It's been a hot minute but mainly that's because I've been working on alternate projects and setting up plots and such.
Chapter 17 - Veni, Vidi, Attendi Scholam
I used to know you,
But that was in another life,
And I can't wait another night.
Do you remember last December?
One promise ruined everything.
I never noticed the dying energy,
One deception you can't keep from me.
- "One Promise" by The Birthday Massacre
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Going into the hospital for a check-up doesn't really rank as one of Ranko's favourite things in the world. Invasive doctors and invasive questions. Ranko isn't squeamish, and she knows there's other kinds of prodding she'll have to deal with when Kimiko makes good on her promise to drag the redhead to a gynaecologist once she's recovered. But she still doesn't like it.
Still, her appetite seems to be slowly but surely returning. She thinks she's unlocked something by pushing herself so hard that few days ago. Now she runs her old kata daily, slowly building her body and her ki reserves back up now that they're no longer as sluggish and slow. Every day it slowly gets easier.
She still can see her ribs in the mirror when she bathes, though thankfully it's less and less standing out each day. She's filling herself out again, it feels like she's being poured back into a mould sometimes. Ranko's still thin, but she's not a skeleton anymore.
Blushing as she mentally compares her current chest to her old photographs, she sighs and wonders if it will fully recover, though she considers it probably will mostly get there.
She sits on the chair while they're taking measurements, stands on the scales, lets them poke and prod at her and one of the doctors shakes her head.
"I don't know what they feed you lot in Nerima but you're recovering far faster than expected for anyone not living in that mad hole, Himura-chan." She says.
Ranko shuffles. "Martial arts, Sensei." She says. "Ki flow helps healing be promoted. I used to heal faster but… Well, I drained myself while I was… was… you know." She finishes lamely.
The doctor 'tsk's and nods. "I've seen enough of you to know you are all a little out there. Still, this is good news. You're recovering nicely – not all the way there I'm afraid, but you're picking yourself up. Your next few appointments can be with your family doctor, though when he wishes to have you fully cleared, you'll need to visit us again."
Ranko smiles shyly. "Alright, Sensei."
The doctor smiles and pats her shoulder. "I think you're well enough to go to school, though I'll certainly give you a medical note that says to let you take it easy at first. You're still suffering from easy exhaustion, right?"
Ranko nods. "I… get very sleepy if I overdo it."
"Hmm. We'll monitor it – it might be something long term. I'll let them know that if you need to rest, you can do so in the nurse's office, alright?"
Ranko nods. "Thank you, Sensei. I'm looking forwards to going back to school."
The doctor laughs. "You'll be one of the few girls your age saying that!"
Ranko manages a giggle and then stands, pulling her coat back on. "Is that everything?"
The doctor nods. "It is, Ranko-chan. Thank you for your time."
"Thank you for helping me, Sensei." Ranko says, a smile on her face. "I do appreciate it."
She leaves the room and wanders down the hospital, emerging at the entrance to find Kasumi sitting nearby, reading a book. She's dressed in her smart shirt-dress with the belt along her waist, along with a long, warm coat and thick black leggings on her legs. Black boots sit on her feet. Her hair is down today, held back with an Alice band.
It causes Ranko something of a disconnect every time to see the trendy, fashionable older girl here instead of the pseudo-homemaker of her original world.
Kasumi looks up as Ranko – already bundled in a warm coat, gloves, scarf and a bobble hat over her overalls – approaches, and puts her book in her handbag, smiling at the younger girl. "Hello, Ranko-chan. All good news?"
Ranko shrugs. "Mostly, yes." She says. "I… can go back to school."
"That's good." Kasumi replies, standing up. "We've a little time to shop before getting home. How about we get something to eat, Ranko-chan, and then we can get you some things for school and underclothes to keep to yourself – unless you're wanting to show them off to Akane-chan, of course." Kasumi's smile is mischievous, and Ranko blushes brightly.
The short girl finally stammers an affirmative after some time blushing and follows Kasumi to a café, where they eat dinner and have a conversation that's mostly Kasumi speaking and Ranko making small sounds.
"Thank you." Kasumi says softly, after they finish their food. "For what you have given us."
Ranko's blood turns to ice. "Wh-what?" She asks.
Kasumi's smile is enigmatic, and Ranko swallows. The sharpness reminds her of Nabiki, with a hint of Akane's defiance, and the times she's seen the true intelligence behind the old Kasumi's ever-present veneer of vacuity.
"It was not hard to deduce." The older girl continues. "The day my sister met you, we all shared a dream of losing our mother. I dreamed I was little more than a housewife for my family, alone and unhappy. And I dreamed of a girl, who fought and was rough and uncouth and then dainty and ladylike."
Ranko looks at the table, avoiding eye contact.
"I don't normally set such store in dreams, but that we all shared one was suspicious. And then Akane talked about meeting you and something clicked." Kasumi takes a sip of her tea. "Small clues such as your photograph album and the words you say when you sleep. And your…
visceral… reaction to the word 'wish'." Ranko flinches, looking away and shuddering. "Akane, too, is piecing it together, I think."
Ranko looks up, expecting reproach and only finding Kasumi smiling gently at her. The older girl reaches forwards and takes both of Ranko's hands, squeezing them. "So again, I say: thank you, little sister, for what you have given us. It is a priceless gift, and I will never squander it."
Ranko doesn't know what to do, so she just nods carefully and sips at her tea quietly. Kasumi lets her gather her thoughts before standing up.
"Let's go shopping, Ranko-chan." She smiles. Ranko stands up and follows the taller girl out of the café and to the shops.
She expects Kasumi to take her somewhere high-end and flashy, given her new-world fashionableness but the eldest Tendou daughter simply takes her to an average store, where she starts looking at styles.
"It seems a little pointless to buy anything but standard bras, if you don't mind me saying, Ranko-chan. I know you're still recovering, so we'll just go off the rack for now on that. Once you're recovered we can measure you properly and get fitted ones." Kasumi holds up a blouse to Ranko's chest and shakes her head. "Mmm, no. Not your cut."
Ranko's not sure what's going on, but she finds a small pile of clothes pushed into her hands and is then steered to the changing rooms. "Go on, Ranko-chan, change and we'll see which are good for you currently."
Ranko takes the clothes and does so, bringing out ensembles for Kasumi to see.
She settles on a red blouse with a black skirt combination she knows will be nice with some thick tights in winter. Kasumi also helps her buy some white blouses for her school uniform.
Some underwear helps to round out their purchases and Kasumi eventually walks with Ranko back towards their home.
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Ranko and Akane sit in the family room, watching Soun and Nodoka playing shougi. It's an exercise in 'follow-the-cheater' because Nodoka cheats far, far worse than her father did in the old version of the world.
They're both utterly shameless about it as well, and it's not so much the cheating as it is the knowing and entertained looks the two are giving each other. Nodoka will cough politely and distract Soun, rearrange his pieces and then he'll counter with a different cheat.
At some point they pull out a large notebook from the stand and Nodoka jots something into it.
"What's that, Mother?" Ranko asks in her quiet voice. Nodoka smiles at her.
"The rules of
Anything Goes Shougi." She replies.
"This game has
rules?!" Ranko asks, bewildered.
"They've been built over years. Mainly this is a book of cheats allowed. Sometimes we find one cheat that makes the game too unfair, and we note that down as a forbidden cheat." Soun nods sagely, stroking his moustache. "Of course, if one doesn't see one of those cheats being done, why it never happened."
Kimiko snickers and looks over to the two girls. "These two have been cheating each other so long at the game that they've more or less invented a whole new game."
Ranko shakes her head and laughs breathily. "I see." She says.
She leans against Akane, tiredness filling her. It's been a busy day, between practice and her checkups. Akane slips an arm about her shoulders and catches the smug look Nodoka is giving to Kimiko, before the elder woman exclaims.
"Goodness! Our little girls certainly are growing up, aren't they?!"
Soun looks over at a nonplussed Akane as Nodoka rearranges half his pieces. He returns his attention and swears.
"Damn it, Nodoka, that's a dirty pool."
"Allowed, though." Nodoka says, an amused glint in her eyes.
Ranko giggles, a small smile on her face. Nodoka looks in shock at her daughter, and Soun takes
that opportunity to get a little revenge in. Nodoka returns to looking at the board and shakes her head.
"You've done a 'Distraction Diffraction' move again, Soun."
"I have?" Soun sweats.
"Don't think I didn't notice. Come on, that one isn't allowed."
Soun puts the extra pieces away and curses.
Ranko slowly drops off, comforted by the warmth of Akane's shoulder and the feeling of her family here.
Akane notices and smiles gently, squeezing the redhead closer. She then stands, lifting her in a bridal carry. "I'll tuck her in." She says. "She's been wavering all night."
Nodoka nods absently and carries her game on. Kimiko gets up to help Akane and they set Ranko down on her futon, tucking her into her blankets. Akane's thankful that she'd convinced Ranko to at least change into her nightdress earlier so she's not going to sleep in her clothes.
As they exit the room and head downstairs Akane sighs, though it sounds happier than her usual ones concerning Ranko.
"She seems to be improving a bit, Mom." The short-haired girl says.
Kimiko nods. "Not so thin, and was that a smile I saw?"
Akane nods. "Thank the gods. I don't think it'll be like, super quick, but at least she's starting to recover. I was worried."
"Oh, I know, dear." Kimiko pats her daughter's shoulder. "Why don't you get a quick bath and go to bed yourself. You look a little worn out yourself."
Akane yawns and then nods. "Sure, Mom." She says.
"Big day tomorrow, remember." Kimiko smiles. "Back to school with her."
"Yeah…" Akane walks over towards the furoba.
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Ranko wakes up, her mother's kimono once again around her, and she winces. She must have had more nightmares. She doesn't remember them too often, thank the gods, but she does remember a few of the worse or recurring ones. Last night's doesn't come to mind so was probably one of the more generic bad dreams.
She feels weighted down. Just one night with decent sleep seems too much to ask for.
She gently shifts Nodoka's arms off her, but it doesn't stop her mother from sitting up sleepily. Nodoka rubs her eyes and then gathers Ranko into her arms, holding onto her.
It's become something of a morning ritual. She knows her mother likes to make sure she knows Ranko's really there.
She isn't sure what she did to deserve Nodoka. But the quiet, gentle and constant love her mother gives her helps keep her going. It'll be a shame when Ranko has to leave again.
"Good morning, dear." Nodoka mumbles, kissing the top of her hair.
"Good morning, Mother." Ranko replies. Nodoka lets her stand and she wobbles a little before stabilising and heading to her wardrobe.
Nodoka rubs her eyes and calls over. "It's a school day, dear, so make sure you have your uniform." She stands and stretches herself.
Ranko pulls out a white blouse, her slip, the dress and the winter jacket, as well as some fleece-lined tights. She looks at the uniform.
It's not the patched and threadbare uniform that she had from the goddesses, though she insisted on keeping that. It's fresh and brand new, pressed and made less starchily stiff by Kasumi and Kimiko. The label inside is marked with the kanji for 'orchid'.
"I'll get your book bag ready, Ranko dear." Nodoka says, rolling up the futon. "You just focus on getting ready, alright? And if you've some free time I suspect Kimiko will enjoy some assistance in the kitchen if you must."
Ranko nods, picking out her underwear for the day and, still a little out of it, makes her way down the stairs. It can take a while for her coordination to fully kick in.
Bathing, dressing and readying herself for the day doesn't take long, though when she's done, she stares at herself in the mirror.
She's still thin. Even with her body and ki rebuilding at an accelerated rate now that her ki reserves are replenishing. But she doesn't look like a skeleton anymore, at least in the face.
She exits the room, a blue ribbon and a blue hairband in her hands, standing awkwardly in the family room.
"Ranko-chan?" Kasumi asks, sitting on the couch with her laptop on her knees, doing some early morning work.
"Kasumi-nee… do I put my hair up or wear the hairband?" Ranko holds the ribbon and hairband up. The older girl seems happy with a standard question from the younger girl for once instead of something self-deprecating.
"I think the ribbon and up today, Ranko-chan." Kasumi smiles and closes her laptop, setting it to the side and standing up, producing a brush from somewhere. "Come here."
Ranko obediently moves across and Kasumi brushes her hair out gently before retrieving the ribbon and styling Ranko's hair into a high ponytail, tied with the ribbon in a bow. "There we go."
"Thank you, Kasumi-nee."
Kasumi sits back down, returning to work. "You're welcome, imouto-chan. I think Mother might want some help in the kitchen if you'd care to? I'd help but I've a test later this morning and need to revise."
Ranko nods and pads along the floor and into the kitchen, taking an apron and tying it over herself.
"Good morning, Ranko-chan!" Kimiko says brightly as she's stirring the miso soup for the morning. "Could you slice some pickles and check the mackerel?"
"Okay." Ranko proceeds to slice the pickles in the showy way that's honestly the most effective even if it smacks to her sometimes of self-aggrandisement. Then she makes sure the fish is cooking.
By the time she, Kimiko and Nodoka, who joins them later, are finished with breakfast, the rest of the house is up and about. Akane sprightly moves into the family room, sitting in her usual spot and keeping the one next to her open. Nabiki shambles in, dressed but definitely not awake. She sits on Akane's other side.
Ranko helps the mothers move all of the food into the family room and then takes her place next to Akane.
"Cute ribbon, Ranko-chan!" Akane beams at her. "Matches your eyes!"
Ranko blushes. "Th-thank you, Akane-chan." She mumbles, fiddling with her fingers. Nodoka and Kimiko look at one another knowingly, then nod as everyone starts eating.
"This mackerel is excellent." Soun comments, nodding proudly. "You've outdone yourself today, dear."
"Oh, that part is Ranko-chan's."
"Then I thank the mastercook." Soun's eyes twinkle as he regards the blushing redhead. "And hope for many more meals of this calibre."
"…'kay." Ranko says softly. There's a small ripple of gentle laughter and Ranko looks around at the family around her, feeling something click inside again.
A small smile makes its way onto her face.
Ranko walks along besides Akane, Nabiki having gone ahead for some reason. She looks around and narrowly dodges a splash of water from an old lady settling dust outside of her house.
"Oh, my apologies young lady, I didn't see you there!" She says, "These old eyes of mine."
"We're fine, Arata-san." Akane smiles. Ranko bows as well, then the pair keep walking on.
Ranko thinks back to how often Ranma was splashed by her and inwardly feels a bittersweet emotion running through her. Still…
The walk down the road, approaching Fuurinkan, and Ranko spots Akane's usual hangers-on and sparring partners.
"Oh, I thought this wasn't going to happen?" Ranko asks, looking worried.
Akane gives her an easy grin. "Nah, I told them I'd not, looks like they want to say hello to you."
"B-but they're not in our class…" Ranko protests. Akane's grin grows.
"Yeah but they're my friends and they kept asking about you after I mentioned finding you again. You're more popular than you realise. Sort of – it was weird, I had to remind them you were a thing, but once I did it was like it snapped them back into reality. One more for the mystery around you."
Ranko looks away. "I'm sorry." She mumbles. Akane shrugs.
"You'll tell me when you're ready or I figure it out, right?"
Ranko nods. "Y-yes." She says, still not looking Akane in the eye. The short-haired girl sighs.
"I'll hold you to that." She says.
As they get closer, they spy all the friends Akane normally spars with in the morning smiling at her. As she passes, she hears "Welcome back, Ranko-chan." From some, and others expressing that they're glad she's alright.
It's enough that she's sniffling a little by the time they reach close to the building. A voice stops them and Ranko shudders internally but turns on hearing it.
"Himura-san." Kunou Tatewaki intones, looking at her gravely. "I would entreat with you. I beg but a moment of your valuable time."
"A-ah… What for, Kunou-senpai?" Ranko asks, figuring that if he's going to be formal and polite, so will she. She's amazed when he kneels down and then presses his forehead to the floor. Gasps sound from all around and even Nabiki, standing nearby, looks nonplussed.
"I have wronged you, Himura-san, and for that I apologise." Kunou says from his
dogeza. "A hundred times, I apologise."
"A-ah?" Ranko's mouth hangs slack as he looks up at her. "A-apology accepted? Though… what for?"
"For hounding you and not taking no for an answer. In addition to other poor conduct that the fair Tendou Nabiki has informed me of, it was uncouth and unmanly of me."
"I-I… suppose." Ranko says.
"Therefore, beautiful lady Himura-san, I crave forgiveness for this. And, for my failure."
"F-failure?"
He stands up, and bows again, not even bothering to brush the dirt from his hakama. "I have been told and realised that a Samurai and a Lord takes care of the people below them. While it is true that such has long not been the case in our fair land, my family is still maintaining this school and our land, still patrons of the area and as such I have a duty and obligation to see to the wellbeing of those people." He smiles, and it isn't insane, Ranko's mind melts just that bit more. "Indeed, while lordships, daimyo and samurai may have fallen into history's clutches, I still feel I should comport myself and my family with honour and wisdom, and I have failed at both catastrophically."
"I-I see." Ranko manages.
"Therefore, I wish to apologise. I did not realise the conditions you were forced to keep yourself in. The fact that someone ostensibly under my family's aegis was both starving and homeless and I did nothing is a stain on my honour, and one I crave to cleanse. Thus, I will apologise to you and I have taken steps to set many endeavours up both here and in the greater ward to assist those whose means do not fulfil their needs."
"I-I…" Ranko stares, absolutely mindboggled at Tatewaki. "Endeavours?"
"Indeed! It is too close to the bell for school to advise you of them, but I wish for some more of your valuable time later on so I may discuss such measures and whether they meet with your approval. As one of those who helped remove the scales from my eyes you are entitled to such."
"I…" Ranko swallows, then she smiles at him. "I'd like that, Kunou-senpai. Thank you for your words and your kindness and I hope that that kindness extending to others goes well. I'll seek you out after school."
"It is a date then!" Tatewaki booms. Then he chuckles nervously at her slight flinch. "Just a joke, Himura-san. You have declined and that is enough now for me to step back. But… should you be interested." He summons a rose from somewhere and simply hands it to her. "I would certainly enjoy a date with you, I'm sure."
Ranko looks at the rose, then smiles, bowing at him. "Unfortunately not, senpai, but thank you for the rose nonetheless."
"You are welcome, Himura-san. Thank you for listening to this fool's words."
Ranko bows again, then walks in with Akane taking her arm, though she doesn't notice the rather possessive look her friend is giving off.
Nabiki walks up next to the still-thoughtful-looking Tatewaki. "Wow, Kunou-chan, I'm impressed. Flowery, but you got to the point and actually sounded like a real person. Good work" She claps his shoulder. He turns and grins at her.
"I hate you, Tendou." He says. She smirks back.
"Just the way I like it, Kunou-chan."
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After visiting the office to confirm the redhead's return, Akane and Ranko approach their classroom but are stopped by their homeroom teacher. "Ah! Ranko-chan, welcome back!" He smiles at her. "I'm glad to see you're looking well."
"Th-thank you, Sensei." Ranko stammers.
"I'd like you to wait outside first, please. I'll call you in when the class is ready. Is that fine?"
"Y-yes, Sensei." Ranko says, clutching her book bag closer to herself. Akane pats her arm.
"You'll be fine." She says soothingly and walks in, sliding the door closed.
Ranko hears muffled talking going quietly, then Akane yelling for the class to 'rise, bow, sit!' and just when she thinks she's in for a long wait, the door slides open.
"You can come in now, Ranko-chan." Arizawa-sensei says, smiling genially at her. She follows him in and stops. Arrayed across the back of the classroom is her class. Strung across the wall above them is a banner made with several large triangles reading 'Welcome Back Ranko-chan!' and several of them let off crackers that release streamers.
The class calls out what's written on the banner as she walks in and Ranko stands there dumbfounded as they all beam at her. Then tears start pouring down her face and she puts her head in her hands, trying to choke down the sobs. She feels a hand rubbing her shoulders and sees Akane standing there, a beaming grin on her face.
Wordlessly, her friend offers her a handkerchief, and Ranko takes it, dabbing at her eyes and trying to contain the tears unsuccessfully. She looks at the class, all watching her with concern and just manages to say "Thank you" before she's crying into Akane's shoulder.
It takes her some minutes to calm down, but eventually she's stopped crying and Akane helps her clean her face up. The teacher, somewhat apologetically, starts his lesson, but Ranko can't stop smiling at the welcome she received for a good half of it.
When the break between lessons comes, the other students crowd around her, babbling happily.
"Ranko-chan, welcome back!"
"Ranko-chan, we really missed you! I remember you being good at English, do you think you can help me again?"
Akane shoos them away after a short time telling them she's overwhelmed, and she gets the same 'marking territory' comments she did before. This time, however, she smirks at the group.
"Well, turns out I
am her knight in shining armour, so suck it!" She gives a peace sign and then sits down as the next teacher comes in. She blinks on seeing Ranko and smiles at her, but thankfully says nothing.
They have gym that day, and Ranko changes with the other girls, but she tries to keep to a corner and most of them don't pry, though a few catch sight of her still-filling-in form, and the last lingering sores and blotches and wince.
Ranko's performance that day isn't her best, but she's at least managing to keep going. Now her ki is burning inside of her body again, it's helping her get back in shape far, far faster than if she hadn't jumpstarted it.
Still, she is worn out by partway through, sitting the rest of the class out with a headache and leaning against the benches. As much as her strength and muscle is returning, her stamina has taken a major hit.
Changing back into her uniform at the end of the day, she contemplates the rose she was given, resolving to at least press it into a scrapbook. It's a nice rose, and she can tell Tatewaki meant every word he said, which makes her wonder if that's another thing for the better because she made her wish or not.
That he seemed so sane was a treat. Akane comes with her to meet him after school, and they enter into Nabiki's classroom to find her and the kendoist having a lively discussion. One of Nabiki's classmates gives Ranko a piercing look, almost calculating. She leans closer to Nabiki during a conversational lull and mumbles something which makes Nabiki snort, and then shake her head.
"No, she's not competition because you never
were in the running, Misa-chan. Sorry"
The girl, who has black hair with a hint of purple snorts as well. "Figures. I'd never beat that hair anyway." Ranko looks at the girl, who waves a hand. "Tsunetomo Misato." She introduces herself. "You certainly shake things up in this place, Himura-chan."
"A-ah, I do?"
Misato gestures to Tatewaki, "I mean, tall dark and loopy here sounds
sane for the first time since four or five years ago, so…"
Tatewaki colours. "Yes, well, one doesn't like being reminded of one's failures by others, Tsunetomo-san."
Misato waves a lazy hand. "Sure, Tachi-chan, sure."
Ranko giggles quietly, and Tatewaki focuses his attention on the pair. Akane eyes him a little, moving closer to Ranko and for a moment she almost sees
amused understanding in his eyes. Then it's gone and she's not entirely sure it was there to begin with.
"Ah, the fair maidens Tendou Akane-san and Himura Ranko-san approach the great Kunou Tatewaki! Hark! 'tis a fine day indeed!"
They look at each other, then at him as he chuckles.
"Biki-chan here," Nabiki's breath hisses in an intake at a name she's not heard from the pompous idiot for
years now, "Has been teaching me to laugh at myself. One finds it rather refreshing after considering my own failures. Laughter certainly helps."
Ranko and Akane blink but Ranko manages a smile after a moment. "I'm pleased to see you are improving yourself, Kunou-senpai." The redhead says. "I hope it's a trend that will continue."
"Certes, I hope so too. The shock and awe on the faces of my compatriots is rewarding in the meantime, but self-improvement is also its own reward."
"Y-yeah…" Akane manages after a moment.
"Though my apology earlier was indeed directed to the lovely Himura-san here, I would extend it to you as well, Tendou-san. When you stated your preferences to my august self before, I took you for a liar, when I should have accepted. Long before the men of the west came did not lords enjoy the company of other men? Did not great ladies bestow their love upon other great ladies? And so in that spirit, I humbly ask forgiveness and truly wish you well in your pursuit." His eyes twinkle slightly, "Though do learn from my lesson that no means no, for all our sakes. One amorous idiot in this place has been quite enough."
The two are floored again, but Nabiki steps up and pats Tatewaki's arm. "Well said, Tachi." She grins at the pair. "Oh, this isn't an overnight thing. I've been working on this idiot for almost a month now, daily cracking through the madness. We only got the real breakthrough a week ago."
"Certainly, my mind hath built fine shielding."
"Well, nobody's perfect, Tachi." Nabiki pats his arm again. And then she looks directly at Ranko. "And wouldn't you know, it's all because of you. All the things that we've set up for support, all the networking and all of the changes to help those in need in the area – that's because you're here, Ranko-chan." Her smile turns soft at the redhead. "Like my sister, I too can prove you are worth something, even if you disagree."
Ranko stares, but manages to keep her cool, only nodding as she looks away. Tatewaki stands properly. "Come, fair maidens – and I include Biki-chan and Tsunetomo-san in that group, lest they think I do not appreciate their beauty – , let us away to where we may take repast and I can go over the plans that we have made. I do believe they will have your approval, Himura-san."
Ranko and Akane, still both a little dazed, follow the upperclassmen out of the room and school, and eventually find themselves sat with the other three in a very fancy café, drinks in front of them and platters of snacks scattered.
Tatewaki explains that he has funds set up for the students of lesser means that, if they can prove they need it, will help them with school supplies such as uniforms, bags, books and so forth. Then he expounds on the support system including several more competent student counsellors and nurses that should help catch those who pass under the radar like Ranko had, as well as support any mental and physical health issues.
"I think that as a school in Nerima, full of those who practice those most noble of martial arts, we sometimes think all of us invincible." Tatewaki expounds, "Forsooth, my foolishness blinded me to the fact that, while we may be powerful, we are still
human."
Ranko nods, going over the plans. Teachers given more training to support and find out why those behind are lacking in their academics. Safe spaces for those who may not have the best home life.
Even a small boarding house that can be used in emergencies or as a safe-house for runaways.
It's extremely comprehensive and she wonders how much work Nabiki has put into this. Then she sees some of the other names. Kodachi's name on some of the planning, even Soun ("It is true, Himura-san, that I have mighty resources, but Tendou-sama has one I find myself lacking – trust from the community").
She's impressed. As she passes some of it to Akane, the short-haired girl is too.
"You all have put a lot of work into this."
"Well, if I'm the gossip queen here, I might as well expand the realm." Nabiki smiles, a faint flush on her cheeks from the praise. "But I like to think we
all worked towards this. We're all responsible in some way. Ranko for making the problems known in the first place. Akane for rescuing her and setting the chain of events. I helped bring Tachi-chan out of his stupor and planned. And he helped immensely too. It's a team effort."
Ranko looks at the plans, then at Tatewaki. "These are all very good, Kunou-senpai." She says, bowing. "I thank you for your future service to the people of this school."
Tatewaki colours. "Ah, it is nice to be complimented so, Himura-san."
Ranko gives a sunny smile. "You may call me Ranko."
"Oh, to be on first name terms with the beauteous Ranko-san. 'tis almost more than my poor heart can take!" He puts a hand over it and leans back, pretending to look faint. "But if that is the case, you must call me Tatewaki. Or," His smile turns sardonic as he eyes Nabiki. "Tachi-chan, as Biki-chan here is fond of."
Ranko and Akane look between the two, and then shrug internally. "If you say so, Tatewaki-senpai."
"Ah, still so polite and formal. What good breeding there is in the Himura clan!"
Eventually the meal is over, and the two Tendou sisters and Ranko bid farewell to the eccentric kendoist. Ranko changes him tentatively from 'loony kendoist' in her mind. She pauses for a second before catching up with the two sisters.
She
likes Tatewaki. Not
like like. But he seems like someone she could be friends with, like this. And this isn't due to her not existing; not entirely. She finds it hard to accept, but Nabiki is correct. Without her being here he would not have snapped back into reality like this.
As she catches up with Akane, she rubs at her eyes tiredly, exhaustion creeping up on her. Akane notices and takes her arm. Nabiki sees them but she doesn't tease them today. It's been a busy one.
"So Kunou's gone sane." Akane comments to Nabiki.
"Yeah, trust me, the first time I found out I was gibbering half the day. It was just after Ranko came home." The middle sister stretches. "And after he asked you about her. Then he came to me saying he wanted to help. I thought it was his usual obsessive stuff but then he clarified and what came out of it was the planning for what we all just went over."
Akane snickers. "I almost like him now. Did
you teach him self-awareness?"
"Oh no, he came up with that himself. I haven't any idea where it came from. But… It's nice to see the old Tachi back." Nabiki looks wistful. "I missed him."
"You were friends through elementary and middle school weren't you?" Akane asks. "I think I remember him coming across a few times when I was really young."
"Yeah. Then his mom died and… It seemed to do something to the family."
Ranko looks away, her lips pursing. But for her own actions the same would have happened, sans the insanity. Akane nudged her.
"What are you thinking about?" She asks. Ranko shrugs.
"Families." She says. "And what trauma does to them."
Akane's mind goes over the recent conversation and wonders.
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They're watching television, Ranko staring blankly at it though still aware enough to react to things.
Akane's mulling over her thoughts about what caused Ranko to be as she is, what made her pay the price she did. What could be asked for that required such a price.
It has to be something big. She figures the energy from someone's entire existence is the kind of price that affects a large amount of the world. Like… wishing for world peace, or wishing for someone to be-
A drama is on, and suddenly Ranko flinches at something that's said. Akane's eyes widen and she turns to the TV, trying to listen for what might have set the redhead off.
"
I don't care. An eye for an eye. Tooth for a tooth." One of the characters says, holding her arm out in some kind of magic ritual.
"Blood for blood." She slices one of her arms and Ranko moves her head to look away. She still doesn't like blood.
The character holds a dagger over their heart, standing over the corpse of the heroine.
"
A life for a life." She says, and the dagger thrusts towards her. The screen goes blank and the credits roll.
Akane's seen this one before, the heroine survives. She doesn't think Ranko has, but she's caught off guard when Ranko starts crying, shaking her head and simply not reacting to any of the others in the family.
Especially Kimiko.
She's mumbling something. Akane thinks she hears something like "Don't do what I did, don't, the price is…"
"Ranko." Akane says, but the girl ignores her, rocking on her heels.
"Don'tdoit, can'tdoit, pricetoohigh…"
Akane takes in a deep breath and then slaps Ranko on the cheek, hard. Ranko goes sprawling. "RANKO! Calm down!" Akane yells.
Ranko slowly sits up, her expression frightened, and stays there still, eyes downcast from Akane's yell. Something clicks in the back of the tomboy's mind. A last clue from Ranko's reaction to the heroine sacrificing herself.
"Oh my god." She whispers. "Your
wish."
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Well, that's a cliffhanger! As always commentary feeds my needy gremlin brain!
