RANMA 1/2 V
A fan-fic written by Force Vector based on the
characters and situations created by Rumiko Takahashi.
-------------------------------------------------------
CHAPTER 2: Revelations
The rays of light streaming in from the window
played softly on Akane�s face.� She woke up with a
start, and groaned as she realized she had overslept.
�� Donning a thick kimono, she hurriedly headed
downstairs, slowing down when she saw light and
smelled a mouth-watering aroma coming from the
kitchen. *Yum. Must be Kasumi.� The boys could never
cook this good. � Ok� maybe Ranma�*
�� Entering the kitchen and seeing Kasumi preparing
breakfast validated her guess.
�� "Good morning, Onesan."� Akane greeted, putting on
an apron. *How come she always looks so radiant even
in the morning,* she thought jealously, *I have got to
get her secret.*
�� "Good morning, Akane-chan.� Can you please serve
the coffee and tea?"� Kasumi replied cheerfully, her
eyes on the food being prepared.� Akane could sense
her smile.
�� "Okay."� Taking the prepared tray, Akane entered
the dining area and greeted Dr. Toufu and Ryouga, who
were at the shogi board.
�� "Didn�t any of you guys get any sleep?"� She placed
the tray on the table and poured coffee.
�� Ryouga and Dr. Toufu gratefully took the cups.
�� "Too keyed up to sleep.� We passed the time
alternately playing shogi and sparring."� Ryouga
tilted his head in the direction of the pool.�
Ranma-onna and Tatewaki were facing each other, each
wielding a bokken held at a ready.
�� "Ranma-chan!� Tatewaki-kun! �Get out of that pool,"
Akane shouted in concern, "You�re both going to catch
a cold if you keep it up."
�� "We�re fine, Akane.� You needn�t worry," Ranma-onna
shouted back. Tatewaki took the opportunity to hit
her soundly on the head.
�� "Ow!� Hey, no fair.� I was talking to Akane."
Ranma-onna swiftly parried Kunou�s other attacks and
went into the offensive.
�� Tatewaki switched into a different defensive stance
and grinned.� "Pig-tailed girl.� You know better that
�time out� is not accepted in true combat."�
Ranma-onna answered with a raspberry. � Both bokken
were a blur of motion.
�� Akane was again struck by the fact that Ranma�s
female form was the same as the first time she saw
her.� *Even Ranma�s attitude seems to have reverted to
a younger state of mind.*
�� Seeing that the two were not going to budge, she
threw her hands up in exasperation.� Ignoring them,
she stared at the dojo. � "Anything new?"
�� Dr. Toufu and Ryouga followed her gaze. "Sometime
past midnight there was shouting and weird noises
emanating from the dojo, but it stopped just as
abruptly as it started," Dr. Toufu stated as he sipped
his coffee, "Since then, not a peep."
�� Akane was now apprehensive.� "Do you think they�re
okay?"
�� She took a step towards the dojo but stopped when
Dr. Toufu softly caught her arm.
�� Looking down she saw Dr. Toufu shaking his head. �
"Gosunkugi-san told us we should wait for them.� I
know you�re worried, but obviously he is confident the
three of them can handle whatever happens in there."
�� Akane sighed.� "I�m sorry, Toufu-san. � It�s just
that we�re so much in the dark.� I wish we knew what
was happening."� Toufu released his grip.
�� Kasumi peered out of the kitchen. � "Breakfast is
almost ready.� Akane, kindly wake up Lanko and
Auntie."
�� Halfway up the stairs, Akane called out. �
"Toufu-san can you see to the door?� I think there�s
someone outside."
�� Ryouga stood up at the same time.� "I might as well
join you.� Need to stretch my legs out for a while."
�� They reached the door in time to see Nabiki, Akari,
Ukyo and Konatsu enter.� Konatsu was carrying a bundle
of okonomiyaki.
�� After greeting a �good morning� to each other they
all headed to the dining area.� Nabiki was shocked at
the sight of her husband in the pond.� "Kunou
Tatewaki!� Get out of that pond this instant."
�� Kunou smiled sheepishly at Ranma-onna. � "Til the
next time, pig-tailed girl."
�� Sloshing water from the pond, Tatewaki kneeled in
front of Nabiki � who had her arms crossed in front of
her chest and was tapping her foot � and bowed
formally.� "Glorious morning, joy of my heart.� As you
can see we are quite well."
�� Nabiki looked heavenward and sighed, "What am I
going to do with you?"� She headed towards the
bathroom.� "Come on, let�s get you out of those wet
clothes."
�� Kunou winked at the others before turning the
corner.� "Don�t wait up for us."
�� "Good morning everyone." Nodoka and Lanko greeted
as they entered the dining area.� Nodoka was cradling
Katsumi, while Lanko was trying to make the baby
laugh.
�� "Where�s Nabiki and Tatewaki?" Akane asked.� She
and Kasumi were carrying breakfast.
�� Ranma was pouring warm water on himself. � "They�re
in the bathroom."� Ranma raised his eyebrows
suggestively.
�� "Oh my." Akane blushed, "I guess we can start
breakfast without them."
�� "So, how are you classes coming along Ranma?"�
Akari queried.
�� "Quite good, I�ve been busy the whole year," Ranma
made a face, "Thanks to Akane, I have winter classes."
� He narrated what happened to him the previous day
concerning the all girl class, something he had failed
to mention when explaining about Cologne and
Happousai. � Everyone had a good laugh.
�� "How about you guys?"� Ranma asked when they had
more or less recovered.
�� Ryouga grinned.� "Akari�s sumo wrestling boars are
pretty much in demand by the swine breeders.� Sumo
wrestling pigs seemed to have picked up in
popularity."
�� "Is P-chan included as a stud?"
�� Akane glared at Ranma. *Just like him to rib poor
Ryouga.*
�� Akari answered for a flabbergasted Ryouga. � "He
sure is."� There was a mischievous look on her face.
�� "I� I� I am?" Ryouga looked pale as he stared at
Akari.
�� "Of course you are, P-chan." � She smiled sweetly
at Ryouga.� He seemed ready to faint.
�� "You�re my stud." Emphasizing �my�, she kissed him
on the cheek and patted it tenderly.
�� The look of comprehension dawning on Ryouga was
enough to start a fresh bout of laughter.� He too
joined the others.� Akane was glad that Ryouga took it
well.
�� When the laughter died down, Ryouga turned to Dr.
Toufu.
�� "How about you Dr. Toufu?� I seem to recall a time
when you were literally crazy over Kasumi."
�� Kasumi blushed when Dr. Toufu did a very good
imitation of his �look�.� "Oh my.� It took a while for
Toufu-kun to get used to the fact that I would always
be with him."
�� She glanced again at her husband; his glasses were
still fogged up.� *Or is IT an imitation?* She
wondered.� "A very long while."
�� Short of a face splitting grin, Dr. Toufu composed
himself.� "When they saw I was my old competent self
even with Kasumi-chan around, business picked up.� The
old timers even referred me to their friends.� Usually
we are up to our ear in patients. I�m amazed that
there are no appointments today."
�� "I�ve called mother and she too is surprised that
there are no emergencies."� Kasumi amended.
�� "You think Gosunkugi had something to do with it?"�
Ranma wondered.
�� Akane was shocked.� "Ranma!"
�� Ryouga took up the defense, "Knowing what he could
do then, and how he looks now, I really wouldn�t be
surprised."
�� "Isn�t it funny that Gosunkugi knew that Happousai
and Cologne were here?"� Kasumi observed.� The silence
was an eloquent answer.
�� Ukyo spoke up to break the silence. � "Ucchan is
boomin'.� Konatsu is just as good as ah am,
considering 'her' late start at the business and the
years that've passed.� Konatsu�s good looks doesn�t
hurt business either."� Konatsu took the teasing with
a bowed head, although those near him could see his
small pleased smile.
�� Ukyo continued, pretending to ignore Konatsu�s
reaction.� "At the rate things are goin', ah may have
to re-expand the current area or start a franchise
with either me or Konatsu at the new place.� Ah�ll
need to get Nabiki�s advice on which is more
profitable though."
�� "Did someone mention my name?"� The first thing
that struck those at the table when Nabiki entered was
the different suit she was wearing.� The second was
the look Tatewaki had on his face, like that of a cat
that has gotten to the cream.
�� "Wanna guess what he ate."� Ranma whispered
seductively to Akane, his hand caressing her buttocks.
�� "Oh my.� You�re turning into a pervert again."�
Akane whispered back, Ranma squeezed once in reply.
�� Nabiki was in a position to see the by-play of the
two.� An eyebrow was merely raised.� "Better yet, did
someone mention something about profit?"� The �money�
twinkle was in her eyes. � Tatewaki was serving her
when they sat down.
�� *Wish Ranma would do that for me,* Akane inwardly
sighed.
�� Tatewaki mock whispered to Nabiki.� "Hush now
Nabiki.� Let us not taint such a magnificent dawning
with talks of commerce."
�� "Actually, that was what we were talking about."�
Ranma butted in.
�� "Eh?"
�� "What Ranma meant was, before you arrived we were
talking about how well our various businesses were
doing."� Akane explained, not leaving her eyes off
Ranma.
�� "Oh. I see."� Gathering himself for an oration,
Kunou opened his mouth�
��� �and had a big piece of an okonomiyaki stuffed
into it by Nabiki.
�� Lanko found it very funny, she couldn�t stop
giggling.
�� "Hello?� Anyone home?"� A melodic voiced piped up
outside the house.
�� "Miss Hinako!"� Lanko exclaimed as she dashed out
of the dining area to let the high-school teacher in,
she came back a few seconds later with Hinako � still
in woman form � in tow.
���"Good morning everyone!"� She inhaled deeply.�
"Mmm, that smells delicious, Akane."
�� "Actually, Kasumi was the one who prepared it and
the okonomiyaki are from Ukyo."
�� "As if there was a difference."� A huge serving was
soon on her plate.
�� "I thought you had an early class?" � Nabiki
commented.
�� "I did."� Hinako smiled, "I gave them a take home
test," and giggled, "A very difficult take home test."
�� She goggled at Tatewaki.� "Why is Kunou-san trying
to swallow half an okonomiyaki?"
�� "Don�t ask." Nabiki replied dryly.
�� Hinako made an �o� with her mouth then shrugged,
concentrating on decimating the food.
�� "Mmph muhmphmuhmppmppph mph muh." � Kunou was
trying to talk and chew at the same time.
�� "What�s that, dear?"� Nabiki leaned closer to
Tatewaki.
�� "Muh mphmph, mmph muhmphmuhmppmppph mph muh."� Hand
gestures were added, the okonomiyaki had shrunk by a
third.
�� "Oh." Nabiki turned to Ukyo. � "Tate-kun says that
your Okonomiyaki is quite delicious."
�� "Uh, Thank you."� Ukyo responded, curious.
�� "You can understand what he said?" � Nodoka voiced
what was on their mind.
�� "Practice."� Nabiki again replied dryly.
�� Hinako tilted her head in the direction of the
dojo. � Akane merely shook her head.
�� A deep rumbling explosion emanated out of the dojo,
followed by a girl�s long drawn out �no�.
�� A heartbeat passed.� Ranma and Ryouga bolted from
the table and rushed towards the dojo, Tatewaki and
Dr. Toufu a couple of step behind.
�� "What do we do now, Ranma?"� Ryouga demanded,
"We�re not suppose to enter at any cost."
�� "How should I know," Ranma retorted, "Let�s just
play it by ear."
�� "Right."
�� The two reached the porch of the dojo. � It was
deathly silent.� Ryouga could see that Ranma was
holding himself from bursting into the dojo.
�� "Remember what Gosunkugi-san warned."� Dr. Toufu
admonished as he and Tatewaki caught up with the two.
� Dr. Toufu had his hand on Ranma�s shoulder.
�� "I know, I know."� Ranma growled, punching a
pillar.� "All this waiting is frustrating."
�� Ranma closed his eyes, let out a long sigh and
visibly relaxed.� He opened his eyes and saw Akane had
arrived with the other ladies, Nodoka stayed behind
with the Ono�s baby.
�� He gave a self-conscious grin and scratched the
back of his head.� "Nearly blew it, Akane."
�� Akane took a step towards him. � "Ranma�"
�� Gosunkugi was hurled out of the dojo, a clap of
thunder reverberating from inside.
�� Ryouga opened his umbrella, protecting the ladies
from the debris.� Ranma caught Gosunkugi in
mid-flight.
�� He gently laid Gosunkugi down . With a quick glance
at Akane, he jumped into the dojo.� Ryouga followed
suit.
�� They both exited seconds later.� Ranma carrying
Cologne; Ryouga, Happousai.� Both their burdens were
unconscious.
�� Dr. Toufu, busy examining Gosunkugi, indicated that
they be placed nearby.
�� Kasumi arrived moments later with Lanko, carrying
medical kits.
�� Ukyo appeared beside Ranma and whispered in his
ear. � "Whoever did this, didna exit from the other
side of the dojo. � Konatsu and ah was there all the
time."
�� "Good thinking Ucchan."� Ranma whispered back.�
Ukyo shot a slightly irritated look at the mention of
her nickname. � Ranma was too busy studying what Dr.
Toufu was doing to notice.� Just as quickly, her face
went neutral as she slowly blinked her eyes.
�� Akane was in a position to see what had passed. �
She glanced surreptitiously around her.� Apparently no
one else had caught Ukyo�s brief lowering of her
guard. *What was that all about?* Akane wondered.
� Dr. Toufu looked up from his examination. � "No
signs of physical damage, external or internal.� They
all seem to have been knocked unconscious by whatever
happened in there, but it wasn�t strong enough to
leave a bruise."� Kasumi agreed to the initial
assessment.
�� "Can they be moved, Doc?"� Ranma queried.
�� Dr. Toufu mused, "I don�t see why not."
�� "Right." Ranma looked relieved, "Ladies, if you can
help Dr. Toufu bring them to the house?"� The ladies
complied.
�� "Ucchan?"� Ranma called out; Ukyo turned to look at
him.� "Help Akane guard the ladies."� Ukyo unslung her
fighting spatula.
�� "Ryouga, Tatewaki, Konatsu.� With me please.� Let�s
double-check the dojo."� The three nodded, grim-faced.
�� "What about me?"� Lanko demanded. � Ranma could see
she wanted to help badly.
�� Ranma glanced at Konatsu.� "Go with Konatsu and
search underneath the dojo."� Konatsu took Lanko and
left.
�� "Ryouga, start from the other side." � Ryouga
jumped up to the roof and across.
�� Ranma saw that Tatewaki had the Katana drawn. �
Nodding approval he took up a fighting stance and
entered the dojo slowly, Tatewaki right behind him.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
��� Akane was staring worriedly towards the dojo when
Ukyo returned from upstairs.� "Oh my.� Do you think
they�ll find anything?"
�� Ukyo propped her fighting spatula on a corner and
started piling the plates.� "Don�cha worry about them,
Akane.� Ranma alone is more than a match to anyone and
Ryouga�s no slouch either."
�� Akane sighed, "You�re right Ukyo."
�� She noted what Ukyo was doing.� "Oh my! � How
stupid of me."
�� Ukyo just smiled as Akane tried to take the dishes
she was carrying.� "No need, girl."� Ukyo waved
towards the table. � "You�re goin' to need all the
help in cleaning up this mess."
�� Akane gave a grateful nod.
�� Just as Ukyo was about to enter the kitchen, Akane
called out to her.� "Ukyo, I know it�s none of my
business, but why did you get irritated when Ranma
called you by your nickname?"
�� Ukyo stood still at the kitchen�s threshold. � "Ya
saw that."� Not a question but a comment, her back
still towards Akane.
�� Akane answered softly, "Yes."
�� "Forget it."� Ukyo�s words were so full of pent up
bitterness that Akane was taken aback.
�� Ukyo turned slightly to look squarely at Akane, a
riot of emotions on her face.� "Please."
�� Akane bowed deeply, partly in apology, mostly to
avoid looking at Ukyo�s eyes.� "Please forgive me
Ukyo.� I�I never meant to hurt you."
�� Ukyo�s response was so weak that Akane nearly
missed it.� "Yes, ya never did."
�� By the time Akane straightened, Ukyo was gone. �
The dirty dishes at the kitchen�s doorway.
�� Akane picked up the dishes and brought it into the
kitchen.
�� Having cleaned up the unfinished breakfast. � Akane
was preparing tea when she noticed that the fighting
spatula was still at the corner.
�� Before she could muse on the significance of it,
Ranma, Ryouga, Tatewaki, Konatsu and Lanko had
returned from the dojo.� The expressions on their
faces ranged from bafflement to barely checked
frustration to anger.
�� Akane moved to sit beside Ranma.� She offered him
some tea.� "Anything?"
�� Ranma was about to reply when Gosunkugi strode into
the dining area. His abrupt halt allowed Kasumi and
Ms. Hinako to catch up to him, both had an alarmed
look on their faces.
�� "Kasumi-san, Hinako-san, I appreciate your
concern.� I was merely knocked out momentarily, but as
you can see I am fine now." Gosunkugi sat down and
poured himself some tea, ignoring everyone. � Shaking
her head, Kasumi returned upstairs.� Hinako sat down
to one side, keeping a wary eye at Gosunkugi.
���Gosunkugi took his time drinking the tea.� Only
after draining it did he speak up.� "This is excellent
tea, Akane-san."
���Disregarding their reaction, he poured more tea. �
They all watched him mutely.� With one eyebrow arched,
Akane glanced at Ranma, who shrugged eloquently.
���Even though he was staring at the tea in his hands,
Gosunkugi seemed to have perceived the exchange.�
"Please bear with me, for we await your companions."
�� Ryouga and Tatewaki took that as sufficient reason
to play shogi.
�� Akane noticed Konatsu and Lanko were excessively
dirty.� "Oh my.� Konatsu, you may use the guest�s
bathroom to freshen up."
�� Konatsu disappeared in an eyeblink.
�� "Lanko use the upstairs� bathroom." � Lanko dashed
upstairs.� Hinako followed, saying she�ll make sure
that she does so.
�� Akane sighed for the umpteenth time that morning. �
"I seem to be off today."
�� Ranma moved closer to Akane and hugged her
tenderly. � "Could it be the baby?"� Akane smiled
sweetly at Ranma.
�� They noticed that Gosunkugi raised an eyebrow at
the statement, although he was still staring at his
tea.
�� Ranma stood up.� "I�ll check on the others."� He
bounded upstairs.
�� Silence reigned.� Gosunkugi looked up from his tea,
gazed briefly at Akane, then lowered his head again.�
"You have my heartfelt congratulations.� Hopefully
your next child will take after you than him."
�� It took Akane a moment to understand exactly what
he meant by that.� She couldn�t help but smile.� "Oh
my!� You mean Lanko?"
�� "She looks too much like Ranma-onna." � Gosunkugi
replied grimly.� From the corner of her eye, Akane
could see that Ryouga and Tatewaki were trying to keep
a straight face.
�� Akane was amused, "Gosunkugi-san." Gosunkugi looked
up at Akane, noting the odd tone.� "Lanko is Ranma�s
sister."
�� She rubbed her belly.� "This is our first, Hikaru."
�� "Oh."� Gosunkugi looked flustered and stared at his
tea again.� "Forgive me for assuming..."
�� "That�s all right Hikaru." � Akane was smiling to
show she wasn�t offended.
�� When Ranma returned, he thought it odd that Akane
seemed to have found something amusing.� "What�s so
funny?"
�� Akane giggled, "Hikaru thought Lanko was our
daughter."
�� Ranma chuckled slowly, "She�s okay, but if we�re
going to have a girl, I believe it would be nicer if
she looked more like you."
�� "I agree to that."� Gosunkugi added.
�� Akane beamed, "Oh my.� You two are so sweet."
�� "So why so late?" Gosunkugi blurted out. � "If you
don�t mind my asking." He finished lamely.
�� Ranma scratched the nape of his head.� "We didn�t
want a baby too early, since we were still finishing
high school.� Heck, we weren�t even married."�
Gosunkugi approved of their prudence and said so.
�� "After graduation, and the marriage, we had a long
heart-to-heart talk.� Having a baby still didn�t feel
right.� Akane was to take night school in business
management and accounting, while I had to start
searching for students so that the dojo would
survive."
�� "When Akane finished her course and I had made a
respectable name for myself, that�s when we tried and�
and nothing happened�"� Ranma�s voiced petered off.
�� Akane picked up the narrative. "We had ourselves
checked by Dr. Toufu.� Imagine our surprise when he
told us that by all rights we shouldn�t have any
problems."
�� Ranma continued, embarrassment showing in his face,
"It�s not that we didn�t have a healthy sex life or
something. � It�s just that no matter how we tried the
tests always came up negative."
�� "I don�t know if you could imagine how frustrating
that was for us."� Akane added softly.
�� Gosunkugi briefly nodded.� "Actually I can, I was
married for a while, and we too had problems
conceiving a child."
�� Ranma and Akane were surprised. � "We�re you able
to have any, Hikaru?" Akane asked gently.
�� Gosunkugi shook his head slightly. � "Unfortunately
no.� She died early."
�� Akane brought her hand to her mouth, her eyes
large. � "Oh my."
�� "I�m sorry." Ranma condoled.
�� Gosunkugi again shook his head in the same slight
manner.� "Don�t be.� I took me a long time to finally
admit that our marriage was doomed.� We truly loved
each other at the beginning but somehow over time it
became strained, and I believe it was my fault.� Had
she lived, we would have ended up in divorce or
worse.� It�s better off this way, with very little
bitterness."
�� Ranma looked sympathetically at Gosunkugi, and
noticed something different in him.� He seemed less
haunted.
�� Gosunkugi reached into his jacket and brought out a
locket.� "Would you like to see her?"
�� Akane accepted the locket and opened it.� Her sharp
intake of breath had Ranma look at it.
�� "She could be your twin, Akane." � Ranma blurted
out, his eyes wide in amazement.� One of the players,
Ranma wasn�t sure which one, placed his piece down
rather abruptly with a loud clacking sound.
�� Akane handed the locket back, speechless - she had
her fist raised to her mouth - and her eyes were
tearing up.� Gosunkugi took the locket, smiled sadly
at the picture and closed the lid; he then returned it
into his inside coat pocket.
�� Ranma took a handkerchief and dried Akane�s eyes;
she smiled at him distractedly, still looking at
Gosunkugi.
�� *He seems to be at peace with himself now.* Ranma
observed, confirming his earlier suspicion. *We seem
to have helped him ease a heavy burden.� I wonder how
long he had it bottled up inside him.*
�� Gosunkugi gave a slight nod in Ranma�s direction,
as if he had read Ranma�s thoughts.� "Thank you, for
what you have shared with me and for your compassion."
�� "Uh, think nothing of it."� Ranma scratched the
back of his head.
�� The wind picked up and sent a soft moaning sound
across the room.� Each one was immersed in their own
thoughts.
�� The clattering of rushing feet heralded the arrival
of Lanko, and the silence was dispelled.� Behind her �
walking at a more dignified pace � were the others.
�� Happousai and Cologne looked fine; the ladies
hovering around them on the other hand looked anxious.
�� Kunou and Ryouga left their game and took their
places besides their mates.� Tea was served to all.
�� Several minutes passed by in silence.� Ranma
cleared his throat, "Gosunkugi, we�re all here."
�� Gosunkugi still didn�t move.
�� "Okay, so Ucchan and Konatsu aren�t around but
knowing those two, they most likely returned to their
restaurant."� Ranma stated evenly.� Short of Akane,
Tatewaki and Ryouga, the others wondered at Ranma�s
unexpected equanimity.
�� Gosunkugi was unperturbed.� "I am aware of Ukyo and
Konatsu�s whereabouts."
�� He glanced in Akane�s direction, "Don�t worry, she
will be fine, Akane."� Ranma also glanced at Akane,
curious about the exchange.� Akane couldn�t meet
Ranma�s eyes.
�� Gosunkugi spoke again to direct the attention back
to him, "However, there is still one more we should
wait for.� He will be here shortly."
�� Ranma looked around the dining area, his patience
starting to unravel just a bit.� "Who else are we
waiting for?"
�� An insistent banging was heard from the front door.
� Ranma rushed off to answer it, Gosunkugi smiled
enigmatically.� "I believe he has arrived."
�� Everyone in the dining area heard Ranma shout
"YOU!!!" in surprise.� A mumble was the newcomer�s
only reply.
�� Ranma walked back to the dining area, an
incredulous look on his face.� Behind him was a
hunched, cloaked figure.� A bandaged hand was
clutching the cloak closed.
�� Only when the newcomer had settled down did he pull
down his hood.� The reaction by those in the room was
similar to Ranma�s, the exception being Cologne,
Happousai and Gosunkugi.� Head swathed in bandages,
preventing the new guest from wearing his distinct
cap; his Chinese features were unmistakable enough for
recognition.
�� "Seems I expected."� The Jusenkyo guide noted.
�� Cologne launched into a barrage of high-speed
Chinese, which the guide answered back in a similar
manner.� Apparently satisfied by his answer, Cologne
whispered to Happousai who in turn looked sharply at
Gosunkugi. � Gosunkugi gave a slight nod.
�� At this point Ranma had finally lost any shred of
forbearance he had held in reserve.� "Will someone,
anyone, please tell us what�s going on?"
�� "Calm down, Ranma, my boy.� We just needed to
confirm some things with the guide."� Happousai
assured.� "After all, he did travel all the way from
China to inform you about Soun and Genma."
�� Mollified, Ranma simmered down and stared at the
guide . Akane tapped the back of his head with the
heel of her hand. Ranma gave her a �What was that
for?� look.
�� "Oh my.� Where are our manners." � She faced the
guide.� "Would you like something to eat or drink? �
You must be famished from your travel."
�� The guide lifted the tea that had been poured for
him.� "This do for now, thank you."
�� Sighing deeply, the guide spoke slowly, "It took
long time to reach you with terrible burden.� Now that
I here, I not sure where to start."
�� "Start at what you believe is the beginning."�
Nodoka softly prompted.
�� The guide sighed again, "The sirs, Mr. Saotome and
Mr. Tendou, contacted me several months before, almost
year ago, to help search for other sources of
Nannichuan.� At first I reluctant, but talks with
other guides and research on daughter�s part show
there might be other springs.� When informed of
findings few weeks back, they insist I not tell anyone
and we to start immediately."
�� "The sirs brought several empty casks, determined
to fill enough to remove curse on all.� They not wish
you know of their plan.� We took winding route to
China.� Stayed in mountains for two weeks before
supplies forced us to replenish.� Luckily, we near
Village of The Amazons.� The sirs decided to re-stock
and talk to elders on clue of Nannichuan�s
whereabouts."
�� "Imagine sirs surprise when matriarch Shampoo greet
them welcome.� Even bigger surprise when Mr. Tendou is
greeted by �daughters� Karumi and Natsumi."� The guide
grinned at the memory. � It turned to confusion when
he saw Ranma glowering at two teenagers.� For that
matter the rest didn�t seem too friendly to those two
at the moment.
�� "So Shampoo�s the matriarch, and you didn�t think
her friends had a right to know."� Ranma accused.�
Ryouga nodding in agreement.
�� "It's not that we didn�t want to tell you, it�s
just that� there�s a lot of complex circumstantial
events that would have to be explained also."�
Happousai countered in Cologne�s defense.
�� "Like?" Akane prompted.
�� Cologne leaned close to Happousai and whispered
something.� Happousai glanced sharply at her.� "They
would have to be told eventually."
�� Happousai sighed in resignation, "Very well. � As
soon as the guide finishes his narration, we�ll tell
our story.� Is that fine with you?"
�� Ranma nodded, his desire to know about his fathers�
whereabouts overriding his curiosity about Shampoo.�
He faced the guide.� "Forgive me for interrupting.�
Please continue."
�� The guide was jolted out of whatever reverie he was
in.� "As I was saying, the sirs met matriarch and
Shampoo help them in supplies, but could not add
anything new about other Nannichuan.� The �daughters�
wanted to join us in our quest, but alas it is in
amazon village that tragedy struck."
�� A stiff breeze picked up and set the chimes to
start tinkling.� No one said a word; they merely
waited for the guide to continue his story.
�� He sighed then looked pointedly at Ranma. � "You
remember Saffron?"
�� "How can I forget.� I nearly lost Akane because of
him."� Realization struck, "Don�t tell me he�s
involved in this."
�� "He return and attack amazon village. � Shampoo
with consort Mousse, the sirs, and Mr. Tendou�s
�daughters� were able to repel assault after long and
drawn out battle, thankfully no one seriously hurt."
��� "Saffron and companions decide to prevent anyone
from leaving village.� They harass village from time
to time but always repelled by Shampoo, the sirs and
the �daughters�.� During one attack, consort Mousse
attempt to leave village to get help."
�� "When day passes and Mousse not return and Saffron
not seem to catch him, do we believe Mousse
successfully escaped.� Oh, how wrong we were!"� He
shook his head sadly, a tear running down his cheek.
�� Ryouga interjected when the guide paused to compose
himself.� "Wait a minute.� How is it possible that
Saffron is the one attacking?� When we left him he was
an egg.� He would barely be an adolescent at this
point."
�� "Exactly sir, although he not yet adult, he wield
incredible power and command his people as one born."
�� "Who or what in the Amazon�s village was Saffron
after so badly?"� Nabiki asked.� From the surprised
look on the others, that line of thinking did not
occur to them.
�� "One of our most guarded secret." � Cologne
answered.� "During the early years of the amazon
village, not all of the males were men to begin with."
�� She ignored the goggled stares and continued her
explanation.� "This served the village well.� For the
�men� were able to impart some of their animal
instincts to their descendants.� This is why I am
aware of the remnants of the Musk Dynasty, considering
we had similar historical events."
�� "Remember, during that time Jusenkyo had not yet
been fully cursed and my ancestors had to search for
various Nannichuans. � To simplify things, they
created a magical device that was in tune to the
Nannichuan�s special properties."
�� "Since Saffron requires tremendous amounts of the
Nannichuan to help him transform into his final form,
it is my belief that he is after that device.�
Naturally, the amazons will not just hand it to the
likes of him."� Cologne concluded proudly.
�� Ranma smacked his fist into his other palm. � "I
defeated him once, I can do it again."
�� Happousai raised his hand, palm outward to Ranma. �
"Not so fast, my boy.� I believe the guide is far from
finished."
�� "Quite so, kind sir.� When it neared a week and no
sign of help, we then assume that something bad happen
to Mousse.� Mr. Saotome then decide to slip past in
panda form and get help."
�� Ranma groaned.� "What was pop thinking? � Saffron
knows what he turns into."
�� "Mr. Panda was betting that the others might not
know, and ignore him."� The guide explained.� "Just
like Mousse, he wait until Saffron attack, then tried
to exit far from battle.� Alas he not successful."
�� "What?� What happened!?"� Akane restrained Ranma
from grabbing the guide.� Ryouga seemed ready to
protect the guide.
�� "Please sir."� The guide pleaded as he tried to
distance himself from Ranma.� "Try not to be so
violent."
�� "Ranma."� Nodoka reprimanded softly.
�� Calming down, he bowed to the guide. � "I�m sorry.�
Again, please forgive me for my outburst, it was not
meant for you."
�� Kasumi brought the subject back to the narrative. �
"Why was Mr. Saotome unsuccessful in escaping?"
�� The guide compressed his lips. � "Mousse."
� "Mousse?"� Again only the three � Cologne,
Happousai and Gosunkugi � were the only ones who did
not react to the guides answer.
�� Ranma was obviously perplexed.� "I... I... I don�t
get it."
�� "Let me explain."� Cologne volunteered when the
guide hesitated.� "Your father was correct in his
assumption that most of Saffron�s men would not know
about his alter-ego.� Just when he thought he was
free, Mousse appeared out of nowhere and attacked him
with hardly a word of warning."
�� Cologne looked straight into Ranma�s eyes. � "Your
father was not given a fighting chance.� He fought
well but was hopelessly outclassed by Mousse�s arsenal
of attacks.� Badly savaged by Mousse�s brutal
intensity, your father was at the point of death."
�� Staring back at unfocused eyes, Ranma wondered if
Cologne had gone into a trance of sorts.� Although she
was still recounting what had happened, her voice
seemed distant.� "That was when my great
grand-daughter came to your father�s rescue.�
Unfortunately she was fighting a far different Mousse
from the one she knew, and while she pulled her
punches, he did not.� Great grand-daughter was
defeated as easily as your father was."
�� "She would have lost her life there along with your
father.� Thankfully my grand-son-in-law, her father,
with the help of Mr. Tendou and his �daughters� were
able to fight Mousse to a standstill."� She had closed
her eyes shut as if reliving her account.
�� When she opened her eyes again there were unshed
tears.� "Grand-son-in-law kept Mousse busy long enough
to make sure that your father and my great
grand-daughter would get back to the village.� It was
a spectacular battle that would have made our amazon
ancestors proud, for he gave as much punishment as he
was taking.� In that brief moment he had shown the
kind of man he was when he bested my grand-daughter."
�� The tear then rolled down her cheek unchecked. �
"It was not enough though, for Mousse was mercilessly
unrelenting in his attacks, his youth deciding the
outcome.� My grand-son-in-law is now with my
grand-daughter in the halls of the great Amazons."�
She bowed her head and Happousai draped his arm in
consolation, a handkerchief at hand.
�� Looking around, Ranma could see not a single dry
eye.� Some were openly crying like his mom, Akane,
Kasumi, Ms. Hinako and Lanko. � He and Ryouga were
letting it flow but had their faces set in a grim
countenance. � Nabiki, Tatewaki, Dr. Toufu and Akari
had a neutral expression on their faces but they too
were weeping, too stunned to wipe the tears.� Even
Gosunkugi was weeping, although Ranma suspected that
Gosunkugi already knew about the events that had
transpired.
�� "How..."� Nodoka choked back her tears, "How... How
are they?"
�� Gosunkugi answered.� "Your husband and Shampoo are
both in a coma.� The village healers have done what
they could, but without the help of modern medicine
their chances of surviving is fifty-fifty."
�� He looked compassionately at the three Tendou
sisters.� "Karumi and Natsumi were not spared by
Mousse, but your father protected them from most of
the attacks, so they�re still fine.� Unfortunately the
two rely heavily on each other for their power to be
truly effective.� Should one fall the other will not
be far behind."
�� Happousai sensed Gosunkugi�s gaze shift to him. �
Looking up he saw that Gosunkugi was silently asking
guidance.� He nodded briefly.� Gosunkugi again looked
at the three sisters.� "We believe that unless help
comes soon, Mr. Tendou will not survive.� He is
meeting Saffron�s attacks suicidally.� That is good,
in a sense, for it has rallied the Amazons. � Now
Saffron and his people, Mousse included, has backed
off respectfully.� But his breaking point is being
reached and Saffron has not eased the pressure one
bit."
�� "Why?� Why?!"� Ranma shouted. � The others looked
at him in alarm.� He was glowing in an intense red
aura.
�� Akane beseeched him, "Ranma�"
�� "Why Mousse?!"� Ranma whispered harshly.� Bent
forward, his clenched fist visibly shook as he tried
to control his anger.� "I thought you love Shampoo?�
How could you do this to her?"
�� He directed an intense stare at the bowed Cologne.
� "Mousse will pay!"
�� She met his gaze, a sad look on her face. � "No."�
She whispered back.
�� "No?!?"� Caught by surprise by her response,
Ranma�s chi energy dropped.
�� Cologne shook her head slowly.� "Mousse is very
much a victim as your fathers or my great
grand-daughter.� For if he were truly the merciless
warrior, then granddaughter, her father, your fathers
and the two girls would be dead.� He is no more a
puppet on a string, dancing to Saffron�s tune. � He is
trying to break the influence but he is not strong
enough."
�� Ranma nodded dumbly, his chi energy dissipating at
Cologne�s implication.� "Saffron..."
�� "...is far more powerful than the first time you
met him.� He must be eliminated.� No half measures
this time." Happousai concluded grimly.
�� "There is another problem." � Gosunkugi looked
contrite.� "Saffron is now aware of us."
�� Happousai looked at Gosunkugi in alarm. � "What!"
�� "Has this something to do with what happened in the
dojo?"� Kasumi speculated.
�� Gosunkugi sighed.� "Perhaps I should give a run
down on what happened last night."
�� "Please." Akane prompted.
�� Gosunkugi sighed again.� "The rite I performed
tunes into the mind of the seeker.� The closer the
subject is to the seeker, the easier it is to find
him. Sensei Happousai not only knew your fathers for
some time; he also had a well-disciplined mind.� We
had no major problems in locating them.� Naturally we
were surprised to find them in Sensei Cologne�s amazon
village.� This was where we invoked another rite to be
able to see what had transpired before, concerning the
ones we were searching."
�� Ryouga interrupted.� "The weird noises and shouting
we heard sometime midnight."
�� Gosunkugi nodded.� "Expending almost all of his
energy in not only locating them with pinpoint
accuracy, but also for reliving their immediate past,
Sensei Happousai tuned out.� He was still conscious
but his remaining mental energy could only act in a
supportive fashion. Sensei Cologne took up the brunt
of supplying the energy as we pieced the events
together through the thoughts of the villagers, whom
she was closest to.� When it was clear that Mousse was
being controlled did Sensei Cologne attempt to tap
into his mind.� Thus we activated yet another rite.�
She was nearly successful when, somehow, Saffron was
able to sense what we were doing and forced us out of
Mousse�s consciousness."
�� "The first explosion and Cologne�s scream of
anguish." Dr. Toufu commented.
�� "Correct.� The resultant blowback was enough to
stun both Sensei Happousai and Sensei Cologne.� Since
I was not expending my energy at that point, I was
able to deflect most of the burst away from me.�
Unfortunately, my compassion and my curiosity got the
better of me and decided to see if I could break
Saffron�s hold over Mousse.� Saffron was waiting for
me at that point.� He laughed at my attempt, severed
my link to Mousse then sent a powerful mental blast."
�� "The clap of thunder and your flying out of the
dojo."� This from Tatewaki.
�� "Correct again.� Before I fell into
unconsciousness, Saffron left a message of sorts..."�
Gosunkugi�s face contorted and resembled a haughty
looking Saffron.� His voice had also modulated to
sound like Saffron�s.� "Greetings, Saotome Ranma.� I
do hope you can join me yet again in a new contest of
wills.� I underestimated you the last time� this time
I come prepared, for I never make the same mistake
twice..."
�� Without warning Gosunkugi hurled himself at Akane,
his hands closing around her neck and squeezing.� The
guide gave a shriek and dove under the table.� The
others were caught off guard.
�� "AKANE!!!"� Ranma screamed as he desperately tried
to disengage one of Gosunkugi�s arms but found it
unyielding. � He was contemplating breaking
Gosunkugi�s arm when Cologne and Happousai jumped on
Gosunkugi and jabbed him at two different sections
simultaneously. � Gosunkugi collapsed as the two
caught him and dragged the comatose body away from
Akane.
�� Ranma was shoved aside by Dr. Toufu and Kasumi as
they rushed to administered to Akane.
�� After a few minutes, Akane was coughing. �
"Ranma?"� She whispered hoarsely.
�� Ranma squeezed himself in front of Dr. Toufu and
held Akane�s hand, concern all over his face.� "I�m
here Akane."
�� She hugged him fiercely, sobbing.� Ranma rocked her
slowly, comforting her.
�� Dr. Toufu clapped Ranma on his shoulder lightly and
moved off to examine the unconscious Gosunkugi.
�� Kasumi, Nabiki, Nodoka, and Lanko formed a group
huddle around Akane to lend her support.� Ranma was
grateful to them.
�� Dr. Toufu was talking to Happousai and Cologne
quietly while he was examining Gosunkugi.� Ryouga and
Ms. Hinako were listening in; once in a while they
would glance in Ranma�s direction.� The guide was
peering out of the table, too scared to move.� Akari
and Tatewaki were trying to coax him out.
�� A sudden thought disturbed Ranma.� "Could our baby
have been hurt by what happened?"� He asked Kasumi.
�� Kasumi was quiet for a while as she re-examined
Akane.� The others seemed to be holding their
breaths.� When she was finished she looked at Ranma
and smiled.� "The baby is fine, Ranma.� Akane had the
wind knocked out of her for a few seconds, but not
enough to cause any harm to her or the baby."
�� "You can thank Gosunkugi-san for that."� Happousai
stated, walking to Ranma.
�� "What?!?"� Ranma looked cross, not believing what
he heard.
�� "Saffron wanted Gosunkugi to break Akane�s neck.�
Fortunately Gosunkugi had enough mental strength to
change it into a strangle hold.� Cologne and I were
able to see him alter his stance at the last minute. �
He knew that we would be able to stop him."
�� Akane was rubbing her neck.� "Oh my. � If Saffron
could do that to Hikaru, try to imagine how Mousse
must have felt when he was fighting the people he
loved."
�� "A scary thought."� Ranma agreed, he glanced at
Gosunkugi�s prostrate form with new respect.� "How is
he?"
�� Happousai shrugged.� "He�s alive. � As for his
mental state, we won�t know until he wakes up, if at
all. Cologne though, plans to try to help him recover
from Saffron�s mental take-over, while he�s still
unconscious. Naturally, I�ll be by her side."
�� "Oh my.� Don�t you think you�ll be over-extending
yourselves?"� Akane asked, worried.
�� There was a twinkle in Happousai�s eye. � "Hate to
brag, but us old fogeys have bodies of eighteen year
olds. � We�re at the peak of our youth.� We can handle
it."
�� "Can we be of help?"
�� "Yeah.� Don�t bother us, Ranma." � Happousai was
serious . He then appraised the comatose body.� "On
second thought, help Ryouga bring him to the guest
room."
�� Ranma bent down and kissed Akane on the forehead. �
"Be back in a flash."
�� Akane hugged him again.� Ranma went over to where
Gosunkugi was lying.� He and Ryouga effortlessly
picked him up.
�� Hauling Gosunkugi to the guestroom, Ranma muttered
to Ryouga.� "Convinced he�s Happousai?� After all,
we�re the ones dragging this dead weight around."
�� "Hey, just because I�m young don�t mean I have
boundless energy.� I�m conserving myself for the
task." � Happousai justified, having heard Ranma.
�� Ryouga grimaced.� "Heh.� Some habits never change."
�� "No kidding!"� Glancing towards Cologne, Ranma was
disappointed that she didn�t seem to have paid
attention at their attempt to lighten the mood.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
���Leaving Happousai and Cologne with Gosunkugi�s
body, Ranma and Ryouga returned to the dining area.�
Ranma saw that they were able to get the guide out
from underneath the table.� He was taking some sake,
although his shaking bandaged hands prevented him from
drinking a lot.
�� He then noticed that short of Akane, Kasumi, Dr.
Toufu, who were having tea; and Lanko, who was having
milk, everyone else was also fortifying themselves
with sake.
�� Ranma kneeled behind Akane, and wrapped his arms
around her.� Akane leaned back on him with a grateful
sigh, her hands wrapped around some steaming tea.
�� Another stiff breeze wound its way through the
house, making a low soft moaning sound and causing the
chime to tinkle again.
�� He faced the guide, a thoughtful look on his face.
� "So how is it that you were able to succeed where my
father failed."
�� The guide winced as if accused.� "Sir. � I so
ashamed I not help your father when he attacked by
Mousse, I decided to join amazons in next battle.� To
show I not coward."
�� Ranma indicated that he should go on.� "It was
during battle that I charge towards enemy without
waiting.� Mr. Tendou tell me to stop but I not
listen.� He and several amazons take advantage of my
mad charge and hurl many round objects towards enemy.�
I was among enemy when big explosion knocked me far
away from village."
�� Akane looked up from her tea and caught Ranma�s
attention.� "Happo-Firebursts?"
�� Ranma mulled it over.� "Hmm. � Possibly."� He
shelved it into the back of his ind for later
contemplation.� "What happened then?"
�� The guide took the interruption to drink more sake.
� "When I woke up, I floating in one of Jusenkyo
pools."
�� "Oh?"� Ryouga raised an eyebrow. � "So what did you
turn into?"
�� "I not know, sir.� I came to just as I am. �I took
it as sign that I tell you about your fathers and fate
of amazon village.� Since then I be moving constantly,
using circuitous route to lose anyone following, not
resting to heal wounds.� I would have arrived earlier
if I not take roundabout way but I afraid I be
ambushed by Saffron�s people."� He drank more of the
sake.
�� "How long did it take you to finally reach us?"�
Nabiki queried.
�� They could see he was doing some heavy calculating,
he even pulled out a pocket abacus.� "One week, my
lady."
�� Nabiki seemed satisfied with his answer. � "Adding
the time they spent in the mountains and at the
village, it more or less matches the duration our
fathers have been missing."
�� Ranma struck his forehead with his palm. � "What an
idiot I am!� Pop had left a clue when he said they
were going away for some �spiritual cleansing�!� No
wonder they didn�t want me to come along."
�� "And I thought Akane was dense." � Ranma joked in
attempted levity.
�� Akane glared at Ranma but refused to be baited.
�� Ryouga cleared his throat, "Ranma, Akari and I have
been talking..."
�� "You mean you don�t normally?"
�� "This is serious."� Ryouga growled.
�� Ranma was apologetic.� "Sorry. � Don�t know what�s
gotten into me."
�� "Its called relief, Ranma."� Dr. Toufu interjected.
�� "Huh?"� Ranma and Ryouga looked at Dr. Toufu
quizzically.
�� "The events of last night compounded with your
anxiety over your missing fathers has been a constant
strain to you.� As it has been to all of us.� Now that
a lot of things have been revealed, thanks to the
guide and Gosunkugi-san, your body has kicked into a
natural high, matching how you feel mentally.� Even
though the news is hardly good, the fact that you know
what has happened has created this euphoria."� Dr.
Toufu looked around to see if anyone understood what
he was trying to say.
���Nodoka, Nabiki, Akane, and Ms. Hinako were nodding
in agreement, so was Kasumi, naturally.� Tatewaki
looked blank, giving no hint. � Akari was mulling it
over; she seemed to have gotten the basic concept.�
The ex-Jusenkyo guide most likely didn�t understand
half of what he said and Dr. Toufu didn�t expect Lanko
to grasp the idea, although he was surprised that she
seemed to be trying to make sense out of it.� She even
wrote it down, on the tabletop unfortunately.
�� Sadly, Ranma and Ryouga, the two he was addressing
in the first place, returned a look of bovine
incomprehension.� Dr. Toufu gave a soft sigh; Kasumi
patted his hand in consolation.
�� Ryouga shook his head, snapping out of his
bewilderment.� "Anyway, don�t you guys find it far too
coincidental that Gosunkugi offers his help more or
less at the same time as when the guide arrives? � Not
to mention youthful Cologne and Happousai?"
�� "Oh my.� I�m sure there�s a rational explanation."�
Akane hoped.
�� "Of course there�s a rational explanation."�
Gosunkugi replied as yet again, he dramatically strode
into the dining area.� Trailing behind him were a
weary looking Happousai and Cologne.
�� "That was a quick recovery."� Ranma noted.
�� As usual Gosunkugi poured himself some tea. "Thanks
to Sensei Cologne and Sensei Happousai, Saffron�s
influence was purged completely from my mind.� I would
have done the same thing eventually, they just speeded
things along."
�� He then looked at Ryouga.� "To answer your
question.� Before Sensei Cologne attempted to probe
Mousse�s mind, we had the Jusenkyo guide�s whereabouts
traced.� For we were curious that at a certain point
he seemed to have vanished from the collective
thoughts of the amazon villagers. � Thus we knew that
he was close by."
�� Cologne also took tea.� Happousai on the other hand
was happily finishing the sake.� "We decided to let
the guide give the news, so that we could confirm what
we had seen.� If he were not close by, we would have
told you what we discovered and at the same time
inform you of the guide�s imminent arrival, so that
you could compare notes.� It was our way of killing
two birds with one stone."
�� "Speaking of killing, what�s our plan concerning
Saffron."� Ranma face was grim.
�� Happousai spoke up, the effect of too much sake too
quickly, obvious.� "Nash... Nashure... Natshurally..."
�� Cologne gave a brief irritated glance at Happousai
then struck him in several areas, her hands a blur.�
Happousai sobered up.
�� "Ah.� Don�t know whether to thank you or hate
you."� He gave a small bow in Cologne�s direction.
�� Cologne just stared at him impassively. �Happousai
broke into a grin.� "Makes it hard to make a pass and
blame the alcohol."
���Cologne stuck her tongue out.� "Get on with it old
man."
�� "Why sure!"� Happousai rubbed his hands eagerly.
�� Cologne hit his head with a staff that came out of
nowhere.� "Idiot."
�� The two stopped their antics when they realized the
place had gone silent.
�� They looked at the others and both apologized at
the same time.
�� The others found the exchange�odd.
�� Akane broke the silence.� "As you were saying,
Happousai?"
�� "Ah, as I was saying.� Naturally, Saffron must be
dealt with, swiftly and decisively as possible, for
your fathers and Shampoo�s sake.� Question is, who�s
going?"
�� "I am."� Everyone looked in astonishment at
Gosunkugi.
�� There was a fierce glow in his eyes. � "This
Saffron made me try to destroy sweet Akane, the one
other person I hold truly sacred.� For that I will not
rest until he no longer exists in this world."� The
light simmered down and he looked normal, for
Gosunkugi. � "Besides, you are going to need someone
who not only knows magic, but can wield it.� Obviously
Saffron is not going to rely on his martial art
techniques and powers alone."
�� "Er, right."� Happousai produced a pad and wrote
Gosunkugi�s name down.� "Ok, that�s one..."
-------------------------------------------------------
Post Script:
-�After perusing the Ranma � Memorial Book, I was
quite surprised to see that in the gatefold mural
listing of characters, Dr. Tofu Ono�s first name was
spelled T - O - U - F - U! Happosai is actually
HappoUsai and Kuno does have a U after the O.
��To make doubly sure, I not only checked the Furigana
of the above mentioned characters, but also Ranma�s,
Akane�s and Ryouga�s name (Furigana are the little
Hiragana text above or to the right of the Kanji
symbol, depending on which direction it is written).
Ranma�s last name is pronounced SA OTO ME, Akane�s is
TEN DOU, and Hibiki�s controversial first name is
indeed pronounced RYOU GA.
��Since the Memorial Book has the same Japanese
publisher as Rumiko Takahashi�s other works, I assumed
that they would make sure that the English equivalent
of their names were corrected by Takahashi-sama.
-�When full names are uttered, I follow the Japanese
system of mentioning the family name first then the
given name. If it is part of the narrative I switch
to the western system of given name first then family
name.
-�Please remember that this story takes place eleven
(!) years after the final episode.
-�For the Ukyo fans out there, I apologize if I made
her sound a bit like a country hick. A friend told me
that another fan-fic author used the same technique to
give Ukyo a noticeable speech pattern. I liked the
idea and incorporated it, although it isn�t as heavily
accentuated as the one my friend mentioned.
-�Chapter 2 was completed roughly one week after
chapter 1, in response to my friend�s remark that he
couldn�t make a comment until he�s seen more of the
story (talk about an infuriating way of getting
feedback).
-�Just like chapter 1, running updates and
modifications were done from time to time.
- For those who have just encountered this chapter,
the previous chapter can be found either in the FFML
archive or at http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-1.htm
- Succeeding chapters can be found at
http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-3.htm (for Chapter
3). Replacing the number will give the appropriate
chapter (ex: rv-4.htm is Chapter 4, etc.)
- As always, please send all C&C privately to either
fvector@yahoo.com or fvector@usa.net
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