The nightmares had been the major difference, and everyone was familiar with the elements that Ranma had spoken of. A Princess and her knights and retainers, ambushed and hauled off to someplace where they were being tortured.
It might have been easy for Genma and the Tendos to have dismissed it as too much reading of fantasy manga, even if Ranma hadn't read any prior to the nightmares. There were two things that made that theory a little less believable and laid the groundwork for them to believe it was something else.
It wasn't Ranma crying or screaming or whimpering in his sleep. That would have a normal explanation. Waking up covered in blood, or with mysterious burns, or chilled to the point where his skin had a blue cast to it, or any of a number of other things. THAT wasn't easily explained in conventional terms.
It had left him distracted quite often, weary more often, and emotionally drained on a regular basis. Ranma hated to see women getting hurt, yet he had had a ringside seat for well over a month now.
So it was the same sullen Ranma that the group was used to sitting there at the breakfast table.
"Aloha, Ranma Saotome."
Everyone started looking around at an unfamiliar voice, though it was P-Chan who "bweed" to indicate he was the first to see it.
The image was only twelve inches high, and it was translucent. Ranma immediately recognized it. "YOU! You're one of the outriding samurai!"
"I am Sailor Pluto, one of the defenders of this world," said the image. "Ranma Saotome - you possess a connection to the Sailor Senshi and as they are tortured by the forces of darkness - some of that torture leaks over to you."
Nabiki reached out with one finger and passed it through the image.
"I can't maintain this connection for long," confessed the woman. "You must beware Ranma Saotome. When the Enemy learns that it is you who keeps us from being overwhelmed by his tortures, he will seek your death. Soon he will learn of your existence and he will kill you, then convert us to unliving beings to spread corruption and destruction across the world. Gather allies - for if you fall so does the world. Help us, Ranma Saotome, you are our only hope."
The image faded away.
"Well, at least that explains some of this," said Ranma into the silence afterwards.
"Elder Council Of The Amazons, I address you."
"Who speaks?" demanded Soap.
"I am Pluto," said the image as she formed.
"Hmph, maybe you are and maybe you're not," said Soap. "Why do you bother us?"
"Three thousand years ago, you were guided to this valley. Three thousand years ago, your aid requested in the future. Three thousand years ago a pledge was made. I call that pledge due," said Pluto.
"Hmph," said Cologne. "If you are truly of that ancient kingdom, then tell me this - what do you ask?"
"A great evil has captured the Nine Guardians of the world, and there is one who must be found and safeguarded. Upon his death, the evil will grow until it has consumed all the world. This brash and impetuous youth must be forged into a weapon capable of standing against the darkness. This is his appearance."
"Hmph," said Cologne, studying the new image. "Where is he?"
"He is Ranma Saotome and he is at the Tendo Dojo in Nerima ward of Tokyo," said the fading image. "I cannot continue to project from my own imprisonment. Seek..."
"Not sure I believe her, but we'll likely get no further answers here," said Cologne. "Anyone feel like a little trip?"
Ranma tuned out the argument as best he could.
Did it matter if it was a fairly attractive, if stiff-looking, woman who delivered the message?
At least it was an answer as to why these dreams had been plaguing him. An explanation, even a weird one, was better than having no explanation at all.
"Ranma? RANMA!"
"Huh?" said Ranma.
"We've come to a decision," said Nabiki calmly.
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(Posted Sat, 30 Apr 2005 09:40)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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