All Ranma characters are property of Rumiko Takahashi, first published
by Shogakugan in Japan and brought over to North America by Viz Communications.
A Different Viewpoint: Curses
and Demons:
Chapter 5:
A long moment passed while Ukyo and Nodoka stared at Akane hugging both Ranmas at the same time, all three of them sitting completely naked on their honeymoon bed. Then the moment passed. Ranma and Akane both pulled up the bed sheet, while Ranko struggled to get back into her robe. Ukyo reacted as well, diving for the door handle. With a quick "Eep." She pulled it closed.
Ukyo stood with her back to the door, breathing heavily from shock, and red faced with embarrassment. "Oh... oh my... maybe... maybe... maybe this wasn't such a good idea."
Nodoka sighed. "Ah... that was awkward. Still it's no more or less than we might have anticipated. After all, this is their honeymoon."
Inside, there was frantic activity. Ranma quickly grabbed his boxers and tank top, while Akane looked around for anything to wear for herself. She quickly pulled on her silky underwear from the night before, took a short look at her wedding dress, then grabbed up Ranma's chinese outfit from his bag near the bed.
Meanwhile Ranma had walked over to the door. He glanced back to see if his female companions were decent yet. Ranko had gotten on his sparered chinese shirt and pants, and was sitting on the bed looking pensive, while Akane was pulling his other red shirt over her head. Ranma noted her bag near the door, but didn't say anything. < Akane looks so cute in my shirt.> He quelled the random thought, concentrating on why his mother and Ukyo could be at the door. Seconds later, Akane was decent, and Ranma pulled the door open. "Mom, Ucchan? What are you two doing here?"
Nodoka released the chef's arm, which she had been firmly holding to keep the girl from running away down the corridor. Feeling Ranma's questioning gaze upon her, Ukyo could no longer just run away. She turned to face him. "Hi Ranchan...."
Nodoka took charge. "Ranma my son... may we come in?"
Ranma blinked and nodded, holding the door open and stepping out of the way. "Sure. What's up anyway?" Nodoka led the way, stopping several feet inside to stare for a long moment at the red-headed girl sitting nervously on the bed next to Akane. "Ranma...." She turned back momentarily to her son. "I came because I heard what happened." Nodoka turned back to the red-headed girl. "Ranma... it's hard to believe my own eyes... but it is indeed true... I now have both a son... and a daughter."
Ranko flinched. "Mom...." She spoke the word quietly, with a slight hint of reproach and an overtone of worry.
Nodoka went to her and sat down on the bed next to her new daughter. She held out her arms, taking Ranko's hands into her own. "You are still my child, Ranma, despite your current form. You may not be a son to me, but I still love you as a daughter."
Ranko sighed, but then smiled at her mother. "I love you too, Mom. Inside, I'm still your son though. I'm still a guy at heart, Mom, but we've decided that I should go by 'Ranko' from now on, so no one gets confused." She grinned suddenly. "Anyway, I'm going to be a girl only as long as it takes us to get to Jusenkyo, just you wait."
Ukyo, who had been quiet up to this point, not wanting to interrupt Nodoka and Ranko, grinned. "That's great, Ranchan! I mean Ranko...." Ukyo looked from Ranko to Ranma. "Huh, which one do I call Ranchan? That works for both of you still." Ranma and Ranko chuckled lightly at that.
Akane looked curiously from Ukyo to Nodoka.
Part of her was happy to see them, now that she was starting to get over
the initial embarrassment, but a larger part was both suspicious and worried.
Ukyo was hiding something, she was sure, but what? As Nodoka made
herself comfortable on the bed, she unlimbered her ever present Katana
and laid it across her lap
casually, as she tended to do when talking seriously.
Akane's eyes blinked twice. < They wouldn't!> "Ukyo, Auntie... why... why are you here?" Ukyo looked at her feet, suddenly not wanting to be in the room.
Nodoka sighed. "Akane, I have come because of the change in my son's condition. I'm afraid there is no easy way to say this, but, because of his father's blundering, Ranma was engaged to both you and Ukyo. Being there was only one Ranma, only one contract could be filled. Now, circumstances have changed. Ranma can now honor both engagements and thereby restore our family's honor." Nodoka looked around the room. Ranko and Ranma were bug eyed, Akane was starting to steam, and Ukyo was chewing her lip, and Nodoka was unconsciously fiddling with the hilt of her sword.
Nodoka looked back at Akane. "I realize that this is difficult, but honor dictates...."
Akane erupted angrily. "Honor?!? I am already HONORABLY married to both Ranma and Ranko, since they were one person when I married them. Do you want me to pretend that didn't happen?"
Nodoka sighed. "Yes, you did indeed marry Ranma, and his split did not change that, but, honorably, you cannot be married to them both." She shrugged. "At the least, legally, you can only be truly married to one of them."
Akane looked from Ranma to Ranko, then back. "But... I love... I love both of them!" She shook her head. "No. No, I won't give either of them up."
Nodoka frowned slightly, then smiled. "Akane,
dear, I certainly can appreciate how you must feel. My son... and
daughter, are both so manly that you cannot choose between them, but you
must understand that you cannot keep them both to yourself!" Nodoka
turned to Ranma and Ranko, her hands resting firmly on her katana.
"My children, it is our family's honor
at stake. A true man honors the obligations of his family.
It is only right that one of you honor the engagement to Ukyo Kounji."
Both Ranmas noted their mother's hands on her katana tighten when she spoke of their family honor, and they both flinched. "Mother, I...." They both started together, then stopped, glaring at each other. They frowned, then nodded at each other. "Go ahead. No you first...."
Nodoka sighed. "Ranma, you go ahead. Tell me what you were going to say."
Ranma sniffed triumphantly at his twin sister and nodded. "Mother, I love Akane...." Ukyo flinched noticeably and he winced at her reaction. "Ukyo, its not that I don't like you but...." Ukyo tried not to react, holding herself completely still in fear that if she reacted she'd break into tears and run from the room. Despite her resolve, a tear started to roll down one cheek.
Ranko and Ranma both reacted to the tear predictably. "Ucchan... don't cry...." They said together.
Ranma froze up momentarily with guilt, and Ranko
continued. "The jerk didn't mean to say that, Ucchan, he's just trying
to say that er... we're already married, right, and it's not like we can
just go and quit loving Akane just like that...." Ukyo's tears started
to flow freely and Ranko panicked as well. "Hey, wait! Come
on Ucchan, quit it! Listen, I really like you, OK,
a whole lot! You've always been my best friend... heck, if I
wasn't already married to Akane I'd be glad to marry you!"
Nodoka pounced. "Good! I'm glad one of you is willing to act honorably. Ranko, as you can't legally be married to another girl, your marriage to Akane is invalid, and therefore, you can marry Ukyo!"
Ranko froze in surprise. "What? Huh? I didn't say nothin about not being married to Akane...."
Nodoka continued blithely. "But since you really aren't married to her, and since you've agreed to marry Ukyo if you were free to do so, there isn't anything to stop you."
Ranko tried to think. "But... Mom, I...."
Nodoka nodded firmly. "It's settled. Ranko will marry Ukyo to preserve family honor." She stared firmly at Ranko gripping her katana tighter. "You wouldn't consider going back on your word of honor, would you Ranko?"
Ranko shook her head. No, mother, I just...."
Nodoka nodded calmly. "I know, it's a big adjustment to make, but I'm very proud that you were able to come to the honorable decision." Somehow the katana had slipped an inch out of its sheath and the light from the blade flashed menacingly. Ranko swallowed, words failing her.
Akane stared at Nodoka furiously, then glanced at Ranko. < Damn it, don't do this, DON'T DO THIS TO ME!!!> She followed Ranko's froze gaze to the blade of the katana and froze herself. < No... Ranma... Ranko... please... stay with me....>
Ranko closed her eyes and swallowed. "I... I don't seem to have any choice, mother.... I will fulfill family honor."
Akane interrupted. "Wait just a minute! Ukyo is a girl too! If Ranko can't really be married to me, how can she marry Ukyo?"
Nodoka gazed calmly at Akane, the katana sliding back into its sheath. "Well, dear, Ukyo is legally registered as a boy, isn't that correct, and even if Ranko is able to return to her male form, the legal identity we created for her is that of a girl, so they will indeed be able to marry legally without any difficulty."
Akane gaped, unable to come up with any response. "No... no... Ranko... you can't leave me!"
Ranko looked away from Akane, not able to meet her gaze. "Akane... I gotta... to keep my family's honor... to keep my own honor... I have to do this." Ranma wisely kept his mouth shut.
Ukyo's tears had stopped, and she was white knuckling the bed sheets with an incredulous look on her face. < Ranchan... he... she... Ranko is really... she's really....> She looked up at Ranko wide eyed, not really believing it. "You're... you'll... you're really going to... to marry me?"
Ranko's eyes were clouded, but the look of disbelief and rising joy on Ukyo's face got to her. "... yeah... yeah Ucchan. I'll marry you."
Ranma shook his head. < Man, I wouldn't
wanna be her for all the tea in China. How could that idiot let mother
trap her like that? I can't believe I could be so dumb.> Ranko
looked around at Ranma suddenly, a smoldering glare burning into
him. Ranma rocked back in surprise. < Man... she's pissed!>
He gave her a small shrug. < Hey, what could I do?> Ranko's
glare went up a notch from "phasers set to stun" to "death star cannon"
before she sniffed angrily and turned away. Ranma
frowned. < Oh, like its my fault! Sheesh, she should
take some responsibility for her own mistakes!>
Akane was torn between glaring at Ukyo, Ranko or Nodoka. She ended up settling on glaring at Ranko, who started to feel increasingly nervous.
Nodoka pretended not to notice the increasing tension. "We then, that's settled. We should leave Ranma and Akane to their honeymoon. Ranko, you should come with us. It wouldn't be... appropriate for you to remain here at this time."
Ranko glanced at Akane miserably. "Akane... I...."
Akane's glare softened. "Ranko...." She looked away, unable to say what she felt. "Just... just go."
Ranko got up stiffly. "Ucchan... come on. There's nothing more to say right now." Her face a mask, she started for the door.
Nodoka rose as well, following her daughter. "Ranko, say your good-byes. Ukyo-san and I will wait outside for you." Ranko nodded stiffly and waited by the door. Nodoka exited and gestured to Ukyo. "Come, dear. We should give them a moment."
Ukyo stood up and followed Nodoka out. "All right, Saotome-san." She looked guiltily at Ranko as she passed.
The door shut and Ranko slowly turned to Akane. "Akane... I...." She lifted her eyes and stared at Akane pleadingly. "Akane, I don't want this... I never wanted this. I... I really do love you."
Akane met her lover's gaze, tears forming in her eyes finally. "I... I know... Ranko. I know." Both girls swallowed hard, unable to form words. Akane finally stood and hesitantly walked over to Ranko. She stopped just a foot away. "You... you take care now...." The dark haired girl shook helplessly, still fighting to come up with something, anything to say. "Ranko...."
Ranko chewed on her lip uncomfortably. "I guess... I guess this is good-bye then." Seeing Akane start to tear up, she shook her head quickly. "It ain't like we aren't going to see each other again, right? You're coming to Jusenkyo with us, right?"
Akane nodded firmly. "Of course, I couldn't let you and Kasumi-neko go alone... you'd get into too much trouble without me around. I know you."
Ranko snorted softly. "Ain't it you that's always getting into trouble? I've always gotta come rescue you... you... uncute tomboy."
Akane lifted a fist and softly punched Ranko on the top of the head. "Baka."
Ranko forced herself to smile. "I'll always be your baka, Akane, remember that."
Akane smiled softly back. "I'll always be your uncute tomboy... baka."
Ranko nodded. "Yeah... I... I guess mom and Ucchan are waiting...."
Akane nodded back, swallowing. "See you... see you soon, Ranko."
Ranko took a deep breath. "Akane...."
Whatever she might have said was interrupted when Akane spontaneously grabbed
her in a back breaking hug. Ranko hugged Akane back tight, closing
her eyes, and they simply held each other for a long time. They finally
broke apart by mutual accord, and Ranko turned to go. "See you...
Akane." Without another word, Ranko
opened the door and walked out, closing the door behind her.
Ukyo was waiting alone in the hall. "Your mom went on ahead...."
Ranko nodded. "Sure...." The two of them stood uncomfortably in the hall for several seconds.
Ukyo broke the silence. "So... I guess we should go...."
Ranko nodded again. "Yeah... um... what now?"
Ukyo hesitated. "Back to the Tendo's? We need to tell everyone... and you need to get some stuff."
Ranko looked confused. "Huh? Oh... I guess I can't stay with the Tendo's anymore, if I'm marrying you."
Ukyo tried not to look too eager. "So... you can come and stay at my place... since you're we're going to be getting married and all."
Ranko nodded slowly. "Sure...." The two girls walked slowly down the hall toward the elevator, an uncomfortable silence filling the space between them.
As they walked, Ukyo found herself thinking about
her own feelings. < I've finally gotten Ranma... a Ranma, to marry me.
I should be jumping around and giggling like a little girl... but....>
She sighed. < Ranma... Ranko doesn't really love me... he... she loves
Akane. I've known that, I've accepted that for awhile now.
She's marrying me to fulfill family honor.> Ukyo shook her head.
< Am I willing to accept that? Can I accept a Ranma... or a Ranko,
who doesn't really love me?> Ukyo glanced at the petite red head
who walked along silently at herside, eyes never leaving the ground in
front of her. < Damn yes! I've
waited my whole life for this!>
Ranko stared at the ground, lost in thought, barely conscious of Ukyo pacing along beside her. < What am I doing? Every step takes me farther away from Akane....> She shook her head stubbornly. < No. Damn it, I won't think like that. I've given my word, I can't back out.> She grimaced. < Ranma... that bastard... at least he'll be able to keep her happy. She deserves a real man anyway, and what am I? Nothin but a lousy girl.> Ranko slumped slightly then forced herself to walk straight. < I'm not letting this beat me. I'll survive, Akane or no Akane, damn it!>
Ukyo noticed Ranko slump then straighten up, and
sighed, going back to her own thoughts. < Poor Ranchan, this really
isn't fair to her... how can I say I love... her, if I can let her suffer
like this?> Ukyo frowned. < No. It's not that simple.
Auntie Nodoka is right about one thing, Akane couldn't be married to both
Ranmas. It just wouldn't have worked!> She shook her
head. < Who could be stubborner than Ranma and Akane?
Ranma would have never been able to share Akane with himself... and
Akane couldn't keepboth of them happy, no way! Ranchan... Ranko,
will be happier with me, I'm sure of it!> Ukyo nodded confidently.
< They'd have tried to kill each other inside of a week, tops.
This was the only way.>
Ranko was thinking along much the same lines.
< Maybe this was for the best... how could I have lived with sharing
Akane? I can't believe Ranma and I managed to keep from killing each
other for that whole night. If it hadn't been our honeymoon, I don't
think we could have managed it.> She shook her head. < No,
it never would have worked.> Despite her efforts to convince herself, Ranko
couldn't lift herself out of her depression. < I gotta snap out
of this! Ucchan probably thinks
I hate her now... and this ain't her fault. Its pop's fault for
starting this whole mess. I gotta put on a good face for Ucchan's
sake.>
Ukyo frowned thoughtfully. < I have to think of something to say... this silence can't be healthy. What about....> She finally looked over at Ranko and spoke. "Ranchan, while you're stuck like this... is there anything you'd like me to do for you? I could dress up like a boy again... if you're uncomfortable being seen as two girls...."
Ranko blinked. "I dunno, Ucchan, that'd be OK I guess... I'm not embarrassed bein seen with you or nothin though. Anyway, nobody round here would think twice about you and me hanging out or... dating... they all know about me and you anyway right? Although I guess we'd have toexplain about the twin thing." Ranko chuckled. "Although, if we do go out someplace nice, it'd be kinda funny. Everyone would think we were a normal couple... the guys'd be jealous of you, and the girls would be jealous of me. You make a pretty good looking guy... at least that's what Akane and her friends used to say." Ranko struck a pose. "With me on your arm, we'd make em all green with envy." She started giggling, and Ukyo couldn't help joining in.
Ukyo couldn't help thinking, < This is a side of Ranma I haven't seen in a long time... not since we were kids.> The two girls reached the Tendo home and went in, still in relatively good spirits.
A silver Mercedes Benz, parked down the block, slowly drove away. Inside, a darkly cloaked figure hissed to herself. "Yes, laugh, enjoy yourselves. You believe everything will work out in the end, but they will not, for this is but the first step in my revenge." She turned tothe skinny pale youth in the passenger seat. "Where will they go next?"
He answered after a moments hesitation. "Probably to Ucchan's, it's a restaurant nearby."
The cloaked figure nodded. "Good. It will be dark soon enough, and you can then get what we need to complete step two."
In the Tendo house, Nabiki greeted Ranko and Ukyo at the door. "Ranma! You're here with Ukyo?" Nabiki shook her head in disbelief. "Nodoka went through with it?"
Ukyo looked away, embarrassed, but Ranko scowled and Nabiki. "Hey, she is my mom you know, Nabiki... and yeah, she came by and... reminded me... us, about the engagement to Ukyo. I don't need you...."
Nabiki raised a hand defensively. "Woah, Ranma, not so hostile. I'm on your side you know." She glanced at Ukyo and nodded to her."Congrats Ukyo, finally landed a Ranma of your own!"
Ranko sighed, and shook her head. "It's Ranko now, Nabiki."
Ukyo put in. "Hey, you'll always be Ranchan to me, sugar."
Nabiki looked from one girl to another. "Seriously, is everything alright? How is Akane handling all this?" She looked slightly concerned and Ranko and Ukyo stared at her. "Hey, I care OK? Just don't let it get around." Nabiki shook her head. "Sheesh. Ran...ko, I've already got tickets for China ready for you. I know you don't want to stay a girl for long."
Ranko nodded. "Yeah. Thanks Nabiki. Akane... well, I think she'll be OK." She flinched involuntarily at the white lie, then continued. "Ranma's with her. He'll make her happy." Ranko stifled a sigh, and coughed to conceal it. She tried to smile brightly again. "As for me, well I can't wait to get my male body back, even if it means I'll still have a curse."
Nabiki grinned slightly. "That's the Ranma, excuse me, Ranko I know." She pointed at Ranko then at Ukyo. How about you two? Any plans yet? You two getting along all right?"
Ukyo looked slightly nervous, but Ranko nodded and answered blithely. "Me and Ucchan? Are you kidding? No problems. Hey, Ucchan's my best friend. She's cute, a great cook, and we've been friends for years. That's not gonna change, just cause... of what's happened."
Nabiki nodded, hiding her doubtful expression. "Great, that's just great." < Hmmph, to quote Kuno-chan, me thinks thou doth protest too much, Ranko dear. She's fooling herself maybe, but it's obvious to me... she's in a lot of pain right now, she's just denying it.> Nabiki collected her thoughts and turned to Ukyo. "I figured you'd want in, so I got a ticket for you, both Ranmas and Kasumis, as well as Johnathon and Akane."
Ukyo smiled. "Hey, thanks Nabiki, what do I own you?"
Nabiki didn't answer right away. "Hmm... actually, I wanted to ask your help on something. These tickets will just about kill all the savings we've been putting away thanks to the new students Ranma and Johnathon brought in. I've got a plan to make some cash, but I'll need your help." She looked over at the red-head. "Yours too, Ranko. This trip is for your benefit after all."
Ranko looked suspicious. "I wondered why you were being so helpful. What is it, Nabiki?"
Nabiki shrugged. "Well... I was just thinking... Gosenkugi stopped by this morning asking for pictures of you, Ranko. You know, pictures of you have always been popular."
Ranko blinked. "Yeah... I guess. I've got a real hot body, right? Still, I don't like the idea of some perverts lookin at dirty pictures of me."
Nabiki held up her hands. "Hey, I have standards, trust me. I just thought, why not go for some real money? I bet we could make a killing on a calendar shoot, nothing hentai, just a bit provocative."
Ranko frowned. "That's it? Your not going to blackmail me? No schemes? You just want me to model for a calendar?"
Ukyo glanced at Ranko. "She wants us both, remember?"
Nabiki nodded. "You two, and Akane and Shampoo too if they'll agree to it. If things go well, we'll have enough money to pay for the trip to China, and still have plenty left over."
Ranko looked thoughtful. "Well... I can't really think of a good reason not to... OK, Nabiki, I'll do it."
Nabiki hid her surprise at the easy victory. "You will? Great, Ukyo, how about you?"
Ukyo looked surprised, and glanced at Ranko. Ranko nodded encouragingly at her. "Why not, Ucchan? Besides, I'll feel better if you do this with me."
Ukyo looked undecided, but then she nodded. "Sure... nothing hentai, right?"
Nabiki nodded, grinning openly now. "Nope, nothing you wouldn't see at the beach. I'll get things in the works."
Ukyo sighed. "I can't believe I just agreed to this."
Nabiki chuckled at her tone. "You won't regret it, don't worry. I'll bet we can get a bit of advertising in the calendar too... say for your restaurant?" Ukyo's face cheered at that. "Anyway, I've got some friends who work at a studio. It'll be three of four days at least tillKasumi's paperwork is ready I'd guess, so I got the tickets for five days from today. That leaves plenty of time for the photo shoot. I'll tell you when and where tomorrow, OK? I've got to talk to Akane and Shampoo first, see If they'll do it."
Ranko and Ukyo walked inside, and Nabiki headed outside, deciding to stop by Dr. Tofu's clinic before heading over to the hotel. Yen signs were flashing in her head.
Ranko led Ukyo into the Tendo living room. Genma and Soun were playing Go on the porch, (natch) while Kasumi was in the kitchen, preparing to serve lunch. Everyone looked up as Ranko and Ukyo entered. Nodoka was standing by the two men, and she strode forward as the girls entered.
There was an expectant pause. Nodoka spoke up proudly. "Excuse me everyone, I have an announcement to make." Genma looked expectant, Soun politely interested and Kasumi smiling forgivingly. "As I was about to tell you all, Ranko has decided to honor her engagement to Ukyo."
Genma slapped Soun on the back. "That's my boy! You do your father proud, Ranma my son."
Ranko frowned at him. "That's Ranko now, Pop."
Genma blinked at her tone, then shrugged. "Whatever you like, 'Ranko'. You've made the right decision in choosing to marry Ukyo."
Nodoka nodded, a slight smile on her face, not noticing her daughter's silence and stoic face. "I'm proud of you as well, Ranko."
Kasumi smiled politely. "Congratulations, Ranko, Ukyo."
Ranko and Ukyo sat down to eat quietly, not really feeling like talking. Nodoka spoke up as Ranko and Ukyo finished. "Did you two get a good chance to talk? What are your plans?" She winked at the two. "Have you decided where you will be staying?"
Ranko groaned inwardly, but turned to Ukyo, looking for her input. Ukyo looked back at her and shrugged. "We thought Ranko could stay with me, right?"
Ranko shrugged back. "Yeah, that's probably best. I'll pack a bag, and we can go over this afternoon." Ranko stood and walked to the stairs thinking. < Yeah... since I don't want to be here when Akane gets back... I don't know if I can face her again so soon.>
Ukyo followed after her. "I'll give you a hand, Ranchan."
They went to Ranma and Genma's room, and Ranko started shuffling through her and Ranma's things, selecting an orange shirt and a purple shirt, one more pair of her favorite black pants, plus the Mao outfit she thought she looked fairly good in. Hesitatingly, she packed her swimsuit. < Ranma won't be needing this again... he'll be happy never to see it again I'm sure.> She looked over at Ukyo who was going through the closet. "I'm going to have to get some more clothes. We don't have enough stuff for two of us."
Ukyo patted Ranko on the back. "You can borrow some of my stuff until you get more of your own." She chuckled wryly. "I've got lot's of 'masculine' outfits. I know you don't like dresses and stuff."
Ranko grinned. "Yeah, you know me pretty well...."
< So why don't you see... that I don't....> She shut off that
thought before it could finish. She shoved her selections into her
pack and shouldered it. "Huh, I guess Ranma and me will have ta get a buncha
new stuff, a second pack, stuff for school... all that junk." She
shrugged. "Well, that's it, Ucchan. Let's get going."
Ranko led Ukyo out into the hall and headed downstairs. Ukyo followed.
Downstairs, Ranko forced herself to be polite and say farewell to her mother.
She smiled to Mr. Tendo, ignored her father, and left. If Nodoka
noticed her daughter's less
than perfect attitude, she shrugged it off.
Halfway to the Ucchan, Ranko asked. "So, Ucchan... you want me to waitress again? I should help pay the bills if I'm gonna be stayin with you."
Ukyo nodded. "That'd be great, sugar. Konatsu does a good job but if you help we can speed things up, maybe even expand our hours a bit."
Ranko shrugged. "Sure." They walked for a little, silence rising again between them. < Gotta try to break the mood... maybe I should talk to her... about what she expects from this... relationship... sheesh. Never thought I'd be so hesitant to talk to my best friend! Think of something, Ranma, think of something!> "Ah, Ucchan?" She started slowly. "We never really discussed this before... what are your plans? Our plans now I guess... what are your plans for the future?" < She silently berated herself. < Oh good Ranma, that sounds dumb.>
Ukyo blinked, but answered after a moments thought. "Well, maybe open a bigger restaurant, maybe even start a chain..."
Ranko nodded slowly. "And me? Where do I fit in?"
Ukyo paused, thinking back on all the plans she had made for their lives together. "Well, you could, um...." Ukyo remembered back to when Ranma had lost his strength. She had envisioned him staying at home, taking care of the kids.... Ukyo shook her head slightly. < No, Ranchan's strong now, he'll... she'll still be able to do anything she wants.> Ukyo thought back again, to the arrival of the Gambling King. Ranma had promised to cook for her if he lost her Okinamiyaki restaurant, she had pictured them pushing her cart together, and Ranma becoming a true Okinamiyaki chef.> Ukyo shook her head again. < No, I've still got the restaurant, and we're still in Nerima.>
Ukyo glanced at Ranko, who was patiently waiting
for her too answer. "Well...." Ukyo chewed her lip. "I
could teach you
Okinamiyaki style martial arts. We could be partners, the best
okinamiyaki cooks in Japan!"
Ranko blinked. < Would I be happy as a chef? Learning Ukyo's style would be kinda cool, but is being an okinamiyaki chef what I want?> Ranko sighed to herself. < I'm the heir to the Anything Goes school, but Ranma and Akane will be running the dojo. What else is there for me?>
Ukyo noticed Ranko's hesitation and sighed as well. "I guess I'm being silly. Naturally you want to be a martial artist first. Maybe... maybe you can open up your own dojo. I could help you get started. We really don't have to do the same thing...."
Ranko smiled softly. "We'll see what happens. To tell the truth... I'm not sure myself what I'll end up doing... not anymore. Ranma's got the Tendo dojo, and starting from scratch would be really hard...." Ranko shrugged. "Who knows. Anyway, I'd like to learn your families style of martial arts... I could teach you about the Anything Goes school while were at it. As for cooking okinamiyaki... Well I know I'd never be as good as you, Ucchan."
Ukyo smiled back. "Well, I guess no one can be the best at everything."
Ranko snorted. "Not even me."
Ukyo laughed. "Not even you, sugar." Before long, they reached Ukyo's restaurant and went inside. Konatsu greeted them just inside the door.
The konichi gave a short bow. "Welcome home, Ukyo-sama. Welcome to Ucchans, Ranma-san." Konatsu looked curiously at Ranko's pack, but said nothing. Ukyo sighed and began to explain.
Minutes later, Konatsu, who's pleasant smile never wavered through the tale, nodded. "I understand, Ukyo-sama. I am happy for you. Would you like me to move my things to the storage room?"
Ukyo hesitated. "Well... I was thinking, if
it's all right with you, Ranko, that you could move into my room.
Its got plenty of
space...."
Ranko blinked. "S-share the room?" She chewed on her lip nervously. Ukyo's hopeful expression caused Ranko's hesitation to waver. "S-sure. Why not? We're both girls anyway." Ranko flashed suddenly on what had happened the night before in the honeymoon suite and she blushed slightly. < Sheesh, Ranma! Get a hold of yourself. Its not like nothin will happen. Ucchan's not like that.>
Ukyo, not catching the blush, grinned at Ranko. "Great. Follow me, sugar, and we'll get you set up." She turned to the ninja. "Konatsu, we'll be leaving for China in five days or so. I'll be asking you to take care of things until we get back, OK?"
The ninja bowed again. "Of course, Ukyo-sama."
Ukyo grabbed Ranko's hand and led her upstairs. She opened the door
to her room and ushered Ranko in. The red headed girl glanced around.
It was a nicely furnished room, about the same size as her room at the
Tendo dojo. A large futon lay in the middle, neatly made. Along
one wall were various instruments of Ukyo's trade. Her giant spatula
was there, and several bandoleers of mini spatulas hung from pegs.
A small desk sat in one
corner, several school books neatly stacked on it. A large walk
in closet was on the opposite wall.
Ukyo opened it and motioned to the inside. "You can put your stuff in here. There's plenty of room." Ranko slipped her pack off and brought it over. The closet was only half full. Ukyo's clothing mostly consisted of shirts, pants and tights. Two modest dresses hung together next to a quite immodest dress that she had kept from Toma's island, and her one female school uniform. Ranko put the pack down in an empty spot and slid the closet closed. She turned to see Ukyo sitting on the futon.
The chef patted the spot next to her. "Sit down, Ranko. Let's talk a bit." Ranko swallowed hard, then nervously went over and sat down next to her. Ukyo cleared her throat. "Ranchan, we've been friends, good friends, for a long time, right?"
Ranko nodded. "Sure, Ucchan. Best friends."
Ukyo nodded back encouragingly. "Now we're engaged... we've been engaged for eleven years, really."
Ranko nodded again. "Yeah... I guess it's been a long time, huh?"
Ukyo chewed on her lip. < Don't back down now girl!> "Ranchan... you know that I've always wanted to be more than just a friend to you."
Ranko sighed. "Yeah... yeah Ucchan, I know. I've known for awhile. I... I'm sorry you had to wait for so long. It wasn't very fair to you was it?"
Ukyo shook her head. "It wasn't your choice Ranchan... not really, but it was a long wait." She grimaced slightly. < What's wrong with you? Come on girl, spit it out!> She looked into her fiancee's eyes. < Oh Ranma... I've been waiting so very long for this....> Ukyo swallowed and turned away. < I... I can't do it.... I love my Ranchan... I love Ranko... but... but....>
Ranko was getting concerned with the lengthening pause. "Ucchan? Listen... you don't gotta be alone anymore, OK? I mean... I'm going to marry you, like I promised. So you don't have to worry about being alone."
Ukyo turned back to her fiancee, blinking. "Alone? I don't have to be alone anymore?" Slowly tears started to form in the corners of her eyes, and Ukyo swallowed, trying to blink the tears away. "Ranchan... I...."
Ranko started to panic as she always did at the sight
of tears. "Ah... Ucchan... quit it, don't cry... you don't have to be sad...
Ucchan...." Ukyo grabbed Ranko in a hug, and started crying into
the smaller girl's shoulder. Ranko held her uncomfortably, reaching
up and around to pat her shoulder. "Ah... don't cry Ucchan... it'll
be all right." She found herself wishing for her larger male form.
It was pretty awkward trying to hold Ukyo like this, with her being several
inches taller than her, even sitting down.
Ukyo pulled away after a minute, wiping her eyes. "I'm not crying because I'm sad, silly. I'm just... I'm just really glad you're here, OK?"
Ranko nodded uncertainly. "Um... sure, Ucchan. I don't want you to be sad."
Ukyo smiled. "Just be there for me, Ranchan, we'll get through this together." Ukyo regarded her feminine fiancee once again. < I'll just take things one step at a time. If I go too fast, I'll just scare her off. Besides, before too long, Ranchan will be a guy again!> Her smiledeepened. < Then look out Ranchan!>
***************************
Nabiki left Ryoga in the lobby of Dr. Tofu's clinic while she started to fill Shampoo and the good doctor about the events of the past two days. Both of them were shocked by the news to say the least.
"Aiyee!" Shampoo exclaimed. "Stupid sword boy!"
"That's Kuno, dear." Tofu corrected gently. "Kuno used the drowned twins water, and now both Ranma and Kasumi are split?"
Shampoo continued without a pause. "That mean...."
"It's 'that means'" The doctor corrected again.
Shampoo nodded distractedly. "That means Ranma
is both boy and girl now, while Kasumi is both girl and cat?"
Nabiki nodded. "Johnathon and the two Kasumi's came
home last night and told us. I thought daddy was going to have a
heart attack. Then Genma came up with the bright idea that Akane
can't be married to two Ranmas, and one of them should marry Ukyo to preserve
'family honor.'" Nabiki snorted. "He was probably thinking which
his stomach again, the pig. Anyway, Johnathon protested and stood
up to Genma, and they ended up getting into a fight. Kasumi sided
with Johnathon and splashed him with some cold tea...." Nabiki smiled
and shook her head. "I never thought I'd see Kasumi stand up to anyone,
but she backed up Johnathon one hundred percent. Genma ended up beating
up John-san, even though he was in his cat form, because Johnathon wouldn't
fight all out against Genma...."
Shampoo interrupted. "Is Johnathon-san injured?"
Nabiki shook her head. "Nah, nothing major. He'll be OK in a couple days. Anyway, this morning, Auntie Nodoka took Ukyo with her to go and see Ranma and Akane... and Ranko, which is what they're apparently calling Ranma's female side now. Auntie came back a couple hours later, and Ukyo and Ranma's female side followed her by a couple minutes. Nodoka informs us that the engagement between Ukyo and Ranma... well, Ranko now, is back on."
Now it was Dr. Tofu's turn to interrupt. "So, are they all planning on going back to Jusenkyo together?"
Nabiki nodded. "Yup. Johnathon plans on dropping Misty, that's what we're calling Kasumi's cat half now, into the spring of drowned girl. Ranko is going to go jump into the spring of drowned young man. I've already gotten plane tickets for the bunch of them. Johnathon, Ranma, Akane and Ukyo are going along to." Nabiki sighed. "The tickets put the dojo into the red again, but...."
Shampoo nodded. "Kasumi-cat and Ranma-girl very unhappy be stuck forever... Shampoo understand."
Dr. Tofu put a hand lightly on the Amazon's back. "That's "I understand," Shampoo. First person, remember?"
Shampoo nodded. "Yes, I understand. Nabiki, is there anything... I...." Tofu nodded and Shampoo beamed. "That I can do to help?"
Nabiki slowly grinned. "Actually, there is."
Dr. Tofu smiled and shook his head. "Naturally."
Shampoo sighed. "I do want to help.... What does Nabiki... what do you want me to do, Nabiki?"
Nabiki hesitated only a moment before explaining. "Well, there's a project I've had on the back burners for some time that I'd like your help with. Since I'm planning on paying for the tickets to China with the profits, I was hoping you could help."
Shampoo looked suspicious. "Project?"
Nabiki nodded, looking serious. "Yes, if things go well there will be plenty of money to get the dojo back out of debt and some left for everyone involved. You see, I want to ask you to be a model for a swimsuit calendar."
Shampoo blinked in astonishment. "You... you want me... to dress up in swimsuits... and let people buy pictures of Shampoo... of me?"
Nabiki nodded calmly. "Hear me out. Ranko and Ukyo are going to be in it too. Nothing perverted, Shampoo. I've been talking to some local fashion designers. They'd supply the suit, pay for the calendar.... It's pure advertising for them, and we'd get the profits. What do you say. It really would be helping out."
Shampoo looked at her Airen. "Tofu... is it all right with you?"
Dr. Tofu nodded. "I don't mind, Shampoo, as long as it's OK with you."
Shampoo turned to Nabiki. "Shampoo... I will agree, on one condition."
Nabiki grinned. "All right, name it."
Shampoo smiled back. "You pose for calendar too. Shampoo... I'll do whatever you're willing to do."
Dr. Tofu frowned and was about to speak up when Nabiki laughed. "You've got me, Shampoo.... OK, I'll do it."
The doctor blinked. < She agreed? After what happened?> He shook his head. < I guess Nabiki has finally recovered from the trauma. Either that or she's suppressing it....> His eyes became thoughtful and serious. < I could be miss reading her, mental trauma isn't my strong suit. I'd better keep a close eye on her, just in case.>
Nabiki shook hands with Tofu's fiancee and turned to go. "I'll call you with the details tomorrow, Shampoo. Thanks for agreeing to help. I'm going to go check on the honeymooners." She waved and walked out, collecting Ryoga on the way.
Shampoo turned to her husband to be and noted his
serious expression. "Tofu? Are you sure you don't mind me doing
this
calendar?"
Dr. Tofu blinked. "Hmm? Oh, no Shampoo, that's fine, though I'd recommend getting a contract in writing. I'll go over it with you if you'd like."
Shampoo nodded. "As you say, Tofu, but are
you sure nothing is bothering you?"
Dr. Tofu shook his head. "It's not the calendar,
Shampoo-chan. However, could you keep an eye on Nabiki for me during the
shooting? If she acts strange, I'd like you to let me know right
away."
Shampoo blinked. "Nabiki? All right, if you say so, my love. What makes you think she'll act strangely?"
Dr. Tofu shrugged. "That's something I can't say, Shampoo-chan. Doctor-patient relationship you understand...." He paused. "No one's around, so you don't have to keep calling me "my love."
Shampoo looked sideways at him. "I forgot... although you keep calling me "Shampoo-chan...."
Tofu blinked, then put his hand behind his head. "Was I? I suppose I forgot as well."
He laughed nervously and Shampoo smiled to herself.
< Did you really? I didn't really forget... my love.>
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