Fan Fiction / Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ Herbie's Drive Through Nerma ❯ A practical joke, and Nabiki's encounter with Herbie ( Chapter 4 )

It was sometime after Herbie drove Ranma, and Nodoka home that Akane got an idea to teach Genma a lesion, and get rid of one less free loader in the house. It was the perfect scheme and Genma will fold like a poker player with a bad hand.

(You guys sure this will work?) Herbie quietly beeped from outside the Tendo compound.

"If there is one thing pops is afraid of, it's that damn contract." Ranma replied. Ranma was still a girl, and in the traditional garb one wears to commit seppuku, as she needed to be for the plan to work.

"Besides, I think it would be best if I didn't see Genma anywhere in town for the next few weeks." Nodoka said. "My husband is not high on the love list right now."

"You know what to do Akane?" Ranma asked.

"Yep, I'm ready to go." Akane replied as they exited Herbie.

(Break a leg.) Herbie quietly beeped.

"Thanks." They all said in unison, right before sneaking into the dojo. Moments later, the "actors" got into position.

"Ready?" Ranma asked Akane.

"Ready." She replied with a smile.

*************************************************************** *********

In the Tendo home, all was peaceful and calm. Genma and Soun were playing Go, as usual. Kasumi was making dinner for when Ranma and Akane got back, and Nabiki was thinking of ways to cash in on Ranma's girl half again and make some more money. All was calm.

"AUNTIE! RANMA! NO! DON'T!"

At least until they heard Akane yell from the dojo. Hearing the auntie part, Genma immediately douses himself with cold water and follows everyone to the dojo to see a scared Akane, a sad looking Ranma with ceremonial garb on and a tanto in her hand, and Nodoka with what looked like her sword and seethe, but was actually another sword that was given to her from a family member.

"Akane?! Ranma?! What's going on?!" Soun said sounding scared.

"Oh daddy! Auntie found out about Ranma's and Genma's curses and wants them to honor the contract!" Akane sobbed, but was actually playing her part well unbeknownst to those watching.

"WHAT?!" Everyone, but Genma said in unison.

"Genma, I have brought a tanto and a robe for you too, so get down here now." Nodoka said in an icy tone.

`I'm just a cute little panda!' Genma's sign read, but he was still scared.

"Don't make me do this alone pops." Ranma nearly sobbed. Genma then really panicked and did what he did best.

"Oh my!" Kasumi said.

`I DON'T WANNA DIE!' He signed. Nodoka then splashed him with hot water.

"Husband, the contract." Nodoka said icily.

"But… but… but… I DON'T WANNA DIE!" Genma said. Nodoka than took the sword and put it against his throat.

"Then I suggest you leave the country on a training trip for several weeks, and if I ever see you again before I've calmed down, I will make sure the contract is held up." Nodoka said. Without hesitation, Genma ran up to his room, packed his things, and ran like a panda out of hell to wherever was far enough away from his very angry wife. Soun, Kasumi, and Nabiki just looked in aw, wondering what will happen next. What did happen…

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

…was something none of them expected as the three "Actors" broke out in laughter.

"Boy, you two were great." Nodoka said.

"Did you see the look on his face when you approached him mom? Priceless." Ranma replied.

"And his reaction when you told him to leave was well worth it." Akane said trying to keep her laughter in. The rest of the Tendos were dumbfounded and didn't know what to think.

"Pardon me for asking, but just…" Kasumi said…

"…what the hell is going on?" …but was interrupted by Nabiki.

"Oh, I guess we better explain everything." Nodoka said. "If everyone would please meet us in the family room, we'll be there right after I give my son some hot water."

*************************************************************** *****

A few minutes later, Nodoka, Akane, and a male Ranma explained everything to the Tendo clan, and they still had a dumb founded look on their faces.

"Oh, so Herbie is that cute little car out there after all?" Kasumi asked. "My, must be a lot of fun having a car to help you with your errands."

"Oh please, like a car can be alive." Nabiki said.

"Oh? And a guy can't turn into a girl?" Ranma said with a bit of a sardonic tone.

`That I can handle. Inanimate objects coming to life, no." Nabiki stated.

"Now, Nabiki, I'm sure what they're saying is the truth." Soun replied. "After all, with all the things we've encountered, a living car isn't that far fetched."

"Father, please." Nabiki said.

"So you don't believe us?" Akane asked.

"Not one word." Nabiki plainly stated.

"Well then, I guess we'll have to introduce you all to Herbie again." Nodoka replied. A moment later, they were right outside the Tendo compound, where Herbie was parked.

"Guys, Herbie. Herbie, the Tendos." Ranma stated. Herbie didn't do anything. "Herbie? Oh come on, don't make us look crazy here."

"Well, ether way Ranma," Kasumi said, "It's a cute little car."

(Thank you.) Herbie beeped. Causing the Tendos to look a bit dumbfounded again. Then Nabiki laughed.

"Oh, I get it." She said. "You rigged this stupid thing to respond to voices."

"Uh… Nabiki, Herbie is very sensitive about that." Akane stated.

"Take it from us, you don't want to call him that." Ranma said. But then, Nabiki, still wanting a reasonable explanation, went inside Herbie and was trying to find the remote. "Uh… Akane," Ranma whispered, "didn't we lock the doors?"

"Uh-oh." Akane replied. Nabiki couldn't find anything in the driver's side, so she went to the passenger side…

*SLAM*

…when Herbie shut his door and locked it.

"What the…?" Nabiki said when she tried to open the door. "Ok, who shut the door?"

"Uh… sis, we've been on this side the whole time." Akane stated.

"WHAT?!" Nabiki said starting to sound a little freaked out. "Oh, I see, you rigged the doors of this ugly…"

*SKKKKKKKKKKKKKRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCHHHHHH*

Much like when Ranma called Herbie stupid, Herbie did a wheelie and drove off with Nabiki inside at high speed.

"Well… if she wasn't a believer before, she will be now." Ranma stated.

"No kidding." Akane stated.

"NABIKI!" Soun stated.

"Calm down Mr. Tendo." Ranma said. "Herbie did the same thing when I called him stupid and unattractive. If Nabiki won't believe us, Herbie will get her to believe in him the hard way."

"Oh. Well, then I think maybe we should hold off dinner until they get back." Soun stated.

*************************************************************** ****

Sometime later, Herbie drove back to the Tendo compound and opened the door for a bewildered Nabiki. And to welcome her back was Nodoka.

"Well?" Nodoka asked.

I believe! I believe!" Nabiki said. After a ride like that, it was understood able that the ice queen persona would be absent for a bit. "And I'm sorry." Nabiki told Herbie.

(Apology accepted.) Herbie happily beeped. (Good night Nabiki, Mrs. Saotome.)

"Night Herbie." Nodoka said.

"Good night." Nabiki stated as she went inside the house. "Just between you and me Auntie, I'll never question magic again."