Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu or Ranma's Cousin Iori
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Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. That is property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own The King of Fighters, that is property of SNK. I do however suggest you look up information on these two properties. You won't be disappointed.
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Note: This takes place well after the Ranma 1/2 manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 24: Anything Goes Dinner Battle
Today was going well for Saishu. He had talked to his brother-in-law Soun, and he is going over Soun's home for dinner later. Saishu walked with a lighter step as he set foot into the Kusanagi mansion. He knew besides free eats, he would get to see his nieces again. All he had to do was find Kyo, and they could get going. Saishu calls out for Kyo.
Saishu: KYO!
No answer.
Saishu: KYO!!!
Still, no answer.
Saishu: GOD DAMN IT BOY! WHERE ARE YOU?
Kyo: Over here...
Saishu is shocked by what he sees. Kyo is all bruised and bloodied as he drags himself across the floor.
Saishu: WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!?
Kyo: Yuki is what happened.
Saishu: THAT TWIG OF A GIRLFRIEND YOU HAVE DID 'THIS' TO 'YOU'!?!?
Kyo (Embarrassed): Yeah... Well, Athena went over to see Yuki when we got back here to Japan. She told her about the 'Divine Goddess' Rankyo Yagami... Rankyo...
Kyo's hearts turn to little eyes. Saishu stares at him.
Saishu: I thought her name was 'Ranko'?
Kyo: It is. But s I said, I WILL MARRY HER!!! So it's okay to share my name with her.
Saishu: ... And does that explain why Yuki kicked your ass?
Kyo: Yes. She just doesn't want to share the greatness that is I!
Saishu covers his face with his left hand and shakes it in resignation. His boy is a pervert. Saishu stops shaking his head after a couple of minutes. He then pulls Kyo up to his feet and smacks him across the face a few times.
Kyo: ... Ow...
Saishu: Kyo... You are an idiot...
Kyo: BUT I SAID I WOULD SHARE!
!
Kyo: ... Ow...
Saishu: KYO! THAT IS TWO-TIMING!!!
Kyo: I'm sure the Gods will forgive me. After all, it is they that decided to make three women perfect for me!
Saishu (Eyes Widen): THREE!?!?
Kyo: Yes. The Innocent, lovely Yuki Kushinada. The Fiery, strong-willed Rankyo Yagami. And the Beautiful Siren of Song Athena Asamiya. I AM SO LUCKY THE GODS SEE THEM AS WORTHY FOR MYSELF!
, , , , , , , , , , , !!!
After Saishu is done pummeling Kyo with a mallet he seemingly pulled out of nowhere, he tosses it to the side, and pulls Kyo back to his feet.
Saishu: Well Kyo?
Kyo (Hallucinates): No mommy, I don't wanna go to school today. All the other kids make fun of me...
Saishu: ......... Oooooooooookay... Well Kyo, get your hormones in check. We're going out for dinner.
Kyo: Really? Where?
Saishu: We are going to your uncle Soun's home. It's a bit of a family gathering.
Kyo (Eyes sparkle): WILL THERE BE CUTE GIRLS!?!?
Saishu: Well, depends on if you see your cousins as cute.
Kyo (Looks downcast): Oh... Only family? DAMN! I WANT CUTE NON-FAMILY MEMBER WOMEN!!!
Saishu smacks Kyo in the back of the head.
Saishu (Angry): Just shut up and move. We're going. NOW!
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The Tendo Household is quite a sight at the moment. Genma is playing/cheating at a game of shogi by himself. Akane is in the Dojo practicing with/mercilessly beating the crap out of Shingo. Nabiki is in her room, on her computer looking for information on the 'Sacred Treasures of the Shingi Trioca'. Kasumi is in the kitchen with dish after dish, after dish of some sort of meat recipe prepared, and she works on more. Happosai, Jubei Yamada, and Chin Gensai are in Happosai's room, going over their route for tonight's 'training'. Soun gets home.
Soun: I'm home!
No one answers...
Soun (Mutters): Figures...
Genma: Soun old boy, what's wrong?
Soun: Nothing much. (Sniffs the air). What's that delicious aroma?
Genma: Isn't it? Kasumi, right when she got home, said she was having a few guests over to discuss things, and she went right to cooking! She's prepared, by my count, at least 32 meat dishes already! And she said she has another 22 in the works!
Soun: Wow... That's a lot of meat.
Genma (Rubs his hands greedily): Indeed!
Soun: It's for the best. I am having some company over.
Genma: Company?
Soun: Yes. Please Genma, help me gather the girls. Except Kasumi, she seems busy with cooking. I want to tell them we're having family over.
So Genma gets the girls . And brings them to the living/dining room. He tells them they're having family over for dinner. Akane doesn't care, Nabiki thinks of ways to get money off of them, and Shingo tries to leave, but his 'training' with Akane has momentarily taken away the use of his legs, so he's forced to stay. Too bad Akane then drags Shingo back to the Dojo for more 'training'.
Akane: COME ON SHINGO! WE HAVE MORE TRAINING TO DO, IF WE'RE TO WIN THIS TOURNAMENT!
Shingo (Tears roll from his eyes): Mommy...
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A few hours later Kasumi has finished preparing everything. She is proud of her culinary skills. She doesn't remember the last time she had such a challenge cooking. But, this was worth it. This will get Mr. Iori to come over. She knows his sheer presence will help her father and Mr. Saotome agree to break the engagement of Ranma and Akane. The doorbell rings. Akane goes to get the door. What she sees makes her jaw drop to the floor.
Kyo: WOW! WHAT A PRETTY LADY!
!
Kyo: OW! DAMN IT! STOP HITTING ME!!!
Saishu: Foolish boy! Stop leering at your cousin... Wait a minute... Kasumi? ... My God... You have grown into a beautiful Young woman...
Kasumi can't help but blush, and Kyo gives his father a look that says, "I told you so."
Kasumi: Oh my! What brings you here? Are you staying for long? (Thinks: Please say no, please say no, please say...)
Saishu: We're here for dinner. Soun thought it would help to calm him having family over.
Kasumi: Oh my... Well, make yourselves at home. (Thinks: WHY? WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN?)
Saishu notices that Kasumi starts to pale.
Saishu: Is anything wrong dear?
Kasumi: Um... Well, I...
Soun (From living/dining room): Kasumi, who's there? Is it...
Kasumi (Interrupts): YES FATHER! Your guests have arrived!
Soun: Great! Let them in!
Kasumi steps to the side and lets Saishu and Kyo in. She than runs out their door and sprints to the Saotome Compound. She runs for 17 minutes straight to reach it. She is shocked to see an ambulance in front of the house.
Kasumi (Thinks): OH NO! (Out loud). RANMA!!!
Ranma comes out from around the house.
Ranma: Kasumi? What's wrong?
Kasumi: The ambulance, what's it for? Is everyone all right?
Ranma: ... Come with me... This could take awhile to explain...
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Once inside, Ranma takes Kasumi through the House to the backyard. She stares in wide-eyed horror at all the destruction in the backyard. Worse, she sees what must be 5 doctors working on someone. Kasumi recognizes one of the Doctors as Dr. Tofu.
Kasumi (Afraid): Who is...
Ranma (Angry): Ryoga...
Kasumi (Hesitates): ... What happened?
Leona (From behind them): Ryoga attacked me. Ranma went to defend me, and he... He pretty much made sure Ryoga will never do that again...
Kasumi: Ranma... Are you gonna be okay? I know that you don't like to hurt people...
Ranma: Sigh... I'll be fine Kasumi... It's just that Ryoga deserved what he got... I'm just sorry I'm the one that gave it to him.
Iori walks up to them. Apparently he was listening to them the whole time.
Iori: No. Don't be. (Ranma, Leona, and Kasumi turn to face Iori). Ranma, you may be afraid of what you did, but listen. As I told you once already, you have developed a backbone. You are no longer going to take their shit. They do anything that slights your honor; you are no longer going to hesitate. You will retaliate. It's as simple as that.
Kasumi (looks Iori straight in the eye, a very hard thing to do might I add): Please Iori. When you come over, control yourself. Please!
Iori (Curious): Control myself? Why do you ask?
Kasumi (Fearful): Father invited some other guests over.
Leona: And your afraid of them hearing the conversation?
Kasumi: No... Dad decided to have some family over. Uncle Saishu and my cousin Kyo.
Ranma and Leona stare at Kasumi. Iori however...
Iori (Clenches and unclenches his hands, vein pops up on his neck, aura flairs to life): KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Iori's screaming distracts the doctors from their work. Making one of them slip up, while doing some very important work on Ryoga...
!
Ryoga: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
Ranma, Kasumi, and Leona stare at the group of doctors, than back at Iori.
Iori: ... Oops...
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Kasumi walks home. She is afraid of what will happen now. Iori gave her no promises. He said if Kyo does one tiny thing to bug him, he's going to take Kyo out for good. Kasumi walks to the front door, to see it was left open. She walks in to see her family and Kyo at the table. They have literally eaten ALL the food she prepared for Iori...
Genma (Notices Kasumi): Hi Kasumi! That food was great.
Kasumi (Stares wide-eyed): You... You...
Soun: Yes Kasumi. We sure enjoyed it.
Akane: Yes. It was the best we had in the longest time.
Kyo: Wow Kasumi. You are a great cook! Still, I wonder why you cooked so much meat. By the way Nabiki, thanks for selling me all those photos of my darling Rankyo.
Nabiki (Counts her money): Anytime.
Shingo: I'M SO HAPPY KYO-SEMPAI IS RELATED TO AKANE!!! By the way, that was great food Kasumi.
Kasumi (Falls to her knees, shakes her head in disbelief): No... No...
Saishu: Kasumi? Is anything wrong?
Kasumi (Angry): THAT FOOD WAS FOR MY GUESTS! I SPENT ALL DAY COOKING IT!!!
Most of the household stares at Kasumi with looks of confusion. They have never seen her act so... Out of character before.
Kyo (Confused): Um... No worries cousin. We came and ate too. Your family didn't eat it all.
Kasumi (Pulls at her hair): ARGH!!!
Soun (Starts to cry): WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! AN EVIL SPIRIT MUST HAVE POSSESSED KASUMI! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Akane (Readies her mallet): Don't worry; I'll get it out of her!
Kasumi is about to tell them to all just shut up and leave her alone, when the doorbell rings.
Kasumi (Horrified): THEY'RE HERE!!!
Genma: Who?
Kasumi ignores them and runs to the door. She is gone for several minutes. All the people at the table look at each other. The village idiots Soun and Genma come to a decision.
Soun: THAT MUST BE THE DEMON THAT POSSESSED MY LITTLE GIRL!!!
Genma: Curse those evil demons...
Kyo (Stands on the table): NEVER FEAR! I SHALL DEFEAT THIS DEMON!!!
Nabiki: Do you honestly believe a demon would want to possess Kasumi?
Akane: Wouldn't be the first time.
Shingo (Eyes sparkle): YOU'RE THE COOLEST KYO-SEMPAI!!!
Kyo (Gives award winning smile, teeth sparkle): Don't I know it!
There is the sound of footsteps, and a figure walks around the corner.
Soun: WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! THE DEMON HAS COME TO KILL US ALL!!!
Kyo lunges at the figure with his Wicked Chew attack. His fist connects to the figure's face. Kyo stands there awhile. His eyes register how the figure looks. The figure has red hair, a chocker on his neck, a black leather jacket, a white dress-shirt that is left untucked, red leather pants, a red leather belt tied to his legs right underneath the knees, and black leather shoes. The face is obstructed by Kyo's fist. The gears in Kyo's head turn a bit to make a confirmation on the identity of whom he just punched. His eyes widen in sheer horror when he realizes the only person that fits this description.
Kyo (Removes his fist): Uh... Hi Iori... Nice weather we're having lately, huh?
Iori (Fist imprint on face, seethes with rage): Kyo...
Shingo: AIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! IT'S IORI!!!
Iori (Looks over at Shingo): ......... Boo.
Shingo: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!
Shingo passes out onto the table, his head landing in a bowl of soup with a splash.
Iori (Stares Kyo in the eyes): You... Little... Cheap... Sonuva...
Nodoka (Interrupts): Iori! Behave!
Iori: BUT HE PUNCHED ME!!!
Nodoka: That may well be, BUT DO NOT FIGHT HIM HERE!
Iori is reluctant, but he moves away from Kyo to a corner of the room.
Genma: Honey...
Nodoka (Gives Genma a stare that could freeze hell over): What?
Genma (Afraid): Um... What are you doing here?
Nodoka: Kasumi invited us over. She wanted us to discuss some important matters with you.
Ranma: Yes. It concerns the arranged marriage with Akane and I.
Soun and Genma's eye's light up. They get up on their feet and start dancing.
Soun and Genma: OH HAPPY DAY! THE HOUSES WILL BE JOINED!!!
Nodoka: No... They can't.
Soun & Genma: WHAT!?!?
Saishu looks on with curiosity. A barrage of retorts from the people sitting at the table erupts.
Genma: THIS IS ABSURD NODOKA! I AM THE PATRIARCH OF THE SAOTOME CLAN! WHAT I SAY GOES! I SPENT 10 YEARS TRAINING THE BOY! HE WILL PAY ME BACK BY DOING AS I COMMAND OF HIM!
Soun: NO! RANMA WILL MARRY AKANE! GENMA AND I MADE A PLEDGE BEFORE THE TWO WERE EVEN BORN, THAT THE HOUSES WOULD BE UNITED!!!
Shingo: WHAT!?!? HE WAS ENGAGED TO AKANE-CHAN!?!? SHE NEVER TOLD ME THAT!!!
Akane: SHUT UP SHINGO! YOU CANNOT BREAK THIS ENGAGEMENT! RANMA BELONGS TO ME! I AM HIS 'TRUE' FIANCEE! THERE IS NO WAY HE IS LEAVING ME! HE IS MY PROPERTY!!!
Nabiki: As much as I hate to lower myself to their level, I agree. Ranma should marry Akane. It will be best for both clans. After all, with the joining of the two Schools of Anything Goes, the power of the style will be enhanced. Correct?
Kyo: RANMA! I WANT TO KNOW ONE THING FROM YOU!!! ...... Do you know anything about your cousin Rankyo? Nabiki said you know her better than her own brother does.
Nodoka unwraps her bundle. She has two katanas with her instead of one. Saishu freezes upon seeing the katana in the sheath with the Kusanagi clan symbols on it. She unsheathes them. The Saotome Katana is still a work of quality, while the Kusanagi Katana is a true work of art, emitting power that has lasted for longer than anyone knows.
Saishu: How? How did you get that!?
Nodoka: It was a gift. Now, if you WILL LISTEN TO ME!
Nodoka looks around the room. Almost everyone is in a state of fear and awe by the sight of Nodoka with two katanas. Especially since one is radiating power.
Nodoka (Calmly): As I found out recently, the Tendo clan is mixed with the Kusanagi clan. My husband has been working towards getting my son to marry Akane. His son, Ranma is of the Yagami clan. You are trying to mix clashed bloods. It won't work. So, stop this foolishness. Forget about getting Ranma to marry Akane.
Genma (Stands up): NO! THE BOY MUST...
Genma stops his tirade as Nodoka levels the Saotome katana with his throat.
Nodoka: Do I make myself clear?
Soun (Stands up): THIS IS ABSURD! GENMA'S PLEDGE WAS TO UNITE THE HOUSES! THE PLEDGE SHALL NOT BE BROKEN!
Nodoka: You do realize the Blood Feud predates the pact you made with my husband by more than 640 years, correct? If not, let me give you a bit of a history lesson. The Kusanagi and the Yagami clans are part of the same bloodline. Over time, they clans separated due to the arrogance of the Kusanagi. The Yagami clan made a pact with the Orochi, and became of Orochi blood as well. Since then the members of the Kusanagi have hunted the members of the Yagami clan and visa-versa. The Blood Feud started back then, and continues today.
Soun: But...
Nodoka (Glares at Soun): WERE YOU LISTENING? The Kusanagi and the Yagami clans are part of the same bloodline. That is why both the Kusanagi and Yagami clans have the spirit flames known as Magatama. In a sense, you are also 'relatives' to us. The marriage would be immoral, and would go against the feud between the two clans. So forget about your dreams of uniting the two houses, for that is all they shall be. Dreams. If you want to save face, than forget the engagement ever existed. All right!?
Soun and Genma look at each other. Then at the katanas Nodoka holds. For once, they are not cowering. They want the houses united, no matter what may happen.
Soun & Genma: AND IF WE WON'T ALLOW IT!?
Saishu (Calmly): Break it.
Soun & Genma (Shocked, stare at Saishu): What!?!?
Saishu: Nodoka is right. You should forget about the engagement.
Akane: IF THAT'S HOW YOU FEEL, THAN WHY DON'T YOU SAY ANYTHING ABOUT KYO AND HIS WHORE RANKYO!
Ranma, Leona, and Iori glare daggers at Akane. This shuts her up quickly.
Saishu: Because my dear niece, I know there is no way in hell that Iori's sister Ranko would ever go out with my son.
Kyo: HEY!
Saishu: It's true. It's obvious she hates you. So leave her be.
Kyo: NEVER!!!
!
The people look around for the source of the noise. It's Iori's stomach.
Iori: Sorry. You have any dinner ready Kasumi? I'm hungry.
Kasumi (Pales): I'm sorry. They ate it all...
Iori (Eyes widen in anger): ... WHAT!?!?
The people at the table cringe and scoot away from Iori.
Iori (Angry, battle aura rises): FIRST I WALK IN AND GET PUNCHED IN THE FACE, THEN YOU IDIOTS ACT EVEN STUPIDER WHEN AUNT NODOKA GIVES YOU THE FACTS ABOUT THE BLOOD FEUD, NOW I FIND OUT THERE'S NOTHING TO EAT! DO YOU PEOPLE WANT ME TO KILL YOU!?!?
Akane (Stands): LOOK HERE YOU RED-HAIRED FREAK, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN...
!
Iori's hand engulfs Akane's face. He has a vice-like grip on her, and he tightens further, enough to draw blood from where his fingertips dig into her skin. Akane flails her arms and hits him, but it's no good. The members of the Tendo household look on in horror, as Iori is about to crush Akane's skull. Ranma then walks up to him.
Ranma: Let her go Iori.
Iori: WHY? I WALK IN, AND NOTHING GOES RIGHT! I JUST WANTED SOME MEAT GOD DAMN IT!!!
Ranma: Now you know how life was for me. I would walk in, and trouble would start. So please, just let go of her.
Iori is reluctant, but he lets Akane go. She drops to the floor. The others are too scared to move and help her.
Iori (Turns to them): Who ate the most?
They all point to Genma.
Genma: TRAITORS!
Iori grabs Genma by the back of his gi, and then drags the kicking and screaming Panda-man off to the Dojo. All is quiet for a bit. Akane is the first to break the silence.
Akane (Furious, gets up)): HOW DARE HE DO THAT! RANMA! HOW DARE YOU LET HIM HURT ME? (Pulls out her mallet). RANMA YOU JERK!!!
Leona: Hold it!
Akane (Eyes Leona with hate): YOU! YOU WERE THE ONE THAT HURT ME THAT TIME AT SCHOOL! YOU'RE ALSO THE ONE THAT STOLE RANMA FROM ME! GIVE HIM BACK NOW YOU BLUE-HAIRED BITCH!!!
Ranma (Angry): Akane...
Leona (Eyes go cold): What did you say?
Akane: YOU HEARD ME! DIE YOU THIEF!!! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
Akane swipes at Leona with her mallet, but misses when Leona moves to the side. Leona then does a roundhouse kick to Akane's head. Akane skitters across the floor unconscious. Soun goes into his crying mode again.
Soun: WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! THE HOUSES WON'T BE JOINED!!! WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Nodoka shakes her head in disgust and sheathes her katanas. It's obvious now that none of them will put up a real fight to get Ranma to marry Akane for the time being. Nodoka bows and gives her farewells to the Tendos. She walks out. Ranma and Leona walk to the dojo to fetch Iori.
Ranma (Knocks on dojo doors): Iori, we're leaving.
Iori (Inside): Just a minute!
Ranma and Leona stand outside for a bit. Iori walks out. Once again there is smoke following him as he opens the door.
Iori: Ah... Slow roasted panda... Nothing better.
Ranma: Iori, you do realize you're a psycho...
Iori (Smiles): Your point?
Ranma: ......
Iori: Thought so. Let's go. I'm gonna go crazy staying here.
And the rest of the group leaves for the Saotome compound.
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A few good meals from Nodoka later, the Anything Goes Team kneels by the table. They look outside at the pouring rain. They talk about how the 'dinner' went.
Ranma: Well... It went better than I hoped for.
Iori: That was indeed one hell of a place you lived. How the hell did you manage it?
Ranma: Not sure. At least now 'Pops' and Mr. Tendo will leave me alone... Lechan.
Leona: Yes?
Ranma: Why did you have to be so hard on Akane? Not that you weren't justified, but I already told you about Akane. Akane is just a martial arts wannabe, she has no real skill, and she doesn't know when to quit. She won't give up.
Iori: What about that other girl besides Akane and Kasumi?
Ranma: Nabiki... She took that whole thing too well. That is a bad sign. I have learned to know how to interpret her acts. I know it is never a good thing to cross her. So I can safely say Nabiki will not take this lying down.
The doorbell rings.
Ranma: I'll get it.
Ranma goes to the door. He opens it to see a soaking wet Kasumi. He notices her face is all red, and her eyes are red and puffy. All are signs that she was crying.
Ranma: Kasumi? What happened? Wait; get inside first, than we'll talk. (Turns around). MOM, COULD YOU PLEASE GET A TOWEL!
Kasumi (Walks in): Thank you Ranma... As for what happened... Lets just say, I made a decision.
Nodoka comes down with a towel. She sees Kasumi is standing there soaked. She goes over to Kasumi and helps her upstairs to the bathroom to clean up. Ranma just stares at their receding forms as they walk up the stairs.
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After awhile Kasumi comes back downstairs, wearing one of Nodoka's kimonos. They ask her what happened. She gives them a shortened version of what happened...
Her father had broken down crying, Saishu and Kyo promptly left the Tendo grounds, Genma had gone to Dr. Tofu's for burn treatment, Nabiki was angry and went upstairs to her room. Akane was plain furious. She started yelling at the closest person. Which was her. Akane yelled and yelled, blaming all her troubles on Kasumi and Leona. She then slapped Kasumi across the face, and walked out in a huff to 'train' with Shingo some more. Kasumi lifted her hand to her throbbing cheek. The slap was a real wake up call. She knew she just couldn't take anymore of the abuse she's suffered from her family. So she ran upstairs to her room, grabbed a few items she cared for, and ran. While she ran it started to rain. The first place she thought of to use for shelter was the Saotome compound. Which brings them back to now. Most are staring at her in shock.
Ranma: ... I can't believe this...
Leona: So... Akane hurt you than...
Kasumi nods her head.
Iori: That miserable, rotten whore! I should have killed her when I had the chance.
Ranma (Looks at Iori): I'm sorry I stopped you.
Iori just shakes his head in resignation.
Nodoka: So what now?
Kasumi: I don't know. All I know is that I had to get out of the rain, and you were the only ones I could think of. I am Sorry to be an inconvenience to you all.
Nodoka (Puts her hand on Kasumi's shoulder): Not at all Kasumi. As you said to me before, all you wanted was friendship. Please allow me to extend my friendship and hospitality to you.
Kasumi doesn't know what to say. They are all being very considerate to her. This is the first time someone ever cared about what she wanted. She's so happy that she starts to cry.
Ranma: Kasumi, what's wrong?
Kasumi (Smiles as the tears flow): I'm just so happy that you care...
Ranma hugs Kasumi and Kasumi hugs him back. Leona looks on with a smile on her face. She isn't jealous at all; she knows Kasumi is Ranma's friend. She was one of the few people that were actually nice to him while he stayed in Nerima. It still amazes her how Ranma can seem to touch people's lives and have such a positive effect. Severe, yes, but a positive effect nonetheless.
(------)
Rugal sits in the captain's quarters of the ship. He is making preparations. Tomorrow, the fights leave Japan and head to China. He is more than excited. Goenitz had informed him of the Tenth Hakkeshu's advancements in strength, and that they now have more than half the energy needed to put their plan into action. Rugal can taste the power on his tongue, that's how close they are. Rugal smiles wickedly to himself. He looks to the locations to see where he should hold the first fight in China.
Rugal: Hmm... Jusenkyo... The Springs of Sorrow... Hm hm hm hm hm...
(------)
End Chapter 24
Next Time: The Middle of the night aboard the Black Noah. Leona regains more of her memories, her true self. How will she handle knowing the truth about things she doesn't want to know?
Author's Note: Sorry to all that like Kasumi. I know the rule for Ranma 1/2 fanfiction of "Never hurt Kasumi Tendo, EVER!!!" But I felt that it was needed. So all of you Kasumi Tendo fans out there please understand this was needed for the story. Thank you.
Send your questions and comments to either RedPriest17@aol.com or Ryutsurugi@yahoo.com
This is RedPriest17, signing off.
Note: Flames will be read and than used to fuel the Orochi fire.
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Disclaimer: I do not own Ranma 1/2. That is property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own The King of Fighters, that is property of SNK. I do however suggest you look up information on these two properties. You won't be disappointed.
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Note: This takes place well after the Ranma 1/2 manga and during the King of Fighters '98.
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Ranma: The Tenth Hakkeshu Chapter 24: Anything Goes Dinner Battle
Today was going well for Saishu. He had talked to his brother-in-law Soun, and he is going over Soun's home for dinner later. Saishu walked with a lighter step as he set foot into the Kusanagi mansion. He knew besides free eats, he would get to see his nieces again. All he had to do was find Kyo, and they could get going. Saishu calls out for Kyo.
Saishu: KYO!
No answer.
Saishu: KYO!!!
Still, no answer.
Saishu: GOD DAMN IT BOY! WHERE ARE YOU?
Kyo: Over here...
Saishu is shocked by what he sees. Kyo is all bruised and bloodied as he drags himself across the floor.
Saishu: WHAT HAPPENED!?!?!?
Kyo: Yuki is what happened.
Saishu: THAT TWIG OF A GIRLFRIEND YOU HAVE DID 'THIS' TO 'YOU'!?!?
Kyo (Embarrassed): Yeah... Well, Athena went over to see Yuki when we got back here to Japan. She told her about the 'Divine Goddess' Rankyo Yagami... Rankyo...
Kyo's hearts turn to little eyes. Saishu stares at him.
Saishu: I thought her name was 'Ranko'?
Kyo: It is. But s I said, I WILL MARRY HER!!! So it's okay to share my name with her.
Saishu: ... And does that explain why Yuki kicked your ass?
Kyo: Yes. She just doesn't want to share the greatness that is I!
Saishu covers his face with his left hand and shakes it in resignation. His boy is a pervert. Saishu stops shaking his head after a couple of minutes. He then pulls Kyo up to his feet and smacks him across the face a few times.
Kyo: ... Ow...
Saishu: Kyo... You are an idiot...
Kyo: BUT I SAID I WOULD SHARE!
!
Kyo: ... Ow...
Saishu: KYO! THAT IS TWO-TIMING!!!
Kyo: I'm sure the Gods will forgive me. After all, it is they that decided to make three women perfect for me!
Saishu (Eyes Widen): THREE!?!?
Kyo: Yes. The Innocent, lovely Yuki Kushinada. The Fiery, strong-willed Rankyo Yagami. And the Beautiful Siren of Song Athena Asamiya. I AM SO LUCKY THE GODS SEE THEM AS WORTHY FOR MYSELF!
, , , , , , , , , , , !!!
After Saishu is done pummeling Kyo with a mallet he seemingly pulled out of nowhere, he tosses it to the side, and pulls Kyo back to his feet.
Saishu: Well Kyo?
Kyo (Hallucinates): No mommy, I don't wanna go to school today. All the other kids make fun of me...
Saishu: ......... Oooooooooookay... Well Kyo, get your hormones in check. We're going out for dinner.
Kyo: Really? Where?
Saishu: We are going to your uncle Soun's home. It's a bit of a family gathering.
Kyo (Eyes sparkle): WILL THERE BE CUTE GIRLS!?!?
Saishu: Well, depends on if you see your cousins as cute.
Kyo (Looks downcast): Oh... Only family? DAMN! I WANT CUTE NON-FAMILY MEMBER WOMEN!!!
Saishu smacks Kyo in the back of the head.
Saishu (Angry): Just shut up and move. We're going. NOW!
(------)
The Tendo Household is quite a sight at the moment. Genma is playing/cheating at a game of shogi by himself. Akane is in the Dojo practicing with/mercilessly beating the crap out of Shingo. Nabiki is in her room, on her computer looking for information on the 'Sacred Treasures of the Shingi Trioca'. Kasumi is in the kitchen with dish after dish, after dish of some sort of meat recipe prepared, and she works on more. Happosai, Jubei Yamada, and Chin Gensai are in Happosai's room, going over their route for tonight's 'training'. Soun gets home.
Soun: I'm home!
No one answers...
Soun (Mutters): Figures...
Genma: Soun old boy, what's wrong?
Soun: Nothing much. (Sniffs the air). What's that delicious aroma?
Genma: Isn't it? Kasumi, right when she got home, said she was having a few guests over to discuss things, and she went right to cooking! She's prepared, by my count, at least 32 meat dishes already! And she said she has another 22 in the works!
Soun: Wow... That's a lot of meat.
Genma (Rubs his hands greedily): Indeed!
Soun: It's for the best. I am having some company over.
Genma: Company?
Soun: Yes. Please Genma, help me gather the girls. Except Kasumi, she seems busy with cooking. I want to tell them we're having family over.
So Genma gets the girls . And brings them to the living/dining room. He tells them they're having family over for dinner. Akane doesn't care, Nabiki thinks of ways to get money off of them, and Shingo tries to leave, but his 'training' with Akane has momentarily taken away the use of his legs, so he's forced to stay. Too bad Akane then drags Shingo back to the Dojo for more 'training'.
Akane: COME ON SHINGO! WE HAVE MORE TRAINING TO DO, IF WE'RE TO WIN THIS TOURNAMENT!
Shingo (Tears roll from his eyes): Mommy...
(------)
A few hours later Kasumi has finished preparing everything. She is proud of her culinary skills. She doesn't remember the last time she had such a challenge cooking. But, this was worth it. This will get Mr. Iori to come over. She knows his sheer presence will help her father and Mr. Saotome agree to break the engagement of Ranma and Akane. The doorbell rings. Akane goes to get the door. What she sees makes her jaw drop to the floor.
Kyo: WOW! WHAT A PRETTY LADY!
!
Kyo: OW! DAMN IT! STOP HITTING ME!!!
Saishu: Foolish boy! Stop leering at your cousin... Wait a minute... Kasumi? ... My God... You have grown into a beautiful Young woman...
Kasumi can't help but blush, and Kyo gives his father a look that says, "I told you so."
Kasumi: Oh my! What brings you here? Are you staying for long? (Thinks: Please say no, please say no, please say...)
Saishu: We're here for dinner. Soun thought it would help to calm him having family over.
Kasumi: Oh my... Well, make yourselves at home. (Thinks: WHY? WHY DID THIS HAVE TO HAPPEN?)
Saishu notices that Kasumi starts to pale.
Saishu: Is anything wrong dear?
Kasumi: Um... Well, I...
Soun (From living/dining room): Kasumi, who's there? Is it...
Kasumi (Interrupts): YES FATHER! Your guests have arrived!
Soun: Great! Let them in!
Kasumi steps to the side and lets Saishu and Kyo in. She than runs out their door and sprints to the Saotome Compound. She runs for 17 minutes straight to reach it. She is shocked to see an ambulance in front of the house.
Kasumi (Thinks): OH NO! (Out loud). RANMA!!!
Ranma comes out from around the house.
Ranma: Kasumi? What's wrong?
Kasumi: The ambulance, what's it for? Is everyone all right?
Ranma: ... Come with me... This could take awhile to explain...
(------)
Once inside, Ranma takes Kasumi through the House to the backyard. She stares in wide-eyed horror at all the destruction in the backyard. Worse, she sees what must be 5 doctors working on someone. Kasumi recognizes one of the Doctors as Dr. Tofu.
Kasumi (Afraid): Who is...
Ranma (Angry): Ryoga...
Kasumi (Hesitates): ... What happened?
Leona (From behind them): Ryoga attacked me. Ranma went to defend me, and he... He pretty much made sure Ryoga will never do that again...
Kasumi: Ranma... Are you gonna be okay? I know that you don't like to hurt people...
Ranma: Sigh... I'll be fine Kasumi... It's just that Ryoga deserved what he got... I'm just sorry I'm the one that gave it to him.
Iori walks up to them. Apparently he was listening to them the whole time.
Iori: No. Don't be. (Ranma, Leona, and Kasumi turn to face Iori). Ranma, you may be afraid of what you did, but listen. As I told you once already, you have developed a backbone. You are no longer going to take their shit. They do anything that slights your honor; you are no longer going to hesitate. You will retaliate. It's as simple as that.
Kasumi (looks Iori straight in the eye, a very hard thing to do might I add): Please Iori. When you come over, control yourself. Please!
Iori (Curious): Control myself? Why do you ask?
Kasumi (Fearful): Father invited some other guests over.
Leona: And your afraid of them hearing the conversation?
Kasumi: No... Dad decided to have some family over. Uncle Saishu and my cousin Kyo.
Ranma and Leona stare at Kasumi. Iori however...
Iori (Clenches and unclenches his hands, vein pops up on his neck, aura flairs to life): KYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Iori's screaming distracts the doctors from their work. Making one of them slip up, while doing some very important work on Ryoga...
!
Ryoga: GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
Ranma, Kasumi, and Leona stare at the group of doctors, than back at Iori.
Iori: ... Oops...
(------)
Kasumi walks home. She is afraid of what will happen now. Iori gave her no promises. He said if Kyo does one tiny thing to bug him, he's going to take Kyo out for good. Kasumi walks to the front door, to see it was left open. She walks in to see her family and Kyo at the table. They have literally eaten ALL the food she prepared for Iori...
Genma (Notices Kasumi): Hi Kasumi! That food was great.
Kasumi (Stares wide-eyed): You... You...
Soun: Yes Kasumi. We sure enjoyed it.
Akane: Yes. It was the best we had in the longest time.
Kyo: Wow Kasumi. You are a great cook! Still, I wonder why you cooked so much meat. By the way Nabiki, thanks for selling me all those photos of my darling Rankyo.
Nabiki (Counts her money): Anytime.
Shingo: I'M SO HAPPY KYO-SEMPAI IS RELATED TO AKANE!!! By the way, that was great food Kasumi.
Kasumi (Falls to her knees, shakes her head in disbelief): No... No...
Saishu: Kasumi? Is anything wrong?
Kasumi (Angry): THAT FOOD WAS FOR MY GUESTS! I SPENT ALL DAY COOKING IT!!!
Most of the household stares at Kasumi with looks of confusion. They have never seen her act so... Out of character before.
Kyo (Confused): Um... No worries cousin. We came and ate too. Your family didn't eat it all.
Kasumi (Pulls at her hair): ARGH!!!
Soun (Starts to cry): WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!! AN EVIL SPIRIT MUST HAVE POSSESSED KASUMI! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!
Akane (Readies her mallet): Don't worry; I'll get it out of her!
Kasumi is about to tell them to all just shut up and leave her alone, when the doorbell rings.
Kasumi (Horrified): THEY'RE HERE!!!
Genma: Who?
Kasumi ignores them and runs to the door. She is gone for several minutes. All the people at the table look at each other. The village idiots Soun and Genma come to a decision.
Soun: THAT MUST BE THE DEMON THAT POSSESSED MY LITTLE GIRL!!!
Genma: Curse those evil demons...
Kyo (Stands on the table): NEVER FEAR! I SHALL DEFEAT THIS DEMON!!!
Nabiki: Do you honestly believe a demon would want to possess Kasumi?
Akane: Wouldn't be the first time.
Shingo (Eyes sparkle): YOU'RE THE COOLEST KYO-SEMPAI!!!
Kyo (Gives award winning smile, teeth sparkle): Don't I know it!
There is the sound of footsteps, and a figure walks around the corner.
Soun: WWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! THE DEMON HAS COME TO KILL US ALL!!!
Kyo lunges at the figure with his Wicked Chew attack. His fist connects to the figure's face. Kyo stands there awhile. His eyes register how the figure looks. The figure has red hair, a chocker on his neck, a black leather jacket, a white dress-shirt that is left untucked, red leather pants, a red leather belt tied to his legs right underneath the knees, and black leather shoes. The face is obstructed by Kyo's fist. The gears in Kyo's head turn a bit to make a confirmation on the identity of whom he just punched. His eyes widen in sheer horror when he realizes the only person that fits this description.
Kyo (Removes his fist): Uh... Hi Iori... Nice weather we're having lately, huh?
Iori (Fist imprint on face, seethes with rage): Kyo...
Shingo: AIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! IT'S IORI!!!
Iori (Looks over at Shingo): ......... Boo.
Shingo: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!
Shingo passes out onto the table, his head landing in a bowl of soup with a splash.
Iori (Stares Kyo in the eyes): You... Little... Cheap... Sonuva...
Nodoka (Interrupts): Iori! Behave!
Iori: BUT HE PUNCHED ME!!!
Nodoka: That may well be, BUT DO NOT FIGHT HIM HERE!
Iori is reluctant, but he moves away from Kyo to a corner of the room.
Genma: Honey...
Nodoka (Gives Genma a stare that could freeze hell over): What?
Genma (Afraid): Um... What are you doing here?
Nodoka: Kasumi invited us over. She wanted us to discuss some important matters with you.
Ranma: Yes. It concerns the arranged marriage with Akane and I.
Soun and Genma's eye's light up. They get up on their feet and start dancing.
Soun and Genma: OH HAPPY DAY! THE HOUSES WILL BE JOINED!!!
Nodoka: No... They can't.
Soun & Genma: WHAT!?!?
Saishu looks on with curiosity. A barrage of retorts from the people sitting at the table erupts.
Genma: THIS IS ABSURD NODOKA! I AM THE PATRIARCH OF THE SAOTOME CLAN! WHAT I SAY GOES! I SPENT 10 YEARS TRAINING THE BOY! HE WILL PAY ME BACK BY DOING AS I COMMAND OF HIM!
Soun: NO! RANMA WILL MARRY AKANE! GENMA AND I MADE A PLEDGE BEFORE THE TWO WERE EVEN BORN, THAT THE HOUSES WOULD BE UNITED!!!
Shingo: WHAT!?!? HE WAS ENGAGED TO AKANE-CHAN!?!? SHE NEVER TOLD ME THAT!!!
Akane: SHUT UP SHINGO! YOU CANNOT BREAK THIS ENGAGEMENT! RANMA BELONGS TO ME! I AM HIS 'TRUE' FIANCEE! THERE IS NO WAY HE IS LEAVING ME! HE IS MY PROPERTY!!!
Nabiki: As much as I hate to lower myself to their level, I agree. Ranma should marry Akane. It will be best for both clans. After all, with the joining of the two Schools of Anything Goes, the power of the style will be enhanced. Correct?
Kyo: RANMA! I WANT TO KNOW ONE THING FROM YOU!!! ...... Do you know anything about your cousin Rankyo? Nabiki said you know her better than her own brother does.
Nodoka unwraps her bundle. She has two katanas with her instead of one. Saishu freezes upon seeing the katana in the sheath with the Kusanagi clan symbols on it. She unsheathes them. The Saotome Katana is still a work of quality, while the Kusanagi Katana is a true work of art, emitting power that has lasted for longer than anyone knows.
Saishu: How? How did you get that!?
Nodoka: It was a gift. Now, if you WILL LISTEN TO ME!
Nodoka looks around the room. Almost everyone is in a state of fear and awe by the sight of Nodoka with two katanas. Especially since one is radiating power.
Nodoka (Calmly): As I found out recently, the Tendo clan is mixed with the Kusanagi clan. My husband has been working towards getting my son to marry Akane. His son, Ranma is of the Yagami clan. You are trying to mix clashed bloods. It won't work. So, stop this foolishness. Forget about getting Ranma to marry Akane.
Genma (Stands up): NO! THE BOY MUST...
Genma stops his tirade as Nodoka levels the Saotome katana with his throat.
Nodoka: Do I make myself clear?
Soun (Stands up): THIS IS ABSURD! GENMA'S PLEDGE WAS TO UNITE THE HOUSES! THE PLEDGE SHALL NOT BE BROKEN!
Nodoka: You do realize the Blood Feud predates the pact you made with my husband by more than 640 years, correct? If not, let me give you a bit of a history lesson. The Kusanagi and the Yagami clans are part of the same bloodline. Over time, they clans separated due to the arrogance of the Kusanagi. The Yagami clan made a pact with the Orochi, and became of Orochi blood as well. Since then the members of the Kusanagi have hunted the members of the Yagami clan and visa-versa. The Blood Feud started back then, and continues today.
Soun: But...
Nodoka (Glares at Soun): WERE YOU LISTENING? The Kusanagi and the Yagami clans are part of the same bloodline. That is why both the Kusanagi and Yagami clans have the spirit flames known as Magatama. In a sense, you are also 'relatives' to us. The marriage would be immoral, and would go against the feud between the two clans. So forget about your dreams of uniting the two houses, for that is all they shall be. Dreams. If you want to save face, than forget the engagement ever existed. All right!?
Soun and Genma look at each other. Then at the katanas Nodoka holds. For once, they are not cowering. They want the houses united, no matter what may happen.
Soun & Genma: AND IF WE WON'T ALLOW IT!?
Saishu (Calmly): Break it.
Soun & Genma (Shocked, stare at Saishu): What!?!?
Saishu: Nodoka is right. You should forget about the engagement.
Akane: IF THAT'S HOW YOU FEEL, THAN WHY DON'T YOU SAY ANYTHING ABOUT KYO AND HIS WHORE RANKYO!
Ranma, Leona, and Iori glare daggers at Akane. This shuts her up quickly.
Saishu: Because my dear niece, I know there is no way in hell that Iori's sister Ranko would ever go out with my son.
Kyo: HEY!
Saishu: It's true. It's obvious she hates you. So leave her be.
Kyo: NEVER!!!
!
The people look around for the source of the noise. It's Iori's stomach.
Iori: Sorry. You have any dinner ready Kasumi? I'm hungry.
Kasumi (Pales): I'm sorry. They ate it all...
Iori (Eyes widen in anger): ... WHAT!?!?
The people at the table cringe and scoot away from Iori.
Iori (Angry, battle aura rises): FIRST I WALK IN AND GET PUNCHED IN THE FACE, THEN YOU IDIOTS ACT EVEN STUPIDER WHEN AUNT NODOKA GIVES YOU THE FACTS ABOUT THE BLOOD FEUD, NOW I FIND OUT THERE'S NOTHING TO EAT! DO YOU PEOPLE WANT ME TO KILL YOU!?!?
Akane (Stands): LOOK HERE YOU RED-HAIRED FREAK, WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN...
!
Iori's hand engulfs Akane's face. He has a vice-like grip on her, and he tightens further, enough to draw blood from where his fingertips dig into her skin. Akane flails her arms and hits him, but it's no good. The members of the Tendo household look on in horror, as Iori is about to crush Akane's skull. Ranma then walks up to him.
Ranma: Let her go Iori.
Iori: WHY? I WALK IN, AND NOTHING GOES RIGHT! I JUST WANTED SOME MEAT GOD DAMN IT!!!
Ranma: Now you know how life was for me. I would walk in, and trouble would start. So please, just let go of her.
Iori is reluctant, but he lets Akane go. She drops to the floor. The others are too scared to move and help her.
Iori (Turns to them): Who ate the most?
They all point to Genma.
Genma: TRAITORS!
Iori grabs Genma by the back of his gi, and then drags the kicking and screaming Panda-man off to the Dojo. All is quiet for a bit. Akane is the first to break the silence.
Akane (Furious, gets up)): HOW DARE HE DO THAT! RANMA! HOW DARE YOU LET HIM HURT ME? (Pulls out her mallet). RANMA YOU JERK!!!
Leona: Hold it!
Akane (Eyes Leona with hate): YOU! YOU WERE THE ONE THAT HURT ME THAT TIME AT SCHOOL! YOU'RE ALSO THE ONE THAT STOLE RANMA FROM ME! GIVE HIM BACK NOW YOU BLUE-HAIRED BITCH!!!
Ranma (Angry): Akane...
Leona (Eyes go cold): What did you say?
Akane: YOU HEARD ME! DIE YOU THIEF!!! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!
Akane swipes at Leona with her mallet, but misses when Leona moves to the side. Leona then does a roundhouse kick to Akane's head. Akane skitters across the floor unconscious. Soun goes into his crying mode again.
Soun: WWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! THE HOUSES WON'T BE JOINED!!! WWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!
Nodoka shakes her head in disgust and sheathes her katanas. It's obvious now that none of them will put up a real fight to get Ranma to marry Akane for the time being. Nodoka bows and gives her farewells to the Tendos. She walks out. Ranma and Leona walk to the dojo to fetch Iori.
Ranma (Knocks on dojo doors): Iori, we're leaving.
Iori (Inside): Just a minute!
Ranma and Leona stand outside for a bit. Iori walks out. Once again there is smoke following him as he opens the door.
Iori: Ah... Slow roasted panda... Nothing better.
Ranma: Iori, you do realize you're a psycho...
Iori (Smiles): Your point?
Ranma: ......
Iori: Thought so. Let's go. I'm gonna go crazy staying here.
And the rest of the group leaves for the Saotome compound.
(------)
A few good meals from Nodoka later, the Anything Goes Team kneels by the table. They look outside at the pouring rain. They talk about how the 'dinner' went.
Ranma: Well... It went better than I hoped for.
Iori: That was indeed one hell of a place you lived. How the hell did you manage it?
Ranma: Not sure. At least now 'Pops' and Mr. Tendo will leave me alone... Lechan.
Leona: Yes?
Ranma: Why did you have to be so hard on Akane? Not that you weren't justified, but I already told you about Akane. Akane is just a martial arts wannabe, she has no real skill, and she doesn't know when to quit. She won't give up.
Iori: What about that other girl besides Akane and Kasumi?
Ranma: Nabiki... She took that whole thing too well. That is a bad sign. I have learned to know how to interpret her acts. I know it is never a good thing to cross her. So I can safely say Nabiki will not take this lying down.
The doorbell rings.
Ranma: I'll get it.
Ranma goes to the door. He opens it to see a soaking wet Kasumi. He notices her face is all red, and her eyes are red and puffy. All are signs that she was crying.
Ranma: Kasumi? What happened? Wait; get inside first, than we'll talk. (Turns around). MOM, COULD YOU PLEASE GET A TOWEL!
Kasumi (Walks in): Thank you Ranma... As for what happened... Lets just say, I made a decision.
Nodoka comes down with a towel. She sees Kasumi is standing there soaked. She goes over to Kasumi and helps her upstairs to the bathroom to clean up. Ranma just stares at their receding forms as they walk up the stairs.
(------)
After awhile Kasumi comes back downstairs, wearing one of Nodoka's kimonos. They ask her what happened. She gives them a shortened version of what happened...
Her father had broken down crying, Saishu and Kyo promptly left the Tendo grounds, Genma had gone to Dr. Tofu's for burn treatment, Nabiki was angry and went upstairs to her room. Akane was plain furious. She started yelling at the closest person. Which was her. Akane yelled and yelled, blaming all her troubles on Kasumi and Leona. She then slapped Kasumi across the face, and walked out in a huff to 'train' with Shingo some more. Kasumi lifted her hand to her throbbing cheek. The slap was a real wake up call. She knew she just couldn't take anymore of the abuse she's suffered from her family. So she ran upstairs to her room, grabbed a few items she cared for, and ran. While she ran it started to rain. The first place she thought of to use for shelter was the Saotome compound. Which brings them back to now. Most are staring at her in shock.
Ranma: ... I can't believe this...
Leona: So... Akane hurt you than...
Kasumi nods her head.
Iori: That miserable, rotten whore! I should have killed her when I had the chance.
Ranma (Looks at Iori): I'm sorry I stopped you.
Iori just shakes his head in resignation.
Nodoka: So what now?
Kasumi: I don't know. All I know is that I had to get out of the rain, and you were the only ones I could think of. I am Sorry to be an inconvenience to you all.
Nodoka (Puts her hand on Kasumi's shoulder): Not at all Kasumi. As you said to me before, all you wanted was friendship. Please allow me to extend my friendship and hospitality to you.
Kasumi doesn't know what to say. They are all being very considerate to her. This is the first time someone ever cared about what she wanted. She's so happy that she starts to cry.
Ranma: Kasumi, what's wrong?
Kasumi (Smiles as the tears flow): I'm just so happy that you care...
Ranma hugs Kasumi and Kasumi hugs him back. Leona looks on with a smile on her face. She isn't jealous at all; she knows Kasumi is Ranma's friend. She was one of the few people that were actually nice to him while he stayed in Nerima. It still amazes her how Ranma can seem to touch people's lives and have such a positive effect. Severe, yes, but a positive effect nonetheless.
(------)
Rugal sits in the captain's quarters of the ship. He is making preparations. Tomorrow, the fights leave Japan and head to China. He is more than excited. Goenitz had informed him of the Tenth Hakkeshu's advancements in strength, and that they now have more than half the energy needed to put their plan into action. Rugal can taste the power on his tongue, that's how close they are. Rugal smiles wickedly to himself. He looks to the locations to see where he should hold the first fight in China.
Rugal: Hmm... Jusenkyo... The Springs of Sorrow... Hm hm hm hm hm...
(------)
End Chapter 24
Next Time: The Middle of the night aboard the Black Noah. Leona regains more of her memories, her true self. How will she handle knowing the truth about things she doesn't want to know?
Author's Note: Sorry to all that like Kasumi. I know the rule for Ranma 1/2 fanfiction of "Never hurt Kasumi Tendo, EVER!!!" But I felt that it was needed. So all of you Kasumi Tendo fans out there please understand this was needed for the story. Thank you.
Send your questions and comments to either RedPriest17@aol.com or Ryutsurugi@yahoo.com
This is RedPriest17, signing off.
Note: Flames will be read and than used to fuel the Orochi fire.