Safe in her bed, a woman dreamed.
Two ladies were involved in discussion. One was clothed in gold-hued gossamer, with an ornate crown woven through her light brown hair. Translucent wings were folded on her back. "But, why? All the other girls accepted our offer... Why do you reject it?"
A young woman with long black hair looked into the eyes of the faerie queen. As she spoke, tears fell from her eyes. "I'm sorry, Titania. I cannot become what you wish me to..."
The other woman was not going to let go so easily. "Why? As my Senshi, you will have powers undreamed of... You will be the greatest of them all."
"I've lived my life, and I'm happy. I have my place, and am satisfied with that. I don't want anything to come between the People and myself. My heir shall well represent us. This is her time; mine has passed."
Titania couldn't mask disappointment mixed with growing admiration for the young woman before her. Unshed tears danced to add extra sparkle to her green eyes. Swallowing once, she spoke again, "Do not let the years speak for you; your transformation will lift that burden from your shoulders whilst in Senshi guise."
The black-tressed girl shook her head in an emphatic negative. "I'm sorry, Titania. It's just not for me. I'm really not comfortable with a schoolgirl as my leader, after all. The current group works well together, as a group of peers." A wry smile came to her lips as she continued, "They don't need a hide-bound harridan to tell them what to do. Or to offer old solutions to new problems." She looked thoughtful for a moment, speaking again after a few moments respite. "But I can train them, and I will be happy to do so for as long as I'm able. I hope that is enough..."
The faerie queen forced a smile on her face, providing vivid contrast to tears that had finally escaped their imprisonment. "Perhaps it shall be. I just wish my Lord had been able to have a Neo Senshi, since Saturn will be getting a second. Anyway, thanks for offering to share your skills with the others." She closed her eyes, using the sleeves of her gown to create an illusion of composure as she wiped the tears away. Her attempted smile became a more serious expression of respect as she opened her eyes and continued. "I hope I can find another to match your convictions."
"I hope so too. I am truly sorry," the black-haired girl replied to the fading image of her visitor. It had certainly been tempting...
But she had her own life to lead. And they, most assuredly, had theirs.
***
Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover
Episode 10: Revolutionary Girl Kikuko
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators and their works. No infringement intended.
***
A high-pitched scream and a rumble pierced the pre-dawn gray. Unlike some recent noisy visitors to this block, this one was inanimate. Another shriek, the sound of a door slamming, then a final squeal of tires announced a sports car's brief visit.
A young woman and child watched the car for a few moments, until it squealed around a corner. The little girl turned to open the gate. Only a few more steps took her to the door of the house.
A bleary-eyed Kikuko opened the door, and then blinked a couple of times. "Hotaru-chan, what're you doing here?"
"Good morning, Kikuko-san!" a voice hovering between sleepy and perky answered. After waiting an excited heartbeat, the girl thrust a plastic cup at her friend. A few moments later she spoke, "Mamma needs a cup of rice... Uh... I wanted to see if I could borrow some from your mom."
The redhead's eyes opened wide to betray her surprise for a moment. Then she raised an eyebrow, wondering what the kid was up to. With a bow, she opened the door further to accommodate her guest. "Sure, Hotaru-chan. I'm sure you know your way around."
Hotaru came in, offering a whispered "Thanks!" as she passed Kikuko. Entering the kitchen, she closed the door behind her.
"Hi, Michiru-san. Did ya come to train this morning?" Kikuko asked.
"Yes, Ranma," The young mother replied, emphasizing her host's real name. "Haruka will be late today." Her voice dropped to a secretive whisper as she continued, "Are you ready?"
Kikuko swallowed. "Yeah, I hope so. I know you guys spent a lot of money on this..."
Michiru smiled, "A boy's uniform isn't that expensive, Ranma. Besides, Haruka-chan's glad to get one more beautiful girl off the prowl."
Kikuko's expression was blank for a few moments, then became a pint-sized rendition of Haruka's most predatory look, "yeah, I guess she would. Still I owe you guys one."
Michiru shook her head lightly in the negative. "No, Ranma-chan. The Outer Senshi might not always agree with the Princess, but we're still a team, right?"
"Yeah," Kikuko replied with a quick nod.
"Good... Don't forget we're on your side." A smile graced her face as she continued, "good luck today."
"Thanks," a gratefully smiling Kikuko replied.
***
It had been a fairly normal morning workout... with the exception of Hotaru and Michiru replacing Haruka. Kikuko had called a halt to training ten minutes earlier than normal, but nobody was complaining when she ended the session. After breakfast Ami and Naru headed to school, Michiru escorted Hotaru to elementary classes at the Infinity Academy, while Kikuko, Makoto and the two younger Tendou sisters headed to meet Haruka at her home.
Finally the latter group, now including Haruka, approached the school. All of them, even Nabiki, were nervous about Kikuko's plan for the day.
To anyone observing the gaggle of schoolgirls, the smallest student would attract the most attention. Instead of her normal uniform, Kikuko wore a boy's version that was clearly too large for her. Rounding the last corner before the school, a completely unexpected obstacle blocked their path.
Nodoka.
Ranma's mother stood solidly in front of the procession, her eyes locked on her erstwhile daughter's.
"Mom?" Kikuko asked, slowing her advance to a stop.
"Ranma," her mother replied.
All of Kikuko's friends sucked in a surprised breath as they stopped. As a group, the other girls stepped to the side. Nothing but a few meters of air separated a shocked Kikuko from her mother.
"Huh?" Kikuko asked at last.
"Hey, Kiku-chan, what's with the boy's uniform?" Naru asked as she approached the scene.
"Ranma, now is not the time..." Nodoka whispered, then raised her voice. "I called the school; my daughter left home with a fever this morning. She's such a hard worker in class, Kikuko-chan insisted on going to school today..." She looked at her child with an outward expression of motherly concern.
"Mom, I'm not sick! That's the biggest load of..." Ranma stopped when she saw her mother's tears falling. The girl swallowed, uncertain of what to do. Her mother had helped her so much the past month. It was really hard to hurt the woman. But... could he afford not to? "Look, mom... this is something I gotta do. This has just gone on too long!"
"Will you please come home, just for today, Kikuko-chan?" Nodoka asked, using all her will power to keep her voice level. "I know what you want to do, and I want you to do it... just not today."
Ranma scanned her friend's faces. "What do you guys think?" As she looked at each in turn she couldn't see any answers. It was up to her. Ranma exhaled in defeat. She looked down to the ground through tears she couldn't stop. She had wanted to end this stupid act today, but somebody had told her mom about it. She looked up to glare at Nabiki.
"No way, Saotome. I wouldn't do that!" the middle Tendou replied while shaking her head in denial. She might have done it to somebody else, but not Ranma... this time. Nabiki looked thoughtful. Was she losing her touch or what?
Resuming study of her friends, Ranma looked into the eyes of each. She received a wordless denial from each of them.
Nodoka looked up to address the entire crowd, which now included some of the girls' curious classmates. "Girls, nobody keeps secrets from me in my house. Got that?"
"I hope she doesn't have the house bugged," Nabiki whispered to herself.
The Saotome matriarch focused on her child as she continued. "Please come home. We need to talk this over, just you and me."
Ranma let out a long breath, almost deflating in failure. She looked at her mother, struggling with what to say. Finally, she whispered, "Okay." Not even bothering to look up, she spun slowly on her heels and trudged back in the direction she had come.
Nodoka hurriedly followed her child. Offering the girl an embrace, Nodoka blinked as Kikuko pushed her arms away. So mother followed a step behind daughter all the way home.
Both homeward bound pedestrians heard Naru ask Nabiki, "So... what's with the uniform? Did Kiku-chan go whacko or something?"
"Ask her, Naru-chan," Akane answered, as her eyes followed Ranma and her mother. She fixed her gaze back on Naru again as she continued, "Maybe you can take notes today and drop them off for Kiku-chan after school."
"Yeah, that'll be a great excuse to ask her tonight. Thanks Akane-chan!" Naru said as she turned to follow the youngest Tendou to class.
***
A sullen Ranma and Nodoka entering the house in silence was Kasumi's cue to leave. "I need to do some shopping, Mrs. Saotome."
"Thanks, Kasumi," Nodoka answered, appreciating time alone with her child.
When the door closed behind the eldest Tendou daughter, Ranma turned to her mother asking, "Why?"
"Why what, Ranma?" Nodoka responded, genuinely puzzled.
"Why come to school and stop me, mom? I was all ready to tell 'em about who I really am. I didn't want to be Kikuko any more," Ranma replied with her eyes locked on the floor. The floor mat was a lot more interesting than her mother right then.
Nodoka tried to put all the love and pride she had for her child on her face as she spoke, "Ranma... Let's wait until the end of the term. Then, maybe you can transfer to another school and start over." Nodoka's tears came easily after that, but her child continued to stare at the floor.
Suddenly, Ranma locked on her mother's eyes, offering her a smirk. Sass, pain, and fear were evident in equal measure as she spoke. "Thanks for remembering my name... mom... but what then? Let's wait 'til next year? Let's wait 'til you graduate? You look so beautiful, Kiku-chan! He's such a nice..." She closed her eyes, unable even to continue. She wasn't going to cry. She just wasn't.
Nodoka struggled to find a response. Again she doubted her training, but her faith in Ranma's resilience won out. "Ranma, I know that's not going to happen to you. You're not much of a girl, you know..."
Ranma's eyes snapped open as she spoke. "Oh yeah? Then why did all those boys follow me around that first day? I know what a cute girl is. And I know I'm cute!" Ranma couldn't keep a little pride off her face at the last statement.
Nodoka fought for a few minutes to find a response. "But... Ranma... there are two sides in a relationship. Just because you look like..."
Ranma answered, her face full of both anger and conviction. "Not look like mom. I'm a girl right now. You said so yourself when I first came home."
"Just because you have a girl's body, doesn't change what you are."
"Yeah? Ask those boys about that!" Ranma spat back.
Nodoka forced herself to smile, deploying an unconvincing expression on her face. "So, you're going to let boys tell you what you are? You're much too stubborn to let that happen." Her smile became more genuine as she continued, "Besides, I don't think Makoto wants to share."
A flush betrayed the feelings Ranma had for his first friend in Juuban. "I don't think she... I... we... uh..."
Nodoka's smile became genuine as she continued, "See, Ranma? No matter what your body tells the world, you're still my son. Not as wise in the ways of the world as I'd like, but my son. Now... I need to talk about something else with you, all right?"
"S... sure, mom. What is it now?" Ranma asked, still upset by the way the plan had ended up.
Nodoka became quiet, as if struggling with herself over what she had to say. Finally, she let it out. "Well, I've discovered something very interesting..."
***
Usagi felt it, an insubstantial ripple her soul detected without aid of her mundane senses. A glance at Makoto showed her classmate felt it too. So had Minako, whose concerned eyes met hers across the room.
Akane felt something: her classmates' concern. She looked around to see a trio of eyes locked on each other. She wondered what they had felt, but was glad to at least sense their concern. Turning to Naru, she saw in her friend's eyes a reflection of her own puzzled worry.
Instants ticked away like hours as the five girls silently debated what to do. Sensei's droning provided a mere backdrop for their own thoughts, school didn't matter right then. The clock clicked to the end of the period. Maybe it was time for a working lunch.
Unfortunately, only a vague sense of dread survived to lunchtime. Whatever it was, was gone. The entire Juuban Sailor Senshi contingent, sans Kikuko, gathered at lunchtime.
"I think they came again," Ami stated first.
"Yeah, it felt like those weird monsters again," Usagi added.
Nabiki shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't feel anything... except that Haruka was upset about something."
Haruka had a smug expression as she nodded in understanding. "I guess you rookies need to work on that."
"Yeah, right," was all the middle Tendou daughter could offer in response.
Makoto's brow furrowed for a moment, "But..."
"What is it, Mako-chan?" Akane asked.
"I thought I felt Io. But then..." She looked at the ground as she continued, "Never mind."
Akane and Naru stared at Makoto for a few moments, and then traded sadly concerned looks with each other.
***
Halite looked at Lady Azurite with pride bordering on conceit. Finally, she was making real progress against the accursed Neo Senshi.
The Monarch returned her tool's look with a even glare. She was in charge. Anything the girl did was by her will. Any triumph Azurite's. Failures were Halite's, of course.
Not that there would ever be more than one.
At last her voice rang out in the room, as she seemed to address the universe, not merely the young woman who stood a few meters distant. "Why did you request an audience with me, scientist?"
Halite looked her superior in the eye for a moment, then talked to the woman's belt buckle. "I have made some important breakthroughs recently, my Lady. Soon, we can start the End Game."
"This is not an amusement, scientist. This is a war, with no less than our survival at stake. But your own should be of a more immediate concern."
The white-maned girl swallowed, then bowed as she spoke, "Yes, my Lady. I understand."
Azurite waved the girl off. "I tire of your presence. Return with real news, scientist."
"As you wish, my liege," Halite replied as she slunk back into the shadows of the throne room, and was gone.
***
Blackness gave way to lighter shades as a young woman entered the realm of consciousness. Awareness of her body came first. She was lying down, with arms at rest on either side of her. Hesitantly, she cracked open her eyes. Painful light trickled in, painting what scant details were visible as her vision went from fuzzy to crystal clear. After blinking a couple of times, she opened her eyes fully.
A black ceiling floated in her vision, out of reach. "Guess I'd better get up," she whispered. First merely by the strength of her abdominal muscles, then aided by her hands pushing against the cold stone floor she had slept on, she sat up.
The first order of business was to take stock of her personal condition. The familiar warmth and power of her patron first called for her attention. "I'm still Io. Guess that wasn't some nightmare. I never thought those things could get a jump on me."
"It wasn't their attacks that did it. Didn't you feel a couple of pinpricks before the world went black, Dear?" a voice to her left asked. That hadn't been a dream either. She turned to see the latest addition to their team. Sailor Rhea. Saturn's second Neo Senshi, the avatar of the great planet's second largest moon.
The willowy girl stood off to the side, looking down at Io with evident concern for the smaller girl's welfare. While Io's primary color was a bright green, Rhea's was a light purple. Her dark auburn hair was held in check above her neck by a white bow. The bow on her chest was a bright yellow, much like with Io's. In the center of the bow was an amethyst brooch. Her white gloves were shorter than the Io's, stopping midway up the forearm instead of extending to the elbow, in much the manner of Uranus or Neptune. The piping matched her skirt's color. The majority of her uniform consisted a white bodysuit, like all the Sailor Senshi. Finally, adorning her feet was a pair of knee-high light purple laced-up boots, resembling her patron's, save color. Smiling in relief, she bent down, offering her teammate a hand.
Io accepted the hand, and pulled herself to her feet. "Yeah... Man, if they start doing stuff like that all the time..." Io said as she shook her head in wonder and dread, "Who knows what'll happen?"
"Simple." a voice said from nowhere, and everywhere. "You will be defeated. I wanted to isolate one or two of you, so I could bring you here to study. You Neo Senshi are a problem I hadn't counted on. But... with my help, perhaps the two of you will be able to teach me what I need to know."
"Oh, yeah! That sure ain't gonna happen! What do ya think we are anyways?"
A cry of, "Silence!" rang out.
Io knew she was still talking, but she couldn't hear her voice. Rhea laid a white-gloved hand on each of the shorter Senshi's shoulders from behind. The older girl was obviously offering encouragement, Io could feel it in her heart, but her companion's voice had likewise been taken.
A familiar blue light illuminated the room for a moment, dying down to reveal an apparently human girl, youthful in appearance despite white hair. Her attire was not unlike a Sailor Senshi's, trading a white body suit and gloves for black, with white skirt and a pair of white, laced booties that barely cleared her ankles. On her head was a tiara of black metal, the mirror image of that the two Sailor Senshi wore. Her right hand drew back from a brooch at the center of a white bow on her chest. The blue glow faded, as it seemed to be sucked into the intricately inscribed, transparent gem.
Io stood and tried to summon a Tempest Flare, but the attack didn't even flicker. She stood gaping for a few moments, then looked at their captor in silent anger.
"Oh, did I take the little Sailor Senshi's toy attack away? Tsk tsk," the black-clad girl taunted. "It's unfortunate that my new control field doesn't extend past this holding cell," The young woman sadly continued with a sickly sweet smile. Negatively shaking her head slowly served both to show her disappointment and mock the powerless Sailor Senshi.
White-hot anger announced itself on Io's face, quickly doused by despair. From the hopeless feelings came revelation and realization. Sailor Io's powers were gone, but she was still a martial artist. The Art didn't need any magic to work, just her. If she could only get this girl closer, she'd knock that grin right off her captor's face.
The captured Sailor Senshi exhaled, letting her shoulders sag. She felt her taller teammate wrap hands around her stomach from behind, clasping them just above Io's waist. The small martial artist forced herself to ignore the warmth of the embrace, casting her gaze to the floor. Playing the role of the vanquished enemy was tough for her anyway. But, with the pure love and support she felt from Rhea, it took all her formidable self-control to maintain the deception.
The Anti-Sailor continued, her face easily betraying her total command of the situation, and her opponent. "That's the trouble with you Sailors, you're just little schoolgirls at heart. I take away your powers, and what are you but little..."
Io felt the girl's fingers, icy even through her gloves, cup her chin and gently lift it. Inside, the heat of her anger threatened to break free into full flame, fueled by the humiliation she felt. She used all her willpower not to shout denials in the girl's face. Just a few seconds more. She forced a few tears out; she wanted to look the part as much as possible.
The white-haired young woman continued, nodding to acknowledge the truth she could plainly see. The girl's tears were the final proof of victory. Disappointment crossed Halite's face for a moment; she had thought Io would be a lot harder to break, but she was just a simple human schoolgirl after all. Her victorious smile was back as she appraised her prize. "You see? You're just a little schoolgirl. You should be hunting boyfriends, not my Bioscouts. But, in the end, it won't matter. All your world has to defend it is a band of little girls. Because, without your magic, that's all you really are."
The captured Senshi closed her eyes again. Halite smiled as she let go of Sailor Io's chin, pleased to see it droop in defeat. She watched the girl for a few moments, savoring the certain victory within her grasp. This little beauty would...
Ranma didn't usually hit girls, but if this girl was going to treat Sailor Senshi like trash, Sailor Io had no problem attacking her. It might even be fun to use one of the cool techniques Cologne-sensei had taught her back in the Amazon village. Taking advantage of her captor's preoccupied gloating, Io sprang into action.
Faster than she could possibly react, Halite felt pain like fire as three hundred thirty seven punches struck her in just over a second. With a surprised gasp, she collapsed to the floor. And just before she passed out, as her control over the two Senshi's voices and magic faded, she heard Io's scornful retort...
"Yo, baka-- what part of Pretty WARRIOR didn't ya understand?"
Io tore the amulet from her falling opponent, ripping the bow that held it captive in the process. The gem was covered with strange symbols and indentations she couldn't understand. Which one to push? Well... maybe that one, she thought as her actions summoned a blue bubble. Grabbing her teammate's hand, she dragged the other Sailor in after her.
***
Io and Rhea found themselves on the edge of a city. Familiar characters on the buildings announced it as a Japanese town.
"Guess I picked the right button," Io proudly stated.
Rhea looked at Io, her face full of pride and love, "I'm so..."
A boy chose that juncture to walk between them. He took an additional step, and then stopped. Turning, he looked at the two warriors. "Do you know the way to Tokyo?" he asked, flushing bright red as he realized whom he was talking to. "Sailor Senshi..." he whispered.
"Yeah, we're Sailor Senshi. What's it to ya?" Io asked, streaks from her crocodile tears presenting an amusing backdrop for her confident smile and stance.
"Well... I was trying to find my way back there," the boy replied, stammering slightly.
"We just got here, so we're as lost as you. Good luck in your travels, young man," the taller of the two Sailors said.
"Thanks," the young man replied with a bow. He turned to leave, "Saotome Ranma... Because of you, my life is hell," he whispered.
"Wait..." the taller of the two interjected.
"Huh?" the young man asked, turning to face the two again.
"We'll help you find Tokyo, if..." the taller girl offered.
The young man swallowed. No telling what two girls like them might make him do. Maybe... they'd make him walk with them.
He swallowed again.
Rhea narrowed her gaze a little, causing the boy to flinch. "Could you tell us why you are so angry with Ranma... please?" Her earnest expression was hard to resist.
With a smile, the tall youth replied. He was always ready to discuss his favorite subject. "Sure. I'd love to tell somebody else all about what that jerk did to me."
Io tried to place the young man. He was about her height, when she was a guy. The youth wore a simple shirt and pants. A yellow headband with black spots restrained black hair, and triggered a memory. He looked familiar, but she wasn't sure who he was.
Rhea looked concerned for a moment. "Perhaps we should change into something a little less conspicuous."
"Yeah," Io said, and then turned to the boy. "Could you just stay put for a bit? We need to change our clothes."
After waiting at least thirty minutes, the boy wandered off.
***
"I still feel silly wearing this skirt, Io-chan," Sailor Rhea told her companion. Rhea was wearing a denim skirt with a simple white blouse. Though notably longer than her Senshi garb, it was still fairly short, and stopped well above her knees. Stockings and a pair of athletic shoes completed her outfit. A small backpack carried her Sailor Senshi uniform, with a pair of dark glasses providing a touch of anonymity beyond her still active disguise magic.
"Well, you coulda wore a pair of shorts like mine," Io said while shaking her head. She had further disguised herself by letting her hair down.
Rhea pursed her lips for a moment as she considered the attire today's youth took for granted. "No, that just wouldn't be proper. I do wish children today would wear more modest clothing."
Io lowered her voice to a whisper. "Don't talk too loud. You never know who might be listening. I think wearing a fancy kimono is sorta like wearing a big sign on your head that says 'NOTICE ME'. And a boy's uniform that's too big would look even dumber. And our sailor fuku... Give me a break. The stuff we're wearing's a lot more normal for girls. This way we blend in a little."
It didn't make sense to Rhea why wearing a skirt that bordered on indecent would call less attention to her, but she chose not to argue. She couldn't stop a disappointed sigh, however.
Io looked up at the taller girl, returning both the love and support she'd felt earlier with a quick hug. Letting go, she stepped back a meter or so. Smiling, she finally spoke. "Just look around -- you'll see what I mean," Io said while taking in their surroundings with an expansive gesture.
Since it seemed most girls were dressed like them, Rhea resigned herself to her sorry fate. "I see your point, Io-chan," she almost grumbled.
"Glad you did," the redhead replied, her ruby locks bouncing as she shook her head affirmatively. Noticing they had arrived back to the spot they had left the boy, she couldn't keep a jovial expression off her face. "Guess we'll never find out what that guy had against Ranma... Right?" She looked hopefully at her teammate, as her eyes begged to let the matter drop.
Rhea offered a small smile in response, which became a more concerned expression as she spoke. "Not so fast, Dear. Let's see if we can find him. He couldn't have wondered off too far."
Io mumbled something inaudible as she followed Rhea. She really didn't WANT to hunt for the lost boy who would be better off staying lost.
It wasn't too long before they found him.
***
Not an hour later, the two incognito Sailor Senshi and their temporary charge boarded a train to Tokyo. They found three seats where they could continue their conversation.
"So, young man, tell me more about Ranma, okay?" Rhea asked, her probing expression totally lost behind the nearly opaque black glasses she wore.
Io rolled her eyes behind her own shades. "Yeah, he sounds like a real jerk," she half-heartedly added.
The youth perked up at Io's comment. "I'll say. First let me introduce myself, my name is Hibiki Ryouga. Anyway, it all started in junior high school. Every day at lunch, they tossed the last bread up for grabs, and Ranma would always catch it."
Io smiled broadly, picking up the conversation from the boy." It's amazing how many types of bread there are!" she said, then covered her mouth while she whispered, "Oh, my."
Ryouga looked suspiciously at the pretty redhead. "Hey, did you go to school there? I don't remember any redheads at that school!"
Io tried to giggle, but managed only a choked laugh. Giggling was still tough, and she really should have stayed quiet, anyway. "Just tryin' to keep the conversation going!" she hurriedly covered.
"Uh... right," the youth replied looking at Io carefully. He had to wonder if this... cute... girl was a mind reader besides being a super heroine.
"So, they had some odd lunchtime traditions at your old school. That's no reason to hate a manly son..."
Io nudged Rhea with a discrete elbow.
Rhea continued after a brief pause to rephrase, "Uh, a boy who happens to be more skilled than you." As Rhea finished, Io looked just a trifle pink from embarrassment.
Ryouga eyed the can of water the elder Senshi had bought for each of them, wondering if there might have been something strange in it. These two Sailor Senshi, if that's what they really were, were acting a little... off. Hearing Rhea clear her throat prodded him to continue. "Anyway, I challenged Ranma to a martial arts match to settle this like men, and he never showed up."
Io looked at Rhea, feeling the glare the glasses hid from sight. "Uh... didn't he wait for you or something?"
Ryouga offered Io undisguised anger as he responded. "How did you know?"
"Lucky guess?" Io asked half-heartedly. Would Ryouga be able to figure it out? Nah. She was disguised, and a redheaded girl. That was too much to figure out, especially for him.
The young man blinked, realizing that Sailor Senshi had amazing mental powers after all. Ryouga looked a bit chagrined as he replied. "Well, I was a few days late to the match, but he should have waited."
Rhea's invisible glower remained on Io as she asked the boy her next question. "Did Ranma set up the duel in some strange location?"
"Yeah, he said we should fight in the lot behind my house!" Ryouga added with conviction.
Only an open mouth, quickly covered by a polite hand and a slight flush, betrayed Rhea's disbelief.
Io noticed Rhea's reaction, and hid a smug grin behind her own hand. Point to her. She hoped Rhea was keeping score.
Ryouga looked a bit sheepish as he continued. "Anyways, when I finally found that lot, he'd left for China. And I followed him. Because of Saotome Ranma, my life is Hell!"
Io remembered where she had seen Ryouga a bit more recently. In China. At the tournament she stayed to watch before she went home. She still couldn't believe the strange series of events that had resulted in Ryouga defeating her friend Shampoo. The Amazons sure had weird customs.
***
Akane, Makoto, Nabiki and Naru had joined Kasumi after school. Ranma and his mom still hadn't shown up.
"I wonder where Ranma is?" Akane asked.
Nabiki looked up for a moment and rolled her eyes, the returned them to her reading. "That's the seventh time you've asked in the last fifteen minutes, Akane. Give it a rest!" Nabiki snapped back.
"I'm sure it wasn't seven!" Akane answered defensively.
"You're probably right, Akane-chan. I've got better things to do than count how many times you said 'I wonder where Ranma is'," she replied, intently studying the periodical in her hands.
Akane couldn't keep a superior expression off her face as she smugly replied. "Better things to do, huh? Like reading your manga, I guess."
"Exactly," Nabiki said, turning a yellow colored page with enough force to rip it. "Ami's trying to figure out exactly what happened, which is a lot better than running around Tokyo like a..."
"Like a WHAT, Nabiki?" Akane asked with an edge of anger to her voice.
"I don't know. Baka just might be the word to use here... But I won't," Nabiki retorted, finishing with a smirk for her little sister before returning to her weekly shojo diversion. Finishing a story, she turned a cheap green page a bit more carefully, noting the ripped yellow one. No use destroying this week's book over Akane.
***
Ryouga's story was interrupted by Io's sneezing fit. "'Scuse me!" the slightly chagrined Senshi said at its conclusion.
"Like I was saying... Because of Saotome Ranma, my life is Hell! I followed him and his father all across China. Finally, they came to the horrible springs of Jusenkyo." Pain filled the boy's face as he reached the last sentence.
Ryouga paused for a moment before continuing. "Ranma and his dad were sparring above the springs. I heard a couple of splashes, then all Hell broke lose. There was a lot of yelling from the springs, and people started running around. Suddenly, these two people came running down the trail. One was a guy wearing glasses and a weird girl with long hair. Anyway, I got knocked into one of the springs." He swallowed.
"So I got cursed. I... I change with cold water," He concluded with his eyes on the water in his hand. He didn't like telling people, but these two were Sailor Senshi. Besides, they could probably read his mind anyway.
He started to lift the can, but Io gripped his forearm tightly. "No, we don't need to know about it. Stuff like that's personal," she replied with an embarrassed flush as she thought of her own secret.
Ryouga peered into the impenetrable black of Io's sunglasses, which couldn't hide the flush on her face. "Thanks, Io-chan," he said as his face became bright red in response. She still gripped his wrist tightly. Her hands were strong for being so tiny... but they were so soft... and... His face became even redder as he realized how cute he was, especially with that flush on her face.
"Oop!" Io said as she quickly pulled away her hand. What could she have done to make Ryouga act like that? She was a guy... Well, maybe not right now. But she definitely didn't want to go out with one.
"Tokyo Station!" rang throughout the car.
Three young people breathed in sweet breaths of relief.
"Thanks for your help, girls!" Ryouga said, glad to make his escape.
"No problem!" Io said, glad Ryouga was leaving.
"You're welcome, young man! You should visit us again," Rhea said with a warm smile.
"Uh Rhea-chan, he doesn't know who we are!" Io whispered to her partner. And I'd like to keep it that way. She added to herself.
With that, the two disguised Sailor Senshi left to don their sailor garb and hurry home. Watching the two girls scurry away, Ryouga wandered off into the sunset. As was his lot, an automatic sprinkler came on and a small animal took his place amidst a pile of clothes, silhouetted by setting sun.
***
(END)
Sorry about the tardiness of this chapter. I was trying to bend the story in response to a pre-reader's complaint, which only resulted in writer's block. So I decided to make the story go the way I felt it should from the outset (Thanks for pounding it into my head AGAIN, Bryan). Thanks to Richard Beaubien, Kenko, Mike Koos, Andrew Norris, and D.F. Roeder for discussing ideas how to proceed. Kenko, Mike Koos, and DF Roeder excellently performed pre-reading chores. Special thanks to Jay Kominek, both for his wonderful Ranma/Sailor Moon crossover index page:
http://ucsub.colorado.edu/~kominek/fanfiction/ranmasm.shtml
AND his C&C of the draft of this story I posted on my webpage.
And thank YOU for reading!
Please let me know what you think!
Kevin D. Hammel
January 14, 2001
========================================
khammel@mail.anime.sobhrach.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.fanfic.net/~khammel/
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Two ladies were involved in discussion. One was clothed in gold-hued gossamer, with an ornate crown woven through her light brown hair. Translucent wings were folded on her back. "But, why? All the other girls accepted our offer... Why do you reject it?"
A young woman with long black hair looked into the eyes of the faerie queen. As she spoke, tears fell from her eyes. "I'm sorry, Titania. I cannot become what you wish me to..."
The other woman was not going to let go so easily. "Why? As my Senshi, you will have powers undreamed of... You will be the greatest of them all."
"I've lived my life, and I'm happy. I have my place, and am satisfied with that. I don't want anything to come between the People and myself. My heir shall well represent us. This is her time; mine has passed."
Titania couldn't mask disappointment mixed with growing admiration for the young woman before her. Unshed tears danced to add extra sparkle to her green eyes. Swallowing once, she spoke again, "Do not let the years speak for you; your transformation will lift that burden from your shoulders whilst in Senshi guise."
The black-tressed girl shook her head in an emphatic negative. "I'm sorry, Titania. It's just not for me. I'm really not comfortable with a schoolgirl as my leader, after all. The current group works well together, as a group of peers." A wry smile came to her lips as she continued, "They don't need a hide-bound harridan to tell them what to do. Or to offer old solutions to new problems." She looked thoughtful for a moment, speaking again after a few moments respite. "But I can train them, and I will be happy to do so for as long as I'm able. I hope that is enough..."
The faerie queen forced a smile on her face, providing vivid contrast to tears that had finally escaped their imprisonment. "Perhaps it shall be. I just wish my Lord had been able to have a Neo Senshi, since Saturn will be getting a second. Anyway, thanks for offering to share your skills with the others." She closed her eyes, using the sleeves of her gown to create an illusion of composure as she wiped the tears away. Her attempted smile became a more serious expression of respect as she opened her eyes and continued. "I hope I can find another to match your convictions."
"I hope so too. I am truly sorry," the black-haired girl replied to the fading image of her visitor. It had certainly been tempting...
But she had her own life to lead. And they, most assuredly, had theirs.
***
Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover
Episode 10: Revolutionary Girl Kikuko
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators and their works. No infringement intended.
***
A high-pitched scream and a rumble pierced the pre-dawn gray. Unlike some recent noisy visitors to this block, this one was inanimate. Another shriek, the sound of a door slamming, then a final squeal of tires announced a sports car's brief visit.
A young woman and child watched the car for a few moments, until it squealed around a corner. The little girl turned to open the gate. Only a few more steps took her to the door of the house.
A bleary-eyed Kikuko opened the door, and then blinked a couple of times. "Hotaru-chan, what're you doing here?"
"Good morning, Kikuko-san!" a voice hovering between sleepy and perky answered. After waiting an excited heartbeat, the girl thrust a plastic cup at her friend. A few moments later she spoke, "Mamma needs a cup of rice... Uh... I wanted to see if I could borrow some from your mom."
The redhead's eyes opened wide to betray her surprise for a moment. Then she raised an eyebrow, wondering what the kid was up to. With a bow, she opened the door further to accommodate her guest. "Sure, Hotaru-chan. I'm sure you know your way around."
Hotaru came in, offering a whispered "Thanks!" as she passed Kikuko. Entering the kitchen, she closed the door behind her.
"Hi, Michiru-san. Did ya come to train this morning?" Kikuko asked.
"Yes, Ranma," The young mother replied, emphasizing her host's real name. "Haruka will be late today." Her voice dropped to a secretive whisper as she continued, "Are you ready?"
Kikuko swallowed. "Yeah, I hope so. I know you guys spent a lot of money on this..."
Michiru smiled, "A boy's uniform isn't that expensive, Ranma. Besides, Haruka-chan's glad to get one more beautiful girl off the prowl."
Kikuko's expression was blank for a few moments, then became a pint-sized rendition of Haruka's most predatory look, "yeah, I guess she would. Still I owe you guys one."
Michiru shook her head lightly in the negative. "No, Ranma-chan. The Outer Senshi might not always agree with the Princess, but we're still a team, right?"
"Yeah," Kikuko replied with a quick nod.
"Good... Don't forget we're on your side." A smile graced her face as she continued, "good luck today."
"Thanks," a gratefully smiling Kikuko replied.
***
It had been a fairly normal morning workout... with the exception of Hotaru and Michiru replacing Haruka. Kikuko had called a halt to training ten minutes earlier than normal, but nobody was complaining when she ended the session. After breakfast Ami and Naru headed to school, Michiru escorted Hotaru to elementary classes at the Infinity Academy, while Kikuko, Makoto and the two younger Tendou sisters headed to meet Haruka at her home.
Finally the latter group, now including Haruka, approached the school. All of them, even Nabiki, were nervous about Kikuko's plan for the day.
To anyone observing the gaggle of schoolgirls, the smallest student would attract the most attention. Instead of her normal uniform, Kikuko wore a boy's version that was clearly too large for her. Rounding the last corner before the school, a completely unexpected obstacle blocked their path.
Nodoka.
Ranma's mother stood solidly in front of the procession, her eyes locked on her erstwhile daughter's.
"Mom?" Kikuko asked, slowing her advance to a stop.
"Ranma," her mother replied.
All of Kikuko's friends sucked in a surprised breath as they stopped. As a group, the other girls stepped to the side. Nothing but a few meters of air separated a shocked Kikuko from her mother.
"Huh?" Kikuko asked at last.
"Hey, Kiku-chan, what's with the boy's uniform?" Naru asked as she approached the scene.
"Ranma, now is not the time..." Nodoka whispered, then raised her voice. "I called the school; my daughter left home with a fever this morning. She's such a hard worker in class, Kikuko-chan insisted on going to school today..." She looked at her child with an outward expression of motherly concern.
"Mom, I'm not sick! That's the biggest load of..." Ranma stopped when she saw her mother's tears falling. The girl swallowed, uncertain of what to do. Her mother had helped her so much the past month. It was really hard to hurt the woman. But... could he afford not to? "Look, mom... this is something I gotta do. This has just gone on too long!"
"Will you please come home, just for today, Kikuko-chan?" Nodoka asked, using all her will power to keep her voice level. "I know what you want to do, and I want you to do it... just not today."
Ranma scanned her friend's faces. "What do you guys think?" As she looked at each in turn she couldn't see any answers. It was up to her. Ranma exhaled in defeat. She looked down to the ground through tears she couldn't stop. She had wanted to end this stupid act today, but somebody had told her mom about it. She looked up to glare at Nabiki.
"No way, Saotome. I wouldn't do that!" the middle Tendou replied while shaking her head in denial. She might have done it to somebody else, but not Ranma... this time. Nabiki looked thoughtful. Was she losing her touch or what?
Resuming study of her friends, Ranma looked into the eyes of each. She received a wordless denial from each of them.
Nodoka looked up to address the entire crowd, which now included some of the girls' curious classmates. "Girls, nobody keeps secrets from me in my house. Got that?"
"I hope she doesn't have the house bugged," Nabiki whispered to herself.
The Saotome matriarch focused on her child as she continued. "Please come home. We need to talk this over, just you and me."
Ranma let out a long breath, almost deflating in failure. She looked at her mother, struggling with what to say. Finally, she whispered, "Okay." Not even bothering to look up, she spun slowly on her heels and trudged back in the direction she had come.
Nodoka hurriedly followed her child. Offering the girl an embrace, Nodoka blinked as Kikuko pushed her arms away. So mother followed a step behind daughter all the way home.
Both homeward bound pedestrians heard Naru ask Nabiki, "So... what's with the uniform? Did Kiku-chan go whacko or something?"
"Ask her, Naru-chan," Akane answered, as her eyes followed Ranma and her mother. She fixed her gaze back on Naru again as she continued, "Maybe you can take notes today and drop them off for Kiku-chan after school."
"Yeah, that'll be a great excuse to ask her tonight. Thanks Akane-chan!" Naru said as she turned to follow the youngest Tendou to class.
***
A sullen Ranma and Nodoka entering the house in silence was Kasumi's cue to leave. "I need to do some shopping, Mrs. Saotome."
"Thanks, Kasumi," Nodoka answered, appreciating time alone with her child.
When the door closed behind the eldest Tendou daughter, Ranma turned to her mother asking, "Why?"
"Why what, Ranma?" Nodoka responded, genuinely puzzled.
"Why come to school and stop me, mom? I was all ready to tell 'em about who I really am. I didn't want to be Kikuko any more," Ranma replied with her eyes locked on the floor. The floor mat was a lot more interesting than her mother right then.
Nodoka tried to put all the love and pride she had for her child on her face as she spoke, "Ranma... Let's wait until the end of the term. Then, maybe you can transfer to another school and start over." Nodoka's tears came easily after that, but her child continued to stare at the floor.
Suddenly, Ranma locked on her mother's eyes, offering her a smirk. Sass, pain, and fear were evident in equal measure as she spoke. "Thanks for remembering my name... mom... but what then? Let's wait 'til next year? Let's wait 'til you graduate? You look so beautiful, Kiku-chan! He's such a nice..." She closed her eyes, unable even to continue. She wasn't going to cry. She just wasn't.
Nodoka struggled to find a response. Again she doubted her training, but her faith in Ranma's resilience won out. "Ranma, I know that's not going to happen to you. You're not much of a girl, you know..."
Ranma's eyes snapped open as she spoke. "Oh yeah? Then why did all those boys follow me around that first day? I know what a cute girl is. And I know I'm cute!" Ranma couldn't keep a little pride off her face at the last statement.
Nodoka fought for a few minutes to find a response. "But... Ranma... there are two sides in a relationship. Just because you look like..."
Ranma answered, her face full of both anger and conviction. "Not look like mom. I'm a girl right now. You said so yourself when I first came home."
"Just because you have a girl's body, doesn't change what you are."
"Yeah? Ask those boys about that!" Ranma spat back.
Nodoka forced herself to smile, deploying an unconvincing expression on her face. "So, you're going to let boys tell you what you are? You're much too stubborn to let that happen." Her smile became more genuine as she continued, "Besides, I don't think Makoto wants to share."
A flush betrayed the feelings Ranma had for his first friend in Juuban. "I don't think she... I... we... uh..."
Nodoka's smile became genuine as she continued, "See, Ranma? No matter what your body tells the world, you're still my son. Not as wise in the ways of the world as I'd like, but my son. Now... I need to talk about something else with you, all right?"
"S... sure, mom. What is it now?" Ranma asked, still upset by the way the plan had ended up.
Nodoka became quiet, as if struggling with herself over what she had to say. Finally, she let it out. "Well, I've discovered something very interesting..."
***
Usagi felt it, an insubstantial ripple her soul detected without aid of her mundane senses. A glance at Makoto showed her classmate felt it too. So had Minako, whose concerned eyes met hers across the room.
Akane felt something: her classmates' concern. She looked around to see a trio of eyes locked on each other. She wondered what they had felt, but was glad to at least sense their concern. Turning to Naru, she saw in her friend's eyes a reflection of her own puzzled worry.
Instants ticked away like hours as the five girls silently debated what to do. Sensei's droning provided a mere backdrop for their own thoughts, school didn't matter right then. The clock clicked to the end of the period. Maybe it was time for a working lunch.
Unfortunately, only a vague sense of dread survived to lunchtime. Whatever it was, was gone. The entire Juuban Sailor Senshi contingent, sans Kikuko, gathered at lunchtime.
"I think they came again," Ami stated first.
"Yeah, it felt like those weird monsters again," Usagi added.
Nabiki shrugged her shoulders. "I didn't feel anything... except that Haruka was upset about something."
Haruka had a smug expression as she nodded in understanding. "I guess you rookies need to work on that."
"Yeah, right," was all the middle Tendou daughter could offer in response.
Makoto's brow furrowed for a moment, "But..."
"What is it, Mako-chan?" Akane asked.
"I thought I felt Io. But then..." She looked at the ground as she continued, "Never mind."
Akane and Naru stared at Makoto for a few moments, and then traded sadly concerned looks with each other.
***
Halite looked at Lady Azurite with pride bordering on conceit. Finally, she was making real progress against the accursed Neo Senshi.
The Monarch returned her tool's look with a even glare. She was in charge. Anything the girl did was by her will. Any triumph Azurite's. Failures were Halite's, of course.
Not that there would ever be more than one.
At last her voice rang out in the room, as she seemed to address the universe, not merely the young woman who stood a few meters distant. "Why did you request an audience with me, scientist?"
Halite looked her superior in the eye for a moment, then talked to the woman's belt buckle. "I have made some important breakthroughs recently, my Lady. Soon, we can start the End Game."
"This is not an amusement, scientist. This is a war, with no less than our survival at stake. But your own should be of a more immediate concern."
The white-maned girl swallowed, then bowed as she spoke, "Yes, my Lady. I understand."
Azurite waved the girl off. "I tire of your presence. Return with real news, scientist."
"As you wish, my liege," Halite replied as she slunk back into the shadows of the throne room, and was gone.
***
Blackness gave way to lighter shades as a young woman entered the realm of consciousness. Awareness of her body came first. She was lying down, with arms at rest on either side of her. Hesitantly, she cracked open her eyes. Painful light trickled in, painting what scant details were visible as her vision went from fuzzy to crystal clear. After blinking a couple of times, she opened her eyes fully.
A black ceiling floated in her vision, out of reach. "Guess I'd better get up," she whispered. First merely by the strength of her abdominal muscles, then aided by her hands pushing against the cold stone floor she had slept on, she sat up.
The first order of business was to take stock of her personal condition. The familiar warmth and power of her patron first called for her attention. "I'm still Io. Guess that wasn't some nightmare. I never thought those things could get a jump on me."
"It wasn't their attacks that did it. Didn't you feel a couple of pinpricks before the world went black, Dear?" a voice to her left asked. That hadn't been a dream either. She turned to see the latest addition to their team. Sailor Rhea. Saturn's second Neo Senshi, the avatar of the great planet's second largest moon.
The willowy girl stood off to the side, looking down at Io with evident concern for the smaller girl's welfare. While Io's primary color was a bright green, Rhea's was a light purple. Her dark auburn hair was held in check above her neck by a white bow. The bow on her chest was a bright yellow, much like with Io's. In the center of the bow was an amethyst brooch. Her white gloves were shorter than the Io's, stopping midway up the forearm instead of extending to the elbow, in much the manner of Uranus or Neptune. The piping matched her skirt's color. The majority of her uniform consisted a white bodysuit, like all the Sailor Senshi. Finally, adorning her feet was a pair of knee-high light purple laced-up boots, resembling her patron's, save color. Smiling in relief, she bent down, offering her teammate a hand.
Io accepted the hand, and pulled herself to her feet. "Yeah... Man, if they start doing stuff like that all the time..." Io said as she shook her head in wonder and dread, "Who knows what'll happen?"
"Simple." a voice said from nowhere, and everywhere. "You will be defeated. I wanted to isolate one or two of you, so I could bring you here to study. You Neo Senshi are a problem I hadn't counted on. But... with my help, perhaps the two of you will be able to teach me what I need to know."
"Oh, yeah! That sure ain't gonna happen! What do ya think we are anyways?"
A cry of, "Silence!" rang out.
Io knew she was still talking, but she couldn't hear her voice. Rhea laid a white-gloved hand on each of the shorter Senshi's shoulders from behind. The older girl was obviously offering encouragement, Io could feel it in her heart, but her companion's voice had likewise been taken.
A familiar blue light illuminated the room for a moment, dying down to reveal an apparently human girl, youthful in appearance despite white hair. Her attire was not unlike a Sailor Senshi's, trading a white body suit and gloves for black, with white skirt and a pair of white, laced booties that barely cleared her ankles. On her head was a tiara of black metal, the mirror image of that the two Sailor Senshi wore. Her right hand drew back from a brooch at the center of a white bow on her chest. The blue glow faded, as it seemed to be sucked into the intricately inscribed, transparent gem.
Io stood and tried to summon a Tempest Flare, but the attack didn't even flicker. She stood gaping for a few moments, then looked at their captor in silent anger.
"Oh, did I take the little Sailor Senshi's toy attack away? Tsk tsk," the black-clad girl taunted. "It's unfortunate that my new control field doesn't extend past this holding cell," The young woman sadly continued with a sickly sweet smile. Negatively shaking her head slowly served both to show her disappointment and mock the powerless Sailor Senshi.
White-hot anger announced itself on Io's face, quickly doused by despair. From the hopeless feelings came revelation and realization. Sailor Io's powers were gone, but she was still a martial artist. The Art didn't need any magic to work, just her. If she could only get this girl closer, she'd knock that grin right off her captor's face.
The captured Sailor Senshi exhaled, letting her shoulders sag. She felt her taller teammate wrap hands around her stomach from behind, clasping them just above Io's waist. The small martial artist forced herself to ignore the warmth of the embrace, casting her gaze to the floor. Playing the role of the vanquished enemy was tough for her anyway. But, with the pure love and support she felt from Rhea, it took all her formidable self-control to maintain the deception.
The Anti-Sailor continued, her face easily betraying her total command of the situation, and her opponent. "That's the trouble with you Sailors, you're just little schoolgirls at heart. I take away your powers, and what are you but little..."
Io felt the girl's fingers, icy even through her gloves, cup her chin and gently lift it. Inside, the heat of her anger threatened to break free into full flame, fueled by the humiliation she felt. She used all her willpower not to shout denials in the girl's face. Just a few seconds more. She forced a few tears out; she wanted to look the part as much as possible.
The white-haired young woman continued, nodding to acknowledge the truth she could plainly see. The girl's tears were the final proof of victory. Disappointment crossed Halite's face for a moment; she had thought Io would be a lot harder to break, but she was just a simple human schoolgirl after all. Her victorious smile was back as she appraised her prize. "You see? You're just a little schoolgirl. You should be hunting boyfriends, not my Bioscouts. But, in the end, it won't matter. All your world has to defend it is a band of little girls. Because, without your magic, that's all you really are."
The captured Senshi closed her eyes again. Halite smiled as she let go of Sailor Io's chin, pleased to see it droop in defeat. She watched the girl for a few moments, savoring the certain victory within her grasp. This little beauty would...
Ranma didn't usually hit girls, but if this girl was going to treat Sailor Senshi like trash, Sailor Io had no problem attacking her. It might even be fun to use one of the cool techniques Cologne-sensei had taught her back in the Amazon village. Taking advantage of her captor's preoccupied gloating, Io sprang into action.
Faster than she could possibly react, Halite felt pain like fire as three hundred thirty seven punches struck her in just over a second. With a surprised gasp, she collapsed to the floor. And just before she passed out, as her control over the two Senshi's voices and magic faded, she heard Io's scornful retort...
"Yo, baka-- what part of Pretty WARRIOR didn't ya understand?"
Io tore the amulet from her falling opponent, ripping the bow that held it captive in the process. The gem was covered with strange symbols and indentations she couldn't understand. Which one to push? Well... maybe that one, she thought as her actions summoned a blue bubble. Grabbing her teammate's hand, she dragged the other Sailor in after her.
***
Io and Rhea found themselves on the edge of a city. Familiar characters on the buildings announced it as a Japanese town.
"Guess I picked the right button," Io proudly stated.
Rhea looked at Io, her face full of pride and love, "I'm so..."
A boy chose that juncture to walk between them. He took an additional step, and then stopped. Turning, he looked at the two warriors. "Do you know the way to Tokyo?" he asked, flushing bright red as he realized whom he was talking to. "Sailor Senshi..." he whispered.
"Yeah, we're Sailor Senshi. What's it to ya?" Io asked, streaks from her crocodile tears presenting an amusing backdrop for her confident smile and stance.
"Well... I was trying to find my way back there," the boy replied, stammering slightly.
"We just got here, so we're as lost as you. Good luck in your travels, young man," the taller of the two Sailors said.
"Thanks," the young man replied with a bow. He turned to leave, "Saotome Ranma... Because of you, my life is hell," he whispered.
"Wait..." the taller of the two interjected.
"Huh?" the young man asked, turning to face the two again.
"We'll help you find Tokyo, if..." the taller girl offered.
The young man swallowed. No telling what two girls like them might make him do. Maybe... they'd make him walk with them.
He swallowed again.
Rhea narrowed her gaze a little, causing the boy to flinch. "Could you tell us why you are so angry with Ranma... please?" Her earnest expression was hard to resist.
With a smile, the tall youth replied. He was always ready to discuss his favorite subject. "Sure. I'd love to tell somebody else all about what that jerk did to me."
Io tried to place the young man. He was about her height, when she was a guy. The youth wore a simple shirt and pants. A yellow headband with black spots restrained black hair, and triggered a memory. He looked familiar, but she wasn't sure who he was.
Rhea looked concerned for a moment. "Perhaps we should change into something a little less conspicuous."
"Yeah," Io said, and then turned to the boy. "Could you just stay put for a bit? We need to change our clothes."
After waiting at least thirty minutes, the boy wandered off.
***
"I still feel silly wearing this skirt, Io-chan," Sailor Rhea told her companion. Rhea was wearing a denim skirt with a simple white blouse. Though notably longer than her Senshi garb, it was still fairly short, and stopped well above her knees. Stockings and a pair of athletic shoes completed her outfit. A small backpack carried her Sailor Senshi uniform, with a pair of dark glasses providing a touch of anonymity beyond her still active disguise magic.
"Well, you coulda wore a pair of shorts like mine," Io said while shaking her head. She had further disguised herself by letting her hair down.
Rhea pursed her lips for a moment as she considered the attire today's youth took for granted. "No, that just wouldn't be proper. I do wish children today would wear more modest clothing."
Io lowered her voice to a whisper. "Don't talk too loud. You never know who might be listening. I think wearing a fancy kimono is sorta like wearing a big sign on your head that says 'NOTICE ME'. And a boy's uniform that's too big would look even dumber. And our sailor fuku... Give me a break. The stuff we're wearing's a lot more normal for girls. This way we blend in a little."
It didn't make sense to Rhea why wearing a skirt that bordered on indecent would call less attention to her, but she chose not to argue. She couldn't stop a disappointed sigh, however.
Io looked up at the taller girl, returning both the love and support she'd felt earlier with a quick hug. Letting go, she stepped back a meter or so. Smiling, she finally spoke. "Just look around -- you'll see what I mean," Io said while taking in their surroundings with an expansive gesture.
Since it seemed most girls were dressed like them, Rhea resigned herself to her sorry fate. "I see your point, Io-chan," she almost grumbled.
"Glad you did," the redhead replied, her ruby locks bouncing as she shook her head affirmatively. Noticing they had arrived back to the spot they had left the boy, she couldn't keep a jovial expression off her face. "Guess we'll never find out what that guy had against Ranma... Right?" She looked hopefully at her teammate, as her eyes begged to let the matter drop.
Rhea offered a small smile in response, which became a more concerned expression as she spoke. "Not so fast, Dear. Let's see if we can find him. He couldn't have wondered off too far."
Io mumbled something inaudible as she followed Rhea. She really didn't WANT to hunt for the lost boy who would be better off staying lost.
It wasn't too long before they found him.
***
Not an hour later, the two incognito Sailor Senshi and their temporary charge boarded a train to Tokyo. They found three seats where they could continue their conversation.
"So, young man, tell me more about Ranma, okay?" Rhea asked, her probing expression totally lost behind the nearly opaque black glasses she wore.
Io rolled her eyes behind her own shades. "Yeah, he sounds like a real jerk," she half-heartedly added.
The youth perked up at Io's comment. "I'll say. First let me introduce myself, my name is Hibiki Ryouga. Anyway, it all started in junior high school. Every day at lunch, they tossed the last bread up for grabs, and Ranma would always catch it."
Io smiled broadly, picking up the conversation from the boy." It's amazing how many types of bread there are!" she said, then covered her mouth while she whispered, "Oh, my."
Ryouga looked suspiciously at the pretty redhead. "Hey, did you go to school there? I don't remember any redheads at that school!"
Io tried to giggle, but managed only a choked laugh. Giggling was still tough, and she really should have stayed quiet, anyway. "Just tryin' to keep the conversation going!" she hurriedly covered.
"Uh... right," the youth replied looking at Io carefully. He had to wonder if this... cute... girl was a mind reader besides being a super heroine.
"So, they had some odd lunchtime traditions at your old school. That's no reason to hate a manly son..."
Io nudged Rhea with a discrete elbow.
Rhea continued after a brief pause to rephrase, "Uh, a boy who happens to be more skilled than you." As Rhea finished, Io looked just a trifle pink from embarrassment.
Ryouga eyed the can of water the elder Senshi had bought for each of them, wondering if there might have been something strange in it. These two Sailor Senshi, if that's what they really were, were acting a little... off. Hearing Rhea clear her throat prodded him to continue. "Anyway, I challenged Ranma to a martial arts match to settle this like men, and he never showed up."
Io looked at Rhea, feeling the glare the glasses hid from sight. "Uh... didn't he wait for you or something?"
Ryouga offered Io undisguised anger as he responded. "How did you know?"
"Lucky guess?" Io asked half-heartedly. Would Ryouga be able to figure it out? Nah. She was disguised, and a redheaded girl. That was too much to figure out, especially for him.
The young man blinked, realizing that Sailor Senshi had amazing mental powers after all. Ryouga looked a bit chagrined as he replied. "Well, I was a few days late to the match, but he should have waited."
Rhea's invisible glower remained on Io as she asked the boy her next question. "Did Ranma set up the duel in some strange location?"
"Yeah, he said we should fight in the lot behind my house!" Ryouga added with conviction.
Only an open mouth, quickly covered by a polite hand and a slight flush, betrayed Rhea's disbelief.
Io noticed Rhea's reaction, and hid a smug grin behind her own hand. Point to her. She hoped Rhea was keeping score.
Ryouga looked a bit sheepish as he continued. "Anyways, when I finally found that lot, he'd left for China. And I followed him. Because of Saotome Ranma, my life is Hell!"
Io remembered where she had seen Ryouga a bit more recently. In China. At the tournament she stayed to watch before she went home. She still couldn't believe the strange series of events that had resulted in Ryouga defeating her friend Shampoo. The Amazons sure had weird customs.
***
Akane, Makoto, Nabiki and Naru had joined Kasumi after school. Ranma and his mom still hadn't shown up.
"I wonder where Ranma is?" Akane asked.
Nabiki looked up for a moment and rolled her eyes, the returned them to her reading. "That's the seventh time you've asked in the last fifteen minutes, Akane. Give it a rest!" Nabiki snapped back.
"I'm sure it wasn't seven!" Akane answered defensively.
"You're probably right, Akane-chan. I've got better things to do than count how many times you said 'I wonder where Ranma is'," she replied, intently studying the periodical in her hands.
Akane couldn't keep a superior expression off her face as she smugly replied. "Better things to do, huh? Like reading your manga, I guess."
"Exactly," Nabiki said, turning a yellow colored page with enough force to rip it. "Ami's trying to figure out exactly what happened, which is a lot better than running around Tokyo like a..."
"Like a WHAT, Nabiki?" Akane asked with an edge of anger to her voice.
"I don't know. Baka just might be the word to use here... But I won't," Nabiki retorted, finishing with a smirk for her little sister before returning to her weekly shojo diversion. Finishing a story, she turned a cheap green page a bit more carefully, noting the ripped yellow one. No use destroying this week's book over Akane.
***
Ryouga's story was interrupted by Io's sneezing fit. "'Scuse me!" the slightly chagrined Senshi said at its conclusion.
"Like I was saying... Because of Saotome Ranma, my life is Hell! I followed him and his father all across China. Finally, they came to the horrible springs of Jusenkyo." Pain filled the boy's face as he reached the last sentence.
Ryouga paused for a moment before continuing. "Ranma and his dad were sparring above the springs. I heard a couple of splashes, then all Hell broke lose. There was a lot of yelling from the springs, and people started running around. Suddenly, these two people came running down the trail. One was a guy wearing glasses and a weird girl with long hair. Anyway, I got knocked into one of the springs." He swallowed.
"So I got cursed. I... I change with cold water," He concluded with his eyes on the water in his hand. He didn't like telling people, but these two were Sailor Senshi. Besides, they could probably read his mind anyway.
He started to lift the can, but Io gripped his forearm tightly. "No, we don't need to know about it. Stuff like that's personal," she replied with an embarrassed flush as she thought of her own secret.
Ryouga peered into the impenetrable black of Io's sunglasses, which couldn't hide the flush on her face. "Thanks, Io-chan," he said as his face became bright red in response. She still gripped his wrist tightly. Her hands were strong for being so tiny... but they were so soft... and... His face became even redder as he realized how cute he was, especially with that flush on her face.
"Oop!" Io said as she quickly pulled away her hand. What could she have done to make Ryouga act like that? She was a guy... Well, maybe not right now. But she definitely didn't want to go out with one.
"Tokyo Station!" rang throughout the car.
Three young people breathed in sweet breaths of relief.
"Thanks for your help, girls!" Ryouga said, glad to make his escape.
"No problem!" Io said, glad Ryouga was leaving.
"You're welcome, young man! You should visit us again," Rhea said with a warm smile.
"Uh Rhea-chan, he doesn't know who we are!" Io whispered to her partner. And I'd like to keep it that way. She added to herself.
With that, the two disguised Sailor Senshi left to don their sailor garb and hurry home. Watching the two girls scurry away, Ryouga wandered off into the sunset. As was his lot, an automatic sprinkler came on and a small animal took his place amidst a pile of clothes, silhouetted by setting sun.
***
(END)
Sorry about the tardiness of this chapter. I was trying to bend the story in response to a pre-reader's complaint, which only resulted in writer's block. So I decided to make the story go the way I felt it should from the outset (Thanks for pounding it into my head AGAIN, Bryan). Thanks to Richard Beaubien, Kenko, Mike Koos, Andrew Norris, and D.F. Roeder for discussing ideas how to proceed. Kenko, Mike Koos, and DF Roeder excellently performed pre-reading chores. Special thanks to Jay Kominek, both for his wonderful Ranma/Sailor Moon crossover index page:
http://ucsub.colorado.edu/~kominek/fanfiction/ranmasm.shtml
AND his C&C of the draft of this story I posted on my webpage.
And thank YOU for reading!
Please let me know what you think!
Kevin D. Hammel
January 14, 2001
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khammel@mail.anime.sobhrach.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.fanfic.net/~khammel/
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