:Setzer of \/ane
(George Mori)
71603.1073@compuserve.com
setzerofvane@nethaus.net
"Well, after UY: The Kidnapping now I'm going for a Non-Lemon
fanfic (much harder to write = P). I've been playing around with
this Idea for a while. I've always liked Nabiki, she is one of
my favorite characters. I wanted to play around with her
character a bit. So, I did. This is a serious Fanfic. I may have
some comedy, but the focus will be on the characters who are
central to this story. Well, enough babbling for now. (you'll
get more later. ^_^) Well, on with the show. I give you Facades."
Well, after sitting on the completed part one tweaking it
for a long time I finally finished her. Please any C & C you can
give me would be much appreciated. Also, anyone who would be willing
to help me with the grammar please contact me via E-mail. The previous
paragraph was included for nostalgic value for me. To Elaborate UY: The
Kidnapping really really sucked. I have improved a hell of a lot since
then. I hope ya like it.
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"Mommy, you won't leave me will you?"
"No dear, I won't ever leave you. I'll always be there for you
honey. I love you too much to leave you Nabiki, remember
that...."
Ranma 1/2: The Long Hard Road
FACADES
An Original Ranma 1/2 fanfic by George Mori.
Based on the characters created by Rumiko Takahashi.
Part 1
"BAKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Nabiki awoke with a start. "Louder than usual this time.
Goddamn it why can't those two ever just shut the hell up" She
groaned. There was a thud, a blood curdling shriek, and then
silence. "Can't I even dream in peace?"
Akane was always the loud one. Kasumi and herself were
generally quiet. However Akane always felt the need to scream.
Ever since she was a kid Akane was the loudest ball of fire
Nabiki had ever seen. Ranma, though generally wrong, was right
about two of the things he accused Akane of. First off, she was
needlessly violent and had a temper worse than a constipated
wolverine. Second, she really couldn't cook. That was a fact
that Akane hadn't quite grasped a hold of yet. Akane never had
any control over her temper. This is a problem when you're
engaged to someone who's brain doesn't have a direct link to his
mouth.
Of course Ranma was no angel either. While Nabiki wasn't quite
sure about the Hentai part, she was definitely aware that the
boy was about as smart as a brick, with better reflexes of
course. "He would have to be to keep insulting her like that."
Nabiki smirked to herself. He had a temper too. though he was
usually calm. when he really got pissed, he was worse than Akane
in destructive potential. She had seen him like that maybe once
or twice. That's it. His temper was something she hoped she
would never have to see again.
Kasumi was the complete opposite of her youngest sibling.
Nabiki had NEVER seen her mad, ever. Stern yes, mad no. She had
no clue how Kasumi did it. With the hell that went on daily in
that house it was impossible to not get pissed every now and
then. "Must be a gift."
Nabiki, well, she was more of a mix between her two sisters.
She was normally calm and cool and collected. Hey, she wrote the
book on it. She constantly tried to never really let any of her
true emotions show through. Not nearly as violent or hot
tempered as Akane, but not quite as calm as Kasumi. She was the
best actor she knew. Even if she was mad, she could hide it. No
one was better. She had never let her anger get the best of her.
Well, there was that one time about a year ago...
"How can you do this to your own sister, Nabiki?"
"Business is business Akane, pay up or you won't get that dress
for the Freshman dance." it was Nabiki's usual comment.
"I don't believe you would be this cruel, I can pay next week,
Please, This is the opening dance here, I need to make a good
impression, I'm begging you!" Akane was almost in tears.
"No pay, no way." Nabiki said turning her back to her sister.
"I hate you you heartless bitch!" Akane screamed at the top
of her lungs.
"What did you say? I have a heart, don't you ever call me
heartless again! I went through a lot of trouble to get you this
dress, I wouldn't have done it for anyone else, all I ask for in
return is a few thousand yen. Some sister." It had made perfect
sense at the time.
"You, a heart? Maybe, one of stone. You care for money more
than your family, I have never known you to ever do anything for
anybody out of kindness! Oneechan, The only heart you have is
for money!" Akane had lost her temper completely.
Nabiki stood speechless.
"You'd probably screw Kuno for a couple hundred yen. You are a
total whore. You'd kill for money."
"YOU TAKE THAT BACK!" Nabiki was now the one almost crying.
"I will, not! You have no heart at all, you didn't even cry
when mom died!"
Nabiki stood and bit her lip. almost ready to break down.
" I'm ashamed that you're my sister. How could I be related to
such a cold, unfeeling bitch?"
"JUST TAKE THE DAMN DRESS!" Nabiki screamed,
tears running down her cheeks.
Akane's mouth hung open.
"And while you're at it, go to hell."
She came the closest she had ever come to hitting her sister
that day. A tear rolled down Nabiki's cheek as she remembered
the only time she really lost control. "Is that how everyone
sees me sis?" she whispered into thin air. "Is that all you can
see? A cold heartless bitch who only has a heart for money?" she
brought her knees up to her chest and hugged them. "Maybe...
Maybe you're not far off." She went to bed crying herself to
sleep.
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"THE HOT STOCK OF THE DAY IS MIGUREN MOTORS... WAKE UP THE
BUSINESS DAY IS STARTING.... THE HOT STOCK OF THE DAY IS MIGUREN
MOTORS.... WAKE UP THE BUSINESS DAY IS STARTING... THE HOT STOCK
OF THE DAY IS MIGUREN MOTORS.. WA..." <WHAP>
Nabiki slammed her hand down on her Hot Stock_tm alarm clock.
She looked at the face of the up until recently screaming clock.
7:00 a.m. it read. As Nabiki got up from her bed, she grabbed
the tattered leather case that has contained her daily schedule
since 6th grade off the night stand.
"OK, Pictures to Kuno at Lunch, Roulette after school,
3:00-3:30 miscellaneous negotiations, and finally Mineral Sales
at 7:00. Light day."
Nabiki went to go brush her teeth and then have breakfast when
she was done. Nabiki listened to the usual havoc that ensued in
the mornings at the dojo. Several bangs and screams were really
exciting at first, but it got old, fast.
"Come on, It was an accident Akan..."
"You HENTAI!!! Yeah, sure Shampoo 'Accidentally' decided to
have a bath with you?"
"I'm serious, I didn..."
"HIEEEEYA!!!"
Ranma went flying toward Ukyo's place. Nabiki had
learned to suppress the urge to say "SHUT THE HELL UP!!" Several
times each morning. It was just so ANNOYING.
"Well, time to make my money." Nabiki grinned as she finished
of a rice cake. Only one set to go.
Nabiki was soon in a crawling space that she had been working
on for months above the Tendo bathroom. She had been working on
this labor of love for a couple of weeks now. The crawl space
allowed full view of the bathroom, and total stealth. There was
no way that anyone could see her. Kuno would pay big time for
the shots that she would get of Ranma and Akane. Life was
bearable. She sprang to attention as her younger sister stepped
into the bathroom.
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After getting some juicy photos for Kuno, Nabiki got her bags
together amidst the screams of pain and suffering that seemed to
have taken up permanent residence at the Tendo Dojo. It had gotten to
the point that she didn't care who did the beating. Why did it
matter? It annoyed her at best. She finished her packing as
Akane walked out of the Baths. "Off to the salt mines I go."
Nabiki said, "See you around sis"
"See ya Oneechan," Akane replied. " Wait, you didn't happen to
see anyone in the near the bathhouse did ya?"
"No Akane can't say that I have."
"OK, see you at school."
Nabiki didn't quite feel right today. "I just keep getting
lower and lower. God." Maybe a few hundred yen would cheer her
up. After all, it was the last time she would do business for
about a week, vacation was coming soon.
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The first half of the day went without event Normal classes
normal teachers, normal students, all in all it started as a
pretty boring day. Nabiki really hated this type. The day just
seemed to drone on and on without end. It was just one of those
days. Finally the lunch bell rang. "About damn time." Nabiki
exhaled. She headed off to he first deal.
She entered the lunch room, traditionally most of her deals
took place in this area. It was your basic eating room. of course it
didn't look that great considering all of the walls that had to
be plastered over because of the weekly large brawl. It didn't
really matter though. Looking briefly around she spotted her
quarry.
"Kuno, my friend, you are going to shit your pants when you see
this next batch of Polaroids."
"Indeed you are a vulgar one Nabiki." Kuno said with a tone of
disgust.
Nabiki waved one of the less revealing pictures in front of
Kuno's nose. Immediately his eyes widened to the size of large
dinner plates and his body stiffened. Nabiki had him. "Of course
if my business is not wanted I'll take it elsewhere." Nabiki
taunted. She giggled to herself. Any price she wanted was hers.
"N...now Tendo-san I n...never said anything like that, let's
not be hasty." Kuno was genuinely scared.
"9,000 yen a pop big boy." she said to him and winked.
"9,000 yen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Kuno screamed. The
entire room stopped short at that one comment If God had a VCR,
he paused it right then. "Ahem..." Kuno coughed out, slightly
embarrassed. "continue your business. NOW" the lunchroom sprang
back to life, as if the incident had never happened. After a few
seconds he turned to Nabiki his concentration back on line.
"That's too much." he whisper-screamed. "God himself couldn't
afford that."
"Such a shame that the even MORE revealing pictures will have
to be destroyed." Nabiki sighed in a remorseful tone.
"7500 and not a yen more." Kuno breathed out heavily.
"Deal." Nabiki beamed out, her tone changed from dour to rather
happy. She pulled out about 20 or so odd pictures while Kuno
pulled out a wad of cash that could choke a horse. They quickly
traded. "Pleasure doing business with you Kuno-chan."
"Don't call me that again Tendo." Kuno replied, rather annoyed.
"OK Tate-chan."
"I despise you." Kuno said as a small, unnoticeable frown
escaped from his dour face.
Nabiki winked at him. "You have no idea how happy I am to hear
that. Toodles." Kuno walked off. grumbling like a Looney Toons
character.
Well, off went her chief source of income. Probably her only
friend too. Both of them just put on that act because it was the
only way they ever spoke. It was a respect that they had for
each other. It was much like the Ranma/Ryoga relationship.
Nabiki lost herself in thought for a second.
The bell rang signaling the end of lunch. She jumped a bit
startled, her train of thought permanently broken. Her next deal
was after school. "Well, class is a callin'."
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Kuno sat studying the pictures that Nabiki had sold him. "Oh
Akane. Your beauty vexes me so. I love you." Tears rolled down
Kuno's cheeks as his emotional control reached a highly unstable
level. "And... yet... I... still love my Pigtailed goddess. What
am I to do??" He was now officially in the red. "I LOVE YOU
BOTH! YOU SHALL BE BOTH THE CONSORTS OF I, TATEWAKI
KUNO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
The class again froze as Kuno's bellows of joy echoed
throughout the room. The freeze frame was on again. Kuno was
still in tears, not quite having realized he was thinking out loud
again.
"Kuno, stand in the hall." the teacher droned, apparently it
was the most commonly used line in his vocabulary. At that
point, Kuno realized what had just happened. He promptly
apologized and went to the hall with his buckets in tow.
Normally the class would have laughed at him, but Kuno gave a
look to any would-be hecklers that he was not in the mood. Today
all of them were smart enough to listen. After all, the Akane
fan club had a meeting today, and no one was dumb enough to miss
a meeting because of some cheap laughs.
The fan club was one of the bigger organizations in Furinken,
some 100 boys from around the school and city were members. the
only problem was that you were not to miss a meeting or Kuno
would clobber you into a small pate'. That was how it was done.
Class droned on.
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Hitoshi looked at the seat where Kuno was sitting, there he
noticed a few small sheets of what looked like paper, he was
curious, but he knew it wasn't smart to check them out until
class was out. The teacher wasn't in a good mood.
Hitoshi was one of the founding members of the Akane fan club;
however he, unlike most of the other members, was smart enough
not to get into the morning brawl, why bother? He felt he was
far too good looking for that. With dark auburn hair and a face
not unlike many of the guys in shojo manga. This man was bishonen
incarnate. Hito, as he was known by his friends, figured that
there were two ways of getting Akane: (1) Seduce her and after
that SHE kicks Kuno's butt for him, or (2) Blackmail. Either one
was fine by him, as he was rather impartial to the means of his
victory. "Hell, what does it matter?" was his train of thought
on that subject.
The only downfall to Akane, as he saw it, was her sister. He
positively hated Nabiki. They had been rivals for years until
finally she drove all of his business away in a bet. She had bet
him that if she beat him in a game on Mah-Jongg. He would stop
doing business in Furinken, her side of the bargain was to do
the opposite, if he won, she would do the exact opposite. he was
undefeated in Mah-Jongg. No one had ever beaten him. She did. He
was pissed to say the least. She was the only person that he
couldn't read like a book. He couldn't believe she won. The
strange thing was, HE cheated. There was the beginning of an
even worse grudge...
"Hito?" a voice asked, "Class is over. You coming?" It was Go.
Go was shorter than Hito, and much more normal in appearance,
other than the huge amount of bruises from his daily beating.
His red hair stood out from the other Japanese students as Go was
half Irish.
"Huh?" Hito said somewhat surprised. "Oh, yeah, I'll be right
there, I just gotta check something." Hito told him.
As Hito looked near Kuno's desk, he suddenly realized what
those slips were. Normally Hito never checked the photos, they were as
good as any yearbook photos, but they really weren't racy
enough. But, today he felt an urge to. Nothing he could really
explain, he just felt he needed to. Hi picked up a couple of them
and his face turned pale white. he was left speechless. "Yeesh,
and I thought that Nabiki had SOME morals," he thought to
himself. "You know, I really have gained a LOT of respect for
her now."
"Hito?' Go queried. "what's up?"
"Go my friend," He replied grinning, "It's the opportunity of a
lifetime."
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The clock read 12:03
Nabiki got out of her class for a much needed break, the high
school had their "recess" of sorts right now. Most of the kids
were out with their friends talking or something similar, but
she needed time alone. She normally did business during this
hour too, but felt lucky that she had none today. Her mind
couldn't quite focus on it today anymore. She felt something
pulling and tearing at her heart, something she hadn't felt in
10 years, something that was ripping her insides to shreds.
guilt. She couldn't believe that she had sold her sister out
like that. Ranma, was one thing; He probably didn't care, but
her sister, how could she have even thought of doing that to
her?
Nabiki had never ever thought it would have come down to
this. When she started taking the photos, she swore that it
would go no further than, full clothes, then Bra and
panties, and now, this. was money really worth her sister's
trust? Did she really need the money that mu...?
"OH MY GOD!" the shriek broke into her head like a jolt of
electricity, it was Akane.
Nabiki jolted down the hall like wildfire, she had to see what
was wrong. After nearly bowling over three people she made it to
the stairs. Akane screamed again. Her shrieks sounded like
sirens, genuine shock in them. Nabiki bolted down the stairs
toward the far end of the school not noticing that she had
dropped her bag on the way. She saw Akane there, but still
couldn't make out what was happening. Nabiki ran for what seemed
like hours, finally making it to the scene of the crime in
actually less than a minute. She was left speechless.
Sitting on the ground was Akane, Ukyo was next to her,
looking rather grim. Her arms wrapped around Akane's shoulders, and
any rivalry the two had seemed to suddenly disappear. Nabiki was
in sheer disbelief at seeing her sister like that. It looked as
if every piece of emotional strength that Akane had, had been
pulled away from her. Nabiki felt an eerie air at the scene.
"Akane?" Nabiki semi greeted. "what's... what's wrong ?" Akane
barely noticed Nabiki's presence at all. She looked up at
Nabiki, made eye contact and just stared for a second. Nabiki
saw the look of betrayal in her sister's eyes, but the betrayal
wasn't at all centered toward her. She shifted her gaze
to Ukyo, who's gaze met hers then simply pointed at the wall.
Nabiki looked up and didn't believe what she saw. She knew who was
responsible. Nabiki looked at Akane and bolted out the door, she
was the angriest she had ever been. "That son of a bitch is
dead." As she stormed out Ranma ran in, the clock read 12:05.
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Ranma was at the athletics field when he heard the scream. It
took him all of one minute to get to Akane. He'd never heard
that tone of scream come from her before. Once he'd arrived,
chaos ensued. Nabiki bolted out just as he made it in. The
scenario almost made him lose it right then and there. He had never
seen Akane look as vulnerable as she did now. Ucchan was helping
comfort her. It was a scene that Ranma would never forget.
Then, his gaze turned upward toward the wall to a photo, his only
reaction was to stare.
Ukyo looked up at Ranma, and stared for a while getting good
look. She saw the rage in his eyes, and it scared her. She had
only heard of him ever getting that mad. Once, at a skating
competition, for the same girl. For the first time in his life,
Ranma scared her. He had an incredible blood lust in his eyes.
She realized that people were on their way to see what had
happened. She didn't want any more humiliation to befall any of
them. Ukyo quickly tore down the picture, and helped Ranma and
Akane to the small area beneath the stage of the main
auditorium. They would be unnoticed for a while, but it would
take quite a bit of time to calm the three of them down, herself
included.
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Nabiki ran down out the doors just as she saw Ranma enter them,
under normal circumstances she would have pay big time to see
the look on Ranma's face, but today, she was mad. This was her
younger sister, one of the few people she actually trusted, this
was too far. It didn't take her long to divine who it was who
had done this. It was simply a process of elimination. First off, it
wasn't Ranma, he just didn't have such a twisted mind, He made
fun of her sometimes but would never do something this low.
Anyway, he looked really worried when he ran in, and she knew he
was genuine. Ranma was a horrible actor. Scratch one
Kuno was way too much of a gentleman to have done this, Nabiki
knew him well enough for that. He probably never even SAW the
racier pics so that was out. Anyway, if he had seen them, he
would have never gone and put them up, if he did he would've had
to beat up every guy who saw them. His style, but just not him.
Scratch two.
Ryoga and Mousse were straight out for various reasons, Ryoga
because of the fact that even if he wanted to, he couldn't find
the lockers. Anyway he hadn't been seen in months. The last
letter from him talked about a weird city with round black and
white TVs that was just starting it's own space program, so he
was out. Mousse wouldn't even have known it was a Polaroid,
after all, he was the first person ever to just walk into one of
the Jusenkyo pools. There was no way that he could have done it.
Besides that too wasn't his style. Since there weren't any
people with access to the school that would have or could have
done it. There was only one guy who fit, and Nabiki swore that
she would rip out that bastard's lungs when she caught him.
After all there was only one place the son of a bitch could be
hiding.
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The economics room seemed eerily quiet, the scream had happened
just a few minutes ago, Hitoshi sat down in his chair feet laid
on his desk, he seemed really happy as if he was the only one in
the world in on some sick joke. His face bore a sort of devilish
grin. Go stood on the opposite side of the room, he looked the
exact opposite of his friend. While Hito, looked calm and
collected, Go, was a nervous wreck, he was sweating profusely
and shivering a bit. Several locks of his red hair were
plastered to his forehead. Next to him leaned up against the
wall was the third man in their little troupe. He was Yuu, a
boxer. Yuu was a good two heads taller than Go, and he was built
like a stone house. He had cropped auburn hair that didn't flow
far from it's roots. His face bore sort of a stupid look, Yuu
wasn't especially known for his brain power. With his strength
most felt he didn't need it. An air of silence was broken by
Go's nervous question.
"How is doing this gonna help us in getting Akane?" he asked
his lip twitching.
"Yeah!" Yuu replied.
"Well you just don't quite see the measure of my tactical
genius my friends." Hito retorted in an egotistical voice. "We
expose the people who put up that picture and we get in good
with Akane. Then Bingo" Hito snapped his fingers.
"Oh, I see" Go said, getting the general gist of things but not
quite grasping it completely. Yuu wasn't so lucky.
"Uhh.." Yuu asked in a puzzled tone "Didn't WE put those
pictures up?"
Hito looked disgusted. "I'll use small words so that you can
understand me." he said in a tutoring voice. turning to continue
his response he emphasized every word. "We... Frame.. Kuno...
and... Nabiki... That... way... we ... get... Akane... and...
I... get... revenge... too. Understand Moron?"
"Yeah!" Yuu responded.
"Gooood" Hito semi mocked.
Nabiki's voice streamed in. "Gee and I thought I had seen the
lowest of low a couple of years ago. Haven't changed much have
you?"
Hito grinned. "You're exactly two minutes early, I'm surprised."
Nabiki gave him a look that would send a rottwieler yipping off
into the distance. "How could you do this?"
"Moi?" Hito sneered "Why I'm not the one who took these
pictures. How much money did you get for 'em huh? 10,000 or
20,000 really. I could have sworn that you had morals a couple
years ago, I was wrong, congratulations Nabiki!" he sent a
similar look towards her. That coupled with the words he had
just uttered left her speechless. "Oh, yeah, what's for sale
next, you? You know a couple of years ago, I wouldn't have even
bothered, but hey, you've lost the pimples and gained some
cleavage, I might even be inclined to pay."
Nabiki was furious, and she hoped it didn't show. There was so
much she wanted to scream at the SOB, that stood before her, but
only two words came out. "Fuck You!"
Hito looked genuinely hurt. "Now Nabiki, is that anyway to talk
to an old friend?"
Nabiki regained a hold of herself, a semblance of her
confidence returning "Excuse me," she sarcastically delivered.
"Fuck You old friend. You know that I don't do that. I'm NOT for
sale."
Hitoshi looked into her eyes and grinned. "But, Your sister
is?" Nabiki truly was left speechless. "Well, don't worry,
she'll soon be in our arms, but, hell why not a consort with
her sister?" Hito motioned to Yuu, who came up quickly behind
her and restrained her. "Don't worry," Hito mocked "I'll leave
proper reimbursement on the table, how much? 10 or 25 yen?"
Nabiki spit at him "I hope you have a goddamn heart attack."
"Duly noted" Hito stabbed back. "Hey, don't worry, it'll be
over soo.."
Before he could finish his sentence something slammed into Yuu,
sending him flying across the room into the far wall. Kuno
walked out towards Hito. "Oh, I'm sorry did I break your
concentration?" Go looked as if he was going to die. Hito looked
surprisingly calm. Kuno continued, "You will treat miss Tendo
like a lady, and you will now be in pain." Kuno swiped at Go,
hitting him in the chin. He flew through the ceiling in a flash.
The only one still standing other than Kuno and Nabiki was Hito.
"Now Kuno," he said calmly "Let's not be hasty, I'm sure we can
work this all out, It was just a joke, really." As Hito finished
his sentence Nabiki looked like she had seen a ghost. "Now,
let's work this all out in a civilized manner Kuno. Come on, put
the bokken dow..." Before Hito finished his sentence he has hit
by Kuno's bokken and slammed into the nearby desks.
"WHAT SORT OF IDIOT DO YOU TAKE ME FOR?!" Kuno screamed in
rage. "A joke? Get real!"
Hito got up, rubbing the red spot on his chin. "Now, I really
didn't want to fight you Kuno, but I suppose have no choice." He
looked over to Nabiki. "By the way" he grinned at her. "Remind
me to send you a corsage."
Kuno was flabbergasted... "YOU know martial arts?!" he shouted
in complete shock.
"Oh come on." Hito said with impatience. "Do you actually think
that there is someone in the district of Furinken who DOESN'T?"
"I can think of many cases." Kuno said in a know it all
voice. "Go, for example."
"Haven't you heard of the "Fighting Irish Head butt" Technique"
Hito said as if he just answered the most insane question in the
world. "It sucks, but it's STILL martial arts."
"OK, how about Kasumi Tendo?" Kuno stated. "No WAY she can know
the intricacies of the way of the warrior."
Hito rubbed his chin. "Ya got me there."
"Well" Nabiki broke in. "She actually does, she took a karate
course from my dad. Pretty good at it too if I may add." Hito
and Kuno did a simultaneous Face Fault.
For about the next hour or so, Kuno named every citizen of
Furinken. Each name was met by some obscure form of the Martial
Arts. Be it "Martial arts synchronized swimming", "Martial Arts
basket weaving" or even "The all hallowed art of the amazing
Martial arts all-nude mud wrestling" Everyone knew one form or
another. It was pretty sad actually.
"Martial Arts NET-SURFING?!?!?!?!?!!?" Kuno screamed. "HOW IN
THE NAME OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DOES THAT WORK!?!" Hito merely
shrugged his shoulders. "Very well," Kuno said on his last
mental legs. "Tendo-san," he said turning to Nabiki, "Do YOU
know martial arts?" He said with a glimmer of hope.
"Well... actually... " she said, Hito and Kuno hung on her
every word. "No." Again came the time honored anime technique,
the face fault.
"HA!" Kuno yelled at Hito "I WAS RIGHT! There IS someone in the
district that doesn't know martial arts. YOU LOSE" Nabiki felt
rather left out and stupid at being the ONLY one in the district
of Furinken that didn't know martial arts. Kuno just did a
victory dance
"OK." Hito agreed "you win. But," He said with a fire in his
eye, "we have unfinished business." He cracked his knuckles.
"Enough chit-chat." He turned and stared at Kuno. "Let's dance."
Kuno looked at him with the anger that up until a few minutes
ago had left him "My, you ARE cliche. Let's go." Kuno spun his
bokken around in the air like a master. He slowly marched
towards Hito. You could cut the tension with a knife.
Nabiki sat there unsure of what her reaction should be, sat on
the floor in a nearly catatonic state.
I don't believe this is happening. I don't believe this is
happening. I don't believe this is happening. I don't believe
this is happening. I don't believe this is happening. Her train
of thought was broken by the end of 5th period, as the bell rang
the fight began.
Kuno thrust forward with his bokken as Hito flipped over in a
quick gesture sending Kuno's sword into the wall. Screaming with
rage Kuno swung with a backhand splitting a desk and not a small
portion of the floor with his pointed stick. Hito took a small
portion of the blast but managed to only get a small scratch on
his shoulder. Kuno was getting slightly peeved, no one had given
him this much trouble since that fool Saotome. Of course he
stood completely still while pondering this matter and got
blasted in the side by one of Hitoshi's kicks.
Kuno felt the blast hit him right before he flew into the back
wall, sending a large BANG throughout the school. The wall bore
a large hole where Kuno lay on the ground. Hito just looked down
and smirked, yeesh I would've thought you would have provided a
bit more of a challenge than this, I guess you just don't have
the stuff. Hito punched the top of the wall sending a shower of
rubble onto Kuno's head. The dust that kicked up was and when it
cleared all that could be seen was a large tonnage of plaster
and stone. Kuno was under that; buried deep.
Nabiki screamed. "You bastard! You killed him!" her rage was
shown full out. As tears streamed down her face she stared at
her rival. His grin of satisfaction made her sick. The look of
repugnance on her face made her even more nauseated. He just
shot her a look that cut through her soul.
"Losing control? That's so unlike you Nabiki." I really
expected more from you." Hito truly enjoyed this little attack.
This was almost worth the pain in his right shoulder. This was
the revenge he had waited years for, it was true. When the dish
was cold, it was the sweetest.
"Looks as if you have lost all of your technique Nabiki." Hito
mocked. He then began to walk forward towards her as he spoke.
"Shame on you. Emotions have no place in the business world. You
of all people should know that. It's a shame your boyfriend
here doesn't have the same control you do." Hito's walk now
turned to a circular motion. "Oh, wait that's right you lost
your control." His grin beamed even wider than before. "Now that
is such a shame. Well maybe if you had more control and he was a
better martial artist you wouldn't be IN this little, shall we
say, situation. Ta ta, time to pin this on you, Kuno, and hell
for good measure Ranma."
The plaster and metal pile began to shuffle before Hito
finished his traditional bad guy speech he was cracked in the
back of the head by a bokken. Kuno's bokken. Kuno was
speechless. Not quite from actual awe of Hito, but more from the
fact that he was too angry to make coherent speech.
"My my," Hito said while dodging several blows from Kuno's
sword. "you're still alive after all. Can't say I'm impressed,
maybe a little surprised though"
Kuno screamed "ERIEEADURAH!" He was still in incoherent thought
and speech mode.
"He walks, He talks, He plays dead" Hitoshi flew down and
slammed his palm into Kuno's abdomen. "Take that you little
moron. Now learn to stay dead!"
Kuno was knocked back slightly, but not as much as before. He
threw all of his might into a series of pattern strikes that
ripped the room into a charred remains of what it was before.
Hito was hit by the air pressure and sent flying through a desk.
He, needless to say got up, shirt torn, face bloody.
"YOU HIT MY FACE!?" Hito shouted. "NO ONE HITS MY FACE!" Hito
began to glow with a blue aura. He stood there ready to let out
something fierce. His face, now beaten was in an expression of
pure rage. He was now completely controlled by his anger. "You,
my stupid friend are going to die. I will see to that myself"
Hito flew forward from his position and kicked Kuno with his
foot, the shock wave from the Chi flowing through him knocked
Kuno through the air into yet another pile of desks.
Kuno stood, a bit hazy from the trip in the pile of shattered
desk material. Hito took the chance to strike for all it was
worth and pounded Kuno some more, this time he flew up through
the ceiling and back down to the floor leaving a large crater in
the floor of the Economics building. Hito then began hitting
Kuno while he was on the ground. Smoke bellowed from the place
where he was kicking. Kuno was basically done for.
Nabiki through all this was basically in shock, why was Kuno
standing up for her did this mean anything? It couldn't be could
it? No, nah, he was just being honorable, especially since he
didn't know about it. No, he was in love with her sister, and
Ranma, not her. She was better off that way, Kuno just wasn't
for her, it just wouldn't work. But, now he's fighting for me
and he's getting killed for me. Dear God, please don't let him
die please.
On the other side of the room the massacre continued, Kuno was
getting his body beaten to a pulp while Nabiki watched on. She
had to do something she couldn't just watch her friend get
killed. Friend? Yes, her best friend, only that, but what she
had to do didn't change at all. She clutched a chair. It was now
or never.
As Hitoshi continued beating on Kuno, Nabiki ran towards them.
As quick as she could she slammed the wooden chair on Hito's
head, hoping that it would have some effect. It did, just not
much. Hito still being guided by pain and emotion looked at her.
"Did you just try to kill me? Is that it?" Hito continued "Boy
you must be dumber than he is, you really just don't know when
to sit there and watch someone die, well let me teach you when."
Hito began to advance towards Nabiki, backing her into a corner.
She really wished for the normal Hito, not the one now, at least
the normal one knew it would be stupid to do anything to her.
But Hitoshi's reason had died a quick death.
As Hito got closer he forgot about Kuno who staggered towards
his target. Kuno, was also in full berserker mode. His slow
movements were not noticed by Hito, he was too angry, but Nabiki
saw him coming, and wasn't sure what to think. Now comes the
moment of truth.
"Get away from her knave!" Kuno screamed. "Your fight is with
me! Leave the girl out of this." Kuno readied his bokken. He was
however, in no real condition to fight. With his body in such
disarray he could never hope to win, but Kuno never cared about
that in his whole life? Why should he start now?
"You just stay out of this you loser!" Hito sneered. "Look, I
don't really care about you anymore, but then, I can't think of
one person who does care about a low-life, bullying loser who
spends all of his time calling forth lightning and spouting
poetry. Please, no girl in this school would have anything at
all to do with you. No guy wants to be your friend either. You
should never have been put here in the first place. If I kill
you now, I can't think of one person who would mourn for your
sorry behind. I betcha people would congratulate me. For killing
a stupid honorless dog!" Hito wasn't acting to smart either at
this point in time. As anyone insulting Kuno was bound to find
out, calling him honorless wasn't the smartest thing to do.
"Oh yeah," Hito taunted "When you die," he pointed at Nabiki
"Can I have her? She looks tasty."
"DIE !!" Kuno flew through the air hitting Hito several times
with his pattern strike. Hito hit back with a punch to the
abdomen. They both landed in opposite corners. Kuno now being
the more pissed one.
"Die Kuno!" Hito yelled as he ran towards his almost beaten
opponent.
"Strike Strike Strike!" Kuno screamed hitting Hito several
Hundred times. Kuno was now the proud owner of a blue aura. The
blows continued knocking Hito back until he was out of reach and
dizzy. Kuno spun his sword around in the air and slashed at Hito
with all of his strength. Hito came to just in time to dodge the
attack, but something happened he hadn't counted on, As the
sword hit the ground it evaporated shooting forward a huge
parabolic Chi blast.
"Son of a Bitch!" was all Hito got out before the large ray of
light hit him, blasted him to high heaven would be a better
phrase for it. He was knocked into the only remaining intact
desk and was officially out for the count.
"Tate-kun?" Nabiki yelled as she ran towards him "Are you OK?"
Kuno simply smiled and fell down in a heap.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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For the past half hour Ranma and Ukyo were making attempts to
contact Akane. She was in the room, but she was far from being
able to speak. Ranma was taking the situation fairly well, other
than the fact that he had punched holes in two of the walls that
is. Whoever the hell did this would pay dearly.
"Ranchan?" a voice said. "She wants to talk to you." It was
Ukyo. She had been there the whole time as well, Ranma was in
shock as to how well she was able to comfort Akane. That's why
he liked her, she was always a friend. And probably always would
be.
Ranma turned his head. "OK Ucchan," He said. "I'll be right
there." Ukyo nodded and went to the other room in the area
under the stage where they were hiding out. Ranma sighed and
followed shortly thereafter.
As Ranma entered he saw Akane sitting on a speaker. The dark
room was rather moody as could be seen by just about anyone. It
felt more like a dungeon. Akane was underneath a flickering
light bulb that illuminated her face with a ghostly glow. Ranma
made eye-contact with Ukyo as she walked out of the room. They
nodded to each other and he stepped forward. The room was dead
silent.
When Ranma got his first look at Akane he couldn't believe his
eyes. Her eyes were swollen and puffy from so much crying. Her
face looked as if she hadn't eaten in weeks. "She looks like a
ghost." Ranma thought to himself. "I don't believe this is
happening, and to all people why her?" He continued walking and
thought of what he could say to her.
However he was at a loss for words he didn't have the slightest
clue as to what to say or how to say it. He wanted to tell her
everything right then, but couldn't find the words. He needed to
tell her how angry he was. He wanted to tell her how much it
hurt him to see her like that, and he wanted to tell her who he
thought did it. But most of all he wanted to tell her why he
felt the way he did then. He however, had one problem: He didn't
know himself.
"R... Ranma?" Akane's voice broke in. She sounded like hell.
Ranma gulped "Yeah," he said. "I'm here. Are you OK Akane?" his
voice was genuine. He was deeply concerned, but relieved that
she was at the very least speaking again.
Akane nodded "I'm feeling like hell, but I'm a doing bit
better." She said looking up at him.
Ranma was again at a loss. Then he came in "I...I... I swear to
you that I'm gonna find the son of a bitch that did this to you
and rip out his lungs." His voice increased in Volume. "Nobody
does this to my friends. I'm gonna kill him" Ranma had someone
who he thought did it or at least helped, but he couldn't say it
to her. And, he wasn't sure he could beat the shit out of them.
"Ranma..." Akane said to him in a soft voice. Ranma couldn't
take it anymore. He stormed out into the next room. He had to
talk to Ukyo. There was, nothing more he could say. He felt
helpless, and that was one thing that he couldn't stand. He
would have to go for now, he just couldn't bring himself to
stay.
"I'll be back" was all that he said before walking out the
door. Akane's gaze followed him out the door, pained by his
look.
"So," Ranma asked as he walked in. "who do you think did it
Ucchan?"
Ukyo turned to him "I'm not sure, not too much motive you
know." she shrugged her shoulders. "Shampoo maybe?"
"I was thinking that, but It still doesn't seem to fit, she
isn't the picture taking type." Ranma paced as he continued.
"I've eliminated everyone but these people:" Ranma sat down to
list off the suspects. "First and foremost Gosunkugi. He takes a
lot of pictures and likes Akane. Problem is, no real motive. He
would have nothing to gain by that."
Ukyo nodded. "Good point. So he's out"
"Then," Ranma listed. "We have Kuno. No real alibi, and he has
the hots for her big time."
"True," Ukyo added "But, again, no real motive either. It's
also just not him at all." "Far too honorable for doing that."
Ranma stayed calm as the next name came from his mouth.
"Hitoshi Masaki, It's surely not beneath him. That guy would do
anything to get to someone."
"I think you've got something Ranchan."
"He fits for all but one thing, the picture itself. How would
Hito get his grimy little hands on them?" Ranma thought for a
second. Then revelation connected a previous thought to his
current train. "Unless, HE didn't take the pictures. What if
someone else did?"
"I see your point, but who could it be?"
"Think Ucchan, who that you know could get that photo, and could
profit from it in a heartbeat." Ranma's fervor grew as he
carried on. "Who has access to everywhere in the house Ucchan?
Someone on the inside, and who in the Tendo home takes photos
and sells them for cash? It sure ain't pops."
"Ranchan, you're not saying her own sister?"
"Yep, Nabiki. Well, her and Hito. She takes 'em he buys 'em.
And POW we have this situation. I don't care is she IS family
or a girl. I'm gonna make her pay! After, that is I kill Hito."
Akane's voice came in a scream "NO! You're lying. My sister
would never do that!"
'Shit!' Ranma thought, he was trying to avoid this. "Look,
Akane she's the only one that fits."
"NO!" Akane was in a rage, she had absolutely no control
whatsoever at this point. "You fit Ranma! It was YOU! You just
wanted to show me off to your friends. 'Hey look at the tail I'M
getting!' I hate you!"
Ranma lost it too, once the shouting began there was no way to
resolve it peacefully. "Why in the world would I want to show off a
Kawaiikune tomboy like you! Yeah, I did it, you just believe
that and think who was there for you! Damn it! " Akane felt a
tear stream down her cheek. "If anyone wants to see you ugly
spread eagle I don't care!"
Akane was now in complete tears, as Ranma realized what he had
just done. The room was silent as Ukyo just sat there
dumbfounded. This was the last thing that needed to happen.
Ranma lowered his head "I'm sorry Akane I really am." That was
all that Ranma got out before he flew through the ceiling. Akane
just fell to her knees crying.
"Akane..." Ukyo whispered.
"Leave me alone" was Akane's muffled reply. Ukyo slowly got up
and hesitantly left. She had to find Ranma.
-------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------
After an hour Kuno was finally conscious again. Nabiki
had dragged him out of the economics room soon after the fight,
she knew that Hinako would be there soon and it wasn't exactly
the place to be. Kuno groaned again as he tried to sit up.
"You OK Kuno?" Nabiki asked. She was genuinely concerned.
Kuno stood and grinned. "Why it takes more than a punch or
two to ground the great Blue Thunder of Furinken High." Lighting
flashed in the background. "Why it doesn't even hurt at all."
"So" Nabiki asked as she reared around him from behind. "it
won't hurt if I do THIS" Nabiki suddenly grabbed his shoulder and
squeezed hard.
"EEEAGUOICHIE!" Kuno screamed tears streaming down his face.
Nabiki grinned. "Baka! You're just like Ranma. What is it
about you martial artists that gives you such huge egos?" Nabiki
looked behind her to find Kuno unconscious again. "Well," she
said tugging him by the shirt, "off to Tofu-sensei's I suppose."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
"Tofu-sensei?!?" Nabiki called as she dragged Kuno into the
office. "Are you in Doctor?" As she looked around she noticed that the
entire place was a shambles. This could only mean that Kasumi was there,
or had been earlier today. "Damn." If she was lucky he'd have regained
enough of his senses to help out Kuno. If not, well, Nabiki had a nice
plot of land picked out for a grave.
"Well hello Nabiki," Tofu said. "It's good to see you, you don't
stop by here much anymore." So, what can I do ya for?"
"Well, Kuno here is in a bit of pain right now. I thought you
could help. " Nabiki said Dumping Kuno onto a table.
Doctor Tofu, studied Kuno for quite a long time. He looked up,
down, every which way he could, studying the bruises and bumps. With
each pass he would mumble to himself occasionally fixing his glasses.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity he turned to Nabiki.
"What's wrong?" Nabiki asked, dread in her voice.
"Who DID this to him?" Tofu queried. "I've never seen anyone
dole out this amount of punishment to him. He's usually down in one
hit. Two at most. Whoever did this must've hit him while he was down."
Nabiki smiled and shook her head. "He surprised me too."
"But this is brutal, surely Ranma didn't do this?" Tofu was
still in a bit of shock.
Nabiki mumbled to herself "You should see the other guy."
"What?" Tofu raised his head.
"Nothing." Nabiki said quickly. "So can ya patch him up?"
"Sure!"
"Fine." Nabiki let out a sigh of relief.
"One problem though. Kuno here isn't insured, it's gonna cost
about 5,000 yen to patch him up." Tofu turned his head back with a
smile that vanished when he saw what was in Nabiki's hand
"Here you go Doctor!" Nabiki quickly replied. In her hand was
the required dough and then some. Her face held a blank expression.
'What am I DOING?'
"Nabiki it was a joke, I was just trying to get a response.
I must admit this wasn't the one I expected." Tofu was laboring over
the words.
"A joke, of course." Nabiki said rather dryly. "I was just trying
to throw you off Sensei." She tried to force a small laugh. "If that's
it then, I'll be going." She said backing towards the door.
"Yes, see you later Nabiki." Tofu said as she left. "Oh, and
don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." Tofu removed his glasses
and winked.
"Why doctor, I have no idea what you're talking about."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nabiki slowly walked through the streets of Furinken, as she
had been for the past 2 hours. She'd pretty much been wandering the
entire time. No direction, no purpose, just wandering and thinking.
She almost felt at peace again, though guilt over what she had done
wouldn't leave her be. It was sunset now, and a beautiful one at
that. Simply a scene out of a postcard. Quiet, peaceful, with
fireflies beginning to float about giving off their etherial glow. In
any other circumstances she would have loved this sunset, but her mind
was locked on one thought. One she didn't want to face, but one she
couldn't stand not to.
Soon she stopped in her tracks and looked up to see a large
Oak tree in front of her. It was an ugly old thing, aged and wrinkled,
with huge roots extending like tentacles trying to capture anything
they could, she'd been here many times before with her sisters, with
her mother. They'd come here to play while her father tried to get
customers for their Dojo, not that they needed it too much, the family
was well off anyway. It wasn't too well known, the house was inherited
but the family had a huge amount left over afterwards. Soun never knew
this of course, he was always too busy doing what he did to even bother
they would've been in the poorhouse by now if not for their mother. She
was the one who did all the bookkeeping. Nabiki was young but she
certainly noticed that. So when she got older, long after her mother
had passed on, she decided to help her father out in that way. She'd
started in the 6th grade and been a money machine ever since. It did
make her happy, though she found herself wishing for the old days. She
regretted not having been here for years.
Nabiki smiled slightly remembering those times. She'd loved it
then, she was happy. Something she definitely was not now. A small tear
flowed down her cheek as she sat against the tree and looked out over
the orange tinted river. She closed her eyes, quelling another tear.
Akane had been crying beneath schools stage for what must've
been hours, she didn't know for sure because she didn't know what time
it was. It seemed about right. It was just past sunset and she still
hadn't stopped. It was horrible. As if a piece of her was ripped out
never to be replaced. She couldn't understand why anyone would want to
do this to her. She had no enemies that she knew of. Akane, of course
knew it wasn't Ranma, she knew it about 2 minutes after she'd kicked
him through the ceiling. She was sorry now, but it did no good. She
ran out of school about 15 minutes ago and went to find her little
refuge, an old oak tree she'd always been fond of, she didn't know why.
She tried to control her crying but couldn't. It was too painful to
keep in. She gasped for air as she found the tree, and was completely
surprised as to who she found sitting in the shadows.
"Oneechan?" Akane asked quietly between sobs.
Nabiki looked up slowly dreading what would be there. She
finally made eye contact after almost a minute to see her sister
standing in tears. Akane's eyes were blood red and she looked as if
she'd been without sleep for days. Nabiki though knew all too well
why her little sister was crying. Nabiki simply looked and didn't say
a word, she was at a loss.
"R.... Ranma said that it was you who t..took that picture of
me. I told him it wasn't true. I told him you'd never do anything
like that to me." Akane let out a sob.
Nabiki was still speechless. She couldn't lie to her sister but
she couldn't bear to tell her the truth. Nabiki just stared at her
sister not moving for a second.
"Please..." Akane pleaded in between sobs. "Please tell me you
didn't. Oh GOD please. Tell... me." But Akane knew and she began to cry
harder, she knew by the look on her sister's face that she was the one
had done it. It was Nabiki who had betrayed her.
Nabiki tried to gain her composure. "I c.. I can't" She
swallowed. "I'm sorry. As much as I wish I could Akane, I can't." She
turned her face away and looked at the ground. "I'm sorry."
Akane just stared. She couldn't believe it, she didn't want to
believe that her sister had betrayed her. "Get the hell away from me."
"Akane... I'm sorry, sis, I never meant to..." Nabiki was
nearly in tears. She couldn't even lift her head to look at her
sister.
"Don't you dare call me that!" Akane screamed. "We aren't
sisters any more!"
"Akane, I..." Nabiki simply couldn't believe it. In every
scenario of the way she would tell her sister, Nabiki, never
thought it would turn out this way.
"Do you have any idea how much it hurts? Do you know what
it's like to have your body displayed for all to see? Do you know
how much more it hurts to know that it's YOUR FAULT?!?! DO YOU!?!"
Akane screamed in between sobs. "I never want to see you ever again!"
"Please Akane," Nabiki stood up. "You don't really mean that." It
felt to her as if a knife was inside of her heart. "I'm really... I'm
sorry." She slowly made her way towards Akane. "Please."
"Get away from me!" Akane slapped her sister, hard. Nabiki fell to
the ground from the force of the hit. She slowly got up, crying, and
ran off into the distance. Akane simply fell to her knees and again began
a slow, muffled, sob.
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Hi guys.
I suppose by the time you get this letter I'll be gone
don't worry I'm not dead if that's what you're wondering.
I just can't stay here anymore, not after what I've done.
I've been lying to myself for years now, putting everything
below money, I was wrong, and I realize this now. My only
real regret is realizing it far far too late. My life for
the past few years has been a Facade, nothing more than
a charade. I'm ending it now.
Akane since you'll probably be the one finding this letter
I want to again say I'm sorry, I hope that one day you'll
be able to forgive me. I know it's hard and that's why I'm
leaving I can't stand having to live here knowing that you
hate me. I just want you to know that I still love you sis,
I always will, remember that.
Secondly you can tell Ranma to rest easy; the asshole who
did this is in really bad shape, if not dead. So he can
relax a little. Hopefully you can too.
Next to the letter you'll find a huge amount of papers and
a large wad of cash. That's for everyone. The sheets are for
the tax records for the past 20 years and the cash should
cover expenses for a long time to come. I'm doing this as
to not leave you all high and dry when I leave. I suggest
you get Daddy an accountant.
Speaking of him please don't tell him I've left, tell him
I'm on vacation or something, it'll hopefully soften the
blow. He's really touchy about these things.
It's getting late, I have to go now, it's all for the best
trust me. I love you all, so please take care. Also, should
you ever really need me, I'll find a way to get back.
Take care, I'll love you always:
Nabiki.
A tear streamed down Nabiki's cheek as she finished the last
sentence. She grabbed her bag, a few belongings, and a fair amount of
money and crept out the window. Not knowing if she would ever see her
room again.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
End Part 1
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Whew, finally finished part 1. OK, final notes. First off, yes
I seriously played with the characters. It's my opinion that you
have to to get any character development done in Ranma 1/2. This
is only IMO of course. 2nd Facades is pronounced (Fuh-sahds.)
I decided to leave out the special c because of problems with
various fonts. C & C is greatly appreciated. Part 2 is coming soon.
Hope you liked it.
George Mori setzerofvane@nethaus.net
