Okay and I'm Back. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't get as many as reviews as I'm hoping for but that's okay. It's still earlier in the story. Now with that out of the way this chapter is going to be a pain in the butt to write.
Most of the chapter though is going to go a little more into the original route rather than be a copy and paste type deal like I did with the last chapter. Yes I know that I said that I will be doing the first three chapters…well there the only chapters, but that's beside the point.
Also in this chapter, we get to meet some characters from Street Fighter. Now I done my research and the information in the story should be true, with a little of the Street Fighter Movie (Jean Claude Van Damn *?* Movie.) Thrown in, very little like one line little.
I might also throw in some fight scenes with Genma and Ranma, not sure yet.
Now. Raw666 bought up something interesting. He said that Ranma/Ranko personality some be different. Not in this case. Ranma/Ranko was beaten as a young child as a way to fear Genma. This made it easier to control him, but Ranma does have his rebellious side. She/he knows that in order to face that fear she has to face him.
That time will come, but for right now she has to go though hardships. That and I also have been playing around with an idea since I first read the story.
Okay I bored you with my ramblings long enough. Hope you like this chapter. Leave a review if you would please. See ya at the end for some notes.
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Starting Over: Truth behind the Lies
Chapter Two
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Morning came all too soon for the young Saotome heir as she woke up far too early for her likening. The only upside is the fact that she wouldn't be thrown out the window, as a sign to start the day. After tiring and failing to go back to see she sat up and decided that she would help Kasumi as a way to apologies even more.
As she predicted the bruises on her arms was mostly gone now leaving only a few marks and the bruises on her body had gone away a little but they were mostly still there as well as the soreness. Which in and of itself was a good thing. After quickly getting dressed in her favorite clothing she had made her way down stairs and entered the kitchen.
As she walked in, she saw Kasumi getting everything they needed for breakfast together and decided to help, when she saw Kasumi slip and start to fall with a large knife in hand. Ranma acted quickly and grabbed Kasumi before hitting the floor and before hurting herself on the knife luckily neither of them getting cut by it.
"Kasumi you okay?" The young red head asked. Kasumi smiled and nodded her head. "Yes thank you Ranma." Kasumi said with relief in her voice from being saved by what could have easily become a very bad situation. "Ranma, what are you doing up so early?"
"Momentai." Ranma said with a soft smile helping the older girl back get her balance back then cursed at herself for saying that. Kasumi raised an eye brow at him and then smiled some more. "Momentai…Ranma, you watch Digimon?" Kasumi asked in shock.
"Digi what now?" Ranma asked blushing a little, hoping that she could hide that fact. Maybe it really was too early in the morning. She couldn't let something like that slip because it wasn't manly to watch stupid cartoons according to her father.
"Isn't that where you got that from?" Kasumi asked while looking Ranma straight in the eyes. "No…I…Hiroshi says it all of the time, he said it means no worries or something like that." Ranma said nervously. "Of course." Kasumi said with a small smile as if she believed otherwise.
"Can I help you?" Ranma asked trying to change the subject. "I have everything in here under control already, Ranma but thank you." Kasumi said. "Okay." Ranma said, "If you need anything I'll be in the other room."
Ranma walked out of the kitchen and into the dining room while looking around. She had seen Kasumi cleaning enough in here that she knew basically everything that the older girl usually did. For the next half an hour Ranma used her speed she gained from the techniques that Cologne taught her and made short work of what usually took Kasumi all morning to do by cleaning the entire living room while humming the theme from Magic Knight Rayearth to herself.
Kasumi was watching all of this of course from the kitchen doorway. She couldn't believe it. Ranma was helping her and she was doing it twice as fast as she herself would do it. "You didn't have to do all of this." Kasumi said from behind Ranma as she was putting the stuff back into the cleaning closet startling Ranma. She was hoping that the elder girl didn't hear what she was humming or recognize it. That was twice so far that morning that she slipped up badly.
"It was no problem, Kasumi. I just wanted to help you out a little." Ranma said scratching the back of her neck nervously. "It must be hard on you when no one is willing to help you with the house work." Ranma words touch Kasumi's heart.
"It means a lot to me though, Ranma." Kasumi said with a bright smile, "You saved me a lot of work today but don't worry, I won't tell your dad." Kasumi told him, making Ranma relax a little.
"Thanks Kasumi." Ranma said, relieved that Genma wouldn't learn anything about it. "Why don't you go ahead and go get your bath before everyone else gets up." Kasumi said, looking curiously at Ranma. "Sure, I guess." Ranma said as she turned and left to get a change of clothes and to take a quick bath.
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Breakfast was a little better than dinner had been with barely any tension and Akane actually being in a good mood for some reason. Akane was someone that Ranma didn't think that he would ever understand, the girl was a raging inferno one moment and as calm as can be the next. He knew that she had some major problems, but he often wished that she would find some better way of taking out her frustrations and insecurities than beating on him. He got enough beatings from his father; he didn't need the tomboy adding more on top.
"I'm going to school by myself this morning, Ranma." Akane announced as they finished eating leaving Ranma to blink in surprise. Why would she want to walk by herself for anyways? "Why don't you walk with your fiancé?" Soun asked.
"Because daddy, I'm stopping off at Yuka's house to help her with some stuff before going to school. We are planning on going shopping in Shinjuku tonight after school since tomorrow there isn't any school." Akane explained, "This is going to be just us girls daddy so don't even start with begging me to take Ranma along. I had this planned for weeks now and you knew about it, so don't try to ruin it."
Sound didn't even try to persuade his daughter as he swallowed heavily at the calm yet threatening way his youngest daughter said the last few words. Ranma was a little put off about it though since he remembered Akane talking about it before and Yuka suggesting to bring Ranma along but Akane rejected the idea.
How could the fathers ever expect them to get married, they weren't even friends, since Akane refused to even really give Ranma a fair chance. Which while it did hurt a little, Ranma was fine with. He may not have wanted to marry her, but he would have liked to be friends like Akane suggested, that was until found out about the curse and betrayed him by rescinding her offer.
"That's fine with me, I have plans myself." Ranma said, not letting any of his inner turmoil show. If Akane didn't want him around then fine, he had better things he could do. He had been asked to waitress at the Neko Hanten if he had free time after school anyways so he decided that he just had time open up for training.
"Yes my boy, an extended training regimen sounds great." Genma said making Ranma pale a little hoping that he could get out of it. "Your right pops, Cologne offered to teach me some new move tonight, when she gets rid of Shampoo for the evening." Ranma said. He knew Genma thought women were weak and worthless, but the Amazons were a different story.
"You are just going to hang out with that bimbo." Akane raged. "Nope, for your information the old ghoul is sending both Mousse and Shampoo to pick something up from some old antique store in Juuban. Neither of them has earned the right of learning the new technique." Ranma said pushing his dishes away from him.
"Wahhhhh…Ranma is cheating on his fiancée with a foreign slut!" Soun cried.
"Idiot." Ranma grumbled.
"No, Soun, think about it. If Ranma manages to steal…err…learn the Amazon's tricks then he can incorporate them into the school and make it even stronger when it's joined." Genma said. "Besides both us know that Ranma wouldn't cheat on Akane, Not unless he knows what's good for him." Genma said the last part while glaring a hated look at his son.
"This is perfect then, Saotome. Your son can learn these techniques then come back and marry my baby." Soun said. I swear Mr. Tendo has to be Bipolar or something with the way he changes moods. Ranma thought.
"Give it a rest!" Akane snapped getting up from the table and leaving as Nabiki did the same, given Ranma an evil look. Ranma just sighed and noticed just how big a mess the table was and decided to grab most of the plates and carry them into the kitchen.
"Boy, what are you doing?" Genma demanded scaring Ranma a little. "Since I'm going to school by myself I can make it in half the time I do when I have to walk with that tomboy so I'm helping Kasumi a little." Ranma said, "Honestly, don't you ever get tired of freeloading?"
"We will talk about this later." Genma said sending chills down Ranma's back from the tone of his father's voice. Idiot, can't you keep your mouth shut? Ranma thought as he finished dumping the dishes in the sink. "Ranma." Kasumi said quietly as she squeezed his shoulder. "Thank you but I can get this; I don't want you to get in any more trouble."
Ranma looked at the eldest Tendo sister, she wanted to help her as a way of thanks but Genma was staring daggers at her, she could feel it. Ranma nodded his head. "Kasumi, I'm sorry about the old fool." Ranma sighed sadly. "Don't be, Ranma." Kasumi said kissing his cheek, making Ranma blush a little "Have fun tonight and don't worry about anything." Kasumi told him.
"Thanks." Ranma said smiling a little. "Now go, off to school, I can finish this." Kasumi said shooing the young martial artist out of the kitchen. Ranma left the kitchen to go and gather her things, as she was in her room Genma had snuck in behind her and slammed her into the ground. "How dare you talk to me like that." Genma snarled with his foot on his head, keeping his voice down.
"I have a half a mind to beat some sense into you, however seeing as you'll be late, I'll be nice let you go with a warning." Genma lifted his foot off her head and kicked her hard in the stomach. "Now get out of here." Ranma wasted no time as she had gotten her things and bolted out the door, hoping that Genma didn't see the tears falling down her cheeks.
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After finishing the dishes and checking in on her father and Genma, who had the day off, she found them playing shogi again. She never understood them playing it that much since all they did was cheat each other every chance they got but maybe that was what they enjoyed about it.
Ranma had truly done a lot of work in such a short amount of time that morning freeing up a lot of time for Kasumi which, she wasn't too sure what to do with. She had planned on visiting Doctor Tofu at lunch, but her whole morning was free now. She debated trying to watch some television, but she knew that there usually wasn't anything very good on this time of the morning. Thinking about the attic, she thought maybe she should go up there and clean a little, since it was a little before the Saotomes arrived when she last cleaned up there or even went up there. It held a lot of memories of her mother which was good and bad. She loved the memories but they held so much as they always made Kasumi miss the woman even more.
Slowly making her way to the attic she found the light switch and turned it on and was shocked at how clean the attic was. Everything was moved around now which she knew neither Nabiki nor Akane did but everything was organized. Looking over to the farthest corner she noticed how the boxes were stacked and realized that there shouldn't be so many boxes up here.
Moving to the boxes Kasumi realized that they were just stacked out from the wall making a wall themselves but why? Moving around the boxes she found a small space which she squeezed through and found herself in a small space where there was an old television and DVD player hooked up to it. Stacked on top of it was a few anime DVDs including a volume of Magic Knight Rayearth, Digimon Tamers and Tokyo Mew Mew respectively.
Beside the Television was a couple worn manga of Magic Knight Rayearth though they had seen much better days with one of them missing most of the cover and the others being badly damaged. In front of the television were a pillow and blanket and a few papers and teen girl magazines which highlighted stars. One of them had the image of a very attractive blonde haired American on the cover with the name Ken Masters.
"Is this Ranma's?" Kasumi asked herself since the young man was the only one she knew of who would have done this. Thinking back to the morning she realized that it had to be, Ranma was humming the intro to Magic Knight Rayearth while cleaning. This would most definitely be considered unmanly by Genma so Kasumi decided not to even mention it but she was glad that at least Ranma did have a few things though the magazines did surprise her a little.
She realized that Magic Knight Rayearth must have been one of Ranma's favorites since that seemed to be what there was the most of between the few mangas and the DVD. Deciding to do a little shopping instead Kasumi went to get changed and told her father that she was going out for a bit.
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-School- (Sorry I forgot how to spell the darn name of the school – Kidan)
"I'm sorry." Ranma heard Sayuri said as the spent their free period in the class room around Akane's desk while Ranma sat in hers next to them ignoring everyone else. "I can't go tonight, my mom has a booth set up at the convention tonight and I told her I would be there. If you want you guys can come."
"No way." Akane said, "That stupid gaijin is going to be there. Ken Masters a grand master in martial arts my ass. What does a lazy American know of martial arts."
"Did you say Ken Masters?" Ranma asked excitedly as she sat up and looked over at the three girls. "Don't tell me that you believe in that fraud." Akane snorted. Ranma gave Akane a look at would have sent chills down anyone else's back.
"Akane, Ken maybe be from America, but he was trained in the martial arts here in Japan." Ranma said. "He was also one of the key players in helping taking down the terrorist group, Shadaloo." This has surprised a few people that Ranma had known things about the street fighter that not many had known. "It doesn't matter what country you are born in Akane, a true martial artist master can come from anywhere." Ranma said, a little angry at the blue haired girl for putting down one of the greatest martial artists, in Ranma's own opinion anyways.
"I could beat the fake any day of the week." Akane said. "No you couldn't Akane." Ranma said seriously, "Ken Masters is a ki adept for one thing, he mastered it a long time ago and makes anything Ryouga and I do look like a firecracker." However Akane didn't look convinced.
"Dream on, Ranma." Akane said, "I'm a real martial artist, the best in Nerima." That was it, Ranma had, had enough of Akane's bullshit. "I hate to break your bubble, but no Akane you're not the best." Ranma said giving her a cold look, unknowingly giving Akane the same look that Genma have given Ranma time and time again.
"You're a bully at best." Ranma said. "The only reason you are able to hit me is because I let you." She could see that she was getting Akane mad. Besides if I fight back Genma could seriously hurt me. Ranma thought. Then idea came to him. "Besides the last I check your name is Akane, not Wolverine." He could See Sayuri trying to hold in her laughter. Of course she did this behind Akane's back.
For a few moments Akane seethed, glaring daggers at Ranma until a nasty smile crept into her lips. "I do admit he is very handsome so I can understand why you would want to protect him so much. You like him you freak; I knew you were a pervert."
"Grow up, Akane!" Ranma snapped, her cheeks glowing a little as she turned away from the three and buried her face in her folded arms on the desk just as the bell rang. Sayuri went back to her seat. Her mind was already made up. With a smile she waited for the class to start.
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Ranma was actually relieved when the teacher thought she was sleeping and sent her into the hall to hold buckets since it meant that she didn't have to deal with Akane or the angry girl's glares and rude, stinging insults. She was beginning to think that Akane truly believed all of that deep down and truly hated her. She always thought that a part of Akane had cared for Ranma just a little, but things just kept getting worse and worse between the two.
It just seemed that it was never going to end which started to depress Ranma all the more, her whole life seemed so meaningless at times. Why bother with it then, why not just end it all, all the pain and all the suffering. Then way not end it, its not like anyone is going to miss you. A voice in her head said. Akane is right, you are a freak, worthless, and you have no honor. Ranma looked down, her hair hiding her eyes. However another voice, this one sounded familiar though, like she had heard it a long time ago. No child you are not worthless, if you end it now, think about the few friends that you do have.
"Never!" Ranma snarled to herself clutching the buckets tighter. She refused to give up, she didn't come this far, worked to damn hard for her freedom, just to give up now. She was getting stronger and soon she would be the one to stop all those who have hurt her, they would never be able to again. She would prove to everyone that she was worth something, more than just a tool for her father's schemes to swindle people and feed his fat stomach.
Ranma sighed, trying to think of something else before she let her anger and depression get the better of her. She wandered how she could get to the convention to see Ken, wandering if he would even remember her. She remembered how he acted like a jerk sometimes but he always tried to help those in need and had such a kind heart, trying to do the right thing.
He was what gave Ranma her sense of honor, or at least a part of it. She tried so hard to become like him and she wanted so much to at least see him again but how? An anime convention was surely going to be considered to girlie to attend which meant if Genma found out he would be outraged. Also, there was the Neko Hanten to think about as she didn't want to ruin the little bit of time she had with the old Amazon who Ranma saw as a grandmother at times, especially when she wasn't helping Shampoo try and get her to go back to China with them.
She was so caught up in her thoughts that see didn't hear the bell or the students leaving the class room or the school for the day. "Ranma, snap out of it!" Sayuri said loudly, shaking the redhead's shoulder. "Wh-What?" Ranma asked startled.
"You were in la-la land, Saotome. I couldn't get your attention, the bell rang and it is time to go home. Akane already left with Yuka." Sayuri said. "Oh…thanks Sayuri." Ranma said smiling a little then remembered the look on her face the day before, the sadness and worry etched on it resembling Kasumi's so much last night. "Sayuri…about yesterday…thank you, I'm sorry I overreacted the way I did."
The young brunette just smiled. "Its okay, Ranma, I'm just glad that you are okay." Sayuri said smiling a little more, "You are okay, aren't you?" Ranma nodded her head. "Yeah, but I better get to the Neko Hanten if I want to make it in time." Ranma said. "Ranma…Can I please walk with you?" Sayuri asked nervously. "I guess so." Ranma said, curious to why Sayuri wanted to since the girl was supposedly supposed to be heading to the convention.
"Great, grab your things and meet me out front." Sayuri said hurrying off. Ranma sighed and grabbed her things and hurried out front with a feeling of impending doom. She prayed that it was nothing but knowing her life a giant purple dinosaur could walk by any moment terrorizing the masses with its frightening, torturous, nasty, evil songs. The thought made her shiver even more.
Ranma jumped a little when someone put their hand on her shoulder causing Ranma to whirl around to find a giggling Sayuri. "Sorry about that, Ranma." Sayuri giggled, "Didn't mean to scare you."
"It's no big, you ready?" Ranma said.
"Yep." Sayuri said showing her satchel with school supplies stuffed in it and homework assignments for the weekend. The two started walking at a slow pace without saying anything for a few moments until Sayuri nervously asked, "So, is Ken like your hero or something?" Ranma sighed and rubbed the back of her neck.
"Or something." Ranma sighed, "Look, I don't need you to make fun of me over it."
"Relax, Ranma, I think its cool that you have someone that you look up to." Sayuri said, "And besides, he is a hunk."
"He is." Ranma whispered to herself but Sayuri heard.
"So when you change genders your perspective changes?" Sayuri asked curiously.
"N-No." Ranma stammered shaking her head, "Well…A little I guess but I hate it…I hate the way it makes me feel. Its so wrong and disgusting."
"It's only natural, Ranma." Sayuri said, "There is nothing to be ashamed about."
"You wouldn't say that if you knew the truth." Ranma said sadly.
"How about you tell me the truth?" Sayuri asked.
"You wouldn't understand, Sayuri." Ranma sighed, "Please, let's just drop that."
"Okay, I'm sorry Ranma." Sayuri said, "Have you ever met Ken before?"
"Yeah, about ten years ago. He taught me a lot of things though my dad didn't know about it. My dad hates him, actually he hates all Americans." Ranma said. "No offense to you Ranma but your dad is a total jerk." Sayuri said. "That is something else we both agree with." Ranma said. "Ranma, will you come with me to the convention?" Sayuri asked. "I would love to Sayuri but you don't know what my dad would do if he found out." Ranma said.
"What if I guaranteed that he wouldn't find out?" Sayuri asked. "I would but…I have…Well…" Ranma said, trying to stall as she tried to make up an excuse. "Everyone will be going to the convention Ranma, as slow as its going to be tonight I doubt that Cologne will really need help waitressing." Sayuri said as they entered the Neko Hanten to find no one there except Cologne who was perched up on the counter behind the register. "What…How did you know?" Ranma asked.
"Son-in-law, you need to pay more attention to your surroundings?" Cologne cackled when they got to the register, rapping Ranma on her head with her staff. "Ouch, what did you do that for you dried up old mummy?" Ranma demanded rubbing the spot on her head where the staff hit. "Ranma, your young friend comes in here a lot. Don't tell me that you never noticed her." Cologne laughed merrily.
"I didn't think she would recognize me with that stupid wig you make me wear." Ranma grumbled. "Not everyone is as oblivious as Ryouga is dear." Cologne said after she regained control of herself. She opened the register and pulled out several large bills handing them to Ranma. "What's this for?" Ranma asked.
"To enjoy yourself with, take your young friend out here and treat her to a nice meal when you get done at this convention of yours." Cologne said, "I'm closing up for the night, like your friend said everyone is at the convention."
"I can't take all of this." Ranma said trying to give back the money. "Yes you can and will and you will spend it. Do I make myself clear?" Cologne asked, her eyes saying that there would be no argument.
"Thanks granny." Ranma said smiling. "That's better." Cologne said. "Aren't you afraid of me cheating on Shampoo?" Ranma asked nervously.
"Ranma." Cologne said moving to rap Ranma over the head but stopped as she smiled sadly. "Child, we both know that there will never be anything between you two. For one thing neither of you swing that way."
"What the…You know, don't you?" Ranma asked turning white. Know what?" Sayuri asked in confusion.
"You will learn when the time is right." Cologne said, "Me, I'm over three hundred years old with three hundred years of experience. It wasn't too hard to see what is going on, why do you think I've been helping you so much training you in techniques that should be forbidden to outsiders."
Sayuri looked between the two of them and then asked. "Actually, from what I learned about you, that is a good question." Sayuri said. "How could you teach Ranma all of the techniques?" the older woman laughed a little. "This is not to become common knowledge, especially with my Shampoo since she isn't ready to know yet." Cologne said, "Ranma…In the tribes' eyes you are my adopted daughter."
Sayuri eyes widen a little and smiled at Ranma. "I get it." Sayuri said clapping her hands together. "It's because of Ranmas' curse that you are able to adopted Ranma into the Amazon tribe right?" Cologne gave Ranma a sad look before she said. "Something like that dear." Cologne said smiling sadly at Ranma, "You two better get going if you don't want to stand in line all night."
"Your right but we won't have to." Sayuri said. "My mom has a booth there."
"Have fun you two." Cologne said as the two left the restaurant.
"Thanks granny." Ranma called back over her shoulder as the doors closed.
"Come on Ranma, let's get to my house." Sayuri said grabbing Ranma's hand dragging the red head down the street.
"I thought we were going to the convention." Ranma said as she hurried along so she wouldn't trip as the excited girl led Ranma down the street at speeds the redhead didn't think the girl could pull off. "Of course, we need disguises." Sayuri laughed putting fear into Ranma's heart. "Wow." Ranma whistled appreciatively as the entered a large house, easily twice the size of the Tendos. It even rivaled that of Kuno's mansion but it didn't seem to have the insane air about it or the deadly traps.
"Come on, my room is this way." Sayuri said leading Ranma down a hall with numerous paintings which Ranma guessed must have been Sayuri's family. One painting she passed pulled at a memory for a moment, making her feel like she knew the red-haired woman in a kimono in the painting but she shook that off seeing at how impossible it was. Sayuri's room was twice as big as Akane's with a large entertainment center, a canopy bed with sheer pink curtains matching the walls and strange clothes strewn all over the place.
"I have the perfect costume for you if you don't mind going as a girl." Sayuri said digging through a pile of dresses until she pulled out something familiar to Ranma. It was genius; even if anyone saw Ranma there they would never believe it was her. The dress was an exact replica of Zoe's waitress uniform from Tokyo Mew Mew with cat ears and tail. Who would ever believe that Ranma would go as a cat girl? "The bathroom is over there, I don't have a bra big enough for you but you kind of look like my mom's size with a little adjusting. Go ahead and go in there and take your clothes off and I'll bring back the underwear."
"Thanks." Ranma said taking the costume into the bathroom and slowly peeled her clothes off not bothering to complain about it being unmanly to wear that stuff. Genma wasn't going to find out and hopefully with a little makeup no one would truly recognize her. She finished taking off the last of the clothes when the bathroom door opened and Sayuri let out a cry of shock and anger.
"Who did this to you?" Sayuri demanded angrily as Ranma tried to hide herself as tears filed her eyes.
"Don't look." Ranma pleaded weakly as Sayuri moved forward to examine the mass of bruises. "Who did this to you?" Sayuri repeated, more calmly and gently. "You can't tell anyone, Sayuri." Ranma pleaded, "It will get worse if you do."
"Ranma, this isn't right and don't even try to tell me that this was from a fight or spar. I've seen stuff like this before at the hospital." Sayuri said. "He doesn't do it much anymore…He just found out that I was…" Ranma said shutting up. "Found out what?" Sayuri demanded. "That I was…crying." Ranma whispered. "Oh god…This is my fault." Sayuri said covering her mouth and shaking her head. "No it wasn't, Sayuri." Ranma said.
"I'm calling the police." Sayuri said turning to leave before Ranma grabbed her hand. "No…He'll kill them, Sayuri. He did it before." Ranma said, pleading with Sayuri to not do anything. "It was your dad, wasn't it?" Sayuri asked. "Sayuri, please listen to me." Ranma begged, "This was the only time since we came here that he did this, he can't or the Tendo's might find out. I can handle this."
"Ranma…You need help." Sayuri said. No argument there. However Ranma needed to get through this alone or others could get hurt, people that she cares for could die, just like twice before. "Sayuri, I'm the only one that can help me." Ranma said. "I can't, nor will I let anyone else get hurt." Ranma moved over to sit on the bed.
"Sayuri. I'm almost strong enough Sayuri, a little more training and I can defend myself and make sure that he doesn't hurt anyone else." Ranma said. "Please…If you tell anyone I'm afraid he might hurt them and…I'm afraid he'll hurt you."
Sayuri sighed as she sat next to Ranma. "I'm so sorry." Sayuri said embracing the naked girl. "Its okay, Sayuri." Ranma said hugging the girl back. "Please Sayuri; please promise me that you won't get involved in this. Just give me a little time."
"Ranma…I…I don't know what to do." Sayuri sniffed. "Just trust me, please." Ranma said, "Let's forget about this for now and just go have some fun tonight."
"Okay." Sayuri sniffed pulling away.
"Thank you." Ranma said bending down to pick up the bra and panties off of the floor and started to put them on. "I'll help you get ready then I'll change." Sayuri said helping Ranma get into the costume and ushered her out into the bedroom to wait as Sayuri retrieved what must have been her costume and went back into the bathroom.
Ranma was a little scared about Sayuri finding out about what happened and even more so over how easily the girl dropped the matter. Ranma was silently praying to herself that Sayuri wouldn't get hurt when the door opened back up and out stepped Sayuri dressed just like Aerith from final fantasy seven.
"Wow, you look great." Ranma said smiling. "Why thank you kind lady." Sayuri said bowing to Ranma a little, giggling a bit though it was easy to see the worry in the girl's eyes. "Let's get going before it gets any later." Ranma suggested smiling softy at Sayuri.
"Come on." Sayuri said as the two left and made good time to the convention center. The two talked a bit on the way, kidding around which made Ranma feel like she was floating on air as one of her fondest wishes felt like it was coming true. It felt like Ranma truly had a friend, one who didn't have an ulterior motive other than just caring and wanting to have a little fun.
"Where do you think you two are going?" A security guard asked as Sayuri opened the side door to the building. "Relax Jin, it's me." Sayuri said.
"Sorry Sayuri, go on ahead." The guard said as Sayuri dragged Ranma through the door and into the building. It was a virtual crowd as Sayuri led Ranma through it toward a booth where several very good looking girls modeled various outfits ranging from modest to skimpy. Each one being from video game, anime or manga. One girl looked to be about Ranma's age though in a modified school fuku with fingerless gloves and a white headband on. The way she carried herself screamed fighter to Ranma.
"Hi honey." Sayuri's mom said hugging Sayuri. "This is Sakura, a friend of Ken and Ryu's."
"Hi." Sakura said bowing politely to Sayuri and Ranma. "I'm Sayuri and this is Ranma." Sayuri said indicating each of them in turn. "Yo, Sakura, who's the babe?" A very familiar blonde haired man asked in perfect Japanese as he joined Sakura along with a Japanese man in a white gi.
Ranma grinned when she saw ken again for the first time in ten years. She couldn't help herself as she said. "Sensei, I don't think Eliza would like the fact that you are hitting on a teenager." Then something else came to mind. "And why the hell are you still dyeing your hair?" Ken looked at the young teen for a few second before his eyes had widened. "Ran…Ranko? Is that really you?" He asked.
"Stop hitting on her." Sakura said elbowing the blonde haired man in the stomach, "I swear you pervert she is the same age as me." Ken doubled over a little bit when Sakura elbowed him. Then something came to Sakura with what Ranko had said. "Wait, you dye your hair?" Ken stood back up and glared at Sakura.
"Yes, I dye my hair." He then looks at Ranko. "I'm not hitting on her; this is Ranko Saotome, the prodigy I told you guys about." Ken said happily, "It's been a long time red, I was wrong though when I told you that you would grow up to be pretty. You are a goddess."
"Th-Thanks." Ranma said blushing a little as Sayuri gawked at the two. Then she smiled and said. "It sounds to me like you're hitting on Ran...ko." She said with a confused look. 'But who's this Eliza?" Ken smiled. "Eliza is my beautiful wife." Ranko smiled as she slapped Ken on the back with enough force that the blond was sent crashing to the floor.
"I knew it. Congrats Sensei." She said. "Sorry I couldn't make it to the wedding though." Ken saw the sad look in her eyes, getting up off the floor Ken smiled and gave Ranko a hug, which much to Sayuri surprise, Ranko returned the hug. "So you practice martial arts?" Sakura asked. "We are going to have a few exhibition matches, want to spar with me in one. Ken's apprentice against Ryu's, see who is better?"
"Sure." Ranma said, cracking her knuckles. "Let's go then." Sakura said leading Ranma from the group and leaving the two men and Sayuri gawking momentarily before following trying to talk them out of it. Ranma followed Sakura to the exhibition ring which was apparently set up for a few matches between martial artists. Ranma went to one end of it while Sakura took the other.
"Are they going to spar?" A bald man in black suit asked when Ken came over to take a seat near the announcers table. However behind Ken could say anything Ranko placed her hand on Ken's arm and whispered something in his ear. Ken looked at the young red head. "You sure?" Ranko smiled and nods. "Okay, if you say so."
Ken turned back to the announcer. "Yes, my apprentice Ranko Uzumaki against Ryu's apprentice Sakura Kasugano." Ken said smiling proudly. However No one saw Sayuri nor did they see the look in Sayuri's mother eyes as well.
"Okay then." The announcer said turning on his microphone as a few people noticed there was going to be a match they started to gather around the ring. "We have a special treat tonight folks, the apprentice students of two legendary street fighters is going to give us an exhibition match. Ryo's apprentice Sakura Kasugano I and Ken's apprentice Ranko Uzumaki. Begin!"
Ranko took her favorite stance. It was known as "Hit I'm open" stance for a reason as it throws off her opponents. Sakura wasted no time as ran at Ranko with everything she got. This surprised Ranko as she didn't except Sakura to move so fast. The first move was a kick thrown at Ranko who blocked it with the palms of her hands.
Ranko followed this up with a spin back kick hoping to catch Sakura off guard it didn't work, as Sakura blocked the kick. However what Sakura didn't realized was that Ranma was hoping for the block as she was already on the ground and tried to sweep the teen off her feet, literally. However Sakura battle instants kicked in and jumped over the kick which left her open to Ranko's side kick.
Jumping back to get some space the two smiled at each other. Sakura had something to prove as she wanted to show everyone that she really was Ryu's apprentice. Ranma was testing herself. Sakura was trained by one if not the best of the Street Fighters. She could beat Sakura then able she'll be close to beating Genma as well. "It's been fun Red, but I'm not going to lose." Ranko smiled. This wasn't just a sparring match anymore, things just got real as Ranko notice the energy gathering around Sakura's hands.
No what the heck is she thinking? Ranko thought to herself as she turned back to look at the crowd that had gathered to watch the match. "Don't do it Sakura!" Ranko called out. She didn't have time to think. If she dodged the attack people could get hurt, if she didn't stop Sakura before she released the attack, she could get seriously hurt as well.
I hope this works. Ranko thought as she ran at Sakura; however what Ryu and Ken noticed was the growing Ki energy that was gathering around her legs. Then she lashed out with a kick. That one kick quickly turned into several kicked. Ranko didn't call out a name, though Both Ken and Ryu looked at each other.
"I don't think, Chun-Li going to like the fact that Ranko knows her move." Ryu stated. Ken shrugged her shoulder. "I never taught her that." Ken then looked at Ranko once more who was panting pretty hard. "I told you, she was a quick learner." Ken then smiled. "I haven't trained her in years but she turned out a lot better than I expected."
Back in the ring Sakura was rubbing her arms and chest. "How the hell do you know that move?" Sakura yelled out, she hated when Chun-li uses that move, although Ranko's move seems different then the Chun-lis'. "Learned it in secret while I was in China." Ranko said. The Smile never left Ranko's face though. "I think you know her." Ken slapped his forehead.
"Hey, Ranko, how many of our friends did you learn from?" The blond asked. Ranko looked at Ken while blocking a punch from Sakura and then kicked her away. "Umm, not many, I was hoping that I could learn from Master Gen, but I couldn't find him." Ranko said rubbing the back of her head, only to get it a second later by Sakura.
"Impressive." Was the only thing Ryu said as he continued to watch the fight. "Maybe I should teach her the Hadoken." Ken smiled and shook his head. "No need, I already taught her the move, however she has stated that she doesn't have enough Ki to perform the move."
"Time to end this!" Ranma said jumping into the air and coming down with a flying kick which Sakura barely dodged then executing a roundhouse kick that Sakura blocked. The two started to trade punches and kicks, both blocking the other as they refused to give ground. "Amaguriken!" Ranko yelled out, and much like the kicks, Ranko punches were fast and hard. Sakura fell down with the last punch.
"Winner! Ranko Uzumaki!" Ranko smiled. She had found out though this fight that she still needed to do a lot more training if she wanted to beat Genma though. She had won, she had beaten Sakura. She looked over at Ken as he hurried over with Ryu, a proud look in his eyes. The man who Ranma loved deeply, the man who she thought of more as a father figure than the bastard who raised her and looked up to so much was proud of her. With a smile she slipped into unconsciousness.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Ranma groaned as she sat up on the cot she was laying on in a little room that resembled a nurse's station at the school. Looking around she saw Sakura coming around next to her on another cot with relieved looks on Ken, Ryu and Sayuri's faces.
"You did great." Ken said ruffling Ranma's hair. "You really did." Sayuri beamed, "I couldn't believe how close it was though."
"I made a mistake by underestimating her." Ranma said. "You both made mistakes." Ryu said, "Sakura, it was too dangerous to use an attack like that in such a closed space with so many other people around."
"I know." Sakura said, "I'm sorry. Congratulations Ranko, I'll train and come back though and next time I'll be the winner."
"That's the spirit." Ryu said, "I'm very proud of you Sakura."
"Thanks." Sakura said smiling up at Ryu.
"Let's all go out to a karaoke bar before we have to leave in the morning." Ken said, "My treat."
"That would be great." Ranma beamed. "It would be fun." Sayuri said. "Sorry I made you miss the convention, Sayuri." Ranma said realizing how late it was getting. "Ranma, the convention will be all weekend and I expect you to come back here with me tomorrow." Sayuri said tapping her foot. "Why do you keep calling her Ranma anyway?" Ken asked. "Because that's her name." Sayuri said.
"I thought it was Ranko." Ken said looking to Ranma for answers. "I can explain." Ranma sighed. "You know who I really am Ken, I never lied to you."
"You lied to me…" Sayuri said a little hurt.
"I lied to everyone in Nerima, Sayuri." Ranma said, "It's a long story and what we talked about earlier tonight is a big part of it. I'll explain tomorrow, I promise."
"Are you in any trouble?" Ken asked cracking his knuckles. "We can call off our flight."
"Don't its nothing that I can't handle." Ranma said, "Just a minor nuisance."
"Are you sure?" Ken asked worriedly. "I'm sure; if you miss your flight tomorrow I will personally kick your asses." Ranma said cracking her own knuckles as she got out of her cot. "Okay, okay." Ken said making warding gestures with his hands as he backed away. "Here." Ryu said giving Ranma a piece of paper, "This is both Ken and my cell numbers. If you need anything at all call use and we will be on the next flight here."
"Thanks guys." Ranma sniffed, rubbing her eyes as Ken hugged her.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Ranma trudged home late that night after hanging out with the others at the karaoke bar and stopping at Sayuri's long enough to change back into her regular clothes. Sayuri had tried to get her to tell her about why the guys was calling her Ranko and treating her strangely but she managed to get Sayuri to leave it alone for now with a promise to explain everything tomorrow. While that did give her time to think of how to explain it she was worried about the other girl's reaction to it.
As much as Ranma felt betrayed by Akane's quick trip from wanting to be friends to being enemies this was a whole lot worse. She never meant to deceive Akane then but this was lies and a grand scale and she didn't want to lose what she felt was a growing friendship with Sayuri.
Everyone was asleep already when Ranma finally made it home so she decided not to wake Genma up since that often put him in a bad mood so she quietly made her way to the attic to her little hiding spot and collapsed on the blanket that was on the floor before noticing the two small packages with a card on one of them. Pulling off the card she opened it and read it.
To Ranma, I found your little hiding spot today but no one else knows about it and I plan to keep it that way. It kind of looked like these were your favorites so I got these for you today. With love your big sister, Kasumi. The card read.
Carefully putting the card with a picture of the three magic knights Ranma opened the first package and gasped when she found the box sets for both seasons of Magic Knight Rayearth. Gently placing the DVDs down she opened the other package to find the entire manga series of Magic Knight Rayearth. Kasumi was right, it was her favorite and it brought tears to her eyes thinking about how this was her first gift real gift. She had never gotten a birthday present before or Christmas presents or any other presents for anything except from Ken all those years ago.
She couldn't remember her mother but according to Genma the woman was dead which made Ranma wander on more than one occasion if Genma had anything to do with her death but then again she couldn't bring herself to believe that even Genma was that cruel.
"Ranko, my little wild child." A loving, female voice echoed through Ranma's memories but as much as she tried she couldn't remember the face. It was one of the few memories that she could recall at all and it was all the proof that she had that she was loved by her mother even if she wasn't loved by her father.
To Be Continued…
Blah, this chapter was a pain. Seriously. Not to mention the research that I had to do. Just to let you know I did change things in this chapter. Namely removing Happosai from the story. In the Original the story takes place shortly after Herbs Arc. In this version I'm going to do it a few months after the Saotomes came to Nermia.
This means that Shampoo and the other Amazons are there as well. I also removed Uyko from the chapter. She will not be in this version of the story at all, and I'll explain why a little later. Oh before I go I also changed Sakura's last name to (I believe) be her canon name.
Since Ken and Ryu made a guest appearance, I'm thinking about bring in Chun-li as well, what do you all think about that? If so what version would you like to see? I was thinking of her Interpol version but it could be an older Version, one more question.
Should I bring in Gen? Let me know okay. I like to think Raw666 for the idea of making the story take place earlier in the series were Ranma isn't insanely powerful, but still not weak either. Hope that you enjoyed this chapter.
One more Chapter to rewrite before everything goes Original. Take care all.
Kidan out!