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PART 2
Everyone was ready to attack, until Ranma stepped forward and took Saffron's hand. "Good to see you too Saffron, how was your flight?"
"Ranma?" Akane asked completely surprised. Ryoga and Happosai were in a similar state of shock.
Ranma released Saffron's hand and eyed Kima. "How did things go?"
Kima smiled at him and nodded. "As planned." She took a few steps to be face to face with Ranma, and turned to Saffron. "Lord Saffron, could you?"
Saffron laughed and nodded. He chanted some words Akane could not understand, and waved a hand towards Ranma. A light emanated from him, and his body increased in size. The Ranma gang stared amazed at the shape of a young Ranma, of about twenty-something years of age. Now his height was a little over the one of Kima, he had gained a lot of weight in muscle and his face was mature, no longer the one of a reckless child. His expression matched perfectly the light in his eyes. Kima smiled and bowed to Saffron, before she embraced Ranma and they kissed, passionately.
After a few minutes the kiss was broken, and Saffron laughed as Ranma and Kima blushed slightly, seeing the awed faces of their companions. Akane and the others reacted from the surprise at last. "The bird girl who drowned me?" Akane asked with contained fury.
Kima eyed Akane evenly and started. "I'm sorry about that."
Ryoga lost it. "Sorry? Is that all you can say? You killed her you bitch!" He would have continued, but Ranma stepped in front of him, an angry glare on his face.
Ranma started with a death calm voice. "Ryoga, if you insult her again, you are gonna have to fight me." There was something that Ryoga could not catch with. Maybe it was that Ranma was older than him, maybe the tone he used. But he knew something, Ranma meant it. Ryoga stepped back and muttered to himself. He could also notice that Kima was directing him the same glare Ranma had, and he felt fear run through his spine despite his talent in martial arts. Kima was a powerful soldier from mount phoenix.
Saffron had seen the exchange without taking part in it. "Maybe if we explain how things have happened you will understand. As for now, there are more important matters to attend." He said, seeing the amazons standing. "Saotome, are you fighting the one with the green hair?" Ranma nodded. "She is merged with a demon, I suggest you fight full out."
Happosai was shocked to know the truth. "A demon? That's a forbidden amazon technique." He sensed the spiritual world and knew it to be truth. He took Ranma's arm and said. "Ranma, she is merged to a very powerful demon, you may die if you fight."
Ranma heard the warnings from both Saffron and Happosai, but a simple glance at Kima told him he could not back down. He exchanged many words with her by just looking at her, and they both nodded. Ranma turned to Happosai and said. "Master, remember the strength siatsu?" Happosai nodded. "Remove it." Ranma said seriously. Happosai was incredulous about it, but when he saw the amazons approaching he nodded, he placed a finger to Ranma's forehead. His eyes opened wide when he felt a sudden surge of power emanating from his former student.
"It's time son-in-law." Cologne said with an amused expression.
Ranma nodded and took Kima's hand in his. "For you my lady." And he kissed the hand without looking to other place but her eyes.
Cologne was surprised to see Saffron and Kima here, but she knew it could work to her advantage if they distracted Ranma. Although they were enemies of the tribe, they were a long way from home. When she saw Ranma she was again surprised to be looking at a man who seemed more powerfull and older than her son in law, she considered it interesting and a good addition to the tribe. *Damn, the fool fell in love with the bird.* To Ranma. "I said it is time."
Ranma walked in front of Zin Dar and smiled. The girl wielded a sword in one hand and an axe in the other. "So Akuma-girl, ready to fight?" This brought a smile to Kima's lips and a frown to Cologne, she was thinking.
*He seems to know the technique used by Zin Dar, but is too confident. Saffron might be powerful enough to destroy the demon, but he let Ranma go and fight her.* She then felt something emanating from Ranma. *And what's with this chi I feel? It's like from another dimension, I've never felt anything like it.*
On the center of the parking lot, Ranma and Zin Dar have walked to have some more room. "Let's get done with this. I've got visitors from China and it would be rude not to attend them." Ranma attacked with a descending slash from his fingers, and she managed to block with her sword and axe. Ranma's hand completed the slash, and Zin smiled thinking she had cut Ranma's fingers. The sound of steel made her look down, to the cleanly cut sword and axe that lay in parts on the floor. Ranma smiled again. "So what's your name demon?" Zin attacked with rage, sending lightning fast punches and kicks.
Shampoo returned now in human form to see the fight taking place, it had taken her a long time to find hot water. She was amazed and excited to see the new look Ranma had. The fight seemed like a blur, and the crashing sounds of the hits was painful for the ears. Shampoo made her way to her great-grandmother, and was amazed to see Saffron and Kima. She continued to look at the fight. "He is playing with the demon." A female voice said from the back, and Cologne and Shampoo turned to see Kima smiling. "He is far more powerful than his opponent, so he is enjoying the fight."
Cologne could not believe her ears. *What is she talking about? A demon is beyond the capabilities of Ranma. Even I would have trouble fighting one.* But her eyes did not lie, Ranma WAS playing with Zin Dar. While she was sweating and showing a lot of bruises and cuts Ranma seemed like if he was dancing.
Ranma suddenly stopped and said. "Demon, you have 5 seconds in which I will not move, and after that I'm defeating you." And Ranma stood still. Zin wasted no time and started punishing the confident fool with all she got. When she was done, Ranma was in the middle of a crater, and she had her knee to his abs.
"RANMA!" Akane cried, and started to run forward until a hand caught her and she was forcibly turned. Kima stood there, very still. "Let go of me, Ranma needs our help."
"You don't get it do you? Ranma is too much for that thing." Akane tried to free herself, but Kima's grip was like iron. "Listen, Ranma just let that thing hit him to see how strong it was. He does that all the time to test his endurance as well." Kima smiled. "Besides, you should turn and see what's going on." Akane did so and was awestruck.
Ranma took Zin's leg and smashed the girl in the floor, creating another crater inside the crater. He got to his feet and started cleaning his pants of the rubble. "Seriously, you are only good for staining clothing." Ranma said comically. He then turned to Cologne. "Take your Akuma-girl with you and return to China old ghoul, or I will have to beat the crap out of you too." Zin tried one final attack from the back, but Ranma simply rabbit punched her into a wall for emphasis. A wall that was twenty feet away. She didn't get up this time.
Shampoo started running towards Ranma. "Airen so strong. You marry Shampoo yes?" She was passed by another form and she saw with awe as Ranma kneeled and Kima touched a siatsu point on his back, then Ranma turned and they embraced again. "Bird girl release Ranma, he Shampoo's husband." Kima simply smiled at her and her right hand went to the handle of her sword.
Saffron stood in the middle to stop things and grinned. "Wrong. Saotome is now Kima's mate. She asked that as a favor from me and I conceded." He then turned to face the couple and chanted a few words. They were surrounded by light and when it was gone they seemed to be the same age as Akane. "Remember Kima. Six months." He faced Ranma. "Sorry I don't stay longer, but I'm needed in mount phoenix." Ranma nodded and then Saffron took flight towards the west.
Cologne walked to Shampoo and said. "Come Shampoo, we have no more business in Japan." Shampoo seemed to want and answer, but a glare from Cologne told her otherwise, she wearily nodded and went to help Zin Dar get up. Cologne eyed Ranma and Kima, they were facing her. "Never did I expect for you to become so strong Ranma, it was a pleasure teaching you." She then smiled. "I wish you every happiness for your life together." With that said, Cologne walked out of the parking lot and they knew she was returning to China. There was a certain finality to her words that gave that impression.
Akane and Ryoga walked to the couple with hesitant steps. "Where's Happosai?" Ranma asked.
Akane smiled. "He went to do some errands." This brought a smile to everyone's lips, they knew the kind of errands the lecher liked. Akane was the first to sober. "What did Saffron mean by mate?"
Kima answered. "Back in mount phoenix I asked permission to marry an outsider." She rested more weight on Ranma's side. "The deal was we will spend half the time with Ranma's life and half in mount phoenix. That's what he meant by six months."
Akane eyed Ranma. He seemed to be her age again. "What's with the appearance change?" She asked.
Ranma smiled. "Well, actually. We are both 23 years old. This is just a cover so that we can graduate. A spell Saffron dominates to control the appearance."
"How did you age six years in just one?" Asked Ryoga, his head was spinning with all the information.
Ranma shrugged. "It's a long story." The stare Akane gave him almost said 'we'll talk later.'
Akane eyed him half-closing her eyes. "She is coming with us?"
Kima nodded. "Yeah. I told you we disguised as humans to keep an eye on our rivals. Simply this time my purpose is another."
"Yeah, but you are like me!" Akane protested. Kima took a water vial from her robe and poured it over her head, and no change. She then concentrated briefly and her wings were gone. "When, how?" Akane stammered.
Kima smiled and said. "Long story."
Akane nodded and started walking towards the house. *They are together in this. They are obviously hiding something. I'll find out, but I'm not sure I wanna do it.*
Ryoga was walking next to Akane, his head a confusion of ideas. *If Ranma has left Akane free I should be happy, but he is with a person that killed Akane. He seems to be stronger than ever before, but fought evenly with me. Pity? If that's so I have to train harder to beat the crap out of him.* He saw Ranma and Kima walking next to each other without physical contact, but there was something between them that made them a couple. It was something in the way they walked, compensating each other's moves, even their breathing was even. The only thing that was different was the constant clapping of the sword against the girl's thigh. Ryoga broke the silence. "Ranma, what was that siatsu touch Kima gave you?" Ryoga emphasized the word Kima with anger, but both Kima and Ranma ignored it.
Ranma shrugged. "Something Kima learned so that I would have more control." Kima eyed him disbelievingly, and Ranma laughed. "Hell, it's true, right?" Ryoga and Akane could see Kima shook her head with a faint trace of a smile on her lips. A weird expression on the hardened soldier, they both remembered.
Akane decided to change the subject. "Ranma, your parents are probably at the dojo. I'm certain they want to see you." Akane saw Ranma bring his hand to his neck, and understood right away. *He's nervous about what his mother will have to say about the engagement.* Akane sympathized with Ranma, if not with his decision to love Kima. She could only blame her of following orders, it was never personal, but Akane felt apprehension walking next to the person who nearly killed her. Akane noticed that the bruises Ranma had were almost gone by now. *Impossible. He is a fast healer, but this is not normal.* "Ranma, what is happening to your bruises and cuts from your fights?" She could not hide a little anger behind the words. Her match with Ranma had left her with bruised arms and abs, but he seemed to have just fought a child now.
Ranma smiled and said. "Well, since I started using the Nekoken my injuries disappear in an extraordinary pace. Kind of great when you are used to fighting every single day."
"But who did you have to spar with?" Ryoga asked. His question was answered when Ranma turned to face Kima, who was currently lost in the environment. She was obviously trying to adapt to life in Nerima.
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They arrived to the house in a few minutes, and were greeted at the door by Kasumi. "Hi everyone, did you have fun?" She asked in a manner that only Kasumi is capable of. After some moments she noticed Kima. "Oh, I see we have a guest. Good morning, my name is Kasumi Tendo."
Kima seemed to be having a difficult time adjusting to the use of Japanese customs, but she answered lightly. "Nice to meet you. My name is Kima." The name had no meaning to Kasumi, so she quickly invited them to enter the house.
Inside Soun was playing shoji with Genma, while Nodoka was having tea at the table. Nabiki was reading the finance section of the paper. When Kasumi announced that Ranma was back from his morning exercise Ranma just barely managed to keep a straight face. He walked into the room to be quickly embraced by a crying Soun. "Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, my son-in-law is finally back." He cried as Ranma desperately tried to get out of the hug and get some air.
Genma and Nodoka waited till their son was free from Soun to greet him, they were as usual much less affectionate than Tendo, but it was a good family reunion. Or it was, until Akane and Ranma announced the end of the engagement. Genma was in a rage. "YOU ARE MARRYING AKANE YOU UNGRATEFUL BOY!" He yelled on Ranma's face, as they all ignored that Kima was in the room, neither of them had noticed a fourth person entering the house.
Soun in his demon-head cried. "YOU TWO HAVE TO CONTINUE THE ANYTHING GOES!" Ranma seemed unimpressed by the demon-head, much to Soun's distress and everyone's complete surprise. The one way discussion continued until Ranma was asked by his mother why he was breaking the engagement.
*The first logical thought in the matter.* Ranma was thinking. He started explaining. "Akane and I decided to cancel the engagement since both of us feel like siblings." Akane nodded her consent with Ranma's words.
Nodoka was the only person to reason the matter. "My son, I would back you up in your decision if honor was not at stake here, but the Tendo-Saotome wedding is a matter of family honor."
Ranma knew it would come to honor with his mother. "Could I speak to you mother?" He then eyed Genma and Soun. "Without the interference of grown ups with the self control of toddlers." Soun cried something about his son-in-law not liking him, while Genma turned red with rage and threw Ranma directly for the koi pond.
"You worthless boy, and to think I trained you to be a man and...." He quieted down when he saw a very male Ranma get himself out of the pond and walk to Nodoka again.
"Can we go now?" He asked to his mother. Nodoka nodded and they left for the dojo followed by Kima, who Nodoka finally noticed.
Everyone else was surprised speechless when they saw Ranma fall into the pond and not change. Nabiki was the first to speak. "Well, it should not be so much of a surprise since he left looking for a cure."
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Nodoka entered the dojo first, followed by Kima and then Ranma, who closed the door. Nodoka was about to speak, but Ranma silenced her raising a hand and started getting some things from the dojo walls and roof. Nodoka recognized them as small microphones. Once Ranma was done he returned to his mother and said. "OK, clear."
"Why did you not talk in front of everybody else Ranma?" Nodoka asked.
Ranma answered seriously. "I didn't want for someone to interrupt me every five words I said. Besides, I wanted only you to hear this story."
Nodoka then noticed Kima was standing next to Ranma with the discipline of a soldier and the relaxed position of a superior. "Who is she Ranma?" Nodoka asked.
Kima took the question. "Kima of phoenix mountain. Protector of king Saffron." Nodoka was struck by the answer. She was the one that nearly killed Akane and Ranma had to fight before facing Saffron.
Nodoka was about to unsheat her katana when Ranma continued. "And my chosen fianc?" If Nodoka had been surprised by the introduction of the bird girl, now she was visibly shaken by the news. Ranma guessed what his mother's protest was gonna be and spoke before her. "I am honor bound to marry her mother. I owe her my life."
Kima smiled and protested. "Just because you put your life in the line to protect me. I would say I owe you." Nodoka's head was spiraling with the news she was getting. She managed to keep her attention on her son.
"What happened to your curse?" She wanted to return the conversation to something trivial so she would gain the upper hand.
Ranma shrugged. "I got it cured, as I promised before I left. But it would have been impossible without Kima's help." He took Kima's hand and they shared a smile. "We have lived through much during these years, and we are already married under mount phoenix custom."
This brought Nodoka to the ground she was searching. "So you married without the consent of your parents."
Ranma shook his head. "No. We are not married in Japan, and I was gonna ask you to give your consent. I know it is sudden, but we want to marry in the following days."
Nodoka turned to Kima. "What did my son do to have you love him?"
Kima smiled. "He was himself."
Nodoka was now looking at the pair in front of her. She could not find any flaw in them being together. There was something right about the whole affair. She finally nodded. "I will talk to your father about it Ranma." She then turned to Kima. "May an old woman congratulate her son's bride?" She asked extending her arms. Kima received the hug and then took Ranma's hand. Nodoka noticed the awed expression Ranma had. "What? You expected more resistance?" Ranma nodded. "You have already made your decision, and I'm proud that you could stand to me even knowing what the consequences might be. You truly became a man among men." Ranma smiled at this. Nodoka sobered and continued. "But I do want to know all you went through in this years my son."
Kima and Ranma nodded to each other and Kima said. "Saotome-san..."
"Call me Nodoka, lady Kima." Nodoka said.
Kima smiled. "If you call me simply Kima." Nodoka nodded and they shared an understanding. "Ranma and I will tell everything about what happened with time. It is too long a story to tell it all at once."
"I can see you had this interview well planned." Nodoka pointed.
Ranma blushed, but answered. "Well, Kima taught me the discipline of the army, and to prepare for everything as if it was a battle."
Nodoka nodded to Kima. "A most proper attitude towards life. I thank you Kima, for teaching my son qualities he lacked."
Ranma was gonna protest, but the laugh from Kima stopped him short. "I wouldn't say he lacked any qualities, he has grown and matured. I think he taught me more of his courage and perseverance than I ever thought possible." She turned to see a beet red Ranma, his hand behind his head.
Ranma suddenly found his tongue. "I think we both learned from each other. And I will love learning a lot more." Ranma said with that innocence he had for things.
Nodoka smiled. "I will enjoy having you two around. Now would you please tell me the terms in which you two got in debt of honor. It is necessary to explain this to Soun and my idiot of a husband."
Kima nodded. "I suppose I should explain that, since I'm the one more informed in the ways of phoenix mountain."
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Kima was having her usual patrol on the terraces of the palace on the mountain. She could see the wreckage made by a fight with epic proportions of power. The interesting part was that neither that story was epic, nor it gave mount phoenix any glory, since it was the fight Lord Saffron had lost to Ranma Saotome, a teenage boy who came to rescue a slave. Kima herself had fought the young martial artist, and was defeated by him. His skill was something Kima had not seen in her entire lifetime. After being defeated, she saw the fight between Saffron and Saotome. Saffron had the advantage in power terms, but Saotome finally overpowered him because of a tenacity that even she, the loser, had to recognize and respect. The boy had fought remarkably. Most of the destruction was now repaired, but the memory would last for her entire life. Saffron had been born again, but was now nothing more than a toddler. *What an amazing way for things to change. Lord Saffron was the most powerful of them both, but somehow Ranma Saotome had managed to defeat my lord.* She was posing her eyes at the valley of Jusenkyo, the valley of cursed springs. She was suddenly taken out of her train of thought by the arrival of one of her officers, he seemed extremely distressed.
"Lady Kima!" He called as he approached. Kima ignored the usual protocol of greetings seeing the urgency of the matter. She motioned for him to speak. "Lady Kima. Today the cadets were sent to Jusenkyo to receive the water and that way be able to transform to humans."
"So what's the emergency?" Kima asked, knowing that the cadet was trying to tell her something but failing miserably because of nervousness. Usually the soldiers were fearful of their superiors because of certain officers who were extremely arrogant.
"One of them fell into a wrong spring, and half the squad has been slain by the beast that emerged from the spring." He hadn't even finished when they were on their way to the springs.
Kima noticed she was being followed and told the soldier from over her shoulder. "Inform this to captain Krain and lead him to the place of events with a dozen troopers."
"Yes lady Kima." He said and returned to the mount to follow his instructions.
*Great, when we were having peace. And now half a dozen people are death. Like if we hadn't problems surviving.* She was thinking as she neared the valley at her top flying speed, her white wings flapping strongly. The first indication she had that anything was wrong was a loud roar, accompanied by the shouts of people. *My people.* She knew. She could see now what the creature was, it was some kind of a small dinosaur, a predator because of the size and shape of its jaws. Four winged people were trying to submit the creature, but were failing miserably. The raptor simply had some small cuts made by the swords of the soldiers. The torn bodies of several people kin to Kima were dispersed on the field. She grimaced at the sight of them, but concentrated on the problem at hand, submitting the beast. "Surround it!" She commanded from a distance that she was sure to be heard by the remaining soldiers. They obeyed, having recognized the voice of the personal guard of Lord Saffron. She arrived and drew her sword, and now they started to try and herd the beast to the spring of Nannichuan. The fight was a lot more even because Kima was a superb fencer. But luck ran out on them as the raptor feinted to take a bite on one of the soldiers and lashed with its tail, taking another by surprise and sending him ten yards away, completely unconscious. Another soldier followed, having been injured on his chest by a claw. Now Kima and her soldiers were fighting to keep alive. *Damn it. Where's the backup?* She thought as the beast took down her two companions with another lash of its tail. The creature was incredibly fast and strong for her to keep her ground, but she had to, or the fallen soldiers would surely die. She suddenly tried a bold maneuver, the situation forced her to risk everything in one sword slash. She went directly for one of the eyes of the creature, jumping high to reach it. One of the front claws of the creature struck down, and she barely was able to block with her sword. The blow was so strong that she was sent downwards with an incredible force. She could see the other claw following the attack, and closed her eyes expecting the finishing blow. Instead of that, she felt as she was held by strong arms that stopped her fall and then heard a groan. She opened her eyes to see she was ten feet away from the creature, held by a man in a red shirt. "YOU!" Her eyes opened wide as she saw the boy she had despised so much since a few months ago.
Ranma weakly smiled at her. "It's good to see you too." Kima was about to struggle herself free when suddenly Ranma said. "Hold tight." And jumped out of the way of another attack from the raptor. The movement was so sudden that she hugged tightly Ranma's torso. She could see the ground get far and then near in a fraction of a second, and Ranma move as fast as he could (which was fast) away from the charging beast. After two more jumps Ranma released Kima and set himself into a fighting stance. "What the hell is that thing?" He asked.
Kima came out of her shock and answered, her voice bitter. "One of our soldiers fell in the wrong spring." She said as she dodged out of the way of another attack. "If we keep it busy long enough reinforcements will arrive."
Ranma didn't seem happy at all with it. "We can't wait for them to arrive." Kima asked why. "They will kill him!" He protested. Kima could not believe her own ears. The boy who had killed Saffron was trying to save the life of something that had already injured or killed a good dozen other people. She felt something warm and humid on her hands, and was shocked when she saw what it was. Blood. It could only be the blood of Saotome, since she had not touched the corpses. She took a look at him as he tried to fight the beast, and noticed a long tear on the back of his shirt.
*That groan I heard.* She realized open mouthed. She was sure nothing would stop that claw directed towards her, and it seemed nothing did. Ranma Saotome was injured because of her. Pride overtook any sentiment of gratitude as she considered herself humiliated for being rescued by an enemy. *I won't let him do this.* She thought as she launched a series of attacks that were complemented by the attacks of her enemy. They herded the beast to the shore of the spring. Ranma suddenly was caught by a tail whip that sent him flying backwards. Kima continued to press on her attack, but knew she would be lucky to make the creature fall to the spring. Sweat was cascading down her body from the exertion, but she didn't notice it. She was growing frustrated that she could do nothing. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Ranma slowly getting up. *About time.* This distraction had its price though. Her sword was batted away from her hand, and her feet were sweep from under her by the tail of the monster. She saw how the jaws approached with murderous intent.
"Kima!" Kima heard someone scream, and was suddenly thrown to the side. She recovered quickly to face with horror the scene. Ranma was caught in the beast's jaws, a mask of pure pain on his face and blood falling freely. He managed to place a good punch on the side of the head of the beast, and Kima recognized the glow on it as Ranma's chi, empowering the blow. The raptor went suddenly weak on the legs. "Kima, NOW!" Ranma yelled.
Kima swatted her wings screaming. "AIR SWING." And a powerful air current hit the monster. It roared in rage, drooping Ranma to the floor in the process, and fell to the spring of drowned man. Kima fell to her knees with exhaustion. She heard the flapping of wings, and knew reinforcements had arrived. *Finally.* The next seconds were a blur to her, she heard the soldiers talking excitedly checking on the bodies of their fallen peers. *Oh shit!* She thought suddenly.
Captain Krain was talking to the soldiers that had regained consciousness, and the rest was checking on the bodies scattered on the floor. Two of them were over the unmoving form of Ranma. "Hehehe, aren't we lucky? This is the bastard who tried to kill Lord Saffron." One of them said with anger.
The other one laughed as well and drew a sword. "Let's finish him." He said playfully as he threw a stockade for Ranma's heart. His thrust was stopped when a fist suddenly connected with his jaw and he fell to the ground. He could see a very angry Kima over his prune form.
"What kind of a soldier are you that takes advantage of a man who is unconscious? Even if he was the enemy he should be judged, not murdered." The soldier went white with the open rage Kima was showing in her voice and face.
Captain Krain arrived then, and saw what the commotion was all about. Kima turned to the guard and ordered him. "Go quickly to the palace and call Samando. Tell him a patient is to arrive at my quarters right away." The guard would have protested, but he had seen the rage with which Kima punished his companion, so he quickly obeyed.
Kima tried to lift Ranma, but a hand placed itself on her shoulder. "Let me. You are too physically drained Lady Kima." She turned to see Krain lifting Ranma with ease and turn to his men. "Take care of the wounded and transport everyone to the barracks at once." He didn't wait to hear an answer and started the flight with Ranma on his arms. Kima was on his side, constantly eyeing Ranma. He noticed this and commented. "What happened back there? And more importantly, why did you call Lord Saffron's personal doctor to take care of an enemy of the city?"
Kima sighed. "I don't really know myself." She then told the captain exactly what had happened, excluding nothing. "That's why I am trying to save his life."
Krain nodded as they arrived and quickly got to Kima's quarters, trying to keep the identity of the injured young man a secret. The doctor obeyed Kima instantly, although he was distressed to know who his patient was, he promised to save his life. Samando was a gentile person, Kima knew and that's why she called for him to attend Ranma. The doctor told them to take Ranma into Kima's room and to wait outside. Krain finally decided to speak. "Lady Kima, I think you are doing the right thing. Although this could be seen as treason." He added somberly.
Kima nodded and said. "I know, but I owe him my life and the life of those who were not dead on the field." She turned to the door of her room. "And I want to know why did he save me?" This last sentence was but a whisper, although Krain heard part of it, he remained silent.
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The first feeling he had was of comfort. He had not slept in a bed for months, and was very comfortable. But why the hell was he in a bed? He slowly opened his eyes and found a sealing. *That's weird, I don't remember being in a hotel.* He thought. He could feel he was weak, weaker than he remembered ever being. He tried to get up, but found no strength to lift himself. He slowly turned his gaze to the side, and caught sight of a beautiful woman reading a book next to a window. His eyes were probably playing a joke on him, because the woman had wings. Suddenly all the events of that day returned to his memory in a flash, and one question came to his lips instantly. "How are they?" He was surprised to hear his own voice, it was barely a whisper.
Kima was reading some history of Saffron fighting hordes of monsters when the question came from her side. She quickly turned to see Ranma was in the same position as before, his head turned to her now. "You're awake." Kima said, as she approached the bed and sat on a chair next to it. Ranma asked the question again, and Kima answered. "Only two of them died. The rest survived the incident, although some of them will be in bed for a long time."
"The one who transformed?" Ranma managed to ask, before coughing violently.
Kima waited till the coughing ended and answered. "He is well." Ranma smiled and closed his eyes.
"Good." He said after a moment. He opened his eyes and looked at Kima. "How long was I asleep?"
Kima smiled and answered. "Two weeks. You woke up contrary to the doctor's statement that you would not live another day."
Ranma smiled back. "Thank you."
Kima frowned. "For what?"
"For taking care of me."
"And how do you know I was the one to take care of you?" Kima asked, her pride in the way.
Ranma shrugged. "I bet your people would like to see me dead. Besides, you are watching over me." Another cough attack came, and Kima seemed distressed. Ranma finally continued. "Sorry for the trouble I cause."
Kima shook her head. "I owe you my life, it is the least I can do to see that you recover." She then smiled. "Although you will have some horrible scars to remind you of that day." Ranma started to laugh, but laughter was soon replaced by coughing with blood. Kima took a napkin and wiped the blood from Ranma's lips. "Why did you do it?" She finally asked. A question that had haunted her for the whole time since the fight was over. Ranma didn't seem to understand, so she asked again. "Why did you place your life in danger to save your enemies?"
Ranma sighed and started. "When I saw you fighting that thing something inside me simply snapped. I had to help. Besides, you being my enemies is in the past and I only attacked this place to save Akane and Shampoo." His face suddenly became a mask of pain worse than the one Kima had seen on him in the raptor's jaws. "I never intended to kill anyone." This was only a whisper, but loud enough for Kima to listen.
"Lord Saffron is not dead." Kima stated, not knowing why she was giving him this information.
Ranma's eyes widened. "Is that true?" He asked suddenly very excited. Kima nodded. Ranma's face betrayed his emotions too well. His relief could have been seen even by a blind man.
The conversation continued for a few minutes more, until Ranma fell asleep. Kima was now wondering what kind of a man Ranma Saotome really was. His relief at knowing Saffron was still alive could not be acted, not even the greatest of actors could emanate that emotion so purely. Ranma had almost lost his life trying to save the lives of people who had been openly hostile towards him and the beast that threatened to kill him. "What a puzzle you are Saotome." She said finally, resting on her chair.
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The following days passed without any real incident. It was nearly a complete secret that Ranma was in the palace. The rumor was that Kima was hurt from the fight, since she rarely left her room these days. She had had a discussion with Ranma when she fed him on the mouth, he was too proud to admit his inability to feed himself and made a big deal of it. Kima was not less proud, and she felt humiliated by feeding him, his bickering got to her and triggered the discussion.
It ended in good terms, as Ranma finally let himself be fed, and Kima told him he would do so as soon as he was able to. They spoke nearly every waking hour, and found each other's company rather enjoyable.
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One morning, Kima woke up to see the bed empty. She was sleeping in a spare bed she had ordered inside her room. She rose to her feet and hurriedly went to the other room. She found Ranma swaying slightly, moving his arms in slow motions and breathing in a certain rhythm. "What are you doing out of bed?" She asked, command in her voice.
Ranma turned to face her and smiled. "Good morning." He resumed the movements. "This is called tai chi. It is an exercise that makes the chi flow through your body more freely and that way its balance is restored." Kima could see his movements cost him great pain, but he seemed to be far stronger than the day before, when he tried to stand and it had not been for her, would have fallen to the floor on his face.
Breakfast arrived after a few minutes, and for the first time, they shared it on the table instead of on bed.
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Kima heard knocks on the door, and went to attend. An officer stood there, his face pale, but his resolve made. "Lady Kima. I inform you that Ranma Saotome and yourself are called to the King's room immediately." Kima was about to protest, but she saw more guards standing outside her room and knew the futility of it. She nodded, and Ranma was close behind her.
When they arrived at the throne room she was speechless. Saffron took his position at the throne, a full grown adult. *The royal family obviously made him go into metamorphosis knowing Ranma was in the palace. And since he was under my protection they considered me a traitor and told me nothing.* She saw Ranma stand beside her, his posture firm as always, no trace of his weakened state. *But it is a bluff, he is still too weak. Even a baby could defeat him right now.*
Saffron stood and paced forth. "Ranma Saotome." He said, his voice even. "I am pleased to see you are here." Ranma said nothing. Saffron then turned to Kima. "Lady Kima, I see you have an interest in this human."
Kima lowered her eyes and said. "I owe him my life Lord Saffron."
Saffron walked to stand in front of Ranma. He smiled as the boy showed no indication of being intimidated by his presence. "I could kill you right now." He said with a smile. Ranma didn't even flinch, and Saffron could barely hide his respect for the young man in front of him. Kima was about to speak for the human when Saffron continued. "But if I did that, I would be as cruel and evil as I was in my past life." Ranma now did open his eyes wide. Saffron motioned for a young soldier to stand forth. As he did so Saffron continued. "There is a person here who spoke highly of you knowing his head could fall for it."
The young soldier was about sixteen years old. He bowed to Saffron, and then, to the surprise of the entire room, bowed to Ranma as well. "Thank you." He said. "Thank you for saving my life and the life of most of my companions." Ranma and Kima understood immediately, he was the unfortunate soldier to have fallen in the wrong spring.
Ranma suddenly smiled and spoke. "Hey, no prob man. I'm Ranma." He said, extending his hand forward.
The soldier reluctantly took his hand in his, and after recognizing the sincerity in Ranma's shake smiled back. "Silgad." Then the soldier returned to the lines, and Saffron spoke again.
"I should thank you too for what you did. You saved the lives of many of my people and nearly lost yours for it. After what we have done to you, you showed us the qualities we should make our own." Saffron said as he took Ranma's hand from his side and shacked it friendly, to the surprise of the whole court, including Kima. The king never had prided another person and saluted him as his equal, but he did so with Ranma Saotome, enemy of the state. "You shall stay for as long as you like, and always be well received here in Phoenix Mountain." Then to the court. "I present to thee Ranma Saotome, who I consider among my friends." The next moments were very confusing for both Kima and Ranma.
After the congratulations and presentations of the royal family, Ranma and Kima finally made it to her chambers. Ranma smiled widely and said. "I bet you never expected this to happen." Kima could only smile back and nod.
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"And that is how I was accepted in Phoenix Mountain." Ranma concluded.
Nodoka seemed pensive for a while. *My son truly is a man among men to risk his own life for the welfare of others. He nearly died trying to protect his enemies.* She then stated. "But you didn't mention how you two became a couple."
Kima smiled and said. "It is a long story, and we just started it. We will tell it to you with more time."
Nodoka nodded her consent. It had been the description of barely a month of their life, and it was already dark. Ranma's stomach grumbled and they all remembered they had not eaten a thing in the whole day. "I think we should return to the family now." Nodoka said.
Ranma interrupted. "Mind if we have dinner out? I would like to see pop and mister Tendo after you talk to them."
Nodoka nodded. "Sounds like a good idea. I will prepare two rooms in the house. You know how to get there Ranma."
Ranma suddenly blushed and said. "Well, we..." Nodoka turned to Kima, and she seemed to be having the same problem Ranma had. She then understood, and again thought how right they were together, even though they loved each other they were very shy about it, because of their pride.
She decided to stop their suffering and said. "I will prepare your room for tonight." She saw their expressions calm a bit, and could not help herself from teasing them. "Is a big futon alright?" She hardly maintained herself sober, instead of falling to the ground and roll laughing at seeing them nearly convulse with embarrassment.
They parted ways, Nodoka headed for the dinning room, while Ranma and Kima headed outside to have a date.
END PART 2
Author's comments: So what about it? Chapters 1 and 2 are up and I'm working on
continuing this work. Hope you enjoyed it. Any comments are welcome.
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