Where I Belong
By The Unseen Watcher
Tell you what. YOU think of a disclaimer and mentally place it here.
Chapter 5
-----------------
Ranma woke the morning of his 17th birthday feeling oddly bemused. It was still early, but he really didn't feel like sleeping in. He'd recently had that option for the first time in his life when Genma had finally decided that health considerations outweighed the need to keep his son alert. Ranma was too alert as is was, to his taste. They didn't even share the same room anymore after Ranma had ever so politely informed him of the change. A few dunkings in the pond and some rather graphic threats later, the elder Saotome announced that he missed sleeping under the stars. It got rather funny on rainy nights.
Ranma padded silently out to the porch, where he noticed the still snoring form of his father. He grinned wickedly at this turn of events. Payback time.
Genma soon found himself breathing water in the koi pond where the fish had long since gotten used to sudden explosions. Now the old panda wasn't the most perceptive man in the world when it came to reality, (he wasn't even in the top 5 billionth) but he had a fine-tuned danger sense that had been honed through an apprenticeship under Happosai. One even the old freak respected. Not to mention all the thieving he'd done throughout the years.
Even so, it seemed to have done him little good now as he emerged from the pond one very confused panda.
"Growf Grr Grow?" He whipped out his sign. How did you do that boy?!
Ranma grinned evilly, mischief dancing in his gray-blue eyes as he waggled his finger in admonishment. "Now if I told you that it wouldn't be a secret." He replied. Turning, Ranma skipped into the house, not even bothering to spar.
Genma stared after him. *Maybe the boy has finally lost it. * He thought. Somehow a clever, grinning Ranma was almost as disturbing as the cold one had been. A Ranma not interested in fighting caused his little panda brain to temporarily overload. The fish quickly got out of the way as his round head hit the surface as he passed out.
Ranma ate breakfast at his usual pace, which meant that there wasn't even enough left to make decent crumbs by the time Genma- panda recovered and hauled himself into the house.
While his father looked mournfully at his empty plate, Ranma gathered up the used dishes.
"What are you doing Ranma?" Nabiki asked, puzzled. She had given up on trying to predict what he'd do next and had settled for being suspicious of everything.
Flashing her a cheery smile, he replied "Doing the dishes" before easily moving off to the kitchen with the precarious looking stack not even swaying. All present at the breakfast table stared after him. Nabiki had to consciously remember to close her mouth. RANMA was volunteering to help out around the house. Mr. Manly Man himself.
From the kitchen, they heard the call of "Hey Kasumi, let me do that today!" Kasumi came out of the kitchen, a pleased smile on her face. At everyone's questioning looks she explained "Ranma- kun offered to do all my chores for the day!" Everyone else face-faulted.
From his position on the floor, Genma-panda whipped out his sign. Martians. My son has been abducted by Martians.
**
Nabiki and Akane walked to school. Ranma didn't exactly walk. When he wasn't jumping around, he was doing handsprings, and even a few somersaults on the fence. The two sisters continually sweatdropped at the looks they were getting from passersby.
"Stop that!" Akane finally snapped, feeling deeply embarrassed. She was blushing furiously, ducking her head in the hopes that no one would recognize her. Next thing you knew the crazy baka would start singing!
On cue, Ranma began a rousing chorus of 'We Will Rock You.'
**
Ranma couldn't explain it. He felt like he was bursting with energy. All the little problems that had been holding him down and crushing him under their combined weight, suddenly seemed so hilarious. Like it was all some massive joke and he'd finally gotten the punch line.
When the old Ladle Lady splashed him, she laughed so hard she nearly fell off the fence, startling the old woman. Not pausing in her dance, she took out a ready thermos from mid-air. Things had gotten a lot easier since he'd learned a bit of the Hidden Weapons technique from, surprisingly enough, Dr. Tofu. The rest came from observing Mousse.
By this time, Akane and even Nabiki firmly believed that he'd either gone completely Kodachi or was on drugs. Knowing Ranma's fiancée problems, either was quite possible.
As he skipped merrily up to the school gate Kuno appeared, as usual. "Halt, thou foul being of darkness! Surrender your claims on the tigress Tendo Akane and the mysterious pig-tailed girl or face the wrath of Kuno Tatewaki, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!!" Lightning flashed, but no one bothered to look up.
Ranma, hands in pockets, just stood there looking more than a little bored. "Wow, Kuno. You said all that in one sentence."
"SILENCE FIEND!!" Kuno roared, "answer my challenge now or suffer the consequences of your insolence! Wilt thou concede to my demands?!"
Ranma paused, tilting his head slightly as if in consideration. At length he shrugged, the strange bemused smile finding its way back to his face.
"Okay."
Kuno blinked. "What?" He said, his voice actually normal as he sputtered and gawked at the other boy.
Akane was gaping as well, too stunned to be angry yet.
Ranma continued. "Akane's all yours Kuno, but it'll be harder to win over the pig-tailed girl. She's kind of shy. If I were you, I'd show her your true devotion to the ones you love by showering Akane with attention first. If you're convincing, it's sure to get her attention.
Kuno had recovered slightly, his corkscrew logic already working on this new development. Nodding slowly at what was now his former rival's suggestions; his face looked as thoughtful as it could manage.
"For once the . . . the warrior Saotome speaks truth. Tendo Akane, I shall prove to you the depths of my love, and in doing so win my other love as well!"
With that Kuno charged off, intent on making Akane's life hell. Akane came out of her stupor, and started glowing red with rage.
"Ranmaaa!!" She growled, turning only to see him slipping quickly into the school.
Akane charged into the classroom, ready to punch him into next week.
However, her battle aura abruptly winked out when she saw Hinako- sensei at the front of the room. She had forgotten that the Psycho Sensei was teaching first period today. From the knowing grin on his face as he sat properly at his desk, Ranma had not.
"Miss Tendo, you are late." Hinako-sensei said, frowning cutely. Akane looked properly penitent, though she was having trouble keeping her fury off her face. Quickly collecting the buckets, she stomped out into the hallway, casting one last glare that promised immense pain later Ranma's way.
Had she looked back again, she would have been surprised to note the wistful look that shone briefly in his eyes as he gazed after her.
**
Kuno made several attempts throughout the day to 'woo' Akane. He threw truckloads of flowers her way, reciting sonnets about her beauty and power. He 'drew her into his embrace', declaring that she was now free to admit her absolute love for him.
Akane bashed him into orbit each time. Often through the walls of the school. By this time Nerima residents were long used to avoiding falling debris and martial artists, so they barely noticed the extra ventilation.
Kuno would return, slightly more bandaged each time, but undaunted. Sasuke was dragooned into wheeling him around in a cart.
It was only halfway through school, and Akane was stomping down the halls in an absolute rage, causing plaster to crack with the force of her steps. The hallways were deserted long before she came in sight, so the walls suffered more of her frustrations.
"THE SECOND RANMA STEPS OUT FOR LUNCH, HE'S DEAD!" She shouted.
Marching out to the schoolyard she looked around, eyes narrowed and only one thought on her mind. She found her target sitting in his usual spot under a tree, eating lunch. Ukyo sat attentively beside him, her presence causing Akane's vision to darken further.
Meanwhile, Ukyo was watching as Ranma downed the food she had brought for him, he expression pleased. Ranma was paying attention to her again, and the news was all over the school that he had broken up with Akane. Life was good. She had never seen Ranchan look so happy. She chattered excitedly to him, though it was a mostly one way conversation because his mouth was full.
Suddenly Ukyo felt a chill, and looked up to meet Akane's blazing glare. Akane stormed over to them, the other students giving her plenty of room. Her fists were twitching, an angry crimson aura glowing around her.
Ukyo quickly got to her feet, moving into a protective position before the seemingly oblivious Ranma. She stood on guard, her large spatula leveled in front of her. Akane tried to go through her, swinging at the barrier between her and revenge. Ukyo blocked the blow, her face determined though she was privately impressed by the strength behind it as her arm went slightly numb. Akane was forced to stop and the two exchanged glares. Ukyo was preparing to go on the offensive when a voice behind her stopped her.
"Don't bother, Ucchan." Ranma said calmly, brushing the remains of lunch off his shirt. Standing up, he moved forward, his expression matching his voice. Ukyo stood uncertainly aside as he moved past her. Ranma smiled slightly, the motion not reaching his eyes. "Hiya Akane. What can I do for ya?" he asked, his arms casually crossed over his chest.
By this time they had the attention of the entire schoolyard, which was now waiting breathlessly for what would happen next. Several of them winced at Ranma's words. They would get a rather painful response for sure.
Akane glared at him fists clenching as her temper rose another notch. "Don't 'hi' ME, you perverted JERK! What do you have to say for yourself?! How DARE you do that to me! In front of the whole school no less!" She shouted, her aura flaring as her voice rose. "You've had this coming for a while, you jerk! She yelled, and swung at him, the force of her entire body behind the blow.
The crowd tensed, waiting for the usual connection of Akane's fist to Ranma's face.
But Ranma wasn't there.
The momentum of her own punch sent the shorthaired girl spinning, until she landed with a loud .thump! on the ground, her eyes swirling. While everyone gawked, she snapped out of it, gaping into space in her surprise. She'd missed! She'd never missed him before! Looking wildly around, she finally spotted him standing in the exact same spot, his relaxed stance unchanged. Her eyes narrowed and her aura sprang back to life. He was making fun of her!
"I'll teach you to make fun of me, Ranma!" She shouted, standing up and barreling forward. This time Ranma didn't even bother to move aside. He stood there, his feet planted. She aimed for his face, trying for surprise. She might as well have been going in slow motion. His head wasn't there when her punch plowed through the air where it had been, ruffling his hair with the wind of its passage.
Akane froze for a second in confusion, shocked for a moment out of her anger as she realized how effortlessly he had dodged her. His head was cocked to the side; his expression unchanged. Furious, she launched another attack.
Punching wildly, she became increasingly frustrated. He dodged every one of them, the growing look of boredom in his eyes only incensing her more, and her pace increased. She started to strike at random parts of his body, trying to at least make him move from the spot. But he just twisted around them, one leg always supporting his position.
After some time Akane began to slow. Even the heat of her anger was not enough to sustain overexerted muscles. Eventually her arms dropped to her sides, dead weight. She stood panting, her entire body aching. Unable to do anything but look at Ranma, she did her best to melt him with her gaze.
Ranma stood there, looking unfazed by events. He hadn't even broken a sweat, his arms folded the whole time.
"Are you finished, Akane?" he asked. Before she could draw enough breath for a retort he continued. "Now, lets go over what you did wrong. You put too much power behind each blow. You used up all your energy that way. You also got a lot sloppier rather than better. You need to concentrate more. Most of all, you allowed your temper to blind you to your opponent. That kind of mistake can get ya killed in a real fight." He smiled suddenly, lightening the serious atmosphere. "Practice will help you to improve. You're welcome to try again any time. Just remember what I said." He turned to leave, his hands now in his pockets.
Akane had stood there like a deer in the headlights throughout the entire lecture. Ranma was actually Critiquing her fighting style! Shock turned quickly to anger. She suddenly felt all the stares directed their way. She was insulted and humiliated, and reacted the only way she knew how. Her arms useless, she swung a kick at him.
Ranma shifted to the side, catching her foot in an arm lock. All she could do was wobble frantically on one leg in an effort to keep her balance.
"Oh, and by the way." Ranma said, his voice casual. All attention immediately focused on him. "I kinda made a little decision. I still don't hit girls, but I'll no longer let them him Me either. If you manage to tag me, it'll be cause ya earned it. Otherwise, happy landings."
He twisted her leg slightly, not enough to be painful but sufficiently to disrupt her precarious balance and send her once again sprawling on her rear. He let go of her leg, and walked back to the school, his hands in his pockets. He was given even more room than Akane had been. Ukyo let out the breath she had been holding, watching the retreating figure of her oldest friend.
As the martial artist disappeared completely from view the spell of silence was broken, and the school grounds erupted with noise, the students all wondering aloud about this recent development. Ranma was acting strangely again, doing almost the unthinkable. Nabiki stood in their midst, a speculative look on her face. Things were about to get interesting again.
Only she and Ukyo noticed Akane get up and walk off in a daze.
***
That night the whole Nerima gang was at the Tendo Dojo, with the unsurprising exception of Ryoga. They were all gathered for Ranma's birthday. The party was in full swing, and the guest of honor was, as usual, largely forgotten as the guests squabbled together over who should get his attention.
Ranma ignored them all for the most part, dodging the occasional swing, glomp, or thrown object. He was looking around, the sixth and even seventh senses he'd developed to survive in Nerima were tingling like mad. He rubbed the hairs on the back of his neck in an effort to muffle it. Something was up. The tension that had been growing for months was finally coming to a head. Whatever it was, was about to happen.
He waited expectantly, tamping down on the strange sense of excitement he felt. He couldn't get his hopes up. Nothing good had ever come of these kinds of things. Not for him, anyway.
Kasumi heard someone call politely from the gate, and she went out to greet the next visitor. Her pleased exclamation of surprise caught Ranma's attention immediately, his head snapping around and his eyes alight.
Kasumi walked in, escorting a familiar figure. Mrs. Saotome stood in the entryway, her katana in its usual bundle at her back. In her hands, she held what looked like a shoebox-sized container that was tightly wrapped in white cloth. She held it carefully, as if it were fragile and might break.
The party had barely paused at her entrance, and was soon back into full swing. Genma moved to the opposite end of the room, keeping well clear of his wife and her weapon.
The sounds, for Ranma, all faded into the background as his eyes remained fastened on the form of his mother. This was it. He could feel it in his gut, and the anticipation was threatening to eat him alive. However, Nodoka made no effort to talk with him after her expected greeting. In fact, she seemed to be studiously avoiding looking in his direction. The tension was now like an unseen wall, blocking out his awareness of all but the two of them.
After what seemed like hours, they got from the party to the presents. Ranma breezed through them, thanking the givers and putting the more dangerous ones aside.
Then his mother stepped forward, and called for everyone's attention. When the room quieted somewhat, she said. "I have a present for Ranma as well, and an announcement to make."
Murmurs started throughout the crowd. Now even they couldn't help but feel it too. All eyes glanced between Ranma and his mother.
Nodoka gently picked up the package, which she had placed in her lap. She rose, gliding toward Ranma, her expression solemn. Her every movement had an air of ritual, and the crowd respectfully parted, giving her a clear aisle to her son.
Ranma stood at alert, his fists unconsciously clenching. His entire attention was on the woman coming inexorably closer. After a small eternity, Nodoka stopped in front of him. Her arms stretched out as she offered him the bundle, his own rising of their own will to accept it.
------------------
More Akane bashing. Can't be helped for now. Don't worry, I won't completely disparage her. She just needs to grow up a little. Of course, so does he. We'll see! Sorry about neglecting my other stories. I've been in another slump. I hope you'll bear with me.^_^ Oh, and since Anime characters don't seem to age much, I finally gave up and made it his 17th year. Old enough to be considered near adulthood, but young enough to need family around him. Of course, he sort of got the short end of the stick on that growing up, so he has some catching up to do. Aaand, I found out that most Japanese don't really celebrate birthdays. They mostly consider themselves a year older on the New Year and exchange presents. shrugs Oh, well. It supports the plot.
By The Unseen Watcher
Tell you what. YOU think of a disclaimer and mentally place it here.
Chapter 5
-----------------
Ranma woke the morning of his 17th birthday feeling oddly bemused. It was still early, but he really didn't feel like sleeping in. He'd recently had that option for the first time in his life when Genma had finally decided that health considerations outweighed the need to keep his son alert. Ranma was too alert as is was, to his taste. They didn't even share the same room anymore after Ranma had ever so politely informed him of the change. A few dunkings in the pond and some rather graphic threats later, the elder Saotome announced that he missed sleeping under the stars. It got rather funny on rainy nights.
Ranma padded silently out to the porch, where he noticed the still snoring form of his father. He grinned wickedly at this turn of events. Payback time.
Genma soon found himself breathing water in the koi pond where the fish had long since gotten used to sudden explosions. Now the old panda wasn't the most perceptive man in the world when it came to reality, (he wasn't even in the top 5 billionth) but he had a fine-tuned danger sense that had been honed through an apprenticeship under Happosai. One even the old freak respected. Not to mention all the thieving he'd done throughout the years.
Even so, it seemed to have done him little good now as he emerged from the pond one very confused panda.
"Growf Grr Grow?" He whipped out his sign. How did you do that boy?!
Ranma grinned evilly, mischief dancing in his gray-blue eyes as he waggled his finger in admonishment. "Now if I told you that it wouldn't be a secret." He replied. Turning, Ranma skipped into the house, not even bothering to spar.
Genma stared after him. *Maybe the boy has finally lost it. * He thought. Somehow a clever, grinning Ranma was almost as disturbing as the cold one had been. A Ranma not interested in fighting caused his little panda brain to temporarily overload. The fish quickly got out of the way as his round head hit the surface as he passed out.
Ranma ate breakfast at his usual pace, which meant that there wasn't even enough left to make decent crumbs by the time Genma- panda recovered and hauled himself into the house.
While his father looked mournfully at his empty plate, Ranma gathered up the used dishes.
"What are you doing Ranma?" Nabiki asked, puzzled. She had given up on trying to predict what he'd do next and had settled for being suspicious of everything.
Flashing her a cheery smile, he replied "Doing the dishes" before easily moving off to the kitchen with the precarious looking stack not even swaying. All present at the breakfast table stared after him. Nabiki had to consciously remember to close her mouth. RANMA was volunteering to help out around the house. Mr. Manly Man himself.
From the kitchen, they heard the call of "Hey Kasumi, let me do that today!" Kasumi came out of the kitchen, a pleased smile on her face. At everyone's questioning looks she explained "Ranma- kun offered to do all my chores for the day!" Everyone else face-faulted.
From his position on the floor, Genma-panda whipped out his sign. Martians. My son has been abducted by Martians.
**
Nabiki and Akane walked to school. Ranma didn't exactly walk. When he wasn't jumping around, he was doing handsprings, and even a few somersaults on the fence. The two sisters continually sweatdropped at the looks they were getting from passersby.
"Stop that!" Akane finally snapped, feeling deeply embarrassed. She was blushing furiously, ducking her head in the hopes that no one would recognize her. Next thing you knew the crazy baka would start singing!
On cue, Ranma began a rousing chorus of 'We Will Rock You.'
**
Ranma couldn't explain it. He felt like he was bursting with energy. All the little problems that had been holding him down and crushing him under their combined weight, suddenly seemed so hilarious. Like it was all some massive joke and he'd finally gotten the punch line.
When the old Ladle Lady splashed him, she laughed so hard she nearly fell off the fence, startling the old woman. Not pausing in her dance, she took out a ready thermos from mid-air. Things had gotten a lot easier since he'd learned a bit of the Hidden Weapons technique from, surprisingly enough, Dr. Tofu. The rest came from observing Mousse.
By this time, Akane and even Nabiki firmly believed that he'd either gone completely Kodachi or was on drugs. Knowing Ranma's fiancée problems, either was quite possible.
As he skipped merrily up to the school gate Kuno appeared, as usual. "Halt, thou foul being of darkness! Surrender your claims on the tigress Tendo Akane and the mysterious pig-tailed girl or face the wrath of Kuno Tatewaki, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!!" Lightning flashed, but no one bothered to look up.
Ranma, hands in pockets, just stood there looking more than a little bored. "Wow, Kuno. You said all that in one sentence."
"SILENCE FIEND!!" Kuno roared, "answer my challenge now or suffer the consequences of your insolence! Wilt thou concede to my demands?!"
Ranma paused, tilting his head slightly as if in consideration. At length he shrugged, the strange bemused smile finding its way back to his face.
"Okay."
Kuno blinked. "What?" He said, his voice actually normal as he sputtered and gawked at the other boy.
Akane was gaping as well, too stunned to be angry yet.
Ranma continued. "Akane's all yours Kuno, but it'll be harder to win over the pig-tailed girl. She's kind of shy. If I were you, I'd show her your true devotion to the ones you love by showering Akane with attention first. If you're convincing, it's sure to get her attention.
Kuno had recovered slightly, his corkscrew logic already working on this new development. Nodding slowly at what was now his former rival's suggestions; his face looked as thoughtful as it could manage.
"For once the . . . the warrior Saotome speaks truth. Tendo Akane, I shall prove to you the depths of my love, and in doing so win my other love as well!"
With that Kuno charged off, intent on making Akane's life hell. Akane came out of her stupor, and started glowing red with rage.
"Ranmaaa!!" She growled, turning only to see him slipping quickly into the school.
Akane charged into the classroom, ready to punch him into next week.
However, her battle aura abruptly winked out when she saw Hinako- sensei at the front of the room. She had forgotten that the Psycho Sensei was teaching first period today. From the knowing grin on his face as he sat properly at his desk, Ranma had not.
"Miss Tendo, you are late." Hinako-sensei said, frowning cutely. Akane looked properly penitent, though she was having trouble keeping her fury off her face. Quickly collecting the buckets, she stomped out into the hallway, casting one last glare that promised immense pain later Ranma's way.
Had she looked back again, she would have been surprised to note the wistful look that shone briefly in his eyes as he gazed after her.
**
Kuno made several attempts throughout the day to 'woo' Akane. He threw truckloads of flowers her way, reciting sonnets about her beauty and power. He 'drew her into his embrace', declaring that she was now free to admit her absolute love for him.
Akane bashed him into orbit each time. Often through the walls of the school. By this time Nerima residents were long used to avoiding falling debris and martial artists, so they barely noticed the extra ventilation.
Kuno would return, slightly more bandaged each time, but undaunted. Sasuke was dragooned into wheeling him around in a cart.
It was only halfway through school, and Akane was stomping down the halls in an absolute rage, causing plaster to crack with the force of her steps. The hallways were deserted long before she came in sight, so the walls suffered more of her frustrations.
"THE SECOND RANMA STEPS OUT FOR LUNCH, HE'S DEAD!" She shouted.
Marching out to the schoolyard she looked around, eyes narrowed and only one thought on her mind. She found her target sitting in his usual spot under a tree, eating lunch. Ukyo sat attentively beside him, her presence causing Akane's vision to darken further.
Meanwhile, Ukyo was watching as Ranma downed the food she had brought for him, he expression pleased. Ranma was paying attention to her again, and the news was all over the school that he had broken up with Akane. Life was good. She had never seen Ranchan look so happy. She chattered excitedly to him, though it was a mostly one way conversation because his mouth was full.
Suddenly Ukyo felt a chill, and looked up to meet Akane's blazing glare. Akane stormed over to them, the other students giving her plenty of room. Her fists were twitching, an angry crimson aura glowing around her.
Ukyo quickly got to her feet, moving into a protective position before the seemingly oblivious Ranma. She stood on guard, her large spatula leveled in front of her. Akane tried to go through her, swinging at the barrier between her and revenge. Ukyo blocked the blow, her face determined though she was privately impressed by the strength behind it as her arm went slightly numb. Akane was forced to stop and the two exchanged glares. Ukyo was preparing to go on the offensive when a voice behind her stopped her.
"Don't bother, Ucchan." Ranma said calmly, brushing the remains of lunch off his shirt. Standing up, he moved forward, his expression matching his voice. Ukyo stood uncertainly aside as he moved past her. Ranma smiled slightly, the motion not reaching his eyes. "Hiya Akane. What can I do for ya?" he asked, his arms casually crossed over his chest.
By this time they had the attention of the entire schoolyard, which was now waiting breathlessly for what would happen next. Several of them winced at Ranma's words. They would get a rather painful response for sure.
Akane glared at him fists clenching as her temper rose another notch. "Don't 'hi' ME, you perverted JERK! What do you have to say for yourself?! How DARE you do that to me! In front of the whole school no less!" She shouted, her aura flaring as her voice rose. "You've had this coming for a while, you jerk! She yelled, and swung at him, the force of her entire body behind the blow.
The crowd tensed, waiting for the usual connection of Akane's fist to Ranma's face.
But Ranma wasn't there.
The momentum of her own punch sent the shorthaired girl spinning, until she landed with a loud .thump! on the ground, her eyes swirling. While everyone gawked, she snapped out of it, gaping into space in her surprise. She'd missed! She'd never missed him before! Looking wildly around, she finally spotted him standing in the exact same spot, his relaxed stance unchanged. Her eyes narrowed and her aura sprang back to life. He was making fun of her!
"I'll teach you to make fun of me, Ranma!" She shouted, standing up and barreling forward. This time Ranma didn't even bother to move aside. He stood there, his feet planted. She aimed for his face, trying for surprise. She might as well have been going in slow motion. His head wasn't there when her punch plowed through the air where it had been, ruffling his hair with the wind of its passage.
Akane froze for a second in confusion, shocked for a moment out of her anger as she realized how effortlessly he had dodged her. His head was cocked to the side; his expression unchanged. Furious, she launched another attack.
Punching wildly, she became increasingly frustrated. He dodged every one of them, the growing look of boredom in his eyes only incensing her more, and her pace increased. She started to strike at random parts of his body, trying to at least make him move from the spot. But he just twisted around them, one leg always supporting his position.
After some time Akane began to slow. Even the heat of her anger was not enough to sustain overexerted muscles. Eventually her arms dropped to her sides, dead weight. She stood panting, her entire body aching. Unable to do anything but look at Ranma, she did her best to melt him with her gaze.
Ranma stood there, looking unfazed by events. He hadn't even broken a sweat, his arms folded the whole time.
"Are you finished, Akane?" he asked. Before she could draw enough breath for a retort he continued. "Now, lets go over what you did wrong. You put too much power behind each blow. You used up all your energy that way. You also got a lot sloppier rather than better. You need to concentrate more. Most of all, you allowed your temper to blind you to your opponent. That kind of mistake can get ya killed in a real fight." He smiled suddenly, lightening the serious atmosphere. "Practice will help you to improve. You're welcome to try again any time. Just remember what I said." He turned to leave, his hands now in his pockets.
Akane had stood there like a deer in the headlights throughout the entire lecture. Ranma was actually Critiquing her fighting style! Shock turned quickly to anger. She suddenly felt all the stares directed their way. She was insulted and humiliated, and reacted the only way she knew how. Her arms useless, she swung a kick at him.
Ranma shifted to the side, catching her foot in an arm lock. All she could do was wobble frantically on one leg in an effort to keep her balance.
"Oh, and by the way." Ranma said, his voice casual. All attention immediately focused on him. "I kinda made a little decision. I still don't hit girls, but I'll no longer let them him Me either. If you manage to tag me, it'll be cause ya earned it. Otherwise, happy landings."
He twisted her leg slightly, not enough to be painful but sufficiently to disrupt her precarious balance and send her once again sprawling on her rear. He let go of her leg, and walked back to the school, his hands in his pockets. He was given even more room than Akane had been. Ukyo let out the breath she had been holding, watching the retreating figure of her oldest friend.
As the martial artist disappeared completely from view the spell of silence was broken, and the school grounds erupted with noise, the students all wondering aloud about this recent development. Ranma was acting strangely again, doing almost the unthinkable. Nabiki stood in their midst, a speculative look on her face. Things were about to get interesting again.
Only she and Ukyo noticed Akane get up and walk off in a daze.
***
That night the whole Nerima gang was at the Tendo Dojo, with the unsurprising exception of Ryoga. They were all gathered for Ranma's birthday. The party was in full swing, and the guest of honor was, as usual, largely forgotten as the guests squabbled together over who should get his attention.
Ranma ignored them all for the most part, dodging the occasional swing, glomp, or thrown object. He was looking around, the sixth and even seventh senses he'd developed to survive in Nerima were tingling like mad. He rubbed the hairs on the back of his neck in an effort to muffle it. Something was up. The tension that had been growing for months was finally coming to a head. Whatever it was, was about to happen.
He waited expectantly, tamping down on the strange sense of excitement he felt. He couldn't get his hopes up. Nothing good had ever come of these kinds of things. Not for him, anyway.
Kasumi heard someone call politely from the gate, and she went out to greet the next visitor. Her pleased exclamation of surprise caught Ranma's attention immediately, his head snapping around and his eyes alight.
Kasumi walked in, escorting a familiar figure. Mrs. Saotome stood in the entryway, her katana in its usual bundle at her back. In her hands, she held what looked like a shoebox-sized container that was tightly wrapped in white cloth. She held it carefully, as if it were fragile and might break.
The party had barely paused at her entrance, and was soon back into full swing. Genma moved to the opposite end of the room, keeping well clear of his wife and her weapon.
The sounds, for Ranma, all faded into the background as his eyes remained fastened on the form of his mother. This was it. He could feel it in his gut, and the anticipation was threatening to eat him alive. However, Nodoka made no effort to talk with him after her expected greeting. In fact, she seemed to be studiously avoiding looking in his direction. The tension was now like an unseen wall, blocking out his awareness of all but the two of them.
After what seemed like hours, they got from the party to the presents. Ranma breezed through them, thanking the givers and putting the more dangerous ones aside.
Then his mother stepped forward, and called for everyone's attention. When the room quieted somewhat, she said. "I have a present for Ranma as well, and an announcement to make."
Murmurs started throughout the crowd. Now even they couldn't help but feel it too. All eyes glanced between Ranma and his mother.
Nodoka gently picked up the package, which she had placed in her lap. She rose, gliding toward Ranma, her expression solemn. Her every movement had an air of ritual, and the crowd respectfully parted, giving her a clear aisle to her son.
Ranma stood at alert, his fists unconsciously clenching. His entire attention was on the woman coming inexorably closer. After a small eternity, Nodoka stopped in front of him. Her arms stretched out as she offered him the bundle, his own rising of their own will to accept it.
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More Akane bashing. Can't be helped for now. Don't worry, I won't completely disparage her. She just needs to grow up a little. Of course, so does he. We'll see! Sorry about neglecting my other stories. I've been in another slump. I hope you'll bear with me.^_^ Oh, and since Anime characters don't seem to age much, I finally gave up and made it his 17th year. Old enough to be considered near adulthood, but young enough to need family around him. Of course, he sort of got the short end of the stick on that growing up, so he has some catching up to do. Aaand, I found out that most Japanese don't really celebrate birthdays. They mostly consider themselves a year older on the New Year and exchange presents. shrugs Oh, well. It supports the plot.