Title: Ancestors
Part: Four
Author: Rann Aridorn
Credits: Ranma � is the creation of Rumiko Takahashi, and was then sold to 
various corporations which allowed us fanauthors to drop the characters� 
cute butts into various embarrassing situations. All other characters are 
original and property of Rann Aridorn, but some credit must be given for 
the inspiration provided by The Sinner Dragon ( 
http://sinnerdragon.keenspace.com ).
Warnings: There are some mild �citrusy� bits to this part, IE discussion of 
sex and a couple of kisses. The explicit sex doesn't start up for another 
few parts yet, sorry. n.n



         Ranma Saotome�s breath frosted in the early-morning air as he 
walked along the snow-covered plateau that was his ancestor�s �back yard�. 
The snow, a few inches high, made soft shifting sounds with every step he took.
         *shif shif shif shif*
         �Hey, this place might not be so bad,� he thought, looking around 
at the trees and broad open areas, with scattered boulders perfect for 
jumping around on or hiding behind, big snow drifts to knock someone into� 
�Yeah, this place definitely has potential!�
         *WHPFF!*
         �Then again,� Ranma thought as she came sputtering out of the snow 
drift the snowball�s impact had sent her sprawling in, giving her head a 
shake and feeling barely-melted snow trickle down her ears and dampen the 
fur lining the collar of her coat.
         �Gee, you'd think someone wasn't paying attention, Ranchan,� Ukyo 
called merrily as she packed a fresh snowball. A quick search of the closet 
in her room had turned up a pair of sturdy, thick-weave black pants that 
fit, a pair of gloves, and a black shirt with a pilot-style cut on the 
front, buttoned up the side and with a high collar; that, along with the 
jacket and boots she'd bought yesterday, left her fully outfitted for the 
winter weather.
         �Ukyo no be so mean to airen,� Shampoo scolded the other girl, 
despite the fact that her smile didn't really back up the admonishment. She 
herself was still wearing a spare pair of Ryoga�s pants, the cream-colored 
blouse that Ukyo had bartered for her yesterday, as well as her new and 
much-treasured winter coat with its purple-dyed fur lining, and the plainer 
fur-lined boots.
         �Wha�d ya do that for?� Ranma grumbled as she stood and dusted 
snow off her coat, which was one of the few variances from her normal 
wardrobe of red Chinese shirt and baggy black silk pants, the others being 
a pair of gloves and fur-lined boots.
         �I need a reason?� Ukyo chirped, seeing quite cheerful about the 
matter. �You were the only convenient target, everyone else is still inside.�
         *WHPFF!*
         Ukyo staggered forward a step and a half, dropping her own 
snowball in a bit of flailing. She looked ruefully over towards where Akane 
was standing by the door laughing. The Tendo girl had found a new pair of 
pants much like Ukyo�s, and a fuzzy black turtleneck sweater. Her own 
winter gear was pretty much standard to the others, her jacket lined with 
white and black spotted fur.
         �Not everyone!� Akane ran across the yard to stand near Ukyo and 
Shampoo, smiling and pink-cheeked in the brisk morning air. �I asked Ryoga 
if he wanted to come out and play, but he just started stammering and 
poking holes in the wall of his room, so I guess he didn't.�
         �What about the psycho?� Ukyo said with a light sniff, tucking her 
hands in her pockets and kicking a foot through the snow.
         Akane frowned, her brown eyes taking on a little glint of worry. 
�Kodachi wouldn't wake up this morning. I kinda got worried and shook her 
some, but she just keeps sleeping. I told Teritha, she said she'd check on 
her.�
         �She�s probably just lazy from getting waited on hand�n�foot 
�round that big house-a hers,� Ranma commented from where she was perched 
upside-down atop a boulder, balancing herself on one hand, crimson pigtail 
dangling down below her.
         �Yes, is probably just being spoiled,� Shampoo agreed, leaning 
against a boulder and watching Ranma intently, as if half-hoping she'd fall 
over just to provide a spectacle.
         �I dunno, guys, have you ever actually SEEN servants around the 
Kuno mansion?� Akane brushed some snow off the top of a separate rock and 
sat down, tucking her hands into her coat pockets. �Except for Sasuke, and 
I don't think he can do everything by himself, he can barely keep up when 
they send him out to do errands.�
         �I kinda see what you�re getting at, sugar.� Ukyo frowned a little 
bit. �� I mean, I know I haven't spent any more time around Kodachi than 
when we were fightin� over Ranchan or somethin�.�
         Ranma twisted around to put the balls of her feet on the boulder 
before turning upright, squatting with her forearms on her knees. �So?�
         �Well I wouldn't expect YOU to get it,� Akane said, sticking her 
tongue out at Ranma, then looking back to Ukyo. �� I always thought Kodachi 
was just really obsessive and kinda weird, but� actually just spending some 
time alone with her, it�s like� like, I dunno��
         �Like something really wrong?� Shampoo supplied, frowning a little 
herself.
         �Yeah, that.� Akane nodded a little. �I mean, there were times 
where she'd just tune me out, and I thought it was just because she was 
being snobby and ignoring me, but� I think there�s something really wrong 
with her, guys.�
         �Hey, we always knew something was wrong with Kodachi,� Ranma said 
lightly, finally hopping down off the boulder and walking back towards the 
house, her hands resting behind her head.
         �It�s not the same!� Akane scowled, jumping up and putting her 
hands on her hips. �Geez, Ranma, don't you care about anyone but yourself?!�
         �Hey, whoa, calm down, sugar,� Ukyo interjected, putting a hand on 
Akane�s shoulder. �You gotta admit, asking someone to think about Kodachi�s 
feelings is a little out there, considering.�
         �Yeah, well I don't think that!� Akane snapped back, frowning and 
looking around at the others. �I mean, I try to think about everybody!�
         �You never try and think about me!� Ranma retorted, turning her 
head to stick her tongue out at Akane.
         �� Akane have point, Ranma,� Shampoo spoke up, clearly startling 
the others. The Amazon shrugged a little, pushing herself off of her rock. 
�Akane many times tell Ranma to help others when it no mean anything good 
for Akane.� Shampoo looked at the short-haired girl and raised an eyebrow. 
�It almost balance out times Akane get kidnapped by silly men and everyone 
have to go get back.�
         �HEY!�
         �So whatta ya want me to do about it?� Ranma muttered a little 
sulkily, looking away again.
         �He�s got a point, too.� Ukyo shrugged. �None of us are 
psychiatrists, sugar, and Kodachi doesn't exactly like most of us.�
         �Is maybe something Kodachi work out for self,� Shampoo added.
         �Fine!� Akane stomped one foot in the snow. �If no one else will 
help, I will!� �Since I'm already her unofficial babysitter anyway,� she 
added internally, grimacing a bit.
         Ranma opened her mouth to make some remark, only to be interrupted 
by the door opening and Shel�s shaggy, bearded head angling out. 
�Breakfast, kiddos! C'mon in, and try to leave the outdoors outdoors!�
         �FOOD!� Ranma cried joyously, taking off for the house at a dead run.
         Ukyo patted Akane�s shoulder a little before heading for the house 
herself, Shampoo falling into step a few paces behind. Akane sighed and 
turned towards the trees, brushing her fingers along her bangs as a cold 
wind sprang up, tousling her hair. �Why do I keep getting myself into these 
things�?�

         Teritha walked into the room she'd assigned to Kodachi and Akane, 
still dressed in her long, deep blue silk robe and nothing else. The lamp 
beside Akane�s bed had been turned up some, but the one on Kodachi�s side 
was still dimmed to almost being out. Kodachi�s bedclothes were almost a 
single large pile pulled atop her tightly-curled form, looking rather like 
she'd settled in to hibernate for the winter.
         The elf moved across the room, the pad of bare feet and the brush 
of silk on stone almost silent, and slid into place sitting on the side of 
the bed. �Kodachi? You better get up, breakfast is ready.�
         There was no response, not even a sleepy protest to be left alone. 
Frowning, Teritha slid a hand inside the little hood formed by sheets and 
touched two fingers to Kodachi�s cheek; warm, and there was the 
unmistakable feeling of soft breath across her thumb.
         �Kodachi? Come on, now� I know I said you guys could do what you 
want, but I'm not gonna let you lay around in bed all day.� Teritha yanked 
at the covers, pulling them away, not even batting an eyelash when the girl 
turned out to be nude under them. �Up, up, up with you��
         Kodachi gave a little shudder, and then sluggishly reached out to 
wrap her arms around Teritha�s middle, pulling herself close and pressing 
her face into the other woman�s lap. The elf blinked a little, opening her 
mouth to say something, only to catch a barely coherent whisper from the 
teenager. �Don't leave, mother� stay with me a little bit longer.�
         Teritha stared for a few moments more, and then slowly brought a 
hand to rest on Kodachi�s head, stroking her hair a little. �� It�s okay. 
I'll stay as long as you like.�
         The raven-haired girl sniffled muffledly, pulling herself closer 
to Teritha. After about five minutes, she suddenly relaxed, her manner 
changing completely as she sat up and looked at the older woman calmly. 
�Yes? Is it time for breakfast?�
         �That it is,� Teritha replied, trying to keep her own expression 
and voice neutral. �So hurry up and get dressed, everyone else is already up.�
         �Very well,� Kodachi said, turning and rising from the bed with 
catlike grace, moving towards the table where she'd folded up her leotard 
and left it last night.
         Teritha watched Kodachi for a moment, then just shook her head and 
stood, leaving the room, a thoughtful look on her face.

         Ryoga and Zek were already sitting at the long dining table when 
the others started making their way in, divested of coats and boots; the 
red-headed mixed-blood was still shirtless, as well as barefoot, sprawled 
in his seat as if he were settling in to spend all day in it. Ukyo eyed him 
a little, though it wasn't with the little grin Shampoo was eyeing him with.
         �Don't you ever get fully dressed?�
         �Not if I can help it,� Zek replied with a smirk, stroking his 
hands through his thick, wild hair. He looked over at Akane, mming. �Cute 
sweater, �Kane.�
         �Oh, thanks,� the short-haired girl said quietly, looking down and 
flushing a bit, fiddling with the collar of the turtleneck. �I found it in 
my closet� Teritha said it was okay to look for stuff in there.�
         �You look great in it,� Zek added, giving Akane a wink.
         Both Ryoga and Ranma�s expressions darkened, the two of them 
turning evil glares on Zek, and for the moment neglecting to gripe over the 
fact that they'd wound up sitting next to each other.
         �Is very nice,� Shampoo interjected, apparently a little annoyed 
herself at the attention Zek was paying the other girl. She smiled 
kittenishly, leaning over to brush her hand in a petting motion along 
Akane�s shoulder and back. �Sweater soft, like Akane get fur coat of own.�
         �Uhhhh�� Akane looked at Shampoo with rather wide eyes, her cheeks 
and the bridge of her nose coloring again. Ranma, Ryoga, and Ukyo just sort 
of stared, whilst Zek smirked as if he couldn't be happier about this turn 
in the conversation.
         �Food,� Teritha interrupted as she and Shel swept in carrying 
platters, the elf woman�s robes swishing lightly with her quick walk. She 
set her platter down, showing off a number of ham slices and large fried 
eggs. Shel set his down, which bore a huge pile of diced potatoes, then 
turned and made his way back into the kitchen. Teritha sat down and tossed 
her bangs back, then smacked the back of Ranma�s hand with a spoon. �Behave.�
         Ranma pouted a little, quickly aborting her grab at the entire 
platter of eggs and ham and rubbing the back of her hand, then glowered at 
Ryoga�s smirking at her. Other people were forking more sensible amounts 
onto their plates, and Ranma managed to pile her plate high without really 
depriving anyone. Shel returned and poured dark blue juice into everyone�s 
mugs before sitting down himself.
         �Um, where�s Kodachi�?� Akane asked, having recovered somewhat, 
though still giving Shampoo a somewhat wary look; for her part, the Amazon 
didn't seem to notice, eating her breakfast without a care in the world.
         As if summoned into being by the mention of her name, the gymnast 
swept into the room, managing to accomplish this feat without actually 
having a cloak or robes to do any sweeping. She sat down at the same place 
she had occupied the previous night at dinner, and without a word, doled 
out a portion of breakfast for herself and began eating.
         �Good morning, Kodachi,� Akane said with a bit of forced cheer, 
smiling at her roommate.
         Kodachi looked up at Akane, regarding her almost blankly for a 
moment. After a few seconds of silence, she merely dipped her head in 
acknowledgement and looked back down at her breakfast. Akane exchanged 
glances with Ukyo and Shampoo, then just sighed and resumed her own meal.
         �So when do I get a cure for my curse?� Ranma spoke up, mouth 
half-full of eggs.
         �I told you last night, I need to write someone I know and find 
out when she'll be able to see us.� Teritha gave her descendant a mildly 
disapproving look. �By the way, it�s only proper to talk with your mouth 
full during wartime.�
         �Or when you�re talking about making wartime,� Shel added mildly.
         �Or when you�re feasting with King Sconse,� Zek laughed, putting a 
hand to his forehead and giving his wild hair a toss. �Lord, I miss that 
old fatty. We need to go see him again!�
         �If I recall,� the werewolf beside him mused, looking at his 
friend and raising his eyebrows. �The last time we visited him, King Sconse 
said that if he ever saw you again, he'd hang you, but only to make it 
easier for your innards to fall out when he slit your belly.�
         There was a sudden chorus of �I'm done!� and a quick shoving of 
chairs, a number of feet pounding the floor as they rushed out. When it was 
over, the three older people and the still silent Kodachi were the only 
ones left at the table.
         �Pfeh,� Zek snorted as he rose, resting a hand on the back of his 
chair. �That was a good two years ago. He can't still be mad about that.�
         �Depends on if the kid came out red-headed or not,� Teritha said 
evenly, popping a piece of egg into her mouth and chewing slowly.
         �I absolutely cannot be blamed,� the mixed-blood uttered 
dramatically as he made his way towards the exit, resting his fingertips on 
his bare chest. �If, for a barrel of a man, Sconse has exceedingly 
attractive daughters.�

         �Shampoo very observant of such things,� the Amazon said as she 
and her roommate walked through the woods behind Teritha�s home, once more 
attired in their coats and boots.
         The original topic of conversation briefly forgotten at that, Ukyo 
snorted. �Oh, please, sugar, you couldn't even notice Ranma�s curse when he 
changed right in front of you.�
         Shampoo sniffed haughtily, then murmured, �Sometimes one no see 
what one no want to see.�
         �Guess that�s so. So if you�re so observant, tell me something *I* 
haven't noticed,� Ukyo challenged lightly, bending down to pick up a branch 
lying in the snow and swinging it around a little, just for something to do.
         �Hm. Ukyo is notice that there is our rooms plus two on upper 
story, yes?�
         Ukyo snorted lightly. �Of course.�
         �And Ukyo is notice that Zek here in morning, yes?� Shampoo 
continued, her voice taking on a self-satisfied lilt.
         �Yeah?�
         �And Ukyo is notice that there is no bedrooms but one on lower 
story, yes?�
         �Get to the point, already,� Ukyo huffed.
         �Shampoo glance in other rooms before go to bed last night,� the 
Amazon continued easily. �Just to see what like. Zek still downstairs 
talking with airen�s ancestors, can hear them very faint then. Shampoo feel 
curious again this morning, so look in rooms. Bedthings is exact same, no 
even little bit different like they been remade.�
         �Er� wait, so you�re saying�?� Ukyo looked at Shampoo a little 
blankly, knowing that she SHOULD be getting this, her brain simply not 
wanting to make the leap.
         �Pretty redhead boy is either sleep on couch or chair,� Shampoo 
said with a giggle, her eyes dancing. �Or is not sleep alone.�
         �Well, it can�t�ve been Akane,� Ukyo said slowly. �I mean, hell, 
that girl�d have �I had sex� written on her face for at least a week. Don't 
think it was Kodachi, she seemed really pissed at him yesterday, an� 
besides, Akane woulda heard �em. And he DEFINITELY didn't bed down with the 
boys.�
         �He no in our room, either,� Shampoo added for the sake of 
thoroughness, though there was just a little undertone of wistfulness in 
her voice at saying it.
         �So, you think he an� Shel an� Teritha are� er, what, a couple?�
         Shampoo blinked and opened her mouth as if she knew that wasn't 
the correct term, but merely closed it again and nodded when she realized 
she didn't know the correct one in Japanese, anyway.
         �Kinda weird to think about. I mean, Teritha, she�s all sexy and 
wears those provocative clothes, and she talks all kinky when she�s drunk, 
but Shel� he seems like such a big, easygoing guy. Er, I mean� know what 
I'm saying?�
         �Shampoo think so,� the Amazon replied airily. �I have absolutely 
no idea. Aiya, Japanese girls.� �Shampoo find Shel very� interesting,� she 
added after a moment, sliding her hands out of her pockets and hugging 
herself lightly.
         Ukyo couldn't resist smirking a bit. �-Interesting-, huh?�
         �Mmm-hmm. Is not so many hairy men like that in Shampoo�s village, 
so is strange and interesting to see one. And way he change is interesting, 
too.�
         �Soooo�� Ukyo drawled, nudging her roommate lightly with her 
elbow. �If you weren't after Ranma, and he weren't married, what would you 
-really- want to find interesting about Shel?�
         The Amazon paused, looking at the other girl dubiously. �Why you ask?�
         �Oh, c'mon, it�s for the sake of girltalk! I won't tell anyone, 
promise!�
         Shampoo regarded Ukyo for long moments, as if not quite believing 
the crossdressing chef had an interest in �girltalk�. Then, she grinned 
absolutely wickedly, and gave her head a little toss. �Shampoo would want 
to be bent over log there and taken until she almost pass out.�
         �Whoa.� Ukyo�s cheeks and the bridge of her nose turned rather 
rosy, and she glanced at the log rather embarrassedly, as if she thought 
she might see such an act taking place there if she actually looked at it. 
After a moment, though, she blinked. �Hey, that log�s kinda low.� She 
looked at Shampoo, brow furrowing. �� Were you thinking of Shel doing that 
as a guy, or as�?�
         Shampoo merely batted her eyes coquettishly and resumed walking, 
leaving a confused Ukyo standing behind her. Ukyo rubbed a hand over her 
very flushed cheek, wondering when it had gotten so warm out, then followed 
after the other girl.

         Akane looked around at the tall shelves of books, her eyes roving 
over the titles, many embossed with gold or silver, though some merely had 
a faded black look to them, age and handling having stripped the brightness 
from them. A few were in Japanese, the style of the lettering very archaic, 
some of the titles a little hard to understand. There were others, in what 
looked like somewhat odd English letters, and others that were titled with 
beautiful curving figures that looked like no language she'd ever seen 
before. Drawing closer to one of the shelves, she raised a hand, fingers 
hovering centimeters from touching it.
         �It�s Elvish,� came a rumbling voice from behind her.
Akane squeaked and whirled around, her eyes wide, a hand going to her 
chest, as she suddenly felt the need to make sure her heart didn't attempt 
to escape her body.
         �I'm sorry,� Shel chuckled, a large wolf once again, dark eyes 
filled with good humor right on level with Akane�s own. �I saw you looking 
at it so intently, and I doubted you'd seen Elvish runes before.�
         �Well, I haven't,� Akane managed, her voice still a little high as 
she tried to convince her body that it was perfectly all right to relax, 
despite the fact that there was a wolf as tall as she was standing in front 
of her.
         �You may take it down and look at it, if you like,� Shel 
continued, giving his muzzle a slight motion in the direction of the book 
Akane had been looking at. �Teritha won't mind.�
         Her motions still a little unsure, Akane turned back around, 
gently tucking her fingers onto the top of the book and angling it out from 
between the others, to take a firm grasp on it, somehow feeling as if it 
would be an utter crime to let it drop to the floor from clumsiness. 
Turning around, she hugged it to her chest, as if to show Shel that, yes, 
she had indeed taken the book from the shelf, and here it was.
         ��My Philosophy Sessions With Dragons�,� Shel said without really 
looking at the title, but in the tone of one quoting. �A rather unexciting 
title, and it never was very popular. Most assumed it to be very dull and 
dry, and never gave it much of a look.�
         �Philosophy� with dragons?� Akane blinked a few times.
         �Indeed. It�s quite an interesting book� Teritha�s father wrote it.�
         Akane could only blink again at that revelation, looking down at 
the volume in her hands and realizing that it must be over 2000 years old, 
and hand-written besides. Suddenly, she felt as nervous about dropping it 
as if she had been holding a newborn baby.
         �Would you like to learn how to read it?� Shel chuckled as Akane�s 
head shot up and her eyes went wide again. �It�s really rather a good book 
to learn Elvish with. It�s very easy to follow the words as they�re read to 
you, it doesn't use pretentious words or phrases, and it�s interesting 
besides. Would you like to?�
         �Um, well�� Akane bit her lower lip, then gave a quick nod. �Yes, 
please!�
         �Alright.� Shel padded over to an open area of the library, near a 
table, and circled carefully before laying down, curled up lightly. �Come 
and sit with me, where I can see it. You might have a little problem 
reading left-to-right, but I'm sure you'll be able to pick it up.�
         Akane slowly walked over and tentatively sat down near Shel�s 
head, just in front of his front shoulder. After a moment, though, of him 
watching expectantly, she sat back, and found herself immediately delighted 
at the utterly warm, utterly soft feel of his body providing her a chair. 
She had to resist the urge to just snuggle in, and after only a few 
moments, could resist no more, and wiggled her body back against his, 
earning another soft chuckle.
         �Comfy?�
         �Very,� Akane sighed happily, then remembered the point of her 
current seat. Turning the book �backwards�, she opened the cover and 
carefully turned the pages to the first one with text on it.
         ��My Philosophy Sessions With Dragons, by Azador. These writings 
are dedicated to my wife, Illsior, and my newborn daughter, Teritha.� No, 
dear, the other way. Ah, yes, there we go. �Dragons are perhaps one of the 
few species older than elven kind, and it is said there are few of them 
alive today who were not when their kind came into existence. Such long 
life must give rise to long thought, and with this in mind, I was quite 
interested to hear what they had to say. But first, I would have to seek 
out these great, reclusive creatures. I had heard of one who lived in a 
mountain, whom the local people called a native word meaning �Bad Air�. 
Despite this negative name, I was determined to speak to him. Hiring some 
rather annoying dwarven packmen, their whining and exceedingly fat Halfling 
scout, and burdened by their senile and rambling old human boss, I set out 
on my journey, enduring yet another dwarven drinking song as I did...��

         Ranma flopped out on one of the couches in the living area, 
sighing quietly. She couldn't decide if she was going to stay inside, or go 
back out� if she went outside, probably best not to bother changing back, 
but if she were staying in, she could take a hot bath. Decisions, 
decisions� life here in this new place was too damn hard!
         �Heya,� the still-shirtless Zek grunted in greeting as he flumped 
down near Ranma on the couch, stretching his legs out in front of himself 
and letting his arms drape over the back.
         Ranma raised her head, and found herself looking directly at the 
slim muscles of Zek�s stomach. She blinked a few times, for some reason 
just looking at it for long moments. She felt an odd sort of pressure low 
in her stomach after a moment, and quickly sat up, scooting a little 
further away on the couch.
         �H-hey, not so close,� Ranma grumbled quietly, looking in the 
opposite direction.
         The mixed-blood looked at the other redhead, his expression mild. 
�Something the matter?�
         �Not a thing!� Ranma blurted rather quickly.  �I'm goin� out I'll 
seeya later okay bye!� And with that, she was quite abruptly gone.
         Zek just blinked a few times at the spot Ranma had occupied, then 
laughed lightly, standing up and wandering towards the hallway. A few steps 
in, he was surprised to find Ryoga waiting. The bandannaed boy scowled 
darkly at the redheaded man, moving to get Zek back against the wall, then 
thudding a hand firmly against the wall beside his head, leaning in to 
glare into his eyes.
         �I don't like the attention you�re giving Akane. I want you to 
stop it.�
         Zek blinked at Ryoga a few times, then grinned broadly before 
leaning his head forward and pecking the other young man impishly on the 
lips. �I like you. You�re cute.�
         Ryoga�s eyes went so wide that they threatened to pop out of his 
head, and without a second thought, he turned and fled at top speed. Zek 
laughed again, resting his hands behind his head and resuming his walk down 
the hall, turning towards the armory. �I like ALL the new people! They�re 
so much fun!� ^_^

         �So, let me ask you this�� Ukyo hopped up some to sit on a 
convenient large tree root, leaning back against the tree trunk and resting 
her forearm on one raised knee. �Was Ranchan your first kiss?�
         �Ukyo wanting know many personal things today,� Shampoo observed, 
hands back in her coat pockets as she leaned back on a tree opposite the 
other girl.
         �Well, I'm curious!� The chef grinned. �I never get to talk to 
anyone like this.�
         �Shampoo tell, if make Ukyo happy,� the Amazon answered with a 
light shrug. She was quiet for a moment, gazing upward as if gathering her 
thoughts, but answered with a simple, �No, was not first kiss.�
         �Then who was?� Ukyo pried lightly, leaning forward some.
         �Was Shampoo�s greatest rival in Amazon tribe, girl named Ambergris.�
         Ukyo tumbled off the side of the root, briefly disappearing out of 
sight behind it. After a moment, she poked her head up over it again, 
looking at Shampoo with a �Huh?� expression. �Uh� you said girl, right?�
         Shampoo snorted softly. �Ukyo really all that surprised?�
         �Come to think of it, no.� Hopping back over the root, Ukyo sat 
back down on it, this time with both her legs to one side of it. �So� what 
was it like?�
         �Ukyo not kiss girl before?�
         �NO! I mean� why would I? Er, well, I guess I could've had my 
reasons, but no. � Did it taste like a lemon?�
         Shampoo squinted. �� Taste like lemon?�
         �� Nevermind, I have no idea why I said that. Anyway, even if I 
had kissed a girl before, it wasn't your first kiss, I still want to know 
what it was like.�
         Rolling her eyes and dismissing the lemon comment as some 
peculiarity of the odd Japanese people, Shampoo let her expression turn 
into a reminiscent smile. �Was very nice. We train all day, fight against 
each other much. We all by ourselves out in field, and Ambergris suddenly 
ask Shampoo if Shampoo ever kiss anyone. Shampoo say no� so Ambergris lean 
over and give kiss. It very surprising, but also nice.�
         �So� what DID it taste like?�
         The Amazon ran the tip of her tongue over her upper lip, as if 
seeking some remnant of that day so she could describe it. �Not know that 
it taste like anything, other than Ambergris.�
         �And� after� were you two�?�
         �Shampoo and Ukyo not THAT good friends yet,� the Chinese girl 
answered smartly, turning and making her way back towards the house.
         �Aw, c�mooon!� Ukyo hopped down from her perch and hurried after 
the other girl.
         �Is not telling you,� Shampoo repeated calmly, then pulled a hand 
out of her pockets to wag her finger at Ukyo. �Ukyo tell Shampoo about 
Ukyo�s first kiss, so we even.�
         �Who says I had one?� Ukyo coughed, glancing away.
         �Want Shampoo fix?� the purple-haired young woman said very 
sweetly, the look in her eyes turning wickedly mischievous.
         �NO!� Ukyo�s cheeks flushed, and she turned a glare without any 
real force in it on Shampoo. �� I did have a first kiss. � You remember 
Tsubasa, right?�
         Shampoo blinked. �Ukyo kiss crossdressing boy? � Wait, why Shampoo 
surprised?�
         �Hey.� Ukyo gave Shampoo a mild glare again, then shook her head, 
continuing to walk slowly as she spoke. �Besides, he wasn't a crossdresser 
back then. He was just a regular guy� only prettier than most. He got 
picked on a lot, and one day I found him just broken down in tears in the 
bathroom with this big bruise on his cheek. I guess one of the macho guys 
at school had smacked him around� to show what a big man he was, y�know?�
         �Yes, there girls like that back home,� Shampoo replied a little 
distantly, glancing away.
         �I was trying to get his face cleaned up a little, and he was 
just� really upset, telling me all this rotten stuff that had happened� I 
dunno, I guess I was so lonely, and I felt almost as bad as he did, and all 
of a sudden I just kissed him.� Ukyo looked down, scuffing a foot through 
the snow. �He kissed me back, but he looked scared as all hell after that. 
Remember, back then, I was still posing as a guy. I don't think he found 
out for a little while that I wasn't, and sometimes I kind of wonder if it 
was that that made him start crossdressing. Me kissing him.�
         Shampoo didn't say anything for long moments, and both girls were 
silent as they emerged from trees into the more obvious �back yard� area of 
Teritha�s home. There, the Chinese girl touched her roommate�s arm, looking 
aside at her. �Ukyo, you tell Shampoo this� Tsubasa seem unhappy when start 
wearing girls� clothes?�
         �Well� no, not really.� Ukyo blinked, as if considering whether 
Tsubasa was happy with things as they were had never crossed her mind. �I 
mean, when he started dressing as a girl, I started avoiding him, because 
that�s when he got really clingy and kinda stalker-ish� but actually, he 
seemed happier. The guys at school picked on him more than ever, but it 
didn't really seem to bother him as much anymore.�
         Shampoo nodded to that, looking up at the sky, then saying, 
quietly, �In world, there many people. Each person have many things they do 
in life, make them happy, make them sad. But there is way to live life that 
is right for each person� maybe, for Tsubasa, is right way to live dress 
like girl.� Shampoo smiled at Ukyo, sticking out her tongue a little in 
amusement. �It silly and weird, but right for him.� Giggling a little, the 
Amazon looked up at the sky. �Maybe not realize how right for life it is 
right off� take Shampoo time to realize that she really love Ranma� care 
for airen very much.�
         The purple-haired girl let that hang on the crisp air for long 
moments, then let out a soft rush of breath that fell past her cheek in a 
white mist as she walked forward again. �Shampoo decide not so long ago 
that no matter what, Shampoo always going to stay near Ranma, and be with 
no matter what. No mean she blindly accept what happen if no like it� but 
always will be with Ranma. There for Ranma.�
         Ukyo watched Shampoo walk away, silent, letting the wind carry her 
own misted breath away in soft gusts. Lifting her head, she looked up at 
the same soft grey sky her friend had been contemplating.
         �Can I do that? Could I fight my hardest to win Ranchan, to do 
everything I can to get him, and then be there for him without any 
bitterness? Could I be that good of a friend?� She looked back at Shampoo�s 
back, then turned her head away, blinking at a sudden stinging in her eyes. 
�I don't know. I don't think I can know until� it happens. � If it happens. 
I guess I'll just have to wait�� Picking up her feet, Ukyo followed after 
the other girl, taking a quick swipe at the corners of her eyes with her 
thumb. �And see what kind of woman I'm going to be.�

         ��Having slain the ogres on my own as the dwarves lay trapped and 
their Halfling scout cowering, and receiving no help from the idiot old man 
who had sat the entire time in the bushes muttering about his clever plan 
to confuse them, it was but a half day�s ride to the small valley where my 
cousin twice removed had helped carve out a small elven community. The 
sound of elf voices singing was in the air, which seemed to much impress 
the dwarves and Halfling, while the old man began rambling on about the 
great and ancient importance of the song being sung, and what some of the 
Elvish words meant. I couldn't tell if he was simply being more senile than 
usual, or if he was faking it to seem important, because the particular 
song being sung was a rather drunken rendition of �There was a lass from 
over the lea, who had an ass you had to see�.�
         Akane burst into giggles at that, pressing a hand to her mouth. 
�Is there really a song like that?!�
         Shel grinned broadly. �Yes, there is. Many elves are very proper 
and noble and refined� they had a number of things in common with Japanese 
nobility of long ago. But Teritha�s not as uncommon among her people as she 
might seem� just as many elves enjoy going out to get drunk and sing bawdy 
songs and suffer for it in the morning as there are Japanese that go to 
those� what are they called, croaky bars?�
         �Karaoke,� Akane clarified, grinning smugly.
         �Exactly.� Shel chuckled, the sound rumbling low in his wolfish 
chest, then tilted his head up and gave a long yawn, his pink tongue 
lolling out for a moment. �Mmm. Excuse me. We've been reading for awhile 
now, would you like to stop�?�
         �Please. Continue.�
         Both Akane and Shel blinked, heads turning towards a nearby table. 
Kodachi had taken a seat so silently that neither had noticed her, the 
gymnast sitting with her elbows on the table, chin propped up in her palms. 
Her cool but rapt expression not faltering, the Black Rose added, �I am 
curious to hear about the valley.�
         �Um, I'm okay to continue, if you are, Shel,� Akane put in, 
looking up at the wolf.
         �Very well.� Shel settled back in, shifting his head about a bit 
to find the most comfortable spot where he could still read the book, then 
gave a soft *wuff* to clear his throat. ��We went down the winding paths 
and into the village, where my cousin twice removed awaited, standing tall 
in his flowing robes, silver light seeming gathered around his head, his 
eyes fierce and noble. He gazed evenly at me and said, �And just what the 
hell do you want now?��.�
         Unwatched, Kodachi�s lips curled ever-so-slightly into an honestly 
pleased smile.

         �The NERVE of that guy!� Ryoga growled, pacing angrily back and 
forth along the empty confines of the largely empty room he shared with 
Ranma. Ranma was watching him in fascination� she couldn't help it, it was 
interesting. Most people just paced back and forth, a fairly set distance. 
Ryoga�s pacing took him all over the room, winding in a sort of odd zigzag 
that would have had him bumping into things at an astonishing rate if there 
had been anything to bump into. All this in spite of the fact that the 
bandannaed boy was obviously TRYING to walk back and forth in a straight line.
         �I can't believe you two kissed,� Ranma threw in, smirking.
         �WE DIDN'T KISS!� Ryoga roared, stopping and clenching his fists. 
�He kissed me! � SHUT UP, RANMA!�
         �Okay, okay,� the redhead soothed, waving her hands downwards. 
�Calm down. Look, either of us can take him, the next time he pulls some 
crap we don't like, we'll just kick his ass, alright?�
         �Yeah, yeah,� Ryoga grumped, rubbing his face with both hands.
         �Look, siddown and cool off, before you shishihokodan a hole in 
our room and Tear kicks us out.� Ranma pointed at the bed near where she 
was sitting, and after a few moments of silently simmering, Ryoga stalked 
over and thumped down into a sitting position, chin in hands, obviously 
still sulking.
         �This better be worth it,� Ryoga grumbled after a few minutes� 
silence went by. �Coming to this world, putting up with all this. I better 
get my curse cured.�
         �Hey, we will, buddy.� Ranma patted Ryoga on the shoulder, 
grinning. �Don't you worry! We'll get cured, and then we'll see about going 
home��
         Ryoga let himself fall back onto the bed, his arms dropping out to 
either side, brown eyes fixed on the ceiling. �Wherever Akane is is my 
home. No other place has any meaning for me.�
         �Yeah, whatever,� the redhead muttered, the smile quickly becoming 
a frown. Ranma looked away, pigtail flicking lightly with the motion of her 
head. �Guess even in another world, a pigboy is still a pigboy.�
         �Shut up, Ranma.� The response had no venom or conviction to it, 
Ryoga seeming to have partly drifted away from the whole conversation, his 
eyes gazing at something distant.
         Ranma frowned a little more, then just flopped over on her side, 
just barely not touching Ryoga�s arm. �Akane Akane Akane. I'm so sick of 
everything centering around Akane.�

         Teritha sprawled out on one of the couches in the central room, a 
stack of envelopes and parchment rolls plunked comfortably into her lap. 
She shuffled through a few of them, looking for anything interesting, then 
blinked a little as a pair of arms draped over her shoulders. Grinning as 
she felt someone nuzzling in her hair, she gave a soft laugh. �You can just 
wait until I'm done looking through the mail, you horny bastard.�
         �I resent that,� Zek murmured, tilting his head to kiss the back 
of one of Teritha�s ears gently.
         Drawing in a soft breath and feeling a little shiver go through 
her body, the elf woman paused for a moment before reaching backwards to 
thwap Zek with a parchment roll. �Which part, waiting or being a bastard?�
         �Both. I hate waiting, and I had an ADORING mother.� Smirking, Zek 
settled his chin on his friend�s shoulder, shaggy red hair mingling with 
straight blue.
         Making a little sound of acknowledgement to that response, Teritha 
picked up one square envelope and examined the sword-and-staff X in the red 
sealing wax. �Hm. Two month notice for the New Years� Tournament.�
         �What, is it February already?� Zek hugged on Teritha a little as 
she peeled the seal up with one thumbnail and unfolded the letter.
         �February first, on the dot.� Teritha took a long look over the 
missive, then turned her eyes upward speculatively. �You know� if we hedged 
our bets with more people in more divisions��
         Zek blinked a few times, pulling away just a little to look at his 
friend easier. �Tear, you can't be serious. They�re teenagers, it�s a 
serious fighting tournament. Half the divisions allow for fatalities as a 
match-ender.�
         �Don't sell these kids short.� Teritha sat up, tapping the letter 
against her cheek. �Ranma and Ryoga are probably both a good shot to WIN in 
the hand-to-hand divisions. Shampoo might fit better in armed combat, but 
she�s a surefire contender too. Dunno about Kodachi and Ukyo� but hell, I'm 
sure we could find something for them, too.�
         �And how about Akane?� Zek snorted, moving to rest his hands on 
the back of the couch.
         Teritha shifted the mail off her lap and stood, pacing back and 
forth a little, her elbow resting on one hand, the other waving the letter 
around speculatively. After a few minutes, she turned towards Zek, a slow 
smile spreading over her lips. �Ever hear the term �dark horse�?�
         �You can't seriously be thinking that kid could win a whole 
division?� Zek scoffed. �She�s cute and has a lot of fire to her, but come on.�
         �I think she could win, with some intensive training. In fact, I 
think she could be the best contender the Full Brawl division has seen in 
years.�
         �FULL BRAWL?!� Zek almost roared that, standing straight up, his 
fangs bared. �Tear, come ON! Every knife-bearing, bar-fighting, murderous 
son-of-a-bitch who can stagger to the tournament enters the Full Brawl! 
More than half of �em would probably rape Akane right on the fighting floor 
to the amusement of the crowd! You can't send her into that!�
         �You�re forgetting,� Teritha interjected, leveling a finger at 
Zek, her voice still calm. �This is the girl that fought off practically 
every slavering, bulked-up dipshit boy in her school every morning for a 
long time before Ranma ever showed up. I watched her that first morning� 
the kid�s good as long as she�s got a crowd to work with, and she could be 
a whole helluva lot better.�
         �Teritha, come on now, you�re exaggerating��
         �Like hell I am!� Teritha tossed the letter to Zek, the redhead 
catching it and glaring accusingly at it. �That girl�s going to be a winner 
if I have to drag her battered body into the winning circle myself! Some of 
the greatest prizes in the world are given out at that tournament, and I 
aim to take my kids there and come back with all of them, PLUS the loot!�
         �Dammit, Tear�� Zek sighed, running a hand through his hair. �Is 
this about that damn book again?�
         �Don't bring that up,� the elf responded, the temperature in the 
room seeming to lower by at least ten degrees.
         �It�s been, what, 2000 years just about, hasn't it�?� Zek scowled, 
resting his hands on the back of the couch. �The thing�s GONE, Teritha.�
         �Get the hell out!� Teritha snapped back, her eyes flashing.
         �Fine!� Zek stormed through the front hallway, grabbing his coat. 
�I'll be back when you come to your senses!� Yanking the door open, the 
mixed-blood stomped through before slamming it closed behind him.
         Teritha grit her teeth hard, then yanked her head to one side, 
closing her eyes tightly against the hot stinging that had built there. 
�Dammit, it shouldn't still be this hard��
         Soft footfalls washed through her acute hearing, and a warm, soft 
muzzle rubbed over her arm.
         �That argument again, love?� Shel murmured softly, his voice 
pitched lower than normal, probably sounding like nothing more than a 
steady rumble to human ears.
         �� Am I so wrong,� Teritha murmured, putting a hand to her face. 
�To want it back? Even after all this time?�
         �No, love, you�re not.� Shel rubbed his large head against his 
wife�s side gently. �I understand. Zek doesn�t� he�s only forty, and he 
doesn't have the attachments you've had.�
         Teritha gave a short, humorless laugh, leaning against Shel�s 
neck. �Were we loud?�
         �You did interrupt story time somewhat,� Shel agreed, but with 
good cheer. �And Ukyo and Shampoo had just come in. I sent the children on 
upstairs, and I doubt they heard all that much. Zek will be back in a few 
days, probably smelling of cheap bars and half a dozen different lovers, 
and it won't be spoken of.�
         �Until the next time,� Teritha murmured, pressing her face into 
her husband�s soft grey pelt.
         �Until next time,� Shel agreed evenly, then gave his wife a little 
nudge. �Come along and cheer up, my dear. Let�s read the rest of the mail 
and see if there�s anything good. Then tonight at dinner, we can tell the 
children about the tournament��
         �Alright.� Teritha ran a hand along the top of Shel�s head, then 
added, softly, �We�re going to win this year, Shel. My and my kids are 
gonna go all the way.�

-End Part Four-


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