Forward to FFML people. First, I've been downloading the archives from 
the FFML for about a month. I *finally* decided to sign up! This is my 
first post...

Author's notes at end of episode 1...
I'm also posting episodes 2&3 separately...

******************************
It was raining in Juuban this morning. Saotome Nodoka steeled herself 
for the shock she would experience. After more than ten years, her son 
was returning to her, without the husband who had taken him from her a 
decade before. She had already destroyed the document Ranma and his 
father had marked, promising Ranma would be a man among men or they 
would commit Seppuku. Genma had paid HIS price and Ranma was all she had 
left now. It had been only yesterday that she had spoken to her son.

***

Nodoka went to the phone, probably some new investment that would change 
her life forever. It was.

"Hello"

"Will you accept a collect call from a Saotome Ranma?"

Her son was calling? "Yes, of course!"

Click, Beep

She heard a boy's voice "Hello?"

"Hello, Ranma is that you?"

"Mom? Pop never talked about you much, I'm glad your not dead!"

"I'm not dead; at least not yet. Where are you, Ranma?"

"Well, I'm in Osaka right now. I just got back from China."

"China? Where's your father, dear?"

"We were training in China and... It's *real* hard to talk about this... 
There's this place, Jusenkyo, a training ground of cursed springs. I 
wish he'd never heard about it."

"Can I speak to your father?"

"Please let me finish, mom. It seems that if you fall in a spring there, 
you are forced to become what ever last drowned there when splashed with 
cold water."

"How could you father take you to such a place!? Let me speak to him!"

"Hot water reverses the effects of the curse. I fell into a spring where 
a girl drowned 1500 years ago. Pop lost balance and fell into a spring 
where a panda had drowned. Now it's the spring of drowned man, Pop 
didn't make it."

Nodoka listened in shocked silence.

"Mom, mom, *mom*?"

"H... Yes, dear. What happened?"

"Well, I guess pop got knocked out when he hit his head on the bank of 
the spring, so he drowned. I'll have to admit I wasn't payin much 
attention at the time, cause I just turned into a girl!"

"I see." Nodoka fought for composure, then remembered Ranma. She *would*
see her son again, but her husband... Her tears flowed freely.

"Could you give me directions to your house from the main station in 
Tokyo?"

Nodoka composed herself. She was a mother again, and her son needed 
directions so he could come home. "Well, you take..."

***

Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover 

Episode 01: The week in Juuban: Kikuko's Tale

By Kevin D. Hammel

Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held 
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of 
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and 
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators and 
their works. No infringement intended.

***

She had given Ranma explicit instructions on how to get to the Saotome 
home; Ranma would be here any minute. From the front window, she saw a 
petite redheaded girl enter the front gate. She looked much like Nodoka 
did when she was younger. The child reverently carried a small metal box 
in her two delicate hands, and a very heavy backpack, the size of *two* 
large ones. Her gait was that of a boy carrying nothing at all.

She shifted the box to one hand and rang the bell. Her mother opened the 
door, and looked at the girl in front of her. Though her face was wet 
from the rain, her red-stained eyes indicated the burden of the task she 
was about to conclude was more than her composure could handle. The girl 
bowed and entered the house. After putting the box on a table and 
dropping her pack, she embraced her mother. Both shed tears for all they 
had lost, and now gained.

***

After a few minutes, Nodoka let go of her child, then went to fetch a 
kettle of water she had kept hot on the stove in anticipation. The girl 
held up a hand.

"I'm a boy, mom. Please don't make me cry when I'm a boy." A couple of 
deep breaths and a bit of control banished the tears. "I'm ready."

Nodoka poured the water on the girl and could not suppress a gasp as the 
girl blurred, and grew into her son. The two embraced again, then let 
go. Ranma's face was ashen. "I'm happy to see you, but" Ranma stopped. 
He was a *guy*, he wasn't going to cry! He looked down. "I'm sorry mom, 
you were expecting a son to come home, not a dumb 'ol girl..."

"What are you talking about?" Perhaps Genma had failed in his promise to 
her, it was up to *her* to repair the damage, now.

"Well pop always said girls distracted men from the Art, but because of 
this curse, I'm a stupid girl a lot of the time."

"Ranma have you been around girls much?"

"Heck, I haven't been around *people* much, not t' mention girls. Though 
when I was in China, after pop got killed..." He stopped for a few 
moments. "I did stay in a village where there were lots a girls for a 
couple a weeks."

Perhaps her child's curse could provide a way to repair the damage. 
Nodoka thought for a few moments, then took the kettle back to the 
kitchen, returning with a glass of water. She gave the glass of water to 
her son. "Ranma will you accept my training, while you live in this 
house?"

"Whatcha wanna do? Pop did some pretty crazy things to train me..." 
Ranma looked at his mom with concern.

Nodoka gave her son a serious look "Ranma, will you be willing to 
*learn* from your curse, to allow it to teach you girls *aren't* dumb?"

Ranma's smile vanished, to be replaced by a bit of fear, an emotion he 
hadn't shown since returning home. "Uh, mom... I don't really see what I 
can learn from it. Besides, I've already learned I *hate* it..."

"Well, Ranma, suppose your *sister* were to go to school, starting in a 
few days. Do you think *she* might be able to learn that girls aren't 
dumb? And maybe even accept being part girl?"

Ranma looked puzzled, for a moment. "You should know, mom, I don't have 
a..." Panic replaced puzzlement. "I'm a *guy*, Mom, not some stupid, 
weak girl!  I *like* bein' a guy!"
 
Nodoka took the glass of water and poured it over her child's head. 
"What about *now*, Ranma? What about when it rains, or you go for a 
swim, or the hot water heater breaks? What then?"

Ranma looked sheepishly at her mom. "Well, uhh, I guess I'd have t' be a 
girl for a while. When I was in China, I was a girl for a couple a 
weeks..."

Nodoka smiled at her child. "You'll have to tell me about *that* some 
time." Her expression became serious as she continued. "Being like this 
is *part* of your life now. You need to accept it, *and* you can learn a 
great deal from it. I'm curious, are you *stupid* or *weak* right now, 
dear?"

Ranma hesitated for a few moments...

She looked thoughtful, though *still* concerned. "Not really. I sparred 
a bit in China, and I'm pretty strong as a girl, I'm a *little* weaker 
than when I'm a guy, but not by much. And I'm still smart as I normally 
am..."

"So, girls *aren't* stupid OR weak..."

Ranma flashed a bit of conceit. "But that's just *me*. What about all 
the other girls?"

Nodoka was clearly getting upset with her uncooperative daughter, but 
kept her anger in check. Genma had certainly instilled arrogance in his 
child. "Ranma do you think I'm weak or stupid?"

"Well, I ain't too sure, this crazy scheme of yours is nuts if you ask 
me."

"Well, you let your father train you for more than 10 years, please just 
give me a chance." The mother asked her child, her eyes pleading more 
eloquently than her words.

Ranma thought about all her mom had said... Maybe she should give her a 
chance at least. She looked down, "OK, mom."

Nodoka hesitantly embraced her neo-daughter, her feelings a strange 
combination of happiness and guilt, then let go. "So, Ranma, will you 
accept *my* training?"

"Yes... but... I still want to be a boy... That's what I was born, 
mom..."

"I know that. But there are a few things you obviously need to learn." 
She looked her child in the eyes. "You'll always be my son, but if you 
are to become a true *man*, then you'll need to learn that women aren't 
dumb or weak. I'd rather you try to get to know people before you label 
them. And... When you're a girl, I want you to be proud of what you are, 
inside and out, not embarrassed or extremely self-conscious. You *are* 
quite a beautiful young woman, you know."

"I'm *not* going to date guys or nothin, mom! *that's* going too far..."

Nodoka laughed, "yes, that *is* going too far, Ranma. But if you find a 
girl you like..."

Ranma jumped in, raising her voice a little, and sarcasm level a lot. 
"I'm sure she's gonna be as excited to go out with *me* as I'd be with a 
*guy*!"
 
"Let me finish, dear! If you find a girl you like, maybe you can be a 
boy for her, away from school, so you can learn about that part of life 
too." Nodoka wondered what kind of girl would go along with this... A 
girl who *truly* loved Ranma would. He *was* part girl after all, she 
would have to accept the *whole* of him/her. Her confidence in her 
decision increased with this realization.

Ranma brightened a little. The tiny part of her that thought girls 
weren't dumb was actually happy.

The mother and daughter left to prepare for school.

***

Saotome Kikuko looked down at her feet as she slowly walked to school, 
delaying the inevitable. She'd *never* worn shoes like these. Because 
they were new, they squeaked as she walked, telling the world 'there's a 
*girl* here!' The rest of view wasn't one she was used to either, yet, 
but she *was* trying to get used to it. A Dark blue bow and collar, a 
white blouse and stockings, and a... skirt matching the collar, 
completed the announcement, if the people hadn't heard the shoes. She 
walked deliberately, fighting with each step the urge to run home and 
tell her mom what she thought of her dumb plan.

She looked up and noticed she was approaching the school building, when 
an automatic sprinkler system doused her with water. That was the 
*third* time on the way to school today, and it was going to be rainy 
again tomorrow. At least she didn't have to worry about her curse like 
this. Smiling for the first time today, Kikuko approached the gate, then 
stopped. This was it, the last chance to escape... As she turned to run 
home the bell rang, begging her to accept her mother's training and 
*love*. The girl hurried to class. She wouldn't disappoint her mom, she 
was all Kikuko had left...

***

In her first class, she had to write her name on the board and was 
introduced. She was directed to an empty seat. There was a boy to right 
side, a tall girl with brown hair to the left, and another girl, a 
blonde with a goofy hairdo, in front of her. Kikuko tried to immerse 
herself in studies, and did a fairly good job for several periods. As 
lunch approached, she found it harder and harder to suppress the feeling 
of sadness. Why did her pop have to go to Jusenkyo? Why did her mom have 
to do this to her? Why...

"Miss Saotome!"

Kikuko came back to the schoolroom, and looked up at the teacher, "yes." 
She replied in a small voice, kicking herself for letting her internal 
struggles become so obvious.

"I know this is your first day, but *please* pay attention!"

Kikuko dismissed her other thoughts and concentrated on her studies, 
which actually helped take her mind off of her problems.

The tall girl looked over at her cute new classmate, Kikuko. She seemed 
distracted, even the teacher noticed. The girl was obviously concerned 
about the strange new school, but that wasn't all. She probably would 
love to have someone to talk to at lunch. Kikuko's classmate resolved to 
do just that, and make her feel a little better.

***

It seemed every boy in the school wanted to talk to Kikuko at lunch. 
Each of them thought he was something special, but they were all *jerks* 
as far as she was concerned. All they saw was... a beautiful girl. At 
least Ranma had the sense to stay away from... girls. She wished that 
*someone* might see her as a person, not as a...

"Excuse me, Kikuko-chan? I was wondering... what are your three sizes?" 
The small knot of boys around Kikuko strained to hear what she would 
say.

That request was the straw that broke the camel's back. Her battle aura 
began to build. *She* knew those numbers, after all the clothing 
purchases she and her mom had made, but it was *none* of his business! 
She turned angrily toward the boy, both hands balled into fists. 
"What... Gives... You... The... Right... To... Ask... That!" *This 
lowlife* was going to regret the day he was...

In an instant, a larger girl jumped between Kikuko and her target, 
causing her to hold up on her blow. Saotome Kikuko did *not* hit 
girls...

The girl glared at the boys, probably saving them a broken bone or two. 
"Lay off her, you jerks! She just got here, give her a chance to eat... 
please?"

The boy who had asked her quickly backed off, as did the small crowd 
that had formed around Kikuko. She smiled at the other girl, who she 
recognized as her brown-haired classmate. "Thanks, you saved that guy a 
world a pain..."

The tall girl smiled, "let's eat lunch over there." She said, pointing 
to small, isolated, table.

"Sure!" Kikuko replied with a returned smile. "They seem to have a 
healthy respect for you, Miss..."

"Kino Makoto. A few broken noses will do wonders for your ability to 
clear jerks off a friend... Or someone I *hope* is..." Her face spoke of 
that very hope.

"You sure seem t' be a good friend t' have! I coulda handled myself back 
there, though!"

Having watched the way she she moved, Makoto *knew* she was a martial 
artist. "Looking at you, I can see why! Are you a martial artist, too?"

"You practice the Art?" Kikuko asked her new friend. She couldn't 
believe her luck...

Makoto couldn't believe *hers* either. "Yeah, but I'd like to train with 
someone... interested?"

"Sure!" Kikuko replied, smiling.

"How long have you been training?"

"Well, from the time I was five to a month ago, I trained every day, 
almost all day. The Art was my life, you might say."

"What happened a month ago?"

"My pop got killed during a training exercise. Very tragic story."

"So that's why you're sad, Kikuko-chan, I thought I sensed you had lost 
someone close to you. Both my folks are dead, so I'm fairly sensitive 
about stuff like that."

"My pop isn't all I lost..." Kikuko's voice trailed off.

"What else did you lose?"

How to tell her without telling her? "My pop raised me as a boy, but my 
mom thinks its time for me to be a girl."

Makoto smiled. "So *that's* why you talk a little funny. You *really* 
should watch what you say, though. Try to be a little more formal and 
polite when you speak, you'll make a *lot* more friends that way!"

"Thanks for the tips." Kikuko replied, struggling to smile for her new 
friend. After a bit of thought, she didn't have to struggle.

Makoto looked thoughtful, "Kikuko-chan?"

"Yeah?"

"Why *did* your father raise you as a boy anyway?"

Kikuko *wished* the bell would ring, but it didn't. "Well, uh my pop 
always told me girls were weak and stupid, so he thought it would be 
better if I grew up as a boy."

"Do you *still* think girls are weak and stupid?" Makoto asked, pain 
evident in her voice.

"I'm still not sure, but I'm starting to change my mind... a little."

Makoto smiled. "That's great! With a little more work, maybe you can 
become the daughter your mom dreamed of!"

"Uh, yeah, Makoto. That would be... great." Kikuko said without 
animation. She *hoped* that wasn't the goal of her mom's training...

The bell (finally) rang.

"Let's talk again after school." Makoto said as they hurried to class.

"OK!" A month ago, *he* would never have imagined having a *girl* for a 
friend. After 'her' father's death, a girl had befriended her in 
Joketsuzoku. Today, she just might have a second such friend. Kikuko 
followed Makoto back to class with a smile. Could Makoto *really* be a 
friend? She hoped so...

***

The last class of the day *used* to be *his* favorite, P.E. Kikuko felt 
funny just walking into the locker room. She went to her assigned 
locker, opened it, put her new gym clothes in, then stared into the 
locker, hoping its depths would tell her *something*, or that the class 
would be over and she could go home.

The busy sounds of the locker room died down to the sound of two feet 
walking up to her. Kikuko looked up from the fascinating locker to see 
her new friend Makoto, suited up for P.E.

"What's wrong?" But then she thought about what her friend had told her. 
"Don't worry Kikuko-chan. It's only me here now. You can change... I 
won't look." Makoto averted her eyes, and Kikuko used all her reflexes 
and abilities to change in seconds.

"Thanks Mako-chan.  Er, you don't mind if I call you 'Mako-chan,' do 
you?" Kikuko looked at her with a smile.

Makoto reflected her simile "No problem, all my friends do! Let's get to 
class."

Kikuko wondered whether Makoto would still be a friend if she *really* 
knew her secret, *not* her cover story...

***

Out on the athletic field, the other girls were doing exercises. The 
teacher walked over to Makoto and Kikuko. "Kino, you're doing 4 laps 
after class." She turned to Kikuko "You must be the new student, 
Saotome. Maybe a few laps with your friend Miss Kino will help you be 
more punctual in the future."

"Yes!" The two girls responded. Makoto helped Kikuko perform the 
standard calisthenics. With a faster pace, the two girls finished at the 
same time as the rest of the class.

"Well done, Kino and Saotome." She walked to the head of the class. 
"Today we'll work on some basic soccer skills. Let's break up into two 
groups..."

 Makoto was amazed by her new classmate's athletic prowess. It seemed 
that all that was necessary for her to learn a skill was to watch it 
demonstrated, and she would perfect it almost immediately. It was 
actually kind of creepy...

By the end of the class, even the instructor was impressed. She walked 
over to Kikuko. "Miss Saotome, have you ever considered playing on our 
school's soccer team?"

Kikuko flushed bright red, "no, but thank you. I really don't want to 
compete in any sports."

"Well if you ever change your mind, we'd *love* to have you." She turned 
to the rest of the class "That's it for today." She turned to where the 
Kino and Saotome girls were standing and noticed they had already 
started their laps. <I *was* going to tell them they didn't have to run, 
because they both did so well in class. The exercise will be good for 
them, however.> She watched the two runners for a while then went in.

By the time Makoto and Kikuko returned to the locker room, it was empty.

***

Kikuko was hot and sweaty. She *really* needed a relaxing shower. 
Running on autopilot, she tossed her P.E. outfit in the locker and went 
to the showers. Nothing beat a nice hot shower after a workout like 
that. As she turned the handle and felt the water hit her, she froze, 
shouted "No..." and... changed.

Concerned by her friend's shout, Makoto turned and saw what happened 
when the water hit her friend. Surprise became shock then horror, as 
Kikuko became something else. The girl's entire body seemed to flow as 
it stretched and *grew* for a few seconds, leaving what *looked* like a 
black-haired *boy* where Kikuko had been.

"What have I done?" Ranma asked himself as he turned off hot water. He 
waited an eternity for the temperature to drop to cold, which left 
Kikuko shivering. The redhead turned to Makoto, the girl who *had* been 
her friend... The taller girl just *stared* in openmouthed shock. Kikuko 
flushed for a moment, then hurriedly warped a towel around herself. A 
spark of life returned to Makoto's face... She began to stare at 
Kikuko's forehead.

"Whatcha lookin at, Mako-chan?" She choked out, fighting back tears.

A strange variation of the symbol of Jupiter had appeared on the girl's 
forehead. An ellipse surrounded the planetary symbol, and had a small 
circle on it. The entire image was yellow... As she continued to stare, 
the image faded.

Makoto's mind began to work again. She wondered just *what* was going 
on. Maybe Ami or one of the cats might know what to make of the 
*symbol*, but what about 'Kikuko'?

"I... I... can explain everything, Makoto-chan. Will you *please* stop 
by my house tonight?" Kikuko tried to plead with her eyes, presenting an 
almost comical expression to her friend.

Makoto forced a smile onto her face. Kikuko really *did* need to know 
more about being a girl, if that really was her name. She WAS a girl, 
Makoto didn't have any doubt. The question became was she *only* a girl? 
Words would only come out in spurts for Makoto. "Kikuko... I'd like to 
hear all you know... about what I just saw..." 

Despite her embarrassment, Kikuko dried herself off and dressed to go 
home. She noted with sadness that Makoto wouldn't even speak to her 
again. Kikuko left the locker room, the sound of footsteps the only 
indication Makoto followed.

***

The two girls had nothing to say to each other on the way to Kikuko's, 
so they walked in silence, Makoto following the smaller girl.

Nodoka saw two girls walking up to her door. Her daughter looked like 
she was almost ready to cry and the girl behind her had a blank 
expression. Nodoka opened the door. "So, how was your day at school 
Kikuko-chan?" She smiled at Makoto. "You can come in too, Miss..."

A dead expression greeted the smile. "Kino Makoto" The girl bowed and 
followed Mrs. Saotome into the house.

***

"Why don't you two sit on the couch, while I work on supper!" Nodoka 
said and returned to the kitchen.

Makoto suddenly thought of a way to escape Kikuko... "Mrs. Saotome?"

"Yes?"

"Do you need any help with cooking?"

Nodoka realized Kikuko needed Makoto *much* more than she did right now. 
"Thank you, but I'll only be a few more minutes.  I'm sure the two of 
you would rather stay here and talk."
 
Kikuko turned to her estranged friend, no longer able to keep the tears 
in check. "Makoto, will you listen to my story, *please*?"

Makoto looked over at the girl. When she noticed a horrible combination 
of fear, anxiety, and sadness in Kikuko's face, her heart went out to 
her new friend. Makoto was sure Kikuko would satisfy all her questions, 
now was a good time to start. "Kikuko-chan..."

"Yes?" 

"Tell me your story."

"Of course, Makoto-chan."

Makoto didn't have to struggle for a smile, now... "Please don't forget, 
my *friends* call me Mako-chan."

"Sorry, I wasn't sure after what happened in the locker room." Her 
anxiety had been replaced by a new smile. "Well, Mako-chan, as you might 
guess I wasn't always a girl..."

By the time Kikuko's - or was it Ranma's? - narrative got to China... 
Nodoka had returned. "Let's eat."

Kikuko looked her mom in the eye, "could I change for supper? Makoto 
*knows*."

Nodoka looked from Makoto to Kikuko and back again. Since Makoto already 
knew her child's secret... "Yes, child. You may."

"Thank you." Kikuko replied with a bow.

Nodoka turned to Makoto. "This will probably take a few minutes, let me 
turn down the stove."

***

Makoto couldn't believe the handsome, black-haired boy was Kikuko. She 
looked at him for a while, trying to see her friend in him, finally 
noticing how similar their faces were, especially his eyes, *they* were 
the same as Kikuko's. They looked much larger on her smaller face, 
however.

"Trying to see if there's a bit of Kikuko in me, Mako-chan?" Ranma asked 
with a grin.

"Yeah" Makoto replied, flushing slightly.

"Well, *I* think Ranma has the same eyes in either form." Nodoka added.

"You're right, Mrs. Saotome." She turned to Ranma. "Your eyes are 
identical, and your faces are quite similar, except hers is quite a bit 
smaller." She replied, suppressing a new flush.

"Don't forget, it isn't 'hers', that face is *mine*, when I'm a girl. 
Anyway, back to China..."

"So, mom decided that I should go to school as a girl, so I could learn 
that they *aren't* dumb, and I can't believe how much I learned on my 
first day. She even pointed out to me that when it rains, I need to 
swim, or anytime I get cold water dumped on me, I'll become a girl 
anyway.  This way, I don't have to worry about my curse."

"Except in the locker room..." Makoto added, her new smile gone for a 
moment.

Ranma flushed bright red. "Yeah, Makoto, I hope that will *never* happen 
again."

"Don't worry, I'll help make sure it *never* does." She offered Ranma 
her hand.

Ranma shook his... friend's hand and smiled. Makoto had a strong grip... 
*she* certainly wasn't weak *or* stupid. Ranma smiled, flushing 
slightly, finally letting go.

Makoto looked at Ranma with newfound appreciation. He was very handsome, 
could he *finally* be the man of her dreams? She wasn't sure about him 
being part girl, though... But, Kikuko already *was* almost one of her 
friends. She had to think about it.

"So, Ranma how was school?" Nodoka asked.

Ranma told his mom about all that happened: thoughts of flight at the 
gate, the jerks at lunch, a new friend, and finally what happened in the 
locker room.

Makoto looked puzzled. "Is that *all* you know about that happened in 
the locker room?" she asked Ranma. "You don't know anything about..." 
Makoto looked at Ranma for a moment, then swallowed the words she wanted 
to tell him.

"What Mako-chan?"

"I'll tell you later. I need to meet with some, friends, to discuss 
exactly what I saw in the locker room."

"Can you tell me any more?"

"No, sorry. But I will later, I promise!"

"*Please* don't tell them about my... curse." 

"Don't worry about your secret, it's safe with me!"

Somehow, Ranma *knew* Makoto's word was good. "Thanks!"

Nodoka wanted to find out more about this girl, so she steered the 
conversation that direction. "How did you meet my daughter, Makoto-
chan?"

"We sit next to each other in class. When Kikuko-chan came to school, I 
noticed she was sad about something, and I had a good idea what it was." 
Makoto looked down.

Nodoka thought for a moment. Makoto hadn't called home to let her 
parents know she was here, and she seemed to sense Kikuko's loss... "You 
haven't lost a parent, have you?"
  
"Both my parents are dead, Mrs. Saotome. I live by myself."

Nodoka's expression changed to one of motherly concern "If you need a 
mother for anything, let me know."

"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind, but right now I'm fine by myself."

"You do all the housework and cooking by yourself?"

"Yes. In fact, perhaps you and Kikuko would like to sample some of *my* 
cooking. Yours is excellent, Mrs. Saotome."

"Thank you, you're very kind."

Makoto suddenly remembered what else she had to do tonight. "I'm sorry, 
but I really need to go home."

Nodoka looked at Ranma. "I'm sure *Kikuko* would walk home with you if 
you'd like..."

"Sure, Mrs. Saotome!"  She turned to look at Ranma.  "Er... Kikuko?"

"It'd be my pleasure, Mako-chan!" Ranma went to the sink and filled a 
water glass, emptying it over his head.

Makoto couldn't suppress a gasp as she saw the change for the third time 
today.

"OK, Mako-chan, you lead!" Her friend enthused after tightening her 
belt, then looked at her chest and seemed to notice something. "Excuse 
me!" She hurried up to her room, returning a minute later.

"What was that for?" Makoto asked, though a glance at her friend told 
her what she had done.

"Well, I need a bit more clothing when I'm a girl..." She said, with a 
bit of embarrassment.

"I'm pleased you remembered, Kikuko!" Her mom replied with a proud 
smile.

The two girls left, Nodoka glad her son's training was going so well.

***

Finally, the two friends made it to Makoto's apartment.

Makoto looked a bit apologetic. "I'd ask you in, but I *am* really busy 
tonight."

Kikuko returned her smile. "No problem, Mako-chan. I *really* enjoyed 
spending some time with you. Thanks for being a friend."

Makoto smiled at her new friend. "You're welcome! If I find anything out 
tonight, I'm sure I'll tell you tomorrow. Bye Kikuko-chan."

"Bye, Mako-chan." Kikuko turned and hurried down the stairs. It had been 
a frightening, exciting, *and* wonderful day. Tomorrow would be more 
mundane, but she would always remember her first day, and first friend, 
at Juuban High School.

Makoto shut her door. She felt so many conflicting emotions about 
Kikuko/Ranma, and *then* there was the symbol that had appeared on her 
forehead... What was her connection with Jupiter anyway? She had to make 
a few calls to arrange a meeting get to the bottom of *that* question...

***

Makoto had *insisted* on an emergency meeting of the inner Senshi to 
discuss what she had seen. The group of five teens and their 'pets' had 
gathered at the fire shrine.

"So what's this all about?  Why'd you call a meeting?" Usagi asked.

"Well, you know that new girl at school?"

"Yeah, I also saw you stopping her from getting herself into trouble. 
She looks a little small to be much of a threat to a guy!" Minako 
answered, grinning.

Makoto *almost* glared at her friend. "I know *I* wouldn't want to have 
to fight *her*. Do any of you have a sheet of paper and a pencil?"

"Of course, I never know when I'll need to record something!" Ami 
replied, offering a pad of paper and pencil to her classmate.

Makoto drew the symbol she had seen displayed on Ranma's forehead, then 
held it up. "Do any of you know what this might be? The whole thing was 
yellow."

Ami looked at it carefully. "Well, the ellipse might describe the orbit 
of one of Jupiter's moons. The circle would be the moon and the color a 
clue to what it is. Where did you see this symbol, Makoto?"

"On Kikuko's forehead."

"Kikuko? Oh, the new girl at school..." Usagi added. She looked at Luna. 
"Do you remember anything about Senshi representing moons?"

Luna big-sweated at Usagi's remark.

"Except Earth's!" Usagi added quickly.

"No, I don't, though certainly there are several large moons which could 
provide incredible power."

Ami had been thinking about the Jovian moons whose color might be 
yellow. She had seen the pictures of the moons from space, and the four 
largest were the size of a small planet, like Mercury. What were they? 
Ganymede and Callisto were gray balls of ice and rock, each larger than 
Mercury. Europa had rust-colored streaks to distinguish it. Io was 
yellowish-colored, though it did have red volcanoes and lava flows, but 
was that *really* relevant? "I'm not sure. I know *our* colors don't 
usually match our planets..."

"Except Mars!" Rei chimed in.

"Exceptions do not prove the rule! If color IS important, it *might* be 
Io. It sometimes seems to have a yellowish color, when you look at it 
from a distance..."

"So, what do you think we should do?" Makoto asked.

Luna answered the tall girl. "Well, since I don't recall Senshi of these 
moons in the past, perhaps a new group is being called..." Her voice 
became serious. "This has never happened before... Times ahead must be 
dark indeed." Her voice became more upbeat. "A good night's sleep might 
provide some answers. We should meet again tomorrow, after school. Bring 
your friend, Mako-chan! I'd like to speak with her."

With that, the group broke up. Makoto wondered if Ranma/Kikuko was a 
Senshi after all, and if he was, would *he* even consider assuming the 
mantle of one?

***

Ranma had a long day today, but if finally was over. It felt *good* to 
wear his boxers again. He took off his pants and shirt, and wore the 
much more comfortable shorts to bed. Soon he was asleep.

Nodoka looked in on her child a little later. Her son looked restless, 
but was sleeping. She quietly closed his door and went to bed.

***

Makoto finished some homework and got ready for bed. As she lay in bed, 
she thought about Ranma/Kikuko again. Would the boyfriend she dreamed of 
agree to become a Sailor Senshi? She wasn't sure, but she thought he 
would. She hoped Ranma would, too. On that thought she drifted off to 
sleep.

With a start, Makoto realized she wasn't alone. A gigantic bearded man 
dressed as an ancient king sat on a throne before her. Around his neck 
was a golden chain holding a medallion decorated with the symbol of 
Jupiter. Makoto, clad as Sailor Jupiter, found her voice. "Jupiter?"

"Yes, my Princess, that is one of my names."

"Why must you speak to me? You never have before!"

"A dark time is approaching. The spirits of my companion worlds wish to 
summon Senshi to aid in the struggle."

"The moons?"

"Yes, my four large moons, as well as Saturn's and Neptune's largest. 
You must help the new Senshi of my moons, Makoto. When each manifests my 
mark, and her moon's, present her with a henshin pen appropriate to her 
patron World."

Four henshin pens appeared before Sailor Jupiter, one yellow with a 
sphere imbedded in a band around the symbol for Jupiter.

<That must be Kikuko's> Makoto thought.

There were three similar henshin pens, colored green, orange, and 
magenta.

Remembering what Ami had said, Makoto spoke "is Ra-- er, Kikuko the 
Senshi of one of your moons?"

"Yes, Io. Her road is an especially difficult one."

"Why did you chose her?"

"I did not, Io did. Io controls such great power that a strong martial 
artist is required to harness her chaotic energies. As you know, Kikuko 
was born a boy named Ranma. You must help *her* accept her new role, but 
not forget what *he* was, and will be."

"What of the other three?"

"You will find them soon enough. Good luck, Princess Jupiter. Ranma will 
visit you soon."

The image of Jupiter faded as Makoto woke up.

***

Ranma's dreams were interrupted by the appearance of a beautiful young 
woman, dressed in some sort of ancient garment, perhaps it was a toga. 
He had never seen her, so he had to ask... "Who are you?"

"Io, my chosen avatar."

Ranma was shocked as his dream-self shifted to his female form. Her 
clothing was even more surprising, and unsettling. She was wearing a 
*girl's* uniform with a *really* short, green, skirt; a *really* big 
Yellow bow with an emerald circlet in the center; long white gloves 
trimmed in green; and her slippers had become a pair of green boots. She 
was *lucky* she couldn't see the tiara, choker, and earrings which 
completed her outfit, though she *knew* she wore them. Ranma had a one-
word question. "Why?"

"This is how the chosen Senshi of the heavenly bodies dress, Ranma. You 
are an athlete; often, human females wear such attire in athletic 
competitions. Consider gymnastics and figure skating, for example."

"But I'm a martial artist, and a *guy*! This is embarrassing! Even my 
school uniform has a longer skirt that this! And the *rest* of this 
stuff..."

"Like all Sailor Senshi, in this form, a disguise field will prevent any 
from recognizing you."

"Well, that makes it a *little* better, I *guess*..."

"Besides, you *aren't* a guy right now, are you? And you weren't one 
earlier today, were you?"

"What about hot water? I've already had one *really bad* experience with 
*that*!"

"Don't not worry about hot water when you're in this form, Ranma. The 
henshin pen's magic is stronger than your curse. In fact, you can change 
from boy to Sailor Io by raising your henshin pen and saying..."

"Io Lumina Power, Make up!" Ranma finished. <*where* did that come 
from... *make up???*> "But even if I look like this, I'm *still* a guy! 
This body ain't mine, it's just part of this rotten curse I have."

"Do you *still* think its rotten, even after all that happened today?"

"Actually, *because* of what happened today. When those *boys*..." She 
spat, then looked up. "Because of what my mom made me do today, I might 
*never* have a friend who's a guy. I haven't had many friends, but 
they've *all* been boys."

"Maybe that's part of the problem, part of what your mom wants you to 
understand. You *really* need to talk to her after our chat... Please 
consider serving as my Senshi, Ranma, The world needs you. Or are you 
going to finally admit there's a fight which only *girls* can win?"

Ranma scowled at Io. "You really fight dirty, doncha? I'm not gonna let 
innocent people get hurt, but did you ever stop t' think that I'm 
innocent too? I didn't ask to be a girl, it just kinda happened." She 
looked down at the big yellow bow on her chest, then up at her 
tormentor. "What if I start t' *like* this? What if I already have? When 
I think of the guys at school, I think of *jerks*. It'd be a *lot* 
easier for me to live as a girl all the time, you know. There ain't much 
hot water out in the world, but there's *lots* a cold. That's why my mom 
is training me as a girl, but my pop raised me t' be a *man*, 'an if I 
become a girl, what'll be left a him but some ashes in a box? I know he 
was a little rough sometimes, but he was proud of his *son*. Did you 
ever think about that?" Ranma didn't notice the tears coursing down her 
dream-face.

"I never really looked at it like that."

"Well, maybe you should! Besides, today I found out there's at least one 
girl who actually cares about me as a boy and a girl. She even 
understands how crummy I feel right now. What would she think if she saw 
me like this?"

"In general, I see your point, but if you're talking about Makoto, she'd 
probably be happy, because she's Sailor Jupiter. I'm sure she'll help 
you accept your new role as my Senshi, if *you're* up to it."

Ranma's head started to spin. She tried to sit down, ending up seated on 
the ground with a loud thud. Looking up at Io, her gaze narrowed, then 
her anger exploded, flames playing across her body. "So, you put her up 
to that, didn't ya? I actually fell for her act. I guess pop was right 
about girls after all!"

She raised her two arms, then clasped her hands, aiming at Io's face. 
She would make her pay for her deception. Words came into her mind, and 
she spoke them. "Tempest Flare!" a river of flame shot out from her 
outstretched arms, passing harmlessly through the body of its mistress.

Io smiled at her new Senshi. "Ranma, Jupiter only found out about your 
selection tonight. She didn't know before, honestly. And she *really* 
does want to help you! She's had so much sorrow in her life... You could 
help her too, you know! And one final thing; if you become my Senshi, 
Ranma, some good will come out of your father's death. As it stands now, 
it's a terrible waste of his life, not to mention the horrible impact on 
yours." Io looked at her again, her shimmering eyes pleading for help. 
"*Please* allow me to help your curse become something else."

Ranma looked at Io's face and *knew* she was telling the truth. Perhaps 
with Makoto's help she *could* do this. She looked down at her very 
feminine attire, then up at Io. "OK, I'll do it."

The woman smiled at him. "Thank you, Ranma. "Sailor Jupiter has your 
henshin pen, and will give it to you."

Io faded from his vision, and Ranma woke up. His pillow was wet, it 
seemed some of the tears had been real. After thinking about all he'd 
seen, he dismissed the crazy nightmare and tried to sleep, but couldn't. 
'Io" was right about one thing, he *did* need to talk to his mom. He got 
out of bed and went to his door, then got an idea. He opened his closet 
and took out the robe and pale green pajamas his mom had bought for him, 
*her* actually. The pajamas *wouldn't* fit him now, of course, but...

***

Nodoka heard a knock on her door. It was 4:00 in the morning, who could 
be? It must be her *child*, she was a mother again after all. Nodoka 
smiled. "Come in, Ranma."

Ranma had used some cold water to take his alternate form before she 
went to visit her mom. She opened the door.

"Good morning... What's wrong, dear?" she noticed her child's hair was 
disheveled, and she had obviously been crying.

"We need to talk, mom."

"Yes?"

"You heard about what happened at school today, mom, and it got me 
thinking, well more like it gave me nightmares..."

"Go on."

"When I was growin up, all my friends were boys, but *now* I think boys 
are jerks. So, I'll have some friends that are girls... What if the 
girls find out, I've been foolin 'em? Already *one* girl knows, what if 
they *all* do, huh? Can you *imagine* what they'd do to me if they found 
out I was a *guy*?"

Nodoka looked concerned, but only for a moment. "*Kikuko* when you go to 
school, you *are* a girl, aren't you?"

"Well, at least I look like one..."

"That's *not* really true, is it? You *are* a girl right now, aren't 
you? There are some differences which I'm sure you've noticed."

The girl turned bright red. "You're right."

"And to get you enrolled in school, we had to do some 'creative' 
bookwork, didn't we? Legally, you're a girl that was born the same day 
as your 'brother', aren't you?"

"Yeah, but..."

"But what? You have a curse which you have to live with, Kikuko, *but* 
because cold water is more common than hot, you won't have to deal with 
it *nearly* as often as Ranma does. If you change, just tell the girls 
the truth, that you are cursed to become a boy when hit with hot 
water... It's completely true, you know."

"But they'll think I'm a freak..."

"Maybe *some* will, but the rest won't. Makoto doesn't, and she knows 
the *whole* story."

"What if I *like* being a girl, what if I *become* a girl? It is easier 
to stay one, you know." She felt tears coming on, and realized she 
didn't need to hold them back. She was a *girl*, after all.

"I watched you and Makoto last night, and I don't think you have to 
worry about becoming completely a girl."

Ranma thought about Makoto and flushed again.

"But if you *like* yourself when you're a girl *and* a boy, you'll be a 
lot happier. I was wondering, Ranma do you *still* think girls are weak 
*or* stupid?"

"Well, I ain't too sure right now..."

"But a couple of days ago, you were *sure* they were."

The girl flashed a little smile. "You're right mom, thanks." She reached 
out for her mother "I love you, mom."

"I love you too, Ranma."

After a few moments, Ranma let go. "Thanks for remembering my name, mom! 
And thanks for being there for me." Her expression darkened. "Pop probly 
woulda told me t' go back t' sleep!" She got up and left the room.

Nodoka watched her... child leave, more convinced than ever she was 
doing the right thing.

***

Ranma was finally able to get some sleep, for an hour, then the alarm 
went off. It was time to train.

***

Makoto walked to Ranma's wearing one of her spare P.E. outfits, her 
uniform carried in a backpack. Reaching the gate, she noticed a familiar 
redhead waiting expectantly. "Good morning!" Makoto called out to her 
friend.

"Morning, Makoto! Wanna work out?" Kikuko hurried down the path and 
opened the gate.

Makoto laughed, "Silly, that's why I'm here."

"So, you know any katas you might be willing to show off?"

 Makoto immediately began a kata, her experience evident to her new 
mentor. "You're actually good!" Kikuko commented, then began her own, 
much more complicated kata, gracefully combining a rapid series of 
punches, kicks and spins. It felt good to practice the Art this morning, 
to share it with someone else.

Makoto finished before Kikuko, and watched her friend in amazement. Her 
style was much different from what Makoto knew, or had *ever* seen. She 
*had* to ask Kikuko about what school she practiced.

When the redhead had finished up, Makoto clapped in appreciation.

Kikuko smiled with confidence bordering on arrogance. "Care to spar?"

"Sure... What school do you practice, Kikuko?"

"The 'Anything Goes' School. Only the Saotome and Tendou families 
practice it. Lets's see whatcha got..." 
 
Makoto attacked with power, and tried to tag Kikuko, but her friend 
avoided every punch. Finally, Makoto tried a series of feints and landed 
a solid kick. Kikuko's expression of surprise at the successful attack 
quickly changed to a grin.

"Good, that was quite a string of moves you put together, Mako-chan, my 
turn! Kikuko went after Makoto, but was clearly pulling her punches, and 
any that made contact were more like taps rather than blows. Kikuko 
stopped her attack after a bit and bowed with a smile. "Good, I haven't 
had this much..." Her expression quickly darkened, but only for a 
moment. "Now, let's see what we can do with your form, Makoto, have you 
ever considered..."

It was just after seven when the girls finally broke. "Why don't you get 
cleaned up Makoto, I'll be along in a bit."

"Thanks" Makoto hurried in and was quickly cleaned and dressed in her 
uniform. Just a bit later, and Kikuko was dressed in hers. Both girls 
grabbed a quick breakfast, thanked Kikuko's mom, and ran out the door. 
Nodoka smiled in their wake. She was happy her son had found such a nice 
girl, and so quickly. She hoped today would be less eventful.

***

On the way to school, Makoto pulled out Io's yellow Henshin pen, 
offering it to Kikuko.

The other girl stopped for a moment, the dream *had* been real. "Makoto? 
Is that for me?"

"Of course, Kikuko. Did you have any strange dreams last night?"

"Yeah, I'll say! We can talk about 'em later. Thanks!" She 
subconsciously sought out a hyper spatial pocket and stored her gift.

***

When she finally got to school, Kikuko noticed the boys stayed away from 
her, which she realized was *very* healthy for them. Quite a few *did* 
give her the once-over however, and talk amongst themselves. She used 
her control to keep from putting on a show like yesterday's. <I'm glad 
Mako-chan stepped in and prevented me from fighting, somebody might had 
gotten hurt at lunch yesterday... And it wouldn't have been me...> 

At lunch it seemed that the boys had been cowed by Makoto's protection 
of her cute friend, so Kikuko wasn't asked any personal questions today. 
The two girls looked forward to sharing a peaceful meal.

As she finished up her lunch, Kikuko noticed a shadow cast over her. She 
turned to see a girl with blue-black hair behind her. The girl smiled 
and introduced her self. "Hello, I'm Mizuno Ami. You must be Saotome 
Kikuko. Mako-chan has told us a lot about you."

Kikuko *glared* at Makoto, letting her eyes speak for her. She turned to 
Ami. "You're right, pleased to meet you, Ami-chan." Her face showed *no* 
pleasure in the meeting, however. Her gaze returned to her betrayer.

Makoto discretely shook her head no and whispered "I didn't tell her 
*that*!"

"What?" Ami asked.

"*Nothing!*" Kikuko quickly responded, her stern look telling Ami there 
would be *no* discussion.

Ami smiled at Kikuko, providing a sharp contrast to the latter's 
expression. "I just wanted to tell you two that some mutual friends of 
Makoto and myself will be getting together after school. We'd *really* 
like to meet you, Kikuko-chan."

Kikuko looked at Makoto, who gave her a tiny smile and a wink. The 
redhead flushed slightly, her expression softening to a smile. She 
turned to face the blue-haired girl. "I'm sorry about how I acted 
earlier. It'll be great to visit with your friends, Ami. Any friend of 
Mako-chan is a friend of mine!"

"Good, we'll being expecting you." Her gaze shifted to Makoto, "we'll be 
at Rei's"

"Of course! Thanks, Ami-chan."

"Nice to finally meet you, Kikuko-chan!" With a smile and a parting 
wave, she left.

Kikuko watched Ami leave, her eyes following the girl to a table with 
two blondes, one she recognized as the girl who sat in front of her. Ami 
spoke to the other two for a few moments, then concentrated on a 
textbook.

Kikuko gave Makoto as apologetic a look as she could. "Sorry, Mako-chan 
I should have trusted you."

Makoto looked sternly at her friend. "Yes, you should have." She stiffly 
intoned, "But its OK, Kikuko-chan, this time! You have a *lot* to deal 
with right now." Her expression melted into a smile.

Both girls giggled and engaged in small talk until the bell rang.

***

In the locker room, Kikuko felt a lot better with Makoto changing next 
to her. After class, her friend made *sure* the water was cold for 
Kikuko. The cold water was less of a shock then it was the day before, 
it was actually a bit refreshing before it became *just* cold.

***

Before they left for Makoto's friend Rei's, Kikuko *insisted* on 
stopping by her home. While Makoto waited downstairs, she ran upstairs 
and returned wearing a pair of black pants and a red silk shirt, *both* 
of which were clearly too big for her. Nodoka blocked the door as the 
two girls tried to leave.

"Where are you going dressed like *that* young lady?" Nodoka asked 
sternly.

"Makoto and I are going to visit some friends of hers. Please, trust me 
mom." Kikuko tried *hard* to look earnest.

Nodoka looked thoughtful for a few moments. "I trust you, Kiku-chan. 
Have a good time with your friends."

Kikuko hugged her mother, "thanks, mom!"

"Bye, Mrs. Saotome!" Makoto said as they left.

Nodoka smiled as she watched the two girls run down the street to catch 
a bus. She *did* trust Ranma and Makoto, and if 'Kikuko' was accepted by 
Makoto's friends, that was a *big* plus. It also looked like *Ranma* 
might be seeking acceptance. It seemed that her son didn't want to hide 
his curse from friends...

***

They *did* catch the bus. Kikuko kept to herself on the bus, figuring if 
the meeting they were going to had *anything* to do with her nightmare, 
Makoto wouldn't want to talk about it. After a few minutes, Makoto told 
her their stop was coming up, and the two girls got off the bus. Them 
they walked a short distance back to a long flight of steps, which led 
to the shrine.
 
***

When the two friends reached the shrine, Kikuko saw several girls from 
her school, one she'd never seen before, and two "CATS!" Kikuko took off 
running, Makoto in pursuit. After a few minutes running, Kikuko slowed 
down and stopped, shaken and shaking.

Makoto caught up to her, out of breath. "What... happened... Kiku-chan?"

"I'd rather not say, just keep them AWAY, please!"

"It must be terrible to have a phobia like that, Kiku-chan." Makoto 
said, trying to comfort her friend. <What about Artemis and Luna?>

A horrible wheezing noise announced Usagi's arrival. Luna followed close 
behind. 

Fortunately, Makoto saw the cat before Kikuko. "Kiku-chan, don't turn 
around."

Kikuko had a very bad feeling about this...

"Usagi, Kikuko-chan's afraid of cats, could you and Minako send your 
pets home?"

"Sure, I'll go back and tell her." Usagi scooped up Luna and walked back 
toward the shrine. <How can a *Sailor Senshi* be afraid of cats? I never 
expected this to happen! Maybe she isn't one...>


After Kikuko had calmed down, the two girls headed back to the shrine.

***

With the return of the wayward martial artists, and the cats gone for 
now, the Humans introduced themselves. Kikuko recognized two of them: 
Minako, with long blonde hair and Usagi, blonde with two long ponytails. 
She had never seen Rei, with long reddish-black hair, who lived at the 
shrine and went to another school.

Kikuko spoke first, after the introductions. "Makoto and I thought we'd 
go on a quick training run, sorry..." She was pleased to get a few 
snickers from her audience. "Actually, I'm deathly afraid of cats." She 
looked at Usagi, "I'm terribly sorry."

"Don't worry, Kikuko-chan, the cats are gone now. How did you become so 
frightened of them?" Usagi asked, concerned the advisors they relied on 
wouldn't be able to help Kikuko.

Kikuko looked down. "I *really* don't want to talk about it, sorry." 

"Mako-chan said she saw something unusual on your forehead yesterday, 
could you tell us about it?"

Kikuko shot Makoto a concerned look, which was answered with an 
affirmative nod. "Kiku-chan, it's alright to tell them about your 
dream."
Kikuko told the other girls everything.

"So, did you *get* a henshin pen like the one in your dream?" Usagi 
asked with a hopeful expression.

"Yes. Mako-chan gave it to me." Kikuko recalled *her* henshin pen, and 
proudly showed it to Usagi and the other girls.

Though Makoto had already seen it, the other four girls each got a good 
look at the yellow henshin pen with its tiny sphere, Io.

Ami spoke first, "So are you the Senshi of Io?"

Kikuko looked a little sheepish, "I guess." Her expression became much 
more serious. "Rei?"

"Yes, Kikuko-chan?" The young priestess asked, happy to play the 
gracious hostess.

"Could you please bring a cup of hot water, *and* cold? There's 
something I have to show all of you..." Kikuko asked, looking a *little* 
concerned.

"Of course, uh... I'll fetch some." Rei wondered why Kikuko would make 
such a strange request, but was glad to comply.
 
"I'm proud of you, Kiku-chan." Makoto whispered to her friend.

"Thanks, Mako-chan" Kikuko whispered back. She easily found reassurance 
in her friend's eyes.

A few minutes later, Rei returned with the two cups of water. Kikuko 
took the cup of hot water. "If I'm going to be working with you, There's 
something about me you *need* to know."

Kikuko gave them a quick rundown of her life as Ranma, his curse, and 
his mother's decision. After a minute of total silence, Kikuko poured 
about half of the cup over her head, revealing the form she had been 
born with. "Will you accept me, knowing what I am?"

Makoto spoke first, "I already have."

Minako gave her a knowing grin, "Probably because he reminds you of your 
old boyfriend, Mako-chan?" She turned to Ranma. "I don't have a problem 
with it, but you're going to look funny in a sailor fuku." She couldn't 
help but grin.

Ranma smiled. "Not a problem! Anyone else?"

Usagi spoke for the rest. "If *you* are willing to do this, welcome, we 
can *always* use more help!"

Ranma raised Io's henshin pen, saying "Io Lumina Power! Make Up!" There 
was a bright flash of light then a pillar of flame shot skyward, 
consuming him. When the flame receded, Sailor Io stood, dressed just as 
she was in her dream. She smiled somewhat sheepishly at the other five 
girls. To test for herself what Io had said, she poured the remainder of 
the hot over her head, and was pleased there was no change.

Makoto, understanding the significance of the hot water was in shock, 
what had Ranma done to himself? "So, you can't change back?"

"Not while I'm in this form!" Io said with a smirk.

Makoto smiled and recalled her henshin pen, raising it while saying: 
"Jupiter Star Power, Make Up!"

Jupiter smiled at the first of *her* Senshi. "Perhaps *I* can train 
*you*, Io! Do you know any of your Senshi Abilities?"

"Huh?" Io thought back to the dream, turning away from friends old and 
new... "Tempest Flare!" Io shouted clasping her two hands together, a 
river of flames whipped by cyclonic winds, flowed from her outstretched 
arms.

The flames died down, "How's that for a brief intro?" she asked, 
smiling. 

"Fine, for a beginner! Mars Star Power, Make Up." Rei said, transforming 
to Sailor Mars. "Now, look at some *real* fire power! Firrrre Soul!" Her 
fire attack was much better controlled, and would work in close 
quarters.

As her smile left, Io realized she had a lot to learn. She hoped her 
companions would help her. She looked at Makoto. "Maybe we should train 
together, its only fair..."

Io transformed back to Ranma, then used to cold water to become Kikuko 
again. The other two Senshi also adopted their mundane forms.

"Mako-chan and I have started martial arts training in the morning at 6, 
are any of you interested in joining us?"

"Ami," Makoto asked her friend. "Would you like to work out with us?"

"I'm not really much for fighting."

Kikuko leapt to the defense of her passion, "The Art ain't just about 
fighting, you know."

"Kikuko!" Makoto hissed. "Don't forget to talk a little more ladylike! 
Try to talk like a *girl* not like a *guy*!"

Kikuko offered her a sheepish grin. "Sorry... Wouldn't you like to be 
able to dodge a blow if you need to, or learn how to *take* a hit? Plus, 
if you work out, you'll be in great shape before you know it, and it 
feels great to really be in touch with your body. Then we can make cakes 
and arrange flowers!" She finished, smirking at Makoto. "So how was 
*that*, Mako-chan?"

Makoto suppressed a giggle. "Fine, until the last part. It just isn't 
*you*, Kiku-chan."

Everyone laughed.

Ami paused to consider what Kikuko offered. There were clearly 
advantages to taking her up on it. After a few moments more of thought, 
she looked up. "Thank you, Kikuko. I would like to train with you. What 
time would you like to do it? My evenings are usually pretty full."

Kikuko smiled, "Yeah, I figured you probably go to juku after school. We 
meet at my home at 6:00 AM. I'd love to have you."

"I'll drop by Makoto's about 5:45, how does that sound?"

"That'll allow us plenty of time to get over to Kikuko's. I've been 
wearing one of my old P.E. uniforms, don't forget to bring your school 
uniform, too. We can change at Kiku-chan's."

"What about the rest of you?"

"That's *way* too early for me" Usagi replied.

"Same for me!" Minako said, suppressing a yawn brought on by even 
*thinking* about getting up early enough to be at Kikuko's by 6.

" I live a bit too far away, Kikuko, but maybe you can teach me some 
exercises on Sunday I can practice during the week." Rei replied at 
last.

"I'd like to, besides on Sunday, maybe you and Makoto can help train me 
in the, other, techniques I need to learn."

"Great!" Rei said with a smile.

With that, the meeting broke up.

***

Nodoka watched her daughter come home with a big smile on her face. 
Things must have gone well. "Hello, mother! I'll go upstairs and change 
for dinner."

"Fine, Kikuko."

Nodoka was surprised to see Kikuko come back down, wearing a pair of 
shorts and a blouse, looking like any other girl who had just come home 
from school.

"So, how was your meeting with Makoto's friends?"

"Fine! My new friend Ami is going to start training in the morning, and 
I might start going to *another* new friend's house on Sunday morning to 
train over there. I *never* had so many friends!"

"That's wonderful, I'm glad you're making so many new friends." Nodoka 
smiled for a moment, then looked concerned. "Ranma?"

The girl looked up, concern evident in her face. "Yes, mother, what's 
bothering you?"

What was happening? She'd expected 'yeah mom what's buggin ya' or 
something similar. "Why are you talking so strangely, Ranma?"

"Huh? *Strangely?* This is the way I'm supposed to talk! Makoto said I 
should try to be careful how I talk when I'm a girl. And *I* thought my 
name is Kikuko, mother!" She looked down. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have 
raised my voice at you."

"Oh, Ranma! What am I doing to you?" She hugged her daughter then let 
her go. Things seemed to be going *better* than she'd planned, too well, 
perhaps? Had she pushed too hard, too fast? "Please try to talk nicely 
when you're a boy *and* a girl, OK?"

"Sure, mom, but why do you insist on calling me Ranma? That's a boy's 
name." Kikuko smiled at her.

"Kikuko, are you still a boy?"

"Well, not right now, and not at school. Maybe not for a *long* time..." 
She smiled. "I've *never* really been happy before, mom! Its wonderful." 
Her smile dissolved as she noticed tears in her mothers eyes. "Mother, 
what's wrong... aren't you happy? Isn't this what you wanted?"

"The problem is it's *more* than what I wanted. I wanted a son who was 
happy as a girl, *not* a girl who hates being a boy..."

"But those boys at school are *jerks*, mom, I don't want to be like 
them! They asked me things nice people shouldn't, and they seem to stare 
at me *all the time*..."

"Kikuko, You're *not* like them, don't worry." Nodoka composed her 
thoughts for a few moments. "Ranma, do you like Makoto?"

"Sure, she's the best friend I've had in years!"

"But I noticed that you sometimes get a little nervous when you're 
around her as a boy."

Kikuko turned red, then looked upset. "I *don't* want to become like 
those boys at school, mom. When I'm around her as a boy, I think I'm 
beginning to understand how they feel, to feel like them."

"So, is *that* why you want to stay like this?"

"Well, isn't that a good reason?"

Nodoka looked thoughtful for a moment. "Kikuko would you be a dear and 
clean up tonight? I need to go out for a little while."

"Sure, mom. I'd be *happy* to!"

Nodoka left the cleanup tasks in the daughter's capable hands. She would 
have to look up an address before she did anything else, however.

***

There was a knock at Makoto's door. Though it wasn't terribly late, she 
usually didn't get visitors at night. She peeked through the peephole, 
and saw Kikuko's mom.

"Hello, Mrs. Saotome! What brings you here?"

"Makoto-chan, we have to talk, about Kikuko-chan *and* Ranma..."

***

Makoto had gone to the kitchen to put on some tea; leaving Nodoka some 
time to look around her apartment. It seemed there were plants 
everywhere... Nodoka smiled; the girl certainly had a green thumb. 
Makoto also was obviously an excellent housekeeper. So much 
responsibility, at so young an age... She obviously bore it well.

"Mrs. Saotome, the tea is ready." Makoto said, offering her a cup of 
tea. She had also brought a small plate of cookies. "I'm sorry they 
aren't freshly baked, but I wasn't expecting company." She took a seat. 
"What's wrong with Ranma?"

"Well, when Kikuko came home, she told me some things which troubled me 
greatly. It seems Ranma is concerned about feelings he may be developing 
for you, and has chosen to hide from them as Kikuko." As she sipped some 
tea, Nodoka looked at the girl trying to gauge her feelings.

Makoto brightened, but only for a moment. "Did he give any reason for 
being frightened of those feelings?"

"Well, it seems that the boys at school have disturbed her greatly, 
asking embarrassing questions, staring, and the like. Kikuko-chan's 
concerned that she is beginning to understand how they feel when she's a 
boy around you."

"Doesn't he understand that he's not like that? That being a boy doesn't 
mean her *has* to act a certain way?"

"To think I actually thought this was a good idea, that Ranma could 
learn from his curse attending school as a girl..."

"Mrs. Saotome, it *is* a good idea, Ranma now has a great appreciation 
for how girls feel and why we act the way we do. Pardon me for saying 
so, but your husband did a *terrible* job of raising your son. Ranma 
*and* Kikuko have grown a lot in just two days."

"Will you help me help Ranma, Makoto-chan?"

"I would *love* to, Mrs. Saotome! And, by the way, *friends* call me 
Mako-chan!"

"Thanks, Mako-chan! Could you come to dinner at our house for the rest 
of the week? Perhaps, together, we can help Ranma realize why he isn't 
like the boys at school."

"Yes, I would like that Mrs. Saotome."

"I guess I must be going, good night!"

Makoto escorted Nodoka to the door and locked it. She had to admit, 
Kikuko *was* already a good friend, but it was going to take work to 
help Ranma become something more.

***

Nodoka let herself in, finding that her 'daughter' had cleaned and 
neatly stacked all the dishes soiled at supper.

As Nodoka approached the living room, she noticed Kikuko was busy at the 
table, probably doing her homework. She looked up, giving her mom a big 
smile. "Welcome home, mom! I'm almost finished with my homework."

Nodoka hadn't come straight home, she had stopped at a couple of store, 
picking up some catalogues. She took them to the table and began leafing 
through them.

"That's the last problem!" Kikuko said, closing her notebook.

Nodoka gave her 'daughter' a concerned look. "I'm curious, dear, did you 
ever care much about school when you were with your father?"

Kikuko looked down. "Not really, he always felt training was much more 
important than schoolwork."

"That's what I thought. Why the sudden change?"

"Well, I'm trying to do a better job than Ranma." She said with a proud 
smile.

"So, the Art doesn't mean as much to you, now?"

"I guess I've discovered that there's a *lot* more in life than the Art. 
It's still the center of my life, but it really doesn't need to be *all* 
I live for..."

Nodoka showed her one of the catalogs. "I'm so pleased with you, I 
thought maybe I would order you a pretty new dress." She pointed to a 
picture of a beautiful creation of silk, lace, and satin. "How about 
this, the green color would look wonderful with your hair..."

Kikuko turned bright red. "I don't think that's my style mom." She 
brightened. "How about a nice pair of slacks and a pretty green blouse?"

Nodoka looked at her 'daughter' with mock shock. "Any girl I know would 
*love* to have a dress like that. Why not you?"

Kikuko looked down. "I don't know."

"Well maybe *I* do, Ranma. Please don't use your curse to hide from your 
true feelings. I know those boys at school are nasty to you, and there 
are a *lot* of who behave that way. I was just talking to Makoto, 
though, and *she* thinks there's at least *one* nice boy at school."

Kikuko looked somewhat concerned. "Who, mom? I bet he's *really* a jerk, 
she just doesn't know it."

"His name is Saotome Ranma."

"Mom!  What have you been discussing with her!? Anyway, I *know* he's a 
jerk!"

"You just told Makoto yesterday you were the same person, what 
happened?"

"Mom, we ARE the same person. I just don't know about having a girl as a 
friend when I'm a guy. I feel kinda funny around girls."

"That's the way a boy is *supposed* to feel. You need to get used to it, 
and Makoto wants to help you... Won't you let her?"

Kikuko looked thoughtful for a little while, then smiled. "You're right. 
I am the same person... pretty much. I'll try, mom. That's all I can 
do."

"And that's all I can ask Kikuko, thanks."

Like the night before, *Ranma* went to bed, Kikuko banished to the 
bathroom sink for the night. There were no strange dreams tonight, 
either.

***

At 6, Kikuko was glad to see Makoto and her new student. While Makoto 
was wearing her old P.E. uniform like yesterday, Ami had obviously gone 
out and purchased a fine quality gi. "Good morning Makoto. Welcome to 
our little training group, Ami. I hope you took the tag off your gi." 
Kikuko said, smiling, "and don't expect to keep it clean, either."

"Of course, Kikuko. I thought it would be good to at least LOOK like a 
martial artist."

"It is good. Do you know any of the basic forms?"

"No, I've never studied."

"Well, let's start at the beginning. When you train by yourself, you 
usually will perform a series of martial arts techniques in a sequence. 
We call this the kata. Makoto you demonstrate for us."

"Yes, sensei!" Makoto bowed to Kikuko then began a simple kata.

When Makoto was finished, she looked at Kikuko, who smiled "Very good, 
Mako-chan. Perhaps *both* of you would like to learn one of *my* 
school's katas."

"Cool!" Makoto enthused.

"Yes, sensei. I would like that." Ami answered.

"Watch me closely..."

By the end of their session, Kikuko looked with pride at her two 
students, as they performed the simplest kata she knew. They would need 
*much* more practice, but she could see both girls were blessed with a 
talent for the Art. The two students finished, and bowed to their 
sensei. "You two get cleaned up, I'll be up in a few..." Kikuko used her 
time alone to go through a high-intensity workout.

***

The three girls talked on the way to school...

"So, do you have other friends who might like to work out? It was great 
working out with you two." Kikuko asked her students.

"Yeah, it was a lot of fun, and worthwhile, too. We'll have to ask them 
when we get to school." Makoto responded.

Conversation continued as they approached the school, "There are some 
others who might like to train with you, like... HARUKA!" Makoto 
shouted, waving.

An almost handsome blonde-haired girl accompanying a beautiful woman 
with jade-green hair turned to look at Makoto. "Looks like she's got a 
new friend, Michiru."

"Her friend's a *girl*, silly." The most beautiful member of the junior 
class replied as Makoto and Ranma approached.

"What's silly about that?" Haruka asked.

As they approached the two older girls, Ami spoke. "Saotome Kikuko," who 
bowed, "I'd like you to meet Ten'oh Haruka," The blonde girl bowed, " 
and Kaioh Michiru." The woman bowed. "Kikuko's a martial artist. She's 
training Makoto and myself."

"So, Kikuko, how long have you been studying the Art?" Haruka asked.

"I've been 'studyin martial arts for as long as I could walk, and it's 
been my LIFE for the past ten years. I'd like to help Makoto, Ami, and 
their... friends learn more about the Art."

"Watch you language, Kikuko!" Ami whispered.

"You two haven't, you haven't discussed our... extra-curricular 
activities with Kikuko, have you?"

"I didn't need to, she has the same one, or should I say WILL have the 
same one."

Kikuko nudged Makoto, "You don't mean..."

Her companion nodded yes.

They would need to continue their conversation at lunch as the bell 
silenced further talk, yet left many questions on everyone's mind but 
the two inner Senshi.

***

Kikuko was *almost* ready to put her concerns aside and just *enjoy* 
being a student, for the first time in her life. With Makoto and 
Minako's help in the locker room, she hoped her last fear of accidental 
change was laid to rest. School *almost* ended too quickly, today...

***

As she had half expected, Kikuko and Makoto found Michiru and Haruka 
waiting for them after school. Michiru spoke first. "How would the two 
of you like to come by our place for dinner tonight?"

"My mom is expecting me..."

"Well," Haruka offered, "we'll stop by your place on the way, how does 
that sound?"

"Fine with me!" Kikuko replied.

Kikuko and Makoto started walking, the other two girls soon following on 
a bicycle.

***

Nodoka heard conversation in front of her house. She saw Kikuko open the 
gate, then race up the walkway. On the street were two girls sharing a 
bicycle, while Makoto walked up at a more normal pace.

"Mom, I got invited over for dinner with two of Makoto's friends. That 
OK?" She noticed her mom looked terrible.

"Sure, I hadn't started cooking yet."

Kikuko looked at her mom with concern. "What's the matter, mom?"

"I'll tell you later, Kiku-chan." Nodoka looked down for a moment to 
compose herself.

"Thanks, mom! I think I'd better change again..." Kikuko said, bounding 
up the stairs.

Soon Makoto reached the porch. "Kikuko probably went up stairs to 
change..."

"Yes, Mako-chan." She looked at the other girls and waved. "Should he be 
revealing his secret to *everyone*?"

"Don't worry Mrs. Saotome. There's a *very* good reason in this case. It 
just shows how honorable your son is, you should be proud."

"I am, very proud. Will you introduce me to your friends?"

"Certainly!"

Nodoka followed Makoto to the gate.

"Ten'oh Haruka, this is Kikuko's mother."

"Pleased to meet you." The blonde haired girl said with a smile.

Haruka's Jade haired companion spoke next. "I'm Kaioh Michiru, Mrs. 
Saotome."

"Pleased to meet you, too. I'm happy Kikuko's found so many friends at 
school."

Kikuko came running out of the house, wearing one of Ranma's black 
pants/red shirt combos. "Well, I'm ready to go, bye mom!"

"Bye, Mrs. Saotome!" Makoto said with a wave, then she turned to follow 
Kikuko.

"It was nice to meet you." Michiru said in parting.

"Bye!" Haruka said with a wave.

The four girls went down the street.

It seemed that Kikuko was making more friends each day, Nodoka thought 
with a smile, thinking about her own youth, and Genma. Tears washed her 
smile away.

***

It took a good fifteen more minutes to reach Michiru and Haruka's home. 
It was a small, nondescript duplex on a street filled with the same. 
Kikuko made a note of the address, it was probably the only she would 
find it again.

A younger girl's voice called out from the porch. "Welcome home, papa 
and mama! Who's Makoto's friend?"

Kikuko turned to see a slight purple-haired girl, probably nine or ten, 
she guessed. "Hello, I'm Saotome Kikuko!" She responded.

The girl introduced herself. "I'm Tomoe Hotaru." She bowed.

"Pleased t'... uh... I'm happy to meet you, Hotaru-chan!" Kikuko 
replied, bowing slightly.

"Let's go in!" Hotaru turned and held the door open for the other four.

***

Kikuko, Makoto, and Hotaru sat in the living room while Michiru and 
Haruka got things ready for dinner.

"So, Hotaru, how old are you?"

"I'm, 9, I think, How old are you?"

"16, just like Makoto."

"Why did papa and mama invite you over? We usually don't have guests 
from the school."

Kikuko looked askance... papa & mama?

Makoto fielded the question. "They wanted to learn more about Kikuko, 
she's very unusual. Did you hear about the new Senshi?"

Hotaru looked concerned, then leaned over and whispered to Makoto. "We 
shouldn't be talking about this with her here, you know!"

"Its' OK, trust me!" Makoto responded.

Kikuko was curious now. "So what did *you* hear about the new Senshi, 
Hotaru-chan?"

"How do *you* know about the new Senshi, Kikuko?"

"I'm one of them."

"*Wow*!" Hotaru was clearly impressed by the admission. "Well I had a 
dream that six Senshi would be called, one for each of Jupiter's large 
moons, one for Neptune's largest... *and* and one for Saturn's largest"

Makoto added her observations. "I had a similar dream, Hotaru. Kikuko 
actually had the spirit of the moon she's a Senshi of appear to her."

"So, are you going to teach Kikuko?"

"Yes, she's one a Senshi of one of *my* moons, after all."

Hotaru's face brightened. "I wonder what the Senshi of Titan will be 
like? I can't wait to train her."

Kikuko looked at the little girl with a shocked expression. "So, you're 
Sailor Saturn, Hotaru?"

"Yes, what moon are you Senshi of, Kikuko?"

The redhead recalled her henshin pen, showing it to Hotaru. "Io"

"Oh, that's a very powerful moon."

A voice came from the edge of the room. "So *that's* what's going on. 
Dinner's ready, let's eat."

"Actually, you don't know the *half* of it!" Kikuko answered 
cryptically, Makoto nodding her smiling assent.

***

After five girls sat down to eat, Michiru broke the silence. "So, 
Kikuko-chan, what's the *other* half of your story?"

Kikuko thought of speaking with her mouth full, but decided politeness 
was a virtue that might be appreciated. After a few moments, she 
responded. "Well, first off, what planets are you two Senshi of?"

"Neptune" Michiru answered with pride. "I had a dream much like Hotaru 
and Makoto's. It seems there will be a Senshi of Triton, as well."

"Uranus" Haruka replied, then looked a *tiny bit dejected. "I guess 
Titania is too small..."

Kikuko breathed a sigh of relief. "I didn't want this information to go 
any farther than I felt it needed to..." She got up and went to the sink 
with her drinking glass. "I suppose you have seen some strange things in 
your life, so this shouldn't be *too* much of a shock." She drew hot 
water from the tap, then poured it over her head to restore his birth-
form.

"The name my parents gave me was Ranma, and, up until a month ago, I was 
*only* a boy..." Ranma told his story to another amazed audience.

"So, let me get this straight..." Haruka said at last, "your mother 
*makes* you go to school as a girl?"

"Yeah, I *really* hated it, until I met Mako-chan." The boy and girl 
exchanged smiles. Because of my curse, mom pointed out that this way, I 
won't change by accident very often, so I don't *hate* it as much as I 
would have."

Haruka decided she wanted to find out more about this intriguing martial 
artist. "I believe we were discussing martial arts when we were 
interrupted by the bell. Perhaps we could arrange a time and place to 
appraise each other's skills."

"Well, Makoto, Ami, and I are working out a 6 in the morning at my 
house." Ranma looked at his other two hosts. "Michiru, Hotaru, would you 
like to work out with us?"

Hotaru looked down. "I'm not very strong, and P.E. class is really hard 
for me."

"Well, strength really doesn't matter. I'm sure I can come up with SOME 
kind of training to make you stronger, or at least teach you to dodge 
attacks."

"Maybe sometime Ranma, but not right now." Her eyes lit up. "Perhaps my 
new Senshi and I will train with you."

"Michiru?"

"I'll stay home and look after Hotaru, I'm sure Haruka would like to 
work out, however."

"I would like to train with you. I'll be there tomorrow at 6."

"Good," Ranma said with a smile. "I look forward to seein' ya." His 
expression changed. "Uh, do you guys have some cold water?"

***

Kikuko and Makoto reached the gate of the Saotome home. "Do you want to 
stop in for a moment, Makoto?"

"I think I can always find time to visit with your mom!"

Kikuko unlocked the front door and opened it. Mom, I'm home. I brought 
Makoto with me."

There was no response, save the muted sound of footfalls from the living 
room.

***

Entering the living room, the two friends beheld an amazing sight. 
Nodoka, performing a Kata with a full katana. At first her movements 
were full of emotion, but they became exquisitely controlled as the 
forms progressed. Kikuko smiled with pride. At last she was finished, 
gracefully sitting in a chair, her katana across her lap. Entering the 
world again, Nodoka noticed her daughter and her friend. She offered 
them a strained smile. "The service will be Sunday morning. I sought 
some comfort in the Art, and found some small measure of it."

"Here?" Kikuko asked.

"No, at the home of your father's best friend Tendou Soun, in Nerima 
district. He has offered his dojo for the service."

Ranma's eyes grew wide. "He has his own dojo?"

"Yes. He also said he wanted to discuss a business proposition with 
Genma's heir regarding his operation."

"He wants to talk to ME about running a dojo!"

"Yes, I'm sure *Ranma* will attend. But... son! Don't forget why we're 
going there. By the way, he invited me to stay at their home Saturday 
night to assist with preparations, so I won't be here when you get home 
from school Saturday. I saw you with your friends earlier, all are 
welcome, of course."

"It will be my honor to come, Mrs. Saotome." Makoto said, bowing.

Reality reigned in Kikuko's speculation on her good fortune, her 
expression darkening. Mother and daughter embraced, the two women cried 
themselves out.

***

The mood was somber as the two friends walked to Makoto's home, hands 
behind their backs. When they reached her apartment, there was not time 
for pleasantries.

"Good night, Mako-chan, see ya tomorrow."

"Good night Kiku-chan, sure."

Kikuko headed home.

***

When she returned home, Kikuko went upstairs. Ranma came down and 
dutifully did all his homework. When he closed his notebook at last, he 
noticed his mom looking at him with a *tiny* hint of a smile.

"I'm proud of you son. So, schoolwork is important to *you* too?"

"Don't use the word 'too', mom. I guess last night I really realized 
what I told Makoto, its *not* too, I *am* the same person. But... there 
are certain things that are different about my other form, that make me 
feel different." He offered his own pained smile. "I really *do* need to 
know about those differences, I guess..."

"Yes, you do. How has school been for you?"

"Well, its been tough, but it's also like I've been given a fresh start, 
a clean slate, and I'm doing my best to make you proud!"

"Do you still resent my training?"

Ranma's smile vanished. "Yes, but not for the same reasons I did before. 
When I started out to school Monday... It seems like a lifetime ago... I 
was upset just by *being* a girl, and wearing that uniform. I'm a boy, 
and very much one, so you must have expected *that*." He looked at his 
mother.

"Of course. Go on."

"Now, I realize I'm *stuck* like this. Did you ever consider that? I'll 
be a girl for the rest of my time at school, *long* after your training 
is completed." He flushed slightly, "what if I find a girl I like? We 
won't be able to do much at school..."

"Ah, but don't forget the problem you have with cold water, Ranma!"

"Yeah, *but* if we'd been a bit more up front about it, maybe the school 
would've accepted my curse..."

"Ranma, this curse is part of your life, as is that other body. I am 
*still* convinced this is for the best."

"Well, if you say so... I think I'll turn in. Good night!"

"Good night, son!"

***

Ami and Makoto arrived the next morning to see Kikuko and Haruka already 
engaged in a strenuous workout. Makoto realized that Kikuko was fighting 
with a lot more of her abilities then she used when they had sparred. 
Kikuko glanced over for a moment, noticing that her other students had 
arrived, the distraction providing an opening for Haruka to tag her with 
a solid blow. Kikuko jumped back and bowed at her opponent. "Thank you, 
I see there is much we can learn from each other."

"You are too kind, sensei. Today I saw just how much I must grow in the 
Art before I truly am a martial artist." Haruka replied, returning 
Kikuko's bow with a smile.

Kikuko turned to the recent arrivals.

"Perhaps you can train Ami, Makoto. That way you both can learn from 
each other." After watching the two for a while, Kikuko satisfied 
herself that Makoto knew what she was doing. With the beginner's 
training in capable hands, Kikuko returned to training with Haruka.

A short while later, during a break, Kikuko looked over at Ami and 
Makoto, noticing how quickly the smaller girl had picked up Makoto's 
kata. She figured now would be a good time to train Ami a bit herself. 
"Makoto, could you work out with Haruka a while, I'd like to train Ami 
in a few simple techniques."

"Yes, sensei." Makoto went to train with Haruka, who proved an excellent 
teacher.

"So, Ami, let's work on your dodges..."

***

Training stopped ten minutes earlier than yesterday, due to the larger 
number of people who had to prepare for school. By the time they were 
ready, Nodoka had prepared a simple breakfast for Kikuko and her three 
guests. She was happy Ranma had found so many friends.

***

Things were fairly uneventful the rest of the week, which proved a 
blessing for Ranma. Finally school was out on Saturday. Since his mom 
wasn't home, Ranma had taken Makoto up on her offer of dinner.

"So, what time should we leave tomorrow?"

"Well, I figure we can treat it like a normal school day, meeting for 
training, then getting ready. We can take the train over to Nerima, my 
mom left me directions. I guess I'd better call Rei and invite her over 
here, or cancel out session at the temple." Ranma said in a distracted 
tone.

Makoto didn't have to ask what was on his mind, she also felt some of 
what he did about what would happen tomorrow, but there was an 
additional feeling, was it dread, anticipation, or both?

"Whacha thinkin about?"

"Well, I'm not sure, but I think something's going to happen tomorrow. I 
don't know whether it's going to be good, bad, or both."

"I feel the same way."

"Do you want me to stay at your house, Ranma?" It's probably going to be 
a rough night."

"Nah, I'm OK." Ranma answered with as much swagger as the short sentence 
would allow.

The two friends parted, Ranma snagging a paper cup of cold water on the 
way to the door. Kikuko's confidence didn't even last until she was 
home.

(END)

********

First, my sincere thanks for reading!

There is a wilderness trail through three of California's National Parks 
called the John Muir Trail. The areas it traverses are spectacular, but 
*real* backpackers shy away from it, in fact its' nickname is 'the 
freeway'. Does that make the scenery any less spectacular? Does that 
prevent each person who hikes it from seeing it from his or her own 
unique perspective? Just because (many) others have gone before should 
not prevent new people from traveling that pathway... 

Someone (I don't know who) made an animated GIF file I downloaded to my 
desktop a while ago. It shows a procession of 'better' fiancees than 
Akane for Ranma, one was 'Sailor Jupiter'. That got me thinking...

Here are a few questions I'd like to pose for the readers who have stuck 
it out to get to this point...

1. I suppose Genma doesn't *need* to die... He could have just run off 
at Jusenkyou, 'knowing' his life (and his new "daughter's") was forfeit. 
Would that be a better way to approach the story? He could come back 
later, and I *hate* killing off major characters...
2. I'm sure many people are upset by my characterization of Ranma in 
this story. Constructive suggestions on how to improve same *without* 
ruining the story heartily accepted! 
3. Would Nodoka do what she does in this story? Well, in the first 
version (sent to a pre-reader September 3, 1998) the whole 'Kikuko' 
thing didn't even exist, but I (or is we?) got to thinking, which led to 
re-writing.
4. I'm not sure where to fit this on the Sailor Moon timeline. My pre-
readers asked about where it fits, but I'm still debating...
5. I'm not sure of the relative ages of inner vs. outer Senshi. Phoenix 
has the 'outers' two grades ahead of the 'inners'. (In Astronomy, 
Jupiter is a textbook outer planet I won't argue *that* point here!)

Finally I would like to acknowledge my pre-readers. Mike Koos was there 
from the beginning, and provided excellent C&C; as well as a few ideas 
which became part of the story. Louis-Philippe Giroux provided some 
excellent tips on characterization and pointed out a few problems that I 
corrected. James Lee's view on this project went from skeptical to 
positive when he actually read the story.

Please let me know what you think.

Kevin D. Hammel
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khammel@mail.geocities.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.geocities.com/~khammel/ff/
"For St. Petersburg 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,
10, and the Motherland!" Tendovski Akane
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