Good Evening! (Well, it's evening here in Alaksa anyways)
I'm kinda stuck on my other fic project (the Shoki Saga) and felt like doing something short and different. This is a stand alone fic that is not related to the Shoki Saga in any way (hmmm...interesting idea...maybe later....) It's just for fun, and maybe a teaser. If anyone wants to take a stab at any possiblities I leave open, go for it! As always, I appreciate C&C. Thanks for reading!
Around the Campfire
It was so frustrating. Ryoga almost couldnıt stand it anymore. He was lost AGAIN! Every time he thought he had everything right, he found himself far from where he meant to be. It was times like this when he wasnıt sure which of his curses were worse: turning into a pig or getting lost whenever he tried to go more than a few feet. Once he had got lost in a mall while trying to find the bathroom. That had been embarrassing as well as painful.
Carefully he surveyed his surroundings. He was on a trail on a hillside. There seemed to be a small shrine visible above him in the failing light. Below him was a house by a lake and gently rolling, wooded hills elsewhere. By the looks of things, it still seemed to be Japan at least, but not a part he remembered being to before. Though he rarely knew how he got places, he rarely failed to recognize someplace heıd been.
With the last rays of sunlight at his back, he charged into the brush. Suddenly, the Lost Boy stopped. He knew it wouldnıt help, but he did it anyway....it at least would make him feel better.
³WHERE ON EARTH AM I NOW!!!!² The loud yell echoed back and forth across the hills, slowly diminishing to a whisper. Though he didnıt know where he was, the angry release made it easier to face the prospect of another lonely camp.
³No need to yell. I can tell you where you are.² Ryoga was startled by the voice that came from his right. He whirled about, umbrella at the ready. Before him was a woman. She was fairly tall, with spiky gray hair and eyes like a cat that sparkled mischeviously. Her dress was cut far up the side, and the front plunged deeply, showing off a generous amount of cleevage. Ryoga goggled, not at her ample busom, but at the fact that she was floating a little off the ground.
³Who are you?² Ryoga demanded, very wary of the spectacle in front of him. He had faced ogres and other strange creatures before, so he wasnıt scared, merely suspicous. In his life, the unusual was ordinary, merely something to watch out for.
³Iım Ryoko, since you asked. My, arenıt you the suspicous one? I can tell you where you are, but why donıt you tell me how you got to be lost in the first place?² She settled onto the ground and waited for Ryogaıs response.
³Okay, if youıll tell me where Iım at. Oh, Iım Ryoga Hibiki.² Motioning for him to follow, Ryoko took to the air and floated a short distance into the undergrowth. Ryoga kept very close, determined to find out where he was. Suddenly, the woman stopped and turned. Following too closely, Ryoga walked straight into her-and bounced off of her (you get the idea!). Landing on his backside he looked up, fearful of the insult he had just inflicted.
³Itıs okay, a girl likes to feel appreciated. Take off your pack and have a seat. Weıll talk a while.² The spot where Ryoko had stopped was a clearing in the undergrowth. A small fire burned in front of a log that was obviously meant to lean against. A very large jug stood next to the log.
Deciding that he would do just about anything to find out where he was, and how he could get back to Akane, Ryoga did as he was bade. When he was comfortable, the woman floated down next to him. ³Like some sake? Stories go better with a little something to drink.²
³No, I donıt think....Oh, what the heck, itıs been a long day.² Taking the proffered jug, Ryoga took a healthy swig. A slight warmth followed the alchol down his throat. In the slight evening chill, it felt good. He handed the jug back before speaking. ³Now then, where am I, and how can I get to Nerima?²
³Nerima?² Ryoko snickered. ³You really are lost. First, we made a bargain. Iıll help you find your way to Nerima if you tell me how you became lost.² Taking a swig from the sake herself first, she handed the jug back to Ryoga.
After swallowing another mouthful of sake Ryoga began his tale. ³Well, Iıve always been getting lost. However, most of my problems come about because of Ranma Saotme....²
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³Even then,² slurred Ryoga, ³she dosenıt see that heıs no good for her! All he ever does is call her uncute and insults her cooking!² It was far into the night, and the jug of sake was seriously depleted.
³How do you think I feel? Iım always being nice to Tenchi, when all Ayeka ever does is get him in trouble! That Jurian witch thinks the world revolves around her!² Ryoga hadnıt drank all the liqour himself, and Ryoko was pretty far gone herself. However, she was more used to the condition than her male companion. It was nice to have a little company and a sympathetic audience for a change. ³If it wasnıt for the fact that Tenchi wouldnıt like it, Iıd have sent that royal hussy packing long ago!²
³At least, if you wanted to you could do it. Ever time I try to defeat Ranma to show that Iım the better man, something happens and I lose.² Better not get too depressed, Ryoga thought, I donıt want to blow a hole in something accidently.
³Hey, you get to sleep with that Akane girl though! Even if it is as a pig, thatıs one you got on that Ranma character! You just need to show her a sign.² Putting her arm around Ryoga, Ryoko took another swig of the sake. She handed the jug to Ryoga who took it gratefully.
³True,² he said, draining the jug in one long pull. ³Maybe when I get back Iıll do just that!²
³Great, now if you could just help me with Tenchi,² sighed Ryoko.
³Well, too bad we couldnıt introduce your Ayeka to Ranma. Women always seem to go after Ranma! That would solve both of our problems!² Ryoga brightened at the prospect.
³Hey, thatıs a good idea, maybe we will have to arrange that!² Ryoko laughed.
³Okay, Iıve told you how I got lost. Now where am I, and where am I going?² Ryoga tried very hard to focus on his host, but she seemed to be three people. He hoped he was looking at the right one.
³Donıt worry, you shouldnıt travel in your condition anyways. Right now, how about a song?²
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Ryoga awoke with a headache. He also didnıt know where he was, but that wasnıt unusual. What was unusual was the fact that he could remember very little of the night before....for some reason a very obscene ballad was stuck in his head. As he tried to stand, the naseau struck. Suddenly, the entire night came back to him.
³Damn, I thought she would tell me where I was, and how to get to Nerima!² Slowly, carefully, he stood. Surveying his surroundings, he found he was in the alley behind the Tendo Dojo. ³How did I-² thinking for a moment Ryoga realized how he must of gotten there. ³She brought me all this way. I wonder why? I only wanted directions. Well, I better go see Akane.²
Fighting his churning stomach and pounding head, Ryoga reached down for his pack. On it he found a note.
³Ryoga, from your story, I decided it would take you forever to find your way back to Nerima. Ryo-ohki and I brought you back and dropped you off. I hope this is the right Dojo. Donıt wander off! I will bring Tenchi and Ayeka to meet Ranma this week per our plan. With a little luck we can solve both of our problems! See you soon! Ryoko.²
³Uh-oh!²
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Thanks for reading this! Let me know what you think!
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