Chapter 1 "End of a World"
*
"Most of our so-called reasoning consists in finding arguments for going on believing as we already do."
James Robinson
*
As Ryoga waited for Ranma to find Akane, he relived his nightmare, but also his salvation in a strange sense. These memories had formed a maelstrom that had engulfed him. There was no escape. He was lost not in reality but in his mind. Truly, I am the lost boy now, aren't I? Lost my way, lost my chance, lost my mind. Time seemed to slow down in the past weeks began to replay themselves as they had countless times before. In the span of a few instants everything that had brought him to the Tendo's doorstep flashed before his eyes.
The day it all had begun had started like so many other days before it. Ryoga had been traveling on one of his endless journeys. He struggled to remember exactly what he had been doing, but it was blurred beyond recognition. It hardly mattered anymore, they all had the same purpose. He wasn't trying to find his way to this destination or that destination, but rather to find his way in life. Invariably it led him back to Ranma as it did that day. It was cold I remember that now. The last day before Christmas and the Tendo's great Christmas party.
He remembered clearing seeing Ranma and Akane walking to school. It was simple but elegant. She walked on the sidewalk with the grace he'd seen a thousand times, and Ranma of course balanced himself perfectly on the narrow fence along the canal. The entire walk to school seemed almost timeless in his mind. He couldn't hear what they were saying, but suddenly Akane moved forward and made a mock swing at Ranma. Ranma dodged out of the way easily. Akane said something, the only word of which Ryoga caught was "Late" and they both hastened their step.
I won't allow him to make her upset. Not this time. Ryoga thought as he charged forth. Just when he began to utter his battle cry, a splash of cold water hit him suddenly.
"Bwwe" was all he managed to squeal.
An elderly woman was sprinkling water at her gate. Ryoga recalled this was known as Misogi. Supposedly it was a ritual to remove sin and pollution from body and mind, usually performed in the morning and evening. Typical Hibiki luck. Ranma you've been spared for now, but you won't get away with this, he vowed cursing Ranma for his poor fortune.
After changing back from his cursed form, Ryoga spent hours trying to find his way and finally wandered into a yard before a great building. Maybe it's a school or museum, he mused. It looks strangely familiar but from where!? A huge crowd of young people, by their uniforms students, obstructed his view at first, but with some quick side stepping Ryoga managed to gain a better look. The students had no interest to him expect he recognized faces of Ukyo and Akane. I've found the right school at last!
Ukyo stood on one side of the crowd, a small clearing had opened up between her in the crowd as if the crowd was bound by some unseen pact. She stood over a grill in her usual uniform. Ukyo was cooking okonomiyaki. It had to be okonomiyaki. That smell is much too familiar, and besides what else does Ukyo ever cook? There was a suave and confidant aura about Ukyo that was almost infecting. A quick flick of her wrist and she had turned the okonomiyaki over with the small spatula she held in her hand.
Akane was much the opposite of Ukyo. She stood almost half crouched over her grill on the other side of the crowd, again a small clearing forming around her. Each action was a performed in an almost awkward manner as compared to Ukyo's grace. Akane constantly would glance at the recipe that was on a stool, off to her right. What she was cooking had a particular odor that Ryoga could not quite place. It almost smelled like Ukyo's but something was awry. Akane's face was a mask of determination; the strain was very visible to Ryoga. She's trying so hard. All Ryoga could do was let out a sigh at first.
He fumed the more the reality of the situation donned on him. Akane and Ukyo were obviously in wasting all their energy and attention on Ranma. The rage washed over Ryoga like the sun's tirelessly rays itself. And the wretch was no where to be seen. But he could be heard.
Focusing Ryoga picked Ranma's voice out from the crowd. A small wooden table stood before Ryoga. Ranma was seated, though trying to rise. Kuno stood like a great tree planted firmly in front of the young Saotome.
"Nay Saotome, today this shall be settled. As long as every day may last and as bright as the sunlight may be, every day will end, and so shall this travesty of justice end. I the great and powerful heir to the house of Kuno..." Kuno said his voice droning onward, but Ryoga had stopped listening.
The relief on Ranma's face was evident. Using Ryoga as an excuse he sidestepped Kuno and rose to me his rival. Kuno openly scowled.
"Hey Ryoga, long time no see?" Ranma said walking towards him with hands raised in such an obviously false greeting of friendship that it made Ryoga sick. Ranma moved his arms forward and Ryoga instinctively pushed him away.
Before Ryoga could say a single word, Ukyo had grabbed one of Ranma's arms gently, balancing her plate of okonomiyaki perfectly with the other hand. Akane had clasped on to Ranma's other arm with a death grip it seemed and how she balanced our plate Ryoga would never understand. Ranma was guided back to his seat, dismay enshrouding his features.
"Well, Ranchan, it's time for you to make a decision..." Ukyo began as she set her plate of okonomiyaki down on the table.
"Ranma, end this please." The first three words betrayed a vexed tone, but the last word was almost pleading. This momentarily stunned Ryoga into just observing. Like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming vehicle, Ryoga was enthralled.
"Look if you ask me this is a stupid idea. What does this solve?! Nothing!" Ranma stuttered as he finally freed himself of both fiancées
"Saotome, decisions have fair reaching implications, much like a wave of the briny ocean. They maybe icy cold or fiery hot, but inevitably they must be one of the two. It is the fate of all true men to make a stand, and even as unprepared and unready a man as you must make a choice...!" Kuno began. Ryoga openly scowled at Kuno's words...Choice? You are the last person to lecture on that...
Ryoga found a rage burning up within him. How dare Ranma? How dare he! So many guys would die to have the attention of one girl and he has TWO vying for him! I won't allow it! A quick glance showed both his fiancées were quietly waiting for his decision.
"How dare you..." he bellowed, "treat Akane poorly.", mumbling the second part.
"Now, wait here...this wasn't my idea..." Ranma began.
"I don't want to you hear you pathetic excuses..." he growled.
"There not excuses, it's the tru.."
Ryoga's response was a guttural war cry. He struck low, but Ranma had already somersaulted out of his chair and had landed a few steps backwards clear of the attack. The crowds of students fell back, some fleeing into the building or at least to a respectable distance to watch. In an instant a wooden bokken had struck Ryoga's head. The entire world went black for a moment, but quickly flashed back. Ryoga found his face in the ground, and slowly willed himself to his feet, but at this moment he was steam rolled by a bicycle.
Looking up, Ryoga saw it was none other than Shampoo. The lavender haired Amazon had a container of which was undoubtedly ramen. She didn't even realize she ran over me!
"Nii hao Ranma!"
"He's mine, only someone as noble as a member of the house of Kuno could ever hope to defeat a fiend as treacherous as the vile Saotome." Kuno stated with pride. "Come back here, you cretin! Stand still and take your beating with honor!" Kuno yelled as he chased Ranma.
"Vile am I? Cretinous?" Ranma questioned, "That's it, I've had it." With lighting speed, Ranma turned to Kuno and with his first targeted kick he knocked Kuno's bokken from his hand. Before Kuno could as much as react, the second one sent Kuno into unconsciousness.
Ranma turned to his would be fiancées and yelled angrily, "I am not a prize to be won! Does anyone care how I feel about all this? On this day too!" He turned his back to them and fled the schoolyard. What's special about today? Ryoga mused.
Ukyo balancing a plate of okonomiyaki with one hand, took off after him. "Ranchan, please wait!"
Shampoo pursued the young martial artist as well with steaming ramen in hand. "Wait for Shampoo, Ranma."
After both were out of earshot, Ryoga swore he heard Akane say "Stupid dummy. Why can't you just end this..."
Ryoga tried to struggle to his feet again, but couldn't. I've been hurt worse than this before, and continued to fight. Physically I've pushed myself to the breaking point and always survived. What's wrong with me now?
"Ryoga, are you ok?" Akane said, sympathy lining her voice.
"Umm...yes." he muttered pathetically. I can't let Akane see my weakness. I won't let her down.
Ryoga rose to his feet throwing off darkness and doubt. He wiped weakly at his face clearing the dirt. An awkward pause passed between the two people remaining on the grounds of the school.
"Are you sure? Here, let me help you clean up." She replied softly as pulled a damp cloth from her cooking supplies and applied it to his face.
Ryoga froze as she touched his face with the rag. I can't look into her eyes or I am lost. I think I've ruined everything here. He suddenly found the ground by his feet a very interesting place to stare at.
"Akane I..." he started. Just say it!, his mind urged!
"Yes, Ryoga?"
"I am...well...I am sorry." I am a coward...why can't I just say those three little words...
"Oh, it's not a big deal."
"I shouldn't have gotten involved, I just lost my temper."
"Oh, it's Ranma's fault. It's always his fault."
Ryoga paused after her words for a moment. It's always his fault. Yes, it is isn't it? Or could that be wrong... For whatever reason, Ryoga couldn't connect the two for just a moment. But only for that moment, Yes, of course it is..
Akane turned to her plate of food and let out a slight sigh.
"What am I going to do with all this food now?" she stated simply.
"I could eat it if you don't mind, so well you don't have to throw it away..." he stammered, emitting a weak laugh at the end and raising one arm behind his head.
"Of course I'd like that very much." She said sweetly.
"At least it won't go to waste." I wish Ranma would eat my cooking like you do." As he ate the food, a faint smile played across her lips. It's not so bad really, he thought, trying to convince himself. It's a privilege to be so blessed.
Why on earth would she want Ranma to eat her food!? He mused. That rude and insensitive jerk. He doesn't deserve a girl as kind as Akane! Suppressing his rage, he thought, "Why did she say that...unless she truly likes him! No, that couldn't be. They argue all the time...they fight so much, they must hate each other. It is their parents...Wanting to believe something true, eased his mind. It was all he could do to prevent himself from sighing. Is she jealous?.
"Akane, I need to go." I am not wanted around here. I have no right to be here anymore.
"Actually I need to ask you something." Akane began, turning slightly away from him.
"What is it?" Ryoga said blankly.
"I know what you've been trying to hide. You are a lot like Ranma." She replied innocently.
"Err...umm..what..d-do..y-you..mean?" She knows I am doomed! Maybe if I throw myself at her mercy...
"You don't have much family...Ranma isn't very close with his either." Akane explained.
"F-Family...of course." He babbled, again laughing maniacally.
"Ryoga, Kasumi is going to have a Christmas party tonight. Everyone is coming." She smiled so sweetly as she said it, Ryoga stood dumbfounded.
"I-I... really...don't want to...impose." He stuttered. I am not dead. I can't believe it!
"Ryoga, I know how you don't have any family...no one deserves to be alone this time of year. Please come." She said slipping an invitation into his hand as she spoke. Not like I could find my family if I wanted to, now of all times. She pities me. I can't stand for that...
"I guess I could try to show up." He managed to say weakly. I am such a weakling and a coward.
"Anyway, I need to get going to deliver the rest of the invitations." She said and waved and departed.
"Good bye Akane." Ryoga replied, awestruck. I thought I was dead for sure. He slowly raised one hand in front of his face. Then Ryoga pinched himself. I guess I am awake.
Ryoga peered at the little pink invitation with his name on it. What intricate little letters that spell out my name, Ryoga mused. Akane said everyone, I wonder who all will show up...wait she said today! I have to follow here or I'll never get there on time!
"Akane..." he called out in vain because she had already gone. Ryoga panicked and broke out into a dead run. After several minutes of running Ryoga slowed down and let out a loud sigh. He was in a business district with many shops of various sorts, mostly displaying gifts for the Christmas season. Gifts?! Of course! How could I forget!? I'll need to get a gift for Akane.
Ryoga stopped by a small store purchase a simple but elegant golden ring. He had it wrapped in paper was white with gray stripes and a golden ribbon held the gift together. This will make my intentions clear. If only she'll take it...
But how do I find my way? Maybe I better read the directions on the invitation. As he thought he started to walk. Ryoga balanced the gift in one hand and invitation in the other.
As he walked he read aloud, "Tendo family Christmas party, time six o'clock." Well, at least I have plenty of time to get there still. If it doesn't take three days like usual...
"Place Tendo Anything Goes Training Hall." Well, that doesn't help too much. I've never found the Dojo except by chance.
"Purpose the exchange of Christmas gifts." At least I've gotten that part done.
Suddenly the youth found himself at the doorstep to the Tendo Dojo!
"It's miracle, I can't believe," he exclaimed, "I made it all the way to Akane's house without getting lost. Ah, could this be love guiding me onward...I just know it..."
Suddenly something flattened Ryoga and the world went black. His last thoughts were, I knew it was too good to be true, just my luck. When he regained consciousness Nabiki escorted him Sasuke, Mousse, and Kuno to the men's waiting room that just happened to be Akane's room. I am a guest, I won't make a scene about it. Besides it didn't even really hurt that much. I am so lucky to even be here.
"We are still getting ready, so you all be good boys and wait here." Nabiki said with the grace of a politician, and deftly closed the door behind here.
"So this is the bedchamber of Akane Tendo." Kuno announced.
"Just being in this sacred place of sends chills down my spine." Kuno's manservant, Sasuke murmured to himself. The servant began to slowly take in the room and walked over to a bulletin board. I agree this place is almost holy. I feel blessed just being here.
"Hmm...What's this? Oh, look master a picture of your eminence." Bah, that can't be right.
"For where is any author in the world, teaches such beauty as a woman's eye. She must love me well." Kuno stated with pride.
"Master you're not the only in the picture. Actually I can barely make you out." Sasuke noted, squinting. Ha, I knew it wasn't that.
"Perhaps my autograph well serve as a memoir of my visit here." Kuno bragged, brandishing a marker. I will not allow it! With a quick stab of his red bamboo umbrella, Ryoga deftly disarmed Kuno of the marker.
"I am not going to sit here and allow you to defile Akane's room." Ryoga stated coldly. I'd like to see a klutz like Kuno stand a chance against me. He only got lucky early.
"And who might you be, to give orders to the great Tatewaki Kuno. Very well challenge and learn." Kuno said trying to maintain his suave exterior and raising from the ground.
"Looks like words aren't enough." Ryoga retorted raising to his full height.
Ryoga heard Mousse say something, but he didn't make it out. I won't let him beat me this time. I just need to stay focused.
"Stay out of this duck boy." Ryoga said, brushing Mousse aside.
Ryoga saw Mousse get knocked down, and met Kuno's bokken blow for blow with his umbrella. Suddenly Mousse rose and several chains enwrapped the three of them as the tumbled out a window and straight into the koi pond.
Kuno was knocked unconscious, and both he and Mousse were trapped into their cursed forms, a duck and a pig. Quickly the two cursed animals moved to correct this problem before the party started. As they took a bath the undo their curses, Mousse and Ryoga talked idly. Ryoga was mostly daydreaming through it.
Ryoga overhead a conversation while he was daydreaming. He noticed Mousse had heard it too. I need to help..Akane, Ryoga thought as he half emerged from his daydream. Ryoga raced towards Kasumi with Mousse following close behind.
"Kasumi, I'll get the soy sauce for you." Ryoga stated eagerly still dreaming of helping Akane.
Ryoga was so engrossed in his conversation that he missed some interplay between Mousse and Shampoo. Suddenly Shampoo splashed Mousse with some cold water. Kasumi moved to get her belongs together.
"Where's err ehh Akane? Ryoga asked.
"Shall we go now, Ryoga." Kasumi replied simply.
"We? Are you coming too Kasumi?" Ryoga said, still not realizing that Akane was no where to be seen.
"Yes, I may remember something I've forgotten to get." Kasumi stated.
Kasumi walked at a brisk rate next to Ryoga. She held Mousse in duck form, with a bag to carry the soy sauce in the other. As they walked suddenly Kasumi started talking.
"I was wandering, do you live very far away?" she questioned innocently.
Ack! Anything but directions. I have no clue where my house is! I guess I'll tell her what I know.
"I live somewhere where you can see Mt Fuji from the west window, it's located someplace near the Pacific ocean I think." Ryoga managed at last, slightly rambling.
"Goodness, you must live in a very large house." Kasumi commented still lost in her rose colored world.
"Well, not really, but sometimes it sure seems that way to me." Ryoga replied with all honesty.
Suddenly the three of them came to a huge wall.
"Oh, my."
"Huh?"
"Goodness, when did they put a dead end here?"
"Where did they hide the market?" Ryoga exclaimed! I don't want my lack of direction to ruin this event! Surely Kasumi can find her way.
"Quack," Mousse quacked as he flew above the wall.
"He's right with a duck's eye view we'll be able to locate it!" Ryoga cheered. Thank you Mousse, we'll win the day yet.
"My what a clever duck." Kasumi said sweetly.
"This way you say?" Ryoga stated, pointing directly into the dead end.
I am not going to let a measly wall stand in my way. No way, no how. Ryoga reached out with his mind's eye...
"Bakusai-ten-ketsu!" he yelled, and the wall crumbled before him.
"So shall we go?" Ryoga said beaming.
After locating the soy sauce and returning to the dojo, Ryoga and Mousse began to help to set up for the musical performance. When the performance finally arrived Ryoga took control over one bank of lights and Mousse the other. He looked at the five girls, well if you counted Ranma five anyway, as the pulled open the curtain. Akane was directly in the middle, the center of his world as well. When Akane began to sing, Ryoga's mind began to idly wander. She's so wonderful...I'll just pretend she is singing to me. I've just got to give this gift to her. Ryoga sighed. Why can't I remain focused on it.
After the performance Ryoga wandered around the party and eventually found himself in a huge card game, but he still couldn't find his focus. He looked longingly down at his gift and though, "I've got to think of way to get Akane alone." As the players announced their cards, Ryoga stated "I've got three of a kind," his mind on things besides cards.
Nabiki announced that the gift exchange was about to begin. It seemed so sudden. I guess it is getting late. Suddenly there was a loud outburst and Ryoga ignored it and used the chance to slowly creep up behind Akane. I've got to build my nerve up, this is it, do or die. If I can give her this gift, she'll know how I feel. Come on Ryoga, it's not that hard, just do it.
Suddenly Akane rushed toward him. Concern traced her face, but Ryoga was oblivious to it. This is it, Ryoga do or die.
"Eh Akane...eh..." he started moving his gift forward as she approached. Akane trapped in her own little world, rushed past Ryoga without as much as an acknowledgement of his existence.
Die. That's what I just did. She didn't even know I was alive. I failed utterly. Completely.
The familiar grip of depression slowly washed over him. The seconds became minutes and he stood like a derelict of another age. I won't surrender...I can still give her the gift! I'll see if I can focus on her voice. I can hear it...he thought focusing in on her words and those to who she was talking. What he heard surprised him. Sounds were being echoed through a ventilation shaft. If he stood still he could barely make out the words being said. She's above me. He turned slightly to move, but was paralyzed by what he heard.
"Ranma," Akane said with surprise in her voice.
"Akane," Ranma replied the surprise echoing in his voice. There was a slight pause, Ryoga strained to hear everything that was said.
"Are you still mad?" Ranma questioned.
"No I am not," she replied softly.
"Yes, you are Akane."
"I am not mad." Akane replied with a slight hint of anger.
"Oh really," Ranma replied with the sarcasm creeping into his voice.
"Nope," she said evenly, "Here, it's for you. Kinda of a Christmas present it's not very fancy but..." Akane replied, with just a trace of concern in her voice.
Ukyo suddenly rushed back into the party room. She crossed the floor and walked right up to Ryoga. He turned his gaze still focusing on the words being said.
"Ryoga, have you seen..." she started.
"Listen," Ryoga stated with a hint of frustration that he was missing the conversation and he put a finger to his lips and then focused on the voice. He pointed at the ventilation shaft and mimed a listening gesture. Shampoo also had slipped in and picked up on what he had found. Funny how we all are so similar with our vastly different training.
"It's scarf...lamebrain I made it myself," Akane said with her anger covering her hurt. Ryoga risked a glance at Ukyo and noticed she was eavesdropping too. Shampoo had likewise followed suit.
"Oh, Akane, we both know you're all thumbs, but here you insist on..." Ranma started, then he paused. He must be examining it...
"If you are going to make fun, give it back!" Akane cried angrily. Her hurt was now clearly ringing through her anger. Ryoga felt his fist clench in spite of himself.
"Hey, hey don't be stupid." Ranma replied easing her hurt. What did he see that change his mind? What was on the present? What was the gift? A ring?! No, it couldn't be...it was made by Akane...but what? Wait a scarf...I can't even focus now. Both the Kuno siblings he noted had moved to this position as well momentarily making it hard for Ryoga to hear. Blast them!
"Ranma..." Akane said trailing off.
"Here I've gotten something for you too...it's not much but like you said it's Christmas. Go ahead and open it."
"Oh ok," Akane said somewhat dazed.
"It's a frame...that's the only photo I could find." Ranma said trying to almost justify his gift.
"And you picked this one..." Akane said her voice trailing off, filled with emotion, almost cracking.
"I am sorry it's not handmade or something—I am not real good at things like that either, but it's thought that counts." Ranma explained.
"Thank you Ranma this really means a lot to me." Akane said with the sincerity exuding from her voice.
" Akane..." Ranma began, with more emotion in his voice than Ryoga had ever heard before. Suddenly there was a loud crash and Ranma and Akane tumbled through the ceiling landing right before Ryoga and the other four. Ranma broke Akane's fall putting the two heirs to the Tendo Dojo in an awkward position.
"Wait a sec, it's not what it looks like..." Ranma tried to desperately explain.
Ryoga's eye flashed to the scarf that Ranma now wore. It was clearly the gift...She made him a handmade present like that...Damn him.
"You better start talking Saotome." Ukyo demanded.
"People who play with woman's heart go very bad place." Shampoo stated coldly.
"You, you cad, what have you done to Akane?" retorted angrily, masking his jealousy.
Out of the corner of his eye, Ryoga saw Nabiki move to the light bank. She deftly switched the lights off. Since when does she want to help Ranma like that?
Ryoga was about to charge blindly forth when a splash of cold water hit him. Thank you Nabiki, you just saved my secret. Ryoga slowly but surely found his way out of the dark room, but unfortunately got lost. When he finally found his way back to the room, still trapped as a pig, only Kasumi remained in the room. Suddenly Akane entered the room from the balcony.
"Kasumi come here, come quick." Akane said eagerly.
"What is it Akane? Tell me."
"Just come on."
"Ok," Kasumi said with a slight sigh, "I am coming."
They walked out to the balcony and Ryoga hung back, just watching and listening.
"How beautiful." Nabiki said simply. Any compliment from Nabiki is one indeed.
"Hey that's cool." Ranma stated, awe showing on his face. Akane only laughed a short melodic laugh.
"Oh!" Kasumi said, equally in awe.
Ryoga peered to the night sky to see what had so enthralled the others. The night sky was alive with colors. Shooting stars raced to and forth and created a natural firework display that made human ones seem weak and pale in contrast.
"It's beautiful, so this must be what was in the box." Kasumi said to herself.
Ryoga turned to see the light reflected in Akane's eye. What he saw shook his world from the foundation. Ranma's hand slowly went around Akane shoulders and she nestled her head on his shoulder. The look in her eyes was one of absolute bliss...the moment that had been interrupted earlier, now continuing. He turned to Ranma his last chance of sorts, but what he saw in Akane was mirrored in Ranma's eyes.
The little pig slowly took a deep breath. Ryoga did the only thing he could do. He ran into the darkness without as much as a sound.