nerdiethings | Ranma CMO Post

I agree. But also... maybe setting up a recovery program for survivors of the village might be better to start sooner rather than later. Many buildings and crops were burned by Saotome forces. Trade routes to help ensure no one starves... that will be essential.

["There are many traitors in that area too. Are we rewarding them for treachery now?"]

What say did they have in their lord’s actions? If we extend compassion, we earn loyalty. Cruelty benefits no one.

They’re our people as much as anyone else. It’s our duty to take care of them. I’ll discuss this with my mother and father tonight.

[Inquisitor is displeased but bows. Ranma is relieved and bows much easier.

Still… maybe it’s only a matter of time now. She just needs to obediently do what she can. It’s the best way to atone. She thinks.]

[ When they’re alone… ]

Why didn’t you tell me? I would have believed you. Do you think the heir would come for you?

[At first, she's sure she's been outed. And then she asks about the heir and she's flummoxed again.]

Tell... about what?

You acted as if you knew the heir well. Did you know she was a lady?

Ah… yes, I did.

I hadn’t thought it was important. The Saotomes had kept it secret for so long, I was used to avoiding the plain facts.

… Is there anything else I should know, Miss Ranma?

[…she’s sweating.]

…Many things.

Then… let’s talk tonight. In my chambers, where we can’t be overheard. Whatever it is… I’ll keep you safe. I promise.

[Her stomach… drops.

It’s over.

She nods quietly, and scurries off to complete some work.

And… to prepare a will. They’ll say her rejection of the estate was forged by the Hououjis if she doesn’t write it as early as possible. It might even be too late to be writing it today instead of weeks ago…]

[ It’s peaceful for a time. There’s a clear camaraderie between Fuu and the medics. She’s worked with them a long time and her presence brings the mood up quite a bit!

It’s after nearly an hour that there’s a commotion from the wing Fuu was last seen going to. ]

[She's concerned. She doesn't want to bother Fuu when it sounds like she was being dismissed but. She will check out the situation.]

[ It’s immediately obvious whatever it is, it’s bad. There are mutterings about how it was a Saotome soldier. Snuck a knife from an inquisitor’s belt.

That poor girl.

Her poor family.

The kingdom will be in shambles. First her sister and now this.

They let Ranma through, knowing she was with Fuu this morning. And it’s not good. She’s white as a ghost, blood staining down the front of her dress. A medic is doing everything they can to apply pressure, as Fuu mumbles that she’s all right, really.

(She knows it’s not true. They all know it’s not true. They know when too much blood is lost, when an area means a slow, certain death.)]

[Instantly, Ranma is by her side. Instantly, she's gripping Fuu's hand, having shoved her way through anyone in the way with a shocking amount of strength. She has no right as she is, but she doesn't care right now.

She's never cried before, but her face is wet.]

Who... who did this? Why...

It’s all right. I’ll be fine. [ Her voice is so tiny. There’s a waver to it. If only her sister were here. Well, she supposes, she’ll see her again soon enough. ]

Y-you have to be! [And her voice takes on a steel as she says:] You will be. You... you are stronger than you think. Power and kindness flows through you in more ways than one.

Really, I'm all right... [The medic takes Fuu's hand that's in Ranma's, and looks Ranma in the eyes as she presses both of their hands to the wound. She's dead serious when she says "Don't. Lift. Pressure." The queen might be able to do something if she's close enough--and the medic is bolting to find her.]

Don't lie about it either... If you sacrifice yourself feeling even for a second just to spend time comforting us... I'll never forgive you for it! [She keeps her hand there and the terror returns. These hands... A Saotome is in place to kill the princess again. No one would know. No one would ever discover it.

She can't let it happen. Not again. Its not healing, but a wave of relief should course through, blinding away pain. But she's not a healer... Why couldn't she be a healer...?]

[Oh. Oh she's... the pain is ebbing just a enough that exhaustion is setting in.]

I didn't realize... how tired I was... [She's doing everything she can just to keep her eyes open. But her hand is starting to feel... warm? under Ranma's. Not normal body warmth. Almost hot.]

[That's... she thinks that good? Or maybe that's bad. She knows nothing. Education for royals sucks shit and she hates it.]

Fuu... you need to hold on. And you can hold on. You're stronger than you know.

I am... I promise... everyone still needs me... [But the blood seems to be less... bleeding...?] I wish Kuu were here... She could've done something...

[...She doesn't believe the words she's about to say. She doesn't know enough about the rules of a first-born. But she needs Fuu to believe it.]

Ya ain't gonna like this but... you're the first born now. That means... the power goes to you.

That means Kuu is with you all the time, putting her power through you.

I don’t think… there’s precedent for that? [ There’s some color to her lips and cheeks again. ]

Then you and her are making a precedent.

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