The evening went pretty decent after the near fiasco, Ryoga intended to humiliate Ranma to a point where he would never use his female powers against him, but the date took a more friendly turn when both became used to each other.
In the festivity, many couples tried to socialize and learn how to behave in public. When the martial artists walked by the side of a gathering, they noted pairs of teens dancing at the tone of a romantic song played in the background.
"Is this a love festival or somethin' . . ." Said the redhead as the fanged boy looked at all the people holding hands and moving rhythmically around flowers and pink pieces of paper spread all over the place. "I don't know . . .I've been digging my nose in books and learning how to defeat my fear to girls that I didn't pay any attention to the calendar.
Ranma smiled and wondered at the well known progress in the boy. "An' how did you do it Ryoga. . .How did you beat it . . .I mean, you are Ryoga Hibiki . . .the lost boy." The boy rolled his eyes and focused on her eyes, the way her hair waved with the breeze and the little, shy moves she performed like a tomboyish girl.
"It took me a lot of guts and the help of my cousin. Seems she knows me a lot more than I do and her advice ringed true to a tee. One of the things I like the most, is to search the meaning of the behavior on a friend by looking intently at her beautiful eyes. . .Those eyes tell me how delicate and curious she is when changing into an astonishingly, attractive young lady."
Ranma slowly felt the warm tingling sensation running through her body when every word entered her ears and impregnated her mind with thoughts of cuddly clouds and fuzzy smiles. "I. . .I-I don' know what to say to that. . ."
The boy offered his hand and Ranma deepened the blush even more. "But. . ." Ryoga saw the determined reluctance in her sight, still, the boy felt there was just one more push in her direction. "My cousin told me of how talented and skillful you are when dancing. . .She mentioned about a boy trying to train you into high society dances and a strange way of eating at high speed. . .C'mon Ranko Tendo. . Would you honor me with this dance. . ."
The girl remembered Piccolo and that practice with their flexible mouths and all the perks coming with the training. Ranma knitted her eyebrows questioning his request. "And how do you know that name?" Ryoga smiled and stared back at her, never loosing his confidence.
"Kasumi-san told me of the little tomboyish girl who likes to bath in the koi pond when Mr. Saotome's wife visits the Dojo. . .I think it sounds cute in you. . ." His sneaking grin and the hints about her beauty made the girl feel special and that prideful little weakness inflated even more in her soul.
"Well . . .You are good. . .Ok, let's teach these people how to dance. . ." As a matter of fact, the young couple who most teenagers stared weirdly, began to move gracefully across the floor. As they danced and twirled from side to side, everyone began to walk aside, making a big circle around them both.
During half the song, all the presents cheered and made sounds of surprise at the well performed dance. When the piece ended. Ranma and Ryoga stared at the quiet crowd. "I. . .I think we broke 'em. . .Ryoga." The boy saw how some guys nodded with envy in their eyes blessing his luck and after they began to yell and congratulate them, he felt the pressure off.
"No, I think we are a success. . .Tired? . . .The date isn't over." The redhead laughed openly when all the girls passed by her and patted her shoulder in victory. "Ranma. . .That dress looks wonderful!. . . .Boy, I really should have dated you when I had the chance. . .Hey Saotome, you're the man!. . ."
Ranma never felt this accomplished before. People she knew respected her for what she did and not for the grotesque manipulation society makes about genders. Ryoga saw how those eyes brimmed with tears refusing to spill, but the sensation of realization as a woman made the girl turn on the charm even more.
"C'mon Ryoga. . .I want to enjoy myself like this. . .I want to be "me". . ." The boy lead her to the several food stands and her eyes sparkled with that boy's hunger. Ranko turned around and waited his nod, she could just go and make a pig out of herself, but this was their date after all. . .A new found respect brew between the teens in that night.
"Sure Ranko. . .Go and have fun, don't worry about anything. . ." The girl sped her steps and almost reached her destination but his hand grabbed her before going too far. She questioned his changing mind and a "what the hell!. . ." almost leaves her throat, but the boy walked near her and pulled a big yellow handkerchief.
"Hey! . . .I want you looking pretty, so no dirtying that nice dress. . ." She giggled at his occurrences but ignored the point. "Sure man. . .Thanks . . ." food on every stand began to empty after the twister known as Ranma pounced and handpicked every morsel and treat. The tuxedo boy walked right behind the girl, apologizing to the merchants and handing them wads of cash for the goods eaten.
At the last stall, the girl sat and enjoyed a Yakitori, a Takoyaki and a big watame, which were the attractions from the festival. Ryoga chuckled at the face full of cotton candy and bits of food smeared around her mouth, he walked closer after paying the bill and used the cloth to carefully clean her face.
This was the moment making the girl incredibly uncomfortable. She kept swatting his intent with a hand while juggling the rest of the food with the other. "Quit it Ryoga . . .C'mon! . . .They staring at us . . ." The boy shrugged and ignored the plead though.
"I don't care. . .This is our date and I won't let people see how messy you get when eating. . ." The pampering kept going until the pretty face appeared from its hiding place. "Ok I'm clean . . .Stop it already. . .!"
Ryoga pulled the cloth and set it back in his jacket, the boy walked away from her and into a carriage waiting on the road. Ranma blinked several times and tried to formulate a logic response. "Ryoga? . . .What are you doin' . . .?" The boy walked and opened the door for her.
"Well? . . .The date is not over yet. . .C'mon. . ." All the girls sighed loudly making the redhead inflate with pride and accept that rush even more. She smiled and walked by their side, watching some of them shoving their boyfriends and making jealous faces at her.
"How romantic . . .A carriage for only her. . .How lucky can you get. . .Look at him, they look amazing. . ." The praising made the walk a treat for the girl, who in that moment, forgot the real Ranma Saotome. "Where are you takin' me?"
"It's a surprise. . ." They drove to a more open and public place in Nerima. Hikarigaoka park celebrated the same festival into a much bigger holiday. Many teenagers from several schools assisted in pairs and some played games while others would throw small ribbons with names and good wishes in a lake near by.
The couple walked by the grassy fields and Ranma stared ecstatic at all the attractions. The place became sublime and romantic and that's when Ryoga let out his feelings. "Ranma. . ." The girl turned to see a boy nervous by something.
The time she waited for so long patiently to try and embarrass the boy came and went. That prideful devil sneaked in the recess of her mind and took over, ready for the declaration of love from him. "Wait. . .This is getting out of hand. We are in good terms now . . .I intended to ridicule him and forced him to see me as a girl and he has, but this is goin' too far. . ."
The girl rushed at his side trying to stop him from saying anything else, but he stopped her and closed his eyes at the moment. "Ranma, this is a taste of our friendship. . .I can't deny how much I like you, but you have responsibilities and I am not one of them. . .I know Akane-san is your fiancé and future wife and I commend you for it. . .Take care of her."
"But, I wanted this to be our little personal date. . .Not for love or as a couple. . .More like a friendly meeting that I would like to repeat in the future, If you feel like it. . ." The girl stared back at him stricken with doubt. She believed this to be the magical feeling women experience when in a romantic date, and maybe it was, but she was no ordinary girl after all.
"I. . .I see. . .Thanks Ryoga. . .I really enjoyed the date and yes . . .I would like very much to repeat it again, but. . ." The girl walked cautiously at him, her steps described her intentions for the end of an incredible night.
"Kasumi-san and Nabiki offered you a last gift for their dates. . ." Her flushed face wanted to make her stutter at those words, but she moved closer to him, with the impulse of her heart and the good behavior in the boy. "Am I loosin' this date without my. . .Kiss. . .?"
Both blushed furiously at the comment, Ryoga looked startled at the request while the girl looked to the side, hoping she didn't go too far. "Well. . .It would be my honor. . .But . . .Are you sure? . . I mean, I know you and I know you are more than Ranma Saotome. . .But I'll do it if you feel it's Ok. . ."
The girl nodded silently. No words and no backing out. This time, Ryoga grabbed the sides of her face and before aiming at her lips, he kept staring at those eyes. . .Waiting to meet his. "C'mon Ryoga. . .Do it. . ." The boy didn't move an inch. . .He demanded what he learned from those teachers and nothing would substitute his learning experience.
"Not until you see me. . .I want to see. . . "You". . .Not the girl. . .Not the boy. . .I want to see the soul inside the body. . ." Ranma's red face and trembling eyes told him she was about to run away, but she stood down and gave him what he asked.
Eyes met and the boy saw that essence in the depth of those blue Irises. Her dreams and goals. . .Her wishes to be free and to love. . .Everything lain there, offering willingly at his disposal. "Thanks Ranma. . .That's how I wanted to know you. . ."
The kiss began slow and wary of their breaths and the warm of their bodies. Ryoga stopped playing around and deepened the kiss into a locking of lips making the girl whimper in ecstasy. Ranma opened her eyes at the weak moan and her pupils begged for an apology. . .Ryoga's smile told her he didn't care one bit.
The kiss stopped, but they stayed glued to each other for a moment longer. Ranma kept her arms around and her whispering voice asked him for personal advice from the heart. "What do I do Ryoga. . .I like this feeling, but I am not . . .Me. . .I'm. . .Him. . ."
Ryoga sighed and cuddled on her red flaming hair. "I know. . .I know Ranma. If this gives you any help. . .I do like you no matter who you choose to be. . .Laugh at me or ignore me. . .I really do lo. . .like you. . ." Ranma got her answer and this was the right time to jump away and make her demeaning dance of victory, but she couldn't. . .This was so different from what she thought it would be.
"Damn it. . .I was supposed to make you eat those words, but I. . .I can't. . .I, think. . .No!. . .I do like you too. . .Damn!. . .Everything is against this, even when I know and feels is real. . ." Both boy and girl separated and walked back to the carriage holding hands.
"What's goin' to happen now Ryoga. . .I like doin' this. . ." The boy smiled, showing his signature fang. "I do too, but rest assured. . .I want to keep this with you. . .Go with Akane, have your life. . .I will do the same and if destiny agrees, than, we'll be together again . . ."
The way back gave chills to the girl and the boy felt the shivering. Ryoga took off his Jacket and wrapped it around the girl. This felt so perfect, "she" felt like her life was this. . . "Ryoga. . .If I were a complete girl, would you want to marry me?"
His eyes grew and his smile filled his face from the question. "Dummy. . .You "are" a girl. When Ranma Saotome "the boy" appears tonight, look into the mirror and note the subtle differences from Ranko and I don't mean the obvious ones. . ."
"I mean, the color of your eyes for example. I see a steel blue full of daring and reckless pride while Ranko has a deep, blue hue filled with dreams and aspirations. . ." The girl never heard that before and made her think about all other mannerisms she developed during her two gender sides.
"I'm sure you haven't noticed the way you sway when walking as Ranko and how straight and determined you do as Ranma. I don't know. . .Must be something hardwired in you or something. . ." The girl chuckled and both laughed after the comment.
"Ok . . .Ok, I get it. . .I try to lie to myself, but I really want to learn about this body you know?. . . Maybe the romantic stuff an' the small details a boy does with a girl." Her eyes exploded from the realization dawning in that second and she looked firmly back at him.
"Ryoga. . .Would you let me try them with you? . . .You know. . .Bein' boyfriend and girlfriend hidden from the rest?" The boy thought about it but this was a more serious commitment than a simple friendly date. "Ranma. . .I . . .I would love to, but you have Akane . . .And I have. . ."
The redhead waited for the end of that sentence. Her eyes begged for that answer after all they went through that night and hoped for her friend to be honest about his most intimate desires . "You . . .You have a girl?" Ryoga tried to clear his throat and he spoke clearly and honest at her.
"Ranma. . .Akira and I are going to be a couple. . .I like her a lot and I want to try. . .I could never lie to her. . .Even if I fell for you too . . ." The girl deflated, looking down at the floor. "Sure. . .I mean, it was a stretch anyway. . ." Her young companion held her close as he said into her ear. "No Ranko. . .Not by a long shot."
They arrived to the Tendo Home and the couple entered the house sad at their last conversation. "Then . . .I'll see you later . . .Friend?" The boy nodded and smiled at his title. "Yes, friend. . .I will see you around." They bowed each other and walked in separate ways.
Ranma walked into the living room looking at all the family staring with their own set of questions. "So M'boy . . .Did you make him acknowledge you as a fighter. . .Ranma-kun. . .I'm so glad that nightmare is over. . .Oh, my poor Akane-Chan suffered to no end."
The raven haired girl scoffed her dad's worries and stared at the newcomer with disdain. "Well? . . .Did you humiliate poor Ryoga-kun like you wanted? . . .I'm sure you had a laugh making him see you like an attraction didn't you?"
The poison in her words left Ranko asking the reason for the hate until Nabiki brought a videotape to the family meeting. "Ranma. . .I'm very impressed with your work. . .No one could be as cold as me and yet, here we are. . ." The girl popped the video in the player and the local news appeared in the recording, talking about teenagers in love and the festival at the Nerima Shrine.
In the background behind the reporter, Ranma and Ryoga danced at the pace of the romantic song. . .They looked close and enjoying each other's company. . .That's when the camera man zoomed in and fixed the feed at them alone.
The woman kept talking about how romantic they looked and the unprecedented moment in history. Akane signaled Nabiki to raise the volume at that precise frame and the scene displayed something making her veins freeze.
"Ladies and gentlemen. . .I have received information from one of the students who is friends with that girl. Apparently she "was" a boy who underwent transgender surgery. . .This is the first reported case for this kind of procedures to date. . .Poor guy. . .I hope he knows what is going on in his date. . .What! . . .He knows. . .Well! . . .This is something you don't see everyday . . .Back to you Misato-san. . ."
The tape stopped and Ranma stared, petrified at the T.V. set. Akane walked at her side and snapped her forcibly into reality. "By the way. . .Principal Kuno called. . .You are Ranko Tendo now and your records have been changed in school. . .Your female uniform will arrive tomorrow."
Genma flexed his muscles and bragged at the prowess of his son unknowingly. "Yes! . . .My son is famous . . .He is on TV an' everyone praise him as a celebrity. . .Finally!. . ." His friend of years walked with a big sweat drop showing his wrong assessment on the situation.
"Saotome-kun . . .I don't think he's been praised at all . . .As a matter of fact, he's been ridiculed on national TV. . ." The man fumed and demanded his own version of the facts. Ranma sighed and walked to the guestroom, defeated for her first try at understanding her curse secretly.
The girl changed into the boy and his eyes stared back in the mirror, remembering what Ryoga said. In fact, something hit him deep inside. Ranko was willing to play all out for the feeling to know what a girl would feel like.
Ranma hardened his eyes and his ire reached new heights. "This is all his fault! . . .Damn Ryoga and his stupid date . . .He will pay for this. . ." His subconscious told him those subtle differences between his two sides were what kept the boy in the lead with his manliness ans pride. Ranma's ego prevailed above everything else, just like Ranko's desire to be free.
At the same time, Ryoga arrived to his home. Akira looked into the nightly sky from the window upstairs. They met, and his feelings flared at the girl. "Ryoga. . .I know you love her, so . . .I'll let you be and. . ." She wanted to say her goodbyes. There was nothing left for her in that world, but the kiss forced her to re-think her strategy.
He lifted the small girl and dropped her gently on the bed, then he lay down at her side and stared at those strange red eyes with fascination. The girl felt the blush creep in her face, feeling his scrutinizing gaze. "Why are you looking at me like that? . . ."
"I learned from teachers and books. . .One thing I liked from my teachings is the skill I learned to understand a person by looking at their eyes. . .That's how I knew you were telling the truth. . .And that's how I know how much I hurt you tonight. . ."
The boy hugged her and stayed at her side, enjoying her warming body and the kisses she so desperately needed. There were no physical, intimate touch but the kisses and cuddling, but they figured this was the first time going that far.
Ryoga sensed something else entirely and he stopped cuddling with her to ask her his doubt. "Aki-Chan . . .Wait. . .I can't keep doing this. . ." The girl felt self-conscious about not being a real girl and all that, the boy chuckled and dismissed her idea.
"No. . .Is not that. . .I told you I like you either way. . .I think we have Ranma to blame for that . . ." They both laughed and the girl kept quiet, expecting his bothering problem. "Akira. . .I am for romanticism and being boyfriends, but I must ask . . .How old are you?"
The girl gaped at the question which didn't exist in her mind at the moment. "Wait . . .This is about my age? . . .No, you don't understand. . .I'm very old, but you know . . .When that happened, he locked me like this . . .I . . ." She tried to make sure he understood her mental age, but the boy shook his head nervously. "Aki-Chan. . .No one will believe me if I went all the way with a fifteen year old girl. . .You know what would happen to me?. . .I can be with you and we can try to be friends, but there can't be nothing else at least not right now. . ."
The girl laid there, at his side and scoffed at her luck. "Damn, I did not think about that. . .Guess we stay brother and sister for now. . ." The boy kissed her on the forehead and wished to be more than just that, she accepted his love even when there was nothing to be done for it.
"By the way . . .Did you know you were on TV? . . ." They talked about Ranma's new predicament and the future implications with him. The boy expected the mighty Ranma Saotome's enraged attitude from now on and he knew everything was headed that way.
The next morning , Akane rushed to school alone leaving Ranma behind. The redhead managed to find her before arriving to classes and the girl wondered about the attitude. "What's with you? . . ." The girl kept a straight face, focusing only on the road.
"Sorry Ranma, but since that report, dad has received complaints from the town council about his "poor" choice on his son in law and threatened to kick him out. . .Dad wants me to stay away from you until all this is cleared up. . ."
Ranma growled and blamed the only culprit for her problems. "Damn Ryoga. . .He's goin' to pay for this . . .I swear . . ." The girl changed suddenly and stared at the girl. "Ryoga? . . .You were the one accepting his date and forced him to take you out . . .If there is one person to blame, that would be you . . ."
The sensation of inflated pride began to be replaced for something else. . .Something hidden even deeper down. Ranma's depression began to set and the girl felt how everyone stared and laughed at what she believed was the greatest night of her life. When she arrived to the school, Principal Kuno took her aside and a pretty Ranko in a dress walked through the halls of the building.
The result was the same. Teenage students congratulated her for coming out of the closet and show to the world her true colors, but her depression saw differently. Deformed faces from boys and demonic contorted girls laughed and pointed at her in mocking disdain.
She never felt this bad in her life before. . .Well there was one occasion. . .That time when "him" learned the ShiShi-Hokodan and she felt depressed by her constant losses. The girl passed through the first class like in a dream. On the second class, something changed in the classroom.
"Now boys and girls. . .We have a new addition to the class. . .His name is Ryoga Hibiki who has transferred from Hokkaido. . .Please Ryoga, take your seat. . ." The boy walked all the way to the back of the class and stared at the window, completely ignoring all other students.
Ranma felt the hate and humiliation creep and waited anxious for the bell to ring. Recess came and the girl rushed outside. A few minutes later, the fanged boy walked distracted from where he was walking. "Ryoga! . . .I challenge you to a fight . . ."
The idea was simple. What better embarrassing demonstration could be than being beaten by a girl in front of all the male students. Ryoga accepted the challenge and walked before the girl. All the boys and girls gather around, they knew Ranma would mop the floor with him and the humiliation was ready for the lost boy.
The girl fought without any restraint, punching all over him. Ryoga never raised his hands, letting the hits bathe him until dropping again against the ground. A tired Ranko Tendo smiled triumphant at the obvious outcome, only this time the boy got up and didn't move from his place.
"Sorry Ranko. . .You need to release that pent up stress. . .I can see it in your eyes. . .Go ahead. . .I can take it. . ."
The girl growled at the carefree demeanor on him and lunged even faster and harder. The last punch made Ryoga recoil back and blood flew, splattering on the floor. The girls gasped and covered her mouth in shame. Some ran at him and, taking some of their tissues, began to clean him.
"Stop it Ranma. . .You'll kill him . . ." The redhead felt cornered by the action on the girls. She tried to explain it was her honor she was avenging, but she ended up being the bad guy again. The depression grew even more and the girl ran away. . . Into the football field.
She grabbed her head and crouched near the goalie. The students playing and walking by, stared at her and talked like she was crazy. The feeling crept even deeper to a point where she wanted to run away from everything and everyone who knew her.
In that precise moment, a hand grabbed her when she tried to hit herself. The embrace came fast and the voice begged for mercy. "Please Ranko, don't you ever do that. . .Calm down, please. . ." Ranma felt that familiar chest and the breathing of her friend.
She looked up and saw the bloodied face of her old pal. "I. . .I feel like cryin' . . .Why do I feel like cryin' Ryoga?" The boy shushed her, rocking her trembling body from side to side, calming her depressive state. "It's normal. . .That's the first symptom from stress derived by depression . . .I should know . . ."
People kept staring, but his arms protected her from any incoming attack. "What do I do . . .everyone is against me. . .I'm even against me. . ." The chuckle felt more like a desperate cry for help and the boy knew what to do.
"First, we need to find a way for you to cope with your depressive fits, that's the most important thing right now. The next part you are going to love. . .Wait for tonight and you'll see, just have faith in me, Ok?" The girl nodded while the boy used his fingers to clean her tears.
"And no more crying. . .Remember. . .Ranma Saotome never cries." The girl giggled and stayed there where she knew it was safe. The rest of the classes went flying, Ryoga announced his involvement on the studies as part of his advanced training.
That day, Ranko walked back home in her light, blue dress wondering where were the other fiancés, but accepting their absence as a relief. Akane met the girl at the entrance and the two teens stopped to talk outside.
"Ranma. . .I've been talking to dad and we agree about this public embarrassment. "I like you, but this needs to change. . .You need to stop this girl stuff nonsense. . .Now, we will separate for the time being. . .Dad has been asked to dissolve the marriage proposal until he can explain your "condition" to the council. . .Until then, I asked Mr. Saotome to stay with you in a tent outside of the house. . ."
The demeaning treatment made Ranma feel bad. Her distressed depression threatened to escape and wreck havoc in her mind and there wasn't much she could do. The girl said nothing, she just run away and didn't look back.
Minutes later, Ranma crashed against the well known Hibiki residence and humbly knocked on the door. Ryoga opened and saw her trembling from the stress. "I didn' know where to go . . .I had to come here . . ." The boy brought her in and set her in one of the empty bedrooms.
"Don't worry Ranma. . .You can stay here as long as you want. . .Are you hungry? . . .Akira prepared supper already, let me ask her for another plate." The girl saw the empty room with only a bed and dresser. Many of his clothes were ordered in the closet and even when nothing else could be seen, she felt the cozy sensation of home.
Akira and Ryoga smiled as a welcoming gift when the girl walked from the stairs. The auburn haired girl set a plate with a giant portion of several meats and vegetables. Ranma blinked at the size and the girl laughed. "Don't worry Ranma. . .I know you very well. . .Dig in. . ."
The atmosphere was strange to say the least, The pair was talking about school while the girl stared at them. "Ok. . .You got almost all the books down. . .Six more and you should be ready . . ." Ranma blinked and questioned their conversation with doubts of her own.
"W-What are you doin' . . .?" The boy squinted his eyes from the technique and focused his vision at the pretty girl. "Well, Aki-Chan is teaching me to learn all the books needed to pass the tests in Furinkan. She is using some kind of mental ability and I. . .Am not sure if it's working. . .I do what she tells me, but I just don't know. . ."
The smaller redhead rolled her eyes and pulled a random book from the lot. She opened it and threw the question in the air. "This is a book I picked from the rest. . .Is not coming in the tests, but I brought it to prove you of this secret technique. Now, you already "saw" the book in one pass."
The girl closed her eyes and opened them again, looking at where her pointing finger fell. "What are Quantum mechanics?" As if it was magic, Ryoga's eyes read something invisible in the air and his brain recollected information he had no idea where it came from.
"Is a branch of physics which deals with physical phenomena at microscopic scales, where the action is on the order of the Plank constant. It departs from the classical mechanics at the quantum realm of atomic and sub-atomic length scales . . ."
The boy tried to keep going but the sound of a closing book made him snap out of the trance. "What did I just said?" Asked the clueless boy as the girl laughed and shook her head at his looks. "You are a genius. . .Anyway. . .Keep practicing, 'cuse I am not leaving you in this world all miserable and alone you hear?"
The girl excused herself, leaving the teens alone and turning the TV on her way up. "You might be interested in this Ranma . . .Have a good night both of you . . ." The girl saw how the same reporter announced her apology publicly and cleared Ranma Saotome of the false idea of her transgender procedure.
The girl gasped and looked at Ryoga who stared back at her satisfied. "Ryoga. . .Thanks. . ." the boy bobbed his head an accepted the gratitude. "Ranma. . .I want to take you with me and see a doctor. . .Only if it's Ok with you. . ."
They talked about their pressures and stress related depressions, Ranma agreed and they both went to bed on their different rooms. Ranma felt so at peace that she decided to visit the boy in the middle of the night. Ryoga opened his eyes at the sight of a nervous redheaded girl and he stretched his arm aside.
Ranma crawled in and the retracting limb caught her against him. "Ryoga. . .I feel great here an'. . .Well, I like Akane a lot, but . . .It's just not the same. . .You know?" The boy felt the same way but everything fell on the girl though.
"Ranma. . .If there is one thing I learned since Akira visited me, was to be my own man. . .To choose what I want in life and to leave behind what keeps me from moving on. . .As a friend, I think you should do the same. If you love Akane, be with her. . .If you want to try something with me, keep in mind that I lo. . .like you for who you are and not if you're an obnoxious boy or a cuddly girl."
That was the truth she looked for and it looked like he was the only one who understood the feeling. "I want to try this. . .I would like to be with you, but I need to be me. . ." The boy agreed and they went to sleep. The next morning Akira and Ryoga talked and fixed their breakfast, wondering about the sleeping girl.
"Ryoga . . .it's almost eight. . .You think Ranma is going to school?" Sounds of steps told them of the girl walking down, but they felt a heavier sounds of steps. Ranma Saotome in male form walked into the living room, ashamed by his change.
"Ryoga?. . .Is this Ok?" The boy stood up and walked at his side, hugged him by the shoulders and guided him to the table. "C'mon . . .breakfast is ready and we'll be late. . ." The boy sat and looked at the big plate in front of him.
He prepared to eat when something made him stiffen from the touch. Ryoga bent down and kissed him on his hair. Akira gasped and giggled at the reaction and Ranma didn't expect that. "Ryoga. . .I . . ." The boy walked at his side of the table and kept eating.
"Can it. . .I L. . .Like you for who you are remember. . .Are my affections restricted to Ranko only?" The pigtailed boy blushed but accepted his complement. "Ok. . .But not in public. . .As a girl no problem, but not like this. . ."
"Ok beautiful . . ." The boy flushed even more and felt the looks from the only redhead in the house. "By the way . . .Why do you stutter when tellin' me how much you like me? . . .Isn't "love" the word you want to say?"
Ryoga blushed a bit but never left his plate unattended. His eyes expressed nervousness at the question and the only way to confront the answer was by expressing it. "Ranma. . .I like you a lot, but I feel like by saying "love" I could put more pressure in you. If you want me to say it, sure. . .Ranma Saotome. . .I love you. . ."
His flushed face felt hot but he described his true feelings. Ranma did feel the pressure of being told this openly and the boy sensed an awkward need to leave the table. "See? I told you. . .I can see how distressed that word and its meaning affects you. . .Until you can handle it. . .Let's just say how much we "like" each other. . ."
Ranma swallowed slowly and accepted his proposal. On the way out, the two teens walked with time to school. Ranma was amazed at the well paced conversation he had with the fanged boy. There was no romantic stuff or intimate affections about couples. They were talking like two good friends about new techniques and fights.
Arriving at the school, Principal Kuno waited for the boy with a different dress, ready for "him" to try on. Ryoga tried to walk and defend him, but this was what the pigtailed boy needed so decided about it, he walked ahead. "C'mon Ranma. . . I believe in you. . ." Were the only words of trust the fanged teen felt necessary to share at the moment.
The boy walked close to the adult and a battle between his depression trying to take over and his desire to be "him" raged inside. Seemed like the stress induced illness began to eat away that pride he used for everything. From fighting to his reckless attitude.
He turned around and a simple bow from his friend gave him the strength necessary to recover his old self. "I ain't using that. . .I am Ranma Saotome. . .A guy, you know?" Principal Kuno laughed at his defiance when a piece of paper flung on his face.
"Kiki is girlie. . .Paper say that. . .Now you be good or I shave you head Kiki. . ." The boy looked to the ground and felt the loosing battle mocking back at him. "Excuse me Principal Kuno? . . .This is from the rector in Tokyo."
"It seems there was a mistake related with Ranma Saotome and he was falsely accused. He has a health problem unrelated to this case and everything has been cleared." Ryoga stared at the grown man while posing a piece of paper of his own.
The principal saw the signatures on the document and growled silently at him. "Kiki right. . .You can go. . ." The man shrugged and walked away, looking for his next victim. Ranma stared back at Ryoga, his eyebrows furrowed from his late action. "You had that from the beginin' didn' you?" The boy set the paper back in his jacket and walked away from him. "Sorry Ranma. . .But I want my old friend too. . .You know?. . .The cranky, proud and egomaniac boy I used to hate so much. . ."
The pigtailed boy walked at his side, confused about what to do next, hit him or laugh. In the classroom everyone welcomed the boy back and some girls asked him when would Ranko be making an appearance. Ranma scoffed them and assured that girl would never be around ever.
All the students took their seats watching at the teacher arrive with a stack of papers in hand. They balled discouraged at a probable surprise test, but the teacher had other things in mind. "Don't worry. . .This is not for you. . ."
The teacher moved Ryoga to an isolated seat with no one around and she sat next to the boy. "Ok Mr. Hibiki. . .I still think this is crazy, but if you agree, we can begin your test. Everyone watched and wondered about the boy. He had moved here and assisted only for a few days, Akane and friends were the most intrigued by his assignment.
The chalkboard had instructions for the students to follow and the recess was set up for two hours long for this class. Ranma and the rest of the teenagers stared at the boy writing at high speed to every piece of paper the teacher handed him.
In the five hour long marathon, the last fifteen minutes left the boys gaping and making noises of amazement. The stack had moved from an empty mountain to the filled side at almost the end of the day. The bell rang and the last test was signed and given.
"Ok Mr. Hibiki, the teachers in the lounge will review the tests on the upcoming days. . .In the meanwhile, we need you to keep assisting to school, just for appearances." The boy fixed his blurry sight and bowed at the teacher. Minutes later, Ryoga walked out of the school, tired from the efforts.
"What was that man?" The boy saw Ranma rushing at his side and looking questioningly at him. "Oh, I just requested to do all the tests given during all the years here. I plan to pass high school and skip to college soon."
From behind, A girl waved and rushed at the two friends. Akane walked slowly at their side and asked Ranma for an alone time. The boy waved Ryoga and told him he would go by the house a bit later. "What's up 'kane. . ."
"Ranma. . .The council finally let my dad alone. They apologized for the rash decision and asked us to admit you back in the house. . .C'mon!. . .Let's go back. . ." The boy felt the pang of treason from leaving his pal alone. The feeling made him take action in a different way this time.
"Sorry Akane, I'm staying with Ryoga. . .He accepts me like I am an' I like that. . ." The girl shuddered at the sound of the suggestion. "You mean to tell me, he is accepting you as a woman? . . ." The boy felt the shame crawling into his face, specially when the girl's smile grew into a cackling expression.
"You're kidding right?. . .Look Ranma, I know that curse is a part of you, but is just that. . .A curse. With time we'll find a way to get rid of it and then, we can lead a happy family. . ." Every other word gave the boy her undignified view of his feelings.
"You don' understand Akane. . .I am that girl. . .I want to feel that side without loosing "me". . .Can you understand what I'm sayin' . . .?" The girl sneered at her fiancé knowing she loved him and would never leave him to the craze ideas of a simple curse.
"Ranma, think this carefully. . .You are accepting to live with another boy. . .You . . .The one who tries to be "a man amongst men" . . .Can't you see that curse affecting who you are?. Please. . .Give me a chance and come back. . ." The boy doubted his mind at the moment. If he lost his pride thanks to the depression, than she could be onto something after all.
"I. . .I guess. . ." They both went back to the Tendo Dojo and the boy tried to piece the broken hole his life had become. Upon arriving to the house, his father welcomed him with praise and honors. Soun commended him for his effort to stay strong after the misunderstanding and the only ones looking concerned were Kasumi and Nabiki.
The boy sat at the table confused by their stares. The older girls wanted to question his motives for leaving Ryoga, but they saw the distress in his eyes and opted for leaving him alone. On the other side of town, Ryoga kept looking at the plate of food getting cold on the table.
Pain and melancholy reigned in the Hibiki residence that afternoon. Ryoga played unconsciously with his food when he knew something was wrong in the picture. "Damn. . .I open my heart thanks to what I learn and here I am, savoring the effects of defeat. . .I know he is struggling but to let himself be lead by "her" is just not fair. . .Should I trust him after this. . .?
Doubt raged in his mind about his new hell. He promised to try friendly dates until finding the right woman. . .Why did he had to fall for the screwy one was beyond his understanding. The boy chuckled at his luck and pushed the plate away, threatening to run to his room and cry from the sadness.
Akira and the boy sighed and cleaned the place from dinner. "So, you think Akane convinced him to go back?" The boy sat on the couch and turned the TV with boredom in his mind. "I think so. . .I guess it's for the best. . .Say, do you think I could go to those other dimensions with you?"
The little redhead smiled and assented at the question. "Yes you can, but since there are some more Ryogas around, you might change into something you won't like. . ." The boy grew even more intrigued at the idea and he dared to ask for the chance anyway.
"I want to go. . .Tell me, what could be the worst that could happen?" The girl giggled and shook her head disapprovingly. "Well. . .They are at the service of someone who changed their curse into a more. . ."flexible" one. . .That might not be what you want, specially with all the stuff you learned so far. . ."
The boy kept pushing trying to know what kind of change, until the girl gave up at his request. "You will turn into a girl Ryoga. . .The piglet form is expunged and in its place, a girl with some kind of hair depending on the strongest woman in your family replaces him." The fanged boy felt interest in a new turn of events and he agreed to take the plunge.
"Ok. . .Hit me. . ." The girl extended her hand and a purple cloud formed in front of the boys. When she walked into it, there was nothing coming from the other side. With timid steps, Ryoga walked into it and in the other side a vision made him cringe in shame.
A girl with short blonde hair stared at the size of her chest. If Ranma had a big bust, Ryoga displayed an even bigger one. The girl walked at Akira's side and noted other girls practicing far, in the background. "Who are they. . .?"
"Well . . . You might find this a bit strange, but in other worlds . . . You actually get pregnant and those . . . Well, they are your daughters from other alternate Ryogas." The girl trembled at all the information and wished she had never come in the first place.
"I think it would be better if we go back. . ." Akira agreed and they both returned to her dimension. The blonde still existed on the other side and when she doused herself with warm water, the response was not the desired one.
The redhead giggled and cleared her throat. "Oh, did I mentioned your curse works differently? . . .You see, when you get wet and turn into a girl, you cannot go back until twenty four hours later and then, you can use warm water. . ."
The girl sweat dropped and closed her eyes at the decision. "Ok. . .Still beats being a piglet any day. . .Even though I'm not one. Fine, I better not get out of here until. . .Tomorrow at nine. . ." The redheaded girl frowned her eyes and asked her about the immediate, next problem.
"And what about classes tomorrow?" The new girl blinked and pouted at the obvious option. "I need to change into something more Ryoga-like. . ." Ryoga walked out of the bedroom with trouble, the enormous set in her chest made her stump and crash against everything.
Lamps fell and painful crashing bangs against lower furniture made her curse madly. "How in the hell can girls walk with these things around. . .They are so heavy and . . .Big!. . ." Akira just laughed and asked her to join her in the bedroom again.
"Regular girls don't care about that, when you live all your life or a least several years like me with them, they become of second nature. For now, let's use something from here. . .Let's see. Yes!. . .This will do." The girl threw a big bra kept in a pack from the master bedroom.
Ryoga stared at it and a quizzical look begged for assistance. "Where did you get this and how do I use it?" The girl face-palm and walked back at her. "Here. . .You do it like this. . .Ok, now. . .I'll go get some more your size, just in case. . .In the mean time keep it on, and that belongs to your mom, I think. . ."
Akira changed her attention to a picture on the same dresser where several Hibikis waved at the camera. Way on the back, a tiny redheaded woman seemed like jumping, trying to appear on the picture. "Look!. . .that's mom. . .Wait a minute."
The girl took an old pair of glasses and offer them to Ryoga. "Here, put this on and . . .This." The clothes thrown at the blonde were from a late twenties female about the girl's size. With tenuous moves, the girl undressed and changed into that get-up nervously.
The worst part was the really feminine figure, but those giant mounds made her look so impressive, she never thought of a woman like that. "Man. . .I hate to say it, but I look hot. . .Old but hot." The girls laughed and Akira studied her from afar carefully.
"You know, you could pass well for one of Ryoga's relative. . .Maybe, another cousin?. . .We can invent a story and with the amount of money I got left, we can try even some fake documents. . .What do you think?."
The girl modeled around the mirror, smiling at every pose. From sensuous to innocent she finally admitted and accepted the idea. "Fine, but I need more practice about etiquette like this." They formulated a plan according to their new secret identity afterwards.
The next day, a strange blonde girl walked familiar places on her way to school. Not only boys stared back at her with hungry eyes and open mouths, but old men stared and bowed not so much in a respectful manner. The girl scornfully looked away and sprinted towards classes.
"I don't get it. . .Ranma makes this looks so easy, but I feel awful when looked like a toy or something. . .Better move faster. .." A few minutes later Ryoichi Hibiki walked into the offices of the main building. "Hello Miss Hibiki, please take a seat."
"As you may know your cousin Ryoga agreed to study in these premises and the day before, he managed to answer every test we normally present to every student during all the classes. . .From the first semester to the last, and I must admit. . .At first I didn't believe it but the teacher witnessed a five hour long race in which he passed all of them."
"Long story short, he aced all of the tests and we believe he can pass to the next academic institute. . .Than again, we need to keep a fair system and to do so we requested him to stay at least another two months to make his record permanent. . .Is there a way we can contact him at the moment?"
The girl cleared her throat hoping the rector wouldn't recognize it was him. When the high pitched tone left her lips, she couldn't believe the differences, the rector tried to stare firmly at her just like a professional would do, but his eyes would fall down to "them" and back immediately.
"Mr. Uryo, my cousin has a strange disease interrupting his cerebral cortex and affecting his orientation skills. He is highly intelligent, but he gets lost too easily. I will stay every now and then in the same residence and report to you the times he looses a class. . .Or the city."
Ryoichi tried to sound funny but the high, serious chuckle turned into a girly giggle she did not expect. "Oh, sorry. . .I like to laugh at our predicaments sometimes." The man smiled and patted the girl's hand. "Don't worry Miss. . .That's a very healthy way to treat ones problems. . .As for you. . .The classes Ryoga attends are in this schedule, please report as soon as you familiarize with the school grounds."
The blond girl walked through the place since she knew every room and stair leading to it. Before entering, the new student picked a pair of glasses and fixed them stylishly on her face, hoping to make the illusion complete. She waited on the entrance as the teacher prepared to invite her in. "Oh. . .Thank you. Class, we have a new addition filling for Ryoga Hibiki while he is found. . ."
All the students laughed knowing full well the famous lost boy from previous encounters. "Please Miss Hibiki, take a seat and open your History book in page fifty-seven. . ." The class went underway like a normal class, Ranma and Akane stared curious at the girl but Ryoga maintained her sight downcast at her book.
The refreshing news for most of the teachers was the participation on the new blonde student. Ryoichi would raise her hand and answer when no other student cared for the teaching or the class. The girl smiled when she would walk to the front and explain mathematical problems too hard for them.
When she would go back to her seat, everyone showed her such good appreciation by bobbing their heads or smiling cheerfully. Ryoga liked this new kind of attention even more than being a boy and the other male students acted polite and respectful when she was around.
Recess came and all the students rushed to the grounds. The youngest Tendo saw the girl as a possible opponent when Ranma tried to go near her with his awkward behavior. The pigtailed boy flexed and stretched giving a show of dexterity.
Rushing at his side, Ukyo and Shampoo waved at the boy and the fight ensued for the rightful place as his fiancée. "Ran-Chan. . .Hey sugar, how are things here. . .Ever since we had to attend that health seminar for my restaurant I haven't been able to defend my title. . ." The Okonomiyaki chef's face darkened when another pretty face arrived to the school.
"Wait. . .Who is that girl. . . Somehow she looks familiar but I can't put my finger on it. . ." Shampoo shoved the girl aside and gawked sullenly at the girl. The purple haired Amazon mounted her bike and aimed for the bright yellow target. "Obstacle is for killing. . ." She sped up faking ignorance and the bicycle roared at the pressure taken by force.
Ukyo always wondered about the Chinese vendor riding a bike into private property. "Anyway . . .How did you manage to bring that thing inside when they close the gates. . .Hey! . . .You!, new girl. . . careful!. . ." Ukyo might had distrust for the girl, but when she saw the Chinese demon on wheels, she knew nothing good would come from her anger.
Ryoga kept looking away, afraid to be recognized. The labored breath and the scorched smell of the tires made her turn and see the speeding girl mere inches away. Ryoichi moved away in an effort to avoid it but something made her do so in a slower manner.
"Wait! Why do I feel so slow and heavy. . ." Her voluptuous chest gave the answer away, plus the lack of physical strength and dexterity. "No! . . .This change made this body normal? . . .My male body might not carry the same attributes to this one. . ."
There was no more time to think. Ryoga closed her eyes and waited for the hit against the unstoppable object. Suddenly, she felt wind on her hair. A breeze from moving high in the sky and her sight turned at a dancing pigtail from her savior.
Both landed on top of the building while Shampoo sped away, out of the school grounds enraged. The blonde girl with a wanly face made the boy startle, looking to make her feel better, he walked even closer . "A-Are you Ok? . . ." The girl said nothing, just a simple nod and walked away ignoring his concerns.
"T-Thank you. . ." Was the only comment far in the distance. Ryoichi looked for the emergency stairs and left the place in a hurry, hoping no one would see her disguise. Moments later, the infirmary accepted a new patient hyperventilating from the episode.
"I still can't understand how that girl was even here. . .I mean, she is clearly that Chinese bimbo from that restaurant up ahead. . .Director Kuno needs to keep tabs in all these occurrences if you know what I mean . . ." The nurse kept complaining while checking her blood pressure and leaving her on bed for the rest of the day.
Ryoga meditated and pictured the kind of pride boosting feeling she gave him, when the boy risked his life for her. That made Ryoichi so proud, a smile tugged from the dizziness. "I can't believe he is so starved for attention. . .Poor guy, his confidence must be as low as mine before meeting Aki-Chan."
At the end of classes, Akane ran at his side grabbing the timid hand in public. Ranma felt the force behind the amorous demonstration but accepted it amicably. "Ranma. . .What happened to that girl? . . .Did you talk with her after your "heroic" save?"
The boy felt confused more for the way his fiancée "directed" the new relationship than what happened earlier. "Yes I d-did talk. . .But she said nothin'. . .She just bowed and left, scared of me or somethin' . . ." The girl thought about it and sighed relieved at the shy pose from the new comer.
"Well she almost was run over by that maniac. . .I would be scared out of my wits if I were a normal girl. . .She must not know any kind of martial arts. . .Oh well. . .Let's head home and forget all this for now." The couple rushed away while the blonde girl crossed sights with a weak-minded Ranma.
"Poor guy, his depression could be worse, but now that Akane-san is in command . . .I don't think it would be Ok for me to help. . .I'm going to need some advice from Akira." The Hibiki girl rushed her own steps and hoped to find the little redhead at home.
On the Tendo House, a focused Akane worked on her homework when a knock came from her door. "Akane-Chan, can I come in?" The girl asked her to do so and Kasumi walked besides her desk. "Akane. . .We need to discuss the situation with Ranma. . ."
"Ok Nee-san, what would you like to talk about?" The girl fixed her apron and reached for a second chair set against the wall. "Sis. . .Ranma has changed a lot since we met him, his demeanor as rambunctious and reckless make him the brave boy he is, but . . .Haven't you noticed him a bit. . .Off. . ."
"Yes Nee-Chan. As a matter of fact I did, and the best conclusion I came with was that "special date" with Ryoga last month. . .I am so glad I saved him from those perverted feelings he had and worst of all, that he almost spread to Ryoga-Kun. . .I've been talking to dad and we are coming to the idea of getting the wedding underway now. . ."
The older sister gaped at the news and hoped she could be the one breaking easy to the girl the big mistake that was at this point. "Are you sure about that? . . .Remember Akane, you hated boys for a reason and well. . .To be honest, your temper hasn't changed that much. I'm sure in a couple of years you two will grow into a fine young adults, ready to take such choices."
The girl stopped and thought about it, but the same conclusion dawned again. "Sorry Nee-Chan, but I agree with dad. Ranma is going through some kind of weak mental state, and that gives us the chance to do this without the intervention from the other girls. . .Don't worry, You'll see how Ranma will follow whatever "I" say. . ."
Kasumi tried to make her understand for the good on the boy's physiological stress and the depression Ryoga told her in secret for Ranma's health, but she looked that determination in her eyes and knew everything else would be wasted.
"Fine Akane-Chan. . .If you think that's the right way to do it, I'll back you up one-hundred percent." Both girls hugged and the oldest one left the bedroom bleak by the result.
At the Hibiki residence, Ryoga talked with Akira about his concern with his closest friend. "Well finally I'm me, but the question still stands. . .Ranma looks bullied by Akane and I want to help him release that pent up pressure. . .Remember what you told me about my other selves. I know for a fact that if I would keep going the way they did . . .I would have killed myself too."
The girl blinked amazed at all the different outcomes her cousin was capable to make on all the different realities, but for what this boy said, she did feel it too. "I know what you mean . . .Is just too weird to see Ranma Saotome depressed like. . .Well, you! . . ."
"Still, the problem remains and I think your good intentions are welcome here. This might annoy you but it could be a good way to help him without interfering with their lives. . .Turn into Ryoichi and I'll give you all the needed books on psychology."
The idea had merit. Ryoga grinded his teeth aggravated at the plan, but it did seem like an affective way to be close to the boy and keep his true identity safe. "Fine . . .But you better teach me the other stuff I've been refusing from day one. . .If I'm going to be an advanced student. . ." The boy swallowed dryly at the next comment.
"I need to learn all the more "womanly stuff". Akira agreed and the splash bathed him into Ryoichi. Both girls studied the subtle points of walking, swaying and dressing in a feminine, yet conservative women. Books took her main interest and she studied using that technique elegantly.
The next day, a girl dressed in the school uniform swung provocatively towards the school. This time, boys and men alike stared and danced their eyes at the bouncy chest while one or two managed to throw a whistle or complement her way.
Ryoichi smiled slyly and kept her walk with just a slight tinge of red across the face. Finally inside the school, the girl walked cautiously not at Ranma, but to Akane in an effort to defuse any future problem. "Hi . . .My name is Ryoichi Hibiki. . .Ryoga has told me a lot about you . . ."
The girl gasped at the comment and opened her heart in an instant. "Well. . .Ryoga-kun is a great guy and a close friend, tell me. . .Have you seen him lately?" The girls began to loosen up with each other and certain specifics came into view during their chat.
Captivated by her hair, Ranma walked by the girls and bowed respectfully at the new student. "H-Hi. . ." The girl tried to keep him guessing by looking in and out of his sight. "Hello!. . .I was talking with your fiancée and wondering if I could study the great Ranma Saotome. . .I've heard many stories about you and I'm working on a paper for the university in Tokyo. . ."
The boy did exactly what Ryoga wanted. Hearing his prowess, Ranma's pride felt a small ray of light shine its way and that feeling made him smile like he hadn't done in days. "Well yes. . .I have defeated many opponents an' I have stories to tell. . ."
"Well. . .Can I and Akane of course, have some kind of daily or weekly meeting where we could hear of all those terrible enemies and monsters defeated by you?" Ranma and the blonde girl waited patiently at Akane who thought it over for a minute.
"Well. . .I don't see the harm on that. . .Sure!, we would love to have those meetings. . .Is my house a good place?" Ryoichi agreed and they set the next meeting in three days. After their introductions, the three new friends went back to classes and passed the day like any normal time the Saotome hero would go by.
When the girl walked away at the end of the classes, an enormous impression made all turn forcibly at her. The students who had found girls on the festival walked together making the scene even funnier when the swaying of hips made them stare impolitely at the blonde while being shoved by their companions.
Unknowingly, Ryoichi ran her fingers through her short, blonde hair lifting it and giving it more body. Many of the sports and academic students posed besides the school walls, flexing and calling her rudely. In the background Ranma perceived the worst of them all, soaring through the air at her.
"Oh! My blonde beauty. . .I, Tatewaki Kuno have found thee as my third love interest and I wish to Honor you with the blessing to date me!. . ." The older boy lunged at the weak girl with hopes to score on his behalf. Ryoichi had no way to protect herself from the signature move. . .So, a hug aiming at grabbing her chest was the only outcome she knew it was going to happen.
The Swordsmanship master stopped only a few inches away when two feet fell on his head, forcing him to bring to an end his close attentive desire. "Hey Kuno-Sempai. . .I think we should leave the new student alone. . .What 'bout your pigtailed girl . . .Or Akane?"
Ranma blinked for a moment and regretted including his alter-ego on the conversation, but a giggle implicating not only the comment, but an honest thanks, made him blush and smile happily. "Thanks so much Ranma-san. . .You are indeed a true hero."
His pride hit new highs and the boy squinted his eyes, almost recognizing her for someone close to him. The girl felt uncovered and a stuttering goodbye made her walk faster, away from him.
