I'm back with an update and we introduce Ukyo! I also thought that Ranko's fear of cats and the Hibiki school technique should be revealed. I see Asami's fighting style as being more for self defence, protecting others and less about violence etc. Training the body and soul without trying to hurt others, more about personal growth and training yourself. Which she would pass onto her son
If you have any future chapter requests please let me know! Much appreciated
Ranko wandered down the street in silent reflectiveness as the rain poured down around her, she had never really minded the rain. When she was a kid she used to get scolded by her mother for rolling around in dirt, making mud pies and getting filthy. Though she never got angry for Ranko for having fun, she just worried about her getting sick. Making sure she never left the house without her yellow raincoat and wellies. She remembered taking walks with her mother while she splashed in puddles and chased frogs to her delight. Sometimes they would sing nursery rhymes about the rain together. She missed her mother so much it drove her insane, her warm hugs, her gentle smile and her delicious cooking. She counted down the days until she would be able to see her again. Luckily, her current adopted mother in law was understanding and could see how much Ranko had been pining. Knowing exactly what to do to cheer them all up on such a glum day. She had been sent out to buy groceries by Asami for dinner, knowing she could trust Ranko with the cooking and not sneak the ingredient for themselves like Genma would. Spending the money on booze or eating everything before they even reached home. She had decided to spoil them with Sukiyaki, warming them up as the days got colder. Reminding Ranma of her happier days at home before she left for training by force.
But the best part was the harsh awakening that Genma had been subjected to since he learned of tonight's menu, just thinking about it made Ranko's blood boil. Genma, of course, had been delighted being the greedy layabout he was. Pushing Ranko out of the door and telling her to hurry up with the shopping so the rest of them didn't starve to death. Genma only cared about himself, getting free food, a roof over his head and living a carefree life, he never worked a day in his life, he got drunk daily, he flirted shamelessly with Asami and berated her for her mistakes constantly. He was a waste of space as a human being and a terrible role model as a parent, as far as Ranko was concerned he was no parent in her eyes. He was simply a sperm donor and nothing more. The only parent she would ever need was her mother, Ranko couldn't wait until she was 18, she would be an adult and free of his control. She could follow her free will and disobey him all she wanted, she could move back in with her mother and choose where her future would take her. Ryoga had wanted to come with her but due to the spontaneous rain he would be endangered, he still had to hide his curse on days like this. Though they had no school he always had to remain indoors, though his mother had tried to soothe his spirits. They had become so close to each other that he hated being apart from her. He had to hide his transformation but asked her to come back safely, she knew even as P-chan he would protect her with his life. She knew Ryoga felt weak due to his transformation and never being able to tell anyone, people would call him crazy or laugh at him if they ever learned he became a pig of all things. It was emasculating to him, he had some pride as a man and his smaller form would deny him of that. Secretly though, she couldn't help but think Ryoga's curse was adorable. Ryoga was more of a man than Genma ever hoped to be, he was honourable and kind, he never made her uncomfortable and he encouraged her in everything she did. Yes he was a hopeless goofball but she loved that.
"Ran-chan?" a familiar voice replied snapping her from her daze. She hadn't seen Ranma in years, she looked just as pretty as she remembered, just what in the hell was she doing out in this weather? She had been cleaning out the resteraunt and suddenly as she opened the door to throw out the water, there she was.
Ranko blinked, snapping out of her daze. Had someone just called her Ran-chan? She hadn't been called that in years, not since… not since she was a kid. It brought back all the memories of her bygone childhood that Genma robbed of her. All the faces she had left behind and not of her own will. Only one person called her that, her best friend growing up, someone she was separated from when she was a child. Ranko snapped up her head in surprise, her eyes widening, her heart filled with shock, joy and sadness all at once. She was met with a familiar pair of blue eyes and dark brown hair, Ukyo Kuonji, her best friend, amazing cook and fellow martial artist.
She remembered the day Ukyo told her of her true gender, to which Ranko had at first been shocked but accepted her. Mistaking Ukyo for a boy for a long time but she still loved her all the same. Ukyo had always been a tomboy growing up, dressing like a boy and preferring to tie her hair back and get into mischief. Whenever someone told Ukyo she would never get a husband because of her looks, Ranko always reassured her she would marry Ukyo instead. She gave Ukyo the confidence to be herself and loved her company. Ukyo in return made sure Ranko never went hungry when Genma stole her food, she always made Okonomiyaki for free, Ukyo's uncle and father always welcoming Ranko into their home with open arms and a hot meal. She and Ranko would play for hours and spend hours joking about, but then Genma pulled her away, dragged her on a trip to China while Ranko sobbed and cried that she wanted to stay. She never got to say goodbye, Ukyo running after her with angry tears as she couldn't keep up. Yelling at Genma to give her best friend back or take her with him. After that they never saw each other again, Ukyo never knowing where she was or what happened. Due to Genma remaining hidden, poor Ukyo was never able to locate her best friend. The guy had pissed so many people off he made sure to never cross tracks with them again to save his own hide.
"U…Ucchan?" Ranko stammered in shock, she felt as though this was a dream. She had changed so much and she had certainly become a looker, she wouldn't be surprised if Ukyo had shacked up with a cute girl in recent years. But she was relieved to know Ukyo was doing well for herself and now running the family business. Ukyo deserved it, she had always been a skilled cook and dreamed of making something of herself someday.
Ukyo's eyes brightened, a wide smile appearing on her face, her blue eyes becoming glassy with unshed tears at the sight of her best friend "RANKO-CHAN!" she cried happily. Now that she had found her again she refused to ever let her go. She had missed out on so much of her life and she didn't plan on losing any more time. They had to make up for lost time and catch up with everything that had happened to one another. This sort of luck didn't happen everyday and she counted every single blessing she had in that moment. Ranko ran at her best friend in an instant, wrapping her arms around her best friend and hugging her tightly. God she had missed her like crazy, she never thought this day would come. She was so warm and soft, how she had missed her best friend so much.
"Here sugar, drink this, it'll warm ya right up" Ukyo offered kindly. She pushed a cup of hot chocolate towards Ranko, smothered in whipped cream, she remembered Ranko always had a sweet tooth growing up. But Genma had never allowed Ranko to have such things, saying she would become spoiled or fat. Saying that crybabies would never get treats and learned how to be good. But then would inhale pounds of ice cream, shaved ice and other treats for himself and never share with Ranko. Ukyo would often sneak Ranko sweets for the two of them to share, when the summer festivals in their town would arrive she was sure to save up for shaved ice, one for each of them.
"You're the best Ucchan, sorry I can't stay. I promised Asami-san I'd help with dinner" she explained. Ukyo had always been looking out for her growing up, her guardian angel. She wanted to talk more she really did, she could while away the hours sharing their memories but she had plans. She had been enjoying her cooking lessons and learning new recipes too. But she needed to catch up with Ukyo, they had so much to make up for.
Ukyo nodded casually, though she was stunned that Ranko had a stepmother when her own biological mother though stern had been such a lovely woman. Though she could assume that Genma cheated and threw him out, he was that kind of man. "So, Genma remarried already? Damn that's lousy" she scoffed, always dragging Ranko into his mess. Genma had always been a shitty parent, he never knew what Nodoka saw in that guy. Nodoka was a skilled swordswoman and the only woman in the Saotome family who was trained in Seppuku and Kenjutsu, traditional japanese swordsmanship. Though as far as she knew she never passed it onto her daughter, not that she ever got the chance to anyway.
Ranko snorted in amusement, Genma didn't have the balls to cheat on her mother. The only traits she knew she inherited from her mother aside from her looks was her kind smile, intelligence, her morality and resourcefulness. Everything else about her mother was a blur, but she missed her like crazy. If Genma ever had been caught cheating on Nodoka, she would have castrated him years ago. "Nah, Asami is Ryoga's mother, she's a pretty cool person. She teaches me to cook and stuff since I was just a kid when I left mum" she explained. It felt as though she had been able to find the mother in Asami that she was forced to leave behind.
Ukyo looked sympathetic, Ranko had been three when she was dragged from her mother and home, now she was sixteen years old and still had no way of connecting her, that had to suck. No wonder Ranko had issues and was screwed up, Genma had a lot to answer for in his raising Ranko and tearing her life apart. How someone hadn't taken custody of Ranko growing up she would never know, but that was in the past now. "You still haven't heard from her? No address or nothin?" Ukyo asked.
Ranko shook her head, Genma had covered his tracks well "Ryoga promised he'd help with that, so far there aren't any leads" she explained in a pained tone. It felt good to know she had people on her side who were actively trying to find her mother. Reconnect her with the mother she always longed for, the only parent to ever truly love her. They could cover more ground and find closer ties that would lead them to her current location.
Ukyo nodded in understanding, she swore she would punch Genma straight in the jaw if she ever saw him again. He'd hurt her best friend, forcefully torn them apart and put them through hell. He'd stolen her family cart, abandoned her and then ran away with Ranko for further training. As soon as Ranko turned 18 she was moving in with her and they could be roommates, at least then Ranko would have some freedom over her life. But she was interested in whom this Ryoga guy was "So, Ryoga, he your boyfriend or something?" she pestered curiously. Ranko had always been cute as a kid, everyone knew that. Her big blue eyes, cherub face and soft red hair had made her the idolization of adults and kids their age. But Ranko only had one interest as a kid, that being food and having fun.
Ranko felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, she hadn't mentioned her engagement to anyone but Akane. It was just so personal and awkward, it was bad enough when Kuno blurted it out. People thought it was old fashioned, strange or some kind of blackmail, marrying so young. But she truly loved Ryoga and though she didn't want to marry him yet, she did dream of becoming his wife someday. "He… we've known each other since we were kids, like me n you. But… due to pops we got separated. But…. Now we got to the same school but.. we…. We're engaged" she stammered
Ukyo's eyes widened in awe, Ranko was engaged? When did that happen? Wasn't she still in high school or something? Besides wasn't that an old fashioned way of thinking? Most people these days used online dating, speed dating and other forms of effects. Who in the hell still used arranged marriages to meet the love of your life? But she could tell Ranko liked this boy given her face matched her hair, but she hated that Genma was pushing her into this. Genma had always tried to control Ranko's life in some way or another, using the patriarchal bullshit method to have his own way. He acted more like a sulking child than a real adult. She reached out to squeeze her best friends hand supportively "I'm happy for you Ran-chan, he sounds like a sweet guy. But you know if he ever makes you cry, send him my way" she winked.
Ranko smiled, she could always rely on Ucchan to help her when she felt down "Thanks Ucchan" he joked. She knew Ryoga would never hurt her, he wasn't that kind of person, but she knew Ukyo would make sure he never messed up or screwed her over just in case.
Ranko skipped back to the house in amusement, she hadn't felt this elated in a while. Genma's everyday hijinks had caused her issues all through her life. Owing people money, skipping town, starting fights, running out on meals, just pissing off the wrong person. But things were finally starting to seem positive again. Her best friend whom she hadn't seen since she was a kid was living in her neighbourhood? This was the best thing ever. They could have sleepovers again, they could eat lunch together in the classroom and joke about like old times. She could finally have an old piece of her life back that had been robbed from her. She couldn't wait until she introduced her to Akane and Ryoga, that would be so cool. Her two favourite people could meet her other favourite person, she could build her own family and make her own happiness. Ryoga would love Ucchan's cooking, they could have picnics together, go to the beach, get ice cream together. It felt so great to have another female friend to hang out with, hell Ukyo was more like a sister, she was family. She didn't doubt Asami would love her
"Ranko honey, you were gone so long, you didn't hurt yourself did you?" Asami asked in concern. She knew Ranko was the type of person who sought adventure, enjoyed exploring and loved having carefree fun. But that left her open to harm, she supported Ranko having fun, just so long as she was self aware. The rain could be dangerous and she hoped that Ranko hadn't been harmed. If she was cold she could happily take a long soak in the tub before dinner to warm herself up so she wouldn't get too cold. Ryoga lingered behind his mother in concern, due to his curse he couldn't go with her making him feel helpless. He would never forgive himself if she got into trouble because he wasn't be able to protect her from harm's way. She was wearing a white sleeveless blouse and a pair of blue skinny jeans, a pale pink lipstick completing the look. The outfit was tasteful and modern, complimenting her figure while appearing practical. Compared to Nodoka, Asami enjoyed comfier modern clothes and kept up to date with styles. Then again, she was younger than Nodoka in age.
Ranko smiled brightly, she hated to worry them but they didn't have to consider the worst this time "I got everything don't worry, I can handle Kuno if he tried anything. I kinda got caught up in something" she laughed. She would break Kuno's jaw, she would send him flying to the middle of the ocean. She'd pummel him into dog chow before she let him lay his hands on her. But they still deserved an explanation from her. Ryoga raised his eyebrow, did she bump into Akane and get caught up? I mean if so he understood but she could have at least let them know as to alleviate their worries. She was more responsible than that. "I… I kind of ran into an old friend, someone from my childhood" she babbled nervously. It was such a shock to see Ukyo after all this time that she lost track of time. Part of her wished she took up the opportunity for dinner, but she didn't want to make Ryoga and Asami wait any longer.
Asami smiled, she was glad Ranko had made new friends, but next time she should call to warn them. Perhaps she should look into buying Ryoga and Ranko mobile phones to communicate more easily, it was the modern age after all. "How nice Ranko, would you care to discuss over dinner?" she asked, that way they could all be part of the conversation. Ranko nodded eagerly, her stomach gurgling with eagerness.
"Ucchan is really cool, she has her own family business of street food. She's been cooking since we were kids, her cooking is hard to beat" Ranko boasted happily. Ucchan had always wanted to be a cook growing up, she had such a passion for food it was a natural choice. But she was yet to see how much her cooking had improved in person. "She's always been a tomboy at heart, she never let anyone tell her what to do. We always looked out for each other, like sisters". Ranko could always speak her mind to Ukyo, she could tell her anything without fear of judgement. She had a bright smile and a energetic laugh, she was so full of life and energy. She was her own person and followed her own path in life, never letting anyone push her around.
Asami smiled fondly, Ranko had a good net of friends around her and it showed, someone else who looked out for her and truly cared about her. Ranko was a lonely girl and had settled into the furinkan school in the past year after moving here, being able to connect with old faces was good for her. She encouraged Ranma to have a life outside of her training. Though she and Ryoga would indeed be married someday, that wouldn't be until they were at least adults, she wanted them both to get an education in college and sorts after school before then. This Ukyo girl sounded lovely and she hoped she came to visit sometime.
"How come you never mentioned her before? I mean, we've known each other since we were kids too" Ryoga asked curiously. She sounded like a fun girl and the way Ranko spoke so highly of her she must have been a good person. Ranko was many things but she was also a good judge of character. She listened to her gut when it came to people and never allowed herself to be endangered by suspicious people. She was no saint but she had a moral compass.
Ranko stiffened, a flash of pain flickering across her face sadly, reliving childhood memories she had pushed aside in order to cope. Leaving people behind had just become a lifestyle she had learned to cope with. She never thought there would be a chance she would ever see Ukyo again, but she was happy to see her. There was so much they needed to talk about, but that would take a long time of unloading personal issues. She bowed her head sadly "I…." she stammered, trying to get the words off her chest.
A look of anger flashed across Asami's face making Ryoga shiver, he was wary of his mother temper. He had inherited his mother's temper, though even he was wary of how she was scarier than him. Knowing better than to get on his mother's bad side "Genma, he uprooted you and separated you both didn't he?" she asked. A child's emotional bonds helped form who they would become as they grew up, Ranma's inability to socialize comfortably with others was proof of that. Genma had dragged her around the country so much she could never settle.
Ranko nodded, there was never hiding any secrets from Asami, she was just too perceptive "Yeah, he said I was his heir and becoming too girly. So he sent us to China fore me n Ucchan had a chance to say goodbye" she explained. She was never allowed to wear dresses, so she just became comfortable with dungarees and jeans or whatever cheap clothing Genma would buy her. But these days thanks to Asami, she was able to buy a nice striped jumper, a checked flannel shirt and other nice things she wanted. More so he never allowed her to become too close to someone, due to her being committed to her engagement with Ryoga.
Ryoga's expression darkened, how much pain and sadness was this jerk going to cause Ranko before he was satisfied? He stole her food, he gave her the cheapest cast offs and saved the best for himself. He stole her bed, he stole her things and sold her for money. He wondered how much Ranma had sacrificed over the years for her own happiness. Ranko had finally found her best friend and he wasn't going to let Genma take that from her again "Hey mum, can we ask Ucchan over for dinner?" he asked. Genma could starve for all he cared, he ate them out of house and home, drank like a fish and flirted shamelessly with his mother
Asami smiled warmly, Ukyo would soon become a member of this family of sorts. She would always welcome a friend of Ranko's into her home "Of course, we have more than enough food to spare another mouth" she agreed.
Ukyo stood awkwardly outside the Hibiki home, she never expected so soon after meeting Ranko again that she would be invited for dinner. I mean she hadn't even been able to exchange contact details due to Ranko never owning a phone. This was just so overwhelming she didn't know what to think, not that she would be so rude as to reject the offer, she didn't know when she would see Ranko like this again. It felt like a dream, she had wished all her life that somehow she would meet Ranko again. That fate would lead them together and they would be able to hang out just like when they were younger. Now that it was truly happening she was in shock, but wasn't that expected? She had brought some cake on the way to be polite, they were inviting her to a free meal after all. She had used a discount ticket she had won at the supermarket, but hey it was free cake and saved her money. I mean she made a good wage running her business but she needed benefits to get by given she was a student and paid for her own school necessities. She hoped she looked appropriate, she didn't own anything flashy due to using sales. She had changed from her work clothes into a soft yellow knitted jumper and black leggings with her hair in a ponytail. It was comfortable and kept her warm in this weather. The door flung open and Ranko answered the door much to her relief "Ucchan! You made it!" she cried happily. Ranko had always been an excitable person, but she had always found that refreshing.
Ukyo smiled nervously, holding up the box "I um… I brought cake" she stammered. She could tell Ranko had been looking forward to this which did ease her anxiety but made her wonder if she needed to act proper or polite. I mean some parents were strict after all, she didn't want to make a bad impression.
Ranko smiled happily, inviting her in "Come in, Ryoga is excited to meet ya" she beamed. She had nothing to worry about, Asami and Ryoga were lovely people, they had a temper on them but they were just protective. Ukyo swallowed if Ryoga was her fiancé that made him Ukyo's brother in law, I mean he was marrying her best friend and all.
"I made Sukiyaki, I hope that's ok for you" Asami replied politely. Ukyo was indeed a pretty girl indeed, she was surprised she wasn't more popular, she wondered if Ukyo had a boy or girl she liked. It was the modern age after all, girls could like the same gender or both. She couldn't wait to get to know her, she was even nice enough to bring cake. She was certainly making a good first impression as a guest which she highly approved of.
Ukyo felt her mouth-watering, a home cooked meal that someone else had made? She was used to cooking for herself all the time that taking a night off for once felt great. "N… Not at all thank you, this is more than I'm used to…" she babbled. They had a lovely home, she wanted to ask more about their adjoining family dojo but that could wait until later. Was Asami also a martial artist or was it her husband who previously ran the dojo before his death? She was curious as to ask but felt it wasn't polite.
Asami smiled, Ukyo seemed like a lovely girl, well raised and well mannered. She had heard from Ranko that she ran her own business, which for her age was very impressive. She brought cake, she had been very polite and friendly, but she seemed uncomfortable. She had no reason to feel afraid, she was in a welcoming household "Ranko was explaining how you were both childhood friends, it's lovely to have a familiar face in her life. Ranko needs more people looking out for her" she explained. Ukyo became concerned, was Ranko being bullied? She knew Ranko had always been a tough cookie but that didn't make her invincible.
Ryoga saw her expression and decided to cut in with an explanation "Some jerk named Kuno keeps harassing Ranko, keeps asking her to date him or be his woman. Despite her being engaged to me" Ryoga scoffed. He was either in denial that a girl wasn't available or interested in him, or he was just used to being spoiled with always getting what he wanted that he couldn't take a rejection. Either way he was becoming a pain in the ass for everyone.
Ukyo sighed, she remembered how boys would hound over Ranko growing up. "That explains a lot, Ranko was a looker growing up. Boys loved her red hair, loved petting it and everything. But if this guy can't get the hint, you'd need to use violence" she explained. Ryoga frowned, he hated the idea of Ranko being popular with other men, but he knew she was loyal. He just feared losing her to someone else. "But ya know, Ran-chan is a loyal girl, she never strays. Whenever I got lonely, she would always check on me. We were inseparable" Ukyo hummed. Ranko never let anyone abandon Ukyo, she never let her feel left out or lonely. She would always choose Ukyo over anyone else, even if people tried to persuade her otherwise.
Ranko huffed, she knew some of those boys made fun of Ukyo because she was a tomboy. Why would she want to spend time with anyone who mocked her best friend? "You were the coolest kid I knew, everyone else was a jerk" she pouted. Ryoga couldn't help but smile in amusement, Ranko had always been a kind person and it showed by her relationship with Ukyo. That she put her friends and loved ones first over being popular.
Genma padded through the house eagerly, the delicious smell of sukiyaki filled his stomach. He was truly spoiled by Asami's cooking if only he had married her instead of Nodoka. She was proving to be a good influence on his child, maybe she could teach Ranko manners, but he could at least enjoy her hospitality until their children married. This easy life that he had longed for was truly a blessing to him. At least Ranko was learning to cook from her, taking in some wifely duties she would need when she married Ryoga. God knows she refused to listen to him about what she wanted, berating and insulting him whenever she got the chance. He slammed open the living room door, the scent of cooking wafting up to his nose "Tadaima, dinner smells great" he grinned eagerly. Genma then froze, the gaze of four angry people glaring back at him coldly, wondering what he had done to enrage them.
Asami was smiling angrily, a cold glare fixated on him like a knife, if looks could kill that would be the epitome of her expression. During her school years she was often mistaken for a delinquent despite being a model student. Her fierce temper and nature often caused other students and teachers to become wary of her. She was happily enjoying her food, mid chopstick. Daring him to come closer and join them at the table.
Ryoga was glaring him down, chewing on his food with a disgusted look. His very expression read "drop dead idiot", the only reason he tolerated him was because he was his father in law and his mother was hospitable. His reddish brown eyes gleamed with a red aura, if he made a wrong move Ryoga would knock him out with a single move. Ryoga had made it clear that he didn't respect or tolerate Genma whatsoever.
Ranko was smirking, chewing on her food with a look of mischief, he knew she was in on something and he hated that. His own child was scheming against him and turning others against him. How could she be so disrespectful to her own flesh and blood? He had raised her, taught her everything she knew and taught her valuable life skills. She was a selfish and defiant girl and needed to learn to respect her father more.
Genma shivered, sat beside his daughter was the familiar face of Ukyo Kuonji, he wondered how his daughter and Ukyo had crossed paths again. Did her father know where they were? Did her uncle know? He'd cut ties with them long ago and hoped to never see them again, but it seemed luck had other ideas. Ukyo had been a childhood friend of Ranko's in her youth, they had a close bond and the two were rarely seen without each other. The two clung to each other constantly, Ukyo's family practically taking Ranko in as their own. They had owned an Okonomiyaki business which had kept himself and Ranko well-fed, but he often found himself unable to pay for their meals, but they happily fed Ranko for free but billed Genma daily. However, eager to train his daughter and escape their bills he had dragged Ranko onto the road to china. It was high time she learned how to fight and protect herself, she would be inheriting the dojo and if she kept living her carefree childhood she would never become a strong martial artist. But he stole some of the Kuonji belongings before leaving, more notably their stall before later abandoning it. By the time they would have found it, it would have been weather worn and mouldy. He shivered, he had hoped to avoid Ukyo all these years later, yet here she was now. He didn't like that look on her face.
Ukyo shot him an angry smile, a fierce aura radiating around the young girl. This man had a lot to answer for, he stole her family cart and cost her family a lot of money. He never paid his debts to all the Okonomiyaki he made him that he never paid for. The the money he owed for the stolen cart that they had to replace after he stole it. He was someone she would never forgive or respect, the only person she cared about was Ranko. "Yo Genma, been a while, at least a decade right?" she mocked bitterly.
Asami tilted her head angrily "You have a lot of explaining to do Genma" she growled. He had wronged this young girl by stealing her family belongings, he had left her worrying about her best friends disappearance for nearly a decade. He had yet again wronged people without ever considering the consequences, now they had caught up with him.
"You…you have to understand! I… I had a duty to train Ranko…." Genma babbled. His wife already knew he planned to take Ranko away to train into a martial artist, she protested against what happened. He told Nodoka that Ranko was their heir but she warned him to bring Ranko home safely. He hadn't contacted her in years, then he never expected to see Ukyo again after moving away, so he never expected they would be reunited.
"You kidnapped my best friend, no warning, no letters, no address. You just ran off" Ukyo snapped angrily. She spent hours looking for Ranko, searching all over the town and even asking in neighbouring villages. She never got her address so she could never write, Nodoka said they went on a trip, but didn't know when they would be back. For years she could only mourn the loss of her best friend and never being able to say goodbye. Now it was time for payback and she wanted revenge, he had a lot of explaining to do and a lot of trauma to make up for.
"You never told her mother, you just up and did what you wanted" Ryoga agreed. Ranko's poor mother must have been worried sick, wondering what her child was getting up to and where Genma had taken her. He'd dragged Ranko across the country following his own means, never caring what danger had followed them around. He'd robbed Ranko of so much of her childhood, never allowing her to act like a normal girl, let alone act like a child. It was a joke that he was even considered his father in law.
"She never would have become a martial artist if I didn't" Genma protested, she owed him her skills, her knowledge and techniques. He had no other children he could teach so he placed all of his hopes onto Ranko as he had no other choice. He knew her life hadn't been easy and he would never deny that fact but it had all been for her own good.
"You were just hiding from the police" Ranko huffed, she knew half the antics that Genma got up to had never been legal. He'd gotten them both in so much trouble over the years and poorly escaped getting retribution. She had never understood half the reasons as a child, she just saw angry people chasing her father. Now that she was older and wiser she had caught onto her fathers schemes and realised how many people he had angered over the years. Wishing she had somehow managed to run away and return to her mother.
"You don't even deserve the title of a parent" Ryoga huffed. He had helped create Ranko indeed, but her mother had carried her, given birth to her and loved her. He had provided nothing into the positive nature of raising a child whatsoever. He refused to allow Genma to torture Ranko a second longer. Ranma deserved a future, a life, she'd been robbed of enough life experiences as it was. It made him grateful that despite his mother being stern she had done so with enough reason.
Asami watched in silence, Genma was indeed guilty of many crimes, but she was disgusted to learn about his past to this extent. She knew he was a gambler, she knew he was terrible with finances. She knew he was a lazy drunkard, she knew he was weak-willed and a coward. She had hoped that fatherhood would have changed him for the better and marriage would have made him humble, how wrong she had been. But he had married Nodoka who had birthed him a daughter and felt bitter for his lack of a son. He dragged Ranko into martial arts by force and separated her from her mother. He forced Ranko from her best friend, from her home and everything she cared about, he shamed her, manipulated her and used her to his advantage. He had influenced Ranko enough, he had never schooled her in education, he had never taught her manners, he had never taught her about how to have fun. "Genma, you are Ranko's father, you had a duty to protect and raise her, yet you cause her all this trouble. I will be sure to contact Nodoka, but your custody of Ranko is now mine" she warned. She would be in sole charge of raising Ranko the same way she had Ryoga, with a kind but stern hand. Ranko deserved to feel loved, given Genma had done a poor job of doing so until now.
Genma shivered, he knew that Asami's rage was indeed fearful. He knew that if he said another word she wouldn't hesitate to strike him which would lead to a lot of pain on his end. He knew better than to argue with her, especially when she looked that angry, but he still harboured resentment towards her regardless. She had turned his own child against him, had he no allies whom understood him?
"Thanks for dinner Ranchan, it's been a while since I had a family meal" Ukyo stretched. Her belly was full of a hot meal, she got to reminisce and joke with Ranma and confront Genma on his crimes. She had unburdened a lot of past grief and it felt good to have done so. Mrs Hibiki was a truly lovely lady and indeed a strong willed woman, Ryoga was pretty lucky to have a mother like that. Her own had died when she was young, so she couldn't help but feel a little jealous.
Ranko smiled warmly, tonight had been more fun that she had expected it to be "Asami-san liked you, you should visit us more often" she suggested eagerly. She had made a dish especially for her, she hadn't been angry to hear Ranko had been spending time at her home. She even gave Ukyo leftovers to take home so she didn't go hungry. She hoped that Ukyo would become a familiar face around the Hibiki home, I mean they would be schoolmates soon enough too.
Ukyo smiled, it seemed Ranko had a new home here and she was glad. Ranko deserved that much after all she had endured until now "I'm glad Ryoga has a positive role model, it means he's a respectable man. Preventing me from kicking his ass to teach him a lesson" she joked. She was certainly more tolerant than Nodoka had been about a lot of things. Nodoka was a traditional housewife while Asami was a combination of modern parenting mixed with traditions. Which was a relief, given it was less pressure on their engagement. Ranko chuckled, Ukyo had always been a protective best friend, but it showed how much she cared about her. Ukyo hummed "Listen Ranchan, if that Kuno guy gives you any more trouble, you let me know. I'll kick his ass for you, nobody bullies my best friend" she reassured her. She didn't care how much this guy claimed to like her, anyone who got in the way of Ranko's happiness was her enemy. If he cared about her he wouldn't try and separate her from her friends or her crushes.
Ranko smiled warmly, Ukyo had always been a loyal friend, but she hoped someday she found her own happiness. Ukyo deserved to find someone who loved her in return, "Thanks, Ucchan, I appreciate that" she smiled. She wished Ukyo could tell her what her type was so she could help her out in that area. Ukyo smiled before enveloping Ranko in a warm hug, she buried her nose in her shoulder and felt her eyes stinging with happy tears. She had missed her best friend like crazy and she felt so blessed to have her best friend back. She wouldn't let Genma take her away ever again.
Ranko hummed cheerily as she headed back into the house, knowing she could keep seeing Ukyo was the best. She was bouncing around as if she was walking on air and could sprout wings and fly through the clouds. Her life just kept getting better and she doubted anything could get her down right now. They had discussed how Ukyo was soon going to be attending Furinkan high school alongside them, meaning she had another friend to hang out with at school. She remembered how nervous she had been when she first joined the school, the sea of strange faces and how much she clung to Ryoga for support. But after meeting Akane and how she helped her become comfortable, she became her best friend. Now they could all look out for Ukyo and do the same for her, she didn't have to feel lonely anymore, her friendship circle kept growing day by day. Now Kuno wouldn't be able to harass her anymore as Ukyo would keep him at bay, she could just smack him with her spatula.
"You seem perky" Ryoga replied in amusement, he had seen how giggly and huggy Ranko had been with Ukyo all day. Watching her talk for hours and reminisce about their childhood. They loved each other dearly and it was clear to see, they had a solid friendship of trust. He hoped that he and Ukyo could become friends too, that way he could come to her for help when it came to Ranko, it was good to have a second opinion. Ranko froze, blushing maniacally realising she had been caught off guard. She must have been wearing the dorkiest grin on her face, she must have looked like such an idiot. He chuckled to himself, he hadn't seen Ranko smile like this in a long time. He was glad that seeing her childhood friend had made her so happy, she deserved some positivity in her life. They could never undo the past, but they could still alter their future and make things better while they still could. "Don't worry, I'm glad you found each other. Genma screwed up your life enough, tearing your best friend away from you has to be the worst I've heard yet" he responded. He didn't doubt that more of these past mistakes would come back to haunt them sometime. But he would be sure that Ranko was never involved and Genma paid for it himself.
Ranko smiled warmly, she appreciated how trusting Ryoga was, her father was constantly suspicious of whoever she got close to "So, what do you think? Ucchan sure is fun huh?" she joked. Ryoga had done his own share of training himself, travelling and learning so he was also socially awkward. But he hoped that he would be able to get along with her friends, it meant a lot to her. Ryoga was going to be her husband someday, she didn't want to lie to him, but if Ukyo had found her, what about the amazons that Genma enraged, what about anyone else he had gotten on the wrong side of. Not all of them would be as nice or understanding.
Ryoga snorted, Ukyo was self reliant, intelligent, kind and knew how to have fun. She didn't take life too seriously and was very reliable, which were all positive traits. "I can see why you get along so well, you have a similar sense of humour" he chuckled. He then approached Ranko and ruffled her head "I trust you Ranko, I know your dad sucks but she's your family. I know you'd never betray us, or me" he reassured her. You could love someone in more than just a romantic way, platonic family love also existed. He knew she would never cheat on him, she wasn't that type of girl. Ranko was an awkward, easily frustrated and mischievous woman, but she was no cheater, she knew how to lie to get herself out of danger and trick people to do what she wanted when need be. She would sometimes bat her eyelids and use her feminine wiles to get what she wanted. Sometimes she did it to get herself out of danger, to trick an enemy or play a prank on people. But she never did these things out of malice, more self-defence and intuition. Growing up she had to rely on herself, learn fast and grow up, otherwise, she never would have survived Genma.
Ranko softened, she loved Ukyo, she was everything to her, but she was her family, her affections were purely platonic. Yes she liked girls too but not Ukyo, she had just never looked at her that way. Her father constantly accused her of being disloyal or problematic, but Ryoga knew her better than that. "Arigato Ryoga, that means a lot" she muttered.
Genma growled in frustration, first Ukyo had shown up, Ranko was still a rebellious child, what else could go wrong? He wondered why fate had cursed him with such a difficult child, why did parenthood have to be such a test. He had done his best and he admitted he wasn't perfect, but he had his reasons to be afraid and secretive. He knew his master was still trapped in that cave he and Tendo managed to seal away, it was only a matter of time till he broke free and attempted to attack him. He wasn't a very forgiving man and held a sense of spitefulness, as well as being childish and unforgiving. Happosai had raised him well in the sense of martial arts, but he was an even more corrupt and selfish man than he was. God forbid he ever found out where he was currently residing and tried to harass him. He had an insatiable appetite, perverse desires for women, no morality, no limits and was willing to do anything to win. Though he had done decades worth of work towards the anything goes martial arts, he often kept the best methods to himself, often used them to intimidate and bully others and worse. He never used his martial arts for good and was a dishonorable man.
Once he was rid of Happosai, he was able to settle down with Nodoka and raise Ranko. He put that past behind him and his master out of mind, hoping they would never meet again. But then his master was full of unpleasant surprises, if his master got a sniff of Nodoka he would be cut down within an inch of his life. Nodoka wouldn't show him mercy, she hated dishonourable people and though understanding, when she made up her mind it was hard to deter her. Not that he would mind if Nodoka went after his master with a vengeance.
Ranko would beat him within an inch of his life should he try anything, if she had rejected Kuno with violence so many times, god forbid how she would react to Happosai. She would be sure he would regret so much as looking at her funny. Her brasher, aggressive side would cause her anger to become spiteful towards him. She was easily embarrassed and his actions would cause her a lot of grief. For now it was better for her to live without knowledge of his existence until he undoubtedly made an appearance.
Ryoga would skin him alive and see to it he was kicked out of the home, he was fiercely protective over Ranko. He was a very emotional person, straightforward with his opinion. He openly spoke of his disdain towards Genma and his frustration of the intrusive people in their relationship. He would be a good husband to Ranko someday and he didn't doubt that. But his emotions made him weak, easily influenced and naive, he needed to mature and realise that he needed to become stronger.
Asami would threaten him and feed him to the wolves without mercy. Her short temper would deny him the chance to defend himself, her self confidence and intimidation would allow her to overpower Happosai easily. Her knowledge of martial arts and training would allow her to put up a serious fight. He didn't doubt she would turn on them both and make them explain themselves for their actions. Asami was truly a force to be reckoned with. Yes, he had made many mistakes in his life but he did love his family, now that Ukyo was back in Ranko's life, she would encourage his daughter's bad habits and turn Ranko against him. Why did nobody ever see the good he had attempted to do, that most of what he had done seemed like a good idea at the time.
"Sulking again pops? What did ya expect? You abandoned Ukyo and ran off with her family business then dragged me off into the middle of nowhere" Ranko scoffed. Was he really playing the pity party again? He'd done all of his past mistakes without hesitation, he dug himself into this mess. Her father was a corrupt jerk and he'd caused no end of issues in her life. He was a joke of a man and he still had the gall to call himself a martial artist, he was getting his just desserts.
Genma huffed, she could mock him now but one day she would see things from his opinion "Ranko, when you get older you'll realise how far you'll go to survive" he snapped. Sometimes you had to get ugly to win, not all choices you made ended up benefiting everyone. Ranko was too young to understand this yet but as she got older she would. He wasn't proud of many things he'd done but they had seemed right at the time.
Ranko scoffed, the same excuses he'd made all her life "I've already fought for every meal, saved your ass a million times from trouble, been dragged all over the country and haven't seen my mum since I was 3. I already know how hard life is" she snapped. She'd constantly saved Genma from danger despite him being responsible, she'd sacrificed so much of her life for him and not often of her own free will due Genma raising her. She'd found herself in trouble so often she'd gathered a small amount of her own enemies thanks to him.
Genma frowned, Ranko was so much like her mother these days it scared him. Wondering how she had grown up so fast and how he lost track of time of how much time had passed. Though her red hair was a rare gene, Ranko resembled Nodoka in looks and personality, like mother like daughter, he honestly feared how skilled Ranko would be with the sword if she ever learned from Nodoka. "There is more trouble to come, Ranko, life is a painfully cruel thing. One day you'll thank me for teaching you that" he scowled
Ranko sat on the porch reflectively, sometimes she really wondered why she tolerated Genma. Why she hadn't made the chance to escape him when she was younger? He had never taken the chance to understand her, he never respected her decisions or wishes, she was a joke to him. She would never forgive him for the grief he had caused her, but she could never escape him. He'd kept so many secrets from her she never knew what to believe when it came to her father. Today had been so insane but at least it wasn't all bad, something good had come out of it. One rainy day visit to the store had let to a heartfelt reunion she had never expected to happen. She got to reminisce and joke about with her best friend like old times, as though nothing had ever changed. She got to enjoy a family dinner with familiar faces, she got to introduce her future fiance to her best friend. She was able to share all her life experiences since their separation. About her new school, her hobbies, funny experiences and asking about Ukyo's family. She learned the truth of why she and Ukyo had been torn apart, she knew her father was an asshole but she never knew he was that cruel.
Back then he lied and said Ukyo's family gave them okonomiyaki for the road, that they worried Ranko would become hungry. He had said it was a blessing from them and it would help them along the journey. That Ukyo was going to live with relatives and they had to go on a training trip, that she was going to a new school and learning to become a cook. In reality Ukyo had no idea of what happened to Ranko, she still lived with her father and uncle, and spent years missing her best friend. He'd told her so much bullshit over the years she'd lost count, he made up so many stories and had such a colourful past she never knew what to believe anymore. She was just a pawn to him, she was just a tool for him to gain more influence, more food, shelter, blackmail. The amount of times Genma tried to pawn her off and she ended up yelling at him for being a jerk and wanting to go home. She wondered if he ever cared about her in a paternal way in his entire life, if he even had a fatherly bone in his body. She sighed heavily, she was going to ask Asami about possibly finding herself a therapist to deal with her baggage. Carrying around these issues as a teenager couldn't be healthy for her to have to cope with. She needed to learn how to cope with these problems and become independent from her father and build her own life. She herself was far from perfect that much she could admit but she was a better human being than her father was, that much she did know.
Suddenly, she heard a rattle and flinched, she knew better than to ignore bumps in the night these days. Her father was a sneaky wretch and he often hid things from her due to attempting to avoid being caught. But she herself had a lot of enemies these days and had to be cautious, was Kuno hiding around waiting to jump out on her or something? Was it some creep lingering about? Was it a thief? Honestly, after the evening she'd endured she was more than willing to beat some creeper to vent some steam. This was her home now, this was Ryoga and Asami's home, she would protect it with her life, they could take Genma for all she cared but they wouldn't hurt the people she cared for. Though she hadn't expected someone to try and break into a home like this in such a nice neighbourhood of the area.
She slid from her sitting position to wander through the garden cautiously, though a wave of nervousness washed over her she could appreciate that it was a clear and beautiful night. Like something out of a Haiku, inspiring creative artists all over the world, the night was a time of deep reflection. The moonlight beamed down upon her with a silvery glow, her red hair glowing like an ethereal being. Her blue eyes scanned the garden thoughtfully, attempting to see if she could catch a glimpse of the intruder. Asami had a beautiful garden, a small bond filled with Koi with a waterfall effect, beautiful flowers and some statues, a traditional Japanese garden with a modern twist. She enjoyed tending to it and showering her love into everything that grew. Ranko often enjoyed helping hang out the laundry and water the plants, being able to get some headspace and enjoy being in the fresh air. A nearby wind chime glinted in the moonlight, a low clink of the chime dancing in the breeze, remindining Ranko of being a little girl during the summer.
"Come out and I'll take it easy on you" she warned, if they surrendered and didn't attempt any funny business she wouldn't release a world of pain on them. Well nothing aside from a punch in the face. There was a snap of a twig causing her to snap her head in the direction of the sound, was this person playing games? Was it just the wind or was she being paranoid? I mean the night brought all sorts of feelings out in people, paranoia and fear were often hand in hand in that area. She had learned to listen to her gut and her intuition told her to check things out, it was best to cover all grounds and never give anyone the opportunity to pull any dirty tricks. Suddenly she heard a rustle from the plants, the leaves rustling and moving, were they going to jump out of her like a halloween prank? Was it a neighbourhood kid up to mischief? Where were their parents at an hour like this? Before she could confront them, they made another move. A pair of yellow glowing eyes leered back at her in the darkness, like a monster from a horror movie escaping from its cave.
Ranko felt a chill run down her spine, her body freezing and turning rigid, time seemed to freeze and the world around her became distant, as if she was in a bad dream. A fog surrounded her brain, her rational sense began to fade away as her body was consumed with pure fear. She felt terribly alone, as though she was a small child again, screaming and crying with nobody to hear her pleading. Her body began to tremble, her voice died in her throat before she could cry for help despite it being so nearby. Her heart slamming against her chest like a jackhammer, echoing in her ears, her eyes widened like a saucer and tears began to well up. "R….Ryoga…" she stammered, she wanted nothing more to run back to the house and curl up in her blankets. The cat stepped out of the plants slinkily, pawing the ground and peering at her curiously, was it hungry? Looking for attention, affection? She didn't know and she didn't care, she just wanted the damn thing to go away.
Ranma stepped backwards nervously attempting to escape, the feline staring her down as if it was going to eat her alive. She felt like a small mouse under the gaze of a hungry predator, accepting its fate. Her lip began to tremble, she bit back a sob, she must have looked so pathetic but she couldn't help herself. She began to hyperventilate, trying to calm herself but all she could see was a furry demon. It opened its jaws, flashing sharp white teeth to release a loud meow, that was the last straw for Ranma. "KYAAAAAAAAA" she screamed unbridled, her voice echoing through the garden
Ryoga heard Ranko's piercing scream echoing through the house, he had a sixth sense when it came to Ranko, he could always tell when she was in trouble. A shrill, terrifying sound that was enveloped in pure fear, like something out of a horror movie. The kind of sound that only came alongside trouble, he dashed to his feet, following her voice like a bloodhound. Running through the house in a daze, his gaze darting through the house in a panic, blind to anything else around him "Ranko? Ranko answer me!" he yelled frantically.
He ran through the living room to see Genma sitting quietly with a beer as if he hadn't heard a thing, he simply blinked and stared where the sound came from dumbfounded. "Evening Ryoga, something up my boy?" he asked half heartedly, his eyes had the drunken glaze expected of drinking. Genma was never the doting parent type, he preferred tough love in terms of raising kids. Thank god Ranko never had any siblings, they would have had to endure a similar childhood. He clicked his teeth and leapt across the table to the back porch, he would deal with any damaged goods later, he needed to find Ranko and fast.
Asami approaching, drying her hands on her apron with a concerned expression, she had heard the scream and assumed there had been an accident. The last thing she remembered, Ranko had gone for a walk in the garden for some fresh air. "Ryoga, where is Ranko? Is she hurt?" she asked fervently, had she slipped in the pond? Had she suffered some form of injury?
"I… I don't know… that scream" he panicked, god he could never think rationally when it came to danger, his emotions ruled his head. He gazed around the garden impatiently hoping to discover the truth. He saw a shape in the garden, he glared in frustration, clicking his teeth. Had Kuno snuck into the garden and attempted to attack her? If that jerk Kuno had sneaked into their property, he would be arrested for breaking and entering and harassment. Had that guy got no shame? He dashed into the garden prepared to attack whoever was attempting to lay a hand on his fiancé "Ranko? Ranko are you hurt?" he yelled in a panic, he would do whatever he could to comfort her from her shock. He soon found her, but the situation was nothing as though he had expected in his head. Though it relieved him to know she hadn't been harmed in some physical way by an unknown assailant. Ranko was curled up in a ball trembling, shaking like a leaf, trapped in her own personal nightmare from the expression on her face. She had her hands cupped over her head protectively, she was curled up in a ball, her eyes streaming with tears and curled up like a wounded animal. She was cowering away as though she was expecting to be attacked.
"Ranko…" he trailed off, he had never seen her look so terribly afraid. Ranko had been the type who always appeared fearless and strong willed, never showing hesitation around any enemy. She never held back and treated every opponent as an equal, to hesitate around someone based on gender was an insult. He then spotted a tabby cat with yellowish-green eyes watching her curiously, the cat sat nearby watching her with wide eyes. Of all the reasons for Ranko to frightened, this wasn't what he had expected. This is what scared Ranko? A small fluffy cat had frightened her? If anyone at school knew about this they would undoubtedly make fun of her, teenagers could be cruel like that. But everyone was afraid of something, some were just stranger than others. He sighed heavily, everyone had fears, he knew Ranko had a reason to be scared of cats and it had to be because of Genma. He approached the cat and waved his hands "Shoo, scat" he replied firmly. The cat scattered with a light run, leaving Ranko and Ryoga alone in the darkness, unhappy about being thrown from the property when curious. But there were plenty of gardens and alleyways that it could explore. He approached Ranko quietly, placing his hand on her shoulder supportively, she didn't have to be afraid anymore "Ranko, it's ok. The cat is gone now" he reassured her.
Ranko looked up at him tearfully, her blue eyes shining with tears, her lip trembling and her cheeks tearstained. She had been crying heavily, he hadn't seen Ranma behave like this before. He would be lying if she didn't look rather cute like that, innocent, nervous and slightly clingy, I mean most guys wanted the chance to feel like a hero sometimes. She flung herself at Ryoga, wrapping her arms around his neck tearfully "R… Ryoga I… I was… so scared" she sniffled, she buried her face against his chest and continued to sob.
Ryoga blushed, Ranko's hair tickled his cheek, she was so soft and warm, she smelled so sweet. She felt smaller than usual, she felt frail, lost and jittery, her brave front falling away like the sand against the tide. He shifted nervously, timidly wrapping his arms around her supportively, he was often bashful when it came to showing affections. Stroking her hair and rubbing her back gently, hoping this brought her some comfort "I'm here… it's ok now" he soothed softly.
"Ailurophobia?" Ryoga responded in surprise, he'd heard of it before but Ranko was the first person that he had ever met with a fear of cats. A fear of dogs was more common than a fear of cats, based on a negative childhood experience. He'd never heard of anyone else with a fear of cats aside from the irrational fear of black cats, but not all felines in general. However, to Ranma it was something that truly terrified her, so he would do his best to make sure she had as brief of contact with cats in the future.
Asami nodded, "For some people, the fear of cats is irrational such as the fear of black cats being unlucky. For most, it is a cause of trauma brought on by an event during childhood development" she explained. Such as when children feared monsters as children but grew out of it as they grew older, but everyone's phobia was different for everyone. But some phobias could be grown out of, others suffered with these for most of their lives and simply found coping mechanisms.
Ryoga hummed, he wondered what could have caused Ranko to have such a terrifying response to the very presence of a cat. Ranma had many secrets which he respected, but then he figured it out, Genma had to be the cause of this. Genma had been the reason for most of Ranko's problems until now, just what had he done to Ranko now? He shot a glare towards Genma, a fiery aura looming behind him "Yo! Baldy, what did you do to Ranko?" he snapped. He wasn't going to lie himself out of this, he couldn't act innocent and he couldn't try and gain sympathy with his twisted mindset. They would get to the truth and there was nothing he could about it.
Genma shivered, bowing his head shamefully and sipping his beer, this guy was too impulsive and soft, he followed his heart which left him blind. He was quick to blame others instead of taking any responsibility, why was he suddenly being attacked because his daughter was a coward? "I… I don't know what you mean" he stammered.
Ryoga slammed his hands on the table angrily "Quit with the bullshit Genma! You're already guilty of enough, don't try and lie your way out of this" he snapped. He'd proven his cruelty when they were introduced to Ukyo, from how he tried to bully and control Ranko's life, separating her from her mother and now causing her severe phobia of cats. He was always lying to get himself out of trouble to deny responsibility, but now he couldn't run away from this. This man was supposed to be his father in-law? The man who would give away his daughter and the current patriarch of the Saotome family? He was a joke of a man and a father.
Asami placed a hand on her son's shoulder, she could sense he was angry but Ranko needed his comfort right now. She then approached Genma silently, before gripping the front of his Gi, choking him as she tightened her grip. Her blue eyes glowing with pure rage, her smile widening frighteningly, Genma shivered, swallowing nervously "Would you care to explain Ranko-chan's phobia Genma? You've caused enough trouble tonight unless you wish to be shipped to China, I suggest you talk" she warned.
"Neko-ken?" Ryoga asked in confusion, he'd never heard of such an art and his mother had raised him well. She taught him all about the methods his father learned as well as her own. Everything necessary that she believed he could handle, but he learned his own abilities while training. Not every martial artist could expertly learn a technique, everyone had their limits and could only grow stronger in their own way. But of all the methods he had learned, this was one that was alien to him.
"It's a traditional form of martial arts in which the person develops an ability to fight with a feline-like nature" Genma explained. He had found a small pamphlet on the ability and wondered about how much faster and stronger Ranko could become because of it. Pushing her mind and body to the limit needed, only she had failed and the ability was wasted on her. It was a technique to be admired and many great martial artists before them had suffered for it.
"How did you learn of this technique?" Ryoga asked suspiciously, if it was such a respected traditional form of martial arts, how come Ranko was the only person who could use it. How come Genma wasn't jumping at the chance to improve? Something didn't add up and he wasn't buying this. The ability to become mind and body with their primal abilities was indeed respectful, but he didn't sense that about Ranko. She had been afraid, she rejected cats with every fibre of her being.
"I learned it during our training in china" Genma stated proudly. The amazons were a purely female run tribe with some males among them, though the women were in charge. They were formidable martial artists and the Neko ken ran deeply in their history, so of course he felt Ranko should learn it. But of course she had been too weak minded to accept the training and instead she developed Ailurophobia as a result. It had been a wasted attempt which he would forever regret.
Asami peered at Genma suspiciously, Genma was often guilty of jumping the gun of techniques without ever learning the background. It was the reason he was shunned as a martial artist and the anything goes school got a bad reputation. Though intuition came strongly with the anything goes art, learning techniques and fighting abilities based on quick wit and personal ability. Finding abilities based on the world around you and taking advantage of your strengths and opponents weaknesses.
"I thought Neko-ken was a banned technique" she responded suspiciously. The history of Neko-ken though respected was also deeply feared, the cost of the ability came with psychological trauma. The practice was not deemed safe and this banned from ever being used again, though some written texts still remained. However, more as historical evidence than as martial arts technique. Of course Genma would ignore the warnings signs and subject his child to such a thing. The Hibiki school of survival martial arts, they practiced such techniques as Naginatajutsu, Aikido and other survival methods. They had taught Ryoga the basics of all kinds of survival techniques in order to look after himself if he ever became lost. How to wield the naginata and other spear or even sword like weapons, and of course self defence martial arts that were mostly about personal growth. They wanted to teach Ryoga how to grow and how to become stronger along his own path, but never to wield it for violence but for protection.
Genma smiled nervously, rubbing the back of his head "Not banned simply lost" he lied. The anything goes school was about using everything and anything as a technique to win a fight and become a stronger martial artist.
"The user must wrap themselves in kamaboko, Fish sausage or fresh fish, then lunge themselves into a cat den. This technique was banned due to the psychological effects to trainees" Asami read aloud bluntly. The method was not only ridiculously dangerous due to the cats being obviously stray rather than tamed, mostly interested at getting food and acting on instinct. But more so that the person involved would become so traumatised by being attacked by cats that they would never be able to learn anything or be around cats ever again. Genma shivered, when you read it out loud of course it sounded bad.
"YOU THREW HER INTO A DEN OF CATS!" Ryoga bellowed furiously. How old had Ranko been when he decided to subject her to this? Her innocent mind believing her father and being terrified out of her mind when she learned the truth. Now she couldn't be around cats without being scared witless to the point of crying. Just what had he been thinking? Of course Genma would ignore warning signs and wouldn't learn unless he made mistakes, was Ranko's psyche and trauma the warning sign he needed?
"She opted to do it. She knew the cost of the training!" Genma protested. She had been suspicious at first and asked questions but was eager to learn, but upon the last couple of attempts to learn Neko-ken, she began to cry, hide and become traumatised. Later he gave up and realised that it was getting nowhere, but her fear of cats never ceased. But his training was tough love and she had always known that.
"She was sobbing and on the verge of a panic attack! How does that appear to be someone who volunteered!" Ryoga yelled, mimicking his mother and grabbing Genma by the collar of his Gi. He was trembling with rage, his brown eyes glowing with a red aura, his teeth bared angrily "You caused her such a severe trauma that she can't even look at cats!" he snapped. How could he do that to his own daughter? More so he had never known, so he could never protect Ranko from such a thing.
Asami sighed bitterly, Genma truly had no shame, she knew he was prone to delusional decisions but this was his lowest point yet. He'd caused poor Ranko so much harm she was barely able to function in society, now she was on the verge of tears around cats. The girl was only sixteen and already she was traumatized by her father, how much damage was the man capable of? She couldn't bear to look at him, she felt nothing but disgust "Genma, you will sleep outside tonight, should you try and sneak inside I will wrap you in steak and let you be chased by wild dogs" she snapped. She would like to see how a taste of his own medicine may teach him a lesson about being so foolish again. She had a feeling they would all find it amusing. Genma shivered timidly, he knew better than to argue, slinking outside cowardly, his head bowed in shame. Muttering to himself in complaint about unfairness and everyone ganging up on him.
Asami approached Ranko quietly, taking one of the teens shaking hands in her own, the poor girl looked pale as a ghost, spacing out to cope with it all. "Ranko dear, this phobia of yours happens to be rather severe. If you so wish, I can see to it that you see a therapist to possibly alleviate some of the fear caused by it" she suggested. Though it would take time for Ranko to become comfortable around cats, it was the first step to recovery. It would take time but it was better than Ranko suffering such a traumatic fear for the rest of her life.
Ranko gazed up at her hopefully, this had to be the nicest thing anyone had done for her in a long time. Her own mother had no idea and Genma just brushed it under the rug "A… are you sure? I… I don't wanna be a bother" she stammered. She knew therapy would cost money and she didn't want to burden that on Asami, she had done so much for her already.
Asami smiled warmly "No trouble at all dear, you are my daughter in law and we are both taken with you. This fear of yours is very real for you, but all things can be overcome in some shape or form" she encouraged. She wanted Ranko to get better, watching her cry and show such a terrified nature around cats was disheartening. Nobody deserved to feel that way, she had to help the poor girl.
Ranko poked at the ground reflectively, Asami had made her a soothing cup of chamomile tea, kicking Genma out and telling him to reflect on his actions and find a hotel for the night. She knew she would be having nightmares about cats tonight meaning she wouldn't get any sleep, great just what she needed. Why couldn't her life be as simple as any other boring teenager her age? Asami had explained about possibly finding a psychologist for Ranko to visit to be able to unload her burdens, this had caused Ranko some relief, being able to speak to a specialist and how to ease some of her phobias would truly be of use. How to separate herself from her problems and move past the trauma's her father had caused, separating herself as much as possible from Genma sounded great to her.
Suddenly, she felt someone yank her pigtail playfully, in the past it annoyed her growing up but she knew he never meant it out of malice. He never grip her hair as hard as the kids growing up had, trying to pull it out. While Ryoga gave it a small tug and released immediately "Hey red, you feeling a little better?" Ryoga asked affectionately. He knew she would be feeling sulky due to such a personal part of her life coming to light, especially since she had been trying to hide it. Ranko pouted, she had never wanted anyone to know about her phobia of cats, she would become the laughing stock of the entire school. Most girls her age adored cats, loving to pet furry animals and smother them in affection. She couldn't even be around plushie cats as they just made her think of her terrifying ordeals growing up. But instead, she cried, panicked and turned into a scaredy-cat, she shivered at the unintentional pun. Ryoga softened and sat beside her quietly, she couldn't even say the word, everything about cats made her uncomfortable. But she had her reasons, she'd only ever wanted a normal life for herself. But thanks to Asami's help she could hopefully move on from that part of her life and be able to function around them at least a little. "Lemme guess, you never told me cos you were ashamed right?" he hummed
Ranko nodded, he was no genius but he had a good sense of intuition "Hey Ryoga, listen this sounds dumb but cats scare the shit out of me" she scoffed. Just saying that aloud sounded stupid, there was no way she could ever tell anyone. Not even Ukyo knew about this phobia, how could she tell her that? It sounded like a bad joke which it was in a way. Well at least their future pet would end up being a dog instead of a feline, she didn't hate all animals after all.
Ryoga chuckled, was she trying to compete or just joke around? Either way two could play at that game "Hey, my names Ryoga, I turn into a small piglet when I touch cold water" he reminded her. He'd gone to China of his own volition and got himself into this mess, but she accepted it and still loved him. Both of them had their flaws and their issues but they loved each other regardless, that was what mattered.
Ranko snorted, but she appreciated what he was trying to say to her. He did make her feel less crappy about all of this, he was sweet like that "God, what kind of couple are we?" she chuckled. They were far from the average couple, finding themselves in all sorts of messes and amusements, but then it just made things more amusing at times. Though many men in her life had been problematic and disappointing, Ryoga had not been one of them. He brought out the best in her, that much she knew.
Ryoga smiled, he was glad to see she had cheered up again. Her smile was bright and made his heart flutter "The best kind, you help me with my curse and I'll help you with your ailurophobia" he smiled. She would help him become a man and he would help her overcome her fear of felines, they would overcome their problems together, one step at a time. Ranko smiled, there were times when she became so afraid she blacked out due to her fear, she never remembered what happened in between that time so it was confusing for her. She just hoped she never became like that around Ryoga, nothing ever good came from it.
Asami smiled, watching her son and Ranko sit on the porch talking amongst themselves, she felt it best to give them their privacy. She felt so sympathetic for Ranko, she had a never-ending list of trauma that Genma had caused her growing up. Shortly after meeting her best friend she had met her worst fear at the same time, she would be sure to notify Nodoka of all this when she found her current address. Genma was not a suitable parent, nor was he a decent role model either, but she would do her best to act as a parental figure to both teenagers until Nodoka could be located.