All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications.
A Different Viewpoint: Curses
and Demons:
Chapter 6:
Johnathon carried a sore and irritated black cat back to their mutual home. "You did great, Misty-chan." He kept her close to his chest with one arm while petting her lightly with his free hand. "You were very brave." Misty gave off a sound that was half purr, half growl, and all tired. Johnathon rubbed her gently behind the ears with one finger. "Just rest now, Misty. You deserve it."
Misty just nodded tiredly and held on to his arm, trying not to think too badly of a certain veterinary. < Dr. Tofu is much gentler with a needle!> She sighed softly. < Of course, the needles are quite a bit bigger in comparison, since I'm so much smaller.> She tried not to wince in remembrance. < How many diseases are there that I needed shots for anyway? I'll be feeling these for days!> Misty closed her eyes. < I really shouldn't hold it against the poor veterinarian. It wasn't his fault.> She tried to rest while her husband carried her but the rocking motion of his stride threatened to make her seasick, as tired as she was. < I'm so glad we're almost home.>
Misty opened her eyes as she noticed Johnathon slowing to a halt. "We're home." He announced unnecessarily as he opened the front door.
Kasumi came out to greet them as Johnathon headed toward the stairs. "Welcome home, husband." She came down the hall, a concerned look on her face. "How are you feeling, Misty-chan?" Misty peered up at her human half and tried to shrug nonchalantly, but Kasumi saw right through her. "Oh my! Poor thing, you're exhausted! Would you like to have a bath before you go to bed, or some food?"
Misty tried not to get upset while Kasumi mothered her, but her temper finally failed. "Meow!" Misty shook her head firmly. < I just want to get some rest!>
Kasumi put her hand to her mouth in dismay at her twin's angry tone. "Oh my! I'm sorry, Misty-chan...."
Johnathon looked down at his feline wife. "What's wrong Misty?" The tired looking black cat lay her head back down in the crook of Johnathon's arm and closed her eyes.
Kasumi hazarded a guess. "Misty, do you want to go right to bed?" The cat nodded very slightly, meowing apologetically. Kasumi shook her head quickly. "Please don't worry about it. You have a good long rest. I imagine that it's been a very long day for you."
Johnathon nodded softly. "That it has. I'll just take her up to bed, Kasumi. Misty needs her rest." He took the exhausted feline up to their bedroom and laid her gently in the middle of their bed to sleep, then softly went out, closing the door lightly behind him. Johnathon walked downstairs and followed the scent of cooking food to the kitchen. "Is that dinner, already?"
Kasumi shook her head. "You missed lunch, and I thought you might be hungry. Nabiki called and said she would be back in a few hours, so I thought I'd make something to pass the time until dinner." Kasumi inclined her head toward the living room. "We've got the house to ourselves. Father is walking the Saotome's back to their house. He'll probably stay the night."
Johnathon nodded. "All right. So... did anything of importance occur while I was out?"
Kasumi nodded slowly, stirring a pot. "Oh my yes. Auntie Nodoka came back from the hotel, followed by Ukyo and Ranko. She announced that Ranko had agreed to marry Ukyo to fulfill family honor!"
Johnathon sighed heavily. "I was afraid that was what would happen."
Kasumi turned to face him, looking up into his eyes. "Why does this bother you so, husband? There is something more to your concerns about this than you've said."
Johnathon nodded slowly. "Yes... I'm just afraid... that somehow I'm going to lose one of you. Misty... and you... I couldn't let either one of you go. I love you both... you're both the woman I love, how could I give either of you up?"
Kasumi tilted her head. "Do you think that you might have to choose between us?" Johnathon's breath caught in his throat as Kasumi's face took on a thoughtful cast. "If you did have to choose... I think... I think you should...." Kasumi's mouth shut suddenly and she shook her head. "No... no, it won't come to that."
Johnathon shook his head firmly. "I won't let it come to that."
Kasumi shivered. "I... I'm scared.... I don't want to lose you either, Johnathon. I don't ever want to lose you."
Johnathon took her in his arms and hugged her. "You won't."
Kasumi nodded and rested her head on his chest, not wanting to him to see the guilty look in her eyes. < Oh gods... I almost told him he should choose Misty... but I couldn't.... I want him! He deserves a real wife, not a cat... I can't believe what a horrible person I must be to think that. Oh Misty... forgive me.>
Johnathon held Kasumi protectively, frowning to himself. < I should have torn that Panda into bite size pieces before I let him split up Ranma and Akane... if anyone tries to take away Kasumi or Misty... I'll kill them. No more holding back.> Something inside Johnathon was shocked at his own thoughts, but he fought it down. < I'm not losing either one of them.>
*************************
Nabiki arrived at the hotel half an hour later and stopped by the front desk to call up and warn Ranma and Akane she was coming.
Nabiki turned to Ryoga. "All right, wait here in the lobby, all right? I want to talk to Ranma and Akane by myself.
Ryoga frowned. "I've been following you around for hours, Nabiki. Why did you want me to come along anyway?"
Nabiki put on a surprised look. "What, and let me walk all around Tokyo completely undefended? Who knows what might happen to a defenseless girl like myself on these dangerous streets!"
Ryoga looked dubious. "I wouldn't exactly call you defenseless, Nabiki."
Nabiki smiled slightly. "Well, you have been teaching me very well... Sensei." She moved closer to him and slowly ran a finger along his shirt. "Perhaps I simply wanted to repay all of your lessons in a... shall we say... more personal manner?"
Ryoga's eyes went wide and he froze. "N-nabiki.... I... I...."
Nabiki snickered. "You really are hopeless, Ryoga." She looked at him seriously, taking a step back so he could calm down. "I have been taking up a lot of your time. If you want, I'll take you out next week as a reward. My treat."
Ryoga blinked. "Take me out? Like... like on a date?"
Nabiki stared at him calmly. "That's right. Got a problem with that, Hibiki?"
Ryoga shook his head violently. "No! No... that's fine, Nabiki."
Nabiki nodded. "Good, now wait here, all right? I shouldn't be long." She glanced around and spotted a bunch of chairs. Nabiki grabbed Ryoga by the arm and walked him over to the chairs and pushed him down. "Just sit there, and don't move, OK?" She glanced around again, grabbed a local newspaper off a nearby table and tossed it to him. "Here, never say I never gave you anything." She walked away, giggling slightly to herself. < I am just so evil!>
When Nabiki got to the honeymoon suite, Ranma opened the door for her. "Hey, Nabiki."
Nabiki nodded to him. "Good evening, brother-in-law. You treating my little sister well?"
Akane came up to her. "The best, big sister. You'd think I was about to be handed a blindfold and a cigarette the way he pampers me."
Nabiki tried to smile at Akane's joke, but it fell flat. "Akane... I'm sorry about Ranko."
Akane closed her eyes. "Yeah...." She sighed deeply. "I... I don't blame Ukyo... but..." Her voice cracked slightly and Nabiki moved forward awkwardly.
She put her arms around Akane. Akane responded
by grabbing Nabiki back tightly, and sobbing softly into her shoulder.
Nabiki froze and slowly tried to relax, patting Akane's head.
"It'll be OK, Akane... everything will work out." Akane held onto
her for several minutes while Nabiki tried to puzzle out what Kasumi
would do in this situation. < Oh well, guess I'll go with
what I know.> "Hey... you still have Ranma, and if I know that
stubborn fool, he'll never leave you, so cheer up, OK?"
Akane giggled faintly between sobs and raised her head. "That was supposed to be reassuring?"
Nabiki shrugged helplessly. "Well?"
Akane smiled faintly and brushed at her tears. "Thanks, Nabiki. I do feel better."
Nabiki sighed in relief. "I'm glad. Listen, you two should be alone. I'll call you when everything is arranged for the trip." She gently extracted herself from her youngest sister and started to back toward the door.
Akane blinked. "Onnechan... you didn't just come here to say that did you?"
Nabiki hesitated. "Uh... never mind why I came. I'll call you guys later." She turned to go.
Akane sighed. "Nabiki, what is it?"
Nabiki turned back. "Well, I was going to ask you if you wanted...." Nabiki hesitated again.
Akane pressed. "Wanted...?"
Nabiki sighed. "Well, the tickets for everyone to go to China put the dojo in the red again... I've been working on a project to make that up... but it's your honeymoon. Forget about it. We'll handle everything."
Akane shook her head. "No, I want to help. Ranko and Kasumi-nechan need to go to Jusenkyo and I need to help them. What is this project your working on?"
Nabiki hesitated, but seeing Akane was serious, she nodded. "OK, I'm putting together a swimsuit calendar... I know what you're thinking, but this isn't like selling photo's to Kuno... I want to do something professional, nothing hentai. In fact, I'm going to be one of the models myself. Ukyo, Ranko and Shampoo are going to do it as well...." Nabiki shrugged. "It'd pay for the trip, and then some."
Akane was looking torn. "I don't know. You said you're going to be in it too?"
Nabiki grinned. "Yup, why let all this beauty go to waste?" Akane glanced at Ranma, who shrugged noncommittally.
Akane hesitated a moment longer before turning back to Nabiki. "Well... you can count me in too... I'm not promising anything, but I'll give it a shot."
Nabiki nodded. "OK, Akane. I should have the details for you sometime tomorrow." She turned again to go, paused and went back to give Akane another hug. "Hang in there, kiddo."
Akane smiled faintly again as she returned the hug. "I will, Neechan, thanks."
Nabiki broke away and went to the door. "I'll call tomorrow. Take care." She went out leaving Ranma and Akane alone once more.
Akane waited till Nabiki was gone, then sighed. "What am I going to do, Ranma? I... we're going to have to see them... Ranko and Ukyo... sooner or later... how can I forgive them?"
Ranma shook his head. "I don't know, Akane. I don't think anyone can answer that question but you."
Akane shook her head. "I want to forgive them... I... love Ranko... and Ukyo... she was... is... my friend. I don't want to hate either of them... but how can I live with what happened?" She turned to Ranma. "Why did they do it? You and Ranko are the same person... why did she do it?"
Ranma looked uncomfortable. "Akane... I don't wanna lie to you... you're right, we are the same person... but I don't know if I would have done what she did. I mean... I love you. Ukyo's my friend... my oldest friend, and she's been there for me, but I don't love her." He shook his head. "Ranko doesn't either... not the way she loves you."
Akane looked deeply into Ranma's eyes. "How can I believe that? She chose to go with Ukyo...."
Ranma shook his head. "I don't know how to prove it too you... except... I... we... chose you. I could've gone to Ukyo anytime. She had as much a claim as anyone... but I never did. I never once chose her over you. I never saw her as anything but a buddy... cause I was in love with you from before she ever showed up here in Nermia." Ranma shook his head. "Ranko didn't go with Ukyo because she loves her more than you. That's for sure."
Akane sighed. "I... I do believe you, Ranma.... It's just hard. I... I understand that your family honor is important to you... I've come to respect how much value you place on honor... its part of why I love you." She shook her head. "But...."
Ranma frowned sadly. "But it still hurts." He turned away. "Akane... honor... mine, Pop's, my family's... they're not worth the price I... we, you and me, all of us, have paid. If I have my way, I'll never, ever, let anyone make anymore agreements based on my honor." He shook his head. "I... I don't want to have to destroy what little honor I got left... you're part of my family now... and my honor reflects on you. I can't break my word, for both our sakes, but I won't be like my dad. I'm not going to make any promises I can't keep."
Akane looked thoughtful, wiping her tear stained cheek with the back of her hand. *Sniff* "I never really thought of it that way... but I guess your family honor is mine now too...." Akane's eyes went wide. "Oh god! That means that every scheme your father cooked up is now my problem too!"
Ranma grinned wryly. "Er... welcome to the family, I guess."
Akane grimaced. "Very funny, Ranma." She sighed. "Is that man's foolishness never going to stop causing us pain?"
Ranma shook his head. "I don't know. I hope so... I guess we'll just have to deal with everything as it comes along."
Akane's face grew ashen. "Oh gods... I couldn't bear another day like today...."
Ranma shook his head. "It won't come to that. Listen, there's nothing anyone can do to take us apart. We're married, I'm a guy full time, even if there are a dozen more fiancees waiting in the wings it don't matter a bit."
Akane looked pained. "But Ranko left...."
Ranma sighed. "For a lot of reasons I think.... Listen... when Cologne used the "Cat's tongue" on Kasumi and told us that Shampoo would be next if I didn't marry her... you said... you said that I should marry Shampoo before letting them both be stuck. Why did you say that?"
Akane blinked. "What are you talking about? I couldn't... I couldn't let Kasumi get stuck forever... I couldn't let that happen to anyone, not even Shampoo...."
Ranma nodded. "I know... and I couldn't either. I'd have married her. We gotta face it, it could have happened. But, I still would have loved you."
Akane buried her face in her hands. "I think I'd rather have died than never see you again. Oh gods...."
Ranma put his hands on her shoulders, kneeling down in front of Akane. "Come on, Akane, pull it together. Are you telling me you'd have just given up then? Just because I was married to Shampoo?"
Akane slowly looked at him strangely. "What... you'd be married to her... what could I...?" She frowned. "No... no... I guess I wouldn't have given up.... I hope I wouldn't have given up.... But what could I have done?"
Ranma frowned. "Come on, its easy, you could of just...." He blinked. "No, that wouldn't work.... Well maybe you could've... um...." Ranma's face scrunched up as he tried to think.
Akane sighed. "Can't think of anything? I should have known."
Ranma looked frustrated. "Yeah, well, I would have... and so would you. We'd have both kept trying until something worked. I bet Shampoo would have helped... and John-san, and Kasumi, and everybody... well not Kuno, but...."
Akane looked curious. "Are you saying that I shouldn't give up on Ranko?"
Ranma blinked. < Was I? Do I really want to have to go back to worrying about sharing Akane with myself?> He looked at the faint hope on Akane's face and sighed. "Well, do you want to give up on her?"
Akane shook her head. "No... No I don't!"
Ranma nodded, swallowing internally. "Then don't. I don't know how... but you'll find a way." < What am I doing?!?>
Akane hesitated. "Don't you mean, we'll find a way?"
Ranma chewed on his lip. "Well...." < I guess, if it'll make Akane happy....> "Yeah... we'll find a way."
*************************
Ranko and Ukyo had been talking nonstop for hours,
rehashing old stories, refreshing old memories. At first it had been
in an effort to avoid the topic of the recent change in the status of their
relationship, but before long they had both gotten lost in the
memories. A clock chimed and both of them looked over too it.
It was already two in the morning.
Ukyo blinked. "I can't believe we talked for ten hours! We'd better get some sleep pretty soon."
Ranko nodded nervously. "Um... yeah, I guess so...." She looked around at Ukyo's spartan room once again. "So... um...."
Ukyo glanced around as well. "Oh, um... I'm afraid I only have the one futon, Ranchan.... We could... we could share it." She raised her hands quickly. "Not that I'm rushing you or anything...! I won't try anything, I promise!"
Ranko coughed nervously. "Er... I thought I was suppose to say that?"
Ukyo blinked. "Oh... heh." She laughed nervously. "I'm just... a bit jumpy. I'm so...." She broke off suddenly, looking away.
"What?" Ranko asked softly. "You're so what?"
"Scared." Ukyo whispered. "Scared that
I'll do something wrong... and you'll be gone again. I... I'm afraid
I don't deserve this... I
don't deserve you." She shook her head, looking at the floor.
"I'm afraid you don't love me, that I'm hurting you by making you stay
with me...." Ukyo's voice dropped even lower. "That maybe this
was never meant to be."
Ranko sat silently listening until Ukyo stopped.
< The worst part of this is... I agree with a lot of that, but....>
Ranko shook her head. "I think I understand why you're scared, Ucchan.
I'm scared too. I'm scared of a lot of things. I'm scared that
I won't get cured. If I'm stuck as a girl, what good am I as a husband?
I'm scared that I'll end up alone in the end...." She shook her head
harder. "But none of that's gonna happen, you know why?" Ukyo
shook her own head from side to side. Ranko nodded firmly.
"Cause we ain't gonna let it!" She stared into Ukyo's eyes.
"We've gone this far, we're not going to quit now!" Not so long ago,
I was sure I'd have to marry Shampoo, go to China, and never see anyone
I care about again... I was
gonna do it too, cause I couldn't let her and Kasumi both sacrifice
themselves for me."
Ukyo blinked. "You were? You were willing to marry Shampoo?"
Ranko nodded. "Yeah. It seemed like the only way... only John-san stopped me. He said there was always another way, and we just gotta keep looking." Ranko paused. "I ain't ever given up, and you shouldn't either. I know you're scared, I am too, we just gotta keep trying. Things may look bad from time to time, but together, we can find a way to solve all our problems."
Ukyo looked dubious. "You really think so, Ranma?"
Ranko nodded. "I know so... and call me Ranko. It may not be the name I grew up with, but its mine now, and I might as well stick with it."
Ukyo blushed red. "I'm so sorry, Ranko!"
Ranko sniffed. "Nothin to be sorry about. Listen, try not to worry so much. Things will turn out, you've got the Ranko Saotome guarantee."
Ukyo nodded. "I'll hold you to that, Ranchan." She glanced down at the futon. "So... about sleeping arrangements...?"
Ranko hesitated. "Er... well... I guess... since we're both girls and all...."
Ukyo waited. "Yes?"
Ranko tried not to blush. "That it'd be OK... for tonight...."
Ukyo smiled brightly. "Sure, no problem. We're engaged, after all!"
Ranko blushed brighter. "Um... yeah... that too."
Ukyo stood up. "OK, well, I'm going to brush my teeth and change. I'll be right back."
Ranko nodded. "Sure, take your time." Ukyo went to the closet, grabbed a long shirt and a clean pair of panties and headed toward the bathroom. Ranko sighed and tried not to think about what she had just seen. < I'll just get in bed and close my eyes before she gets back... that'll work.> Ranko undid her belt and started unbuttoning her shirt.
Meanwhile, in the hall, a skinny and very pale ninja crept toward the door to Ukyo's bedroom. < She's alone! Now's my chance!> The ninja slipped the door open a crack and brought out a camera. Inside the bedroom, Ranko pulled off her shirt and tossed it on top of her pack, leaving her topless. The ninja brought up his camera and slowly focused on the red head's naked back and managed to snap off one shot when suddenly a tanto appeared at his throat.
"Do not move." Konatsu whispered quietly in his pleasant, if feminine voice. The intruder froze and the kunoichi took the camera from his unresisting fingers.
A second later the door to Ukyo's room was pulled open by an annoyed (and topless) Ranko. "What the heck is going on out here?"
Ukyo, pulling on the long shirt she had grabbed, came into the hall. "Konatsu? What happened?"
Ranko looked suspiciously at the thin intruder and pulled off his mask. "Gosenkugi! I should have known. You little pervert. I should show you the way out, through the wall!" Gosenkugi cringed, trying not to stare at Ranko's breasts.
Konatsu gripped the pale boy tighter. "I will escort the intruder out, Mistress, unless you wish to contact the proper authorities?"
Ukyo sighed. "No, just take his camera and kick him out. Make sure he bounces a few times on his trip, though." Ukyo pulled lightly on Ranko's arm. "Come on, sugar, no real harm done."
Ranko shrugged, which had an interesting effect on Gosenkugi. "I guess... all he got was a shot of my back, anyway...."
Ukyo snickered, nodding at Ranko's chest. "At least until you decided to show him the front."
Ranko blinked, looking down at her bare chest. "Oops." She blushed, covering up a bit with one arm. "Er... yeah. Just get rid of him Konatsu. I'd probably break something, and I don't wanna get his blood all over me."
Konatsu nodded, having carefully avoided staring the entire time. "Yes Ranko-san, yes Ukyo-sama. I will ensure you are not disturbed further." He dragged the terrified Gosenkugi away.
Ukyo swallowed and turned slightly away. "Um...."
Ranko blushed and backed into the room. "Er... I'll finish getting ready for bed... could you...?"
Ukyo nodded quickly. "I've got to finish brushing my teeth. I'll be back in a minute." Ukyo headed back into the bathroom and finished getting ready for bed, then slipped back into her bedroom. Ranko was already under the covers and Ukyo decided not to belabor the issue. She slipped under the covers, noting that Ranko was wearing her tank top and boxers, then turned on her side, facing away from the smaller girl. "Good night, Ranchan."
Ranko didn't open her eyes. "Good night, Ucchan."
Downstairs, Konatsu took Gosenkugi to the door, pulled one of Ukyo's spare battle spatulas off the wall and released the terrified peeping tom.
The kunoichi adjusted his grip on the weapon as Gosenkugi turned to run. "Hmm, now how does Ukyo-sama do this? Oh yes...." Konatsu took several fast shuffling steps forward and slipped the giant spatula under Gosenkugi, then swung up and backwards. Gosenkugi went flying into a nearby alley, his fall broken by several garbage cans. Konatsu nodded to himself then daintily and silently slipped back inside.
A cloaked form stepped out of the shadows and slipped over to Gosenkugi. "Did you get it?" A black furred, clawed hand reached out and pulled him roughly to his feet. "Did... you... get it?" The cloaked individual hissed in it's slightly inhuman voice.
Gosenkugi shook his head. "No mistress... Ukyo has a kunoichi working for her. The ninja girl caught me and took the camera right after I took the photo you wanted."
The cloaked female hissed in anger. "So close! So far, everything has gone perfectly! That imbecile Kuno was simple to manipulate and did even better than I'd hoped.... But now you fail!"
Gosenkugi cringed. "I'll try again, mistress. I won't fail you next time."
She hissed in frustration. "Not tonight. Continue your studies of the art of stealth with the old one. Perhaps tomorrow there will be another opportunity. It is useless to try and out stealth a true ninja." She turned away. "Come, I will not be denied my revenge. It is just temporally postponed. Besides, the stage is not yet set. Not until Jusenkyo." She slipped into the darkness. "But if you do not succeed before then, I'll throw you in the spring of drowned rabbit and have you for supper."
**********************
The next morning at the Tendo house, Nabiki was on the phone making arrangements for the calendar shoot. Kasumi, preparing breakfast, couldn't help overhearing. Between calls, she walked out into the hall. "A swimsuit calendar? That sounds very exciting! Who did you get to model for you, Nabiki?"
Nabiki turned to regard her elder sister. "Well, Ranko, Ukyo, Akane and Shampoo have all agreed, and I'm going to be modeling as well."
Kasumi smile pleasantly. "That's wonderful! I'm sure it will be a big hit. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Nabiki blinked. "Well, now that you mention it, want to be a model?"
Kasumi's eyes went wide. "Me? A model? Don't tease me so, Nabiki. I was thinking I could help with the suits, do alterations and things like that. I'm certainly not model material."
Johnathon, coming downstairs, caught the end of the sentence. "Wh? Of course you are, Kasumi-chan, you are beautiful."
Kasumi blushed shyly. "Johnathon-chan, there's no need to exaggerate...."
Nabiki grinned. "Don't take his word alone for it, Sis, you are beautiful."
Kasumi looked pleased, then thoughtful. "Well then, Nabiki, if you really think I'd make a good model for your calendar...."
Johnathon blinked. "Model? Calendar?"
Kasumi turned to him. "Oh, Johnathon, Nabiki wants me to model for a swimsuit calendar she's putting together... is it all right with you?"
Johnathon blinked again. "Swimsuit calendar? Well... you may do as you wish Kasumi-chan, of course, but what's this all about?"
Kasumi smiled. "Thank you dearest."
Johnathon shook his head. "Forget it... Nabiki, you're shooting a swimsuit calendar? That's quite a step up from selling photos of Ranma and Akane."
Nabiki flushed slightly. "Are you saying I can't handle it?"
Johnathon shook his head. "No, certainly you can handle it, Nabiki. I have great respect for your abilities... but why don't you tell me about what you're planning anyway."
Nabiki looked mildly annoyed. "Why? I thought you said you trusted me."
Johnathon paused uncomfortably. "Nabiki, it's not that I don't... I don't intend to stop you... but when Kasumi is involved it makes me feel better to know the details. Indulge me please?"
Nabiki sighed and gave up. "All right, what exactly do you want to know?" What he wanted to know turned out to be quite a bit. Nabiki found herself telling him her plans in detail. She was surprised to find him interested and helpful. Before she had finished, Johnathon had given her several suggestions. Most of them had merely overlapped ideas she had already come up with, but there were one or two suggestions Nabiki decided to try.
Half an hour later, Nabiki was back on the phone, making final preparations for the photo shoot. She then started to call the models, informing them of the first shoot's location and time. Kasumi volunteered to go to the fashion designers and check the suits, as well as making sure they had the correct sizes. Nabiki asked everyone to show up at the fashion designer's for a fitting later that afternoon. The first shoot would be the next morning.
Several hours later, everyone was there at the studio apartment. There was an awkward silence when Ukyo and Ranko met Akane and Ranma at the entrance.
Ukyo spoke first. "Akane... I....."
Akane shook her head. "Don't apologize. I probably would have done the same thing, if I had been in your position. Lets... lets just... try and be friends, OK?" Ranma put his hand on Akane's shoulder reassuringly.
Ukyo nodded, beaming. "Thank you, Akane. It'd like that! I... I don't know if I could be so understanding...."
Akane put on her most cheerful face and beamed back. "I know we'll be great friends, Ukyo! Just you wait!" Ranma and Ranko both flinched, but tried not to show it.
Ranko whispered to her taller twin. "How long do you think she'll last?"
Ranma shook his head slightly and whispered back. "Maybe a day?"
Ranko sighed. "Maybe less." The two of them noticed Akane and Ukyo waiting for them at the door and turned to them. "Well then." Ranko announced hopefully. "Lets get this show on the road!"
The fashion designers were just out of college, and had yet to get their big break. They were putting up the money for the shoot, and producing the swimsuits, to garner publicity for their work. Nabiki had run into them scouting talent at Furinkan and had kept them in mind if she could ever get Nermia's martial artist crowd to work together long enough to complete a fashion shoot.
The designers were ecstatic with their models, and got right to work, enthusiastically measuring and discussing minor alterations to better suit their new models. They were especially enthusiastic over Shampoo and Ranko's exotic looks, although Akane was much admired for her more traditional beauty.
All the prospective models were complimented profusely and enthused over, creating a generally cheerful mood by the time the fitting was completed. The group headed back to the Tendo place together. Ranma and Akane's honeymoon at the hotel was over now, and Kasumi invited everyone over for dinner.
The Tendo living room was quite crowded that night.
Kasumi and Nodoka had gotten out a second table to serve everyone, but
there was still little room. Dr. Tofu had been invited over, and
he and Shampoo did a credible imitation of a happily engaged couple, although
it wasn't difficult to catch Shampoo glancing at Ranma or Ranko, or Dr.
Tofu looking over at Kasumi, when they thought the other wasn't looking.
In fact, just about everyone there was sneaking glances at someone else.
Akane would try not to glance at Ranko, then try not to look sad.
Ukyo tried to concentrate on her red-headed fiancee, and not Ranma, pointedly
trying to ignore her feelings for him.
Nodoka was looking from her son, to her daughter,
and from Akane to Ukyo, trying to convince herself she had done the right
thing. < Yes.> She smiled to herself. < Now that our
family honor has been restored, Ranma's future, and Ranko's is secure.
Who would learn from a martial arts master who had dishonored himself?>
Nodoka easily noticed what was
going on between the two couples, and nodded again. < Ranma
can take Ukyo as his mistress, and Ranko can have Akane for his... her
mistress, when she manages to become a man again... what manly men my sons...
well, son and daughter, are.>
Ranko tried to hide her worried glances at Akane,
but not even Ranma was fooled. He caught her eyes and shared a look
of understanding. Ranko glared at him at first, but she then sighed and
nodded back. Johnathon appeared oblivious to the tension, as did Kasumi.
They both fussed over Misty, neither of them concerned if anyone noticed.
Genma would look at Ranma and Akane, then share a triumphant look with
Soun, then at Ranko and Ukyo, and drool a bit of the thought of free
Okinamiyaki for life. His thoughts were blatantly obvious, and
he didn't seem to notice the cold looks he was getting from nearly everyone
outside of Nodoka, Kasumi and Soun. Johnathon was the least obvious
in his anger towards the man, so that only Kasumi and Nabiki noticed how
tense he was. Soun gazed placidly about, thinking how nice it was
to see everyone so happily together. His occasional thoughtful glances
at Nabiki made her shudder.
< Oh no Daddy. No arranged marriage for me!> Nabiki sighed, looking at Ranma and Akane, then at Ranko and Ukyo. < Look at how well it turned out for them. No! Akane and Ranko still love each other, Ukyo still wants Ranma, Akane's jealous of Ukyo and vise versa.> Nabiki sighed again. < I'd have handled things much better.> She remembered her short period as Ranma's fiancee, and then some of the things Akane had gone through because of it, shuddered again. < Then again, maybe not. I might have gotten killed, cursed, or married to some maniac who wanted to show up Ranma. No thanks!> She glanced at the two couples again. < This is worse than a soap opera, I could feel the sexual tension if I was next door. The four of them should just give into the inevitable and have a four way... otherwise I see an affair, or two or three, in their future.>
Nabiki paused, considering her younger sister for a moment. < I wonder if Akane would go for it? As far as I can tell, she's slept with both Ranma and Ranko. Ukyo wants Ranma more than what she's got... though I wonder if she and Ranko have done it yet?> Nabiki glanced at the chef. < Could she and Akane come to some sort of arrangement?> Nabiki finally glanced at her older sister. < I wonder what Kasumi would say if I asked her advice on this?>
Nabiki watched Kasumi thoughtfully. Her older
sister was currently holding her cat side in her lap while Johnathon fed
her a piece of sushi. < Kasumi has surprised me over and over
since Johnathon first got back from China. At first I was jealous
of how easily they seemed to fall in love. With Ranma and Akane it
was one long, drawn out fight, but with Kasumi and John it was simple,
a few months of Kasumi's dinners, a few dates, and one big adventure, and
that's it, they'll jump on land mines for each other.> Nabiki shook
her head. < I'm glad it wasn't me. If it had been me in
that cell in China, someone might have
died, cause I never would have gone and cursed myself... I don't believe
so... probably...>
Nabiki closed her eyes. < Is that what love is supposed to be like? Sacrificing for your love? Giving up your own life for another? Kasumi cursed herself for Johnathon, Johnathon married Kasumi when he thought she'd be stuck as a cat... what else could make them do that? I've never... felt that way about anyone. I... I care about my sisters. I was starting to become interested in Dr. Tofu... and I gave him up, for them... Shampoo had better treat him right, or...>
Nabiki almost laughed at the ridiculousness of her last thought. < Who am I kidding? Shampoo would make practically any guy happy. I certainly can't say the same. Maybe Shampoo will even get the Doc to forget about Kasumi... well, probably not, about as much chance as her forgetting about Ranma.> Nabiki nearly snorted aloud. < What about me? There are no guys pounding down my door, none that I have any interest in anyway. But... I've been starting to realize... I don't want to be alone. But what do I really want in a guy?>
Nabiki glanced around the tables again. < Just someone as handsome and strong as Ranma, as rich as Kuno, and as intelligent and kindhearted as Tofu or Johnathon... not asking for much am I?> Nabiki rolled her eyes. < Oh yeah, guys like that show up every day! Sheesh!>
Dinner went quickly, and conversation was subdued. Everyone concentrated on discussing the calendar shoot, and the coming trip to China. Nodoka made polite inquires into Dr. Tofu and Shampoo's engagement and their work at the clinic together. They gave equally polite responses. Dr. Tofu smiled gently every time he spoke of his new fiancee, and Shampoo beamed when speaking of her new husband to be.
Nabiki blinked in faint surprise. < Woah,
they've either gotten better at their act, or they really are starting
to fall for each
other!> Shampoo's Japanese had improved considerably as well,
especially around Dr. Tofu.
When Genma had finished devouring every bit of food in reach, he looked interestedly over at Ranko and Ukyo. "So, Ranko, Ukyo, have you two set a date yet?"
They both glared at him, then looked questioningly at each other. After a short pause Ranko scowled back at her father. "None of your business, Pop."
Ukyo cleared her throat. "Well... I was thinking that after we go to Jusenkyo...." She looked at her fiancee out of the corner of her eye hopefully.
Ranko was about to protest, but she caught Ukyo's hopeful expression, not to mention a similar look on her mother's face. < Arrgh! I'm no good at things like this!> "Uh...." She hesitated a long moment. "It's not that...."
Ukyo sighed internally. "I guess we could use some more time... to get to know each other... better." < I shouldn't have pressed her... not with Akane here.>
Akane started to fume. < Why that... that... idiot! He waits over a year before he can even think about marrying me... but one day with Ukyo and he... she... how well have they 'gotten to know each other' already!?> Akane's battle aura started to build ominously, as everyone around the table nervously turned in her direction.
Miraculously, it was Ranma that saved the day. Having been the focus of Akane's rage so many times, he had known what was coming before anyone else besides Ranko. Not being the focus of that anger, he was able to come up with a plan and act on it.
"Hey Ranko! Now that we've had some food, are you up to sparring? Come-on, I've gotta find out how good you are!" He got to his feet and gestured out the back door. "Well?"
Ranko blinked, then jumped at the prospect like it was the last bucket of water in the desert. "You bet, Ranma! But you'd better be prepared to lose!" The two pigtailed martial artists walked out to the backyard, followed by everyone else save Akane and Ukyo. Akane sat fuming, unable to speak or move without doing something she'd regret later.
Ukyo looked worriedly at Akane, trying to think of
something to say to take the edge off of Akane's anger, but nothing came
to mind. < I don't want Akane to hate Ranko or me, but what can
I do?> She sighed. < I should at least try.> Ukyo slowly
walked over to the short haired girl. Sounds of high speed combat
began outside, but neither girl looked, despite their curiosity.
Akane looked up at Ukyo as the chef came to sit down at her side, but she
was equally stumped on what to say. Ukyo sat down next to Akane and
they regarded each other, their eyes emotionless. The okinamiyaki
chef tried to figure out what she was feeling right then, and couldn't.
< It's not pity... maybe Akane deserves some for the hell she's going
through right now, but....> Ukyo discounted it. Whatever she
was feeling, it wasn't pity. < It's not fear... Akane might decide
to attack me... and my spatulas are out by the door... but I'm not afraid,
even if Akane could probably beat me now without them....> Ukyo discounted
fear as well. < I'm just... tired.> She sighed to herself in resignation.
< Is there anything I can do to
fix this?>
Akane was thinking quietly to herself too. < Why am I so angry? Is it at Ukyo?> She thought about it. < No... despite it all, what I said earlier today is true. I would have done the same thing... to get Ranma for myself. Ukyo's honor depended on fulfilling the pledge made between her father and Genma.... She gave up her life as a woman to get her honor back, spent ten years... eleven years now, in her quest for revenge.... Should I begrudge her that? Is Ukyo any less worthy than me?> Akane frowned. < But I am angry... at Ranko... for leaving me, at Nodoka, for forcing her to go with Ukyo... at Ukyo for taking her.... I don't think I will ever forget how bad I felt when Ranko agreed to marry Ukyo....> Akane sighed to herself. < I still have Ranma... and Nabiki's right, he'll never leave me. Ranma's right too, there isn't anything left that will make him have to leave me. Ukyo's claim was the only one left....>
***********************
Out on the porch, those watching Ranma and Ranko found it difficult to tear themselves away from the match, despite the prospect of another, more serious fight starting behind them. The battle between the two pig-tailed martial artists had been spectacular up to now. There had been no chi blasts, no special attacks, just pure combat, in it's most elemental form, fluid and seemingly without end, but as quick as lightning.
It was impossible to tell who, if anyone, was winning. Ranko had the greater speed, while Ranma the greater reach and strength. Both knew the other's moves completely, and could counter anything the other threw.
Johnathon was reminded of matches between himself
and his twin brother. They had some moments similar to this, moments
of brilliance were every move and counter move was itself countered and
responded to instantly, but only moments, a dozen, perhaps two dozen punches,
kicks and blocks in a row, then the moment would be gone. < Every
time it happened,> Johnathon recalled, < Every time we achieved
such perfection, we stopped and contemplated the moment, it was that
incredible. But this... this is beyond any of that.>
Finally, after nearly two minutes, Ranko started to score some hits with her superior speed. Ranma had been just slightly on the defensive from the start, trying to wear his 'twin' down with his superior strength and endurance. Ranko had realized his plan of course, and had kept pushing up her speed, seeing just how fast he could go. With her being on the offensive, Ranma had been able to anticipate her moves to a great extent, and was starting his blocks and evasions early enough that her edge in speed had been insufficient to score a hit, until Ranko had pushed her speed to her own limits, and started to improvise new attack combinations. Improvisation, was ever Ranma's strong suit as well, and before she could manage to do much more damage to him he once again compensated for her speed, anticipating her attacks as before.
Ranma was grinning wider and wider as the fight progressed, and Ranko matched him. < Finally!> They were both exulting. < A worthwhile opponent!>
It had been months since they had faced an equal
in combat. Only Happosai and Cologne had skill greater than them
now. Taro, Herb, and Saffron were challenges, but because of their
greater sheer power, not skill. Ryoga wasn't bad, but he really wasn't
a true challenge anymore. A good workout, but he really couldn't beat them
anymore. This fight on the other hand was something else altogether.
A fight of equals. They were both reaching heights of skill they
had never attained before and
they were in heaven. Their problems and worries, great as they
were, were shoved to the side in the joy of their combat.
The fight went on and on. Ranko got more hits in but was starting to tire. Ranma was starting to feel those hits but he felt he had the advantage and could keep up the pace longer. It was close. Both of them started to slow as fatigue mounted. They had both been pushing themselves to their limits, and it was starting to tell. As they slowed, Ranma's greater strength started to show. He started to get the occasional hit in himself, and Ranko felt each one. They both started to open up their defenses as they tired, more and more blows landed and the hits were harder.
Ranko was knocked halfway across the yard with a sweep kick. When he reached her with a leap, Ranko was braced and ready. A flurry of blows later, Ranma was the one flying across the yard, crashing into the tree. The fight started migrating around the yard, now moving just slow enough for the non martial artists in the audience to keep up with the action. As their bruises and exhaustion started to slow them down even more, both Ranma and Ranko came to the same decision. < This is going to take forever, and we're both going to be nearly unconscious. Time to end it.> They both broke apart, panting. Both of them had taken hits that would have crippled a normal martial artist, but on them, the damage was minor, they'd both recover fully in a day or so.
They faced each other across the yard with identical smirks, contemplating their next move. < The rising blast of the dragon won't work, he'll/ she'll just avoid it. Time for the tiger's roar.> They both started the move at the same time, speaking together, drawing upon their confidence. "Moko... Takabisha!" The twin blasts connected halfway, and there was a flash of light.
A second later Ranko rose to her feet, shaking her head to clear it. < He... he won?>
Ranma stood watching her with a surprised expression on his face. < I won?!>
Ranko resisted the impulse to attack all out. < Sparring, we're sparring!> She forced a smile onto her face. "Nice... nice fight, Ranma... enjoy it, I'll get you next time."
Ranma hesitated, slightly uncertain, then snorted. "Ha, you'd like to think so, wouldn't you? I'll beat you again tomorrow."
Ranko's eyes narrowed in anger, but then she laughed. "Just keep believing that, Ranma, till I wipe that smile off your face."
Ranma chuckled lightly, sensing the tension dissipate. "I'm looking forward to it." He replied honestly, then held out his hand. "Good fight. Best I've had... ever I guess."
Ranko sighed, then grinned. "Wait." She grabbed Ranma's wrist and pumped once. They exchanged a nod and turned to go back into the house. She muttered softly. "I'll beat you for sure next time, damn it."
*************************
Ukyo finally broke the silence. "Akane... I know that all this is really sudden...."
Akane nodded looking sad. "It is... even though I can kind of understand it. I mean... why wait? You've been waiting for so long already, right?" Akane shrugged. "I... guess I was just... angry... that things would happen so quickly for you and Ranko... but they aren't really, are they? You two have known each other for so long... not like Ranma and me when met for the first time."
Ukyo nodded, slowly. "And... there really isn't anything more getting in our way. If you and Ranma hadn't had me and Shampoo, and Kodachi, and all the other things that were happening slowing you down you'd have gotten married months ago, I think." She shook her head. "I know Ranko loves you... and that she's marrying me out of honor, but...." Ukyo raised her eyes to Akane's and held them. "I love her... and I swear I'll take care of her, forever."
Akane swallowed hard. "I know you will, Ukyo. You're Ran... Ranko's best friend, and she cares about you too. I think you two will be... happy." She tried not to choke on her last word.
Ukyo noticed and smirked. "Don't hurt yourself now, sugar."
Akane snickered tiredly. "Too late for that, I'm afraid." The two girls kept looking at each other as if they both knew that there was a lot more to be said, but neither one could put what they needed to say into words. The sounds of fighting from outside finally died down, and both of them turned toward the back yard, expecting everyone to come wandering back inside, when suddenly a pair of chi blasts went off in the back yard. Together they both stood and ran for the back door
As the two tired and bruised martial artists turned toward the house, they were greeted by Akane and Ukyo, who had pushed through the small crowd to get to them. Akane and Ukyo both stopped and regarded the Ranmas, noting the bruises and slightly mangled state of their lothing. Ranko was slightly worse off, her Chinese clothes had half a dozen small tears and her face was slightly blackened from Ranma's blast.
Akane frowned and turned to Ranma. "Did you have to start throwing chi blasts? Were you two trying to kill each other?"
Ukyo rubbed some dead skin off of Ranko's cheek. "Are you OK, Ranchan? What were you trying to do?"
Akane continued to glare at Ranma. "Were you trying to hit the house? We have to live here you know!"
Ukyo frowned, looking back and forth from Ranma to Ranko. "I'm surprised you haven't done more damage to yourselves and the backyard. I thought you two were going to spar?"
Ranko and Ranma both raised their hands defensively. "Hey, we had everything under control!" They glared at each other for a second, then Ranko shrugged. "Yeah, no big deal, I'm fine. We knew what we were doing."
Ukyo hesitated, then smiled. "OK, Ranchan. I guess there's no harm done."
Akane had been about to go back to yelling at her husband, but paused at Ukyo's example. "Ranma...." She sighed. "Next time, no chi blasts OK? I nearly had a heart attack."
Ranma, surprised he wasn't being hit or yelled at, blinked, hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Sorry, Akane, I guess we did get a little carried away...." Ukyo looked surprised at his apology.
Ranko sniffed but said nothing, and Ukyo took her hand. "Come on, Sugar, lets get those injuries looked at, and get you a change of clothes." Ukyo started leading Ranko into the house. "If you guys spar like this every day, you're going to run out of clothes in under a week. You're already sharing one person's clothes. It's not like you've got a lot of spares...."
Kasumi followed after, tsking a bit. "I'll patch your outfit, Ranko-chan. It doesn't look too bad."
Nodoka went over to Ranma. "A very impressive display, my son. You showed great skill and control... although perhaps you were slightly excessive at the end...."
Genma came up with a chuckle. "Nonsense. Excellent fight, son! Keep this up, and you might actually improve!"
Ranma snorted. "Well I'm sure not going to get any better kicking your ass, Pop."
Genma's left eye brow raised and he frowned. "Is that how you respect your elders, boy?"
Ranma glanced back at his father, grinned, and gave a bow, fist slapping into palm. "I'll "spar" with you anytime, old man. Feel up to going a round with me now?"
Genma blinked then started to take a step back. "Ah... well... your mother and I should really get going home.... It's getting late and all...."
Nodoka smiled willingly. "We have a good forty minutes till the train comes, dear. Go ahead. I'll be happy to wait."
Genma swallowed nervously then steeled himself. "Ah... yes. All right boy... it's time to show you your father's not over the hill yet!" A minute later, a sodden panda climbed wearily out of the pond for the fifth time. He raised a sign quickly as Ranma came over to him. * I give!*
Ranma grinned and nodded. "You're right, pops, I did learn something from you today."
Genma swiveled the sign. * Of course!*
Ranma turned away with a laugh. "You've always
got more to teach me about falling into ponds...."
End Chapter 6
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