Untitled
by Bryan Neef
version 1.5
Saotome Ranma, recently cursed to change into a girl with cold water,
has recently been reunited with a childhood friend, Kuonji Ukyou.
Ukyou has revealed herself to Ranma as a girl, and a fiancee. Now,
Ranma has to deal with four women vying for his attentions and hand
in marriage.
Tsukino Usagi, and her friends, have had a year of relative peace.
Having defeated Galaxia, Usagi and the Sailor Senshi set about improv-
ing their skills for when Crystal Tokyo becomes a reality. While they
have no major threats to them, the Moon Kingdom, or the world, they
still have a role to play...
======================================================================
Sailor Pluto sat in the chair before the Gates of Time. She stared
at the images the protal showed. Frowning, she asked herself, "If
Ami can get this information, why is Rei asking me to find her cousin?"
A few mor images flashed before her. She instantly sat up. "By the
gods! How can he do that to his own child?"
Frowning, she continued to watch the life of one Saotome Ranma. Her
fists clenched at each betrothal, betrayal, and training regime. Her
garnet eyes narrowed as she witnessed Jusenkyo.
"By the Moon, I will see to it Ranma is safe. I will see to it his
enemies are thwarted."
Pluto tapped a button on the armrest. She waited for a few moments.
A slightly aggitated voice came over the speaker. "Rei. What do you
want?"
"If that's the attitude you're going to take, young lady, then I won't
give you the information you desire."
"Sorry, Setsuna. You caught me in the middle of the bath. Usagi's
the one who usually does that."
Pluto laughed. "I'll make it up to you. I found out about Ranma."
"Great! What can you tell me?"
Pluto sighed. "Not much, now. I'd like to observe him more. I can
tell you he's had a poor life. He will need our help in the near
future."
"What kind of help?"
"He has no friends. He is judged by his father's actions and the
misdeeds of others. That is all I can say, for now. I'll tell you
and the Senshi more when I get some of the details I need."
Rei sighed. "What can I tell Auntie?"
"Tell her nothing, for now. If she asks, tell her you're working on
a lead."
"All right. Thanks, Setsuna."
Pluto frowned as the connection went dead. "I need to plan for the
chaos you're about to bring, my child. And since the chaos is
triggered by everyone you meet, I need to track them."
***
Ranma sat tiredly at the table as Ukyou, Shampoo, Kodachi, and Akane
verbally fought over him. This had been going on for over a month,
constantly. The moment Ukyou and Shampoo released him, he left the
room. Before leaving the house, he looked back at the women. They
were still postering and pointing to where he had sat, as if he never
moved.
Sighing, he left the house. he thought as he left the Tendou property.
Chapter 1
The impact of the youma's fist sent Sailor Jupiter stumbling back.
She cursed as she slipped on the wet grass. Setting herself mentally,
she rushed to meet the youma again.
This time, her punch sent the creature flying back, giving her the op-
portunity she needed to destroy it. Calling upon her magicks, she
shattered the creature.
Turning to see the progress of her friends, she gasped at the sight
of a red-haired girl, in oversized clothes, at the lead monster. The
others were too occupied with their own youma to notice the newcomer.
Leaping into action, she gathered the smaller girl in her arms, just
as the creature cratered the ground they briefly occupied. Jupiter
noted the girl's struggles. "Just relax. You're safe now."
"I don't need your help," hissed the girl.
Jupiter set the girl down a short distance away. "Stay here. Let my
friends and I take care of this."
As soon as the girl was free, she ran towards the monster. Jupiter
barely heard the girl mumble, "Let me die honorably."
Jupiter watched in horror as the creature's fist impacted the smaller
girl's body, sending her towards the trees. Cursing herself for the
distraction, she raced to intercept the flying girl.
Catching the girl, Jupiter sighed in relief as her charge appeared
stunned. Touching down, Jupiter carefully laid the girl down, her
lap supporting the girl's head.
She quickly reevaluated the girl's condition when she looked at her
stomach area. The ribs appeared distorted and she could make out
dark, growing shadows on the shirt.
It was then she heard the creature's death cries. The girl recovered
enough to see the final attack. A tear rolled down the girl's bloodied
cheek. "I'm really pathetic," she whispered.
Jupiter looked down at the girl's face. She heard the words, but
didn't know what to say. The other Senshi joined her. Sailor Moon
looked at the girl in concern, which appeared to increase the girl's
tears.
"Are you all right? We stopped the creature," asked Moon.
The girl tried to sit up, but the pain in her chest, stomach, and sides
stopped her. Sailors Mercury and Saturn helped her lay down again.
"Why couldn't you let me die?" wheezed the girl.
Everyone looked at the girl in shock. Saturn spoke first, "Why would
you want to die?"
Before she could answer, a voice above them bellowed, "Ranma, prepare
to die!"
The women were able to get Ranma to safety before the ground exploded.
The dust settled, revealing a boy with a large umbrella, yellow shirt,
and bandanas standing fully erect.
"For cheating on Akane, I shall see you pay."
He leapt for Ranma. Jupiter, cradling Ranma in her arms, jumped up,
letting Ryoga pass below. Growling, Ryoga faced Ranma and Jupiter.
"Stop running, Coward!"
"Let go of me," hissed Ranma as she struggled in Jupiter's arms.
"Uranus, he's an enhanced human. Be ready," whispered Pluto as she step-
ped up to her comrade.
Uranus nodded as she watched Ryoga position himself for the next attack.
Ryoga grinned as he prepared his next attack. Focusing on his hated
foe, he ignored Sailor Moon's pleas to stop. Just as he was about to
release his bandanas, Sailor Uranus struck with an open palm strike
to his chest.
Ryoga crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. He could barely feel
his body above the fire in his chest. When he could breathe again,
the park was filled with police, emergency workers, and news crew.
Chapter 2
Ranma awoke to the sound of soft voices. She sighed as she realized
she was still female. Opening her eyes, she noted how dark the room
was. She paused in her evaluations as she heard soft, even breathing
nearby.
She watched the young girl sleep a moment before standing up. She
quietly approached the door. She took a deep, calming breath as she
opened the door.
Before continuing, she let the her eyes adjust to the light. She also
listened to the voices.
"Are you sure we should leave Hotaru, alone, with Ranma?"
"Hotaru is not in any danger."
"True, but if she's willing to die, then Hotaru may not be able to stop
her."
"True. What are your thoughts, Princess?"
At that moment, Ranma walked into the room. She stopped when every-
one quieted. She looked around, expecting trouble. Not seeing any-
thing, she looked at herself.
She eeped and covered herself with her arms and hands. "I'm sorry!
I'm sorry!" she babbled as she stumbled back and covered her head.
Michiru was the first to her side. "It's all right, Dear. Let's get
you something better to wear."
"O-okay," replied Ranma as she was led to the room she came from.
"That was interesting," commented Haruka.
"I'll say," added Minako. "She definitely fills that tee shirt better
than I do."
Makoto and Usagi frowned. Before either of them spoke, Michiru and
Ranma returned. Ranma looked embarrassed as she spoke, "I'm Saotome
Ranma. I'm really sorry about that."
Usagi hmphed as she wrapped her arms around Momaru's arm. "Just be
careful next time. Are you all right? When you were dropped off, we
were told you were quite depressed."
Ranma sighed as she looked away. Everyone present noticed her rapidly
changing visage. Ranma looked back with a smile on her face. What
bothered the Senshi was the smile reaching her eyes.
"I'm fine. It was just a bad day. It can't happen often, right?"
The team looked at each other before Minako responded, "Usually no.
Please, have a seat. Would you like something to eat or drink?"
Ranma looked at her hosts. "It ain't drugged, is it?"
Usagi responded by drinking the entire bottle of water in one gulp.
She then grabbed several food items and stuffed them down her throat.
"See? They're good!" she said with her mouth full.
Michiru eased Ranma into a seat. "Why do you think our food is
drugged?"
Ranma shrugged. "It usually is when people offer it to me."
"And this is normal for you?" asked Haruka.
Ranma nibbled on a cookie. "Yeah. Hey, this is really good!"
Makoto smiled brightly. "Thank you, Sempai."
"Sempai? I ain't your sempai? I don't remember seeing you at
school."
Makoto frowned. "We don't go to the same school now, Sempai. But,
in junior high, you gave me the courage to defend myself."
Usagi looked between Ranma and Makoto. "She's your sempai?" At
Makoto's nod, Usagi smiled broadly. "This is great! The two of you
are finally together again!"
Setsuna smiled while the others frowned. Michiru and Haruka had
amused looks on their faces. Before Ranma of Makoto could comment,
Mamoru turned up the volume on the TV. "And in tonight's news, the
Sailor Senshi have apparently stopped another rampage. A survivor
from the attack had this to say:"
The scene shifted to show Ryoga on a gurney, about to be loaded into
an ambulance. His bare chest was bandaged heavily. A large, red
bruise peeked around the edges. "Ranma, this is all your fault!
Coward!"
The scene switched back to the studio. "The authorities are in-
vestigating the claims made by the survivor. When pressed for more
details, the survivor continued ranting about this 'Ranma's' past
actions. Authorities have not ruled out disorientation."
Mamoru turned off the TV. He, like the rest of the Senshi, were
shocked to hear Ranma whisper, "They should have let me die."
Hotaru spoke as she entered the room, "Don't say that! Life is too
short to think that. What would your friends think when you're gone?"
Ranma growled. "What do you know about my 'friends?' This is how
many friends I have!" she replied, holding up her closed fist.
"Everyone I know wants to kill me, marry me, sell me, and, sometimes,
all at the same time. Do you really think anyone will miss me if I'm
dead?" She waited while everyone sat, staring at her. "I didn't
thinks so. Thank you for your help. I need to go home before some-
thing else happens."
"Stay here, for the night," spoke Setsuna. "You've had a very taxing
day. And, if that boy's comments cause the reaction you think it
will, then waiting until tomorrow will give you the time you need to
prepare."
"If I stay here, then everyone at home will think I've done something.
If I go, then everything will be over tomorrow."
Hotaru gently embraced Ranma. She, like the others, noticed Ranma
stiffen. "We won't let anyone hurt you."
Usagi spoke quietly, "Ranma, no one should go through what you've
gone through. If it were within my power, I'd end your suffering
tonight, so you'd be happy tomorrow. The only way to do that is to
become your friend."
"And the price?"
"Ranma, friendship doesn't have a price," replied Rei.
Ranma relaxed, since Hotaru had done nothing further. "I can't trust
nobody. You're right, though, I need to be in top shape for tomorrow."
Setsuna nodded. "I'll prepare the guest room for you."
Ranma nodded. Rei smiled. "Welcome back, Ranma."
RAnma blinked. "Do I know you?"
Rei sighed. "Setsuna was right," she muttered under her breath. "I'm
you cousin, Hino Rei. We haven't talked since before your third, and
final trip to China."
Ranma frowned. "Then how come I don't remember you?"
"Maybe it's a side effect of the drugs in your food, Sempai," offered
Makoto.
Ranma shrugged. "Who are you, anyway?"
"I'm Kino Makoto. Do you remember me now?"
Ranma looked at Makoto for a moment. Her eyes lit up with recognition.
"You're the girl who cried because of her parents leaving and was
picked on, right?"
"I am, Sempai."
"See, Ranma-san, you have friends," offered Hotaru.
Ranma looked at Makoto closely. "I don't know. You ain't a fiancee,
are you?"
Everyone blinked. "No..." replied Makoto.
"Good. I don't need any more fiancees."
"How many do you have, Ranma?" asked Rei.
"Um...three that I know of. A fourth thinks she is, because I saved
her from a fall."
"None of us want to be your fiancee," offered Rei.
"I have Mamo-chan!" cried Usagi as she latched onto Mamoru's arm.
"And Michiru and I are already married," explained Haruka.
Ranma looked at the two women. She noted how they held each other,
similar to how she saw some of her classmates hold each other. She
sighed.
"Well, Ranma, since Rei and Makoto intruduced themselves, it's our
turn. I'm Kaiou Michiru. This is my husband, Tenou Haruka."
"The charming girl holding on to you is our daughter, Tomoe hotaru,"
added Haruka with a smile.
Ranma gulped, bowing low to the foor. "I'm sorry! I didn't know."
"It's all right, Ranma," soothed Hotaru. "I held you."
"I'm sorry. Please don't get mad!"
Michiru embraced Ranma. "Don't worry about it, Dear. If we thought
you did something wrong, we'd tell you."
"B-b-but I..."
"Shhh. Let's finish the introductions. Minako?"
"I am Aino Minako. I hope we can be friends."
"I'm Tsukino Usagi. This is my fiance, Chiba Mamoru."
"A pleasure to meet you," added Mamoru with a small bow.
"I'm Mizuno Ami. Haruka and I are cousins, on our mothers' side."
"And I'm Meiou Setsuna. Your room is ready, Ranma. I suggest we
all turn in. We've had a long day."
Ranma looked on as nearly everyone got up to leave. She looked at
Makoto, then smiled. "I'm really glad I could help. I...I just wish
I had someone to inspire me that way."
Before anyone could say anything, Ranma left the room. Setsuna fol-
lowed her up the stairs. Rei and Makoto frowned at the statement.
***
Rei sat quietly on the steps of the shrine. She looked at both the
Moon and her planet, Mars. She sighed as her grandfather sat next to
her.
"A yen for your thoughts," joked the old priest.
"Not enough," replied Rei.
The two remained silent for a few minutes. Rei spoke softly,
"Grandpa, do you remember Ranma?"
The man smiled. "I do. He had great potential. All of it wasted,
though. Why do you ask?"
"I met 'him' today. Only thing is, 'he' is a 'she.'"
The older Hino frowned. "Surgery? I doubt Genma would do that."
Rei blushed. "She's a real girl. No scars. At least none that can
be attributed to that. Ami didn't find anything, either."
"I see. Where did you meet Ranma?"
Rei sighed. "At the park. I asked Setsuna-sensei to help find Ranma.
She did, but didn't give me much to go on, at first. Then, when we
met Ranma, Ami found Ranma's school records. They're
for both. Strange thing is, they're listed as the same person."
"Well it's too late for a fire reading. What else is bothering you?"
Rei looked at her grandfather. "Ranma's suicidal. At least she is
today. If her life is anything like she described, she needs out."
The elder Hino frowned. "I'll talk to her mother."
"What if she doesn't know her?"
"Damn you, Genma," cursed Hino Masamune to himself. "How are you and
your friends going to handle this?"
Rei sighed. "One day at a time. I want Ranma here, but she's going
home tomorrow."
"Where's home?"
"I don't know. Haruka and Michiru will tell me later."
"Good. At least they'll be there. Rei, Ranma is a boy, not a girl."
"Whatever. All I know is she never once objected to being treated as
a girl."
"I see."
"There's more."
"Oh?"
Rei sighed as she looked at her grandfather. "Ranma has at least three,
female fiancees. There's apparently a fourth after her. Setsuna-sensei
mentioned several males who either have, or are pursuing her."
"Damn. I'd like to know more about this girl, Ranma. It's late, though. We'll talk again tomorrow."
"All right."
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