I hope that those who've come before have enjoyed this story, for those of you who haven't read this before... I think you'll enjoy the dramatic and allusionary references throughout the work.
For those who HAVE read it, I suggest that you reread the Poem again before every episode, as it has certain.... foreshadowing effects on the story.
*Sigh* It's been a great deal of time since I wrote, and I finally decided to sit down and hammer out another Episode, so here it is. Those who've enjoyed my style before will most likely enjoy this story, as it keeps with the emotional/comical mix of original Takahashi, and Story-Weaver's Tapestry of Bardic quality.
I would like to thank a few people before we start. First, I would like to thank The Various authors who've inspired me to write this tale.
Mike "Cynewolf" Noakes, the slowest Fanfic writer I know, but very apt in his telling of tales.
Richard Lawson, whom I hold great reverence over as one of the all time greats with his "Thy Inward Love" and "Thy Outward Part" Fics. Lawson-San.... your tales are works of greatness... domo arigato for your inspiration.
I also would like to give a heartfelt applause to Zen, the writer of "The Bitter End", which is one of the finest works I have ever had the pleasure of crying to... *Snif* it's a ringer, Zen.
Krista Perry is also one of the author's I would like to mention, as her story "Hearts of Ice" is a continuing tale of excitement and torment for the loving pair of romantics, Ranma and Akane. Keep up the good work!
Ahem.... *Cough* I would also like to thank Hi and Dai, whom without this story could never have taken place. Thanks fella's.
<replies go to kaoru_ryuu@hotmail.com>
<Insert Standard Disclaimer Here:Characters not of my own design belong to Rumiko Takahashi, the Lady who invented Ranma 1/2>
Now... ON WITH THE SHOW!!!
Fragile Clay: Volume 2
Episode Three
"A Cullinary Catalyst! Ranma's Challenge of Taste!"
The soft glow of the dusk illuminated the ward of Nerima Tokyo.... casting brilliant shades of reds, yellows, and purples on the thin layer of clouds above. The wind blew a soft breath through the streets of Nerima... heralding that soon Winter would be here, as the tapestry of colourful leaves foreshadowed.
It had been a scant 19 day's since the streets had fallen quieter than usual, though one might ask what was so abnormal about quiet.
It's not normal for Nerima... and certainly not normal for a certain dojo, reknowned for housing a young Martial Artist by the name Ranma Saotome, as well as his Fiancee... Akane Tendo.
The Tendo Residence, in the past, had been one full of energy, excitement, battles, arguments, repairs, and various odd beings coming to take a call on the Saotome and Tendo clan.
If it were not this, then it would be a war of Love between Ranma's fiancee's. But.... since a challenge those 19 days before, the streets of Nerima had fallen into a silent slumber... the only spell breaking this was a single day when a super being named Aquarius escaped from her imprisonment and attacked Ranma... causing trouble in itself.
They had won the battle, Ranma and his friends.
The beautiful Tendo dojo... Pristine and sacred to it's inhabitants, sworn to defend their lives for it. The Silence was a blessing to the surrounding neighbors.... and one that would not last much Longer....
* * * * *
"RANMAAAAAAA!" A young woman cried.
Akane was not normally this upset. Before the Saotomes had come, she had been peaceful in her daily routine. Then, Ranma had come. It usually wasn't so bad, except on nights she got to cook.
Nabiki, the financier of the house, was currently scribbling on a pad of paper, estimating the damages the night would bring.
Kasumi, the Matron Saint of the House, walked slowly around the table, collecting plates of some noxious soup and hideously overbaked bread.
Soun Tendo was absently poking a fork at the bread, which promptly crumbled into a semblance of powder. His face a shade of green, and half the food on his plate missing.
"Daddy, you _really_ didn't have to try and eat it... I mean, we all know how bad Akane is at this type of thing," Nabiki heard a crash, and a thump... and figured Akane's hammer had connected with the floor, as well as that her sister had just found her would- be-fiancee.
"RANMA NO BAKA!!!" Crash. Bang. Shatter. *That would be the Bedroom wall, the table in Akane's room, and the Lamp...* Nabiki had learned to distinguish many things from the sound of them breaking. Being around Ranma caused things to break.
"I know Nabiki... I had just hoped she had gotten Better... well, call me a fool for hoping..." Soun promptly fell over, moaning his anguish. Mr. Panda watched this from the corner, then pulled out a watermelon he had been keeping for himself, knowing that this doom might have been fated for that night.
"Father... maybe I should try helping her in the kitchen again. I _know_ that if she tries hard enough, she can do it!" Kasumi beamed with promised hope, and Nabiki groaned.
Ranma ran in with Akane hot on his heels. His eyes locked on Genma's by now half-eaten watermelon... and glared with vengeance.
"I can't believe you were holding out on me, POP! GIMME THAT, I'M STARVING!" Ranma dodged Akane's hammer several times, and then got into a hand grappling contest with the Panda, quickly snatching it away from the furry creatures arms.
Ranma laughed at the glare the Panda gave him, then dropped twitching to the floor as Akane's hammer found his head before he could take a bite.
"Serves you right, insulting my food like that! I worked for three hours to prepare that, and all you can do is tell me you'd rather eat cow dung!" Akane's eyes were on the verge of bursting with tears.
Ranma groaned and rubbed his head.
"If you didn't find your ingredients at a chemical waste plant, I wouldn't HAVE to complain!" Akane smashed the hammer into Ranma's head again.
From the Kitchen Doorway, Nodoka sighed and shook her head. *What am I to do with you, child....* She smiled a bit, recalling that she would much rather put up with Ranma alive than fearing he was dead. She had missed her child...
"Next time you insult my cooking, I won't be so nice!" Akane stormed off to her room.
Ranma sat up again, rubbing his head vigorously. "If that's what she calls nice, I'd hate to see angry."
Nodoka shook her head again, a grin across her face. She walked over to Ranma, helping him up. "Be thankful it was only her cooking, and that Ryouga was not here," Ranma nodded absently.
"Mom... it's just that she's trying to kill me! I swear, you don't know the stuff she puts in her cooking!" Ranma turned bright red, then a shade of green as he recalled what he had to eat that evening.
"I know she could use some help in the kitchen.... and that her stubborn streak makes her difficult to advise in cooking manners... but she also takes great care in the food she prepares for you, as you took care in the breakfast you made for her," Nodoka Slowly walked back to the kitchen, glancing back for a moment to smile at Ranma.
Ranma sighed and shook his head. He glanced around for the Watermelon, only to find Mr. Panda nibbling on the rhine. Ranma, with a red complexion, bunted him through the ceiling. "Cheap," He said as he picked up the empty rhine.
Soun looked up at the hole in the ceiling, as did Nabiki. "Ranma, you really have to stop doing that," The middle Tendo Sister stated flatly.
Soun nodded his confirmation. "Ranma, perhaps you should go for a walk. Akane is most likely still upset about your comment and I do not want to see your relationship going for the worst on account of a single dinner," Soun stood from the table, a solemn expression on his face.
"C'mon, it's not like we haven't fought before. She'll get over it," Ranma shrugged and turned to the stairs.
"Ranma, listen to Daddy for a second. You and Akane have been getting along quite well lately... I haven't had to repair the roof in four days. I think maybe you should go let off your steam while Akane cools down for once. It couldn't hurt, you know..." Nabiki, he hated to admit, made a little sense.
With a heavy sigh he turned to the dojo door. "Fine. Maybe I'll go see Hiroshi, I've been wonderin' why he hasn't been around," Ranma slipped into his black chinese shoes and turned to the door.
Kasumi leaned out of the kitchen, a smile on her joyful face. "Ranma, could you bring home some Lo Mein for tomorrow night? I seem to be out and your Mother wanted to have one of my special Recipes for taste reference," Ranma Nodded absently, and headed out the door.
* * * * *
Ranma leaped onto the fence, staring up at the night sky. The glimmering stars emphasized the peaceful serenity that Nerima exuded... while hiding the turmoil of Chaos within.
He had hoped that his trouble-making would result in this. He hadn't been out in a while... and being around the Dojo four days straight got redundant without Ryouga or Tarou or anyone else showing up.
He almost missed Shampoo's liberal advances. His sigh was a contented one, though, as he stared at the starry sky, revelling in the wind blowing through his hair. *Alot has changed...*
Ranma reconsidered the battle with Mousse only a scant two weeks before. He recalled how Akane had slowly come to realize there were layers upon layers of him she had not discovered, nor touched upon. He found himself growing closer to Akane than ever before...
Strangely, that troubled him. Even Scared him a little. He wasn't sure if he was ready to commit to the relationship, if he was ready to love her.... and yet he did. An odd Paradox of emotion, which had him mentally running in circles about what to do.
His care caused him complex problems, such as tonight. He knew that if he insulted Akane, at the point in this relationship, Mr. Tendou and the rest would become uncomfortable about his endangering it all of a sudden. It hurt him, however, that he had had to do what he did to escape the Dojo for a night.
He shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs of uncertainty from his mind. He had decided to find out why Hiroshi had been avoiding him as of late. *Nah... he's not avoiding me. He's just busy, tha's all*. Lately, Hiroshi had been a bit distant in his conversation, and not in the thoughtful way like usual. It almost made Ranma think he was nervous about something.
Ranma smiled a bit, recalling what his friend had sacrificed to defend him. His life, his manhood, his honor. Hiroshi had been willing to accept the Nyannichuan Curse to try and understand Ranma better... to see his side of things.
While that had lasted a short while, Aquarius had damaged the amulet that provided this link in a battle not but a few days before.
Not only had Hiroshi been willing to put his manhood on the line for Ranma's friendship, he had also come close to sacrificing his life three times.
Ranma stopped as he came to Hiroshi's drive, and readied himself to jump in the water beside the fence. He had learned that around Hiroshi's house, Water seemed to seek him even more furvently than at the Dojo... and it was sometimes better to get it over with than worry about getting splashed as he maneuvered around Hiroshi's house.
Ranma let his balance slip, and fell carefully into the cold water below. He felt the tingling sensation permeate through him, and the contracting feeling from inside out as things reshaped themselves to a smaller frame.
Her red head emerged from the depths, shaking fiercely to get the excess water out. *Sheesh, the things I gotta do to get by.* Ranma climbed out of the canal and dropped onto the road, squeezing the water from her shirt.
After she judged herself as dry as she was going to be, she began walking up the drive.
* * * * *
Memeko silently cooked with a solemn look on her face. She looked down at the frying pan as she stirred the contents, teryaki rice and beef. She added several spices as she stirred, and looked into the living room, where Hiroshi was idly sitting flipping through television channels.
Memeko shook her head with a sad sigh. Something had been bothering her brother lately, and she couldn't place her finger on it. She DID however know that Ranma had something to do with it.
"Mama? Can I have a cookie from the cookie jar?" Kaehmi asked with a small smile.
Memeko grinned in response. "Now, if I gave you a cookie... that might spoil your dinner. Would you want Mama to go to all this trouble to cook, and then you not eat because of a cookie?" Kaehmi nodded vigorously in response.
Memeko grinned and shook her head. "Well, I see you think so much of my cooking! Maybe after dinner, Love. It's going to be finished very soon anyways," Memeko smiled at the disappointed look on her child's face.
"Kaehmi, could you go ask your Uncle what he would want to drink with his dinner?" Kaehmi nodded vigorously, clutching her stuffed Cabbit to herself. She liked being of use, and helping her Mother.
The little girl virtually bounced into the living room and then stopped when she saw the sad look in Hiroshi's eyes. Her Uncle switched off the Television and picked up a notebook.
Kaehmi traced her foot along an invisible line on the ground as her gaze wavered from the floor uncertainly to Hiroshi. "Uncle 'Roshi?"
"Yes, Kaehmi?" Hiroshi responded without looking up from his notepad. He scribbled slowly on the page in Kanji 'Ranma'.
"Mama was wonderin' if you... I mean what she wanted to know is what you wanna drink for dinner..." Kaehmi smiled unsurely as she saw her Uncle look up.
"Anything is fine," Hiroshi forced a smile. "Shouldn't you be playing or somethin'?" Hiroshi asked as he looked at his Niece. She was a very cute kid, even when she was nervous.
Her smile returned and she nodded. Hiroshi, despite himself, grinned at her as she bounced back to the kitchen.
His grin faded though as his mind wandered back to the trouble that had been plagueing him as of late. *Ranma.... why in the blue blazes of all the world did it have to be Ranma....*
Hiroshi shook his head and stood, setting the book down silently as he ran his other hand through his hair. He felt so stupid, not realizing the problem beforehand. He usually was very perceptive about such things....
It had started, for as much as he could tell, when Ranma's life had nearly fallen to pieces. Akane had called off the engagement in what appeared to be a very serious manner. Then, the day after the incident.... Ranma's problem's all pushed themselves at her, driving her from school when she realized she had hurt her best friend, Hiroshi.
Ranma slept over that night... and discovered Hiroshi's secret place... the Vault. Hiroshi could almost pinpoint the moment when his view had changed... when he had lifted Ranma into his arms to carry her upstairs he had looked down onto her peaceful face, and smiled.
*Something special in that smile...* Had echoed in his mind for the past week. Hiroshi left the living room in a grim mood and began walking up to his room. He was stopped on the bottom step by his Sister's voice.
"Hiroshi? Are you all right?" Memeko's words barely penetrated the fog over his mind. He turned and looked at her. Her face was writ with worry, which made Hiroshi feel all the worse.
"What?" He asked moments later, after he had stared for a long time trying to comprehend the question.
"Hiroshi.... something is bothering you. I'm your Sister.... I worry about you..." Memeko looked down nervously, then back up, her concern plain in her eyes. Kaehmi could be heard playing in the kitchen and humming silently to herself, her mind free of grown-up troubles.
Hiroshi opened his mouth to answer, then snapped it shut, thinking for a moment. He had been wondering if he should tell his sister anything, and now it seemed almost wrong to keep her in the dark. "Alright..." He nodded. "There is something wrong.... but I can't fix it."
Memeko pulled Hiroshi back into the living room and sat him down on the couch with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Go on..." She murmured softly as she took a seat beside him, deftly snatching up one of his hand and putting it in her own, clasping Hiroshi's hand firmly to provide emotional support.
"Well.... I suppose you could say it's girl-trouble...." Hiroshi rubbed the back of his neck nervously, then looked back at his sister. She had an encouraging smile on her lips, and a supportive gleam in her eyes. *Sometimes...* Hiroshi wondered, *She reminds me of my own compassion for others.*
"I thought it might be.... so what's wrong with her?" Memeko continued to meet his gaze, not letting him escape the answers she had been wondering about... Worrying about for the past four days.
"Well... nothing's wrong with her. She's fine.... I mean she's beautiful, she's caring, she's compassionate to the needs of others... and her smile is like the sun, if I look too long I could become blind..." Hiroshi mused a small space to consider his own words, before the dour depression returned, his heart suddenly aching to look upon Ranma, and his mind telling him that to do so would mean certain madness.
Memeko rubbed Hiroshi's hand with hers, still clasping it with her other. "She sounds wonderful, someone you could care for deeply? Or do you already?" Memeko warranted a small smile to creep into her supportive demeanor.
Hiroshi wrenched his gaze from his sister's eyes. "Yes. More than my own life, it would seem. She's strong... oh so strong, and noble, and loving, yet so troubled.... so many problems that plague her existence. She is the most brave and honorable person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing... but sometimes there are things she can't confront..." Hiroshi sighed and wiped a tear from his eye. He looked at it quizzically.
"Hiroshi.... if you Love her so much, then why not tell her?" At this comment, Hiroshi wrenched his hand free of his sister's comforting hands and stood. He paced back and forth several times, his frustration only mounting with his inability to grasp a solution to his problem.
"It's not that simple.... It never has been. Not with her, never with her. Things always come between her Love. And..... she doesn't like men...." Hiroshi's shoulders slumped at his words, and Memeko put a supportive hand on his shoulder. Hiroshi shuddered slightly, as his eyes seemed to tear for a moment.
"I'm sure Akane would understand if you only-" Hiroshi's shoulders tightened at Memeko's words, and he turned his face sadly towards her.
"...it's not akane..." Hiroshi whispered through clenched teeth.
"What?" Memeko had hardly heard Hiroshi, his tone was so low. Could she have been mistaken? *But the description was so exact...*
"I said It's not Akane, Memeko. It's Ranma," Hiroshi's proclamation seemed flat, a statement presented in true neutrality. As if it were an obvious fact that all should know.
A cold wave of confusion and fear fell over Memeko, her mind trying to grasp some alternate meaning from her Brother's words... yet finding none to behold.
She took her hand from her brother's shoulder, looking at him in confusion. "Ranma? But.. but.... Hiroshi... you're not gay...." Memeko was shocked as she placed a hand to her heart.
Hiroshi looked at her with a flat expression. "No. I'm not, Sis." He turned back to Memeko, looking her in the eyes, now his Sister seemed to avert her gaze. She couldn't understand why her brother would fall in love with... another man.
He cupped her chin. "Memeko... I am not gay. I am not attracted to the Male Ranma.... I am attracted to Ranma. Do you understand?" Hiroshi's tone of voice could little hold the hurt at the accusation. He had feared she would not understand.... and had hoped she would.
Memeko looked at her brother, if a bit reluctantly, and saw the torment in his soul. "Hiroshi...." She reached out to Hiroshi, who took a reluctant step back. It seemed to Memeko like she was losing her brother as he stepped back... his conflict flickered across the windows to his soul, and he spoke.
"Memeko, I Love Ranma. I cannot do anything about it, it's as if Ranma's gotten into my blood, my veins, my very soul.... made me wild. Like Her," Hiroshi shook his head, a sad smile spread across his face. He had hoped... but perhaps too much. For too many things...
Memeko was speechless, but she looked at her brother, into his eyes. He told no lies, that she knew. Every word had been spoken in truth, from Hiroshi's care for Ranma to all the qualities in Ranma that Hiroshi had come to know and Love. Memeko felt.... a sort of twisted happiness, that Hiroshi had found someone that he could bestow such an emotion on.
She also felt her brother's pain... saw it on his face. *Nothing is ever easy with Ranma...* Hiroshi had told her after Ranma's first visit. *If I could.... just for one moment... lift that sadness from Ranma's existence... I think that, maybe, my Life would be worth while.*
And Memeko smiled. It was a soft, almost bitter-sweet smile. "Love is never easy, Hiro-chan... but I believe you. Kami help me, I believe you..." Memeko embraced her brother in a fierce hug. Her emotions matched his own, the utter confusion, the sad acceptance, the strange emptiness that seems to be filled... only to reveal there's more pain to be conquered.
"I'm doomed. Who can ever understand what I feel.... how could Ranma?" Hiroshi lamented into his Sister's shoulder, as tears streamed from his eyes. His Sister comforted him, rocking him back and forth in her arms as they sat on the couch.
Memeko ran her hands through her brothers short brownish-red hair. "You have to tell.... her, Hiroshi. You have to tell Ranma this." Memeko was full aware of her sexual reference to Ranma... but if she continued to insist on Ranma's male identity, her brother might lose heart. She thought it best to give him hope....
Her brother tensed in her arms. "I... I... I can't do that to.... to... her. Him...." Hiroshi had never conceived of admitting his feelings to Ranma. It seemed that, just by the admittance of his Love for her, defeat was instantaneous. He couldn't conceive of how Ranma would react to his confession.
Memeko sighed as she heard a knock from the door. "If you keep it bottled up inside, it'll destroy you little-brother. The only way is to tell her, and wait to see..."
* * * * *
Ranma whistled and tapped her foot on the stone step at the front Doorway. Fairly soon, the door clicked and opened, a familiar little girl's face peeked out. Kaehmi looked up at Ranma's eyes.
"Why, do I know you Miss?" Kaehmi asked, grinning while she said it. She opened the door a little more, and hugged her Cabbit to her chest.
"Hmmm.... I dunno. Maybe..." Ranma grinned back at the familiar game. Ranma liked Kaehmi.... the innocence and utter playful nature of the girl made Ranma feel somehow whole. As if a part had been taken from her by her father... and the little girl had somehow renewed that playful innocence with which all children view the world.
"Well, if I knew you.... don't you think I would 'member? I mean, with all the nice peoples that come around, I'm sure I would rec'nize someone as pretty as you, Auntie... I mean, er, Miss." Kaehmi stumbled as she almost lost hold of the joke. Ranma blushed furiously when Kaehmi called her 'Pretty', unsure why everyone thought she was so beautiful. She shook her mind off of the thought and continued with the game.
"Well, I guess I'll have to refresh your memory... Hmmm... now what would do the trick?" Ranma pretended to think, and then snapped her fingers.
"I know! How's about..... this!" Ranma pulled out a Chocolate bar, and Kaehmi squeeled in delight and hopped up and down.
"I know! I 'member now! You're Auntie Ranma!!!" Kaehmi giggled and snatched for the candy-bar. Ranma pulled it out of reach and caught the little girl.
"Nah-ah-ah! AFTER dinner.... 'kay?" Kaehmi nodded, a fake pout on her lips. Ranma laughed at the look, and then kissed the little girl on the cheek.
Kaehmi blinked and rubbed her cheek.
Ranma blinked. *Now why did I do that?*
Kaehmi smiled then hugged Ranma. Ranma blushed with Love for the little girl. She really did like Hiroshi's Niece... sometimes a handfull, but the little girl always brought a warm spot to Ranma's heart.
Memeko came to the door, a small smile on her face. "Why, hello Ranma!"
"Momma! Look what Auntie gave me!" Kaehmi waved the candy bar around, having snatched it from Ranma while she hugged her.
Memeko glared at Ranma.
"Hey! I said she couldn't have it till AFTER dinner..." Ranma looked at Kaehmi in her arms with a stern glare. "And I mean that!"
"Awwww.... yer no fun...." Kaehmi joked, but hugged Ranma again.
"Where are my manners.... come in Ranma. I didn't expect you so... late. In fact, I didn't expect you at all," Memeko turned and walked into the house. The Smell of food wafted to Ranma's nose, and she sighed. *Geez, I just LOVE Memeko's cooking.*
Ranma trailed Memeko into the house. "Well.... that's never stopped Daisuke from visiting..." Ranma grinned, setting Kaehmi down. The little girl ran off into the kitchen with a giggle.
Memeko smirked slightly. "True.... Dai has a certain Panash for showing up when you least expect him," Memeko chuckled slightly as she thought of that. Hi had known Dai since they had been children, and Memeko sometimes wondered how two complete opposites could be so close.
"Uhm... Hi, Ranma..." Came Hiroshi's voice as Ranma entered the Kitchen. She looked at her friend, who looked a bit distraught. In fact, he looked a bit pale, as Ranma noted.
"Hiya, 'Roshi! What's up? You look a little down..." Ranma set Kaehmi down and the little girl jumped in the chair opposite Hiroshi. Ranma sat down by her friend.
Memeko looked at her brother, as if urging him to say something. "N...Nothin'. I guess just Girl trouble. I don't wanna talk about it, though," Hiroshi took a deep breath of Memeko's cooking.
"Smell's good, doesn't it Ranma?" Ranma nodded in response, still looking at her friend. *He doesn't look so hot. What's he been doin' all this time?* Ranma could see the fatigue that seemed to surround Hiroshi.
"Hey, are you sure you're okay?" Ranma put a hand to Hiroshi's shoulder, and felt her friend's body tense up completely. Hiroshi nodded, giving a modest smile.
Ranma shrugged and turned to Memeko, who was dishing out food onto several plates. Ranma rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "What are we havin', Memeko?" Ranma asked, smiling up at Hiroshi's elder sister.
"Teryaki rice and beef. It's simple, but I've been busy as of late with work," Memeko smirked and sat down opposite Ranma, glancing over at Hiroshi for a moment, then back at her guest.
"So, Ranma.... what brings you out so late? We haven't had you visit for a while..." Kaehmi hopped up into her seat as Memeko spoke and grinned sheepishly at 'Auntie Ranma'.
It was Ranma's turn to look a little gloomy. "Well... I was sorta missing hangin' with 'Roshi. There was that, and I kinda...."
"You got in a fight with her... didn't you?" Hiroshi sounded almost wistful, remorse showing in his voice. As if he hated to see Ranma and Akane fight. The emotion surprised Memeko.
Ranma looked over at Hiroshi in mute shock. "Uh.... yeah."
"Ranma...." Hiroshi paused, and looked up at Ranma and directly into her blue eyes. Memeko waited expectedly for her brother to speak. When he did, it wasn't what she expected.
"Please.... Akane loves you. Don't jeopardize that love.... you are so lucky to have someone like Akane, someone who you can hold in your arms and know that everything is right with the world..." Hiroshi stared off into space as he spoke, and Ranma looked at him with confusion at first.
"...Someone that when you look at them... the stars shimmer in their eyes, and a blazing inferno is stoked from a tiny ember within your heart.... someone who you always look at side-ways and smile.... please. Someone who's eyes seem to make the world melt away into nothing, and the troubles vanish from your life...Try not to fight with her...." Hiroshi looked back at Ranma. His eyes were carefully neutral, but a silent sadness dwelled beneath the unsteady surface of his soul.
Ranma was stunned. "That was.... I guess beautiful, did you write that?" Ranma smiled softly. Hiroshi, she had noted, was very good at poetry and romanticising words and phrases. *It's one of his finer qualities...* Ranma noted to herself.
"I write most of what I say, yes..." Hiroshi poked his food absently and averted his eyes from Ranma's starry-blue irises.
Ranma leaned back and began eating her food, somewhat nervously as Hiroshi gave her odd looks every five minutes or so. *You'd think there was something wrong with me, the way he keeps starin'.* Ranma laughed inwardly at her comment, and politely didn't voice her opinion.
Kaehmi told Ranma about some of her days at Kindergarden, how they learned to make oragami puppets and had a play with them. Ranma laughed lightly when Kaehmi related the story of the play. Hiroshi sat in marvel of that laugh... and in silence of his heart, beating harshly in his chest whenever he glanced her way.
*I will not jeopardize this friendship....* Hiroshi reminded himself. *Ranma needs a friend...* Yet, with each word uttered from Ranma's mouth, with each glance in his direction... Hiroshi fell in love all over again. It seemed an impossibility to keep his silent vigil against an unbeatable foe. *I-Must-Try.* He reminded himself.
Fairly soon, Memeko retired and Kaehmi went to bed with a yawn from Ranma. She had been playing with the little girl for a good 4 hours, and when she glanced at the clock she found it was a quarter-past-midnight.
Ranma closed the storybook and stood up from her seat on Kaehmi's bed. She smiled down at Kaehmi. *Innocence in Youth... may you always be as bright as you are now, Kaehmi.* Ranma prayed in her mind silently.
"You're very good with her, you know," Hiroshi murmured at the Door. Ranma looked up, startled by the sudden presence. Hiroshi didn't look at her, but instead leaned in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest and his legs crossed while he leaned on the doorframe. His words penetrated Ranma's startlement.
Ranma leaned over Kaehmi and gently ran a hand over the girl's cheek. "She's a wonderful kid, 'Roshi. Makes me wonder what I would've turned out like if not for Pop," Ranma sighed heavily. "But I can't blame him all the time. What's done is done, and building bridges in yesterday is a good way to forget a cliff tomorrow."
Hiroshi smiled softly. "It seems I've rubbed off on you a little... wasn't that one of my quotes?"
Ranma nodded. "I guess I jus' realize there's some things that we wish for we can't have. Those years with my Mother are one of them..." Ranma looked into nothing for a moment, then shivered.
"Somethin' Wrong, Ranma?" Hiroshi asked, stepping into the room slightly. A hint of concern suddenly seemed to appear on his features. Ranma shook her head and looked up after a moment, forcing a smile.
"S'Nothin'.... just a nightmare I had about children," Ranma swept past Hiroshi and downstairs.
Hiroshi blinked and then followed at his own speed, wondering exactly what Ranma had meant.
Ranma silently strolled down the steps, thinking to herself about the surreal dreams she had been having lately of a masked man and two children, as well as odd dreams of marriage and indecision.
Hiroshi followed in his own musings... his hands in his pockets he stared at Ranma as she walked. *So close and yet so far...* Hiroshi's mind flashed a picture of him Running to Ranma, but only seeming to get farther away from her, the distance seeming to span an endless track.
Ranma turned and looked at him blinking slightly and smiling... *Something in that smile...* Hiroshi mused. It melted his heart to look at that smile. It made his head spin, his mind race, his soul throb. His hand unconciously drifted to his breast, where his heart would lie.
"'Roshi, you sure you're okay? I mean, you've been awfully moody tonight. Heck, even Kaehmi noticed," Ranma brushed a hand through her hair and looked down at the ladder leading to the vault. "I'd say kinda.... dreamy, sometimes,"
Hiroshi stared for a moment in hushed awe at Ranma.
Ranma noted the vacant look in Hiroshi's eyes and squirmed inwardly. "Hiroshi? Hey, man, did you hear me?" She shifted from foot to foot a bit, uncomfortable in Hiroshi's gaze.
"Huh? Oh.... I know I've been kinda... gone. It's just I've been thinking alot... well, alot more than usual. Dwelling on things I shouldn't..." Hiroshi looked down at the ladder. "After you," He bowed dramatically, spreading an arm out in a mockingly Kuno gesture.
Ranma sighed sadly in her mind. *'Roshi...* She nodded and climbed down the ladder, Hiroshi followed moments later and started down the hallway ahead of Ranma. Ranma looked at him oddly but soon shrugged and followed. *Why can't you just tell me what's wrong?* Ranma added in her thought.
* * * * *
Ranma felt the soft sunlight of morning touch her eyes and she opened them for a moment, shutting them tighter a moment later. *Oy.... gotta remember to get more sleep over here, and less carving...* Ranma chastised herself.
The brilliant sunshine streamed into Hiroshi's room and seemed to fall directly on the bed. Ranma figured Hiroshi had put the bed there for that very reason, so he could see the sun rise and set.
Ranma frowned slightly as she layed in the bed. This was the ninth time Hiroshi had forgone his own bed for her comfort. It seemed that every time Ranma came over, she managed to fall asleep before Hiroshi did... and Hiroshi carried her up here to sleep. "He doesn't hafta to do that... I'd be fine on the couch," Ranma murmured quietly.
The events of the last night drifted across her memory, and she sighed. *Well... maybe Akane's calmed down by now. After all... she _has_ been a bit passive lately.* Ranma continued to stare up at the ceiling, where pictures and drawings were pinned. One caught Ranma's attention.
She gazed up at the picture that Nabiki had taken after the Battle with Mousse. She had her arm wrapped lovingly around Akane as they leaned into eachother, and Hiroshi stood silently by, his arms crossed, a small glimmer of a smile on his face. He looked somehow lonely, as if he weren't really part of the picture.
Ranma shook her head, then decided it was time to get up.
She sat up and pushed the layers of covers off of her body. She smiled as she looked down at her P.J.'s. They were a bright sky-blue with a rainbow across the chest and around the waist.
Kaehmi had bought the Pajama's for her on an earlier visit, when Ranma had gone to help Memeko with shopping. Ranma had been at first reluctant ro accept, or even wear, something so feminine... but Kaehmi flashed those eyes of hers and Ranma felt bad.
So Ranma had ended up wearing the P.J.'s. It hadn't been the first time she'd been tricked into something that she later came to accept... Ranma tugged on her bra- strap, recalling that it had been her mother that had first insisted that Ranma wear it... but later finding out it was much more comfortable to wear one than not to. Ranma mentally noted that the bra seemed a bit tight, but thought nothing of it.
Ranma stood and did several stretching exercises as the sun streamed in. A soft knock on the door caused her a moment of pause. "Yeah?" She asked, while touching her hands to her toes.
"Did you have a good sleep?" Hiroshi's voice sounded tired, and raspy. Ranma stood and looked at him for a moment. His complexion was slightly pale, and there was a weary quality to his stance.
"Hey, are you okay?" Ranma rubbed the back of her neck, seeing how tired Hiroshi looked. Like he hadn't slept in a few day's.
"I jus' couldn't sleep. That's all. Well, did you sleep well or not?" Hiroshi asked a bit more forcefully than usual. Ranma was slightly startled by it.
"Uh... I guess. Actually, I feel pretty refreshed... but then again, that's not saying much with me. Try riding on the back of an old wagon on a rocky, bumpy road in China and THEN saying you feel refreshed... ugh..." Ranma smiled when she heard Hiroshi chuckle slightly.
Hiroshi stopped when he saw that smile, and rubbed the back of his neck... his guilt for keeping Ranma in the dark about his feelings making him feel even worse for having snapped at her. "Look... ah... I'm sorry," Hiroshi grimaced as he spoke, and ran his hand through his hair. Ranma thought that when he did that, he looked even more tired.
Ranma gazed at Hiroshi oddly. "Hey, don't apologize, 'Roshi... you haven't done anything wrong! I'm sure you got a reason not to be your usual, cheery self," There was a slight pause as Ranma considered something, "I jus' hope..." Ranma looked down at the ground for a moment.
"Yeah?" Hiroshi asked, looking up at her.
"Well... I mean, it's jus' that I'm used to you being the one who's there to cheer me up. I don't like seein' you like this... it kinda makes me feel bad that I can't cheer you up. I dunno..." Ranma looked back up at Hiroshi. "I guess I hope that whatever's bugging you is just a temporary thing."
"It's okay, Ranma... I'm fine for now," Hiroshi flashed that winning smile, and Ranma paused for a moment, staring at Hiroshi.
"What?" Hiroshi asked, looking down at his clothes to make sure there wasn't anything wrong.
Ranma shook her head with a slight smile. "S'Nothin. Jus' that if whatever's bugging you is a girl.... she must be a damned fool for not realizing what a great guy you are. I mean, you're probably the most thoughtful, caring guy I've ever met. Whoever it is must be stupid for not realizing how much they're missin'...," Ranma laughed slightly, and walked out by Hiroshi.
Hiroshi stared after her, a bitter-sweet smile spread silently over his face. "... And I love you for your honesty and compassion..." She was too far away to hear, and Hiroshi shook his head, then headed downstairs.
* * * * *
Ranma silently dumped cold water over herself after leaving the bath. She picked up two towels after she stepped out of the tub-area. One she wrapped around her body, the other she started drying her hair with.
Ranma noted that it had gotten a bit long as she began brushing her hair. She hadn't cut it for a week and a half, and she had once purposefully let it grow long a week and a half before.
*Well.... maybe Kasumi'll cut it a bit shorter for me.* While standing in front of the mirror, Ranma set the brush down and looked at herself for a long moment. She shook her head a moment later. *I might look good.... but I'm definitely not beautiful.* Ranma mentally noted.
Ranma pulled on the towel hiding her body and it fell to the floor. She looked around for the fresh clothes Memeko usually sat out and found them neatly folded beside the sink. She picked up the black bra and put her arms through, carefully hooking it in the back. *Gawd I hate these things...*
She adjusted the bra to a more comfortable fit, and then put on her boxers and blue-jeans. Ranma pulled slightly on the bra-strap again. *Feels a little tight...* She shrugged off the observation and picked up a T-shirt that had "Ranma" written across the chest in red and blue Kanji. *Memeko has WAY too much fun...* Ranma chuckled at her thought.
Most of her outfit she was used to wearing, the jeans and bra she was not. She had learned to live with a bra, as her Mother demanded it. The Jeans had started when Hiroshi had let her borrow a pair. Afterwards, Ranma bought some of her own... making sure they would fit in both forms.
She pulled the T-shirt over her head then headed for the door. As she walked she pulled out the Dragon's Whisker and tied her hair in a pony-tail, not wanting to bother with the braid.
She quietly walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, where Memeko was going about her usual morning business of cooking breakfast, boiling tea, and generally tidying up the kitchen.
Hiroshi was sitting with a calm look on his face, the chair reclined back slightly as he drummed his hands on the surface of the kitchen table.
"Hiya!" Ranma intoned. Hiroshi looked at her and smiled as Ranma took a seat opposite him. She flipped her pig-tail over her shoulder with one hand and looked around. "So, what are we eating?" Ranma asked, noting that Memeko had not yet started cooking.
"Actually, Ranma, I was completely wrung out from yesterday... and got up a little late. I might be able to cook some breakfast, but not before you have to leave," Memeko paused for a moment in her bustle to look at Hiroshi.
"I've managed to make some sack-lunches, however... It's not as fine a cuisine as you're used to from here.... but I'm sure you'll like it Ranma," Memeko walked by the table to the kitchen entrance. "Excuse me... I have to wake Kaehmi up. The lunches are in the Fridge," Memeko turned and waltzed up the stairs in a hurry.
Ranma pouted a bit. "I was lookin' forward to some hot food... but I guess I'll have to be content," Ranma rested her chin on her hand and looked at Hiroshi. "So, are ya comin' to school? Or are ya gonna mope around s'more about that girl?" Ranma grinned when Hiroshi turned a bit red.
"I guess I should go... after all, it might get my mind off all my worries," Hiroshi forced a smile, then stood. "Maybe I should go get my stuff..."
"Shoot!" Ranma sat up abruptly.
"What?" Hiroshi asked as he turned back towards Ranma.
"I forgot my stuff at the Tendo's!" Ranma mentally scolded herself for forgetting her school work.
Hiroshi grinned and snapped his fingers. "Simple. Call Akane or Nabiki and tell 'em to bring it along. I'm sure ONE of them would be more than obliged to help," Ranma heaved a sigh of relief.
"What would I do without you, Hiroshi?" Ranma was slightly set at ease since Hiroshi seemed to be acting like his old self. She got up and walked over to the phone as Hiroshi disappeared upstairs.
She was about to dial when Memeko's finger clicked on the receiver. Ranma blinked and then looked up at Memeko. There was a calm, distant look in the woman's eyes... one that also spoke of determination and concern.
"Ranma... I know that you have noticed Hiroshi has been a little down as of late...," Ranma nodded at Memeko's words, wondering why Hiroshi's sister seemed so concerned.
"Yeah... He say's it's girl trouble. He must've fallen hard for whoever she is... Hopefully she'll wake up and realize the catch she's got. Hi's a great guy....," Ranma smiled half-heartedly to herself. Memeko blinked for a moment at the strange caring in the smile.
"You really have no Idea, do you?" Memeko asked, smiling a bit to herself... it was a somewhat sad smile. *Ranma, please do not hurt my Brother...*
"'Bout what?" Ranma asked blinking. "You mean there's something Hi hasn't told me?"
Memeko shook her head, almost wearily. "Ranma... I want you to make me a promise. Promise me that you'll listen to whatever Hiroshi has to say to you, and hear him out, and try to be caring... your opinion matters a great deal to him," Memeko took her hand off the phone and brushed it through her hair.
Ranma scratched the back of her head. "Uh... I'm not sure I understand."
"Ranma, what you think of Hiroshi is very important to him. You're his best friend, and he's closer to you in ways than he is to me. Promise me you'll never cause him harm... that you'll listen first and judge later," Memeko's eyes had a faint desperate undertone, and her words were asked in sincere concern.
Ranma sighed. "You know I'd never do anything to hurt 'Roshi. He's the only guy that's ever tried to understand..." Memories flashed through Ranma's mind, of Hiroshi's girl-side, of Hiroshi stepping between Cologne... then his Mother, of Hiroshi defiantly challenging Aquarius.
"Ranma. A Promise, I know you wouldn't hurt him intentionally.... but a Promise can sometimes stop those unintentional qualms that might arise." Memeko hoped beyond hope that Ranma would react well... when she finally learned of Hiroshi's feelings. She feared that hope might be misplaced.
Ranma considered the words, and then nodded slowly. "Okay. You have my word as a Martial Artist, and on my Honor. I promise," Memeko smiled at last.
"Great. Now, if you'll excuse me... I must be hurrying. Much to do today, and I am late," Memeko bustled off.
Ranma picked up the phone and dialed, wondering Idly to herself why Memeko would ask such a thing.
* * * * *
Cologne sat on a boulder at the base of Mount Shimitsu, considering the past few weeks. It would have been easier, so much easier, to have stayed in Japan. If she had only harnessed her anger a little longer...
She might have stopped the inevitable for a little longer.
*Why, Khu Lon, did you ever think you could keep Mu Tsu from her?* The Woman shook her head sadly, her golden locks reflecting beautifully in the midday sun.
*... Return to this... Nerima...* Echoed the Dragon's words. *... In a Month's time...*
Cologne leaped deftly off of the boulder, her blue eyes shining as she landed cautiously back on the ground. *So much energy in this young form... yet a great deal of status is what I've lost.*
Cologne looked down at her own form. It was a body she had been absent of for a long time, as time was what had taken it from her. *Glory to the Niie Chiizu... Strength to Joketsuzoku.... Honor to Shimitsu....* She recited in her mind, as she started a Kata.
It was fluid grace, that of several ancient styles. *Death to those who cross our Path... Woe be they who gain our wrath....* A figure silently watched from the shadows, observing the odd dance that seemed to move with the wind.
Cologne recalled why she had come to the Mountain... to find Kaoru-Ryuu. The last Dragon to be born of the Old-Age. Not five-hundred years old, he was a young Dragon with vigor and youth.
Unlike Herb, who was descended from a line of half-dragon cursed Jusenkyo victims... Kaoru was the son of two full fledged Guardian Dragons... and elemental dragons at that. Fire and Earth, two combined to create Chaos.
The visitor watched as the young woman practiced... this time, there seemed to be thought in the motions, as if she were considering something deeply.
Cologne was thinking that if she could find the Dragon-Prince, that she could... persuade him to come fight Ranma. Kaoru would humiliate Son-In-Law, and Ranma would be forced to leave Japan.
Cologne suddenly was a flash of motion as she thrust herself in her watcher's direction, but when she reached the area... no-one was to be seen.
*Strange... I sensed an aura, but nothing here?* Cologne looked around, wary that the watcher most likely had fled. After several minutes of searching, she decided to begin her training again... Her mind returning again to the matter of Ranma. *Ranma... pray that my curse never comes to pass, or your life will be your worst nightmare...*
* * * * *
"HEY! WAIT UP!!!" Ranma yelled, as she trotted along on the fence.
Akane had the sense of mind to simply ignore her would-be-fiancee. After all... he wasn't important enough to warrant her attention at the moment.
*Jerk...* Akane thought absently to herself. The events of the last night had shaken her a bit... after such a long period of peace with Ranma, there was suddenly this tumult again.
"Where have you been all night?" Nabiki inquired as the Pig-Tailed girl finally caught up with them.
Ranma shot Nabiki a blande look. "Well, gee... didn't I say I was at Hiroshi's? Both last night and on the phone this morning?" Ranma was about to turn away when something put her off. "Hey... why do you care anyhow?"
Nabiki grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Inquiring minds want to know." Ranma felt that underlying threat from the middle Tendo girl again... she had the look of a predator in her eyes.
"Whenever you wanna know somethin', Nabiki.... it's usually because it'll give you some quick cash," Ranma retorted, glaring at Nabiki.
"Would you two can it? Some of us are trying to think...," A familiar voice echoed from behind Nabiki.
"Really, Ranma... why not just ask Nabiki what she's hiding?" Came another voice, just as familiar.
Akane, Ranma, and Nabiki stopped and looked back. Daisuke and Hiroshi were walking side by side. Daisuke was busy fiddling with some little device, and Hiroshi was giving Ranma a somewhat bland look.
"Why, if it isn't the trepidous two. Hiroshi... don't you still owe me that 500 yen?" Nabiki grinned at the panicked look in Hiroshi's eyes.
"Well... uhm... didn't I pay you on Friday?" Hiroshi looked at Dai.
"Actually... you were about to pay her, when Ryouga popped into the cafeteria looking for Ranma...," Dai looked at his friend and smiled. "That's why I payed her for you!"
Nabiki laughed for a moment. "Really, Hiroshi, do you think I would take so long to collect on a loan? Just be thankful your friend was a bit generous that day..."
Hiroshi nodded with a relieved sigh. He looked up at Akane as they all started walking again. The youngest child of Soun Tendo seemed a bit troubled, and more angry than thoughtful. *Uh-Oh... there's a little more to last night than Ranma knows....*
Hiroshi didn't have much time to think about it, however, as the school bell rang a moment later. *I'll talk to her about it at lunch...*
* * * * *
Ukyou drummed her fingers on her desk, staring at the classroom door. Ranma walked in a moment later, with Hiroshi hot on her heels.
Ukyou had been wanting to talk to Ranma recently, but every time she got a chance... Ranma was elsewhere.
She had stopped at the Tendo's last night to bring Ranma a present... and from the impression of things, Ranma and Akane had had another fight. Which resulted in Ranma's departure from the house at Mr. Tendo's advise.
Ranma sat down beside her, and Hiroshi sat down on the other side of her. Ukyou turned to Ranma, "Ranchan... I was wanting to talk to you," Ukyou whispered, low enough so the teacher couldn't hear.
"Yeah? 'Bout what?" Ranma looked over at Ukyou, making sure to keep her own voice down.
Ukyou looked at Ranma. The Red-head was wearing a modest amount of makeup, though the chinese clothes were still a bit masculine in taste. Ukyou suspected that there was also some female undergarments that her Ranchan was wearing.
"I was wondering... you seem to be acting very... well.... feminine lately. I'm a little concerned, maybe your Mother has it all wrong," Ukyou fidgeted a bit, thinking back on all the odd mannerisms she'd been seeing in her Ranchan when the red-head visited Ucchan's.
Ranma looked a bit confused for a moment, "Ucchan... my Mom made a promise... it's up to me to help her fulfill it. Besides... I'm still the same person," Ranma smiled supportively, which only succeeded in making Ukyou a bit more uncomfortable.
"Ranchan.... you're different. I mean.... some of the things you do...-" Ukyou was cut off abruptly by Ranma.