Disclaimer : I do not own Ranma½, or Sailormoon but am the rightful owner to those not recognized used in this story, and no way even pretend that I do.

Ranma is ½ year after the failed wedding
Sailormoon is after everything is said and done (end of SS)

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********** Ranma : Eternal Memories **********

Part 2 - Shattered Dreams


Ranma was walking down the street toward his home. It was a miracle he was even close to the place after Akane's last mallet attack. He looked around him in the darkened street and had to suppress a shudder, like something bad was going to happen. Looking down at his arm and the caked on blood, Ranma sighed.

Ranma : *Something did already happen,.... I wonder how I'm going to explain this without getting beat.*

Looking around the street yet again, he felt a yearning, like something tugging at the corner of his mind. He quickly whirled around and blocked a strike that was aimed at his head. Pushing it away, he cringed in pain.

Ryoga : Come on Ranma, that has never hurt you before!

Ranma : Damnit P-Chan, I just broke my arm and the other one is practically useless right now, because the tendons broken. I am not in the mood to fight!

Ryoga : (Cringing) Okay,.. okay,.... I'm sorry. What did that to you anyways?

Ranma : Akane knocked me to another town again. When I landed, I met a girl and she offered to go to lunch with me. I guess we're famous there for some reason. Anyways, we sat down and started to eat when her friends showed up and crashed the party. Apparently one of her friends was one of mine from when I was young. We were catching up on the old times when something happened and the part of the restaurant we were in, collapsed.

Ryoga : Was the girl okay?

Ranma : Yeah, I managed to hold up the piece of building that crashed on us, but not without the cost of my right arm. That is also when I was damned with the weak muscles........

Ryoga : damn,... I'm sorry man. Is there anything I can do to help?

Ranma : Want to go to the Tendo's in my place?

Ryoga : hell no,.... I wouldn't mind being with Akane, but the rest of it, your on your own.

Ranma : (sarcastic) Thanks P-Chan.

Ryoga : I might be nicer to you if you stopped calling me names. I stopped calling you half-man.

Ranma : I guess,.... old habits you know. Anyways, I need to get home and sleep, I'm exhausted.

Ryoga : Ranma, before you go, can I ask you something?

Ranma : (yawn) Sure, go ahead.

Ryoga : What did you do to your eyes? Didn't you have blue ones before?

Ranma : Huh? What are you talking about, I still do.

Ryoga : No you don't,... you have a dark purple now.

Ranma : Hmm,... that's weird..... not much weirder than what happens around her, but none the less weird. All well, night Ryoga.

Ryoga : Uh,.. yeah, Night.

Ranma left Ryoga on the street as he walked into the Tendo's home. Ryoga watched him leave and blinked a few times before shrugging it off.

Ryoga : *If it doesn't bother him, it shouldn't bug me*

Ranma walked up to the door and didn't knock or anything, just pushed it open and walked in. He was treated to the site of Akane stomping up the stairs, and a group of people huddling around a fallen figure.

Nabiki : Are you okay Kasumi?

Soun : WAHHH MY BABY GIRL HIT KASUMI,.. WAHHHHHH

Genma just stood there and shook his head, watching the downed form of Kasumi as she held her hand against her cheek. Ranma saw this and ran over to her, pushing Genma forcefully out of the way.

Ranma : K-Kasumi, are you alright?

Kasumi : Oh my,... yes I'm fine Ranma-kun.

A sudden image of Hotaru popped into his head, but he quickly pushed that away.

Ranma : What happened?

Kasumi : Nothing much.......

Nabiki : When you didn't come back after the latest incident, she didn't take it well. She stomped around the house blaming everyone but herself. Then she came to the weird conclusion that it was Kasumi who drove you away.

Ranma : Damn her,....... that's going too far.

Kasumi : It's alright Ranma-kun, I don't mind.

Ranma : (Clenched fist) I do,..... I'm going to talk to her right now.

Nabiki : Easy Saotome. I don't want you to do anything rash.

Ranma : I won't. I'm just gonna make sure she doesn't try it again.

Nabiki was going to say something but Ranma pushed past her and stomped up the stares, his fist gaining a pale look to them as he was holding it so tight. He reached the top of the stairs and pounded on the door.

Akane : GO AWAY!

Ranma : Akane,... open up

Akane : I don't want to talk to you Ranma!

Ranma : Tough, open up

Akane : GO AWAY RANMA!

Ranma sighed and slammed his working fist through the door and opened it from the inside. He walked through the open door, his face holding a serene anger on it that Akane hasn't seen in a long time.

Akane : What do you want pervert?!?!

Ranma : I'm here to straiten your ass out. Why the hell would you attack your sister over something YOU did.

Akane : Something I did?!? What the hell do you mean by that?!?! Kasumi was the one who did it!

Ranma : Your wrong Akane,... you were the one to mallet me. Your the reason I wanted to stay away from this house. Your the reason I'm here talking to you right now.

Akane : No! YOUR WRONG! I know it was that bitch's fault...... I just KNOW IT!

Ranma : Damnit Akane,... that 'bitch' is your sister. She has done nothing but keep me from killing you.

Akane looked at Ranma in shock, which soon turned to anger as she caught wind of his words.

Akane : Is that what you think of me?!? Do you honestly think I can't control myself?!?

Ranma : Yourself? Hell, look at yourself now Akane. Your practically emitting a battle aura. No, it's far from Kasumi's fault.

Akane : Are you trying to tell me that it's my fault!

Ranma : Gee, she finally understands! Do you want a fucking cookie Akane!?!

Ranma shook his head and calmed himself down by taking a few deep breaths. He then looked up at Akane and sent a glare that made her shiver in ... something, she refused to believe it was fear.

Ranma : I'm taking Kasumi out of here,... I won't let you beat on her just because your too stupid to get a hold of your anger.

Ranma turned to walk away when Akane screamed and attacked him. Her mallet wielded as she swung at Ranma's head, intent on causing him serious harm.

Ranma : This is what I'm talking about........ get some skills to back up your claims as a martial artist.

Akane didn't even see him move, but the results were there. Ranma walked out of the room as the mallet fell into ten different pieces and she fell to the ground, her chest, legs, and face burning with pain. Ranma walked down the stairs and sighed as he saw Kasumi staring wide eyed at him.

Ranma : Kasumi,... get your stuff,... we're leaving.

Kasumi : O-Okay...

Kasumi walked up the stairs, trying to hold back the tears that wanted to desperately escape. Ranma looked away from her and the rest of the family as blood dripped down his arm and pooled on the steps.

Nabiki : Ranma............

Ranma : Save it Nabiki... I just need to get her away from here before she ends up getting killed by Akane's recklessness.

Nabiki : I know Saotome... I knew since the day she went to high school, that Akane would end up like this.

Ranma nodded his head and sighed, giving the surprised Nabiki a hug.

Ranma : Thank you for looking after her....... I'll pay you back for this.

Nabiki : I'll be waiting.

Ranma smiles at her and waits at the banister for Kasumi's return. He didn't have to wait long as a puffy eyed Kasumi came down the steps, dragging a large suitcase behind her. Ranma smiled at her gently and took the suitcase from her.

Ranma : I'll carry this,....

Kasumi : ........ thank you

Nabiki : The cab is waiting out front,... I paid him enough to take you wherever you want.

Ranma : I will pay you back Nabiki.

Nabiki : Of course you will.

They share a small smile as Kasumi and Nabiki then hug each other, each not wanting to let go. Unfortunately the cab driver gets impatient and honks it's horn until Ranma steps outside, Kasumi on his heels. She stopped once and looked over her shoulder at the place that she grew up. Stifling a sob as Ranma took her hand and helped her into the cab, she went in obediently before breaking down.

Ranma : Take us to this address please.

The driver nodded and started to drive away, as Kasumi plastered her face against the window with tears streaking down her face. It wasn't until they were a good distance away from the house did Kasumi stop.

Kasumi : Think they believed us?

Ranma : Hell, I almost believed you. If I didn't know the plan, I'm sure I would have. Good job Kasumi.

Kasumi : Thank you Ranma-kun, but is this really okay? I mean, I know we're not supposed to be here, but isn't this a bit much.

Ranma : Not at all,.... You've had the same dreams I had, and it's time we got answers. I know just the person to ask too.

Kasumi : Yes,... but is it right?

Ranma : Yes,... I'm afraid it is all we can do at the moment.

Kasumi nodded as they drove toward their destination.

Meanwhile in a small apartment, Setsuna Meioh was looking at the time gates as they swung shut from the flux of power that happened a few moments ago.

Setsuna : What could have happened,...... I don't understand what I was trying to tell myself...... "Ride the horses power, and guide the Queen to eternity"? What the heck does that mean?

Setsuna took this time to get a bottle from her cabinet and fill a conveniently placed glass. Bringing it to her lips, she downed it in one gulp.

Setsuna : *No way,.... she can't mean*

Ranma and Kasumi get out of the cab and walk up to the door, pressing the doorbell gently before Ranma gives Kasumi a warm and comforting smile. The door opened and revealed Hotaru in a long purple night gown.

Hotaru : (Yawn) Ra-Kun?

Ranma : Sorry to drop in like this Hotaru, but we were wondering if we could borrow a bed for the night....

Hotaru : (Blushing) Both of you?

Ranma : No, I'll sleep on the floor, but if possible, can Kasumi have a bed to sleep in?

Hotaru : Sure, it's no problem. She can share my room.

Kasumi : Oh no, I couldn't impose on you like that. I will just sleep on the floor.

Hotaru : (Shaking her head) No, it's no problem at all, as long as you don't mind the color purple.

Ranma : Oh yea,... I forgot that was your favorite color.....

Hotaru looked at Ranma for a second before shaking her head and blowing it off as a coincidence.

Kasumi : I don't mind at all, also I just want to thank you for helping us.

Hotaru : Not a problem

Hotaru looks around for a moment before blushing slightly.

Hotaru : Why don't you come on in.

Kasumi bowed her respects before entering the house and waiting on the foyer for Ranma. Ranma entered and gave a small smile to Hotaru as he put the suitcase in the corner.

Hotaru : That's all you have?

Ranma : This is Kasumi's stuff. I didn't get mine because I wanted to get her out of there as soon as possible.

Kasumi : Oh my Ranma-kun, you shouldn't have worried about me so much.

Hotaru : What happened?

Ranma : Akane, my _EX_ fiancée, decided that my vanishing was because of Kasumi. That girl even went as far as to strike her own sister for something she did. I had to get her out of there,.... I hope you don't mind our dropping in.

Hotaru : that's horrible! Please, stay here as long as you need

Ranma smiled at her, when he heard footsteps coming down the side. Ranma turned his head and looked at the two that were coming down the stairs.

Ranma : You live with Michiru and Haruka? That's a shock.

Hotaru : They are my Adopted parents...... If it wasn't for them, then I would be in a foster home, or worse.

Ranma : (nodding) Well then, I guess I have you two to tell this to then. You did a wonderful job taking care of little Hotaru here.

Michiru : We try our best,....

Haruka : It wasn't easy,... especially with just us two.

Ranma : Yeah,... I guess so huh. Where's her father?

Haruka : I'm her father,... why?

Ranma looked at her and smirked, before laughing a bit. The laughter that came from Ranma only made Haruka get angry.

Haruka : What's so funny?!?

Ranma : You have to be male in order to be her father... Are you trying to tell me that you've been to Jusenkyo?

Haruka : Jusen-what?

Ranma : Jusenkyo, a place in China that holds cursed ponds. Fall in the pond and you take the form of whatever drowned there.

Michiru : Those kind of places exist?

Kasumi : Oh my, yes. Ranma-Kun and his friends are prime examples of this.

Ranma : (Cringing) You didn't have to tell them that Kasumi.

Haruka : It's alright, remember we already know.

Ranma : (confused) Huh? How do you know about my curse?

Hotaru giggled timidly before pulling a magazine out of no where and showing it to Ranma. On the cover was a picture of Ranma and Ryoga punching it out and on the back was a picture of them charging up their Ki for attacks.

Hotaru : We know, because I follow the Nerima Battle Tyme. Especially since I found out you lived there, I followed it with even more interest.

Haruka : Yeah, Hotaru has a slight respect for you Ranma.

Ranma : Huh,.... who makes that magazine? I don't remember giving the okay to make one....

Hotaru flipped the magazine over and looked at the bottom, reading the name to herself.

Hotaru : Some company called Ice industries.

Kasumi : Ice industries, I haven't heard of that before.

Ranma : (glowering) I have,... Nabiki made the magazine in a way of making even more money off of me. Boy, when I get back I'm gonna have a talk with her.

Kasumi : Oh my, Ranma-kun. I don't think that Nabiki would do something like that.

Ranma stared at her for a second before sighing to himself and shaking his head gently.

Ranma : There's a lot of things that you fully don't understand Kasumi. Nabiki is known as the Ice queen of Furinkan high school.

Kasumi : Why would she be called that? It's so.... unladylike.

Michiru and Haruka looked at Kasumi with interest as her ideas were set a bit high. Hotaru just seemed to be staring at Ranma in admiration. Ranma looked at Hotaru and blinked slightly, gaining a blush on his cheeks.

Ranma : Do I have something on my face?

Hotaru : (Sweat drop) What's wrong Ranma, you seem to be a bit worried about something. You've been that way since we started talking about this Nabiki person.

Ranma blushed and looked away as Kasumi giggled into her hand. Haruka and Michiru chuckled at Ranma's expense before sobering up.

Ranma : Well,.. uh, I just think that... You know,... she's mean?

Hotaru : (not believe it) Uh-huh,.... why don't you tell us, why she's.. uh.. mean?

In the corner of his eye he could see the rest of them laughing, and a girl he hasn't seen before, smirking at him.

Ranma : uh,.... sure,... but first, who's that?

Hotaru looks over to where Setsuna was standing and smiled. Haruka and Michiru looked over and nearly jumped as they didn't hear her come up.

Hotaru : That's Setsuna-mama. She lives with us too.

Ranma : Uh-huh... anyways. You sure do have a lot of family members, huh?

Hotaru : (sullen) Actually, I'm missing the person I miss most.

Ranma : Huh, who's that?

Hotaru : I miss my father,... it's been a long time since we've done anything together.

Kasumi : Oh my, that's terrible. What kind of father would do that?

Hotaru : It doesn't matter! He's still my father!

Kasumi took a step back and covered her mouth ashamed. Ranma was surprised when Hotaru started to cry gently and launch herself into his arms. He blinked a couple times before wrapping his arms around softly. Setsuna looked on with interest as Hotaru showed more emotion in the next ten seconds than she has in a long long time. Both Haruka and Michiru felt they were losing her, as they know of Ranma's past. Kasumi watched Ranma as his tender side took over and comforted the girl, a slight blush forming on her own cheeks. Setsuna then leaned over and whispered to both Haruka and Michiru.

Setsuna : You both know that Ranma's memories haven't fully surfaced right?

Haruka : Yes

Michiru : Of course

Setsuna : Then why is he here,.... it could serve to be a problem.

Michiru and Haruka look from Setsuna and onto Hotaru as she cried her heart out against Ranma's chest and sighs.

Michiru : Are you going to tell her that he can't be here?

Haruka : I sure as hell ain't.

Setsuna looked from Haruka and Michiru onto the two that were currently having a family moment without their even knowing it. With a sigh, she turned from the group and headed up the stairs. Kasumi took this moment to walk over to Haruka and ask her question.

Kasumi : What do you mean, Ranma's memories haven't surfaced?

Haruka : You heard us?

Michiru : Um,... that's kind of hard to explain without telling you something we can't.

Kasumi : I understand,... but don't you think that Ranma has a right to know, especially if it's about him.

Haruka : We can't,... It will have a profound affect on the timeline....

Both Kasumi and Michiru look at Haruka in surprise, as she blushed slightly.

Michiru : You have to stop hanging around Setsuna,.....

When Ranma finally got Hotaru to calm down, he smiled at the three who were watching in mute surprise. Ranma was caressing Hotaru's hair gently as he whispered words of comfort to the smaller girl. Finally, after a few minutes, Hotaru had managed to fall asleep in his arms.

Ranma : Um,... can either of you help me out here?

Haruka : Aww, come on Ran-Chan! Can't you carry a little girl?

Michiru and Kasumi giggled to themselves as Haruka provoked Ranma, by attacking his manliness.

Ranma : That's not the point, I could if I had full use of my arm!

He turned his body slightly, causing the broken arm to pop and fling about. The girls watched with disgust as he didn't even seem to be hurt by this little act of masochism.

Kasumi : Oh my, Ranma-kun. You should have that looked at.

Ranma : Yea,... I kinda thought of that myself. Except that I've been rather busy tonight.

Michiru : We'll take Hotaru up to her room, Haruka will take you to Ms. Mizuno.

Ranma : (nervous) Ms. Mizuno? Who is she?

Kasumi : Oh my, I think I've heard of her before. Isn't she Juuban's best doctor?

Haruka : Yup, and she's our friends mother as well. So we get the family discount.

Ranma : Family discount? How much is that?

Ranma pulled out his wallet and fingered through his life savings, and sighed.

Haruka : Don't worry about it Ranma, she doesn't charge us anything. We help her whenever she needs it, and in return, we get free health care.

Ranma : Dang, that's convenient. I wish I had that when I first moved to Nerima. I'm still paying Dr. Tofu off.

At the mention of Dr. Tofu's name, Kasumi blushed slightly and averted her gaze from everyone, causing them to stare at her.

Michiru : I take it that Kasumi likes this, Dr. Tofu?

Ranma : Yup, and it's a two way deal here. At the mention of her name, Dr. Tofu goes into his own world. Also, in which case, it's dangerous to get near him. A person who knows every pressure point in the human body, who isn't right in the mind.

Haruka : Sounds painful,.... I'll have to keep that in mind.

Kasumi : Come on, he's not that bad........ he's getting better.

Ranma smiled at her before he grimaced in pain as his broken arm twitched.

Ranma : I hate to be a bother,.. but can we get to Ms. Mizuno's place soon.....

Michiru : Oh yeah. Haruka, take him to Ami's place, we'll take Hotaru to her room.

Ranma : When I come back.... do you mind if I stay with her?

Kasumi : Oh my.

Ranma : I mean, at her side.

Haruka : (narrowing her eyes at him) Why?

Ranma : I don't know,... when she was in my arms, it felt familiar.

Michiru : Sure,... just get that arm fixed first.

Ranma nods his head and follows Haruka out the door, as tire squealing fills the air that signifies Haruka's departure. Michiru then walks over to Hotaru's sleeping form and shakes her gently.

Michiru : He's gone now Hotaru.......

Hotaru's head slowly raised up and looked at the door with empty eyes.

Hotaru : Thank you.

Kasumi : W-What just happened here?

Hotaru : If I didn't act like I was asleep, then Ranma would have held me like that until morning.... While I don't mind it, he was injured and this was the only way to get him to go to a doctor.

Michiru : I wasn't sure what she was doing at first, but I realized when I saw her eye open up and look around the room.

Kasumi : Is it okay for Ranma to be like this? Does this have anything to do with his un-surfaced memories?

Hotaru turned her head and stared at Kasumi, tears in her eyes and loneliness shining in her purple pupils.

Hotaru : H-How do you know about Ra-Kun's memories?

Michiru : Kasumi overhead Setsuna talking to us about Ranma's memories, and how it might be a problem staying here because of them.

Kasumi : I'm sorry,...

Hotaru : It's no problem... I'm trying to find a way of staying close to him without having to bring back the pain from the past.

Kasumi : D-Did something happen to him in the past?

Hotaru : (sadly) yes,... Ranma sacrificed his power so that I could stop a force of evil that wanted to destroy the planet.

Kasumi : Oh my, they wanted to destroy earth?

Before Michiru could say anything to Hotaru about Kasumi's limited knowledge, Hotaru had already sighed and started her tale.

Hotaru : No, actually the planet that was almost destroyed was my home planet. Saturn.

Kasumi : (incredulous) You used to live on Saturn?

Michiru : (sighing) I was trying to tell you Hotaru,... she only knows about Ranma's memories.

Kasumi : What's going on... who are you people?

Hotaru looked at Michiru, who in turn sighed before walking up the stairs.

Kasumi : Where's she going?

Hotaru : To get Setsuna-mama,.... she will be able to explain it a bit better.

Kasumi's mouth moved up and down in an effort to get it to work, but failing miserably.

TO BE CONTINUED_____________