Several Steppe Riders had prepared a small number of boats that should bring Kasu, Ranma and the others to Tokoi. The Lost River, one of the longest rivers in Ja'an, was running near Fourincan and ended directly where Tokoi was situated.
While Kasu boarded the first boat, Ranma joined Uko and Ryger on the third boat.
"Hey, Ranma-honey!" the troll-girl greeted him. "What's up?"
Ranma didn't reply immediately and watched how the small fleet of boats was slowly drifting down the river.
"I've been tricked by two big liars, that's up," he finally grumbled.
Uko and Ryger looked at each other and gulped. Uko laughed nervously. "Well, there are several things we could have told you..."
"What?" Ranma turned around. "That you actually knew each other? That you had been sent to search for me? Or that I really didn't have to babysit two of the biggest dopes I've ever met?"
Ryger raised his paw, as he sat down on his haunches. "Listen, Ranma... It's true that we should have told you the truth right away, but... How should we have known that it was you? You were dressed in a black knight's armor and didn't say anything that you knew Kasu."
"He's right, Ranma," Uko nodded. "I'm sorry that we were messing around with ya... but we just couldn't know."
"All right, I understand," Ranma sighed. "Look, I'm sorry, too... I'm just kinda disappointed, you know? Those Steppe Riders... why didn't they join us right away? True, I can understand that they don't want to sacrifice their home, but..."
"Hey, cheer up," Uko smiled. "At least they said they would think about it for a while... Perhaps they'll follow us the next day."
"Maybe..." Ranma looked down into the water. "Wow, this water sure is clean... where does the river come from? From the Shadow Mountains?"
Ryger shook his head. "No, it's coming from the northern mountains... However, some people say that it flows through underground tunnels for a while after reaching the Tokoi lake... And that's the reason why it's called the Lost River, understand?"
Ranma didn't respond right away... because at that moment, a big wave splashed right into his face.
Ranma spit out some water. Uko giggled. "You know, perhaps you shouldn't step so closely to the ship's rail..."
Ranma blinked and looked down at his hands. He then patted on his chest... Was that for real?
"Th-they're... they're gone..." he whispered. "Can it really be...?"
Uko and Ryger looked at him in bewilderment. "Ranma? Are you all right?"
The wet, black-haired boy grinned madly and began jumping up and down. "Whoohoo! It's gone! It's gone! Nevah-gonna-be-a-girl-again, nevah-gonna-be-a-girl-again..."
Ryger sweatdropped. "I think Ranma finally blew a fuse..." he grumbled.
----
Shortly after, Ranma had told his new friends everything about his curse... but he still couldn't figure out why it didn't work anymore.
"You should ask Kasu as soon as we reach Tokoi," Uko suggested. "She knows much about magical stuff..."
"Yeah," Ranma nodded, still grinning. "But perhaps... hey, maybe it's because I left my real body behind in Nerima! And with it, my curse!"
Ryger tipped his head with a claw. "Now he's talking nonsense again..." the black bear grumbled.
"But who cares?" Ranma giggled. "Even if I still have to bother with my curse after returning home... as long as I'm here, I won't let it bother me! Whoohoo, nevah-gonna-be-a-girl-again..."
"Hey, we arrive shortly," one of the sailors suddenly shouted. "Wait a minute and you'll be able to see Tokoi..."
Ranma stopped wondering and curiously looked ahead. The river was just going around a big hill... and when the boats had passed it, the white towers of Tokoi were appearing behind the hill...
Ranma looked at the enormous capital in amazement. Tokoi was lying right in the middle of an enormous lake, on a big island... And it was truly a sight to behold. It was completely surrounded by an impressive, defensive wall. Every single building within those walls was a gleaming white, and towered over the lake's smooth surface like giant icicles that were growing from the ground...
But most impressive was the gorgeous castle that rose in the middle on the city, even bigger than Yokot or Fourincan... gleaming brighter than every other building on the island... The palace of Tokoi!
"It looks just like the castle on Akane's picture..." Ranma murmured.
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(Posted Thu, 09 Nov 2006 18:04)
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