"Er, is Akane home?" asked Ryoga, who looked like he was ready to bolt.
Ranma placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, trying to comfort him. Perhaps having Ryoga come along wasn't a good idea. "Steady, soldier."
Kasumi put a finger aside of her mouth. "Actually, she's out beating the snot out of another dojo that's popped up on the other side of town. She should be back any minute, and you should be long gone before then, Ryoga."
Nabiki crossed her arms. "Ryoga is under our protection, Kasumi. Anybody who wants to lay a hand on him, including Akane, has to go through us first. And it's her own fault for not figuring it out in the first place."
"You forgot Father forbid you and me from telling her about Ryoga's curse, too."
Ranma's eyes formed a cold stare at this saying. "Mr. Tendo did what?!"
Nodoka was confused. "Ranma, does this have to do with Ryoga's sense of direction?"
"He'll explain later, grandma," Rikku said. "I hate to be rude, but are we just going to stand here all day?"
"I could bring out some chairs if it'll make you happy." Kasumi stuck out her tongue. "Just kidding, come on in. But I don't know how Father and Uncle Saotome will react to your being here after so long."
They entered the house single file, but right after they got into the main hall, Ryoga stopped. "Uh, I hate to impose, Kasumi, but could I use the bathroom for a moment?"
"Not a problem, although-."
"I'll guide him, Kasumi," Nodoka quickly said, "I'm familiar with this young man's... wandering. Follow me, Ryoga."
"How does she-?" Kasumi started to ask, but Ranma cut her off by saying "He's popped up in her neighborhood from time-to-time, asking for directions."
***
Akane couldn't believe she needed a shower upon returning from another successful beating of the competition. It had been a long time since she broke into a sweat during a fight. Then again, that Shiranui Clan had some powerful moves Akane had never seen before.
Not bothering to announce her return, Akane took off her shoes, and then noticed there were a lot of shoes by the door. Maybe dad finally got some new students. Shrugging, she worked her way up to her room, got some fresh clothes to change into, and headed for the bathroom...
Only to find Nodoka standing by the door. "Oh, Akane," Nodoka said a little too loudly, "when did you get back?"
"Just now, Auntie Saotome. Are you waiting to use the toilet?"
"You could say that. How was your... workout?"
"A bit more difficult than I expected, but I managed to show the Shiranui School a thing or two. I hope whoever is in there doesn't take too long, I need to get a shower."
Just then, the door opened. Akane turned, Nodoka quietly gasped, and Ryoga froze in the doorway, looking like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming truck. Suddenly, Akane pulled out a huge sledgehammer, staring down Ryoga with a look that would both kill with just the slightest of eye contact or melt walls. "Hello, 'P-chan,'" she said in a dark, venomous voice before swinging her weapon of choice.
Luckily for Ryoga, his reflexes were still with him. He jumped back just in time to dodge the sledge, which left a good hole in the floor. "SorryIwasjustleaving," he said before putting his altered curse to good use by immediately turning into P-chan and scurrying over the hammer, running through Akane's open legs, and dashing down the hall while changing back into human form. Akane followed in hot pursuit, forgetting the hammer and planning to kill Ryoga with her bare hands.
"GIMME ROOM, GANGWAY," Ryoga shouted as he ran through the house. It was definitely a mistake to come here, and a bigger mistake to go to the bathroom without dragging Ranma with him. Speaking of Ranma, Ryoga zipped past him, Nabiki, and the others, along with Genma, Soun, and Kasumi.
"Yup," Nabiki said, "Akane's home. How much you wanna bet-?" She never finished her wager as Akane zoomed by, following Ryoga.
Ranma facepalmed. "Still has a mean temper. Don't go away, folks, I'll be right back." He got up from his seat and calmly walked into the predicted path he was sure Ryoga and Akane would take. Almost a minute later, Ryoga came running by. Ranma called after him, "Into the second lap, and you still got a good lead." He then leaned against the wall, waiting for Akane. He didn't have to wait long. Let's see how good a martial artist she supposedly has become. "Hi, Akane."
Blinded by rage, Akane ignored Ranma. It didn't matter, because Ranma instantly stick out his foot as Akane tried to pass him, tripping her and sending her face-first into the floor, where she tumbled and skid to a halt a few feet from where Ranma had tripped her.
Whoever just tripped me had better be insured up his ass, Akane thought viciously as she picked herself off the floor.
"Some things never change with you, little sister."
Akane froze at the voice. "No... it can't be!" She turned slowly and came face-to-face with Nabiki.
"What, no sisterly hug for older sister number two?"
"What about the usual 'Ranma no baka' shout and clobber combo for old time's sake?"
Now Akane recognized Ranma's voice. She looked right at him, and then fainted dead away.
Nabiki shot a sly look at Ranma. "You really have a nice touch when it comes to women."
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See other episodes by (The Looney Tune-y) Robster80
(Posted Mon, 17 Jan 2005 16:33)
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