Disclaimer: Ranma and Co are owned by Rumiko Takahashi. I'm just borrowing them for this story.
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Ranma heard the soft footsteps come to a halt in front of his door followed by a soft tapping. He'd been so emotionally spent after dealing with Ukyo that he'd come right up to his room. His body and mind in desperate need of some rest.
His brow furrowed slightly as he turned his head toward the sound.
Now what?
He sighed pushing himself up from his prone position to sit cross-legged on his futon facing the door.
"Come in."
He watched as the knob began to turn and the door was pushed back to reveal Nabiki standing there holding a large manila envelope.
"Hey Saotome, you got a minute?"
He eyed her warily, his defenses going up instantly.
"What do you want Nabiki?" his said, his eyes narrowing, his voice holding traces of warning.
"Such a warm welcome, I'm touched."
He raised his eyebrows at that. "You're surprised?"
Nabiki gave an exasperated sigh as she stepped into the room and closed the door behind her.
"Look Saotome, about the other day, I had to be sure you weren't stringing Akane along. She's my sister and I needed to know if you were serious this time. I didn't want to see her get hurt. Don't take it so personally."
At her last comment he was on his feet and across the room with a speed that was barely human, his anger at her casual disregard evident in his gaze. Nabiki's eyes went wide and she unconsciously took a step back colliding with the wall as she went.
He gave a wicked smile, one without humor, placing his hands on either side of her head in a very intimidating motion, trapping her.
"Don't take it personally?" his voice was low, guttural. "Let's get one thing straight Nabiki. What you did the other day was downright nasty, even for you."
He took great pleasure in watching her shrink back, pressing herself even further into the wall, her expression however remained impassive.
"Looking out for Akane is one thing but you enjoyed that little game, even if it meant putting me through hell." Ranma realized he'd been spoiling for a fight ever since leaving Ucchan's. He needed some sort of outlet for all this emotional turmoil and he figured Nabiki owed him one. Besides he wanted to return the favor.
"What's the matter? All out of questions," he taunted when she remained silent. He gave her a cruel smile. "Okay, how about answering some of mine then? Like why you feel the need to go out of your way to cause other people pain? Do you get a perverse thrill out of it Nabiki? Or is it that you just can't help yourself?"
Nabiki swallowed hard, trying desperately to keep her composure even as her face flushed beet red and her anger flared as his comments hit their mark. She couldn't believe he was saying these things. Sure she sold pictures of his girl half to Kuno, but what was the harm in that? It wasn't like it hurt him.
Or did it?
Before she could begin to digest this thought he plunged ahead.
"Well Nabiki?" he taunted. "What's it like where you are, huh? Sittin' all smug and superior up there on your high horse when the truth is you are more lost then even Ryoga could ever be. I really feel sorry for you Nabiki. Sorry you're so cold that you feel the need to resort to such cruel tricks to make yourself feel worthy."
Nabiki felt the sudden stab of pain wrench at her heart and did her best to stifle it. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing he'd gotten to her, that he'd hit on a deep seeded fear. Did he really think so little of her? Sure her methods might be harsh sometimes but she did what was necessary. Okay, so maybe she did enjoy the occasional conquest and of course Ranma made for an easy target. Still, she hadn't really meant anything by it, her mind argued. Was it true? Did she deliberately hurt people in order to make herself feel better?
"Nothing to say Nabiki?" he continued, when she remained silent. "Maybe because deep down you know I'm right." He shook his head, disgust lighting in his beautiful eyes. "I still can't believe you're related to Kasumi and Akane. They do the Tendo name proud…while you…you bring it nothing but shame."
He watched as she stood there shaking in her shock and fury. He met her pain filled gaze with a neutral one of his own, borrowing one of her infamous impassive stares as he added sarcastically, "Oh did that hurt Nabiki? But I was just being honest. You really shouldn't take it personally."
Nabiki sucked in her breath as if he'd hit her, she acted on pure reflex as her hand whipped out before she could stop it to lash across his face with a hard smack. He felt the sting as it made contact, his cheek instantly turning an ugly red color. He stepped away from her then, all anger draining from him.
She was breathing hard, her eyes shiny with unshed tears. Her fists were clenched by her sides, one hand still gripping the envelope she held and he could see she was still visibly shaking. This was as close to out of control as he'd ever seen her. Well, he had wanted to hurt her and now he guessed he could say he'd succeeded.
He sank wearily back onto his futon, all fight going out of him. He pulled his knees up and rested his elbows on them, his arms dangling listlessly between his legs, his gaze fixed on the floor. He wished he could feel sorry about what he'd done, but mostly he only felt tired.
Nabiki slowly gathered herself together. Never before had she allowed herself to show such vulnerability. It unnerved her to no end that she had let Saotome get under her skin like that, but to say she brought shame to her family name, to imply that she wasn't worthy of it, and then to throw her own words back in her face. It was downright cruel.
As cruel as you were to him the other day, the little voice in her head piped up. She'd never really stopped to think about how her actions might hurt others. She merely saw her objective and went at it with any means necessary. Suddenly she felt very ashamed of herself.
She stared down at him now, her anger slowly abating at the look of utter exhaustion etched on his face.
She knew he'd been walking a thin line. From what he'd told her the other day about his nightmares she could imagine he hadn't been sleeping too well, and she suspected his talk with Ukyo had only added to his burden. She also knew her actions, even done with the best intentions, hadn't helped matters any. She supposed she deserved at least some of his disdain. Still he had been way out of line.
Nabiki finally found her voice. "I know you have been stressed out lately Saotome, so I'm going to let this one slide, but if you EVER say I'm not worthy of the Tendo name again we will have a problem, understand?"
He eyed her coolly before replying. "And if you ever try and wield my honor against me like that again, Nabiki, you will regret it. Understand?"
She returned his cool stare with one of her own. Slowly she reined in the rest of her hurt and anger. Her tone surprisingly steady as she said in tight voice. "Touché Saotome."
He looked up at her then, his tired eyes searching hers.
"For the record Nabiki," he replied bitterly. "The last thing in the world I want to do is hurt Akane. I really do love her."
Nabiki stared at him for a long moment then gave a wholehearted sigh.
"So do I Saotome," she said folding her arms in front of her, clutching the envelope to her chest. "I guess this means we can call ourselves even then?"
Ranma scowled then nodded grimly. "Hai."
"Good," she replied, "Because as fun as this is I don't think we should make a habit of it. After all, Akane might get jealous."
He stared at her incredulously. "What?!?"
She couldn't help but let out a small smile at his sudden nervous tension. She moved over to sit beside him then, deciding wickedly to take it up a notch.
"You know," her voice suddenly took on a romantic air. "What with all this fire between us and all of these intimate conversations we keep having." She smiled slyly and batted her eyelashes at him for good measure. "How much are you willing to pay to assure Akane never finds out Ranma?"
"Nabiki!"
She laughed wholeheartedly then paused, tilting her head as if studying him. "You realize," she continued, her voice softly teasing. "It's in these moments that I can see why my sister has fallen for you. You really are cute when you're flustered."
Nabiki watched as his face began to soften in astounded wonder even as it flushed with embarrassment. He looked thoughtful for a moment then he gave her a small crooked smile.
"And you realize," he returned amiably. "It's kinda comforting to know that you can actually feel things like a normal human."
She gave him a wry smile. "Don't get used to it. After all I have a reputation to uphold."
He snorted. "Of course," he said mockingly.
She eyed his cheek with interest. "How is your face?"
"I think I'll live."
She paused a moment, unsure why she should care, but found herself having to ask him anyway. "Do you really think I'm unworthy of being a Tendo?"
He simply stared at her, shocked by the traces of desperation he heard in her voice. "Uh….I…." He took a deep breath and exhaled sharply. "No," he said finally. "I just wish you'd use your talents in a more positive way. You really should stop and consider things Nabiki. I know when you do these things to me you rely on me to hold back, but someday someone you scheme might not be so understanding."
Nabiki took this in, filing it away for later consideration. It was something to think about at least.
"For the record, I didn't really think you'd hurt Akane," she told him. "I just had to be sure you did things right this time."
Ranma simply stared at her. "So you want me to be with her then? You've decided I'm worthy of her?"
"Come on Saotome," Nabiki replied. "I see the way she looks at you. Like the whole world could fall away and she wouldn't even notice. I just want Akane to be happy, and for some reason you seem to have become the key to that for her."
She paused looking thoughtful for a moment. "Of course judging by the display you both put on at dinner the other night and Akane's little slip about what transpired under a certain bridge. I can assume things are progressing quickly? Am I right?"
"Nabiki…." he warned. She held her hand up in mock surrender.
"I just meant that things are going well between you two? No more fighting?"
He shook his head, "for the most part no."
"Good," she said, sincerity in her voice. "I mean that, like I said before it's about time Saotome."
He simply stared at her, at a loss for words.
"Look Saotome," she began uneasily. I'm really no better at this emotional junk than you are, but I just wanted to say thanks. I know you didn't tell Akane about what happened the other day. You very well could have. Lord knows I got you angry enough to want to, but you didn't. I appreciate that."
Ranma gave a small shrug. "I didn't see what good it would do. I know you did it out of love for her, twisted though your methods may have been. Besides, I've been on the receiving end of Akane's mallet and it wouldn't do me any good to have you in the hospital." He paused a moment then reluctantly added, "If nothing else it made me think about things."
"You finally talked to Ukyo," she stated plainly. He stared at her in disbelief.
"How did you know?"
"Ah Saotome," she chided him gently. "I have my sources. You should know that by now. I see all, know all."
Ranma grimaced at this. He didn't know why it should surprise him.
"Want to talk about it?" she asked.
He sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly. "Not really."
"Well regardless, you did the right thing Saotome."
He nodded, his eyes closed. "I know."
"It was really that bad huh?"
He sighed again, hanging his head to stare absently at the floor. "Well, she didn't try to castrate me with her spatula," he admitted. "So I guess that's a plus. However, she's probably never going to speak to me again. I really hurt her and I hate that there is nothing I can do to ease her pain."
Nabiki watched his angst and cursed herself for feeling a sudden twinge of sympathy. Giving into sentimentality was not something she normally did. She had a feeling she was going to regret this. She cursed herself again then plunged ahead anyway.
"Maybe there's something I can do," she offered.
His head snapped up at her statement and he stared at her, unable to stop the hope from radiating in his eyes.
"What do you mean?" he asked, trying to keep the suspicion from his voice.
"No promises Saotome," she told him. "But maybe I could stop in and check on her, try and snap her out of her funk or something." She gave him an impish grin then. "Because everyone knows I have a way with words."
Ranma rolled his eyes at this. "Snap her out of it how?" he asked his voice still harboring a worried suspicion. "You aren't going to offer her some sort of revenge scheme are you?"
Nabiki looked thoughtful, much to Ranma's dismay. "Hmmm…now there's a thought."
His eyes narrowed on her.
She laughed. "A joke Saotome," she told him. "It's called a joke."
"Sorry," Ranma said visibly relaxing. His gray-blue eyes swam with hope. "You'd really check on her?" He asked surprised by her offer. "But why?"
She shrugged impassively. "Well, I did push you to have that talk with her so…."
His smiled softly. "This is true," he agreed.
"Yeah well, I won't even charge you for this one." She smiled when he gave a snort.
"Gee Thanks."
"On second thought maybe I'll drag Kasumi with me. After all, no one can be sad or angry around Kasumi. She's so sweet she practically gives people diabetes."
Ranma couldn't help but laugh at this. He suddenly felt better than he had all day.
"Oh yeah, and you've already paid for this one," she said handing him the manila envelope. He took it from her outstretched hand and opened it slowly, pulling out what looked like some kind of report.
"It's all the information I could gather on this Jin person," she explained. "Sorry it took longer than I expected."
He began scanning the pages in earnest as Nabiki began rattling off what she could remember.
"Jin Lei, aged eighteen, a member of the Taka Kai clan of Bokiha, China, specialized weapons training is with the bow and arrow, although you already know that firsthand."
Ranma grimaced, absently rubbing his forearm.
"The Taka Kai specializes in ancient magic and are said to hold several very powerful artifacts that are infused with said magic."
Ranma frowned at this, "His bow and arrow?"
Nabiki shrugged. "Could be."
Ranma rubbed his arm again, recalling the unnatural speed with which the arrow had shot out at him.
"They also train their disciples how to combine their life force with said weapons training."
Ranma grimaced. "He infused the arrow with ki."
Nabiki raised her eyebrows at this bit of information. "Clever boy."
Ranma grit his teeth, remembering the searing pain as the arrow hit his skin, burning his flesh. He still owed Jin for that and he intended to collect very soon.
"Apparently Jin's grandfather was also a master of spells."
Ranma tore his gaze away from the pages to stare at Nabiki, his eyes wide.
"Spells? You mean like witchcraft?"
Nabiki nodded. "So it would seem."
"Geez," Ranma said with some exasperation.
"Yeah, so I think it's safe to assume that his grandfather probably passed down the family voodoo."
Ranma grunted in agreement, his brow furrowing as he fought to recall something.
"Bokiha, isn't that near Shampoo's village?"
Nabiki nodded. "I believe it is."
"I wonder if she knows of this Taka Kai clan."
"You could always ask her," Nabiki suggested. "You have to talk to her anyway, right?"
Ranma sighed. "Yeah, I suppose so."
"Worried?"
"Let's just say I'm not looking forward to it. You saw how mad she got the other day." He shuddered at the memory of her chasing him around the yard in her cat form. She had been seriously pissed and he could only imagine how she would react to him telling her he'd chosen Akane over her, but he surmised it wouldn't be pretty.
"Ranma," Nabiki's voice broke him out of these thoughts. "You don't think she'd hurt Akane?"
Ranma frowned deeply. Would she? It was a possibility he hadn't really considered. Sure, she had done some devious things in the past, like using her shiatsu technique to make Akane forget all about him, or teaming up with Ukyo to send him and Akane though the cave of lost loves, but she'd also dived to catch a falling Akane after the Phoenix had knocked her out of mid-air, saving her from serious injury.
"Didn't she threaten to kill her on Mount Phoenix?" Nabiki asked when he hadn't answered her.
"She was under Kima's control then though," he argued. "Most of her tricks have been used directly on me, not on Akane. Besides she knows that I would be extremely angry if she ever tried to harm Akane."
"Still," Nabiki returned. "What about Cologne. She's a powerful influence on Shampoo."
Nabiki watched Ranma's eyes suddenly darken at the mention of Cologne's name and felt a small chill run down her spine.
"Hai," he replied. "The old ghoul bears watching. Still I think she knows that if any harm were to come to Akane both her and Shampoo would have one murderous martial artist on their hands. It would defeat her goal of getting me to marry Shampoo." He shook his head. "No, I think they are more likely to come after me when they find out my choice."
"Akane won't sit still for that you know," Nabiki warned.
Ranma grimaced at the thought. "Hai," he said tiredly. "I know."
"How certain are you about this dream coming to pass Ranma?" Nabiki asked sullenly.
She watched as a pained look crossed his face. "Pretty certain," he admitted, not wanting to get into the whole encounter with Madam Machiko. "Although I won't let it end that way. I'll save her if it kills me."
"Ranma," Nabiki's voice was suddenly grave. He brought his gaze up then, his eyes meeting the seriousness of her tone. "I'm sorry about the other day. If I had known what you were dreaming…."
Ranma felt something inside him loosen. He stared at her, his gray-blue eyes searching hers. He knew it had taken a lot for her to apologize. It just wasn't something she came to easily. He gave her a soft smile.
"Thanks Nabiki."
She nodded, suddenly uncomfortable. "Sure." She paused. "Is it…is it always like that?"
He dropped his gaze back to the floor, his gray-blue eyes suddenly far away.
"Hai," he replied softly.
Nabiki knew that if the dreams were truly a premonition of Akane's death then the boy before her was her sister's best hope at changing the outcome. And she knew he needed to be at his best to do so.
Looking at him now she could see the stress taking its toll and yearned for the brass, cocky boy she had come to know and even admire. He was being so stoic holding himself together through sheer determination and a fierce love for her sister. It shook Nabiki to the core.
"Does she know what you are dreaming Ranma?"
He turned his gaze up to stare at her then nodded slowly. "Hai."
Nabiki took in this bit of information with a slight nod, the look in his eyes saying it all. "I take it you didn't have a choice in telling her?"
His eyes widened slightly as her keen sense of observation once again left him to stare at her in wonder. Ranma shook with the memory. "She's so darn stubborn," he lamented.
Nabiki smiled at that. "You should be used to it by now Saotome," she told him. "You two are so much alike it's almost scary."
Ranma looked at her with surprise. "Huh?"
"Oh come on Saotome. You mean you never noticed?" She rolled her eyes and began to count off the similarities. "You both are stubborn to the bone, ridiculously competitive, and proud to a fault. Not to mention you both hide your pain with anger, you're fiercely loyal, and fearless when it comes to putting yourselves on the line, especially for each other."
Ranma considered her words. He'd never really thought about it that way before.
"You said neither of you could resist a challenge," Nabiki continued. "Did you ever consider that that's one of the main reasons you fell in love with her Saotome? She challenges you? When did the others ever do that?"
Never, he thought instantly. The others had always simply thrown themselves at him. He remembered with some disgust how he had acted when Shampoo had suddenly started spurning him after she'd been affected by the contrary jewel. As soon as she'd stopped chasing him he'd become obsessed with getting her back. It was the challenge that drove him.
He also remembered that even when he had been sitting in the Nekohanten about to tell Shampoo he loved her in hopes of winning her back that his thoughts had begun to stray to Akane. It had always been to her that he'd wanted to confess his love, and in the end not even his pride could force him to tell Shampoo something he didn't really feel.
"Yeah," he admitted. "I guess I am drawn to the part of her that challenges me. But it's not only that. She's the only one that ever considered my feelings in all of this. To the others I was just some prize to be won, but to Akane…." He paused and shook his head with the awe of it. "To Akane the prize was having me return her love."
"Pretty deep Saotome," Nabiki said smiling at him. She watched as he blushed, averting his gaze.
"Yeah, well…."
Her smile grew at his obvious embarrassment. He really was cute when he was flustered. "One last question," she said.
He threw his gaze back at her then, a curious look etched on his face. "Yeah?"
"What are you doing sitting up here when you could be with her?"
Ranma started at her question. It was a good one. He'd thought that after his dealings with Ukyo he'd just wanted to be alone, but he suddenly realized it wasn't what he wanted at all just something he thought was he had to do. He'd been subconsciously punishing himself for hurting Ukyo by staying away from Akane. He also hadn't wanted to burden her with his pain - as was his habit, he always thought he had to go it alone.
As if reading his thoughts Nabiki said, "You know Saotome, you are allowed to go to her. Ukyo's a big girl. She'll be okay. I know you must be hurting and it's not a bad thing to let Akane know you need her. You can only hurt her by shutting her out. Stop being so stoic and let her help you." She gave him a soft smile then added, "You big dummy."
She watched as he returned her smile with one of his own. It dawned slowly, pulling at he corners of his mouth. He stood quickly suddenly eager to find his iinazuke.
"Thanks Nabiki," he said watching her as she followed him to her feet.
"Sure thing Saotome," she returned easily. "Now go find her, just do me a favor and make sure you keep her away from the kitchen. It's almost time for dinner and I don't want her getting the urge to help Kasumi."
Ranma made a face. "Why does she always insist on adlibbing recipes anyway?"
Nabiki shrugged. "Who knows." She smiled wickedly, her tone suggestive. "Maybe you can find a way to make her promise to stop?"
He raised his eyebrows at her.
Nabiki giggled.
Ranma suddenly returned her wicked smile. He pretended to ponder this a moment. "It is a thought," he remarked feeling a sudden rush of anticipation.
"It's your next challenge Saotome," she intoned deeply. "You must not fail. Save us all."
"A challenge you say?" he asked playing along. "Have no fear then. I haven't met a challenge yet that I couldn't win."
Nabiki watched him go, his last comment echoing through her head as her thoughts went back to his dream. She hoped against hope that he was right.
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Notes: Like I said, I never really planned to get Nabiki so involved in things, it just sort of happened this way... I'm trying to stay true to her character, while still alowing her to grow a bit... hope I'm pulling it off. Comments welcome! Next up... More banter between Ranma and Akane along with some intimate moments...
