Lost Soul - Part Five
By Seed
Six days later...
Ryoga awoke, feeling slightly disorientated and unaware of his surroundings, trying to figure out where he was and how he had got here. In one word just like any other morning. Shaking off the last rest of dizziness, he slowly remembered the events of the last week and the importance of this day.
He was now the sixth day at Ucchans, he had told Ukyo everything about the letters and the hearing and his fear of being sent away. She had taken him in and would accompany him to the hearing today, making sure that the judge wouldn't decide he was too dangerous or unstable to keep living on is own. How exactly Ukyo planned to achieve this Ryoga didn't know. But he usually didn't think very far ahead anyway, he was more the kind of a guy for spontanous actions. Others would say impulsive, uncontrollled outbursts as Ukyo had pointed out to him, but Ryoga was confident that if he had Ukyo at his side not too much could go wrong.
*Man today is the big day. I hope everything will go smoothly, but Ukyo seems to be so self-assured, and I belive in her. And it feels good to finally release some of that build up tension, any decision is better than this damn waiting. A few days more and I might have shi-shi-hokoudaned the whole neighbourhood.*
Ryoga took his bathroom utensils from his backpack and went searching for the bathroom. He left his room and looked at the two big red signs on the opposite wall. One showing to the right with the word "bathroom" written on it, the other to the left with "restaurant". He smiled and thanked Ukyo again in his thoughts for her good idea. He turned to the right and after some detours over the storage room and Ukyos room and his own room again he found the bathroom.
After he was finished he went searching for the stairs and the way to the restaurant, the smell of breakfast okonomiaky guiding him and making him reach his destination in record time. When he entered the small kitchen, Ukyo was already busy, flipping over three okonomiakys while humming a tune Ryoga didn't recognize. "Good morning Ukyo". Ukyo turned around and smiled at the Lost Boy, who blushed a little at her looking him over. "Good morning sugar, I tried to wake you but I didn't get so much as a snort from you. What does it take a nuclear bomb going up under your bed? Well I should be used to it by now. Anyway, nervous on the big day?"
"Well try slamming something heavy on my head that usually works just fine." Ryoa took a seat at the counter. "Well a bit nervous you could say. I really hope that there will be no trouble and that I don't do anything stupid." "Don't worry sugar, if you do I will just knock you unconscious. Here, one breakfast special coming right up. Eggs no bacon."
Ryoga catched the incoming plate and dug happily in his food. He had insisted that he would pay for his meals and staying, but Ukyo had just shrugged him off. She had told him that he could repay her by doing the dishes during his stay. Ryoga really had also tried his best at waiting, but some orders took really too much time until they reached their destination, so they had setteled for him to just do the dishes. He had been very careful to only come into contact with warm water and so far no pig squeals had been heared from the sink in the back of the small kitchen.
It had also been a real quiet week at Ucchans. Ranma had apparently gone off on a training trip along with Genma and Akane and the Amazones were in China for somekind of family celebration. Ryoga was thankful that the usual havoc and madness of Nerima had taken a small break, he really didn't need any distractions now. And knowing his short temper he would have gotton into a fight with Ranma an probablly activate his curse several times for sure.
After breakfast Ukyo and Ryoga closed the shop and went down the street. Ryoga felt a little bad about Ukyo missing almost a whole day of business, but she had insisted that it was no problem. They reached one of the main streets and Ryoga blew a sharp whistle, immediately a car stopped at their side. Ryoga had decided that they would take a taxi, not risking anything now after his last trip to Australia. Ukyo had argued that it would be too expensive but he just took a bundle of bills from his breast pocket and assured her that was no problem either. After a ride of perhaps twenty minutes they finally arrived at the courthouse.
"Well sugar, here we are. Nerima court for family affaires. We're sheduled for room 104. So let's get going." Ryoga just gulped looking at the huge front entrance. He felt like going to his own funeral. They entered and went down a long hallway searching for the right room.
*I must not getting dpressed. I must not getting depressed.* Ryoga repeated the five words like somekind of mantra. Ukyo noticed a faint green glow coming from her left. She stopped looking at Ryoga who was completely oblivious to the outside, eyes wide shut and murmuring something Ukyo couldn't understand. The glow seemed to become brighter and brighter. WHAM! The all-mighty spatula had descended and found its target. Ryoga almost jumped out of his pants, totally taken off guard by Ukyo. After the initial shock had worn off he looked completely confused and a bit angry. "Oow, what are you doing, you violent maniac. I'm trying to concentrate here you know." Ukyo just snorted. "Yeah right you were about to blast the whole building into kingdom come with all that build up energy. Ryoga really, get a hold of yourself or this is over before it even started."
"Oh, okay thanks Ukyo." Ryoga looked guilty now. *Damn, why can't I get a grip. I know I can to this. I have to to this. If I screw up here then I'm screwed that's for sure. I didn't feel depressed all week, but now I'm feeling like so nervous I could explode if someone would just tap me on the shloulder. I failed at everything I ever did or tried to do my whole life long. My revenge on Ranma, my love to Akane, everything. But if I fail at this then I can kiss my wandering days goodbye. Then I will truly be alone and the world will be a darker and lonlier place than ever.*
The voice of Ukyo ripped him out of his growing depression. "Okay Lost Boy we're here. Now remember calm and cool. No yelling, no ranting no punching wholes through the walls, no ki-blasts got it?" Ryoga nodded and took a deep breath.
They entered the room, taking seats at a table standing on the right side at the front and opposite to the podium of the judge. They had been told where to sit by the marshal responsible for maintaining security and the correct going of the process. The dark wooden panels on the walls, the heavy green carpent and the smell of old books and files seemed to automatically intimidate everyone who was unlucky enough to come in contact with the law on the false side.
The seat of the judge was still empty. To the left side of Ukyo and Ryoga, at another table two very serious looking men in black suits were sitting talking to each other and sometimes pointing in Ryogas general direction. Ryoga scowled at them, getting elbowed in the ribs by Ukyo for it. "Behave" she hissed. Ryoga sighed and tried desperatly to stay calm and controlled. *I feel like in one of those american movies, with these gangsters from the 30's. "Four Fangs Hibiki" aka the pulverizer, dangerous mobster and wanted in fourty states. Oh kami let me get through this*
Ukyo noticed Ryogas stone like features and how he balled his hands into fists so hard that they lost all colour. She put her hand on his left shoulder and smiled at him assurently. "It's okay Ryoga, don't panick. It will all be okay, belive me. Women have a natural intuition."
Ryoga glanced at her, a bit less frantic. "Thanks Ukyo I really wouldn't know what to do if you weren't here with me today." Ukyo smiled again, then watched the two lawyers still busy reading files and talking with each other.
She didn't want to make Ryoga more uncomfortable as he was already, but this place made her feel uneasy too. She had been so confident, just flashing the judge a smile and telling a small story how poor Ryoga was the victim of unlucky circumstances, but a very loyal and considerate character.
*Yeah but watching Perry Mason and Ally McBeal the whole last week might not be enough for this girl. That's Ryogas life what's at stake here, so you better do this right. The boy counts on me, I can't let him down. He is like a big puppy with this dark brown eyes and those cute fangs. Now wait a minute, what the heck was that. I'm Ran-chans fianceé and here I'm thinking of Ryoga like I don't know what. I have to stay focussed here. I'm just helping him out nothing more, nothing less.*
Before Ukyo could think any further about her dedication to Ranma and her platonic friendship with Ryoga the judge entered the room, Ryoga, Ukyo and the lawyers from the social department raising from their seats. The judge took his seat and the marshal announced: "Case 1003234. The Social Department vs. Hibiki Ryoga."
After everyone sat down again the judge started to speak. "Well it looks like a case of violent and aggressive offense against private and common property causing a great amount of repair costs has taken place. The one apparently responsible for it is a teenage boy. The name of the defendant is Hibiki Ryoga. The offendants claim that he might even be a threat to the well-being of the citizens in this town. If the defendant can be allowed to live without official supervision is to be decided here today."
At hearing his name Ryoga looked up to the judge, who also looked him directly in the eyes now. "Because we could not locate the parents of you Mr. Hibiki, it will be of decisif meaning what impression you make today
to this court, do you understand young man?" Ryoga nodded, looking a bit pale in the face. He had never been in a courtroom, and he felt the nagging feeling of fear and panick crawling in his guts even more strongly now facing the judge who looke old enough to be his grandfather.
The judge continued. "Very well then let's begin with the statements of both sides, at first I want to hear the point of view from the Social Department." One of the two men raised and began his speech. "Your honour after months of diligent and comprehensive investigation the Social Department has come to the conclusion that the seventeen year old male Hibiky Ryoga poses a dangerous threat to society. His family affaires are unstable at best. His parents seem to seriously neglect their obligations to provide a stable home for the boy. They are not even here today at this important day, what better proof for their disinterest at the boys life than this.
We do not condem Ryoga Hibiki for his violent actions. They are born out of years of neglect and isolation. According to his old Junior High School his social skills are rudamentary at best. He seems to have never established a stable emotional relation may it be with a male or female friend. His only forms of expressions seem to be violent outbursts, his immense strength and his experience as a martial artist causing great damage to private and common property in Nerima and other areas of Japan. Several interviews of local police officers are proof of it.
He skipped out of school at age ten for unknown reasons, running away from his "home" and apparently even getting as far as China. What he did there is unknown to us. But we don't think that a communist dictatorship is a good environment for the growing-up of a japanese adolescent. During the last six years Ryoga Hibiki seems to have had no form of education whatsoever. Although the records of his school show that he was the lowest in his class, his grades far from being acceptable, not to say downright catastrophic we cannot sit and watch how this youn man throws away his future.
Since he left school Ryoga Hibiki has led an dangerously unstable life, he seems to spend the most time out on the road without a steady source of income. He seemes also to be involved in somekind of vendetta against a certain Saotome Ranma another martial artist, the reason is unknown but it seems to be a great source of the violence and aggressive behaviour the defendant is displaying.
We are certain that if Ryoga Hibiki continues his life-style of aimless wandering and doesn't get control of his aggressive tendencies he will come into conflict with the law very soon. What is at the moment just property damage out of lonelyness and frustration will become a threat to society. Because someday damaging walls and telephone poles will not be enough anymore, it will develop into hurting and destroying human beings. We know that his behaviour is just a desperate cry fo attention, a cry for help. And if we don't give this young man the support he needs we will be responsible for his victims in the future.
For this reasons the Social Department proposes the transfer of Ryoga Hibiki into a social facility near Kyoto. There he will live under constant supervision, he will get psychological treatment and if he can proove to have become a stable and valuable part of society we will release him into an independent life as a responsible adult." The lawyer went back to his seat.
Ryoga didn't know what to say, didn't know what to think. He just sat there in silence, the words he just heared spinning around in his head, making him wanna scream, shout, fight, do anything, but he knew if he would follow his urge to lash out then he would give them the last proof that he was all they had claimed him to be. It was like someone had decided to take everything he had ever done and had interpreted it in the worst possible way. Everthing seemed to speak against him. *But that's not how it is. I mean it's not, it's just...* Ukyo was about to respond but before she could speak up the judge cut in.
"Well, well that are severe accusations against you Mr. Hibiki. I have the police reports and the complete investigation report here and I must say that they really are speaking against you. May you wish to say something to your defense?" Ryoga flinched at the disapproving tone in the judges voice but he was determined not to give up without a fight.
He looked over to Ukyo and he knew that she wanted him to let her do the talking. But Ryoga had to handle this by himslef. "It's okay Ukyo I know we have not planned it this way, but I can't just sit down and listen to all this crap about me and not give them my point of view. It would be like not responding to a challenge for a duel with Ranma. It's a matter of honour. And even if I'm not as good at this stuff like you I still have to fight this fight on my own and give it everything I can."
Ukyo wanted to argue with Ryoga, telling him not to be stupid, but after seeing the determination in his eyes she decided that it was best to let him have his way, after all it was Ryogas life what aws at stake here.
Ryoga stood up, careful not to look at the Social Department guys, fearing he might really do something violent to their faces. He was amazed that his temper hadn't already snapped and taken over sending him on a wild rampage through the courtroom. Slowly he began to speak.
He tried to explain, that his parents loved him with all their heart, but that they weren't around because of the directional inability which was running in his family. He told the judge about the bread feud and his duels with Ranma. How he had sworn revenge on the Saotome boy, and how his honour as a martial artist demanded to follow him to China after Ranma had not shown up to their fight.
He let out the part about Jusenkyo, not wanting to sound like a complete lunatic telling he was cursed to turn into a black piglet when splashed with cold water. He told about his arrival in Nerima, how he challenged Ranma and lost but was stilll honourbound to defeat him someday. He tried to convince the old man who was looking him over from his seat, that violence wasn't out of the ordinary in Nerima and that other martial artists were also responsible for property damage. He closed with the words:
"If I ever caused anyone any harm then I'm deeply sorry, that was never my intention. I always followed my heart and tried to be an honourable warrior. I never wanted to make anyone fear me or be afraid of me. Maybe my actions weren't always very thought through and I should have payed attention to what I was causing with my strength. If I made mistakes I will accept punishment for them. Your honour I will not beg, but I want you to know, that I have to be free, because that's the way I am. If I'm locked somewhere away from the people I care about, from the peole I know, even the peole I have to fight with I wont be Ryoga Hibiki anymore. Then you might as well sent me to prison for the rest of my then meaningless life."
Ryoga sat down again. He glanced at Ukyo who had tears in her eyes softly saying. "That was great Ryoga, I-I don't know what to say, I'm so proud of you. Seems you didn't need me at all here" Ryoga hardly noticed her. All his energy was drained out and he slumped down in his chair.
Ukyo was really stunned. She hadn't known what to make of the situation at first. When she had realised that Ryoga wouln't wait for her, but just answer spontanoulsy, she had to restrict herself from jumping up and slamming him back to his seat with her spatula. She had planned to calm the Lost Boy down and after his initial shock and then do the speaking herself, not wanting to let Ryoga dig his own grave but he had completely suprised her.
She had thought Ryoga would fall into his usual ranting and yelling but then she had seen the cold determination in his face and had let him go on. Ryogas remarkable speech, showing his remorse but at the same time making clear that he would always keep his dignity had deeply moved her. Ryoga had admitted to have made mistakes, something she would have never guessed she would hear the Lost Boy do. She had never seen Ryoga so calm and concentrated. It was like he had matured by years. Now she just hoped it had also been enough to persuade the judge.
The old man in his black robe seemed also to be very impressed. After a short silence he began to speak. "Well Mr. Hibiki you have certainly shown yourself in front of this court as a remarkable young man. Not everyone at your age could have held such a wise and appropriate speech. Your passion is admirable and honour seems to be a very if not the most important part of your life. However I can't look over the facts here. The lack of a formal education and you missing a stable home remain as they are. Although you admit to act sometimes violently and show remorse for these aspects of your actions, which led you here I cannot see you guarantee to not act again like this in the future.
You define yourself as a martial artist and I respect this decision, but if you have choosen this path you will also have to face the consequences. So I have no other choice then send you..." But before he could finish his sentence he was interrupted by a sharp yell coming from the girl sitting besides the defendant. "NO, your honour please, before you make your decision you have to listen to me first." "And who would you be Miss..." "Kuonji Ukyo, your honour I'm a friend of Ryoga." "Very well Miss Kuonji speak up I'm listening."
Ukyo calmed down a bit, she had been so angry at the judge and the Social Department and everyone for messing up Ryogas life that she had almost lost her temper. But she knew she had to stay reasonable if she wanted to help Ryoga here. She closed her eyes for a short moment knowing exactly what and how she was gonna argue here and then commenced.
"Your honour, Ryoga Hibiki is a kind, considerate, loyal and very dear friend. He never did hurt anyone on purpose. His actions are always very intense and sometimes impulsive this I admit, but they are never meant to do serious harm. He sometimes might better think through his actions before doing something like punching his fist through a wall, but everyone makes mistakes, right? And if Ryoga wouldn't have this great ammount of strength nobody would notice anything at all. But you can't forbid a boy to have a short temper.
That's like telling him to deny who he is. You can't change the character of a person just because you think he is not social acceptable. Sure he has caused some damage but he was by far not the only one. And he is willing to be more careful in the future. He is sorry for his destructive behaviour, even if that's just the way he is and he can't help it because it's his nature. So how much more proof of responsibilty you want.
Ryoga is a martial artist, so am I to some less extent and other friends Ryoga and I have in common. Our passion for martial arts is something we share with a lot of people and if you condemn Ryoga here today for following and trying to fullfill his dreams with all his passion then you might as well condemn everyone who ever had a dream in history he was willing to fight for.
It was the dream of a better world for everyone which sent people flying to the moon, achieving rights for minorities, or fighting against dictatorship and totalitarism. I will not put Ryogas actions on the same level with these great historic developments, but they share one parallel. All these actions were done by people with all their heart behind it. They gave everything they had to reach their goal and this is the same passion that leads Ryoga in his actions. So if you sent Ryoga away like these people here want you to do, then you will kill this passion inside of him.
And for the aspect of a stable home and a formal education I have a suggestion to make." With this Ukyo walked towards the judge coming close beside him and whispering something in his ear. The judge frowned then smiled and looked at Ryoga who had blushed with such a deep shade of red during Ukyos speech, it almost hurt in the eyes. Ukyo nodded her head and then walked back to the table where Ryoga sat, now obviously very curious about what Ukyo had talked about with the judge. Before he had a chance to ask her the judge spoke again, this time in a much better mood than before.
"Well Mr. Hibiki it seems you have a friend who is willing to put on great efforts for you. True friendship has become rare these days and I congratulate you for having such a dedicated friend as young Miss Kuonji here. She has convinced me that the suggestion of the Social Department would not be sufficient to fulfill your needs. And she has made me another one.
Owning her own, obvious successful restaurant she has a stable source of income and she also claims to have enough space to grand accomodation to another person at her place. She also assured me that it would be no problem for you to attend Highschool along with her. You seem to already have spent some time there without any problems occurring and you even will be able to earn your stay by working in the restaurant. So what do you say Mr. Hibiki are you willing to move in permanently in the home of Kuonji Ukyo, the restaurant known as Ucchans and attend Furikan Highschool until you graduate?
Rygoas jaw literally hit the floor, he blinked, nodded and then fell backwards unconscious.
"I'll take this as a yes. The case is closed".
To be continued...
PS: Hope you liked it. I took some liberties at the whole process thing. I think the juristical formalities aren't the important thing so I hope you don't mind me getting a bit creative here. Concerning Ryogas age when he started to follow Ranma I just thought six years of revenge driven pursuit are a bit more dramatic.
By Seed
Six days later...
Ryoga awoke, feeling slightly disorientated and unaware of his surroundings, trying to figure out where he was and how he had got here. In one word just like any other morning. Shaking off the last rest of dizziness, he slowly remembered the events of the last week and the importance of this day.
He was now the sixth day at Ucchans, he had told Ukyo everything about the letters and the hearing and his fear of being sent away. She had taken him in and would accompany him to the hearing today, making sure that the judge wouldn't decide he was too dangerous or unstable to keep living on is own. How exactly Ukyo planned to achieve this Ryoga didn't know. But he usually didn't think very far ahead anyway, he was more the kind of a guy for spontanous actions. Others would say impulsive, uncontrollled outbursts as Ukyo had pointed out to him, but Ryoga was confident that if he had Ukyo at his side not too much could go wrong.
*Man today is the big day. I hope everything will go smoothly, but Ukyo seems to be so self-assured, and I belive in her. And it feels good to finally release some of that build up tension, any decision is better than this damn waiting. A few days more and I might have shi-shi-hokoudaned the whole neighbourhood.*
Ryoga took his bathroom utensils from his backpack and went searching for the bathroom. He left his room and looked at the two big red signs on the opposite wall. One showing to the right with the word "bathroom" written on it, the other to the left with "restaurant". He smiled and thanked Ukyo again in his thoughts for her good idea. He turned to the right and after some detours over the storage room and Ukyos room and his own room again he found the bathroom.
After he was finished he went searching for the stairs and the way to the restaurant, the smell of breakfast okonomiaky guiding him and making him reach his destination in record time. When he entered the small kitchen, Ukyo was already busy, flipping over three okonomiakys while humming a tune Ryoga didn't recognize. "Good morning Ukyo". Ukyo turned around and smiled at the Lost Boy, who blushed a little at her looking him over. "Good morning sugar, I tried to wake you but I didn't get so much as a snort from you. What does it take a nuclear bomb going up under your bed? Well I should be used to it by now. Anyway, nervous on the big day?"
"Well try slamming something heavy on my head that usually works just fine." Ryoa took a seat at the counter. "Well a bit nervous you could say. I really hope that there will be no trouble and that I don't do anything stupid." "Don't worry sugar, if you do I will just knock you unconscious. Here, one breakfast special coming right up. Eggs no bacon."
Ryoga catched the incoming plate and dug happily in his food. He had insisted that he would pay for his meals and staying, but Ukyo had just shrugged him off. She had told him that he could repay her by doing the dishes during his stay. Ryoga really had also tried his best at waiting, but some orders took really too much time until they reached their destination, so they had setteled for him to just do the dishes. He had been very careful to only come into contact with warm water and so far no pig squeals had been heared from the sink in the back of the small kitchen.
It had also been a real quiet week at Ucchans. Ranma had apparently gone off on a training trip along with Genma and Akane and the Amazones were in China for somekind of family celebration. Ryoga was thankful that the usual havoc and madness of Nerima had taken a small break, he really didn't need any distractions now. And knowing his short temper he would have gotton into a fight with Ranma an probablly activate his curse several times for sure.
After breakfast Ukyo and Ryoga closed the shop and went down the street. Ryoga felt a little bad about Ukyo missing almost a whole day of business, but she had insisted that it was no problem. They reached one of the main streets and Ryoga blew a sharp whistle, immediately a car stopped at their side. Ryoga had decided that they would take a taxi, not risking anything now after his last trip to Australia. Ukyo had argued that it would be too expensive but he just took a bundle of bills from his breast pocket and assured her that was no problem either. After a ride of perhaps twenty minutes they finally arrived at the courthouse.
"Well sugar, here we are. Nerima court for family affaires. We're sheduled for room 104. So let's get going." Ryoga just gulped looking at the huge front entrance. He felt like going to his own funeral. They entered and went down a long hallway searching for the right room.
*I must not getting dpressed. I must not getting depressed.* Ryoga repeated the five words like somekind of mantra. Ukyo noticed a faint green glow coming from her left. She stopped looking at Ryoga who was completely oblivious to the outside, eyes wide shut and murmuring something Ukyo couldn't understand. The glow seemed to become brighter and brighter. WHAM! The all-mighty spatula had descended and found its target. Ryoga almost jumped out of his pants, totally taken off guard by Ukyo. After the initial shock had worn off he looked completely confused and a bit angry. "Oow, what are you doing, you violent maniac. I'm trying to concentrate here you know." Ukyo just snorted. "Yeah right you were about to blast the whole building into kingdom come with all that build up energy. Ryoga really, get a hold of yourself or this is over before it even started."
"Oh, okay thanks Ukyo." Ryoga looked guilty now. *Damn, why can't I get a grip. I know I can to this. I have to to this. If I screw up here then I'm screwed that's for sure. I didn't feel depressed all week, but now I'm feeling like so nervous I could explode if someone would just tap me on the shloulder. I failed at everything I ever did or tried to do my whole life long. My revenge on Ranma, my love to Akane, everything. But if I fail at this then I can kiss my wandering days goodbye. Then I will truly be alone and the world will be a darker and lonlier place than ever.*
The voice of Ukyo ripped him out of his growing depression. "Okay Lost Boy we're here. Now remember calm and cool. No yelling, no ranting no punching wholes through the walls, no ki-blasts got it?" Ryoga nodded and took a deep breath.
They entered the room, taking seats at a table standing on the right side at the front and opposite to the podium of the judge. They had been told where to sit by the marshal responsible for maintaining security and the correct going of the process. The dark wooden panels on the walls, the heavy green carpent and the smell of old books and files seemed to automatically intimidate everyone who was unlucky enough to come in contact with the law on the false side.
The seat of the judge was still empty. To the left side of Ukyo and Ryoga, at another table two very serious looking men in black suits were sitting talking to each other and sometimes pointing in Ryogas general direction. Ryoga scowled at them, getting elbowed in the ribs by Ukyo for it. "Behave" she hissed. Ryoga sighed and tried desperatly to stay calm and controlled. *I feel like in one of those american movies, with these gangsters from the 30's. "Four Fangs Hibiki" aka the pulverizer, dangerous mobster and wanted in fourty states. Oh kami let me get through this*
Ukyo noticed Ryogas stone like features and how he balled his hands into fists so hard that they lost all colour. She put her hand on his left shoulder and smiled at him assurently. "It's okay Ryoga, don't panick. It will all be okay, belive me. Women have a natural intuition."
Ryoga glanced at her, a bit less frantic. "Thanks Ukyo I really wouldn't know what to do if you weren't here with me today." Ukyo smiled again, then watched the two lawyers still busy reading files and talking with each other.
She didn't want to make Ryoga more uncomfortable as he was already, but this place made her feel uneasy too. She had been so confident, just flashing the judge a smile and telling a small story how poor Ryoga was the victim of unlucky circumstances, but a very loyal and considerate character.
*Yeah but watching Perry Mason and Ally McBeal the whole last week might not be enough for this girl. That's Ryogas life what's at stake here, so you better do this right. The boy counts on me, I can't let him down. He is like a big puppy with this dark brown eyes and those cute fangs. Now wait a minute, what the heck was that. I'm Ran-chans fianceé and here I'm thinking of Ryoga like I don't know what. I have to stay focussed here. I'm just helping him out nothing more, nothing less.*
Before Ukyo could think any further about her dedication to Ranma and her platonic friendship with Ryoga the judge entered the room, Ryoga, Ukyo and the lawyers from the social department raising from their seats. The judge took his seat and the marshal announced: "Case 1003234. The Social Department vs. Hibiki Ryoga."
After everyone sat down again the judge started to speak. "Well it looks like a case of violent and aggressive offense against private and common property causing a great amount of repair costs has taken place. The one apparently responsible for it is a teenage boy. The name of the defendant is Hibiki Ryoga. The offendants claim that he might even be a threat to the well-being of the citizens in this town. If the defendant can be allowed to live without official supervision is to be decided here today."
At hearing his name Ryoga looked up to the judge, who also looked him directly in the eyes now. "Because we could not locate the parents of you Mr. Hibiki, it will be of decisif meaning what impression you make today
to this court, do you understand young man?" Ryoga nodded, looking a bit pale in the face. He had never been in a courtroom, and he felt the nagging feeling of fear and panick crawling in his guts even more strongly now facing the judge who looke old enough to be his grandfather.
The judge continued. "Very well then let's begin with the statements of both sides, at first I want to hear the point of view from the Social Department." One of the two men raised and began his speech. "Your honour after months of diligent and comprehensive investigation the Social Department has come to the conclusion that the seventeen year old male Hibiky Ryoga poses a dangerous threat to society. His family affaires are unstable at best. His parents seem to seriously neglect their obligations to provide a stable home for the boy. They are not even here today at this important day, what better proof for their disinterest at the boys life than this.
We do not condem Ryoga Hibiki for his violent actions. They are born out of years of neglect and isolation. According to his old Junior High School his social skills are rudamentary at best. He seems to have never established a stable emotional relation may it be with a male or female friend. His only forms of expressions seem to be violent outbursts, his immense strength and his experience as a martial artist causing great damage to private and common property in Nerima and other areas of Japan. Several interviews of local police officers are proof of it.
He skipped out of school at age ten for unknown reasons, running away from his "home" and apparently even getting as far as China. What he did there is unknown to us. But we don't think that a communist dictatorship is a good environment for the growing-up of a japanese adolescent. During the last six years Ryoga Hibiki seems to have had no form of education whatsoever. Although the records of his school show that he was the lowest in his class, his grades far from being acceptable, not to say downright catastrophic we cannot sit and watch how this youn man throws away his future.
Since he left school Ryoga Hibiki has led an dangerously unstable life, he seems to spend the most time out on the road without a steady source of income. He seemes also to be involved in somekind of vendetta against a certain Saotome Ranma another martial artist, the reason is unknown but it seems to be a great source of the violence and aggressive behaviour the defendant is displaying.
We are certain that if Ryoga Hibiki continues his life-style of aimless wandering and doesn't get control of his aggressive tendencies he will come into conflict with the law very soon. What is at the moment just property damage out of lonelyness and frustration will become a threat to society. Because someday damaging walls and telephone poles will not be enough anymore, it will develop into hurting and destroying human beings. We know that his behaviour is just a desperate cry fo attention, a cry for help. And if we don't give this young man the support he needs we will be responsible for his victims in the future.
For this reasons the Social Department proposes the transfer of Ryoga Hibiki into a social facility near Kyoto. There he will live under constant supervision, he will get psychological treatment and if he can proove to have become a stable and valuable part of society we will release him into an independent life as a responsible adult." The lawyer went back to his seat.
Ryoga didn't know what to say, didn't know what to think. He just sat there in silence, the words he just heared spinning around in his head, making him wanna scream, shout, fight, do anything, but he knew if he would follow his urge to lash out then he would give them the last proof that he was all they had claimed him to be. It was like someone had decided to take everything he had ever done and had interpreted it in the worst possible way. Everthing seemed to speak against him. *But that's not how it is. I mean it's not, it's just...* Ukyo was about to respond but before she could speak up the judge cut in.
"Well, well that are severe accusations against you Mr. Hibiki. I have the police reports and the complete investigation report here and I must say that they really are speaking against you. May you wish to say something to your defense?" Ryoga flinched at the disapproving tone in the judges voice but he was determined not to give up without a fight.
He looked over to Ukyo and he knew that she wanted him to let her do the talking. But Ryoga had to handle this by himslef. "It's okay Ukyo I know we have not planned it this way, but I can't just sit down and listen to all this crap about me and not give them my point of view. It would be like not responding to a challenge for a duel with Ranma. It's a matter of honour. And even if I'm not as good at this stuff like you I still have to fight this fight on my own and give it everything I can."
Ukyo wanted to argue with Ryoga, telling him not to be stupid, but after seeing the determination in his eyes she decided that it was best to let him have his way, after all it was Ryogas life what aws at stake here.
Ryoga stood up, careful not to look at the Social Department guys, fearing he might really do something violent to their faces. He was amazed that his temper hadn't already snapped and taken over sending him on a wild rampage through the courtroom. Slowly he began to speak.
He tried to explain, that his parents loved him with all their heart, but that they weren't around because of the directional inability which was running in his family. He told the judge about the bread feud and his duels with Ranma. How he had sworn revenge on the Saotome boy, and how his honour as a martial artist demanded to follow him to China after Ranma had not shown up to their fight.
He let out the part about Jusenkyo, not wanting to sound like a complete lunatic telling he was cursed to turn into a black piglet when splashed with cold water. He told about his arrival in Nerima, how he challenged Ranma and lost but was stilll honourbound to defeat him someday. He tried to convince the old man who was looking him over from his seat, that violence wasn't out of the ordinary in Nerima and that other martial artists were also responsible for property damage. He closed with the words:
"If I ever caused anyone any harm then I'm deeply sorry, that was never my intention. I always followed my heart and tried to be an honourable warrior. I never wanted to make anyone fear me or be afraid of me. Maybe my actions weren't always very thought through and I should have payed attention to what I was causing with my strength. If I made mistakes I will accept punishment for them. Your honour I will not beg, but I want you to know, that I have to be free, because that's the way I am. If I'm locked somewhere away from the people I care about, from the peole I know, even the peole I have to fight with I wont be Ryoga Hibiki anymore. Then you might as well sent me to prison for the rest of my then meaningless life."
Ryoga sat down again. He glanced at Ukyo who had tears in her eyes softly saying. "That was great Ryoga, I-I don't know what to say, I'm so proud of you. Seems you didn't need me at all here" Ryoga hardly noticed her. All his energy was drained out and he slumped down in his chair.
Ukyo was really stunned. She hadn't known what to make of the situation at first. When she had realised that Ryoga wouln't wait for her, but just answer spontanoulsy, she had to restrict herself from jumping up and slamming him back to his seat with her spatula. She had planned to calm the Lost Boy down and after his initial shock and then do the speaking herself, not wanting to let Ryoga dig his own grave but he had completely suprised her.
She had thought Ryoga would fall into his usual ranting and yelling but then she had seen the cold determination in his face and had let him go on. Ryogas remarkable speech, showing his remorse but at the same time making clear that he would always keep his dignity had deeply moved her. Ryoga had admitted to have made mistakes, something she would have never guessed she would hear the Lost Boy do. She had never seen Ryoga so calm and concentrated. It was like he had matured by years. Now she just hoped it had also been enough to persuade the judge.
The old man in his black robe seemed also to be very impressed. After a short silence he began to speak. "Well Mr. Hibiki you have certainly shown yourself in front of this court as a remarkable young man. Not everyone at your age could have held such a wise and appropriate speech. Your passion is admirable and honour seems to be a very if not the most important part of your life. However I can't look over the facts here. The lack of a formal education and you missing a stable home remain as they are. Although you admit to act sometimes violently and show remorse for these aspects of your actions, which led you here I cannot see you guarantee to not act again like this in the future.
You define yourself as a martial artist and I respect this decision, but if you have choosen this path you will also have to face the consequences. So I have no other choice then send you..." But before he could finish his sentence he was interrupted by a sharp yell coming from the girl sitting besides the defendant. "NO, your honour please, before you make your decision you have to listen to me first." "And who would you be Miss..." "Kuonji Ukyo, your honour I'm a friend of Ryoga." "Very well Miss Kuonji speak up I'm listening."
Ukyo calmed down a bit, she had been so angry at the judge and the Social Department and everyone for messing up Ryogas life that she had almost lost her temper. But she knew she had to stay reasonable if she wanted to help Ryoga here. She closed her eyes for a short moment knowing exactly what and how she was gonna argue here and then commenced.
"Your honour, Ryoga Hibiki is a kind, considerate, loyal and very dear friend. He never did hurt anyone on purpose. His actions are always very intense and sometimes impulsive this I admit, but they are never meant to do serious harm. He sometimes might better think through his actions before doing something like punching his fist through a wall, but everyone makes mistakes, right? And if Ryoga wouldn't have this great ammount of strength nobody would notice anything at all. But you can't forbid a boy to have a short temper.
That's like telling him to deny who he is. You can't change the character of a person just because you think he is not social acceptable. Sure he has caused some damage but he was by far not the only one. And he is willing to be more careful in the future. He is sorry for his destructive behaviour, even if that's just the way he is and he can't help it because it's his nature. So how much more proof of responsibilty you want.
Ryoga is a martial artist, so am I to some less extent and other friends Ryoga and I have in common. Our passion for martial arts is something we share with a lot of people and if you condemn Ryoga here today for following and trying to fullfill his dreams with all his passion then you might as well condemn everyone who ever had a dream in history he was willing to fight for.
It was the dream of a better world for everyone which sent people flying to the moon, achieving rights for minorities, or fighting against dictatorship and totalitarism. I will not put Ryogas actions on the same level with these great historic developments, but they share one parallel. All these actions were done by people with all their heart behind it. They gave everything they had to reach their goal and this is the same passion that leads Ryoga in his actions. So if you sent Ryoga away like these people here want you to do, then you will kill this passion inside of him.
And for the aspect of a stable home and a formal education I have a suggestion to make." With this Ukyo walked towards the judge coming close beside him and whispering something in his ear. The judge frowned then smiled and looked at Ryoga who had blushed with such a deep shade of red during Ukyos speech, it almost hurt in the eyes. Ukyo nodded her head and then walked back to the table where Ryoga sat, now obviously very curious about what Ukyo had talked about with the judge. Before he had a chance to ask her the judge spoke again, this time in a much better mood than before.
"Well Mr. Hibiki it seems you have a friend who is willing to put on great efforts for you. True friendship has become rare these days and I congratulate you for having such a dedicated friend as young Miss Kuonji here. She has convinced me that the suggestion of the Social Department would not be sufficient to fulfill your needs. And she has made me another one.
Owning her own, obvious successful restaurant she has a stable source of income and she also claims to have enough space to grand accomodation to another person at her place. She also assured me that it would be no problem for you to attend Highschool along with her. You seem to already have spent some time there without any problems occurring and you even will be able to earn your stay by working in the restaurant. So what do you say Mr. Hibiki are you willing to move in permanently in the home of Kuonji Ukyo, the restaurant known as Ucchans and attend Furikan Highschool until you graduate?
Rygoas jaw literally hit the floor, he blinked, nodded and then fell backwards unconscious.
"I'll take this as a yes. The case is closed".
To be continued...
PS: Hope you liked it. I took some liberties at the whole process thing. I think the juristical formalities aren't the important thing so I hope you don't mind me getting a bit creative here. Concerning Ryogas age when he started to follow Ranma I just thought six years of revenge driven pursuit are a bit more dramatic.