Ranma's Lingering Affection
Chapter 1: Mind and Body
Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma ½ in any way shape or form and I am not trying to use this to make any money. Ranma ½ is owned by Rumiko Takahashi and not by me.
"I'm so happy! My husband-to-be!" Ranma exclaimed, as she wrapped her arms around Ryoga; Looking up at him with only love dancing in her eyes.
"You're awake?" Ranma heard Ryoga ask and saw a bead of sweat roll down his face before looking into the eyes of the one she held most dear to her heart; She mistook the nervousness and fear she saw in his eyes as only his shy nature getting to him and thought it was cute how he reacted to her.
"Of course, and now we're all alone…" she said in a dreamy tone of voice as pushed herself even closer to Ryoga, almost making him fall back on the ground itself. She had her arms wrapped around his neck as she rubbed her cheek against his in a loving manner and continued, "We're in the middle of nowhere. Not a soul for miles around. We can cry shout, or… scream… and no one will hear us."
Ranma listened intently as Ryoga began to sputter out, "Um… yes… that was part of the plan, no witnesses,"
She couldn't help herself from squeezing him even tighter after hearing those words, "Oh, you put it so romantically!" She said right before she felt a sharp pain in the back of her skull followed by the words, "Down, boy! You're the only one that'll be screaming… Ranma! Try not to struggle. It'll hurt less that way."
She put her hands over her heart as she looked at her Ryoga and asked, "My love, what are you saying? Do you hate me?"
She saw him crack his knuckles as he said, "Frankly, Ranma… I'd rather drink sewage than be with you. No offense, but I can't stand the sight of you."
It felt like someone had just ripped her heart out and she knew of only one way to make him happy, "I see… so I mean nothing to you…" She paused and looked up at him with shimmering eyes, "If that's true… if it will make you happy then kill me."
"Huh?" She heard Ryoga ask before following it up with, "What nonsense are you talking about?"
She turned away from him and laid her hands on her lap with her eyes closed as she said, "I want you to be happy. So, let death take me, if that's what you desire." She opened her eyes and looked up at the stars as she continued, "I love you so much. I'll do anything for you… even die…" She closed her eyes again trying to hold back the tears, yet some still escaped as she clasped her hands together in a praying position knowing the end was near for her. She was happy though, in her last moments of life she would make the one she truly loved happy and that was enough for her.
She snapped her head back and smiled as she heard Ryoga yell, "No! I can't do it!"
Hearing him say those words completely flipped her emotions upside down. She grabbed on to his arm as she said, "Oh, you're so cute when you're noble! That's why… I love you… so much." She finished by planting a kiss on his cheek; Making her heart flutter with excitement at finally being able to enjoy a moment with her darling Ryoga
Ranma jerked his head up from resting on his desk, and began to look around the classroom frantically. Upon realizing where he was he quickly buried his face in his hands trying to hide the blush that was spreading across his face. 'Dammit, dammit, dammit… why… why do I gotta keep dreaming about him… stupid koi rod… stupid Ryoga… stupid dreams… I swear I'm going to kill him.'
When the bell rang Ranma grabbed his book bag and ran out of the classroom ignoring Akane and everyone else who was yelling him; He wanted to get away from them all. He was too embarrassed to be seen right now and his face was still on fire from his previous dream. He needed to calm down and get away from everybody. So, he leaped up on the roof of the school hoping to stay hidden for a while. Not only to calm himself down but also, so he wouldn't have to walk home with Akane. He just wanted to deal with this on his own, and not let everyone else know what was going on inside of his head.
He walked over and leaned against the fence that lined the roof and leaned his head back. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about what he did with Ryoga while he was under the effects of the Koi Rod. It started out as only a few dreams every once in a while, but now almost every one of his dreams involved the fang-toothed martial artists. It didn't even matter if he was in guy form or girl form; He couldn't stop them, and didn't want to tell anyone about them as it would be way too embarrassing.
A chilly breeze blew by and the cold air helped him finally start to calm down as the heat was leaving his cheeks. He breathed in deep before exhaling hard and shaking his head. 'dang, that was probably the worst one yet. I can't believe I was going to let him kill me… stupid, Pig-Breath,' Ranma thought before he leaped off the roof; Falling down from the tall building and landing on the ground without even batting an eyelash, he started his journey home, alone.
He was walking on the fence as usual glad that he had finally been able to collect his thoughts enough to look and act normal for the time being. He made it about half way before he came across someone lying in the ground making a huge imprint almost as if they had been flattened by a steamroller; Leaping down from the fence he recognized the Bandanna clad boy and his eyes went wide seeing the lost boy in such a state, "Ryoga!" Ranma yelled before he shook his head and noticed Akane's bag laying on the ground only a few feet away from the lost boy.
Ranma looked at Ryoga; Noticing that it looked as if someone had just beat him to a pulp and worry began to fill his being. He was used to seeing Ryoga come back looking beaten and battered, but it was never this bad. Ranma knew whoever could beat Ryoga up this badly had to be one tough fighter. He pulled Ryoga out of the man-sized hole in the ground as he said, "Hey! Ryoga!"
He looked even closer and could tell something was off, "Geez, he's been knocked out cold." Ranma said before remembering what he said he was going to do to Ryoga earlier. This was the perfect opportunity to do it too, yet he couldn't go through with it. He wasn't a killer after all, and Ryoga could have done all sorts of perverted things with him if he wanted to. He had to give Ryoga props for at least being respectful when he was all messed up in the head. He didn't even want to imagine what would happen if Kuno would have been the one to use the Koi Rod on him instead of Ryoga.
Turning green from that thought, Ranma shook his head before smiling evilly at the lost boy; If he wasn't going to kill Ryoga, he could at least smack him around a little, "Hey! What happened to you?" Ranma asked as he started smacking Ryoga across the face repeatedly, "Ryoga!" Ranma screamed as he brought his arm back and smacked Ryoga across the cheek with all of his force.
Ranma saw Ryoga's eyes dart open and let go of the fang-toothed teen only to watch with wide eyes as Ryoga screamed, "Akane!"
"What?" Ranma asked in confusion; Not knowing what was going on at all. A few minutes later, after Ryoga recovered a little he explained that he saw a man wearing tiger skins attacking Akane, and he intervened and tried to stop him. "So, Akane's been kidnapped, why would someone want to do that?" Ranma asked Ryoga.
Ryoga was using his umbrella to help himself get back to his feet and glared at Ranma for a second before huffing and saying, "I don't know why. At any rate, something wasn't right." Ryoga turned and faced Ranma as he continued, "His strength… it was beyond what any human could possess…" he trailed off as they both walked around a corner and saw Mousse hanging on a wall; Only being held up by the dozens of knives that were sunk through his white robes and jammed into the concrete wall he was attached to.
'Something doesn't seem right… who would kidnap Akane, beat up Mousse and Ryoga… this doesn't make any sense,' Ranma thought as he was helping Ryoga pull the knives out of Mousse's robes; Unlatching the long-haired boy from the wall.
After they got Mousse down he told them both what happened. Ranma chuckled, "You're saying some kid did this to you?" and Ryoga added, "I never realized you were such a pitiful weakling."
Mouse glared at both of them, "You don't understand! This kids speed, it was beyond human," Mousse rose and clenched his fists together, "and, to make my defeat humiliating, he then took Shampoo…"
"Shampoo was taken!?" Ranma asked in surprise, 'The guy must have been really strong to take Shampoo against her will..' Ranma thought not even paying attention to what Mousse was saying until he heard Ryoga ask, "They took Akane and Shampoo to the Cat Café then?"
Ranma was following Mousse and Ryoga along the streets of Nerima towards the Cat Café when Ryoga spun around and yelled, "Stop staring at me Saotome; What's wrong with you!?"
Ranma's eyes went wide; He didn't even realize that he had been staring at Ryoga practically the whole time since they started their journey towards the Cat Café. Ranma corrected himself and snorted as he said, "Nothing is wrong with me Pork-Butt, I'm just wondering how you let a weakling beat you up is all,"
Ryoga relaxed as he thought, 'That's a relief… with the way he was looking at me I was beginning to think he was still under the effects of that damn Koi Rod…' Before he said, "Whatever," and whipped his head back forwards looking away from Ranma.
'I can't believe I was doing that... I didn't even notice it... Argh, it's too damn awkward being around Ryoga now...' Ranma thought as he straightened up and continued following Mousse, towards the Cat Cafe; Making sure to not let his eyes wander over to the lost-boy right next to him.
The three of them were only a short distance away when they heard a girl scream in the Cat Café, and darted forwards trying to make it in there as fast as they could. As soon as Ranma stepped foot inside he caught a body that came flying down at him and stared at a person in a white robe with pointy and scaly armored shoulder pieces.
When Ranma looked down and noticed it was Akane who the person had tried to throw out of the restaurant he became enraged. Akane, even though he may not like her all that much, still had some sort of feelings for her. Ranma heard the robed person say, "Lime, Mint we are leaving."
"Hold on!" Ranma yelled stopping the white-robed person in their tracks.
"What do you want?" Ranma heard that person asked.
Ranma turned and glared at the Robed individual, "This girl, you see, might be uncute, and she's so strong she won't get hurt, but just now; What you did to Akane, you really shouldn't have done that." Ranma then lunged at the robed person, ignoring the pleas from Cologne as he yelled, "So, I will return the favor and throw you out!"
Just as Ranma got close he heard Cologne say that he shouldn't lay a hand on this person but only replied with, "Shut up!" as he tried to punch the robed individual, but was quickly sent flying upwards; Hitting the ceiling in a loud thud. When Ranma fell down to the ground he looked up and saw the individual turn away from him and say, "Idiot." Ranma took this opportunity to attack again, lunging at this person only to get his punches blocked with ease.
This person was so strong Ranma couldn't even keep up with the speed of their attacks, yet he saw an opening and dropped to the ground just at the person seemed to be going for the finishing blow. Ranma used his hands to keep his balance as he kicked them in the chest.
This only seemed to enrage the person he was fighting though as they yelled, "How dare you strike me!" Which was followed by a punch that sent Ranma sailing away from the person. However, Ranma had a handful of the person's robe as he went flying across the room revealing the person to be female as her breasts became exposed for everyone to see.
Ranma stared at her in disbelief as she buttoned up her shirt; He couldn't fathom a girl being so strong. She was really incredible, and the only girl he knew of that could compete with her was himself in girl form. Ranma looked past the irate little pink haired woman and saw her two friends looking at her in disbelief as well, "Herb…" He heard them both squeak out right before his attention was brought back to her.
He saw her battle aura begin to fill the room as she narrowed her eyes at him and started off softly, "You…" then yelled, "You, will be punished severely for that!" right as she launched a blinding Ki attack at him making him sail into the air. While he was in the air she didn't even give him a moment of rest as she flew above him and yelled out, "Ryu Sei Hisho!" and flew around him kicking him right in his midsection.
Ranma got sent flying towards a bucket in the corner of the room and got changed into Ranma-chan. She slowly started to pick herself up and turned towards her opponent, "D-Dammit…" she said quietly to herself as she tried to get up.
Ranma heard Herbs two retainers say, "He, he changed into a woman," and looked over and saw a smirking Herb staring at her right before an almost evil look spread across her face.
'Heh, this should be amusing,' Herb thought right before she called out, "Mint! The ladle!" and held out her hand as her retainer said, "Yes! Herb!" while placing it in her hand. Herb ignored Cologne asking her what she was about to do as she scooped up some water and splashed Ranma.
Ranma looked at Herb like she was crazy when she began to speak, "Consider yourself lucky that I spared your life." Then turned away from Ranma as she began walking towards the exit of the Cat Café, "Let's go, Lime, Mint we are done here. I have what I came for." Herb said as her two retainers packed everything up and started to follow her.
Ranma forced herself up not able to fully stand yet as she called out, "W-Wait a second, our duel still isn't…" she trailed off as she collapsed on the ground and blackness overtook her vision. Herb never even turned back to look at Ranma, she just continued on her way out the door; Leaving everyone else staring at Ranma defeated, lying unconscious on the floor of the Cat Cafe.
Akane and Shampoo we're tending to Ranma; Who was still unconscious, lying on one of the restaurant tables. While Ryoga and Mousse were asking Cologne questions about their recent encounter with the one they knew to be called 'Herb.' "Okay, Granny, who in the world were those guys?" Ryoga asked,
Mousse added, "That kid's inhuman speed,"
Ryoga nodded his head as he said, "That jerks inhuman strength," then looked at Cologne before saying, "and that girl's movements in the air. They can't be human arts."
Cologne looked at the youths sitting in front of her with a stern expression on her face as she said, "They are the last of the Musk Dynasty…" she continued on and explained all about the Musk; How they were said to be a tribe of fighting men who tried to master the Shokei Fist. They went deep into the mountains in order to study and train while adding the special nature and strength of animal to their arts. She also told them how the Musk were said to toss animals into the Nyannichuan at Jusenkyo to change them into their brides. So, their offspring would inherit the traits of their animal brides and become even stronger warriors.
"…As the next successor to the ruler-ship of the Musk Dynasty, Herb inherited the blood of dragons," Cologne said, "It is said that the royal family was the most powerful-"
Cologne got cut off as Ranma spoke up, "Well, isn't that just dandy…"
Cologne jumped upon hearing Ranma's voice and said, "Future son-in-law, you're awake!"
Ranma looked over at Ryoga sitting in the chair for a moment, 'ugh… stupid dreams again,' before forcing the rising heat in her cheeks away and looking back at Cologne. Speaking with determination she said, "I don't care if she's a dragon's descendant or a sea horses. I won't allow this to end with my defeat…"
"But, she defeated you so easily, Ranma," Akane said, but was ignored by everyone as Cologne started speaking, "Well, although I believe it would be unwise. I suppose Son-in-law should fight Herb again." Cologne then added mentally, 'Son-in-law… the way he was looking at that Hibiki boy… it's probably nothing Ranma wouldn't swing that way…'
It was late at night in the Tendo home, and Ranma was walking into the bathroom ready to get washed up and soak in the tub as well as change back into a man. She couldn't stop her mind from thinking about her defeat at the hands of this so-called dragon princess, and when she wasn't thinking about that, her mind would wander off towards a certain lost boy. She was ready to get washed up and take a nice long soak in the furo. Not only to clear her mind, but also to relax her aching body from her recent defeat.
Ranma got undressed and walked through the separating doors and into the furo room; She grabbed a bucket and sat down on a stool, shivering as she threw the chilly water over her head. She washed her entire body before standing up and walking over to the hot steaming water that was in the furo.
She slowly stepped into the water and when she was completely in the furo she closed her eyes and let out a blissful sigh. She wondered why the hot water felt so much different than it usually did against her skin. Right before she realized she still had weight pulling down on her chest and snapped her eyes open as she looked down at herself, 'no… no…. no… I-I can't be… I'm still a girl… what the hell is going on? I can't be stuck… I just can't be… this... this better not be because of that stupid Koi Rod messing with my head,' She thought right before she began to shake and couldn't stop herself from screaming.
Almost instantly she heard the furo door snap open and turned to see her father holding a sign that said, 'What's the matter, Ranma?' and Soun standing right behind him ask her, "What is it, Son?"
Ranma looked at them with horror in her eyes for a moment before saying, "This can't be happening… I'm in hot water and I haven't changed back into a guy…"
Everyone in the household was in the bathroom now staring at Ranma soaking in the hot water and still being female; It only confirmed what Ranma had just said as they all yelled, "What!?"
"What the hell is going on?" Ranma asked herself just as Shampoo and Cologne ran through the furo door. Upon seeing Ranma soaking in steaming water and still female Shampoo said with a worried voice, "Ranma! Is true, you no can change into man?" which was followed by Cologne saying, "I was afraid this would happen."
Cologne was perched on her staff observing the soaking and almost petrified redhead in the furo for a moment before the youngest Tendo girl spoke up asking, "You know something about what happened to Ranma?"
Cologne nodded as she said, "I believe so," She paused for a moment and glanced at the Panda and Tendo patriarch, "Why don't we let Son-in-law get dressed, then I'll explain what I believe to be wrong with him,"
The men in the room nodded as they got up and left the room followed by Akane and Shampoo. Cologne was about to leave the room as well but noticed that a certain redhead was staring out at nothing in shock. She promptly walked over and whacked Ranma on the head as she said, "Calm down Son-in-law; Get dressed then I'll tell you how to unlock your curse,"
Ranma rubbed her head and glared at Cologne before saying, "Thanks, Old ghoul, I think… I needed that," Cologne nodded her head ignoring Ranma's name calling and promptly left Ranma alone to get dressed.
A few minutes later Ranma came downstairs and sat at the table in between her father and Akane across from Cologne and Shampoo with Soun at the head of the table, "Good, now that Son-in-law is here I will explain. I believe Herb, used the Ladle on Son-in-law. It is a special artifact of the Musk Dynasty. Water ladled out of it, becomes mystical water… with the power to lock the form of those cursed at Jusenkyo. By using the Ladle's water on the animals, they had changed into woman by using the Nyannichuan. The men of the Musk Dynasty, would make them stay women forever. That is how they would mate and produce the next generation of warriors for their tribe."
Ranma looked around frantically before standing up and looking at Cologne as she yelled, "B-But, you said there was a way to cure me!?"
Cologne nodded, "I did, and I believe there is one. You see, there is another Musk Dynasty artifact, that can counter the effects of the Ladle." She paused for a moment before saying, "If I remember correctly it was called the Open Water Kettle; Water boiled in the Open Water Kettle and then poured over the affected person will cause the effects of the Ladle to be removed instantly."
Cologne sighed and lowered her head as she continued, "That being said, the Kettle was lost for centuries, as it had switched hands repeatedly during China's turbulent history. At present, I believe it is here in Japan. That is the reason Herb and the others journeyed here. They are looking to retrieve their long-lost artifact."
"So, if I douse myself with hot water from this Open Water Kettle, I can return to being a guy again?" Ranma sighed in relief as she thought, 'That's a relief… I'm glad it wasn't from Ryoga and his stupid fishing pole… I wonder where he ran off to anyway… I hope he's alright where ever he is… argh! This is going to drive me insane, I've got to stay focused on changing back…'
Ranma heard Akane say, "That's good to hear."
Ranma corrected her by stating, "No that's great to hear! So, where can I find this Kettle?"
"To get your hands on the kettle, you will have to fight Herb again," Cologne said, "And, stop her from recovering it."
Ranma crossed her arms as she said without even an ounce of worry in her voice, "That won't be a problem. I wanted to continue our fight anyways."
Cologne looked at Ranma as if she was crazy, "Son-in-law, why are you being so optimistic? Do you really think you have a chance at winning-"
Right as soon as Cologne finished speaking everyone heard someone's voice from the backyard say, "Sounds like finding it, is the only thing you can do, Ranma."
Ranma turned and saw Ryoga and Mousse standing beside each other in the doorway, "We heard everything." Ryoga said which was followed by Mousse saying, "We'll help in the search of the Open Water Kettle."
Ranma's heart began to flutter when she saw Ryoga walk over to her and say, "Don't worry Ranma, I will keep you safe from harm. It's dangerous for a beautiful woman like yourself, to travel alone."
She had to look away from him and focus on dead puppies, a naked Cologne, and Happosai wearing female undergarments in order to keep the heat rising in her cheeks from showing. After collecting herself, Ranma turned and looked at Ryoga, "A-Are you two feeling okay? You're not suffering from a fever or something, are you?"
Ranma never got an answer as Akane walked up to Ryoga and said, "Thank you, Ryoga. When it comes down to it, you are a true friend to Ranma."
Ryoga patted Ranma on the head while laughing nervously from Akane talking to him, "A-Anything for my dearest friend." He said as he thought, 'I kind of owe him anyway, I feel awful for using the Koi Rod, trying to get you to love me, Akane. I tried to kill Ranma while he was like that too… I need to redeem myself then I can go back to making Ranma's life a living hell again, and winning Akane the right way.'
Ranma then heard Shampoo, behind her say, "Shampoo didn't think Mousse was man of fast friendship," Which was followed by Mousse stating with confidence, "I can't believe you just noticed this." He said this as he thought, 'Who cares about the Open Water Kettle. The true objective is the Ladle with its ability to lock one's form. If I were to use it on myself when in human form then I'll never be a duck again. Then I'll be a true man and Shampoo will have no choice but to love me over Saotome.'
Ranma looked at the two boys with a smile as she said, "Thanks, guy's, I guess I'll go pack then we can all head out." She then turned and walked up the stairs leaving Ryoga watching her leave with a remorseful look, and Mousse staring at her with a slightly wicked gleam in his eye.
Ranma was up in her room packing her bag when Akane walked in saying, "Ranma, this is all my fault… I'm sorry,"
Ranma looked at Akane and shook her head, "How is this your fault? This happened because of Herb and his stupid ladle. It is not your fault."
Akane walked over and sat down next to Ranma; She looked off to the side with a remorseful look as she said, "But-"
She was stopped when Ranma cut her off saying with a hint of sadness leaking into her voice, "Hey... do you, think I'm going to... lose to Herb?"
Akane snapped her head up and looked at Ranma while shaking her head, "No, I know you can win." She finished with a smile. When she saw Ranma's face grow into a cocky grin she thought, 'Good… this is the strong Ranma I know.'
Their moment was cut short as Soun came running into the room yelling, "Ranma, if against all odds, you can't change back into a man. I feel it will be my duty, to make you my bride!"
Akane sweat dropped and gritted her teach, and Ranma's skin began to crawl as she started to turn green, "Eew, don't say things like that!" She yelled in disgust.
Luckily, Ryoga walked into the room saving Ranma from the Soun's stupidity as he called out, "Ranma, we better get going."
Ranma practically ran away from Soun as she hastily grabbed her travel pack; From begin distracted by Akane and Soun while packing, she forgot to pack one of the most essential items for her journey. She slung her pack over her shoulder and nodded her head as she started to follow Ryoga and said, "Right, let's get going."
The whole family was gathered at the front gates to the Tendo home watching Ranma and company leave on their journey. Ranma turned back and looked at them with a determined look on her face as she thought, 'I have to turn back into a man… I just have to…'
She got pulled out of her thoughts as Ryoga patted her on the shoulder saying, "It's alright, we'll help you get that Kettle and get you changed back in no time, Saotome."
Ranma looked up at him as she thought, 'Ryoga's so sweet, he really does care about me… argh, dammit... when I was a guy at least I could talk to him without it being so weird... I gotta change back soon or I'm going to lose it,' She then nodded, "Y-You're right, and I'm gonna beat the stuffin' out of lizard-breath too!" She stated with her fist clenched in front of her and a determined look on her face.
Mousse interrupted them as he cleared his throat and said, "If you two are done flirting, we need to move faster if we're going to catch the train."
Ranma tried to hide her blush but only managed to keep Ryoga from seeing it. Mousse looked at Ranma in confusing as he thought, 'I was just joking around… Ranma couldn't actually have been… no way, that's impossible... it's probably just my bad eyesight messing with me,'
Ryoga spoke up with a snort ignoring Mousse's comment as he said, "Whatever, you're right we need to hurry. Let's take to the rooftops it'll be faster that way."
Ranma and Mousse nodded; Then all three of them leaped up on the roofs. Ranma kept a close eye on Ryoga making sure he didn't start leaping off in the wrong direction as they started their long and difficult journey to get back Ranma's manhood.
A/N: I hope everyone enjoyed this first chapter. I love to hear back from everyone, so leave a comment if you want too good or bad. This idea popped into my head when I realized that the Koi Rod event happened almost right before Herb came and locked Ranma. So, I asked myself, how would Ranma react with those memories of her love for a certain lost-boy as she was on the journey with him to get back her manhood? Anyway, thanks, for reading and I wish everyone a late Merry Christmas, and a Happy Holidays to everyone who doesn't celebrate it. I wanted to get this posted on Christmas day, but things happened and I couldn't get around to it.