Newest chapter is up! Honestly this one was a bit rushed towards the end because it was behind schedule (surprisingly this had an actual deadline I tried conforming to). So forgive me if the chapter's a little shaky. The reason I rushed it up was because yesterday (January 18, 2013) this story turned two years old! It really shouldn't have been that long but I'm happy that you've still kept interest in this story. It means a lot so thank you.
This one's shorter than the previous two chapters - back to my usual length but it doesn't mean my quality has declined … hopefully. I hope you'll enjoy this one.
The Curse of Jusenkyo
Part 2
Ryoga Hibiki
There were close to thirty people around a large tombstone. They were all the ones who had been close to the young boy that went away so prematurely. There were whispers of "what a tragedy" and "he had a whole life ahead of him" among those who came. But it had been quiet most of the time.
Slowly then, the visitors faded and disappeared into thin air one-by-one until only Ukyo was left staring at the grave. Ryoga then came up to her side, his eyes on the name carved in the stone.
"I wonder what had been going through their minds at that time," Ukyo began. She was speaking loud enough for only Ryoga to hear. "I can't imagine how devastated his parents were to have lost their only child. Even Genma, I'd bet, was affected. And the Tendos … they were so close that they were practically a family."
She then laughed a little.
"His friends must've felt the loss too. I mean, no more girl-Ranma to ogle on," she said.
Ryoga was not as amused as Ukyo though. He only looked at her with sympathy.
"What about you?" he asked.
"Me?" she still stared at the grave. "It's been …"
She turned to look at Ryoga.
"I-It's been tough," she said, nodding at her words. Her eyes went back to the grave. "It's just …"
Ryoga was still searching in Ukyo to find what it was she wanted to say. But it was difficult since she was being hard, not on him, but to herself. She's keeping the pain inside, probably ever since that day.
"You know, sometimes I wish I was a guy," Ukyo said. She averted her eyes to Ryoga. "I'd feel less pain that way." She found her words humorous, letting out a small awkward laugh.
"You shouldn't hold it in like this," Ryoga said.
Ukyo shrugged at his words.
"I know."
Silence fell upon them and they just let the soft wind blew past them. It was calming but also carried a melancholy feel to it. Ryoga then looked back at Ukyo and found himself staring at her. Such a pretty face emanating a heavy sadness.
"That's not very true though," Ryoga replied. "What you said about guys."
Ukyo looked at him but said nothing.
"Don't get me wrong, I do despise him. But I can't deny that his passing affected me."
"In what way?" Ukyo asked after a few seconds' pause.
Ryoga then glanced at his rival's tomb and thought of when he had come here a few days after Ranma's death.
He stood there immovable for the past twenty minutes. His eyes were fixed on the grave but his mind was far away. He wasn't even feeling the strain on his back from his large bag or how his legs had begun to ache.
It was hard to admit but Ranma had been the central part of his life. The incident at Jusenkyo that made him cursed. The numerous humiliations Ranma had done to him. The countless times Ranma bested him. Ryoga could always pull those things back from the past to justify his anger towards Ranma. It was strange that he liked feeling that way. He found comfort in being depressed, angry and alone.
But Ryoga knew he couldn't fool himself for too long. He grew tired of being so down. His rage towards Ranma was dwindling. It was why he tried to leave Nerima behind forever. He doubted he could actually move on but staying away was a start. Those dark emotions occurred lesser. He found it frustrating that he for some reason felt the idea of moving on unappealing. A part of him wanted to stay the way he was – to live with how things are. But he had decided that he would struggle to move on.
Ranma's parting was both hard and easy for him at that point. It was hard since a significant part of his life – a life of exacting vengeance – was now gone. It was easy in a sense that his rival's death shook him back to the reality he should've been reaching for.
He couldn't help seeing this as the beginning point of his happiness. Ironically, it made him feel guilty to find solace in such a loss.
Instead of finding himself on a different road though, Ryoga felt he had been plunged into darkness where he'd need to start again and find a new path on his own. The problem was he barely had any hint of where he should go – what he should do. Rather than finding himself free, he was more at a loss than before.
"Jerk … even till the end."
Ryoga heaved a long sigh and gripped the straps of his backpack before turning to walk away. He had decided on a general route anywhere away from Nerima. But he figured he'd make one last stop before he went on.
Soon he reached the town. He had dismissed the idea of going to see Akane, feeling that he had destroyed any possibilities of a relationship with the revelation of his curse. He wanted to blame Ranma initially but he knew inevitably that the truth would be revealed one way or another.
So instead, Ryoga decided on visiting his home for one last time. Despite his inability in finding his way and lack of attention to his surroundings, he could always identify his home. Maybe it was the key he always held.
His house came to view as he entered the quiet street it was situated in. And as he hoped, Shirokuro ran out to him. It was amazing how she could sense him from quite a distance.
"Hey girl," Ryoga said as he knelt down for Shirokuro to leap into his arms, followed closely by Shirokuro's grown pups.
"Wow, look at all of you," he said, letting them get all over him. He then got up and let the dogs bring him back home. Ryoga went past the gates and reached his front door. He was surprised to find it unlocked. There were no signs of a break in though and the dogs hadn't been frantic at all.
"Hello?" he called as he slipped inside. Ryoga replaced his walking shoes with slippers and laid down his backpack near the door. Just as he straightened himself, a woman came to the front door.
They froze and caught each other's eyes. It was amazing that despite the years parting them, they were still able to recognize one another.
"Mom?"
His mother drew a shaky breath and smiled.
"W-Welcome home, Ryoga."
Ryoga hurriedly walked to her and embraced his mother.
"I'm home," he said happily.
"Ow, ow. Ryoga … you're … crushing me."
"Oh sorry."
Bashfully he pulled himself away from his mother, standing at arm's length.
"You've grown so much Ryoga."
"It's been quite some years mom."
"Well, that's our curse for you," his mother laughed. "Oh, you must be hungry. I was just about to order some ramen."
"Uh, sure," Ryoga said.
He walked over to the living room and sat on the couch. It sure felt like it had been forever since he last came here. His mother must have been away for a long time too. It would explain the need to order ramen due to the lack of still edible food in the house.
His mother was at the phone ordering their ramen. Ryoga took the time to gaze around. The house was in good order and looked exactly as it had as he remembered. Though, it looked like there had been some cleaning done. The many trinkets on the shelves had been rearranged and dusted. The carpet looked like it had been recently vacuumed and the floor was absolutely spotless.
"When did you reach home mom?" Ryoga asked as his mother came to sit with him.
"A few days ago actually," she replied. "Oh! Which reminds me! Some time ago I met your father."
"Wow, really? How's dad doing?"
"He's fine, don't worry. But what's important is that he's found a way to cure our directional problem."
"What?! No way!" Ryoga's eyes were wide open.
"You better believe it. But he said he needed to make sure that it'd work and not have any harmful side effects."
An alarm rang in Ryoga's head.
"Wait, does it have to do with magic?" he asked.
"Magic?" his mother looked at him quizzically. "I'm not quite sure of the details but I trust your father would make sure everything's alright."
Ryoga remained skeptical but didn't show it to his mother. Instead, he nodded slightly and said "Okay."
"If your father's able to cure himself and return without getting lost along the way, then it should be safe," his mother added.
"I guess yeah."
"Well, enough about me. Tell me Ryoga, how have you been living with this curse?"
For a second Ryoga had thought she'd meant his Jusenkyo curse. But then, maybe it was fine to tell her about it. Maybe he could tell her everything.
"I guess I'll start from the beginning," he said and he went on to tell about his grudge on Ranma, Jusenkyo, Akane and all the people he had met and fought. All the time his mother listened attentively but occasionally she'd interrupt with gasps of disbelief and shock.
"Don't you think you're being a little too harsh on Ranma?" his mother asked.
"I guess I have been," Ryoga said, smiling guiltily.
"So how is he now?"
Ryoga suddenly felt the air of the room change and his expression immediately turned sour. He looked away from his mother and stared at his clasped hands. His mother looked at him with concern but she didn't say anything and waited for him to speak.
After some time Ryoga raised his head but still avoided his mother's gaze.
"He … he died, mom. A few days ago," he said, meeting his mother's eyes.
His mother hadn't reacted as surprised as he'd expected. Only a sad frown and a small gasp escaped her lips.
"I'm sorry to hear that," she said softly. "What happened?"
"He drowned … and we couldn't save him," Ryoga replied. There was no need to further explain. He wouldn't want to describe the nightmarish scene to his mother. Let it only be known to those who had been there that night.
"How are you managing?"
"I … I don't know mom," Ryoga replied, sounding hopeless.
"Aw honey, come here," his mother said, pulling him into a comforting hug. His mother then let him go and sat beside him.
"I don't understand though," Ryoga began. "He's not even a friend and yet I feel so lost. It's like he took my spirit along with him to the grave."
Ryoga paused and suddenly he remembered their last duel. A duel that saw no winners.
"I guess he'd finally won … and I can't ever get him back for it."
He then chuckled bitterly.
"I never knew losing a rival would affect me this much."
Before his mother could say anything, the doorbell rang. The two perked up and Ryoga hurriedly went to answer the door. The delivery came at a perfect time. It was beginning to feel a little too grim, even for him.
He opened the door and was surprised to find Mousse with the food delivery.
"You live here Ryoga?" Mousse asked, equally surprised.
"Y-Yeah."
"I thought you had disappeared," Mousse said. He shook his head a little and then handed over the two packs of ramen. "Here."
"Thanks," Ryoga said. He stuck his hand into his pocket and brought out an exact change for the delivery.
"Oh, no. It's alright," Mousse said, waving his hand and accentuated that by stepping back and down one step.
"But –"
"It's fine, don't worry about it."
Ryoga looked at Mousse doubtingly but he looked honest. Then he remembered that Shampoo also worked with Mousse at the Cat Café.
"How's Shampoo?"
At the mention of Shampoo, Mousse tensed up and looked disheartened. He was reluctant to answer but then he just shook his head. He said nothing else and walked away to his bicycle and walked off. Ryoga watched as Mousse cycled off and then he slowly retreated into his house. He turned to give the packs of ramen to his mother.
"I'll go get some bowls," she said.
He noticed that she sounded a little gloomy, making him felt guilty for causing the downcast mood. Ryoga remained at the door and then Shirokuro slowly came to join him. She nudged his leg which made him smile a little. His mother came back out with two bowls full of ramen. He went over to the dining table as his mother set the bowls on it. Soon they began to eat. They were both silent. Only the clatter of chopsticks and occasional slurps entertained the dining table.
"Maybe he's not just a rival," his mother finally said.
Ryoga didn't look up but he did slow down.
"Maybe it's sort of a love-hate relationship. Deep down, I think you see him as your friend. That's why you're feeling lost and empty."
Ryoga stopped eating but still avoided his mother's eyes.
"He may be my only real friend," he said, barely audible.
His mother smiled.
"That can't be. What about all the people around you? You see, through Ranma you were able to meet more kinds of people. If it weren't for him, you may have continued wandering around alone with no one you could hold dear. If it weren't for him you probably wouldn't have known Akane. Along the journey of pursuing this rivalry, you've made new friends."
Ryoga looked at his mother.
"Just like you Ryoga they knew Ranma and they're probably going through the same thing as you are."
He thought of Shampoo, Akane and Ukyo. He thought of the Tendos and Ranma's family.
"All of you have gone through something terrible and have to help each other in handling this. You're not alone Ryoga and they're not alone too. Because all of you have each other."
Ryoga nodded slightly and smiled. His mother's smiled broadened. He felt better now.
"Thanks mom," he said.
Later that night Ryoga lay awake on his bed. He had forgotten how a soft, warm bed felt like. The feel of a pillow tucked under his head almost felt alien to him. In fact it almost seemed too comfortable for him.
But it wasn't why he was still awake. His mother's words made him think of everyone who had witnessed that night. He tried putting himself in each of their shoes, imagining how they were doing.
Genma must be feeling like a wreck now as he remembers what he had put Ranma through. And his mother who had been mostly out of his life would've taken it the worst. The Tendos would have definitely felt the loss too since they no doubt shared many memories with him. Ukyo, Ranma's childhood friend and supposed fiancée and Shampoo who's bound to him by an Amazonian contract; they would have that deep wound as well. Akane was the last person he thought about as he still felt dirty about his Jusenkyo curse.
Just as he began to think about her, Ryoga remembered what Ranma said to him that night.
"Promise me you'll take care of her."
Suddenly he felt his mind clear of dark thoughts. He felt like the shadows had lifted themselves. He could see a path laid out before him.
Ryoga knew what he had to do.
The next morning, Ryoga explained to his mother about his promise to Ranma and his desire to fulfill it. It may not be a purpose that would drive him forever but it was something he could hold on to until he truly found himself. Even if Akane was beyond his reach, at least he would honor Ranma by making sure she was alright.
So after he packed his things Ryoga went out and began nearly a month's journey to find Akane's house. He was surprised to find out that Akane had left. He asked the family but they wouldn't reveal where she went.
"Akane said it was for the best," Kasumi had said. "I'm sorry Ryoga."
"I understand," he replied, a little disappointed but relieved as he wouldn't be confronting her so soon. "Thank you."
"Ever since then I had been travelling around, wondering where she had gone to. I wanted to find her but I still felt scared to see her. It was a constant battle between fulfilling that vow and doing her good by staying away. A part of me actually hoped that I'd never see her again."
"But then, you promised Ranma," Ukyo added to his sentence.
"Right," Ryoga said.
They were now on their way back. They were able to get on a bus but it would still take them about an hour's journey to reach home. All the while Ukyo remained an avid listener and occasionally made some comments on what Ryoga said. It was comforting to listen to the people going through similar experiences. It made Ukyo feel like she had a place – a strong footing in these times.
Ryoga chuckled, catching Ukyo's attention.
"Even though he's gone now, he still has an effect on us huh," he said.
"I think what you're doing for him is noble even if it may cause you pain. That's what friends are, you know. Honoring one another," Ukyo said, giving her companion a smile. Ryoga smiled in response.
"It's kind of hard to accept … that he of all people could be a friend," he said.
"Hm, who knows? Maybe he thought of you the same way," Ukyo said. Her smile shrank until it was barely visible. "He trusted you with Akane after all … the one he loved."
Ryoga noticed the strain in her voice at that last bit. Suddenly he was brought back to that night at the moment when the painful truth took place in front of his eyes. Any slim hope he had completely vanished and a wave of despair struck him with full force.
Ranma and Akane were meant for each other and nothing could ever change that.
It had been hard to accept that reality but Ryoga knew that fighting it would have been futile. He could imagine Ukyo feeling the same way too.
The rest of the journey was quiet. Even though they were sitting next to each other, they occupied themselves differently. Ukyo had the window seat so she tried enjoying the sights. Ryoga could only look around at the immediate passengers around him. But the two weren't at all focused on whatever they were looking at.
The bus stopped at a stand within the town center which was the closest to Ukyo's restaurant. A few other passengers got off along with Ryoga and Ukyo and then went their separate ways.
"Hey, wanna get something to eat?" Ukyo asked.
"Sure," Ryoga replied.
"Let's head for one of those stalls and order for something to take home."
"Can't you just cook us something?"
"There's virtually nothing at home and I doubt you'd be satisfied with just okonomiyaki."
Ryoga paused and considered her words.
"Alright then."
"Come on," she said, getting a hold of his hand by the wrist.
"I can walk myself." Despite saying that, Ryoga still let his hand be pulled by Ukyo. It was embarrassing to be led around like a child by a girl.
"No, no. Remember earlier – the countless times you took a sudden turn?"
Ryoga glared at Ukyo, not that she noticed. She had a point though so he let her guide him to one of the many stalls nearby. They chose one and ordered some light lunch to take away and sat at a nearby table to wait.
"How's everyone else doing?" Ryoga asked solemnly.
Ukyo glanced at Ryoga.
"Last I heard the Tendos were doing alright. Things have gotten a little dull though but they've been managing. His parents … they're taking it pretty well too."
"How about Shampoo?"
Ukyo inhaled deeply.
"The café's still around but she left. But I haven't been in contact with them for so long. I don't know what else happened."
Ryoga nodded in acknowledgement. Ukyo then shifted in her seat and her expression lightened, catching Ryoga's attention.
"Hey, you have a girl don't you? What was her name again?"
"A-Akari," Ryoga answered, a little taken aback by her question.
"Yeah, Akari! How is she?" Ukyo asked, looking genuinely interested.
"She … she's good," Ryoga answered, rather dismissively.
"Is that all?" Ukyo raised an eyebrow.
Ryoga sighed which made Ukyo suddenly regret asking.
"I rarely stay in one place for a long time, remember? So she doesn't know much of me nor do I know much about her. And I keep disappearing unexpectedly. I know she understands but I don't think she's taking this too well."
Ryoga looked down at his clasped hands resting on the table.
"I don't know how much more she can take."
Ukyo was hastily thinking of something to cheer the guy up. Then she remembered the story Ryoga had told her earlier.
"But your parents … won't they be coming up with the cure for your directional curse?" she said. She was relieved when Ryoga smiled and looked up at her.
"It'd make things better I'm sure but they'd have to be quick," he said. "I'm just … worried that it would be too late."
"Have faith in your parents will you," Ukyo lightly scolded. Ryoga laughed lightly.
"Right," he said.
Just then their orders were done. Ukyo went to pay for them and took the packs. She then handed one over to Ryoga and gripped his free wrist. The two walked back to the restaurant.
"I'm gonna go upstairs for a while," Ukyo said upon entering. "Lock the door once you close it."
"Alright," Ryoga complied. He gently shut the door and turned the locking knob counter-clockwise. He turned to see Ukyo already going for the stairs. He decided to have something to drink. Ryoga left their packed food on the counter and then passed through the curtains covering the way to the kitchen in the back. He opened the refrigerator and searched for some cold water. He poured himself a glass and quickly gulped the water down before drinking another one. He then replaced the jug of water into the refrigerator. He noticed it was rather empty, not something he figured he'd see in a restaurant. It was closed today anyway but Ukyo would still need to stock up for tomorrow.
Ryoga came out of the kitchen and decided to ask Ukyo about it. Relieved that he didn't take a sudden turn, Ryoga found the stairs and went up. He reached the upper floor and saw one of the three doors along the hallway was open. It wasn't Ukyo's room though as hers was right next to the one he was staying in. The opened door was directly opposite of Ukyo's.
Quietly he walked to the unlocked room and peered inside. There he saw Ukyo sitting in the middle of the room facing away from him. For a long while he waited but Ukyo remained where she was. Softly, Ryoga knocked on the door but it didn't get her attention.
"Ukyo?"
"Huh?" she perked up. She awkwardly stood up and looked a little frantic as she turned to face him. "Ryoga!" she exclaimed.
"Is everything alright?" Ryoga asked, concerned for the girl before him.
"Y-Yeah, don't worry about me," Ukyo replied. It didn't convince Ryoga though as her eyes were trying to look elsewhere. "I was just … cleaning up this room a little."
"I see …"
"Umm, we should go eat," Ukyo said, changing the subject.
"Okay." Ryoga felt disappointed to have dropped the matter but it seemed that she wasn't going to open up to him. He hoped it wouldn't remain that way for too long. As Ukyo walked to the door Ryoga stepped aside to give her space to pass through. She descended the stairs while Ryoga remained at the door, looking around the empty room as if expecting it to reveal something. He exited the room and closed the door.
Ryoga joined Ukyo at one of the tables. Throughout their lunch they were quiet. Ukyo only had her eyes on her food but Ryoga kept on glancing at her in concern. She was hiding something but judging from how she seemed currently, it wasn't the right time to ask her about it.
Before, he would never be thinking of others. He'd be too preoccupied with his thoughts. If it wasn't about exacting vengeance on Ranma or imagining about Akane or Akari, then he'd sink himself into grimacing at his bad fortune.
Things have changed for him now and it had only been a year since that fateful day. He owed his mother for that and the months of travelling around. It gave him time to think and find a better state of mind to position himself in. Now he wanted to be of use to the people around him as much as he can, especially those who are still trying to get back up. Because he was still trying too.
"Ukyo."
He had to let her know of that even if she wasn't ready to open up to him yet.
"I want to tell you that I'm here and would always be ready to listen," he said.
The two remained frozen for a few awkward seconds. Ukyo's cheeks were flushed and her eyes quickly avoided Ryoga's. Ryoga having realized what he had said reddened as well. He turned his gaze back to his food and didn't look up at Ukyo again.
"T-Thanks," Ukyo said, still finding his uncharacteristic words shocking.
They went on eating without another word to each other. Ukyo finished first and quickly she got up. As she did, Ryoga finished his and held out his plate to Ukyo. All the while, the two tried avoiding each other's eyes. Ryoga watched as Ukyo took the plates to the back kitchen. He remained at his chair, rocking himself back and forth by pushing at the table with his foot. He was still worried about Ukyo and how she kept her thoughts to herself. He hoped she'd open up to soon to someone, even if it wasn't him.
Just then there was a knock on the door. Ryoga got up to answer. He opened the door to find a young woman heaving a large backpack. She looked to have been on the road for quite some time evident from her slightly dirty black shirt. Other than her iconic bluish hair, what made the young woman stand out was her missing right arm. It was the first thing Ryoga noticed about her since the right sleeve of her shirt had been cut and tied all the way up to her upper arm. And of course he could never forget her sparkling eyes, her smooth skin and her bright smile.
"Ryoga?!" she said ecstatically. She literally jumped at him and gave him a gripping hug. It felt strange though as usually you'd feel two arms encircling you.
"A-Akane," Ryoga managed to say despite the total shock.
She let him go and backed up. Ryoga remained frozen in his place.
"I'm back," Akane said, still beaming but calmer now.
It took a few seconds for Ryoga to register what she had said.
"Back? Back from where?" he asked.
Just then Ukyo came over and peeked over Ryoga's shoulder. She too was surprised to see Akane at the door but instead of stiffening up she harshly brushed past Ryoga and lunged for Akane, almost toppling her.
"Akane!" she yelped with joy.
It was Akane's turn to be surprised but then she sank into the hug. They held each other tightly for a while, swaying a little for emphasis and then broke away.
"I've missed you guys," Akane said.
"I've missed you too Akane," Ukyo replied, still flushing.
"Y-Yeah, same here," Ryoga said. The two girls noticed the tinge of nerves in his tone but said nothing of it.
"Hey, come in!" Ukyo said, virtually dragging the other girl inside. "So, where've you been?" she asked, half scolding.
"We'll get to that but first I need to break the news," Akane responded quickly, excited about something.
Ryoga closed the door and slowly came over to the two girls.
"I've found a way to cure Jusenkyo's curse."
And we're done! I intended to put up two chapters at once since it's this story's 2nd birthday but as I've said I was behind schedule. I'm glad this one's done though. I hope it wasn't disappointing because when it came to Ryoga, things got difficult (even though I'm a guy … huh). Hope it was nice! Stay tuned for the next chapter!
