'Mind Games'
Ranma slid across the polished wood floor, a few moments before his weapon followed. With a chagrinned expression, he brought himself to kneeling, "Once again, the match is yours."
The kendoist several feet before him continued to hold his stance, before relaxing, and bowing, "But it was a splendid match, my comrade. Your skills in kendo are notable."
Ranma picked up the bokken, and came fully to standing. He studied it for a few moments, before replying, "Well, my father insisted that I learn the form, as well as other armed combat. You should see me with a long bow or staff."
"Ah, a rennaisance man," Kuno replied with due respect, "That your training falls in such an encompasing spectrum speaks well of your capable abilities. If one were to narrow your focus to even one art, such as the art of the blade, you would be a magnificent swordsman. Perhaps not of my par, but excelling all others."
Ranma fought the distain he felt from the pompous, backhanded compliment, and bowed his head graciously, "Thanks, I think. I only wish I was as talented as you praise me to be."
"You have doubt in the compliment from one of the noble house of Kuno? Such thought borders on sacrelage," Tatewake jested, "Come, let us take respite, while we continue our conversing."
Kuno waited for Ranma to step beside him, before the both of them headed for the school's gym lockerrooms. "Yes, I had trained a lot, but I'm afraid that it may not be enough for the trials I will face."
"Saotome, though you be of humble birth, your soul is as noble as the most wizened of samurai. Fear not that you are incapable of besting these trials, but face them with every intention of conquering them. Face them with all the tenacity, resiliance, and ferocity that your spirit can provide."
"Heh," Ranma chuckled, "Inspirational, and I will heed your words."
Kuno frowned, hearing still a sliver of doubt within his companion's face, "Know this, Saotome, if you indeed feel such a weighty burdon upon you, do not spare haste in enlisting my aid. For one Samurai can face armies of malice, two can conquer the legions of Hell."
Ranma looked up at Tatewake, as if considering the older classmate's words. Eventually, he gave Kuno a light smile, "It's good to know I have someone to watch my back then. But it may not be necessary."
"Very well," Kuno decided to change subjects, "And how goes your decision between the serene and beuteous Kasumi Tendou, and the sensual yet clever sister Nabiki?"
Ranma withheld his chuckle at the ommision of Akane, knowing full well what the kendoists thoughts were on that matter, "I think Nabiki likes me, we talk often, and she's a very... cuddly person."
"Oh ho, Saotome, such pacing rivals even the vaunted Don Juan. May Cassanova seek your tutelage in the ways of women!"
"Don't get your hopes up. She seems a bit apprehensive towards anything like a solid relationship. So I don't know positively if her interest is genuine or fleeting." Ranma retorted, annoyed with himself for faltering in his speech pattern, but the archaic prose of Kuno seemed deadfast at wrenching his own more complex dictation from his mouth. "As for Kasumi, I'm not sure where her interest is. She's nice, very friendly, but I think she's like that towards everyone. Maybe I should talk with her soon? I'm pretty sure she knows the engagement still concerns her."
Kuno laughed heartily, "Yes, I would imagine that would be advantagous."
"And about Akane..."
Kuno paused, glaring seriously at Ranma.
"Relax, I would never wish to take her from you," Ranma consoled the other boy, "But she is a friend, and I do wish the best for her."
"And I would provide her with nothing more than the very best! I would-"
"I have no doubt, really," Ranma quickly cut him off, not entirely in the mood for one of his triads, "But, it's her emotional welfare that I need to warn you about."
"Oh, how does it wound me that she feels the sharp pang of loneliness beyond my person. Let us hasten ourselves, so that I may rectify her suffering!"
Ranma caught Kuno by the collar of his outfit, "That's not it, and do not worry, she will be waiting patiently for you." Ranma gestured a slightly irritated Kuno through the locker room doors, and motioned him to sit on one of the benches, "Now, don't take this the wrong way, alright? It something Akane has to work through, and it won't help if you approach her now."
"How could my undying love be at fault, Saotome?" Kuno enquired in an arched tone.
"Well, she appreciates your feelings, and would like to return them, but she has her own issues to work through."
"I fail to see how I cannot correct these 'issues' this very instant. Perhaps I had been in err judgment in guaging your wisdom?"
"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to say that you are at any way at fault, or that even Akane is intentionally spurning you. She is a bit hesitant about any sort of relationship from... previous issues." Ranma sat down on one of the benches, before continuing.
"Then please, continue, for I am currenty await your trifle advice with open ears."
"She seems to have a fear of her own appeal. She knows how you assuradly feel for her, but that scares her."
"I... fail to comprehend your point," Kuno responded in a guarded tone.
"She may be a... nice... young woman, but in many fronts, she still sees a great deal with a sort of, dare I say, childish naivity?"
"Go on."
Ranma smirked, knowing his words would be taken in fully now, "I don't think she had ever been in a relationship like you're interested in. She doesn't know how to handle your feelings towards her."
"Ah, but of course!" Kuno proclaimed! "Akane Tendou is of pure maidenhood, her pristine innocence only mirrors her immaculate chastity, how could I have not see it?"
Ranma avoided responding, knowing it would lead to several minutes of rebuking his works by the kendoist, "Anyhow, because of that, you may simply attempt a more... subtle approach in your courtship of her?"
"Of course, with a gentle hand, may I guide her across the bridge to womanhood. Fear she not facing the affairs of maturity, as Tatewake Kuno shall do whatever is within his power to assist her in her journey."
"Yes, quite," Ranma replied, deciding he had more than his fill of the pompous swordsman. Any longer, and he may be forced to actively ensure he would not have to suffer the idiot further. "Well, as much as I enjoyed the spar and fencing lesson, I'm afraid that I must be on my way. If I can humbly request you take my words into account?"
"I... shall," Kuno answered, hesitantly, "They hold more than a grain of truth, and you do show wisdom beyond your countenance." Ranma's expression flashed a flicker of distain, before he was forced to cover it with a faux smile of appreciation. He nodded in a slight bow of farewell, before turning away.
"You insufferable... I shall relish putting you in your place."
Kasumi barely paid any attention to the plate she was meticulously buffering with the sodden wet cloth, polishing it to a pristine shine. She stared out the window before the sink, not truly seeing anything beyond it. Her mind was locked in its own deep contemplation, spurred by her increasing concern for her sister. Nabiki had shrunk into a shell of herself since the attack, and no one, not even the friendly police, herself, father, or Ranma could pull her from it.
Ranma, she didn't understand; to her, he seemed more interested in making her feel safe than drawing out that spark of life that seemed to be dimming, leaving her first sister in nothing but a simple existance.
"Nabiki..." Kasumi whispered, before remembeing what she was doing. Realizing she had washed the dish enough, she moved to rinse it in the second sink.
"She'll be fine, it just takes time."
Startled, the eldest Tendou daughter accidentally dropped the plate into the water, causing a splash. Ranma briskly strode over to her, grabbing the drying towel. "I... I didn't hear you come in," Kasumi stated, still attempting to regain her composure.
"I'm sorry I didn't announce myself, but I kind of noticed you were off in you own little world," Ranma apologised, helping to dry off some of the water that splashed onto Kasumi's face and the rim of the sink. "Has anyone ever told you have an exellent complextion?"
"Thank you," Kasumi replied to his gesture with gratitude and his compliment, while blushing. Avoiding her awkwardness, Kasumi commented on the subject still on her mind, "Oh, Ranma, how could this have happened to her?"
With a sigh, Ranma took the plate from the sink, and began to dry it, "I don't know, but I... regret it happened. If there was any more that could be done to prevent it, I would have gladly tried."
"Thank you again, I know you were doing what best you could." Kasumi replied. She once again began washing dishes from lunch, as Ranma sat by patiently. "I'm scared."
"I understand," Ranma replied, and waited fo Kasumi to continue. As is such, he knew she was awaiting the opportunity to get things off her chest. Akane and Nabiki had been reletively easy to peg down, but Kasumi... she was a carefully wrapped enigma. It wasn't because of some shallow facade that was place over her emotions like Nabiki; easily ripped apart and reconstructed, Kasumi's was born from simply accepting her place. On the outside, she contended with things with a patience Ranma respected, on the inside, he had no idea. With his own patience, he had been waiting for her to pour out her heart, so that he could get his bearings on the girl.
"This neighborhood just doesn't seem the same anymore."
"I haven't been here long, so I'll just have to take your word for it," Ranma responded, taking the cleaned plate, dipping it into the rinsing bason, and drying it.
"I mean, before you came here, we didn't have to worry about a serial killer... we never had to worry about children disappearing, and showing up a day later. Before you were here... before..." Kasumi paused, and looked towards Ranma with a curious expression.
"Hmm?" Ranma replied, looking back up at her, guilelessly.
Kasumi shook her head, as if dismissing her thoughts, "Ranma, I don't think it is my right to ask this of you, but would you look after my sisters from now on? I think your arrival is a blessing in these times."
Ranma's expression was solumn, "Kasumi, all three of you are my supposed fiancees until between us, we decide who will take up family honor. Even after I do so, I vow that I'll protect all three of you from outside harm."
Kasumi nodded, "Thank you, Ranma, I sincerely appreciate that."
"Well," anma stated, putting down the towel, "I have a few things to take care of, and I'm going to go check up on Nabiki." With that, Ranma walked away, leaving Kasumi to her thoughts.
As he exited the kitchen, he gave her a withering glance backwards, before continuing on his way.
Ranma slid across the polished wood floor, a few moments before his weapon followed. With a chagrinned expression, he brought himself to kneeling, "Once again, the match is yours."
The kendoist several feet before him continued to hold his stance, before relaxing, and bowing, "But it was a splendid match, my comrade. Your skills in kendo are notable."
Ranma picked up the bokken, and came fully to standing. He studied it for a few moments, before replying, "Well, my father insisted that I learn the form, as well as other armed combat. You should see me with a long bow or staff."
"Ah, a rennaisance man," Kuno replied with due respect, "That your training falls in such an encompasing spectrum speaks well of your capable abilities. If one were to narrow your focus to even one art, such as the art of the blade, you would be a magnificent swordsman. Perhaps not of my par, but excelling all others."
Ranma fought the distain he felt from the pompous, backhanded compliment, and bowed his head graciously, "Thanks, I think. I only wish I was as talented as you praise me to be."
"You have doubt in the compliment from one of the noble house of Kuno? Such thought borders on sacrelage," Tatewake jested, "Come, let us take respite, while we continue our conversing."
Kuno waited for Ranma to step beside him, before the both of them headed for the school's gym lockerrooms. "Yes, I had trained a lot, but I'm afraid that it may not be enough for the trials I will face."
"Saotome, though you be of humble birth, your soul is as noble as the most wizened of samurai. Fear not that you are incapable of besting these trials, but face them with every intention of conquering them. Face them with all the tenacity, resiliance, and ferocity that your spirit can provide."
"Heh," Ranma chuckled, "Inspirational, and I will heed your words."
Kuno frowned, hearing still a sliver of doubt within his companion's face, "Know this, Saotome, if you indeed feel such a weighty burdon upon you, do not spare haste in enlisting my aid. For one Samurai can face armies of malice, two can conquer the legions of Hell."
Ranma looked up at Tatewake, as if considering the older classmate's words. Eventually, he gave Kuno a light smile, "It's good to know I have someone to watch my back then. But it may not be necessary."
"Very well," Kuno decided to change subjects, "And how goes your decision between the serene and beuteous Kasumi Tendou, and the sensual yet clever sister Nabiki?"
Ranma withheld his chuckle at the ommision of Akane, knowing full well what the kendoists thoughts were on that matter, "I think Nabiki likes me, we talk often, and she's a very... cuddly person."
"Oh ho, Saotome, such pacing rivals even the vaunted Don Juan. May Cassanova seek your tutelage in the ways of women!"
"Don't get your hopes up. She seems a bit apprehensive towards anything like a solid relationship. So I don't know positively if her interest is genuine or fleeting." Ranma retorted, annoyed with himself for faltering in his speech pattern, but the archaic prose of Kuno seemed deadfast at wrenching his own more complex dictation from his mouth. "As for Kasumi, I'm not sure where her interest is. She's nice, very friendly, but I think she's like that towards everyone. Maybe I should talk with her soon? I'm pretty sure she knows the engagement still concerns her."
Kuno laughed heartily, "Yes, I would imagine that would be advantagous."
"And about Akane..."
Kuno paused, glaring seriously at Ranma.
"Relax, I would never wish to take her from you," Ranma consoled the other boy, "But she is a friend, and I do wish the best for her."
"And I would provide her with nothing more than the very best! I would-"
"I have no doubt, really," Ranma quickly cut him off, not entirely in the mood for one of his triads, "But, it's her emotional welfare that I need to warn you about."
"Oh, how does it wound me that she feels the sharp pang of loneliness beyond my person. Let us hasten ourselves, so that I may rectify her suffering!"
Ranma caught Kuno by the collar of his outfit, "That's not it, and do not worry, she will be waiting patiently for you." Ranma gestured a slightly irritated Kuno through the locker room doors, and motioned him to sit on one of the benches, "Now, don't take this the wrong way, alright? It something Akane has to work through, and it won't help if you approach her now."
"How could my undying love be at fault, Saotome?" Kuno enquired in an arched tone.
"Well, she appreciates your feelings, and would like to return them, but she has her own issues to work through."
"I fail to see how I cannot correct these 'issues' this very instant. Perhaps I had been in err judgment in guaging your wisdom?"
"Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to say that you are at any way at fault, or that even Akane is intentionally spurning you. She is a bit hesitant about any sort of relationship from... previous issues." Ranma sat down on one of the benches, before continuing.
"Then please, continue, for I am currenty await your trifle advice with open ears."
"She seems to have a fear of her own appeal. She knows how you assuradly feel for her, but that scares her."
"I... fail to comprehend your point," Kuno responded in a guarded tone.
"She may be a... nice... young woman, but in many fronts, she still sees a great deal with a sort of, dare I say, childish naivity?"
"Go on."
Ranma smirked, knowing his words would be taken in fully now, "I don't think she had ever been in a relationship like you're interested in. She doesn't know how to handle your feelings towards her."
"Ah, but of course!" Kuno proclaimed! "Akane Tendou is of pure maidenhood, her pristine innocence only mirrors her immaculate chastity, how could I have not see it?"
Ranma avoided responding, knowing it would lead to several minutes of rebuking his works by the kendoist, "Anyhow, because of that, you may simply attempt a more... subtle approach in your courtship of her?"
"Of course, with a gentle hand, may I guide her across the bridge to womanhood. Fear she not facing the affairs of maturity, as Tatewake Kuno shall do whatever is within his power to assist her in her journey."
"Yes, quite," Ranma replied, deciding he had more than his fill of the pompous swordsman. Any longer, and he may be forced to actively ensure he would not have to suffer the idiot further. "Well, as much as I enjoyed the spar and fencing lesson, I'm afraid that I must be on my way. If I can humbly request you take my words into account?"
"I... shall," Kuno answered, hesitantly, "They hold more than a grain of truth, and you do show wisdom beyond your countenance." Ranma's expression flashed a flicker of distain, before he was forced to cover it with a faux smile of appreciation. He nodded in a slight bow of farewell, before turning away.
"You insufferable... I shall relish putting you in your place."
Kasumi barely paid any attention to the plate she was meticulously buffering with the sodden wet cloth, polishing it to a pristine shine. She stared out the window before the sink, not truly seeing anything beyond it. Her mind was locked in its own deep contemplation, spurred by her increasing concern for her sister. Nabiki had shrunk into a shell of herself since the attack, and no one, not even the friendly police, herself, father, or Ranma could pull her from it.
Ranma, she didn't understand; to her, he seemed more interested in making her feel safe than drawing out that spark of life that seemed to be dimming, leaving her first sister in nothing but a simple existance.
"Nabiki..." Kasumi whispered, before remembeing what she was doing. Realizing she had washed the dish enough, she moved to rinse it in the second sink.
"She'll be fine, it just takes time."
Startled, the eldest Tendou daughter accidentally dropped the plate into the water, causing a splash. Ranma briskly strode over to her, grabbing the drying towel. "I... I didn't hear you come in," Kasumi stated, still attempting to regain her composure.
"I'm sorry I didn't announce myself, but I kind of noticed you were off in you own little world," Ranma apologised, helping to dry off some of the water that splashed onto Kasumi's face and the rim of the sink. "Has anyone ever told you have an exellent complextion?"
"Thank you," Kasumi replied to his gesture with gratitude and his compliment, while blushing. Avoiding her awkwardness, Kasumi commented on the subject still on her mind, "Oh, Ranma, how could this have happened to her?"
With a sigh, Ranma took the plate from the sink, and began to dry it, "I don't know, but I... regret it happened. If there was any more that could be done to prevent it, I would have gladly tried."
"Thank you again, I know you were doing what best you could." Kasumi replied. She once again began washing dishes from lunch, as Ranma sat by patiently. "I'm scared."
"I understand," Ranma replied, and waited fo Kasumi to continue. As is such, he knew she was awaiting the opportunity to get things off her chest. Akane and Nabiki had been reletively easy to peg down, but Kasumi... she was a carefully wrapped enigma. It wasn't because of some shallow facade that was place over her emotions like Nabiki; easily ripped apart and reconstructed, Kasumi's was born from simply accepting her place. On the outside, she contended with things with a patience Ranma respected, on the inside, he had no idea. With his own patience, he had been waiting for her to pour out her heart, so that he could get his bearings on the girl.
"This neighborhood just doesn't seem the same anymore."
"I haven't been here long, so I'll just have to take your word for it," Ranma responded, taking the cleaned plate, dipping it into the rinsing bason, and drying it.
"I mean, before you came here, we didn't have to worry about a serial killer... we never had to worry about children disappearing, and showing up a day later. Before you were here... before..." Kasumi paused, and looked towards Ranma with a curious expression.
"Hmm?" Ranma replied, looking back up at her, guilelessly.
Kasumi shook her head, as if dismissing her thoughts, "Ranma, I don't think it is my right to ask this of you, but would you look after my sisters from now on? I think your arrival is a blessing in these times."
Ranma's expression was solumn, "Kasumi, all three of you are my supposed fiancees until between us, we decide who will take up family honor. Even after I do so, I vow that I'll protect all three of you from outside harm."
Kasumi nodded, "Thank you, Ranma, I sincerely appreciate that."
"Well," anma stated, putting down the towel, "I have a few things to take care of, and I'm going to go check up on Nabiki." With that, Ranma walked away, leaving Kasumi to her thoughts.
As he exited the kitchen, he gave her a withering glance backwards, before continuing on his way.