Chapter 46 Target: Hinako
Ryoga entered the upstairs apartment at Ucchan's to find his wife sitting on the futon in the living room, silently crying. A letter was lying face down on the futon next to her where it had fallen from her nerveless fingers. Ryoga rushed over to join her, and asked, his voice filled with concern and tenderness, "What's wrong dear?"
Wordlessly she handed him the letter. As Ryoga read the words, a feeling of rage began to fill him. Finally he finished the letter and said, angrily, "Damn that bastard. I can't believe he would do that to you!" He pulled her into an embrace and allowed her to cry on his shoulder. Shuddering, he allowed the anger to dissipate, knowing that she didn't need him angry. She needed tenderness and care instead. "It'll be okay, dear," he soothed, "Who cares if he disowned you. You're MY wife now, and he has no right to say that you are honorless. You got vengeance on the person who dishonored you and that should have been good enough. If your father can't see that, then he isn't worthy to call you daughter."
Ryoga wasn't sure exactly how long the two of them sat there, with him holding his wife. Ukyo eventually had cried herself to sleep, allowing Ryoga to begin to imagine how he would punish Kuonji for hurting his wife so badly. He was roused from his dreams of vengeance by someone knocking on the door to the apartment. Then he heard Ranma ask through the door, "Ryoga, Ukyo, is someone in there?"
"Come on in, it's open," Ryoga replied in a rusty voice. Ranma opened the door and walked in, only to stop in consternation at the sight in front of him. The murderous look on Ryoga's face, the tear-streaked look on the sleeping Ukyo, shouted strongly that something was wrong. "What happened, Ryoga?" Ranma asked softly.
"Kuonji threw her out of the family. He didn't even have the courtesy to tell her in person. Instead he wrote her a letter to say that she did not deserve to be a Kuonji, since she didn't kill Genma and you, or fulfil the engagement," Ryoga growled dangerously.
Ranma's face paled as he went white-hot with rage. He balled his fists and began to curse silently under his breath. Finally, after taking several deep breaths, he calmed himself and asked in an oddly strained voice, "Can you wake her up? I need to talk to her alone for a few minutes."
Ryoga narrowed his eyes and then nodded abruptly. He gently shook his wife awake. Ukyo slowly opened her eyes and saw Ranma standing near her, gazing at her uncertainly.
"Hey, sugar, what are you doing here?" she asked softly.
Ranma frowned in embarrassment as he suddenly recalled why he was there in the first place. "Kasumi sent me over to see if the two of you would like to join us for dinner. But that's not important right now," he replied.
Ryoga gently detached himself from his wife and said, "Ranma knows what happened. He wanted to talk to you about something." He stood up, stared uncertainly at Ranma and then walked into the bedroom, leaving the two of them alone.
Ranma dropped to his knees and bowed formally. "Gomen nasai, Ukyo. Once again, Genma Saotome has caused you pain. As scion of Clan Saotome, what can I offer as atonement for that unworthy one's actions?" Ranma asked formally.
Ukyo paled and replied, "Ranma. No, Ranchan, I meant what I told my father.." She stopped and choked back a sob. "What I told Kuonji. That if I had to chose between my friends and him, my choice was clear. I couldn't hurt either you or Akane. It's not your fault that I am clanless. Well, not exactly clanless, but parentless," she said softly.
Ranma looked down at the floor and said, "You don't have to remain parentless, Ucchan. I am sure my mother would be honored to have you as a daughter and nothing would please me more than to be able to call you sister. Mom would ask you this if she were here, but Ukyo, in her stead, I make this offer. Come join our family as my sister."
Ukyo looked shocked. "I don't know. Why now sugar?" she asked.
Ranma looked directly at her and replied, "Because before you had a parent, at least on paper, and I had hoped that he would understand how you felt. Especially after you admitted that you were in love with Ryoga. Now that he has deserted you for real, I wanted you to know that you still had someone else who wanted you in their family."
"Let me think about it, Ranchan," she responded, "This has been an emotional day for me and I'm not really thinking that clearly right now."
"Sure, take the time you need, Ucchan. This isn't something I expect you to decide on the spot. You need to talk it over with Ryoga, and get his feelings on the idea. After all, he might not want me as a brother-in-law," Ranma replied, "Now, are you guys coming to dinner, or are you gonna disappoint Kasumi?"
Ukyo smiled weakly and replied, "No never. No one disappoints Kasumi. We'll be there. Thanks sugar."
Ranma smiled and replied, "That's what friends are for, Ucchan." He stood up and offered her a hug, with she gratefully accepted. Then he let himself out of the apartment and headed back toward his home.
Ryoga opened the door to find his wife by herself. She was looking better now than when he had left her with Ranma. She looked up and said, "He asked if I would consider becoming his sister. I told him I needed to think about it for a while."
"You don't really need to do that. You are part of the Hibiki clan now," Ryoga said.
"True, but if I accepted the offer, I would have Nodoka as a mother. That's something that I missed growing up, not having a mother, a real family. If I do accept, I'll have that as well as our family," Ukyo said calmly. Then she smiled and said, "Ranma said he could understand if you didn't want him as a brother-in-law."
Ryoga chuckled drily and replied, "No, he's okay. I can think of worse people to be related to. I'll support you whichever you decide."
Soun tugged nervously at the collar of his suit as he approached the apartment door. Before he got there, his nerve broke and he turned to flee, only to be stopped by a soft voice, "Mr. Tendo, I'm glad to see you."
Soun turned and saw Hinako Ninomayi, standing there, smiling angelically, in a simple blue dress. "Hello, Miss Ninomayi, I came to see how you were. My son-in-law said that you had been cured of what the old pervert had done to you. I thought that, perhaps, since I was once his disciple, that maybe I could take you to dinner to celebrate this happy occasion."
Hinako's eyes widened as she blushed, "Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. Tendo?"
He stammered and replied, "I'm very rusty at this, and I suppose you'll think I'm nothing but an old fool, but yes, I believe I am."
Hinako blushed even redder and replied, "No one has ever asked me out before. I don't know quite how…" She stopped and then took a deep breath, and answered, "I'd love to go out with you."
Soun sagged in relief as he said, "Thank you, Miss Ninomayi. I'm very out of practice at this."
Hinako blushed and replied, "At least you know what you're doing, even if you're a bit rusty. Please, if we are going on a date, call me Hinako."
He took her hand and said, "Then call me Soun, please, Miss Hinako."
She said firmly, "Just Hinako," as she placed her arm in his.
Ranma perked his ears up as he heard Kasumi call, "Dinner's ready, everyone." Akane smirked as she swatted his shoulder, knocking him into the wall of the dojo. Ranma grinned back at her as they stopped sparring and quickly dashed to the family room. There they joined Nabiki and Mousse, who had already seated themselves around the table. Tofu soon joined them from the kitchen, carrying part of the dinner.
Ranma heard the front door open, and then Ukyo say in a loud exasperated voice, "Listen, sugar, I'm pregnant, not sick. I can walk perfectly well by myself. I'm fine." Then they heard a rumble as Ryoga mumbled something back in response. The two of them entered the family room as Kasumi walked in carrying the remainder of the meal.
As they all seated themselves and Kasumi handed around the bowls of food, Ranma realized that his father-in-law wasn't there. Akane noticed it too and asked, "Where's Daddy?"
"He's not going to be here for dinner. He went out on a date," Tofu answered.
"A date! Who with?" Nabiki asked, trying to figure out how she had managed to overlook something liked that.
"He asked Hinako out in celebration of her finally being cured. She is no longer cursed," Tofu replied, "He said that it was partially his fault that she was cursed, since if he had remained with Happosai, he wouldn't have been there."
"That logic is a bit flawed if I understood what Hinako said. If Happosai hadn't given her the ability to drain battle aura and become strong, she would have died." Ranma said.
"True, but I think he just wanted an excuse to take her out that she could pretend to believe," Kasumi said.
Nabiki watched Ukyo and Ryoga exchange glances. Then Ukyo asked, "Ranchan, where's your mother? I wanted to talk to her about her offer."
Ranma eye's grew cold as he replied, "She's not here right now. After what happened the other day with Kuonji, she went off to find Genma. We've decided that she isn't learning the lesson she was supposed to."
"What offer was that?" Nabiki asked, hating not knowing what was going on.
"Have you told anyone about the letter?" Ukyo asked.
Ranma replied, "No, it wasn't my place to tell."
Ukyo drew a deep breath and then said, "I received a letter from Kuonji today. He has disowned me for my failure to achieve the vengeance that he requested. As of today, I am no longer of clan Kuonji."
A shocked silence filled the room, broken only by a gasp from Akane as she turned to her husband. "That's why, isn't it, Ranma?"
Ranma looked at his wife, and said, "Partly."
"Would someone please tell us what is going on here?" Nabiki asked, her voice raised slightly.
"When Ranma-honey found out about what Kuonji did, he made me an offer," Ukyo replied, "After thinking about it, and talking to Ryo-chan about it, I decided that I would join with clan Saotome."
Nabiki face-faulted as her sister Akane didn't get angry. Instead, Akane visibly glowed with happiness. "That's great, Ukyo!" Akane exclaimed as she hugged Ukyo, "Welcome, sister."
'Sister?' Nabiki thought as Tofu and Kasumi smiled happily.
Ranma relaxed and chuckled. "All right, Ucchan. I'll let Mom know, and she'll get you added to the rolls," he said. He mock-glared at Ryoga and said, "I expect you to take good care of my little sister, Ryoga. If you mistreat her, I'll toss your ass around the town."
Ukyo swatted Ranma on the shoulder and said, "I don't need an overprotective big brother, you know. Since we are the same age, I can't be your little sister anyway."
"That means I'm gonna be an Auntie," Akane said with a giggle.
Soun stared at the lovely young woman sitting across the table from him and wondered, not for the first time, if he looked as foolish as he felt. Granted, being only in his early forties, he wasn't quite old enough to be her father; but he was still a decade older than she was. It had also been a long time since he had felt an attraction like this, not since his beloved Kimiko had died. Even when many of the unmarried women and a few of the married ones as well, had dropped by after her death, just to check up on the girls, of course. He realized that he had somehow woken up something that had lain dormant; he had even managed to begin teaching again, something he was sure he had forever lost the desire to do. Now, here he was, on a date with the lovely Hinako, and he was terrified. 'What do we have in common? What on earth was I thinking to have asked her out?' his mind shrieked.
Hinako was bubbling over with excitement. Granted, the man sitting across from her was much older than she was; in fact his older daughter was only eight years younger, but still to be asked out on her first date by someone so handsome. That long, black hair, those sorrow-filled eyes, just made her want to run her hands through his hair and comfort him. But here she was, excited yet nervous; worried that he might think of her as that spoiled young child. She thought, 'Thank all the gods that Ranma figured out how to rid me of that curse. Such a wonderful young man, I truly hope Akane realizes what a treasure she has in him, even if he is a bit rough around the edges still.'
Soun cleared his throat and said, "I just realized that I don't know really know much about you. Even though you've spent some time around my children, we haven't really had much of a chance to talk. You probably don't know much about me, either."
"True, other than the fact that you are the father of three wonderful women, and master of your own school of martial arts, I don't know much," Hinako replied, "And probably all you know about me is that I am a teacher who used to be a chi vampire. I was always brought into a school to take care of the delinquent children in the school with my abilities." Then she smiled prettily and added, "I'm glad that's over with. I always hated that little girl body and how it made me feel. Even though I was still me inside, it was so much harder to stay in focus and concentrate on what I should be doing. I got sidetracked so easily. And never actually getting to wear clothing that fit properly."
"It does sound like you're glad that it's over with," Soun said, hearing some of the pain in her voice. He hesitated and then added, "I feel like in a way that you were cursed because of me. I mean, if I had still been Happosai's disciple, he wouldn't have been wandering and would not have stumbled into your hospital room."
"That may be true, but on the other hand, I wouldn't be here now if he hadn't," Hinako chided gently, "What he did saved my life. I don't think he really realized the side effects of what he did, but he did say that he had intended to cure me once my health had been restored. You can't blame yourself for the fact that he ran afoul of the Amazons."
"I hadn't thought of it that way," Soun admitted, "Well, let me give you the condensed version of my life. You already know that I trained under Happosai, with Ranma's father Genma as his other student. I did that for many years, until finally I couldn't handle how perverted he was becoming. I broke away from him and returned to my family home in Nerima and started my school. My family came from a long line of Samurai warriors, and is extremely traditional. Once I returned, I married. Even though it was an arranged marriage, Kimiko and I eventually didn't care. I have to admit, that at first, we argued quite a bit for a little while, but we quickly fell in love. We soon had three lovely daughters and our life was wonderful. And then, the darkness came, and our love became bittersweet as we realized how soon she would be taken away from us." He paused, his voice filled with emotion.
"How long has she been gone?" Hinako asked gently.
"Akane was almost seven when her mother died," Soun replied, a little melancholy.
Hinako reached over and grasped his hand, and said, "The girls turned out wonderfully, Soun. You did a good job with them."
"That was more Kasumi's doing than mine; she stepped in and became the parent for the other two. I'm glad she found Tofu. He has been good for her. And she has finally gotten back to school. I have Ranma to thank for that. Those two men, and make no mistake about it, Ranma is a man in spite of his youth, have done more for my family than I have," Soun replied. Then he grimaced and said, "Well, enough about my life. What would you like to tell me about you? How did you decide to become a teacher?"
Hinako blushed and replied, "Well, at first my life didn't change much. My parents were so happy that I was better, no one realized that there was something odd about the way I was aging. We just thought I looked young for my age. Then, when I was in my mid teens, for some reason, that I can't recall any more, I had to use the Happo Go-en Satsu attack, and suddenly I transformed. It was very embarrassing, as you might imagine. I was suddenly a foot taller; I had a young woman's body where before I had no assets." Soun suddenly choked and then his face flushed. She asked in concern, "What happened?"
"Sorry," he gasped, "I like my sushi a little spicy, but I think I might have gotten a bit too much wasabi on that bite." He quickly gulped some water to hide his embarrassment.
"Anyway, the little girl body was slowly aging, but my parents decided that it would be best if I was privately taught. I had a wonderful tutor, and she installed a love for education and a desire for teaching in me. Once I graduated from high school, I went to college and got my degree in education. And there my curse reared its ugly head again. I was laughed at when I went to my first school. I used my chi techniques and instead of laughing, I was feared. It was a very lonely time, as I moved from school to school, bringing discipline to the students by causing them to fear me," Hinako said, "Then I ended up at Furinkan, and you know the rest."
"You don't have to be lonely now, Hinako. You are always welcome in our house," Soun said, "I know that Ranma and Akane are both fond of you, and if it isn't too presumptuous of me, I am attracted to you."
Hinako blushed prettily, and replied, "Thank you. I like both of those two as well. They make a good couple." She hesitated and then said, "I don't think it is presumptuous of you, either. I would like to get to know you better."
Soun and Hinako made their way back to her apartment after finishing their dinner. She had daringly taken his large hand in her smaller hand and was holding it tightly. As they reached the front door, she reached up and kissed him on the cheek and said, "I'd like to do this again. I had a good time, and now that we know each other a bit better, maybe we won't feel quite so awkward."
"Thank you, Hinako. I had a good time as well. I'm sorry most of the conversation was a bit gloomy, but I think you're right. Now that we've gotten that out of our system, the next time we go out we can concentrate on having a good time," Soun replied.
She smiled briefly and then said, "The school is having a dance next weekend. Would you like to go as my date and help chaperone?"
"I'd like that, though I may need some help with the dancing. I'm sure I've forgotten how," Soun said.
"Well, then maybe we should get together before then and you can practice some of your moves," she said, her eyes innocent.
Soun smiled and replied, "That might be fun as well." He bowed her into her apartment and asked, "Tomorrow, perhaps?"
"I'd like that," she replied, her eyes dancing, "Until tomorrow, then." She shut the door, and leaned against it, her heart racing.
Soun gazed at the wooden door, and smiled. He turned and left, with a spring in his step that had not been there for almost a decade.
As they filed into the Council Chamber at Joketsuzoku, the Elders were all stone-faced. #Who calls this meeting of the council?# the eldest Matriarch, Lo Xian, demanded.
#I, Khu Lon of the Joketsuzoku, call upon the council to ratify the marriage of the warrior Xian Pu to the outsider male Ah Sum Taro,# Khu Lon intoned formally.
Par Fum sneered and asked, #So the weakling lost to another outsider.#
Khu Lon looked cooly at her closest rival on the council and bemoaned the fact that her once oldest and best friend had changed so much. #Yes, my great granddaughter was defeated in combat by this male. However, he is much more than he seems,# Khu Lon replied evenly, #He has won her heart and she has won his. Both of them are willing and eager to be wed.#
#What happened to my grandson Msu Tse?# Par Fum asked, #He went with you to win back her love.#
#He never had her love, you know that,# Khu Lon said coldly, #Besides he has found another.#
#That is beside the point, both of you. Take your rivalry elsewhere,# snapped Lo Xian, #We are here to decide what is best for Xian Pu. Bring them in here so that we may question them!#
Xian Pu and Taro were escorted into the chamber. Xian Pu paled while Taro bowed formally to the Elders.
#Girl, did you lose in honorable combat to this male?# Lo Xian demanded.
Xian Pu replied, #Yes, Matriarch. I attacked him and he knocked me out with one blow. He then took me with him when he left the field of battle.#
#Have you done your duty to salvage your honor?# Par Fum asked, snidely.
Eyes flashing with pride, Xian Pu responded, #Once I awoke, I gave him the kiss of marriage. Then, as a good wife should, I bound his wounds that he had received in the battle.#
#If we allow this marriage to stand, what will you do?# Lo Xian asked.
#I wish to return to the land of the Rising Sun, there to complete my education. I have several warrior friends who will help me to become a stronger warrior, yet I must know more than just the art of fighting to be the person the tribe needs me to be. My husband also wishes to further his schooling,# Xian Pu replied evenly.
#A worthy goal. You, Male, do you consider yourself worthy of this warrior?# Lo Xian asked.
Taro smiled and replied, #What male is ever worthy of the woman he weds? I feel honored that she has chosen me. All I can do is strive to be worthy.#
The elder cackled and replied, #I see you know our ways, young man. If only I were a few hundred years younger, I might be interested in you myself.#
Taro's eyes widened in alarm as the elder cackled again. She glanced around the chamber and asked, #Are we agreed, then?#
The remaining elders nodded with the exception of Par Fum, who turned her back. The Matriarch sighed in vexation but then said, #So be it. The Council has approved your request. Elder Khu Lon, I charge you with these two as they return to Japan. Have the wedding feast as soon as possible.#
Author's notes: Again, thanks for all of the reviews. Sorry it has taken so long for these last few chapters, but as you can tell from my posting of the other story, that one has been easier to write. I have several more ideas planned for this fiction, though so don't worry, this one will continue, so long as I can keep the quality up. Specific comments are posted below.
Numbskull: Yeah, Ranma's matured a lot even in this story from where he began. Of course he started out a bit more mature than the manga/anima Ranma. But I wanted all of the characters to show some growth. I think I've done that.
Lord Strife: Do you hear the sound of ominous music in the background. Nodoka is hunting for Genma and she's not happy. We'll find out what happens in later chapters.
Dana-san: Yeah, I liked having a Ukyo with a spine. She started out that way in the canon, and then turned a bit mushy just because Ranma said she was cute. I think if the girl I loved came to me with problems she was having with her boyfriend, I doubt I would have sat there and listened, much less helped. Genma has some major problems coming her way as well. I hadn't thought about the valise. Thanks for the suggestion, now I wonder what I can do with it. VBG. As far as Hinako is concerned, this chapter is where I was heading all along with her. I hope you approve.
BlazeStryker: Yep, Nodoka is hunting for her right now, and I'm thinking that next chapter Nabiki is going to get in on the act as well. Nobody hurts her family and gets away with it after all.
Taxzombie: Thanks, yeah Genma gets some trashing. Sorry, I just don't like the guy and I guess it shows. As far as problems are concerned, don't worry, there will be some. Ryoga and Ukyo are teenaged newlyweds with a child on the way, for instance. I hope Ranma and Akane pay attention.
Daouid: I agree and of course this chapter continues that part of the saga.
TheCentauress: Yep, big time spanking. She's been a baaaad girl.
Dennisud: My feelings exactly.
Myuu-foxygirl: Thanks for the kind words. I don't know when this will end. But I have several places to go with it. 100 chapters, uh I don't know. Obviously I want the quality of the story to stay, if not get better. This after all started out as my second story, and I think my style has improved with each story that I've written, and I know the later chapters of this one have gotten better.