Finished: 2002-08-21
Standard disclaimer: I do not own anything in this fan fiction except
for the idea behind it and even that is mostly blatantly stolen from a
multitude of sources. And if you don't like that, then I will kill you
with my dulled butter knife!!! MWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *Hark* *Cough*
*Sputter*... Sorry can't do the evil laugh yet.
Timelines: Everything in the canon Ranma has happened. This fic starts a
few weeks after the failed wedding.
Age rating: If you can understand all the crap I'm spouting then you are
definitely old enough to read this fan fiction.
"Japanese "
*Thoughts*
Kenneth Lönnberg aka Macross_VF1 proudly presents:
Mirror Life
Chapter 2
*** - - - - ***
Nabiki sighed. The entire family as well as the Saotome's had gathered
in the living room to tackle this latest development. Would the insanity
named Ranma ever cease to amaze them? *I hope not.* She thought wryly.
*After all, I can't let my biggest source of income leave, now can I?*
She narrowed her eyes at both male Ranma and female Ranma. "Correct me
if I'm wrong, but this is how I get it: You..." she pointed at male
Ranma. "...heard of a way to cure yourself, through Cologne." Male Ranma
nodded. "This cure involved the 'clone-mirror' you managed to activate a
couple of months ago." He nodded again. "Of course you could only do
this with the help of Cologne since only she knew the process, the
recipe if you will, for the cure." He nodded a final time.
"Ranma, Ranma, Ranma." She tsked. "Haven't you learned anything? First
you should know by now that no cure works as it should, secondly you
should have known better than to associate with that mirror a second
time and thirdly you know better than to trust Cologne! By the way, just
what did Cologne ask in return for this botched cure?"
Ranma scratched his pigtail nervously. "Uhm, that's just the thing. She
didn't want nuthing."
Nabiki narrowed her eyes even further. "Really? Somehow I doubt that,
nothing ever comes for free in life."
"Be as that may, but the boy speaks the truth." A gnarled old voice came
from behind her.
Nabiki quickly turned, only coming face to face with Cologne. Not
exactly a pretty sight. "Don't do that!" She exclaimed loudly.
"Do what?" Cologne asked with a knowing smirk.
"Forget it." Nabiki said as she calmed herself and reinserted her ice
mask front. She glared suspiciously at the old woman. "Tell me why we
should trust you. I have never heard of you doing anything without a
purpose or an ulterior motive."
Cologne shook her head tiredly. "I probably deserved that. But I am
speaking the truth. The cure consisted of separating Ranma from his
cursed form then reforming the curse to a clone of Ranma. Basically what
I wanted was an easily manipulated clone of Ranma that Shampoo could
marry and claim for her own, while you would still have the real Ranma
left here." She looked sadly at female Ranma. "Unfortunately it did not
work out as planned."
"And the thought of taking the real Ranma and leaving the clone here
never crossed your mind?" Akane asked sarcastically.
"Of course it did." Cologne admitted while shooting a glare at Akane.
"However I am not getting any younger, and I want to see Shampoo happily
married before my time comes."
"Ok, for now we'll assume that you speak the truth." Nabiki said. "Then
what about her?" She pointed at the female Ranma.
"She is my responsibility." Cologne said seriously. "Since my botched
cure is the reason she is in this world, I will adopt her as an amazon."
Female Ranma widened her eyes. "Uhm, can you really do that?"
"Not really, unless Ranma plans on letting you stay in this world, but
for the time being it will have to suffice." She said softly. "Tell me,
what should we call you child?"
Female Ranma perked up. "Ranko." She smiled.
"Huh, good choice." Male Ranma said. "Now we can be like brother and
sister." Putting his arm around her shoulders.
"Cut that out." Ranko said with a blush removing Ranma's arm. She
settled down and seemed to be thinking. "Brother and sister... Maybe..."
She whispered.
"Elder Cologne, while I understand that you feel responsible for Ranko,
I would very much like to adopt Ranko myself." Nodoka said, who had been
silent up until now.
Ranko glanced up at Nodoka. "No." She shook her head.
Nodoka looked like someone just had shattered her heart. "No?" She
asked, her voice almost cracking.
Ranko seemed to be on the verge of crying. "Please! There's nothing more
I want to be able to call you mother... but... but I just don't want
_him_ " She pointed at Genma. "To be my father."
Nodoka composed herself somewhat. "I know he has some flaws but..."
Ranko cut her off, shaking her head. "No." She said a little forcefully,
but she quickly noticed Nodoka's crestfallen look. "You have to
understand, I am only a magical being, but I have all of Ranma's
memories." She shivered as if she remembered a particularly horrible
memory. "I just can't associate myself with someone who has tortured
Ranma so."
Nodoka shot Genma a dark glare, silently promising a 'close shave' at a
later moment. She looked back at Ranko and spoke softly. "I guess I have
no choice but to accept your request. But please, can you at least call
me aunt?"
Ranko lit up. "Sure thing... auntie." She said and embraced Nodoka in a
hug, which the older woman tenderly returned. After a minute they broke
the embrace and Nodoka fixed her eyes on Ranma.
"Now Ranma... Why would you not allow Ranko to remain in the world of
the living?" She asked, fingering her katana.
Ranma sweated nervously but Ranko came to his defense. "Please, don't
blame him. The first clone from the mirror was... somewhat boy crazy..."
"Hmph. She would have slept with anything male on two legs if we hadn't
stopped her." Akane snorted.
"Well that is hardly proper..." Nodoka said.
"No, it wasn't." Ranko shook her head. "And he said that he would return
me to the mirror if I ever started acting like the previous clone."
"A little harsh maybe." Ranma admitted. "But how could I know that she
would turn out differently?"
"I believe it when I see it." Akane said, glaring suspiciously at both
Ranma and Ranko.
"Now Akane. Don't be like that." Nodoka scolded. "You know it's improper
to judge a book by its cover. Ranko seem to be a well behaved girl and I
won't have you accusing her of such behavior without evidence."
Akane looked down, ashamed. "Sorry, it's just that the first clone
tried... well she wasn't nice to me."
"You mean, she tried to take Ranma from you." Nabiki interjected.
"No, that's not what I meant!" Akane protested, blushing slightly.
Nodoka smiled knowingly. "I don't think you have anything to worry about
Akane."
Ranko _smirked_ knowingly. "Yeah, you don't have to worry about me going
after Ranma." She focused a smoldering glare on the pigtailed boy. "In
fact, if he makes advances against me, I'll make sure he becomes a girl
permanently." Ranma cowered under the glare and Akane seemed to relax a
bit.
"So, son." Soun spoke up. "How does it feel to be free of the curse?"
Ranma looked strangely confused before he spoke up. "Well, it is great,
but somehow I don't feel like there's much to celebrate if it means that
Ranko will be cursed instead."
"Huh, cursed?" Soun asked, looking curiously at Ranko.
"I'm cursed very much the same way as Ranma was." Ranko answered. "That
is, I become a girl with cold water, and a boy with hot. The difference
is that I am really a girl, making the boy form my cursed side. It won't
be the same problem as with Ranma, since hot water is not as common, but
it will definitely be a nuisance. All things considered, I think a curse
is a small price to pay to be alive." She said somewhat sadly.
"I can probably assist you with that problem." Cologne said.
"Really?" Ranko perked up. "How?"
"There are plenty of ways, child." Cologne smirked. "Though somehow, I
suspect that you want to keep your cursed form, at least for a while,
right?" Ranko nodded. "That limits your options considerably, but I
think I have some waterproof soap still lying around somewhere."
"And you'll give it to me?" Ranko's eyes were shining in appreciation.
"Of course, it's not like I have any use for it." Cologne said. Ranko
gave the old woman a quick hug and settled back in her seat.
"Ok, now that we have settled that, let me bring you a little
something." Nabiki said, rising from her seat and walking up the stairs.
By the sounds, she entered her room and rummaged through her things.
Everyone looked at each other to see if they knew what was going on yet
no one had a clue. After a minute or two, Nabiki came back to the living
room and flipped something to Ranko, which the redhead skillfully
caught.
"Ranko Tendo... It's an ID-card!" Ranko exclaimed.
"Yeah it's something I've had for a while now. Might as well get used."
Nabiki said with a shrug.
Ranko narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Nabiki. "Why did you have a card
like this?"
"Well, I had it made for a plan I thought up concerning Ranma's cursed
form but it never happened and probably never will. It works in most
cases, but not if someone makes a thorough check, so be careful.
However, don't think I'm giving it to you for free."
"Of course... and what is the price?"
"Let's discuss that later." Nabiki said, changing the subject as she
checked her watch. "We'd better get to school. We've already missed half
the day, and not one of us can afford to miss much more."
"Aw do I have to?" Ranma pleaded.
"Oh, yes you have to." Ranko said sternly. "I'll probably be enrolled
soon enough, and if I have to go, then so do you."
"That's right." Nodoka nodded. "A girl your age should be in school. A
proper education is very important."
"Yes auntie." Ranko answered, though she mumbled something about "don't
like it" under her breath.
"Ok, then." Ranma said and stood up. "Let's get to school!" He
exclaimed, grabbed Akane's hand and literally dragged her after him.
Everyone blink-blinked.
Nabiki blinked again, then shrugged. "Well, I'll be going now. Cya!" She
said before leaving the house.
***
"Ranma! Let go of my hand!" Akane yelled undignified as he sprinted down
the streets of Nerima, Akane following unwillingly behind him.
He made a sudden stop and looked in concern at her. "Sorry about that. I
didn't mean to startle you, but I thought you would like to arrive to
school before lunch break is over. I know at least I want to do so."
Akane stared at Ranma. Did he just apologise? Without anyone forcing him
into it? She promptly remembered that they were still holding hands and
she quickly let go, blushing slightly. Ranma looked disappointed but
Akane didn't notice.
"Hey, what's the hurry?" Nabiki asked as she caught up with them.
"Oh nothing really." Ranma answered. "Just wanted to get to school
before the end of lunch break."
"You, wanting to get to school quickly?" Nabiki asked in disbelief.
"That's got to be a first." She shook her head then smirked slightly at
him "I guess you are happier about being rid of the curse than you let
on earlier."
A wide smile appeared all over Ranma's face. "You could say that."
"Don't let Ranko or Nodoka hear that." She mock scolded. "Just don't be
too quick to school or you'll have to deal with Kuno more than usual
since you didn't show up at morning."
Ranma's expression turned dark. "Thanks for ruining my good mood. I had
almost forgotten about him..." Ranma suddenly got a ponderous look. "Say
Nabiki." He inquired. "Would you like if I took a turn, spinning the
rumor mill?"
Nabiki narrowed her eyes. "Maybe... depends on what you are planning."
"Oh no you don't!" Akane interjected. "Do you really want it to become
worse?" She asked Ranma.
"Relax." He assured her. "What I'm planning will be beneficial for all
of us. In fact, I can almost guarantee that Kuno will be off our backs
for today, if not forever."
"I really shouldn't trust you with something like this... but what the
heck. It's been a while since something fun happened." Nabiki shrugged,
giving him her OK.
"Ranma!" Akane said irritably.
Ranma only put a finger on her lips to silence her. "I only ask that you
trust me, Akane. Please do me that favor."
Akane looked into his deep blue eyes, finding it incredibly hard to say
no. With a sigh she relented. "Ok... just don't make a mess of whatever
you are planning." Ranma only smirked.
***
In a few minutes they arrived to the school and predictably, Kuno was
there to greet them. "Ah, the foul sorcerer finally shows up. And I see
the fair tigress Akane is with you. Release her and the pig-tailed girl
now, lest I smite you in righteous fury." He declared.
"No." Ranma countered shaking his head.
"What? Do you refuse me?" Kuno almost yelled, tensing for a charge.
"I am not doing anything of the sort." Ranma said calmly. "All I am
asking is that you will cease all hostilities for today."
"And why should I, the blue thunder of Furinkan High, comply with the
requests of a lowly peasant such as you?"
"Because the pig-tailed girl is coming tomorrow."
Kuno instantly relaxed his stance but he pointed the bokken straight at
Ranma as he spoke. "What do I hear? Have you finally released your evil
spells on her?"
"I never did enchant her, Kuno. I do admit that she is affected by
spells of otherworldly origins but they are not of my doing and they are
not doing her any harm. In any case, she is coming here tomorrow, and it
is my hope that she will explain everything to you, but _only_ if you do
not attack or bother me and Akane for the rest of this day."
Kuno stood there silently pondering about the recent information that
Ranma had supplied. Akane, as well as many other bystanders could only
stare in wonder that someone let alone Ranma, had actually reached the
half-insane kendoist. Nabiki was amazed that Ranma had managed to pull
something like this off and she idly wondered when Kuno's head would
explode like a two-ton keg of TNT, because of the overexertion.
To everyone's further amazement Kuno did not turn the facts into
something strangely twisted. "Very well then. If it allows me to meet
the pigtailed girl, then it is a sacrifice I have to make." He put away
his bokken and walked away.
Nabiki was the first to snap out of her daze. "Great work Ranma! I
didn't know you had it in you."
"Neither did I." Ranma answered with a grin.
Nabiki leant in closer and whispered. "I couldn't have done it better
myself. This will definitely make the mill turn."
Ranma's expression turned serious. "Think of my contribution as a down
payment on Ranko's ID, ok?"
Nabiki stopped in her tracks. She never did expect him to ask for
anything in return and since they didn't specify anything beforehand,
she could claim that it was part of deal. However the rumor market had
been slow lately and she was bound to make a small fortune on this
opportunity. "I'll think about it." She said and made a beeline for her
cronies.
Akane came up to Ranma, looking curiously at him. "Ok, I have to admit
that you did good. But what about tomorrow? Are you really gonna put
Ranko through this?"
Ranma sighed. "I wish I could avoid it, but think about it. Do you
really think that Ranko could escape Kuno's attentions even without me
doing this?"
"Uhm, no." Akane answered hesitantly. "I just hope she's up to this..."
She said with a sigh.
"Don't worry about her." Ranma said putting an arm around Akane's
shoulders. "I know, she'll do alright." The bell rang, signalling the
end of break. "C'mon, let's go inside."
Akane quickly blushed and removed Ranma's arm. "What are you doing?" She
almost yelled.
"What does it look like?" Ranma asked with a confused expression.
"Leading my fiancée to school, as is proper for a couple."
Akane's face turned into a deep crimson and she turned away from him.
*Did he just call me his fiancée? That can't be! * She glanced back and
saw his worried expression. *He must be planning something. * She
quickly concluded and turned back. "Ok, but if you try anything
perverted, then..." She smacked her right fist into her left palm,
demonstrating what would befall Ranma if she deemed it necessary.
Ranma ignored her demonstration and put his arm back around her
shoulders, a genuine smile on his lips. "Just trust me." He said and
with that they both went into school.
***
Ranko sat in the Nekohanten waiting for Cologne to fetch the waterproof
soap. As she sat there she heard someone entering. *Oh no! * She thought
as she felt the familiar auras' of both Mousse and Shampoo.
"Nihao Ranma!" Shampoo exclaimed. "Come to take Shampoo on date, yes?"
She asked happily and performed an amazon glomp.
Before Ranko could say anything in her defense Mousse literally
exploded. "Saotome! Get your filthy hands of my Shampoo."
"N-now hold on just a minute." Ranko tried, making peaceful gestures.
"I'm not Ranma." She said to no avail. Mousse had already summoned a big
sword and Shampoo prepared to defend her.
Suddenly both just froze and fell like big logs to the floor. To the
side Cologne stood and looked on with a grave expression. "Always the
same. Never do you two consider the consequences of your actions." She
moved forward and knelt down. "Now if you promise to not attack Ranko, I
will release the pressure points." Both Mousse and Cologne nodded.
Cologne pressed a few points on both of them and she sat down at the
table. "Now I think an explanation is in order..." She said indicating
Ranko.
***
"You not Ranma?" Shampoo said after the explanation. Ranko nodded.
Shampoo narrowed her eyes. "You obstacle?" She said and brought forth a
Bonbori.
Ranko gulped. "N-no, you don't have to worry about that. I have no
interest in Ranma."
Shampoo instantly cheered up. "Good! Maybe you help Shampoo catch
Ranma?" She asked hopefully.
Ranko took a glance at Mousse and noticed his dark expression. "No
Shampoo, please can't we just be friends? And that goes for you too
Mousse."
Shampoo seemed a bit disappointed but nodded her consent anyway. Mousse
on the other hand did not seem satisfied. "Are you asking me to believe
this? For all I know this could be just another one of your schemes,
Saotome."
Cologne sighed and moved to scold the myopic boy with her trusty cane.
However, it never connected. Ranko instantly intercepted the cane and
looked pleadingly at Cologne. "Please stop with that." She said and
released the cane.
Cologne looked on with a wide-eyed expression but she quickly collected
herself. "Anyway... Mousse I can assure you that this is not some kind
of scheme to take Shampoo from you. Ranko is a separate being from Ranma
and should be respected for who she is. She does not deserve your scorn
for Ranma."
Mousse was stunned, since Ranko saved him from a painful bop on the
head. He did not expect anything like it from Ranko. However Cologne's
words brought him out of his daze. "Yeah, sure." He bowed to Ranko. "I
am sorry for my rude behavior. I should save my anger for the devil,
Ranma."
Ranko smirked slightly at him. "You know, that is my brother you are
talking about."
Mousse sweatdropped and bowed again. "Sorry."
"Sorries aren't good enough." Ranko sniffed. "You've got to make it up
to me somehow."
Mousse had a bad feeling but the harsh glares that both Cologne and
Shampoo gave him didn't give him any alternatives. "Uhm, just ask
anything."
Ranko gave him a toothy grin. "How about sparring?"
Now Mousse knew he was in trouble.
*** - - - - ***
Finally the second chapter of Mirror Life! Took a while, right? Actually
this one has been complete for over a month, it's just that I wasn't
entirely satisfied with it. Anyway, I finally got around to publish it
and I'll hope it is satisfactory. And just in case you didn't figure it
out, Mousse is going to be one big bruise in the next chapter... ^__^
If you wish to contact me then do so at:
kenneth@gon.nu or kenneth.lonnberg@bodenonline.com
My works will be available at:
My own page - http://www.angelfire.com/anime4/macvf1fanfic
And when they get around to update/accept my fics, these sites will also
feature my fics:
Lady Cosmo's Fanfic Library - http://ladycosmos.anifics.com/
Ranchan & co. Crossing bridges - http://tannim.anifics.com/
Standard disclaimer: I do not own anything in this fan fiction except
for the idea behind it and even that is mostly blatantly stolen from a
multitude of sources. And if you don't like that, then I will kill you
with my dulled butter knife!!! MWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA *Hark* *Cough*
*Sputter*... Sorry can't do the evil laugh yet.
Timelines: Everything in the canon Ranma has happened. This fic starts a
few weeks after the failed wedding.
Age rating: If you can understand all the crap I'm spouting then you are
definitely old enough to read this fan fiction.
"Japanese "
*Thoughts*
Kenneth Lönnberg aka Macross_VF1 proudly presents:
Mirror Life
Chapter 2
*** - - - - ***
Nabiki sighed. The entire family as well as the Saotome's had gathered
in the living room to tackle this latest development. Would the insanity
named Ranma ever cease to amaze them? *I hope not.* She thought wryly.
*After all, I can't let my biggest source of income leave, now can I?*
She narrowed her eyes at both male Ranma and female Ranma. "Correct me
if I'm wrong, but this is how I get it: You..." she pointed at male
Ranma. "...heard of a way to cure yourself, through Cologne." Male Ranma
nodded. "This cure involved the 'clone-mirror' you managed to activate a
couple of months ago." He nodded again. "Of course you could only do
this with the help of Cologne since only she knew the process, the
recipe if you will, for the cure." He nodded a final time.
"Ranma, Ranma, Ranma." She tsked. "Haven't you learned anything? First
you should know by now that no cure works as it should, secondly you
should have known better than to associate with that mirror a second
time and thirdly you know better than to trust Cologne! By the way, just
what did Cologne ask in return for this botched cure?"
Ranma scratched his pigtail nervously. "Uhm, that's just the thing. She
didn't want nuthing."
Nabiki narrowed her eyes even further. "Really? Somehow I doubt that,
nothing ever comes for free in life."
"Be as that may, but the boy speaks the truth." A gnarled old voice came
from behind her.
Nabiki quickly turned, only coming face to face with Cologne. Not
exactly a pretty sight. "Don't do that!" She exclaimed loudly.
"Do what?" Cologne asked with a knowing smirk.
"Forget it." Nabiki said as she calmed herself and reinserted her ice
mask front. She glared suspiciously at the old woman. "Tell me why we
should trust you. I have never heard of you doing anything without a
purpose or an ulterior motive."
Cologne shook her head tiredly. "I probably deserved that. But I am
speaking the truth. The cure consisted of separating Ranma from his
cursed form then reforming the curse to a clone of Ranma. Basically what
I wanted was an easily manipulated clone of Ranma that Shampoo could
marry and claim for her own, while you would still have the real Ranma
left here." She looked sadly at female Ranma. "Unfortunately it did not
work out as planned."
"And the thought of taking the real Ranma and leaving the clone here
never crossed your mind?" Akane asked sarcastically.
"Of course it did." Cologne admitted while shooting a glare at Akane.
"However I am not getting any younger, and I want to see Shampoo happily
married before my time comes."
"Ok, for now we'll assume that you speak the truth." Nabiki said. "Then
what about her?" She pointed at the female Ranma.
"She is my responsibility." Cologne said seriously. "Since my botched
cure is the reason she is in this world, I will adopt her as an amazon."
Female Ranma widened her eyes. "Uhm, can you really do that?"
"Not really, unless Ranma plans on letting you stay in this world, but
for the time being it will have to suffice." She said softly. "Tell me,
what should we call you child?"
Female Ranma perked up. "Ranko." She smiled.
"Huh, good choice." Male Ranma said. "Now we can be like brother and
sister." Putting his arm around her shoulders.
"Cut that out." Ranko said with a blush removing Ranma's arm. She
settled down and seemed to be thinking. "Brother and sister... Maybe..."
She whispered.
"Elder Cologne, while I understand that you feel responsible for Ranko,
I would very much like to adopt Ranko myself." Nodoka said, who had been
silent up until now.
Ranko glanced up at Nodoka. "No." She shook her head.
Nodoka looked like someone just had shattered her heart. "No?" She
asked, her voice almost cracking.
Ranko seemed to be on the verge of crying. "Please! There's nothing more
I want to be able to call you mother... but... but I just don't want
_him_ " She pointed at Genma. "To be my father."
Nodoka composed herself somewhat. "I know he has some flaws but..."
Ranko cut her off, shaking her head. "No." She said a little forcefully,
but she quickly noticed Nodoka's crestfallen look. "You have to
understand, I am only a magical being, but I have all of Ranma's
memories." She shivered as if she remembered a particularly horrible
memory. "I just can't associate myself with someone who has tortured
Ranma so."
Nodoka shot Genma a dark glare, silently promising a 'close shave' at a
later moment. She looked back at Ranko and spoke softly. "I guess I have
no choice but to accept your request. But please, can you at least call
me aunt?"
Ranko lit up. "Sure thing... auntie." She said and embraced Nodoka in a
hug, which the older woman tenderly returned. After a minute they broke
the embrace and Nodoka fixed her eyes on Ranma.
"Now Ranma... Why would you not allow Ranko to remain in the world of
the living?" She asked, fingering her katana.
Ranma sweated nervously but Ranko came to his defense. "Please, don't
blame him. The first clone from the mirror was... somewhat boy crazy..."
"Hmph. She would have slept with anything male on two legs if we hadn't
stopped her." Akane snorted.
"Well that is hardly proper..." Nodoka said.
"No, it wasn't." Ranko shook her head. "And he said that he would return
me to the mirror if I ever started acting like the previous clone."
"A little harsh maybe." Ranma admitted. "But how could I know that she
would turn out differently?"
"I believe it when I see it." Akane said, glaring suspiciously at both
Ranma and Ranko.
"Now Akane. Don't be like that." Nodoka scolded. "You know it's improper
to judge a book by its cover. Ranko seem to be a well behaved girl and I
won't have you accusing her of such behavior without evidence."
Akane looked down, ashamed. "Sorry, it's just that the first clone
tried... well she wasn't nice to me."
"You mean, she tried to take Ranma from you." Nabiki interjected.
"No, that's not what I meant!" Akane protested, blushing slightly.
Nodoka smiled knowingly. "I don't think you have anything to worry about
Akane."
Ranko _smirked_ knowingly. "Yeah, you don't have to worry about me going
after Ranma." She focused a smoldering glare on the pigtailed boy. "In
fact, if he makes advances against me, I'll make sure he becomes a girl
permanently." Ranma cowered under the glare and Akane seemed to relax a
bit.
"So, son." Soun spoke up. "How does it feel to be free of the curse?"
Ranma looked strangely confused before he spoke up. "Well, it is great,
but somehow I don't feel like there's much to celebrate if it means that
Ranko will be cursed instead."
"Huh, cursed?" Soun asked, looking curiously at Ranko.
"I'm cursed very much the same way as Ranma was." Ranko answered. "That
is, I become a girl with cold water, and a boy with hot. The difference
is that I am really a girl, making the boy form my cursed side. It won't
be the same problem as with Ranma, since hot water is not as common, but
it will definitely be a nuisance. All things considered, I think a curse
is a small price to pay to be alive." She said somewhat sadly.
"I can probably assist you with that problem." Cologne said.
"Really?" Ranko perked up. "How?"
"There are plenty of ways, child." Cologne smirked. "Though somehow, I
suspect that you want to keep your cursed form, at least for a while,
right?" Ranko nodded. "That limits your options considerably, but I
think I have some waterproof soap still lying around somewhere."
"And you'll give it to me?" Ranko's eyes were shining in appreciation.
"Of course, it's not like I have any use for it." Cologne said. Ranko
gave the old woman a quick hug and settled back in her seat.
"Ok, now that we have settled that, let me bring you a little
something." Nabiki said, rising from her seat and walking up the stairs.
By the sounds, she entered her room and rummaged through her things.
Everyone looked at each other to see if they knew what was going on yet
no one had a clue. After a minute or two, Nabiki came back to the living
room and flipped something to Ranko, which the redhead skillfully
caught.
"Ranko Tendo... It's an ID-card!" Ranko exclaimed.
"Yeah it's something I've had for a while now. Might as well get used."
Nabiki said with a shrug.
Ranko narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Nabiki. "Why did you have a card
like this?"
"Well, I had it made for a plan I thought up concerning Ranma's cursed
form but it never happened and probably never will. It works in most
cases, but not if someone makes a thorough check, so be careful.
However, don't think I'm giving it to you for free."
"Of course... and what is the price?"
"Let's discuss that later." Nabiki said, changing the subject as she
checked her watch. "We'd better get to school. We've already missed half
the day, and not one of us can afford to miss much more."
"Aw do I have to?" Ranma pleaded.
"Oh, yes you have to." Ranko said sternly. "I'll probably be enrolled
soon enough, and if I have to go, then so do you."
"That's right." Nodoka nodded. "A girl your age should be in school. A
proper education is very important."
"Yes auntie." Ranko answered, though she mumbled something about "don't
like it" under her breath.
"Ok, then." Ranma said and stood up. "Let's get to school!" He
exclaimed, grabbed Akane's hand and literally dragged her after him.
Everyone blink-blinked.
Nabiki blinked again, then shrugged. "Well, I'll be going now. Cya!" She
said before leaving the house.
***
"Ranma! Let go of my hand!" Akane yelled undignified as he sprinted down
the streets of Nerima, Akane following unwillingly behind him.
He made a sudden stop and looked in concern at her. "Sorry about that. I
didn't mean to startle you, but I thought you would like to arrive to
school before lunch break is over. I know at least I want to do so."
Akane stared at Ranma. Did he just apologise? Without anyone forcing him
into it? She promptly remembered that they were still holding hands and
she quickly let go, blushing slightly. Ranma looked disappointed but
Akane didn't notice.
"Hey, what's the hurry?" Nabiki asked as she caught up with them.
"Oh nothing really." Ranma answered. "Just wanted to get to school
before the end of lunch break."
"You, wanting to get to school quickly?" Nabiki asked in disbelief.
"That's got to be a first." She shook her head then smirked slightly at
him "I guess you are happier about being rid of the curse than you let
on earlier."
A wide smile appeared all over Ranma's face. "You could say that."
"Don't let Ranko or Nodoka hear that." She mock scolded. "Just don't be
too quick to school or you'll have to deal with Kuno more than usual
since you didn't show up at morning."
Ranma's expression turned dark. "Thanks for ruining my good mood. I had
almost forgotten about him..." Ranma suddenly got a ponderous look. "Say
Nabiki." He inquired. "Would you like if I took a turn, spinning the
rumor mill?"
Nabiki narrowed her eyes. "Maybe... depends on what you are planning."
"Oh no you don't!" Akane interjected. "Do you really want it to become
worse?" She asked Ranma.
"Relax." He assured her. "What I'm planning will be beneficial for all
of us. In fact, I can almost guarantee that Kuno will be off our backs
for today, if not forever."
"I really shouldn't trust you with something like this... but what the
heck. It's been a while since something fun happened." Nabiki shrugged,
giving him her OK.
"Ranma!" Akane said irritably.
Ranma only put a finger on her lips to silence her. "I only ask that you
trust me, Akane. Please do me that favor."
Akane looked into his deep blue eyes, finding it incredibly hard to say
no. With a sigh she relented. "Ok... just don't make a mess of whatever
you are planning." Ranma only smirked.
***
In a few minutes they arrived to the school and predictably, Kuno was
there to greet them. "Ah, the foul sorcerer finally shows up. And I see
the fair tigress Akane is with you. Release her and the pig-tailed girl
now, lest I smite you in righteous fury." He declared.
"No." Ranma countered shaking his head.
"What? Do you refuse me?" Kuno almost yelled, tensing for a charge.
"I am not doing anything of the sort." Ranma said calmly. "All I am
asking is that you will cease all hostilities for today."
"And why should I, the blue thunder of Furinkan High, comply with the
requests of a lowly peasant such as you?"
"Because the pig-tailed girl is coming tomorrow."
Kuno instantly relaxed his stance but he pointed the bokken straight at
Ranma as he spoke. "What do I hear? Have you finally released your evil
spells on her?"
"I never did enchant her, Kuno. I do admit that she is affected by
spells of otherworldly origins but they are not of my doing and they are
not doing her any harm. In any case, she is coming here tomorrow, and it
is my hope that she will explain everything to you, but _only_ if you do
not attack or bother me and Akane for the rest of this day."
Kuno stood there silently pondering about the recent information that
Ranma had supplied. Akane, as well as many other bystanders could only
stare in wonder that someone let alone Ranma, had actually reached the
half-insane kendoist. Nabiki was amazed that Ranma had managed to pull
something like this off and she idly wondered when Kuno's head would
explode like a two-ton keg of TNT, because of the overexertion.
To everyone's further amazement Kuno did not turn the facts into
something strangely twisted. "Very well then. If it allows me to meet
the pigtailed girl, then it is a sacrifice I have to make." He put away
his bokken and walked away.
Nabiki was the first to snap out of her daze. "Great work Ranma! I
didn't know you had it in you."
"Neither did I." Ranma answered with a grin.
Nabiki leant in closer and whispered. "I couldn't have done it better
myself. This will definitely make the mill turn."
Ranma's expression turned serious. "Think of my contribution as a down
payment on Ranko's ID, ok?"
Nabiki stopped in her tracks. She never did expect him to ask for
anything in return and since they didn't specify anything beforehand,
she could claim that it was part of deal. However the rumor market had
been slow lately and she was bound to make a small fortune on this
opportunity. "I'll think about it." She said and made a beeline for her
cronies.
Akane came up to Ranma, looking curiously at him. "Ok, I have to admit
that you did good. But what about tomorrow? Are you really gonna put
Ranko through this?"
Ranma sighed. "I wish I could avoid it, but think about it. Do you
really think that Ranko could escape Kuno's attentions even without me
doing this?"
"Uhm, no." Akane answered hesitantly. "I just hope she's up to this..."
She said with a sigh.
"Don't worry about her." Ranma said putting an arm around Akane's
shoulders. "I know, she'll do alright." The bell rang, signalling the
end of break. "C'mon, let's go inside."
Akane quickly blushed and removed Ranma's arm. "What are you doing?" She
almost yelled.
"What does it look like?" Ranma asked with a confused expression.
"Leading my fiancée to school, as is proper for a couple."
Akane's face turned into a deep crimson and she turned away from him.
*Did he just call me his fiancée? That can't be! * She glanced back and
saw his worried expression. *He must be planning something. * She
quickly concluded and turned back. "Ok, but if you try anything
perverted, then..." She smacked her right fist into her left palm,
demonstrating what would befall Ranma if she deemed it necessary.
Ranma ignored her demonstration and put his arm back around her
shoulders, a genuine smile on his lips. "Just trust me." He said and
with that they both went into school.
***
Ranko sat in the Nekohanten waiting for Cologne to fetch the waterproof
soap. As she sat there she heard someone entering. *Oh no! * She thought
as she felt the familiar auras' of both Mousse and Shampoo.
"Nihao Ranma!" Shampoo exclaimed. "Come to take Shampoo on date, yes?"
She asked happily and performed an amazon glomp.
Before Ranko could say anything in her defense Mousse literally
exploded. "Saotome! Get your filthy hands of my Shampoo."
"N-now hold on just a minute." Ranko tried, making peaceful gestures.
"I'm not Ranma." She said to no avail. Mousse had already summoned a big
sword and Shampoo prepared to defend her.
Suddenly both just froze and fell like big logs to the floor. To the
side Cologne stood and looked on with a grave expression. "Always the
same. Never do you two consider the consequences of your actions." She
moved forward and knelt down. "Now if you promise to not attack Ranko, I
will release the pressure points." Both Mousse and Cologne nodded.
Cologne pressed a few points on both of them and she sat down at the
table. "Now I think an explanation is in order..." She said indicating
Ranko.
***
"You not Ranma?" Shampoo said after the explanation. Ranko nodded.
Shampoo narrowed her eyes. "You obstacle?" She said and brought forth a
Bonbori.
Ranko gulped. "N-no, you don't have to worry about that. I have no
interest in Ranma."
Shampoo instantly cheered up. "Good! Maybe you help Shampoo catch
Ranma?" She asked hopefully.
Ranko took a glance at Mousse and noticed his dark expression. "No
Shampoo, please can't we just be friends? And that goes for you too
Mousse."
Shampoo seemed a bit disappointed but nodded her consent anyway. Mousse
on the other hand did not seem satisfied. "Are you asking me to believe
this? For all I know this could be just another one of your schemes,
Saotome."
Cologne sighed and moved to scold the myopic boy with her trusty cane.
However, it never connected. Ranko instantly intercepted the cane and
looked pleadingly at Cologne. "Please stop with that." She said and
released the cane.
Cologne looked on with a wide-eyed expression but she quickly collected
herself. "Anyway... Mousse I can assure you that this is not some kind
of scheme to take Shampoo from you. Ranko is a separate being from Ranma
and should be respected for who she is. She does not deserve your scorn
for Ranma."
Mousse was stunned, since Ranko saved him from a painful bop on the
head. He did not expect anything like it from Ranko. However Cologne's
words brought him out of his daze. "Yeah, sure." He bowed to Ranko. "I
am sorry for my rude behavior. I should save my anger for the devil,
Ranma."
Ranko smirked slightly at him. "You know, that is my brother you are
talking about."
Mousse sweatdropped and bowed again. "Sorry."
"Sorries aren't good enough." Ranko sniffed. "You've got to make it up
to me somehow."
Mousse had a bad feeling but the harsh glares that both Cologne and
Shampoo gave him didn't give him any alternatives. "Uhm, just ask
anything."
Ranko gave him a toothy grin. "How about sparring?"
Now Mousse knew he was in trouble.
*** - - - - ***
Finally the second chapter of Mirror Life! Took a while, right? Actually
this one has been complete for over a month, it's just that I wasn't
entirely satisfied with it. Anyway, I finally got around to publish it
and I'll hope it is satisfactory. And just in case you didn't figure it
out, Mousse is going to be one big bruise in the next chapter... ^__^
If you wish to contact me then do so at:
kenneth@gon.nu or kenneth.lonnberg@bodenonline.com
My works will be available at:
My own page - http://www.angelfire.com/anime4/macvf1fanfic
And when they get around to update/accept my fics, these sites will also
feature my fics:
Lady Cosmo's Fanfic Library - http://ladycosmos.anifics.com/
Ranchan & co. Crossing bridges - http://tannim.anifics.com/