Ranma 1/2: A New Awakening Alternate Continuation (minor crossovers) By: Dani Yanega yanega@mindspring.com Co-author & Concept by: "Jerry" starfire@brainerd.net Chapter Fifteen Seran, Nodoka, and Raist appeared on the Tokyo Tower, looking around, Seran and Raist gaped at the towering buildings. Nodoka smiled at her companions, after she got her barring, she shook both men to wakefulness. They all three took flight heading for the lawyer's office for her appointment. They arrived at the office of Masaki Hiromi, landing on the roof of the lawyer's building. Seran and Nodoka made their wings disappear then thanks to the training from Ranko, all three jumped to the ground and landed gracefully. They then entered the office. The two men took a seat by the window while Nodoka let the secretary know she was there. Nodoka took a quick glance at the desk calendar to find out it was Wednesday, well four more days before they come back for their meeting with the Tendos. The secretary notified Ms. Masaki her nine o'clock was here. She then pointed to a seat, for Nodoka, to wait for her appointment. Nodoka sat down with Seran and Raist who just stared out the window in awe. She just laughed quietly to herself. She briefly looked through a magazine, then was called to her appointment. She excused herself, but the men never heard her. She was escorted into Ms Masaki's office. They bowed to each other. Then Nodoka took the offered chaired. "Welcome back Nodoka-san, I have the necessary forms for your divorce just sign here, and here. I have gotten you soul custody of your child, and all records say that Ranma has always been a girl named Ranko." She said with a sly smile. "Tell me Nodoka-san how is auntie Titiana, still as beautiful as ever?" Nodoka looked at her lawyer with a raised eyebrow. "Don't looked so surprised dear, I have been a Faerie for going on eight hundred years. I have been living here for thirty." She said with a wave of her hand. "If that is the case why didn't she use an earth bound Faerie?" Nodoka asked with an angry tone rising in her voice. "Well I think it is because we are Faeries, we do not have the know how to make people listen to us without a glamour spell, she wanted true humans for what she has planed. In addition, when Genma made that deal she had her messenger. We earth bound Faeries will be here to aid you and your child though." She answered, with a calm reflective look. "You knew about me when I came here?" Nodoka asked surprised her mouth agape. "We were asked to watch you and when your son returned, him as well. When we found out he had been cursed at Jusenkyo, Queen Titiana gave the order to start collecting the need magic to first convert you, then your son. She decided to lock him as a girl because of all the problems your husband had caused him as a boy and they would not end unless he was female. I know the queen told you about you son's life, did she tell you this as well?" She asked, Nodoka nodded her head slowly. Hiromi rose from her chair, and went to one of the bookcases that were lining one of the four walls. Nodoka sat thinking about what she was told, trying to see if she was angry or not. She decided she wasn't, she and Ranko were happy now. They had a life and a future. She was snapped out of her contemplation when a leather pouch hit the desk in front of her. She looked up at her lawyer, who smiled at her. Nodoka looked down at the large pouch and picked it up, it weighed almost three pounds. She opened it and looked inside. It was full of gemstones, the most beautiful she has ever seen. "We were able to sell all your property, and cash in all your investments. I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of converting it all to gems as that will be more useful in the Faerie realm. Oh, and I took my fee before I converted it. Nodoka nodded, as she reached down to a red leather pouch hanging from her obi and slipped the gems inside. Hiromi raised and eyebrow then smiled broadly. She rose again from her desk and hurried out to her waiting room. Nodoka looked after her confused; she then got up and followed the lawyer. She was surprised to see Hiromi Masaki run up to Raist lift him out of his chair and plant a kiss right on his mouth, a very long kiss, Nodoka noticed. Seran got up and walked over to Nodoka and watched with the same confusion. "I knew it had to be you when I saw the red pouch of holding Nodoka-san was carrying. How are you Raist? Are you happy? Still living in the realm I see." Hiromi kept bombarding him with questions. "I am fine Hiromi, and still as vocal as ever. I am happy, I have a new purpose now, that I am in the queens service." He told her with a wry smile. "I know lets get you all checked into the suite Queen Titiana had ordered for you, then we can go out to dinner and talk about what has happened." She said as she runs back into her office three sets of Faerie eyes watching her. "Miroko, please get this to the court clerks office today so that Nodoka-san will be able to return home tomorrow, or Friday." She told her secretary as she handed her the documents Nodoka signed. "Tell Moroshi-san that this is a rush job for me, alright." She continued her assistant nodded and gathered her things then left. She drove them to one of Tokyo's finest hotels, and got them placed in a suite. Then took them all out for dinner. They went to a restaurant by the bay and sat and talked for hours, they closed the restaurant. They then took a drive around the city to show the new comers. When they returned to the hotel it was almost three o'clock in the morning. "Now Nodoka, I should have your final decree around four tomorrow afternoon, will you be alright until then?" Hiromi asked the sleepy woman. "Yes I would like to do some shopping for patterns, and get some things to take back with me." She answered to her lawyer. "Then tomorrow at four." Hiromi bowed to Seran and Nodoka returning the bow, they then walked toward the elevator. "Hiromi, would you have some time tomorrow morning to take me somewhere?" Raist asked the earth bound Faerie. "I guess where do you want to go?" She asked curiosity piqued. "Just pick me up around, lets say ten o'clock and I will explain then." Raist told her, giving her a friendly hug he turned and joined the others at the elevator. Hiromi watched them, as the elevator doors closed on them she turned to leave. She then stopped and turned to look back at the elevator doors, understanding spreading across her face. [He's going to do something to the panda-man, oh, this is not good.] She said as she turned and left the building. /*\*/*\ Ranko stood by her auntie looking around the room with boredom written across her face. Then out of the corner of her eye she saw a movement. She turned and across the room stood an elf girl about her age staring at her. When Ranko looked at the girl she smiled and waved Ranko returned the smile and wave. Ranko looked up at Titiana and gently tugged on her sleeve. "Yes, dear what is it?" Titiana smiled down at the redhead. "Can I go over there and talk with that girl, please." Ranko said point to the young elf girl. "Of, course you can dear, have fun." She said to air as Ranko shot across the room. Titiana watched wondering who the gray elf girl was. She looked familiar but she couldn't place her. She hoped Ranko would be alright, but she would keep an eye on them. She slowly turned back to her conversation, but turned herself to be able to watch her charge. /*\*/*\ Ranko flitted quickly through the crowd toward the young gray elf, many of the high elves watching her with envy glowing brightly in their eyes, jealous at her grace, her speed, and her very shapely body. She reached the elf girl and stood staring with a nervous smile. She reached up behind her and scratched the back of her head. When the elf girl started the conversation. "Hello, my name is Laret. What is yours?" The elf said sticking out a hand to Ranko. "I am Ranko, pleased to meet ya..you." Ranko bowed slightly then took her hand and shook it. Trying to remember all that Kajri told her about being a proper lady during the function. Laret smiled at the slip, she found it an endearing trait and hoped it wasn't completely removed. Laret stood about the same height as Ranko but was much less endowed. Her eyes glowed like blue fire, she had long straight hair that was like liquid midnight. It flowed around her like silk. She was wearing a pink satin floor length dress, with short sleeves that only covered her shoulders. Which in the center had a small tear drop shaped pink crystal hang for each sleeve. On her feet where satin slippers of the same pink as her dress and on each was another teardrop crystal. Laret still holding on to Ranko's hand led her to a set of opened balcony doors. They strode out onto the balcony and sat on a bench near its edge. All the while being watched by not only Queen Titiana but some of the high elf females. Titiana watched with joy as Ranko made a new friend, while the elves watched in jealous rages that any elf would associate with _HER_. The Faerie girls talked the whole night, Ranko told of her new life in the Faerie realm, but sidestepped any questions on her mortal life. Ranko told her of Cerulean, to which Laret nearly fell off the bench. She and Laret laughed, and talked. Laret didn't believe what Ranko was telling her about her skill, she was way to young. Laret told her how she and mother are always welcomed to Queen Titiana's gatherings but seldom come, but for some reason, Laret said she insisted that she be here, and now she knew why, it was to meet a new friend. The conversation when on for hours, the girls laughing and enjoying themselves. Finally one of the high elves could stand it no more she went to the balcony and called to Laret. Laret looked up at the strange elf, then excused herself from Ranko, saying she would be right back. Ranko watched her new friend follow the elf woman, Miya, she remembered, yes that was the name she was gramma's daughter-in- law. Ranko stood and looked out over the balcony enjoying the beautiful view of the Faerie realm at night. She never saw the confrontation, the high elf was lucky she had missed it. /*\*/*\ Laret was half dragged to a group of high elf women who seemed to scowl at her. Laret knew what they were going to say, she knew of the snobbish attitude of her people. Miya let her go when the other women had her surrounded. She glared defiantly at the elfin women, daring them to do something. The women stepped back a step unsure then Miya started the inquisition. "_What_ do you think your doing associating with that _mongrel_!" Miya demanded as she spun Laret to face her. Laret eyes of ice blue flashed white fire. Miya gulped but stood her ground. The others mumbled their agreement with Miya. Miya had long straight golden blonde hair with deep emerald green eyes. She was a head taller then Titiana at 5' 9". Her face, although, showing the sharp angled features of her husband Rohn, they were just a little softer. She was very petite, which is one of the reasons she was so envious of Ranko's still voluptuous figure. "I am talking with my _new friend_ now if you will excuse me...!" Miya slapped Laret, then glares down at her. "You are a _gray elf_! Elves do not associate with the likes of her, what would your mother say!" Miya spits out, at an angry Laret. Suddenly Miya was looking up at a grinning Laret, as the smoke of magic cleared. Miya's three friends gasped, and slowly took a step back as an older, taller version of Laret entered their circle. They stared from her to the now blonde mouse. "_She_ would say, 'What a nice new friend you've made my dear!" They all looked at the most beautiful elf that ever existed. Standing behind the ring of women is Laret's mother. She is 5' 10", with silvery white hair, that reached to her hips. Her eyes seem to shift from a light gray blue to a dark black blue. She like her daughter was petite, but still curvy. Her hands resting on her hips. She was wearing a midnight blue brocade dress with long flowing sleeves, trimmed in silver. She stepped forward pushing the remaining women aside and examined the cheek of her child. She then snatched up Miya-mouse, holding her by her tail. "_You_ are lucky that I honor the house of my hosts, or I would leave you as a mouse and feed you to my _cat_ for striking my child." She grabbed her daughters hand and pushed her way out of the circle of elves. Throwing the mouse at one of the other elf women who just barely caught her, as the spell was reversed. Miya landed in an ungraceful heap on the floor. Her eyes flashed with anger, until she caught the eye of the Queen who was glaring angrily at her. She led Laret back toward Ranko, being watched by a group of angry elves that were being watched by a furious queen, and Ranko's adopted grandmother Kajri. She and her daughter walk out onto the balcony, both paused and watched the young redhead as she stared blankly at the heavens. Laret's mother cleared her throat, catching Ranko's attention. She turned and smiled at her new friend then stared in awe at the woman with her. "I'm back this is my mother Rhian, mother this is my new friend Ranko." Laret introduced snapping a star struck Ranko back to reality. "I am pleased to meet you, Rhian-san, you have a wonderful daughter, and Laret makes a wonderful friend." Ranko said trying to be very formal, as she bowed deeply to the woman. Rhian looked at her daughter with a questioning look. Laret looked back pleadingly, her mother just smiled. She turned to a now straightened Ranko and bowed deeply to her. When she straighten she extended her hand to the young girl, which Ranko took and shook happily. "Mother, I was wondering if it was alright if I could come tomorrow morning and watch Ranko work out, she says she can do some pretty amazing things and I want to see her do it?" Laret asked her mother, looking at Ranko with a sly grin. "Of course dear just _don't_ get into any trouble. It was nice to meet you Ranko dear but I am afraid it is getting late an Laret and I need to be going." Rhian said as she bowed to Ranko. Ranko returned the bow with a sad look, then gave her new friend a hug, and watched them leave. When they were gone, she bowed her head and with slumped shoulders walked back into the party to stand with the queen. The party went on for several more hours, in which Ranko responded politely to questions asked of her but did not make an effort to be out going. "Titiana I think this is to much for her, remember she is still a child, let me take her and put her to bed." Kajri whispered to her queen. "Yes your right. Ranko dear why don't you go on to bed, Kajri will go with you." Titiana said as she looked at the tired young girl. /*\*/*\ Ranko bowed politely to those around the queen, all but Rohn smiled at her and wished her good night. She then followed Kajri to her room. Kajri babbled all the way back about the party, Ranko nodding absently as she fought to stay awake. When they reached the room Kajri helped her get ready for bed, and in short order Ranko was in a white cotton and lace baby doll nightgown with matching shorts, that came about an two inches down her thigh. Kajri took her hair down and brushed it till it shone brightly. She soon put the sleepy girl to bed, covering her with the quilt, she gave Ranko a kiss on the forehead. She then turned out the light and left. Ranko was soon curled under the blankets sleeping fitfully. An hour passed when the door to her room opened revealing a young girl about Ranko's age. She entered the room, and walked up to the bed. She frowned as Ranko talked with fear in her sleep. Laret reached out and placed a hand on her forehead. She began to glow, a soft white, which surrounded her and Ranko. When the glow around her began to change color to an angry red, Laret began to grow, to an adult form of six feet, her curves began to change to a flat muscular chest and broader shoulders. When Laret leaned into the light of the moon seeping into the room her girlish features had hardened and become more chiseled. "You know _Laret_ she needs a friend now more then a lover." Laret looked up and saw his mother standing before him. "I know, but it is hard not to want both, from her." He said as he looked down at the young girl still in night terrors. Rhian nodded, and smiled at her _son_ as he climbed into bed with Ranko and pulled her into his embrace. He began to speak softly to her while stroking her hair, helping her to conquer her nightmares for the night. Rhian patted his arm then disappeared. Soon Ranko's terrors disappeared as she pushed herself deeper into the embrace of Laret. The warm smile on his face seemed out of place with the raging blue white fire of anger glowing in his eyes. /*\*/*\ Ranko's days passed quickly morning practice with Laret watching, and sometimes joining in, then training with the Faerie folks that Seran had set up before he left. She was training with the dwarves which she didn't like because they used weapons, and she was an unarmed fighter. They soon showed her the benefits of weapons fighting. Besides the extended reach, you learn how better to defeat a weapon user if you know how to fight with their weapons. At times she and Laret would sneak away to the training ground she used with Seran, her mother and Raist. There they would meet her other friend Cerulean. The dragon was wary of the young gray elf, as he could see through the illusion. He however never got a chance to confront the gray elf, so he settled for glaring at her. Time passed slowly and Ranko missed her mother, but Laret came to visit almost everyday, which helped to keep her spirits up, at night Laret would come to her and hold her tight while she slept to help keep her night terrors at bay. During the day after her training set up by Seran, Kajri would train her in etiquette and court protocol. Aerial came daily to show her how to use her magic to power technology and how to fix it so it would use magic as its source of power. Ranko showed great adaptability, and an eagerness to learn, especially if she thought her mother would approve. It had been eight months since her mother left when Titiana came to Ranko's room while she was working on the computer on her desk trying to give it energy without blowing it up. Kajri watched her with a small smile, when a knock came at the door, Kajri went to answer the door. She stepped back as Titiana stepped in. Ranko turned and smiled broadly then jumped up and ran to her auntie almost knocking her down when she slammed into her, giving her a big hug. Kajri just shook her head knowing Ranko will never outgrow doing that. "Hello, Ranko dear, how's your studies going?" The queen asked as she walked into the room and looked at the computer. "Ok, I guess." Ranko said with a disinterested shrug. "Don't let her fool you, highness she is getting quiet proficient at using her magic with technology." Kajri smiled proudly at the young Sylph. "Well I am glad, but I came for another reason we are having a gathering tonight to honor a special guest, Corellon Larethian, the deity of elves." Ranko looked at her with nervous shock. "I am going to meet a _god_? I'm not ready to meet a g..g..god!" Ranko stammered at the thought of this. "Nonsense, child you are better versed in court protocol then some of Titiana's court, you'll do fine. How long do we have to get ready?" Kajri asked while patting Ranko's shoulder. "I'd say about five maybe six hours, but I brought Ranko a gift, I would be honored it you wear this tonight, dear." She hands Ranko a big box, then turned to leave. "I will leave you now so that you can get ready, and Kajri, thank you for your help." Titiana hugged her dear friend then kissed Ranko on the forehead and left. "Well let's get you ready, dear, then I will get ready." Kajri said as she took the package and laid it on the bed. /*\*/*\ Floating near the ceiling in the shadow fiery blue eyes watched as Kajri shooed, Ranko into the bathroom to shower. It followed her in, and watched intently while she undressed. It followed her to the shower and stood close while she washed herself and her hair. The shadow slowly reached out and caressed her cheek from behind. Ranko stopped and touched her face where she felt the gentle touch. The shadow watched when Ranko whipped around looking for an intruder. Seeing none she assumed it was the wind and finished cleaning. She then went for a quick soak. The shadow followed her to the tub and stood at the foot watching while she climbed in and settled into the hot water. Her long red tresses floating around her like red seaweed. "RANKO, dear you can soak for an hour no more, alright." Kajri called through the door. "Yes, gramma." Ranko answered back as she sunk deeper into the tub. The shadow's eyes twinkled with mirth, while he watched her lift water in her cupped hand and let it dribble back into the tub. The shadow waved a hand in her direction, then watched while she slowly fell to sleep. It waved its hand again and the lights lowered to a soft glow. The shadow then stepped to the side of the tub, then slowly steps into its clothing disappearing. It sat down next to the sleeping Sylph. In the glow of the soft light Laret's profile became visible as he leaned down and kissed her gently on the lips. He then sunk into the tub and pulled her close to him. He smiled as he felt her naked body warm against his own. He gently began caressing her arm. Soon Laret was sleeping holding Ranko even tighter to him, absently in his sleep he stroked her long red hair. They stayed like that for almost the full hour, until there came a knock on the door. Ranko stirred and looked around the bathroom, it was as she had seen it when she got in the tub. The knocking continued, and Ranko rose from the tub and began to dry off. "I'm coming gramma." She told Kajri through the door. The shadow floating near the ceiling watched as she wrapped the towel around her and went back into her bedroom. Laret following close behind her. He watched as Kajri helped her dress. /*\*/*\ Ranko waited on a bench outside Kajri's room while she dressed, it was fifteen minutes till the start of the party, and she had told her it was ok to be fashionably late. Ranko sat plucking at her dress absently until her gramma came out. Forty five minutes later Kajri appeared wearing a midnight blue brocade dress with light blue accents and slippers. Ranko smiled at her, when she spun around to the girl's approval. They then walked toward the ballroom. "Gramma, will Laret be there?" Ranko asked excited about being able to be with her friend again. "No, child, she and her mother did not except the invitation, but don't worry I am sure you will have fun." Ranko hung her head she doubted she would have any fun at all.