A WRAITH IN THE NIGHT.
A Ranma 1/2 fanfic
Part two of the Nightmare saga.
By Jason Olin
Once again, these characters aren't mine. They belong to the holy Mrs. Takahashi, Viz, and everyone else who brought the series to TV., both in Japan and on video here in the U.S.
Note: If you haven't read all of the first story, Warrior of the Shadows, this fic will spoil some of it's surprises. I strongly recommend you read the first story before starting in on this one. A saga is always better if read in order after all!
This series ties the end of the manga and the end of the oav together. For example, in my series, the events that occurred with Saffron, took place after the last OAV episode, "The two Akane's, Ranma, Look At Me!". I hope that clears up any possible confusion.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Chapter 1: Victory Celebration
Ranma Saotome did not consider himself to be a social person. He did not enjoy parties or festivals as a rule. Tonight though, that particular mindset did not apply. He found the loud music, the laughter of friends and classmates alike as people talked and exchanged merriment around him in Furinkan's school gym to be infectious. The excitement of the large room was absolutely electrifying and even the normally sour puss Ranma Saotome had to admit he was having a great time.
It might have been because the party was being held in his and Ryoga's honor, but as bloated as Ranma's ego could sometimes be, this time that was not the case. No, this time he found himself having a good time and relaxing around others simply because he was alive and to do so. A few months ago, had things gone differently, he might not have survived to experience this night. The fact that he was still breathing was more than reason enough to give thanks for his life, and enjoy a good time at a social event.
Needless to say, life started to take on an entirely new appeal after someone threatened to take it away from him. He had found this out the hard way when a being calling itself the Shadow Warrior had come into town, flush from victories against three of Ranma's old rivals, whom he had crushed in battle one after another. Ranma had almost been added to that monster's list of casualties and would have been dead meat if it hadn't been for the help of Ryoga, his own innate abilities, and a lot of luck. After discovering that the Shadow Warrior's identity was Pantyhose Taro, the two boys barely managed to dispatch their elder nemesis back to China in broken disgrace before it was too late.
The price for victory had been high however. Both Ryoga and he had been trashed horrendously and the conditions their bodies had been left in had forced them to rest up in the hospital for quite some time. Ranma's wounds had been less severe so he had spent only enough time there to be considered eligible for release. Poor Ryoga on the other hand, had had to stay in the hospital's care for much longer. An injury sustained by Ukyo's attack had hindered him. Because of this, the second fight against the Shadow Warrior had nearly cost him his life.
As of tonight he had only been out for five days and the effects of his regained freedom shone upon his face in the form of a giant grin that stretched from ear to ear. He still seemed a bit stiff when he turned to the side but beyond that, it was very difficult to tell that he had ever been injured. Modern medicine and the best hospital care in Tokyo had done him a world of good.
The school officials had really outdone themselves in preparation of the festivity. The entire gym was lit with celebration signs, confetti, food, and cheerful faces. Outstanding music filled the air and vibrated the windows, care of the top D.J.'s in town and his arsenal of speakers that were strategically placed throughout the room and up in the rafters of the gym.
It was the food table Ranma was most interested in since it consisted of not only Japanese cuisine but also exotic food from Nekonron and the Musk Dynasty as well. Herb and Kirin had attended the party just as they promised they would, though their decedent attire, the formal robes of their respective kingdoms, made them stand out like a sore thumb. Judging by the attention Herb was drawing from the young ladies, since he was the only single one of the two Chinese lords', he was probably counting himself lucky.
Toma, the young prince of Togenkyo was also present, though he had fashioned his appearance to match those of the older Japanese men. His three guards, part human part animal, remained on the watch, their dutiful gaze only occasionally interrupted as a school girl occasionally walked by.
Herb's eyes met Ranma's and even from across the gym, his exotic appearance and feral eyes could not be overlooked. Relaxed as he was, an aura of strength still shone around his form, simmering like heat off a sidewalk on a hot day. Only a well-trained martial artist could see this and Herb's red aura was next to impossible to miss. The dragon's blood of the royal Musk line was overwhelmingly strong, and it looked as if the young prince had been training hard as of late. He flashed a small smile at Ranma then resumed a story he was telling to the gathering of females, who gave him their uppermost attention.
Turning to look at the other end of the gym, Ranma watched as Kirin's wife was trying to teach her husband to dance. Dismayed because he found that he couldn't pick the skill up as easily as some, Kirin was particularly irked as he gazed at Toma who was wooing a school girl several years his elder with his formidable dancing skills. Laughing quietly, Lichee took her husband by the hand and led him off to one of the room's unoccupied corners and proceeded to instruct him where there would not be as many people to watch on as he further embarrassed himself.
Ukyo and Ryoga were having a good time from the looks of things as they somewhat shyly came together as a couple on the crowded dance floor. Neither had ever had any experience at this sort of thing, dancing or otherwise. On top of that, Ukyo was clearly a bit on the self-conscious side dressed in a pretty yet slightly informal dress of an emerald green color. It wasn't something she was used to wearing and her nervous smile showed that to be true. Ryoga obviously enjoyed seeing her in such an outfit, and his pleased expression helped to settle her nerves on the matter. In turn, her eyes sparkled like diamonds at the casual outfit he wore that bulged slightly from his muscled form. He was clad in a brown pair of dress slacks and a white button down shirt. While this sort of dressing was as alien to him as Ukyo's was to her, he seemed the far more comfortable of the two.
Gently, almost timidly, he took her right hand in his own and wrapped his left arm around her lithe waist. Blushing heavily, both fumbled around as they tried to establish a dancing rhythm, each muttering apologies when they stepped on each other's feet. Eventually, they got the hang of it and romantic bliss blossomed between the two of them where nervousness has previously resided. Working into the sound of the music around them, their bodies moved as one, twirling with grace as they danced together, enjoying the moment. They attracted the attention of the rest of the dancing crowd and some gathered around to watch them dance, smiling at the love that was pouring from the souls of the two young loves.
Ryoga and Ukyo had fallen completely and utterly in love via some of the most drastic and horrible of circumstances, but the tenderness they gave to one another had more than made up for the rough beginning. While in the hospital Ranma had divulged his theory that someone had taken control of Ukyo the night she'd gone berserk. Both of them had agreed on that point but neither could figure out who had been behind it.
The sight of the two of them dancing as enough to pierce even Ranma's mentality, and he watched with a small smile as his former rival and his best childhood friend danced on, displaying their emotions as clearly as could be.
"I'm sorry… I'm not very good at things like this," Ryoga apologized, blushing.
Ukyo shook her head in amusement. "Oh, like I am? I grew up as a tomboy, Ryo-Chan. I lived the life of a boy bent on vengeance and that left no time to learn how to dance gracefully and elegant, I assure you."
"Really?" Ryoga's breath was hot against her ear and she felt a ping of excitement course through her spine. "You could have fooled me, Ukyo. You're a natural."
Her face flushed and she moved to lay her head on his shoulder. Oh how he excited her. He had always done so, except during his most pathetic moments, like in the Tunnel of Lost Love.
The first time they had met almost two years ago, Ryoga had attacked her ruthlessly, not realizing that she was in fact a girl. During their brief skirmish, there had been no question as to who was the better fighter and even as scared as she had been on that hot summer afternoon, a small part of her had been attracted to his power and skill. Feeling those powerful arms envelope her form now, she felt almost lightheaded.
"Flatterer," She giggled, inhaling his scent.
"Guilty as charged." She could feel his grin even without looking.
Her grip on him tightened slightly. She held him, recalling, despite herself, the pain and fear she had felt during the fight with the Shadow Warrior. The cost of victory had been almost enough to rob him from her life and she still got a bit teary eyed just thinking about it. Ryoga had endured more than his fair share of suffering and pain over the last few months. He still was not back to full strength and she found himself worrying more and more about his overall welfare.
"I'm so glad it's all over," she whispered, nuzzling him, her hand gently coming to rest of his healing side, a wound she herself had delivered in a fit of madness. She closed her eyes tightly, wishing for the power to heal him completely and erase the painful memory from both their minds.
"You and me both," he replied. "I've had enough fighting and bloodshed to last me a life time. I'm ready to start the next chapter of my life now."
"And what will that consist of?" she asked.
Ryoga looked down at her with his chocolate brown eyes. "Well, living my life to the fullest. I want to be with you, Ukyo. I really do. Do you think we can make everything work out?"
She flushed an even deeper red and pressed tighter against him again, nodding her head. "We'll see what the future holds. For now, let's just dance, shall we? We can sort out the rest tomorrow."
"Do you want to dance too, Ranma?" Akane's voice caught his attention and he turned away from watching his friend to look at her, admiring the beautiful soft glow her pearl colored evening gown gave off as the gym's overhead lights fell around her like crisp moonlight. She gave him a small, hopeful smile and closed her eyes to cover her nervousness. She was still a bit unused to displaying her true feelings for him, but he certainly preferred nervous smiles to thrown fists; that was her old method of covering up her embarrassment.
"Nah, I'm not too good at junk like that," he replied, casting his eyes aside.
"Oh." Akane's bright smile faded some and her posture deflated.
"Hey, don't get me wrong," he said, waving his hand in front of himself. "It's not that I wouldn't want to with you, it's just that I just don't like dancing in general, ya know?"
Akane nodded. "Yeah, it's ok. Don't worry about it." She started to fan herself as a soft sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead. "Man, this gym is kind of hot. I'm going to get something cold to drink. Would you likething some too?"
Ranma nodded. "Sure, thanks."
Akane turned and headed over to the snack and soda stand. Watching from a short distance away, Nadoka Saotome approached her son, placing her hand on his shoulder and smiling gently. "Are you having a good time, Ranma?"
He turned his head toward her. "Yeah. I mean its ok. I guess."
Turning him gently to face her, Nadoka brushed a strand of hair from her face and smiled gently, the same kind smile he somehow remembered since the beginning of his existence. How Genma had managed to end up with her was the greatest mystery in the world. She was certainly more than the old fool deserved. As he looked up at his mother's eyes, he saw that they were shimmering gently and he suddenly felt a bit uneasy. "What is it, Mom? Are you going to cry?"
Nadoka shook her head. "I just can't believe we're a family again after so long spent apart. Please allow a mother to gaze at her handsome son, and be proud of the man he has become."
Clad in a soft yet fashionable summer Kimono, she looked every bit the capable and the determined woman that could live and survive on her own for so long. Day after day she fought the loneliness with the conviction that someday her husband and son would return to her. Her soft, beautiful face shone with just a touch of makeup and she carried herself with elegance and grace, honed after years of practice.
"Oh, I do so wish I had known about the situation you had endured as it was going on Ranma. Aunt Satsuki lives in a very rustic area out near the mountains and didn't have a working telephone at the time. I was unwise to not call in and check on you while I was gone. If I had known, I would have rushed home as fast as I could."
"Don't regret a thing Mom," Ranma said. "There wouldn't have been anything you could have done to stop Taro. Besides, Aunt Satsuki was really sick right? What you were doing was important."
Nadoka's eyes shimmered. "I'm so very proud of you, Ranma. You showed great strength and great mercy in letting him leave after what he had tried to do."
Ranma blushed and started to look extremely uncomfortable. "Mom, is this really the place and time for this?"
Nadoka nodded. "I can't think of a better time to admire my son than on the night a party is thrown in his honor. Do you truly grasp the magnitude of the deed you have accomplished? With the help of your dear friend, you preserved the school from the vilest threat it has ever experienced, saved the lives of your family members and perhaps the lives of many of your classmates as well. Most importantly of all, you got to that Taro boy and brought him back to his senses before he could further hurt himself or others. You're a hero in every sense of the word Ranma. Your father and I are so very proud of you. You really are becoming a man among men."
Ranma scratched the back of his head. "I uh, didn't really think of the situation like that when it was happening. All I kept thinking about was survival and winning… If I couldn't win then I knew I wouldn't have any chance at a future with…" He trailed off and looked beyond his mother at Akane, probably instinctively.
His mother flashed a small knowing smile. "She's a beautiful girl and has the makings of a dutiful wife behind that tomboy exterior. She's got her share flaws, but I've always liked Akane. You're feelings for her are well placed."
Ranma looked stricken for a moment. "Don't tell me you're going to start pushing towards marriage too mom! I'm just not ready to cross that bridge yet. Dad and are bad enough as it is!"
She shook her head gently and Ranma's face turned to one of relief. "You've much yet to learn and live for, my son. A marriage between two as young and inexperienced at living as adults as you two are could hardly hope to succeed. Genma and Soun are starting to realize that traditional, arranged marriages can't be forced or prodded in modern Japanese society. Or at least… I hope they are."
Ranma smiled. "I'm glad you're back in my life mom. I have the feelin' you're really going to be the voice of reason in this crazy household."
"Oh, I'll handle Genma, don't worry about that." Her tone held a promise of pain for her bumbling husband. "You just concentrate on living and getting your way through school."
"I'll do my best," he said.
"Well, I'll let you get back to your friends now. Thank you for letting your concerned mother share a bit of your time. Have a good time tonight, Ranma. You've more than earned it."
He beamed a warm smile. "I will."
She smiled softly in return. "Oh and son, remember that part of having a relationship is doing things for those we care about even if it doesn't necessarily interest us. A good relationship is built off of compromise. That's the key to keeping yourself and your loved ones happy. Remember that."
She winked and turned away, making her way towards a cluster of teachers and parents to join in on their conversation. Blinking, Ranma pondered why his mother had told him that as he looked out at the dancing, fun-loving students in front of him. Had he somehow wronged Akane without even realizing it?
As if on cue, Akane appeared before him with two drinks in hand and held one up to him. "Here's some punch, Ranma. It's got a pretty good tropical flavor."
"Uh, thanks." Taking the cup from her, his hand accidentally ran along her own and he blushed slightly, his eyes moving to look at the floor. He remembered how small her wrists were, how smooth and soft her skin was. His attraction to her overwhelmed him time and time again and he had yet to find a proper way to deal with it.
Akane looked at him with concern. "Are you ok? Your face is looking a bit red. Do you need to get a bit of air?"
"It is a bit stuffy in here," he admitted. "Wanna take a walk outside?"
She smiled, her short blue hair bobbing behind her. "Sure."
They walked outside enjoying the feel of the air as brushed past their skin. Ranma sighed with relief, looking up at the night sky as they walked into the courtyard. Akane held her gown up to keep it from getting dirty and walked beside him, feeling herself relax a bit more away from staring eyes of her peers. The evening stars twinkled above them, serenaded by crickets and other gentle insects of the night. They walked through the grassy area where they often ate lunch, moving among the well-trimmed bushes and scattered trees, enjoying the sounds of nature around them.
"Everyone sure is enjoying themselves," Akane commented, looking up at him. "But you don't look like you're enjoying yourself much at all. What's the matter? Don't take this the wrong way but you usually love being in the spotlight as attention rains down on you."
Ranma pursed his lips. "You're going to think this is crazy but I keep seeing Pantyhose's broken and battered face every time I close my eyes. I'm worried that his injuries might have been more serious than he let on. I know it's strange to worry about a guy who tried to kill me but…"
Akane smiled and closed her eyes, shaking her head slightly. "No, it isn't crazy. You've stuck your neck out for your enemies many times before, and they for you. It's just part of who you are. You can be the most insensitive of jerks, but I also know you have a big heart that comes out when it wants to. I admire your concern for others and I'm proud of you for offering to help him after the fight. Other people wouldn't have been so merciful."
"Yeah, I guess so. But then again, my kindness is probably going to cause Taro more torment than any physical injury ever could as he reflects on his stint as the Shadow Warrior while he heals."
"Good!" Akane exclaimed despite herself. "Just because I don't want to see him get injured further or die doesn't mean he doesn't deserve to get kicked around by his own conscience for a while! He nearly killed you and Ryoga and I hope it comes back to haunt him for years to come."
She suddenly realized how loud she had become and quickly covered her mouth with her hand. Looking up at Ranma's amused expression she giggled softly and stuck her tongue out. "Well anyways, it over and everyone gets to live happily ever after, I guess. That's more than enough reason for this night to be a perfect one."
Ranma shook his head as a slight blush rose on his cheeks. "I um, I don't think it's a perfect night. Not yet. Something needs to be done."
Akane arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's that?"
Ranma slowly raised his hand towards her, invitingly. He recognized the perfect atmosphere and could find no better time than the present to implement his mother's advice. "May I have this dance?"
Her face flushed crimson fire. "Out here? But there's no music…"
His tone was soft and inviting. "We don't need music."
Akane smiled and placed her hand on his as his hand came around to encircle her waist. "What brought this on? I thought you hated dancing."
Ranma wasn't a great dancer by any means but he knew enough about it to create a slow, romantic dance that didn't require excessive moments that would lead him to step all over her toes. His fingers interlaced with hers and he pulled her body a bit closer, looking down into her eyes as the moon glowed upon them like a spotlight. For this moment at least, nothing else existed besides the two of them. For once, the madness of Nerima relented and the two lovers felt their heartbeats quicken as they shared a rarely experienced intimate moment. It was nothing short of heavenly.
Slowly, they twirled in a circle upon the grass as the chorus of night insects serenaded them from the trees. Fireflies winked on and off around them, their golden light only adding more of a magical feel to the area around Ranma and Akane as they gave in to their desires, and bonded together with their eyes and their hearts.
Akane smelled so good to Ranma and he leaned a bit closer, inhaling the scent that rose from her shining hair. She looked absolutely beautiful and even though he couldn't properly tell her so, he needed this time with her so very much. His future had almost been wiped away and the thought of not seeing her again had scared him more than the thought of losing his own life. He wanted to hold her forever and he suddenly held her closer still, until he could feel her heart beat against his chest.
"You're not bad at this," Akane whispered shyly, casting her eyes downward under his intense gaze. He didn't answer, instead he twirled Akane softly around then pulled her back into his arms.
"Now you're just showing off," she giggled.
The dance continued and the minutes rolled by. Neither spoke as a magical connection linked the two teenagers together. They would glance at one another then look away, both still so inexperienced and insecure with the raw and powerful emotions that had sprung up inside of them. There was so much Ranma wanted to say, so much he felt he had to tell Akane. His soul howled for him to spout apologies for years of tormenting her, but no words came out. Looking at her, it reminded him of their first real date several months ago, where he had first realized that within Akane was the makings of a beautiful girl. If possible, she looked even more appealing now than she did then.
It suddenly dawned on him that this party wasn't just about the accomplishments of himself and Ryoga. True, they had defeated Taro, but he understood now that if it hadn't been for Akane and Ukyo encouraging them, neither of them would have survived. In a way, this party was as much for two girls as it was for them. They were the unsung heroes.
"It's because of you." he whispered, despite himself.
Akane looked up at him. "What?"
He blushed and struggled not to look away. He had already started speaking his inner thoughts; why not just finish saying what she deserved to hear? "You're the reason I won Akane," He said softly. "It wasn't only because of my skill or power. I wasn't about to let him take me away from you."
Akane's eyes widened slightly and her lips parted slightly. "Ranma…"
He looked at her with an intense look that strained against his self-control. "I won the battle because I wanted to be with you for the rest of my life. I wasn't about to let him rob me of that chance…"
With a sharp intake of breath Akane stood on her tip toes and pressed her lips tightly against his. Clenching her eyes tight against budding tears; she wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly against her. Taken by surprise, Ranma non-the-less responded to her flood of affection and returned her kiss, gently picking her up in his arms as if she weighed less than a blade of grass. She broke the kiss only to kiss him again, and again, her hands clutching at his clothing. Each time her lips touched him he felt the fire within him flare up, stronger than last. Against his own body he felt her figure tremble and he watched as small silver tears streaked down her soft cheeks as she looked at him.
"I've waited… so long… hoping that you would say those words to me." Burying her face into his chest, she abandoned all her remaining restraints and unleashed all her love upon him. Tomorrow everything would be back to normal and they would once again have to tone down their feelings. But nothing could take away what they were sharing tonight and Akane wanted to milk it for all it was worth.
Ranma smiled softly. "No matter what happens, I'll always be here for you."
"I know. I know you will," Akane whispered, nuzzling against his chest. The inexperienced lovers held onto one another, breathing quickly as they further explored the depths of their love. It wasn't until several of the students came outside that Ranma reluctantly took a step back from her and looked at his watch. To his amazement, he saw that nearly an hour had gone by.
"We should be getting back. The gang might think we've skipped out on em."
"Ranma," Akane said, taking his hands in her own and bringing them to her lips. "Even if we have to keep this to ourselves for now to avoid trouble with our remaining rivals and parents and even if we still fight just as we always have, never forget that I care deeply for you."
"I won't." he whispered.
Heading back towards the gymnasium's door, Ranma cleared his throat. "Say, how'd you like to continue your training tomorrow? I still got a lot to teach you."
Akane beamed a smile up at him as they descended into the crowded, music blaring room. "I thought you'd never ask."
In better spirits than ever before, Ranma and his friends met up on the dance floor and allowed all the remaining stress of the last few months fade away. The chapter of the best time of their lives had begun to open and amidst the smiling faces of his family and loved ones. Ranma realized at that very moment that there was nowhere else he'd rather be. Flashing Akane a small smile, he took his mother by surprise and led her out onto the dance floor.
Akane's proud smile followed him, further lifting him atop cloud nine. For once he knew that nothing, at least for the moment, could possibly go wrong. The gods above graciously saw fit to prove his beliefs true for a change. It struck Ranma, as he continued his rather impressive dancing skills with first his mother then sharing a far more informal dance with Akane, that this was far more than just a part in celebration of life and victory, it was a party of healing.
For a moment Ranma let his thoughts drift to China. No party or victory ceremony would greet Pantyhose Taro back home, but he hoped that the boy at least found the same amount of healing. He uttered a silent prayer for Taro's recovery then allowed himself to further delve into the waning party.