drunkenpandaren (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
drunkenpandaren) wrote2010-03-08 10:23 pm
drunkenpandaren) wrote2010-03-08 10:23 pm
Entry tags:
When Ranma Met Minako 3: When the day turns for the better
When The Day Turns For The Better
Written by Shaun Garin
*
*
“A plus,” said Minako as she read off the grade when she and Ranma got their assignment back. “Quote ‘we had very good sources’ unquote.”
“I would imagine so,” replied Ranma, adjusting his glasses. “Considering the source.”
“Ah there’s the Saotome Ego,” remarked the bag and Ranma smirked.
“You should really tell me one of these days on how you manage to get that recording working,” said Ranma with a little grin.
“How do you figure? And shouldn’t it be my cat talking in the bag?” replied Minako with a battering of her eyelashes.
Ranma laughed. “C’mon Minako, cats don’t talk!”
The bag groaned.
*
*
“Moon Eternal, Make Up!” exclaimed Usagi as she transformed and dashed out of the building.
Ranma clucked his tongue. “No matter how many times I see that, I can’t get over how the entire demeanior changes.”
“How so?” inquired Makoto who was hoping the Outers got the “Backup Usagi” signal.
“C’mon, I of all people know the benefit of a dual identity. Usagi goes from a ditzy girl to something of a warrior with a core of steel. You can just tell by the way she stands.” Replied Ranma with a little grin.
“That’s true,” replied Minako, glad that Ami and Rei had been herded off when the monster alarms rang. “Usagi’s still crazy and ditzy but there’s a definite posture change. More confidence, stronger and willing to get her hands dirty.”
“That’s what I said,” Ranma with a nod. “Speaking of which, I’ve got to head back to the house this weekend Minako. My fiancée is coming over. Want to come and meet her?”
“You sure?” inquired Minako. “The great and powerful Ranma Saotome asking his friend to a get together that should be family only?”
“Tch, it’s just a quick visit before she heads to the dojo,” replied Ranma with a dismissive wave. “Besides, she wants to meet you. I’ve said a lot about you.”
“Oh joy, just how I want to go; killed by the jealous fiancée,” swallowed Minako.
*
*
“Ranma!” called out Akane as she approached the door to the Saotome household. It had taken the better part of a few years but the house on the edge of the Nerima-Minato ward had been repaired.
“Hey ‘Kane!” called out Ranma, back in his habitual Chinese silks. “You’re here early!”
“I wanted to swing by early, cause I was bringing back snacks,” replied Akane, handing a basket to him.
Ranma made a face. “You didn’t cook did you?”
“Baa-ka,” replied Akane in a teasing voice. “I’ll have you know I’ve been taking lessons.”
“I’ll call for a stomach pump.” Replied Ranma seriously. Akane buried her fist in his stomach. Ranma oofed.
“Akane right?” asked Minako, having watched the play by play. “I’m Minako Aino, nice to meet you.”
“So this is your lab partner huh Ranma? She’s pretty. You’re not thinking of swapping the engagement to her are you?” teased Akane.
Ranma sputtered. “Oh c’mon ‘Kane, it’s not like that!”
“Oh yes, he just periodically saves people in that outfit,” replied Minako, earning a look from Ranma. “What? Just saying what’s on my mind.”
“Baa-ka,” chided Akane. “C’mon, let’s go inside. Nice to meet you Minako-chan.”
“Likewise.”
*
*
“She’s nice,” said Minako that evening as she walked into Ranma’s room wearing a sleeping shirt and not much else. “And I didn’t think your mom would want me to sleep over for the night. Good thing my mom and dad are cool with this. Why are you staring?”
Ranma colored and coughed. “Pants?”
Minako looked down and she smirked. “C’mon Ranma, you turn into a girl. There’s nothing I have you haven’t seen before. So, I got the bed right?”
Ranma sighed and nodded. “I’ve got a futon on the floor. No worries.”
Minako nodded and sat down. “So Ranma, I’ve gotta remark on something.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re probably the first guy without hormones I’ve met in my life,” said Minako. “Most guys would love seeing me in this get up but you only stared for a moment before politely averting their eyes. It’s no wonder your relationship with Akane’s still strong.”
“Well we’re not the lovey-dovey type if you consider everything,” shrugged Ranma. “Back in the day, hitting each other would convey affection.”
“Right. Well we’ll do our tour of Nerima tomorrow. Night.”
“Night.”
*
*
Artemis finally freed himself from the bag. Despite his worry for Minako’s chastity, he was hungry like the wolf. Or small cat.
Padding towards the kitchen, he hopped high and pulled the fridge door open. “All right, left over sushi!” exclaimed Artemis.
The light turned on at that moment and Artemis turned around, guiltily. And then he blinked at the large panda who shuffled into the room and looked down. Panda and Mau looked at each other.
And then the panda held up a sign. ‘Split the sushi?’
Artemis grinned. “Sure.”
Weirder friendships formed over food.
*
*
“Ogodcat!” exclaimed Ranma, backpedaling out of the room.
“Artemis!” exclaimed Minako. “You shouldn’t be here, naughty kitty!” She glanced at Genma-panda who shrugged and placed another fish on Artemis’ plate. “You’re scaring Ranma!”
“Hey, it’s not like I’m being a bad visitor,” replied Artemis testily and Minako blinked in shock. “Relax, they’re used to weird.”
“B-but…!” sputtered Minako.
“Wait did that cat just talk?” asked Ranma from behind the door.
‘And play a mean game of shogi,’ said Genma’s sign.
*
*
“A talking cat. Well I’ve seen weirder,” replied Ranma, trying to get used to the fact that the feline could TALK. Years of therapy had curved his fear, but only slightly. He wasn’t about to run screaming anymore but it was still weird.
Especially since Artemis seemed to cheat at shogi just as hard as his old man did.
“Well yeah, I’ve had Artemis since Europe,” replied Minako. “He just sort of came into my life one day or another.”
“I getcha. Kinda like Jusenkyo, but with more magic. So, which senshi are you?” inquired Ranma.
“Guess.”
“Hmm,” said Ranma. “I’ve never seen you run away to transform… and those girls I can’t really focus on them. But you’re tall… long haired…” he snapped his fingers. “Pluto!”
Minako fell over.
“… no?”
“I’ll let you keep guessing,” said Minako finally. Note to self; disguise fields really do disguise everything.
*
*
Tamp.
Minako looked up at the note tossed onto her desk and Ranma smirked at her from his corner seat. She rolled her eyes. What was this, high school? At least it wasn’t a lewd note like “Three sizes?”
Unfolding it, she smirked and made a x motion with her fingers. Ranma snapped his fingers and returned to the lecture.
Close but no cigar Ranma. There’s no Sailor Sol.
*
*
“Are you serious? He still hasn’t figured out which one you are?” inquired Ami, completely floored by Minako’s latest exclamation. “But… he must have gone through the entire group of senshi!”
“Artemis figures its part of the misdirection powers of the senshi magic. Unless I transform in front of him, he won’t be able to get it. So technically I’m “Someone Else’s Date” in a sense.”
“That’s someone else’s business Mina,” sighed Rei. “And yeah, I asked Luna about it. It’s how no one else could tell who we are. Even on photographs we’re indistinct blobs.”
“That’s some powerful disguise magic. So Ranma has really no idea which one you are?” asked Usagi.
“Not a clue. I’m sure he’ll figure out eventually but no proof for now.” Giggled Minako.
*
*
“Trial and error, trial and error,” grumbled Ranma as he worked on compiling the list. Every time he thought he got close to Minako’s identity, it fell short. Short of her transforming in front of him, but it was one of those damn magical fields of disguising that frustrated him. Just when he thought he had a fix on her planet, he always got distracted.
“Still working at it?” inquired a male voice and Ranma immediately went for his blindfold. “I understand you’ve got a bet with Minako.”
“Well it’s a suckers bet,” replied Ranma, tying his blindfold on so he couldn’t see Artemis but sense his unique chi energy. “she knew that the disguise magic would stop me from figuring it out.”
“Well it’s a crapshoot like that,” replied Artemis casually. “But I’m here to deliver the cheat code. Now then. Think about it for a moment. Luna is with Usagi which means she’s moon. Who is the second oldest senshi besides Pluto?”
“It’s… it’s…. it….” Ranma trailed off. “GAH!”
“Frustrating isn’t it?” grinned Artemis. “Love that disguise magic. But think about it for a moment. Try to piece the features one by one.”
“Okay.” Ranma closed his eyes under the blindfold and for a long moment, it seemed like he was putting things together or fell asleep.
And then he blinked. “Blonde hair.”
“Good. Keep going.”
“Red ribbon.”
“Okay. Now which senshi has those two things?”
“… Venus,” breathed Ranma.
“Very good!” exclaimed Artemis with a hint of a snigger. “Don’t feel too depressed Ranma, lesser people have been thrown off the track.”
“Huh, you’re right. I wouldn’t have thought about that for a while. So how does this disguise magic work anyhow?”
A long discussion of magical theory ensured.
*
*
“Venus.” Said Ranma that day at Crown much to Minako’s surprise which quickly boiled to irritated.
“You cheated,” accused Minako. Her bag started to whistle. “Artemis…”
“Hey, I just poked him. You had him in a no-win bet. I just had to stack the deck in my odds.” Replied the cat-in-a-bag.
“And no one said I couldn’t have help, cheater,” smirked Ranma in which his female friend stuck her tongue out at him. “Real mature senshi of love.”
“Senshi of love wants you to go girl and buy us all ice cream,” said Minako.
Ranma rolled his eyes, doused himself and quick as a flash, a mousy librarian sat there. “All right,” said the girl softly.
Ami blinked, mouth open like a gaping fish. Rei wasn’t too better and Makoto was staring. “He… she…” stammered Usagi.
“Oh yeah, we never explained that,” said Minako. “Shoo Ranma!”
“I’m going, I’m going!”
*
*
“You should print that tale out,” said Makoto with a shake of her head. “Chinese curses, your father turns into a panda…”
“And fiancées,” finished Minako. “Don’t forget the fiancées.”
“How can I forget?” groused Ranma, digging into her ice cream. “So, that’s the life of Ranma. Any other questions?”
“Just one.” Asked Makoto, eyes shining. “Can you teach me your art?”
Written by Shaun Garin
*
*
“A plus,” said Minako as she read off the grade when she and Ranma got their assignment back. “Quote ‘we had very good sources’ unquote.”
“I would imagine so,” replied Ranma, adjusting his glasses. “Considering the source.”
“Ah there’s the Saotome Ego,” remarked the bag and Ranma smirked.
“You should really tell me one of these days on how you manage to get that recording working,” said Ranma with a little grin.
“How do you figure? And shouldn’t it be my cat talking in the bag?” replied Minako with a battering of her eyelashes.
Ranma laughed. “C’mon Minako, cats don’t talk!”
The bag groaned.
*
*
“Moon Eternal, Make Up!” exclaimed Usagi as she transformed and dashed out of the building.
Ranma clucked his tongue. “No matter how many times I see that, I can’t get over how the entire demeanior changes.”
“How so?” inquired Makoto who was hoping the Outers got the “Backup Usagi” signal.
“C’mon, I of all people know the benefit of a dual identity. Usagi goes from a ditzy girl to something of a warrior with a core of steel. You can just tell by the way she stands.” Replied Ranma with a little grin.
“That’s true,” replied Minako, glad that Ami and Rei had been herded off when the monster alarms rang. “Usagi’s still crazy and ditzy but there’s a definite posture change. More confidence, stronger and willing to get her hands dirty.”
“That’s what I said,” Ranma with a nod. “Speaking of which, I’ve got to head back to the house this weekend Minako. My fiancée is coming over. Want to come and meet her?”
“You sure?” inquired Minako. “The great and powerful Ranma Saotome asking his friend to a get together that should be family only?”
“Tch, it’s just a quick visit before she heads to the dojo,” replied Ranma with a dismissive wave. “Besides, she wants to meet you. I’ve said a lot about you.”
“Oh joy, just how I want to go; killed by the jealous fiancée,” swallowed Minako.
*
*
“Ranma!” called out Akane as she approached the door to the Saotome household. It had taken the better part of a few years but the house on the edge of the Nerima-Minato ward had been repaired.
“Hey ‘Kane!” called out Ranma, back in his habitual Chinese silks. “You’re here early!”
“I wanted to swing by early, cause I was bringing back snacks,” replied Akane, handing a basket to him.
Ranma made a face. “You didn’t cook did you?”
“Baa-ka,” replied Akane in a teasing voice. “I’ll have you know I’ve been taking lessons.”
“I’ll call for a stomach pump.” Replied Ranma seriously. Akane buried her fist in his stomach. Ranma oofed.
“Akane right?” asked Minako, having watched the play by play. “I’m Minako Aino, nice to meet you.”
“So this is your lab partner huh Ranma? She’s pretty. You’re not thinking of swapping the engagement to her are you?” teased Akane.
Ranma sputtered. “Oh c’mon ‘Kane, it’s not like that!”
“Oh yes, he just periodically saves people in that outfit,” replied Minako, earning a look from Ranma. “What? Just saying what’s on my mind.”
“Baa-ka,” chided Akane. “C’mon, let’s go inside. Nice to meet you Minako-chan.”
“Likewise.”
*
*
“She’s nice,” said Minako that evening as she walked into Ranma’s room wearing a sleeping shirt and not much else. “And I didn’t think your mom would want me to sleep over for the night. Good thing my mom and dad are cool with this. Why are you staring?”
Ranma colored and coughed. “Pants?”
Minako looked down and she smirked. “C’mon Ranma, you turn into a girl. There’s nothing I have you haven’t seen before. So, I got the bed right?”
Ranma sighed and nodded. “I’ve got a futon on the floor. No worries.”
Minako nodded and sat down. “So Ranma, I’ve gotta remark on something.”
“What’s that?”
“You’re probably the first guy without hormones I’ve met in my life,” said Minako. “Most guys would love seeing me in this get up but you only stared for a moment before politely averting their eyes. It’s no wonder your relationship with Akane’s still strong.”
“Well we’re not the lovey-dovey type if you consider everything,” shrugged Ranma. “Back in the day, hitting each other would convey affection.”
“Right. Well we’ll do our tour of Nerima tomorrow. Night.”
“Night.”
*
*
Artemis finally freed himself from the bag. Despite his worry for Minako’s chastity, he was hungry like the wolf. Or small cat.
Padding towards the kitchen, he hopped high and pulled the fridge door open. “All right, left over sushi!” exclaimed Artemis.
The light turned on at that moment and Artemis turned around, guiltily. And then he blinked at the large panda who shuffled into the room and looked down. Panda and Mau looked at each other.
And then the panda held up a sign. ‘Split the sushi?’
Artemis grinned. “Sure.”
Weirder friendships formed over food.
*
*
“Ogodcat!” exclaimed Ranma, backpedaling out of the room.
“Artemis!” exclaimed Minako. “You shouldn’t be here, naughty kitty!” She glanced at Genma-panda who shrugged and placed another fish on Artemis’ plate. “You’re scaring Ranma!”
“Hey, it’s not like I’m being a bad visitor,” replied Artemis testily and Minako blinked in shock. “Relax, they’re used to weird.”
“B-but…!” sputtered Minako.
“Wait did that cat just talk?” asked Ranma from behind the door.
‘And play a mean game of shogi,’ said Genma’s sign.
*
*
“A talking cat. Well I’ve seen weirder,” replied Ranma, trying to get used to the fact that the feline could TALK. Years of therapy had curved his fear, but only slightly. He wasn’t about to run screaming anymore but it was still weird.
Especially since Artemis seemed to cheat at shogi just as hard as his old man did.
“Well yeah, I’ve had Artemis since Europe,” replied Minako. “He just sort of came into my life one day or another.”
“I getcha. Kinda like Jusenkyo, but with more magic. So, which senshi are you?” inquired Ranma.
“Guess.”
“Hmm,” said Ranma. “I’ve never seen you run away to transform… and those girls I can’t really focus on them. But you’re tall… long haired…” he snapped his fingers. “Pluto!”
Minako fell over.
“… no?”
“I’ll let you keep guessing,” said Minako finally. Note to self; disguise fields really do disguise everything.
*
*
Tamp.
Minako looked up at the note tossed onto her desk and Ranma smirked at her from his corner seat. She rolled her eyes. What was this, high school? At least it wasn’t a lewd note like “Three sizes?”
Unfolding it, she smirked and made a x motion with her fingers. Ranma snapped his fingers and returned to the lecture.
Close but no cigar Ranma. There’s no Sailor Sol.
*
*
“Are you serious? He still hasn’t figured out which one you are?” inquired Ami, completely floored by Minako’s latest exclamation. “But… he must have gone through the entire group of senshi!”
“Artemis figures its part of the misdirection powers of the senshi magic. Unless I transform in front of him, he won’t be able to get it. So technically I’m “Someone Else’s Date” in a sense.”
“That’s someone else’s business Mina,” sighed Rei. “And yeah, I asked Luna about it. It’s how no one else could tell who we are. Even on photographs we’re indistinct blobs.”
“That’s some powerful disguise magic. So Ranma has really no idea which one you are?” asked Usagi.
“Not a clue. I’m sure he’ll figure out eventually but no proof for now.” Giggled Minako.
*
*
“Trial and error, trial and error,” grumbled Ranma as he worked on compiling the list. Every time he thought he got close to Minako’s identity, it fell short. Short of her transforming in front of him, but it was one of those damn magical fields of disguising that frustrated him. Just when he thought he had a fix on her planet, he always got distracted.
“Still working at it?” inquired a male voice and Ranma immediately went for his blindfold. “I understand you’ve got a bet with Minako.”
“Well it’s a suckers bet,” replied Ranma, tying his blindfold on so he couldn’t see Artemis but sense his unique chi energy. “she knew that the disguise magic would stop me from figuring it out.”
“Well it’s a crapshoot like that,” replied Artemis casually. “But I’m here to deliver the cheat code. Now then. Think about it for a moment. Luna is with Usagi which means she’s moon. Who is the second oldest senshi besides Pluto?”
“It’s… it’s…. it….” Ranma trailed off. “GAH!”
“Frustrating isn’t it?” grinned Artemis. “Love that disguise magic. But think about it for a moment. Try to piece the features one by one.”
“Okay.” Ranma closed his eyes under the blindfold and for a long moment, it seemed like he was putting things together or fell asleep.
And then he blinked. “Blonde hair.”
“Good. Keep going.”
“Red ribbon.”
“Okay. Now which senshi has those two things?”
“… Venus,” breathed Ranma.
“Very good!” exclaimed Artemis with a hint of a snigger. “Don’t feel too depressed Ranma, lesser people have been thrown off the track.”
“Huh, you’re right. I wouldn’t have thought about that for a while. So how does this disguise magic work anyhow?”
A long discussion of magical theory ensured.
*
*
“Venus.” Said Ranma that day at Crown much to Minako’s surprise which quickly boiled to irritated.
“You cheated,” accused Minako. Her bag started to whistle. “Artemis…”
“Hey, I just poked him. You had him in a no-win bet. I just had to stack the deck in my odds.” Replied the cat-in-a-bag.
“And no one said I couldn’t have help, cheater,” smirked Ranma in which his female friend stuck her tongue out at him. “Real mature senshi of love.”
“Senshi of love wants you to go girl and buy us all ice cream,” said Minako.
Ranma rolled his eyes, doused himself and quick as a flash, a mousy librarian sat there. “All right,” said the girl softly.
Ami blinked, mouth open like a gaping fish. Rei wasn’t too better and Makoto was staring. “He… she…” stammered Usagi.
“Oh yeah, we never explained that,” said Minako. “Shoo Ranma!”
“I’m going, I’m going!”
*
*
“You should print that tale out,” said Makoto with a shake of her head. “Chinese curses, your father turns into a panda…”
“And fiancées,” finished Minako. “Don’t forget the fiancées.”
“How can I forget?” groused Ranma, digging into her ice cream. “So, that’s the life of Ranma. Any other questions?”
“Just one.” Asked Makoto, eyes shining. “Can you teach me your art?”