Right Moments 6
Author: Judah
337 Split Ends
The best action, since he wasnt ready for magic, was progressing to that
stage. He couldnt become physically better, and thought he had nearly
perfect ki-control. Aside from new, unknown techniques, his progress in
the martial arts had dead-ended.
As always, when he had a problem, he went to the best thinker he understood
the motivations of.
***
The short numerical name for that variation on the sex act is sixty-eight
dot two Nabiki. The middle Tendo nodded graciously, apparently Ranma
shared her hidden perverted depths. Maybe hed been reading her manga?
Now heres a tough one. Put yourself in my place; refusing to do so
constitutes a default on our game. Years after youve arrived in Nerima,
youve mastered the repertoire of the Old Freak, can go to a standstill
with the Old Ghoul, and are stuck at a plateau in your abilities. You want
to become better in the Martial Arts without messing with magic... how? You
may ask questions for clarification.
Silently thinking for a time, Nabiki mused. Hmm... interesting Saotome.
Knowing how spineless you are with women, I assume you havent married,
possibly have another few fiancées, and are still a virgin?
Looking ashamed, Ranma nodded.
Have I also mastered the lesser techniques of the local gang of home
wreckers, like Ryougas way of turning cloth sharp, the Breaking Point, the
Shark Fist, Mousses hidden weapons, and Shampoos memory altering
techniques?
Slowly nodding, Ranma realized much remained to learn.
Taking the nod for assent, Nabiki continued... Ok then, obviously I need
to branch out into weapons and technology. If a random gaijin with a gun
could kill me, Im not much of an artist of war. Which isnt to say I
should neglect training with older, more traditional weapons. Anything
Goes, right?
Smiling, Ranma beheld dozens of new horizons.
Like a rogue wolf detecting weakness, Nabiki went for the kill: My turn.
Saotome, please explain to me how Martial Arts and Marital Arts are
identical. Diagrams and demonstrations are acceptable. The last
statement was seductive and daring, and emphasized by Nabiki sliding off
the sleeve of her shirt, exposing her naked shoulder.
With a strangled Ok biki you win gotta go! Ranma was outta there.
Sighing, the mercenary Tendo switched off her tape recorder, wondered what
Ranma would be like if he had balls.
****
Baikusai Tenketsu! One week to learn, and painful. Though he lacked
Ryogas toughness from the boulder-build-up training, he found constructing
a protective-ki shield against the debris came naturally.
****
Yuck! Ranma wondered if his unconscious father ever washed that bandana.
Cleansing it swiftly with a rapid application of hot and cold ki, Kasumis
startled squeal shocked him.
Appearing beside him with bright starry eyes, the eldest Tendo invaded his
personal space, placing her hands on his shoulders and gazing piercingly
into his face. Ranma-san, she said in a serious tone, if you want me to
continue cooking meals, youre teaching me that!
Not used the calm home-makers closeness, Ranma stuttered Er, Um, Ok
Kasumi, ask me tomorrow morning and well start.
Releasing him with a sincere Thank you very much! Kasumi bowed deeply
and returned to her kitchen, imagining chores ending almost instantly with
a puff of energy.
Mastering the Iron-Cloth technique took two hours, compared to his greater
ki-blasts, twas childs play.
****
HA!
A huge shark-like wave of water and koi knocked her father out in mid-leap.
That was easy; just like the Buzzing Fist with air, or the Stationary
Grapple with stone...
Feeling a lightness on her head, Ranma noticed the koi she usually woke
under had fainted and fallen off.
Hmmm... Mischievously, she snuck in the house, stopped Kasumi from her
usual duty, and knocked loudly on Nabikis door.
Mxlkjdsf! Stated a tired mumble from the other side. Bedding rustled.
Knocking again, an annoyed voice accompanied by dressing sounds replied,
This better be good -- who is it and what do you want? Kasumi left after
the first knock.
In the same sugary voice she used to con food vendors out of sweets, Ranma-
chan giggled Dojo Shark, Tee Hee!
Perpetually undone by her own curiosity, the middle Tendo opened her
bedroom door.
HA!
Smiling at how the Shark Fist was adaptable to any surface, Ranma enjoyed
the sight of her friend laid out and surprised.
Rising from a tangle of boards and tatami, Nabiki looked out her new window
where a wall used to be. Cheerily, sunlight shone upon her brow. So this
was his revenge for the wedding?
Faint snoring sounded nearby. How did Akane sleep with her window open
like that?
You realize youre paying for this Saotome? The accusation was delivered
in heated whisper.
Nodding happily Ranma beamed Nabikis room... 100,000 yen... the look on her
face... priceless!
Alright then. Nabiki whispered back. Lets hurry before Kasumi wakes
Akane!
Ranma wasnt worried; the tomboy only woke up from Kasumis cheerful voice,
or his name shouted with lust or extreme anger. By now, he had a huge
branching mental flow-chart, mapping events precisely.
Carefully opening the door, which still had a little yellow duck with her
sisters nameplate, Nabiki glanced inside her siblings room, checking her
sister wasnt naked or something.
Instead, Akane sprawled inelegantly across her bedding, like she had won a
fight with her blanket. Glancing in, Ranma thought she looked adorable.
Oh little sister? Nabikis spot-on Kasumi imitation roused Akane from
the depths of slumber, and she rubbed her eyes. Quickly making eye contact
with her partner in crime, Nabiki nodded.
HA!
Akane greeted the morning with a merry fanfare:
IEeeeeeeEEEE! Ranma... and NA-Biki!
Crumbled flooring halted the youngest Tendos berserkers lunge as she
tripped into a botched forward roll. When she recovered, the perpetrators
had escaped. My own sister! Just wait until I get to her room!
Akanes frustrated scream upon learning shed been pre-empted in revenge
shook the foundations of the Tendo House.
****
Having led him on a mad chase into a nearby empty lot, the red-head turned
and waited for the idiots arrival.
To help them start, she added Aiyah, stupid duck-boy never defeat Ranma!
Ranma-chan was wearing one of Shampoos dresses left behind after a quick
dash of water, the reason Mousse followed blindly.
Enraged at his nemesis, the hidden weapons master yelled for the twenty-
sixth day in row Saotome! Prepare to die for your crimes against Xian
Pu!
A barrage of chains and other weapons shot at Ranma, and Mousse didnt seem
to notice they vanished as fast as they appeared.
Around an hour later, an unconscious duck quack-groaned under fifty pounds
of twisted metal and wood. This pile of broken garbage used to be fine
Amazon weapons, but the duck was never really a man. Such thoughts
cheered Ranma, as she walked away whistling. Longer than expected; if the
blind boy bothered using the ki required in a useful way, hed be a decent
sparring partner.
Hidden weapons handicapped a fighter by tying their ki up in rigid
patterns. Maybe that was why only male Amazons mastered it. However it
didnt take much to hide a small amount, like a change of clothes, or two
maces and a sword.
****
A-heh, heh! Blushed Shampoo, Why you want know that technique Ranma?
Hed never gotten such a response from Shampoo before. Normally she was
too busy rubbing herself against him. Why was she blushing? This was the
Shampoo who enjoyed sneaking naked into his bath, and kept putting his
hands on her chest. What was she thinking?
**Flashback**
A nude Shampoo is bathing in a mountain stream in the wilds of China. She
hears a thud and a moan, and is startled, glancing around.
Quickly making a dagger appear in her hands, she slinks over to the sounds
source.
She sees the hated red-haired girl, passed out with a nosebleed and her
left hand down her pants. Announcing, Ranma, you I kill! Shampoo drives
the dagger right at the red heads throat....
Only to have her oblivious enemy roll suddenly away.
Undeterred, the unclothed warrior maiden repeats similar attacks. Around
the tenth stabbing, the pleasantly unconscious redhead bumps her assailant
after dodging, forcing a loss of balance. Windmilling madly, the Amazon
slides into a full split, and feels oddly uncomfortable.
Now really upset, the purple haired majesty removes the sleeping girls
sticky left-handed fingers from between her legs, and tosses the dagger
away in disgust.
Pulling out a bottle labeled 862, she mutters in her native tongue I might
not be able to kill you now, but you wont be getting any more satisfaction
from me!
As it is not a known attack, the sleeping girl doesnt dodge.
Hearing the voice of the older man shes seen in the company of the kissed-
to-die girl, Shampoo quickly retreats to the stream where she washes
herself vigorously and dresses.
Watching a panda run away with the slumbering enemy, she yells with renewed
enthusiasm Ranma, you I kill! and gives chase.
**end FB**
Airen, there is reason Shampoo tell you only she can make you truly
happy!
With an unusually perceptive deduction, catching the attention of Cologne,
Ranma returned, If this reason exists Shampoo, why havent you used it
before?
Sounding sad, Shampoo spoke: Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu technique is not only
useful as a weapon Ranma. Shampoo use it on self when hunt for girl-type
Ranma after first meeting. Not want to remember or feel things in way of
kiss of death. After Phoenix Mountain, Shampoo not sure if she has any
magic on her from bird peoples, so she use formula 337, Universal
Nullifier. Not realize 337 erase other formulas from Xi Fa Xiang Gao.
Making an effort, the young Amazon girl said slowly, I remembered
experiences I am not proud of, but to be with you, my love, I will do
anything.
Appearing beside them, Cologne asked gently, Great-grand daughter, did you
remember your mothers death?
Bowing her head, Shampoo answered in Mandarin. Yes, great-grandmother. I
also remember the Love Me Most technique, why girl-type Ranma doesnt know
the true joys of womanhood, and the elders council after I returned in
disgrace from Japan.
Completely aware of Ranmas comprehension of the language, Cologne
inquired, Now that you know no punishment will come from failing in
marrying Ranma, and remember that which destroyed poor Mu Tsu, what do you
plan?
Still in Mandarin, the girl sounded unhappy with her answer, The Love Me
Most technique is a terrible weapon, I will never use it frivolously, and
will only unseal it to save the life of another. This I swear a warriors
oath upon. I do not know what to do about Ranma. I am in love, but I wish
him his own happiness, perhaps that is what love really is?
Returning to Japanese, the withered elder cackled Wisdom never warms your
bed child! Did you realize 862 carries over between curses with Jusenkyo
victims?
No she hadnt.
Aiyah! Exclaimed Shampoo happily, Ranma, Shampoo teach you antidote for
Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu technique, only if we bathe together, and you spend
the entire day afterwards with Shampoo! Will be lots of fun!
Shuddering, Ranma slowly backed away from the young Amazon; her smile and
aura looked remarkably like Happosais when he fondled lingerie.
This information he needed to think about it. The last words he heard
upon escaping the Cat Café especially disturbed him: Not running after
him great-grand-daughter? No hiba-chan, if Ranma ever want to really be
man, he come with Shampoo. Disturbing laughter followed him out into the
street.
*******
The reactions of to his little problem amused, surprised, and angered him.
He swore each to secrecy before giving them the droopy, dreary details.
Thankfully, he received an answer quickly.
Ranma no Hentai! Akane embedded him in the wall with a nearby barbell.
Really, he should have known better.
Your problem isnt magical in nature. Diagnosed Devil Hunter Kodachi. I
might be able to use magic to circumvent it; would you like me to try?
Wanting an absolute solution, Ranma declined.
My son, the best way to solve this problem, is sleeping with lots of
women. Now go out and do your mother proud! Nodokas worldview puzzled
him, but he loved his mother. Eventually, Ranma resolved to drag the story
of how his parents met out of the old panda.
Well it certainly explains a lot. Ukyo sounded wise and vaguely
vindicated. I really want to help Ranchan! Gently removing the chefs
exploring hands, Ranma decided to try someone without any agendas involving
him.
Distraught, Kasumi hugged Ranma. They were alone together in her room,
which had been quite difficult to arrange. Why, I dont know what Id do
if I suddenly couldnt! Both your forms?
Ranma nodded miserably. She was a girl; it made Kasumi feel easier about
their topic of conversation.
Would you like my help? I wont actually touch you, but I think I might
have a solution to your problem.
With anyone else, Id refuse, but I trust you Kasumi. Tell me what to
do.
Okay, this might feel a bit odd at first, but please lie on my bed, take
off your clothing, and close your eyes.
Before following the older girls instructions, Ranma made sure the door
was locked and the curtains closed. She positioned herself with her legs
apart, feeling very exposed.
Dont worry about hygiene, I wash this every morning before I bathe.
Kasumis reassurance wasnt, as Ranma heard a loud vibrating noise.
^_-
Thirty minutes later: Im sorry Ranma, your physical reactions are
completely normal, are you sure you didnt feel anything special?
No Kasumi, just a tingling sensation, sort of like a nerve lock wearing
off, though this one never does. Touching my chest feels better than that,
but doesnt let me, um, you know.
Well, I tried. Please wipe with this towel, dress, and give me some
privacy for a bit. Helping you has been, um, frustrating for me.
Doing as instructed, and noting the damp spot on the older Tendos dress,
Ranma thanked Kasumi and left. If marriage meant merely trust, hed marry
Kasumi in a heartbeat. She was the understanding elder sister hed always
wished for.
His female side was out of bounds, but what about as a guy?
****
Wow, it made him somewhat sick his mother encouraged this plan. But she
was the same woman who advised girls to let their potential grooms see them
naked as a way of getting dates.
Interrupting Kasumis dinner o beef bowl, Nodoka spoke haughtily: I have
decided after the events following the wedding which wasnt, Ranma isnt
manly. This distressing matter came fully into my attention this
afternoon. Unless my son shows me the bloody sheets by midnight, I judge
him unmanly and worthy only of swift end.
Tearfully, Akane volunteered, right on cue.
His worries about rising to the occasion fled, when his hypocritical tomboy
put on a strip act. Sure, he promised marriage later, but tonight had no
deeper meaning than an experiment.
He hit her sleep point three minutes in. Akane took to the sex act with
the same concentration she reserved for cooking. She utterly ignored the
world, and used what she though was the method exemplar.
Feeling bruised, contused (her bloody nail marks covered his back), and
violated, Ranma left the room. He limped the sheets over to his mother,
and retired. The only blood on them was his.
Intimacy with Akane felt like getting a knee to the balls. (She had
managed that twice.) Why had he promised himself she would be his first?
****
Well Ranma suspected his problem was a formula of Xi Fa Xiang Gao, and he
speculated others suffered holes in their minds.
How to learn the technique without bedding an Amazon?
****
But Airen, we both know you better than Shampoo... that is why Shampoo hunt
you to ends of Earth!
Challenging the Amazon for the technique had been a bust.
What about if I fought your great-grandmother instead?
Cackles answered his question: Sonny-boy this is too fun for me to be
involved! I decline. Perfectly balanced on her staff, the old matriarch
watched his futile struggle with amusement.
Aiyah Airen, Shampoo feel unloved right now! Best way to learn technique
is make Shampoo feel special. Stepping away, the bouncy girl wiggled
suggestively, asking to be chased.
Well what about if I gave ya a handicap? The stress of the situation
brought out an older speech pattern.
A fine idea son-in-law... in fact I have just the thing: with your consent,
Shampoo will use Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu on you, taking away your knowledge
of martial arts, little by little. Multiple exposures will teach *you *(an
emphasis on the word, as if no else could learn it that way) Xi Fa Xiang
Gao Shiatsu... after you no longer have Musubetsu Kakuto Ryuu, youll fight
Shampoo. If you win, shell give you the antidote and youll know the
technique. If she wins... well I think my heir gets a wonderful husband, and
you will come willingly.
Let me think. Ranma dropped lotus-style onto the floor.
Time passed. Shampoo came over and sat upon his crossed legs, bringing
their crotches into alignment; if not for clothing, they would be joined.
She wrapped her arms around him, and squeezed.
Miraculously, they went undisturbed: Akane was in school, Ukyo remained
sequestered at the Ucchans, and Mousse lay unconscious under a broken pile
of hidden weapons in an abandoned lot.
Snuggling closer, molding herself on him, Shampoo appeared content.
Distracted, Ranma rose to his feet, almost dislodging the grabby Amazon.
Detachedly, he noticed his bodys reaction to Shampoos ministrations, and
shoved her off.
I accept, provided you swear on both your honors no tricks will be
involved beyond the terms previously stated.
Bowing solemnly, the Amazon contingent swore.
Shampoo could perform Xi Fa Xiang Gao successfully in about five seconds.
It took over an hour before their fight began in back of the Cat Café,
officiated by Cologne.
Seeking to end everything quickly, the Amazon struck with a blindly fast
combo, only to have Ranma dodge.
He retaliated with three clumsy punches she easily sidestepped and turned
into a throw, only to watch in amazement as he flipped onto his feet from
mid-air.
Upon hearing Colognes laughter, Shampoo realized her Airens reflexes
werent disabled, despite his mental handicap. She had wanted to use other
formulas too, but a promise was a promise.
Satisfied with her brilliant reasoning, Shampoo almost failed to dodge when
Ranma clasped his hands together in a gun-like shape, and shot a murky
brown ki-bullet at her.
The matriarch on the sidelines smiled; Ranma didnt consider guns to be
worthy of the moniker martial arts, and had developed the trick with
unusual foresight. She could tell the emotion used was frustrated
confusion.
As the best of her villages age bracket, Shampoo felt respect and a little
awe for her Airen. But no amount of dodging or untrained skill could stop
a highly competent martial artist of her caliber. Right now, all Ranma
knew was how to point and shoot.
Shampoo would never know how close she came to defeat: Ranma had halfway
finished the Chilling Lips of Death. His brain labeled the technique under
the headings of sex and desperation defense: female disablement. He
jumped the foot sweep and flowed around a spinning crescent kick while
airborne, but his position after the dodged bonbouri jab left him
completely open. Shampoos precision karate chop hit his carotid artery,
ending the battle.
Dodging didnt matter if your opponent thought five moves ahead, cutting
off the avenues of escape.
The plane for China left that evening, with a quiet celebration.
****
Awakening with her koi, Ranma remembered, and blushed. She swiftly exited
the pond, switching gender.
Engaging his father in an exhaustive sparring session, Ranma dragged the
panda back from the breakfast table twice. His skills regained, he now
understood Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu enough to selectively remove a persons
ability.
He didnt know the antidote, he didnt know which formula was used, and he
clearly remembered Shampoos successful seduction. Enjoying the experience
in both forms, Ranma had felt what she had never dreamed possible.
Suspecting an antidote for bedroom inabilities was used during his
unconsciousness, Ranmas thoughts screamed his betrayal: Traitors! Ill
never marry an Amazon now! Silently, despite his rage, Ranma acknowledged
his bodies really wanted Shampoo again. It had been glorious.
****
Saotome, thatll be 20,000 yen. The local expert on betrayal wasnt
cheap, especially when you bought her discretion.
Nabiki learned everything, and helped further his plans. Her outraged
sympathy comforted him; the mercenary girl honestly believed some areas
were completely off limits.
****
So the formula for memories is 110, for sexual response is 862, and the
universal nullifier is 337? Ranma looked through Shampoos dresser with
interest; dozens of formulas were jumbled together next to anti-pervert
ofuda and her clean panties. The garments had anti-demon charms sewn
expertly on them in silver thread.
Yes, my love. Would you like me to demonstrate the antidote again, before
we leave for China tomorrow? The naked Amazon spoke slowly, in perfect
Japanese.
Sure, but on who?
Stick-boy, Crazy-girl, Violent-Girl, and Pig-boy all under Xi Fa Xiang
Gao. Try using on Chef too, but ki application no work right. Chef just
thank for refreshing beauty treatment, say it good for split ends.
On second thought, Shampoo stay with me for now. Obviously he needed to
learn the effects of everything to master the technique... it could take
weeks!
Upon seeing her husbands spaced out smile while he looked her over, the
Amazon relaxed and closed her eyes.
Finding herself as cat in the mail to Murrays Snack Shop, (c/o Taiwan
Cuisine) thirty minutes later came as a complete surprise.
****
After using 337 on herself the next morning, Ranma spent five minutes
preening in the mirror. Formula three hundred thirty seven really did do
wonders for split ends!
****
Two months later, when Ranma had completely mastered the formulas of
Shampoos techniques, he felt saddened. He had further improved upon Xi Fa
Xiang Gao until he no longer needed the formulas themselves to use it.
Merely massaging someones head allowed him to alter memories, skills, and
physical responses. It took between five seconds and twenty minutes,
depending on the desired response.
Self-deception failed, since he practiced with complete acceptance as his
primary ki-focus. While embracing zazen, Ranma begrudgingly admitted he
didnt want to stop sleeping with Shampoo. He felt infatuation without
trust. He felt betrayal and lust. He felt himself falling in love.
Hiding in Ukyos embrace was futile. His best friend didnt feel dangerous
or half-way forbidden, and wasnt nearly that intense. She felt safe and
comforting. Ucchan only awkwardly slept with Ranma as a girl right now, a
pale substitute for Shampoos offered wildness.
With his perfection of the techniques, Ranma wanted to know what everyone
didnt remember.
****
Kami-sama! Screamed Akane in murderous rage. Ryouga is P-chan!
Holding Akane while she broke down, Ranma could feel only contempt for
Shampoo.
Ranma this is all Shampoos fault! Im sorry! All this time, when you
and Ryouga were telling me the truth, I tuned it out completely...
Those words, he never expected them out of Akanes mouth... Good thing she
doesnt quite remember Ryougas real conversations with me. The pigd
bacon for sure then!
****
Zounds! It seems the might Blue Thunder did actually lose in battle... how
could this be? Saotome isnt really a sorcerer?
Does this mean you finally realize I have a curse, and there is no pig-
tailed girl? Ranma-chans hope illuminated her face.
Dont be ridiculous my love. Obviously that foul hypnotist Saotome sent
whatever tampered with my memories. He might not be a sorcerer, but the
only way for me to lose is bewitchment! I will not allow it! Now, with my
weakness acknowledged, I can learn from my mistakes and free you from his
clutches at last!
Sighing, Ranma left the ranting Kuno behind; Shampoo had obviously over-
estimated his intelligence when she covered all the bases.
****
I remember now... Ranma-sama get out of the way!
A black mist rose from Kodachis body, primarily from her head, and
coalesced into a cloud of mouths, teeth, and eyes.
By the nine spokes of heaven, grant me skill to overcome the corruption of
eternity!
With a flash, the Devil Hunter stood triumphant, and summoned her weapon,
prey in sight.
Sharp Edge of Nirvana! Ranma threw hundreds of tendrils of ki at the
demon, each different in emotion, intensity, power, and size. The thing
belched forth a black wall of infernal power, which absorbed most of the
attack. Those threads not affected, passed straight though the creature,
destroying a wall of Kodachis bedroom.
Brute force wont banish a Sanity Drinker, please stay clear Ranma!
Kodachis clipped tone bespoke intense concentration.
As the demon turned its attention back onto the Devil Hunter, she struck.
Her blade glowing sky blue, she slashed the air around the thing into a
seal. The constraint flew together with a thundering reverberation. The
cloud of fangs spat black darkness from twenty mouths in answer, but the
counter merely sizzled against the spell structure before fading into a
brimstone stench.
The seal quickly encircled the mouths and teeth, holding them tightly,
while dozens of mismatched eyes glared malevolently at the prison. Dark
cracks appeared in the bindings.
By the silvery storms of righteous, I banish thee from this existence.
Return to thy own aspect!
As the constraining ward disintegrated, Kodachi cleaved the entity in two,
and the smaller half vanished with a belch of smoke.
The larger remainder, now the size of a dog, staggered backwards under a
beam of stark white serene ki. Startled, Ranma noticed the edge of his
attack had turned gray, and the corruption was spreading back up the beam.
He jumped away, releasing the attack, and watched an ethereal mouth snap
shut over where he had stood.
With another glowing slash, the Devil Hunter banished more of the creature.
The remainder of the entity collapsed into a small smoky balloon, and shot
through the roof into the sky. It veered crazily, avoiding the yellow
sacred lighting flying from Kodachis bracelet. Then it disappeared from
sight.
Normally demons like that are no bigger than a mouse. The gymnasts
voice became conversational as she switched back. It held me for months,
growing off my psyche. It must be destroyed before it splits; the
ripening could infect dozens, maybe even hundreds!
Does this mean you no longer want to marry me Kodachi? Not even he
recognized the emotions in his voice... hope, relief, accomplishment, and
respect.
Ranma-sama, all I wanted was to have cheap, mindless sex with you after
five romantic dates. Kodachi sighed. Devil hunters cant marry or have
steady boyfriends until their calling leaves them, lest their dear ones
come in the crossfire. I, for one, refuse to die a virgin, and I have your
mothers permission.
So what did you remember anyway?
Everything about magic transformations was hidden from me. That my relic
didnt choose another is a small miracle.
If we had the chance to redo that battle, what would you have me do
different?
I dont suppose you know magic aside from changing gender?
No, it started as a curse, really.
Unless you can learn some minor spells of purification and holding, you
arent useful except as a distraction. Life energy cant harm a Sanity
Drinker; they can only be hurt by magi, weapons of power, or crushing
will.
What now for you?
I must regain my life; these last months I havent been myself. If it is
not too much to ask, I would like to remain with you the rest of this day.
You are a pleasant anchor.
Nodding, Ranma took Kodachis hand, and they walked together, out of the
devastation.
***
When confronted about granting permission Nodoka smiled crookedly and
laughed, holding the back of her head.
Wow, that stupid looking nervous gesture must be genetic! Kodachis
thoughtful revelation passed by, completely unnoticed.
****
A swirling ball of purple and pink ki hovered in front of Happosai. Very
well Master Ranma, we may continue this challenge if you like.
****
Yes son-in-law, if you can defeat me, you will be admitted as an honorary
Amazon of my house. Then if you so choose, Shampoos claim on you will be
invalid, with no loss of face for either of you.
****
The decision was impulsive, but it felt right. The self-application of Xi
Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu, variation 337, was a blessing and a problem. A must
on his wedding night, but before then... forbidden! I must have a reason
for sealing the technique, but I cant remember. Gotta trust myself. He
felt a tingling sensation near his waist when thinking about Shampoo, but
paid it no attention.
Uncured, Ranma Saotome began an intricate kata under zazen... the Old
Ghouls artifact had easily won her the fight, and the perv could use
telekinesis with ki. Why at this rate, hed never get around finishing his
hardest training exercise: the single-handed hostile takeover of the
American military base. The Amaguriken could only block the bullets from
two guns at once right now, and that was with intuitive ki-deflection....
--end 337 Split Ends
Next: Battling and Becoming
AN (Ignorable):
--Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu and Xia Fang Gao Shiatsu are the two spellings I
have seen. In the manga it is 114/411 with antidote 119/911 depending on
how you read it. The anime uses 110, which I adopted for simplicity.
--hiba-chan = grandmother (not sure if I used this before)
--Reviews are welcome, remember be harsh; I wont break.
--Ch 7/8 might be a while...