I hope that those who've come before have enjoyed this story, for those of you who haven't read this before... I think you'll enjoy the dramatic and allusionary references throughout the work.

        For those who HAVE read it, I suggest that you reread the Poem again before every episode, as it has certain.... foreshadowing effects on the story.

        *Sigh* It's been a great deal of time since I wrote, and I finally decided to sit down and hammer out another Episode, so here it is. Those who've enjoyed my style before will most likely enjoy this story, as it keeps with the emotional/comical mix of original Takahashi, and Story-Weaver's Tapestry of Bardic quality.

        I would like to thank a few people before we start. First, I would like to thank The Various authors who've inspired me to write this tale.

       Mike "Cynewolf" Noakes, the slowest Fanfic writer I know, but very apt in his telling of tales.

        Richard Lawson, whom I hold great reverence over as one of the all time greats with his "Thy Inward Love" and "Thy Outward Part" Fics. Lawson-San.... your tales are works of greatness... domo arigato for your inspiration.

        I also would like to give a heartfelt applause to Zen, the writer of "The Bitter End", which is one of the finest works I have ever had the pleasure of crying to... *Snif* it's a ringer, Zen.

        Krista Perry is also one of the author's I would like to mention, as her story "Hearts of Ice" is a continuing tale of excitement and torment for the loving pair of romantics, Ranma and Akane. Keep up the good work!

        Ahem.... *Cough* I would also like to thank Hi and Dai, whom without this story could never have taken place. Thanks fella's.

                                                        <replies go to kaoru@mosquitonet.com>

<Insert Standard Disclaimer Here:Characters not of my own design belong to Rumiko Takahashi, the Lady who invented Ranma 1/2>

Now... ON WITH THE SHOW!!!

 

Tell a Friend About Fragile Clay!!!

 

Fragile Clay: Volume 2

Episode Three

"A Cullinary Catalyst! Ranma's Challenge of Taste!"

        The soft glow of the dusk illuminated the ward of Nerima Tokyo.... casting brilliant shades of reds, yellows, and purples on the thin layer of clouds above. The wind blew a soft breath through the streets of Nerima... heralding that soon Winter would be here, as the tapestry of colourful leaves foreshadowed.

        It had been a scant 19 day's since the streets had fallen quieter than usual, though one might ask what was so abnormal about quiet.

 

        It's not normal for Nerima... and certainly not normal for a certain dojo, reknowned for housing a young Martial Artist by the name Ranma Saotome, as well as his Fiancee... Akane Tendo.

 

        The Tendo Residence, in the past, had been one full of energy, excitement, battles, arguments, repairs, and various odd beings coming to take a call on the Saotome and Tendo clan.

 

        If it were not this, then it would be a war of Love between Ranma's fiancee's. But.... since a challenge those 19 days before, the streets of Nerima had fallen into a silent slumber... the only spell breaking this was a single day when a super being named Aquarius escaped from her imprisonment and attacked Ranma... causing trouble in itself.

 

        They had won the battle, Ranma and his friends.

 

        The beautiful Tendo dojo... Pristine and sacred to it's inhabitants, sworn to defend their lives for it. The Silence was a blessing to the surrounding neighbors.... and one that would not last much Longer....

* * * * * 

        "RANMAAAAAAA!" A young woman cried.

 

        Akane was not normally this upset. Before the Saotomes had come, she had been peaceful in her daily routine. Then, Ranma had come. It usually wasn't so bad, except on nights she got to cook.

 

        Nabiki, the financier of the house, was currently scribbling on a pad of paper, estimating the damages the night would bring.

 

        Kasumi, the Matron Saint of the House, walked slowly around the table, collecting plates of some noxious soup and hideously overbaked bread.

        Soun Tendo was absently poking a fork at the bread, which promptly crumbled into a semblance of powder. His face a shade of green, and half the food on his plate missing.

 

        "Daddy, you _really_ didn't have to try and eat it... I mean, we all know how bad Akane is at this type of thing," Nabiki heard a crash, and a thump... and figured Akane's hammer had connected with the floor, as well as that her sister had just found her would- be-fiancee.

 

        "RANMA NO BAKA!!!" Crash. Bang. Shatter. *That would be the Bedroom wall, the table in Akane's room, and the Lamp...* Nabiki had learned to distinguish many things from the sound of them breaking. Being around Ranma caused things to break.

 

        "I know Nabiki... I had just hoped she had gotten Better... well, call me a fool for hoping..." Soun promptly fell over, moaning his anguish. Mr. Panda watched this from the corner, then pulled out a watermelon he had been keeping for himself, knowing that this doom might have been fated for that night.

 

        "Father... maybe I should try helping her in the kitchen again. I _know_ that if she tries hard enough, she can do it!" Kasumi beamed with promised hope, and Nabiki groaned.

 

        Ranma ran in with Akane hot on his heels. His eyes locked on Genma's by now half-eaten watermelon... and glared with vengeance.

 

        "I can't believe you were holding out on me, POP! GIMME THAT, I'M STARVING!" Ranma dodged Akane's hammer several times, and then got into a hand grappling contest with the Panda, quickly snatching it away from the furry creatures arms.

 

        Ranma laughed at the glare the Panda gave him, then dropped twitching to the floor as Akane's hammer found his head before he could take a bite.

 

        "Serves you right, insulting my food like that! I worked for three hours to prepare that, and all you can do is tell me you'd rather eat cow dung!" Akane's eyes were on the verge of bursting with tears.

 

        Ranma groaned and rubbed his head.

 

        "If you didn't find your ingredients at a chemical waste plant, I wouldn't HAVE to complain!" Akane smashed the hammer into Ranma's head again.

 

        From the Kitchen Doorway, Nodoka sighed and shook her head. *What am I to do with you, child....* She smiled a bit, recalling that she would much rather put up with Ranma alive than fearing he was dead. She had missed her child...

 

        "Next time you insult my cooking, I won't be so nice!" Akane stormed off to her room.

 

        Ranma sat up again, rubbing his head vigorously. "If that's what she calls nice, I'd hate to see angry."

 

        Nodoka shook her head again, a grin across her face. She walked over to Ranma, helping him up. "Be thankful it was only her cooking, and that Ryouga was not here," Ranma nodded absently.

 

        "Mom... it's just that she's trying to kill me! I swear, you don't know the stuff she puts in her cooking!" Ranma turned bright red, then a shade of green as he recalled what he had to eat that evening.

 

        "I know she could use some help in the kitchen.... and that her stubborn streak makes her difficult to advise in cooking manners... but she also takes great care in the food she prepares for you, as you took care in the breakfast you made for her," Nodoka Slowly walked back to the kitchen, glancing back for a moment to smile at Ranma.

 

        Ranma sighed and shook his head. He glanced around for the Watermelon, only to find Mr. Panda nibbling on the rhine. Ranma, with a red complexion, bunted him through the ceiling. "Cheap," He said as he picked up the empty rhine.

 

        Soun looked up at the hole in the ceiling, as did Nabiki. "Ranma, you really have to stop doing that," The middle Tendo Sister stated flatly.

 

        Soun nodded his confirmation. "Ranma, perhaps you should go for a walk. Akane is most likely still upset about your comment and I do not want to see your relationship going for the worst on account of a single dinner," Soun stood from the table, a solemn expression on his face.

 

        "C'mon, it's not like we haven't fought before. She'll get over it," Ranma shrugged and turned to the stairs.

 

        "Ranma, listen to Daddy for a second. You and Akane have been getting along quite well lately... I haven't had to repair the roof in four days. I think maybe you should go let off your steam while Akane cools down for once. It couldn't hurt, you know..." Nabiki, he hated to admit, made a little sense.

 

        With a heavy sigh he turned to the dojo door. "Fine. Maybe I'll go see Hiroshi, I've been wonderin' why he hasn't been around," Ranma slipped into his black chinese shoes and turned to the door.

 

        Kasumi leaned out of the kitchen, a smile on her joyful face. "Ranma, could you bring home some Lo Mein for tomorrow night? I seem to be out and your Mother wanted to have one of my special Recipes for taste reference," Ranma Nodded absently, and headed out the door.

* * * * * 

        Ranma leaped onto the fence, staring up at the night sky. The glimmering stars emphasized the peaceful serenity that Nerima exuded... while hiding the turmoil of Chaos within.

 

        He had hoped that his trouble-making would result in this. He hadn't been out in a while... and being around the Dojo four days straight got redundant without Ryouga or Tarou or anyone else showing up.

 

        He almost missed Shampoo's liberal advances. His sigh was a contented one, though, as he stared at the starry sky, revelling in the wind blowing through his hair. *Alot has changed...*

 

        Ranma reconsidered the battle with Mousse only a scant two weeks before. He recalled how Akane had slowly come to realize there were layers upon layers of him she had not discovered, nor touched upon. He found himself growing closer to Akane than ever before...

 

        Strangely, that troubled him. Even Scared him a little. He wasn't sure if he was ready to commit to the relationship, if he was ready to love her.... and yet he did. An odd Paradox of emotion, which had him mentally running in circles about what to do.

 

        His care caused him complex problems, such as tonight. He knew that if he insulted Akane, at the point in this relationship, Mr. Tendou and the rest would become uncomfortable about his endangering it all of a sudden. It hurt him, however, that he had had to do what he did to escape the Dojo for a night.

 

        He shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs of uncertainty from his mind. He had decided to find out why Hiroshi had been avoiding him as of late. *Nah... he's not avoiding me. He's just busy, tha's all*. Lately, Hiroshi had been a bit distant in his conversation, and not in the thoughtful way like usual. It almost made Ranma think he was nervous about something.

 

        Ranma smiled a bit, recalling what his friend had sacrificed to defend him. His life, his manhood, his honor. Hiroshi had been willing to accept the Nyannichuan Curse to try and understand Ranma better... to see his side of things.

 

        While that had lasted a short while, Aquarius had damaged the amulet that provided this link in a battle not but a few days before.

 

        Not only had Hiroshi been willing to put his manhood on the line for Ranma's friendship, he had also come close to sacrificing his life three times.

 

        Ranma stopped as he came to Hiroshi's drive, and readied himself to jump in the water beside the fence. He had learned that around Hiroshi's house, Water seemed to seek him even more furvently than at the Dojo... and it was sometimes better to get it over with than worry about getting splashed as he maneuvered around Hiroshi's house.

 

        Ranma let his balance slip, and fell carefully into the cold water below. He felt the tingling sensation permeate through him, and the contracting feeling from inside out as things reshaped themselves to a smaller frame.

 

        Her red head emerged from the depths, shaking fiercely to get the excess water out. *Sheesh, the things I gotta do to get by.* Ranma climbed out of the canal and dropped onto the road, squeezing the water from her shirt.

After she judged herself as dry as she was going to be, she began walking up the drive.

* * * * * 

        Memeko silently cooked with a solemn look on her face. She looked down at the frying pan as she stirred the contents, teryaki rice and beef. She added several spices as she stirred, and looked into the living room, where

 

        Hiroshi was idly sitting flipping through television channels.

 

        Memeko shook her head with a sad sigh. Something had been bothering her brother lately, and she couldn't place her finger on it. She DID however know that Ranma had something to do with it.

 

        "Mama? Can I have a cookie from the cookie jar?" Kaehmi asked with a small smile.

 

        Memeko grinned in response. "Now, if I gave you a cookie... that might spoil your dinner. Would you want Mama to go to all this trouble to cook, and then you not eat because of a cookie?" Kaehmi nodded vigorously in response.

 

        Memeko grinned and shook her head. "Well, I see you think so much of my cooking! Maybe after dinner, Love. It's going to be finished very soon anyways," Memeko smiled at the disappointed look on her child's face.

 

        "Kaehmi, could you go ask your Uncle what he would want to drink with his dinner?" Kaehmi nodded vigorously, clutching her stuffed Cabbit to herself. She liked being of use, and helping her Mother.

 

        The little girl virtually bounced into the living room and then stopped when she saw the sad look in Hiroshi's eyes. Her Uncle switched off the Television and picked up a notebook.

 

        Kaehmi traced her foot along an invisible line on the ground as her gaze wavered from the floor uncertainly to Hiroshi. "Uncle 'Roshi?"

 

        "Yes, Kaehmi?" Hiroshi responded without looking up from his notepad. He scribbled slowly on the page in Kanji 'Ranma'.

 

        "Mama was wonderin' if you... I mean what she wanted to know is what you wanna drink for dinner..." Kaehmi smiled unsurely as she saw her Uncle look up.

 

        "Anything is fine," Hiroshi forced a smile. "Shouldn't you be playing or somethin'?" Hiroshi asked as he looked at his Niece. She was a very cute kid, even when she was nervous.

 

        Her smile returned and she nodded. Hiroshi, despite himself, grinned at her as she bounced back to the kitchen.

 

        His grin faded though as his mind wandered back to the trouble that had been plagueing him as of late.

*Ranma.... why in the blue blazes of all the world did it have to be Ranma....*

 

        Hiroshi shook his head and stood, setting the book down silently as he ran his other hand through his hair. He felt so stupid, not realizing the problem beforehand. He usually was very perceptive about such things....

 

        It had started, for as much as he could tell, when Ranma's life had nearly fallen to pieces. Akane had called off the engagement in what appeared to be a very serious manner. Then, the day after the incident.... Ranma's problem's all pushed themselves at her, driving her from school when she realized she had hurt her best friend, Hiroshi.

 

        Ranma slept over that night... and discovered Hiroshi's secret place... the Vault. Hiroshi could almost pinpoint the moment when his view had changed... when he had lifted Ranma into his arms to carry her upstairs he had looked down onto her peaceful face, and smiled.

 

        *Something special in that smile...* Had echoed in his mind for the past week. Hiroshi left the living room in a grim mood and began walking up to his room. He was stopped on the bottom step by his Sister's voice.

 

        "Hiroshi? Are you all right?" Memeko's words barely penetrated the fog over his mind. He turned and looked at her. Her face was writ with worry, which made Hiroshi feel all the worse.

 

        "What?" He asked moments later, after he had stared for a long time trying to comprehend the question.

 

        "Hiroshi.... something is bothering you. I'm your Sister.... I worry about you..." Memeko looked down nervously, then back up, her concern plain in her eyes. Kaehmi could be heard playing in the kitchen and humming silently to herself, her mind free of grown-up troubles.

 

        Hiroshi opened his mouth to answer, then snapped it shut, thinking for a moment. He had been wondering if he should tell his sister anything, and now it seemed almost wrong to keep her in the dark. "Alright..." He nodded.

 

        "There is something wrong.... but I can't fix it."

 

        Memeko pulled Hiroshi back into the living room and sat him down on the couch with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Go on..." She murmured softly as she took a seat beside him, deftly snatching up one of his hand and putting it in her own, clasping Hiroshi's hand firmly to provide emotional support.

 

        "Well.... I suppose you could say it's girl-trouble...." Hiroshi rubbed the back of his neck nervously, then looked back at his sister. She had an encouraging smile on her lips, and a supportive gleam in her eyes. *Sometimes...* Hiroshi wondered, *She reminds me of my own compassion for others.*

 

        "I thought it might be.... so what's wrong with her?" Memeko continued to meet his gaze, not letting him escape the answers she had been wondering about... Worrying about for the past four days.

 

        "Well... nothing's wrong with her. She's fine.... I mean she's beautiful, she's caring, she's compassionate to the needs of others... and her smile is like the sun, if I look too long I could become blind..." Hiroshi mused a small space to consider his own words, before the dour depression returned, his heart suddenly aching to look upon Ranma, and his mind telling him that to do so would mean certain madness.

 

        Memeko rubbed Hiroshi's hand with hers, still clasping it with her other. "She sounds wonderful, someone you could care for deeply? Or do you already?" Memeko warranted a small smile to creep into her supportive demeanor.

 

        Hiroshi wrenched his gaze from his sister's eyes. "Yes. More than my own life, it would seem. She's strong... oh so strong, and noble, and loving, yet so troubled.... so many problems that plague her existence. She is the most brave and honorable person I've ever had the pleasure of knowing... but sometimes there are things she can't confront..." Hiroshi sighed and wiped a tear from his eye. He looked at it quizzically.

 

        "Hiroshi.... if you Love her so much, then why not tell her?" At this comment, Hiroshi wrenched his hand free of his sister's comforting hands and stood. He paced back and forth several times, his frustration only mounting with his inability to grasp a solution to his problem.

 

        "It's not that simple.... It never has been. Not with her, never with her. Things always come between her Love. And..... she doesn't like men...." Hiroshi's shoulders slumped at his words, and Memeko put a supportive hand on his shoulder. Hiroshi shuddered slightly, as his eyes seemed to tear for a moment.

 

        "I'm sure Akane would understand if you only-" Hiroshi's shoulders tightened at Memeko's words, and he turned his face sadly towards her.

 

        "...it's not akane..." Hiroshi whispered through clenched teeth.

 

        "What?" Memeko had hardly heard Hiroshi, his tone was so low. Could she have been mistaken? *But the description was so exact...*

 

        "I said It's not Akane, Memeko. It's Ranma," Hiroshi's proclamation seemed flat, a statement presented in true neutrality. As if it were an obvious fact that all should know.

 

        A cold wave of confusion and fear fell over Memeko, her mind trying to grasp some alternate meaning from her Brother's words... yet finding none to behold.

 

        She took her hand from her brother's shoulder, looking at him in confusion. "Ranma? But.. but.... Hiroshi... you're not gay...." Memeko was shocked as she placed a hand to her heart.

 

        Hiroshi looked at her with a flat expression. "No. I'm not, Sis." He turned back to Memeko, looking her in the eyes, now his Sister seemed to avert her gaze. She couldn't understand why her brother would fall in love with... another man.

 

        He cupped her chin. "Memeko... I am not gay. I am not attracted to the Male Ranma.... I am attracted to Ranma. Do you understand?" Hiroshi's tone of voice could little hold the hurt at the accusation. He had feared she would not understand.... and had hoped she would.

 

        Memeko looked at her brother, if a bit reluctantly, and saw the torment in his soul. "Hiroshi...." She reached out to Hiroshi, who took a reluctant step back. It seemed to Memeko like she was losing her brother as he stepped back... his conflict flickered across the windows to his soul, and he spoke.

 

        "Memeko, I Love Ranma. I cannot do anything about it, it's as if Ranma's gotten into my blood, my veins, my very soul.... made me wild. Like Her," Hiroshi shook his head, a sad smile spread across his face. He had hoped... but perhaps too much. For too many things...

 

        Memeko was speechless, but she looked at her brother, into his eyes. He told no lies, that she knew. Every word had been spoken in truth, from Hiroshi's care for Ranma to all the qualities in Ranma that Hiroshi had come to know and Love. Memeko felt.... a sort of twisted happiness, that Hiroshi had found someone that he could bestow such an emotion on.

 

        She also felt her brother's pain... saw it on his face. *Nothing is ever easy with Ranma...* Hiroshi had told her after Ranma's first visit. *If I could.... just for one moment... lift that sadness from Ranma's existence... I think that, maybe, my Life would be worth while.*

 

        And Memeko smiled. It was a soft, almost bitter-sweet smile. "Love is never easy, Hiro-chan... but I believe you. Kami help me, I believe you..." Memeko embraced her brother in a fierce hug. Her emotions matched his own, the utter confusion, the sad acceptance, the strange emptiness that seems to be filled... only to reveal there's more pain to be conquered.

 

        "I'm doomed. Who can ever understand what I feel.... how could Ranma?" Hiroshi lamented into his Sister's shoulder, as tears streamed from his eyes. His Sister comforted him, rocking him back and forth in her arms as they sat on the couch.

 

        Memeko ran her hands through her brothers short brownish-red hair. "You have to tell.... her, Hiroshi. You have to tell Ranma this." Memeko was full aware of her sexual reference to Ranma... but if she continued to insist on Ranma's male identity, her brother might lose heart. She thought it best to give him hope....

 

        Her brother tensed in her arms. "I... I... I can't do that to.... to... her. Him...." Hiroshi had never conceived of admitting his feelings to Ranma. It seemed that, just by the admittance of his Love for her, defeat was instantaneous.

He couldn't conceive of how Ranma would react to his confession.

 

        Memeko sighed as she heard a knock from the door. "If you keep it bottled up inside, it'll destroy you little-brother. The only way is to tell her, and wait to see..."

* * * * * 

        Ranma whistled and tapped her foot on the stone step at the front Doorway. Fairly soon, the door clicked and opened, a familiar little girl's face peeked out. Kaehmi looked up at Ranma's eyes.

 

        "Why, do I know you Miss?" Kaehmi asked, grinning while she said it. She opened the door a little more, and hugged her Cabbit to her chest.

 

        "Hmmm.... I dunno. Maybe..." Ranma grinned back at the familiar game. Ranma liked Kaehmi.... the innocence and utter playful nature of the girl made Ranma feel somehow whole. As if a part had been taken from her by her father... and the little girl had somehow renewed that playful innocence with which all children view the world.

 

        "Well, if I knew you.... don't you think I would 'member? I mean, with all the nice peoples that come around, I'm sure I would rec'nize someone as pretty as you, Auntie... I mean, er, Miss." Kaehmi stumbled as she almost lost hold of the joke. Ranma blushed furiously when Kaehmi called her 'Pretty', unsure why everyone thought she was so beautiful. She shook her mind off of the thought and continued with the game.

 

        "Well, I guess I'll have to refresh your memory... Hmmm... now what would do the trick?" Ranma pretended to think, and then snapped her fingers.

 

        "I know! How's about..... this!" Ranma pulled out a Chocolate bar, and Kaehmi squeeled in delight and hopped up and down.

 

        "I know! I 'member now! You're Auntie Ranma!!!" Kaehmi giggled and snatched for the candy-bar. Ranma pulled it out of reach and caught the little girl.

 

        "Nah-ah-ah! AFTER dinner.... 'kay?" Kaehmi nodded, a fake pout on her lips. Ranma laughed at the look, and then kissed the little girl on the cheek.

 

        Kaehmi blinked and rubbed her cheek.

 

        Ranma blinked. *Now why did I do that?*

 

        Kaehmi smiled then hugged Ranma. Ranma blushed with Love for the little girl. She really did like Hiroshi's Niece... sometimes a handfull, but the little girl always brought a warm spot to Ranma's heart.

 

        Memeko came to the door, a small smile on her face. "Why, hello Ranma!"

 

        "Momma! Look what Auntie gave me!" Kaehmi waved the candy bar around, having snatched it from Ranma while she hugged her.

 

        Memeko glared at Ranma.

 

        "Hey! I said she couldn't have it till AFTER dinner..." Ranma looked at Kaehmi in her arms with a stern glare. "And I mean that!"

 

        "Awwww.... yer no fun...." Kaehmi joked, but hugged Ranma again.

 

        "Where are my manners.... come in Ranma. I didn't expect you so... late. In fact, I didn't expect you at all," Memeko turned and walked into the house. The Smell of food wafted to Ranma's nose, and she sighed. *Geez, I just LOVE Memeko's cooking.*

 

        Ranma trailed Memeko into the house. "Well.... that's never stopped Daisuke from visiting..." Ranma grinned, setting Kaehmi down. The little girl ran off into the kitchen with a giggle.

 

        Memeko smirked slightly. "True.... Dai has a certain Panash for showing up when you least expect him," Memeko chuckled slightly as she thought of that. Hi had known Dai since they had been children, and Memeko sometimes wondered how two complete opposites could be so close.

 

        "Uhm... Hi, Ranma..." Came Hiroshi's voice as Ranma entered the Kitchen. She looked at her friend, who looked a bit distraught. In fact, he looked a bit pale, as Ranma noted.

 

        "Hiya, 'Roshi! What's up? You look a little down..." Ranma set Kaehmi down and the little girl jumped in the chair opposite Hiroshi. Ranma sat down by her friend.

 

        Memeko looked at her brother, as if urging him to say something. "N...Nothin'. I guess just Girl trouble. I don't wanna talk about it, though," Hiroshi took a deep breath of Memeko's cooking.

 

        "Smell's good, doesn't it Ranma?" Ranma nodded in response, still looking at her friend. *He doesn't look so hot. What's he been doin' all this time?* Ranma could see the fatigue that seemed to surround Hiroshi.

 

        "Hey, are you sure you're okay?" Ranma put a hand to Hiroshi's shoulder, and felt her friend's body tense up completely. Hiroshi nodded, giving a modest smile.

 

        Ranma shrugged and turned to Memeko, who was dishing out food onto several plates. Ranma rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "What are we havin', Memeko?" Ranma asked, smiling up at Hiroshi's elder sister.

 

        "Teryaki rice and beef. It's simple, but I've been busy as of late with work," Memeko smirked and sat down opposite Ranma, glancing over at Hiroshi for a moment, then back at her guest.

 

        "So, Ranma.... what brings you out so late? We haven't had you visit for a while..." Kaehmi hopped up into her seat as Memeko spoke and grinned sheepishly at 'Auntie Ranma'.

 

        It was Ranma's turn to look a little gloomy. "Well... I was sorta missing hangin' with 'Roshi. There was that, and I kinda...."

 

        "You got in a fight with her... didn't you?" Hiroshi sounded almost wistful, remorse showing in his voice. As if he hated to see Ranma and Akane fight. The emotion surprised Memeko.

 

        Ranma looked over at Hiroshi in mute shock. "Uh.... yeah."

 

        "Ranma...." Hiroshi paused, and looked up at Ranma and directly into her blue eyes. Memeko waited expectedly for her brother to speak. When he did, it wasn't what she expected.

 

        "Please.... Akane loves you. Don't jeopardize that love.... you are so lucky to have someone like Akane, someone who you can hold in your arms and know that everything is right with the world..." Hiroshi stared off into space as he spoke, and Ranma looked at him with confusion at first.

 

        "...Someone that when you look at them... the stars shimmer in their eyes, and a blazing inferno is stoked from a tiny ember within your heart.... someone who you always look at side-ways and smile.... please. Someone who's eyes seem to make the world melt away into nothing, and the troubles vanish from your life...Try not to fight with her...." Hiroshi looked back at Ranma. His eyes were carefully neutral, but a silent sadness dwelled beneath the unsteady surface of his soul.

 

        Ranma was stunned. "That was.... I guess beautiful, did you write that?" Ranma smiled softly. Hiroshi, she had noted, was very good at poetry and romanticising words and phrases. *It's one of his finer qualities...* Ranma noted to herself.

 

        "I write most of what I say, yes..." Hiroshi poked his food absently and averted his eyes from Ranma's starry-blue irises.

 

        Ranma leaned back and began eating her food, somewhat nervously as Hiroshi gave her odd looks every five minutes or so. *You'd think there was something wrong with me, the way he keeps starin'.* Ranma laughed inwardly at her comment, and politely didn't voice her opinion.

 

        Kaehmi told Ranma about some of her days at Kindergarden, how they learned to make oragami puppets and had a play with them. Ranma laughed lightly when Kaehmi related the story of the play. Hiroshi sat in marvel of that laugh... and in silence of his heart, beating harshly in his chest whenever he glanced her way.

 

        *I will not jeopardize this friendship....* Hiroshi reminded himself. *Ranma needs a friend...* Yet, with each word uttered from Ranma's mouth, with each glance in his direction... Hiroshi fell in love all over again. It seemed an impossibility to keep his silent vigil against an unbeatable foe. *I-Must-Try.* He reminded himself.

 

        Fairly soon, Memeko retired and Kaehmi went to bed with a yawn from Ranma. She had been playing with the little girl for a good 4 hours, and when she glanced at the clock she found it was a quarter-past-midnight.

 

        Ranma closed the storybook and stood up from her seat on Kaehmi's bed. She smiled down at Kaehmi. *Innocence in Youth... may you always be as bright as you are now, Kaehmi.* Ranma prayed in her mind silently.

 

        "You're very good with her, you know," Hiroshi murmured at the Door. Ranma looked up, startled by the sudden presence. Hiroshi didn't look at her, but instead leaned in the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest and his legs crossed while he leaned on the doorframe. His words penetrated Ranma's startlement.

 

        Ranma leaned over Kaehmi and gently ran a hand over the girl's cheek. "She's a wonderful kid, 'Roshi. Makes me wonder what I would've turned out like if not for Pop," Ranma sighed heavily. "But I can't blame him all the time. What's done is done, and building bridges in yesterday is a good way to forget a cliff tomorrow."

 

        Hiroshi smiled softly. "It seems I've rubbed off on you a little... wasn't that one of my quotes?"

 

        Ranma nodded. "I guess I jus' realize there's some things that we wish for we can't have. Those years with my Mother are one of them..." Ranma looked into nothing for a moment, then shivered.

 

        "Somethin' Wrong, Ranma?" Hiroshi asked, stepping into the room slightly. A hint of concern suddenly seemed to appear on his features. Ranma shook her head and looked up after a moment, forcing a smile.

 

        "S'Nothin'.... just a nightmare I had about children," Ranma swept past Hiroshi and downstairs.

 

        Hiroshi blinked and then followed at his own speed, wondering exactly what Ranma had meant.

 

        Ranma silently strolled down the steps, thinking to herself about the surreal dreams she had been having lately of a masked man and two children, as well as odd dreams of marriage and indecision.

 

        Hiroshi followed in his own musings... his hands in his pockets he stared at Ranma as she walked. *So close and yet so far...* Hiroshi's mind flashed a picture of him Running to Ranma, but only seeming to get farther away from her, the distance seeming to span an endless track.

 

        Ranma turned and looked at him blinking slightly and smiling... *Something in that smile...* Hiroshi mused. It melted his heart to look at that smile. It made his head spin, his mind race, his soul throb. His hand unconciously drifted to his breast, where his heart would lie.

 

        "'Roshi, you sure you're okay? I mean, you've been awfully moody tonight. Heck, even Kaehmi noticed," Ranma brushed a hand through her hair and looked down at the ladder leading to the vault. "I'd say kinda.... dreamy, sometimes,"

 

        Hiroshi stared for a moment in hushed awe at Ranma.

 

        Ranma noted the vacant look in Hiroshi's eyes and squirmed inwardly. "Hiroshi? Hey, man, did you hear me?" She shifted from foot to foot a bit, uncomfortable in Hiroshi's gaze.

 

        "Huh? Oh.... I know I've been kinda... gone. It's just I've been thinking alot... well, alot more than usual. Dwelling on things I shouldn't..." Hiroshi looked down at the ladder. "After you," He bowed dramatically, spreading an arm out in a mockingly Kuno gesture.

 

        Ranma sighed sadly in her mind. *'Roshi...* She nodded and climbed down the ladder, Hiroshi followed moments later and started down the hallway ahead of Ranma. Ranma looked at him oddly but soon shrugged and followed. *Why can't you just tell me what's wrong?* Ranma added in her thought.

* * * * * 

 

        Ranma felt the soft sunlight of morning touch her eyes and she opened them for a moment, shutting them tighter a moment later. *Oy.... gotta remember to get more sleep over here, and less carving...* Ranma chastised herself.

The brilliant sunshine streamed into Hiroshi's room and seemed to fall directly on the bed. Ranma figured Hiroshi had put the bed there for that very reason, so he could see the sun rise and set.

 

        Ranma frowned slightly as she layed in the bed. This was the ninth time Hiroshi had forgone his own bed for her comfort. It seemed that every time Ranma came over, she managed to fall asleep before Hiroshi did... and Hiroshi carried her up here to sleep. "He doesn't hafta to do that... I'd be fine on the couch," Ranma murmured quietly.

 

        The events of the last night drifted across her memory, and she sighed. *Well... maybe Akane's calmed down by now. After all... she _has_ been a bit passive lately.* Ranma continued to stare up at the ceiling, where pictures and drawings were pinned. One caught Ranma's attention.

 

        She gazed up at the picture that Nabiki had taken after the Battle with Mousse. She had her arm wrapped lovingly around Akane as they leaned into eachother, and Hiroshi stood silently by, his arms crossed, a small glimmer of a smile on his face. He looked somehow lonely, as if he weren't really part of the picture.

Ranma shook her head, then decided it was time to get up.

 

        She sat up and pushed the layers of covers off of her body. She smiled as she looked down at her P.J.'s. They were a bright sky-blue with a rainbow across the chest and around the waist.

 

        Kaehmi had bought the Pajama's for her on an earlier visit, when Ranma had gone to help Memeko with shopping. Ranma had been at first reluctant ro accept, or even wear, something so feminine... but Kaehmi flashed those eyes of hers and Ranma felt bad.

 

        So Ranma had ended up wearing the P.J.'s. It hadn't been the first time she'd been tricked into something that she later came to accept... Ranma tugged on her bra- strap, recalling that it had been her mother that had first insisted that Ranma wear it... but later finding out it was much more comfortable to wear one than not to. Ranma mentally noted that the bra seemed a bit tight, but thought nothing of it.

 

        Ranma stood and did several stretching exercises as the sun streamed in. A soft knock on the door caused her a moment of pause. "Yeah?" She asked, while touching her hands to her toes.

 

        "Did you have a good sleep?" Hiroshi's voice sounded tired, and raspy. Ranma stood and looked at him for a moment. His complexion was slightly pale, and there was a weary quality to his stance.

 

        "Hey, are you okay?" Ranma rubbed the back of her neck, seeing how tired Hiroshi looked. Like he hadn't slept in a few day's.

 

        "I jus' couldn't sleep. That's all. Well, did you sleep well or not?" Hiroshi asked a bit more forcefully than usual. Ranma was slightly startled by it.

 

        "Uh... I guess. Actually, I feel pretty refreshed... but then again, that's not saying much with me. Try riding on the back of an old wagon on a rocky, bumpy road in China and THEN saying you feel refreshed... ugh..." Ranma smiled when she heard Hiroshi chuckle slightly.

 

        Hiroshi stopped when he saw that smile, and rubbed the back of his neck... his guilt for keeping Ranma in the dark about his feelings making him feel even worse for having snapped at her. "Look... ah... I'm sorry," Hiroshi grimaced as he spoke, and ran his hand through his hair. Ranma thought that when he did that, he looked even more tired.

 

        Ranma gazed at Hiroshi oddly. "Hey, don't apologize, 'Roshi... you haven't done anything wrong! I'm sure you got a reason not to be your usual, cheery self," There was a slight pause as Ranma considered something, "I jus' hope..." Ranma looked down at the ground for a moment.

 

        "Yeah?" Hiroshi asked, looking up at her.

 

        "Well... I mean, it's jus' that I'm used to you being the one who's there to cheer me up. I don't like seein' you like this... it kinda makes me feel bad that I can't cheer you up. I dunno..." Ranma looked back up at Hiroshi. "I guess I hope that whatever's bugging you is just a temporary thing."

 

        "It's okay, Ranma... I'm fine for now," Hiroshi flashed that winning smile, and Ranma paused for a moment, staring at Hiroshi.

 

        "What?" Hiroshi asked, looking down at his clothes to make sure there wasn't anything wrong.

 

        Ranma shook her head with a slight smile. "S'Nothin. Jus' that if whatever's bugging you is a girl.... she must be a damned fool for not realizing what a great guy you are. I mean, you're probably the most thoughtful, caring guy I've ever met. Whoever it is must be stupid for not realizing how much they're missin'...," Ranma laughed slightly, and walked out by Hiroshi.

 

        Hiroshi stared after her, a bitter-sweet smile spread silently over his face. "... And I love you for your honesty and compassion..." She was too far away to hear, and Hiroshi shook his head, then headed downstairs.

* * * * * 

 

        Ranma silently dumped cold water over herself after leaving the bath. She picked up two towels after she stepped out of the tub-area. One she wrapped around her body, the other she started drying her hair with.

 

        Ranma noted that it had gotten a bit long as she began brushing her hair. She hadn't cut it for a week and a half, and she had once purposefully let it grow long a week and a half before.

 

        *Well.... maybe Kasumi'll cut it a bit shorter for me.* While standing in front of the mirror, Ranma set the brush down and looked at herself for a long moment. She shook her head a moment later. *I might look good.... but I'm definitely not beautiful.* Ranma mentally noted.

 

        Ranma pulled on the towel hiding her body and it fell to the floor. She looked around for the fresh clothes Memeko usually sat out and found them neatly folded beside the sink. She picked up the black bra and put her arms through, carefully hooking it in the back. *Gawd I hate these things...*

 

        She adjusted the bra to a more comfortable fit, and then put on her boxers and blue-jeans. Ranma pulled slightly on the bra-strap again. *Feels a little tight...* She shrugged off the observation and picked up a T-shirt that had "Ranma" written across the chest in red and blue Kanji. *Memeko has WAY too much fun...* Ranma chuckled at her thought.

 

        Most of her outfit she was used to wearing, the jeans and bra she was not. She had learned to live with a bra, as her Mother demanded it. The Jeans had started when Hiroshi had let her borrow a pair. Afterwards, Ranma bought some of her own... making sure they would fit in both forms.

 

        She pulled the T-shirt over her head then headed for the door. As she walked she pulled out the Dragon's Whisker and tied her hair in a pony-tail, not wanting to bother with the braid.

 

        She quietly walked down the stairs and into the kitchen, where Memeko was going about her usual morning business of cooking breakfast, boiling tea, and generally tidying up the kitchen.

 

        Hiroshi was sitting with a calm look on his face, the chair reclined back slightly as he drummed his hands on the surface of the kitchen table.

 

        "Hiya!" Ranma intoned. Hiroshi looked at her and smiled as Ranma took a seat opposite him. She flipped her pig-tail over her shoulder with one hand and looked around. "So, what are we eating?" Ranma asked, noting that Memeko had not yet started cooking.

 

        "Actually, Ranma, I was completely wrung out from yesterday... and got up a little late. I might be able to cook some breakfast, but not before you have to leave," Memeko paused for a moment in her bustle to look at Hiroshi.

 

        "I've managed to make some sack-lunches, however... It's not as fine a cuisine as you're used to from here.... but I'm sure you'll like it Ranma," Memeko walked by the table to the kitchen entrance. "Excuse me... I have to wake Kaehmi up. The lunches are in the Fridge," Memeko turned and waltzed up the stairs in a hurry.

 

        Ranma pouted a bit. "I was lookin' forward to some hot food... but I guess I'll have to be content," Ranma rested her chin on her hand and looked at Hiroshi. "So, are ya comin' to school? Or are ya gonna mope around s'more about that girl?" Ranma grinned when Hiroshi turned a bit red.

 

        "I guess I should go... after all, it might get my mind off all my worries," Hiroshi forced a smile, then stood. "Maybe I should go get my stuff..."

 

        "Shoot!" Ranma sat up abruptly.

 

        "What?" Hiroshi asked as he turned back towards Ranma.

 

        "I forgot my stuff at the Tendo's!" Ranma mentally scolded herself for forgetting her school work.

 

        Hiroshi grinned and snapped his fingers. "Simple. Call Akane or Nabiki and tell 'em to bring it along. I'm sure ONE of them would be more than obliged to help," Ranma heaved a sigh of relief.

 

        "What would I do without you, Hiroshi?" Ranma was slightly set at ease since Hiroshi seemed to be acting like his old self. She got up and walked over to the phone as Hiroshi disappeared upstairs.

 

        She was about to dial when Memeko's finger clicked on the receiver. Ranma blinked and then looked up at Memeko. There was a calm, distant look in the woman's eyes... one that also spoke of determination and concern.

 

        "Ranma... I know that you have noticed Hiroshi has been a little down as of late...," Ranma nodded at Memeko's words, wondering why Hiroshi's sister seemed so concerned.

 

        "Yeah... He say's it's girl trouble. He must've fallen hard for whoever she is... Hopefully she'll wake up and realize the catch she's got. Hi's a great guy....," Ranma smiled half-heartedly to herself. Memeko blinked for a moment at the strange caring in the smile.

 

        "You really have no Idea, do you?" Memeko asked, smiling a bit to herself... it was a somewhat sad smile. *Ranma, please do not hurt my Brother...*

 

        "'Bout what?" Ranma asked blinking. "You mean there's something Hi hasn't told me?"

 

        Memeko shook her head, almost wearily. "Ranma... I want you to make me a promise. Promise me that you'll listen to whatever Hiroshi has to say to you, and hear him out, and try to be caring... your opinion matters a great deal to him," Memeko took her hand off the phone and brushed it through her hair.

 

        Ranma scratched the back of her head. "Uh... I'm not sure I understand."

 

        "Ranma, what you think of Hiroshi is very important to him. You're his best friend, and he's closer to you in ways than he is to me. Promise me you'll never cause him harm... that you'll listen first and judge later," Memeko's eyes had a faint desperate undertone, and her words were asked in sincere concern.

 

        Ranma sighed. "You know I'd never do anything to hurt 'Roshi. He's the only guy that's ever tried to understand..." Memories flashed through Ranma's mind, of Hiroshi's girl-side, of Hiroshi stepping between Cologne... then his Mother, of Hiroshi defiantly challenging Aquarius.

 

        "Ranma. A Promise, I know you wouldn't hurt him intentionally.... but a Promise can sometimes stop those unintentional qualms that might arise." Memeko hoped beyond hope that Ranma would react well... when she finally learned of Hiroshi's feelings. She feared that hope might be misplaced.

 

        Ranma considered the words, and then nodded slowly. "Okay. You have my word as a Martial Artist, and on my Honor. I promise," Memeko smiled at last.

 

        "Great. Now, if you'll excuse me... I must be hurrying. Much to do today, and I am late," Memeko bustled off.

Ranma picked up the phone and dialed, wondering Idly to herself why Memeko would ask such a thing.

* * * * * 

        Cologne sat on a boulder at the base of Mount Shimitsu, considering the past few weeks. It would have been easier, so much easier, to have stayed in Japan. If she had only harnessed her anger a little longer...

 

        She might have stopped the inevitable for a little longer.

 

        *Why, Khu Lon, did you ever think you could keep Mu Tsu from her?* The Woman shook her head sadly, her golden locks reflecting beautifully in the midday sun.

 

        *... Return to this... Nerima...* Echoed the Dragon's words. *... In a Month's time...*

 

        Cologne leaped deftly off of the boulder, her blue eyes shining as she landed cautiously back on the ground. *So much energy in this young form... yet a great deal of status is what I've lost.*

 

        Cologne looked down at her own form. It was a body she had been absent of for a long time, as time was what had taken it from her. *Glory to the Niie Chiizu... Strength to Joketsuzoku.... Honor to Shimitsu....* She recited in her mind, as she started a Kata.

 

        It was fluid grace, that of several ancient styles. *Death to those who cross our Path... Woe be they who gain our wrath....* A figure silently watched from the shadows, observing the odd dance that seemed to move with the wind.

 

        Cologne recalled why she had come to the Mountain... to find Kaoru-Ryuu. The last Dragon to be born of the Old-Age. Not five-hundred years old, he was a young Dragon with vigor and youth.

 

        Unlike Herb, who was descended from a line of half-dragon cursed Jusenkyo victims... Kaoru was the son of two full fledged Guardian Dragons... and elemental dragons at that. Fire and Earth, two combined to create Chaos.

The visitor watched as the young woman practiced... this time, there seemed to be thought in the motions, as if she were considering something deeply.

 

        Cologne was thinking that if she could find the Dragon-Prince, that she could... persuade him to come fight Ranma. Kaoru would humiliate Son-In-Law, and Ranma would be forced to leave Japan.

 

        Cologne suddenly was a flash of motion as she thrust herself in her watcher's direction, but when she reached the area... no-one was to be seen.

 

        *Strange... I sensed an aura, but nothing here?* Cologne looked around, wary that the watcher most likely had fled. After several minutes of searching, she decided to begin her training again... Her mind returning again to the matter of Ranma. *Ranma... pray that my curse never comes to pass, or your life will be your worst nightmare...*

* * * * * 

        "HEY! WAIT UP!!!" Ranma yelled, as she trotted along on the fence.

 

        Akane had the sense of mind to simply ignore her would-be-fiancee. After all... he wasn't important enough to warrant her attention at the moment.

 

        *Jerk...* Akane thought absently to herself. The events of the last night had shaken her a bit... after such a long period of peace with Ranma, there was suddenly this tumult again.

 

        "Where have you been all night?" Nabiki inquired as the Pig-Tailed girl finally caught up with them.

 

        Ranma shot Nabiki a blande look. "Well, gee... didn't I say I was at Hiroshi's? Both last night and on the phone this morning?" Ranma was about to turn away when something put her off. "Hey... why do you care anyhow?"

 

        Nabiki grinned and raised an eyebrow. "Inquiring minds want to know." Ranma felt that underlying threat from the middle Tendo girl again... she had the look of a predator in her eyes.

 

        "Whenever you wanna know somethin', Nabiki.... it's usually because it'll give you some quick cash," Ranma retorted, glaring at Nabiki.

 

        "Would you two can it? Some of us are trying to think...," A familiar voice echoed from behind Nabiki.

 

        "Really, Ranma... why not just ask Nabiki what she's hiding?" Came another voice, just as familiar.

 

        Akane, Ranma, and Nabiki stopped and looked back. Daisuke and Hiroshi were walking side by side. Daisuke was busy fiddling with some little device, and Hiroshi was giving Ranma a somewhat bland look.

 

        "Why, if it isn't the trepidous two. Hiroshi... don't you still owe me that 500 yen?" Nabiki grinned at the panicked look in Hiroshi's eyes.

 

        "Well... uhm... didn't I pay you on Friday?" Hiroshi looked at Dai.

 

        "Actually... you were about to pay her, when Ryouga popped into the cafeteria looking for Ranma...," Dai looked at his friend and smiled. "That's why I payed her for you!"

 

        Nabiki laughed for a moment. "Really, Hiroshi, do you think I would take so long to collect on a loan? Just be thankful your friend was a bit generous that day..."

 

        Hiroshi nodded with a relieved sigh. He looked up at Akane as they all started walking again. The youngest child of Soun Tendo seemed a bit troubled, and more angry than thoughtful. *Uh-Oh... there's a little more to last night than Ranma knows....*

 

        Hiroshi didn't have much time to think about it, however, as the school bell rang a moment later. *I'll talk to her about it at lunch...*

* * * * * 

        Ukyou drummed her fingers on her desk, staring at the classroom door. Ranma walked in a moment later, with Hiroshi hot on her heels.

 

        Ukyou had been wanting to talk to Ranma recently, but every time she got a chance... Ranma was elsewhere.

She had stopped at the Tendo's last night to bring Ranma a present... and from the impression of things, Ranma and Akane had had another fight. Which resulted in Ranma's departure from the house at Mr. Tendo's advise.

 

        Ranma sat down beside her, and Hiroshi sat down on the other side of her. Ukyou turned to Ranma, "Ranchan... I was wanting to talk to you," Ukyou whispered, low enough so the teacher couldn't hear.

 

        "Yeah? 'Bout what?" Ranma looked over at Ukyou, making sure to keep her own voice down.

 

        Ukyou looked at Ranma. The Red-head was wearing a modest amount of makeup, though the chinese clothes were still a bit masculine in taste. Ukyou suspected that there was also some female undergarments that her Ranchan was wearing.

 

        "I was wondering... you seem to be acting very... well.... feminine lately. I'm a little concerned, maybe your Mother has it all wrong," Ukyou fidgeted a bit, thinking back on all the odd mannerisms she'd been seeing in her Ranchan when the red-head visited Ucchan's.

 

        Ranma looked a bit confused for a moment, "Ucchan... my Mom made a promise... it's up to me to help her fulfill it. Besides... I'm still the same person," Ranma smiled supportively, which only succeeded in making Ukyou a bit more uncomfortable.

 

        "Ranchan.... you're different. I mean.... some of the things you do...-" Ukyou was cut off abruptly by Ranma.

"I am NOT different!" Ranma realized her mistake when the teacher turned around.

 

        "Mr. Saotome... if you cannot learn to keep silent, then it would be best if you stood outside," Misses Tanaka put her hands on her hips and gave Ranma a stern, elderly glare.

 

        Ranma turned a bit red, mostly from embarrassment, and Ukyou raised her hand, "Ms. Tanaka? If you'd please... it was my fault Ranchan was talking-"

 

        "Very well... you may BOTH stand outside."

>>>>> In the Hallway.

        "I am not different, Ucchan. Why do you think I am?" Ranma was a bit upset at the accusation, but was at least worried about Ukyou. His ex-fiancee seemed genuinely concerned.

 

        "It's... it's a lot of things, Ranchan. Little things, and the way you talk now...," Ukyou paused for a moment, setting the buckets down on the ground.

 

        "What do you mean?" Ranma spoke in a softer tone than his usual loud, male bravado.

 

        "That's what I mean... I mean, you still talk like a guy verbally, but the tone of your voice is... well, feminine. That's not it, though... that's just a little thing. There's also the way you've been walking for the past week," Ukyou smiled a bit, thinking about little things she'd notice.

 

        "I've been walking just how I usually walk, Ucchan. I don't see what's so different...," Ranma scratched the back of her head.

 

        "I notice these things, Ranma, because I had to train myself to notice them... and stop myself from doing them.

It's hard acting like a guy without knowing how guys walk, and talk, and gesture. Here, just set down those buckets and walk a little ways down the hall and back," Ukyou crossed her own arms and waited for Ranma to speak or move.

 

        Ranma shrugged a moment later. "Okay, but I don't see the point," Ranma walked down the hall slowly and then back to Ukyou.

 

        "Watch... what you're doing is moving your hips, kind of swaying. It's very feminine, in a way...," Ukyou imitated the walk, and then went back to Ranma. The red-heads face was about as red as her hair.

 

        "Uhm... I looked like that?" Ranma rubbed the back of her neck, looking down at the ground.

Ukyou nodded. "It's very subtle, yet very noticable. It makes you look... well, like a girl. And very much of one, too," Ukyou blushed a bit at her statement.

 

        Ranma walked up and down the hall several times, and asked Ukyou if she had corrected the problem. Ukyou shook her head as many times as Ranma tried. "I can't do it... Ucchan! It's like... just so natural," Ranma looked at the ground in embarrassment, her face was bright red.

 

        "Well... there's another thing. You're a Pompous, Self-Composed Jerk," Ukyou blurted out.

"WHAT?" Ranma glared at Ukyou.

 

        "Stop, don't move," Ranma froze as directed, an astonished look on her face. Then glared again, "I am not a jerk!"

 

        "I said don't move. Look..." Ukyou pointed to Ranma's hands, which were planted on her hips.

 

        "Yeah, so? I got my hands on my hips," Ranma stayed still, waiting for some point to the observation.

 

        "No... it's the WAY you have them on your hips, your legs apart to about shoulder width and your hands are grasping your hips... My Mother used to do that all the time, and so did I until I taught myself to act like a guy," Ukyou sighed. "You're different, Ranchan...,"

 

        Ranma took her hands off her hips, staring at them for a long moment. What Ukyou said was true, but Ranma hadn't been aware of any of those things. "I'm not a girl... I'm a.... a....," Ranma froze, then looked at Ukyou.

 

        "Ucchan... I didn't know. I'm still the same person, really...," Ranma picked the buckets back up, a bit confused and troubled.

 

        "Ranchan... it's okay. You're still my Ranchan, but I just want you to reconsider you're Mom's promise," Ukyou picked her own buckets up again.

 

        "Ucchan... I love my Mother. I couldn't break her heart... or that promise... if my life depended upon it, but I will talk to her," Ranma shook her head, still unsure of herself. Was she a man or woman? Was she either?

 

        "That's a beginning, Ranchan," Ukyou smiled. Perhaps she still had a chance with Ranma....

* * * * * 

        "I've been thinking..." Hiroshi said, rubbing his chin.

 

        "'Bout what?" Ranma asked, taking a bite of her sandwhich.

 

        "Well... about your fight with Akane. You said it was about her cooking again?" Hiroshi dwelled a moment on the thought.

 

        "Yeah... she was cooking again and I told her what I thought about her food. She started chasing me around and then malleted me in the living room, Sheesh," Ranma realized she was speaking softly again and tried to correct her voice.

 

        "Why don't you try and help her?" Hiroshi looked at Ranma, "I recall that you're a pretty good cook yourself," Hiroshi thought about Ranma's food. *Perfect was not the word...*

 

        "That's just the thing! I mean, Kasumi'll watch her the entire time, and she STILL screws it up! Even Mom tried helping," Ranma scowled a bit as she realized that over the sentence she had fallen back into her feminine tone.

 

        "You don't do yourself justice when you scowl like that," Hiroshi murmured.

 

        "Yeah, so what? I'll scowl if I wanna," Ranma grinned at Hiroshi.

 

        "Much better...." Hiroshi smiled and stared at Ranma for a moment... then another moment...

"Uh... 'Roshi? You okay? What was..." Ranma fidgeted under his gaze, "What was that Idea?"

 

        "Huh? Oh... uhm. Yeah, well if Akane won't accept help, maybe she'll accept a challenge. Kind of a team thing with Akane, Shampoo, Ukyou, and Kasumi all on one team," Hiroshi grinned at the idea.

 

        "Smart. Akane'll never turn down a challenge like that... and she'll give it all if she wants to win... but... uhm... who'll be the other team?" Hiroshi's plan made a great deal of sense, but very little if there was no other team. Ranma was interested in who Hiroshi had in mind.

 

        "Well... You, Your Mother, and My Sister would be the other team. There's probably a bit of a lopsided talent, but I think things'll even out." Hiroshi rubbed the back of his head.

 

        "Hiroshi you're a genius!!!" Ranma gave Hiroshi a tight hug, which made Hiroshi blush a deep red.

For the rest of Lunch, Ranma couldn't figure out why Hiroshi kept looking at her.

* * * * * 

        "YOU WHAT?!?!" Akane yelled. She couldn't believe her ears, Ranma was actually challenging her to a duel?

 

        "I said that maybe we'd settle things better if we had a sort of... well, challenge," Ranma grinned sheepishly.

 

        "Okay, Ranma... you're on!!! You just name what time and what place!" Akane grinned devilishly herself, and punched at the air several times.

 

        "Well... not exactly a fighting duel. I was thinking more of cooking," Ranma avoided Akane's burning eyes.

 

        "Oh, you're joking! I see, you think it's funny to make fun of my cooking?" Akane got ready to send her would-be-fiancee into orbit.

 

        "No.... I was thinking that since you don't like me insulting you about it, and I would like you to get better at it, you might want to learn... that is... uhm... in case we ever DO get... well... married," Ranma let out her breath at the last word.

 

        Akane blinked for a moment. "Ranma?" Akane smiled openly, "Do you really mean that?" She had never actually heard Ranma speak about marriage. Much less marriage to her.

 

        "Well... yeah, I mean, it'd help a lot if you could cook a little better. Then I wouldn't open my mouth so much and get malleted," Ranma had learned from Hiroshi that it was best to coat an insult with a compliment... it tended to cancel the negative effect.

 

        Akane thought a moment. She had been waiting for a genuine challenge from Ranma ever since the girl had arrived at the Tendo's doorstep. Even more so after learning about the curse. Could this be her chance?

 

        "Okay. You're on! You said something about teams?" Akane began walking again, and Ranma heaved a relieved sigh when Akane refrained from malleting her.

 

        "Well... I was talking to Hiroshi about it, and he thought that You, Shampoo, Ukyou, and Kasumi could be on one team," Ranma fidgeted nervously when Akane stared at her.

 

        "What would possess him to team me up with, not one, but TWO of your ex-fiancee's?! I'll admit, Shampoo's not as bad as she was with Cologne around... and Ukyou has a generally nice personality, but putting all of us together is asking for trouble!" Akane daydreamed about some fight breaking out, with the kitchen ending up burned to a crisp with spatula's lodged in the walls and Bonbori holes creating make-shift windows.

 

        "Well... that's why Kasumi is there. None of you would dare put poor Kasumi in danger," Ranma beamed at Hiroshi's thoughtfulness. It would've taken her the better part of the week to try and figure out a way to smooth things over with Akane. It never ceased to surprise Ranma when Hiroshi saved her hide.

 

        Akane thought on the subject, trying to find something wrong with the plan... to her surprise, whatever she imagined could not involve Kasumi. Ranma was right, none of them dared to hurt Akane's older sister.

 

        "So who would be the other team?" Akane asked, slightly suspicious about the entire plan. She would have much prefered a physical challenge, but what Ranma had said hardened her resolve. She'd prove to Ranma she could cook.

 

        "Well... ah... me, Mom, and Memeko...," Ranma considered the challenge... it was about ballanced in skill wise. Her Mother had more experience than most of them, but Ukyou and Shampoo had their own secrets to cooking.

 

        "Isn't Memeko Hiroshi's Sister?" Akane had heard about the woman, and had actually met Kaehmi, Memeko's daughter, when Ranma had brought her home one night. Akane couldn't help but love the little girl... there was such an innocent playfulness about her.

 

        "Yeah. Hiroshi said she wouldn't mind. Too bad Hiroshi doesn't want to participate. He said he had to finish working on one of those statues...," Ranma dwelled on the night before. Hiroshi had been silent, moreso than usual. Ranma had contentedly worked on the Clay statue of Akane she had been making, trying to strike up conversation at several points in the night.

 

        Hiroshi had eventually asked Ranma what she had fought Akane about, and Ranma had reluctantly revealed the reason for the fight. Hiroshi wasn't at all happy, and there was a hint of worry in his voice as he had talked.

 

        "You know, you've been doing that an awful lot, the past few days...," Akane's words brought Ranma out of her reflection.

 

        "Huh? What?" Ranma hadn't noticed herself doing anything, but obviously Akane had.

 

        "You keep pulling on that Bra-strap, like you're uncomfortable," As if cued, Ranma tugged on it again.

It *Had* been bothering her... it had seemed just a little tight for the past few days. "I dunno... maybe I'm being fidgety. 'S not a problem, though," Ranma continued walking on, but stopped when Akane continued staring at her.

 

        "What?"

 

        "I'm just a little worried... could we go see Tofu?" Akane was a bit curious why Ranma had developed such a nervous tick... if that was actually the reason for the pulling.

 

        "'Bout what? Did you hurt yourself?" Ranma asked, trying to recall if Akane had done anything overly physical that day. To her memory, Akane was fine. Her eyes agreed with her mind.

 

        "Not about me, Baka! About you. I want to know if you're okay, is that so much to ask?" Akane was a bit miffed that Ranma always thought that she was the one who was hurt when she demanded to go to Tofu's.

 

        "I'm fine! It's jus' a bit uncomfortable... tight...," Ranma pulled on the strap again, as if to emphasize her point.

 

        "I know you're fine! It's not like you're falling over or anything! I just want to know why you keep pulling on that strap... sue me for worrying about a baka like you!" Akane began storming off.

 

        "HEY! Wait!! You were worried?" Ranma scolded herself for being stupid, what was a visit to Tofu going to hurt any?

 

        "Yes! If it's uncomfortable... that could mean there's something wrong. Either with the Bra, or with you... I'd like to narrow those choices," Akane had been wondering about Ranma lately. She'd become a lot more sensitive to her feelings, but still managed to erk her every once in a while.

 

        Baka or not, She loved the fool. They'd been through too much for her not to have feelings for Ranma.

 

        "I guess a trip to the Doc's office can't hurt any... if it'll make you feel better, Akane," Ranma gave a supportive smile.

 

        "Yes, Ranma, it would. Besides... I want to talk to you about last night," Akane had been wondering why Ukyou had dropped by... and with a gift of all things. She could stand the Chef, but not when she was coddling Ranma. It made her furious that Ukyou had dropped by the same night she was cooking, and she wondered if Ranma had had something to do with it.

 

        "O-Okay..." Ranma muttered unsurely.

* * * * * 

        Tofu was silently cleaning the office, humming a tune he had heard on the Radio when they knocked on the door.

 

        "Come in, Ranma!" Tofu called out. He heard the door slide open and saw the sillouhettes of two girls displayed behind his office door.

 

        Ranma slid the door open, a puzzled look playing across her face. "Hey... how'd you know it was us, Doc?" Ranma was aware that nobody knew about the trip, so how could the Doctor have known?

 

        "Actually, you're one of the few people who come at this time of the day. The only other two are currently on Vacation, so by means of elimination, I reached the conclusion that it must be you," Tofu finished wiping his desk off.

 

        "Shall we step into the check-up room?"

 

        "Sure," Akane led Ranma into the next room, and Tofu followed a moment later.

 

        "So, what seems to be the problem today? Ryouga Visited? Another Challenger? Or did you two get into a fight?" Tofu sat down in a chair by the examination bed.

 

        "Well... we did get into a fight last night... but that's not why we're here," Akane looked over at Ranma, who had an utterly bored look on her face.

 

        "Oh? Then there's something else? Some strange Chinese Curse? One of Shampoo's Special Herbs?" Tofu was trying to recall all the instances when Ranma had visited, as he named them off, Akane and Ranma shook there heads.

 

        "Actually, Doctor, I want you to check Ranma. He's been fidgeting with his Bra-strap lately-" Ranma turned bright red at Akane's words.

 

        "Akane!! Geez! It's embarrasing enough that you practically dragged me here...," Ranma sulked when Akane flashed him a glare.

 

        "He's been complaining that the Bra seems tight," Akane explained how Ranma had been pulling on it unconciously, as if she were uncomfortable.

 

        Tofu adjusted his glasses and looked Ranma up and down. "Really? Hang on..." Tofu walked back to his desk and retrieved a Physical Examination Notepad. He returned a minute later with a thoughtful look on his face.

 

        "Could you both stand up for a moment please and face eachother?" Tofu asked, sitting back down in his chair.

Ranma shrugged, and Akane nodded. They stood up and looked at eachother. "What's the point Doc?" Ranma asked, wondering what Tofu was getting at.

 

        "Uhm... Ranma?" Akane murmured.

 

        "Yeah?" Ranma looked from Tofu back to Akane.

 

        Akane's eyes met Ranma's on the same level. "You... uhm... seem a little taller," Akane noted that Ranma didn't have to look up at her anymore.

 

        Ranma scratched the back of her head. "Hey... that's right. I thought something was odd recently," Ranma sat back down, and Akane followed her lead a moment later.

 

        "Ranma, have you ever had your measurements taken?" Akane turned a shade of red at the Doctor's inquiry.

"Uhm... you mean like, how Tall and my Weight?" Ranma didn't think that the Doctor was asking about how tall she was.

 

        "Not exactly... I mean, Your measurements as a woman. Bust, Waist, Hips. Have you ever had them taken?" Tofu figured that he'd hit on the answer to Ranma's problem, but he had to make sure of a few things.

 

        Ranma turned a bit red, matching Akane, "Uhm... well, for the Bra and some clothes... Yeah. I think it was 35C 24 35," Ranma blushed deeper when he realized he had actually MEMORIZED the numbers.

 

        "If you wouldn't mind, may I take them again?" Tofu waited for a response.

 

        "Sure, Doc..." Ranma was a bit curious at what the Doctor was getting at, and more than a bit embarrassed at the topic of conversation.

 

        "Well, Take off your shirt... I'll find my measuring tape," Tofu disappeared into his office, leaving Ranma as confused as before.

 

        She quietly took her shirt off, looking at Akane. "What's all that about?" Ranma had a feeling that Akane knew something.

 

        "I think the Doctor suspects you're female body had a growth spurt... Uhm... you might want to take that off as well," Akane pointed at the Black bra. Ranma turned a bright shade of red.

 

        "In front of Tofu?!" Ranma asked, her voice rising to a high tone.

 

        "He's a Doctor, Ranma. He does these things with girls growing up around here... it's nothing to be embarrassed about," Akane smiled a bit. Ranma fidgeted for a moment, glaring at Akane, but then took the bra off.

 

        "Okay..." Tofu walked back in, a cloth measuring tape in his hand. "If you would, Ranma, please stand and raise your arms a bit," Ranma did as told, her face still bright red.

 

        Tofu silently wrapped the tape around Ranma's bust, then quickly scribbled something down. He did the same with Ranma's hips and waist. Each time he nodded and wrote something down.

 

        "You can put your clothes back on, Ranma," Tofu sat back in his chair. Ranma put the clothing back on, her face even redder than before.

 

        "Ranma, you might want to consider shopping for a new Bra. You seemed to have grown an inch in the bust and hips... as well as gotten some height. Nothing to be worried about, but I'm glad you came," Tofu wrote

something on the sheet, then put it aside for a moment.

 

        "It seems you've gone through a growth spurt. What I can't understand is why. You're Cursed form hasn't had any change in height, weight, or body development since you got it, has it?" Ranma shook her head at the Question.

 

        "No, My Mom came several Months ago and got the first measurements, and I've always been shorter than Akane. I figured that My Cursed form was kinda the same the entire time," Ranma couldn't figure out why she would just suddenly grow.

 

        "It could be a delayed growth, those tend to happen in the teenage years... or it could be something else. Have

you been spending a lot of time as a girl lately?" Tofu had several ideas, but only those two held any water.

 

        "Well... I think a couple of day's here and there," Ranma shrugged.

 

        "He's spent 11 out of the past 19 Days as a girl. At least, most of the time he's a girl," Akane had been counting each day, and had found it odd that Ranma seemed to care little about his curse recently.

 

        Tofu raised his eyebrows and adjusted his glasses. "Really? That much?"

 

        Ranma was likewise shocked. She actually went back through her memory, and found that Akane might be right. It began to trouble her. The information that Akane had just revealed, and what Ukyou had demonstrated in the hallway disturbed her to a new level. What was happening to her?

 

        "I Think... Ranma, that you're extended time in your girl-state has actually started to let your body develop as it would have if you had been born a girl. I wouldn't fret about it, it's a natural function of life. If you have any other.... problems, call me, all right?" Ranma nodded absently at the Doctor's advice.

 

        Akane squirmed at the Doctor's emphasis on the word 'problems'. She had a fair idea of what Tofu meant... but didn't think that Ranma would be running into that.

 

        "Thanks Doc," Ranma said, a bit nervously. She had a lot to think about... like why was she suddenly developing in her girl form? Could it be as Tofu said? Could she be spending too much time as a girl?

 

        Ranma shook off her thoughts and rose. Akane rose with her. "Well, thank you Doctor Tofu. If we need anything else, I'll be sure to call," Akane walked out the door.

 

        Ranma was hot on her heels, but Tofu's hand on her shoulder stopped her. "Eh?"

 

        "Ranma. Whatever you were fighting about couldn't be as important as the relationship you've both developed over the past two weeks. Akane just showed that she cares about you, and your well being is important to her. Take the lesson to heart," Tofu smiled slightly and adjusted his glasses.

 

        "Uh... Thanks, Doc. Do you really think she cares about me?" Ranma looked at Where Akane had vanished through the door.

 

        Tofu smiled a soft, knowing smile. "Ranma, do I really need to answer that?"

* * * * * 

        "You look like Crap, man. Haven't you been getting some sleep? Geez, you look like a bulldozer hit you, then backed up to finish the job...," Daisuke walked beside his Best Friend since Kindergarden, Hiroshi. Daisuke had noticed that Hi hadn't been looking very healthy.

 

        He had worried about Hiroshi after Mihoko had dumped him... had been concerned he might hurt himself. *I remember that broken look on his face when she dumped him, over at Kyosuki's party... man that sucked...*

 

        "Nah... I guess I've jus' been having dreams that keep me up. Then there's something else...," Hiroshi trailed off, shaking his head. What was he to do about the paradox of his heart? *If I tell Ranma... I lose a friend. If I don't tell Ranma... I lose my Love.*

 

        "Bull Crap. There's somethin' big bugging you. I haven't seen you so bad since your last girlfriend dumped you.... it's a girl, isn't it?" Daisuke had grown up with Hiroshi, had known all of his girlfriends... and had seen that

broken look every time that Hiroshi had to part with one of them.

 

        This was different, though. Hiroshi would sulk for a day or two before Dai or one of the others got up enough gall to cheer him up. It wasn't an easy thing... but Hiroshi was someone who didn't deserve self-punishment.

Yes, this was much different. Hiroshi looked sick, something was eating him from the inside. Something profound, catastrophic. This was True Love gone Sour.

 

        *That's silly, Dai. Hi has had the occasional fling, yeah, but Hi always knew that those girls wouldn't stay with him. Besides.... you don't even know what love is.* Daisuke looked at his friend, who continued to walk in silence... staring at the ground.

 

        Daisuke was a rational man, a logical person. His philosophy was strongly routed in the order of Science. Hiroshi was his balance... the emotional reflection, the Dreamer, the person who saw the Magic in everything... and rarely gave an explanation for something they marveled.

 

        And Hiroshi marveled everything. Daisuke couldn't find another answer. Hiroshi had always been at his worst after a relationship.... but this seemed like Hiroshi was keeping his feelings from the person he cared for.

 

        *Number one: Hiroshi would do no such thing unless the feelings would hurt the one he cared for. Number Two: If his current state is a factor of such care, then it is likely that his feelings would cause this person harm.* Daisuke had summed it up in his mind... but had no idea what to do about it.

 

        "Hiroshi... you don't gotta tell me who, just tell me yes or no. Is it a girl?" Daisuke had to stop, as Hiroshi halted abruptly.

 

        "Dai... it's not a girl. It's a person... and it does involve certain feelings for this person," Hiroshi sighed heavily. "She's a friend... and I don't want to jeapordize her friendship, or her life for my wants."

 

        Daisuke blinked. Hiroshi had surprised him, he hadn't expected Hiroshi to just come out and say it. "Man... you gotta forget her if you can't be with her. You need sleep! It looks like you haven't slept well in days," Daisuke noted the pale complexion, the somewhat tired and bone-weary look Hiroshi had carried around all day.

 

        "Yeah... I know, Dai. I'm trying. Would you like to come over and eat with me at the Ucchan? I have to talk to Ukyou about something Ranma and I planned," Hiroshi yawned fiercely, then started walking again.

 

        Daisuke wasn't especially hungry... but he couldn't leave his pal in the current state he was in. *Ucchan's it is then...* He continued on in silence, the equations that usually floated in his mind pushed back for the moment...

His attention was completely on Hiroshi.

* * * * * 

        Ukyou flipped an Okonomiyaki, which landed neatly on the plate she'd set on the counter.

 

        With a smile she turned around to her customer. "Will there be anything else, Sir?"

 

        "No, I think this will do just fine, young lady," The elderly gentleman intoned. He poked the Okonomiyaki experimentally, then decided to try and take a bite.

 

        Ukyou smiled and turned back to her grill. She glanced sideways at Konatsu, who was busy taking some more customers orders.

 

        Ukyou thought back to her childhood, when her father had taught her how to cook. It had been one of the few joys she had had, since she was forced to hide her true sex from everyone around her at her parents demand.

 

        Honor was never easy... Ukyou had learned that lesson the hard way.

 

        Her mind, as would be the case, wandered back to the source of her troubles. Ranma Saotome.  At times she could just kill him...

 

        Then there were the other times... the times when he shared something personal with her, when there was a strange closeness that startled her.

 

        *Ranma, you drive me crazy...* Ukyou shook her head, a blissful smile playing on her lips as she imagined a life with Ranma as his wife.

 

        Ukyou frowned a moment later, realizing again that her engagement had been anulled by Ranma's Mother. Ukyou didn't like the woman. She didn't hate her, but there was a hard air that disturbed Ukyou. It made the Chef wonder what troubles Mrs. Saotome's life had presented her after her Son's departure.

 

        A loud thump on the counter caused Ukyou to blink, then look back at the source of the noise.

Hiroshi was motionless, his head set on the bar and apparently asleep.

 

        "Don't mind him, he's under a lot of stress," Daisuke sat next to his comrade, a somewhat bored look on his face.

 

        "Hello, Dai. Care to explain why one of my regulars is using this place as a nap area?" Ukyou poked Hiroshi with a small spatula, which caused him to emit a muffled word which sounded like 'Ranma'.

 

        "Well, he said he had to come talk to you about something. Personally, I'm more worried about his health," Daisuke drummed his fingers on the table, wondering when he was going to get back home.

 

        Ukyou looked at Hiroshi. "I guess I know what you mean. He doesn't look too well. Do you know why?" Ukyou turned back to the grill as Konatsu handed her a piece of paper with an order on it.

 

        "Well... I'm not sure, but I'm pretty sure it's a girl. I've never seen him this bad about a girl, though..." Dai poked Hiroshi, then poked him harder.

 

        Hiroshi blinked and then sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Times'it?" Hiroshi looked around with a puzzled look on his face. "Were'm I?" He mumbled.

 

        "In my Restaurant, sugar. Your friend said you were going to talk to me about something," Ukyou spoke while she poured the batter on the grill. Hiroshi looked around, and then realized who had spoke and where he was.

 

        "Sorry, Ukyou. I've been having some trouble lately...," Hiroshi sighed heavily.

 

        "Whoever she is, I hope she's worth it... for your sake. Did I mention you look like you had a run in with several cars?" Ukyou smirked slightly. Hiroshi blushed at her comment about his girl-trouble.

 

        "You... told her, didn't you Dai?" Hiroshi glared at his friend as best he could. Dai simply shrugged and grinned.

 

        "Hey, I'm worried about you. I've got a right to be, you Baka, I mean what self-respecting fool runs himself down because of a girl? Personally, you should tell her and get it over with," Dai shook his head, wondering why Hiroshi would put himself in such a spot.

 

        "You sound like my Sister. She told me to tell her... but I just can't. There's a lot you don't know, Dai," Hiroshi sighed wearily. He wished it could be as simple as Daisuke thought it was.... but nothing with Ranma ever was.

 

        "I'm sure there is, but Hi... you can't keep going on like this! It's tearing you up," Daisuke was frustrated that he couldn't seem to convince Hiroshi to either give up on the girl, or tell her how he felt. *Maybe it really IS Love gone Sour.*

 

        "I'm not too interested in the topic of discussion, as I'm wondering what you came here to tell me..." Ukyou finished the Okonomiyaki and slapped them on a plate, ringing a bell for Konatsu to come and deliver it to her customers. "... But I think I understand Hiroshi's dillemma. Dai, if you'd ever loved someone... you'd know how hard it is to tell them how