Ukyou's Betrayal
A fanfic by KPJAM

Disclaimer.  This story is the work of fan-fiction based upon the characters
found in the Ranma � manga.  The rights to them are owned by Rumiko
Takahashi and to those she has assigned those rights to.  I am definitely
not one of them.


                        ---------------





"Ranchan is back!"  That's my first thought upon waking.  I had heard the
news yesterday while working in the restaurant, his return was as unexpected
as his leaving.

I smile as the thought of seeing him floats around my brain, assaulting me
with pictures of his smiling face and the feelings of happiness his company
brings.  Removing the covers I leave my bed quickly, there is little time to
spare.  The weeks of absence must be ended as quickly as possible, my best
friend awaits me.   He must be dying to see me, because I know I can't wait
to see him.  This should be the happiest day I've had in weeks, since his
unexpected departure.  The mere thought of seeing him again is bringing life
back into my life, something that his presence has always done.

A few quick feather-light steps find me at my door, removing my robe from
its hook.  I stand for a minute, grasping my robe at its nape and snuggling
it to my chin while I imagined wistfully that there was a second hooks and
matching robe hanging there.  The first morning that dream was realized
would be the first perfect morning of my life.

A wistful sigh reminds me that I must get going, Ranma is only a quick
shower and short trip away!

Opening the bedroom door, I walk down the hall, noticing that Konatsu's door
is partially open, signifying that my most recent friend and employee is up
and about.

Thinking about Konatsu always reminds me of our initial meeting, and Ranma's
attempts to save me.  He's always doing things like that for people, that's
something I respect so much about him.  But, nothing beats when he shows
such caring and affection for me.  I can feel my face warming, I ignore the
blush, feeling it deepen as I recall his actions on my behalf that day.  He
doesn't often show such emotions concerning me publically, but when he does
I feel lighter than air.

The bathroom is empty and I hesitate while I consider the western-style bath
and shower.  Which should I choose?  Neither was as nice as a furo, but I do
have to hurry.  My heart is racing just thinking about being reunited with
my Ranchan.

Understanding his need to be his own man, I have tried to give him some
space, never really chastising his actions.  Sure I've slipped up on
occasion, who wouldn't?  When they desired to be with someone, and only that
somebody, so strongly.  Supportive is what I try to be, of his actions and
his needs.  It's still hard to swallow at times, his current situation and
living arrangements, but I trust Ranchan to make the right decision when he
needs to, when the time is right.

Starting the taps, I decide the shower is going to have to suffice for now.
After quickly disrobing, I'm underneath the stream of hot water, feeling the
jets pound softly on flesh and muscles that are cramped from sleep and taut
from excitement.  I can feel the relief as the muscles soften under the
onslaught, idly noting the huge difference from the worry that had plagued
me the previous mornings, increasing in intensity each day of his absence.

I laugh at myself for needlessly worrying about him.  He is my best friend
after all.  He wouldn't let anything happen to me, or leave me for good
without at least telling me first.  This much I know, the faith and trust I
have in him as a martial artist and as a person, always bolster my
confidence.  More than faith, really, because I really never doubt these
things about him.  He would hurt me, he has shown he would fight for me.  He
even considers me his fiancee when I know that his father is forcing Akane
down his throat.

Also, some consideration and understanding are due to me, if not a whole lot
more.  The way his father had handled my dowery and ditching me like garbage
along the road was insulting enough to start a family war.  My father's
dealing with the same event was also less than appropriate, but he's my
father, I have to do what he says.  But Ranma doesn't really listen to his
father anymore, I wish I could be that strong and noble.

Waiting only a moment longer than necessary, I turned off and exited the
shower.  A huge soft towel awaits me, as I quickly wrapped it around my
body, protecting it from the cooling air of the room.  It felt wonderful to
be wrapped as I am.  I just stand here, holding myself in the towel,
enjoying the feeling of warmth and protection it offered.  A warmth
reminiscent of feelings my Ranchan provides for me with his smiles, his kind
words, his actions on my behalf.

I dry myself quickly, excitement builds as my actions became quicker,
urgency and excitement overcoming the calming effect the shower had placed
upon me.  "Ranma!"  The name resounded in my head like an intoxicating drug
as I place the robe upon my shoulders, heading back to my room before I had
made sure that I was properly modest, in case Konatsu was around.  The
bounce in my step must be evident, as I can barely feel the floor beneath my
feet.


Setting a personal record for changing, I don my normal apparel minus my
weapons, which I forget in my haste.   My mind has little room for anything
that doesn't concern Ranma directly.

I remember all the times I try to show him that I would make a great wife,
strong and caring about the art, his and mine.  He knows I can cook and
clean, and he has on more than one occasion referred to me as "Cute!"  The
embarrassment and happiness I feel just remembering those multiple occasions
again cause my cheeks  to flush.

I almost bound down the stairs, losing my balance on the third step as I
overstep it, only to land safely, if unsteadily on the one below it.  After
the momentary fright was over, I giggle to myself, laughing at the thought
of getting hurt today of all days.  Ranma would come and help take care of
me if I had injured myself, like he had tried to when I was sick.  Another
show of his caring, that fills my already fluttering heart with warmth and
hope.  Soon he will see that I'm the best choice, he has to, I just know it.

"Good morning, Konatsu!"  I call merrily to the boy, who was busily
preparing to open the restaurant.  I start straight for the door,
indifferent to how impolite it would be to him.

"Lady Ukyou-" he starts say and I cut him off, not meaning to be extra rude,
but he can be a bit verbose and extra-polite, things I really don't have
time for right now.

"I need to go see Ranchan.  Postpone opening until I get back."  I can hear
the excitement in my high-pitched voice.

"You've received  a letter," he replies as soon as I finish.

"Later.  I'll read it when I return from the seeing Ranma."

"But it is from the Dojo, Lady Ukyou."  I hear him explain.

I stop in mid-stride, face glowing like a supernova at the thought of Ranma
sending me a letter.  He had never done that before, the lack of
correspondence was something I have always overlooked, we do go to the same
school.  I don't need a constant reminder that he cares about me, but the
thought of this extra-notice was wonderfully satisfying to me.

I walk over to Konatsu, race over is more appropriate and accept the card
from my only other friend's outstretched hand.

"The Tendou Dojo," I whisper, softly reading the nicely written return
address.  I wonder why the Dojo is sending me something, and not my Ranchan
specifically.

I turn the small envelope over in my hand, trailing a finger across the
seal, feeling for an imperfection in it that is keeping me from my letter.
My curiosity is wreaking havoc on my coordination as I fail repeatedly to
open the flap.  My pulse is way out of control as blood races through my
veins, unable to allow the fine muscle coordination that would allow me to
open this damn envelope.  Frustration final overloads me, destroying my
patience as I rip the small envelope, bringing forth the letter.  Finally!

I look at the paper, blood drains from me as my heart and lungs both stop
working at the same time.  The world freezes as my vision flickers and I
feel light-headed. White light creeps into the corners of my vision,
narrowing its focus until only one sentence is displayed, only one line, the
most devastating thing I can imagine.  "Wedding of Ranma Saotome to Akane
Tendo."

I stagger forward a step, as my legs become unstable, slack as I can't focus
enough to keep the muscles in my leg tight, or my balance for that matter.
I hurt my knees as I fall to the ground, scraping them underneath the slacks
I wear, but whatever pain that caused is unnoticed next to the throbbing
pain in my heart.  I look at my hands on the floor, giving me support, and
strangely notice the letter isn't there, the instrument of my torture must
have slipped form my hands.  A wracking sob comes out, short and almost
useless as my throat swells shut.

"Lady Ukyou," Konatsu cries, but the words don't really register.  A fly
buzzing would have been understood about as much at that point.  The world,
which must have been still moving, was as far away from me as the dreams I
held a few moments ago.

My mind can't process any external stimuli or even internal feelings right
now, as I'm overwhelmed with sadness and loss.  Loss.  I gasp again, trying
to start my lungs again.  The short expulsion of breath and intake of more
oxygen was almost more harmful than good, as my throat started burning and I
choke on the sensation.

Feeling begins to return slowly, and I scramble slowly to at least sit in an
uptight position.  Managing that takes a supreme effort, as my body doesn't
respond to the most simple of requests.   A ragged breath escapes me as I
feel someone has a fist clamped down tight around my heart, only I know
there isn't any fist to remove.  I wrap my arms around myself, trying to
hold myself together by force, feeling as if I will literally start to fall
apart if nothing is done.  I run my hands over my arms, my face, even
through my hair, hoping the movement will do something, anything to lessen
this feeling of being ripped apart.

"Lady Ukyou," Konatsu whispers in a frightened and concerned voice.

I turn slowly, facing the boy dressed as a girl, and see the frighted face
that greets me in return.  My face begins to tingle, as if tons of small
blunt needles are being poked into it, not strong or sharp enough to hurt,
but noticeable enough for me feel.  My face trembles and I try to hold it
steady, but it's a losing battle and I can't meet his gaze with the dignity
I've striven for.  Dignity that I no longer have as it's been stripped from
me, again.

The first drop of water hits the floor, as unnoticed by me as the trickles
of water issuing forth from my eyes, forming trails down my face.  A
wracking sob comes from me again, forced out from lack of oxygen in my
lungs, as my motor skills are still unreliable.

I watch as Konatsu reaches a tentative arm out to me, and I instinctively
flinch back.  My eyesight wavers again and my breathing continues in spurts.

The fear on Konatsu's face intensified as the wheezing of my breath is more
audible.  My whole body is now shaking because I lack the control necessary
to stop it.

"Lady Ukyou."  The whispered words break me.  As I realize my last and only
friend is still here for me.

I fling myself unsteadily at him, more like fall into his arms.  His body
stops my fall as I feel his arms wrap around me and I start bawling
uncontrollably, burying my head as deeply into his in his chest as possible,
hoping to hide from the shame and humiliation.  I barely feel his strong
arms around me as my body continues to shake from my sobbing and the heaving
my chest is doing to obtain air.  I wish that this simple effort of kindness
could remove the aching in my destroyed heart.  I stop trying to fight it,
letting myself ride the emotional torrent of despair that I now feel.  I
know it's unreasonable, but I can only hope that he can remove this pain
that has been inflicted upon me.  I hope that the kindness of someone I have
only known a short time can help wash away the pain of my heart being
punctured, as my friend stabs me through the back again; publically and
personally humiliated, again by my oldest and closest friend.

I can feel the rocking motion as Konatsu tries to sooth me as I bawl my
heart out, wondering when, if ever, the pain will end, wondering when I will
at least have control over her body, over my emotions, over my tears.

I know it won't be enough, never enough, but that doesn't matter.  I needed
anything, anything that can, or even might provide me assistant in getting
through this moment.  This moment that I'm again cast aside like garbage.
This moment when my feelings, thoughts, and dreams had again been ignored
and deemed unworthy of consideration by my best friend.

A simple letter, a simple statement, and I have been betrayed.

-----------------------------------------




Author's notes: I had this idea or thought for some time now.  Of all the
things in the anime and manga, one of the most cruel has to be Nabiki
sending the invitations to Ukyou and Shampoo.  I won't talk about the
validity of the claims, or the true feelings of Ranma.  Perception of the
individual is important, and the callousness by which they are informed of
the decision is...

I've been thinking of this for a while, I don't remember if something like
this existed before, but this is my vision of their feelings that morning
before Takahashi showed them getting angry and taking out the wedding.

I was inspired to write it now in light of recent events in the fanfiction
world, on the Delphi forums in particular.   Lack of empathy and
understanding by people led to a great amount of disharmony,  to say the
least.  It has also led to my now quitting that place in disgust due to the
thoughtless actions of a few individuals there.  Actions that were condoned
and blessed by the naming of the new moderator and the way it was made
public.

This little fic is especially dedicated to Corwin.  Someone who has helped
me in my writing and understanding of the characters in the manga immensely.
If you have read my earlier works, any improvement in both grammar and
content is in no small part due to his patience, understanding, and nobility
as a person.

I had other's help me with this fic, it is a tribute to Corwin, one that he
has not seen yet.  For reason that should be obvious.  To those others who
helped me with this, who I won't name now, you have my thanks for your help
on this and my other works.  God bless you guys, people I can _trust_ as my
friends.  Sadly, the world needs many more of you.








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