neal: Wow...
Neal, who is now drifting towards earth, is looking at the picture of
Tendo Akane.
Neal: She looks like her...wow.
An almost blissful feeling comes over Neal, who grins to himself.
Neal: What a cutie, hehe. But erm...I ought to focus...focus!
Strange thoughts fill the young boy's head, causing him to lost his
concentration. Instead of his normal hovering, he begins to stagger
about in his descent speed, weaving from left to right, reflecting the
effect one little picture has put onto him...
*****
Women like Tendo Kasumi run as rare as...something EXTREMELY rare.
Sweet, innocent, and motherly, it's difficult to not see her as the
perfect example of the ultimate mother. But you also find it not
difficult to not see that there may be a jagged agenda under that smooth
exterior.
In this case, there isn't. ^_^
Kasumi: Breakfast is ready, everyone!
Her sweet voice rings like the food bell. The household members roll
in from all sides, including the now humanoid Ranma and Genma.
Genma: Such a beautiful breakfast! Such a beautiful day!
Ranma: Psh. You're not going to school.
Genma gives no reply, as his mouth is full of rice and sauce. Ranma
shakes his head, and returns to his own breakfast.
Kasumi: Saotome-san is right. It is a very clear, sunny day.
Nabiki comments at Kasumi's statement, a little perplexed.
Nabiki: Yesterday, the weatherman said that it would be cloudy all
week, and now it's sunny?
Soun: It is a little odd...
Genma: Hah!
Genma is obviously skeptical of Soun's speculation.
Genma: Of course, this is a sign of the gods, that this is an especially
wonderful day!
Ranma: Mmph.
*****
Neal: Aw, crap!
Neal zooms down, trailing after the clipboard he just dropped. It's
only a few moments until he catches up with it and retrieves it. He
examines its contents to be sure that he hasn't dropped anything, and
after verifying that everything is in order, he restarts his gradual
descent.
Neal: Phew...ack!
Neal wraps his arms around the clipboard with both hands as he drops
again, squinting his eyes as a commercial plane zooms by. Once it
passes, he sighs to himself with relief and stupidity.
Neal: I can't believe I didn't hear that coming...
*****
On the way to school is where Ranma, Akane and Nabiki go. Following
the concrete road...following the concrete road...
Anyway, things seem to be quiet between the three of them. Akane,
being the impatient person she is, takes the initiative.
Akane: We're being a little quiet this morning, aren't we?
Nabiki, with her ever-calculating mind, slows her thoughts to a minimum
as to be able to converse with her less-taciturn sister.
Nabiki: Sorry, I'm thinking about a deal I'd like to make.
Ranma: About a few certain pictures, I'm thinking?
Nabiki smiles, as Ranma ALMOST got the idea...
Nabiki: But this is an entirely different thing, my dear Ranma. It
has nothing to do with you, this time.
Ranma: Well good.
Silence dominates once again, much to Akane's displeasure. Her
impatience gets the best of her, and her mood shifts.
Akane: Is there something wrong, Ranma? Did I say something to you to
make you all quiet all of a sudden?
Ranma, from his point on the fence, nearly loses a fraction of his
concentration from her question. He simply gives her a faraway and
uncaring look.
Ranma: What do you care?
Signal. Nabiki glances at Akane as she looks at Ranma. She blinks once,
and the image seems to change. Now Akane is in a stance that suggests
that she just uppercut Ranma to the new year. She is still not surprised.
Nabiki: Psh.
*****
Neal: Hmm...
Neal still continues his descent, carefully studying the little details
he has on Saotome Ranma.
Neal: Lives with his destined, hm? That's fortunate.
He trails off, losing attention and yawning aloud. While he no longer
pays attention to the dossier, an object does catch his eye.
Neal: What the hell?
Neal peers downward, at a stray object hurling at his direction with an
immense speed.
Neal: Looks like...a lost comet, or, or Superman, or an ICBM? Oh my.
Neal ponders for several more moments. Unfortunately, those moments are
enough for the object to crash into him with a loud thud. At once, Neal
blacks out, falling toward the earth along with his "attacker," Ranma.
Ranma: Uh? Of all times, I hit something WHILE I'm in the air...huh?
Ranma twitches, looking at the boy falling who bears an incredibly
resemblance to him. It only takes a moment for him to distinguish the
small differences between them. For one, the kid looks a tad younger
than him, and has a dark bluish instead of black hair. The oddest thing
is that the kid's clothes are greatly similar to his, save for the color.
They match the scheme of a school outfit more than a martial arts uniform.
Despite the questions filling Ranma's mind, first thing's first. The
ground comes before anything else. Ranma takes Neal under his arm, and,
looking down, he braces for the landing.
Splash! Fortunately, they landed straight into the pool of Furinkan
high. Onna-Ranma rises to the surface, with Neal's still limp body in
tow. With a heave-ho, she hoists Neal's body out of the pool, and she
herself gets out.
Onna-Ranma: Hmm...
Now's the time for questions, but Neal's unconscious, so Ranma's kinda in
a bind. School's going to start pretty soon, and she hasn't confronted
Kuno yet, but her curiousity for the strange boy she crashed into took
the best of her conscience. Kneeling over at Neal's side, Ranma pokes
his cheek curiously, attempting to revive him.
Onna-Ranma: Hey...hey! Wake up!
While Neal resembles Ranma physically, he does not when it comes to
sleeping habits. The younger kid's eyes flutter open to see the face
of Onna Ranma. He eeps in short surprise, much to her growing curiousity.
Neal: You're um, what's-her-face...erm, what's-his-face...
Onna-Ranma: Huh?
Neal: Ranma. That's his name...I mean, YOUR name.
Neal sits upright, looking down to see that he still has his clipboard
clutched close to his chest. He sighs with relief.
Onna-Ranma: Is that you...Tsubasa?
Neal: Su-what?
Onna-Ranma: Nevermind...
Onna-Ranma's curiousity peaks. Instead of kneeling, she sits cross-
legged, facing the boy.
Onna-Ranma: Who are you, then?
Neal: My name is...
Onna-Ranma: What?
Neal: My name is...
Onna-Ranma: Who?
Neal: My name is...
Onna-Ranma: ...
Neal: Neal.
Onna-Ranma: You don't look like a "Neal."
Neal: You don't look like a "Ranma," but that IS your name, right?
Ranma starts to get a little suspicious. Who is this guy who fell from
the sky, looks like his manly side, AND knows his name? Nonetheless,
Onna-Ranma explains to Neal.
Onna-Ranma: Yeah, I'm Ranma, but you see...
Neal raises a palm to the girl, signaling her to stop.
Neal: I know that.
Onna-Ranma: ...what DON'T you know?
Neal: Lots.
I must be going nuts, Ranma thinks to herself. She removes her pack,
and opens it up to grab at her thermos-full of warm water, saved
especially for "strange occasions." She upheaves it, splashing her
way into manhood. Placing the thermos back in his sack, he stands,
preparing to leave.
Ranma: You all right?
Neal: Yep.
Ranma: Well uh...Neal, I have to get to school now. Don't you go to
school?
Neal: Um...not yet.
Ranma: All right. I guess...I'll talk to you again, sometime?
Neal: Count on it.
Ranma departs, leaving the damp but otherwise contented boy to do as he
pleases...
*****
Kuno: Saotome Ranma...
The morning duel between him and Ranma has become a ritual between these
past months. Every school day, he waits at the school dates for Ranma
to come. They fight, he is smited, and the process repeats. However
today, Ranma does not come...
So Lord Kuno declares a premature victory.
Kuno: Oh Saotome! To think that an ogre such as you should so much
as tremble for me so much so, that you come not? The Blue Thunder
must have stricken thee! For you, with your prowess with the art,
must have fallen ill! And this brings a clear merit to myself by
default! Hah!
In the far distance, he can clearly see the girls Nabiki and Akane
approach.
Kuno: And now...for my prize...the noble and beautiful Tendo Akane...
He sighs, leaving his arms outstretched in a gleeful cheer. It does
not, however, leave him disabled to not see Neal walk past him from
behind, appearing to be leaving the school. In an instant, Kuno's
mood goes sour, and he glares at the back of his head with a resentful
hate.
Kuno: SAOTOME!!!
Neal keeps going, concentrating more on the map of Nerima rather than
the calling of a name that is not his. Kuno nearly goes mad with the
mockery.
Kuno: Scoundrel!? You do not face me, pig?
This time, Neal turns to look at Kuno, seeing not the Blue Thunder, but
one who is dressed as if he were a guard of some sort. The glance he
took was more like taking notice of the honking of a horn than an
insult to his ego. He turns back, moving on.
Kuno: Eaaagh! You will NOT turn away from me, pig! We shall duel,
as we have through all days, as we shall through all days!
Neal turns once again.
Neal: Eh?
Kuno: You, moron! You, Saotome!
NOW it hits him. I guess this is another reason why Serinus smirked at
Saotome being his client. Situations like this were bound to happen.
So what does Neal do? He plays along.
Neal: So um...what's your name?
Kuno is taken aback. My name, he thinks. My name?
Kuno: My name?! My name is...
Neal: Hm...?
Kuno: My name is...
Neal: Wha?
Kuno: My name is...
Neal: Er...
Kuno: My name is, to you, fiend, the great bolt of justice of Furinkan
High, the "Blue Thunder," Kuno Tatewaki!
Neal: I'll um, try to remember that.
Kuno stands ready, unsheathing his bokken from...somewhere, and
brandishing it before Neal, presenting it mere centimenters from his
forehead.
Kuno: Now, knave...you shall duel, and feel the bite of my blade!
Neal: But...it's made of wood!
Kuno's face turns almost sane, in order to reply to Neal's remark.
Kuno: Dear sorcerer, the comparison of a bokken to a traditional
samurai sword is mainly in the composition of the blade itself.
Despite the contrast of steel to wood, a blade is a blade.
Neal: I'll take note of that...weirdo.
Throwing his sanity out, Kuno pulls back and strikes with quick but
furious swings at Neal's neck. The emotionless child reels back with
little effort, avoiding each swing well ahead of time. However, he
makes no attack of his own. What would Saotome do, he thinks.
Around the two of them, a small crowd gathers to watch. Normally, the
fight goes so quickly that no one is really able to make a story of it.
This time, however, with Neal/Ranma keeping on the defensive side,
they're able to have a show. Included in the crowd is Nabiki and Akane,
who have just arrived.
Nabiki: That's...
Akane: Ranma?
Both sisters look at each other with disbelief. Then they look back at
the fight with increased interest.
Kuno growls with frustration, having not landed a hit despite his hours
of prior training. The landscape around them is torn and ripped by the
swings of Kuno's bokken, and it catches Neal's impression.
Neal: Not bad.
Kuno: How dare you...
Kuno fakes a jump, only raising his body to build momentum. While he
does this, he swings the bokken in a wide arc above his head, and when
his body weight focuses back down on the ground, he swings downward
with a silently powerful force. Neal, who missed the feint, lacks the
momentum to strafe to the side, so instead, he catches the bokken with
his bare hands, gripping it between his palms.
Gasps are what follow that amazing spectacle. Of all things Ranma would
usually do to Kuno, he would NEVER block. He would dodge, counter, or
parry, but never, ever block. Raw defense is not the way to deal with
Kuno, and Ranma knew it.
Neal didn't.
And to add to the unbelievable phenomenon, he twists his wrist forcefully,
overwhelming the density of the compressed wooden blade, and snapping it
into toothpicks of its former glory.
Now this was a little too much. People begin to back away from the
"fight," not wanting to see what happens next. But they are given no
reprieve, for as quickly as Neal disabled Kuno, he takes the older man's
arm and pulls across, holding his stomach with his free hand, and
flinging him into the air, out of sight, and out of the schoolyard.
Now things go quiet. Everyone is looking at Ranma, who seemingly has
even more strength and endurance than they ever have thought. Akane,
instead of being impressed, becomes a little concerned about the change
in Ranma, but most notably...
Akane: What happened to your clothes?
Neal looks at Akane strangely, as if she looks a little familiar.
But he shakes his head and answers.
Neal: Nothin.
Akane: What'd you do, get dirty or something?
Neal: No...
Akane: The hell's wrong with you, Ranma?
Neal: You're...Akane, right?
Akane's brow raises. Maybe I hit him too hard, she thinks.
Akane: Of course I'm A-ka-ne, you idiot! Not snap out of it!
Akane walks to Neal, looking at him eye to eye...
And then she realizes...
Akane: ...aren't you supposed to be taller than me?
Neal: Err...
Akane further examines the boy before her, who is clearly NOT Ranma.
The faint tint of blue in his hair, the lack of a pigtail, his different
clothes, and his slightly smaller frame is what sets her off totally.
Akane: You're not Ranma at all, are you?
Neal: Err...
Whether it's skilled martial artists like Ranma, powerful beasts, or
super-beings, they're still no match for the fists of blind justice...
VERY blind justice. Neal is sent sprawling to the horizon in a flash,
with the boost of Akane's powered fist. At once, the crowd disperses,
leaving Akane and Nabiki alone in the courtyard.
Nabiki: Real good. We could have at least found out who he was, first.
Akane: Whatever. I wonder where the real Ranma is right now?
*****
Ranma: Zzz...
Ah, the great golem calls...
Inside the classroom, Ranma dozes away at his desk, snoozing peacefully
in wait for class to begin. Akane walks in and looks with surprise that
he's actually there, and has slept through the fight.
Akane: Ranma.
Akane sighs, a little frustrated because she actually worried about
where Ranma was. She walks to his desk, and promptly slams her fist
on the wooden plank where Ranma snoozes. He snaps awake in surprise
and flutters his weary eyes at Akane.
Ranma: Mm..wha?
Akane slams the table again with both open palms, leaning over it to
face him.
Akane: Idiot! Were you here all this time?
Ranma: Well yeah?
Her frustration grows. She growls lowly, glaring at Ranma.
Akane: There's some guy posing like you, and he just beat Kuno senseless!
Now Ranma goes totally conscious, looking thoughtfully out the window.
Ranma: ...oh. So that's what I forgot.
Akane: Moron! Aren't you worried about that guy? He TOTALLY pummeled
Kuno! Heck, he snapped his bokken with his bare hands! And that was
WHILE he was swinging!
Ranma: And he looked like me?
Akane: Yes! Didn't I say that before?!
Ranma: Yea, well um, I guess it was that one guy.
Akane's brow rises with curiousity.
Akane: "That one guy?"
Ranma: Uh huh. You see...
*****
-Tendo Dojo-
While the kids are at school, the Dojo tends to be a very quiet place.
It's the good quiet, where the loudest sound would be a passing car,
and things as such. Kasumi is in the front yard, sweeping away a few
fallen leaves. Indeed, when the kids are gone, things are very peaceful.
Here comes a kid.
The distant trace of a scream is heard, and Kasumi takes notice. She
ceases her brooming to listen the sound approach, and she looks as to
where it might be. Finally, she looks up, watching the form of Neal
land, or crash, right in front of her. A cloud of dust and smoke kicks
up, bringing the older woman to close her eyes and cough a few times.
When the smoke clears, she looks to see Neal, and she blinks.
Kasumi: Ranma...? Why are you home?
Neal rises, coughing up dust and brushing his clothes clean. Kasumi
observes him with a kind of scrutinizing look, and makes a discovery.
Her eyes widen slightly, and her mouth makes an O shape.
Kasumi: You're...not Ranma.
Neal shakes his head, and he immediately turns away, pulling out his
map and taking a look.
Neal: I'm sorry, Miss.
This definitely isn't Ranma, Kasumi thinks. She walks forward a few
steps, looking at the smaller boy's shoulder, and at the map of Nerima.
Kasumi: Are you...looking for something?
Neal: Uh huh.
Kasumi gives him that good ol "Kasumi smile," with her eyes closed and
giving a friendly smile.
Kasumi: Maybe I can help you out?
Neal turns to her, a little surprised at this hospititality she's showing.
Neal: Sure. I'm looking for this.
Neal presents the map, pointing at the location of the Tendo Dojo.
Kasumi's smile grows ever brighter, and she pulls the map down to look
at him.
Kasumi: If you're looking for the Tendo Dojo, then you've found it.
Neal blinks, a little surprised at his luck.
Kasumi: Welcome. I'm Tendo Kasumi.
-Inside-
Kasumi: So you've met my other sisters?
Neal: I've met Akane, yeah...well, Akane's fist.
The two sit in the dining area. Neal has been served tea, and he has
already drank half his cup. While the adults of the household are out,
the two are left alone to chat.
Kasumi: Akane does tend to be a little pre-emptive in her judgement
of people.
Neal: No kiddin.
Kasumi takes a short sip of tea, then changes the direction of their
conversation.
Kasumi: So what brings you to come to your home, Neal?
Neal: I was just going to pass by. I didn't really expect to come
inside.
Kasumi: Mhm...by the way, what is your family name?
Neal: My...family name?
Kasumi: Yes.
People like him tend to NOT have "family names..."
Neal: I...don't have one.
Kasumi: Why is that?
Neal: Because...I wasn't told what it was.
Kasumi is a little speechless about that, having been told that this
child has no last name.
Kasumi: Um...
The grinding of the sliding doors is heard nearby. Kasumi, while
keeping her gaze to the boy, calls out to the adults.
Kasumi: Father, I'm here!
In the distance, Soun speaks..
Soun: We're home!
The shuffling of feet is heard, and the adults: Soun, Genma and Nodoka,
walk into the dining area. All three look at Neal, and have an
immediate reaction.
Soun: Ranma?
Nodoka: Ranma! You should be at school!
Genma: I've told you, boy, if I had to, I'd BEAT Geometry into you!!!
Neal: Ahh....
Kasumi turns to Neal's defense, attempting to calm the older people.
Kasumi: Please, this isn't Ranma! He's Neal, a guest.
It's a little weird, but a little understandable that the words of Kasumi
are truth. The adults immediately consent to her statement.
Soun: Not Ranma?
Genma: I'll admit, this boy DOES look a lot like our boy.
Nodoka: What's your name again, child?
Neal: Neal...
Kasumi: He has no family name.
Genma: No name? A boy with no family...
Neal: Uh...
Soun: Where're you staying, son?
Neal: I don't know, yet. Probably a hotel or something.
At once, all four of the household members hum in contemplation...
All: I have a question...
Neal: ...
Boy-oh-boy...here it goes. Now that a suspicious character has entered
their lives, the Tendo-Saotome Alliance must take proper precautions,
and ask as many questions about this person while they still can...
Neal: ...great.
Firstly, there was his reason for being in Nerima.
Neal: You know how those traveling martial artists go, right? I'm one
of them, but I've decided to settle down here. I've heard that Saotome
lives here, who's supposed to be a really great martial artist. I've
heard a lot about him. And I heard a lot of other pretty good martial
artists live here, too. I know this is all worthless praise, but yeah.
I think Nerima is a really interesting place to live in, as there's no
town like this on the globe.
Then, there were things about Ranma...
Neal: No, I've NEVER met Ranma until this morning.
Neal: No, I'm not attracted to his female body. That's kinda...nasty.
Neal: No, I'm not stalking him, either!
Then, there were things about Akane...
Neal: Well she looks like a friend of mine, but no...never met her
before. I met her fist, though!
Neal: Do I want to marry her?! I'm not exactly OLD, you know.
And, the miscellaneous stuff.
Neal: Why did you just splash me with cold water...? Oh. Hey!
Neal: Who's Ryoga?
Neal: That school guard? I um...broke him.
Then finally, after two hours, the last few questions were asked and
answered.
Neal: I don't THINK I'm weird.
And so, after careful analysis, the three adults reach a conclusion about
this boy, who has come into their lives so unexpectedly.
Soun: You're...normal.
Neal: Huh?
Genma: Our lives have been very strange. It would be a little nicer to
have a slightly more sane person living in our house.
Neal: ...
Soun: The weather has changed for the better, and now you have blessed us
with your sober existence. This really is a good sign of the gods.
Neal: ...
Nodoka: We would be grateful to have you live in this home with our
extended family.
Neal: ...um...I'm this important?
Genma: You are a very rare person to find in this small town.
Neal: I'm just a kid...
Soun: Besides, living alone isn't a very healthy thing for a boy as
young as yourself to do.
Neal: I suppose you're right.
Soun: And the nearest hotel is downtown. You wouldn't be able to handle
the commute from there to Furinkan.
Genma: We insist that you stay. Maybe you'll teach my boy some manners.
Maybe, Neal thinks. He also thinks of the possibilities that open up
with living with his client. He finally submits.
Neal: All right. I'll stay.
Soun: Wonderful!
Neal: But I have insist on paying you for lodging.
Soun and Genma's eyes brighten with Yen signs. MONEY!
Soun and Genma: MONEY!
They begin dancing gleefully, hopping up and down with the excitement
of crazed, starving monkeys.
Soun: At long last, Saotome...
Genma: Stable Income!
*****
Neal: Hmm...
Neal is now standing before his new "room," just built by the adult
males. He had to admit, it was a fine piece of structure. He opens
and closes the door, testing its stableness just in case of something
happening, but nothing happens. A sturdy building, indeed. A sum of
the money he gave to the men was used for materials for the room, but
it's very well invested. Convenient for him, the room is built at the
side of the dojo, which is close to the house, yet far enough for him
to work on plans.
But now is the time to get situated. School's out, and it's time for
the Ranma, Akane and Nabiki to come home. Neal calmly sits, leaning
on the side of his room, making mental preparations for their arrival.
Arrival comes all too soon, however. As Neal sits in silent
contemplation, Ranma suddenly enters the scene, of course, from the
air. He makes a splash-down right into the koi pond, surprising Neal
with a nice splash of water.
Neal: Hey! Hi there!
Onna-Ranma does a "Swamp-Thing," rising from the pond with a dark,
emotionless stance. But upon looking at Neal, she blinks, surprised.
Onna-Ranma: Neal? What're you doing here?
Neal: I live here!
He smiles, much to Ranma's surprise. She runs a hand through her hair,
then shakes her head to get some of the water off.
Onna-Ranma: So you live here, all of a sudden? How come?
Neal: Mostly your family. They got all curious about me and asked me
all these weird questions.
Onna-Ranma: Typical.
Neal: Yeah, so um, where's your fiancee?
Onna-Ranma: Akane? Oh, she'll be home in a minute or two. She didn't
hit me very hard, this time.
Neal helps Onna-Ranma up to her feet. Neal watches her curiously as
she dusts herself off, not to mention squeezing a bit of water from
her shirt.
Neal: Your parents told me a lot about you and your girl, Akane-
Onna-Ranma: She's NOT "my girl."
Neal: ...yeah. Well why do you put up with this, then? How come
you're just getting your ass floored from school and back?
Onna-Ranma: I guess YOU wouldn't understand that it's a family thing.
Neal: I guess not. I don't have a family.
Onna-Ranma: ...?
As an interruption, Akane enters the scene through the back door.
She looks over at the two images of Ranma, and doubles over in surprise.
Akane: R...Ranma?
Onna-Ranma: Yo.
Neal: Oy.
Akane fumes with anger, now realizing that the male Ranma she sees
before is NOT Ranma, but Neal. She stalks to him, stomping her feet
with each step. The wind picks up, blowing her school uniform a bit
away, but she takes no notice. And that especially emphasizes that she's
still a tad angry.
Akane: Who the hell are you?
Neal: Um...
Neal begins to feel a need to just ignore her. To him, dealing with an
angry woman is like talking to a falling wall. He turns to Onna-Ranma
instead, speaking to him briefly.
Neal: It's honor, right, Ranma?
Onna-Ranma: Huh?
Neal: The reason why you're still engaged.
Akane's face turns from stern to sterile. Her features slack with a
lifeless aura upon the change to such a sensitive and "final" topic.
Akane: What're you two talking...-
Neal: You're still engaged to her because you have to keep your honor...?
Onna-Ranma: Yeah...why?
Neal: I wish to challenge you, Saotome Ranma.
*****
The stage is set inside the Tendo/Saotome Dojo. Excluding Happosai, the
members of the household gather around the interior to watch the coming
battle...
Except for the Tendo/Saotome fathers, who play shogi.
Genma: How could we have been so wrong, Tendo? We could have sworn
that the boy was normal...
Soun: We should have known better...
Soun makes a single move, then closes his eyes in contemplation.
Soun: He looks like the boy...I should have expected no less.
Genma: What?!
Nabiki shoots glances between Ranma and Neal, still perplexed by this
phenomenon. Neal takes a bit of notice, and looks at the Tendo girl.
Neal: Yeeeees?
Nabiki: Erm...nothing.
Ranma and Neal both face each other in the center of the dojo. Neal
points to Ranma with a quick gesture, to state his demands.
Neal: Saotome Ranma, with you honor at stake, you must accept my
challege.
Ranma, being well-accustomed to the art of the challenge, replies in
kind.
Ranma: The terms are...?
Neal: The terms...are that should I win, you will marry Tendo Akane
TONIGHT.
A low whistle is heard shortly after Neal's words are spoken. However,
it isn't any normal kind of whistle. It's the cliche "shock whistle."
But Genma laughs aloud as he gets up off his feet to jokingly slap Neal's
back.
Genma: I'm pretty sure you have things mixed up here! Because you see
now, these duels are made so that you, the contender, wants Akane to
marry HIM, and NOT Ranma.
Nabiki: He must have worded the challenge wrong, the dunce.
Neal grumbles. The once defiant stance he had has now been broken; no
one's taking him seriously anymore.
Neal: Aw cmon! I'm serious! If I win, the two of you marry, and have
sex, and everything!
Now the room goes deathly silent. Ranma looks at Neal as if he just
made a big fart.
Ranma: You can't be serious! This must be some stupid joke...!
Neal: It's not a joke!
Akane: Why the HELL would you make this kind of challenge?
Neal: ...because of honor.
There is silence again. Neal starts to get a little nervous...
Neal: That wasn't a good reason huh? WelL WHO CARES about the reason!
I'm making a challenge, so accept it!
Ranma: All right, I will! I accept your challenge, even if it is a
dumb one!
Ranma pulls his leg back, developing a back stance. His hands raise in
a defensive position, and his focus turns to Neal. This is an occurance
that has come to Akane's dismay, however.
Akane: You idiot! You don't even know what kind of fight you're getting
into! What if you lose?
Ranma: And how could that happen?
Neal: Easily.
Neal straightens his backfully, keeping himself upright and erect.
He raises a fist sideways towards Ranma, and his hand glows a dark
grey haze of ki. It is obviously noticed by Ranma
Ranma: What the...what the heck is that?
Nodoka: It's a very powerful ki attack! Watch out, Ranma!
Neal: ....
Ranma: ....
Ranma quickly crouches and hops to the side, making an effort to
strafe from the wide range Neal has on his attack. Keeping his guard
up, and his eyes on the smaller foe, Ranma stays on the move, using
some stealth in his step to throw Neal off track...
Neal: ....
Neal watches Ranma nearly turn into a blur in his movement. He squints
his eyes, darting them from left to right to try and catch a quick
glimpse...a single shadow...anything...
Ranma: Hah!
Neal turns a bit to his left, directing his hand along with him in a
position just perfect to where Ranma suddenly appears, ready to strike.
Ranma's eyes widen with both surprise and anger to himself. All this
happening in an instant, Neal blows through, releasing the concentrated
blast point-blank at Ranma's chest. The impact is instantaneous; a
discharge of light and energy envelops the area over Ranma's chest,
and the boy is sent sailing back into the opposite wall. The
spectators only look on with horror, and twitch as they hear the
impact of Ranma's back on the wall, feeling the vibration from that
back to them when the wall cracks and caves in. Ranma falls to the
ground in a heap, motionless...
And the duel is finished.
The bystanders rush to the fallen Ranma, making attempts to revive him.
However, Ranma remains as still and as silent as the day outside. It's
like the entire world has gone silent from the hasty defeat of this
Saotome Ranma.
Neal: It looks like I've won, Tendo Akane.
Akane only stares blankly at this...this boy who defeated Ranma in a
single blow. Ranma, she thought, could always come back from a fight
he's lost, and make it so he's not bothered again.
But this was different.
A challenge of honor isn't something you can just get out of with any
act of violence, or even a counter-challenge. Honored decisions aren't
deterred in that way.
Akane turns away, refusing to face the boy.
Akane: ...yes, you've won.
Nodoka nurses her boy, taking care of the burns on his chest.
Nodoka: He should be all right in a little while. My son heals up
pretty quickly. But the gash here is pretty deep, considering that
the attack was based on chi...
Genma: That's my family...the wife who knows and the son who takes
it. Hah!
Soun: But my friend, there's something else that MUST be considered.
Kasumi, who was out of the picture for a moment, returns with a washcloth
in hand. She hands it to Nodoka, who nurses her son's wound.
Fortunately, the amount of water put into the cloth, and the small
proximity to where Nodoka applies the cloth is not enough for Ranma
to change.
Soun: It's finished...the boy's getting married TONIGHT!
Genma: That's right. That's RIGHT!
Despite the odd method as to how this marriage came, it has come, and
the fathers rejoice.
Nabiki: Oh brother...
*****
Neal has already left the dojo, and now sits on one of the rocks facing
the koi pond. He watches one jump with a hasteful grace, and smiles to
himself.
Neal: Now, just keep them together for a month or two, and WOOSH, I'm
outta here!
He closes his eyes, yawning widely as he listens to the Tendo/Saotome
clan bickering inside the dojo.
Neal: This was too easy...
Saying those words seemed to disturb Neal a bit. His brow crinkles
together, and he looks suspiciously to his left and to his right, as
if he were trying to expect the unexpected.
That which is unexpected, however, ALWAYS surprises the individual.
The heel of a shoe smashes into Neal's skull from above. The wearer
of the shoe firmly balances himself on the boy's face, and grimaces at
him.
Serinus: What a cheat.
Neal looks up from under the shoe, blinking.
Neal: Muff meef?
Serinus: Yes, a cheat!
With a slow and graceful movement, Serinus flips off of Neal's face
with one foot, bringing himself to land on another rock face, and
faces the young boy.
Serinus: The objective of this particular client is to get him and
his destined to fall in love, THEN get married.
Neal: So I decided to do it the other way.
Serinus: Sorry to bust a nut, but that's NOT how "Nobles" work. I
thought I taught you better.
Serinus gives Neal a disapproving look, which contributes to Neal's
annoyance and uneasiness.
Neal: So what, I fail?
Serinus: I'll tell you now, you should.
Neal: ...
Serinus: But you won't.
Neal: Huh? I don't understand.
Serinus: I've examined data surrounding Saotome Ranma. He's had a
very interesting past concerning some very extraordinary people, among
a few other details that do not concern you. The joining between him
and his destined are now a priority.
Neal's curiousity grows upon hearing the word "priority."
Neal: What, is this the joining of the century? How could you make
him and her a priority?
Serinus: Like I said, that does not concern you...
Neal: ...
Serinus: Or Tate.
Neal suddenly goes into "alert mode," as if a total flood of anxiety
washed over him. He looks at Serinus, concerned and even more curious.
Neal: Tate? What about Tate?
Serinus: She will...assist you in this joining.
Neal: Two Nobles for just one joining?
Serinus: The situation has become much more complicated. Due to
Saotome's situation, you will have to do multiple joinings in order
to open up an opportunity for him and the Tendo.
Neal: But I just-
Serinus: No. This is an important joining, but we still have to remain
very conservative in our methods.
Neal: This is just screwing me over.
Serinus: Don't complain. You have Tate, now.
Neal looks down at the pond. His thoughts turn to Tate, the friend he's
had since he was a child. What will things be like, now?
Neal: When will she be here?
Serinus: You asked with some eagerness, there! Are you saying that
"you want her now?"
Neal: Oh shuddup.
Serinus laughs softly, and snaps his fingers twice before glancing at
the Tendo dojo.
Serinus: This ought to be interesting to watch from home.
Neal: I'm glad I'm so entertaining.
Serinus: Anyway, I've just fiddled with their minds. They're going to
throw a party in the honor of finding a healthy source of income, namely,
you.
Neal: Yay. Par-ty down...
Serinus: The purpose of that is to lure your new clients into the area.
Get to know them.
Another clipboard appears in front of Neal's chest, hovering omniously
in a drifting fashion. Neal takes the clipboard in his hand, and rests
it at his side.
Serinus: The families have already been introduced to Tate, who is
your childhood friend in this identity.
Neal: Kay.
Serinus: And one other thing.
Neal: Hm?
Serinus thinks to himself for a moment, debating to himself whether
he should give this one last tidbit of information to his student, or
just leave it to him to find out for himself. He decides.
Serinus: I'll just ask you, have you learned your lesson? Don't use
your powers.
Neal: I won't.
Serinus: I KNOW you won't.
And Serinus disappears.
Neal: Psh...stupid butt.
Kasumi: Neal?
Neal turns to see Kasumi right in front of him, blinking from the last
comment.
Kasumi: Were you talking to someone in particular?
Neal: Er...no! No, no. Heh, just talking to myself.
Kasumi: All right. By the way, where's Tate?
Neal: T-Tate? Er, um-
Tate: Right here, Kasumi!
Neal and Kasumi direct their attention to the back porch. From there,
Tate emerges in all her glory...
As a look-alike of Akane, pretty much.
Tate skips her way to the two behind the pond, looking at them intently.
Tate: So what's up, Kasumi?
Kasumi: We're going to take a house portrait a little before the party
starts.
Neal: The men must REALLY enjoy having us around...
Kasumi: With the lack of income, the two of you staying over is a welcome
sign. Father is really set on celebrating the occasion.
Neal: I bet.
Kasumi: Please, just stick around for a bit while we all get ready.
Kasumi leaves, heading back into the house, leaving Neal and Tate some much
needed time to converse.
Neal: Welcome.
Tate: Good to be welcomed.
Both sit back on the rocks surrounding the koi pond, and each take glances
around the area to make sure no one is listening in.
Tate: Priority job, eh?
Neal: Eh. It doesn't make no sense.
Tate: Nope. Especially cause we have to partner up?
Neal: I thought you were doing another assignment.
Tate: I was pulled out to join up with you. The guy's involved in this,
anyway.
Neal: Serious???
Tate: I don't know how, though. When I was pulled away, the guy was
travelling in Kyushu.
Neal: Oh, that's whack.
Tate: So how should we go about things right now?
Neal: I guess we'll just follow the steps Serinus gave us for now;
go to the party.
Tate: Then...?
Neal holds up the clipboard, waving it in front of Tate.
Neal: Pair up.
*****
Okay, I'm all done. So bring on the flames, and don't forget to send
directly this address. ^_^
-AnoAnime.Com-
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