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 Sixteen The visitors to Tokyo were awake and moving around by eight o'clock. Nodoka had set a time delivery for room service so when they were all dressed and ready by nine o'clock their breakfast had been delivered. While eating breakfast they discussed their plans for the day. "Well since Nodoka wishes to do some shopping I think I will go with her, I am curious to see what technological advancements earth has made." Seran told them as he smiled at Nodoka. "I am afraid nothing as near as advanced as the world that made your device for determining where the jump gates go." Nodoka answered while pouring each of the men some more tea, then a cup for herself. "What about you Raist? Want to come with us?" Seran asked his co- teacher. "No, Hiromi and I are old friends she has agreed to show me some of the sites this morning. Don't worry Nodoka I will make sure she gets back in time for your appointment." He finished with a broad smile that didn't reach his eyes. Seran looked at Raist suspiciously but before he could ask their room telephone rang. Nodoka went to answer it; both men listened as she talked briefly. She then hung up the receiver and turned to her companions. She retrieved her purse as she went back to the table. "That was Hiromi-san she is downstairs waiting for Raist. We should get going as well _dear_." Nodoka finished with a slight smile and light blush. Seran opened his mouth to agree, when what she said sunk in. He turned to see her smiling and blushing. He then smiled and rose to meet her, taking her arm the three left the room. When they got to the lobby they were met by Hiromi. Once outside she and Raist went to her car, while Seran and Nodoka headed to the business district. /*\*/*\ Hiromi and Raist drove in silence; Hiromi fidgeted in her seat as she watched Raist out of the corner of her eye. She was shocked when he started to glow a deep gold. She pulled over to the side of the road she turned and faced her friend. "Ok Raist what is going on I have never seen you glow like this and what is so important in the district where we're going, and why couldn't I tell the others? Spill _mage_ or we don't move!" Hiromi surprised herself she got it all out in one breath. "I have been training with Ranko in martial arts, it is very good for building muscles and stamina, my knowledge of magic allowed for me to be able to access my ki faster then if I was a normal person. Ranko was quite surprised at that, even more so at the color. I guess my golden skin and eyes have a small effect on that." He told her with a far away look on his face, and a wry smile, as he remembered. ***Flashback*** The four Faeries had been practicing magic all morning; they relaxed by the small waterfall while having lunch. Ranko chasing the little Faerie dragon that was flying around the lake when they got there. The adults sat and relaxed listening to her bell like laughter. "Ranko dear come tell us what our training will be this afternoon!" Nodoka called to her daughter, who turned to look at her with a smile. Ranko quickly flew over and joined them at the lakeside. She sat down between her mother and poppa Seran, crossing her legs she took on the demeanor of a sensei. Her mother handed her a cup of tea which she took with a smile and nod of thanks. She took a sip while she got her thoughts together. "I think you all have progressed enough to start to learn to use your ki. You won't be throwing chi blasts like I can right away but I feel with practice it won't take you long. During my training I noticed that ki and chi bas some similarities to magic so the knowledge should help you connect a little more quickly." She paused and took a sip of her tea. "Once you learn to access you ki I will start training you how to use it to enhance your physical attributes. You won't be as fast as me right off but with practice it won't take long. Then when you got that down pat we will work on accessing your chi for doing blasts." She finished with a smile, and a mischievous smile. "Ranko, you are using two different names isn't ki and chi the same?" Raist asked her his curiosity and excitement showing. [Oh, if the old gang could see me now. Wouldn't Caramon be surprised!]? Raist thought with a silent chuckle. "They're similar, but no they are not the same. Ki is your life force, your soul if you will, where chi is the power of an emotion. I use my confidence to power my chi blasts, while Ryoga uses his depression and Akane although she doesn't do chi blasts can create a chi mallet using her anger." They all looked at Ranko with wry stares, but she ignored them. She rose and directed her students to follow her back to the training ground to begin their lessons. Ranko then had each of them get into the lotus position then took the position herself. Ranko sat with her back straight and eyes closed, her pupils followed suit. "Now clear your minds and travel into the darkness look for your center, breath slowly, relax. Feel the energy of your life force, feel it draw you to it. When you touch your core you will fell euphoric, stronger, and completely calm." Ranko stopped talking and opened her eyes, she then stood and to keep watch over her pupils. She walked by each giving a light pat on the shoulder and gentle squeeze of encouragement. While she watched she noticed that Raist began to glimmer slightly, then it would fade out. She walked over to him and knelt in front of him. Whispering very quietly so only he would hear her and not to disturb the other two. "You are almost there Raist, keep going in the direction you were going, in your search. You have touched the edge of your ki." This was all Raist needed to reach his goal. Ranko smiled when Raist's aura blazed a golden color. She was however confused as to why it was gold in color. She would have to think on that one more. She leaned in and whispered in the still meditating mage's ear. "You have found your ki, now continue to hold it keep it blazing. The more you use it the stronger it and you will get." She then gave him a small kiss on the cheek and giggled when his aura winked out and his eyes shot open. Turning she noticed that her mother and Seran were not yet there. She went to them and knelt in front of them. She waited patiently for them to find their core as well. She could sense they were very close. It was only a matter of time. She sat watching giving them encouragement. Finally Seran's aura burst forth as a pure white. Not long after her mother's came forth in a bright blue like hers. ***End Flashback*** "I am going to Nerima to see for myself what it was like for her, and by the Dark Queen, it better not be true." He snarled as his shape changed to that of Ranko. "Raist you can't hurt them no matter what they did to her they are still her family and friends, she would never forgive you, besides it is up to Nodoka and Ranko to decide what their punishment is not yours." Hiromi spoke softly to the morphed mage, as she placed a gentle hand on his arm. Raist nodded lowering his head and transformed back to himself. An evil glint appeared in his eye, when he turned to face his friend. I am still going. I may not do what I wanted to do to them, but I can give Ranko a little payback." He smiled a grin so cold it gave Hiromi shivers. She nodded and started the car and headed on to Nerima. She had heard the story from Queen Titiana some time ago, and she really wanted a piece of these people also, but that was for Nodoka and her daughter to do, but like Raist a little vengeance can't hurt, and it might be fun. They entered the outer district of Nerima. /*\*/*\ Ranko followed Kajri into the ballroom; The Queen and King were not yet there. Usually King Oberon does not show at these function, but since the elf deity, Corellon Larethian was coming he needed to be there. The room turned and stared in awe of the redhead in front of them. Kajri smiled at the look of inadequacy that showed on the faces of some of the high elf females. Ranko was wearing a floor length silk and lace dress with a scoop neck that was colored ice blue. The sleeves were long and free flowing done in a French cuff. The cuffs were made of lace the same color as the dress. Attached at the shoulder and at the cuff only were one-inch wide strips of floral lace, where the edging was trimmed to follow the shape of the lace. There were about five strips per sleeve. With a gap of a half to three-quarters of an inch between the strips. Since the lace was only attached at the shoulder and cuffs it they moved independently of the sleeve which gave the dress a unique look. There was lace trim around the neck and hemline as well. The lace was the only part of the dress that was lightly beaded with sapphire gems. Her slippers were the same ice blue silk, with a sapphire flower centered at the top of each shoe. Kajri had fixed her hair by doing a rope braid part of the way down, then making a bun with the braided portion, and having the rest of her hair free flowing from the center. Around the edge of the bun at the scalp were hairpins with ice blue violets with sapphire centers. Around her neck she wore a choker made of the same ice blue silk with a layer of lace. Dangling from the center of the choker was a large tear drop sapphire. Then another teardrop sapphire slightly smaller hung from a silver chain a quarter of an inch thick from her forehead. The chain went back on each side of her head near the top and attaches to the sides of the bun. The soft glow of the candlelight reflected in the sapphires on Ranko's dress giving her a soft glow of her own. Kajri ushered her into the ballroom to wait for the arrival of the royal pair. Kajri explained to Ranko that she will be meeting the king tonight as well, he generally liked to keep a low profile as he ruled over the Realm of Shadows. While they waited Ranko felt a familiar weight on her shoulder she turned her head and smiled at her little sprite friend Honeysuckle. The little sprite was wearing a long dress the color of spun gold. She smiled back at Ranko, and the two talked of Ranko's training and how well she liked it here. When the other Faerie folk saw Honeysuckle being familiar with the new Sylph, they to forgot their shyness and came up to Ranko to be introduced. Many of Ranko's sensei were also present, and came to pay their respect to their student. One of Ranko's favorite teachers had been a gruff old dwarf, Coridan. When she spotted him coming to see her she ran to and hit him at full impact. He didn't even feel her hit. He realized she was there hugging the stuffing out of him when she began speaking to him. "_Hi sensei_, I am so happy to see you!" The old dwarf looked down at the young Sylph and snorted, in frustration. He pried the young girl from him then noticed Kajri coming toward them trying to hide the laughter. Kajri came up and put a hand on Ranko's shoulder, she looked up at her _gramma_ her eyes alight with mischief. "Kajri! I thought you were suppose to teach her court protocols?" Coridan glared at her, while still trying to get Ranko to let go. "Oh, that is only in the presence of the King and Queen and their not here yet." Kajri answered, shaking with silent laughter, while Honeysuckle hid behind her laughing. Ranko liked teasing the gruff old dwarf she knew he didn't mind and actually enjoyed the attention, but he would never admit it. Ranko tickled her sensei under his beard eliciting the barest hint of a smile, which quickly turned to a growl. Kajri and Honeysuckle were laughing heartily. "Have you been practicing with your war hammer?" Coridan decided to change tactics, knowing for some reason the hammer bothered his pupil. "Not much, but a little." Ranko said nervously, with sadness glowing in her eyes. Coridan noticed this; he had never seen that emotion from his pupil. He looked at Kajri, who shook her head to let him know not to talk about it now. She mouthed to him. "I will explain later!" Coridan nodded and hmpft as he walked slowly away. Ranko looked to the floor, as a tear slowly escaped down her cheek. A few of the high elf females nearby noticed and a look of smug glee filled their eyes. Ranko wiped away the tear, and took a deep breath to get control of herself. She then looked up as the trumpets sounded announcing the arrival of King Oberon and Queen Titiana. Entering with them is the guest of honor, the elf deity Corellon Larethian everyone parts and allows the three to pass by to the thrones. As they passed by the guests bowed deeply to them. Corellon Larethian spotted Ranko, and smiled to himself upon seeing that she was wearing the dress he had sent to her. He knew that a dress the color of his eyes would suit her. They walked to the thrones, and ascend Corellon on the right of Queen Titiana her husband on the left. They turned and face the gathered people. "Welcome, honored guest. Tonight we are graced with the presence of Corellon Larethian please bid him a warm welcome." King Oberon announced. Ranko stared at the new comer; he looked familiar to her but could not place where from. There is something about him that made her feel safe and cared for just being in his presence. Corellon Larethian is six feet tall, with long black hair to the middle of his back. Ranko watched as the fire light danced over his dark tresses, she felt like she was being sucked into the blackness. She looked at his eyes and gasped as they meet with hers, eyes of ice blue fire, pulling her into their endless depths. She stood there mesmerized by the emotions overwhelming her in those eyes. Then a group of high elves moved in front of her line of site, breaking the trance. "Ranko, dear are you alright?" Kajri asked with a little worry. "Yes, gramma, I am fine, he just reminded me of someone, but I can't remember who." Ranko said as she turned back to look at him again. Ranko wanted meet both him and King Oberon, but every time she got near to the daises a group of high elf woman would push in front of her. She was beginning to feel that they were purposefully keeping her from the royal couple and deity. Finally she gave up with a shrug and headed out to the balcony. Standing at the balcony's edge, she thought of her mother and wondered when she would come home she missed her mother something fierce. She loved staying with auntie Titiana, but she wanted her momma. Ranko stared up into the night sky remembering her life before coming here; she missed her friends, _no_! She corrected her _friend_. The only true friend she had was Ucchan. She knew Ucchan wanted more then friendship but she never pushed that on Ranko. She was always her friend first. She just wished Akane would have been that way, understanding, caring, _trusting_ her. A tear gently traveled down her cheek as she gazed absently at the moon. She jumped when she felt the gentle caress of a hand wipe away the tear. Ranko turned and came face to face with the elf deity, Corellon Larethian. He smiled at her, with a smile that brightened the night. He then took her hand and led her back into the ballroom. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. He was as lost in her sapphire blue eyes as much she was lost in his ice blue ones. While the music played he gently danced her around the floor. Never acknowledging anyone who would wish to dance with him or Ranko. She was his for the night and forever if he could make it that way. Time passed quickly for Ranko in the arms of Corellon; she never noticed the angry glares she received from the high elves or the proud smile that adorned the faces of Titiana and Kajri. She basked only in the presence of the deity, and let him guide her through this night. To soon for Ranko the night was over, she said good night to the guests, she blushed when Corellon took her small hand in his bigger one and kissed it gently. When he left Ranko said good night to the Queen and King and skipped off to her room with Kajri following close behind. Kajri helped Ranko get ready for bed, and smiled at the young girl as she floated through the task of getting ready. Kajri bet she didn't even know she was in her own room. Once Ranko was dressed in her pink baby doll nightgown, Kajri helped her into bed and tucked her in. Giving the tired girl a good night kiss she lowered the lights and left the room. Ranko laid on her side looking out the window at the moon. Tonight replaying in her mind. She never did remember when exactly she fell a sleep. /*\*/*\ The shadow near the ceiling floated down and stood next to Ranko's bed the ice blue eyes sparkling with mirth. Slowly he slid into the bed next to the young girl and pulled her close to him. When the clouds move away from the moon the light shining through the window. While it casts an eerie blue white glow over the room, and onto the chiseled features of the deity Corellon Larethian. They are the same features of Laret, from previous nights. While he holds the sleeping Ranko tightly to him, he stared down at her, drinking in her gentle beauty. He stroked her silky hair entwining his fingers around the wild locks. Ranko snuggled closer to him, even with the wonderful time she had; the night terrors wouldn't leave her in peace. Corellon sensed them coming on and began to whisper soothingly in her era. "Shh, my little love, I am here, I will fight your terrors for you. Now sleep my beloved and know you are safe." He stroked her back gently as she slowly settled deeper into his embrace. He smiled down at her leaning his cheek against the top of her head. He began to hum the lullaby that his mother, Rhiannon would sing him. The song had no words that he could remember, but the melody was soft and soothing to the soul. "It is nice to see you remember such things, child." Rhiannon whispered from behind Corellon. "It still brings me peace of soul when I need it and it will bring it to her as well." Corellon whispered back, but never turned around. He felt the hand of his mother as it rested on his shoulder; it gave a gentle squeeze. He looked back at his mother who smiled knowingly at him, then patted his shoulder. "Remember my son, her needs right now is for a friend, overstep that line and you will lose her, be her Laret, but don't push her to fast or your dreams will never come to fruition." She kissed his cheek and disappeared. Corellon looked back at the sleeping Ranko, much on his mind. He began caressing her bare arms, feeling the silkiness of her pale skin under his fingertips. Reaching up he gently ran his finger along the outline of her cheek, bringing it to gently caress her pouting red lips. He leaned down and kissed her softly, then pulled her closer to him. "My dearest Ranko, I will try to be your friend but I can't promise that I won't ask for more." He whispered to her as he rested a cheek on the top of her head, jumping slightly when he heard her whisper quietly. "Laret?" He pulled her closer as he smiled into her hair. /*\*/*\ The sun shone in through Ranko's window, waking the still sleeping marital artist. She snapped to full wakefulness, then jumped out of bed. She giggled as she ran to the room of her auntie. She burst through the door, and jumped on the bed with two sleeping bodies, she didn't notice the second person, only her auntie. She landed on Titiana, and began to give her aunt hugs and kisses. "Well what do we have here, I think I have been replaced." Ranko jumped from the bed and took a ready stance. She stared back in the direction of the voice there laying next to Titiana was a man as tall as poppa Seran, with hair as black as shadows. His black eyes bore deep into her soul searching for a weakness. Shadows played around him, never showing her all of his features at once. "Stop that dear your scaring her. Ranko never mind him, my husband likes to tease people. Come here sweetheart." Titiana told her holding out her arms. Ranko looked from Titiana to the man beside her. She then slowly moved toward her aunt. When she was in reach Titiana picked her up and held her close. Ranko kept a wary eye on the other occupant of the room. "Now Ranko this is Oberon you met him last night remember?" Titiana asked her, she nodded slowly. "Pleased to meet you my dear, I can see why Titiana is so captivated by you. You know Titiana she should be trained in the ways of the shadow realm as well. When Seran gets back I will set something up." Titiana smiled as she knew Oberon was a hard person to win over. Oberon got up and disappeared into the bathroom, Ranko just watching him her eyes wide with uncertainty, and excitement. Titiana smiled as she watched her young charge stare after her husband. She chuckled lightly, which brought Ranko back to why she was there. "Auntie can a ask a favor?" She said with both happiness and nervousness playing across your young face. "Yes dear, you _may_." Titiana answered trying to correct her grammar knowing it was probably a lost cause. Ranko swallowed hard and lowered her head slightly to try and get her words in the right order. She then looked up and with determination asked her favor. "CanUcchancomebemysisiterpleaseplease?" Ranko rattled off her question so fast that Titiana had to take time to decipher it. She turned toward the bathroom as she heard Oberon laughing, as if he had just heard a joke. Ranko stared at the door, confusion crossing her pretty face. She then turned her attention back to Titiana looking at the queen with a look of anticipation and unbridled excitement. Oberon stuck his head out the bathroom door. "Well dear aren't you going to answer _our_ niece?" He ducked back in as a pillow made contact with his face. "Well dear, if it is ok with your mother, then I have no problems with it." Titiana told her as she finally figured out what she had asked. Ranko hugged and kissed then scampered out of the bed and headed for the door. She stopped when she was met by the king standing in front of her. Her first response was to take a ready position, but then she remembered her training and bowed deeply and respectfully to the king and husband of auntie Titiana. When she stood up straight she stepped back a step as Oberon stood there with his arms crossed and glared at the young girl. Then a smile broke out across his face as he kneeled down on one knee holding out his arms to the girl. Ranko looked from the king back to Titiana who nodded ok. Ranko turned back and timidly stepped forward and into the embrace of a king. Oberon gave her a huge hug. Oberon then looked to his wife with a smile still holding onto Ranko. "Your right dear this little imp, gets under your skin real quick. I think I am going to like having her around, all her energy makes me feel like a child again." He gave Ranko a kiss on the forehead then patted her bottom and sent her on her way. /*\*/*\ Ranko, dressed in her purple and lavender outfit, came down the spiraling staircase to go to the courtyard for her practice. When she exited the castle she took the pathway to the center of the courtyard. She passed by some bushes which concealed her from the four high elf females talking on the other side. "I tell you that _Ranko_ was disgusting, monopolizing Corellon Larethian the whole time last night, well what do you expect from a mongrel like her." Ranko stopped feeling her heart wrench. "Oh, I agree, we were all suppose to have time with him, but the little tramp just wouldn't leave him alone. You could tell by looking at poor Corellon that he was miserable and was trying to get away from her." A teardrop began to roll down Ranko's cheek as she could not tear herself away from them. "Oh, I know, you know I heard that the reason her mother left was she didn't want to be near her anymore. She couldn't stand being here with her. So she made up that story and went back to earth. I hear she isn't coming back." Ranko fell to her knees leaning forward on her hands. The women started moving off still talking about her still saying her momma hated her. As Ranko stared at the ground her tears fell to the path leaving a dark splotch where they landed. "Well you know Queen Titiana is stuck with her now, she is trying to figure out a way to get rid of her, she is sorry she ever converted her, she said it was a waste of magic." The last elf said as she looked over the hedged at the crying girl, a gleam of evil satisfaction in her eyes. It was then that Kajri came looking for Ranko. She saw the girl curled up in a tight ball on the ground. The elf women had left not long before that. She ran up to the young Sylph and gathered her in her arms. Ranko clutched to Kajri tightly. Kajri holding onto her, for fear she would die if she didn't. "Ranko my child what is wrong, tell me." Ranko looked up at Kajri with eyes brimming not only with tears but hurt and depression. "Is my momma coming back for me?" She gasped out almost afraid to hear the answer. "Now why would you ask me a question like that child?" Kajri asked confused and a little surprised. "_ANSWER ME_!" She screamed as she grabbed Kajri's shoulders and shook her. "Never mind you don't have to, I'm all alone now, I have no one." With that she got up and took flight at her highest speed away from the castle and away from the pain. Kajri turned and looked to see Ranko disappear from sight before she could say anything. Standing there in shock, she brought herself back to the problem at hand. She needed to tell Titiana. When she headed back toward the castle she passed the group of high elves. They never saw her. She heard them laughing and congratulating themselves. "That will teach that little mongrel to stay out of our way." One of them crooned. "Yes, and from the direction she went she will soon be the orcs' dinner." Another laughed with glee. "Well just as long as we don't have to be around her any longer I don't care, it is bad enough we have to associate with that blasted wood elf Kajri, but to be forced to be nice to a mongrel human was a bit much." A third one spat out as they walked down the path toward the fountain. Kajri looked around the corner and spotted, who they were, she might have known it would be Miya and her cronies. Then something they said began to sink in. She turned to face the direction Ranko took to, then gasped and ran back into the palace looking for the Queen. /*\*/*\ In the darkness an angry roar bellowed, echoing off the cave walls. The mountain began to tremble at the movement of the occupant. The light coming in the cave entrance was suddenly blocked, when the roar sounded again. A passing young black dragon decided to take a potshot the angry dragon, it was the last thing he ever did. The behemoth lizard took flight barreling through a flock of young blues. The last they saw was the ancient blue heading toward orc territory. /*\*/*\ Ranko flew for hours as she tried to escape the pain, the sun had set an hour ago, she had gotten a really late start that morning, it was more then half over when she entered the garden. Tears streamed down her face as the memories of what the women had said filled her child's mind. Her emotional instability was a huge drain on her strength, and she looked for a place to set down. She found a small clearing in the woods below, near a stream. She landed and made her wings disappear, as she curled up by a boulder near the stream. She began to cry, her body shook with wracking pain filled sobs, and she ignored the pain as the sobs escaped her throat. She was so lost in the horror of the memories that she did not hear the rustling of the bushes behind her. She did not see the four hulking figures that walked into the clearing. She did not notice as they approached her. Only when one of them grabbed her by her hair and pulled her to her feet did she know they were there. "Well, well, what have we hear, look we have dessert for tonight right after our main course." Sneered one of the five hulking figures. The other four started laughing and snorting. Then as they walked through a patch of moonlight and Ranko saw who or what her captors were. She realized she was now at the mercy of orcs, and without the strength or the willingness to save herself. At least this way she would be out of every ones life and they can be better off without her. She let the orcs drag her from the clearing, giving them no fight at all.