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The characters of the Ranma 1/2 universe are the creation and possession of the brilliant Rumiko Takahashi. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and her licensees (Shogakukan Inc., Kitty-Fuji TV, Viz Communications Inc.)
No copyright infringement is intended.
Akane launched a punch straight into Shampoo's face, only to have her vanish at the last moment. Immediately, she leaped over the answering leg sweep. Forced to give up her grounded form, she brought an ax kick straight down on the purple-haired girl's head.
Shampoo rolled to her left just before the strike could hit.
Akane sat cross-legged on the floor while Ranma-chan packed to follow Herb.
"This is my fault," Akane said, her eyes locked on the ground between them. "I'm sorry."
"This is a fight between Herb and me," Ranma replied. "It is not your fault."
"But..." Akane began.
"Hey!" Ranma interjected. "Do you think I'm gonna lose to Herb?" Ranma finished with a determined look.
"No," Akane answered. "I know you can win."
Ranma returned to stuffing her pack.
"Ranma," Akane ventured after a moment.
"Yeah," Ranma returned without looking up.
"Promise me that you will return, no matter what."
"I ain't gonna lose!" Ranma shouted heatedly.
"Then you shouldn't have any problem making that promise!" Akane returned equally as heated.
Ranma looked away and mumbled something.
"I didn't hear that," Akane said flatly.
"I promise."
A quick series of punches followed by a roundhouse kick forced Akane back and into a diving roll to her left. Planting her right foot, Akane pivoted as she came up off the floor into a spin and returned with a straight arm that caught the Amazon by surprise. Akane leapt forward, pressing her advantage.
'Two days,' Akane thought with a soft sigh. Casting a quiet gaze over little Himiko napping, Akane felt a surge of conflicting emotions rise up within her.
In the beginning, she thought Ranma was just another cocky arrogant boy whom all the girls fawned over. A boy who thought he could get any girl he wanted, and probably had already plucked a few. Sneaking into her bed at night went a long way in confirming that opinion. She knew some girls liked that bad boy image, but she had had more than her fill from school.
Then came Mikado Sanzenin. How could Ranma be the playboy she imagined if he had never kissed before? Of course, that wasn't quite correct.
Shampoo showed up, following up on her kiss-of-death and soon to follow kiss of marriage. Again she was forced to watch another claim Ranma's lips before her. She couldn't believe how much that hurt.
She may not have been the model Japanese housewife, but she was still raised with some traditional values. Among those being what was considered proper and improper behavior in public. Watching someone that could be a model or teen idol dry humping her iinazuke would be enough to set any girl off. Sure, she knew Ranma wasn't the ones grabbing the other girls when she was around, but that didn't stop her from wondering what he might be doing to encourage them when she wasn't around. Besides, most of the boys at school wouldn't take no, would he really resist such an enthusiastic yes?
Akane wanted her first time to be special. And, as selfish as it was, she wanted it to be with someone that thought it was special too. She didn't want to be just another notch in some boy's belt.
A burning anger welled up within Akane. She felt beyond helpless. She wanted- needed to do something, but there was nothing to sate her burning hunger. Hatred beyond name for a faceless enemy she did not know. Alone she sat with only her own duplicity. The things she did out of her own emptiness shamed and tortured her endlessly.
After having shared her bed for only half a week, it now felt empty and cold. She wondered if that was what she deserved.
A miss placed step and an over-reached punch allowed Shampoo all the opening she needed. Soon, Akane found herself being pushed back into a corner. Akane's eyes narrowed in frustration as she pushed harder attempting to get something through the Amazon's defenses.
"Are you okay, dad?" Akane asked as she noticed him sitting stiffly at the table.
"I'm quite all right," Soun replied with a smile.
"He spent the day working out in the Dojo with Tofu," Kasumi added.
"Oh really," Nabiki added with fake interest. "Thinking of starting teaching again or somehting?"
"As a matter of fact I have been thinking of starting a class or two," Mr. Tendou replied proudly.
"Excuse me," Nabiki said as she stood up. "I'm not hungry."
"Nihao! Shampoo here with too-too good raman," Shampoo exclaimed as she bounced in from the backyard.
"What are you doing here?" Akane asked heatedly. "Aren't you suppose to be packing or something?"
"Shampoo all packed. Soon we go, but Shampoo no want to waste food, so bring here."
"Ranma's not back yet, you know," Akane grumbled her reply with slumped shoulders.
"Shampoo know, came see Akane," Shampoo answered as she plopped down next to Akane.
"Shampoo, won't you join us?" Kasumi asked pleasantly.
Shampoo blinked then blushed a little from her rudeness. "Ah, yes, Shampoo love join."
Nabiki sat back down as Kasumi and Shampoo began setting the table. She watched Shampoo with a thoughtful eye. Soun decided to park his nose in the newspaper.
"What did you want to see me about?" Akane asked uncertainly.
"Shampoo need reason to see? Shampoo bored, have food, thought be nice to talk," Shampoo replied quickly.
Akane gave Shampoo a long penetrating gaze before responding.
"What do you want to talk about?" Akane asked haltingly. She wasn't sure how to react to a non-rival Shampoo.
"So, you must really miss Mousse," Kasumi commented with her usual smile.
Shampoo rolled her eyes so comically that Akane giggled in spite of herself.
"Shampoo miss Mousse like she will miss dirty city air when back home."
"Me thinks the lady doth protest too much," Nabiki said with a grin.
Shampoo shot her a flat look.
"Shampoo think Money-girl get too-too close with Boken-boy."
Nabiki's face scrunched up at the repartee while Shampoo smirked.
"But Shampoo feel bad now Ranma have to put up with Mousse," Shampoo added with a dramatic pout.
"At least he shouldn't be trying to grope everyone," Akane added with a laugh.
"Still, Shampoo wonder why Mouse and Ryouga wanted to go," Shampoo trailed off thoughtfully.
"They don't like to admit it, but they're all really good friends," Akane answered assuredly.
Shampoo gave Akane the you've-got-to-be-kidding look.
"Sure they fight all the time, but that's how boys are," Akane responded.
Shampoo just shook her head.
"Well, Mousse might not be that close, but Ranma and Ryouga are," Akane said defensively
"Ryouga hate Ranma," Shampoo responded.
"I think it's childish, but that's how boys act," Akane responded.
"Most boys don't destroy half the neighborhood every time they meet," Nabiki added casually.
"Most boys aren't powerful martial-artists either. Besides they go way back to junior high school," Akane said. "Ryouga is always going out of his way to help Ranma. Remember when he found that map to the Japanese Spring-of-Drowned-Boy?"
Shampoo broke out laughing.
"Hey, he didn't know it was out of order," Akane said with a small smile on her face as she remembered Ranma's antics to get at the spring just because he couldn't wait until after school.
"That not why Shampoo laugh," Shampoo managed to giggle out. "Sham- Shampoo laugh because Akane think pig-boy get map for Ranma," she finished with more waves of laughter.
The newspaper rustled while the three sisters watched confused as the purple-haired girl rolled around giggling her head off. After a moment, Shampoo brought herself together when she noticed the looks she was receiving.
"Akane really no know?"
"Know what?" Akane asked.
"Well now, why don't we settle down and enjoy this fine meal Kasumi and Shampoo have made for us," Soun said quickly.
Shampoo gave the Tendou patriarch a curious glance before returning her attention to Akane. Nabiki also favored her father a quick glance as she waited Shampoo's explanation.
"Ryouga followed Ranma to China," Shampoo said.
Akane began shaking her head no.
"Said Ranma kicked off cliff into Jusenkyou springs," Shampoo finished.
"No, no, no," Akane began chanting softly.
"Ranma wouldn't do anything like that," Kasumi said softly.
"What does he turn into?" Nabiki asked coolly.
"No!" Akane shouted as battle aura burst around her.
Shampoo suddenly found herself pushed backward as she went straight to defense.
"No! No! No!" Akane shouted with each strike.
Shampoo parried and blocked each strike as she began leading Akane in the direction she wanted.
Shampoo slid the door open into the furo to find Akane sitting half undressed on one of the stools mumbling hysterically to herself while giving herself a scrubbing that made the Amazon flinch.
"He can't! He just can't be. He can't," Akane hiccuped out while barely managing not to start sobbing.
"Akane?" Shampoo said quietly, not sure what to expect.
"He can't be, you know. He just can't be," Akane continued.
Shampoo sank down behind Akane and quickly grabbed both of Akane's wrists.
"No!" Akane shriek.
"Stop it!" Shampoo hissed into her ear as she pulled Akane against her while attempting to pin her arms.
After a brief half-hearted struggle, Akane broke down crying.
Shampoo shifted Akane so as to hold the girl better incase she decided to continue her earlier actions. Akane's skirt and socks were soaked. Her blouse and bra lay haphazardly in the change room, but Shampoo wasn't about to leave to retrieve them. Akane's arms and chest were an angry red from her scrubbing.
Shampoo silently cursed herself for not immediately chasing after Akane when she fled.
"He can't be," Akane sobbed.
"He is," Shampoo whispered.
"Bu- but Ranma, might be a little shorter, a little lighter, but he's still human," Akane said shakily. "And Uncle Saotome, at a distance he even kinda looks like a panda. There's no way Ryouga could...."
"Shampoo become cat. Mousse becomes duck. Not that hard to believe," Shampoo responded softly, not quite understanding where Akane was having difficulty.
"But I didn't know about that until much later," Akane replied in a small voice.
Shampoo thought about that. Unless a person knew you were cursed, it really was hard to be caught changing. It was one of the reasons she revealed her curse so quickly to Ranma. Part of that was how quickly the change actually occurred and a lot depended upon the person's concepts of reality. It made since, if the only knowledge one had of Jusenkyou was Ranma and his father, then picturing someone as big as Ryouga changing into a little piglet would be difficult.
"I slept with him," Akane seemed to shrink a little as she said that. "And he never said anything."
"He too embarrassed," Shampoo said, not really taking Ryouga's side, but from her own experience. Changing into a house cat was not something she was particularly proud of either.
"He is always jumping into bed with me. I don't remember how many times I'd wake up and he would be there, snuggling up to me," Akane spoke with disgust. The memory of the relief and comfort she felt "He- he took advantage of me."
"What?" Shampoo squealed. She didn't think Ryouga had it in him.
"Not like that," Akane said softly. "He used me to hurt Ranma."
"Shampoo no think it like that. Ryouga like you."
"Ha," Akane laughed bitterly before suddenly freezing. "He can't," Akane whispered in an almost pleading tone.
"Why you think he always shy around you?"
"B-but I'm engaged."
"So? You always deny it and you two always fight," Shampoo pointed out.
"But it wouldn't be honorable to chase after an engaged woman."
"That stop anyone around here?"
"It stopped the boys at school from attacking me every morning."
"Huh?" Shampoo asked.
"Before Ranma came, I use to have to fight anywhere between twenty to thirty boys every morning because I wouldn't date any of them. They, they wanted to force me to...."
"It's alright," Shampoo whispered in her ear, though her face took a pasty hue.
Shampoo had a flash image of thirty Mousses all trying to get her to pick them and shuddered. No one should have to go through that.
Akane began shaking harder. Ryouga, the first boy she felt she could trust. Ranma's friend, an honorable martial-artist, sweet and naïve, the first boy she could call friend without worrying about him wanting more from her, and it was all a lie. First Ranma then Ryouga, was she really this bad a judge of character? Sure her heart wanted Ranma and was weary of Ryouga; but in her head he was one of the few links to Ranma's past she knew. He was a door to Ranma pre-curse, pre-Akane.
"He was Ranma's friend. I thought he was my friend," Akane sobbed.
"Akane want Shampoo to teach Amazon fighting?" Shampoo asked.
"Huh?" Akane sniffled and turned confused red eyes at the purple haired girl.
"Shampoo not show, but always respect Akane. Shampoo want to be friends. Maybe spar?" Shampoo spoke hesitantly.
"Akane, stop!" Shampoo yelled as she parried, blocked, and dodged a near berserk Akane.
Akane stopped almost immediately. Dropping her arms bonelessly to her sides, she barely stood there panting.
Shampoo took a few heavy steps back and dropped her guard. Her battle-dress practically pasted itself to her curves like a second skin. Her blood burned and she felt flushed as she willed herself down from her battle rush. She was looking forward to their traditional soak in furo. Wiping her wet locks from her eyes, Shampoo appraised her opponent.
Akane's hair, think and wet, clung to her head while her unfocused stare floated around the ground at her bare feet. Her sweat-soaked gi hung heavily to her heaving body as she gulped in breath after breath.
Shampoo smiled at her opponent and unacknowledged student. Akane had come a long way in the past month. Although not as good as she is, Akane had always been a skilled fighter and over the past few weeks had grown tremendously.
It amused Shampoo that Akane apparently didn't yet realize how much better she had become over the past year. Then again, watching Ranma's skill jump by leaps and bounds, it was easy to miss that all of her measuring sticks had also improved along the way.
Shampoo's smile faulted a bit. Although Akane had definitely improved greatly over the past few weeks, her two biggest problems still remained: her anger and her low self-confidence. Shampoo did what she could, but there was only so much she could do. She hoped Ranma would get back soon.
= = = = = = = = = =
Nabiki gazed out her window, but she wasn't really paying attention to the view.
Her mind was tracking about a million different threads in a million different directions. However, every single one of those thoughts always lead back to the same conclusion.
Junko was right.
Their father was coming out of his shell. He even started teaching again. Just two self-defense courses during the day while they were at school, but it was a start. The money from that gave them more money than all her extra-curricular activities together, and with their family portfolio had them well in the black. Not having a couple of extra mouths to feed certainly didn't hurt at all.
Nabiki winced. She was doing it again.
As much as Genma gave the world enough reasons to hate him, she loathed to admit but the biggest reason she hated the man was because of how much more alive her father was around him.
Things were going so well for her family for the first time since her mother died, and she couldn't muster up anything more than contempt. Contempt for her father thinking he could just start playing dad again, and contempt for herself for not standing up to him and telling him what she was really thinking.
She could see how he had hurt each of her sisters better now than she ever did before.
Kasumi shut herself off with their mother's books trying to hold onto something of their mother. Eventually taking over the kitchen and motherly duties.
A class assignment of creating a budget for a pretend family at the time when Kasumi broke down in tears afraid they were going to lose the house. She still remembered the harsh words of her teacher when she failed the assignment. Helping Kasumi with the household finances returned some of the respect she had lost when her sister started playing mom.
Akane. Nabiki had spent so much time being jealous of her little sister that she never really thought about how everything was effecting her. She always thought Akane had it easiest.
Nabiki wondered if Akane realized or even remembered that part of the reason she never learned to cook was her two sisters. The young Akane was always trying to help, or 'getting in the way' as Nabiki thought years past. At first Kasumi rebuffed her help as she was still struggling with cooking herself. Then later she parroted her other sister's attitude toward learning 'wifely duties.'
Nabiki sighed. Once upon a time, Akane used to look up to her, but she was too busy being upset at the world to notice.
When Akane finally found attention with their father in dojo, she should have been happy, but she wasn't. Instead, she learned about betting and how she could make money off of her little sister and the ice-queen had been born.
She never realized the irony of how Akane's relationship with her father probably hurt her the most of all of them. During the prime formative years, the major male role model of her life, and the only time he ever paid any attention to her was in the dojo. How much was fighting and love mixed up together in that head of hers?
At that thought, she was disturbed for a moment to think that Kunou might actually have had a clue in the beginning. Then, after some thought realized that he didn't or was a bigger fool than she previously thought.
As Nabiki considered, it seemed as if Akane would sometimes go out of her way to fight with Ranma. By the same token she would go an equal distance not to fight with anyone else. Sure, she occasionally fought the other iinazuke, but usually to defend or help Ranma even as she denied it. Of course, it usually broke down into the other girls fighting while she left with Ranma. As much as fighting hurt Akane consciously, could it be that with Ranma it was also an unconscious intimate act? If so, then Kunou forcing her to fight in front of the entire school was a worse violation then she ever imagined.
She remembered listening with Kasumi as Shampoo comforted Akane after revealing Ryouga's dirty little secret. Any illusion of respect she might still have held for her father died when she realized he knew and did nothing.
With Genma as the only role model growing up, Ranma wasn't too different from little sis. Insults where the only thing Ranma probably ever heard growing up. Even though fighting hurt them both tremendously, it really was the only way they knew how to comfortably express themselves to each other.
With a sigh, Nabiki wondered about Ranma. He had been gone a long time without any word. Between school, training with Shampoo, and taking care of Himiko, Akane was running herself ragged. Nabiki suspected she was trying to keep herself from worrying or thinking about it too much, and it wasn't working.
From what Akane and Shampoo shared, she knew Herb had beaten Ranma handily while he was male. Trapped in his female form, she wasn't too sure on his chances. However, if anyone even hinted that Ranma might not come back, Akane would respond with a "He promised."
With Ranma missing and Akane's apparent turn-around attitude toward Ranma, many questions where raised at school with even more stories and ideas floating around to answer them. Her own refusal to answer questions only added fuel to the more absurd claims, but things were still too mixed up in her head and the last thing she wanted to do was say something that would come back and hurt either of them.
'Knowledge shall set you free.' It was one of the guiding principles of Nabiki's life. Yet, often enough she would joke with Junko how much of a burden knowledge could be. For the past month she learned how true that could be.
Nabiki glanced up from her book as Shampoo and Akane traipsed through the family room on their way from the dojo to the furo. They had been going at it, everyday after school for almost a week now. Between school, helping with Himiko, and sparing with Shampoo, Akane was wearing herself beyond thin.
"Hey there, little one. You wanna go take a bath?" Akane said as she went over to take Himiko off of Kasumi's hands.
"I think she would like that a lot, wouldn't you?" Kasumi answered-asked Himiko before she let Akane take her.
Himiko giggled and burbled as Akane picked her up and spun around laughing.
"Shampoo, can I have a moment?" Nabiki asked as she picked herself up from the floor.
Shampoo turned from watching Akane to give Nabiki a questioning glance.
"Nabiki want now or wait until after bath?" Shampoo asked.
"Now, if you don't mind," Nabiki answered with a quick glance over to Akane.
Akane stood holding Himiko while now watching them.
"It shouldn't take long," Nabiki said, then started walking out toward the backyard.
Nabiki headed for toward the shade of a tree that was far enough away that she assured privacy. Shampoo trailed behind her, wondering how long this would take.
"Shampoo," Nabiki started, "why are you doing this?"
"What Nabiki mean?"
"Why are you here, spending time with Akane instead of half way to China? I'd have thought you'd jump at the chance to go back home."
"Shampoo want make up to Akane," Shampoo stated with a huff, though she looked off toward the right.
"So you decided to help her improve her fighting skills? Why?"
"Shampoo told you," Shampoo replied with a glare.
"I know you didn't come over to squeal about Ryouga, you came over wanting to teach Akane. You just didn't know how to ask when the whole p-chan thing came spilling out," Nabiki finished with a glare of her own. "What I don't understand is why."
"In Shampoo's village is great honor to be," Shampoo started to say. "What you say, second mother? Second protector?" Shampoo titled her head to the side in thought, then shrugged it off. "Shampoo help Akane become second mother to Himiko."
"If it's such a great honor, why don't you want it?"
"Shampoo go home. No can help protect Himiko at that time."
"If you're going home, then what does it matter to you? Ranma and Akane aren't members of your tribe," Nabiki ranted on, trailing slighting at the end.
Shampoo winced slightly before jumping in Nabiki face.
"Why you hate Akane so much?" Shampoo yelled. "Ranma hurting. Akane hurting. All mercenary-girl care is why! Why, why, why! Shampoo want to help! Shampoo try to help! Why Nabiki no want Shampoo help?"
"Because something doesn't add up! Okay!" Nabiki yelled back. Her eyes stung with watery tears, but she held them back. "You're as possessed as Akane about teaching her, if not more so, when you should be with your great-grandmother trying to get your life back together!"
"That's another thing I don't understand. Just how is that rock egg suppose to help anyway?" Nabiki demanded. "If there were two, one with Ranma and one with Himiko, I could maybe see them comparing them. Even then, they looked so different. If they don't trust her or you, how can it change their mind? Maybe if Ranma was there to do the little light show flash thingy, but he isn't. As far as they would be concerned, it could be anybody's. Is that why you didn't go? What happens if the council doesn't believe you?"
"Council will believe," Shampoo said softly.
"How can you be so sure," Nabiki again demanded.
Shampoo turned away for a moment, looking off toward the west.
"Before Shampoo was born, a young girl was found alone in the woods. She was close to death when she was found and adopted by my tribe. They didn't know it then, but as she grew it became apparent that she was different. She was wild untamed girl. She is greatest warrior of her generation, even better than my mother was."
"Some believe she animal that fall into niannichaun. Others believed she was a Musk girl. Many on the council not believe since it is believed Musk can not have girls. Yet most animals stay away from Jusenkyou and water no change her."
"She defeated my mother many times in the tournament. That is why I looked forward to defeating her daughter. Shampoo wanted to win place as council aid. Is great honor and best way to become familiar with council duties. Razor was favored to win."
"So you beat her right? You were the village champion." Nabiki said.
Shampoo shook her head. "Razor no compete in finals. Said a dog bite her wrist when out practicing for finals. I win, but not get to prove myself against her. My pride already hurt when Ranma and panda-man come along and eat prize," Shampoo said softly.
"What does that have to do with..."
"Shampoo not know, but Razor born a boy."
"What?!"
"Dish know she abandoned by real parents. She also know about Musk. When Razor born, Great-grandmother said that Dish panicked. She no wanted her baby abandoned like she was, so she cursed Razor to become girl."
"Oh my," Nabiki said
Shampoo nodded.
"Razor raised as girl. Shampoo know of Razor's curse, but was told girl cursed to be boy in hot water. Is why Shampoo believed Ranma when first came here. Shampoo never put together truth until hear Mousse."
"Does Akane know this?" Nabiki asked.
"No."
"Why not?"
"Shampoo not know Razor father. Telling only hurt, and might not be true."
"But you think it's her or him," Nabiki said flatly.
"Shampoo not know."
"Don't give me that," Nabiki sneered.
Nabiki took a deep breath, before catching Shampoo's eyes. She wanted the truth out of this girl.
"So, Cologne goes back to your village, gets Razor to touch the stone, thereby proving she fathered a child whose "mother" subsequently came to the village only to be run off after eating the grand prize."
Shampoo didn't move a muscle.
"Then what happens?"
"Razor lose status. Never can become Council Elder," Shampoo answered hesitantly.
"So he/she might come looking for Ranma for revenge, then?" Nabiki asked with a sigh.
Shampoo gulped.
"Or," Shampoo said.
"Or?" Nabiki returned
"Razor may lose status as woman, if she still no married. Council no know Ranma cursed, they still think Ranma is woman."
Nabiki blinked slowly, as she digested what Shampoo said.
"Ranma defeated village champion. And left carrying a baby girl whose father is Joketsuzoku. For strong daughter, Council may decide to recognize marriage. To regain honor, Razor may be sent on mission to retrieve wife and daughter."
"What?" Nabiki suddenly felt very sick to her stomach.
'Ignorance is bliss.' Nabiki considered as she stood stewing in her own anger. If knowledge truly was, as she used to believe, power; then why did she feel so powerless? There was so much she knew and nothing she could do with that knowledge. As it was, Shampoo was playing a very dangerous game.
Shampoo's family and Razor's were both very powerful in their village and didn't usually see eye-to-eye very often. If Shampoo was seen helping Ranma and Akane against Razor, it could be seen as interfering in the private matters of their family. A very volatile mix when pride and honor were on the line. Shampoo feared it might set off a civil war back in her village.
Nabiki didn't know how much of that was hyperbole, but Shampoo's concern for friends and family in China seemed very genuine. Yet despite all of that, she continued teaching Akane, when she had little to gain and everything to loose.
Nabiki couldn't do anything to act upon the knowledge she held. While Razor would probably accuse Shampoo of working against her anyway, anything that gave credence to that charge would have far reaching consequences. Just the possibility that her actions might lead to actual blood being spilt gave her reason to pause. And with the revelations about Ranma, Nabiki was beginning to second guess everything she did.
After nearly a month, Nabiki did have to agree with Shampoo about one thing. With everything else Akane was having to put up with, she didn't need the extra anxiety that came with this knowledge.
Nabiki wouldn't wish her current burden upon anyone.
A fleeting thought sent a picture of Junko through Nabiki's head, but she shook it off. They hadn't spoken with each other since that day on the bridge. She knew she was in the wrong and would have to apologize, but she didn't think she could do that just yet.
= = = = = = = = = =
"Hey, Yuka. Wait up!" Hiroshi shouted.
Yuka turned to watch the dark haired boy catch up with her. A soft smile graced her lips that, try as she might, she couldn't stop.
"So, what's up?" Hiroshi said as he approached the corner she where she stopped.
"Where's your shadow?" Yuka asked as she looked around exaggeratedly.
"I didn't feel like hanging around with Dai today," Hiroshi answered with a frown.
Yuka gave Hiroshi a soft look.
"What's wrong? I thought you guys were planning...."
"No," Hiroshi said as he waved her off. "He's buying into all the rumors floating around."
"Oh," Yuka replied with slumped shoulders.
"Its been going on for awhile, but today was just too much."
"You never told him?"
"No. There's no way he'd have kept it a secret. He would've meant well, but no way he could've let things pass without speaking out," Hiroshi said. "Besides, Nabiki's not talking, and if she decided it was best not to say anything, I'm certainly not going to go against her."
"True enough," Yuka agreed as she started across the street. "Then why is he not supporting Ranma now?"
"I think he's upset that Ranma ran off without saying anything," Hiroshi said as he walked with her. "That and Akane's attitude change, he doesn't know what to think. I'm not really sure what think anymore."
"Hiroshi!" Yuka said sharply. "I'm surprised at you."
"Yeah, well, it's been a month. How long was he supposed to be gone anyway?"
"You know as well as I do, that he had to leave to go find something for his curse," Yuka said, sounding less and less enthused with their discussion.
"Yeah," Hiroshi responded. 'That's what they said' is what he thought, but kept to himself. "So, where we heading?"
"I was just on my way back from Akane's, but seeing as you've got me a little down, I thought I'd let you buy me an ice-cream to make up for it."
Hiroshi groaned, but didn't object. Somehow he never realized before how expensive having a girlfriend could be.
"So, was she still running around in Ranma's shirt?" Hiroshi asked, not quite holding back on the grin that threatened to breakout.
"Pervert," Yuka giggled as she swatted his arm.
"Hello Yuka, Hiroshi. I'm afraid Ranma's not back yet, but Akane should be up in her room studying."
"It's okay, he's with me," Yuka responded with a grin.
Hiroshi rolled his eyes, but otherwise allowed himself to be dragged into the Tendou homestead.
Upstairs, Yuka knocked on the door with the wooden duck labeled Akane in English lettering.
"Akane, you decent? I've got Hiroshi out here," Yuka said. She wasn't about to pull a Sayuri on her friend.
Hiroshi smirked at Yuka.
"Come on in," Akane shouted from within.
Yuka and Hiroshi entered to find a very unusual sight before them.
Akane sat at her desk with open textbook and paper, ordinarily enough. However, she as she was currently wearing the standard Ranma ensemble: red Chinese top (untucked) and long pants.
"Akane?" Yuka stated as she stepped further into the room. "I know you miss Ranma but," she trailed off as she noticed Himiko.
Hiroshi mearly openly gapped.
Akane had turned more toward them as Yuka entered further revealing the daringly open top with Himiko's head poking out. Akane gazed down at the little girl as she continued to cradle her within the shirt.
"Akane?" Yuka asked, not taking her eyes off of the sight. There was a tenderness there that captivated her, even as it made her feel a little nervous.
"I thought it would help Himiko," Akane said as she ran a hand softly across Himiko's head, trying not to wake her, but a reaffirming presence.
"Huh," Yuka asked, meeting Akane's eyes as she too looked up.
"I read something about this thing called kangaroo care," Akane said. "Its usually for premature and sick newborns," Akane continued.
"Is Himiko sick?" Yuka gasped.
"No, but she misses Ranma. And Dr. Tofu thinks she started teething."
"Isn't she a little young to be teething?" Yuka asked, unsure.
"Most start later, I think, but Dr. Tofu said it wasn't that unusual to start this early. Besides, it isn't like she's going to start sprouting teeth tomorrow," Akane answered teasingly.
"So this Kangaroo thing is suppose to help?" Yuka asked.
Akane shrugged.
"She's been a little more cranky since Ranma left, but mostly she just drools," Akane answered as she grabbed up a cloth sitting on the desk and carefully wiped some droll from Himiko's face.
Despite the cleaning, the top of Himiko's pillow, Akane's left breast, was shiny from the excess and the shirt clung revealingly to her. Yuka quickly realized Akane was wearing a bra.
Hiroshi decided he was never going to think of icky baby drool the same way again.
"It works by having the mother holding her child next to her skin, kind of like a kangaroo mamma keeps her young in a pouch. Though I read sometimes the hospitals use heated pads covered in silk to get the same effect. If it helps babies feel better when they're sick, why not when they're teething? I just have to be careful not to irritate her skin from handling her too much."
Yuka smiled at Akane as she realized it was so like Akane. 'That girl never does things by half measures,' she thought to herself.
"So the shirt is part of this pouch therapy?"
"Kangaroo care, and yes," Akane answered. "And I thought it would help her while Ranma was away," Akane added after a slight hesitation.
Yuka and Hiroshi both wondered if it wasn't also to help her deal with his absence.
"Pervert," Yuka giggled as she swatted Hiroshi's arm.
"Hey, I was just asking," Hiroshi responded with a chuckle.
"Actually she was in her gi," Yuka answered. "So you can stop drooling."
"Hey, I only did that the first time," he replied red-faced. Ranma was going to kill him if he ever came back. "Why was she in her gi?"
"She was practicing with Shampoo while I was there. Pretty intense stuff too, but I wanted to get home before it got too dark."
"Man, Akane and Shampoo going at it, and I missed it," Hiroshi whined theatrically.
"Hey! Are you trying to get me upset?"
"What?"
"Your suppose to be my boyfriend, and here you are going on about two other girls," Yuka scolded.
"Oh come on. It isn't like they were naked mud-wrestling or anything," Hiroshi responded. "Was it?"
"Hiroshi!"
"I'm just joking," Hiroshi laughed.
"For that, I think you need to treat me to the special," Yuka said as she turned slightly away.
"Okay, okay," Hiroshi conceded. "But are we going to have time tonight?" Hiroshi asked indicating the darkening sky.
Ever since the night in the park, Yuka never let herself stay out past dark. It cut into a lot of the dating activities but knowing what happened he never pressed her.
Yuka tensed as she realized how late it was getting. She clutched onto Hiroshi's arm as she drew herself closer to him. It was over in less than a second, but the concerned look on his face told her he noticed.
Yuka flushed both in embarrassment and self-directed anger. Nothing had actually happened to her, thanks to Ranma and Akane. She also knew most of their attackers where still in the hospital, and those who where released were being held by the police. Not to mention that after what Akane did, she doubted any of them would ever want to step foot in Nerima again.
Yuka was ashamed that she was still sometimes scared of Akane when she had helped save them. She felt like a coward.
Taking a deep breath, Yuka looked up into Hiroshi's concerned eyes. They were so soft as he watched her.
"I- I think it will be okay, as long as you're there," Yuka said, trying to give him as bright of a smile as she could muster.
"It's up to you. You can always twist my arm later," Hiroshi said, trying to lighten the moment.
"It's important to punish naughty little boys when they miss behave," Yuka stated in a faux lecturing tone as she looked down the street. "Otherwise they might not understand why they are being punished."
"Huh?"
"Something in one of the books Akane's been reading," Yuka said. "Let's go."
"Okay, what ever you say," Hiroshi said as they began to continue down the sidewalk.
"And don't you forget it!"
"Of course not. Like you'd ever let me forget."
"Um, Hiro-kun?"
"Yes?"
"Would you mind if we got it to go?"
"Not at all."
= = = = = = = = = =
"Big Sis, can I can I can I please help? Please?" a young Akane begged.
"I don't have time to play with you," a young Kasumi replied impatiently. Her first attempt as dinner was already ruined, and she needed to try something, or they would be having take-out again.
"But I wanna help!" protested Akane.
"No! Now go play with your toys or something!" Kasumi shouted her frustration.
Their mother had often talked about the importance of maintaining the balance of a household. She hadn't really understood most of what her mother told her, but she knew it was important, especially now that their mother was gone. She remembered their mother was often cooking, whether it was a full meal or homemade snacks for her and her sisters. She missed her mother so much. Without mom, everything seemed to be falling apart. She believed that if she could just learn to make a dinner like her mom used to make, if she could just restore the balance to their home, then everything would be all right again. She needed to believe that.
Kasumi shook her head as she lifted the baby bottle from the warmer.
A few days after Ranma left chasing Herb, father had gone up into the attic and dragged out all of their old baby things. Including setting up their old crib in Akane's room.
The Saotome's room was bigger, but Akane wouldn't hear of putting it up in there. Nabiki hinted that Akane was probably afraid Uncle Saotome would return in the night. Kasumi knew better.
She remembered the many nights she fell asleep holding Akane as she cried her heart out for their mother. She didn't think Himiko had spent a whole night in her crib yet.
Kasumi tested the temperature of the formula against her skin before she offered it to the cranky Himiko.
Having a Himiko in the house inevitably lead to her thinking more about their mother and everything that happened after she died.
"Akane, do you want to help me make dinner tonight?" Kasumi asked her younger sister.
It had been several months since she reached eatable in the kitchen and they had stopped having to order take-out. When she realized how much money they were spending fast food, she had pushed herself even harder to learn. Finding her mother's cookbook had helped tremendously.
She still wasn't up to their mother's standards, but with their father coming out of his shell more she felt a renewed since of purpose. She knew if she could just get good enough, everything would be all right. She even felt confident enough to let Akane help.
Akane looked up at her then glanced over to Nabiki before setting her gaze on the floor.
"Um, I was thinking of trying to get Dad to go practice."
"Oh, okay," Kasumi replied. "Well, if you change your mind, I'll be in the kitchen."
Akane ran up the stairs past Nabiki who rolled her eyes.
Kasumi started to say something to Nabiki, but held her tongue. She caught the look Akane shot at Nabiki and remembered their fight the other day when she tried to get her to help out with the laundry.
Kasumi sighed as she carried Himiko from the kitchen to the family room. As she sat down with Himiko waiting for Akane and Shampoo to finish their training session.
Yuka had been by earlier, but left some time ago.
Kasumi watched as Himiko hungrily gobbled up her formula and wondered if Ranma was this hungry as a baby.
Three weeks ago, Akane made up a bottle for Himiko and almost broke down when she remembered how Ranma always reacts to her cooking. She was afraid she almost poisoned Himiko. It turned out she made it correctly, and Kasumi thought the matter settled.
The next day she tried cooking diner, and completely ruined it. And Akane completely gave up on cooking. She didn't even go in the kitchen anymore, if she could help it. Kasumi was worried, but didn't know what to do.
Why is it always so much easier to see what you should have done, than it is to see what you should do?
= = = = = = = = = =
Sayuri was walking down a crowded Neriman street when she past an ice-cream shop. Inside, she noticed Yuka and Hiroshi.
For a moment she thought about slipping inside to see if she could talk some since into them, but decided against it. It would probably sound too much like gloating to them.
If anything, she was far from gloating. She wanted to help Akane, but there was little she could do if Akane wasn't willing to let her.
She looked up and caught a flash of read among crowd and felt a flash of anger.
'This is all His fault,' she thought as she tried to rush to catch up to whomever she saw.
"Akane, can we talk?" Sayuri asked as she found Akane in the library during lunch.
"I'm kind of busy right now," Akane responded with an arm full of books.
"I just wondered if you had heard the talk that's going around, about you and Ranma," Sayuri said.
"Me and Ranma are none of your business," Akane returned coldly and started walking away.
"Akane," Sayuri continued in a loud whisper. "Some people are saying he got you pregnant and that's why he ran away." Others were saying she cheated on him and that was why he left, but she didn't say that.
"Sayuri," Akane said in a hissing voice. "I'm not in the mood to listen to this, especially not from you. When you're ready to start acting like my friend again, I'll be waiting. Until then, good bye."
Akane stormed off leaving a shocked Sayuri behind.
She hadn't really believed the rumors, but just now she caught sight of the book Akane was checking out: parenting and childcare books. Sayuri's eyes hardened as she thought of how much she was going to hurt Ranma if she ever saw him again.
Sayuri lost sight of the redhead when she bounced off of someone that stepped in her way. An arm reached down to help her up. Her eyes followed the arm up to find the most handsome face she had ever seen.
= = = = = = = = = =
"...province Horaisan's mountain mysteriously collapsed..." Nabiki heard the television say as she entered the family room.
"Say," Nabiki said turning to where Kasumi stood trying to burp Himiko. "Isn't Horaisan the mountain that Ranma and the others went to?"
"Oh my," Kasumi said turning pale.
"As I went out in the field, the sky in the east was shining pure white..." a farmer was saying to the news crew.
"How many weeks has it been without any contact?" Nabiki asked.
"Everything's okay," Akane said from the doorway leading to the hall and dojo. "Ranma will surely come back soon..." she said with a slight desperateness to her voice. Her eyes locked onto Himiko.
"I hope so," Nabiki started to say.
"I said everything's okay!" Akane shouted as she ran past everyone and up the stairs.
A few words about this chapter.
I hope I didn't confuse anyone, but in case you didn't notice :) I've taken to using double-indented Italics for flashbacks and dream sequences (retro active throughout the story, as I apply the new style sheets). There should be an extra space between for those browers that don't support the CSS.
This chapter is mostly the characters looking back at certain events during, you guessed it, the past four weeks. What happens to Ranma isn't significantly different than cannon, so I wont be retelling that tale.
As large as this chapter is, some things I planed didn't manage to make it in. (Some more on Nodoka and Ukyou for example) Other things seemed to take over. This chapter is pretty much an experiment for me as I had a lot to cover in just one chapter that I think would have been boring drawn out, especially at this point in the story as we wind up for the final clamatic scenes.
As always, I worry if I'm telling to much or being to melodramatic when I expound upon Takahashi's characters. The only real defense I can offer is that despite the comedic nature of Ranma 1/2, it really is set in a dark world where every one of the main characters is the object of parental abuse or neglect. Yet, despite or perhaps inspite of all of that, everyone of them are so lively and richly done that they inspire so much fanfiction and fanatical debate.
I admit that it does make me proud that there are a few who enjoy my minor contribution to Ranma fandom. I apologize that I don't update as strickly as I plan. But I do fully intend to see it to the end.
That's it for now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. And I will get to work on the next. Type at you then.
| Chapter 16 | "Torn" Index | Chapter 18 |