Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi owns all rights to Ranma 1/2. I just like borrowing her characters!
Sorry it's been longer than usual for this chapter. I had to put my 18 year old cat to sleep recently and it's been a rough past month. I didn't feel much like writing. I finally managed to get this done. It's coming down to the wire now. I think I can finish this up with the next chapter. Thanks to all who have stuck with me so far. Hope you enjoy this one!
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Kasumi watched with wonder as the rhythmic gymnast sailed easily over the far wall. She landed gracefully, trailed by her trademark black rose petals and her manic laughter.
From her place by the door she studied the other girl as she began her approach, and couldn't help but wonder if their plan would work on someone as crazy as Kodachi Kuno.
Jin had assured her that it would, and she had watched as he'd mixed the potion, adding several drops of Ranma's blood for the required reaction. Now it would be up to her to get Kodachi to drink the mind altering solution.
She didn't think it would be too difficult a task. People just naturally trusted her. She had the ability to put a person instantly at ease. No one would suspect her of doing anything less than honorable. And that's what they were counting on.
It was mere seconds later that Kodachi crossed the porch and rapped loudly on the back door. Kasumi took a deep breath and steeled her resolve, reminding herself that she was doing this for Ranma and Akane.
In one swift motion she slid open the back door, and with her best smile in place, greeted the other girl amiably.
Kodachi eyed the oldest Tendo girl with cool indifference. As she wasn't competition for her beloved's heart, Kodachi felt no threat, and therefore wasn't hostile, but displayed a mere disinterest. What she really wanted was to see her Ranma-sama. He had called her here after all, and the way he had sounded on the phone—as if he couldn't wait to see her—well it definitely had her interest piqued, not to mention her elation.
"I'm here to see my Ranma-sama," she explained, looking past Kasumi in an almost dismissive manner.
Despite herself, Kasumi felt her irritation rising. She always did her best to see to her guests needs. Often going out of her way to make sure they were well taken care of. And having Kodachi act as if she were not worth her time, as if she were not even good enough to warrant a return greeting, simply made her want to give the girl a good tongue lashing. Like she would have, had either one of her little sisters acted that way.
Still, she managed to maintain her smile, forcing herself to bring her focus back on the task at hand.
"Ranma had to go out for a moment, but he asked me to keep you company until he returns. It shouldn't be too long now. Would you like some tea? I just made a pot."
In Kodachi's warped mind she envisioned him stepping out to prepare for their date, possibly to even acquire a certain piece of jewelry to seal their engagement. She nearly squealed out loud at the thought.
Like she did to most people, Kodachi was immediately disarmed by Kasumi's sweet and thoughtful nature. Not once did she suspect the other girl of secretly plotting against her. And so she followed behind blindly as she was led from the living room to the kitchen.
Kasumi set the cup of steaming hot tea in front of her guest without so much as a twitch. She smiled easily, as if she hadn't a care in the world, even as her mind raced with what was swirling just below the surface of the offering. Never before had she been part of something so devious, and she was surprised to find that she was actually enjoying herself. After all the hell Kodachi had put Ranma and Akane through it was good to see her getting some of her own medicine.
She sipped her tea slowly, watching the other girl as she did the same. It wouldn't be long now. Jin had said the potion would take effect almost instantly, embedding itself in Kodachi's brain like silk, laying secretly in wait until it sensed the object that would trigger it to life.
Kodachi, for her part, suspected nothing. She was too lost in thoughts of her Ranma-sama, and the fact that he had summoned her here—no doubt to pledge his love for her. It was what she had wished for since the moment she had laid eyes on him.
Of course sometimes you should be careful what you wish for.
Kasumi saw the signal she's been waiting for—a sudden flash of gold around Kodachi's pupil's as the drug finally took hold. All she had to do now was let Ranma know.
"Would you excuse me for a moment? I just remembered I left a load of laundry in the wash."
She didn't wait for Kodachi's reply, but simply gave her guest another trademark smile as she swiftly exited the room. Ranma was waiting for her in the hall, along with Jin and Akane.
"It's all set," Kasumi told them, turning her attention toward Ranma. "It's all up to you now."
Glancing quickly back at Jin and Akane, he saw the total support in their eyes, and it fueled his own determination. This was it, time to give Kodachi a taste of her own medicine.
He reached the doorway to the kitchen and peered in. Kodachi had her back towards him as she stared out the window aimlessly, still sipping her tea. His lips curved up in a sly smile at this, as he suddenly let his presence be known.
"Yo, Kodachi!"
At the sound of her name she turned, smiling as she rushed to greet him.
"Ranma-sa…" her voice suddenly faltered and she halted in her tracks. Was it just her imagination, or did his eyes suddenly change colors? Going from their usual calm gray-blue to a burst of fiery red?
She felt her heartbeat pick up slightly, and silently cursed herself for being so silly. You're imagining things Kodachi, she told herself. He's going to tell you he's chosen you and you're getting so excited that it's making you see things. Yes, that was it. That had to be it. She shook herself of the thought, the smile once again dawning on her face.
"Ranma, darling, I came as soon as you called. I trust you want to tell me that I'm the one you've chosen."
Ranma inwardly marveled at her arrogance. He didn't know why he should be surprised. It ran in her family after all. He shoved the thought aside and put on his best playboy smile.
"How could I pick anyone else?" he told her, watching as she squealed happily and reached for his outstretched hand.
The squeal died instantly, as did her smile, the moment her fingers touched him. The potion now swirling inside her brain reacted on contact, causing a rippling sensation to crawl up the entire length of her arm.
She recoiled instantly, staring down at her arm in disbelief. The sensation had subsided as soon as she'd withdrawn her hand. When she looked back up at him he was smiling at her. It was then that she noticed the sharp fangs now protruding on either side of his mouth. Unconsciously she took a step back.
"Something wrong Kodachi?" he asked innocently, taking a step forward. He reached out and grasped her by the wrist. The potion flared instantly and a searing burning sensation engulfed her entire arm.
She watched in horror as her drug induced mind conjured up images of large red blisters, that began erupting all over her arm. She shrieked and yanked her arm away, staring down in disbelief as it instantly returned to normal.
What is happening?? Her harried mind screamed. Every time I touch him…
Ranma put on his best look of confusion, smiling inwardly all the while. She had often messed with their lives without a second thought, even resorting to paralyzing potions to further her agenda, never once concerning herself with how it would affect her victims. He frowned inwardly as he recalled the time she had gone so far as to hide herself in Akane's room, waiting to attack her as she got ready for bed. It brought him great pleasure now to see the tables turned for once.
He knew the potion would continue to give her hallucinations every time he touched her. Pretty soon just looking at him would make her skin crawl. The plan was crude but effective. By the time the stuff wore off it wouldn't matter. She wouldn't want to be anywhere near him. He had to smile at the irony of it all.
"Kodachi?"
His voice startled her out of her thoughts, and she jerked her head up to meet his gaze. The fangs still protruded from his mouth, and now his eyes—almost cat-like—pulsated and glowed with a steady vibrant yellow.
Kodachi was convinced she was losing her mind. Of course she couldn't have known that Ranma had secretly invoked the neko-ken for added drama, making the effects of the potion seem all the more sinister.
"What's wrong?" he asked, feigning innocence. He reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder, instantly igniting a deep seeded itching sensation. It seemed to spread over her entire body all at once, until she wanted to crawl out of her skin. She began to claw madly at herself, only to find she could get no relief, none that was until she jerked herself out of his grasp.
She stared at him warily, backing further and further away. He conjured his best concerned look and took a step towards her, extending his hand out to her.
"Kodachi?"
"Stay away from me!" she cried, recoiling violently, nearly tripping over a kitchen chair. She continued to back away when the incessant itching began once more.
The potion was speeding up now, activating not only at his touch, but merely by being in such close proximity. Kodachi suddenly began to sneeze violently. She held her hands out in front of her in a warding off gesture, even as she continued to back away.
The sneezing became just as incessant as the itching had been, almost as if she were allergic to him.
He followed her into the living room, all the while continuing with his innocent charade. The closer he got to her, the worse the symptoms became, until finally—unable to stand it any longer—she let out an ear-splitting screech and desperately flung open the sliding door.
She threw herself down the stairs and out into the yard, never halting to look back. Running now, she launched herself over the wall, her screams growing fainter as she put as much distance between herself and the Tendo residence as possible.
Ranma leaned back against the frame of the doorway, his arms crossed and laying against his broad chest, a wide grin plastered on his handsome face. It had worked better than he had thought it would. Somehow he didn't think Kodachi would be bothering him anytime soon. The thought only brought a chuckle to his lips.
He heard movement and looked over to find Kasumi, Akane and Jin coming up behind him. All three were grinning. They had heard everything.
"Was it something I said?" Ranma joked, giving another small chuckle. Akane could help joining him, with Jin and Kasumi not far behind. It wasn't long before it turned into full blown laughter.
"I take it things went well?" Nabiki asked, stumbling upon the scene.
"After that display I think it's safe to say Kodachi won't be bothering Ranma anytime soon," Jin replied.
"How long will that stuff last?" Ranma asked.
"Long enough for her to think twice before coming near you again," Jin told him.
Ranma nodded. "That's a relief."
Akane wrapped her arms around him then as she smiled up at him. He reciprocated the gesture, laying an arm around her slender shoulders and pulling her close.
"We did it," she whispered. "It's finally over."
Ranma smiled softly down at her. "Not quite."
Akane's brows furrowed in confusion, "What do you mean?"
He tapped her lovingly on the nose. "You still need to settle things with Ryoga," he told her. "You'll only hate yourself if you don't."
Akane's frown deepened. She knew Ranma was right of course. Even though Ryoga had violated her trust and hurt her pride, he had saved her life. She at least owed him a thank you for that. She hadn't wanted to hear his explanation before. She'd simply been too angry and hurt to listen.
Despite his betrayal she had to admit that she'd been worried about him. He had given them all a small scare, having been unconscious for three whole days. Thankfully, in true Ryoga form, he had slowly come around. Akane was still amazed at how much stamina that boy had.
Aside from a serious concussion and badly bruised body he was recovering nicely. Dr. Tofu had insisted he stay at the clinic for observation due to the head trauma he'd suffered, but said that if things kept progressing the way they had he'd be free to go in a few days.
Who knew what would happen then. He'd probably disappear again. Use that horrible sense of direction of his to completely lose himself, unless of course she stopped him. Akane sighed inwardly, resolving to swing by Dr. Tofu's clinic to see him tomorrow.
"Yeah, I guess I do need to straighten some things out between us," she said more to herself than to him.
"You're not the only one," Ranma admitted. "Our last conversation didn't exactly end well."
"Great," Nabiki chimed in. "Tomorrow you both can go make nice with Ryoga, but right now could you do whatever it is you do to change back to normal?"
Ranma gave a slight chuckle. It wasn't often he could get one up on Nabiki. He decided to have some fun instead.
He smiled widely showing his long protruding fangs. "What's the matter Nabiki?" He raised his hands toward her, his fingers now crackling with black ki shaped like claws. He took a step forward.
"Stay away from me Saotome," she warned.
He merely took another step towards her, waving his fingers slightly.
"I mean it!"
"Come on Nabiki," he teased. "You're not afraid are you?" He lunged forward then, so suddenly that she squealed in surprise before turning and running. Ranma took off after her instantly.
"Nabiki, come back!" he called. "You look a little tense, how about a back rub!"
Kasumi, Akane and Jin watched them go for a moment before sharing a quick glance. There was a moment of unspoken clarity, then each of them dashed off after Ranma and Nabiki, laughter floating out behind them.
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They entered Dr. Tofu's clinic hand in hand, each taking comfort in the other's presence. Although her anger had cooled somewhat, she was still a bit wary of seeing Ryoga again. It was one thing to see him in his cursed form, a form she had for so long loved and adored, and quite another to face the boy behind the mask—the one who had hurt and betrayed her.
Dr. Tofu greeted them with his usual warmth. "Well if it isn't Akane and Ranma. No new injuries to report I hope."
"No, Dr. Tofu," Akane replied with a smile. "We just came to visit Ryoga."
"I see, well, he's right through that door," he returned, pointing to the one on the far right. "Go on in. I'm sure he'll be glad for some company."
"How's he doin'?" Ranma asked a bit anxiously.
Dr. Tofu smiled. "That boy is very resilient," he assured. "I'd say he'll be okay to leave tomorrow."
Ranma nodded. He glanced at Akane, who was staring fixedly at the closed door—a look of anxiousness coupled with that familiar steely determination etched upon her beautiful face.
Dr. Tofu, unsure of the situation, but sensing their need for privacy, excused himself, telling them to visit as long as they'd like.
Ranma thanked him before turning his attention back to Akane.
"You ready?" he asked her. After a moment she nodded. "Okay, I'll be right here if you need me." She gave him a grateful smile and walked over to the door. Placing her hand on the knob, she took a deep calming breath and after another moments hesitation, carefully pushed it open.
Hearing movement inside his room, Ryoga opened his eyes slowly. Their eyes met, freezing in that instant, making time stand completely still. It was several moments before Ryoga finally broke the silence.
"A…Akane…?"
"Hello, Ryoga," she said, walking steadily toward his bedside. She pulled over a chair and sat lithely beside him.
He stared at her for a few more moments before turning his head away in shame. He shut his eyes and she could see a few tears escaping beneath the closed lids. His pain was obvious and genuine, and did not escape Akane's notice.
Without opening his eyes he began to apologize. "I'm so sorry…" he croaked, the anguish in his voice stark and unrelenting.
"Ryoga," Akane demanded. "Look at me."
Reluctantly, he turned his head back toward her, forcing his eyes to meet hers.
Akane found herself torn between her emotions. On one hand she wanted to curse and pound him for his betrayal, and on the other… she couldn't stand to see him in such pain. She hated to see anyone suffering like he was obviously suffering.
In a way it angered her. She was the victim here. If anything he should be comforting her, not the other way around. Still, she sensed his shame and knew it was probably what was preventing him from seeing this. It was as if he didn't think he was worthy enough to comfort her.
Akane knew it would be up to her to assuage this. Taking a deep breath she began.
"I wanted to thank you for saving my life," she told him, her gaze truthful, her voice sincere. His eyes widened at the revelation. He had been so sure she had simply come to yell at him some more, that he had even prepared himself for it.
"You mean you don't hate me?" he asked in amazement.
Akane sighed. "Honestly, I thought I did," she admitted. "I was so hurt and angry by what you did. I still am. It was wrong on so many levels."
Ryoga said nothing, there was nothing to say. She was absolutely right. He wouldn't blame her if she never spoke to him again. Therefore it was what she said next that had him totally flabbergasted.
"But then Ranma pointed out that perhaps you didn't do it to intentionally hurt me."
Ranma said that? Ryoga suddenly felt a pang of gratefulness for his rival run through him.
"He thought it was more out of loneliness than anything else." She paused, her eyes meeting and locking with his. "Tell me Ryoga, was he right?"
Ryoga continued to stare at her, his heart swelling with the almost pleading way she was looking at him. It was as if she'd put all her hopes in his answer. The last thing he wanted was to disappoint her.
He thought back to the last conversation he'd had with Ranma. His rival had pointed out the fact that no matter how many times he'd tried to lose himself, he somehow always ended up back at the Tendo Dojo. As if he were drawn there, and as always, no matter how good his intentions, once he was in her arms there was no going back. Yes, loneliness had had something to do with it. But in the end it was his love for her that always brought him back.
"Akane," he began, his eyes full of emotion. He pushed himself into a sitting position, his gaze still locked on hers. "For what it's worth I never meant to hurt you. I know there is no excuse for my behavior. Being your P-chan was the only way I could really get close to you. I know it was wrong, but I couldn't seem to help myself."
Akane watched as the shame once again clouded his handsome face. He bowed his head then, and she could sense him trying—as Ranma often had—to find the right words to convey himself. She waited patiently and after a few more moments he finally did.
Raising his head, his sad eyes once again locked on hers.
"To answer your question I was lonely," he told her. "But to be honest that was only half of it. The reason Ranma wanted me to confess my secret was because he knew I wouldn't be able to resist any sort of affection you might show me." He stopped and took a deep breath and plunged ahead before he lost his nerve. "You see, Akane, I… I love you. I've loved you for a long time."
Of course the confession wasn't a surprise. She had heard him say it before, and still it evoked the same sort of emotion inside of her. If he loved her as he professed, then how could he do what he had to her?
"So you thought because you loved me it was okay to do what you did?"
He quickly shook his head. "No, that's the problem. I didn't think," he admitted. "I had been alone so long that when you made me your pet, I finally felt loved for the first time in a long time. I guess I didn't want to let go of that. I thought that if I found a cure for my curse I would be free to tell you how I felt, but then there was Ranma…"
A realization began to dawn on Akane. "You mean I'm the reason you two could never get along?"
He sighed deeply. "Watching him insult you the way he did didn't help," Ryoga admitted. "It made me so angry to see him treat you that way. He couldn't see what he had right in front of him. He wasn't worthy of you and yet…"
"And yet, I still loved him."
Ryoga's gaze met hers, unshed tears glazing over in his eyes. "Yes, you love him."
The fact that he used the present not the past tense was not at all lost on Akane. It was as if in that one statement he was admitting what he'd known all along, and in doing so he finally set her free.
Akane felt a burden she didn't even know she'd been carrying suddenly lift away from her.
"No matter how much we fought the one thing Ranma and I always came together on was protecting you," he said, shaking her out of her thoughts. "I know it sometimes didn't seem like it, especially after you learned my secret, but all we ever wanted was to see you safe and happy."
She reached out and placed her slender hand over his large one, a small smile forming at the sincerity she heard in his voice.
"You risked your life for me. For that I'll be forever grateful." She looked thoughtful for a moment as if she were searching for the right words to explain what she was feeling. "I want you to know I don't hate you Ryoga. Although what you did was wrong, I think I understand now why you did it."
He looked hopeful. "Does this mean you forgive me Akane?"
She was silent for a moment as she stared at him, looking thoughtful.
"It may take me awhile, but I think I would come to regret losing your friendship," she finally admitted. "As long as you know that friendship is all I can offer you. Can you handle that?"
He smiled at her then, sheer relief encompassing his entire face. "Hai, Akane, I'm just glad you don't hate me," he replied, then added, "I meant what I said. All I want is for you to be happy. If being with Ranma gives you that then I'll gladly stand back, especially if it means I can still be your friend."
It was then, in those final words, that she finally felt his love for her, the real and genuine kind, with no false fronts to hide behind.
She returned his smile, nodding slightly, feeling far better about things than she had even a few moments before. Though it might take some time, she was confident they could overcome this. They'd been friends for far too long not to.
"Everything okay in here?"
They both looked up to see Ranma enter the room, a wary look etched on his beautiful face.
"Hai, Ranma," Akane answered. "Everything is fine."
Ranma looked visibly relieved. "Can I talk to Ryoga for a minute?"
She nodded. "Sure," she said getting to her feet. She gave the lost boy one last smile, then left the two of them alone.
"Hey man," Ranma started.
"Hey."
"How you holding up?"
Ryoga shrugged. "I've been worse."
Ranma nodded. He could relate to that.
"Akane told me how you saved her life," he said. "Thanks man."
Ryoga shrugged again. In his mind there really was no other alternative. He would have died to protect Akane.
"I hear the plan worked," he said, changing the subject. "It's too bad about Shampoo."
Ranma frowned at the memory. "Yeah," he replied. "I wish things could have been different, but to tell you the truth I wasn't surprised."
Ryoga nodded. "At least we won't have to worry about her hurting Akane anymore."
Ranma heard the "we" reference and cringed slightly. He couldn't help but wonder if the lost boy was still pinning for his fiancée. As if seeing this Ryoga instantly put his rival's mind at ease.
"Don't worry Ranma," he told him. "Akane confirmed what I already knew. We've agreed to be friends. I hope that's okay with you."
Ranma relaxed instantly. "Of course it's okay Ryoga," he returned, glad to see that they had worked things out. "We've all been through so much together. I just hope this means we're okay too."
Ryoga seemed to think about it for a moment, then he held up his hand, a small smile surfacing on his handsome face. Ranma grasped it instantly, forging the bond between them that had never quite been broken.
"Honestly though," Ryoga said, releasing the handshake. "I hope you know what you've got. Be good to her." He smiled then. "If you don't I'll just have to kick your ass."
"Heh, you wish!" Ranma said, returning the smile easily. It gave him a good feeling to know that after all they'd been through, after all the fighting and animosity, they could still remain friends. It was what he had hoped for, and he was truly glad to see it was still possible.
"Get some rest," he told him. "We'll be by later to check in on you." He started for the door only to be stopped as the lost boy called out to him. He turned then and waited.
"Hold on to her, Ranma." His rival told him. "Don't ever let her go."
He remembered Jin telling him the same thing. It seemed like such a long time ago now.
His reply was instant, packing all his heated emotion into one single word…
"Never."
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Well, there ya go. Hope it was up to par. I'd be interested to know. :)
