Author's Rantings: Well, chapter two is up, sorry if it ends on a cliffhanger, I tried not to make it too bad, but honestly, if I had continued, my chapters would have varied to massively in length. Once again, reviews are very welcome. Another note, I am not Japanese, thus I have tried to minimize the use of it in the story, however, instances where it sets the tone, especially name suffixes, I have included - correct me if you find I'm wrong. Thanks!
Ranma woke up to the first rays of sunlight settling upon his face. Slowly he sat up, noting that it was one of those rare says that started without his father being an immediate problem. Behind him, his dad was snoring contentedly on the bed while beside him, Soun was clutching a blanket to his chin, tears still running from having to sleep on the floor. Ranma stood up, got dressed and walked outside, finding that nobody was up yet. Quietly, Ranma went outside to the large temple grounds and started a basic kata.
It was a soft kata that Ranma felt was suitable enough to be performed next to the Go-Shimboku. His mind focused on the peace that he felt from being in the area, hands and feet moving in hypnotic circular motions to match the feel of the surrounding aura. In this way, Ranma let the tranquility of the surroundings seep into the current style that he was using. Soon, Ranma's finely attuned senses picked up the smell of breakfast. Ranma brought his sequence to a close and immediately leapt back into the house.
Inside, Souta's mother had gotten up and was just finishing dinner. Genma was also up, having also smelled the food and was currently lazing about in front of the TV. He had probably decided not to attack Ranma for now as he did not have the advantage of doing so while Ranma was asleep. Soun, Souta and his grandfather were still in their rooms.
"Good morning Ranma-kun!" Souta's mother greeted, "you're up early. Breakfast will be ready in a few moments."
"Thank you, Higurashi-san." Ranma's gaze fell on his father, "You! Old man, how long are we going to stay here and annoy the family here, shouldn't we be leaving soon?"
"Bah! We haven't captured the youkai yet, we don't leave until our duty is done."
"What duty? Even if there is a youkai, it's saving the civilians, why do we even need to catch it?"
"Stupid boy, it is a youkai, it must obviously be harmful!"
Grumbling, Ranma turned around to see Souta, who had just woken up. "Good morning Souta"
"Good morning, Ranma-niichan," Souta replied as he went to sit down at the table, "What are you planning to do today?"
"Well, according to my idiot father, I'm going to have to stay here for a while, so I guess I'll take a look around here for bit after breakfast."
"Can I go with you? I need to buy some school supplies for next week anyway."
"Sure." Ranma sat down next to Souta while Mrs. Higurashi served breakfast. Genma sat opposite of Ranma while Soun, who had woken up had seated next to Genma.
"I hope you find breakfast to your satisfaction" Souta's mother told them apologetically, "its what we normally have, since I haven't prepared for long term guests."
"Its great, Higurashi-san!" Ranma assured her as he proceeded to dig in, warding off Genma's attacks at his food while he was at it.
Souta and his mother stared at the pair for a short while, before shrugging and started their own breakfast.
"He's a bit strange too." Souta thought, comparing Ranma with Inuyasha.
***
Ranma walked along the streets, hands inside his pockets while Souta trotted along beside him. They were in the commercial area near the district in which Souta lived. People chatted happily while children played along the sidewalks, everything generally seemed normal. It didn't seem to Ranma, that the people were at all nervous about "an animal eared human".
Souta noticed Ranma's scowl, "Do you not like it here?"
"No! No! It's just that we seem to be inconveniencing you when we don't even need to be here." Ranma replied.
"Well, I think you're interesting, and I'd like to have you stay over." Souta told Ranma.
"Really? Thanks!" Inwardly, however, Ranma felt slightly miffed at being complemented for being "interesting" which in Ranma's memories could mean a whole range of things. "I just hope that nothing will happen with my curse, or that could make things even more 'interesting'…" he thought.
Ranma noticed three girls move towards them, and looked down at Souta, who seemed to recognize them.
"Hi Souta! who's your friend?" One of the girls asked as the group neared.
"Good morning!" Souta greeted them, "This is Ranma, he's staying at my place for a while. Ranma, this is Ayumi, Eri and Yuka."
"Good to meet you." Ranma introduced himself, the girls greeted him in turn.
"Souta, do you know is Kagome is well yet? What's her current sickness?" Ayumi asked him.
Souta scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "err… she's not well just yet," he answered, chuckling nervously, "she's at the hospital."
"But we just checked at the hospital and there's no Kagome registered there…" Yuka told Souta.
"Really? I guess she's back home now then isn't she?" Souta's face was completely red with stress, "Ranma, lets go now, there's something I want so see." Souta hurriedly grabbed onto Ranma's arm and lead him away from the girls, ignoring their puzzled stares.
"Hey, Souta!" Ranma said after they were out of hearing distance from the girls, "I thought your sister was out on some kind of trip, how come those girls just then thought that she was sick?"
"Long story, and probably boring," Souta answered, "forget that happened ok?"
Ranma stared at him suspiciously, "You know, I get the feeling that something big is going on and that you know what it is." Ranma accused, "that's the second time you've slipped up on something."
"Nothing, it's not something that should concern you." Souta wouldn't meet Ranma's eyes.
Once again, Ranma decided to drop the subject, deciding that since he wanted to have some peace at the moment anyway, he wouldn't go nosing about into other people's business. As such, the rest of the morning was spent uneventfully.
***
The afternoon weather was bright and cheerful, a cool breeze rustled through the leaves of the Go-Shimboku tree and the Higurashi grounds were generally peaceful. Ranma was lying happily on the bench near to the Go-Shimboku and was about to doze off. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a boy walk up to the Higurashi home entrance and knock on the door. Curious, Ranma flipped off the bench jogged to the door entrance.
"Good afternoon." The boy greeted as Ranma walked up, "Are you Kagome's friend?" He was slightly younger than Ranma and wore a face that somehow reminded Ranma of Kasumi.
"Good afternoon." Ranma replied, then answered the boy's question, "No, we were invited by her family… I haven't even seen Kagome yet."
The boy nodded understandingly, "Not surprising, given how often she gets sick. My names Hojo by the way."
"Ranma" Ranma introduced himself, "so she's always sick?"
"Most of the time, she seems to have one disease or another, I came to give her some useful seals to ward of sickness." Hojo held up a a few paper wards to show Ranma.
Ranma raised a mental eyebrow, "a little off center, isn't his guy?"
The door opened and Mrs. Higurashi greeted Hojo.
"Hojo-kun! How kind of you to visit us. I'm afraid Kagome's to sick to come out but I'm sure she'll be grateful for the gifts that you keep giving her.
"Thank you for accepting my humble offer, Higurashi-san." Hojo replied, bowing, "I suppose I should be off then."
Hojo left on his bike as Ranma stared after him, "There goes one complete weirdo." Shrugging, Ranma decided to take a nap at the base of the Go-Shimboku.
***
Night had fallen when Ranma had woken up. It was a full moon, so Ranma hopped up on to the top of the tree where he could enjoy the view. Masses of stars, in their mystery peppered the sky while the wind had become slightly colder, though maintaining the same soothing quality as before. Around him the chorus of crickets and rustling leaves made up an impressive night symphony.
"This is the life." Ranma thought contently, "I really do not feel like going back to Nerima yet." His stomach growled, "I missed dinner today, hope they left me some…"
Suddenly, Ranma noticed a shadow slip pass a window near the house. Instantly, Ranma jumped off the tree and followed in the general direction of where the shadow had headed. Again, Ranma caught the shadow, this time it had jumped onto the roof and was headed for Souta's sister's room.
"A burglar." Ranma thought, "well he's dealing with somebody who has to live with one every day." Ranma jumped into Mrs. Higurashi's room, where the window had been left open. Creeping past the sleeping Mrs. Higurashi, Ranma rushed quietly into Kagome's room.
Ranma was hidden in the shadows motionless. The burglar had apparently not come in yet, so he prepared to wait.
"Malicious intent!" Ranma's battle instinct saved him from the sudden attack from another corner of the room, "how did he know where I was?" Flipping out of the way, Ranma quickly switched on the lights.
Before him, stood a silver haired person clad in a red cloak. His hands were held like claws and his stance was aggressive. His eyes were a bright yellow that seemed to pierce into Ranma's being. Ranma then noticed the ears, they were definitely not human… more like a dogs?
"What have you done to Kagome?" The creature asked Ranma.
Confused, Ranma asked, "Kagome? I haven't even met her yet."
"Then why are you in her room?"
"You're the one who is breaking into the room, I'm living here."
"I don't care about the details, what have you done with Kagome?" A low growl had emitted from the creature.
"I told you I don't know what you're talking about!"
With a roar, the creature attacked "You expect me to believe you in such a suspicious situation?"
"Have to take the fight outside," Ranma thought, "Who's suspicious here?" He shouted out loud dodging a swipe from the creatures hands (or were they claws?) while he was at it. Ranma somersaulted out the window before launching himself up onto the roof.
His opponent had landed opposite him and had pulled out a massive sword, "You better tell me what you did to Kagome or I'll have to beat it out of you."
Ranma was taken aback "How many times do I have to tell you, I don't know what you're talking about!"
By this time, the dog-person had moved into an attacking stance, "That was your last chance; you're going to regret not telling me earlier."
Ranma smiled grimly, "So that's a challenge, isn't it?"
Ranma woke up to the first rays of sunlight settling upon his face. Slowly he sat up, noting that it was one of those rare says that started without his father being an immediate problem. Behind him, his dad was snoring contentedly on the bed while beside him, Soun was clutching a blanket to his chin, tears still running from having to sleep on the floor. Ranma stood up, got dressed and walked outside, finding that nobody was up yet. Quietly, Ranma went outside to the large temple grounds and started a basic kata.
It was a soft kata that Ranma felt was suitable enough to be performed next to the Go-Shimboku. His mind focused on the peace that he felt from being in the area, hands and feet moving in hypnotic circular motions to match the feel of the surrounding aura. In this way, Ranma let the tranquility of the surroundings seep into the current style that he was using. Soon, Ranma's finely attuned senses picked up the smell of breakfast. Ranma brought his sequence to a close and immediately leapt back into the house.
Inside, Souta's mother had gotten up and was just finishing dinner. Genma was also up, having also smelled the food and was currently lazing about in front of the TV. He had probably decided not to attack Ranma for now as he did not have the advantage of doing so while Ranma was asleep. Soun, Souta and his grandfather were still in their rooms.
"Good morning Ranma-kun!" Souta's mother greeted, "you're up early. Breakfast will be ready in a few moments."
"Thank you, Higurashi-san." Ranma's gaze fell on his father, "You! Old man, how long are we going to stay here and annoy the family here, shouldn't we be leaving soon?"
"Bah! We haven't captured the youkai yet, we don't leave until our duty is done."
"What duty? Even if there is a youkai, it's saving the civilians, why do we even need to catch it?"
"Stupid boy, it is a youkai, it must obviously be harmful!"
Grumbling, Ranma turned around to see Souta, who had just woken up. "Good morning Souta"
"Good morning, Ranma-niichan," Souta replied as he went to sit down at the table, "What are you planning to do today?"
"Well, according to my idiot father, I'm going to have to stay here for a while, so I guess I'll take a look around here for bit after breakfast."
"Can I go with you? I need to buy some school supplies for next week anyway."
"Sure." Ranma sat down next to Souta while Mrs. Higurashi served breakfast. Genma sat opposite of Ranma while Soun, who had woken up had seated next to Genma.
"I hope you find breakfast to your satisfaction" Souta's mother told them apologetically, "its what we normally have, since I haven't prepared for long term guests."
"Its great, Higurashi-san!" Ranma assured her as he proceeded to dig in, warding off Genma's attacks at his food while he was at it.
Souta and his mother stared at the pair for a short while, before shrugging and started their own breakfast.
"He's a bit strange too." Souta thought, comparing Ranma with Inuyasha.
***
Ranma walked along the streets, hands inside his pockets while Souta trotted along beside him. They were in the commercial area near the district in which Souta lived. People chatted happily while children played along the sidewalks, everything generally seemed normal. It didn't seem to Ranma, that the people were at all nervous about "an animal eared human".
Souta noticed Ranma's scowl, "Do you not like it here?"
"No! No! It's just that we seem to be inconveniencing you when we don't even need to be here." Ranma replied.
"Well, I think you're interesting, and I'd like to have you stay over." Souta told Ranma.
"Really? Thanks!" Inwardly, however, Ranma felt slightly miffed at being complemented for being "interesting" which in Ranma's memories could mean a whole range of things. "I just hope that nothing will happen with my curse, or that could make things even more 'interesting'…" he thought.
Ranma noticed three girls move towards them, and looked down at Souta, who seemed to recognize them.
"Hi Souta! who's your friend?" One of the girls asked as the group neared.
"Good morning!" Souta greeted them, "This is Ranma, he's staying at my place for a while. Ranma, this is Ayumi, Eri and Yuka."
"Good to meet you." Ranma introduced himself, the girls greeted him in turn.
"Souta, do you know is Kagome is well yet? What's her current sickness?" Ayumi asked him.
Souta scratched the back of his head in embarrassment, "err… she's not well just yet," he answered, chuckling nervously, "she's at the hospital."
"But we just checked at the hospital and there's no Kagome registered there…" Yuka told Souta.
"Really? I guess she's back home now then isn't she?" Souta's face was completely red with stress, "Ranma, lets go now, there's something I want so see." Souta hurriedly grabbed onto Ranma's arm and lead him away from the girls, ignoring their puzzled stares.
"Hey, Souta!" Ranma said after they were out of hearing distance from the girls, "I thought your sister was out on some kind of trip, how come those girls just then thought that she was sick?"
"Long story, and probably boring," Souta answered, "forget that happened ok?"
Ranma stared at him suspiciously, "You know, I get the feeling that something big is going on and that you know what it is." Ranma accused, "that's the second time you've slipped up on something."
"Nothing, it's not something that should concern you." Souta wouldn't meet Ranma's eyes.
Once again, Ranma decided to drop the subject, deciding that since he wanted to have some peace at the moment anyway, he wouldn't go nosing about into other people's business. As such, the rest of the morning was spent uneventfully.
***
The afternoon weather was bright and cheerful, a cool breeze rustled through the leaves of the Go-Shimboku tree and the Higurashi grounds were generally peaceful. Ranma was lying happily on the bench near to the Go-Shimboku and was about to doze off. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a boy walk up to the Higurashi home entrance and knock on the door. Curious, Ranma flipped off the bench jogged to the door entrance.
"Good afternoon." The boy greeted as Ranma walked up, "Are you Kagome's friend?" He was slightly younger than Ranma and wore a face that somehow reminded Ranma of Kasumi.
"Good afternoon." Ranma replied, then answered the boy's question, "No, we were invited by her family… I haven't even seen Kagome yet."
The boy nodded understandingly, "Not surprising, given how often she gets sick. My names Hojo by the way."
"Ranma" Ranma introduced himself, "so she's always sick?"
"Most of the time, she seems to have one disease or another, I came to give her some useful seals to ward of sickness." Hojo held up a a few paper wards to show Ranma.
Ranma raised a mental eyebrow, "a little off center, isn't his guy?"
The door opened and Mrs. Higurashi greeted Hojo.
"Hojo-kun! How kind of you to visit us. I'm afraid Kagome's to sick to come out but I'm sure she'll be grateful for the gifts that you keep giving her.
"Thank you for accepting my humble offer, Higurashi-san." Hojo replied, bowing, "I suppose I should be off then."
Hojo left on his bike as Ranma stared after him, "There goes one complete weirdo." Shrugging, Ranma decided to take a nap at the base of the Go-Shimboku.
***
Night had fallen when Ranma had woken up. It was a full moon, so Ranma hopped up on to the top of the tree where he could enjoy the view. Masses of stars, in their mystery peppered the sky while the wind had become slightly colder, though maintaining the same soothing quality as before. Around him the chorus of crickets and rustling leaves made up an impressive night symphony.
"This is the life." Ranma thought contently, "I really do not feel like going back to Nerima yet." His stomach growled, "I missed dinner today, hope they left me some…"
Suddenly, Ranma noticed a shadow slip pass a window near the house. Instantly, Ranma jumped off the tree and followed in the general direction of where the shadow had headed. Again, Ranma caught the shadow, this time it had jumped onto the roof and was headed for Souta's sister's room.
"A burglar." Ranma thought, "well he's dealing with somebody who has to live with one every day." Ranma jumped into Mrs. Higurashi's room, where the window had been left open. Creeping past the sleeping Mrs. Higurashi, Ranma rushed quietly into Kagome's room.
Ranma was hidden in the shadows motionless. The burglar had apparently not come in yet, so he prepared to wait.
"Malicious intent!" Ranma's battle instinct saved him from the sudden attack from another corner of the room, "how did he know where I was?" Flipping out of the way, Ranma quickly switched on the lights.
Before him, stood a silver haired person clad in a red cloak. His hands were held like claws and his stance was aggressive. His eyes were a bright yellow that seemed to pierce into Ranma's being. Ranma then noticed the ears, they were definitely not human… more like a dogs?
"What have you done to Kagome?" The creature asked Ranma.
Confused, Ranma asked, "Kagome? I haven't even met her yet."
"Then why are you in her room?"
"You're the one who is breaking into the room, I'm living here."
"I don't care about the details, what have you done with Kagome?" A low growl had emitted from the creature.
"I told you I don't know what you're talking about!"
With a roar, the creature attacked "You expect me to believe you in such a suspicious situation?"
"Have to take the fight outside," Ranma thought, "Who's suspicious here?" He shouted out loud dodging a swipe from the creatures hands (or were they claws?) while he was at it. Ranma somersaulted out the window before launching himself up onto the roof.
His opponent had landed opposite him and had pulled out a massive sword, "You better tell me what you did to Kagome or I'll have to beat it out of you."
Ranma was taken aback "How many times do I have to tell you, I don't know what you're talking about!"
By this time, the dog-person had moved into an attacking stance, "That was your last chance; you're going to regret not telling me earlier."
Ranma smiled grimly, "So that's a challenge, isn't it?"