Teacher One Half
Disclaimer: I, Gekena, do hereby swear that in no part do I claim ownership of either Ranma ½ or Please Teacher and only claim ownership of this story that is borrowing from these two amazing animes.
Chapter 5
The sound of someone fumbling with keys for a few moments can be heard as the metal objects cling against each other. Finally, the correct key is found, slid into the lock, and twisted, unlocking the door.
"I still think that's sorta weird Mizuho." Ranma said as he walked into Mizu... their apartment.
"And why would having a key to a spaceship be weird? There are doors that need to be locked you know." Mizuho replied after walking in and closing the door behind her.
"Just sorta figured it'd be done with machines or somethin" Ranma shrugged indifferently.
Mizuho smiled to herself. In truth, the keys she had were mostly for small things like a drawer or cabinet. The ship itself was entirely automated with the help of Marie, she merely said that the key was to her ship as a joke. Ranma's confused and surprised look made her giggle when she thought about it.
Turning to the kitchen, Mizuho put on an apron and said to Ranma, "I'll start cooking while you set the table, alright?"
Ranma opened his mouth the argue about it not being a man's job to do such things before he quickly stopped himself, even going so far as to cover his mouth with both hands in a desperate attempt to keep his words from coming out. Thankfully, Mizuho was already busy cooking and didn't notice this.
"Okay idiot" a voice in Ranma's head called out, "ya may not like it, but she's been real nice and all. Can't hurt to just do little things like this, right?"
A second voice joined in, "Wrong! Yer a guy and guys don't do things like this!"
"Oh? And who told you this?" the first voice asked dryly.
"Why Pop of course! He..." the second voice remained silent for a few moments before continuing, "Right then! We need tea, plates, chopsticks, and napkins. Anything else?"
Both voices "nodded" in silent agreement. His path decided, Ranma walked into the kitchen and began getting the afore mentioned items, even handing ingredients to Mizuho when he heard that she needed them.
While Ranma knew that Genma was definitely not a good role model, he had to acknowledge that the panda knew martial arts. Part of his training was to turn everything in everyday life into training itself. Looking at the bare table while holding all the items he needed, Ranma could only smirk.
The pigtailed martial artists flipped over the small table. As he flew through the air, the various items he was holding fell and landed neatly on the table. The plates landed in their respective spots, the square napkins were folded in half into triangles and landed directly next to the plates with the chopsticks landing neatly on them. Somehow, he even managed to land the cups in front of the plates and pour tea in each cup from six feet above the cups and while flipping through the air.
Ranma landed on the other side of the table, tea kettle still in hand. And thus, Anything Goes Table Setting was created. Looking back at the table, Ranma's smirk turned to a scowl. The table was perfect, the cups filled to the optimal point and the plates right where they should be. Upon closer inspection however, one could see a single drop of tea spilled.
Ranma calmly walked over and wiped away the tea before smiling again. Feeling slightly pleased with himself, Ranma turned to see Mizuho watching him from the kitchen. She simply stood and stared for a few moments, before shaking her head in amazement.
"Is there anything you can't do?" she asked with a wry smile.
Ranma thought for a moment before replying, "Nope! There's still a lot I don't know how to do, but I'm sure I could do it if I tried."
Mizuho couldn't help but laugh. There was something about Ranma's confidence that seemed infectious. Any time she was around him, she felt so much stronger and more able than on her own.
After her small bout of laughter, Mizuho placed her hands on her hips, "Well, Mr. I-can-do-anything, how about you help me finish preparing lunch?"
"COOK?!?" the second voice mentally cried out in indignation, "No way, no how! We can't cook, that'd make us a girl and..."
The voice didn't get to finish as it was decked by the first voice, allowing Ranma to go help Mizuho uninterrupted... well, that is aside from the occasional high pitched screams of anguish he would mentally hear occasionally, but he didn't let a little thing like that bother him.
*_*
The meal wasn't very fancy, but it was definitely good. Mizuho had cooked a few strips of bacon and then broken them into crumbs and added that to the rice, along with carrots and peas, then let them all cook together, allowing the flavors to mix. All in all, a very good lunch.
"That was a great lunch, thanks!" Ranma said while Mizuho blushed slightly at the compliment.
Finished with her own meal as well, Mizuho stood up and picked up her plate, "Thank you very much, Ranma. I'll just clean up now."
Ranma jumped up as well and followed Mizuho into the kitchen, carrying his own plate, "Here, I'll help out. Just tell me what to do." And so the two cleaned the kitchen, Ranma all the while trying to ignore the cheering from the first voice going on inside his head.
*_*
"Well, that was weird..." Ranma mumbled to himself.
Mizuho had left just a few moments earlier to pick up some "feminine products". When Ranma asked just what that was, the pink haired woman had blushed a brighter shade of red than he had previously thought possible before rushing out the door.
Ranma simply sat on the couch and tried to think of what to do. He wasn't in the mood to go train, even though the roof would be a perfect spot. After a few moments, a thought hit Ranma.
"Teachers don't make that much money. I freeloaded so much off the Tendo's and I know it made it hard for them. I'll pay them back somehow, it's my duty as a martial artist, but for now I gotta think of some way to do my part here. I'm not gonna be a burden to Mizuho."
As Ranma sat there, contemplating on this, he heard the sound of a door open. This wasn't the front door though; curiously enough, it was the closet. Out of the closet stepped a young man wearing a yellow shirt, black pants, a back pack with umbrella strapped to it, and wearing a tiger striped bandana. The newcomer looked around in confusion before his eyes settled on Ranma.
"Ranma!" he cried out in surprise, "What are you doing in Roswell?"
Ranma shook his head, "Yer back in Nerima, Ryoga."
"I see" the eternal lost boy stated calmly, "This isn't the Tendo's though, so why are you here?"
"Well, here it comes" Ranma thought, then said out loud, "Me and Akane spilt up. I'm living with my fiancé Mizuho and we'll be married soon." Ranma then began mentally counting down from 5.
"Ranma and Akane broke up! That means she's available! Oh Akane, now you'll be able to see my love for you... Hey, waitaminute, Ranma LEFT Akane!!!" Ryoga began to growl in rage.
"... 2, 1..." Ranma finished counting.
"Ranma! How dare you break up with Akane!" Ryoga cried out with a growl and leapt towards the pigtailed martial artists with a punch.
Ranma grabbed Ryoga's fist and redirected the motion so that he now had Ryoga's arm behind the piglets back, with the wrist in a hold that would allow Ranma to easily break it. The pressure Ranma was putting on Ryoga's right wrist was enough to make the fanged boy stop struggling.
"Damnit Ranma, fight me!" Ryoga growled.
"Listen up" Ranma said in a stern voice, "Mizuho can't afford to make repairs to this place and I ain't gotta job yet, so as long as I'm staying here, we fight outside. Would you be so dishonorable as to damage someone else's things for your vengeance?"
Ryoga had never thought about it that way. With all the damage he and Ranma had done to the dojo, it was a surprise the Tendo's still welcomed him. "I'll repay them, I swear it." Ryoga thought to himself.
Seeing his rival had calmed down, Ranma released Ryoga's arm. Ryoga turned to him and said, "Well, lets go outside then." And promptly walked towards the bathroom.
Ranma ran up and grabbed the lost boys shoulders from behind and led him back t the living room, "Wow there Ryoga. I'm waiting on Mizuho to get back, so we'll wait till then. I don't want her to worry 'bout me or nothing."
Ryoga smirked at this, "Well, I can tell who's in charge here. Tell me Ranma, are you going to be in a dress for your wedding?"
Ranma almost exploded and attacked Ryoga right there. Thankfully, he was able to calm himself down and actually smiled at Ryoga, "No one is in charge here, Ryoga. I ain't stayin till she comes back cause she told me to. I'm stayin cause I care about her and I don't want her to worry. I got a girl to care about, Mr. P"
Ryoga blinked a few times before growling at Ranma, then sitting on the couch, on the other end from Ranma. Ranma admitting he cared about someone was definitely odd, though the old nickname still annoyed him.
Ranma sat there, frustrated. He had hoped that the incident he had that morning would have been all for the day. And yet, here was his greatest rival, just waiting for a fight.
"So, where ya been, Ryoga?" Ranma asked, trying to break the dead silence.
Ryoga's head turned to look at Ranma, "Africa mostly. The fighting styles they have there are very odd."
Ranma nodded and the silence reigned again until Ryoga spoke up, "So when did you and this new girl get engaged?"
Ranma chuckled a little, "She's my teacher and just started a few days ago. We're getting married real soon too."
"So... this wasn't something your father did?" Ryoga asked incredulously.
"Nope, my choice this time." It was all Ranma said before his jaw exploded in pain
Ryoga growled, his arm still outstretched, "Damn you, Ranma! How dare you seek another woman when you have Akane!"
Ranma had managed to right himself in midair and keep from damaging the apartment. When he looked at Ryoga, his face was a deep scowl, "I said no fighting in here! 'Sides, why are you angry? Now you can try and get her."
Ryoga sat back down, but still glared at Ranma, "Because you hurt her, Ranma. For that, I can't forgive you."
Ranma shook his head, "It was her choice as much as mine. I asked and she said she never would marry me, so I doubt I hurt her, since she didn't care about me."
Ryoga sat there gaping, "So, Akane chose it to be this way? Perfect! Oh Akane, now we can be happy together." Ryoga thought to himself.
While Ryoga was thinking Ranma asked him, "So, since Akane and I ain't together, you gonna stop attackin me or what?"
Ryoga growled, "How can you ask me that? Because of you, I have seen hell! You have no clue what I've been through!"
"Yer right, I don't." Ranma responded, "I don't know what it's like not to be a human. I don't know what it's like for you with your curse and all, just like you don't know what it's like for me with mine. Everyone automatically assumes I'm a pervert when they discover it. Could you just drop it already? I didn't mean to knock ya in the spring and I woulda stayed for the fight, but pop knocked me out and took me."
Ryoga looked at Ranma in surprise. The fanged boy was surprised Ranma could admit that the pig curse was bad. Ranma always played it down before. Ryoga had never really thought about what it would be like to have Ranma's curse either. If he did, he would kill the first guy to flirt with him, he swore it.
"You never told Akane about my curse" Ryoga said quietly, "You helped me with the mark of the gods... maybe you aren't as bad as I thought, Saotome."
Ranma smirked, "Actually, I'm worse. But if ya aren't gonna be tryin to kill me anymore, we should train some. We'd make good sparring partners."
Ryoga smirked as well, "Just you wait Ranma. I'll get stronger and beat you in a match one day."
It was right then Mizuho arrived back and opened the door. Ryoga looked at the beautiful woman who had just arrived and turned to Ranma with a questioning glance. At Ranma's nod he turned back to Mizuho while thinking, "Lucky bastard..."
Mizuho smiled at her guest. She didn't recognize the bandanna clad boy, but assumed he was a friend of Ranma's, "Oh, I didn't realize we had guests. I am Mizuho Kazami, pleased to meet you."
Ryoga smiled back, "I'm Ryoga Hibiki, pleased to..."
Ryoga stopped when he felt the sudden change in her aura and personality. Gone was the warm friendliness and in its place was a freezing cold worse than Nabiki and the Soul of Ice combined.
"Your Ryoga?" she asked in a menacing tone, causing Ryoga to flinch. Thankfully, Ranma intervened.
"It's okay Mizuho. We talked while you were gone and we settled a few things out. We're training partners now, though still rivals." Ranma said in a placating tone.
Mizuho looked at Ranma in shock. How could anyone just forgive what she heard Ranma tell her about Ryoga doing? Of course, that was part of who Ranma was, and she loved that about him.
Mizuho's eyes widened in surprise at the previous thought, "Love him? I still hardly know him really, do I love him?" looking at Ranma standing there, she smiled and a blush formed, "Yes, I do..."
As Mizuho blushed, Ryoga desperately tried to start a conversation, "So, Ranma tells me your getting married. When's the big day?"
Ranma chuckled slightly, "Well, sometime between now and Friday. Need to plan everything first and I should probably call my mom so she can meet my bride to be."
Mizuho smiled brightly at the thought of the upcoming marriage, "Yes, and my mother and sister are coming from... out of town, to meet Ranma as well. Maybe both our mothers would help us prepare the wedding."
Ranma raised an eyebrow at Mizuho. He wanted to ask about her family, since she hadn't really told him much about them up to that point, but it would have to wait until Ryoga left.
Ryoga on the other hand had found something that caught his attention. The martial artists simply stared at the small, yellow creature currently dancing on the TV in the living room. Walking up for a closer inspection, he smiled, revealing his prominent fangs.
"Hey, I remember you" Ryoga said with a chuckle, "You were in that strange computer room I saw a couple days ago."
Both Ranma and Mizuho blanched. Was it possible that Ryoga had gotten lost and managed to end up in the ship? With a small nod from Mizuho, Ranma grabbed Ryoga's arm and lead him around the apartment in a "tour".
Once Ryoga was in the kitchen, being shown around by Ranma, Mizuho pulled out a small, alien computer and began running through the video that all the surveillance cameras had picked up.
"Now I'll show you the bedroom" Ranma said loudly, allowing Mizuho to hide the computer as the two past by her.
Once they were gone, she removed the computer again and kept searching. There it was, the same morning as her first day teaching at Furinkan. On the screen is Ryoga, wandering around the ship in a confused manner.
"Well, it could be worse" she thought to herself, "He could know I own the ship and I'm an alien. We could probably say Marie being here is a coincidence. Good, nothing to worry about."
As Mizuho was putting away her computer, she heard Ryoga say, "Hey! That's where I've seen you from!"
Ryoga immediately dashed out the bedroom and luckily managed to turn and run right to where Mizuho was. In his hand was a picture of her, her mother, and her little sister; he was pointing animatedly at it.
"This was in the same place as the strange computer room I saw a few days ago. I knew I recognized you from somewhere!" Ryoga said with a slightly oblivious smile on his face.
WHAM!!!
Mizuho's forehead slams into the table she was sitting at while on the computer. Ranma walks up and gently places a hand on her shoulder, all the while looking grim himself.
"Mizuho, if only one other person was to know, it wouldn't do no harm or nothin, would it?" Ranma asked in a hopeful voice.
Mizuho smiled as she heard Ranma's words, "I suppose not, it seems we have no choice."
15 minutes later.
"So, let me get this straight" Ryoga began, "You are an alien from outer space sent to learn about us?" Mizuho nods, "And you and Ranma are getting married so you don't lose your job due to a misunderstanding?" Ranma and Mizuho nod, "But now you two really do care for each other?" Simultaneous blush and nod.
Ryoga sat there for a moment thinking before finally shrugging his shoulders in a nonchalant way, "Ah, alright then. So what's space like?"
Mizuho teetered to the side dangerously and was only kept from face faulting by Ranma who was holding her up.
"That's it?!" she asked in disbelief, "You find out there are aliens and that's all you say?"
Ryoga smirked, once again showing his fangs, "Trust me, after you've been around Ranma long enough, not much really surprises you. Compared to seeing a Phoenix god in real life, finding out there are aliens really ain't that big a deal.
While Mizuho continued to stare in disbelief, Ranma chuckled lightly, "Told ya so, Mizuho. No one around here will really care yer an alien. We got people with curses, insane martial artists, and the occasional demon. Aliens are really minor around here."
It took Mizuho a few moments to recuperate after that, but she finally asked, "How did you find your way on to my ship anyway?"
Ryoga chuckled nervously, "Well, you see... I have this really bad sense of direction and..."
"And if you were to put him in a room with only one exit and no other way to get out, he would. Somehow, he never gets where he wants to go and always ends up kami knows where. Don't even try to figure it out, I stopped tryin a long time ago" Ranma finished for Ryoga.
Mizuho didn't heed Ranma's advise. Instead she pulled a watch and some money. After handing them both to Ryoga, she said, "Would you please go down to the convenience store and pick up some... milk. We are all out. Also, put on the watch please."
Ryoga seemed confused but put on the watch and left for the convenience store, after being showed the way to the front door by Ranma.
"So, what was that all about?" Ranma asked a rather smug Mizuho.
With a few keystrokes, a holographic image of the world appeared over her small computer, "This will show exactly where Ryoga is at any time. If he isn't back in an hour, we'll simply find him on that."
Ranma stared at the translucent image until he noticed a red dot blinking, "I'm guessing Ryoga's the dot then?"
"Yes. There is no way we will lose him now." Mizuho said with a smirk that greatly resembled Ranma's trademark "I'm the best and I know it" smirk.
Ranma stared a little longer trying to remember his limited geography, "Yeah, well I think he's in Germany right now."
Mizuho laughed once and took a quick glance at the screen. Immediately she gently pushed Ranma out of the way and looked closer. Ranma wasn't quite accurate in Ryoga's location, but very close. Ryoga was currently in France, Paris to be precise.
Ranma rested one hand on Mizuho's shoulder and leaned against her to get a better view. As they both watched Ryoga's dot hop around the continents, Mizuho noticed a tingling on the back of her neck. Ranma's warm breath was making it was through her hair to the bare skin on her neck, making her shiver at the feeling. Combining this with Ranma's close proximity, the feel of his body against hers; Mizuho was slowly slipping into a feeling of bliss.
"Wow" Ranma muttered, "Amazing how he can get around, huh?"
"Mmhmm, amazing..." Mizuho mumbled, though not talking about Ryoga at all.
After a few more moments, Mizuho turned around to look at Ranma. Ranma immediately noticed the odd look in her eyes and that her face was flushed.
"Hey Mizuho?" he asked in concern, "You okay? I..."
Ranma was interrupted as he felt Mizuho's soft lips press against his. In a way, it was as if he had kissed a car battery. His whole body tingled with energy that started at his lips and spread out. After a few moments, Ranma's arms instinctively wrapped around the Mizuho's waist and held her close as he returned the kiss.
Mizuho... well, Mizuho was gone. The pink haired woman was somewhere around 7th Heaven as she felt herself pulled closer to Ranma and him return her kiss. This is the way it was supposed to be. Ranma was all hers, she was all his, and all was right with the world.
After a few more moments, the couple broke the kiss and Mizuho rest her head against Ranma's muscled chest, sighing in contentment. They remained like that for a few moments before the door to the balcony burst open.
"Excuse me" the new arrival said, "Do you know where the nearest convenience store is?"
Ranma and Mizuho froze, still in each others embrace, and turned to see Ryoga, just back from his short trip in Nicaragua. Ryoga also noticed who he had asked directions from. At first he seemed confused before his look turned to a smirk.
"You know Ranma" he said in a conversational, teasing tone, "If you wanted some... private time, all you had to do was say so. Didn't have to send me halfway around the world ya know."
The pair immediately pulled away from each other, both amazingly embarrassed and still slightly dazed from the kiss. Ranma couldn't say anything, and just stared at the floor in a guilty manner and scratched his head nervously. Mizuho was acting in a similar manner, but internally her emotions were warring. She couldn't decide whether to be happy about the kiss, embarrassed that Ryoga saw them, angry at him for coming, or sad because they were interrupted.
Deciding to finally break the still silence, Mizuho desperately tried to change the subject, "Ryoga, while you were gone we monitored where you went. I can't describe it, but it's almost as if you teleport from place to place."
Ryoga thought on that for a second before replying, "Yeah, I do seem to get around quickly, just never to the right place."
The female alien had an idea that might help the lost boy, but it was risky. Still, he was one of Ranma's friends and she could see how annoying this problem of his should be. Finally deciding, Mizuho ran to the bedroom and began rummaging through a drawer of things she had brought from the ship.
After a few minutes, she returned with two odd looking watches, one for Ranma and one fore Ryoga. Both boys looked at the watches in a confused manner.
"Those watches are communicators with each other and the ship" she explained, "Now, we will be able to contact each other at any time, and you can use the ships teleporting to get around. This should be very useful for you, Ryoga."
Ryoga's eyes were actually wet with unshed tears. Never would he be lost again. Never would he have to stop for directions and then just keep going because he didn't speak the language the other people did! HOORAY!!!
During this time, Ranma and Mizuho were both slowly moving away from the lost boy. Ryoga had stars in his overly large eyes that were glittering, not to mention the odd expression on his face.
"Man, that's just creepy" Ranma deadpanned. Mizuho nodded in agreement, all the while supporting a rather large sweatdrop.
After Ryoga finally turned back to normal, he excitedly turned to Mizuho, "Can I try it out? How does it work?"
Mizuho smiled and turned to Marie, "Marie, transport me to our kitchen. This is a priority one."
Light appears beneath Mizuho for a moment before it lets out a bright flash. A similar flash occurs in the kitchen and out walks Mizuho.
"See?" she asks the amazed Ryoga, "Just talk into your watch and say where you want to go, but be specific. For example, if you were to say 'the bathroom' you could end up in any bathroom, anywhere. If you say 'the boys bathroom of Furinkan' then you'll get there just fine. Try and get to the bedroom."
Ryoga looked at the bedroom door, then to his watch. A small smile appeared on his face as he decided to tease Ranma some more, "Marie, transport me to RANMA and MIZUHO's bedroom. This is a priority one."
The pig-boy was gone before he could see the reaction. Ranma slumped his shoulders and hung his head, "He'll never let me live this down, I know it. He'll remember to the end of time, just like that damn bread."
"There there, it's alright." Mizuho said in a comforting manner.
A small scream pierced the house, followed by some quickly said words and a familiar flash. Ryoga was back in front of them, holding his nose and looking embarrassed.
"I'm sorry! It wasn't me! I swear I didn't touch anything." Ryoga cried out in a Ranma fashion.
"Yo man, what's up? Never seen you this shaken before." Ranma asked in slight worry.
Ryoga shakily pointed towards the bedroom and Mizuho and Ranma went to investigate. The only thing off about the room was the drawer Mizuho got the watches from was still open. Upon closer inspection, it seems that along with the watches, Mizuho kept her undergarments in that drawer.
Mizuho blushed like crazy when she realized what caused Ryoga to react in such a way. Ranma was standing behind her and looked over the shorter woman's shoulder to see what the commotion was about. The reaction was instantaneous.
"No! Don't look!" Mizuho cried out, not wanting Ranma to see her panties and bras (yet...). She turned around and pushed Ranma back to keep him from seeing. Surprised from being pushed, Ranma actually stumbled backwards before falling and slamming his head against the wall.
There was a sickening cracking sound when Ranma and the wall collided. As it would happen, Ranma managed to hit his head at just the right angle to knock himself unconscious.
"RANMA!" Mizuho cried out in alarm. She didn't know if he was seriously hurt or not, but she was worried he was. Immediately she ran to him and cradled his head in her lap. He had a firm pulse and was breathing, but the woman didn't know anything else to check.
"Ryoga, help! It's Ranma!" Mizuho called to the martial artist in the living room.
A familiar flash ensued and Ryoga was standing in the bedroom with Mizuho while Ranma was still off in dream world. Ryoga looked down to see his rival out like a light. What person could knock Ranma out so easily?
"What happened? Who did this?" Ryoga asked the worried teacher.
Mizuho had tears forming on the edge of her eyes, "When Ranma and I came in, I sort of... pushed him and he fell into the wall and lost consciousness. Is he going to be alright?"
Ryoga stood there, blinking occasionally as his brain processed the information. How many countless martial artists had challenged Ranma, using some insane style, and he just shrugged their attacks off like it was nothing. Then, all it takes is a little push from this woman and he's K.O.ed just like that. The pig-boy couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.
When Mizuho heard Ryoga laughing she got angry at the lost boy, "How could you? I thought you were friends now!"
Ryoga stopped laughing and waved his hands in front of him in a placating manner, "No, no. Ranma's fine, trust me. It's just funny that you succeeded in knocking him out where so many others have failed."
"So... he will be okay?" Mizuho asked hopefully.
"Yeah, just let him sleep it off." Ryoga thought for second then added, "And maybe an icepack, I'll get it."
With that, the fanged boy left to leave, but stopped when something caught his eye. Mizuho had been so worried about Ranma that she had forgotten to close the drawer. Apparently, seeing Mizuho's panties twice in the same day for Ryoga, whose nose erupted in blood as he passed out as well.
Mizuho looked at Ryoga in surprise and embarrassment. She also realized that this meant she'd have to take care of both of the unconscious men. Mizuho managed to move Ranma and Ryoga to the sides of the room and then laid out the futons. She wouldn't be comfortable with Ryoga in her bed, so she rolled him into Ranma's futon. Then she rolled Ranma into hers and left to the kitchen.
After a few moments, Mizuho returned with two bags of ice, which she laid on the boys heads. She watched them sleep for a few moments, but spent most of the time looking at Ranma. After watching for a while, she smiled to herself.
"Things sure are interesting around you, aren't they Ranma?" Mizuho thought to herself before exiting the room.
*_*
A few hours later, Ranma awoke with a slight groan, "Ugh... what hit me?" He muttered.
Beside him, Ryoga slowly awoke as well, having a slight headache dew to blood loss. The fanged boy just layed his head back and sighed, alerting Ranma to his presence.
"Yo, Ryoga" Ranma said in greeting, "What's up man? Why are you here?"
"I... don't want to talk about it." Ryoga muttered in embarrassment before continuing, "Let's get up and see what'd going on."
Ranma shrugged in agreement, and the two got up and left the bedroom. In the living room, Mizuho was watching a little television when the boys entered.
"Well, hello you two" Mizuho said with a smile, "It's good to see your awake."
"How long were we out?" Ranma asked.
Only 4 hours or so, but it is getting a little late. You should probably get home, Ryoga" Mizuho advised the formerly lost boy.
Ryoga smiled a fanged grin. This would be the first time in months of being able to find his own home. Maybe he could get some more of these watch things for the rest of his family.
With one wave of goodbye, Ryoga spoke into the watch, "Marie, transport me to the home of Ryoga Hibiki. This is a priority one."
Familiar light and flash occur and Ryoga is gone. Ranma and Mizuho do individual activities from watching TV and grading papers to training and constantly snacking on any available food.
The two later cooked dinner and had a nice, quiet meal. Afterwards, Ranma went to take his bath. With a splash of cold water to scrub himself with, he became she. The red head scrubbed the dirt and dead skin from her body, then dumped a bucket of water over herself.
"Brrr! COLD!" she said as she walked to the furo and climbed in.
"Well, this whole day was different. First, I tell everyone about me and Mizuho, then I patch things up with Ryoga. Everything seems to be going pretty good." Ranma thought to himself as he soaked in the warm furo. After a few more minutes, Ranma emerged from the warm water, dried off, and put on some cloths to sleep in, as it was getting late.
When he emerged, Mizuho was waiting for her turn. While the pink haired teacher bathed, Ranma merely walked in the living room, but stopped at what he saw on the table. Mizuho had left out some of her favorite snack, pocky.
"Hmm... wonder if they're any good. But I shouldn't, they probly got lots of fat" Ranma then paused and thought about Mizuho's figure, blushing as he did so, "Guess I don't have to worry about that too much."
Ranma took on of the biscuit sticks and began nibbling on it, instantly liking the chocolaty taste. After he finished his snack, the aqua- transsexual merely lazed around the apartment until Mizuho was finished.
"That was nice. Are you ready for bed, Ranma?" Mizuho inquired.
Ranma yawned sleepily in reply, causing Mizuho to giggle. They both walked in the bedroom to see the futons laying side by side. Mizuho expected Ranma to pick his up and go in the living room, but instead he climbed in and closed his eyes. She couldn't help but smile at that as she climbed in bed as well.
The two went to sleep quickly, each dreaming of various things and times and places. No one noticed a few hours later when Mizuho happened to roll to one side, causing her hand to land in Ranma's, who instinctually held her hand firmly, but gently.
*_*
A flashing, neon sign saying, "Welcome to Las Vegas" Illuminates the face of an oriental boy with a bandana wrapped around his head.
Ryoga was seething with anger. Apparently Marie didn't know where Ryoga lived either, so she sorta... guessed. Ryoga desperately tried to find some way to convey his anger. To express what he felt. Finally, it came to him. An old tactic, often used and still good.
His plan of action decided, Ryoga tilted his head back and screamed, "RANMA! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!"
*_*
Authors Notes I am soooooo sorry this took so long. I don't really have an excuse other than laziness and that I always wanted to read other works instead of write, but that's still not excuse. Thank you so much for all the reviews, I don't deserve them. They make me so happy, I must write more! I'll TRY and get the next chapter out quick, but no guarantees. I have big plans for the next one, so watch out!
PS- Special thanks to my pre-readers. I ended up doing a large rewrite to the Ryoga/Ranma relationship and made it more realistic.
Disclaimer: I, Gekena, do hereby swear that in no part do I claim ownership of either Ranma ½ or Please Teacher and only claim ownership of this story that is borrowing from these two amazing animes.
Chapter 5
The sound of someone fumbling with keys for a few moments can be heard as the metal objects cling against each other. Finally, the correct key is found, slid into the lock, and twisted, unlocking the door.
"I still think that's sorta weird Mizuho." Ranma said as he walked into Mizu... their apartment.
"And why would having a key to a spaceship be weird? There are doors that need to be locked you know." Mizuho replied after walking in and closing the door behind her.
"Just sorta figured it'd be done with machines or somethin" Ranma shrugged indifferently.
Mizuho smiled to herself. In truth, the keys she had were mostly for small things like a drawer or cabinet. The ship itself was entirely automated with the help of Marie, she merely said that the key was to her ship as a joke. Ranma's confused and surprised look made her giggle when she thought about it.
Turning to the kitchen, Mizuho put on an apron and said to Ranma, "I'll start cooking while you set the table, alright?"
Ranma opened his mouth the argue about it not being a man's job to do such things before he quickly stopped himself, even going so far as to cover his mouth with both hands in a desperate attempt to keep his words from coming out. Thankfully, Mizuho was already busy cooking and didn't notice this.
"Okay idiot" a voice in Ranma's head called out, "ya may not like it, but she's been real nice and all. Can't hurt to just do little things like this, right?"
A second voice joined in, "Wrong! Yer a guy and guys don't do things like this!"
"Oh? And who told you this?" the first voice asked dryly.
"Why Pop of course! He..." the second voice remained silent for a few moments before continuing, "Right then! We need tea, plates, chopsticks, and napkins. Anything else?"
Both voices "nodded" in silent agreement. His path decided, Ranma walked into the kitchen and began getting the afore mentioned items, even handing ingredients to Mizuho when he heard that she needed them.
While Ranma knew that Genma was definitely not a good role model, he had to acknowledge that the panda knew martial arts. Part of his training was to turn everything in everyday life into training itself. Looking at the bare table while holding all the items he needed, Ranma could only smirk.
The pigtailed martial artists flipped over the small table. As he flew through the air, the various items he was holding fell and landed neatly on the table. The plates landed in their respective spots, the square napkins were folded in half into triangles and landed directly next to the plates with the chopsticks landing neatly on them. Somehow, he even managed to land the cups in front of the plates and pour tea in each cup from six feet above the cups and while flipping through the air.
Ranma landed on the other side of the table, tea kettle still in hand. And thus, Anything Goes Table Setting was created. Looking back at the table, Ranma's smirk turned to a scowl. The table was perfect, the cups filled to the optimal point and the plates right where they should be. Upon closer inspection however, one could see a single drop of tea spilled.
Ranma calmly walked over and wiped away the tea before smiling again. Feeling slightly pleased with himself, Ranma turned to see Mizuho watching him from the kitchen. She simply stood and stared for a few moments, before shaking her head in amazement.
"Is there anything you can't do?" she asked with a wry smile.
Ranma thought for a moment before replying, "Nope! There's still a lot I don't know how to do, but I'm sure I could do it if I tried."
Mizuho couldn't help but laugh. There was something about Ranma's confidence that seemed infectious. Any time she was around him, she felt so much stronger and more able than on her own.
After her small bout of laughter, Mizuho placed her hands on her hips, "Well, Mr. I-can-do-anything, how about you help me finish preparing lunch?"
"COOK?!?" the second voice mentally cried out in indignation, "No way, no how! We can't cook, that'd make us a girl and..."
The voice didn't get to finish as it was decked by the first voice, allowing Ranma to go help Mizuho uninterrupted... well, that is aside from the occasional high pitched screams of anguish he would mentally hear occasionally, but he didn't let a little thing like that bother him.
*_*
The meal wasn't very fancy, but it was definitely good. Mizuho had cooked a few strips of bacon and then broken them into crumbs and added that to the rice, along with carrots and peas, then let them all cook together, allowing the flavors to mix. All in all, a very good lunch.
"That was a great lunch, thanks!" Ranma said while Mizuho blushed slightly at the compliment.
Finished with her own meal as well, Mizuho stood up and picked up her plate, "Thank you very much, Ranma. I'll just clean up now."
Ranma jumped up as well and followed Mizuho into the kitchen, carrying his own plate, "Here, I'll help out. Just tell me what to do." And so the two cleaned the kitchen, Ranma all the while trying to ignore the cheering from the first voice going on inside his head.
*_*
"Well, that was weird..." Ranma mumbled to himself.
Mizuho had left just a few moments earlier to pick up some "feminine products". When Ranma asked just what that was, the pink haired woman had blushed a brighter shade of red than he had previously thought possible before rushing out the door.
Ranma simply sat on the couch and tried to think of what to do. He wasn't in the mood to go train, even though the roof would be a perfect spot. After a few moments, a thought hit Ranma.
"Teachers don't make that much money. I freeloaded so much off the Tendo's and I know it made it hard for them. I'll pay them back somehow, it's my duty as a martial artist, but for now I gotta think of some way to do my part here. I'm not gonna be a burden to Mizuho."
As Ranma sat there, contemplating on this, he heard the sound of a door open. This wasn't the front door though; curiously enough, it was the closet. Out of the closet stepped a young man wearing a yellow shirt, black pants, a back pack with umbrella strapped to it, and wearing a tiger striped bandana. The newcomer looked around in confusion before his eyes settled on Ranma.
"Ranma!" he cried out in surprise, "What are you doing in Roswell?"
Ranma shook his head, "Yer back in Nerima, Ryoga."
"I see" the eternal lost boy stated calmly, "This isn't the Tendo's though, so why are you here?"
"Well, here it comes" Ranma thought, then said out loud, "Me and Akane spilt up. I'm living with my fiancé Mizuho and we'll be married soon." Ranma then began mentally counting down from 5.
"Ranma and Akane broke up! That means she's available! Oh Akane, now you'll be able to see my love for you... Hey, waitaminute, Ranma LEFT Akane!!!" Ryoga began to growl in rage.
"... 2, 1..." Ranma finished counting.
"Ranma! How dare you break up with Akane!" Ryoga cried out with a growl and leapt towards the pigtailed martial artists with a punch.
Ranma grabbed Ryoga's fist and redirected the motion so that he now had Ryoga's arm behind the piglets back, with the wrist in a hold that would allow Ranma to easily break it. The pressure Ranma was putting on Ryoga's right wrist was enough to make the fanged boy stop struggling.
"Damnit Ranma, fight me!" Ryoga growled.
"Listen up" Ranma said in a stern voice, "Mizuho can't afford to make repairs to this place and I ain't gotta job yet, so as long as I'm staying here, we fight outside. Would you be so dishonorable as to damage someone else's things for your vengeance?"
Ryoga had never thought about it that way. With all the damage he and Ranma had done to the dojo, it was a surprise the Tendo's still welcomed him. "I'll repay them, I swear it." Ryoga thought to himself.
Seeing his rival had calmed down, Ranma released Ryoga's arm. Ryoga turned to him and said, "Well, lets go outside then." And promptly walked towards the bathroom.
Ranma ran up and grabbed the lost boys shoulders from behind and led him back t the living room, "Wow there Ryoga. I'm waiting on Mizuho to get back, so we'll wait till then. I don't want her to worry 'bout me or nothing."
Ryoga smirked at this, "Well, I can tell who's in charge here. Tell me Ranma, are you going to be in a dress for your wedding?"
Ranma almost exploded and attacked Ryoga right there. Thankfully, he was able to calm himself down and actually smiled at Ryoga, "No one is in charge here, Ryoga. I ain't stayin till she comes back cause she told me to. I'm stayin cause I care about her and I don't want her to worry. I got a girl to care about, Mr. P"
Ryoga blinked a few times before growling at Ranma, then sitting on the couch, on the other end from Ranma. Ranma admitting he cared about someone was definitely odd, though the old nickname still annoyed him.
Ranma sat there, frustrated. He had hoped that the incident he had that morning would have been all for the day. And yet, here was his greatest rival, just waiting for a fight.
"So, where ya been, Ryoga?" Ranma asked, trying to break the dead silence.
Ryoga's head turned to look at Ranma, "Africa mostly. The fighting styles they have there are very odd."
Ranma nodded and the silence reigned again until Ryoga spoke up, "So when did you and this new girl get engaged?"
Ranma chuckled a little, "She's my teacher and just started a few days ago. We're getting married real soon too."
"So... this wasn't something your father did?" Ryoga asked incredulously.
"Nope, my choice this time." It was all Ranma said before his jaw exploded in pain
Ryoga growled, his arm still outstretched, "Damn you, Ranma! How dare you seek another woman when you have Akane!"
Ranma had managed to right himself in midair and keep from damaging the apartment. When he looked at Ryoga, his face was a deep scowl, "I said no fighting in here! 'Sides, why are you angry? Now you can try and get her."
Ryoga sat back down, but still glared at Ranma, "Because you hurt her, Ranma. For that, I can't forgive you."
Ranma shook his head, "It was her choice as much as mine. I asked and she said she never would marry me, so I doubt I hurt her, since she didn't care about me."
Ryoga sat there gaping, "So, Akane chose it to be this way? Perfect! Oh Akane, now we can be happy together." Ryoga thought to himself.
While Ryoga was thinking Ranma asked him, "So, since Akane and I ain't together, you gonna stop attackin me or what?"
Ryoga growled, "How can you ask me that? Because of you, I have seen hell! You have no clue what I've been through!"
"Yer right, I don't." Ranma responded, "I don't know what it's like not to be a human. I don't know what it's like for you with your curse and all, just like you don't know what it's like for me with mine. Everyone automatically assumes I'm a pervert when they discover it. Could you just drop it already? I didn't mean to knock ya in the spring and I woulda stayed for the fight, but pop knocked me out and took me."
Ryoga looked at Ranma in surprise. The fanged boy was surprised Ranma could admit that the pig curse was bad. Ranma always played it down before. Ryoga had never really thought about what it would be like to have Ranma's curse either. If he did, he would kill the first guy to flirt with him, he swore it.
"You never told Akane about my curse" Ryoga said quietly, "You helped me with the mark of the gods... maybe you aren't as bad as I thought, Saotome."
Ranma smirked, "Actually, I'm worse. But if ya aren't gonna be tryin to kill me anymore, we should train some. We'd make good sparring partners."
Ryoga smirked as well, "Just you wait Ranma. I'll get stronger and beat you in a match one day."
It was right then Mizuho arrived back and opened the door. Ryoga looked at the beautiful woman who had just arrived and turned to Ranma with a questioning glance. At Ranma's nod he turned back to Mizuho while thinking, "Lucky bastard..."
Mizuho smiled at her guest. She didn't recognize the bandanna clad boy, but assumed he was a friend of Ranma's, "Oh, I didn't realize we had guests. I am Mizuho Kazami, pleased to meet you."
Ryoga smiled back, "I'm Ryoga Hibiki, pleased to..."
Ryoga stopped when he felt the sudden change in her aura and personality. Gone was the warm friendliness and in its place was a freezing cold worse than Nabiki and the Soul of Ice combined.
"Your Ryoga?" she asked in a menacing tone, causing Ryoga to flinch. Thankfully, Ranma intervened.
"It's okay Mizuho. We talked while you were gone and we settled a few things out. We're training partners now, though still rivals." Ranma said in a placating tone.
Mizuho looked at Ranma in shock. How could anyone just forgive what she heard Ranma tell her about Ryoga doing? Of course, that was part of who Ranma was, and she loved that about him.
Mizuho's eyes widened in surprise at the previous thought, "Love him? I still hardly know him really, do I love him?" looking at Ranma standing there, she smiled and a blush formed, "Yes, I do..."
As Mizuho blushed, Ryoga desperately tried to start a conversation, "So, Ranma tells me your getting married. When's the big day?"
Ranma chuckled slightly, "Well, sometime between now and Friday. Need to plan everything first and I should probably call my mom so she can meet my bride to be."
Mizuho smiled brightly at the thought of the upcoming marriage, "Yes, and my mother and sister are coming from... out of town, to meet Ranma as well. Maybe both our mothers would help us prepare the wedding."
Ranma raised an eyebrow at Mizuho. He wanted to ask about her family, since she hadn't really told him much about them up to that point, but it would have to wait until Ryoga left.
Ryoga on the other hand had found something that caught his attention. The martial artists simply stared at the small, yellow creature currently dancing on the TV in the living room. Walking up for a closer inspection, he smiled, revealing his prominent fangs.
"Hey, I remember you" Ryoga said with a chuckle, "You were in that strange computer room I saw a couple days ago."
Both Ranma and Mizuho blanched. Was it possible that Ryoga had gotten lost and managed to end up in the ship? With a small nod from Mizuho, Ranma grabbed Ryoga's arm and lead him around the apartment in a "tour".
Once Ryoga was in the kitchen, being shown around by Ranma, Mizuho pulled out a small, alien computer and began running through the video that all the surveillance cameras had picked up.
"Now I'll show you the bedroom" Ranma said loudly, allowing Mizuho to hide the computer as the two past by her.
Once they were gone, she removed the computer again and kept searching. There it was, the same morning as her first day teaching at Furinkan. On the screen is Ryoga, wandering around the ship in a confused manner.
"Well, it could be worse" she thought to herself, "He could know I own the ship and I'm an alien. We could probably say Marie being here is a coincidence. Good, nothing to worry about."
As Mizuho was putting away her computer, she heard Ryoga say, "Hey! That's where I've seen you from!"
Ryoga immediately dashed out the bedroom and luckily managed to turn and run right to where Mizuho was. In his hand was a picture of her, her mother, and her little sister; he was pointing animatedly at it.
"This was in the same place as the strange computer room I saw a few days ago. I knew I recognized you from somewhere!" Ryoga said with a slightly oblivious smile on his face.
WHAM!!!
Mizuho's forehead slams into the table she was sitting at while on the computer. Ranma walks up and gently places a hand on her shoulder, all the while looking grim himself.
"Mizuho, if only one other person was to know, it wouldn't do no harm or nothin, would it?" Ranma asked in a hopeful voice.
Mizuho smiled as she heard Ranma's words, "I suppose not, it seems we have no choice."
15 minutes later.
"So, let me get this straight" Ryoga began, "You are an alien from outer space sent to learn about us?" Mizuho nods, "And you and Ranma are getting married so you don't lose your job due to a misunderstanding?" Ranma and Mizuho nod, "But now you two really do care for each other?" Simultaneous blush and nod.
Ryoga sat there for a moment thinking before finally shrugging his shoulders in a nonchalant way, "Ah, alright then. So what's space like?"
Mizuho teetered to the side dangerously and was only kept from face faulting by Ranma who was holding her up.
"That's it?!" she asked in disbelief, "You find out there are aliens and that's all you say?"
Ryoga smirked, once again showing his fangs, "Trust me, after you've been around Ranma long enough, not much really surprises you. Compared to seeing a Phoenix god in real life, finding out there are aliens really ain't that big a deal.
While Mizuho continued to stare in disbelief, Ranma chuckled lightly, "Told ya so, Mizuho. No one around here will really care yer an alien. We got people with curses, insane martial artists, and the occasional demon. Aliens are really minor around here."
It took Mizuho a few moments to recuperate after that, but she finally asked, "How did you find your way on to my ship anyway?"
Ryoga chuckled nervously, "Well, you see... I have this really bad sense of direction and..."
"And if you were to put him in a room with only one exit and no other way to get out, he would. Somehow, he never gets where he wants to go and always ends up kami knows where. Don't even try to figure it out, I stopped tryin a long time ago" Ranma finished for Ryoga.
Mizuho didn't heed Ranma's advise. Instead she pulled a watch and some money. After handing them both to Ryoga, she said, "Would you please go down to the convenience store and pick up some... milk. We are all out. Also, put on the watch please."
Ryoga seemed confused but put on the watch and left for the convenience store, after being showed the way to the front door by Ranma.
"So, what was that all about?" Ranma asked a rather smug Mizuho.
With a few keystrokes, a holographic image of the world appeared over her small computer, "This will show exactly where Ryoga is at any time. If he isn't back in an hour, we'll simply find him on that."
Ranma stared at the translucent image until he noticed a red dot blinking, "I'm guessing Ryoga's the dot then?"
"Yes. There is no way we will lose him now." Mizuho said with a smirk that greatly resembled Ranma's trademark "I'm the best and I know it" smirk.
Ranma stared a little longer trying to remember his limited geography, "Yeah, well I think he's in Germany right now."
Mizuho laughed once and took a quick glance at the screen. Immediately she gently pushed Ranma out of the way and looked closer. Ranma wasn't quite accurate in Ryoga's location, but very close. Ryoga was currently in France, Paris to be precise.
Ranma rested one hand on Mizuho's shoulder and leaned against her to get a better view. As they both watched Ryoga's dot hop around the continents, Mizuho noticed a tingling on the back of her neck. Ranma's warm breath was making it was through her hair to the bare skin on her neck, making her shiver at the feeling. Combining this with Ranma's close proximity, the feel of his body against hers; Mizuho was slowly slipping into a feeling of bliss.
"Wow" Ranma muttered, "Amazing how he can get around, huh?"
"Mmhmm, amazing..." Mizuho mumbled, though not talking about Ryoga at all.
After a few more moments, Mizuho turned around to look at Ranma. Ranma immediately noticed the odd look in her eyes and that her face was flushed.
"Hey Mizuho?" he asked in concern, "You okay? I..."
Ranma was interrupted as he felt Mizuho's soft lips press against his. In a way, it was as if he had kissed a car battery. His whole body tingled with energy that started at his lips and spread out. After a few moments, Ranma's arms instinctively wrapped around the Mizuho's waist and held her close as he returned the kiss.
Mizuho... well, Mizuho was gone. The pink haired woman was somewhere around 7th Heaven as she felt herself pulled closer to Ranma and him return her kiss. This is the way it was supposed to be. Ranma was all hers, she was all his, and all was right with the world.
After a few more moments, the couple broke the kiss and Mizuho rest her head against Ranma's muscled chest, sighing in contentment. They remained like that for a few moments before the door to the balcony burst open.
"Excuse me" the new arrival said, "Do you know where the nearest convenience store is?"
Ranma and Mizuho froze, still in each others embrace, and turned to see Ryoga, just back from his short trip in Nicaragua. Ryoga also noticed who he had asked directions from. At first he seemed confused before his look turned to a smirk.
"You know Ranma" he said in a conversational, teasing tone, "If you wanted some... private time, all you had to do was say so. Didn't have to send me halfway around the world ya know."
The pair immediately pulled away from each other, both amazingly embarrassed and still slightly dazed from the kiss. Ranma couldn't say anything, and just stared at the floor in a guilty manner and scratched his head nervously. Mizuho was acting in a similar manner, but internally her emotions were warring. She couldn't decide whether to be happy about the kiss, embarrassed that Ryoga saw them, angry at him for coming, or sad because they were interrupted.
Deciding to finally break the still silence, Mizuho desperately tried to change the subject, "Ryoga, while you were gone we monitored where you went. I can't describe it, but it's almost as if you teleport from place to place."
Ryoga thought on that for a second before replying, "Yeah, I do seem to get around quickly, just never to the right place."
The female alien had an idea that might help the lost boy, but it was risky. Still, he was one of Ranma's friends and she could see how annoying this problem of his should be. Finally deciding, Mizuho ran to the bedroom and began rummaging through a drawer of things she had brought from the ship.
After a few minutes, she returned with two odd looking watches, one for Ranma and one fore Ryoga. Both boys looked at the watches in a confused manner.
"Those watches are communicators with each other and the ship" she explained, "Now, we will be able to contact each other at any time, and you can use the ships teleporting to get around. This should be very useful for you, Ryoga."
Ryoga's eyes were actually wet with unshed tears. Never would he be lost again. Never would he have to stop for directions and then just keep going because he didn't speak the language the other people did! HOORAY!!!
During this time, Ranma and Mizuho were both slowly moving away from the lost boy. Ryoga had stars in his overly large eyes that were glittering, not to mention the odd expression on his face.
"Man, that's just creepy" Ranma deadpanned. Mizuho nodded in agreement, all the while supporting a rather large sweatdrop.
After Ryoga finally turned back to normal, he excitedly turned to Mizuho, "Can I try it out? How does it work?"
Mizuho smiled and turned to Marie, "Marie, transport me to our kitchen. This is a priority one."
Light appears beneath Mizuho for a moment before it lets out a bright flash. A similar flash occurs in the kitchen and out walks Mizuho.
"See?" she asks the amazed Ryoga, "Just talk into your watch and say where you want to go, but be specific. For example, if you were to say 'the bathroom' you could end up in any bathroom, anywhere. If you say 'the boys bathroom of Furinkan' then you'll get there just fine. Try and get to the bedroom."
Ryoga looked at the bedroom door, then to his watch. A small smile appeared on his face as he decided to tease Ranma some more, "Marie, transport me to RANMA and MIZUHO's bedroom. This is a priority one."
The pig-boy was gone before he could see the reaction. Ranma slumped his shoulders and hung his head, "He'll never let me live this down, I know it. He'll remember to the end of time, just like that damn bread."
"There there, it's alright." Mizuho said in a comforting manner.
A small scream pierced the house, followed by some quickly said words and a familiar flash. Ryoga was back in front of them, holding his nose and looking embarrassed.
"I'm sorry! It wasn't me! I swear I didn't touch anything." Ryoga cried out in a Ranma fashion.
"Yo man, what's up? Never seen you this shaken before." Ranma asked in slight worry.
Ryoga shakily pointed towards the bedroom and Mizuho and Ranma went to investigate. The only thing off about the room was the drawer Mizuho got the watches from was still open. Upon closer inspection, it seems that along with the watches, Mizuho kept her undergarments in that drawer.
Mizuho blushed like crazy when she realized what caused Ryoga to react in such a way. Ranma was standing behind her and looked over the shorter woman's shoulder to see what the commotion was about. The reaction was instantaneous.
"No! Don't look!" Mizuho cried out, not wanting Ranma to see her panties and bras (yet...). She turned around and pushed Ranma back to keep him from seeing. Surprised from being pushed, Ranma actually stumbled backwards before falling and slamming his head against the wall.
There was a sickening cracking sound when Ranma and the wall collided. As it would happen, Ranma managed to hit his head at just the right angle to knock himself unconscious.
"RANMA!" Mizuho cried out in alarm. She didn't know if he was seriously hurt or not, but she was worried he was. Immediately she ran to him and cradled his head in her lap. He had a firm pulse and was breathing, but the woman didn't know anything else to check.
"Ryoga, help! It's Ranma!" Mizuho called to the martial artist in the living room.
A familiar flash ensued and Ryoga was standing in the bedroom with Mizuho while Ranma was still off in dream world. Ryoga looked down to see his rival out like a light. What person could knock Ranma out so easily?
"What happened? Who did this?" Ryoga asked the worried teacher.
Mizuho had tears forming on the edge of her eyes, "When Ranma and I came in, I sort of... pushed him and he fell into the wall and lost consciousness. Is he going to be alright?"
Ryoga stood there, blinking occasionally as his brain processed the information. How many countless martial artists had challenged Ranma, using some insane style, and he just shrugged their attacks off like it was nothing. Then, all it takes is a little push from this woman and he's K.O.ed just like that. The pig-boy couldn't help but chuckle at the situation.
When Mizuho heard Ryoga laughing she got angry at the lost boy, "How could you? I thought you were friends now!"
Ryoga stopped laughing and waved his hands in front of him in a placating manner, "No, no. Ranma's fine, trust me. It's just funny that you succeeded in knocking him out where so many others have failed."
"So... he will be okay?" Mizuho asked hopefully.
"Yeah, just let him sleep it off." Ryoga thought for second then added, "And maybe an icepack, I'll get it."
With that, the fanged boy left to leave, but stopped when something caught his eye. Mizuho had been so worried about Ranma that she had forgotten to close the drawer. Apparently, seeing Mizuho's panties twice in the same day for Ryoga, whose nose erupted in blood as he passed out as well.
Mizuho looked at Ryoga in surprise and embarrassment. She also realized that this meant she'd have to take care of both of the unconscious men. Mizuho managed to move Ranma and Ryoga to the sides of the room and then laid out the futons. She wouldn't be comfortable with Ryoga in her bed, so she rolled him into Ranma's futon. Then she rolled Ranma into hers and left to the kitchen.
After a few moments, Mizuho returned with two bags of ice, which she laid on the boys heads. She watched them sleep for a few moments, but spent most of the time looking at Ranma. After watching for a while, she smiled to herself.
"Things sure are interesting around you, aren't they Ranma?" Mizuho thought to herself before exiting the room.
*_*
A few hours later, Ranma awoke with a slight groan, "Ugh... what hit me?" He muttered.
Beside him, Ryoga slowly awoke as well, having a slight headache dew to blood loss. The fanged boy just layed his head back and sighed, alerting Ranma to his presence.
"Yo, Ryoga" Ranma said in greeting, "What's up man? Why are you here?"
"I... don't want to talk about it." Ryoga muttered in embarrassment before continuing, "Let's get up and see what'd going on."
Ranma shrugged in agreement, and the two got up and left the bedroom. In the living room, Mizuho was watching a little television when the boys entered.
"Well, hello you two" Mizuho said with a smile, "It's good to see your awake."
"How long were we out?" Ranma asked.
Only 4 hours or so, but it is getting a little late. You should probably get home, Ryoga" Mizuho advised the formerly lost boy.
Ryoga smiled a fanged grin. This would be the first time in months of being able to find his own home. Maybe he could get some more of these watch things for the rest of his family.
With one wave of goodbye, Ryoga spoke into the watch, "Marie, transport me to the home of Ryoga Hibiki. This is a priority one."
Familiar light and flash occur and Ryoga is gone. Ranma and Mizuho do individual activities from watching TV and grading papers to training and constantly snacking on any available food.
The two later cooked dinner and had a nice, quiet meal. Afterwards, Ranma went to take his bath. With a splash of cold water to scrub himself with, he became she. The red head scrubbed the dirt and dead skin from her body, then dumped a bucket of water over herself.
"Brrr! COLD!" she said as she walked to the furo and climbed in.
"Well, this whole day was different. First, I tell everyone about me and Mizuho, then I patch things up with Ryoga. Everything seems to be going pretty good." Ranma thought to himself as he soaked in the warm furo. After a few more minutes, Ranma emerged from the warm water, dried off, and put on some cloths to sleep in, as it was getting late.
When he emerged, Mizuho was waiting for her turn. While the pink haired teacher bathed, Ranma merely walked in the living room, but stopped at what he saw on the table. Mizuho had left out some of her favorite snack, pocky.
"Hmm... wonder if they're any good. But I shouldn't, they probly got lots of fat" Ranma then paused and thought about Mizuho's figure, blushing as he did so, "Guess I don't have to worry about that too much."
Ranma took on of the biscuit sticks and began nibbling on it, instantly liking the chocolaty taste. After he finished his snack, the aqua- transsexual merely lazed around the apartment until Mizuho was finished.
"That was nice. Are you ready for bed, Ranma?" Mizuho inquired.
Ranma yawned sleepily in reply, causing Mizuho to giggle. They both walked in the bedroom to see the futons laying side by side. Mizuho expected Ranma to pick his up and go in the living room, but instead he climbed in and closed his eyes. She couldn't help but smile at that as she climbed in bed as well.
The two went to sleep quickly, each dreaming of various things and times and places. No one noticed a few hours later when Mizuho happened to roll to one side, causing her hand to land in Ranma's, who instinctually held her hand firmly, but gently.
*_*
A flashing, neon sign saying, "Welcome to Las Vegas" Illuminates the face of an oriental boy with a bandana wrapped around his head.
Ryoga was seething with anger. Apparently Marie didn't know where Ryoga lived either, so she sorta... guessed. Ryoga desperately tried to find some way to convey his anger. To express what he felt. Finally, it came to him. An old tactic, often used and still good.
His plan of action decided, Ryoga tilted his head back and screamed, "RANMA! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!!"
*_*
Authors Notes I am soooooo sorry this took so long. I don't really have an excuse other than laziness and that I always wanted to read other works instead of write, but that's still not excuse. Thank you so much for all the reviews, I don't deserve them. They make me so happy, I must write more! I'll TRY and get the next chapter out quick, but no guarantees. I have big plans for the next one, so watch out!
PS- Special thanks to my pre-readers. I ended up doing a large rewrite to the Ryoga/Ranma relationship and made it more realistic.