Chapter 6
'Rock and Roll'
One early Sunday morning soon after saw six people jogging down the streets of Nerima. Ranma, Akane and Ukyo, their sons; Hayaima and Akama and Akama's best friend, Tagaki Kasamura. Tagaki had become a frequent overnight house guest and when he did stay over would also participate in both the morning jogs and the martial arts practice.
Despite being almost two years apart in age, the two adolescents were almost as close as Akama was to Hayaima. Akane even began calling Tagaki the third Saotome boy. Ukyo had been concerned that Hayaima might feel a little jealous but her fears proved unfounded as Hayaima good naturedly accepted Tagaki as part of the...pack. As he called the morning joggers.
Akane, Ranma and Ukyo ran side by side as they jogged. The three boys trailing a few meters back. It was a foggy morning which made the pre-dawn streets both dark and slippery. Yet Ranma found he was able to not only see clearly but easily maintain his footing. The fact that no one has slipped on the slick streets testified that he was not the only one.
A sudden thought struck Ranma. "How are you guys doing back there?" He called.
"We're fine Pops." Hayaima called back.
"Tagaki?" Ranma continued.
"Doing okay, Sensei." Tagaki called back cheerfully.
"Hmm." Ranma noised. "Who feels like picking up the pace a bit?' He asked. without waiting for a response Ranma started slowly speeding up. "Let me know if you can't keep up." Ranma called. Ranma picked up the pace a little more. On hearing no complaints from either the boys or Akane and Ukyo, Ranma turned the jog into a easy lope.
"Still with me boys?' Ranma called back. Ranma heard three voices respond. "Hmm." Ranma noised. He picked up the pace even further until they were racing along at a ground eating pace. Ranma held the near sprint for almost five minutes before slowly reducing the pace until they were moving no faster than a brisk walk.
Ranma kept the group moving at a walking pace until they reached the house. "Okay boys." Ranma said. "Go clean up." The boys cheerfully trotted out of the room. Ukyo followed to make sure they didn't waste time.
"That was a hell of a run." Akane said as she and Ranma headed to their bedroom to get out of their sweaty clothes. "Any faster and I wouldn't have been able to keep up."
"But you did, Tomboy. So did the boys." Ranma replied. "What bothers me is so did Tagaki."
"Well he is athletic." Akane offered. She shook her head. "No, you're right." She admitted. "Magic?" She asked. Ranma shrugged. "The question is; why Tagaki?" She quessed.
Ranma nodded. "And if Tagaki is affected does that mean...?" He nodded toward the back of the house where the main bathing area was. "Actually they were affected weren't they?" He said. "Momma A."
"Oh dear." Akane exclaimed in sudden understanding.
The bedroom door opened and Ukyo walked in. She looked at Ranma and Akane. "Why the long faces?" She asked.
"How are the boys?" Ranma asked.
"Fine." She replied. "Gods the power of youth." She said in jealous tones. "You'd think that run would have slowed them down even a little."
"You'd think, wouldn't you?" Ranma said in serious tones.
"What are you tryiing to tell me, Ran-chan?" Ukyo said in concern.
"They should be winded." Ranma said. "They should be at least a little winded." He shook his head as if the clear it. "For that matter, so should we." He said. Silence greeted his pronouncement. "Yeah." Ranma said in agreement to the silence.
"Ranma thinks the magic is affecting the boys too." Akane said. "Including Tagaki."
"Tagaki?" Ukyo in surprise. "I mean. well...I see."
"Yeah." Agreed Ranma. "Been thinking about it recently." Ranma said. "Akama and Tagaki I mean." He explained. "Akama hit it off with Tagaki almost exactly the same way he hit it off with Haya." Ranma said. "They acted like they've known each other for years." Ranma raised a finger. "Let's get bathed and the kids fed." He said. "Then let's see..." Ranma paused. "What there is to see."
Ranma, Akane and Ukyo got bathed and dressed and the kids and themselves fed. Normally on Sunday's the family took it easy. Sometimes, during the holidays, they might go to a Buddhist temple. Or a Fair, if there was one. Today there was no Fair.
Instead Ranma opened the dojo. It was less than a minute later that the boys showed up. Already dressed in their practice Gi's. Hayaima started sweeping the floor while Akama and Tagaki wiped down the mirrors. By the time the Dojo was ready, Akane and Ukyo had arrived. Akane, Ukyo and the boys lined up. Ranma stood in front of them. They bowed to Ranma and Ranma bowed back. Then Ranma turned to the dojo shirne and eveyone bowed again.
"Today..." Began Ranma. He rubbed his palms together. "Today we will talk about Ki." Ranma said. He saw the boys fidget in suppressed excitement. "What is Ki?" He asked in rhetorical tones. "Ki is...energy." He said. "It comes from..." Ranma waved a hand. "Living things." He said. "Trees, frogs, koi...and people produce Ki."
"You mean it's the Force, Sensei?" Tagaki asked.
Ranma chuckled. "For all I know...yeah." He replied. "Now...it is said, that some people can gather Ki and harness it. Use it." Ranma said. "Some people." He repeated. "And those that can are supposed to be able to do some amazing things."
"Pops jumped over a car." Akama told Tagaki.
"Akama." Ranma said sternly. "What did I say about...that subject."
"Aw come'on Pops." Akama complained. "It's Tagaki."
Ranma raised an objecting finger and held it for a second. 'I asked for this, didn't I?" He thought. Ranma sighed and lowered his hand. "Go ahead."
"This woman was about to get hit by a car." Akama said. "And Pops picked her up and jumped over the car." He said. "Ask Haya, he was there." AKama said earnestly. "He saw."
Tagaki turned to Hayaima. Hayaima nodded quickly. "Wow." Exclaimed Tagaki.
"Yeah, wow." Agreed Akama. "I think that's what Pops is talking about." Akama started jumping up and down. "Hey maybe we can jump real high too." Akama continued jumping and in truth he seemed to be making some good height. Tagaki and Hayaima started jumping up and down too.
"Hold on boys." Ranma scolded lightly. "You gotta build up the Ki first." He said. "Everyone get into a Bow stance." He ordered. Ranma placed himself in the same stance. "Now everyone slowly rock your weight on to your back leg. Place your arms out like this." Ranma demonstrated "And shift your weight forward while gathering in the Ki with your arms." Ranma demonstrated. After a few more repetitions everyone started doing the Ki gathering exercise. "Keep your body loose but not limp." Ranma said.
Ranma had them repeat the move for a minute or so before having them change legs. "Feel the Ki." Ranma said. "It will feel like...like..." Ranma stopped talking but kept moving. For the first time, since he started doing the exercises he found in Master Happosai's notebook, Ranma actually felt something. "Static electricity." He said slowly. He looked at Akane and he could see a faint glow coming from her. Akane had a surprised look on her face. Ukyo had the same glow and the same look.
Ranma looked at the boys. They too, including Tagaki, Ranma noted in dumb amazement, had a slight glow. Only they didn't have surprised looks on their faces. "Triumph.' Ranma thought in recognition.
Ranma led the group through the rest of Master Happosai's Qi Gong exercises. To Ranma's eyes the dojo seemed to fill with a faint glowing mist. He inhaled deeply and watched the mist seem to get sucked into the palms of his hands. He exhaled slowly and the mist jetted out from his fingertips.
Ranma looked at the wall clock and was shocked to realize that almost an hour had passed. Ranma felt like he could go on forever but caution prevailed. "Okay everyone." Ranma said. "I think that's enough warmup." he said. "Everyone line up." He said. "We're doing the Tendo Long Fist kata together." He said. "Boys, I know you haven't done the form but try to keep up as best you can."
"You got it, Pops." The boys, including Tagaki, replied.
"Ready." Ranma said. "Begin." Ranma, Akane and Ukyo began one of the longer and more intricate of the Forms originated by Grandmaster Happosai. There was a corresponding Saotome Long Fist form but Ranma preferred the Tendo version. Though it was supposed to be a Kempo form it obviously borrowed heavily from Kung Fu. It started with a series of basic alternating arm blocks. That was followed by a series of small hopping steps that gave way to another set of blocks.
It was basic enough that Ranma was not surprised that the boys were able to follow along. The next sequence was more difficult as it was series of fast punches the ranged high and low and left and right. Ranma glanced over and while the boys took some time they did get through the sequence.
The next sequence had Ranma, Akane and Ukyo falling to the ground and then kicking an unseen opponent that would try to capitalize. They flipped to their feet and executed a series of back kicks and round house kicks. Again the boys executed the sequence slowly but they did complete it.
Ranma led the group through the remaining sequences to the katas eventual close. He looked at the boys. All three had wide smiles on their faces. "Got it?" He asked. The three boys nodded. "Good. That's all we're going to do for today. Let's close class" He said. Everyone lined up and bowed to each other. "Now wash up." He said. The three boys raced away.
"Like they were remembering it." Ukyo said in awe. "Like they had done it before."
"Yeah." Echoed Ranma and Akane in agreement.
"He called me Pops." Ranma added. "I don't think he even realized he had." Ranma rubbed the back of his head. "I think I remember something." He said. "Akama...I think Akama, the older ones' Akama,, could turn into a girl."
"Akama and...Tagaki?" Akane asked quietly.
Ranma nodded. "I think so."
"What should we do?" Akane asked. "I'd hate to have to separate them for something...they haven't done." She said. "but..." Akane frowned. "No." She said decisively. "No buts." She said. "I am not going to hurt Akama...or Tagaki for something they haven't done." She said. "We watch." She said. "We talk to them if we have to, but...that's it."
"Agreed." Ranma said. Ukyo nodded.
"Besides, if anything did happen." Ukyo added. "Haya would tell me."
"Only if he thought it was something you should know." Ranma said doubtfully. "If there was a Tagaki in the older ones' world then he and Haya were probably friends there too."
Hayaima smiled wryly as he walked behind Akama and Tagaki as they made their way to the bathing area. The two young boys had their arms around each othrer's shoulders. Maybe another boy would have been jealous. After all to suddenly find you had a brother after thinking you were an only child for your whole life could have been traumatic enough. Especially since from the moment they met they knew there was a connection. And now, that brother was giving most of his attention to someone else.
But to Hayaima it seemed perfectly normal. Natural. Expected. At some deep, unconscious level, Hayaima knew that Tagaki would never do anything that would hurt Akama. 'Buddies.' Thought Hayaima giving their relationship as complex a description as his twelve year old mind could muster. 'Yeah, buddies.' He decided.
"Hey, Haya." Akama called. "You daydreaming or something?" He said. "You just walked by the bath room."
Hayaima looked around. "Guess I was." He admitted. "Okay." He said. "Who's washing my back?" He asked with a grin. "That was some workout." He opined as they set about washing up. "I feel...strong." He said. Tagaki washed Hayaima's back and Akama washed Tagaki's.
"Me too." Agreed Tagaki. "But warm at the same time." He bent forward. "A little lower, Akama." Tagaki requested.
"You got it, Tagaki." Akama said eagerly. Akama washed Tagaki's back and then rinsed the soap off with a bucket of warm water. Akama put the bucket down and spun around on his stool. "My turn." He announced cheerfully. Tagaki smiled and began washing Akama's back.
"You guys." Hayaima said.
"You're just jealous." Akama teased. He grinned. "Bet you wish Meg was here to wash your back."
Hayaima blushed redly. "Akama." He complained.
"Bet she'd do it too. She likes you you know." Akama continued. Akama grinned. "Admit it; you wish she was here right now." He said. "You should see him, Tagaki." Akama continued. He bulged his eyes out and slackened his jaw. "He gets all like this." He said in demonstration. Tagaki laughed. "You missed a spot." Akama pointed to his lower back. "Better." He said when Tagaki washed the indicated spot.
"Akama." Complained Hayaima. "She's...she's our cousin and...and...eleven...and."
"I'm almost eleven." Akama pointed out. "I washed Tagaki's back."
"Yeah, but she's a girl." Hayaima replied. "And..and..."
"Fess up." Akama said. "You like her."
"Yeah." Hayaima admitted reluctantly.
"Cool." Akama replied. "Hands off, Tagaki." AKama warned. "Meg is Haya's girl."
"I wasn't gonna do nothin." Tagaki replied.
"That's cause you know I'd kick your butt if you tried." Akama said. "And that's after Haya kicked your butt." Akama stood. "Tub." He decided. "I want to soak for a few minutes before the folks show up and kick us out."
"Good thinking." Agreed Tagaki.
Fortunately one of the few extravagances the Tendo home had was a large furo or tub. Large enough for three or four adults and probably twice that many children of Hayaima and Akama's age. But even with the room, Akama cuddled up next to Tagaki and Tagaki put his arm around Akama's shoulders.
"You guys." Hayaima complained good-naturedly. Hayaima sighed. "Do you think Meg really likes me?" He asked plaintively.
"See, Tagaki." Akama laughed. "He's got that look again."
At lunch Ranma, Akane and Ukyo paid extra attention to the behavior between Akama and Tagaki. It was obvious that the two boys were close but there was nothing to indicate anything more. Nothing other than the faint memories from the Nanban Mirror Incident. Akama and Tagaki joked with each other. Even ocassionaly punched each other lightly. Basically they acted like boys.
Ranma searched the foreign memories. It was just bits and pieces. An image of a boy that could only have been Tagaki in five or so years. Another image of a redheaded girl with two long pony tails that started at the top of her head. An Image that seemed to become a powerfully built young man that reminded him a bit of Akane. There were fainter images of two girls; one with blue hair and one with pink hair, but they were not anyone Ranma recognized.
'Okay.' Thought Ranma. 'So there was a Tagaki in their world too.' His thoughts continued. 'And maybe that Tagaki and Akama were...a couple.' Ranma looked at Akama and Tagaki. Akama was laughing over something Tagaki had said and threw a light punch which Tagaki casually deflected. "No fighting at the table." Ranma said sternly.
"Sorry Pops." Akama said with a smirk.
"Sorry, Sensei." Tagaki said at the same time. He immediately tried to elbow Akama. Akame almost unconsciously blocked the elbow.
"Boys." Ranma said. Ranma shook his head. 'If we separated them...they'd never get over it.' He realized. Ranma rolled his eyes as Akama and Tagaki continued their roughhousing. "Okay boys." Ranma said. "That's enough." He said in stern tones.
"I can't help it, Pops." Akama replied defensively. "I just feel so...like I could run for hours."
"Me too, Sensei." Tagaki added. "Maybe Akama and I could spar for awhile or something?"
"I don't believe it." Akane said in amazement. "We jogged for an hour, then did two hours of martial arts and you want...more?"
"Not a bad idea." Ranma said thoughtfully. "How are you doing, Haya?"
"I was thinking about going for another jog." Hayaima admitted.
"Why don't we try jumping instead?" Ranma suggested. "Like Akama wanted to." Ranma stood. "Come on boys." Ranma said. "Let's see how high we can get." The three boys cheered. Ranma led the boys to the open space between the house and the dojo. It was a grassy section with very few obstructions. "Perfect." Ranma said.
"Okay." Ranma said in a combination of anticipation and trepidation. "Let's see what you can do." He pointed to the boys. "Start jumping."
Akana and Ukyo walked up to stand next to Ranma as Hayaima, Akama and Tagaki started trying to jump as high as they could. Again Akama, especially, seemed to reach some decent height but nothing...extraordinary. "You didn't think they were going to jump on to the roof were you?" Akane asked.
"No." Admitted Ranma. "But I figure a half hour of this should tire them out." He chuckled. "Then maybe we could get some...peace." He said. "Besides Yuchiko and Keniichi will be here to pick up Tagaki in a few hours." He said in an aside. "I think they'd like some peace too." He pointed out. Akane and Ukyo giggled in response.
It didn't take the full half hour before the three boys tired out. This time it looked like it might last. The boys walked slowly back into the house, Ten minutes later they were napping in Akama and Hayaima's room. In fact even when the Kasamura's came to pick up their son, the three boys were still half asleep.
Yuchiko smiled as Ranma carried a sleeping Tagaki to the car. "Have I told you how much we appreciate you taking Tagaki these last few weekends." She said. "Sometimes I feel guilty that we can't return the favor."
"We're happy to do it." Ranma replied honestly. "We have the room and our boys really like Tagaki." Ranma said. He placed the sleeping boy in the back seat. Kenichi immediately buckled the boy in. "He's a good kid." Ranma said. "And a good student, it's an honor to teach him."
"Thank you, Sensei." Kenichi replied. "Always a pleasure." He said.
"The pleasure is mine." Ranma replied and bowed. "Dinner next Friday?"
"I may have to pass." Kenichi said regretfully. "Quarterly audit starts this week." He said in slightly gloomy tones. "But Yuchiko and Tagaki will attend."
"Of course we will." Yuchiko said firmly. "Good night, everyone." She said. Yuchiko entered the car and a minute later the car drove away.
Ranma watched them drive away then returned to the house. Akane and Ukyo were waiting at the gate. "That was a very nice evening." Ranma said in satisfaction.
The following Friday a cab pulled up in front of the Saotome residence. Out stepped a mousy looking woman with short black hair and a young boy around twelve years of age with dark brown hair. He resembled the woman but was athletic and tall for his age. The gate to the Saotome home opened even before the cab pulled away. Out stepped the powerfully built Ranma Saotome wearing a comfortable looking brown and black kimono, his wife Akane, a thin woman with blue black hair in a floral casual kimono, another woman, their house guest, Ukyo Kuonji. She was more rounded in build and had brown hair. She was wearing a kimono that was similar to Akane's.
"Akane. Ukyo. Ranma." The woman said in greeting. "you didn't all have to come to meet us." She said. "Tagaki says he knows where you hide the key." She said with a broad smile.
"He does." Agreed Akane. "I told him myself." She said. "Hey Tagaki." She said to Tagaki. "Why don't you bring your stuff inside?" She said. "They boys are waiting for you." She chuckled as the boy ran off. Akane turned to the woman. "Yuchiko." Akane said warmly. "I'm so glad you made it."
"I only wish Kenichi could have made it." Yuchiko said in regretful tones. "Now." She said. "Where's my kiss hello?" She said and presented her cheek. She grinned as first Akane, then Ukyo and finally Ranma kissed her hello. Yuchiko took a hold of one of Akane's and one of Ukyo's arms. The three women laughed and entered the Saotome compound.
Ranma trailed just behind. "I don't know what kind of life...they...had.' He thought. 'But this isn't too bad." He thought in satisfaction. Ranma smiled slightly as he entered the house. Tagaki of course was no where to be seen. Obviously he was with Akama and Hayaima. Soun Tendo, his once black mustache now more white than black, was sitting in a corner playing Shogi with Genma Saotome, Ranma's father. He was a fat, bald man wearing a grayish and frayed Gi. A beer sat next to each man.
Yuchiko, Akane and Ukyo were seated at the main table with Ranma's mother, Nodoka. A still attractive woman now gracefully entering her early fifties. It didn't take much to see that Ranma strongly took after his mother in looks Ranma ambled over to the table.
"Oh Ranma." Nodoka said. "Kasumi called." She said. "Ono has to go out of town and she's going with him." She said. "So Meg and Mitsi are staying with us for the weekend."
"You did tell her that Tagaki was here?" Ranma asked.
"I told her." Nodoka replied. "She said and I quote; 'if Akama and Haya like him, then Meg and Mitsi will like him.'"
"I figure they can bunk in with me." Ukyo said in slightly regretful tones. "Nice to have the company." She said with a more cheeful smile.
"I never thought about that." Yuchiko said in sudden realization. "You always sleep alone, don't you?" She said. "Oh that's so sad." She added in real concern.
"Quite." Nodoka said. "I see why you like her, Akane." Nodoka said. "I see why you both like her." Nodoka smiled at Yuchiko. "You're a rare woman, Mrs. Kasamura."
"Yuchiko, please." Yuchiko replied in flattered tones. "And I'm just a housewfe." She said. "Nothing special."
"Oh, I don't know about that, Yuchiko honey." Ukyo said with a smile. "The Tomboy and I think you're pretty special."
"Tomboy?" Yuchiko asked in confusion.
"Shows you how comfortable we're getting around you Yuchiko." Akane said. "That's what my closest friends call me." She said with a slight blush.
"Really?" Yuchiko exclaimed in delight.
"My closest friends call me, Uk-chan." Ukyo said. She grinned at Yuchiko. "That's the Tomboy." She said pointing at Akane. "I'm Uk-chan and..." She cocked an eyebrow at Yuchiko.
"Don't laugh." Yuchiko said in embarrassed tones. "But my friends always called me...Mouse."
"Mouse?" Exclaimed Ukyo. "That's so cute." She said. "Oh please, you have to let us call you Mouse." Ukyo pleaded. "In private, of course."
"Please." Chorused Akane and Ukyo.
Yuchiko laughed. In truth she was extraordinarily flattered by the attention and acceptance she was getting from Akane and Ukyo. She hadn't had a lot of friends in high school and she was always self conscious about her looks and now two women she thought very highly of were practically begging to be her friends. "Well...maybe in private."
"Alright." Akane said happily. "The three musketeers; Uk-chan, Mouse and the Tomboy." She chortled.
"Hey what about me?" Complained Ranma. "Don't I get to call her Mouse?"
"No." Akane said firmly. "This is a girl thing." Akane grinned . "Besides do you really want Yuchiko to call you by our nickname for you?" she asked sweetly.
"No...no...that's alright." Ranma said quickly. Ranma quickly walked away.
"Oh, it must be a very, very good nickname." Yuchiko said with a giggle. Yuchiko sighed. "It's been so long since I had girlfriends." Yuchiko said.
The door bell rang and Ranma wandered over to answer the door. As he expected, Kasumi was standing there with her two daughters. Each girl had a small overnight bag slung across their shoulders. Kasumi was a woman of average height with long shiny, black hair. While she was obviously related to Akane, Kasumi was almost breathtakingly beautiful. Even attractive women, which both Akane Saotome and Ukyo Kuonji were, paled in comparison to Kasumi Ono. Her two daughters, eleven and nine respectively, already possessed their mother's beauty in full measure.
"Hey Kasumi." Ranma greeted the woman cheerfully. "Hey girls."
"Hello Uncle Ranma." Chorused Megumi and Mitsui.
"I'm sorry for the short notice, Ranma." Kasumi began apologetically.
Ranma waved her off. "Don't worry about it." He said. "We're happy to do it." He was about to say something more when a patter of runninig feet made him turn. Hayaima was now standing next to him.
"H-hi Meg." Hayaima said. Almost as an afterthought he added. "Hi Mitsi."
"Hi Haya." Chorused Kegumi and Mitsui.
"D-do you want me to...carry your bags...or something?" Hayaima asked nervously. Megumi and Mitsui giggled and handed Hayaima their overnight bags.
"They're staying in the guest room with your Mom, Haya." Ranma said. "Go with Haya, girls." Ranma shook his head in amusement as Hayaima led Megumi and Mitsui away. Ranma turned back to Kasumi. "Do you want to come in?" He asked. "Or is Tofu waiting impatiently in the car?"
Kasumi laughed. "Very impatiently." She admitted. Kasumi kissed Ranma on the cheek. "You're looking happier Brother in law." She whispered. "See you Monday...evening." Kasumi patted Ranma on the cheek and then hurried away.
Ranma chuckled and closed the door. Ranma paused. 'I seem to laugh a lot these days, don't I?" He thought. 'Yeah, I do.' He agreed with himself silently. Ranma took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Ranma smiled and reentered the main part of the house to the sounds of laughter.
Ranma snorted in amusement. His father and his father in law were still in the same corner playing shogi. Every so often one man or the other would reach for his beer without taking their eyes off the board.
Ranma looked around the room. The five adolescents were nowhere to be seen. 'They're all probably in the boys room.' He thought. His wife, Akane, was over in a conversation area set up with two small couches and a couple chairs, with the other women. Though except for his mother all the women were standing.
Ranma walked over to where Akane was talking to Ukyo, Yuchiko and his mother, Nodoka. Ranma put his arm around Akane's shoulders. Akane turned to give him a curious look. Ranma smiled. Akane returned the smile and returned her attention to the other women. Ranma looked across Akane's shoulders to look at Ukyo. Their eyes met and they smiled at each other. Ukyo also returned her attention to the conversation. 'So this is peace.' Ranma thought.
Hayaima walked back to the guest room bearing two rolled up sleeping pads. When he had brought the Ono girls to the guest room, Megumi had insisted that they should get everything ready for later. Hayaima had almost run out of the room to get the sleeping pads in an eager effort to please Megumi.
Hayaima knocked on the guest room door with his foot. The door slid open to reveal Megumi. She smiled at him approvingly and Hayaima felt his legs go weak. Hayaima moistened his lips. "Where...where should I put these?" He asked.
"In the corner for now, I think." Megumi said. She pointed to a somewhat clear corner. Hayaima carried the pads over. Megumi looked around the room. "This is a very nice room." She said in approval. "It's a happy room." She decided.
"That's 'cause Momma U..Mom is happy." Hayaima offered. "Ever since we moved here..." Hayaima stopped. "Not that Mom wasn't happy before, you understand." he amended quickly. "But Mom is happier now."To Hayaima's surprise and some unnamed pleasure, Megumi took his hand.
"Are you happier now too, Haya?" Megumi asked in concerned tones.
Hayaima blushed at both the concern in Megumi''s voice and the touch of her hand. "Yeah." He said finally. Hayaima felt Megumi squeeze his hand and he returned the squeeze.
"Are you two going to keep giving each other cow eyes or are we going to meet Tagaki?" Mitsui asked in slightly annoyed tones.
"Mitsi." Megumi said reprovingly. "That was impolite." She said. "But..you're right about Tagaki." She shifted her hand so she was now holding Hayaima's arm. "I hear he's very nice." She said to Hayaima. They left the guest room and walked toward Akama and Tagaki's room. Mitsui trailed behind.
Hayaima nodded. "Yeah, he is." He affirmed. "Sorta like a brother, but not." He continued. "What's important is that Akama likes him." He said. Hayaima hesitated. "A lot." He said. "And Tagaki likes Akama the...the same way."
"Good." Mitsui chirped from behind them. "Is he cute?" She asked.
"Don't mind Mitsi." Megumi said. "Mother says she needs a lot of attention." She said with all the maturity that being eleven brings. After all, she was almost a teenager.
"Well is he?" Mitsui asked pointedly ignoring her older sister.
"I don't know what a...a girl thinks is cute." Hayaima replied quickly. "You can tell me."
"He's cute." Mitsui said in response. She smiled happily. "Now maybe Akama wont be so serious all the time."
Despite himself, Hayaima chuckled. "Yeah, well he's still serious about martial arts." He said over his shoulder. "So's Tagaki."
They reached Akama's room and Hayaima opened the door. "Hey guys we're...what are you two doing?"
Akama looked up from the floor where he and Tagaki were rolling around. "Hey Big Brother." Akama said cheerfully. "We're wrestling." Akama explained. "I was winning." He added.
"In your dreams, Akama." Tagaki replied.
"Welll stop...wrestling." Hayaima said. "Tagaki these are our cousins, Megumi and Mitsui." Hayaima said.
"I'm Meg, that's Mitsi." Megumi said.
Tagaki rolled away from Akama and got to his feet. Akama stood up next to him. "Hi Meg." Tagaki said. "Hi Mitsi."
"You're cute." Mitsi said in response. She nodded. "I think we're going to be friends."
Ukyo walked around the kitchen checking on items cooking in pots on the stove and in the oven. All the women had followed Ukyo into the kitchen.
Yuchiko sniffed an item in one of the pots. "That smells wonderful." She exclaimed. "What is it?"
"I thought I'd try something I saw on television." Ukyo replied. She lifted the lid. "Hungarian Goulash." She said in identification. Ukyo picked up a small bowl and transferred a small amount of the contents in the pot and held it out to Yuchiko. "Here, tell me what you think?"
Yuchiko took a pair of chopsticks that were sitting in a canister on the counter and used them to transfer a bite of the stew like concoction. Yuchiko's eyes rolled up in pleasure. She raised her hand to cover her mouth. "Oh gods." She said behind her hand. "That's so good." Yuchiko was about to say more when there was a ripping, rumbling sound and the house began to shake.
"Earthquake." Akane shouted in alarmed identification. "Hold on." She exclamed. She grabbed the counter as did Yuchiko, Ukyo and Nodoka.
The house rolled and rocked for what seemed like an eternity but was later determined to be less than a minute. Ranma ignored the rocking and rolling and dashed up the stairs. The house continued to shake as Ranma headed for Akama and Hayaima's room. The house was still shaking even as he flung open the door. Ranma saw all five children huddled together in the middle of the room. The two girls were the center of a protective shield composed of Hayaima holding the two girls, while Akama and Tagaki formed a protective arch over them with their heads together and holding on to each other. Ranma did not hesitate and placed his arms and body protectively over the whole group. A golden glow sprang up forming a dome around them just as the lights went out. The only light there was came from the dome.
Ranma was too concerned with keeping all the children safe to notice but Tagaki did. "Akama look." He hissed.
Akama looked to the side. His eyes widened as he took in the glowing dome of energy. He craned his head to look at his father. He could see...something coming from the top of his father's head. "Ki." Akama breathed. "Tagaki." Akama said is sharp tones. "Try to give Pops some Ki." Akama didn't say anything more but instead began breathing slowly. Tagaki nodded in sudden understanding and closed his eyes.
Hayaima had heard Akama's comments and it did seem as if the glowing shield had suddenly got... thicker. Hayaima nodded. "Ki." He breathed deeply and closed his eyes.
Megumi and Mitsui looked around them in awe. The glowing hemisphere was now so thick they could barely see the room beyond. So deeply entranced were they that they never noticed that the quake had stopped.
Ranma finally realized the quake had stopped and opened his eyes. "Everyone alright?" He asked. With those words the glowing hemisphere disappeared like a soap bubble. Ranma straightened.
Hayaima opened his eyes and found he was looking directly into Megumi's eyes. Before he could say anything Megumi kissed him on the cheek.
"Fine Pops." Tagaki and Akama said together as the broke their protective embrace. Tagaki and Akama looked at each other and slapped their forearms together in a martial arts victory salute. Akama looked down to where Hayaima still had Megumi and Mitsui in his arms. "You can let go now, Haya." His grin widened when Hayaima appeared very reluctant to move. "Maybe we'll just leave them there."
"That was so cool, Sense." Tagaki exclaimed.
"What was, son?" Ranma replied in confused tones.
"The force field...or whatever." Tagaki said. He shook his head in wonder. "Too bad Mom missed..." Tagaki's head whipped around. "Mom." He exclaimed in panic. He made to run but Ranma took him by the arm. "Slow down." He ordered. "Go." He said in understanding tones. "But careful." He ordered. "Akama." He nodded his head toward Tagaki.
"Let's go, Tagaki." Akama said. The two youths quickly but carefully left the room together.
Ranma looked down at Hayaima still holding on to Megumi and Mitsui though it was obvious to Ranma that Megumi was the main focus of his eldest's attention. "Haya." Ranma said urgently but tinged with amusement. "Get Meg and Mitsi outside." He said. "You know where." Hayaima looked up and Ranma suppressed a chuckle at the resolute look that appeared on Hayaima's face.
Hayaima released his hold on the two girls and got to his feet. He took Megumi's hand while Megumi took Mitsui's. "They'll be safe with me, Pops." Hayaima said firmly.
Ranma nodded, tousled his son's hair and turned away. Ranma could hear the three children follow but he picked up his pace to catch up with Tagaki and Akama. Ranma reached the kitchen with out catching up he opened the kitchen door. "Everyone okay?" He asked urgently.
Ukyo looked up from the stove as she finished turning off the remaining burners. She nodded. "We're fine, Ran-chan." Ukyo said,
"Haya's taking the girl's to the dojo." Ranma said. Ranma looked over to where Yuchiko was holding on to her son. "Tagaki." He said. "Get your Mom to the dojo." He ordered. "You too, Mom." He said to Nodoka. "Last time we had a quake like that, there were aftershocks." He said. "The dojo got off the easiest."
Akane nodded. She was standing next to a cabinet. "Akama, take this with you." She handed Akama a large plastic tub filled with household items; mostly canned and boxed goods.. "And make sure your grandfathers' go with you."
"I'll handle that." Nodoka said.
Ukyo picked up a pot and nodded to another. "Take that one Ran-chan." She said. "I worked hard on that and earthquake or no earthquake, we're eating Goulash tonight."
An even dozen people ate dinner in the smaller, but safer confines of the Saotome Dojo. Power had still not been restored and light was provided by several oil lanterns kept in the dojo for emergencies. The evening air was filled with the sounds of sirens and car alarms, Ranma had looked out earlier and it appeared as the entire city was blacked out.
Yuchiko was frantic after trying unsuccessfully to get her husband on the phone at first but she finally got through to Kenichi. His company had evacuated everyone to a company shelter. "Tell Kenichi that you're staying here tonight." Akane said. Yuchiko agreed in relief.
Ranma and the boys made several quick trips back to the house to get other items, sleeping pads, blankets.
Apparently the only items either Genma or Soun considered worth bringing in from the house was the shogi board and a case of beer and the two men started another game of Shogi immedietly after dinner. A glass of beer at their sides.
Eventually Ranma decided that they had done enough and the household settled down to get some fitful sleep.
True to Ranma's prediction, several hours later there was a second even more powerful tremblor. A third though considerably weaker one followed less than fifteen minutes after that. It was close to noon the next day before any Nerima resident even considered leaving whatever shelter they had.
One of the first was a part of the Saotome household. Ukyo had been able to make a decent breakfast and as time passed and the ground did not shake Ranma volunteered to check around to see what kind of damage there was. Tagaki, Akama and Hayaima immdediately volunteered to go with him.
"No!" Chorused Akane, Yuchiko and Ukyo. "Your job is to watch the house." Akane continued. "Uk-chan and I will go with Ranma." She said in already decided tones.
"Hang on." Ukyo said. She grabbed a spear from its' rack on the wall and shouldered it. "Okay, now I'm ready."
"Expecting Zombies?" Akane asked in amused tones.
Ukyo barked a laugh. "Well if we don't find Zombies we still might need to move something heavy."
"You're going out?" Yuchiko asked in disbelieving tones.
"Gotta." Ranma replied.
"But." Yuchiko protested.
"We just gotta." Ranma replied. To Yuchiko's surprise, Akane and Ukyo nodded in strong agreement at Ranma's words. "We'll be careful." He promised Yuchiko. "And maybe we can help out a little."
Ranma, Akane and Ukyo jogged down the street. So far the damage seemed minimal. He did see members of the Japanese police and fire departments but no private citizens as yet. This was pretty much as Ranma expected. "Guess we got off..." What Ranma was about to say was interrupted by an explosion. The blast was either powerful or very close because Ranma staggered. "What?"
"Ran-chan look." Ukyo said. She pointed with the spear. A plume of smoke arouse from behind some buildings. "That looks like it's coming from the next block over." Ranma put on a sudden burst of speed that left Akane and Ukyo far behind. "What the hell?" Ukyo exclaimed.
"Oh no he doesn't." Akane growled and she started increasing her pace. Ukyo followed behind. Akane's eyes narrowed and she picked up her pace even more. Ukyo could feel a tug coming from Akane and found she was being pulled along. Ukyo began to urge Akane along silently. And it seemed as if Akane responded to the mental urging and their pace quickened even more.
They saw Ranma turn an upcoming corner and they followed. They had nearly closed the gap when the source of the explosion became evident. A small three story apartment building. The smoke was coming from what was left of the central apartment on the second floor. People were beginning to gather in front of the building. Ramma dodged through the crowd and ran toward the building.
Ranma could see someone lying on the balcony of the second story and without thinking he jumped and landed on the second story railing. He jumped off the railing and ran over to the body. He picked up the limp figure into his arms and jumped back over the railing. He placed the body down and jumped back up to the second story.
"DId you see that, Tomboy?" Ukyo said in amazement. "How...?" She began.
"Forget how he did it." Akane said sharply. "We have to get up there and help." She snapped. Akane looked around hurried and then spotted the spear on Ukyo's shoulder. "Let me borrow that." She said. Ukyo gave Akane the spear and Akane started running toward the building. SHe jammed one end into the ground and then vaulted up to the second floor.
"Show offs." Complained Ukyo as she decided to run up the still functioning stairway. When she got there Akane had already kicked in a door and had darted inside. Ukyo followed. The two women emerged seconds later each carrying a child in their arms. "GIve me the other one." Ukyo shouted. Akane gave her the second child. "Go see if Ranma needs help." Ukyo turned and ran down the stairs with the two children.
Akane turned and hurried over to the central apartment. Smoke and flames gushed from what used to be the front of the apartment itself. "Ranma?" She called. "Are you in there?"
"Coming out now, Tomboy." Ranma's voice called from the smoke. A form emerged from the smoke and flames. A form surrounded by a faint glow. Ranma stepped out of the smoke carrying a woman in his arms. "I think she's alive." Ranma said grimly. Ranma shook his head as Akane made to go into the smoke. "Don't bother." Ranma said. "Here." He said and handed over the limp body. "You get her to safety." He said. "I'll check the last apartment."
Akane nodded and carried the unconscious woman away.
"A swarm of three earthquakes the largest a 6.6 magnitude temblor hit the Tokyo area yesterday evening. Seismologists report that the Epicenter was in central Nerima." The man on the television reported. "Damage was relatively light overall but train tracks were twisted out of shape and one section of an overpass has collapsed. At least two buildings experienced gas leak related explosions. Authorites expect to have full power and at least some train traffic restored to Nerima within the week." The reporter said. "Highway repair is expected to take a week longer."
"As is usual for Japan; disaster has a way of bringing out the best in people." He said. "One of the very best were the efforts of a local martial arts instructor, Ranma Saotome, his wife, Akane and a second woman who is reported to be a house guest. A Ms. Ukyo Kuonji." The reported raised an eyebrow. "According to eyewitness reports, Sensei Saotome, Mrs. Saotome and Ms. Kuonji helped evacuate the wounded from one of the buildings that suffered a gas explosion."
The reporter raised a finger to his ear. "I've just been informed that this is the second time Sensei Saotome has been in the news recently." He said to the camera. "I thought the name was familiar. " He said almost to himself. "Let's see if we can find the clip." He said off camera. "In the meantime, according to reports, once an ambulance arrived, the...the...The Three Good Samaritans, ran off." He said. "Later, the good samaritans were spotted clearing rubble from the street and..."
Nodoka switched the television off to the sounds of groans from Hayaima, Akama and Tagaki. "But grandma, they were going to show the clip of Pops jumping over the car." Hayaima complained.
"No doubt." Nodoka said dryly. "Regardless, it's getting late."'
"But grandma." Whined Akama and Hayaima.
"No buts." Nodoka replied sternly. "Meg, you and Mitsi can bathe first."
Megumi nodded and took Mitsi's hand. Then she looked at Hayaima for a second. "Auntie Nodoka?" She said. "is it okay if Haya...stands outside the bathing room?" She said in a quiet voice. "I..I'll feel safer."
"Oh...oh I see." Nodoka said in understanding. "Well, I suppose that would be alright." She said.
"Thank you, Auntie Nodoka." Megumi said in obvious relief.
Tagaki and Akama watched as Hayaima took Megumi's hand and then led the two girls to the bathing area. Tagaki and Akama looked at each other and giggled.
Yuchiko watched her son interact with Akama. Except for an obvious affection the two boys showed each other they didn't act any different than any other boys. "I think I was worried about nothing." Yuchiko thought in relief. "Tagaki." Yuchiko called to get the boy's attention. "i need to check on our apartment." She said in explanation. "I want you to stay with the Saotomes."
"Are you sure, Mom?" Tagaki protested. "Akama and I could go with you." He said. "Just in case."
Yuchiko smiled in response. "I'm sure it will be fine." She said.
"Fine, maybe." Nodoka broke in. "But your son has a point." She said. "Genma, Soun." She called. "You will escort Mrs. Kasamura to her apartment."
"That's not necessary, Mrs. Saotome." Yuchiko replied. "I'm sure it's safe."
"Maybe." Agreed Nodoka. "But I'd rather not take chances." She said. "And I thought I told you to call me, Nodoka." She mock scolded. "Besides, Ranma has a car." She said. "It will be faster." She said. "Go check on your apartment." Nodoka said. "But, and I think speak for the rest of the Saotome family, come right back if you must." She said. "I think we'd all feel better knowing you were safe." Nodoka frowned. "Have you spoken to Kenichi today?"
Yuchiko chuckled. "Twice." She admitted. "He's back in the office." She said. "Quake or no quake, the quarterly audit must be completed on time."
Nodoka smiled sympathetically. "Then I'm sure Kenichi will feel better knowing you are safe as well."
Yuchiko shook her head in amusement. "You Saotomes." She mock scolded. "Noble to a fault, all of you." She said. "I will be fine." She said. "And I really want to get a good nights sleep in my own bed." She said. "Tagaki can stay an extra night." She continued. "But I'm going home." She declared.
"Soun will still drive you." Nodoka said in defeat. "And he and Genma will wait until you are sure it's okay for you to stay."
"Well that would be prudent." Yuchiko said in agreement. She nodded. "Please let Akane and Ukyo know that I went home." She said. "And I promise to call them tomorrow." She turned. "Tagaki, I will call you tomorrow as well." She said. "Now give your Mother a hug." Tagaki hurried over and hugged his mother.
Fifteen minutes later, Yuchiko was in the back seat of Ranma's car and being driven home. Nodoka made sure Tagaki and Akama bathed. Though she had forgotten all about Hayaima. When she did remember, she started looking around the house for him. He wasn't in the bathing room, the kitchen, the dojo or the bedroom he shared with Akama. Finally, and a little worried, she checked the guest room.
She found Hayaima asleep on the floor between the sleeping pads occupied by Megumi and Mitsui. One hand was held by the sleeping Megumi. Nodoka was about to wake Hayaima up when Megumi turned slightly on the sleeping pad and raised Hayaima's hand to her cheek. Nodoka couldn't help but smile. She fetched a spare blanket and placed it over the sleeping youth.
It was a little past eleven in the evening when Ranma, Akane and Ukyo returned. They were tired, dirty and smelled of smoke. Nodoka walked out of the kitchen. "Finally, you're back." She scolded. "Yuchiko went home, Tagaki and Akama are asleep in Akama's room." Nodoka smiled. "Haya apparently fell asleep 'protecting' Meg and Mitsi." She said. "I didn't have the heart to wake him."
Ukyo chuckled. "Reminds me a bit of Ranma." She said. "I'll try not to wake them when I go to bed." She said. "Yuchiko went home, you say?" Ukyo said in a interested tone.
"As will Genma and myself." Nodoka replied. "You needn't all look so pleased about it." Nodoka complained. She rolled her eyes. "I'm sure I can conviince Soun to stay overnight as well." She gave the three people in front of her a sour look. "I do hope you at least lock your bedroom door at night." Nodoka rolled her eyes again. "It's not funny, you three." Nodoka said warningly. "What if you are discovered?"
"Depends." Ranma said with a dangerous tone in his voice. "I can deal with the scandal." He said seriously. "But nobody better try to take my kids away." Ranma's voice growled. "Not Akama. Not Hayaima." He said. "They're my boys." He jabbed a thumb at his chest. "Mine."
"Do you really think you can stop the authorities from taking them if they wanted?" Nodoka snapped.
Ranma raised his hands in front of him. Suddenly energy started playing between his fingers. A glowing, gold plasma that sparked and snapped loud in the suddenly quiet room. "Yeah, Mom." Ranma said in very serious tones. "I think I can."
Nodoka's hand went to her mouth in sudden terror. She stared at the glowing plasma and then at her son. Ranma himself seemed, no not seeming, Nodoka realized, Ranma was glowing. Nodoka looked at Akane and her heart already beating fast, beat even faster. Akane eyes glowed with the same golden plasma. Nodoka jerked her head to Ukyo dreading what she may see. Ukyo's hair was a glowing, writhing mass.
"Ranma?" Nodoka gasped in a faint voice.
"I told you Mom." Ranma replied. "Magic is real." He said. "Everything I told you was true." He looked at his hands and the energy playing between them intensified for a second before it winked out. "It was gone for awhile." He said. "But it's back."
Hayaima woke in the middle of the night. For a moment he was disoriented and did not know where he was. It was dark and nothing sounded familiar, and here Hayaima paused in his thoughts, nothing smelled familiar either. Wherever he was smelled a lot better than his bedroom. Not that he had ever really minded the smells but where the normal scents were discarded socks and sweat, the scents here were...pleasant.
Hayaima also became aware that someone or something was pressing against his hand. Whatever it was was warm and soft...Hayaima's eyes finally adjusted and he found himself looking at Megumi's sleeping face. His hand was held by hers and she was, in essense, using his hand as a pillow.
Hayaima held his breath and tried to remove his hand without waking Megumi. Not that he really wanted to remove his hand but Hayaima really needed to use the bathroom. He slowly pulled his hand free. Megumi opened her eyes.
"Haya?" Megumi asked sleepily.
"Sorry, Meg." Hayaima whispeed back. "I tried not to wake you." He said. "But..." Hayaima blushed. "I need to go to the bathroom." Megumi nodded and released Hayaima's hand. Hayaima sat up.
"You're still in your clothes." Megumi said in realization. Megumi sat up. "You didn't bathe did you?" She scolded lightly in a whisper. She looked around. "Auntie Ukyo is not here." She said.
"Probably sleeping with Pops and Momma A." Hayaima responded. He clapped a hand over his mouth. "I don't think I'm supposed to tell anyone that."
"Don't worry, Haya." Megumi said. "I won't tell anyone." She added. "Besides, Mother approves of Auntie Ukyo."
Without quite knowing how it happened Hayaima found himself outside the guest room and walking toward the bathing area with Megumi holding on to his arm. "She does?"
Megumi nodded. "Mother says that until your mother showed up, Auntie Akane and Uncle Ranma were...unhappy." She smiled. "Just like your mother was unhappy." She smiled at Hayaima. "Mother says that everyone is happier now that Auntie Ukyo is here."
Hearing that, especially coming from Megumi, made Hayaima both proud and happy. "Mom is good at that." He said. Hayaima looked up to see they had reached the bathing area and bathroom. "I'll be just..." Hayaima began. He stopped when Megumi opened the door and entered with Hayaima.
"Go use the toilet." Megumi said firmly. "Then you can take a quick bath." She said. "Not too long." She ordered. "I want to get back to sleep."
"You don't.." Hayaima began again. Megumi looked at him. Hayaima swallowed. "I'll be quick." He promised. Hayaima went to the toilet. When he came out, Megumi was wrapped in a towel. "Meg?"
"I'll wash your back." Megumi said. "Well?' She said. "What are you waiting for?"
"But..." Began Hayaima.
"You're my boyfriend aren't you?" Megumi said. Hayaima nodded slowly. "Good." She said. "Then I can wash your back." She waved an impatient hand. "Hurry."
Though he blushed bright red, Hayaima quickly stripped. He placed his hands in front of his crotch and sat down on the stool. Megumi poured warm water on Hayaima's back and started soaping him up. "Why aren't you washing?" Megumi asked.
"Well, you see..." Hayaima began.
"You can't wash with your hands in your lap." Megumi stated.
"You see, Meg..." Hayaima tried again.
"Is something wrong?" Megumi asked. She leaned over Hayaima's shoulder and looked at Hayaima's lap. "Oh." Megumi said in understanding. "I bet you have an erection." She said. "Mother told me about that."
"Meg." Protested Hayaima.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of." Megumi continued. "Mother says it's perfectly natural." She said. "Can I see it?" She asked.
"Meg?" Squeaked Hayaima.
"Oh stop being a baby." Megumi scolded. "And let me see." Hayaima blushed even redder and slowly removed his hands. "Ooh." Megumi said in awe. "Is it supposed to be that big?" She asked.
"I don't know." Exclaimed hayaima.
"Well it looks very big to me." Megumi said. Megumi walked around Hayaima and knelt in front of him. She reached out and poked it gently with a finger. Hayaiima hissed. "Did that hurt?' Megumi asked in concern. Hayaima shook his head. Megumi poked it again. "Oh look, it twitched."
End
Author's notes: Dedicated to all first responders.