Ranma 1/2: New Challenges Trouble with a Capital `A' Chapter 3 The next couple of days passed slowly and uneventfully, which scared the residents of Nerima to death. Fortunately for them (and this story), more trouble was waiting in the wings to make it's debut on stage. There were, however, a couple of residents of this small town that were glad for the peace and quiet. "How has your English studies been coming, Ranma?" Akane asked as the two of them headed home Friday afternoon. He sighed. "Better, but I'm still havin' trouble. I'm a martial artist, why do I need ta know this stuff?" She rolled her eyes. "We've been over this before. We're going to be running a dojo, but we won't get many students because they'll want a sensei with at least a high school education. And it's not just language, all of your studies can help you in and out of combat. Just think of them as learning new techniques." She grabbed ahold of his hand with hers and gave it a loving squeeze, before releasing it. "Besides, I don't want a real baka for a husband!" Ranma grinned. "And just what makes you think a macho tomboy like you will find a husband?" "Ranma!" She swung her bookbag at him, but he ducked to avoid it. "Biii-da!" He stuck his tongue out at her and pulled his eyelid down with a finger as he ran from her attacks. Akane was tempted to continue the chase, but decided on a different approach. She stopped and Ranma ran a few more feet before he realized she was no longer after him. He cocked his head curiously at her, wondering why she had lost interest in the chase. Akane pursed her lips, then started walking normally again like nothing happened. As she passed a bewildered Ranma, she said, "You're right, since I'd never want a half-girl pervert like you." Ranma's face dropped. "A-Akane?" She stopped, turned, then quickly pecked him on the lips. "Gotcha!" He swallowed and relaxed some, but Akane clearly saw a trace of fear remain on his face. "Ranma? What's wrong?" His mouth opened and closed a few times as he searched for the words. Then, he shook his head and started to walk off. "Ah, forget it." Akane matched his pace, then stepped in front of him, stopping him. "No I will not forget it. I want to know what's wrong!" She shifted on her feet. "Is this about what I said?" He nodded slowly. "Ranma, you know I love you..." Ranma sighed and looked down. He knew this had to come up sooner or later. "Akane, what about the curse?" Akane suddenly understood what was bothering him, and cursed herself inwardly. "Ranma, you have to understand that as long as I've known you, you've had the curse. To me, it's part of who you are, and I love all of you." "But you just said..." "Ranma, you know I didn't mean it. Besides I..." she closed her mouth. "Anyway, let's go home." She took his hand and they started to walk. He shook his head and sighed. "I can't believe this. A couple of months ago I would've never thought something like this would've been possible, or that I'd be down to one fiancee. Speaking of fiancees, how's Kenji doing with Selah?" "They've reach a tentative agreement," she replied. "For now, Kenji's just said he doesn't have time for dating or marriage. He hopes that'll keep Selah off his back while Nabiki tracks down her mom. The little kid is sweet, though that water blast technique of hers gets annoying. Ukyo's been on the receiving end quite a few times and it's taking both of the Soyokaze siblings to hold her back from, and I quote, `makin' okonomiyaki out of the little water witch'." They shared a laugh over that. Selah had apparently accepted the fact that if she was going to get married to Kenji, it would have to wait until she was older. The only way they got her to go along with it, was to have Kenji promise he wouldn't marry or date anyone else in the meantime. Hopefully, Nabiki could find her mom soon and straighten the whole mess out. Or at least, slowly wean the young girl off the idea until she gave up. Akane looked up at her man. She wanted to talk about setting a wedding date, but she also didn't want to push it. Ranma had said he loved her and wanted to wait, and that should have been good enough for her. She kinda wanted to wait too, but with all the crazy things that happened in their life, she didn't want to take the chance that something would happen that would seperate them forever. Ranma's head suddenly perked up. He sensed something familiar nearby and was trying to identify where and what it was. Movement! Something heading straight for them. Ranma pushed Akane away as an object exploded at his feet, dispensing smoke. He vaguley felt a prick on the back of his neck as he scanned for the attacker. Akane jumped to her feet and watched as Ranma was enveloped by smoke. She called his name and ran towards him when something wrapped around her feet and body, pinning her arms to her side. Then she heard the laugh. "Kodachi!" she yelled. Last time Kodachi attacker her, believing her to be the obstacle in her path to Ranma. Akane was weak then, having just gone toe-to-toe with Shampoo. Well, this time she was at her best and it wouldn't be so easy. She easily snapped the ribbons that ensnared her, just in time to duck a punch from someone behind her. She sent her foot slamming backwards and was rewarded with an `oomph' from a guy as she drove the wind from him. All of a sudden, there were five more guys surrounding her. Taking the initiative, she launched towards the closet one with a speed only some of the best martial artists could handle. These guys obviously weren't the best, but they were martial artists. The guy managed grab her outstreteched foot, but she twisted her body and sent her other one slamming into his head. Stars exploded in his vision and he released his grip, stumbling backward. She wasted no time, but turned to someone else, grabbing his wrist and twisting it, forcing him to his knees. She then grabbed his head and brought it forcefully down to meet her rising knee, then finished with backflip kick that sent him to the ground. Strong arms grabbed her from behind and restrained her while another two thugs advanced from the front. Leaning back into her holder, she lanced both feet out and grabbed one guy's head with both feet. A powerful twist from her body sent him crashing to the ground and her body twisting out of the first guy's grip. Absently she noted that their had been no sign of Ranma. He had not come to help her, so he either was in trouble or dealing with his own pack of thugs. She had a sinking feeling something was wrong and knew she had to end this quick. A couple of the thugs had recovered and they were once more surrounding her, a bit more cautious this time. She bit her lip. She didn't want to have to resort to this, but she couldn't waist the time. "Tora Dokiken!" The golden outline shimmered into existance, then she threw herself into her startled opponents with as much fury as she could muster. Powerful ki punches and kicks heavily knocked out her targets before they could react. In under ten seconds, it was over. The ones still able to move, were helping their fellows off. She looked around and her heart sank into her stomach. Ranma was gone. The smoke screen had hid him from her view, but it was gone now and so was he. In his place, was a single black rose. Akane picked it up and dashed for home. Somehow, this line of thought failed to appease her. No, she KNEW something had happened to him. And her only clue was the black rose she carried. Kodachi had planned it very well. Kidnapping Akane wasn't the plan. No, the thugs were just there to distract her. She was on the verge of tears when she crashed through the gate of the Tendo Dojo. "DAD! Nabiki! Kasumi! She's got Ranma!" Thirty minutes later, they were all gathered in the Tendo house. `They' being the Tendo and Saotome families and several others: Tatewaki, Ukyo, Kenji, Yuri, and Selah. Akane quickly explained the situation while her father and Kasumi tried to prevent the angry young girl from going off on her own. "I knew my twisted sister would not sit idle," Kuno stated. "Tis my fault. I had hoped with the death of Galfgar, her madness would be lifted. It would appear I was mistaken. I am truly sorry, Tendo Akane." He bowed low to her. Nabiki patted his back. "It's okay, Kuno-baby. No one blames you. Maybe you can help by telling us where she may be hiding." "I regret I do not know. The Kuno family has many holdings and she could be in any one of them. Or she could be in a place I do not know of. She must be holding Sasuke as well, since I have not seen him for many days." "Then how do we find my son?" Nodoka asked worridly. Genma laid a hand on her shoulder. "I promise you, wife, we will find him." She nodded, somewhat appeased by his conviction. "So we know who took Ranchan, but not where," Ukyo summed up. "Kodachi's name is already in my most wanted list," Nabiki said. "I'll put word out of the street; if any of my contacts see Ranma or Kodachi, I'll know. Does anybody else have any ideas?" Kenji stepped forward and cleared his throat. All eyes turned to him. "I may know of a way to find him..." Several seconds after the smoke engulfed him, Ranma started feeling weak and dizzy. the word came to him. But it was no use. He briefly caught sight of Akane battling some thugs before he started to fall. Someone caught him and stuffed him into a bag. He tried to resist, but it was no use; his strength was deserting him. He awoke some time later. He was still in a bag, and he could tell he was in some vehicle by the movement. His strength was still absent and he could only manage a little movement. He heard some voices and a needle embedded itself in his arm. Shortly thereafter, he was out again. He awoke again, though how much later, he didn't know. Slowly feeling out his surroundings, he discovered two things: One, he was no longer in a bag, and two, he was restrained on some table. He slowly tried to open his eyes. At first there was nothing and he worried that whatever drugs they used on him had made him blind. Then he detected a low amount of light eminating from somewhere and that fear was dispelled. He still was unable move much, which meant he was still at the mercy of his captors. "I see you're finally awake, darling," came a voice. "Don't try to move too much, the drugs are still in your system," said Kodachi. "And don't think anyone will come for you. No one knows where we are. They may look for you, but eventually they will give up, grieve your loss, and move on." Ranma tried to say something, but it only came out as a gurgle. "What was that? Don't worry, your voice will return in time. I just can't have you regaining your full strength yet. Not until you see that I am the best woman for you. Surely you must realize that the Tendo woman would be no good for you. After all, she hits you and insults you; how long would you live with her as your wife? I, on the other, have status and wealth, and I can make you the happiest man on the planet." Her face filled his vision and she stroked his hair. "Soon we will married and we will make beautiful music together!" She kissed him and Ranma tried to resist, but couldn't. He felt his body shudder in disgust. If Kodachi noticed, she didn't show it. Suddenly, she looked up. "What was that? Take him now? I can't do that. We must be married first!" Ranma's eyes bugged out and he shuddered again. "Yes, I think that's a good idea," Kodachi said to someone only she could hear. "No, I want to wait until he accepts me. No, I'm not changing my mind. He will come around. Yes, you're right." She looked back down at him. "I've got to go and handle a few things, but I'll be back Ranma-darling. Be strong!" And then she was gone. Not since Jusendo, when he thought Akane was dead, was he ever this scared. "It was right here," Akane pointed and set the rose down. Akane had led Genma, Soun, Ukyo, Kenji, Yuri, and Selah back to the fight scene. Nabiki stayed at home to coordinate the search efforts and spread the word to her contacts. Kenji tried to argue that Selah should stay, but she wanted to follow him wherever he went. In the interest of time, he gave in. Plus, her abilities might prove useful for what he had in mind. Kuno soon arrived with a few small items. "Here are the items you requested Kenji-san." "Thanks," he said, then nodded towards Selah. "Okay, do it." Selah concentrated, then shot a stream of cold water into Kenji's face. He promptly shrunk into his wolf form. Yuri helped get the clothes off him. When Selah first found out that he changed into a doggy, she thought he was just too kawaii. Absently, she was having fun changing him back and forth with hot and cold water blasts. Since a hot water blast brought him back minus his clothes, he hadn't become too happy with her behavior. Now however, it would be useful. Kenji stepped on over and sniffed the rose. He then sniffed the items Kuno brought. A leaotard, ribbon, and some personal effects of his sister's. He then walked around in a circle sniffing. He found the direction they headed in and started in that direction, barking twice. That was the signal and everyone else bolted after the transformed wolf. Akane's mind was mostly on Ranma. In fact, she had even slipped into a dark blue, sleeveless chinese style shirt of his with black pants. She knew there was going to be a fight, and she wanted to change out of her school dress. She was going to put on her gi, when she remembered what Ranma said when she asked about why he always wore the same thing. "Because I can fight in it, and I havta fight all the time," he had replied. If Ranma was comfortable fighting in this getup, she could do it, too. Besides, it was more comfortable than in her school dress. Kenji halted in the street and sniffed the ground several minutes more. He memorized the scent of the car while everyone else caught up. Then he was off again and the chase continued. Ranma could feel his strength returning. Kodachi chose that moment to return. "Ranma darling!" she called. "I'm baaack!" "Kodachi, why don't you just let me go?" Ranma asked, his voice having returned. "You should know that no matter what you do to me, I'll never love you the way you want." "NO! That's not true! Can't you see what that hussy has done to your mind!? They've brainwashed you somehow into accepting a loveless arranged marriage." Ranma sighed. It was no use reasoning with her; you needed a logical mind to do that and Kodachi didn't have full access to hers. "Then consider this: They ain't never gonna stop searching for me. You could take me anywhere and they'll find me. It's only a matter of time." He expected another angry outburst, but got laughter instead. "Oh, I know darling. That's why I'm leading them here. Once I trap and kill them, they will never bother us again." She noticed him struggle in his restraints. "Hmmm, you do recover fast. I guess I'll have to step up my plan!" He heard her walk away, do something, then walk back. A rag was then pressed over his nose and mouth. Ranma tried to hold his breath, but it was no use and he inhaled the chloroform. For the third time, his world faded to blackness and his last thought was, After 45 minutes of travel, They stopped and rested. Everyone was getting tired and needed a short break. Akane wanted to continue on, but her father convinced her Ranma would be all right. After all, they'd be in no shape to rescue him if they were dead tired. She relented. The pack of snacks made by Kasumi before they left (who whipped them up in record time) was consumed, though Kenji ate his in his lupine form. A few minutes later, the chase continued. A half hour later, they arrived at what Kenji thought was their destination. The car he had been following was parked outside the drab, non-descript building. It was a small mansion of sorts, smaller than the Kuno estate, but still not a small structure. Kenji sniffed the air, detecting both Ranma and Kodachi's scents lead into the building. He turned toward the group and barked three times. Translation: Paydirt. Akane become elated and dashed into the yard with the rest of the group following. They slowly opened the door and stepped inside. The lobby was small, and the rescue group turned to Kenji to find the direction. He circled and sniffed the air, but there was too many scents in the air for him to pick out anything. He looked the group and whimpered. They took the hint and transformed him back. "I'm sorry guys," he said. "There's just too many scents in the air. Strong stuff too; perfumes, garlic, and various other stuff." "That's quite all right my strange fellow," said Kuno. Though he knew about them, he was still uncomfortable with Jusenkyo curses. It reminded him too much of how he had pursued Ranma's female half. That, and it was freaky to watch Kenji change back and forth. "Thou hast located the den where my wayward sister hides Saotome, and that's good enough." "Ohohohoho!" a voice echoed through an intercom. "When my early warning spies saw you were using a dog to track me, I took the liberty of erasing my trail with several strong scents." "Kodachi!" Akane yelled. "Give Ranma back right now, or I swear I'll kill you!" "But Ranma-sama doesn't want you, he only wants me. Isn't that right darling?" A new voice came on the intercom. "Just go away, Akane. My heart will always belong to Kodachi." Akane felt tears welling up. "No... That can't be him! What have you done to him!?" "Why nothing, dear girl. Those were his own words. But if you still want to see for yourself, do come in!" "KODACHI!" Akane cried. "You'll pay for this!" She felt a hand on her shoulder. "Don't let her get to you," Genma said. "She's just playing with your mind." "Uncle Saotome..." "Come on sugar, let's go find him!" Ukyo added. Akane dried her tears. "Thank you, all of you." "Should we split up?" Yuri asked. Genma nodded. "Yes, but only into teams. Soun and I will search the right side of the house. Akane, you go with Ukyo and Tatewaki and head upstairs. Selah goes with Kenji and Yuri to start searching the left. Good luck everybody." They agreed, then went their different ways. Ranma awoke yet again with the thought, He hated even more where he was. HIs limbs were still chained, but this time he was on a plush bed. A quick glance to his right revealed his captor seated next to a panel of buttons and monitors embedded in the far wall. From his viewpoint, movement could be detected on the monitors and could make out some the forms of his friends. Kodachi glanced slyly back at him, a coy smile appearing on her face as she noticed his awakened state. "Oh, good to see you're awake darling. We'll have some fun with our guests, and then we'll have some fun together!" She fixed him with a sultry gaze, and for the first time he noticed she was no longer wearing her leotard, but some black lingerie that barely concealed her assets. He paled at that thought of what she had in store, then shoved it into a deep, dark, corner of his mind. He then promptly buried it under tons of rubble complete with a Shinto ward. "Oh look darling, three of your friends are lining up. I believe this is the group that contains the little witch girl who transformed that dog into a man with water. Let the games begin!" The three in question were walking down a short hall, checking rooms, though most were either storage rooms or bedrooms. The ninja siblings' sense perked up just time to see multiple darts fly down the hall from either end. They quickly shielded Selah and sent wind strikes down their own sides of the hall, blowing the darts into walls. Unfortunately, that's when the floor opened up beneath them. Kenji and Yuri recovered midfall, forming their air shells. As Kenji grabbed the little water mage, a load of dirt fell on them from above, destroying the shells and sending the three into the darkness below. "Three down, five to go!" Kodachi laughed to herself. "Time for the fathers!" She paused and put a finger to her lips. "I never did like fathers..." Soun and Genma were currently located in the, kitchen. Genma was searching the refridgerator right now, inspecting it thoroughly for clues. He didn't find much food... er, clues, however. "Come now, Saotome, we're supposed to be looking for your son," Soun complained. "Can't find him on an empty stomach, Tendo," Genma returned. "But, there's nothing edible in here anyways. Let's go." Soun grumbled and followed his old friend into the dining room. Steel walls slammed down all around them, trapping them inside, and water began to pump out from the floor. "I do believe we're in trouble, Saotome." "Growph." "Hmmm? Your father turned into a panda? Such a strange family... Oh well, time for your ex-fiancee's group now." Ranma gritted his teeth. "You okay sugar?" Ukyo asked after Akane sneezed. "Yeah, I just had this strange feeling about Ranma," she replied. "Perchance we should check this room, fair ladies," Kuno offered, opening the door. At that instant, two walls slid down and blocked either end of the hallway. Spikes popped out of them and the two walls began to close at an alarming speed. The three froze for a second, then Ukyo pushed them all into the room Kuno had opened just as the walls crashed into each other. "Get the feeling she doesn't want us here?" Ukyo said, standing up. "I had thought that was apparent from the start, fair Kuonji," Kuno replied. Ukyo rolled her eyes. "You may be sane, Kuno, but you still need a sense of humor." "Indeed." "Cut the chatter, we need to find Ranma!" Akane implored. "We'll find him Akane-chan." She looked around the empty room and walked over to the window. Bullets came ringing in from the other side and the three hit the deck. Steel slid over the window, and several panels opened up, revealing nozzles. Flame tongues spouted from the nozzles, forcing them to the only safe point in the room, the middle. "I gather, then, that it's going to be a `hot time in the old town tonight'?" Kuno offered. Ukyo groaned. "Now he picks up his sense of humor." "That's it then! The last of the ones who could interefere are dealt with." Kodachi turned toward Ranma. "Your father's will drown when the water fills the room, the witch girl and her two friends are buried underground in darkness, and your ex-fiancee and her friends will either burn, or suffocate when the air becomes superheated. We've won Ranma- sama! Aren't you happy?" She slinked sexily over to him, slipped onto the bed, and draped her near-nude form on top of him, purring affectionately. Ranma tried to ignore how little of her body the lingerie covered. "Kodachi..." "Shhhh, my love. Let us consumate our relationship with the passing of your former friends." Ranma tried to think of some way to get out of this. "What about waiting until we're married?" "We're married in our hearts, that's what the voice tells me." He grinned. "You know what, it might not be so bad being with you." "Oh, Ranma-sama, you really mean it?" "Yeah, I mean, if you can show me a better time than Akane..." Kodachi squealed with delight. "I promise you the most erotic night of your life!" "Just one thing before we start. I'm kinda thirsty; mind if I get some cold water?" "For you darling, anything!" She ran off to a corner of the room and poured a cup. Then walked back over to him. She held the cup up to his lips and he drank some. "Thanks. I'm kinda warm, could you pour the rest over my face?" Kodachi looked a little confused, but did as he asked. The scream could be heard for miles.