Author's note: Finally a new chapter. My current schedule means I can get a new chapter out every 4 / 5 weeks. I am looking for a beta-reader / idea-bouncer to help speed things along if I get stuck in a chapter.
Chapter 5 Misery loves companyThe quiet morning at the Tendo's was shattered by an enraged shriek, followed by a pounding sound. As the Tendo's and Nodoka watched sleepy from the back porch, Ranma tried to twist her father into positions that a human body shouldn't be in. After a series of particular nasty twist, Ranma huffed and threw Genma in the pond. Sending a last glare at her father, Ranma hurried to the curled up Hitomi.
"Ya okay? That stupid panda didn't hurt ya, right?" Ranma asked concerned.
Uncurling, Hitomi latched onto Ranma and silently sobbed. Ranma waved her arms for a moment in surprise, before she hugged back and cooed soft words to Hitomi. Glaring at her father as Soun pulled him from the pond, Ranma made her way to the house.
"Ranma, what happened?" Akane asked.
"Stupid Pops tried to wake me for a morning spar by throwing me out of ta dojo. Hitomi was holding on to me as I was thrown." Ranma growled.
"Right." Akane stated and walked to Genma.
Ranma took a bath with Hitomi, constantly trying to sooth her. In the background Akane's voice could be heard berating Genma, each a thumping sound punctured statement. After the bath, Ranma moved to the kitchen for some advice from Kasumi on how to calm Hitomi down.
"You are doing fine, Ranma. Just keep hugging her until she is done crying and recovers from the shock." Kasumi advised as she worked on breakfast with a grumpy Nabiki glaring at the coffee machine.
"Okay, Kasumi. If ya say so." Ranma replied as he kept hugging Hitomi and rocking her back and forth.
"How's Hitomi doing, my son?" Nodoka asked as she entered the kitchen.
"Still a bit shaken, mom." Ranma responded.
"I am sorry that I could not prevent this, my son. Hopefully after Akane's lecture and another talk from me will convince your father to let you and Hitomi sleep." Nodoka apologized.
"Don't think he's gonna listen, mom. I would appreciate the effort do, especially if it gets pops of my back for the next few days." Ranma replied, waving the apology off.
"I will son and it is going to listen, not 'gonna'. Would you mind if I joined you today on your shopping trip?" Nodoka asked, handing Nabiki a cup of coffee.
"Ah, I guess. Uhm, just a normal trip, right? No comments or hints about marriage or something?" Ranma responded, fidgeting slightly.
"No talk about marriage. Kasumi did say something about you being under enough pressure last night. I am not certain about what she meant with her comment. I do confess not knowing exactly what happens to you every day as Kazumi hinted." Nodoka said as she hesitantly reached out at Ranma, but retracted her hand before making contact.
"I wouldn't mind talking ta ya, later today if ya like." Ranma ventured, casting a grateful glance at Kasumi.
"I would like that." Nodoka said with a small smile.
"Can it get any mushier?" Nabiki grouched, moving for a second cup of coffee.
"At least Hitomi has calmed down. Feeling better?" Ranma asked, smiling at Hitomi's nod.
"Well, a little wait an we can enjoy one of Kasumi's breakfasts." Ranma said enthusiastically, electing a small smile from Hitomi.
"If you could set the table and wait for breakfast at the table, then I can finish a bit faster." Kasumi said, chasing everyone except Nodoka out of the kitchen.
Quickly helping setting the table, Ranma sat down and glared at his father as Soun finally dragged him in. Akane had already been sitting at the table, still huffing in anger and joined Ranma in glaring. Ranma stopped glaring after a minute in an attempt to further uplift Hitomi's spirits. Soun had started to tend to the beaten and bruised Genma and swiftly placed his hand on the mouth of his, now conscious, friend. Shaking his head, Soun reminded Genma of his previous stupid actions by poking a few bruises. Nodding his agreement to wait berating his son on his weak behaviour and holding back a few tears, Genma held his peace for the moment. Finishing tending to Genma's wounds, Soun help Genma to his place and they waited with the others.
"Ranma. What's this shopping trip I heard about?" Nabiki asked as she started to wake up more.
"Hitomi needs a wardrobe and I figured that making the clothes myself would be better, then simply buying them. I can get exactly what I want too." Ranma answered with a shrug.
"Right. You can sew and mend clothes." Nabiki said sarcastically.
"Uhm, yeah. Remember tha challenge awhile back? The one I wouldn't say anything about? Tha was Martial Arts Clothes Sowing." Ranma defensively explained, indicating Hitomi's current clothes.
"You're serious." Nabiki blinked as Akane turned her glare at Ranma.
"Oh yes, Ranma came to me for advice. He didn't want to say anything, because his mother kept talking about manly this and manly that." Kasumi responded pleasantly as she placed several dishes on the table.
"I gave him a few example books and helped him with the basics. He wanted to learn the more advanced techniques himself, so I just demonstrated a few of mine to him as a reverence." Kasumi
"Did he now." Akane commented in a low growl.
"Ah, come on Akane. Ya know how I pick up things with Martial Arts. If it's Martial Arts, I can learn it. I know we ain't found ya focus yet, but I'm certain we can find it." Ranma stated, trying to placate Akane.
"I know. It's just so hard, when I see how you pick things up with ease." Akane signed, dejected.
"Well, it is hard to compare to my manly son. Even if it was not a manly thing to do." Nodoka proudly said as she placed the remainder of the breakfast on the table.
"Oh my, that wasn't a nice thing to say. Akane, you are your own person. Ranma is better at one aspect of life and has found a way to translate that aspect to learn the other aspects, even if some aspects can't be learned this way. You can do the same thing, but patience is important. Have faith as we believe in you, little sister." Kasumi encouraged and received a small smile from Akane.
"Kasumi's right, Akane. Ya just need ta find tha one thing to focus on. We'll help ya where we can." Ranma interjected.
"Thanks." Akane said and started to eat.
Breakfast was peaceful and held a bit of small talk about the up coming shopping trip. As the last plate was emptied of food, Nabiki spoke up. "Ranma, I've got that contract ready for your signature. I also arranged for a first shooting tomorrow in the afternoon. Lets go over the contract tonight."
"Since you're going on a shopping trip anyway, bring enough material to make some clothes for yourself. The shoot is about a household application and needs a traditional look. So a traditional kimono for your girl side is needed." Nabiki continued.
"Girl side?" Akane questioned.
"Ranma here is going to be a model as a girl." Nabiki smirked.
"No son of mine is turning into a girl and doing girly things." Genma bellowed and winced in pain.
"Why are you forcing my son to do unmanly things, Nabiki?" Nodoka asked, earning a frown from Nabiki.
"Mom! I asked Nabiki for help with a job." Ranma interjected, coming to Nabiki's defence.
"Then why did you agree to this job? Surely another job would be better, if you felt the need to get one." Nodoka stated, interrupting another outburst from Genma.
"Not if I want to do good in school AND take care of Hitomi. With money and being there for her, ya know? Doing things with her, like playing tag or kata's." Ranma heatedly responded.
"If you want a job, then teach in this dojo. You will NOT do this job and that is final." Genma shouted, this time being mindful of his injuries.
"And I'm telling ya that I'm doing it. I ain't gonna freeload of tha Tendo's anymore and help with the finances, unlike some people I know. I'm trying to do the right thing and unlike ya, I'm setting a good example for Hitomi to follow." Ranma countered.
"As for teaching in tha dojo, ya know I ain't ready for that or even allowed. I can only teach family, as ya know all to well. So that ain't an option for me." Ranma continued.
"Then why are you teaching Akane, whom is not yet family?" Nodoka questioned.
"I ain't She's been training herself. I've just been giving her a few comments and showed a few scrolls she could use. She had to figure everything out by herself." Ranma smugly stated.
"What about the hints you kept giving and the encouragements?" Akane asked.
"I just kept saying tha ya can do it and to keep the scrolls in mind. Just like a trainings partner should do." Ranma answered truthfully.
"So I basically improved on my own?" Akane asked, smiling at Ranma's nod.
"Now if you only can do the same in cooking." Nabiki smirked.
Akane huffed and glowered for a moment before being placated by Kasumi. The table was quickly cleared and the dishes washed. Ranma talked with Nabiki about the photo shoot and the necessary clothes. Signalling their readiness, Nodoka and Kasumi waited for Ranma and Hitomi. Blinking, Ranma turned to Nabiki, whom still stood with an empty glass.
"Girl clothes for a girl. You need the proper undergarment for your job." Nabiki firmly said with a small smirk.
"If you insist in this job, then the matching undergarments are needed." Nodoka said, supporting Nabiki.
"Nodding her consent, Ranma stood and took Hitomi's hand. Bidding the others goodbye, the small group left. Briefly discussing the places where they should go to and all the items to be bought, the four quickly moved to their first stop.
At the market fresh food was bartered, Ranma using her looks to get a discount. Stating the finances of the Tendo's, Ranma pointed out that every yen counted and that she had made a fair trade for the discount. The boys got a happy feeling and they received a discount. Nodoka and Kasumi relented at the reasoning, but made it clear they weren't happy. They did, however, found it cute, when Hitomi tried to emulate Ranma. Engrossed in their banter and playing, they did not notice a figure looking at the three redheads before pulling out a cell phone.
With the added help, Kasumi had quickly gathered the groceries she needed. Stepping in a cloth store, Ranma and Kasumi quickly looked for cloth with flower patterns. Nodoka also suggested a cloth with an animal embroiled on it. After browsing through the shop, they settled on six types of cloth. A cloth with white orchids on a red background for the kimono. A cloth with white and pink sakura petals on a black background, to be used for t-shirts. A cloth with a green background on which leaves in a darker green sheen were placed, designs for a dress were discussed over this cloth. Following Nodoka's suggestion, two cloths with a dragon embroiled on them were selected. These cloths would be used in formal kimono's as the jade dragon, flying among yellow clouds, looked elegant. Finally a simple red and black cloth was selected.
The red and black cloths were for Hitomi's clothes. Paying for the cloths and delivery there of, the group set off to buy needle and thread. Dragging a reluctant Ranma into a Victoria's Secret store followed this. After an ultimatum and stern look from Nodoka, Ranma trotted dejected to the changing rooms. Suddenly smirking, Ranma added another set of underwear before entering a changing room.
"Well mom? Think this is me or not?" Ranma asked, showing a green lacy panties with matching bra that was partially see-through. Solid fabric hid the naughty bits, but the edges were transparent.
"That's not very manly." Nodoka commented, right eye twitching as she stared.
"Oh my. A garter belt would look lovely with that." Kasumi responded oblivious, holding up the aforementioned item.
Giggling at the face faults of her companions, Kasumi steered Ranma back to the changing room. Buying the green lacy underwear and some regular panties of different colours with matching bra's, Ranma also bought a sports bra. Talking to the store attendant, Ranma got a good idea of how to make an undershirt that she could wear in both forms without giving a free show. She also bought a few panties and a nightshirt for Hitomi.
Grumbling a bit, Ranma walked with her purchases holding Hitomi's hand. Smiling a bit, Ranma squeezed Hitomi's hand in a encouraging way as Hitomi yawned a bit. Noting this, Nodoka directed the group to a restaurant for lunch and rest. Kasumi phoned home to tell of their lunch plans. Entering lunch and talking some small talk, the group enjoyed the silence as they allowed Hitomi a quick nap before paying for their lunch.
As the group made for home, a man stepped out of an alley they just passed. Looking at the three redheads, he raised an eyebrow, before pulling out a cell phone and walking back into the alley.
Ranma suddenly stopped as her danger sense went off. Frowning she ignored the startled questions of her companions as she tried to locate the danger. Setting her bags down and pulling Hitomi a bit closer, Ranma covertly readied herself. Seeing her daughters stance, Nodoka also set her bags down and unwrapped her katana.
"Pigtailed goddess, truly the gods smile upon their undefeated and noble champion. Come and join me in an embrace, so we may celebrate our love with a kiss." Tatewaki Kuno rambled as he spread his arms.
"Just when I was enjoying some peace." Ranma grumbled as she glared at Kuno and covered Hitomi's ears to protect her from Kuno's words.
"And whom might this individual be?" Nodoka asked mildly.
"Hark, for I am the undefeated champion of Furikan High and inspiration to the retainers of that noble institute, Tatewaki Kuno, the Blue Thunder of Furikan, age 19." Kuno answered, posing with his bokken pointing to the sky.
"Ah, I remember now. The boy trying to force himself on you." Nodoka commented to Ranma.
"The vile sorcerer tried to force himself upon you, my pigtailed goddess? I shall smite the cowardly fiend and free thy from his spell." Kuno proclaimed, causing Nodoka's right eye to twitch.
"What is this? Have thy forsaken me, gods? It would seem that the vile sorcerer has forced you to birth his hell spawn." Kuno said, glaring at Hitomi.
"Fear not for I shall rid thy of its presence and shall defeat the cowardly sorcerer, whom dares not face me." Kuno continued, pointing his bokken at Hitomi.
Woosh slash
"Why did thy do that?" Kuno blinked as he stared at the remaining pieces of his bokken.
"My 'son' is an honourable man and not a coward." Nodoka grinded, pointing her katana at Kuno.
"What man is honourable when he enslaves the pigtailed goddess and my fierce tigress? Using his vile magic to defeat my noble person? Nay, I say. He is not an honourable man." Kuno stated firmly.
"This coming from a 'boy' whom pursues two girls unwanted at the same time. My son does not pursue whom you call 'pigtailed goddess' as they are kin, family. As for Akane Tendo, an formal arranged marriage agreement was reached before their births between the Tendo clan and the Saotome clan. Your interference speaks loudly of your poor manners and lack of honour." Nodoka countered.
"Verily, the sorcerer had bewitched thy. Fear not for I shall set thy free." Kuno proclaimed yet again.
Ranma swiftly led Hitomi to a bookstore at the indication of her mother. Mumbling encouraging words to Hitomi, Ranma ignored the girlish screams from Kuno as Nodoka showed him her displeasure of his remarks. After some consideration, Kasumi joined Ranma in the store. Browsing the store, Ranma bought some paper and colour pencils.
"Ya interested in this?" Ranma asked Hitomi as she looked intently at a book.
"Lets buy it then." Ranma smiled at Hitomi's nod.
Meeting up with Kasumi at the register as she bought a cookbook, Ranma showed Hitomi's book Smiling Kasumi stated the availability of the needed things back at the dojo. Stepping outside they both grimaced at the whimpering remains of an one-time human, once known as Tatewaki Kuno. Turning their attention to more pleasant matters by checking up on Nodoka. Ignoring the murmured pleas for help, the group moved on to the dojo.
Arriving at the dojo they noticed Katsunishiki patiently waiting in front of the dojo. Exchanging worried glances, the group hurried inside. They did hear the familiar battle cry and following thump as they entered the living room. Akane sat puffing with anger as she kept her mallet at the ready, glaring at the prone form as it was delicately pried from being embedded in the floor. Akari paused a moment to look at the new arrivals.
"Hi Akari. How are things?" Ranma asked as she moved to aid Akari.
"It could be better. Ryo-kun finally got enough courage to apologies to Akane for the 'P-chan' incident and… well you see the results." Akari answered sadly.
"Oh my. That is still a sore subject with Akane." Kasumi noted.
"Ya can say that again." Ranma snorted and helped Ryouga in the garden and out of sight of Akane.
"Tha took guts, Ryouga. Couldn't have been easy." Ranma continued.
"A lot of good it did me. I'm a despicable person. An honourless man." Ryouga moaned depressed.
"Now Ryo-kun. We talked about this. You were misguided in what you did, it was wrong to do, but you were misguided." Akari firmly stated.
"He's been getting more depressed lately. I've tried to cheer him up." Akari sighed.
"Darn, just when things between us were looking up." Ranma muttered.
Two days after the failed wedding, Ryouga had come across Ranma and had attacked. Depressed and angered at the loss of a perceived cure, Ryouga went all out and forced Ranma to get equally serious. After a hour long combat, the sustained wounds finally forced Ryouga to concede the field to Ranma. Stumbling onto Akari's farm, Ryouga received the needed medical attention.
It took three weeks for Ryouga to recover. Akari tirelessly stayed at his side and talked to him. She forced him to see the truth about his own actions. Following a few discussions, Ryouga accepted the truth and as soon as he was able to travel, he had Akari lead him to the Tendo dojo. Making peace with Ranma was hard for Ryouga, but it was made easier as Ranma apologies in turn for his insults and his part in cursing Ryouga. By acknowledging his own faults Ranma, placated Ryouga. Both accepted responsibility for the mistakes they made in the following discussion.
After some urging from Ranma, Ryouga agreed to inform Akane about his curse. This did not go so well as Akane blew her stack. Driving Ryouga and Akari from the dojo, Akane stayed in a foul mood that day. Ranma periodically visited Ryouga for sparring sessions. This did little to lessen the depression of Ryouga.
"Maybe things were looking up for you, but not for me." Ryouga commented quietly.
"Ah, man. I mean as friends. We finally set things straight between us." Ranma replied.
"We did do that." Ryouga said.
"This might not be the best of times to mention this, but I was talking to Tofu about my curse and he gave me some information. He said it was possible to control the curse with our ki-control. As far as he knows, however, there is no cure." Ranma said, wincing at the fallen expression on Ryouga's face.
"So I'm cursed for the rest of my live. That makes my day." Ryouga replied, glowing a sickly green.
"Whoa, easy there. It ain't tha bad Ryouga. I mean…" Ranma started, trying to calm Ryouga.
"What are you still doing here!" Akane interrupted, growling and glowing red.
"Easy Akane. Ya ain't helping." Ranma said, doing her best to avoid a fight.
"Not helping? You not telling about P-chan is not helping." Akane growled in return.
"Might as well let her kill me." Ryouga commented dejected to Ranma.
Blinking, Akane's aura disappeared at this statement. Akari softly pleaded with Ryouga. Ranma stood with a gaping mouth at the scene before her. Sucking in a deep sharp breath, Ranma's expression turned thoughtful. Akane looked pleadingly at Ranma for help.
"He! You better not think that I would do anything like that." Akane said indignantly.
"Have I seemed arrogant lately? I mean, have I been boasting about myself lately or something?" Ranma asked thoughtfully.
"Uh, yes?" Akane answered confused.
"Ryouga! Listen to me. I know, at least I think I know what's wrong with ya. With all three of us. Ya, Akane and me." Ranma firmly stated as she shook Ryouga.
"Gotta call Tofu." Ranma continued and started for the house.
"What do you mean?" Akane questioned.
Several minutes passed as Akari slowly coerced Ryouga in a better mood. The occasional kiss and declaration of love helped. Akane sat thoughtful on the porch, considering Ranma's words.
"Ok, Ryouga and Akane. We're gonna train together." Ranma announced as she exited, the house.
"Ranma what did you mean with something is wrong with me?" Akane asked again, following Ranma.
"When I talked to tha doc, he mentioned something called ki-corruption by emotions. We weren't sure what tha scrolls meant by that. Me and Ryouga use ki-blasts and ya use a ki-mallet, Akane. All based on emotions. Me confidence, Ryouga depression and ya had anger. Remember what too much confidence does?" Ranma lectured.
"You get arrogant and underestimate your opponent. A bit like you." Akane answered.
"Yep. Like me." Ranma grinned.
"Didn't take much to get you to admit that. This has to do with our ki-paths, right?" Ryouga questioned.
"The ki going through our ki-paths were tainted by an emotion. Emotions make it easier to use ki as an external weapon, but they corrupt the paths. Making the paths dependant on the emotion. At least that's what doc and I figure." Ranma lectured.
"It also makes ya more open to feel tha emotion. In my case it makes me boast and dismiss the claims of others. Akane on the other hand gets angry real easy like for the smallest things, small according to others. Ryouga gets depressed about things he can't control. Each time we use out ki and the emotion, means we feel that emotion more." Ranma continued.
"A snowball effect. It get bigger every time. So is that what my trusted pervert basher has been doing to me?" Akane asked.
"Well, yeah. As much as I can figure." Ranma answered sheepishly, rubbing his head.
"Uhm, why does Akane seem much calmer now?" Akari softly interjected.
"Meditation and we spiked her food with calming herbs." Ranma calmly said, ducking under mallet-sama.
"Off course, there are moments where the anger is too much for the herbs." Ranma continued, ignoring Akane's growl and entered the dojo.
"First we're going to summon our aura's and then we'll slowly purge it from emotions until only our will remains. It ain't easy, stray thoughts will distract ya. Personally I need to perform kata's to empty my head. Ya have to find your way to empty your mind." Ranma lectured.
"Well, walking usually works." Ryouga commented.
"I'm not sure." Akane said.
"How about pretending to break bricks, ya always seem focused doing tha." Ranma replied.
Nodding their heads, they separated to train. Ranma first set aside her purchases and handed Hitomi, whom had stayed silent and unnoticed until then, some paper to draw on. She then started her kata's. The others had already started their exercises. Training for an hour, the group commented on the progress made. Ranma mentioned a Shinto priest whom taught him this technique to clear the body of bad influences. Interested, Ryouga told of a monastery in Tibet, Ryouga thought it was Tibet, where they tried to cleanse their souls of evil with meditation and vesting. Joking, Ryouga said that Ranma would have trouble with this method. The group shared a short laugh at that, before silence settled in.
"I think you were right, Ranma. My head feels clearer and it feels like a lighter weight is on my shoulders instead of a heavy one." Ryouga softly said.
"Doctor Tofu deserves the credit more and lets not forget the Shinto priest, whom taught me the technique. As for lighter weight, I would thank Akari for that." Ranma replied, as Ryouga and Akari blushed.
"I'm guessing here, but the fact that ya can throw around ki-blasts relatively easy also helps." Ranma continued.
"I had plenty of target practice." Ryouga chuckled.
The group moved to the house for a drink and a real talk between Akane and Ryouga about P-chan. Kasumi was asked to moderate the talk and fresh herbal tea was made. Nodoka approached Ranma for their promised talk. Ranma and Hitomi followed Nodoka to the guest room for some privacy.
Sitting down Nodoka asked Ranma to tell more about her live. Nodding, Ranma explained that some parts would be skipped as Hitomi would not be a very suited audience for some parts and Ranma promised to talk about those parts at a later date. Ranma then told Nodoka and Hitomi her story, starting with the training trip. Paling slightly, Nodoka quickly realized that the left-out parts consisted of abuse as what her daughter did speak off was bordering abuse. Skipping several items, Ranma started telling about her live at the Tendo's. The rivals, the fiancées and the constant pressure from the two fathers were mentioned. The problem with honour of all those involved as Ranma clearly stated that she held honour dear. Ranma's recent behaviour was also discussed. Ranma and Nodoka kept talking until diner and had bonded a bit, but some distance still remained as Nodoka struggled with all the information and revelations.
Joining the others, they learned an agreement had been reached between Akane and Ryouga. Despite several interruptions by the appearance of mallet-sama, swiftly stopped by Kasumi before any use, both sides realized that they shared the blame and damage to their respective honour. To atone for this apologies were made, Ryouga to Akane and Akane apologized to Ranma. Ryouga also had to teach Akane an technique and help around the house.
Diner was a quiet affair and even Genma noticed the contemplating mood. The periodical glares from Nodoka helped. After Ryouga and Akari were invited to stay the night, Ranma led them to the dojo to help them prepare for the night.
Nabiki also came to the dojo and discussed the contract en photo shoot with Ranma. Ranma read the contract and was satisfied with how the money would be divided. Ranma also quickly draws a sketch of a kimono and showed the cloth to be used. Nodding her head Nabiki consented in the choice. Ranma answered the questions from Akari and Ryouga.
Taking Hitomi wash before bed, Ranma discussed a few last details with Nabiki on route to the house. Finishing their business, Ranma and Nabiki bid each other goodnight. Entering the dojo, Ranma wished Ryouga and Akari goodnight and laid down on his futon with Hitomi. Slowly drifting to sleep, Ranma considered the next day. As they say, tomorrow would bring a brand new day.