I'm back baby
Yeah I'm sorry for how I seemingly abandoned this fic. I should have updated a long time ago but I didn't
I've had a lot going on and I didn't know how to follow up
I hope you like this new chapter
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"PIGTAILED GIRL!" a loud voice cried in the middle of the schoolyard. It was so loud that everyone turned to look or watched from windows. Watching Kuno run at a girl like a maniac, drool running from his mouth. The usual school entertainment as they watched a senior student chase after one of his younger peers like a dog in heat. Instead of acting like a role model and being helpful, instead he caused trouble for them instead.
Kuno was known for chasing pretty girls and flirting with them. Acting like a pompous lord and often talking down to women without realizing it and coming across like a damn pervert. Acting familiar and friendly with them, especially Ranko. Speaking to them in a very sexist and patronizing tone. Unaware of what a pain in the ass he actually was and that very few women desired him.
Ranko cringed and gripped her school satchel tightly. Every day with this; didn't he get that she had no interest in him whatsoever?! Did he even have a damn brain in that skull of his or was it full of cotton wool? No matter how much she tried to avoid this guy, no matter how honest she was or how many times she pushed him away. The guy always seemed to be hounding her and he was getting annoying.
She liked Ryoga and she was his fiancé; they were going to get married when they were older and unite the dojo's together. She was not the type to cheat on her significant other and found people who flirted or harassed her to be annoying. Kuno being the most annoying of all. Every day he would send her letters, follow her around, take pictures of her and even try and ask her out on dates. He even had a fan club based on her and Akane which she found highly disturbing.
The guy bought photos of them from Nabiki, the second oldest sister of Akane. Selling them to Kuno for money, which later caused the school to buy from her too. Though she had good business sense, Nabiki was a snake sometimes. "Don't you ever learn?! Get lost you stalker!" Ranko yelled angrily storming away. You'd think he would have gotten the message by now. He and her would never be a thing and she had no desire to date him.
She would rather walk on her bare feet through hell or get a stomach ache from eating bad food than date him. There were a million reasons that she would never date him but he never seemed to listen. She stormed off her braid bouncing on her shoulder. She only kept it in such a style to keep up her semi tomboyish appearance. However, she hated the fact that it had now given her such an annoying nickname.
While Ranko could dress in feminine clothes she also enjoyed wearing more boyish and casual clothes too. In fact, she had persuaded the school to allow her to wear the boys uniform instead. At first the school had attempted to make her wear the female uniform. But she had cringed at the very idea and had to threaten the school's head to let her get away with it. Which she eventually got her wish.
She still wore girl's underwear and such underneath; but she wore the boys uniform as she just found it way more comfortable. Plus, guys found her way more intimidating that way. Well, all but one that is. The same one who was always chasing after her and lusting for her, despite her lack of interest. Seemingly unfazed by her lack of femininity or ability to show manners.
"My love! My heart aches with the desire that throbs within my…. GAHH!" Kuno cried dramatically but was cut off by the redhead. She was so cruel to him and yet, he felt her passions every time she threw attacks at him. How he loved that about her, how he hoped to share that passion with her and rule the world with her by his side.
She kicked him in the face causing him to fall backwards receiving a nice bruise under the jaw. At least that would teach him to keep away from her for a while, such a peace she would indulge in. "Not interested pervert! Now keep your hand to yourself for once!" Ranko snapped angrily and stormed off. God, she was sick of him.
There were only two people Akane cared for and loved more than anything. Her best friend and crush Akane Tendou; and her fiancé Ryoga Hibiki. They were the two most important people in her life. She had no interest in anyone else; especially not wannabe aristocrat, perverted stalker Tatewaki Kuno. God, she was sick of him. Any normal guy would have taken the rejection and moved on by this point. But then that was Kuno for you.
She sighed and tidied herself up a little before a familiar face approached her. Having seen the fight from a distance and hidden until Kuno was gone. Hoping to avoid being harassed by him as well. "Morning Ranko" Akane called from the other side of the playground. It seemed like she was having another rough morning. Honestly, she wondered why someone hadn't locked Kuno up in a damn nut house by now.
The guy was a good student and a member of the Kendo club, being its strongest member. However, he caused more trouble than any other student. Known as a pervert and womanizer by almost everyone. But given he was from an influential family, he had been spoiled his entire life, so hard work or acting mature was unknown to him.
"Hey Akane" Ranko called back casually. She was glad to see a familiar face after being followed by Kuno all morning. It would make her morning lighter and lift her mood from bad to happy. Akane was one of the few to understand her troubles when it came to Kuno, having been a past victim of him herself. A fellow martial artist and a very caring young woman, which she appreciated.
"At it again I see? God, you should really file a restraining order" Akane sighed heavily. The guy just didn't know when to back off. She had no idea of how Ranma put up with it, the guy was nothing but a creep. She heard he had a sister who was just as bad, but attended a school for gymnasts. She really hoped they never met, as she was probably just as bad if not worse than he was.
Ranma sighed heavily, stretching her arms behind her head. Cracking her bones and stretching her stiff muscles in content. "I was thinking more ship him to China or some foreign country. Then maybe I can get some head space" she pondered. Given what a buffoon he was, he would never be able to figure out how to get back.
Akane laughed in amusement; that did seem like a tempting thought. But they both knew she would never go through with it. "So; how are things with Ryoga? I heard you two are engaged" Akane teased playfully. She had known for some time that Ryoga had a thing for Ranko. Even before they had been arranged to marry, the two had gotten along well for a while. They liked to tease each other and sometimes train together, they had great chemistry, and anyone could see it.
Ranko blushed as red as her hair and bowed her head; they were now living together, and she had come out to him the other night. She had hinted that she had feelings for him and that she also liked girls. However, what this now meant for their relationship she had no idea. They were still best friends and she loved him more than anything else; but she had no idea of how felt for her. I mean for all she knew he could have accepted the proposal out of being a gentleman.
"Well…. I…. that is…" she stammered awkwardly her face still flushed. While they had grown closer they were still pretty awkward around each other. But they had plenty of time to figure things out. For now, she was just happy to reminisce and hang out like the old days. Being able to laugh and joke about like they used to do. A nice distraction after having to leave her mother and train overseas.
"Hey! Akane! Ranko!" Ryoga cried out suddenly. He had seen the fight and wanted to know what was going on; wasn't it a bit early for this sort of thing. But then again Ranma had always been fiery. From the way she had taken down so easily, she had become much stronger than when she was a kid. Honestly, he couldn't wait to spar with her one on one sometime to show his own skills.
Ranma stiffened, the sound of Ryoga's voice causing her heart to skip a beat. Had he really just seen that? She didn't want him to get any funny ideas, she had nothing to do with Kuno. She didn't need rumours getting around about a damn love triangle as it was nothing like that. People assumed anything as long as they could get away with it, that was the worst part.
Akane turned and smiled at Ryoga, he was awkward and hot headed, but he was a nice guy. She could see why Ranma would like him so much, they were similar in that sense after all. "Morning Ryoga" she called back politely. Though part of her wanted to tell Ryoga about Ranko's crush, she felt it best not to as Ranko would just lie about the whole thing. She was stubborn after all.
But she did pity her in that sense, with the likes of Kuno attacking her. Of course, she would worry about what kind of impression that would give to Ryoga about this whole situation. Ryoga had moments of being quite dense and easy to fool, so he would never catch on to Ranko's feelings. Let alone understand a situation easily without jumping to conclusions.
Ryoga caught up to them before peering at Kuno who was flat on the floor with a mark on his face. Just what kind of bullshit had he been up to this morning? Could he not keep his hands to his damn self? "Uh, what happened here?" he asked curiously. He knew Kuno was a flirt and a lady's man, honestly. He hated guys who harassed women against their will, they needed to respect their boundaries.
Ranma blushed and clenched her fists "Just Kuno being a damn pervert is all" she muttered. She didn't mean to raise her voice or get moody, she was just so sick of it all. Annoyed that he hadn't gotten the message by now. While she respected a guy who worked hard to earn the respect and love of his crush. He just acted like a creep and mixed up arousal with love.
Ryoga blinked, surprised by her tone. Ranko was known for her temper, but she sounded genuinely upset. Had he done something to her? The very idea of Kuno touching her made his blood boil. Sure, Ranko was a tomboy and known for speaking her mind better than most. But she was still a girl, she still had her feelings and limits. To attack her was nothing short of disgusting.
"Did he do anything?" he asked impatiently. He couldn't stand the thought of Kuno doing anything to her. He had known Ranko since they were kids so obviously he was protective of her. Since she was going to be his future wife, he didn't appreciate some other man to be close to her. That was something only fiance's could do to one another.
Ranko bushed, touched by his concern. She then quickly shook her head, her cheeks still as red as her hair "No" she replied quickly. She would never let any guy touch her, not unless it was Ryoga. The very idea of someone else being affectionate with her made her skin crawl, it just made her feel so damn uncomfortable.
Ryoga sighed with relief, though he was mad about it. Though just in name, they were to be married one day. She was his future bride, he didn't want any other man touching her after all. The trio then headed towards the classroom together, leaving Kuno in the dust. A sore face, rejection and possible broken heart. Finally, able to have some much-needed peace and quiet.
"Wait, Ryoga? You and Ranko are engaged?" Yuka replied in shock. She had heard from Akane that the two were close, but she had no idea they were going to get married one day. That would explain why they were so familiar around one another. I mean, you had to when you were arranged to be married one day. Otherwise you would do nothing but argue all the time.
Ryoga blushed awkwardly, he wondered how this had gotten out. He hadn't said a word, neither had Ranko. Which meant their parents must have been gossiping to the neighbours. He had hoped to keep her from all this, but it seemed that no matter where you went. People were always putting their nose in other people's damn business. God was it ever annoying.
"Nice going Ryoga. Bagged yourself a redhead. Careful, those girls are tough to handle" a male classmate joked. But damn were they hot, that red hair meant nothing but sexy. At least he would have an interesting life from now on. Redheads were unpredictable, you never knew what kind of things would happen. But that made things so much more interesting.
"Yeah, wish I had a girl like that" another agreed. While Akane was cute and all, there was something about a girl with red hair that was just so much more appealing. She had a great body too. Ryoga was one hell of a lucky guy to have an arranged marriage with such a girl. His life would be anything but boring now. God he was so jealous.
Ryoga frowned "Its not like that!" he snapped. He did like Ranko and he cared about her, but he didn't want to rush things. They were in high school after all, they had a lot to deal with before then. Their education, their future and careers. Sure they were martial artists, but he wanted them to have other options of income should things go wrong.
Ranko was an amazing girl and had a great personality. They both shared a strong passion for martial arts and had a desire to better themselves to reach their full potential. He respected her for having to deal with such a shitty parent as Genma and focusing on her training. She was an amazing person and he couldn't stand the fact these guys were taking about her this way.
Suddenly the classroom door slammed open. The whole class silencing the sudden interruption, half expecting it to be a teacher. But they very much mistaken about that. There in the doorway stood a very annoyed looking Kuno. Gripping his sword, tears spilling down his face and a look of rage upon his face. It was a sight none had ever seen before.
"Where may I find the fiend known as Ryoga Hibiki" he growled angrily. This lowlife had stolen the heart of his beloved pig-tailed girl and planned to make her his bride. He could not allow such a thing. He had heard from his fellow classmates that one of such a name was in a relationship with his beloved pig-tailed girl. More than that, she was to wed with him one day and he could not allow such a thing.
Ryoga frowned, this was the guy who harassed Ranko on a daily basis. Giving her letters and basically acting like a creep towards her almost daily. He hated that he put her through this. "You got a problem with me fancy pants?" he asked sharply. The guy acted like he was some kind of noble lord. When in fact he was just some spoiled rich kid with an authority complex.
He didn't actually care about Ranko, he just found her attractive because she gave him attitude. He liked her challenging nature because most people looked up to him or praised him. Flocking to him and kissing his ass constantly, while Ranko rejected and ignored him. He doubted he actually gave a shit about what she wanted or thought to begin with.
Kuno glared at him with a passionate hatred, then slowly stalked up to his table and threw his blade at his face. Pointing it inches from his face, but the latter did not flinch whatsoever. "You sir have entered a promise of marriage with my beloved pig-tailed girl. I will not allow such an uncouth creature such as yourself to take her hand" he replied bitterly. He was not proper for such a woman.
Ryoga scoffed, seems the gossip of the school spread fast. However, he wasn't scared by the guy, in fact he found him laughable. He barely knew anything about Ranko, he only saw her as a prize. "Hey, me and Ranko have known each other for years. This marriage was only set up by our parents recently" he replied in a mocking tone. He had the upper hand here, he had known Ranko since they were small.
He knew all of her hobbies, her dreams, her favourite foods, her pet peeves, everything. They had grown up together and shared many secrets together, no matter how embarrassing or awkward they may be. This guy saw a pretty face and assumed he had a chance with them, not bothering to get to know them. A regular fuck-boy.
A few of the guys in the class gasped and chuckled, stunned that someone had finally given him a piece of their mind. Ryoga had put Kuno in his place there and showed his dominance. No wonder Ranko liked him, the guy had attitude and knew what to do with it. A couple with that sort of chemistry would work well together and have a healthy relationship.
Kuno meanwhile went into shock. This irritable delinquent had been associated with his pig-tailed beauty since she was but an innocent. He had probably corrupted her during that time too. He gripped his sword tightly, his blood boiling within him. He would not stand for this any longer, he would make this vile rat pay. Nobody touched his beloved pig-tailed girl.
Sensing his attack, Ryoga dodged. Moving swiftly from the attack but his desk was ruined. As he moved away he saw a slight tear in his uniform and frowned. His mother paid money for this and she would not be happy with a rip. She was a stern but loving woman, knowing when to tell her son that something was not appropriate.
That and the classroom would be damaged. He had no intention of putting his other classmates in danger too, he would never be able to forgive himself if such a thing happened. He then dodged out of the way quickly. Rushing out the front door of the classroom quickly and making his leave as Kuno followed hot on his tail. Eager to lose the pompous douche.
Ranko and Akane sat by the window silently, they had escaped the classroom after word of Ranko's engagement had spread word. Jesus, she wished her father would shut his trap sometimes. Now the whole school was talking about her and she felt trapped. This was something their parents had arranged together, not that she minded but it was their personal privacy.
Ranko had been in a shitty mood ever since as she hated people talking about her behind her back. Having stalked out of the classroom to get some head-space from other people. Hating how people assumed things about her while not actually knowing her, if they were so interested about her personal life, how about they try befriending her first?
Akane had gone after her, being the one-person Ranko could stand being around when mad. She trusted her enough to vent her feelings around her without fear of judgement or abandoning her. "Are you ok Ranko?" Akane asked worriedly. Honestly, people needed to mind their own business. She was sick of people butting into Ranko's personal life that had nothing to do with them.
So what, if she was engaged? Some people still got arranged marriages these days, it was rare but still practiced. Marriage was taken very seriously in their culture and bearing children. But she and Ranma cared about falling in love and developing relationships with someone before you gave themselves to each other both emotionally and physically.
"Just sick of people" she replied crossly. She was sick of never having any peace and quiet, be it Kuno, her dad or her classmates. Everyone was always getting involved in her personal life when it was none of their concern. Everyone kept telling her what to do or asking about their relationship when it was none of their concern. Regardless of their engagement, Ryoga was someone very important to her indeed.
Akane gave her a sympathetic look, though she didn't show it Ranko was very sensitive to criticism. Having been bullied and bossed around by her father her entire life, she was very defensive. She placed a reassuring hand on Ranko's shoulder, she knew this wasn't easy for her. But she would do her best to support her. In the end, what she thought of all this was what was most important.
She had strong feelings for Ryoga which was a good thing. It meant there would be chemistry and thanks to their long-term friendship things to bond over. However, as far as romantic bonding they should take that slow. They had plenty of time outside of school and home to slowly build their new relationships together.
Ranko gave her a grateful look but still kept gazing out of the window. Honestly, without Akane around for reassurance she felt like she would have gone mad by this point. Sometimes it just got way too much. It was good to have a friend she could vent to and understood her frustrations, but never judged her for any of it. She simply listened and provided support.
"Hibiki, you shameless cur! Come back and face me like a man! Why do you run you coward?! Kuno bellowed loudly as he charged down the hallway sword in hand. How dare he run from a challenge. He dared to court his beloved pig-tailed girl and take her hand in marriage, he would not let him get away with such a heinous crime.
"Because I'd rather not be turned into sashimi by a spoiled rich boy" Ryoga snapped crossly. He wasn't going to apologize for his friendship with Ranko, nor for his engagement to her. They had a bond that Kuno would never understand. He didn't know how good a husband he would be to her in the future, but they could work that out together.
Ranko and Akane looked up in surprise, startled by the loud sounds approaching them. Their peace and quiet being disturbed by Kuno. Honestly, did the guy have no free time whatsoever. He was charging down the hall like a maniac sword in hand. It's like the guy lived and breathed kendo. Seeing himself as some form of noble lord every time he picked up the damn thing.
"Its Kuno, why is he chasing Ryoga like that?" Akane asked curiously. This was certainly not your average school day whatsoever, first rumours and now Kuno was attacking Ryoga for whatever reason. Though sometimes impulsive, Ryoga was a sweet guy and often awkward, so why was Kuno harassing him? It made no sense.
Ranko frowned, first he was harassing her now he was harassing her best friend/fiancé. She was done with this, she was going to put an end to this once and for all. She couldn't take this bullshit anymore, she felt like she was suffocating under it all. Then maybe she would get some peace and quiet around this fucking place.
"How dare you defile my beloved pig-tailed girl!" Kuno raged. Her purity was lost because of this shameless, perverse deviant. Having seen her sweet smile and maidenly tears for himself. He would never forgive this heretic for stealing his love's innocence. He would make this beast pay for acting so familiarly with her.
"I haven't done shit to her! And her name is Ranko!" Ryoga snapped back. He wanted to establish their relationship slowly from their friendship into their new role as lovers. He didn't want to rush her into anything. But he sure as hell didn't appreciate this guy acting like they were dating when Ranko couldn't stand him at all.
"You call her by her name! Unforgivable!" Kuno screamed. He would not stand for this a minute longer. He would silence that unworthy tongue of his from ever uttering her name again. Then he would know his place, that to speak of such a woman as if she was some common wench. Such a thing was unforgivable to him.
Ranko stiffened and growled, this was the last straw. Kuno had been harassing her for fuck knows how long like the obsessive creep he was. The whole school was now talking about her and now Kuno was attacking Ryoga. She was done with this, she was so sick of all the harassment and rumours spreading about her. She just wanted her life back and for people to mind their own damn business for once.
She clenched her fist tightly, a dark aura silently surrounding her body. Her head bowed and her bangs covering her eyes, shielding them so nobody could see the emotion hidden within. Channeling all of her strength and power to her core, focusing it and imagining its colour in her mind. Her jaw clenching as she waited patiently.
Akane became worried upon seeing Ranko look so conflicted, she knew this was hard for her. She could sense her change of mood and sudden silence, looking like she was about to cry. She could only imagine what emotions were running through her mind, she felt so sorry for her to have to go through all of this bullshit.
She took a deep breath, slowly inhaling as she waited for Kuno and Ryoga to come closer. This had been building up for some time and she needed badly to vent her emotions. She then raised her fist, her blue eyes gleaming like fire and her teeth clenched. She then threw her fist at Kuno's face, her hand flowing with Ki as she loomed closer towards Kuno.
Akane stared in awe as she sensed the power flowing from Ranko. A sense of fear washing through her, like an animal trapped in a corner. Ranko was seriously pissed, putting all of her energy and rage into punching Kuno. All of her emotions rushing her into her all at once. Wanting to knock him out for good.
Ryoga saw Ranko standing with Akane in the hall, something didn't seem right. Akane looked worried and he could sense a powerful Ki flowing from her. But just what the hell had happened. He had never seen Ranko this angry or upset before, causing him to wonder if she had heard the rumours too. The last thing he had ever wanted was for her to be harmed by any of this.
He felt a deep sense of shame and sadness to know she was being hurt by all this. To see her usually happy or cocky face filled with sadness. It broke his heart to watch as he hated seeing her sad. He hated that she was being put through this because of their classmates, that she had to suffer because they were so damn nosy.
Ranko then slightly raised her head, glaring Kuno down like he was prey. She then waited for him to come closer, waiting for him to get within her range. Wanting to finish this once and for all. She then stepped forward to which Kuno gasped and snapped out of his daze to see her. His anger subsiding and falling into his daze again. Causing her to lunge at him, her eyes gleaming like fire.
"Can't you just leave me alone! Leave Ryoga out of this!" Ranko growled. She didn't belong to him, she wasn't his woman and she sure as hell had no desire to ever date him. So, he could just leave her the hell alone. She just wanted to live her high school years in peace without being harassed or the target of drama.
Ryoga dodged, shifting quickly to the side to escape her attack. His heart racing in his chest as he missed her punch by inches. Slamming against the dry wall as Ranko aimed her attack. His back aching with pain at the abrupt and sharp contact with the dry wall, but he knew the pain would subside and was temporary.
Ranko slammed her fist into Kuno's cheek, delving into his cheek, bruising him and lightly cracking some teeth. His face contorting and going into shock as his beloved damaged his face painfully. He then went flying backwards and slammed onto the floor after Ranko sent him flying backwards. Knocked out completely and his face now swelling from the attack she had thrown at him.
Akane stood in awe after what she had witnessed. She knew Ranko was stronger than her, but she had no idea she was capable of acting in such a way. Such a Ki flowing from her body. She was actually a little afraid of Ranko in this moment. Still sensing a moment of rage flowing through her. Panting heavily and her eyes still gleaming, venting out her energy.
Ryoga meanwhile was in awe, he never knew Ranko was capable of such power. She had done all this to protect him. He didn't know she cared so much about him, he was genuinely touched. She had knocked Kuno out cold, he doubted he would wake up anytime soon. When he did, he would have a massive headache and his jaw would be swollen, no doubt he would need a dentist.
She had done a number on him, giving him a mental note to never piss Ranko off to this extent. He didn't even want to think of what kind of injuries she could inflict upon him. "Ranko?" he asked hesitantly. He could sense she was still mad, causing him to wonder if it as ok to even approach her. Fear of what would happen if he did, like prey trying to escape a lion.
Eventually Ranko softened and turned to look at Ryoga, aside from being startled he was unharmed. She felt so bad for bringing him into all this, she had hoped to avoid this from the start. "I… I'm sorry Ryoga. I brought you so much trouble" she apologized. Her stupid father had caused all this, and she couldn't help but feel responsible. She would have a word with him about this later.
Ryoga snapped out of his daze, suddenly snapped out of his daze. Dragging himself back to reality, unaware of the shock he had been in. He then shook his head "Don't, it's not your fault he's a creep" he replied. This guy got what he deserved, he just couldn't accept he wasn't as desired as he made himself up to be. So, he couldn't accept her rejection and move on from it, he just kept hounding her.
Ranma was surprised by his outburst but smiled, she then took his hand gently. She knew Kuno was a member of the kendo club and though a good fighter, Ryoga had no experience in sword attacks. "I'm glad your ok" she replied in relief. She would have been enraged had he touched a hair on his head.
Ryoga blushed at the physical contact, this was the first time she was showing affection to him. At least in a romantic manner, he felt his cheeks heat and he averted his gaze shyly. "T… thanks" he replied awkwardly. He could feel his heart racing in his chest again, but in a different way. His chest felt fuzzy and his stomach in knots, but certainly not one he hated.
Meanwhile Akane stood in the background, smiling to herself and folding her arms. Honestly, she wondered when these two would actually confess their love. It was so obvious they liked each other. But she would happily act as their matchmaker and therapist until they realized their feelings.