SHE'S ALL ALONE
Ki Sera Sera
Disclaimer: As you know, I don't own Takahashi-sama's wonderful characters, all I own are two chopsticks and a scarf two sizes too big.
Well, so far so good, this fic has enjoyed an early burst and a nice set of reviews from new and old friends by the sounds of things, and I'll just answer a few questions in those reviews now.
Yes, the old man Yo is based from Street Fighter 2 V. It's not one of my favourite animes, however the character of Yo seemed to be perfect for someone for Ukyo to learn from. Yo for those who have never seen SF2V was a 'character of the day' who was pretty much a ki master and seemed to want to take Ryu on as a student. He was known as Yo, the tea merchant, but real name was Yosenkai, a master of martial arts, calligraphy and painting, and was a civilian who helped out in the Chinese Civil War. If only the real war was as easy to deal with…
And yes, this fic is destined to make you cry. Early on maybe not, but certain later on, and this fic will probably be in the 20 range as far as chapters.
This chapter is a nice one because it's one of the few where I focus a bit on most of the characters. Asides from our heroine, there are two other characters who will give a decent amount of important other than Ranma and Akane, one is missing from this chapter and the other may surprise you, let's see who you think they might be…
So, enjoy!
* * * *
He didn't know why it bothered him so much.
Normally Ranma could sleep like a log, but tonight seemed different. In fact, he seemed to be in a daze for most of the day, and almost everyone asked if he was O.K.
Except for the snoring panda next to him…Ranma at times wished he could bust that thick skull of his so he could see if there was a brain inside…
However, his thoughts were now on a missing friend.
'Where are you?'
* * * *
The answer would be in a cave in Mt. Aso, watching simple ki tricks which Mr. Yo was demonstrating for the young chef.
The simpliest was when he held his hands into a ball like shape, and simply let his hands go forward, the wave enough to snuff out a candle.
Of course, Ukyo knew by now that the most simple things are the most problematic…
She had already been tested her rather short patience, by getting into the stance, and holding it there for 40 minutes. Yo-san had said this was to get the poise right, and to get your strength and endurance a little higher to practice ki techniques. Ukyo had grunted and snarled, but persevered, although the sweat from her forehead was more from training than the volcano this time…
Time and time again, she couldn't snuff out the candle, and expected to be branded a failure, but Yo simply smiled and let her continue. In that respects, she was pretty grateful. She probably knew she couldn't hit him with her spatula like she could with the others…he was probably as skilled as Cologne and Happosai…why were the best fighters all in their later years anyway?
"I think the time is approaching midnight Ukyo-san, you wish to call it a night?" Yo said, who had hardly moved from that spot in the 8 hours they had been. He had only left once for 30 minutes to go to his tea shop, and brought in a few teas and nikuman* and some nigirimeshi* for them. Ukyo made a mental note to get out her cart and do the old man an okonomiyaki or two for his help.
"Are…you…sure, I really wish I could do this…" Ukyo said.
Yo smiled. "Very well. It's up to you Ukyo-san. I will be retired to my chambers now. If you wish, I can have the boys prepare a room for y…"
Ukyo bowed. "That is very kind Yo-sensei, but I wish to remain here please."
Yo hid a knowing grin. "Why is it Ukyo-san?"
"I've learned through my life that almost anything is worth it if you take the hard route. If I sleep here, it's a basic way of strengthening myself in this heat. If I continue to train, I can get stronger every day. I know I am weak and foolish now, but I promise I won't be…"
Yo looked over her once more and put an ancient hand on her forehead. Ukyo felt something pass through her for a moment as he let go.
"A little gift Ukyo-san. I hope it helps you to your goal." Yo bowed to the girl who bowed back before heading out of the cave.
Ukyo felt a bit better after that exchange. Was that what he did, passed through a healing technique through her…or was it her own ki starting to emerge? Either way she was feeling better now, and she couldn't sleep now, especially after collapsing earlier today.
She clutched her hands into the ball, knowing she wanted to do this today. It took 3 days for Ranchan to do something like the Hiryu Shoten Ha, she had to get on that type of level now.
If she couldn't do something like this in one day, then she had no right to be a martial artist, a fiancé, or a chef.
On the outside, Yo gave himself another smile.
"All I gave you was a little belief Ukyo-san. It works better than any technique I could teach you." Yo left the cave, feeling more happy than he had in a long time…
* * * *
"Come on Ranma, we're going to be late!" Akane said.
"I hear you, I hear you…" Ranma complained as he headed out. High school was always difficult for Ranma, but with the promise that they'd marry when they got into college in affect, it was like added pressure from their fathers, which made them worse than ever for them to take over the school.
In other words, their skills were now not as good as the kids. Akane pretty much was her father's equal in skills, and got better and stronger with every challenge she managed to conquer. She may not be on someone like Shampoo's level yet, but she was getting there. And Ranma, well despite his cocky attitude and his father's words, Ranma was pretty much someone who you knew would dominate the professional kickboxing circuit when he was ready. Not too many people could match against him, even Cologne and Happosai would have problems, in a few years time…
However, Akane noticed things about his fiancé. Sure, the two still bickered, but they were now in the range of realising that something was going on with the other. And Akane sensed one of those times.
And it was pretty obvious what the problem was.
"So?" Akane said.
"Huh?" Ranma replied with his clueless reply.
"I'm surprised you didn't go after her." Akane said solemly…jealous perhaps?
"Who?" Ranma feigned ignorance, should know that he wouldn't fool her. Akane was one of the top students in her class and was almost guaranteed a college place. O.K, so home ec needed a little work but…
"Come on Ranma! You've been in a daze since you left Ucchan's yesterday! With Kasumi working at the moment and Nabiki working on her days off from college and on afternoons, I've had a good long look at your face and seen that your attitude seems to have changed. So, is it because that you miss stuffing your face with free okonomiyaki…"
"DON'T YOU DARE SAY THAT AGAIN!"
Akane jumped back, really surprised at the force of Ranma's words. Heck, even Ranma was surprised of the force of his words.
"Um…s-sorry Akane, but it's weird…" Ranma said.
"W-weird?" Akane wasn't sure whether to be angry or scared, so just stayed in a confused state for the time being.
"I…I didn't realise what the void of a 10 year friendship could consume…" Ranma said solemly. "I don't know how it changed. Me ignoring her after the wedding, her actions during it…either way, something changed in us and with that, she left. And now, I feel a bit more empty than I did before…"
Akane stared. "Ranma…"
Akane wasn't sure what he meant, but it was obvious that Ranma did feel something for Ukyo. Akane was sure however that it wasn't really the love she was scared of, it was more like love of a best friend. She had wondering if Ranma even considered friendship much, sure…Hiroshi and Daisuke could qualify, and even Ryoga-kun, but it was obvious who he counted on more times than even he himself realised.
And just as this rare and perfect thinking moment seemed to relax the two of them…
"Ni-hao!"
…an interruption.
Akane sighed. If there was one thorn that both Akane and Ukyo probably would agree on removing, it was Shampoo.
The Chinese girl was a stunner, no doubt about that. Akane on more than one occasion had been jealous of Shampoo, and indeed how 'cute' she was. When Ranma had been possessed by the spirit technique Happosai had used in bringing out his girl side, Akane immediately thought that the person Ranma was on about talking about cute was Shampoo.
However, every beautiful rose is sharp, and Shampoo was as thorny as they come.
Ranma lazily dodged to the side, as Shampoo passed by, looking confused. Airen was always happy to see her…well, in her own mind anyway. After the wedding, Ranma had been acting a bit weird to her, hardly speaking, even when she came to greet her husband with a big hello. Why was that?
"Ranma, Shampoo make you lunch. Skip school and eat with Shampoo?" Shampoo smiled happily, unaware that Ranma had in fact continued walking. Akane was thinking of saying something to her rival, but decided not to. Anything she said usually went over Shampoo's head anyway.
As they left, Shampoo for the first time, looked angry. "Hey, when wife make you lunch, you eat!" Shampoo screamed.
Ranma continued walking on, almost in a daze. Shampoo was wondering maybe she should try normal ramen instead of the laced ones she had…
"SHAMPOO!"
…when interruption number two came about, in the form of a Chinese boy with bad eyesight and a medieval armoury hidden up his sleeves.
"Stupid Mousse, why you hugging angry girl? Unless you give up on Shampoo?" Shampoo asked as the vein popped on Akane's head, as Mousse saw a little too late who he was hugging…
"Akane, you should stop watching those wrestling shows…" Ranma sighed as Akane's Roaring Elbow smashed Mousse into the sidewalk.
"Mousse, stop following Shampoo. You too true annoying just clinging onto ankles…" Shampoo said.
At that point, Ranma made a glare at Shampoo, one that made even the airheaded Amazon a little bit chilled.
Akane sighed. Shampoo just didn't realise what Mousse was doing was the same thing what Shampoo was. Going after someone who wouldn't love them back.
The momentary chill had subsided, and Shampoo suddenly had something else to talk about.
She wouldn't realise what a mistake it would be.
"Airen, Shampoo hear spatula-girl leave town, isn't that great news? Now all you have to do is leave pervert-girl and…"
Ranma began running. One to get to school, and two…
As Akane followed, all she could see were two Amazons, one crying, one talking into air and he followed her fiancé to school, where it wouldn't be long when the talk of the town would be brought up again…
* * * *
"Just don't talk to him about you know…" Akane said to her friends, Shinobu and Maya, as well as Hiroshi and Daisuke.
"Man, I didn't realise how hung up he was on her…" Hiroshi said, and quickly shut up as Akane sent him a death glare. Woe behold anyone on the wrong end of that look…
"It's O.K, I don't think anyone would be stupid enough to do that." Shinobu said as they took their seats as Hinako Hiyomia entered, the chibi-teacher at least did manage to get classes done, mainly because her Happo-Yen-Satsu technique pretty much could stop anyone, even Happosai.
Ranma sighed. It was hard to concentrate on work. His encounter with Shampoo was not what he wanted, it was hard trying to not think about what his old friend could be doing.
Despite his actions, he did consider what Akane was going through. The fact that by all rights, he was her fiancé, he wondered what she was thinking…
He knew she would be alright, being a thickheaded tomboy girl and all…but times, he wondering how much he had hurt her self-esteem throughout the months. And the fact he was worried about someone who he thought Akane didn't like (and was a rival to boot), didn't help matters.
He resolved to have a talk with Akane on the way back school, barring interruptions.
"Halt this class immediately!"
Like that one for example.
The noble figure stood among the class, strong and defiant over the lowly mortals (aside from one flower named Akane Tendo of course). He, of his own invincibility could go where he wanted, and chose his own path. They called him the Blue Thunder of Furinkan High (actually, he did) and the undefeated kendo champion, also known as the Shooting Star, Tatewaki Kuno had come in with a purpose.
"Ranma Saotome, how dare you let a maiden's heart be broken?"
Ranma turned, not with his usual smart-alec smile that he wore when Kuno made one of his idle threats.
Knowing that Saotome was so quiet because of fear that he had imbedded in his pitiful self just from the sound of his voice, Kuno continued.
"I have overheard that one of your so-called fiancés has left the town of Nerima, because of a broke heart caused by your own well being…Saotome, I curse you! I curse you a thousand times!" Kuno threatened with his bokken of course.
And if one Kuno wasn't bad enough…
A flurrish of black rose petals made their way inside the class. Hikari Gosunguki made the smart move of hiding behind his desk, knowing whatever was going to happen next wasn't going to be pleasant.
"K-K-Kodachi?" Akane said.
Kodachi's patented laugh was enough for a certain teacher to decide enough was enough as she fingered a coin ready…but paused. Maybe they had a reason for this delinquency…
"My sister…why aren't you at your esteemed school for young ladies?" Tatewaki said.
"Oh, brother dear, do you think I didn't want to tell Ranma-sama about the wonderous news I've just learnt?" Kodachi asked.
Ranma really wanted to get away now…
"Well, Sasuke has just informed me that, the girl hussy known as Ukyo Kuonji realises that she now rival for me now, and has left town…for good I hope! Isn't that great Ranma-sama? Now Kodachi has one less nuisance to worry about…isn't that right Akane-dear?"
Ranma failed to mention that Ukyo was in his class and he would have known without her help…
The threat in Kodachi's words made the youngest Tendo's blood boil. However, she was saved by an unexpected source.
"Sister? How dare you say such foul things…I intend to make this cur eat his words and fix a maiden's broken heart!" Kuno said.
But Kodachi just laughed.
"Brother dear, surely you jest…by trying to bring Kuonji back, you want to claim Akane Tendo for yourself! Right, brother dear?" And another laugh designed to make your ears bleed came abouts.
"Silence woman!" Kuno threatened to attack his sister as the Black Rose armed her ribbon.
Ranma was getting pissed. Kodachi and Tatewaki obviously didn't seem to care what shit he was going through, he was having enough guilty consciences to last a life time, and he was about to do something that would probably get him suspended…
…fortunately, Hinako was literally, one step ahead of him.
"You two delinquents, I've heard enough! Happo Five Yen Satso!"
Hinako was no martial arts expert, but she was a master of ki and life-force. With her one move, the Kuno's were about to really understand what being weak was about.
A glow around her circular coin, and Hinako the child teacher soon became Hinako, the sexy busty chi-vampire, feeding off the Kuno's life force. Both male and female Kuno fell down…
"Curses, foiled again…" Tatewaki said.
"Urp…" Kodachi said, really wishing she had a hole to crawl into.
Ranma sighed. Those two idiots he didn't want to bear with at the moment. It seemed that Ukyo leaving Nerima was currently bigger news than Happosai on his 500th successful panty raid.
Maybe he never realised how much of a problem Ucchan was…
* * * *
The heat was pretty much unbearable to a regular human, but as humans go, people who were associated with Ranma Saotome were hardly considered normal…
It was the second day since Yo showed her the technique to blowing out the candle and Ukyo was more determined to do the move more than ever.
And she was getting an audience to boot.
The majority of the tea shop staff were young Chinese males, all of them also trained in various degree of martial arts skills, whether it be kung-fu, wushu or jeet kune do. However, none of them had been given the right to learn from Mr. Yo the master of ki.
So when a person that met him during a trip to a coffee shop and was instantly granted this honour, they were more than a little upset.
On the second day, they planned to have quiet words with this man whilst Yo-sensei was out…
…but when they came there, two reasons stopped them.
The first was the fact that she wouldn't have noticed them anyway. The concentration that the stranger was trying to use was beyond anything any of the men had seen before. They used meditation in their own arts to control and relax the body, but this was a martial arts pose that seemed to demand the highest most concentration.
And the second…Yo never told them that the student was in fact a girl. And a cute one at that.
"Um…should we disturb her?" the first one, Sou said, in Chinese.
"All of a sudden, I don't want to…" Sai, the second said.
"I think we'd better go back down quickly…" the third, Cho added.
The other 3, Gen, Myojuan and Eian left quickly, as the girl continued her task.
She had barely eaten, a purpose she had seemed to have kept her levels of strength high. Despite the pouring sweat on her body, she knew it took patience for the best martial arts experts in the world to perform their feets. Cologne was 100 years old, and had learnt mastery from ancient Amazon techniques dating back as far as 5000 years ago, surely it might just have taken a little time to do that…
Ukyo wished she had Ranma's skill all of a sudden, he seemed to have a knack for these things…
Ukyo shook her head. She couldn't be distracted now. Thinking of Ranma would only put her off, Yo had given her the spirit to do this and she wouldn't give up now because it was a little hard.
She returned to the candle, finally stopping to drink a cup of green tea that someone had kindly left for her. She smiled.
"I could enjoy this life."
* * * *
"Great-grandmother, I home!"
Shampoo had finished making her deliveries for the day. Airen had finished school and she was preparing to go out on a date with him as he always liked to, but had to pay greeting to the ancient Amazon.
"Welcome home, Shampoo." Cologne said, the Nekohanten open for business where your delicious Amazon ramen is ready for you in…well, they still hadn't thought of a slogan but they were working on it…
Cologne hopped on her walking stick ready to serve some customers. Inside the kitchen, Mousse grumbled about washing up for an old mummy (which consequently sent him to the ground courtesy of the mummy and her stick), and despite the fact that Shampoo had come back, decided for now just to follow orders.
"Great-grandmother, there is too true good news today, both for Shampoo and for great-grandmother and her business!" Shampoo said.
Cologne was interesting hearing that. She had a hunch what Shampoo was going to say, but wasn't completely sure…
"What is it child?" Cologne asked.
"Stupid spatula-girl has gone! One less problem for Shampoo, although no competition for Shampoo anyway. Now just Akane real worry, ribbon-girl no threat…"
As Shampoo spoke, Cologne was thinking. So Ukyo has left after all? The ancient Amazon thought a bit more, and made her decision.
"Shampoo, can you take care of the café for a moment please? There is something I need to attend to."
"Of course great-grandmother!"
"And hit Mousse if he gets out of line."
Shampoo smiled. "Of COURSE, great-grandmother."
Cologne left the café via her walking stick, hopping down to both her rival restaurant and what appeared to be Shampoo's former rival's place as well.
"Life has become interesting again…"
* * * *
The ancient warrior who knew more techniques to manipulate nature than probably Mother Nature herself, waited outside the okonomiyaki restaurant. The pleasant smell of herbs and spices always greeted her, it seemed nothing had changed much in that respect.
Cologne was a mixed bag of emotions with Kuonji leaving. She was one of the rivals for Shampoo in terms of getting together with son-in-law, along with Akane Tendo, and they argued more than a couple in heat at times. The two had never actually fought one on one (which was good, Cologne wasn't 100% sure Shampoo could beat Ukyo, and if she didn't, the kiss of death had already brought a fair share of problems to the Amazons) but if she was honest, like with Akane, she didn't hate the chef. Sure, she annoyed her every so often when they were involved with Ranma (like the incident with the red thread), but she had to admit, the girl cooked one mean okonomiyaki.
But there was another reason why Cologne didn't want the shop to be in any trouble…Konatsu. Cologne's 100 years plus of being alive, and she couldn't imagine another figure as pitiful as poor Konatsu. Deprives of even the basic of needs, Konatsu had been taken in (as a girl) to work as a cook and a waitress for a low wage and board basically. However, the way his smile seemed to reach you and never complained, there was something heart warming about that which Cologne didn't even see in her great granddaughter.
Cologne entered the restauarant…
…and was a bit surprised to see Konatsu on the floor, crying slightly and bowing in front of Nabiki Tendo.
"Gomen nasai Nabiki-san! I am so sorry about dropping the drinks over you, however that guy…"
Nabiki tried to get angry, tried to get upset, tried to dock poor Konatsu's meagre wage. However, the incident was no way his fault. Of all people, the Golden Pair had turned up in the restaurant…and had been a real pain for Konatsu. His nature was so sweet he never let anything bother him, even that annoying Azusa and her nature for grabbing anything that was cute.
But the real problem was Mikado. As an apology for his partner's misbehaving…he tried to kiss him.
Never mind the fact that Konatsu is a guy (although convincing as a girl)…or that he was carrying 6 barley teas to the Furinkan Ice Hockey team. Fear and deadly instinct made Konatsu manage to jump out of the way, but not without dropping the teas.
Again, Mikado tried to 'apologise' but by then Nabiki had seen what happened, and Konatsu saw her face…and really knew he was in trouble.
Nabiki was many things to many people. Cold, intelligent, sly, ice queen, observant, always thinking, always scheming…but forgiving?
Kasumi happily continued to work after Konatsu had brought in the smashed teas, a quick apology to the hockey team and a quick exit for the Golden Pair, (with Mikado saying he'll have to 'apologise' later and Azusa wanted the band aid Kasumi had used to put on a cut on Konatsu's hand) as Nabiki shook his head.
"You know…you're impossible to get mad at…" Nabiki sighed.
Konatsu handled a weak smile, but in his way of the konaichi, he had failed what he felt was technically his master with the Tendos. Kasumi's smile was always a nice sight for the cross-dresser though.
"It wasn't his fault Nabiki, don't worry, he'll be fine." Kasumi said in her motherly tone. Nabiki shook her head.
"We had to give their meal away…and you know how I hate…" Nabiki started, but noticed a familiar face entering the restaurant.
"Elder Cologne. Nice to see you." Nabiki said formerly to the Amazon matriarch.
"Well dearie, I heard the place was under…new management so to speak. Just seeing how you are adjusting to life working." Cologne said with a sly smile to her wrinkled face.
"You heard then. Ah well…if you're wondering if we're going under so the Cat Café becomes the top in the region, sorry, we're still number one! Despite a couple of mishaps…" she looked slightly sternly at Konatsu but shook her head.
Cologne chuckled. "I hope you haven't been too hard on the poor dear."
Nabiki sighed. "No…there is something about the guy that you can't hate him."
"His wage?"
Nabiki sweatdropped. "I guess so…never thought about that." The two women laughed.
However, Cologne was thinking of more. If they were here, then the Kuonji girl must have sorted this out with them. Which meant she was planning this…but where did she go?
"Miss Tendo, do you mind if I speak with you? It is a matter of importance…of course I'll pay you for your services." Cologne said.
Nabiki smiled. "A woman after my own heart. Follow me into my office."
Nabiki went into the backroom as Cologne hopped there. She flashed a friendly smile at the fit against Konatsu who replied with a bow before setting up for a meeting of more importance than anyone may actually realise…
* * * *
It was late again.
The sweat was pouring. Hardly anything to eat, little to drink, just the upmost concentration.
She had a sixth sense for these things. She had witnessed Ranma do the Hiryu Shoten Ha. Ryoga had saved her using the Shi Shi Hodokan. These things were possible.
Blowing that candle however seemed impossible, it was like quantum physics to Ukyo.
But no matter how hard or how angry she got, she didn't lose sight of her goal. A simple parlour trick as Yo had said, but a trick that could increase her skills in martial arts.
It was like her mind was in one place but her body was in a totally different aura. Strength, speed, endurance…all mattered but patience was the skill she needed.
Ukyo felt like she was dying, the amount of effort she was putting in. It was late 2nd day and it only took Ranchan 3 days to learn that whirlwind attack. She was struggling to blow out a candle…
'Stop thinking like that. He's gone, your life is anew. I hope Kasumi and Nabiki are taking care of the restaurant…and poor Kon-kun. He deserves much better than me…'
These were distracting thoughts, she told herself. Thoughts which distracted her from her goal.
'They keep me focused. Thinking of my former life keep me focused, knowing I am no longer of that world.'
Faces appeared before her.
'Shampoo, Kuno, Tsubasa, Kodachi, Mousse, Ryoga, Nabiki, Kasumi, Genma, Akane…Ranma.'
She'd never know if he'd forgiven now. It was too late.
'I bet he's just now stuffing his face with that Chinese bimbo's food now that I'm gone! Damn it…'
No, she couldn't think like that. He was just as cold to Shampoo after the wedding fiasco.
'I can't let his face distract me…nothing can now, I've got a new goal…'
So why did she still miss him?
The focus seemed more now on her past life than her current one, yet they intertwined. In a way, was she doing this just to get stronger, maybe so she could be with Ranchan again?
'He chose Akane.'
She told herself that, but wasn't sure if she believed it. Did it matter, with bakas like those two parents and Happosai around, it was probably better…wasn't it?
'Ranchan!!!!!'
Her hands thrusted forward.
The candle went out.
Ukyo opened her eyes.
Her focus back on reality recovered. She was tired, exhausted, very weak…
…she'd blown out the candle.
She'd done it.
"Ranchan…I did it…" she said, before collapsing in the hollow cave.
It was only the first step towards a journey she may wish or not wish she had taken…
* * * *
Next time;
Ukyo begins to repay Yo by working her cart as part of Yo's tea shop business. And the customers can't get enough of Ucchan's okonomiyaki!
Cologne learns as much as she can, and wonders why she is concerned. Is it fear?
But why would the elder fear Ukyo?
Konatsu may be the one to finally get through the thick skull of Mikado Sanzenin. He and Ranma team up on the ice rink to take on the Golden Pair…but maybe he wished he didn't…
And Ukyo goes onto stage two of ki building. What's next for our fave spatula girl?
* * * *
That set's up nicely for what is going to be called a 'mix and match' chapter and believe it or not, starts off the dark tones this fic was originally about.
This chapter and MOST of next chapter seems nice and happy, but starting next chapter, the ugly sides start to appear. Ukyo remains unscathed next ep, someone else on the other hand…
This fic will be brutal. Not just emotionally, but physically, there will be many mature content ahead, include CHARACTER DEATHS. I know I'm going to kill 2 characters in this fic and also severely injure a couple more. There are other themes later which include mature themes, but I'll warn you in advance when those come up. Don't worry, things won't stay below PG-13.
Author notes (2)
Nikuman – pork buns.
Nigirimishi – rice balls wrapped in nori (seaweed).
