Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I do not claim any rights to any of the characters or concepts created or owned by Viz Video or Rumiko Takahashi. This is just the work of one fan to the others. The only characters or concepts that i claim are the ones I created or introduced. That said, I bring you:
Broken Mirrors.
Friday, June 19th, 8:00 AM. The Saotome Dojo
Ranma sat in full formal wear, kimono and hakama, while he watched the younger students who were working on achieving their belts that day. He looked on, keeping that impassive image that was expected of him as they worked through the ranks, never wavering as he answered each polite question or request that was passed along to him. Standing to the side, looking very much like a proud father, was Ryoga, returned from taking care of his sick family. Ranma could understand well the sense of pride and accomplishment that the man felt even if he himself could not show it. There were times he did envy his sister, and the freedom of expression that she had. He did not envy her the challenges that she had faced in the life she had lived before, and he considered the freedoms she held now a beginning to making things right, considering how she was treated before.
He draws his attention back to the present as they continue to progress through the ranks, watching as each young man or woman passes the trial and is handed the new belt that their hard work had earned them.
At a subtle prompt from Master Kase, Ranma fixes his attention on the woman walking confidently up to the mat, a momentary surprise showing on his usually stoic features. He was unaware that she was studying here, an oversight that he would make sure would not happen again. Yes, it might be the first time that he had met her in person, but he knew this woman well through his sister. Akane Tendo, the therapist who had made such a massive impact in his sister's life, was now assuming her place before them and bowing formally before she began to run through one of the most perfect examples of his family's Art he had seen. Grace, speed, power and precision, all traits that exemplified every aspect of what the Art should be. He quickly schools his face back into an impassive mask, ignoring the pointed look that Master Kase was throwing his way.
"Impressive, isn't she? I was not sure what to expect, seeing as she studies that sister art to your families own style." Master Kase says, watching the minute traces of reaction that Ranma gives off. He chuckles "Yes, yours is not the only Anything Goes style, it would seem. The two schools separated many years ago for reasons that are unknown, since both of the masters who were present for the split are no longer with us. It's a shame, I would love to know what caused the schools to part. A lovely young woman with so much talent! Perhaps you should get to know her better, Master Saotome?" He says with a wink.
"Actually, she is the therapist of my sister, Master Kase. I have heard much about her, and she matches the description exactly. And yes, I think I will have to get to know her better, but not in the way you're implying, Master Kase." He says in an aside, never letting his gaze drift from the intense, focused young woman. When Akane finishes her trial and bows, Ranma rises slowly to his feet and steps forward, taking the belt from the instructor who was preparing to present it to her. At the startled, questioning look Akane gives him he just chuckles a bit. "I thought it appropriate that I show my families appreciation for all the hard work you have done, and present this token of your accomplishments to you myself." He places the belt into her hand. "I, Ranam Saotome, heir to the Saotome Style of Anything Goes acknowledge your accomplishments. I hope that you will continue your studies, and your hard work." He bows formally to her, clearly showing his respect to her.
She hesitates the briefest of moments, taking the offered belt and returning the bow. "You honor me too much, Master Saotome. I am grateful for this chance to better perfect my Art, and to add to the furthering of both schools." She bows again, her eyes giving him a questioning look for a moment before she once again takes her place while the other students finish their own trials.
Ranma motions Ryoga nearer, and says to him softly when he leans down "When we have finished the assessments, can you possibly see if ms. Tendo would be interested in meeting me for tea in the private dojo, Master Hibiki?"
Ryoga nods and bows respectfully to his friend and master. "Of course, Saotome-san. I would be honored." He says before moving back to his place until the trials are done.
As the ceremony ends, Ranma retreats to the privacy of his family's dojo, a tea service waiting for his arrival. It's only a few short minutes later that Akane is escorted in, the apprentice that brings her in bowing before vanishing. Akane smiles shyly at him before bowing. "You honor me with your invitation, Master Saotome. How may this student be of service?"
He chuckles softly, and motions for her to sit. "Tea?" He asks, not yet broaching the reason for his request. He starts to prepare the tea himself, moving with surprising grace for someone in his condition, gently placing the tea for her and himself.
"Thank you, Master." She says as she takes it, holding it in her hands for a long moment before taking a sip as is expected of her. "Pardon my question, Master, but...Why?" She motions to the private setting they are in.
Ranma smirks softly. "Master Kase made a point of inviting me, and pointing you out to me. I would be careful, he has long been attempting to play the matchmaker." He confides honestly, watching her reaction through the impenetrable stone mask of his formality.
Akane flushes nervously, fidgeting with her tea. "As...Honored as I am, Master. I am afraid I would have to refuse the attention." She says, looking like she is getting ready to rise.
Ranma motions for her to remain sitting, letting that stony mask slip a bit, an honest smile appearing for a moment. "I never said I would offer such attention, Ms. Tendo. I am curious though, why you would so quickly refuse? Is there perhaps another you are interested in, then?" he pries gently, sipping at his own tea.
The blush that suffuses her cheeks and neck speaks volumes. "I..have never been interested in men, Master. I know that it is more acceptable now, but it is...still hard to speak of at times." She says, a bit taken back by her own honesty and forthcoming.
Ranma nods, shifting just a bit. "It is, we are no longer in the same world that we lived in when we were younger. It's a more open world now, even if some do not adjust well. But you still did not answer my question." He waves it off, shaking his head. "Forgive the prying of a brother who only wishes the best for his sister." At the sudden, stunned look that passes over Akane's face he brushes it aside with a casual motion of his hand, dropping just a bit of the formality that seems to lie over him like a heavy coat at all times. "She speaks very fondly of you. You have made an impact with her, and shown her that her life, while changed, still has value, still has meaning. That even if one Art is lost to her, she can still put that amazing passion, that overwhelming talent to use." He bows formally to her, not just the usual show of respect but one of true gratitude. "You will forever have the favor of the Saotome." He speaks with assurance. "And if you are ever in need of it, you have my ear as you do my sisters."
Akane sits for a time in stunned silence, then deeply bows in return to the heir to the Saotome school. "You honor me, Master Saotome. And, your sister is a joy to work with. Nothing gives a therapist like myself more joy than seeing a person return to who they were meant to be before a tragedy set them off course." She smiles that soft smile of hers. "Forgive me, but I would never have expected this from you. You and your sister are much more alike than most would think, I would say." She says, quirking her brow at the little jolt that seems to pass through him. A curious reaction, but understandable with the imposing image he carries at all times.
He chuckles and smiles at her. "We will have to do this again. I do enjoy your company, Ms. Tendo, especially since we both understand where each of us lies." He gives her a long, scrutinizing look and nods once to himself. "And you have my blessings." He says simply, watching her as he makes up his mind, wondering how his dear sister will handle this.
"I would like that, Master Saotome." Akane says, smiling once more, and seeming to relax a bit. "And thank you, for accepting me as I am." She starts to take a sip of her tea, pausing at his next words and casting him a curious look. "Your blessing, Master Saotome?" She says curiously.
He smiles a mysterious smile. "I am sure that you will understand, in time. And when you do, perhaps we will start to call each other by names, and not titles." He says in a way that is more a statement and less of a question. "As enjoyable as this has been, I am afraid that I must depart. I have other duties I must attend to to prepare for this weekend."
Still puzzled, Akane rises and bows deeply. "Thank you for your time, and the tea. I will….Think on your words." She says, smiling at him briefly before departing.
He waits for a bit, gathering his thoughts and then rising himself, finding Shiro waiting just outside of the private dojo proper. "Time waits for no man, to my next appointment, Shiro."
His ever faithful retainer nods and takes him about the rest of his day.
He sends one message that night, to Mrs. Nabiki Watanabe that says simply. "The wheels to fate turn ever onward. Perhaps it is time to take a spin of our own, as well. Thank you for your encouragement, Nabiki."
The only response he gets at that time is "Good luck."
Saturday, June 20th, 4:55 PM, the Kunoji Residence.
No matter how composed Ranma appeared, inside he was anxious. In the years since the accident, he had never been on any sort of outing that was anything more than what was required by duty or responsibility. Never something that was done for purely personal reasons, and he had to admit that he was thoroughly out of his element. He did his best to not watch the door, while he did, in fact, do just that.
He stilled his tapping fingers again, taking the chance to straighten out his formal kimono once more. Going to the theater, it just seemed the most appropriate thing to do instead of wearing one of the finely tailored suits that was his normal formal wear. Motion from the door catches his attention, and for a long moment he forgets entirely to breathe. Ukyo in a formal kimono is something that he will not soon forget. The color, the pattern, the perfect cut tells him one thing. That he might owe Nabiki, again.
Shiro opens the door for her, bowing respectfully and handing her into the car. She politely thanks him, settling eloquently into the seat opposite Ranma, the grip she has on her little bag giving away the nerves that she also feels.
"You look stunning, Ukyo." Ranma says into the heavy silence that has settled between them before the car begins to move.
Ukyo blushes just a bit, dropping her gaze. "Thank you, Sugar. And you look good in a kimono. It's very fitting for you." She says, looking up to meet his gaze hesitantly. The two of them look away from each other before Ranma clears his throat.
"Thank you, for coming with me. To dinner and the theater, that is." He says, his usual calm demeanor slowly fraying in her presence. He started to wonder if this was perhaps a bad idea, until he caught her looking at him, and then he smiles softly, settling back into his seat. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea.
Dinner was at a very high end, very traditional Japanese restaurant. The pair of them fit in perfectly, making the meal if anything, even more enjoyable. Perhaps the company had something to do with that, as well. They chatted quietly among themselves in the private room that had been arranged for them while the discreet employees tended to their dining needs.
The theater was also an enjoyable experience. While well versed in all manners of classic Japanese culture and art, the theater had never held a great deal of appeal to the Saotome heir. This night though might just change his opinion about it. Watching the subtle reactions of his companion might have had a bit to do with his enjoyment, but those were thoughts that he could look at more closely on another day. For now, enjoying the time they spent together as friends was of a much higher priority for him.
As the night draws to a close, the pair find themselves outside of the Kunoji residence once more, both oddly reluctant for the night to end. Each of them hesitates, each takes a bit longer for good nights than would be customary between friends. It's a reluctant parting, especially knowing that they would not be able to see each other for a week.
"Thank you very much for tonight, Ukyo. I sincerely hope that you will allow me the great pleasure of your company outside of work again?" Ranma says, his hands resting on his cane as he stands outside of the car, the tightness of his knuckles giving away how he feels.
Ukyo smiles a warm smile at him, nodding her head politely. "It would be my pleasure, Sugar. I look forward to working with you again soon, and...I would like very much to spend more time with you outside of our work together." She says with a blush, looking away.
"Then...How about next time I am back in town, we will go out for dinner again, the two of us." He says, the stone facade cracking as his nervousness shows through.
Ukyo laughs, that warm flood of sound that he is getting oddly comfortable with. "I would like that, Ranma. I would like to go on another date with you...If...That is what you are implying?" She asks, boldly meeting his gaze.
He chuckles a bit. "Yes. Another...date...would be quite enjoyable. I...will not let it interfere with our work together, and I trust neither will you." He says with a bit of returning confidence.
Ukyo laughs and gives him a warm look. "Sugar, if anything I have even more reason to work you half to death." She grins and gives him a fond smile and bow before taking her reluctant leave.
As Ranma gets back into the car, he casts a glance at Shiro. "I have a feeling that Ranko will find all of this overly amusing." Shiro's silence is an answer in it's own stead as Ranma heads for home, so that he can pass things to Ranko tomorrow.
A very interesting week indeed, he thinks. Only time would tell how well this new adventure would play out. And how well the people that were intertwining themselves into the siblings lives would handle the heavy weight of the truths that they lived under.
*PS! Author Notes!*
I have had some people asking about events, timelines, and such for both Broken Mirrors and Ying, Yang, Yakuza and I had an idea for an IC explanation of sorts of the events from a character that has not yet made an appearance. If people would be interested in 'Tsume's Insights through the Mirror' please let me know!
Take care and thank you for reading!