It was time. Ranma and Nodoka sat in the front row, alone. Flowers,
which Kasumi had arranged, now decorated the small box. In front of it
was an old picture of Genma, which Soun had dug up, and Nabiki had
enlarged. The elder Saotome hadn't wasted time or money on any more
recent pictures, but only Ranma noticed. The man portrayed was the one
Nodoka and Soun remembered.
The three people who actually knew Genma each viewed him differently...
Soun saw his friend illuminated by the warm glow of fond remembrances.
His friend had been a fun loving companion in training exercises
without the Master. Of course it wasn't quite as much fun with the
Master... his training methods were rough, his appetite great, and the
'boys', Genma and Soun, ALWAYS got stuck with the bill. Soun would miss
Genma, but rejoiced at the prospect that their families would be united
when Ranma married one of his daughters.
Nodoka saw him in the harsh light of reality. This man had taken the
agreement he had forced down her throat as an excuse to make Ranma, in
her opinion, a twisted mockery of a 'man amongst men'. She was trying
to undo what Genma had done, but her training was far more dangerous to
her son than she had thought. Was she helping her son, creating a
daughter, or - somehow - doing both?
Ranma saw the man as he truly was, encompassing both these views and
more. So many of Genma's lessons were full of lies and half-truths. But
the Art was true, that was his real legacy to his son. He wondered what
his father would think of 'Kikuko' or 'Sailor Io', probably not much.
How long would his father say girls were weak after a 'Tempest Flare'
blasted him through wall or two? He almost smiled at all he had gained,
then remembered the love and guidance he had lost.
***
Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover
Episode 04: Remembrance and Revelation
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators and
their works. No infringement intended.
***
After a while, Soun stood and spoke. "I thank you all for coming." He
looked down for a moment, trying to find composure under the floor mat.
Sniffling a bit, he continued. "Genma was my dearest friend. We trained
together for many years under our... master. I am pleased that his
widow and son allowed me to honor him today." He bowed at Nodoka and
Ranma in turn, receiving a nod of acknowledgement from each.
The Tendou patriarch sat, and silence reigned for a few moments.
Ranma stood next, speaking as he gave Soun a warm smile. "Thanks, Mr.
Tendou." He looked up as his eyes swept the room. "Thanks to all of you
for coming here today. Some people might think my pop was a bad guy."
He glanced for a moment at his mother before continuing, happily
accepting the strength she offered. "Heck, I'll admit that I guess he
made a few mistakes, maybe even a lot of 'em. But he was always there
for me... till China. Without pop I wouldn't even be here, and I
certainly wouldn't be much of a martial artist. I guess the Art is
what's left of him, kinda, and I'd like to keep that part of him alive
if I can. I already started teachin' a few students." His eyes swept
over Haruka, Hotaru, and Ami; finally lingering on Makoto for a few
moments.
Makoto smiled at her friend for an instant, her face snapping back to a
controlled expression more appropriate for the circumstances.
Soun noticed that Ranma's eyes seemed to be stuck on the girl he came
with. He had to act... now. He hurriedly rose. "And to keep his dreams
and Art alive, I've offered to give my dojo to Ranma and whichever of
my daughters he chooses as his wife." He quickly sat back down.
Nabiki covered her eyes, whispering to her sisters "Is Daddy blind? Why
does he have to force this down poor Ranma's throat?"
"Father, Father, Father." Kasumi whispered as she shook her head slowly
back and forth.
Akane thought about Ranma for a moment. He seemed different from the
boys at school. Why did she think he'd understand her? Well, she'd
overheard him talking to Kasumi... Maybe a boy could be a man after
all. Did she really want to hurt her new friend Makoto? But this was a
matter of family honor; she hoped Makoto's family would understand.
Then again, Akane wanted to choose whom she married, not have it
decided for her. The whole situation was just so confusing... Akane had
no idea how much more confusing the actual situation was.
Kasumi smiled at her little sister. Maybe she had finally found a boy
she liked... but what about Makoto? She shuddered for a moment,
considering what Sailors Jupiter and Europa might do to settle their
differences.
All the while Ranma droned on about his father. He wasn't much of a
public speaker, so it was to his great relief that he finally ran out
of things to say and sat down.
Nodoka spoke a few words about a relationship dredged from the depths
of memory, already stained by what Genma had done to their... son...
daughter.
After Nodoka sat, Soun rose to lovingly recount anecdotes about going
on the road while training with Genma. Then, there wasn't much more to
say. A few minutes of additional silence, then Soun bowed and dismissed
the mourners.
***
The services over, people reconvened in the Tendou home for a small
reception. Ranma was about to enter the house when a call of his name
attracted his attention. He turned to see Haruka and Hotaru.
Hotaru looked at her new friend with a serious expression. "I'm sorry
about what happened to your papa, but MY papa thinks we should get back
home."
Looking down at Hotaru, Ranma spoke to the small girl. "Hotaru, is
there anyone inside you might want to say goodbye to?"
Hotaru's face brightened. "Thanks for reminding me, Ranma!" she turned
to Haruka, "I need to say goodbye before we leave."
"Sure," the blonde replied.
Hotaru hurried into the house.
Ranma rose to talk to Haruka eye to eye. "Sorry, 'bout the delay, I
just thought Hotaru might wanna say bye to some people inside."
"No problem! We didn't want to stay all day, but I'm sure Hotaru will
be out soon."
Ranma's expression changed to a vague smile as he recalled another
question he'd been meaning to ask. "So, do you know when Michiru and
Hotaru might want to join our morning training session?"
Haruka suppressed a snort. "Maybe when YOU come over for your lessons
from her, 'Kikuko-chan'."
Ranma turned a little red for a moment, then thought back to that
wonderful evening. "Maybe we can talk it over Monday... How 'bout at
the ice cream parlor?"
Haruka laughed for a moment. "Ranma... how do you expect to keep your
figure if you hang out at that place? Besides, we're busy Monday
night."
"Well how 'bout Tuesday? The ice cream really ain't a problem, though.
Me and food seem to get along real well."
"Tuesday, then!"
Hotaru, with Kasumi in tow, emerged from the house carrying a box. She
grinned at Haruka. "Papa, Kasumi-chan said I could take a box of
cookies home!"
"Good, Hotaru-chan." Haruka replied, turning first to Hotaru, then to
face Kasumi. "Thanks, Kasumi." Her face betrayed little beyond a bit of
gratitude.
"You're welcome," Kasumi replied to the tall blonde, then looked down
to her new sensei. "I look forward to visiting with you again, Hotaru-
chan," she concluded with a smile.
Hotaru followed Haruka to the front gate, then turned and waved to
Kasumi. "Bye Kasumi!"
Kasumi smiled at the little girl. "Goodbye, Hotaru-chan!"
"See you at six tomorrow morning, Haruka!" Ranma called out.
Closing the gate, the first two guests from Juuban were gone.
Kasumi turned to her other guest. "Ranma-kun, please come inside."
"Sure Kasumi," he replied, following his hostess into the house.
Nabiki crept out of the bushes and back into the residence. She KNEW
there was something fishy about this Saotome character, so she had
decided to do a little investigative work on her own. Now all she had
were more questions, first of which being why did Ranma have a nickname
like Kikuko? And since when did guys care about their figure... let
alone really HAVE one? Maybe SHE would show up at Ranma's at six
tomorrow...
***
Back inside, Nabiki and Akane talked to Makoto; Akane spoke first. "So
Makoto, how did you first meet Ranma?"
Makoto frowned for a moment, as if struggling to remember. "Well, uh...
he... sits next to me at school and almost got into a fight his first
day. I stopped it before it started, though."
Akane was curious now. "Was he upset about something... or just bailing
you out of a jam?"
Makoto looked angry for a moment, then nervous as she racked her brain
for what to say. "Well... uh... some boys were... picking on... him."
Nabiki offered a bemused expression. "I hate to say this, Makoto, but
you're a lousy liar."
Makoto flushed, then began scanning the room for... "Ranma! Come over
here please!"
Ranma heard his friend's call and hurried over to join the
conversation.
Nabiki favored Ranma with a bit of a glare, arms crossed. "So, Ranma,
what did happen on your first day of school?" She gave a slight jerk in
Makoto's direction. "Your friend here says some boys at school were
picking on you."
Ranma looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, you know how it is..."
Nabiki wouldn't let him off that easy. "Sorry, I have no idea 'how it
is', Ranma. Tell me, please!"
Ranma looked down for a moment to gather his thoughts, when he was
interrupted by a finger tapping his back. Turning, he saw Ami.
"You really should tell them, you know." Ami whispered.
"Tell us what?" Akane demanded.
Ranma looked serious. "Nothing! Well, now is not the time to discuss
it."
Ranma WAS going to get a visitor tomorrow morning, Nabiki decided. She
wondered if her sisters might like to come along? It certainly seemed
strange that all Ranma's friends were Sailor Senshi!
***
Ranma and Nodoka were the last to leave, taking the box back home for
the family shrine. Since the crowd had not been very large, cleanup was
simple and quick.
Nabiki decided to hold a conference with her two sisters in the dojo...
Akane looked a little put out. "So, Nabiki, why did you drag us in
here?"
Kasumi gave the youngest a small frown. "Akane-chan, please be nice to
Nabiki." She turned to her other sister. "So, please tell us why you
dragged us in here, little sister?"
Nabiki looked at her sisters with a slightly conceited expression.
After all, she knew something they didn't. "Well, I happened to
overhear Ranma and Haruka talking and..."
Akane giggled. "Oh, that's a good one, Nabiki! I noticed that you just
'happened' to be hiding out there spying on those two!"
Kasumi looked a little disappointed in her sister. "Nabiki, is this
true?"
Nabiki flushed a little. "Well, uhhh... yeah. But it was worth it. I
discovered Ranma has a really weird nickname... Kikuko!"
Akane cocked her head as she responded, "You've got to be kidding!"
Nabiki had her audience hooked, so she smiled a little; then got ready
to reel 'em in. Gossip was such fun! "Well, Haruka called Ranma
'Kikuko-chan' and he turned a little red, as if he was embarrassed
about it. But that's not all! I found out that they work out at 6 over
at Ranma's. Are any of you interested in a little martial arts
instruction?"
Kasumi showed a little frown. "Shouldn't we call first?"
"Come on, Kasumi! The Saotomes are almost family. Besides, we NEED a
bit of instruction, you and I, considering our new 'hobby'."
Kasumi looked thoughtful. "It isn't proper not to call first, but it
might be fun... just this once."
Akane grinned in anticipation. "I'm in!" She wanted to see what kind of
martial artist Ranma really was.
"Well if we can drag ourselves out of bed and get to the train station
by 5:15, it should be no problem to get over to Juuban in time," Nabiki
said with confidence.
Kasumi looked a bit concerned for a moment, then brightened. "I'll tell
father we... have an errand to run tomorrow, so I'll be late with
breakfast."
***
Later that evening, Nabiki caught Soun before she went to bed. She
walked over to her father gathering her thoughts as she approached,
then hiding them from sight. "Announcing an engagement like that at a
funeral was tasteless, Daddy."
Surprise on the man's face at his daughter's accusation quickly was
replaced by a far-off look as he shared his vision with his middle
daughter. "This is about joining the schools, Nabiki, it was the wish
of my old friend! He would have wanted it."
A bit of emotion escaped Nabiki's control, disappointment appearing on
her face as she slowly shook her head. "Forcing it down Ranma's throat
is only going to make him resist it, you know."
Nabiki's words brought Soun back to reality, an expression of
expectation on his face. "You'll help me with this, won't you Nabiki?"
Nabiki was uncertain what to say for a moment, but didn't let her
father know it. She closed her eyes to marshal her thoughts, then cast
an even gaze at her father. "Perhaps, father. I WILL try... I don't
have many friends, but I already consider Kino Makoto... a good
friend."
His child's admission had clearly pained the father. "But... but... you
only met her today! How can you put that girl before your own flesh and
blood, Nabiki?" It looked like Soun's floodgates were primed to open
when he finished.
Nabiki stared straight into her father's eyes. "Just remember this,
daddy. Ranma, Makoto, Akane, Kasumi, and myself are people, not
property. Never forget that you loved mom, we all did." Her gaze
wavered for a millisecond, and then the mask was in place again. "None
of us even knows Ranma... Let's make sure we put love first. Then we'll
think about honor."
"But... Ranma has to love one of you. That's what he's supposed to do,
Nabiki." The floodgates finally released their burden as Soun broke
down in tears.
Nabiki offered him a quick "Goodnight," then hurried up the stairs to
bed.
Kasumi waited for her sibling at the top of the stairs. With a sad
smile she said, "Thanks, little sister. I'm proud of you."
Nabiki stopped for a moment, mask still in place. "Thanks, big sister.
We're gonna have to stick together on this." Without another word, she
went into her room and closed the door.
Kasumi blinked as the door shut in her face then retired to her own
room. They needed to get up extra-early tomorrow and she needed sleep.
This had certainly been the most astonishing day of her nineteen years.
With luck, it would be a long while before there was another with as
many surprises. She didn't put much stock in that notion, however.
Snuggling into bed, the young Senshi of Titan couldn't shake the idea
that even more amazing days lay just ahead.
***
By the time the three Tendou girls approached the Saotome home, it was
6:05; lessons were already in progress. The younger two were dressed
for school. Kasumi wore a typical outfit, consisting of a modest white
blouse and a long, dark skirt. All three carried duffel bags in case
they needed to change. Nabiki recognized Haruka, Makoto, and Ami from
the day before... Surprisingly, Ranma was not practicing with his
friends. In his place there was an unfamiliar redhead, who shared her
rare hair color with Sailor Io. It was impossible to tell if she was,
but...
The three girls watched in silence, with Kasumi finally speaking. "Oh,
my! Where's Ranma?"
The redhead turned to the sound of the voice, her face trying to match
her hair. The girl put on a smile for her guests. "Good morning,
Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane. Would you like to train with us?"
Akane looked cross. "Where's Ranma, and who the heck are you?" Her eyes
narrowed as she continued, "And how do you know our names?"
Kikuko looked a little sheepish. "Well... uh... I'm sorta Ranma, you
see... Akane-chan. But when I'm like this, call me Kikuko, please."
Nabiki had heard enough; it seemed that two and two were struggling
mightily to add up to five. "'Sorta Ranma'?" She snorted. "If you're
Ranma you seem to be missing about, say... 30 centimeters, around 30
kilos, and black hair!" Though the girl did look enough like him to be
his sister.
Ami whispered in Kikuko's ear. "You see, Kiku-chan, you should have
told them."
Kikuko looked a bit upset, then turned to Makoto. "Please see if you
can get some hot water inside, Mako-chan." She faced the Tendous,
bowing politely. "Could you three come in, please?"
It looked like practice was over for today.
***
Kikuko was getting to where she could tell the story of Jusenkyo, and
what happened there, in her sleep. Ho hum... another amazed audience.
The redhead almost smirked at how, well, ordinary her story was
becoming... at least among her circle of friends.
Then there was the story of her return home, and her mother's unique
brand of training. Of how Kikuko came to be, and the fact that she went
to school in Ranma's place. Finally it was time for a demonstration.
Kikuko rose and loosened the belt on her gi. Accepting a cup of hot
water from Makoto, The redhead promptly dumped it on her head, glad
that his gi was large enough to accommodate either form.
The three Tendous looked on in shock for a few moments, Nabiki finding
her voice first. "So, uh... Ranma, you have an interesting problem."
"Yeah, I do. I need to get ready for school, can you guys wait a few?"
"Yeah, sure... fine." Was all Nabiki could come with.
Her sisters were still shocked into silence.
Ranma ran up the stairs. Sounds of running, a brief splash, and running
again carried down to the living room. An amazingly short time later, a
redheaded girl ran down the stairs dressed in a Juuban High School
girl's uniform.
Akane looked upset. "So... you're just some kind of perverted freak,
dressing up and pretending to be a girl!"
Kikuko looked downcast. "If that's what you want to call me, go ahead."
She searched for what to say under Akane's chair, then looked up.
"Akane... when I go to school, I'm a girl!" A hint of sarcasm touched
her face, "I hope you know the difference!" Sarcasm vanished as she
continued. "So, what's the problem with me wearing my uniform? Besides,
don't forget my mom's making me do this!"
"Actually, I was thinking about the girl's locker room." Akane spat,
not wanting to let this pervert off so easily.
Makoto jumped in. "She never looks up in the locker room. She only goes
in there because she has to."
Kikuko continued; her language shifting to Ranma's as anger overtook
her. "Yeah, those hentai-pervert boys would love t' see me undress in
their locker room!" She smirked at the youngest Tendou, "You ain't
suggestin' I give those perverts a free show, are ya Akane-chan?"
Akane hung her head, squeaking out an answer, "Er... no?"
Feminine niceties remained banished from Kikuko's speech. "That's what
I was fightin' about, ya know. My first day at school, guys were
followin' me everywhere, and one of 'em finally asked me my three
sizes, and then..." Her face began to redden as she struggled to
continue.
"I jumped in and kept her from pummeling the jerk!" Makoto added.
Nabiki almost smiled. "So that's why boys were picking on you!"
"Yeah, and if they ever do again, I'll teach 'em a lesson."
Akane nodded knowingly. "Well, at my school, I have to fight my way
through perverts every day, just to get into the front door." She gave
Kikuko a thin smile. "You're actually lucky, Kikuko!"
"You have to fight through boys just to get to school? I guess I am a
little lucky, but it still ain't fun for me, let me tell ya! Actually,
I wouldn't mind bustin' a few heads! Maybe if it was pounded into their
thick skulls, those boys might remember."
Akane shook her head. "It doesn't work that way, Kikuko... Ranma."
Akane laughed and Kikuko looked a little puzzled.
"Kikuko's fine, but friends call me Kiku-chan."
"Okay, Kiku-chan." Akane replied, then looked concerned. "That is, if
I'm a friend..."
"Anyone who has to put up with boys the way you do's a friend a mine,
Akane-chan!"
Nabiki figured it was time to address the other question on her mind.
"So, Kikuko, was that YOU who pulled the disappearing act yesterday?"
Kikuko glanced worriedly at the kitchen, then lowered her voice to a
whisper. "Now ain't really a good time to talk about this, my mom's in
there..." She gestured toward the kitchen. "But yeah, you're right. It
was me."
Kasumi looked at the clock. "Excuse me, but I think we need to go home
now. Goodbye, Kikuko, you've been a charming hostess."
Kikuko big-sweated, "Uh... th... thanks Kasumi-san."
Akane had to smirk at the redhead's discomfort.
Kasumi turned to the kitchen, "Thank you, Mrs. Saotome!"
Nodoka turned down the stove and hurried out, disappointed the Tendou
girls were leaving. "Won't you girls stay for a little breakfast?"
Kasumi bowed slightly, "Thank you, but I think my sisters need to get
back in time for school in Nerima."
Nodoka returned Kasumi's bow. "Thank you for visiting... Kasumi-chan,
Nabiki-chan, and Akane-chan." She said with a smile as she nodded to
each of the sisters.
After the other guests said their good-byes, Kasumi lead her sisters to
the door.
"Bye!" Nabiki and Akane said at once as they followed Kasumi out the
door.
Things proceeded fairly normally from there at the Saotome house. There
was a bit of extra food, but Kikuko made short work of it...
***
The three cross-town travelers actually got back in time for Akane and
Nabiki to have a chance to walk to school. The two girls had plenty of
time to talk on the way.
Nabiki glanced at her little sister, eager to hear her impressions of
the morning's revelations. "So, Akane. What do you think of Ranma
now?"
Akane looked thoughtful for a few moments before answering. "Well, I
have kind of mixed feelings. On one hand, I think that 'Kikuko' could
really be a good friend of mine. It'd be nice to have a friend who's
good at martial arts. If only..."
"She was a girl." Nabiki finished her little sister's sentence with a
knowing nod.
"Yeah, if only! As a guy, Ranma's kinda cute, but..." She looked down
for a moment, then up again. "I don't know. Actually, as a girl,
Ranma's really cute too. She's just so confusing."
"Uh... Akane, isn't that 'he'?"
Akane flushed with embarrassment for a moment. "Yeah, he."
"Well, Akane, you're always talking about how... boys... don't
understand girls... It looks like Ranma feels the same way about boys
as you, Akane."
"Yeah, I guess she might. But I have no idea how to feel about him."
There wasn't much conversation the rest of the way to school.
***
That night, several Shinkansen stops from Tokyo, a boy prepared for
bed. At last, his dreams for revenge against those who wronged him were
taking shape. When he found them, he would leave Kyoto and move to
Tokyo, the better to exact payment from Ranma and his jerk of a father.
Those two had taken his life away, and they would suffer in full
measure for their crimes against him.
As he sat on the edge of the futon, he underwent metamorphosis. A tug
at a thick layer of bandages around his chest freed them, then he
carefully unwound the bindings. Finally that blessed time each night
brought arrived; Kuonji Ukyou was a girl again, but only until
tomorrow.
In Tokyo, events mirrored those in Kyoto. A little warm water and
Saotome Kikuko became Saotome Ranma, feeling the same relief his former
friend did. He went to his bed and crawled in, enjoying the warmth of
the blankets for a few moments. Soon, he drifted off to untroubled
sleep.
In Kyoto, Ukyou was drifting to sleep as well, but her dreams would not
be undisturbed.
***
(END)
***
First, my sincere thanks for reading!
Thanks also go to my pre-readers: Mike Koos, Chad Walker, Fire, Louis-
Philippe Giroux, Bryan Neef, and Andrew Norris.
Please let me know what YOU think!
Kevin D. Hammel
May 6, 1999
========================================
khammel@mail.geocities.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.geocities.com/~khammel/ff/
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(
geocities.com/~khammel)