The plan to escape from Ranma was flawless, Ryoga thought. She asked Midori to invent a fantastic place where she could run off to while the fanged mother turned tail back to Nerima. This time though, the place had been scouted by the Endo's before and no one was the wiser about an area far from Furinkan.
Ryoki Endo decided to once again change her name and lifestyle, and although Sachiko would always live by her chosen name, the teenage girl opted to use another way to disguise herself this time. Thus, Ryoga Hibiki proudly walked the streets of the old city known as Asaka, in the Saitama prefecture and porting on herself a new set of improved identifications branding the teen as Sakura Takashi, a brown-haired girl arriving from overseas and into a peaceful part of town.
Thanks to Midori's new research team, the non-fanged girl managed to obtain several fake teeth used by the University's dental department who matched the complete look with several high definition tints and two boxes filled with browned colored contact lenses to match the hair.
When the girl walked into the train station, no one could recognize between the non-fanged teen and an ordinary young brunette, enabling Ryoga to blend with hundreds of girls near the outskirts of Furinkan. There were other matters she wasn't able to change though which mostly involved dirty old men groping her on the train during the journey, but thanks to a strategic sitting position leaving Sachiko's stroller in front and the girl by the window, many pinches and the occasional fondling were easily averted.
"Three hours left and we should be on our new home Sachi-Chan. . ." The baby loved to make faces and trace every single detail her mother did, ignoring the weird look on her hair and eyes and focusing instead on her happy features. Little Sachiko had another amazing side effect thanks to her early disposition to say the word 'mama' so often and openly. That baby would still coo and giggle like a healthy little girl, turning that wagon in motion into a pervert-free car.
"Isn't she lovely. . .And you are so young. You should feel so proud." Mentioned respectfully most gentlemen who a few minutes earlier stared with hungry eyes at the girl. Ryoga felt like laughing out loud at their lying demeanor, but the fact to be one of the five females among more than a dozen men of all ages didn't count too favorable if they decided to break the rule and grope them out of spite.
Thankfully nothing happened out of the ordinary until the sight of an old Nerima made Ryoga's stomach gurgle nervously. The sounds alone made the little bundle giggle even louder, forcing the laughs from the passengers while a tensely young woman apologized by the racket.
"Well girl. . .Here we are again." Said Ryoga with a sigh of relief after no bothersome teens would try to ruin her life anymore. The cooing girl looked at her mother with a big smile across her face, asking maybe in her own way where was her other family on this journey.
"I'm sorry baby, but auntie Mi-Chan and Uncle Ken-kun stayed behind for now. It'll be the two of us for the time being, but I'm sure we'll get along just fine." As soon as they arrived into town, Ryoga walked into one of the cabs parked near the train station, and without delay, the new Takashi family arrived moments later over the less known areas of the big district known as Nerima North.
As they passed through new grounds, they saw how there was no broken walls, either an Okonomiyaki restaurant or even a Nekohanten for that matter, but just a tiny noodle soup eatery residing right at the bottom of a tall apartment building.
The gentle cab driver helped with the few packs and two light luggage boxes after the girl gave him a nice tip and watched the last remnant of her past drive away on that yellow taxi. "Here we are babe. . .Apartments Kimore. The place where a single Midori lived for years." Added the girl as if she was a tour guide.
The girl pressed the ringing red button and was welcomed into the main apartment where the owner lived. The old woman fell in love with the baby instantly, winning some precious points towards the family of two who had no background or rent history on the past ten years.
"I see. So you worked as an assistant in Tokyo's University not long ago but decided to live away from students and the like. Well. . .You came to the right place. In these apartments only single, mature girls and old couples live. It was a shame for Midori-Chan to leave us behind, but when she got married to that fine young man, the life of a single woman had to end. . .And her apartment had to be exchanged for a house, what are we going to do about it."
"Yes Mrs. Aika." Chided happily a teen clearly tired from the journey. "I understand how you feel, and best of all, Mrs. Midori Endo told me so much about the peace and tranquility on this area." Ryoga acted so meekly and sweet, the girl instantly won her sympathy right away as well.
"She said no martial artist or any of those pesky young boys messing with private properties are around these premises anymore?" She tried to prod as much as the woman would let her, hoping to never see a Saotome or a Tendo in her renewed life ever again. "Oh no!. . .There was this old geezer who loved to steal panties not long ago, but the police talked seriously with his family and he is not allowed to come this way anymore."
They suddenly became really good friends and although the old woman tried to give her the same apartment Midori lived in, Ryoga insisted on another one far away from that exact part of the building. . .For security purposes.
Staring at the building permit stamped on the wall, Ryoga tilted her head puzzled, and wondering what was with the different title name owning the place. "Is Kimore another building owner?" Asked rather curious the teen. The older landlady tugged a chuckle made of a reminiscent old emotion, mentioning her daughter bought the place but lived on a house after getting married a long time ago."
"I guess that's the way life takes our children away. . .They grow wings and fly from the nest, ready to make their own life somewhere else." The woman sighed content but thankful of all the other girls who loved paying a visit every now and then to a building made for the single life.
"Kimore still visits me occasionally, but a woman in charge of a house, a family and a job leave little time to do so." Ryoga grabbed her daughter with certain intensity when she heard those words. Wondering if perhaps Sachiko would leave her when that time were to come.
"Don't worry Missy. . .There is a long way before your baby grows and moves on, but when such time arrives, you will be more than ready to let go. It always works out that way." Advised wisely the elder as if she knew what Ryoga feared the most as a young mother.
Once installed in her own address, Mrs. Aika mentioned one last comment before leaving the girl at her leisure. "Listen Miss Takashi. Downstairs, at the base of the building is a small noodle soup restaurant. . .It's a project of mine besides this fine building, but I seem to miss a good cook who knows of curative and energetic herbs and mushrooms."
"If you ever come across such young talented girl, please let her know my predicament or. . ." Left unsaid the woman when she hoped for a beautiful brunette to occupy the spot herself. Ryoga smiled nervously, but admitted to her landlady she knew of special herbs and wild plants.
"Extraordinary!. . .Please dear, come to the restaurant at any time and we can check on the inventory together." As she slowly left towards the elevator, Ryoga went into the furnished apartment filled with simple, yet comfy furniture acceptable for a tiny place like this one.
"Ok little girl, you and I are going to take a long and overdue bath together and then, to the store. I need to stack up with all manner of bottles, diapers and so much stuff for you alone is not even funny." Ryoga carried her little girl and set her on the bed, carefully undressing the baby while playing with her mouth and Sachi's tiny belly.
As part of the act, Ryoga supposed, almost all the single young women arrived to the new renter's home, attracted by the unstoppable giggling of a happy baby. The non-fanged teen quickly dressed with an improvised long towel, walking towards the entrance carrying a tiny girl in her arms, and making sure she would be well protected from any exterior wind or allergen.
As she opened the door, nearly eight girls almost barged into the tiny apartment, presenting themselves and welcoming the girl into their lives. Ryoga met yet another new chapter in her life when real women bickered to no end and talked about their boyfriends or fiancé, and forcing the young mother to re-think her decision to become one of them.
"Tell me Sakura-Chan. Is there a Romeo possibly coming to live with you at some point?" Asked one of the inquiring girls with giddy enthusiasm, gaining at the same time that annoying high pitching tone the rest of the females use all the time to show trepidation and surprise. "Um no. . .I have no Romeo. He left "us" long ago and I don't really think I need one."
The fact to be alone with a baby at such young age made some of the female residents understand how her situation worked. All of them never humiliated or treated her like an outcast, inviting her instead to their single parties and some even offered to baby sit such a beautiful creature so the girl could unwind on her own.
"Thank you so much." Replied the girl as she bowed respectfully. "I intend to experience every change in my daughter's life and that means me baby-sitting her all the time, but thanks a lot for the offer." After she excused herself with a blinking signal towards the towel wrapping her naked body, the girls left Ryoga and her baby alone.
"Finally. . .A relaxing and personal time between us only." Remarked joyfully the girl as her tickling attack over Sachiko's belly kept forcing uncontrolled giggles out of the baby. Once inside the tub, things began to clear in Ryoga's mind in a way she had never realized before.
The floating tiny bed she bought for Sachiko served marvelously for the little girl to rest safely over the water. Ryoga despised these moments every time they happened, mostly remembering why she had to act this way, but a second later those thick rubber gloves protecting the girl from the scalding magma became obsolete after her daughter started to splash happily at her side.
"I can't believe I won't be able to bath with you little girl, but I swear. . .one day, I will find the cure for what that idiot did to me and I promise to be the best father and mother for you my baby. . ." Ryoga lastly sighed sternly when the thermometer marked ninety degrees in the lukewarm water despite the burning sensation the girl had while preparing the tub.
Even though her predicament was clear, she actually started to enjoy a life without getting lost or even being male. The new girl slowly gave away pretentious stereotypes about women being weak and single minded as she passed longer and longer lapses of time living as one.
Ryoga accepted now what Ranma must have felt during her accidental pregnancy, understanding how terrible it would be when a witless father and a unfaithful mother who let her only child in the hands of that monster could affect severely his contorted mind towards women.
"Yes little baby. . .Your mother made so many mistakes in his life either as a girl or a boy." Expressed innocently the non-fanged mother at a girl who crooked her tiny eyebrows, mimicking her adoring creator. "He is a hardheaded, nearsighted, prideful and egotistical fool. . .But that fool is your mother and I can see his struggles trying to recognize that link you and I share."
The baby heard every word despite not knowing its meaning, but the sudden babbling coming out from her small lips, in combination with a parade of salivating bubbles made Ryoga understand what Sachiko supposedly talked with her as equals.
"I know. . .I know. Ranma Saotome is all but perfect and although he always gets what he wants, well. . .Except Akane and us, I'm sure he'll eventually find a way to track us down." Curiously enough, Ryoga noted how happy and giddy Sachi became every time she mentioned Ranma's name which led her to believe a link was already set in motion.
"It doesn't matter. I may accept myself as a woman from now on, but I am not attracted to that moron in the least possible manner." Finished triumphantly the girl, closing her eyes by sheer joy but peeking one up a second later to see what her chatty daughter had to say on the matter.
"Sigh!" Released Ryoga a puff of air, defeated by the only mistake on her well thought out plan. "Yes, you're right babe. . .I may hate that idiot's guts, but I can never say no to that pretty redhead hunting my dreams with those stupid blue eyes playing a long lost fiancée of mine or girlfriend admiring my clueless innocence."
The sudden wail of the word 'mama' and a series of babbling nonsense made Ryoga see her daughter was actually teaching her the secret. "I guess you're right. . .All I need is for Ranma to be him the whole time when we meet, and nothing should go wrong." The sudden conversation ended when Sachiko's little nose wrinkled with certain anger the child had developed in time, just like her biological mother had when this type of situations would take too long to resolve themselves.
Fortunately Ryoga knew every detail on her mood changes, prompting a warm bottle the kid had waited this whole time impatiently, specially after the warm bath tapping into her natural hunger. "Wow!. . .You really are like your mother. I wonder though. . .Would Ranma actually poop as many times as you do a day?. . .I think he should after the amount of food he eats, but I prefer not to think about that." Said lastly Ryoga while taking the baby out of the bath and making a "eww" emote from the thought alone.
Two bottles and three ounces later, a burping Sachiko placidly rested on her mother's side, accepting the nice, warm body she always bared in moments of trouble or joy. When the baby was sound asleep, that's when Ryoga made her move by silently wrapping the girl and making sure everything would be packed on the stroller.
"Talcum powder, check. Extra diapers, check. . .Three bottles just in case, check. Good. Let's see how this new job is going to earn us some money babe." Ryoga walked towards the elevator, thankful for the time saving apparatus which took her right at the entrance of the restaurant.
"Oh dear!. . .Have you decided to help me with the special groceries?" Asked happily the old lady. Ryoga bowed before the elder, asking her where everything was kept and, while setting the stroller at her side and away from any harming utensil, the non-fanged girl made quick work of all the ingredients.
The different types of mushrooms alone gave the restaurant a better look as a naturist pharmacy, but the way they were stored told Ryoga Mrs. Aika really had no idea how to catalogue them. "Ai-san. . .I'm going to separate by kinds and purposes for now. When every ingredient is ready, I'll let you know and we can see what types of dishes you'd like to try."
The old woman found Ryoga strangely refreshing not only by the feminine manner she acted so naturally, but how knowledgeable about wild life she was capable to teach. "Dear. Before we keep going with the pretenses I'd like to know you better, but not the quiet woman looking for a new life."
"No. I would love to know the girl running away with her daughter." The declaration made the non-fanged teen extremely nervous but the woman assured Ryoga her intentions were strictly friendly. "Think about it dear. . .No beautiful girl carrying a child would know about wild plants without camping on forests and the rough country. I may be old, but I can see you're running from someone. . .Her father perhaps?"
The teen felt bad being found out like this, but if she wanted a new life with her daughter, Ryoga had to trust someone at some point. As she explained her so-called pregnancy and Sachiko's father looking for both girls, Ryoga slowly took off her fake teeth and long, brunette wig just as her beautiful green eyes made an appearance when the lenses came off as well, and the dark silky real hair had now dropped well across her back.
"I'm so sorry I lied Mrs. Aika, but there's more than my survival at stake and I must stay away from those men." The elder understood her predicament, offering in exchange for her work the apartment she had which was the biggest one in the building.
"Ever since Mr. Aika died, this place feels so empty for myself only." Mentioned rather nostalgic the elder this time. When little Sachi wrinkled her nose and giggled at the woman joyfully, Mrs. Aika knew they were meant to be this close. "See, even the little one wants me to be at her side. . .What do you say Mrs. . .?"
Ryoga blanched at the insinuation to be a Saotome since she was the mother, and Ranma the father, but her daughter was the rightful heir to her destiny and that came with Ryoga's surname suiting her a lot better. "Hibiki. . .My real name is Ryoga Hibiki." Both, the elder and the young mother kept talking about the different jobs she had along the way, from restaurant waitress to construction worker but in the end, translating books was just too tedious for her free spirit.
"I want to explore the wild again. To get lost on unknown forests where tasty treats grow freely from any human contact." Mrs. Aika could see how repressed Ryoga had become from a life in society, understanding her passion over exotic plants, and seeing her own younger self from a long time ago. "Out there people don't care about how I must walk or if I need to talk softly to attract their attention."
"I do love the chance to roam everywhere I go without actually getting lost though, and that I can only thank to my daughter." Confused by the confession, the apartment's owner gasped enthralled at the idea of a girl with a lack on her sense of direction, asking her properly next how that had happened.
"I was doomed to walk the earth lost on every turn, but a good doctor forced me to use little Sachiko's cries to center myself and I must say, thanks to this little girl, I defeated that horrible handicap." At the end of the chat and the day, both women left the pantry well sorted and ready for the next day when Aika's Restaurant opened for the first time as a medicinal eatery.
They helped each other move some of the stuff into the main bedroom, leaving a wooden crib Mrs. Aika saved from one of her children back in storage, and setting part of the room as Sachiko's new piece of heaven. "It's old like me, but sturdy. . .I'm sure it will be enough for your little girl."
Ryoga Thanked her again in that polite and reserved manner she learned over time, but her new host despised such formalities. She instead procured the teen like one of her lost daughters, offering to Ryoga a way to solvent her life. "Stay as my partner Ryoga and who knows, maybe we could even be bigger than Ucchan's or the Nekohanten on the other side of town." Declared triumphantly the elder. The now fanged teen resumed her reserved laugh, hoping to never cross paths with either girl living on those places in the future.
Back on Tokyo's University, the pigtailed boy and company could barely register a woman walking so sure of herself towards their table until her presence commanded attention. It was none other than Nodoka Saotome, Ranma's mother and a really angry woman asking for reasons about a girl getting pregnant by her son. "I have been told by Kasumi-Chan how my only son has reached new lows. I did expect some setbacks coming from my worthless husband, but I'm inclined to believe there's more to it than the gossip I hear back home."
Kenji and wife had no idea who that woman was, but Akane, Ranma and even Daisuke swallowed nervously after the renown fame she dragged along her path reached those who lived in the martial arts side of Nerima. "Listen Miss. This is a very personal matter between family. If there's something else I could help you with just let me know, but right now we are busy." Said very politely but firmly the motivational speaker.
Not two seconds later his wife pulled from his shirt, gaining his attention after the woman found this new visitor's looks so familiar. "Honey. . .I think she is Ranma's mother, look at her and the redheaded teen I showed you on the files."
Kenji tried to compare the two, squinting ever so slightly right before the elder woman admitted she was been hasty. "Forgive me. I am Nodoka Saotome and that boy on the extreme side of the table is my son." Her sword was the first thing dropping carefully on the table, but by all accounts everyone who saw her wielding the blade was sure she had no idea how to use it.
"Ranma. I left specific instructions to Kasumi-Chan in case your father might corrupt you beyond repair. I will be honest. . .I never wanted him to take you on this. . .Training trip of his, but he called out to me about the Saotome honor and the Anything goes pride that I had't much choice in the matter."
"Anyway." At this point the woman felt more at ease when her son seemed more relaxed by the explanation. After she asked for a cup of tea and took a calming sip from it, Nodoka proceeded to explain another past mistake tormenting both mother and son for some time.
"Dear. That day when you saved me from falling into the ocean and almost being burned by the scalding stream of water, I did recognize you as either little Ranko or my Ranma." The confession sent chills to the boy who asked with his eyes alone why would she hide it from him.
"Because you weren't ready to come out dear. A mother's instinct is one of the strongest senses a woman may have and mine told me you were struggling with the curse." That hurt Ranma a lot more than he cared to show, remembering how he never developed such link with the baby he carried for five grueling months.
"I decided to let Kasumi watch over you two and I bid my time until you were ready or be married to Akane. . .I guess neither part came true?" declared sadly the elder Saotome when the raven haired teen intertwined her hand with another boy right in front of her.
"Auntie. . .I wanted this to be private with Ranma alone, but the circumstances with Ryoga forced me to confront him with the truth." Nodoka let the teen talk even when she found impolite to do so after cutting her through. Still, what many accused her son from doing, was the detail she needed to resolve first.
"We will deal with that later Akane-Chan. Right now I want to know if what Kasumi told me is true. . .Ranma. Did you get involved with another boy who can transform like you into a girl?" The boy found no other choice but to nod, unable to explain all that happened back then had been just a terrible accident.
"Tell me son. What made you do it?. . .I mean. There are pretty young girls out there who would love and care for you. I don't see why you had to go and. . ." Be with a boy. Was the last part of her declaration but Ranma stopped her before she could continue.
"It ain't like that mom!. . .It all started when I heard rumors 'bout a magic rod who anyone could use to force someone else in love. At that time that bastard used it on me, he did it by accident, but nothin' happened between us alright?"
With a heaving chest and a balled fist into the air, the pigtailed teen kept talking about how most people saw him acting weird around Ryoga at first, but that stopped once the fanged teen broke the spell. "I felt so humiliated 'cuse I didn' remember any of it. That's when I confronted him on the furo, but instead of . . . ." Said Ranma, blurting the last part in a quick succession of unintelligible words with the hope to avoid the embarrassing part.
"But instead of what son. . .What happened between you and that boy then?" Her pressing tone made Ranma so uncomfortable, he wanted to die right there, but it helped him at the same time to tune out the rest of the presents out of his mind. "We fought mom. We fought like we always do, but this time I changed into my girl form an' he stayed human. . .B-Both still naked in the furo"
Ranma could feel the inquiring eyes from Akane and her mother mostly, understanding how they began to see how everything developed differently than how they were told. The boy looked to the table ashamed, but with stuttering words he kept explaining how he locked Ryoga judo style, holding him so close the boy began to panic and was trying to run away.
"I thought I had him and I locked him into a closer move. M-Mom. . .It wasn' his fault 'cuse Ryoga wanted to. . .No. He begged me to let him go 'cuse he was too close ta a girl with no clothes on." The rest he omitted from his own shame, but both her mother and ex-fiancee gasped in surprise when his explanation led them to believe what no one knew 'til now.
"Ryoga is the father!?. . .He got you pregnant during that fight?" Exclaimed and asked almost in unison both women. Ranma never moved from looking down at the table, but the one who talked next was someone who knew he was telling the truth.
"That's right Auntie." Interrupted next Kasumi who was coming into the place led by Tofu's arm. "I wasn't supposed to tell you until Ranma could come out on his own, but Ono-kun has the pregnancy test and results Ranma-kun took three days after accidentally getting pregnant." Akane raised a brow puzzled at first, but her crooked look began to change into acceptance when everything began to make sense.
"Nine months of pregnancy. . .That's why you wanted to leave for that monastery trip in the first place." She was surprised even when Ryoga and Ranma explained about that supposedly pregnant girl dying on the hospital, and the one who later on became a pregnant Ryoga, and now. . .
"Why hide it Ranma?. . .We are your family ever since you entered our home. You don't trust us enough to care for you and a possible baby girl I already adore like my own child?" Asked hurt and angry the teen, but Ranma had none of that on his head.
"How can I explain them this ain't my fault. . .I did it for them!. I really tried ta feel for that tiny defenseless baby growin' in me, but how could I. . .Pops would most likely kill me, "If" my mom didn' race him first. . .Akane always yellin' 'bout the way I flirted innocently with other boys. Heck, I know even Ucchan and Shampoo would laugh the rest of my manhood away."
The boiling point from the accusatory fingers and condescending looks kept growing in his mind, slowly braking all the walls constructed by his father all those years on the road. He knew that link with his baby was getting stronger, but the shame and contempt from those around Ranma made him invulnerable to the effect. . .That was the part making the teen explode in anger now.
The pigtailed boy snarled at the presents, standing up enraged and demanding all the nightmares he dreamed during those five months to be cleared out in this moment. "Lies!. . .They're all lies. I am a man among men trained ta be the best fighter in the world. . .I ain' no weak girl who got pregnant by accident thanks ta an idiot who tried his best ta protect me."
When Ranma stared angrily at his family, Akane and his mother were the most affected women he was afraid to let down. "I-I tried ta act manly mom. . .I-I fought against every feeling an' sensation running through my body. . .A-An' that bulge on my stomach. . .I forced myself to hate it alright!?. . .I despised it 'cuse my fiancee would laugh at me and my mother would behead me if they knew!"
Nodoka saw pure agony in his eyes and so did the Tendo teen. They always kept him repressed against his will despite a part of his tormented life was really a woman as well. "S-Son. . .I never meant to impose that damn pledge. . .Your father was so obsessed with pride and honor, he came up with the idea but I'm your mother. You really think a mother would forsake her son?"
Ranma could do nothing but laugh hysterically, slapping the table with force before he looked into her blue eyes. "Mom. . .What do you think I did to my daughter for you and my fiancee. I forsake her into hell in exchange to be a male. . .I. . .I-I deserve everything Ryoga has thrown at me. . .In the end, I became a coward."
With his last breath, the broken teen fell on his chair, dropping loudly his head against the table and letting his shoulders shake as the only sign of pain showed everyone the closed gates from his eyes began to open wide. "M-Mom. . .There ain't no tears. . .I can' cry even when I want ta. . .Why can' I cry?" Asked painfully the boy.
Nodoka cared nothing for who was in front of her. She moved chairs and people aside until her arms reached and held the son she was supposed to protect from childhood. "Oh son. . .My beautiful Ranma. I-I don't know why, but I'm here dear. Stay with me and we'll fix all this mess as soon as you feel better."
Akane couldn't believe herself now. She suddenly let Daisuke's hand off, moving towards the teen she had shared many adventures and who was slowly dying before her eyes. The brunette understood this was a touching moment and, accepting his presence was going to hurt him more, Daisuke slowly made himself scarce, walking out the cafeteria and staying away from his beloved Akane.
"Don't worry Ranma. We'll deal with a problem at a time Ok?" Said the teen, admitting his hand this time into hers. Since Kenji and Kasumi had a very nasty history themselves and Midori knew Ranma's mother would try to take the truth out of her, the Endo's slowly moved from the table only to be stopped by Ranma.
"P-Please Midori-san. . .I need ta find Ryoga an' beg for forgiveness." The teenage boy looked increasingly worried and tormented, but a promise was a promise and the woman knew of loyalties all her life. "I-I'm sorry Ranma-san. . .I swore to her and there's nothing coming out of me."
She turned around, resolute to leave when another hand grabbed hers mid-fly. "Wait just one moment Mrs. Endo. . .You and I have matters to attend and I won't let you leave until we can resolve them." The blue haired woman noted the strangely strong hand from the elder, comparing to even Ryoga before she was devastated by Nodoka's husband.
"You may impose over me Mrs. Saotome, but I won't say a word despite what you think of me." Both women walked on their own, leaving the rest aside when Nodoka asked Midori to accompany her towards the parking lot. When they turned around the building, Midori could barely contain a gasp when she saw a very serious elder in a kimono falling on her knees and hands, starting to beg in public.
"I am but a humble mother who's son has lost his will to live. He has done many wrongs in his life but, a boy without his mother cannot guide himself safely through life. Forgive his sins Mrs. Endo and please tell me where this Ryoga is. . .I will be certain not to tell him, but I want to talk to her first hand before they meet again."
The impression alone made the standing woman clench her teeth, forcing her eyes to blink several times and reach promptly for Nodoka's shoulder. "V-Very well Mrs. Saotome, I will tell you with one condition." The two women sat on the grass next of the cafeteria, forgetting the people waiting inside or Nodoka's humiliating display from earlier. "I will tell you everything that happened between your son and Ryoga Hibiki, and at the end of my story I want you to understand why she is hiding from Ranma and other parties."
Inside the building, Akane found for the first time all this was her fault mostly. She always goaded the teen to act manly and always made fun or gave him a hard time when she acted as a girl. "R-Ranma. I'm sorry. . .I-I'm sorry I forced my insecurities in you."
"I always acted like a self-righteous woman thinking everyone was wrong, but the truth is I loved you alright?. . .I may have blamed you for our failed relationship and I would love to start over, but Daisuke. What can I do now that I promised so much?"
The pigtailed boy felt every single word drilling his brain out. The numbness on his body told him this was one of those surreal times when a person feels lost and devoid of all sensation. But in the midst of his empty heart a tiny thumping sound began to emerge.
Ranma saw deep within him how that tiny breathing light existed ever since he got pregnant by accident. He was never able to recognize it with his loud pride taking all the space possible in his mind, but now. . .Now that there was no pride or ego left, he could see it clearly.
"A-Akane. . .I c-can feel it. . .I-I don' know how, but I can feel Sachiko callin' out ta me." The raven haired teen understood what he talked about as well, understanding only a breaking point like this one could re-energize that spark he drowned long ago.
With tears streaming out of his eyes, a glad Ranma Saotome raised his head and without any shame, he smiled openly for the first time. "I can feel her!. . .She is callin' me out. What do I do!?" The question remained unanswered for a few seconds until his mother and Midori rushed in from the shouts.
"M-Mom!. . .I found the link!. I thought I lost it, but she is lookin' for me." Nodoka knew a motherly instinct never vanishes entirely, and she knew all this had a purpose after all. "Good my son. Keep that link strongly beating in your heart and wait."
She walked at his side, grabbing his shoulder while their eyes met with renewed trust this time. "I am going to meet Ryoga and talk to her first, then you can come and do what you need to do. Would you agree to this son?" Ranma decided to calm down after the rush of new feelings filling his soul, sitting back on his chair and hear what his mother planned to do first.
In the end, he agreed to let her go first and deal with Ryoga while he stayed behind and solved his own predicaments. "Sure mom. Tell Ryoga we'll be meeting soon enough an' please hug my baby for me." Nodoka felt so proud unlike she had felt in a long time, and that sentiment alone made her next move so easy to make.
The Saotome mother sneered tiredly, forcing the presents to stare puzzled when she pulled a scroll from under her Kimono sleeve and extended it towards her son. "This is the damn pledge I hated since day one. Here Ranma. . .Do as you please because I don't want such worthless burden on my head. . .I almost lost a son because of it."
Ranma stared at the rolled up document with poised eyes, taking it in his own hands and shredding it to pieces in front of everyone. "That "thing" almost ruined my life and my daughter. . .I only wish pops was here to see this."
A big part of his repressed mind was finally released, but at what cost, the boy wondered. He threw cause to the wind after Sachiko's link was strongly established, but he had only learned to be a proud man all his life. Who could be able to teach him not to be what his father branded into his soul, that was the new worry keeping the pigtailed boy alert at all times.
"C'mon Akane." Asked the boy as he cleaned his face from those long, extinct tears. "We need ta talk with Daisuke once an' for all." The girl's brows crooked up this time, worried that Ranma could claim her back at his side by sheer will alone, but there was something different with his resolve. . .Something telling her he had a different solution to all this mess.
The Endos and Nodoka left to their house and later on fixed most things to travel towards Nerima at the end of the day. Ranma and Akane left the cafeteria in the wee hours of the night, exactly at the time the manager in charge was forced to close the place.
There they went again. Ranma and the girl stared at the stars across the darkness in a place they found foreign from who they really were. Buildings busy with young, bright minds in need to earn a degree while the lampposts slightly blinking welcomed the artificial light bathing the tiny streets.
"At this point I wonder what's 'bout ta happen 'kane. When I was stuck as a girl and living with Ryoga for those months, things were so peaceful. . .You should be proud of him every single time you know?" The pigtailed teen chuckled dryly from the poor boy and how hard the redhead tried to make his life a living hell.
"What happened Ranma. . .Tell me!" Rushed the girl who saw him so happy talking about it. They were holding hands like two lovers alright, but their relationship had moved on despite their efforts to fix it themselves. "He always cleaned after me, had every meal ready at the time I wanted ta eat, an' even brought me food on a platter at the early hours of the morning."
"He cared for me an' the baby in such a way I found disgusting at the time, but now that I'm past prejudices, I can see how responsible and loyal that moron really is." Akane managed to see that gleaming spark on his eyes, forcing the girl to burst out what Ranma found so hard to admit.
"Y-You love him?. . .Ranma. After all this time and everything you put him through, you finally accept there's some feelings you have for Ryoga-kun?" The pigtailed teen's face lit red by the insinuation, but he couldn't deny what little Sachiko was telling him deep in their link.
"Man. . .I was so afraid to feel like this. I made a hell of a life for Ryoga every single day an' he still came through, cleanin', carin' and protectin' us like if I was his whole family." The boy's hands reached inside his pockets this time, finding her hand a bit too tense to hold now.
"For Ryoga-kun you are his family Ranma. Think about it. . .Who else does he have to play, train and argue with but you alone. He's always lost and yet, he manages to find you in a heartbeat and most of all. Whenever you are outnumbered, who comes and bails you out or sticks at your side every single time?"
Ranma could recognize a pattern as well. They were the best of friends and such loyalty couldn't be compared with nothing except what he found deep in his heart towards his daughter. "Believe me Ranma. Ryoga adores Sachiko with all his life."
"He died just like her to protect and nurse her. I saw how much "she" took care of her during sickness and the new life no Saotome has ever lived before." That part made Ranma question what she meant, and this walk was the best time for the girl to explain who Sachiko really was.
"Ranma. Your daughter will never be a martial arts master. She will never practice the art or be strong and fast like you. . .Sachiko was born prematurely and by doing so, her immune system collapsed when she was too small."
Akane kept telling him how Ryoga lived for months inside a plastic bubble where nurses taught her how to feed the girl through tubes. "She wasn't strong enough to live, but thanks to Ryoga's attempts she did. . .Little Sachi is alive only because Ryoga sacrificed it all."
She went on about the chronic asthma the baby developed from the tubes and the higher allergy illnesses she caught unlike most babies. "Your daughter will use glasses during her life thanks to her weak vision, she will use an asthma breather and will be literally, a weak girl."
"But to Ryoga she is her heaven and earth. My sister, as I like to call her, worked several jobs while Midori watched over the baby. She learned to be modest, very feminine and serious hoping to be a good role model for her baby and you know she became a beautiful young girl no one doubted about his real gender."
Ranma admitted that and more, agreeing how gracefully and elegant Ryoga learned to present herself. "No doubt Akane. . .I could swear at some point she reminded me of Ryoga, but her dark hair, not ta mention those beautiful green eyes an' that slender body."
"I got ta admit. I am jealous of her 'cuse all the things she learned make her out ta be a better girl than me. . ." Both teens laughed goodheartedly, but Akane had to agree with him. "I'm sorry Ranma, but you built Ranko to be a perky girl willing to flirt and entice men without caring for your personal body."
"Ryoga learned the exact opposite. She became so much like a woman, I am jealous of the way she even walks." The boy and girl finally arrived to the science lab where in the distance Daisuke talked with his peers before noticing both teens approaching.
"We'll talk some more 'bout that pretty girl 'kane, but right now we need ta discuss this arrangement." As he said this, the pigtailed boy waited nervously outside with his girl. When the brunette walked out, Ranma lunged at him. . .Hugging him like old times by the neck before whispering into his ear what Dai found hard to believe.
"You better make her happy or I'll beat the crap out of you. . ." Said defiantly the pigtailed boy at his ex-best friend. When they released from each other, Daisuke stared at the girl who was ecstatic and increasingly puzzled by the sudden change on Ranma's behavior. "Remember Akane. . .I still feel somethin' for you, but I got a family ta save an' you have someone else who loves you just as much."
The boy in a lab coat bobbed his head slightly, thanking his still friend for the chance to adore the girl he had fallen in love long ago. "Thank you Ranma. . .And I swear I'll make her the happiest of girls." Both Akane and Daisuke moved closer to each other, hugging just as the pigtailed boy began to walk away.
That was the precise moment the intern in a lab coat felt a cold shiver crawl down his back. It was a cold drift not exactly coming from outside, but a sensation of dread coming from the girl holding him tightly. Daisuke began to realize Akane not only was ready to let go of Ranma, but the scales over who would be her Romeo started to tip towards the pigtailed teen.
"No!. . .Don't leave like this Ranma!" The girl pulled him into a threesome hug both males found strange at first. "Let's all be friends for now Ok?. . .I-I will not leave you alone on this time and besides. You need to know everything about Ryoga before you confront him. . .I mean, her."
There it was, thought the intern with a bitter depression swelling in his heart. "Fine Ranma. . .I guess you still live deep in her soul. I guess this was never a competition after all since she never stopped loving you." The brunette decided to proceed with the charade for now, understanding that at some point his relationship with the girl would be officially over.
All three walked out of the building just the way they came a few years ago. . .Friends in arms. Daisuke seemed the more mature at the moment, so he was the one asking the troublesome questions first. "Tell me Ranma. If you feel something for Ryoga-san. How are you going to solve months of abuse and rejection in a matter of days?" Akane's eyes grew by the question, but she remained curious on how could Ranma fix this problem.
"I don' know yet guys. If anythin' I just found out the link between my daughter an' me is very much alive. I guess I should go with my instinct an' talk honestly with her. . .Who knows, maybe I got me a family already who I could love as my own."
Akane giggled by the presumption of both Ranma and Ryoga together after so much hell on their own, but again, Daisuke was the one breaking the mood of his plan. "I doubt it man. . .I think you believe "she" will see things your way, but think it over."
"Ryoga gave everything to a redhead who found another male disgusting and unreal. What makes you think it will be different once you planted that seed in his mind long ago. Now, you happen to be the man and Ryoga the girl. Do you think she'll accept you as the alpha male on the relationship?"
Akane deflated instantly, accepting Daisuke's theory was sound, and remembering what Ryoga told her about her relationship towards a male Ranma. "He's right Ranma. Ryoga is not prideful, but what you did to her is going to be hard to fix. . .Not to mention. . ." Said lastly the girl just before a hand flew against his mouth and shut it before spilling what she swore not to say at all.
A communal stare between the boys were the pushing point forcing the girl to back off and hope not to be dissuaded to explain. "Not ta mention, what Akane?. . ." Asked Ranma this time, making the girl sigh and deflate when there was no turning back from her blunder. "Ranma. . .I talked with Ryoga once about the possibility of you two being a couple. . .You know, trying to find someone special in case we weren't going to be together."
The pigtailed boy rolled his eyes, ignoring that phase altogether now that his priorities had changed. "An' what did she tell you?" The youngest Tendo fumbled with the idea to repeat the exact conversation, but there was no more stalling after both teens closed in on the girl and had their undivided attention at her.
"Y-You see. . .She loves you alright?. . .She really loves you no matter if you are a boy or a girl, but there's more to it than just attraction. She believes more about. . ." And the whole explanation about brotherly love, and his acknowledgment over Ryoga's efforts to be his equal trumped pretty much Ranma's chances to treat Ryoki like his wife or lover.
"I-I see. . .I think I understand what she meant all this time. Ryoga always treated me like a golden statue while I was pregnant. He never mentioned once 'bout me being a guy or my pride as a male because he spared me the pain ta be controlled by the circumstances. . ." It was a really tough situation the pigtailed teen found if he were to try and romance someone like that. When Daisuke tilted his head puzzled with Ranma's next move, the old Saotome Heir made an appearance, just for the sake to solve this problem.
"Hey. . .I may not be my old selfish me, but a challenge is somethin' I will not bow ta. Ryoga deserves every shot she can dish at me an' I will take it all no matter how painful." He was more than ready to confront her, but what Akane and her boyfriend saw on his eyes was a different look.
With a tap on Akane's shoulder, the brunette intern asked the most obvious question up until now. "He likes the new Ryoga doesn't he?" To which Akane replied a second later with a big nod. "Oh yeah. Even I felt attracted to Ryoga after the way she dresses and moves. . .I think Ranma is falling hard in love with her." Rebutted the raven haired teen matter-of-factly, and yet feeling disappointed for some unknown reason.
"Fine. Let's wait for your mom to come back with her and we can all pitch in. It's about time she had better luck on her life." Ranma couldn't agree more, staring into the night after the teens separated ways into their own dorms.
On Nerima, the tiny eatery began to win copious amounts of visitors who found the food rich and the cook extremely beautiful. Most of the costumers frequented the area already thanks to the single ladies, but the new brunette, although normal looking in comparison to the rest, made a big impression by the way she moved and dressed.
"Miss Sakura, I hope you have as beautiful good morning as the one I'm having." Said one of the strong loaders working by the market. He always would come flexing muscles and winking towards the girl who, out of habit laughed and encouraged him to behave.
"Mr. Hisawa. . .Don't you think is a bit too early to flirt with a single mother?" Asked in the sweetest way she could muster, but the man shrugged at the reprimand, walking instead by the stroller and cooing at the laughing baby near the cash register.
"What do you think Sachi-chan?. . .Should mommy let me ask her out?" The baby babbled uncontrollably, spitting out and wrinkling her nose madly as if her answer matched the cook's opinion over the matter. Ryoga let out a chuckle by her baby's cute antics, but stopped immediately when the same blush of every morning ran across her features, winning the laughs of most men already eating.
"Oh well. I may try again some other day. . .Please Miss Sakura, the usual as always." Asked politely the man who blushed equally. Ryoga brought forth the biggest bowl made only for those who need most of the energy mother nature has to offer.
"Here you are Carl-san. . . Full blown, Matsutake soup with five of the richest mushrooms I have picked personally. You should be able to handle those crates easy enough." Admonished the girl with a certain pride on her cooking.
The rest of the men stared at Carl, one of those tall European travelers who earn their living by hopping from country to country for adventure and riches. At the beginning of the season by Tokyo's port, he was one of the most renowned lifters who frequented restaurants with powerful medicinal properties. . .The Nekohanten was the last one before he heard of a tiny eatery served by the most beautiful girl people had ever seen around.
Carl immediately investigated the place, eager to see if this girl could compare to the feisty, yet gorgeous Chinese teen attending the Soup restaurant or the chef specialized on Okonomiyaki cuisine. But the first time they met, the image hit him like a ton of bricks.
Sakura Takashi wasn't a lot different when her pretty brown hair, and eyes pretty much existed on every girl around town. No. . .The beauty captivating most hard working men was the way she graciously moved, porting an elegance only women of high society have and still kept the politeness and manners of a jovial teenager.
Seventeen "but", almost eighteen always cleared Sakura when asked by men alike, perhaps hoping her underage status could persuade the most daring bystanders from asking her out, but making sure she was almost a consenting adult no one should be trifled with.
The next best part from this new girl was the vibe surrounding herself mostly. She is a teenager very mature for her age that's for sure, but the girl never flirts or entices a man into acting perversely, like most men have seen other teenagers fighting among themselves over a certain boy.
No. . .The simple reason to meet a woman this young who has a beautiful baby and is not afraid to show her to the world is to admire her demeanor towards life. Most men, Carl included, ask her every single day to talk a little bit about her past, but the teen just smiles, serves the best food in Japan and encourage them to go out there at full force.
"Thank you Miss Takashi. . .Here, a tip for you. And one for your beautiful assistant." Said the big man with corpulent muscles composing his arms at the same time he set a few bills into a big bottle with the name Sachiko labeled on the outside.
The clock hit six in the morning by then, and while most trucks began to arrive with loads of heavy packs to the local market, the men were forced to take their leave until noon when the cycle would begin all over again.
Mrs. Aika could barely contain her smile when simple dishes like regular noodle soup became the success of the house thanks to simple toppings and the selective hand of the girl. "Tell me again Sakura-Chan. How is it that you know so much about wildlife?"
"It's easy once you have the drive. There was a time when I was. . .Um. . .T-Training out there, you know. Martial arts." It was too late for the teen to retract now, admitting to her new mentor there was a lot more from her life Ryoga hadn't let on, just as she expected.
"Ok. . .We can talk about that other life "if" you feel like it dear, but tell me. . .How did you learn about wild plants and herbs?" Asked the elder dismissing her worries aside. "W-Well. This one time I was training with this girl I lik. . .I-I consider very close to."
The older woman took a deep breath, pointing out silently that she was the one messing her own story by trying to be who she was before. "Fine Mrs. Aika. . .I will tell you, but not here. After we're done for the day, I will sit with you inside the apartment and tell you what really happened with my screwed up life." Both females snapped from the serious trance by a tiny gargling noise coming from the stroller. "Oh!. . .Coming Sachi. . .Mid supper's on its way!"
Mrs. Aika knew we all have skeletons in our closets, but the more she searched in those fake, brown eyes, the more she felt a terrible past with a shameful present was the hidden truth Ryoga kept from everyone. After the baby had her fill as always, Ryoga and the elder met several very peculiar visitors she had seen before, but preferred not to talk with them either way.
When an old lady hopping on a stick and a blue haired teen sat on the farthest table somewhat disguised from the public eye, Ryoga prayed she wouldn't guess her true identity. The even funnier part was when Ukyo just walked in as well, winning the huffing disliking scoffs given between each other when she met Shampoo on the same place, at the same time.
"I know loaders and traders come by often, but I have never seen these women before. . .Have you "Sakura-Chan?" The teen swallowed harshly when a nod was the only answer Mrs. Aika needed to see Ryoga had seen them before. "Very well dear. Go ahead and get their orders if you please?"
Ryoga found no other choice but do as told, walking shakily towards the two tables set opposite of each other. As she almost walked in between, Carl walked into the restaurant after lunchtime had been called, giving the girl a chance to promptly go back into the kitchen. "Wow!. . .Lunch is here and am starving for the best food in Japan!" Claimed the young man loudly for all to hear.
"So I've heard sonny. There are a lot of rumors flying around our neighborhood about an excellent cook who serves not only the best, but healthiest of dishes. Is this true?" The question was directed more towards the teenage girl who peeked her head through the curtain dividing the counter with the back, but the male loader shrugged carelessly and answered just as the rest of the workers began to fill the eatery.
"Darn right!. . .Mrs. Aika's eatery is the best in the country and now that Miss Takashi prepares the food, no one can complaint about the beautiful service." The man received the cheer of the rest who found tiny broiling sets with hot charcoal on every table.
"I'm glad you guys are hungry, because while Sakura-Chan finishes with the special of the day I got you small squid for you to prepare. She should be done in a few minutes though." The men rooted for the girl who was barely able to smile from the kitchen at them.
"Thank you Mrs. Aika. . .We'll be sure to leave a nice tip this time." Replied proudly the strong loader. As the rest began to cook their on appetizers, Carl offered his chance to help with the squids, watching how Ryoga focused completely on the very elaborating process for the soup.
He could see the pressure she was in after the workers had only half an hour before going back to work, and trying to be polite and useful, the older man walked into the kitchen ready to offer his help. "Sakura-Chan. . .Is there anything I can help you with?" Asked rather abruptly which surprised the teen from behind.
Ryoga managed to hold the big steaming pot in place, but some of the water besides it dropped on her arm, burning her skin painfully. "Ahh!. . ." Screamed the girl, but never let go of the pot. Carl went at her side and held the big pot while the girl grabbed a towel and dried herself in a second.
"I'm so sorry Sakura-Chan, but. . ." He dipped his fingers on the cold water used only to brake the egg shells, noticing it was lukewarm at best. "This isn't even hot. How did it happen then?" Asked the man puzzled. "Don't worry Carl-san. It wasn't your fault really. . .I have a skin condition that prevents me from touching any warm water at all."
The man found that illness too dangerous for her line of work, but his mind flew towards other chores one must do everyday to keep clean, which incidentally brought a snickering smile on the girl. "Don't think that!. . .I still bath like everyone else if that's what you thinking. Only my skin accepts ice cold water like warm in your case."
Still hard to believe, but Carl dismissed more questions for the sake of his fellow loaders who hungered from the smell alone. When the man moved the pot to the front part of the restaurant the applauses grew in number, this time mixed with the cheering of some vendors who heard the news about the new cook.
Ryoga kept setting up the rest of the utensils and bowls, falling behind when Carl opened the cover and let the aroma entice all the presents. "Amazing!. . .The smell alone is filling me!. . .I tell you. This is the best restaurant on Japan!" Agreed most costumers as the three women on the far tables scowled by the perfect scent reaching into their taste buds.
Ryoga smiled at her partner in business and as she was busy congratulating each other, Carl and the girl bumped each other, forcing his hands to rest around her waist in case she would fall and causing their public to make a long due ovation. "It was about time you two reconciled each other!. . .Finally Carl. You were taking your sweet time. . ."
The sudden responses and the hard muscles Ryoga crashed against left her speechless and frozen, leaving the girl unable to do anything else but hug his torso trying not to fall dumbly to the floor. The moment passed increasingly fast for both, but her bright red face and nervous looks made most men sigh in awe at the natural beauty.
"S-Sakura. . .Are you Ok?" Asked genuinely worried the man. Ryoga found herself so attracted to the strong loader, she stuttered loudly which in turn made most workers laugh goodheartedly at the cute couple. "Don't need to be shy pretty girl. . We knew you two were working things out, but we are glad everything is better now."
"W-Wait. . .Working what now?" Asked the teenage cook completely lost in the conversation. "You know." Said another of the loaders who realized what Ryoga missed the most about this situation. "Carl-san here is big and strong. Not to mention a pure redhead with blue eyes."
"You really think we couldn't see the resemblance between your baby and him, did you?. . .It's so clear, we knew you two must had a fight and were trying to work it out." The comment sent a flash through the cook's mind, mostly because her little girl had the weird habit to change hair color depending on her moods, and surprisingly enough, her pretty red hair matched perfectly the somewhat crimson hue from the strong worker's mane.
His hair was indeed reddish and his eyes blue, plus his size and the freckles clearly told her he was from Europe, but why she never saw a connection with her daughter, wondered rather sternly the cook. "I-I. . .I am not together with him. . .No way I could be attracted to him. Ever!" Responded agitatedly the girl, causing more problems with a now hurt man. The sudden reaction from his bulging eyes told Ryoga she was screwing things up by accident, and the least thing she wanted in this new life was to have enemies.
"W-wait Carl-san. . .I didn't mean it like that. I swear!" Ryoga couldn't understand what was happening now, watching how a switch went off in her body and now she was begging another man not to be mad for what she said.
"What's going on!?. . .I don't care for him like that. He is a friend and we get along great. .Just like I did with Ranma sometimes. . .That doesn't mean I am attracted. Am I?" Her thinking kept forcing the girl to assess her situation more carefully, measuring how far could she go for the situation without making it look like she liked him like a girl.
In the last moment she ran out of the restaurant behind the young loader who felt unwelcome, reaching him in time before this mess could get any worse. "Listen to me please!" Said as she pulled from his hand with all her strength, but his inertia pulled her instead forward, stepping on her feet and going down to the ground again.
Ryoga closed her eyes ready for the hit, but those strong arms managed to hold her in time, lifting the girl and setting her on her feet. "Be careful. . .Miss. This place can be rough, specially when dumb workers walk mindlessly around." He tried to spin around and walk away, but knowing better this time, Ryoga spun faster than him, ending up in front of the boy.
"Please listen!. . .Is not that I'm not attracted alright?!. .. I have a lot on my mind and this type of relationship is not what I can deal with at the present time. . ." But not much could be said after the man tenderly grabbed her cheeks and planted a kiss Ryoga could not avoid.
As the food was served and enjoyed in the eatery, outside of the establishment a man and. . .Another human being began to mess with things neither were capable to resolve in the future. Ryoga completely lost all consciousness of where she was or what was going on while Carl simply went ahead with the impulses of a very manly worker.
When he let go of the girl, Sakura could do nothing but slap her forehead and sneer angrily at herself alone. "Oh no. . .I think I'm in trouble now." Carl couldn't agree more, grabbing the girl by the hand just for appearances, and walking her back into the eatery.
Once inside, both rushed their separate ways hoping not to make a bigger fuss. Carl dived into his bowl of aromatic herbs and exotic plants, giving him a huge appreciation of Sakura's cooking prowess while the girl was stopped by the two tables on the far side of the place.
"Dear. This soup is incredibly rich. . .Only those who know how to prepare such dishes are counted among the wisest women where I come from. Tell me, who taught you all this?" Asked bewildered Cologne, impressed by her talents.
Ryoga tried not to panic this time, and remembering those tricks separating the boy from the girl, the teen promptly jumped into her more feminine stance, tuned her tone just like Midori trained her, and began to speak more loosely in the way Kenji explained about speeches in public.
"Dear costumer. My name is Sakura Takashi and I have lived all my life on the outdoors. My family recently moved into another city, but I fell in love with this district and after some personal situations, as you may have seen, I decided to stay here and help Mrs. Aika with her eatery."
The way Ryoga spoke impressed Ukyo and Shampoo in such a way they had no idea that old fool getting lost all the time was right there, in front of them. And when the Elder Amazon appraised her story with no objection, the young mother almost skipped happily into her adored kitchen.
"Very well child. . .I find no problem with your upbringing and although your aura seems. . .Familiar somehow, I believe there is something else in my mind as of now. You see. . .The Nekohanten not only is a place for the body, but the soul."
"As an ancient Chinese woman I, Elder Cologne have devised many dishes with the idea to highlight my country with pride. So. I consider you a very talented young teen and if I may say so myself, a very strong woman who cares not for men like others do."
The old woman finished her bowl filled with dozens of herbs in combination with mushrooms and plants she had never tried before. When she was done, a tip was left on the table before she hopped at Ryoga's side.
"Come with me dear, and I'll make you part of the grandiose fame that is my restaurant." Said finally the old woman as she skipped with her great-granddaughter, apparently, to the exit when a shaking head was Ryoga's permanent answer. "Think it over dear, and we'll talk."
Right after they left, Ryoga stared dumbfounded by the entrance, wondering how all this was developing so fast only to be assaulted by the suspicious stares of another teen with a spatula on her back. "You do look very familiar to me too sugar." Said a bit pushy the teen, but after a second too long her shoulders shrugged and she forgot who was she trying to relate her from.
"Meh. . .Whatever. I know this place is new, but I wanted to know why so many of my costumers came straight here. Since you are no Okonomiyaki Chef or a specialist for the kneaded bread, I will spare you. . .For now." Ukyo bowed slightly with respect and left, caring little for this new girl or the soup, which by the way, she enjoyed just like the rest.
"Huff. . ." Sighed the young mother when laborers and patrons began to leave the place. When Carl stopped and paid, he started for the door before Ryoga pressed her luck one more time. "L-Listen Carl-san. . .What happened earlier was an accident Ok?" She tried to be honest, but not blunt enough to make him feel bad all over.
With some blush painting her nose, the teen bowed before the worker and treated him like a good friend treats another. "It was. . .Um. . .Nice, but I'm not interested on that stuff right now." The man chuckled at her honest explanation, feeling a big relief from his part when he too had a secret of his own.
"I'm glad Sakura-San. . .Because I consider you a really good friend that I would hate to loose, specially after I talked so much about you with my fiancée." Said a bit nervously while an engagement ring loomed over his shirt.
"I keep it on a necklace because my job is hard and clumsy, but we are suppose to be married in eight months." The declaration gave chills to the girl who sighed more openly now. Ryoga admitted everything the others said about Sachiko's looks and Carl's were uncanny, but was glad it worked out in the end for the both of them.
"Congratulations Carl-san, and remember. . .If you want a nice and tasty wedding gift give me a call. Mrs. Aika's restaurant is open for friends and family at all hours." The pitching advertisement made both laugh nervously, but it was late already for the man who thanked her and rushed out of the place.
Ryoga on the other hand found the sudden change strangely sad for some unfathomable reason. "It's hard to be declined this way when you are a pretty woman like you dear." Cheered the old apartment owner to the gloomy girl.
"I-I don't know why I feel this way Ai-san, but I think is time for you and I to have that discussion." Said Ryoga who led the old woman after she picked her daughter into the apartment.