The sound of an antique alarm clock ringing stirred her from her sleep. Normally it took quite a bit more to wake her, but the sound was unusual and unexpected. Her own alarm was electronic, after all.
She reached out, fumbling for whatever it was, but it wasn't in any of the expected places. This was going to force her to open an eye - perhaps even two - and that was as bad as waking up! And she was so very warm and comfortable, too. There was a soft warmth against her, fitting pleasantly in her arms, with soft hair tucked under her chin and resting against her collarbone. Whoever it was smelled nice and, as she stirred, she started making a kind of purring sound that made her want to drift back off to sleep. If only she could find that wretched alarm clock!
Finally she accepted she was going to have to open at least one eye. She cracked it open in the hope that she would see it immediately. Her vision remained fuzzy because focusing was more effort than she was willing to expend just yet.
The colors were wrong. The light from the window was coming from the wrong direction. She opened her other eye as full consciousness and awareness returned and the morning blur came into full focus.
Shampoo's room.
She spotted the alarm clock on the nightstand and reached out to silence it at last, but it was too late; the damage had been done. The memories of the previous night flooded back to explain both her fatigue and the pleasant, pervading sense of warmth and contentment she felt, as well as the warm body pressed against hers.
"Xie xie…" Shampoo mumbled against her neck. Her arms around Nabiki tightened slightly as the Amazon sighed and settled back into a light doze, still purring like a cat.
Nabiki relaxed back against her pillow. The alarm was set early enough that she could indulge in the luxury of taking the time to absorb her situation. She spent a minute moving fingers and toes to sort out which limbs were hers and which were Shampoo's while she let the fog of sleep clear gradually from her mind.
This wasn't quite what she had envisioned her first time being like. To be honest, she had never clung to any sort of romantic notion about it. Before she had gotten together with Ranma, she had always envisioned it as a somewhat cynical hook up with some cute guy for a meaningless and probably disappointing tumble after a party. After Ranma... well… perhaps some of the romantic notions had snuck back in.
An intense night of lovemaking with a female Chinese Amazon was… well, not only was it nothing like what she had expected, it made a lot of her cynical notions seem childish and naive in retrospect. Once again she simply hadn't accounted for her own emotions or the impact upon them.
She unconsciously tightened her grip around the sleeping girl in her arms, her fingers moving to brush across the collar the girl now wore proudly around her neck. This changed everything.
She felt a small pang of loss as she realized that she'd never know what this moment might have been like with Ranma.
Probably more awkward and disappointing, she thought with a slight smirk, with both of us too proud to admit we don't know what we're doing. There had certainly been some benefit to the fact that Shampoo was… experienced. It had probably been the most educational hours of Nabiki's young life.
She blinked and remembered her promise to Ranma. I forgot to call Kasumi and tell her I wasn't coming home. I hope Ranma didn't worry… To be fair, by the time Nabiki was aware she wouldn't be home the previous night, she had been a little too preoccupied to make phone calls.
She stretched her arms over her head and felt Shampoo stir again.
"Time to get up, Kitten," she said. She pulled the blanket back a bit and brushed the lavender locks from Shampoo's face. She felt a surprisingly powerful surge of possessiveness and affection.
"Mnn… Call Shampoo that again…?" Shampoo mumbled into Nabiki's neck. She started planting gentle kisses along Nabiki's throat and collarbone, though she was still half asleep.
Nabiki shivered and felt an echo of the fire that had consumed her the previous night. Shampoo had to be cheating and using some sort of pressure point knowledge to be doing this to her with just a little light pressure from her lips! "Nnnh… Kitten…"
Shampoo made a pleased noise then relaxed. "Good. No get up yet, Pintou."
"We have to get up for school, Shampoo," Nabiki insisted, though her willpower was dangerously weak.
"No school today. Stay with Shampoo."
Nabiki sighed. She shifted a bit and could already tell that despite how gentle Shampoo's embrace might be, it was effectively a submission hold - she wasn't going to get out of bed unless Shampoo allowed it. "We need to meet Ranma there, Kitten."
"Airen…?" She murmured. "Tell Airen to come here… join in bed…"
Ooooooh don't tempt me… Nabiki felt a warm surge at the thought. But Ranma's position on the Volleyball team required near-perfect attendance to maintain and there were other matters to attend to. They could ill-afford to spend the day in bed as much as she desperately wanted to right now. "Another day, I promise Kitten. Once we'd gotten a larger bed." She noted that Shampoo's current modest twin-sized western style bed was barely big enough for the two of them, much less a third.
Shampoo finally cracked open an eye and peered up at her. "Can move to floor."
"But then we'd still need to get out of bed, wouldn't we?"
"Mnnnnnh!" Shampoo whined plaintively. "... Pintou win. Shampoo get up." She mumbled the last part, closed her eyes and nuzzled against Nabiki's neck again.
"That's not getting up, Kitten," Nabiki pointed out. She gently took hold of Shampoo's earlobe and applied a little pressure in a pressure-point technique of her own, something she had learned by experience from her mother.
"Ow ow ow ow!" Shampoo's eyes flew open as Nabiki pinched.
Nabiki released her grip. She giggled softly at Shampoo's expression of hurt and betrayal and kissed her nose. "Later, I promise. When this is all over and we've got it all sorted out we'll have all the lazy days in bed you want."
Shampoo nodded. She reached up and self consciously touched the collar around her neck and smiled. She shifted a bit to move her arms around Nabiki's neck as she stretched. "Am glad this not turn out to be happy dream."
"I thought you had plans to bed all of Ranma's wives?" Nabiki noted playfully.
"This special," Shampoo replied softly, her expression suddenly serious but with a touch of uncertainty. "... Pintou know this… yes?"
Nabiki nodded solemnly and gave her a gentle, reassuring kiss on the lips. "I know. At first I was a little afraid it wasn't as… significant to you as it is to me. I think you managed to erase my doubts after about the third hour."
Shampoo smirked. "Need to work on Pintou's stamina," she sighed. "But… not tell Great-grandmother? Not about what this mean, at least." She tapped the tags on her collar.
"I thought 'Sleeping as Sisters' was a common thing for Joketsuzoku?" Nabiki asked.
"Oh, that not issue. Issue is heir of Elder accepting… lower status. Especially to Outsider," Shampoo blushed a bit. "Accept Pintou as Mistress, as head wife to Airen. Is… is…"
"... Scandalous?" Nabiki suggested.
"Is good word for, yes," Shampoo sighed. "Normally only ever happen if Kiss of Death fail. Not hear of one who willingly gave selves before." She blushed and sank back down in the covers a bit.
Nabiki rolled her eyes. "Not publically, no, but if the rest of the Amazons are as horny as you are, I'm sure it happens in private more than you think," Nabiki smiled reassuringly. "We'll keep it discreet though. Did you want to swap the collar for something else, or…?"
Shampoo put her hand over the collar protectively and shook her head. "Bu! ... No… will explain other way to her. For cat side." She curled her fingers around it and ducked her head, dropping her eyes. "U-unless Pintou decide otherwise…"
Nabiki felt another warm surge at Shampoo's protectiveness of her tags. Again, she had to wrestle with the temptation to simply skip school for the day and spend more time exploring those feelings more thoroughly. "I wouldn't dream of it, Kitten."
000
Cologne seemed thoroughly amused at Nabiki's appearance at breakfast that morning, though she made no comments directly. Nabiki did notice the title of Daughter-in-law was applied quite consistently now, however. Strangely, she didn't comment on the collar at all, though Nabiki was certain that Cologne had noticed it.
I wonder if she realizes what it means? Nabiki pondered over a bowl of miso soup. Knowing her? Probably. It's not exactly SUBTLE. I guess she simply doesn't give a damn because Shampoo's happy. Not like she hasn't bent Amazon law into pretzel shapes for her before.
Shampoo was happy, quite obviously. She was practically glowing and even greeted Mousse cheerfully as he stumbled down the stairs, bleary-eyed and dishevelled. The nearsighted weapons master merely looked pained and muttered something about cleaning up the storage room before the restaurant opened.
"Looks like he had a rough night. Wonder what he was up to?" Nabiki asked.
"Oh, he actually turned in early," Cologne replied, "but the walls are thin." She smirked. "Do be mindful in the future, Daughter-in-law? At my age I might not need so much sleep, but it appears to be rather hard on the boy."
Nabiki choked a bit as she finished the last of her bowl of soup. "... Oh."
"Shampoo, would you be so kind as to put the rice on? The morning customers will be here soon and the boy is liable to be useless today." Cologne smiled at her great-granddaughter, who nodded and skipped off to the kitchen, humming a tune to herself as she went.
"Ah, youth…" Cologne said, smiling fondly after the girl. She returned her attention to Nabiki. "Interrupted sleep aside, your current sleeping arrangement is otherwise quite advantageous. Having you stay here will certainly help speed your training. I'll give your sister a call to discuss the particulars and get whatever you might need sent over."
"Wait, what?!" Nabiki slammed her chopsticks down on the table. "You can't be expecting me to actually move in?!"
Cologne raised an eyebrow. "After last night I had assumed it was a foregone conclusion?"
Nabiki swallowed. She was getting the odd feeling of things starting to slip out of her control as new developments kept piling on. She wondered if this was how Ranma felt. "I'm… not opposed to it," she said carefully, taking a few moments to choose her words. "It's simply a matter of timing. There are a lot of complicated factors in play at the moment…"
"Which you have elected to add to by branding my granddaughter." Cologne replied, still maintaining that cheerful conversational tone. "I am aware."
I'm dead. Nabiki felt the miso soup that had been so light and tasty just a moment ago turn into a cold, hard lump of lead in her gut.
"At least you were subtle about it. Not many possess the skill to see such disruptions of the aura. Certainly a unique way to do it," Cologne chuckled. "However, if you and she are taking such a step, I must insist that you accept responsibility for it."
"You make it sound like I got her pregnant," Nabiki noted, feeling the bravery that only the truly doomed know.
"Oh, make no mistake, Daughter-in-law, you will be personally ensuring that soon enough - be it through succeeding in securing Son-in-law's participation or directly - even if I must dunk you in the nannichuan myself," she continued, grin widening. "But for now… I have stretched Amazon law to the very breaking point for my Great-granddaughter. No more allowances can be made. You will be made worthy of my Great-granddaughter and of the position you have so impulsively selected for yourself."
"I…" Nabiki could feel the cold strands of inevitability wrapping around her, strangling her precious self-determination. "I won't presume to argue that, Elder. But… I don't have time to learn martial arts right now, much less train intensively! I am still very much occupied with trying to get Ranma disentangled from the matters that threaten your Great-granddaughter's marriage to him! When those problems have passed..."
"I would have thought you were more perceptive than this, child," Cologne sighed heavily. "There will always be a crisis. Son-in-law exists within the perfect storm of Chaos that follows him wherever he roams. It is for precisely this reason that your training must begin now. I will aid you in the other matters and ensure you have time to give them proper attention, but only if you devote the same effort towards learning what I have to teach." She pulled out a pipe and started packing it with tobacco.
"I've… heard about your training methods. I'm… I'm not sure I'm equal to the task," Nabiki admitted.
"You are of Tendo stock and, if your sister is of any indication, you will be fine. Even if you lack Akane's raw potential, your cunning nature will more than suffice." She lit the pipe and took a puff. "Your elder sister has potential as well, though with her nature she'd be better suited to healing arts. It is an almost unforgivable waste of talent that Soun elected to train only one of you, and so superficially at that."
"None of that requires I live here," Nabiki pointed out.
Cologne raised an eyebrow. "On the contrary, Daughter-in-law, living here is the very minimum required. By rights I should be demanding you relocate immediately to China." She puffed on her pipe and blew a ring of smoke around Nabiki's head. "You have not only laid claim to Son-in-law and co-opted my arrangement for his other paramours for your own purposes, but you have made a wholly separate and entirely binding arrangement with my Great-granddaughter that places her life, her future and her honor entirely in your hands. You are intelligent enough to be aware of this and you made this pact willingly with her regardless. You have made your bed, Nabiki Tendo, and it is here. You will sleep in it."
"I suppose the alternative is death?" Nabiki asked lightly.
"Death would hardly cover your bill at this point," Cologne replied. "You are of the Joketsuzoku now, child. There is no alternative."
Nabiki was silent for a moment. She steepled her fingers, resting her chin on her thumbs and touching her forefingers to her brow, eyes growing intense as she considered. A thousand different factors played out through her head.
"That goes both ways, doesn't it?" Nabiki finally asked. "I'm not chattel or an immigrant, correct? The laws apply equally?"
Cologne raised an eyebrow. "That is the effect of the Kiss of Sisterhood, yes."
Nabiki nodded. "Perfect. I humbly request that my education include Amazon legal precepts and precedents, Honored Elder."
Cologne stared at her a moment then broke out cackling. "Already scheming!" She wheezed as she managed to recover from her mirth. She nodded and locked eyes with Nabiki. "You shall have it, child. Oh yes, you were a good choice. This will be most entertaining!"
000
"I can't believe we overslept!" Ukyou howled as she ran towards the school gates. Beside her Akane was running full out as well.
"Well… we were up late…" Akane panted, shooting her a grin.
Ukyou blushed a little in response. "Pervert…" she muttered, though her tone was nothing but affectionate.
They managed to make it through the gate as the bell chimed. They slowed to a stop and took a moment to catch their breaths, having five minutes or so before the class bell would ring.
"Guess we missed Ranchan and the group," Ukyou panted, hands on her knees as she caught her breath.
"At least it saves us from having to make some awkward explanations," Akane replied.
"For now, maybe," Ukyou said, shrugging. She started walking towards the main school building. "We'll have to come clean with them eventually."
"Better to do that at Fiancee's Tea than have it get out to the perverts here," Akane muttered as they walked.
They reached the classroom just in time to slip in before the bell and headed to their seats. Ryouga and the members of the volleyball team were already there and so was…
Ranma, who looked terrible.
Her clothes were rumpled as though she had slept in her uniform. Her hair was mussed and there were bags under her eyes like she hadn't slept well - if she'd slept at all.
"Ranchan?" Ukyou scuttled over to the redhead. "Geez, what happened to you?"
Ranma blinked and looked at her blearily. "Mnnh? Oh, hey Ucchan, 'Kane…" She looked away almost immediately and let her head sink onto her arms on the desk. "Just a long night is all."
"'Long night' nothing!" Akane said, plucking a small stone from Ranma's hair. "Is this gravel? Did you sleep outside or something?"
"Huh?" Ranma cocked her head, looking at what Akane was holding. "Oh… no, 'course not. It's nuthin'. I just didn't sleep well. Too much ice cream or somethin'..." She lay her head back down on the desk.
Ukyou traded a worried glance with Akane.
They'd have said more but the bell rang and they had to take their seats for the start of class.
000
Over the course of the day, Ukyou was increasingly of the opinion that Ranma was avoiding Akane and herself.
But it wasn't just them. She was avoiding Shampoo and Nabiki... and even Ryouga, who she'd noticed was also shooting concerned glances in Ranma's direction during class.
The final straw came at lunch when Ranma decided that she was going to practise with the volleyball team rather than have lunch with them and trotted off before any of them could do more than sputter.
The first thing Ukyou did was grab Ryouga by the arm and drag him off behind the school.
"H-hey, Ukyou…!" Ryouga flailed but she didn't relent until she got him somewhere out of sight.
"Okay, spill it, Ryouga. What's going on with Ranma?" She put her hands on her hips and stared him down.
"That's what I'm trying to figure out!" he shot back. "Did Ranma get back to the Tendo Dojo last night?"
"I don't know! You were the last one to see her as far as I knew! Ask Nabiki?" She threw up her hands.
Ryouga's eyes narrowed. "Yeah, funny thing about that. Nabiki stayed over at the Nekohanten. She doesn't know."
"Oh… Akane stayed over at my place," Ukyou rubbed the back of her head. "What did Kasumi say?"
"I haven't been to the Tendo Dojo today. Nabiki and Shampoo came and picked me up. Ranma was already here when we got here," Ryouga sighed and rubbed his eyes. "I knew Ranma was lying to me."
"Lying to you? About what?"
Ryouga folded his arms and leaned against the wall. "Ranma was in a… well, let's just say she's doubting herself." He narrowed his eyes at her. "She told me that she'd called Nabiki and was heading back to the Dojo to talk with her, but this morning Nabiki didn't know anything about it."
"But why wouldn't Ranma go home to sleep? I mean… even if she was avoiding us, none of us were even there, right?" Ukyou demanded.
Ryouga was silent. His expression said he was deep in thought.
Ukyou studied his face for a moment. Ryouga had a tendency to brood, so she'd had to learn to read him when he went silent so that she would know when to kick him to get him to spit out whatever he was worrying on in his head. This appeared to be one of those times. She opted to literally kick him, booting him in the shin. "Oi, Ryouga, conversations are two-person jobs. Spit it out. What are you thinking?"
He gave her an annoyed look. "You probably wouldn't understand."
"Try me."
Ryouga sighed heavily. "Fine. You know how when things start to go your way, you start getting worried?"
"... No?"
"Told you."
Ukyou rolled her eyes. "Don't be a jackass. Just… describe it to me, okay?"
"All right, all right… Look, it's like… you know stuff tends to go wrong a lot. The world sucks most of the time. But there's a consistency to it, you know? There's a sort of ebb and flow, like the tides, and you get used to that. It's… safe almost. Things might get bad but you know how bad they can get and you've dealt with it."
"Sugar, I've seen your kind of 'bad'," Ukyou said, giving him a concerned look. "It's hardly what I'd call safe."
"I get by," Ryouga said defensively. "But that's the thing… you can deal with the bad because you know there's good coming. But every once in a while, things get too good. Everything starts going your way." His eyes fell. "And after a bit, you start wondering… 'if it's this good… how bad is it gonna be when it gets bad?' And… that start eating at you."
Ukyou's brow furrowed. "But… that's not how life works, Ryouga. It's not a zero-sum game! The good times and bad times don't have to balance out!"
"That's not how your life works," Ryouga muttered. "Congrats."
She punched him in the shoulder. "It's not how yours works either, dumbass! Is that why you keep on screwing up anything good that comes your way? You're trying to keep the accounts balanced so the bad doesn't get too bad?!"
"I'm not trying to screw anything up!" he shot back. He closed his eyes and sighed heavily. "Things just… It gets hard to trust anything, you know? At least if you can see the disaster coming you know what's going to hit you. But when it's all good you… you can't relax, you know? You start wondering what you're missing... wondering if it's right there, about to happen, and you just can't see it." He cracked an eye open and glared at her. "And… 'that's not how my life works'?! Tell that to the scars on my back, wouldja?"
"And you think Ranma feels this way about his life?"
"I know she does. Ranma just hides it better than I do."
Ukyou's eyes narrowed. "Since when did you get to be so in-tune with what goes on in Ranma Saotome's head? It used to be that your only interest in his mind was seeing it splattered across the pavement!"
Ryouga huffed and folded his arms more tightly across his chest in what Ukyou recognized as one of his usual sulks.
"Ranma saved my life," he said finally. "She… deserved a second chance."
"And you use female pronouns for her pretty much exclusively," Ukyou gave him a suspicious look. "Ryouga… Akane's not right about you and Ranma, is she?"
"No!" Ryouga said hotly. "Look… Ranma is a girl right now, isn't she? I just use the pronouns for the form she's in!"
"Okay, okay!" Ukyou said placatingly. "It's just… Odd to see you being concerned about Ranma like this. I mean, really concerned, not that 'You can't die because no one is allowed to kill you but me!' macho bullshit you and Ranma seem so fond of."
"I think you said that to me the last time you found me collapsed outside of your shop…"
"Yes, but conversely shut up!" Ukyou growled. "Okay… you're honestly worried about Ranma? Good. Then you wanna help me figure out what's going on? For real?"
Ryouga raised an eyebrow. "What's your idea?"
"We just follow her… him… augh you've got me doing it now!" Ukyou growled. "We follow Ranma and try and figure out if she's okay or this is as bad as you think it is."
"Not exactly one of your most cunning plans…"
"Yeah? Well I had to make sure you could follow it, so I had to dumb it down a little." She grabbed him by the shoulder. "Come on, just keep quiet and follow me."
000
"Ranma, are you there? Helloooo?" Sayuri waved her hand in front of the redhead's face. Ranma's eyes were glassy and she was unresponsive as she stared off into space.
"Huh? Oh… sorry Sayuri." Ranma blinked and rubbed her eyes. "Just… kinda spaced out for a sec."
"You sure you're okay?" Sayuri said, concerned. "You look terrible."
"Yeah. Just… didn't sleep well," Ranma said.
"You sure you're okay skipping lunch?" Sayuri put a hand on her hip. "I mean I appreciate the renewed dedication to the team and all but it doesn't do us much good if you end up collapsing or something."
Ranma smiled weakly. "I'm fine. I've gone a lot longer without food than just skippin' a meal or two and kept going. Besides, I wanna figure out this thing with your serve."
"Okay, so… how do we do that?" Sayuri asked.
"Well… you're doing something with Ki. So, prolly the easiest way is for you to serve a few balls over the net with me touching you so I can feel what your aura is doing." Ranma moved around behind her and put her hand on Sayuri's shoulder. "And the others just use it for practise setting up serves..."
Sayuri nodded. "Sounds good." She turned back to the rest of the team on the other side of the net. "Sound good to you guys?"
Rin nodded and clenched her fists. "With Senpai and Captain Sayuri working together, there's no way we can lose!"
Yuka crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Well, someone is back to her genki self."
"I guess now we know how to recharge her," Riko added, patting Rin on the back. "Just call Mousse!"
Rin immediately flushed red and ducked her head. "Eeeeeeeeeee! Don't you dare!"
"What, don't you want to go on another date with your favorite chinese martial artist?" Yuka asked, smirking.
"Yes! I mean No! I-! Mean… Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…" Rin dropped down into a ball and hid her face behind her knees. "M-meanies!"
"Could you not break the Rin while we're trying to train?" Sayuri asked coldly. "Five minutes? Can I get five minutes without you breaking her, please?"
"Sorry!" Yuka called sheepishly.
Sayuri huffed impatiently and spun the ball in her hands. "Well, ready or not…" she muttered. She glanced over her shoulder at Ranma who gave her a nod.
She closed her eyes and tried to recapture that feeling she'd had the night of the game. Pride… She lofted the ball and hit it, trying to drive her feelings into it with the heel of her hand.
It sailed over the net normally enough, with Riko digging it out, Yuka setting and Rin returning (Thankfully with just a tap, rather than a thunderbolt smash).
Sayuri sighed and picked up the ball. "I don't know what I'm doing different."
"It's not a real fight," Ranma replied. "Ki is fueled by emotion. It's a lot easier to use it when your emotions are high, like in a desperate situation. It's a lot tougher to bring it all out when you're just training. But that's why you gotta learn that way, so you can control it and not just flail about."
"Are you sure it is Ki?" Sayuri asked. "I'm not a martial artist. I shouldn't have any, right?"
Ranma shook her head. "Ki is just life energy. Everyone and everything has it. That's why Ms. Hinako's little coin trick works on everyone." Ranma took the ball from her and spun it on her finger. "Most people just radiate it out without doin' anything with it. A lot of high level martial arts is just about capturing all that wasted energy and redirecting it - using it. It's not all ki blasts, you know. That's just the flashy stuff and it's actually kinda wasteful in its own right. It's about learning to spread it through your body, focus it along your limbs to make you faster or to make your punches harder or make your body tougher or make you lighter." She tossed the ball back to Sayuri. "And some people are even able to extend it into objects, allowin' 'em to turn ordinary stuff like cloth or playin' cards or whatnot into deadly weapons. It's how Ryouga does that trick where he turns his belt into a sword or makes his bandanas razor sharp."
"You think I'm doing that?" Sayuri asked, cocking her head.
"I know you are. But not in a way I've ever seen before," Ranma said. "Some people got a natural talent for this stuff. Me? I had to learn all this the hard way, but it's like how some people are naturally better at math or cookin'... they seem to be able to do stuff without nobody teachin' 'em."
Sayuri gave her a skeptical look. "So you think I'm some sort of… Ki prodigy? Even though the only athletic thing I'm even remotely good at is volleyball?"
Ranma shrugged. "Like I said, Ki ain't a martial arts thing. Martial artists just learn to use it. But… you think Rin's arm has the muscle to hit like she does without usin' something like that? Don't get me wrong, havin' a special talent for it don't mean it ain't gonna be a lot of hard work to learn to use it. It just means… you got a head start, I guess."
Sayuri nodded. "Still…" She looked at the ball. "It's sort of a weird thought… that I'm special somehow." She flipped the ball to spin on her finger. "All this time around people like you and Akane, I just figured… I dunno… that I was just a background character in your story."
Ranma paused, considering. "Well… Everybody has a story, right? And… you're the one writing it, right?" She shrugged. "So… who cares if you're a background character in someone else's story? You just can't let yourself be a background character in your own story. Talent's just a part of that. Most of it's hard work and not giving up."
Sayuri raised an eyebrow. "Anything Goes school of inspirational pep talks?"
Ranma snorted. "Aww I'm no good with words. But it's the truth. It ain't magic or destiny that made me who I am." She tapped her chest with her thumb. "It's me."
"Says the boy who's currently magically a girl," Sayuri replied.
"Yeah, well, not sayin' magic and destiny and stuff don't happen. But they don't get to decide who you are. You're the one who decides what to do with 'em," Ranma folded her arms.
Sayuri paused then smiled. "Well… I, for one, am glad you did what you did with it. You're a good friend. Guess nothing about being a 'Man amongst men' that means you can't be a 'Woman amongst women' too, huh?"
Ranma blinked.
Sayuri didn't notice the moment of confusion on Ranma's face. "Okay… lemme try this again. Gotta recapture that feeling from game night."
000
Ryouga and Ukyou watched them play for a few more minutes until the volleyball team started to clean up in anticipation of the lunch bell.
"Well, aside from being a bit tired, I didn't see anything really wrong there, sugar," Ukyou said, ducking back behind the corner they had been peering around. She crouched down next to Ryouga, folding her arms across her knees. "You sure it was all that bad last night?"
"Yeah… mebbe I read it wrong…" Ryouga said, looking down. "Doesn't explain why Ranma would lie about her phone call with Nabiki though. Or why she'd sleep outside."
"We don't know she slept outside, just that she looks really rough," Ukyou said. "And… to be fair, it's not like fibbing to you to get you to leave her be is anything new, right?"
Ryouga sank down further with a sigh. Did I read all of that wrong? Maybe I've just gotten so used to the link that I think I know what Ranma is thinking better than I actually do… "Yeah, you have a point."
Ukyou cocked her head. "You seem actually heartbroken about that Ryouga."
"I just thought I finally understood Ranma a little better, you know?" Ryouga sighed. "Not that I mind being wrong about this. I just… I've spent so long assuming that I knew Ranma. And then I found out I didn't and I guess… Well, it just felt like maybe I was starting to actually understand her."
"Seriously, Ryouga, I've been trying for a lot longer than you. I'd honestly be kinda pissed if you had her figured out this fast," Ukyou paused, then scowled. "Him… Damnit, how long have I been using female pronouns?"
"Is that a big deal?" Ryouga asked.
"Yes. Respecting which gender someone wants to be referred to as regardless of form is kind of a sticking point with me!" Ukyou glared at him. "Ranma is a guy and is very insistent that he's a guy. It's disrespectful to swap pronouns on him just because it's convenient!"
Ryouga looked away. He debated keeping his mouth shut but he remembered what he had seen in Ranma's emotions the afternoon after the omiai. "... You sure?"
"What do you mean 'Am I sure'!?" Ukyou demanded.
"I mean, have you asked him?" Ryouga asked evenly
"What? No! Why would I ask something like that!? Why would I need to?" Ukyou huffed. "He's the first one to shout to the heavens that he is 'Ranma Saotome, man amongst men' even when he's in a girl's body. Why…?"
She trailed off as Ryouga stared at her evenly.
"L-look, just because he says it a lot doesn't mean…" Ukyou stammered, getting flustered.
Ryouga just kept staring.
"W-well, have you?!" Ukyou demanded, glaring back.
Ryouga closed his eyes. An echo of Ranma's words came to mind.
"Some days… I'm not even so sure if that would be so bad… That if I can't find a cure then maybe it would be better to just get locked as a girl rather than be stuck in-between like this."
"... Yeah. I have." He opened his eyes and held her gaze.
Ukyou's eyes widened a bit. "Ryouga…"
"Ask. Him," Ryouga repeated.
Ukyou was quiet a minute. She stared off into space, deep in thought. Finally she looked at him. "... I will. Not right now, though. I've gotta get the restaurant open soon. I can't skip a Friday after already missing a whole day," she sighed. "Look, assuming Ranma walks you home, do you think you can try and steer her towards Ucchan's?"
"I'll try," Ryouga said solemnly. He sighed and then chuckled. "Look at me… playing Ranma Saotome's Keeper."
"You're about the only guy who could do the job, sugar," Ukyou replied. "C'mon, I'll walk you to class before I go. Least I can do."
000
Ranma stared at her own face in the mirror. She leaned forward a bit and wiped the steam from the glass. It had been a rough day, dodging her fiancees, Ryouga and Kodachi. She had ended up begging Sayuri to lead Ryouga home for her in an effort to keep clear of a lot of conversations or encounters she just wasn't mentally prepared to deal with.
She traced her finger over her reflection's cheek and the light dusting of faint, nearly invisible freckles there.
How do I explain something to them I don't even understand myself? she thought. She knew that if she went to them with her feelings they'd all fall over themselves trying to reassure her and maybe even damage what was slowly growing between them. And that would make it worse.
Sorry, girl side, but the soap should have worn off by now and I need some guy time, Ranma thought, giving her reflection an apologetic smile. She didn't know why she was apologizing to her girl side but, after Kodachi's revelation, she didn't feel comfortable with seeing it just as a means to an end anymore.
She filled a wash tub with warm water and poured it over herself. There was a tingle, but no change. She had been through this before with the soap - it usually took more to change when it was still wearing off. She poured another tubful over herself and the change finally happened.
He sighed and resumed washing himself with warm water and regular soap. He paused and looked in the mirror again, checking his cheekbones. No freckles. He examined his face carefully, trying to commit all the small details to memory for later comparison to his girl side.
He rinsed off, got up and stepped into the furo. He sank into the tub and sighed.
At least I've got the weekend to be a guy, Ranma thought. His face soured as he remembered the appointment with Dr. Hirano and Dr. Tofu on Saturday. Well… most of the weekend.
Then there was the second omiai on Sunday. Sure, he could be a guy for that. All he had to do was sit quietly and obediently while he was utterly emasculated while his mother decided who he was going to marry for him.
Ugh. He slumped back in the tub. This sucks. I've got NO control over ANYTHING. Not even when I'm a guy or when I'm a girl!
A rebellious part of him wanted to show up to the omiai as a girl and then attend school as a guy the next day, regardless of the obvious consequences.
THAT would blow poor Kodachi's mind, wouldn't it? he thought, then immediately discarded it. Nah, she'd just think it was 'Ran' subbing for her brother again. And Mom would be pissed… which would just match up with our cover story of Mom bein' a 'wicked stepmother'.
He sighed and closed his eyes. So tired of the cover stories. Everyone has a different 'piece' of it and no one's got the whole thing, not even Nabiki. It feels like I'm all fragmented.
He yawned, feeling the fatigue from lack of sleep and lack of food starting to compound with the warmth and comfort of the tub. Better be careful… I'm liable to… to…
000
Ranma dodged out of the way of the ki blast as it impacted the ground nearby, tucking into a roll and coming back up onto his feet.
"Show yourself!" He shouted into the blackness. For some reason he couldn't see anything, not even the ground underneath his feet.
"Why should I?" a voice snarled back. "So you can cram me back into my box when it's convenient?!"
"What are you talking about?! Who are you?" he yelled into the darkness. He summoned a ball of glowing ki himself but the light it cast was swallowed up by the blackness. "You're gonna regret messin' with Ranma Saotome!"
There was the sound of footsteps. He whirled, preparing to hurl a ki blast as the figure became visible, more distinct in the darkness but he hesitated as he saw who it was. The ball of ki in his hands flickered and vanished.
"I regret being Ranma Saotome," the redhead said, her blue eyes bright and defiant as she glared at him. She was wearing one of his blue silk chinese shirts and his training pants, though they fit her better than he remembered. He glanced down to see that he was wearing much the same, but one of his red shirts instead.
"This is a dream," Ranma relaxed a little and straightened. "Whew! For a minute…"
The air was driven from his lungs as she charged forward and drove her elbow into his gut.
He skidded backwards, holding his bruised abdomen. "Hey! What…" He ducked a high roundouse kick as she continued her assault. He dropped down for a leg sweep, which she backflipped away from. "What's the big idea?!"
"What's the big idea?!" she yelled back. "You've been beating up on me your whole life!" She circled him in a crouching gait, ready to attack. "Can't handle it when the little girl starts fighting back?!"
"Beating you up?!" Ranma turned to keep facing her, his own stance wary. "I ain't done nothing to you, much less my whole life! I've only had the curse a year or two!" He danced forward to make a grab for her but she slipped out of reach, aiming a kick at his side that he blocked with a grunt.
"I've been here a hell of a lot longer than that!" she shouted, dancing back, ducking and weaving as he threw a series of punches. "Where do you think all those feelings or ideas that don't fit in with being a 'Man amongst men' went, huh?"
Ranma hesitated and got a palm blow to his chin for his trouble. He grunted as his teeth clacked together. He stopped holding back and threw a punch of his own but she danced away from it.
"All the times you felt like crying or wanted a hug or wanted a friend?" she demanded. She jabbed at him a few more times but he parried the strikes. "How many times have you said things weren't fair but then just swallowed it and lived with it because that's what a 'manly man' would do?!"
"It's what I had to do! What choice did I have?!" he shot back.
"You got a choice now," the redhead replied. "Why're you still putting up with it? Why are you still letting Mom wave that contract over our heads? Why are you letting someone else tell us who to marry, who to love?"
"Because honor demands it!" Ranma snarled. He leapt forward, throwing a flurry of blows at her with his amaguriken speed. She parried and dodged, but he felt a few strike home, and it was her turn to skid back, holding a bruised shoulder.
"Since when has 'honor' mattered to our parents? Since when has anything they taught us about honor made sense?" she panted. "You don't even know what it means! It's just what Pops or Mom tell you it is!"
"I know what it means! It means doin' what's right! It means when you give your word, you keep it. It means…"
"When has Pops ever done any of that?!" she demanded. "When has Mom?!"
"We've got a good Mother!" Ranma howled and leapt for her but this time she was ready. She sidestepped with surprising speed and kneed him in the gut, then, when he was doubled over, she flipped up to pin his neck between her legs and toss him on the backflip, sending him crashing to the ground a few meters away with the wind knocked out of him.
"Since when? What part of 'honor' does she follow except the bit where she gets to cut our heads off if we don't keep her happy?" the redhead shouted.
"She sacrificed for us! So we could be strong!"
"She sacrificed us!" The redhead thumped her chest. He could see tears running down her cheeks. "She sacrificed me, because I wasn't allowed to exist within her 'perfect son' - not even a little bit! And it's still not good enough! She still wants more! And you keep making excuses for her, keep apologizing for her! And you keep pushing more and more onto me, thinking you can just hide it all under the curse! You make us run away from the people who actually care about us!"
"You were gonna sleep with Ryouga!" Ranma snarled. He found the will to summon another ki blast and flung it at her, blasting her aside.
She coughed, sprawled on the ground as he stormed up to her. She looked up at him, wiping some of the blood from her lip.
"Yeah. I was," she said. "Or go back to Ucchan's to be with Akane and Ukyou. Or go find Nabiki and Shampoo. Or even just go home to the dojo and give Kasumi a hug. Because I needed someone."
"Ranma Saotome doesn't need anybody," Ranma growled. He lifted his hands over his head, gathering energy for one final strike.
The light illuminated her with sickly reds and yellows like the glow from Ryouga's Shi shi hokodan. She glared up at him, unafraid. "Yeah. Because a man amongst men doesn't need anyone but his Mom, right? Even his feelings for the girls he says he loves. Because I'm where you put all of that, too. And if you keep doing it, soon there's not going to be anything left of you." She looked away. "You win for now. But I'm not gonna stay quiet forever. I want my life back!"
The explosion obliterated her, throwing him back with the force of it.
000
He started awake in the bath, reaching out and gripping the side of the tub as he splashed. He gasped for breath until he woke up enough to realize he was in very little danger of drowning - that he was in the furo at the Tendo dojo and he was safe.
Ugh, what was THAT? He rubbed his temples feeling the sickly ache of a migraine settle behind his eyes.
He slowly pulled himself out of the bath and grabbed a towel to dry himself. As he did he heard a polite knock at the door. He quickly wrapped the towel around his waist, mindful of how often he was usually barged in upon and not wanting to squander the benefit of the warning.
"Ranma?" Kasumi's voice came through the door. "Are you okay? You've been in there a long time."
He breathed a sigh of relief. Kasumi he could deal with right now. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just dozed off in the tub." He grabbed another towel and started to dry himself off.
"I was a bit worried when you didn't come home last night. Is everything okay?" Kasumi added hesitantly.
Ranma sighed, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry I didn't call to let you know, Kasumi."
"That's all right, Ranma. I just worry. I know sometimes you can't always call. Just promise me you'll keep safe and take care of yourself?" Kasumi's tone was almost apologetic and it sent another stab of guilt through his heart.
This is dumb. I'm feelin' guilty because I didn't come home last night because I didn't wanna feel guilty! "I will, I promise," Ranma replied. After a moment, he added. "Hey, Kasumi?"
"Yes, Ranma?"
"Are… Are Nabiki and Akane home yet?"
"Not yet. They said they were going to meet the other girls at the Tea Shop to talk about the Omiai Sunday. Nabiki told me you knew where it was, but I didn't want to disturb you. You've seemed like you have a lot on your mind lately."
"Oh." Ranma wasn't sure if he was happy about that or not.
"Dinner will be a little later for their sake but I made a snack for you to tide you over." She paused again. "I can bring it up to your room if you're not feeling up to socializing with Father and me?"
Ranma considered a moment. He didn't want to seem weak or needy and he was honestly a little tired of imposing on Kasumi so much. But at the same time Soun was one of the last people he wanted to deal with right now and being downstairs ran the risk of running into the girls as they came home. Still… not like his room was really all that comforting. But there was one place that was. "Actually… could you bring it out to the dojo?"
000
Kasumi's 'snack' was pretty much a full meal, with rice, grilled fish and pickled vegetables. Ranma wasn't inclined to complain and barely paused for air as he wolfed down the food like someone who hadn't eaten all day. Which he hadn't.
Kasumi simply knelt and watched him eat without saying a word, refilling his rice bowl and teacup as needed.
Ranma finally had his fill, sat back and put the tray aside. "Thanks, Kasumi! That was great!"
She smiled. "I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm afraid dinner itself will be rather light. Akane already ate while working at Ucchan's and Nabiki informs me that Elder Cologne has requested she stay at the Nekohanten to facilitate her training." She sighed. "The house has been… a little too quiet."
"Yeah, well… everyone's got stuff goin' on," Ranma said, a bit more gruffly than he intended.
"Well, you can feel free to invite your friends from school over. I did enjoy having them over earlier this week," Kasumi smiled. "You were talking about using the dojo to train with them…?"
"Maybe. I dunno. My days have kinda all become girl side stuff. I sorta want to have some guy time too, you know?" He picked up his tea and drained the cup. "I can help 'em out while we're still at school. For right now I've kinda been lax on my own training and maybe while everyone else is busy with other stuff it'd a good chance for me to get back into it."
"You shouldn't work too hard, Ranma." Kasumi put the dishes on the tray and closed the rice steamer as she gathered everything to take back to the house. "I suspect the girls would really appreciate it if you visited them while they were working."
Ranma's expression darkened. "If it's all the same, Kasumi… I'd rather keep my focus on my training for right now."
She gave him a surprised look. "Ranma…?"
Ranma stood and stretched. "I've been stressin' about all the relationship stuff like crazy and it's not doin' me any good. There's no point in gettin' too comfortable or attached as long as the omiai is still up in the air so I should just focus on my trainin' and let Mom and Pops take care of it like they said they would."
"Are… you certain you're all right with that, Ranma?" Kasumi asked, a little shocked. "You've always been very outspoken about not having a say in such matters. Plus, you and Nabiki…"
"Mebbe I've been rethinkin' that," Ranma said. There was a coldness in his expression. "Mebbe it doesn't matter so much. Mebbe I've been wasting my time and energy fightin' for what I want when I don't even know what that is. Better if I just focus on what I do know." He turned and walked further into the dojo where several training dummies were set up. "Thanks for the meal, Kasumi."
"Ranma…?" Kasumi said, but he didn't respond and instead started a kata at the far end of the dojo. The conversation was over. She sighed sadly, collected the tray and rice steamer and gave him a final regretful look before she slid the dojo doors closed behind her.
000
"So, Himura didn't even show up to the game?" Nabiki asked as she hobbled along. The middle Tendo was noticeably battered and dishevelled, despite her uniform being in good condition.
Hiroshi and Daisuke respectfully matched her somewhat reduced pace. "It was mostly second stringers playing Friday night. Not that it mattered," Hiroshi handed over a thumb drive. "Here are the pics, but honestly? The other team was a joke."
"That bad, huh?" Ukyou commented leaning into the conversation.
"No, literally. It's a drama school that specializes in comedy," Daisuke answered. "The whole game was them doing a bunch of physical comedy. I don't think they scored a single point."
"Himura didn't even need to be there," Nabiki said. She winced as an ambitious step pulled at a sore muscle. "Ow…"
"Pintou should have stayed home like Shampoo suggested." Shampoo moved to slip under Nabiki's arm to support her but Nabiki waved her off. "First few days of training always worst."
"I'll be fine," Nabiki muttered. "I can't take a day off yet." She looked up to see the front gates of the dojo. "I never thought I'd be homesick for this place…"
"You say that like we live in a dump!" Akane protested as she walked out of the front gate, arms crossed. Kasumi came out behind her then covered her mouth as she saw Nabiki's condition.
"Oh my… Nabiki, are you all right?" She hurried over and started checking her sister.
"I'm… I'm fine Kasumi," Nabiki replied. "Just stiff from being forced to bend in ways that I'm pretty sure I wasn't meant to bend. Where's Ranma?"
Kasumi exchanged a glance with Akane that was not reassuring.
"Ranma… left early," Akane said finally. "Like, just as I was getting up."
"He said he wanted to get an early start," Kasumi added sheepishly.
"Ranma got up early. For school. On a SATURDAY," Nabiki said incredulously then shook her head. "No, not a chance I'm buying it."
"Ranma seemed normal when he was working with the volleyball team," Ukyou added. "Ryouga seemed to think he's… scared of things being 'too good'."
"What the hell does that mean?!" Nabiki demanded.
"Ranma said last night that he wants to… 'refocus'," Kasumi added quietly. "He talked about… not wanting to get too involved until after the omiai is decided."
"He wants to let his mother decide!?" Nabiki yelped. She squeezed her eyes shut and shouted curses in her own head at Cologne, Nodoka and herself in that order. She grabbed the bento box Kasumi offered her and started stomping off toward the school, amazingly rejuvenated.
"Uh oh… Fearless Leader has blown a gasket…" Ukyou quipped to Shampoo as they followed along behind.
"I think this is serious…" Akane said, coming up even with them. "When I came home last night I couldn't even get Ranma to talk to me. He stayed up late in the dojo, too."
"Something's happened," Ukyou muttered. "And I think Ryouga knows more than he's letting on." She glanced up to see Nabiki stalking off towards the school. "Betcha Ranma skipped picking him up this morning too. Akane, you wanna come with me to get him? Shampoo can keep Nabiki out of trouble."
"Umm… what about us?" Hiroshi raised his hand.
"Nabiki complaining about lack of caffeine." Shampoo said. She reached into her pocket and dug out a few coins. "Get coffee? No, wait, Nabiki like tea at shop… Earl Grey!" She handed them to Hiroshi.
"Make sure it's hot, too. As hot as they'll give it to you. She always complains about how the stuff from most shops is lukewarm," Akane added.
"Tea. Earl Grey. Hot. Gottit. Anything else?" Hiroshi asked, tucking the money into his pocket.
"Warn us if she starts having you research how to hire a hitman or something," Ukyou said. "And if you see them, maybe ask Sayuri and the team if they know anything?"
"Sure thing."
000
Nabiki had nearly made it to the school gates before Hiroshi and Daisuke caught up with her again.
"Hey boss!" Hiroshi said sheepishly. "Uhh… we got you something…" He held up the cup.
"I don't have time for schmoozing right now, Hiroshi," Nabiki growled. "Get out of my way or I'll…" she winced a bit as a sore muscle protested. "... I'll have Shampoo hurt you."
Shampoo shrugged apologetically to the boy and cracked her knuckles.
"Ack! No!" Hiroshi gave Shampoo a look of horrified betrayal. "You said to bring her caffeine! I…"
Before he could react, the cup was snatched out of his hand. He looked at Nabiki and opened his mouth to warn her that it was hot, but she had a finger up to silence him and was already gulping the contents greedily.
Hiroshi, Daisuke and Shampoo simply watched in awe as Nabiki chugged the boiling hot beverage.
Having drained her cup, Nabiki finally sighed in relief, a little puff of steam actually visible in her breath. She closed her eyes and simply took a moment to allow the restorative properties of the almighty caffeine to percoalte through her body. She straightened, opened her eyes (which now seemed much less bleary) and handed he empty cup to Hiroshi.
"Better," she said finally. "Make it hotter next time, though. Those western style coffee joints always wimp out on the temperature. Now, where was I?"
"About to hunt down Ranma?" Daisuke supplied helpfully and earning an elbow to the ribs from Hiroshi.
"Right…" Nabiki sighed. With her mind a bit clearer she was far less inclined to simply rush in and try and hunt him down to yell at him.
This is my fault. The thought occurred to her as she continued through the gates. This all started after I promised to see Ranma that evening then blew her off for Shampoo. She glanced back over her shoulder at the Amazon. Shampoo was proudly wearing her collar with the silvery tags glinting in the sun. I still haven't had a chance to talk to her about that.
She pulled out her phone to check the two missed calls from that night. Both came from the same payphone. Ryouga asked if Ranma had called me and spoken to me. I guess she did.
Guilt was still not an emotion Nabiki was terribly good at dealing with. It made her want to fix the problem immediately, regardless of what the smart move would be.
If I confront Ranma right now we'll get cut off by the bell. If I wait until lunch she'll just avoid me like she did yesterday. She considered. So… create a block of time then, after homeroom.
"Hiroshi? Daisuke?" She beckoned the boys over. "I need a distraction…"
000
"Ryouga, spill," Ukyou growled at the Lost Boy's back as they walked towards Furinkan.
"C'mon, Ukyou, I don't know what else you want me to tell you." Ryouga jammed his hands in his pockets and hunched his shoulders.
Akane, who was walking ahead of him, turned around and folded her arms, stopping him dead. "Ryouga… Ranma's acting weird. You know why. Tell us." Her expression softened. "Please."
Ryouga winced. Akane may have lost most of her glamor in his eyes but it would be a heartless creature indeed that was immune to one of Akane's pleading looks. "You aren't going to like the answer."
Akane's brow furrowed. "What did you do, Hibiki?"
Ryouga sighed and rolled his eyes. "You know, I'm started to see what Ranma used to go on about with you jumping to conclusions!" He leaned in close and glared at her. "We went to the Ucchan's that night."
"When? I didn't see you, and I was there all night!" Akane shot back.
"No, you didn't. But we saw you," Ryouga continued. He counted to three, waiting for the realization to dawn.
It took two. Akane's eyes widened and she stepped back a bit. "You… Ranma saw…?"
"Yeah. Ranma saw," Ryouga said. "And it rattled her."
"She was jealous…?" Akane asked, eyes widening with fear.
Ryouga sighed and dropped his gaze as the brief surge of anger left him. "No. She was… alone. I tried to get her to call Nabiki, but…" He shook his head. "Nabiki was busy too."
"We all paired up and Ranchan ended up the fifth wheel," Ukyou said softly.
"B-but…" Akane flushed and fidgeted. "But Ranma knew stuff like this was happening… right?"
"Knowing it and seeing it are two different things," Ryouga replied. "Besides, it wasn't jealousy it was… She kept asking if you had each other then why did you need her?"
"That's ridiculous!" Akane protested. "I… I don't know what I'd do without her! We did all of this for her!"
Ryouga held up his hands placatingly. "Hey, that's what I told her!"
"I think this is the sort of stuff Nabiki was worried about when we talked about this whole harem plan," Ukyou said glumly. "We started supporting each other to get our own wobbles under control but we ended up leaving Ranma to wobble on her own."
Ryouga shrugged. "Hard to balance a cart on five wheels."
"So why didn't you do something?!" Akane demanded, whirling on Ryouga. "If you care so much about Ranma like you claim, why'd you leave her out in the cold?!"
"What should I have done, cold-cocked her and dragged her inside my house?!" Ryouga shot back. "I offered!"
Akane' reared back in surprise. "You propositioned her!?"
"What?! NO!" Ryouga scrubbed his hands through his hair in frustration. "My Mom was home! I offered to have her come in and hang out and have dinner with us!"
"Oh yeah, hey, bring her home to Mom. That's a whole lot better!" Akane growled.
"Akane, stop," Ukyou said finally, getting between them. "You're both being jackasses about this!" She fixed Akane with a hard glare. "You know Ryouga would never take advantage of Ranma, even assuming he wanted to!"
"I've seen him opening her shirt in his tent!"
Ryouga clapped a hand over his face. "Not the koi rod thing again…"
"Yes the koi rod thing again!" Akane growled. "Ranma was under a spell and what did you do? You dragged her off to your tent to get a free look! And when that wasn't enough you headed off into the woods with her!"
"The spell was making her insane, okay?!" Ryouga growled back. "I opened her shirt to see the koi mark the rod left on her chest and I dragged her off into the woods so she didn't end up attacking you! I was actually pondering putting her out of her misery and mine!"
*CLANG*
*CLONG*
Ukyou returned her battle spatula to the rack on her back and dusted off her hands. Akane and Ryouga were both sitting on the ground now, dazed and rubbing their bruised skulls.
"Got that out of your systems? Good," Ukyou said in a saccharine tone. "Now, much as I love you both… and before either of you freak out, that's sisterly love in Ryouga's case… I will quite happily murder you both and serve you as okonomiyaki toppings to my customers if you can't let go of each other's throats and focus on the problem at hand, namely how to help Ranma with her 'wobble' before she does something stupid."
"How do we do that?" Akane asked, getting up and brushing her skirt off. She shot a glance at Ryouga then reluctantly offered him a hand up, which he accepted with caution.
"This is exactly why we agreed that we needed a 'D'artagnan', right? Nabiki is good at this stuff," Ukyou said. "So, we find her, tell her what we know and… hope that by this point she's properly caffeinated."
"I guess we'll need another Fiancee's Tea, too. If Nabiki has to stay at the Nekohanten for training that makes it harder for her to keep tabs on stuff." Akane said thoughtfully.
Ukyou grinned. "We'll just need to convince Ranma to sleep over at my place more often, maybe."
Akane blushed. "Oh."
"Perverts," Ryouga muttered, though he wore a playful grin which only widened as Akane gave him an outraged look.
000
Getting to class early wasn't exactly Ranma's thing but being in her seat in the classroom generally precluded too much deeply personal conversation.
Or any conversation at all, really. Hiroshi and Daisuke were probably headed to school with the group and they were usually too busy being Nabiki's henchmen of late to chat much. Sayuri and the volleyball team were there… but Ranma was starting to think she needed to cut back on the girly interactions.
Not that the current situation is helping. She glanced down at herself and sighed. Dressing up to fool an opponent or trick Kuno is one thing, but… her hand reached up to her hair. Despite having tied it back into a ponytail she could still feel the layering and shaping that had been done by Kodachi's stylist.
I've just been sitting back and letting it happen. Havin' to be a girl for a challenge is one thing, but all this side stuff has got to stop! I'm a GUY. I gotta remember that. Always gotta keep fightin' for that. She took a deep breath. Even if Mom doesn't understand about the challenge, I gotta do what would make her proud… right?
She still felt a twinge of doubt. She shook her head and thumped herself on the temple with the heel of her hand to clear it away.
I need a good fight but most of the usual candidates are out. Even Kuno would have been good but he's still in the hospital. Ryouga is… it's better if I avoid Ryouga altogether. She winced as she remembered the after-school appointment with Dr. Hirano. Well… as much as possible anyway… gotta keep my word even if it's… not easy.
He sighed. Mousse? Ugh… much as I hate to say it, I'm not in the mood. He's usually just frustrating to fight - a lot of dirty tricks and then when I DO finally connect he goes down like a sack of rice… and that's assuming he's got his glasses on and isn't trying to fight a park bench.
She folded her hands behind her head and looked out the window. Maybe it's for the best. I should focus on the Challenge and getting it over with as soon as possible. I'll grab Sayuri and the team at lunch. That'll keep me too busy to worry about other stuff.
She saw Ukyou and Akane and enter the classroom out of the corner of her eye but she didn't look up. It didn't feel real great giving them the silent treatment but… maybe it was better if they were mad at her. She could patch things up if the omiai went well and if it didn't… well… it would make things easier.
Thankfully the class started almost as soon as they entered. Ranma turned her attention to the teacher. School might be dull but it made for a serviceable distraction from some of her more problematic thoughts.
000
Class was over surprisingly quickly. It had been dull as anything, but it had kept Ranma's mind busy.
Cool! Just one more period, then it's lunch and club activities! I should be able to stay outta trouble until then. It's Remedial Chemistry, none of the others even have that with me!
She got up, grabbed her bookbag and scuttled out of the room almost as soon as they were dismissed, skirting past Akane and Ukyou before they could even get out of their seats. She darted out into the hall and headed for her next class.
I might even get some brownie points with the teachers for this! Not that I'm planning to keep this up… She rounded the corner towards her next class and stopped dead.
Nabiki was waiting for her in the hallway, leaning against the wall outside of her chemistry classroom, arms folded and eyes closed. Ranma knew that she had noticed her, however, because she saw the slight quirk of the corner of her mouth as a smirk began.
"You keep skipping out on me and I might think you were trying to avoid me, Saotome," she said. The tone was almost nostalgic; pure Ice Queen. It was the tone Nabiki used when it was time for Ranma to pay up whatever ungodly debts she had pinned her with.
Ranma was in trouble.
"Aheh… hey Nabiki…" Ranma said nervously, starting to try and edge around her. If she could just slip into her class…
There was a *BANG* and the door flew open in a cloud of black smoke. The chemistry teacher and several students tumbled out of the classroom, coughing. The stench from inside the room made Ranma recoil instinctively.
"Oh, hey, look at that, I guess class is cancelled until they air out the room," Nabiki said in an off-hand manner. "We should use this opportunity to go have a chat. Let's go up to the roof, shall we?"
Ranma glanced about, looking desperately for an out. "Actually… uhh… Nabiki…. You see, there's this thing and…" She felt the finger and thumb grasp her earlobe a half second too late to react. Blinding, paralyzing pain shot up and down her spine as pressure was applied. "Nnnnnngh!"
"Now now, come along like a good girl," Nabiki said as she casually dragged the weakly struggling redhead by the earlobe towards the roof access stairs. "We really do need to chat."
000
"Ow ow ow ow ow! What's the big idea, Nabiki!" Ranma yelped as she was finally released once they had reached the roof.
Nabiki closed the door behind her then leaned back against it and crossed her arms, making it very clear that Ranma was not getting back through it except through her.
"You've been avoiding me… all of us… since Thursday," Nabiki said sternly. "I'm pretty sure I know why."
"Then we don't need to talk, do we?" Ranma huffed, putting her hands on her hips.
"Ranma…" Nabiki glared at her a moment, then sighed, lowering her gaze. Her expression softened. "... Please."
Damnit… Ranma paused. She took a tentative step forward. "Nabiki… don't…"
"I… know I screwed up," Nabiki said finally. "That is… that's really hard for me to say. Wow." She chuckled softly, still not looking at Ranma. "I know I broke a promise to you and you got left out in the cold because of me..."
"Nabiki, stop."
Nabiki blinked and looked up. Ranma was standing with her arms folded, giving her a cocky grin.
"Ain't nuthin' to apologize for, so why're you wasting the breath?" Ranma said. "You said it yourself… people our age do stupid things. They date, they break each other's hearts, they recover, and they eventually figure out what they're looking for. Maybe that's all that's goin' on with us. With the thing on the beach and the fiancee brigade and… and whatever else. And it ain't worth gettin' upset about because in ten years none of this will really matter all that much. So… it' ain't nuthin' to apologize for because you're doing exactly what you're supposed to be doin' - figuring it all out. Same with Shampoo an' Ucchan an' Akane." She shrugged. "I got caught up in it too, but… I guess this is why Mom wanted to handle the omiai, so I could focus on the Art and handling Challenges. An' right now I've got an important challenge to win so… Maybe that's best." She shook her head. "I know that's not how you wanted it… but…"
Nabiki was staring at her. Ranma had expected surprise or anger or maybe for Nabiki to retreat behind her Ice Queen mask again. The last would have been easiest - for Nabiki to brush it off as if it were nothing - like it was a scam that had been foiled. That's what Ranma had hoped for anyway.
What she saw instead was hurt. Nabiki's big brown eyes were clear and focused on her and behind them was no artifice or glamor, just pain.
"You proposed to me. I said yes."
Jumping off the roof headfirst suddenly seemed like a wonderful idea to Ranma.
"I didn't say yes…" Nabiki started, her eyes starting to cloud as the tears came. "... I didn't say yes because I was still looking, Ranma!" She stepped forward. "I didn't say yes because none of this will matter in ten years!" She reached out towards her. "Why are you doing this?"
Ranma felt the simple, easy clarity that she had felt since having that dream in the furo start to crumble.
"B-because… because you don't really need me anymore…" Ranma said shakily, backing away a little. "Because… everyone gets to be happy if I just get out of the way… Because… because it's easier…"
Nabiki shook her head. "I didn't fall in love with you because I wanted easy, Ranma Saotome!"
"I…" Ranma shook her head and backed away. "S-so what if the omiai doesn't go your way, huh? What if Mom picks Akane, or Ukyou, or Kodachi even? What am I supposed to do then, huh? J-just tell her to go to hell?!" Her eyes narrowed. "I know the whole family honor thing doesn't make any sense to you, but it was how I was raised! I gotta always do my best to be the man Mom wants me to be… the man Pops has been tryin' to raise me to be… and I can't do that if I'm goin' around behind their backs workin' against 'em! Mom wants what's best for me an' Pops has always been there to help me train for a challenge! I've been fightin' 'em on this for so long and… and it's just made everyone miserable. Maybe it's time to stop, huh? Maybe what I want isn't the most important thing here. Maybe I gotta start trusting 'em like they keep telling me I need to."
"Why are you willing to trust them, after all they've done to you, but not me!?" Nabiki demanded, taking another step. "Why not Akane? Or Shampoo, or Ukyou?"
"Because! Because…" Ranma felt her confidence bleeding away as that sense of resolve started to unravel. There were good answers to Nabiki's demands, she knew there were! But she just didn't have them. "Look… just lemme talk to Mom and Pops at the omiai… But… until all of that is sorted out we should stop… I should stop. Stop makin' plans or gettin' involved when I don't know where I'm goin'."
"You mean until your mother tells you where you're going," Nabiki said coldly.
"I just gotta fulfil the contract, okay?!" Ranma shot back. "I gotta put honor and my family first! A-at least for now. Just for a little while. I can do that because I know you and the other girls are okay now… you'll be okay, no matter what happens, 'cuz you've got each other." She swallowed. "You just… you just gotta… gotta give me a little more time."
"How much time?" Nabiki asked softly.
That was an easy question. An obvious question. And one Ranma didn't have a good answer for.
"Ask… ask me after the omiai on Sunday," Ranma said finally.
Before Nabiki could answer, Ranma turned and leapt for the fence surrounding the rooftop then bounded away.
000
"You are quite brazen to come here yourself, child," the old woman said in Mandarin. Her name was Lo Shan, youngest of the Council of Elders, and she was the only one who had been willing to meet with Himura. She was a middle-aged woman, sitting on a cushion and flanked by two much younger female guards. Her greying black hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail that fell down her back in a cascade of silver and black. She wore green robes trimmed in gold and emblazoned with the crest of the village. Her eyes were cold and dark and what had undoubtedly once been a lovely face was marred with scars and lines. She took a puff from a long pipe and regarded Himura with detached interest. "Especially with only a copy of the scroll."
"On the contrary, I felt it was necessary insurance, Honored Elder," Himura replied in crisp, measured words.
Lo Shan frowned. "Your Chinese is stilted." She leaned forward. "Unlike some other Joketsuzoku, I have little use for Outsiders and even less for their contrivances like that one you flew here in. Your wealth and power in the outside world means little here. It is not the knowledge of the scroll we seek, but to prevent that knowledge from falling into the hands of those who would misuse it. Now… you will produce the original scroll and any remaining copies. Such things have no place in your world."
The woman exuded threat almost casually. She had the presence of someone to whom power came easily and who was utterly confident in her abilities. Hers was an enormous ego and it was likely entirely justified.
Himura was kneeling on the hard floor. She had been made to wait in that position for some time and her legs ached. She shivered a bit. Part of her envied such easy, visceral power - not having to rely on underlings or schemes but to simply have the means to take what you wanted with your own hands. She took a breath and steadied herself.
The downside of such power was that it limited one's horizons. When your best tool is a hammer all problems become nails. And why have a Hammer when you could have a Carpenter?
She smiled broadly. "I have no objection to returning the scroll to the custody of the Joketsuzoku. However, before I do so, I wanted to create an opportunity to discuss the matter of someone who is of importance to your village - someone who has been wronged by just such a misuse of the scroll… and who may be served by proper use of it once more."
Lo Shan laughed. "Proper?! There is no proper use for such a thing! It is the arrogance of your countrymen that produced such a thing!"
"That point I do not dispute, Honored Elder," Himura bowed her head. "But… the knowledge of the scroll may be used to reverse that which was done."
"You presume we have any interest in doing so," The elder sniffed.
"No, I merely state it as my intended goal. Or at least… the most contentious of them," Himura smiled again. "I prefer to get the 'bad news' over with, as it were. Of your interests, we have not yet spoken, but… if I might be so bold as to presume?" She snapped her fingers, and her attendant scuttled forward on her knees. The woman bowed and presented a large binder, handing it to one of the elder's guards. The guard opened it, leafed through it then passed it to the elder.
"What is this?" The elder asked. Her tone carried a sneer but there was the undercurrent of curiosity there that Himura had been hoping for.
"Detailed information on every known martial artist of eighth Dan or higher in Japan. I also have similar dossiers available for Korea, Vietnam and China itself," she smiled. "A benefit of my own position."
"Hnh. And of what relevance is this to me?" Lo Shan closed the binder and tossed it to the ground in front of Himura.
"How big is your village, elder?" Himura asked. "Less than a thousand, yes? That's quite a small gene pool. Viable, but a little shallow."
The elder sighed as if bored. "I will take your word for it. This is of interest to me how…?"
"Xian Pu is widely recognized as the most skilled warrior of her generation, correct?" Himura asked. "Even in Japan we know this. But… that's something of a disappointment compared to prior generations, is it not?"
The elder's eyes narrowed. "This is not a matter we discuss with Outsiders," she said harshly.
"An edict from her Great-Grandmother, Khu Long, I imagine?" Himura replied. "Your village has existed for thousands of years on a very simple system: You respect and incorporate strength. Your oldest and most cherished laws revolve around inviting such strength into your village. I imagine in days past of wandering Monks and Adventurers, such a policy brought much needed new blood to your tribe. But… there are not so many wandering Martial Artists these days, are there?"
"My patience wears thin, girl. Get to the point!" Lo Shan growled warningly.
Himura shrugged. "The martial artists do not wander so much, but they do still exist. And I know where to find them. I can provide all the information you need to decide which ones are worthy. And I can provide the means for you to collect them. Or, should you prefer, to deliver them to you."
"Are you suggesting we roam about Asia kidnapping men to be our husbands?" The elder's face cracked into a scornful smile. "You are far more naive than I originally believed!"
"Am I?" Himura asked. "Your enemies the Musk marry Outsiders now, rather than abusing the pools of Jusenkyo, and their power remains at its ancient height. The residents of Togenkyo Island combine abuses of similar magical waters with Outsider blood to the same effect. The Chinese government itself becomes more authoritarian and mindlessly expansionist with each passing year. I would think it painfully obvious that your village cannot presume to be self-sufficient in the face of such pressures, much less sneer at the offer of a hand of friendship and alliance."
"You speak of the Triad," Lo Shan said, drawing herself up fully. "Others have made such overtures on their behalf. We have no interest in the friendship of liars and peddlers of poison."
"I am associated with the Triad, yes. Or rather my Grandfather is, and I will be in his stead when I succeed him. But I am not here representing the Triad or their interests. I am here representing my own, in which the Triad may be a factor." She smiled and leaned forward. "Your village's hatred of enslavement is legendary but you have no compunctions about enslaving others. Perhaps an association with such liars and peddlers of poison would be more palatable to you if you were the ones ruling them?"
The elder chuckled. "Now you presuming I am naive."
"Perhaps," Himura said. "But as you look down on me for my ignorance and presumption about your people, remember that the Triad are mine. They are part of a 'village' much larger than yours, into which I have been born and raised." She casually examined her nails. "Of course, you are quite right to suppose any proposition of overthrowing the Triad to be madness or idiocy or both." She looked back at the Elder and smirked. "But the Triad, like most of the 'village' I am from, is a meritocracy. Revolution is not required - merely the proper sponsorship, inside knowledge and patience." She leaned back again. "An Alliance that promises nothing but quick gains is a farce. An Alliance that promises no quick gains at all is doubly so. I propose neither. What I offer is… an ongoing and mutually beneficial arrangement. For now, I can provide information and access to things that benefit you in the short term in exchange for support in securing a position that will afford me much greater ability to provide. Which I would be inclined to continue to do for the continued support of your skills and for the benefit of positioning those who share a similar mindset in situations that are advantageous to us both. In the parlance of my people… this is a ground-floor buy in."
The elder regarded her cooly for a moment. She puffed on her pipe then closed her eyes. She snapped her fingers and a pair of girls scurried off to return shortly with a pillow for Himura to kneel on and a fresh cup of tea.
"I would hear… specifics," The elder said in Japanese.
000
"Ranma!"
Ranma barely heard the warning before the volleyball struck her full force in the face, catapulting her backwards to land flat on her back. The ball careened off and Ranma was left staring up at the sky, spread eagled on the ground.
Sayuri's head came into view, upside down. "Ranma, are you okay?!" She knelt down next to Ranma's head.
"No fair having Rin spike it at me…" Ranma murmured, trying to get her eyes to focus properly again.
"Uhh… actually…" Riko's head appeared a bit behind Sayuri's. "I was the one who spiked that. Aheh…"
"Senpai, are you okay?!" Rin also popped into view.
Ranma groaned and sat up, rubbing her forehead. "I'm fine. Just… just slipped on some sand. Lemme go again."
Sayuri sighed. "Ranma, this is the sixth fumble you've made today. I don't think your head is in the game."
Ranma clenched her fist. "No, c'mon, give me another shot!"
Sayuri shook her head. "Actually, you might be able to take blows to the head all day, but we're getting tired. I'm calling a break for now." She looked up. "Riko, that was a good spike, by the way."
Riko blushed and grinned at the compliment.
Ranma, however, slumped and looked at her hands. Why isn't anything going right today?
"Oh, hey Ryouga," Sayuri said.
Ranma looked up and cursed inwardly. Of course. Of COURSE as soon as I think that Ryouga shows up!
"Ranma! Where the hell have you been?!" Ryouga growled. "I've been looking all over for you!"
"The same place I've been for half the day?" Ranma got to her feet, sighed and dusted herself off. Part of her was surprised that Ryouga had actually managed to make it to the volleyball courts from inside the school in such a short time.
"We've got an appointment to meet Dr. Hirano, remember?" Ryouga folded his arms.
Ranma clapped a hand over her face. "Right, right… more girl side stuff. How could I forget?" She gave Sayuri an apologetic look. "I gotta go take P-chan here to the vet. Sorry I gotta duck out early."
"Hey!"
Sayuri shrugged. "That's okay. I don't think we were doing you too much good anyway." She cocked her head. "Ranma… I know you've got a lot going on right now. Just let us know if there's anything we can do to help, okay?"
"Uhh… yeah… sure…" Ranma rubbed the back of her head sheepishly then retreated quickly before things could get too much more awkward. She grabbed Ryouga's arm and started leading him toward the gates. "C'mon, pork butt."
"H-hey, aren't you gonna change outta the gym gear?" Ryouga asked as she dragged him along.
Ranma glanced down at herself and sighed in frustration. He had a point, but all she had with her was her girl's school uniform, which she did not want to wear any longer than she had to. Not that the girl's gym uniform was any better. She blinked as she remembered an alternative. "I left a set of clothes at Doc Tofu's. I can change when we go pick him up."
000
"Tofu Ono, a pleasure to meet you."
Tofu had his hand extended in greeting and a smile on his face. Ranma had changed into her standard red chinese shirt and training pants and Ryouga had elected to stick with his school uniform. All of them had been greeted by Dr. Hirano at the reception desk.
The Neurologist paused, looking Tofu over in his simple brown gi, his relative youth and his short ponytail. He cleared his throat, took off his glasses and made a show of cleaning them. "Ah, yes… you would be the 'Doctor' Ranma and Ryouga told me about that has knowledge of the… unique medical situation we are investigating." He put his glasses back on. "Doctor Masamune Hirano, Neurologist. Might I ask what your field of specialization is?"
Tofu blinked and lowered his hand. "I'm a licensed chiropractor in Nerima. My focus of specialization is chiropracty, but with extensive study of moxibustion and acupuncture…"
"Of course. Chiropracty," Hirano sighed. "I fear Ranma and Ryouga have misunderstood the requirements of the situation. While I have no doubt you are entirely competent in your… field of expertise… I would not feel comfortable involving someone who is not thoroughly versed in modern medical…"
"... As well as my Medicinae Doctorem et Chirurgiae Magistrum from McGill university with a minor in physiotherapy, as well as my MD from the Japanese Government," Tofu finished, still smiling. "My sensei felt it was important to have a broad perspective on medicine that included both modern and alternative forms. While I specialize in chiropracty, acupuncture and moxibustion, I am a fully licensed General Practitioner."
Hirano blinked. "O-oh… My apologies doctor."
Tofu folded his hands behind his back. "None needed. Many of my fields of specialization have a poor reputation due to misinformation and, if I'm being perfectly frank…" Tofu leaned in with a conspiratorial wink, "... there are a lot of quacks out there claiming to be chiropractors."
"Hnh," Doctor Hirano said noncommittally. "W-well, be that as it may… are you familiar with Magnetic Resonance Imaging?"
"Of course. I've had several of my patients make use of it, rather than CT scans. It's superior for imaging soft tissue though the process is somewhat more involved and uncomfortable than a CT scan," Tofu said enthusiastically. "I've always wanted to see how it might be used to better formalize and explore my own fields but naturally such expensive equipment is rarely available for use by alternative disciplines, much less to satisfy curiosity."
Hirano raised an eyebrow. "Normally I would be quite adamant that your proposed use of the technology would be frivolous and irresponsible. But… in light of recent developments…"
"Ranma tells me she showed you an example of manifested ki," Tofu interrupted him. "I do hope she didn't blow a hole in any walls with it?"
Hirano cleared his throat. "No… I wasn't aware that was a possible application of…" He sighed, defeated. "If you would follow me, perhaps it's best if we get started."
000
Ranma and Ryouga sat slumped in their chairs. Ranma was nodding off and Ryouga had the look of someone for whom boredom had entered a meditative state.
"So these are the scans you've taken of Ryouga's brain," Tofu said. "Both before this 'link' with Ranma manifested and then after?" He considered the images on the computer screen, using the mouse to flip through the images.
"Yes. We're still trying to interpret what we're seeing, especially this activity here in the entorhinal cortex." Hirano leaned over his shoulder. "Ah… not knowing your specific breadth of study for your degree…"
"The part of the brain that is believed to regulate sense of direction," Tofu interrupted. "Enhanced activity in that region of the brain, especially such chaotic activity, would explain Ryouga's inability to find his way."
"Quite so," Hirano replied. "But it does not explain how Ranma is able to suppress said activity and normalize the region." He reached over and took the mouse, bringing up a similar image of Ryouga's brain after linking with Ranma.
Tofu rubbed his chin. "This reminds me of something…" He picked up the small satchel bag he had brought and opened it to retrieve a number of old scrolls.
"O-oh… yes…" Hirano made a face upon seeing the old parchment. "I am not sure if traditional folk medicine would have much constructive knowledge to contribute to…" he trailed off as Tofu opened the scroll to reveal a diagram of a human head with an maze of lines and notes and a considerable focus on the particular part of the skull that corresponded to the image on the computer screen. "Wait… what is this?"
"It's an old diagram made by a priestess from the Sengoku jidai period," Tofu said. "It's a scroll I came across while looking for possible insight into Ryouga's condition. Now… admittedly some of this you'll need to take with a grain of salt. But the priestess, Kaede, was treating a man who had apparently fallen afoul of some form of yokai that cursed him with an inability to find his way."
Hirano closed his eyes. "If this is leading to drilling holes in Mr. Hibiki's head to release foul spirits…"
"That was more of a European practise, actually," Tofu replied, unperturbed. "But Kaede's notes here speak of finding a definite disruption in the man's Ki, centered around this region of his head, which she believed was a kind of 'spiritual poisoning'. However, because of the nature of a person's aura she was unable to alleviate the man's symptoms."
"The… 'nature of a person's aura'?" Hirano repeated uncertainly.
Tofu turned in his chair. "Yes! All living things have an aura…" He held up a hand. "... and before you roll your eyes, I am aware the term has been misused but I think Ranma's demonstration is enough to prove such things exist. At any rate, all living things possess an aura which is made up of Ki, which is the vital force. 'Life energy' you could perhaps call it. Some have tried to relate it to the bioelectric fields of living things to find a way to measure these forces by more scientific means but, typically, the only real way to detect and probe the ki of a living thing is for someone who is suitably trained to do so with their own ki. In the past this was often a priestess or a monk, and in the modern era it is practitioners of alternative medicine. However, without that scientific rigor that tools like this provide…" he motioned towards the computer, "... well… there is a lot of chicanery."
"Presuming that we accept all of this at face value…" Hirano replied skeptically. "What is this 'nature of a person's aura'?"
"Well, the largest hurdle for someone using Ki in healing practise, aside from simply learning to use it competently, is the fact that Ki is a mutually repulsive force; one living creature's Ki will naturally resist the Ki of another, almost like a magnetic field. For one using Ki to attempt to probe or heal injuries, this resistance has to be overcome, which naturally limits what can be accomplished. Surface healing can be accelerated, muscle and joint problems or fatigue, but more serious injuries, deep tissue damage, cancers and organ problems… these are often beyond our reach. We can attempt to use ki-infused herbal concoctions to try and slip past the body's natural defenses which allows us to help a little with issues of digestion, say… but most of the rest is admittedly a placebo effect." He shrugged. "Most of what we do… what competent ki healers do at any rate… is try to correct disruptions in the natural flow of ki through the body to promote healing through one's own ki. But again, we can only influence the surface and deeper problems such as this are generally beyond us. Regardless of what some charlatans might claim."
Hirano removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "This is… quite a bit to process. It all sounds rational enough but I have had one too many conversations with patients who refuse proper treatment due to their beliefs that hanging prayer strips at the local temple will cure them of an entirely operable tumor or remove the need to properly treat heart problems." He took a breath. "Still… in light of Ms. Saotome's demonstration…" He reached over, grabbed the mouse again and brought up the two scans of Ryouga's brain, both before and after the link. "If we assume your paradigm is correct, then how do you explain this? Ms. Saotome is quite insistent this was accomplished via some form of 'Ki sharing' between them, yet your dissertation on the 'Nature of Auras' would label this as an impossibility."
Tofu turned and regarded the images. "I was wondering that as well. If we're to assume that Ryouga's problem is in fact some form of 'ki poisoning', then an infusion of Ranma's ki would temporarily suppress it, like a blood transfusion for a patient suffering anemia. Now, as they describe it to me, Ryouga's family, as an aspect of this 'curse' are able to form a 'link' with another individual. An 'anchor' that they can navigate by, despite the ailment."
"Yes that part seemed all rather mystical and indeterminate," Hirano replied.
"It's possible the link isn't part of the curse, but in fact a distinct Hibiki family trait..." Tofu said. "From what they tell me, it's a function of strong emotional connection… more like pair bonding. Among strong Ki users there are often distinct qualities… Some are more inclined for healing, others for more physical manifestations such as Ranma and Ryouga… If we presume Priestess Kaede's 'demonic curse' and Ryouga's ailment are the same, or at least related, it's possible that this unique factor of his ki… this family trait… allowed them to survive whereas the poor soul under Kaede's care did not."
"Could such a poisoning effect be hereditary?" Hirano asked.
"A child's ki is initially formed from that of his parents at the moment of conception. As I understand it, Ryouga's mother also suffers from this, and gestation would have reinforced it. Without knowing more about Ryouga's family line it's tough to speculate what might cause it to manifest in a case of it being from the paternal side, but…" Tofu shrugged. "It may be through some vector like Bovine spongiform encephalopathy. This is all medicine that has normally been beyond our reach." He looked again at the MRI images. "I suspect the only reason your equipment is able to pick all of this up is because Ryouga is an exceptionally strong Ki user. But… here, see these faint lines here, and here? These are known ki paths."
Hirano leaned in and squinted. "I was under the impression those were artifacting in the imaging process."
Tofu shook his head. "Maybe… if the placement wasn't dead on. I have examined Ryouga, and I can attest that these match up with his own ki flows. But these…" He pointed to others within the skull. ".. These have been forever beyond our reach."
"Are you saying that we have inadvertently produced possible evidence of these 'energy fields' that are the basis of your… uh… discipline?" Hirano asked.
"Quite possibly!" Tofu said. He grinned. "Isn't this exciting? This is like the invention of the first microscope! Peering into things we could once only blindly paw at with clumsy digits and limited senses." He looked at the image again. "See here, how the lines get twisted and snarled right as you reach the area of heightened activity in the entorhinal cortex. And here… the activity is suppressed but the snarled ki lines remain after Ranma's transfusion of Ki."
"That suggests that the matter is treatable, but not curable that way," Hirano said thoughtfully, his skepticism slowly giving way to curiosity.
"Maybe not!" Tofu switched to another image, this time from the second series that had been taken of Ryouga's brain with the activity. "This is before the link with Ranma - and this is after, once the activity had reasserted itself. See how these lines have changed and the activity in this region is less pronounced?"
"I see… so you're proposing extended exposure to, for the lack of a better term, 'healthy' ki would not only suppress this disruptive influence but allow the pathways themselves to normalize."
"Yes! Essentially using Ranma's ki as a pattern to reconstruct the damage. Almost like a scaffolding to promote regrowth of tissue."
"Now… hold on a moment… you are saying these ki pathways…" Hirano pointed to several near the surface, "... are known, correct?"
"Yes, quite well known," Tofu replied, happy to see the neurologist taking an active role.
"These… these are major nerve pathways…" Hirano said, his eyes widening.
Tofu frowned and looked again. "No, they're not."
"No, you're right, not exactly. More like… They're parallel." He traced a finger along one. "Like afterimages. Or… rather… what if what are traditionally called ki 'pathways' are nothing of the sort, but in fact an effect, like a magnetic field generated by moving electrons through metal. Only in this case, it's electrons moving through human nervous tissue. This would explain the bright points near, but not at, major nerve clusters."
"But wouldn't a field project around the nerve, like a magnetic field?"
Hirano chuckled. "If all of this is as real as you say, there's no assurance we are even dealing with anything that falls under our usual understanding of physics, my friend." He peered at it. "If we could… decipher this… use what's detected here to reverse-map the nervous system of a living patient in real-time…"
"Wouldn't that imply that what we are seeing going on with Ryouga's brain is in fact a form of brain damage?" Tofu asked. "And the effect of Ranma's ki…"
"Reversal of brain damage." Hirano's eyes went wide. "You are suggesting the possibility of reversing neurological damage… potentially anywhere in the nervous system." He clapped his hands and his eyes lit up. "Theoretically, you could regenerate any part of the nervous system! Even a spinal cord! All you would need is a 'donor' with a healthy spinal cord to provide the appropriate pattern for the patient's ki to work from!"
"And a link to bypass the natural resistance to invasive ki," Tofu added.
"If it's possible, it's reproducible," Hirano asserted. "It might take… years or even decades, but… if this is what I think it is…"
"... it would completely change modern medicine," Tofu finished, eyes widening.
"Forget the microscope, my friend! This is penicillin!" Hirano crowed. He clapped Tofu on the back.
Ranma started awake at the clap. She blinked blearily and glanced at Ryouga, who was glassy-eyed and unmoving. She stretched and yawned. "Uh… hey, doc? Are we gonna do some scans or somethin' today?"
"Hmmm? Oh, you're still here. My apologies, Ms. Saotome!" Hirano said, obviously distracted. His eyes were still on the computer screen, occasionally flicking to Kaede's scroll. "I don't think we'll need you or Mr. Hibiki today. I'll give you both a call when we need you back here."
Ranma frowned. Hirano and Tofu had returned to their animated conversation which involved a lot of unfamiliar terms that made it sound like they were speaking a different language. "Uhh… I guess we'll… be seeing you then?"
"Take care, Ranma!" Tofu waved distractedly.
Ranma gave the two older men a skeptical look but they had gone back to ignoring her. She shrugged, grabbed Ryouga by the arm and hauled him to his feet then dragged him out of the hospital before he was fully aware they were leaving.
000
"So… Do you think that'll actually go anywhere?" Ryouga asked, still shaking off some of the fogginess from having been zoned out for so long.
"I dunno, man. I was asleep for most of it," Ranma replied. She walked along on top of the nearby fence, hands folded behind her head. She shot him a grin. "I did hear 'brain damage' pop up a few times, though."
"Yeah… thanks. That makes me feel loads better," Ryouga muttered, jamming his hands in his pockets.
Ranma smirk faded. She had been hoping for a more lively response to her jab but Ryouga really wasn't rising to the bait anymore. He simply seemed far less inclined to get angry at Ranma - which made it tough to pick a fight. And that was frustrating, because Ryouga would be more than happy to trade barbs with Akane, as well as blows.
Why's he so happy to give Akane a good fight but not me, huh? Ranma groused. What's she got that I don't got? I'm a WAY better fighter than… She stopped and squeezed her eyes shut. No, no, NO. Not havin' weird thoughts about Ryouga anymore. She sighed and glanced at him. At least I got away from this without any more handholding. That stupid link is probably most of the reason why I've been feeling weird lately.
Her hand twitched and she grabbed it and rubbed her palm with her thumb to make it go away.
"So how did your talk with Akari go?" Ranma asked, wanting to shift the focus of her thoughts elsewhere.
"What talk?" Ryouga asked, giving her a confused look.
"You know, the talk? That you were gonna have when you promised me you were gonna call her?" Ranma scowled at him.
Ryouga noticed her dirty look. He shrugged. "About as well as your talk with Nabiki when you promised me you were gonna call her."
"That's different you jerk!" Ranma shot back, clenching her fist.
"Is it?" Ryouga asked thoughtfully, not really in response. His eyes were on the pavement, not Ranma. "I didn't skip it on purpose, it just slipped my mind. I'll call her tonight."
"Wait… really?" Ranma blinked. "Just like that, huh?" She shrugged and folded her hands behind her head again. "Well… good for you, I gue-wait…" Her brow furrowed. "Why would something like that 'slip your mind'?" She gave him another smirk. "Didja chicken out again?"
"No," Ryouga said with the nonchalance that came from an easy truth. "I was just worried about someone else." He raised his head, giving her a meaningful look.
Ranma's eyes widened, and she nearly toppled off the fence. "Wh-wh… NO!" She waved her arms frantically. "L-look, we gotta stop this crap, okay? I'm a guy."
"So?" Ryouga raised an eyebrow. "You're also my friend. And you kinda saved my life. And you're maybe possibly helping me to cure my biggest problem outside of the Jusenkyo curse. Gender doesn't have anything to do with that. Why're you being weird about it?"
"I…" Ranma felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She looked away and crossed her arms. "... Shut up."
Ryouga smirked, smelling blood. "You're cute when you pout, you know that?"
Ranma's eyes widened and she whirled on him. "You take that back!"
He kept walking, turning around and walking backwards, smirk widening. "Make me, little girl."
With a roar, Ranma leapt off the fence at him, throwing a flying punch at his head. Ryouga weaved out of the way and circled around behind her. She lashed out with her leg in an attempt to sweep his legs out from under him but he skipped back out of reach.
"You're awful slow, Ranma. You're usually faster than this, even as a guy!"
"I AM A GUY, DAMNIT!I" Ranma launched herself from her crouch and drove her fist into his gut.
Ryouga grabbed her wrist, seemingly unaffected by the punch. "What was that? You're fighting like when I first got to Nerima. I thought you were…"
Ranma grabbed Ryouga's wrist in turn. Her other arm suddenly blurred as she threw a flurry of punches at his midsection. Pushing her amaguriken speed as hard as she could, she repeatedly struck the same exact spot - several hundred times in the space of a second or two.
"... fast…" Ryouga wheezed and stumbled, but Ranma still had a hold of his wrist and used that to hold him as she hopped into the air and slammed both her heels into his chest, driving him back.
"How's that?" Ranma settled into a ready stance, waiting for him to charge her like he always did. "Or should I go get some hot water and make this a real fight?"
Ryouga coughed, holding his gut. He wiped a little blood from the corner of his mouth and smirked. "That'll be interesting... considering I can tell you're wearing a bra."
Ranma looked down, then covered her chest, blushing. She glared at him then howled and charged once more, intent on wiping that smug look off his face.
000
Half an hour later Ryouga finally called a stop to the running battle.
"Enough, enough…" he held up his hand. "You win, Ranma."
Ranma bounced to a stop, confused. She was panting and dishevelled and was aching from a half dozen bruises and scrapes but she felt great. Better than she had in weeks. "What?! Why!? I'm just getting warmed up!"
"Yeah, well, I've gotta get home and help Mom with chores before dinner," Ryouga straightened. "It's getting late as it is."
"So you're just gonna run out on a man-to-man fight?!" Ranma demanded. She knew she was setting herself up for an easy retort. She was waiting for him to react so things would spark off again.
"I'm postponing it," Ryouga corrected. "We aren't finishing this any time soon and you know it."
Ranma felt a little crestfallen as, once more, Ryouga refused to take the bait. She straightened and jammed her hands in her pockets, sulking. "Fine… ya big baby… C'mon, I'd better get you home before you turn into a pig-shaped pumpkin or whatever it is that happens that's got you all anxious to sweep the floor at home."
Ryouga walked up beside her and fell into step with her easily. She noticed he was adjusting his gait to match her shorter strides, got annoyed by it and sped up her pace.
"You got some good hits in," Ryouga rolled his shoulder, wincing.
"Yeah… well… So did you," Ranma replied, though she honestly didn't feel as sore as she normally did after a fight like that. It wasn't so much that Ryouga was pulling his punches but more he wasn't fighting as dirty as usual.
They continued walking until Ryouga's house came into view. Ranma could see Ryouga's mother out front working in the flower planters and hesitated.
Ryouga noticed her stop, shrugged, and continued walking. "Thanks for the workout, Saotome. See you Monday." He waved casually as he walked to the gate by himself.
"Uh… sure," Ranma waved back, a bit confused. She watched him greet his mother and head inside. What's up with him? Ryouga usually fights until one or both of us can't move, unless something else comes up, but he just… STOPPED today. And he never raged out like normal. It's like he just… wasn't into it like usual?
She shrugged. Figuring Ryouga out wasn't something she wanted to waste any more time on today. At least this time it had been something straightforward and manly and familiar.
She turned to walk away, then paused, turning back to look at Ryouga's house again. Her expression became thoughtful as realization slowly dawned on her.
He did that for my benefit. Because I needed a good fight.
She looked down, feeling an odd wash of emotions and conflicting impulses. Most of all there was an odd, warm feeling.
She jammed her hands in her pockets, hunched her shoulders and walked away quickly.
Trust Ryouga to make even FIGHTING confusing…
000
Sunday morning started with getting flung out of a window.
Ranma had gotten used to being able to sleep in on Sundays. Even on school days, generally the only things waking him up would be the alarm clock or Kasumi gently chiding him that he should really get up or he'd be late. The only real surprises had been the occasional time he had wakened to find a fiancee (or two!) had snuck in to snuggle with him sometime during the night.
You don't realize how precious peaceful sleep is until it's taken away from you.
Ranma's eyes snapped open as he flew through the air. He tucked into a ball, rolled to change his trajectory and managed to land on his feet on one of the large stones surrounding the koi pond rather than in it. He whirled to face his attacker, though he already knew who it was.
"You're getting soft, boy! Sleeping in to this late hour!" Genma chided him, arms crossed. "Were you planning on sleeping all day? On the day of your omiai no less!"
"I was considering it!" Ranma shouted back. "Some of us gotta get up early the other six days of the week. We can't just cuddle up with an old tire and take a nap anytime we want like some people!"
Genma's eyes narrowed. "You disrespectful, slovenly disgrace! Is this how you repay all my hard work training you? In front of your mother, no less!"
"Hi dear!" Nodoka poked her head out of the family room doors, waved cheerfully then ducked back inside.
"Yeah, Mom seems real broken up," Ranma replied, folding his arms and smirking. "I think you're slowin' down, old man. You didn't even get me into the pond this time!"
"Oh I'll get you into the pond…" Genma growled. "See if I don't…"
Genma was interrupted by a howling battlecry. He dodged to the side just as a yellow blur landed right where he had been standing and kicked up dirt as her foot impacted the ground. Akane didn't hesitate but switched into a backwards roundhouse kick that caught Genma in the back and sent him flying towards the pond. Ranma ducked and rolled clear as there was a massive splash behind him.
The rotund form of a panda emerged from the pond, looking confused and holding up a sign that read: Hold on, I'm supposed to train with the boy this morning!
Akane exchanged a glance with Ranma and gave him a wink, then turned focus back on Genma-panda. "You can fight with Ranma after you're done with me, old man!" She darted forward past Ranma and into the pond, kicking up a spray as she threw a savage series of punches and kicks at the panda, who backed up slowly, frantically parrying with his sign.
The panda produced sign in his other paw that read: Help me out, boy! She's gone berserk!
"I'll show you berserk!" Akane ripped the second sign out of his paw and smashed it over his head.
Ranma whistled low. "Wow… Akane's going hard this morning."
"She was hoping to wake you up this morning herself."
Ranma turned to see Kasumi walking up to him, holding a towel. "It seems you don't need this this time."
Ranma smirked. "Thanks anyway, Kasumi. You should probably hold onto that for Akane." He winced as there was a loud crash behind him, followed by another one of Akane's battlecries and a whimper of pain from the panda. "... and maybe have the first aid kit ready."
Kasumi smiled. "Oh, I'm sure there's no need. Akane seems fine." She winced visibly at another crash and howl of pain from the Panda. "Well, maybe the ice pack in case she bruises her knuckles."
"Err… yeah…" Ranma wondered what Genma had done to earn the ire of the eldest Tendo this time or if perhaps he had just hit a kind of critical mass with her. He resolved to never find himself in the same situation.
"Nabiki and the other girls are on their way. They should be here soon," Kasumi said. "I'll have breakfast ready for when they get here. I thought it might be nice to all sit down together to have a meal."
Ranma smiled and nodded. "Sounds good." He glanced towards the family room. "Uhh… is Mr. Tendo in there with Mom?"
"Not right now. I believe he's taking a bath to ease his nerves. He's quite stressed over the omiai." Kasumi cocked her head. "Why?"
"Uhh, no reason." Ranma rubbed the back of his head. "I just wanted to ask Mom something and wanted to make sure this was a good time."
"Oh! All right Ranma." Kasumi smiled. "I'll try and get you some privacy with her for a few minutes." She winced as there was another crash behind them. She turned and sighed. "Oh dear, is that another hole in the fence wall?"
Ranma turned and took the chance, trotting up to the sliding doors of the family room. He took a deep breath and adjusted his silk shirt to make sure he was presentable.
Dunno why I'm nervous. Just going to talk to my Mom. Not like that's a big deal… right?
He slid open the door and walked inside. His mother had the rirekisho of each of the girls arrayed in front of her on the table. She looked up as he entered and smiled.
"Hello, son!" She said, beaming. "I was just reviewing your prospective brides again. You truly are as manly as I hoped to have attracted such wonderful girls to you."
"Uh… thanks…" Ranma sat down across from her. "Umm… is it okay if we talk?"
"Nervous about the omiai?" She asked with a smile. "Don't be. I will select the best bride for you in all of Japan!"
"Yeah, I… uh… I know," Ranma said sheepishly. "It was more… I wanted to talk to you about what happens after. You know… once you uh… pick one?"
"Oh, don't worry at all, my son. It's all been planned for." Nodoka beamed at him then went back to flipping through the papers.
Ranma blinked, waited a moment, then scooted forward a bit. "Uh…"
"Is there something else, Ranma?" Nodoka asked, smiling.
"Can I know what's been planned?" He asked nervously. ""Cuz it's kinda been eatin' at me…"
Nodoka sighed and closed the file she was reading. "It was meant to be a surprise for you, but if you must know…" She leaned forward conspiratorially. "Your father and I have been saving up for a getaway for you and your bride. We'll have the wedding at home, right after the omiai announcement is made, and then you'll be off to Ikaho Onsen for three days and nights! It's the best place for young couples who are trying to conceive, I hear."
"Wait… conceive!?" Ranma gaped. "Shouldn't we… y'know, wait until I'm out of high school?"
"Nonsense, we're already behind schedule," Nodoka replied, unperturbed. "Presuming their reputation isn't just marketing propaganda and you succeed, your wife will stay with me during the pregnancy and you and your father will be able to go off on a nice long training journey together! Though we have prepared in case it takes a little longer. It did take your father and I a few tries after all."
"Hold on… what if I'm not ready to be a father yet!?" Ranma protested. "And… shouldn't I at least be there during the pregnancy?"
Nodoka paused and gave him a searching look, seeming genuinely confused. "Ranma, has your father not explained any of this to you?"
Ranma shook his head slowly.
Nodoka sighed. "Silly man! You should have figured all of this out yourself by now, though." She folded her hands on her lap. "Ranma, you are rapidly approaching the Prime of a martial artist's life - the time when your physical ability reaches its apex. Those few short years are the years you can and must accomplish the most. This was something your father was aware of, which is why he took you so early for training; so that those years wouldn't be wasted learning the basics, as they were with him. To waste this golden time of your life on courtship and child rearing would be tragic, so your father and I have planned for it. Naturally, such a time of your life will be dangerous so the needs of the Art had to be balanced with the need to ensure the Saotome line continues. Your father was to provide a betrothal for you... something he botched terribly, but it isn't beyond repair with so many wonderful candidates! When the arrangements are made, you will naturally need to have a child as soon as possible. Once that child is born, your wife will join you on your journey to take your father's place as your support. He is getting on in years and it's unfair to expect him to keep up with you forever, much as you might wish differently."
"She'll be coming with me and bringing a newborn?!"
"Of course not, dear!" Nodoka beamed. "Your father and I both understood right away that having a child so young would be a burden upon your young wife and naturally you would not have time to help raise it during your pursuit of the Art. So the baby will stay with us… your father and I… and we will raise it in your absence. Likewise if you should have any more during your journeys - and I hope you do! - Your wife will return to us to have the child before rejoining you. I do understand that the firstborn should ideally be male, but I wouldn't object to a girl or two. Your father will grumble, but I know he will come to love a daughter and much as a son with a little proper prodding from me."
"Hold on… don't you mean granddaughter?" Ranma said, eyes widening. "I'm… just supposed to dump my kids off with you while I go train!?"
"It is a burden your father and I are willing to accept, Ranma," she said solemnly. "And naturally there will be more than just training! There will be tournaments and challenges and travel… oh, it will be so exciting! I envy you!" She reached over and patted his arm. "Once the eldest is twelve or so, you and your wife may come and collect him to take him with you to train. Your father will ensure they are all suitably schooled in the fundamentals and I'm sure you will have refined your father's training techniques by then."
"So… that's it?" Ranma asked. "Training journeys and making babies? Aren't I supposed to… settle down?"
"Oh, eventually!" Nodoka replied. "I imagine it will be up to your wife to ensure you have a dojo prepared for you once you have finished training all of your children. Your father can run the dojo while you are away, of course, and we would be more than happy to manage your earnings for you. When it's time for you to retire, you will have a place to return to to teach and care for us in our twilight years."
"What… what if I want to do something different? Like… what if I wanted to get into martial arts films? Or… or start a dojo now? Or…"
Nodoka sighed. "Ranma, Ranma, Ranma… Your father and I have planned this out since before you were born! Anything less would be a tragic waste of your talents and a threat to the destiny of the Saotome legacy. We have done all of this… made all of these sacrifices and plans… because we know what is best for you. We know what it is that will bring you fulfillment. We have taken care of all of the worry… you merely need to walk the path."
"What if i want to walk a different path?" Ranma asked quietly.
He shrank back a bit at the look of rage that crossed her face. For a moment he thought she might strike him. She quickly schooled her expression, the mask of formal calm slipping over her features once more.
"Then… so dies the Saotome line," she said softly. "Very well. I will call your father and we will arrange for the seppuku ceremony at our home."
"What?! NO!" Ranma bolted to his feet.
"A man amongst men would not say such things!" Nodoka glared at him coldly. "You speak of what you want! You speak of your hardships! What about me?! What about what I want, and have instead sacrificed for you?! You ungrateful child! This is why the contract exists! You have proven time and time again that you cannot be responsible with your own life! That you cannot be trusted! That, if allowed to steer your own fate, you would immediately turn towards disaster!" She took a deep breath, calming herself and brushing a stray lock of hair out of her face. "I will hear no more of this. You are young, so a certain amount of… disrespect is allowable, but you have reached too far, my son. Do not reach any further or there will be consequences." She smoothed out her yukata. "Now… go occupy yourself with something productive. Perhaps go find your father and assist him? You've done precious little of that as of late. I will let you know when the omiai is decided."
"I can't even be here for my own engagement?" Ranma asked softly.
"No, you may not, and rest assured your father and I will be having a long discussion about further curtailing your activities outside of your training!" She gave him a cold stare. "Make no mistake, life has been easy for you until this point. It will only get harder from here, and you will learn how lucky you have been and how foolishly you have spent your carefree days. Now go, and be at home… our home… by seven or there will be no dinner. And do not come begging to Kasumi! You have imposed on the Tendo's hospitality far too much already."
"I… "Ranma gaped at her, but she was ignoring him now. Her happy smile had returned as if she had never been angry while she flipped through the pages of Kodachi's tome. He considered saying something but he already knew it was pointless. Quietly he stood and, without another word, he headed upstairs to pack.
000
Kasumi stared sightlessly into space, her hands over her mouth. She heard Ranma's footsteps as he slowly made his way up the stairs. She closed her eyes slowly and a pained expression crossed her face.
She had heard every word. The walls were thin and Nodoka had made no attempt to lower her voice. Why would she? She obviously felt she was fully within her rights and no one would dare challenge her. Certainly not Kasumi's father!
How can a mother use her own child so ruthlessly? Her eyes opened and she shuddered, taking a few breaths to steady herself. Nodoka had already told Kasumi much of this of course, but what had seemed to be simply unreasonable expectations on Nodoka's part had quickly transformed into a commandment enforced on pain of death the moment Ranma had dared question it.
Kasumi was intimidated by the older woman. At first it was because she seemed to be so much better as a homemaker than she was, but now? There was something alien about Nodoka, something that didn't make sense to her and she shied away from it. She had the potential to do… unthinkable things.
She took another breath and started rehearsing what she would have to say. Nabiki's indignation and brashness would be satisfying but ultimately self-defeating. She needed an appeal that would work for Nodoka.
Not Ranma's well-being. If she truly believes THIS is what is best for him it would never work, and if she doesn't… well, then it would be equally meaningless. But what DOES she value if not her own son's happiness?
She considered. Unconsciously she walked over to the cutting board where the vegetables for that morning's breakfast were laid out. She picked up a red pepper and a knife to start chopping… then paused, her eyes drawn by the reflectivity of the knife blade. She turned it slightly until she could see her own face in the polished metal, reminding her of the katana Nodoka perpetually carried to hold over her husband and son's heads.
Honor. Kasumi found the answer. Or… being PERCEIVED as honorable, at least. That was the important distinction.
She resumed chopping as a plan formed. She felt a slightly guilty bit of pleasure in that she imagined what she was plotting was manipulative enough to make Nabiki proud. But it would require her to be ruthless and calculating and cold, some of the many things that she was not.
This is for family, she decided, her resolve firming.
000
Nabiki sighed, rubbing her lower back as she walked through the gates of the Tendo Dojo. She felt like an old woman - a mass of aches and pains.
"Not as bad this time, yes?" Shampoo asked hopefully, walking next to her. "Pintou doing better in training!"
"She's started throwing bowls of ramen at my head. Full bowls. Full of boiling liquid," Nabiki muttered. "If I'm doing better, it's just because it's the only way to survive!" She sighed.
"Can give backrub later?" Shampoo asked. She sidled a little closer.
Nabiki smiled a bit in spite of herself. "I think I'd feel better if we talked to Ranma about this first, Kitten," she said softly. "Especially after I botched things on the roof."
Shampoo's face fell and she nodded. "Ranma… Ranma still want us, yes?" She asked timidly, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Ranma isn't really great about being in touch with what he wants," Nabiki replied. "He keeps treating happiness like a limited resource - like he has to be miserable to leave more for us or something."
"Why Ranma think him being miserable make people who love him happy?" Shampoo asked with a heavy sigh.
"Have you met his parents?" Nabiki replied dryly.
They entered through the front door. "I'm home!" Nabiki said, kicking off her shoes.
Akane poked her head into the hallway. She looked cheerful, if a bit sweaty, with a towel around her neck and still wearing her yellow gi. "Welcome home, Nabiki!" she said. "You're just in time for breakfast."
"Is Ranma home?" Nabiki asked, leading Shampoo as she headed for the family room.
"He was last time I checked. I think he's upstairs changing?" Akane replied. "His Mom and Dad are here. We were all going to have breakfast together."
Nabiki blew out a breath. "We'll have to try and get him alone after breakfast, before the whole omiai nonsense starts. What about Ukyou? Or Kodachi for that matter?"
"Ucchan is getting the morning prep done to make things easier for Konatsu, so should be here after breakfast. I imagine Kodachi will be here right when the omiai is scheduled on the invitation like a good and perfect wife," Akane snorted.
Nabiki paused then looked up towards the ceiling tiles. "Is that right, Sasuke?"
"It is Mistress Nabiki, she will be… Oh drat! I wasn't supposed to talk!" A voice came from above the drop ceiling. A tile shifted out of place a little, and Sasuke's whiskered face came into view as he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I guess you caught me."
"I should have known Kodachi would have you spying on us!" Akane growled, causing the diminutive ninja to cower.
"Just behave yourself and don't leave a mess," Nabiki replied and continued walking.
"What, you're just gonna let him stay?" Akane asked skeptically as Nabiki passed her.
"Sasuke is a known quantity. Besides…" her eyes went to the family room... "... if Kodachi really, truly cares for Ranma, maybe she should know more about the Saotome family."
"You not invite Kodachi to Fiancee's Tea, is you?" Shampoo asked, looking a little aghast, and expression mirrored by Akane.
"I wasn't planning on it. 'Crazy' plus' rich' plus 'used to getting her way' plus 'accustomed to being in charge' does not mix well in a situation needing a lot of understanding, compromise and empathy," Nabiki replied. "Besides, we have to all at least like each other."
"Good," Akane sighed in relief.
They all filtered into the family room. Nodoka was already sitting at the table, attending her rather battered and bruised husband, who was wincing and whimpering as she treated his many cuts, bruises and contusions. He looked like he had been through a wheat thresher.
"What happened to you, Mr. Saotome?" Nabiki asked, though she was fairly sure she already knew the answer. Way to go, sis!
"It seems Akane has reached a new level in her training!" Soun said proudly. "Isn't that right, Saotome?"
Genma held up a wooden sign: She hits SO hard…
"Now now, dear. It's rude to use the signs when you're not a panda," Nodoka chided him.
"Ha ha! Well said, Saotome!" Soun chuckled. "I am very proud of you, Akane. And I understand you are now in training with Cologne at the Nekohanten, Nabiki?"
"Uh… yeah…" Nabiki said, a bit off balance. "She seems to think I have potential."
"It makes a father proud to see his daughters following in his footsteps," Soun said cheerfully. "The Art will do you good, Nabiki, you'll see. I bet you selling the dojo doesn't seem nearly as attractive now, does it?"
"Oh no, I'm still planning to sell it," Nabiki said, a wicked grin crossing her face. "The property values in this part of town are through the roof. With the money I'll make, Ranma and I can open a dojo twice this size and have plenty of seed money left over besides."
"O-oh…" Soun replied, his good cheer fading a bit.
"Don't worry, Daddy. We'll have plenty to find a nice retirement home for you," Nabiki winked.
"Y-you shouldn't joke about such things, Nabiki!" Soun huffed. Seemingly eager to change the topic, he leaned towards the kitchen. "Kasumi! How is breakfast coming?"
"Just a moment, Father."
After a few minutes, Kasumi came into the family room. She did not have any tray as expected but instead walked to one side of the table and sat down alone.
"Is… something the matter, Kasumi?" Soun asked.
Nabiki sensed something was up and kept her mouth shut.
Kasumi folded her hands in her lap, her eyes closed and head bowed a moment. When she opened her eyes again, there was a cold determination in them as her gaze settled squarely on Nodoka.
"Before breakfast, I wanted to discuss something. Auntie Nodoka, I understand you've already sent Ranma home?"
"What!?" Akane blinked, but Nabiki put a hand on her arm and gave her a warning look.
"Well, it wasn't necessary for him to leave right away, but I suppose Ranma misunderstood," Nodoka chuckled softly. "It has been many years since I've had my boys home and I felt it was time they started living in the home that we've worked so hard to rebuild for them, rather than imposing…"
"The agreement between our families was that Ranma would remain here until he finished high school," Kasumi cut her off coldly. "You speak of imposition, yet you have chosen to override an agreement between our families that has been in place since before I was born. And despite our attempts to accommodate your wishes - and even make this hall available for your uses despite the chance it may work out against our interests - you are seeking to annul yet another agreement and weaken this dojo further?" She glared coldly at the older woman.
Nodoka swallowed. She glanced at the faces of the others all collected around her. "Perhaps… this is not the best time or place for this discussion, Kasumi dear…"
"This is the time and place we are going to have this discussion," Kasumi asserted flatly.
"Kasumi, be reasonable…" Soun said sheepishly, glancing nervously back and forth between them. "There is no need to be so confrontational about this! I'm sure that…"
"This dojo has faced no less than seven challengers in the past year which Ranma has been instrumental in defending against," Kasumi said, gaze still fixed on Nodoka. "While I am not a martial artist, the well-being of this household is my primary concern and Ranma is critical to that. The expectation was always that the engagement would be fulfilled and Ranma would be taking over these duties. That may not happen now, so we require time to ensure my sisters are prepared to shoulder that burden - time that Ranma staying would give us. Considering the long-standing obligation between our families I consider this a matter of honor."
Nodoka blinked, staring at Kasumi in shock - a look Kasumi returned with cool resolve.
"I… appreciate your position, Kasumi…" Nodoka said finally. "But while I do sympathize, my son's needs…"
"I believe Kasumi is correct in this matter," Soun said, startling everyone.
"D-Dad?!" Akane blurted, shocked that her father was taking a stand against Nodoka.
Soun had his arms folded and his eyes closed. "While I appreciate your position, Nodoka, Ranma's needs are not the only concern here, and as head of this household I must put the needs of my household first. Kasumi is correct. This dojo has faced many challenges over the past year, which Ranma has been vital to resolving. Furthermore I believe Ranma's time here has been greatly beneficial to his training and I don't believe our needs are mutually exclusive. I have tried to be… flexible in the matter of the engagement out of respect for your fierce devotion to what you believe is best for your son, but there is a limit, and on this matter at least, I must insist."
"I…" Nodoka's eyes widened as Soun held his position against her.
"Defense of allies important, yes?" Shampoo chipped in. "Otherwise not remain allies very long."
Nodoka looked around the table again, seeing a number of gazes fixed on her. She looked tremendously uncomfortable.
"I-I had no idea this was a matter you felt so strongly about. I merely wanted to have my son home for dinner a few nights a week," Nodoka said finally. "I have heard quite a bit of grumbling about how my son and husband are 'freeloading' and I only wished to remove an unwanted strain on the friendship between our families, not add to it…"
"By all means, I'm sure Mr. Saotome would be much happier at home. I'm sure Ranma can take care of the dojo by himself," Nabiki said with a smirk.
Nodoka shot her a dirty look and cleared her throat. "As I was saying…" she sighed. "If this is a matter you feel so strongly about, you only needed to ask. I would be happy to have Ranma stay here to help you out in getting your own house in order. It is the least the Saotome clan can do as allies of the Tendos, after all." She smoothed her yukata, regaining her composure. "Now, if breakfast is yet to be served, I think I will busy myself ensuring the dojo is ready. Come along, dear." She stood smoothly and, with as much dignity as she could muster, walked out of the room, towards the dojo.
"But… I'm sure breakfast will be ready soon…" Genma protested.
"Come along, dear."
"Yes, dear…" Genma slumped, getting slowly and painfully to his feet and limping off after his wife.
"Way to go Dad!" Akane said once they were out of earshot.
"Nice to see Daddy still has a little backbone in him," Nabiki added.
"Yes, well… as much as the Saotomes are precious friends, there is a limit to how much I can sacrifice of my own household for their sakes," Soun said gruffly. "If this is a matter my daughters are of one mind about, then it's my duty as a father and a martial artist to back them up."
"Also, if Ranma leaves, Akane won't have anyone left to spar with but you," Nabiki pointed out.
Akane casually cracked her knuckles.
Soun's stoic expression cracked a little. "Heh… yes… well thankfully it doesn't seem to have come to that." His expression grew serious again. "I am somewhat concerned that this may hurt your chances in the omiai."
"On the contrary, I think Kasumi reminding Nodoka we haven't forgotten the debt of honor owed to us could work in our favor," Nabiki replied. "Besides, I've got a killer sales pitch lined up. Nodoka Saotome would be crazy to turn it down."
Kasumi closed her eyes and seemed to almost shrink now that the confrontation was over. "I… I hope you're right, Nabiki."
000
Ranma wasn't really paying much attention as he hopped from roof to roof.
He wasn't heading home. Right now that would just make him even more uncomfortable than he already was. For the moment he was just moving for the sake of keeping in motion - to keep ahead of that awful feeling of doom.
What did I do wrong!? he wondered, over and over as he skipped off of rooftops and light posts. The image of that brief moment of rage twisting his mother's features kept replaying in his mind, spurring him to push harder, for more speed, in the hope that the burning in his muscles would push the image away.
He finally reached his limit, stumbling a bit on a gravel roof as he staggered to a stop and barely caught himself before tumbling over the edge. He pulled himself back, the sharp stones digging into his palms and knees as he panted on all fours and tried to catch his breath. The stitches in his sides felt like knives stabbing into him, his legs felt too weak to hold his weight, and still the image refused to go away.
What did I do?! WHAT DID I DO WRONG!? His fingers dug into the gravel and tar as he trembled.
Being in trouble wasn't anything new to Ranma. He'd spent most of his life fighting with his father, and then resisting his father's stupid schemes, and getting chewed out for it. He'd been blamed constantly for his father's misfortune and called 'ungrateful' or 'foolish'... it wasn't that hard to brush off, given how often karma had proved Genma Saotome for the idiot he was.
But his mother…?
She was sweet. She was kind. She was patient with Akane. She smiled for everyone and even on the topic of the Seppuku contract she had seemed more sadly resolute than truly anxious to carry it out. He had been looking forward to getting to know her again, to make up for the time they had lost. He had been happy to think of her as the 'good' parent - the one who would finally be what he had been missing. So he had tried his best to be a good son for her, to trust her… even when things seemed to be pulling further and further out of his control.
Was he so repugnant to her now that even asking a question would enrage her? Was he such a terrible son that she was eager to send him back out into the cold to wander homeless for the rest of his life? Was he so awful that she honestly felt it would be better if he killed himself rather than want something more?
He pushed himself into a kneeling position as his breathing slowed as his heart rate gradually dropped. Is this really what I deserve? He looked at his hands, scraped from the sharp stones and sticky with tar.
He was having trouble saying 'no'. All of the mistakes he had made in his life came back to him, mocking him, reminding him of how much of his bluster and bravado was just that.
Then there was his girl side. His mother had seemed so accepting at first, so understanding. The girl side wasn't his fault; an inescapable problem and sometimes a necessary evil. As long as he continued to be a Man amongst Men, it was okay.
And then the definition of what that was kept changing. And each time his girl side was less and less 'okay', even if a challenge required it. It had started with sighs and exasperated looks, slid into lectures on 'not getting lazy' about his girl side and finally fallen into flat outright prohibition - even to the point of raising the spectre of the contract.
Ranma eased his pack off his shoulders, set it on the roof and sat down with his back against it, folding his arms. He looked out over the sea of buildings towards the hills and trees leading up the slopes of Mt. Fuji.
I could just go, he thought. I've got everything here. I could just… go on a training journey and simply never come back.
He felt sick at that idea - sick and lonely - but he was having trouble thinking of anything better. It's what Mom wants anyway, right? He didn't feel much reassurance in that. Somehow he got the feeling that wouldn't be enough for her either and that he would just end up running from the contract for the rest of his life.
"Why are you willing to trust them, after all they've done to you, but not me!?/"
He remembered Nabiki's words, and wondered why himself.
Because they're my parents, obviously, he thought - but that rang hollow. He had, after all, learned a long time ago not to trust the old man.
Because I wanted things to be different with Mom. The answer came after a few minutes. I wanted to make her proud o' me.
It wasn't working out that way, though. No matter what he did, somehow it was always wrong - always disappointing. The harder he tried, the more disappointed she seemed to be in the results. The only things she had ever been proud of him for were the things he didn't really have any control over.
He folded his hands behind his head and closed his eyes. He felt exhausted and it wasn't from the running. His stomach rumbled but he ignored it. He let his breathing slow and tried to clear his mind. Gradually, the lines of worry on his face smoothed as he relaxed and drifted off into a light sleep.
000
"Why crazy girl go first?" Shampoo groused as the fiancees huddled around the koi pond.
"Yeah, and they've been chatting in there for nearly an hour," Ukyou added, crossing her arms and huffing as she picked at the sleeves of her formal kimono. "I can barely move in this stupid thing. How much longer is she going to make us wait?"
"I think maybe I was wrong - she is miffed about Kasumi standing up to her," Nabiki replied. She rubbed her chin. "Which means we'll probably go last, and it means that she might not be so happy to hear our idea from me."
"Let Shampoo present, then," Shampoo said. "Is Joketsuzoku laws that make possible, after all."
"Nabiki?"
They all turned to see Kasumi standing there, looking much more hesitant than she had been before breakfast.
"What's up, sis?" Nabiki asked. She smiled reassuringly. "You did good this morning, by the way. I'm proud of you!"
Kasumi smiled weakly. "Thank you, but… you need to know why I did it; about what I overheard Nodoka tell Ranma."
The four fiancees turned and gave the eldest Tendo their full attention.
Kasumi took a deep breath and started to recount the conversation between Nodoka and Ranma in as much detail as she could muster. She noticed the girls' faces darkening almost immediately, but she pushed on even as their expressions moved through incredulity and into rage.
"Chūmén bié wàngle dài bìléizhēn a!" Shampoo muttered, glaring towards the dojo and moving to take a step towards it before Nabiki stopped her with a hand on her arm.
"She told him that?" Akane asked, aghast.
"She's not raising any of my kids!" Ukyou growled.
Nabiki rubbed her forehead. "And as soon as Ranma suggested any change in plans she went straight to the nuclear option?" She sighed. "I didn't realize it was that bad."
"What do we do, Nabiki?" Akane asked, worry creasing her brow.
"Can fix," Shampoo said softly, gazing towards the dojo.
"Don't you dare, Shampoo!" Ukyou said, catching her arm. "I know that look. That's the 'obstacles are for killing' look."
"Would solve problem," Shampoo replied softly. "No more contract."
"But Ranma would never forgive you!" Ukyou argued.
Shampoo gave her a hard look. "Would do anyway. Worth it so Airen be free!"
"Keep that option in your back pocket, kitten," Nabiki said softly, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Nabiki, be serious!" Ukyou chided her, giving her an outraged look.
Nabiki scowled, staring at the dojo. "I am. I was hoping we could manage Nodoka but as long as she has that contract and is hard-set on her specific plans for Ranma's future our only choices are to convince Ranma to go ronin or somehow neutralize the contract as a factor, and I don't know any other way to do that."
"Why would she want that?" Ukyou said. "I can understand wanting grandchildren…"
"She doesn't want grandchildren. She wants children," Kasumi interjected. "She wants replacements for the child she gave up."
"Fourteen years to regret her decision... fourteen years of loneliness and resentment that she's suppressed under the facade of 'the good wife'..." Nabiki said thoughtfully. "Fourteen years to fantasize about her second chance to be a mother… and suddenly Ranma isn't the child she's been so desperate to get back but the means to get that child she wants."
"And a reminder of her regret," Kasumi added.
"So send him away," Ukyou finished, looking sad. "But always working to provide her the things she's done without. Like some invisible genie."
"But… why?" Akane asked. "Why does she have to have it that way? She could have all of that and more if she didn't send Ranma away!"
"She'd just be 'grandma' then," Ukyou said. "I guess having Ranma actually there in his own life doesn't fit with her fantasy."
Nabiki shook her head. "There's something else. Something that makes it urgent. I don't buy the whole 'Prime of his life' routine. There's some reason Ranma needs to give her a kid and get out as soon as possible."
"You figure there's something else coming due?" Ukyou asked. "Like another contract or engagement or something?"
"Something she doesn't expect Ranma to be around after," Akane said, a note of fear entering her voice. "At least… not in any way able to have kids."
"Or something that's in danger of being found out if Ranma stays in one place too long," Nabiki replied.
"We figure out later," Shampoo stated firmly. "Get Airen away from lǎo yāo pó NOW."
Nabiki took a deep breath. Stick with the original plan. Stall stall STALL. "Okay… this is gonna suck, but we're going to have to play along, at least until we get that contract out of play. So… we go with the original plan and lay in heavy on the baby rabies aspect. Shampoo… I agree, you should be the one to pitch it to her."
"Ta made niao," Shampoo growled.
"I know, kitten. Just… pretend she's an obnoxious customer at the Nekohanten," Nabiki said "Play up Chinese fertility herbs and how eager we all are to get pregnant."
"Do you think she'll still go for it?" Ukyou asked.
Nabiki shook her head. "I don't know. Her plan would need Ranma's wife to play along and be willing to give up their child - and that's a lot harder with four of us. On the other hand, we've got a much higher chance of giving her a grandchild fast. It'll come down to how important the money side of things is to her. But it'll hopefully make the decision enough harder for her to buy us some time."
000
Nodoka felt much relieved as she chuckled politely over some droll comment Kodachi had made.
The girl was very nearly perfect - lovely, strong, refined, from a noble house and wealthy enough to ensure the needs of her whole family were met, as well as having enough travel points already marked out to sustain Ranma's training journey for decades. Nodoka had broached the topic of child rearing and Kodachi's comments about hiring nannies and tutors reassured her that the girl would not be overly attached to any children and would likely not object to Nodoka raising them in her stead.
Nodoka had major concerns about Nabiki or Akane, given how… quarrelsome the Tendos had been as a whole. She was well aware they had the strongest claim and how the whole matter would look should they not be chosen. Kasumi's baffling confrontation was just salt in the wound. The Tendos expected far too much, wanting Ranma to stay put and service their needs. That simply wouldn't do.
Ukyou or Shampoo had promise, but she worried that they, too, might expect far too much. The girls had their own ambitions, their own futures. Maybe not incompatible, but not ideal.
She supposed she should meet with the others, though, at least as a formality. "I apologize, Ko-chan, but I'm afraid I'll have to cut this short," she said, smiling gently.
"But that's such a shame, Mother Saotome!" Kodachi said, pouting. "We were having such a nice chat!"
Nodoka nodded. "We were, but I must speak with the other girls. For the sake of appearances at least. You understand, don't you?" She gave the girl a conspiratorial wink.
Kodachi caught the gesture and smiled. She covered her mouth with the fan she had brought with her but the grin reached her eyes. "Of course, Mother Saotome. One must observe propriety and fairness, after all." She stood gracefully and bowed. "I'll see you again soon I trust. I imagine we will have much more to talk about then."
Nodoka nodded. "I imagine we will." She watched the girl leave and sighed, pondering what the children would look like. She glanced over at her husband, who was leaning against the wall, snoring. "Genma, dear?"
He didn't respond but continued to snore softly.
Nodoka sighed. She picked up the blanket-wrapped bundle next to her, untied the string and slowly slid the katana from its sheath a few inches.
Genma started awake, pale and sputtering. He glanced in her direction and whimpered.
"Awake? Good." She slid the katana back into the scabbard with a sharp *click*. "Please show the next girl in? Shampoo or Ukyou, if you would. I think we'll leave the Tendos for last."
Genma got up a bit stiffly and headed towards the door.
Nodoka settled into pleasant future planning. She would have preferred to have Ranma home, of course, but once the omiai was decided the matter would be moot. She would simply pull him out of high school, which would annul Kasumi's 'agreement'. Putting Ranma and the girl in close proximity for an extended period would undoubtedly result in an heir quickly, if her read of the girl was at all correct, and then she could send Ranma on his way. Kodachi would be pleasant company for the nine months and more than eager to rejoin her husband afterwards. Everything was settling into place.
The door slid open. Nodoka looked up but was surprised to see all four girls entering. Shampoo knelt on the cushion in front of her while the other three took up positions arrayed behind.
"I'm sorry girls, there seems to be a misunderstanding," Nodoka said. "I wished to speak with Shampoo alone. You will all get your turns, don't fret!"
"Actually, Shampoo… I speak for us all," Shampoo said quietly. "We wish to discuss alternative option allowed by Joketsuzoku law."
"'Alternative option'?" Nodoka asked, confused.
Shampoo took a breath and seemed to gather herself. "Ranma great warrior to Joketsuzoku. Greatest in many generations. Draw many accolades and many privileges. One, not offered for centuries, is right of multiple wives."
Nodoka's eyes widened.
"All betrothed of Ranma, save Kodachi, already been judged worthy in eyes of Joketsuzoku," Shampoo continued. "Great-grandmother has given blessing and if Matriarch Saotome do same, Ranma may marry all four."
"Four wives…?" Nodoka repeated. She glanced at the other girls, who were all sitting quietly, seemingly unsurprised by the proclamation.
"We all discuss amongst selves, agree is best option," Shampoo said. "Wish to produce strong children, many children. This best way."
Nodoka sat back a bit, shocked. "Oh my…" she said softly. "And… you have all agreed to this?"
Each girl nodded in turn, saying nothing else.
Nodoka regarded the Chinese girl. This was certainly an unexpected development! And, apparently, this time it did not come from Nabiki Tendo. She idly wondered if Soun was aware of this little arrangement his daughters had made.
Still… It would be the MANLIEST option by far… she considered. All of the advantages of each of the four girls plus four times the chance of child… possibly multiple children all at once!
She closed her eyes and steadied herself. Perhaps this is an option worth considering? It certainly wouldn't hurt to hear her out.
She folded her hands in her lap and locked eyes with Shampoo. "Very well. Tell me more."
000
Ranma awoke with a start on the roof, spasming as awareness flooded back in one surge. A moment of panic gripped him when he realised he didn't know where he was, but after a moment the flight-or-fight burst subsided as his memory trickled back to him. He groaned and pushed himself up carefully as he tried to work the krik out of his back. His mouth was dry and his tongue was plastered to the roof of it by some sort of awfulness. Sharp little stones that had been digging into him as he napped reminded him of their presence with stinging soreness and he brushed them off in irritation. Digging into his pack, he fished out a canteen which was, thankfully, still half full. The water was lukewarm and stale but it was better than nothing.
He coughed a few times. Sleeping outside on a roof in a bad position wasn't exactly the best way to wake up feeling refreshed.
Not even sure where I am… he thought, shielding his eyes as he checked the position of the sun. It was mid afternoon, maybe? Still lots of time to kill before he had to be home. He closed up his pack and slung it over his shoulders and walked to the edge of the roof. Vaulting down to the fire escape, he hopped down bouncing between balconies and window ledges until he reached the ground and landed in an alleyway looking out onto the street.
He paused for a moment, feeling a bit lost. Stepping out onto the sidewalk he looked up and down the street but he still had no real idea where to go.
"Senpai…?"
He turned slightly. It took him a second to recognize the girl who was staring at him from a few feet away. What are the chances…?
Rin was wearing normal street clothes; blouse, jeans and a light jacket. It dawned on him that he had never seen her in anything but her school uniform, gym clothes or the volleyball team uniform before. She was giving him a quizzical look.
"Yo…" He held up a hand in greeting, feeling a little awkward.
"You look a little rough, senpai. Have you been sleeping outside?" Rin cocked her head. "You're all dirty and…" She walked over to him, hopped up and plucked something from his hair. "... You have leaves in your hair." She showed him an old dried leaf that had been caught in his pigtail.
"Heh… I might have gotten a bit messy… kinda wasn't paying much attention," Ranma said sheepishly. "I've just been running around a lot. Took a nap on a roof… you know, lazy Sunday stuff?" He stretched nonchalantly to illustrate his point, but winced as his stiff muscles cramped in protest.
Rin blinked at him a few times, then shrugged, accepting his explanation as one of those 'Martial Artist Things'. "Okay… Oh!" She tapped her fist into her palm. "That's right! This is good! It's good I ran into you!" She beamed as she grabbed his arm and started trying to drag him. "Come on! We should get going!"
Ranma didn't budge. It wasn't that he was resisting all that hard - it was just Rin simply couldn't pull hard enough to move him. He stared at her, confused. "Uhh… go where?"
"Captain Sayuri… wanted to have a practise session… At a gym she found… that has a volleyball court… since we can't use the dojo today…" Rin said, undeterred and grunting with the effort as she continued to try and pull him along. She simply didn't have enough mass to give her the needed traction. She stopped to catch her breath. "She wanted to find you, but Kasumi said you weren't there when we called. I'm so lucky I ran into you!" She beamed up at him then resumed trying unsuccessfully to drag him.
Ranma watched her efforts for a few moments, bemused, before he started walking. She nearly toppled over in surprise. "Alright, alright, I ain't got nuthin' better to do anyway. Lead on."
She nodded happily, resumed her grip on his arm and continued to pull ahead in the manner of an exuberant child at a fairground. "Yay! Captain Sayuri will be so proud of me!"
Ranma snickered. "Uh… look, no offense, but I'm not gonna go girl for this, even if we are practicin'."
She glanced back at him and cocked her head curiously. "Why would senpai change? Senpai is a boy."
Ranma was taken aback a bit by that. "Wait, wait, wait… Aren't you the one who's always insisting I'm a girl?"
Rin slowed down a bit, looking thoughtful. "Yeah…" She looked up at him and grinned again. "Because when I say that, senpai is a girl."
"Yeah, that's the curse Rin," Ranma said, sighing heavily. At least she doesn't think I'm two separate people, like the Kunos.
Rin shook her head. "No, that's not what I mean. Sometimes senpai is a boy even when he's a girl, and sometimes senpai is a girl even when he's a boy."
Ranma gave her a blank look.
Rin puffed her cheeks out in frustration. "Nnnnnnnn! I can never explain this right!" She thought a moment then tried again. "You know Ukyou, right?"
"I'm… kinda engaged to her, so yes," Ranma replied, chuckling a bit.
Undeterred, Rin continued. "Well, you know how Ukyou-senpai is sometimes a boy?"
Ranma rolled his eyes. "Rin, Ukyou doesn't have a curse. She just dressed up as a boy. She's 100% girl."
Rin shook her head, scowling with frustration. "No, the curse just confuses things!" she stopped walking and stomped her foot with a huff.
Ranma stopped as well, curious about what she was getting at.
Rin closed her eyes and took a deep breath to calm herself. "When I was learning to play volleyball, Dad taught me to watch how people move. But not just in volleyball - he said you could learn all kinds of things about people that way. At first it was just to learn… you know, when the players on the other team were up to something or which way someone might jump or if they were off balance. But I started to get good at it so I'd do it even when I wasn't playing. You know… for practise? You can learn so much just from watching how people move while they're doing everyday stuff - the way they walk, the way their weight sits, what they do with their hands..."
"Yeah. It's called 'body language'," Ranma replied. "It's part of how you read an opponent in martial arts, too."
Rin opened her eyes and looked at him. "'Body Language'... I like that! That's a good name for it!" she said brightly. "Dad always called it kin… kines… some word that's been hard for me to pronounce. Now where was… oh yeah…! Anyway, you can tell stuff about people from their 'body language'. Ukyou-senpai is a girl but sometimes, especially when she's dressing like a boy, the way she moves and how she stands or walks or uses her hands… it's all 'boy' language."
"Well, yeah. She pretended to be a boy most of her life," Ranma replied.
Rin shook her head. "No, that's acting. I can always tell the difference." She made a face. "Sometimes it's annoying because there'll be a really intense scene in a movie or something, but I can tell the actor is just bored or irritated."
"I think that's just bad acting, Rin," Ranma said skeptically.
Rin's shoulders sagged, dejection written across her face. "You don't believe me. Fine. Nobody ever really does." She turned and resumed walking.
"H-hey!" Ranma jogged a bit to catch up to her. "Look, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to… just tell me what you were gonna say, okay?"
Rin glanced at him cautiously then stopped again and took a deep breath. "Okay. So… I don't think Ukyou-senpai is acting. Or at least, she's doing the kind of acting where you make yourself think you are what you're pretending to be."
"Method acting," Ranma supplied helpfully, remembering the term from the disastrous play of Romeo and Juliet he and Akane had once been in.
"There's a name for that, too!?" Rin bounced on the balls of her feet, suddenly happy. Then she clapped her hands to her cheeks and shook her head, screwed up her face and tried and look serious again. "Nnnn! I get distracted too easily, sorry Senpai… Anyway, Ukyou-senpai moves like she's thinking like a boy, not just… like a girl trying to do what a boy would do. She doesn't hesitate or have any pauses in her reactions like you would if you were translating in your head."
Ranma crossed his arms and looked thoughtful. "Huh… Maybe that's why I never noticed…?"
Rin ducked her head. "A-actually… Senpai isn't very good at reading it. Most boys aren't," she held up an apologetic hand. "B-but Senpai is busy reading other stuff! Like… martial arts stuff… aheh…" She blushed a bit. "B-besides… Ukyou-senpai is hardly ever a boy around you. Usually only when she's mad… o-or…" She fidgeted. "... that kiss in the hallway that one time…"
"So… you're saying that when I turn into a girl, I've got a girl's body language?" Ranma asked.
Rin tapped her chin. "W-ell… not always? Sometimes senpai is a boy acting like a boy, like yesterday during volleyball practise... e-even though Senpai was in a girl's body at the time. Sometimes senpai is a boy trying to act like a girl, l-like when Senpai tries to fool Kuno-senpai. A-and sometimes Senpai is a girl trying to act like a boy," she considered. "E-especially when Mr. Boyfriend-san… umm, I mean Ryouga is around."
Ranma chuckled nervously, not really wanting to acknowledge how close to the mark Rin had come with that. "I think you're seein' stuff, Rin. I'm 100% guy, no matter what my body is." He flexed his arm a bit.
Rin shook her head. "N-no, senpai, you're not."
Ranma's cocky grin slowly started settling into an annoyed glare.
Rin quickly waved her hands placatingly. "I-I mean, no one is! A-at least everybody I've ever met or seen has boy and girl. Usually it's always a lot more of one than the other but it's always a mix."
Ranma's dark expression faded a bit into more skeptical curiosity. "Oh yeah? Even Ryouga?"
Rin nodded. "Uh huh! I mean, he doesn't have a lot of girl but he's got more than the other boys at school…" She started walking again then added in a conspiratorial whisper, "... and more than some of the girls…"
Ranma smirked. "Now that I can't wait to tell him about."
"It's more that our school has a lot of tomboys. Ryouga doesn't shift around like Senpai does, though," Rin added sheepishly. "But senpai is definitely on the 'boy' side today, so senpai is a boy." She gave him a hopeful look. "D-does… does that make sense now?"
Ranma considered. "I guess maybe it does... I mean, as much as anything else," he shrugged.
She cheered, punched her fist into the air and skipped ahead, doing a little dance. "Yess! Senpai understands!"
Ranma laughed and waved his hands. "Easy, easy!"
Rin beamed again. "You don't know how hard it is to explain this to someone! And even when I do, they just look at me like I'm crazy and start avoiding me," she sighed. "I used to get in trouble a lot when I was younger because I'd tell people they were a boy or a girl when I met them a-and… I guess it made them mad because what I said didn't always agree with what they were physically. I didn't mean to make people feel bad, so I just stopped… until I met senpai."
Ranma shrugged nonchalantly. "I've heard of weirder stuff. It actually reminds me a lot of the whole concepts of 'Yin' and 'Yang'."
Rin cocked her head. "Yin and Yang? Isn't that that swirly black and white Chinese symbol thingie?"
"Yeah. It's meant to represent a philosophy that's core to a lot of martial arts," Ranma said. "Things that seem to be opposin' forces… light and dark, hot an' cold, male an' female… they're actually connected and dependent on each other. Even something that's a lot of one side always has a little of the other because they need each other to exist. Like how you know light is light only because it gets rid of the darkness and darkness is just the lack of light so, if there wasn't a little of one in the other, you wouldn't be able to see anythin' either way. Same with hot an' cold… and I guess male an' female too."
"Oh!" Rin said. "So maybe Instead I should say 'Senpai has a lot of Yin today' or something?"
"'Yang' is the male side, actually," Ranma replied.
"Oh, okay!"
They walked for a bit before an idea occurred to Ranma. "Hey, uh… you ever met Ukyou's waitress? Konatsu?"
"Yes! She's nice!" Rin said. "She's usually definitely a girl, but… she gets a little confused when Ukyou-senpai is talking to her or she's looking at Ukyou-senpai. It's weird though… sometimes she seems like she's a girl trying to pretend she's a girl… if that makes any sense?"
"You'd be surprised," Ranma said. "Okay… ever met Tsubasa Kurenai?"
Rin made a face. "I… uh…" she ducked her head. "She's weird."
"So she's a girl too?" Ranma replied, starting to wonder about Rin's accuracy. He knew full well that Tusbasa was very insistent about his gender despite his proclivities.
"Is it a he?" Rin asked, fidgeting. "It's hard to tell! Mailboxes don't usually have a gender!"
"... What?"
"He's a mailbox pretending to be a girl!" Rin blurted. "I know that doesn't make any sense and you think I'm crazy now but that's what I see! It's weird and I don't like him and ever since he showed up at the school this one time I have to kick the mailbox before I mail a letter just to be sure it really is a mailbox and not him!"
Ranma started laughing and before long the giggles spread to Rin as well, though she wasn't really sure why she was laughing. It took several minutes for Ranma to recover, holding his sides and leaning against a streetlamp.
"Th-thanks, Rin…" Ranma said, catching his breath as he wiped the tears from his eyes. "I needed that."
"I-I didn't know what I said was funny…" Rin said sheepishly, but she was smiling, pleased that she had made her senpai happy.
Ranma straightened, brushed himself off and nodded. This is what I need. A little guy time, a good distraction and some physical activity to work the kinks out - then I'll be good as new.
He gave Rin a thumbs up. "C'mon, let's go play some volleyball."
Maybe today won't be such a bad day after all.
000
"Shampoo still feel dirty," Shampoo complained, hugging herself and shuddering.
She and Nodoka had spoken for over an hour, giving Nodoka the details of the four-way arrangement and discussing various advantages. Nodoka had mostly been interested in Amazonian fertility techniques, methods of ensuring the gender of the child and so on. It had ended up resembling a chat between cattle breeders more than anything else.
Now that Nodoka was gone, Shampoo had claimed the furo and demanded a good long scrub to purge the greasy feelin it had left with her. Apparently, though, it had not helped.
Nabiki felt unsettled too, but for a different reason. With the omiai over, at least for another day, and no pressing crisis or crazy Amazon elders trying to kill her with soup bowls, her mind had time to settle back onto the problems of her own creation.
"Because you don't need me anymore…"
She sighed, leaned against the wall and closed her eyes. You don't really believe that, do you, Ranma? That you're just… INTERCHANGEABLE like that?
She shot a guilty glance over at Shampoo. She had admitted her attraction to the Amazon to Ranma, who didn't seem worried by it at the time… but admitting a 'thing' for Shampoo and spending the night in her bed were two very different things. Especially when the latter was something she hadn't talked to him about beforehand.
You KNEW this was going to cause problems like this, Nabiki! she chided herself. You knew and you did it ANYWAY.
"You've got the face of someone who's beating herself up, sugar."
She cracked open an eye as Ukyou settled down to sit against the wall next to her. "I'm surprised you're not doing it for me," Nabiki replied.
"Why would I do that?" Ukyou asked. "I'm just as guilty as you are. Probably more… Ranma caught me."
"You didn't make a promise to him," Nabiki said softly. "I knew stuff like this was going to happen. I knew I needed to keep my head clear. I was the one everyone was counting on to get us through these things. But when Ranma needed me, I had my phone turned off." She growled the last two words bitterly and let her head thunk back against the wall.
"Yeah, well, Shampoo has a way of… clouding your judgement without meaning to," Ukyou said carefully, her eyes on the Amazon as she talked with Akane over a cup of tea.
Nabiki considered a moment. There were even more dimensions to this and she realized she needed to be careful. "How do you feel about things?" She asked, watching the chef out of the corner of her eye.
"In general, or about Shampoo in particular?"
"Both."
Ukyou sighed. "Shampoo and I have always had a… 'connection', I guess is the word. Not really a romantic connection, but… I trust her. She's important to me and I think I reached a point somewhere along the way that I just couldn't really imagine us not being part of each other's lives, no matter what shape those lives took." She glanced at Nabiki. "And… yeah, that got physical a few times, but that's not really what defines things. It isn't that relationship-defining thing for her that it would be for us… it's just how she is with someone she likes and trusts. To her it's just another way to have fun and feel good and make someone you care about feel good, without being really any more significant than a backrub. And… I think I like that, honestly. I don't think I could be that casual about it with anyone else, but with her… We both needed the outlet."
"A 'backrub' is a really stupid reason to turn off my phone," Nabiki muttered.
"You do realize it's more than that between you and her, right?" Ukyou asked, looking concerned. "Don't think I don't understand what that collar means."
"I don't know if that makes it better or worse," Nabiki admitted. "Am I betraying Ranma? Are we?"
"I'm surprised you're not angrier at me," Ukyou admitted. "I mean… me and your little sister…"
Nabiki rolled her eyes. "Have you seen her? Akane has been happier lately than she's been since… since…" She trailed off. "Well, since Mom was here for her."
"We've been so busy trying to sort out our feelings for each other now that Ranma isn't in between us all that we kinda forgot to figure out things with him, too," Ukyou said sadly. "Letting life drag us apart and pair us up. No wonder he decided he was a fifth wheel." She gave Nabiki a sidelong look. "You know… What's the story with you and him? How did you fall for him?"
"I got so busy being clever I forgot I had feelings," Nabiki said softly. She looked at her hands, her mind going back to that weekend. "I had this whole weekend planned, but Daddy screwed it up by saddling me with Ranma for it. He probably figured I'd use it as motivation to get Ranma and Akane back together. I decided to try and make the best of it, to make a 'business deal' with Ranma and try to keep him happy so I could go hang out with the college kids and pretend I was more worldly and sophisticated than I really am. I was expecting him to… well, do everything Akane used to accuse him of."
"But he didn't," Ukyou said, smirking slightly.
"There was one time a balcony collapsed with me, Ranma and Akane on it. When it happened, Ranma saved me instead of Akane. His reasons made sense - Akane was a martial artist and could handle the fall where I couldn't. But… just for a second… just for a second... I felt special."
"I remember that. Akane switched the engagement to you over it."
Nabiki chuckled softly. "I punished him pretty harshly for making me feel like that. He even started to fight back, which was… adorable, frankly. But circumstance thrust him back into Akane's arms. Literally." She sighed. "But this time… there was no Akane and no convenient fiancees or rivals to use to deflect it when he… he would look at me… focus on me. The way he just seemed fascinated with the simplest thing I said. How, with all of the girls at the beach to look at, he was looking at me. How he lit up when I joked with him or let him be on my side for one of my schemes. How I didn't need to remind him to pay attention to me because he just did."
"Sounds like he got you good, sugar," Ukyou said wryly.
"I think I always knew he'd do it too, if I let him get close," Nabiki said softly. "That's why I pushed him off on Akane when he and his Dad first showed up." She made a face. "That, and I felt weird because I was attracted to his girl side before I realized it was a girl and I didn't want to deal with that bit of confusion every time he got wet." She snorted. "Fat lot of good that did me."
"I think things worked out fine," Ukyou replied, nudging Nabiki with her elbow. "Ranma needs us. All of us. And we definitely need him. And between us we do a pretty good job of filling in the gaps. So… How do we get over this bump? Other than beat ourselves up over how we never should have hit it in the first place?"
"I need to talk to him," Nabiki said thoughtfully. "We all do. One-on-one time. We need to involve him in our lives rather than just trying to make time to involve ourselves in his." She took a breath and gave Ukyou an apologetic look. "I know I don't really deserve it this time, but I need you guys to give me the benefit of the doubt and let me go first."
Ukyou smiled and nodded. "That's why you're D'artagnan, sugar."
000
After being struck with the volleyball for the third or fourth time, Ranma had begun to think that maybe he had been a tad over-optimistic about the day.
"Aww geez, again?" Yuka groaned as she folded her arms and huffed in exasperation.
There weren't many patrons using the gymnasium of the fitness center today. Most of their classes were typically held after working hours on weekdays. They had split into pairs, two versus two, with the odd person out rotating in, to give them a chance to work on ball handling and covering other positions. Ranma had figured it would mostly be for Yuka and Riko's benefit, and maybe a chance to see what Rin could dish out directly, but once more he found himself tripping over his own feet.
"Everything okay, Ranma?" Sayuri trotted over and scooped up the ball to bring it back to them.
Ranma sighed and looked at his hands. What was wrong?! This shouldn't be so difficult but… everything seemed 'off'. It's like I'm reacting to everything a half second too late. He felt like he was fighting his own reflexes or using the wrong muscle memory.
"I dunno…" Ranma said finally. "I've been feelin' a bit odd for the last couple of days…"
Sayuri gave him a sympathetic look. "Well… don't push yourself too hard, okay? I don't want you getting hurt before the game."
"Maybe Ranma should try changing into a girl?" Riko suggested from the other side of the net.
"I-I don't think that will help…" Rin said timidly.
"Why not?" Yuka asked.
"Because…" Rin trailed off, looked down, then back up to lock eyes with Ranma for a moment. "U-um… b-because senpai is… moving like… like someone pretending to be a volleyball player."
"Isn't that what Ranma does?" Yuka quipped, crossing her arms and smirking.
"Yuka, be nice," Sayuri chided her. "But she does have a point. Ranma, you usually do better than this even when you have no idea what you're doing."
Ranma sighed heavily. "It feels like I'm fighting myself," he shook his head. "I'll figure it out. Set me up again."
Sayuri shrugged. "Okay, if you're sure." She tossed the ball to Rin.
000
By the time Ranma dragged himself home he had made very little progress which was, in and of itself, baffling and frustrating. Even things he had never done before he could pick it up faster. This was just hitting a ball over a net!
I ALREADY know this, he thought miserably. It's like… I'm FLINCHING.
He reached the front door of his house and paused. He took a second to look over the place in the light of the setting sun.
I wish I remembered this place better before it got wrecked and rebuilt, he thought. He reached out and touched the freshly painted wood of the doorframe. I guess… Pops and I left here before I really had a chance to make a lot of memories.
He slid the door open. "I'm home!" he announced. He kicked off his shoes, but he didn't hear any response. I wonder if they're still at the Tendo's?
He walked through the foyer into the main room of the house and found that, in fact, they were not at the Tendo's. Genma was seated at the table helping himself to what remained of dinner. Nodoka stood in the small attached kitchenette, her arms crossed as she glared in his direction. She managed to convey the impression that she had been standing there holding that position until he had been unlucky enough to cross into her field of view.
"Well, I am glad you could see fit to finally come home, Ranma," Nodoka said coldly.
"Umm… hey Mom?" Ranma said weakly, wondering what he had done this time. "Is… something wrong?"
"Just that you seem to have missed dinner." She motioned towards the table. "I believe I told you we were having dinner by seven? I didn't realize you might assume that it would be permissible for you to simply wander in whenever you pleased and expect dinner to be kept for you."
"It's… It's still five to seven…" Ranma said, confused. "You said to be home by seven…"
That same expression of rage flickered across her face but it stayed longer this time. She picked up the knife she had been cleaning and stabbed it into the cutting board. "And now you lie to me about what I said to you?!" Her eyes narrowed. "I expected you to be home well before seven and ready to help with preparation! Your father and I have worked hard all day to secure your future and now we are expected to wait on you as well? Oh my son, this is beyond the pale!" She stalked around the counter and up to him, the ice in her eyes boring into him.
"I… I'm sorry!" Ranma said, confused and hurt. Unfairness and accusations from his father he was accustomed to and could easily brush off. But from his mother…?
"Mealtimes are not held at your convenience in this household, Ranma! You are expected to be present and ready to help when mealtimes occur or you can do without!" She sighed heavily. "I expect to find a man amongst men and more and more I am confronted by a slovenly boy! Things may have been different for you at the Tendo Dojo but you will find that the real world does not work that way and you are very much headed for a disaster if you do not learn and change your ways." She closed her eyes, the rage giving way to a pained expression. She turned away from him and covered her mouth. "I have had… a very trying day today! I did not need this disrespect, this… this cruelty heaped upon me! I did not deserve it heaped upon me!" she sobbed.
Genma hopped quickly to his feet and scuttled over to comfort his wife, putting his hands on her shoulders. He glared at Ranma. "Now look what you've done! You've made your mother cry! Get to your room, boy! I'll think of a suitable punishment for you later!"
They turned away from him and Ranma was left ignored. He reached out briefly towards his mother then drew back his hand, turned away and slowly made his way up the stairs.
000
"It won't work, you know."
Ranma looked around to find he was back in that black, featureless void once more. This dream again!?
The voice was familiar. He turned to find the source. Visible nearby was the faint glint of metal. Iron bars. He started to walk towards it and realized it was a cage - small - just large enough for a single person. Inside huddled a small figure, curled up into a ball with her back to him. She had red hair, a pigtail half unbound and wore a blue shirt that was tattered and frayed..
Ranma stared at her. I killed her, though… He glanced down at his hands, remembering the rage - the intent he had put into that last ki blast. "I thought… I… That blast..."
"That won't work either," she said softly without bothering to look at him.
"How do you know?!" he demanded.
"You've tried it before," she said. She sounded very tired. "You don't remember, but you have. A bunch of times, actually." She reached up and tapped one of the bars with a knuckle and the metal rang slightly. "I just end up in here for a while. Until you let me out because you need me, or you forget that I'm here and I sneak out." She rubbed her arm where dried blood was visible through the torn shirt. "Still hurts, though."
Ranma felt a pang of guilt then stopped himself short. This isn't a real person. This is just my girl side. "Yeah? Well… what's not gonna work?" Ranma asked defiantly walking up to the cage.
"Makin' Mom proud," the girl said with a sigh. "Makin' her see you're a man amongst men and you don't need the contract. Makin' her happy enough to let you be happy." She curled up a little tighter. "We had this fight about Pops, too. You don't remember. You never remember. Even now you sometimes make yourself forget what he's like because you want him to be proud of us so badly."
"Mom's different," Ranma said, but it sounded hollow, even to his ears. He could still feel the ache in his belly from a stomach filled only with the cold dread of that look she had given him. It was like a screen showing a pleasant picture had dropped from behind her eyes and something that hated him shone through.
"'Mom's different'," she scoffed. "She is not and you know it. She's tolerating us, Ranma. We're not what she wants. We didn't come back right and she's sick of making do so she wants to try again with our kid. She's just putting up with us until we hand 'em over then we're supposed to get the hell out of her life. There'll always be something more we need to do. There'll always be some reason or another why we're still weak - why we still need her. She's got our whole life planned out for us." She shook her head and folded her arms on top of her knees to rest her chin on them. "We'll never fulfill that contract because she doesn't want it fulfilled."
That's not fair! he protested. We waited so long to see her! We worked so hard to find her again! We worked so hard to make her PROUD of us! "I can't… I can't just write her off! Not after everything we went through to get her back!"
The girl uncurled and turned to glare at him, her ice blue eyes flashing. "She wants to take away our KIDS, Ranma!"
He realized he could hear a note of fear in her voice, as if she didn't fully believe she could stop it from happening.
"We're supposed to give her a mess of cute babies to raise then go out into the world and make the Saotome name mean somethin' so Pops can make good in the dojo we build for him!" She was trembling with anger, her expression that of someone who had been betrayed far too many times. "We're their meal ticket! We've always been Pop's meal ticket - the only difference is now Mom is in on it too!"
"It's more'n that!" Ranma protested. "It's… it's gotta be more'n that! Why would a parent have a kid they didn't want?! Why would they… why would they go this far if they didn't care about us?! If we didn't mean anythin' to 'em?!"
"We mean about as much to 'em as a pair of chopsticks," she said bitterly. "We're there to bring the food to their mouths an' that's it." She turned away from him and slumped back down in the cage. "An' you know what you do if chopsticks don't get the job done? Or if they're cheap or got splinters or they aren't the color you want? You snap 'em in half and get new ones."
"No!" He slammed his fist into the bar of the cage. "They… they want what's best for us! They said…!"
"They said we don't know what that is, and they do," she said quietly. "So I guess all this…" she gestured around them, "... this misery we're drownin' in… this is just us not understandin', huh? We're not happy because we're too dumb to be 'happy', right?"
"We're not kids anymore," Ranma said through gritted teeth. "What's best for us ain't always gonna make us happy…"
"You think any part of this is what's best for us?" she asked harshly, turning to glare at him again. "When was the last time what was 'best for us' actually did make us happy?! When in the fourteen years o' bein' homeless? The fourteen years with no friends - no one but Pops? The Contract?! The Pit!?"
"No…" Ranma swallowed, his throat dry. "Okay… okay so… so maybe they're not good at it… maybe… maybe they're even bad at being parents, but… but that doesn't mean they don't care!"
"Whatever," she said cynically, looking away. "If you're here, it means you need me again for something."
"W-what would I need you for?!" he demanded hotly. "You're just the curse!"
She rolled her eyes at him. "I'm you, so I know you're not actually that stupid," she huffed. "Yin and Yang? Everybody has a little of both? Ringing any bells?"
"So… you're my Yin?"
"Yeah. Except I guess Pops doesn't subscribe to much in the way of Chinese philosophy," she replied. "He's been trying to beat me out of you since… since…" She trailed off. "... I don't think there was a time that he wasn't, actually."
Ranma watched her quietly for a moment then sat down with his back to her and leaned back against the cage. "I guess… I guess I can see why you hate him."
"That's the worst part…" she said, her voice cracking. "I don't… I don't." She huddled up a little tighter. "I don't hate him. I just wish more than anything he didn't hate me."
"Are… you crying?" Ranma turned and moved to reach through the bars to comfort her but he hesitated, not knowing if he should touch her or if comforting his own girl side even made sense.
She hiccuped, like she didn't know if she should laugh or sob and got stuck halfway. "Yes, I'm crying, jackass. I'm the part of you that does that, remember? All the stuff Pops said was girly - like enjoying ice cream parfaits or playing volleyball or not being a jerk to our fiancees," she elbowed him through the bars, hard.
"Ow! Why'd you do…?" Ranma started to ask but trailed off. He knew exactly why she had done that. "... So you're the reason I can't play volleyball?"
"You make it sound like it's my fault!" she growled at him. "I'm not the one who blasted me into this cage! You're suppressing me hardcore right now so that means all the stuff you think is girly gets suppressed too, including volleyball."
Ranma sighed, closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the iron bars. "So that's why I felt like I was fighting myself." He was silent a moment. "Am I going crazy?"
"I dunno?" she replied. "I don't know anything more than you do." She considered a moment. "No? I mean… This is just me, bein' stressed and talkin' stuff out in my dreams. It's not like we're actually separate people..."
"So… then how do I open the cage?" Ranma asked, glancing over his shoulder at her.
She was gone.
He turned fully but the cage was empty. He started to look around, wondering what could have happened to her.
A small hand waved in front of his face. He spun around again to find she was right in front of him, giving him a cocky grin.
"Yo."
"What the hell!?" he growled. "You made me go through all that and you could have gotten out whenever you wanted?!"
"You made you go through that. Same person, remember? This is all you, just arguing with yourself," she reminded him. "You've never really 'locked' the cage. But… after what we talked about with Rin, we kinda needed to figure out how to accept this."
"It's not that simple though, is it?" Ranma asked. "We're not Yang with a bit of Yin. That's what you're talking about accepting. We're… we're both."
She nodded slowly. "You already knew that. And you know Mom & Dad will never, ever accept us because of it. That's why you did this. That's why you always try and do this. But it doesn't work anymore."
"Why, though? Why are we like this?!" He looked at his hands. "Did the curse do this or were we always… split like this?"
"I don't know," she admitted. "I don't remember. We're not usually real introspective, you know? We've always just… tried to be what Pops said was manly."
"So… what do we do now?"
"I dunno," she said. "Call a truce? Until we figure some o' this stuff out, I guess?" She held out her hand to him.
He sighed and reluctantly took it. "Truce."
000
Thanks for sticking with me. As people have been annoyed by my use of Mandarin without translations, I've decided to add a few. Also… I'm just looking up bits and pieces online, I don't actually have anyone helping me with it, so I apologize if I end up with 'All your base are belong to us' levels of bad phrasing.
Chūmén bié wàngle dài bìléizhēn a - Literally: don't forget to bring your own lightning rod when you travel! As in, the heavens might strike you down any time. This is based on an old belief that the heavens will send down thunder and lightning to punish someone especially evil/vile, can't even wait until after they're dead.
lǎo yāo pó - evil old witch
ta made niao - Damn it.
The word Rin's father used for 'Body Language is 'Kinesics'
Some of you may point out that Nodoka DID, in fact tell Ranma to be HOME by seven, despite her later assertion. That's intentional. Look up the term 'gaslighting'.
This was a big chapter, but there was a lot of stuff that needed to happen to set up for the next week.
