Nodoka's Daughter
By James Lee
Disclaimer: None of these characters are mine. They are the property of there owner's and creators
Part 3 The Visit
"Tendo Dojo?" Asked Ranko.
"Yes. Soun Tendo is a very good friend of your father. They use to train together under the same master." Said Nodoka
"Do you think Father and Ranma will be there?"
"Maybe. Anyhow it will be nice to see the Tendo's again after such a long time."
"Umm...Do you think any of them practice martial arts?" Asked Ranko hoping to have a new sparring partner.
"One of them probably does. It is a martial arts Dojo after all. Now go get packed, we'll be leaving this afternoon."
"All right. Hey mom! Is it okay if I ask Makoto to come along? She'd love to visit a new Dojo."
Nodoka thought for a minute then said. "I don't see why not, but it will be up to Mr. Tendo whither she can stay or not."
"Thanks mom! Let me call her." Ranko went to call her best friend.
*****
Nabiki Tendo was not in a good mood as she walked to her frien..Er lackey's house. Since Ranma's disappearance her profitable businesses had taken a nose dive and she was finding it hard to pay the bills. Although you'd think that losing one half of the freeloaders would mean there be less to pay for. Instead Genma ate twice as much now and the fiancees still fought and cause damage over who would have Ranma when he returned. If he returned.
"He better return." Mumbled Nabiki as her lackey ran up to her.
"Boss! We're RICH!" Her lackey said holding up a paper
"Ah What!?"
"You know kendo championship yesterday?"
"Ah Yeah. What about it? Do you mean someone actually lasted longer than five minutes against Kuno!?" Kuno wasn't much of a martial artist when compared to Ranma or Ryoga, but he was a damn good Kendoist. Nabiki couldn't find anyone who bet against him, so she took bets on how long it take him to win.
"Not more than five minutes, they DEFEATED HIM!"
"WHAT!? Give me that!" Nabiki took the paper. It sounded almost too good to be true. If Kuno lost Nabiki would have enough money to last the month.
"Juuban wins championship............The Juuban champion Ranko SAOTOME say's she aspires to be an artist.....Her mother Nodoka Saotome says she is very proud of her daughter.....The Furinkan champion Kuno said that he lost to his love for the PIG-TAILED GIRL!" Nabiki looked at the news paper article. There was unfortunately no picture. *Hmm Ranko and Nodoka Saotome. I wonder if their related to Ranma and Genma?* It made sense that if Ranma had a sister she would look like his girl form. Nabiki turned to her lackey. "I'm sorry I got to go back home. We'll talk later okay."
Nabiki then turned and headed back to the Dojo to talk to Mr. Saotome. When she got there she found Genma in the back yard. He was a panda again.
"Mr. Saotome we need to talk." Began Nabiki.
The panda held up a sign. [Mr. Saotome isn't here right now. Only us pandas.]
Nabiki shook her head in disgust. "What's your problem now!?"
[She's coming!]
"She's coming? Who's coming!?"
"Oh Nabiki. Come inside. Father wants to talk to us." Said Kasumi, who was standing on the porch.
*****
"Ranma's Mother is coming?" The Tendo's and Genma were now in the dining room.
"Yes. Ranma's mother Nodoka Saotome called this morning saying that she was coming to visit for a few days." Soun said.
"Okay, So what's the problem." Asked Akane.
[If she finds out about Ranma.] The Panda brought out another sign. [She'll kill me!]
"Are you sure she'll go that far Mr. Saotome?" Asked Kasumi. The panda nodded his head. [very!]
Nabiki decided this would be a good time to bring up a question. "Won't your wife and DAUGHTER be disappointed in not seeing you?"
The panda looked dumfounded at Nabiki. [WHAT DAUGHTER!?]
*Well! This is interesting.* Thought Nabiki as she took out the newspaper. "RANKO Saotome. Daughter of NODOKA Saotome. A real good Kendoist and aspiring artist."
Akane looked at the newspaper. "Ranma has a sister?"
The panda was shaking it's head. [No, he doesn't! I don't have a daughter!]
Nabiki wasn't buying it. "Well it says it right here in the newspaper. So tell me Genma. Are there any other bothers or sisters we don't know about?" Genma response was interrupted by the doorbell.
"Oh, that must be Mrs. Saotome now." Said Kasumi. Genma ran upstairs to hide in the closet while the Tendo's went to greet their guest. When they open the door they found an attractive middle age woman in a blue kimono and carrying a wrapped bundle. Behind her where two girls.
"Excuse me is this the Tendo Dojo?" Asked the woman.
"Ah yes. How might we help you?" Asked Akane.
"Oh good. I'm Nodoka Saotome. I called earlier today." stepping aside Nodoka then indicated girls behind her. One girl had red hair done in a long pony tail. She was in a red kimono and was carrying a tray of cookies. The red haired girl was also carrying a bundle like Nodoka's. The other had brown hair done in a shorter pony tail and was in a yellow dress. "And this is my daughter Ranko and her friend Makoto." Upon seeing Ranko the Tendo's facefaulted. "Is there something wrong?"
Nabiki was first to recover. "Ah no. We're just a little surprised. Ranma never said anything about having a sister."
"Oh. That's because he hasn't found out yet. You see Ranko is adopted." Said Nodoka.
"Really? Oh where are our manners? Please come in."
"Thank you." Said Nodoka as the group moved to the dining room. "Speaking of Ranma. Is my husband and son here? I was hoping to introduce them to Ranko."
Nabiki was about to tell her that Genma was upstairs, but decide to play it safe for the time being. "Ah no, they're on a training trip right now."
Nodoka looked down as she sat at the table. "Hmm. I was hoping to see them. At least we know they're okay. I was beginning to worry when I stopped hearing from Genma."
"How long have you been away from Ranma Mrs. Saotome?" Asked Akane as she glanced at Ranko.
"I haven't seen my son since Genma took him on that training trip ten years ago. Genma wanted to train Ranma to be the best martial artist in the world and promised to raise Ranma to be a man among men."
"Really? A man among men?" Asked a suddenly interested Makoto.
"She hasn't even seen him yet and she's already fallen for him." Sighed Ranko earning a glare from both Makoto and Akane.
Nabiki had to asked the next question. "What if he didn't raise Ranma to be manly?"
Instead of answering immediately, Nodoka unwrapped her bundle and took out her Katana. "Then Genma and Ranma have promised to commit seppuku with me as their second."
The Tendo's gasped at the sight of the deadly weapon and Nodoka's words. Makoto nudged a shocked Ranko and whispered to her. "Did you know about this!?"
Ranko looked at Makoto, then at her mother, then back to Makoto. "Th-This is the first I've heard of it!" Said Ranko while she wondered how well she really knew her mother.
Akane decided that a change of topic was in order. "So Ranko's adopted?"
Nodoka put away her katana. "Yes. I adopted Ranko after a horrid car accident." Nodoka then told the Tendo's of the accident, Ranko's amnesia, her adoption, and her recovery. As Nodoka finished her tale, the Tendo's quickly added things up. Soun began to flood the room.
"Soun! Are you all right?" Asked a concerned Nodoka.
The Tendo sisters moved to their father. "It's okay Mrs. Saotome. Father just a little emotional. That's all." As the sisters moved to 'comfort' their father they huddled and began to whisper to each other.
"What are we going to do? That's Ranma over there!" Asked Akane.
Nabiki took a quick glance at Ranko. "I don't know. You heard what she said about Ranma being manly or else."
"Nabiki! You don't think Mrs. Saotome would actually kill her own son do you?" Asked Kasumi.
"I don't know. Do you want to find out?" Kasumi shook her head. " I think we better play along for now. At least until we can think of something."
"But Nabiki what about the engagement?" Asked Soun who had calmed down a little.
Akane growled. "Dad. If Mrs. Saotome finds out about the curse there may not BE AN ENGAGEMENT!"
"Oh Ah right."
That said, the Tendo sisters returned to there seats. "You see Mrs. Saotome. He's all better." Kasumi got up "Would anyone like some tea?"
*****
Mean while upstairs in the closet Genma had a bit of a dilemma. Part of him wanted to go downstairs, confront Nodoka, and demand to know what all this daughter business was and what she'd been doing all these years. A much larger part of him however, wanted to live. With that in mind Genma decided to go downstairs as a panda and at least see what his supposed 'daughter' looked like. As he came near the dining room, he could hear voices.
"So this is a martial arts Dojo?" Said a voice.
"Yes. Do you practice martial arts Makoto?" Asked Akane.
"She sure does! Do you practice Akane?" Asked a second voice. *Was that RANMA!?* Thought Genma as he burst into the room. What he saw was one of his worst nightmares. There was Ranma dressed as a girl with...*N-Nodoka!* Looking at Ranma sitting next to Nodoka, Genma now could see were Ranma-chan got her looks. Dressed in that kimono, Ranma-chan looked just like a little Nodoka complete with (gulp) bundle.
The three house guest stared at the large Panda. Akane then quickly jumped up. "Oh! This is our pet panda. Ah M-Mr. Panda!"
"Wow! Is he like tamed?" Asked a girl with brown hair.
"Yes Makoto, he is. Hey, I got an idea! Why don't we go over to the Dojo and have a sparring session." Said Akane.
Ranma-chan got up. "That's a great idea Akane. Just let us get change."
"Hmm..This might be interesting." Said Nabiki who was looking at Makoto.
As Ranma-chan left the dining room Genma grabbed her and dragged her into the hall.
"Hey! What's going on!?" Genma put her down and made a sign. [What do you think you're doing!?]
"Wow! You can read and write." Said Ranma-chan. "Well. I'm about to go practice with Makoto and Akane."
The Panda bigsweated and pulled out another sign. [Where have you been!?]
"Where have I been? Well I live in Juuban and I've spent some time in Nagoya. HEY MOM!" Called Ranma-chan, ignoring the Panda trying to shush her.
Nodoka entered the hallway. "Yes Ranko?"
"This panda is really smart! He can read and write." Said Ranko.
Mr. Panda sweatdropped. [Hello complete stranger.]
"Oh how cute! Well you better hurry and change Ranko."
"Oh yeah." Ranko turned to go but then stopped. "Oh can you hold this for me mother? I don't think I'll be needing it today." Said Ranko handing her bundle to Nodoka.
Nodoka took the bundle. "Yes dear. Now go get changed. You don't want to keep Akane waiting do you?"
*****
Ranko entered the Dojo dressed in a gi. She saw that Akane and Makoto had already started. They seemed to be having a little match. Ranko also saw that Nabiki was there taking photos with a camera. Watching the match Ranko could see that Akane was just as good, if not a little better than Makoto. Ranko walked over to Nabiki.
"Hey, Nabiki you want spar?"
Nabiki looked at Ranko. "Er Ah. No, I'm not into martial arts."
"Oh? What are the pictures for?" Asked Ranko.
"Emm. This and that." Said Nabiki as she took a few more shots of Makoto.
"Oh........Your not planning to sell them to some pervert are you?" Joked Ranko.
"Urk! Ahh No."
Just then Makoto and Akane ended there match. Makoto sat down on the Dojo floor. "Hey Akane your pretty good!"
"Thanks, your not too bad yourself."
Ranko walked up to Akane. "Mind if I take a shot at you Akane?"
Akane looked uncertain. "Umm Sure."
The two martial artist faced off. Akane started by throwing a few punches at Ranko. Ranko easily dodged them. *Well she's able to dodge pretty good.* Thought a slightly annoyed Akane. She then started to go all out. Still Ranko either dodged or blocked her attacks. Akane was starting to get angry. *Even as a girl she has to show off!* "What's wrong with you!? ATTACK ME!"
"Umm Okay!"
Nabiki's eyes widen and she nearly dropped her camera when she saw what happen next. Blocking Akane's next punch, Ranko then kicked her in the stomach. Akane's eyes became the size softballs as she fell to the ground. Ranko backed away from her. When Akane didn't get back up, Ranko became concerned.
"Akane? You okay? I didn't kick you too hard did I?"
"AAARRRGHHHH!" Akane suddenly leapt up and charged a surprised Ranko. Ranko quickly ducked below Akane's attack and tripped her feet. Akane stumbled face first into the Dojo wall. Pulling herself off the wall Akane turned and growled. "You BITCH!"
Akane was about to renew her attack when she felt herself being grabbed from behind. "That's enough! This is sparing match, not a fight!"
Akane turned to face Makoto and yelled. "But she...."
Makoto cut her off. "Gave you what you wanted! You asked her to attack you and you weren't ready. I think you should apologize."
Akane turned to Ranko. She couldn't get over the fact that 'Ranko' had really hit her. "I-I'm sorry for losing my head Ranko."
Ranko relaxed her stance. "It's okay Akane. Although you should do something about that anger. You were much too easy to defeat when you let your anger get the better of you. You made too many mistakes then."
Akane started to get angry again. "What you mean too many mistakes!?"
"CALM DOWN! Anger may give you strength Akane, but uncontrolled anger can be your worst enemy. A person who fights with uncontrolled anger is very easy to read."
*Wow! That actually makes sense.* Thought Nabiki.
Akane looked down. She couldn't help but see the true in Ranko's words "Yeah. I guess your right."
"Hey don't feel bad Akane. So she got the better of you. She isn't the best martial artist in Juuban for nothing you know." Said Makoto.
"I know let's get cleaned up and then we can all go help Mom and Kasumi cook dinner." Said Ranko not noticing Nabiki waving her arms, and shaking her head 'NO'.
Akane looked up. "R-Really?"
"Yeah! That's a great idea Ranko. Nothing takes my mind off problems like cooking." Said Makoto also not noticing Nabiki. With that the girls went upstairs to take a bath.
*****
The four girls entered the bath room. Makoto was talking to Nabiki about her and Ranko's school and friends. Akane was about to undress when she noticed that Ranko was in the bathroom as well. For a moment she forgot herself and turned to yell at Ranko.
"What do you think your doing!?"
"Umm Taking a bath?" Said a confused Ranko.
"But we're in here!"
"Ah.....so?" Asked Ranko.
"Yeah Akane. What are you so upset about? We're all girls after all." Said Makoto.
"Oh er yeah." Said an embarrassed Akane as she tried to get undressed without Ranko seeing too much. *After all, this might be one of his tricks.*
Nabiki watched her sister's feeble attempts at hiding herself from Ranko. *Sometimes dear sister you are just too pathetic.* She then turned to look at Ranko, who was having a conversation with her friend. As she watched Ranko, Nabiki became concerned. Ranko wasn't showing any of the nervousness Ranma showed when with naked girl's. Ranko was also wearing a sports bra and panties under her gi, something Ranma wouldn't wear even if it cured him. Although Nabiki could see a little bit of Ranma in her; Ranko was a very different person. *Ranma might really be gone.*
After Akane scrubbed herself down with soup and had rinsed herself. She quickly got into the furo. Nabiki and Makoto soon joined her, but Ranko didn't. Instead she filled her wash basin again with cold water and rinsed herself again. *Sooo don't want to show us the real you huh.* Thought Akane as an idea came to her.
"Hey Ranko. Why don't you join us in the furo?"
"Umm that wouldn't be a good idea." Said a nervous Ranko. "I've got this 'condition' that's aggravated by hot water."
"Oh really? So what would happen if I did this." Said Akane as she splashed some hot water at Ranko.
A terrified Ranko jumped three feet in the air to avoided the water. "Hey! Watch it!"
"Yeah Akane, she isn't joking!" said Makoto.
Akane turned to Makoto. "I just want see what will happen."
"No you don't! I've seen what hot water does to her. Trust me Akane, it's not pretty."
*She knows about the curse!?* "All right." Akane then got out of the furo and dried herself. As she went to the mirror to comb her hair, she notice the bathroom door moving. After the door open a little ways, a little black pig entered the room. "P-CHAN!"
Akane pick up her pet pig and hugged him. Being hugged by Akane dressed only in a towel almost caused Ryoga to die of blood loss. He was in heaven. Not only had Ryoga found the Tendo Dojo, but he had also found Akane and was being hugged by her. It didn't last.
"What's that Akane?" Asked Ranko walking up to Akane.
*WHAT THE HELL IS RANMA DOING IN HERE?* Thought Ryoga. *He's been taking a bath with Akane!? RRRANMMAA!*
"Ah This is my pet pig P-chan."
"Oh CUTE. Can I pet him?" Asked Ranko as she brought her hand close to the small animal. She snapped it back when it tried to bite her. "I guess it doesn't like me for some reason."
*If you didn't tease him all those times he wouldn't hate you.* Thought Akane. "He just nervous around strangers that's all. Now you be good P-chan."
"Oh. I see the pig is back." Said Nabiki as she and Makoto got out of the furo.
*Not only is he bathing with Akane! He's also been bathing with her sister and some other girl! For this you will PAY Ranma!* Ryoga then face the wall and closed his eyes as the girls dropped there towels. *Just you wait tell there gone Ranma.*
Akane, Nabiki, and Makoto quickly got dressed. They then turned to Ranko who was still clad only in a towel.
"We're headed downstairs Ranko you coming?"
"Yeah. I'll be down in a few minutes guys." Said Ranko as she brushed her hair. The other girls then left the bathroom.
*Ranko?* Ryoga blinked and then shook his head. *Whatever. Now you'll be punished Ranma!*
Ranko, who was busy fighting her hair, didn't notice P-chan jump into the furo. She did feel a shadow come over her. Turning around she found herself facing a very angry, very NAKED boy.
"SAOTOME PREPARE TO DIE!!!" yelled the boy as he charged her.
Ducking below the attack, Ranko punched the boy in between the legs. Ranko then ran out of the bathroom screaming. Ranko jump the stairs and burst into the kitchen. Grabbing her bundle, she took out her katana and screamed. "I'LL CUT OFF BOTH HIS HEADS!"
Nodoka and Makoto quickly restrained her. "RANKO! What's gotten into you!?"
"What's gotten into me!? There's a sex crazed pervert in the bathroom! That's what's gotten into me!"
"Whoa talk about deja vu." Said Nabiki, who was sitting at the table(1).
"What did this pervert look like Ranko?" Asked Akane, hoping that Happosie wasn't back.
"Well. He was about Makoto's height, heavy set, short black hair, oh and all he had on was this yellow and black bandanna."
*Ryoga?* Thought Akane. Just then the lost boy, who was now dressed, came downstairs.
"THERE HE IS!! LET ME GO! I'LL CUT HIM IN HALF!" Nodoka, deciding it would not be good for Ranko to kill someone, took her daughter's weapon. She then turned to confront the boy, only to see Akane and her sisters dragging him away. *Well I guess they can handle him.* Thought Nodoka as she turned to drag Ranko upstairs to dress and calm her down.
(1) Not that Nabiki was cooking mind you. She just want to see what dishes every one was working on. More so, she wanted to see what dishes Akane was working on so she could avoid those dishes at dinner.
*****
The Tendo sisters dragged Ryoga to the kitchen. Once they were there Akane spoke up. "Ryoga. What happen in the bathroom?"
"Well...ah.."
Akane cut him off. "No, never mind, I don't want to know what happen. I want you to listen to me, OK."
"Ah..sure."
"Ranma has lost his memory. He thinks he's a girl named Ranko."
"Lost his memory?"
"Yes, but it gets worst. Did you see that woman out there." Said Akane pointing to the door.
"Ah..Yeah?"
"She's Ranma's mother. If she finds out about Ranko really being Ranma, then Ranma and his father well have to kill themselves."
Ryoga smiled at that. "REALLY!"
Akane bopped him outside the head. "This is serious Ryoga. Listen, I don't know what it is between you and Ranma, But SHE has forgotten it. We don't think it will be wise to tell Mrs. Saotome yet. Can you help us with this?" Akane asked.
Ryoga couldn't resist any request from Akane. "Of course! Anything for you Akane. Ah..What do you want me to do?"
Nabiki step forward. "We just need you to help with damage control, particularly when the others show up."
"Ah OK."
Just then Nodoka entered the kitchen with Ranko and Makoto. Ranko didn't have her katana, so she settled with giving Ryoga the pinnace stare. Nodoka turned to Akane.
"Akane. Who is this boy?" Said Nodoka in a stern voice.
"Oh we're terribly sorry Saotome-san. This is Ryoga Habiki. He tends to get lost allot and sometimes he'll stumble into our bathroom.."
"While NAKED and screaming death threats." hissed Ranko.
"I-I'm sure what happen was an accident, Ranko." Said Kasumi. "Isn't that right Ryoga-kun."
"Ah yeah. Sorry. thought you were someone else." Said Ryoga, the look Ranko was giving him was making him uneasy for some reason. It wasn't the cocky, none serious look that Ranma usually had. It was more like the look he saw in the mirror when thinking of Ranma.
Anyone could see Ranko wasn't buying it. "Oh? And what girl was I supposed to be?"
Nodoka stepped in-between them. "Now Ranko. You heard them say it was an accident and he already apologized. I think you should leave it at that."
Ranko sighed. "All right." Then, still glaring at Ryoga, Ranko went to the counter to cut some vegetables. Taking a knife out of one of the drawers, she looked at it for a while before cutting some cucumbers.
Akane turned to Ryoga. "Ah Ryoga I think it would be best if you wait outside for right now."
"Ah yeah" Said Ryoga as he quickly left the kitchen.
With that over the women went to work on there various dishes. Makoto joined Ranko at the cutting table; while Kasumi and Nodoka worked on the main course. Akane decide she was going to make soup. Makoto and Ranko watched as Akane dumped all sorts of things into the pot at high speed.
*Akane must be real good if she can work that fast!* Thought Ranko. Akane then screeched as the pot suddenly burst into flames. *Than again.* Makoto quickly grabbed a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. She then turned to Akane.
"Akane do you know how to cook?"
Akane glared at Makoto. "Of course I know how to cook!"
"If so, then what were you planning to do with these?" Asked Ranko holding up two jugs. She was going though Akane 'ingredients'.
"Those are the next two things I was going to add!" Yelled Akane. *Why do you always have to make fun of my cooking!*
If Ranko was making fun of her she wasn't smiling. "Akane! This is Ammonia and this is bleach. Neither one of these is remotely edible and if you mix them together you get a poisonous gas that can kill you!"
"Ah really?"
Makoto asked the next question. "Akane. How often do you cook?"
"All the time...Ah..some of the time....Not to often" Said Akane looking down.
Ranko started shaking her head. "Akane. When you started practicing martial arts; did you start braking bricks the first day?"
Akane looked up at the sudden change of topic. "Of course not!"
"You stared with the basics right?" Akane nodded. "Well it's the same way with cooking. You don't just start making full course dinner's on the first day. Like in martial arts you have to start with the basics."
"The basics?" Asked Akane.
Makoto stepped in. "That's right Akane. You don't think me and Ranko just started cooking a few days ago do you? Both me and Ranko had to start with simple things like boiling water and cutting vegetables. It took me a few years to get as good as I am now. It took Ranko several months to get to her current level and she's one of the fastest learners I know."
"Don't worry Akane we'll help you." Said Ranko as she guided Akane over to the cutting table.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Now why don't you try cutting these carrots. While I watch." Said Ranko handing a knife and some carrots to Akane. Akane place the carrots on the cutting board and began hacking them to pieces.
"Akane stop!" Akane stopped her mutilations and yelled. "What!?"
Ranko reached into the remains of the carrots and pulled out a small orange piece. "What is that?"
"A carrot."
"Right." Ranko then reached back into the pile and pull another piece. This one however was brown. "What is that?"
"Umm...a bad carrot?"
"No. That is a piece of wood from the cutting board. Now, we don't eat wood do we?"
Akane shook her head. *What's she getting at?*
"Here let me show you something." Ranko dumped the carrot/wood mix into the trash. Ranko then flipped the cutting board over and took a knife. She began to cut a carrot slowly. "You see Akane? It's a carrot, not a log. You don't need a lot of force. Now you try. Do it the way that I showed you."
Akane once again started to cut carrots, this time much slower. The carrots came out much nicer looking.
"You see Akane. You can do it. You just need to slow down a little and get the basics first."
Akane had to admit that these carrots were coming out a lot better than her last batch. "But this is so slow!"
Makoto walked up. "Well Akane, good food takes a long time to prepare. Don't worry once you get the hang of it you'll be able to work a LITTLE faster. Now you keep cutting those carrots while me and Ranko start on the side dishes. We'll bring you more stuff to cut as we need it."
And so it went. Makoto and Ranko worked on the side dishes while Akane cut vegetables. Every now and then either Ranko or Makoto would bring Akane something new to cut. Each time, they would show Akane just how to cut this vegetable or that meat. Seeing how well this was working, Nodoka and Kasumi also started sending things to Akane to cut.
*****
The Tendos sat down for dinner at there usual places. Nodoka and Ranko sat where Genma and Ranma usually sat. Makoto sat next to Ranko. The only ones not present at the table were Genma and Ryoga. Genma was now Mr. Panda and was sitting in front of a large bowl of scraps. Ryoga had gotten himself turned into P-chan again shortly after leaving the kitchen. As the family ate they began to talk.
"Thank you girls for helping us make dinner." Said Kasumi as she started serving the rice.
"AKANE! You didn't help make this did you?" Asked a concerned Soun.
"DAADDD!"
"I think Akane did good job cutting." Said Ranko while pouring herself some tea. Akane looked at her.
"R-Really Ranko? You think so?"
"Sure I do. Don't you think so Makoto?" Ranko turned to Makoto who nodded her head. Ranko then turned back to Akane. "So Akane, what's he like?"
"Ahh What's who like?"
"My brother."
"You mean Ranma?" Ranko nodded her head. "Well he's ah he's ah Ranma."
"Is he good looking?"
"Umm..." Akane started to get nervous as the rest of the family decided they wanted to hear what she had to say. "Sort of."
"Is he cool?"
"Ah sometimes."
"Is he manly?"
"Eh yeah most of the time."
*Most of the time?* thought Ranko who then looked at her mother. "Is he brave?"
"Oh yes! He's very brave. There are times when he's risk everything just to help someone."
Makoto spoke up. "Wow! He sounds....."
"just like your old boyfriend." Ranko finished in a bored tone.
Makoto glared at Ranko then turned to Akane. "So does he have a girlfriend?"
Soun suddenly stood up. "AKANE IS THE ONLY FIANCEE FOR RANMA!!"
"DAAADDD!!"
"FIANCEE! My brother/son is engaged?" Yelled both Ranko and Nodoka.
"Yes. Me and Genma arranged it before they were born."
"That's stupid! Don't they get any say in who they're going to marry?" Yelled Ranko.
"Young girl I know the west has been promoting all this free Love. But you should follow the good traditional ways of your homeland!"
"Good traditional Japanese ways yes. ANCIENT, MEDIEVAL, PRIMITIVE JAPANESE WAYS NO!"
"Ranko that's enough! Remember we are guest here!" Ranko looked at her mother then sat down. Soun also sat down.
"Thank you Nodoka. I'm glad you agree with me."
"I most certainly do not!"
"W-What!?"
"Genma didn't tell me of any engagement. I'll have to have words with him when he gets back." Said Nodoka as the panda behind her bigsweated.
"B-But there's no need! After all they love each other."
"Is that so? In any case I want to hear what Ranma has to say about this." Nodoka then turned to Akane. "What do you think of this Akane?"
"I don't know. No one seems to care about what I think anyway." Said Akane as she looked at Ranko.
When she saw Akane looking at her Ranko quickly looked down at her meal. Nervously she began to eat. Makoto nudged her. "Something wrong Ranko?"
"I'll tell you later." Whispered Ranko.
"So Ranko, you have a boyfriend?" Asked Kasumi.
"Well I've been on a few dates, but I'm not seeing anyone right now." Said Ranko looking nervously at Akane. Upon hearing this the Tendo's facefaulted and Genma fainted. Ranko looked surprised at the family's reaction. "Ah I've just haven't found Mr. Right yet."
"You've been dating BOYS!?" Yelled Akane.
"Ahh yeeah. What you expect me to do, date girls?" Said Ranko. *Please don't answer that!*
"Oh yeah. Ahh sorry." Said Akane looking down. *Oh my god. He's dating boys now!? Just how far is he gone?* Picking up a shocked P-chan Akane got up. "I-I think I-I'll go to bed now."
"Are you all right Akane?" Asked a concerned Nodoka.
"I-I'm fine. Just a little tired that's all." With that Akane turned and headed upstairs. Kasumi then got up. "I think I'll turn in too. Makoto Ranko can you take care of the dishes."
"Umm...Sure."
"Thank you." Kasumi then followed her sister upstairs.
*****
Once Akane was in her room she dropped down on the bed and began crying. P-chan tried to comfort her, but to no avail. Then Kasumi opened Akane's door. She waited until Akane noticed her before entering all the way. Upon seeing Kasumi, Akane rushed and hugged her. She cried on Kasumi's shoulder.
"Akane, what's wrong?" Asked Kasumi as she tried to calm her sister down.
"I-It's Ranma."
"What about Ranma?"
"Th-That girl down there. S-She hits girls. She wears panties and a bra. She dates boys. I-I don't know who that is down there." Akane said before a renewed bout of crying. P-chan looked up at Akane. *I didn't know he'd changed that much!*
"Oh. I see what you mean Akane. Ranko really acts very different from Ranma."
"Kasumi I'm scared. What if we can't get his memory back?"
Ryoga began to think about what it would be like if he actually thought he was a pig. For the first time in his life Ryoga began to feel sorry for Ranma. Something horrible had happen to Ranma. Something that could happen to anyone with a curse. Something that could happen to him.
Akane continued. "What if she doesn't want to have her memory back?"
Bwwweee!*WHAT!?*
"What do you mean Akane?" Asked Kasumi.
"I've never seen Ranma so happy, so relaxed. Ranko's happy as a girl. She's got friends and a mother that loves her. She's her own person. Is she going to give all that up just to have her memory back."
"Hmmm I don't know Akane. We can at least try. If we can't get her memory back, you can still be her friend."
"Y-Yeah I guess so." Said Akane sniffing.
"Now why don't you get some rest. Tomorrow you can take Ranko and her friend shopping. You can then stop at doctor Tofu's and have him take a look at her."
Akane nodded and crawled into bed.
*****
It was now two in the morning at the Tendo Dojo. Nodoka was sleeping in Genma's and Ranma's room. Ranko and Makoto were sleeping in the Dojo. Ranko crawled out of her futon and went over to Makoto's. Ranko began to shake her.
"Psst. Makoto wake up." Said Ranko as she shook her friend. Makoto just muttered. "W-ha..go away Usagi. I don't want to save the world today...."
Ranko looked at her then started shaking her harder. "Wake up Makoto!"
"Wh-What? Ranko? You know what time it is?"
"Yeah. I really need to talk to you." Said Ranko looking nervous.
"What's wrong?"
Ranko looked down to the floor. "It's Akane. I think she likes me."
Makoto looked at Ranko. "Well yeah. Why wouldn't she like you? I mean you share some of the same interest."
Ranko shook her head. "NO, not like that. I mean she REALLY LIKES me."
Makoto's eyes widen. "You mean like a lesbian?"
Ranko nodded. "She keeps looking at me funny. Like she expects...wants me to do something. You saw how upset she got when I told them I was dating boys"
"Hmm I don't know Ranko." A smile then came to Makoto's face. "Come to think of it. I've notice all the Tendos looking at you."
"Huh?"
"Maybe they ALL REALLY LIKE YOU."
"W-WHAT!?"
Makoto burst out laughing. "Ranko does the Tendo Dojo! Bwahhahahahahahaha OWWW!" Ranko bopped Makoto on the head. "Dammit Makoto this is serious! What am I going to do?"
"Well Ranko it isn't like that sort of thing is uncommon now. How do you feel about Akane?"
"Umm I don't think I'm like that."
"Well all I can say is if she comes on to you tell her that. Have you thought about asking your mom?"
Ranko shook her head. "No, I don't think she would understand. She's sort of traditional you know."
"I'll say. What do you think about that promise she talked about earlier. You think she'll kill your bother if he isn't manly enough?"
"I like to think she won't!" Ranko sighed. "She misses him so much. I mean she hasn't seen him in over ten years. TEN YEARS! You see before she adopted me; she was alone for ten years!" Ranko looked down. "Sometimes, she'll sit in Ranma's room for hours. Just sit there. Sometimes she cries. I really feel bad at those times because there's nothing I can do to help. That's when she needs her son, not me."
Makoto put her hand on Ranko's shoulder. "Don't feel bad Ranko. I'm sure she knows you care. And I bet your bother will come home soon. Then you can all be family."
Ranko smiled "Yeah. I guess your right."
"Of course I am. Now we better get some rest. We're going shopping tomorrow and I'll be visiting some family."
"Oh?" Asked Ranko as she crawled back onto her futon.
"Yeah. My cousin Ukyo. She owns her own restaurant here."
"Really!? That is too cool!"
"I'll say. I haven't seen her in years though. Last I heard she had given up her femininity for some reason."
"She did?"
"Yeah. The way I heard it is that some boy stood her up. Grr...If I could get my hands on him!" Makoto slapped her fist into her palm.
"I know what mean. HEY, there's this other place I want to go to also. That Chinese restaurant I keep hearing about at school."
"You mean the Nekohanten?"
Ranko nodded. "That's the one."
"Yeah I want to go to that one too. OK, how bout this? We'll have lunch at my cousin's then we'll have dinner at the Nekohanten."
"Sounds good. Well good night Makoto."
"Good night Ranko."
To be concluded (hopefully)
Well there you have it. If you've read this far then you've read the whole
thing for witch you have my thanks. As always C&C, MST, etc are
welcome at JLee100441@aol.com
Thank you
James