Disclaimer: I don't own Ranma ½, it is owned by Rumiko Takahashi. I don't own anything. This is just for fun.
A/N: First off I like to say sorry for the late update. I was really procrastinating watching youtube video during my free time. I wasted a lot of time and I didn't want to wait a whole month to finish so I cut my loses which is why its not as long as other chapters. Also, I originally planned to finish the whole Horaisan arc in this chapter but I'll have to complete it next chapter.
Well, other than that I had commissioned Ranmabooks to make a picture of my Ryoko character so you know what she looks like. This one she is somewhat decent so it should be fine to add as the front image. Well, without further ado enjoy the story.
3rd POV:
Imozuru Hotel
The next day our four martial artists are up already had a quick breakfast together with the Musk warriors. Luckily thanks to Ryoko's and Mousse's intervention they were able to keep the breakfast civil especially when Ranko kept opening her mouth to instigate a fight with the Musk Prince.
Now the group is leaving town they are now at the outskirts of town at a crossroad with two paths leading to Horai but before they take a path the two groups face one another. Herb looks toward the blond. "Looks like this is where we part ways miss Ryoko. As much as I enjoy your company I can't stand the people you associate with; particularly the rude one."
In response to this Ranko blows her a raspberry. Herb grits her teeth at this. "How you can tolerate this thing Miss Ryoko is beyond me. You must have the patience of a saint to be able to stand this abomination."
Ryoko smiles at this. "Trust me I'm no saint. A month ago I used to not be able to stand so much as one of Ranma's insults as they drove me absolutely mad to the point I actively attacked Ranko at each opportunity I could get."
"I'm sure with good reason with how rude this thing is." Said, Herb
Ryoko shakes her head. "No, I did it for all the wrong reasons. I kept trying to vilify Ranma no mattered what he did. Sure he insulted me many times but that's just how Ranma is. He can't help it due to his upbringing but he has shown great compassion. He had helped me many times even when I was being a complete asshole to him. Too many times I proved I was the dishonorable one while Ranma proved he was the honorable one. It's why I'm trying to make it up to him by being the best friend I can be. After all, he is the only good thing that actually happened to me that made my life so much fun and interesting instead of dreary and lonely; if anything being his friend is worth all the pain and trouble that comes along with it." She finishes with a smile.
Herb looks to the blond understanding that Ryoko's words are indeed true but she could tell that Ryoko's smile doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I see you are very adamant about how good a friend the rude one is but I can tell from your eyes that deep down you truly don't believe everything you said about Ranma. If anything I believe you still hold Ranma in contempt maybe even still hates him."
The blond smile falls not sure what to say in defense to that. Ranko notices this but keeps quiet as Herb continues. "I know it's not my place to judge who your friends are but maybe you should ask yourself if is it all worth it in the end if all you get from this friend is nothing but grief. Well, I believe we talked long enough. As of now, the truce is over; may we meet again at Horai to battle over the open water kettle. I eagerly await to face you again especially that crimson aura of power I saw before. Until we meet again, come Lime and Mint we are going."
Herb leaves taking one of the two paths to Mt. Horai with Lime and Mint following behind. The blond is standing still not saying anything while the redhead who had been quiet couldn't stay silent anymore."
"What a load of crap. Honestly acting like she knows everything. Come on Ryo she was just making shit up saying you might hate me…right Ryo?" asked Ranko.
Mousse sees that Ryoko still has spoken up and tries to get them back on the road and forget the discussion. "Enough already we have much ground to cover if we plan to reach Mt. Horai before Herb does so how about get to it. Ryoko you should up our weights now on the last stretch of our journey. It should take us about 2 or 3 days to make it to Horai."
Ryoko nods then start making everyone's weights 5x normal gravity while making her own 8x normal gravity. Ranko immediately feels the difference as she struggles a bit getting used to the new weight. "Damn Ryoko, I swear you are sadistic sometimes or you get off on making us suffer."
The blond smiles at this. "Maybe I do or maybe I don't who knows. Come on guys let's get going we have both training and a lot of ground to cover."
The group then starts on the other path though the redhead did notice how the blond avoided her question decided to ask again later when they were alone. For the next two days, they traveled the countryside continuing their training, as usual, using their katas now with an even heavier weight pressing down on them. They did still keep the same travel pace as they tirelessly trained as they knew they didn't have much more time before they had to fight the Musk warriors again. Ryoko did as well teach them a new ki technique light Grenade as it is a super fast ki blast they have to charge it up first while they were out there.
On the end of the second day, they were drawing near the mountain of Horai after getting directions from a local. They also learned that the three Musk warriors hadn't passed by not that long ago so now they race up the mountain to where there is a long rope bridge connecting to mt Horai.
As they look to the shaky looking bridge in the dead of night Ryoga now in boy form looks out closes his eyes and tries to use his ki senses to try in find the Musk warriors. While he was doing this Ranko was trying to cross the bridge but Mousse was standing in her way. "Saotome it is too dangerous to try and cross this bridge right now. It's the dead of night, we are tired, hungry and not to mention the weights are still in effect. If we try to cross now the wooden planks will break and we will fall to our deaths."
Ranko who was too determined to reach her destination now that it was right in front of her was trying to get by Mousse. "(Panting) Move aside duck boy the cure is right in front of me and I'll be damned if lizard breath gets it first."
Nam tries to get the lost boy's attention. "Hey, Ryo I think you need to do something about your friend before she gets herself hurt? She isn't listening to us."
Ryoga opens his eyes then walks over to Ranko placing a hand on her shoulder. "We are calling it a day Ranko. It's too dark out to keep going and the Musk isn't too far away from us. I picked up their ki signatures so we don't have to worry as they haven't reached the mountain yet as they are staying in one spot so they are most likely resting. I suggest we do the same as we are in no shape after the tireless training we did today."
Ranko was anxious to finally reach her destination but Ryoga's words struck true as much as she hated to admit it she was tired and very hungry. "Fine, let's get some food then I'm hungry."
The group then sets up their tents and starts cooking up some food with Nam making some stew. As Nam was stirring the pot he turns to the lost boy. "Hey, Ryo how do you do it? Out of all of us only you seemed to be able to talk down that redhead. She outright doesn't listen to any of us and me for obvious reasons."
Ryoga subtlety looks Ranko's way as she gazes at the stew obviously hungry before turning to Nam speaking Chinese. "Well, I actually don't know. It might be that we are growing closer as friends now so maybe she considers my input more important now,"
Nam smirks. "Yeah or maybe she secretly likes you and values your opinion. Or better yet she is secretly in love with you which is why she only sleeps in the same tent with you or shares the same room with you? I'll tell you why because she wants that Dic-."
Ryoga interrupts him holding his hands in the air embarrassedly as he tries to explain himself. "No no that's not it we're just good friends she would never do that. Besides she is a guy, her masculinity is bigger than all of our combined!"
Ranko notices the boy's discussion not able to understand what they are saying but she had the indescribable need to deck Nam in the face for some reason. The redhead turns to Mousse who is shaking and rubbing his head. "Hey duck boy, what are those two saying?"
"I'm not repeating what they are saying. There are just some things a man doesn't say around a woman." Said Mousse.
Ranko was pissed that she was intentionally being left out of the loop. Deciding to get it from the source she gets up gets behind Ryoga hugging him from behind. "Hey P-chan, what are you two talking about? You haven't forgotten about your good friend old Ranma have you?" she flashes her eyes cutely at him
Ryoga blushes at Ranko's contact on his back especially her breast rubbing against him. "Ah, Ranko um there is nothing important we are talking about."
Ranko stares at him in the face not believing him. "Come on P-chan I know you're lying tell what you were talking about? I saw you both glancing my way several times so you were talking about me weren't you?"
While the lost boy was tongue tied Nam heard Mousse's translation he then smirked. "Oh you what to know what we were talking about redhead; well we were talking about how much I bet you would love to have Ryo cock. That this redhead is cock crazy and wants to ride the Ryo express." Nam makes a few provocative gestures simulating sucking a dick to sex.
Ranko didn't get a translation but she recognized that he was referring to her and the gestures put her in a rage if what she thinks what he is implying is what she thinks what it is. She gets up and storms toward Nam but before she does something Ryoga grabs her. "Let go of me P-chan! I'm going to kill this bastard. It doesn't take a genius to know what he was talking about!"
"Relax Ranko Nam is an idiot. He says things that come to mind no matter how rude it is. A lot like a certain person I know. Now come on let's just eat some food. Nam the food is ready to correct?" asked Ryoga.
Nam smirks at the enraged redhead before filling two bowls of stew handing it to Ryoga. Ryoga still holding Ranko down on his lap tries to get Ranko to eat her food and stop trying to kill Nam. "Ranko for the love of kami stop struggling and just eat your food already and stop trying to kill Nam already." Yelled Ryoga.
"Let go Ryoga! The bastard deserves to be beaten to an inch of his life the pervert! And stop holding me it's unmanly and I am a man!" screamed Ranko.
Ryoga sighs. "As much as I agree that he should get beaten for being a pervert not right now maybe later. Now stop struggling or I'll feed you like a baby."
Ranko was still struggling which caused Ryoga to forcefully open her mouth and feed her stew to her. "Hey, I'm not a baby I can…mhmm, that's very good I mean I can feed myself." Complained Ranko.
Ryoga just continued feeding Ranko despite her protest. Eventually, Ranko stopped struggling when she realized no matter how much she struggled she would not be able to get out of his grip and just silently accepted being fed. Once Ryoga was satisfied the Ranko wouldn't try to kill Nam anymore he finally let her go then started eating his own food.
While those two were eating Mousse is talking with Nam. "Seriously Nam you are playing with fire with Saotome. When you embarrass her in any way she will pay you back tenfold. She is very petty and vindictive."
Nam waves him off. "Oh don't worry about it. I can handle her anytime. I have seen her type before so I know how to deal with them. If anything I'm going to have fun screwing with her head." 'Screwing aside I love to screw that hot piece of ass but I'm certain Ryoga wouldn't like me approaching his territory no matter how much he denies it I can see there is something between the two that it is painfully obvious. Honestly, they just need to be honest with each other and have fun not let the whole I'm a boy thing get in the way because they obviously attracted to each other's girl-side and vice versa.'
Mousse shakes his head. "Your funeral Nam, I tried to warn you."
After about half an hour they finished eating their stew they all started entering their tents for bed but Ranko just before entering gives one last glare to Nam promising to herself when Ryoga's back was turned Nam is getting the beat down of his life. Now both Ryoga and Ranko are in their tent getting ready to sleep. Ranko turning to Ryoga decides she waited enough asking about that last conversation with Herb. 'Well, it's now or never if I'm getting answers. I waited enough and now that Ryoga is in male form again it will be much easier to grill him for information. He always was a sucker for a pretty face.'
Ranko smirks then sneaks into Ryoga's futon hugging his back pressing her breast against his back. This action, of course, startles the lost boy. "R-Ranko what are you doing?"
Ranko smirks knowing she already got him as she hugs him tightly whispering into his ear. "What's wrong Ryoga-kun? I'm just showing you my affections?"
Ryoga now feeling the ever-growing anger swelling in himself tries to control himself. "No, no you are not. You are lying again Ranko. Stop it, you are making me angry. Stop this now before I do something I will regret please."
Ranko reveling seeing Ryoga squirm at her mere touch continues. "Oh, you wouldn't dare hurt little old me, would you? No, you wouldn't I know you Ryo. You wouldn't hurt a girl even a girl like me. Now you are going to answer me about what you last talked about with Herb. Lizard breath said you hate me but we both know you don't so how about you tell me the truth that you really love me?"
At the mention of love Ryoga's anger skyrockets as his aura burst turning into a sickly green aura as he busts out of Ranko's grip surprising her then grabs her by the neck squeezing hard forcing her to choke. "You want to know how I really feel Saotome! I hate you, no I loathe you! You have no idea how frustrating it is trying to be friends with an egotistical jerk like you is! You are a narcissist that craves attention so much you would even dress up as someone's admirer, girlfriend, fiancé, and sister to get them to pay attention to you and get them to say they love you only for you to reveal the charade and laugh in their face about it!"
As Ryoga's aura is running loose the tent is torn apart as Ranko is struggling desperately to get Ryoga to stop choking her as she tries to pry his hand around her neck uselessly. It doesn't take long until both Mousse and Nam come onto the scene as soon as they heard the commotion. As they stood there watching they were shocked instead of coming to fight off an attack they stumble upon Ryoga strangling the life out of Ranko.
In any other circumstance Mousse would be giddy that someone is finally giving Ranma want what was coming to him but in this instance Ryoga who had been insisting they all work together, put their differences aside and be friendly to one another, trained them together and brought them together to be something close to an actual friendship instead of them being temporary allies of connivance. Seeing Ryoga face etched in so much rage it wouldn't look out of place on a demon as his eyes had turned sickly yellow with his fangs now more prominent and looking more beastly.
Knowing the person in front of him wasn't the friend he has gotten to know these past weeks was now trying to kill Ranko who he had been bending his back backward to repair their friendship. So doing what was best for his friend he throws chains wrapping them around Ryoga to restrain him. Mousse is struggling to restrain Ryoga even with Nam's help. "Hey, Mousse we need to come up with something to stop Ryo! The redhead is already turning blue and I don't know how much longer she'll hold on or us for that matter as he too strong!" said Nam.
Mousse agrees but not sure how to overcome Ryoga's inhuman strength. It was that instance Mousse remembered Ranma's female form is weaker so the same should apply to Ryoga. He takes out a bucket of water and throws it on Ryoga triggering his curse. The moment he turned into Ryoko her aura disappeared almost immediately as Ryoko started to regain her sanity.
As she realized where she was she looked down to see Ranko below her as both her hands were around her throat as the redhead was barely breathing. The blond quickly gets off allowing Ranko to gasp for air. Ryoko seeing that Ranko coughing violently as she is holding her throat sees her eyes and notices there is a tinge of fear in them as soon as their eyes meet.
Ryoko seeing the state Ranko was in couldn't help but feel utter disgust in herself for losing control and causing this. 'I'm truly am a monster. I tried to be friends with Ranma and all I do is hurt her. I even tried to kill her again after I promised I wouldn't attack her again. In the end, I'm just a broken unredeemable person aren't I. What was I thinking that I of all people could have friends? Had I learned nothing, I'm just destined to live and die alone and be forgotten.'
Ryoko no longer able to handle all the shame and guilt as further slips into her depression as the sickly green aura reappears again stronger than before but more unstable. The need to release this power before she explodes was all the motivation the blond needed to know she was no longer welcome her as she saw herself as a grenade just waiting to go off. She quickly gets up barely noticing the chains wrapped around her and did the only thing she ever was good at in life both of them, she ran away.
Mousse and Nam soon after he looses grip of the chain as they fall down, they then get up to chase after their friend.
On the ground, Ranko tries to regain her breath as she can't believe how close she was to dying. Looking to find where her aggressor was she sees Ryoko now running away with the other two chasing after her. Ranko was about to get up to chase after her to find out what hell happened but a tinge of fear runs down her spine as she stops in her tracks. Ranko shakes her head to dispel the fear as her friend needs her as she runs after them.
As Ryoko is running frantically her depression ki continues to grow becoming more unstable. So much depressive ki is around her now that the area around her is being affected like a huge weight is bearing down on it and all living things are withering and dying. Ryoko is feeling the need to vomit as the depressive ki is bearing down on her and the feeling she is about to explode unless she releases it. 'Damn it, I feel like shit, I really hate my depressive ki; it makes me feel so sick like some shoved rotten pickles and rotten fish down my throat then barfed it up only to swallow it again. I hoped I wouldn't have to use it again but I have no choice I need this sickening ki out of me.'
Ryoko then uses her ki to increase her speed to further get away from the others. Checking to make sure she was far enough away she unleashes her most destructive technique after no longer able to hold it in. "SHIN SHISHI HOKODAN!"
As the other three were chasing Ryoko they notice she increases in speed getting further away from them. Before they could increase in speedRyoko started glowing before a wave of depression ki hit them forcing them on the ground. Before they could get back up the area around the blond explodes as a pillar of red light erupts from where she was standing. The pillar of light far bigger than any Shishi Hokodan Ryoga has ever fired before as it split the sky in two.
The light lasted for 15 seconds before finally dissipating. Ranko and the others who were blown away from the blast are now picking themselves up. Mousse and Nam are the first to reach the huge crater Ryoko made. "Um Mousse, I don't see Ryo anywhere? She was just here a second ago. You don't suppose she blew up?" asked Nam worriedly.
"Of course not, this is Ryoga were talking about. She probably just buried in the crater or wandered off." Said Mousse unconvinced.
Ranko finally arrived beside them. "Where is Ryoko?"
"Don't know we better start looking." Said Mousse.
The three of them then start searching every nook and cranny in the crater only to find nothing. Deciding it is best to split up to search the surrounding area for their friend they continue searching.
Somewhere near Horai Mountain
A ragged disoriented blond girl is walking aimlessly through the forested area as her eyes are completely blank and lifeless. As she was walking with no particular direction in mind she stumbles on a branch falling on her knees. Looking up she notices that it is starting to rain.
'I have no idea where I am as usual. I don't even have my pack as I left it back at camp. Not that it matters after I attacked Ranma trying to strangle her even after promising not to attack her again only to break it. I'm truly am a fuck up, a defective person who can't do anything right in my life.' Ryoko gives out a heartbroken laugh.
"Honestly what the hell was I thinking trying to fix my relationship with Ranma when I can't even fix my own fucked up life? I can't even go to the bathroom by myself without someone guiding me, that just proves how completely useless I am!" Ryoko falls flat on the ground with no desire to continue on longer. "I'm tired of this no matter what I do I always screw it up. What was the point of even getting this second chance for only to fail? You know it's kind of funny this situation reminds me of the time when I died in my future self-memories. All I need now is the tiger."
At the mentioning of the name tiger, a tiger appeared from behind a tree stalking up to Ryoko looking hungry. Ryoko to emotionally tiring lazily looks at it. 'Of course, it all comes full circle, doesn't it? I'm tired of fighting a fight I can't win; I'm sorry mom, dad and little sister I didn't know about. I just can't save you. I can't save anybody. I'm just a screw up destined to fail; I just want to rest now I'm tired of fighting this I'm sorry.'
Ryoko closes her eyes accepting the inventible as she falls unconscious. The tiger seeing that its prey wasn't moving quickly closes on the blond. Just as the tiger was about to pounce the blond the tiger is blasted by a ki blast and sent flying further into the forest.
From out of the shadows three figures appear approaching the unconscious blond. "Herb look there is someone here." Said Lime.
Mint takes a close look at the blond. "Hey isn't that Miss Ryoko? Why is she sleeping outside like this, won't she get sick?"
Herb quickly goes the blond's side checking if she was okay. "Don't be stupid Mint she wouldn't be out here by choice. Just look at her she is a mess something happened to her."
Lime thinks for a moment. "You think it might be that light we saw earlier that caused this?"
"Perhaps so I'm feeling some negative ki radiating off her that is similar to that pillar of light I sensed earlier." Said Herb.
"What about her friends? Wouldn't they be looking for her? Should we go find them?" asked Mint.
Herb shakes her head. "No, chances are they are responsible for putting her in this state especially that disrespectful bastard Ranma. As it stands she is one of the musks and we look after our own. After we get the open water kettle we can bring her back with us to the Musk Dynasty where she belongs. Now come on let's get going."
Herb then picks her up bridal style heading straight back to their camp with the other two following.
Back with Ranma and company
The three of them spent over an hour scouring the area looking for Ryoko only deciding to call it off as it started to rain. Now the three are heading back together in the rain back to camp. The journey back was not very comfortable as the air between the three was filled with hostility patricianly with Mousse and Ranko.
Mousse who managed to stay unwet due to his spare umbrella was glaring at the redhead. "Saotome, I know you must have done something to set Ryoga off like that talk."
The redhead glares at the Chinese Amazon. "Me? Why do you think I did anything wrong for? Ryoga attacked me and tried to strangle me so how am I the bad guy I'm the victim."
The Chinese Amazon scoffs. "Victim, that's a load of bullshit and you know it Saotome. Ever sense Ryoga came back she has been bending her back backward for you Saotome. She has been defending you from people accusing you of being a womanizing pervert/bastard, fought some of your would-be fiancés and helping you train hell even teaching you her techniques! You're her rival she is helping you learn her moves so you can get stronger all for your benefit! So yes Saotome I do believe you done something to cause this reaction after all Saotome it what you are good at antagonizing people causing trouble for everyone else. Honestly, I'm surprised it took this long considering all the backhanded comment and the name calling; normally she would have exploded in rage and attacked you by now."
Ranko was speechless at that. She wanted to rebuke him but she knew deep down he was right as Ryoga had been helping her even mending things she thought would never be fixed namely her relationship with her mother as well as the marriage contract hanging over her head. She never liked that she was being forced to marry as it was taking the choice to choose away from her. If anything she was glad to be given the choice whether to marry Akane or any of the other fiancé, for once she felt she had some control over her life and all because of her best friend went far beyond what anyone has ever done for her.
Ranko looks away in shame. "Okay, maybe you are right. I may have teased Ryoga a little."
Mousse continues his glare. "And what else did you do that caused this?"
"Hey, it was just harmless teasing. I do it to Ryoga all the time. All I did was hug him from behind asking him about what he and Herb talked about earlier. And maybe I was acting a little intimate with him trying to get him to admit he doesn't hate me but lov-I means like me. It's not like it was anything different from what I usually do when I tease him in girl-form." Said Ranko.
Mousse shakes his head completely furious while he translated for Nami. After Nami heard the translation she gave her 2 cents. "Ranko after hearing what you did I have to say you really are a narcissistic bitch. Ryo told me his story about you and always talked about you in good light always talking about himself in a negative way blaming himself for why you two kept fighting. He was right to blame himself but not entirely. From our interaction from our recent travels especially with the musk, you have a tendency to antagonize everyone rubbing them the wrong way. He also told me the times you pretended to be his admirer, girlfriend, fiancé, and sister. He played off saying he enjoyed it and that he already forgave you but I can tell he was telling bullshit in the way he was clenching his hands."
"I'll be honest with you Ranko; whether you did these things on purpose or did it for fun is irrelevant you are a horrible person. Ranko you simply don't do those things to a friend playing with their emotions tricking them into loving you only to laugh in their face about it. If what you did happen to me or just anyone, in general, they be pissed beyond all reason and hate your guts! Really Ranko you should try putting yourself in Ryo's shoes are hell any guy you swindled before by pretending to have a cute girl act all nice and flirty with you saying they love you only to say 5 minutes later just kidding than laugh in your face about it!"
Nami storms off back to camp after saying her piece while Mousse finishes translating for Ranko then quickly following suit before he gets wet. Ranko who was standing after hearing the translations felt a stab of guilt in her gut. She tries to shake it off to hurry back to camp but the feeling is still there.
As they reached camp Nami and Mousse entered their tent to get some much-needed rest while Ranko was outside looking at the ruined tent now fallen apart. Ranko turns to other tents to ask for help. "Umm guys can I get some help? The tent is busted and I getting really wet out here?"
The tent stay sipped up while Mousse answered. "I don't see how that's our problem Saotome. You're in this situation because of your narcissistic streak and it will be a cold day in hell if I let you in here and try and harass us like you did Ryoga. Go climb in a tree or something just don't bother us."
Mousse's cold tone it was a punch in the gut for Ranko. She might not have liked the duck boy but deep down she thought they were sort of friends. And she didn't want to know what Nami said as her one was just as cold and she didn't wait for the translation. She opted to go back to the ruined tent to find what she can salvage. From within the tents, the futons were covered by the top layer of the tent when it collapsed so it was partially wet. She folded them up then put them back in Ryoga's bag while searching for anything useful. Luckily she found Ryoga's sleeping bag which happens to be waterproof.
Ranko then placed the bag in the ruined tent lifting the torn top layer to cover the bag from the rain. She then unzips the bag getting in zipping in completely up protecting herself from the rain. As Ranko was trying to find a comfortable position she noticed the bag had a particular scent. Ranko sniffs. "Hmm, it smells like pine trees in here. This is definitely Ryoga scent alright. It's actually really nice."
Ranko expression then saddens. 'Am I truly at fault for causing what happen to Ryoga earlier? Nami words are really getting to me, were my tricks really that hurtful? I'm trying to think about it by putting myself in their situation but I don't exactly understand as I still see it as harmless fun. Honestly, nothing that I do to people really happened to me so I don't actually understand. Wait back when mom learned I was actually Ranko she said Ryoga told her all about me. At the time I thought he merely used his girl-side to trick me in thinking she was my friend when mom pretended to enact the contract on me. I felt completely crushed at the time, stabbed in the back by the person I considered my best friend only to get revenge on me. Of course, I was proven wrong when Ryoga sat down beside me promising he would die along with me. Perhaps that feeling of betrayal I felt back then is what Ryoga feels when I trick him all those times. If that is true then maybe what Ryoga said to me is true and he does hate me. I have to find him and apologize for everything. Damn it I feel like such an asshole, he has been a true friend to me and I've been such a jerk I have to find him as soon as I can I can't lose him.'After about a couple of minutes the redhead drifted off to sleep.
The Next morning
At the camp where the musk warriors were as they were just finishing packing up camp. While Lime and Mint finished packing up the rest of their supplies Herb was watching over Ryoko. She was holding the blond protectively as she was sweating profusely and talking in her sleep while having a nightmare.
Lime and Mint who were working were quietly conversing while sneaking peeks at the other two. "Hey Mint you think Herb is getting awfully close to Miss Ryoko?" asked Lime.
Mint sneaks a peek to the other two. "Yes, your right. Hey, you don't think Prince Herb likes Miss Ryoko?"
Lime enters a thinking position. "Hmm, she is really pretty. Now that I think about it before we came with Herb on this journey Herb was going through marriage interviews if I recall. Maybe Herb plans on bringing Miss Ryoko back home to marry her."
Mint has a look of shock. "Really, Miss Ryoko is going to be our queen? Whoa, who would have thought."
Herb who was silently listening to their conversation was getting irritated so she blasted them. "Just SHUT UP and finish packing already!"
Herb's attention falls back to Ryoko while the other two get back to work. She looks at Ryoko's pained face who was talking in her sleep repeating the words "I'm so sorry" "Please don't leave me" "Sorry Ranma" over and over. Ranma it's always that rude bastard. I'm certain it's always that bastard Ranma who causes you so much grieve Ryoko. Why do you put up with him, he is obviously causing you so much pain? No matter before the day is done the open water kettle will be mine and soon Ranma head as well. Don't worry Miss Ryoko I'll solve all our problems soon enough and who knows when I bring you back to the Musk Dynasty you'll e able to put the thing behind you. Hmm and maybe you might make a good wife to a certain prince later as I'm certain any child you bear would definitely be a boon to the kingdom."
As Herb continues to look after Ryoko she is having an intense nightmare.
Ryoko's Dreamscape
Ryoga/Ryoko POV:
What's wrong with me I can't control my body? My hands are around Ranma's throat and she is choking up blood. She struggling to try to breathe as her nails dig into my flesh but my grip continues to press. I'm trying my best to let go she is my friend, after all, I shouldn't be trying to hurt her. After a couple of minutes of trying eventually Ranma eyes roll to the back of her head as more blood pours out of her mouth and eyes. The mere sight is scaring the crap out of me as can't help but scream at myself as I watch uselessly as I murder my best friend. It wasn't long after my hands gripping Ranma's throat felt the cracks until they completely snapped Ranma's throat. The moment Ranma's neck snapped everything was still as Ranma's head dangled so lifelessly.
I realized soon after my body was in my control again but the damage was already done Ranma my best friend was dead and worst was I did it. Before I even could contemplate it even further Mousse and Nam appeared before me shocked at what I did.
Mousse looks at me in disappointment. "I can't believe you actually gone through with it Hibiki. I knew you hated him but for you to actually kill him?" Mousse shakes his head. "Sorry but no I thought you were better than that guess I was wrong murder."
Mousse turns his back to me leaving. I try to get up to stop him to try and explain I wasn't in control of my body but Nam interposed himself in front of me than punched me in the face knocking back down with Ranma's lifeless corpse. "Stay away from him murder! I can't believe you of all people would do this to a friend! I looked past you killing those rapists and criminals but this killing your friends is where I draw the line! Don't ever associate yourself with us again friend murder!" Nam then turns following after Mousse as the two seeming sly disappear in the distance.
As I get up to try again to track the two down I hear crying next to Ranma's corpse. Turning I see both Akane and Nodoka crying over Ranma's corpse. Nodoka glares death at me. "How could you? How could you do this to my child? She finally was back in my life only for you to take her away you monster. I treated you like you were my own! I hope I never see you again monster!" Nodoka then gets up leaving.
Akane then stomps up next to me with Rage in her eyes. "You bastard you took Ranma from me, you evil Bitch. I knew I should of never of forgave you dirty pig! You were always jealous of Ranma. Ranma tried to warn me about the dirty pig in our mitts but I didn't listen and know you killed him, Murderer. I hope you rot in hell you dirty PIG!"
I could do nothing as watch Akane accuse me only to leave just like the other until even more people from Nerima crew showed up like Shampoo, Cologne, Soun, Genma, Ukyo, Nabiki and worst of all Kasumi. Hearing Kasumi's rejection of me stung the worst. I wanted nothing more than to die right there even if was to simply escape persecution.
I got up and started running. It didn't matter where I was going but I had to get away. Unfortunately, I didn't get very far until I ran into someone getting knocked down. Looking up I was face to face with a woman who looked like an older version of my girl-side who was none other than Krista Hibiki my mother. My mother turns to me disappointment clear in her eyes. "I can't believe I gave birth to such a monster. If anyone is concerned you are not my child you are not my SON whatever you are Murderer."
She turns her back on me leaving I try to run after trying to convince her not go but I quickly run into another thing who I look up to see it was a man with hunter green hair almost black standing before me. In front of me was none other than Ryuho Hibiki my father. I try to say something but he beats me to it. "I am truly ashamed to have a child who has my blood running through their veins do such an unspeakable act like cold murder to someone who was a friend. You are not my son hell you aren't even a boy. I pray I never see you again especially around my true daughter."
Like my mother, he too leaves as I try running after him my eyes filled with tears as I beg them both not to leave me alone. "I sorry I didn't mean to do it. Please don't leave me, mom and dad, I promise I'll be good I'll do better just don't leave me all alone please!"
Unfortunately, my pleas fall on death ears as they continue to disappear in the distance until they were finally gone. I eventually fall down crying completely miserable wishing I was dead. After a couple minutes of crying a hand appears before me offering to pick me up. Looking up to it the hand belonged to my girl-side?
"Hello, Onii-chan looks like we finally meet." Said the doppelganger.
I was confused at that statement until I remembered that I did have a sister just I haven't met her yet. "Are you my sister?" I asked.
She shakes her head. "No, not exactly. I'm more or least you but at the same time not you."
I was very confused and it showed on my face. She giggled. "I more or least the physical manifestation of your curse and no I'm not the spirit of the girl who drowned there I'm you or maybe the leftovers of you that made me. I guess I'm more or less your inner you or conscious. I was actually a Pig not that long ago until you got this new curse."
"Wait you were P-chan?" I asked.
"Yes, after all, I mainly parts of you rejected as you hated being a pig so in turned hated me. There are other parts that we share as you changed now but they aren't that important." Said the doppelganger.
I scratch my head. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to hate you. I just didn't like being a pig miss umm what should I call you?" I asked.
She smiles at me. "Well, you call your new curse Ryoko so just call me that." Said the now named Ryoko.
"Umm pleasure to meet you Ryoko. Umm, do you know where we are?" I asked looking around I'm in some kind of building but the stairs lead in multiple directions defy gravity as some are upside down with multiple doors looking like some distorted labyrinth. (It's similar to the Hogwarts stairs as well as the world inside Yugioh Millennium Puzzle)
"Well, of course, Onii-chan we are in your mindscape. It's mostly where your thoughts and dreams drift around. I'm afraid your mindscape is pretty chaotic here. Your family curse makes it very hard to make a proper mind palace to organize your mind so I tend to get lost here a lot which is why it's very hard to try and contact you and even if I do its in dreams and those times I was in pig-form so I couldn't speak no matter how hard I tried." Said Ryoko.
"I'm sorry I didn't know. I think I remember seeing P-chan in my dreams a few times but ignored him and tried to kill him in hopes to get rid of the curse." I said.
She shakes her head smiling heartwarmingly at me. "Don't worry about Onii-chan I forgive you, besides you're here now so we might be able to fix the place up a bit. Come on follow me." Ryoko holds out her hand.
Without hesitation, I grab her hand as she leads me through the labyrinth. As I walk alongside Ryoko I noticed that I was in male form again. Not sure why that was but wasn't complaining. The labyrinth we were walking through was very confusing the paths kept on changing so one way didn't lead the same way one sec to another. "Umm Ryoko how are you able to get around this place it's very confusing?"
Ryoko looks at me sadly. "I'm afraid I don't know my way around here after all the time I've been here. This place was worst months ago when you had your pig curse as I was still only a pig. It was only when you got your new curse that I had some real control over this place and that was very little as I have access to one room that I can always find. Any other room I don't know where to find it again after I leave it."
I can tell just from looking at her how depressed she is about this place. She must have had a hard time trying to get around here. I doubt I ever find my way around here it's too insane. We continue going through the many alternating paths until we come across a mahogany door that looked an awful lot like my house's door. Heck, it even had the Hibiki nameplate telling me this is my door. "Ryoko why is my house door here?" I asked.
Ryoko turns to me. "It's the one door you will always recognize the moment you see it. This door leads to your mind palace's nexus the control center."
I open the door expecting to find the entrance to my houses only to find myself in a room that is a mixture of both Akane's room on the left, the Tendo's family room in the middle and the guestroom on the right. "Ryoko why does this room look this way?" I asked.
"This is the places you feel most safe in. Also, the one place that you feel like your existence mattered or feel acknowledge." Said Ryoko.
I walk over to Akane's section of the room seeing some of the things there mainly the bed and desk are losing segments of it and looks a bit distorted. "Ryoko why does it look this way?"
"It started to look this way around the time you told Akane your secret. I guess you no longer feel safe here anymore so its starting to disappear." Ryoko walks over to a pile of rubble next to the bed. "This pile of rubble used to be a statue of Akane. You used to keep her on a pedestal before until you ran in contact with whatever gave you your future counterparts memories. The statue started to crack to the point it fell apart. Now it is slowly dissipating until its nothing more than dust."
I look at the rubble understand the love I once had for Akane truly is gone as my future counterpart grew to resent her as he realized from the other relationships he developed with other women through the years that didn't last very long due to them not willing to deal with his poor sense of direction. My future memories showed the women I met were leagues better than Akane as they did acknowledge my affections and paid attention to me, unlike Akane who never noticed my affections once even after everything we went through. Those girlfriends I had who I told my story to told me the same thing that I was simply friendzone as she never recognized me as boyfriend material. They actually helped me get over her. Sure our relationships never worked but they were at least upfront about it and we still remained friends.
In a way, they helped get over and used to heartbreaks and to move on. They also helped point out what I needed to do to solve most of my problems which was my poor sense of direction. It mainly made unreliable to be around when they needed me. Those girls wanted a stable relationship where I was around not gone for months.
The only reason my dad landed my mom was because she liked traveling with him which is why she fell in love with him. She actually told me that when I was ten and I asked why she loved him when he was barely home. I guess that's also why she told me to find a girl like her. I wasted the remainder of my previous life trying to find a cure to my family curse only to find nothing.
Turning around I went to check the Tendo family room. I see that there are spectral images of uncle Kazuma, aunt Nodoka, Karin, mom, dad, Shirokuro, Kasumi, Nam and Ranma who strangely enough kept switching forms. "Ryoko why are these images here?"
"They represent the people that you care for the most. The people who you treasure above all others who you are willing to go through any length to please; its why both Karin and Ranma's image are the most physical as they are the main anchors the ones you count on most. " Said Ryoko.
As I look over the images Ryoko goes over to the TV opening up a holographic screen that confuses me what it is. "Oniichan this is the control interface for your mind palace. I tried working it multiple times but I don't have the access rights. Now that you are here you can help me fix this place up. Maybe even lessen the effects of your family curse and no it won't cure it but it will help clear your mind so all those negative memories and dreams stop haunting you. It should help make it easier to think more clearly and be more positive."
I go over to her checking the interface. "So if I use this it will help make this place more organized instead of this huge mess. Also, you should be able to move around this place without getting too lost." I said.
Ryoko smiles at me. "For the most part yes; it should help you greatly too so let's get started Onii-chan." I start up the interface with Ryoko showing me the best way to organize my mind palace. I'm not exactly sure how long this will take but I feel comfortable to be around her as I feel like I'm with someone I consider my sister who is family and that really all I need at the moment.
Present time Musk Camp
3rd POV:
As Herb continues looking over Ryoko Mint and Lime finish packing up the camp placing all their supplies in a huge basket which Lime will carry. "Herb we finished packing up the camp. We are ready to go whenever you are." Said Mint.
Herb nods then look back to Ryoko noting that her pained face had calmed down as she looks peaceful now which bring a smile on Herb's face. Herb then places Ryoko on her back giving her a piggyback ride then heads toward the other two. "Okay, you two I'm ready to let's get going."
Mint looks at Ryoko on Herb's back. "Umm Herb, are you sure someone of your standing should carry Miss Ryoko? Perhaps Lime or I should carry her instead?"
Herb scoffs. "Not a chance I don't either of you to not touch her inappropriately. Now let's go already." Herb then turns heading for Horai with the other two shrugging then following after her.
With Ranma and company
Ranko and the other two are already up and finished packing up camp. Mousse had place Ryoga's bag in his stuff space for safe keeping so they wouldn't have to lug it around. Now the three are at the bridge crossing it to reach Mt. Horai. The three martial artist relationship was strained mainly the redheads with the other two. The only reason the other two are continuing the journey is that Mousse is after the ladle believing he can make his birth form permanent while Nam, on the other hand, believes he can still find Ryoko if they continue up the mountain.
As the three reach the near the end of the bridge Nam spots the three Musk warrior already scaling the mountain with ease. "It's a near vertical climb and they do it with so much ease." Said Mousse.
"If they can do it so can we. Hey wait what is on Herb's back?" said Ranko.
Mousse takes a closer look with his now perfect vision. "Hey, that's Ryoko right there!" The other two look noticing that it is indeed Ryoko on Herb's back.
"Ryoko is there we have to save her from those bastards come on!" said Nam as he starts jumping upscaling the mountain noting without Ryoko's weights weighing him down he feels light as a feather. The other seeing this quickly follow after.
With the Musk warriors, Mint looks down noticing the Nerima warrior following after them. "Huh, Herb they're following us!"
Herb looks scoffing at the mere sight of them. "Ignore them they aren't our concern right now only the kettle. If they catch up to us we will deal with them." 'Meaning I'll kill them especially Ranma.'
As the three-plus passenger reach the top of the mountain they survey the area seeing multiple eyes stare back at them through the darkness in the trees. "Didn't the old man we asked directions from say Horaisan had monsters living here?" said Mint.
Herb narrows her eyes. "Destroy the surrounding trees smoke these so call monsters out of hiding. The other two quickly make short work of the trees surrounding them.
Now that the trees are out of the way the monsters are exposed as monkeys. "This is the true form of the monsters mere monkeys?"
The monkey didn't take Herb's insult well and was preparing to attack but Herb and her two companions unleashed their bestial aura which the monkeys quickly realized they were out of their depth and started to run. Herb seeing they weren't running away fast enough blasted a few of them.
"Um, Herb there was no need to blast them they were already running scared." Said Lime.
"Shut up I can't stand seeing those monkeys' faces. It makes me want to throw up. Now let's get going already." Herb and party continue on the path until they make it to a clearing where they set up the ladle to show them the path.
While they were doing that Ranko and the gang finally finish scaling the mountain. "Finally we made it. I actually thought that would be harder but it was a breeze. Ryo training works miracles." Said Nam.
"Tell me about. I thought I would be dead tired but it was relatively easy. I say I'm immensely stronger than I thought. I bet I could beat Shampoo easy now." Said Mousse.
Ranko who was surveying the area around them notices they are now surrounded by monkeys. "Hey, guys we have company."
The monkeys surrounding them the aura surrounding the three was as intimidating like the other three so to them they were easy prey and attack the martial artist initiating an all-out brawl between them.
While Ranko's group was fighting off the monkeys Herb group continued searching for the kettle. "There is no reaction in this area Herb." Said Lime.
"Herb I have everything ready so you and Miss Ryoko can rest. You've been overusing your energy attacks since coming to Japan not to mention you've been carrying Miss Ryoko. You need your rest." Said Mint.
"Hmm, I guess you're correct I'll replenish my strength as I'm certain I'll need it in my fight later." Herb enters the cavern Mint set up placing Ryoko delicately on one of the straw mats placing a blanket over her then lay down next to her on her own mat pulling a blanket over her getting ready for sleep.
While Herb was getting ready to sleep Lime and Mint were watching the two women in their party sleep. "A woman's sleeping face." Said Lime.
"When they are sleeping do their breast sleep too?" asked Mint.
This, of course, irritates Herb so she blasted them. "Hurry up and find the Open Water Kettle you idiots!"
With Ranko and company, they had finish fighting off the rabid monkeys now ragged with their clothes torn in some places. "I officially hate monkeys." Said Ranko.
"I second that but because of those monkeys we lost track of them." Said Mousse.
"How are we suppose to find them in this huge forest?" said Nam.
As they were searching they heard voices. Mousse quickly pushes both down quieting them. "It will be hard to find the Open Water Kettle in the forest won't it Lime?" said Mint.
"Yeah, the very thought of it makes me dizzy Mint." Said Lime.
Seeing the ladle in Lime's hand Mousse was giddy that his objective was in reach. "Hey Lime do think when we go back home Herb is going to marry Miss Ryoko? Herb is acting all protective of her?" said Mint.
"Don't know but I hope we get invited to the wedding. I heard brides wear beautiful dresses that make them glow." Said Lime.
"Glow really?" asked Mint.
When the three heard what they were talking about with Ryoko the three were furious that they would try and take Ryoko from them. 'If those bastards think they can kidnap Ryoko and marry her to lizard breath they have another thing coming.' Thought Ranko.
While Ranko was in deep thought Mousse was whispering to Nam about his plan. Both nodding they both punch Ranko in the back of her head knocking her out. "Just rest here Saotome while we retrieve our true objective." Said Mousse.
"Are you sure that was a good idea? I feel a bit dirty doing that." Said Nam.
Mousse scoffs. "Forget the bitch. Ryoko is in the situation she is in because of this narcissistic bastard remember, Now come on let's punch those guys lights out."
Nam takes one last look at the redhead before following after Mousse; It doesn't take long for them to catch up to the musk warriors. "Wait, hand over the ladle if you know what's good for you." Said Mousse.
"We'll happily take it by force if we have too." Said Nam.
Lime turns to the two smirking. "By force you say? Well, you can try."
"Looks like we are going to fight this two after all; I was starting to like them too oh well. Sorry but anyone who stands in Herb's way dies." Said Mint.
The two groups now face off against one another ready for their inevitable battle over the ladle to commence.
A/N: I hoped you liked the story. I'll try to get the next one done as soon as I can as I'm trying to finish the Horai arc so I can go back to my main fic. I left that alone for too long and I want to finish it. In other news, Kingdom Hearts 3 is almost here so I will be playing that so hopefully I get this done soon cause I'm playing Kingdome Hearts. Well, peace out.
