Ranma ½ – Happily Ever After

Disclaimer: Ranma ½ is the property of Takahashi Rumiko and all those other large corporations that publish and distribute Ranma ½. No profit is gained from this work, just a great deal of enjoyment writing it.

Chapter 89 – Things Happen When You Let Them Happen

"Morning Ranma."

"Morning Akane."

Akane was still in bed with the covers pulled up to her chin. Ranma was sitting up on the edge of the bed, still in his girl form.

"Any idea what time it is?" Akane asked.

"It's a little before five," Ranma replied.

"It's really dark, isn't it?"

"The sun won't be up for more than an hour," Ranma replied, "but I think its overcast."

"Are you getting up?"

"No… I'm just coming back from the bathroom. The alarm is set to go off at five-thirty."

Akane asked, "Ranma, do you have any idea what happened to my pajamas?"

"They're probably somewhere in the bed. Mine seem to be missing too."

"That seems to be happening more often lately."

"What does?" Ranma asked.

"Our pajamas vanishing in the middle of the night," Akane answered. "There doesn't seem to be much point in wearing them to bed if they're just going to vanish."

"I guess you're right," Ranma replied.

"Ranma… since we're both awake… and we have some time before the alarm goes off… will you cuddle up with me?"

"Of course I'll cuddle up with you," Ranma replied as he lay back down and got under the covers with Akane.

Akane put her arms around Ranma and drew him closer until her breasts were pressed against his.

"I like when we're cuddled up like this," Akane purred.

"I like when we're cuddled up like this too," Ranma purred in response.

"I know what else you like."

"And what's that?"

Akane kissed Ranma on the forehead and then slowly slid her right hand down Ranma's side until it was resting on Ranma's bottom.

She gently massaged Ranma and asked, "How does that feel?"

"Mmmm… That feels wonderful,"

Slowly, as she continued to stroke and massage, Akane's hand moved down the back of Ranma's leg and then across to the front… and then back up…

"Oh… Akane… Tha… that feels so good… So good Akane… So good…"


"Akane… If we're going to run and work out before gymnastics' practice," Ranma said, "you need to get up."

Akane's eyes fluttered open and slowly her eyes focused on the image of Ranma standing over her. Ranma was already dressed to go running… and Akane was still wearing her pajamas.

"How long have you been up?" she asked.

"Not that long," Ranma replied. "The alarm went off at five-thirty but you didn't move. I decided to get up and get dressed and I could let you sleep a little longer."

Akane smiled. "Thanks… So what time is it?"

"It's about five to six."

"Let me go to the bathroom… Then I'll get ready to run."

"That's fine," Ranma replied. He paused for a moment, and then asked, "Akane, were you dreaming before I woke you up?"

Akane smiled. "Yes I was… and it was a really wonderful dream."


There was a gentle tap at the door. Jun already knew who it was.

"Jun… Do you want to go running with us this morning?"

Jun's alarm went off about ten minutes before Fumiko's knock at the door.

"Probably… Give me a few minutes…"

"Do you mind if I come in?"

"I… I'm not really dressed yet," Jun replied.

"Do you at least have underwear on?"

"Y… Yeah…"

"Fine… You're dressed enough," Fumiko said as she opened the door and walked into Jun's room.

His boxers were all that he was wearing.

"Fumiko! We'll get in trouble if your parents find out you're in here."

"No we won't," Fumiko replied. "My parents and I had an extended discussion after you went to bed last night. Our parents seemed to have decided that somehow the two of us are an ideal couple and that we should eventually get married."

Jun shook his head. "I keep telling my parents that just because their parents arranged their marriage, doesn't mean that I'm interested in having them do that for me."

"Your parent's marriage was arranged?"

"Yeah," Jun replied. "I guess in the area where they grew up, it's still a common practice."

"My parent's marriage was arranged too," Fumiko said. "My great grandfather made all of the arrangements and signed the contracts. My parents met for the first time when they were five and then didn't see each other again until their wedding day."

"My dad moved in with my mom and her parents and lived with them for a year before their wedding."

"Well… at least your parents won't be around for the next two years to meddle in our lives…" Fumiko said, "and I think my parents will be too busy with the pharmacy to get too involved…"

"This reminds me of the stories I've heard about Akane and Ranma."

"Akane and Ranma were kind of a special case," Fumiko responded. "Neither of them knew that the arrangement had been made until the day they met… and Ranma showed up as a girl… and they really hated each other at first… But they've managed to work things out… But speaking of Akane and Ranma… if they are on schedule, they should be running by the pharmacy in about fifteen minutes… So… if you want to go running with us, that's how long you have to get dressed and ready."


"Come on… tell me," Karumi pressed, "Something must have happened."

"Nothing happened," Natsume responded… again. "Gota and I went out to dinner… We went to see a movie… And then we went to the coffee shop by the train station… And then he walked me home. That's it… Nothing strange… or weird… or anything else!"

"You at least held hands at some point."

Natsume closed her eyes and sighed. "Yes… we held hands when we were walking home from the coffee shop… And he asked me if I would be interested in seeing a concert of some kind tonight."

"Well… that sound like more than 'nothing happened' happened," Karumi responded. "What did you say… Did you say that you'd go with him?"

"I told him that I'd think about it and let him know today."

"So, do you think you'll go with him to the concert?" Karumi asked.

"I haven't had a chance to even think about it."

"What's to think about, sis? He asked you to go out on another date with him. Unless he's a real creep, the obvious answer is… Yes, I'll go to the concert with you."

"Gota is not a creep," Natsume said defensively. "He is a wonderful gentleman."

"Then, as soon as you get the chance this morning, you need to go to the fish market and tell him that you'll go to the concert with him… What kind of a concert is it?"

"I… I don't know," Natsume replied. "At least I don't remember him saying what kind of a concert it was."

"I can't imagine it would be anything too weird," Karumi said, "and you could probably talk to Kasumi. She probably knows what kind of music Gota is into."

Natsume sighed. "I said I'd think about it… But right now we need to hurry if we're going to go running with Akane and Ranma."

"I'm ready to go," Karumi answered. "You're the one that needs to finish getting dressed… unless you plan to go running just wearing panties."


"Morning," Ukyo said.

"Good morning, Uchan," Ryoga replied. "How long have you been awake?"

"Not that long," Ukyo answered.

"Any idea what time it is?"

"Not really," Ukyo replied, "but it's still early. The sun isn't up yet."

Ukyo turned on her side and rested her head on Ryoga's shoulder. Ryoga put his arm around Ukyo and drew her body closely to him.

"Mmmm… That feels so good," Ukyo said as cuddled up tightly with her husband.

"Yes it does," Ryoga answered.

After a long reflective pause Ryoga asked, "Uchan… Do you really think that you might be pregnant?"

"I don't know," Ukyo answered, "but even if I am, that doesn't mean that we can't keep trying."


"What do you think your father will say?" Hiroshi asked.

"I really can't imagine that he'd have an objection to it," Yuka replied. "It would make life a little easier… And it's not like it would be happening tomorrow."

Both Yuka and Hiroshi were dressed; Yuka for her morning run; Hiroshi for work at the bakery.

"Dad seems to think it's just a matter of moving the stuff stored on the second floor downstairs," Hiroshi replied, "but I think you're right. The downstairs is a complete mess. Shelving would have to be built before stuff from upstairs could come down… And there's no plumbing upstairs… and the kitchen and bathroom downstairs is pretty much unusable."

"I think your mom is assuming that we'd all eat together," Yuka replied, "but not having access to a bathroom except to walk over to the bakery and upstairs to use your parents bathroom just doesn't make it… especially in the middle of winter."

Yuka paused for a moment then said, "But moving out on our own sounds like a great idea."

"Do you seriously think your brother and Sayuri will move in together into your parent's house?"

"If Sayuri had her way," Yuka said with a broad smile, "they would already be moved in… and having sex every night."

"There really has been a big change in Sayuri since she and your brother got together," Hiroshi commented. "Sometimes I wonder what's gotten into her."

"Well… my brother… at least once or twice."

"Uuuu… That was terrible."

"It may be terrible, but you know it's probably true… But enough of that right now," Yuka said. "I'll come to the bakery to help out once practice is over."

"I don't think that will be necessary," Hiroshi replied. "Mom figured that all of the orders would be filled and delivered by ten… And even if something else comes in, we'll probably be done with it before practice is over. I'll come over to the school once I'm done and then maybe we can go out and do something together this afternoon."

Yuka smiled and gave Hiroshi a kiss on the cheek. "It sounds like someone is asking me to go out on a date with him."

Hiroshi grinned. "Maybe someone is. Would you consider going out on a date with me?"

"Hmmm… Let me think about this…" Yuka replied. She waited for several seconds then answered, "Yes… I would definitely consider going out on a date with you."

Yuka and Hiroshi hugged… and kissed.

"I love you," Yuka said.

"I love you too," Hiroshi responded.


"Aimi, any idea what time your mother got in?" Sachiko asked.

"Sometime around three o'clock," Aimi replied. "I didn't look at the clock. She was in bad shape though. Fukumi had to help me to get her up the stairs and into her bed."

"How was Fukumi?" Sachiko asked tentatively.

"She was drunk, but not nearly as drunk as my mom," Aimi answered. "She said for me to say hi to you. She was also wanted to talk to you to see if you had any plans for New Years. I told her that I didn't know, so she said that she'd be in contact with you."

"It sounds like you made quite an impression on her," Kazuko said.

"Probably because I could keep up with her," Sachiko responded.

"I can't stop you drinking with her," Aimi said, "but please not here."

"Don't worry," Sachiko said. "I won't." Sachiko paused for a moment then said, "You know… This is the first time in a long time that I didn't wake up with a hangover. I'd forgotten how good it feels."

"Aren't you glad that I went with you last night," Aimi said. "I think if I hadn't been there, you and Kazuko probably would have finished off at least one bottle… if not more."

"You're probably right," Sachiko said. "Kazuko, are you sure everything is OK between you and your mother? Things sounded a little tense last night."

"Things have been a little tense since we caught that molester in the park," Kazuko replied. "We never really talked about it afterwards… and anytime anyone brings it up, she changes the subject right away."

"And Kazuko, I never realized that your dad was still… living with you," Sachiko said. "I thought he took off like Aimi's dad did."

"My dad is still around," Kazuko replied, "but he and I don't get along very well. He's not a very nice man."

"He doesn't abuse you or your mom… or anything like that?" Sachiko asked.

"No… nothing like that," Kazuko answered. "It just seems like he's always angry about things… not with my mom or me… but about things in general. And when he's angry he isn't very pleasant to be around. But since he works the night shift and he usually doesn't get home until after I've gone to school. The only time I see him is at dinner time sometimes… But even that hasn't been happening very often lately… And I think mom and dad fight sometimes…and on those days my dad might not come home at all."

After reflecting for a few seconds, Kazuko said, "It's a terrible thing to say but maybe it would be better if he wasn't around. I think my mom thinks the same way sometimes… And that's why she doesn't mind when I stay over with you or Aimi."

"You know… Sachiko is right," Kazuko said after a long painful silence. "It's nice waking up and not feeling like you're still drunk from the night before."

"I have to agree with that," Aimi replied. "What do you think…? Should we put our leotards on here or wait until we get to school."

"I think I want to put mine on now," Kazuko replied. "It's been so long since I've worn it, I hope it still fits."

"I don't think you'll have a problem with that," Sachiko replied. "But I think you're right. It will save a lot of hassle at school if we change here. Do you think we need to wear our school uniforms today?"

"I wasn't planning on it," Aimi replied. "In fact, I was wondering if there was something we could do together after practice."

"I can't think of anything at the moment," Sachiko responded. "… Although… I guess I wouldn't mind another trip to the baths."

"The baths sound like a good idea," Aimi said. "We can take our bath stuff with us and head there right after practice."

"What about your mom?" Kazuko asked. "Does she have to work? Shouldn't you make sure she's all right?"

"I think my mom has to work… but I'm not really sure," Aimi replied, "but she should be capable of getting herself up… no matter how drunk she was last night… And if she doesn't have to work, I'm absolutely certain that if we're here, she'll want us drinking with her."


"Welcome back to the land of the clothed," Yuriko said to Miyuki as Miyuki entered the dining room. "Are you planning to go to practice with us today?"

Yuriko was sitting at the dining room table with a steaming mug of coffee in front of her as well as the usual stack of notes and papers.

"Good morning… I love you too," Miyuki replied after giving Yuriko a kiss on her cheek.

"I wish you'd stop doing that," Yuriko said.

"Not a chance in hell," Miyuki answered.

Hikari entered the dining room from the kitchen with a plate of fried eggs, toast and grilled fish and placed it in front of Yuriko after Hikari moved the mug of coffee out of the way.

"What would you like to drink this morning?" Hikari asked after she and Miyuki kissed.

"Coffee will be fine," Miyuki replied. "Do you need any help in the kitchen?"

"Not really," Hikari answered. "Everything is under control. Sit down and I'll get your coffee for you."

"Thanks," Miyuki responded.

"So," Miyuki asked Yuriko as she sat down next to her, "what's on the agenda for today?"

"I'd like to have the team work on vault and floor exercise," Yuriko answered after breaking off some fish and eating it, "but I'm not sure that's going to happen. I've got a lot to cover. The regional organizing committee has gone out of their way to make things difficult. And we need to decide how we're going to chose which six team members will actually be competing."

"That's not going to be easy," Miyuki replied.

"I didn't say it was… But we still have time to figure that out. We don't have to have the final roster until we arrive at the tournament." Yuriko paused, took a drink of her coffee then said, "Would you be willing to work with Una, Kazuko, Aimi, Sachiko and Suzuko on the balance beam today?"

"Not a problem."

"Yesterday was the first time Una was ever on the beam and she didn't do too badly. And now that Suzuko has a better situation at home, I think she will do much better… and the rest of them just need practice to build up their confidence."

"You may have at least one more student," Hikari said as she entered the dining room with food and beverage for Miyuki. "Arisu's niece was at practice yesterday and Akane and Arisu got her up on the beam. Considering she's just going to turn four, she did pretty well for the first time."

"Wait," Miyuki said after having some of her coffee. "Does Arisu have another niece? The niece I know about could scare a major demon into changing its ways."

"Arisu isn't quite sure what happened," Hikari replied, "but since the Christmas party at Akane's and Ranma's, Arisu says she's completely different. She was so polite… I didn't recognize her at first."


Soun and Megumi were waiting at the dining room table (twice extended to accommodate everyone) as everyone gathered for breakfast.

Once Kasumi (and Karumi and Aka-chan) had breakfast on the table for everyone, Soun said, "Before we start, I have some announcements to make."

Before he could say anything else, Akane asked sarcastically, "So… when is the baby due?"

Soun shot a sour glance in Akane's direction and was going to say something, but before he had a chance Megumi cut him off and said, "Sorry, Akane, but it'll be at least eleven months."

Everyone looked at Megumi (including Soun) trying to understand what she had just said, but Akane began to laugh. "Touché… Good answer. I like it."

Ranma (who was in his male form) looked at Akane questioningly.

Akane chuckled. "Ranma, I'll explain it to you later."

Megumi turned to Soun and said, "Go ahead."

Soun cleared his throat and said, "Megumi and I went to meet with my friend Juro at the district registrar's office yesterday… and he had some news for us. Apparently, when my father tried to convince the registrar in Akita to have my mother's family records modified, the registrar told him where he could stuff it. My mother's family records were unmodified and intact and they clearly show that my brother Kisho was married to Haruko and had two daughters named Natsume and Karumi."

There was no immediate response from anyone until Kasumi broke the silence, saying, "That's wonderful."

Natsume and Karumi sat dumbfounded.

"That is wonderful," Akane said, "but you just asked about getting the information the day before yesterday? Your friend couldn't have gotten the paperwork that quickly."

"You're right… He didn't," Soun replied, "but the registrar in Akita called Juro back almost immediately. It seems that the registrar at that time made some extensive notes about the incident with a warning that further attempts might be made to have the records altered. The actual documents probably won't arrive until Monday or Tuesday, but he gave Juro enough information to start correcting the family records here… which brings me to the second announcement. Megumi and I would like to register our marriage Tuesday afternoon. No big celebration… but Kasumi, do you think you and Tofu might be available as my witnesses?"

"I don't see any reason why not," Kasumi replied. "If we plan to do it around three in the afternoon, I can reschedule any appointments he has… And then we can all go out for dinner afterwards."

"We can go to the Cat Café," Ranma suggested. "Tuesday's aren't usually that busy."

"We could probably use Uchan's side of the restaurant since she and Ryoga will be away on their honeymoon…" Akane said. "… And just to remind everyone… Ranma and I won't be home for dinner tonight. Uchan's and Ryoga's Shrine ceremony is this afternoon and we've been invited to dinner afterwards… And after that we're going over to Miyuki's and Hikari's for a party and a sleep over."

"And… ahhh…" Natsume stammered. "I… ahhh… guess I won't be here for dinner either. Ahhh… Gota asked me if I would go to a concert with him."

"That's wonderful," Kasumi responded. "I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun."

"Kasumi," Karumi asked, "What kind of a concert is it? I mean… What kind of music does Gota like?"

Kasumi smiled. "I think it would be more fun if we let that be a surprise."


"I'm glad to see that everyone was able make it this morning," Yuriko said.

Everyone' included all of the club members and all of their significant others. But also sitting in with the group were Karumi, Oniko (sitting next to Arisu), Seiji (sitting with Una), Ichiko and Daniel.

"We have a lot to cover today and not much time to do it in," Yuriko continued. "On Monday we'll begin regular practice sessions. I'd like to start practice at nine and practice through until one… at least until exams begin. On Monday I'll have our practice schedule posted for Tuesday right up to the regional tournament."

"There won't be any practice on Saturday January 10th. There's a regional tournament committee meeting that I'm required to attend. I would like Miyuki, Arisu, Hikari and Akane to attend with me. Ranma… you'll need to attend the meeting too and before the meeting you'll need to work up some routines for at least two events. After the mess at the prefecture tournaments, the regional committee decided that the assistant coaches need to be able to do more than just take up space on the bench. So all assistant coaches need to be certified and show competence in at least two events. Akane, I'm hoping you can help Ranma with that."

"For the next three weeks, I've invited the team from Saint Rose to practice with us. It seems that their team doesn't have access to their gym during their holiday break… and they don't start classes until the Monday after the college entrance exams. And yes… I realize that we'll be competing against Saint Rose at the regionals'… but it seems unfair, at least to me, that their school won't let them practice when they need to practice the most."

"For the time we have today I'd like the tournament team to work on their vaults. The competition committee decided, that after some of the incidents that occurred at the Prefecture tournaments, for safety reasons all vaults will need to be approved before the tournament. So before the tournament, each of you will have to submit a list of five vaults for approval to the competition committee. Minor variations will be allowed, but nothing out of left field. Choko, we will need to talk."

"Are there any questions?"

Una raised her hand.

"Yes Una…"

"Is everyone going to be doing vaults today?"

"No… Miyuki will be working with you, Aimi, Sachiko, Kazuko and Suzuko on your balance beam skills… once she's done her vaults. Any other questions?"

There were none.

Yuriko turned to Hikari and said, "Hikari, you have an announcement?"

Hikari stood up and said, "Usually Miyuki and I have a get-together on Saturday night to watch Sailor Moon… So I went out and bought food and snacks for tonight… Then we found out that Sailor Moon isn't on tonight… So Miyuki and I decided that we'd have a little holiday party instead. Everyone is invited and you can start arriving any time after seven. And as usual, anyone who'd like to sleep over is welcome to. You're also welcome to bring additional snacks and beverages if you'd like… but no booze. This will be an alcohol free party. I'm sure there are still a few of us who still in need of some recovery time from the past few days."

Hikari paused, turned to Yuriko then said, "That's all I have, coach."

"Good…" Yuriko said. "I'd appreciate some help from the guys to help move mats around. Suzuko, you know what needs to be done for the balance beam… so take your and your sister's fiancés and get the mats set up there. Una… if your friends want to help, that would be all right. Everyone else… over to the vaulting table… We'll let Miyuki run through her vaults first… then she'll be over to work with you on the balance beam."


"How was that?" Aka-chan asked as she extended her hand to Ukyo and helped her from the bath.

"I think that's exactly what I needed," Ukyo replied. "Are all brides this nervous before they get married?"

"I can't really say," Aka-chan replied as she handed Ukyo a towel, "never having been a bride myself… but from what I've seen when I helped Asogawa-san at the shrine that pretty much seems the case. I've seen some brides so nervous they almost called the whole thing off."

"That wouldn't do much good," Ukyo replied with a chuckle. "Ryoga and I are already married."

"I think it was more about calling off the ceremony," Aka-chan said, "and meeting all of the relatives at the reception. Sometimes that's the scariest part of the whole day."

"Ryoga's mom is nice," Ukyo responded, "but Mr. Hibiki is kind of scary."

"I only met him briefly," Aka-chan said, "but I have to agree with you on that. No offence… but your mom is kind of scary too."

"No offence taken," Ukyo said with a broad smile. "My mom is scary… even under the best of circumstances."

"One thing Asogawa-san tells every couple before the ceremony," Aka-chan said, "'Remember, you're marrying each other… not your parents."

Ukyo began to laugh. "I will definitely remember that… Aka-chan, I want to thank you for being here with me today and making sure I don't freak out."

Aka-chan took the towel from Ukyo and dried Ukyo's back.

"Kasumi has your kimono all laid out in the guest room where Akio and I are staying," Aka-chan said, handing a robe to Ukyo and helping her put it on. "The whole process of getting your kimono on is going to take a couple hours. I've helped at the shrine, but I've never done it on my own. Asogawa-san's wife and Karin usually handle the majority of the process."

"Karin?" Ukyo asked as she secured the tie on the robe.

"Akio's older sister. More than likely she and her boyfriend will be getting married in August."

Ukyo paused for a moment then said, "It seems to me that marriage seems to be in the future for you and Akio."

Aka-chan blushed.

"I guess it seems that way," Aka-chan replied, "but if it does happen, it won't be happening for a while. Akio and I are both planning to go to school after we graduate from high school. I'll probably will go to school for hotel management and Akio wants to finish his training to become a priest… So it will be a while… if it happens."

Ukyo smiled. "I have no doubt… It will happen."


"Un… Uncle Soun," Natsume said. "I… I hope I'm not interrupting something important."

Soun looked up from the rather thick, official looking document he was reading and replied, "No, you're not interrupting anything important. In fact, I was looking for an excuse to take a break from reading this trash."

"What is it?" Natsume asked.

"It's a proposal to build a new apartment complex in the district…" Soun replied. "But twenty-three story apartment buildings in an area where the next tallest building is seven stories would be completely out of place… And it would require tearing down thirty-five perfectly good houses… And it would use land that is currently a park for a parking garage. There are better places in the city for a development like this."

"So you're not going to approve the project?"

"Unfortunately it's not my job to approve or disapprove projects like this," Soun answered. "Somebody who gets paid far more than I do gets to make those decisions. I can only comment on the proposal and point out weaknesses and deficiencies in the plan… although this proposal has a long list of those… Now… enough of that… Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?"

"I… uh… wanted to wait until Karumi went out… but… Did your friend have any other news about our father?"

"Unfortunately… no," Soun responded. "… Or maybe that is fortunate. About the only reason that the registrar's office would have been contacted would be to notify them that Kisho had passed away… So it is very likely that he is still alive… somewhere… Which means that there is still hope of tracking him down."

"But Karumi and I have been searching for him for more than ten years… and nobody could remember him… at all."

"That may be true, Natsume… But let me see what my friend at the registrar's office can find out. And then… maybe when the weather is a little warmer, we can take a trip to Akita. I haven't visited the family since before my mother died. Some of the family came to Akane's and Ranma's wedding and they told me that I need to come and visit my aunt. She's ninety-seven and still going strong… but she doesn't like to travel any further from home than the grocery store and the shrine. Maybe by then we'll have some information that will help us find your father."

Natsume smiled.

"So…" Soun said, "You have another date tonight."

Natsume began to blush. "Gota asked me to go to a concert with him."

"Gota is a fine and honorable young man," Soun said. "You know… he used to have a crush on Kasumi."

"He's told me all about that," Natsume answered. "He said he used to wait for Kasumi each day at the fish market with the best fish of the catch. But he said that when he confessed to her and she turned him down… she was so nice about it that he couldn't feel bad about it. Kasumi is really nice… but she isn't used to not getting her way."

Soun chuckled. "You noticed. She's very much like her mother was. All Megumi and I wanted was something simple for our wedding… but that doesn't look like that's going to happen."

"I feel bad about all of the money that's been spent for clothing and things for Karumi and me."

"Please don't. There's absolutely no reason for you to feel bad."

"But how can Karumi and I ever hope to pay back what you've spent on us already."

Soun sighed. "My darling niece… you have already paid me back… tenfold…"

"But…"

"Natsume… at the moment… you and your sister are all I have to connect me to my brother… and that is worth everything in the world to me… everything."


"Miyuki-sempai, are you sure you're all right?" Suzuko asked.

Miyuki was still rubbing her bottom as she, Suzuko, Aimi, Sachiko, Kazuko, Oniko, Una, Seiji, Ichiko and Daniel walked toward the balance beam.

"I'm fine," Miyuki replied. "I've had worse landings than that. I think Yuriko makes me do my vaults just to remind me how much I suck at them… Now, let's get started… Suzuko… how did you do yesterday on the beam?"

"I… I guess I did OK…" Suzuko answered. "I mean… I didn't fall… but I lost my balance once or twice… Ahhh… Miyuki-sempai, could you just call me Suzu… That's what my friends call me."

Miyuki chuckled. "Fine… I'll call you Suzu if you stop calling me sempai. OK… Suzu, I'd like you to go first, but take it slow. I want you to take your time and think about how to approach each move so that you can keep your balance. Una… I'd like you to watch Suzu and try to imitate what she's doing on the ground… Aimi… Kazuko and Sachiko… once Suzu is done, I'd like each of you to run through your routines. I know it's been a while since you've had a chance to practice, so take it easy."

"Miss Miyuki," Oniko asked timidly. "Could I try walking on the balance beam again?"

"Of course you can." Miyuki paused for a moment then turned to Una and asked, "Una, would you mind if Oniko practiced with you… Then she can try walking on the beam again."

"Sure… Not a problem," Una responded.

"Would that be OK, Oniko?" Miyuki asked.

"I… I guess so," Oniko answered timidly.

"Don't' worry," Una said. "Everything will be fine. I'll spread out a few more mats to give us a little extra space. I'll bet you pick this up in no time."

Oniko smiled. "Thank you…"

"Ok… Now I see two new faces that I don't recognize," Miyuki said looking at Ichiko and Daniel.

"I'm Ichiko… Seiji's sister… And this is Daniel. He's Una's cousin."

Daniel bowed and said nervously, "Kon'nichiwa. Hajimemashite."

Miyuki smile and responded in her best English, "Hi… I am very pleased to meet you too."

"Not bad, Miyuki," Una replied in English. "You speak English very well."

"Wait a second," Miyuki quickly responded. "I only know enough English to get myself into trouble. Telling someone that I'm pleased to meet them is just about my limit."

"You speak English very well, Una," Suzuko said.

"Kind of a necessity in my family," Una replied. "English and Japanese are pretty much used interchangeably at family gatherings and English is pretty much all Daniel and his brothers and sister speak."

"Well," Sachiko said, "now I know where to go to get help with my English assignments."


Ukyo and Akane were waiting in the living room while Kasumi helped Aka-chan put on her Miko garb, a much simpler process than dressing Ukyo with the nine layers of her wedding kimono. Everything Ukyo was wearing was the purest of whites, but the outermost layer had cranes embroidered on it, also in white.

Akane was wearing her cherry blossom kimono (although slightly out of season, it just seemed appropriate for the occasion).

"Ukyo, you are absolutely beautiful," Akane said, "but I've never seen a wedding kimono quite like that."

"Mr. Takamizo said that the style dates back to the time his great grandparents were married," Ukyo replied. She bowed her head then added, "He gave this to me as a wedding gift. He gave Ryoga his wedding kimono too. I can't imagine how much this must have cost… or how I'll ever be able to pay him back."

"I don't think Mr. Takamizo is looking for any kind of a payback," Akane replied, "except to see you and Ryoga happy together."

Ukyo paused for a few seconds then asked, "May I ask you a personal question?"

"Sure… Ask away?"

"Ahhh… What was it like the first time you and Ranma had sex?"

"It was pretty awesome," Akane replied. "It's funny… Everyone assumed that Ranma and I were having sex all along, but we never really had sex until the night of the wedding."

"Ryoga and I did it last night," Ukyo said.

"No problem with that… You are married."

"But I'm not sure what I was expecting… You know… Like I guess I was kind of expecting fireworks…"

Akane laughed. "Well, there certainly weren't any fireworks our wedding night… but it was still awesome… And I'll let you in on a little secret… Once all of the stress and tension of the wedding is passed, it only gets better."

"And you and Ranma had sex when Ranma was in his girl form?"

"We did… And that was awesome too. In fact, come to think of it, that's what we did first. It's kind of nice that we have that as an option when Ranma and I want to have sex and it isn't the right time of the month. It's a pretty effective form of birth control."

"I'm not really worried about that. Ryoga and I are looking to start our family as soon as possible."

"It will be kind of crazy with all of Shampoo's new found family and with one on the way."

"Mizuki, Ya-Ling, Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung are a lot of help… And we get to practice things like changing diapers and feeding and stuff like that with Ju and Lan."

"They are so cute…" Akane said, "I do kind of envy you."


"Not bad Karumi," Yuka said after Karumi's first try at a vault.

"Where did you learn to do that? Fumiko asked.

"I… I guess it's just something I learned from my sister," Karumi replied. "We practice stuff like this as part of our training… but we usually use a handy tree branch… or an opponent's shoulders."

"I think the Coach will definitely want you on the Gymnastics' team next year," Sayuri said.

"So, is it definite that you'll be going to school with us next year?" Ichino asked.

"It looks like it," Karumi replied. "Uncle Soun got information from the registrar's office that my dad is actually his brother… So there is no question in his mind that we'll be staying with him and Akane and Ranma… Although my sister is still being pig-headed about it."

"It sounds like your sister can be pretty pig-headed about almost anything," Yuka said.

"That's one thing she excels at," Karumi said with a chuckle. "If there were a martial art for pig-headedness, she would be a grand master."

"You want to try another vault?" Yuka asked. "I'm not sure what the coach wants us to do next."

"Where are the coach and Hikari?" Aoi asked.

"They're having a talk with Choko," Ichino replied. "I think the coach thought that Choko was going to kill herself on her last vault."

"I thought so too," Yuka said. "She's lucky that all that happened was that she landed on her ass. That vault could have gone wrong in so many different ways."

"The thing is that I think if she tried it again," Ichino said, "she'd land it perfectly."

"But those are exactly the kind of chances that the coach doesn't want to take," Yuko replied.

"But she probably tried it because she saw Ranma try something like that," Sayuri commented.

"But Ranma is a special case," Yuka answered.

"You can say that again," Sayuri responded. She paused for a moment then added, "… but don't."

"Speaking of Ranma… and Akane…" Aoi asked, "Where did they take off to?"

"Their friend from school… the girl that runs the Okonomiyaki restaurant, is getting married today," Yuka replied. "They're part of the wedding party."

"Do you think they'll make it to the party tonight?" Hikari asked.

"They may not be there right at seven," Yuka answered, "but they'll be there."

"I hope everyone can come tonight," Hikari said. "It will probably be tame compared to the parties from the last few days, but I think it should be fun… And everyone is welcome to stay for the sleepover. I have a special breakfast planned for tomorrow morning."


"Ranma," Ryoga asked. "Is it normal to feel nervous like this?"

"It's perfectly normal," Ranma replied. "Remember how nervous I was before Akane and I were married."

Ranma and Akio carefully made some final adjustments to Ryoga's formal black kimono jacket.

Ryoga was wearing a formal black kimono, secured with a white cord, with the black jacket and pants with narrow black and white vertical stripes. Ranma was wearing a similar kimono, pants and jacket, but the color was a muted reddish brown.

"But technically, Uchan and I are already married."

"That's true," Akio replied. "And even through the government doesn't really think the ceremony matters… it does… Now, turn around."

Akio was wearing the pale blue priestly garb Ranma had seen him wearing at the festival of shrines they attended when they were in Kyoto. Ranma wondered if there had been some ulterior motive on Akio and Aka-chan's part since Aka-chan had also brought her Miko garb.

Ryoga did as instructed.

"Not bad," Ranma said. "You look pretty darn good."

"But I still feel uncomfortable wearing all of this stuff," Ryoga answered.

"It's just for today," Ranma responded, "and would you rather be wearing a tuxedo again?"

"I guess not," Ryoga said after a moment. "The tuxedo was definitely uncomfortable. Ranma, where are the rings?"

"Akane has them," Ranma replied. "She'll give them to Mizuki before the ceremony starts. Are you ready?"

Ryoga closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath and slowly let it out then said, "I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

"Well then," Ranma said, "let's start walking. We'll meet Ukyo, Akane and Aka-chan at my house and then meet Mizuki, your parents and Ukyo's parents at the shrine… Your parents are already at the shrine?"

"Akemi thought that was the safest way to make sure they didn't wander off," Ryoga said with a broad grin on his face. "Akemi threatened to handcuff them together and chain them to something in the shrine if she has to."

Akio laughed. "Somehow I think I'd like to see that."

Ryoga took another deep breath and said, "Thank you for everything… for all of your help… I'm not sure how I could ever repay you."

"You can repay me by taking good care of my sister," Ranma replied. "Take good care of Uchan."


"That was very good, Oniko," Miyuki said once Oniko hopped down from the beam.

She had managed to keep her balance without any assistance, and walked from one end of the beam to the other, turn around and walk back before she jumped down.

"You'll be an expert on the balance beam before you know it," Suzuko said.

"Thank you," Oniko replied quietly.

"I think that's all we have time for today," Miyuki said as she looked over at the people at the vault. "I think the rest of the team is starting to wrap things up. Remember, on Monday, try to be here by nine. I think Yuriko has a very full schedule planned. Also, all of you are invited to the party at our house tonight and you're all welcome to sleep over. And for those of you who don't feel comfortable sleeping with the opposite gender, we'll set up my parent's room for guys and Hikari's and my room for girls… And Oniko, tell your aunt that you're welcome to come too. And that goes for Seiji, Ichiko and Daniel too… And Una, I'm expecting you to come in costume."

"Costume?" Ichiko asked.

"Miyuki and Hikari found out that somebody watches Sailor Moon too," Una replied, "and his favorite character is Sailor Mercury… "

Seiji began to blush.

"I like Sailor Mercury too," Ichiko said, "but my favorite is Sailor Mars."

"Hmmm…" Miyuki said. "With the right wig, you'd probably make a really good Sailor Mars."


"I can't believe I forgot my shampoo," Aimi said as she, Kazuko and Sachiko walked to Aimi's apartment building.

"You could have used mine," Kazuko said. "I have plenty."

"That's OK," Aimi replied. "But I really should check on my mom. I'm pretty sure she has to work today, but I don't know when. And considering the shape she was in when she got home, I'm not sure she's in any condition to get herself up… let alone remember she has to work."

"What are you going to do if after you wake her up you find out that she doesn't have to work today?" Kazuko asked.

"I'll leave," Aimi replied, "and let her go back to sleep. Then we can go to the bath and then spend the afternoon at Sachiko's apartment until it's time to go to Miyuki's and Hikari's."

"I don't have a problem with that," Sachiko said, "but we'll need to stop at the store and pick something up to drink that doesn't have alcohol in it. All I have left to drink in my apartment is some beer and the bottles of liquor."

"We can do that," Aimi replied.

"Aimi," Kazuko asked, "where do you think your mom will have to work… if she's working."

"I think she's supposed to work at the restaurant," Aimi answered. "I know she told me but I was probably too drunk when she told me to remember."

"What ever happened to that job at the family restaurant?" Sachiko asked.

"She wasn't getting enough hours there to pay the rent," Aimi replied. "The only reason we were getting by was because she was still working for Mr. Kiyobe at the club two or three times a week."

"Well, at least working at the restaurant, she doesn't have to drink with the customers" Kazuko said, "even if she does have to wear that uniform."

"I guess if I had to choose one over the other," Aimi replied, "I think I'd rather that she show off her boobs rather than get drunk every night… And having to wear the uniform doesn't bother her at all… And showing off her boobs like that is better than working in a strip club."

It took a few seconds for what Aimi had said to sink in.

"What do you mean?" Sachiko asked.

"Apparently… one of the jobs that my mom worked at before I was born was a dancer at a strip club," Aimi replied. "That's one of the things she told me when we had our heart to heart talk the other night. She also told me that she was a prostitute for a while… And that's how I came about."

After taking a few seconds to contemplate what Aimi had said, Sachiko responded, "Wow! What else did she tell you?"

"That Mr. Kiyobe took her in and gave her a job when the strip club fired her when they found out that she was pregnant," Aimi replied, "and that she and Mr. Kiyobe are still having sex with each other."

"But… but isn't Mr. Kiyobe married?" Kazuko said.

"He is," Aimi answered, "and his wife knows about it and approves of it… It's all kind of complicated and weird…"

Aimi paused then asked, "So… what do you think about all of that?"

She bowed her head and for a moment it looked as if see was going to start crying… until Kazuko and Sachiko wrapped their arms around her and hugged her.

"What do I think about all of that?" Sachiko said. "What I think about is that I'm envious of you… In spite of all of that… you have a mom who loves you and cares for you very much. I would give anything to have parents, at least one of them, who cared that I even existed."

Then Kazuko and Sachiko embraced Aimi and they each gave her a kiss.


"What do you mean we're going to Akihabara?" Miyuki asked.

"Just what I said," Hikari replied. "We're going to Akihabara. I have shopping to do."

Miyuki turned to look at Yuriko who immediately said, "Don't look at me. She's your wife. I have to make copies of forms that everyone who's going to the Regional Tournament has to fill out and get signed and then I need to sort all of the paperwork that's on the table and put it away before the crowd arrives tonight."

"What's so important that we have to go to Akihabara right now?" Miyuki asked.

"I need to get stuff before the party tonight," Hikari answered.

Miyuki sighed

"Can we at least go home and get changed?" Miyuki asked. "My leotard is binding is some really uncomfortable places."

Hikari looked disappointed but finally said, "OK… That will give me a chance to put the rest of my list together for what else we'll need for the party tonight."


When Aimi, Kazuko and Sachiko arrived at Aimi's apartment, they saw Fukumi sitting on the stairs that led up to Aimi's apartment.

"Fukumi, what are you doing here?" Aimi asked. But after a moment or two she asked (with a bit of panic in her voice), "Is something wrong? Is there something wrong with my mom?"

"There's nothing to worry about… Everything is fine," Fukumi said as she stood up. "Your mom wasn't sure you'd remember that she had to work today… and she was pretty sure that you had something to do at school this morning… So she asked me to come by and wake her up and help her get ready for work."

"I had gymnastics' practice this morning," Aimi replied. She paused for a moment that said, "Mom was in pretty bad shape last night, wasn't she?"

"Everybody was in really bad shape last night," Fukumi said.

"So mom got off for work OK," Aimi responded.

"She wasn't happy when I woke her up, but she had to be in by two… and I'm pretty sure she's closing tonight, so don't expect her home tonight. She'll probably stay overnight at Ikoi's apartment." Fukumi paused and then said as she handed a key to Aimi, "So that brings me to one of the reasons I'm still here. Your mom gave me a key to your apartment so I could let myself in to get her up. She said that you usually lock the door when you go out."

"Usually I only lock the door when mom's been drinking," Aimi replied as she accepted the key. "She has a bad habit of not realizing that the door outside isn't the door to the bathroom and she ends up wandering around outside less than fully clothed."

Fukumi chuckled. "I guess that could be an issue."

Fukumi paused for a moment and then sighed. "… Which brings me to the other reason I'm here… I want to apologize for what happened the other night… especially to Sachiko. What I did was totally inexcusable… But honestly, until Yuna and Saiko told me about it, I didn't remember any of it."

"Same here," Sachiko replied. "Until Aimi and Kazuko told me about it, I thought it was some kind of weird dream…" Sachiko chuckled. "But from what Aimi and Kazuko said… we put on quite a show."

Fukumi began to blush. "Yeah… I guess we did… I realize that you have every right in the world to be angry with me for what I did…"

"Wait a second," Sachiko said interrupting Fukumi. "I think I was just as responsible for what happened… And I'm certainly not angry at you."

"But I'm older and I certainly should have known better than to let something like that happen."

"Just because you're older doesn't absolve me of responsibility," Sachiko said.

"Of course, none of this would have happened if the two of you hadn't had so much to drink," Aimi said.

"That isn't necessarily true," Sachiko said with a grin, "but you're probably right."

Fukumi shook her head. "You know… you're not making this any easier. I really do need to apologize."

"Fine," Sachiko responded. "You've apologized… And I accept your apology… Now… do you have any plans for this afternoon?"

"Ahhh… No… Why?" Fukumi stammered in reply.

"Kazuko, Aimi and I are heading for the baths," Sachiko said. "How would you like to join us?"

"B… but I don't have anything to go to the bath."

"Not a problem," Aimi said. "I have soap and shampoo you can use."

"But… but why?"

"Because we're all drinking buddies now… And drinking buddies hang out together… even when they aren't drinking."


When Ryoga, Ranma and Akio arrived at the house, Ukyo, Akane and Aka-chan were already waiting outside.

"I didn't make you wait very long, did I?" Ryoga asked.

"No… no… we just came outside here a minute or two ago," Ukyo replied.

"The kimono looks beautiful on you," Ryoga said after a moment or two of deafening silence.

"You… you look very handsome too," Ukyo responded after another similar period of silence. "At least it isn't raining today."

Ryoga nervously replied, "No… it's a good thing it isn't raining today."

Ranma began to chuckle. "I think it's time we started walking to the shrine. It's almost one o'clock."

And so, with Aka-chan and Akio in the lead, and Ukyo and Ryoga and Akane and Ranma following, they slowly made their way to the shrine.


"So where have you been hiding since the party?" Hikari asked her grandmother as she, Akari and Miyuki walked toward the train station. "That must have been some massage."

"I wish… But since the party," Akari replied, "I've been at my office going over the clothing I brought back from New York. It just proves that no favor ever goes unpunished."

"What do you mean?" Miyuki asked.

"What it means is that since I did so well dealing with that freak the last time," Akari replied, "they'd like me to go back and negotiate a contract for a summer fashion line."

"When would you have to go?" Hikari asked. "You just got back."

"That's the thing," Akari answered. "My boss is afraid that some other department store might try to beat us to him, so they'd like me to meet with him New Year's Day."

"New Year's Day!" Hikari responded. "I was hoping we'd be able to go to Shrine together this year."

"We're not going to be able to do that this year," Akari replied, "but I was wondering about something else… How would you like to come with me to see your Aunt Chika?"

"Come with you," Hikari asked. "What do you mean?"

"Miyuki, is your wife always this clueless?" Akari asked.

"Not really," Miyuki answered, "but I guess I'm a little clueless about this too."

"What I mean is that Hikari could fly to New York with me and see her Aunt," Akari answered. "You could come along too."

"But Miyuki and I have gymnastics' practice," Hikari said.

"That's what I wanted to talk with your coach about," Akari responded. "I can't believe that you'll be holding practice straight through the holiday."

"She's stuck at school taking care of paperwork for the Regional tournament," Miyuki said. "But you're right. As far as I know we'll have practice on Monday and Tuesday next week and then we won't have a practice until the Monday after New Years."

"That will be fine," Akari replied. "If we leave on Tuesday right after your practice, I'll get there with plenty of time to get ready for my meeting… And you'll have time to see your Aunt… You know, she has been asking to see you."

"But I don't have a passport," Hikari replied.

"Not a problem," Akari answered. "My company can expedite that for you… and for Miyuki."

"Not an issue for me," Miyuki said. "When my parents were getting their travel papers together for their trip to Australia, they got a passport for me in case I wanted to visit them."

"Think about it," Akari said. "Usually it takes about a week to get a passport, but my company seems to be able to move things along a bit faster."

"I'm impressed," Miyuki said. "Any organization that can get the Japanese bureaucracy to move faster has to be pretty amazing."

"When it comes to promoting commerce, it's pretty easy to get the bureaucracy to bend over backwards… But don't wait too long to decide. I can only get them to bend so much… So… where are we going?"

"To Akihabara," Hikari answered. "To the Sailor Moon shop… There's a girl who would make a perfect Sailor Mars… And Arisu's niece would be a perfect Chibi Usagi. So I want to get costumes for them… And I think I'm going to get a Sailor Venus and Sailor Saturn costumes too. I think I have two girls in mind for them too."

"Seems to me that that will be very expensive," Akari said. "You're not supposed to be spending your reserve for college."

"I'm not touching my college reserve," Hikari replied. "This is from the money you gave me at the party."

"Oh…" Akari said. "How much did I give you?"

"You don't remember?" Hikari asked.

"Not really," Akari replied. "I think I was pretty drunk by that time."

"Well… you gave me and Miyuki each one million," Hikari answered.

"The bills were all neatly counted out," Miyuki said, "and in envelopes."

"Oh good," Akari said. "I think that's what I intended to give you. I was afraid that I just grabbed a wad of bills from my briefcase and handed them to you. I have an envelope for your teacher too."

"You were carrying five million yen in your briefcase at the party?" Miyuki asked.

"I wasn't actually carrying my briefcase at the party… Akane's sister set it aside for me… but… I didn't have much of a choice," Akari responded. "My supervisor handed over the money to me when I delivered the merchandise and it was too late to go to the bank and do anything with it." Akari paused for a moment then added, "Not that I'm planning to put any of it in the bank."

"Why not?" Miyuki asked.

"Because I have things to spend it on," Akari replied. "And if I can successfully negotiate an exclusive contract with this freak in New York, it could easily be worth another twenty million yen or more for us."

"What do you mean 'for us'?" Hikari asked.

"My darling granddaughter," Akari said shaking her head, "there are times you can be so clueless."


The wedding party was greeted at the entrance of the shrine by the shrine priest (wearing similar garb to Akio but in a darker shade of blue), three Miko from the shrine, Mizuki and Ukyo's and Ryoga's parents. Akemi stood by behind Ryoga's parents making sure that they didn't wander off too far.

The priest gestured that Akio and Aka-chan join him and once they were in place, the shrine priest began the prayers of purification and blessing. Once that was complete, the priest led the wedding party into the shrine for the remainder of the ceremony.


"You really didn't need to pick up the tab for us" Sachiko said as she, Fukumi, Aimi and Kazuko washed up in preparation of entering the bath.

"Yeah, I did," Fukumi replied. "Call it a peace offering for what happened the other night."

"I said that you didn't need to apologize," Sachiko responded.

"This isn't an apology," Fukumi said as she lathered up her breasts. "This is more like a thank you. If I weren't spending the afternoon here with you, I'd be back in my apartment getting drunk."

"You even drink on your days off?" Kazuko asked.

"Usually… unfortunately…" Fukumi responded. "Especially if my apartment mates have the day off too. Then it's party time. There have been a couple of times when I had a late start at the club, we'd drink until it was time for me to leave for work, so I was already drunk when I got to the club."

"That doesn't sound like a very good thing," Aimi said.

"It isn't," Fukumi replied with a chuckle. "When I'm already drunk, I tend to drink more with the customers… And sometimes I end up in a hotel room or apartment that I don't remember going to."

"That's definitely not good," Aimi responded. "Ahhh… Does stuff like that ever happen to my mom?"

"I don't think so," Fukumi answered. "Your mom holds her liquor pretty good… Plus Mr. Kiyobe and Tina watch out for your mom. I mean Mr. Kiyobe watches out for all of us, but I think he especially watches out for your mom."

Aimi chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me. Mom is Mr. Kiyobe's mistress."

"Oh… you know about that," Fukumi responded.

"My mom told me," Aimi answered, "and so did Mrs. Kiyobe."

"I don't know the whole story behind it," Fukumi said.

"Neither do I… But they seemed to be willing to go into a deal of detail… But for me that's too much information."

"So you don't have a problem with that?" Fukumi asked.

"What my mom does or doesn't do isn't really any of my business," Aimi answered. "As long as my mom and Mr. and Mrs. Kiyobe are happy with the situation, I'm fine with it."

Fukumi smiled. "OK then… Would you like me to wash your backs?"

"Fine," Sachiko replied, "as long as I can wash yours."


"I'm so glad you could make it today," Ukyo said as she hugged Mr. Takamizo.

"I wouldn't think of missing this for the world," Mr. Takamizo. "So, where is your beloved husband?"

"He's getting changed," Ukyo answered, "and Ya-Ling is helping Mizuki get changed."

"You mean, making sure she's actually dressed," Mr. Takamizo said with a chuckle.

"That too," Ukyo said with a broad smile.

"How are your parents dealing with all of this?" Mr. Takamizo asked.

"Pretty well," Ukyo replied. "At least mom has stopped asking if I'm pregnant… Not that I would really mind that now."

"You really are looking forward to having a family, aren't you?"

"Does it show that much?"

"You mean the way you beam when you are holding Ju or Lan?"

Ukyo laughed. "That obvious."

"I'm sure you'll be an excellent mother… and Ryoga will be an excellent father… and Mizuki will be an excellent big sister."

"I'm glad you think so," Ukyo responded. She paused for a moment then said, "I want to thank you so much for the wedding kimono."

"You already did," Mr. Takamizo said with a grin, "… several times."

"But that was before I actually wore it," Ukyo replied. "Did you get the chance to see it before I got changed? Everything got so hectic when we got back here after the ceremony, I wasn't sure you had the chance."

"Of course I got to see you. You and Ryoga walked right past me when you were walking to the shrine before the ceremony."

"I'm sorry. I didn't see you."

"I didn't expect that you would. You were quite focused on your husband."

"And trying to make sure I didn't trip and fall. I think this was only the third time I've worn a full kimono."

"Well, you handled yourself very well. Ahhh… before the evening is done, could you and Ryoga come and see me. I have something special for the two of you."

"But you've already done so much for us," Ukyo replied.

Mr. Takamizo smiled. "This is special… and something that I want the two of you to have… So please, make sure you and your husband talk with be before the evening is over."


"It sounds like a great idea," Yoshio said, "but it sounds like it's going to take a lot of work to get it fixed up and livable."

Yuka, Hiroshi, Sayuri and Yoshio were sitting together at a table at the family restaurant near the train station.

"It's going to take a lot of work," Hiroshi answered. "There's no plumbing upstairs and the kitchen and bathroom on the first floor are a complete mess. And we can't really do anything until we figure out where all of the supplies for the bakery are going to go."

"No matter what you do," Sayuri said, "it sounds like it's going to be expensive. How are you going to pay for it?"

"Mom and dad said that they'd cover the cost of renovating the old house," Hiroshi replied, "but we're going to need a plan drawn up for the contractor."

"And then there's the whole matter of finding a contractor," Yuka added.

"I don't know," Hiroshi said, "but I think I'd like to hire the guys that did Akane's and Ranma's apartment."

"But I've heard that they're booked up until this summer," Yuka said, "but with Akane's cousins moving in, I think the sooner I move out, the better. Have you given any thought about moving back home?"

"I don't think it would be a terrible idea," Yoshio said. "At least dad seems to be on board with it. Sayuri, what do you think your mom and dad would say about moving in with me?"

"You mean other than the 'Don't you dare get my daughter pregnant' speech," Sayuri replied.

"I think I've heard that speech at least once or twice," Yoshio replied.

"Other than that, I don't think my parents would object," Sayuri answered. "It would be a bit closer for my mom and dad to stop by and check on us."

"It would also be closer if your dad needs someplace to escape your grandmother's cooking," Yoshio responded.

"Speaking of your grandmother," Yuka asked, "any idea when she'll be going home?"

"No idea," Sayuri replied. "She's insistent that she's not going anywhere until I'm married and I'm pregnant. The more my parents try to get her to leave, the more entrenched she becomes."

"You know sis," Yoshio said, "I was thinking…"

"You're thinking," Yuka said sarcastically. "That could be dangerous."

Yoshio scowled at his sister for a brief moment but then said, "I was thinking that you and Hiroshi could move into our parent's house with us… at least until all of the renovations are done. There's more than enough room and it seems silly not to use that space since dad is paying the taxes and utility bills."

"I'd already thought of that," Yuka said, "but I wasn't sure if you and Sayuri would have an issues sharing the space with Hiroshi and me."

"I wouldn't have any issues," Sayuri replied, "and I don't think your brother would have an issue… as long as you don't make him dress up in one of your old junior high uniforms."


"So, exactly what did you buy?" Miyuki asked as she, Akari and Hikari exited the Sailor Moon shop.

"Let's see," Hikari answered, "I picked up a Sailor Mars costume and a wig for Ichiko and a Chibiusa costume for Oniko. I'm not quite sure who they're for yet, but I picked up Sailor Venus and Sailor Saturn costumes too. I also picked up a slightly more adult version of the Sailor Uranus and Sailor Neptune costumes."

"What do you mean… more adult version?" Miyuki asked.

"Something that shows a little more cleavage and a little more leg," Hikari replied.

"I can't imagine any shorter of a skirt that doesn't show off portions of the anatomy that should remain covered," Akari said, "at least in public."

"The skirts aren't that short," Hikari replied, "and the leotard prevents anything from showing accidentally."

"So Akari," Miyuki asked, "What did you buy?"

"Just some Sailor Moon trinkets," Akari answered. "Some key chains and stuff like that."

"I'll bet you got a Luna, Artemis and Diana keychains," Hikari said. "Grandma loves cats,"

"I love cats," Akari responded, "but it's not practical to have a pet with my travel schedule. Company trips where I'm on the road for three or four months at a time just wouldn't work out for having a pet of any kind."


"In some ways," Ukyo said, "I'm glad that part of it is over. I've never been so nervous in my entire life."

Ukyo had changed out of her wedding kimono into a more comfortable party dress and was sitting at a table with Akane, Ranma (in his girl form), Aka-chan and Akio.

"That's what most brides and grooms say," Akio responded. "We've had some couples that have actually been married for some time show up at the shrine for a wedding ceremony, back out at the last minute because they were so nervous."

"I was afraid that Ryoga was going to pass out," Ranma said, "he was shaking so hard."

"I've seen that too," Akio replied, "but usually, if that's going to happen, it's after the third cup of sake."

"Speaking of Ryoga," Akane asked, "where is your beloved husband?"

"He's trying his best to convince Mizuki not to take off her clothes," Ukyo said with a chuckle.

"Good luck with that," Aka-chan replied. "I was afraid she was going to take off her kimono during the ceremony."

"I wasn't sure she'd make it through the ceremony either," Ukyo said. "She really hates wearing anything that's heavy and binding… But she made it."

"So, you and Ryoga are going to take Mizuki along with you on your honeymoon?" Ranma asked.

"Yeah…" Ukyo answered. "Ryoga wants to go back to the monastery where he was staying. He feels bad that he didn't go back with the supplies he bought. He doesn't remember where the monastery is, but Mizuki does."

"You would think that the monks might have figured out that sending Ryoga out on his own to buy supplies might not have been the best of ideas," Ranma said.

"Ranma, be nice," Akane responded.

"Ranma is being nice," Ukyo replied. "The monks must have known that the odds of Ryoga coming back were pretty slim. I think that the monks realized that it was time for him to move on… But there's no convincing Ryoga of that. He wants to go back and return the money they gave him." Ukyo chuckled. "You know… he still has the shopping list that they gave him."

"That sounds just like Ryoga," Ranma said with a laugh.

"Ranma," Aka-chan asked, "are you going to change back into your boy form?"

"Not for a while," Ranma answered. "At least not until my male clothing dries."

"It's kind of lucky that there was something for you to change into that was gender appropriate," Akio said.

"It does seem like quite a coincidence that after someone dumped a bucket of cold water over my head," Ranma responded, "that the only available clothing for me to change into was a semi-transparent party dress."

"I have to admit that considering that that is one of Shampoo's dresses," Akane said, "that it fits you pretty well. Are you sure your boobs haven't gotten bigger?"

"No, my boobs haven't gotten any bigger," Ranma replied.

"Well, I don't think that there's any real point in you changing into your boy form now," Akane said. "We did promise to show up at Miyuki's and Hikari's wearing our Sailor Moon costumes."

"Your friends are really into Sailor Moon, aren't they?" Aka-chan asked.

"Hikari is the big Sailor Moon fan," Akane replied. "But Kasumi is almost as big of a fan as Hikari."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me," Ukyo said with a chuckle. "So who do you dress up as?"

"Ranma has a Sailor Moon costume," Akane answered, "and I dress up as Sailor Mercury."

"And Kasumi dresses up as Sailor Pluto," Ranma added.

"That seems appropriate," Ukyo responded. "I guess I've always seen myself as the Sailor Mars type."

"You're a fan of Sailor Moon too?" Aka-chan asked.

"I watch when I can," Ukyo replied. "But usually only if I get done cleaning up at the restaurant early."


"Mmmm… This feels so good," Kazuko said as she, Aimi, Sachiko and Fukumi settled into the hot bath water. "It floats away all of the aches and pains from practice."

"I can't disagree with that," Sachiko replied. "Although you did pretty well today. You only had that one fall off the beam."

"And your dismount looked really good," Aimi said. "You barely took a step… And Sachiko, you managed to get through your whole routine without even a slip."

"Yeah… But my routine isn't anything spectacular," Sachiko answered. "You don't get very many points for a basic routine where all you manage to stay on the beam."

"I'm sure you did better than I ever did in gymnastics," Fukumi said. "I could never stay upright on my dismounts and landings."

"You competed in gymnastics?" Sachiko asked.

"Everyone at our school was required to be the member of one club or another, so I chose gymnastics," Fukumi answered, "but I was never good enough to actually compete. I could never stick my landings because once my boobs got moving, it was impossible to get them to stop."

"Hikari has the same problem," Sachiko responded. She paused for a moment then said, "I know it's rude to ask, but how big are your breasts?"

"Apparently you're one of the few people who think it's rude to ask that question," Fukumi answered, "I wear a 90H bra, but my actual three numbers are 92-61-91."

"Wow!" Sachiko said. "I wouldn't mind having breasts like yours."

"Oh yes you would," Fukumi replied with a bit of a chuckle. "Having boobs this big means that it's almost impossible to find clothes to wear. I have to special order my bras... After a long day on my feet, I always have a backache. And there's the whole matter of people trying to grope them. Personally, I'd rather have B or C cup boobs."


"I see you've given up trying to get your little sister to keep her clothes on," Akemi said.

Ryoga sighed. "Once she gets it in her head that she doesn't need to wear clothes, getting her to get dressed again is almost impossible."

"She certainly is cute," Akemi replied. "And your father seems to have taken a liking to her."

"So has mom. She volunteered to watch over her while Uchan and I are traveling."

"But you're going to take Mizuki with you?"

"Mizuki remembers where the monastery is where I was staying."

"Won't that complicate things if you and your wife want to have some intimate time together?"

"Probably, but Uchan thinks it's a good idea to bring her along with us."

"Speaking of your mom and dad, have you had a chance to talk with them?"

Ryoga sighed again. "I talked with mom for a while after the ceremony… but dad seems to be going out of his way to avoid me."

"Your dad can be really stubborn sometimes," Akemi responded.

"You don't have to tell me that."

"But it sounds like you can be just as stubborn."

"You're probably right," Ryoga replied. "But I like what I'm doing now… I like doing carpentry work and I like working with Mousse. I like doing something a little different every day. I can't imagine myself looking at columns of numbers every day."

Akemi laughed. "I guess your mom and I couldn't see you doing that either… So when are you, your wife and your little sister leaving for your honeymoon?"

"Probably not until tomorrow morning," Ryoga answered. "Uchan got train tickets to get us close to where the monastery is." Ryoga smiled. "For some reason Uchan doesn't want to walk there."

"I don't blame her," Akemi replied. "It's a long walk to Akita."


"I'm surprised that mom said it was all right for me to go to the party with you and Seiji and Ichiko… and to stay overnight," Daniel said to Una (in English).

"I guess I'm not," Una replied in English. "She was just as pleased to see the looks on your brothers' faces as we were." Una paused for a moment then said (in Japanese) "You know… today would be a good time to practice your Japanese."

"I know," Daniel answered (in Japanese).

"Don't worry," Una said. "Everyone that will be at the party is very nice… And I'm sure Ichiko will stay close by."

Ichiko smiled… but also began to blush.

"So, what do you want to do until it's time for the party?" Seiji asked. "It's really too early to head to my house for dinner."

"We should probably stop at the store and pick out the snacks we want to take to the party," Una replied. "And I need to stop at my house and pick up stuff so I can stay overnight."

"Are you sure things won't get weird with all of the guys there?" Ichiko asked.

"Hikari said that there will be rooms set up for only guys and only girls," Una replied, "and there will be adult chaperones there to make sure things don't get out of hand."

"And Hikari did say that there wouldn't be any alcohol," Seiji said.

"I think the weirdest thing will be Ranma-sempai," Una said with a smile.

"You mean the assistant coach that was helping out at practice today?" Ichiko asked. "He didn't seem weird to me."

Una snickered. "Just wait until the party and you see him in his Sailor Moon costume."

"So… Ranma-sempai is a guy who dressed in women's clothing?" Ichiko asked.

"Well… Not exactly," Una answered. "When cold water comes in contact with Ranma-sempai, he turns into a girl and turns back to a guy when he gets splashed with hot water."

There was no response from Ichiko.

"It's some kind of curse thing," Una said. "It takes some getting used to, but he's really a nice guy… and he's married."

"What does his wife think about it?" Ichiko asked.

"I think when they first met," Una responded, "it was a problem… But that doesn't seem to be the case anymore."

Daniel stood by through the entire conversation about Ranma and it was more than evident that he had no idea what was being talked about.

"I'll explain it all to you later," Una said to Daniel (in English).


"Have you talked with your dad recently?" Sayuri asked as she and Yoshio walked toward Yoshio's house.

"I haven't talked with him," Yoshio replied, "but Yuka did the other day."

"Any word on how your mother is doing?"

"Yuka said that her condition hasn't changed much," Yoshio answered. "They're giving her medication to keep her calm, but they still don't have any idea what's causing the chemical imbalance that's causing her symptoms."

Yoshio paused for a moment then added, "Yuka said that dad isn't sure the doctors will ever find the underlying cause."

"I… I really don't know what to say," Sayuri said after several second of silence. "I'm sorry doesn't seem like enough."

"I don't really know what to say either."

The two had walked silently for some time when Sayuri asked, "Do you really think your dad would approve of you and me and your sister and Hiroshi moving back into your house?"

"Remember… Dad was the one who suggested the idea originally," Yoshio answered. "I really don't think he'd have any objections now. And honestly, I think he knows that we've been sharing a bed. What about your parents?"

"Same here," Sayuri said with a chuckle. "My dad didn't actually say anything about it the last time we talked… But the look on his face says that he's concerned."

"But do you think your parents would object with you moving in with me, Yuka and Hiroshi?"

"Honestly… my parents are having enough issues with my grandmother that me moving in with you is the least of their worries. And as you said, it would be closer for him to get an edible meal."

"And your parents would always be welcome to stop by to visit… as long as they don't bring your grandmother with them."


"I don't think it will be a problem," Yuriko replied to Akari. "I wasn't planning any practices until the Monday after New Years'. We should be done with practice this Tuesday around one."

"That will work out well," Akari replied. "If we can get into the air by five in the afternoon on the thirtieth, we'll be in New York around seven or eight on the thirtieth. We can get some rest and go see your Aunt Chika on New Years' Eve."

"Wait a minute," Hikari said. "I'm confused. How can we arrive in New York two hours after we leave Tokyo? Isn't it a twenty hour flight to New York?"

"It would be about a twenty-two hour flight if we had to make a stop in Hawaii for more than just fuel," Akari replied, "but with just a fuel stop in Hawaii, the flight time is about sixteen hours… But New York City is thirteen hours behind our time in Japan. So it will be four in the morning in New York if we leave Tokyo at five in the afternoon."

Even after her grandmother's explanation, Hikari still had a confused look on her face.

"Don't worry about it," Yuriko said. "It will all work out."

"But now I can see why your grandmother calls at all kind of weird times," Miyuki added.

"Sorry about that," Akari responded, "but it gets even more confusing because North America is spread out across four major time zones. I usually mess up when I'm in Chicago or Denver… And there is an additional one hour difference during the summer months."

"How long will we be in New York?" Miyuki asked.

"I think we'll leave early on the third to make sure you get back in time to get some rest before your practice on the fifth," Akari answered. "Yuriko, do you have a passport?"

"I do," Yuriko answered, "but why?"

"Because you're more than welcome to come along with us," Akari replied.

"I… I couldn't do that," Yuriko responded. "I have a stack of paperwork to get done before the meeting on the tenth."

"Not a problem," Akari answered. "You'd have two sixteen hour flights with not much else to do other sleep… and do your paperwork. And once we get to New York, we'll have a suite at a five star hotel in mid-town Manhattan… with a view of Times Square on New Years' Eve."

"I've seen news clips of that," Hikari said. "That place is crazy. The reports said that there were at least one million people there."

"Times Square is crazy most of the time," Akari said with a grin, "but its extra crazy on New Years' Eve… though I doubt there was actually one million people there,"

"Sounds like fun," Miyuki said. "It would be even more fun if you came with us."

Yuriko sighed. "I don't know… I'll have to think about it."

"Well, you don't have much time to think about it," Akari said. "If you're interested in going, I need to know by Monday morning so I can get the necessary paperwork filed."


"I'm so glad you had the chance to stop by," Ukyo said as she gave Kasumi and Tofu a hug.

"I'm sorry we're so late," Kasumi replied, "but Tofu had a house call to make for one of his patients and it turned into an all-day event."

"Once Mrs. Takahira gets started, it's impossible to escape," Tofu said. "And then she wouldn't let me leave until she made lunch for me. What should have been a ten minute visit turned into a five hour event."

"She was just looking for someone to talk with," Kasumi responded.

"Yeah… To talk about all of her ailments," Tofu said, "… real and imagined."

"I know what you mean," Ukyo said with a smile. "Times when she comes in for lunch, she'll talk with anyone she can corner and tell about all of her aches and pains."

Ukyo sat down at the table with Kasumi and Tofu and said, "I'm absolutely exhausted."

"It's really been a busy day for you," Kasumi responded, "but it looks like things are winding down."

"Ryoga's parents started wandering off," Ukyo replied, "so Akemi decided it was time to take them home."

"Those two are really a handful, aren't they," Tofu said.

"They are," Ukyo answered. "Especially Mr. Hibiki. He still isn't happy with Ryoga because he didn't finish school and become an accountant like his dad."

"I'm sorry," Tofu said. "I can't imagine Ryoga sitting at a desk pouring over columns of numbers."

"Actually, Ryoga is very good with numbers," Ukyo replied. "He can estimate how much a job will cost and how long it will take in his head."

"Speaking of which," Kasumi said, "I may have a project for your husband and Mousse once the weather gets better."

"You may not want to wait that long," Ukyo replied. "Most of March and all of April, May, June and July are already booked up."

"Hmmm… I guess I'll have to talk with father sooner than later," Kasumi responded. "When do you expect to get back from your honeymoon?"

"If everything goes as planned," Ukyo responded, "we should be back on the Sunday after New Years'. Mom will be heading home the day after New Years', but dad is going to stay and cook for me until Sunday."

"I'll keep that in mind," Kasumi replied, "and stop by sometime that week."


"Come in," Hikari said, dressed in her Sailor Neptune costume, greeted Aimi, Kazuko, Sachiko and Fukumi at the door.

"I hope we're not too early," Aimi responded.

"You're right on time," Hikari replied. "Ichino, Choko, Aoi, Rei, Suzu, Kenji and Arisu and her niece are already here. Una and her friends just here. Yuka, Sayuri, Hiroshi and Yoshio will be here soon with treats from the bakery. Akane, Ranma, Aka-chan and Akio will be here a little later… So come on in."

"I hope it won't a problem," Sachiko said, "but I brought a friend with me. This is Fukumi. She works with Aimi's mom."

"Not a problem," Hikari said. "I'm Hikari. I hope you don't mind, but most of the talk tonight will be about Sailor Moon and gymnastics."

"That sounds wonderful," Fukumi responded, "compared to the usual conversations I have at work."

"Fukumi works at the same hostess club as my mom does," Aimi responded when Hikari looked questioningly at Fukumi.

"No booze tonight," Hikari said. "Right?"

"No booze tonight," Sachiko replied.

"So, that won't be a problem?" Hikari asked looking squarely at Fukumi.

"No problem at all," Fukumi replied. "It's kind of nice. I earn my pay by getting drunk five or six times a week. I have off until the New Years' party. That's five whole days to recover from a whole year of drinking too much."


"Thank you so much for being here today," Ryoga said.

"You know I'd never think about not being here today," Mr. Takamizo said with a laugh. "Now, where is your lovely wife… and Mizuki?"

"Uchan is trying to get Shampoo out of the kitchen," Ryoga replied, "and Ya-Ling is trying to convince Mizuki to get dressed again."

"Good luck with that," Mr. Takamizo responded. "I'll bet Mizuki is working as hard trying to get Ya-Ling to take off her clothes as Ya-Ling is working to get Mizuki dressed."

"You're probably right," Ryoga answered.

"What does your work schedule look like after New Years'?" Mr. Takamizo asked.

"I don't think we have anything scheduled until the third full week of January," Ryoga answered.

"That's good," Mr. Takamizo said. "That will give you and Mousse a chance to make the renovation to make space for the children."

"I'm going to miss Mrs. Ogata," Ryoga said. "She was always so nice to me."

"So am I," Mr. Takamizo responded. "But her daughter has been trying to convince her to move in with her since Mrs. Ogata's husband died ten years ago… But her daughter finally convinced her it was time to move after the last time Mrs. Ogata fell."

Ryoga's and Mr. Takamizo's conversation was interrupted by voices from the kitchen.

"But Shampoo need to finish dishes," said a voice that was distinctively Shampoo's.

"Don't worry about it," Ukyo replied. "I can guarantee you that they'll be waiting for you when you get back."

"That what Shampoo worried about," Shampoo responded. "Dishes not wash selves while Shampoo sit."

Mr. Takamizo chuckled then said in a louder voice. "Come on Shampoo and sit with me. Once we've had a chance to talk, I'll come into the kitchen with you and help you with the dishes."

Shampoo entered the dining area from the kitchen, followed by Ukyo and Mousse.

"Shampoo not make Mr. Takamizo do dishes."

"I know you're not making me wash," Mr. Takamizo replied, "but if that's what I have to do to get you sit down and talk with me for a while… I'll help wash dishes. Now, sit down and relax. You deserve it. I think that everyone will agree that the dinner you made today was wonderful."

Shampoo took a deep breath and slowly let it out, then sat down in a chair next to Mousse.

"Good," Mr. Takamizo said. "Now, first of all, I want to wish Uchan and Ryoga my congratulations. I think the two of you are a wonderful couple and will be wonderful parents."

Then, Mr. Takamizo retrieved a file folder from the floor next to his chair. He took the top sheet of paper from the stack of papers in the file and handed it to Ukyo.

"Ahhh… what is this?" Ukyo asked after looking over the document quickly.

"This document transfers ownership of this building and the property it's built on to you and Ryoga and Shampoo and Mousse."

"But…" Ukyo said after she recovered from the shock.

"No buts about it," Mr. Takamizo responded. "There's nothing you can do about it. The paperwork has already be filed with the local registrar and all of the transfer fees have been paid."

"But why?" Mousse asked.

"The easy answer is because I can and I want to," Mr. Takamizo responded with a broad grin. "But really, you'll be doing me a tremendous favor. My only child, my son, never married before he died in an unfortunate incident and never had any children. I have no other family that I really want to have anything to do with. Signing the property over to you now will make everyone's life easier in the future… So I don't want any argument. Also, I have already set up a bank account to pay for materials for the renovation."

Mr. Takamizo took another sheet of paper from the file folder and handed it to Ryoga.

"Ryoga, I had the chance to talk with your parents today," Mr. Takamizo said, "and now I think I understand why you have so many issues dealing with your dad… But after some extensive conversation I convinced your parents to sign adoption papers for Mizuki… So, now, Mizuki is officially your little sister."

"The rest of what I have here is a little more complicated," Mr. Takamizo said, handing the file folder and its contents to Mousse, "and a really interesting exercise in creative writing. With some help from the district registrar we were able to create two family records. We set up two family trees… One for Cologne and her family and one for Mousse and his family. Some of the information I got from Cologne before she went back to China… But most of the names were made up. The result of it is that it establishes that Shampoo, Ya-Ling, Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung are sisters and that Ting, Ning, Mei, Tau, Ju and Lan were adopted by Shampoo and Mousse."

Mr. Takamizo paused for a second then said, "Mousse, your family record was not quite as easy to work out. Do you have any idea what your parent's names were?"

"Not really," Mousse replied. "My parents died before I was one year old, so I don't remember them at all. And even Cologne couldn't remember their names. And because of my vision issues, no one wanted to adopt me. I was just one of the orphans that Cologne took care of."

"That's what Cologne told me," Mr. Takamizo responded. "That's why your family record is a complete work of fiction."

"It sounds like this is something that you've been planning this for some time," Ukyo said.

"Cologne approached me about starting the process about a month before she returned to China," Mr. Takamizo explained. 'I had hoped to review what I put together with her before she left… but that didn't work out."

"But won't there be a problem if someone actually looks at the documents?" Mousse asked.

"Other than the local registrar," Mr. Takamizo responded, "no one is likely to ever look at these documents… But even if someone did, they'd have to suspect something and know exactly what they're looking for. Not going to happen."

"Sha… Shampoo not know what to say."

"I know what to say," Mousse said. "Thank you… Thank you so very much."

"You're welcome," Mr. Takamizo responded with a big grin. "There is one other thing though. You and Shampoo need to sign the bottom document in the stack."

Mousse and Shampoo looked at Mr. Takamizo questioningly as Mousse retrieved the document in question,

"It's a marriage certificate," Mr. Takamizo said. "Once the two of you sign that, as far as the government is concerned, you and Shampoo will be married. Congratulations."


"Thanks for helping me cleanup," Hikari said as she rinsed a glass and handed it to Una.

"Not a problem," Una replied as she took the glass and set it in the dish rack to dry. "There really isn't that much to clean up."

Both girls were in their Sailor Senshi costumes… Una dressed as Sailor Mercury and Hikari dressed as Sailor Neptune.

"What does your boyfriend think of his Sailor Mercury?"

"Seiji likes it… He likes it a lot."

"I'm glad," Hikari said. "You make a really good Sailor Mercury… And his sister is a really good Sailor Mars."

"With the wig, she looks just like Sailor Mars," Una responded. "And she does have great looking legs."

"That she does," Hikari responded. "How is your cousin handling the crowd?"

"Pretty well," Una said. "Everyone is practicing their English with him."

"I feel sorry for him… especially if Sayuri is trying to talk with him in English. I'm not sure what Japanese-English dictionary she's using, but she has a knack for picking her words to make what she's saying sound absolutely obscene."

"Miss Nohina seems to be enjoying herself," Una said.

"She always does once she relaxes and gets into it."

"Is she really that much of a fan?" Una asked.

"She won't admit it, but Yuriko is as much into Sailor Moon as Miyuki and I are… And she's makes a perfect Sailor Jupiter."

"As good of a Sailor Jupiter as Yoshio makes a Sailor Venus," Una said with a chuckle.

"I'm not sure what Sayuri said to get him to do it," Hikari responded chuckling also, "but he does makes a fine looking Sailor Venus."

After a few seconds of silence Una asked, "Hikari, were you and Miyuki planning to go out running tonight?"

"Not really," Hikari replied. "It's really too cool tonight… And Miyuki and Yuriko thought that some of the people might freak a little."

"I'm not sure Seiji, Ichiko and Daniel would handle running naked very well," Una said, "at least not until I've had a chance to talk with them."

"So… Why did you think we might be running tonight?" Hikari asked. "Was Ranma or Akane talking about running?"

"No… Actually it was Oniko," Una said. "I heard her ask Arisu if we were going to do a special training run tonight."


"So, what did you think?" Gota asked.

"It was wonderful," Natsume replied. "When you asked me if I wanted to go to a concert, I never imagined that you'd be part of the concert."

"No one told you?"

"Kasumi told me that it would be better if it was a surprise… and she was right… You really are a good trumpet player."

"Thanks… Mom insisted that I learn to play a musical instrument," Gota explained, "but I was never a good piano player. So my dad suggested that with all my hot air that I might do better playing something like the trumpet or trombone."

"I guess that was some good advice," Natsume responded. "How often does your group have concerts?"

"Usually during the holiday season," Gota answered, "and at some of the summer festivals in the area. We just do it for fun. There really isn't any money in it."

"You and your friends put on a good show," Natsume said. "It was a lot of fun."

"I'm glad you liked it," Gota said, smiling.

After a brief pause, Gota said, "It sounds like you and your sister are going to be staying in the area."

"That's the way it looks," Natsume responded. "I don't think Uncle Soun would let us leave even and we wanted to… And Karumi is really looking forward to going to high school."

"But there's no word of whether your father is still alive," Gota said.

"No there isn't… But Uncle Soun is optimistic. We might travel to Akita when the weather is better. Uncle Soun's mother was from that area and he's hoping that the family there might have information to help find something out about our dad."

"If you were to find your father," Gota asked, "do you think you and your sister might move to where he is?"

Natsume sighed. "I don't know… But I'm beginning to agree with my sister. It is nice knowing that you have a roof over your head. I feel bad about not contributing to the household expenses, but Akane and Ranma would like me to help teach classes at the dojo."

"I'm glad to hear you'll be staying," Gota said softly. He paused for a moment then asked, "Do you and your sister have any plans for tomorrow?"

"I don't think so," Natsume answered. "At least not as far as I know… Why?"

"Because my mom was wondering if you and your sister would like to have dinner with us."

"I guess we could," Natsume replied. "At least I don't have any plans for tomorrow. I can let you know in the morning."

"That would be all right," Gota said. "Ahhh… Would you like to stop for some coffee before I take you home?"

"I… I guess I'd like that," Natsume responded. She smiled and said, "I think I would like that a lot."


Futons covered every bit of available space in Miyuki's and Hikari's living room. And every bit of futon space was taken up by the members of the Gymnastics' club and their friends and significant others.

In the end, no one opted to sleep in either of the bedrooms so everyone was packed closely in the available space. Of course those people you'd expect to be sleeping next to each other (Akane and Ranma, Yuka and Hiroshi, Sayuri and Yoshio, Miyuki and Hikari, etc.) were. But Una and Seiji, Ichiko and Daniel, Fumiko and Jun, were at least in the near vicinity to each other.

And Oniko was cuddled up with her Aunt Arisu.

Of course was the last thing anyone thought of, so it was nearly two in the morning before things really quieted do and people fell asleep.

"Auntie Arisu…"

"What is it Oniko?"

"Thank you for bringing me with you tonight. You have some really nice friends. I had a lot of fun."

"I'm glad," Arisu responded, "but it's really late and you really need to get some sleep."

"I know… Auntie Arisu… I love you."

"I love you too, Oniko… I love you too."

Oniko cuddled up closer to her aunt and rested her head against Arisu's right breast… and fell sound asleep.


Personal Note: I know it's been a while since I posted an update, but I've spent the larger portion of the last three year in the hospital (for various reasons). Between post-surgical recovery, rehab and the fact that I had limited access to the computer that had my Ranma fan fiction on, progress has been slowed. I'm feeling better now and have gotten time to catch up. Thanks for being patient.

Doctor Memory