I can see,

A world beyond the place that we wanna be.

Let me hold you,

With no regret, yeah.

Love - a different frame of mind.

We'll leave it all behind,

And never turn around.

Reach out and hold my hand.

I'll carry you, and then,

Together we will stand,

Without ever asking when.

- No Regret by Zircon

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Nothing happens. The hot water drips from her head.

Nothing's happened. No tingle. No change. No boy's body.

No dysphoria, no grey.

"…Ranko?" Ukyou asks.

Ranko stands there, gaping. She numbly takes the cup of hot water from Herb and dumps it on herself. And again, nothing happens.

A hysterical giggle erupts from her.

"Ah… Lady Ranko?" Herb asks nervously. "I apologise for hurk!" She grabs him in a tight hug that Akane would be proud of, making the poor prince's bones creak dangerously, dragon though he may be.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She yells, jumping up and down. He makes another 'hurk' noise and awkwardly pats her on the head as she lets go. "Oh goodness, I'm so sorry!" She gasps, hands to her mouth.

Herb waves her off, panting slightly, flushed. "It's… It's fine… Heavens above you're strong."

Ranko goes red. "S-sorry, I was…"

He manages a smile at her. "I understand." He says, and looking at him, she knows he does.

Cologne clears her throat as Ukyou grabs her sister in a hug. "I suppose now is the time for me to take the girls home then."

Herb nods. "I suppose I should stay here?"

Cologne ponders a moment and Ranko shakes her head at the same time as Ukyou.

"Your Highness, my mother will probably wish to thank you for your kind deed." Ranko says, smiling. He shrugs.

"It isn't payback for what I owe you for the advice and help, that was simply something done for who I hope to have as a friend. The both of you, really." He looks awkward.

Ukyou grins and claps him on the shoulder. He glares at her a moment and she laughs. He joins in too, slightly embarrassed. "Aw, don't sweat it, sugar. We'd have done it regardless. Me an' Ranchan here are like that. Help the needy an' all that." Herb glowers and she pats his back again. "Ya gotta lighten up, Prince." Ukyou smiles. "Else you'll go through life doin' nothing but frownin', an' ain't no time for that!"

Herb nods sullenly as Ranko borrows the phone and asks her mother to set one more place for a very important guest. She also asks for her and Ryouga to try to dress nicely due to said guest's importance.

By the time they get back into Juuban, Cologne turning out to have a tiny three-wheel car that somehow fits all four of them (even if Ukyou is hanging out a window whooping the whole way), it's heading towards getting dark and Cologne finds somewhere to park while they head to the house.

Ranko waits and invites her in for dinner as well and the old woman graciously accepts as the group make their way in.

"Tadaima!" Ranko and Ukyou yell, their reply coming down from Ryouga and Nodoka.

They enter the dining room and Ranko notes that Nodoka's gone a little over the top, full makeup, full furisode. Ranko sighs, she shouldn't have stressed the importance of their guest so much. Of course, Mother would go a bit mad. Ryouga's in his smartest tunic and eyeing up Herb like a wrestler eyes up a challenger. Ranko walks over and puts a hand on his shoulder, standing on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on his cheek. "Hello, Ryouga-kun. I missed you."

Ryouga starts at the obvious gesture and smiles at her. Then he kisses her cheek too. "I missed you too, Ranko-chan."

Herb watches them and doesn't comment, but his eyes are calculating. He smirks.

"Your Highness, this is Hibiki Ryouga." Ranko says, motioning to Ryouga. Herb nods coolly. "Ryouga, this is Prince Herb of the Musk."

Ryouga actually manages a very polite bow and a smile, somehow. "I am pleased to meet you." He says. Herb seems to soften a moment as Ryouga looks at Ranko. He can see the feelings the brown-eyed boy has for the redhead, and those same reciprocated feelings in her eyes as they look, then blush and look away, embarrassed.

So this was the boy who she refused him for. He must be special indeed.

Not much to look at though, aside from his size and the aura of density around him. But his looks to the girl are nothing but bashful love. He could lose to worse, he supposes, though he's at least intelligent enough to realise he was never even in the race.

Nodoka clears her throat and Herb feels embarrassed suddenly. He'd forgotten to greet the head of the house. Stupid!

He turns to the genteel lady with auburn hair and affects a deep bow. "My apologies, Saotome-Sama." He says with respect in his tones. "I meant no disrespect by not greeting the head of house first."

Nodoka titters and covers her mouth with her kimono sleeve. Looking at her, Herb can see where Lady Ranko gets her manners from. Every movement of the woman is elegant and unwasted, and she moves like a predator to his keen senses, though he's sure even her daughter may not have picked it up. A dangerous lady, then. Like the wind itself, not bending, but being.

Nodoka smiles and executes a formal bow in return to both Herb and Cologne. "Your Highness Prince Herb-sama, I am pleased to meet an august personage such as yourself and humbled you deign to visit my home. I am Saotome Nodoka, clan head of the Saotome Clan as well as Himura clan." She turns to Cologne. "Honoured Elder Kuh Lon, you are as welcome in my house as always. Please do sit and rest those bones of yours, lest you spend an hour complaining again." Her eyes gleam with mirth and Herb sucks in a breath.

The elderly woman laughs, however. "Again I see where Ranma inherited his sharp tongue from, young lady! Ancestors know it wasn't his idiot father!"

Dinner is polite and calm, occasional spouts of discussion between Cologne and Nodoka and the teens talking with Herb causing a comfortable noise. Ryouga watches his (maybe girl?)friend closely. Something bubbly seems to be in Ranko; a strange joy that makes her spirit light up like the night. He knows the others can see it, even Nodoka, which concerns him. She never seemed like a martial artist of any calibre, and yet… His mind casts back to the first meeting and her katana. Then he remembers the practice space near the garden.

It's certainly no dojo, but it is locked. Through a small window when he'd gotten curious, he had seen a few naginata in there. Perhaps she too has some training, especially if Cologne seems to appreciate her.

Shaking his head he smiles at Ranko. The girl's glowing in his (admittedly rudimentary) chi sight. Positivity is flowing through her and he basks in it. Something happened tonight, something to do with the strange prince among them. Something big.

A while ago he might have felt heavy jealousy that he'd have acted on by being an idiot and challenging the prince, but that's dispelled by watching her look at Herb. Ryouga's not entirely sure of what happened earlier, but he's at least observant enough to notice she gives Herb thankful looks, and sympathetic ones, but then her face changes when she looks at him. A blush adorns her cheeks, and he knows one is on his own face in response.

Herb takes a moment after dinner is finished and the youngest are clearing the crockery away to be washed to speak with Nodoka out of earshot.

"I do hope the meagre fare of my house was sufficient, Your Highness." Nodoka says warmly as the two retire to the small engawa of the house at his request. "Given the short notice for such an august personage as yourself to attend."

Herb smiles at her, and an actual smile rather than anything mocking. "It was fine, Lady Nodoka. I apologise for the short notice, but your daughter certainly insisted. I can see, however, where she gets her impeccable manners from."

Nodoka titters softly, hand over her mouth. "Thank you, Your Highness." She says.

"Herb will do whilst I am among friends. And I count the Saotome clan among my friends. Your daughters have done me much good tonight, and I always pay my debts. You have raised some fine young women."

Nodoka smiles at him. "Herb-sama," She says, "Thank you for your candid words. I would say I have raised my daughters right, but I'm ashamed to say that I did not have much hand in raising either until recently. Any fine qualities they have are all their own."

Herb nods. "Lady Ranko's story corroborates, but you still set an example for them, as I'm sure you have noticed." At her nod he continues. "I had offered my hand in marriage as strong, kind women are prized by my people, but alas I was refused." He smiles sardonically. "I could press the issue, but I sense it might be a mistake given the breadth and depth of the alliances I'm sure they have."

Nodoka titters again. "They certainly do not lack for friends and allies. I'm sure you would be a most wonderful addition to that list. My daughters lack not for compassion or decency. I'm very, very proud of them both."

Herb smiles. "So you should be. However, Lady Nodoka, I will give you means to communicate with myself as it is more appropriate for the head of household to communicate with one such as I, though if they… somehow…" He waggles his eyebrows, "Manage to find those ways to communicate I would have to respond to maintain propriety."

Nodoka smiles. "Ah, courtroom politics. I do not miss those from Himura clan gatherings. Still, I am sure my daughters will enjoy another friend."

Herb nods, and then looks thoughtful. "I would ask, I can see that the fang-toothed boy named Ryouga is likely the one your daughter has vested interest in. Is it a good match?"

Nodoka smiles warmly. "It is, Herb-sama. I do not know if it will last – they are, after all, still in high school. But they care for one another very much, and were friends long before they were interested in one another. Such a stable foundation can only build a stronger house."

Herb nods, approval on his own face. "Good. I noticed he had jealous tendencies – your daughters' assistance has helped clear my head somewhat so I can at least deal with the world without screaming." He takes a moment to explain his circumstances in a low voice, and Nodoka gives him a sympathetic look very reminiscent of her daughter. "As to the jealousy, it's a mark of honour for him that he did not take it further than thoughts."

Nodoka smiles at him and pats his hand in a motherly way. "Dear, I'm glad my daughter was able to help you. I suspect that this… ladle of yours, may be something dear Ranko is interested in."

He laughs softly. "Already done, Lady Nodoka. Why do you think she is so happy? She fair glows."

Nodoka surprises the prince by suddenly embracing him. He makes an odd squeaking noise as this is the first time a woman's touched him since his mother, and if this is how it feels to be just held by a mother he wonders if he might not be making changes when he ascends the throne, traditions be damned. "Thank you. So, so much." She says into his ear, her voice thick. "That is a debt I am not sure we can repay." She lets go and sits back. "…Apologies for the manhandling, dear." She surreptitiously wipes her eyes.

Herb laughs again and shakes his head. "No manhandling. I think I… needed that. And it was not a debt, nor repayment for her own actions. It was a gift and given freely. I do not like to see others suffer in the way I have."

Nodoka smiles more warmly. "I think, Herb-sama, you're on the road to become a great king of your people."

"Thank you, Lady Nodoka."

The rest of the evening is thankfully short, and near to the end Ryouga finds himself alone near the engawa and being approached by Herb.

"Your Highness." He says formally, giving a short bow. No need to be disrespectful in his (girl?)friend's house.

"Ah, Ryouga." Herb nods at him. "I had meant to speak with you tonight."

Ryouga motions to the engawa and the two head outside, sliding the shouji closed behind them. "What about?"

"Lady Ranko." Herb says bluntly. He waves a hand at the jealous look. "Oh, don't worry, I already proposed and she somewhat rejected me. Not as bluntly as Lady Ukyou did but enough to hurt my feelings somewhat." He laughed, though it was a little cold.

Ryouga tries not to get angry. But then he softens as he hears Herb's laugh. "I... see." He replies noncommittally. "Why did you wish to discuss her with me?"

Herb shrugs. "Ah, nothing I am sure you won't have heard ad nauseum by now. All I will say is treat her right, Ryouga, or I will bring the whole wrath of my people onto you." Ryouga swallows nervously as Herb gives him a direct look. "Lady Ranko and her sister have helped me, probably far more than they realise, out of nothing more than the goodness of their hearts and their compassionate natures."

Ryouga smiles faintly and Herb notices it. Ryouga looks to Herb. "That kindness is one of my favourite things about her, yes." He says, voice slightly dreamy. Herb clears his throat.

"That being said, while they may not realise the magnitude of their actions, I do. They've let me see, feel, think clearly for the first time in months since I received my curse. They gave me ways to reclaim my manhood even if my quest for the Kettle ends in failure. I will be a lifetime paying that back."

Ryouga nods. "I see. I'm glad."

"As I consider her and her sister good friends of the Musk now, I would ask how you feel for her."

Ryouga stops short, looking out onto Nodoka's small (relative to the fairly large Tendou compound) garden. "I-I…" He stops, takes a breath. "I'll be honest, Your Highness, I don't entirely know. All I know is that I like her far, far more than anyone else. I want to sit beside her, keep her beside me, move forward together and see her happy all that time. If that's love, then I g-guess I l-love her." He looks down bashfully. "I'm not sure how much she likes me… but she is the one to have asked me to g-go on a date."

Herb laughs, actually amused and friendly for the first time. "You can call me Herb. And I don't think I need spell her feelings out; it's quite clear she cares for you a great, great deal given the speed of her rejection to me."

Ryouga smiles at that.

"And she didn't change her mind, even when I also locked her curse." Herb says, giving Ryouga a sly smile. Ryouga snaps his gaze to the prince, who leans against the wall and folds his arms. "You heard me." He says. "She'll never transform again. If it had been old water from the Locking Ladle, it would have lasted only a few years. From the pail itself?" He laughs. "They could dig her bones up in a few thousand years and they still would not change back when applied with hot water."

Ryouga looks at Herb and then the prince has his hand grabbed by the larger boy. Shaking it like a westerner, Ryouga's eyes are full of tears as unlike his old rival he isn't afraid to show his emotions. "I… You don't know what it… How much that means to… to her."

Herb looks nonplussed. "You mean to you? I can't see a young man like you being happy married to someone who turns into a boy."

Ryouga shakes his head as he lets go and wipes his eyes. "No, that never mattered. Ranko is Ranko, regardless of her form. I don't mind her being a boy sometimes. But I know she hated it, so she must…"

"And still she refused me." Herb says, laughing at Ryouga. "So you had better treat her right, Ryouga. Or I'll find you and use the Ladle on you. Yakiton is one of the few delicacies from this land I enjoy. You hear me?"

Ryouga swallows and nods. "Herb, I swear to you now. I would sooner cut my arm off, hell, I'd probably turn up to your palace and use the damned ladle on myself if I ever hurt her in anything that isn't a normal quarrel between lovers."

Herb pats his arm as he slides the engawa back open. "Good." He says.

The rest of the night proceeds smoothly, until Herb and Cologne head back to the Nekohanten with a few happy goodbyes.

Ranko looks at the evening with a fond smile as she finishes cleaning up the family room and kitchen. She's ended a good night with no more curse and a new friend in high places.

And he evidently approves of Ryouga as well, despite his abortive and sudden proposal. After their private chat the two had sat together for some time discussing fighting and martial arts, drawing Ukyou in too.

Ranko had simply sat with her mother and Cologne, amazed at the back and forth between the two. It was obviously a game, and one they enjoyed. There was never a harsh word spoken and yet she knew half of what had been said were playful insults. By the end, Cologne had ceded defeat to Nodoka citing that it must have been her people's ability to insult without insulting words directly that led her to be so skilled. Nodoka preened at the praise.

The fact that she'd been 'cured' finally hits Ranko like a ton of bricks when she gets into the furo and doesn't transform. She looks down into the water at her own body, the body that would be permanently hers from now on.

Tears start dripping into the furo and she sniffles before breaking down into sobs. Nodoka, who had seen this coming, simply disrobes in the changing room, cleans herself off and then sits in the bath with her daughter, just holding her and revelling in the warmth and joy her daughter's feeling.

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When Ranko emerges from school on the day of her date with Ryouga, she's immediately grabbed by the arms and dragged away by Ukyou and Akane.

"Hi Hibari-chan, Osaka-san, take Ryo-chan home for us thanks!" Ukyou calls as Ranko squeals and struggles. "My darling imouto needs a makeover before her date!"

"What? Help!" Ranko yells, struggling against the two of them.

Hibari and Naru take Ryouga's arms and Hibari waves. "Bye, Ranko-chan, we'll get your beau home with a minimum of kiss- ow!" She's interrupted by Naru thwacking the back of her head.

"Hibari! No kissing Ranko's date!" She scolds. Hibari grins.

"Aw, but Naru, we could be a threesome!"

"You're incorrigible."

"Don't know the meaning of the word."

"She really doesn't." Ryouga says, still blushing as he's led off by the two girls.

Ranko stops struggling and she, Akane and Ukyou make their way to the shopping district. "What do you mean, makeover?" Ranko asks, nervously.

Ukyou grins. "Exactly that, sugar. We're gonna get you a haircut, dress, everythin'."

"But I have a…"

"Ranchan, we're going to take you from 'cute' to 'knockout'. I've seen the dress you've chosen and it's cute, like something a young girl would wear and that's fine, but I want Ryouga to see you as a woman, and that's gonna take somethin' special Shamps has been cookin' up."

Ranko blushes. "I… but why?"

"Because, dummy," Akane says fondly, "We want you two to see each other and not be able to take your eyes from one another. We've got Auntie and Nabiki working on Ryouga while we've got you."

Ranko blushes again. "I… thank you." She says, happily.

"We're even making him use waterproof soap, so he doesn't get himself turned into P-chan." Akane smiles. Ranko blanches. "Yeah, I know. I always knew." Akane ruffles her hair. "I'm an idiot and did it to make Ranma jealous, though it was sweet how he kept trying to tell me without telling me. Ryouga was always very gentlemanly when I was changing and such, the only times he was against my chest was when he was being cuddled and I'm pretty sure you've found he basically becomes form when he's like that. Plus, he's nice to snuggle."

Ranko blushes. "Y-yes." She says, "I forget sometimes and just s-sit there and it's l-lovely."

Akane smiles. "I don't blame you for not telling me, Ranko. Ranma told me about it when he took me on the date last week, and I already knew, it was just… nice he did. And now it's your turn. Take care of my pet, Ranko-chan."

Ranko blushes. "I-I will."

Ryouga is having a similar discussion and sighs softly at the lecture he's having from the middle Tendou sister and Nodoka. But he follows them anyway.

All too soon, with a queasy nervousness in his stomach, Ryouga is led into the Saotome house, then to the Family Room where he's given the once-over by Nodoka and sent to change.

Once he's back down, he's given another once-over, a quick hair combing and a dab of some cologne. Nabiki and Nodoka look at each other and nod, satisfied. Nodoka gives him some money in a wallet, and Nabiki threatens him (seriously, he's getting fed up of people threatening him over Ranko, he'd sooner do what Herb threatened him with than hurt her, but he supposes that's the point).

Ukyou and Akane had returned some time ago, but they'd made him sit on the engawa while Ranko was led upstairs. They'd been up there since then, the occasional giggle and yell making it clear that they were preparing her as much as he'd been.

A thump on the stairs to the family room makes him look up to see Ukyou and Akane walking down, both grinning at him. "Oh, sugar." Ukyou says, brightening as she looks at him. "You look all grown up!"

"Really good work by Auntie and onee-chan there, P-chan." Akane sticks her tongue out at him, but the two sit nearby. "I hope our work blows your brain to itty bitty pieces though."

Ryouga looks up, mouth dry suddenly as a thump on the top step announces Ranko's descent.

He takes a look as she walks down slowly as her sisters had told her to.

Ryouga's breath catches in his throat and stays there.

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A/N: I know, evil place to leave it, but the date deserves its own chapter.

As a note, we're almost done. I think the date chapter, then an epilogue.

I suspect I will do a sequel sometime that isn't going to be the spinoff from the start of Chapter 9 I've mentioned before (which is ready to start being released), but I think Changeling is almost finished. The next fic in the universe that isn't Athetos will be probably a lot happier and more about everyone around her as well as Ranko herself going through to reach her goals.

But that might be a while, I have other plot bunnies that attacked me and have about... I dunno at least five other fics.

As an idea to gauge - what do folks think of me putting bits from said unreleased fics up in a kind of 'Preview' one?

Anyway, hopefully not long, I tend to be more productive when writing fluff (as I'm sure you've noticed).

As always, my fragile writer's ego loves every comment!