(Three years ago)
"Geez, what's with her?"
Ranma sat on the ground and nursed the red handprint left on his cheek by the slap he'd gotten from a dark-haired girl. He stared after her, perplexed, as she ran off trying not to cry.
Ryouga rolled his eyes. He was leaning against the wall, arms crossed. "She likes you, dumbass," he said dryly, though his affected tone of disinterest and scorn couldn't quite hide the note of jealousy. Why are all the girls in so interested in HIM?!
This year their school had elected to make the school festival more interesting by holding it jointly with a local girl's school. Since the boys' school was larger and more centrally located, the festival was held on their campus - which meant that, for the past week, their school had been overrun by an invading force of schoolgirls. It had been just as awkward as it had promised to be as well. (The loss of half of their bathrooms for the girls' use had not been popular, for instance). It had also lead to all kinds of insanity as the normally segregated populations, fueled by adolescent hormones, tried to cram a year's worth of flirting, exploration and dating into a single week.
In short, things had been rather dramatic of late.
"She does?" Ranma asked, blinking in surprise. He turned and looked at Ryouga for confirmation. "Really?"
Ryouga sighed heavily. "You know, you should probably go after her."
Ranma gave him another confused look, then kickflipped back onto his feet. "…Why?"
Ryouga gaped at him. "What do you mean, 'why?'! To apologize!"
"Why am I apologizin'?" Ranma replied. "I didn't do anything!"
Ryouga clapped a hand over his face. "That's the point, Ranma! She was asking if you wanted to share lunch with her!"
"Yeah, and I said 'no' because I barely got enough for me!" Ranma shot back.
"She was going to share her lunch with you!" Ryouga poked him in the chest to punctuate his words.
"Ooooooooooohhhhhhh…" Ranma's eyes widened with comprehension. "Uh… you think if I went after her now…?
Ryouga's eyes narrowed. "Depends. Are you going after her because you like her? Or are you going after her because it's a free lunch?"
"Well, free lunch of course! Duh!" Ranma replied with a grin.
Ryouga bopped him on the head, hard. "What the hell is wrong with you!?"
"Ow! Now what'd I do!?" Ranma shielded his head and ducked away from any further abuse.
"How dare you manipulate a girl's heart just to fill your stomach!" Ryouga growled, incensed.
"Hey, I didn't ask for any of this!" Ranma protested. "This isn't fair! I'm in trouble if I say 'no' and I'm in trouble if I say 'yes'! So what am I supposed to do, huh!?"
Ryouga shrugged. "Don't ask me. You're the popular one. It's not a problem I have."
It was Ranma's turn to scowl. "Gee, thanks." He crossed his arms and leaned heavily against the wall next to Ryouga, sulking.
Ryouga was silent a few more minutes. "…well I wouldn't be such an insensitive jerk about it, at least."
"Oh yeah?" Ranma raised an eyebrow. "How would you tell a girl you're not interested?"
"Why would I tell her that? Kanna is pretty cute," Ryouga said thoughtfully.
"Then you go have lunch with her." Ranma nudged him with his elbow.
"I'm the creepy delinquent, remember? She gets this scared, nervous look whenever I talk to her and ducks out. Besides, I overheard her and her friends talking about me. Nothing good." Ryouga sighed. "Doesn't help that I turn into a stamering mess whenever I talk to a girl."
"Why? It's just a girl," Ranma replied. "I don't get what the big deal is."
"Yeah, well that's probably because you're a late bloomer," Ryouga muttered.
"I am not! I'm totally bloomed! I'm more bloomed than you are!" Ranma protested hotly. "I'm just… I mean…" He trailed off uncertainly. "I-it's just that Pops said that sort of thing was… was a distraction from the Art! Yeah…"
Ryouga snorted and didn't reply. He had learned from experience that Genma Saotome's interests seemed to consist of food and Martial Arts and precious little else - and he was very strict about enforcing the same in Ranma. It made Ryouga wonder idly how the man had managed to even have a kid. Or what happened to his wife.
"So… You like Kanna then?" Ranma ventured after a few more minutes of awkward silence.
"Well… I don't really know her," Ryouga admitted grudgingly, "So… not really, I suppose. It'd be different if she liked me, but just being cute isn't enough to make me hang about where I'm not wanted."
"So that's it? As long as she's cute and likes you?" Ranma quirked an eyebrow at him.
"No!" Ryouga protested. He looked away and raised his chin. He crossed his arms tighter and ground his teeth but, for some reason, found himself again admitting more than he normally would. "I… I'm not the kind of guy who gets to be choosy, okay?"
"Why not?" Ranma pressed.
"Because of my curse," Ryouga replied.
"Awww, c'mon, curses aren't real!" Ranma protested, tagging him lightly on the shoulder with his fist.
"Really? You think it's normal to get lost in a straight hallway?" Ryouga glared at him.
"Well…"
"Doesn't matter if it's magic or not. A curse is a curse," Ryouga replied testily. "Girls aren't exactly lining up to date a guy who can't even find his own house half the time."
"Your parents did okay, right?" Ranma asked.
"Have you met my parents?" Ryouga asked in an incredulous tone.
"No… why?" Ranma replied, confused.
Ryouga simply stared at him and waited for it to sink in.
"… Oh," Ranma seemed to slump a little. "I… just kinda figured I was always missing them."
"Last postcard I got, mom was in Egypt. And Dad…" Ryouga trailed off, "… they're not here is the point."
"Yeah, but… they got together, right?" Ranma pressed the point. "They're still together, right?"
Ryouga rolled his eyes. "Yeah… for all the good it does," he muttered darkly.
"Then there's hope! C'mon man, you gotta be positive about this kinda stuff!" Ranma flashed him a confident grin.
"This from the guy who didn't actually realize a girl liked him even after she hit him over the head with the fact?" Ryouga sniffed disdainfully. And her fist, he added silently.
"Hey, confidence always works!" Ranma replied. "So… forget the curse for a sec. What's your dream girl like?"
"Why do you even want to know?" Ryouga gave the boy a skeptical look.
Ranma looked a bit like a kid who had been caught at something. He started fidgeting nervously. "I… I just wanna know, okay? It's not like I really get to talk about this kinda stuff with anyone else."
Ryouga considered. A big part of him wanted to tell the other boy to take a hike, but he had already dug himself this deep. He sighed heavily. "Fine… meeting a girl who's into martial arts would be nice…" He folded his arms and considered, eyes closed and brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to imagine it. "Someone nice, but… not a pushover either. Someone with passion, I guess."
"Kinda sounds like a tomboy," Ranma quipped.
Ryouga opened one eye to glare at him in annoyance. "I'm sorry that my ideal woman doesn't meet your standards, Saotome."
Ranma held his hands up. "Hey, hey, that's not what I meant! Tomboys are good! I-I mean…" he rubbed the back of his head awkwardly.
Ryouga grunted, closed his eye again and tried to bring back the image.
"Short hair or long hair?" Ranma prompted after a moment.
"Either is fine," Ryouga replied.
"Tall? Short?"
"Doesn't matter," Ryouga muttered.
"Geez, you're not narrowing this down much," Ranma groused.
Ryouga sighed in frustration. "Short, okay? Well… not super short, but… petite? But…" he felt the heat rise to his cheeks, "but… curvy, I guess? Hair… short, maybe? Or… or tied back? Or..." he trailed off. "What's the use?" He opened his eyes and looked up at the sky. "It's not like I'd ever meet a girl like that."
"Why not?" Ranma asked. "Doesn't sound too out there. Betcha there are more than a few girls at the festival that match."
Ryouga's eyes fell to the ground. He studied the bits of gravel and debris scattered about. "I don't know. I just… I feel like it would take an incredible amount of luck with my curse. My Mom was always really lucky, and when my parents told me how they met, it was like one stroke of luck after another. It kinda counteracted the curse for her. But me?" He scowled. "I'm not lucky. Unless it's bad luck."
"Aww, c'mon. Not like it's all bad," Ranma replied, folding his hands behind his head and leaning back against the wall again. "After all, you met me, didn't cha?"
Ryouga scowled at him. "You're way too short to fit that much ego, Saotome."
"Hey! You're the same height as me!"
"Nope. I've got half an inch on you at least."
"Bull! Besides… I'm a growing boy! I'll catch up to you no problem!"
"Yeah right. I'll have a full inch on you by the end of the semester."
"Not a chance!"
"You wanna fight about it?"
"Yeah!"
000
(Present day)
Ranma was only wearing a bathrobe when his phone started buzzing. Ukyou was still asleep on her bed, a smile on her face and her thoughts and dreams peaceful and happy through the Link. She had been quite insistent on working out the frustration Ranma and Akane's little midday tryst had caused, which had led to quite a bit of experimentation as they discovered how the Link enhanced such experiences. There had been several changes back and forth and they had probably managed to make use of every single room in Ucchan's in the process.
Thankfully, Konatsu had apparently taken the night off to be somewhere else. Ranma had chalked it up to some sort of ninja prescience.
He flipped open the phone to see a message from Nabiki that read simply, 'Will be there in a few. Need to talk.'
Uh oh… Ranma swallowed, wondering what might be wrong. Granted Nabiki had yet to really lose her temper with him, but that didn't stop his mind from conjuring up the worst, especially since he had vanished with Ukyou with nary another word to anyone else.
He glanced at Ukyou and elected to let her sleep. He recovered his school bag from the corner of the room and dug out the spare set of clothes he'd stashed inside it. The black pants and blue silk shirt felt like old friends; ones he had not gotten nearly enough time with.
He finished just in time to hear the knock from downstairs. Quietly, he made his way down, unlocked the front door of the restaurant and slid the door open.
Even without the Link, it was obvious that something was wrong. Ranma was not the most perceptive person in the world, but one area he was well versed in was evidence a girl had been crying. Nabiki had obviously tried to hide the fact, but he could see the puffiness around her eyes, the slight redness and the faint tracks left by her tears.
"What's happened?" he asked immediately as he stepped outside and slid the door closed behind him.
Nabiki laughed weakly then rubbed self-consciously at her eyes with the heel of her hand. "Is it that obvious? And here I was trying to be composed…"
"For me it is," Ranma replied quietly. "C'mon Nabs, you're here hours before it's time for school, sending me a text asking to talk without saying what it's about… what's wrong?" He frowned. "Is… Look, I know I kinda ran off last night after the game…"
Nabiki laughed a little more convincingly this time. "No! No, this isn't you, Ranma, and it isn't any of the others." She brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear and looked away. She seemed uncharacteristically subdued. "This is… this is just me. And… I'm being stupid. I just spent all last night alone, breaking my own rule about not being alone, and… and…" She looked like she was on the verge of tearing up again and was trying very hard to hide it.
"Want to go somewhere and talk?" Ranma asked.
"…Please?" The request was in a small voice that didn't sound like it should belong to Nabiki Tendo.
Ranma quickly slid the door open again, grabbed one of the order pads that Ukyou kept around and scribbled a quick note. He pinned it to the doorframe, then slide the door closed behind him again. "Okay, where to?"
"Somewhere quiet? With… with water nearby?" Nabiki asked timidly. "I mean, I know a beach is too much to ask for, but honestly I just want…"
Ranma didn't let her finish. He scooped her up into a bridal carry and, before she could even protest, leapt for the rooftops.
000
School would not start for several hours yet. The sun had just started to peek over the horizon to paint the tops of the houses in bright yellow light and reflect off the water of the canal, and the birds had begun to sing those songs that only those who were up far too early in the morning got to hear.
Ranma and Nabiki sat on the bank of the canal. Nabiki had settled between Ranma's legs and leaned back against his chest with her head nestled on his shoulder. He had his arms loosely draped around her. Neither spoke. They had shared this silence for a while now.
"You're not going to ask me what's wrong?" Nabiki finally asked.
"I figure you'll tell me when you want to tell me," Ranma replied. "It felt more like you just needed me to be here with you."
Nabiki closed her eyes and sighed softly. "Yeah…" He noticed the edge of her mouth curl slightly in a faint smile. "Is that the Link, or are you actually getting that perceptive?"
"Ummm… lucky guess combined with not knowing what to say so keeping my mouth shut to avoid putting my foot in it?" Ranma offered sheepishly.
Nabiki giggled. In fact, Ranma was paying close attention to the Link. It was reassuring to see the dark-colored negative emotions gradually ebb as they sat, easing his worries that he might not be handling the situation correctly.
Still feels a bit like cheating, he thought. Still, it wasn't really much more than a magical mental mood ring and it didn't do anything to let him know what the actual problem was. That meant he was still going to need to risk saying something dumb sooner or later.
"So… uhh…" he started, taking the chance that she was, in fact, ready to talk.
"It's Kuno," Nabiki said, cutting him off.
"Oh…" Ranma replied. Then he blinked as the moment of relief at having successfully managed to be a supportive boyfriend gave way to confusion. "Wait… Kuno?"
"Yeah… Well… more accurately Tachi," Nabiki replied.
Ranma hugged her a little tighter. He wanted very much to prod for more information, but he was learning that there were times to just shut up and listen, and this seemed like one of them.
"You told me he was different; that he was taking his medication, but…" she trailed off a moment, as if searching for words. "I didn't know that a little pill could make such a big difference. I mean… I knew he must have had some sort of brain chemical imbalance to make him act the way he did, and I figured proper medical treatment would calm him down, but I didn't expect…" She seemed to struggle a bit. "I didn't expect him to be Tachi again."
"I'm sorry I didn't warn you better," Ranma said softly. "But… yeah, it was kind of surprising how much like the person you described him as being in middle school he was."
"It's not your fault," Nabiki replied. She huddled back against him again. "Damnit! I'm doing it again - just like Shampoo says. I keep forgetting that I have feelings too, and pretending that I don't have them. Pretending I can just turn the 'Ice Queen' on and off like a faucet when it's convenient. But I can't."
"That's probably for the best," Ranma said reassuringly. "Turning your feelings on and off sounds more like a Himura thing."
"Maybe it is," Nabiki murmured. "But… Ranma… He was my best friend in school. Maybe… maybe he was on the verge of being more than that. But then he got in trouble. He needed help. He needed his medication and his family was denying it to him and… and when it was obvious something was wrong with him I… I just walked away. Just because my feelings were hurt. I turned around and manipulated and used him for money and justified it because he'd broken my heart… and he wasn't even in his right mind when he did it." She hung her head. "I got used to the idea that I was a terrible person. I figured I knew people well enough that I could rattle off all the reasons they might give for why I was a terrible person, and I thought I was okay with it. None of the reasons they could give really mattered. Then I realized I didn't really want to be a terrible person, and I started trying to be a better person by dealing with all of those reasons I assumed people had." She huddled down a bit more. "Now I'm starting to get that I'm still a bad person, but not for any of the reasons I thought I was, and I don't know anything about people."
"You're not a bad person," Ranma said, gently flicking her on the forehead. "Yeah, you've done bad things, but you're trying to do better, right? Pops used to tell me that the difference between a bad martial artist and a good martial artist is that a bad martial artist doesn't try to get better at the stuff they're not so good at."
"You know, that would sound great except for where it came from," Nabiki muttered.
"Yeah, well, Pops said a lot of stuff that's actually pretty smart. He just never seems to be any good at applying it to himself," Ranma said with a chuckle. "And when it comes to martial arts, he does know his stuff."
They were quiet a few more minutes before she spoke again.
"Kuno was part of the plan, you know," Nabiki said softly. "The one I had before I fell for you."
"What plan?" Ranma asked.
"The one where I go off to business school, end up being brilliant and breezing through all the courses, get snapped up by some high-powered firm, then roll back into Nerima in a BMW and an Armani suit," Nabiki said. "I was going to swoop back in right about when you and my little sister were gone and Kuno was starting to get desperate enough that I'd look good, snap him up with some kind of ironclad prenuptial, then use his money to start my own company. I figured I'd get him a proper psychiatrist, but I didn't expect too much from it. God, I'm an idiot."
"You wanted to marry Kuno?" Ranma asked, shocked.
"I wanted to marry his money," Nabiki replied softly. "Just like I imagine his mother did to his father. And it probably would have ended up the same." She hunkered down a bit more. "He wasn't… he wasn't a person in The Plan. No one was. Not even me…" She pulled her knees up to her chest and hugged them. "And now he's Tachi again… and he's alone. And part of me wishes he had just started taking the damn pills a year ago… but then I realize that the Nabiki from a year ago wouldn't have cared… and even if she had, then she wouldn't have ended up with you and…" She shuddered. "And I don't like who I am without you. And then that makes me feel like I'm just using you, and using Shampoo and everyone else because I can't find it in myself to be good on my own."
Sensing the black spikes returning to her emotions and feeling her curl in, Ranma hugged her more tightly. "Hey… hey… It's not like I'm all that great without you, you know?" He sighed. "Look at what I was doing to Akane…"
"What you were doing to each other," Nabiki corrected him. "And… you probably would have worked it out eventually."
"No… we wouldn't," Ranma said finally. "We're both… missing too many of the same bits. I mean… I love Akane…" He smiled wistfully. "I couldn't even say that a month ago. Neither could she except when she broke it off with me. And eventually I would have destroyed Shampoo… left her honor a smoking wreck assuming she could even ever go back home at all. Ucchan… maybe Ucchan would have been okay… but she'd have hated me… not because I didn't choose her, but because I was stringing her along and using her. I was using all of them, just like you. Just… to feed my belly or my ego instead of my wallet. If you're a terrible person, then I'm worse."
Nabiki turned to look at him, an expression of outrage on her face. "You are not! You had no idea what you were doing! All of your life lessons came from an emotionally stunted idiot of a panda, and… and…" she trailed off, scowling at him. He got the sense that he had struck some sort of perverse nerve with the middle Tendo. "You are not on my level of awful, Saotome!"
He laughed out loud at that. "What, is this a contest!?"
"No, and don't you dare take that as a challenge!" Nabiki retorted quickly.
"Neither of you awful!" a familiar voice protested. They looked up to see a lavender blur drop from the footbridge that crossed over the canal to land lightly in front of them.
"Shampoo…" Nabiki said softly.
"Pintou break own rules!" Shampoo said sternly as she stalked towards them. "'Not supposed to spend night alone', Pintou say! Find out from Xiao mèimei that Pintou lock self in room, toss and turn all night, then gone before breakfast!" She knelt in front of them and poked Nabiki in the forehead. "Then find out Wo de qíngfù ba wo de àirén cóng qin'ài de rén nàli dài zou, ba ta dài dàole zhèli…!"
"Woah, woah, woah!" Ranma held up a hand as Shampoo slipped into angry Mandarin. "Can we keep this in a language I understand?"
"She's mad because I stole you away from… Ukyou is 'Qinài de', right?" Nabiki gave Shampoo a quizzical look.
Shampoo huffed and looked away, folding her arms. "Not change subject! Pintou understand what Shampoo said! Problem still the same; Nabiki trying to shoulder burden all by own self!"
"You're right…" Nabiki admitted, her head drooping. "Heh… some 'Mistress' I am, huh? I can't even keep myself together."
"That not problem!" Shampoo protested. She crouched before them and took Nabiki's face in her hands. "Nobody strong alone. Even strongest warrior standing alone must rely on ground to hold them up, yes? Pintou need learn to trust us to be that ground. Need learn to trust me."
Nabiki smiled weakly, putting a hand over Shampoo's. "I'm sorry… I keep thinking of you all as people I need to take care of. I avoided getting too close to anyone because I saw what taking care of everyone did to my sister, and I…" she trailed off.
"Is go both ways," Shampoo said softly. She glanced at Ranma and locked eyes with him. He nodded slightly in return. "Take care of, get taken care of in return. Share weaknesses rather than hide, so can make stronger. Not just to Airen, okay?"
Nabiki chewed her lower lip, then nodded timidly. "Okay…"
Shampoo smiled, then carefully crawled into Nabiki's lap, wrapping her arms around her. Ranma shifted to make room for her and stretch his arms out in and effort to encircle them both. They had to shuffle a bit to get comfortable but finally managed to fit themselves together reasonably compactly.
Nabiki closed her eyes and slumped against Ranma's shoulder. "Thank you."
"Maybe not wait for things to get so bad to do this next time, hmmm?" Shampoo admonished gently.
"This one kind of snuck up on me, kitten," Nabiki replied, idly running her fingers through Shampoo's soft hair.
"Still think Pintou keep too much to self, try to carry too much," Shampoo replied. "Shampoo know Nabiki is…. Mnnn, how say…? Private person? But… Shampoo can't help if not know!"
"She's got a point, Nabs," Ranma said. "Besides… it's gonna be hard for you to keep all this stuff bottled up if we're all Linked, right?"
Nabiki sighed heavily. "I know. I know, okay? Really, I promise this time." She held up a hand as though taking an oath. "It's just… telling someone too much… even if I do trust them… feels dangerous to me. Especially if it's not information that does them any good. I've used information as a weapon for so long that I guess I'm always worried about its power to hurt me or the people I care about."
"Then teach," Shampoo murmured as she looked into her eyes. "Teach us to use and understand in the way Pintou use and understand."
"That… will take a while," Nabiki replied. "I think for now I'm just going to focus on not letting stupid stuff like this blindside me so badly."
"Is not stupid," Shampoo corrected her. She cocked her head. "Overhear Pintou talk about marrying idiot Sword-boy? Is true?"
Nabiki chuckled. "It was… one of those plans that worked on the assumption I didn't have human emotions anymore. Maybe it became part of the plan based on some echo of how I used to feel in middle school, and his being rich was just a convenient excuse. But…" She looked out at the water, watching the eddies and currents as it flowed through the artificial riverbed on its journey to the sea. "But I think it was just the last step in 'getting back at him' for breaking my heart - to lock him into the same kind of loveless and manipulative marriage that had driven his father nuts." She closed her eyes and chuckled weakly. "Wow… The more I think about it the more I really don't like myself from a year ago…"
Ranma hugged tighter as he felt some of that icky, cloying darkness creep back into Nabiki's emotional landscape. "Hey… hey. I wasn't so great a year ago either, y'know."
"We've already established that you didn't know better because all of your life lessons up until that point came from an idiot," Nabiki snorted. "But… It's like I had forgotten all of the lessons Mom taught me and everything Kasumi tried to teach me after that. And then, when I finally realized that I had feelings and that other people had feelings and that I was sick of everyone being unhappy, I was still arrogant enough to think I could fix it all." She studied the edge of the water quietly for a few moments. "But… even if this works… Even if we somehow spit in the face of what a thousand years of society has told us - if we go up against the world and win and make this work… make us work… Even if we can tie up Mousse and Ryouga's romantic problems in neat packages, cure Ryouga's curse and save his mother and magically get Ranma's parents to approve of this whole mess… somebody always gets left behind, don't they? Like Kasumi, who never found the right person, or Tachi, who got cheated out of his chance, or Kodachi… God I'm sympathizing with Kodachi, something really is wrong with me…"
"Pintou regret choice?" Shampoo asked softly. Ranma blinked and looked at her, but the Amazon's eyes were focused on Nabiki.
He felt a ripple through the link. Complex emotions, accompanied by a tensing of her shoulder muscles, and then… her emotions evened out. The darker emotions receded, and he felt her relax against him.
A smile crossed her face and she shook her head. "No. Even if this is crazy and doomed. Even if this doesn't fix everything. Even if this doesn't fix anything. Despite the inevitable repercussions. This feels worthwhile. I want to see where this takes me more than I wanted that other life. I'm tired of loving money. It doesn't love me back."
Ranma sighed in relief and let himself relax. He gave Shampoo a grateful look, glad she had been there to articulate what he couldn't. Is it weird that someone who doesn't speak the language all that great can still talk about this kinda stuff more easily than me?
He tightened his arms around them both. It was scary how easy it was to get upended. In a way, he kind of missed the simplicity that came from just being on his own with nothing but the Art. But… there was that awful hollowness that came with that, too. The concept of being alone again was terrifying.
Ukyou was alone for a lot of years. Ranma remembered. And Shampoo, even though she had her whole village, she was kinda alone too, right? Probably why it was so easy for her to just up and leave it all behind. He considered. And Akane… that stupid date challenge thing singled her out. I remember that until everyone found out about the engagement, the girls at school were super stuck up around her, and the guys were basically idiots… and I guess Nabiki was alone too, with that whole 'Ice Queen' thing.
Suddenly their desperation for his attention made a lot more sense. I guess it was something I didn't even realize I was missing until Nabs showed me.
His mind drifted to others. Mousse, the Kunos… they all seemed isolated too. Not to mention Ryouga. The thought of the Lost Boy caused an uncomfortable pang.
Is that why we're all so nuts? We're just… lonely? he wondered.
"... Maybe I'm not totally over money," Nabiki said finally. "Might still have the occasional fling. Y'know, a weekend tryst now and then? A candlelit dinner, a bottle of nice wine, just me and the stock indexes…"
"If Pintou feel enough better to make stupid jokes, is enough better to go to school," Shampoo snorted and disentangled herself from the two of them. "If hurry, may still have time for shower and for Airen to change."
000
"So Ranma and the others aren't walking with us today?" Riko asked as the group made their way along the sidewalk. It was still early, so their pace was leisurely.
"Akane said 'Fiancee Stuff' came up and they would be running a bit behind and didn't want to make us late," Sayuri replied.
"'Fiancee Stuff'," Yuka repeated. "What, sneaking off on school grounds isn't good enough anymore, they're gonna play hooky for nookie now?"
"Yuka!" Riko admonished. "I'm sure it's nothing like that… Is it?" She gave Sayuri a questioning look.
Sayuri rolled her eyes. "Not that it's any of our business… but I heard that Nabiki had a bad morning and Ranma was busy making sure she was okay, and the rest of them are waiting in the wings to make sure they're both okay."
"Including Ryouga?" Yuka asked skeptically, noticing the absence of the Lost Boy.
"Well… I mean… Isn't he kinda part of 'the group' now as well?" Riko said a little timidly.
"What, as in a fiance?" Yuka replied. "No! No way."
"Aren't you the one who's constantly teasing Ranma and Ryouga about their 'relationship'?" Sayuri asked archly.
"Yes! Teasing! Because I refuse to believe that Ranma Saotome has managed to get a boyfriend before me!" Yuka growled.
"You don't have a boyfriend because everyone thinks you're with Daisuke," Riko replied with a grin, seeing a rare opportunity to needle Yuka.
"That's ridiculous! Why would anyone…!?"
"She's right, everyone is already trying to guess the names of your first three kids," Sayuri added. "I'm pretty sure the better pool favors the first being a boy…"
"That's ridiculous…" Yuka huffed again, then looked up and spotted something. A Grinch-style grin spread across her face. "… And also look! A Rin-shaped distraction escorting a Mousse-shaped change of topic! Let's all go tease them and forget all this unpleasantness!" She quickly hooked their arms and dragged them towards the pair before either could recover.
Rin was walking next to Mousse, the pair of them deeply involved in a discussion of the papers he was holding. Rin was pointing out things on the page while Mousse nodded attentively.
"Do we have to tease them?" Riko whispered, hesitating. "They actually look kind of adorable like that…"
"Pffft. All lasting relationships must be tempered in the fires of red-hot shame first," Yuka replied. "We are simply doing our sworn duty as Rin's friends and besties."
"So… about why Ranma got a boyfriend before you…" Sayuri muttered.
Rin glanced up, seeing them approach. "Oh, hi!" she said brightly, though she took a noticeable half step away from Mousse as she did so.
"Sorry, are we interrupting someth-ooooogghf!" Yuka started to say, but the breath was driven from her lungs by forceful elbows to the ribs from both Riko and Sayuri, who were flanking her.
"Good morning Rin. And Mousse," Sayuri said brightly after shooting Yuka a warning glare. Yuka gave her a sullen look in return, but remained silent, rubbing her side.
"Are you finally going to enroll at Furinkan, Mousse?" Riko asked hopefully.
"Yes. That's what Furinkan needs. More insane martial artists," Yuka muttered, then shied away as Sayuri positioned her elbow for another jab.
"No, Ms. Rin…" he paused as Rin shot him an annoyed look, "… Rin is helping me deal with a difficult personal issue. She is helping me write a letter to someone."
"Is this 'someone' gonna come knock down a few walls at school like all of Ranma's 'someones'?" Yuka quipped with a smirk. Her smile faded as she noticed Rin's expression.
"She… ummm… already has?" Rin said nervously, glancing at Mousse then back at them. "You remember the circus lady, right?"
The three of them gaped at Rin.
"That's your 'difficult personal issue'!?" Yuka yelped. "She's a psychopath!"
"Yuka…" Riko admonished timidly, glancing at Sayuri.
"No, I'm with Yuka on this one. She wrecked half the school yard and nearly killed Ryouga. The Principal needed a tank to do that!" Sayuri said, folding her arms and glaring at Mousse. "At least when Ryouga's harem showed up they had the good grace to keep the giant animal mortal combat nonsense off the school grounds."
"Ryouga…" Mousse started, surprised. "It seems Saotome is a bad influence on him."
"You've not got a lot of room to talk, to be perfectly honest," Sayuri replied coldly.
Mousse sighed. "Young Mi isn't… Fair enough," he deflated a bit. "She didn't used to be this way, but… I am well aware that love can lead you down a dark path."
"Obsession is more like it," Yuka muttered.
"Yuka, that's enough!" Rin said firmly, surprising everyone. "Mu Tsu is trying to make this right. He didn't end his relationship with her in the best way, but he isn't responsible for the actions she took afterwards." She stared the three of them down with surprising ferocity. "He's coming to school today in case she shows up again to make sure she doesn't attack Senpai or anyone else. And if she doesn't show up, we're working on a letter for him to send to try and explain things and apologize."
"And you think he's gonna be able to keep his cool seeing his 'Darling Shampoo' draping herself all over Ranma all day?" Yuka asked skeptically. "You think he's gonna be able to keep himself from pawing all over her if Ranma isn't there?"
Mousse's glasses flashed as his gaze switched to Yuka, the thick lenses opaque in the light. "And what would you have me do, then?" he asked, his tone equally cool.
"Go away, maybe?" Yuka replied, putting her hands on her hips. "She's after you, after all!"
"Yuka, isn't that going a bit too far?" Riko asked timidly.
Yuka's eyes narrowed. "No, it isn't, Riko! I'm tired of having all this crap piled on us by a bunch of super-powered maniacs who can't behave in public! It was bad enough when it was Ranma and Akane, and they're at least students at our school! This whole mess doesn't have anything to do with us, we've got more than enough of our own problems, and Mousse here should take his mess somewhere else."
Mousse's jaw tensed. "Very well. If that's your wish, I won't impose further," he said in a tight voice. Without another word, he turned and leapt up onto a nearby lamppost and then away.
"Wait! Mu Tsu!" Rin called after him, then sighed. She whirled and glared at Yuka. "Why do you have to be such a… such a jerk, Yuka?!"
"Someone has to," Yuka replied. "Do you know how many times Mousse has come flying into the school to fight Ranma and wrecked things? He's not exactly careful with those blades of his, either. A few students have almost gotten hit. A lot of students have gotten hurt from all these stupid martial arts battles, and now that Ranma has finally calmed his own nonsense down I don't want anyone else bringing theirs in!"
"You haven't been this hard on Ms. Shampoo, or Mr. Ryouga!" Rin protested.
"Yeah, well they're students now. They're here every day. We can hold them accountable and, for the most part, they've dialed it back. Even Kodachi is playing nice and there was a time when she put our whole Rhythmic Gymnastics team in the hospital. Now we're the ones doing the challenges. I don't want Mousse and his crazy Circus Freak girlfriend screwing that up!" Yuka growled.
"That's cold, Yuka," Riko said.
"Yeah? Well excuse me for wanting to graduate without suffering a life-altering zoo animal inflicted injury," Yuka huffed. She tugged on her bookbag straps and stomped off in the direction of school, not waiting for the others.
"Yuka…!" Sayuri called after her friend, then trailed off with a sigh.
"I-I'm sorry…" Rin hung her head. "I shouldn't… shouldn't have…"
Sayuri held up a finger, silencing her. Rin blinked, staring at it and her apology ground to a halt.
"Two things, Rin. First? Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong. You had a different opinion. You're allowed to have those. Yuka is out of line and I'm going to have a talk with her... when I'm a little less peeved myself for the way she shut you down when you'd finally started to speak up for yourself." She took a deep breath. "Second… She does have a point. Your being involved with Mousse is starting to… well, feel kind of dangerous."
"Yeah… I mean… it was scary sometimes when crazy suitors or rivals went after Akane. She's one of the strongest people we know and can usually take care of herself," Riko added. "Not that we're saying you can't… Well…"
Rin slumped a little, eyes on the ground as she nodded. "I-I know…" she mumbled. "B-but… that's why I have to help Mu Tsu resolve things! Young Mi has already attacked Senpai and Mr. Ryouga, and neither of them had anything to do with this!"
"Well, yeah, because she's crazy," Riko replied. "Are you sure helping Mousse talk to her will… well, fix that?"
Rin looked up and clenched her fists. "Sh-she's upset, I know. A-and being that upset makes people do… do things they're regret otherwise! Ms. Shampoo, Mr. Ryouga and Ms. Ukyou all did a lot of the same stuff, and they're much better now that they're not upset anymore. A-and… and you're right; I can't fight. But I can do this, so… so I'm sure she'll come around!"
"The problem with that is helping in this way means you're spending a lot of time with Mousse. Alone," Sayuri replied. "And that's always been a major trigger for crazy jilted martial artists in my experience. Plus… well…"
"You like Mousse," Riko finished.
Rin blushed brightly. "I-I… we're… we're just…"
Sayuri put a hand on her shoulder and smiled. "Rin, it's okay. You're allowed to like him."
Rin sighed in frustration. "No. Please listen!" She gave Sayuri an imploring look. "Nobody believes me when I say that I'm not doing this because I w-want to be Mu Tsu's G-g-g-g-g-girrrrrlfriend!" She struggled to get the last word out, like it was fighting with her tongue. She was flushed, but not all of it was embarrassment.
Sayuri blinked and held up her hands placatingly. "I'm sorry, Rin, I didn't mean to…"
Rin huffed and crossed her arms, pouting. "Y-you always assume people do things to get something!"
"We didn't mean it that way, Rin. We just… I mean, it's pretty obvious you like him…"
Rin sighed, her shoulders slumping. She was quiet a moment, then spoke. "A few years ago I really really wanted a cat. But… my Mom and two of my sisters are allergic, so I can't have one. So instead, I started feeding the strays in the neighborhood. It was almost as good as having my own cat because they'd all come over for pets and to play with me. All of them except one. He would always hide in the bushes and watch when I put out the food, and no matter what I did I couldn't coax him out. He was beautiful and I wanted so badly to pet him, but he'd just run away. I could see he was skinny, though so… So I started putting out the food and leaving it, and just watching from far away. A-and… and then he came out and ate. I did this every day, even though I knew he wouldn't ever let me pet him because… because it made me feel good knowing I could still help him. I found out later that he used to belong to a little boy who lived in the neighborhood, but moved away and left him behind. He was waiting for someone, even though I think he knew that the boy would never come back. So I kept feeding him and keeping my distance. Mu Tsu reminds me a bit of that cat. A-and he's… h-h-he's b-beautiful too, but I know he's like that cat. He won't let anyone near him because he's waiting for someone who he knows, deep down, will never come. But… but that's okay. I just… I just don't want him to suffer. I don't need to get anything out of this."
Sayuri sighed and patted Rin on the back. "Rin… that's very noble of you, but… I think you need to learn to be a little selfish once in a while. It's okay to ask 'what am I getting out of this?' once in a while." She shot a glare in the direction Mousse had gone. "... Especially when the other people involved are selfish jerks themselves."
000
Ranma felt refreshed after her quick shower and change of clothes. She had unbound her hair again after switching to her female form; She found it counterbalanced her petite stature and made her look a little more mature. She wasn't sure when seeming more 'mature' as a girl had started to be important, but it felt right.
Ukyou had been grumpy that Nabiki had run off with Ranma so she and Shampoo had corralled the middle Tendo between them and were lecturing her sternly as they walked. Amazingly enough, Nabiki actually looked genuinely remorseful and repentant. Akane had fetched Ryouga once she learned Nabiki was safe and sound, and for once the two were actually chatting amicably. Ranma drifted towards them to see what they were talking about.
"...don't understand why I can't do it if you and Ranma can so easily!" Akane huffed, looking at her hands. "I mean… I'm supposed to have a lot of ki, right?"
"It's more than just having a lot of ki and a lot of emotion. It's… well, you've got to be in control of it," Ryouga replied. "You have to be able to focus and channel it."
"Are you saying I'm not in control of my emotions, Hibiki?" Akane asked, a dangerous note entering her voice.
Ryouga folded his arms and smirked. "If I say 'yes', are you gonna prove me right, Tendo?"
"Okay, okay, okay, enough, you two," Ranma squeezed herself between them to head off the potential conflict. "We haven't got time for the two of you to smash up the street."
"I wasn't…!" Akane protested.
"We weren't…!" Ryouga said at the same time.
The two of them glanced at one another, then looked away to scowl at the ground on opposite sides.
Ranma snickered. "You know, you two make a way cuter couple being all tsundere like this."
"We're not a couple!" both of them protested in unison.
Ranma grinned. Without thinking about it she looped her arms through theirs. "Nah, you're both taken."
There was a very long beat, where Akane stared at her in confusion and Ryouga simply gaped. It took a second for the gears to catch in Ranma's brain and for it to point out that she had just effectively laid claim to Ryouga.
Panic gripped her as she realized she had likely just lit the fuse on a massive powder keg. "I mean by Akari! Ryouga, I mean! Being claimed! Not by me! Not that there's anything wrong with Ryo! I mean, I wouldn't do that to Akari! She's a good friend! Best friend…! Actually I hardly know her, but…!"
"Ranma…" Akane attempted to interject, a growing look of concern on her face.
"Not that that's a point of honor or nothin'!" Ranma said hastily, looking at Ryouga. "I mean, I didn't mean… it's just slipped out, I wasn't…!"
"Ranma, calm down…" Ryouga said, shooting a nervous glance at Akane as the redhead babbled.
"Ranma!"
Ranma trailed off, eyes widening as she slowly turned back to Akane, fully expecting rage, blue battle aura and a mallet.
Instead, Akane just looked mildly exasperated. "Ranma, hush. It's fine."
"It's… I… what!?" Ranma gaped at her.
Akane rolled her eyes. "It's fine, Ranma. I know you didn't mean anything by that. You've said more eyebrow raising stuff trying to scam free ice cream."
"You're… really?" Ranma said.
"Honestly, you probably should have run with it," Akane replied, shrugging. "It would have been funnier."
"Okay, seriously this time, who are you and what did you do with the real Akane?" Ranma asked, only half-jokingly.
Akane scowled. "What, I'm not allowed to be reasonable now!? Do you want me to get mad?"
"Nope, that's the real thing," Ryouga said quickly.
"Watch it, Hibiki!"
Ranma hugged their arms a little tighter. "Hey! Stupid foot-in-mouth disease aside, I was trying to stop you two fighting!"
"Sorry…" Akane said, deflating quickly.
"Yeah, sorry, Ranma," Ryouga added, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
Ranma blinked, then a slow grin spread across her face as she realized she had just successfully de-escalated her first fight. It felt like mastering a new kata. She felt the warm, satisfied glow of accomplishment. "Well… good!"
They walked a little while longer, until it became apparent to Akane and Ryouga that she had no intention of relinquishing their arms.
"Ummm… Should… we be marching to school with you holding my arm, Ranma?" Ryouga said nervously, spotting the school wall in the distance. "I mean… the rumors are already pretty bad…"
"Who cares what they think?" Akane huffed. "Nothing I ever did changed their minds or made it any better. The three of us could probably make out in the schoolyard and it'd be tame compared to whatever rumor is circulating right now."
"Urk…" Ryouga stumbled a bit, and started fumbling desperately. Ranma twigged to his problem and fished a handkerchief from her pocket, releasing Akane's arm a moment to hold it to his nose. She waited until his surprise passed and he took over holding the kerchief to snag Akane's arm again.
Akane cocked her head. "You two really are in sync now, aren't you?"
"We are not!" the two of them protested in perfect unison.
Akane giggled. Ranma took in a breath for another angry retort, her plan to de-escalate forgotten, when she felt Akane's weight shift. She was leaning into her, holding onto her arm tighter. It was a subtle change, but enough to short out Ranma's outraged reflex.
"I wonder what it would be like?" Akane said thoughtfully.
"What what would be like?" Ranma asked.
"If Ryouga really did join us."
Ryouga made a noise that was a cross between a squawk and a snort, and the red began to spread across the handkerchief he was holding to his nose. "Akane?!"
"I don't mean that!" Akane said in exasperation as she noticed Ryouga's wild-eyed stare and the growing bloody patch on the fabric of the handkerchief. "I mean… just… how it would work as… a family I guess? Just… day-to-day living with each other."
"I…" Ranma blinked then trailed off. She made a brief attempt to conjure an image of some kind of future life, but her mind rebelliously kept on straying to the half-remembered dream with Ryouga and Ukyou. Where she had been a girl and… a mother.
"That's… kind of a complicated question, Akane…" Ranma mumbled.
"I don't know… it actually sounds kind of nice to me," Akane replied.
There was another muffled snort and what sounded like a whimper from Ryouga.
"I mean… I guess… I'd miss Ryouga if he left, and with the whole entourage showing up to claim him I started feeling jealous and I didn't know why, and I think it's because… well, I sort of got used to the idea of Ryouga being with us." She glanced at Ryouga. "Not that way, hentai!"
"I didn't… I wouldn't…" Ryouga mumbled through the cloth. "I mean… A-akane… I didn't think… you'd want me around anymore. I mean… after…" he trailed off, looking away guiltily.
Akane sighed. "I'm learning it's very tiring being mad all the time, Ryouga. I also know you end up with a massive nosebleed seeing a cute girl in a T-shirt. It was why I was okay with you being in my bed when I realized you were P-chan, and… I owe you a lot of apology for it all as well. Maybe I resented you a bit for the fact that I did owe you an apology. And… I keep inventing reasons to be mad at you and it's getting silly. The truth is… I miss you. Not just P-chan but… having that guy around who was always so nice, and… I mean I knew you liked me, but you always worried about how I felt, and that was nice. I know I took advantage of that because I'm not interested in you that way, but… but I didn't want to lose it, either."
"Heh… well…" Ryouga ducked his head bashfully. "... I mean... I didn't do anything special…"
"Are you kidding?" Akane replied. "You spent so much time with me! And… a lot of it was just… just being there. You seemed happy to just be training or fixing a fence or whatever with me, and you never asked for more. Everyone else expected something from me, even my friends at school. The only other person who was like that was Ranma, and usually one of us would say the wrong thing eventually and start a fight… well, Ranma would say something and I'd fly off the handle because I was so worried about how I looked to her. But… I fell apart around you so many times Ryouga, and… you never judged me. Even now, with all this rival stuff, you're still trying to teach me and help me. You're… you're my best friend, Ryouga." She beamed at him, giving him the full 1000 Megawatt smile, the one that gooified even the most hostile of people.
Ryouga, not being at all hostile and already being badly susceptible to The Smile, sagged against Ranma as his walking grew a bit erratic and a goofy smile crossed his face.
Ranma scowled, feeling a surge of… of… something at that. She glared at Akane. "Hey! I'm his best friend!"
Akane gave her a taunting smirk. "You can't be his best friend, Ranma."
"What?! Why not!?"
"There's way too much sexual tension between you."
"There's…" Ranma's mouth moved silently a moment as she flushed red with outrage. "There is not! Where did you hear that?! Was it Nabiki!? That sounds like a Nabiki thing to say! Nabiki, stop teaching Akane to be like you!" she yelled over her shoulder.
"What did I do now!?" Nabiki shot back. Having been engrossed in conversation with Shampoo and Ukyou, she hadn't caught any of what was going on with the other three.
"Nabiki's not the only one who can point out the obvious!" Akane huffed.
"It's not obvious!"
"You dreamed about having his baby, Ranma!"
"That's not fair, he dreamed that first!"
"How does that prove there isn't sexual tension between you?!"
"It… I… shut up!"
000
Seeing Ryouga leave for school was an odd mix of melancholy for Akari.
Part of her was overjoyed to see him getting proper schooling, bettering himself and having a wider circle of friends in his life (even if a large portion of them were distressingly pretty girls). She was painfully aware of how crushingly alone he was all the time, and how happy he was just for her presence in the room - a happiness that was born more from a desperation for human contact than it was boyfriend/girlfriend affection. Guiltily, it had always made her a little apprehensive, wondering if he was just with her out of loneliness rather than genuine love. Being isolated on the farm just made it worse and added to her guilt, making her feel like she was cutting him off just to save herself from being lonely.
But the other part of her missed being so central to his life. She had always known that he wandered - that he knew many people and had many adventures, but she had always thought that if she got to be there with him she could be part of them.
But here she was, waving goodbye to him from the doorstep as he left for school - so close and yet still a world away.
Maybe I should enroll myself? she pondered. She had always been homeschooled, and her career path had never been in doubt - so making the trip to the nearest high school had never seemed worth the trouble. What could they teach her about sumo pig training, after all? But… if Ryouga was so determined to go, then maybe…?
Akari heard a heavy sigh and glanced to her right. She could see the foreign girl, Anna, staring off just as she had been and wearing an expression of longing that tugged at her heartstrings.
Poor girl, she thought. It had occurred to her to be jealous of Anna, and perhaps even a bit cross with Ryouga for not telling her about the American girl, but from what Ryouga had told her afterwards, he had definitely broken things off with Anna when he left. Anna had come all this way just for the faint hope of rekindling things. She must be very lonely where she was from too. It's a shame I can't talk with her.
She frowned and considered that for a moment. She had very little to do; the chores of a small one-family house were minor compared to the workload on a sumo pig farm and she was generally done before midday. Chatting with Mrs. Hibiki was pleasant, but Mrs. Hibiki had to frequently switch languages between the two of them.
"Ummm… Ms. Anna?" Akari asked, touching the girl's shoulder.
Anna started a bit, then ducked her head, blushing as she fumbled for her phrase book. "[Oh! Mah apologies, I just need… darnit, where is it!? Aha! Umm… ummm…]" She flipped frantically through pages. "[Here we go!] Wh-what can I doing… do… to helping?" she stammered, her thick accent mangling the words almost into unrecognizability.
Akari smiled and motioned to the book, then herself, smiling in a way she hoped was reassuring.
Anna frowned, looking a bit confused, but tentatively handed over the book.
Akari bowed slightly as she accepted the book then flipped through it. As she had hoped, it went both ways, and she quickly found the phrase she was looking for. She hoped her own accent wasn't too terrible.
"[Please teach me English,]" she said.
000
The day was relatively quiet, and most of them had a free period after lunch (Owing to one of the all-too-frequent stress leaves teachers at Furinkan were known for taking) so Sayuri had called for a practise session. Yuka hadn't shown up, which was odd, but no one on the team except Ranma commented on it, beyond 'She'll be back when she feels up to it.' So they had split up into pairs and were working on their rally game, which had evolved into quite a competition.
Ryouga had tagged along, partly because Sayuri had mentioned she wanted to investigate the idea of ki-infused volleyball serves more. But that had fallen by the wayside in favor of the more involved group play, leaving Ryouga on the sidelines to watch. Which, to be fair, wasn't all that unfamiliar to him. There were many times he had been on the sidelines watching Akane play some sport or engage in training (Usually as P-chan). It had always been enough just to be there. Seeing her happy and knowing he was, for the moment, not lost had been enough for him back then.
Of course, it wasn't Akane playing this time. It was Ranma. Ryouga was perched on a railing next to the outdoor courts, near the pile of the girl's bookbags, ostensibly there to 'watch their stuff'. He realized he wasn't even sure which class Akane was in right now, which was odd because at one point he'd had her schedule memorized.
He caught Ranma's eye as she scooped up the ball to serve for another rally. She flashed him a grin. "Hey Ryo! Watch this one!" She reared back, leapt up gracefully to drive the ball over the net and gave it a sidespin that nearly caught Sayuri off-guard, forcing her to scramble to recover it.
He felt a smile tug the corner of his mouth. He watched Ranma run to intercept the return, smiling and clearly enjoying herself, so bright and full of energy at that moment that it was hard to imagine her life having so many problems.
He sighed wistfully.
"Now that is a familiar sigh if ever I heard one," said a familiar voice from his right.
He whirled and lost his balance on the fence. His arms windmilled frantically as he tried simultaneously to see who had snuck up on him and to correct his balance. He succeeded at neither and tumbled onto onto the ground in a heap.
He peered up to see Ukyou smirking at him, arms crossed. "Well, sugar, I can definitely see the benefits of your Rhythmic Gymnastics training."
"Shut up…" he muttered as he disentangled himself from the railing and brushed himself off, hoping no one else had seen his clumsy display - particularly Ranma.
"Oh come on, I'm just teasing," Ukyou said, moving to lean on the railing next to him. "It's kind of cute how distracted you get when someone you like is doing something they love. You used to moon over Akane like that all the time."
"I did not…" Ryouga started gruffly, then sighed and gave up posturing. With the link it was pointless anyway. "It's not like you're much better."
She poked his shoulder. "I am too. I have to be. If I didn't have better situational awareness than a drunken lemming, Kodachi would have taken my head off ages ago - or Shampoo even. All you had to worry about was Ranma, and she tended to just try and get you to pay attention to her instead."
Ryouga blinked, then gave her a horrified look. "You make it sound like she was more interested in me than keeping me away from Akane!"
Ukyou shrugged a bit, giving him a wan smile. "Well, it's is interesting, isn't it? How the tactics she used on you half the time were the same tactics we used on her as a guy? Look, I'm not here to bust your chops, but… I just wanted to ask - are you finally going to tell her?"
Ryouga grunted and leaned on his forearms on the railing, clasping his hands. "Are you nuts?! I… I couldn't even tell Akane how I felt… back when it actually mattered… and this… this! This is so much more complicated that… that…"
"'That'... what?" Ukyou prodded. She scooted a bit closer, letting their shoulders touch and sparking the Link between them. "Seriously… not telling her isn't an option, Ryouga. Even if you know that she doesn't feel the same way. Even if she does feel the same way, but you can't be together. You have to get it out and deal with it if you're going to be part of each other's lives in some way."
"Hnh," Ryouga grunted noncommittally.
"And you being a part of our lives isn't negotiable, either!" Ukyou said quickly.
"I know," Ryouga replied. "I already gave Ranma my word on that. It's just…" He reached into his back pocket and pulled out an old, worn billfold picture wallet. It had been mended where it had been torn down the middle. One side held a picture of Akari, the other side a picture of Akane. He looked at the two pictures a moment and sighed. "It's just… I keep doing this."
Ukyou looked at the pictures, then at him. "Doing what?"
"Running from something I have to something I can't have." He traced a finger along Akari's picture. "Anna showing up reminded me of that. I could have stayed with her and her father… been happy. But I walked away to go back to Akane, even though I already knew I didn't have a chance with her - that… that she didn't feel that way about me. Deep down, I knew. Now I could just go home with Akari. Live on her farm with her grandfather and be happy. And I walked away from it again." He turned to look at Ukyou. "So… even if I do tell Ranma I… I… you know… Where is my win? Ranma could hate me for it. Ranma could not feel that way, but we stay friends. And then I'll just do what I did with Akane and sit on the sidelines and obsess and be miserable. But… if somehow… she felt the same way?" He looked back down at the ground. "I'd walk away… wouldn't I?"
Ukyou was silent a moment, which caused his heart to sink as the truth of his own words settled on his heart like a cold blanket.
"You never walked away from Akane."
He blinked and stared at her.
"You tried, but you were never able to," Ukyou continued. "I think… you jump too fast whenever someone says they want you. Like it's a miracle anyone does at all and you need to grab them before they change their minds. You don't stop to ask if it's what you want."
"So… what are you saying?" Ryouga asked, brow furrowing in confusion.
Ukyou smiled again. "I'm saying… if Ranma feels the same way… you won't run. You won't be able to. Because it's something you want."
Ryouga considered, then sighed heavily and slumped. "Yes I will. I'll have to. Otherwise Shampoo at the very least will kill me, even if you don't."
A mane of lavender hair and a pair of bright reddish-brown eyes interrupted his view of the ground. "Shampoo not kill Shagua! Just so long as Shagua accept proper place in harem."
"Daaaaaaa!" Ryouga recoiled, looking down to realize Shampoo was lying on the ground and had slipped between his feet to pop into his field of view. He stumbled backwards and ended up landing on his butt - which, admittedly, was a step up from landing on his head but still wasn't pleasant or graceful.
Shampoo sat up and cocked her head, giving him a confused look. "Why Shagua always so jumpy lately? Maybe drink too much coffee? Shampoo know great place to get nice, calming herbal tea!"
Ryouga groaned and scrubbed his hand down his face. I really AM losing my edge!
Ukyou turned and leaned back against the railing, grinning. "She's even given you a pet name, sugar. Pretty sure by Amazon Law that means she's claimed you."
Ryouga paused, peering through his fingers at Ukyou. "I thought that required I beat her in a challenge by combat."
Suddenly Shampoo was right there, face to face with him. "That only for if Outsider want to claim Amazon wife. Amazon Warrior can claim whomever she wish."
"Hrk!" Ryouga managed to avoid flinging himself backwards and compounding his clumsiness, but it was a near thing. "What do you mean 'claimed'!?"
Shampoo poked his nose. "Airen claim. But Shampoo approve. Shagua just being silly about whole matter."
"We've talked this over, Ryouga. All of us," Ukyou added. "Nabiki saw this coming a mile away, and even Akane can see it coming now, so literally only you and Ranma are dense enough to not see it." Ukyou pushed off of the railing, stepped closer and crouched next to him. "Ranma… after getting added to the Link, I can feel how much she's struggling for balance. And… more and more it feels like you're part of that balance she needs. So… we accepted this much to make this work. Accepting you isn't that much of a stretch." She held out her hand to him, offering him a hand up.
Ryouga considered a moment. His eyes dropped, returning to the redhead still playing the game, oblivious to all that was going on on the sidelines.
"That's her decision," he said finally, accepting Ukyou's hand. "Not yours, and not mine."
"All right," Ukyou stood up and pulled him up to his feet. "But you should still let her know it's a decision she needs to make."
Ryouga shook his head. "You don't give up, do you?"
Ukyou smirked. "Stubborness is a family trait. Little brother."
Ryouga scowled. "We're back on that again?"
"Maybe if you showed some guts and told the girl you like how you felt about her…"
"That girl is your fiance!"
"Technically she's my wife, but that's okay, I'm willing to be a proper elder sibling here and support you in this…"
"What sort of proper sibling would support…?! And you are not the elder sibling!"
Shampoo glanced back and forth between them, then giggled. There was a twinkle in her eyes, like the one she got when she was hatching a devious plan.
000
The more the day had drug on, the more it ground into Yuka what a jerk she was being. Avoiding her friends had gone from angry snubbing into awkward avoidance, and she knew eventually she was going to need to talk with them. But… talking would mean apologizing and her pride wasn't ready to let her do that just yet.
She knew they were outside on the courts practicing and so she found herself prowling the halls as far from that side of the school as she could get. She was so deep in her funk that she almost stumbled around the corner before she heard the voices.
"… okay, that will get us in but isn't there any way to speed up…? Huh… Okay, but… I mean, I KNOW what microfiche is, but…"
She stopped dead and put her back to the wall, listening. That was Daisuke's voice! Carefully, she peered around the corner.
Hiroshi and Daisuke were standing alone in the hallway. Hiroshi was looking the other way, as if keeping watch while Daisuke was talking on a cell phone.
"Look, I've got a dust allergy, okay? I don't… Look, you don't gotta call me names!" he huffed. "Fine, fine… You're right, we can't trust anything on the computers… no I don't need you to change my surname to 'Bakamoron' on my official transcript to prove it, thanks."
Yuka snickered in spite of herself. Unfortunately, in the quiet hallway that was enough, and both Hiroshi and Daisuke's heads snapped around and they spotted her immediately.
Well, when you get caught out, play it like you meant to be, right? Yuka stepped around the corner and crossed her arms with a confident smirk. "Well well, what are you boys up…?"
She never finished. Both boys all but tackled her. Daisuke's hand slapped over her mouth and the two of them dragged her into the hallway with them and then into a nearby empty classroom.
"Was there anyone else who overheard?" Daisuke hissed, looking hunted as Hiroshi closed the door behind them.
"I don't think so. That was stupid, though. Sorry, I should have kept better watch." Hiroshi said, leaning his back against the door.
"It's okay, we shouldn't have risked a call in the school-YEEEEOOOOWWW!" he trailed off into a howl of pain as Yuka bit his hand with enough force to draw blood. She wrenched herself away from him and slapped him hard across the face. "Watch where you're putting your hands, pervert!"
Daisuke stumbled, his hand coming up to hold his cheek. He glared back at her. "I wasn't grabbing you anywhere perverted!"
"You grabbed me. That's enough!" Yuka shot back.
"Geez! Keep it down!" Hiroshi hissed, glancing nervously at the door at his back. "We're not supposed to be in the vacant classrooms!"
"You're gonna ruin everything if you don't pipe down!" Daisuke snarled at her. "You get to explain to Nabiki why we got busted before we ever got to the Hall of Records!"
Yuka blinked. "Hall of Records? Why are you two going there?"
"Good one, Daisuke," Hiroshi muttered. "Why not blab the rest of it to her while you're at it?"
Yuka smirked and crossed her arms again. "Tell you what. You tell me why you're going to the Hall of Records, and I won't scream."
Hiroshi blanched. "You wouldn't."
"Try me," Yuka shot back. "I imagine it'd look real good if the hall monitors find two boys holding a single girl hostage in an empty classroom…"
"That's cold, Yuka. even for you," Daisuke said, his tone and expression hard as he glared at her.
Yuka was a bit taken aback by his reaction, but then swallowed as she realized that she had just slipped into using the same sort of tactics that Himura had used to blackmail Ranma into the whole mess they currently found themselves in. "All right, all right… that wasn't okay. I'm sorry." She sighed and dropped her arms to her sides. "But still… tell me anyway? You two are up to something and I could really use a caper to distract me right now."
Daisuke's expression softened. "You don't want in on this one, Yuka," he replied, his tone surprisingly soft. "It's… Look, it's stupid that we're involved, to be honest. But unlike you, we haven't got any other real talents to bring to the table in this whole mess."
"That and we tend to leap before we look," Hiroshi added.
"I'm already in a martial arts sports grudge tournament with Ms. Psycho Sycophantpants. How much worse can it get?" Yuka asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yakuza. Shadowy underground hacker groups. Illegal access to government records. Stuff that makes Nabiki nervous," Daisuke said.
Yuka blinked. "Okay… so why are you involved?"
"Because… because I think they're in trouble. Ranma, Nabiki, Akane… all of them. The kind of trouble that martial arts isn't going to get them out of," Daisuke said. "And maybe… maybe this is our chance to do something instead of just sitting on the sidelines and making jokes."
"Not that we aren't still going to make jokes," Hiroshi added quickly.
"Just… a lot more gallows humor, maybe," Daisuke shrugged.
"Fair enough. So what makes you think I don't want in?" Yuka replied, narrowing her eyes. "They're my friends too!"
"Because we might get shot at?" Hiroshi pointed out.
"I'm used to people making the street explode with paint brushes. Regular guns and regular bullets are easier to…" Yuka began.
"You sure?" Daisuke said, suddenly stepping forward and causing her to trail off. "Have you ever heard a gun go off? Ever fired one?"
"H-have you?" Yuka tried for defiance, but something about his manner was robbing her of her usual bravado.
Daisuke sighed. "My Uncle works for the police. He snuck me onto the firing range a few times. He even let me take a few shots." He rubbed his hand self-consciously. "It was loud… louder than anything - even with the ear guards on. You feel it all through your arm when it goes off. It's not like TV at all. Then I saw the holes I made in the target… I remember I was pretty proud of myself back then, but now? Thinking about what that would do to a person? Even someone like Ranma…" He trailed off, looked down, then lifted his chin and looked her in the eyes. "I don't want you anywhere near any of this."
Yuka frowned. "Why not? If Nabiki and Hiroshi and Ranma are in the line of fire…"
"I don't want you anywhere near this," Daisuke repeated. There was a slight flush to his cheeks. "I… I just don't, okay? Just leave it alone."
Yuka blinked. She felt off-balance and flustered and wasn't entirely sure why, so she responded with what she knew best - outrage. "A-and you think it's okay for you to be? What, is this some chauvinist 'protect the damsel' nonsense?! Uh uh!" She crossed her arms and glared at him. "I'm going. I'm in. Or I'm gonna go find Nabiki, tell her you screwed up and blabbed all of this stuff to me, and then get her to assign me to be your minder anyway. So stop being stupid and tell me when we're meeting to go to the Hall of Records!"
Daisuke scowled. "Fine. Hiroshi can give you the meeting place." He turned and opened the door with maybe more force than was necessary. "Don't come crying to me if you get shot or something." He stepped through and closed it loudly behind him.
Hiroshi watched him go then sighed. He gave Yuka a sidelong glance. "I really thought you were faster on the uptake than this. It's like watching Ranma and Akane but without all of the cool special effects."
"What are you talking about?" Yuka growled. "Don't say stupid stuff to me right now." She fished out her phone. "Just give me your number and you can text me the meeting time and place later."
Hiroshi shrugged. "Sure. You want Daisuke's number too?"
"I-I… yes… for… for the mission, jackass!"
000
"All right Miss Himura, that should be enough for now."
Himura sighed in relief and lay the script down on the podium. She opened the door, stepped out of the cramped soundbooth and stretched. "Thank goodness! That booth is entirely too cozy."
"I apologize, Miss," The student from the Audio/Visual Club bowed deeply. Himura was sure she'd remember his name if it was important. "You were very insistent that clarity and adherence to the script you provided were important though."
"That I did," Himura said brightly. "You'll send me the tape once it's all cut together, yes?"
"Of course," He bowed again. "If… If I might ask… the script is quite unusual?" He wrung his hands, not meeting her eyes.
Haven't quite learned not to ask questions that have dangerous answers, have you? Himura thought a little darkly. Sometimes she forgot that she wasn't dealing with her grandfather's wonderfully trained aides. Still, there had been fantastic progress made at Furinkan, and so she reminded herself to be patient and tolerant. "Oh, it's a kind of self-hypnosis tape for a friend who's a bit of a method actor, and this is to help them get into character.
"Oh! I see!" he said, brightening and looking quite relieved.
Himura smirked. So easy to please, even when the cover story is so flimsy. She rewarded the tech with a wink and then made her way from the club room.
Mineko and Sanae met her at the door and took up positions flanking her as she walked. She smiled at them but did not give them the nod that indicated it was alright to speak. Unlike the rest of the peasants at the school, Himura had been careful to properly educate her inner circle in the ins and outs of etiquette and procedure regarding discretion that her Grandfather had drilled into her.
She took her time. She could see Mineko was fidgeting and seemed anxious, but that was of no concern. She knew to hold her peace until Himura signalled. It wasn't just ego; the walls had ears, after all, and it was important that they spoke in safe places, and so nothing was discussed until Himura deemed it safe.
They rounded a corner, into an empty stretch of hallway, most students having fled to their classes at this point. Himura decided it was safe enough, but opted to make Mineko wait a bit longer, as a test of discipline. "Sanae, how goes the search for our circus friend?"
"Omi's managed to track her down. She's found an old warehouse to lick her wounds, along with her big cat," Sanae said, sounding disinterested. "We haven't made contact yet, I thought you would want to make the final call before we tipped our hand."
"Oh? Hoping I might have reconsidered?" Himura asked brightly, thought there was a dangerous note in her voice.
Sanae sighed. "You know how I feel about the freaks in this place, darling. Having them work for us just feels like… encouraging more of their atrocious behaviour. But… I also see the necessity to fight fire with fire sometimes. Still, I'd recommend being cautious. This one seems even more unstable than most of her ilk."
"Oh, I don't know. She's volatile I'll admit, but her motivations are fairly simple. Go ahead and make contact with her. Let her know what we can offer. Maybe give her the address of Ms. Ito as a show of good faith, but make sure she knows we can assist her far more effectively if she opts to coordinate with us. Dip into the treasury funds and bring her a few dozen pounds of raw meat for her pet as well. That should soften her somewhat, I think."
"I'll… let Omi handle that part," Sanae said with a look of distaste. "'Raw meat' is something she would… appreciate more, I believe. What if she refuses to follow the plan and opts to go after the little waif instead?"
Himura shrugged. "It'll prove a distraction. I am sure that Ms. Tendo has already taken precautions, so I doubt it will be much more than that. In all truth that is all I really expect Ms. Young Mi to be good for in the end. I just hope she accepts our offer so that distraction can be more precisely timed."
Sanae nodded. "I'll take care of it then," She turned and broke off from Himura and Mineko, heading down another hallway.
Himura was pleased to note that Mineko's discipline had held. Good girl. You have potential. "So… I'm judging from your expression you want to talk about our 'volunteer'?"
"I… I have some concerns…" Mineko said nervously. "I was hoping you could let me see Konatsu. Talk with him."
"Whatever for, sweetie?" Himura asked, feigning bafflement. In truth, she had expected Mineko to get cold feet; She still hasn't learned not to get emotionally invested. This will be an educational experience for her, I suppose. "You were quite certain that he… or rather she was unhappy with certain aspects of herself that only we had the capability of changing?"
"I… I know, but… But he… she never would have chosen this…" Mineko said nervously. "I… I'm worried I misread the situation, and that will affect the results and…"
Himura held up a finger. "Now now. I trust your intuition on this. Dear Konatsu would have turned down our offer because of our… regrettable conflict with the people she mistakenly believes are her friends. Did you not say yourself how upset you were at the pittance Ms. Kuonji pays her? That Konatsu keeps trying to deny what she truly is inside in a vain attempt to please her? From what you dug up, Konatsu has a long history of being manipulated and used by selfish people. It's no surprise she ended up trading one set for another."
"Yes… but… A-are you sure the tape is necessary?" Mineko fidgeted.
"You said yourself Konatsu seemed intrigued by the idea of new memories. This is just to help her transition… help her be what she's always wanted to be and to believe it without reservation. What we are doing cannot change how she feels… perhaps only awaken her to her true feelings." Himura put a hand on Mineko's shoulder, giving her a carefully crafted reassuring smile. "Being a good friend means sometimes making hard choices when those we care about cannot, when we know their judgement is compromised."
"I-I understand that, it's just…" Mineko wrung her hands in uncharacteristic uncertainty. "It feels… wrong."
"I know," Himura said, though she suppressed a pang of disappointment at the girl's emerging conscience. "But trust me. We are the heroes of this story, Mineko. We just need to prove it. You know as well as I do what the true story is. But we have to carefully craft all of this to get them to accept it. Ranma most of all. Konatsu is the only one who can help us do that, and for that we have to give her the push she needs to see the truth for herself."
Mineko closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I… I know." Her expression resolved itself. "I'd still like to be there, though."
"Are you sure? It isn't likely to be pleasant to watch, even knowing she won't remember it," Himura said.
Mineko nodded slowly.
Himura maintained her concerned expression, though inside she was smiling. Well, I suppose we'll find out if you're ready for this step, Mineko-chan. "All right… I'll have my driver pick you up tomorrow morning before school. Be ready."
000
Ranma felt good. A little vigorous activity in the middle of the day made the school day so much more tolerable and, now that it was over, she could enjoy the walk without some immediate crisis.
There was some mild apprehension about the coming attempt to add Shampoo to the link, especially after what had happened with Ukyou. At Shampoo's suggestion, they had elected to meet Tofu at the Nekohanten to make things more comfortable for the recovery, though Ranma worried that Shampoo had an ulterior motive.
Not that Shampoo's ulterior motives are all that bad, Ranma thought, glancing over at the purple haired Amazon as she chatted and laughed with Akane. She felt a little heat rise in her cheeks as she remembered some examples. Especially now that things are calmer and letting her have her way won't ruin my whole life. It's just… She glanced over at Ryouga who was walking slightly ahead of her, near the middle of the group (As had become custom to keep him from wandering off). I mean… it's awkward with Ryo there. I don't want him to feel… feel…
She hastily scrubbed the words 'left out' from her mind before they conjured even more awkward mental images. But she was left struggling to find a replacement. Where DOES Ryo fit now?
She considered him a moment. Despite being in the middle of the group, he was mostly on his own, hands jammed in his pockets. Ranma wondered if doing that was a way to close himself off from the Link.
She felt a small pang at that, though she didn't fully understand why. She sped up a bit to come up beside him.
"Whatcha thinkin' about, Ryo?" she asked, folding her hands behind her back and leaning into his field of view.
"Hmm? Oh… nothing serious," Ryouga lied badly.
"Uh huh. Because you get all deep and brooding about what to have for dinner," Ranma quipped. "You worried about this Link thing?"
His head snapped up and he looked at her, then seemed to realize she wasn't talking about what he was thinking about. "Oh… you mean Shampoo. Uhh… No… Pretty sure it'll be fine. Nabiki will be glad she's part of the Link I'm sure." He jammed his hands deeper into his pockets.
Ranma's brow furrowed. Okay… so it IS the Link, but it's not about Shampoo? Or not in specific? "You sound like something is buggin' ya."
"I'm fine," Ryouga growled. He glanced at her, then looked away, but Ranma noticed a bit of color on his cheeks.
Ranma chewed on that a minute. It's definitely about the Link… Ryo doesn't want me touching his hand and finding out how he feels… but it's not about adding Shampoo, or at least not that SPECIFICALLY… And it's got to do with me… Maybe about Ryo's… uhh… 'confusion'? She felt a bit of an uncomfortable twinge at that idea, but that suggested a very familiar concept to Ranma - Jealousy.
The Link used to just be me'n Ryo. Then all these other people started piling into it… yeah, that makes sense. But… we're doing this to help him and his Mom, doesn't he get that? She pondered a moment, but her experience with Akane and her jealous fits suggested something different, even if Ryouga's way of reacting to it was different. No… he probably does, but… that didn't mean a lick with Akane either. It's probably why he's trying to hide it, right? He feels put out, but he knows we're trying to help, so he's bottling it up.
Ranma felt a moment of pride at having puzzled it out. She felt like she had come a long way in understanding other people. Okay, so… how do I fix it? Mebbe… he just needs to feel like he's not being replaced?
"Look… I know it kinda sucks having everyone piling into the Link, but… You know that isn't where our relationship comes from, right?" Ranma said, picking her words carefully in an attempt to emulate the way Nabiki would phrase things.
Ryouga blinked at her, eyes widening. "R-relationship?"
"Yeah! Like, we've been friends forever, for as long as I remember, anyway, and you're still the best rival I've got, and all of that was before the Link anyway, so… It's not like you gotta worry about that changing." Ranma said brightly.
Rather than the look of relief Ranma had been hoping for, Ryouga's face fell, like she had just said the exact opposite of what she intended. He looked away from her and scuffed his shoe slightly. "That's… that's what I am to you, right? Rival… friend…"
"I…" Ranma felt another one of those odd pangs. She had an insane feeling like she should be saying something else. "L-look, Ryo…"
"I just wanna be clear about how you feel about me," Ryouga said. "So… friends. Rivals. That's… that's good. I can deal with that." He took a deep breath. "Everything works out for the best that way."
Then why aren't you looking at me? Ranma thought. It felt like there was a ringing in her ears, like she was struggling with something important but she just couldn't get it to come into focus. Why can't I say I agree with you? What do I WANT, even!? "Ryo…" she swallowed, "L-Look… we'll… we'll talk about it when this is all over, okay?"
He glanced at her and forced a smile. "Yeah… yeah. Of course."
Ranma wasn't at all convinced by that answer, but she couldn't think of what else to say. Her pace slackened and she dropped back a bit, her eyes falling.
Why is it getting so hard to talk to him now? Why do I keep saying things that hurt him when I don't mean to? she thought glumly. It reminded her a lot of how things had been with Akane before… she shook her head and quickly banished that thought.
That CAN'T be it, so what is it? She sighed and decided to put it aside for now. She glanced back at the rear of the group, where Nabiki was chatting with Rin about something.
"... And Dad is really enjoying it too! He says they've asked him to stay on full time and he thinks he's going to do it!" Rin gushed.
"And the team is doing well?" Nabiki asked.
"Oh yes! Dad says as soon as they realized he was serious about training them, they dove right in! He said he thinks they just needed someone to believe in them." She bounced slightly. "I haven't seen him this happy since… since… well, ever! He looks like he did in the pictures of him before he was hurt!"
Nabiki chuckled. "I guess this counts as a couple of acts of charity then, huh? Guess that clears me for the rest of the year."
"I don't think anyone is gonna buy the 'Ice Queen' bit at this point, Nabiki," Ranma said, slipping in against Nabiki's side. She felt a little better at the bright smile that flashed across Nabiki's face and the feel of her arm around her shoulders. There, I CAN say the right thing! A year ago I'd have made a crack about charity scams or something. But jokes don't have to be hurtful like that. Her eyes flicked back to Ryouga. So why is it when I've got one part figured out I end up screwing up another part?
"See, that's the beauty of it. In a year I can reintroduce the Ice Queen as 'Nabiki Classic' and business will be better than ever!" Nabiki said.
"Not happening," Ranma replied, turning to kiss her cheek. "We're brand loyal to the New Nabiki."
"Yeah… aheh… because… it's…" Rin blushed and looked away, fidgeting. "Like… umm… soft drinks…? That was the joke, right?"
Nabiki sighed and ruffled Rin's hair. "Yes, but if you explain it it ruins it."
"O-oh."
"So… uhh… Did you come up with any ideas how to keep Akane from being left out?" Ranma asked, flicking a glance nervously towards Akane, who was pantomiming some martial arts move to Ukyou and Shampoo.
"Once the Link is made, it only takes a couple of people to see it through, so after Shampoo is linked Ukyou and I are taking Akane shopping, and then maybe a movie." Nabiki replied.
"You're going too?!" Ranma yelped, more loudly than she intended, then covered her mouth as the others glanced back at her curiously.
"You're going too?!" Ranma hissed. "You're not staying with us?!"
"I don't get many days off, thanks to the… 'honored elder'," Nabiki said, her eye twitching a bit as she choked out the honorific. Ranma imagined there was a story behind that. "You and Ryouga are Ki Nuclear Reactors compared to the rest of us. You'll be fine. I haven't had a chance to hang out with Ukyou much, and I haven't spent much time with my sister doing normal sisterly things. It'll keep her from feeling left out, and I get a normal night out like a regular teenager who isn't the new epicentre of chaos in Nerima."
"Yeah, but…" Ranma fidgeted herself much like Rin had. "It'll be awkward!"
Nabiki smirked. "It's going to be awkward no matter how it goes down, Ranma." She poked her nose. "And it's gonna keep being awkward until you resolve things with Ryo."
"What's to resolve? Things are resolved!" Ranma protested. "We don't fight anymore! We talk stuff out! We… we…"
"Cuddle instead?" Nabiki asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes! NO! I mean we… we… We're friends now!" Ranma stammered. "Stop trying to make it more than that!"
"Ranma, let me ask you this. And…" she took Ranma's hand in hers, the warm flow of her emotions becoming clear as the Link snapped into place between them, "No lying. You used to share the furo with Ryouga, right?"
"Yeah, so? There's nothing weird about that! I mean, I go to public baths! I share the furo with lots of people!" Ranma said defensively.
"Of course it wasn't," Nabiki said reassuringly, and Ranma calmed a bit when she felt that Nabiki was being honest. "Playful innuendo aside, you were just taking a bath."
"Right!" Ranma nodded sharply.
"Could you do it now?" Nabiki asked. "Y'know, before we start with the Link stuff, just go freshen up using the Nekohanten's bathroom with him."
"I…" Ranma trailed off, her eyes widening at the concept. She glanced at Ryouga, slightly panicked that he might have heard that. "I mean… that's… I mean, Akari…!"
"And that's what I mean," Nabiki said. "It's not a problem of you being a girl in his head anymore. When you're around him you're a girl in your own head. He's noticed, you know… that you haven't been a guy around him once since the Shi shi Hokodan."
"That's… that's just coincidence," Ranma muttered, crossing her arms and pulling away from Nabiki a little.
"So, if I got you a kettle of hot water when we get there?" Nabiki asked.
"It… that'd just make it more awkward!" Ranma huffed, hunching down a bit. She wasn't sure why, but she didn't like where this was going.
"Really? So when you're both guys you can share a bath, but you can't lie on a futon with a cute girl between you?" Nabiki asked.
"It's… it'd be weird for him," Ranma said finally. "B-besides! It's my body, and I get to decide if I wanna be a boy or a girl, and right now I wanna be a girl, and… and you should just respect that!"
Nabiki sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Fine. I'm not going to push. That would just lead to you doing something stupid and making this worse. Just… think about it, okay?" Nabiki put a hand on Ranma's shoulder and squeezed. "I'm not saying there's anything wrong with it, even. Just… be honest with yourself why you're doing it. Okay, Ranma?" She gave the redhead's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "I'm going to hash out the plans with Akane and Ukyou. Keep Ryo from getting lost until we get there, okay?"
Ranma glanced guiltily at Ryouga again. "Yeah… sure, no problem."
Nabiki released Ranma's shoulder and moved towards the front of the group to join Akane, Ukyou and Shampoo.
Ranma glanced to her left, and noticed Rin was still there, blushing and fidgeting.
Ranma sighed. "Sorry if the conversation got a little strange, Rin," she said.
Rin cocked her head. "Strange how?" she asked. "I mean… I'm sorry I overheard! I was trying not to listen but… you were right there, and…" She wrung her hands. "But… I hope things work out for you and Mr. Boyfriend-san…"
Ranma sighed. "Rin, he's not…"
"A-actually, I… I was hoping you could help me with… my… my own problems with this sort of thing?" Rin blushed and kicked at the pavement. "You've known Mu Tsu a while, right?"
"Well, 'known' is kind of a strong term," Ranma replied, latching onto the change of topic. "I mean, he was usually trying to kill me… at our friendliest he was usually lecturing me at best. I think Akane probably knows him better than me. I mean, besides kidnapping her once or twice to get to me, he was one of the few people around not trying to kill or marry her."
"O-oh… well… I mean… maybe I'll ask Akane Senpai too, b-but…" Rin fidgeted. "What do you think of him? A-as a person I mean? And his relationship with Shampoo senpai?"
Ranma was tempted to launch into a comfortable and well-worn tirade about the homicidal nearsighted idiot, but she caught herself. Rin likes the big, dumb, blind twit, so I should be… what's the word Nabiki would use? 'Diplomatic'... that's it.
"He's… well, he's a whiz when it comes to gimmicks and tricks," Ranma started carefully. "I mean, some of 'em are stupid, and they're not really good enough to deal with someone like me, but they can catch you off-guard. He, uh… he plays with sharp stuff more than I'm really comfortable with." She scratched the back of her head, remembering a few close calls. "He's devoted to Shampoo… but he's never really been able to pick up that she's not interested. An' telling Shampoo she doesn't really want something she wants is not a good way to get on her good side. He always kinda came at it like Shampoo was already his girl an' I stole her. If he had actually tried to win her over… mebbe? But he just kinda 'laid claim' to her. Which… sorta makes sense considering what I know about how Amazons do things, but it ain't something males are supposed to do. Come to think of it, he's like that a lot… Males aren't supposed to learn martial arts or challenge people to duels in the Amazon village."
"Hmmm… so… it sounds like he was acting out against it?" Rin asked thoughtfully. "You know… chafing against his gender roles, kinda like it is for girls in Japan?"
"Yeah, but the Amazons are traditionalist. Like, 'follow our traditions or die' kinda traditionalists," Ranma added. "Probably a lot rougher for him. I don't blame him leaving, honestly. I'm not so hot about the idea of living there, even if I am half girl and got some sort of special exemptions as a guy 'cuz I'm strong."
Rin nodded, giving that some consideration. "Do you think that might be why he resents you, Senpai?"
Ranma blinked. "Huh?"
"Maybe… maybe it's about more than just getting the girl he loves? If it was that bad for him that he had to leave, even though he was trying to live life how he wanted to… then a 'strong outsider' shows up and is given everything he struggled for and was denied… m-maybe, deep down, he figures that if he could prove himself stronger than you, he could prove them wrong. About him, a-and… well, everything. Maybe that meant more to him than running away?"
"So… You're saying that might be it wasn't just obsession for Shampoo, but obsession with… I dunno, proving he can be an equal to the women of his village?" Ranma asked.
"Or at least that he deserves to be, and they were wrong all those years for denying it to him," Rin said. "Y-you…" She glanced around and ducked closer, lowering her voice. "You've heard him talk about Ms. Elder Cologne-Sensei, right? He doesn't like her… and he doesn't respect her. He calls her 'old mummy' and 'dried up old monkey'."
"Well… to be fair, I kinda call her 'Old Ghoul'..." Ranma admitted sheepishly, scratching the back of her head.
"Yeah… but you're not an Amazon. A-and she challenged you a bunch when you first met, right? So she's more of a rival. But for Mousse? It'd be like insulting a member of the Diet, wouldn't it? But it makes sense if Mousse doesn't like how she leads the village." Rin nodded, satisfied with her own logic.
"So… you're saying all of Mousse's obsessive behaviour is because, deep down, he's a closet political activist?" Ranma asked incredulously.
"I…" Rin's face fell as she realized how silly that sounded. "W-well… n-no, but… but! But maybe it's still got a lot to do with proving himself to those who are in charge… right?"
Ranma considered. "Well… I guess I can't fault the guy for having something to prove. He's still a jerk, though."
"I know. But maybe if we can get him to see why he's doing what he does, it'll help him?" Rin asked, recovering her determination.
"Ranma shrugged noncommittally. "I guess…"
"Just like how it helped Mr. Boyfriend Ryouga Senpai!" Rin finished, beaming proudly.
"Ryouga isn't my… He's… wait, how did what help Ryouga?" Ranma replied, confused.
Rin cocked her head. "H-he… ummm… realized that he was always so obsessed with you because he was in love with you?"
The ensuing reboot of Ranma's brain failed to reload the navigation software in time to recognize the streetlamp ahead as an obstacle and prevent her from smashing into it - face first.
"A-ah! I'm sorry!" Rin gushed. "I-I thought… M-maybe he hasn't confessed yet! Oh no, I'm so sorry Senpai! I didn't mean to mess everything up!"
Ranma rubbed her sore forehead, not sure if the pain was from the lamp post or not. "Rin, look… I mean, I know stuff looks a certain way with me and Ryouga…"
"Oh no he hasn't!" Rin squeaked. "I'm sorry! Don't tell Mr. Ryouga Senpai! Please forget I said anything!" She waved her hands frantically, then darted off down the road, turning off towards her own house and away from the group.
Ranma sighed and shook her head. I wish there was some way to let her know she's got the wrong idea about me'n Ryo. Gently, anyway. Ranma resumed walking. Come to think of it, EVERYONE seems to have the wrong idea.
She walked a bit further, wanting to drop the idea but, like a terrier with a bone, her mind kept returning to it. I mean, sure he's ATTRACTED to me… to my girl side! That's pretty normal. Hell, I've used it against him a few times to fool him! I always knew, back from when he called me cute…
Ranma slowed a bit. … He DID call me cute, didn't he? It was backhanded and snarky, but… Maybe even before he really fell for Akane. 'Course… I was also the girl that dumped him in the Heitowennichuan. Still… he was super pissed at me and STILL thought I was cute. That's… kinda flattering… She felt an oddly warm rush at that.
She shook her head quickly. Stop that! Since when did I care if Ryouga thought I was cute? That's irrelevant! It doesn't mean he l-lo… She swallowed. That was still a very scary word for her. It doesn't mean he LIKES me! Not THAT way!
She glanced up, eyes falling on Ryouga's back
… Right?
000
Cologne had already cleared the restaurant for the day before they arrived. She had moved around several of the tables and chairs, and made a comfortable place in the middle of the floor large enough for all of them, with futons arranged so that they could recover comfortably. Dr. Tofu had set up some equipment in the corner of the room to record the procedure at the request of Dr. Hirano. Nabiki had pulled both Cologne and Dr. Tofu aside to discuss a similar set up at the Tendo Dojo when it was Akane's turn.
Ranma felt a little fidgety. This was becoming far more involved than she had expected. She could already feel a hum from Nabiki and Ukyou's emotions, being in close proximity to them, and some worrying instability from Ryouga.
How intense is this going to be with two more people? Especially with the kind of ki that Akane can produce? And is that gonna change as Akane trains? Or Nabiki for that matter? She chewed on her lower lip as she stood out of the way, feeling oddly disconnected from the bustle.
She noticed a movement in the corner of her eye and looked up to see Mousse watching from the kitchen doorway.
Oh. That's probably not good… Ranma glanced at the rest of the group, but they hadn't noticed the bespectacled martial artist yet. Ranma sighed, steeled herself for a confrontation and hoped she could get the conflict outside before too much damage was done.
She walked over to where Mousse was standing. At first she thought he simply didn't see her, but she noticed the reflection of light on his thick glasses change, indicating he was tracking her movements.
"Uhh… hey, Mousse. What's up?" Ranma asked, attempting nonchalance, though Mousse's uncharacteristically calm demeanor given the circumstances unnerved her.
"'What's up', as you put it, is that you are about to violate my darling Shampoo in the most profound way possible," Mousse said, though his tone was flat, devoid of the usual snarl. "And not only does she welcome it, but it apparently has the approval of the old…" the reflection shifted as his gaze flicked to the corner of the room where Cologne and Dr. Tofu were conversing with Nabiki, "…of the 'Honored Elder'."
"So… uhh… you know about the Link business then, huh?" Ranma continued. She knew Mousse couldn't see without his glasses, but the way the light was filtering in through the windows made those lenses almost totally opaque from this angle, effectively hiding his expression. She would have preferred to have a better idea of what was going through the other martial artist's mind.
"I've overheard enough," Mousse replied. "It certainly explains Ryouga Hibiki's sudden and dramatic shift in demeanor towards you."
Ranma's eyes narrowed. "Look, I'm kinda sick of people accusing me of brainwashing people, you most of all. The Link is Ryo's thing, and it's been there since Middle School. I ain't done nothing to him, just like I ain't done nothing to Shampoo! She and the others… we're all doing this to help Ryo's mother. Me'n Shampoo? That was decided way before this. But if you really wanna beef over this, then step outside and we can have it out somewhere quiet."
Mousse's gaze switched back to Ranma and, for a moment, the angle changed enough for her to see his eyes past the reflection. There was none of the usual rage there, however. If anything, his expression seemed more… resigned. There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes as well, as if he had heard something he hadn't expected.
"I'm not interested in fighting you, Ranma Saotome," Mousse said finally, looking away. "I won't interfere. I've lost. I know that and as… satisfying as beating you within an inch of your life would be, it wouldn't accomplish anything. I'm just here… to observe."
Ranma raised an eyebrow. She relaxed her stance a little and crossed her arms. "Observe?"
"If this is what Shampoo wants… then I want to see it," Mousse replied. His gaze shifted again, to the purple-haired Amazon. "Rin Ito has scolded me for not acknowledging what Shampoo wants. For not seeing it. I suppose something that will finally close the door on my chances with her is as good a time as any."
Ranma sighed. "Listen… It's fine if you wanna be here for this, but… you're just winding yourself up, y'know? You gotta know by this point that whether we do this or not, it ain't gonna change things between you and Shampoo, right? That's got nothing to do with me."
"Could you just walk away, Saotome?" Mousse asked tightly. "If it were Akane Tendo? Or Ukyou Kuonji? Or Nabiki? When faced with the task of picking one you refused. Do you expect me to believe that you could just let them go?"
Ranma paused a moment then looked down. "I almost did, once."
Mousse's eyebrows climbed above the rim of his glasses, surprise obvious despite the reflection.
"There was this guy… Shinnosuke. Akane met him as a kid in Ryugenzawa. He couldn't remember anything half the time… but he remembered her. He had the guts to tell her how he felt when I didn't and… and she was willing to stay with him. I almost… I almost walked away right then." Ranma shuddered a bit, not liking the memory.
"But you obviously didn't," Mousse pointed out.
"Wasn't my choice. Akane was willing to stay with him because he was dying… probably didn't have much time left… and it was her fault. Old injury he got saving her when they were kids. When we figured out a way to heal him… she said goodbye and came home with me." Ranma looked into Mousse's eyes. "But if it had turned out that she would have been happier with him… if he had been what she wanted… if she had told me to go… I would have. I did, actually. I only came back because she was in trouble." She turned slightly to glance at the dark haired Tendo and smiled a bit. "If Akane wants to be with me… if they all want to be with me… even if I don't understand it… if it's what they want and it makes them happy… then I'm happy."
"And what do you want, Saotome?" Mousse asked quietly.
"Why do I gotta want more than that?" Ranma glanced back at him with a scowl.
"Because a life lived for another is an empty thing, Saotome. Trust me," Mousse fairly spat.
Ranma's scowl deepened. Then she remembered what Rin had said. "Bull."
Mousse gave her a second surprised look. "…What?"
"I said 'Bull'!" Ranma continued. She walked up to him and poked him in the chest. "You know why? It's not about 'living your life for someone else' with you. Because Rin has you pegged! She's figured out what all of this obsession is about. You're trying to prove yourself."
"Of course I am!" Mousse shot back. "I've never stopped trying to prove myself to my darling Sham-"
"No," Ranma cut him off. "It ain't about Shampoo. She's just the… uhh… the figurehead for it! You're trying to prove yourself to the Amazons. Trying to prove to them that you deserve to live your life the way you wanna live it… and that's why I piss you off so much. Not just because of Shampoo, but because they're basically handing me the kind of life you've wanted all along and been told you can't ever have." She stepped back and gave him a self-satisfied smirk. "Tell me I'm wrong."
"I…" Mousse started, then closed his mouth. His gaze fell and she could see his eyes over the rim of his glasses, wide as he digested that notion.
He finally straightened and pushed his glasses back up with his middle finger. "Perhaps. I'd have called you a fool and a liar if that had come from you, but… Rin is perceptive sometimes."
"Sounds like you notice a lot more about her than you usually do about people, Duck-boy. Mebbe you should go talk all of this stuff over with her instead of lurking here in the shadows?" Ranma raised an eyebrow.
Mousse bristled slightly at the old slur but settled quickly and let the tension go. "I think… that if I am to follow her example and consider other people… I should probably settle matters with Young Mi first."
Ranma relaxed a bit and leaned against the wall. "Y'know… I know something about fiancee troubles. Do you wanna talk about it?"
Mousse scowled at her. "You aren't serious," he said flatly.
"Hey, she took a pretty good piece outta me and she damn near suffocated Ryo! I'd be overjoyed to help you with your love life if it cuts down on the number of attempts on mine, thanks," Ranma growled in return.
"You haven't much to fear from her now that she knows her mistake," Mousse replied. "Shampoo, on the other hand…" Mousse glanced at her again and sighed. "I've been trying to locate her so I can talk. Rin has been helping me to try and figure out what to say to her, but I worry that Young Mi might attack her as well."
"Nabiki figured that much out," Ranma muttered. "So… what's your play? So you were engaged to her, right? Not like, an arranged thing, but something you agreed to? From how Rin tells it, you were pretty serious about her. You gonna try and patch things up?"
Mousse was silent a moment.
"I don't know," he said at last. "It seemed like such an easy decision at the time, when it didn't look like I had any other options. But then I heard of Shampoo's disgrace at your hands and suddenly…" He sighed. "I don't know."
"Yeah, but… do you love her?" Ranma pressed.
"I don't know. I want to talk to her again to figure that out," Mousse said.
"And what about Rin?" Ranma said after a minute.
"What about her?" Mousse said, blinking.
"You can't have missed that she's got the world's biggest crush on you!" Ranma insisted. Her eyes widened as she noted Mousse's blank expression. "Oh my god, you did…"
"What are you talking about, Saotome?!" Mousse asked in frustration. "Rin has said nothing to me about any romantic intent…"
Ranma's sigh cut him off as she rubbed at her temples.
"It's obvious - even to me, Duck-boy. Why would she need to say anything?" Ranma asked, irritated. "That ain't exactly how these things are done, you know?"
"What are you talking about?" Mousse repeated in an exasperated tone. "That's exactly how they're done. When a woman desires a man, she states her intent to claim him and then does so. It's been that way in my village for generations."
"Newsflash. We ain't in your village!" Ranma protested.
"That was how Young Mi made her interest known, even if her approach was more… diplomatic than most Amazon women. She actually gave me the choice," Mousse replied, his scowl deepening. "Even given that, Rin has given no such indication…"
"Young Mi is…" Ranma bit down the urge to say 'crazy' or 'insane', or any of the other things that came readily to mind, "…very bold about the things she wants. Maybe I don't know how they do things in Korea, but here in Japan…"
"I have witnessed many other females here doing exactly the same thing, and in a very Amazonian manner. The approach that seemed at all atypical was Akane Tendo's, though she has shown the proper intent to assert dominance," Mousse replied. "Given your own self-admitted lack of understanding of females, I am wondering if perhaps you are the one who doesn't know how this is supposed to work, Ranma Saotome?"
"I… " Ranma stammered, then clapped a hand over her eyes. "You are such a blind idiot, Mousse."
"Tell me I'm wrong," Mousse shot back with a smirk of his own.
"Well… Rin's not like that! She's… She's shy. Telling someone you like 'em can take a lot of courage!" Ranma protested.
"Again… The only ones I've seen that have issues with that are you and Hibiki. Perhaps it is something wrong with how males are raised in Outsider culture." Mousse's eyes narrowed. "And Rin has never lacked for courage in my experience. She has shown far more than I would typically attribute to you."
"I… arrgh!" Ranma threw up her hands in frustration. "You know what? I give up. Sort out your own crap." She turned and stalked back to the group, fists clenched.
Three heads immediately popped up as she approached; Ryouga's, Ukyou's and Nabiki's. Ranma noticed them all looking in her direction with conspicuous synchronization, took a deep breath and forced herself to relax. She realised that she must be radiating enough frustration to come through the Link, even at range. Note to self: Find a good place away from everyone when I need to be grumpy.
"Everything all right?" Nabiki asked, approaching her with a look of concern. Her eyes flickered momentarily towards Mousse.
"Yeah, Mousse is just being his usual infuriating self," Ranma muttered. "I'm trying to see his side of things, I really am, but every time I think he's making progress he steps back into his aura smug, self-superior bullshit."
"Well… not everyone is reachable, Ranchan," Ukyou said with a shrug. "Something you learn listening to people's problems is that sometimes fixing their problems matters less to people than it does to be right."
"So why is he here, anyway?" Ryouga narrowed his eyes. "Should I ask him to leave?"
"No putting holes in the roof, Ryo," Nabiki replied. "I have to sleep here most nights."
Ranma shook her head. "No, no… He wants to see what this 'Link' business is all about. I figure if it keeps him from butting in, let him watch. He seems pretty resigned about it all anyway." She quirked an eyebrow at Ryouga. "Besides… I'm more than capable of 'asking Duck Boy to leave' on my own, Ryouga."
Ryouga blinked then flushed. "I… uhh… I didn't mean… that is… uh…"
"Now, now, Ranma, don't be hard on the poor boy," Nabiki chided her. "Boys like to feel useful, after all. You have to throw them a bone now and then."
"Hey…" Ryouga protested weakly.
"Yeah, like we used to do with you," Ukyou added, winking at Ranma.
"Wait, what? What do you mean 'like you used to do with me'?!" Ranma demanded.
"'Oh Ranma, save me! Defeat this horrible fiend and rescue me!'" Ukyou put the back of her hand to her forehead in a feigned pose of dramatic distress.
"I was saving you!" Ranma protested.
Ukyou rolled her eyes. "Uh huh. Except when Akane was in trouble too. Then me and Shampoo had to fend for ourselves!" She folded her arms and glared at the redhead.
"I… hey! That's not fair!" Ranma shrank back a bit as her danger sense kicked in.
"To be fair? I'm pretty sure Ranma knew you'd be okay when he did it," Nabiki replied. "When the porch collapsed and he had to choose between catching me or Akane, he caught me because he knew that she could land it."
"I'm not sure I like your implication we're somehow complicit in this 'Damsel-in-distress make-work' scheme." Ryouga muttered.
"Or that I should be using it on Ryo!" Ranma added.
"Y-yeah…" Ryouga agreed weakly. Something flickered in his eyes as he glanced at Ranma. "It's not like we're in the sort of relationship where that'd be appropriate…"
"Yeah!" Ranma agreed. "I mean… aside from the cover stories…"
"Which are just cover stories!" Ryouga added quickly.
"And that whole 'Common Law' thing…" Ranma scratched the back of her head sheepishly.
"Technicality!" Ryouga chipped in. "B-besides, Ranma's a guy!"
"W-well…" It was Ranma's turn to be sheepish. "I mean… I'm not right now…"
Ryouga frowned and turned to face Ranma fully. "What, are you saying that different rules apply to you just because you look like a girl right now?"
"I don't look like a girl, I am a girl! Different plumbing, different bathroom, different rules!" Ranma said with a scowl.
"So you get to play by the girl rules when it's convenient, like getting to boss me around?" Ryouga growled.
"Oh yeah, convenience," Ranma shot back. "Tell you what. I'll drop the bossing around part if I also get to ditch having to get fitted for bras… do you have any idea how tough it is for me to find one that fits right and isn't something custom?! Or having to see the gynecologist? Yeah, the school nurse has me down for that now, too! Fun! Or… hey, maybe even just not having to have my period anymore, huh?!"
"I… uhh…" Ryouga blinked. "Does that mean…?"
"No, I am not having my period right now, you jackass!"
"Should… we stop them?" Ukyou asked uncertainly as they continued their verbal sparring.
Nabiki offered her a rice cracker. "I've learned that it's usually better to just let them go and watch. And take notes."
Ranma glowered at the two, then folded her arms and sulked.
Dr. Tofu cleared his throat. "Ahem… we're ready for you now. If you are done with your personal conversation?"
"Yeah, sure, let's get this over with," Ranma muttered. "Don't say I don't do nothin' for ya, bacon breath."
Ryouga looked like he wanted to retort, but bit it back.
Probably because this is for his Mom's sake, and he's more worried about curing the family curse and saving her? some guilty part of Ranma's mind reminded her. She ground her teeth a bit, stalked over to the pile of cushions and plopped down next to Shampoo, who had been laid out on them. Her shirt was rumpled and open slightly, and she had several visible adhesive sensors applied to her upper chest.
"Since Shampoo has a much higher ki pool, I've had to increase the dosage, so I'll be monitoring her more closely," Tofu said. "Make sure to talk to her and keep her awake."
He intercepted the others as they approached and guided them to sit in a rough circle around Shampoo. "Make sure you're not touching each other. The point is we are trying to force your aligned ki, which seeks to mingle, to use Shampoo as a conduit and thus align her ki. If you are making contact with each other, it'll create a short and retard the process."
Cologne hopped over on her staff, watching with interest as the doctor arranged Nabiki, Ukyou, Ranma and Ryouga around Shampoo. He put Ranma and Nabiki on one side, with Ukyou and Ryouga on the other. Then he instructed each of them to put a hand on one of Shampoo's wrists or ankles, until each had a good hold.
"Fascinating," Cologne commented, hopping about to observe. "Are you sure this will result in a link? Such a thing has been encountered a few times by the Joketsuzoku, but none of our attempts to create a link intentionally have borne fruit."
"I believe Ryouga Hibiki's family has a unique quality that facilitates this 'alignment'," Dr. Tofu replied as he checked his equipment. "I imagine it's an incredibly rare quality."
"And valuable. I can see the potential applications," Cologne mused, giving Ryouga an appraising look.
Ranma's eyes narrowed. She knew that look! "He's not breeding stock for the Amazons, old bat! Keep your marriage schemes to yourself!"
Cologne chuckled, her ancient eyes bright with amusement. "Of course not, child. I can see that he is already spoken for. I wouldn't dream of interfering."
"You'd better not!" Ranma huffed, still eying her suspiciously.
Nabiki sighed and shook her head at Ranma.
"…What?" Ranma gave her a quizzical look.
"You're happier not knowing," Nabiki replied.
"Mmmm… Medicine very strong…" Shampoo murmured, her eyelids drooping. "Is okay for Shampoo to take nap?"
"It would be best if you remained awake," Dr. Tofu replied. "I expect the process does rely quite a bit on an emotional connection. You will need to be aware of the others for best results."
"You'll feel better once the Link is in place, sugar," Ukyou said gently, smiling at the Amazon girl. "Just try to focus on something."
"Like… what?" Shampoo asked muzzily.
"Well, it helped me to focus on how maddening Ranma and Ryouga are to deal with," Nabiki said playfully.
"Hey!" Ranma and Ryouga replied in synchronized outrage, earning a giggle from the drowsy Amazon.
"This… is safe, right Dr. Tofu?" Akane asked nervously, with a glance at Shampoo then at the machine. Its screen showed a mass of wavy lines and confusing numbers that she didn't understand, but she was aware that the machine's beeping was slowing and that many of the numbers were going down.
"The dosage is high, but not dangerous," Dr. Tofu replied. "She's in little danger from the herbs."
"But the herbs aren't the only part of this…" Akane pointed out.
Dr. Tofu sighed. "Nabiki's introduction to the Link was relatively low-risk. However, as the ki required increases, so do the risks involved. I do not believe that Shampoo is in any real peril from this, but there are a number of unknowns, especially if the poisoned ki that comprises Ryouga's directional disability should find a way to bridge the gap and cross over to one of the others."
"Do you think that's possible?" Akane asked softly.
Dr. Tofu took a breath. "With the current procedure? No. As long as Ryouga's own ki is at a high level, there doesn't seem to be any transmission. It's almost as if his own ki reserves act as insulation, or a form of natural quarantine. But when we reach the natural end stage, and his own ki has ebbed and left the poisoned ki exposed…" He shook his head. "We could end up spreading this curse amongst all of you."
Akane nodded and resumed watching, looking thoughtful.
Ranma herself was concerned about that idea. It was certainly a sobering thought… the idea of never being able to find her way, even along a simple path.
And Ryouga's been alone with that for his whole life, Ranma thought with a glance in his direction. Right now, this Link is the only thing that can save him and his mother from spending their whole lives alone. She closed her eyes and nodded. No… we're not going to lose to this! Ranma Saotome doesn't give up, and doesn't lose! Not even to some stupid 500 year old curse!
"Whatever Airen doing… keep up," Shampoo murmured. "Is nice… warm… feels like…" she trailed off with a gasp.
Almost in unison, Ranma, Nabiki, Ukyou and Ryouga gasped as well, the block that had kept them all separated crumbling suddenly, like an earthen dam eroded by the waters of a rushing river. Turbulent surges of emotion and ki dissolved that barrier and washed it away.
Shampoo's eyes went wide. She sucked in a deep breath and then another, as if she couldn't get enough air. Ranma leaned closer, taking hold of her shoulder with her free hand and Ryouga did the same on her opposite side, concentrating on keeping her steady until her breathing stabilised.
"S-so much!" Shampoo whispered, eyes flicking back and forth between them. "Ahhn… loud but no noise… shapes but not shapes… colors that not colors… gàn!" She squeezed her eyes shut.
"Stay calm, you three," Nabiki said sternly. "Ki is emotion, remember? So reign it in and keep calm until she can get used to it."
Ranma nodded and steadied her own breathing to focus on Shampoo. She could sense the chaotic swirl as all of their ki poured into Shampoo, filling the void left by the heavy dosage of herbs. Emotions so intense as to to be almost physical things flooding into the girl and overwhelming her control. She focused on her feelings for Shampoo, and tried to send her that warm, reddish emotion that she had always found so comforting. She felt the others following suit, though Ryouga's emotional flow was tinged with sheepish pink.
Shampoo started to relax as the rush settled and their ki replaced what had been suppressed by the medicine. "Better…" she smiled at Ranma. "Shampoo worried Airen… can feel… Can also feel…" She blushed and closed her eyes. "Shampoo knew, but… didn't… didn't know know. Airen have much warmth inside. See now why Nabiki think we need this."
Ranma smiled and reached out to stroke Shampoo's cheek. "Yeah, yeah, don't get too sappy on me, Shampoo. Not in front of Ryouga. He's still a bit uncomfortable with the personal displays of affection… especially when it's two girls, you know?"
Sure enough, Ryouga was blushing and trying to look anywhere but at the two of them.
Shampoo grinned. She was perking up now that her ki levels were returning to normal and she had that mischievous glint in her eye again. Before Ranma could stop her, she slipped her hand from Ranma's grasp and reached over to gently turn Ryouga's head to face her, sitting up in the process.
"Shagua should not be embarrassed. Have nothing to be embarrassed about. Can see Shagua's heart now. Can feel concern for Shampoo. Even other things Shagua try and hide to… what is words… 'be gentlemanly'," she said, looking into his eyes. "Is very sweet."
Ryouga's blush deepened. Ranma felt an odd stirring of something dark and possessive in her, though she wasn't entirely sure who it was directed at yet.
"I… uhh… w-well, you're doing this for my family, so… so making sure you're safe is the least I can do… right?" Ryouga said nervously with an awkward laugh.
Shampoo's soft lips curled into a smile and her eyes narrowed into a familiar, seductively predatory expression. "Shampoo should give Shagua reward to show should not be so timid, yes?"
Ranma's eyes widened. She put her hand on Shampoo's shoulder, feeling a flash through the link that told her exactly what Shampoo was going to do, even if Ryouga hadn't caught on yet. "Shampoo, wait…!"
It was too late. Shampoo's slipped her arm around Ryouga's neck and pulled him closer. His eyes widened as she tugged him off balance but before he could correct and pull back she had leaned in to close the gap and pressed her lips to his in an enthusiastic kiss.
Ranma, Ukyou and Nabiki stared, too stunned to move or comment.
Ryouga naturally froze up like he had been turned to stone, his eyes wide and panicked for a moment, before going glassy as his higher functions immediately jettisoned all core operating files.
Not that this deterred Shampoo, who was more than accustomed to a similar reaction from Ranma. She held the kiss until she was satisfied then leaned back, smiling.
"There. See? Shagua not have anything to fear," she purred. "Might even enjoy if let self relax a little."
Ryouga slowly toppled over backwards, eyes staring sightlessly upwards.
Ukyou yelped and was the first to recover, moving to catch him before his head actually hit the floor.
"Shampoo!" Akane stepped out around the medical equipment, aghast. "Why would you do that?! Don't tease poor Ryouga like that!"
Shampoo arched an eyebrow. "Only tease if not serious."
"Shampoo!" Akane yelped. "He has a girlfriend!"
"Pokemon trainer girl not here," Shampoo said, her expression darkening slightly at the mention of Akari. "Her loss."
Ranma had finally started out of her stupor enough to move. Struggling to get her emotions under control, she took a deep breath, opened her eyes and was about to speak, but found that Nabiki was in her way now, looming over the Amazon.
"Pintou? What…?" Shampoo said, but Nabiki simply extended her finger and flicked the bell on the collar around Shampoo's neck. Shampoo's eyes widened and the color drained from her face.
"Got your attention, kitten? Good," Nabiki said, her voice stern. "Let me be perfectly clear then; You do not ever do that without asking and receiving permission. Is that clear?"
Shampoo swallowed hard. "Y-yes Pintou… Shampoo did not mean harm, just…"
Nabiki put a finger to her lips to quiet her. "What you meant doesn't matter. What you did does. I know for a fact that was Ryouga's first kiss, and while that might not be such a significant thing for you, it is for him. He also has a very complicated romantic situation that you have just inserted yourself into without consulting the rest of the people in your own complicated romantic situation. Now. I need your word of honor that you won't make any moves on anyone with whom you are not officially and consensually involved."
Shampoo bowed her head. "Y-yes, Pintou. Shampoo swear."
"That means no hanky-panky with Ryouga unless both he and Ranma agree to it, clear? Beforehand. No seducing them and getting forgiveness after the fact."
"Shi de, Pintou," Shampoo murmured. Then she blinked and gave Nabiki a shyly quizzical look.
"Good girl," Nabiki winked and gently ran her fingers through Shampoo's hair, almost as if she were petting her.
Dr. Tofu, who had been watching the exchange, sighed and shook his head. "I was about to say that if any of you wished to move, change positions or make contact with each other you may do so now, as long as you keep contact with Shampoo, but apparently you're already doing that. Just… all of you stay put for the next thirty minutes or so."
Ranma took a few more breaths with her eyes closed to steady herself and wrestle down her angry response. It's cool, Ranma. Nabiki took care of it and Akari didn't see, so it's probably fine. It's fine. It's fine.
She opened eyes and her gaze fell on Ryouga. He was still catatonic, propped up by Ukyou.
His first kiss, huh? Ranma thought, her mind flitting back to her own rather unpleasant first time, forced upon her by Mikado Sanzenin. She shuddered involuntarily. In the past she might have suggested that at least Ryouga's experience was better, but she could sense the overload through the Link when Shampoo kissed him, that conflicting mixture of confusion, surprise, arousal, and sheer terror. Something similar had happened to her when Shampoo had first kissed her. Now that she had that first kiss with Ukyou in the school halls to compare with, and even the later kiss with Shampoo afterwards, she knew the difference.
Mindful of keeping contact with Shampoo, she reached across her and touched his hand to strengthen her connection to him. She could sense the roiling, black feedback loop of guilt and fear. She glanced at Shampoo. "Can you feel that, Shampoo? All that black, spikey stuff coming from Ryouga?"
"Is… because of Shampoo?" Shampoo blinked, brow furrowing as she seemed to try and focus on Ryouga without really focusing her eyes. "Is… What emotion this?"
"Fear," Nabiki replied. "Guilt. Shame. The poor boy is a factory for the stuff. He's terrified of rejection."
"But… but Shampoo no reject!" Shampoo protested. "Do opposite!"
"You did it where others who might reject him could see. And… he's been toyed with like that before, leading to rejection." Nabiki shot Ranma a telling glance, that caused the redhead to blush a little with shame of her own.
"But how can…?" Shampoo glanced at her then blinked and looked down where his hand still was wrapped limply around hers, with Ranma's on top. She tightened her grip and reached up to bring Ryouga's head gently down so she could look into his eyes.
"Is okay. Shampoo not mean harm, Shagua," she said softly. As she spoke, Ranma felt a warm flow of emotion suffuse Shampoo's ki and flow through the connection. Shampoo had amazing control already, her long years of training allowing her superior mastery despite not having the kind of reserves she or Ryouga had. Ranma could feel the warmth as well, though she could tell it wasn't meant for her. That caused another odd little lurch of jealousy.
Shampoo's gaze flicked to her. She smiled again and put her other hand on top of Ranma's. "Airen no need to be upset. Understand owe apology to Airen too. Shampoo push too hard, try take too much again. Get greedy."
Shampoo's efforts were bearing fruit. Ryouga's spiky, chaotic emotional landscape was starting to settle, some of the blacks and purples draining, though there was still a pinkish tinge of embarrassment and humiliation.
"I'm… sorry…" Ryouga mumbled. His eyes cleared, but were still unfocused, as though he was just waking up.
"No need. No do anything wrong," Shampoo said, her words accompanied by more warm ki. She glanced to Nabiki. "Maybe… is good time to take Akane, go shopping? Too too much emotion all at once now, and Shampoo need to talk with Airen and Shagua."
Nabiki sighed. "All right. Just remember…"
"Shampoo behave," Shampoo said solemnly.
Nabiki smirked and gave her a wink. "No. Ask permission. 'Behaving' is situational and optional." She kissed her on the forehead, then turned her attention to Ranma. "Are you going to be okay with these two? Seems they're going to be the bundles of emotion this time around."
"I… uhh… sure," Ranma said, a little uncertain as she realized with some surprise that Nabiki really did trust her and was essentially putting her in charge. "I'll keep anything from getting to roof-removing levels."
Nabiki smiled, leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Good." Leaning a little closer, she murmured in the redhead's ear, low enough that only Ranma could hear. "Don't be afraid of acting on what you want, okay? No one is going to take anything away from you for doing that."
"You sure?" Ranma replied skeptically, mindful of exactly how untrue that statement had been for most of her life.
Nabiki pulled back and gave her one of her confident smirks. "Of course I am. Nobody takes anything from Nabiki Tendo. I've made sure of that. I'm just extending that to include things that belong to the people I care about now." She reached out and ruffled Ranma's hair. "Shampoo knows where the condoms are if you need them."
Ranma was feeling kind of fuzzy and warm about Nabiki's absolute confidence, right up until that last statement. "…The what?"
"Pintou telling bad joke," Shampoo said quickly, glaring at Nabiki. "And going to have very cross kitten shredding favorite clothes if not leave before Shampoo get stuck with two broken boys instead of one!"
"Sorry!" Nabiki said, holding her hands out in a placating gesture. Her rapid 180 told Ranma that apparently Shampoo wasn't bluffing and Nabiki was fully aware of it. "I couldn't resist. You know how I get. Please let the designer jeans live."
"Will consider if let Shampoo borrow," Shampoo replied with a smirk.
"I could just buy you your own pair," Nabiki offered.
"No. Want in your pants," Shampoo retorted. Ranma could feel a bit of pride from her at having managed her own bit of clever double entendre. "Decide later if Nabiki need be in them or not."
Nabiki grinned back and raised an eyebrow. "I'll keep that in mind, kitten." She took a breath, stood and turned to Dr. Tofu. "Are we okay to leave just the three of them now? It's a bit exhausting sorting through all the noise with five people at once... and there's a sale on at the mall."
Dr. Tofu smiled, put a hand on Nabiki's shoulder and, with a deceptively casual air, sat her right back down. "I'm sure your sale can wait fifteen minutes, Nabiki. For the moment I need a chance to do an actual examination of all of you. I'm afraid I'll have to insist you put off any shopping trips, makeout sessions or massive explosions of ki until I'm done."
000
Ryouga was fairly certain Dr. Tofu had deliberately made the entire physical more awkward than absolutely necessary. He'd also reinforced several times the gravity of being in the kind of uncharted medical territory they were entering, and the need to advise him of any changes - emotional, physical or otherwise. Ryouga suspected the good doctor was a little annoyed with how flippant the group had gotten about the Link.
Truth be told, it was worrying Ryouga as well. Every time he had made a new Link, it was accompanied by, or in Ranma's case, caused by, surges of emotion. For Nabiki it had been grief while Ukyou's had been anger… emotions that Ryouga was familiar with and comfortable with.
With Shampoo? It was… affection. And it scared the hell out of him.
He wasn't entirely sure affection was the right term. He was fairly certain it wasn't love and it wasn't just raw attraction, though he sheepishly had to admit there was a definite subset of that in there. It was… just a powerful desire to give and receive affection, unrestrained by modesty or shame. It was like she was an abandoned puppy desperate for love.
Or perhaps kitten would be more appropriate, he mused. But the thought that it might come from some kind of deprivation suddenly made it more comfortable, which disquieted him somewhat. Do I really only 'get' feelings if they're from something bad?
He lay on his back on the futon that had been placed on the floor of the restaurant and studied the ceiling. It was probably the safest place to look at the moment, given what had happened and that the perpetrator of it was right next to him. Her hand was clasped with his and, although she wasn't lying unusually close to him, she felt too close. And just beyond her he was aware of Ranma and her usual complex whirl of emotions.
He closed his eyes. What am I even doing? How did things get this… this… He sighed, lacking the mental framework to define his situation outside of 'like Ranma's'. I should be on the farm with Akari, training pigs. I should have been HAPPY with that, damnit! I should have told her about all of this and insisted she be here. Instead I… I'm doing to her what I did to Anna. I keep running back to… to something I can't have.
Akane's face swam to the forefront of his mind. Am I just doing this to have a chance to have that kind of connection with Akane? Even after she broke my heart and I found out that she could NEVER love me like that? Am I that much of a glutton for misery?
Nabiki's face replaced Akane's, with that half-lidded look on her face that had become the source of a secret, guilty thrill for him. I didn't even notice Nabiki until she belonged to Ranma. Is that all I'm doing? Chasing after Ranma's girls because I want to deny Ranma?
Nabiki's face faded and Ranma's took its place. The twisting feeling in his gut got worse. He realized there wasn't even the duality there anymore. Am I chasing them… because I want HER? He squeezed his eyes shut tighter in an irrational attempt to block the image from his mind. Why did I chase Ranma to China? I should have been GLAD she… HE was gone! Why do I keep coming back to obsess over girls who don't know I exist just because they belong to Ranma?
Ranma's face shifted, her expression becoming the one she had worn the day of the Shi shi Hokodan. Worry and fear - and somehow he knew without a doubt, and for the first time, that it had not been for herself - not because of him, but for him. The knowledge that he had value to someone, enough that she would risk her life for him, had been burned into his mind by all that ki.
People caring about me scares me, he thought to himself. Then came an odd realization. Because I know I'll let them down. Akane was safe to love because she had Ranma… Ranma would always catch her. I could see that. Ranma catches Nabiki. Ranma catches Ukyou. Ranma catches Shampoo. Hell, Ranma caught Kodachi when she needed it, too. Ranma catches everyone when they need it. And… that's it. They need to be caught, so Ranma catches them. It never occurs to her NOT to. I guess that's what makes them fall in love with her so readily.
He relaxed a little, feeling the self-loathing ease a bit. Ranma caught me, too.
He opened his eyes to focus on the ceiling of the restaurant again. It was getting dark - harder to make out the patterns - but he wasn't tired. Maybe that's enough… Nabiki only needed an hour or so. Ranma should be able to make it work from here. He turned his head to check on the girls, sure they would be sleeping.
He nearly bumped noses with Shampoo. "Guh…?!"
Shampoo grinned at him. "Shagua lost in own world too-too long. Interesting to try and match what see in ki to what see on face." She frowned a bit. "Shagua use own thoughts to hurt self sometimes, though."
"I… uhh… That is…" Ryouga stammered. He could feel the heat in his own cheeks and cursed himself for his lack of discipline. Shampoo too, now? Hibiki, you're every bit as bad as you always accused Ranma of being!
"There, you do again," Shampoo said, and tapped him on the nose with her finger. "No."
Ryouga blinked. "I… what do you mean 'no'?"
"Is mean what Shampoo said. Much much nicer shapes and colors just before Shagua started hurting self again." She cocked her head. "Is… guilt, yes? Why nice feelings make Shagua guilty?"
"Because those 'nice feelings' are things I shouldn't be feeling," Ryouga replied, looking back towards the ceiling.
Shampoo sighed heavily, reached over, grabbed his chin and, with surprising strength, turned him forcefully back to look at her. Her red eyes fairly flashed in the dim light as she fixed him with a stern glare. "Is no 'right' or 'wrong' to feelings. Is just feelings to feelings. Good or Bad come from what do with feelings. Be afraid of feelings, try and pretend not have feelings, hurt self because of feelings… only lead to getting all twisted up inside. Lead to doing bad things in end."
Ryouga blinked a bit in surprise. "I… But… What if…?"
Shampoo sighed again. "And you wonder why I call you Shagua?" she said, but she was smiling too. "Pintou right. 'Lost Boy' lost in more ways than one. Should stop worrying so much. Is with two pretty girls, should relax and enjoy!"
Ryouga rolled his eyes a bit. "It's not that simple…"
Shampoo raised an eyebrow and smirked a bit. "You sure?"
Ryouga felt a small surge of fear at that, and his pulse jumped as he noticed that same predatory look in her eyes that she had gotten just before she'd kissed him. That was a memory he had been trying very hard to suppress, given the situation. His eyes flicked down, unbidden to her soft lips, remembering how they had felt. He hiccuped and hastily pinched his nose shut. "Pleadth dobt."
"Pintou say ask permission first. Shampoo not do without permission," Shampoo said softly. "And only if Airen give permission as well. But… Will do. Not for pity. Not for scheme. Because was nice and want to do again. Shagua understand?"
"But… why?" Ryouga asked weakly. He glanced past Shampoo, nervous about Ranma's reaction to the conversation, but he could see the redhead was curled up against Shampoo's side, head pillowed on her shoulder and fast asleep. Ranma, this is the worst time for you to be sleeping! He briefly considered raising his voice to try and wake her, but he remembered how heavy a sleeper Ranma was.
"Why need reason past because feel nice?" Shampoo asked.
"Because… you've never shown any interest before?" Ryouga said quickly. "I-I mean, it's not like we never spent time together. There was that time when Cologne taught me the Bakusai Tenketsu…"
"Where Shagua tied up like game hen and face smash into boulder all day long?" Shampoo replied with some amusement in her voice. "Yes, very romantic."
Ryouga sighed. "Yes, well… that's the point! Nothing has been romantic until now. What changed your mind all of a sudden?"
"Not all of sudden!" Shampoo said indignantly, puffing out her cheeks ina way he had to admit was unnervingly cute. "Shagua just crazy rival for Airen for longest time. Then when finally calm down, start seeing have a lot in common with. Even when come to Airen."
Ryouga's gaze fell away. "L-look, about that…"
"Shagua love Ranma, yes?" Shampoo said softly. "No lie."
Ryouga was silent. Something about saying the words, especially in Ranma's presence, was simply too real for him. But after a few moments, he managed a timid nod.
Shampoo smiled. "Shampoo same way. Realize when we talk at Ucchan's how much. Start off hating Ranma, see Ranma as rival. Hunt, become obsession. Then see other side… have hope for a moment… then hope betrayed. Angry, hurt… but no can hate anymore. If had come back to Japan and found out Airen really was a girl? Not matter. Stopped mattering before even got back to China. Shampoo think it stop mattering to you, too."
"Ranma isn't into guys," Ryouga replied. "Hell, neither am I! How is this supposed to work?!"
"Ranma hate cats. Shampoo sometimes cat. Not problem," Shampoo replied. "Akane not into guys. Try to hide, but… pretty obvious. No problem." She leaned in a little closer. "And Airen stay girl when with Akane… and with you. Maybe you not assume just because Airen disgusted by usual pervert males around here that mean all males."
Ryouga took a deep breath, attempting to find some flaw in her argument - refute it - find some good reason why this whole thing was stupid… and just let the breath out again as he came up with nothing. He felt her squeeze his hand and realized he had forgotten her hand was there. Timidly, he squeezed back.
"I don't… I don't get you. Any of you," He said softly. "I don't know why you all seem to be okay with this… even Akane! Not just me, but… with each other. With this… this whole arrangement. It shouldn't work. Everything about it tells me it shouldn't, but… it does. Why?"
"Is easy choice. Survival. We all in corner with no way out. Airen know this. If Shampoo fail to bring back husband, come back after second failure? Great grandmother's position protect Shampoo from first failure… give leniency… leniency was curse Shampoo live with entire life. But second failure? Death… exile… maybe worse. Even if not, live in disgrace. Be unperson. Ukyou? Ukyou live whole life shaped by Airen, by Panda-skin-rug-in-law's betrayal. Identity… sense of self… hang by thread now. Only hope to regain honor, regain identity. Airen give her hope for future. No Airen? She live… but not live, yes? Akane probably go bad way without Airen. Grow up hating all boys, thinking they all like idiots at school. Never deal with anger. Nabiki spend whole life with heart locked up in ice. All need Airen. Not have other choice. We fight, we struggle… but not hate. Not like idea of others lose so one can win. Always hold back… sometimes forget to fight, realize are friends. First real friends Shampoo have in whole life." Shampoo cocked her head. "Shagua and Airen like that too, maybe?"
"We were always rivals," Ryouga conceded. "Ever since middle school. I hated him. I… thought I hated him. I figured I was supposed to hate him. Honor and Martial Arts and all that. He never hated me back, though. And… sometimes I'd forget to hate him. He seemed so lost at times… so much confidence and pride, but… he didn't know anything. Even compared to me."
"Tell me about?" Shampoo asked. "But… can move arm? Is no comfortable like this."
"Uh… sure?" He released her hand and lifted his arm, not sure where she wanted him to put it. He realized a moment too late that it was a ploy as she squirmed in against his side and rested her head on his shoulder.
"There. Much much better," she said, relaxing against him.
Ryouga, for his part, had frozen solid, arm still in the air as he stared sightlessly off into the darkness. His heart started to thud in panic.
"Calm," Shampoo reminded him. "Shagua not have much physical contact, yes?"
"N-not… not with…"
"Not doing anything wrong. Calm," Shampoo repeated softly.
Ryouga forced himself to un-tense, but he was still left uncertain where to lay his arm.
Shampoo glanced up at him then smirked. "Where feelings say you want to put hand? Shampoo give permission, anywhere Shagua like.
"Urk."
She giggled. "Calm. Hentai is okay, but where want to put arm, really? Shampoo know Shagua want more than just grope, yes?"
Ryouga swallowed. He closed his eyes and quickly lowered his arm and put it around Shampoo and Ranma before he lost his nerve.
"Good," Shampoo fairly purred. "Grope later, maybe."
"That's not exactly helping me to relax!" Ryouga grated hoarsely.
"Then talk more," Shampoo countered. "Tell about Shagua and Airen."
Ryouga closed his eyes. "I used to tell myself it was an honor thing. That I wanted to fight Ranma at his best. I wanted to beat him, not hunger or being out living in the cold or social awkwardness. Sometimes… sometimes I'd just kind of lose the distinction. He was the only person around who sorta understood." He smiled wanly at the memories. Now that the veil of his anger at Ranma had lifted and the 'bread feud' and Jyusenkyou curse were no longer the driving justifications for his relentless pursuit, he could remember those times more clearly. He could remember that Ranma had never been bothered by his directional problems and just taken to quietly leading Ryouga home after school when it got bad. He could remember how he'd started feeding Ranma or providing him a place to crash when his father got mean. He could remember the hours they had spent sparring… getting into trouble at school… or sometimes just talking.
"He was my best friend. He is my best friend. She is…" Ryouga said after a moment. "I don't even know anymore. I guess it doesn't matter. But… It was fun. All the bickering and banter… it was just playing - teaching me to stand up for myself. Ranma would make fun of me, but he'd stand up for me to anyone else. And the simplest, stupidest things would make him happy… a hot meal, a hot bath, a soft bed… these were luxuries to him. He kinda made me appreciate them more. And… and I guess I always figured he'd… he'd just be there."
Shampoo listened quietly. He could feel her eyes on him, sense the gentle swirl of her emotions, and the warmth of her against his side. He could sense Ranma's sleeping emotions as well. His hand twitched, then impulsively he moved it to brush Ranma's hair.
"He had terrible hair back then. Guess she took all my griping to heart." He let his fingers trail through the soft red locks. "The Tendos probably taught her about conditioner."
Shampoo giggled softly. "Good hair important," she agreed. Ryouga had a momentary rebellious thought, wondering if her hair was so soft to the touch as well. "So… when Airen leave…"
"He told me about a week before," Ryouga said. "At first I told myself that I was okay with it, but… I wasn't. The only person who understood me… who I wasn't too ashamed of myself to be around… was leaving. Probably forever. I think… I think I was sad, but… I was sad about a lot of things growing up. I learned it was easier to be angry about them. People make fun of you when you're sad. They see it as weakness. But anger? People leave you alone when you're angry. So… so I got angry. I decided I was going to challenge Ranma. One last big fight. I was going to prove I was better than him. Prove that I… that I didn't need him around anymore. Except…"
"Got lost," Shampoo finished for him. Her tone was gentle and quiet now, more like she was talking about something from her own past. "Couldn't find. Couldn't settle things."
"Yeah…" Ryouga breathed. "I didn't even question how insane it was. When I was able to find my way home, I packed up my things and set out after him. I used to be so scared of not being able to find my way home again or of getting too far away - but this time I just… I didn't even think about it."
"Scary being away from home for first time," Shampoo murmured.
"Terrifying," Ryouga agreed, thinking back to his first few harrowing weeks, before he'd started to learn the skills that would keep him alive over the next three years. "I had no business being out in the wild. But… turning back never crossed my mind. Every time I learned something new, I'd think 'Just wait until Ranma sees this!'. Every time I wanted to stop, to rest, I thought 'Ranma is still ahead of me. Ranma isn't resting. If Ranma can do it, so can I!' I used to imagine he was just ahead, just in the next clearing, just over the next hill, and that if I just kept pushing, I'd catch up to him. I kept practising what I'd say when I did… Trying to be dramatic… stuff like…"
"'Ranma, you I kill!'" Shampoo said softly, then giggled and looked up at him. "Like that?"
Ryouga blinked at her. "Y-yeah…" he felt a small smile come unbidden to his lips. "Something like that, I guess… what with you hunting her after she visited your village…"
"Was bread at feast Airen and stupid Panda-skin-rug-in-law eat. Was also 'bread feud'," Shampoo replied. "Ryouga chase boy. Shampoo chase girl. Finally catch, and find opposite."
"I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't found out right away?" Ryouga murmured. "For a second… when I saw her… before it clicked…"
"Would have fallen for. Hard," Shampoo said. She tapped his nose. "Be honest."
Ryouga laughed softly. "Yeah… yeah I would have." It felt like less of a burden to admit that now. He realized that Shampoo understood. That was a good feeling… one he had missed. It was enough to make him feel a little braver. "Maybe I kinda did anyway," he admitted in a low voice.
"Not bad thing," Shampoo said. "In good company." She hugged Ranma's sleeping form a little closer and snuggled against his side, closing her eyes. "Could get used to this."
"I…" Ryouga trailed off. It wasn't the fear that held him back this time, though.
"Does Shagua love Pokemon Trainer girl?" Shampoo asked softly.
"She loves me," Ryouga replied.
"Not question Shampoo ask."
Ryouga was silent again. "I want to," he finally answered. "I love… the idea of loving her. She's… she's everything I ever wanted. But…"
"But?"
"But so was Anna," he finished. "And I walked away from them both. I could never bring myself to give up on… something. I thought it was Akane… Now I'm not even sure what I want."
"Is common problem in Japan, yes?" Shampoo said with a smirk. Her eyes sparkled in the low light. "Always say want one thing, terrified of getting it. Or finally get, and not happy. Too too confused about what really want. Too worried about what should want."
"Well… what do you think I want, then?" Ryouga said, half expecting a pat reply.
Shampoo looked thoughtful. "Hmmm… Think… Shagua partly right. Want love, want place to belong, want be accepted… all things other girls offer, yes? But is more, something Shagua doesn't want to live without, so Shagua run."
"So… I'm greedy," Ryouga replied, a hint of bitterness in his tone.
"No. Shampoo think is important thing. Too, too important. Think Shagua chasing feeling from Middle School. Not just want acceptance and love. Want understanding too. Want someone like self. Probably why fall so hard for Akane, even though Akane not know secret, and not return love." She paused, thinking, then added. "Shagua like to save, like Airen. But bad luck. Maybe afraid he can't? So run sometimes for that, too. But also… think maybe Shagua want be saved too, sometimes."
Ryouga chuckled. "Yeah, that's me. A regular damsel in distress," he said sarcastically.
Shampoo scowled at him. "Not have to be damsel to be in distress! Too much you think you stronger by own self. But you fall many times, yes? No one to catch. Become timid. Fear fall. Fear hurt. Holds Shagua back. If have others who can catch… fear less." She closed her eyes and smiled slightly. "Shampoo learn this. Pintou teach." She cracked an eye open, smirk widening. "Shampoo will teach Shagua, if he let her."
Ryouga swallowed nervously. "I… errr… This isn't about that 'permission' thing, is it?"
"Maybe?" Shampoo said playfully, then sighed and shook her head. "No. Will no lie. Is trust. Shampoo want to earn Shagua's trust, so Shagua knows Shampoo will catch if he fall. Not need to be more than friends for that, yes?"
Ryouga sighed in relief, though part of him was disappointed. He had never really looked too closely at Shampoo before, but after talking with her… there was so much more to her than he had anticipated. "Right, no… of course. Sorry!"
She smirked. "Sex better if Shagua trust Shampoo anyway."
"Urk." Ryouga hastily pinched his nose again. "Coulb you stob teathsing?!"
"Why is so sure Shampoo only teasing?" Shampoo arched an eyebrow. "Is think self so unlovable, maybe? Is why get so desperate when girl say she like you even a little?"
"I… no… I…" Ryouga mumbled, then trailed off as she leaned closer, almost nose to nose with him. His eyes widened, heat burned his cheeks and his voice died in his throat.
She studied him a moment, as if looking for something, then nodded, and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. It was chaste but… too lingering to be sisterly. "Airen loves you. Maybe Pintou a little now, too. Shampoo could love too. Maybe too easy, even. Has bond with Shagua now."
She settled back down as he gaped at her.
"Shampoo know Akane and Nabiki tell to confess to Ranma," Shampoo added. "Shampoo say it too: 'Tell Ranma how feel.' If Ranma accept… Shampoo accept. Shagua have love, understanding, acceptance and people to catch, and who will catch Shagua when he fall." She winked. "Not bad deal, yes?"
Ryouga stared at her in disbelief for a moment, but the Link was still there, strong as ever, and he knew she was being dead honest. He opened his mouth to speak then closed it. He pondered a moment before trying again.
"I… guess I just… don't understand why?" he said at last. "That's… that's a big offer. I know I don't deserve it."
"Not about 'deserve'," Shampoo said. "And no as one-sided as Shagua think. Shampoo thinking about since Nabiki say Airen have feelings for you. Take… second look? Maybe wonder if things might have been different if Shagua block strike for Akane and defeat Shampoo instead?"
Ryouga considered. "That'd… still have been a mess. I'd still have been all wrapped up in Akane and blind to everything else."
"Mmhmm… But is different now… yes?"
He paused, and took a moment to consider, pushing past the anxiety and really looking. She was beautiful, of course, but that was hardly a good deciding factor. She had far more depth than his shallow first impressions of her had allowed for, though… and she was right - they had much more in common than he had expected. There was also something in her eyes. Hunger, but… the hunger borne of loneliness. But where Ryouga had wrapped himself in a cloak of cynicism to protect himself, he could sense through the Link that she had stripped hers away.
I could probably learn a lot from her, he thought, surprising himself. She's braver than I am. A lot braver… He swallowed again and felt a bit of a lump in his throat. A whole year and I never actually SAW anyone, did I? What a waste…
"I… uh… I think you're someone I'd like to get to know better. I mean… even just as friends," he said carefully. "I'm kinda mad at myself that I didn't do so sooner, even though I had the chance."
"Have chance now," Shampoo replied. "Friends now, yes? Maybe more in time?"
He shivered a bit. He couldn't deny the concept was appealing, as unreal as the idea seemed. "I… I mean there's a lot of 'ifs'…" His eyes flicked to Ranma, who was mercifully still sound asleep. His gaze returned to Shampoo's, and locked onto her reddish brown eyes. They were full of expectation and… hope?
"Y-yeah…" he said finally, blushing hard and looking away. He was starting to wonder how anyone ever managed to say 'no' to those eyes. "Maybe more in time."
"Good," she said softly. He felt her snuggle in a little closer. "Sleep now, yes? Talk more tomorrow."
"Ummm…" Ryouga felt a moment of dread as he remembered what happened with Ukyou. With what was whirling around in his mind right now. "Uhh… A-about the Link…"
"Shared dreams, yes?" Shampoo murmured sleepily. "Is okay. Will be nice dream now. Trust Shagua."
"I'm… not sure I trust myself…" Ryouga admitted, but there was no answer. He glanced back at her and found her eyes had closed and her breathing had slowed into the steady rhythm of sleep. He could already feel the change through the Link and could sense her ki mixing with Ranma's as she slipped into the redhead's dreamworld.
Tentatively he moved his hand a bit, and gently ran his fingers through her hair. Just once. It felt a bit like trespassing, so he stopped, but he noticed that she smiled when he did it.
Hibiki, what have you gotten yourself into?
000 (Chapter 29 End)
And that closes out Thursday in Nerima!
Thank you for sticking by me for this long, and I really do appreciate the feedback. Even if it doesn't seem like it's being used, I DO read all of it, and consider it. Sometimes I can't make use of it because it conflicts with things I've already written or plotted out, but i do appreciate it, and it all helps make me a better writer. And of course, if you just wanna say you love it or hate it, that's fine too.
This is all going somewhere, I promise! I have a plan! It may be a stupid plan, but i have one! After all, those who fail to plan... never know the joys of that plan going up in flames in the first engagement... or something.
