//------------------------------// // Chapter 19: Letters to home // Story: Finally at Pegasus A MLP: FIM and Ranma ½ X-Over // by Alicornian //------------------------------// Chapter 19: Letters to home Ranma sighed as he sat at his work desk looking at a single sheet of unwritten paper and the envelopes sitting right next to him. It had taken some time but finally he was able to get back to writing his love Kasumi. He had already sent a letter to Kasumi about what had happened to the town and the Kuno Clan, well, former Kuno Clan actually, and still waited for Kasumi’s letter to return. Ranma then turned around in his seat to sigh at the UPS Boxes he had gotten as well. Getting up he opened the small Envelope sized box and double checked the envelopes inside, each addressed to Kasumi. Sighing he brought he box over to his work desk and began writing. Dear Kasumi, Sorry again for the box of letters but you know how my life is now here in Coltsville. Where to begin this time? Ranma tapped his pencil to his chin and just shook his head. As you already know I’ve been busy at the Apple Family’s farm helping put in the new apple trees. Though their only sapling they already have the flowers that allow apples to grow from. It’s hard work but it pays well and it’s great exercise. Ryoga’s been helping out well and well I think we won’t have to worry about Ryoga fawning over Akane anymore, even though we’ve never seen her show up around town. Principal Moon thinks that she may have been picked up already by the police but who knows. As for Nabiki and Aunt Nodoka they’re doing well. Nabiki and Rarity just started a new line of work clothing that seems to have actually caught Jackie’s interests. It’s an old western style with a modern twist is what they tell me. Jackie even volunteered to help model a few of the outfits, who would have believed that huh? As for Aunt Nodoka she and the Cakes have been hired alongside Ukyo and Cologne’s restaurants to cater for the upcoming wedding between Miss Bonny and Miss Lyra. You should have seen Pinkie’s face when she was told the news. She even started planning out a place to hold the reception afterwards. Aunt Nodoka said it be a big help for all their businesses and maybe just maybe help her get enough to afford a nice place of her own though Rarity did say that she and her sister will miss her being there. Oh right, Ukyo, Shampoo, and Cologne say Hi should I ever right to you and to let you know that when you finally get here, the first meal is on them. Cologne said it’s for us to have some personal time together. As for Ukyo I think it might be because she’s trying to make it up for what happened at the last wedding. Anyway I got homework to get onto. Miss you, Ranma. Ranma soon folded up the letter, placed it into the ready envelope, post marked it, and placed it into the UPS Box. Sighing he began working on his homework when a knock came to the front door. “Now who could that be?” Ranma asked going to check. The moment he opened the door he was greeted by the ever smiling male woman Miss Amelia Bubbles. “Oh hey Amelia.” Ranma greeted. “Hey Ranma, package for you along with some mail. Sorry it got to you so late, we’re kind of behind on everything do to our new mail sorter.” Amelia said sighing as she handed over the papers for the delivery. “Alright, must be the custom houses parts I ordered. And where’s the letters from?” Ranma asked signing the papers for the package. “Says they’re from Nerima Ward, Tokyo Japan.” Amelia read looking to the letters. Ranma smiled at this. “Must be from home then. Thanks for getting all of this too me.” Amelia smiled in return as she took the papers back. “Not a problem. Later Ranma and tell your sister I said Hi.” Ranma nodded and waved as Amelia ran off to her next destination. Heading inside after closing the door Ranma began checking the box for damage, which thankfully there was none and put it down before opening the first of the small group of letters. The first one was dated after Genma and Soun where arrested the first go around. Dear Ranma, I’m glad you and Aunty Nodoka are alright, I would have been so worried if they had done something to the both of you. Still I’m surprised that you actually forgave her and allowed her to become a part of your family but… I’m glad you still have someone to be with you. I do worry about you being over there without me. Also I’m glad you were able to help her find a place to stay and work, that was very kind of you. As for my father and your own, forgive me for saying this but… I hope they rot in jail. As for your two teachers getting married I’m glad to hear that they are happy together and I think it was very sweet of all of you to make such a beautiful wedding cake for them. Also please thank your friend for taking the picture of all of your friends with the cake and your teachers. Still I’m surprised you have so many friends that are girls Ranma and find this comforting as well since the others forced you to leave on such a sour note. As for me it seems it will still take some more time to process everything so I can get everything settled. Oh yes I got word from Nabiki that she found Akane in Egypt for some reason. She had been with a group of researchers when she arrived and ran off the moment Akane walked towards her. I fear Akane may have frighten them with her anger and hatred for men. I’m not sure where they are after that but I worry that they may not be far behind our foolish fathers. Please don’t let Nabiki cause any trouble and if you see Akane. Though I disprove of this normally, please defeat her and see to it she get the proper help she needs. I fear one day she might hurt someone that’s doesn’t have your kind of training so please, do what you can for her. Till I can write you again. Kasumi Ranma sighed at the letter. Had he gotten this earlier he would have been quite worried but… things didn’t go as his love Kasumi thought. Yes, Nabiki did come to town but as soon as she arrived she had broken down into well… an average girl. An extremely frightened girl but an average girl none the less. He looked and found that there was a response to that letter as well. Curious to what Kasumi said he opened it up and began reading yet again Ranma, I wish this had gotten to me much sooner. Is Nabiki alright? I was worried about this from the start of this insane idea our fathers had. I’m… sorry for pushing Akane onto you when we first met Ranma. All I wanted was for her to finally calm down but… I’m sorry, I know you’d be telling me it was not my fault but still… it feels like it is Ranma. Please Ranma, protect Nabiki, I know she has wronged you many times but… I don’t want her hurt as much as I believe she deserves to at least get a good slap. As for Akane be careful Ranma. Something about what Nabiki told you worries me. I will look through the scrolls in the house and see what I can find out on this Hammer Technique of Akane’s. I’ll finish this letter when I find anything. Ranma I think I found something close to what Akane is using but I’m unsure if it is it. I’ve copied down what the scroll said, I’m sorry I couldn’t translate it for you. Maybe your friends James and Sparkle can translate it for you. It’s down below. For now both of you please stay safe. Love Kasumi Ranma looked to the information and sighed. “Well… I do need to pick up some more figures so I could stop by Cologne, James, or Sparkle’s place and see if they can translate this. I’ll read the others when I get back.” Ranma said putting the letter with the Scroll’s writing in his pocket and headed out for town. As he went about the town he saw posters promoting Kodachi Rose’s running for mayor. She was doing quite well next to the others. The first one was Blue, amazingly he was eighteen so could run. The other was one of his lackeys. Personally Ranma didn’t fully trust Kodachi but… she was still on the road of recovery along with her brother Tatewaki. Also it was actually impressive that Kodachi was actually running a clean race. Normally she would fight the person she was competing against for what she wanted but now… “Ranma!” a voice called out from behind him. Ranma turned to notice Kodachi running up to him. “Oh, hey Kodachi.” Ranma replied looking to her. “How have you been Ranma, I hope you’re doing well.” Kodachi said amazingly like a normal person. “I’m… okay I think. Who are you and what did you do to the real Kodachi… because you can keep her.” Ranma said jokingly. “Oh you.” Kodachi said giving him a slap to the arm. “You already know my brother and I’s therapy is doing well and… I still wish to thank you for… forgiving me. I truly did not wish to follow in my father’s insane footsteps nor did my brother.” Ranma closed his eyes and shook his head. “Well your dad was a nut and mine was a greedy nut so I can understand in a way. So how’s the campaigning going?” Kodachi sighed but smiled. “It’s tiring but it’s going much better than I expected. Seems Blue’s own reputation in town has caused him some issues. The voting hasn’t started but the former mayor and I feel I just might win this one hands down but you never know.” Ranma nodded to that. “Well that’s good to know, so how’s the kendo head doing?” Kodachi giggled at this. “He’s not a kendo head Ranma but he’s doing quite well. He’s over at the market continuing his community service. He’s been working quite hard lately to redeem himself for his actions but I do wish he would slow down a bit. He’s been working himself to exhaustion for some reason. I was kind of hoping…” Ranma sighed at this. “That either sis or I could talk to him and slow him down?” Kodachi smiled at this causing Ranma to sigh. “Well I have to head over that way anyway so yeah I’ll see what I can do.” Kodachi hugged Ranma and this then quickly pulled back blushing. “Sorry about that. Thank you Ranma. Take care.” She then ran off back to her campaign stand to continue her run from office. Shaking his head Ranma began heading once again towards his first destination, Cologne’s Restaurant the Golden Dragon. --- Cologne smiled as she and Shampoo waved off their latest customer. “Do come again!” they both called out till the bell to the restaurant rang once again. “Welcome to Golden Dragon, how many?” Shampoo said in her growing English. “Hey Shampoo, Cologne in?” Ranma asked smiling. “Grandmother!” Shampoo called back causing Cologne to step out of the kitchen. “Shampoo what have I told you about… Oh Ranma, welcome.” Ranma bowed to her. “Thank you sensei. How have you and your family been?” Cologne pogoed over on her staff smiling. “Quite well Ranma. Now how can I help my student?” Ranma pulled out the letter from Kasumi and handed it over. “I got my mail from Kasumi and she thinks she found something that might relate to Akane’s hammer but it needs to be translated. Think you can…” Cologne carefully took the letter and read over the copied text. “Hmm, seems there are two entries here Ranma and thankfully they are in languages I can translate for you. The first is in Norse, the language of the Vikings. It speaks of a weapon known as the Devil Smasher, it was used to face creatures of pure evil however after defeating so many of these creatures it became corrupted and became a weapon of Darkness. It’s a weapon used mostly by Dark Chi masters however such a weapon no longer exists as it was found by Light Chi masters and purified to the point it is now dust on the winds.” Cologne said pointing out the first entry. “And the second?” Ranma asked curious. “It’s thankfully in Mandarin, my home language so I can easily translate this for you. Let’s see… oh my I haven’t seen this in some time. It speaks of a well-known legend of our people. Shampoo come I must tell you this tale, I believe you will like it.” Shampoo came over to a table with some fresh Raman since it was the lunch period of the two and had even gained a bowl for Ranma as well. “This entry here speaks of the Hammer of Meru, a woman who took the oath of Dragons and became a Half-Dragon known as a Dragoon.” Cologne stated not letting on it was also a tale in Equestria. “Legend states that a girl named Meru sought out a grand dragon to seek it’s power to help her village as it was filled with war, famine, and drought. She carried with her a weapon granted to her by her parents, a long handled hammer. For many seasons she had searched all of China searching high and low for the dragon till one day she found her way home and found that it had been devastated by her enemies in the north. Filled with anger she cursed the dragon for not aiding her and for letting this happen to her people. She became filled will anger and caused her hammer to grown with the pain.” Cologne stopped long enough to sip some of the broth her Raman was in before continuing. “I’m guessing the grown hammer sound familiar to you Ranma however there is more to this tale. Meru searched out for the attackers growing madder and madder as she traveled till one day her hammer had become so heavy that she could no longer lift it. Angered by this she began to cry and in doing so cleansed her heart and saw what had happened to her hammer her parents had given her. She soon began praying over the dangerously heavy hammer begging for the dragon to forgive her and to give her the strength to rid of the enemy that harmed her people. Amazingly the dragon heard this prayer and came to her and promised her the power of peace so that these wars would stop and revealed that it was due to these wars that the land suffered. It’s not stated what this dragon oath was but she soon gained the strength to wield her hammer and cleansed it of its evil gaining it its true form, the Hammer of Meru. The hammer is only legend though however… there are stories of such a weapon existing that matches the tale’s descriptions but personally I feel it is only myth. As for your letter’s entry here Ranma it only speaks of it and its owner nothing more than that. Oh yeas if you’re wondering yes she did become a half-dragon and she did end the wars between the tribes. It is said to be how China was formed but again this is only one of many legends we hold.” Ranma and Shampoo where floored by this. “That’s… some tale Sensei. So… neither of those relate to what we were told about Akane’s hammer?” Ranma asked looking to Cologne. “No Ranma I’m afraid not however if you find more like these be sure to bring them to me. I’d be more than happy to translate them.” Cologne responded till the restaurant door rang once again. “Well seems we’re back in business. Come Shampoo it’s back to work for us.” Shampoo nodded before following and stopped to look to Ranma smiling. “On house, I pay.” Ranma nodded at this in thanks and soon headed over to Cliff’s shop to gain his newest figures. --- Tatewaki sighed as he looked at the stalls he still had to put up. How was it that he damaged and destroyed so many stalls by himself but he shook his head clear as he knew the answer to that, his father and Akane. His father had him practice those Dark Chi Techniques which had corrupted his mind and the weapon Akane had giving him had to have been some form of Dark Chi amplifier which must have taken him over for some reason. Sighing he soon grabbed the next set of stall parts when a slim hand rested on his shoulder. “Tatewaki, please rest you’re going to put yourself in the care center if you’re not careful.” A young girls voice told him from behind. “Nay my dear Meruna. I must get these stalls done by today before I move onto my next task tomorrow. Yet… You are right. I am in need of some rest and refreshment. Will you join me?” Tatewaki said turning to a lovely silk white haired girl with soft red ruby eyes. To Tatewaki she was his first true friend in many years. She was in the same room he was placed in while he was gaining medical attention after being tag-teamed by Dashie and Ranko’s attack to knock him out. While in the room she had spoken kindly to him and even was forward enough to scold him when he had begun blaming himself for what he had done and was the one to finally point out that it was all his father’s fault his life had become the illusion it was. Yet now he was no longer fooled by the illusion of the samurai age and false love and began to see life as it was meant and had even gone so far as to keep in constant contact with Meruna. “Sure. So… where do you want to go?” Meruna asked bringing Tatewaki out of his thoughts. “Well… I was thinking an outdoor restaurant be fine.” Tatewaki replied gaining a smile from his friend. “Sounds good to me. Hey I know just the place, come on.” Meruna said taking his and leadign the way both smiling till. “Hey Kendo!” both stopped to look around and soon spotted Ranma walking up to them. “Ah Cloudsdale, good day to you.” Tatewaki said nodding to Ranma. “Same here. Who’s the girl?” Ranma asked looking at her. “Meruna Seadra. Tatewaki and I were roommates at the care center and we’ve been keeping in contact with each other since then.” Meruna said smiling. “Well it’s good to meet you Meruna. Anyway, your sister’s getting worried about you Tatewaki. Said something about you pushing yourself to hard.” Ranma said returning the greetings till he finally put his hand out in introduction. “Oh right, I’m Ranma Cloudsdale.” Meruna gently shook Ranma’s hand smiling. “Yeah but I’ve been making him rest and drink something when I think he’s over doing it. Personally I think it’s… nice he’s trying to fix up all the stalls that were destroyed but as you said he really does need to slow down.” Tatewaki looked mildly hurt at this. “I just wish to be done sooner than later, is this a crime?” Ranma smiled. “Yeah it is and it results in you taking a cute girl out of a date, then proposal, then a wedding ring, and a house with kids.” Both blanched at this till Ranma started laughing. “That was cruel Cloudsdale.” Tatewaki said soon chuckling with Meruna giving a shy laugh while trying to hide her blush. “Worry not Ranma; please inform my sister that Meruna is making sure I take my time on this. Till next we meet.” Tatewaki said nodding to Ranma as he walked by with Meruna running to catch up. --- Ranma dropped onto his bed the moment he returned home and read the letters Kasumi had sent him. He sighed happily at the letters and soon sighed as he was finally on the last letter. Carefully he opened the letter and began reading. Dear Ranma, I apologize for this one being later than the others but things came up that needed my attention. One of which was how to handle the house and dojo since Akane, Nabiki and I are now the only Tendo’s left to inherit the Tendo home and Dojo. As you may or may not know, Soun is… no longer among us. I was informed of this yesterday my time. I am not sure when you’ll get this but… please tell Nabiki if she already doesn’t know. They… said it was due to his “stress relief” that he passed away and though I feel distant to him, Soun was still our father. I’m also worried how Akane will take this news. She’s still sensitive to all of this and… I fear it may cause her to fully lash out. If you ever meet her Ranma please be careful I don’t want you or Nabiki hurt. I am not even sure where she is as she still hasn’t tried contacting me here at home, for however long it’ll stay that way, but even though she has grown so angry she is my sister and I still care for her. So please Ranma, don’t let her do anything that will harm anyone. On a somewhat better note, at least the ward and the school thinks so, Principal Kuno has returned home… but not as one of the living. Yes Ranma, Principal Kuno is no longer among us like Soun and though I feel it is good that he is finally out of our lives I… still feel it is wrong to celebrate such a thing. The Ward is… not what it was Ranma where the school gangs and the dangerous would stay away from the ward it’s… gotten to a point I may have no choice but to move everything from the house to where you are now and sell it. I will miss the memories this place has given me, Nabiki, and Akane but… we can’t stay here anymore. I will try to get ahold of Nabiki when I have the chance but for now I’ll be doing what I can to begin moving to our new home. Please take care Ranma and watch out for Akane, she’ll be hurting but… I know you’ll be able to handle her. Love, Kasumi Ranma put the letter down shaking his head. “Yeah it’s a bit late Kasumi but, I’ll have to see what can be done for the house since well… Better let sis read this one.” Ranma got up grabbed a newly gained spray bottle marked COLD and sprayed himself in the face. Ranko blinked and looked to the bottle. “Okay… wonder what Ranma wanted me for.” Ranko soon looked around and soon noticed the letter in her hand and quickly read it over. “What?! Kasumi might be moving here sooner than we thought?! But it’s a two bedroom home and that would mean… does he… want me to move out but… we’re one person. How…” Ranko soon sat down onto Ranma bed looking to the letter. “What do I do?” To be continued.