The Switch
Chapter 7: Akane, Forgive Me!
First It's important to know that, although it is not mentioned at the time, Ryoga goes to Ukyo's because Shampoo won't take him, he certainly can't go to the Tendo's, and Mousse's house is pushing it as is with two people living there. (yes, technically Karen is living there now) And also, I didn't really re-read this when I finished writing it, so there may be a few mistakes, I will fix those later.
Bold words inside - - in this chapter are Ranma's speech when he's on the phone, still means change in location or time if not bold.
After a long walk, everyone finally reached Nerima, it was almost night, and they were all tired, so they decided to go home and rest up before worrying about Akane, and that if she was back home as Karen speculated, Ranma was to call Karen, but not make a fuss about it to Akane, or even talk to her (As Karen insisted). And Sure enough, Akane was indeed back home…
RING! RING!
"Eh? Who could be calling so la- OH, Mousse, the phone! I bet
it's Ranma, answer it!" Karen shouted.
RING! RING!
"Mousse?" Karen said when he didn't answer. "…Eh!? How can he fall asleep so fast!?" She said, running to the phone to answer.
"Hello?"
-Karen, good, listen, it's about Akane- Ranma said on the other side.
"Is she there?" Karen asked.
-…She is but…- His voice faded off.
"What? Is something wrong?" Karen asked, starting to worry.
-well…my old man says she came home hours ago, but…- He paused for a moment, -as soon as she did she locked herself up in her room, and not even Kasumi could reason with her…- His voice faded out again…with a hint of worry that Karen could pick up on.
'He's really worried about her…how sweet! No, this is no time to be thinking about that.' Karen though, waiting for him to continue, but got worried when he didn't. "Ranma? Are you okay? I hope your not to depressed by all this." She said.
-Wh-who's worried? It's just not like her to react this way is all, It's weird, nothing more.- He denied loudly.
'Sure…but saying it that way just makes it more obvious that he is worried.' Karen giggled as she thought this.
-Wh-what's so funny!?- Ranma shouted.
"Oh, nothing, so do you want me to come over tomorrow? Maybe I can reach her." Karen asked.
-R-right… Kasumi is really starting to worry.- He said.
'So in other words, you are really worried…' Karen thought. "Okay, I'll come over tomorrow and see what I can do, in the mean time make sure Ryoga doesn't do anything stupid, if he tries apologizing now it could ruin his chances for good." She stated. "Oh, and whatever you do, don't let Shampoo in the house, I'm sure she'll try to take advantage of this situation somehow." She added.
-Okay, later- CLICK- He said as he hung up.
CLICK-Karen hung up, "As much as I don't want to, I guess I should wake Mousse up." Karen said, walking over to where he was sleeping. '…Ka-wa-ii! He's so cute when he's sleeping' She though, staring at him for a minute. '…No! Snap out of it Karen, you can watch him sleep later, right now you have more important things to think about!' She thought to herself. "…wait…watch him sleep…later? No! NO! I shouldn't be thinking like that!" She said to herself rather loudly, waking Mousse up.
"Hmm?" He said, rubbing his eyes. "…EH? When did I fall asleep?" He said when he remembered what had happened earlier.
"Oh, good, you're awake!" She said a bit awkwardly.
"Did something happen?" He asked.
"Well, it seems as though I was right, Akane is home but…she won't let anyone in her room and is refusing to talk to anyone." Karen explained.
"Really? She's gone that far? I thought she would go into her usual fit of rage… So what are we going to do?" Mousse asked.
"I told Ranma I'd come over tomorrow to see if I could calm her down." Karen said.
"But what if you can't?" He asked.
"…No idea." She stated.
"…"
It was silent for a few moments.
"You think we should come up with a plan B?" Karen asked, almost as if she was perfectly confident in plan A…
"Seeing as none of her family was able to reason with her what makes your chances any better?" He asked.
"Well, I'm an outsider so…haven't you ever had a problem you didn't want to talk to your family about? Sometimes it's easier to talk with friends." She explained.
'…what friends?' He thought. "But Ranma isn't related, and you don't seem to think he has any hope." Mousse said.
"He always makes things worse when it comes to these kind of problems." Karen replied.
"…You do have a valid point…" Mousse said.
"Well, anyway, there's no point sitting here worrying, we should get some sleep, tomorrows going to be a long day." She said.
"It is getting pretty late…you're not going to get me up a 5, are you?" He asked.
"Of course not, Akane will be sleeping then." She replied, turning and walking towards her room.
"Good." Mousse said.
"I'll wake you up at 6." She stated.
"Huh!?"
"Just kidding!" She said giggling, " How does 7:30 sound?" She said.
"…That's fine." Mousse replied before heading to his room.
(It would be so easy if I could just end the chapter here…but I won't be lazy)
-The next morning, 7:30-
-YAWN- Karen yawned and stretched as she got out of bed. 'Okay, gotta go wake Mousse up now' She thought, quickly changing her clothes and heading to Mousse's room. "Mou-" She started. '…he's so cute when he's sleeping' she thought, staring at him for a moment. "…Ack! What am I doing!? I have more important things to do than-"
"Karen…what are you shouting about?" Mousse asked, having been woken up by the commotion.
"EH!? Um…nothing, I was just thinking that it's going to be difficult to convince Akane." She said awkwardly. "S-so hurry up and get ready, we need to leave soon." She said, leaving the room.
'I can't believe I did it again…what's wrong with me? Maybe I should talk to Ukyo about this…' Karen thought worriedly.
"Okay, I'm ready. But what about breakfast?" Mousse asked when he came into the room.
"…I hadn't thought of that…" She said. "Umm…maybe we can eat when we get there…"
"Wouldn't that be rude?" Mousse said.
"uh…I'm sure I'll think of something on the way, so lets go." Karen said.
"Wait…weren't you supposed to be going alone?" He asked when he realized he'd somehow been dragged into this.
"uh, I might need your help if things get…out of hand…" Karen said.
"You fared well enough against Shampoo, I don't think Akane will be a problem…speaking of which, when did you learn how to fight?" Mousse asked.
"Eh……come on! Let's go we're gonna be late." Karen said then quickly hurried out the door.
'…why won't she answer?' Mousse wondered, then followed her.
-They were halfway to Akane's house when Karen had an idea-
"I got it!" She shouted.
"Got what?" Mousse asked.
"We can go to Ukyo's first, that way we can check on Ryoga, and get something to eat." Karen replied. "…Do you have any money on you?" She asked.
"…not much…"Mousse replied, pulling two 30 yen coins out of his sleeve.
You gotta be kidding me!" Karen shouted in shock. "Don't tell me that's all the money you have!"
"Actually…yes." He said. "even though we walked, the traveling expenses to buy food and water stacked up for the day we were gone." Mousse explained.
"…Traveling expenses!?" Karen suddenly shouted. "Oh no! How are we going to afford the trip to China!?" She asked.
…there was dead silence for a few minutes.
"We're doomed…the only ones who have any money are Shampoo and Ukyo…If ant of the rest of us could of afforded it we would have been cured long ago" Mousse said gloomily.
"Eh? Um…Ch-cheer up! It's not that bad, I'm sure we can think of something, let's go to Ukyo's, I have some spare change on me, I'll pay for it." Karen said, feeling bad for depressing Mousse. 'but I don't have enough for a meal… I'll have to beg Ukyo…' She added mentally.
-A few minutes later they arrived at Ukyo's and went inside, only to find Ukyo tying Ryoga to a post…-
"Uh…Ukyo…what are you doing?" Karen asked.
"Hm? Oh, what are you doing here? Don't you have to go see Akane?" Ukyo said.
"I thought I'd stop by to see how Ryoga was doing…" She said, pointing to Ryoga, who was now firmly tied to a post…
"Eh…well, he kept trying to find Akane, and I'm trying to open up shop so…" Ukyo replied.
"And…can I talk to you for a minute…alone?" Karen asked.
"Oh…why is Mousse here?" Ukyo asked when she noticed him.
"To help of things get out of hand." She responded quickly, then walked over to Ukyo and they walked into the back room.
"So what did you want to talk about that you couldn't tell Mousse?" Ukyo asked.
"Well…a few things. First…I only have 30Yen…can you make us breakfast and let me pay you back later? Second…about the money…how are we going to afford the trip to China? And third…I've been acting strangely around Mousse lately…is something wrong with me?" Karen asked.
"Uh…in order, yes, I'll gladly make breakfast for you, don't worry about the pay. The fare to China…I hadn't thought of that… We might all have to get part time jobs to pay for it… And…acting strange how?" Ukyo answered.
"Really? Thank you, I guess you're right about the jobs though… and um…it's weird but last night and this morning when I tried to wake him up I found myself zoning out and thinking how cute he is when he's sleeping…" Karen replied, blushing a bit at the last part
"Is that all? Don't worry, I've had that happen with Ranma before. Come on, I'll go make you and Mousse breakfast." Ukyo said, walking out of the room and into the kitchen. "So what would you two like me to make?" She asked.
"The usual." Karen answered.
"Got it, have a seat, I'll have it done in a few minutes." Ukyo said while turning on the stove(Or whatever the long stove-like thing she cooks on is called) and preparing the batter. "So you really think you can reason with Akane?" Ukyo asked.
"Well…it's worth a try. And we won't be able to catch the salesman if she's in this state." Karen replied.
"Or the state Ryoga's in." Mousse added, pointing to Ryoga, who was giving off the most depressing aura possible…
"…Is Ryoga okay?" Karen asked Ukyo.
"Like I said, he was causing problems so I had to get him out of the way." Ukyo responded.
"Are you sure it's okay to tie him up? If he gets upset…you might end up with a large hole in your restaurant where the post should be attached." Karen said.
"…I hadn't though about that…I'd better go get some water." Ukyo said.
"W-wait! I can't talk to him if he's a duck! You'll only depress him more!" Karen protested.
"If you say so…" Ukyo said. "Your food's ready, eat it while it's hot."
"Okay." Karen said, then she and Mousse started eating.
When they were finished Karen went over to talk to Ryoga.
"Ryoga? Are you feeling okay?" She asked.
"…A-ka…ne…" He said gloomily.
"Uh…R-Ryoga!? Snap out of it!" Karen said worriedly, but got no response. "Ryoga!! Earth to Ryoga!" She shouted, this time waving her hand in front of his face…but still nothing. "Mousse, I think something's wrong with Ryoga!" She said.
"He's just going into 'lack of Akane arrest' He'll be fine once we talk to Akane…And get her to talk to him." He said the last part a little louder, hoping to get Ryoga's attention…but it failed.
"Ryoga! Ryoga!" Karen shouted, starting to panic. "Mousse, where are you going? C-come back and help me with Ryoga!" She shouted when she noticed mousse walking away…towards the kitchen.
"Ukyo, can I borrow a bucket?" Mousse asked.
"But what do you…Oh, sure you can." Ukyo replied.
"M-Mousse!? What are you doing? Won't that make things worse?" She shouted when she realized what he was up to.
"You honestly think he could get worse?" Mousse asked, walking towards Ryoga.
"eh…I guess you have a point…" Karen replied, moving out of the way.
-SPLASH- "QUACK!!!(AKANE!) Ryoga, now free of the ropes, was quacking loudly while running in circles.
"I think you made him worse." Karen said.
"Ryoga quite running around!" Mousse yelled, grabbing Ryoga as he tried to head for the door. "And where do you think you're going!? Do you want Akane to hate you forever!? If you would just calm down and stay here. Then we will go talk to Akane. Once we've calmed her down you can go see her, understand!?" Mousse shouted strictly.
"Q-quack!" Ryoga quickly nodded his head.
"Good, now stay here." He demanded. "We will come get you when Akane is ready to talk." He said, putting Ryoga down.
Ryoga nodded and sat down.
"See, isn't it a good thing I brought you with me? I'm only good at being strict when I'm really angry." Karen said.
"…I'm sure you would have thought of something." Mousse said, turning around to leave.
"H-hey wait for me!" Karen said, running out the door after him.
-It didn't take them long to get to the Tendo's, and Karen was starting to worry a bit-
"…I hope this works…" Karen said nervously.
"Why are you so worried now? You seemed so confident earlier." Mousse asked.
"o….Of course! I'm very confident!" She stated nervously before walking to the door.
"…If you say so." He said then followed her.
"Ranma! I'm here!" Karen shouted, knocking lightly on the door.
"Oh, hello there Karen." Kasumi said when she opened the door. "Oh my, and Mousse too, please come in." She said, opening the door further and gesturing them in.
"Good to see you again Kasumi, is Akane still in her room?" Karen asked once she had taken off her shoes and gone inside.
"Yes, would you like some tea before you go talk to her? Or perhaps some snacks?" Kasumi said in her usual cheerful way.
'…How can she be so calm at a time like this!?' Mousse and Karen wondered.
"Uh…no thank you, Is it okay if I go see Akane now?" Karen asked.
"Of course, do be nice to her okay?" Kasumi replied.
"Of course, I get along fine with Akane, why would I be mean?" Karen said, walking to the stairs.
"Do you want me to wait here?" Mousse asked.
"…hmm…" Karen thought about this for a moment. "You're better at convincing people when you know how they're feeling, it would be easier if you came with me." She answered.
"Okay." He replied, following her to Akane's room.
-KNOCK KNOCK- "Akane, are you in there?" Karen asked.
"Go Away! I'm not in the mood!" Akane yelled.
"But you'll get sick if you don't come out, I'm worried about you." Karen said.
"I'm fine! So stop worrying!" Akane yelled.
"You don't sound 'fine' to me, you might feel better if you talk with someone." Karen said.
"Why!? Someone like you couldn't possibly know how I feel! How would you feel if Mousse did what that jerk did!!?" Akane shouted.
"…mmm… I would…" Karen paused for a moment to think about this. "be angry…but, I would also give him a chance to explain…and if…like Ryoga, he couldn't tell me because he was afraid, I would forgive him…though I'd still be mad, I wouldn't let my anger cloud my judgment, because Mousse is a good friend, and I wouldn't just toss him aside. Isn't Ryoga your friend? Are you really going to hate him forever?" Karen asked.
"…Wh-why should I forgive him?" Akane said shakily. "H-he lied to me…"
'Now she's in denial mode…' Karen thought. "How do you think he feels right now?" Karen asked.
"I don't know…Angry?" Akane responded.
"No. He's not angry, not at all. He's miserable, ever since you yelled at him at the bay, he hasn't said a single sentence that hasn't had your name in it, all he can think about right now is you, and he won't cheer up no matter what I, or anyone does." Karen said.
"He's…miserable?" Akane asked.
"Yes, the only one who can cheer him up right now is you." Karen said. " At least let him talk to you."
"…O-okay…I'll talk to him." Akane reluctantly agreed. "Let me get ready first."
"Not a problem. I'll wait downstairs" Karen said, then walked away.
"I guess I was it was okay after all, I didn't even need your help." Karen said to Mousse while they waited on Akane.
"Were you really that worried?" Mousse asked.
"Well, I just kept thinking about what would happen if I failed, then it seemed so much harder…" She replied.
"Okay! I'm ready!" Akane shouted as she came down the stairs. "…why is Mousse here?" She asked.
"…To help with Ryoga." Karen stated, gesturing to Mousse not to tell her anything unnecessary.
"Ryoga?" Akane said confused.
"We went to check on him on the way here, he was basically in a panic and wouldn't listen till Mousse about strangled him." Karen explained.
"…okay." Akane said.
"Right, so let's go to Ukyo's." Karen said and then headed to the door.
"Ukyo's?" Akane asked.
"Oh right, since Ryoga doesn't have a house, or at least, doesn't know where it is, we agreed that he would stay with Ukyo until things settled down." Karen replied.
"Oh, I see…" Akane said sighing. "Let's get this over with." She said, getting her shoes and walking out the door.
-After a short walk, they reached Ukyo's restaurant-
"Ukyo! Are you busy?" Karen asked as she walked into her restaurant.
"hm? No, not right now. Why?" Ukyo asked.
"I brought Akane, I need to talk to Ryoga before I let him talk to her though…or he might freak out." Karen said.
"Oh, Ryoga. He's been rather quiet since you left, last I saw he was sitting in the back room." Ukyo said, pointing to the door.
"Right, thank you." Karen said, then walked into the room.
"Ryoga, I have good news. BUT-" She said loudly before he could react and run off, "you have to listen to me for a minute first."
"What? What news!? Is it about Aka-…I'll be quiet now." He said when he noticed her glaring at him.
"Good!" She said happily. "Now, yes, it is about Akane, I have convinced her to come talk to you," She noticed Ryoga getting happier. "HOWEVER," She shouted to keep his attention. ", you can't freak out, if you mess up you may not get another chance. So when you talk to her you need to 1: stay calm, 2: explain things clearly, and 3: apologize, but don't overdo it, you'll just annoy her. Understand?" Karen asked.
"Yes, stay calm… Explain, apologize! Can I go see her now?" Ryoga asked.
"You're not calm…but since you're not panicking I guess it's okay." Karen said.
"Thank you, I owe you one for this Karen." Ryoga said, then walked out the door…the door that leads to the broom closet… "Why is it so dark in here? How does Ukyo cook like this?" Ryoga asked cluelessly.
"…All right. I'll take you to Akane, now get out of the closet." Karen said, grabbing his arm and dragging him outside to Akane.
"A-Akane…" Ryoga said nervously. "I'm sorry…I-I wanted to tell you, but I though you would hate me… can you ever forgive me?" He begged.
There was silence for a moment
"…fine" Akane finally said.
"R-really? Thank you Akane!" Ryoga said happily.
"HOWEVER, I'm still mad, don't think you can get off the hook that easy." She said.
"eh?" Ryoga said worriedly.
"Looks like she finally forgave him." Karen said to Mousse.
"But…was it worth the price?" Mousse asked.
"Let's go home, I don't want to get in her way when she's angry." Karen said before walking off.
"Agreed." Mousse said, then followed.
End of Chapter
Author's Notes: Wow, that's one long chapter, and it's completely different from what I had planned… Oh well, as long as it's done, you can think for yourself what Akane's going to do to Ryoga, I have no intention of telling.(and honestly don't know myself) Is anyone else bothered by my mid-chapter references? I can't completely remove them, but I guess I could do a little better. The next chapter is about…should I tell you? How about I give a hint, Ukyo's idea about 'getting jobs' Hehe, it's gonna be fun.
On to the review replies:
ScourgeOfTheGalaxy(Can I abbreviate that next time?) So far you are the only one to review constantly, and thanks for telling me about the Bonbori(It's easier to remember then…uh…chui?) I noticed you started another Ranma fic, I'll have to check it out later. (And so Misao2008 adds on to the long list of things 'I'll have to do later…)
Ganheim-…Honestly I'd prefer not to have gotten your reviews, even thought you say you're not flaming, there is such a thing as 'over' criticizing, If you are going to make a list of mistakes that big, at least put in one thing I did right, or I think I'm completely messing everything up. I don't ask for you to say I'm doing great or anything to much, just tell me something I did right…Surely you must like something about my story.