Nabiki Tendo was considering giving up the search for Ranma when she got an anonymous letter. It was an invitation for her and Nodoka to go to a secret rendez-vous in a secluded place. In addition to the message, there was two single words scribbled in Ranma's unmistakeable script : come alone.
It could be a trap of some sorts but she was willing to take the risk. Ranma had to return quickly or Nerima would explode. Suspecting the seriousness of the situation, she ensured that no one would follow them. Akane (and P-Chan) were at Sayuri's place, Soun and Genma had been taken on a training trip by Happosai (it was time the little troll was useful for once), Kasumi had chores to do and she paid Sasuke to make sure the Kunos would be... occupied.
She and Nodoka had taken a taxi and arrived at the place indicated in the message : a public park in the outskirts of Tokyo. There were plenty of witnesses around so it ruled out a trap. No, she saw it now, it was insurance against the two sides deciding to just kidnap the other. Nabiki had a bad feeling about this, they definitely were facing professionals.
Then she and Nodoka saw Ranma sitting on a bench under the cherry trees with some blonde gaijin woman. Nodoka literally ran there to glomp her son.
*****
Unfortunately for Nabiki, she had forgotten that there were others looking for Ranma Saotome. Cologne had made Shampoo and Mousse watch over the Tendo house since his disappearance. It had been child's play for the matriarch to deduce from the middle Tendo daughter's behavior that Nabiki had taken part in Son-in-Law's abduction.
When she arranged to send the others away, the amazons knew something was up and followed. When Shampoo saw her airen, she moved to attack but was restrained by her great-grandmother. A gesture of her cane and the two amazon youths remarked the yashida ninja's presence.
"For now , we observe..." ordered the aged matriarch "When the occasion presents itself, we will secure the Son-in-Law and take him to safety" No more playing around, the boy was Shampoo's husband, end of discussion. If he he proved too unreasonable, she knew drugs and potions who would make him more... pliable.
*****
After Ranma had escaped the motherly hug of death, presentations had been made. And conversation just went downhill.
"Now, son" Nodoka was adamant in her opinions "Your concerns are commendable. But you must return home. You have duties to perform. Family honor is at stake"
Ranma was growing agitated "Haven't you listened to anything I've said, mom ? If I return to Nerima, I'd just put all of you in danger. The ones who kidnapped me aren't the usual guys after me and pops, they mean business !" He hadn't told them about being a mutant yet.
"A real man among men would be confident in his ability to protect his loved ones. Now that we are warned, you will surely prevail as always" Nodoka frowned and looked at Millia "Is it because of her ? You should know better than involving yourself with a gaijin" Ranma bristled at the derogatory way his mother said it "Leave her out of this ! Millia is my friend"
Nabiki sighed. She should have known that Nodoka would be unreasonable. Ranma's arguments made sense. He had become a liability to her family now. Akane would just have to get over it.
Millia walked up to her and looked in her eyes. It was unnerving "What !?"
"I've seen that look before, miss Tendo. You were the one, weren't you ?"
Nabiki took a step backwards "What are you talking about ?"
Millia just crossed her arms and shrugged "You're feeling awfully guilty for someone who is supposed to be a soulless mercenary" Nabiki glared at Ranma, he had obviously talked too much "Why ? Because this time you crossed the line, perhaps !?"
Something clicked in Ranma's mind. His voice strained and he threw an angry look toward Nabiki "Tell me you didn't..."
Nabiki's paling face was proof enough for Millia "She sold you to Sinister. We can add prostitution to her list of crimes, it would seem" She smiled nastily "Kidnapping you was made easier with inside information... and perhaps direct help ?"
[YOU... YOU BITCH...] Nabiki and Nodoka realized with horror that Ranma's eyes had gone completely black. It was like staring in the proverbial abyss. His voice was also distorted with a twisted echo [HOW MUCH DID HE PAY YOU ?]
Nabiki gulped and frantically searched for something to say to placate the furious martial artist. She was practically sure that his 'I don't hit girls' motto would save her this time.
See other episodes by Jamil Nate
(Posted Wed, 20 Nov 2002 12:20)
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