Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction ❯ A Different Type of Visitor ❯ Chapter 06 ( Chapter 6 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: enlu_tarsonis 
Anime/Manga: Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Sci-fi | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 08.08.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.3K | Visits: 315 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Ranma 1/2 Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Sci-fi | Type: Crossover | Uploaded On: 08.08.2005 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.3K | Visits: 315 | Status: Completed
A Different Type of Visitor
Chapter 05 done. Some Reviews in. Dang nab it though, couple of my reviewers suggested that I have them Meet with Nodoka early on. Do you guys realize how many storyboards I had to rewrite due to your great suggestion? At least 4000 words or so. But I think that this one will turn out much better than originally planned, as I was able to add a variance to Nodoka that I've always enjoyed. Guess I'll just have to have Nodoka in Book 1 after all. Hope everyone likes this version.
Also I've been asked why I only accept signed reviews. I don't know about the other fanfiction authors out there, but when I've posted and accepted unsigned reviews I got flamed and criticized by a type of person I like to call a Fic Lawyer. For those fiction lawyers reading this, please keep in mind that this is a non-profit work of fiction. That the characters are not mine, but the situation is one I created for them. Also that there will be OOC or changes, that is a given for practically any fanfiction. Especially Altered Universe types of fiction, which this is most definitely one of. I love to hear reviews, and even criticism. But I actually got one review on this one on another site that the reviewer complained saying that Ranma was supposed to fall into the spring of drowned girl. Not get knocked into a completely different spring. For people like that, please just go back and read the Manga or watch the Anime. Because if little differences like that bug you then you should probably not be reading fanfiction. It's better for your health that way. For those of you who enjoy what I've been writing, Thanks for sticking with me.
Now on to Chapter 06 of ADTOV
Standard disclaimer, don't own Ranma 1/2, or Rifts. Wish I had some stock or shares but I don't. I'm doing this for my enjoyment and for the enjoyment of any of my readers. May they continue reading my works after they read this.
Chapter 06 Interlude
Mint looked over at their strange traveling companion. After they had managed to unlock the Jusenkyo curse on their prince, Herb had still insisted on keeping this pudgy middle-aged martial artist with them. In fact they were on their way to stop off at a friend of his for some reason.
"Mint, Lime." Herb-kun said to his two retainers. "You two will stay in the forest here, and not come into the town.""Why Prince Herb?" The larger of the two asked.
"Because, we are visiting a friend of Genma's and I do not wish for you to botch anything like is your wont to do. So stay here and wait. We should be back in one or two days." Herb said as he turned to head towards the town.
Thus said, the two underlings of Prince Herb of the Musk Dynasty stayed behind on the outskirts of Nerima.
A few hours later a disgruntled Panda and a slightly pouting pink and purple haired girl arrived at the front gate to the Tendo Dojo. Both were carrying large and worn travel packs. However Herb-chan was wearing a blue Chinese fighting tang with a golden dragon crest embroidered into the back rather than her normal dragon armor. The reason why is that she didn’t want anyone to know who or what she was at the moment. Especially as
"I told you we shouldn't have walked near the river Saotome." Herb-chan said next to the larger and very wet bulk of her traveling companion. Who of course only growffed in response. Herb-chan just blew a lock of pink hair out of her face and raised her fist to knock on the gate.
A few moments after they had knocked at the gate a young woman with kind eyes answered. "Welcome to the Tendo Dojo." She said. "May I help you?"
"Yes, we are here on behalf of an old friend of the master of this Dojo. May we enter?" Herb-chan asked in a polite manner that was not quite consistent with the expression on her face, which almost looked like she was biting something rotten or bitter.
The young woman bowed towards them and backed up slightly to let them pass her into the entrance. "Be well traveler. I'll go get my father Soun Tendo, until then you can rest in our greeting room. Your pet can stay in the yard." The young woman then stood up fully and closed the gate after they both entered. "I am Kasumi Tendo by the way."
Herb-chan bowed her head slightly in greeting. "I am Herb of the Musk." She replied, with a small grin. Once Kasumi was a little bit ahead of them she leaned over to Genma. "Yes 'Pet' you can stay in the yard." She said as she strained the last part of the sentence.
Genma-panda still tried to follow Herb-chan into the house but the smaller girl just gave him a wicked punch in the gut followed by a condescending waive of her finger. “No no Panda man. You will stay here.”
Kasumi was far enough ahead that she didn’t hear what Herb-chan had said, but she still caught that this girl had sucker punched a panda bear hard enough to get it to pause. The eldest Tendo daughter may not have been much of a martial artist currently, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t know how to judge skill and power. And she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this young girl near her had serious power. But for the Wa of the house, and the faade of her being, Kasumi Tendo decided to keep her thoughts to herself.
Once the two of them were inside with the large panda standing in the doorway looking a bit disgruntled Herb-chan stopped Kasumi before she could go further into the house. “Could I request a kettle of hot water from you Mistress of the house?” The cursed girl asked politely, though knowing that she was butchering her Japanese honorifics as she had not been able to learn to many as of yet.
“Yes, I will retrieve it for you momentarily.” Kasumi said and turned towards the kitchen rather than the far porch where she knew her father would be sitting at this time during the day.
Herb-chan took a few moments to look around the house she was in. It was small, but well kept she could see. The tatami mats well kept, and the rice paper partitions looked to be in excellent repair and placement. In fact it looked to be a very old style that dated back many years if she was one to judge. Especially after being bombarded by the newer technologies that were available out there, the computer store itself had sent her into near convulsions when a particular fractal image had appeared on the screen that awoke a part of her dragon heritage into the attempt to solve the geometric enigma that had been presented.
After a few more moments Kasumi had brought a steaming teakettle into the room and placed it on the small eating table in the center. As Herb-chan was reaching for it, a big hairy paw grabbed it from in front of her.
“Hey! Overgrown Oaf of a FOOL!” She yelled at Genma as the Panda poured the hot water over its head.
“Wha-“ A male voice came from the other side of the room as Genma shifted from being a large and relatively pudgy Panda bear into a large and bald and also relatively pudgy martial artist.
“Tendo! It’s been a long time!” Genma said as he walked over towards his old training partner and long time friend.
“Saotome? Is that you?” Soun said as he looked at his friend. “What happened? Were you that Panda I saw a moment ago?” He asked in bewilderment.
“Yes it’s me. It’s also a long story.” Genma said as he adjusted his glasses. “I’m here to visit. Herb and myself have to get my lazy son away from some crazy Amazons we met in China.”
“Then why aren’t you there right now. And who’s Herb?” Soun asked.
“Why Prince Herb isÉ” Genma looked around the dining room that he and Soun were talking in. “Not here, where’d he go?”
Scene Break
Nabiki and Kasumi watched on as Herb-chan and Akane were sparing in the Dojo. It was obvious to them that Akane was very out classed by the smaller pink and purple haired girl.
The two girls sparring went into another combo of attacks and parries, Akane trying to move in a circular motion around Herb-chan who just stood in place blocking and parrying Akane’s near futile punches. Every tenth or twentieth punch or kick by the raven haired girl and Herb-chan would counter with a vicious jab or hook punch that would often send the other girl flying across the room.
After several moments of this Nabiki grew bored and walked off. As much as she liked seeing her kid sister taken down a couple notches the mercenary girl still had other things that needed to be done. A few moments later and Kasumi left as well as she needed to put some final preparations for dinner before it grew to late.
Akane and Herb-chan continued to spar. Akane continued because she was having the fight of her life. Even discounting the slight limp and favoring of her left arm the raven-haired girl was grinning like a maniac. For Herb-chan it was something else. This girl in front of her showed basic skill, and a great penchant for taking punishment. But the most impressive thing to Herb-chan was that this girl who had requested to spar with her seemed to truly enjoy this training that she was giving to her in the form of a fight. It was like nothing that she had encountered before. Even Genma Saotome, who Herb-chan knew for a fact enjoyed fighting, never enjoyed the frustration of being made a mockery of like this girl did.
It bore looking into.
Scene Break
Nabiki walked into the main room of their house to find her father talking with an older man.
“So the agreement is still on, old friend?” She heard the pudgy man in a very travel worn faded gi ask her father.
“Yes, it is. We just need to decide who he will be betrothed to.” Soun said to the other man.
“Well he does have a similar curse to myself, that needs to be taken into consideration old buddy.”
“Right you are Saotome. So what is his cursed form then?”
“That of a weak girl. Oh the fates. But it is reversed with hot water.” Genma Saotome said.
Nabiki was about to walk away. Sure her father had told them about the engagement earlier that week. However it was obvious to her that the two men had lost a few bricks out of their mental load. How could a boy turn into a girl and back. Just not possible in the realms of physics that she knew.
“So do you mind showing me how the curse works again Saotome?” Nabiki’s father asked his friend.
“No problem, old friend. Since it’s still raining outside that will be easiest. Just please make sure to have some hot water prepared as that is how to undo the curse.” So saying Genma walked out the open partition into the rain still coming down and turned into a large Panda bear.
Nabiki’s eyes just about popped out of her head when she saw the large ursine creature standing there. Then the cursed being walked back into the room and held up a sign with poorly written Japanese on it stating. “Hot Water Please!”
Nabiki just nodded her head as her father wasn’t moving either. The middle Tendo went into the kitchen where she found Kasumi had a water kettle on the stove. The eldest Tendo girl handed the hot water to Nabiki. “Fascinating isn’t it? I saw them earlier when I led Father’s old friend into the house.” Kasumi said to her younger sister.
“You mean that’s real?” Nabiki said. “Then their friend is really a boy. A boy that Akane is fighting, and enjoying the fight.” Nabiki was about to leave the room then turned back quickly. “If Akane enjoys his presence, maybe we should do something about it. I mean it’s not as if she’ll have anything to do with the boys at school right now, right?”“You’re right Nabiki, but I should think that you should get that water to Mr. Saotome as he is a little impatient when he’s a Panda.”
“Weird.” Nabiki muttered as she left the room back into the dining room to where her father and Mr. Saotome were having a discussion via Genma’s signs. “Here’s your water.” Nabiki said as she held out the kettle to the Panda.
Said Panda just grabbed the kettle and poured the water over his head and changed back into the man she had seen earlier.
Nabiki then walked over to her father. “Father?”
“Yes daughter.” Soun replied giving his middle daughter his attention.
“Akane would be the right one for this.” She said thinking that she was doing her sister a favor. “She’s been having trouble with boys lately and this might be a way for her to enjoy the time with one without feeling pressured.” She said.
“Right you are Nabiki. Very well, then Akane shall be engaged to him, and married at their earliest convenience.” The Tendo Patriarch exclaimed thinking that Nabiki was talking about Genma’s son Ranma.
Genma of course agreed, even though he had never met Soun’s youngest, and only been briefly introduced to his elder two daughters. This was about merging the two clans.
Of course the two of them didn’t realize that they were talking about Prince Herb, as that was who Nabiki thought they were talking about. But things being the way they were, neither one of the masters of Anything Goes Martial Arts were going to complain.
Scene Break
Nodoka Saotome whirled in place in her Dojo. She placed a foot behind her and spun to the reverse facing of her stance. One arm rotated from behind her to a strait armed stance in front of her with her index and middle finger pointing as if it were a gun. Her other arm was underneath and pointing across her body at a 40 degree angle off of center with her index and middle finger poised and rigid as well.
She then c-stepped into a 18 degree angle away from where she first stood, moving her gun finger held hands into two different firing arcs, only slightly overlapping.
Perspiration could be seen on her brow, and also on the floor below her. On the ground were many different triangles, circles, squares and other geometric patters interwoven in a strange but synergistic pattern with a strange flow that a regular martial artist would not be able to work a Kata without stepping on one of the lines, or stepping off of one of the lines.
Nodoka Saotome’s feet were currently parallel to the lines of one of the squares, both squared off from her body, pointing down her strait line of sight to the walls of the dojo.
On those walls were other shapes and figures, including many many different holes, some of which had wooden pegs in them, others that were empty. Nodoka herself was dressed in a well tailored hakims, but not a normal one. Rather than being very large, and free flowing her hakama was form fitting and very feminine. Dark charcoal blue in color, with black trim the outfit was made of a form of silk and had ties in place on it to place a sword or guns in holsters.
After several more motions of her kata, the auburn haired woman flipped backwards towards one of the walls and pulled at one of the wooded pegs. Once pulled free the peg turned out to be the handle of a strait boken, similar in shape to a normal boken, but with no back curve. She continued in her kata with the sword, and the movements seemed very synergistic with the earlier kata. But with an emphasis towards close attack rather than long ranged motions. The strikes were brutal, and the movements quick and efficient.
Before Nodoka could get to far into this kata though the sound of a phone ringing could be heard. She stopped and looked towards where the noise came from before wiping her forehead with the back of her hand.
Scene Break
Akane looked over at her opponent. They had been sparring for a while now. And while the youngest Tendo was very winded, and also had a limp from a powerful block of kick earlier she was also having the time of her life. She had never been pushed so hard in martial arts, and had never been held off so well either. But the best part was the fact that the girl facing her wasn’t scoffing or even holding her punches she felt. If the girl was holding her punches then she’d be able to punch through solid rock and maybe even metal.
Herb-chan was a bit confused. Sure she knew now that this girl enjoyed fighting. But, even to the degree she did was ridiculous. However if things kept up, and her offer of friendship was true, then this girl would probably improve greatly in skill in just a matter of days or weeks. As things stood she was finally tightening up her defense against Herb-chan’s attacks. Now instead of every single attack getting through, every 10th was blocked by the other girl.
While Herb-chan was thinking, Akane was preparing a brutal combination. Or at least thought she was. The long black haired girl swept in with a lower leg feint hoping to catch her opponent off guard as she hadn’t used kicks in the last few minutes. She even had a great follow up feint readied that would hopefully hide her real attack until it actually got through.
What happened instead was that Herb-chan used her foot to hook behind Akane’s knee on her forward leg sweep. Using an upward kick the pink and purple haired girl flung Akane up into the air so hard that she ended up flipping completely over and landing on her stomach. Herb-chan followed up with a grab to the back of the other girl’s gi and flung her upwards into the ceiling where she hit back first.
Akane watched as she started to fall back down and the other girl kicked straight up into her shoulder, which caused her to start to spin in the air a bit on her way down. Once the girl’s spin got her body perpendicular to the floor Herb-chan punched her in hip opposite to the direction of her spin which caused, albeit with much pain, Akane to stop rotating. Then before the raven-haired girl fell down from disorientation or pain Herb-chan grabbed the front of her gi and steadied her.
Herb-chan expected her excitable young opponent to get angry or at least a little bit afraid after this action. What she didn’t expect was Akane to lunge forward and latch onto her in a fierce, if weakened, hug.
“Thank you.” Akane said while trying to catch her breath. “Thank you so much.” She said almost teary eyed.
Herb-chan just stood there, not knowing quite what to do. She could feel the other girl’s breasts pushing into hers, as well as smell her sweat and tears. The feeling almost overwhelming her senses as her opponent just continued to hug and thank her again. So she did what she thought would be best in this circumstance, Herb-chan hugged the other girl back and patted her on the back while she felt her clothes dampen in Akane’s sweat.
Scene Break
“Thank you for coming on short notices Mrs. Saotome.” A well-dressed Japanese man said from his sitting position across from Nodoka.
“It was no problem Mr. Mashanikai.” Nodoka answered from her seat. She was dressed in a semi-formal Kimono, and had her family honor blade resting against her lap in front of her. The two of them were sitting in an outdoor cafŽ near to where Nodoka currently lived.
“I asked you here so that I could inform you that I will be taking over your case, and needed to ask you some questions regarding information in your portfolio.” The lawyer said politely as he pulled up a leather bound briefcase and set it on the table in between them.
“May I ask why? I haven’t been requested for more details for a few years since this case was opened.”
“I make it a point to acquaint myself will all of my clients, especially as I have not worked on your case yet and feel that there might be some information that may have been overlooked by my predecessor.”“Was he not a good lawyer then?” Nodoka asked.
“No he was one of the best. But I have found that everyone has a different perspective and he may see things that I do not, and I may see things that he did not. As such it is important to familiarize myself with not just the written material of a case, but also the living clientele that our firm represents.”
“In that case, where would you like to begin?”
“I would like to begin with the contract that your husband left behind the day that he left with your only child.” Mr. Mashanikai stated as he pulled out a copy of the Seppuku contract.
Scene Break
Kasumi was leading Herb-chan to the furo after her spar with Akane. The raven-haired girl had left into the house proper several minutes before the eldest Tendo had taken it upon herself to find where their wayward guest was.
Herb-chan meanwhile was not protesting being led to the Japanese style bath as she did want to bathe a bit and had no compulsion or otherwise about changing back into her natural gender. In fact she wanted to be rid of this other body as soon as she could.
Kasumi showed her where the towels were then excused herself as she still had some preparing to do for dinner that evening. Herb-chan washed off prior to entering the furo tub itself, all the while thinking back on her encounter with the oddly behaved Akane.
“Let’s be friends, she asked.” Herb-chan said to herself. “What is a friend.”
“I’ve never had friends, vassals yes. Retainers, yes. But never any friends.” She said speaking aloud her internal conversation.
“Do I want a ‘friend’?” Herb-chan continued out loud as she stepped into the furo and turned back into her birth gender. “What would I do with a friend?” He continued in thought only as he relaxed in the hot waters.
“She is a dedicated, if unskilled fighter. Could she be more?”
“Do I want more? What would I do with such a woman though.”
Herb looked down at himself through the water, and thought back on the curse. “I’ve been traveling with that fool Saotome for some time now. And have left my Kingdome behind. What is there for me if not my land and people.” He looked strait ahead, but Herb-kun’s eyes unfocused as he gazed inwardly. “But as frustrated as I have been, I have felt more alive in this last few months than in the last several years.”
He stood up in the furo. “I now know what I need to do.”
Scene Break
Akane was in a euphoric state after her fight. But was too bruised to go into the furo to soak right now. Even though she knew for a fact if she didn’t soak her muscles shortly she would be stiff for a few days.
But instead of going for the soak, she lay on her bed with a dreamy look on her face. “Finally.” She said out loud. “Finally, someone who took me for me, and not for something to be won. Finally someone who took me seriously.” Akane thought to herself.
The raven-haired girl held up her right arm despite it’s pulled muscle from a bad fall. “I’ve never felt so good after a fight.” She muttered out loud.
“And that combo she pulled on me. I thought that stuff only happened in the movies.” She said as she thought about the disorienting air juggle that she had been the recipient of not to long ago. “And to put me back on my feet rather than letting me land.” Akane stated, the beginnings of hero worship plainly visible on her face.
“It’s too bad she’s a girl. I wish some guy would treat me so well.”
Scene Break
About an hour after Herb-kun had gotten out of the furo found the pink and purple haired prince walking up behind Soun on the porch over looking the yard. It was still raining at this time as the Patriarch of the Tendo family watched the peaceful afternoon shower.
“Honorable scion of the house of Tendo.” Herb-kun began as he kneeled down next to Soun in the same position as Mr. Tendo. “I am Prince Herb of the Musk Dynasty.” He said. “I would beseech of you the hand of your youngest daughter Akane. I would wish of her to be my bride and Queen.”
Soun had been sitting enjoying the afternoon shower as Genma had gone off for a minute. And had not been expecting a deep male voice that range with authority to sound next to him in his contemplation. Yet more, he did not expect a formal request of engagement of one of his daughters by the male version of the girl he had seen earlier that day. Though Soun did know about Herb’s curse thanks to Genma, he did not expect to feel such a noble presence as the Prince of the Musk presented.
The Tendo Patriarch turned his head slightly so that he could catch a glimpse of the prince in his peripheral vision. “May I ask why you would have my youngest in marriage?”
“She is of a fiery temperament and physical drive that I feel would complement my line of Dragon Princes of our Kingdome. Not many have withstood a training session with me, and less have enjoyed it.” Herb-kun explained. “She has impressed me in the short time since I have met her, and would wish to engage with her so as to know more about this intriguing young girl that you have raised.”
“But what of Ranma? My old friend and training partner had stated that you were helping him on his travels. As well my other two daughters have said that Akane would do well to be engaged to Saotome’s lad.”
“That may be true, but I am here and have met and seen Akane in battle. Ranma is still in Amazon lands and thus unavailable. As well, Akane has already asked for me to remain and train with her.”
“Is there another way Prince of the Musk.” Soun asked brining his vision in front of him once again.
“Perhaps, could I then have permission to woo her at her pleasure once your friend and myself return from our quest to regain his son from the hands of the Amazons?”They were both silent for a few moments as Soun thought Prince Herb’s request over. “Yes, once you return and we discuss with young Ranma about his engagement to one of my daughters.”
“Then I shall be off as soon as Genma and I can be ready. Good day then, I will prepare to leave at the earliest convenience.” Herb-kun said and stood up to make his way to the guest room that Kasumi had shown him earlier that evening.
“HmmÉ. Perhaps Nabiki then, she has never really mentioned any men in her life.” Soun muttered to himself once he was alone.
Scene Break
Akane had finally mustered up enough energy to come down to the family room. When she got there she saw a handsome man with almost the same hairstyle and color of the Herb. Curious she watched as he went up the stairs that she had just left.
She then went over to her father who seemed very happy for some reason. “Father?” She asked.
Soun turned to look at his youngest daughter and then jumped up as he saw the bruises that were already forming on her. “AKANE! WHAT HAPPENED! WHO DID THIS TO YOU!” He demanded in a frightened yell.
“DAD!” Akane yelled trying to shock him out of his panic. “Stop it.” When Soun did calm down Akane continued in a near dreamy voice. “It was Herb, we sparred and she treated me like a real warrior. I’ve never felt so happy before.”
“So Herb did this to you.” Soun said in a near disbelieving voice.
“Yes, she’s the best.” Akane then came down from cloud nine for a second and focused her vision directly on her father’s eyes. “Can she stay? Please. I want her to be around for as long as possible.”Unfortunately for the Tendo Patriarch, he missed Akane’s gender reference as he was more interested in the fact that Akane seemed to really like the Musk Prince. “Yes, Herb can stay here the rest of his life if he desires.”“Thanks Dad.” Akane said and then took off to the kitchen happily, even as she herself missed her fathers gender references when it came to Herb.
Genma had walked into the room himself in the middle of Soun’s conversation with Akane. He saw her expression, and then made the connection with Nabiki’s earlier comments and Akane’s happiness.
“Tendo, old buddy.”
Soun turned to look at Genma. “Yes Saotome?”
“I think that your daughter Nabiki was right. Herb may be the best choice for Prince Herb. Maybe Nabiki or Kasumi would be a good choice for Ranma instead of Akane?” He said.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I have traveled with Herb, and if Akane likes him, than she probably would not get along with my missing son. But perhaps Ranma would benefit from a strong hand to guide him, like your highly observant daughter Nabiki?”
“Yes Saotome, Nabiki is my smartest daughter. And quite shrewd too when needs be. Let’s discuss this more when you have returned with your wayward son.”“Yes, lets. Then for now I must leave. Take care old friend.” Genma said and turned to go upstairs to collect his traveling pack and companion.
Scene Break
Nodoka was sitting in a large office.
Beside her on the left wall as a person would enter the room there was a disperse collection of weaponry. Towards the entrance to the room there were several paired long barreled hand guns of various types of build and under them are many rows of clips and munitions of many different designs and colors. Underneath each set of munitions there is a name or symbol, so as to describe or announce what it was.
After the munitions and handguns were several rifles sitting in upright racks 4 of them of a very high tech design. but the first two were of a design so archaic that a musket may appear higher tech. However the two archaic firearms had many obscure runes and symbols engraved in their wooden stocks and crude metal barrels. Unlike the handguns and the 4 other rifles however, there was no ammunition or cases underneath these rifles.
On the nearest side to the desk in the room were 10 different Katana's of very ornate design. Several of them part of a full Daisho, but there was one very plain Katana with no discernable markings other than the fact that it was on a golden rack and encased in glass, underneath the sword was the simple Kanji for Orchid.
On the other wall was a vast collection of odd trinkets. A set of forearm claws, with one broken blade on the right hands set. There were a few swords of Oriental or European design. A handgun that was more of a small cannon than a gun with the hilt burnt to a crisp. A broken demon mask. and many other trinkets like what a hunter would gather.
On the desk in front of Nodoka were two sets of legal documents. The first set was a packet of divorce papers as well as a family registry with several open spots and an unsigned witness signature area.
The other set was a small grouping of papers, each one looking like a felony charge warrant for arrest, additional to them were several sets of pardons to many different crimes. All were unsigned and had no names on them as yet.
Nodoka sighs and files all of them into her file cabinet. Then she pulls out a small slate about the height and width of a writing clipboard that had a blank face like a television screen that had no power. She touched a small button on the front and a woman’s face appeared in the blank area.
“I’ll do it. But for a price."
End Chapter
Authors Notes:
Ok, first note. I’ve been wanting to do this take on Nodoka for about two years now. No I won’t tell you where I got the Amalgam of skills that she will have, but a quick hintÉ The skills come from three different American Movies, and two different Anime from the late 80’s and early 90’s. If a reviewer can pick up which series I have drawn Nodoka’s other persona (Besides her very Traditional role from the comics) then I can give them an insert into this story, either a character of their choice, or an Anime version of their avatar. Though I’m probably getting myself into a bit of trouble with my work with that I felt that it would be worth the challenge.
Thanks for all the reviews. This will be a very long running fanfiction if my storyboard holds true. There should be about 15 chapters in this, which is book one. Book two is just starting its story layout right now, and so far has 10 chapters plotted. I’m hoping to get at least 5 books before writers block or worse sets in.
Wish me luck.
Oh yeah, and does anyone have any requests for this fic? Though it’s already storyboarded out I can change things around if someone has a really good suggestion. You know, like timeline suggestions, such as Ranma meets up with his mother before the Tendo’s. Or Ryoga comes very early, or even not at all. Saffron Attacks in person two weeks after they reach wherever they get to.
I’m writing this for my readers as well as for personal enjoyment. I would like to see this story reach 150,000 words plus, but want my readers to enjoy it more than I want to produce a heavy unwieldy piece of work that no one likes.
TTFN (Ta Ta For Now, for those who are not familiar with Tigger)
Chapter 05 done. Some Reviews in. Dang nab it though, couple of my reviewers suggested that I have them Meet with Nodoka early on. Do you guys realize how many storyboards I had to rewrite due to your great suggestion? At least 4000 words or so. But I think that this one will turn out much better than originally planned, as I was able to add a variance to Nodoka that I've always enjoyed. Guess I'll just have to have Nodoka in Book 1 after all. Hope everyone likes this version.
Also I've been asked why I only accept signed reviews. I don't know about the other fanfiction authors out there, but when I've posted and accepted unsigned reviews I got flamed and criticized by a type of person I like to call a Fic Lawyer. For those fiction lawyers reading this, please keep in mind that this is a non-profit work of fiction. That the characters are not mine, but the situation is one I created for them. Also that there will be OOC or changes, that is a given for practically any fanfiction. Especially Altered Universe types of fiction, which this is most definitely one of. I love to hear reviews, and even criticism. But I actually got one review on this one on another site that the reviewer complained saying that Ranma was supposed to fall into the spring of drowned girl. Not get knocked into a completely different spring. For people like that, please just go back and read the Manga or watch the Anime. Because if little differences like that bug you then you should probably not be reading fanfiction. It's better for your health that way. For those of you who enjoy what I've been writing, Thanks for sticking with me.
Now on to Chapter 06 of ADTOV
Standard disclaimer, don't own Ranma 1/2, or Rifts. Wish I had some stock or shares but I don't. I'm doing this for my enjoyment and for the enjoyment of any of my readers. May they continue reading my works after they read this.
Chapter 06 Interlude
Mint looked over at their strange traveling companion. After they had managed to unlock the Jusenkyo curse on their prince, Herb had still insisted on keeping this pudgy middle-aged martial artist with them. In fact they were on their way to stop off at a friend of his for some reason.
"Mint, Lime." Herb-kun said to his two retainers. "You two will stay in the forest here, and not come into the town.""Why Prince Herb?" The larger of the two asked.
"Because, we are visiting a friend of Genma's and I do not wish for you to botch anything like is your wont to do. So stay here and wait. We should be back in one or two days." Herb said as he turned to head towards the town.
Thus said, the two underlings of Prince Herb of the Musk Dynasty stayed behind on the outskirts of Nerima.
A few hours later a disgruntled Panda and a slightly pouting pink and purple haired girl arrived at the front gate to the Tendo Dojo. Both were carrying large and worn travel packs. However Herb-chan was wearing a blue Chinese fighting tang with a golden dragon crest embroidered into the back rather than her normal dragon armor. The reason why is that she didn’t want anyone to know who or what she was at the moment. Especially as
"I told you we shouldn't have walked near the river Saotome." Herb-chan said next to the larger and very wet bulk of her traveling companion. Who of course only growffed in response. Herb-chan just blew a lock of pink hair out of her face and raised her fist to knock on the gate.
A few moments after they had knocked at the gate a young woman with kind eyes answered. "Welcome to the Tendo Dojo." She said. "May I help you?"
"Yes, we are here on behalf of an old friend of the master of this Dojo. May we enter?" Herb-chan asked in a polite manner that was not quite consistent with the expression on her face, which almost looked like she was biting something rotten or bitter.
The young woman bowed towards them and backed up slightly to let them pass her into the entrance. "Be well traveler. I'll go get my father Soun Tendo, until then you can rest in our greeting room. Your pet can stay in the yard." The young woman then stood up fully and closed the gate after they both entered. "I am Kasumi Tendo by the way."
Herb-chan bowed her head slightly in greeting. "I am Herb of the Musk." She replied, with a small grin. Once Kasumi was a little bit ahead of them she leaned over to Genma. "Yes 'Pet' you can stay in the yard." She said as she strained the last part of the sentence.
Genma-panda still tried to follow Herb-chan into the house but the smaller girl just gave him a wicked punch in the gut followed by a condescending waive of her finger. “No no Panda man. You will stay here.”
Kasumi was far enough ahead that she didn’t hear what Herb-chan had said, but she still caught that this girl had sucker punched a panda bear hard enough to get it to pause. The eldest Tendo daughter may not have been much of a martial artist currently, but that didn’t mean that she didn’t know how to judge skill and power. And she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that this young girl near her had serious power. But for the Wa of the house, and the faade of her being, Kasumi Tendo decided to keep her thoughts to herself.
Once the two of them were inside with the large panda standing in the doorway looking a bit disgruntled Herb-chan stopped Kasumi before she could go further into the house. “Could I request a kettle of hot water from you Mistress of the house?” The cursed girl asked politely, though knowing that she was butchering her Japanese honorifics as she had not been able to learn to many as of yet.
“Yes, I will retrieve it for you momentarily.” Kasumi said and turned towards the kitchen rather than the far porch where she knew her father would be sitting at this time during the day.
Herb-chan took a few moments to look around the house she was in. It was small, but well kept she could see. The tatami mats well kept, and the rice paper partitions looked to be in excellent repair and placement. In fact it looked to be a very old style that dated back many years if she was one to judge. Especially after being bombarded by the newer technologies that were available out there, the computer store itself had sent her into near convulsions when a particular fractal image had appeared on the screen that awoke a part of her dragon heritage into the attempt to solve the geometric enigma that had been presented.
After a few more moments Kasumi had brought a steaming teakettle into the room and placed it on the small eating table in the center. As Herb-chan was reaching for it, a big hairy paw grabbed it from in front of her.
“Hey! Overgrown Oaf of a FOOL!” She yelled at Genma as the Panda poured the hot water over its head.
“Wha-“ A male voice came from the other side of the room as Genma shifted from being a large and relatively pudgy Panda bear into a large and bald and also relatively pudgy martial artist.
“Tendo! It’s been a long time!” Genma said as he walked over towards his old training partner and long time friend.
“Saotome? Is that you?” Soun said as he looked at his friend. “What happened? Were you that Panda I saw a moment ago?” He asked in bewilderment.
“Yes it’s me. It’s also a long story.” Genma said as he adjusted his glasses. “I’m here to visit. Herb and myself have to get my lazy son away from some crazy Amazons we met in China.”
“Then why aren’t you there right now. And who’s Herb?” Soun asked.
“Why Prince Herb isÉ” Genma looked around the dining room that he and Soun were talking in. “Not here, where’d he go?”
Scene Break
Nabiki and Kasumi watched on as Herb-chan and Akane were sparing in the Dojo. It was obvious to them that Akane was very out classed by the smaller pink and purple haired girl.
The two girls sparring went into another combo of attacks and parries, Akane trying to move in a circular motion around Herb-chan who just stood in place blocking and parrying Akane’s near futile punches. Every tenth or twentieth punch or kick by the raven haired girl and Herb-chan would counter with a vicious jab or hook punch that would often send the other girl flying across the room.
After several moments of this Nabiki grew bored and walked off. As much as she liked seeing her kid sister taken down a couple notches the mercenary girl still had other things that needed to be done. A few moments later and Kasumi left as well as she needed to put some final preparations for dinner before it grew to late.
Akane and Herb-chan continued to spar. Akane continued because she was having the fight of her life. Even discounting the slight limp and favoring of her left arm the raven-haired girl was grinning like a maniac. For Herb-chan it was something else. This girl in front of her showed basic skill, and a great penchant for taking punishment. But the most impressive thing to Herb-chan was that this girl who had requested to spar with her seemed to truly enjoy this training that she was giving to her in the form of a fight. It was like nothing that she had encountered before. Even Genma Saotome, who Herb-chan knew for a fact enjoyed fighting, never enjoyed the frustration of being made a mockery of like this girl did.
It bore looking into.
Scene Break
Nabiki walked into the main room of their house to find her father talking with an older man.
“So the agreement is still on, old friend?” She heard the pudgy man in a very travel worn faded gi ask her father.
“Yes, it is. We just need to decide who he will be betrothed to.” Soun said to the other man.
“Well he does have a similar curse to myself, that needs to be taken into consideration old buddy.”
“Right you are Saotome. So what is his cursed form then?”
“That of a weak girl. Oh the fates. But it is reversed with hot water.” Genma Saotome said.
Nabiki was about to walk away. Sure her father had told them about the engagement earlier that week. However it was obvious to her that the two men had lost a few bricks out of their mental load. How could a boy turn into a girl and back. Just not possible in the realms of physics that she knew.
“So do you mind showing me how the curse works again Saotome?” Nabiki’s father asked his friend.
“No problem, old friend. Since it’s still raining outside that will be easiest. Just please make sure to have some hot water prepared as that is how to undo the curse.” So saying Genma walked out the open partition into the rain still coming down and turned into a large Panda bear.
Nabiki’s eyes just about popped out of her head when she saw the large ursine creature standing there. Then the cursed being walked back into the room and held up a sign with poorly written Japanese on it stating. “Hot Water Please!”
Nabiki just nodded her head as her father wasn’t moving either. The middle Tendo went into the kitchen where she found Kasumi had a water kettle on the stove. The eldest Tendo girl handed the hot water to Nabiki. “Fascinating isn’t it? I saw them earlier when I led Father’s old friend into the house.” Kasumi said to her younger sister.
“You mean that’s real?” Nabiki said. “Then their friend is really a boy. A boy that Akane is fighting, and enjoying the fight.” Nabiki was about to leave the room then turned back quickly. “If Akane enjoys his presence, maybe we should do something about it. I mean it’s not as if she’ll have anything to do with the boys at school right now, right?”“You’re right Nabiki, but I should think that you should get that water to Mr. Saotome as he is a little impatient when he’s a Panda.”
“Weird.” Nabiki muttered as she left the room back into the dining room to where her father and Mr. Saotome were having a discussion via Genma’s signs. “Here’s your water.” Nabiki said as she held out the kettle to the Panda.
Said Panda just grabbed the kettle and poured the water over his head and changed back into the man she had seen earlier.
Nabiki then walked over to her father. “Father?”
“Yes daughter.” Soun replied giving his middle daughter his attention.
“Akane would be the right one for this.” She said thinking that she was doing her sister a favor. “She’s been having trouble with boys lately and this might be a way for her to enjoy the time with one without feeling pressured.” She said.
“Right you are Nabiki. Very well, then Akane shall be engaged to him, and married at their earliest convenience.” The Tendo Patriarch exclaimed thinking that Nabiki was talking about Genma’s son Ranma.
Genma of course agreed, even though he had never met Soun’s youngest, and only been briefly introduced to his elder two daughters. This was about merging the two clans.
Of course the two of them didn’t realize that they were talking about Prince Herb, as that was who Nabiki thought they were talking about. But things being the way they were, neither one of the masters of Anything Goes Martial Arts were going to complain.
Scene Break
Nodoka Saotome whirled in place in her Dojo. She placed a foot behind her and spun to the reverse facing of her stance. One arm rotated from behind her to a strait armed stance in front of her with her index and middle finger pointing as if it were a gun. Her other arm was underneath and pointing across her body at a 40 degree angle off of center with her index and middle finger poised and rigid as well.
She then c-stepped into a 18 degree angle away from where she first stood, moving her gun finger held hands into two different firing arcs, only slightly overlapping.
Perspiration could be seen on her brow, and also on the floor below her. On the ground were many different triangles, circles, squares and other geometric patters interwoven in a strange but synergistic pattern with a strange flow that a regular martial artist would not be able to work a Kata without stepping on one of the lines, or stepping off of one of the lines.
Nodoka Saotome’s feet were currently parallel to the lines of one of the squares, both squared off from her body, pointing down her strait line of sight to the walls of the dojo.
On those walls were other shapes and figures, including many many different holes, some of which had wooden pegs in them, others that were empty. Nodoka herself was dressed in a well tailored hakims, but not a normal one. Rather than being very large, and free flowing her hakama was form fitting and very feminine. Dark charcoal blue in color, with black trim the outfit was made of a form of silk and had ties in place on it to place a sword or guns in holsters.
After several more motions of her kata, the auburn haired woman flipped backwards towards one of the walls and pulled at one of the wooded pegs. Once pulled free the peg turned out to be the handle of a strait boken, similar in shape to a normal boken, but with no back curve. She continued in her kata with the sword, and the movements seemed very synergistic with the earlier kata. But with an emphasis towards close attack rather than long ranged motions. The strikes were brutal, and the movements quick and efficient.
Before Nodoka could get to far into this kata though the sound of a phone ringing could be heard. She stopped and looked towards where the noise came from before wiping her forehead with the back of her hand.
Scene Break
Akane looked over at her opponent. They had been sparring for a while now. And while the youngest Tendo was very winded, and also had a limp from a powerful block of kick earlier she was also having the time of her life. She had never been pushed so hard in martial arts, and had never been held off so well either. But the best part was the fact that the girl facing her wasn’t scoffing or even holding her punches she felt. If the girl was holding her punches then she’d be able to punch through solid rock and maybe even metal.
Herb-chan was a bit confused. Sure she knew now that this girl enjoyed fighting. But, even to the degree she did was ridiculous. However if things kept up, and her offer of friendship was true, then this girl would probably improve greatly in skill in just a matter of days or weeks. As things stood she was finally tightening up her defense against Herb-chan’s attacks. Now instead of every single attack getting through, every 10th was blocked by the other girl.
While Herb-chan was thinking, Akane was preparing a brutal combination. Or at least thought she was. The long black haired girl swept in with a lower leg feint hoping to catch her opponent off guard as she hadn’t used kicks in the last few minutes. She even had a great follow up feint readied that would hopefully hide her real attack until it actually got through.
What happened instead was that Herb-chan used her foot to hook behind Akane’s knee on her forward leg sweep. Using an upward kick the pink and purple haired girl flung Akane up into the air so hard that she ended up flipping completely over and landing on her stomach. Herb-chan followed up with a grab to the back of the other girl’s gi and flung her upwards into the ceiling where she hit back first.
Akane watched as she started to fall back down and the other girl kicked straight up into her shoulder, which caused her to start to spin in the air a bit on her way down. Once the girl’s spin got her body perpendicular to the floor Herb-chan punched her in hip opposite to the direction of her spin which caused, albeit with much pain, Akane to stop rotating. Then before the raven-haired girl fell down from disorientation or pain Herb-chan grabbed the front of her gi and steadied her.
Herb-chan expected her excitable young opponent to get angry or at least a little bit afraid after this action. What she didn’t expect was Akane to lunge forward and latch onto her in a fierce, if weakened, hug.
“Thank you.” Akane said while trying to catch her breath. “Thank you so much.” She said almost teary eyed.
Herb-chan just stood there, not knowing quite what to do. She could feel the other girl’s breasts pushing into hers, as well as smell her sweat and tears. The feeling almost overwhelming her senses as her opponent just continued to hug and thank her again. So she did what she thought would be best in this circumstance, Herb-chan hugged the other girl back and patted her on the back while she felt her clothes dampen in Akane’s sweat.
Scene Break
“Thank you for coming on short notices Mrs. Saotome.” A well-dressed Japanese man said from his sitting position across from Nodoka.
“It was no problem Mr. Mashanikai.” Nodoka answered from her seat. She was dressed in a semi-formal Kimono, and had her family honor blade resting against her lap in front of her. The two of them were sitting in an outdoor cafŽ near to where Nodoka currently lived.
“I asked you here so that I could inform you that I will be taking over your case, and needed to ask you some questions regarding information in your portfolio.” The lawyer said politely as he pulled up a leather bound briefcase and set it on the table in between them.
“May I ask why? I haven’t been requested for more details for a few years since this case was opened.”
“I make it a point to acquaint myself will all of my clients, especially as I have not worked on your case yet and feel that there might be some information that may have been overlooked by my predecessor.”“Was he not a good lawyer then?” Nodoka asked.
“No he was one of the best. But I have found that everyone has a different perspective and he may see things that I do not, and I may see things that he did not. As such it is important to familiarize myself with not just the written material of a case, but also the living clientele that our firm represents.”
“In that case, where would you like to begin?”
“I would like to begin with the contract that your husband left behind the day that he left with your only child.” Mr. Mashanikai stated as he pulled out a copy of the Seppuku contract.
Scene Break
Kasumi was leading Herb-chan to the furo after her spar with Akane. The raven-haired girl had left into the house proper several minutes before the eldest Tendo had taken it upon herself to find where their wayward guest was.
Herb-chan meanwhile was not protesting being led to the Japanese style bath as she did want to bathe a bit and had no compulsion or otherwise about changing back into her natural gender. In fact she wanted to be rid of this other body as soon as she could.
Kasumi showed her where the towels were then excused herself as she still had some preparing to do for dinner that evening. Herb-chan washed off prior to entering the furo tub itself, all the while thinking back on her encounter with the oddly behaved Akane.
“Let’s be friends, she asked.” Herb-chan said to herself. “What is a friend.”
“I’ve never had friends, vassals yes. Retainers, yes. But never any friends.” She said speaking aloud her internal conversation.
“Do I want a ‘friend’?” Herb-chan continued out loud as she stepped into the furo and turned back into her birth gender. “What would I do with a friend?” He continued in thought only as he relaxed in the hot waters.
“She is a dedicated, if unskilled fighter. Could she be more?”
“Do I want more? What would I do with such a woman though.”
Herb looked down at himself through the water, and thought back on the curse. “I’ve been traveling with that fool Saotome for some time now. And have left my Kingdome behind. What is there for me if not my land and people.” He looked strait ahead, but Herb-kun’s eyes unfocused as he gazed inwardly. “But as frustrated as I have been, I have felt more alive in this last few months than in the last several years.”
He stood up in the furo. “I now know what I need to do.”
Scene Break
Akane was in a euphoric state after her fight. But was too bruised to go into the furo to soak right now. Even though she knew for a fact if she didn’t soak her muscles shortly she would be stiff for a few days.
But instead of going for the soak, she lay on her bed with a dreamy look on her face. “Finally.” She said out loud. “Finally, someone who took me for me, and not for something to be won. Finally someone who took me seriously.” Akane thought to herself.
The raven-haired girl held up her right arm despite it’s pulled muscle from a bad fall. “I’ve never felt so good after a fight.” She muttered out loud.
“And that combo she pulled on me. I thought that stuff only happened in the movies.” She said as she thought about the disorienting air juggle that she had been the recipient of not to long ago. “And to put me back on my feet rather than letting me land.” Akane stated, the beginnings of hero worship plainly visible on her face.
“It’s too bad she’s a girl. I wish some guy would treat me so well.”
Scene Break
About an hour after Herb-kun had gotten out of the furo found the pink and purple haired prince walking up behind Soun on the porch over looking the yard. It was still raining at this time as the Patriarch of the Tendo family watched the peaceful afternoon shower.
“Honorable scion of the house of Tendo.” Herb-kun began as he kneeled down next to Soun in the same position as Mr. Tendo. “I am Prince Herb of the Musk Dynasty.” He said. “I would beseech of you the hand of your youngest daughter Akane. I would wish of her to be my bride and Queen.”
Soun had been sitting enjoying the afternoon shower as Genma had gone off for a minute. And had not been expecting a deep male voice that range with authority to sound next to him in his contemplation. Yet more, he did not expect a formal request of engagement of one of his daughters by the male version of the girl he had seen earlier that day. Though Soun did know about Herb’s curse thanks to Genma, he did not expect to feel such a noble presence as the Prince of the Musk presented.
The Tendo Patriarch turned his head slightly so that he could catch a glimpse of the prince in his peripheral vision. “May I ask why you would have my youngest in marriage?”
“She is of a fiery temperament and physical drive that I feel would complement my line of Dragon Princes of our Kingdome. Not many have withstood a training session with me, and less have enjoyed it.” Herb-kun explained. “She has impressed me in the short time since I have met her, and would wish to engage with her so as to know more about this intriguing young girl that you have raised.”
“But what of Ranma? My old friend and training partner had stated that you were helping him on his travels. As well my other two daughters have said that Akane would do well to be engaged to Saotome’s lad.”
“That may be true, but I am here and have met and seen Akane in battle. Ranma is still in Amazon lands and thus unavailable. As well, Akane has already asked for me to remain and train with her.”
“Is there another way Prince of the Musk.” Soun asked brining his vision in front of him once again.
“Perhaps, could I then have permission to woo her at her pleasure once your friend and myself return from our quest to regain his son from the hands of the Amazons?”They were both silent for a few moments as Soun thought Prince Herb’s request over. “Yes, once you return and we discuss with young Ranma about his engagement to one of my daughters.”
“Then I shall be off as soon as Genma and I can be ready. Good day then, I will prepare to leave at the earliest convenience.” Herb-kun said and stood up to make his way to the guest room that Kasumi had shown him earlier that evening.
“HmmÉ. Perhaps Nabiki then, she has never really mentioned any men in her life.” Soun muttered to himself once he was alone.
Scene Break
Akane had finally mustered up enough energy to come down to the family room. When she got there she saw a handsome man with almost the same hairstyle and color of the Herb. Curious she watched as he went up the stairs that she had just left.
She then went over to her father who seemed very happy for some reason. “Father?” She asked.
Soun turned to look at his youngest daughter and then jumped up as he saw the bruises that were already forming on her. “AKANE! WHAT HAPPENED! WHO DID THIS TO YOU!” He demanded in a frightened yell.
“DAD!” Akane yelled trying to shock him out of his panic. “Stop it.” When Soun did calm down Akane continued in a near dreamy voice. “It was Herb, we sparred and she treated me like a real warrior. I’ve never felt so happy before.”
“So Herb did this to you.” Soun said in a near disbelieving voice.
“Yes, she’s the best.” Akane then came down from cloud nine for a second and focused her vision directly on her father’s eyes. “Can she stay? Please. I want her to be around for as long as possible.”Unfortunately for the Tendo Patriarch, he missed Akane’s gender reference as he was more interested in the fact that Akane seemed to really like the Musk Prince. “Yes, Herb can stay here the rest of his life if he desires.”“Thanks Dad.” Akane said and then took off to the kitchen happily, even as she herself missed her fathers gender references when it came to Herb.
Genma had walked into the room himself in the middle of Soun’s conversation with Akane. He saw her expression, and then made the connection with Nabiki’s earlier comments and Akane’s happiness.
“Tendo, old buddy.”
Soun turned to look at Genma. “Yes Saotome?”
“I think that your daughter Nabiki was right. Herb may be the best choice for Prince Herb. Maybe Nabiki or Kasumi would be a good choice for Ranma instead of Akane?” He said.
“Why do you say that?”
“Because I have traveled with Herb, and if Akane likes him, than she probably would not get along with my missing son. But perhaps Ranma would benefit from a strong hand to guide him, like your highly observant daughter Nabiki?”
“Yes Saotome, Nabiki is my smartest daughter. And quite shrewd too when needs be. Let’s discuss this more when you have returned with your wayward son.”“Yes, lets. Then for now I must leave. Take care old friend.” Genma said and turned to go upstairs to collect his traveling pack and companion.
Scene Break
Nodoka was sitting in a large office.
Beside her on the left wall as a person would enter the room there was a disperse collection of weaponry. Towards the entrance to the room there were several paired long barreled hand guns of various types of build and under them are many rows of clips and munitions of many different designs and colors. Underneath each set of munitions there is a name or symbol, so as to describe or announce what it was.
After the munitions and handguns were several rifles sitting in upright racks 4 of them of a very high tech design. but the first two were of a design so archaic that a musket may appear higher tech. However the two archaic firearms had many obscure runes and symbols engraved in their wooden stocks and crude metal barrels. Unlike the handguns and the 4 other rifles however, there was no ammunition or cases underneath these rifles.
On the nearest side to the desk in the room were 10 different Katana's of very ornate design. Several of them part of a full Daisho, but there was one very plain Katana with no discernable markings other than the fact that it was on a golden rack and encased in glass, underneath the sword was the simple Kanji for Orchid.
On the other wall was a vast collection of odd trinkets. A set of forearm claws, with one broken blade on the right hands set. There were a few swords of Oriental or European design. A handgun that was more of a small cannon than a gun with the hilt burnt to a crisp. A broken demon mask. and many other trinkets like what a hunter would gather.
On the desk in front of Nodoka were two sets of legal documents. The first set was a packet of divorce papers as well as a family registry with several open spots and an unsigned witness signature area.
The other set was a small grouping of papers, each one looking like a felony charge warrant for arrest, additional to them were several sets of pardons to many different crimes. All were unsigned and had no names on them as yet.
Nodoka sighs and files all of them into her file cabinet. Then she pulls out a small slate about the height and width of a writing clipboard that had a blank face like a television screen that had no power. She touched a small button on the front and a woman’s face appeared in the blank area.
“I’ll do it. But for a price."
End Chapter
Authors Notes:
Ok, first note. I’ve been wanting to do this take on Nodoka for about two years now. No I won’t tell you where I got the Amalgam of skills that she will have, but a quick hintÉ The skills come from three different American Movies, and two different Anime from the late 80’s and early 90’s. If a reviewer can pick up which series I have drawn Nodoka’s other persona (Besides her very Traditional role from the comics) then I can give them an insert into this story, either a character of their choice, or an Anime version of their avatar. Though I’m probably getting myself into a bit of trouble with my work with that I felt that it would be worth the challenge.
Thanks for all the reviews. This will be a very long running fanfiction if my storyboard holds true. There should be about 15 chapters in this, which is book one. Book two is just starting its story layout right now, and so far has 10 chapters plotted. I’m hoping to get at least 5 books before writers block or worse sets in.
Wish me luck.
Oh yeah, and does anyone have any requests for this fic? Though it’s already storyboarded out I can change things around if someone has a really good suggestion. You know, like timeline suggestions, such as Ranma meets up with his mother before the Tendo’s. Or Ryoga comes very early, or even not at all. Saffron Attacks in person two weeks after they reach wherever they get to.
I’m writing this for my readers as well as for personal enjoyment. I would like to see this story reach 150,000 words plus, but want my readers to enjoy it more than I want to produce a heavy unwieldy piece of work that no one likes.
TTFN (Ta Ta For Now, for those who are not familiar with Tigger)