Hey all! What happened last chapter? No one reviewed! I feel so alone. but
it's all right, I still have another chapter for you, it's not over yet!
(Actually, it's not even close.) So I still want to hear what you think
about my plot and would appreciate it if you would correct any and all
mistakes you catch, since the deeper I get into a fic the more little
details I forget about, and the more I miss when I write. I don't care if
you're harsh; I can take it! - Maybe. Anyway, please enjoy
I don't own Ranma ½.
WARNING: This chapter isn't going to be so slapstick. or even remotely funny. It's more introspective and critical. But whatever, it's also sort of WAFFY for all of the cast, so enjoy!
*
Partial Eclipse
By Rio Grande
Chapter Seven: Taking A Step Back
*
Ritsuko let out another hacking cough, holding her throat with one hand as she held a blood soaked cloth to her mouth with the other. She had been choking up blood like this for nearly an hour, her internal wounds needing time to heal, even though she had the superior healing powers of a demon. That Sailor Scout and her little friend had most certainly done a number on her: But she would survive.
And then she'd come back, and beat the living daylights out of their obnoxious little bodies.
God! She couldn't wait until she had gathered all of the talismans, releasing her true, unchecked power, and got to see those little girl's (Well, technically, one of them was male. she was pretty sure.) heads spin. It would be a day that, alone, would give her enough hope to get better and continue her plans.
After all, no matter that her plague had been destroyed, she still had collected yet another talisman, so her mission was accomplished anyway. And those stupid cats probably didn't even know about it yet.
'Just two more. not including the one those bitches stole from me. When I finally obtain all of those talismans my power will reach it's maximum potential, and Earth shall know my true wrath!' This was the point where she would have cackled evilly, had her throat not been excruciatingly raw from coughing.
Hobbling weakly over to a corner of her darkly lit, and sparsely furnished apartment, Ritsuko reached a glass display case, which now held two pieces of finely made, ancient jewelry. One was the Glowing Necklace Of China, a definitely luminescent piece with a thick gold chain and sparkling white gem hanging off it; thus the name. It had been stolen from the museum. Next to it was the most recent occupant of the display case. a gold bracelet. It was thick and shining, small crystals littered around it haphazardly, giving it a drool worthy rich look. It was titled the Golden Wristlet of Power, and Ritsuko had nabbed it from a collector's house while everyone had still been under the potent affects of her spell. She could have found the other two still floating around Japan as well if those meddling kids hadn't gotten in her way! She should have just killed them when she had the chance!
On the other hand, she had discovered some very valuable information about the temporary Sailor Moon and her friend, thanks to her seeing mirror, and these tidings could very well prove to be the girl's undoing. especially now that she knew who all of the other scouts were, as well.
You see, after happening upon Akane's house after she had left it, Ritsuko had located the girl's diary! A marvelous thing that had told her much about Akane's life since she had met that fiancée of hers. Well, besides deciding that Akane was most definitely in love with that Ranma fellow, Ritsuko had also found Akane's archenemies, and used them against her in the last battle. That ingenious plan had almost worked, too.
In addition, Akane had also recorded in her diary the true identities of all of the provisional Sailor Scouts. Heck, the only thing the girl had left out was the scout's secret base! And Ritsuko was sure that, after a little more investigation, that problem could be rectified too.
'If not for the fact that I have been injured to the point of death, and that all of the new Sailor Scout's powers are escalating to heights that shouldn't be humanly possible. this was actually a very productive spell, over all.' Ritsuko decided with a grim expression on her face, letting herself sink to the ground, exhausted. 'However I need to act quickly if I want to reach my goal. and I can't do that just yet. maybe in a week. but. do I have that much time? I have to be the first one to get those talismans, and not let the scout team nab another, and that means I need something to occupy those girls with while I'm out! .'
Ritsuko frowned as she thought of her limited list of demon friends who could help her here. Most of them had been killed by the real Sailor Scouts years ago, and there wasn't much evil left on this Earth, because of it. Ritsuko let out a miserable groan as she realized there was suddenly only one demon left who could help her with this mission now.
'Well, he's IS in a lot better shape thanks to my spell. maybe.'
*
Akane sighed and rested her head her head against Ranma's back, letting the cool breeze flit around her hair, and letting her fatigued body finally take a breather, as she rested on the park bench of Nerima's playground with her fiancée.
The duo had wandered off, dog tired, after beating Ritsuko, and also after Shampoo and Ukyo had unexpectedly split. They had slipped into a currently abandoned café and finally gotten some hot water for Ranma, much to both of their relieves, and then decided that they would much rather hang around the playground for a while than go home where they were sure everyone was frantically trying to fix up the gigantic mess they had made.
As was evident from the people in the streets reactions, no one remembered what had transpired while under the spell, and were just generally confused as to why, when they awoke, they were clawing their way up a building in a ballerina outfit. This was just good and fine for Ranma and Akane though, seeing as how they didn't really feel like explaining what happened to anyone except the other Scouts, and decided it would be best if everyone would just forget what happened. It had been too weird to describe!
"Ranma?" Akane asked quietly, turning her head slightly to glance at Ranma, of who's back she was using for support.
"Hm?" he replied, softly.
"What do you think is going to happen to all of the dead bodies out there?"
"Um, I don't know, the same thing that happens to most dead bodies, I guess," Ranma said, shrugging.
"But there were so many. and everyone is going to find them just lying there." Akane sighed, shivering as she remembered all of those mutilated faces.
"Yeah, I know." Ranma said softly.
The two sat in silence again for a few minutes, taking comfort in simply their presences. It was plain to see something had blossomed between the two since the fight, and, unlike most other times when emotional things happened between them, they weren't avoiding it. In fact, they were basking in it, taking delight in that they could now be so at ease and honest around each other, now that both were positive the other knew basically how they felt. basically. There were still some more passionate emotions yet to be voiced, but generally, Ranma and Akane were pretty satisfied in that with that near death experience with Ritsuko, they had almost articulated some very deep confessions that they wouldn't be taking back. Ranma had told Akane he had always protected her (Which she, on some level, had always known.) and had almost told her he loved her as well. and she had wanted to hear it. She had been ready. Not to mention, between them, their love had created a moon staff that had destroyed the ugly demon.
It was pretty hard to go against something like that.
So now, there they were, leaning against one another in the vacant playground, waiting for the heat to die down, small smiles on both their faces.
"Ranma?" Akane asked again.
"Hm?" he replied once more.
".Are you mad at me?"
"What?" Ranma asked, taken off guard by the question, since he was most definitely feeling little to no angry thoughts at that moment, for the first time in a long time.
"I mean, about keeping the whole Sailor Scout thing to myself. and not telling you that others were scouts as well," she reiderated, letting out a small sigh as she realized what she had just said might ruin in the momentary truce between she and Ranma. She had liked that truce; it had made her feel. secure.
"Oh, that. Well. yeah, maybe a little," Akane bowed her head regretfully at this. "But not so much- I mean, I know you felt obligated to not tell me anything, because those were the rules given to you by the c- cats." Ranma said, swallowing the word carefully.
".Really?" Akane asked, softly, surprised he was being so reasonable, and looking at the situation from her point of view, a notion she rarely returned for him.
"Yeah, really. I mean, I wish you could have at LEAST told ME about all this. but, on the other hand, I don't know if I would have told you if the situations had been reversed," he admitted. Akane frowned as she thought about Ranma being a Sailor Scout (Ew, male Ranma in a fuku? Bad mental image! Bad mental image!) and not telling her about it, biting her lip at the protective feeling bubbling in her chest. She could understand how Ranma might be a little upset about it, and for once in her life, didn't begrudge him this feeling.
"I'm sorry Ranma," she said quickly, turning around to face him, looking normal again now that she was un-Sailor Moon-ified. "I promise I won't keep something like that from you again," This statement in itself was so wholly unexpected by Ranma, who had been counting on Akane getting huffy about his worries, no matter how reasonable, that he blinked a few times in confusion before responding.
"Oh. thanks, Akane," he said, warmly, a large smile gracing his lips. Wow! Something really HAD transpired between them, and it was definitely working out in his favor. Smiling cutely back, Akane rested her head on Ranma's shoulder, deciding she would be getting at least a good ten hours of sleep that night. Saving Tokyo was tiring work, and now she felt ready to hit the hay right then and there. Ranma's warm, muscular shoulder didn't really seem that bad a pillow at the moment, and she had never felt so utterly comfortable around the boy in her life, so ignoring the alluring soporific vibes beckoning her to dream land was getting harder and harder. Ranma glanced down at her affectionately once, before turning away to look at the darkening sky, a smile still etched on his face. This was definitely more how things should be.
Of course. there were still angry fiancées and Sailor Scout business to think about, but Ranma tried to push those thoughts away, to be dealt with later. He didn't want to think about anything besides how happy he was just then.
*
Shampoo quietly entered the Nekohatten, wincing even more as she saw how beaten up it was, most likely thanks to the customers who had gone berserk when the spell was cast. No one was in sight currently, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to be careful. she didn't feel like running into anyone just then.
Indeed, since she and Ukyo had had the additional spell cast on them, Shampoo could remember everything that had happened to her during the spell. From that rather embarrassing moment where she had been hopping like a bunny into the local shoe store, and had been nibbling on a boot, to the point where she had been trying to murder Akane, and had watched Ranma be so protective over her.
Shampoo took in a shuddering breath as she tried to block out the image of Ranma and Akane, kneeling together, and looking lovingly into one another's eyes after beating Ritsuko with that little. staff thing they had made together. It had been a scarring image that she had predicted long ago would take place, (Though possible with slightly different circumstances.) but had been trying to avoid since she came to Nerima.
Dammit, she didn't have a CHOICE about marrying Ranma! It just wasn't an option NOT to! How come no one, especially not that Akane, saw this? Ever since she had come to this town she had realized by the subtle looks and actions the two traded that there had been some definite chemistry between them, where she had Ranma just had sparks of action and lust. mainly enforced by Shampoo herself and very odd situations. The whole deal was discouraging to say the least when you had an entire village of warrior women back home, expecting you to return soon married to possibly the most powerful martial artist in the world. How could she pull something like that off when it was obvious Ranma was smitten with Akane now?
The fact that she had just discovered her true scout power in the form of the Sailor V beam did little to cheer Shampoo up when she thought about how this was all going to have a devastating affect on her social life. Also, Cologne wouldn't stand for it if she noticed Ranma and Akane getting too close.
The pretty Amazon had been just about ready to go up to her room and vent a little in private, when a faint shuffling sound off to her right took her by surprise.
"Mousse!" she gasped, watching the tall man come out of the kitchen, wearing his waiter's outfit and a scowl on his face. Shampoo noticed he was also sporting a broom, and was most likely preparing to clean the Nekohatten up, even though he had no idea what had caused all of the mess. Shampoo frowned; she positively didn't feel like talking to THIS man in particular. Out of everyone in Nerima, he was the one who understood the least that she could do nothing but marry Ranma, as was the law. And he was from her own tribe! How could he be so blind?! Oh, wait a minute.
"Shampoo!" he gasped, dropping the broom, and able to recognize the girl because he was currently wearing those impossibly thick glasses of his, as he often did in private. "Do you know what's going on here? What happened to the Nekohatten, and where's Cologne?" he asked quickly. Shampoo shook her head, pretending not to know, if not only to avoid the Amazon male completely.
"Shampoo no know," she explained quickly, turning to head up the stairs, and flinching as she was stopped once more by Mousse.
"Wait! Shampoo! Is everything. all right?" he asked holding a hand out to stop her. Shampoo sighed with her back turned to him.
"Yes Mousse. Shampoo is fine, now clean," she ordered sharply.
"But. you just look sort of upset is all," he explained, having lived with the girl for most of his life, and being easily able to read most of her emotions. Just then, she was undeniably troubled by something. Shampoo closed her eyes, and turned around, wondering if she would have been better off splashing him with some cold water and just leaving. Would have been less of a hassle.
"No. you is wrong. Shampoo is fine," she insisted, pretending that she was. Pretending that seeing Ranma and Akane, together, no matter that Ranma was female at the time, in love, was nothing to be worried about.
"I don't think so. I think something happened. I think you know about all this," Mousse said seriously, addressing the wreck that used to be a ramen restaurant. Shampoo frowned. Mousse rarely contradicted her, but when he did, he was usually right.
You don't know what you're talking about. Shampoo hissed softly, and switching over to mandarin. Honestly, she didn't need this right now.
Shampoo, please, just tell me what's wrong, Mousse pleaded in that ever pathetic voice, all the more piteous because he was so much taller than Shampoo, and she knew that he could have easily chained her to the wall just then if he put his mind to it. (Not that she wouldn't have quickly broken out of those chains. but still, it was the principle of the idea.)
She bit her lip as he took off his glasses, his soulful, though slightly blind it was true, brown eyes glittering with worry.
Damn him, she loved his eyes.
She loved them because they spoke of an easier time in life, when she was young in the village, those most popular and skilled little girl, with all of her friends. and Mousse. She and Mousse had always been friends when they were younger, and he hadn't been blind when he was little either, so whenever she looked into his eyes, she thought of her happy childhood before she came to Nerima. It was why she had told him she liked him without his glasses the first time, and it was why she was considering spilling her guts, now.
No matter how many times over she denied it, said that Mousse was nothing to her, lower than scum, weak as a baby. he was sort of her friend. When he had started romantically perusing her, it had created a dramatic rift in that friendship, but Shampoo knew that she could always count on Mousse when push came to shove. Always had been able to when she was back in the village, and would be able to now when it really counted.
That's why she liked Ranma so much; she knew he would always be there for everyone he knew, including herself, just like Mousse would always be there for her. Only thing was, Ranma was way stronger than Mousse . on the other hand, Ranma also seemed to favor saving Akane over everyone else at times.
With all of these thoughts coursing through her head, Shampoo almost felt like just surrendering and telling Mouse everything. from the Plague of Insanity to being a provisional Sailor Scout, to realizing that maybe she was really starting to loose Ranma forever. but she held back. No, she couldn't do that, couldn't allow herself to get closer to Mousse when she knew he loved her with all his heart. It would be leading him on, taking solace in him, when she had to be totally dedicated to Ranma, no matter what. She shook her head once, reaching out to Mousse. His eyes lit up happily as she touched him, frowning once more as he realized it was only to lift his hands with his glasses in them back to his face.
"Keep glasses on," she whispered thickly, before spinning on her heal and zipping upstairs before Mousse had a chance to protest.
*
Whereas Shampoo had wanted to let out her emotional frustrations privately, so that no one could see how deeply disturbed she was, Ukyo had no qualms with loudly storming into the Uchan, making a pained, guttural noise when she saw how messed up it was, and then stomping around it angrily as she tried to sort things out.
It had been hard to remember at first, but when her memories of that entire day had emerged, and finally reared their ugly faces, as no one else's seemed to be doing, she had been even more upset than when she had just been mad that she had caught Ranma and Akane sharing an obviously tender and affectionate moment. Something very uncharacteristic and disturbing for the couple, ten times more disturbing for the young chef. She pulled on her long, straight brown air as she walked in circles, eyes burning with confusion and disbelief. How could her RAN-CHAN be falling for AKANE? She had always known there was the risk that Ranma wouldn't marry her in the end. but to start getting mushy with Akane? The violent tomboy who jumped to conclusions about virtually everything Ranma did? It was preposterous, and it was making Ukyo crazy. SHE was the cute fiancée, the good friend, and how come Ranma hadn't thought about that before he had begun to fall in love with someone else?
Of course, this large revelation, as with Shampoo, wasn't something that had just suddenly hit Ukyo that day. It was a notion that had been building up for many months, and the two fiancées were finally starting to come to grips with, if not only because they had just had a bit of a slap in the face.
When Ukyo let out a despairing cry, and collapsed into a still intact chair with her head in her hands, it was then that Ryoga and Kontatsu*, who had been the process of cleaning up the Uchan, emerged from their protective corner to approach the scorned woman. Kontatsu inched up first, having dealt with the sixteen year olds impressive temper before, and deciding it would be best if he tried to subdue her first.
"Ukyo-sama? Are you okay?" he asked tentatively, wondering if it would be a wise idea to put a comforting hand on her shoulder or not. As Ukyo's head snapped up, a frightening scowl on her face, the cross dressing ninja decided that was a definitely BAD idea, actually. He unconsciously backed up into Ryoga, eyes wide. Something awfully disturbing must have happened! Poor Ukyo-sama.
"No, I'm not! And I'd appreciate it if everyone just left be alone!" she barked, wanting to simply cry until she had sobbed out all of her pain and didn't have to burden Ranma with her anger. she didn't need to be mad at HIM. It wasn't HIS fault; Akane had obviously tricked him. somehow.
"But Ukyo-sama! I'm very worried-!"
"Just GO Kontatsu!" Ukyo wailed, gripping her head, and trying to block his worried words out. She didn't want anyone to pity her! Why did he pity her like that? He always did this!
"Y-yes Ukyo-sama," A slightly broken Kontatsu murmured, hurrying away, and realizing that Ukyo was just in one of her moods. and that it would pass. but it still hurt. Ryoga frowned after the dark haired ninja, clenching his fists.
"Ukyo," he said, seriously, his voice deep and painfully blatant. "I know you're upset about something, but you didn't have to take it out on Kontatsu. It's not HIS fault the Uchan got trashed. In fact, I don't even know how it happened, and I was here the whole time!" Ryoga admitted, folding his arms. Ukyo had been pretty snappy with that poor guy, and Ryoga felt it was his duty to point out that Ukyo was being a bitch.
"That's not what I'm mad about," she ground out, lowering her hands, and taking in deep breathes. It was all just too much. Ritsuko, the curse, her restaurant. everything. "Okay, well maybe it is partially that. but it's other stuff too," she admitted.
"Like?" Ryoga asked, raising an eyebrow. Ukyo looked up at him, her eyes still watering. Well, at least he wasn't pitying her. because she did NOT need to be pitied! She would have Ranma back! And whereas she knew Kontatsu couldn't understand her need to be with Ran-chan, Ryoga just might, if not only because he wanted to be with Akane.
"I. I don't know what to do about Ran-chan. I don't want to let him go.But." Ukyo confessed quietly, standing up so she could look the master of Shi Shi Hokudan in the eye.
"But?" he pressed, his voice caring, but at the same time not too caring. It was the tone of voice Ukyo needed to snap her out of her funk.
"But I think he doesn't want to be with me. I think he likes someone else," Ukyo said, leaving that someone else unnamed. No need to disconcert Ryoga as well. Ryoga snorted contemptuously at her comment.
"Well then screw that butt face! If he doesn't want to be with someone as fun and pretty as you are, who needs him?" he asked shortly.
"Oh. Ryoga." she said, softly. When was the last time someone had complimented her on anything other than her cooking? Did Ryoga realize how flattering he was being? He certainly didn't show it. "But I love him," she decided to protest.
"Why? When was the last time he took you out on a date, told you how special you were, or helped you out? He obviously has other things on his mind," Ryoga huffed, obviously not so much thinking about how great Ukyo was, but at how much he despised Ranma currently, mainly for getting too close to his beloved Akane.
Even though when he said 'other things on his mind', Ukyo knew he was referring to missing important fights that had been prescheduled, or going out and womanizing innocent girls. it had the same effect on her. He had other things on his mind. other people. he was worried about Akane, and thought about her feelings all the time. Noticed them. Not Ukyo's.
"I-I." Ukyo tried, her throat closing up, and a hand going up to her mouth as she tried to process everything. Unwittingly, Ryoga had just told Ukyo possibly some of the most valuable information she could have gotten from anyone else that day. The truth was hard to swallow, but he had nailed it on the head, and had been relentless.
She thanked him for it.
"Oh God Ryoga!" Ukyo cried, throwing herself into the surprised boy's arms. He stood rigid and stunned for a second, glancing cautiously at the pretty girl that had attached herself to his muscular torso. he squeezed his eyes shut and prayed that his nose would cooperate just this once and not start gushing blood all of Ukyo. "I think I've been really wrong. about some things," she admitted, sniffling.
"Oh, I'm sure. you haven't been." Ryoga stuttered cautiously, still not warming up to Ukyo's hug.
"No, but I have." she said, her sniffles converting to all out sobs, as she admitted a lot of things to herself, one of them being she still had a lot of other things to admit. They were just too hard to come to terms with just then.
Now, if there was one thing Ryoga hated, it was a girl crying. So, in an effort to quiet the usually strong Ukyo's wails, he wrapped his arms around her as well, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. His eyes were half lidded as he decided that whoever had made Ukyo cry so much was going to pay. the poor girl was a total innocent, and their was only one person who could be responsible for such a travesty.
Ranma Saotome.
And as Ryoga continued to hold Ukyo to him, mentally conniving a million and one plans to take Ranma down . he didn't noticed a certain ninja, tactfully hidden by the shadows, watching the exchange with a deep, aggrieved frown.
How could this have happened?
*
"Hey Kuno, come look at this!" Nabiki called over to the bokken wielding upperclassman. Kuno turned around, and walked over to the window Nabiki was staring out of. Glancing downwards, he spotted at least fifty, completely random civilians, scratching their heads with general confusion and wandering off the his property, a new collection of wild scrapes and dents littering the Kuno mansion's walls. as though many people had been attacking it... Or trying to push it over.
"Very odd," Kuno conceded. Although, many odd things had just recently happened to him. One minute, he had been lying in his bed, listening to Nabiki review what had happened in class the previous Friday, since he had still been ailed with a violent case of the flu, and the next thing he knew he was in his hall way, a toothbrush in one hand, and a blow- dryer in the other. He had been very puzzled as to just what he was doing, when Nabiki had come skidding around the hall, looking quite distraught indeed, and wearing one of his own robes.
Yeah, he was still a little confused about that one.
And so was Nabiki for that matter, although she didn't mention anything, because most of her answers lied in the possibility that this had to do with Ritsuko and the Sailor Scouts. Call it a gut feeling, but, looking outside, and seeing many people looking just as confused as she had been, not to mention many ruined houses and shops. she knew this was the work of the bad guys.
Nabiki was just glad she had come to give class work to Kuno that day, instead of staying home. Who knows was sort of hell could have been going on THERE if she had been running around in Kuno's robes, HERE? Best not to dwell on it. just be thankful.
Sighing, she turned back around, glancing at Kuno was sitting on the edge of his bed again, still a bit weakened with his flu (MUCH to his chagrin) flipping through the work Nabiki had given him. He took her by surprise, a little, when he glanced up with an almost totally normal and even attractive expression on his face.
"Kuno?" she asked, wondering what was on his mind. He kept looking at her, apparently all thoughts about what a weird day he had just had pushed to the back of his mind. It wasn't as though it was anything NEW really, his life was generally, as a rule, ALWAYS pretty messed up. But this.
"I want to thank you, for bringing me my school work, for all these many days I have been sick," he said in his strong, proper voice. Nabiki sighed, trying not to look uncomfortable at the sudden compliment, and shrugged.
"It's no problem. You're my biggest client, Kuno-baby, and I always bring you your homework when you're sick," she reminded him.
"Yes... and I don't think I've ever really thanked you for it," Kuno said, nodding. And with that eerily NORMAL voice again? Nabiki was confused, this was not the passionate, insane, ranting Kuno-baby she was accustomed to, and his strangely enticing attitude was making her nervous. Enticing? Okay. Time to go.
"Well, like I said, it's no problem," she commented, gathering her things, now that she was changed back into her normal clothes. of which she had found in the microwave down stairs. thankfully uncooked. "And if you're still sick on Monday, I'll bring you you're homework then too,"
"Thank you," Argh!!! Stop it!
"Whatever, see you later Kuno-baby. get better!" she called, dashing out of the room, and deciding that maybe being at her hellish house was better than being in the uncomfortable atmosphere of Kuno's room. It was true, ever since she could remember, whenever he was sick, Nabiki would come over to Kuno's and give him his homework. And when she was sick, (a rare occasion if there ever was one.) Kuno would get the homework, and then give it to Akane to give to her. It was just a cycle that had been going on for a while, and even though she never told anyone she was going over to stay at Kuno's after school everyday. she really hadn't though much of it. It made her slightly edgy that suddenly Kuno did.
'Ha, what am I stressing over? He's head over heals for not only Akane, but his 'pigtailed goddess'!' Nabiki scoffed reassuringly. 'I'll bring him some candid shots of the two tomorrow, and then his mind will be off me!' she decided, wondering why, in the back of her head, a little voice was telling her that she didn't actually mind that Kuno was suddenly paying attention to her. no matter how abrupt it was.
'Whatever, I have to worry about the Sailor Scout crap now, and figure out what happened today!' the Ice Queen of Furiken decided firmly, stalking off back towards her house. hands shaking.
*
By the time Ranma and Akane decided to mosey on back to the house, it was evening. They predicted that Kasumi and Nadoka would probably have thing in order by this time, and that they wouldn't have to deal with much of Soun's hysteric panic attacks.
Ranma had carefully nudged Akane awake, watching regretfully as she raised her head from his lap (Where she had fell after a while of dozing) regretfully admitting that it was six, and they should get back to the house if they wanted dinner. Akane had to admit, after her nap she was starving, so she followed Ranma out of the playground, eyes widening as he clasped her hand in his while he traveled. A blush spread over her features, and a small smile reappeared on her face. Ranma looked distinctly embarrassed, but pleased he had had the guts to pull that one off.
And now they were a mere block away from home, chatting lightly and wondering what to tell the folks when they questioned them about where they had been, and why they didn't have the supplies for dinner after all this time.
"It's not like anyone will care if we were out together all day," Ranma pointed out, thinking of their slightly obsessive fathers.
"Point," Akane laughed, amazed she was talking this light heartedly with her fiancée, but loving every minute of it. Was this how things were always supposed to be? "We're probably the only couple in the world whose parents REALLY want them to be together all the time." She added jovially.
"Couple." Ranma breathed, stopping in front of the house, and looking down at the smaller girl in surprise. Akane bit her lip, realizing what she'd just let slip out. a not yet voiced wish, a silent hope. she averted her gaze, blushing some more.
"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say. I mean I did I just-"
"Hey! Akane." Ranma said, squeezing her hand, and making her look back up at him. He hated it when she got all quiet and demure, and was no longer the strong tomboy he loved. That was what he admired about her, after all. Her fire! Her confidence. No matter that he called her a stubborn mule. He never really meant anything he called her. "I liked it. the way you put it. couple," he confirmed, a bit uneasily himself. Akane looked stunned for a beat, before letting out a sigh of relief and throwing her arms around him.
"Good." She said firmly. "Because I would have been pretty angry if you didn't," Ranma smiled now too. That was his Akane.
Pulling her away from him, on impulse, Ranma looked down into her eyes, and suddenly knew exactly what he wanted to do. and for the first time in his life, wasn't worried about what Akane was going to think. Because he already knew.
Akane let out a small gasp as Ranma leaned down to kiss her, and jumped slightly. But soon she found that it wasn't so bad, this kissing, and returned the boy's sentiments in full, leaning into the kiss and slowly closing her eyes. Ranma bravely put his arms around her waist, and Akane braced her hands on his chest. This felt so right. Why hadn't they tried it before, besides that one time on the roof? Why had they been so dead against it?
They were both starting to wonder how long they could keep this up without coming up for air. when a distinct 'Ahem' sounded off from the side.
"Eeep!" the couple gasped, snapping apart, and starting to run out of ways to blush. Happy with the position their relationship was in now or not, they weren't totally positive if they were okay with being caught passionately kissing in front of their house. They would have to talk about that one.
Luckily, the person, or rather, people, who had interrupted the two was no one terribly important. It wasn't a fiancée who would have undoubtedly gone into a blind rage and hurled themselves at the couple, it wasn't Nabiki there to take some shots, and it wasn't any parents, eager for the wedding and . grandchildren. It was just two random freaks, and that was better than someone they actually knew any day.
"Um, hello." Ranma offered, raising an eyebrow at the male and female standing a few feet away from he and Akane. What did these two think they were doing, breaking up the kiss? He had been enjoying that! Suddenly, looking at the man, who had jarringly familiar silver hair. something clicked. "And- waitasecond! You're the dude from before!" Ranma exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Artemis, still wearing that vivid white suit.
"And you're the woman from my dream, all those nights ago, before I became a scout!" Akane added, looking at the dark haired woman, and recognizing her by her vibrant yellow dress. The woman seemed amused by this, giggling lightly.
"Akane. it's me! Luna!" Luna said, her voice definitely matching the cats.
"But-but Luna you're supposed to be a cat!" Akane pointed out, frowning. What was this? Some sort of trick?
"Luna and I have human forms as well," Artemis explained, putting a hand on Luna's shoulder.
"Artemis?" Akane questioned, recognizing the feline's voice.
"The one and only," he joked.
"Heyyy. how come you were in my room the other night?" Ranma asked, narrowing his eyes accusingly at Artemis, who suddenly looked a little nervous.
"You were in his room last night?" Luna asked Artemis sharply, staring up at him. Artemis made a protective motion with his hands, and mumbled out some pretty lame sounding excuses. Akane and Ranma traded skeptical glances. Riiight.
"I told you not to involve him before, but you went ahead and tried it anyway, didn't you?" Luna asked, folding her arms censoriously.
"But. but look how it turned out!" Artemis said, motioning to Ranma.
"But what if it hadn't?!"
"But it did!"
"Honestly Art, sometimes I just want to-"
"Hey! Luna! Artemis! Get a grip!" Akane interrupted, coming between the arguing pair. "Could you please just tell us what you want, so I can go inside? I'm sort of really hungry and tired," At Akane's words, Luna's expression softened.
"Of course Akane, I understand. And.first off, I'd really like to congratulate you on doing what you did to Ritsuko- good job!" the guardian gushed, obviously very proud of her newly acquired student.
"Yes Akane, great work. And you too Ranma," Artemis added, nodding in the boy's direction, and apparently forgiving him for all past qualms. Like that time he had refused to help the scouts and had kicked him out of his room.
"Thanks," Ranma and Akane said in unison, nodding their heads.
"Really Ranma, we wanted to thank you so much for doing all that you could when this isn't even your job. or Akane's for that matter," Luna sighed, folding her arms. "And seeing as how you two worked well together, and were able to conjure the moon wand, a feat we had previously deemed impossible by someone who wasn't a true scout. Artemis and I have decided to invite you to be on the team," she admitted, looking Ranma in his deep blue eyes.
Well, it had never occurred to Ranma that he WASN'T going to be in on all this Sailor Scout business now that he knew Akane was a part of it; he wasn't going to let her do this alone. But now that he had been officially requested to join, it felt a lot better, he had to admit.
"Cool, I'm in," he replied simply, nodding.
"Oh, sure, you agree when SHE asks you, but when it's ME-" Artemis growled, folding his arms, and nearly choking on his tongue when Luna elbowed him hard in the ribs.
"Well, thank you again kids for all of your cooperation," Luna sighed, signaling that the two could go back home now and get some sleep. She was surprised they weren't counting sheep already- the old Sailor Moon ALWAYS fainted after she did practically anything.
"It's no problem Luna, but. I have one question," Akane admitted.
"What is it dear?" Luna asked.
"Well. if you two could turn into humans this whole time, how come you didn't do it before if you knew it made Ranma so crazy?" she asked blatantly. Ranma suddenly got a speculative look on his face as well, glimpsing expectantly at Luna and Artemis.
"Because we wanted to see him SQUIRM," Artemis cackled evilly, before getting elbowed yet again by his long time partner.
"ACTUALLY, the thing is, without our princess around to supply us with power, it's very hard to convert to these forms, or even stay in them. We only do it when it's truly necessary, and since Art and I have officially decided to let Ranma on board, we decided this qualified as one of those times." She explained. Akane and Ranma nodded their heads in understanding, sniggering as Luna dragged Artemis off. Wow, they had no idea Luna could be so domineering! "Well, bye kids, see you later! We'll be holding another meeting tomorrow!."
"Bye," Ranma and Akane called together, waving as both guardians disappeared in a barrage of flower petals and light, going to wherever it was they stayed when they weren't with the scouts.
Ranma turned back to Akane, heaving a sigh. Akane smiled wryly at him, shaking her head.
"Pretty weird, hu?" she asked.
"Ah, no more weird than everything else that happens here," Ranma pointed out, chuckling somberly.
"Guess that's true," Akane sighed, turning to head into the house now, with Ranma doing that thing where he held her hand.and made her feel all happy inside.
"Shall we?" Ranma asked, opening the door to the Tendou's home, and giving a smile he now reserved only for his girlfriend now. a smile that made her melt every time.
"We shall,"
*
In the darkness, the one who had observed everyone that day, from that little Amazon girl and her blind friend, to Sailor Moon and her sex- changing beau, cackled softly, dancing from foot to foot happily. Ritsuko had been very right to give him this job! He knew just what to do with this group! Just what to do!
Slinking out of the shadows (it was so much easier to move around at night, when most of the lights had retreated for the day.) Miji hobbled around the street, a broad smile on his distorted face, his body still very solid now, thanks to all of the chaotic emotions Ritsuko had so kindly dished to him earlier with her spell. He had to get started on his plan if he wanted it to be in affect by tomorrow, yes he did. Ritsuko said to drag his plot out for as long as he could, since she needed to heal, and if everything went according to plan, tomorrow would be excruciatingly long for the scouts and their loved ones indeed.
*
*Kontatsu- Is that how you spell it? I really have no idea.
* Author's Notes: Okay, I just wrote this entire thing in four hours. FOUR HOURS. That's a long time to be sitting down. but since I'm ill with a cold it's okay. I don't have anything better to do anyway. PLEASE review this chapter guys, I need some encouragement! Sorry this was so utterly not funny, but next chapter is not going to be overly better. Everything was so WAFFY! Not to mention this one was short. Next chapter won't be short. So that's good. I think. Anyway, happy holidays if you celebrate, and have a nice day!
Rio Grande~
I don't own Ranma ½.
WARNING: This chapter isn't going to be so slapstick. or even remotely funny. It's more introspective and critical. But whatever, it's also sort of WAFFY for all of the cast, so enjoy!
*
Partial Eclipse
By Rio Grande
Chapter Seven: Taking A Step Back
*
Ritsuko let out another hacking cough, holding her throat with one hand as she held a blood soaked cloth to her mouth with the other. She had been choking up blood like this for nearly an hour, her internal wounds needing time to heal, even though she had the superior healing powers of a demon. That Sailor Scout and her little friend had most certainly done a number on her: But she would survive.
And then she'd come back, and beat the living daylights out of their obnoxious little bodies.
God! She couldn't wait until she had gathered all of the talismans, releasing her true, unchecked power, and got to see those little girl's (Well, technically, one of them was male. she was pretty sure.) heads spin. It would be a day that, alone, would give her enough hope to get better and continue her plans.
After all, no matter that her plague had been destroyed, she still had collected yet another talisman, so her mission was accomplished anyway. And those stupid cats probably didn't even know about it yet.
'Just two more. not including the one those bitches stole from me. When I finally obtain all of those talismans my power will reach it's maximum potential, and Earth shall know my true wrath!' This was the point where she would have cackled evilly, had her throat not been excruciatingly raw from coughing.
Hobbling weakly over to a corner of her darkly lit, and sparsely furnished apartment, Ritsuko reached a glass display case, which now held two pieces of finely made, ancient jewelry. One was the Glowing Necklace Of China, a definitely luminescent piece with a thick gold chain and sparkling white gem hanging off it; thus the name. It had been stolen from the museum. Next to it was the most recent occupant of the display case. a gold bracelet. It was thick and shining, small crystals littered around it haphazardly, giving it a drool worthy rich look. It was titled the Golden Wristlet of Power, and Ritsuko had nabbed it from a collector's house while everyone had still been under the potent affects of her spell. She could have found the other two still floating around Japan as well if those meddling kids hadn't gotten in her way! She should have just killed them when she had the chance!
On the other hand, she had discovered some very valuable information about the temporary Sailor Moon and her friend, thanks to her seeing mirror, and these tidings could very well prove to be the girl's undoing. especially now that she knew who all of the other scouts were, as well.
You see, after happening upon Akane's house after she had left it, Ritsuko had located the girl's diary! A marvelous thing that had told her much about Akane's life since she had met that fiancée of hers. Well, besides deciding that Akane was most definitely in love with that Ranma fellow, Ritsuko had also found Akane's archenemies, and used them against her in the last battle. That ingenious plan had almost worked, too.
In addition, Akane had also recorded in her diary the true identities of all of the provisional Sailor Scouts. Heck, the only thing the girl had left out was the scout's secret base! And Ritsuko was sure that, after a little more investigation, that problem could be rectified too.
'If not for the fact that I have been injured to the point of death, and that all of the new Sailor Scout's powers are escalating to heights that shouldn't be humanly possible. this was actually a very productive spell, over all.' Ritsuko decided with a grim expression on her face, letting herself sink to the ground, exhausted. 'However I need to act quickly if I want to reach my goal. and I can't do that just yet. maybe in a week. but. do I have that much time? I have to be the first one to get those talismans, and not let the scout team nab another, and that means I need something to occupy those girls with while I'm out! .'
Ritsuko frowned as she thought of her limited list of demon friends who could help her here. Most of them had been killed by the real Sailor Scouts years ago, and there wasn't much evil left on this Earth, because of it. Ritsuko let out a miserable groan as she realized there was suddenly only one demon left who could help her with this mission now.
'Well, he's IS in a lot better shape thanks to my spell. maybe.'
*
Akane sighed and rested her head her head against Ranma's back, letting the cool breeze flit around her hair, and letting her fatigued body finally take a breather, as she rested on the park bench of Nerima's playground with her fiancée.
The duo had wandered off, dog tired, after beating Ritsuko, and also after Shampoo and Ukyo had unexpectedly split. They had slipped into a currently abandoned café and finally gotten some hot water for Ranma, much to both of their relieves, and then decided that they would much rather hang around the playground for a while than go home where they were sure everyone was frantically trying to fix up the gigantic mess they had made.
As was evident from the people in the streets reactions, no one remembered what had transpired while under the spell, and were just generally confused as to why, when they awoke, they were clawing their way up a building in a ballerina outfit. This was just good and fine for Ranma and Akane though, seeing as how they didn't really feel like explaining what happened to anyone except the other Scouts, and decided it would be best if everyone would just forget what happened. It had been too weird to describe!
"Ranma?" Akane asked quietly, turning her head slightly to glance at Ranma, of who's back she was using for support.
"Hm?" he replied, softly.
"What do you think is going to happen to all of the dead bodies out there?"
"Um, I don't know, the same thing that happens to most dead bodies, I guess," Ranma said, shrugging.
"But there were so many. and everyone is going to find them just lying there." Akane sighed, shivering as she remembered all of those mutilated faces.
"Yeah, I know." Ranma said softly.
The two sat in silence again for a few minutes, taking comfort in simply their presences. It was plain to see something had blossomed between the two since the fight, and, unlike most other times when emotional things happened between them, they weren't avoiding it. In fact, they were basking in it, taking delight in that they could now be so at ease and honest around each other, now that both were positive the other knew basically how they felt. basically. There were still some more passionate emotions yet to be voiced, but generally, Ranma and Akane were pretty satisfied in that with that near death experience with Ritsuko, they had almost articulated some very deep confessions that they wouldn't be taking back. Ranma had told Akane he had always protected her (Which she, on some level, had always known.) and had almost told her he loved her as well. and she had wanted to hear it. She had been ready. Not to mention, between them, their love had created a moon staff that had destroyed the ugly demon.
It was pretty hard to go against something like that.
So now, there they were, leaning against one another in the vacant playground, waiting for the heat to die down, small smiles on both their faces.
"Ranma?" Akane asked again.
"Hm?" he replied once more.
".Are you mad at me?"
"What?" Ranma asked, taken off guard by the question, since he was most definitely feeling little to no angry thoughts at that moment, for the first time in a long time.
"I mean, about keeping the whole Sailor Scout thing to myself. and not telling you that others were scouts as well," she reiderated, letting out a small sigh as she realized what she had just said might ruin in the momentary truce between she and Ranma. She had liked that truce; it had made her feel. secure.
"Oh, that. Well. yeah, maybe a little," Akane bowed her head regretfully at this. "But not so much- I mean, I know you felt obligated to not tell me anything, because those were the rules given to you by the c- cats." Ranma said, swallowing the word carefully.
".Really?" Akane asked, softly, surprised he was being so reasonable, and looking at the situation from her point of view, a notion she rarely returned for him.
"Yeah, really. I mean, I wish you could have at LEAST told ME about all this. but, on the other hand, I don't know if I would have told you if the situations had been reversed," he admitted. Akane frowned as she thought about Ranma being a Sailor Scout (Ew, male Ranma in a fuku? Bad mental image! Bad mental image!) and not telling her about it, biting her lip at the protective feeling bubbling in her chest. She could understand how Ranma might be a little upset about it, and for once in her life, didn't begrudge him this feeling.
"I'm sorry Ranma," she said quickly, turning around to face him, looking normal again now that she was un-Sailor Moon-ified. "I promise I won't keep something like that from you again," This statement in itself was so wholly unexpected by Ranma, who had been counting on Akane getting huffy about his worries, no matter how reasonable, that he blinked a few times in confusion before responding.
"Oh. thanks, Akane," he said, warmly, a large smile gracing his lips. Wow! Something really HAD transpired between them, and it was definitely working out in his favor. Smiling cutely back, Akane rested her head on Ranma's shoulder, deciding she would be getting at least a good ten hours of sleep that night. Saving Tokyo was tiring work, and now she felt ready to hit the hay right then and there. Ranma's warm, muscular shoulder didn't really seem that bad a pillow at the moment, and she had never felt so utterly comfortable around the boy in her life, so ignoring the alluring soporific vibes beckoning her to dream land was getting harder and harder. Ranma glanced down at her affectionately once, before turning away to look at the darkening sky, a smile still etched on his face. This was definitely more how things should be.
Of course. there were still angry fiancées and Sailor Scout business to think about, but Ranma tried to push those thoughts away, to be dealt with later. He didn't want to think about anything besides how happy he was just then.
*
Shampoo quietly entered the Nekohatten, wincing even more as she saw how beaten up it was, most likely thanks to the customers who had gone berserk when the spell was cast. No one was in sight currently, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to be careful. she didn't feel like running into anyone just then.
Indeed, since she and Ukyo had had the additional spell cast on them, Shampoo could remember everything that had happened to her during the spell. From that rather embarrassing moment where she had been hopping like a bunny into the local shoe store, and had been nibbling on a boot, to the point where she had been trying to murder Akane, and had watched Ranma be so protective over her.
Shampoo took in a shuddering breath as she tried to block out the image of Ranma and Akane, kneeling together, and looking lovingly into one another's eyes after beating Ritsuko with that little. staff thing they had made together. It had been a scarring image that she had predicted long ago would take place, (Though possible with slightly different circumstances.) but had been trying to avoid since she came to Nerima.
Dammit, she didn't have a CHOICE about marrying Ranma! It just wasn't an option NOT to! How come no one, especially not that Akane, saw this? Ever since she had come to this town she had realized by the subtle looks and actions the two traded that there had been some definite chemistry between them, where she had Ranma just had sparks of action and lust. mainly enforced by Shampoo herself and very odd situations. The whole deal was discouraging to say the least when you had an entire village of warrior women back home, expecting you to return soon married to possibly the most powerful martial artist in the world. How could she pull something like that off when it was obvious Ranma was smitten with Akane now?
The fact that she had just discovered her true scout power in the form of the Sailor V beam did little to cheer Shampoo up when she thought about how this was all going to have a devastating affect on her social life. Also, Cologne wouldn't stand for it if she noticed Ranma and Akane getting too close.
The pretty Amazon had been just about ready to go up to her room and vent a little in private, when a faint shuffling sound off to her right took her by surprise.
"Mousse!" she gasped, watching the tall man come out of the kitchen, wearing his waiter's outfit and a scowl on his face. Shampoo noticed he was also sporting a broom, and was most likely preparing to clean the Nekohatten up, even though he had no idea what had caused all of the mess. Shampoo frowned; she positively didn't feel like talking to THIS man in particular. Out of everyone in Nerima, he was the one who understood the least that she could do nothing but marry Ranma, as was the law. And he was from her own tribe! How could he be so blind?! Oh, wait a minute.
"Shampoo!" he gasped, dropping the broom, and able to recognize the girl because he was currently wearing those impossibly thick glasses of his, as he often did in private. "Do you know what's going on here? What happened to the Nekohatten, and where's Cologne?" he asked quickly. Shampoo shook her head, pretending not to know, if not only to avoid the Amazon male completely.
"Shampoo no know," she explained quickly, turning to head up the stairs, and flinching as she was stopped once more by Mousse.
"Wait! Shampoo! Is everything. all right?" he asked holding a hand out to stop her. Shampoo sighed with her back turned to him.
"Yes Mousse. Shampoo is fine, now clean," she ordered sharply.
"But. you just look sort of upset is all," he explained, having lived with the girl for most of his life, and being easily able to read most of her emotions. Just then, she was undeniably troubled by something. Shampoo closed her eyes, and turned around, wondering if she would have been better off splashing him with some cold water and just leaving. Would have been less of a hassle.
"No. you is wrong. Shampoo is fine," she insisted, pretending that she was. Pretending that seeing Ranma and Akane, together, no matter that Ranma was female at the time, in love, was nothing to be worried about.
"I don't think so. I think something happened. I think you know about all this," Mousse said seriously, addressing the wreck that used to be a ramen restaurant. Shampoo frowned. Mousse rarely contradicted her, but when he did, he was usually right.
You don't know what you're talking about. Shampoo hissed softly, and switching over to mandarin. Honestly, she didn't need this right now.
Shampoo, please, just tell me what's wrong, Mousse pleaded in that ever pathetic voice, all the more piteous because he was so much taller than Shampoo, and she knew that he could have easily chained her to the wall just then if he put his mind to it. (Not that she wouldn't have quickly broken out of those chains. but still, it was the principle of the idea.)
She bit her lip as he took off his glasses, his soulful, though slightly blind it was true, brown eyes glittering with worry.
Damn him, she loved his eyes.
She loved them because they spoke of an easier time in life, when she was young in the village, those most popular and skilled little girl, with all of her friends. and Mousse. She and Mousse had always been friends when they were younger, and he hadn't been blind when he was little either, so whenever she looked into his eyes, she thought of her happy childhood before she came to Nerima. It was why she had told him she liked him without his glasses the first time, and it was why she was considering spilling her guts, now.
No matter how many times over she denied it, said that Mousse was nothing to her, lower than scum, weak as a baby. he was sort of her friend. When he had started romantically perusing her, it had created a dramatic rift in that friendship, but Shampoo knew that she could always count on Mousse when push came to shove. Always had been able to when she was back in the village, and would be able to now when it really counted.
That's why she liked Ranma so much; she knew he would always be there for everyone he knew, including herself, just like Mousse would always be there for her. Only thing was, Ranma was way stronger than Mousse . on the other hand, Ranma also seemed to favor saving Akane over everyone else at times.
With all of these thoughts coursing through her head, Shampoo almost felt like just surrendering and telling Mouse everything. from the Plague of Insanity to being a provisional Sailor Scout, to realizing that maybe she was really starting to loose Ranma forever. but she held back. No, she couldn't do that, couldn't allow herself to get closer to Mousse when she knew he loved her with all his heart. It would be leading him on, taking solace in him, when she had to be totally dedicated to Ranma, no matter what. She shook her head once, reaching out to Mousse. His eyes lit up happily as she touched him, frowning once more as he realized it was only to lift his hands with his glasses in them back to his face.
"Keep glasses on," she whispered thickly, before spinning on her heal and zipping upstairs before Mousse had a chance to protest.
*
Whereas Shampoo had wanted to let out her emotional frustrations privately, so that no one could see how deeply disturbed she was, Ukyo had no qualms with loudly storming into the Uchan, making a pained, guttural noise when she saw how messed up it was, and then stomping around it angrily as she tried to sort things out.
It had been hard to remember at first, but when her memories of that entire day had emerged, and finally reared their ugly faces, as no one else's seemed to be doing, she had been even more upset than when she had just been mad that she had caught Ranma and Akane sharing an obviously tender and affectionate moment. Something very uncharacteristic and disturbing for the couple, ten times more disturbing for the young chef. She pulled on her long, straight brown air as she walked in circles, eyes burning with confusion and disbelief. How could her RAN-CHAN be falling for AKANE? She had always known there was the risk that Ranma wouldn't marry her in the end. but to start getting mushy with Akane? The violent tomboy who jumped to conclusions about virtually everything Ranma did? It was preposterous, and it was making Ukyo crazy. SHE was the cute fiancée, the good friend, and how come Ranma hadn't thought about that before he had begun to fall in love with someone else?
Of course, this large revelation, as with Shampoo, wasn't something that had just suddenly hit Ukyo that day. It was a notion that had been building up for many months, and the two fiancées were finally starting to come to grips with, if not only because they had just had a bit of a slap in the face.
When Ukyo let out a despairing cry, and collapsed into a still intact chair with her head in her hands, it was then that Ryoga and Kontatsu*, who had been the process of cleaning up the Uchan, emerged from their protective corner to approach the scorned woman. Kontatsu inched up first, having dealt with the sixteen year olds impressive temper before, and deciding it would be best if he tried to subdue her first.
"Ukyo-sama? Are you okay?" he asked tentatively, wondering if it would be a wise idea to put a comforting hand on her shoulder or not. As Ukyo's head snapped up, a frightening scowl on her face, the cross dressing ninja decided that was a definitely BAD idea, actually. He unconsciously backed up into Ryoga, eyes wide. Something awfully disturbing must have happened! Poor Ukyo-sama.
"No, I'm not! And I'd appreciate it if everyone just left be alone!" she barked, wanting to simply cry until she had sobbed out all of her pain and didn't have to burden Ranma with her anger. she didn't need to be mad at HIM. It wasn't HIS fault; Akane had obviously tricked him. somehow.
"But Ukyo-sama! I'm very worried-!"
"Just GO Kontatsu!" Ukyo wailed, gripping her head, and trying to block his worried words out. She didn't want anyone to pity her! Why did he pity her like that? He always did this!
"Y-yes Ukyo-sama," A slightly broken Kontatsu murmured, hurrying away, and realizing that Ukyo was just in one of her moods. and that it would pass. but it still hurt. Ryoga frowned after the dark haired ninja, clenching his fists.
"Ukyo," he said, seriously, his voice deep and painfully blatant. "I know you're upset about something, but you didn't have to take it out on Kontatsu. It's not HIS fault the Uchan got trashed. In fact, I don't even know how it happened, and I was here the whole time!" Ryoga admitted, folding his arms. Ukyo had been pretty snappy with that poor guy, and Ryoga felt it was his duty to point out that Ukyo was being a bitch.
"That's not what I'm mad about," she ground out, lowering her hands, and taking in deep breathes. It was all just too much. Ritsuko, the curse, her restaurant. everything. "Okay, well maybe it is partially that. but it's other stuff too," she admitted.
"Like?" Ryoga asked, raising an eyebrow. Ukyo looked up at him, her eyes still watering. Well, at least he wasn't pitying her. because she did NOT need to be pitied! She would have Ranma back! And whereas she knew Kontatsu couldn't understand her need to be with Ran-chan, Ryoga just might, if not only because he wanted to be with Akane.
"I. I don't know what to do about Ran-chan. I don't want to let him go.But." Ukyo confessed quietly, standing up so she could look the master of Shi Shi Hokudan in the eye.
"But?" he pressed, his voice caring, but at the same time not too caring. It was the tone of voice Ukyo needed to snap her out of her funk.
"But I think he doesn't want to be with me. I think he likes someone else," Ukyo said, leaving that someone else unnamed. No need to disconcert Ryoga as well. Ryoga snorted contemptuously at her comment.
"Well then screw that butt face! If he doesn't want to be with someone as fun and pretty as you are, who needs him?" he asked shortly.
"Oh. Ryoga." she said, softly. When was the last time someone had complimented her on anything other than her cooking? Did Ryoga realize how flattering he was being? He certainly didn't show it. "But I love him," she decided to protest.
"Why? When was the last time he took you out on a date, told you how special you were, or helped you out? He obviously has other things on his mind," Ryoga huffed, obviously not so much thinking about how great Ukyo was, but at how much he despised Ranma currently, mainly for getting too close to his beloved Akane.
Even though when he said 'other things on his mind', Ukyo knew he was referring to missing important fights that had been prescheduled, or going out and womanizing innocent girls. it had the same effect on her. He had other things on his mind. other people. he was worried about Akane, and thought about her feelings all the time. Noticed them. Not Ukyo's.
"I-I." Ukyo tried, her throat closing up, and a hand going up to her mouth as she tried to process everything. Unwittingly, Ryoga had just told Ukyo possibly some of the most valuable information she could have gotten from anyone else that day. The truth was hard to swallow, but he had nailed it on the head, and had been relentless.
She thanked him for it.
"Oh God Ryoga!" Ukyo cried, throwing herself into the surprised boy's arms. He stood rigid and stunned for a second, glancing cautiously at the pretty girl that had attached herself to his muscular torso. he squeezed his eyes shut and prayed that his nose would cooperate just this once and not start gushing blood all of Ukyo. "I think I've been really wrong. about some things," she admitted, sniffling.
"Oh, I'm sure. you haven't been." Ryoga stuttered cautiously, still not warming up to Ukyo's hug.
"No, but I have." she said, her sniffles converting to all out sobs, as she admitted a lot of things to herself, one of them being she still had a lot of other things to admit. They were just too hard to come to terms with just then.
Now, if there was one thing Ryoga hated, it was a girl crying. So, in an effort to quiet the usually strong Ukyo's wails, he wrapped his arms around her as well, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. His eyes were half lidded as he decided that whoever had made Ukyo cry so much was going to pay. the poor girl was a total innocent, and their was only one person who could be responsible for such a travesty.
Ranma Saotome.
And as Ryoga continued to hold Ukyo to him, mentally conniving a million and one plans to take Ranma down . he didn't noticed a certain ninja, tactfully hidden by the shadows, watching the exchange with a deep, aggrieved frown.
How could this have happened?
*
"Hey Kuno, come look at this!" Nabiki called over to the bokken wielding upperclassman. Kuno turned around, and walked over to the window Nabiki was staring out of. Glancing downwards, he spotted at least fifty, completely random civilians, scratching their heads with general confusion and wandering off the his property, a new collection of wild scrapes and dents littering the Kuno mansion's walls. as though many people had been attacking it... Or trying to push it over.
"Very odd," Kuno conceded. Although, many odd things had just recently happened to him. One minute, he had been lying in his bed, listening to Nabiki review what had happened in class the previous Friday, since he had still been ailed with a violent case of the flu, and the next thing he knew he was in his hall way, a toothbrush in one hand, and a blow- dryer in the other. He had been very puzzled as to just what he was doing, when Nabiki had come skidding around the hall, looking quite distraught indeed, and wearing one of his own robes.
Yeah, he was still a little confused about that one.
And so was Nabiki for that matter, although she didn't mention anything, because most of her answers lied in the possibility that this had to do with Ritsuko and the Sailor Scouts. Call it a gut feeling, but, looking outside, and seeing many people looking just as confused as she had been, not to mention many ruined houses and shops. she knew this was the work of the bad guys.
Nabiki was just glad she had come to give class work to Kuno that day, instead of staying home. Who knows was sort of hell could have been going on THERE if she had been running around in Kuno's robes, HERE? Best not to dwell on it. just be thankful.
Sighing, she turned back around, glancing at Kuno was sitting on the edge of his bed again, still a bit weakened with his flu (MUCH to his chagrin) flipping through the work Nabiki had given him. He took her by surprise, a little, when he glanced up with an almost totally normal and even attractive expression on his face.
"Kuno?" she asked, wondering what was on his mind. He kept looking at her, apparently all thoughts about what a weird day he had just had pushed to the back of his mind. It wasn't as though it was anything NEW really, his life was generally, as a rule, ALWAYS pretty messed up. But this.
"I want to thank you, for bringing me my school work, for all these many days I have been sick," he said in his strong, proper voice. Nabiki sighed, trying not to look uncomfortable at the sudden compliment, and shrugged.
"It's no problem. You're my biggest client, Kuno-baby, and I always bring you your homework when you're sick," she reminded him.
"Yes... and I don't think I've ever really thanked you for it," Kuno said, nodding. And with that eerily NORMAL voice again? Nabiki was confused, this was not the passionate, insane, ranting Kuno-baby she was accustomed to, and his strangely enticing attitude was making her nervous. Enticing? Okay. Time to go.
"Well, like I said, it's no problem," she commented, gathering her things, now that she was changed back into her normal clothes. of which she had found in the microwave down stairs. thankfully uncooked. "And if you're still sick on Monday, I'll bring you you're homework then too,"
"Thank you," Argh!!! Stop it!
"Whatever, see you later Kuno-baby. get better!" she called, dashing out of the room, and deciding that maybe being at her hellish house was better than being in the uncomfortable atmosphere of Kuno's room. It was true, ever since she could remember, whenever he was sick, Nabiki would come over to Kuno's and give him his homework. And when she was sick, (a rare occasion if there ever was one.) Kuno would get the homework, and then give it to Akane to give to her. It was just a cycle that had been going on for a while, and even though she never told anyone she was going over to stay at Kuno's after school everyday. she really hadn't though much of it. It made her slightly edgy that suddenly Kuno did.
'Ha, what am I stressing over? He's head over heals for not only Akane, but his 'pigtailed goddess'!' Nabiki scoffed reassuringly. 'I'll bring him some candid shots of the two tomorrow, and then his mind will be off me!' she decided, wondering why, in the back of her head, a little voice was telling her that she didn't actually mind that Kuno was suddenly paying attention to her. no matter how abrupt it was.
'Whatever, I have to worry about the Sailor Scout crap now, and figure out what happened today!' the Ice Queen of Furiken decided firmly, stalking off back towards her house. hands shaking.
*
By the time Ranma and Akane decided to mosey on back to the house, it was evening. They predicted that Kasumi and Nadoka would probably have thing in order by this time, and that they wouldn't have to deal with much of Soun's hysteric panic attacks.
Ranma had carefully nudged Akane awake, watching regretfully as she raised her head from his lap (Where she had fell after a while of dozing) regretfully admitting that it was six, and they should get back to the house if they wanted dinner. Akane had to admit, after her nap she was starving, so she followed Ranma out of the playground, eyes widening as he clasped her hand in his while he traveled. A blush spread over her features, and a small smile reappeared on her face. Ranma looked distinctly embarrassed, but pleased he had had the guts to pull that one off.
And now they were a mere block away from home, chatting lightly and wondering what to tell the folks when they questioned them about where they had been, and why they didn't have the supplies for dinner after all this time.
"It's not like anyone will care if we were out together all day," Ranma pointed out, thinking of their slightly obsessive fathers.
"Point," Akane laughed, amazed she was talking this light heartedly with her fiancée, but loving every minute of it. Was this how things were always supposed to be? "We're probably the only couple in the world whose parents REALLY want them to be together all the time." She added jovially.
"Couple." Ranma breathed, stopping in front of the house, and looking down at the smaller girl in surprise. Akane bit her lip, realizing what she'd just let slip out. a not yet voiced wish, a silent hope. she averted her gaze, blushing some more.
"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say. I mean I did I just-"
"Hey! Akane." Ranma said, squeezing her hand, and making her look back up at him. He hated it when she got all quiet and demure, and was no longer the strong tomboy he loved. That was what he admired about her, after all. Her fire! Her confidence. No matter that he called her a stubborn mule. He never really meant anything he called her. "I liked it. the way you put it. couple," he confirmed, a bit uneasily himself. Akane looked stunned for a beat, before letting out a sigh of relief and throwing her arms around him.
"Good." She said firmly. "Because I would have been pretty angry if you didn't," Ranma smiled now too. That was his Akane.
Pulling her away from him, on impulse, Ranma looked down into her eyes, and suddenly knew exactly what he wanted to do. and for the first time in his life, wasn't worried about what Akane was going to think. Because he already knew.
Akane let out a small gasp as Ranma leaned down to kiss her, and jumped slightly. But soon she found that it wasn't so bad, this kissing, and returned the boy's sentiments in full, leaning into the kiss and slowly closing her eyes. Ranma bravely put his arms around her waist, and Akane braced her hands on his chest. This felt so right. Why hadn't they tried it before, besides that one time on the roof? Why had they been so dead against it?
They were both starting to wonder how long they could keep this up without coming up for air. when a distinct 'Ahem' sounded off from the side.
"Eeep!" the couple gasped, snapping apart, and starting to run out of ways to blush. Happy with the position their relationship was in now or not, they weren't totally positive if they were okay with being caught passionately kissing in front of their house. They would have to talk about that one.
Luckily, the person, or rather, people, who had interrupted the two was no one terribly important. It wasn't a fiancée who would have undoubtedly gone into a blind rage and hurled themselves at the couple, it wasn't Nabiki there to take some shots, and it wasn't any parents, eager for the wedding and . grandchildren. It was just two random freaks, and that was better than someone they actually knew any day.
"Um, hello." Ranma offered, raising an eyebrow at the male and female standing a few feet away from he and Akane. What did these two think they were doing, breaking up the kiss? He had been enjoying that! Suddenly, looking at the man, who had jarringly familiar silver hair. something clicked. "And- waitasecond! You're the dude from before!" Ranma exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Artemis, still wearing that vivid white suit.
"And you're the woman from my dream, all those nights ago, before I became a scout!" Akane added, looking at the dark haired woman, and recognizing her by her vibrant yellow dress. The woman seemed amused by this, giggling lightly.
"Akane. it's me! Luna!" Luna said, her voice definitely matching the cats.
"But-but Luna you're supposed to be a cat!" Akane pointed out, frowning. What was this? Some sort of trick?
"Luna and I have human forms as well," Artemis explained, putting a hand on Luna's shoulder.
"Artemis?" Akane questioned, recognizing the feline's voice.
"The one and only," he joked.
"Heyyy. how come you were in my room the other night?" Ranma asked, narrowing his eyes accusingly at Artemis, who suddenly looked a little nervous.
"You were in his room last night?" Luna asked Artemis sharply, staring up at him. Artemis made a protective motion with his hands, and mumbled out some pretty lame sounding excuses. Akane and Ranma traded skeptical glances. Riiight.
"I told you not to involve him before, but you went ahead and tried it anyway, didn't you?" Luna asked, folding her arms censoriously.
"But. but look how it turned out!" Artemis said, motioning to Ranma.
"But what if it hadn't?!"
"But it did!"
"Honestly Art, sometimes I just want to-"
"Hey! Luna! Artemis! Get a grip!" Akane interrupted, coming between the arguing pair. "Could you please just tell us what you want, so I can go inside? I'm sort of really hungry and tired," At Akane's words, Luna's expression softened.
"Of course Akane, I understand. And.first off, I'd really like to congratulate you on doing what you did to Ritsuko- good job!" the guardian gushed, obviously very proud of her newly acquired student.
"Yes Akane, great work. And you too Ranma," Artemis added, nodding in the boy's direction, and apparently forgiving him for all past qualms. Like that time he had refused to help the scouts and had kicked him out of his room.
"Thanks," Ranma and Akane said in unison, nodding their heads.
"Really Ranma, we wanted to thank you so much for doing all that you could when this isn't even your job. or Akane's for that matter," Luna sighed, folding her arms. "And seeing as how you two worked well together, and were able to conjure the moon wand, a feat we had previously deemed impossible by someone who wasn't a true scout. Artemis and I have decided to invite you to be on the team," she admitted, looking Ranma in his deep blue eyes.
Well, it had never occurred to Ranma that he WASN'T going to be in on all this Sailor Scout business now that he knew Akane was a part of it; he wasn't going to let her do this alone. But now that he had been officially requested to join, it felt a lot better, he had to admit.
"Cool, I'm in," he replied simply, nodding.
"Oh, sure, you agree when SHE asks you, but when it's ME-" Artemis growled, folding his arms, and nearly choking on his tongue when Luna elbowed him hard in the ribs.
"Well, thank you again kids for all of your cooperation," Luna sighed, signaling that the two could go back home now and get some sleep. She was surprised they weren't counting sheep already- the old Sailor Moon ALWAYS fainted after she did practically anything.
"It's no problem Luna, but. I have one question," Akane admitted.
"What is it dear?" Luna asked.
"Well. if you two could turn into humans this whole time, how come you didn't do it before if you knew it made Ranma so crazy?" she asked blatantly. Ranma suddenly got a speculative look on his face as well, glimpsing expectantly at Luna and Artemis.
"Because we wanted to see him SQUIRM," Artemis cackled evilly, before getting elbowed yet again by his long time partner.
"ACTUALLY, the thing is, without our princess around to supply us with power, it's very hard to convert to these forms, or even stay in them. We only do it when it's truly necessary, and since Art and I have officially decided to let Ranma on board, we decided this qualified as one of those times." She explained. Akane and Ranma nodded their heads in understanding, sniggering as Luna dragged Artemis off. Wow, they had no idea Luna could be so domineering! "Well, bye kids, see you later! We'll be holding another meeting tomorrow!."
"Bye," Ranma and Akane called together, waving as both guardians disappeared in a barrage of flower petals and light, going to wherever it was they stayed when they weren't with the scouts.
Ranma turned back to Akane, heaving a sigh. Akane smiled wryly at him, shaking her head.
"Pretty weird, hu?" she asked.
"Ah, no more weird than everything else that happens here," Ranma pointed out, chuckling somberly.
"Guess that's true," Akane sighed, turning to head into the house now, with Ranma doing that thing where he held her hand.and made her feel all happy inside.
"Shall we?" Ranma asked, opening the door to the Tendou's home, and giving a smile he now reserved only for his girlfriend now. a smile that made her melt every time.
"We shall,"
*
In the darkness, the one who had observed everyone that day, from that little Amazon girl and her blind friend, to Sailor Moon and her sex- changing beau, cackled softly, dancing from foot to foot happily. Ritsuko had been very right to give him this job! He knew just what to do with this group! Just what to do!
Slinking out of the shadows (it was so much easier to move around at night, when most of the lights had retreated for the day.) Miji hobbled around the street, a broad smile on his distorted face, his body still very solid now, thanks to all of the chaotic emotions Ritsuko had so kindly dished to him earlier with her spell. He had to get started on his plan if he wanted it to be in affect by tomorrow, yes he did. Ritsuko said to drag his plot out for as long as he could, since she needed to heal, and if everything went according to plan, tomorrow would be excruciatingly long for the scouts and their loved ones indeed.
*
*Kontatsu- Is that how you spell it? I really have no idea.
* Author's Notes: Okay, I just wrote this entire thing in four hours. FOUR HOURS. That's a long time to be sitting down. but since I'm ill with a cold it's okay. I don't have anything better to do anyway. PLEASE review this chapter guys, I need some encouragement! Sorry this was so utterly not funny, but next chapter is not going to be overly better. Everything was so WAFFY! Not to mention this one was short. Next chapter won't be short. So that's good. I think. Anyway, happy holidays if you celebrate, and have a nice day!
Rio Grande~