THE FIGHT ….
"Oh hello, dear Ranma ! Glad to see you finally walk without crutches !"
The blue-eyed young woman grinned at the brunette house caretaker.
"Thank you, Kasumi ! And hello to all of you !" she replied, bowing lightly at the eldest Tendo sister, her father and…
"Ryoga ! I'm happy to catch you at last ! I've been sleeping in a lot recently, not that late, but enough to miss you most of the time in the morning … Sorry for that."
And indeed… she missed him… in all the meanings of that word.
The new cook felt pleasure fill his heart.
"Nothing to apologize about, Ranma ! You need some rest. And I'm pleased we can have breakfast together, but most of all to see you walk normally again. Your ankle is no longer sore, is it ?"
"No, it's fine again. Thank you for asking." she said as she sat at the table, next to him.
"Don't mention it." he gently said.
Kasumi proceeded to hand them over the morning food, neatly presented in small bowls, and both newly close friends helped themselves.
Soun, who had already started eating, interrupted his breakfast and cleared his throat.
"Ranma, Ryoga, I'm extremely satisfied to see you get along so nicely lately. It seemed the few years' break you got from each other was beneficial and helped you see much clearer in your lives. Realize what you had done wrong, notably your mistakes when interacting, and that you matured enough to help you decide it was time to make efforts for a better relationship between you two. And that's praiseworthy."
Ryoga rubbed the back of his head, in his typical uneasy/embarrassed gesture.
"Well… my discussions and meditation sessions, with the wise old man I stayed at, not far from Jusenkyo, were very helpful in this respect, and did help me become a better person. As for Ranma, I can tell she has also matured a lot and is now a very sweet young woman."
The latter felt a surge of happiness throughout her body, and her temperature suddenly rose. She briefly looked down, knowing what was happening to her face, but couldn't help her gaze quickly return to the one she now cared for so much.
"Thank you, Ryoga ! You've turned into a very kind and tactful man yourself, and it's a pleasure and an honour to be your close friend."
… friend…for the moment at least…
Last thought came with another hot wave on her face.
"Same for me, really !" exclaimed the once piglet-rival.
He also experienced that subtle temperature rise.
There were a few seconds of silence, Soun and Kasumi observing the pair in silence.
Damn, what do I say now ?!
Ryoga felt at a loss… but the respected owner of the Tendo dojo came to his rescue after coughing lightly.
"Hum… yes… anyway, we're all happy here to see get along as good friends. Honestly, and sorry to be so blunt, but we were getting tired of your frequent bickering and fighting. It was getting on everybody's nerves and we were wondering if you would ever make peace and drop all the fighting…"
"I understand how bothersome it was, and I apologize for being that harsh, that mean and aggressive. I can ensure you that I will never fight against Ryoga, ever !" ensured the pigtailed girl, her hands raised in a placating manner before her.
"And neither will I ! We've fought way too often, and I swear I'll never brawl against Ranma, nevermore !"
Little did they know that battling wasn't behind them just yet…
"Thanks for accompanying me to work !"
"Nah, don't mention it ! My pleasure, really ! You've been walking me back home, and on your back, so it's my turn to walk you back… to work. But I'm afraid I can't give you a piggyback ride, as for me…"
They both laughed heartily at this, as they crossed the place of the Nettohen Fountain (1) and continued in direction of next crossroad.
"You know what I will do today, but I don't know what you will do today, dear Ranma…"
He winked at her and earned an amused snort in return.
"Well, I was considering resuming my training –"
"Please don't, Ranma. Not so early. I know your ankle feels fine, but if I were you, I would wait at least another week, to give it enough "resting time", if I can say so. If you then judge that your ankle is completely healed and has got enough… rest, as I said, then yes, do resume your training."
"Words of the wise. I'll follow your advice, Ryoga. But other than that… mmmmh… let me think… oh yes, I was considering buying a new outfit. I haven't bought any clothes in quite a while and I thought it'd be a good idea to purchase some fresh stuff."
"Good idea. Do you have any idea about the garments you want ?"
They turned left and found themselves in the street of THE RED PIG.
"Well I'd like a new set of… uh… I don't know what to call them… "fighting clothes" ? … Something light, that will allow me to train without getting rapidly sweaty, but not too light that I'll catch a cold if it rains or gets a bit chilly." Then the redhead got an idea and smiled… inwardly. "But I don't know what colour I should choose. Mmmmh… which colour would you pick for an outfit, if you had to buy one ?"
"My favourite colours are blue and green (2) so I would choose one of these. I know I don't wear these, but there wasn't much choice at the shop I purchased these clothes, and they didn't have blue or green clothes, so…"
"Blue and green… ok, well noted…" Then she realized what she had just said. "I… I mean… yeah, that's a good choice of colours indeed !"
Stupidstupidstupid !
They stopped right in front of the restaurant's entrance.
"I hope you have a good day, Ryoga. Good luck with your work… but I'm sure you'll do just fine !"
"I should, yes. I'm improving quickly, Mr Takahashi and Yusaku told me, so I guess I'm in for a long time. Well, as long as I feel like working here, that is… but since the atmosphere, the people and the work conditions are really nice, I think I'll stay in here for quite some time."
Her smile widened at this.
He's happy. That's what I want. And I'll make him even happier if I can…
"Hey, why don't you drop by at lunch time, Ranma ? You could then show me your new outfit and eat here. I could even invite you, and if you actually come a bit later, at 13:30, we could have lunch together, as my break time starts then. What do you say ?"
Have lunch with him… what a gift !
"With the greatest pleasure… but only if you let me invite you ! You already invited me, on the piggyback day, so today will be my treat !"
"But you'll already purchase new garments, so that will cost you. A restaurant would make it too expensive for you in just one day…"
Ah crap, he's right ! I had forgotten that point…
"Ok, you can invite me, Ryoga. But next time will definitely be mine, okidoki ?"
He couldn't repress his laugh in return…
Of course, the outfit Ranma had in her big shopping bag was blue… but also green ! She had been looking for an ensemble that corresponded to her criteria – light clothes, but not too light nonetheless – and that had both Ryoga's colours ! She wanted to wear something that reminded her of him, and that he would visually enjoy, and there she had it !
Needless to say she was pretty pleased with herself as she walked in the busy streets, and already eager to reach the particularly sweet time of 13:30…
"Hello, Ranma-honey !" a soft voice called from the right.
Sure enough, there stood Ukyo, a bag of groceries in her left hand.
"Oh, hey, Ucchan ! Nice to see you ! How have you been doing ?"
"Really good, actually ! My diner has been fairing pretty well and is quite successful. Oh, and by the way : when are you returning to serve my customers ? They all were under the spell when you helped me there…"
The Saotome heir couldn't help chuckling at that.
"Ah, you're referring to the short period I attended your clients, in the Gambling King issue, right ? Well, sorry but I didn't feel too comfortable wearing a kimono, so…"
"Ah ah, right, Ranma-honey. What about you ? How have you been doing ?"
"Just fine, really. Hum, actually… I did get an injury lately, and had to use crutches, but it's all fine now."
"Oh, my poor darling…!"
The okonomiyaki cook then proposed to invite her red-haired friend – and unofficial fiancé… - to her restaurant, but was answered that this alas was not possible that day (without indicating clearly the reason and the person involved).
"Oh, by the way, Ranma : will you take part in that martial arts tournament, in three weeks or so ?"
Blinking eyes opposite made her guess that the redhead wasn't aware of the whole thing.
"There are posters all across the town. They've been put up last week, I think. It's about a tournament of martial arts that will be organized in that ring they built in the suburb, years and years ago, and it will take place around the end of the month. I intend to take part and have started training in the evenings, after closing the restaurant. And you ? Will you also compete, do you think ?"
Ranma gave it a thought.
Ryoga had advised her to wait one more week, which would leave her about two weeks to train harder and get fully ready for the grand event. She could actually resume before one week, in a few days from now, telling Ryoga that she felt really fine and didn't need a full week of waiting.
Yup, that sounds feasible.
"I guess so. I'll share the news at home, and probably Akane will be interested. Not sure about my father and Soun – Akane's father, you know – but they might take part as well."
Yet there was someone else she would first tell about it… before all others.
"Thanks a lot, Ryoga ! That was… delicious, once again !"
"Eh eh, my pleasure. I'm glad that you appreciated it. Once again, Yusaku had to prepare another dish, so it was me to cook yours. All Ryoga-made. And pleased to know you liked it that much."
She made a happy face, briefly closing her eyes, then remembered something.
"Tell me, I met Ukyo earlier and she told me about a martial arts tournament, in about three weeks. And I'm willing to take part. What about you ? We could both compete. And also Akane and our fathers. What do you think ?"
"Well… if you deem your ankle fully healed, you could go for it, yes. As for me… yes, why not, I guess. It would be nice to do it together."
"And we could start training together for this… at the weekend, since you'll be working all days."
But Ryoga brushed it off.
"We can train after I've finished my work !"
"But you'll be tired and –"
"Naaaaah, I'll manage, mind you !"
Ranma bit her lip.
"Are you sure ?"
He simply nodded.
"Ok then. But if you feel too tired…"
"…we'll call it a day and go home to get some rest."
It was her turn to nod.
The pair then regularly practiced together : in the evenings in the Tendo garden, at weekends in Ranma's usual training place, the wasteland.
But although they both put a lot of energy in it, they still were careful not to go all out and use their full power, for fear of injuring each other.
And after all, people can practice a physical activity with intensity without for all that risking to hurt others around… or themselves, right ?
They enjoyed every minute of it and felt content to find themselves together so often. It was for a serious matter and not for something more pleasant and relaxing, granted, but it was still time together and therefore pleasurable to a good extent.
Ranma was glad that she could resume her training after that forced break, and even more to do so in the company of the sweet young man that Ryoga had become, who was so considerate now that he regularly asked her how she was, how her ankle felt, if everything was alright and such. He wasn't exactly concerned, no, but still cared a lot for her and wanted to make sure that she was fine… at any time.
They had switched from rivals (enemies might appear a tad exaggerated, even if Ryoga did hate Ranma –male Ranma – at some point…) to neutral acquaintances, then this to friends, from friends to good friends, and quickly enough from good friends to close friends.
Where would this relational improvement stop ?
And why would it stop anyway…?
Both had been spending a great amount of time together, and if it wasn't for Ryoga's work, they might spend even more…
Their sparring-partner time was fruitful and each made the most of it, to the point that…
"I think… I've never trained… so hard… and so well… up to now… even with Pop !" panted the blue-eyed female after a particularly intense session.
"Same here… it was… pretty hectic… and very stimulating… Would you say… that we're… ready for… the tournament ?"
"Dunno… but we might… well be… I'm convinced… we've given our best…"
Akane had joined them on several occasions, when they were training in the garden, but didn't accompany them to the wasteland at the weekend, leaving them one-to-one time practice.
And therefore… more time together.
Soun and Genma had decided to compete as well, after a good deal of hesitation – they dreaded some serious injuries, which, at their age, wouldn't be too good. It was bad enough when you got them as a teenager or young adult, so at the age of 40 or 50….
The grand day finally came.
For the special occasion, the Saotome heir had decided to wear her new outfit, whose green and blue colours attracted her the praise of a certain new cook… which naturally made her heart "jump with joy" in her chest !
The venue was an outer ring at the outskirts of the city, which had been built many years ago for a similar martial arts tournament, back in the 70's if memory served.
There was a total of 64 contestants, that included Tendo's, Saotome's, as well as Ranma's and Akane's usual suitors (which represented a total of 10 people), plus many other combatants from various dojos and fighting clubs. Most of them were pretty good yet they weren't as skilled and powerful as the 10 mentioned first, people we all know so well and have seen battle so many times… right, dear readers ?
The order of the fights, and the combinations of combatants (who against who), were decided by a random draw, and this at each step of the tournament.
By some interesting coincidence, the 10 most skilledcontestants each ended up against less-known folks, for the first stage of the event. The result was foreseeable though : the better-trained ones easily won and got to the next stage.
After another random draw among the 32 competitors, Ranma ended up against Kodachi and Ryoga against Mousse. The 8 others of the "10 best" got common people who trained in various fighting clubs.
Over the course of time, the crazy siblings - Kodachi and Kuno – had finally found out that the black-haired pigtailed boy and the red-haired pigtailed girl were one and the same person, seeing him/her transform before their very eyes, and this has left them in unspeakable bemusement, because… what ?! … the one they were smitten with and the one they strongly disliked – which were of opposite genders for each of the siblings – happened to be… the same person ?! One body but two genders ?!
Kodachi and Kuno had questioned Ranma about it, learned about the Jusenkyo springs and related curses, but were still perplexed about it all… and mostly at a loss regarding the feelings they were to keep in the end with respect to Ranma : love… or animus ?
Kuno had opted for the second one (after all, there wasn't only female Ranma in his heart… but also Akane, which made Ranma kinda optional), while Kodachi for the first one (she had forgiven the red-haired girl after understanding that it was her beloved "in disguise", and actually felt flattered that she had been beaten by the very boy she loved, during that gym tournament, years ago…).
And because of those tender feelings of Kodachi's, she wasn't pleased to be forced to battle against Ranma.
"Ranma-sama, I don't want to be your adversary and hurt you. Do you think we could ask the judges for another draw for us two ? So that we don't have to fight against each other ?"
"I'm afraid not. Don't you remember what the speaker announced at the beginning of the tournament ? "You might be led to fight against your friends or relatives." Well that's what it will be here. We don't have the choice !"
"But what if I forfeit ?" insisted the "Black Rose".
The redhead goggled.
"You're not serious, Kodachi ?!"
"I refuse to battle against you !"
"Come on, Kodachi ! Imagine I'm that red-haired pest from the gymnastics contest, whom you will teach a lesson ! I'm making fun of you and need to be put in my place !"
"But –"
"Don't hesitate ! Teach me my lesson !"
The "Black Rose" reluctantly started her offensive moves, but they lacked conviction… so Ranma had no choice but use a tactic she didn't like : openly mock her opponent, make derogatory comments, at the limit of sarcasm. Which had the desired effect : Kuno's sister got angry, mostly because those sharp words originated from the person she was infatuated with… and while she kinda understood why Ranma was acting that way, she still didn't accept it and reacted harshly !
At some point, the infuriated gymnast lunged at the redhead, who was standing near the edge of the ring… and moved aside at the very last second and, putting her hand on the ground, had both her legs whirl around, with the left one colliding with Kodachi's back… and pushing her out of the ring !
"Why were you that mean to me, Ranma-sama ?! I've always been nice to you !"
The addressee felt a wave of shame wash over her.
"Kodachi… I needed you to fight me seriously and… since you weren't giving your best, I thought… I thought I would behave in a way that would make you battle for good. I didn't intend to be mean, I actually didn't think any of the things I said, it was just… just a tactical move to get you fully involved in the challenge ! But I swear I didn't mean any of my words ! I respect you !"
The black-haired gymnast started to cry silently… and ended up replying : "I understand… but still…"
And she turned away, still sobbing, and soon disappeared around a nearby corner, with Ranma calling out her name.
Oh no… what did I do… I didn't expect her to take it that bad… I thought she was tougher, but…
She had never felt sorry for that proud girl, who used to cheat in order to win… but now, she somehow did…
Ryoga noticed Ranma's change of mood, as the redhead walked away with her gaze to the ground, and he swiftly got to her, putting his hand on her shoulder.
She raised her head, and in her blue eyes, there was a tinge a disappointment.
"Hey, everything ok ? What happened ?"
"I…I think I went a bit far to motivate Kodachi to fight me… she didn't want to, at first, and I insisted she did… but she didn't fight with enough conviction, like she was afraid of hurting me or reluctant at making me lose, I don't know… so I talked to her in a more aggressive manner, to have her give her best against me, fight with all her power… that worked, but she ended up very upset and sad. I've never really liked Kodachi, but her reaction still moved me to some extent. I feel bad, Ryoga…"
He pondered the whole thing for a moment.
"Perhaps you went a bit far…" he eventually conceded "…but remember that she has been manipulative in the past, and that her proud and somewhat scornful nature doesn't make her sympathetic at all. Remembering this might help making you feel better."
He smiled at her in a comforting way.
"Thanks, Ryoga…" she replied, with a smile of her own, showing her gratitude.
They looked at each other for a few more seconds, Ranma feeling gradually better, feeling helped and cared for… and that's when Ryoga was called for the next face-to-face.
He was forced to deal with Mousse's countless traps, deftly avoiding them and retaliating at the best of his abilities. And, truth to be told, he was doing a pretty good job, but the visually-impaired dude was pretty good at blocking or avoiding the attacks…
Yet the former Lost Boy had luck on his side : one of the assault devices Mousse threw at him, and that Ryoga kicked away, flew back to the assailant in a curved movement… and crashed into the boy's face, smashing his glasses to pieces !
"AAAAH ! MY… MY GLASSES !" he bellowed, raising his hands to his destroyed spectacles.
But he couldn't utter anything further, as he was cast harshly backwards by the punch that the "Bandana Boy" delivered into his tummy.
Holding his abdomen, his vision divided in at least eight parts for each spectacle, feeling humiliated, Mousse left "through the back door", as they say.
16 contestants remained, then eight, with 6 out of the 10 best remaining, after Kuno's defeat against a skilled competitor and Soun's victory against… none other than his shogi partner ! Genma wasn't too affected by that though, he rather felt happy for his dear friend… and anyway, he knew that he wouldn't make it to the final rounds, so it came as no real surprise.
In the next session of fights, almost all the less-skilled less-known contestants lost, as well as Soun, Akane and Ukyo, the first two against strangers, and the "spatula master" against… Shampoo, who appeared determined to make it to the final.
And then were the four ones who would be taking part in the semi-finals, and therefore the last two before the decisive match, that would offer one of that foursome the title of champion, probably with a gold cup or a medal, possibly with cash as well.
That foursome consisted of Atto (a pretty violent fighter that didn't spare disdainful comments when he defeated his adversaries), Shampoo, Ryoga and Ranma.
The last random draw of the tournament – as there wouldn't evidently be any for the final – opposed Ryoga to Shampoo and Ranma to Atto.
The match between the Wanderer (3) and the Chinese Amazon was extremely intense, and the purple-haired didn't spare her energy to try to get rid her opponent. It was clear she wanted to be one of the two privileged ones that would face each other in the ultimate battle of that hectic day. The rules of the tournament proscribing weapons – it was strictly hand-to-hand challenge – the most persistent suitor of male Ranma hadn't brought her usual chui with her, for a change, or also her long sabre for that matter : arms, legs and agility were her only assets this time, but boy, did she use them efficiently !
Ranma watched their confrontation with unusual focus, her body tensed, as she was dearly hoping for the victory of her now close friend. He had to face so many defeats in his life, not only from a battling perspective but also from a personal, affective one, that one could have called him a loser, a living hoodoo… So rare were the times that he got the upper hand in a given situation, that his fate took a positive turn… She knew this and wanted this to end, hence was she inwardly crossing her fingers for his victory.
More than ever, she wanted his happiness, and was determined to play an active part in it.
The fight lasted, lasted… Ryoga took some pretty bad blows yet he held on… and his endurance paid off : as he fell and hit the ring floor at some point, he very swiftly threw one leg around and properly swept Shampoo off her feet, then threw the other leg in her direction and bumped her off the ring.
"You very lucky, Ryoga. I should be winner. And if we fight again one day, I win !" the Cat Café joint owner half-screamed at him.
He received the exact opposite kind of "speech" from the red-haired girl : "Congratulations, Ryoga ! You made it ! I'm proud of you, really !"
The others – Akane first, but also Ukyo, Genma and Soun – also felicitated him, with the Tendo daughter marvelling at how harmonious and positive the relationship of the former rivals had evolved in a few years' time.
"And if you also win, Ranma… we'll be together in final !" the latest winner exclaimed, visibly enthusiastic about it.
She nodded, regaining seriousness.
Since she had realized both could be finalists (after the random draw for the semi-finals), she had imagined that they could end up face to face.
And she wanted it… and at the same time didn't want it ! Because she wanted to be with him but didn't want to hurt him… or simply make him lose ! She was caught in between feelings.
Precisely at that moment was Ranma's name called for the second semi-final.
Ryoga looked straight in her blue eyes, put his hand on her shoulder, gently squeezed it and merely said : "Win, Ranma."
She could tell he also wanted to be with her… in final.
And, looking back into his dark brown eyes, she nodded… and the corner of her mouth arched up.
Atto had already proved an horrible adversary, extremely violent and spitting out way spiteful remarks at his opponents, but the pigtailed young woman, who had already understood what kind of despicable scum he was while she watched his previous battles, had toughened her heart and mind, protecting them with a mental shell that made her appear cold and merciless, and she fought that battle with unusual energy, enraged to avenge those who had not only got beaten but also publicly despised by Atto !
This resulted in an impressive display of energy, with the blue-green clad teen letting out cries of rage as she launched her attacks at the miserable being opposite her.
Her wrath might have made her lose her focus and her precision, but by some of those unsuspected twists of fate, it turned out that, on the contrary, the fury that drove her onslaught kind of helped her to aim in the most accurate manner.
Being opposed to such a ferocious adversary – and all the more a young girl ! – made Atto lose his usual proud and disdainful demeanor, forced him to parry the numerous incoming blows and didn't leave him much time to retaliate.
Infuriated at his powerlessness against a "simple girl", the brute finally lost the little composure he had and charged at her with a deafening yell.
Ranma, who was near the edge of the ring, waited until the last seconds… and nimbly jumped right before he cast his huge fist at her.
As she was above him, she kicked his big head with as much strength as she could muster, and in the direction of the grassy pit located all around the ring.
Since he was just by the edge, and that the hit was pretty violent, he couldn't regain his compromised balance, and therefore…
"LITTLE B*TCH !" he screamed, as he got back up from the pit. "You win this time, consider yourself very lucky, but next time, I'll beat the crap outta you !"
Considering any word as a waste of time and saliva, she merely smirked and shrugged, before sitting crisscross applesauce on the ring, knowing that leaving the place would be superfluous, as the final fight of the day was about to begin at this same spot.
But a certain bandana-wearing boy got incensed at the first two words Atto had just spat at Ranma, very incensed.
As the brute turned around to leave the battlefield, a finger hit him right in the middle of his eyes… and sent him flying away, with an ending crash into a nearby rock. The technique Cologne had taught him once, in those woods, with the huge boulder looming over him, had once again proved decisive !
"That's what you get for insulting one of my dearest friends !" Ryoga screamed in the direction of Atto's fall… but the despicable creature over there couldn't hear it, being knocked out from the impact.
Ranma felt a wave of happiness, gratitude and even pride in her whole body.
He defended me ! He defended my honour ! Ryoga… you are… a wonderful man. And I fully realize how much I need you.
Then the loudspeakers got back in action :
"And now our grand finale…"
She closed her eyes and breathed deeper…
"… the ultimate face-to-face…"
…slower…
"… Ladies and Gentlemen…"
…focusing…
"… let's applause Ranma and…"
…getting ready for her time alone with…
"…Ryogaaaaa !"
The red-haired female opened her eyes when she heard the beloved name, just in time to see him hop on the ring and swiftly walk to her.
Smiling, she uncrossed her legs and put a hand on the ring floor, in order to get up.
But before she actually could…
"Here, I'll help you up. Take my hands, Ranma."
Needless repeat that : she slid her smaller hands into his bigger ones and he delicately pulled her up.
Instead of a quick movement, it was on the contrary just like in slow motion, as if both took all their time to respectively pull and push the body up.
As if they wanted this brief moment to last longer than it was supposed to.
And during these long, long seconds, her blue never left his dark brown, their gazes locked as their mouths were bent upward.
Once both were standing face to face, he kept her hands inside of his for a few more minutes, time for him to say : "I'm happy…" and for her to reply "So am I…" .
At last, they parted and left some distance between them… but not that much : they wanted to remain close to each other…
She bowed to him, he reciprocated.
"I hope you'll win" Ranma said in a discreet voice.
"I hope you will" Ryoga replied just as discreetly.
And with that, they started the final showdown.
They didn't attack straight away, as they did with the other challengers, but took some time to decide what they would do… and how they would do it. Both had the same idea, as you'll see.
After a while of observation and thought, they launched at each other and started attacking, parrying, avoiding, countering, retaliating, retreating and returning to the close combat.
But although they seemed determined, something was still off.
"They're not fighting at their best level, are they ?" asked Akane, looking at her father.
"Mmmmmh… you're right. They are fighting, no doubt about that, but as I watch their movements… yes, it's clear that they're not giving all they have. Their blows are not powerful enough, their movements are not quick enough… as if they were unsure of themselves. Or didn't want to hurt the other. Maybe they'll take it up a notch, we'll see."
"I think you're right. They could do better, I'm sure !" added Ukyo.
"They can do more, they not fight seriously. I hope they do, after, and that Ranma win !" concluded Shampoo.
Back on the ring, each of the two finalists had also realized that the other wasn't giving it all and was somehow battling under her/his capacities.
The redhead leaped forward and grabbed Ryoga by the front of his tunic (but not violently though), casting him a serious look.
"Please stop holding back, Ryoga ! I can tell you're not putting all your power and speed in your attacks. You must give all you have. Please !"
He smirked, but not in a mocking manner : there was some kindness in that smirk.
"I can tell you're also holding back, Ranma. Why don't you go all out ?"
"Because I want you to win. And you also do it for the same reason, right ?"
"Ranma ! Don't do that ! That's kind of you to wish for my victory, but not like that !"
"You haven't answered me : you're also holding back for that reason, aren't you ?"
By way of answer, he nodded, then took her hands off his tunic and jumped backwards.
The Wanderer attacked with his legs, she parried with hers, before dropping to the ground and trying to mow him down. But he noticed that her movements did lack their usual speed : Ranma was a rapid fighter and moved quicker than she was now…
He easily avoided the circular movement of her leg.
It's as if she went slower to allow me to avoid her attacks. In fact, that's probably what she is doing !
But his own technics were used in a somewhat toned-down way, which proved that he also was playing that "game", and subtly trying to avoid hurting her and thus favouring her. That could be seen in the series of punches he was delivering right now : they weren't as powerful nor as fast as they should be, and used to be, when he seriously fought male Ranma.
The audience realized that the battle wasn't as great as they thought it would be – most of the spectators had no idea that both final competitors were actually holding back, for the other to win – and, feeling frustrated about this kind of deceit (after the pretty intense fights they had watched), they started booing the tandem on the ring.
The latter turned their heads all around them, slightly surprised at the sudden outburst… but only slightly, as they did have an inkling of the cause of the general discontentment.
"Ranma, we'll have to fight for good ! People are getting hostile, and I understand them : they were expecting a breathtaking match and we're under our real level… No wonder they are upset ! We can't let this last : let's fight seriously !"
His pigtailed opponent was silent for a moment, and Ryoga dreaded she might refuse, but…
"Okay then. But I hope I won't hurt you."
"And me, you. But I'm sure we'll be alright."
During the next 12 minutes or so, they offered the audience a much better show, one worthy of their wait and hopes, and the booing switched to a cheering. Finally those two over there were going all out !
Well, as a matter of fact… they weren't giving all they had, as their attacks still weren't on their usual level, but they were close enough, and this time it wasn't easy to notice that the two adversaries were still reining back a bit their strength and speed, and the accuracy of their blows.
The battle continued and continued, lasted on and on… 15 minutes… 20 minutes.. 25 minutes… until…
"Aaaah !"
Ranma had forced Ryoga to move backwards, after she delivered a slightly more powerful punch (but still less powerful than the ones her male counterpart usually threw at him, in the past…), and he found himself putting a foot over the edge of the ring, half on the floor and half in the air !
He was losing his balance and started to fall backwards…
… but having noticed that he was going to leave the ring if he stepped backwards, Ranma had anticipated what was happening and rushed forward…
…to catch the front of his tunic with both hands !
She would have preferred to grab his hands, but they were too far apart on each side for her to catch, so she had been forced to go for his clothes.
The petite woman and the slightly taller man were motionless in an acrobatic posture, him tilted to the back, about to crash in the grassy pit, and her holding him back in place, her body leaning backwards, in the opposite direction, to counter the gravity at the other end, gravity that threatened to make the Lost Boy fall at any time.
"No, Ranma, don't try to save me. I was falling and therefore about to lose, and that's part of the game. You mustn't save your adversary."
"But you're much more than an adversary in a battle, Ryoga. You're… you… mean much more to me…"
He smiled gently.
"I know. And you also do, to me. You're so much more important to me than a mere opponent in a martial art competition. But if I have to lose, then so be it. Don't be disappointed and let me go."
She felt a bit of wetness at the corner of her eyes.
"I don't want you to lose…"
"And same for me, since I want you to win, Ranma. I'm happy that you're the winner."
"I don't want you to lose, Ryoga…" she insisted, feeling the wetness slowly flow down her cheeks.
"Don't cry, my dear Ranma. You're so much more beautiful when you smile, that it breaks my heart to see you cry. Please don't. Be happy for your victory, and for making me happy that way. It's just a fight, after all, not that important. Let me go. Please."
No answer.
"Do it for me…" he said, as his final and best argument to convince her.
The blue eyes briefly widened when she heard that.
Yes, she wanted to do something for him, if she could. That meant his defeat, true, but he seemed fine with that, and wanted her to win… and he had said that it would make him happy to see her win.
And hadn't she thought several times already that she wanted above all to make him… happy ?
She remembered that.
And then she knew.
Yes, I want to make you feel as good as possible. And if my victory makes you feel that good, then it's what matters the most. Your happiness, not your defeat : that's what counts.
She managed to smile through her tears…
…and slowly opened her hands.
Very slowly.
She let him go.
Just as he had asked to.
He landed on the grass, knowing he had lost… and yet beaming as if he had won !
And in a way, he had won, yes.
They both had won, somehow.
"And our grand winner is… Ranma Saotome !" announced an exuberant speaker, with the audience roaring their enthusiasm.
After drying her tears, the green-clad female hopped off the ring, landing in front of her challenger and, most of all, (very) close friend, and extended her hand out to him.
He delicately grabbed her soft hand and let her pull him back up.
"Congratulations, my dear Ranma ! You deserved it !"
"Thank you very much, my dear Ryoga. But you also would have deserved it !" she countered.
They smiled at each other, blue getting lost in the dark brown, dark brown into the blue.
Ranma had realized her change of feelings many days ago, but as for Ryoga, he wasn't too sure about the evolution of his feelings, wondering if this was still friendship or… slightly more, like a tender friendship, maybe ?
But at this very moment, during these seconds he stared at her, he finally understood that it had changed. He wasn't sure if it was a tender friendship or… more. But he knew that they both had left the well-known territory of plain friendship.
The moment didn't last long, only a bunch of seconds, yes… but which were essential.
They parted and returned together to their group of friends, all cheering for them and congratulating Ranma.
There was only Akane who wondered about their long stare, and also about the moment they spent motionless, with her trying to avoid his fall. They had been talking at that time, but she couldn't hear what they were saying. That moment had lasted more than it should have… and then there was that long stare at each other. And… she was pretty sure she had seen them smile.
But dear friends did smile at each other, didn't they….?
Ranma received her trophy, a golden cup, and was asked to say a few words about her victory.
"Thank you all for cheering me, congratulating me, supporting me ! It goes straight to my heart. I'm happy and proud to have won, but…"
Her blue gaze shifted to a certain young man, smiling once again at her, in the group of her friends.
"…but I think that Ryoga did as well as me, if not better ! His defeat is due to a stroke of bad luck, as he didn't see he was walking off the ring… pure chance and nothing else. He could have won as well, he has the potential for that, and I wish he had won that tournament, to be honest. He is an outstanding fighter, an outstanding person, an outstanding friend…"
…an outstanding boyfriend, I'm sure…
"…and, if you don't mind, I want to dedicate my victory to him. Or even share my prize with him. He really deserves it !" she said with a look all around her.
There was a short silence… then a thunderous applause filled with enthusiastic cries broke out !
As the noise lasted on, the red-haired vanquisher turned her beautiful eyes back at her adorable opponent… and saw him wipe out his own tears, after being so moved by her gesture of generosity and kindness.
When the loudness of it all receded, the speaker thanked Ranma for her noble act and once again declared her winner of the tournament.
People started leaving the place, some of them still sending bravo's to the pigtailed victor of the event.
Our heroine was caught between two feelings : part of her was still a tad sad that her dearest friend hadn't won, but most of her felt happy from seeing him very content of her victory. She was glad he felt so good, and it's what mattered in the end.
But Ranma had won more than a cup, more than a tournament, on that day. She had conquered something much more important, much more precious, much more vital.
She had won… a heart, and the feelings that came with it…
Author's notes :
(1) Nettohen Fountain : another wink of mine, but to the anime, this time. I don't remember if RANMA NETTOHEN exists in the manga, so in case you remember… I'm pricking up my ears ! ^^
(2) blue and green colours as Ryoga's fav's : these are actually my fav' colours. I thought I'd drop a lil' personal info in there for once. I also love purple, so I'm a "cold colours" dude, eh eh ! And what are YOUR fav' colours, guys ? ;P
(3) Ryoga, the Wanderer : I felt like changing nickname after using "the Lost Boy" quite a few times, and since Ryoga has been the character wandering the most in the anime…
My my my ! Over 7'000 words, really ?! Ouch ! ^^' One of my former professor of French and History called it the "Russian writer syndrome", probably because Russian writers have a tendency to craft… a tremendous lot ! (I dunno, never read any Russian novel… but I heard that WAR AND PEACE, by Tolstoï, is ginormous…)
Anyway, that was it. The title of the chapter, THE FIGHT, was a little trick of mine : I wanted people to think that it referred to a heated argument between people, and why not between… Ranma and Ryoga, since this story is about them ? I wanted you to wonder what they would be fighting about, and how it would end… while it was actually a totally different type of fight, eh eh !
I didn't detail the other fights, granting more time for the RvR final… and fortunately so, otherwise this chapter would have been… yeah, as I said above, ginormous !
Hey, I advise you to read another RxR story : A LADY'S QUEST, by rankoinazuma93. It's a pretty cool story about Ranma losing her masculinity and considering herself a lady (with all the good manners that this term implies), and having to travel to a certain temple in order to have her problem solved. And guess who will be her "guardian angel" along the way ? ;) Anyway, go read it if you can/want, it's a very nice one as well.
Oh, and if some of you guys like electro-pop music, with a dash of club and house in it, go listen to SG Lewis. Just discovered this guy like 2 weeks ago or so, and several of his songs are really really cool ! Enjoy !
Well, that's about it. You take care, Folxxxx ! Be as happy as you possibly can, and thanxxxx beforehand for the reviews, comments/suggestions and so on ! Your support is an invaluable motivation to continue, so gratitude galore to you !
^ LEO ^