Chapter 5 "Transcend"
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"...And think not you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, directs your course." - Kahlil Gibran
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Ryoga shivered in the darkness of the early morning as he stood at the gate to the Tendo home. They had arrived with just a few hours until dawn. Nabiki had appeared moments earlier ushering both Ranma and Akane inside, and cryptically telling him not to get lost while she attended to them. Closing his eyes, Ryoga stood focusing on the task at hand, almost meditating as if in a trance.
After several minutes, Ryoga heard footsteps. Opening his eyes he was surprised to see Ukyo with box undoubtedly filled with okonomiyaki in hand. She was predictably approaching the gate. I am the gatekeeper, he thought grimly.
"I saw Ranma and you returned today. I don't suppose you know where he has been all this time." Ukyo asked, adding as if an after thought. "And Akane".
Ryoga turned to face Ukyo as if for the first time. She stepped back involuntarily.
"You are a mirror of me." He whispered to himself.
"What on earth are you talking about?" she answered only half hearing him.
"You are Ranma's friend, much like I was Akane's." Ryoga said again quietly, however he was sure she heard him this time. Her eyes narrowed at the word was.
"Was? Explain yourself, jackass." Maybe she's never forgiven me for the Tunnel of Lost Love. I would never have forgiven myself if I'd succeeded.
"Not important." Ryoga replied
"I'll decide that." She snapped.
"What do you want most in life? What's your primary goal?" Ryoga demanded, ignoring her. I am copying Cologne now I? Asking the questions that would best remain unsaid. Maybe they need to come out, this darkness needs light.
"Marry Ranma honey of course." Uyko stopped for a second after her automatic response. "Why do you care?"
"Over your art, okonomiyaki?" Ryoga said turning a critical eye to her face.
"Of course." She said, stalling for a second. Ryoga's only response was a dark grin. "What is it, jackass? Why that wolfish grin?"
"Why?"
"Why what?"
"Why marry Ranma?"
"So he'll be happy." Ukyo said in a tone as to denote it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"So it's not about family honor? That's only means to legitimize your end." Ryoga retorted almost mocking her seriousness.
"No, I was upset at first with him, you remember that you were there, but I just wanted revenge not to marry him. I want to marry him because that will make him happy and me too." Uyko said almost lost day dreaming in her own words.
"So couldn't you rephrase you goal as simply Ranma being happy." Ryoga replied.
"I guess so, but..." She was cut off by Ryoga's almost jackal like laughter.
Ryoga turned away to face the night for a short moment, only a couple of seconds. When he turned around all mirth was gone for his features, especially his eyes. They almost glowed red in the darkness.
"Do you remember the Christmas party, Ukyo?" After she nodded, he continued, "Do your remember what we overheard." His voice was lacking any semblance of a question. She swallowed deeply.
"Yes."
"So isn't it clear that Ranma is in love with Akane. Just like she loves Ranma, not me."
"It doesn't mean anything." Ukyo said defensively.
"Why doesn't it? Because it's the truth?" he replied harshly.
"It was just that one time..." she whispered.
"Was it?" Ryoga demanded, almost yelling. He caught himself and said softly but firmly, "I deceived myself like you once."
"I am not deceived." Ukyo said, tears burning in her eyes.
"You've not answered my question, was it just that one time or has it been repeated over and over again to us...Can you set aside your emotion and use your intelligence. I know you are intelligent. Or am I wrong and you are as blind as Kuno?"
"I am not like Kuno!" she sobbed, collapsing to her knees.
Ryoga paused for a moment and offered his hand to the fallen form of Ukyo.
"Ukyo, your love is unrequited, like mine for Akane. You've been living in the past for ten years now, it's time to end this dark charade." Ryoga said calmly.
She sobbed again tears marring her pretty face. Ukyo held her head down unable to face him.
"Let Ranma be happy, even if that means it is not quite what you intended." Ryoga whispered. Like I've done for Akane.
Ukyo slowly staggered to her feet. Ukyo then did what Ryoga had done many times before. She ran into the darkness with tears streaming down her face.
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"Are you sure you remember everything I told you?" Nabiki asked.
Taking the papers she had given him, Ryoga mutely nodded.
"I didn't expect you to run into Ukyo, but it might have played into our hand."
"What did you plan?" Ryoga said hesitantly.
"I had forty-two different calculations done for the worth of her cart, of course adjusted for interest over the past years. I planned on that being the basis for what Ranma truly owed her given that her engagement was always null and void. After that it was up to Ranma...not a proposition I would like to bet on. However, the trip did seem to work."
"Work? How?"
"The barrier between them is gone."
"How can you tell?"
"As I said before they are both open books. I make my business propositions based on my understanding of people. Did you expect me to not know, especially since I've lived with them?
"I guess..."
"No time for further explanations. Here take this." She coldly stated brandishing a mechanic device and what looked like a hearing aid.
"What is it?" Ryoga asked.
"It's a listening device. I'll be able to hear you while you wear it and you'll be able to get important information from me...like directions to your destination. Put it on." Nabiki explained impatiently.
"Where is my destination?" Ryoga asked still confused, struggling with the listening device.
"You need to get to Shampoo and Cologne. Mousse won't interfere. After that all major threats are accounted for." Nabiki clarified.
"What about Kuno and Kodachi?"
Nabiki only smiled in response.
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The noble heir to the house of Kuno, sat impatiently drinking his morning tea, though the sun was yet to show in the sky. It was his ritual to rise early to continue his training. I hardly need it, my skills are superior to the ramble. He kept an eye on his twisted sister Kodachi and equally crazy father. I still don't believe he is my father...how could the great Tatewaki Kuno be related to, much less the son of such a madman.
" Sasuke, where are you man? Haven't you fetched the mail yet?" Kuno bellowed taking out his rage on his hapless manservant.
Rushing to his master's side, Sasuki humbly offered forth one piece of mail to his master. Tatewaki Kuno snatched it away without as much as a gesture of gratefulness. A quick gesture later and the letter was opened.
"Mistress Kodachi," Sasuke stammered, "Your grace has received a letter as well."
"Give it to my right now then." She said, practically strangling the manservant to get the letter.
Tatewaki Kuno began to peruse the important parts of the letter he had received. You, Tatewaki Kuno, have been recognized for your extraordinary talent in Kendo. Due to your performance record over the last years, you have been selected to compete for the possibility to be a member of Japan's Olympic Game team...This is an honor of the highest order.... You will receive an all expenses paid trip to a resort in Hawaii to develop your talent. He paused thinking it over, Finally I'll be able to get away from my sister and that man...but what of Akane Tendo and the pigtailed girl? And the vengeance I owe Ranma Saotome. I suppose I'll have to wait until after I return in glory. Yes, then both Akane Tendo and the pigtailed girl will rush into my victorious arms!
"Brother dearest, you'll never believe this." Kodachi said smugly followed by her maniacal laughter.
"What is it woman? I am busy reading this letter." Tatewaki replied curtly.
"I've been selected to compete for the Rhythmic Gymnastics Olympic Team." She replied.
"In Hawaii?" he asked, aghast. "It cannot be. You've only been selected to for the opportunity to compete, not for the team." Kuno retorted.
"So it seems...but I am sure my competitors will have unfortunate accidents." Kodachi cackled. "Wait how did you know the training was in Hawaii?"
"I've been selected too." Kuno said begrudgingly. Oh, what a terrible fate for one so noble as I.
"Da be great news. Mez agoing to go wit youz." Principal Kuno stated proudly. "Wez be juan big happy family on da Island."
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Ukyo wandered in the darkness, running without destination without thought. Slowly and quietly she stumbled down a grassy hill that over looked Nerima's canals. She peered into the water, light only coming from the starlight, to see her reflection.
A bedraggled and disarrayed young girl starred back at her. Strength, she thought, I need strength now. As she knelt down besides her image, she became to make her appearance more presentable. Why? She thought, barely holding back the sobs. Why not me? I've done everything right and damn him I love him.
But he doesn't love me. I can't make him love me like I love him. She felt warm tears streak down her checks. It's over, I've lost again. I've been abandoned again. I am alone. Ryoga, you jackass why did you tell me this? I was fine before.
Was I fine? Ukyo thought in the silent. Was I fine? She repeated to herself. I was clinging to a dream that was only a dream. I knew Ranma loved her, I knew all too well. I know she'll make him happier than I could. Otherwise he'd have chosen me. I've got to be happy for him—that's all I have left.
No, that's not the only thing. I have my art, I have my restaurant. Maybe if I am lucky I have some friends too. Tomorrow, she vowed, tomorrow I'll straighten this out.
Ukyo sat in the darkness, waiting for the sun to rise on tomorrow.
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"Yes, I am sure that's the right way." Nabiki repeated for the third time into the headset. Ryoga, you could get place simply by reversing your instincts. They are never right.
The door to her room opened, and Nabiki put her hand over the microphone. She beckoned Ranma and Akane closer.
"Look, I don't have much time or he'll get lost." She gestured to the two pairs of headphones on the table. "Put those on, you'll hear what I hear. He doesn't know your listening nor should he. We'll know if the plan fails or succeeds soon enough."
Akane began to ask a question, but Nabiki cut her off with a stern look.
"Just listen, then decide." This is your chance, Ryoga, your fate is in your own hands now.
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Breathing heavily, Ryoga finally came to a rest. Before him stood the Cat Cafe in all it's simple splendor. Focus, I need to focus. This is the last stop, the last battle. If I can make this work, it's all over. Resolution filled his spirit, I will do this.
"I've arrived." Ryoga stated into the microphone.
"And it only took you to sunrise. I am impressed." Nabiki said, the sarcasm dripping in her voice.
"I did it ok?! And it is not sunrise yet even." Ryoga retorted.
"Greetings Ryoga." Cologne stated, slowly leaving her restaurant. "What are you doing here so early? The battle aura you are generating could wake the dead. It's been quite some time since we last met."
"I'll answer your questions, if you'll answer one of my first." Ryoga replied, eerily calm.
"I suppose that's fair enough."
"Cologne what is your primary goal?" Ryoga said smugly.
"Very amusing." Cologne said chuckling heartily.
"I really want to know." The coldness in his voice stiffening the words.
"Very well, for Ranma to marry Shampoo so we can have peace at last and I can return to China."
"That's not true. I want the truth, not anything less." Ryoga angrily retorted.
"What makes you think my answer isn't true?" The Amazon Matriarch asked.
"I've thought about it after talking to Ranma. Your answer doesn't match your actions."
"You?! Talk to Ranma?! Besides, "Prepare to die?" Please tell me another one." Cologne joked.
"I'll explain it if you wish." Ryoga replied sternly his eyes narrowing.
Cologne closely examined Ryoga. "Perhaps I've misjudged you, you seem serious." She muttered.
"When you first arrived here, you were far and away better than any of us. How hard would of it for you to have simply taken Ranma by force? Two or three swift strikes and you could have killed the Tendos or anyone else that would have opposed you."
"Power must be tempered with wisdom, Ryoga. Besides, if I forced Ranma to return, it would be more than likely he'd hate my tribe."
"Good will then? Then why torture him with the Full Bodied Cat tongue and taunt him with the Phoenix pill? Why not just kill them all and force him to drink a love concoction of some sort? I told you I've thought this through completely." Ryoga explained devoid of emotion, but a hint of anger.
The lost boy paused for a second then continued to rant. "Why teach him things like the Kachuu Tenshin Amaguriken or Hiryuu Shoten Ha? Why didn't you extort him for learning your precious knowledge? Why didn't you say I'd help you learn the Hiryuu Shoten Ha and get your strength back, if you'll agree to a marriage to Shampoo? Are you ready to tell me your real goal now or do you want to keep playing games?"
The ancient amazon and lost boy spent a long silent moment regarding each other.
"So what do you think my goal is, Ryoga? Obviously you don't believe what I told you."
"Ranma told me something minor once. He said you didn't hear him sneak up on you about the first time you two met. I think your so-called laws are relatively meaningless. It's the spirit of the law that matters—the question is he worthy of your tribe? Anyone could get lucky and beat Shampoo once. I think when you first met him, you were impressed but unsure if he was worthy."
"So what to do to find out if he's worthy of your tribe or not? Well, test him of course. Get him stuck as a girl, because he hates his curse more than anything else, then test him with the cure. Train idiot me to fight him with a powerful trick and see if he's able to improvise enough to win. See if he can master more complicated moves like the Hiryuu Shoten Ha. It has all been a test, from the moment you got here."
"Is that all then?" Cologne replied stiffly.
"One more thing. I don't think Shampoo had much to do with this entire matter. I think you are at heart a teacher, and Ranma had potential you couldn't deny once he was brought to your attention. You wanted him in your tribe more than anything else because of this untapped talent."
"Well, you know more than I'd ever have given you credit for. But you are wrong, this was a test for Shampoo was well. I've misjudged you, Ryoga. I won't underestimate you again. Are you for me or against me?"
"I am "for" Akane...and R-Ranma too. I want them to be happy, because they deserve it more than anyone I know. Everything...everyone seems against them. Well, damn it, not anymore. I am for them."
"Then you are against me." Cologne said sternly.
"No, we don't have to be at odds. Here, look at this." Ryoga said, brandishing a piece of paper. The Amazon Matriarch accepted it cautiously.
"What is this?" she said scanning the words. "A contract?"
"If I understand it right, it is some sort of application to join your tribe legally."
"Why on earth would Ranma join my tribe this way?"
"The papers extent to both Ranma and Akane. Both you and they reach their goals this way. You get Ranma in your tribe, and Ranma loses unwanted baggage." Ryoga explained.
"Baggage?"
"If Ranma is no longer an outsider to your tribe, then the Kiss of Death and the Kiss of Marriage no longer apply to him, do they? The same with Akane in the case of the former."
"I see, this is an admirable solution though I think it is too late." Cologne said wistfully.
"Too late?"
"I don't feel that Shampoo would surrender her claim so easily."
"If she loses your backing, I think she might reconsider. If she doesn't I'll make her understand." Ryoga said growling the second sentence.
"Make Shampoo understand what, pig boy?" Shampoo's innocent voice asked, with just a hint of annoyance in it.
Ryoga turned to see Shampoo emerging from their restaurant. Predictably Mousse followed behind. Equally predictably Shampoo didn't seem to notice he existed.
"I agree, it's done Ryoga, but you have to convince her to surrender her hunt." Cologne said slyly, chuckling and stepping back to see how her granddaughter reacted. She mentioned a test before...
"Shampoo," Ryoga said, teeth clenched, "Your laws no longer apply to Ranma. He's been accepted as part of your tribe. You can go home now and leave Ranma and Akane alone."
"That's great news! Let's go home Shampoo and we can..." Mousse said before being silenced by Shampoo.
"Duck boy stay out of this." Shampoo said. Turning to Ryoga she said "It no matter."
"What doesn't matter?"
"Shampoo love Ranma much more than violent girl. That all that matter."
"How stupid can you be? Don't you understand I loved Akane too? Ukyo loved Ranma. Just like Mousse misguided as he may be loves you. It doesn't matter. It never mattered. All that matters is Ranma loves Akane and Akane loves Ranma. Love is mutual, and for all wishes we will never have any love, but unrequited." Just a few more moments to dawn.
"If Shampoo wins Ranma, then maybe Pig boy will get Akane." Shampoo said slyly.
"I want Akane to be happy. In the end that's all that matters to me. I've realized I will never be able to make her as happy as Ranma can." Ryoga announced the first rays of morning light shinning on him, making Ryoga seem if he was glowing .
"But Shampoo love Ran..."
"You don't love him. If you did, you'd want let him make his choice and abide by it, and not resort to magic to coerce him. You are nothing more than petty and selfish." Ryoga said his voice as caustic as acid.
While Shampoo fumed, Mousse closed in towards Ryoga.
"You take that back about her." The Chinese boy shouted. As he came face to face with Ryoga, Ryoga merely produced a document and handed it to Mousse.
"If you sign this you'll renounce your allegiance to your tribe. Do that, then you'll be an outsider. Then challenge Shampoo; she'll have to accept you. You don't have to fight her today, I'll train you." Ryoga explained. "I bet Ranma would help too." Ryoga added as an afterthought.
Mousse looked at Shampoo and then looked at the ground. "You don't understand, Ryoga. It's not that easy. I can't bring myself to hurt Shampoo, I love her. I refuse."
"Shampoo no care what pig boy says. If he no smart enough to help me and get Akane, then it Pig boy own fault. Shampoo win Ranma by self."
"Then you leave me no choice." Ryoga said bleakly. "I challenge you. If I win, you leave Ranma and Akane alone for good. If you win, I won't interfere with you."
"Pig boy must think Shampoo stupid. Shampoo no agree when Shampoo no have no real reason to."
Reaching Ryoga pondered what she said Ryoga found himself baffled. Shampoo needs a reason to fight me? I need something she wants. Or something she can't refuse. Her honor, her code of laws, that is where I must strike.
"I'll challenge for your hand in marriage then. How would you like that? Then flee and force you to chase me to the ends of the earth, wasn't that how your law goes? With my since of direction, you will really will see the ends of the earth." Ryoga sarcastically said with a wolfish grin on his face. Shampoo's face shown with outrage her arms being pushed down to the sides of her body stiffly. "This sordid affair began through combat, let us end it through fighting as well. Which offer to you accept?"
"Very well, Shampoo defeat you and then pursue Ranma. No get lost while Shampoo get weapons." Shampoo deftly entered the cafe.
Ryoga pensively thought, She almost moves like a cat. How ironic that's her curse. Further considering the train of thought, Mousse is awkward around Shampoo, like a duck on land. And I ,well I am a pig. How ironic indeed.
"I won't allow you to hurt her, you know that, don't you?" Mousse threatened.
"Stay out of this, or you'll get hurt, Mousse. This is the path she's forced me down." Ryoga said harshly.
Before either youth could speak again, Shampoo emerged from the Cafe with a sword in one hand, a mace in the other. Ryoga prepared himself, there would be no quarter in this battle.
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"I'll give you one last warning." Ryoga said gravely. "I am not going to hold back anything."
Shampoo smiled, her eyes glimmering like a sprite. The amazon girl moved into a defensive crouch.
"Very well, you leave my no other choice." Ryoga muttered. No recourse and no mercy--what would Ranma do? Exploit weakness, and no matter what win. I won't let her trick me. I won't even listen to what she says.
Shampoo sprung forward, cold malice shinning in her eyes.
Focusing the darkness that plagued his soul, Ryoga shouted "Shishi houkou-dan". The ki blast shined like the light of redemption. Shampoo's charge was cut short and she was flung like a rag doll against a building. Ryoga tried to block out the cry of pain he heard escape her lips. Victory at any cost. I've got to believe what I am doing is right.
Mousse rushed into a headlong charge at Ryoga, screaming unintelligently. Ryoga stood his ground and the two locked exchanging a flurry of blows in quick succession.
"Mousse, give up, I don't want to hurt you."
"Worry about your own hide." He snapped. Mousse leapt backwards unleashing a half a dozen knives. Ryoga spun quickly deflecting the blades with his red bamboo umbrella, one however managed to graze his right arm. Biting back the pain, Ryoga sprung forward and had closed into melee range.
"Bakusai-ten-ketsu!" the lost boy yelled as his fingers brushed the ground. The explosion roared shattering the stillness of the early morning air. As the earth rumbled, rock and dirt were thrown into the air creating a cloud of dust to obscure sight. Ryoga focused his other senses besides sight and struck hard and fast against Mousse. The shock of the blow knocked Mousse back several feet. Panting, Ryoga caught glimpse of something out of the corner of his eye.
Ryoga spun just in time to avoid Shampoo's sword from penetrating his back. She had overextended herself in her death seeking attacking, and Ryoga exploited this mistake to its fullest. He struck without mercy hitting her hard and quickly aiming for her abdomen. She fell back from the hits, and staggered to her knees. Her eyes gleamed with fury and pain. She's crying. Why couldn't she just give up. Why couldn't have this gone a different way...
"Yield, you can't win. Please end this." Ryoga said coldly. We need to end this before someone really gets hurt. No more violence, I've seen enough of that.
Ryoga felt the chains wrap around his body restricting his movement. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mousse struggling to keep him immobilized. Shampoo slowly began to force herself to her feet, her sword drawn...
Time began to slow down as he watched this scene unfold, still struggling in vain. This is it. This is where I fail. I die. I came so close. I am sorry A-Akane...and Ranma. I hope you succeed where I tried...No, his mind raced. I've suffered to long to fail my friends now! I refuse. I reject this fate! I make my own destiny! The darkness of his soul manifested itself as a bright red battle aura engulfed him.
"Perfected Shishi houkou-dan!" Ryoga yelled at the top of his lungs. The ground began to shake as the energy released itself. Dancing motes of light circled Ryoga and they began to rise quickly towards the sky forming a pillar of red light. Loose bolts in near by buildings rattled under the force that was focusing itself, playing an anthem to the destruction that was about to take place. In the span of less than a second there was a calm as the energy left the ground racing for the heavens. The peace of eye of this storm lasted only a moment. Then energy began to come tumbling uncontrollably downward. It raced forth impacting a radius that easily hitting all three youths and crushing them under the terrible force of the energy. The sound of the impact of energy and earth was deafening. He coughed and hacked as the smell of ozone assaulted his senses. Ryoga staggered under the force of his own technique, but remained standing. Why is it hurting me? I guess I've not rid myself of all my ki. That's the only reason I can think of why it struck me. A crater large as a car in had formed where they energy has collided with earth.
Ryoga felt the chains that bound him loosen in the aftermath of the blast. Shampoo had collapsed to her knees, head facing downward. It's over, I've ended it. Suddenly she twitched ever so slightly. No, I can't show mercy. As long as she can fight she will. I have to end this one way or another. I need to be like Ranma, victory at any cost. No quarter, no room for compassion in a soul of ice. A dark red mist encircled Ryoga, its cloudy tendrils forming a second skin.
"Perfected Shishi houkou-dan!" he screamed like a battle cry. Again, Ryoga felt the energy surge around him as it made its way upward, forming a pillar of glowing red light. The rubble around the site, loosen by the first blast, was drawn into the influx of energy as it raced skyward. Ryoga struggled to breathe, as the very air seemed to be sucked into the vortex. A fleeting moment of tranquillity interrupted this awesome display. Ryoga closed his eyes, bracing for impact, knowing this moment would be all too brief. Then the energy fell earthward, dropping lower than before. The sound of the blast was a thunderclap, echoing and reverberating for miles around. Pain lanced through Ryoga's frame, and again he staggered, but maintained his balance. The stench of ozone stained the air.
Without opening his eyes, Ryoga focused his thoughts, to no avail. Feverishly he mused I won't lose. No not this time. I have win for my friend's happiness. The warmth of his battle aura surrounded him. He could feel the sweet taste of raw power, waiting to be unleashed. It seduced him and he felt his aura flare. This will be the greatest blast ever. I will...
A stiff object impacted jarred his concentration. Slowly Ryoga opened his eyes. He saw Cologne starring at him, her staff against his chest.
"Enough Ryoga. You've defeated them." Ryoga looked closely at Shampoo slumped over and unconscious. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the same was true Mousse. The Amazon Matriarch muttered, "It's been decided at last."