Author Jabber:
It's untitled as of yet. Kind of a lousy way to post things to the FFML I know, but I really couldn't think of anything so.. *shrugs* I'm all set to finish this one up but I get the sinking feeling that I'm not doing the plotline justice and made it all rather boring, so I'm posting this as a way to test the waters. More drama like then my usual fics, and not nearly as dark. Enjoy, and if you can spare a bit of time respond, would ya'?


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    The lights were dim, and the people hushed. A thin wisp of cigarette smoke curled up lazily from the corner and finding no companions dispered wearily into the air. The atmosphere was contained and relaxed, comments on daily life as frequent as pointless philosophical conversations. The tables were all circular, but the chairs aranged around them so that no chair had its back to the end of the room. There, a simple stage was set up. All that was on it was a piano and a microphone stand. Not coincidentally, that was why people came. The drinks were fairly decent, but the singers were what kept the establishment going.

    As one the people checked their watches, and the voices steadily grew quiet until conversation was less then a whisper in the air. On the stage a woman dressed in a long black dress walked to the microphone and the pianist ended his song, ready to start anew with the woman's voice directing. Long slits in her dress smoothly slid shut as she stopped moving, covering her ivory skinned legs, and she brought her hands up to gently hold the microphone. Her eyes were closed and she seemed drawn within herself. The skin tone of her legs matched that of her face, stopping just short of looking sickly white and instead had a more erethral impression, as if she was the ghost of someone long dead.

    Which in a sense she was.

    She paused, and moved a red lock back so it melted into the rest of her hair, a crimson river of saten that flowed alluringly down to just past the base of her neck. Her chest rose slightly as she took a breath, then she began to sing.

        "When the rythem starts to play
        dance with me, make me sway.
        like a lazy ocean hugs the shore
        hold me close, sway me more"

    Her eyes opened, dark blue as the sea at sunset. Nobody spoke, their eyes entirely focused on her, trying to decipher the mystery she presented.

        "Like a flower bending in the breeze
        bend with me, sway with ease.
        You have a way with me,
        stay with me, sway with me."

    Her signing was pure and emotional. The words almost lost themselves in the background of her voice. A feeling of loss and happiness together. Heartbroken, but in love. She seemed to look far away as she sang. Not losing herself in the words of her song but in something else. It raised her above them, above humanity almost. A kind of borne woe that made her unreachable. She came back to herself and trailed a hand down the stand. She moved foreward a step and her dress lightly fluttered, briefly parting along the slits. Her eyes locked onto those of a woman at one of the front tables.

        "I can hear the sound of violins
        long before music begins
        make me thirl as only you know how
        sway me smooth, sway me now"

    The woman smiled at her. She was under-dressed considering the rest of the clientel. They were dressed in formal attire and rather expensive dresses, or at the very least a business suit. She wore a simple white blouse and black pants. Her brown hair wasn't particularly maintained. She had spent the whole day working and shown up here immediatly afterword.

        "Others dance with me on the floor
        but my eyes will see only you
        only you have that magic technique
        where we sway I grow weak..."

    This last refrain lost nearly all of its pained tone, leaving love echoing alone in her timbre. She smiled at the woman, then walked gracefully off the stage. Polite applause ensued, as did conversations about the woman. Her next performance would start in fifteen minutes so they had a while.

    Ukyo sighed and shifted in her chair, looking somewhat shyly at those around her. She knew she should have stopped by the house to change. But, it was too late now. "Ranchan you moron." She quirked her lips in a strange smile. How would he react to her saying that? Then again, he probably wouldn't get the reference unless she waved a mallet around. It was almost the aniversery of his change, it might do him some good to remember. Painful memories are better then none at all. With a sigh she settled back against her seat.


    "Ranchan!" Ukyo flung her arms around the redhead. "You were wonderful as always. You should get an agent."

    "Don't be silly." Ranma kissed Ukyo, who returned the kiss unabashed. She lightly broke from her grasp and slipped off the dress. Ranma carefully folded it and opened her dresser. Ukyo slid over and pulled out a pair of black pants and a red shirt.

    "Why don't you wear these? It's been ages since I've seen you in them." She held them out to the naked woman hopefully.

    The woman paused, a delicate hand reaching to the clothing. She timidly carressed the shirt before taking her hand away. "You know I can't do that." Thier eyes met and the room became tense.

    "We only have one packet left Ranma... please." She pressed them towards Ranma.

    "No. Not now." She swallowed, her bright blue eyes looking guilty at the clothes. "Not like this."

    Ukyo sighed and put the clothes back, dissapating strained atmosphere. "Yeah, I know." She looked at the shorter woman again then away. "Ranma.. even though there's only one left. I.. I'd still like to try."

    The redhead finished fastening her bra and looked at Ukyo for a moment before turning away. She looked into the mirror and loosed a gold earing. "They would never understand. They would never believe."

    "We'll drag them to Jusenkyo th-"

    "And what? Show them the wonderful healing abilities it has?" She narrowed her eyes at Ukyo, then sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Ucchan, who would believe a ledgend like that? The guide's daugther might still be alive, but she was young when the curse was still active. Even if she remembers others will assume she only imagined it as a child." She stood, her full height not reaching Ukyo's, and waved a hand at her body. "Look at me Ucchan. Am I not one of the most desirable women you've ever seen? Large bust, while not obsecenly so. Blue eyes, red hair, petite and small figure. I walk gracefully, I talk gracefully or at least passingly so. When so inclined I can speak softly." She leaned foreward and pressed into Ukyo, raising her mouth to her ear. "I can make people desire me." She kissed Ukyo's throat lightly before pulling away. "Who would believe?"

    "I would. I do." Ukyo said. "And so would they, in time."

    Ranma was looking into the mirror again, re-applying her lipstick. "Ucchan.. all this time you've never asked anything of me. You never questioned. You never held back or turned away.. even when my emotions got the better of me that first time."

    Ukyo blushed at the last comment and her neck tingled lighty where Ranma had kissed her.

    "If you truly want to try again, knowing what is, I will." She looked turned to look at Ukyo. "I love you Ucchan. I won't deny you anything." She pulled a dress from the closet and slipped it over head.

    Ukyo said nothing for a moment, then moved to help Ranma adjust the dress. "Won't deny me anything thing hmm?" She smiled slightly and rested against the smaller girl. "You know, our room was finsihed today. We don't have to sleep here anymore, we can have privacy." She slid her hands along Ranma's ribs slowly, as if counting them. "Did you mean it about not denying me anything?" She pressed her cheek agaisnt the redhead's.

    Ranma was stiff beneath her hands at first, then relaxed. "We'll see." She allowed herself a smirk. "Perhaps you do need a reward for your bravery."

    "Bravery?" Ukyo asked. She blinked in confusion.

    Ranma slipped away, breaking the mood. "Why showing up like some fur clad barbarian among the people in this fine establishment! Honestly, I'm not sure how the others could stand your lack of brand names and makeup, I nearly fainted dead away when you walked in!" She rose her nose in the air with an exaggerated gesture. "To think I would ever assosiate with one such as you." She looked back and Ukyo was gone. "What? Ukyo? Wait for me!" She quickly slipped on a pair of high heels and followed after her.


    The night was cold and sharp, biting lightly at the exposed skin. Ukyo and Ranma walked arm in arm, the warmth a pleasing contrast. Overhead the moon was new and bright, happily lighting the world. The two were an odd sight. Even though Ukyo had changed into a dress, her companion walked so gracefully and held herself with such poise that she entirely outclassed her. Ukyo didn't seem to mind or notice though, and the two chatted abminbly enough. The walk from where they'd eaten to their house wasn't far, at least for two of their capabilities. As they were walking past a bar door a couple stumbled out.

    "I realize you're happy honey, but did you have to get drunk?" The short-haired woman supported a yellow shirted man who looked out of place in city environs.

    "I'm in Tokyo 'n my wife's pregnant. Gotta celebrate, s'what Soun said." The man leaned heavily on his wife, nearly knocking her over.

    "Yes, well I'm going to have a little talk with Daddy. Comeon, we're going to the apartment. Th-" The woman noticed Ukyo and looked at her strangely then shook her head to clear it. "Then we can get.. get.." She stopped and looked back to stare at Ukyo, who in turn was staring at her.

    "Ucchan?" Ranma tugged gently on Ukyo's arm. "Why are we stopping?"

    "I-It is you!" Akane said. "Oh my god.. how long has it been?" Her eyes widened even more as she noticed the redhead. "Ranma?! Is that really you?"

    The man rubbed at his eyes with a hand and stared at her. "Impossible...."

    Ranma blinked at the woman. "Do I know you?"

    "Ranma.. it's me, Akane. Don't you remember?" She reached out a hand, but it was slapped aside by Ukyo.

    "Come on Ranma, let's go home." She pulled at Ranma, nearly causing her to fall over, and walked away at a brisk pace.

    "Oww! Slow down Ucchan." She lengthed her strides to keep pace.

    "Ranma, Ukyo! Wait!" Akane raised a hand and began to give chase when felt a sharp pain across her shoulder.

    "That was a warning! Stay away from us!" Ukyo held another mini-spatula threateningly then turned and stalked off, pulling a confused Ranma behind her.

    Akane held her bleeding arm and watched them leave. "Ranma..."


    "Who was that woman, Ucchan?" Ranma and Ukyo were snuggled against each other. The room was barren, but complete. Underneath them was their resturant, and now part of their home. No more renting an apartment or living in the backroom of the The Lotus. The room was enourmous, nearly as large as the resturant below it save a small area partioned off for the bathroom. The bed was currently in the center and a small T.V. was placed at the foot of the bed.

    "An old aquantance." Ukyo said.

    "I wonder how she knew me?" Ranma turned her head slightly and looked up at Ukyo.

    "Do you remember her?"

    "I.. no." Ranma frowned lightly.

    "Well, think on it a bit. Maybe you do." Ukyo held Ranma a bit tighter. "By the time you remember they better be long gone." She added to herself silently. With sudden descion, Ukyo brought her hands up to Ranma's pajama top and began to open the buttons. Ranma stiffened under her hands, but didn't move. After finishing with the buttons Ukyo slowly pulled at it, sliding it off one arm then the other. Ukyo swallowed and gingerly reached foreward and pushed against her breasts, lightly as if she was preparing to dodge backwards from a snake. She could hear and feel Ranma's breath quicken, her chest rising and falling rapidly. "A-am I doing okay?"

    "I think so.. I'm just.. this is.." Ranma blushed and looked away from Ukyo.

    Ukyo leaned foreward, shoving Ranma onto her back. Ranma hissed softly in pain and Ukyo shifted her weight off of her hands, laying her body flat against the shorter form beneath her. Ukyo gently traced her fingers over one of Ranma's breasts, less hesitant before. "I know you don't like being touched like this, like you are now." She slowly met Ranma's lips with her own, an action that both felt comfortable with. "I-I feel strange too Ranma, but because its you it feels.. okay. Natural shape or not, you're still the person I love. And.." She kissed Ranma again, at the same time gently tracing her fingers across her chest, sometimes massaging an area with a hand. "I don't want to live out the rest of my life only being touched by you and never being able to give you the same. Even if it takes a while, we need to get used to.. this." Trying to imitate how Ranma had been with her, Ukyo slid downward and replaced her hand with her lips. Ranma stiffened and pulled out from her, sitting up with her back to Ukyo.

    "I don't think I'm ready for that yet Ukyo." Ranma shivered as she spoke, adreniline coursing through her.

    Ukyo's mouth was dry as she opened her mouth to speak. "I wasn't so sure I was either Ranchan, but we.. we have get comfortable with this." She slid herself against Ranma, pushing against her back with her chest. She rested her chin on Ranma's neck, their cheeks touching. "How about we just try this for a while?" Ukyo brought her arms around Ranma and cupped her breasts, not moving.

    "O-okay."

    Ukyo tenderly kneaded Ranma's breasts with her hands, unsure if she was pressing correctly or just hurting her. After a minute or so, Ranma relaxed and leaned back against Ukyo, who breathed a sigh of relief. At the very least she wasn't hurting her.

    "It feels.. nice, but I'd like to stop for today."

    "Okay." Ukyo let go of her breasts. Ranma turned to face her and they hugged, then shared a kiss. Ukyo felt Ranma's delicate hands deftly unclasping her bra.

    "Now to go back to our normal routine." Ranma whispered into Ukyo's ear.

    Ukyo smiled and let the redhead bring them both back to framilar territory. In either shape, Ranma was always Ranma.


    Ukyo woke to the sound of the shower. She looked at the clock which glowed its usual angry red. Five o'clock in the morning. There were some habits she wished Ranma hadn't kept up. The bathroom door opened letting out a combination of steam and light, in the center of it all stood Ranma with her long red hair and just a towel wrapped just below her midriff. It seemed as if she had an aura of light around her, banishing the darkness from the room. Ranma was unaware of this; however, Ukyo was very impressed and made a mental note to try this newfound  angelic-arival look sometime soon.

    "Did you pack me a spare dress, Ucchan?"

    "Yeah, it's in the bag." Ukyo pointed over her shoulder with a thumb.

    "A bag?" Ranma rushed to it, managing to see well enough in the partially lit room, and pulled out a green silk dress.

    "Don't worry, I was carefull." Ukyo waved a hand negligently. "Honestly, you're more worried about appearances then I am."

    "As if that's saying much." Ranma winked at Ukyo.

    "Are you working today?" Ukyo asked. Straining she sat up. She felt at her pillow then quickly flipped it over. At one point in her life she had consciously forced herself to drool when a friend had told her she slept like a girl. Unfortunitly, it had become one of those habitual things which still occured every now and again.

    "I'm not onstage until late evening. I'll be home around two o'clock." Ranma gently pushed Ukyo up and began to make the bed.

    Ukyo pulled her own set of clothing from the bag. "What will you do till then?"

    "I was considering going shopping. If you would like I can bring some of our belongings from the Lounge over."

    Ukyo saw the reluctant look on her love's face and shook her head. "Don't worry about it. It'd disturb the costumers."

    Ranma's shoulders visibly relaxed. "Very well. Would you like me to help today?" She pulled the bag away from Ukyo and retrieved her brush.

    "Lunch is always busy, if you're free stop by." She took the brush from Ranma and spun her around, eyeing her hair. "What do you want today? Sexy or aloof?"

    "Sexy." Ranma purred.

    Ukyo hugged Ranma, putting her face in her hair. "Good morning."

    Ranma blushed. "Good morning." That had been rather rude to immediatly ask about her dress.

    "Let's go sit on the bed and do this." Ukyo pulled Ranma, leading her to the bed. Ranma sat on the edge of the bed. Ukyo sat behind her, legs positioned on either side of Ranma. She ran the brush through Ranma's flame-colored hair. "Ranma, I talked to Dr. Okazaki yesterday."

    "Oh?"

    "He said that the best time for us to try would be at the end of this week." Ukyo paused. "Is that okay with you?"

    "Try.. oh. Yes, that sounds fine."

    "Okay. You know, there still is artificial insemination if you're not comfortable."

    Ranma shook her head lightly, a blush on her face. "No, that doesn't feel right. This is my last time to... It's my final time. I'll feel better about it when I'm like 'that'." She turned around, tucking her legs under her, and faced Ukyo. She gently pressed her lips to hers, then sat back on her heels. "I'm sorry I make life so hard for us."

    Ukyo smiled happily and shook her head. "It doesn't matter, as long as we're together. I just want to be with you." She closed her arms around the smaller girl and they held each other for a long moment. "I love you Ranchan."


    "Do you like it madam?" A thin and snobbish sounding clerk asked Ranma.

    "Hmm..?" She turned to the man, then back to the dress. "I've been told that green goes well with my hair, however my eyes always seemed a bit out of place when I wear green." She brushed her bangs and looked at the man full in the face.

    "I see." The man nodded. "Perhaps something a bit less... sparkle oriented then? If I might be so rude, the sequenes are a bit gaudy for someone of your refined looks."

    "Really?" Ranma sighed, dissapointed. They were pretty little baubles.

    "If you're looking for something a bit more attention grabbing, then I might suggest a change in style more then fabric. Perhaps you want something similar to what you have on?" He gestured polietly at her dress.

    "I do enjoy silk, do you have anything in mind?"

    "Perhaps, if madam would follow me?"


    Akane paused mid-step, causing Ryoga to bash into her. "Ryoga... isn't that?"

    Ryoga sighed. Probably another too expensive article of clothing. This was why he hated going to the mall. He looked to where she was pointing and unastonishingly it was one of those fancy clothing shops. The window was wide, showing most of the store. The store wasn't too large, but the wooden showcases along the walls, each with their own set of mirrors, made it seem much more so. Suits, dresses, tuxedos, all  very nice and all not meant for any save the rich or well credited. Ryoga felt a small tug of jealousy. His life would never gain him the material finiries of the world, and sometimes it got to him. A resturant with great food but exhorbant prices, a beautiful resort, little things that Akane didn't even glance twice at. She was content with her lot in life, but unable to find find peace from his usual wanderings (a small price to pay for having Akane as a wife he supposed) he found himself wanting more. He shook his head. It was the city doing this to him. The natural world was the only cure, and this time he would have Akane with him to share it.

    "Ryoga!" Akane snapped at him, glaring. "Look at that woman!"

    Ryoga blinked. Had an alien possessed his wife's body? Demanding him to look at another woman? Confused, he looked. The woman was being led around by a well-dressed sales clerk and looking at various articles of clothing. "She's pretty. Not as pretty as you of course." He added quickly.

    Akane stared at him disbelivingly, then drew a calming breath. "Ryoga, look at that woman and tell me if you think its Ranma."

    Ryoga's eyes shot back to her. Red hair, at least passingly decent the art judging from her movements, and most of all blue eyes. "Ranma?" If possible, Ranma looked more feminine then the night before. Just what the hell was he up to?

    "Come on." Akane grabbed him by the hand and dragged him towards the store. It opened noiselessly, but a salesman still immediatly glanced up. He looked them up and down, then raised an eyebrow and went back to his busineess.

    "Ranma!" Akane shouted. A bit too loudly considering the redhead was a few yards away and closing.

    Both she and the clerk looked up. "Yes?" There was no trace of recignition in her eyes or voice.

    "You are Ranma then?" Ryoga spoke up hesitantly. This.. this was weird.

    "I am. Do I know you?" Ranma looked at them again. They did look somewhat framilar now that she thought about it.

    "It's me, Akane." Hadn't they gone through this last night?

    "Ah, the woman from last night."

    "Does Madam know these... people?" The clerk asked, snubbing the couple with a slight turn of the head.

    "They are, ah, aquantinces of mine?" Ranma glanced at them, hoping she was right. She looked back at the couple. "If you two could wait outside I'll be with you in just a moment."

    Akane looked like she was ready to argue, but Ryoga put a hand over her mouth and started dragging her backwards. "Sure thing." He smiled fakely and dragged her out of the store.

    Ranma blinked then shook her head. Strange people. Something about that girl though... Ignoring it for now she turned her attention back to her dresses. "I would like these three.. and.. oh I don't know." She took ahold of a rather low-cut black dress with dragon designs along the sides. "If I came back with a friend tomorrow would this still be here?"

    The clerk smiled. "There are very few women who can wear such a dress without making fools of themselves. Seeing as you are the only one I've met, I believe you have nothing to worry about."

    Ranma smiled back and handed him her credit card. "Thank you."


    "Aren't you usually telling me not to make a scene?" Ryoga asked Akane when they were safetly out of the store.

    "We haven't seen her in, what, two years and you're worried about not making a scene?" Akane blew her bangs out of her eyes and glared at her husband.

    "Somethings wrong with him-"

    "Her."

    "Him." Ryoga looked at her strenly. "He's not just pretending, Ranma was never able to lie."

    "SHE has learned harder things much harder then lying in a lot less then two years."

    Ryoga rolled his eyes, a habit he'd picked up from Akane. "Look, she is- Damnit! Ranma is coming. We'll talk about this later."

    The redhead stepped from the store and looked at the two. Nobody spoke. "So..." She paused. "This is very awkward. Why don't we go get something to eat?"

    The couple hastily agreed and they were off.


    "Excuse me sir, anything to drink?" A girl dressed in a sleek, but modest, dress paused at a table with a tray held in one hand.

    "Thank you fair maid, I do believe I will have a bottle of your finest wine. I am heartily enjoying your talented singers, my compliments to the owner of this fine establishment."

    Keeping a fake smile on her face the woman nodded and went off to find a bottle of wine that was not their finest and charge him like it was. Something about that guy really pissed her off.


    "So you are Ryoga Tendo and you are Akane Tendo. Brother and sister?" Ranma sat easily in the resturant. Napkin folded neatly on her lap, menu set perfectly along her edge of the table, crystal wine glass of water placed exactly fourtyfive degrees to the left of the center of her plate. She almost seemed too classy for the resturant, at least in Ryoga's opinion. Akane was too Akane to take notice of such things.

    Akane blinked. "Husband and wife."

    Ranma's hand clenched and she felt a sudden unreasonable anger. Shaking it off she spoke up. "I'm sorry, you two don't look anything alike, I don't know why I thought that." She took a nervous sip from her water.

    Akane softened a bit at her unease. "It's okay."

    Ryoga frowned. He had noticed Ranma's reaction, somebody who didn't know them had no reason to respond like that. "So you have no idea who we are?" He deadpanned.

    Ranma shook her head. "I'm afraid not. The other night after I thought about it you seemed vaugly framilar." She looked at Akane. "But I probably just mistook you for another person." She suddenly remembered Ukyo's reaction. "You both seem to know Ukyo however. And she didn't seem to like you very much, would you mind telling me why?"

    Akane was rapidly changing her opinion. This wasn't Ranma. Not the Ranma she knew, something had happened and whatever it was had changed her. Drastically so. "We were.. rivals of sorts. We parted on bad terms. Very bad terms."

    "How do you know Ukyo?" Ryoga leaned back in his chair. Ranma wanted to play this game, fine. He was the same old conniving bastard he'd always been. He'd just gotten smarter. Couldn't Akane see how he was looking at her? Hitting on HIS wife, Ryoga wouldn't let him get away with that. Ranma had his chance and blew it.

    "Oh I've known Ucchan for quite some time. We met when we were young and.." She shrugged her shoulders. "We have been best friends ever since."

    Akane frowned, confused. "Your father didn't steal her dowry or anything?"

    Ranma's eyes opened wide. "How... how did you know about that? You do know me!"

    Ryoga was ready to cave Ranma's head in and be done with it. Was he trying to play with Akane's emotions?

    "That's what I've been trying to say! How can you not remember us?" Her voice wavered. "How can you not remember me?"

    Ranma's heart wrenched inside of her at the hurt in Akane's voice. What was it about this girl? "I had an accident a couple years ago, I lost part of my memory. Everything is still there for the most part, but some things are a bit fuzzy. Please, tell me how you know me?" She reached out and placed her hand on Akane's.

    Akane's eyes shot back up to the girl at the contact, but she didn't see anything of recignition in her eyes. "I.. was.. a friend of yours."

    "In Nerima?"

    Akane nodded.

    "I see, then you know about.." She blushed and turned her head to the side. "My other self."

    Ryoga glared at Ranma. Why was he clutching at Akane's hand? The damned fool was playing stupid better then Ryoga ever thought possible, but he wasn't going to take Akane away from him. Not now, not ever.

    "If you remember Nerima, then don't you remember me? And Ukyo? And Shampoo?" Akane looked intensly, watching her eyes for any spark of the old Ranma.

    "Shampoo and Ukyo I remember. I doubt I could ever forget... were you around when the Saffron incident occured?" Ranma and Akane slid their hands apart.

    Akane's face drained of color.

    "I see you were. When he almost killed Ukyo.. I don't think I could ever forget that." Ranma shivered lightly.

    Tears formed in Akane's eyes, then soundlessly dripped onto the tablecloth below. She swallowed. "When Saffron almost killed.. Ukyo?"

    Ranma looked at the tears in surprise. "Yes, you said you had been around then right?"

    Akane wiped at her eyes with a sleeve. "Yeah. I was. Sorry, its just I haven't thought about that for a long time." Ukyo? Ukyo?! It was her that had almost died! Her that Ranma saved! The Ranma who she loved, and loved her. The Ranma she almost married... Not Ukyo. How could Ranma ever think such a thing? She chuckled sadly. "Yeah, you couldn't forget a thing like that."

    Ranma didn't say anything for several minutes then rose her eyes to Akane's. "I'm sorry. I don't usually like talking about that part of my life. Things are still missing... I don't even like to think about it. I hadn't considered that you might feel simliarly."

    He wouldn't, that bastard. Ryoga hated himself for ever thinking this wasn't Ranma Saotome, plauge of his life. Sure Ranma had done him a good turn at the end, but only because the curse scared him off. Now he's back and trying to do what he couldn't two years ago. He sat up and smiled grimly. "So, Ranma. What were you doing in Nerima those days?"

    Ranma looked at him, a bit hurt that he would continue asking such things after she had stated she didn't want to. Then again, perhaps he had been a friend also. "I.. well it is actually rather embarresing. Were you also a friend of mine?"

    "Yes, he was." Akane answered for him.

    "Where were you living Ranma?" Ryoga persisted, trying to trip him up in his own story. Anything, anything to declare him as the con man he was. That Saffron bit had been prime, now Akane really believed him.

    "I was living with Ucchan, of course, we were always together one way or another."

    "Really? I thought Ukyo had run into you after you'd been at Nerima for a while, where did you stay before then?"

    "I presume a hotel. Why?" Ranma swallowed. She didn't like this, she didn't like to think about her past. She didn't want to know. She didn't know why, but she didn't want to know.

    "I'm surpised you had enough money, having traveled around China with your father before then. He was never good with money."

    Ranma frowned. "He must have had some money saved for the trip back. How else could we have stayed there? Please, I'd rather not discuss it."

    Ryoga, sensing the kill, leaned foreward. "Why were you even in Nerima for the first place? Why-"

    "That's enough Ryoga!" Akane glared at him. "She said she doesn't want to talk about it." She turned back to Ranma and smiled as best she could. "So what are you doing now?"

    Ranma latched onto the question quickly. "I'm a singer over at the Lotus. It's a lounge of sorts."

    Akane's eyes widened and Ryoga stared in shock. "You.. You sing?"

    Ranma nodded happily. "Ucchan said I didn't sing much before. I love it though, it makes me feel at peace. Like everything that I've forgotten is a whisper in the dark of my mind, not fit to be brought to light." She blushed. "Oh my, that sounded a bit whimsical didn't it?"

    "You sing." Akane repeated, still stunned. "That's.. that's nice."

    "You're welcome to come by some time. Having to serve my guests for free drives the owner crazy." She giggled.

    Then the waiter decided to show up and they ordered. The rest of the meal went by peacefully.


    Kuno was in a subdued but happy mood as he relaxed in the lounge. It was nice to get away from his sister every once in a while, and all the better when he could find such a wonderous place to relax in. He hadn't moved in the past six hours, nor had he had company but neither of these facts bothered him. He sighed and set aside his reading, namely Hamlet. He read it in its original language of course, to do otherwise would be to dillute the great bard's works. He shuddered to think of those times long past where he, out of ignorance, dared to read the translated versions. More patrons were filing in around him, more then any other time of the day. A bit too crowded for his tastes, mayhaps it was time to leave.

    Before he could act on the thought a man approached him. "Excuse me sir, would you mind if I shared your table?"

    The man was average, at least for the current surroundings, with the typical relaxed yet formal clothing. Kuno eyed the suit appreciativly, recignizing the style and make of it. "Certainly, I may be leaving soon though so please do not think me rude."

    "Of course, and thank you." The man sat down beside Kuno. "I really think you should stay if at all possible, one of their best is going to be onstage in a moment."

    "Truly?" Kuno motioned to a passing server girl who brought him another wine glass. He filled it from the mostly full bottle of wine and handed it to his new compainion. "Not terribly good, but not bad either."

    "Thanks kindly."

    "So who is this singer?"

    "Ranma Saotome, a truly talented girl. A bit too unfocused in my opinion, but definitly one of my favorites.. I say, are you well?" He looked at Kuno who had gone a shade paler.

    "Ranma Saotome?"

    "You know her?"

    Kuno picked up his wise glass contemplativly. "No, I don't believe so."

    The man raised an eyebrow, then shrugged. The lights dimmed a bit more then usual and attention was drawn to the stage.

    "Heavens above." Kuno stared, then filled his wine glass and downed it in the same motion.


    Tinkiling laughter filled the street as Ranma laughed. "Oh dear, did I really do such a thing?"

    Kuno nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "The footmark remained for upwards of two days, it was most embarressing."

    "Well I must have had a good reason for doing it." Ranma thought about it. "You weren't making a pass or some such thing were you?"

    Kuno coughed nervously. "I believe that was all I did in my high school days."

    "Well that would explain it." Ranma stopped walking. "Well, thank you. Both for walking me home and telling me more about my past." For some reason when Kuno spoke Ranma didn't feel the usual sense of dread that accompanied recalling the past.

    "It was my pleasure, I am glad to see you are doing well." He smiled as he realized this was true. It had been a pleasent night for himself as well, and the knowledge that his fool hardy and hot-headed ways were long dead was a relief to himself. He hadn't even had the slightest urge to ask this woman, who he had been so obbcessed with, out on a date.

    "Say, would you like to speak to Ukyo?" Ranma pulled a set of keys from her purse. "She usually waits up until I get home, despite my best attempts to convince her not to."

    "Kounji? She's here?"

    Ranma giggled and pointed to the sign above her head, which read "Ucchan's" in bright red lettering.

    "Ah. You two have stayed in touch then?"

    Ranma nodded. "Something like that."

    "Certainly then, if you're sure I won't be a burden."

    Ranma unlocked the door and stepped inside. She moved swiftly into the darkened resturant, turning on a light-switch for Kuno.  By the time Kuno's eyes had adjusted  Ranma was standing in an open door behind the counter. "Ucchan! I'm home!" There was a padding of footsteps and Ukyo soon appeared at the landing.

    "Welcome home." She gave hugged Ranma and kissed her. She looked over Ranma's shoulder and noticed Kuno. "Oh." She blushed and tightened her robe around her.

    Kuno smoothly spoke, ignoring any unease, if any, felt at this display of framiliarity between the two. "Good evening Kounji-san, it has been some time."

    "Kuno. San. Kuno-san, I mean. Good evening." Her face turned more red. "I'm sorry, I wasn't expecting company. Excuse me, I'll just go upstairs and change."

    "No, please. I just dropped by to say good evening, or morning as the case may be. Perhaps I will come by sometime tomorrow?"

    "Sure." Ukyo nodded.

    "Very well, good night. And once again Ranma, you have wonderful talent."

    "Thank you." Ranma and Ukyo waved at him as he left the resturant.

    "Sorry Ucchan, I should have thought." Ranma hung her head, a bit abashed. While Ukyo did stay up for her, she was hardly expecting guests.

    "It's okay honey." She enfolded Ranma's petite body in her arms.

    "I like him, I don't get headaches when he talks about the past."

    Ukyo smirked. "No, you wouldn't I suppose. He heard you singing then?"

    "Uh-huh." Ranma released her formal and upright woman appearance. All she wanted was to lie in Ukyo's arms, sheltered and beloved.

    "We'll talk about it tomorrow. Come on, lets go to sleep." She took Ranma by the hand and led her upstairs. She was stopped three steps short and turned to see Ranma with tears in her eyes.

    "Ucchan.."

    "What is it? Is something wrong?" She was caught off-guard as Ranma lunged foreward and hugged her tightly, her face nestled against Ukyo's chest. Ranma's silken legs rubbed against Ukyo's own, the smooth contact between the two nearly forceful enough to send them tumbling down the stairs.

    "I love you, I really mean it." She sobbed quietly, staining Ukyo's robe with tears.

    "I know you do Ranchan. I know." She rubbed her hands lightly over the redhead's back.

    "You've done so much for me.. and I.." She sniffled and held on tightly.

    Ukyo put a hand under Ranma's chin and brought their eyes together. She smiled into their blue depths and gently stroked her ivory skin. "I love you too Ranchan, and I always will." Ranma didn't move, seemingly paralyzed. Ukyo touched their lips together once lightly, then again. "We were made for each other, you're everything I could ever want."

    Ranma basked in her warmth. "Two more days."

    "Two more." Ukyo agreed.


    Akane stared unseeing at her clock. It was three in the morning and she wasn't asleep. She couldn't stop thinking about Ranma. She had changed so much. She was almost a different person entirely. Yet, Akane could still tell it was her. Little things, things that only she knew. A certain expression, a gesture, the way she accented words despite her newfound linguistic skills. A tear slipped from her eye, not the first to dampen her pillow that night. "Why can't you remember me?" she whispered quietly.

    Ryoga was a light sleeper, annoyingly so at times. The first few months of their marrige Akane had found that if she wanted to get any sleep at all she had to be very quiet as that the slightest noise from her would have Ryoga shaking her awake, afraid she was having a nightmare. He hadn't gotten much better since then. So now, called into action by those whispered words, he sat bolt upright.

    Akane smiled wearily. "Go back to sleep Ryoga, I'm fine."

    "Hrh?" He asked sleepily. He was surpised she was awake. "Okay, g'night honey." He leaned over to give her a quick kiss, but paused. Illuminated by the alarm clock Akane's eyes glistened wetly. She had been crying. "What's wrong?"

    She closed her eyes and turned her face into her pillow. After a moment she turned it back just enough so that she could speak. "Tell me about the day the curses left."

    He was silent for a time. "You don't want to know about that Akane."

    "Like anything you could tell me would be worse then what I saw Ranma go through!" She snapped. Her eyes hardened. "Tell me Ryoga."

    Ryoga sighed and sat up, putting his back against the wall. He reached over and clicked on a nearby lamp, illuminating the room in distempered yellow. Across from him Akane sat up, looking at him from the foot of the bed. "It's not a nice thing to hear about-" He tried one last time to dissuade her.

    She would have none of it. "What kind of stupid thing is that to say? I know that already!"

    Ryoga winced. He didn't like it when Akane insulted him, it hurt. She didn't do it often, but whenever she was angry she slipped back to old habits formed with her old fiancee. Another strike against Ranma as far as Ryoga was concerned. "Okay, okay. It happened around noon, or at least that was when I felt it first." He unconsciously grasped the sheets a bit tighter. "I've never felt anything like it before. I was just walking around and I this horrible feeling came over me. At first I felt hot, like I had a fever. Then I felt weak and I had to sit down. Then things really started to get bad. I could feel a kind of.. grinding in my bones, like something was turning them into dust. It hurt so bad, Akane. I thought I was going to die. I was lying there, unable to even move. I don't know how long I was like that, but after a while I began to feel unclean."

    "Like Ranma?" Akane asked.

    He nodded. "I think so. Ranma probably got it worse though. It felt like I had been rolling in manure, like my skin was garbage. I rubbed at it, trying to get it off. I didn't have much strength though, so I didn't manage to hurt myself like-" He stopped and looked at her apolgetically.

    "Like Ranma." She said quietly. "I know."

    "That didn't last too long, and then everything vanished. All of the sudden I was okay again, but I felt sick to my stomach. I stumbled around for a bit, then threw up. After that I felt as good as before. Better even. I shrugged it off and went on. That's when I came to the Nekohanten.

    "I walked inside, I think I was looking for Ranma, and found the Old Bat, Shampoo, and Mousse all huddled around him. He was in his female form and shaking on one of the tables. Cologne looked up at me, then said 'you too?' or something like that and handed me a napkin and told me to wipe my mouth. It came away bloody." He fell silent.

    "Ryoga?" Akane prodded him.

    "He was pretty much the same then as when you found him. Shivering, tearing at his body. His female body."

    "I understand, go on." Akane wrapped her arms around herself.

    "Cologne was trying to calm him down, but nothing was working. Pressure points weren't doing anything, and his arms. God Akane, his arms- hell his entire body, was shifting. His arms would grow an inch, then lose an inch, his chest would expand and contract, they couldn't strap anything down because they didn't want to hurt him more." He looked up at her. "That's really all you didn't know Akane. It wasn't a big secret, it was just none of us wanted to talk about it because that grinding feeling we felt was the same thing. That pain that ended quickly for us was still happening to him. You could hear it sometimes, it was dry like skidding sandpaper on metal. That was when he broke his jaw. He was screaming and something moved at the wrong time, there this crushing sound.. After that Cologne couldn't stand it and hit him hard enough to knock him unconscious. You know the rest." Ryoga finished and swallowed hard, feeling his heart beating quickly.

    Akane nodded silently. She stared  at her hands. For moment she idily twisted them, then wordlessly she looked up. Ryoga held his arms out and Akane slowly made her way across the bed into his security and warmth.

_____________________
The song at the beginning was "sway" from the Dark City Soundtrack, with
minor alterations.

ssauthor@hotmail.com
http://members.xoom.com/Syithe__/archive.html
~Syithe
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