At one point
within our world, comes several others..
Each one spawns
a birth of a new age.
With in them is
a mirror of us, in a different time. With a different life.
Come along, bend
your mind, and bend time.
To find a love
cut short.
In a new realm,
with the opportunity.. for survival.
Come.
I’ll show you.
PART ONE: Acid Memories
Ukyou inhaled deeply, staring at herself in the mirror. God, was that her reflection? Who was this woman? Ukyou could hardly believe it, she was so.. beautiful. Her make-up had been fixed to perfection. The colors and highlights to her make-up all the latest in cosmetics in LA and New York. The deep, sparkling plum lipstick. The soft glow to her face, the lavender eyelids. Her hair was fixed with tiny glass beads weaved in, styled as a truly beautiful masterpiece. Now.. this dress. Ukyou groaned, this dress was too much. The dress was plum colored, only shades lighter, they said it was “crisp” and that pastels were “in” this season. The V-neck dropped straight down to her stomach, showing far too much skin. Far too much cleavage to Ukyou’s taste. The dress had nothing to cover her back, nor her right leg. Leaving her flesh visible and venerable.
A man peered into the
room Ukyou was in, tapping the door. He was chewing gum and wearing a receiver
head piece, “Yo, Mizz, uh..” the guy checked the list, “.. Kaia?” Ukyou turned
to the man, almost startled. She spoke her best English, trying to remember
what she was taught, “I am Kaia, yes, what you want?” The man looked her over,
clearly taken away by her beauty, she smiled, “The run way is ready, all the
models are back stage, and you’re on first.” Ukyou inhaled. She was in the
dressing room still. Who would have thought? The tomboy, Ukyou, now an American
super model. The man left quickly. Ukyou gave another glance to the mirror.
“This is your eleventh
run way show Ukyou! You think you’d be more confident by now! Here, away from
Nerima, in America!” Ukyou thought to herself.
In her mind an image
flashed. It was of Akane, screaming at her, “GOD! You’ll never let go! You’re
holding to false hope! You’ll never be anything but this!” The image of Akane
faded as quickly as it came.
Ukyou scowled, “..
I’ll show you.”
Ukyou had been in America
for a year. Her runway name was “Kaia” her agents claimed it gave her an edge.
All it gave her was a headache; she would keep forgetting to respond when they
called her by it. And she still had her English lessons. She slightly smirked,
she was making good money, she really should thank those at Nerima, thank Akane
for yelling at her, thank Ranma for breaking her, thank everyone at Nerima for
not giving a damn about her. Everything was fresh to her, like acid on the
brain. These acids soaked memories. She could still remember when it happened
that night when it rained…
Ukyou rested in the
arms of Tsubasa. For once, actually calm, actually dossal. She had a single
tear running down her face. Staring with blank eyes towards the table. To the
large unfinished okonomiyaki, with the words, “Ranma + Akane Forev-“ written on
it. Damn her weakness! Damn it to hell! Ranma’s wedding was in a few hours and
she was a complete mess. She was supposed to deliver food for the wedding, but
she couldn’t even finish this one stupid pizza! “Tsubasa.. thank you, I’m all
right..” Ukyou muttered softly as she pulled away. Tsubasa gave a gentle look
to her, one swarming with emotion and femininity. More than her face could ever
possess she thought. Ukyou dressed simple for the wedding, her hair was pulled
back, poorly kept in a white ribbon. Her eyes red from tears. Her dress nothing
more than a pale blue sundress. “Ukyou, Konatsu and I can finish the rest, you
should get up to the wedding, I’ll be there later with these, “ Tsubasa told
her softly. Ukyou turned her unsettling gaze to Tsubasa, unable to barely make
a smile, “Thank you Tsubasa, Konatsu.. thank you both so much.” Konatsu stood
by Tsubasa, reaching a hand to touch Ukyou’s shoulder, “I’m sorry Ukyou. I-
know how you felt.”
Ukyou winced. It was
suppose to be a joyous occasion! Why was she treating it like a funeral? Well..
because something had died! Her heart. And it could never be repaired. It
seemed so foolish to have fought so hard for Ran-chan’s affection. It was clear
he was never interested in her as more than a friend.
Ukyou forced a smile,
she’d leave at least pretending she had some dignity. She thanked
them once more, trying to ease them with a smile, light laughter and a joke
before she parted. She always covered her feelings. She stepped outside, the
rain heavily beating down on her, soaking her, yet she could hardly feel the
rain.
“Konnichi wa!!
Konnichi wa Ukyou!” called a light voice. It was a very sweet voice, but too
loud to be Kasumi. She turned to see Akari, of course, looking simply
beautiful, and yet.. childishly cute. Akari wore a long pink press and a small,
white, wool sweater, along with a matching hat. Her eyes wide and bright. Ukyou
converted her gaze from Akari to Ryouga. Who had his arms wrapped around Akari
under their umbrella. Ukyou could have been sick. Everyone had found someone
except her. Ryouga looked rather handsome in his tuxedo, with his wild hair
slightly tamed, his rough look still apparent. His eyes were darting around.
Ukyou soon realize.. he wasn’t hugging Akari for affection.. he was terrified
of getting wet. Akane seeing Ryouga turn into a pig on her wedding day might
not be a very good move. Ukyou tried not to laugh.
“Akari! Ryouga! How
wonderful it is to see you, you both look so nice!” Ukyou told them with a
smile. Akari made a small hand gesture with a sweet smile, “Oh Ukyou! What a
nice thing to say! I even took my lil’ piggums and dressed him up!” Ryouga gave
no response to Akari’s words, a little more focused to the rain, “Shouldn’t
we.. seek shelter.” “Shh my lil piggy, I’m having a chit chat!” Akari scolded
him. Ukyou shook her head, Akari always did treat Ryouga like a pet over a
person, but she couldn’t blame Akari. Ryouga was an animal.
“Oh Ukyou, you look-“
Akari paused, looking over Ukyou. She knew she looked horrid. “Wet..” Akari
finished with a swallow. Ukyou shrugged, “What can you do? Just got caught in
the rain.” “I would ask you to share the umbrella with me and let Ryouga out
but-“ Ukyou held up her hands, “No, it’s perfectly all right, besides I’m
already wet. No point in it.” Akari Smiles softly, “Then allow us the pleasure
of walking with you Ukyou!”
She shrugged. They were
heading in the same direction anyway. She walked alongside of Ryouga and Akari.
Her mind wandering over every little thing she thought was a sign of Ranma
loving. Picking it to pieces, until she could see it was all just a put on. She
turned her gaze upward to notice Ryouga kept staring at her. Not with his
confused gaze, or angered gave, but more one of.. understanding. Ukyou could
see it. The hurt glazed behind his eyes, he still longed for Akane. He still
loved Akane.
They finally reached
their destination, all hustling inside to get warm and out of the rain. Akari
hung up the umbrella, shaking it off. She wrinkled her nose slightly, “I’m
going to find a bathroom. I’ll be right back.” She daintily took a few steps,
heading down the hall. Ukyou squeezed the water from her dress, shivering slightly.
She suddenly felt a warmth rush through her arms. Turning to see Ryouga had
slipped his jacket around her. “That should help to keep you warm, “ Ryouga
spoke, half smiling. Ukyou’s gaze softened, he was sweet when he wanted to be,
“Thank you Ryouga. I thought you- weren’t coming here today.” Ryouga scowled to
the ground, “Well.. Technically.. I’m not here for the wedding. I’m.. here for
an answer.” Ukyou tilted her head curiously, hugging the jacket to her arms,
“An answer from Akane?” Ryouga nodded hastily before replying, “Yes, before she
weds Ranma for the second try. I want to ask her why. W-why Ranma? Of all
people why h-him? After all those that have cherished her, and I’ve never
raised a hand to her or threatened her, why R-ranma? Does it take a
forked-tongue and vile behavior to win a woman’s heart?” Ukyou was about to
respond, “no”, but she’d be a hypocrite. “Ryouga.. if you do this you’ll upset
Akane, you may even offend and upset Ranma,” Ukyou warned him. Ryouga shook his
head, “I don’t care! It’s about time I expressed my feelings. From the day
Ranma first had the w-wedding that went wrong I’ve decided to change things.
When I feel anger I will show it, and when I want to speak I will. I have
nothing to loose anymore.”
Ukyou stared towards
her feet. Was Ryouga’s madness poisoning her too? “Nothing to lose..” Ukyou
mumbled. “T-thank you Ukyou..” Ryouga softly told her. Ukyou turned to look at
him, “For what?” “Helping me when no one was there, may I be forgiven for what
I’m going in there to do.” Ukyou stared into Ryouga’s eyes, locked in a mutual
gaze of insanity. “May I be forgiven as well..”
“I’ll show you,” Ukyou
thought.
She directed herself
towards the grooms changing room. Hesitantly reaching a pale, cold hand to open
the door. Her hand began to shiver. Shaking violently. “Get a grip Ukyou.. your
life was lived in service of Ranma. Ranma is all you know.. my whole life.. for
him.” Ukyou could have cried again, just the thought, but like a trooper, she
opened the door.
Ranma was in front of the mirror, fixing his tie with a side
grin. Typical Ranma hadn’t changed at all. He winked at his reflection. “I do
baby!” Ranma rehearsed. Ukyou shook her head, trying to ignore his words.
“Ranma..” Ranma spun around, his smile never fading, “Ucchan! I’m glad you came
you look… wet..” Ukyou rolled her eyes, “Cut the crap.” Ranma looked genuinely
shocked. This wasn’t like the Ucchan he was use to.. this was sounding like the
old Ucchan, the one who was his rival. Ukyou shook off the jacket, slumping
down in the chair by the mirror, “I have something to ask you Ranma..” She
wasn’t even calling him ‘Ranchan’ he’d expected her to be bitter, but not this
much. “Sure Ucchan, I’m all ears.”
“No, you’re an idiot,”
Ukyou thought.
“Ranma.. we’ve know each other since we can
remember.” Ukyou sighed, running a hand through her hair. She wouldn’t allow
this to be difficult, “Why Akane? Dammit Ranma! What did I have to do to win
you? Slam you in the face like she does? Ruin every meal! Ignore you?”
“Ucchan..” Ranma only responded. Ukyou laughed slightly, never noticing the
tears streaming down her face, “Because I’d really like to know why. Why her?
She promised you nothing. Why her and not me?” Ukyou shivered, she was acting
pathetic. Ranma looked at a loss for words, “Because- I love Akane.” Ukyou
inhaled, her tears streaming down her chin, “How did she win you? Or.. why did
you accept her? Because she was the biggest challenge of us all? I don’t see it Ranma.” “Ucchan, you can’t be
this way, I’m going to be married in less than an hour. It’s.. over,” Ranma
sighed. Over? He made it sound like a game! Maybe for Ranma it had been.. just
maybe it had. It sure felt like it. Ukyou stood to her feet, trudging over to
Ranma, holding to his desperately, “But- God Ranma. I- I love you so much. I’ve
always loved you! I’ve bleed for you, suffered for you. Everything I’ve done
was for you! I designed my life for you!” Ranma tried to push her off, “Ucchan,
get a hold of yourself!” Ukyou screamed, “NO! Ranma, please, just please, run
away with me. I’ll make you happy.” “GOD! You’ll never let go! You’re holding
to false hope! You’ll never be anything but this!” Screamed a loud voice. Ukyou
turned her head numbly, almost weakly, her eyes glazing over the female in the
doorframe. Akane, with tears running down her face, in her beautiful wedding
gown, “I-I mean who the hell do you think you and Ryouga are? Trying to ruin
our wedding day? Get the hell away from him!” Ranma lightly pushed Ukyou away,
despite her pleading. Ranma held Akane, comforting her.
Ukyou dropped her
arms. Watching them exchange their soft words, and affection, their worries and
their tears. What had she done? Was she that much of a fool? She raced out of
the room, shoving Ranma and Akane to move past them.
Ukyou raced down the
streets of Nerima, the rain slamming against her body as she ran. Where would
she go? She didn’t care. The rain hurt, her heart, pierced by a great object.
Torn. She slammed into someone’s back, screaming loudly, “Out of my way!” Her
voice sounded weak, it barely came out, tugged with her choking voice. The man
turned to reveal Ryouga, holding an umbrella. Ukyou swallowed, she had no time
for him, it’s just- when she looked into his eyes, he’d been crying, he looked
like a mess, almost growling, and his fangs present. Ukyou grabbed onto him,
out of the madness of the day, holding him tightly as she sobbed. She didn’t
expect or want him to hug her back, but much to her surprise he did. Quietly
allowing his tears to flow. Ukyou ran her hands to Ryouga’s neck, looking into
his eyes, “I’m leaving Nerima.” She didn’t know why she said that. It was the
first words that came to mind. “So am I..” Ryouga softly told her. Ukyou weakly
smiled, “I know I must look horrible.” Ryouga shook his head, his eyes full of
the sorrow and remorse, as if a love done had died. “No, you look –perfect,” he
told her. Ukyou snorted, hardly agreeing, “I know- we have been friends Sugar,
maybe not the best- b-but we had a mutual goal. One that failed. No matter
where I end up, I’ll always remember you with kind thoughts. You and no other
form Nerima.” Ryouga lowered his gaze, “And I will feel the same for you
Ukyou.” Ukyou released him, pulling back under the rain. “Who knows, maybe we’ll
meet again-“ Ukyou told him, almost as a joke. They both knew this was it.
“Good bye Ryouga-“
“.. Good bye Ukyou..”
Ukyou turned away from
the mirror, rushing out the door to the back stage for the show. She really did
need to stop daydreaming. She had work. The public. And fans! She was already
getting offers for appearances and lead roles in the latest action films. She
even had enough money to run her own food shop. She was on her way to the top..
correction ‘Kaia’ was on her way to the top. She reached the back stage, filled
with anxious models, sneaking peeks from the red curtain to the flashing
photographers lights. The wild color, and music that unraveled the world of
materialism. Camera crews, and directors running in a frenzy, Hair designers
checking each girl for the finishing touches. Other models putting on their
clothes in haste. The same man stepped up to Ukyou, “Okay, you walk out there,
give them your saucy selling look, run here, strip down and get the next gown.”
Ukyou nodded in agreement. She’d gotten use to the nudity. At first she felt
uncomfortable undressing backstage with all those men and women, but they all
seemed too busy- or too use to it to care. He lifted the curtain, a voice
calling out, “And now we begin with our spring attire!”
Ukyou stood tall,
smiling softly as she stepped onto the smooth, cream run way, strutting down
with a confident smile. The lights flashing, all adoring her. “And here’s Kaia,
wearing our newest spring design of chiffon in plum splash.”
. . .
“And here’s Kaia,
wearing our newest spring design of chiffon in plum splash.” The TV blared. A
slender hand reached out, turning off the television. “I hate shows like that.
Priding in all that’s gaudy about America, that’s what’s destroying the image
of America!” The short blonde girl complained. She turned her head to the man
who had an arm over her shoulder. The man had tan hair, his blue eyes settled
to the petite girl. “Right Kevin?” “Sure Angela, anything you say..” he groaned.
Angela snapped at him, turning her head to look over her other shoulder, “Right
Ryouga?” Ryouga was slumped back in the recliner, staring at the tv. That model
seemed familiar. It didn’t matter. “Right..”
“All right, let’s see
here, we’ve got class in an hour,” Kevin reminded them. Angela whined, “I
forgot the essay!” Ryouga shook his head. His green eyes staring out of his
well groomed hair. “I’ve got practice today,” Ryouga mumbled. Angela sighed,
“All right, but Ryouga- no more fighting, no more of those bar fights, or club
fights.” Ryouga raised a brow grinning, “It’s how I relieve tension.” “Ryouga..
if you’re going to be televised at the tournament, you can’t ruin your
reputation. I’m tired of bailing you out.” Angela sighed. Angela looked to
Kevin, slamming a hand hard against his head, “RIGHT Kevvie?” Kevin whimpered
non-verbally agreeing. Ryouga cracked his knuckles, “But I always win.” “That’s
besides the point!” Ryouga stood to his feet, grabbing how of his coat. “Hey,
where are you going?” Kevin and Angela both asked in unison. Ryouga shrugged
his shoulders, “I’m going around town.” “You’ll only get lost!” “That’s the
whole point..”
Ranma and Akane
together flashed in his mind, “Ryouga.. don’t you see how pathetic this is? You
have no say in this, I don’t love you, and I never will! With you being like
this- no one will Ryouga. Be brave, go on.”
Ryouga stepped out of
the apartment, closing the door as he headed for the elevator, pressing the
button to call the elevator. “Pathetic? Me, you’re the pathetic one Akane.
Marrying Ranma. I pity that. I will never forgive you Ranma. Look at me now.
I’m the one with the upper hand. I’m the one laughing now. Away from Nerima,
free.” “Ripper” Ryouga Habiki, one of the top listed martial artist in the
American and worldwide championship. Always televised, always in performance,
driven with a mad passion for fighting. He never meant to be. He was just
fighting, fighting at the gym in Japan. He’d even pay people to fight him. A
scout saw him and took him right from there; Nabiki of course became an agent
for him. She knew all the new talents, when they were found and enlisted. Like
magic. She’d never tell Ranma or Akane that she’d had any contact with Ryouga
though. Ryouga paid Nabiki for silence.
Ryouga inhaled, “No
turning back. I’ll show you..”
By: Peregrine/Alana
Disclaimer:
Ryoga/Ryouga Hibiki and
Ukyo/Ukyou Kuonji are not my creations and are both
Copyright of Rumiko Takahashi.
Author’s note: This story has Ranma and the bunch in a more modernized setting of the nineties, and I’ve kept it where it takes place where the manga left off. Please excuse the changes to the characters and story. Gomen! =( Please don’t hate me!