Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 1

“Okay, this is weird…”

The Tendo Home

Nabiki’s Room

7:15am

BEEP… BEEP… BEEP…

“Uuurh…” Slapping the alarm off, the Ice Queen of Furinkan High School disliked many things, one of them was getting up in the mornings.

Lurching out of bed reluctantly, she sat up and rubbed her head. Ooh, feel a bit woozy today… Pulling out two yellow earplugs she smirked to herself. Heh, these babies have given me several good nights of sleep, too much fighting late kept me awake… Lucky I can hear my alarm through them…

She put on a robe over her snug pyjamas, and walked downstairs to the sounds of Kasumi making breakfast. As was usual, she had brewed a cup of black coffee, ready for her younger sister.

“Thanks Kasumi…” Yawning loudly, she patted down an errant part of her hair and sat at the table, sipping her drink quietly, reading up on the stock market. Hmm, shares in my companies did well yesterday… Lost a bit on two though… Might need to go deeper to get more back.

Finishing off the mug, she placed it in the sink and went back upstairs. Dressing quickly and brushing her teeth, she returned to a full table downstairs.

Except for one person…

Looking around, everyone seemed normal, and it was too quiet. Soun for once wasn’t crying his eyes out for some silly reason, Genma wasn’t in panda form, eating his toast noisily and eyeing his friend’s piece, Akane was seemingly happy, and Kasumi was her normal cheerful self.

Where is he?

Ever since coming back from China, Ranma had only spoken of what happened there once. He shuddered and told Nabiki to never ask him again. She insisted it was to make some money for the home by telling a story to people at school. The haunted look in his eyes gave chills down her spine, and she never had the heart to repeat what he told her.

“Hey…” She spoke to the silent table. “Where’s Ranma?”

Everyone stopped to look at her, Soun even put down his daily paper.

Kasumi was the first to ask. “Ranma? Who’s that, Nabiki?”

Nabiki’s jaw dropped a tad, before she repeated herself. “You know who I mean. Ranma, Ranma Saotome. He’s been living with us for a year and a half now…?”

Soun stared oddly at his daughter. “Saotome you say…?” He looked over to the bald man. “Is this Ranma fellow a relative of yours, Genma?”

The bespectacled man merely shook his head, confused.

“Huh?” Nabiki again was knocked for six. “This is your son we’re talking about Mr Saotome. How could you forget him?” She angled a thumb at Akane. “You and daddy had him engaged to Akane here since he arrived, and been trying to marry them since…”

“What?!” Akane stood up, enraged. “You had me engaged to some boy I don’t even know?!”

Soun paled and fell back a bit, Akane’s red aura flaring around her. “N… No, my daughter, I wouldn’t dream of it. I have no idea of what or who Nabiki’s talking about…”

“Nabiki, it’s not fair to tease your sister like that…” Kasumi scolded mildly, her expression returning to its happy state almost immediately. “Come on, here’s your packed lunch, you got to rush off to school now…”

Still puzzled by events so far, Nabiki just accepted the wrapped container and placed it in her bag, and walked out with Akane.

Five minutes later

On the street heading towards school

“So, you really don’t remember Ranma then?”

“Who the hell is this Ranma, Nabiki? You know I hate boys…”

“Yeah, but…” She drifted off. What the hell is going on? Maybe Ukyo or Shampoo drugged them somehow…

The local old lady using her ladle splashed water over Nabiki, again reminding her how Ranma had the same thing happen to him almost every day.

“Dammit…” Only her head and shoulders were damp, so she shrugged it off and ran the rest of the way.

Outside Furinkan High School

“Ahh, Kuno-baby, my favourite customer…” He’ll sort this out…

Surely enough, he came running out, his bokken in his belt. “Akane Tendo, my love!” He ran to her with his arms out wide for a big hug. “It is surely time that we date, for it has bee-”

After booting him away, Akane ran into the building. “Jerk… Every morning…”

Nabiki stared at the slumped figure of the kendo man, and dragged him to the nurse. “Kuno-baby, you’ll help me, won’t you?” She said, almost to herself.

Five minutes later

“Ouch…” Kuno sat up, his stomach still reeling from the hit. “My beauticious Akane has a strength that no man apart from me can withstand…”

“Hello Kuno-baby…”

Turning, he stared at Nabiki. “What news have you? Any new photographs of my love?”

She arched an eyebrow. “No… I’m surprised… Don’t you remember being beaten by Ranma every day?”

“Ranma?”

“Yes…” Nabiki felt a sense of déjà vu. “Ranma Saotome.”

“Who is this knave you speak of? Me, the Blue Thunder, defeated by some vile sorcerer?” He stood up. “I know not of such a man. I have yet to be beaten by any male at this school.” He walked out to go to his homeroom. “I shall depart, and let us speak no more of such blasphemy.”

Nabiki stood there, stunned. I knew he was stupid when it came to Ranma’s curse, but what about forgetting Ranma himself? This hasn’t happened before yet…

Still in shock, she walked off to her homeroom, and after explaining her lateness to the teacher, she was allowed to sit in class.

Rummaging through her bag, she pulled out her daily bets and stared at them, all the ones with Ranma had obviously failed to happen yet.

“Hey, boss, what’s wrong?” Her neighbour whispered.

“Ah… Nat-kun.” Nabiki shifted over slightly. “Do you know what’s going on? Where’s Ranma?”

“Come to think of it…” The black haired girl pondered. “I haven’t seen him today… Why?”

“Something strange is going on…” She then described about her family and Kuno, their complete memory loss regarding Ranma.

“Well… I know who he is… Cursed at Jusenkyo, turns into a red head and is a great martial artist…” She thought for a moment. “Have you checked the others who know him?”

“Not yet… But I plan to…”

Lunch break

Under the tree

Nabiki walked over to the usual group, Akane and Ukyo were there, as were Sayuri, Yuka, Daisuke and Hiroshi. Ukyo had her portable grill ready, and looked over to the approaching guest.

“Hey, sugar, you fancy some okonomiyaki?”

“First, I want to ask you all something.” Everyone stopped to listen. “Have any of you seen Ranma?”

Akane growled. “Not him again, who is he, some pervert or what?”

The puzzled looks passed across everyone, and Nabiki was sad to see even Ukyo, his childhood friend, looked perplexed.

“No, sugar… But then again, I don’t know who this Ranma guy is…”

The others all replied the same, no knowing who he was. Nabiki sighed and scratched her neck. Okay, this is weirding me out now… “I’ll have a take away please…”

Taking the small pocket okonomiyaki, Nabiki walked back towards the school, towards her betting, gossip gatherers and rumour starters.

“Okay…” She looked at all of them. “I spoke to Natsuko earlier, I believe she told all of you…” They nodded in reply. “Right, I want all of you to find out anyone who doesn’t know who Ranma Saotome. Ask anyone if they’ve seen him, and if they don’t know who he is, note them down.” She gave them a piercing stare. “This has to be done by the end of today, no mistakes or exclusions. Get the teachers too… Go find out now!” They bowed quickly and ran off into the playground.

Nabiki looked back at Akane and Ukyo. “All bets are off…” Ranma, where are you?

End of school

At the school gates

Nabiki was leaning against the wall, her fringe covering her expression. Dammit, I couldn’t concentrate all day… The frown she had on was a permanent fixture so far. She eyed Akane walking home happily with Yuka and Sayuri. How could they forget?

Her three helpers walked up, exhausted. Natsuko brought up a list.

“Here, boss… You were right… not many people forgot about Saotome…”

Looking over her helpers, she guessed the people before looking at the names. Natsuko was drained and struggled to stand. Miyuki was missing a part of her hair, tears present for her missing ponytail, and Haruna was twirling a small doll made from sticks.

“Right… So Hinako-sensei, Principal Kuno and Hikaru Gosunkugi were the only ones who forgot who Ranma was, apart from Akane and the others…” She took the list anyway. Feeling some pity for her workers, she glanced back at them. “Share out the profits from last weeks bets amongst yourselves, you deserve it.”

Walking away, she sensed their brief excitement before being drawn into herself. So, again it was people that knew him. Walking by the clinic, having shut down a few months ago, she shook her head. Tofu isn’t around any more, so I can’t ask him…

An idea sprung into her head.

Ten minutes later

Outside the Nekohanten

Nabiki stared up at the sign, took a deep breath and strode in. The café was still as normal, customers were eating, though fewer than usual as the rush had ended a while ago, and generally a typical day. Walking up to the counter, she heard the ‘tock tock tock’ sound, and turned around.

“Hi Cologne.”

“Greetings Miss Tendo. It’s a surprise to see you here. What can I get you?”

Nabiki gave one of her smirks. “You, Mousse and Shampoo, for about five minutes.”

Cologne narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“I’ll tell you when you’re all together.” Sensing the elder woman’s reluctance, she pulled out some notes. “I’ll pay for it.”

Looking at the money, she waved it off. “No need for that, I can tell this is serious. Please, sit here,” She indicated a nearby booth, “and I’ll bring the two of them out to join you.”

“Thanks Cologne.”

One minute later

“What mercenary girl want? Shampoo busy!” The purple haired Amazon wasn’t happy.

“Please child, this is just for a moment.” Cologne intervened.

Mousse had his glasses on for once, and stared at Nabiki. “What is it, Nabiki Tendo?”

She sighed again. I need to ask them first, then we go from there… “Have any of you seen Ranma today?”

It came as no surprise to see that they gave curious glances to one another, their eyes mimicking those of the Tendos. “Who Ranma?” Shampoo asked.

Nabiki closed her eyes. It’s no use… She stood up. “Thank you for your time, Elder Cologne, Mousse, Shampoo.” She gave a short bow, knowing that now, things had changed forever. “Sorry for bothering you. You can go back to work now.” She walked off, ignoring their questioning looks.

Shampoo… She’d never forget her ‘airen’. She didn’t even call him that. Cologne… I’d’ve thought she’d know, but apparently not… Mousse didn’t recall either…

Nabiki walked off towards home, though without Ranma she admitted it wasn’t the same as before he arrived.

Later that evening

Nabiki’s room

Twiddling her pen between her fingers, she gave up and closed her text book and papers. No way I can do homework now… She got up and paced around the room. Everyone’s still the same, no recollection of Ranma, acting as if everything was normal… She ground her teeth. I even had to give Happosai one of my bras before I asked him…

She felt stuffy and decided to open the window to let some air in. Why am I the only one who remembers him? Leaning on the window sill, looking out over the rooftops of Nerima she breathed in the chilly air, and hugged her arms, looking down as she held herself. Huh? On the sill, a tiny amount of black powder was being blown by the wind. Rubbing it with her finger, with was slightly greasy to the touch and smeared easy on her tip. Sniffing it quickly, she felt a bit dizzy and had to sit down to steady herself.

What the hell is this?

Taking a chance, she started to formulate an idea in her head. Wait… It couldn’t be… She knocked lightly on Akane’s door, but hearing some smashes outside the dojo, she guessed she was letting off some anger.

Letting herself in, she stalked over to the window, and sure enough found the same substance there. Checking each person’s room, she found it in every case, Kasumi and Soun had the powder somewhere on the floor in an unnoticeable place.

Finally, she stopped at Ranma and Genma’s room. No… It’s just his room now… The sign on the front of the door said ‘Genma’ only. Checking that no one was there, she walked in, finding the futon that Genma slept in, unmade as usual. Searching, she found the powder was somewhere in the corner, almost hidden by some clothes.

Pausing a moment, she risked a look over her shoulder out the door, then decided to open the wardrobe. The tears filled up as she realised that nothing of Ranma’s remained, none of his red Chinese tops, nor black slacks, and even his few dresses and bras that the girls had got him during his time at the Tendos. His rucksack, along with the tent and sleeping bag, were gone too.

Closing the door, she left the room and retired to her bed, lying on top of the covers. He’s really gone, for good this time… No note… No goodbyes… She closed her eyes as her cheeks grew wetter.

No memories…

---

Author’s Notes

Wrote this in around four hours, as a distraction from my Love Hina book. Thought this up two days ago, and realised that it was too good to pass up.

Not sure how long this will become, I’m guessing roughly six chapters, but things might come up to make it longer or shorter.

Hope this was a good start, don’t know when inspiration for the next chapter will hit me again, but it should be soonish…

- Jason

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 2

“I need more details…”

Next day

Tendo dining room

8:55am

Saturday was usually a day of madness, with each of the fiancées or potential lovers appearing, to force themselves upon someone, feed them, or just generally cause a mess.

But today, nothing happened, as yet.

Nabiki walked into the room, where Kasumi had just finished breakfast.

“Oh my, Nabiki are you okay?” Her worry was evident.

Nabiki looked up, her puffy cheeks giving away what had transpired last night. She wiped her face and spoke. “No, nothing, just some hay fever allergies again…”

“Oh well, don’t forget to take your pills then.” She smiled good-naturedly.

Sitting down, she began to pile up some rice and some light sauce, her stomach wasn’t reacting well to the stress she was experiencing.

Akane walked in, still in her pyjamas, but again having a happy expression. I haven’t seen her like this for such a long time… She started using her chopsticks to eat. Was Ranma really a bad influence on her? Yeah, he could be rude, but he cared for her… She sighed inwardly thinking about what Ranma told her about Saffron and Jusendo. I thought that Akane would treat him differently… But after the wedding… She paused and looked out the open door to the koi pond. Nothing changed… She was still mean to him…

Nabiki gasped but managed to cover it up as a choking sound. My God… That was two weeks ago… He stopped fighting everyday, even as far as not speaking to anyone more than necessary…

Polishing off her bowl, she thanked Kasumi and placed it in the sink again, withdrawing to her room.

I know I’m not mad… Ranma did… does exist. Everyone at school knew him.

Looking around her room, she found her collection of one yen coins. Opening it up, she rummaged about inside, and pulled out the photos. She frantically realised that there were none of Ranma, either in male or female form.

Wha… Did he take them too?! Searching inside her desk, she saw that her reels of film were all gone, including any loose negatives. Crap, everything… Wait… She stared at her bed and smirked. Ducking to the floor, she reached underneath and dragged out a sturdy bag, and removed a laptop from there.

I may not have scanned everything on here, but there should be one photo at least… Flipping it open, she booted it up, drumming her fingers impatiently as she waited, the hard drive clicking away noisily in the quiet room. Ranma wouldn’t just randomly break anyone’s personal things, and he probably couldn’t guess my password… As the login screen appeared, her eyes glazed over for a second as the keys were typed quickly. Mother…

She was in, giving it another minute until all the security programs loaded up. I thought so… She saw failed login attempts at around two in the morning. Let’s see… ‘money, moneymoneymoney, yen, Kuno.’ She grimaced at that one, and saw more references to coinage and wealth. Is that how he saw me? Closing the keylogger, she loaded up her photo folder.

“Yes!” She cried out. There, in all his glory, was Ranma performing a kata in the garden, and also a picture of his female form, emerging from the koi pond. A few more ordinary pictures of him (and her) were there, but nothing explicit or dubious about them.

Opening her Excel spreadsheet, she looked at her personal accounts. Kuno was top of the list, lots of credit from photo and information purchases. Some other people were there, but very low down was Gosunkugi. I may need to claim that debt back soon… The bottom three were Ranma, Genma and Soun. The latter two don’t work, and just spend it on food and drink. Ranma’s personal debt was high, but that amount he involuntarily contributed was a lot. I made a lot of profit from his pictures and stories… He never really spends money anyway…

Remembering how he was the last time she really spoke to him, her eyes grew sad. Without any hesitation, she selected the box with how much he owed her, and simply deleted it. I won’t ask anything more from him, unless he offers… Sighing, she shut down the laptop and got to thinking again about his disappearance. I need to plot this out…

Taking a piece of paper, she wrote in the centre ‘memory loss’, then spidered out spokes, each with the following labels, ‘friends’, ‘fiancées’, ‘family’, ‘enemies’, and ‘Nabiki’. She wrote down the names of all the people who forgot him to the list, under the appropriate heading. What am I to him? Friend, fiancée, or… She swallowed once. Enemy? Shrugging it off, she wrote the date she woke up, the day everyone forgot him.

Creating a new spoke, she wrote ‘black powder’. Recalling the smell, she wrote down ‘overpowering, dizzy spell after sniffing’ under it. Wait a sec… She looked to her spoke and saw the date. I woke up, but had those in my ears… Turning to her side table, the two plugs gleamed back at her. Only I wore those! Writing that down, she made another assumption under the powder label. May require sound as well to work fully?

She switched to odd things people said. Daddy said there was no engagement either, My Saotome said so too… Even Ukyo and Shampoo forgot that. Thinking this was important, she wrote it under a new line with ‘new facts’. Ah yeah, of course, I shouldn’t forget about the missing photos either… She noted that down too.

“Right, all the information I have is here…”

She realised that the data written down was quite barren, some people were still missing, and would have to be tracked down. Ryoga could be anywhere… I’ll first find the person I know is around here…

She checked the time and was surprised to see that it was almost midday. Have I been thinking about this for that long? She got dressed into some warm clothing, the winds had been picking up lately, and catching a cold at this time would be bad for her.

Folding the paper up, she placed it in her back pocket, along with a few more things and walked down the stairs, after quickly freshening up her face and teeth in the bathroom. Wrapping up her scarf around her neck, she slid the door open, but called back.

“Kasumi, I’m going out for a bit, so I won’t be here for lunch. Please let daddy know!”

“Are you sure you’ll be okay, Nabiki?” She shouted from the kitchen.

“I’ll be fine, thanks sis!”

“Okay Nabiki, take care!”

Leaving the home, she exhaled, seeing her breath leave her mouth, twisting and vanishing in the wind. So cold… She walked out onto the street. Like all the life in Nerima has gone… She could still see her breaths. Heh, it’s similar to Ranma… She powered out a burst of air and watched it. You know it’s a part of you, and you just accept it as normal. The next second, it’s in front and so close to you, and just as quickly, it disappears without a trace… Even though it’s still out there…

Checking the road signs, though she knew the way, she walked on, for once feeling woefully unlucky for remembering the dark-haired pig-tailed martial artist. Everyone else is living their lives as normal, I’m cursed with the knowledge that Ranma was a big part of my… our lives… She had already walked several blocks, which helped to warm her up a bit. The worst part about all this… She bit her lip. I… I miss him… I don’t know why… She looked around at everyone walking by. All the people around me are strangers, even our friends… I have no one to talk to, because no one knows who I’m talking about… She stopped, and looked up at the building she knew would shed some light on everything.

Maybe… after all that talk of fiancées and weddings… Maybe he won the tiny portion of my heart that wasn’t closed away and frozen over… She rang the bell. The only problem with that is… I hold no such place in his…

“Hello?”

“Hi, it’s Nabiki, can I come in?”

“What a pleasant surprise, please, do.” The buzzer rang and the gate unlocked, allowing her into the garden area, then to the doorway, where it slid open.

“Hello Auntie Saotome.”

A few minutes later

Inside Mrs Saotome’s home

“Nabiki, it’s been a while.” The elder woman smiled at her and noticed her girl’s arms shaking. “Would you like me to brew some coffee?”

“I’ve already had my c-caffeine boost for the d-day…” She stuttered back. “Do you have any hot chocolate?”

“Why, certainly!” She passed a blanket over from the sofa. “Please, cover yourself in this, the weatherman said the temperature was going to drop rapidly over the next week.”

Accepting it, she nodded her thanks as Nodoka walked off into the kitchen to heat up some milk. Wrapping it around her, she took in her surroundings. Not much was different about the home from when she last remembered it, everything was in the same place, bar things she knew weren’t there any more. The few pictures she had of Ranma on shelves and even the walls were gone, replaced either with ornaments or photos of her and Genma.

Again, time seemed to fly by as the milk was warmed up quick, and Nodoka returned with a delicious mug of warm cocoa. “Here you go, Nabiki.”

“Thanks Auntie.”

Gripping it with both hands, the blanket coming away from her arms, she blew lightly over the surface, seeing the steam rising off it, and took a light sip. Flinching slightly as it burned her top lip, she tried again and found that it had already adjusted to the heat, and poured a little down her throat. Her body instantly melted inside as the welcome liquid spread and soothed her aching bones.

“What can I do for you Nabiki? Not that I’m busy or anything, but it’s unlike you to pay me a special visit.”

Nabiki had already thought out a plan of attack, analysing her own questions and predicting possible answers, this time, assuming the worst case scenario. Given the lack of hints otherwise, she’d assume that Ranma did not exist in his mother’s mind.

“Not much… I just wanted to get to know you better…”

“Me…?!” Nodoka sounded almost scandalised, but she calmed herself before replying. “But I’m just a wife, nothing else.”

“I know… But you know so much about us, our lives, I don’t know anything about you. For instance…” She paused as she readied her loaded question. “… do you have any children, a son or a daughter?”

Nodoka had this faraway look in her eyes, as if reliving a flashback. “Well… Genma has been training for many years… He left over eleven years ago as you know, and, well…” She appeared flustered and tried to cover up her blush. “… we didn’t have a chance to have any children.” She sighed, her smile returned, but with a hint of pain. “It would have been nice for the family name to live on. I imagine if I did have a son, then Genma would have made him a man among men…”

“You were right about that…” Nabiki muttered.

“What was that dear?” Her preoccupation meant she truly didn’t hear.

“Oh nothing…” Nabiki changed the subject quick. “So, while Genma trained, what did you do?”

“Nothing much…” She put a finger to her head, trying to remember. “Just living normally I guess. I didn’t work much, you see, I’m not a martial artist like my husband, nor a swordsman like my father…” Nabiki mentally took a note of that part while drinking. “However, I did do some yoga classes for the local women, as well as cooking courses and tea ceremonies.” She tried to play down her achievements. “Oh, nothing fancy, you know, just the basics, to get them started on their path to womanhood and the perfect Japanese wife…”

Nabiki felt an ache in her chest, and realised it was her heart. Poor Ranma… Is this part of what drove you away? Jusenkyo meant that you had both these wishes forced on you by your own mother… And here I was telling you to get close to her…

Nabiki had most of the information she needed, and started the next part of her subtle tactics. She began to massage her temples theatrically, leading to the expected response from the woman opposite.

“Is something the matter Nabiki? You don’t seem too well…”

“Mmm…” She hummed, her eyelids clenched tight. “Not really…” She had a pleading look about her. “Would you mind terribly if I lay down on your bed for a bit?”

“No, of course, let me help you up.”

The concern was evident in her voice, and the Ice Queen felt a pang of guilt at lying to this woman, who was the same as a few days ago, but mellower and more accepting of people. Leading her to the western-style bed, Nabiki lay down with two pillows under her head.

“Are you hungry at all? I can make something for the both of us to eat.”

The stomach rumbling before a reply could be made answered clearly. “Wait right here and relax then Nabiki, I’ll be around fifteen minutes, maybe longer…”

“Thank you, Auntie.” Nabiki faked a pained smile as she left and shut the door, padding softly down the stairs.

Eyes wide awake, she scoured the room in the dull light. I see… I had to be sure… Pulling out her diagram, she added the following notes under the ‘new facts’ section.

“No son (or daughter) in past… No mention of seppuku… Saotome Honour Blade missing…”

She got up and moved slowly about the room. Peering closely at the floor, she kept an eye on the carpet until she found it.

“Got you…”

The black powder was present, at the foot of the bed, hidden by some clean folded clothes. The wardrobe was open, so maybe she was going to do this later… Testing the powder and rubbing it between her fingers, she realised that perhaps her first suggestion was wrong. This isn’t powder… Deciding not to sniff it, she withdrew her hand and pulled out two things from her coat pocket. Scooping the tiny pile with a sterilised spatula, she dropped the substance into a small glass vial, sealing it with a cork and elastic band to prevent it pooping open.

Now I can finally figure out if this is what I think it is… Replacing the items back in her coat, wiping the spatula clean first, she began to gently rummage around the woman’s dresser. She was careful not to disturb anything, being a master of extortion, blackmail and general information gathering, she knew that any person could easily tell if someone had been through their personal space and belongings. Opening the first drawer, she found some hair accessories and clips. Moving lower, she found some underwear, and blushed at the sheerness of them. Getting down to the final one, she found some boxes, and other strange items. Her first pay check was here, as well as an old passport of hers, dated 1975. Wow, she’s only 16 here…Looks just like the girl Ranma… It’s scary…

Opening the dusty box, it was like opening a time capsule. There were some old newspaper clippings, photos again, and some personal objects. Nabiki checked the date of the articles. Hmm… Eleven and a half years ago… She counted up the time in her head. This must be when Ranma went off on his training journey… Which means… She checked the lid found that the dust was gone in some places. Bingo… Hovering her fingers over the gaps, she found that they matched perfectly. So, Ranma took out some stuff from here… Probably photos, and… She gently looked it over again and nodded to herself. Yep… No seppuku contract…

Finally getting everything she needed, she slowly replaced the things one by one, trying not to upset the order. Once everything was back in the place they were, she walked back to the bed and wrote in the lack of contract on her diagram.

“Nabiki! Lunch is ready!”

Refolding it back in her pocket, she shouted back. “Coming Auntie!”

Running a hand through her hair, she sighed. I’m beginning to understand now… Leaving the room, she made a quick diversion to the bathroom to clean her hands, and went downstairs.

After lunch

“Thank you Auntie, it was delicious.” She bowed slightly as she helped carry the plates back to the kitchen.

“Think nothing of it, Nabiki.” They both started to wash the dishes in the sink. “I had fun today, speaking and eating with you.” She smiled happily. “It was like having a daughter for one day…”

Nabiki held the plate she was drying tightly, her nails scraping it slightly. Her eyes watered suddenly. “Yes…” She sniffed. “I suppose it was…”

“Nabiki!” Nodoka put down the plate, quickly wiping her hands on the towel and held her shoulders. “What’s wrong, did I say something bad?”

“N... No…” She wiped the tears away. “It’s nothing…” Ranma… Your mum is a good person, you know that? “I just…” Maybe… “I miss my own mum sometimes…”

“Oh, my dear girl…” Nodoka pulled her in to a hug. “I know it must have been hard on you… While Soun was teaching, I used to spend a lot of time with her…”

“R… Really?” Nabiki was surprised and pulled back to stare into her eyes. I had no idea they knew each other before… “What did you talk about?”

“Oh, this or that…” She smiled. “But she mostly about you and your sisters.” Nodoka grew sadder, looking out into the distance. “I miss her too sometimes, she was my only friend back then, when Genma first introduced me to Soun.” She gave Nabiki an appraising gaze. “She said you inherited her intelligence and maths skills.” Chuckling slightly she continued. “You’d already started learning algebra, money management and even, a little bit of blackmail.”

“But I was only seven!” Nabiki countered.

“You told your sister Akane to give you her blanket if you kept quiet about the broken table leg…”

Nabiki restarted the drying. “Wasn’t my fault she kicked up a fuss about a stupid toy…” She mumbled, while the elder woman giggled.

1:37pm

“Thank you for coming, Nabiki.” They were stood at the entrance as the Tendo girl put on her outdoor shoes. “I enjoyed having you over.”

“My pleasure, and thank you Auntie.” She emphasised the ‘you’ part, an indication of how important the meeting was.

“If your head hurts again, take some painkillers, I had a bad dizzy spell yesterday morning after getting up, so it might be a bug going round town.”

Stunned, Nabiki, bowed quickly and turned to leave.

“I hope we can meet up again soon…” Nodoka called out into the wind.

Nabiki glanced back, as a light snowfall began, leading to the illusion of sakura blossom in Spring. “Me too…” She said doubtfully. Exiting the gate, she turned towards home, then decided against it, heading to another destination.

I hope so too… Auntie…

---

Author’s Notes

So, I didn’t explicitly say when the previous chapter occurred, hopefully the opening lines regarding Saffron cleared that up. Ranma was in Nerima about a year after the manga ended, hence the times.

I was surprised at the number of responses from this story, didn’t realise I’d garnered such interest. Maybe there aren’t enough mysteries in the Ranma section? Still I hope you enjoy this chapter a little.

In case you’re thinking that some people are OOC, well, there’s a reason for that. I hope I got Nabiki down pat though, she’s probably the most intelligent out of all the cast (apart from Cologne, who is also wiser with age), and I feel that she can be like this when she needs to be.

Again, I have grand plans for this fic, not healthy for me, but I hope to keep to these fairly short (for me at least) chapters, in order to bleed the secrets and plot line out slowly. Makes for a great cliffhanger though…

- Jason

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 3

“This is worse than I thought…”

Outside the Kuno estate

2:14pm

The mansion soared up above her as she gazed upon the classic roof tiles. Here goes… Pressing the buzzer, the sound of a weasel-like voice responded.

“Yes? Who is it?”

“Sasuke, let me in, it’s Nabiki.”

“I’m afraid I –”

“I need to speak to Kuno.” Her tone grew deadly. “Now.”

“R-right away!” The gate swung open automatically as she smirked. I’ve never seen such a wimpy ninja.

Striding into the entranceway, she removed her shoes and waited for the purple clad man to escort her into the welcoming room.

“I’ll inform Master Kuno that you’re here.” He vanished into the air.

Nabiki sat there for several minutes, the clock ticking by. I’m sure of my suspicions… I only wonder how Ranma got so clever all of a sudden…

“This is most unexpected Nabiki Tendo.” Kuno walked in, still wearing his kendo garb. “I pray that I have few minutes to spare with you, as I have other matters to attend to.” He sat down opposite her. “However, as you have provided me with pictures of my chosen for the past year, I grant you this request.”

I thought so… Singular… She began her questioning with a demand. “Kuno…” She left off the ‘baby’ moniker as she wasn’t in the teasing mood. “I’m going to be asking you some odd questions, so I want you to answer them honestly, without ranting on or quoting poetry, and I don’t want you to probe as to why I’m asking them.” She watched his neutral expression. “Agreed?”

“As you wish.” He leaned in, mildly interested. “Go on.”

“How many women have you been chasing this past year?”

“Me, chasing?!” He stood up, outraged. “I, the Blue Thunder of –”

The words died on his lips as he saw the dead cold eyes of Nabiki penetrating his own pair. They seemed to be furious, with determination and a blazing fire from within. Kuno, for one of the few times in his life, felt fear. The rumours he had heard were true, never cross or anger Nabiki Tendo. He had never seen her like that before, nor did he wish to ever again.

He sat down again, and bowed to her, his hands on his knees. “I apologise, Nabiki.” He straightened up and tried to think. “There have been many women I have been seeking, Akane Tendo amongst them.”

Nabiki nodded. “You requested pictures from me as well for that same period, tell me who they were of.”

He frowned. “Surely you must know? I went to you for pictures of Akane Tendo.” He paused, sensing the request from her stare that more was needed. “No one else.”

He head bowed low, thinking. I knew it… Just the last part to figure out. She stood up. “One last thing before I leave. I would like to see your room to confirm something.”

“Confirm?” He repeated.

Mentally slapping herself, she froze him on the spot again with her eyes. “I thought I told you once. Don’t question me.”

Kuno swallowed once, but his ego and pride still remained. “If you wish, however it is most unseemly that a woman would visit a man’s room.”

“I’ll go in alone, just for one minute, then I’ll leave.”

“Very well…”

Upstairs, outside Kuno’s room

“I shall be counting, Nabiki Tendo. While you may have forced me here, I am not happy about having you enter my room.”

“I’ll make it worth your while…” She said cryptically.

Kuno said nothing, but slid the door open, moving away to allow her in. Closing the door behind her, Nabiki glanced at the wall.

Sure enough, the poster sized portrait of Akane she sold him was there. Multitudes of frames with her image were adorned around the entire place, walls, shelves, even some on the ceiling.

Yet, there was none of the red-headed Ranma. A large part of the wall where there were smaller pictures of Akane hid a large square, more coloured, part of the wall. Tracing the line she approximated the size. This is where the portrait went… It’s missing… All of Ranma is gone. Checking her watch, she realised she had half a minute to go, but chose to walk out.

“Done already?” Kuno was surprised.

“Yes.” Nabiki closed the door and leaned against the wall. “One final question, and then I’ll give you some advice.” Kuno stood there, waiting. “Do you know, or remember, the pig-tailed girl, or the tree-borne-kettle girl?”

Kuno held his head oddly. “No, I don’t believe I’ve met either of them. They sound like pure angels though…”

“No.” Nabiki stated. “Don’t even think about it. They don’t exist Kuno, so you can stop dreaming.”

“If you say so.” He folded his arms. “You mentioned something about advice?”

Nabiki cleared her throat. “Stop obsessing over Akane Tendo. She will never love you, as you are…” This gave his a moment to think. “I will not sell you any more photos of her, as your room is an unhealthy reminder to me that she is, after all, my baby sister.” Her features softened. “If you really love her, and want to be with her, then stop with the stupid challenges, and trying to grab her each time you see her. She’s paranoid that every boy is out to get her, thanks to you…” She felt better seeing him flinch. Maybe he’ll understand this time… “She’s not a trophy to be won by challenging her. If you get rid of your photos, soon you’ll realise that she’s an ordinary girl, and has to be treated like one.” She stood back. “I’m not going to dictate your life, Kuno, but it has to change now, or you’ll be alone forever, and Akane will never let anyone into her heart again…”

“Again?” Kuno asked.

Gees, I slipped up. Why’s he being so sharp? “Do you understand me Kuno?”

“I think so…” He rubbed his head in an almost sheepish manner. “Lately I’ve begun to realise that my manner of love is too forward, and that maybe I should change. You reminded me of that.”

That’s odd… Kuno knows that it’s wrong before I even said anything? “Good, then I’ll go now.”

Going down the stairs, she whispered. “Sasuke.”

The diminutive ninja faded into view on the banister. “Yes, Miss Tendo?”

“Ever heard of Ranma?”

“No… I don’t believe so, should I?” He enquired.

“No, you shouldn’t. Go away.” She waved him off as he jumped backwards.

Ahh, damn. Turning quick, she walked back up the stairs to where Kuno still stood, his brain audibly clicking gears into place. Guess it’s taking him some time… “Kuno-baby, is Kodachi in?”

“My evil sister, yes, I believe so.” He pointed his thumb behind him. “Hers is the last door on the left.”

“Thanks…”

She walked by him to the door, and knocked loudly.

“Who is it?”

“Nabiki Tendo…”

Maybe I should have brought some backup… She tensed up, knowing how insane the gymnast could be.

“Oh ho ho ho ho!” Nabiki winced. “So you dare come challenge me at home?”

The door opened rapidly and a ribbon wrapped around her instantly, then she was dragged in. Kodachi was wearing some comfortable jogging bottoms and a warm jumper, given the weather. Nabiki was now on the floor cursing to herself.

“Dammit Kodachi, let me go, I’m not here to fight you!”

“Come on, it was just a joke!” The ribbon unfurled slowly and returned to her side as Kodachi helped her up. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to pull you so hard…”

Nabiki sat down in the large beanbag, again her brain going into overdrive. This is getting freakier by the minute… Kodachi, joking and apologising?! Having learned a bit about human nature and reading emotions, she started analysing the girl in front of her. She looked over to the smile on the girl’s face, and realised another thing. She’s… different. I’ve never seen her like this… Her whole behaviour… It’s as if I’m a… friend?! Her eyes are smiling too… No agenda behind them…

“While it is a nice surprise to see you Nabiki, I have homework to do…”

“It… It’ll only take a moment…” Still startled by the drastic changes in the gymnast, she pulled out the small vial. “Do you know what this smell is?” Kodachi raised an eyebrow and took the vial. “Be careful, it’s quite strong…”

Taking a small whiff, she closed the lid and passed it back. “It’s familiar…” she stood up and opened a cupboard, where beakers and test tubes were in racks. “The hint of cinnamon and vanilla is my strongest paralysis powder…” She pulled out a rack and frowned. “That’s odd… I only have two beakers left… The other three are missing…”

What else is new…? Nabiki sighed. “Would you mind if I take one to do some tests on it?”

“If you want…” She passed a sealed beaker over. “That isn’t mine though.” She pointed at the vial that Nabiki had. “I’ve been around enough poisons to have immunity to most of them, but that one is especially powerful.” She closed the doors and seemed a bit down. “Even I felt dizzy from that one…”

Great… Just what I need… Nabiki thought sarcastically. “Thank you, Kodachi, I’ll return this as soon as I can.”

“No need, keep it, I was thinking of getting rid of them all anyway.”

Nabiki couldn’t help herself. “Why?”

“Recently, I felt guilty for using them on anyone…” She looked over to Nabiki. “I couldn’t do that to my friends any more…”

Getting another headache from all the new information, she excused herself. I have to get out of here… She thought as she walked out.

“Come back soon!” Kodachi cried cheerfully.

One minute later

The streets of Nerima

Oh man… Things have gone way too messed up now… Kodachi is sane, Kuno is less mad… What else is new?

The snow had covered most surfaces, it seemed to be sticking around for now. As her feet crunched on the snow, her thoughts drifted again.

A lot to add… No male Ranma pictures in Kodachi’s room meant that she too lost memory… There was also no pig-tailed girl for Kuno… She sneezed once, wiping her wet and cold nose before sticking her hands back in her pockets. On top of that, their memories changed ‘recently’… Why? It doesn’t make sense…

She sneezed again. First things first, a hot soak in the furo…

5:53pm

Nabiki’s room

The warm water had been a treat for her chilled skin, but all good things had to come to an end at some point, so Nabiki left after only half an hour there.

Okay, all done… The chart had been appended with the new information, but still things didn’t make sense. What the hell is going on? I thought it was just to do with Ranma going missing and everyone forgetting about him… Reading over the details again, she grimaced. But, now it’s deeper than that. Some severe changes have happened. The Kuno’s are the prime example… She tapped her pen on the diagram. There has to be a connection somehow…

There was a knock at the door. Hiding the piece of paper in her desk, Nabiki turned and responded. “Come in!”

“Hello sister.” Kasumi walked in, her beaming face resulting in even Nabiki’s mood to lighten. She was dressed very formally.

“Hi Kasumi…” She leaned back a bit, to try to ignore the growing confusion in her mind. “What’s up? Is dinner ready?”

“Not quite.” She chuckled to herself. “The dojo is open now and guests have been invited around for dinner, as father has an announcement to make. We need to be dressed up for it…”

“An announcement?” That’s a first… “Okay, I’ll be down in a minute…”

Kasumi nodded and left for her room.

“Damn, these house clothes aren’t good enough if there’s people coming over…” She mumbled at her baggy trousers and top. “Better smarter up…”

Fumbling inside her cupboard, she found a kimono that she wore on occasions, the last time being at a festival. This… was the same one I wore when Ranma first arrived… Pushing away the flood of memories, she put it on slowly, swearing lightly when she couldn’t tie the obi properly.

Looking at herself in the mirror, she picked up her hairbrush. Need to get rid of the knots… Hey what’s this? Long red hairs were sticking out from it. Ra… Ranma’s hair? She pulled them out. “But how?”

She focused and tried to recall the past. That’s right… We all went out as girls on Wednesday… I said he – well, she really – should comb her hair… She pulled the hairs out and placed them in another vial in her desk. I might need this later…

Continuing to make herself more stunning, she shuffled out of the room and made her way to the dojo. Wow, sounds busy in there… She placed her hand on the door and firmed herself. Might as well get on with it…

She opened the door, and upon seeing the sight ahead of her, she froze. Seconds later, she did the only thing she could do after processing all the new information since Ranma’s disappearance.

She fainted.

One week ago

Walking in the garden, she watched as a pig-tailed martial artist jumped away from a flailing Genma, who then became a wet and angry panda.

“Serves you right pop, don’t try to hit me from behind again…”

“Ungrateful brat, eat your fiancée’s cooking!” He signposted.

“No way! That stuff can eat toxic waste and still be more deadly…” He stopped as a rage filled ki powered towards him.

“RANMAAA!” Akane bellowed, her eyes narrowing as she cracked her knuckles.

“Come on Akane… That was just a –”

A ‘ding ding’ could be heard.

“Oh boy…” Ranma muttered. “Gaaah!” He fell to the ground as a bike planted into his back.

“Airen! You want fresh ramen Shampoo cook for you?”

“Ah… no thanks…” He got up and started backing away to the exit.

“Ranma honey…” Ukyo was walking by the entrance and saw his back. “I have some okonomiyaki, like some?”

“Uuhhh…”

“Woohoo, morning panties!” Happosai flipped the girls skirts up.

“Damn you, old man…” He was about to kick before sensing danger. He jumped quick, avoiding chains, claws, daggers and a large metal ball.

“After I beat you, Shampoo is mine!” Mousse cried out.

“In your dreams buddy…” He posed in a ready stance, then ducked some bokken strikes.

“Foul sorcerer, where have you hidden the pig-tailed girl?”

“Shut up Kuno…” He booted him into the wall, which spider cracked outwards, only to implode as another person ran in.

“Ranma, prepare to die!”

Blocking Ryoga’s punch, he swept kicked him and dodged more chains, only to be hit by ink. Glinting in the sunlight in the sky was the monstrous figure of Pantyhose Taro, swooping down to pulverise Ranma. Unfortunately, the distraction was enough to let Mousse get a chain on his foot, and then Ryoga punched him in the stomach. Akane ran in and gave him a kick in the groin. Shampoo and Ukyo fought Akane, but accidentally kept hitting Ranma as he tried to protect her from their powerful hits.

Cologne pogoed up onto the Tendo wall, behind Nabiki who stared at the whole farce with a morbid fascination. Her hands were on the camera, but she had yet to take a single shot, ambivalence preventing her from doing so.

“My… son-in-law has bad luck today…” The ancient elder mused aloud.

Nabiki’s secretive ‘this-will-make-a-good-profit’ smirk died as she saw Ranma’s face, concentrating on defending Akane from Shampoo and Ukyo, but still getting hit by her while trying to dodge Genma, Mousse, Ryoga, Happosai, Pantyhose and even a newly conscious Kuno. Floored by a lucky punch from Akane, he lay there and was pounded upon, his eyes making their way to Nabiki’s own. The sadness of the situation reflected in both of them, as she stepped forwards, but couldn’t go any further as she couldn’t defend herself, nor stop the others.

Suddenly, his eyes changed, the intense power and directness burrowing deep inside Nabiki. Smirking with understanding, his confident blue aura surrounded him as he stared at the ground.

“ENOUGH!” He screamed.

Everyone was blown backwards, several new craters and dents in the walls were made from their bodies, around a large hollow created by Ranma himself. He was standing up, clenching his shaking fist tightly as the blue aura grew, then dissipated.

“Enough…” He whispered, so only Nabiki could hear him.

Looking to the wall, he jumped up onto it then began roof hopping, away from the dojo, as he gave a glance back to Nabiki, who stared at the retreating figure.

“Ranma…” She whispered, taking a step towards the direction he went off. “What’s wrong…? Ranma…”

The present

Five minutes later

“...biki… Nabiki!”

Opening her eyes, the light forcing them closed again, she tried slower and adapted to the ceiling, and sat up.

“Kasumi!” Soun cried, his waterfall tears back. “Is Nabiki okay?”

“Yes father, she just has a slight bump from her fall.”

“Wh-what happened?” Nabiki mumbled.

“You fainted, child, we brought you into the warm to take care of you.” Cologne spoke.

“Fainted? I never fainted before in my –” She stopped abruptly.

So, it was true… She realised she was in the dojo, the cause of her loss of consciousness lay in front of her.

A large table from one end of the dojo to the other was there, and kneeling at each available space was everyone they knew in Nerima. The Kuno’s, including the mad principal and Sasuke, all the Tendo’s and the two adult Saotome’s, were on one side. The other had the Amazons, Gosunkugi, Hinako (in girl form), Happosai, Ukyo, Konatsu, Yuka, Hitoshi, Sayuri and Daisuke.

Only Ryoga was missing.

Near the dojo, the sound of earth crumbling and blasting outwards echoed, followed by shuffling. The door parted as the lost boy spoke out. “Where am I now?” He passed out on the floor, Kasumi quickly rushing to him.

Well, he’s not missing any more…

Ten minutes later

Time passed while Ryoga was fed, he’d been lost for a day without food, and was seated at the head of the table. Nabiki couldn’t stomach anything. No one is… fighting each other… She tried her emotion reading skill, but found the same aura of happiness was the same.

Only two were different. Kuno stared at Akane and was struggling to resist pulling out his bokken, while Happosai was attempting to sneak a peak at Ukyo’s unmentionables, though she was enough to stop him going any further.

The meal was lavish, expensive sushi and bentos from the takeout stores, but not the usual cheap stuff they buy when Akane was cooking and destroying the kitchen. What’s the occasion?

Sure enough, Soun coughed loudly and stood up. Guess I’ll find out now…

“Thank you all for attending, it has been over a year since my friend and fellow trainee Genma Saotome joined us in the Tendo home, and we have made many friends since then, including our reunion with our master.” Happosai grumbled something about ‘no panties’.

Soun raised his sake dish to the sky. “Let us toast to the future.” Everyone else except Nabiki raised theirs. “From this day forth, the Tendo and Saotome Schools of Anything Goes Martial Arts will be joined forever, by the reopening of the dojo.”

A chorus of cheers and ‘Campai’ could be heard as they downed their measures of sake.

Nabiki whitened as her eyes glazed over. This can’t be happening… It’s impossible… The world grew darker around the edges. Im… Impossible…

For only the second time in her life, Nabiki fainted again.

---

Author’s Notes

Well… The mystery deepens doesn’t it? Naturally, I have accounted for everyone’s ‘odd’ behaviour since the beginning. It’s not just as simple as Ranma leaving, that’s for sure.

I thought it was about time to escalate things further, even Nabiki can only take so much before the stress got to her. Fainting seemed like the most logical point for her to reach by now.

Hope you enjoyed the flashback scene, which was unexpected for me to even include it at all. Then I realised that this was another important plot item, and that it wouldn’t hurt to put it in now. I wonder if any of you can figure it out…

- Jason

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 4

“You’re coming with me!”

The next day

Nabiki’s room

8:54am

“Uuuhhh…” Nabiki groaned.

Feeling her head with her right hand, she blurrily took in her surroundings. My room… How did I end up here? She tried to pull off her covers before noticing that her left hand wouldn’t move. Panicking for a second she paused and looked. A hand… Following the arm up to see its owner, she wasn’t surprised to see the eldest Tendo girl there, sleeping in a chair beside the bed. The alarm clock told her the time of day.

Debating whether to wake the girl or not, she thought it through and decided not to, just yet. Gently lifting her palm off and onto the chair, Nabiki slowly got up, stopping every now and then when the mattress shifted and made noise. Standing up, she coaxed the elder girl up, picking her up for a few seconds before lowering her onto the bed. Removing her slippers, she replaced the covers over Kasumi, whose expression changed to become content, as she snuggled further into the warm quilt.

Sighing inwardly, Nabiki picked up her robe which was hanging off the cupboard, and then walked downstairs. Might as well get breakfast ready since sis is sleeping…

Fifteen minutes later

The rice cooker had finished and was now beginning to steam up. Good, that’s done… Having already sliced some vegetables and boiling and frying some, she glanced out the kitchen, seeing Soun and Genma waiting in anticipation. Placing some rice in two bowls she went out and served the two.

“Thank you Kasumi.”

“Daddy… It’s me…” Nabiki smirked.

He sweatdropped and looked up. “Y-you cooked then?”

“Yes.” She wasn’t happy. “And don’t you dare insult my cooking, otherwise I’ll ask Akane to help me.”

Both men shuddered together, picking up their bowls quickly. “Yum… Looks good!” Their grins were somewhat forced and they began to eat.

I’m not as good as Kasumi… Nabiki thought, as she went back into the kitchen to clean up. But I can make something basic with a little touch of class… She heard someone else join the table. And there’s also no way I’d break the kitchen like Akane. She gave a smirk at this and placed another dollop of rice into the bowl, leaving to serve her younger sister.

“Nabiki?” She asked, curious. “Why are you cooking?”

Her sister shrugged. “Kasumi watched over me last night, so I put her to bed in my room…” Her brow furrowed. “Come to think of it… What happened?”

Soun put down his paper. “You fainted after we told everyone the dojo is now open.” Nabiki faltered for a bit, but stayed standing. “We postponed the celebrations until another day while we put you to bed.”

That’s right… Nabiki tried to lift the fog from yesterday. I remember waking up… It was just a second or two… but I was in bed…

“Everyone went home, but we put Ryoga up for the night…” He stopped talking upon seeing the cloud of dust from Nabiki running out of the dining room.

Ryoga! Her eyes were enraged. I’ve got to find him… Enough with the useless memory changes… Ranma’s gone, and I have to find out where and why… I hate mysteries I can’t solve…

Bursting into the guest room without any knocking, she found Genma’s futon still messy, but the absent other made her think the only thing Ryoga could do. He’s lost… Searching the rooms, she realised that he wasn’t anywhere. Think Nabiki, think! Whirling towards the cupboards, she started opening them, and eventually gave up, returning to the entrance hall. Oh well… Last place to try… Opening up the broom closet under the stairs, a dishevelled figure fell out.

“Aaah!” Ryoga tumbled at Nabiki’s feet. “I thought I’d never get out of there!”

Raising an eyebrow she laughed unkindly. “It’s just a tiny room with one door!”

“No!” He stood up, his eyes wildly darting about from place to place. “I ended up in a huge snowy world… There were animals, weird creatures, a witch and a talking lion! I’ve been gone for so many years!”

Nabiki looked him over. He’s crazy… She slapped him harshly. “Get a grip Ryoga… It’s only Sunday, a day after we were all in the dojo…”

He came to, and looked at the middle Tendo. “I… Sorry… It seemed so real…”

“That’s good…”

She glowered at him, pushing herself forwards and slamming both hands to either side of his head, the wood cracking a tad as her own aura flared visible for one second.

“Now… you’re going to help me, whether you like it or not… P-chan…” Her evil grin returned with a vengeance, making him blanch and try to pull away, despite her having trapped him.

“H-h-how did –”

“You may have fooled my sister…” Her voice lowered dangerously. “But nothing gets past me. Ranma may have some random reason to protect you, but I don’t…”

“Ranma…? Who –”

Clutching his collar, she dragged him upstairs into her room, where Kasumi was still sleeping. Not here… Retreating to the guest room, she closed the door behind her and shoved him to the ground, cracking her knuckles to make her point clear.

“I’m not in the mood for games any more…” She glowed again, her purple aura surrounding her, surprising Ryoga. “I need something from you…”

“Wh-what?” Ryoga was growing more nervous by Nabiki, having never really spoken to her longer than necessary.

“You told us a few years ago, you went to an all-boy’s school…” She closed her eyes for a moment and reopened them. “Where?”

“I… I don’t know… I was young. Besides, I lost my way there years ago!” He drew back seeing her step closer.

“Not good enough… If I have to drag you to the ends of Japan to find out where you went, then that’s what I’ll do. So…” She pulled him up, her upper body strength coping for the duration. “You’re coming with me, Hibiki…”

“B-b-b-but…”

“Stay here…” She cautioned him, walking to the door. “You move, and I’ll tell Akane about P-chan.”

Having the desired effect, Ryoga slumped to the floor as Nabiki returned to her own room, to pack.

Fifteen minutes later

Nabiki had on her overcoat, fleece, warm trousers and some hard wearing boots in her hand to put on. Hefting the backpack, she opened the guest room to find Ryoga still sat there, the fearful expression on his face.

“Get up.” He did so and walked to her side. “You go anywhere without me and get lost, then I’ll come back and tell Akane.”

They walked down the staircase together and she held his arm at the doorway. “Wait here.”

Nabiki walked into the dining room. “Daddy, I’m going out now, I don’t know how long… I might be away for a few days.”

Soun started bawling. “My darling daughter is running away!”

She sighed. “No, I’m not, I need to check something.” She turned and paused. “Before you ask, I have Ryoga with me in case anything happens.”

“What?! Why do you need Ryoga?” Akane yelled, standing up to face Nabiki.

So… She’s jealous eh? “Why do you care sis? It’s purely business, not pleasure.” The disdain she felt was clearly evident in her body language. “I’ll return him to you in one piece, don’t you worry.”

With that she stormed out, ignoring Akane’s protests and pulled Ryoga out into the cold.

The street outside

The snow was still falling and they wasted no time in walking onwards.

“So… Give me some clues, is it near Nerima?”

“N-no…” For some reason he had tears in his eyes. “I never ended up here while I was there…”

“Fine…” They both walked to the train station. After several minutes, she spoke up again. “Where do you live?”

“I have my address here…” He showed her something from his large bag. “But I can’t find it…”

Snatching the crumpled piece of paper from his fingers, she stared at it. “I see…” She looked at the lines and saw that they went in both directions. “Which way would you go from here to go home?”

“South, definitely.” He was confident, his grin breaking through.

Walking up to the cashier, she bought two tickets to the nearest one on the address, and sure enough, they waited on the northern bound line.

Lucky I took all my funds out… I had no idea he lived so far away…

As the bullet train pulled up, she looked to the destination. What will I find there?

3 hours later

Sendai

The rain was constant, a difference when compared to the soft flakes in Nerima. Ryoga walked out, his heavy umbrella already open to prevent his curse activating, Nabiki following with her own.

“Okay, we’re not far from your home now…”

Ryoga seemed to brighten up, and Nabiki saw his delighted expression. Maybe he really does miss it… Must be hard not being able to find where you live…

Thankfully, the rain did not spray from the side, nor did any cars splash the two of them, as they passed a few blocks to his home, which was not dissimilar to Nodoka’s. This place reminds me of Nerima… Subtle differences, but still the same… She looked round the side and found the abandoned lot where Ranma and Ryoga were supposed to fight all those years ago. I’m not surprised he lost his way there, it is too far for him…

She waited as he piled into his bag to search for his house keys, which inevitably were at the bottom of the bag, due to lack of use. His excitement was barely held in as he entered the property.

“Okay… I’m just going to look for records of your school, then I can go there myself…”

She walked in to the kitchen and saw a note and read it out loud. “Son, I made you dinner, you’ll find the container in the fridge. I’ll be back late. Love, Mum.” She shuddered as she saw the date on the note. Maybe they came up with this date idea themselves…

Making her way to the fridge, she opened it and stared. That… That can’t be food… Closing her eyes, she shut it quietly, so as not to disturb whatever had evolved inside. She went up the steps and walked into Ryoga’s room. Interesting… He had souvenirs from many different places that he visited, flags, statues, maps and anything small he could carry. She briefly recognised a photo of Akari on his bedside table.

Right, to work… Rummaging through his desk and shelves, she was searching for anything that showed which school he went to. Dust was on every surface, a sign that the occupant rarely visited his own room. Coughing from all the disturbed dirt, she started looking in drawers and under his bed. Nothing… Where would he keep his work and grades? She clicked her fingers.

“The parents…”

More searching took place in the master bedroom, again checking every cupboard and storage unit. In the back of the closet, she found records of Ryoga as a child, his first milk tooth, photo albums, and the information she needed.

Okay, got the name and address of the school… Figures… It had to be in the same city… She got up and walked back to the front door.

“Ryoga?” She called out. Frowning, she realised she hadn’t seen him since walking in. Damn, I’ve lost him… Shrugging it off, she picked up her rucksack and left, closing the door behind her. Hearing the sounds of locking, she smirked. Guess they know their own problems… Seems like the house locks up automatically when anyone leaves…

She checked the map of Sendai she bought from the train station, and walked to her next target, thanking the gods that the rain had stopped.

Half an hour later

Here it is… Striding past the open gate she walked up to a caretaker sweeping away some leaves.

“Excuse me, but is anyone working here today?”

“Yes.” He stopped his work for the moment. “You’re in luck, the secretary is sorting out applications for next academic year. She’s on the third floor, the signs will point you out.”

“Thank you.” She bowed to him and went inside.

Outside the secretary’s office

“Come in!” Shouted a voice

Nabiki opened the door and was faced with a stern, middle-aged lady, half-moon spectacles on the edge of her nose peering down at some papers. Without looking up she carried on talking.

“Can I help you?”

“I hope so…” The manner in which she spoke attracted the attention of the secretary.

“If you’re wanting to enrol your brother or sister here, then you’re too late –”

“No, it’s not that.” Nabiki shook her head. “Do you have any records of a student by the name of Ranma Saotome?”

“Saotome, eh?” She sighed to herself. “What’s he done this time?” She looked over Nabiki. “That last student by that name left seven years ago, he was only at school for a few months before leaving.”

“Is it possible if I could look at his file, if you still have it?”

The secretary shook her head. “I’m afraid not, unless you have some pertinent reason for this.”

Nabiki had thought of an idea, though she wasn’t exactly pleased about it.

“He’s my fiancée.” She stated. “He’s also been missing for three days, and I’m worried about him.” The crocodile tears came rather easily for her, faster than she normally would have managed. “I need any clue I can get to find him again…”

Still dubious, the woman raised an eyebrow. “You still haven’t told me your name young lady.”

“Sorry…” She theatrically wiped her tears. “Nabiki Tendo.”

“Tendo… I believe his father mentioned that name a few times…” She stood up. “Okay, I’ll show you what I have, but there was very little information available back then, and even less for Saotome as he only stayed in school a short time.”

Loading the appropriate program, she conducted a search for him, and soon printed out the one page with Ranma’s profile and grades, and gave it to Nabiki.

“As I said, very little information. He appeared to be doing well in maths, geography and physical education, while the other grades were just average.” She smiled sincerely. “I hope that this will help you in your search Miss Tendo.”

“Thank you…” She bowed to the secretary and left.

Ten minutes later

The nearby park

Gees… There’s almost nothing here… The page had a photo of the ten year old Ranma Saotome grinning inanely at the camera. He was cute even back then… She blinked. Cute? Did I just think that?

Shaking her head she stared at the information. There was a property listed, which she then went to, but turned out that the building was knocked down and a supermarket sprung up there.

What else is there? There’s just his date of birth, parent, and some grades… She put the paper down and sighed, leaning back into the bench. There must be something, any kind of clue left… She stared at the paper for the umpteenth time before getting up. I’ll go on the only bit of information here that I didn’t know… His date of birth…

“The Public Records Office…” She walked to the road and held her arm up. “Taxi!”

Author’s Notes

I had an extra two scenes that were to follow, but realised that they would make the chapter overly long, so you’ll be seeing them in the next, fleshed out greatly.

It was about time that Nabiki used some of her ruthless side to get things done, and I think that Ryoga would cave easily to her demands, since his experience with girls was near zero.

Also, I recalled somewhere where Ryoga was said to have got lost in a cupboard (be it in the manga, anime or even another fic), and thought, ‘what if he ended up in Narnia?’ Might be a oneshot at a later date, for fun.

Before you ask, I know I haven’t revealed too much in this chapter (a ‘filler’ if you will), but it was important to get these bits out of the way before the above mentioned scenes, as they are vital to the plot. Regardless, I hope you liked it

- Jason

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 5

“No… A dead end…”

7:32pm

A nearby hotel

Just my luck it was Sunday, the place wasn’t open… Looking over the room quickly, she was glad to see that it wasn’t too shabby for the one night she’d have to spend there. Checking the headboard and ceiling closely, she saw no cameras there, and also made some subtle approaches to the picture, again looking. Nothing, can’t be too careful really…

Pick up the phone, the hotel switchboard picked up, and Nabiki asked to be connected to an external line. Upon hearing the usual dial tone, she started punching in numbers.

Waiting a few seconds, the phone on the other end picked up.

“Hello?”

“Hi Kasumi, it’s me, Nabiki.”

“Hello sister.” You could hear her smiling down the phone. “How is your trip going?”

“Good thanks…” Nabiki wasn’t sure how much the hotel was charging for the call, so got straight to the point. “Listen, I’m going to be staying the night here but then I should be back soon, though I’ll miss school tomorrow.”

“Now, you know you shouldn’t do that…” The scolding was a tad light. “Thank you for letting me sleep this morning…”

“It was the least I could do, you took care of me all night…” She checked her watch. “Okay, I have to go now, please let daddy and Akane know that I’m not coming home tonight.”

“I will, you take care now.”

They said their goodbyes and hung up, Nabiki flopping onto the comfy bed. Shifting so her whole body was on the mattress, she placed her hands behind her head and thought.

I can just feel it… I’m so close, but he’s still one step ahead of me… She pulled out the diagram she created. It seems perfect… She traced her fingers across the lines and connections. I mean, I still don’t understand, he’s planned this so far, everyone who had some sort of claim on him no longer remembers it. No more fiancées, no more rivals, no more arguments… This brought back memories of the first day of school since he left, and Kuno’s usual appearance. Well, maybe not all the time…

The startling changes in memories were also something she could not explain. No way was this a coincidence… Ranma must’ve done something to the Kuno’s, to daddy and Mr Saotome… I can understand people not remembering him, but to do something so drastic… She gasped and sat up. Wait a minute… it can’t be that simple, can it?

Sighing, she lay back down. Well, I can’t check it out over here, when I get back… Her father puzzled her again. Daddy never wanted to reopen the dojo after mum died… So why did he - I mean Ranma – make him? She hummed to herself. Even Mr Saotome was ‘forced’ to agree… I still don’t understand why…

Positioning herself against the headboard, she picked up the remote control and turned the TV on, hoping for some light entertainment. She was about to change channels before a name caught her attention. She put the volume up. A news report…

“… shows no sign of stopping. Meteorologists are baffled by the sudden snowy conditions in Nerima, centred around a small city. Despite the normal, seasonal weather throughout the country, the cold remains here. No explanation has been given, some people believe the government are at fault, whilst others think of anomalies within the city itself could be to blame. However, everyone is working as normal, and road and rail services are functioning. No one seems to mind the snow; no blizzards have been reported yet, so it may be our little corner of winter for some time. Back to the studio…”

Turning it over to a game show, she began to think without paying much attention to the antics playing out in front of her.

Now what… You’re trying to tell me that even the weather has changed?! She started scratching her head as if a thousand bugs were biting away at it. This is driving me insane! Placing her hands down, she breathed out loudly.

“Okay, calm down…”

Taking another soothing breath, she watched the presenters vaguely. I’m not a cynic, I know magic exists. Hell, I see it every day with Ranma and the others around. Jusenkyo can’t be explained by science, not rationally at least. How would they describe Herb, descended from dragons, and Saffron, a demi-god from what Ranma said… Even the martial arts that everyone practises aren’t something normal humans could do… She looked down at her hand and clenched into a fist. There’s no way I could be that strong. Out of all of us, Akane is the most normal, though she can be a bit of a brute…

So, is it really any wonder that it may affect the weather… All the curses concentrated in one place might change the weather patterns. There was a lot of rain when Ranma arrived. She wondered idly why he brought about some much mayhem to her part of Nerima. He is a water magnet, none of the others were as bad as him. Maybe nature is adapting to him being away…

She smirked. Sounds like a harbinger of chaos, whenever he goes, trouble follows…

Checking the clock again, she blinked. What? That late already? She got up. Better sleep now, tomorrow will be a big day, I can feel it…

Monday morning

Public Records Office (Sendai branch)

Sweat beaded on her forehead. She was seated in the waiting room, amongst some light reading, which she flicked through casually.

“Miss…” The speaker paused, reading over the name again. “Nabiki Tendo? Please come this way.”

Following the steward, she walked into an unremarkable room with a view, plain cream walls, and a desk with computer terminal with a clerk sitting and facing her. She went to the empty chair and made herself comfortable.

“My name is Hiro Yamato, I understand you wish to look up a birth certificate on someone…”

“That’s correct, a Ranma Saotome, my fiancée… He’s been missing for several days and no one has seen any sign of him since his disappearance.” She kept with her cover story in case they checked out the school.

“Unfortunately, we require some form of identification, as we simply can’t conduct a search of any person, do you have any items of his?”

Nabiki grimaced, knowing full well that nearly all proof of his existence had vanished. “All I have are some photos that he left behind…” She pulled out the copies of the scanned male pictures on her laptop. “I went to the local school where he attended when he was ten years old, but I have nothing more…”

“I see…” He seemed disappointed. “This is troubling, we would need more proof that you are related somewhat to this Saotome… Is there any other family member who can vouch for you?”

No… There isn’t anyone…

“My family haven’t spoken to me in a long time… They never met Ranma in their lives…” Her eyes grew desperate, pleading. “Please… I just want to find him!” She reached into her pocket. “I have the necessary fee for searching, I’ll pay extra if that’s what you want…”

Hiro held his hands up in a friendly manner. “Money isn’t what’s important here. I just need to prove that there is a connection between you and him.” He smiled. “Tell you what, I can see that you’re in distress, how about I help you out? Do you have any ID on you? I’ll try and conduct a search to see if there were any such links in the past.”

“Here…” She passed over her student pass and passport, as being with Ryoga meant leaving the country if he took a wrong turn with her.

“Okay…” He started typing away and showed her the screen a few times to confirm if that was her. She saw her own birth certificate and smiled. Several minutes later he turned the screen again. “It seems that there was a marriage certificate, between Soun Tendo and –” Nabiki sneezed loudly, covering his words. “- and from what I can gather, the witnesses were a Genma and Nodoka Saotome.”

Nabiki was hopeful. “Does that mean…?”

“Yes. I can help you search for your fiancée. May I have the date of birth?”

She passed him the information and he began looking. Minutes of typing and frowns from Hiro made things tense for Nabiki, as she began to sweat again. This is it… I can feel it… More time passed, and he sighed.

“Unfortunately, no one by that name was born on that day…” He gave her a secretive look. “Can you think of any other name he’d be under…?”

Only one came to mind. “Ranko Saotome…”

Raising an eyebrow at the female name, he nonetheless carried on searching, and after a similar period of time, he shook his head. “Sorry, nothing by that name…”

Nabiki was at her wits end. I can’t just leave it like this… “Is there any way you could search for him through all your databases?”

“All of them?” He tapped the table with his pen. “That would take a lot of time, and power… It’ll cost you since these searches cost money…”

“I don’t care…” She opened her wallet to emphasise her point. “I’ll pay whatever it takes…”

“Okay… I’ll conduct a general search for ‘Ranma Saotome’ in our National databank. This may take an hour or two…” He pressed the ‘Enter’ key and stood up. “Would you like to join me for coffee and some snacks?”

He stomach growled in response. “I’d like that.” She smiled back weakly.

An hour and a half later

Hiro escorted Nabiki back to the room and let her sit first before moving over to his side. He double clicked.

“There seem to be only two references with the exact name in the databases…” He paled slightly. “This is unheard of though… I can’t imagine how without a -”

“What?” She grew angry. “What is it?”

He gave her a look of pity and angled the screen over to her. The first document was open already, and the top two words clearly readable from her chair.

Ten minutes later

“Thank you for your time, you’ve been very helpful.” Nabiki’s fringe covered the top part of her face. She placed the printed out documents into a folder.

“I’ll keep this quiet, as you have your reasons… Good luck…” Hiro smiled kindly, as he unwillingly accepted the bribe money from her.

“Thank you, and goodbye…” Nabiki walked out of the building into the sunlight.

What… What do I do now? She stared down at the folder and opened it, the sheets of paper teasing her. I wasn’t expecting this… The second document only enforced the first. But… There’s a big clue here… She rubbed a finger over the name. Tofu Ono… The location also was important. Matsushima… That’s nearby…

She closed the folder and strode on. This isn’t over…

Matsushima

1 hour later

3:34pm

Tofu was no help… Just like the others. He did recall writing that form though… So again, something was up with his mind…

Nabiki had checked a directory of the local businesses, singling out the area of expertise that she needed. Good, only a few companies… She went to the nearest one and went in, asking for any information. They had none.

Not giving up just yet, she went further to another, again with a negative response. This continued for the next five places she went to, and her confidence was draining with each one.

Finally, she reached one which did hear of the name Ranma Saotome.

They explained that the order was received less than a week ago, and had been fulfilled according to the letter, in full, three days ago. She asked for the location and they supplied it to her upon explaining her reasons.

Leaving the firm, her posture steeled itself as she walked onwards.

Half an hour later

Nabiki was tiring. Her feet began to ache as she walked through the foggy pathways. The sun had left the traditionally pleasant resort, renowned for its views of the nearby islands. Passing by another stone monument, she pondered over the events since arriving there.

This is too much… How…? She grit her teeth. I won’t believe it…

She stared down at the paper with the scribbled marks of the whereabouts of her objective.

Hmm, the eagle… Turn left here then…

She walked on, passing a group of subdued people walking the other way. They bowed to each other solemnly before walking on.

Damn… The nearby trees confused her. It’s too vague… Where do I go from here? She spied a man tending to some flowers, watering them lightly.

“Excuse me…”

She spoke to him for a minute, and he gladly helped her out. It wasn’t uncommon for people to get lost, and working there, he already knew the landmarks and where they were. He quickly pointed out the right direction, and Nabiki thanked him, bowing once before walking off.

Almost there…

She picked up the pace, her feet kicking up dirt and pebbles, though she kept to a respectful speed. Passing by another statue, she remembered that the parlour told her that is she saw that, then she went too far.

Whirling around, she spotted what she came for. Almost tiptoeing her way there, she froze above it.

The final ounce of self-control over her emotional side shattered. Tear flowed freely over her cheeks as her body trembled. Crumpling to the ground, her knees scraped against the harsh surface beneath her trousers. She shakily wiped the leaves off the smooth surface ahead of her, feeling the chiselled engravings beneath her fingertips.

In doing so, the folder fell from her side onto the path, opening up. As the wind rustled the paper, the medical certificate was seen. Doctor Tofu Ono had overseen authentication of proof for the first document, which the slate corroborated.

Nabiki covered her face, the tears pouring through them and spattering onto the stone, the etchings in the tablet highlighted by the wetness.

Here lies Ranma Saotome

4^th May 1980 - 10^th December 1997

“Mine honour is my life; both grow in one; take honour from me and my life is done.”

The sun chose this moment to slip beneath the horizon, casting long shadows over the remnants of the day.

---

Author’s Notes

THE END.

Well, if I said that, I’m sure that some of you would flame me to hell and back (meeting Ryoga on the way). Of course it’s not going to end on this bit, but, you must admit, things are going to change from this point on.

All the hints have been placed, now all that is left is for Nabiki to figure them out one by one, to unravel the mystery, and to reach the inevitable conclusion…

I enjoy re-reading my cliffhangers though, makes things fun. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, critiques and reviews are welcome, as well as speculation over the entire plot (who/how/why?).

PS – The two documents are, a Death Certificate and a Medical Examiners Certificate (confirming cause of death). Just to clarify what were found in the records.

- Jason

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 6

“This isn’t over, Saotome!”

One week later

The Tendo home

Staring at her bowl of rice, with great effort she picked it up and using her chopsticks, she ate a tiny portion before returning it to the table.

Nabiki was like this ever since returning from the graveyard. Her family kept asking what she did and where she went, to make her so oddly quiet and pale. Her poker face returned, but her eyes no longer hid the deep depression and sadness that she felt. Her sisters tried to cheer her up, though Akane gave up after the first day, but Kasumi still tried. Her father just wept to himself, unable to figure out what was wrong nor do anything to cure her.

Kasumi was the first to notice that she has stopped eating. The first dinner Nabiki had at the home was barely touched, and the bentos she made for school were unopened. She was reluctant to ask, as Nabiki was proud of her privacy and ability to keep secrets, for the right price of course, but Kasumi couldn’t just let her starve…

6 days ago

7:52pm

Kasumi was taking the dishes into the kitchen, and noticed that Nabiki started to get up.

“Nabiki… Could I have a word?”

She was shocked when the girl didn’t object and just dropped to the ground, waiting for her. Quickly leaving the plates by the sink, she sat next to her. Thankfully the men were away, and Akane was doing some homework.

“I’m not stupid, sister…” She smiled, but her eyes moistened. “You saw something terrible on your trip, didn’t you?”

Nabiki turned to her, the mask deteriorating showing a variety of feelings, anger, sadness, betrayal, depression, but most of all, loss. She dived at her sister and clutched her shoulders tightly, scrunching the apron beneath her fingers.

“S-Sis…” She cried, her tears being absorbed in the white material. “He’s gone…”

“Gone?” Kasumi patted the younger girl’s back. She wondered if she meant Tofu, but shrugged that off. “Who’s gone?”

“Dead…” Nabiki wouldn’t elaborate. How can she understand? Ranma never existed for her… I‘m the only one who can mourn for him…

“Someone you know died?” Kasumi was horrified, and pulled her in closer. “I’m so sorry… Was he a friend?”

“Y-Yes…” She sniffled loudly, her nose running badly, and lifted her face so her chin was on the apron. “We… knew each other for a while…”

“How did you find out?” Kasumi calmly asked, pulling back to retrieve a tissue for the table. “When was the last time you saw him?”

Nabiki accepted the paper and blew her nose. “He was around several days ago. Then I… saw his grave …”

“Oh my…” She pulled her in for a hug again. “Please don’t cry… Wherever he is, I’m sure he’s in a better place now.”

Wherever…? Better place…? Nabiki widened her eyes. No… That’s too cruel… She pulled back and smiled at Kasumi.

“Thank you sis, I feel a lot better now…” She stood up. “I’m going to wash my face now and soak in the furo for a bit…”

“Okay… But please eat something…” Kasumi also got up and picked up the leftovers. “I’m always here if you want someone to talk to…”

“I know…” Nabiki embraced her gently. “You’re my sister, I’ve never forgotten that.”

The present

Nabiki reached over and poured some more tea into her cup, and took a sip. Akane watched her carefully, and then blocked one of Genma’s chopsticks strikes at her own plate.

She was angry when Nabiki didn’t turn up for school on Monday, and was still the same on Tuesday, until Wednesday, when she realised the change in her sister…

Five days ago

Nabiki and Akane were walking to school briskly, not wanting to miss the bell. The youngest Tendo wondered why her sister wasn’t at school already, organising the days bets.

“Nabiki, what’s wrong with you?”

“Oh… Nothing you need to worry about…”

Akane could still detect a hint of malice within her voice, which made her worry, seeing as she didn’t know what she did to upset her. Regardless, she strode on with her pride keeping her from probing further. She flexed her muscles as they neared the school, even letting her red ki leak from her body.

What’s wrong with her? That is the question…

“Hey sis, can you hold my bag?” Akane asked.

“Um… sure, why?” This is strange…

She merely jerked her head in the direction of the gate, where a dozen boys wearing outfits from various martial arts, sport, and society clubs were waiting, most were bandaged, but no less eager.

What the…?!

Akane charged in screaming, along with the old chorus of the boys chanting ‘I love you!’ constantly.

However, half were felled from the side, out of view to Nabiki, who walked inside. Akane stared at the perpetrator, knowing exactly who it was. The others were scared, and those who failed to run off were knocked out as well.

“Well, I’ll be…” Nabiki mused out loud.

The tall figure of Tatewaki Kuno stood out there, his bokken finishing its final swing against one of the boys, who woke up, and returned it to his sash.

“Akane Tendo…” He looked to her sister. “And Nabiki…”

“Kuno…” Akane growled. “What is it today?”

“My fair maiden… I have vanquished your foes; they will know not to strike again…” He was shaking, as if holding back a laugh. “I can now date with you!”

His traditional pose of arms outstretched was met by an uppercut to his chin. “Get out of here!”

Akane grabbed her bag from Nabiki and ran inside. The other girl, walking over to the body, sighed. Never mind… At least he’s trying to hold it in… Dragging him by his arm to the nurses office, she thought on. Why is the horde back? Should be easy to find out…

Lunchtime

Beneath the playground tree

So that’s it… I guess it was obvious after Friday without Ranma, and my crew asking pointed questions…

The information she gathered from her employees was complete, as they were all there on Monday.

So, the whole horde is there, waiting for Akane, she starts beating some of them up, like before, but now, Kuno stopped the others. He then spoke to her normally, but broke and tried to hug her…

Looks like he’s trying to get on her good side, like a normal man…

Indeed, as she spoke, while sitting with Akane, Ukyo and the rest, Kuno walked by with a bento eating on his own. He noticed Akane and took one step towards her, but shook his head and turned away.

If I didn’t see it for myself… She could tell that Akane was oblivious to all this, chatting happily with Ukyo over unimportant matters.

She sighed and leaned back against the bark, her wrapped lunchbox lying in her lap. Closing her eyes, she took a mild nap, the smells of the wood, leaves, and grass mingling with the fresh sizzling of the nearby okonomiyaki. She ignored her stomach arguing with her.

“Nabiki?” She opened one eye to see her sister staring at her with concern. “Why aren’t you eating?”

“Diet…” She stated simply.

“This isn’t like you…” She looked down and turned red. “I… I know I was angry with you, but please eat something…”

This is new… She actually notices me this time? She sighed. “Fine…” She opened the bento, which had a smiley face over the rice. Kasumi really wants me to eat too… Taking a measured step, she scooped some rice and placed it in her mouth, chewing slowly.

Akane cheered up after seeing that and turned back to her friends. Nabiki however, stopped immediately, swallowing that miniscule amount. This will do for now… I helped drive Ranma into his grave… This is my punishment…

The present

Genma was a bit put out, lately it seemed that he wasn’t able to get much food onto his plate, despite trying to get everyone else’s. He was sitting next to Nabiki, but had noticed that since she came back, her bowls were barely touched. Out of honour, and partial fear of what financial consequences she may inflict on him, he chose not to steal from her plate.

He was glad that she kept his promise more or less.

She’d been back for a few days, and finally at the end of the school week, he had enough and confronted her. She insisted that she was on a strict diet.

The odd thing was, she needed his help on something, and he grudgingly did…

Three days ago

7:20am

“Okay, enough already, child.”

“Huh?” Nabiki turned around as she walked from the staircase to the dining room, to see the rotund non-panda standing there, firm.

“Why are you not eating?” He moved her away from prying ears at the table, to the entranceway.

“I’m on a diet Mr Saotome…”

“No, even when my master starved us in the mountains, he gave us more food than what you are eating.” He moved in closer. “As a martial artist, I cannot stand by and watch you kill yourself, no matter how miserable you may be.”

“Then, maybe you can help me…” Nabiki cased the area over before continuing. “I need you to take something from Happosai.”

“Wh-wh-what?!” He cowered away predictably. “M-master? He’ll kill me!”

“This way, I’ll eat more, I promise.” She gave one of her confident grins, and held out her hand.”

Genma gulped loudly. “O-okay…” He shook her hand.

“Good…” She cupped her hand to whisper into his ear. “I need you to get…” The whispering went on, as he eyes bugged out only slightly. “Get them to me during school, I have to run tests...” She saw his body had turned to stone at the thought of stealing from his harsh master. “If it helps, he’s at school by ten, so the home will be safer then.” She winked, and walked to the breakfast table, eating a full bowl of rice.

Lunchtime

Nabiki was walking through the quiet corridors, passing by empty classes. She looked out the window to see the same old group sitting under the old tree. Ranma… Without you, everyone is happier. Did you hate us that much that you had to hide your own death?

The area to her left became completely silent, and the breeze had also stopped. She arched an eyebrow and gave a glance to that region.

“Who’s there?”

The light shimmered and Genma faded into view. He had a few bruises on his face and was a bit worse for wear.

That Umi-senken can be useful… She thought idly. “He catch you then?”

Genma grimaced, and clutched at his back painfully. “Master was out, but it took a while to find everything you wanted… He came back near the end…” He pulled out a bag. “Here it is… Now, do you promise me that you’ll eat normally?”

“I don’t know about normally…” She admitted. “But I’ll try to keep healthy.”

Genma sighed, knowing that he’d been fooled again. “Fine… But I’ll be watching you, girl.”

He returned to the forbidden technique and fled the school. She held the bag up. Now I can figure it out…

School science labs

30 minutes later

I can’t ask any of those who were too close to Ranma… She had already asked her girls who the science brains were, and she held the list in her hands. Lucky that they were all in the Science society…

She paced in front of the small group.

“Okay… You’re all here to help me out. Your teachers have given you the rest of the day off if you are good enough to identify what this is.” She held up the vial with the material she picked up in the house. “I have what might be the base components on the counter.” She gestured to the beakers and sticks in front of her. “I warn you, don’t attempt to breath in any of these substances, and the same applies if you have to burn the sticks.” She gazed over them. “Any questions?”

“Yes.” A geek spoke up, pushing his glasses up onto the bridge of his nose. “Does this have to do with Saotome going missing?”

“Perhaps…” She replied offhandedly.

He spoke up again. “What if we can’t figure out what that compound is?”

She smirked evilly, showing her fangs. “Then… I’ll be angry, and you’ll have me to answer to…”

They stared at each other nervously, loosening their collars. “Okay, for the honour of the science society!” One cried, and the others cheered and joined in, setting up tests and obtaining the necessary flasks.

4pm

Nabiki walked into the laboratory to see the group all looking exhausted, multiple counters filled up with beakers, airing cupboards, and various other equipment which she didn’t recognise.

“So, what’s the result?”

The leader sat up, pushing forwards the remainder of the powder. “You were right about your assumptions. After breaking down the ash you gave us, the black powder in the beaker was present, as were the chemical formulae in the sticks.”

Nabiki remained passive. So… Paralysis powder and the suggestion incense sticks were ingredients… “Anything else interesting?”

“Yes, a few things.” He pulled out a list. “We detected a large amount of organic material, cellular forms resembling a plant of some sort. We couldn’t figure out what type though due to the degradation.”

A plant? That’s weird…

“We also found a large quantity of selenium sulphide. In fact, this took up over fifty percent of the total…” He looked at her. “This is a specific chemical that is found in shampoo, oddly enough.”

The memory erasing shampoo! That must be formula 411 that… Shampoo… used… Nabiki sweatdropped at the irony of the situation.

“There are some herbs and unidentifiable solids in the ash that we couldn’t properly figure out, but the one thing they had in common was the Chinese origins.”

I see, the Amazon supplies were raided…

“Finally, the concentration of each constituent is at the maximum possible level. The black powder and the incense are roughly ten times weaker than the substance you provided.” He turned dark. “This is a dangerous product. Whatever created this ash, probably burned like any normal incense, must have incapacitated anyone who took in more than five seconds during breathing, allowing anyone to do anything to them.”

As I thought… It had two purposes. The full body paralysis, and probably some sleep inducer, would have made it easy to implant thoughts in the person’s mind using the airborne chemicals from the suggestion incense…

She staggered back, realising the impact it had. Ranma… How in the world did you make this? Why go so far to make yourself forgotten?

“Thank you… You have my gratitude… Do not speak to anyone of what went on here today, you were working on a project for a teacher.”

She picked up the list he produced, along with all the items she provided, and walked out of the class, out of the school.

Present day

Still, that had got me nowhere. So I know what the ash was, big deal!

She frowned and ate half of her bowl, wary of the subtle glances sent her way by Genma and her sisters.

It doesn’t get me any closer to Ranma…

She patted her stomach, realising that her appetite had been reduced, and that she became fuller sooner. Pushing the bowl away, she stood up.

“I’m finishing, thanks for the meal Kasumi.”

“Daughter, are you okay?” As ever Soun was the last to notice that Nabiki wasn’t acting right.

“I’m fine daddy, just going upstairs to lie down for a bit…”

Ten minutes later

I don’t know what else I can do… I mean, he’s covered every base, there’s nothing else I can check…

She turned the photo over in her hands. After losing all hope in Matsushima, she made one picture before the light retreated completely. Having developed it overnight, she now kept it hidden, but pulled it out only twice since leaving there.

Trust him to come up with some epitaph to do with honour… She furrowed her brow. Mind you, he never talks like that… It sounds a little too old-fashioned…

She sat up and went to her chair, loading up her laptop. I’ll check up on it quickly… It’s a long shot…

After the usual login procedure, she dialled up to the web and ran a search for the words in that order. Heh, what luck… She grinned, the semblance of hope returning to her face.

There were several links with that exact quote. She clicked on one of them. Hmm, William Shakespeare… Reading down the page a bit, she stopped. From one of his plays… Richard II…

Not knowing anything about it, she read a summary from one of the many studies she found, and gradually began to understand the plot. It does have ‘some’ parallels to Ranma’s life… But not enough…

The character who spoke the quote she noted was banished from England. Banished… Not executed… She poised her fingers. Could it mean… that Ranma is alive, somewhere? She stole another look at the photo and re-read the line out loud.

“Mine honour is my life; both grow in one;” She paused here. So, they’re linked to one another, that’s blatant from the way it’s written. As he grows older, so does his honour… “Take honour from me and my life is done.” Again, another clear message, once his honour is tarnished, his reputation, and thus, his life, is over…

But…

She stood up and began circling, putting her ideas together.

What if… what if, the life is taken away first…? Does he retain his honour? “No, that can’t be…” The first half contradicts that possibility… “How can he keep his honour then?” If he’s dead, then the honour has been satisfied, no one remembers him and as his life is over, so is his honour…

She halted jarringly.

Wait… Her expression grew more manic by the second. Then, somewhere in the world, is he alive? Ranma Saotome, as we know it, is dead. The death certificate, coroner’s report and grave prove that without a doubt. She wringed her hands together, feeling chills pass over her body. But, he could be living as someone else now… Though… She felt some uncertainty creep in again. Ranma without honour is far too out of character for him… His father maybe…

She made a victory fist and punched the air. I don’t care! “He must… he must be alive!” She kept from screaming out in joy, though why she felt elation eluded her at this moment. She just revelled in it, enjoying how invigorated she became afterwards.

Now I know I can solve this mystery…

She returned to her old confident self and pulled up a profile of Ranma on her laptop, with all the information she gathered on him after a year of knowing him. She scanned down to the main parts which highlighted his strengths and weaknesses, the two main items in which he could be manipulated for money, or worse.

It only took her five minutes of thinking, scrutinising every option and what his own personal concerns were. She knew the first, most likely destination to begin the search, to pick up on his trail once more.

Jusenkyo…

---

Author’s Notes

Looks like I confused some people with my sense of humour, the story has not ended, we are but half way through (possibly only a third if my creativity spurs on more chapters). The sneeze by Nabiki was to cover up one of the mysteries of the series in general, the name of Soun’s wife, which we never learnt. There was no ulterior motive to that scene.

I’m glad that people are making assumptions, and creating some form of debate. Only one person so far has managed to get the gist of it, which has surprised me slightly… I plucked the quote out of midair, again something I was amazed that no one picked up on, and was lucky that Richard II had a vaguely similar plotline (read about it on Wikipedia for more info).

Anyway, this story is not dead, we’ve just scratched the surface. Apologies for the introspective (and depressed) Nabiki in this chapter, but it seemed the natural course before moving onto to the second part of the mystery, the real search.

Hope you enjoy this addition!

- J

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 7

“Very tragic legend… Yeah right!”

The next day

Nabiki woke up at her usual early time, though for the previous week she hadn’t bothered, and got dressed quick. Half-jogging downstairs, she saw that Kasumi had already cooked breakfast.

“Oh my, Nabiki, you’re up early!” She was surprised for once, since her sister’s mood hadn’t been good lately.

“I know, I may have some good news…” She rummaged through her bag to find all her necessary bank books, passport, and other menial items. She moved closer to Kasumi after finishing up. “He may still be alive.”

“Really?” She seemed happy at the news. “How?”

“I don’t know, but I have to try to find him…” She yawned once and began to place some food in her bowl. “I’ll go to school today to finish up some stuff, and then I’ll go travelling…” She paused. “I really don’t know how long I’ll be away for this time, it might be a long while…”

Kasumi was quiet and sat down beside her. “Are you sure, Nabiki? The school will not be happy, they might even fail you. Father will be upset too…”

“I know…” She lowered her head. “Daddy is the problem, he’ll probably cry that I’m running away for real this time. Without some of my money either, the house might…”

“Oh, there’s no need to worry about that!” The eldest daughter brightened.

“Huh?” Nabiki registered what she said. “Why not?”

“Well, it seems that father and Mr Saotome have had lots of interest in the martial arts dojo, and the courses they do each day bring in enough to live on, and more!”

That is good news… Nabiki mused. Could Ranma have suggested it to both of them, not just as an alternative for the forgotten marriage arrangement, but to earn money for our family? She started, her hand twitching involuntarily. Then… What were my plans? What did he want me to do?

“Well, in any case, I’ll be leaving a small amount here…” She passed a book to Kasumi. “The account is in my name, but you have the other signature to take out money if things get tight.”

“But, this is too much responsibility Nabiki!” Kasumi was shocked to say the least, particularly after seeing how much yen resided in that name.

“I trust you the most sis. Daddy might need something to get drunk on, or splurge, I know that you’ll keep your spending respectable.” She gave her a kind smile. “Please keep it secret, I don’t want anyone to force you to use it, unless you feel it’s necessary.”

She begrudgingly agreed. “If you say so.” She hid the book in her apron, to be stored away later. “Where are you going to search first?”

Nabiki knew the response, so worded it carefully. “I’m going to Jusenkyo.” Hearing the gasp and incoming scolding, she didn’t stop. “I already know how dangerous it is there from Mr Saotome, so I’m taking some precautions.” She gave a grin. “Besides, I have to go there, it’s the most likely place he’ll go to.”

Kasumi was silenced, but had tears in her eyes. “You will be careful, won’t you? I don’t want you to get hurt, or worse…” Nabiki was quiet, knowing how death was a possibility. What she didn’t count on was Kasumi speaking on. “… you could get cursed as a panda.”

Face faulting, Nabiki laughed to herself from the comfort of the table surface. Maybe she didn’t even think I could die alone in China…

Getting up and patting down her uniform, she picked up her school bag. “Please don’t tell anyone else about this. I’m going to leave a note for everyone here, and say that it arrived as a letter at night, so no one suspects you.”

Unwillingly, she became sad, as Kasumi was the only person she’d spoken up to, the one who held the least connection to Ranma, and yet, one of the closest for having lived with him for a year. She gave her a big hug.

“I’ll write every now and then, to let you know how I’m doing. Since you’re the first one up, you’ll always get them…” She sniffed back some tears. “I’m going to miss you sis, you’re the only one who understands what I’m going through…”

“I know…” Kasumi cried into her younger sister’s hair. “I’ll miss you too.”

They pulled apart. “Be safe, Nabiki.” Kasumi gave a brave smile. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

Nabiki opened the front door, pulling out a hidden suitcase from the side table, and turned back, winking. “I should hope so! Thanks, sis.”

As they separated, Nabiki walking out into the cold winds, both realised that much time would pass before they would see each other again.

Thirty minutes later

Furinkan High School

The school secretary was speaking to Nabiki, both talking rather animatedly.

“A sabbatical? But you’re just 18!” She insisted.

Nabiki wasn’t backing down. “Yes, but my education cannot be satisfied by this school, I’m going travelling to learn more about the world that way.” She sighed. “If you wish, you can strike me from the class list.”

“I understand about wanting to do that for the absent Saotome, but with your grades…”

She didn’t need to continue, Nabiki already knew. My grades would push the school up the rankings, they need me to boost their reputation…

“So, let’s call it even, Ranma Saotome no longer attends, but I’m taking an extended leave for personal reasons.” Her visage darkened. “Remember, all the teachers are to know this, and no one is to mention Ranma’s name to anyone in my family, Miss Hinako, Principal Kuno and Hikaru Gosunkugi.”

The secretary paled, knowing that Nabiki had some juicy gossip and tape recordings of her and the new young supply teacher. “I… I understand, but why all the secrecy?”

“It’s none of your concern.” She stood up. “Just make sure it’s done.”

Walking out, she saw Akane in the corridor. Nabiki was about to hide, before realising what she was holding.

Or whom, to be precise.

“Don’t worry P-chan, we’re nearly at class now.” Akane stopped, seeing her sister giving one of her evil grins. “Umm, hi Nabiki…”

“Hi Akane.” She gave a knowing glare at the pig half-nuzzling in Akane’s chest area. “Interesting pet you have there…” The pig froze, and the dark skin whitened. It turned round, its fearfilled eyes connecting with Nabiki’s own pair.

Nabiki fake-smiled happily and hooked her arm in Akane’s elbow. “Tell you what, let’s give P-chan a wash, he looks a little dirty from his… long travels…” The squealing began, but Nabiki had a hold on its back legs as she opened the door to the girls toilets.

Akane was happy by this, nodding. “He always runs away when I try to clean him…”

“Hmm, the muck looks a little ingrained, so…” She plugged the drain and opened a tap, the heat rising and visible in the mirror. “… a nice hot bath will do the trick!”

She passed the squirming P-chan to Akane, who held onto him with both hands, unaware of its tears pouring over his snout.

“Look P-chan!” She turned him to face the steaming water. “You ready?”

Not seeing its wildly shaking head, she submerged the pig, as Nabiki walked out of the room chuckling to herself. Well, he did get lost when I told him not to…

Hearing the subsequent screams, smashing and cursing, she reached the ground floor, where one of her lackeys was standing.

“Natsuko…” Nabiki gave her a small booklet. “You can take care of the betting from now on, until I return. Keep up the gossip gathering and rumour starting when necessary.”

She accepted it. “When are you coming back, boss?”

Nabiki put on her coat and backpack, meanwhile getting ready to drag her suitcase which was under the stairs. “No idea, I’ll be gone a while. Enjoy running the show for a bit, and I’ve put some interesting bets in there for you all to try out tomorrow.”

She wheeled the case out and gave a short wave. “Bye!”

Leaving Furinkan, she couldn’t help but look back. A loud explosion on the second floor was followed by Ryoga, now clothed somehow, flying out and crunching into the tree. Kuno ran out, strangely without his bokken. Crying out for his servant, Sasuke jumped over the school wall and threw him his weapon. Kuno then started fighting Ryoga.

Laughing, Nabiki made her exit amongst the mayhem.

Two hours later

Tokyo Narita Airport

So… They buried an urn with ashes inside. She had just got off the phone with the funeral parlour that made the plaque. Which means… no body…

Feeling the hope rising inside her, she grinned. Well, here goes…

Giving her boarding pass to the attendant, Nabiki carried her pack onto the plane.

Goodbye, Japan… For now…

Beijing Airport

3 hours later

Nabiki, still behind the security gates, was tired. The flight managed to drain her, after all her preparations and sorting out the financial affairs back home, she couldn’t take a few hours sitting still.

Can’t believe I have another long flight still to go…

Meandering around the airport, she reached the connecting flight desk, and waited in the lounge for her next plane.

Barely having time to sit back, the speaker announced in Chinese, Japanese and English that her gate was open.

Great…

Heaving herself up again, she was off to her newly declared exit.

Several more hours later

Xining

Nabiki lethargically dragged herself out of the airport.

Argh… My contact will be here tomorrow… I need to find somewhere to stay… Looking around, she couldn’t figure out which way to go, so decided to ask, in broken Chinese, using her pocket dictionary.

Soon she was deposited outside a respectable place, and after giving a wad of yen (expensively converted there to Chinese Renminbi) she had a room for one night.

The Province of Qinghai… This is where Jusenkyo is hidden… She had in her hands the booklet that Genma used to take Ranma to China. The exact location is hidden… Only those who possess a great strength, or wish to use the grounds, can find it alone. Even with help, that person needs either one or the other above conditions to be allowed in.

She went under the covers, peeling off her outer clothing in the process, seeing as there was no need for pyjamas here.

One more day it seems…

The next day

9:07am

Nabiki checked her watch for the tenth time. Late… Dammit, it’ll take all day to reach there from here… Sighing, she ran a hand through her hair, staring off into the morning crowds and market stalls. It doesn’t matter in the end, this isn’t going to end soon, or be solved fast… I need all the information I can get about Ranma that I don’t already know…

Hearing some controlled footsteps, Nabiki stepped back, on her guard slightly and looked down at the person.

“Is you…” The figure bowed. “… Honoured guest?”

“You took your time…” She growled back. “Where’ve you been?”

“Sorry, traffic bad.” Panting briefly, the figure held out a hand. “Plum take you to Jusenkyo.”

“Thanks…” Nabiki smiled. At least I’m getting on track now… Following the short girl, Nabiki made it to a battered old car driven by a taxi driver. Putting her case in the boot, they were off.

Two days later

Late afternoon

Nabiki rested against another rock as Plum shook her head. “Japanese not fit for walking.”

Sending a glare her way, she swallowed her pride and stood up again, powering off ahead. Bloody taxi… Only took us halfway… Then we had to stop at another inn. One of the main roads was blocked off, so the new taxi had to go around a different route… She sucked in more oxygen and strode up another small incline. This is my third day in China… I’m getting a little sick of it already…

A musty breeze battered at her face, forcing her to hold her hands in front of her eyes. What the hell…? Not letting this get her down, she steadily walked into the wind, and almost stumbled forwards as it stopped suddenly. Lowering her arms, she cast her eyes over the view.

Plum walked up beside her and smirked.

“Look like you allowed in.” Throwing a smile she declared loudly. “Welcome to Jusenkyo!”

Nabiki could already tell there was magic in the air. The distant bamboo poles over the individual pools hovered above a thin layer of fog, or mist, she wasn’t sure yet. It looks so peaceful… But…

She swallowed as they both descended the hill onto the path that led there. It’s dangerous… I didn’t come here to ‘train’. I know what these pools do if you fall in... I’m not coming all this way only to get cursed… God knows what I’ll become… Images of the goose that laid the golden egg, or a magpie passed by her eyes, but then she realised that it was unlikely that she’d be that lucky. Probably something to counteract my intelligence or scruples… Thoughts of worms and other lower life forms, and then of kind, selfless versions of herself made her shudder. If I became a worm, or gave all my money to charity, I’d have to kill myself…

“Jusenkyo very tragic place…”

Oh crap… Nabiki hadn’t realised that they were now at the outskirts of the ponds. Looks like the water receded… Delving into her pack, she pulled out her special water waterproof coat and suit, putting it on over her normal clothing.

“What that for?” Plum asked, interrupting her monologue.

“Precautions.” Now fully suited up and sealed, she set her jaw beneath the strange helmet. “Take me to the Guide, please.”

“Certainly, honoured guest.”

Taking one step at a time, Nabiki and Plum walked to the small house where the Guide lived. While Plum was running through the thin strips of land between the pools, without a care in the world, Nabiki placed secure, measured steps, on the stable earth. Keeping an equal distance away from the surrounding water, she avoided the really narrow parts, and traced out a long and winding route to the house.

Breathing out loudly, she went right by the house and removed the helmet, dabbing away the sweat that had built up. Removing her new outfit, leaving it by the doorway, she knocked.

The man who opened the door was a familiar figure, though she had never met the man, hearing his description from several of the cursed victims back in Nerima gave her the impression that she had. Bowing deeply to him, she spoke.

“My name is Nabiki Tendo. I’m here to talk with you, if I may?”

“Please come in, honoured guest.” The corpulent Chinese man moved backwards to allow her inside.

Sitting opposite one another, Plum on the Guide’s left, Nabiki began her questioning.

“Has Ranma Saotome been here?”

“Boy who fall in Nyannichuan?” He was scratching his head. “Yes, he come here over one week ago…”

“… To look for the Spring of Drowned Man?” Nabiki completed the sentence for him, whilst at the same time experiencing joy, her heart pounding harder from the confirmation that he is still alive.

“I tell him Jusenkyo out of order. Springs no work now, need one year for Jusendo source to fill. Nannichuan same, but I not know where it is.”

“And… How was he?” Is he still the same? I don’t know anyone else who’s seen him since that day…

“He not mind about Nannichuan. He leave quick after.”

I suppose that it must be right, he wasn’t too fussed about his curse… She recalled the time they all went to a festival, a couple of days before he vanished. ‘She’ wore a nice kimono which her mum picked out, and even put a little bit of makeup.

Nabiki stopped in her thoughts.

In fact, Ranma spent a lot of time with me that night… She won a toy for me at one of the stalls, and laughed a lot, I haven’t seen her that happy for a while… Something was troubling her. I can’t get over the hunch that she was guilty somehow, and making up for something…

Nabiki realised she was being stared at by the twosome. “Something wrong, honoured guest?”

“No, nothing… I don’t suppose you know where he went?”

“No, he just leave alone.” He paused and held up a finger, remembering something. “Ah, he ask me to remove name from visitor list.” The Guide picked it up from the table and showed her. Ranma’s name had vanished beneath that of his father’s.

No surprise really… He still doesn’t want anyone to find him…

“Thank you…” She stood up and felt at her shoulder. It hurts a bit… Still stiff from all that walking… “One last question… Which way is the Musk?”

They both sat there in shock, their jaws dropping. “No, miss!” The Guide was waving his hands frantically. “Is very dangerous like Joketsuzoku…”

“Do you know the way there?” Nabiki butt in.

“Y-yes…” He fidgeted in the seat. “I no can leave here.” He looked to his daughter. “Plum, take honoured guest to Musk border.”

“But…!” She was scared now.

He turned back to Nabiki. “You go alone into Musk. Plum no can go, she my only daughter.”

Nabiki recognised the paternal love as her patted the younger girl’s head, her pigtails bouncing from her shaking.

“Okay, that’ll do.” She held Plum’s hand as her expression softened. “Will you help me there, please?”

Plum looked up, tear globules at the edges of her eyelids. Nodding vigorously, they vanished. “Yes!”

Nabiki opened the door, seeing for the first time, a safe path from behind the house past all the pools.

“Let’s go then!”

They began their new journey towards the Musk territory, the distant mountains beckoning beyond the misty ground.

---

Author’s Notes

Another chapter over. Giving Nabiki a curse would’ve made the story more complicated, predictable, and unnecessary. She was only there for information after all. It’s probably been overdone too, how many people visit Jusenkyo and leave, without a curse? Not many I imagine.

I bet you can imagine what the next chapter will involve. Suffice to say, new information will come up regarding Ranma, not anything as easy as ‘where he is’, but something about his character and disappearance. It might not mean much to some of you, but it’ll be true to the canon. No new clues about this are in this chapter, but it’s already been mentioned before.

The usual impressions, review, critiques, etc are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

- J

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 8

“You can’t afford me, Herb…”

Late at night

Deep in the Bayankara mountain range

Wheezing, Nabiki fell to her knees.

“No more… I can’t go any further tonight…”

“But, honoured guest…!” Plum insisted.

“No.” Her tone was final. “We camp here tonight. My suitcase is heavy, and as you said, we’re nearly there. I don’t want to arrive late at night tired and looking like this.”

She pointed at herself, showing the small scratches on her arms, muddy hands and shoes, as well as a sweaty face. She put her backpack on the earth and opened out the tent she had inside.

“Okay, but not start fire, forest dangerous as is.”

“Why…?” Nabiki paused in her actions. “What’s out there?”

Plum had the same expression as her own self at times, her eyes scouring the surroundings for anything out of place. “Nothing… Yet.” She smiled and instantly the dark mood was lifted. “We go sleep now, yes?”

“Yes…” Nabiki didn’t want to make her more nervous, knowing that the child was holding in the fear on her own. “Help me with this…”

For the next few minutes, the distraction helped ease their worries, and soon enough the small tent was laid out and propped up.

“Nice and simple, should keep the wind and rain off us at least…”

She dumped her at one entrance, throwing her sleeping bag inside and was getting ready to change before glancing at Plum.

“You don’t have anything with you, am I right?”

She was confused and merely laughed to herself, putting a hand behind her head. Nabiki sighed, but smiled and opened her suitcase, removing a pair of neatly folded thick pyjamas, and a woolly fleece.

“Go inside the tent and put this on over your clothes, you should be able to hide your legs in it.” She tossed her over the fleece, and wasn’t surprised when she did that.

She started by removing her top. Man, I never thought I’d be babysitting way out in the middle of China… She shivered as the wind whistled by. Okay, enough thinking, I’m nearly nude in the middle of a forest on a mountain, God only knows what’s lurking near us… I might as well sleep and forget until tomorrow…

Not wasting another moment, she was all ready in her warm purple and green outfit. She quickly snuck into the tent after stowing away the dirty clothes, and bringing the new ones for the next day inside with her. She saw Plum sitting and hugging her knees close to her chest, beneath the giant warm fleece. She could tell the girl was uncertain about something.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah!” She started, then calmed down. “Nothing, honoured guest.”

Not buying it, Nabiki arched an eyebrow and smirked. “If I can believe that a man can turn into a panda, then I’ll believe just about anything.” She paused. “However, I don’t believe you, why are you lying?”

She looked at her, the eyes filling with tears again. “Plum is afraid. I not camp in forest ever. Took roads and taxis when travelling. Alone and dark…”

Nabiki closed her eyes in mild pity, and went over to hug the child. “You’re not alone, I’m here, and we’re only going to sleep, nothing is going to happen, you’ll see.” Mentally, she crossed her fingers at that last point.

Reluctantly letting go, Plum nodded and sniffed away the tears. Nabiki got into the sleeping bag, and then realised that her companion had none on her.

“Well, are you coming in or what?”

“With you?” Receiving a nod as a reply, Plum hesitantly inched closer. “Sleeping bag look tight.”

Nabiki rolled her eyes. “Come on, we haven’t got all night.” Her tone wasn’t mean, just kind.

Accepting this, Plum watched as Nabiki shrugged off the loose cover, and allowed the girl to slip inside. Zipping it up so that their necks weren’t restricted, they found a comfortable position for the both of them, Nabiki behind the foetal Plum, cradling her gently.

The warmth from both their bodies soon brought sleep upon them.

Next day

Around 9:15am

The tent was undisturbed, the wind sending some leaves to fall and rustle over the opening. The sound of the scratching woke up Nabiki. Immediately, she knew where she was, and repressed a shudder. I just realised, I’ve never camped in my life… what possessed me to set up tent miles from civilisation… She looked down and saw Plum still fast asleep. Might as well wait a bit, it looks cold outside…

After around half an hour, Plum began to stir, and Nabiki helped her wake up by nudging her slightly. “You awake?”

“Mmm… Yes. Was warm sleep.” Her eyes were still drooping.

“Good.” Nabiki slowly lowered the zip and felt the cold from the mountains. Hmm, perhaps some snow has fallen? It is winter after all… “Okay, I’m going to get dressed in the tent, then I’ll give you some privacy. We can leave after that.”

Leaving Plum in the bag, Nabiki felt around for her clothes that she and promptly changed, ignoring what she felt as awkward shuffling behind her. Guess she’s embarrassed with me doing this near her… Once done, Nabiki left the tent and began to pack up the rest of her items, having already taken out the sleeping bag. Hearing the sounds of fidgeting, she could tell Plum was still dressing. Once it was over, she came out and held out Nabiki’s fleece. She shook her head.

“No, it’s still cold at this time, wear it for now until it gets warm.”

Not wanting to disrespect her elder, Plum put it back on, but was glad at the extra heat it generated. Following Nabiki’s instructions, they lowered their temporary home and were on the move again.

3 hours later

The woods were less dense now, snow had landed on some parts of their journey, resulting in slower movements from the twosome. Plum was consistently keeping to below her maximum speed, as Nabiki had two bags to carry. They had crossed one mountain, taking the easiest, but coincidentally, longest route.

Now they were in a valley between two more mountains on either side. A small stream flowed, giving the sound of water rushing over pebbles to the already wide variety of animal and bird noises.

Plum stopped at a particular point. She held her arm out to her side, fingers splayed outwards. Nabiki understood the silent signal and halted immediately.

“What is it?” She whispered.

Plum stepped backwards, all the while her eyes keeping lookout and darting across the trees in front.

“This point on,” She drew an imaginary line across the soil, “Musk territory.” She looked back, her eyes blazing for some reason. “Plum cannot take you further.”

There seemed to be little difference in the land. “How do you know?”

Plum didn’t lower her guard for a moment. “Magic in air. Trees ahead marked by dragon king.”

Nabiki just shrugged. “That’s fine, I can go on my own from here.” She started moving forwards before remembering something. “You can keep my fleece, I have plenty with me. Run home quick before it gets too dark; I know that you run fast without me holding you back.”

“Okay…” Plum turned and sped off, but paused halfway to the trees. “Thank you for fleece, Plum won’t forget you, honoured guest.”

“Nabiki.” The girl in question replied. “I’m barely a guest, and have little honour, so call me by that name, Plum.”

“Okay, thank you for taking care of Plum… Nabiki.” She waved quick and jogged into the shadows.

Chuckling to herself, Nabiki strode on towards the forbidden forest.

Ten minutes later

Her skin felt as if it was being tickled by dozens of centipedes crawling over her, each tiny impression on her flesh making her more nervous. Guess it must be the magic in the trees… She stopped to look at one and placed a hand on it, and wasn’t too surprised when the feelings magnified upon contact.

She wasn’t making any effort to disguise her entry, breaking twigs and her suitcase colliding loudly with trees and fallen logs also helped. Soon she felt the strange new sensations added on to those of a more familiar force that she recognised.

I suppose being around a group of martial artists helped me detect it a little… Akane helped a lot too, the way she got angry around Ranma.

Nabiki stopped and looked to her left. “Whoever you are come out.” She paused and turned her head right. “Both of you.”

Yep, no doubt about it… The two warriors stomped out into plain view. I found them by their ki… Shame I can’t fight at all, or use any even a tiny bit.

They levelled their spears at Nabiki, who sighed and slightly raised her arms. “Do I look like as fighter?” She nodded her head at her travel gear.

They didn’t budge. “Why are you in the High Kingdom of the Musk Dynasty?”

Nabiki lowered her arms. “I wish to have an audience with Prince Herb.”

“Impossible, no one is to see him, especially a female commoner like you.”

She smirked. “Perhaps the Princess would like to say that to me herself.”

The left guard was outraged. “How DARE you insult his Majesty!” He brought the spear right under Nabiki’s chin, and she had to raise her head to prevent it from impaling her neck. “Men have died for less.”

“If you kill me…” She spoke calmly but sending her powerful gaze toward his eyes. “Then my family will find out, as will Ranma Saotome.” She grew more confident after seeming them flinch. “And when he’s angry… Let’s just say that this time, Prince Herb won’t survive.”

Seeing that the man still didn’t move, she sighed inwardly and then ended the discussion with a simple question.

“Who do you think defeated Saffron?”

One hour later

Looks like my bluff worked, I guess that they didn’t know he’s gone missing…

She was in a guest room of sorts, in a palace embedded in the side of a mountain, and noted the lavish ornaments and furniture. She freshened up in the en-suite and had been given a small meal, though this itself was expensive.

I wonder if I’m more than a guest? She recalled Ranma’s story about how they selected women to be wives. I doubt it… But I can’t be too sure… She patted her satisfied stomach and lay back on the soft couch. Herb… He’s probably the most dangerous person I have to meet… I don’t know what happened after he left, so I can’t tell if he’s upset or hiding some sort of grudge…

The door opened and an attendant informed her that he was ready.

Too late to turn back now. I’ll face him head on…

Five minutes later

The Royal Throne room

The two large oak doors opened to reveal the room in all its splendour. The red carpet ensured that her footsteps were muffled against the stone floor. Taking a quick glance around, she was reminded of an old Catholic church out the outskirts of Nerima. High ceilings with arches and columns down the sides. Somehow, sunlight streamed in from both sides of the hall.

Ignoring this bizarre impossibility, she walked up to the steps, looking up at the top to see two guards, different to the border patrol, these looked feral. Between them lay two tall seats, one currently occupied by Herb.

“This is most interesting…” He had this odd smile on his face. “Why are you here Nabiki Tendo?”

“I have a feeling you know…” She walked up the steps in an assertive manner.

The two guards bristled but Herb held up a hand. “It’s okay Lime, Mint.”

Nabiki sat down in the throne next to him. “Where’s your wife? Weren’t you having a marriage interview last time?”

“Looks like I don’t need to go to that any more.” He gave an evil grin. “By wanting to see me and then sitting there, you automatically become mine.”

She paled. Oh shit… I knew that the Joketsuzoku had that law that Ranma was tied under… I never thought other weird rituals would apply in the Musk…

Nabiki darkened her tone. “You could never afford me, Princess Herb.” She scored a small victory from his eye twitching. “Marry me and you’ll suddenly find yourself penniless.”

He stared emotionlessly at her, then held a hand to his face, laughing to himself.

“What’s so funny?!” Nabiki, again, didn’t like being in the dark.

He removed his hand, revealing a mirthful smile that reached his eyes. “I apologise for my conduct. What you fear is untrue, you are not my wife.” Seeing Nabiki fuming still, he went on. “It has been a while since I had the opportunity to joke with someone other than my perverted bodyguards.”

“Hey!” Mint cried out in protest, the wolf-boy wasn’t happy.

“Well, you are quite perverted…” Lime went on, the tiger-man grinning and showing his fangs at the same time.

“What?!” Mint removed some of his throwing knives. “You’re the one who tries to peek at Herb while he is bathing!”

“Why you…” Lime cracked his knuckles and both their ki flared outwards.

Herb slapped his head lightly. “Not again…” Lime and Mint began fighting somewhere in front of the thrones.

“So… Where is your wonderful wife?” Nabiki asked, finally assured that she wasn’t newly married to him.

“She is away in her home country dealing with some administration.”

Nabiki raised an eyebrow. “And you’re still a prince I take it. Where’s the king?”

Herb chuckled. “My father is still around, though I rarely see him. I believe he’s somewhere in Japan granting a wish today.”

Not wanting to pry any further, Nabiki returned to her original subject. “Do you know why I’m here?”

“It depends…” He paused and looked at her, his red dragon eyes frightening her slightly. “… on what you’re going to do afterwards.”

Nabiki narrowed her eyes. “Cut to the chase, tell me, where is Ranma?”

“That, I do not know.” He began to watch the fight again, catching one of Mint’s knives before it reached Nabiki. “Since the day Ranma defeated and saved my life, I have been indebted to him.” Herb peeked at Nabiki from the corner of his eye. “I do not believe you know this, but he and I have been in contact occasionally since that day.”

“That is news to me…” She jerked her thumb at the bodyguards. “Don’t tell me you sent them.”

“Of course not.” He ‘hmphed’. “If I sent them alone, I would be summoned as to why they molested women while there…”

Sounds like Happosai would have met his match…

“I used more subtle means, and we were both able to communicate frequently.” He gave a predatory and knowing smile. “He informed me of his plan to leave forever, and I must admit, it was ingenious.”

The sounds of the fight grew louder, and an anger cross pounded visibly on Herb’s temple.

He stood up. “You two, stop this foolish nonsense. You are both equally perverted, and as you know, are punished by me daily for acts against my cursed form.” He swished his cape. “Miss Tendo and I are retiring to my private quarters for the time being. We do not wish to be disturbed, unless I ask for you.”

Lime and Mint bowed but still gave each other the evil eye. Herb walked off and Nabiki followed him into a hidden side door, and was dazzled by the extravagance of his personal room. A roaring fire was present and above the mantelpiece were the locking ladle and the open-water kettle.

They sat in front of the fire in chairs carved out of old dark wood, with deep red cushions. Resting her arm on the armrests, she felt her body tingle. I see… these were carved from the magical forest…

Herb started the talk. “I have not received any word from Ranma since the day his plan went into fruition. While it had gaping flaws at one point, he realised how to patch them all up in one day.”

“Can you tell me about them?” Nabiki pressed.

“He was scarce on details, I think even he didn’t really know what to do. One thing was certain though, his fiancées and rights to him have been erased.” Herb smiled, the fire playing against his face making shadows that were inhuman and lizard-like. “He even stated that the Joketsuzoku were taken care of.”

“What?!” Nabiki sat up. “Did he destroy the village…?” She looked at him closely but could still tell that he was immensely powerful. “Or... did you?”

He chuckled. “Nothing so dramatic, a simpler solution was reached.” A look of contemplation passed over his features. “I had to commend him on everything, but he voiced concerns over certain parts, and the general disappearance.”

“I know…” Memories of his mother came back to Nabiki. “Despite solving everything, he had to leave his friends and family, and wipe himself out of their lives.”

“I was… worried…” Herb seemed to have trouble expressing his anxiety over someone else other than himself. “That was the ultimate solution, even I would hesitate before undertaking that task. To leave everyone you knew and have them forget you forever is not something I would do lightly.”

Nabiki nodded and thought more about it. “Ranma was really stressed after the wedding ‘problem’…”

Herb smirked. “Yes, you ruined it yourself, an impressive achievement.”

“Yes… well…” Nabiki blushed, both with equal sharing of pride and guilt. “Seeing how Ranma acted since then, he wasn’t himself… He didn’t even want to fight any more…”

Herb removed his smile. “It was not your fault. Had the wedding gone through, he said that it would have been worse or everyone, perhaps this Akane girl would have died at the hand of one of the other claimants.”

“That’s possible…” She lowered her head and began to rub her fingers unconsciously.

“Did you see his grave?” Herb asked.

Nabiki nodded. “Back then I didn’t know if he was still alive, and at that moment he died, for real, in my mind.”

“I can assure you he is alive and well. I know that after the plan was taken care of he visited Jusenkyo for the cure, as have I, only to find that they stopped working.” He stopped talking, as if unwilling to let some information out, but he released it. “He never tried to visit me, but one of the scouts spotted him heading to Mount Phoenix…”

They were both silent at this, knowing what transpired there. “But… why?”

Herb shrugged. “Even I was mystified…” He looked at Nabiki. “Would you like a drink? The heat may be too much for you, but as I am descended from dragons it doesn’t bother me as much.”

“Yes…” Her throat was parched. “Some water would be handy.”

“Mint! Lime!”

“Yes, Herb!” They both cried out, bursting into the chambers.

“Fetch us some water.”

“Right away!” The bustled out and then began arguing over who should carry it. Minutes later they returned with a jug and two glasses.

“Thank you.” Nabiki poured some and drank it down quick.

“Would you like a refill?” Herb asked.

“Go ahead.” She held her glass out as Herb began to lift the jug.

“No, Herb! I should do that, a prince doesn’t need to!” Lime began.

“No, let me!” Mint argued.

In the inevitable struggle for dominance, they ended up spilling the water over Herb, who transformed into her shorter figure.

“Herb… Your breasts are back!” Mint cried out.

“YOU IDIOTS!” Palm outstretched, he ki-blasted them out of the room and into the opposing stone wall.

Nabiki chuckled and then laughed out loud at the somewhat melancholic antics.

“I’m sorry, let me get some hot water…”

“No, stay like that for a while…” Nabiki smiled. “It makes it easier to talk…”

Herb wasn’t happy, but sat down anyway. “I often asked Ranma for advice about the curse, and he told me to just accept it for now. The only change is biological, my mind thankfully stays the same.”

“How does your wife see it?”

“She is quite understanding, and accepts it, more than I expected actually. She doesn’t mind when I change, and says that it makes me special.” She blushed. “Sometimes she prefers me to stay this way just so we can talk…”

“Ranma did that too, and he always loved ice-cream as a girl, said it wasn’t manly to have it normally.”

Herb chuckled, though her soprano voice made it come out as a giggle. Herb quickly suppressed it.

“You shouldn’t worry about the curse, like Ranma you’re pretty cute as you are now.” Nabiki winked mischievously, getting the required blush from Herb. He’s just like Ranma used to be…

“Ranma told me to train in this form, in case I come upon someone as this.” She flexed her arm muscles. “I’m not as strong, but I’m faster, so my techniques are more based around speed while I’m female.” She lowered her arm pensively. “Ranma is someone else though… He saved me when Horaisan collapsed, even though I tried to kill him. Without his help I may not be here now… He truly has a great warrior’s honour…”

Nabiki stared off into the flames. “We all knew that, but his gravestone changed it all…” Sensing Herb’s curiosity, she told her about the death certificate, epitaph and her own assumptions.

“I see…” She was smiling. “Clever…”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Herb was still holding that half grin on her face. “You saw it as Ranma dying, and his honour vanishing with him, yes?” Nabiki nodded. “But you already knew the most important fact about him, his honour. Isn’t there something else about him you know?”

“Well…” She racked her brains, thinking back to all his outbursts and fights. “He never lost…”

“That’s right.” Herb held up one finger in emphasis. “Ranma Saotome never loses.” She looked directly at Nabiki. “Do you really think he’d abandon his honour like that? I doubt it… Though Ranma Saotome as you knew him, is dead, what rule is there that says he can’t be the same person afterwards?”

Nabiki was stunned, and was reminded of something Herb said earlier. “Like a phoenix…”

“Exactly. He ‘died’, and was reborn, again as Ranma Saotome.” Herb sat back, satisfied. “He is still the same man, and according to his epitaph, still has the same honour.”

Nabiki was amazed, the ramifications of everything began adding up into one insurmountable truth.

Ranma never changed… He still has his honour intact… So, what is he doing with it?

---

Author’s Notes

Longer than expected, and more subtle clues have been implanted. Had a spot of inspiration and have added something else that I thought would play no part in the story, but now would become quite important.

Overall, I hope you appreciated my interpretation of the Musk, especially the main three people. Having so little of them in the manga, I tried to keep them true to their characters, but adding a little extra that you would normally expect from them given the time of their last appearance. I didn’t mean to have so much Plum interaction, but as one of the latter (and sorely ignored) minor people in the manga, I wanted to give her a little more screen time.

Next chapter will have Nabiki still there as a guest, but I think now’s about the time to reveal what went on at the oft-mentioned festival.

Here’s hoping you enjoyed this addition to the story!

- J

Out of sight, out of mind

Chapter 9

“Thanks for everything…”

Several seconds later

Nabiki nodded again. Yes, it finally makes some sense... She looked to Herb and smiled at her.

“Thank you... It's been bothering me for a while now. Though it doesn't explain why he left.”

Herb gave her a dubious stare. “Ranma spoke highly of your intelligence, can't you figure that out?”

“Well...” Nabiki thought back again. “With his old honour gone, he could... get rid of all the engagements... Almost...” She sighed. “That's why their memories of him were lost. Shampoo had no honour link to him, except the Kiss of Marriage, Kuno and Kodachi were just insane, as were the others who knew him...”

“Well done.” Herb clapped lightly, but not in a patronising way. “He knew that after the wedding things would remain the same, a force of attrition, no single person giving way to the other to claim him as their own.” They sat in silence for a few minutes, then she picked up a log and threw it into the fire expertly. “After Saffron died, Ranma officially, and unwittingly, became the strongest person alive... No one has ever killed him before, not even my father...”

“That's some compliment...” Nabiki mused aloud.

“It was meant to be, he is an opponent to be feared now, the power and will needed to kill a demi-god is greater than you can imagine. He was even more dangerous with his incomplete transformation…” She watched the flames lick over the fresh piece of wood. “Those who have tried in the past always perished, or just got away with their lives, as my father did all those years ago.”

“In the end, he did it to save Akane...” Nabiki explained.

“He informed me of that... Love defeats all obstacles in its path.”

“Even immortal phoenix demi-gods?” Nabiki smirked back.

Herb chuckled. “I suppose so...” She looked up at an ancient grandfather clock. “It is getting late... Would you like to join us for dinner and stay the night?”

Nabiki mulled it over. “Okay, but I’ll be leaving soon. If you don't know where Ranma is, then I'm going to have to find out everything I don't know about him.” She stared at the dragon princess. “And I have to meet all his most powerful opponents... One of them must know something…”

Herb shivered under that intense gaze. She could tell that Nabiki was a woman to fear in her own right, as her determination and never-give-up view of the world mirrored that of the god-killer. Her tenacity was more deadly than any martial artist. What made her so dangerous?

“So...” She swallowed once, allowing the single drop of sweat to glide down to her navy blue eyebrow. “Who are you planning on meeting next?”

The Tendo smirked, showing her fang. “Kirin.”

Herb gave a returning smirk, with both fangs visible, and a hint of malice. “Of Nekonron?”

“Who else has that name? Since we're in the neighbourhood I thought of Mount Phoenix, but I don't think they'll be too happy with their Lord dead.” Nabiki went on. “Nekonron is in China, and he was one of the first to kidnap Akane and make her his bride. Well, try to at least...”

“When do you leave?” Herb inquired.

“I'm hoping for tomorrow, but I don't know how far it is from here...”

“One of my perverted guardians will be more than enough to get you there safely.” She stood up. “In the meantime, rest, you've travelled far and deserve a decent respite. I'll escort you to your chambers, where you may change into something more suitable for our dinner tonight.”

Nabiki got up and followed Herb into the throne chamber, past her two inept guards and then to the familiar corridor.

“Here.” Herb opened the door to Nabiki's room. “One of my assistants will inform you of the time of the meal and then will accompany you there. Have a pleasant stay, Nabiki Tendo.”

“Thank you, Prince Herb.” She bowed respectfully and walked in after she acknowledged her bow with a nod of her own.

A few hours later

Dining hall

Nabiki for once failed in her mental calculations, the sheer amount of wealth of the dinner set made her eyes goggle. If I take just my plate and cutlery, I'd be set for life! However, she knew that sneaking anything out was an impossibility, and a risk she did not wish to take. I've been treated well here, and I may even have a new powerful ally in the making... She was at the head of the table, it being around five metres long and two wide. Where are the others though?

As if in reply, the door opened behind her, but her curiosity wasn't such that she'd publicly act childish by looking over her shoulder. On her left sat Mint, his ears flicking themselves when he saw her sitting in the large chair. Lime sat on the right, his maw open with a tiny amount of drool leaking out from between his sharp teeth. She was worried for a second, but noted his nose twitching constantly, meaning that he was looking forward to the meal.

Finally, Herb arrived and sat the opposite end of the table, sitting down whilst regally spreading the cape about, Nabiki did a double-take.

“Before you ask, yes, I am still in this form.” Herb's soprano voice was unmistakable. “I elected to eat in this fashion for tonight, seeing as you are a guest who is used to Jusenkyo curses, not to mention tolerant and understanding.” At this point, she glared at the two Musk warriors, who shirked backwards.

“Thank you, Prince Herb. I'm honoured to be here.” Nabiki plied her trade well, and knew when to press people for information, but also when to fall back to create new avenues for expansion and form alliances with new forces.

The dinner commenced, and Nabiki, for once in her life, did not miss Kasumi's cooking.

The next day

Now rested and content, Nabiki walked into the dining hall as the day before and sat next to a male Herb, who still sat at the head, and ate breakfast.

“You've been very kind to me, Herb.” She spoke after taking a bite from her toast. “Are you sure I'm not your wife?”

She winked at him and he chuckled to himself. “If only...” Seeing her raised eyebrow he explained. “Ranma spoke often about you and your schemes.” Nabiki looked away. “He was aware of you taking photos of him, and that some of the funds went to supporting the house.”

She snapped her head back. “He knew?! All this time?”

Herb merely smiled. “From my reports, you were able to detect the border guards even though they were hidden. Ranma found you the same way...”

“My ki...” She cursed silently to herself. Damn, I didn't think about that...

“Naturally, he allowed you to take some normal photos, but made himself scarce when you tried the more risqué ones...” Herb didn't go on seeing his guest grow redder.

“I... I didn't mean to -”

“It matters not.” He interrupted. “Ranma wasn't upset, he was worried about the repair bills more than you can imagine, given that his body was the cause for most of them.” The dragon prince poured some more orange juice for her. “Let it go...”

Opening her mouth, but finding no words to say, she glanced at the glass in front of her and took a long sip from it. “He talked about me?” She blurted out afterwards.

“He spoke about everyone, his life was... interesting to say the least.” Herb grinned, but dropped it fast. “Still, it's over now, for him.”

Nabiki patted her stomach, reassuringly full from the spread. “I'm done now. Which direction is Nekonron?”

Herb held up a hand. “Don't worry about that, Lime knows the way. It’s south of here if you really want to know…” Herb smiled kindly at her. “I've appreciated your company these past 24 hours.”

“That's... very generous of you...” She was awed at the efforts he made to help her. “Thank you...” She almost stood up but recalled something. “Oh, is it possible to post something back home? My older sister is the only one who knows where I left for, and I haven't had the chance to write or call her.”

Herb got out of his chair and moved to a side table, which had an ornate wooden statue on it. “I'm not a simpleton by any means. I know that you wish to pursue a cooperation of sorts between your family and my people, or, more specifically, you and I.” He picked up the model of a bird and placed it in front of Nabiki. “However, I too feel that it would be beneficial to both of us to continue this professional relationship further. As a token of my seal of approval, I am giving this prized treasure to you.”

Nabiki picked it up and held it in her hands. It's heavy... And tingly, so it was carved from that forest again... She looked at it from all angles and could tell it was made with extraordinary detail. The value would be worth it both for the craftsmanship and also the special wood it was made from. Herb saw the scrutinising look in her eyes, the ways she was thinking of how to sell it.

“If you wish to sell it that is your choice. Yet, it contains a special ability.”