Chapter 2 – High School Hijinks, or The Theory of Relativity
After a less than restful night's sleep, Akane still rose with the sun like she always had for most of the past two years – her father would drag her outside and throw her in the koi pond if she didn't. It reminded her eerily of Genma, and based on the things she'd seen Ranma and Genma do… if that was standard Anything Goes training; she wanted to be on her father's good side.
As she exited her room, her father wasn't anywhere in sight. That's odd… he usually waits right outside, just in case I'm not up… She frowned slightly, something was off. She concentrated, hearing the snores from Nabiki's room, and humming from the kitchen – Kasumi. The thought that something was off still plagued her as she made her way on silent feet towards the stairs. That is, until she realized that what was missing was the rustling of Mrs. Saotome's kimono as she hurried around cleaning. She was also a bit disturbed by the meaty thwack of wood against wood coming from outside.
Giving a short, jaunty wave to Kasumi as she passed by, she made her way out the back of the house. What she saw there confused her for the moment. Two reddish brown blurs raced around the yard, multiple thwacks sounding out whenever they met. Her first thought was that it was her father and Mr. Saotome. But they were watching the action. "The boy is good Saotome."
The panda nodded. #As much as I hate to admit it, yes. His mother trained him well. Too bad he didn't have his change of heart before I left… Oh well, that's life.#
This had involved a lot of sign flipping and the frantic scribbling of new ones, but her father just nodded along as he read. They were well used to it. "Well, no use crying about it now. Perhaps we could have the boy teach his style when he and Akane are married?"
The panda seemed a little miffed as the two blurs in the backyard kept at it. #What? Tendo, this is a martial arts dojo. We don't use weapons. Period.#
This last sign was thumped over her father's head, and Akane giggled a bit, making sure they didn't hear her. Her father snorted. "It's not a matter of styles, Saotome; it's a matter of funds. Twice the styles, twice the classes, twice the students…" Her father fixed Genma with a look as he laid down the trump card. "…means twice the money."
Genma changed his tune in a heartbeat. #Right you are, Tendo. No need to inform the boy, though. He has enough on his plate as it is I think.#
Her father nodded as well. "So, how soon do you think we should hold the wedding, Saotome?"
Akane edged back at that. She made a mental note to tell Kasumi not to let either man near her food for a while, and to start taking more meals at Ucchan's. She refocused on the fight. The blurs in the yard slowed and settled for a moment. There stood Kenshin, as she'd expected, but… Auntie?!
Akane shook her head, as Nodoka smiled at her son. "While I am pleased to see you kept in practice, my son, I am still somewhat displeased at your behavior."
Kenshin bowed. "This one apologizes mother."
Nodoka sighed. "I don't know what happened to change you Kenshin… and I am glad that you are like this now. But I will remain firm. You will attend the remainder of the year at Furinkan." Kenshin opened his mouth, but Nodoka silenced him with a gesture. "You will be registered in the same class as your fiancé, and if you manage to pass, I will not make you repeat the other year you missed. Acceptable?"
Her voice said that it wasn't open to renegotiation, no matter what Kenshin felt, so he simply bowed. "Of course, mother."
Nodoka smiled. "Very well, we're done for the day, since you need to prepare yourself for school." She caught Akane out of the corner of her eye and smiled. "Akane! Why don't you skip practice this morning and accompany my son to school. He needs to pick up his books, and I wouldn't want him getting lost."
Akane smiled. Any day out of training is a good one… even if Kenshin is going with me. She turned and headed inside the house, running up to her room for her uniform.
Kenshin, dressed in his usual Samurai robes, walked calmly down the street, bokken in his belt once more. People gave him strange looks, and skittered by, but no one really paid much attention to him. Kenshin was glad of this, because he didn't particularly wish to leave his bokken at home, nor did he wish to encumber himself by covering it in a wrap as his mother did with the family honor blade.
His fiancé, on the other hand, chose to walk along the top of the fence. She wore her gym shorts underneath the skirt, however, much to the disappointment of the boys who 'innocently' passed under her early on. Kenshin voiced his thoughts. "Why do you do that, Ms. Akane?"
She frowned. "Walking on the fence, you mean? Balance practice. It's something I learned from… Ranma."
Sensing a sensitive subject, Kenshin tried to express himself. "This one… does not wish to take his brother's… Ranma's… place. This one realizes that it must be painful, to see this one walk in and take his place in the engagement, especially after the way Ranma died…"
Akane's voice was uncharacteristically soft. "I know. I don't believe you would do something like that. It's the only reason I haven't pounded you into the ground for it, actually. Watch out for our fathers, though. They tend to be… underhanded when they want something."
"Like the arranged marriage?"
The pigtailed girl nodded from the fence. "Especially the marriage. The only thing that stopped your father from making you show up in a tuxedo with a priest was your mother. Be careful."
Kenshin sighed, and examined the sky. "This one unfortunately acknowledges that you know one's parents better than this one himself. This one will work to correct that, however."
Akane smiled. "Good. And Kenshin… it might be best not mention the engagement at school. Things will be crazy enough as it is."
Kenshin shrugged. He wasn't quite sure what Akane was speaking of, but she was the more experienced with the situation of the two.
Kenshin beamed his sunniest smile out at the world. They were going to let him keep his bokken in class with him! They weren't going to make him wear a uniform! They were all set to give him one when he mentioned his brother, and then they simply told him he wasn't required to wear a uniform.
The hall monitor that attempted to confiscate his bokken too, seemed quite willing to let him keep it with the mere mention of his surname, shared with his departed sibling. Something was going on that Kenshin wasn't aware of, and he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. However, an exception to the normal rules was made for him, and he was pleased with that. He decided he would ask why later, and hope that his brother's reputation wasn't something that stained the family honor.
When he entered the classroom, a hush settled over it as he made his way in, and he got a little nervous like that, with everyone watching him. He made the best of things, however. The teacher, a little girl it seemed, spoke. "Why don't you tell us about yourself, Kenshin…" She glanced at her piece of paper, and her eyes widened. "S-Saotome?!"
Though it was more a question than a statement, and now all eyes were upon him, even those of that curious older man on the ceiling, Kenshin merely smiled and replied. "Yes, sensei. This one is named Kenshin Saotome. One's interests consist mainly of kendo. This one has not had schooling in the past two years, however, and hopes you will be patient with this one."
Hinako sensei motioned him into a seat, still trying to clear the dazed expression from her eyes, and proceeded to begin the class. His class went mostly pleasantly, struggling to keep up, but mostly pleasant just the same, until someone just behind him poured very cold water over him. A voice came. "Awww man. No curse."
Kenshin was confused. Why would they want him to be cursed, and what would water have to do with it? He voiced his thoughts in one clear and concise statement.
"Oro?"
Lunch was a bit better for the swordsman. The meal Ms. Kasumi had provided was delightful, perhaps the best he had tasted since leaving home two years previous. The okonomiyaki from Akane's friend, Ukyo, was amazing as well.
Hunger sated, Kenshin moved into a secluded area of several trees, and began to move slowly, going slowly through his sword forms, pausing every once in a while, correcting his form slightly when he did so. When he was in a position of satisfaction, he would begin the dance again.
And that was what it was, a dance. That he was holding a bokken made no difference, as he moved with grace and elegance. Had he moved with greater speed, it would have been frightening, but as it was, it inspired only awe.
Coming down out of the dance, Kenshin felt refreshed, calm, and at peace with the world. People started clapping all around him. He blinked. He had sensed their approach, of course, but his brain had filed the information away as 'unimportant' since they did not seem to be hostile. But hostile is a relative term, as is hunger.
"Oro?"
That was the last thing Kenshin got out before wave upon wave of females came crashing in from all sides, like Moses loosing faith while crossing the Red Sea. Kenshin never stood a chance, and was swarmed under, his hands clawing futilely at the air. Those left standing outside were jealous and awestruck boys, and two groaning young ladies, Akane and Ukyo.
They looked at each other, and a silent communication passed between them. Akane snorted after a moment. "Fine. We'll pull him out." And so they did. But again, 'pull' is a relative term. To Akane, and Ukyo knew enough to expect it and went along in this case, pull meant 'shove the rest of them off him'. They waded in. Bodies started flying off, and about twenty of them had hit the ground before any of the rest knew what was happening. The rest saw Akane smiling pleasantly while holding a girl off the ground with one hand before tossing her away, and Ukyo using her battle spatula in the fashion of a fly swatter, knocking others left and right.
The pack of less than discriminate females confronted with the standard 'I'm as innocent and clueless as a newborn' Saotome charm coupled with the standard 'Greek god' physique paused for a moment and looked at their trapped prey. Then back at the girls. It'd been two years since they'd seen a Saotome, and they had been suffering withdraw like symptoms. But, confronted with the tomboy and her friend, and the choice between her and their prey, they made a wise choice. They blurred a moment, then scattered to the four winds, leaving Kenshin alone in the center.
Akane felt slightly concerned. She'd been affected by the 'Saotome Withdraw Syndrome' herself (just a bit, mind you), she was the possessive type, and Kenshin hadn't been anything other than pleasant, if oblivious, to her. She didn't like her reaction to the situation. Ordinarily she'd simply have laughed. Where is the part of me that screams 'mine!' coming from? He may be a nice guy and all, but… we just met!
She ignored the part of her that told her she liked Ranma from the get go too, no matter how she had acted, and looked to the center, the thoughts were simply too disturbing. Her jaw dropped. Ukyo spun around, facing away in embarrassment. Kenshin lay there, convulsing every few seconds, deprived of any clothing whatsoever, the remaining scraps covering the important bits. He clutched his bokken to himself tightly.
"Ooorooo…?"
Nodoka squealed and embraced her son in a tight, bone-crushing grip. "Oh, my son is sooo manly!"
Kenshin was thoroughly embarrassed as Kasumi walked in, let out an 'Oh my' and walked right back out again.
Keshin had tried to sneak back in, and had successfully dodged the fathers playing shogi, but because he lacked Umi-sen ken levels of stealth, his mother had spotted him in a heartbeat. One panicked explanation later, and well… you get the idea.
One new set of clothing later, his mother for some reason extremely pleased he had to streak home, he was back on his way to class. Hopefully his teachers would be a bit understanding of his situation, not that he knew how to describe it. He was hurrying over the rooftops this time, as while he didn't usually exert himself unless necessary, he was in fact, very late.
Kenshin hopped down just outside the gates and walked inside. Standing in front of the doorway stood a boy with dark brown curly hair, wearing clothing much like his own. Next to him was the same older gentleman in ninja clothing who had been on the ceiling of his classroom this morning. Kenshin greeted him. "This one apologizes, but he is very late for class!"
The boy, on the other hand, drew his bokken and pointed it at him. "HALT, FOUL SORCERER!"
"Oro?"
"Know, knave, that thine reckoning is at hand, for you now face Tatewaki Kuno, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!"
Thunder crashed down in the background, and Kenshin gave a polite clapping in response. Momentarily bewildered, as he had not yet felt the usual tingling sensation that usually accompanied these words when fighting a Saotome, for Tatewaki Kuno feels no pain! As he was unfamiliar territory, never having really gotten past those words before, Kuno decided to add them in. "And as such, I feel no pain! The mountains tremble before me, and the seas shrink back in despair, for not even they dare attempt to suppress my righteous fury!"
"But you! You, foul sorcerer, you dare oppose me! I shall free the fierce tigress Akane Tendo from your sorcererous grip, and proceed to let you feel the wrath of heaven! You shall feel pain the likes of which you never imagined! You shall… huh?"
Kenshin had raised his hand quietly. "This one wishes to enquire as to how long this will take, for this one has classes yet to attend."
Kuno frowned. "It shall take as long as it takes, knave! The wrath of heaven is slow but sure!"
Kenshin sighed. "Very well, might you permit this one to seat one's self if this is to continue much longer, however?"
Kuno considered it for a moment. "You may, but do not think to flee from my righteous strength, slime!"
Kenshin smiled and seated himself, laying his bokken across his knees. Akane found him like that several hours later, when school ended. "What are you doing?"
Kenshin smiled up at her. "Ah. This man, Tatewaki Kuno, I believe, seems to wish to deliver a challenge to this one."
Kuno prattled on in the backround, shouting to the sky. "… and thou shalt know that I am the vengeance of heaven incarnate…"
Akane's eye twitched. "Well, just ignore him. Everybody else does. Well, Ranma used to get bored pretty fast and knock him out, but the majority of us simply ignore him."
Kenshin frowned. "It will be more polite to wait for him to finish."
He never saw it coming. He was looking right at her, and he never saw it coming. Sad really, but such is the life of Kenshin, or any Saotome, really.
WHAM!
The mallet slammed into his head, sending him sprawling down on the ground, senseless. Akane grabbed his bokken in one hand, and slung him over her shoulder with the other before she ran off over the roof tops.
Kuno never noticed. "…And then, with you vanquished, heaven shall grant me her mightiest favor and return to me my pigtailed goddess so that both she and the fierce tigress might date me…"
Kenshin and Akane showed up for school the next morning, and there was a crowd on the lawn. Nabiki was running rapidly back and forth, giving and collecting bets on just when, exactly Kuno would stop, by whom, and why, etc, etc. Kenshin walked casually up to the building, realizing now that waiting for this particular speech to end before combat was not worth the effort.
But, right as he was about to pass by, Kuno swung his bokken out, pointing it at Kenshin's throat. "…and that is why the Blue Thunder shall win!"
Kenshin blinked. "Ah. Are you ready to challenge this one now?"
Kuno nodded. "Yes. Strike!"
Kuno moved in, striking fast and hard. Just not fast enough. Kenshin dodged with ease, noting that the other swordsman's technique was one of practice matches for points, not actual fighting. Good potential, but wasted. A pity.
As one strike went by, Kenshin spun around the blow coming back around, his bokken flying from a position at his waist as he did so. "Hi Ryu Sen!"
The blow caught Kuno on the side of the head, sending him spinning into the wall. He made a thump noise when he hit the ground. "I fight on!" Then he slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Akane smirked. "See, I told you he wasn't worth it."
Kenshin smiled. "It is important to take challenges seriously Akane. Besides, he may come back improved. It is hard to judge."
Akane groaned. "Kuno? Improve? You're joking, right? I can't tell with you."
The background twittering of the crowd died a painful death then, and a breeze swept through as the students scrambled to the side of the yard.
"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM AKANE YOU RED-HAIRED BASTARD!"
Okay, let's see just how many of you read this stuff.
If you remember from last chapter's notes, you should be able to tell that the guy yelling is Ryoga, not Ranma.
I'm wondering how many of you will think I miraculously saved him, I really am.
Okay, I think I'll answer a couple of review questions, since I think they're pertinent, and won't spoil anything. Well, anything much.
Mugamuchuhi Okami writes:
Yea! A new chapter wahoo! So its crossed with Rurouni Kenshin. And Kenshin is actually in the fic. But uh.. I was wondering... why does he have a bokken, one would assume he would at least have his trademark sakabato. But anyways, I like this and I hope you continue. Sayonara
My response:
Well, metal weapons carry huge fines and imprisonment sentences in Japan, which is why most modernly based animes use bokkens in place of live steel. He'll upgrade eventually though, you'll see.
dogbertcarroll writes:
Two really big question spring to mind.
1. What happened with Saffron ascending? He was out to take over the world if I recall.
2. Why would the Matriarch of the amazons still be in Nerima? They should have returned home long ago.
My response:
1. Phoenix Ascending and Dragonic Fate are sister fics to this one (same time, same universe, different characters (except Ryoga, he just pops up from time to time)), I just haven't posted anything on them yet. I may start Dragonic Fate up soon though, which leads nicely into your second question.
2. Actually, Cologne, Shampoo and Mouse are all still there. This is covered in the prologue to Dragonic fate, but as it's not really a spoiler, I'll still talk about it here. China is becoming more and more dangerous, what with their government and all. Cologne is trying to start a colony in Japan, so they'll have somewhere to go if things get too hot back home. They're still in Nerima because one of the things required for a colony for them is a ready supply of good (even if it takes a bit of effort to develop) husband material. And Nerima has a whole bunch of potentially powerful martial artists.
Well, that was fun. Now, as to where we're going. This part won't last long. I'm trying to have as much humor and fun as possible, because this is just the opening arc, where we're learning about the characters and their relationships.
One person made a comment about Kenshin's character. It's been a little challenging writing him. He's a Saotome, so he honestly enjoys a good fight. This is contrasted with his desire not to hurt anyone. So, Kenshin will accept challenges, contests of skill where both know what's involved, and the consequences. If you threaten him, friends or family, he'll regress a bit and kick your ass. He's a bit more oblivious than normal, but you can read that as either Saotome genetics, or this being the Ranma-verse.
After a less than restful night's sleep, Akane still rose with the sun like she always had for most of the past two years – her father would drag her outside and throw her in the koi pond if she didn't. It reminded her eerily of Genma, and based on the things she'd seen Ranma and Genma do… if that was standard Anything Goes training; she wanted to be on her father's good side.
As she exited her room, her father wasn't anywhere in sight. That's odd… he usually waits right outside, just in case I'm not up… She frowned slightly, something was off. She concentrated, hearing the snores from Nabiki's room, and humming from the kitchen – Kasumi. The thought that something was off still plagued her as she made her way on silent feet towards the stairs. That is, until she realized that what was missing was the rustling of Mrs. Saotome's kimono as she hurried around cleaning. She was also a bit disturbed by the meaty thwack of wood against wood coming from outside.
Giving a short, jaunty wave to Kasumi as she passed by, she made her way out the back of the house. What she saw there confused her for the moment. Two reddish brown blurs raced around the yard, multiple thwacks sounding out whenever they met. Her first thought was that it was her father and Mr. Saotome. But they were watching the action. "The boy is good Saotome."
The panda nodded. #As much as I hate to admit it, yes. His mother trained him well. Too bad he didn't have his change of heart before I left… Oh well, that's life.#
This had involved a lot of sign flipping and the frantic scribbling of new ones, but her father just nodded along as he read. They were well used to it. "Well, no use crying about it now. Perhaps we could have the boy teach his style when he and Akane are married?"
The panda seemed a little miffed as the two blurs in the backyard kept at it. #What? Tendo, this is a martial arts dojo. We don't use weapons. Period.#
This last sign was thumped over her father's head, and Akane giggled a bit, making sure they didn't hear her. Her father snorted. "It's not a matter of styles, Saotome; it's a matter of funds. Twice the styles, twice the classes, twice the students…" Her father fixed Genma with a look as he laid down the trump card. "…means twice the money."
Genma changed his tune in a heartbeat. #Right you are, Tendo. No need to inform the boy, though. He has enough on his plate as it is I think.#
Her father nodded as well. "So, how soon do you think we should hold the wedding, Saotome?"
Akane edged back at that. She made a mental note to tell Kasumi not to let either man near her food for a while, and to start taking more meals at Ucchan's. She refocused on the fight. The blurs in the yard slowed and settled for a moment. There stood Kenshin, as she'd expected, but… Auntie?!
Akane shook her head, as Nodoka smiled at her son. "While I am pleased to see you kept in practice, my son, I am still somewhat displeased at your behavior."
Kenshin bowed. "This one apologizes mother."
Nodoka sighed. "I don't know what happened to change you Kenshin… and I am glad that you are like this now. But I will remain firm. You will attend the remainder of the year at Furinkan." Kenshin opened his mouth, but Nodoka silenced him with a gesture. "You will be registered in the same class as your fiancé, and if you manage to pass, I will not make you repeat the other year you missed. Acceptable?"
Her voice said that it wasn't open to renegotiation, no matter what Kenshin felt, so he simply bowed. "Of course, mother."
Nodoka smiled. "Very well, we're done for the day, since you need to prepare yourself for school." She caught Akane out of the corner of her eye and smiled. "Akane! Why don't you skip practice this morning and accompany my son to school. He needs to pick up his books, and I wouldn't want him getting lost."
Akane smiled. Any day out of training is a good one… even if Kenshin is going with me. She turned and headed inside the house, running up to her room for her uniform.
Kenshin, dressed in his usual Samurai robes, walked calmly down the street, bokken in his belt once more. People gave him strange looks, and skittered by, but no one really paid much attention to him. Kenshin was glad of this, because he didn't particularly wish to leave his bokken at home, nor did he wish to encumber himself by covering it in a wrap as his mother did with the family honor blade.
His fiancé, on the other hand, chose to walk along the top of the fence. She wore her gym shorts underneath the skirt, however, much to the disappointment of the boys who 'innocently' passed under her early on. Kenshin voiced his thoughts. "Why do you do that, Ms. Akane?"
She frowned. "Walking on the fence, you mean? Balance practice. It's something I learned from… Ranma."
Sensing a sensitive subject, Kenshin tried to express himself. "This one… does not wish to take his brother's… Ranma's… place. This one realizes that it must be painful, to see this one walk in and take his place in the engagement, especially after the way Ranma died…"
Akane's voice was uncharacteristically soft. "I know. I don't believe you would do something like that. It's the only reason I haven't pounded you into the ground for it, actually. Watch out for our fathers, though. They tend to be… underhanded when they want something."
"Like the arranged marriage?"
The pigtailed girl nodded from the fence. "Especially the marriage. The only thing that stopped your father from making you show up in a tuxedo with a priest was your mother. Be careful."
Kenshin sighed, and examined the sky. "This one unfortunately acknowledges that you know one's parents better than this one himself. This one will work to correct that, however."
Akane smiled. "Good. And Kenshin… it might be best not mention the engagement at school. Things will be crazy enough as it is."
Kenshin shrugged. He wasn't quite sure what Akane was speaking of, but she was the more experienced with the situation of the two.
Kenshin beamed his sunniest smile out at the world. They were going to let him keep his bokken in class with him! They weren't going to make him wear a uniform! They were all set to give him one when he mentioned his brother, and then they simply told him he wasn't required to wear a uniform.
The hall monitor that attempted to confiscate his bokken too, seemed quite willing to let him keep it with the mere mention of his surname, shared with his departed sibling. Something was going on that Kenshin wasn't aware of, and he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not. However, an exception to the normal rules was made for him, and he was pleased with that. He decided he would ask why later, and hope that his brother's reputation wasn't something that stained the family honor.
When he entered the classroom, a hush settled over it as he made his way in, and he got a little nervous like that, with everyone watching him. He made the best of things, however. The teacher, a little girl it seemed, spoke. "Why don't you tell us about yourself, Kenshin…" She glanced at her piece of paper, and her eyes widened. "S-Saotome?!"
Though it was more a question than a statement, and now all eyes were upon him, even those of that curious older man on the ceiling, Kenshin merely smiled and replied. "Yes, sensei. This one is named Kenshin Saotome. One's interests consist mainly of kendo. This one has not had schooling in the past two years, however, and hopes you will be patient with this one."
Hinako sensei motioned him into a seat, still trying to clear the dazed expression from her eyes, and proceeded to begin the class. His class went mostly pleasantly, struggling to keep up, but mostly pleasant just the same, until someone just behind him poured very cold water over him. A voice came. "Awww man. No curse."
Kenshin was confused. Why would they want him to be cursed, and what would water have to do with it? He voiced his thoughts in one clear and concise statement.
"Oro?"
Lunch was a bit better for the swordsman. The meal Ms. Kasumi had provided was delightful, perhaps the best he had tasted since leaving home two years previous. The okonomiyaki from Akane's friend, Ukyo, was amazing as well.
Hunger sated, Kenshin moved into a secluded area of several trees, and began to move slowly, going slowly through his sword forms, pausing every once in a while, correcting his form slightly when he did so. When he was in a position of satisfaction, he would begin the dance again.
And that was what it was, a dance. That he was holding a bokken made no difference, as he moved with grace and elegance. Had he moved with greater speed, it would have been frightening, but as it was, it inspired only awe.
Coming down out of the dance, Kenshin felt refreshed, calm, and at peace with the world. People started clapping all around him. He blinked. He had sensed their approach, of course, but his brain had filed the information away as 'unimportant' since they did not seem to be hostile. But hostile is a relative term, as is hunger.
"Oro?"
That was the last thing Kenshin got out before wave upon wave of females came crashing in from all sides, like Moses loosing faith while crossing the Red Sea. Kenshin never stood a chance, and was swarmed under, his hands clawing futilely at the air. Those left standing outside were jealous and awestruck boys, and two groaning young ladies, Akane and Ukyo.
They looked at each other, and a silent communication passed between them. Akane snorted after a moment. "Fine. We'll pull him out." And so they did. But again, 'pull' is a relative term. To Akane, and Ukyo knew enough to expect it and went along in this case, pull meant 'shove the rest of them off him'. They waded in. Bodies started flying off, and about twenty of them had hit the ground before any of the rest knew what was happening. The rest saw Akane smiling pleasantly while holding a girl off the ground with one hand before tossing her away, and Ukyo using her battle spatula in the fashion of a fly swatter, knocking others left and right.
The pack of less than discriminate females confronted with the standard 'I'm as innocent and clueless as a newborn' Saotome charm coupled with the standard 'Greek god' physique paused for a moment and looked at their trapped prey. Then back at the girls. It'd been two years since they'd seen a Saotome, and they had been suffering withdraw like symptoms. But, confronted with the tomboy and her friend, and the choice between her and their prey, they made a wise choice. They blurred a moment, then scattered to the four winds, leaving Kenshin alone in the center.
Akane felt slightly concerned. She'd been affected by the 'Saotome Withdraw Syndrome' herself (just a bit, mind you), she was the possessive type, and Kenshin hadn't been anything other than pleasant, if oblivious, to her. She didn't like her reaction to the situation. Ordinarily she'd simply have laughed. Where is the part of me that screams 'mine!' coming from? He may be a nice guy and all, but… we just met!
She ignored the part of her that told her she liked Ranma from the get go too, no matter how she had acted, and looked to the center, the thoughts were simply too disturbing. Her jaw dropped. Ukyo spun around, facing away in embarrassment. Kenshin lay there, convulsing every few seconds, deprived of any clothing whatsoever, the remaining scraps covering the important bits. He clutched his bokken to himself tightly.
"Ooorooo…?"
Nodoka squealed and embraced her son in a tight, bone-crushing grip. "Oh, my son is sooo manly!"
Kenshin was thoroughly embarrassed as Kasumi walked in, let out an 'Oh my' and walked right back out again.
Keshin had tried to sneak back in, and had successfully dodged the fathers playing shogi, but because he lacked Umi-sen ken levels of stealth, his mother had spotted him in a heartbeat. One panicked explanation later, and well… you get the idea.
One new set of clothing later, his mother for some reason extremely pleased he had to streak home, he was back on his way to class. Hopefully his teachers would be a bit understanding of his situation, not that he knew how to describe it. He was hurrying over the rooftops this time, as while he didn't usually exert himself unless necessary, he was in fact, very late.
Kenshin hopped down just outside the gates and walked inside. Standing in front of the doorway stood a boy with dark brown curly hair, wearing clothing much like his own. Next to him was the same older gentleman in ninja clothing who had been on the ceiling of his classroom this morning. Kenshin greeted him. "This one apologizes, but he is very late for class!"
The boy, on the other hand, drew his bokken and pointed it at him. "HALT, FOUL SORCERER!"
"Oro?"
"Know, knave, that thine reckoning is at hand, for you now face Tatewaki Kuno, Blue Thunder of Furinkan High!"
Thunder crashed down in the background, and Kenshin gave a polite clapping in response. Momentarily bewildered, as he had not yet felt the usual tingling sensation that usually accompanied these words when fighting a Saotome, for Tatewaki Kuno feels no pain! As he was unfamiliar territory, never having really gotten past those words before, Kuno decided to add them in. "And as such, I feel no pain! The mountains tremble before me, and the seas shrink back in despair, for not even they dare attempt to suppress my righteous fury!"
"But you! You, foul sorcerer, you dare oppose me! I shall free the fierce tigress Akane Tendo from your sorcererous grip, and proceed to let you feel the wrath of heaven! You shall feel pain the likes of which you never imagined! You shall… huh?"
Kenshin had raised his hand quietly. "This one wishes to enquire as to how long this will take, for this one has classes yet to attend."
Kuno frowned. "It shall take as long as it takes, knave! The wrath of heaven is slow but sure!"
Kenshin sighed. "Very well, might you permit this one to seat one's self if this is to continue much longer, however?"
Kuno considered it for a moment. "You may, but do not think to flee from my righteous strength, slime!"
Kenshin smiled and seated himself, laying his bokken across his knees. Akane found him like that several hours later, when school ended. "What are you doing?"
Kenshin smiled up at her. "Ah. This man, Tatewaki Kuno, I believe, seems to wish to deliver a challenge to this one."
Kuno prattled on in the backround, shouting to the sky. "… and thou shalt know that I am the vengeance of heaven incarnate…"
Akane's eye twitched. "Well, just ignore him. Everybody else does. Well, Ranma used to get bored pretty fast and knock him out, but the majority of us simply ignore him."
Kenshin frowned. "It will be more polite to wait for him to finish."
He never saw it coming. He was looking right at her, and he never saw it coming. Sad really, but such is the life of Kenshin, or any Saotome, really.
WHAM!
The mallet slammed into his head, sending him sprawling down on the ground, senseless. Akane grabbed his bokken in one hand, and slung him over her shoulder with the other before she ran off over the roof tops.
Kuno never noticed. "…And then, with you vanquished, heaven shall grant me her mightiest favor and return to me my pigtailed goddess so that both she and the fierce tigress might date me…"
Kenshin and Akane showed up for school the next morning, and there was a crowd on the lawn. Nabiki was running rapidly back and forth, giving and collecting bets on just when, exactly Kuno would stop, by whom, and why, etc, etc. Kenshin walked casually up to the building, realizing now that waiting for this particular speech to end before combat was not worth the effort.
But, right as he was about to pass by, Kuno swung his bokken out, pointing it at Kenshin's throat. "…and that is why the Blue Thunder shall win!"
Kenshin blinked. "Ah. Are you ready to challenge this one now?"
Kuno nodded. "Yes. Strike!"
Kuno moved in, striking fast and hard. Just not fast enough. Kenshin dodged with ease, noting that the other swordsman's technique was one of practice matches for points, not actual fighting. Good potential, but wasted. A pity.
As one strike went by, Kenshin spun around the blow coming back around, his bokken flying from a position at his waist as he did so. "Hi Ryu Sen!"
The blow caught Kuno on the side of the head, sending him spinning into the wall. He made a thump noise when he hit the ground. "I fight on!" Then he slumped to the ground, unconscious.
Akane smirked. "See, I told you he wasn't worth it."
Kenshin smiled. "It is important to take challenges seriously Akane. Besides, he may come back improved. It is hard to judge."
Akane groaned. "Kuno? Improve? You're joking, right? I can't tell with you."
The background twittering of the crowd died a painful death then, and a breeze swept through as the students scrambled to the side of the yard.
"GET THE HELL AWAY FROM AKANE YOU RED-HAIRED BASTARD!"
Okay, let's see just how many of you read this stuff.
If you remember from last chapter's notes, you should be able to tell that the guy yelling is Ryoga, not Ranma.
I'm wondering how many of you will think I miraculously saved him, I really am.
Okay, I think I'll answer a couple of review questions, since I think they're pertinent, and won't spoil anything. Well, anything much.
Mugamuchuhi Okami writes:
Yea! A new chapter wahoo! So its crossed with Rurouni Kenshin. And Kenshin is actually in the fic. But uh.. I was wondering... why does he have a bokken, one would assume he would at least have his trademark sakabato. But anyways, I like this and I hope you continue. Sayonara
My response:
Well, metal weapons carry huge fines and imprisonment sentences in Japan, which is why most modernly based animes use bokkens in place of live steel. He'll upgrade eventually though, you'll see.
dogbertcarroll writes:
Two really big question spring to mind.
1. What happened with Saffron ascending? He was out to take over the world if I recall.
2. Why would the Matriarch of the amazons still be in Nerima? They should have returned home long ago.
My response:
1. Phoenix Ascending and Dragonic Fate are sister fics to this one (same time, same universe, different characters (except Ryoga, he just pops up from time to time)), I just haven't posted anything on them yet. I may start Dragonic Fate up soon though, which leads nicely into your second question.
2. Actually, Cologne, Shampoo and Mouse are all still there. This is covered in the prologue to Dragonic fate, but as it's not really a spoiler, I'll still talk about it here. China is becoming more and more dangerous, what with their government and all. Cologne is trying to start a colony in Japan, so they'll have somewhere to go if things get too hot back home. They're still in Nerima because one of the things required for a colony for them is a ready supply of good (even if it takes a bit of effort to develop) husband material. And Nerima has a whole bunch of potentially powerful martial artists.
Well, that was fun. Now, as to where we're going. This part won't last long. I'm trying to have as much humor and fun as possible, because this is just the opening arc, where we're learning about the characters and their relationships.
One person made a comment about Kenshin's character. It's been a little challenging writing him. He's a Saotome, so he honestly enjoys a good fight. This is contrasted with his desire not to hurt anyone. So, Kenshin will accept challenges, contests of skill where both know what's involved, and the consequences. If you threaten him, friends or family, he'll regress a bit and kick your ass. He's a bit more oblivious than normal, but you can read that as either Saotome genetics, or this being the Ranma-verse.