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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
-
Standing in the halls was boring. Standing in the halls while carrying buckets was tedious. Standing in the halls with bored martial artists was dangerous. Unfortunately Ranma, Ryoga, and Akane were doing all three.
Akane sighed softly, torn between ignoring the two boys (though they'd been nice enough lately) or risk getting in trouble to talk with them and alleviate some of the boredom.
"Hey Akane," Ryoga said, taking the decision from her. "Ryoko wants you to know she...mostly forgives you for yesterday and she's sorry. She'll tell you more herself later, but she wanted you to know." He shrugged noncommittally at her awkward stare.
"I...thanks?" she said, unsure whether it was a good thing or if she should be insulted. "I am sorry for reacting so rudely. It was just so...unbelievable."
{She has a mob of fan boys attack her every morning and she finds a simple gender flip to be unbelievable?} Ryoko drawled caustically, not happy she was giving up her grudge.
{Maturity, Ryoko,} Ranko teased. {It's not just a word in the dictionary!}
"You said you were reading in class," Akane said when it was apparent the others weren't going to say anything else.
"Yeah," Ranma answered for the fanged boy. "He was readin' the history book or somethin'."
"You should have been paying attention to the teacher!" Akane scolded. "Do you want to fail?" Ryoga shrugged uncomfortably.
"I couldn't keep up with what he was saying. Besides, I was curious about the Dragon War."
Akane frowned, but let it go. It wasn't her problem after all if the boy wanted bad grades. "You wanted to know about the Dragon War? Why?"
"Just curious," Ryoga said casually. "It's too bad that it wasn't accurate."
"What do you mean? What part wasn't true?" Akane asked in surprise. "I've read a lot about the Dragon War, but I never came across any contradicting information," she added, interested. Ranma raised an eyebrow in surprise at the eager girl.
"Well, all of it, really," Ryoga replied, a little taken aback at Akane's interest. "The Brood didn't start the war, and really only tried to hide from Myria who was killing them off."
"What? That's not true!" Akane said hotly. "Myria was supposed to have saved us! All the books say so!"
{Ah propaganda, how do I hate thee? Let me count the ways...} Ryoko muttered.
"It's true, though!" Ranma cut in. "The girls, or the girl they used to be, came from that time. An' we talked to this old chick in China who's under a sort of curse where she doesn't die of old age, and she was there too!"
Akane stared in disbelief.
"That's--" she began.
"Don't say it," Ryoga warned. "You thought the same thing about our curses. Just...trust us, okay? We're not lying." Akane scowled, but deep inside allowed a tiny bit of her to believe.
"So dragons aren't bad then?" she asked, eyes bright as she stared at the two surprised teens. They were spared from answering as the sound of an approaching voice made them all look down the hall.
"Never will I allow such a travesty to come to pass! I will smite the foul cur who dares to try and steal away the fair Akane!" the voice said, growing clearer as it came closer, until Kuno came charging around the corner, apparently finally free from the vice principal's. Upon seeing the three of them standing there, he pointed at the two boys in righteous fury. "You!" he cried, thrusting out with his ever-present bokken. Ranma and Ryoga were forced to dodge, careful not to spill their buckets. "One of you must be the foul Saotome! I will not allow your engagement to Akane!" Ranma and Akane blanched, and Ryoga shook his head sadly.
"How did you find out about--" Akane was cut off as students suddenly crowded the classroom windows, struggling with each other and demanding answers. Kuno didn't seem to notice, instead turning to the stuttering Akane.
"Ah, the beauteous Akane has come to witness my magnificent defeat of her captor! I regret, fair Akane, that I cannot give you the attention you deserve, but feat not! When I have smote the foul Saotome I will allow you to date me!" he proclaimed, striking a triumphant pose.
{The ego...it's bigger than Ranma's!} Ryoko gasped in mock horror.
"What makes you think I want to date you!" Akane said hotly, turning away from her peers to glare at the kendoist.
{I never thought such a thing was possible,} Ryoko added, feigning awe. Ranma's indignant cry was lost in the background.
"Obviously Saotome has used his questionable charms to confuse your thinking! I shall save you from this horrible fate!" Kuno exclaimed, swinging wildly at the two boys.
"Hey, leave off! I'm not Ranma!" Ryoga cried, trying to keep his bucket from spilling.
Ranma grinned. This was more like it!
"If you wanna fight, let's go somewhere else!" he said, tossing his bucket to the side and dashing past Kuno down the hall. He didn't notice his bucket hit Ryoga full in the face.
"Very well, I shall follow!" Kuno proclaimed, charging after the departing pigtailed boy.
"Ranma! How dare you hit me like that!" Ryoko howled, ignoring the confused stares of the students and Akane's resigned look as she took off after the two boys.
"S...someone's gonna take on Kuno! I think..." a boy said uncertainly as Akane began chasing after them.
"Let's go watch!" a girl cried, and the entire class went charging after Akane, ignoring the protests of the teacher.
Ranma was looking around for a quick way out of the building when his danger sense went off. He ducked, and felt a fist ruffle his hair as it passed right where his head had been a moment ago.
"Hey!" he cried, twisting to see Ryoko glaring at him. "Whadja do that for?"
"You hit me in the face! You'll pay for that!" Ryoko said hotly, the imprint of the bucket still vivid on her face.
{And you say I'm bad at keeping us secret!} Ranko teased, not particularly worried about it. They'd deal with it later if they had to.
Kuno came charging up, stopping in surprise at the short blonde in his path.
"You, girl! Why do you stand in the way of my fight with Saotome!"
He was surprised when the girl whirled on him, stepping right inside his guard to poke him sharply on the chest.
"Oh no, pretty boy! He's mine!" she snarled, flashing her fangs.
"Such...such fire!" Kuno cried, sweeping the squawking girl into his arms. "Bandana girl! I accept your affections! If you must fight a man, fight me! Should you win I will date you!"
Ranma had keeled over laughing, Ranko echoing him in their heads while Ryoga raged unheard. Ryoko had no such problem.
"Who the he--"
{Ryoko!}
"--eck wants a date with you!" she roared, rearing back and head butting the taller boy. He released her, staggering back to clutch his nose just as Akane came charging up. She seized Ryoko's bandana and dragged the protesting girl away before the kendoist could recover.
"Here! Change back!" Akane hissed, shoving a kettle at Ryoko and ushering the girl into an empty classroom. "You don't want anyone to know about your curse!"
"A bit late..." Ryoko grumbled, but obediently poured the water over her head, wondering idly where Akane had gotten it on such short notice. Akane watched as Ryoko's angry scowl was replaced by...Ryoga's angry scowl.
"How dare that idiot hit on Ryoko! This is all Ranma's fault!" he cried, charging past the astonished Akane.
{Make him pay!} Ryoko cheered happily, not caring who got beat up so long as someone did.
"...a pity, but no matter," Kuno was saying, once again pointing his bokken at an amused Ranma. "Now you, vile Saotome! I want to know how it is you came to be engaged to the beauteous Akane!"
"Ranma! Prepare to die!" Ryoga yelled as he leapt at the pigtailed boy.
"What did I do this time?" Ranma asked in exasperation, dodging quickly. "Make the sun rise?"
"It's your fault he got his hands on Ryoko! And you hit me with the stupid bucket!" Ryoga growled, lashing out with a kick the other boy blocked in kind.
"Who are you to interfere with my fight with Saotome!" Kuno cried indignantly.
There was a distant shout of "This way! They're over here!" and soon the curious class had gathered behind the fuming kendoist. The two cursed teens stopped their fight to regard him in various states of annoyance.
"Hey, where'd the blond girl go?"
"How'd Ryoga get over here?"
"Is there going to be a fight or not?"
Ranma and Ryoga sweat dropped nervously at the restless questions from the crowd, but relaxed when there was no accusing outcry.
{Amazing,} Ryoko said in bemusement. {We changed right in front of them, too.}
"I'm Ranma's rival," Ryoga said, finally answering Kuno's question. He paused a moment, then added, "Eh, sort of, at least. And you!" he snarled suddenly at the confused kendoist. "How dare you hit on my sister!" There was a fresh wave of excited murmurs from the highly entertained students.
{I like this!} Ranko chirped happily. {I'm not the one blabbing our secret to the entire school!}
"Sister? Surely such a vibrant gem as the bandana girl couldn't be related to such a lowly creature as you!" Kuno cried angrily.
{Oi! I take it back! Pretty face or not, I'm going to pound it into the ground!} Ryoko howled. Ryoga took a step forward to make good on his sister's promise, but stopped when Ranma put a restraining hand on his shoulder.
"Temper, Ryoga," he warned, relieved when Ryoga's grimace of anger eased a bit. "I'll take care of it, alright?" Ryoga gave a tight nod, and stepped back to cross his arms and glare murder at the older boy. Ranma stepped forward, once again catching Kuno's attention.
"What do you want, Kuno, isn't it?" he asked boldly.
"Ah," Kuno began, glancing unsurely between the two boys. He seemed to come to a decision, and drew himself up to tower over the pigtailed martial artist. "Your engagement to Akane Tendou! I will not allow it!"
"Didn't ya say that already?" Ranma mocked, ignoring the smattering of laughter from their audience. Akane was watching the teens closely, face blank as she watched the drama. She'd recognized the look on Ryoga's face, and was worried what would happen this time.
"Quiet knave! I shall rescue the fair Akane from your evil clutches!" Kuno cried angrily, striking out in a rapid series of blows at the other boy.
"Not that it's any of your business, but it's our parent's idea, not ours!" Ranma said scathingly, dodging the furious blows easily by bouncing off the walls, ceiling, startled students, etc. "It's not like I want to be engaged ta her anyways!"
"Hey!" Akane cried, outraged. "It's not like I want to be engaged to a baka like you either!"
Ranma stuck his tongue out at her, but surprised her when he winked playfully. Ryoga had been standing to one side, not bothering to flinch even as Kuno's sword passed inches from his face as the kendoist continued trying to hit the agile boy, but now he was extremely annoyed.
"If you're going to fight," he growled, "then do it outside!" He kicked the startled pair out the window, or at least out the hole where the window used to be prior to their exit.
"Whadja do that for?" Ranma cried as he began plummeting.
"We're on the third floor, idiot!" Akane screamed, rushing to the hole as the class crowded around.
"Don't worry! There's a pool down there!" a girl said, causing the falling Ranma to glance down. Sure enough, the square of water below was getting bigger and bigger.
{Don't you dare!} Ranko warned. {I don't need to get dragged into this!}
"Ah, be quiet," Ranma grumbled, ignoring the frantically flailing Kuno beside him, looking like he was attempting to fly with the way he was flapping his arms around. He thought quickly, and with a crackle of magic the pigtailed martial artist thrust a hand toward the building.
"Cyclone!" he called out, and a small tornado of wind erupted from his palm, hitting the wall and effectively pushing Ranma clear of the pool's trajectory. He landed lightly, skipping away from the splash Kuno made when he hit the water in an ungraceful belly flop.
{Ouch,} Ranko said as Ranma winced. He glanced up at the sound of shocked gasps from above to see Ryoga leap after him, wide enough not to land in the pool.
{I think he's out,} Ryoko said as Ryoga landed lightly next to the pigtailed boy.
"I don't know," Ranma mused, staring intently at the soggy kendoist. "He wasn't that bad, even if he is an idiot."
{And a pervert!} Ryoko added hotly.
{The perfect match for you, then!} Ranko teased.
"Well then," Ryoga said, ignoring Ryoko's angry hisses and rolling his shoulders purposefully. Without further warning, he punched Ranma, sending him sliding away down the length of the pool.
{Oi!} Ranko protested with a laugh.
{C'mon, just a small fight?} Ryoko cajoled.
"You're on!" Ranma cried, leaping to his feet and charging. He landed a kick that sent the fanged boy sliding backward, though he managed to remain on his feet. Ryoga smirked, happy to have a worthy target for his frustration.
"...Wasn't Saotome supposed to be fighting Kuno?" one kid asked of his friend as they watched the furious battle below.
"Is Kuno all right?" a girl asked, craning her neck to see over other's shoulders.
"Yeah, he's swimming for the edge already," another girl replied, pointing to the kendoist.
"Hey...where'd Akane go?
Akane came charging out of the building, kettle of water at the ready. She stopped short, staring at the surreal scene before her. Ranma and Ryoga were exchanging blows, flipping, dodging, and jumping around in fierce combat with each other.
Meanwhile a dripping Kuno was striking out at both boys, trying to land a hit on the cursed martial artists. Both boys seemed oblivious to the fuming kendoist, dodging his attacks without looking at him. Instead they entertained themselves with calling out insults to each other as they continued to brawl.
"You're way too slow, Ryoga! I've seen pandas that move faster than you!"
"How dare you say that to me! Besides, I've seen pandas that hit harder than you do!"
"Ah, shut up and die!"
"Hey! That's my line!"
Well...insults to them, at least.
"Hold still you vile sorcerer!" Kuno cried, still trying vainly to hit one of the boys, preferably the Saotome boy.
"Sorcerer?" Ranma said, unique insult enough for him to acknowledge the upperclassman. "I'm not a sorcerer!" He didn't bother looking at the kendoist, instead taunting Ryoga, "What was that! Did your fist get lost on the way? Didn't even come close!"
{But you are learning magic,} Ranko pointed out as Ryoga leaned to one side to avoid the bokken, then knocked Ranma back a step with another well placed punch.
"Too bad for you, Ranma, I don't get lost!" the fanged boy said gleefully. "So...apprentice then?" he added absently.
"What?" Kuno asked, trying to follow both the fight and the conversation.
{I suppose,} Ryoko mused, silently amused at the boy's antics. They were paying much more attention to Kuno than they appeared, as that weak punch proved. {Of course, with our spotty memory, the teachers aren't that much better than the students.}
"Then apprentice will do," Ranma said decisively, then yelped as Ryoga swiped both his and Kuno's feet from under them. "Cheap shot!" he cried, flipping back to his feet and charging again, drawing the fight from the prone kendoist. Kuno lay dazed, trying to digest the information and catch his breath.
{Are you really going to fight him?} Ranko asked as Ranma was flipped by Ryoga to go crashing into the ground.
"Mrg...Yeah--" Ranma coughed, rocking back to kick out with both feet at a descending Ryoga. The fanged boy twisted to avoid the blow, messing up his own attack to get out of the way. "If he--too slow!--really insists on it. I never back down from a challenge!"
"No, you just let certain pandas knock you out and drag you off to China!" Ryoga taunted, then nearly bit his tongue as Ranma executed a back flip, kicking him under the chin on the way. Ryoga crashed to the ground, cursing himself for his lapse of attention.
{Neat!} Ryoko crowed appreciatively. {What sort of move was that?}
"Traitor!" Ryoga groaned out, deciding if that's how Ranma wanted it, then he'd happily up the ante as well.
"Just came to me," Ranma said smugly, watching Ryoga closely as the other boy stood slowly, scowling and reaching for his bandana.
"Ranma, prepare to die!" Ryoga yelled, striping off several bandanas in rapid succession and sending them whirling toward the shocked boy.
"Whoa! Jeez Ryoga, how many bandanas are you wearing?" Ranma yelped as the projectiles left gouges in the dirt.
{And what are they made of?} Ranko added, impressed.
"Heh, that's none of your business," Ryoga smirked at the other boy, more bandanas in hand and already whirling. His eyes widened as he caught sight of Kuno just behind Ranma, and he flung the bandanas out before he could think.
{Ranma, duck!} Ryoko called out at the same time. Ranma had sensed the danger a fraction of a second before, and was already moving as Kuno's bokken narrowly missed his neck. The bandanas hit glancing blows on the distracted boys, knocking Kuno back several steps and causing Ranma to swear (mildly, lest he invoke Ranko's wrath) at the rips in his clothes. Ranma flipped around, dancing back a few steps for distance as he glared at the angry kendoist.
"You know, you are really starting to piss me off," Ryoga growled, stalking up to stand next to the pigtailed martial artist.
"Silence, foolish wretch! What right have you to interfere with my fight with Saotome?" Kuno cried, thrusting his bokken accusingly at the fanged boy.
"What fight?" Ryoga sneered, folding his arms derisively. Ranma stuck a hand out, though Ryoga had made no move forward.
"You wanna fight? Are you sure about that?" Ranma asked dangerously. "I don't appreciate you tryin' ta stab me in the back, ya know."
"As if your cowardly words hold meaning for me!" Kuno raged. He was wet, cold, in pain, and feeling vaguely humiliated. The pigtailed boy would pay!
{Ranma...} Ranko said unsurely. Ranma was staring coolly at the kendoist, then his eyes flicked beyond to the frozen figure of Akane. He suddenly relaxed, grinning mockingly at the older boy.
"Alright. I accept your challenge!" he said, slipping into his favorite stance. "Don't interfere, guys," he added, and Ryoga backed off reluctantly.
"Hurry up and beat him so I can beat you," Ryoga grumbled, then headed over to wait by Akane.
"Wha...what's going on?" Akane asked weakly when he reached her.
{Kuno sucks, that's what,} Ryoko grumbled.
"Ranma's mad, I think," Ryoga said, folding his arms to stare impassively at the duelists.
"Mad? He's...grinning! And Kuno-sempai nearly killed him!" Akane said, aghast. The kettle sloshed as she moved agitatedly, causing Ryoga to glance down at it.
"Oh, thanks by the way," he said, grinning sheepishly down at her. She blinked blankly up at him.
"For what?" she asked, bewildered and worried.
"The water. Both before and now. It's really annoying how water seems to seek us out," he explained in embarrassment.
"You're welcome," Akane sighed, deciding to just let things come as they would. It was too tiring trying to keep up!
"So, do I get to know exactly why you wanna fight me?" Ranma asked, watching cautiously for Kuno's first move.
"Your engagement to the fair Akane. I will not allow your trickery to enslave such a delicate flower!" Kuno cried pompously.
"That's all? Really?" Ranma asked mockingly. "You're jealous I managed to get the girl in a single day when you haven't been able to in what, a year?"
"Silence! Have at thee, knave!" Kuno charged the pigtailed boy, striking out a series of furious blows. Ranma dodged frantically, fairly surprised at the actual speed the other possessed.
"Well, if that's all, maybe I should let you beat me," Ranma crooned, flipping behind the kendoist and ducking the retaliating swing to strike forward with both palms, sending Kuno stumbling forward. "Would you like that, sempai?"
"You dare make a mockery of the Blue Thunder of Furikan High?" Kuno cried in outrage, whirling and charging the boy again. At the last second Ranma slipped to the side, sticking his foot out. Kuno obediently tripped over the extended limb and went tumbling to the ground.
"More like Blue Blunder!" Ranma taunted, deliberately standing with his arms casually behind his head.
{You're tryin' to humiliate him?} Ranko asked quietly.
"If he's dishonorable enough to try an' hit someone from behind, I don't think I gotta show him any respect," Ranma said coolly.
"Speaking to yourself, Saotome?" Kuno said, standing and getting into a ready stance. "Such insanity proves you are not fit to be in the company of the beauteous Akane!"
Ranma scowled, leaping high to come down from above on the startled kendoist. Dodging Kuno's strike, he struck out at the other boy's forehead.
Ryoga snorted in amusement next to Akane, causing her to tear her gaze from the heated fight to glance at him in surprise.
"What?" she asked, wondering if Ryoko had said something.
"Ranma just gave Kuno an interesting bruise," Ryoga explained. "He'll have it for a while."
Kuno swung again, Ranma twisting double to avoid it. The tree nearby wasn't so lucky, sliced neatly in two.
{Hey, he's not too bad,} Ranko said in surprise.
"You cur! I shall smite thee!" Kuno howled in frustration, failing yet again to hit the agile martial artist. "Hold still you peasant!"
{But still stupid,} Ranko sighed, then started in surprise as Ranma stopped moving. {Ranma, you're not actually gonna--}
"Slow, clumsy, and--" Ranma said, eyes bright as Kuno took advantage of the other boy’s stillness. In a burst of motion, Ranma struck out. There was a blur of movement, and then Ranma was standing smugly with the bokken casually over his shoulder, Kuno staring in amazement at his empty hands. "Stupid," Ranma finished perkily, whirling the weapon idly.
"You foul sorcerer!" Kuno cried, then reached into his kendo outfit to pull another bokken out, much to Ranma's amazement. There was no way Kuno had a spare weapon in there! Ranma yelped, eyes widening as the bokken he was holding vanished in a wisp of smoke. Kuno took advantage of the distraction, striking the off balanced martial artist. Ranma went staggering backward, right into the forgotten pool.
"When did he--" Ryoga cried in alarm, but Akane was already moving. She dashed to the side of the pool, knocking Kuno off his feet on the way, then hauled the surprised Ranko out of the water while pouring the hot water over her head at the same time.
"Hot!" Ranma yelped, leaping to stand on his own feet while Akane slumped in relief. Ryoga was too busy gaping to do much of anything.
{That...was pretty cool,} Ryoko said weakly.
"Akane! So you return my affections for you!" Kuno cried, tears of happiness streaming down his face as he leapt with open arms.
"Hey! Aren't we supposed ta be fightin'?" Ranma asked of the smushed face beneath his foot. Akane stared. When had Ranma moved? Like a switch had been flipped, Kuno went from ecstatic to enraged in a flash.
"You cur! You shall pay for laying a finger on my magnificent self!" he cried, staggering back and clutching his red face. Ranma stared in disbelief, then sighed tiredly. They were still too close to the pool, and they'd already had two close calls. Time to call it quits. Pushing Akane gently to the side, Ranma twisted to dodge Kuno's next strike, then kicked out. Back flipping away, he landed next to the approaching Ryoga who'd come to steady Akane.
"What...?" Akane straightened and shrugged Ryoga's hands off her shoulders. "What happened?" she asked, staring at the still form of Kuno.
"Oh, I hit his vital spots," Ranma said casually. "He just hasn't realized he's lost yet." Obediently, Kuno let out a moan and slumped to the ground. "Next time, don't bug us!" he snapped at the unconscious kendoist.
"Took you long enough," Ryoga said scathingly.
"Well, I was havin' fun!" Ranma protested.
{Did you see that thing with the stick?} Ranko asked excitedly.
"Yeah, that was weird," Ranma replied, frowning.
"You're doing it again," Akane said pointedly, tapping her foot irritable. The boys shot her a confused look, and then a sheepish one as they realized what she was talking about.
"Sorry 'bout that. We can't really help it!" Ranma said, chuckling weakly. "They sound so normal to us," he added, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Hey, your neck!" Ryoga said in surprise as the move revealed the forming bruise on the pigtailed martial artist.
"Kuno-sempai is very good," Akane said reproachfully. "You should take him more seriously."
"Hm...air pressure alone," Ranma said musingly, touching the bruise carefully. "Anyways, he's not that good! He's just got a lot of endurance!"
"Did you forget he got a good hit in?" Ryoga smirked at the other boy.
"Hey! I was distracted!" Ranma protested.
"Ha! A true martial artist wouldn't get distracted by something so stupid!" Ryoga mocked gleefully.
"Shut up! Besides, it's not like the idiot could hurt me!" Ranma said hotly. Akane raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"Oh really?" she said, bending over to poke him in the side. She was surprised when he didn't even flinch, but looked up quickly at Ryoga's burst of laughter and saw Ranma's eyes tearing up in pain.
"Doesn't...hurt...at all," Ranma choked out, then took a deep breath.
{Wimp!} Ryoko teased, and Ranma's eye twitched. Without warning Ranma punched Ryoga right in his laughing face. The boy fell to the ground, sufficiently dazed to be silenced.
{You jerk...} Ryoko moaned disgustedly.
{Serves you right!} Ranko said brightly.
"C'mon, let's go home," Ranma said to Akane, grabbing Ryoga's bandana to drag him along.
"School's not over yet!" Akane protested, hurrying to catch up with the boy.
"But I am, thanks. Please?" he added, sending her the most pitiful look he could manage. She sighed, sending him an exasperated glare.
"Fine! But let's stop by Tofu-sensei's for your side!" she huffed, striding determinedly forward.
"Yes ma'am!" Ranma replied, mock saluting her as Ryoga finally gained his feet again, grumbling and knocking Ranma upside the head.
{Jeez. If this was just the first day, I wonder what the rest of the year will be like!} Ranko said, excitement lacing her voice.
{Not so boring, was it?} Ryoko said, laughing brightly as the trio exited the school gates.
* * *
"Pretty good, Kuno-chan," Nabiki said. She watched Kuno examine the misshapen kanji for 'idiot' that stood out glaringly on his forehead amidst all the red footmarks in a hand mirror.
"It is only to be expected," he muttered, glowering darkly at the bruise. "He is a skilled opponent. I barely remember him doing it," he added grumpily.
"It's a good look on you, Kuno-chan!" Nabiki drawled smugly. "Do you really think you're up to it?"
"I shall not fail! 'Tis only a mere week before my training is complete!" Kuno said hotly. "The fool couldn't even spell it right!" he continued, seizing a piece of chalk to scribble messily on the black board. Nabiki snatched a piece of chalk, scrawling as well.
"But this would be so much better!" she said, the glaring message of 'stick boy' next to the still misspelled 'idiot'. Kuno glared at her.
"I despise you," he growled.
"I'm so pleased," she replied coolly.
* * *
"I don't know whether to scold you for fighting and playing hooky or to praise you that the damage was so minimal," Tofu said bemusedly, examining Ranma's side carefully. Ryoga was leaning against the wall idly observing, while Akane sat on a stool embarrassedly nursing a cup of tea.
"Hey! It's not like it was my fault!" Ranma protested, then winced as Tofu prodded none too gently against the dark bruise on his side. "The idiot attacked me in the middle of class!"
{But we weren't in class!} Ranko corrected perkily.
"Same difference," Ranma muttered as Tofu turned to get a salve from a cabinet.
"Tofu-sensei," Ryoga said quickly, just in case the idle remark had been noticed. "If you don't mind me asking, are you a martial artist of sorts?" Tofu smiled at the boy, coming back to Ranma's side and beginning to apply the medicine.
"Of a sort, yes," he replied as Akane regarded Ryoga in surprise.
"How could you tell?" she asked, blinking as Ryoga rolled his eyes and Ranma frowned.
"This morning he snuck up on us," Ryoga explained, the doctor giving both boys an apologetic look. "Neither of us noticed his presence, so he must be pretty good to be able to do that. Or at least had some sort of training."
"My apologies for that," Tofu said, screwing the lid back on the bruise salve and reaching for some bandages. "Though I am more interested in fixing things than breaking them, I'm afraid."
{Hey, this guy's a doctor, right?} Ranko asked. {Do you think...maybe we should ask him if he has any idea about the curse? Or at least let him know in case somethin' goes wrong an' we need help?}
"Uh...I see," Ryoga said distractedly, shooting Ranma a look. Akane glanced suspiciously between the two as Tofu began cleaning up.
{I don't like the idea, but it might be a good one,} Ryoko said reluctantly.
{How 'bout just ask him if he knows anything about curses?} Ranko suggested. {We don't have to say we have a curse.}
{So we just casually ask this guy about a curse? 'Oh no doctor, we were just curious about curses and you seemed like such a knowledgeable guy', nothing suspicious about that,} Ryoko said sarcastically.
{Well--}
"Ranma!" Akane hissed, kicking the distracted boy sharply on his shin.
"Ow! What? What?" Ranma said wildly, glancing around at a chuckling Tofu.
"I merely said you're done and can head home," the doctor replied gently, smiling at the blushing Akane. "Unless there's something else you need help with?"
{Okay, that's a bit too convenient,} Ryoko said suspiciously. {Didn't he already see us change?}
{Quiet!} Ranko hissed as Ranma began talking.
"Oh, right," Ranma muttered in embarrassment. "Just one other thing, Sensei. Do you know anything about curses or anything like that?"
{We're really going to tell him?} Ryoko complained. Tofu was staring considerately at them, pushing his glasses up absently.
"Curses, huh?" he murmured. "I'm afraid I don't know much about them, no. I have studied the theory of general magic, and there are certain conditions magic can cause that might be considered a curse. Could you describe the symptoms, maybe?"
"Magic?" Akane couldn't help but interrupt.
"Yes, magic," Tofu said, smiling at her and causing her to glance nervously down at her hands. "If you are interested, I have a book about it. You may borrow it if you want."
"Thanks!" Akane said, looking up brightly and forgetting her embarrassment in her excitement. "I'd love to read it!"
{So, are we gonna tell him?} Ranko asked impatiently to the thoughtful boys. Ranma sighed, hopping off the examination table and snatching his shirt up. Slipping the garment on, he shook his head at Ryoga. Ryoga frowned, then nodded. They didn't always need the girls to understand what the other was thinking.
"I don't think it's a regular magic curse," Ryoga said slowly, choosing carefully what to say and what not to say. "We met some Amazons in China who live near the source, and their matriarch has been researching a cure for it. We were just kind of curious if you'd know anything special."
"I see," Tofu said thoughtfully. He gave them a reassuring smile. "Well, I'm sorry I couldn't help you more. Feel free to come to me any time you feel the need."
"Thank you so much, Tofu-sensei!" Akane said, bowing politely.
"Ah, Akane, did you want that book?" Tofu asked, going to his small bookcase and selecting one of the volumes.
"Yes! Thank you!" Akane said again, eagerly taking the book from the doctor.
"Bring it back when you're finished," Tofu instructed the distracted girl. Akane was already flipping through the pages, and Ranma and Ryoga exchanged amused glances.
{Hm...blowing off her crush for a book,} Ryoko drawled. {Hey, you don't suppose...Akane is a closet nerd?} she gasped in mock horror.
{Ryoko!} Ranko scolded, but the effect was ruined because she couldn't stop the laughter slipping out. Ryoga coughed to cover his own mirth, with the bonus of catching Akane's attention as well.
"Shall we go?" Ranma asked, grinning widely.
"Huh? Oh, yes. See you later Tofu-sensei!" Akane said, the three teens bowing as they exited the office. Tofu shook his head ruefully.
{Must be a real interesting book,} Ranko said mildly as they exited the clinic, Akane's head buried firmly between the pages.
"Or maybe an interesting subject," Ryoga said unconcernedly. He glanced skyward, then back to the pigtailed boy. "Where to, then?"
"Home?" Ranma suggested.
{That's where we were headed before,} Ranko agreed.
{It would be nice to get a good spar in, though,} Ryoko said.
"We can't do that in the town, though," Ranma protested. "Not unless we want to break a whole bunch of other people's stuff!"
{Could we go out of town a ways?} Ranko suggested eagerly.
"But we have to take Akane home before we could do that," Ryoga pointed out. At her named, Akane looked up.
"'Sides, Oyaji would have a fit if we left her here alone," Ranma said, not noticing the Tendou girl's attention.
{She's a big girl. I'm sure she can take care of herself,} Ryoko said sourly.
{My, was that a compliment?} Ranko teased.
"Of course she could. I just don't want to deal with Oyaji whining at me," Ranma replied.
{Oi,} Ryoko agreed sarcastically. {I can certainly think of better uses of our time.}
"Like thinking up creative new insults?" Ryoga asked in amusement.
"You know," Akane said in exasperation, surprising the teens. "It sounds really weird when you talk like that. You should stop!"
"Hey, leave off!" Ranma protested immediately, ignoring Ryoko's thesaurus insults. Apparently she'd thought of her brother's comment as a challenge. "Are we supposed ta just ignore them? That's not fair!"
"Well...no, but..." Akane said unsurely at the fuming boy. Ryoga rolled his eyes, whacking Ranma upside the head to distract him.
"Never mind, Akane," the fanged boy said tiredly. "We'll try not to do it too much in public, but I can't promise we won't do it if no one else is around."
{Or even just Akane, since she knows about us anyways,} Ranko added.
"Oh...do as you like!" Akane huffed resignedly. "Just be careful around Kuno or he'll use it against you somehow."
"That idiot?" Ranma asked in surprise. "He's not gonna bother us again!" Akane gave him a mixed look of amusement and resignation.
"You obviously don't know him very well. He won't stop for anything once you've caught his attention," she said bitterly.
{Why do I feel as if a bucket of ice water was just dropped over me head?} Ryoko asked weakly, causing Ryoga to double check that it hadn't..
"He couldn't be that thick," Ryoga said in disbelief, looking vainly to Akane for reassurance. "Could he?"
* * *
"Akane! I love you!"
"I'm doing this for you!"
"Saotome! You vile cur! Release the beauteous Akane at once!"
Ranma and Akane exchanged pained glances, then as one turned and booted Kuno into low earth orbit. Ryoga heaved a sigh of relief that he'd apparently been forgotten by the unbalanced kendoist. The normal morning mob decided today was not a good day to bother Akane, and backed off quickly.
{I guess he is too thick,} Ranko said resignedly.
"Tell me this isn't going to happen every morning!" Ranma begged the long-haired girl.
"Welcome to my world," she snapped, stalking angrily into the school. Ranma turned despairing eyes to Ryoga.
"Better you than me!" the fanged boy said quickly, hands help up defensively.
"Ah man..." Ranma moaned, and the pair trudged inside after Akane.
* * *
"Saotome! You foul sorcerer!" Kuno shouted across the grounds at lunch.
"Apprentice," Ranma corrected, not looking up from his bento. Kuno stopped, thought, then dismissed the comment and continued to charge the pigtailed boy, bokken raised.
"Release the fair Akane Tendou from your vile control!"
"Hey Akane, am I controlling you?" Ranma asked, shoving his bento to the relative safely of Ryoga as he flipped up and twisted. He caught Kuno in a kick that continued the kendoist's charge forward, propelling him into the tree Ranma had been sitting against.
"You wish," Akane muttered, absently brushing a fallen leaf out of her hair.
"Nah, why would I want a tomboy like you ta do anythin' for me?" Ranma teased. Akane twitched, then to the boy's astonishment hauled a large mallet from nowhere.
"Ranma no baka!" she cried, bringing it smashing down on the aforementioned boy's head. Ryoga edged nervously away.
"Akane?"
"Yes Ryoga?"
"...Where did you get that mallet?"
"I can't tell you that."
"My beloved Akane!" Kuno sprang forward to wrap the startled girl in a tight embrace. "Now that the vile sorcerer--"
"Apprentice," came a muffled voice from the ground.
"...Now that Saotome is out of the way, you may date me Akane Tendou!"
Akane swelled in fury, and a new mallet appeared in hand.
"Kuno no baka!"
*wham!*
"Nice view, eh Kuno?"
{Ranma!} came Ranko's scandalized cry.
"I quite agree. You can see the lovely Akane's blue panties from here."
Akane went red in both fury and embarrassment, causing Ryoga to dive for cover as she tore into the two prone boys.
"Die perverts!"
"You know Ryoko?" Ryoga said, munching absently on the rest of Ranma's lunch.
{Yeah?} came the amused query.
"It is definitely better for my health to say out of it," he said, wincing as the sounds of agony drifted over to him.
{Brilliant, Aniki. True genius,} Ryoko said sarcastically.
Ryoga picked himself off the ground, brushing his clothes off and gathering his stuff. He walked unconcernedly toward the school, and the last thing he heard before disappearing inside was Ranko's desperate cry.
{Ryoko~! Ryoga~! Heeeeelp meeee!}
* * *
"Saotome! You foul...cur!"
"Nice save, Kuno," Ranma said, turning to face the defiant kendoist. Kuno pointed dramatically with his bokken.
"The wrath of heaven is slow but--"
*wham!*
Ranma stared at the object that had dropped out of the clear sky to land on the other boy.
{Where'd that anvil come from?} came Ranko's confused query.
* * *
"Saotome! I will defeat you and release the fair Akane from your vile clutches!"
"Don't you ever sleep?" Ranma groaned, turning back from the entrance to the Tendou home. Ryoga glanced back, then smirked and vanished inside. "Traitor..." Ranma mumbled.
"Hah! My vengeance knows neither night nor day! The heavens side with me in--"
*wham!*
Ranma was left once again staring at the embedded kendoist.
{Who's dropping those anvils?} Ranko complained.
* * *
"Saotome! I vow to the hea...to you that I will free the beauteous Akane from your vile presence!" Kuno was again barring the pigtailed martial artist's path. Ranma didn't even bother to pause.
"Sorry Kuno. Can't fight now. Gotta get these things back to Kasumi!" he said shortly, continuing right past the kendoist.
"Very well," Kuno said gravely. "It would not due for me to upset the honored Kasumi Tendou. You are lucky! If it had not been for...HEY! You could at least wait for me to finish!" he cried at the departing figure.
"What can I say? I don't want to keep Kasumi waiting!" was the distant reply.
"Quite right. Next time."
* * *
"Saotome!"
"Don't you have another way of gettin' my attention?" Ranma groaned. "This 'Saotome' business is gettin' old!"
{This idiot is gettin' old!} Ranko complained.
"You dare ridicule my speech!" Kuno raged. Then he looked worried. "Am I really repeating myself so frequently?"
"Every single time I see you," Ranma replied irritably.
"Very well! I will let you off this time as I need to rethink my strategy!" Kuno said, and retreated swiftly. Ranma blinked in confusion.
{Did we just get blown off?} Ranko asked, insulted.
* * *
"It is the corrupt pig-tailed boy!"
Ryoga snickered as Ranma dropped his head into his hands.
"I think I preferred 'Saotome'," said pigtailed boy moaned.
"Today will be the day you fall to my mighty blade!"
"I only see a wooden stick, stick-boy!" Ranma snapped.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Kuno shrieked.
"Ooo, touchy, aren't we?"
"No matter! The Blue Thunder will triumph today!" Kuno cried, thrusting his bokken dramatically into the air. Thunder rolled and lightning crackled.
"Hey Kuno?" Ranma said innocently to the smoking boy. "Perhaps you shouldn't call down lightning like that. Someone might get hurt."
{Ryoga...you wouldn't happen to know why a magical bolt of lightning just struck Kuno, would you?} Ryoko asked sweetly of her smug brother.
"...Perhaps...*cough*...you are right," Kuno wheezed out weakly, arm still upraised.
"Good night, Kuno," Ranma called over his shoulder as he and Ryoga strolled away.
"Yes, a nap seems in order."
* * *
"Mou...How does that old lady keep gettin' us?" Ranko complained, wringing out her pigtail.
"I don't know," Ryoko said, glaring through wet bangs at said oblivious old lady, who went about rinsing her sidewalk unconcernedly. "Did you bring the thermos?"
"Me? I thought Ryoga got it!" Ranko cried in dismay.
{I thought Ranma got it,} Ryoga said sheepishly.
{Are you sayin' none of us has any hot water?} Ranma asked resignedly.
"We don't have time to stop," Akane said, grabbing each girl by the hand and tugging them forward. "We'll get some at school!"
"Well, we haven't had much chance to be out lately anyways," Ranko said cheerfully. "At least we get to stretch our legs!"
{If you wanted out you could have asked,} Ryoga said in dismay at the thought they'd been neglecting the girls.
"Don't worry about it. It's not like there's much of a chance to come out with you guys at school all day," Ryoko said dismissively. Now used to the nonsense conversations the teens had, Akane had made it a game to try and figure out what the 'silent' parties were saying. She was getting pretty good at it.
"How about we spar tonight, then?" Akane suggested brightly. "I haven't had a chance to fight you guys for real!"
"Sounds fun, but wouldn't it be better if we trained you to fight better?" Ranko asked innocently. "That way you could keep up with us when we fight seriously!"
"Ranko..." Ryoko groaned as Akane growled angrily. "Ranma is supposed to have the foot-in-mouth syndrome, not you!" Ranko looked horrified at her thoughtless words.
"Akane! I didn't mean it like that!" she said hastily to the fuming girl. "I'm sorry! I just wanted to help!" Akane flipped her hair angrily over her shoulder.
"Why don't you try me for real, next time! I'm a martial artist too, you know!" she snapped at the contrite red head. Ryoko frowned, but didn't bother saying anything.
"I'm sorry..." Ranko said dejectedly. Akane huffed in annoyance, but caved at the pitiful looking girl.
"Oh...It's fine Ranko. I know you guys are...better than me," Akane said grumpily, as if the omission was painful. Ranko brightened immediately.
"I have an idea! We can spar an' have the boys tell us what we can improve on!" she suggested excitedly. "Me an' Ryoko are still learning too! An' that way we can all get better, right?" Akane sighed, then grinned at the anxious girl.
"Well...I guess that would be okay. I do want to be a better martial artist!"
Ryoko elbowed her gently, smirking playfully. "You sure you can drag yourself away from your beloved Tofu-sensei's book?" Akane swatted at the girl, flushing.
"It's not--"
"'Tis the beauteous Akane!" The three girls started in surprise, not having realized they'd made it all the way to school. Kuno was standing in the gateway, giving Akane an ecstatic look. "I see the vile Saotome did not show his cowardly face today! He must be hiding, trembling in fear of my might!" the kendoist cried, thrusting a fist triumphantly to the sky.
"{Hey! Ranma's/I'm not a coward!}" the two Saotomes cried in unison. Kuno's gaze zeroed in on the two new girls, and Ryoko fought the urge to find a rock to crawl under.
"Oh...no..." she moaned weakly as Kuno's face brightened.
"Why, it is the fiery bandana girl! And who is this vision of loveliness who accompanies you?"
"Me?" Ranko squeaked in dismay. "I'm nobody special! Don't mind me!"
"Throwing me to the dogs?" Ryoko growled at the other girl.
{Payback,} Ranma said smugly.
"Why, I must protest pigtailed girl! Such a fair damsel as yourself shines brighter than the sun!"
"Uh...uh...you like Akane, don't you?" Ranko asked desperately. It would be flattering if she didn't already know what Kuno was like. Kuno looked surprised at the question.
"Of course! My loyalty to the fair Akane is unwavering!"
"Really?" Ryoko muttered sarcastically. "She's standing right here you know."
"Why, Kuno-sempai," Akane said, turning shining eyes on the kendoist. "If you wish to pursue the affection of these girls, please, don't let me stand in your way!" She ignored the betrayed looks the two girls were giving her. She'd been enjoying her mostly Kuno-free week, thanks to Ranma.
"Sweet Akane, so generous!" Kuno cried, tears streaming unchecked down his face. "I could never give up one so kind, so giving! Instead, I shall date you all!" The kendoist threw himself forward, arms outstretched to embrace the trio. As one the three girls twitched, then struck.
*wham!* *smash!* "Ouch!" *crunch!* "Don't put that there!" *twist!* *grind!* "Mercy! Mercy!" *pop!* *snap!* "I don't think that's supposed to bend that way..." *wrench!* *bam!*
The three girls stalked across the grounds, leaving the smoldering remains groaning in the dirt.
* * *
After a week of constant attacks, ambushes, and annoying speeches from a certain kendoist, Ranma was ready to tear his hair out in frustration. The first fight hadn't been that bad; while not too much a challenge, at least it had been a real fight. But since then, getting rid of the older boy had been both trivial and boring for the pigtailed boy.
Ryoga was frustrated as well, because Kuno had a habit of popping up when they were trying to spar, leaving all involved annoyed and distracted. The girls were equally sick of the relentless boy, whether for their own or their brother's sake. And as it was another bright school day, they were approaching the gate with resignation.
It was quickly apparent to the cursed teens and Akane that something was very different today. The normal morning mob was completely absent, and Kuno (dressed in a school uniform!) was standing talking quietly to a scowling Nabiki.
"What's going on?" Akane asked suspiciously as they came up to her sister and the older boy.
"Akane. Good morning," Kuno said pleasantly. He didn't spout any poetry. He didn't wave his bokken around. His bokken wasn't even there. Instead he sounded nervous, not quite looking at the long-haired girl.
"Uh...good morning?" It was more a question than a response, Akane not sure how to handle this new strangeness.
"Saotome, Hibiki," Kuno said, nodding politely to the two boys.
{I'm...I'm terrified!} Ranko squeaked. {Do you think he's sick? Possessed? Dying?!}
"Kuno-chan here has something to say to you, Akane," Nabiki said, sounding bored. Kuno shot her a glare, then turned nervously to the freaked out Akane.
"I must apologize," he mumbled. "I've cause you a lot of trouble this past year. But I won't pursue you anymore, and I've stopped the other boys from attacking you every morning."
"What?" Akane said warily, confused at the odd speech patterns (for Kuno, at least) and not believing for a second that the kendoist was serious. He'd burst out any second now with a flowery speech on his greatness or something.
"What's goin' on? Why the sudden change?" Ranma demanded in annoyance.
"I had a bet going on with Kuno-chan," Nabiki said coolly, staring at her volatile younger sister for signs that the girl was about to attack. "If he could keep up the crazy kendoist act for a year, he won. But if he slipped up even once, he owed me 1,000,000 yen."
"That much?" Ryoga spluttered.
"Kuno-chan's rich, didn't you know?" Nabiki said, smirking at the fanged boy.
"What does that have to do with me?" Akane demanded hotly, though she already had a clue.
"Part of the bet was to pursue a girl's affections," Kuno replied, shifting uncomfortably.
{Oh dear gods, they're insane!} Ryoko cried in horror.
"I chose you, Akane, because I knew you would be the only one able to defend yourself properly," he continued, beginning to edge backwards as Akane visibly swelled in fury.
"Think of it as training," Nabiki drawled, smirking at the panicked look Kuno shot her. Ranma and Ryoga were sidling nervously away from the trembling girl.
{Fire in the hole!} Ryoko crowed as Akane visibly snapped.
{Run for it!} Ranko cried. Ranma and Ryoga dove to the side as Akane erupted, red aura glowing around her. The effect was to make the furious girl look quite demonic, and Kuno realized he probably should start running five minutes ago. He turned, snatching a surprised Nabiki just in case Akane wasn't picky, then sprinted off as if the hounds of hell were on his heels.
"I'LL KILL YOU!!" Akane howled, tearing off after the distant figures. When the dust settled, Ranma cautiously sat up.
{...Where did she get that mallet?} Ranko asked weakly. {It was much too big for her to have hidden anywhere.}
"I don't know, an' I'm not askin'!" Ranma said, standing up and offering a hand to Ryoga. Pulling the boy to his feet, they both stared blankly at the distant sounds of mass destruction. Then, not having anything better to do, they headed for class. Akane, Nabiki, and Kuno never did make it to school that day.
End Chapter 06
-
Author's Notes: And this bring an end to the (currently) re-written version of BoF ½. I will certainly get back to this (I like this story too much not to), but for now, it is on the backburner while my DC fics take the fore. If the fancy strikes me, I will revise more and post it here, of course. 'Til then, please continue to be patient with me. *bows*
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
Standing in the halls was boring. Standing in the halls while carrying buckets was tedious. Standing in the halls with bored martial artists was dangerous. Unfortunately Ranma, Ryoga, and Akane were doing all three.
Akane sighed softly, torn between ignoring the two boys (though they'd been nice enough lately) or risk getting in trouble to talk with them and alleviate some of the boredom.
"Hey Akane," Ryoga said, taking the decision from her. "Ryoko wants you to know she...mostly forgives you for yesterday and she's sorry. She'll tell you more herself later, but she wanted you to know." He shrugged noncommittally at her awkward stare.
"I...thanks?" she said, unsure whether it was a good thing or if she should be insulted. "I am sorry for reacting so rudely. It was just so...unbelievable."
{She has a mob of fan boys attack her every morning and she finds a simple gender flip to be unbelievable?} Ryoko drawled caustically, not happy she was giving up her grudge.
{Maturity, Ryoko,} Ranko teased. {It's not just a word in the dictionary!}
"You said you were reading in class," Akane said when it was apparent the others weren't going to say anything else.
"Yeah," Ranma answered for the fanged boy. "He was readin' the history book or somethin'."
"You should have been paying attention to the teacher!" Akane scolded. "Do you want to fail?" Ryoga shrugged uncomfortably.
"I couldn't keep up with what he was saying. Besides, I was curious about the Dragon War."
Akane frowned, but let it go. It wasn't her problem after all if the boy wanted bad grades. "You wanted to know about the Dragon War? Why?"
"Just curious," Ryoga said casually. "It's too bad that it wasn't accurate."
"What do you mean? What part wasn't true?" Akane asked in surprise. "I've read a lot about the Dragon War, but I never came across any contradicting information," she added, interested. Ranma raised an eyebrow in surprise at the eager girl.
"Well, all of it, really," Ryoga replied, a little taken aback at Akane's interest. "The Brood didn't start the war, and really only tried to hide from Myria who was killing them off."
"What? That's not true!" Akane said hotly. "Myria was supposed to have saved us! All the books say so!"
{Ah propaganda, how do I hate thee? Let me count the ways...} Ryoko muttered.
"It's true, though!" Ranma cut in. "The girls, or the girl they used to be, came from that time. An' we talked to this old chick in China who's under a sort of curse where she doesn't die of old age, and she was there too!"
Akane stared in disbelief.
"That's--" she began.
"Don't say it," Ryoga warned. "You thought the same thing about our curses. Just...trust us, okay? We're not lying." Akane scowled, but deep inside allowed a tiny bit of her to believe.
"So dragons aren't bad then?" she asked, eyes bright as she stared at the two surprised teens. They were spared from answering as the sound of an approaching voice made them all look down the hall.
"Never will I allow such a travesty to come to pass! I will smite the foul cur who dares to try and steal away the fair Akane!" the voice said, growing clearer as it came closer, until Kuno came charging around the corner, apparently finally free from the vice principal's. Upon seeing the three of them standing there, he pointed at the two boys in righteous fury. "You!" he cried, thrusting out with his ever-present bokken. Ranma and Ryoga were forced to dodge, careful not to spill their buckets. "One of you must be the foul Saotome! I will not allow your engagement to Akane!" Ranma and Akane blanched, and Ryoga shook his head sadly.
"How did you find out about--" Akane was cut off as students suddenly crowded the classroom windows, struggling with each other and demanding answers. Kuno didn't seem to notice, instead turning to the stuttering Akane.
"Ah, the beauteous Akane has come to witness my magnificent defeat of her captor! I regret, fair Akane, that I cannot give you the attention you deserve, but feat not! When I have smote the foul Saotome I will allow you to date me!" he proclaimed, striking a triumphant pose.
{The ego...it's bigger than Ranma's!} Ryoko gasped in mock horror.
"What makes you think I want to date you!" Akane said hotly, turning away from her peers to glare at the kendoist.
{I never thought such a thing was possible,} Ryoko added, feigning awe. Ranma's indignant cry was lost in the background.
"Obviously Saotome has used his questionable charms to confuse your thinking! I shall save you from this horrible fate!" Kuno exclaimed, swinging wildly at the two boys.
"Hey, leave off! I'm not Ranma!" Ryoga cried, trying to keep his bucket from spilling.
Ranma grinned. This was more like it!
"If you wanna fight, let's go somewhere else!" he said, tossing his bucket to the side and dashing past Kuno down the hall. He didn't notice his bucket hit Ryoga full in the face.
"Very well, I shall follow!" Kuno proclaimed, charging after the departing pigtailed boy.
"Ranma! How dare you hit me like that!" Ryoko howled, ignoring the confused stares of the students and Akane's resigned look as she took off after the two boys.
"S...someone's gonna take on Kuno! I think..." a boy said uncertainly as Akane began chasing after them.
"Let's go watch!" a girl cried, and the entire class went charging after Akane, ignoring the protests of the teacher.
Ranma was looking around for a quick way out of the building when his danger sense went off. He ducked, and felt a fist ruffle his hair as it passed right where his head had been a moment ago.
"Hey!" he cried, twisting to see Ryoko glaring at him. "Whadja do that for?"
"You hit me in the face! You'll pay for that!" Ryoko said hotly, the imprint of the bucket still vivid on her face.
{And you say I'm bad at keeping us secret!} Ranko teased, not particularly worried about it. They'd deal with it later if they had to.
Kuno came charging up, stopping in surprise at the short blonde in his path.
"You, girl! Why do you stand in the way of my fight with Saotome!"
He was surprised when the girl whirled on him, stepping right inside his guard to poke him sharply on the chest.
"Oh no, pretty boy! He's mine!" she snarled, flashing her fangs.
"Such...such fire!" Kuno cried, sweeping the squawking girl into his arms. "Bandana girl! I accept your affections! If you must fight a man, fight me! Should you win I will date you!"
Ranma had keeled over laughing, Ranko echoing him in their heads while Ryoga raged unheard. Ryoko had no such problem.
"Who the he--"
{Ryoko!}
"--eck wants a date with you!" she roared, rearing back and head butting the taller boy. He released her, staggering back to clutch his nose just as Akane came charging up. She seized Ryoko's bandana and dragged the protesting girl away before the kendoist could recover.
"Here! Change back!" Akane hissed, shoving a kettle at Ryoko and ushering the girl into an empty classroom. "You don't want anyone to know about your curse!"
"A bit late..." Ryoko grumbled, but obediently poured the water over her head, wondering idly where Akane had gotten it on such short notice. Akane watched as Ryoko's angry scowl was replaced by...Ryoga's angry scowl.
"How dare that idiot hit on Ryoko! This is all Ranma's fault!" he cried, charging past the astonished Akane.
{Make him pay!} Ryoko cheered happily, not caring who got beat up so long as someone did.
"...a pity, but no matter," Kuno was saying, once again pointing his bokken at an amused Ranma. "Now you, vile Saotome! I want to know how it is you came to be engaged to the beauteous Akane!"
"Ranma! Prepare to die!" Ryoga yelled as he leapt at the pigtailed boy.
"What did I do this time?" Ranma asked in exasperation, dodging quickly. "Make the sun rise?"
"It's your fault he got his hands on Ryoko! And you hit me with the stupid bucket!" Ryoga growled, lashing out with a kick the other boy blocked in kind.
"Who are you to interfere with my fight with Saotome!" Kuno cried indignantly.
There was a distant shout of "This way! They're over here!" and soon the curious class had gathered behind the fuming kendoist. The two cursed teens stopped their fight to regard him in various states of annoyance.
"Hey, where'd the blond girl go?"
"How'd Ryoga get over here?"
"Is there going to be a fight or not?"
Ranma and Ryoga sweat dropped nervously at the restless questions from the crowd, but relaxed when there was no accusing outcry.
{Amazing,} Ryoko said in bemusement. {We changed right in front of them, too.}
"I'm Ranma's rival," Ryoga said, finally answering Kuno's question. He paused a moment, then added, "Eh, sort of, at least. And you!" he snarled suddenly at the confused kendoist. "How dare you hit on my sister!" There was a fresh wave of excited murmurs from the highly entertained students.
{I like this!} Ranko chirped happily. {I'm not the one blabbing our secret to the entire school!}
"Sister? Surely such a vibrant gem as the bandana girl couldn't be related to such a lowly creature as you!" Kuno cried angrily.
{Oi! I take it back! Pretty face or not, I'm going to pound it into the ground!} Ryoko howled. Ryoga took a step forward to make good on his sister's promise, but stopped when Ranma put a restraining hand on his shoulder.
"Temper, Ryoga," he warned, relieved when Ryoga's grimace of anger eased a bit. "I'll take care of it, alright?" Ryoga gave a tight nod, and stepped back to cross his arms and glare murder at the older boy. Ranma stepped forward, once again catching Kuno's attention.
"What do you want, Kuno, isn't it?" he asked boldly.
"Ah," Kuno began, glancing unsurely between the two boys. He seemed to come to a decision, and drew himself up to tower over the pigtailed martial artist. "Your engagement to Akane Tendou! I will not allow it!"
"Didn't ya say that already?" Ranma mocked, ignoring the smattering of laughter from their audience. Akane was watching the teens closely, face blank as she watched the drama. She'd recognized the look on Ryoga's face, and was worried what would happen this time.
"Quiet knave! I shall rescue the fair Akane from your evil clutches!" Kuno cried angrily, striking out in a rapid series of blows at the other boy.
"Not that it's any of your business, but it's our parent's idea, not ours!" Ranma said scathingly, dodging the furious blows easily by bouncing off the walls, ceiling, startled students, etc. "It's not like I want to be engaged ta her anyways!"
"Hey!" Akane cried, outraged. "It's not like I want to be engaged to a baka like you either!"
Ranma stuck his tongue out at her, but surprised her when he winked playfully. Ryoga had been standing to one side, not bothering to flinch even as Kuno's sword passed inches from his face as the kendoist continued trying to hit the agile boy, but now he was extremely annoyed.
"If you're going to fight," he growled, "then do it outside!" He kicked the startled pair out the window, or at least out the hole where the window used to be prior to their exit.
"Whadja do that for?" Ranma cried as he began plummeting.
"We're on the third floor, idiot!" Akane screamed, rushing to the hole as the class crowded around.
"Don't worry! There's a pool down there!" a girl said, causing the falling Ranma to glance down. Sure enough, the square of water below was getting bigger and bigger.
{Don't you dare!} Ranko warned. {I don't need to get dragged into this!}
"Ah, be quiet," Ranma grumbled, ignoring the frantically flailing Kuno beside him, looking like he was attempting to fly with the way he was flapping his arms around. He thought quickly, and with a crackle of magic the pigtailed martial artist thrust a hand toward the building.
"Cyclone!" he called out, and a small tornado of wind erupted from his palm, hitting the wall and effectively pushing Ranma clear of the pool's trajectory. He landed lightly, skipping away from the splash Kuno made when he hit the water in an ungraceful belly flop.
{Ouch,} Ranko said as Ranma winced. He glanced up at the sound of shocked gasps from above to see Ryoga leap after him, wide enough not to land in the pool.
{I think he's out,} Ryoko said as Ryoga landed lightly next to the pigtailed boy.
"I don't know," Ranma mused, staring intently at the soggy kendoist. "He wasn't that bad, even if he is an idiot."
{And a pervert!} Ryoko added hotly.
{The perfect match for you, then!} Ranko teased.
"Well then," Ryoga said, ignoring Ryoko's angry hisses and rolling his shoulders purposefully. Without further warning, he punched Ranma, sending him sliding away down the length of the pool.
{Oi!} Ranko protested with a laugh.
{C'mon, just a small fight?} Ryoko cajoled.
"You're on!" Ranma cried, leaping to his feet and charging. He landed a kick that sent the fanged boy sliding backward, though he managed to remain on his feet. Ryoga smirked, happy to have a worthy target for his frustration.
"...Wasn't Saotome supposed to be fighting Kuno?" one kid asked of his friend as they watched the furious battle below.
"Is Kuno all right?" a girl asked, craning her neck to see over other's shoulders.
"Yeah, he's swimming for the edge already," another girl replied, pointing to the kendoist.
"Hey...where'd Akane go?
Akane came charging out of the building, kettle of water at the ready. She stopped short, staring at the surreal scene before her. Ranma and Ryoga were exchanging blows, flipping, dodging, and jumping around in fierce combat with each other.
Meanwhile a dripping Kuno was striking out at both boys, trying to land a hit on the cursed martial artists. Both boys seemed oblivious to the fuming kendoist, dodging his attacks without looking at him. Instead they entertained themselves with calling out insults to each other as they continued to brawl.
"You're way too slow, Ryoga! I've seen pandas that move faster than you!"
"How dare you say that to me! Besides, I've seen pandas that hit harder than you do!"
"Ah, shut up and die!"
"Hey! That's my line!"
Well...insults to them, at least.
"Hold still you vile sorcerer!" Kuno cried, still trying vainly to hit one of the boys, preferably the Saotome boy.
"Sorcerer?" Ranma said, unique insult enough for him to acknowledge the upperclassman. "I'm not a sorcerer!" He didn't bother looking at the kendoist, instead taunting Ryoga, "What was that! Did your fist get lost on the way? Didn't even come close!"
{But you are learning magic,} Ranko pointed out as Ryoga leaned to one side to avoid the bokken, then knocked Ranma back a step with another well placed punch.
"Too bad for you, Ranma, I don't get lost!" the fanged boy said gleefully. "So...apprentice then?" he added absently.
"What?" Kuno asked, trying to follow both the fight and the conversation.
{I suppose,} Ryoko mused, silently amused at the boy's antics. They were paying much more attention to Kuno than they appeared, as that weak punch proved. {Of course, with our spotty memory, the teachers aren't that much better than the students.}
"Then apprentice will do," Ranma said decisively, then yelped as Ryoga swiped both his and Kuno's feet from under them. "Cheap shot!" he cried, flipping back to his feet and charging again, drawing the fight from the prone kendoist. Kuno lay dazed, trying to digest the information and catch his breath.
{Are you really going to fight him?} Ranko asked as Ranma was flipped by Ryoga to go crashing into the ground.
"Mrg...Yeah--" Ranma coughed, rocking back to kick out with both feet at a descending Ryoga. The fanged boy twisted to avoid the blow, messing up his own attack to get out of the way. "If he--too slow!--really insists on it. I never back down from a challenge!"
"No, you just let certain pandas knock you out and drag you off to China!" Ryoga taunted, then nearly bit his tongue as Ranma executed a back flip, kicking him under the chin on the way. Ryoga crashed to the ground, cursing himself for his lapse of attention.
{Neat!} Ryoko crowed appreciatively. {What sort of move was that?}
"Traitor!" Ryoga groaned out, deciding if that's how Ranma wanted it, then he'd happily up the ante as well.
"Just came to me," Ranma said smugly, watching Ryoga closely as the other boy stood slowly, scowling and reaching for his bandana.
"Ranma, prepare to die!" Ryoga yelled, striping off several bandanas in rapid succession and sending them whirling toward the shocked boy.
"Whoa! Jeez Ryoga, how many bandanas are you wearing?" Ranma yelped as the projectiles left gouges in the dirt.
{And what are they made of?} Ranko added, impressed.
"Heh, that's none of your business," Ryoga smirked at the other boy, more bandanas in hand and already whirling. His eyes widened as he caught sight of Kuno just behind Ranma, and he flung the bandanas out before he could think.
{Ranma, duck!} Ryoko called out at the same time. Ranma had sensed the danger a fraction of a second before, and was already moving as Kuno's bokken narrowly missed his neck. The bandanas hit glancing blows on the distracted boys, knocking Kuno back several steps and causing Ranma to swear (mildly, lest he invoke Ranko's wrath) at the rips in his clothes. Ranma flipped around, dancing back a few steps for distance as he glared at the angry kendoist.
"You know, you are really starting to piss me off," Ryoga growled, stalking up to stand next to the pigtailed martial artist.
"Silence, foolish wretch! What right have you to interfere with my fight with Saotome?" Kuno cried, thrusting his bokken accusingly at the fanged boy.
"What fight?" Ryoga sneered, folding his arms derisively. Ranma stuck a hand out, though Ryoga had made no move forward.
"You wanna fight? Are you sure about that?" Ranma asked dangerously. "I don't appreciate you tryin' ta stab me in the back, ya know."
"As if your cowardly words hold meaning for me!" Kuno raged. He was wet, cold, in pain, and feeling vaguely humiliated. The pigtailed boy would pay!
{Ranma...} Ranko said unsurely. Ranma was staring coolly at the kendoist, then his eyes flicked beyond to the frozen figure of Akane. He suddenly relaxed, grinning mockingly at the older boy.
"Alright. I accept your challenge!" he said, slipping into his favorite stance. "Don't interfere, guys," he added, and Ryoga backed off reluctantly.
"Hurry up and beat him so I can beat you," Ryoga grumbled, then headed over to wait by Akane.
"Wha...what's going on?" Akane asked weakly when he reached her.
{Kuno sucks, that's what,} Ryoko grumbled.
"Ranma's mad, I think," Ryoga said, folding his arms to stare impassively at the duelists.
"Mad? He's...grinning! And Kuno-sempai nearly killed him!" Akane said, aghast. The kettle sloshed as she moved agitatedly, causing Ryoga to glance down at it.
"Oh, thanks by the way," he said, grinning sheepishly down at her. She blinked blankly up at him.
"For what?" she asked, bewildered and worried.
"The water. Both before and now. It's really annoying how water seems to seek us out," he explained in embarrassment.
"You're welcome," Akane sighed, deciding to just let things come as they would. It was too tiring trying to keep up!
"So, do I get to know exactly why you wanna fight me?" Ranma asked, watching cautiously for Kuno's first move.
"Your engagement to the fair Akane. I will not allow your trickery to enslave such a delicate flower!" Kuno cried pompously.
"That's all? Really?" Ranma asked mockingly. "You're jealous I managed to get the girl in a single day when you haven't been able to in what, a year?"
"Silence! Have at thee, knave!" Kuno charged the pigtailed boy, striking out a series of furious blows. Ranma dodged frantically, fairly surprised at the actual speed the other possessed.
"Well, if that's all, maybe I should let you beat me," Ranma crooned, flipping behind the kendoist and ducking the retaliating swing to strike forward with both palms, sending Kuno stumbling forward. "Would you like that, sempai?"
"You dare make a mockery of the Blue Thunder of Furikan High?" Kuno cried in outrage, whirling and charging the boy again. At the last second Ranma slipped to the side, sticking his foot out. Kuno obediently tripped over the extended limb and went tumbling to the ground.
"More like Blue Blunder!" Ranma taunted, deliberately standing with his arms casually behind his head.
{You're tryin' to humiliate him?} Ranko asked quietly.
"If he's dishonorable enough to try an' hit someone from behind, I don't think I gotta show him any respect," Ranma said coolly.
"Speaking to yourself, Saotome?" Kuno said, standing and getting into a ready stance. "Such insanity proves you are not fit to be in the company of the beauteous Akane!"
Ranma scowled, leaping high to come down from above on the startled kendoist. Dodging Kuno's strike, he struck out at the other boy's forehead.
Ryoga snorted in amusement next to Akane, causing her to tear her gaze from the heated fight to glance at him in surprise.
"What?" she asked, wondering if Ryoko had said something.
"Ranma just gave Kuno an interesting bruise," Ryoga explained. "He'll have it for a while."
Kuno swung again, Ranma twisting double to avoid it. The tree nearby wasn't so lucky, sliced neatly in two.
{Hey, he's not too bad,} Ranko said in surprise.
"You cur! I shall smite thee!" Kuno howled in frustration, failing yet again to hit the agile martial artist. "Hold still you peasant!"
{But still stupid,} Ranko sighed, then started in surprise as Ranma stopped moving. {Ranma, you're not actually gonna--}
"Slow, clumsy, and--" Ranma said, eyes bright as Kuno took advantage of the other boy’s stillness. In a burst of motion, Ranma struck out. There was a blur of movement, and then Ranma was standing smugly with the bokken casually over his shoulder, Kuno staring in amazement at his empty hands. "Stupid," Ranma finished perkily, whirling the weapon idly.
"You foul sorcerer!" Kuno cried, then reached into his kendo outfit to pull another bokken out, much to Ranma's amazement. There was no way Kuno had a spare weapon in there! Ranma yelped, eyes widening as the bokken he was holding vanished in a wisp of smoke. Kuno took advantage of the distraction, striking the off balanced martial artist. Ranma went staggering backward, right into the forgotten pool.
"When did he--" Ryoga cried in alarm, but Akane was already moving. She dashed to the side of the pool, knocking Kuno off his feet on the way, then hauled the surprised Ranko out of the water while pouring the hot water over her head at the same time.
"Hot!" Ranma yelped, leaping to stand on his own feet while Akane slumped in relief. Ryoga was too busy gaping to do much of anything.
{That...was pretty cool,} Ryoko said weakly.
"Akane! So you return my affections for you!" Kuno cried, tears of happiness streaming down his face as he leapt with open arms.
"Hey! Aren't we supposed ta be fightin'?" Ranma asked of the smushed face beneath his foot. Akane stared. When had Ranma moved? Like a switch had been flipped, Kuno went from ecstatic to enraged in a flash.
"You cur! You shall pay for laying a finger on my magnificent self!" he cried, staggering back and clutching his red face. Ranma stared in disbelief, then sighed tiredly. They were still too close to the pool, and they'd already had two close calls. Time to call it quits. Pushing Akane gently to the side, Ranma twisted to dodge Kuno's next strike, then kicked out. Back flipping away, he landed next to the approaching Ryoga who'd come to steady Akane.
"What...?" Akane straightened and shrugged Ryoga's hands off her shoulders. "What happened?" she asked, staring at the still form of Kuno.
"Oh, I hit his vital spots," Ranma said casually. "He just hasn't realized he's lost yet." Obediently, Kuno let out a moan and slumped to the ground. "Next time, don't bug us!" he snapped at the unconscious kendoist.
"Took you long enough," Ryoga said scathingly.
"Well, I was havin' fun!" Ranma protested.
{Did you see that thing with the stick?} Ranko asked excitedly.
"Yeah, that was weird," Ranma replied, frowning.
"You're doing it again," Akane said pointedly, tapping her foot irritable. The boys shot her a confused look, and then a sheepish one as they realized what she was talking about.
"Sorry 'bout that. We can't really help it!" Ranma said, chuckling weakly. "They sound so normal to us," he added, scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Hey, your neck!" Ryoga said in surprise as the move revealed the forming bruise on the pigtailed martial artist.
"Kuno-sempai is very good," Akane said reproachfully. "You should take him more seriously."
"Hm...air pressure alone," Ranma said musingly, touching the bruise carefully. "Anyways, he's not that good! He's just got a lot of endurance!"
"Did you forget he got a good hit in?" Ryoga smirked at the other boy.
"Hey! I was distracted!" Ranma protested.
"Ha! A true martial artist wouldn't get distracted by something so stupid!" Ryoga mocked gleefully.
"Shut up! Besides, it's not like the idiot could hurt me!" Ranma said hotly. Akane raised an eyebrow in disbelief.
"Oh really?" she said, bending over to poke him in the side. She was surprised when he didn't even flinch, but looked up quickly at Ryoga's burst of laughter and saw Ranma's eyes tearing up in pain.
"Doesn't...hurt...at all," Ranma choked out, then took a deep breath.
{Wimp!} Ryoko teased, and Ranma's eye twitched. Without warning Ranma punched Ryoga right in his laughing face. The boy fell to the ground, sufficiently dazed to be silenced.
{You jerk...} Ryoko moaned disgustedly.
{Serves you right!} Ranko said brightly.
"C'mon, let's go home," Ranma said to Akane, grabbing Ryoga's bandana to drag him along.
"School's not over yet!" Akane protested, hurrying to catch up with the boy.
"But I am, thanks. Please?" he added, sending her the most pitiful look he could manage. She sighed, sending him an exasperated glare.
"Fine! But let's stop by Tofu-sensei's for your side!" she huffed, striding determinedly forward.
"Yes ma'am!" Ranma replied, mock saluting her as Ryoga finally gained his feet again, grumbling and knocking Ranma upside the head.
{Jeez. If this was just the first day, I wonder what the rest of the year will be like!} Ranko said, excitement lacing her voice.
{Not so boring, was it?} Ryoko said, laughing brightly as the trio exited the school gates.
* * *
"Pretty good, Kuno-chan," Nabiki said. She watched Kuno examine the misshapen kanji for 'idiot' that stood out glaringly on his forehead amidst all the red footmarks in a hand mirror.
"It is only to be expected," he muttered, glowering darkly at the bruise. "He is a skilled opponent. I barely remember him doing it," he added grumpily.
"It's a good look on you, Kuno-chan!" Nabiki drawled smugly. "Do you really think you're up to it?"
"I shall not fail! 'Tis only a mere week before my training is complete!" Kuno said hotly. "The fool couldn't even spell it right!" he continued, seizing a piece of chalk to scribble messily on the black board. Nabiki snatched a piece of chalk, scrawling as well.
"But this would be so much better!" she said, the glaring message of 'stick boy' next to the still misspelled 'idiot'. Kuno glared at her.
"I despise you," he growled.
"I'm so pleased," she replied coolly.
* * *
"I don't know whether to scold you for fighting and playing hooky or to praise you that the damage was so minimal," Tofu said bemusedly, examining Ranma's side carefully. Ryoga was leaning against the wall idly observing, while Akane sat on a stool embarrassedly nursing a cup of tea.
"Hey! It's not like it was my fault!" Ranma protested, then winced as Tofu prodded none too gently against the dark bruise on his side. "The idiot attacked me in the middle of class!"
{But we weren't in class!} Ranko corrected perkily.
"Same difference," Ranma muttered as Tofu turned to get a salve from a cabinet.
"Tofu-sensei," Ryoga said quickly, just in case the idle remark had been noticed. "If you don't mind me asking, are you a martial artist of sorts?" Tofu smiled at the boy, coming back to Ranma's side and beginning to apply the medicine.
"Of a sort, yes," he replied as Akane regarded Ryoga in surprise.
"How could you tell?" she asked, blinking as Ryoga rolled his eyes and Ranma frowned.
"This morning he snuck up on us," Ryoga explained, the doctor giving both boys an apologetic look. "Neither of us noticed his presence, so he must be pretty good to be able to do that. Or at least had some sort of training."
"My apologies for that," Tofu said, screwing the lid back on the bruise salve and reaching for some bandages. "Though I am more interested in fixing things than breaking them, I'm afraid."
{Hey, this guy's a doctor, right?} Ranko asked. {Do you think...maybe we should ask him if he has any idea about the curse? Or at least let him know in case somethin' goes wrong an' we need help?}
"Uh...I see," Ryoga said distractedly, shooting Ranma a look. Akane glanced suspiciously between the two as Tofu began cleaning up.
{I don't like the idea, but it might be a good one,} Ryoko said reluctantly.
{How 'bout just ask him if he knows anything about curses?} Ranko suggested. {We don't have to say we have a curse.}
{So we just casually ask this guy about a curse? 'Oh no doctor, we were just curious about curses and you seemed like such a knowledgeable guy', nothing suspicious about that,} Ryoko said sarcastically.
{Well--}
"Ranma!" Akane hissed, kicking the distracted boy sharply on his shin.
"Ow! What? What?" Ranma said wildly, glancing around at a chuckling Tofu.
"I merely said you're done and can head home," the doctor replied gently, smiling at the blushing Akane. "Unless there's something else you need help with?"
{Okay, that's a bit too convenient,} Ryoko said suspiciously. {Didn't he already see us change?}
{Quiet!} Ranko hissed as Ranma began talking.
"Oh, right," Ranma muttered in embarrassment. "Just one other thing, Sensei. Do you know anything about curses or anything like that?"
{We're really going to tell him?} Ryoko complained. Tofu was staring considerately at them, pushing his glasses up absently.
"Curses, huh?" he murmured. "I'm afraid I don't know much about them, no. I have studied the theory of general magic, and there are certain conditions magic can cause that might be considered a curse. Could you describe the symptoms, maybe?"
"Magic?" Akane couldn't help but interrupt.
"Yes, magic," Tofu said, smiling at her and causing her to glance nervously down at her hands. "If you are interested, I have a book about it. You may borrow it if you want."
"Thanks!" Akane said, looking up brightly and forgetting her embarrassment in her excitement. "I'd love to read it!"
{So, are we gonna tell him?} Ranko asked impatiently to the thoughtful boys. Ranma sighed, hopping off the examination table and snatching his shirt up. Slipping the garment on, he shook his head at Ryoga. Ryoga frowned, then nodded. They didn't always need the girls to understand what the other was thinking.
"I don't think it's a regular magic curse," Ryoga said slowly, choosing carefully what to say and what not to say. "We met some Amazons in China who live near the source, and their matriarch has been researching a cure for it. We were just kind of curious if you'd know anything special."
"I see," Tofu said thoughtfully. He gave them a reassuring smile. "Well, I'm sorry I couldn't help you more. Feel free to come to me any time you feel the need."
"Thank you so much, Tofu-sensei!" Akane said, bowing politely.
"Ah, Akane, did you want that book?" Tofu asked, going to his small bookcase and selecting one of the volumes.
"Yes! Thank you!" Akane said again, eagerly taking the book from the doctor.
"Bring it back when you're finished," Tofu instructed the distracted girl. Akane was already flipping through the pages, and Ranma and Ryoga exchanged amused glances.
{Hm...blowing off her crush for a book,} Ryoko drawled. {Hey, you don't suppose...Akane is a closet nerd?} she gasped in mock horror.
{Ryoko!} Ranko scolded, but the effect was ruined because she couldn't stop the laughter slipping out. Ryoga coughed to cover his own mirth, with the bonus of catching Akane's attention as well.
"Shall we go?" Ranma asked, grinning widely.
"Huh? Oh, yes. See you later Tofu-sensei!" Akane said, the three teens bowing as they exited the office. Tofu shook his head ruefully.
{Must be a real interesting book,} Ranko said mildly as they exited the clinic, Akane's head buried firmly between the pages.
"Or maybe an interesting subject," Ryoga said unconcernedly. He glanced skyward, then back to the pigtailed boy. "Where to, then?"
"Home?" Ranma suggested.
{That's where we were headed before,} Ranko agreed.
{It would be nice to get a good spar in, though,} Ryoko said.
"We can't do that in the town, though," Ranma protested. "Not unless we want to break a whole bunch of other people's stuff!"
{Could we go out of town a ways?} Ranko suggested eagerly.
"But we have to take Akane home before we could do that," Ryoga pointed out. At her named, Akane looked up.
"'Sides, Oyaji would have a fit if we left her here alone," Ranma said, not noticing the Tendou girl's attention.
{She's a big girl. I'm sure she can take care of herself,} Ryoko said sourly.
{My, was that a compliment?} Ranko teased.
"Of course she could. I just don't want to deal with Oyaji whining at me," Ranma replied.
{Oi,} Ryoko agreed sarcastically. {I can certainly think of better uses of our time.}
"Like thinking up creative new insults?" Ryoga asked in amusement.
"You know," Akane said in exasperation, surprising the teens. "It sounds really weird when you talk like that. You should stop!"
"Hey, leave off!" Ranma protested immediately, ignoring Ryoko's thesaurus insults. Apparently she'd thought of her brother's comment as a challenge. "Are we supposed ta just ignore them? That's not fair!"
"Well...no, but..." Akane said unsurely at the fuming boy. Ryoga rolled his eyes, whacking Ranma upside the head to distract him.
"Never mind, Akane," the fanged boy said tiredly. "We'll try not to do it too much in public, but I can't promise we won't do it if no one else is around."
{Or even just Akane, since she knows about us anyways,} Ranko added.
"Oh...do as you like!" Akane huffed resignedly. "Just be careful around Kuno or he'll use it against you somehow."
"That idiot?" Ranma asked in surprise. "He's not gonna bother us again!" Akane gave him a mixed look of amusement and resignation.
"You obviously don't know him very well. He won't stop for anything once you've caught his attention," she said bitterly.
{Why do I feel as if a bucket of ice water was just dropped over me head?} Ryoko asked weakly, causing Ryoga to double check that it hadn't..
"He couldn't be that thick," Ryoga said in disbelief, looking vainly to Akane for reassurance. "Could he?"
* * *
"Akane! I love you!"
"I'm doing this for you!"
"Saotome! You vile cur! Release the beauteous Akane at once!"
Ranma and Akane exchanged pained glances, then as one turned and booted Kuno into low earth orbit. Ryoga heaved a sigh of relief that he'd apparently been forgotten by the unbalanced kendoist. The normal morning mob decided today was not a good day to bother Akane, and backed off quickly.
{I guess he is too thick,} Ranko said resignedly.
"Tell me this isn't going to happen every morning!" Ranma begged the long-haired girl.
"Welcome to my world," she snapped, stalking angrily into the school. Ranma turned despairing eyes to Ryoga.
"Better you than me!" the fanged boy said quickly, hands help up defensively.
"Ah man..." Ranma moaned, and the pair trudged inside after Akane.
* * *
"Saotome! You foul sorcerer!" Kuno shouted across the grounds at lunch.
"Apprentice," Ranma corrected, not looking up from his bento. Kuno stopped, thought, then dismissed the comment and continued to charge the pigtailed boy, bokken raised.
"Release the fair Akane Tendou from your vile control!"
"Hey Akane, am I controlling you?" Ranma asked, shoving his bento to the relative safely of Ryoga as he flipped up and twisted. He caught Kuno in a kick that continued the kendoist's charge forward, propelling him into the tree Ranma had been sitting against.
"You wish," Akane muttered, absently brushing a fallen leaf out of her hair.
"Nah, why would I want a tomboy like you ta do anythin' for me?" Ranma teased. Akane twitched, then to the boy's astonishment hauled a large mallet from nowhere.
"Ranma no baka!" she cried, bringing it smashing down on the aforementioned boy's head. Ryoga edged nervously away.
"Akane?"
"Yes Ryoga?"
"...Where did you get that mallet?"
"I can't tell you that."
"My beloved Akane!" Kuno sprang forward to wrap the startled girl in a tight embrace. "Now that the vile sorcerer--"
"Apprentice," came a muffled voice from the ground.
"...Now that Saotome is out of the way, you may date me Akane Tendou!"
Akane swelled in fury, and a new mallet appeared in hand.
"Kuno no baka!"
*wham!*
"Nice view, eh Kuno?"
{Ranma!} came Ranko's scandalized cry.
"I quite agree. You can see the lovely Akane's blue panties from here."
Akane went red in both fury and embarrassment, causing Ryoga to dive for cover as she tore into the two prone boys.
"Die perverts!"
"You know Ryoko?" Ryoga said, munching absently on the rest of Ranma's lunch.
{Yeah?} came the amused query.
"It is definitely better for my health to say out of it," he said, wincing as the sounds of agony drifted over to him.
{Brilliant, Aniki. True genius,} Ryoko said sarcastically.
Ryoga picked himself off the ground, brushing his clothes off and gathering his stuff. He walked unconcernedly toward the school, and the last thing he heard before disappearing inside was Ranko's desperate cry.
{Ryoko~! Ryoga~! Heeeeelp meeee!}
* * *
"Saotome! You foul...cur!"
"Nice save, Kuno," Ranma said, turning to face the defiant kendoist. Kuno pointed dramatically with his bokken.
"The wrath of heaven is slow but--"
*wham!*
Ranma stared at the object that had dropped out of the clear sky to land on the other boy.
{Where'd that anvil come from?} came Ranko's confused query.
* * *
"Saotome! I will defeat you and release the fair Akane from your vile clutches!"
"Don't you ever sleep?" Ranma groaned, turning back from the entrance to the Tendou home. Ryoga glanced back, then smirked and vanished inside. "Traitor..." Ranma mumbled.
"Hah! My vengeance knows neither night nor day! The heavens side with me in--"
*wham!*
Ranma was left once again staring at the embedded kendoist.
{Who's dropping those anvils?} Ranko complained.
* * *
"Saotome! I vow to the hea...to you that I will free the beauteous Akane from your vile presence!" Kuno was again barring the pigtailed martial artist's path. Ranma didn't even bother to pause.
"Sorry Kuno. Can't fight now. Gotta get these things back to Kasumi!" he said shortly, continuing right past the kendoist.
"Very well," Kuno said gravely. "It would not due for me to upset the honored Kasumi Tendou. You are lucky! If it had not been for...HEY! You could at least wait for me to finish!" he cried at the departing figure.
"What can I say? I don't want to keep Kasumi waiting!" was the distant reply.
"Quite right. Next time."
* * *
"Saotome!"
"Don't you have another way of gettin' my attention?" Ranma groaned. "This 'Saotome' business is gettin' old!"
{This idiot is gettin' old!} Ranko complained.
"You dare ridicule my speech!" Kuno raged. Then he looked worried. "Am I really repeating myself so frequently?"
"Every single time I see you," Ranma replied irritably.
"Very well! I will let you off this time as I need to rethink my strategy!" Kuno said, and retreated swiftly. Ranma blinked in confusion.
{Did we just get blown off?} Ranko asked, insulted.
* * *
"It is the corrupt pig-tailed boy!"
Ryoga snickered as Ranma dropped his head into his hands.
"I think I preferred 'Saotome'," said pigtailed boy moaned.
"Today will be the day you fall to my mighty blade!"
"I only see a wooden stick, stick-boy!" Ranma snapped.
"DON'T CALL ME THAT!" Kuno shrieked.
"Ooo, touchy, aren't we?"
"No matter! The Blue Thunder will triumph today!" Kuno cried, thrusting his bokken dramatically into the air. Thunder rolled and lightning crackled.
"Hey Kuno?" Ranma said innocently to the smoking boy. "Perhaps you shouldn't call down lightning like that. Someone might get hurt."
{Ryoga...you wouldn't happen to know why a magical bolt of lightning just struck Kuno, would you?} Ryoko asked sweetly of her smug brother.
"...Perhaps...*cough*...you are right," Kuno wheezed out weakly, arm still upraised.
"Good night, Kuno," Ranma called over his shoulder as he and Ryoga strolled away.
"Yes, a nap seems in order."
* * *
"Mou...How does that old lady keep gettin' us?" Ranko complained, wringing out her pigtail.
"I don't know," Ryoko said, glaring through wet bangs at said oblivious old lady, who went about rinsing her sidewalk unconcernedly. "Did you bring the thermos?"
"Me? I thought Ryoga got it!" Ranko cried in dismay.
{I thought Ranma got it,} Ryoga said sheepishly.
{Are you sayin' none of us has any hot water?} Ranma asked resignedly.
"We don't have time to stop," Akane said, grabbing each girl by the hand and tugging them forward. "We'll get some at school!"
"Well, we haven't had much chance to be out lately anyways," Ranko said cheerfully. "At least we get to stretch our legs!"
{If you wanted out you could have asked,} Ryoga said in dismay at the thought they'd been neglecting the girls.
"Don't worry about it. It's not like there's much of a chance to come out with you guys at school all day," Ryoko said dismissively. Now used to the nonsense conversations the teens had, Akane had made it a game to try and figure out what the 'silent' parties were saying. She was getting pretty good at it.
"How about we spar tonight, then?" Akane suggested brightly. "I haven't had a chance to fight you guys for real!"
"Sounds fun, but wouldn't it be better if we trained you to fight better?" Ranko asked innocently. "That way you could keep up with us when we fight seriously!"
"Ranko..." Ryoko groaned as Akane growled angrily. "Ranma is supposed to have the foot-in-mouth syndrome, not you!" Ranko looked horrified at her thoughtless words.
"Akane! I didn't mean it like that!" she said hastily to the fuming girl. "I'm sorry! I just wanted to help!" Akane flipped her hair angrily over her shoulder.
"Why don't you try me for real, next time! I'm a martial artist too, you know!" she snapped at the contrite red head. Ryoko frowned, but didn't bother saying anything.
"I'm sorry..." Ranko said dejectedly. Akane huffed in annoyance, but caved at the pitiful looking girl.
"Oh...It's fine Ranko. I know you guys are...better than me," Akane said grumpily, as if the omission was painful. Ranko brightened immediately.
"I have an idea! We can spar an' have the boys tell us what we can improve on!" she suggested excitedly. "Me an' Ryoko are still learning too! An' that way we can all get better, right?" Akane sighed, then grinned at the anxious girl.
"Well...I guess that would be okay. I do want to be a better martial artist!"
Ryoko elbowed her gently, smirking playfully. "You sure you can drag yourself away from your beloved Tofu-sensei's book?" Akane swatted at the girl, flushing.
"It's not--"
"'Tis the beauteous Akane!" The three girls started in surprise, not having realized they'd made it all the way to school. Kuno was standing in the gateway, giving Akane an ecstatic look. "I see the vile Saotome did not show his cowardly face today! He must be hiding, trembling in fear of my might!" the kendoist cried, thrusting a fist triumphantly to the sky.
"{Hey! Ranma's/I'm not a coward!}" the two Saotomes cried in unison. Kuno's gaze zeroed in on the two new girls, and Ryoko fought the urge to find a rock to crawl under.
"Oh...no..." she moaned weakly as Kuno's face brightened.
"Why, it is the fiery bandana girl! And who is this vision of loveliness who accompanies you?"
"Me?" Ranko squeaked in dismay. "I'm nobody special! Don't mind me!"
"Throwing me to the dogs?" Ryoko growled at the other girl.
{Payback,} Ranma said smugly.
"Why, I must protest pigtailed girl! Such a fair damsel as yourself shines brighter than the sun!"
"Uh...uh...you like Akane, don't you?" Ranko asked desperately. It would be flattering if she didn't already know what Kuno was like. Kuno looked surprised at the question.
"Of course! My loyalty to the fair Akane is unwavering!"
"Really?" Ryoko muttered sarcastically. "She's standing right here you know."
"Why, Kuno-sempai," Akane said, turning shining eyes on the kendoist. "If you wish to pursue the affection of these girls, please, don't let me stand in your way!" She ignored the betrayed looks the two girls were giving her. She'd been enjoying her mostly Kuno-free week, thanks to Ranma.
"Sweet Akane, so generous!" Kuno cried, tears streaming unchecked down his face. "I could never give up one so kind, so giving! Instead, I shall date you all!" The kendoist threw himself forward, arms outstretched to embrace the trio. As one the three girls twitched, then struck.
*wham!* *smash!* "Ouch!" *crunch!* "Don't put that there!" *twist!* *grind!* "Mercy! Mercy!" *pop!* *snap!* "I don't think that's supposed to bend that way..." *wrench!* *bam!*
The three girls stalked across the grounds, leaving the smoldering remains groaning in the dirt.
* * *
After a week of constant attacks, ambushes, and annoying speeches from a certain kendoist, Ranma was ready to tear his hair out in frustration. The first fight hadn't been that bad; while not too much a challenge, at least it had been a real fight. But since then, getting rid of the older boy had been both trivial and boring for the pigtailed boy.
Ryoga was frustrated as well, because Kuno had a habit of popping up when they were trying to spar, leaving all involved annoyed and distracted. The girls were equally sick of the relentless boy, whether for their own or their brother's sake. And as it was another bright school day, they were approaching the gate with resignation.
It was quickly apparent to the cursed teens and Akane that something was very different today. The normal morning mob was completely absent, and Kuno (dressed in a school uniform!) was standing talking quietly to a scowling Nabiki.
"What's going on?" Akane asked suspiciously as they came up to her sister and the older boy.
"Akane. Good morning," Kuno said pleasantly. He didn't spout any poetry. He didn't wave his bokken around. His bokken wasn't even there. Instead he sounded nervous, not quite looking at the long-haired girl.
"Uh...good morning?" It was more a question than a response, Akane not sure how to handle this new strangeness.
"Saotome, Hibiki," Kuno said, nodding politely to the two boys.
{I'm...I'm terrified!} Ranko squeaked. {Do you think he's sick? Possessed? Dying?!}
"Kuno-chan here has something to say to you, Akane," Nabiki said, sounding bored. Kuno shot her a glare, then turned nervously to the freaked out Akane.
"I must apologize," he mumbled. "I've cause you a lot of trouble this past year. But I won't pursue you anymore, and I've stopped the other boys from attacking you every morning."
"What?" Akane said warily, confused at the odd speech patterns (for Kuno, at least) and not believing for a second that the kendoist was serious. He'd burst out any second now with a flowery speech on his greatness or something.
"What's goin' on? Why the sudden change?" Ranma demanded in annoyance.
"I had a bet going on with Kuno-chan," Nabiki said coolly, staring at her volatile younger sister for signs that the girl was about to attack. "If he could keep up the crazy kendoist act for a year, he won. But if he slipped up even once, he owed me 1,000,000 yen."
"That much?" Ryoga spluttered.
"Kuno-chan's rich, didn't you know?" Nabiki said, smirking at the fanged boy.
"What does that have to do with me?" Akane demanded hotly, though she already had a clue.
"Part of the bet was to pursue a girl's affections," Kuno replied, shifting uncomfortably.
{Oh dear gods, they're insane!} Ryoko cried in horror.
"I chose you, Akane, because I knew you would be the only one able to defend yourself properly," he continued, beginning to edge backwards as Akane visibly swelled in fury.
"Think of it as training," Nabiki drawled, smirking at the panicked look Kuno shot her. Ranma and Ryoga were sidling nervously away from the trembling girl.
{Fire in the hole!} Ryoko crowed as Akane visibly snapped.
{Run for it!} Ranko cried. Ranma and Ryoga dove to the side as Akane erupted, red aura glowing around her. The effect was to make the furious girl look quite demonic, and Kuno realized he probably should start running five minutes ago. He turned, snatching a surprised Nabiki just in case Akane wasn't picky, then sprinted off as if the hounds of hell were on his heels.
"I'LL KILL YOU!!" Akane howled, tearing off after the distant figures. When the dust settled, Ranma cautiously sat up.
{...Where did she get that mallet?} Ranko asked weakly. {It was much too big for her to have hidden anywhere.}
"I don't know, an' I'm not askin'!" Ranma said, standing up and offering a hand to Ryoga. Pulling the boy to his feet, they both stared blankly at the distant sounds of mass destruction. Then, not having anything better to do, they headed for class. Akane, Nabiki, and Kuno never did make it to school that day.
End Chapter 06
Author's Notes: And this bring an end to the (currently) re-written version of BoF ½. I will certainly get back to this (I like this story too much not to), but for now, it is on the backburner while my DC fics take the fore. If the fancy strikes me, I will revise more and post it here, of course. 'Til then, please continue to be patient with me. *bows*