Sufferings
2 months later North of the Shaolin Temple. . .
After getting out of the hospital. Ryoga and Akira traveled to the frozen regions of Antarctica. Not because they were lost, but to meet one of the four strongest nations, and discuss the present situation in the conflict. Deep down in the frozen wastes an underground city would welcome them with warm fires, and friendly company. Well, most of them were friendly anyway.
"And to what do we owe this honor?" The man was a tall, muscular man. His clothing shared tales of olden fights and struggle. "Easy brother. These travelers Have come on behalf of Lady Gaia, and we must show our hospitality." The one speaking was an even taller man with bulging muscles and a roughness clearly seen on a leader figure. Ryoga closed the distance to the warriors with trust in his actions." We have come to understand the position Saotome Ranma is in."
From the group's back another man popped. Less athletic, but he showed signs of incredible dexterity. "You're talking about a dead man. The Saotome brat has signed his dead sentence."
The three brothers join on one side, while Ryoga and his sister occupied the other by the fire.
"Ranma should not be in danger. He did what he had to for her mate. You would have done the same." Ryoga demonstrated a firm wish to protect his friend, and to make sure Ranma's intentions were honorable.
"That may be the case, but he messed with a nation's ruler, and to make things worse for him this ruler was another brat full of ego and testosterone. We Elites are the most powerful defense against our leader's enemies, and he decides to face him alone?" A mocking tone was felt on the middle brother. angry at the Idea that some kids were playing with matters of great political stress.
"And why would you protect him? I've heard that you pretend his mate as well, or is it someone else you are after." The remark sure did it's job. Ryoga's cheeks flared, and he looked away showing full well his intentions were not as selfless as he intended them to be.
"I have no quarrel with any of you, but If you want me to prove my intentions I'm always ready for it." Without another word; The older brother felt the affront and walked into a circle already set for competitions and duels. "If a duel for acceptance is what you're looking for I am the oldest, and I represent our nations pride. . . . .I will be waiting."
Ryoga moved to the circle as well, and the fight began measuring their strength not by motion, but grasping each other's Ki. The feeling was different. It wasn't about power, but the application of it. The lost boy felt the harsh conditions this people had to endure on their daily lives, and knew the absolute sensation he displayed. If he had to die, he would do so without regrets.
The giant was confused. He felt the powerful resolve on the boy's stance and aura, yet a soft, more controlled Ki made him reflect on him. "His aura is strange. I can feel it, but I feel a more courtly desire almost female like, but not even our women show this grade of femininity."
The big fighter began the assault throwing a punch into the air, and by doing that a strong torrent of water and air compressed together forming an Ice spike big enough to stab the lost boy from side to side. Ryoga just moved in place, and raised a hand, while closing his eye. The ice underneath exploded forming a shield thick enough to deflect the spike, and by punching at it when the projectile made contact. A spear made of Ice was sent back at the Nord warrior.
"It seems this fight won't be won by our use on the elements." When he said that Ice covered his body, and He sprang at the boy. The fight was a more physical one. Punches and kicks powered with ice turned the place apart. Even with such experience; the big man was pushed every time to a point when drastic measures were taken. At the last moment the giant threw another spike, and when Ryoga tried to jump away from it the spike turned into cold water. Turning him into a dizzy blonde trying to get her bearings.
By the time she realized it. the Nord Elite was on top of her. She panicked, and did something that not even Ranma could've done. stayed there frozen, but looking into the man with defying and trembling in her. The warrior froze as well. Mere inches away from her, and a heated blush covered Ryoga's face. She looked away in shame, and the Elite smiled, stood up and offered his hand at the new woman.
'You are very strong, but don't like that form. You are very weak in it. Please allow me to get you warm water. I know about Jusenkyo so just follow me." Ryoga did as told. She took the Elite's hand and followed suit.
"Hey Bor. You can't leave that brat like that. I don't care if she's a female; our own would die just as us in battle. If you're not fighting , I'm stepping in." Sounds were heard behind the middle brother, and when turning around he met the other girl. The younger red-headed one. "Good you think that way 'cuse I'm no wimp, and you are goin' down. Better yet call your younger sibling cuse' your gonna need lots of help." And the fight was re-awakened though was a short one, Akira moped with the two younger brothers.
Astonished by the new event the Nord élite had to ask after looking at the still girl coming out of the bathroom, while drying herself. "I thought you would be back to your original form with hot water." She just looked down and explained. "My curse is different. I change to female, and I get stuck like it for twenty-four hours. After that time has passed I can use hot water to change back, but not before."
Something compelled the Nord to get closer to her to a point where he was over her; his hands on her sides holding on the wall, and she felt the need to restrain him by pushing him away, and did, by setting her hands on his chest. . . .bad idea. The man just got closer and hovered his lips almost touching hers. "Please. I'm not a girl, and I can't push you away. . . . .please." Finally they kissed, and he felt her trembling and trying to push away without meaning it. When he released her She looked distressed and tears began to form. "I hate this sensation of being taken by force, and my stupid body cooperating with it . . . .I don't think I'll ever get control over this."
"Please forgive me. I know you are a male, but Lady Gaia told us that any of her disciples are or become a full-fledged female human. If I'm honest with you. There are marriages in this city created by Nord men and Gaia's female students." Surprised Ryoga had to ask, "You mean guys turned into girls and living as a couple with another guy?"
"Well is not that simple. These couples follow a natural order, and the women become full, or are only intimate on that form. We are created to breed remember so that's the only way. But please believe me. I never aimed for you as such. It just "slipped" my mind." finished, while a small blush adorned his features. "Fine by me. Just don't let it happen again. I still can't control those emotions you know?"
"My name's Bor, and I hereby declare full trust from the Nord nation. Just be mindful. We need to defuse Saotome Ranma's situation if possible; although I believe is beyond repair."Ryoga knew that the Northern Nation would help her on a treaty, but the musk and the Phoenix themselves would be the most difficult. "Our next goal is the Amazon nation, but first I would like to stay here, and learn your element, and see how can I merge it to my own."
A month and a half passed, while living on the frozen city. Bor became attached to the lost boy's female form, and thanks to that he managed to get him wet in more than one occasion. This was hard for the bandanna boy too. He never had the practice to control those emotions before, and instead of master them every time he would show, while Ryoga was in female form, a set of awkward displays and intimate circumstances made the relationship more endearing. Wich it was bad for Ryoga. This definitely was messing him up.
One and a half months later. . .
"Well it's time for us to leave. Bor. Thanks for your hospitality; we'll try to keep in contact, and I'll work my way to Nerima after the Amazons hear our plead." Ryoga began to walk to the city's entrance when strong arms embraced him giving him the shock of his life. "Take care Ryoga-kun. We'll meet again." Ryoga just looked to the side, and embarrassed bowed and went on.
"Finally we're leaving this place. I was getting bored. . . .Vi. Vili. . .keep trainin' or you'll never get me. . . .bye." waved the red-headed girl right before disappearing into the white landscape.
The situation with the Amazons became very sensitive. They always considered a male turned female as a punishment, and so respect was never traded. Only one Amazon decided to help them. A green-headed woman by the name of Tralla. She told them that the only Amazon capable to listen to their demands would be the Elder Cologne, but she was not there. Ryoga knew where to find her though, so they headed there.
Nerima . . Present. . . .
After finishing his main goals. Ryoga had his sister take him to their own house; Finally a place they could call their own. He was thankful for the Tendos, but now he could focus on a more personal environment where he would practice, and get along with family. Akira became the cleaning and provider part of the team. She was the one running errands, provisions and anything related outside the house. Ryoga accepted living in female form twice a week so she could understand her Elemental abilities, while getting used to female modesty and manners.
It was time for Ryoga to meet the Amazon Elder, and discuss the Saotome incident, but she wasn't at the neko-hanten. Was closed with a sign stapled on the door. "At the Saotome's."
"Great. I get to meet the old ghoul and Ranma at the same time, and at the Tendos no less."
When the lost boy and the smaller red-headed girl arrived. The first to meet them was Akane this time. "Ryoga-kun. It's been so long. Are you ok? We were worried sick." Ryoga saw the girl with a new light. contemplating for the first time how a girl needs supportive words of encouragement.
"Hello Akane-san. I am great. I've trained hard, and I'm practicing to control my temper, but how are you? I was very worried myself." When Akan'e saw in the boy's eyes, she didn't find malice in his questions. More like a genuine concern which made her feel cared for. "Yes thank you Ryoga. I am great. Would you like to come to the house?" Before he could respond a series of yelps were coming from the Dojo.
"Well i guess he's coming to see Ranma more than me." Her demeanor changed once more. Feeling depressed. "Ranma is training in the Dojo. Why don't you meet him?" But a female body sure make wonders on a male's mind. "Oh no Akane. I would love to talk to you and the rest of the family first. besides I would like you to meet my sister." By hearing this. Akane examined around the boy and gave him a questioning look.
"Hey. Up here." Akane looked up, and saw a red-headed girl on top of a branch. "Well hello. You must be Ryog-kun's little sister?"
'Yup. Akira's the name. Nice to meet ya." After the rough presentation both followed Akane inside the house, and met the rest of the family. "Why hello dear aren't you precious? but your hair is so tangled. Are you ok?" Kasumi's question felt like the big sister concerned for her little sister so Akira didn't mind them. "I'm sorry. I'm not very patient with that, and am always on the road. There is not time to care for it. I barely got anytime to bandage my chest let alone braid my hair."
"Well that won't do. Come with me, and I'll have you fixed in no time." Akira just shrug and follow the Oldest Daughter into her room." Sorry about that Ryoga-kun. I see Onee-chan still has energy to care for little children." Ryoga laughed and close his distance to Akane. "Tell me Akane-san. How's Ranma?"
"He's very angry. specially at you; he believes that you betrayed him by not saying anything about the Elites and his involvement on the new Phoenix threat, but mostly because Elder Cologne told him you've held back on your last fights. Claiming that you have become stronger than he is."
"Is this true?" Asked Akane waiting for the true. "Akane-san I. . . . . ." Was everything he could manage before being interrupted. "It's true Ain't. . . . .ain't it?" Ryoga turned to see Ranma standing by the door scowling at the lost boy. When answer wasn't given he walked towards him, and held him by his collar. "Well. Aren't you goin' to say anythin'?"
Ryoga stood there. No motion or verbal repsonse. "Damn it. He's too close. I need to do something before my stupid "hormones" kick in." But nothing kept happening, and he kept getting closer and closer to the startled boy. "There's no point. I can't face him. . . . .I'm not strong enough." He kept looking at those blue eyes, while blushing and trying to look down, or away. Anywhere but at him. And finally it happened; Ranma began to see something in his opponent's eyes. Something that made him get closer almost inches apart from each other, and right in front of Akane.
Suddenly Ranma was hurled away straight out into the lawn. Breaking the paper door from the entrance. "What the hell?" A red blur made her appearance outside, and yelled at the pigtailed boy. "Get any closer to my big brother, and you're mince meat ya hear?"
"And who're you?"
"I'm the one whose goin' to kick your butt. I ain't afraid of you, and you don' have any effect on me, so common. Let's get started?" Ranma might had been mad, but he knew better than to mess with a kid. He was nineteen, and this kid look like fourteen. "Hey kid. I don't know if your Ryoga's sister, but yer just a child, and I ain't no child bully. So just stay out of my way. This is a personal matter."
"Like hell. you want my brother? you get him through me." Akira just opened her palm and threw a punch into the air hitting nothing, but a strong gust of wind forced Ranma to protect himself with his arms, and pushing him back.
"What the hell is that move? I can't even sense any ki in you." Ranma didn't feel any power raised, or technique used. "If this brat can challenge me with something like this. Than Ryoga is stronger."
"Tell me child. How many elements can you use?" This time was Cologne talking.
"I can handle all four basic ones. So tell your student to stay back, or he's dead." Ranma looked at Cologne, and lowered his stance when the old woman gave him a sign. "Ok child. Son in law won't bother you or your brother. Would you like to talk?"
When Ryoga felt Akira's arms around him the shock began to subside in turn. This action startled all the people present. "So child tell me. Does Ryoga can develop an element as well as you do?"
"Don't judge him for the way he is now. He is passing for a very traumatic experience, and is coping as best he can. . . . Elder Cologne?" Akira was afraid for the Elder's reaction, but had to let her know. "We represent Lady Gaia, and are the only ones under her teachings and. . . . .Ryoga and I are "fully" converted."
Cologne didn't expect this. She knew what the red-headed girl was referring to. But this was a different matter that needed attention. "Child . . . .has Ryoga found a mate?" Hearing this Ranma and Akane's mouths fell to the floor. "No Elder. There is one. The oldest brother from the Nord Elites. He became "close", but Ryo-kun couldn't handle it, and his abilities won't work anymore."
"No wonder he was petrified when Ranma held him and came too close at him. He can't control his form." said Cologne fully understanding their situation.
Aware of the new situation the pigtailed boy had to understand the implications. "What is it old ghoul? Is something the matter to Ryoga?"
"Son in law. Ryoga has changed in more ways than you think. He was chosen as a goddess protector, but while doing so he sacrificed his male humanity. He still has his male form, but now he transforms into female as well."
Hearing this. Ranma's eyes began to tear, and he fell on the floor laughing and pointing at him. "Oh my gosh. Now he'll know what it feels being groped, and touched against your will. Ryoga buddy. Welcome to my hell."
"Son in law. His state is a lot different. You could say she is a woman with a male's curse, and Ryoga is fighting back something that can't be undone, and to make matters worse. There are other men "pretending" her."
"You mean he has boyfriends already? I don't think is much different from how Kunou, Toma and all the other perverts have tried on me, yet here I am showing them the truth as painful as I can.
"Again son-in-law. Lady Gaia has made Ryoga a woman with a curse. Is just like if you were locked as a woman. This time around Ryoga's female hormones are too strong for his male side, but if he keeps fighting he'll go insane." Finishing her speech Cologne turned to the red-headed young one. "Try to keep him alert, and focused. I'll see if I can find a way to intercede with Lady Gaia's last word."
An hour later the Hibikis where back at their home. Ryoga resting upstairs, while Akira preparing dinner. A knock was heard on the door. . ."Ranma? What do you want?"
"I want to talk to Ryoga. where is he?" Akira simply shoved the door in an unapologetic manner. "Go away. your only here to bother her so might as well just go home." But Ranma doesn't give up. He just jumped all over the side of the house. Until finding the bedroom's window Ryoga was resting in.
"Oy Ryoga buddy. Mind if I come in?"
"What do you want Ranma? Isn't enough the humiliation you did to me at the Tendos. Now you want to do it here?" Ranma went in, and making sure the door was locked, turned and faced Ryoga. "Buddy; I need to know somethin' so the best way to know is directly."
"What do you want to know?" Ranma closed the gap between the two. Ryoga tried to move away, but the other boy held him in place, and while pouring water on him, asked. "Is it true that you love me?"