Chapter Five
Marriage of Families
Soun Tendou sat before the shrine erected in his wife’s memory. Tears fell from his eyes as he contemplated all he’d lost. The death of his wife had taken his heart, leaving him nothing more than a whimpering coward. The loss of his daughters had shown him this, and taken what was left of his honor. He had promised his wife that he’d always be there for his family. He had forsaken that vow. It was time to gain back the honor he had lost. It was time to step out from behind his cowardice and save his family’s honor. His white robes were a stark contrast in the dim light. Moonlight streamed in through a window and glinted off the razor edge of a tanto. He had prepared himself in accordance to the code of bushido. He had no need for a second, as he’d be sure to end his life this night. He held the tanto in both hands, the blade pointed toward his abdomen. The tanto was held out away from him far enough that a quick tug would be all he needed. He plunged the blade deep into his abdomen; blood splattered against his face. A foot connected to the blood upon his cheek, sending Soun Tendou sprawling. Genma Saotome stood with his foot extended, blood seeping down the blade now mangled in his hand. His face was unreadable, but his eyes burned with anger. “What the hell do you think you were trying to do?” He screamed. Soun sat up, completely uninjured, and turned to look at Genma. The pallor of Soun’s skin almost overpowered that of his robes. He looked defiantly at Genma, his eyes smoldering with an angry passion that rivaled Genma’s. “Do you have any idea what I lost today? Do you know what it is like to lose your family in such a way? I deserted my family. I can’t have my life be a stain upon their honor. They still have much to live for, but what do I have? This is the only way.” Genma walked right up to Soun before slapping him across the face. “I may not know what it is like to lose a family but I have felt its stirrings. Ranma grows more and more distant from me each day. I don’t know how long it will be until I do lose him, and Nodoka… I lost her the day I took Ranma. “I, like you, never could truly show the love I held. You hid it behind the death of your wife while I hid it behind my own foolish desires. I damn near tortured the boy yet he still stuck with me. Your children will stick with you, but now they need their space. Redeem yourself in their eyes. If you still feel the need to end your life after that then do so, but not before. If you end your life your family’s honor will remain undamaged, but in their minds your death will always be a stain upon their own personal honor. “Put your children before yourself and your honor. I was never able to do that with Ranma. He has his family, and you can still have yours. I’m leaving Tendou; you’ll never see me again. Watch out for my boy, Tendou.” Genma turned to leave. “You wait just one damn minute Genma!” Soun’s voice stopped him cold. “I want to finish what we started all those years ago. I ask for one final fight, Saotome. You can give me that can’t you?” “I can Tendou, but I won’t. Your final fight with me will be against the boy. I’ve taught him everything I know and I mean everything. He is my better in the art.” Genma disappeared from sight as he finished speaking. “Still a damned coward, eh Saotome?” He was answered only by the wind. Kasumi held Ranma’s head in her lap as she gently stroked a hand across her hair. Ranma’s cries had ended just moments before, yet the girl continued to shake. Kasumi could do nothing to stop the shaking; she continued to hold on until Ranma abruptly awoke. Ranma smiled up at Kasumi's face. She was glad for the elder girl’s presence. She’d been dreaming of her past, and the horrors she’d committed in the name of the Amazon people. The Neko-ken may have been her greatest fear, but her actions were her greatest shame. She was not born, nor was she raised, a warrior. She had become a warrior in the time she lived in China. Every time she thought she’d had a chance to deal with her grief she’d find herself killing again. With Kasumi near a small part of her guilt could be laid to rest. Here was someone else who wasn’t raised to kill giving her love, showing her that she was still human. “I’m sorry Kasumi, yesterday was… I don’t want to live through another day like it. I’ve never had a chance to deal with what I had done. I held everything in until it all boiled over. I hope I’m over it now.” Ranma lowered her head and spoke so softly that Kasumi could barely hear her words. But hear her she did. Kasumi gave Ranma a tight hug before she spoke. “I’m sure there is more to go yet Ranma. Grieving isn’t something you can turn on and off. You’ll have to deal with these emotions now, else you’ll just be bottling everything up again.” “But I’m turning into a crybaby.” Ranma stated indignantly. “I can’t stop it. I…” Kasumi pressed a finger to Ranma’s lips. “Hush, Ranma. It’s okay to cry. You’re hurting, and you have every right to. It is going to take a lot of tears before you recover from this Ranma. I’ll be with you, whenever you need me. I’ll be with you this morning. I’ll be by your side while you explain things to Ukyou. Why don’t you find someplace where you can practice? You don’t want your skills to decline.” “No I don’t. I just wish I had someone to spar with.” Without her father she’d find herself wanting of a decent spar. “That can be arranged, Sugar.” Ukyou interrupted from the doorway. “Good-morning Ukyou. We didn’t hear you come in.” “Good-morning Kasumi… Sorry about last night. I was overreacting.” “Don’t worry about it Ukyou, we were both tired. I’m sorry too.” Kasumi waved off Ukyou’s apology before adding one of her own. “I’m sorry too Ukyou, for what I have to do.” Ranma spoke just loud enough for Ukyou to hear. “You wait on that explanation, Sugar. I haven’t had a decent spar in ages.” The slap that connected to Ukyou’s face was more painful than it had right to be. Kasumi spent most of her life as a housewife, how could she hit harder than most of the martial artists Ukyou had met. “Don’t you dare take this out on Ranma, Ukyou! If anyone is to blame than it is her father. It was his schemes and lies that brought you to this.” “I have a right to be angry. My life has been so much hell since…” Ranma jumped into the conversation then. “And mine hasn’t?” She screamed, getting up in Ukyou’s face. “My father nearly tortured me on a daily basis. He threw me into a pit of starving cats, an action that has given me nightmares since then. I turn into a girl with cold water. I’m an honorless murdering bastard! I live in hell everyday.” It was Ranma receiving a slap this time. But it was Nabiki who had done it. “I told you I didn’t want to hear you berating yourself. You have your honor Ranma, and you are certainly not a murdering bastard. Why don’t we all take a few minutes to compose ourselves and we can see what we can do about this situation.” Silence met with Nabiki’s request. It seemed everyone was in deep thought. Ukyou was the first to break the silence. “Ranchan, can you ever forgive me? I didn’t realize your father had messed your life up even more than he had mine. I’m sorry for hitting you. I was so mad I…” “Ucchan, you have nothing to apologize for. This all would have been a lot simpler had I come clean last night.” “That still doesn’t excuse my actions Sugar. I’d probably have done the same regardless. You’re all welcome to stay here for as long as you like.” Ranma crossed the room and gave Ukyou a hug. “I appreciate the offer Ucchan, but I suspect that mom would want me living with her. I’ll be heading over there later to talk about letting us stay with her. The building has enough rooms for us to stay.” “Tell your mother I’d be more than happy to house Nabiki and Akane if she doesn’t have the room. I suspect that Kasumi will be staying with you regardless.” “That is very kind of you Ukyou.” Kasumi stood with a smile. “But I’d rather my family be together. We’ll visit you whenever we can find the time.” “My offer still stands Kasumi.” “And I appreciate it, Ukyou, really. However, we need to stay together.” “I understand. I’ll see you when you stop by then. I need to get to work, so I’m sorry if it seems I’m rushing you out.” “No apologies, Ukyou. We understand. I’ll contact you when we get settled in. I don’t want you worrying about us.” Ukyou watched everyone leave. Once they were out of sight an angry scowl crossed her features. “Damn you Ranma!” She spat. “I’ll have my revenge upon your father, then I’ll be coming after you.” She turned back toward her apartment, she still had a few things to do before she left for work. Shampoo looked down upon the Okonomiyaki seller as she spoke. “There’ll be no revenge upon my daughter, lest you bring upon yourself the vengeance of the Amazon’s.” Her words went unheard, yet Ukyou shivered nonetheless. “Good morning Grandmother!” Ranma exclaimed as she entered the restaurant. Cologne looked up from the table she was repairing to find Ranma and three other girls at her door. She smiled at her granddaughter before she replied. “Good morning Ranma-chan. What are you doing here? I thought you’d be staying with your father.” Ranma frowned before she spoke. “I’d rather not talk about my father, grandmother. These girls have lost their home due to him. I’d like to move in here, and I was hoping they could stay as well.” Cologne gave Ranma a warning glare before answering her granddaughter. “You understand what living here would entail, and I’ll expect the same from them.” “I understand grandmother. I’m sure the girls would be glad to help out in your restaurant. Though I expect we’ll be paid more than we were getting in China.” She said with humor. Ranma’s humor was met with a withering stare that slowly changed to a kind smile. “You’re becoming a thorn in my side girl, but I’ll see to it that you’re all well taken care of. When I finish with these tables I’ll be up to evaluate these girls.” She gave the girls an appraising look.” Though, I doubt that any of them could keep up as waitresses.” “Now wait just…” Akane began before being cut off. Ranma clamped her hand on Akane’s arm before she began to lead her away. “Why don’t I show you all to your rooms. We can have our arguments later.” The last was directed at Akane. “I’ll see you in a bit grandmother.” “Perhaps you should explain to these girls exactly what it is I will require of them.” “Yes grandmother.” Shampoo landed silently beside her grandmother as soon as the girls were out of sight. “We have a problem.” Cologne nodded her head; a faint sigh escaped her lips. “That we do, child. Tell me what you have learned.” Shampoo spat out her words as if the tasted foul in her mouth. “There is a woman that sells okonomiyaki that may become troublesome. She made nice with my child yet vowed revenge when her back was turned. Should she try anything against my child,” Shampoo’s eyes narrowed, “I will kill her. Send Mu Tsu to watch her.” “I’ll dispatch him as soon as he returns. But this is not what troubles you, is it Shampoo?” Cologne’s deep gaze sent a chill down Shampoo’s spine. She knew the truth. “No, it isn’t.” Shampoo released an exasperated sigh before looking sadly toward the stairs. “My child is hurting grandmother, and I don’t know what I can do for her. She doesn’t truly understand our ways, and suffers for it. She laments killing, grandmother. I’m afraid we may have pushed her too hard to accept it.” Cologne waived off Shampoo’s concern. “Do not fault yourself, child. As an elder I should have known this would happen. Our ways are not her ways; its only natural she has difficulty accepting it. All we can do is give Ranma the space that is needed.” “I agree, grandmother. I would also think it wise to have the eldest Tendou girl near her as much as possible. Ranma looks up to her, and she has always been there when Ranma has needed her most. We owe her a debt that will take much to repay. My child lives because of her.” There was no mistaking how grateful Shampoo truly was. Cologne made a decision. “Then we have no choice. The Tendou girl shall be adopted into the Amazon nation. She shall be a part of our family in name only. The ritual binding magic would make her unsuitable to pursue Ranma. I’d like to leave them both that choice. There is a strong bond between the two that could quite possibly lead to a more involved relationship.” “I have seen that as well. I was to ask you the same. Thank you for your approval.” Shampoo turned toward the kitchen. Cologne stopped her in her tracks with her next words. “That fat lummox Genma came here last night. He does not wish to return. Your child might not be happy with his father at this time, but it would devastate him to know that he had left. We must break the news gently, lest we upset him.” “I shall break the news, grandmother. Ranma is my child, and my responsibility. I love her too much not to break it to her personally.” “I think that would be best. I also think it best to stop lying to yourself Shampoo. Ranma is not truly female.” “I am not lying to myself grandmother. The bond won’t allow me to see her as anything but. The best I can do is to call her child, as you yourself have seen.” “You should have told me this before we left the village. Until now I was unaware just how much Jusenkyou could affect other magics. I will write the council about this. Finish up with these tables before working on the kitchen. I must prepare a message.” “Yes grandmother.” Ranma had chosen her room. She sat next to Kasumi upon her bed, fidgeting nervously. “Kasumi, I know that there are plenty of rooms for everyone to have their own, but I was wondering if…” Kasumi cut in. “You don’t have to finish that question Ranma. I wouldn’t mind sharing a room with you. This way I won’t have to sneak into your room every night.” Ranma looked to the floor as she blushed. Kasumi giggled at Ranma, making her blush deepen. “I…” “I’m just teasing you Ranma. But you should know, you’re cute when you blush.” Kasumi smiled at her. “Thank you Kasumi. I’m glad you’re hear to lighten the mood.” Ranma released a sigh when she finished. Kasumi immediately became concerned. She placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “What’s the matter Ranma?” Ranma shook her head. “I don’t know Kasumi. I haven’t felt myself lately. I’m going to take a nap. Tell grandmother that I’m sorry I couldn’t explain what she meant. Don’t go too far Kasumi,” she implored, “I might need you.” “I wouldn’t dream of it Ranma. Just get some sleep. You’ve earned it.” Kasumi patted Ranma’s knee before she stood. Ranma smiled up at her. “Thank you Kasumi. You’ve been more than kind to me.” Kasumi shrugged her shoulders. “I do what I can, Ranma. I’m going to talk with my sisters. Sleep well.” “I’ll try Kasumi. I’ll try.” Ranma had just begun to undress as Kasumi left her. Ukyou found her restaurant swamped with customers. Word had spread about her cute waitress and everyone had come to see her. Her absence did little to deter her patrons from ordering. One customer had told her, “I came to this restaurant to see the cute waitress, but heaven help me if I did not find some of the best food I ever tasted. Next time I come back, I’ll bring some friends with me. You should be thankful that girl was helping you yesterday, else I never would have come here.” Ukyou knew deep down in her heart that Ranma’s presence had brought her this boom in business, but she couldn’t yet admit it to herself. “She was very helpful.” She had told the man, before she had to move on. Duty called. Somewhere in the world, a Japanese boy continued his search for his Nemesis. The people he’d asked for directions had been less then helpful in his quest. Their directions had led him in circles. He had almost had him at the Amazon village, but he had lost himself in the woods. The mythical village had not appeared since. Considering he was half way around the world it was unlikely he’d see it for quite some time. He had no idea where Ranma had gone, but he would find him. Ryouga Hibiki would make Ranma pay for his suffering. He had made a vow. There was nothing that could deter him. Not even the cliff he found himself falling from. “Ranma!” He screamed as he fell. “This is all your fault!”

Chapter Five

Marriage of Families

Soun Tendou sat before the shrine erected in his wife’s memory. Tears fell from his eyes as he contemplated all he’d lost. The death of his wife had taken his heart, leaving him nothing more than a whimpering coward. The loss of his daughters had shown him this, and taken what was left of his honor.

He had promised his wife that he’d always be there for his family. He had forsaken that vow. It was time to gain back the honor he had lost. It was time to step out from behind his cowardice and save his family’s honor.

His white robes were a stark contrast in the dim light. Moonlight streamed in through a window and glinted off the razor edge of a tanto. He had prepared himself in accordance to the code of bushido. He had no need for a second, as he’d be sure to end his life this night.

He held the tanto in both hands, the blade pointed toward his abdomen. The tanto was held out away from him far enough that a quick tug would be all he needed. He plunged the blade deep into his abdomen; blood splattered against his face. A foot connected to the blood upon his cheek, sending Soun Tendou sprawling.

Genma Saotome stood with his foot extended, blood seeping down the blade now mangled in his hand. His face was unreadable, but his eyes burned with anger. “What the hell do you think you were trying to do?” He screamed.

Soun sat up, completely uninjured, and turned to look at Genma. The pallor of Soun’s skin almost overpowered that of his robes. He looked defiantly at Genma, his eyes smoldering with an angry passion that rivaled Genma’s.

“Do you have any idea what I lost today? Do you know what it is like to lose your family in such a way? I deserted my family. I can’t have my life be a stain upon their honor. They still have much to live for, but what do I have? This is the only way.”

Genma walked right up to Soun before slapping him across the face. “I may not know what it is like to lose a family but I have felt its stirrings. Ranma grows more and more distant from me each day. I don’t know how long it will be until I do lose him, and Nodoka… I lost her the day I took Ranma.

“I, like you, never could truly show the love I held. You hid it behind the death of your wife while I hid it behind my own foolish desires. I damn near tortured the boy yet he still stuck with me. Your children will stick with you, but now they need their space. Redeem yourself in their eyes. If you still feel the need to end your life after that then do so, but not before. If you end your life your family’s honor will remain undamaged, but in their minds your death will always be a stain upon their own personal honor.

“Put your children before yourself and your honor. I was never able to do that with Ranma. He has his family, and you can still have yours. I’m leaving Tendou; you’ll never see me again. Watch out for my boy, Tendou.” Genma turned to leave.

“You wait just one damn minute Genma!” Soun’s voice stopped him cold. “I want to finish what we started all those years ago. I ask for one final fight, Saotome. You can give me that can’t you?”

“I can Tendou, but I won’t. Your final fight with me will be against the boy. I’ve taught him everything I know and I mean everything. He is my better in the art.” Genma disappeared from sight as he finished speaking.

“Still a damned coward, eh Saotome?” He was answered only by the wind.

Kasumi held Ranma’s head in her lap as she gently stroked a hand across her hair. Ranma’s cries had ended just moments before, yet the girl continued to shake. Kasumi could do nothing to stop the shaking; she continued to hold on until Ranma abruptly awoke.

Ranma smiled up at Kasumi's face. She was glad for the elder girl’s presence. She’d been dreaming of her past, and the horrors she’d committed in the name of the Amazon people. The Neko-ken may have been her greatest fear, but her actions were her greatest shame.

She was not born, nor was she raised, a warrior. She had become a warrior in the time she lived in China. Every time she thought she’d had a chance to deal with her grief she’d find herself killing again.

With Kasumi near a small part of her guilt could be laid to rest. Here was someone else who wasn’t raised to kill giving her love, showing her that she was still human.

“I’m sorry Kasumi, yesterday was… I don’t want to live through another day like it. I’ve never had a chance to deal with what I had done. I held everything in until it all boiled over. I hope I’m over it now.” Ranma lowered her head and spoke so softly that Kasumi could barely hear her words.

But hear her she did. Kasumi gave Ranma a tight hug before she spoke. “I’m sure there is more to go yet Ranma. Grieving isn’t something you can turn on and off. You’ll have to deal with these emotions now, else you’ll just be bottling everything up again.”

“But I’m turning into a crybaby.” Ranma stated indignantly. “I can’t stop it. I…”

Kasumi pressed a finger to Ranma’s lips. “Hush, Ranma. It’s okay to cry. You’re hurting, and you have every right to. It is going to take a lot of tears before you recover from this Ranma. I’ll be with you, whenever you need me. I’ll be with you this morning. I’ll be by your side while you explain things to Ukyou. Why don’t you find someplace where you can practice? You don’t want your skills to decline.”

“No I don’t. I just wish I had someone to spar with.” Without her father she’d find herself wanting of a decent spar.

“That can be arranged, Sugar.” Ukyou interrupted from the doorway.

“Good-morning Ukyou. We didn’t hear you come in.”

“Good-morning Kasumi… Sorry about last night. I was overreacting.”

“Don’t worry about it Ukyou, we were both tired. I’m sorry too.” Kasumi waved off Ukyou’s apology before adding one of her own.

“I’m sorry too Ukyou, for what I have to do.” Ranma spoke just loud enough for Ukyou to hear.

“You wait on that explanation, Sugar. I haven’t had a decent spar in ages.”

The slap that connected to Ukyou’s face was more painful than it had right to be. Kasumi spent most of her life as a housewife, how could she hit harder than most of the martial artists Ukyou had met.

“Don’t you dare take this out on Ranma, Ukyou! If anyone is to blame than it is her father. It was his schemes and lies that brought you to this.”

“I have a right to be angry. My life has been so much hell since…”

Ranma jumped into the conversation then. “And mine hasn’t?” She screamed, getting up in Ukyou’s face. “My father nearly tortured me on a daily basis. He threw me into a pit of starving cats, an action that has given me nightmares since then. I turn into a girl with cold water. I’m an honorless murdering bastard! I live in hell everyday.”

It was Ranma receiving a slap this time. But it was Nabiki who had done it. “I told you I didn’t want to hear you berating yourself. You have your honor Ranma, and you are certainly not a murdering bastard. Why don’t we all take a few minutes to compose ourselves and we can see what we can do about this situation.”

Silence met with Nabiki’s request. It seemed everyone was in deep thought. Ukyou was the first to break the silence.

“Ranchan, can you ever forgive me? I didn’t realize your father had messed your life up even more than he had mine. I’m sorry for hitting you. I was so mad I…”

“Ucchan, you have nothing to apologize for. This all would have been a lot simpler had I come clean last night.”

“That still doesn’t excuse my actions Sugar. I’d probably have done the same regardless. You’re all welcome to stay here for as long as you like.”

Ranma crossed the room and gave Ukyou a hug. “I appreciate the offer Ucchan, but I suspect that mom would want me living with her. I’ll be heading over there later to talk about letting us stay with her. The building has enough rooms for us to stay.”

“Tell your mother I’d be more than happy to house Nabiki and Akane if she doesn’t have the room. I suspect that Kasumi will be staying with you regardless.”

“That is very kind of you Ukyou.” Kasumi stood with a smile. “But I’d rather my family be together. We’ll visit you whenever we can find the time.”

“My offer still stands Kasumi.”

“And I appreciate it, Ukyou, really. However, we need to stay together.”

“I understand. I’ll see you when you stop by then. I need to get to work, so I’m sorry if it seems I’m rushing you out.”

“No apologies, Ukyou. We understand. I’ll contact you when we get settled in. I don’t want you worrying about us.”

Ukyou watched everyone leave. Once they were out of sight an angry scowl crossed her features. “Damn you Ranma!” She spat. “I’ll have my revenge upon your father, then I’ll be coming after you.”

She turned back toward her apartment, she still had a few things to do before she left for work.

Shampoo looked down upon the Okonomiyaki seller as she spoke. “There’ll be no revenge upon my daughter, lest you bring upon yourself the vengeance of the Amazon’s.” Her words went unheard, yet Ukyou shivered nonetheless.

“Good morning Grandmother!” Ranma exclaimed as she entered the restaurant.

Cologne looked up from the table she was repairing to find Ranma and three other girls at her door. She smiled at her granddaughter before she replied. “Good morning Ranma-chan. What are you doing here? I thought you’d be staying with your father.”

Ranma frowned before she spoke. “I’d rather not talk about my father, grandmother. These girls have lost their home due to him. I’d like to move in here, and I was hoping they could stay as well.”

Cologne gave Ranma a warning glare before answering her granddaughter. “You understand what living here would entail, and I’ll expect the same from them.”

“I understand grandmother. I’m sure the girls would be glad to help out in your restaurant. Though I expect we’ll be paid more than we were getting in China.” She said with humor.

Ranma’s humor was met with a withering stare that slowly changed to a kind smile. “You’re becoming a thorn in my side girl, but I’ll see to it that you’re all well taken care of. When I finish with these tables I’ll be up to evaluate these girls.” She gave the girls an appraising look.” Though, I doubt that any of them could keep up as waitresses.”

“Now wait just…” Akane began before being cut off.

Ranma clamped her hand on Akane’s arm before she began to lead her away. “Why don’t I show you all to your rooms. We can have our arguments later.” The last was directed at Akane. “I’ll see you in a bit grandmother.”

“Perhaps you should explain to these girls exactly what it is I will require of them.”

“Yes grandmother.”

Shampoo landed silently beside her grandmother as soon as the girls were out of sight. “We have a problem.”

Cologne nodded her head; a faint sigh escaped her lips. “That we do, child. Tell me what you have learned.”

Shampoo spat out her words as if the tasted foul in her mouth. “There is a woman that sells okonomiyaki that may become troublesome. She made nice with my child yet vowed revenge when her back was turned. Should she try anything against my child,” Shampoo’s eyes narrowed, “I will kill her. Send Mu Tsu to watch her.”

“I’ll dispatch him as soon as he returns. But this is not what troubles you, is it Shampoo?” Cologne’s deep gaze sent a chill down Shampoo’s spine. She knew the truth.

“No, it isn’t.” Shampoo released an exasperated sigh before looking sadly toward the stairs. “My child is hurting grandmother, and I don’t know what I can do for her. She doesn’t truly understand our ways, and suffers for it. She laments killing, grandmother. I’m afraid we may have pushed her too hard to accept it.”

Cologne waived off Shampoo’s concern. “Do not fault yourself, child. As an elder I should have known this would happen. Our ways are not her ways; its only natural she has difficulty accepting it. All we can do is give Ranma the space that is needed.”

“I agree, grandmother. I would also think it wise to have the eldest Tendou girl near her as much as possible. Ranma looks up to her, and she has always been there when Ranma has needed her most. We owe her a debt that will take much to repay. My child lives because of her.” There was no mistaking how grateful Shampoo truly was.

Cologne made a decision. “Then we have no choice. The Tendou girl shall be adopted into the Amazon nation. She shall be a part of our family in name only. The ritual binding magic would make her unsuitable to pursue Ranma. I’d like to leave them both that choice. There is a strong bond between the two that could quite possibly lead to a more involved relationship.”

“I have seen that as well. I was to ask you the same. Thank you for your approval.” Shampoo turned toward the kitchen.

Cologne stopped her in her tracks with her next words. “That fat lummox Genma came here last night. He does not wish to return. Your child might not be happy with his father at this time, but it would devastate him to know that he had left. We must break the news gently, lest we upset him.”

“I shall break the news, grandmother. Ranma is my child, and my responsibility. I love her too much not to break it to her personally.”

“I think that would be best. I also think it best to stop lying to yourself Shampoo. Ranma is not truly female.”

“I am not lying to myself grandmother. The bond won’t allow me to see her as anything but. The best I can do is to call her child, as you yourself have seen.”

“You should have told me this before we left the village. Until now I was unaware just how much Jusenkyou could affect other magics. I will write the council about this. Finish up with these tables before working on the kitchen. I must prepare a message.”

“Yes grandmother.”

Ranma had chosen her room. She sat next to Kasumi upon her bed, fidgeting nervously. “Kasumi, I know that there are plenty of rooms for everyone to have their own, but I was wondering if…”

Kasumi cut in. “You don’t have to finish that question Ranma. I wouldn’t mind sharing a room with you. This way I won’t have to sneak into your room every night.”

Ranma looked to the floor as she blushed. Kasumi giggled at Ranma, making her blush deepen. “I…”

“I’m just teasing you Ranma. But you should know, you’re cute when you blush.” Kasumi smiled at her.

“Thank you Kasumi. I’m glad you’re hear to lighten the mood.” Ranma released a sigh when she finished.

Kasumi immediately became concerned. She placed a hand on the girl’s shoulder. “What’s the matter Ranma?”

Ranma shook her head. “I don’t know Kasumi. I haven’t felt myself lately. I’m going to take a nap. Tell grandmother that I’m sorry I couldn’t explain what she meant. Don’t go too far Kasumi,” she implored, “I might need you.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it Ranma. Just get some sleep. You’ve earned it.” Kasumi patted Ranma’s knee before she stood.

Ranma smiled up at her. “Thank you Kasumi. You’ve been more than kind to me.”

Kasumi shrugged her shoulders. “I do what I can, Ranma. I’m going to talk with my sisters. Sleep well.”

“I’ll try Kasumi. I’ll try.” Ranma had just begun to undress as Kasumi left her.

Ukyou found her restaurant swamped with customers. Word had spread about her cute waitress and everyone had come to see her. Her absence did little to deter her patrons from ordering.

One customer had told her, “I came to this restaurant to see the cute waitress, but heaven help me if I did not find some of the best food I ever tasted. Next time I come back, I’ll bring some friends with me. You should be thankful that girl was helping you yesterday, else I never would have come here.”

Ukyou knew deep down in her heart that Ranma’s presence had brought her this boom in business, but she couldn’t yet admit it to herself. “She was very helpful.” She had told the man, before she had to move on. Duty called.

Somewhere in the world, a Japanese boy continued his search for his Nemesis. The people he’d asked for directions had been less then helpful in his quest. Their directions had led him in circles.

He had almost had him at the Amazon village, but he had lost himself in the woods. The mythical village had not appeared since. Considering he was half way around the world it was unlikely he’d see it for quite some time.

He had no idea where Ranma had gone, but he would find him. Ryouga Hibiki would make Ranma pay for his suffering. He had made a vow. There was nothing that could deter him. Not even the cliff he found himself falling from.

“Ranma!” He screamed as he fell. “This is all your fault!”