[Ranma][FanFic] An Alternate History of Ranma 1/2: Chapter Seven

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(All flames will get the sender killfiled.)

Light came through the window signifying one thing.
Morning.
It was morning, and as Soun looked at the light arriving through the
window, he shuddered.
For the first time since his wife died, he wanted to stay in bed and
forget the world existed. Everything that he had worked and sacrificed for
had been ruined with one simple statement. The previous evening had
destroyed many hopes that he had for the continuation of the school past his
daughter's generation, and all because of a curse from China.
The young man whom he had hoped would become his son-in-law, and the
father of his grand-children had become a girl, willingly. In addition, she
was a lesbian, and was now engaged to his youngest daughter who didn't mind.
In fact, Akane was encouraging the relationship and was extremely protective
of Ranma.
If only there was a cure, or something to reverse the effects of the
water, but there wasn't. Genma, his best friend and Ranma's father, had
searched for just such a cure and had failed to find one before arriving.
There was little hope of rectifying the curse.
There was no hope to continue the school, or the line. He should have
realised something was wrong and taken steps to correct it. If he had known
of Akane's leanings and feelings earlier, he would have instituted the
appropriate measures to insure that she would like men. There were signs,
things that he encouraged not realising the eventual effect. Her naturally
violent nature, the tomboyishness that she always displayed, and her vocal
hatred of all males.
His daughter was willingly engaged to another woman, and there wasn't a
thing he could do about it.

An Alternate History of Ranma 1/2:

Chapter Seven:

What troubles me about...

A fan fiction based on Takahashi Rumiko's Manga series, Ranma 1/2

Publishing rights:

By Ichinohei Hitomi

As Ranma and Akane left the house, they were feeling slightly guilty
over what they had done the night before. Everything was going according
to the plan they had come up with the first night and they should have been
well on the way to dissolving the arranged marriage but so far, other than
some protests, their fathers had yet to officially end the engagement. They
were not about to push matters, however, as the air in the house had been a
bit strained.
First, Akane's father had not come down from his room, apparently
preferring the safety of his bed to dealing with the situation. Kasumi even
went up to his room to see if she could get him to at least come to the
breakfast table. However, it was to no avail.
Next, Ranma's father had refused to spar with her, leaving the young
martial artist with nothing to do. It was the first time in memory that
Genma had refused to spar with his child, and that hurt her deeply. Exploring
her feelings was something that Ranma did not have any experience in.
Both girls were left wondering what to do, and since Akane did not want
to go jogging that morning, they left for the breakfast table where things
got progressively worse. There Genma had refused to even look at Ranma, or
acknowledge her existence. To everyone in the family, it was painfully
obvious that he was at the point of denying her very existence.
Although she would never admit it, even to Akane, Ranma was feeling the
loss of her fathers love. Up to this point in her life, he had always
acknowledged her presence and her well being, no matter what the
situation. To have that suddenly taken away hurt worse than any physical
pain she had ever faced. Ranma's opinion on the plan that they had come up
had changed drastically that morning, and she suddenly felt like
she should change her mind and do what their fathers wanted. But it wasn't
her decision alone; Akane's feelings also had to be considered, and she
wanted out of the engagement.
What she didn't understand as of yet was that Akane had already noticed
all that had happened.
Seeing Ranma's expression that morning hurt, and Akane silently took
the smaller girls hand into her own, giving it a small squeeze. Although it
was intended to give Ranma some courage, she could feel the sudden tensing.
Soon she felt Ranma begin to relax as the reassuring message that she was
trying to send got through. She would make sure that Ranma would not suffer.
It was her fault that the turquoise eyed girl was feeling like
this, and she would protect her.
For Ranma, that slight squeeze made her feel better, less vulnerable in
a way. In a quiet voice, she said, "Thanks Akane. I needed this."
Akane put her arm around Ranma's shoulder and squeezed lightly. "It's
OK Ranma. No matter what happens I'll be there for you."
The smaller girl gave a sigh, "It's just that I never needed no-one
before. I don't understand why I'm acting like this."
Akane halted the two of them, grabbed Ranma by both shoulders and
looked her in the eyes. "Ranma, you've always had someone, although you
never knew it before today. Your father was always there
for you, no matter what happened. He loves you, and you always felt that
love, and knew it was there. This morning, he did not show that love, and
you don't know how to handle it as yet. That's what is happening to
you. You are learning to have different emotions, and to deal with them
properly."
Looking into those clear turquoise eyes that were slightly wet with
tears that wanted to be released, but wouldn't come, she continued. "It
helps to talk about it Ranma. It helps to cry. Nobody will judge you
badly if you cry, and sometimes the release feels better than letting your
anger out. If you feel sad, let it out. I'll always be here for you, and I
promise to always try to understand your feelings. Do you understand?"
Ranma sniffled, and the tears started to flow. For the first time she
could remember, she cried, and the years of sadness which had previously been
held in check started to flow. She couldn't stop herself as she
started to sob uncontrollably, and felt Akane's arms wrap around her, seeming
to absorb the hurt and protect at the same time.
***
Kasumi had held Nabiki back when she was about to leave to talk with
her. Although all four of them had discussed many matters the night before,
she didn't want her younger sister taking advantage of Ranma
this particular morning. "Nabiki, I want you to look out for Ranma and
Akane. The events that have occurred so far have been...unfortunate for both
girls, and I don't want them to hurt more than they have to."
Nabiki snorted, "You don't have to tell me. Father didn't come down
for breakfast, and Ranma's father couldn't even be bothered to say hello to
his own daughter. You'd think that he'd be more sensitive to her situation
given that he also fell into one of those pools."
Kasumi nodded, "That's why I want you to watch out for them. Before
they left, Akane was looking angry, and Ranma was trying to bury her
feelings. Both of them do not really know how to handle their emotions; Ranma
because she was raised as a boy, and Uncle Saotome taught her that boys do
not show any emotions; and with Akane, you know that she has very rarely
shown any emotion other than anger since mother died."
Nabiki narrowed her eyes a bit, putting things in place with this smal
speech. "You've never been as oblivious as you make yourself out to be,
have you?"
Kasumi sighed. "No. I know most of what has been going on, and being
'oblivious' allowed me to deal with the situations and defuse any bad
feelings that may have resulted. I think father knows, but if he does, he's
never mentioned it. In case you're wondering, I know that what you've been
doing has been the only way we've been surviving. I'm not saying that you
should give it up, but perhaps you should start looking for something a bit
more honourable to do."
Nabiki looked around a bit as she replied. "I been trying to think of
something else, but I really don't know of any profitable venture that solves
our immediate money problems as well as what I have been doing.
In any case, we should be doing something to try to get father to understand.
Being lesbian does not change who they are, or what they can be. All it
means is that they love each other."
Kasumi sighed. "I'm afraid father and uncle Saotome will refuse to
understand that. At least for now. They've been putting all their efforts
into this marriage in order to combine the schools, and all that they see
is that their dreams have died. Without an heir to the school after the next
generation, the Art will die."
Nabiki shook her head. "Don't they understand that this does not mean
the end of the school? Akane and Ranma could adopt a child, or several
children for that matter. If they decide not to adopt, what about our
children? They could be trained to do Martial Arts and if we do not have
children, then there are the children of other parents."
"They are trapped in the old ways Nabiki. To them, the family line
should have control of the Art, and the premier practitioners should be of
their line. Any other way is to disregard the trust of the Kami."

***
Akane had managed to calm Ranma down enough so that they could continue
on their way to school. However, Ranma still wasn't feeling very well, and
the crying fit she had made her feel a bit weak, at least in spirit. No
matter what, she should not have cried like some little girl. Except, that
was exactly what she was now.
Feeling a bit insecure at that thought, Ranma shifted around a little,
unconsciously snuggling closer to Akane who had her arm around her shoulder.
She closed her eyes, and let Akane lead her as she tried to think about what
was happening with her mind, and her emotions. And if her new body was
beginning to become the bane of her existence. If it was, and her body was
affecting her mind, then what would happen? She had effectively become
female full time instead of only some of the time. "Akane, am I doing the
right thing?"
"What do you mean?"
Ranma took a breath, her eyes still closed. "I know that we want to
get out of the engagement, but the way our fathers acted, we hurt them a lot.
I was always taught not to hurt people unless they are trying to hurt you.
They were excited and thought we would be happy with the arrangement."
Akane sighed. She had expected this, but was hoping it would occur
after school. Even though they left early, it wasn't enough time to really
explain things, or to properly console her friend. "Ranma, trust me, we
weren't trying to hurt them. What we did was right for us at the time, and
we didn't think that the reaction would be this extreme."
She started to stroke the shorter girl's hair. "I don't think you
realise how much you have to learn, how much we both have to learn. I need
to work on being able to really trust others, especially boys, and you have
to work on being able to show and release your emotions. About the only
thing I can suggest for now is to let yourself have those emotions, and to
come to me if you have troubles with them."
Soothed, Ranma let her head rest on Akane's shoulder, "I'll try. I'm
really not used to all this mushy stuff though."
Akane raised an eyebrow and just led her through the schoolyard and
into the building, ignoring the stares of the people around them.

***

He made it back.
Somehow, he had arrived back in Japan without incident, and without
anything embarrassing happening.
The young man growled as he left the boat and walked inland. He had
originally left the islands in a quest to get his revenge for being left
behind, and enduring the humiliation of being called a fool. After all the
humiliation he had taken in the school, this final one had been too much. By
refusing to answer his challenge, his foe had dishonoured him. He had
followed as best he could, and then been given a fate worse than
death. Reaching down to the ground, he picked up a rock, and crushed it.
Now that he was back in Japan, he would find his once rival, and now
enemy.
Ranma would pay for refusing his challenge.
Hibiki Ryouga would make him pay for making his life a living hell.
***
Genma sat in the centre of the dojo contemplating everything that had
happened up to this point.
Since they had arrived at the Tendo Dojo, events had not gone as
planned, and in many cases, had deviated from the normal in a drastic and
heart rending manner. The unexpected rain which caused them to arrive as a
panda and a girl. Akane's reaction to Ranma's girl form and the reaction and
exclamations about his boy form. Ranma's seemingly easy acceptance of the
engagement in spite of earlier protests.
The warnings were there, especially since the boy had been rather vocal
about not wanting to be engaged since he had to search for a cure. If he had
heeded those warnings, he would have realised that Ranma had given everything
up, and that he was essentially turning his back on his responsibilities. If
he did do so, then the boys future in society was over.
Even today Japanese society was a patriarchal one, still dedicated to
the ideals of Bushido, and to the older feudal ways. No matter how much
changed on the outside, or how many ideas were brought in, Japan and her
people would change very little. The people of Nihon knew how to experiment
and try the things that seemed to be of benefit, and then imitate and improve
on the best of the outside world. Progress with limits, understanding with
restraint, the people before the self; this was the way that allowed Japan to
survive through so many centuries.
These ideals were what defined the very being of the Japanese, and it
was seen in the actions of their leaders.
Warriors and leaders were there to lead the people and be their
servants. Their positions of power was acknowledgement of their
responsibilities to the people. There may be huge rewards, but those of
monetary dictate were not the ones that mattered. It was the rewards of
honour that were more important.
A leader knew that they sacrificed themselves before their people, and
they should be the first ones to die. The wrong decision of those that lead
would cause hunger and strife, leading to the destruction of those that they
cared for. Taking responsibility was the first requirement. A leader who
refused to take responsibility for decisions and place himself as the first
sacrifice would induce a moral decay which was more dangerous than the
original pain.
There were times in the history of Japan, the last being about two
hundred years before, where the people choose the wasteful outside ways.
They were willing to sacrifice their people, their country, and their
moral fibre to gain the meaningless trivial of 'prosperity'. Man turned
their back on the fruits of Nature and allowed themselves to have the
audacity to place themselves above it.
Thankfully, whenever there had been the danger of that happening, a
person had shown up to lead the people back to the True Way.
A person cannot give money to solve a problem, they must show how to do
something and teach others how to live with the natural way. In an
impoverished area money leads to moral decay, yet take away that money and
show how to use their resources properly and that place will be more
bountiful than the rest of the country. It is why the Emperor always plants
rice himself, why the farmers were respected beyond all others.
This was the Art of Love.
Was the cycle beginning again?
Japan was becoming more and more like the outside world, and again
taking on their sensibilities. Government officials were willing to be
corrupt, accepting bribes and money instead of acting upon their
honour. Americans were attempting to influence and corrupt the school
system, reducing the education of the young. Companies were willing to
sacrifice the people they had sworn to in order to get more profit. It was
becoming a growing cancer within the people.
Was this affecting his own family?
Was his son the latest victim of this trend?
Genma had taken years of his life, sacrificed and given up his personal
happiness in order to train and give Ranma a moral directive and the boy was
now going to throw all of it away. Because of a curse, an ancient and
damnable curse, he was going to throw away his responsibilities, his honour,
and his very being in order to become a weak girl. As a girl, Ranma would
have virtually nothing. His career choices would be severely limited,
respect would only be grudgingly given, and he would be dependant on someone
else. Ranma would have given up the school and anything meaningful in order
to become Akane's lover.
Who would accept a _female_ Sensei?
Certainly not himself, or anyone who really wanted to learn the Art.
Women were not meant to be warriors, and those few that rose to that
rank were aberrations, to be hidden and denied to the world. Genma would
never permit his son to become a woman; a pale, weak imitation of himself.
How could he even accept a son willing to become a woman? "There is no
choice. I must speak to Soun and we must come up with a plan to return my
son's manhood, or give up any hope of truly joining our families. I will
either have a son, or I will not have a child."
He got up slowly, painfully, and left the dojo. Soun will have to have
come down by now, and they had much to talk about and decide. His decision
was already made.
A faint chill was left in the dojo, and any who entered would have
doubted it was due to the weather.

***

For the students of Furinkan High School, things had changed and no one
was sure if that was better or worse.
Since the start of the term, the school had seen fights and battle to
rival that of any movie, and the action that occurred in the schools
courtyard was always more intense than anything from Hong Kong. After
the first two weeks, most of the girls in the school stopped making bets on
which boy would win, especially since it was obvious that Akane could take on
the entire pack without perspiring. The boys on the other hand...
Well, Nabiki was always making money on almost all of the schools young
men betting on themselves being able to defeat Akane. All of them, at one
time or another, actually believed that they had a chance on defeating the
premiere martial artist in the school. Boxers and fighters, kendoists and
jujitsu practitioners, they all conveniently forgot the years of fights that
Akane had, her expertise with boken, rapier, and most other types of swords,
her ability at hand to hand combat, and how she could adapt to any situation.
Pure arrogance on the boys part easily lead to their being defeated.
The most famous of her bettors was Kuno Tatewaki, the one who had
created this unusual tradition of being beaten every morning.
To every girl who saw what he did and how he did it, shuddering was a
noticeable event. As observers, they saw a man with a misplaced and
unnerving type of love. Of course, they knew he wasn't entirely stable and
did not realise that his actions were wrong, even if he received a well
deserved beating every day. They did have to admit that he was a great
source of laughs however.
So it was with some surprise, that they observed him calmly walking
into the classroom, no exclamations, no unorthodox speeches, and a serious
look on his face. For once, the madness that usually consumed his features
was gone, and the usual air of arrogance had disappeared. His actions could
have been taken as those of a normal and ordinary student, except that wasn't
what he was.
To see Kuno acting like this was scary.
"Good morning, Kuno-chan. I'm afraid I wasn't able to get the
information that you require. Ranma is not feeling up to meeting anyone new
today." Nabiki said as she came into class.
Tatewaki looked up at Nabiki and smiled. "Perfectly all right Nabiki-
chan. I had the night to think about it, and I have decided to challenge
her."
Sighing as she heard this, Nabiki replied, "I don't think that will
endear you to her Kuno-chan. Remember, she is engaged to my sister."
He chuckled, and that was when Nabiki noticed that Kuno had none of his
usual pompous and overbearing tones in his voice. "I realised that last
night Nabiki-chan. What I meant was to invite her to join the
Kendo team, and then train. I have a feeling we can learn from each other,
even if it's only how to accept a defeat."
Taking out a ball-point pen instead of his usual inkstone and brush,
Tatewaki turned to complete the homework he had actually done the night
before.
Nabiki stood there for a few seconds with a surprised look on her face,
and the class shuddered. Kuno acting like a normal person, Akane openly
displaying affection for her girlfriend, and Nabiki being left surprised
and speechless. The constants that ruled the universe they lived in had
changed, and they were not sure if it was for the better.
***
Soun looked at Genma as they sat across from each other, knowing that
they had no choice but to broach the serious situation that faced their
families and the school. Although he would have wished to rest for
a while and let things go as they may since the children had decided to
accept the engagement, their being lesbians was not an acceptable option.
"Do we cancel the engagement old friend. Such action would dishonour both of
us were we to do so, and the girls would renew it when we declared our
decision. Children such as these have a notorious tendency to turn their
backs on the old ways."
Genma winced. "I would prefer that you do not refer to my son as a
girl. At least not yet. Your daughter is the one who has badly influenced
him and made him a girl. If Akane's tendencies could be lessened, or a cure
could be found, then there may be hope for a union left."
"Are you saying that the fault lies with my child, Saotome Genma?"
Came the cautious, but angry words.
Genma pushed his glasses up his nose. "Soun, it is obvious that Akane
has been a lesbian for quite a while now. Your daughters knew it, the school
knows it, and her friends have to know it. It was your daughters who pushed
Akane towards Ranma given his curse. It was your daughters exclamations
about her not liking boys that stands out about that night. Ranma returned
from the dojo still female and told us that he was accepting the engagement.
The talk they had led my son to give up his gender. The fault is with your
daughter."
Soun glowered at the man he considered his brother. "And there is no
fault with your own daughter? Ranma was quick to give up her manhood. She
has remained female since they accepted the engagement. She is willing to be
protected by my daughter. And she was more than willing to defer to Akane's
judgement. Would this not indicate that your daughter had these tendencies
before Jusenkyo, and does it not show that she was only waiting for an
opportunity to let herself be who she is? No, there is just as much, if not
more blame to be given to your daughter since she chose to be who she is."
Just as Genma was about to reply angrily, Kasumi came in with some
beer. "Here you are. Isn't it wonderful how well the children are getting
along?"
Both men just stared at the eldest Tendo daughter, not quite sure how
to take what she said. To them, it seemed that she was completely oblivious
to what was going on around her and to her family. Yes, she had been the one
to initiate the two youngest girls to be engaged to one another. Kasumi had
accepted Ranma naturally as a woman. She was also extremely calm and happy
all the time: Either she was burying the truth deeply from herself or had
not noticed the distress of the family. Probably the later.
"To think, Akane wasn't angry this morning," she continued, "And Ranma
is relaxed because she has a home. I do hope they follow the proprieties of
being engaged however. I certainly don't want them fighting in school
anymore."
Soun frowned, somehow disturbed. "What do you mean by fighting?"
Kasumi's eyes widened a little, "I thought it was all right with you
that Akane fought in school every morning. After all, she has been fighting
most of her life. Ranma fought in school as well when a young man
insulted Akane."
"Ranma defended Akane?" Genma said, suddenly interested in what Kasumi
had to say.
Getting up, she said. "Oh yes. She was angry that anyone wanted to
fight and possibly hurt Akane. I do like the fact that they are sticking up
for one another, but given how lonely both of them are, it was easy for
them to bond quickly."
As Kasumi left for the kitchen, Soun looked back at Genma, "Perhaps we
were too quick to assign blame."
Genma suddenly snorted, "Both are to blame. As of this moment, I no
longer have a son, and I cannot accept that. With your permission, I would
like to search for a possible cure, but it may be a couple of months before I
can return."
Soun relaxed, the situation had not caused a breach in their
friendship, "I will come with you. It is almost time for me to make my
annual journey around the country and check in on the towns that have
requested my help. We could combine our purposes and look into every
possibility instead of only a few and it will be less lonely that way."
The stocky man looked at the thinner one, a slight grin on his face.
"Shall it be like it was when we were younger and training under the
Master?"
Soun grinned in return. "Except for some aspects, I think that would
be enjoyable. However, we must not leave in haste and make plans for the
children to be able to contact us in case of an emergency. While I
agree that their actions are... unacceptable, we should not make it seem as
though we are blaming them."
Genma nodded, not saying that, to his mind, they should have left
immediately.
***
He was staring occasionally at the young woman who sat a couple of
seats over from him, pushing herself into the work that was before her.
Ranma was intriguing. Small, pert, cute, with a very feminine figure,
and an excellent martial artist. She had been able to take on Kuno and
defeat him with little problem, something that the boys had either been
unable to do, or unable to bring themselves to attempt. The mysterious
appearance of this girl had taken the rumour circuit by storm, especially
with some of the more interesting speculations. It was well known that this
new addition to the school was Akane's lover, as demonstrated earlier in the
day. And he was fantasising about her.
Hikaru couldn't help himself.
He knew it was wrong, and that he should not let himself be distracted
by a girl who was already taken, but somehow Ranma triggered feelings within
him that he had never experienced before. Yesterday it was an opening of his
eyes and a feeling of friendship, today it was a protective instinct that he
never even knew he had. Why was this girl that he didn't even know making
him feel this way?
OK, so she was cute, but then again so were most of the girls in the
school. It wasn't as though she had something that the others didn't. While
her figure was a little better, thinner at the waist, and larger in the bust
and hips, it wasn't that pronounced that he would be more interested. That
couldn't be it.
She had come to school the day before in Chinese clothing, but that was
only of passing interest, and it was natural for her to be wearing such
clothes since she had only just arrived back from an extended trip to
the Mainland. She didn't have a uniform at that point, it only being her
first day at a new school, and wearing what she had was to be expected.
Besides, since she now lived with Akane it was possible that all of her
clothes had not yet arrived.
Ranma knew Martial Arts. She had to in order to be able to take care
of Kuno. If the rumour was correct, then the person who taught her was
Akane. Given the youngest Tendo's violent tendencies, and her
deep interest in the Art, that made a certain amount of sense. It even made
the previous rumours that Akane was holding back in order to not seriously
injure other students seem correct. Besides, given the amount of skill
she had displayed the day before, Ranma didn't need Akane's seemingly
superhuman strength.
It just did not make any sense that he would be feeling so protective.
Sighing a bit as the class bell signalled lunch, Hikaru got up and went
over to her at the same time Akane had. Noticing Akane's stare, he cleared
his throat. "Sorry to disturb you, but I was wondering if I could invite the
two of you to have lunch with me. I realise you may not want to, given my
previous stupidity and actions, however, I am hoping we may at least become
friends now that Kuno's statement is declared null and void."
Akane's eyebrows rose, and she asked suspiciously, "You're not here to
challenge Ranma or myself?"
Ranma looked up at her fiancee, "Give him a chance Akane. He wrote a
note to me yesterday and wants to help us adjust to what's going on around
here. Besides, it would be nice to make a few friends."
Akane remembered the conversation that they had a couple of nights ago,
and smiled at Ranma. She knew how lonely the shorter girl had been given all
of the years of wandering she had done, and was willing to indulge her in
making friends, even if it was with a boy who had proven himself a bit of an
idiot. Ranma also had a point; he was trying to apologise, although he didn't
really know how to do it. "All right Ranma, it's up to you. Do we accept his
invitation?"
Ranma smiled back, and then turned to Hikaru. "We accept your
invitation. Shall we go outside while there is still some time left in the
season?"
Chuckling, he bowed. "In the words of a larger idiot than myself, 'In
your noting my grand presence and great ability, I am well pleased with your
decision on where to dine, My Lady.'"
The three of them had a good laugh as they left the classroom.
***
Ranma was in this city. He had to be, given the papers he had found at
Jusenkyo. In them, Ranma's father, Saotome Genma had registered his rival,
his hated enemy, in a school located in the Nerima district of Tokyo. A
place called Furinkan High School. A place that, ironically enough, would be
the end of Ranma for the crimes committed against himself in another school.
Ryouga hated Ranma because of all of the times that he had been beaten
to the last special bread for the day, western style food that was amazingly
delicious, and about all that Ryouga usually managed to get during the day.
In the junior high school that they had attended, fighting during the lunch
break was not unknown, and the cook had a habit of throwing the last of the
specials to the crowd, encouraging the fights.
Ever since Ranma had arrived, Ryouga had never been able to get a hold
of one.
Finally, it had become such an embarrassment to him, the person
who was supposed to be the best Martial Artist in the school, that he had
challenged Ranma to a fight. Ranma had reluctantly agreed, telling him that
he did not want to battle, but if Ryouga wanted it, he would not turn down the
challenge. Glad for the chance to show up his rival, this person
who so casually beat him to the best food of the day, he prepared. The area
where they were supposed to meet was located nearby, in a lot very near both
their houses.
It had taken him three days to get there. Three days of travelling, of
embarrassment, and of frustration. When he had arrived on the forth day,
Ranma had disappeared.
After a bit of fruitless investigating, and finally asking the school
authorities where Ranma had gone, Ryouga had taken off for China, closely
following the trail that had been left by the Saotome's. Always, he was
weeks, or days, behind them. Never seeming to catch up. At Jusenkyo, he had
missed them by only a few hours. A few hours in which he was cursed, nearly
eaten by a tame panda and a Chinese man, and had to dredge his clothes up
without touching that damned water.
Ryouga now hated Jusenkyo, the place that had stolen his humanity;
hated cold water for being able to change him; and hated Ranma for leading
him to such a place.
And he _really_ hated pandas as he never knew that they were omnivorous
before.
Ranma had to pay for this.
He finally approached a school, and being impatient, grabbed one of the
boys. "Where is Furinkan High School?"
Ryu gulped a bit at this crazy person who had just grabbed the front of
his school shirt. If this person was as unstable as he seemed, then it would
be best to get him on his way as soon as possible. He pointed behind himself
to the sign beside the gate.
Ryouga looked up and read the sign. He had found the school, and now
to find his hated enemy. "Where is Saotome Ranma?"
Ryu had now become very nervous. This person was strong, angry, and
looking for Akane's girlfriend. Given how Akane had a tendency to hit men
before talking to them, he wasn't about to stand in the way and get hurt. In
fact, he wanted to be out of this madman's grip and run as far away as
possible. He pointed to a tree where Ranma, Akane, and Hikaru were sitting.
Ryouga looked at where the man he had in his hands had pointed. Under
a tree with his back to him, Ranma was talking to two girls. They were
laughing, having a good time, and were without a care in the world.
This angered Ryouga more than anything else that had happened to date. Ranma
had come back to Japan, back to Tokyo and hadn't suffered a bit. He was here
talking to two of the most beautiful girls he had ever seen, and he was
enjoying himself. Ryouga would have to destroy his happiness.
He let go of the boy he had been holding and started to walk towards
his enemy. Reaching behind himself, he loosed the umbrella that was held
there, readying it for a move that he had learned on the trail of his enemy.
Ranma would be surprised, and hopefully terrified over what could be done
with a simple bamboo staff in the correct hands.
Of course, he wasn't taking any chances.
Ryouga had picked up several tricks, and had applied them
appropriately. Thin silk bandanna's that had been modified and weighted, a
razor edged belt that if held right became a sword, and the umbrella
reinforced with a steel shaft and razor sharp titanium-steel alloy tines.
His weaponry seemed like ordinary items, but was very deadly. Perfect for
what needed to be done.
Running, he leapt upward, the years of doing the Art enabling him to go
beyond what ordinary people would think possible. As he was on his way down,
he started to smash his umbrella. Ranma would pay...

***

Akane was enjoying herself immensely. She had no idea that some of the
boys in the school were actually nice, especially given how they usually
acted around her. For the first time, one of the boys in the school was
actually talking to her instead of about her or trying to beat her up. It
was much more pleasant than having to deal with their usual attitude. Besides,
he had been able to make Ranma happy. For a while the shorter girl had been
able to forget their fathers actions.
Ranma was laughing along with Akane and Hikaru. He was pretty nice,
and he wasn't treating Akane and herself as strange or unusual. In fact,
Hikaru was being very pleasant. A lot of what he was talking about with them
were the stupidity of the boys who wanted to, 'teach those two girls what
real men are.' He had a lot of humility and an ability to laugh at himself.
That was when Ranma sense of danger activated, and she suddenly tackled
Hikaru without really knowing why she did so. All she heard was an explosion
behind her as they fell to the ground. She turned quickly to see if Akane
was all right, scared that something may have happened to her and noticed the
young man in the crater.

***

...All of a sudden, the pig-tailed girl leapt and removed Ranma from
danger, and Ryouga's impact created a small crater in the ground. He had
expected that, after all Ranma was an excellent Martial Artist in his own
right and would not be easy to hit. What he had not expect was a girl
removing him from danger.
Seeing that Akane was all right, Ranma looked up from where she had
knocked Hikaru away. That idiot with the umbrella had almost killed her new
friend. "Who are you and why were you trying to hurt him?"
Ryouga looked at the small girl who seemed somehow familiar. "I'm
Ryouga Hibiki, and I have business with Ranma, who I see is now hiding behind
women's skirts. I knew he didn't have any honour, but to allow a girl to
fight his battles for him? He does not deserve to live."
The named triggered some associations in her memory and she shouted
angrily, "Ryouga, you idiot! I'm Ranma, that's Akane and this is my friend
Hikaru! Don't you realise that you could have hurt us? He hasn't trained in
the Art! What were you thinking, doing such an idiotic thing?"
Hikaru looked on, still dazed, unable to really grasp what was
happening as he saw the man in the yellow and white shirt. The surprise and
disbelief on the face of that man echoed his own internal confusion
and the last thought he had before he fainted was, *He called Ranma 'him'?!?*
***
Hitomi
Ichinohei Hitomi
"The beginnings of wisdom is the ability to always ask questions."