Author's note: Sorry that it has been so long since I last updated. The last chapter ten was awful and I only realized that after I posted and reread it. So I had to completely redo it. Hopefully this will be a much much better chapter. I also went back and fixed punctuation and spelling errors in the first nine chapters. While I was at it, I did some minor rewriting and added a few parts. I didn't make any changes to the story, I just did some editing to things to make them more consistent with later developments and added a few extra parts to fill in gaps and clarify the story. For those who don't reread the earlier chapters, the only detail you need to know is that Yuzuki's mom is named Yui and her father Kazuki. Yui + Kazuki = Yuzuki!

Anyways, I really hope you enjoy this chapter and the whole story. I've put a lot of effort in all of it the past few months and would greatly appreciate some reviews including on the older chapters. Have fun!

Ranma & Ukyo's Cupid

Chapter 10. Trip to China.

Ranma woke up.

"Huh? Where am I?"

He stuck his head outside the tent, there was Genma sitting beside the fire.

"Morning boy." he said.

"Um... Where are we?" Ranma asked.

"What a silly question. We're in Nerima, of course!" answered Genma.

"What!?" Ranma exclaimed. "But what about Yoyoma and the panties and the Dragon God King Wizard Kung-Fu master artifacts?"

"What nonsense are you going on about?" Genma asked.

"We flew to China using a magical talking feather." stated Ranma.

Genma put his hand on Ranma's forehead. "Nope, temperature is fine."

Ranma smacked his hand away. "What're you doing?"

He looked around. This place was familiar to him. It was Nerima forest!

"So it was all just a dream?" he asked. "But it seemed so real."

"What are you babbling about boy?" asked his father.

Ranma smiled, "I dreamed you took me to see another master more powerful than Happosai and that I had to steal panties from all the girls so he'd take us to China on a magic feather."

"That's the stupidest load of crap I've ever heard in my entire life!" Genma exclaimed.

"Well anyways," Ranma said, "I've made up my mind to go back to China. I want rid of this curse. I didn't tell you but I got some money when I was attacked by a penguin at the zoo. Not to mention what I made working at Miyaki's. It's enough to get us to China and back."

"I know." Genma replied. "I was the panda there that day."

"What!?" Ranma exclaimed. "What the heck were you doing at the zoo!?"

Genma closed his eyes and replied, "I was hungry."

"Well whatever, we should go ahead and get ready for the trip." said Ranma.

XXX

After school the next day.

Ranma and Ukyo walked to work much slower than usual.

"What is it Ranchan?" she asked.

He hesitated, then said, "Today will probably be my last day working here."

"What!? Why?" Ukyo asked.

"I'm quitting." he replied.

"Well there must be a reason." Ukyo said. "If we're boyfriend and girlfriend now, we need to talk about these things. Come on Ranchan, whatever it is, you can tell me."

Ranma sighed, "Well, as you know, my mother is back but I can't spend time with her because if she finds out about my curse."

"Seppuku." Ukyo said solemnly.

"Anyways," Ranma continued, "Between being attacked by a hungry penguin and working at this madhouse, I actually have just enough money to get me and pop to China and back without swimming."

"Take me with you!" said Ukyo.

"What!? No way! It's too dangerous!" he said.

"I'm not a little girl! I'm a martial artist." Ukyo replied indignantly.

"I know that." Ranma said, "But I don't want anything to happen to you. Jusenkyo is way out in the wilderness. Besides, what if you fell in one of the cursed springs?"

Ukyo narrowed her eyes at Ranma. "If I fell in one of the springs I'd jump in the spring that cured me before leaving!"

"Oh right, why didn't I think of that?" Ranma said with a little embarrassment. "But still, it's too danger-"

"I'm going." Ukyo said cutting him off.

"But-"

"I'm going." she said folding her arms.

This was the first real disagreement the two had had with each other, but there wasn't time for them to dwell on it. They had work to do.

"Hey Ukyo! Hey Ranma!" Konatsu said happily as they walked in.

"Hey Konatsu." both replied.

"Ready to get to work?" Konatsu asked.

"Listen," Ukyo started, "Today will be our last day working here with you."

"What!? But why?" Konatsu asked sadly. "It's been so much fun having you guys as coworkers. I will really miss you!"

"Yes, but Ranma's going to China to heal his curse and I'm going with him. Konatsu, why don't you try applying for work somewhere else? With your work ethic, I know someone would hire you! Then you could get decent pay and eat human food. Instead of being Miyaki's slave."

Konatsu frowned and looked away.

"What's wrong?" Ukyo asked.

"Actually," Konatsu replied, "I have a reason to work for Miyaki for so little."

"What is it?" Ukyo asked.

Konatsu hesitated, then said, "I've never told anyone this before, but I feel safe telling you two since Ranma is the same as I am."

"The same as you are?" asked a perplexed Ranma.

Konatsu continued, "Even though I dress and act like a girl, the truth is, I was born a boy."

"What!?" Ranma and Ukyo both exclaimed in shock.

"Hey, wait a minute." said Ranma. "I am a guy. I just transform into a girl when splashed with water!"

"Oh Ranma." said Konatsu. "You don't have to lie to me. You can admit you're transgendered to me!"

"But I'm not! Why the heck do you think I'm going all the way to China!?" he asked.

Ukyo came with a glass of water. "Konatsu, put your hands on Ranma's chest."

"Um, okay." Konatsu said feeling Ranma's chest.

"Okay, here it goes." Ukyo said as she dumped the cold water on Ranma's head.

"Oh my goodness!" Konatsu exclaimed as Ranma's breasts expanded in his hands.

"See now Konatsu?" he asked. "This is why I'm going to China!"

"Why on earth would you want to get rid of such a wonderful blessing!?" exclaimed Konatsu.

"You can't be serious?" said Ranma.

"Yes," replied Konatsu. "I am."

"So that still doesn't explain why you work for Miyaki." said Ukyo.

"Miyaki's father is a surgeon. She promised me that if I was her slave for seven years, she would get him to do the operation for me."

"Do you actually trust her to live up to her word?" Ukyo asked.

"Do I have a choice?" asked Konatsu.

"Hmm. I guess not." said Ukyo.

"Oh no!" Konatsu exclaimed. "We were supposed to start working ten minutes ago!"

There was total chaos! Shattered plates, bloodied noses, broken bones, and crazy toppings! In other words, a typical workday at Okonomiyaki Miyaki's!

"So is this really going to be your last day here?" Konatsu asked at the end of the shift.

"Yes." they both replied.

"I'll miss you." Konatsu said starting to tear up.

"Don't worry, we'll come visit you. I'll bring pancakes too!" said Ukyo.

They both hugged Konatsu and left.

XXX

After cashing in their final checks from Okonomiyaki Miyaki's, Ranma and Ukyo discussed going to China.

"I'd still rather you didn't go" said Ranma.

"I'm going." said Ukyo, "If we are going to be serious about our relationship we need to start doing things as a team."

"I don't want to have to worry about you the whole time." Ranma replied.

"You don't Ranchan. Besides, I'm worried about you. Last time you went to China you got cursed to switch genders and had a deadly amazon hunting your head! I don't want anything else bad to happen to you. Okay?"

Ranma paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "Okay, you can go then."

XXX

Later at Yuzuki's.

"Ukyo! You can't seriously go to China!" Yuzuki exclaimed.

"I've traveled to lots of places Yuzuki." she replied.

"But I'll be lonely!" cried Yuzuki. "Who will I have to talk to at lunch?"

"You could go talk to Daisuke." suggested Ukyo.

Yuzuki folded her arms, "I'd rather be alone."

XXX

The next morning Yuzuki came in with the mail.

"Hey Ukyo, there's a letter for you."

"Really? Let me see." she said.

Ukyo opened it up. It was a reply from her mother.

Dear Ukyo,

So glad to finally hear from you! You really shouldn't wait so long to write back to us you know. Your father and I have been doing well, despite our children being away from home. I'm glad to hear things are working out with Ranma, but be careful. He might be like that rascal Genma! If you need any advice feel free to ask. I'd lecture you about being more cautious with something as important as a restaurant, but your father lost his fair share of restaurants and carts. Be sure to come visit us sometime soon or we'll have to come to Nerima ourselves!

Love,

Mom

Ukyo's eyes teared up a little.

"Ukyo! What's wrong?" Yuzuki asked.

"Nothing." she said.

Yuzuki sat down beside her. "It must be something. Tell me."

"I just haven't seen my family in a long time. I miss them." Ukyo said starting to cry.

"Why don't you go visit them then?" asked Yuzuki.

"Because..."

"Becuase why?" she asked.

"There's just a lot of complications with visiting them." Ukyo said.

Yuzuki put her arm around her, "Ukyo, I won't press you on it, but if something is bothering you you should tell me. You know I'll always listen to you."

"Thanks Yuzuki, you're a true friend." she said. "The truth is, and promise you'll keep it a secret?"

"You can count on me, my lips are sealed."

Ukyo looked down, "I've loved Ranma since the day I met him. I never dreamed of being with anyone else. But there were many years where it seemed hopeless and like I'd never find him. Even after I found him it still seemed hopeless with him engaged to another girl and even living with her. But no matter what I never gave up on him. He's the one for me, I know it. That's why I'm going to China. I can't bear to be separated from him. But my dad doesn't understand. Even though Ranma is the complete opposite of his father, because Genma stole the cart and never tried to live up to his end of the bargain, my dad has a very negative view of the Saotome family."

"Oh I see." said Yuzuki. "But I'm sure he would change his mind if he met Ranma and seen how he really is!"

Ukyo shook her head, "No, he's extremely stubborn. Also, and this is the part you must keep secret, my dad has picked me out another fiancé."

"What!? Another fiancé!" Yuzuki said in shock.

"Yes." replied Ukyo. "But I refuse to be with anyone other than Ranma. He's my only fiancé."

"Have you met the other guy?" Yuzuki asked.

"Yes." Ukyo said her voice cracking a little.

"What was he like?"

"He was my first kiss." she answered.

"What!? Really?" Yuzuki asked even more shocked.

"It was when we were fifteen. My dad introduced us. At that point, I was almost ready to give up on Ranchan. All hope seemed lost. So when my dad brought a handsome young guy over, I was almost ready to fall for him."

"So why didn't you?" Yuzuki asked curiously.

Ukyo smiled, "My mother is an exceptional okonomiyaki chef. Better than me, better than my father even! Her restaurant gets customers from all over Japan. She knew how much I loved Ranma, so she would always ask around to see if anyone had heard of a Ranma or Genma Saotome. One day she finally got a tip. As soon as she told me I went looking for him. That's how I ended up coming here to Nerima."

"Wow." said Yuzuki. "But hey, that still doesn't tell me about how you ended up kissing the guy! How'd it happen?"

"I didn't kiss him! He kissed me!" Ukyo exclaimed.

"What's the difference?" asked Yuzuki.

"I stood still, I didn't lean in. I didn't lean away because part of me wanted it. But I still didn't lean in." she answered.

"What else did he do?" Yuzuki asked more curious than ever. "You can tell me, I'll keep your secrets."

"Nothing!" Ukyo said. "A peck on the lips and that's as far as it went!"

"That's not exciting at all!" Yuzuki complained.

Ukyo frowned, "It still hurts. I feel like I betrayed Ranma."

"What!?" Yuzuki yelled, "That's crazy talk! So what if you kissed another guy!"

"He kissed me!" Ukyo interjected.

"Same difference!" Yuzuki said continuing. "It was before you even came here, you hadn't seen Ranma in years. Besides, he lived with another girl for a year. Who knows what went on between them! You shouldn't feel guilty at all Ukyo!"

"But I do." she said quietly.

Yuzuki hugged her. "You crazy girl, what am I gonna do with you."

"If my dad comes back I know he'll try to force me to leave Ranma, but I won't! I want to see my family, but I just can't deal with all that right now." she said on the verge of crying.

"Hey, it's my place." Yuzuki said. "If they visit and then try to tell you who to marry I'll tell them to leave! They'll have no choice but to so don't worry about a thing okay?"

"Thanks Yuzuki." Ukyo said hugging her back. "I'm glad I have a friend like you."

"So am I." she replied.

XXX

Ranma lay awake on the floor at Daisuke's house.

"Soon I'll be rid of this curse." he thought. "Then I can finally see you mother, as a man."

He smiled and went to sleep.

XXX

D-Day. Finally the day had arrived for Ranma to go to China.

"Alright Ranma." said Genma. "Let's get ready and go."

"Wait a minute, there's something I need to tell you."

"What is it boy?" Genma asked.

"Well um... You see, Ukyo is kind of-" he stumbled with the words.

"Kind of what? You're not making any sense." Genma said.

Ranma sighed, "She is kind of... coming along."

"What!?" Genma growled. "What the heck are you thinking!? Bringing a girl along?"

"It wasn't my idea!" Ranma argued. "I tried to talk her out of it, but she insisted. Besides, she's a martial artist. It'll be fine."

"This is supposed to be a manly man's trip! With men and manliness. We don't need no stinkin' girl around!" Genma complained.

"Ranma honey!" Ukyo called as she ran up to him. "I packed lunch for you!"

"Lunch!" Genma said. "Oh Ukyo! We're so glad that you're coming with us! I can't imagine the trip without you!"

Ranma rolled his eyes and sighed, "Typical pop."

"Wow, I've never been to an airport before. This is exciting!" she said when they arrived.

"Neither have we." replied Ranma.

"Hey! Watch where you're touching buster!" Ukyo snapped as the security guard patted her down.

"I'm sorry miss, but you can't bring that on the plane." one of the worker said of her giant spatula. She had to call Yuzuki to come take it back.

"I can't believe they wouldn't let me take my spatula! It's a spatula!" she complained while they waited to board the plane.

On the plane...

Fortunately, Ranma and Ukyo were able to sit together and enjoyed the flight. Genma on the other hand, wasn't so lucky. He was seated next to a fat man with bad gas who had just ate at Waco Bell before getting on board. The man in front of him was reclining back too far and the woman behind had a crying baby.

"Why Buddha why?" he cried.

Ukyo held Ranma's hand, he squeezed her's gently.

"This is almost romantic. Don't ya think Ranchan?" she asked.

"Yeah, except for fifty other people aboard." he remarked.

"Waaaaaah! Waaaaaah!" screamed the baby right beside Genma's ear.

The man in the seat ahead reclined back even further. Genma tried to take a deep breath to relax. But instead he smelt the noxious fumes coming from the man next to him.

"Wow Ranma, we're above the clouds now!" Ukyo exclaimed.

He didn't respond so she looked over. He was fast asleep. Ukyo smiled. "He's so cute."

The fat man beside Genma farted again which made the baby cry even harder. But on the bright side, the man in front of him pushed his seat back up.

Ranma's head fell over on Ukyo's shoulder. She leaned her head on his.

"This is nice. I wish we could just stay like this." she thought.

"Attention! We will be landing soon!" the captain announced over the loudspeaker.

"Bullcrap!" Ukyo yelled.

"Fresh air!" Genma exclaimed as they got off the plane.

Jusenkyo was still some distance from the airport and the terrain was too rugged to take a car, so they hiked. Genma tried to make small talk with Ukyo, but she wasn't very responsive. She was still a little sore about him taking off with her father's okonomiyaki cart. Although it wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't taken Ranma with him too!

Ranma wasn't very talkative either, he was focused on getting cured so he could see his mother again. Which reminded him.

"Hey Ukyo, how come you never mention your mother?" he asked.

She shrugged, "Um... I don't know."

"Why don't you tell us about her." he said, adding, "If you want that is."

"Yes, I never had the pleasure of meeting your mother." said Genma.

Ukyo closed her eyes and smiled, "My mother is the best okonomiyaki chef I know of."

"Better than you?" Ranma asked.

"Yes." she replied. "Better than me or my father or Miyaki or anyone!"

Genma gasped, "You mother wouldn't happen to be Kimiko Kuonji? The one who runs the famous Okonomiyaki Kuonji's is she?"

"Yes!" she exclaimed. "That's her restaurant!"

"I've heard they serve the best okonomiyaki in all of Japan." Genma stated.

"It's true!" Ukyo said. "She's amazing! I learned from her. But I'm still not as good as her."

"I'm sure you can become even better with enough practice." Genma said.

"You really think so?" she asked.

"Yes." he answered.

"Yeah, you've gotten even better just since you've come to Nerima." Ranma added.

Once the sun went down and it was dark out, they decided to make camp for the night. Genma went to sleep almost immediately, Ukyo and Ranma stayed up to watch the stars.

"They're so beautiful." she said.

Ranma started to say "Not as beautiful as you are." but hesitated. He wasn't comfortable saying things like that quite yet.

"See that bright red one?" Ukyo asked. "That's the planet Mars."

"Really?" Ranma asked. "How did you know that?"

"Don't you pay attention in science class?" she asked.

"Nope." he replied.

"Geez, is he gonna make a move on her or not? I went to my tent early to give him a chance to do so. And here I thought he was ready to become a man!" complained Genma peeking through his tent zipper to spy on them.

Ukyo yawned, "Well Ranma honey, I think I'll hit the sack now."

Ranma hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Don't I get a goodnight kiss?"

Ukyo turned and smiled, "I suppose I could spare one."

He kissed her on the lips. "Goodnight Ucchan."

"Goodnight Ranchan."

They both retired to their tents.

"Damn boy, don't stop just when things are getting exciting! Go all the way!" Genma muttered. "I guess I'll have to have a talk with that boy."

Ukyo smiled to herself as she laid down. "Yuzuki was right, being more coy with him has made Ranma a bit more forthright."

Genma was up early the next day, he woke up Ranma up to have a little pep talk with him.

"Why the heck you waking me up?" Ranma complained.

"Listen boy, what the heck was up with up with last night?" Genma asked.

"Huh? What are you talking about?" Ranma asked.

"Why didn't you put the moves on her and take her to bed like a real man?" he exclaimed.

"Shut up!" Ranma yelled kicking at him.

Thus began their morning sparing match, which was stopped dead in its tracks by the scent of Ukyo's cooking.

"Breakfast time!" she called.

As they scarfed down their meal, tears began to roll down Genma's eyes.

"What is this blessed and holy food called?" he asked.

"They're pancakes! Also known as hotcakes." she replied.

"From now on, pancakes are my favorite food!" he proclaimed.

XXX

Yuzuki slept in longer than usual. It was Saturday or Saturn's day, so no school.

"It sure is lonely without Ukyo around. I kind of liked having her stay with me. It was like we were sisters or something." she thought.

She went downstairs and cooked her new favorite breakfast. Pancakes!

"Hmm. They're not as good as Ukyo's." she said frowning.

She put the dishes in sink then stared out the window and sighed, "It must be nice spending time with your boyfriend out in the wilderness."

Suddenly, it dawned on her that she hadn't taken back her library books.

"Oh crap! Oh crap!" she yelled running down the street. She had never had an overdue book in her life.

Bam! She slammed right into another person on the sidewalk.

"Oh no! Are you okay? I'm so sorry!" she said panicking.

"I wouldn't mind bumping into you everyday." spoke a familiar voice.

Yuzuki's jaw dropped, "Daisuke!? What the heck are you doing out here?"

"Is it so odd for someone to walk on the sidewalk?" he asked.

"No." she replied.

Daisuke picked up one of the books she dropped.

"How to make a man fall for you in thirty days."

"Hey! Give that back!" she yelled.

"What's the matter? Can't get a boyfriend?" he teased.

"They were Ukyo I'd like for you to know!"

"She's got a boyfriend. In fact, since they're out in China, I bet they're probably doing it as we speak." he said with a perverted grin.

"They are not! Ukyo isn't like that!" she shot back.

"Are you sure? She sure is head over heels for Ranma." Daisuke reminded her.

"Wow, you're right." she said. "What if she is doing that? I told her to make him wait damnit!"

"Too late now!" Daisuke joked.

Yuzuki picked up her things and walked on. After a few steps she turned and asked, "Well, are you coming?"

Daisuke stared at her for a moment with a look of surprise on his face.

"Um... Yes, I'm coming" he said running to catch up.

XXX

Meanwhile, back in China...

"To Jusenkyo we go! To Jusenkyo we go! High ho the dairy oh! To Jusenkyo we go!" they sang as they hiked up a hill.

Ukyo stepped and suddenly felt the ground give way underneath of her.

"Ranma!" she yelled.

"Ukyo!" he shouted grabbing her hand.

It was too late for most of her gear including her tent. It all fell off the edge.

"Thanks Ranchan." she said as he pulled her back up to safety.

"See! This is why I told you not come! It's too dangerous!" Ranma said angrily.

"But Ran-"

"I shouldn't have let you come." he said turning to walk on.

Ukyo frowned and looked down.

"Maybe he's right." she thought. "Maybe I shouldn't have come along."

XXX

Konatsu walked down the cat food aisle picking out his dinner.

"Oh! Tender beef & chicken. A classic!" he said adding it to his cart.

Ukyo's words ran through his mind. "Konatsu, why don't you try applying for work somewhere else? With your work ethic, I know someone would hire you! Then you could get decent pay and eat human food instead of being Miyaki's slave."

"Could I really work for someone else?" he wondered.

Konatsu returned to Miyaki's where he lived. She allowed him to live in the guest bedroom provided he always did whatever she commanded of him.

"Beef & chicken! This will be delicious!" he said in great anticipation. But when he bit into it, it was quite disappointing. Cat food just isn't as good as pancakes.

Konatsu frowned, "I miss Ukyo."

"Oh Slavenotsu!" Miyaki called.

Konatsu jumped to his feet, "Coming Miss Miyaki!"

"Can you change the cat litter? The lobster and steak gave Mr. Fluffywinkles a bad case of diarrhea."

"As you command." he said. But as he cleaned out the putrid litter box, Ukyo's words ran, or at least jogged briskly through his mind.

"Would someone else really and truly treat me better?" he again wondered.

After washing his hands with anti-bacterial soap three times, Konatsu returned to see if Miyaki needed anything else.

"Do you need anything else Miss Miyaki?"

She yawned, "Fluff my pillow."

"Is this good?" he asked.

"Not fluffy enough." she complained.

Konatsu fluffed the pillow again. "How about now Miss Miyaki?"

"Still not fluffy enough." she complained, so Konatsu fluffed it a third time.

Miyaki laid her head on it, but didn't immediately remark on it.

"Is it to your liking Miss Miyaki?" Konatsu asked hopefully.

"Too fluffy." she complained.

"I'm so sorry Miss Miyaki! I will fix it immediately."

XXX

Yuzuki gulped. She was very anxious as she went up to the front desk to turn her books in. Having never had an overdue book before, her imagination began to run wild about what horrible things would happen to her. But her nightmarish fantasy was interrupted by the librarian's voice.

"Two yen."

"Huh?" she asked.

"Two yen." the librarian repeated.

Yuzuki breathed a sigh of relief and paid the two yen.

"I've never had a late book before. I was really worried for minute." she said to Daisuke.

"Really?" he asked. "I turn stuff in late all the time."

Yuzuki rolled her eyes, then asked, "So, what section do you usually go to?"

"Manga." he answered.

"Oh, I like manga too. Let's check some out." she replied.

XXX

Akane sighed heavily. She could feel Ranma slipping away from her. She thought about the past and wondered if there was something she could have said or done differently to bring about a better outcome.

"Or was Ranma just destined to become Ukyo's?" she asked aloud.

"Ranma isn't the only guy in the world ya know." said Nabiki causing Akane to jump.

"Nabiki!" she yelled. "What are you doing eavesdropping on me?"

"Sorry, but you left the door wide open." she replied.

"Ranma might not be the only guy in the world, but he's the only one I want." Akane said sitting on her bed.

Nabiki sat down beside her and put her arm around her, "Did I ever tell you about the crush I had in the eighth grade?"

"No. You had a crush?" she asked.

"I'm not as icy as people think." Nabiki said with a wink.

"That's not what I meant. I just didn't know. You never talk about things like that." Akane replied.

"I do with Kasumi." Nabiki answered adding, "But now that you're older, I can talk to you about it too."

"So tell me about him." Akane said anxiously.

Nabiki looked up at the ceiling and smiled. But didn't say anything.

"Come on, tell me about him." Akane begged.

"It's nothing." she replied wishing she hadn't mentioned it now.

"It must be something." Akane said.

"Well, in the eighth grade a boy told me I was cute." Nabiki said.

"Really?"

"Yeah, it was the first time anyone had ever told me something like that. Everyone was always interested in Kasumi instead of me." she said.

"So what happened next?" Akane asked eagerly. "Did you go out?"

Nabiki made a serious expression. "Well... after I took a pregnancy test."

"WHAT!?" Akane exclaimed jumping up.

"Calm down, I'm only kidding!" Nabiki said. "Sheesh, you're so easy to get worked up."

"That wasn't funny Nabiki." said Akane.

"We never dated or anything, he moved away a couple of months after the school year started. But I spent the whole eighth grade year and the following summer depressed over him. Don't make that same mistake Akane, don't get hung up on one guy, okay? That's all I'm saying."

"Wow Nabiki, I didn't know that. But I'm glad you told me." Akane said.

Nabiki laughed, "You should ask Kasumi about the time she almost eloped!"

"What!?" Akane exclaimed in disbelief. "She wouldn't? ...Would she?"

"She almost did." Nabiki answered adding, "But that's her story to tell, not mine."

Akane laid back on her bed, "But Ranma is so unique. He's not just any ol' guy you know?"

"That's for sure."

Akane continued, "He's the only guy in the world who knows what it's like to physically be a girl!"

"He won't be for much longer." Nabiki remarked.

"Yes, but he will still remember having been one."

"I'm sure some other guys have fallen into the cursed spring of the drowned girl aswell." said Nabiki.

"But would they be anything like Ranma?" Akane asked.

Nabiki sighed, "No, probably not. Nobody is quite like Ranma."

A couple of moments of silence passed between them, the Akane asked, "Do you ever wish you had spoken up and said you wanted Ranma when he first came here?"

Nabiki was taken off guard by Akane's question.

"Well," she said clearing her throat, "To be honest, I have wondered to myself a few times what would have or could have been between us. He is a handsome guy after all and the thought of a guy who understands what it's like to have a girl's body is, well," she paused for a moment then said, "interesting, to say the least."

"Aha!" Akane exclaimed, "So you have thought about it!"

"Yes," she answered. "As a fantasy it's nice." then with a devious grin added, "...and a little bit sexy. But realistically, it could never work between us. Our personalities are incompatible. Although I wouldn't complain if I had been forced to marry him. I can think of worse guys to be hitched to after all."

"I don't think you would be compatible with each other either." Akane said. She hesitated for a bit, then asked her sister, "Do you think I'm compatible with Ranma?"

Nabiki started to crack a joke, but realizing her sister was being serious she decided to give a real response. "Yes, I do. I think you'd make a cute couple."

"Really Nabiki?" Akane asked happily.

"Yes," she answered. "But to make it work it would require a lot of effort on both ends."

"I see." Akane said. "You're right, I definitely need to change how I act with Ranma. But tell me the truth, do you think it's too late to save our relationship."

Nabiki could see the worry in her little sister's eyes. "No, not yet. But Ranma and Ukyo are getting closer and closer each and every day and with Ranma no longer living here, you've lost the home advantage."

"I know." she replied. "Ranma will be moving in with his mother when he gets back. I can't ask him to leave her and move back in with us. As much as I'd like to."

Nabiki put her hands on Akane's shoulders. "Listen Akane, I'm only telling you this to help you."

Akane nodded, "Okay Nabiki."

She continued, "You and Ranma would make a great couple. But the truth is, Ranma and Ukyo make a pretty great couple too. Their personalities are compatible and she has actually known him longer. It will be an uphill battle for you to win him over."

"I know," Akane replied. "But I feel like I have to try."

Nabiki smiled, "That's the right attitude! But listen, just keep in mind that there are other guys in the world too. Don't get yourself hung up on one particular one. Okay?"

Akane smiled and nodded, "Don't worry, I won't."

Nabiki got up and started to leave.

"Nabiki?"

"Yes Akane, what is it?" she asked.

"Thanks."

Nabiki smiled, "You're welcome.

XXX

The trio stopped to take a break. Seeing that Ukyo was upset, Genma went to talk to her while Ranma took a bathroom break over the hill.

"Don't be sad. He was just worried. That was pretty dangerous." he said.

"He's right, I shouldn't have come." she said.

"That's not true at all." Genma said. "You've been a huge help cooking for us and all."

Ukyo didn't respond. Ranma came back, so Genma took his bathroom break. He went extra far to give them more time.

Ranma walked over and sat beside her, "Hey Ucchan."

"I'm sorry I came here, I know I'm in the way." she said.

"No." he said. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten mad at you. I was just scared. You could have really been hurt you know?"

"I know." she said, feeling a little better.

Ranma hugged her, "Just be more careful, okay? I don't want anything to happen to you."

"I will." she said.

XXX

"Thanks for walking me home." said Yuzuki. "I had fun today."

"You're welcome." Daisuke replied. "So did I."

"We'll have to hang out again sometime." Yuzuki said before she went into her house.

Daisuke stood outside for a moment, slowly taking in what just happened. Then he jumped in the air and shouted, "Yes! I did it! I actually talked to a girl without screwing it up!"

"Go home already!" Yuzuki shouted from her window.

XXX

"It's getting dark, time to make camp for the night." said Genma.

"Here Ukyo." said Ranma, "You can have my tent."

"What about you Ranchan?" she asked.

"I'll be fine." he replied adding, "This won't be the first time I've slept in the wilderness."

"You can sleep with me. If you want." Ukyo said.

Ranma blushed. "No, I'll be okay."

"Okay, but if you get cold in the night feel free to come in." she said zipping up the tent.

"I can't believe that boy." thought Genma. "Turning down a chance to sleep with a beautiful girl like that. Where did I go wrong?"

Ranma went to sleep on the ground. It wasn't a big deal to him. He had spent more nights on the ground than he had in a bed actually. Also, it had a certain nostalgia for him. It reminded him of when he and his father traveled all over. He went to sleep quickly and easily.

A couple of hours later, it started to pour down the rain.

"Oh crap!" Ranma exclaimed as he ran for cover.

The rain woke Ukyo up. She unzipped the tent and yelled, "Ranchan! Get in here before you catch a cold!"

Ranma quickly got into the tent. "I can't believe it's raining. The weather said sunny all week!"

"Ranma, you're soaking wet!" said Ukyo.

"Achoo!" he sneezed.

"You're gonna have to take them off." she said.

"What?" he asked although he had heard clearly.

"Your clothes, they're all wet. You need to take them off or you'll get sick." she replied.

"But my spare clothes fell off the cliff!" he said.

"You'll just have to let them dry out." said Ukyo.

"But then I'll be naked!" Ranma exclaimed.

"You're in your girl form silly. You ain't got nothin' I haven't ever seen. Besides, I don't roll that way sugar." she said.

Reluctantly, Ranma undressed.

"Geez, Ranma sure has big breasts. They're even larger than mine!" thought Ukyo jealously.

"Here, get under the blanket." she told him.

After Ranma got snug under the blanket, Ukyo cuddled up next to him and went to sleep. Ranma on the other hand, was unable to sleep due to his uh... predicament shall we say.

"I can't believe I'm sleeping side by side with a girl." he thought. "And naked no less! I'm in my girl form, but still. Naked!"

Eventually, the shock wore off and he drifted off to sleep.

"Actually, this is kind of nice."

XXX

Ranma woke up first. His body was conditioned to waking at dawn. He stretched and yawned as usual then froze. He had forgotten Ukyo was beside him. She was an early riser too.

"Morning Ranchan, how'd you sleep." she asked between yawns.

"Good." he answered. He was embarrassed to say just how good.

Ukyo sat up and looked at Ranma, "This may be the last time you change into a girl."

"I sure hope so!" he replied.

"You won't miss it?" she asked.

"Heck no! You crazy?"

"Not even a little bit?" Ukyo asked. "A lot of guys would love to have your little curse ya know."

"Well they can have it!" Ranma said putting his dried out clothes back on.

"You know Ranma, that's one of the things I love about you. When I went to an all guys school I saw first hand how perverted most boys are. But you're not like that at all. You're so different."

Ranma blushed, "Thanks Ucchan."

Ukyo continued, "When I first found out how many fianceés you had, I was worried you were some kind of playboy. But I soon found out that wasn't the case at all. Then I began to wonder if you had any interest in girls at all."

"I don't know. I was just always focused on martial arts." he replied.

Ukyo continued, "You don't know how happy it made me when you first asked me out on a date. Even though it was with Yuzuki's help, it still meant the world to me. I was disappointed when you didn't kiss me that first time. Yuzuki told me to make you work for it, but I wanted it too bad to wait. But when you finally did kiss me, it was the most magical moment of my life. I've come to accept your slow steady pace of doing things Ranma. At first it annoyed me, but now I understand that it's just the way you are. I love you Ranma, I wouldn't change a thing about you."

He started to speak, but she put her finger on his lips and shushed him. "Come on, we need to get going now."

After hiking a couple of hours, Jusenkyo was within sight! Ranma and Genma ran so fast Ukyo could hardly keep up with them.

"Hey! Wait up!" she yelled in vain.

Upon reaching the hot springs, they were greeted by a familiar face.

"Ah sirs, let me tell you too too tragic story of boy and dad who cursed to turn into girl and panda... huh? Wait, I know you!" exclaimed the guide.

"We're back." said Genma.

Alright." Ranma thought. "This is the last time I'll be a girl!"

He slowly dipped himself into the spring of drowned boy and emerged a male again. Genma cannonballed into the spring of drowned man. After they finished dancing and splashing themselves with cold water, Ranma got out three bottles.

"Good thing these didn't fall with the other gear." he said.

"What are those for?" Genma asked.

"One is for Ryoga, one is for Mousse, and the other is for Shampoo."

"Ah! Good thinking!" Genma said.

As Ranma gathered up the water, Ukyo thought of Konatsu and what he had said before they left.

"Do you have an extra bottle on hand?" she asked the tour guide.

"Yes yes." replied the tour guide. "Here! Reminds me of too too tragic tale of fish too dumb to swim."

"Thank you!" she said without letting him finish the story. "Here, fill this with water from the spring of drowned girl!" she told Ranma.

"What? Why?" he asked.

"For Konatsu." she replied.

"Right!" he said filling it up. "Why didn't I think of that?"

While they were there, Ranma also stopped by to get the cure for the dragon's whisker that made his hair grow without end. Genma wanted a dragon whisker for himself but they were all out.

"Any other horrible problems you need to fix while we are here?" Ukyo asked.

"Nope, can't think of any." Ranma replied.

Ukyo sighed, "How did you get yourself in so much trouble while you were here Ranchan? Cursed to switch genders, cursed to grow hair infinitely, Chinese Amazoness hunting your head, other martial artists holding grudges because you knocked them into the springs. Am I forgetting anything?"

"Trouble has always followed me. I haven't a clue why." he answered.

"So I've noticed." she said. "Mom wants you to commit seppuku if you're not manly enough, dad is insane, master's a pervert, engaged to multiple fianceés some of whom are violent, multiply people holding serious grudges, extreme phobia of cats from aforementioned insane father. Did I miss anything?"

"That about covers it."

"I don't know how you do it Ranchan, any normal person would go completely insane from all the crap that's happened to you." Ukyo said.

Ranma shrugged and smiled, "I guess what doesn't kill me only makes me stronger."

The rest of their trip was uneventful and soon they were back in Nerima. Yuzuki's mom drove her over to pick them up.

"It's great to be in Nerima again!" Ukyo said as she got off the plane.

"And not to transform anymore!" Ranma and Genma added.

Yuzuki glomped Ukyo as soon as she saw her. "I missed you so much!"

"Yuzuki, you're embarrassing me!" Ukyo said trying to push her off.

"Come on, I'll take you guys home." said Yuzuki's mom, Yui.

Yui stopped at Nodoka's house and Ranma and Ukyo reluctantly said goodbye to each other.

"I'm finally going to see her again. This time without any fear of seppuku." Ranma thought.

He turned to say something to his father, but he was out of sight.

"Hey! Coward!" he yelled.

"Think of me as a coward if you want boy, but it's best this way. This way you can see each other without distraction." Genma said as he escaped.

Ranma went on without him and walked up to his mother's front door. He gulped, then put his hand up to knock, but hesitated.

"Why am I so nervous?" he asked himself. After several minutes, he finally worked up enough courage and knocked.

"Coming!" Nodoka called.

The door creaked openly slowly and Nodoka stood in shock.

"Ranma!" she exclaimed as she glomped him. "Oh my baby boy I missed you so much!"

"Mom... stop... you're... choking me..." Ranma said as his face started to turn blue.

"Come in!" his mother said. "I'll have dinner whipped up in a jiffy."

Ranma sat down and looked around the house. This was only his second time visiting and he didn't get a good look last time. He noticed a lot of old antics and also samurai stuff. Including several swords.

"Thank goodness I don't turn into a girl anymore!" he thought.

After dinner, Nodoka asked him, "So, are you going to stay here this time?"

"Yes." he answered. "I am."