Over the following days, Ranma had much to learn: The rules and regulations in his black book, the routes of the pilgrimages and the various stations during the tours.
Genma had to learn all of that in an even shorter time, in addition to the things that a Dark Lord had to do. Happosai arrived almost every day for some discussions. Often Genma had to leave in a hurry to discuss the various details of the tours with King Endymion or some dragons, not to mention the incredible amount of letters that arrived at the Saotome household.
Ranko decided to take care of the mail, while Nodoka had to travel back and forth between their home and Kasumi's inn, which the eldest Tendo sister had allowed her to use as the residence of the Glamorous Sorceress.
Ranma, Minako and Rei couldn't probably imagine how those three were able to cope with all of the stress. They preferred to spend their days in the small canyon behind the Saotome house, where they lazily sprawled over the soft moss, while Minako took the Black Book into her claws and asked Ranma about its contents.
They were here not only because it was so peaceful around here, but also because it was a great place to avoid Ranko. Their red-headed sister always came to them with some work which they should do in place of herself or Genma, be it taking the dogs for a walk, be it feeding the animals, be it watering Genma's plants.
Hotaru was upset that she couldn't help in some way, as Nodoka and Ranko had told her she was still too small.
Ami, on the other hand, was doing something that she was really good at: Creating the shining artifacts that the dragons of the north were supposed to 'guard' from the tourists. She really loved tinkering with her tools, various gadgets and stuff that Mr. Kuno's assistants had brought from his homeworld. She was intent on finding out just how those electronic devices worked, and as soon as she found out, she used them to create 'artifacts' that were sparkling in all colors as soon as you touch them. Not in a magical way, of course: Every single one was an electronic device. Even Rei was impressed by Ami's work.
One day after the meeting, Genma had to go to his friend Soun, the mayor of the nearby village, to inform him that this year, the tours would lead right through his village. Which would mean they had to prepare it accordingly.
He was going to ride on one of his most prized animals: The giant, winged cat named Luna. Luna was as big and strong as a horse, and she was a very loyal animal.
Sadly enough, her young daughter Diana was as playful as her mother was loyal, and just before Genma and her mother could leave, the small winged kitten just had to create a ruckus by flying wildly through the other animal's enclosures. Genma had to calm everything down before he could finally leave.
"Can't you teach your daughter a little more respect?" he angrily asked Luna as she took off.
"Sorry about this," the black cat sighed. "But she reached an age where she just doesn't want to listen anymore."
When Genma landed in the village, he was very puzzled to see that most of the villagers were already tearing down the huts and houses.
"It's all right," Soun told him. "It was just a matter of time before you would turn out to be the Dark Lord for once, so we already were prepared for such a case. We hid our cattle in a small canyon, behind your house, if you don't mind. We already dug a few hidden caves where we can live, as I already heard that Mr. Kuno expects to find only a few sooty ruins. So we're tearing everything down right now."
"Maybe you can keep a few buildings," Genma spoke up, as the view of the ruined village made him feel uncomfortable. "I think the tourists expect to see one or two houses that weren't totally destroyed by the 'Dark Lord's forces'."
"Excellent!" Soun nodded. "Nabiki and the young Gosunkugi boy already volunteered to play the part of the few survivors that are living among the ruins."
"Volunteered may be the wrong word..." a pale, thin boy muttered as he helped Nabiki carrying a pile of wood away. "Black-mailed by Nabiki would be more accurate..."
"Quiet, you!" the middle Tendo sister angrily growled.
Genma looked at the two of them. "Well, I've been wondering if I should use a simple illusion spell to make them look as if they were half-starved and haggard, but I guess Gosunkugi already looks perfect for the job."
"I know!" Nabiki grinned. "That's why I chose him to do it!"
"Lucky me..." the pale boy sighed.
After that visit, Genma and Luna had to fly to other cities to talk with their mayors and rulers. Some troubles arose here and there, as in the desert town of Sheik Zelgadis, or in the swamplands of the north.
Genma was very stressed when he returned home that evening.
As Ranko took the saddle from Luna's back, Genma told her: "Please remind me to contact Cologne by tomorrow... she still has to help me with the appearance of a demon. Where is your mother?"
"Still at Kasumi's place. She said she can't come for dinner, as she has too many things to prepare. She wants to stay there for the night... and maybe for a few more nights." She then sighed. "She also wanted me to come with her, but... I told her you need more help. She didn't seem to be too happy about it."
'And now No-chan wants to break the family apart...' Genma thought in bitterness. 'I don't want to think about how much money she will need to pay for everything the Glamorous Sorceress needs...'
"I asked her if I could help as well," Hotaru spoke up as she fluttered over to them. "But everyone keeps telling me that I'm too small."
"Not too small, but still too young," Ranko explained. "Please stay home and help Makoto with doing the chores around our house."
Hotaru pouted cutely, but she didn't protest.
When Ranma, Rei and Minako came home for dinner, Ranko pulled her brother into a quiet corner of the house and spoke to him in a worried tone of voice: "Ranma, we have to do something. Didn't you see how much Pops is worrying about Mom? I'm afraid that they might be angry with each other."
"Why should they?" Ranma asked in a confused voice. "When Mom left this morning, they weren't arguing one time."
"That's exactly IT," Ranko insisted. "Pops complained because of all the stuff she wanted to buy for her new 'Sorceress Castle', and she didn't even pull out her katana. Do you think that's normal?"
"I think I know what you mean..." Ranma groaned.
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(Posted Fri, 16 Feb 2007 17:19)
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