RANMA 1/2 V
A fan-fic written by Force Vector based on the
characters and situations created by Rumiko Takahashi.
----------------------------
CHAPTER 3: Responsibilities
�� "What do you mean I�m not going!" � Akane demanded.
�� Nearing noon, Akane, with Kasumi�s help, was
preparing lunch.� Nabiki left to attend an afternoon
business conference and Tatewaki went home to check on
Mamuro and Sasuke�s fate.� Akari also went home to
make lunch for the kids and to see them off to
school.� Ms. Hinako did not return to school, calling
in sick.� Gosunkugi left to �make ready his magic�,
saying he would return by nightfall.
�� Having completed his mission, the Jusenkyo guide
was fast asleep in the guest�s quarter.
�� Ukyo and Konatsu never showed up.
�� Happousai explained.� "Akane, you�re carrying the
heir to the Anything Goes Martial Arts school.� I�m
not questioning your love to your father, but it�s too
much to risk."
�� "Saffron tried to kill me!"� Akane shouted
vehemently.
�� "And will try again, if he you�re close by.� With
you here, and us there, Saffron may not have the
manpower to divide his forces.� Logically he�ll meet
our expedition with as much firepower."
�� "I don�t care!� My father needs me!"� Several pots
and pans rattled.
�� Ranma stood up and walked towards the kitchen. �
"I�ll deal with this."
�� Happousai was grateful.� "Please convince her it�s
for her own good."
�� Ranma paused at the kitchen�s threshold and nodded
slightly before entering.
�� The first thing he noticed as he entered was the
ingredient Akane was handling.� They were in a sorry
state.
�� "Akane?"� Akane ignored him. � Ranma saw the tears
in her eyes.
�� Ranma went to her and gently embraced her from
behind.
�� "It�s not fair, Ranma!"� She turned around and
started pounding his chest, sobbing, "It�s not fair!"
�� He let her strike him some more. � "C�mon, we need
to talk about this..."� He glanced in Kasumi�s
direction, her concentration was on the food
preparation.
�� "In private."� Ranma amended as he broke the
embrace.� Holding Akane�s hands, he started to tow her
away from the kitchen.
�� "But... the cooking..."� Akane protested, wiping
her tears away.
�� Ranma took one more look at Kasumi, who, although
wasn�t facing them, was waving them bye-bye.� "I�m
sure Kasumi can handle it.� Heck, if it proves to be
too much she can always call on Cologne to help."�
*Besides,* he thought, *at this rate we might not have
any lunch.*
���As they left the kitchen they heard an amused �Oh
my�.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
���"D�you think Ranma�ll be able to persuade Akane?"�
Happousai was worried.� A long time had passed and the
two haven�t returned yet.
�� Ryouga snickered.� "Don�t sell him short, old...
er... I can�t call you �old man� anymore, can I?"
�� "No, I don�t think so."
�� "You still haven�t told us about Shampoo."� Ryouga
pointed out.
�� Happousai looked around.� Sitting by the table was
Nodoka, speaking in whispers with Miss Hinako; Dr.
Toufu was beside Kasumi, who was nursing Katsumi,
apparently discussing about a recent patient; and
Ryouga, who was waiting for his answer.� Cologne had
taken over lunch duty when Katsumi woke up, and Lanko
was taking a bath in preparation to attending school.
�� "Perhaps we should wait for the others, eh?"�
Happousai�s constant avoidance of the question was
starting to annoy Ryouga.
�� Ryouga�s gaze bore at Happousai before he
reluctantly agreed.
�� The sliding of the door announced Ranma and Akane�s
return to the dining area.� Ranma in the lead, one
hand stretched out towards Akane, who was holding on
to it so tight that her knuckles were turning white.
�� Akane appeared calm, although it was obvious she
had been crying.
�� The two sat down together.� Ranma looked pointedly
at Happousai.� "Akane has agreed to stay as long as
Ryouga and I are part of the expedition."
�� Happousai mused.� "Hmmm, yes and no, Akane.� Ranma
should be with us, for he�s the school�s
representative, but Ryouga shouldn�t come."
�� "Why not!"� Ryouga and Ranma shouted in unison.�
Akane frowned but said nothing.
�� Ignoring the two, Happousai still addressed Akane.
� "Somebody has to protect you in case Saffron does
try another attempt. � As I said, logically Saffron
won�t try to split his forces, but we can�t really be
sure."
�� "How about Dr. Toufu?"� Dr. Toufu looked amused
that Ryouga volunteered his service.� "He�s not only a
doctor but a skilled martial artist."
�� "Exactly!"� Happousai agreed, "That�s why he must
be with us.� His prognosis on Genma and Shampoo�s
health is vital once we reach the amazon village.� Our
primary objective is Soun, Genma and Shampoo.� Only
when they�re safe will we deal with Saffron."
�� Dr. Toufu put his hand on Ryouga�s shoulder before
he could continue the argument.� "Sensei Happousai is
correct, Ryouga.� My place in the expedition is not
only logical, as he keeps reminding us, it is also
necessary."
�� Ryouga simmered down.
�� Happousai faced Akane again.� "After Ranma,
Ryouga�s the next closest to you.� It makes sense for
him to be your protector while we�re gone."
�� Akane put on a wry face.� "Oh my.� I guess I will
have to take to heart Ryouga�s statement that you guys
will always be over-protective when us girls are
pregnant.� I really can�t see what the fuss is all
about; I can take care of myself.� After all, I�ve
been Ranma�s sparring partner for several years now."
�� "Better safe than sorry.� It�s your first child
after all." Happousai stated softly.
�� Akane�s reply was a resigned sigh.
�� "What�s your stake in this, Happousai?"� Ranma
asked.
�� "There�s a reason why I�m this young."
�� Ranma�s raised eyebrow was enough.
�� Happousai looked introspective.� "For too long I�ve
ignored the needs of my students just to satisfy my
own enlightened self-interests.� I can�t really blame
all of you for truly despising me. � By starting anew,
I hoped to atone for my sins.� The mark of a true
Sensei is by what his followers have learned.� In this
I have been remiss."
�� Ryouga butted in.� "Heh, so all you want is some
form of immortality, is that it?"
�� "No!"� Happousai shouted vehemently. � "Genma and
Soun are my students, my responsibility as a true and
honorable Sensei is to help them reach their
potential.� How�ll they attain that goal if I let them
die?"
�� He scrutinized each one of them.� "In a way you�re
also my responsibility, Ranma, Hinako, Akane, Kasumi,
even Nabiki. � For you�re part of the Anything Goes
Martial Arts School, learning the techniques handed
down by my students, your parents.� In Akane�s the
next generation of this school, and I�ll still be
accountable for his or her actions."
�� "More so with Soun�s �other� daughters, Karumi and
Natsumi.� I instilled in them the need to perfect the
arts, yet I was never there to help... to guide them.�
It shames me to think what I was, thus I must repent,
not only for my sake but for all my students."
�� Impressed by the new Happousai�s doctrine, several
minutes passed by in respectful silence.� The wind -
its timing perfect - was making the chimes tinkle.
�� Cologne entered with a tray of delicious smelling
Chinese dish.� "I believe we can continue the
discussions while filling our bellies."
�� "Oh my.� Here, let me help." � Akane headed towards
the kitchen, Ms. Hinako followed suit.� They emerged
carrying more dishes.� Lanko - in school uniform - was
with them, carrying the rice.
�� Again silence descended as everyone concentrated on
consuming the delicious repast that Cologne had
prepared.� She had also modified the Japanese dishes
that had been prepared earlier.
�� "Mmmmm," Akane relished appreciatively, "Cologne,
you must give us the recipes for these sumptuous
meals."� Kasumi, Nodoka and Ryouga assented.
�� "I didn�t know you cooked, Ryouga?" � Nodoka was
surprised by Ryouga�s request.
�� Ryouga scratched the back of his head, embarrassed.
� "Eh heh, actually I don�t normally.� It�s just that
I think Aki-chan would love to learn these dishes.�
She�s fond of cooking."
�� "I see, you don�t normally..."
�� "I mean... I CAN cook, Mrs. Saotome..." � Ryouga
added hastily, "It�s just that my lousy direction
sense..."
�� "I didn�t know it was that bad!" � Ranma had a huge
grin on his face.� "You mean even the DIRECTIONS of a
cookbook..."
�� Ryouga looked slightly peeved.� "Hah! Easy for you
to say, LANKO."� Ryouga emphasized �Lanko� heavily,
implying he was talking about Ranma-onna.
�� "What do you mean by that?"
�� Kasumi interrupted, seeing the direction the two
were heading.� "Oh my.� Ryouga?� You said you could
cook.� Yet you admit that instructions confuse you."
�� Ryouga was grateful for the interruption. � "Uh, it
seems I have a retentive memory, Kasumi-san.� So, once
I�ve learned something, it isn�t too difficult for me
to recall it."
�� He paused to gulp down some more food. � "It�s just
that I don�t usually recall the steps in their
intended sequence.� It takes me several attempts to
get the meal right, even with Aki-chan�s help.�
Usually she gives up halfway, kicks me out of the
kitchen and finishes by herself.� There are times when
she has the patience of Buddha, but that�s pretty
rare.� Especially these days with Zashi, Akeni, Karin,
and the boars, of course."
�� "Oh my.� How long does it usually take you to
complete a meal, Ryouga?"� Akane inquired, intrigued.
�� Again Ryouga scratched the back of his head. � "Uh,
it usually takes the better half of a day, sometimes
even longer..."
�� "Half a day or longer!"� Ranma�s eyes were
laughing, "No wonder Akari gives up."
�� Kasumi cleared her throat delicately, catching
their attention.� She seemed to be puzzling something
out.� "Ryouga, you say that once you�ve learned
something you can never forget, am I right?"
���Ryouga nodded.
�� "And yet, you always have difficulty getting to
specific places.� Not unless you�re distracted, then
you usually end up where you�re suppose to be."
�� "Uh, now that you mention it... you�re right."�
Ryouga replied, wondering where it was leading.
�� Kasumi paused to gather her thoughts. � "Just like
in cooking, going from one place to another is a
matter of following instructions, remembering certain
landmarks.� Perhaps sub-consciously once you�ve been
to a specific area you can actually go there again and
again without fail, it�s just that..."
�� Toufu picked up the train of thought. � "Having
carried the stigma of having a lousy sense of
direction ever since you can remember, whenever you
think of having to go to a specific destination, you
become so tense and apprehensive that you
automatically short-circuit your sub-conscious
faculty. � Hmmm.� An interesting concept, Kasumi."
�� Ryouga seemed to be at a loss.
�� Lanko piped up.� "Uh, Uncle Toufu? � You�re saying
that Uncle Ryouga wants to get lost?"
�� "Very good Lanko!� In a manner of speaking, yes."
�� Ryouga found his voice. "Why?� Why... do I let
myself get lost?"
�� It was Dr. Toufu�s turn to be dumbfounded. � "Now
that, Ryouga, is a question that can only be answered
by an experienced psycho-analyst.� I can help you
minimize the damage done, but only one who is trained
in the intricacies of the mind will be able to offer a
solution."
�� Silent since the meal started, Happousai also
cleared his throat to get everyone�s attention� "Dr.
Toufu.� Correct me if I�m wrong, but I believe you can
fix Ryouga�s direction sense problem."
�� "You are partially correct, Sensei Happousai." Dr.
Toufu admitted, "I just don�t know if it can be
implemented with the time we have left before the
expedition."
�� Kasumi leaned towards her husband and whispered
something.� Dr. Tofu brightened up significantly. "Of
course, what a brilliant idea!"
�� "Care to share it with us, Doc?" � Ryouga muttered,
a bit uncomfortable.
�� Dr. Toufu looked embarrassed.� "Uh, considering the
technical nature of what Kasumi is proposing�"
�� "�I wouldn�t get it, even if you used one syllable
words."� Ryouga finished, a smirk on his face.� "Ok,
the more important question would be, will it hurt?"
�� Dr. Toufu studied Ryouga, then turned his attention
to Cologne.� "How much pain could he stand when you
were training him."
�� Cologne thought out aloud.� "Hmmm, I do recall he
could withstand tremendous amounts, like boulders
smashing into him, but then he WAS in love�"
�� Dr. Toufu nodded and looked at Ryouga again. � "I
was going to say it would be relatively painful� but
I�m convinced you won�t feel a thing."
�� Ryouga sighed in relief.� "That�s good."
�� Happousai took out the list and read it aloud. �
"Ok, so the Offensive team�"
�� "Who�re you calling offensive?" � Ranma
interrupted.
�� "� will comprise of Ranma; team leader,
representative of the Anything-Goes school and not
only offensive but obnoxious to boot."
�� "You had that coming."� Akane whispered to Ranma
before he could remark.
�� "Dr. Toufu; trained healer in both eastern and
western practices."
�� "Gosunkugi; mystic, enough said."
�� "Cologne and myself, since we both know a little of
everything."� Happousai looked around to see any
objections. � When none were forthcoming he resumed
his �checklist�.
�� "Defensive team is everyone left behind who can
spend time with Akane.� That would basically be
Ryouga, Tatewaki, Lanko and Hinako."� He closed his
notebook smartly, but looked puzzled.
�� "By the way, why is it that Hinako-chan is always a
woman?� Not that I object, mind you." Cologne struck
him with a staff. � Ranma saw that it was the same
staff she used when she was still old.
�� Miss Hinako finally spoke up.� "If I tell you the
answer, will you guys tell us about Shampoo?"
�� Cologne spoke up before Happousai did. "Deal."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� "Can you imagine Soun-kun�s face when I told him he
HAD to do THAT for a whole month?"� Miss Hinako was
laughing in between words.� The others were in various
states of levity.� The plates had been cleared and
they were either drinking sake or tea.
�� "I�m amazed you got to convince him to do it the
first time."� Happousai stated.
�� "He WAS rather hesitant at first, but when he got
used to it, he was eager enough . I�d give details but
there�s a minor here."
�� Lanko was disappointed.
�� "Hey squirt, get a move on.� You�re late for school
already as it is."
�� "Aw, do I have to."� Ranma and Lanko had a staring
match.
�� Cologne stood up and herded Lanko out. � "I�ll see
her to school."
�� Barely within earshot, they heard Cologne address
Lanko.� "Did you know that Ranma�"
�� Ranma groaned and cradled his face in his hands. �
Akane patted his back consolingly.
�� "I guess that means it�s your turn now,
Happousai."� Ryouga pointed out.
�� Happousai sighed.� "When it was plainly clear that
Ranma was to be with Akane forever�
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Just like her older sibling, Lanko ran on the
railing.
�� Cologne kept pace beside her on the street. �
"Aren�t you worried that some boy might take a peek up
your skirt?"
�� Lanko grinned.� "Nah."� She flipped her skirt and
Cologne saw that she was wearing gym shorts
underneath.
�� "Just like your brother."
�� "Wha?"
�� "Didn�t you know?� Ranma or rather Ranma-onna
always wore boxer shorts even when wearing a skirt."
�� Lanko stopped dead on her tracks.� "No way."
�� Cologne merely smirked.
�� "Really?"
�� "Really."
�� Lanko started walking. "Boxer shorts?"
�� "Uh huh."
�� Lanko smiled evilly.� "So what else did my brother
do?"
�� Cologne smiled back.� "Did he ever tell you about
the time�"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
���"That�s it?"� Ranma demanded.
���Happousai nodded.
�� "So why were you loath to tell us?"
�� "Cologne�s still hurt that she�s been banished by
the tribe.� I didn�t want to re-open wounds barely
healed."
�� "Oh my.� That�s so sweet of you." Akane gushed.
�� "You think so?"
�� The ladies nodded.
�� Ranma mused.� "To think Mousse and Shampoo teamed
up against Cologne in ritual combat.� Hey!�
Waitaminute!� Isn�t that against Amazon law?"
�� Happousai smiled.� "I see you noticed. � The elders
of the village didn�t want to return to Cologne�s iron
handed control, so they bent the rules a bit and
Cologne was defeated."
�� "Oh my.� How did Mousse get to be so good?"� Kasumi
wondered.
�� "His master fixed his eyesight problem."
�� "So Mousse no longer needs glasses?"
�� "No.� It was a one-shot fix.� Similar to the Tokyo
Grandpa Pressure Point."
�� Goosebumps crawled through Ranma. � "Don�t remind
me of that incident.� To think, my girl form stripped
naked by Mousse in front of a bunch of horny boys.�
Brrrr."
�� "You were?"� Happousai snapped his fingers in
disappointment.� "Too bad I wasn�t around yet.� I
wonder if Nabiki has pictures."
�� "Happousai, you pervert!"� Akane had a mallet in
her hand.
�� "Wait, wait!� I was joking."
�� Ranma looked through the new hole in the roof to
determine Happousai�s trajectory.� "Furinkan High."
�� "Shouldn�t I have been the one to beat up
Happousai?"� Ranma teased.
�� "YOU can�t call up a mallet."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Cologne was sitting under a tree watching Lanko and
her classmates play softball.� Furinkan High had
expanded and now included part of the lower years in
its campus grounds.
�� She glanced surreptitiously at a bunch of teenage
boys jostling each other.� She liked the one they had
picked to be �leader�, he had a nice aura about him,
but seemed a bit too shy.
�� Hearing the sound of a rapidly descending body,
Cologne looked up.� She wasn�t too surprised that it
was Happousai.� At the last moment, he righted himself
and landed on his feet gracefully.� Several girls
fainted when they saw him.
�� "Who did you insult?"
�� "Fancy meeting you here."� Happousai was patting
the dust off his ninja outfit.
�� "Well, who was it?"
�� Happousai grimaced.� "Ranma."
�� "Ah."
�� "Akane took offense and smashed me over here."
�� "Eh?"
�� "Uncle Happousai!"� Lanko waved to catch his
attention.� Happousai waved back.� Several girls of
various teenage years descended on her.
�� "Uncle Happousai?� Not Sensei Happousai?"
�� Cologne shrugged.� She glanced at the boys. � They
were now staring in hostility at Happousai.� She held
out her hand.
�� Happousai helped her get up.� "We should start
preparing for the journey."
�� Cologne nodded but didn�t move.
�� "Have you told them?"
�� "Yes."
�� Cologne kissed him on the cheek.� "Thank you for
waiting until I�ve left."
�� By the time Happousai recovered from his shock,
Cologne was gone.� Rubbing his cheek thoughtfully, he
failed to spot the flight of baseballs heading his
way.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
���Kasumi answered the insistent banging on the dojo
gates.� "Welcome to the Ten� Oh my!"
�� A very sore looking Happousai was barely standing.
� He kept himself upright with the help of a stick.�
"When I get my hands on the witch, I�m going to kill
her!"
�� "Oh my.� Which witch?"
�� "Which what?"
�� "Which witch?"
�� "Which which wha?"
�� "Which witch will you whack with what?"** � Kasumi
smiled fondly at him.
�� Happousai closed his eyes as he tried to make sense
of their brief �conversation�.
�� "Let�s start from the top." � Happousai cleared his
throat.� "May I come in?"
�� "Please, Sensei Happousai." � She held her smile.
�� "Thank you, Kasumi."
�� Dr. Toufu was heading out the door.� "Oh, hello
Sensei Happousai.� If I didn�t know any better, I
would say you were battered by a bunch of baseballs."
�� "Don�t remind me."� Happousai growled.
�� "If you�re looking for Cologne, she ain�t here."�
Ranma greeted as he passed by.� He was carrying two
backpacks.� Doing a double take, Ranma lowered the
packs, turned around and eyed Happousai critically.
�� "I�d say three or four Furinkan fastballs. �
Whaddaya think, doc?"
�� Dr. Toufu had picked up one of the packs. � "My
prognosis was similar, Ranma.� You�re getting good at
this."
�� The two left the dojo.� Happousai felt tears in his
eyes.
�� Kasumi returned carrying a first aid kit.� The two
knelt by the table in the dining room.� She started to
administer the wounds. � "Why would anyone do such a
horrible thing as to hit you with a baseball?"
�� "Baseballs, Kasumi, baseballs.� Plural not
singular.� Hurts more."
�� "Oh my.� I don�t think it hurts that much, Sensei."
�� Happousai dried his tears with his torn
shirtsleeve. � "Right now, I think you�re the only
friend I�ve got.� Kasumi-chan."
�� "Don�t be silly, Sensei."
�� "Everyone else seems to be mean to me." � Happousai
had slowly tilted his body to be closer to Kasumi.
�� "Just don�t let him have a good cry at your
bosom."� Akane stated.� She was carrying the dried
laundry upstairs.
�� Happousai straightened as if electrocuted. � Kasumi
gave an amused look.
�� "Oh my. Sensei Happousai wouldn�t do something like
that now.� Would you, Sensei?
�� "No Kasumi.� I wouldn�t even dream of it.
�� "That�s nice.� There you go. � All finished."
�� "Thank you Kasumi.
�� Kasumi stood up.� She noticed that Happousai was
still kneeling, his head bowed. *He looks so pitiful�*
�� "Would you like a hot bath drawn?"
�� He looked up and smiled tentatively at her. � "That
would be wonderful.� Thank you."
�� Kasumi smiled back.
�� Soaking up the heat, Happousai let out a contented
sigh and relaxed.� He tried to figure out why he
hadn�t notice those deadly missiles, but no matter how
many times he ran it in his mind he always came up
blank.
�� The sound of the outer bathroom door opening broke
his musing.� For no apparent reason Happousai felt
apprehensive.
�� "Oh my.� Happousai, did you bring any spare
clothes?� Your ninja outfit is a mess."
�� Happousai flushed.� "Uh, no, Akane."
�� "Would Ranma�s older clothes do?� You don�t mind
wearing his Chinese shirts and pants?"
�� "Uh, I don�t think they would."
�� "Oh my.� So you do mind?"
�� "Yes� I mean, no� I mean, I don�t mind wearing
Ranma�s older clothes."
�� "Oh� Okay.� I�ll go get them for you."
�� Happousai heard the outer door open and close. � He
was starting to relax when he heard the door open
again. The sound of someone undressing distressed
him. "Uh, Akane-chan, is that you?"
�� "Hate to disappoint you, old man. � It�s just me."�
Ranma replied.� "Kasumi told me she had drawn a hot
bath.� Considering I got splashed on the way back
here� Heck, that tub can handle the two of us."
�� Happousai closed his eyes again and relaxed, until
he belatedly realized that Ranma had spoken in his
girl voice.
�� "Hey!� Waddaya know, just the right heat! � I can
relax here for hours."� Ranma-onna exclaimed happily.
�� By this time, Happousai had turned to stone.
�� "Hey, what�s the matter old man?" � Kneeling at the
edge of the tub, she playfully splashed his face.
�� "You�re� a� girl." � Happousai stated through
gritted teeth.
�� "So?"� A sharp intake of breath. � "You� you
wouldn�t� wouldn�t molest me if you saw my nubile
young body, would you?"
�� Rising abruptly, Happousai prepared to take his
leave.
�� "Oh, so rigid and huge."� Ranma-onna�s voice was
faint, "Please� please be gentle."
�� Swiftly ducking down into the water until it
reached his nose, steam started to rise out of his
ears.� He tried to relax his body, especially his
member, but failed, knowing that the only thing
between him and Ranma-onna was the tub�s wall.
�� Seeing his eyes were still closed, Ranma-onna
propped herself on her stomach at the tub�s edge.� A
roguish smile on her lips, she snagged his arm and
hauled Happousai closer.� "Geez, you�re really stiff."
�� Happousai�s protests died in his lips the moment
she started to work on the arm. Ranma-onna�s massage
was the perfect companion for the hot bath.� Her hands
expertly flew to the knots in his muscles and lovingly
teased them to relaxation.
���Losing himself under her ministrations, Happousai
was not aware that Ranma-onna was subtly pulling him
nearer.� Until her breast made contact with his
chest.� Startled, Happousai tried to break free from
her embrace.
�� With a lunge, she locked her arms around his neck
and hotly breathed into his ear.� "Loosen up will ya,
you�re so tense."� Happousai tried to ignore the
pleasing source of warmth resting against his shoulder
and cheek.� Her nipples, hard yielding points of
electrifying pleasure. � He bit down a groan.
�� "Ranma-chan please."
�� "Isn�t this what you always wanted. � My girl form
naked, fawning all over you, yours to command."� The
tight embrace squeezed her warmth onto him.� Peering
over her shoulder, Happousai felt IT harden yet again
as he had a grand view of her perfectly shaped ass.�
Ranma-onna was balanced over the tub by her lower
stomach, her thighs hard against the tub.
�� He tried to pry himself free without touching her
body.� Daunted by the impossibility the task demanded,
he tried reasoning with her.
�� "THAT was the old lecherous Happousai. � I�m no
longer that creature."
�� "Oh my.� I�m glad to hear that." � Akane ahemmed.�
In an amazing display of strength and speed, Happousai
broke Ranma-onna�s hold and scooted to the far side of
the tub.
�� "If you�re through playing with my husband, us
girls would like to take a bath."
�� Ranma-onna stood up before Happousai could shut his
eyes.� Prying his eyes from her moist bush, he
couldn�t place the odd look the she was directing at
him.� With a parting wink, she headed to Akane.
�� Happousai used every ounce of his self-control not
to ogle her sweat-slicked, gleaming, supple body.� He
tried to tear his eyes away from the way the beads of
perspiration would roll down her back and gather at
the cleft of her butto� *Aaaaargh!*
�� Reaching Akane, Ranma-onna spread her hands apart,
describing �the fish that got away�.� Akane tried to
suppress her giggle by covering her mouth with the
towel she carried.� Happousai felt himself blushing
furiously.
�� "Well?"
�� "Can I at least leave this bathroom with some of my
dignity intact?"
�� "Oh my.� You�ve definitely changed."
�� Akane stepped out.� "Ranma�s old clothes are on the
shelf."
�� Hearing the outer door close, Happousai slowly
counted to ten as he savagely blanked his mind and
forced his body to relax. In a blur of motion, he
leaped out of the water, toweled himself and put on
the clothes.
�� Stepping out of the bathroom, he encountered the
couple.� Akane was wearing a bathrobe, Ranma-onna had
wrapped a towel around her body but it barely
concealed her.� The two stopped whispering and studied
him. � Akane made the motion for him to turn a full
circle, Happousai complied. � Ranma gave a wolf
whistle.
�� "Oh my.� You look good in them."
�� Happousai scratched the back of his head. � "Uh,
thank you."
�� "How does it fit."
�� Happousai did some contortions.� "The chest is
kinda tight."
�� Ranma-onna arched an eyebrow.� Akane continued, her
voice a bit strained, "And the waist."
�� "Kinda loose."
�� Ranma-onna addressed the ceiling, "Now where have I
heard that before."
�� Grabbing her by her pig-tail, Akane dragged
Ranma-onna into the bathroom.� "C�mon Ranma, let�s
take a bath."
�� "Did I say something wrong?"
�� "What did you say, Sensei?"** Kasumi inquired.� She
was carrying more of Ranma�s Chinese shirts and pants.
�� Happousai tried to discern if Kasumi was teasing
him.� She returned his gaze, her head cocked in an
endearing manner.
��� Happousai sighed.� "When I told Akane that the
shirt was tight at the chest and the pants loose at
the waist, she seemed annoyed."
�� "Oh my."
�� "I did say something wrong, didn�t I."
�� "You said the same thing that Ranma-chan said when
she had to wear Akane�s clothes."� Kasumi was
suppressing her giggles.
�� "Ah."� Comprehension. �"AH!"� A chuckle.� Then
laughter.� Infectious.
�� Kasumi joined him.
�� Several minutes passed before they could stop
laughing, both were gripping their sides.
�� Kasumi composed herself.� "Would you like me to
adjust the clothes?"
�� Happousai grinned.� "Let me do it, I know how to
sew.� Just recount some of Ranma�s other antics."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Cologne stood by the school gate, partially
obscuring the word �Furinkan�.� Several boys had made
a pass at her, but she easily brushed them off.�
Irritated, she projected an aura that made the boys
ignore her.
�� Spotting Lanko with several of her friends as they
stepped out of the school grounds, Cologne waited
until Lanko started on her trip home. � Cologne easily
caught up with her.� "Hello Lanko."
�� "Auntie Cologne!� What are you doing here."
�� Something about Lanko�s demeanor made Cologne tell
the truth.� "Avoiding Happousai."
�� "Does it have something to do with a baseball
incident."
�� "Guilty."
�� "You should have seen the number of girls that went
to the fallen prince charming.� I think they�ve
traumatized the boys� baseball team."
�� "Did you help him?"
�� "Of course."
�� Cologne raised an eyebrow.
�� "He�s my uncle."
�� "I suspect you�re going to be pretty popular from
now on."
�� Lanko grinned.� "Looks like its time for me to get
some tips from Auntie Nabiki."
�� Cologne matched the grin.� "I think you should."
�� They ran in silence for some time.
�� Nearing the Ono�s residence and clinic, Lanko
skidded to a stop.
�� "Something wrong, Lanko?"
�� "You�re avoiding uncle Happousai, right?"
�� Cologne nodded.
�� "Let�s go window-shopping then."
�� Cologne looked askance. � "Window-shopping?"
�� "You�ve never window-shopped before?"
�� "No.� First time I�ve heard about it."
�� "Great.� You�ll like it.� Trust me."
�� Cologne grabbed Lanko�s arm before she could run
off.� "Promise me one thing."
�� "Okay."
�� "We�ll be home before nightfall."
�� "No prob."
�� Cologne followed Lanko into the shopping district.
�� Cologne had to admit, she was having fun
window-shopping.� She tried to avoid the windows
displaying wedding gowns but Lanko seemed attracted to
it.� In her favor, a lot of girls were hovering near
those particular displays, dreamy looks in their eyes.
���A thought crossed her mind when they were admiring
the third display.� "Lanko."
�� "Hmmm?"� She replied dreamily.
�� "Are you engaged to anyone?"
�� "Wha!?� ME?!"� She turned several shades of red.�
"Don�cha think I�m kinda young to even think of such
stuff."
�� "My mistake."� Cologne bowed in apology to Lanko .
They were now in front of a jewelry and fashion
accessory store. � Cologne spotted one that looked
like the reversal jewel.� "What I meant was, has your
father arranged a spouse for you?"
�� "Oh. You mean like Ranma and Akane."
�� Cologne nodded.
�� Lanko stared covetously at a particularly gaudy
looking trinket.� "Nah.� Mom and dad said I could
marry whomever I loved."
�� "Dad?� Not �pop�?"
�� "Isn�t �pop� kinda disrespectful?"
�� "Ranma calls your father that way."
�� "Is my dad really an awful person.� Mom and Ranma
sometimes drops hints."
�� "Let�s exchange notes one of these days."
�� Cologne saw that Lanko recognized a dodge. � They
were in front of an Ice Cream parlor.� "Ever tried a
Super Special Sundae Supreme?"
�� Cologne shook her head, knowing what�s going to
happen next.
�� Lanko grabbed her arm and dragged her inside. �
"C�mon.� You�ll love it."
�� Lanko noticed the amount of sundae Cologne left
untouched.� "You don�t like it?"
�� "It�s the first time I have ever eaten anything
like it.� To be honest I find it intriguing, but I
cannot say I loved nor loathed it."
�� "Don�t worry, you�ll get used to it. �I promise." A
burp punctuating her statement.� "Excuse me."
�� "Do you want my share?"
�� "Can I?"
�� "Be my guest."
�� Having finished hers, Lanko wolfed down Cologne�s
sundae.� Cologne marveled at the girl�s appetite.� She
then noted the way Lanko was jabbing at the sundae.�
Like a slowed down hundred-fist barrage.
�� "Lanko."
�� With her mouth full, Lanko looked at Cologne to
tell her she was listening.
�� "Do you practice the art?"
�� Lanko nodded her head.
�� "How long have you been at it."
�� Lanko successfully swallowed the last of the
sundae. � "Only recently."
�� "Oh?"
�� "Mom, Dad and Ranma didn�t want to force me into
martial arts.� They wanted me to choose my own
destiny, so to speak. � When I was a kid I thought the
arts was boooring."
�� "So what made you change your mind?"
�� "There�s this obnoxious bully in my school and�"
�� Cologne laughed� "Not exactly the most honorable
reason to get into the arts."
�� Lanko looked hurt.� "�I wanted her to stop picking
on us."
�� Cologne nodded in understanding, she smiled to take
out some of the sting from her laugh earlier.� "Lanko,
your intentions are quite honorable.� The only problem
is, if you do not convince your friends to stand up to
the bully, then they will always depend on you to
protect them.� In a way you would make them weaker and
an easier target for other bullies.� Right now, I can
say that the bully behaves herself whenever you�re
around.� Correct?"
�� Lanko nodded.
�� "But what about the times when you�re not around?"
�� Lanko paused, then a stricken look crossed her
face. � "Auntie Cologne, what have I done?"
�� "Have you told Ranma yet?"
�� Lanko shook her head miserably.
�� "Why not?"
�� She answered in a small voice.� "I don�t want him
to laugh at me, most especially him."
�� Cologne reached out and squeezed Lanko�s hand. � "I
don�t think he�ll laugh.� Talk to him, but not right
now. � Perhaps after this journey."
�� "Will you be there."
�� Cologne paused.� She looked at Lanko and knew that
she loved her as a daughter, but not like her Amazon
children, for Lanko was special. � She would be able
to teach, show and guide her, Cologne, to understand
and survive the �modern� world.� "Of course I will."
�� "Thanks Auntie Cologne."
�� The two stepped out of the Ice Cream parlor. �
Glancing at the sky, Cologne saw that it was nearly
nightfall.
�� "We�d better go home now, Lanko."
�� "Okay Auntie."
�� "Lanko."
�� "Yes Auntie?"
�� "What would you say if I said I can teach you a
different kind of Martial Arts."
�� "Will Uncle Happousai be with us?"
�� "Is he important to your decision?"
�� "No.� Just my bank book."
�� Cologne smiled.� "There�s a possibility."
�� "I�ll still have to ask Ranma�s opinion."
�� Cologne nodded approval.� "I wouldn�t have it any
other way.� C�mon, let�s fly."� Picking up Lanko,
Cologne leapt to the roof of the nearest building.�
Without pausing, she ran the length of the roof and
leapt to the next and the next and the next.
�� Nearing the Tendou-Saotome dojo, Cologne spotted
Dr. Toufu casually strolling in the same direction.�
Landing beside him, Cologne stopped long enough to
greet the good doctor.� "Good evening, Dr. Toufu."
�� "Oh, hello there Sensei Cologne, Lank�"
�� By the next bound, they were at the dojo gates. �
Ranma, Akane and Happousai were piling several
backpacks into an American van . Cologne liked the way
Ranma�s old clothes fit Happousai.� His ninja boots
complemented the ensemble nicely.
�� "That was fun Auntie Cologne.� Will you teach me
how to do that?"
�� Cologne looked at Ranma.
�� Ranma mussed Lanko�s hair.� "To do what Cologne
just did, you need strong legs, not scrawny
pre-pubescent legs..." � Lanko tried to cover her legs
when Ranma pointed at them.
�� "�and to have strong legs, you need to grow up."�
He lifted Akane�s skirt and ran his hands
appreciatively on her thighs.� "Use that as an
incentive to improve on your art."
���"So I can�t jump like Auntie Cologne?"
�� "How old is Cologne?"� He realized his error.�
"Physically?"
�� Lanko studied Cologne.� "Around eighteen?"
�� "Ouch, do I look that old already." � Cologne
pulled out a compact and was studying her face.
�� "Sixteen?"
�� Cologne put her compact away.� "I feel younger
already."
�� Ranma grinned.� "Right.� By the time you reach that
age, you will be able to jump just like your Auntie."
�� "Really?"
�� "Really."
�� Lanko dashed into the dojo shouting gleefully.� "I
can�t wait to grow up and be sixteen.� Then I can fly!
� Wheeeee!"
�� "Ranma?"
�� "Yes Akane?"
�� "You�re still holding my skirt up."
�� Ranma looked down at his hand in shock, then at
Akane�s legs.� "It�s wrong to cover such beautiful
legs." � He ran his hands up her thighs and fingered
her.
�� She gasped, "Oh my," and hit Ranma on the head with
a small mallet. "A Pervert."
�� Ranma keeled over and flopped under Akane, his head
between her feet.� "Hey, it�ll be awhile before I�ll
see you again. � I�m taking in all that I can handle."
�� Akane looked at Cologne, a bemused expression on
her face.� "Oh my.� He�s become a major pervert
again."
�� "Considering their master has returned and YOU know
what he was like..."
�� "What�s that suppose to mean. � I�ve CHANGED."�
Happousai protested.
�� The girls ignored him.� "Should you be surprised?"
�� "Guess not."
�� Spluttering, Happousai went into the van.
�� "What�s with that?"� Cologne gestured to the van.
�� "Gosunkugi-san, Tatewaki-kun and Nabiki-chan will
meet us at the pier."
�� Akane noticed that Cologne wasn�t carrying
anything.� "Oh my.� Do you need any clothes, I can
lend you some."
�� "No need, Akane.� I will acquire some when we�ve
reached the mainland.� Thank you for your offer
though."� She entered the van and sat at the last row,
beside Happousai.
�� The other ladies exited the dojo.
�� "Ranma!� What are you doing?" � Nodoka�s reprimand
a tone between incredulity and disappointment.
�� "Just taking one last look at Akane, mom."
�� Nodoka turned her gaze to Akane. "You could just
walk away, instead of standing there."
�� "Mom.� Think about it. Which would be worse.�
Having a 27-year old pervert look up your skirt� Or�
Having that same 27-year old following you around by
worming his body and still looking up your skirt."
�� "Considering it�s Ranma you�re talking about, I see
your point.� You�re wise beyond your years, Akane." �
She went to the van.� Miss Hinako winked at Akane
before joining Nodoka.
�� Ranma sat up.� "Hey Dr. Toufu isn�t here yet."
�� Again Akane brought out a tiny mallet and struck
Ranma on the head.
�� "Keep it up and I might get brain damaged."� He
flopped himself down on the road again.
�� Akane snorted.� "YOU, have a brain? � Oh my."
�� "Did you know that the male praying mantis performs
better when his head has been bitten off by its
mate?"� Dr. Toufu cheerfully announced.
�� "What are you trying to tell us, doc?"
�� "Nothing really, seemed like an appropriate thing
to say at the time."� He kissed Kasumi on the cheek
and the two entered the van.
�� "Coming Ranma?" Akane stepped into the vehicle.
�� "Sometimes, I don�t understand you, big brother."�
Lanko bounded into the van.
�� Ranma stood up and dusted his back as well as he
could.� He did a visual inspection of the van before
taking his seat and pulling the sliding door shut.
�� The Jusenkyo guide was talking to the driver,
Sasuke.
�� "Hey there, Sasuke." Ranma greeted.
�� "Greetings, Master Ranma."
�� "Have the other said their hellos?"
�� "Yes they have, Master Ranma." � Sasuke started the
van and engaged the gears.� It smoothly picked up
speed.
�� "How�s it going?"
�� "Better a chauffeur than a human practice dummy,
any day of the week, I�d say.� Master Ranma."
�� "Don�t you ever get tired of calling people Master
or Mistress?"
�� "That would be impolite, Master Ranma."
�� "Any complaints?"
�� "I�m contented, Master Ranma."
�� Akane tapped Ranma on the head.� "Ranma, quit
interrogating Sasuke, will ya."
�� "You�re doing a fine job, Sasuke."
�� "Thank you, Master Ranma."
�� While Ranma was conversing with Sasuke. The two at
the back had a more subdued discourse.
�� "Nice clothes."� Cologne whispered appreciatively.
�� Happousai ignored her.
�� "I�m sorry."� A soft apology.
�� Happousai grunted.
�� "I said I�m sorry."� Even softer.
�� "You should be."� Happousai whispered back.
�� "Does that mean you forgive me."
�� Happousai tried to stay angry, but Cologne�s mix of
hurt and sincere apology melted his heart.
�� He wagged a finger at her.� "If you ever do that
again. I�m going to�"
�� She cupped his hand with hers. � "You�re going to
what?"� She smiled innocently.
�� Pulling his hand away, Happousai crossed his arms.
� "Just don�t do that again."� He mumbled.
�� Cologne smiled and happily leaned her head on his
shoulder.� Happousai harrumphed softly but didn�t move
away.
�� Pretending to be asleep, Lanko hoped that her new
Uncle and Auntie would stay with them for a while.�
*They're fun.*
�� The rest of the trip was held in a companionable
silence.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Like a lost soul, a foghorn�s low moaning sound
announced itself.� Barely nightfall, a thick fog had
enveloped the pier and it appeared more a dream than
anything substantial.
�� At one of the docks, a large group comprised of
Ranma, Akane, Tatewaki, Nabiki, Nodoka, Hinako, Lanko,
Cologne, Happousai and the Jusenkyo guide huddled
close to each other.
�� The sound of footsteps made them turn their heads
towards the source.
�� Parting the fog, the tall wraithlike creature
unhesitatingly headed towards the waiting group.
�� "My apologies for making you wait." � Without
breaking stride, Gosunkugi leaped off the end of the
pier.� The sound of feet landing on a wooden deck
revealed his fate.
�� "Did he really have to do that?" � Ranma took an
internal poll of the number of people impressed by
Gosunkugi�s �leap of faith�.� Surprisingly most seemed
to be.
�� "If you got it, flaunt it.� Right?" � A disembodied
voice responded.� "Ah, here we go."� The rasp of a
match struck.� A strong gust of wind coming out of
nowhere.� In a blink of an eye a section of the fog
was cleared.
�� Ranma and company could now see Gosunkugi and the
vessel he was in.
�� "Isn�t that?"
�� "That is correct Ranma.� Only after a long and
ardorous battle did I finally convince my significant
other that I must be included in your quest."
�� "Don�t you mean arduous?"� Ranma cast a sidelong
glance at Nabiki.� She was on the phone, oblivious to
others as she dealt with last-minute business matters.
�� "Nope."� The same cat-grin.
�� "Ah.� Are you up to it?"
�� In a blur, Tatewaki produced a bokken and
attacked.� Ranma was hard pressed to find an opening.
�� "Enough."� Happousai grabbed the bokken and held it
fast.� Tatewaki tried to yank it out of Happousai�s
grasp but failed.� "What else can you contribute?"
�� Tatewaki pulled out a cellular phone. � "With this
I can call anyone, anytime, anywhere. I have more."
�� Happousai released the bokken back. � "Welcome."
�� Finished with business, Nabiki arched her eyebrow
in inquiry.� Tatewaki bowed at the waist and gestured
that she enter their ship.
�� With Tatewaki�s aid, Nabiki stepped into their
ship.
�� Taking that as the signal, the others transferred
the baggage over.
�� Ranma walked up to Akane and hugged her.
�� "I can�t believe I�m not going."
�� "I�m sorry."
�� She looked up.� "I�m okay, Ranma. � Bring them home
safe."
�� "Akane."
�� Akane hugged him fiercely.
�� A soft chuckle announced a presence nearby. � "I
too can�t believe I�m to be left behind."
�� "I�m not going to hug you, Ryouga."
�� "Aw.� After all we�ve gone through together?� I�m
hurt."
�� The couple parted.� Ranma had a smirk on his face.�
"Come here ya big boar."
�� The two friends embraced and slapped each other on
the back.
�� "Guard her well."
�� Ryouga nodded solemnly.� "Don�t take too long,
Ranma."
�� "Are you two through with your ritual male bonding
yet?"� Happousai called out from the ship.
�� Akane hugged them both.� Ranma bounded into the
ship.
�� She leaned over and gave him a deep and passionate
kiss.
�� A deep rumble heralded the marine engines coming to
life.
�� They separated reluctantly.
�� The two groups waved at each other as the ship
glided into the fog.
�� When the sound of the ship could no longer be
heard, those on the dock turned to leave.
�� Akane visibly shuddered.
�� "Are you alright?"� Hinako had noticed.
�� "Just chilly."� Even to Akane�s ears, her
explanation sounded lame.� Hinako merely nodded.
�� Akane, Nodoka, Hinako and Lanko started to walk
away.
�� Akane looked back to see Ryouga hadn�t moved, he
was scanning the sky intently.� *Not that he could see
anything.* �"Ryouga?"
�� "For a moment there, I thought I felt something."
���*The same time I felt chilled?*� "Do you still feel
it?"
�� "No."� He shook his head in disgust, "Not anymore."
�� "C�mon let�s get out of this fog." Akane and Ryouga
caught up with the others.
�� High atop one of the loading cranes, a winged
figure watched the five leave the docks.
------------------------------------------------
Post Script:
** Unfortunately, this wordplay only works in English.
-�After perusing the Ranma � Memorial Book, I was
quite surprised to see that in the gatefold mural
listing of characters, Dr. Tofu Ono�s first name was
spelled T - O - U - F - U!� Happosai is actually
HappoUsai and Kuno does have a U after the O.
��To make doubly sure, I not only checked the Furigana
of the above mentioned characters, but also Ranma�s,
Akane�s and Ryouga�s name (Furigana are the little
Hiragana text above or to the right of the Kanji
symbol, depending on which direction it is written).
Ranma�s last name is pronounced SA OTO ME, Akane�s is
TEN DOU, and Hibiki�s controversial first name is
indeed pronounced RYOU GA.
��Since the Memorial Book has the same Japanese
publisher as Rumiko Takahashi�s other works, I assumed
that they would make sure that the English equivalent
of their names were corrected by Takahashi-sama.
-�When full names are uttered, I follow the Japanese
system of mentioning the family name first then the
given name. If it is part of the narrative I switch to
the western system of given name first then family
name.
-�Please remember that this story takes place eleven
(!) years after the final episode.
-�The first half of Chapter 3 was done several weeks
after chapter 2. Running out of steam, it was shelved
into limbo. Thanks to the generous encouragement from
a new acquaintance, I was inspired to finish Chapter
3. Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu.
��That was two years (!) later. Talk about writer�s
block. To add insult to injury I accidentally
overwrote chapter 3 with chapter 4. Thankfully a
friend had a copy of the original first half with him,
so I spent one hectic night trying to recall the
second half.
-�Just like the previous chapters, running updates and
modifications were done from time to time.
- For those who have just encountered this chapter,
the previous chapter can be found either in the FFML
archive or at http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-1.htm
(or rv-2.htm)
- Succeeding chapters can be found at
http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-4.htm (for Chapter
4). Replacing the number will give the appropriate
chapter (ex: rv-5.htm is Chapter 5, etc.)
- As always, please send all C&C privately to either
fvector@yahoo.com or fvector@usa.net
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Send online invitations with Yahoo! Invites.
http://invites.yahoo.com