The Social Lives of Magical Girls
"I'm glad you're feeling better today, Nabiki," Kasumi said as she passed the soy sauce across the dinner table to Akane, who nodded in agreement as she thanked her.
"Yeah," Ranma said uncomfortably, glancing away from Nabiki, "Sorry about that… but you know, it really isn't safe for someone untrained to be so close to a martial artist doing that kind of training. And that goes double for the Avatar; you never should have been there."
Nabiki gave him a cool look. "I'm quite capable of taking care of myself, thank you. If anyone's responsible for that rock, it's the magical girl who suddenly decided to try a new area technique without bothering to warn anyone. But don't worry, now that I know to expect that sort of thing, I'll be watching for it."
Ranma flushed briefly. "I don't know about that… Ok, maybe I should have said something first, but things can happen really fast. Maybe I can find a martial artist to do the filming..."
Nabiki gave a small sniff. "They won't do nearly as good a job, and you need every advantage you can get as the Avatar. Maybe you could find find some sort of cinematography martial artist… but how much do you want to bet they'd turn out to be a long lost fiancee?" At Ranma's shudder, she paused to smirk before adding, "Anyway, excluding me would actually make things more dangerous."
"What? How would that make things more dangerous for you?"
"I didn't say it'd make things more dangerous for me," she replied, staring him down for a moment before frowning in thought and taking a sip of her tea.
"Perhaps it would be best to focus on less hazardous training now," Velgri offered. "As I've said before, as the Avatar of Light, Ranma needs to be able to act properly in a formal social setting. I believe Nabiki's suggestion of dining at a fine restaurant would be a good next step in this endeavor."
"I've already made reservations for Tuesday night," Nabiki offered. "Like I said, I'd only need to be compensated for expenses."
"Thank you, Nabiki. I appreciate that, but I think Ranma would benefit from more than one teacher in this area. Would you be willing to help as well, Kasumi?"
"It would be my pleasure," Kasumi replied, smiling first at Velgri and then Ranma.
"I can help too," Akane quickly offered.
"I appreciate the offer, Akane, but while I have no doubt you're able to behave appropriately in such settings, I think your older sisters would be better suited for teaching this."
Akane looked down and fiddled with her teacup. "Oh," she said in a quiet voice. "Do you think I'm not a good teacher?"
"As I've never seen you teach, I certainly don't have an opinion on your abilities, but I do know that this particular subject better fits their areas of expertise, and the clashes of personality you and Ranma so often seem to have certainly won't help matters. Neither will the complication of the meal having the appearance of a date."
"Oh, I see," Akane said, trying to fight down her blush.
"Are you thinking the three of us should go together or that we should give her separate lessons and tests?" Nabiki asked.
"Separate would be best, at least to start. Once she has some experience with each of your distinct styles, we can try a group outing."
"Nabiki should go first, then," Kasumi suggested, "since she's already made arrangements, and I'm sure she could use a night out after her training accident."
"Thank you, Kasumi," Nabiki said, giving her older sister a small smile before excusing herself and going to her room. Once there, she closed her door and sat on her bed, frowning in thought.
Well, that was all sorts of creepy. I don't think everything was exactly the same, but that conversation was way too familiar. Sure, it's not too hard to predict what Ranma's going to say most of the time, but that was just weird…
She carefully scanned her room for anything out of place, like an extra teddy bear, before sighing and shaking her head.
Stop being ridiculous, Nabiki, it was just a dream, no matter how real it felt. Is it really so surprising you know Ranma so well that you can figure out what he's going to say literally in your sleep? Ok, the timing was eerie, but what happened was something that'd be on both our minds, so it only makes sense that I'd dream about it and he'd say something about it.
Having logically explained things to herself, Nabiki got up and went to her desk and took out a textbook and a notebook. The disquet still lingered, though.
oOo
"Okay, we're here…" Ranma said as she shifted in her seat and looked around the fancy Italian restaurant she and Nabiki were in, "now what?"
Nabiki sighed as she looked at her dining companion and student. The girl looked proper enough for the setting, wearing a nice green dress and some tasteful silver jewelry with her hair styled in a neat French braid, but everything else clearly needed work. For her part, Nabiki was wearing a blue dress and citrine stud earrings; her hair was in its usual style.
"Now, you stop acting like a squirrel on a sugar rush and start acting like someone who belongs here. You want to be graceful and elegant. Don't fidget and squirm; move just as much as you need to accomplish what you want to do. Pretend you're practicing control for a martial arts technique if you need to. Yes, like that. Much better. You can move more freely once you have this down, but it's important to get the basics right first."
"All right," Ranma said with a small nod as she casually glanced at the other diners to see how they were acting.
"Good. Now, it's all right to look around a bit, so long as you don't stare, but it's important to keep in mind that I'm the reason you're here, so most of your attention should be focused on me. This may not always be the case, if for example, you're out with someone specifically for the food, but I think we can assume you're not going to be doing that much as the Avatar. That said, feel free to enjoy the food, and we can even talk about the meal, but always make your companions and whatever you came here to discuss your primary focus. Any questions?"
"Yeah, if we came here to talk about something, when do we do that? And what do I do when we're not talking about it."
"Don't say 'yeah', but those are good questions. And the answer is that it depends on the setting and the situation. For a formal meal with two or three people, serious talk should generally wait until after you've finished your entrees. In a more casual meal, you might talk business throughout, and in a formal setting with more people, serious matters might be touched on the entire time, but in subtle, indirect ways. Don't worry about that last scenario; if we cover that, it won't be until much later.
"When you're not talking business, you'll be eating, drinking, and having casual conversation. Try to avoid inane topics like the weather, unless there's been unusual weather—and your companion cares at all about it. A demon from the nether realms, for example, probably won't care that it hailed yesterday unless they were actually caught in it."
Nabiki glanced at the waiter that was clearly heading for their table. "Here comes our food. We'll practice eating in an appropriate manner and light casual conversation, but feel free to ask questions."
A bit more than half an hour later, Nabiki took a sip of her coffee as she watched Ranma savor a spoonful of panna cotta topped with fresh berries. "You did well. Better than I expected, really. Why don't you behave better normally?" she asked, even though she had a feeling she knew the answer.
Ranma frowned and took a sip of her coffee. "I agreed to be the Avatar of Light. I may not have meant to, but I did, and it's something I can't afford to screw up." She shrugged. "And like Velgri said, this is part of the job, so I've got to do it. Normally, though? I don't care about this stuff, so why bother?"
"Aside from people thinking better of you and not bothering everyone around you? I suppose there's not much point when you're not in a formal situation. Of course, don't expect to be invited to any, and the opportunities available at them—even if it's just great food—if no one thinks you'll fit in.
"I do have to wonder, though… If you do so well at things when you put your mind to them, why not apply yourself to things like school, and your engagement?"
Ranma started to snort before catching herself. "Because they aren't as important as being the Avatar. And I never agreed to those other things; they were forced on me. I go to school because I have to, and I don't see myself needing what they're teaching. As for engagements…" she said, stressing the "s" and frowning, "I'm not agreeing to anything, and that's all I'm saying for now."
"Waiting to see whether the whole mess clears up or explodes on its own instead of setting it off now? There are worse things you could do, I suppose." Nabiki took a moment to have a spoonful of her bonet. "I didn't realize you had your future planned out in so much detail to know you won't need good grades or what's being taught in school, though."
"I don't, really… but I have a general idea, and I won't be needing any of—" Ranma stopped mid-sentence as her eyes snapped to the well-dressed man heading toward their table, his intense gaze focused on her.
"Looks like you're getting a surprise practical exam," Nabiki quietly said. "Remember, Saotome, if this guy wants to start trouble, stay civil. Whoever breaks the rules first or worst loses and will be the one blamed for anything that happens. The stakes might be low here, but as my student, you will not get in the habit of losing."
Ranma nodded sharply as she studied the approaching man. He looked to be about Nabiki or Kasumi's age and stood a few inches taller than Ranma's male height. His skin was a light olive color, and his neatly trimmed hair was black and slightly curly, but it was his striking hazel eyes that captured her attention. As her gaze met his, he smiled warmly at her, displaying perfect pearly white teeth. With a slight blush, she looked away from his face, taking in his blue slacks, white dress shirt, sport jacket, and the fine gold link chain around his neck. His fluid movement hinted at a great deal of skill in dance, martial arts, or both.
"Bonjour, ladies," he said smoothly, with an accent Ranma assumed was French, "please allow me to introduce myself—I am Henri Corbin, and it is my deepest pleasure to meet you on this most beautiful day."
Ranma glanced outside at the trees swaying in the strong breeze and the dark clouds obscuring the setting sun. "Beautiful day?"
"Of course. How could the day that I encounter a pair of such lovely and charming ladies be anything but beautiful? May I have the honor of your names?" he asked with a warm smile.
"Uh…" Ranma began, jerking slightly when Nabiki kicked her under the table, "I mean, certainly! I'm Ranma Saotome and this is Nabiki Tendou."
"A pleasure," Nabiki said politely.
"I assure you, the pleasure is all mine, and how could it be otherwise in the face of such radiant beauty," Henri said with a smile at Ranma, "and such refined elegance," he added, with a nod to Nabiki.
"Ah, uh, thank you. So… what can we do for you?"
"Oh, many things, I'm sure," Henri purred, as his gaze wandered over the two, his smile widening at the faint blush on Ranma's cheeks, "but for now," he said, leaning forward to take her hand and gaze into her eyes, "I would give me the greatest pleasure if you would accompany me two days hence, at shall we say, six in the evening?"
"A-accompany you? Like on a date?" Ranma asked, her blush deepening.
"That sounds delightful," breathed Henri, "but I'm afraid business must come first before we can turn to matters of pleasure. May I have the honor, my dear, of facing such a beautiful and graceful servant of the Light as yourself on the field of battle in two days?"
Ranma stared up at him in surprise for a moment. "Oh. Uh, sure."
"I'll look forward to it. And now that business is out of the way," he purred, raising her hand further, before a shout rang across the restaurant.
"You scoundrel!" cried Tatewaki Kunou, dressed in his usual blue kendogi, as he rushed over from the entrance of the restaurant drawing his bokken to point it at Henri, "how dare you accost the fierce and beautiful pig—"
Anything further was cut off as the subject of his rant casually reached out with a finger and tapped the tip of the wooden sword. Kunou jerked violently as his hair instantly stood on end, and for a brief moment, his very bones glowed so brightly they were visible beneath his exposed skin. After a moment, Henri removed his finger, and Kunou's smoking form collapsed to the ground, still twitching slightly.
"How distasteful," he remarked as he gazed down for a moment before turning back to Ranma, frowning slightly as he noticed she'd pulled her hand from his during the commotion. "And now, my dear, I believe I deserve a reward for my restraint in not ending that boorish fool. I believe that date you mentioned, let us say tomorrow night, would be perfect."
"What?! A date? When you're challenging me?"
Henri fixed her with a smoldering gaze. "In a matter of days, one of us will be dead. We both owe it to ourselves to seize this last opportunity to enjoy a night with someone who truly understands what we face."
"That doesn't sound quite right…"
"There is little as intimate as two people locked in a primal struggle for life itself. What is another small intimacy atop that?" Henri looked down at Kunou for a moment then cocked his head, "unless you prefer I finish off this cur?"
"No…" Ranma said, smiling weakly, "tomorrow night is … fine."
"Wonderful! I will pick you at six, then, for dinner and a night on the town. It will be glorious! Until then, my jewel." With a radiant smile to Ranma and a polite nod to Nabiki, Henri stepped over the body on the floor and walked out of the restaurant.
"That went well," Nabiki remarked as she finished her coffee. "I'll give you a passing grade, but I expect to see improvement in the future."
oOo
"I can't believe you're actually going through with this!" Akane cried as she walked home from school with Ranma and Nabiki.
"Well, I can't believe Nabiki didn't sell the fact I have a date to everyone at school," Ranma replied with honest confusion from atop the fence he was walking along.
Nabiki shrugged. "It's Avatar business; throwing random idiots at that could end up dooming the world, or worse, annoying the fox who's funding your lessons. Besides, it's bad business to send customers to someone who will literally kill them."
"And that's why I'm going through with this. Henri was going to kill Kunou if I didn't. I may not like the guy, but I'm not going to let him get killed."
"I know you wouldn't, but couldn't you have just said no and stopped him if he tried?"
"And fail Nabiki's test? No way!"
Akane sighed and shook her head. "You can't keep letting your pride get you into trouble."
"That might be true," Nabiki commented, "but it was the right thing to do this time. Starting a brawl in a fine restaurant and risking Kunou's life versus agreeing to a date? I'm as surprised as you are, but Ranma made the mature decision. Even if it was for immature reasons."
Ranma turned around and started walking backwards atop the fence so he could face the other two. "Thanks … I think. Anyway, I was worried fighting might have been a breach of the Accords, too. Kunou accosted the guy after he'd already issued his challenge; getting into a fight with him at that point might have been considered attacking a challenger before the fight. I'm not sure it would be, but I didn't want to risk it."
"Wow, that was really good thinking!" Akane said. "We should ask Velgri, in case it comes up again." She sighed. "I guess maybe you really were a good choice to be the Avatar…"
"Thanks," Ranma said, blushing faintly before stopping and turning to Nabiki, unable to ignore the speculative gaze she was focusing on him. "What?"
"You've shown some hidden depths these past couple of weeks, Saotome. Maybe if you'd acted like this when you first arrived, things would have gone differently."
Ranma and Akane both stared at Nabiki with wide eyes, and when she smiled up at him as she walked past, Ranma felt his cheeks warm. Akane kicking him off the fence and into the river while he was distracted cooled them quickly, though.
Five minutes later, as the three girls walked toward the Tendou home, Akane frowned. "You know, speaking of attacking someone before a fight, whatever happened to Kodachi? She never came back like she said she was going to. Not that I'm complaining!"
"I heard she ran off with one of her maids," Nabiki offered. "It's quite the scandal, even for that family."
"Really?" Akane asked in surprise. "I didn't see that coming, but I guess it makes sense in a strange sort of way. I hope they're … happy together. Someplace far from here."
"Do you think she still calls Kodachi mistress?" Ranma asked, smirking at Akane's shudder.
"That subject is closed forever," Akane firmly stated as she walked inside and changed her shoes. "Come on, let's talk to Velgri."
In short order, the three were sitting with Velgri at the table while Kasumi set out snacks and drinks.
"Hmm…" commented the fennec as she thought, "defending Kunou from a challenger he attacked could be sufficient grounds to file a complaint, but it would be such a minor infraction, especially considering that Kunou was already defeated at the time, that it wouldn't be worth pursuing. Unless it were the latest incident in a clear pattern of interfering with challengers, there wouldn't even be a penalty or compensation.
"As I said last night, I still believe you made the correct decision, Accords aside. Speaking of which, I expect you to behave properly during your date tonight."
"Right, no letting him sample the goods, Saotome."
"Nabiki!" shrieked Akane, "that's not what she meant!"
"Certainly not," agreed Velgri, "how intimate Ranma decides to be is entirely her own business. I do expect her to act in a socially acceptable manner and honor her agreement by taking the date seriously, though."
As Akane sat there gaping at the fox, Nabiki added, "If you need any help with your makeup or outfit, just let me know."
"I think I've got everything handled. Besides, I doubt I can afford your rates…"
"I offer very reasonable payment plans."
"I can help too," Kasumi offered with a warm smile at Ranma.
"Thanks, but I think I'm good. I'd better take a shower and start getting ready, though."
As Ranma left the room, Akane turned to Velgri. "She'll be all right on this date, won't she?"
"She'll be fine," Velgri reassured her.
"It's just a date with a suave and handsome Frenchman," Nabiki added helpfully. "What could happen?"
Akane bit her lip.
oOo
"Please, have a seat. Would you like something to drink?" Kasumi asked as she led the handsome man in the tuxedo into the living room.
"No, thank you," Henri replied with a charming smile.
"All right. I'll just let your date know you're here, then."
Declining the offer to sit, Henri glanced around the room, noting the remaining occupants: Nabiki, the Avatar's dining companion from the restaurant, sitting at the table with the air of someone waiting for the entertainment to begin, a cup of tea and a small bowl of rice crackers before her; an advisor from the forces of Light, in the form of a lavender fox, also sitting at the table, a book before her; and finally, a girl with clear resemblance to the others, a younger sister, perhaps, standing in the corner and glowering at him. "Bonsoir, ladies," he greeted, giving the fox a respectful nod when she looked in his direction.
"Hello," Nabiki said, "You're a little bit early, but Ranma's been talking about the date all day, so I suppose it's probably for the best."
Henri smiled and opened his mouth to reply, when the other girl growled, "I don't know what you're up to, but it won't work!"
"Well, I was hoping to have pleasant conversation with my beautiful date's friends while I waited, but I certainly won't force it if you'd rather not."
"Akane, please try to be polite to our guest," the advisor chided, "If not for propriety's sake, at least to set a good example for Ranma." Turning to Henri, she added, "I am Velgri. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"I don't know… from what I've seen lately, maybe we should be more concerned with Ranma setting a good example for Akane."
Henri suppressed a small smile at the younger girl's horrified look at her sister's words, before noticing her eyes widen and a delighted smile bloom on her face as he heard footsteps coming down the stairs.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Ranma said with a smile while jauntily walking down the stairs, his tailored slim fit tuxedo with silver cufflinks showing off his toned male form.
"Oh, there's no need to apologize," Henri growled throatily, his gaze burning as he took in every inch of his date. "I'd heard of your unique circumstances, but I hadn't dared hope they were true. Even so, I never expected your exquisitely masculine body would be at least as ravishing as your female form!"
Ranma paused midstep, the smile fading from his face. "Uh… could you excuse me for a minute?"
"Of course," Henri replied gallantly, eyes glued to his date as Ranma walked backwards up the stairs and disappeared. As the sounds of motion and other less discernible activity drifted down from the second floor, he glanced at the younger sister, now pale and uncertain, and the older one, whose lips were curled slightly in clear amusement. The advisor, as expected, was taking the situation in stride and had returned her attention to her book. After a few minutes, he turned his head at the sound of soft footsteps on the stairs.
"Sorry for keeping you waiting," Ranma said with a nervous smile, her midnight blue dress showing off her form without being restrictive, a small ruby pendant on a gold chain glimmering at her throat, her hair arranged in a simple braid, and hastily but tastefully applied makeup adorning her face.
"Think nothing of it, my dear," Henri replied, offering his arm as she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Shall we?"
Akane watched the couple leave, arm in arm, and then turned to the other occupants of the room. "You're just going to let them go off like that?! What—what if he tries something!"
"Ranma is quite capable of handling herself," Velgri said without looking up from her book. "Do not interfere with her date, Akane. Even if it weren't a matter of honor for her, it would be most inappropriate. If you wish to pursue Ranma romantically, do so when she's not out with other people."
"P-pursue?!" Akane sputtered, "I'm not interested in he—him that way! I-I'm, just worried. About what Henri might try."
"As I said, you can set your mind at ease. Even if you don't have confidence in Ranma for some reason, harming her before the scheduled challenge would be counterproductive due to the Accords."
"So, what—I should just sit here and hope everything turns out all right?"
"What else are you going to do?" Nabiki asked as she looked down and picked a rice cracker out of the bowl, "Follow them to make sure no one sees Ranma on a date and tries to interfere?"
"Was that really necessary?" Velgri sighed as the front door slammed behind Akane.
"Not completely, but it gave her a clear goal instead of leaving her to come up with something on her own."
They sat in silence for several minutes until the door opened again and Akane came in, panting, and said, "I lost them…"
oOo
"Would you care for a drink?" Henri asked as he opened the small bar in the limo they were riding in and reached for a decanter of amber liquid.
"No thanks," Ranma replied as she glanced around the luxurious car. As Henri poured himself a drink, she asked, "So, where are we going?"
Henri took a sip and paused to savor the flavor. "An intimate restaurant first to feed our bodies, followed by the opera to inflame our passion, and then a cafe to relax and enjoy each other's company."
"Opera?"
"Oh I would certainly prefer to hold you close while we dance, but when one's partner is only in your arms out of obligation…" An expression of mild disgust crossed his face. "So, the opera."
Ranma blinked in surprise. "But making someone go on a date out of obligation is fine?"
"Ah, are you trying to convince me that insisting we dance is no worse than insisting on a date to begin with? My dear, if you want to dance, you only need to ask!"
"No! I mean, no. I was just surprised."
Henri nodded and sipped his drink. "I understand. You thought me a brute, a cad of the lowest sort, and expected me to indulge my base desires as much as I could, despite your wishes."
"Ah… well…" she said awkwardly with a faint blush.
Henri chuckled. "There's no need to be embarrassed; I don't blame you. I have no doubt that someone as beautiful and as strikingly handsome as yourself has suffered numerous men and women trying to force themselves on or entrap you."
"Uh, yeah."
"Such fools. They see a beautiful flower and would rather rip it from the ground to wear as an ornament than admire and appreciate it fully as it grows and thrives."
"Huh…" Ranma eyed her date thoughtfully as the limo came to a stop outside a restaurant. Henri smiled at her, and when the chauffeur opened the door, stepped out and offered his hand. She allowed him to help her out and studied the restaurant.
It looked nice, having white walls with dark wooden beams running along them, a dark brown shingled roof, and tall windows divided into squares. The solid looking wooden door was flanked by gas burning iron wall lamps, and the blue canopy above it bore the name Le Bourgeon in white script. She had no idea how authentic it was as a French building, but it looked convincing enough for her. Henri opened the door for her and they went inside where a man in a suit greeted them, talking warmly with Henri in French as he led them to a table in a corner of the dining room that somehow managed to seem elegant yet comfortable. Once they were seated, he switched back to Japanese to tell her to let him know if she needed anything before returning to his station at the door.
Before she had time to do more than think of saying anything to Henri, a woman came over and filled their water glasses. As soon as she left, a man bearing a bottle of wine headed to their table.
"I hope you don't mind," said Henri, "but I ordered the wine ahead so it would have time to breathe properly."
"That's fine," Ranma replied, trying to seem like she understood why wine needed to breathe, then watched as the new man presented first an opened bottle and then a cork for her date's inspection. When both seemed to pass muster, a small amount of red wine was poured into Henri's glass, and after a taste, a nod of approval was given. The bottle and cork were removed, and in short order, a decanter of red wine was brought to the table, and glasses were poured for each of them.
"To our time together," Henri said with a smile at her as he raised his glass.
Ranma put a smile on her face and raised her glass before they both drank, her eyes widening slightly as the wine's flavor filled her mouth. "This is really good," she said after swallowing.
"I've always believed the wine must live up to one's company," he remarked, holding up his glass to study both it and the woman across from him, "so I had no choice but to order something exquisite."
Ranma felt her cheeks warm slightly, but before she could think of what, if anything, to say, a waiter placed a very small plate containing a thick cracker of some sort bearing a dollop of some sort of cream topped with silvery gray fish eggs and a few small bits of a purple fruit.
At her puzzled look, Henri explained, "The amuse-bouche, a small taste of what is in store before we order. It shows off the chef's artistry and prepares our palates."
She watched to see how he ate his before following suit. She wasn't sure exactly what was in the small dish, but she knew it tasted like heaven. The flavor lingered in her mouth when the plates were removed and the menus were presented. Soon enough, orders were placed, and the two were alone with only their drinks. After a few minutes in which Henri seemed content to gaze upon her, Ranma broke the silence.
"This is all very nice… but I still don't really understand why you wanted to go out with me."
Henri nodded slightly and sipped his wine. "There are a few reasons. As you said, this is very nice, and like you, I enjoy nice things. On the eve of our battle, when it's almost assured that one of us will not survive the next day, do we not both deserve such a night, especially when we fight merely to further the ambitions of others?"
She frowned. "I don't. I fight to defend humanity and the world."
"Non. I do not doubt for a second you would fiercely defend those in need, but that is not what you do as the Avatar. You accept challenges and do battle to give victory to the Light. These victories may indirectly benefit those you care about, but the only thing you directly fight for is the glory of the Light."
"I don't see much of a difference."
"It's the difference between catching a fish for your dinner and having a job to catch fish for a wage. I am not a ravaging beast you are fighting to defend a mother and her child; we engage in a blood sport for the entertainment of the Light and the Dark." He gazed at his wine as he swirled it. "We must accept our assigned roles, and to be sure, there are many worse ones to play, but never, my dear, think that we must feel slavish devotion toward our masters."
Ranma stared at him, no idea what to say. She was never so grateful that their food arrived just then.
oOo
"My apologies if I strayed into a topic unsuited for such an occasion," Henri said once the plates were cleared. "It was not my desire to cause upset or distress, but I felt you needed to understand who we truly are—Ranma and Henri. We may be Avatar and challenger, but that is merely what we do, and if we let those roles define us, then we ourselves are nothing." He stopped and smiled wryly. "And it appears my apology has merely compounded my original offense. Again, please forgive me."
"It's … all right. Is that really how you see things?"
"It is. I accept you may feel differently, but you must understand that above all else, you are Ranma Saotome, passionate fighter for what you believe in, a woman, and man, with needs and desires, who plays the role of the Avatar of Light. It is the nature of this world that one day you will die, your flame extinguished, and that is a sad thought, but if that flame were ever to be subsumed by the Light, it would truly be a tragedy and a great loss to all.
"But enough of such deep words. Let us turn to sweeter topics, such as dessert, which I see coming our way."
Ranma turned and studied the tray of beautiful pastries that was brought to the table, a small frown on her face.
oOo
"I hope dinner met with your approval," Henri said as the limo pulled away from the restaurant.
"It was amazing," Ranma said with all sincerity.
Henri smiled. "I must agree. The food, the wine, the company … all exquisite."
"We both know you could find better company."
Henri nodded thoughtfully. "You are wrong. I could easily find a partner who would be either more accustomed to or more amazed by the finer things, or one who would be open to the pleasures of the flesh, it is true, but that is because those are common qualities. Pleasurable, to be sure, but small pleasures. You, on the other hand," he said, meeting her gaze, "are a kindred soul. One who burns with passion for the fight, feeling your heart pumping and the fiery joy rushing through veins as you hurl yourself at a skilled opponent! Who feels the thrill of knowing that every day may be your last but pushes on, living your life to the fullest, giving your all and savoring every moment.
"So no, my dear, there is no one I would rather be with right now. But don't trouble yourself worrying about the whys and wherefores; enjoy the night for it may be your last! Or mine! For now, prepare yourself—for the opera!"
Ranma smiled weakly. "Can't wait."
oOo
"—and the part where Arnold convinced the people to rise up against the soldiers was awesome!" Ranma exclaimed as they walked down the sidewalk to the cafe.
"Oh yes. The determination, the song, the passion! All divine. I am glad you enjoyed it."
Ranma flushed slightly. "Uh, yeah. It was a lot better than I thought it would be. I think them having a Japanese translation above the stage helped a lot. I kind of thought it'd be a bunch of people walking around singing in another language and me not understanding anything that's going on. But it wasn't, and it was good!"
Henri chuckled as he opened the door to the cafe. "I would never steer you to something boring, my dear. Especially not if I'd have to sit through it with you."
Conversation halted briefly as they were seated and had their orders taken.
"The singing was really something, too," Ranma enthused. "I never knew people could put so much into it! I mean, their voices were so loud and forceful while still sounding good."
"Indeed. I once dated an opera singer, you know. It was delightful—until it ended. Trust me, my dear, you never want to have a furious opera singer loudly expressing her displeasure at you from a few feet away." Henri shuddered with a pained expression.
"Oh, hel—" Ranma coughed. "Er, I mean, definitely not."
Henri smiled at her. "I assure you, you had it right the first time." His smile widened at her surprised laugh, and then their drinks arrived, and they fell into silence as he sipped his espresso and she drank her coffee.
"Tonight's been really nice," she remarked, a bit of surprise in her voice, as she set down her coffee cup.
"It has. I can think of something to make it even nicer, though," he purred, gazing into her eyes.
She felt her cheeks burn. "Ah, I, er…"
Henri placed his hand on hers. "I understand. I assure you, you would enjoy it, just as you have enjoyed everything else tonight, but I can see it's not something you're ready for. I won't pretend I'm not disappointed, but spending the evening with you has been wonderful." He stroked the back of her hand once with his thumb. "You know, if I thought your dedication and character were any less, I'd ask you to toss aside your duties and run off with me, even if we were fated never to make love."
She stared at him, her mouth dry and her hand feeling warm where his hand lay atop it, the spot where he'd stroked his thumb almost burning. She swallowed.
He pulled his hand back and smiled at her. "But I must accept things as they are, not how I wish them to be, and tomorrow we will meet on the field of battle, and barring a deus ex machina, one of us will breathe our last breath."
Ranma shivered slightly then smiled sweetly. "Or you could toss aside your duties and run off with me."
Henri threw back his head and laughed. "And so you turn my words back against me! Ah, I am tempted, my dear, oh how I am tempted. But I'm afraid that I am tied to my masters by such debts and obligations that if I abandoned them in such a manner, they would surely have me killed slowly. There is a price for the pleasures we enjoyed tonight, you see, and while the forces of the Dark would be delighted to provide for us indefinitely if you were to run off with me, the reverse would have their fury shake the very sky.
"Ah, I can see sympathy in your eyes, but you should not feel sorry for me. I freely chose long ago to live a life of luxury where I am free to indulge my passions, knowing what the price would be, and that choice was the correct one for me. Do I regret that I will not have longer with you, my kindred soul, now that we've met? Of course. But such is life."
oOo
Ranma walked inside, not announcing her return due to the late hour, a thoughtful frown on her face as she changed shoes. With a sigh, she walked into the living room and stopped dead at the sight of all three Tendou sisters sitting there, watching her intently. "Uh…"
"Are you all right?" Akane demanded. "What did that creep try?"
"Did you have a nice date?" Kasumi asked at the same time.
Ranma sighed and looked at Nabiki. A moment of silence passed. "Well?"
"Did you give him a good night kiss?"
"Nabiki!" shouted Akane.
"Please, Nabiki, that's between Ranma and her date."
"Look," Ranma said, walking to the stairs, "it's been a long night. I'm going to take a shower and go to bed."
She went to her room and changed into a robe when there was a knock at the door. She opened it to see Kasumi.
"Let me take your dress to be cleaned. It'd be a shame for anything to happen to it."
Ranma glanced at the dress pooled on the floor. "Uh, yeah. Thanks, Kasumi," she said, carefully picking it up and giving it to the other girl.
"You're welcome. So, did you enjoy your date?"
"Yeah," Ranma said with a faint smile, "it was nice… But it was awkward."
"Oh? How so?"
"Well, I mean, I was on a date with a guy I'm gonna ki—fight tomorrow. And on a date with a guy at all." She frowned slightly and shook her head. "I have a lot to think about. But everything we did was great: dinner, the opera, coffee."
"Oh, I'd love to go to the opera some day."
"You should. Hey, if I can ever swing it, I'll take you."
Kasumi gave her a warm smile. "That's very sweet of you, Ranma. Thank you."
oOo
Ranma jumped up to a branch of the tree and frowned as he leaned back against the trunk, the leaves around him muffling the noise of Furinkan and obscuring him from view of the other students outside during lunch. Less than six hours until he fought Henri, and he still wasn't sure what to think of what the man had said last night. Were they really both being used by the Light and the Dark? Was there a risk of being swallowed up by the Light and completely becoming the Avatar? He was fine with being the Avatar now, but that wasn't all he wanted to be.
Ok, the way Velgri told it, the fight between the Light and Dark was destroying humanity and the world, so both sides agreed to have champions fight each other instead. But was that really all that different from Henri's viewpoint that they were making people fight to the death for entertainment or to score points in some sort of game? He sighed and shook his head as he realized he didn't even really know what would happen if the Avatar was defeated—besides it being very bad for him personally. He could ask Velgri about that last bit, at least, but she'd hardly tell him if he was a pawn in some sort of bloodsport… Or would she? It wasn't like he could just quit unless he was fine with the Dark winning. Still, even he could tell it was a subject that would have to be broached very delicately.
He sighed as he pushed himself away from the trunk. He'd have to think about how to talk to Velgri in a way that wouldn't result in either some canned party line or an enraged fox. Until then, he'd treat the Avatar position as being on the up and up and do his duty, but he'd play it safe and only use the power as needed rather than immersing herself—damnit, himself—in it fully. Was thinking of himself as a girl for Avatar matters a sign he was losing himself or just natural when thinking about magical girl things? Crap, it didn't matter right now; if he didn't focus on the upcoming fight and win, everything would be irrelevant. He nodded shortly and jumped down to the ground and headed back to the school.
oOo
Ranma stood in the dojo in her Avatar form, meditating, her gaze steady on the wall scroll and its calligraphy: iroha—fundamentals. That was what she focused on, the essentials of who and what she was. In her heart, she was Ranma Saotome, a martial artist who was usually a boy and sometimes a girl. Dedicated, loyal, intense, rash, arrogant, and often a bit of a jerk. She should probably work on one or two of those someday… She was the Avatar of Light, and using the power that position granted, she faced challengers for the good of humanity. She would use those powers today to defeat the latest—
"Ranma, he's here," Akane quietly said as she entered the dojo.
She straightened and slowly exhaled. "Thanks. Let's go do this."
"Are you all right?" Akane hesitantly asked.
"Yeah. It's just kinda messed up, doing this after going out with someone and having a heart to heart with them, you know?"
"I guess I can see that. Do you think that's why he asked you out?"
"I honestly don't know," Ranma said, shaking her head as she headed out the door. "No point putting things off, though."
"Ah, how good to see you again, my dear," Henri greeted from where he stood beside Nabiki. He was dressed in black slacks, a white button-up shirt, a gray blazer, and gray loafers. "It's a shame it's under such circumstances."
"Henri," she returned with a nod, "we'll be fighting somewhere nearby where we'll have more room."
"I understand," he said, looking around, "this is a lovely home; it would be a shame if it were damaged. Lead on, my dear."
Akane scowled and started walking. "It's this way."
Henri raised an eyebrow at Ranma and smiled slightly before following. Ranma and Nabiki joined them, the latter with a bag of video equipment slung over her shoulder. They walked in silence for several minutes before coming to a large clearing.
As Nabiki walked off to the side and set up her camcorder on a tripod, Henri turned to Akane. "A moment of privacy, please."
"Whatever you want to say, you can say in front of me."
"Akane, it's ok," Ranma said, nodding slightly. The other girl sighed, and after a moment, walked over to Nabiki.
Henri smiled at Ranma. "You are as ravishing like this as you are in your other forms. I did not expect it to be otherwise."
A slight flush colored Ranma's cheeks as she shook her head. "This is how you want to spend your last moments?"
"Be true to yourself until the very end, my dear. There's no other way to live. But it's quite bold of you to assume these are my last moments." He growled softly. "Such boldness makes you even more beguiling." Before Ranma could respond, Nabiki called out that she was ready. Henri smiled fondly, and a silver topped walking stick materialized in his hand. "It seems it is finally time for us to dance. Shall we?"
Ranma nodded slowly, and they rushed at each other. A short downward swing of the walking stick was deflected with the side of the hand and a flurry of kicks, punches, and strikes were exchanged before the two leapt apart, the Avatar assisted by a light kick to the midsection.
As soon as her feet touched ground, she was dodging a lightning bolt shot from the top of Henri's walking stick, and a moment later, the man himself leapt in with a flying kick. She met him in the air, knocking his leg off target with a knee and striking him in the chest with a punch. As Henri was sent back to the ground, the tip of his walking stick drew a thin red line down her arm.
He's actually faster than I am, Ranma thought with amazement as she landed and drove forward with a punch, and when Henri twirled inside it, started to follow up with a low kick, only to flip backwards instead, as a sphere of crackling lightning manifested around her opponent. Tendrils of electricity briefly reached out toward her but were repelled by an aura of golden light that briefly shone around her.
Henri instantly dismissed his lightning field and rushed forward, crossing the ground between them in a blur, slashing his walking stick to the right, the attack passing just over her head as she ducked. His return slash to the left was leapt over. Ranma's left leg flashed out in a kick to his head, but he rolled under it, following the motion of his own attack, driving the tip of his walking stick into the ground, and kicking out as he rose into a one-handed handstand atop it. He felt the impact as the kick was deflected with an arm and somersaulted to his feet, slashing defensively with his walking stick, just in case, as he pivoted back to face Ranma, only to see her landing lightly on her feet at least a dozen feet away. He relaxed, taking a moment to catch his breath and study his opponent.
Ranma kept her eyes on Henri during the brief lull, but her racing thoughts were on her own abilities rather than his. He's fast—damn fast—but the problem is that I'm slower than I should be! Does he have some sort of aura that slows his opponent? Didn't feel anything different when the fight started, so probably not. Did he do something to me? He could have had something put into the food last night, or that heat when he touched my hand… But Velgri wasn't worried about something like that, and she's no fool.
Her musing was cut short as Henri started firing a flurry of lightning bolts from the top of his walking stick. She ducked, dodged, and leapt, intercepting the last bolt the others had been herding her toward with a dim light lance—and desperately bent backwards, only barely avoiding the bolt as it smashed through her own attack. Why is the damned Avatar's power failing me?! I may not trust it fully, but it… I'm a damned idiot.
Eyes tracking her intently, Henri slammed the tip of his walking stick into the ground, and with a soft buzz of electricity, all the dust on the ground leapt into the air and flew at her. Ranma leapt away, and in an instant, Henri was on her, launching a flurry of punches, kicks, and thrusts, his senses seemingly unaffected by the flying dust that impaired her vision and hearing, giving her less time to defend against each attack. She tilted her head to the side to avoid the first kick, rolled with most of the force of a punch to her left shoulder, missed entirely with a quick return punch, then twisted desperately to avoid the head of the walking stick crackling with electricity, taking a hard knee to the stomach instead, before blasting Henri away with a brilliant light lance.
Ranma hit the ground in a backward roll and came to her feet, hunched over slightly, but a new look of determination and conviction on her face as the dust fell back to the ground, revealing Henri standing some distance away, gently massaging his shoulder.
Of course the power of the Avatar was weak when I was literally pushing it away! I may not want to be just the Avatar all my life, but when I am her, I need to accept and embrace it fully.
Henri frowned and shook his head as he met her gaze. "All I see in your eyes now is the Avatar who has fought for her masters for centuries. Is there now nothing left of the Ranma I hold dear?"
"I'm still here, but you challenged the Avatar of Light, not Ranma Saotome."
"A shame I cannot destroy her alone." He rolled his neck. "Let us finish this."
In an instant, the two were rushing at each other, both leaping to meet high in the air, Henri spinning to attack with a blindingly fast kick. Grimly smiling as she recognized the attack would have been too fast for her to counter properly before, Ranma slapped the leg down and to the side, her eyes widening as it was pushed aside far too easily, revealing Henri's walking stick held tightly against his side, the silver head incandescent with electricity. He stabbed forward at her chest, connecting—with her interposed hands, both glowing like small suns. The world seemed to hold its breath for an instant as the walking stick discharged and she released her light lances.
A thunderclap shook the field and the combatants were hurled apart, dust and dirt once again filling the air. Ranma rode the blast, flipping midair, hitting the ground crouched low with her left hand dragging against the ground in front of her as she skidded backwards for at least another ten feet. She slowly straightened, and as the dust cleared, saw Henri lying face down across the field, the dirt stained red behind him. She started walking toward him, noticing as she got closer, his walking stick lying beyond him, the silver head blackened and smoking. She paused as Henri coughed and struggled to rise, only to gasp softly and fall to his side, facing away from her, blood slowly starting to pool around him.
"Well done," gasped Henri, "I am finished. Would you grant me a last request, my dear?" Nothing onerous, I promise." He coughed for a long moment. "Just a last touch of your hand. I … I do not want to be alone at the end."
Suddenly feeling very tired, he let his eyes fall closed, hearing one of the girls who had witnessed the fight ask, "What's she doing?" before being shushed by the other. And then the ghost of a smile curled his lip as he heard footsteps approaching. He opened his eyes to see Ranma crouch before him and hold out a hand.
He reached out with a trembling hand and gently grasped hers. "Thank you," he breathed, and electricity coursed over the Avatar's form as he poured all his remaining energy into her. His hand dropped back to the dirt as she dissolved into motes of golden light. He gave another weak cough, then chuckled softly as he once again heard footsteps approaching. He somehow managed to gather the strength to look up and meet the Avatar's gaze as she looked down at him, and whispered, "Deceiving a dying man… So cruel. I've never wanted to kiss you more, my de—" Henri collapsed, his body dissolving into shadow that sank into the ground and vanished.
Ranma silently stood there, looking at the spot where Henri had been, finally turning to face Akane and Nabiki as they walked over. "He was tough, but I knew you could do it!" Akane exclaimed, flashing a smile at her.
"When did you figure out how to make people out of light?" asked Nabiki.
"Right before the last exchange, when I pulled my head out my ass. It just suddenly clicked."
"I thought you looked a bit slower than usual," Nabiki nodded, "Having your head up there would do it."
Ranma snorted briefly in amusement before dismissing her Avatar transformation. "Let's go home."
They walked in silence for several minutes, Akane carrying the camera bag, before she softly bit her lip and asked, "Are you all right?"
"Yeah. The last few days have just been…" Ranma shook her head.
"Yeah," Akane sighed. "I bet it helps that the jerk showed his true colors in the end."
"Yeah," Ranma echoed.
oOo
Ranma sat on the wooden walkway running around the Tendou home, gazing into the moonlit yard. The house was pleasantly quiet, the soft sound of someone walking onto the walkway with him doing little to disturb it.
"So, what put your head up your ass today, anyway?" Nabiki asked.
Ranma shrugged. "Some crap Henri said about staying apart from the Light and not losing myself in it. It made it harder to use the Avatar's power. I guess getting into my head like that was why he wanted to go out with me all along."
"Maybe. Or maybe the philosophy of someone who follows the Dark just doesn't work for someone following the Light."
Ranma sighed. "I'm not sure that helps … but, thanks."
A few moments passed in silence. "You know," Nabiki said softly, "it's ok to like, maybe even fall for, someone who's evil."
"I'm not falling for you!" Ranma blurted in alarm, before freezing and slowly turning his head toward her. In the face of her intense glare, he softly coughed. "I mean, you're not evil, Nabiki."
Nabiki silently held her glare for several seconds before turning and walking back inside. Ranma groaned and leaned forward, dropping his head to the wooden planks.
