: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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- "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 fuck up" She groaned. There was a thud, a blood curdling shriek, and then silence. "Shit, 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- "THE HOT STOCK OF THE DAY IS MIGUREN MOTORS... WAKE UP THE BUSINESS DAY IS STARTING.... THE HOT SOCK OF THE DAY IS MIGUREN MOTORS.... WAKE UP THE BUSINESS DAY IS STARTING... THE HOT STOCK OF THE DAY IS MIGUREN MOTORS.. WA..." 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 FUCK 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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'." ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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-Jhong. 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-Jhong. 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." ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Ranma was in 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. -------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------- 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 and 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 fucking 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 hollowed 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 cliché. 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 that calling him honorless wasn't the best 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. ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- 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 shit 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 does now. 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 the fuck was there for you!" 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. It was 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. She didn't want to face it but 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 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. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 there 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 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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