Ranma 1/2 is the property of Takahashi Rumiko and Gold Digger is a work-in-progress by Fred Perry. No infringment intented, just some good natured, fan-made fun.

Enjoy!

Who are you...
Really?

Are you really who you thought you were?
Or something else?

How do you discover the truth, when al you've been told...
Is a lie?

Welcome, child, to the door leading
To your real self.

Beyond

CHAPTER 01

Suprise Ranma! It's Your Birthday!

01-01

Peace, it was as thick as the morning fog. He could practically smell it, the pleasant aroma filling his lungs. It was a strange sensation that enveloped his entire being, causing him to curl deeper under the covers of his futon and deeper into his dreams.

'Mmm. Haven't felt like this in ages.' he mussed to himself.

For a few moments the thought floated around in his mind, much like a connoisseur savoring a fine wine. After sampling the soft, yet rich taste for a few pleasant seconds, his mental taste buds latched on to something within the exceptional pallet that was a bit off. Though the peace remained, wrapping him within it's warm embrace like a safety blanket, keeping his nerves calm and his mind rational; it was at that moment that the silence of the morning was first broken.

"When was the last time I felt peace?"

He sat up, drawing his right knee up and resting his arm upon it in the process. At first he was surprised that he even knew what this sensation even existed, let alone what it felt like. With Genma and his moronic partner in idiocy, their perverted master, all the fiancees, Ryoga, Mousse, the old ghoul, princes' of varying levels of stupidity, Saffron, not to mention all the bullies, fools, and any other insane asylum rejects that have shown up though out the two years of his stay in Nerima; it's truly amazing that he even remembers his own name, much less remembering that there was even such a thing as peace. Given his track record, he knew something big was going to happen very soon. He looked out the window from where he sat as he continued his thoughts.

Had it been two years already? With his 18th birthday only days away, he couldn't help but be amazed by how far he had come in life. Truth be told, the day he arrived was his birthday. Sometimes he wondered if Genma had planned that out. 'Happy birthday son! Here is a fiancee for you to be beaten by constantly!' Yeah sure, great gift. The only thing that shot down that theory was that the pudgy bastard never seemed to remember when hes birthday was. Everytime Ranma asked, Genma would just shrug and then say something to the effect of 'A man doesn't need a birthday as long as he has his health.' To this day Ranma couldn't figure out how it was that he could remember with unerring clarity the date of his birth and his father not recall in the slightest. Fathers were supposed to remember these things, right?

Another interesting 'birthday gift' he received was at Jusendo. Over the course of a year he had saved Akane more times then he cared to remember. But Jusendo was different. It was the first place, the first time that he had taken a life. It mattered little the demi-god came back to life after words, because Ranma didn't know it would happen that way. He just knew that it was either Saffron or Akane. The only real good that came out of that situation was after the failed wedding.

After that horrid event, Ranma had a long discussion with all the fiancees. The strange part was that they actually listened. It was as if a great weight had lifted. Over the past year, the relationships between Ranma and the girls became more like a family, Four sisters and a 'big brother' that would even kill for them if it came down to it. Even Kodachi backed off, limiting her affection to calling him "Ranma-sama". His once-rivals were still just as bad, but no one can win them all or so they say.

They still had days where things did get rough, and nothing was ever really 'smooth' between them; despite that, Akane, Ukyo, Shampoo, and even Kodachi had become like the sisters he never had. Akane had finally admitted that she did love Ranma, but because of the way their relationship grew she had said that it was more of a brother/sister thing. After her admission, she became almost agreeable. Though they still had fights, they were never about jealousy... except were martial arts was concerned. Ukyo finally accepted the fact that all Ranma ever saw her as was a best friend. She still wanted Ranma, but she would take him anyway she could, and the only open door was as siblings. So Nodoka saw to it that she was moved to the Saotome register. Shampoo was sad that her great-grandmother had annulled the "Kiss of Marriage", but was over joyed when he accepted the invitation to be a part of the tribe as Cologne's adopted great-grandson/daughter. Her japanese was also improving, and as such is able to show her real intelligence; which is actually quite impressive considering her roots. Kodachi backed off right after everyone else dropped there claims, which was a really weird, but welcomed change. Though she was no less crazier then before, she was now bearable to be around.

Ranma stopped his inner monolog at that thought. Why did she backed down anyway? Oh well, he'll find out later, whether he liked it or not.

After the mis-wedding, Akane found out about Ryoga at last, and had since forgiven both Ranma for keeping the secret from her and Ryoga for making Ranma promise in the first place and then using it against him. Though the damage was done and Ranma and Akane would never be more then close friends, they did forgive him and continued to be his friends. This caused Ryoga to see the world in a new light... Though for some unknown reason he still wanted to beat the crap out of Ranma. Perhaps more from just the fact that he had been trying to do it for so long, as opposed to actual hatred. He still jumped to conclusions, but then it just won't be Ryoga otherwise.

As for Mousse? After Jusendo, Cologne nullified both the "Kiss of Death" and the "Kiss of Marriage" after having sited that angering a 'God-Slayer' would not be beneficial to the tribe. Instead she inducted him in to the Amazon tribe by way of adoption. Though Mousse had mention to Ranma later that it was odd that the elder didn't give him a new name as according to tribal law. Both of them still got into fights on a regular basis, but not quite as bad as before; especially after the 'fiancee talk' and since he finally got some contacts.

As far as Tatewaki Kuno is concerned... Let's just not go there...

Since Jusendo, his skills never got rusty, quite the contrary; he was as sharp and battle ready as ever. But He was never pushed beyond that. He had hit a plateau; not within himself, but with the situations that happened around him. He still was no stronger or skilled then that fateful day. If he didn't know better, he would say that someone had set it up that way. Of course if that was true, then for the life of him he couldn't figure out why.

With a heavy sigh, he got up to face his fate.

At least he tried to face his fate. Of course when your fate is standing behind you with the blade of a very sharp katana held to the side of your neck, it is kind of a difficult task to perform.

"Don't speak, this will only take a second." came a hushed, feminine voice. Ranma's answer was only a nod. Having sensed his opponent's level of power, he knew full well that he could take the woman down before the blade would fall; so it wasn't fear that caused him to comply, rather it was a strange sort of curiosity that kept him rooted in place. This sort of thing had never happened to him before, most people shouted out so sort of challenge and then tried to kill him. This woman, on the other hand wanted something else. He was going to find out what it was first, and then decide whether or not to beat the snot out of her. before he got to finish his thought process, he suddenly felt his equilibrium shift and tumble.

"What the-" was all he got out.

Downstairs, breakfast was just being served. Before anyone began eating, Nodoka noticed that Ranma had not yet come to join them. Normally Genma would throw him out the window and start their morning sparing session, or Akane would splash him with some cold water. Had she not known what was planned for today, she would have been worried. Inwardly she smiled, for the day had finally arrived. Soon she could drop all the charades. To keep up appearances she decided to inquire about Ranma's whereabouts, "Dear, where is Ranma? Don't you usually spar first thing?" she spoke with deeply concealed hatred. 'If it were not for the plan, I would have spilled that putrid beast's entrails...' with a mental smirk she continued her train of thought, "But that is Ranma-sama's privilege for when he gets back.'

"Thought the boy could use a rest, thats all," Genma said between lightning fast bites.

Akane huffed and looked at the resident part-time panda with great loathing, "More like the future rug wanted to stuff his face with Ranma's share!"

Kasumi, always the peace keeper, took it upon herself to defuse the brewing war she had on her hands. At least long enough to get the one person who could detour the violence form the general populace and curb the potential proporty damage. "Don't worry Auntie, I'll go and wake him up."

As she walked up the steps to Ranma's room, she thought over the last year. Once the fiancee mess was straightened out, Auntie Nodoka began trying to solve the other problems that the pig-tailed youth had. First and foremost was the Neko-ken. She still wondered why she had to keep that particular tidbit a secret form everyone else. More curious was how Ranma's mother knew about the technique in the first place, as the subject never had to be brought up in her presence. Regardless, at least Ranma was able, if he wanted, to remain in the same room with a cat with out much fuss. He could even say the word 'cat' without stuttering, though again they had to keep it a secret. The only one to know was Ranma, Nodoka, and herself. She did wonder as to why it was especially important that it be kept from grandpa Happosai. Oh well, if the reason was important then she could keep the secret. She would eventually find out when the time was right.

Another thing they had been working on in equal secrecy was Ranma manners and education. That had been the most fun, as she was allowed to help with that directly. The boy was quite the genius when he saw the need. What made it really fun was finding new ways to keep him interested. At first she had to use the martial arts in some fashion; but as his knowledge of things grew, so did the subject matter. Unfortunately, because his intellect had been neglected for so long his true potential may never be reached; but that was okay since he now was at least caught up with his peers.

Kasumi stopped at the door and smiled at the fond memories. She knew that he would have to leave soon, but at least it was fun while it lasted. With that thought she opened the door in time to see the last sapphire spark of fox-fire flicker out.

'So, today is the day.' She picked up the forged note that lay on the floor and a real smile graced her lips, tender and soft. 'Take good care of him, Auntie.'

As Nabiki sat next to her ever-irked sister, she felt something was off about the way Auntie Nodoka was acting. Of course she would keep her nose out of it, as she wanted to keep her head. However, she couldn't help but be curious about what the Saotome Matriarch had planned. No matter, she would find out soon enough.

Just as she had completed her thoughts, Kasumi came down with a note in her hand and a smile on her face. When she sat down, she handed it of to Nodoka.

"Ranma left a note. Apparently he felt that since his father was 'to lazy to spar' this morning, that he would go out and get so exercise while running some errands that he was been meaning to take care of for a while," she said while still smiling. Nabiki wasn't sure, but she could almost see something hidden underneath that smile. Something like mirth, as if there was something funny about what was going on. But she could have imagined it, this was Kasumi after all.

After finishing the last of her meal and reading the note, Nodoka stood up and began to leave. "Speaking of errands, I have some that I have to take care of myself. If you'll excuse me." she spoke with a smile and a bow.

Before she could leave, Kasumi spoke up, "Auntie, could you take this book back to Dr. Tofu's for me. I would do it myself, but I'm going to be to busy today."

"That would be no problem at all, Kasumi-chan. And thank you again for the wonderful food," And with that she left for her errands.

It had been a year since Tofu Ono had moved away. Way too long, he had missed the chaos and misadventures of one particular pig-tailed youth. In the time since he moved back, it had been just like old times. Though the web of relationships had been untangled and the rivals put on to new paths of battle, trouble still followed Ranma everywhere he went. Tofu had always admired how such a youth could bounce back from every battle and insanity thrown at him. But such thoughts would have to wait.

At that particular moment he was talking to one of his many mentors. While Tofu had never really gotten the hang of aura magic, Dr. Diggers had always been a wonderful source of encouragement and wisdom through out his years of practice. And today seemed like the day that two very big parts of his life where going to meet face to face.

He watch in fascination as a bright blue gout of fox-fire erupted in the small garden behind his clinic were he had been having a conversation with his long time mentor and friend. The flames flickered out just as fast as they had formed, leaving behind two very familiar people. The woman took the blade of her sword away form the boy's neck and sheathed it, while said boy just gawked. Then the woman stepped forward to make introductions.

"Hello, Theo, this is the boy I told you about. Ranma, this is Doctor Theodore Diggers," said the woman in ninja garb who stood between them. When Ranma saw her, he went from surprise to absolute shock.

"Mom? But how? What happened?"

Nodoka's stance took on a sage-likeness as she answered, "All things in there time, child. For now, why don't you say 'hi' to the good doctor."

"Um... oh, oh yeah," He hastily bowed to Theo, who returned the bow. "My name is Ranma Saotome of the Saotome school of Anything Goes martial arts." Remembering his manners, he quickly added, "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Theo looked at him with a kind, yet discerning eye. "The pleasure's all mine."

With his birthday just days away,
Ranma is taken to the Diggers home for reasons not yet revealed to him.
Could it be that he is going to get his curse removed,
after all Dr. Diggers is one of the greatest aura mages of his time.
Or perhaps some advanced training from his wife,
the armsmaster of Jade: Julia?
Perhaps they could help with his fear of cats.
And, if the one taking him there is his mom,
then who was the woman at the Tendo dojo?
All this, and there is an assassin after Brittany...

And it's not a were-rat!

Next Chapter:

"Assassin"