Ranma 1/2: Ranma No More Alternate History By: Dani Yanega yanega@mindspring.com (please respond to this e-mail address) http://mindspring.com/~yanega/index.htm Chapter Fifty Two Akane out for her morning jog, runs past the ‘Joketsuzoku Village’, it is nearly ten o'clock. She is usually running a lot sooner then this but she is sore from her last nights persuasion of Mr. Saotome to teach her the art. She looks over at 'The Joketsuzoku Village' and stops short nearly falling on her face. She sees all the wedding decorations thru the windows. She watches as the guests begin to arrive, her eyes widen as some of them are from her class. She watches as she sees the Takashi clan enter the building then her mouth falls open as Morboshi- sensei follows in behind them. Akane tries to see who is getting married when she sees Nabiki fussing with one of her camera. She then hears the music start it is soft and soothing. She can not see what is going on, so she runs across the street and tries to peer in through the doors. She spots all the guests sitting in the large hallway between the Nekohanten and The Amazon Emporium. She looks down the hallway at the stairs and sees only the legs of five people while they await the appearance of the bride. She walks away slowly her morning jog forgotten. She knows she wasn't the best of friends to them but she should have been invited almost everyone from their class was. Her sisters are there she feels she should to. [This is all _Ranma's_ fault I bet he made them not invite me, just to taunt me about it later! Well I'll show him I will just refuse to give him any satisfaction in whether I was there or not!] Akane storms off back toward her home her battle aura glowing brightly around her. Her mallet appearing in her hand. People move out of the way as Akane stomps home leaving cracks in the sidewalk. Her mallet swings through the air as if she was bashing someone to a bloody pulp. In her mind Ranma is in front of her and he is broken and bloody on the ground in front of her. She decides she will step up her training with Mr. Saotome she is going to show that pervert not to ignore her. /*\*/*\ The four men and one minister stand waiting the appearance of the women for the ceremony to begin. They are all dressed in black satin Chinese style pants and shirts with cherry blossom appliqués and on the back the emblem of the Amazon nation. A circle with a crossed sword and bonari over the symbol for the woman. The girls in the audience stare at the four men their tongues almost hanging out while they drool at them. The girls from school are wondering who the _hunk_ is next to Ryoga. They all agree it is a shame someone as dreamy as Ryoga is getting married but the best man will do as a replacement. Nodoka sits in the front row with her family and the Amazon elders. She stares at the four young men, but her eyes are only for Ran Koh. Her tears are hot on her skin as they travel down her face, knowing that the young man in front of her is all that is left of the child she gave birth to some sixteen years ago. Nodoka looks down at her hand when she feels another hand placed on top of it. The new hand is old and tiny. She turns to Ku Lon beside her and smiles sadly at the elder who smiles sadly at her. Their attention is drawn back to the landing when the music starts and Ukyo starts down the stairs with Taj close behind her. They are wearing long satin Chinese dresses with halter necks and open backs the dresses are light pink and have cherry blossoms on them. Just below the neck is the same Amazon emblem as what is on the men's shirts. The wedding march starts and Xian Pu wearing a similar dress as the other two only hers is lavender, slowly comes down the stairs next. She passes the other two, to stand on the stair just above the landing. The audience stands when the bride stands at the top of the stairs, Mas Cra smiles lovingly at her granddaughter while her tears flow down her cheeks as she thinks of her late daughter. La Si follows the path Xian Pu took down the stairs. Ryoga gasps as he stares at his beautiful bride. She is wearing a long flowing satin dress of Chinese design, hers however is white, and like the others has the long slits up the side but where the emblem is on the other dresses La Si's is cut out in a upside down hear shape. A tear drop pearl hangs from the neck at the point of the heart. Her dress also has long flowing bell shape sleeves that go just past her wrist. The symbol of the Amazons trims the sleeves and hem of the dress. La Si and Ryoga face the minister while everyone watches intently, the Amazon elders sit stoically in the front seats watching the proceedings, but those sitting across from the Amazons could swear the two older Amazons have small proud smiles. One of the guests could swear one had tears rolling down her cheeks. The wedding goes smoothly, the only slight distraction is that of Nabiki making sure the cameras are running smoothly. Gasps start from the back of the hallway as some of the guest fidget nervously in their seats. The guests in the front turn, their eyes widen when they hear the minister call for the rings and a nearly full grown tiger wearing a black satin bow tie and white cuffs on his front paws comes strutting down the isle. On his back is a calico kitten with a wreath of white tea cup roses adorning her little head. The guests then notice around the kitten's neck is a white satin ribbon with two wedding rings dangling from it. Some of the guests giggle when Cali tries to play with the new toy she is wearing. Ryoga and Ran Koh smile with pride, they then turn to the light meows coming from the entrance to the loading dock, to see the rest of their feline friends sitting and watch the proceedings. When the service completes the bride and groom lead their guests into the Nekohanten for the reception. Nabiki has Jason help her set up the two cameras from the hallway in the restaurant at the awaiting camera tables. She makes sure to tell the Amazons helping her to watch for the lights to change from green to red to signal it is time to change the tape. The party goes of without much of a problem except many of the Furinkan students are wondering where Ran Koh was during the ceremony and why she is at the reception but the dreamy best man is missing. Only to see him when the bridal party starts the bridal dance. Daniel watches Ranma from a table deep in the shadows. He can not believe that Ran Koh is this strapping young boy. It fascinates him that Ranma can change from being a man to living as a woman so quickly. He did some snooping and pieced together much of what happen to the young martial artist and knows about the merging with the soul of the sorceress, but to completely change. A lustful grin appears on his face when Ran Koh returns from the kitchen carrying a platter of food for the buffet table. He decides he doesn't really care since _she_ is now female and very much interested in men and very available. He frowns when Samuel blocks his view of the Tiger Sect leader and it deepens even more when the two them begin to dance across the dance floor. He stews in his jealousy at how close Samuel holds the martial artist. He sneers when the dance finishes and Samuel still holds onto her as if he has not heard the music is no longer playing. When the next song begins Daniel gets up and walks up to Samuel tapping the Dragon Sect leader a little too hard on the shoulder, when Samuel turns Daniel bows deeply to the couple. "May I have the honor of this dance?" He asks with great poise and restraint from ripping Samuels head off. Samuel looks to Ran Koh she nods ok, and he steps back while glaring draggers at the warrior. Samuel dares him to try anything and he will feel the wrath of many people, many very powerful people. Daniel just smiles at Samuel and whisks the young white hair girl around the floor. To Daniel's credit he keeps his urges in check. He knows how to win the heart of this amazing creature. You have to treat her like a wild stallion. She has to be broken slowly so you don't lose the spirit, but she also has to know who's the boss. While they dance Daniel gently rubs her back slowly and seductively. This causes Ran Koh to stiffen and try to pull away. He tightens his hold, bring her closer to him and he begins to hum the song being played in her ear. Ran Koh keeps trying to pull back from his embrace but the warrior has a tight grip, he can only hope she will not want to wreck her friends wedding by punching his lights out. The song ends to quickly for Daniel, as he slowly releases the confused sorceress. Her face flushes with anger, embarrassment and Daniel smiles as he makes out a little pleasure in her very expressive eyes. Daniel's smile becomes a scowl when Samuel returns and putting his arm around Ran Koh leads her away. Samuel glares at Daniel as the Light Warrior escorts Ran Koh to the bridal table. Ranma comes from the kitchen again to put in an appearance. As he enters the main room several girls head toward him, but pause when they see Nodoka walk up to him. They start to head forward again to get to dance with him when they are stopped by a wall of Amazon warriors. "Ran Koh may I have this dance?" Nodoka asks of her child. "I would like that mom!" Ranma tells her as he walks her to the dance floor. The elders of the Chinese and Japanese Amazons watch the scene unfold in front of them. They know Nodoka is having a hard time watching Ran Koh turn to Ranma, knowing, the body is all that is left of him. Dr. Cassia watches them closely his heart twisting for the pain Nodoka is feeling as a flicker of a memory passes through his mind which he promptly pushes down, before the pain starts again. "Oh, my handsome son I have missed you terribly." Nodoka cries as she cups her sons face while his arms remained wrapped around her. "Mother, that part of me no longer exists, because of the old man I can't let it exist any more." Ranma tells his mother while looking past her, his eyes becoming unfocused. "Ranma you are free of him now! You have a new life, a new home and family, can't you be Ranma now that he is gone?" She asks hope burning in her eyes. "No mother I can't! That is not who I am any longer. The night I lost great grandmother, I became a new person, I am the sum of both my old self and her. I had to..no needed to start over and I couldn't do it as a man. I didn't feel that way any longer. The merging has given me a new start yes, but the old man still wants to control me and to use me to make his life easier and richer." Ranma looks down sadly into his mother's eyes only to see them fill with unshed tears. "I am sorry mother, but I am Ran Koh now. Can't you love me as I am now? If this is too much for you, then you need to go to your home, I can not take being betrayed or hurt by another person I love and trust." His eyes burn with the passion she use to seen in Genma's eyes for the art. The music plays softly in the back ground as Nodoka looks down, she stares at the young man's chest not really seeing it at all. A war of emotions plays across her beautiful face. Ranma watches curiously and sees where he gets his open expressional face, where his emotions are concerned. Then Nodoka looks up at her son decisively, pride and anger flash in her eyes. "No my dear, I have waited for your return for ten years and I _will not_ allow your father to separate us again. You are my child whether you choose to live your life as Ranma or Ran Koh, I am your mother and I will be there to help you adjust to which ever life you choose. I love you Ranma or Ran Koh and to me you are my baby. I will be by your side as you grow and learn who this new person is. I will help you to understand her." She looks at her son a smile as bright as the sun on her face. "_AND_, if Genma tries _anything_ he will find that as a sorceress I may not be as powerful as my _daughter_ but I can still give him cause to stop and think about what he is doing." Nodoka tells her child, her beautiful smile turning evil. Ranma looks at his mother a small smile on his face. Nodoka did not notice the deep sadness in his eyes as she is looking at some of the other guests, but Daniel notices as he was scrutinizing them closely as they danced. He begins to formulate his plan to conquer the Tiger Sect leader. A second pair of eyes is watching the pair also but his intentions lie more on the looks Ranma is receiving from the warrior then the two dancers. Tomas smiles smugly as he begins to see a way to save his little brother from a big mistake. The reception lasts until Sunday afternoon, with most of Ran Koh's dance time split between Samuel and Daniel as they fight to claim her as theirs. She does however get a chance or two to dance with other partners, mostly the Sect members. Since every time Tomas Red Cloud tries to get a dance with her Samuel intervenes, whisking her away for another dance or to talk to some other guests. /*\*/*\ Ran Koh, Ryoga, and La Si stand at the base of the mountain that houses her lab, the two newlyweds were able to get three days off from school for a short honeymoon. Ran Koh decides they should be completely alone so she is giving them the use of her laboratory. She smiles at her new and growing family, then casts a spell that levitates the three to the top of the mountain. She has already brought the supplies they will need. When they reach the entrance all three are surprised to see a banner over the entrance congratulating their union. It is from Calcoridan, the sorceress smiles as she is beginning to like the birdman a lot. She opens the door and ushers the couple in. She shows them to Ryoga's chambers where she has it stocked with wood, candles, Champaign, and on the bed lays two packages one with each of their names. She gives each a kiss on the cheek then leaves them alone. The two stand and stare bashfully at each other then in unison the jump on the bed grabbing the gifts Ran Koh has given them. La Si tears open her present like a child on Christmas morning. Ryoga watches her with love shining bright in his eyes. La Si gasps when she pulls from the box a silver white satin and lace robe and nightgown. The gown has spaghetti straps, and lace around the scoop neck and low back. The rest of the floor length gown is satin, which has a slit to the knee on the right side. The robe is all satin with panels of lace at each shoulder, it is a wrap robe. In the bottom of the box is a matching pair of satin slippers. La Si brings the soft material to her cheek and smiles with child- like delight. She then turns to her husband, looking from him to the box in his lap. Ryoga then opens his package. In it is a pair of red satin pajamas with black trim and a black knee length satin wrap robe with red trim. On each side of the front of the robe is a tiger. On the right is a gold tiger with white stripes and on the left is a white tiger with gold strips and in the center of the back is Ryoga's Tao symbol. La Si gets up and leaves the room she jumps to the ledge outside of Ran Koh's room then enters, she begins to change into her new bed clothes, while leaving Ryoga staring after her retreating body. She lets her hair down and brushes it out then sprays a little perfume on that she bought for this night. When she is done she looks at herself in the mirror and smiles as her long dark pink hair contrasts nicely with the gown and robe. /*\*/*\ Ryoga changes into his pajamas and robe then sets about to set up the room he lights a fire in the fire alcove then sets up the candles and lights them. He has found the Champaign is already cold from being in the cave and opens the bottle with a loud pop he pours it into two fluted Champaign glasses. He turns when he hears a noise behind him, picking up the glasses he turns and freezes. He nearly drops the glasses but catches himself. He then looks to his new wife standing in front of him. The ambient light from the candles and fire surrounding her, with a golden halo. Ryoga swallows hard then walks to his new bride handing her a glass he smiles bashfully at her and she returns the smile. "I thought the happiest moment of my life was when I saw you coming down the stairs to stand by me and become my wife, but seeing you now bathed in the golden glow of fire, makes my heart swell with happiness and love." Ryoga tells her as they clink glasses and sip the beverage. Ryoga puts down his glass then takes La Si's and puts it next to his. He then takes her in his arms and gives his wife the first _real_ kiss of their marriage. He breaks the kiss looking deep into her eyes, La Si sees the promise of many more of those types of kisses to come and smiles at her new husband. "La Si heart and soul sings you near La Si. La Si will never stop feel that way, for you are the one La Si destined to love." La Si tells him then pulls his face to hers and returns the kiss. /*\*/*\ The training for the warriors step up during the three days Ryoga and La Si are gone. The group begins to grow in size as other fighters from all over the world begin to join them. The apartment building is full and most of them have four people per two bedroom apartments. Sera taking care to watch over the tenets under his care. With Cali not having to go to school, she stays at home with the tiger. During lunch on the day Ryoga and La Si are to return the Amazon elders receive a very special guest. An official from the Japanese Diet pays them a visit, the growth of people living on the Amazons territory does not go unnoticed since many of them have taken up residence in the surrounding apartments and hotels as well. He stares at the Emporium through the window his eyes alight with curiosity, he then walks into the restaurant. Ku Lon recognizes him and makes a quick telephone call. She has Che Ri stall the gentlemen until her guests arrive. The young Amazon has a very easy time stalling the man as he asks her many questions about the goods for sale in the Emporium, with a prideful smile she escorts he into the store and gives him a tour telling him about the artists from the village that created each of the goods. When she brings him back to the Nekohanten she blushes as Ku Lon gives her a proud smile for a job well done. The gentleman spots Ku Lon and advances toward her as she sits in one of the private dinning rooms. He stops when he sees two other women and three men, that were hidden from view by the curtain. Ku Lon smiles as she motions him to a seat next to her, Che Ri closes the drapes while Mas Cra pours the tea that sits in the middle of the table. "Welcome Tomoko-san. May introduce Mas Cra and Li Ly they are also matriarchs of our tribe." Tomoko stands and bows slightly to the women who nod their heads slightly. "I am sure you may know these gentlemen, it seems they are long lost relatives of mine and though they are men they are the leaders of the Japanese branch of the Amazons." Hiroshi stands and bows to Tomoko and his brother and father follow suit. "It is good to see you again Tomoko-san, I have missed our verbal sparring." Keitaro Takashi smiles at the government official. "Yes they did make my job more interesting Takashi-san, but your son is just as good at as you were so it is like you are still there. I would however enjoy the chance once in a while to go up against you again." Tomoko-san tells Keitaro with a wide grin. Tomoko Kyoshi stands at 5' 7 1/2" tall, he has black blue hair cut close but not quite a buzz cut. His eyes through his gold wire rimmed glasses are deep brown. His features are soft but angular, which give many people the impression he is weak willed until they try to put something over on him. He is forty eight years old, and is wearing a dark charcoal gray suit with an ice blue tie, and white shirt. His build is slight, but well toned from working out at a gym. "What brings your to our little home Tomoko-san?" Ku Lon asks, letting her mind wonder a little as she hears the dinner crowd begin arrive. "My superiors want to know what is going on, we are curious as to the influx of the mostly gajin fighters, in Amazon territory." Tomoko asks looking from the each of the six elders of the Amazon's two tribes. "Well it is a long story." Mas Cra tells the official. "One which is not the right of the Amazons to tell!" The group turns at the cold voice and face off with an angry Ran Koh and Ryoga, with La Si standing next to her new husband. "This is Amazon business girl and as you are an Amazon you know that elders speak for the tribe." Li Ly hisses at her, Ryoga and La Si flinch back but the angry sorceress just stares her down. "This is 'Warrior's of the Light' business, and we are Light Warriors first and foremost. Your tribe made it your business, in order to retrieve the skills you threw away. If and when we turn to the government it will be the Light Warriors decision not yours. Do not misunderstand me elders the Light Warriors know that without your knowledge of battle and your skills, we will be lost. It, however, is the Light Warriors to decide who knows and who we tell belongs is the decision of the leaders of the sects." She faces the elders, Ran Koh's eyes soften with love and respect when she looks at Ku Lon and Mas Cra, and all three of the women notice this. "I am sorry Tomoko-san for right now I am afraid all that you may tell your superiors is they should be preparing for war. The 'Warrior's of the Light' will come to you when the time comes closer. There is much we must do to prepare you and your armies for battle with the enemy and conventional weapons will not work." She bows deeply to the government official then to her uncles and grandfather, and finally to the Amazon elders. Ran Koh turns and leaves the private dinning room Ryoga and La Si behind her. She has sent out a mental message to the leaders of the sects asking them to return to her laboratory for a private meeting. Ryoga turns to La Si with a sad smile. "I am sorry my love but I must go, you need to stay here this is Light Warrior business, alright?" Ryoga asks unsure of La Si's response. "Is ok husband go La Si move into new home and move husband!" She bubbles over a smile that brightens his heart on her face, Ryoga leans in and kisses her. "Come on Ryoga! EEEEEWWWWW! Mushy stuff!" Ryoga and La Si glare at the young sorceress as she giggles with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. The group in the dinning room watches as Ran Koh and Ryoga leave the 'Joketsuzoku Village'. Mr. Tomoko looks at them with pleading eyes for more information. Li Ly opens her mouth to speak when she is interrupted, by Keitaro Takashi. Li Ly glares at him for not knowing his place. "I am sorry Kyoshi when they are ready they will tell you. I will try to talk to my granddaughter and get them to talk to you as soon as possible so you won't be left hanging. I am afraid for right now that is the best we can do." Keitaro ignoring Ly Li stands and bows to the official. "Alright Keitaro, but only because I know you and your family are a part of this will I agree to wait but I can not wait to long. If I go to my superiors with what she has given me it could mean my job." Tomoko-san bows in response to Keitaro, he then bows to the others and leaves. "_You_ have over stepped your bounds _MALE_!" Ly Li says as she stands to face Keitaro drawing her sword. Her eyes widen in shock when her sword falls from lifeless fingers. She turns to glare at Mas Cra but sees Ku Lon standing beside her. Li Ly cringes slightly at the anger flashing in the diminutive elder's eyes. "That is enough Li Ly. I must apologize for her, she is having a hard time right now. Please we must go and talk now thank you for coming. I am sorry nothing came of it though." Ku Lon bows to the Japanese men. "We will meet again later Cousin Ku Lon, and do not worry we were not offended. I am afraid my granddaughter still lacks some of the social skills for this day and time, but we can contribute that to Genma." With that the three men bow to the elders and head home. /*\*/*\ At the base of Ran Koh's laboratory Ryoga and Ran Koh wait for the others. It doesn't take long as the fliers land in front of them, those who can not fly riding on their backs. "Do not disembark yet, wait until we are up there." Ran Koh tells them pointing up the mountain. Ran Koh and Ryoga begin to glow as Ran Koh uses her magic to levitate them up the mountain. They soon reach the lab and Ran Koh opens the door to allow her new friends in. When they all have gone inside Ran Koh follows them and seals the door behind them. When she enters the main room Ryoga already has a fire going and pot of water on to boil. He is explaining why they were here. Ran Koh smiles as she stares up at Ryoga's room, knowing that Ryoga and La Si began their life as man and wife here. She reaches down and pulls out the locket of her great grandmother's family and wonders if she will be that lucky. She is not aware the talking has stopped until a warm gentle hand comes to rest on her shoulder. She looks up and sees Samuel looking at her with worry. She smiles up at him and leans a little into him a sad smile on her lovely face. "Don't be such a worry wart Samuel I am fine just missing Ra Koh." She tells him as he gives her a gentle hug. She and Samuel join the other leaders of the Light Warriors to discuss the visit of the government official and what they need to do. The discussion is long and grueling and everyone has a different opinion. It is late into the night before the six finally make a decision, and they leave to head back to town. /*\*/*\ In three areas of the world, deep under the artic ice, in a deep mountain lake and in the middle of a deadly swamp, black energy builds. The evil in these places begin to effect the area around them as violence increases. The black power feeds of it taking it in to help it grow. Under the waters the black crystalline structures slowly grow toward the surfaces that keep them from view. The guardians chosen to protect the black crystal being absorbed slowly as the obsidian spires grow. The laughter of the red glowing eyes seems to shake the earth that is being devoured by them.