The Next Morning
Genma stood with his hands on his hips surveying the living room and picking up on the subdued atmosphere of his wife and Kasumi. Chibi-Usagi looked the least happy and was quietly crushing the kitten, Diana in her arms. Akane seemed to be in a better mood while Nabiki seemed quite composed and happy with herself. Soun was similarly confused by the tonal shift caused by whatever had happened while they were gone last night.
“Wife, have you seen the boy?†He asked, having noticed the distinct lack of his only child’s presence. As much fun as it was to be training his niece, he had to make sure Ranma wasn’t slacking off in his absence. Even though he did hope his son had been lazy so he could put him in his place without resorting to the Hell’s Cradle Technique.
Nodoka stopped reading a thick leather bound novel to quickly check the time before answering. “He’s-- out. Said that he had to-- do something last night. But that he would be back for breakfast.â€
“Hmm-- breakfast is the most important meal of the day.†He nodded to himself and quickly took his usual position at the table to await his child. Of course if Ranma missed out then it would be an important lesson not to stay out all night. ‘I’m such a wise and caring teacher.’
“So what were you ladies up to last night?†Soun asked casually as he picked up his chopsticks. “Seems like you had some visitors over.†The mustached man added, both of them having noticed the extra plates, and glasses that had been left out when they had returned.
“It was a surprise get together we threw at the last minute.†Akane quickly supplied an answer.
“For what?†Soun asked his youngest daughter.
“No reason, just some of Ranma’s old girlfriends showing up.†Nabiki answered with a big toothy grin that was cut off by Akane giving her an elbow in the side.
“What she meant to say--.†Nodoka broke in. “Is that several of Ranma’s friends, who happen to be girls, were here for a little party.†She explained with authority.
Genma gave his wife a sideways glance while Soun seemed to accept her explanation. Prior to being asked to leave yesterday and enjoy themselves, he had picked up that something was happening with his son. Why were they all trying to hide this? And why did they think he wouldn’t find out what was going on?
“The boy knows girls who are just friends?†He asked as he sat down in his usual spot. “I didn’t think that was possible. He’s so manly after all!†He loudly laughed, hoping that his wife would agree.
“I’m sure there are plenty of things that you don’t know.†Nodoka cuttingly answered and he immediately shut up, realizing that she was still upset about his mistaken suggestion that she was unfaithful.
“Yes-- well-- this looks like a wonderful breakfast.†He hastily tried to change the subject. ‘Where is that cat who knew about a flower place? Nodoka always did like tulips. Such a generous and expensive gift should make her happy again.’
“Touch my food old man and you’ll find out where Happosai went.†Ranma’s voice warned as the tired and bedraggled girl trudged into the room with a giant yawn.
“Do you think so little of me, boy?†He hastily looked away from his child’s plate, more fearful of seeing the dread master once again than Ranma’s new power to make people vanish.
“Yes.†The cursed girl answered, dropping lifelessly into her place at the table. Still wearing the same clothing as yesterday, her button up shirt was completely open exposing the thin white tank top Ranma always wore.
“Ranma, button up your top.†Nodoka gently chided after a quick glance at Soun revealed his eyes riveted to Ranma’s thinly covered bust. The Tendo patriarch realized that he had been caught and hastily buried his face in a newspaper.
“Hmm?†Ranma looked down cluelessly.
“Do as your mother says, boy.†Genma quickly added with a dark look at his old training partner. Not needing a reminder of the time Soun had offered to be engaged to Ranma if he wasn’t able to undo the lock on his curse.
“Alright.†She shrugged and buttoned her shirt up halfway while giving him a dubious look.
“Father, should you really be staring like that?†Kasumi asked with a sweet condescending voice, causing Soun to laugh nervously, and raise his paper even higher.
Akane gave a disgusted snort before addressing Ranma, who had already begun to eat. “So did you figure out how to fix Ryoga, yet?†She asked expectantly.
“Wasn’t working on that.†Ranma paused her eating to answer.
“You were gone all night on some mission, what were you doing if not that?!†The youngest Tendo girl demanded, her chopsticks snapping in two.
The redhead set her chopsticks down and took a deep breath. “He’s dead, Akane. There’s nothing I can do to fix that.â€
“Dead? Boy, what happened?†Genma broke in to ask.
“He was attacked by a monster-- it was an infection-- and he didn’t make it.†Ranma answered slowly while staring at her food.
“So what do you expect him to do?†Genma asked Akane in confusion.
Akane froze up at the unexpected question. “Uh-- I just thought-- he’s always coming up with stuff to fix things. Some kind of magic-- or something.â€
“Hmm, is there going to be a funeral? You should probably attend, boy. He was a good sparring partner.†He instructed and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Yea, you’re right. I’ll go leave a note, his folks are never around so they won’t hear about it otherwise.†Ranma answered.
“You’d owe him that-- since you’re not going to do anything else.†Akane snapped and stood up suddenly to stomp out of the room, leaving everyone watching her go.
“Ranma, you should go talk to her.†Nodoka suggested, breaking the brief silence.
“Later, I have to get cleaned up for school.†Ranma answered irritably while trying to eat once again.
“It’s become so dangerous, you’ll be protecting my girls, right, son!?†Soun desperately launched himself over the table to paw Ranma’s shoulders.
“Ugh! Get offa me!†Ranma disgustedly shoved Soun to the side trying to dislodge the barnacle like man. “And you don’t have to ask me to protect anybody, that’s my job!†She emphasized her statement by knocking the Tendo patriarch on his rear. “Honestly, try being a man for once.†The girl scoffed as she straightened out her clothing.
“Ranma, please try not to insult your host so openly.†Nodoka gently chided while covering her mouth with a hand and looking down. “Soun, is surely manly enough to protect his family when he is around, and he’s merely hoping you’ll assist when he isn’t.â€
“I think father would be able to protect us ablely.†Kasumi supplied supportively.
“Ranma, please never leave my side.†Nabiki pleaded hopefully but with a hint of snark.
“My daughters.†Soun whined with mixed tears of happiness at Kasumi’s support and sadness for Nabiki’s dismissal.
“This is going to be such a long day.†Ranma groaned and slammed her forehead into the table.
“Cheer up, boy! You still have to go make Akane feel better.†Genma clapped his child on the back and laughed.
