The heart is a strange organ. To much trauma at once can cause it to react strongly by cutting itself off making a person seem emotionless, or going so far as to cut the memories from the person. Sometimes it can go over board and cut ones previous life out of the picture completely leaving them with amnesia. For one, her heart had left her completely in control of her emotions able to block them out. For another, it left her without knowing who she was. These two hearts recognized each other finding a kindred spirit with their closeness, and started opening up to one another without knowledge of the host.

A Lost Heart

Chapter 4

Confessions from the Heart

Everyone sat around the table having just finished dinner, which as it turned out was a very solemn affair. Everyone had braced themselves for what Ranko was going to tell them. One person in particular sat as close as possible to the red head, she could almost feel the pain from Ranko as she mentally prepared to tell her life as she remembered it.

Nabiki let her thoughts wonder, I don't know what to do anymore. I can't stop thinking about her. It's becoming harder and harder to keep myself from opening up, the more I try to close my emotions off the more I seem to open up. Nabiki cleared her mind with a quick shake of her head and laid her hand gently on Ranko's knee.

Ranko felt Nabiki’s hand on her knee and nodded, “As you know I can’t remember my life beyond eight years ago. My first memory is waking up in a dungeon; I didn’t know who I was or where I was. From that point there isn’t much to tell, there were screams nightly from people being tortured but that was it. I thought it was just a prison until several years later.”

Ranko let this bit of information sink into everyone’s mind before continuing, “After what I think was four years I found out where I was. I was dragged out of bed and forced into a cold bath, then into a very revealing outfit and up onto a stage with five other woman. It was a slave camp and we were being auctioned off. The highest bidder for me,” she paused and reached for Nabiki’s hand looking into her eyes. The name came out, stressed, “Kuno.”

Nabiki’s hand tightened. No way!

Akane’s breath caught in her throat.

Kasumi put her finger’s to her lips in probably the most shocked expression anyone’s ever seen from her.

Soun and Nodoka looked at each other with wide eyes then back to Ranko.

“I don’t think it was by accident that I’m here. I think even without a single clue as to where I should go I would’ve ended up here. After the Kuno’s bought me they took me to one of their places in China where they proceeded to,” she made quote marks with her fingers,”train me for their son, Tatewaki. Instead of having a doctor operate on me they continually beat my pelvis to make sure I never had kids. My baths if I didn’t behave properly would be to splash me with cold water. Needless to say I’ve never had a warm bath in my life.”

Everyone around nodded remembering the first day she was here.

Ranko’s tension seemed to subside somewhat, “After almost a year of enduring that I escaped. The person sent to inspect me probably thought that I was unconscious or something because after he hit me he walked away. Since we were outside I took off, not caring if I didn’t have my clothes or not. I ran for days and would’ve kept running if I hadn’t passed out from exhaustion. The next thing I knew I was in an Amazon village, the elder there named Cologne explained how her great granddaughter found me unconscious while hunting and brought me back. They cared for me for a bit, food and clothing, and hid me from Kuno’s men. One day I decided that I couldn’t impose on them anymore and left. I traveled across China only stopping every now and then at dojo’s or homes when I was close to passing out for food and water and maybe a place to sleep that night. But after a few days I would be off again.”

Everyone’s attention was wrapped around this story, most of them finding it hard to believe.

Nabiki’s hand never left Ranko’s and tears started to come to her eyes. You poor poor girl, Nabiki thoughts strayed to the markings she had seen, they must be permanent then. She was brought back from her thoughts as Ranko continued her story.

“Sometimes the dojo master would teach me a technique or two if I’d cry out during the night. Other’s would kick me out as soon as they realized who I was. For three years I made my way here, and for three years I continued run. I was almost caught once but barely managed to escape. Nothing much happened after words and up until I passed out on your door step.”

Silence descended on the room as everyone took in the story.

Soun was the first to speak, “How did you know about my dojo?”

Ranko pulled out a crumpled picture. “When I ran I was holding onto this, I never let them have it.”

She handed it over to Soun who inspected it carefully, “This is odd. The pictures been rubbed so much you can’t make it out. The writing on the backs been cut off a bit. It only mentions our family name. But all the people who I’m friends with that have daughters are still in Japan.”

Nodoka took the picture and looked at the text, “It’s also in your sloppy hand writing so we can’t compare it with anyone elses.”

Nabiki thought more and more about the story, “Ranko, you said that some people realized who you were.”

Ranko nodded, “Well I tried making the clothes I was given last as long as possible, I didn’t realize that one of my shirts had a hole in the shoulder.” She turned around and loosening the top buttons pulling the shoulder of her shirt down exposing the Kuno family brand. “I was given this my first day at there estate.”

Akane was the next to speak as Ranko turned around and redid her shirt. “Why didn’t you say something this morning when you heard the name?”

“You two were already so worried I didn’t want to add to it.”

Nabiki accepted the answer with a nod. It seemed to her that Ranko would rather protect people then make other’s worry for her. “You’ve only been here three days, why are you telling us?”

“Because Gosunkugi knows who I am. He was the one who hit me before I ran. Kuno had sent him to check on how his future sex slaves progress was coming. I don’t think he entirely... anyway. Gosunkugi’s bound to tell Kuno and Kuno’s bound to come after me.”

Suddenly Ranko jumped up and at Akane. Ranko pulled the startled female into an embrace and landed on the floor.

They both sat up as Ranko held up an arrow with a note attached to it.

Akane found her voice, “Did you have to hug me just to catch that?!”

Ranko was a little stunned, “Well... kinda. If I’d just tried to reach around I probably wouldn’t have caught it.”

Nabiki chuckled a bit, “Akane you’re blushing.”

Akane tensed up and brushed it off, “So what’s the note say?”

Ranko laid it down, the note had been written in Chinese, “It’s a challenge letter. From Cologne.”

Ranko stood up hanging her head, “Apparently she’s working with Kuno now.”

Nabiki stood up and moving beside Ranko she placed a hand on the red heads shoulder, “But I thought she protected you from Kuno’s men.”

“Something must’ve happened.”

“Ok but why send the elder?”

“He probably doesn’t want to take any chances.” Everyone looked at Soun. “He probably just wants this over and done with as soon as he can so he figures he’ll send the strongest warrior.”

Ranko nodded, “Except this warriors art is in pressure point and magic techniques. I’ll try and talk her out of it but if something really bad’s happened to the Amazons it’ll be a tough fight.”

Ranko turned to Nabiki, who just shook her head.

“Don’t go, if she’s really strong then there’s no way you can win. It’d be unfair.” Nabiki could feel her eyes watering up again. No, keep your emotions in check. But can I really just let her go.

“Sorry Niki, honor dictates that I except challenge letters no matter if I think I can win or not.”

Nabiki shook her head, “No, I won’t except that.” The forcefulness was enough to startle everyone around the table. But she's right, it is a matter of honor. But I can't just let her be taken.

Soun stood up, “Daughter,” the warning tone of his voice warranted the frightened look Nabiki gave him, “I think you have some explaining to do. You’ve been taught the same thing and even excepted similar letters from people much stronger then you.”

Nabiki shook slightly where she stood, “But daddy...”

Soun cut her off, “There is no excuse for it. Ranko has a right to keep her honor in check.” His gaze went to Ranko and nodded. “I hope that your challenge goes well and that your opponent is an honorable one. Meanwhile, me and my daughter are going to have a little chat.”

Both girls gulped but at Soun’s command Ranko leapt off to the location of the challenge.

Soun sat back down and a depressed looking Nabiki came back to her place and sat down. “Nabiki, I’ll start by admitting my happiness at seeing you’ve made a friend. And my joy at seeing this friend has awoken whatever emotions you managed to bury. But, I need to know, is there more then friendship there?”

Nabiki looked down and away from her father, her cheeks were burning now, “I don’t know.” Liar.

Soun started wailing, “MY DAUGHTER’S DISHONORING OUR NAME! MY DAUGHTER’S DISHONORING THE SCHOOL!”

Nodoka sighed as she slammed Soun’s head into the table.

“I’ll go get some more tea,” Kasumi said as she stood up. She looked over at her father, “And perhaps some sake for father.” She headed off to the kitchen as Nodoka spoke to Nabiki.

“Nabiki, I think what your father’s trying to say is that he’s worried about you.” Nodoka smiled, “But as long as you don’t take it past friendship then I’ll be very happy for you.”

Nabiki stood up at this, “And what about what I want? What if I do want to pursue Ranko?” What am I saying?

Soun shot back to a sitting position, “Absolutely not. I forbid it. Find a good man for...” But I love her.

“I hate men!”

“And why’s that?”

“The Hentai Squad!”

“That’s just a small group why should they bother you?”

Nabiki had neared her limit and she couldn’t take it anymore, “Because they raped me!”

Everything seemed to happen in slow motion then. Kasumi dropped the tea kettle and put a hand over her mouth as her eyes watered up. Nodoka gasped. Akane gripped her skirt tighter. Even Nabiki gasped as she realized that the biggest thing she’d kept bottled up had just been screamed at the top of her own lungs.

Soun’s eyes started to water, “Wh-what? You never told me.”

“I’m sorry daddy.” She was on the verge of tears now, she’d come this far though and her heart seemed a little relieved as if a weight had been taken off of it. “It was the first day of school, and we were walking down an alley that was a shortcut. Gosunkugi and his men jumped us from both sides. At first they only wanted Akane, so Akane told me to run and I started climbing up the fire escape while she held them off but one followed me. I only took a second to look down and watch as they swarmed her, she told me to run again but before I could make up my mind I was grabbed and dragged back down.”

She had to stop as tears fell to the floor.

Akane picked up the story, “One of them held me so that I couldn’t move. I tried not to watch but I couldn’t believe what was happening. It was like they didn’t care she was screaming or pleading for them to stop. All ten of them. After that they just left. They said they'd come for me but then they just left me.”

Nabiki was crying furiously now as Kasumi tried to console her.

Soun was crying too, not as much as Nabiki though. “I-I’m sorry my daughter. If only I’d known.”

Nabiki looked at her father through tear filled eyes, “I-I-I.” She took a moment to get a better grip on herself. “I’m sorry daddy. I don’t want to disgrace our name but it’s how I feel.”

Soun thought for a moment then nodded, “Alright, but one condition. If you two decide to date she’ll have to go as a guy. Is that acceptable?”

Nabiki pondered for a moment then nodded. “I’ll have to talk to her though, I don’t know if she’ll be to keen on the idea.”

Akane suddenly thought of something, “She never did mention the curse though.”

Ranko made it to the park rather quickly and headed to the soccer field where a slight old woman was standing. She noted that the woman was sitting down near a tea set.

Cologne looked up at the approaching red head, “Sorry to have to do this young one.”

Ranko shook her head and sat down, “I’m sure something must have happened, something big.” She accepted a cup of tea.

Cologne nodded, “They have Shampoo, if I could get to her then I assure you this wouldn’t be happening. As it stands the young Kuno wants me to bring you in alive, something about his father paying a lot of money for you.”

“One hundred and fifty million yen to be precise. The highest ever paid to the auction house.” Ranko chuckled harshly, “I’m almost tempted to go there willingly and pay him back for everything. But I’m sure he’s got the place heavily guarded am I right.”

Cologne nodded, “Yes young one, at least fifty armed guards and then his family retainers, all ninjas, at least 20 of them. I guess we should get started. She took Ranko’s empty cup and her own and set them with the rest.

Ranko nodded and stood up, “Yeah guess we can’t waste to much time reminiscing. Oh yeah, sorry for leaving without a word.”

Cologne nodded and waited until Ranko took her stance before starting the fight. She immediately went after the legs with her staff which Ranko easily jumped over. Ranko landed and using the Chestnut fist started pushing the elder back.

Cologne couldn’t believe it, Ranko seemed to flourish over the years, more so then she’d anticipated. “So you’ve mastered the Chestnut First. How marvelous.”

Ranko jumped back smiling, “Thanks but that’s not all I learned.”

Cologne looked curious as Ranko charged bringing her battle aura out. Ranko swept at Cologne who merely jumped. Not wasting a single second Ranko leapt after her, as they started there descent Ranko yelled, “Kinetic Crusher.” They landed and Cologne noticed Ranko’s hand laying flat on the ground and her battle aura following a path down her arm. Seconds later the ground exploded as both fighter’s jumped back.

The elderly woman laughed, “Oh this is a good battle. But it is one that must end now.” She leapt at Ranko who prepared to defend herself. Ranko waited till the last minute and was startled when seven more Colognes were descending on her. As Cologne passed her she noticed a build up in ki and then noticed a light coming from her chest.

Ranko was screaming in agony as the energy grew within her. She was suddenly engulfed in a blue light that took off into the air and towards the Tendo dojo.

Cologne watched musing to herself, “Darn, must’ve used the wrong seal. Well I guess I’d better tell Kuno about this, oh he’s not going to be pleased.”

High over Nerima, Ranko felt like her mind was being pulled, no, ripped apart. She thought she was hallucinating as a male voice joined in her screaming. Strong arms enveloped her and she clung to the soft silky shirt that felt like her own. She didn’t know who’s it was, all she knew was that it gave her the strength to grit her teeth against the pain.

There was an explosion in the Tendo backyard as a ball of blue light slammed into the ground. The occupants of the house covered their faces as dirt and debris flew in. Moments later they looked out and saw the crater that had now formed.

Kasumi blinked a couple of times before a small slender hand started reaching towards the edge of the crater. “Oh my!”

Nabiki was the first to jump up. She ran to the crater and slid to her knees, “Ranko!” She started pulling the red head up when she noticed another body at the bottom. “Daddy! Come quick there’s someone else down there.”

Soun came running over and looked inside the crater. “Kasumi, grab the first aid supplies.”

As Kasumi brought the first aid kit and some wet towels Soun and Nabiki were helping Ranko and the wounded man inside. Kasumi went to Ranko first who just as quickly waved her off.

“He’s hurt worse... took the fall.” Ranko pushed herself to a sitting position with the help of Nabiki. After she got there she leaned against Nabiki’s shoulder.

Kasumi sighed and started tending to the young mans wounds.

Ranko stared intently at his face. He looked familiar but she put her finger on it.

She watched as Kasumi quickly tended to his arms and face first then opened up his shirt and started tending to the wounds there. “He looks like he only sustained minor wounds, he took the fall pretty well.” Kasumi turned to look at Ranko, “You’re lucky he was there.”

Ranko smiled and nodded, suddenly her eyes were drawn to his ribs, “Kasumi, is that a bruise?”

Kasumi looked and cleaned off the area indicated showing discoloration, “Yes I believe it is.”

Ranko opened up her shirt exposing her ribs showing the same bruise, color drained from her face, “Wh-what about h-his shoulder?”

Kasumi turned him over and exposed his shoulder. Kuno’s brand could be seen under all the dirt.

Ranko ran over, grabbing the smelling salt she pushed him onto his back and held it under his nose. After a few minutes he woke up, Ranko grabbed his shirt and gave it a slight yank, “Who are you!?”

The young man gave a painful chuckle as he looked her in the eyes, “I’m... your better half.”

---

From the Author: I hope you guys enjoy the twist I’ve added and the development of the plot. I hope I’m not taking the story to far and making it dark. Keep reviewing and sending in the criticism, I enjoy hearing what my readers have to say about my work. It’ll help me grow as a writer and my future works will become better for it.

Side note: I realize I added in Gosunkugi before his time but I wanted a character who was timid to turn into the complete opposite and Gosunkugi was the first character to come to mind.

Disclaimer: I in no way shape or form own any character's from Ranma ½ nor the manga, anime, breakfast cereal or flamethrower associated with the works of Rumiko. You can tell what i've made up, it usually has a horrible name.