Akane : Well?
Ranma-chan : Well what?
Akane : Spit it out! Who is it?
Ranma-chan : Jeez, it's only Hiroshi.
Akane : And where are you going?
Ranma-chan : Well, we're going to the movies....then we're going to
some fancy restaurant. That's why I need the dress. I'd really stand
out in my normal clothing.
Akane : Hook, line and sinker. He got you, Ranma.
Ranma-chan : Hook, line and what? What are you talking about,
Akane?
(She unconsciously hugs P-Chan to her chest, an Akane-like gesture,
and turns her upper torso from side to side, eyes downcast to the little
black pig snuggled on her bosom. The little pig's eyes go wide with
astonishment and it tries to turn around to look at Ranma-chan but its
position and her hands prevent that. Ranma-chan gently shushes the
piglet.)
Akane : Hey, isn't he your black-haired friend?
Ranma-chan : No, that's Kazaki. Hiroshi's the one with brown hair and
freckles. (pauses for a moment) Well?
Akane : Well what?
Ranma-chan : What about that `hook, line and sinker' thing you were
saying a minute ago!?
Akane : Oh, that. What I mean is that he's got you strung along on a
date.
Ranma-chan : (thinking real fast) DATE?! (drops P-Chan on the floor)
What date?! _He_ offered to pay for the whole thing, you know!
Akane : Sounds like a date to me, that does. If it weren't for the `fancy
restaurant' bit I'd say it was just a `hang-out' occassion. That's why
you need the dress and shoes, right?
Ranma-chan : For the restaurant, yeah.
Akane : Who in the world would dress up just so they can hang out with
a friend? What kind of a casual friend would take a member of the
opposite sex to dinner in a high-class place? And what about your other
friends? Why aren't they along for the ride?
(there is a pause as both girls appear to sit and think for a bit, Ranma-
chan fidgeting uneasily and making a show of pretending to mull over
Akane's words. P-Chan moves back to Akane and crawls on to her lap.
The two can hear Ranma talking to Nabiki - with an uncharacteristic
pleading note in his voice. Nabiki says something, and in short order
the rustling of paper, or notes of money, can be heard. Ranma-chan's
attention turns back to Akane.)
Ranma-chan : (sighs) I guess I was so used to hanging out with the guys
that I didn't stop to think. Come to think about it, Hiroshi was talking
rather fast.....!
Akane : Who's going to pick up the tab?
Ranma-chan : He is.
Akane : That settles it, then. A guy usually pays for whatever the girl
eats, or drinks.
(Akane picks up P-Chan and tucks the pig into her arms.)
Ranma-chan : Really? I..didn't know that.
Akane : I thought you, of all people, would have known that.
Ranma-chan : I've...never really dated anybody before. Not because I
liked them, or nothing.
Akane : What?!
Ranma-chan : That was when I was a guy half the time!
Akane : Oh. That's...um..good to hear, Ranma.
Ranma-chan : I don't suppose the girl's allowed to back out of it now?
(smiles, already knowing the answer)
Akane : Oh, no! A deal's a deal and if you stand him up, you get a bad
rep, Ranma. Unless the boy's a nerd like Gosunkugi. Anyways, If you
stand Hiroshi up, not only will you get a bad rep but Hiroshi be
REALLY heartbroken.
Ranma-chan : Well, anyways, do you have a dress to spare? I mean,
I only have a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt, hardly stuff to be goin'
to that fancy restaurant in.
Akane : I'll be happy to! Let's go eat and then we can decide on what
dress you can wear.
Ranma-chan : I don't think I'll eat as much as I usually do. I'm gonna
make Hiroshi pay for everything I'm gonna eat at that restaurant! He'll
be sorry to have ever taken me out on a date. I'll show him...!
(after dinner the two girls spend a full half-hour going through Akane's
wardrobe, picking and choosing carefully. All throughout the
impromptu fashion display, P-Chan sat riveted to the spot as Ranma-
chan tries on dress after dress. In the end, Ranma-chan is outfitted in
a red silk dress, cut low over the bosom. A matching pair of high-
heeled shoes completes the effect - stunning, yet not overly flashy or
extravagant. Ranma-chan walks out of Akane's bedroom and stands at
the top of the stairs.)
Ranma-chan : Oh, Raaannmmaaaa! Come and have a look!
Ranma : What is it....yow! Is that you, Ranma?!
Ranma-chan : Yup! (twirls around) So how d'ya like it?
Ranma : It looks great!
Ranma-chan : Really? (gives Ranma the puppy-dog eyes and puts her
hands under her chin) You're not just saying that so you won't hurt my
feelings?
Akane : (thinks) If he makes fun of it, he's the one who's gonna get
hurt! That dress cost me a bundle!
Ranma : No, really! It does look good on you, especially around
the...the..err..chest.
Ranma-chan : I know! (thumps a hand on her `chest', making her firm
breasts jiggle)
Ranma : And around the...um...
Ranma-chan : Butt?
Ranma : Er, yeah! You know, it hugs the curves! Just don't go doin'
any high kicks wearing that thing or it'll rip in two.
Ranma-chan : Don't worry, I won't! What makes you think I'm gonna
kick somebody in this getup?
Ranma : You and I know Hiroshi. You know how desperate he gets
sometimes for a date... and......
Ranma-chan : If he tries to kiss me, I'll give it to him right on the
kisser! (holds up a fist)
Akane : That says alot about the types of people you hang out with,
Ranma.
Ranma : Aww, Hiroshi's a nice guy.
Akane : We'll see about that when he goes out with her. Sometimes,
when faced with a tough decision, any coward could become dangerous,
if you know what I mean.
Ranma-chan : If you're trying to say that Hiroshi thinks he's got me as
his girlfriend, then he's got it all wrong. Don't worry about me, I'll be
fine. Well, seeya!
(She runs out and leaps high into the air, disappearing over houses
in a flash of red. Minutes later she lands a safe distance away from
the meeting place and casts about, looking for a mirror. Exasperated,
she simply rips a blind corner mirror from its sturdy steel post and
rams it into the concrete wall. With meticuluous care, Ranma-chan
checks her hair and her dress, making sure that nothing is out of place
and everything is perfectly arranged. Finally satisfied she strolled down
the street and turned the corner. The movie theatre was filled with
people from all over Nerima Ward, waiting in line. Her eyes scanned
the area until she found Hiroshi. He was wearing a nice dress shirt and
fresh-pressed cotton pants with a stylishly slick leather belt. His face
glistened with sweat at the upcoming date with `Ranko', caught between
feelings of fear and emotions of excitement. He risked a glance at his
watch and resumed his nervous pacing. Finally deciding that Hiroshi
had sweated enough, Ranma-chan stepped into the open and walked
towards him.)
Ranma-chan : (thinking) Heh heh heh. Free movie tickets, free food,
here I come!!
Hiroshi : R-Ranko! Hello there!
Ranma-chan : (grinning inwardly) Glad to see you so early, 'Roshi.
Hiroshi : (starts at hearing his nickname) 'Roshi?
Ranma-chan : (thinking) Damn! I forgot about that! I used to call him
'Roshi when I was half and half. (speaking) It is your nickname, isn't
it?
Hiroshi : Who told you that?
Ranma-chan : Oh, a friend of mine.....
Hiroshi : W-Well...I don't mind if you call me 'Roshi. Guess it's
easier. Well, anyways, here are the tickets for the movies.
(Then, almost as if someone had removed blinders from his eyes,
Hiroshi noticed the full beauty and sex-appeal of Ranma-chan in her red
silk dress and her hair ornaments. He stared at her in rapt fascination
for long moments, his brain refusing to believe that the red-haired
beauty before him was his date. HIS date and no one else's. Ranma-
chan folded her hands in front of her and looked wonderingly at
Hiroshi's awe-struck face.)
Ranma-chan : Is something wrong, Hiroshi? (she glances down to see
if her dress was slipping loose.)
Hiroshi : Huh? Oh, oh...no. Nothing at all!
(Meanwhile, hidden in the bushes....)
Kazaki : Whoa! Is that Ranko?! I can't believe that she is Akane's
cousin!
Guy #1 : Quiet! Don't let them know that we're spyin' on them!
Guy #2 : She's so cute! Look at that...that...chest! And her curves,
and those long legs! Oh I wish that I was a dress right now!
Guy #1 : Yeah, a red silk dress.
Kazaki : Hey. Hey, you guys! They're goin' in....hand in hand!
(Ranma-chan held Hiroshi's trembling hand and she led them into
the theatre. Hiroshi could be seen mechanically handing the tickets
to the ticketbearer and the two disappear into the building.)
Ranma-chan : So.....(looks at her ticket)..aisle 5, eh? Hey, what kinda
movie's called `Jurassic Park' anyways?
(the two get into the movie room and find a place in the middle. The
movie starts and soon everybody was mesmerized by the incredible
special effects. Everybody but Hiroshi. Even as Ranma-chan sat and
watched the film, Hiroshi tried his best to get in closer to her, to put his
arm around her and draw her close. She notices his attempts
immediately. And starts to wonder if she should....but it has to be
subtle, something he cannot immediately perceive as a too-forward
attempt.... Thinking quickly, she waited for a particularly gruesome
scene to manifest itself. It came quickly but Ranma-chan expected it.
When the T-rex attacked the man on the toilet, Ranma-chan let out a
squeal of terror and threw herself into Hiroshi. Hiroshi, after a
moment's hesitation at this unexpected turn of events, places one
trembling arm around her.)
Ranma-chan : (summoning up her best fearful-voice) Is-is it.....over yet?
Oh Hiroshi, I was so _scared_!
Hiroshi : D-don't worry, Ranko! It's just a movie. Just r-relax, okay?
Ranma-chan : O-okay.
(she snuggled in closer to Hiroshi, noticing to her surprise that he wore
an expensive cologne that she had never known him to wear when she
was half guy, half girl. It smelt so...invitingly fresh and clean. His
dress shirt also didn't feel like cheap material either; Hiroshi was
definitely looking his best. Suddenly, an irrational-seeming feeling
swept through her body; she didn't want to let go of Hiroshi. All she
wanted to do was to keep holding him. In fact, now that she thought
about it, why in the world had she even thrown herself on Hiroshi?
Why does she want to keep holding him? With a supreme effort she
slowly pulled herself back together and slowly pushed herself away from
Hiroshi. What was happening to her? The movie ended and as
everybody filed out of the movie room she took a good look at him. A
new and stylish haircut made him seem more handsome than with his
normal hairstyle. Black leather shoes proclaimed their expensiveness at
her as clear and as loud as a trumpet.)
Ranma-chan : Hiroshi, you really are looking great tonight!
Hiroshi : R-really? Thanks!
(He held out his arm and pointed at his sleeve)
Hiroshi : See? Genuine Italian made!
Ranma-chan : Did you...did you buy it? (looks his shirt all over)
Hiroshi : Yeah! It cost me 8 000 yen!
Ranma-chan : 8 000 yen!?
Hiroshi : (as if he didn't hear her) I bought the shoes, too. Cost me 6
000 yen for the pair and it was on sale, too! The pants I already had,
so that didn't cost anything. Not for today, at least.
Ranma-chan : (counting in her head) That's already 14 000 yen, so far!
Hiroshi : It's alot....but it's worth it. Don't worry about me, Ranko.
You're just here to enjoy. Shall we go to the restaurant?
Ranma-chan : Yeah, sure. Why not.
(As she walks with Hiroshi, Ranma-chan begins to revise her whole
outlook on her date with Hiroshi. The amount of money that Hiroshi
spent this evening must have been more than half of what Hiroshi had
in his bank. Hiroshi has no job and the only money he ever gets is
from his parents, who send him just enough to get by in Tokyo. A
disastrous possibility arises in her mind. What if Hiroshi had used all
of his parent's money and borrowed some off his friends just so he
could look good on his first date? And Ranma-chan didn't know if she
wanted to go out with him again. So all his efforts would be for nothing.
The only purpose that they served was to give him and her a good time
downtown for one night, and that would probably be it. Then Hiroshi
would be spending the rest of the week, or more, eating poorly, and
sleeping poorly, thinking about all the money that he has to repay.
Perhaps he would become bitter and resentful because he had blown all
that cash on a one-time date with a girl who guzzled his wallet for her
own ends. <Sounds like someone I know...>, she thought. Ranma-
chan's thoughts snapped back to reality when Hiroshi pointed out the
restaurant they were going to eat in, "Sushi Gardens".)
Hiroshi : Well, here we are!
(There was a long lineup of people that extended from the reception
desk to the beautifully arranged garden, complete with a miniature
waterfall that emptied into a pond of crystal-clear water, graced with a
miniature island in the middle of the pond. A well-tended willow tree,
with its branches trailing in the water's current, and a peach-blossom
tree, faced each other from both sides of the waterfall. The fallen
leaves from the peach-blossom tree fluttered slowly onto the stream
where they alighted on the surface of the water and were swept off the
ledge of the waterfall and gathered in the pond. Graceful carp swam in
the pure waters, leaping out of the pond every once in a while, as if to
take flight on the cool night breezes. Softly glowing lanterns fashioned
from decorated rice paper hung from poles set in the earth and
surrounded by carefully raked circles of pure white pebbles. Lush,
green grass clipped to a uniform height blanketed much of the garden.
Little hedges of brightly coloured flowers sprinkled the landscape,
except for a kidney shaped area where pure white pebbles were scattered
and precisely raked in concentric circles around moss-covered boulders.
It had all the marks of the work of a master in Zen garden
arrangement.)
Ranma-chan : Isn't it going to be a long wait, Hiroshi?
Hiroshi : No, no! I've had seats reserved for the two of us!
Ranma-chan : You what?!
Hiroshi : I called ahead and asked them to hold a table for two. They
said that a non-refundable deposit of 5 000 yen was needed, so I paid it.
Seems as if it wasn't wasted.
Ranma-chan : Wow, you really go for broke, don't you?
Hiroshi : Hmm? Did you say something, Ranko?
Ranma-chan : No. It's nothing. Really.
Hiroshi : Okay, if you say so. C'mon, let's go inside!
(The crowd parted for the both of them, out of good manners but mostly
because of the uncanny way their clothing and manner seem to
complement each other. They seemed `made for each other', in a subtle
yet tangible way. The receptionist allowed them inside and a waiter
showed them to their spot.)
Ranma-chan : Wow, the carpet really feels quite nice! (rubs her bare
feet as she followed the waiter)
Waiter : Of course, ma'am. Only the best will do for our customers.
Hiroshi : You can say that again!
(If the exterior of the restaurant was any indicator of how well-decorated
the inside was, it was quite an understatement. Rice-paper lanterns hung
from the wood ceiling in strategic spots, lighting the travel paths.
Expensive-looking engravings and paintings grace the each of the four
walls of the moderately sized restaurant. The subtle hint of fried salmon
steak in pepper oil mingled with the aroma of sizzling steak topped with
chopped garlic and the tantalizing smell of tempura in soy sauce. A
well stocked bar was set in right angles to a corner. The atmosphere
seemed so mellow, and smooth. Ranma-chan felt as if she could relax
and let all her troubles vanish. Somehow the place kept her in the
middle area between alertness and sleep, in a perpetual dreamworld
as it may be. The waiter opened a sliding door to a booth and the two
of them entered. After leaving two menus, the waiter encouraged them
to look through and select what they wanted before he slid the door shut
and quietly slipped away. The booth was no less impressive than the
interior. A wood table was set in the middle and two comfortable-
looking cushions awaited them on either side of the table. A water-
colour painting of a lush forest and a mist-enshrouded mountain range
hung directly on the wall directly opposite the sliding door.)
Hiroshi : Well, what do you think of this place so far?
Ranma-chan : It's almost like a palace, or something!
Hiroshi : Ha ha ha! You don't say.
Ranma-chan : (she folds her hands on her lap and looks at him) Hiroshi,
I don't know what to say. You've really been generous tonight.
Hiroshi : Think nothing of it! Just enjoy, that's all! Ha ha! (puts his
hand behind his head)
Ranma-chan : I mean, I don't want to impose on you or anything but
you have enough money to see us through tonight, right?
Hiroshi : Of course, of course! Dig in, and eat! N-nothing's too good
for you.
Ranma-chan : Yeah, okay.
(she looks carefully at Hiroshi and she could almost hear the gears
whirring and turning in his head. As his eyes travelled down the menu,
his expression changed from nervousness to outright terror, then he
quickly recovered himself and glanced over at her. She smiled and
looked back at the menu. With the prices increasing drastically from top
to bottom, Ranma-chan could see why Hiroshi had that look on his face.
Covering her face with the menu, she sighed and scanned the menu
again. Minutes passed and still there was not a peep from either of
them. Ranma-chan peeked over her menu and saw Hiroshi looking over
at her. Hiroshi cleared his throat and looked over his menu, for the
fifteenth or sixteenth time.)
Ranma-chan : (thinking) He's waiting for me to order so he can see how
much money he could afford to spend on himself. Oh, lord. (out loud)
I think I'll take the shrimp dinner. (it happened to be the cheapest item
on the dinner list. It was also the least filling but Ranma-chan didn't
care. She was watching Hiroshi's pocketbook as closely as he did.)
Hiroshi : Very well, I'll also have the shrimp dinner.
(the two waited until the waiter returned and placed their order. The
waiter left.)
Hiroshi : Are you enjoying yourself, Ranko?
Ranma-chan : Very much, Hiroshi. Thank you.
Hiroshi : And what did you think of the movie?
Ranma-chan : I thought it was great, except for that part...anyways it
was a good movie to go to.
Hiroshi : Aww, you don't have to be scared of that part. I mean, it's
just a movie after all.
Ranma-chan : It was just...just so unexpected when he got attacked.
I'm afraid I went a little too far when I....grabbed you.
Hiroshi : Heh. Don't worry about it!
(the two don't say much as they sit and wait for their dinners to arrive.
Hiroshi didn't have the courage to look Ranma-chan in the eye,
preferring to twiddle his chopsticks on the table. Ranma-chan, on the
other hand, lost herself in a fascinated examination of Hiroshi's face.
What was this that was coming over her all of a sudden? Her cheeks
flushed with warmth when Hiroshi glanced at her looking at him, and
she turned her gaze to the painting on the wall. However she hardly
gave the artwork any thought, so involved was she on trying to decipher
the signals that her body was starting to send to her.)
Hiroshi : I was wondering, Ranko....
Ranma-chan : Yes?
Hiroshi : Umm...do you have a family?
Ranma-chan : (turning her attention back to him) I was an only child.
My father died when he....err....fell into a spring a long time ago. And
drowned. <the old man might as well have drowned, considering how
little effort he put into raising me!!> she thought)
Hiroshi : Do you still have a mother?
Ranma-chan : (scowling) What kind of a question is that!?
Hiroshi : Hey, hey! I'm sorry! I didn't know that she passed away,
too.
Ranma-chan : (realizing her mistake) That's okay, Hiroshi. I wasn't
angry at you. I was angry at something else......
Hiroshi : Are you sure? You really looked mad the moment I asked
you.
Ranma-chan : (pushing away the memory) Don't worry, 'Roshi!
You've been quite a gentleman tonight....how could I be mad at you?
Hiroshi : Pheww...
(After that, the two of them sit and wait some more. Ranma-chan
occupied herself in smoothing out the creases in her dress while Hiroshi
spent his time sneaking glances at Ranma-chan. Then, after five fruitless
minutes of voyeurism, Hiroshi decided that it was time to ask THE
question.)
Hiroshi : (gathering all his courage) You know....I was thinking...
Ranma-chan : Yeah?
(she smooths out her bust. Hiroshi stops short of asking his question,
attention fixed on her hands and her breasts. Ranma-chan didn't even
look up)
Ranma-chan : About what, Hiroshi?
Hiroshi : Well...I don't want to seem too forward or pushy...you know.
(twiddles his thumbs)
Ranma-chan : Being forward or pushy is definitely not you, 'Roshi. It's
okay. Go on.
Hiroshi : (his flagging courage bolstered by her words) Umm...I do like
being around with you, Ranko. And I w-was wondering if...if
you...also feel the same way..too?
Ranma-chan : (head shoots up to look at Hiroshi) !
(Ranma-chan is silent for long moments, looking down at the table and
trying hard to stem the rising tide of jumbled and mixed emotions
seething from her heart. Without a doubt, her body called out to
Hiroshi in so many subtle ways that it seemed impossible to count them.
She found that her face reddened slightly whenever she looked at him.
Under the soft padding of the dress, she could feel her nipples hardening
and threatening to push their way through the silk. Her breathing
became labored and sweat beaded on her forehead. This and many
other things she noticed, and she thought little of them. It was how she
felt about him that counted and she didn't even know the answer to that!
Or perhaps she did but refused to admit it to herself.... Hiroshi's look
on his face told her that he thought he had bungled, and committed an
unpardonable sin.)
Hiroshi : Forget about what I said. I'm an idiot to bring up things like
that.
Ranma-chan : Hey....
Hiroshi : Sorry 'bout me being so inconsiderate. I didn't stop to think
about how you would react to that question.
Ranma-chan : Hey, it's okay.
Hiroshi : I...it's okay? But...
Ranma-chan : Yes. (looks up and smiles at him) I like being with you
too, Hiroshi. It's just...(tries to find the words)...it's just....
(she remembers all the male-type emotions and feelings that she once
had, for a single moment, before all of it fades into oblivion and a
parade of foreign emotions and feelings fill the void in her heart, turning
her mind and body to unfamiliar, yet familiar ways. She remembered
what her male half said about clinging onto being a guy, even if her
body is that of a female, but now the words seem hollow and empty,
devoid of meaning and reason where they once rang with the conviction
of truth. How could she deny what she felt for Hiroshi? How could she
deny the rush of strangely-pleasurable sensations through her feminine
body?
The face of her male half flickered briefly through her mind,
speaking those same words over and over again. She saw her hand lash
out, like an angered viper, and connect on his cheek, spinning the
face away into the darkness of her mind. She denied all that he had said
about `fighting back' because she cannot put off the inevitable any
longer!! Then a new face replaced Ranma's. The kindly face of her
mother emerged from the turmoil that is her thoughts and gazed
at her, not speaking but her expression was full of love. Then the image
shattered and her mother's face fell away in little fragments. She held
herself and wept, for she felt as if all that her male half said about
`never having a mother' had come to pass this very moment, bearing
down on her with all the crushing truth that her self-denial had held back
- until now.)
Hiroshi : Wh-what's wrong, Ranko? Why are you crying?
Ranma-chan : Huh? Oh..(wipes her tears but they keep coming).
Nuthig, 'Roshi. (blows her nose into her napkin noisily.) Nothing.
(Hiroshi gets up and walks over to where Ranma-chan is, sensing that
he was needed at this point. He put an arm around her and spoke words
of comfort, all the while not knowing what had made her cry in the first
place.)
Hiroshi : It's okay. Let it all out now. Everything will be just fine, I'm
sure.
Ranma-chan : C-can I hold you, Hiroshi? Please...just for a moment.
Hiroshi : O-okay, if you want to.
(Ranma-chan tentatively wrapped her arms around Hiroshi and felt
better, and more secure. Even though her chest was pressing quite close
to Hiroshi, he didn't notice, so intent was he on comforting Ranma-
chan. She cried for what seemed an eternity, about nothing and
everything at once, the stream of tears seeming to last forever. Then,
as if a floodgate had been shut again, her weeping stopped. Still, she
held Hiroshi tight, reluctant to leave the bastion of peace and serenity
she had found in Hiroshi. She knew, for a fact, that the balance in the
fight between the nearly nonexistent shreds of her male personality and
the overpowering influence of her female body had shifted, though she
didn't know whether it was for the better or for the worse. She
unclenched her fingers and slid away from Hiroshi, hands on her lap.
Hiroshi, sensing that her crying fit had stopped, got up and returned to
his seat. His face still had confusion written all over it.)
Hiroshi : Ranko?
Ranma-chan : Yes?
Hiroshi : What...was all that about? Did I do something wrong?
(The sliding door opens and the waiter places the two dinners
on the table and withdraws, quickly, efficiently.)
Ranma-chan : C'mon. Let's eat, okay? Wouldn't want this to go to
waste.
Hiroshi : Okay.
(The two eat in silence, mechanically munching on their tempura
shrimp, tasting the effort put into the cooking yet not fully enjoying.)
Ranma-chan : This shrimp tempura (holds up a shrimp)....it's good.
Hiroshi : Spared no expense.
(In short order the shrimp dinner is consumed and Hiroshi pays the bill.
They walk for a bit when they leave the restaurant proper, staying close
to the streetlamps.)
Hiroshi : Well...(glances at his watch) It's already 11 o'clock. Getting
pretty late. Do you want me to walk you home?
(Ranma-chan nods, not saying anything. Hiroshi puts an arm around her
and they begin their walk to the Tendo Dojo. The cool night air blew
in short gusts, ruffling their clothing and stirring up the fallen leaves
from the ginko trees that line the street. A car passes by with a whoosh,
loud music playing. Crickets chirp and seranade the summer night,
playing a small but essential role in the orchestra of the night. Without
any incident the two reach the Tendo Dojo and Ranma-chan turns to
look at Hiroshi.)
Ranma-chan : Thank you, Hiroshi, for a wonderful night.
Hiroshi : Oh, it's no problem. Really.
Ranma-chan : Sorry about that, back in the restaurant. I don't know
why it came over me like that. Sorry for making such a mess...(bows
to Hiroshi in apology)
Hiroshi : I should be the one who should be apologizing. I brought up
the question, remember?
Ranma-chan : Yes, but you didn't know about me. It wasn't your fault,
so don't blame yourself.
Hiroshi : Are you sure you're all right, now?
Ranma-chan : Yes. I'm fine. Don't worry about me, Hiroshi.
Hiroshi : (stands silent for a bit) Well, I've got to be going. See you
later, Ranko. (he turns around and starts to walk away, slump-
shouldered.)
Ranma-chan : Wait, Hiroshi! (walks towards him)
Hiroshi : (stops and turns around) Hmm? Huh?
(Ranma-chan placed her hands on either side of his face and drew him
close. Hesitating a bit, she kissed him, a soft joining of her lips to his,
her eyes shining with promise, and tears. She broke the kiss. With
that, she turned around, opened the door and stepped inside. She leaned
out and waved to Hiroshi, who waved back, then she shut the door.
Hiroshi stood there for a long moment, touching his lips with his
fingers, then he turned around and walked home, his mind a confused
swirl, but with his shoulders held high and a bounce in his step.)
(Ranma-chan stepped quietly into the landing area and removed her
shoes. Holding them in one hand, she opened the door with the other
and stepped inside. She could hear the TV in the living room, and
Ranma and Akane laughing. She heard Soun's questioning voice,
the clink of coins, and what sounded like Kasumi on the phone. <Yep,
everyone who was home, is home.> Her mind a confused jumble
over tonight's date, she walked upstairs to Akane's room. Without
further ado she pulled her dress off and hung it back in Akane's closet.
She placed the shoes back in the box and walked out into the hallway
in her underwear. Fortunately nobody was in the hallway so she
grabbed a pair of boxer shorts and a shirt, and put them on. Still in
a dazed state, she walked down the stairs and stepped into the living
room.)
Kasumi : Welcome home, Ranma!
Ranma : Hey, you're back! And about time too, remember the show we
used to watch all the time? Well, they're showing reruns!
Akane : It's great!! That guy is so funny!
Nabiki : And I'm taping it even as we speak.
Ranma-chan : Uh-huh.
Akane : So, how did it go?
Ranma-chan : How did what go?
Akane : You know, the.....(looks at Ranma-chan) Hey, your
eyes....they're bloodshot! Have you been crying?
Ranma : CRYING?!! (turns around, TV forgotten) What in the world
did Hiroshi do to you?!
Soun : Did this Hiroshi do something terrible to you, Ranma?
Kasumi : Oh my. What did Hiroshi do?
Nabiki : Not surprising. That dress you wore is enough to make any
guy....
Akane : Nabiki!!
Ranma : Tell me, Ranma! If Hiroshi did anything bad to you....!
Ranma-chan : No. In fact, he was a perfect gentleman.
Akane : So what is it, then?
Ranma-chan : I don't wanna talk about it right now.
Happosai's voice : (from the next room) Hey, keep it down, willya?!
How am I supposed to meditate with all that yammer and jabber going
on?! Kids these days....!
Ranma : I'm sure he's meditating...with his panty and brassiere
collection!
Nabiki : No doubt.
Ranma-chan : *sigh*
(Ranma-chan walks over to the spot in between Ranma and Akane, and
falls to a sitting position. She watched the program with disinterest,
without a hint of the smile that used to come so often when she watched
the show. Ranma looked over at her, and he was worried. Akane slid
up close to Ranma-chan, warned Ranma away with a glare, and put her
arm around her. She tried to coax an answer out of Ranma-chan in a
soft voice but Ranma-chan just shook her head slowly, still lost in a sea
of memories. Excusing herself and Ranma-chan, she stood up and
guided Ranma-chan up to her room. Once inside, she locked the door
and sat Ranma-chan down on her bed. Ranma-chan grabbed a pillow
and held it close to herself, her brooding so tangible that Akane could
almost grasp it. Akane sat down beside Ranma-chan.)
Akane : Are you sure you're all right, Ranma?
Ranma-chan : Yes. Sure. I'm fine.
Akane : If Hiroshi really did anything to you, don't hesitate to tell me.
Keeping it in is much worse than letting it out now.
Ranma-chan : I'm telling you, he....(stops short as Akane held up a
hand)
(Akane stood up, tip-toed to the door and wrenched it open. Ranma,
who had been pressing his ear close to the door, fell in.)
Akane : Hey! This is between me and her, so butt out!!
(she waited until Ranma left the area before closing the door and turning
back to Ranma-chan, who didn't even seem to have noticed Ranma's
eavesdropping.)
Akane : Honestly! And what were you saying, Ranma? (sits back
beside Ranma-chan)
Ranma-chan : He didn't do anything to me, Akane, believe me. Like
I said, he was the perfect gentleman all throughout tonight's date.
Akane : (seeing that she had to start at the beginning) Okay, tell me
about the date.
(Ranma-chan related the movie's plot and story with little enthusiasm.
She told Akane how she threw herself into Hiroshi's arms. She told
Akane about the new clothing that Hiroshi bought and the prices of
every item. She described the restaurant and Akane was awestruck by
the sheer beauty of the place, even from a word-only description.)
Ranma-chan : ....then we ate our shrimp dinners and he walked me
home. That's all.
Akane : Sounds like nothing to cry about.
Ranma-chan : Really?
Akane : I expected you to make him pay through the nose for the food
you were going to stuff yourself with!
Ranma-chan : (stomach growling) Well, I changed my mind.
Akane : Why did you change your mind? I've never known you to pass
up free food when it offers itself.
Ranma-chan : I just didn't want to.
Akane : You're lying.
Ranma-chan : What makes you think that?
Akane : You don't often back down and give way to anybody, Ranma.
You're too determined for that kind of behaviour.
Ranma-chan : ...........
Akane : And besides, when it's free food, I'd say eat as much as
you.....
Ranma-chan : HE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY!! OKAY?!!
(Stunned by Ranma-chan's outburst, Akane tries to fathom the meaning
of it. Ranma-chan sounded like she was more angry at herself than at
her. Suddenly Akane realized that there was more than meets the eye
to tonight's date. She sits closer to Ranma-chan and puts an arm around
her.)
Akane : C'mon, Ranma. Tell me why you were crying.
Ranma-chan : Well....(looks at Akane's worry-stricken face) all right.
I didn't tell you this before but I had a fight with Ranma and I slapped
him.
Akane : You what!? And what does that have to do with this?
Ranma-chan : Bear with me. He said that I wouldn't have a mom if I
let my female side take over. He said to fight it with all my might. At
that time, it sounded so simple and straightforward but it's not. (pauses
for a long moment)
Akane : Go on.
Ranma-chan : I knew he was right but I got angry when he said that my
mom wouldn't be my mom if I lost my battle with myself by letting my
female body take over, which was exactly what I was doing. So I
slapped him but he forgave me immediately. When I went on the date
with Hiroshi, and when I threw myself into his arms, I felt as if I didn't
want to let him go. I wanted to stay there and keep holding him
forever. Then, while waiting for our food in the restaurant, he made
some small talk and asked me a question, nervously. Now, up to this
point, I've steadily been attracted to him. My tits stood out and I got
all hot and bothered right here (points between her legs). I blushed
whenever I looked at him and I lost track of all time studying his face.
I really did enjoy being with him. I wanted nothing more than to sit
there with him and let the time flow by. But even though I enjoyed his
company, I didn't realize it on a conscious level. It took that simple
question for me to realize what my body and subconscious had been
telling me.
Akane : (thinking) Oh, no. Not THAT question!
Ranma-chan : When he asked me that question I suddenly remembered
all the feelings and emotions I once had when I was a guy. Then they
disappeared and these (thumps her chest) feelings flooded in. I
remembered what Ranma said before. I....I saw my mom face in my
mind, then I lost it. Then I realized that....it was over.
Akane : What is over? What?
Ranma-chan : (hand over heart) The fight between what I had been and
what I am now was finished. I just know it. It's gone....I can't feel it
anymore. You know what, Akane? I kissed Hiroshi. I kissed
him...because, lord help me, I think that...I'm really.....attracted to
him...
(she starts to cry and crushes the pillow in her arms, letting her tears
flow out freely. Akane gently pulls the pillow out of her arms and
beckons to Ranma-chan, arms open and inviting. Ranma-chan threw
herself into Akane's arms and held her, crying and letting all her tears
pour out with all her worries. Akane held her tight and patted her
comfortingly, whispering soft, soothing words into her ear. Ranma-chan
sobbed, chest heaving, but Akane kept holding her tight, not
relinquishing her grip on this girl who was so like Ranma, yet so unlike
him. Strange it seems how strength and fragility could co-exist together.
On an impulse, Akane brought her face close to Ranma-chan's.)
Akane : It's okay, Ranma. Say, Ranma?
Ranma-chan : W-what? (still crying)
Akane : Tell me if anything feels wrong or disgusting, okay?
Ranma-chan : What are you gonna do?
(Akane brought her lips close to Ranma-chan's, meaning to kiss her on
the lips. Ranma-chan responds out of a morbid curiosity, accepting the
kiss, but she breaks contact after a short while.)
Ranma-chan : I..I didn't like that at all. I felt....like you said.
Disgusted. It was sick.
Akane : You didn't feel right? You felt like you were going to throw
up?
(When Ranma-chan nodded, Akane pulled her into her arms and hugged
her tight. As Ranma-chan started to weep again, so did Akane. So, it
was all over. `Ranma' is gone from her. There is a knock on the door
but neither answered it. The door opens and Ranma steps in.)
Ranma : Uh, is everything all right? You two were awfully quiet in
here so Kasumi sent me to check on you guys.
Akane : Everything is fine, Ranma. It's all over, now. (Ranma-chan
starts on a new crying fit) There, there. Just let it all out now,
Ran..ma. Just let it all out and you'll feel better after....
Ranma : Umm...what's all over?
Akane : Go away.
Ranma : Why should I? Shouldn't I be worried about myself?
Akane : Just go away, leave her alone. (she pulls a mallet from behind
her back and eyes Ranma's head with interest)
Ranma-chan : No..no. It's okay. (turns to face Ranma, eyes red and
cheeks wet) I-I'm a girl now, Ranma.
Ranma : I knew that already!! Just tell me what......oh no. Oh no.
You don't mean to say that......
Ranma-chan : Y-yes. The male-side of me is gone. Oh..(cries some
more on Akane's shoulder)
Ranma : (walks over to Ranma-chan and places an arm around her)
C'mon, it can't be all that bad now, can it? And how do we know for
sure that your male-side is gone?
Ranma-chan : .............
Ranma : Oh, c'mon. What's with the long face? If Hiroshi, correction,
if _any_ guy laid a hand on me while I was in female form, I wouldn't
hesitate to...(tightens his hold on her)
Ranma-chan : Could you not do that? Please?
Ranma : Do what? (genuinely confused)
Akane : Get your arm off her, Ranma. Can't you see that you're
making her nervous and intimidated?
Ranma : (removes his arm) I...I see. Well, good night, you two.
(He walks out and shuts the door behind him. Akane and Ranma-chan
sit in silence for a long moment.)
Akane : Y'know, I think he was sort of hurt when you said that to him.
Ranma-chan : (her tears had stopped flowing) I'm sorry that I said that
but the feel of his arm around me was strange. I didn't like it and I'm
avoiding everything I don't like until I get things sorted out.
Akane : Good idea. Are you feeling better now, Ranma?
Ranma-chan : Yeah, I guess so. I don't feel as bad as I did a few
minutes ago.
Akane : Well, why don't you get some sleep then? I'm going to bed in
a few minutes anyways.
Ranma-chan : Okay. Thanks Akane, for....for...y'know.
Akane : Anytime, Ranma. Good night.
Ranma-chan : No, really. Thanks.
(she leans over and gives Akane a hug. Akane responds in kind,
hugging her back.)
Ranma-chan : Good night, Akane. (she leaves the room and walks into
her bedroom)
(Ranma-chan changes into her PJs and lies down on her futon, thinking
about all that had happened tonight. Ranma was lying on his side,
facing away from Ranma-chan, seemingly oblivious to Ranma-chan's
presence. Ranma-chan moved closer to Ranma.)
Ranma-chan : Ranma? Are you awake?
Ranma : (sulky) Yeah.
Ranma-chan : I'm sorry to have said that. It's just that I felt kinda
strange when you put your arm around me. I know you meant well
but......
Ranma : But you still didn't like it, right?
(Ranma-chan gets up and kneels behind Ranma's prone body. She puts
both hands on his left arm.)
Ranma-chan : I was hoping that you weren't really angry at me but I
guess I was wrong. I'm really, really sorry for having said what I said.
I didn't mean to push you away when you were looking to cheer me up.
Ranma : Hmph.
Ranma-chan : (shaking his arm slightly) C'mon, Ranma. I said I was
sorry already...
Ranma : (turning around to face Ranma-chan) Y'know, I can never
resist requests made by cute girls while they are hanging all over me.
Ranma-chan : (pulls her hands back, cheeks flushed) You were tricking
me!!
Ranma : No, I really was kinda angry but now that you've apologized,
I can forgive you. Now, let's go to sleep. We've got a big day ahead
of us.
Ranma-chan : Yeah, like showing Akane around our home, for one
thing.
Ranma : It'll be great. Good night.
Ranma-chan : Good night.
(Ranma flops over, so that his back is facing Ranma-chan. He starts to
wonder if there really is a cure for the Nullifier.....)
(Ranma falls asleep in short order but Ranma-chan couldn't. She kept
thinking of Hiroshi, the date and what happened to herself. And as if
her thoughts weren't already occupied, Ranma was right next her. He
had a funny smell that tingled and excited her senses. And his snores
could wake the dead. After a fruitless half hour of tossing, turning and
cursing, Ranma-chan got up and headed to Akane's room with her
pillow. The Tendo household was dark and silent; only the constant
tick-tock of a grandfather clock could be heard <as if counting the time
left until the end of the world> she thought. A little frightened, she
hurried down the hallway until she reached Akane's room. Soundlessly
she opened the door and got in her room, closing the door behind her.
She padded over and got on the bed with Akane, who was sleeping face-
up.)
Ranma-chan : Akane....!
Akane : Whuh? Whozzat? (not completely awake)
Ranma-chan : Akane, can I sleep with you? (clutches pillow in arms,
kneeling on bed)
Akane : Shure....shure. (falls back into slumber and begins to snore a
little)
Ranma-chan : (thinking) She's almost as bad as Ranma! Oh well.
Can't be helped.
(Ranma-chan plumps her pillow beside Akane's and lies down beside
Akane. Sleep came easily and stole over her quickly. The crickets
seemed to chirp a lullaby that is both soothing and magical at once.
The cool night wind blew the curtains aside and washed over her prone
form, cooling her body and ruffling the mobile hanging from Akane's
ceiling. Papers rustled and the soft hoot of an owl mixed with the tinkle
of a wind chime. A million million stars dotted the velvet sky of the
night, pinpoints of light against the darkened heavens. The crescent
moon cast its soft radiance down upon the sleeping world as everything
settles down and quiets, to await the new day.)
-=-=-=-=--=-=-End Part Four-=-=-==-=-=-
Lemme know what you think of this, k? And did you catch the...pun,
for lack of a better term? It was referring to the movie and a certain
conversation between Dr.Hammond and Ellie.