In the deserts of Babylon was built the massive mechanism. Unlike the Magitech devices run off steam and flame-stones, these were run by oil-fed furnaces, which gave the whole area a sooty cloud-covered look.
November 14, 1929. The experiment to form a tunnel directly to the divine realms and unleash the wrath of the heavens upon the unbelieving masses beyond their borders. The intended destination was not the one actually achieved however.
December 17, 1929. A high-altitude aircraft on a run from France to South Africa went over the area of the Gate and snapped a few photos of a Hive taking form in the desert. Flying creatures took wing in pursuit, but the aircraft's altitude and speed allowed it to maintain enough distance to reach the dragon-patrolled skies of South Africa without taking significant damage.
Dragon fought demon, and the news went out.
This war lasted only four years but had repercussions that would last far beyond that.
"AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" was Ranma's quite understandable comment as he fell. Just as understandable was when he stopped. "AGHHHHHHHHH! Agh. Aiee. Well, whatever."
Ranma ignored his old man screaming after awhile. Heck, his throat was sore and he'd only been screaming the first five minutes as they fell past - whatever.
He thought as he fell. Was he falling THROUGH something, PAST something, or BETWEEN somethings? He wasn't at all sure. Were those galaxies? Suns? Those there - were those planets?
Ranma settled back as if on a lounge chair and watched the whatever-they-were pass as he fell. When an idea penetrated, he wet a finger and held it out. Sure enough, there was no sensation of wind. Weird. If anything, it looked like his speed falling had increased. With all the aplomb of his age, Ranma watched the things pass by. "What the heck do they call these thingies anyway?"
His father, in the distance, continued to scream. No answers there.
Alternate Universes.
Ranma blinked and considered that for two more of the odd things to be passed. Then he looked all around him. Nothing. "Someone there?"
Define 'there.'
"This ain't one of those 'I've gone crazy and I've got a splitted personality' things, is it?" asked Ranma.
I don't think so. No.
"Oh good," said Ranma. "Cause that'd suck."
I am hiding you. There is something dangerous here. Be quiet for now.
Ranma blinked and looked around, not seeing anything. Then again, he couldn't see whatever that odd voice was coming from.
Good. I wasn't able to hide your ancestor though. He doesn't seem to take advice well.
"Yeah, Pops can be stubborn," noted Ranma.
I am nudging your course. You will emerge in a compatible environment.
"Y'know," said the little boy. "You're using big words, sorta, but I can understand you. It's weird."
That's because I'm not using words. You are much more open than your parental male. Your memories are fascinating. As payment for their use, I am adapting you a little better to survive the reality you will emerge in.
"Oh? Like a special manuever? Cool!" said the little boy.
Fare well, Ranma Saotome, it is unlikely our paths will ever cross again. It has been most illuminating nonetheless.
"What are you talking about?" asked Ranma. "I'm still falling along and-"
BOMPF!
"Oh," said Ranma as he appeared in midair.
"Ow," said Ranma as he crashed through the ceiling of a -
"Mattress factory?" asked Ranma as he slammed into/through a series of mattresses and sent a plume of feathers up.
"AIEEEEEEEEE!" said Genma as he slammed through a skylight and into a humongous compost heap.
(Posted Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:09)
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らんま1/2 © Rumiko Takahashi
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