"I find it rather amazing that in our world today we have such weapons that can end a person's life in a mere instant and yet the strongest weapons we have are in fact the oldest. These weapons can destroy a persons hope, rip a person's heart to shreads, tear at a person's mind until there is nothing left of it. These weapons can even render a person totally helpless to any other form of attack and yet they are so simple any fool can use them without even thinking of the consequences, whether they are blinded by fury or merely apathetic to the pain they cause. These weapons are words and all who use them must be careful for a mere few thoughtless words, can push a mind over the edge, shatter a heart into pieces and throw a poor soul into a bottomless pit of despair." - Johnny O'Brien
Mere Words
"YOU'RE P-CHAN?!?!", Akane's angered shout shattered the sudden silence that was permeating the Tendo household. The sounds of a fight began shortly after...or more accurately the sounds of one person pummeling another mercilessly. A clothed, if somewhat damp, Ryouga was flung down the stairs by an enraged Akane. He tumbled and rolled into the living room where he lay helpless, despite his vast strength and martial arts abilities. His face had lost all color and he looked scared out of his mind, his eyes holding a strangely half vacant look to them. He pushed himself back as she drew near and managed to press up against the living room wall trembling in fear....of pain....of rejection....of Akane.
"A....A...Akane...p..p..p..please let m me explain.", Ryouga begged feeling the despair, the depression, the loneliness building up inside him. He needed her to not hate him he needed her to understand now of all times she HAD to understand.
"Well?! Go on! I'm listening you pervert!", Akane growled out. That animal that...PERVERT! How could he do this to her. Sneak into her room like that every night. He was no better than Ranma was. Both of them perverts. Neither of them noticed the rest of the household had soon gathered and were watching. Nabiki smirking lightly, Soun and Genma a little confused but not interupting for fear of Akane turning on them. Kasumi was confused but smiled softly waiting for the right moment to intrude and calm everyone down. Such anger wasn't good for her family. Ranma stood watching Akane confront Ryouga and strangely he didn't feel good about it. He didn't feel like Ryouga was getting what he deserved. He looked at Ryouga's face and felt a small piece of him bunch up in agony. He clutched his stomach lightly and winced.
Why was he feeling this way damnit. Shouldn't he be happy. Ryouga wouldn't be sleeping in Akane's bed anymore. He should be happy....but being happy was the farthest thing from Ranma's mind as he watched Ryouga. Ryouga Hibiki a man who could literally crush a man's head in his bare hands. A man who gave Ranma the only descent challange on a constant basis. A man who could perform feats of strength not normally possible. A man who now sat looking up at Akane as terrified of her now as Ranma was of cats. He looked close to death his face was so white. He had to help him before Akane did something she'd regret.
"Akane....", Ranma began.
"SHUT UP! You knew all along and you didn't tell me either!! I'll deal with you when I'm finished with this animal here!", Akane shouted. She was beyond stopping now. She was rage incarnite. If Cologne had seen Akane as she was at this moment she would've thought more than twice about going into battle with her.
Ryouga winced and lightly pulled his legs to him trembling looking at Akane. An animal. An animal was all she thought of him. Nothing more. Suddenly the cold in his face he had felt since Akane's first angered shout at him wasn't there...at least not in all the areas. His face still felt cold but not under his eyes strangely. Then he realized...he was crying. He was crying and he didn't care. All he wanted now to be somewhere else...somewhere else where Akane didn't hate him. She was looking at him again, still angry her face livid with rage. He had to explain and tell her. He had to make her not hate him anymore. No matter what it took.
"Well?!! I'm waiting you....pervert! What have you got to say for yourself!!?", Akane shouted down at Ryouga, her world red with fury. She couldn't believe Ryouga was capable of this. He had to have a good explanation. He'd _better_ have a _great_ explanation.
Ryouga winced from the insults. She doesn't love you she doesn't love you she doesn't....stop it! Don't think that just....explain to her. Tell her you love her. She had to understand. She HAD to!
"Akane-san I...I'm so sorry I never...never meant to hurt you I just...I couldn't...after you cared for me and I wanted to tell you the first night and I couldn't and time passed and the more it did the more I couldn't I'm so so so sorry I would never hurt you I..I....I lo...I love you Akane-san I just I just I knew if you found out you'd be mad and I didn't want you to haa haa haa haa haa haa haa haa", Ryouga babbled out and began to sob not being able to get the word hate out of his mouth. He felt....he felt like he was on the edge. The edge of a bottomless pit and every word from Akane was pushing him more over the edge. Utter depression was closing in from the left. Total despair from the right. He was surrounded with no escape and all he wanted was for Akane to be happy again. He didn't want her angry at him. Akane blinked hearing Ryouga's confessions. She began to trembles lightly and then she got REALLY mad.
"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!!! You LOVE me?!! Is this how you show love Ryouga by sneaking into my bed every night you perverted animal!?! How could you do this to me?! I thought you were my friend Ryouga and then I find THIS out!!", Akane screamed in a total rage now. He loved her?! That was the last straw. She was now seeing Kuno and the hordes of boys at school who all said they loved her but only wanted to possess her. She glared daggers at Ryouga and took a deep breath from her shouting.
Ranma watched fighting against the sick feeling he was getting watching Ryouga. He had to help him to stop Akane. Then she stopped shouted and he saw that look in her eyes. His went wide and he suddenly darted forwards. He had to stop her before she said it.
"Akane no!!!", Ranma shouted but she didn't hear him. It was too late.
"I HATE YOU!!!!!!", Akane shouted as loud as she could at Ryouga.
Ryouga's world shattered before his eyes. Akane pushed him over the edge of the pit. Depression pounced on him from the left. Despair shot through him from the right and he fell. He fell down into the pit and his last cohearent thought was, [Akane I love you...please don't hate me....please.]
Silence. After Akane's shout there was silence. Everyone stood as if frozen. All eyes were on Akane and Ryouga. Ranma looked from Akane to Ryouga. Akane didn't look angry anymore. She was just staring at Ryouga who sat staring right back up at her. Something was wrong. Ryouga should've Shishi Houkoudan'ed the house by now. Then Ranma noticed the look in Ryouga's eyes and he felt the sick feeling in his stomach he felt when watching Ryouga return....only twice as strong now.
Akane was the only one to see Ryouga's face clearly after she shouted and what she saw drove the anger out of her completely. She saw his eyes. It has been said that eyes are windows to the soul and the door to the heart. In that single instant she saw his soul cry out in silent agony and she saw his heart shatter into a million pieces. Then his eyes went vacant as they were now...staring off into space. Staring through her as if she wasn't there. As if the world wasn't there. She swallowed looking into those eyes and wondered what she had done.
Ranma was the first one to recover seeing Ryouga's expression and him not moving. He moved, glancing at Akane, and kneeled down beside Ryouga. He looked into his eyes and saw the look they held there. That wasn't normal...even for Ryouga. He waved his hand in front of his eyes. Snapped his fingers in front of his face. Nothing.
"Yo. Ryouga! Ryouga wake up man!", Ranma said. Still no response. Ranma reaches out and shook Ryouga a bit. Still nothing. He was still breathing and still alive that much was sure but he wasn't moving or talking and that...look in his eyes.
"Ra.....Ranma. Is...is he....?", Akane said her voice cracking. She swallowed watching Ryouga intently for any sign of life from him. Ranma glanced back at Akane then returned to Ryouga and tried shaking him a bit more. He sighed softly and turned to Nabiki.
"Call Dr. Tofu. He's not waking up.", Ranma said quietly and calmly. He winced hearing Akane's gasp and turned back to see her drop to her knees by Ryouga's side and begins shaking him screaming at him, tears forming in her eyes.
"Ryouga!! Ryouga wake up wake UP! Ryouga you wake up...ri...right now!! Please wake up Ryouga don't do this!! I'm..suh...sorry Ryouga please wake up!! Ryouga!!", Akane shouted at him and brought her hands back wiping at the tears in her eyes seeing him not responding. Then she felt Ranma moving her away and she turned and looked him in the eyes, her lower lip trembling.
"Akane...", Ranma began to speak.
"Ranma. What....what have I done?", Akane asked her voice very quiet. Then before he could answer she turned away and ran up the stairs beginning to cry outright. Ranma raises his hand a bit and sighed. He turned back to the silent Ryouga and sighed again moving and picked Ryouga up carrying him over and laying him down on the couch in the living room. He sat down beside the couch and looked over at the side of Ryouga's face.
"Come on Ryouga. You gotta wake up. Come back to us.", Ranma said and turned resting his head into his hands. He stayed that way until Dr. Tofu and another doctor entered, then he got up and headed upstairs. Akane should be calmed down enough by now to talk to.
Akane lay face down on her bed crying. What had she done? Why was Ryouga like this? Was it her fault? She was angry at Ryouga and had good reason to be. He was a pervert! He sneaked into her bed at night as her trusting pet. He was a pervert, and animal......her friend. He was her friend and she hadn't even listened to him try to explain. She sat back up sniffling and wiping her eyes trying to think back on his words.
[....never meant to hurt you....you cared for me....I love you Akane-san....I didn't want you to haa haa haa haa haa....I love you Akane-san....you cared for me....I love you Akane-san....I love you....], Ryouga's words echoed in her mind and she was about to start crying again when a knock on her door scared her a bit. She swallowed and wiped her eyes a bit to make herself more presentable.
"Ye....yes? Who is it?", Akane asked tenatively.
"It's me....Ranma. Can...I come in?", Ranma asked hearing the cracking of her voice.
"Oh...oh Ranma....yes. Come in.", Akane said turning herself quickly so she faced away from the door. She sniffled a few times as Ranma entered and shut the door behind him. Akane sat trying to calm her breathing as Ranma walked around and sat down on the side of the bed a little ways away from her and looked at her.
"Akane? Are...you alright?", Ranma asked and lightly holding his breath.
"I'm....I'll be fine Ranma. How's...Ryouga?", Akane said quietly not looking to him.
"Oh....Ryouga....hasn't changed. Dr. Tofu is down there with another doctor and they are checking him out. I'm sure they'll find out what's wrong and find a way to help him.", Ranma said putting up a strong front for her. He smiled lightly at her thought he didn't feel like it. She turned and slowly looked to him and smiled feintly herself.
"Oh....that's good.", Akane said pausing and then she lurched forwards and began to cry again holding tightly onto Ranma. "Oh Ranma what have I done. I...I shouldn't have yelled at him I should've calmed down it's all my fault he's like this!!", Akane shouted crying into Ranma's chest.
"Akane....it's not all your fault. It yours, mine and Ryouga's fault. We let this whole P-chan thing go way out of proportions. It's not just your fault and we'll fix it. Ryouga will be back to new and pounding on me in no time. Come on we'll go and see see what the doctors have to say and then I'll go and see if the old ghoul can help. If anyone can she can. Okay?", Ranma asked trying to keep her from crying. Akane sniffled a bit and smiled a very small but genuine smile. Ranma always did have a way of making things seem like they'd be alright.
"Okay.", Akane said and was led by Ranma out of her room and downstairs.
Downstairs Dr. Tofu and another man, slightly balding with greyish hair and wearing a simple suit, were talking while looking to Ryouga. Kasumi had tended to Ryouga which was evident by the blanet covering him and the cloth on his head. Ranma and Akane entered and glanced to Ryouga still just staring vacantly wherever he was faced which was currently to the ceiling. Tofu and the other man turned as Ranma and Akane walked towards them.
"Ah Ranma. Akane. This is a colleage of mine Dr. Giamato. He is a specialist in the area of the mind. Can you tell us exactly what happened before Ryouga here entered his current state?", Dr. Tofu asked.
"Oh sure thing Doc.", Ranma said and glanced to Akane, who looked to Ryouga and then down lowering her head. Ranma sighed a bit to himself and then told the two doctors everything that had happened without going into too much detail on the specifics. The two doctors nodded a bit every once in a while. When Ranma finished Dr. Giamato looked at Ryouga and then back.
"I see. As far as I can tell what has happened is simple. The young man here has gone into a catatonic state. He may or may not be able to see and hear everything around him. He is however, completely immobile. He will eat only if fed. Once the food is in his mouth his body should take over and swallow it but if not we'll have to set up an IV to get the proper nutrients into his body. He'll have to be fed non solid food however as he may choke on anything solid. He also....will physic as normally but he won't be able to move by himself to the bathroom. Also he won't be likely to give any indication that he is about to...relieve himself. For all intents and purposes he is invalid until he wakes up.....if he ever does.", Dr. Giamato said to them calmly in a quiet voice. Akane clenched her fists together to keep from crying and kept her head down. Ranma winced hearing the last part and looked to Ryouga. An invalid. There was no way in hell he was going to let Ryouga become an invalid, no matter how much trouble the idiot had caused during the past.
"Thank you...Dr. Giamato. Dr. Tofu. We'll make sure he's taken care of.", Ranma said and showed the two doctors out. He turned around and walked back over to Akane who was still standing there head down, fist clenched. Ranma sighed sadly at this. He hated to see Akane like this. He reached up and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Hey now. Come on Akane stop that. Ryouga is not going to become an invalid I promise you. You hear that. I promise you on the Saotome name I won't let it happen. Now you stay here and watch after Ryouga in case he wakes up. I'm going to talk to the old ghoul and see if she can help. Okay?", Ranma said and smiled lightly hoping to get Akane out of the funk. It didn't work and she just nodded not looking at him and turned away slowly over to Ryouga's side and looking down at him.
"O...Okay Ranma.", Akane said weakly and quietly. Ranma sighed and nodded a bit turning and walking over to the door. He paused to look back at Akane and couldn't help but wince lightly seeing her state. He wanted to reach out and hold her tightly to him and take away all the pain she ever had to feel. He knew if Ryouga were awake he'd want the same thing, as well as wanting to pound Ranma into the ground just on principle. He turned and headed outside sliding the door shut and leaping up onto the roof. Once there he broke into a run leaping from rooftop to rooftop heading for the Nekohanten.
Akane moved only to get a chair and sit down by Ryouga's side watching him and most importantly, his face. It still had that vacant stare she saw a while ago. The moment it began to form she had regreted her words. She had never seen Ryouga go through such pain before. Not once in any of the battles she'd seen and now he had.....because of her and her stupid anger. The tears began flow again and she hunched over burying her face into Ryouga's chest. Her body jerked from her sobbing and she kept repeating that she was sorry over and over to Ryouga, wondering if he could even hear her. She stayed like that for who knows how many minutes, just crying and apologizing when she suddenly felt a hand gently tugging on her shoulder. She slowly pulled back and turned to face her sister, Kasumi.
"Akane. I think he knows you are sorry but just crying won't help poor Ryouga. Why don't you feed him some soup?", Kasumi suggested with a small lightly strained smile. Being able to ignore the more chaotic events of a day was an amazing feat for anyone and Kasumi was the best at doing it but even she had limits. This event had shaken her somewhat and she was doing her best to ride it out. Akane blinked a bit and a ghost of a smile formed at her sister's suggestion. She frantically wiped her eyes of tears and nodded. Kasumi handed her the bowl and spoon and got up. She walked back into the kitchen while Akane turned and looked to Ryouga.
"R....Ry.....Ryouga.", Akane began and paused waiting for a response. None came so she continued, "Ryouga. I'm sorry...for what I said about you. We're going to bring you back to us Ryouga. Ranma's gone to get help from Cologne. We're going to bring you back to us." Akane swallowed a bit and lightly reached up and touched his cheek. She smiled softly, yet very sadly, as she lightly touched it and felt her tears threatening to give way again. She forced them back and gently moved her hand down and lightly, hesitantly touched his lips. The same lips that were begging for forgiveness not that long ago. The same lips that said words she'd always wanted to her from Ran....some man someday. He loved her and she had never even noticed. She also hadn't noticed the fact that Ryouga was P-chan but the anger that automatically began to build was instantly vaporized by her mind. She wasn't going to get angry at him until she find out everything about the P-chan incident.
"Ryouga I'm not sure if you can hear me but I hope you can. I am so so sorry Ryouga. I didn't mean to do this to you and I shouldn't have gotten so angry. I'm so sorry. I don't hate you Ryouga! I don't hate you! I could never hate you. You've always been here for me when I really needed someone. Either as Ryouga or....or P-chan. You've always been here for me. I can see that now Ryouga. You helped me train whenever I asked. You never insulted my cooking even though you knew it was bad. You always complimented me and watched out for me. You were one of the best friends I ever had and I want you back Ryouga. I love you Ryouga....just not in the way you hoped for. I love you....like a brother. I guess that's how I always thought of you. A brother I never had. Always looking out for me and picking on Ranma when he was making fun of me. I don't want you to be like this Ryouga. Come back to us please. I love you.", Akane said a few tears streaking down her face as she sat leaning over and looking down at his face. She lightly moved a bit of hair out of his face and placed a kiss on his forehead.
"Come back to us Ryouga. I....I want my 'brother' back.", Akane said and sighed softly. She then began to slowly feed him small spoonfuls of soup waiting until she saw him swallow before giving him another.
The doors to the Nekohanten opened and shut quickly, even though the place had been closed for the last twenty minutes. Shampoo was in the kitchen and frowned grabbing her bonbori from out of nowhere and turned prepared to deal with the intruder. Mousse was a duck locked up in the basement and Cologne was upstairs. Before Shampoo could move a step towards the kitchen a familiar voice bellowed.
"OLD GHOUL!!!!! WHERE ARE YOU?!!!", Ranma shouted out looking around the darkened dining area. Shampoo blinked hearing her love. He didn't sound angry but he did sound very urgent. She shoved those thoughts aside figuring he was here to her. Ranma blinked as about three seconds after he shouted he was on the ground with Shampoo laying on top of him snuggling close.
"Nihao Ranma! You come to date with Shampoo yes?", Shampoo said and got her second surprise of the evening when Ranma actually pushed her off him without hesitation and leaped to his feet.
"No. I'm not here to date you Shampoo. Where's the old ghoul?! This is important.", Ranma said his mind too worried about Ryouga to let himself fall to his normal actions when Shampoo forced herself on him. Shampoo blinked and sat in shock at this treatment. She was about to say something to Ranma when the lights came on and both Ranma and Shampoo turned to see Cologne at the bottom of the stairs balanced on her staff.
"Hello Son-in-law. What an unexpected surprise? I assume from your treatment of Shampoo you aren't here to marry her so do tell me. Why are you here at this hour?", Cologne questioned Ranma and narrowed her eyes lightly. Ranma nodded and quickly stalked over to Cologne and stared right at her face his filled with determination.
"All right fine. I need your help with Ryouga and am willing to owe you a favor for your help but I will not marry Shampoo or get rid of Akane or any other friends of mine. I also will not do anything that will cause harm to come to anyone at all. Got it?", Ranma said getting right to the point. Cologne opened her eyes at the mention of the Hibiki boy.
"Hmmmm. I think that's a fair deal Son-in-law. Very well I shall help you if I can and in return I wish you to take Shampoo on three dates....and make an effort to enjoy yourself.", Cologne said with a smirk. Three dates equals three opportunities to get Ranma to agree to marry Shampoo, with the proper persuasion of course. Ranma clenched his fists and growled for a moment but nodded.
"Okay fine. You got a deal.", Ranma said simply.
"Aiya! Ranma go on date with Shampoo now yes?", Shampoo spoke up glomping Ranma. Ranma's face contorted in almost rage and though Shampoo hadn't noticed Cologne did. Something was wrong.
"Shampoo!! Let Ranma go and sit down!", Cologne barked at Shampoo causing the purple-haired Amazon to pause for a mere second before immediately complying. Cologne turned back to Ranam who looked a lot calmer but was obviously anxious.
"Thanks.", Ranma mumbled lightly. He had been about to yell at Shampoo when Cologne had. He was glad he didn't have to because he didn't want to make her cry.
"Not a problem Son-in-law. Now please tell me the problem with the Hibiki boy. Has he bested you in combat again with a new technique?", Cologne began when Ranma smiled lightly for a brief moment before it was gone.
"No no. Not that. Ryouga's....in a coma. He's been like it for about a half hour now. Akane found out he was P-chan and freaked. She shouted at him after beating him up some and then she yelled 'I hate you' at him. I thought he'd go nova and use his Shi Shi Houkoudan on us but he didn't. He just made a strangled noise and went stiff. His eyes went vacant. The doctors said....until he comes out of it....if he does....he'll be an....an invalid.", Ranma said whispering the last word. Shampoo's eyes were as wide as saucers as she heard that. No wonder he was acting strange.
"Aiya. Pig-boy....helpless.", Shampoo whispered to herself partially unable to believe that Ryouga, who she'd seen perform feats of enormous strength was now totally helpless. Shampoo had no feelings for Ryouga at all but it was a matter of principle. She was an Amazon warrioress and as such she took pride in her ability to fight and had seen Ryouga. She knew he was a strong man and a very good fighter as well. He didn't deserve this of all things. He deserved to die with honor in battle or similarly.
"I see. This explains your strange demenor Son-in-law. I shall have to gather a few things but I should be able to get him out of his coma. Whether he'll be the same afterwards is hard to say. I understand your grief as well and I assure you I will do all in my power to make the Hibiki boy normal again.", Cologne turned and hopped off up the stairs disappearing. Ranma sighed and nodded moving and sitting down with Shampoo. He explained in more detail what had hapened which only caused her to be more silent. Cologne was gathering her things upstairs and she paused and sighed.
"That poor child. Though he has been a useful pawn at times he is an honorable martial artist. None should have to wind up with that kind of fate. If Son-in-law had not come and asked me I would have probably went and helped of my own accord. Wouldn't that have caused second glances my way?", Cologne said to herself and cackled lightly quickly gathering everything she'd need before heading down and getting Ranma. She ordered Shampoo to remain here and inform Mousse of the situation and that she'd be back in an hour or two.
Akane sat looking down at the near motionless Ryouga through bloodshot eyes. She wiped her eyes again as her tears threatened to come again while she dwelled on the incident in her mind once more. Why did he have to do this? He just had to come back! A noise off behind her startled her and she turned quickly to see Ranma had returned carrying a large bag for Cologne who was perched by his side. She hopped over to Ryouga and got off her staff to rest on his chest while she looked down into his eyes. Akane blinked a bit and then stood up.
"Get off him!!", Akane shouted at Cologne not believing what she just did.
"Do not shout at me child. I am here to help. This young man is definitely going to need my help as well. He is quite far back into his mind. Son-in-law. Set the bag down here at my side and both of you please leave. There is nothing either of you can do to help.", Cologne mused and hopped to the chair Akane had just occupied. Ranma did as he was told and moved taking Akane's arm lightly.
"Come on Akane she's right. She's going to help him.", Ranma said gently pulling Akane along towards the kitchen.
"Oh....alright. But you'd better not hurt Ryouga.", Akane said as she was pulled out. Cologne sighed softly and then quickly removed everything from her bag and set it p in a few minutes. She then mixed and heated a foul smelling broth in a wooden bowl and carefully fed him it. She then settled down and stared at his body meditating and waiting.
An hour and a half later the Tendo's and the Saotome's were all gathered in the kitchen waiting anxiously. Kasumi was sitting by her father who had taken to crying about the situation. Genma was remarkably silent and looked like he was thinking. In actuality he was thinking...of when Kasumi was going to cook something to eat. Nabiki sat watching amusedly while Akane paced the floor. Ranma sat trying to get her to calm down.
"Akane come on. Just sit down Ryouga's gonna be alright I tell ya.", Ranma said but knew he wouldn't get her to budge.
"How would you know Ranma?! You don't know! He could be dying in there at her hands or something. Why does she have to do it alone?! If she hurts him I'll....", Akane finished with a sigh and kept on pacing. Ranma just shook his head. Suddenly there came a muffled cry from the living room. Everyone whirled to look and Ranma just managed to stop Akane from running in. He shushed her and they all listened. They couldn't here the words clearly but there was Cologne's voices and Ryouga's both talking a bit. Then they suddenly stopped as if Ryouga had been cut off just as his voice was getting into a shout. Everyone heard Cologne's staff striking the floor as she moved towards the kitchen and they quickly seated themselves and tried to look like they hadn't just been eavesdropping. Moments later Cologne opened the door and came in sack in hand.
"He is fine. I put him to rest for the moment. You may go in and wake him after I leave. I have also opened a few of his chi points to give his body some strength. In a few days he will be back to perfect health. Listen to me though. He said a few strange things about his family when he first woke up assuming I had kidnapped them. Do be careful after you wake him again. His memories may have been altered. As for you Ranma, I shall give you a few days to get over this near tragedy before you may begin your payment to me.", Cologne said and smirked lightly. Akane glanced at Ranma glaring a bit and then bowed lightly to Cologne.
"Thank you very much for helping Ryouga. I appreciate it.", Akane said.
"You are most welcome child but before I go allow me to give you a piece of advice. You know that martial arts is a highly dangerous and effficient form of fighting. In the wrong hands or even the hands of someone who was careless martial arts can seriously harm a person. Words are much the same way and tonight you were most careless with yours. You nearly cost the Hibiki boy in there his life. You are most lucky however that he still had the will to live and come back for if he didn't there was nothing I could've done to help him. From now on do think before you speak.", Cologne said simply to Akane and then nodded to the family and pogoed outside. Akane swallowed and clenched her fists. She looked to everyone else slowly who looked back at her. Kasumi quickly diffused the situation.
"Wasn't that nice of her to come and help. We'd better go wake up Ryouga. No sense in letting him sleep in.", Kasumi smiled cheerfully and heading into the living room. Everyone blinked and then scrambled after. Soon there were all crowded around Ryouga who had his eyes closed and looked just like he was sleeping. Kasumi sat down on the chair and gently shook Ryouga.
"Ryouga? Ryouga? Time to wake up.", Kasumi called softly to him smiling. To the amazement of everyone he stirred and mummbled something slowly waking up. Akane was overjoyed and threw Ranma oout of the way quickly getting beside Kasumi.
"Ryouga?! Are you alright Ryouga? Wake up!", Akane said a little loudly. Ryouga gave a muffled 'Huh?' and blinked his eyes open. He winced a bit and brought a hand up to his head groaning lightly. He slowly opened his eyes fully and blinked a bit seeing everyone leaning over him anxiously.
"Ahhhhh....hi?", Ryouga said eloquently. Everyone sighed at once causing Ryouga to back away a bit. Soun immediately started crying.
"Oh thank the heavens he's alright!", Soun wailed out.
"Hey Ryouga! Glad to see you're okay.", Ranma said as he moved a bit closer.
"Ry...Ryouga. You're alright?", Akane said hopefully.
"Well of course I'm alright. Other than this splitting headache I'm fine. What happened anyways? I remember hot water....and the bathroom....and then....", Ryouga said and paused a look of horror on his face...directed at Akane. Everyone, except Kasumi who was just smiling, tensed.
"And then...?", Ranma prodded a bit.
"Oh God no Akane I'm so sorry!! I walked in on you while you were bathing again didn't I?", Ryouga said hanging his head. In doing so he completely missed Ranma facefaulting and Akane blinking in shock. Soun stopped crying and looked like he was going to go nuts in a moment.
"You...you did?", Akane said and Ryouga nodded.
"I must have. I'm so sorry Sis I didn't mean to. You know how bad I am with directions. No wonder I got this headache. Man you must've really hit me hard this time.", Ryouga said. Silence followed. He looked up to see everyone staring at him in shock, though Kasumi was just blinking.
"Did you just....call me...Sis?", Akane managed to get out. Nabiki recovered just after Akane and smirked a bit already thinking of how to make money off of this.
"Yeah. What else would I call my favorite sister? Is something wrong?", Ryouga asked looking a bit confused.
"Oh no. No nothing's wrong.", Akane said and smiled a bit remembering her words to his unconscious form. [Well I guess I got what I wanted.], Akane thought to herself grimly. Suddenly Nabiki was sitting down beside Ryouga and gave him a hug grinning like a cat.
"Hey bro. Sure you're okay we were really worried about you there for a minute.", Nabiki said sounding sincere. Ryouga looked at her and blinked a bit, then sighed.
"How much do I owe you this time Sis?", Ryouga said resignedly. Nabiki smirked a bit more.
"Oh not much just....17500 yen.", Nabiki said after thinking of a modest, for her anyways, amount of money.
"Nabiki!!", Akane scolded.
"What?! I'm giving him the family discount.", Nabiki said grinning.
"It's okay Sis. I'm used to it now and besides Nabiki wouldn't lie to me. If she says I owe her money I'll pay. Not right now but I'll pay.", Ryouga said and smiled lightly. Ranma, who was just watching decided he needed some answers. He rushed forwards and grabbed Ryouga and began dragging him outside.
"Hey! Ranma what are you doing?!", Ryouga shouted.
"Shut up Ryouga! We need to talk. Alone!", He shouted back and leaped up onto the roof taking Ryouga with him. Everyone below quickly moved to the outside on the porch and listened straining to hear.
"Okay Ryouga. I know this is going to sound strange but I want you to tell me about your life. Everything okay?!", Ranma said sitting down beside Ryouga on the roof. Ryouga blinked a few times and looked at Ranma like he was nuts.
"My life? What for?", Ryouga asked narrowing his eyes.
"Nevermind that just tell me! Please.", Ranma said adding the last part like it was an afterthought. Ryouga looked at Ranma and sighed a bit nodding.
"Okay fine. I don't know why but okay. Well you know my name already....Ryouga Tendo. I'm the only son of dad as well as Akane's twin sister. Not identical of course. Well I just lived with my family until....until Mom died and that's when I made a big decision. Everyone was crying, even Dad, at Mom's funeral. I didn't though and not because I didn't love her. Dad just always told me that I had to be strong when others were weak. I had to be strong so I could help thtem get through the bad times. So I didn't cry...as much as I wanted to I didn't.", Ryouga said pausing and looking away a bit. Ranma swallowed a bit and waited for him to continue.
Down below Akane, Nabiki, Kasumi and Soun were all reliving the funeral in there own minds and listening to Ryouga speak they pictured a small boy Akane's age standing nearby as tall as he could be, face hard as rock and defiantly seeming to say 'I am strong!'. Kasumi smiled warmly at this as did Akane. Nabiki smiled on the inside and kept her expression neutral. Soun, on the other hand, began to cry again.
"Oh! What a noble son I have!! Waaaaahhhh!!!", Soun wailed. Akane grabbed him and clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Shhhh. Quiet Dad!", Akane whispered harshly.
"Did you hear something?", Ryouga asked and looked around and then to Ranma.
"Who? Me? Nope! Not a thing!", Ranma said and smiled fakely hoping Akane could keep Mr. Tendo quiet.
"Well it was a couple months after that when we started having trouble paying the bills. We only had about half the amount of money coming in now since Mom was gone and it wasn't enough. We were getting low on food and Dad gathered us around one day and explained that he wanted to ask us something very important. He explained things with the money and said that an Uncle of ours was willing to help us out by taking one of us in for a while. That one would have to move away but then there would be enough money for those at the house. Akane began crying cause she didn't want anyone of us to move away. I was always a bit of an independent kid so I volunteered to move to our Uncle Hibiki's. He came and got me a week later and I knew I was going to miss everybody but I knew it had to be done. Dad cried a lot and so did the others but it was for the best. Things got better here after I was gone and I got used to Uncle and Auntie's place. I lived with them for most of my life. I also began to develop my...direction problem soon after I moved there. It kept getting worse and worse too. I got depressed a lot cause I kept missing school and the rest of the kids would make fun of me. I began to learn martial arts from Uncle Hibiki and that allowed me to get even and keep them from making fun of me.", Ryouga continued with a bit of a smirk and shrugged. Ranma nodded a bit and waited for him to continue.
"I met you after a long while the day you stole my bread. You kept doing it too! I challanged you to the duel, which you ran out on with your old man to China!", Ryouga growled glaring at Ranma.
"Hey I didn't run he dragged me! I was going to wait for the forth day but he knocked me out!", Ranma said defensively.
"Yeah whatever! Anyways I followed you to China and to Jusenkyou where you and your old man pushed me off the cliff and into the Spring of Drowned Piglet. After that your father and the guide tried to cook me. Luckily the hot water turned me back. After that I followed you back to Japan and to Furinkin. There we fought again. I didn't recognize Akane and she didn't recognize me either. I got lost and a while later I showed up again and we fought again. This time I found out about your curse and I...accidentally....cut off Akane's hair. I'll never forgive myself for that!", Ryouga said lowering his head.
"Hey...it's alright. It was both our fault and she hit us for it anyways.", Ranma said and sighed a bit remembering that day as well.
"Yeah...I suppose. After that I snuck into the house one night and tried to wake you up. Your father woke up and threw us outside. We fought some more and then Akane hit me with a barbell and knocked me out. The rain changed me and after you guys changed me back and woke me up I had to tell you all about my curse. It was also that night Kasumi recognized me. Akane, Nabiki and Dad did right after and I recognized them as well. I've been living here ever since while all kinds of nuts come looking for you.", Ryouga said frowning lightly.
"It's not _my_ fault! It's the old man's I tell ya!", Ranma complained.
"Yeah sure Ranma. You say that all the time.", Ryouga said smirking lightly.
"Shut up Ryouga!", Ranma shouted back. Ryouga just smiled and shook his head.
"You're so easy to get to Ranma.", Ryouga said laughing a bit and rising.
"I am not P-chan!", Ranma said getting into a defensive position. Down below Akane bristled hearing that her anger returning for a moment but fading just as fast. Ryouga blinked a bit and laughed.
"Don't tell me you're trying to use that to make me mad?", Ryouga said laughing some more.
"Aw shut up bacon breath.", Ranma said growling and dropping his stance.
"I keep telling you Ranma. You've got to let go of your anger about your curse. I did and I'm not nearly as angry as before. I've accepted my curse and I've never been happier. If you'll excuse me I'm going back inside now.", Ryouga said smiling as he turned and headed across the roof. Ranma blinked a bit at the words and then sighed walking over and grabbing Ryouga pulling him the opposite way.
"The front door is this way moron.", Ranma said and leaped down with Ryouga turning and heading inside. Inside everyone was trying their hardest to look like they weren't just listening and failing miserably at it. It was the worst acting ever attempted to date. Ryouga fell for it hook line and sinker.
"Sorry to take so long guys. Ranma just had to ask me a few questions.", Ryouga said smiling. Soun immediately glomped onto him and began crying.
"Oh my son! I am so lucky to have such a noble and honorable son in my family!", Soun wailed.
"Dad! Geez it's okay. Thanks.", Ryouga said hugging him back a bit. Kasumi came over and helped extract Soun from Ryouga and brought him over to the shogi board while he still cried.
"Ryouga are you sure your head is alright? We can't be too sure of your health.", Kasumi said a little concerned but smiling.
"I'm fine Kasumi. Don't worry about me. Akane's given me worse than just a bump on the head before. Isn't that right Sis?", Ryouga said laughing a bit.
"Uhhh...yeah.", Akane said smiling and slowly her smiles turned genuine. [Wow. I've never seen Ryouga so happy before.], Akane thought to herself.
"Son. I've been thinking of your Uncle Hibiki and we haven't talked to him in so long I was wondering if you remember his address?", Soun asked his rational mind haing taken over and decided Ryouga's father would need to be notified right away.
"Uncle Hibiki? Umm....no I don't remember. Sorry father.", Ryouga replied.
"What about his phone number?", Soun asked.
"Uhh...no. Sorry.", Ryouga replied.
"His name?!", Soun asked desperate.
"You forgot his name Dad? It's Ryoukose Hibiki.", Ryouga said shaking his head.
"Ah yes yes. Good old Ryoukose. Just...slipped my mind for a moment there is all.", Soun said laughing fakely.
"Why did you want to know for Dad?", Ryouga asked curiously.
"Oh no reason I suppose. I was just thinking of inviting him over for dinner tomorrow night perhaps. Why don't you children run along. Saotome and I have some things to discuss.", Soun replied.
"We do Tendo?", Genma asked obviously not knowing what Soun's taking about.
"Yes Saotome! We do!", Soun said stressing his words.
"I don't remem-...oh OH! Yes! Yes we do Tendo!
"Sure thing Dad. I'll be in my room if any one needs me.", Ryouga said turning and heading for the kitchen.
"Ryouga. It's this way.", Akane said taking ahold of his arm and leading him to the stairs.
"Oh thanks Sis. I'm going to get the hang of this house one of these days!", Ryouga said looking determined.
"Somehow I doubt that.", Ranma said following the two up the stairs. Nabiki saying nothing also got up and followed the two while Kasumi just went about with her cleaning.
"What did you want to talk to me about Tendo?", Genma asked.
"About Ryouga, Saotome. I know he is not my son, yet he now believes his is and treats me as a father. What if he remains this way forever? And what if he wants to learn the family art? He is not in our family but we will have to treat him as such.", Soun said and lowered his head into his hands.
"You're right Tendo. The secrets of Anything Goes Martial Arts has only been passed down to blood family for the generations. We have a definite problem here.", Genma said nodded with a serious expression on his face.
"I know Saotome. Also we have to get ahold of this Ryoukose Hibiki and invite him to dinner tomorrow night. He has a right to know what has happened to his son.", Soun said sloemnly.
"Yes he does at that Tendo.", Genma replied nodding.
"Mmmm. I'll go and call him right now. Excuse my a moment Saotome.", Soun said and rose walking over into the kitchen. After a few minutes looking through the phone book he found what the name and number he was looking for. He picked up the phone and dialed the number waiting while it rang. After a few rings it was picked up on the other end and a lightly gruff sounding voice was on the other end.
"Yes?", the voice said.
"Ryoukose Hibiki?", Soun asked.
"Yes I am Ryoukose Hibiki. Who is this?", Ryoukose said.
"I am Soun Tendo Mr. Hibiki. Do you have a son named Ryouga?", Soun asked solemnly.
"Yes. I have a son named Ryouga. Has something happened to him Mr. Tendo? Is he hurt? What is this about?", Ryoukose asked a little concerned.
"It is alright Mr. Hibiki. Ryouga is just fine and not hurt in anyway but there was an accident and he has a slight head injury. He doesn't remember things the way they happened and he thinks he is my son. I'm calling because I knew you'd want to notified. I'm also inviting you to my house for dinner tomorrow night as we have to talk about this. Can you make it?", Soun asked sounding calm and serious. After a brief moment of silence on the other end.
"I see. I shall make it there tomorrow night. Will five o'clock be alright? Also your address please.", Ryoukose said keeping his voice calm.
"Five o'clock is fine and I live at the Tendo School of Anything Goes Martial Arts Dojo in Nerima Tokyo. I shall see you there Mr. Hibiki. Have a safe journey.", Soun replied and quietly hung up the phone.
In a dimly lit living room Ryoukose hung up the phone and put his head into his hands and sat there for several minutes before rising and crossing the living room, taking a slight detour through the kitchen and upstairs, to stand before a cloth scroll mounted on the wall with the Hibiki Family Crest. He stands and reaches a hand out touching the crest and sighs.
"My son. I am sorry I was not there for you when you were little and even now I am not there for you. Perhaps this Mr. Tendo.....can be a better father to you than I. We shall see my son. We shall see.", Ryoukose said and then turned and started off towards the bedroom feeling rather tired all of a sudden.
~End of Part One~
(Author's Notes:)
This is a idea I came up with one night and went with it writing the first little bit until Ryouga's mind went splut. ^_^ I wrote bits and pieces til I finished the first part and this is it. Part Two I have no idea when it will be done but I'll try to get it out as soon as I find the time. This is one of those "Change a Character Remarkably and watch the chaos" fics. Least I think that's what it is. I know it may have been done before but I don't really care. In case you hadn't guessed by yet from the rest of my fics I love Ryouga! Anyways not too much to be said about this fic except it's slightly a dark fic but not much. Just a small sneak preview but in Part Two we see Ryouga's father more and find out the origins of the Hibiki family, according to me anyways, as well as how they got their directional curse and the mystery of the Hibiki Family Martial Arts. Stay tuned!
