Chapter 5: Fights, Frights, and Facts
Dec. 27th, 2009 01:35 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
mancha_samaBreath of Fire ½
By: Dragon-sama
Ryoga catches up to Ranma a little earlier at Jusenkyou, and both gain a different curse than expected. Now with two new traveling companions, they wander the globe in search of answers, as well as the truth behind the war from long ago. A Ranma ½ x Breath of Fire 3 crossover. No pairings planned.
Key-
"...” speech
{...} mental speech
[...] panda signs
'...' thoughts
-
Dawn broke the next day in a brilliant shower of golden light. In her bed, Akane woke up slowly as the morning sun shone merrily into her room. For a moment she basked in the peace of the morning, then the memories of the previous day came back with a rush.
Akane scowled as she felt a lead ball of anger settle heavily in her chest. Curse her stupid father and his stupid friend! And those stupid, stupid little liars! Pretending to be oh so nice when really they were laughing at her! Tricking her into thinking they could be friends when they were just idiot boys playing with her! She bet there wasn't really a 'Ranko' or 'Ryoko'! It was just some story they'd made up to get sympathy! Well, she didn't need them!
Nodding determinedly to herself, she silently got dressed in preparation for her usual morning run. She slipped easily down the stairs, hearing the faint sound of her eldest sister stirring in preparation for the day. She paused a moment to put her shoes on at the entranceway, then exited the house.
And there leaning casually against the gate waiting for her were Ranko and Ryoga. 'Ranma,' she corrected herself. Well! She wouldn't let them ruin her morning! She ignored the two silent teens as she stormed passed, turning down the street and beginning her run.
She scowled when she heard two sets of footsteps behind her, and increased her pace. Her two followers kept in step, and Akane broken into a sprint, hoping to lose them that way. She turned several random corners before she dared look behind her. The street was clear. She stopped, panting, pleased she'd managed to shake them off so easily, then yelped in shock as the two teens dropped in front of her.
"How did you do that?" she cried, wondering where they'd come from. Surely they hadn't jumped off the roof! Then, remembering she was angry at these boys, whatever they looked like right now, she drew herself up to glare at them. "And why are you following me! Leave me alone!" she demanded.
{See! I told you she wouldn't listen!} Ryoko complained loudly. {Can we just go back and leave this laggard loud-mouthed loser behind?}
{Did you memorize the thesaurus or somthin'?} Ranma asked, impressed despite himself. {You haven't repeated yourself yet!}
"Look Akane," Ranko began, lacing her fingers in front of her nervously and bouncing on her toes to release some pent up anxiety. "I know we kinda got off on the wrong foot yesterday, but we weren't tryin' to trick you! It's just not somethin' you can come out and tell people, ya know?" She stared uncomfortably at the glaring girl from under her bangs.
"We understand it's not exactly a great situation for you either," Ryoga said sympathetically. He shifted to cross his arms over his chest, wondering if this was really worth all the trouble they were going through. "I mean, you were worried--"
{With good reason, apparently!} Ranma broke in.
"--about the engagement," Ryoga continued with barely a pause, "and it's not like its easy believing in magic curses or anything."
{You guys are wasting time!} Ryoko whined as Akane shook her head angrily. {A dimwitted harpy like her will never understand!}
"What makes you think I care!" Akane said hotly, to which Ryoko gave a {See!}. "I'm not marrying you, no matter what my Dad says!"
{She's really hung up on that, isn't she?} Ranma mused.
"Of course not!" Ranko agreed hastily. "I mean, for now we hafta go along with it, but Ranma's not gonna let his stupid old man have his way!" Akane humphed irritably, but was glad the other girl....boy agreed with her.
"What do you want, anyway?" she demanded, determined to get this over with quickly so she didn't have to deal with the traveling teens any more than she had to.
{She's such a--} Ryoko began.
"Will you shut up already!" Ranko snapped, whirling on Ryoga as if it was all his fault. He held up his hands placatingly, but couldn't help the smirk.
"She did warn us," he said practically.
"What are you talking about?" Akane demanded, anger flaring again. "Are you making fun of me?"
{YES!}
"What do you want?" she repeated impatiently.
"This isn't workin' out like I wanted!" Ranko wailed, stomping her foot in aggravation. "All I wanted to do was apologize for yesterday! We were all real jerks, but what with Ranma's dad being his usual stupid self and your dad cryin' all over the place and the stupid boys introducing themselves wrong everything just went crazy and it's all the stupid panda's fault!" She stood there panting indignantly while the others regarded her in various states of surprise.
{I do have to concede that point,} Ryoko said reluctantly.
"Ranko's right," Ryoga told Akane firmly. "We were all stressed out, but that didn't give any of us the right to act like we did. So," here he took a deep, steadying breath. "I'm sorry for overreacting. I shouldn't have scared you like that."
{Amazing, Ryoga's the voice of reason,} Ranma said ironically.
"Shut up Ranma!" he snapped, making Akane start in surprise.
{Not that I did much to her, but I am sorry for being related to my stupid Oyaji,} Ranma said acidly.
"Apparently Ranma apologizes for being born," Ranko dutifully repeated, grinning vaguely at her brother's indignant cry. "And I'm sorry things got so out of hand. I really do want to be your friend, ya know," she added, looking hopefully at the other girl.
Akane shifted uncomfortably. She wanted to stay angry, but they'd been polite enough to try to make peace with her, even if they kept making senseless outbursts. Maybe...maybe they were telling the truth? Maybe she might have overreacted just a little yesterday? Well, she could be gracious too.
"I'm...sorry for calling you names, Ranma," she said quietly, glancing nervously at the girl. At the red-head's look of confusion, she quickly corrected herself. "Ranko, I mean. But that is really weird!" she added hastily. "I'll try to understand, but how do I know who I'm talking to!"
Ranko grinned in sudden relief. "That's easy! Like we said, when we're girls it's me an' Ryoko, and the guys are themselves! We don't switch in the wrong bodies that often, unless someone asks us." Ryoga was tapping his foot impatiently.
"Well?" he prompted the silent participant, getting a startled look from Akane, but Ranko also turned, raising an eyebrow at the fanged boy.
"You said if she apologized, so would you!" she accused, pointing a finger at Ryoga.
"He did..." Akane began unsurely, but noticed neither teen really paying her any attention.
{It's not enough!} Ryoko complained. {Why should we let her off so easy!}
"You promised Ryoko!" Ranko cried. "An' it's not a big deal anymore, so can't you just let it go?"
"Ryoko's pouting," Ryoga explained to the confused Akane. He winced when Ryoko shrieked at him in anger, but continued doggedly. "She really didn't like that you called Ranko...that. I think it's a sore spot for her."
{You're just willing to forgive her because she's cute!} Ryoko hissed at her brother in fury. He stiffened, flushing and clenching his fists angrily.
{Ryoko,} Ranma cut in hastily. {This is where we tell you you're gettin' out of control,} he warned.
"You...can hear them talk? In your heads?" Akane broke in, throwing the others off at the shift of conversation.
"Yeah. We don't know why, but it's just like they're standin' right behind us or somethin'," Ranko explained distractedly, eyeing Ryoga warily as the boy struggled to keep his temper and not make the situation worse. "We can't hear their thoughts or anythin', but we can talk to them normally and stuff."
Akane opened her mouth, but the teens never learned what she'd been about to say as she suddenly noticed the sun was much higher in the sky than she remembered. She glanced wildly down at her watch, then let out a shriek of dismay.
"Oh no! I'm going to be late for school!" she cried, turning and sprinting down the street as if the hounds of hell were on her heels, the age-old panic of the late student driving her flight. The two teens blinked at the suddenly empty street.
{Well, I'm hungry!} Ranma said brusquely. {Let's go back too!}
{How can you be hungry? You have no body right now,} Ryoko snapped irritably.
"Boys are always hungry. Stomach is optional," Ranko said loftily.
"You are going to apologize later," Ryoga said darkly to his sister. "You gave your word, and I will make you stick to it!"
{Yeah yeah...I will. Sorry,} Ryoko said sourly, knowing she was being unreasonable but somehow unable to let it go. Maybe there was something to what Ryoga said, but she shoved the thought angrily aside. She didn't have time for such ridiculous doubts. {...sorry...}
Ryoga sighed, but gestured wearily at Ranko to lead the way back. He may not get lost anymore, but some habits were hard to break.
* * *
"School?!" came the horrified cry a while later.
"Yes," Genma said gravely to his gaping son. "You need to finish your education!" Ryoga was busy not stifling his laughter at the pigtailed boy's plight. Ranma glared, then pointed an accusing finger at the fanged boy.
"What about Ryoga! Doesn't he have to go?" he whined. He'd be damned if he was the only one to suffer!
"As a matter of fact," Genma said much to Ryoga's consternation and Ranma's delight, "I signed him up as well."
"What?" Ryoga cried. "Since when am I under your care?!"
"How ungrateful, boy!" the elder martial artist shouted. "After I took you under my wing, invited you to partake in my wisdom, guided you safely from the dangerous--erk!" He was cut off abruptly as Ryoga rammed a fist in his face.
"Alright! I'll go! Just shut up!" the fanged boy said in exasperation.
{I don't wanna go!} Ranko wailed as pitifully as her brother. {Why do we have to get dragged along?}
{How are we going to deal with the curses?} Ryoko added. {I refuse to tell the whole world!}
"We don't deal with it. It's not like its anybodies business," Ryoga replied grumpily. It's not that he didn't want to go to school...well, actually he didn't, but he objected to the thought that Genma was making him go.
"But we don't have any school things!" Ranma was grasping desperately at any excuse he could think of. Genma, red fist imprint vivid on his face, tossed a book bag to each boy.
"There!" he proclaimed triumphantly.
"Ah man..." Ranma groaned.
{He had this planned?} Ryoko said in mild surprise.
"Bye~!" Nabiki called at large as she passed the disgruntled teens for the door.
"Wait up!" Akane called, hurrying to catch up with her elder sister.
"You have to stay and take your fiancé to school," Nabiki called smugly over her shoulder. Akane fumed as her sister disappeared out the door, then turned on the bemused teens who'd been quietly watching the by-play.
"Come on!" she snapped irritably. "We don't want to be late!"
{Jerk,} Ryoko mumbled, but the others ignored her.
Having little choice, the two boys slipped into their shoes and followed Akane out the door.
"What's school like?" Ryoga asked the long-haired girl as they set off.
"Who cares?" Ranma huffed, hands in his pockets and glare fixed to the ground, book bag looped idly over a wrist. He was the picture of dejection. Akane frowned at the pigtailed boy, then turned to Ryoga to answer him.
"It's not anything special. We're a pretty big town, so there are plenty of kids here. If you're interested, I know the school has several...clubs," she explained woodenly. Ryoga frowned at her.
"Is there something wrong with the clubs?" he asked politely, not sure if asking would set the volatile girl off. Akane scowled, but shook her head absently.
"Not...exactly. But...well, you'll see when we get to school anyway," she mumbled. Ranma raised a questioning eyebrow at Ryoga, who shrugged.
{That doesn't sound promising,} Ranko said warily. {Do you think it'll be trouble?}
{Of course it will,} Ryoko said caustically. {It always is, so why ask?}
"True," Ranma sighed. Akane looked at him oddly, but figured he was just responding (a little late) to what she said. Ranma suddenly leapt into the air, landing easily on a fence and continuing to walk next to them. Ryoga considered for a moment, then shrugged and hopped up as well.
{"What are you doing?"} Akane and Ryoko asked in unison. Ranko giggled at the affronted huff from Ryoko as Ranma answered.
"Balancing practice," he replied easily.
"Aren't you afraid you'll fall off?" Akane asked, looking pointedly at the waterway on the other side of the fence.
"Nah," Ranma grinned. "We may be water magnets, but we're not that clumsy!"
Ryoga glanced down at the water idly as Akane frowned at them. It seemed to be her favorite expression when it came to do with the two boys.
"Water magnets? What do you mean?" she asked. She wondered if she could balance well enough to walk the fence. It would be good practice...
"It's the--" Ranma began, but cut off as a wave of water hit him and Ryoga. The girls landed dripping next to Akane.
{--Jusenkyou curse,} Ranma finished idly.
"Thanks a lot!" Ranko complained, wringing out her pigtail.
{It's not like we meant to!} Ranma protested.
"When has that ever mattered?" Ryoko grumbled, cutting of Akane who had been about to protest her innocence.
{I didn't even see that coming,} Ryoga added bemusedly.
"Do we ever?" Ryoko asked, scowling at the old woman cleaning her walkway who ignored the three teens as she splashed water about.
"What are you talking about?" Akane asked, irritated and confused.
"We weren't talking to you," Ryoko snarled, taking Akane aback. Ryoga had been so polite up to now! Oh, right...
"Ryoko!" Ranko snapped at the blonde. Ryoko crossed her arms stubbornly, lips pressed tightly together in anger. Ranko sighed, turning back to Akane. "Never mind her. Why don't you go on ahead. We need to go back home to get our thermos. The stupid panda caught us by surprise, and we forgot to bring 'em."
Akane shook her head. "You can't go home! We'll be late! And you don't know the way to school, either!" she added when Ranko opened her mouth to protest.
{We could just wander around until we find it,} Ryoga suggested.
{You know, I don't think it was just your curse that caused you to get lost,} Ranma said dryly.
{Shut up Ranma!}
"But I don't wanna go to school!" Ranko whined in protest. "The boys are signed up anyways!"
"You only need hot water to change, right?" Akane asked, plan forming in her mind.
"Oh, brill--" Ryoko began acidly, but cut off as Ranko jammed her elbow into her gut. Ignoring the wheezing girl, the redhead smiled brightly at the staring Akane.
"Yep! That'll do it!" she chirped. Akane glanced unsurely between the two, then waved a hand, indicating for them to follow as she started walking again.
"Okay, I know where we can get you some. Come on."
Ranko skipped after her while Ryoko followed a few paces behind, grumbling and rubbing her stomach irritably. They came to a building where Akane gestured them to wait as she ducked inside.
{Why don't you let us have control, since we're going to change back anyway,} Ryoga suggested. His sister was being stubborn, and it wouldn't do for Akane to get mad at them all again because of it. Ranko glanced expectantly at her counterpart, and Ryoko huffed.
"Fine," the blonde snapped, and the two girls slipped back as the boys took over. There was a moment of silence as they waited for Akane to return, and Ryoga-chan glanced at Ranma-chan.
"So...what do you think?" she asked the red-head. Hmm...This was awkward, but better than letting Ryoko stir things up.
"About what?" Ranma-chan asked absently.
"Well, we have a place to stay for a while, but the stupid panda is going to keep pushing the engagement at you," Ryoga-chan replied.
{Bastard,} Ryoko growled.
{Ryoko!} Ranko admonished.
{What! It's not like it's that bad of an insult!} Ryoko protested.
"Yeah, well," Ranma-chan said, ignoring the girls, "It's not like I'm gonna marry her. I'll figure some way outta it," she finished sulkily. Ryoga-chan shook her head skeptically.
{Hey, I just thoughta somethin',} Ranko began, sounding horrified. {Since we share a body, does that mean I'm engaged to her as well?} There was a moment of stunned silence, then Ranko wailed, {I don't wanna be engaged to a girl!} The others started in surprise as Ryoko suddenly burst out laughing.
{Oh...I never though of that!} The blonde howled in between laughs. Ryoga-chan shook her head again in exasperation, and Ranma-chan grinned sheepishly.
"Well, maybe we can use that to get you out of the engagement," Ryoga-chan sighed as Ryoko continued in her mirth. He grinned inwardly, though. If Ryoko was laughing, especially about Akane, then she was close to forgiving the other girl.
"Do you honestly think Oyaji would care--" Ranma-chan began, but broke off as skeletal arms suddenly encircled both their shoulders. The two twisted in horror to take in the grinning skull staring at them evilly. With two startled shrieks, both ran from the boney embrace...to collide with a loud *thunk* with each other. They slid soundlessly to the ground.
"Oops," Dr. Tofu murmured, looking down at the prone forms. Just then, Akane came hurrying around the corner, kettle in hand.
"I've got the water!--Oh! Tofu-sensei!" She immediately flushed, clasping the kettle shyly in front of her. She gave a polite bow, then stared at the two sprawled figures on the ground. "What happened to them?" Dr. Tofu looked slightly embarrassed.
"Uhh...just a little joke," he replied, chuckling nervously while making Betty's fingers twiddle guiltily. "I didn't expect them to react so...forcefully though," he added.
"I see," Akane said blankly, wondering if everything about these two was so weird. "Well," she said briskly, hefting the kettle, "It's their first day of school, and I don't want to be late." She poured the water over the two girls, and Ranma and Ryoga sat up spluttering.
"Urg...what hit me?" Ranma asked woozily, clutching his head in pain. Ryoga was shaking his head to clear it of the stars dancing in his vision.
{Ryoga! What else could be that hard!} Ranko chortled in delight at the prank. Ryoko was gasping weakly between laughs.
{Why...does it burn!...No...body...} she wheezed.
"It's not that funny," Ryoga protested, clambering to his feet and hauling Ranma up as well.
{The paaaiiin...} Ryoko trailed off theatrically.
"You need to stop talking like that! It's weird when you do it," Akane said grumpily. "Come on! We're going to be late if we don't hurry." Ignoring the grumbles, she turned to the silent form of the doctor. "Have a good morning, Tofu-sensei," she said, blushing and bowing nervously. Ranma raised an eyebrow in surprise, but held his tongue for now.
{Wait, didn't he see us change?} Ryoko asked suddenly. Akane had turned, however, and gestured the two boys to follow her as she began to run. {Hello? Does this not worry anyone?} The others ignored her in lieu of catching up with the swiftly moving girl. They disappeared rapidly up the quiet street.
Still standing with Betty's arm raised in unconscious farewell, Tofu murmured, "I see." He grinned slowly, adding, "Interesting." Then he turned and walked back into his clinic.
* * *
The two boys had easily caught up with Akane, and were keeping pace with the running girl. Ranma cleared his throat, glancing out of the corner of his eye at her.
"So...what was that all about?" he asked in amusement.
"What do you mean?" Akane asked curtly. Ryoga glanced warningly at the other boy, but Ranma ignored him and continued mirthfully.
"Tofu-sensei. I thought you hated boys?" he teased, trying to get a rise out of the girl.
{Ranma...} Ranko warned as Akane scowled. Ahead of them, the tall form of what could only be the school gates appeared.
"That's right," the Tendou girl growled, picking up her pace and outstripping the boys. "I..." There was a rumbling and figures suddenly appeared at the gates. "...Hate..." Bokken, soccer balls, tennis rackets, and other weapons of mass exercise were brandished. "...BOYS!" Akane finished with a yell, and plowed right into the crowd of boys standing at the ready.
The cursed teens watched in astonishment as Akane proceeded to beat the living daylights out of the crowd. Cries of, "Akane, I love you!" and "Please go out with me!" echoed back to them amidst the shouts and groans of the melee.
{What on Earth?} Ranko asked in stunned bewilderment.
{Looks like a fan club,} Ryoko said with some admiration.
"Should we help her out?" Ranma wondered, wincing as he watched a barbell take down two boys at one throw.
{It's her problem!} Ryoko huffed as if suddenly aware she had said something unscathing about the other girl.
"She'd probably get mad at us for interfering," Ryoga pointed out. The two boys leapt atop the school fence for a better view. "Hey, look there!" Ryoga pointed at an emerging figure of a boy dressed in kendo garb.
{Hm...Not bad. He's kind of cute,} Ryoko mused. {Poor taste, though,} she added when the boy tossed a rose to the panting Akane amidst the prone forms of her attackers.
"Ryoko!" Ryoga gasped in horror, nearly losing his balance. "Please don't say those kind of things where I can hear you!"
{But you can always hear her!} Ranko giggled as Ranma shook his head with a smirk. They listened with half an ear as the kendo boy launched into an elaborate speech about the fools who'd dare try to win the sweet (Ryoko snorted in disbelief) Akane's favor.
"Ranma! Ryoga!" The boys glanced up in surprise to see Nabiki leaning out an upper window of the school. She waved at them. "Forget about this and come inside before you're late!"
"But what about..." Ranma called out, pointing at the two figures fighting in the courtyard.
"Don't worry about it! It happens every morning!" Nabiki replied, leaning casually on her crossed arms. A couple other girls had pressed in behind her, trying to see who she was talking to.
"Every morning?" Ryoga repeated in surprise.
{Hmm...Maybe she does have a good reason to be angry all the time,} Ranko mused.
{Doesn't give her the right to take it out on other people,} Ryoko grumbled.
"Guess she doesn't need help," Ranma said as Akane downed the kendo boy, huffing angrily as she stomped past the fallen boys. Ryoga shrugged, a little impressed Akane had managed the fight. Fighting a crowd wasn't that easy, and the kendo boy seemed like a decent fighter. The boys hopped off the fence and followed Akane into the school. Outside it began to rain, reviving the fallen boys and the crazy kendoist.
* * *
"Class, we have two new students today," the teacher said, gesturing for the boys to introduce themselves.
"I'm Ranma Saotome," he said, raising a hand in greeting. Ryoga bowed is head slightly, gaze firmly fixed to the floor.
"Ryoga Hibiki."
Most of the class gave the two boys starry eyes. The class was predominantly girls since most of the boys were still in the nurse's office.
"They have been in China for the past few years," the teacher continued, "So let's give them a warm welcome." Amidst the pattering of applause the teacher gestured toward the back of the room. "Go ahead and sit in an empty seat. I'll assign permanent seats later." The two boys nodded politely and sat in the indicated seats.
{Well,} Ryoko drawled as the teacher began class. {Here we go then.}
{Ooo! I just realized! We can talk all we want and not get in trouble!} Ranko squealed happily, causing Ranma to twitch. Ryoga gave all appearances of listening attentively to the teacher, but he was tracing a finger against the desk.
{We've been here all of two minutes and you're already bored? Ever thought of trying to learn something?} Ryoko dutifully repeated.
{Hey! It's not like I had any choice against coming!} Ranko protested. Ranma blinked as a folded piece of paper landed on his desk. Glancing at the teacher to make sure they were busy writing on the blackboard, Ranma unfolded the note while Ranko read "over his shoulder."
{Hi! You guys are cute. Do either of you have a girlfriend? Were you really in China? Have you ever kissed a girl?--Hey! I was readin' that!} Ranko said, laughing as Ranma crumpled the note, flushing.
{And so it begins,} Ryoko said ominously as many girls bent industriously over their desks, scribbling furiously. Ryoga slouched low in his seat as small scraps of paper headed his way, and Ranma had to resist the urge to bang his head against the desk. Didn't this teacher pay attention to his class? Akane sent a glare over her shoulder at them, before huffing and turning pointedly toward the front of the room.
Aside from the circulating pieces of paper, the class proceeded uneventfully, until the door slammed open and the kendo boy from earlier burst angrily into the room.
"Where is the cur Saotome?" he demanded, waving his bokken around.
"Kuno!" the teacher snapped. "I will not have an upperclassman behave in such an irresponsible manner! Go to the vice principal's office immediately!" Kuno opened his mouth to argue, but at an angry glare from the teacher he turned and stalked out of the room.
{What did you do to him?} Ryoko asked in surprise. Ranma surreptitiously traced a reply, aware of the curious stares once again fixed on him.
{He didn't do anythin'! We haven't even met the guy!} Ranko protested. {Wasn't he the guy buggin' Akane this morning?} she added for Ranma.
{Hm...I'm sensing trouble,} Ryoko said in amusement as Ryoga rolled his eyes. {And yes, he's rather unmistakable. Cute, but unbalanced.} She chuckled when Ryoga jerked at the comment. He scowled and traced some rather unflattering responses she didn't bother repeating.
{Ryoko! You're so mean!} Ranko giggled, and Ranma shook his head in exasperation.
{Yep, that's me!} Ryoko replied cheerfully. Ranma glanced over his shoulder to exchange a commiserating look with the other boy. Ryoga rolled his eyes, then looked pointedly around. Ranma blinked, then turned forward again to find most of the class watching the exchange avidly. He swallowed nervously, sinking into his seat as almost as one they turned back to their desks, small pieces of paper appearing like magic.
{Wanna bet on what they're writing?} Ranko asked excitedly.
{You mean about the torrid romance between Ranma and the kendo boy? Or about the deep bond between Ranma and Ryoga that allows them to read each other's thoughts?} Ryoko asked, amused at the suppressed whimpers Ranma was making. Ryoga actually had to bite his tongue to refrain from shouting out loud in protest. Ranko had no problem with that, however.
{Ryoko!} she cried, though whether she was more scandalized at the idea or that Ryoko had actually said it wasn't clear. Ryoko laughed as the first notes landed ominously on Ranma's desk. She didn't get a to find out whether she was right or not, because Ranma flat out refused to read anything for fear of what he might find. Girls were scary!
He did shove them into his bag (to hide from the teacher, though he doubted they'd notice, even if he went to the front of the class and read them out loud), and Ryoko was determined to rescue them before the pigtailed boy had a chance to destroy them.
The class ended without further interruptions, but the two boys hardly noticed. The minute the teacher left the room they'd been surrounded by the slathering masses...I mean, other students, all who were trying to get the undivided attention of the boys.
{What do we do?} Ranko asked in a panic as Ranma slipped his arm out of at least three sets of talons.
{You'd think they'd never seen a boy before,} Ryoko added nervously. Would these harpies go so far as to tear them apart in their fervor? There was a loud "ahem," and the mass stopped their frantic motions to turn to the source. Akane marched through the parting crowd, scowling fiercely.
"What are you doing? Don't you have better things to do than drool over a couple of boys?" she demanded, glaring at the other girls until they backed away. There was embarrassed muttering, but one voice piped up bravely from the security of anonymity in the crowd.
"You just want them to yourself!"
Akane went red with fury, and the girls scattered before the volatile girl exploded.
"Mou! How dare they say something like that!" Akane growled, vexed as her targets fled. She turned to the staring boys. "You could have done something, you know! There was no need to encourage them!"
Ranma opened his mouth to protest. Encourage? They'd done no such thing! But he stopped as support came from a surprising source.
{Shut up and thank the girl,} Ryoko snapped. {She just saved us a lot of trouble.} Ryoga raised his eyebrows in surprise. Looked like Ryoko had gotten over her sulk.
"Uh, thanks Akane. We weren't sure what to do," he said obediently, giving the girl a sheepish grin. Ranma muttered intelligibly, but nodded as well.
"Yeah, thanks. What was with the kendo boy, anyway?" he asked, frowning thoughtfully at the door.
"Kuno-sempai? Well, I'm not sure what he wants with you," Akane said, looking expectantly at Ranma. When he said nothing, she continued. "But he's determined to date me. He can't take a hint," she fumed.
{What about the other boys? Why were they tryin' to beat her up?} Ranko asked, Ranma repeating her question out loud.
"Kuno-sempai again," Akane grumbled. "He announced to the entire school that anyone who wants to date me has to beat me in combat."
{Sounds kind of fun, actually,} Ryoko said.
"But why do they do it?" Ranma asked, scratching his head in confusion. "They can't all want to date you!"
{Ranma...} Ryoko groaned in exasperation as Akane swelled in rage.
"You baka!" the long-haired girl cried, smashing Ranma's head into the desk. She stormed back to her seat, leaving the twitching Ranma and bemused Ryoga. The next teacher chose that moment to enter the classroom, preventing further discussion. A red-faced Ranma grumbled irritably as the lesson began.
{Tell me, Ranma. Is it hard speaking clearly with your foot lodged so firmly in your mouth?} Ryoko asked sweetly.
Ranma refrained from a rude gesture by only the slightest margin. He wished they were by themselves. Remembering not to respond was a pain. The lesson continued, boring Ranma and Ranko to tears. They amused themselves by ignoring the teacher to talk with each other (Ranma tracing his remarks), making it hard for Ryoga to concentrate with them 'chatting' so close by. He could only hear Ranko, so it sounded like a one-sided conversation. It was probably how other people felt when they talked to the girls.
{Ne, Ryoga,} Ryoko said, sounding bored herself. {Are there any interesting books or something? Trying to understand the teacher is pointless.}
Which was true. Coming into the middle of the term after years of no formal teaching, Ryoga really had no idea what the teacher was going on about. He wondered if it mattered...Sighing, he quietly reached into his desk, snagging the first book to come to hand. It turned out to be the history book.
{Hey! That's perfect!} Ryoko said, coming to life in enthusiasm. Ranko and Ranma stopped their chat at the sudden cry, listening interestedly. {You said you sort of remember things about dragons, right?} Ryoko continued. {I bet it's in the history books. Maybe we can learn something from it!}
Ranma groaned silently, and he and Ranko turned them out again. Who wanted to learn? Ryoga frowned, not opening the book just yet. 'What's the point?' he traced.
{Well, I doubt there'll be anything really useful, but at least we'll know what other people think of the Brood, right?} Ryoko wheedled. {Besides, it beats being bored!} He had to agree with that.
He opened the book, checking then flipping to the chapter marked 'The Dragon War.' He and Ryoko bend industriously over the book. Page after page was filled with tales of the evil clan of the Brood, the savior the Goddess, the terror of the dragons, and the horror the world was delivered from by their savior.
Ryoko sighed in disgust. History as written by the winners. Still didn't say exactly what horror the world was supposedly saved from. She noticed the tense silence coming from Ryoga, and frowned when she realized he was angry. Actually, she reflected as the desk creaked ominously in Ryoga's white knuckled grip, a bit more than angry.
{Hey Ryoga! Calm down, it's just a book,} she said soothingly. {We already knew it would be something like this! Don't let it get to you.}
Ryoga barely heard his sister's voice over the roaring in his ears. It was unfair! And untrue! He knew what was written was a lie, but here it was being paraded around as common knowledge! He vaguely realized he was angrier than he should be, but he couldn't help the rush of fury trying to make him snap. Not knowing what else to do, he fell back on the one constant in his life.
"Ranma! This is all your fault!" he roared, leaping to his feet and chucking the book at the stunned boy's face. It hit with a satisfying 'thwack!', and a bit of the haze cleared from Ryoga's vision.
"Whadja do that for?!" Ranma cried, leaping to his feet as well. Ryoga blinked, looking a little dazed.
"You! Uh...Hibiki and Saotome!" the teacher snapped, glaring at the two teens. The class had jumped at the unexpected outburst, and Akane was sending them a worried look. "I understand you may not be used to a civilized setting, but there will be no such disturbances in my class! Go stand in the hallway!" He pointed angrily at a pair of buckets in the back closet.
{Sorry Ranma,} Ryoko said quickly. {Just go with it. We'll explain out there.} Ranma scowled, but marched over to the buckets, noting they were full of water, and had to refrain from chucking one at the fanged boy's head. He and Ryoga exited the classroom, and Ranma slouched against the wall, still glaring at the now sheepish Ryoga.
"What was that all about?" Ranma demanded, keeping his voice low enough not to carry into the classroom. "What the heck did I do ta deserve that?!"
"Sorry Ranma," Ryoga mumbled. "It was just habit."
"Habit!" Ranma hissed.
{Now now, it's not that big of a deal,} Ryoko said soothingly.
{What was it about?} Ranko asked as Ranma settled for whacking Ryoga upside the head.
{Was reading about the Dragon War. Bunch of lies, probably Myria's meddling again,} Ryoko explained shortly.
{Ah,} Ranko said knowingly. {So of course it's all Ranma's fault. Makes perfect sense!}
"Oi! I said I was sorry!" Ryoga protested. "It usually is his fault!"
"You wanna start somethin'!" Ranma challenged, slipping into a fighting stance.
{No!} the girls chorused, stopping Ryoga from following suit.
"Ah, why not?" Ranma whined, anger evaporating as boredom set back in.
{Aside from the fact you'll get in more trouble, you both just happen to be holding buckets of water,} Ryoko pointed out. Ranma slouched again, resigned to having absolutely no fun today. The boys glanced at the classroom door as it slid open, a disgruntled Akane exiting to stand next to them, her own bucket of water in hand.
"What happened?" Ryoga asked hesitantly.
"Wasn't paying attention," she grumbled, turning her heated gaze on them. "For some reason, the teacher was in a touchy mood."
"Sorry," Ryoga mumbled guiltily. Her gaze softened a bit, and she raised an eyebrow at him.
"So what was that all about?" she asked.
"Apparently it's my fault the sky's blue, the world's round, and books are written," Ranma replied, causing Akane to grin.
"I was just reading about the Dragon War," Ryoga said quickly, shooting the pigtailed boy a look. "It wasn't true, what was written, and it kind of pissed me off. I used to blame Ranma for everything, and it just came out."
Akane's grin turned into quiet giggles. Ryoga looked so guilty, and Ranma merely rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"I find that hard to believe. You get along so well!" she said. They turned blank stares on her.
{She hasn't seen us spar before,} Ranko said in amusement.
{She'll learn,} Ryoko sniffed.
End Chapter 05
-
Author's Notes: Not much to say about this chapter. Other than it was fun to write. XD Ryoko just refused to apologize, though. *stares at muse* No idea why. *pokes her absently*
By: Dragon-sama
Ryoga catches up to Ranma a little earlier at Jusenkyou, and both gain a different curse than expected. Now with two new traveling companions, they wander the globe in search of answers, as well as the truth behind the war from long ago. A Ranma ½ x Breath of Fire 3 crossover. No pairings planned.
Key-
"...” speech
{...} mental speech
[...] panda signs
'...' thoughts
Dawn broke the next day in a brilliant shower of golden light. In her bed, Akane woke up slowly as the morning sun shone merrily into her room. For a moment she basked in the peace of the morning, then the memories of the previous day came back with a rush.
Akane scowled as she felt a lead ball of anger settle heavily in her chest. Curse her stupid father and his stupid friend! And those stupid, stupid little liars! Pretending to be oh so nice when really they were laughing at her! Tricking her into thinking they could be friends when they were just idiot boys playing with her! She bet there wasn't really a 'Ranko' or 'Ryoko'! It was just some story they'd made up to get sympathy! Well, she didn't need them!
Nodding determinedly to herself, she silently got dressed in preparation for her usual morning run. She slipped easily down the stairs, hearing the faint sound of her eldest sister stirring in preparation for the day. She paused a moment to put her shoes on at the entranceway, then exited the house.
And there leaning casually against the gate waiting for her were Ranko and Ryoga. 'Ranma,' she corrected herself. Well! She wouldn't let them ruin her morning! She ignored the two silent teens as she stormed passed, turning down the street and beginning her run.
She scowled when she heard two sets of footsteps behind her, and increased her pace. Her two followers kept in step, and Akane broken into a sprint, hoping to lose them that way. She turned several random corners before she dared look behind her. The street was clear. She stopped, panting, pleased she'd managed to shake them off so easily, then yelped in shock as the two teens dropped in front of her.
"How did you do that?" she cried, wondering where they'd come from. Surely they hadn't jumped off the roof! Then, remembering she was angry at these boys, whatever they looked like right now, she drew herself up to glare at them. "And why are you following me! Leave me alone!" she demanded.
{See! I told you she wouldn't listen!} Ryoko complained loudly. {Can we just go back and leave this laggard loud-mouthed loser behind?}
{Did you memorize the thesaurus or somthin'?} Ranma asked, impressed despite himself. {You haven't repeated yourself yet!}
"Look Akane," Ranko began, lacing her fingers in front of her nervously and bouncing on her toes to release some pent up anxiety. "I know we kinda got off on the wrong foot yesterday, but we weren't tryin' to trick you! It's just not somethin' you can come out and tell people, ya know?" She stared uncomfortably at the glaring girl from under her bangs.
"We understand it's not exactly a great situation for you either," Ryoga said sympathetically. He shifted to cross his arms over his chest, wondering if this was really worth all the trouble they were going through. "I mean, you were worried--"
{With good reason, apparently!} Ranma broke in.
"--about the engagement," Ryoga continued with barely a pause, "and it's not like its easy believing in magic curses or anything."
{You guys are wasting time!} Ryoko whined as Akane shook her head angrily. {A dimwitted harpy like her will never understand!}
"What makes you think I care!" Akane said hotly, to which Ryoko gave a {See!}. "I'm not marrying you, no matter what my Dad says!"
{She's really hung up on that, isn't she?} Ranma mused.
"Of course not!" Ranko agreed hastily. "I mean, for now we hafta go along with it, but Ranma's not gonna let his stupid old man have his way!" Akane humphed irritably, but was glad the other girl....boy agreed with her.
"What do you want, anyway?" she demanded, determined to get this over with quickly so she didn't have to deal with the traveling teens any more than she had to.
{She's such a--} Ryoko began.
"Will you shut up already!" Ranko snapped, whirling on Ryoga as if it was all his fault. He held up his hands placatingly, but couldn't help the smirk.
"She did warn us," he said practically.
"What are you talking about?" Akane demanded, anger flaring again. "Are you making fun of me?"
{YES!}
"What do you want?" she repeated impatiently.
"This isn't workin' out like I wanted!" Ranko wailed, stomping her foot in aggravation. "All I wanted to do was apologize for yesterday! We were all real jerks, but what with Ranma's dad being his usual stupid self and your dad cryin' all over the place and the stupid boys introducing themselves wrong everything just went crazy and it's all the stupid panda's fault!" She stood there panting indignantly while the others regarded her in various states of surprise.
{I do have to concede that point,} Ryoko said reluctantly.
"Ranko's right," Ryoga told Akane firmly. "We were all stressed out, but that didn't give any of us the right to act like we did. So," here he took a deep, steadying breath. "I'm sorry for overreacting. I shouldn't have scared you like that."
{Amazing, Ryoga's the voice of reason,} Ranma said ironically.
"Shut up Ranma!" he snapped, making Akane start in surprise.
{Not that I did much to her, but I am sorry for being related to my stupid Oyaji,} Ranma said acidly.
"Apparently Ranma apologizes for being born," Ranko dutifully repeated, grinning vaguely at her brother's indignant cry. "And I'm sorry things got so out of hand. I really do want to be your friend, ya know," she added, looking hopefully at the other girl.
Akane shifted uncomfortably. She wanted to stay angry, but they'd been polite enough to try to make peace with her, even if they kept making senseless outbursts. Maybe...maybe they were telling the truth? Maybe she might have overreacted just a little yesterday? Well, she could be gracious too.
"I'm...sorry for calling you names, Ranma," she said quietly, glancing nervously at the girl. At the red-head's look of confusion, she quickly corrected herself. "Ranko, I mean. But that is really weird!" she added hastily. "I'll try to understand, but how do I know who I'm talking to!"
Ranko grinned in sudden relief. "That's easy! Like we said, when we're girls it's me an' Ryoko, and the guys are themselves! We don't switch in the wrong bodies that often, unless someone asks us." Ryoga was tapping his foot impatiently.
"Well?" he prompted the silent participant, getting a startled look from Akane, but Ranko also turned, raising an eyebrow at the fanged boy.
"You said if she apologized, so would you!" she accused, pointing a finger at Ryoga.
"He did..." Akane began unsurely, but noticed neither teen really paying her any attention.
{It's not enough!} Ryoko complained. {Why should we let her off so easy!}
"You promised Ryoko!" Ranko cried. "An' it's not a big deal anymore, so can't you just let it go?"
"Ryoko's pouting," Ryoga explained to the confused Akane. He winced when Ryoko shrieked at him in anger, but continued doggedly. "She really didn't like that you called Ranko...that. I think it's a sore spot for her."
{You're just willing to forgive her because she's cute!} Ryoko hissed at her brother in fury. He stiffened, flushing and clenching his fists angrily.
{Ryoko,} Ranma cut in hastily. {This is where we tell you you're gettin' out of control,} he warned.
"You...can hear them talk? In your heads?" Akane broke in, throwing the others off at the shift of conversation.
"Yeah. We don't know why, but it's just like they're standin' right behind us or somethin'," Ranko explained distractedly, eyeing Ryoga warily as the boy struggled to keep his temper and not make the situation worse. "We can't hear their thoughts or anythin', but we can talk to them normally and stuff."
Akane opened her mouth, but the teens never learned what she'd been about to say as she suddenly noticed the sun was much higher in the sky than she remembered. She glanced wildly down at her watch, then let out a shriek of dismay.
"Oh no! I'm going to be late for school!" she cried, turning and sprinting down the street as if the hounds of hell were on her heels, the age-old panic of the late student driving her flight. The two teens blinked at the suddenly empty street.
{Well, I'm hungry!} Ranma said brusquely. {Let's go back too!}
{How can you be hungry? You have no body right now,} Ryoko snapped irritably.
"Boys are always hungry. Stomach is optional," Ranko said loftily.
"You are going to apologize later," Ryoga said darkly to his sister. "You gave your word, and I will make you stick to it!"
{Yeah yeah...I will. Sorry,} Ryoko said sourly, knowing she was being unreasonable but somehow unable to let it go. Maybe there was something to what Ryoga said, but she shoved the thought angrily aside. She didn't have time for such ridiculous doubts. {...sorry...}
Ryoga sighed, but gestured wearily at Ranko to lead the way back. He may not get lost anymore, but some habits were hard to break.
* * *
"School?!" came the horrified cry a while later.
"Yes," Genma said gravely to his gaping son. "You need to finish your education!" Ryoga was busy not stifling his laughter at the pigtailed boy's plight. Ranma glared, then pointed an accusing finger at the fanged boy.
"What about Ryoga! Doesn't he have to go?" he whined. He'd be damned if he was the only one to suffer!
"As a matter of fact," Genma said much to Ryoga's consternation and Ranma's delight, "I signed him up as well."
"What?" Ryoga cried. "Since when am I under your care?!"
"How ungrateful, boy!" the elder martial artist shouted. "After I took you under my wing, invited you to partake in my wisdom, guided you safely from the dangerous--erk!" He was cut off abruptly as Ryoga rammed a fist in his face.
"Alright! I'll go! Just shut up!" the fanged boy said in exasperation.
{I don't wanna go!} Ranko wailed as pitifully as her brother. {Why do we have to get dragged along?}
{How are we going to deal with the curses?} Ryoko added. {I refuse to tell the whole world!}
"We don't deal with it. It's not like its anybodies business," Ryoga replied grumpily. It's not that he didn't want to go to school...well, actually he didn't, but he objected to the thought that Genma was making him go.
"But we don't have any school things!" Ranma was grasping desperately at any excuse he could think of. Genma, red fist imprint vivid on his face, tossed a book bag to each boy.
"There!" he proclaimed triumphantly.
"Ah man..." Ranma groaned.
{He had this planned?} Ryoko said in mild surprise.
"Bye~!" Nabiki called at large as she passed the disgruntled teens for the door.
"Wait up!" Akane called, hurrying to catch up with her elder sister.
"You have to stay and take your fiancé to school," Nabiki called smugly over her shoulder. Akane fumed as her sister disappeared out the door, then turned on the bemused teens who'd been quietly watching the by-play.
"Come on!" she snapped irritably. "We don't want to be late!"
{Jerk,} Ryoko mumbled, but the others ignored her.
Having little choice, the two boys slipped into their shoes and followed Akane out the door.
"What's school like?" Ryoga asked the long-haired girl as they set off.
"Who cares?" Ranma huffed, hands in his pockets and glare fixed to the ground, book bag looped idly over a wrist. He was the picture of dejection. Akane frowned at the pigtailed boy, then turned to Ryoga to answer him.
"It's not anything special. We're a pretty big town, so there are plenty of kids here. If you're interested, I know the school has several...clubs," she explained woodenly. Ryoga frowned at her.
"Is there something wrong with the clubs?" he asked politely, not sure if asking would set the volatile girl off. Akane scowled, but shook her head absently.
"Not...exactly. But...well, you'll see when we get to school anyway," she mumbled. Ranma raised a questioning eyebrow at Ryoga, who shrugged.
{That doesn't sound promising,} Ranko said warily. {Do you think it'll be trouble?}
{Of course it will,} Ryoko said caustically. {It always is, so why ask?}
"True," Ranma sighed. Akane looked at him oddly, but figured he was just responding (a little late) to what she said. Ranma suddenly leapt into the air, landing easily on a fence and continuing to walk next to them. Ryoga considered for a moment, then shrugged and hopped up as well.
{"What are you doing?"} Akane and Ryoko asked in unison. Ranko giggled at the affronted huff from Ryoko as Ranma answered.
"Balancing practice," he replied easily.
"Aren't you afraid you'll fall off?" Akane asked, looking pointedly at the waterway on the other side of the fence.
"Nah," Ranma grinned. "We may be water magnets, but we're not that clumsy!"
Ryoga glanced down at the water idly as Akane frowned at them. It seemed to be her favorite expression when it came to do with the two boys.
"Water magnets? What do you mean?" she asked. She wondered if she could balance well enough to walk the fence. It would be good practice...
"It's the--" Ranma began, but cut off as a wave of water hit him and Ryoga. The girls landed dripping next to Akane.
{--Jusenkyou curse,} Ranma finished idly.
"Thanks a lot!" Ranko complained, wringing out her pigtail.
{It's not like we meant to!} Ranma protested.
"When has that ever mattered?" Ryoko grumbled, cutting of Akane who had been about to protest her innocence.
{I didn't even see that coming,} Ryoga added bemusedly.
"Do we ever?" Ryoko asked, scowling at the old woman cleaning her walkway who ignored the three teens as she splashed water about.
"What are you talking about?" Akane asked, irritated and confused.
"We weren't talking to you," Ryoko snarled, taking Akane aback. Ryoga had been so polite up to now! Oh, right...
"Ryoko!" Ranko snapped at the blonde. Ryoko crossed her arms stubbornly, lips pressed tightly together in anger. Ranko sighed, turning back to Akane. "Never mind her. Why don't you go on ahead. We need to go back home to get our thermos. The stupid panda caught us by surprise, and we forgot to bring 'em."
Akane shook her head. "You can't go home! We'll be late! And you don't know the way to school, either!" she added when Ranko opened her mouth to protest.
{We could just wander around until we find it,} Ryoga suggested.
{You know, I don't think it was just your curse that caused you to get lost,} Ranma said dryly.
{Shut up Ranma!}
"But I don't wanna go to school!" Ranko whined in protest. "The boys are signed up anyways!"
"You only need hot water to change, right?" Akane asked, plan forming in her mind.
"Oh, brill--" Ryoko began acidly, but cut off as Ranko jammed her elbow into her gut. Ignoring the wheezing girl, the redhead smiled brightly at the staring Akane.
"Yep! That'll do it!" she chirped. Akane glanced unsurely between the two, then waved a hand, indicating for them to follow as she started walking again.
"Okay, I know where we can get you some. Come on."
Ranko skipped after her while Ryoko followed a few paces behind, grumbling and rubbing her stomach irritably. They came to a building where Akane gestured them to wait as she ducked inside.
{Why don't you let us have control, since we're going to change back anyway,} Ryoga suggested. His sister was being stubborn, and it wouldn't do for Akane to get mad at them all again because of it. Ranko glanced expectantly at her counterpart, and Ryoko huffed.
"Fine," the blonde snapped, and the two girls slipped back as the boys took over. There was a moment of silence as they waited for Akane to return, and Ryoga-chan glanced at Ranma-chan.
"So...what do you think?" she asked the red-head. Hmm...This was awkward, but better than letting Ryoko stir things up.
"About what?" Ranma-chan asked absently.
"Well, we have a place to stay for a while, but the stupid panda is going to keep pushing the engagement at you," Ryoga-chan replied.
{Bastard,} Ryoko growled.
{Ryoko!} Ranko admonished.
{What! It's not like it's that bad of an insult!} Ryoko protested.
"Yeah, well," Ranma-chan said, ignoring the girls, "It's not like I'm gonna marry her. I'll figure some way outta it," she finished sulkily. Ryoga-chan shook her head skeptically.
{Hey, I just thoughta somethin',} Ranko began, sounding horrified. {Since we share a body, does that mean I'm engaged to her as well?} There was a moment of stunned silence, then Ranko wailed, {I don't wanna be engaged to a girl!} The others started in surprise as Ryoko suddenly burst out laughing.
{Oh...I never though of that!} The blonde howled in between laughs. Ryoga-chan shook her head again in exasperation, and Ranma-chan grinned sheepishly.
"Well, maybe we can use that to get you out of the engagement," Ryoga-chan sighed as Ryoko continued in her mirth. He grinned inwardly, though. If Ryoko was laughing, especially about Akane, then she was close to forgiving the other girl.
"Do you honestly think Oyaji would care--" Ranma-chan began, but broke off as skeletal arms suddenly encircled both their shoulders. The two twisted in horror to take in the grinning skull staring at them evilly. With two startled shrieks, both ran from the boney embrace...to collide with a loud *thunk* with each other. They slid soundlessly to the ground.
"Oops," Dr. Tofu murmured, looking down at the prone forms. Just then, Akane came hurrying around the corner, kettle in hand.
"I've got the water!--Oh! Tofu-sensei!" She immediately flushed, clasping the kettle shyly in front of her. She gave a polite bow, then stared at the two sprawled figures on the ground. "What happened to them?" Dr. Tofu looked slightly embarrassed.
"Uhh...just a little joke," he replied, chuckling nervously while making Betty's fingers twiddle guiltily. "I didn't expect them to react so...forcefully though," he added.
"I see," Akane said blankly, wondering if everything about these two was so weird. "Well," she said briskly, hefting the kettle, "It's their first day of school, and I don't want to be late." She poured the water over the two girls, and Ranma and Ryoga sat up spluttering.
"Urg...what hit me?" Ranma asked woozily, clutching his head in pain. Ryoga was shaking his head to clear it of the stars dancing in his vision.
{Ryoga! What else could be that hard!} Ranko chortled in delight at the prank. Ryoko was gasping weakly between laughs.
{Why...does it burn!...No...body...} she wheezed.
"It's not that funny," Ryoga protested, clambering to his feet and hauling Ranma up as well.
{The paaaiiin...} Ryoko trailed off theatrically.
"You need to stop talking like that! It's weird when you do it," Akane said grumpily. "Come on! We're going to be late if we don't hurry." Ignoring the grumbles, she turned to the silent form of the doctor. "Have a good morning, Tofu-sensei," she said, blushing and bowing nervously. Ranma raised an eyebrow in surprise, but held his tongue for now.
{Wait, didn't he see us change?} Ryoko asked suddenly. Akane had turned, however, and gestured the two boys to follow her as she began to run. {Hello? Does this not worry anyone?} The others ignored her in lieu of catching up with the swiftly moving girl. They disappeared rapidly up the quiet street.
Still standing with Betty's arm raised in unconscious farewell, Tofu murmured, "I see." He grinned slowly, adding, "Interesting." Then he turned and walked back into his clinic.
* * *
The two boys had easily caught up with Akane, and were keeping pace with the running girl. Ranma cleared his throat, glancing out of the corner of his eye at her.
"So...what was that all about?" he asked in amusement.
"What do you mean?" Akane asked curtly. Ryoga glanced warningly at the other boy, but Ranma ignored him and continued mirthfully.
"Tofu-sensei. I thought you hated boys?" he teased, trying to get a rise out of the girl.
{Ranma...} Ranko warned as Akane scowled. Ahead of them, the tall form of what could only be the school gates appeared.
"That's right," the Tendou girl growled, picking up her pace and outstripping the boys. "I..." There was a rumbling and figures suddenly appeared at the gates. "...Hate..." Bokken, soccer balls, tennis rackets, and other weapons of mass exercise were brandished. "...BOYS!" Akane finished with a yell, and plowed right into the crowd of boys standing at the ready.
The cursed teens watched in astonishment as Akane proceeded to beat the living daylights out of the crowd. Cries of, "Akane, I love you!" and "Please go out with me!" echoed back to them amidst the shouts and groans of the melee.
{What on Earth?} Ranko asked in stunned bewilderment.
{Looks like a fan club,} Ryoko said with some admiration.
"Should we help her out?" Ranma wondered, wincing as he watched a barbell take down two boys at one throw.
{It's her problem!} Ryoko huffed as if suddenly aware she had said something unscathing about the other girl.
"She'd probably get mad at us for interfering," Ryoga pointed out. The two boys leapt atop the school fence for a better view. "Hey, look there!" Ryoga pointed at an emerging figure of a boy dressed in kendo garb.
{Hm...Not bad. He's kind of cute,} Ryoko mused. {Poor taste, though,} she added when the boy tossed a rose to the panting Akane amidst the prone forms of her attackers.
"Ryoko!" Ryoga gasped in horror, nearly losing his balance. "Please don't say those kind of things where I can hear you!"
{But you can always hear her!} Ranko giggled as Ranma shook his head with a smirk. They listened with half an ear as the kendo boy launched into an elaborate speech about the fools who'd dare try to win the sweet (Ryoko snorted in disbelief) Akane's favor.
"Ranma! Ryoga!" The boys glanced up in surprise to see Nabiki leaning out an upper window of the school. She waved at them. "Forget about this and come inside before you're late!"
"But what about..." Ranma called out, pointing at the two figures fighting in the courtyard.
"Don't worry about it! It happens every morning!" Nabiki replied, leaning casually on her crossed arms. A couple other girls had pressed in behind her, trying to see who she was talking to.
"Every morning?" Ryoga repeated in surprise.
{Hmm...Maybe she does have a good reason to be angry all the time,} Ranko mused.
{Doesn't give her the right to take it out on other people,} Ryoko grumbled.
"Guess she doesn't need help," Ranma said as Akane downed the kendo boy, huffing angrily as she stomped past the fallen boys. Ryoga shrugged, a little impressed Akane had managed the fight. Fighting a crowd wasn't that easy, and the kendo boy seemed like a decent fighter. The boys hopped off the fence and followed Akane into the school. Outside it began to rain, reviving the fallen boys and the crazy kendoist.
* * *
"Class, we have two new students today," the teacher said, gesturing for the boys to introduce themselves.
"I'm Ranma Saotome," he said, raising a hand in greeting. Ryoga bowed is head slightly, gaze firmly fixed to the floor.
"Ryoga Hibiki."
Most of the class gave the two boys starry eyes. The class was predominantly girls since most of the boys were still in the nurse's office.
"They have been in China for the past few years," the teacher continued, "So let's give them a warm welcome." Amidst the pattering of applause the teacher gestured toward the back of the room. "Go ahead and sit in an empty seat. I'll assign permanent seats later." The two boys nodded politely and sat in the indicated seats.
{Well,} Ryoko drawled as the teacher began class. {Here we go then.}
{Ooo! I just realized! We can talk all we want and not get in trouble!} Ranko squealed happily, causing Ranma to twitch. Ryoga gave all appearances of listening attentively to the teacher, but he was tracing a finger against the desk.
{We've been here all of two minutes and you're already bored? Ever thought of trying to learn something?} Ryoko dutifully repeated.
{Hey! It's not like I had any choice against coming!} Ranko protested. Ranma blinked as a folded piece of paper landed on his desk. Glancing at the teacher to make sure they were busy writing on the blackboard, Ranma unfolded the note while Ranko read "over his shoulder."
{Hi! You guys are cute. Do either of you have a girlfriend? Were you really in China? Have you ever kissed a girl?--Hey! I was readin' that!} Ranko said, laughing as Ranma crumpled the note, flushing.
{And so it begins,} Ryoko said ominously as many girls bent industriously over their desks, scribbling furiously. Ryoga slouched low in his seat as small scraps of paper headed his way, and Ranma had to resist the urge to bang his head against the desk. Didn't this teacher pay attention to his class? Akane sent a glare over her shoulder at them, before huffing and turning pointedly toward the front of the room.
Aside from the circulating pieces of paper, the class proceeded uneventfully, until the door slammed open and the kendo boy from earlier burst angrily into the room.
"Where is the cur Saotome?" he demanded, waving his bokken around.
"Kuno!" the teacher snapped. "I will not have an upperclassman behave in such an irresponsible manner! Go to the vice principal's office immediately!" Kuno opened his mouth to argue, but at an angry glare from the teacher he turned and stalked out of the room.
{What did you do to him?} Ryoko asked in surprise. Ranma surreptitiously traced a reply, aware of the curious stares once again fixed on him.
{He didn't do anythin'! We haven't even met the guy!} Ranko protested. {Wasn't he the guy buggin' Akane this morning?} she added for Ranma.
{Hm...I'm sensing trouble,} Ryoko said in amusement as Ryoga rolled his eyes. {And yes, he's rather unmistakable. Cute, but unbalanced.} She chuckled when Ryoga jerked at the comment. He scowled and traced some rather unflattering responses she didn't bother repeating.
{Ryoko! You're so mean!} Ranko giggled, and Ranma shook his head in exasperation.
{Yep, that's me!} Ryoko replied cheerfully. Ranma glanced over his shoulder to exchange a commiserating look with the other boy. Ryoga rolled his eyes, then looked pointedly around. Ranma blinked, then turned forward again to find most of the class watching the exchange avidly. He swallowed nervously, sinking into his seat as almost as one they turned back to their desks, small pieces of paper appearing like magic.
{Wanna bet on what they're writing?} Ranko asked excitedly.
{You mean about the torrid romance between Ranma and the kendo boy? Or about the deep bond between Ranma and Ryoga that allows them to read each other's thoughts?} Ryoko asked, amused at the suppressed whimpers Ranma was making. Ryoga actually had to bite his tongue to refrain from shouting out loud in protest. Ranko had no problem with that, however.
{Ryoko!} she cried, though whether she was more scandalized at the idea or that Ryoko had actually said it wasn't clear. Ryoko laughed as the first notes landed ominously on Ranma's desk. She didn't get a to find out whether she was right or not, because Ranma flat out refused to read anything for fear of what he might find. Girls were scary!
He did shove them into his bag (to hide from the teacher, though he doubted they'd notice, even if he went to the front of the class and read them out loud), and Ryoko was determined to rescue them before the pigtailed boy had a chance to destroy them.
The class ended without further interruptions, but the two boys hardly noticed. The minute the teacher left the room they'd been surrounded by the slathering masses...I mean, other students, all who were trying to get the undivided attention of the boys.
{What do we do?} Ranko asked in a panic as Ranma slipped his arm out of at least three sets of talons.
{You'd think they'd never seen a boy before,} Ryoko added nervously. Would these harpies go so far as to tear them apart in their fervor? There was a loud "ahem," and the mass stopped their frantic motions to turn to the source. Akane marched through the parting crowd, scowling fiercely.
"What are you doing? Don't you have better things to do than drool over a couple of boys?" she demanded, glaring at the other girls until they backed away. There was embarrassed muttering, but one voice piped up bravely from the security of anonymity in the crowd.
"You just want them to yourself!"
Akane went red with fury, and the girls scattered before the volatile girl exploded.
"Mou! How dare they say something like that!" Akane growled, vexed as her targets fled. She turned to the staring boys. "You could have done something, you know! There was no need to encourage them!"
Ranma opened his mouth to protest. Encourage? They'd done no such thing! But he stopped as support came from a surprising source.
{Shut up and thank the girl,} Ryoko snapped. {She just saved us a lot of trouble.} Ryoga raised his eyebrows in surprise. Looked like Ryoko had gotten over her sulk.
"Uh, thanks Akane. We weren't sure what to do," he said obediently, giving the girl a sheepish grin. Ranma muttered intelligibly, but nodded as well.
"Yeah, thanks. What was with the kendo boy, anyway?" he asked, frowning thoughtfully at the door.
"Kuno-sempai? Well, I'm not sure what he wants with you," Akane said, looking expectantly at Ranma. When he said nothing, she continued. "But he's determined to date me. He can't take a hint," she fumed.
{What about the other boys? Why were they tryin' to beat her up?} Ranko asked, Ranma repeating her question out loud.
"Kuno-sempai again," Akane grumbled. "He announced to the entire school that anyone who wants to date me has to beat me in combat."
{Sounds kind of fun, actually,} Ryoko said.
"But why do they do it?" Ranma asked, scratching his head in confusion. "They can't all want to date you!"
{Ranma...} Ryoko groaned in exasperation as Akane swelled in rage.
"You baka!" the long-haired girl cried, smashing Ranma's head into the desk. She stormed back to her seat, leaving the twitching Ranma and bemused Ryoga. The next teacher chose that moment to enter the classroom, preventing further discussion. A red-faced Ranma grumbled irritably as the lesson began.
{Tell me, Ranma. Is it hard speaking clearly with your foot lodged so firmly in your mouth?} Ryoko asked sweetly.
Ranma refrained from a rude gesture by only the slightest margin. He wished they were by themselves. Remembering not to respond was a pain. The lesson continued, boring Ranma and Ranko to tears. They amused themselves by ignoring the teacher to talk with each other (Ranma tracing his remarks), making it hard for Ryoga to concentrate with them 'chatting' so close by. He could only hear Ranko, so it sounded like a one-sided conversation. It was probably how other people felt when they talked to the girls.
{Ne, Ryoga,} Ryoko said, sounding bored herself. {Are there any interesting books or something? Trying to understand the teacher is pointless.}
Which was true. Coming into the middle of the term after years of no formal teaching, Ryoga really had no idea what the teacher was going on about. He wondered if it mattered...Sighing, he quietly reached into his desk, snagging the first book to come to hand. It turned out to be the history book.
{Hey! That's perfect!} Ryoko said, coming to life in enthusiasm. Ranko and Ranma stopped their chat at the sudden cry, listening interestedly. {You said you sort of remember things about dragons, right?} Ryoko continued. {I bet it's in the history books. Maybe we can learn something from it!}
Ranma groaned silently, and he and Ranko turned them out again. Who wanted to learn? Ryoga frowned, not opening the book just yet. 'What's the point?' he traced.
{Well, I doubt there'll be anything really useful, but at least we'll know what other people think of the Brood, right?} Ryoko wheedled. {Besides, it beats being bored!} He had to agree with that.
He opened the book, checking then flipping to the chapter marked 'The Dragon War.' He and Ryoko bend industriously over the book. Page after page was filled with tales of the evil clan of the Brood, the savior the Goddess, the terror of the dragons, and the horror the world was delivered from by their savior.
Ryoko sighed in disgust. History as written by the winners. Still didn't say exactly what horror the world was supposedly saved from. She noticed the tense silence coming from Ryoga, and frowned when she realized he was angry. Actually, she reflected as the desk creaked ominously in Ryoga's white knuckled grip, a bit more than angry.
{Hey Ryoga! Calm down, it's just a book,} she said soothingly. {We already knew it would be something like this! Don't let it get to you.}
Ryoga barely heard his sister's voice over the roaring in his ears. It was unfair! And untrue! He knew what was written was a lie, but here it was being paraded around as common knowledge! He vaguely realized he was angrier than he should be, but he couldn't help the rush of fury trying to make him snap. Not knowing what else to do, he fell back on the one constant in his life.
"Ranma! This is all your fault!" he roared, leaping to his feet and chucking the book at the stunned boy's face. It hit with a satisfying 'thwack!', and a bit of the haze cleared from Ryoga's vision.
"Whadja do that for?!" Ranma cried, leaping to his feet as well. Ryoga blinked, looking a little dazed.
"You! Uh...Hibiki and Saotome!" the teacher snapped, glaring at the two teens. The class had jumped at the unexpected outburst, and Akane was sending them a worried look. "I understand you may not be used to a civilized setting, but there will be no such disturbances in my class! Go stand in the hallway!" He pointed angrily at a pair of buckets in the back closet.
{Sorry Ranma,} Ryoko said quickly. {Just go with it. We'll explain out there.} Ranma scowled, but marched over to the buckets, noting they were full of water, and had to refrain from chucking one at the fanged boy's head. He and Ryoga exited the classroom, and Ranma slouched against the wall, still glaring at the now sheepish Ryoga.
"What was that all about?" Ranma demanded, keeping his voice low enough not to carry into the classroom. "What the heck did I do ta deserve that?!"
"Sorry Ranma," Ryoga mumbled. "It was just habit."
"Habit!" Ranma hissed.
{Now now, it's not that big of a deal,} Ryoko said soothingly.
{What was it about?} Ranko asked as Ranma settled for whacking Ryoga upside the head.
{Was reading about the Dragon War. Bunch of lies, probably Myria's meddling again,} Ryoko explained shortly.
{Ah,} Ranko said knowingly. {So of course it's all Ranma's fault. Makes perfect sense!}
"Oi! I said I was sorry!" Ryoga protested. "It usually is his fault!"
"You wanna start somethin'!" Ranma challenged, slipping into a fighting stance.
{No!} the girls chorused, stopping Ryoga from following suit.
"Ah, why not?" Ranma whined, anger evaporating as boredom set back in.
{Aside from the fact you'll get in more trouble, you both just happen to be holding buckets of water,} Ryoko pointed out. Ranma slouched again, resigned to having absolutely no fun today. The boys glanced at the classroom door as it slid open, a disgruntled Akane exiting to stand next to them, her own bucket of water in hand.
"What happened?" Ryoga asked hesitantly.
"Wasn't paying attention," she grumbled, turning her heated gaze on them. "For some reason, the teacher was in a touchy mood."
"Sorry," Ryoga mumbled guiltily. Her gaze softened a bit, and she raised an eyebrow at him.
"So what was that all about?" she asked.
"Apparently it's my fault the sky's blue, the world's round, and books are written," Ranma replied, causing Akane to grin.
"I was just reading about the Dragon War," Ryoga said quickly, shooting the pigtailed boy a look. "It wasn't true, what was written, and it kind of pissed me off. I used to blame Ranma for everything, and it just came out."
Akane's grin turned into quiet giggles. Ryoga looked so guilty, and Ranma merely rolled his eyes in exasperation.
"I find that hard to believe. You get along so well!" she said. They turned blank stares on her.
{She hasn't seen us spar before,} Ranko said in amusement.
{She'll learn,} Ryoko sniffed.
End Chapter 05
Author's Notes: Not much to say about this chapter. Other than it was fun to write. XD Ryoko just refused to apologize, though. *stares at muse* No idea why. *pokes her absently*