Ranma 1/2: Ranma No More Alternate History By: Dani Yanega yanega@mindspring.com (please respond to this e-mail address) Chapter Thirty Three The four cursed friends listen to the tales of monsters in Juuban and the warriors who fight them. The Tiger Sect leaders wonder if it is a precursor to what is to come. The four sect members start to ask Ran Koh's uncle Hiroshi questions at the same time, wanting more information. When collectively they suddenly stop when all four of their Tao symbols begin to glow. They turn to see eleven people with the same glowing emblems, but in different colors. Four in the copper/red, two in the gold/white, and five in the silver/black. "_Oh my_!" Ran Kan and Anna whispers in surprise at the same time. Two people who do not have the symbols come forward one a young female of about twenty eight or so. She reminds Ran Koh of her mother except for fact she has the soft brown eyes of her grandmother. The other is a tall male with salt and pepper gray hair about the same age as Uncle Hiroshi. "Mirako!" Hiroshi pushes ahead of the four glowing sect members and scoops his sister up into a huge embrace. "Ok brother put me down and introduce me to my niece!" Hiroshi stops and looks at his sister with awe and surprise while lower her to the ground. "How did you...?" She points to the group with the silver/black glowing symbols. "They told me." She indicated the group with the silver/black Tao symbols. Ran Koh steps forward and bows to her aunt she signals for Ryoga to step up also, he also bows. Hiroshi introduces the two of them, to his sister. Mirako takes Ran Koh in a big hug kissing her forehead. "Welcome home little one, we missed you." Mirako knew there was a lot of things she needs to know, but will get the information later. Stepping back from her niece she turns to face the crowd of people she was with, pointing to the other person who did not have a glowing symbol, she begins to introduce him. Dr. Cassia steps forward to bow to Mirako's family and friends while she introduces him. "This is Dr. Derek Cassia, he rode with those two, and wishes to help as well." She finishes pointing to a redheaded woman and a young black man. Hiroshi looks at the gentleman skeptically, but he bows to the doctor. Cassia bows in return then holds out his hand. Hiroshi slowly excepts the extended hand, but is still unsure of the man before them. He puts that thought in the back of his mind when the other sects move toward his niece and her friends. The other sects come forward to begin to introduce themselves. The Phoenix comes forward first as they need to also meet their last member. Ran Koh raises an eyebrow at the introduction of the young Chinese member of the group, but says nothing yet. The next is the last two members of the Tiger sect, they come forward, once the introductions are made, they stand behind their leaders with Michael. The Dragon sect is the last to come forward, Ryoga, and the Tiger members can feel Ran Koh get nervous they look over the sect but they don't see anything strange. The first to come forward is young man of twenty five he introduces himself as Rufino Martinez, he has black shoulder length hair in a loose ponytail, with matching black eyes. He is one hundred thirty pounds with a wiry build; he stands at 5' 11". He then introduces the rest of his team. He starts with Jasmine Collins, she is twenty and has blonde hair cut in a boyish style with gray eyes. She stands at six feet and weighs about one hundred and thirty pounds. She has a light complexion and is well built with muscular overtones. Her grace announces her as a martial artist. Rufino then brings forward Martina Romanov, she is twenty three with ash blonde hair in a page boy style, with crystal blue eyes. She stands at 5' 6" at weighs one hundred and five pounds. She has a petite athletic build yet is still very feminine. The last two members of the team are the Dragon sect leaders the first forward is an American Indian, by the name of Samuel Red Cloud. He is nineteen, with black hair loosely braided to the middle of his back. His eyes are a dark brown; he stands at 6' 2" tall, with a ruddy complexion, and weighs about one hundred eighty five pounds. He has a muscular well tone build. When he takes Ran Koh's hand there is a spark that courses through them, he stares deep into her eyes; he sees the fear, pain, and confusion there. He reluctantly lets go of her hand. The last member to step forward is a young girl of sixteen about the same height as Ran Koh of 5' 7", she has long brown hair worn loose down to the small of her back, tied in place with a white ribbon. She has brown eyes, and looks to weigh one hundred and ten pounds. She too has the grace of a martial artist. The strange thing about her is the fact she has a large spatula strapped to her back. She comes forward and bows to the leaders of the two other Sects. They return the bow, Ran Koh's lasting longer, and when she stands she looks straight at the young girl. "It is good to see you again Ukyo, I have missed our friendship." She says with a small nervous smile. Ukyo Kounji steps forward she looks at the white hair girl, her face unreadable. She then slaps Ran Koh hard drawing blood. Ryoga grabs Ukyo's hand before she can slap her again and throws her back into the other Dragon Sect members. He starts forward to finish the job when he feels a hand on his arm. "No Ryoga, let me handle this, please." She looks imploringly at him and he nods his consent. Ran Koh walks over to Ukyo who is still on the ground with her team around her. The two woman step in front of Ran Koh. She looks at them with her head tilted to the side, giving them a looks that says 'don't make me have to fight you, you will _lose_." They look at her defiantly, when Ran Koh raises her hands and begins to glow her purple aura with green and golden white flashes. The whole Dragon sect but Ukyo looks on in awe. Ran Koh mutters under her breath and the two woman begin to rise and are moved out of the way. Ran Koh walks up to Ukyo and extends her hand in a jester of friendship and to help her up, Ukyo looks at it with distrust, and loathing. Samuel leans in and whispers something to her, she shakes her head violently but he persists. She finally puts her hand in Ran Koh's. She pulls Ukyo to her feet but Ran Koh does not let go she has completed a telepathic link with her old friend. "Now Ucchan see what would have been _your_ fate if you _did_ come with us!" Ran Koh whispers to her. Ran Koh only holds her hand for a few minutes, but during that time her entire life flashes through the mind of her friend, she lets Ukyo see and feel what she can never say with words. The link although strongest with Ukyo because of the physical contact is also made with the other leaders who through their link with their team share what they are receiving from Ran Koh. They all live through the horror that is Ranma Saotome. Ukyo stares into the crystal amethyst eyes of Ran Koh, tears streaming down her face, guilt, anger, hatred, and pity running across her face. She then pulls Ran Koh into a tight embrace. "I'm sorry Ranchan I didn't know, please forgive me!" She sobs into the other girl's ear. "There is nothing to forgive Ucchan, after what we did, I can understand you hating us, wha...!" Ukyo pulls away quickly shaking her head. "_No_ Ranchan it wasn't you, you didn't know, you were as much a victim of that jackass as I was!" She explains with tears stream down her cheeks. The other sect warriors gather around the two girls, giving them their support, Samuel making sure he is next to Ran Koh. He places a hand on her shoulder, then suddenly jumps with a shout. "Oow!" He pulls his hand from Ran Koh's shoulder, as Ryoga chuckles. "I see you met Cali, Ran Koh's attack kitten." He says pulling her hair aside to show the cute little calico cat. They all laugh, a little harder then necessary, but glad for the comic release. Ukyo reaching a finger out to pet the kitten, who thinks it is a toy and starts to bat at it. They women of the group do a collective 'aaaww' at Cali's antics. They then hear the sound of several throats being cleared. They turn to see the trio of non sect members watching them with awe and confusion. "Ran Koh what just happened here? You all were glowing, which by the way scared the hell out of the other people." Hiroshi asks, the three sects look around to see the baggage area is completely empty. "Why don't we talk on the way to the cars?" Ran Koh asks, with all agreeing they leave the terminal. The employees and customers of the airport come out of hiding, breathing a collective sigh of relief. They cautiously watch the large group leave. When the group is out of sight of the terminal, they go back to what they were doing. On the way to the parking area Ran Koh explains that the leaders are telepathically linked to each other and each set of leaders are telepathically linked with their own members while all team members have an empathic link with the other teams. When Ukyo took her hand Ran Koh through that link told them what happen to her in her life with Genma. "Why did Ukyo strike you?" Mirako asks her newly found niece glaring slightly at Ukyo, who blushes. "The short version sister is Genma took Ukyo's dowry and engaged her to Ranma, then abandoned her keeping the dowry. I will tell you the rest later." Mirako looks at her brother disbelieving. They reach Michael's van, and Ran Koh turns to her uncle giving him a hug, she then gives one to Mirako, while Ryoga shakes his new uncle's hand. He then gives a hug to a surprised Mirako, and both bow to Dr. Cassia. "We will see you at the Nekohanten later." Michael explains as they climb into the van. "We don't know how long it will be there is much to discuss, so please do not wait up for us." Taj tells the three none sect members. Once everyone is loaded, with Samuel again making sure he is near Ran Koh. This does not go unnoticed, by Ranko's aunt Mirako. The Takashi siblings and Cassia watch the van pull out and disappear out of the parking lot. Hiroshi then leads the other two to his car, after they are all settled they head to the Nekohanten. /*\*/*\ Hiroshi, Mirako and Dr. Cassia, walk into the 'Joketsuzoku Village', there to meet them are the four young Amazons, and the Takashi Clan. Taji and Nodoka run up to Mirako and take her in a big hug. Next Keitaro and Hayashi squeeze past the women to welcome her home. Hiroshi introduces Dr. Derek Cassia, to his family. They look at him a little suspiciously, but Hiroshi ignores them and starts to introduce him to the young Amazons. When he finishes he looks at his young cousin with a questioning look. "Where is Cousin Ku Lon and Elder Mas Cra?" While he looks around for them, using the true pronunciation, which as an international businessman is always important. "They go Dr. Tofu's, check out fac..faci..building for when need healer." She says stumbling over one of the words. Che Ri comes in with a tray of hot tea and cakes that Nodoka and her mother made for the homecoming. Mirako and Dr. Cassia look around the restaurant when their eyes fall upon the brunt out husk of one of the private dining room. Cassia is amazed that the fire was contained so completely in that small room. Hiroshi notices his sister and Dr. Cassia staring at the private room. "When the elders return we will explain what happen. So Dr. Cassia how did you hook up with Megan and Joshua?" Hiroshi asks to kill some of the time. "Please call me Derek, we may be working together for a long time." He says as he looks over at Nodoka who blushes. "I was on their flight when one of the attendants comes running down the aisle asking for a doctor. I stand up and ask what is happening, and he drags me back up to Megan and Joshua, who were glowing a bright golden white." He says, taking a sip of tea. "I waited with them until they became conscious, since I couldn't do anything until the glow disappeared, then I was able to find out what was happening. They told me everything about what was happening and what was to come as far as they knew. I realized that I could be of use when that time comes so here I am." He finishes with a shrug. "Well, it seems we now have three healers, I just hope they will be enough." They all turn to see the Elders, Kasumi and Tofu standing in the doorway. The new comers enter and introductions are made. They all sit around the table. Enjoying the snacks, while they decide to catch the new members on what has been happening, Ku Lon tells the tale of the life, and death of Ranma Saotome, and the birth of Ran Koh. With everything that has been happening over the last two days this is also the first time that Nodoka hears what befell her son. As the horror tale progresses, Nodoka isn't sure if she can hear anymore, but she listens, with tears pouring down her cheeks. Derek looks at Ku Lon with a look of disbelief, when he looks to Dr. Tofu for confirmation and receives it, the look changes to disgust. Mirako's mind is racing, on how to use the ancient techniques she has learned against her soon to be ex-brother-in- law, but sadly shakes her head, since she is a physician and can not do any harm. When Ku Lon finishes her tale she looks at the two new members and asks them. "Now what can you tell us about the members of the sect you dealt with?" All in the room turn their attention to Mirako and Derek. They both gulp a little then Mirako starts, she tells of the flight to Japan, with the Dragon Sect. When she finishes her recitation, Derek tells his. Many hours later, the Nekohanten is full of customers, and the Takashi clan is still waiting for the return of their newest members to return. The Amazons are busy serving the customers, since the Elders need to be a part of the conversation with Mirako and Derek, Che Ri is doing the cooking, Xian Pu, La Si and Cy Sin wait tables. Each girl tries to catch snippets of the conversation at the table of interest. /*\*/*\ Nabiki, is sitting on her bed trying to hear what is going on at the Nekohanten, but she has not been able to get anything, there is nothing, not a sound. She will have to go there and check the listening devices she had installed. Since her little sister is cooking, now is the perfect time. Nabiki gets up and put on a pair of gray casual pants and a light blue cotton top. Then picks up a pair of gray pumps, her purse and heads for the front door. When she reaches the door Akane comes out of the kitchen covered in flour and some other strange looking substance. She sees Nabiki at the door putting on her shoes, she moves to block the door. With her arms across her chest she glares at her older sister. "Where do you think you are going." She snarls at the older Tendo daughter. "I have a dinner meeting." Nabiki says nonchalantly, with a wave of her hand. "What about the dinner I've been working on all day?" She snarls at her sister. "I don't care, feed it to that pig of a panda, I won't eat it." She snaps as she brushes past Akane and out the door trying to wipe the flour of her shirt. Akane is in shock, then her anger rises and her aura flares up around her. She spins and charges out after her sister, mallet at the ready. When she gets outside she looks for her sister, but Nabiki is gone. Akane storms back into the house, and Nabiki comes out from behind a bush near the gate. Fear written on her face, she sneaks out and heads for the Nekohanten. [I can't believe it she was going to pound me with that damn mallet! That is it I am out of here as far as I am concerned they can fend for themselves.] She thinks while she runs toward the 'Joketsuzoku Village'. /*\*/*\ Nabiki enters the Nekohanten, she receives glares from the young Amazons that are waiting tables. She spots her sister at a table with the elders and the Takashi family. She heads for them. As she nears the table Ku Lon spots her and quiets the conversation. Nabiki notices this, and raises an eyebrow. "What can we do for you Miss Tendo?" Ku Lon asks with undisguised mistrust. "I need to talk to my sister and Dr. Tofu." She answers refusing to show how nervous she is. Kasumi and Tofu lead the younger Tendo sister to another table. The Takashi clan then turns to the Amazon elder curiously. She then proceeds to tell them of the things Nabiki has done, and will do if given the chance. They turn and stare at the young girl, shaking their heads. "Please understand, she did what she had to, for the survival of her family, we don't condone it nor will we be a part of it. If she ever tries to bug our home again, or tries to sell photos of our younger Amazons we will take action." The elder explains. "Oh my!" They all turn to see Kasumi holding a sobbing Nabiki. /*\*/*\ The two Tendo sisters and Dr. Tofu sit by the window looking out upon a busy street in Nerima. La Si delivers some hot tea to them, glaring at the mercenary girl. Nabiki is not paying attention since she is staring out the window. When they are left alone Nabiki turns to her sister. Kasumi is shocked to see the first tear since their mother died trickling down her face. "I can't stay at home any longer, Kasumi without you there, no can control Akane. She was going to bash me with her mallet because I refused her cooking." Nabiki sobs with her head bowed. "I was wondering if for a little while I can stay with you and Dr. Tofu at the clinic, I promise to behave and not cause trouble. I just can't go back, I am afraid she will _kill_ me!" She finishes with a deep sigh. "Nabiki, Akane wouldn't do that she loves you! She would never hurt you!." Kasumi says while patting her hand. "You didn't see her! Yeah, she wouldn't hurt me _intentionally_, but she would hurt me before she realizes what she is doing." Nabiki cries with a small amount of fear, her Ice Queen façade breaking down. "She came charging out of the house with that damn mallet, and Kasumi she was so mad, even madder than what she gets when she has to fight the boys at school! Kasumi I hope that Ranma doesn't allow father and that pig to hook him up with Akane because she will kill him, I am sure of it!" Nabiki finishes with a sniffle. "OH HY!" /*\*/*\ The van pulls up to the base of the mountain, its fifteen passengers get out, Ran Koh starts to gather pieces of foliage to cover the van, when Samuel puts a hand on her shoulder to stop her. "What are you doing?" He asks her. "I want to camouflage the van so no one will get nosey, this is my private laboratory and I want to keep it that way." She responds picking up a large piece of bush. "Then allow me." He tells her, as the silver side of his Tao symbol glows. Samuel begins to grow to a height of 6' 11", his hair which is black to begin with, becomes even blacker, but with silver highlights. Samuel then pulls out several pouches and takes a small amount of the contents from each bag. He then places the ingredients in the palm of his hand. He walks to the van and begins rubbing his hands together over the van. While doing this he whispers an incantation. The van beings to glow an ethereal white than blur and waver, like looking at through an intense heat wave. It slowly begins to change its shape. When the glow disappears there is no van, but instead several large boulders. Ran Koh walks up to the _van_ and with a low whistle reaches out and touches it. "It even feels like rock, man I gotta learn that spell!" She says smiling at a now normal looking Samuel, curiosity crossing her face. "Why did you change into your curse form to do the magic?" She asks him, it's Alex who answers her. "We can only use our magic in that form. Why do you ask isn't it the same for you?" He tells her with a raised eyebrow. Ran Koh shakes her head and the golden half of her Tao symbol glows reverting her back to her true form. To which he whispers his spell and begins to rise off the ground. Both Samuel and Alex stare with a little bit of jealousy, but before they can ask him how, he becomes a she again. Then turns to the rest of the party. "We need to get to the top as quickly as possible. Alex, Samuel and I can use magic, can those of you who fly carry those that can't?" They nod in agreement. Samuel reverts to his wizard form, while Alex's copper side of his Tao begins to glow he grows to 6' 7", and his hair turns a bright red with copper highlights. Those that are flyers begin to change after claiming how many they can each carry. Those who are birds each claim one. Michael changes into his golden white eagle. Ryoga climbs aboard his back. Megan shifts into her golden white griffin, in which Joshua, and Ukyo climb aboard. The next to change is Mousse who changes into a coppery red hawk and Anna climbs on his back. The next to change is Rufino. He takes the shape of a silvery black falcon, Taj claims him as her ride. Finally Jasmine becomes a silvery black winged horse and takes the last two people, Roberto, and Martina. They all follow Ran Koh as she soars quickly up the mountain. When she reaches the entrance to her laboratory she begins to glow, her multi colored aura and then the entrance shows itself. When she and Ryoga left that morning they had decided to leave the torches lit. Alex and Samuel land on the plateau and walk into the cave. Then each of the others land, and the riders dismount, so their rides can change back. They then follow them into the cave. When the last of the Sects is inside Ran Koh follows closing the door behind her. "Hey Ran Koh do you have mind if we look at your scrolls and tomes?" Alex asks eager to see some of her spell books. "Yes I am sorry, but I do mind, they are very old and falling apart. I need to find a spell to restore them. I have been trying to copy them over to CD, but I have to be careful or they'll crumble. Che Ri is very good with computers she found a database program that I am using to put my spell books in. It has a wonderful search function." She finishes with a shrug, Alex and Samuel look at the books with curiosity. "We might have a restore spell in one of our books we will check later, alright." Samuel tells her, she smiles and nods. The sects each take a seat around the large conference table, as Ryoga brings tea and cakes La Si made for them to serve. They were about to start the meeting when the torches start to fade. They try to get up but none can move. The cave begins to fill with gray smoke, making a ring around the table. In the thick gray smoke the golden white, silvery black, and coppery red lights begin to flash. Movement is seen in the flashing gray mist. Then three monks step out of the gray mass; they are the leaders of the three different sects of monks, their eyes glowing a fiery red.