DISCLAIMER: I neither own nor make any claim to Ranma Nibunnoichi by Takahashi Rumiko. I just enjoy it. I also enjoy making up stories about the characters. I do not claim to be writing an official continuation of Ranma, if I did I'm sure the laughter alone would cause an earthquake. My characters will have a 'slight' tendency to be considered Out of Character and possibly a bit AU.
If I have spelt something terribly wrong please let me know. I hope you enjoy reading my attempt at writing. If you hate it then the correct option is to simply not read it. This story is fantasy and makes no attempt to be bound by the realities of life; if it did it would not be fantasy or at least not my fantasy.
I write for fun, I will update when I have the next chapter finished. I will do my best to make updates regularly but will only update when I am satisfied that it is ready. Namiko is a composite character of the big sisters of several of my friends and a second grade teacher I knew, most tend to be slightly controlling but in a supportive manner.
Letters is a companion piece or is it the reverse, I have the letters and now I'm trying to write the fill in story. I am hopeless when it come to writing conversations but will hopefully become better at it. I do much prefer using a narrative but some readers have asked for more and I shall try to deliver. If I have made big errors please don't be shy about pointing them out, I'll correct them if I can. I use Microsoft Works with spelling and grammar: English (United Kingdom), I disagree with it at times so errors are likely.
Help this was supposed to be the second third of what should have been chapter 6 now it is maybe, hopefully, the second quarter. Everyone tells me to flesh out the story now it refuses to stop.
Tattered Mist
Chapter 7
Dinner preparation was a show that night as Namiko stood back and watched Kasumi and Ranko work in the kitchen. Kasumi cooked and Ranko prepared. Vegetables were washed, tossed in the air and sliced. She watched in amazement as Kasumi rinsed the fish and it was boned and sliced in seemingly one motion. When Kasumi began to get ready to serve, Ranko loaded herself with dishes and began spinning them toward the table where they landed perfectly in place. Kasumi's comment 'show-off' was affectionately delivered and it was time to eat.
Dinner was lively. The day's events were recounted with laughter. When he heard of the team leader's misfortunate comment and actions he laughed. Maeda-san didn't say anything about the conversation he had with the team leader but decided there was a need for another team leader. He was delighted to know that what had been a recurring trouble spot had been fixed and was delighted at the excitementRanko was exhibiting. Her questions about some of the things she learned about rocks and their structure settled the question of whether she would get a waiver, it was without a doubt educational.
After dinner had been cleared away they gathered in the den. Kasumi's request for her training Mai was broached. As well as Namiko's request that Ranko teach her to increase her ki.
"Ranko, I would be delighted if you taught Namiko that technique. In fact I would like to learn it myself. I think you should teach MaiandI have also received a request to ask you to teach some police officers. I have observed your instruction of Kasumi and think you would do well. It also reinforces your own training as you teach others. In exchange I will teach you my school and would greatly appreciate you teaching me yours."
Ranko was flustered. When Namiko and Kasumi mentioned that several of the crew wished to learn also it ballooned past what she had been expecting.It did not help that they used the same argument that it would reinforce her training. She did not want to turn down a request from Maeda-san. Their reasoning that it would reinforce her own training gave her the perfect revenge. If it reinforced her training then it would reinforce theirs.
"That is too many, I can't teach that many and still do everything else." Maeda-san was going to teach her but that left two very good targets and would show what confidence he had in Namiko. "The students that Kasumi and Namiko want me to teach are mostly novices. They would need to learn from the ground up. Kasumi is dan rated and from sparring with Namiko I'm sure she is at or at least near that level in your school. If teaching reinforces my training then it would reinforce theirs and together they can teach the fundamentals. If you help me, I'll teach the more advanced. Other than their friends, I do not think we should have beginners. A black belt in another discipline should be at least the minimum and they would need to prove their proficiency."
The smile on Maeda-san's face was large. He realised that Ranko had neatly boxed Kasumi and his daughter in the same trap they had used on her. "Oh! Most certainly I approve. They did mention teaching reinforces knowledge." carefully excluding himself. "I agree with you that they need a firm grounding in another discipline. The school will overlook your classes as they could be considered in the public interest, but you will have to be sure to keep the high standards you have already set at the school.
Kasumi and Namiko both started to object but realised that they had been had when they saw the smile on both masters. "Yes sensei." came in unison.
Their days were filled after that. Five o'clock saw them on their way to the quarry where they warmed up and began to practice. Namiko was excellent and Kasumi and Ranko picked up tips from her interaction with the students. Everyone did the beginning katas and then Maeda-san and Ranko moved to another area and began to test the instructors the police and to her surprise the JSDF had requested be trained. Mai was a pleasure, Sergeant Abraham on the other hand thought it was a joke a mere child presumed sheknew enough to aspire to teach him something.
"This is ridiculous a little girl like you is going to show me how to fight." He started out and promptly was on his back. Ranko stepped back and motioned him up. He came up with a rush intending to overpower her but she was not there and then he was face down with her heel resting on the back of his head.
"Do you even know how to fight or are you just bull rushing around." Ranko smirked and motioned to him again. This time he approached with more caution and Ranko took the time to block a few punches to evaluate his strength and skill. Then she disappeared, flickering behind him striking pressure points immobilising him before reappearing in front again. "This ridiculous little girl is waiting for you to show what you can do."
The other instructors stared in amazement then noticed Ranko had her hand up closing one finger at a time. When the last finger closed Sergeant Abraham crumpled to the ground. "Appearance and size do not signify anything. I believe Sergeant Abraham said he was six feet and two hundred forty pounds." She walked over and picked him up easily and took him back to the group. "He had absolutely no chance against me." She walked back to the front. "I will endeavour to teach you the art of anything goes. Mai can tell you of my last fight and whether I am telling the truth. There may be other disciplines that are more deadly than mine but if there are I have not had the opportunity to meet them. Warm up and Maeda-san and I will spar against you to gauge your skill." She walked over and hit a different set of pressure points releasing Sergeant Abraham.
While they were warming up Mai told them of the fight. Maeda-san and Ranko were also warming up with some light sparring and he congratulated her on remember the opening lines Namiko had suggested she use. Sergeant Abraham was a bonus, he was good and two years agomaye have been able to avoid her but not now. Mai, she had seen fight and had good idea of her level, the others were unknowns.
By the end of the first week Kasumi and Namiko had a more manageable size class as many dropped out. Mai and Sergeant Abraham were proving to be adept at picking up the new moves.
Ranko talked with the police and she and Maeda-san reviewed several cases that did not end well. She decided that until school started they would have extra training in the evenings. She refused to tell Kasumi what they had talked about or what she was teaching in the evenings but for three nights in a row she had wound up in Namiko's bed after waking up crying.
Maeda-san talked to Kasumi and let him know it was alright. Kasumi and Namiko started receiving extra instruction from a Ranko who was much more serious and short tempered and from Maeda-san who was just as serious if not as short tempered. Ranko began to teach the Amguriken to the three of them and they soon began to work on ki blasts.
Their first session with Drs. Akira and Kino explained why it was a joint session as Ranko related some of the cat-fist training. A video about cats started her to panic but she clung to Kasumi and the panic receded. By the end of the session Ranko was laughing at the antics of the kittens. Another physical followed as Dr. Akira quickly checked the results of the surgery. Even expecting the rapid healing it came as a shock to see the extent of it. The abdominal scar was almost totally gone, only knowing it had been done allowed her to find the faint remnants of it.
While Dr. Akira and Kasumi talked, Ranko asked Dr. Kino for help dealing with her feelings from viewing the police tapes. She wasn't happy that she had viewed them but knew Ranko was committed to helping the police and took her back into her office. She related some of the cases she had had to deal with in her role as a trauma specialist and what she did to offset the effects on her. Ranko was very subdued as they made their way back home.
They joined the crew at a rest area they were trying to restore after a temblor had struck the area. If anyone noticed her sombre attitude they kept it to themselves. She put extra effort in moving stones and rebuilt much the shelter herself. By the end of the day she was back to her old self, the architectural student said she was as bad as his niece, everything was 'why'. After the teasing she had received the previous week she had become more comfortable asking questions.
Saturday night was decreed to be reserved for relaxing, on doctor's orders. Remembering Ranko's delight at dancing it always ended in a dance.
"Father, are you busy tonight? I made reservations for six the other day but Jiro just called and can't make it. Haru and Cho are going with us and should be here in an hour." Namiko was upset, the military just had no consideration of people's private lives. She smiled thinking about what Jiro could do to make up for it later.
Maeda-san performed a quick check, noting he had nothing in his queue. "Where are we going? I need to know how to dress." He smiled, it had been a difficult week and Ranko's appreciation of the previous Friday had been hard to ignore.
"Ranko liked dancing so much I made reservations at a dance club. They don't allow singles, they do not want the reputation that brings. Their dress code is semi-formal, the owner doesn't want the reputation a few dance clubs have earned. Akino heard that he remembers the trouble he had finding nice places to take his intended to when he was young." Namiko returned his smile. She liked the idea herself. She remembered several places she and Jiro had hadto leave because of the rowdiness of the patrons.
"I better get ready then." his thoughts mirrored those of his daughter. His life and his courtship of her mother had been chaotic at best and finding places to have fun and relax without trouble had not been easy.
Namiko knocked on Kasumi's door and went in check on his progress. She adjusted his tie and grabbed the brush. Ranko had agreed with her about Kasumi's hair. It was much too nice to cut. She drew it back into a loose ponytail and tied it examining his right ear to be sure the bruising was gone. Ranko was still hesitant about hitting with force but her father was not and both had earned a few bruises that morning. After she examined the ear something kept nagging her, causing her to examine it again.
"Didn't you have pierced ears, Kasumi?" The earlobe was whole.
"Yes. I wore my earrings at dinner last night. Why?" Kasumi reached for his jacket.
"There isn't a hole in them." She handed a mirror to Kasumi. "The clips on earrings bother Ranko some but I didn't want to suggest piercing her ears. I don't think he would appreciate them when he changes but if his does the same as yours she might be agreeable."
"You're right, he would not like pierced ears as a male." He grinned. "Want to go talk to her. I have a pair that would go great with the dress you picked out for her." Kasumi grabbed her case and pulled out a package. "I was going to have clips put on these. I found them the other day on the way back from picking up my text books. They were in an antique shop that was next door."
Namiko open it up and there was a pair of golden phoenix, a larger phoenix was just below with sapphire eyes with red gold worked throughout to give the impression of flames. "They are exquisite! I wouldn't think of doing it now if she didn't heal so fast. Let's go."
Ranko was dressed and looking through the purse she was to take with her. Her new identification was in it including her new school ID she had received the day before. She was still in shock, everyone said she was a genius, she was going to be in one class with Ka-chan, it didn't feel right. She knew she wasn't that smart, Nerima was proof of that, she wrinkled her mouth at Namiko's promise if she put her self down again, soap did not taste good! She guiltily started when the door opened, glad she hadn't said it out loud.
Turning around she saw Namiko holding a small cherry wood chest.
Her examination of Namiko came to an abrupt halt as Ka-chan came in right behind her. She blushed, remembering sitting in his lap when they ate lunch today and the teasing they received.
Namiko saw the blush, correctly guessed its cause and snickered. They were both getting better and giving as well as they got. She handed the box to Kasumi who stood in front of Ranko now just as obviously entranced. She elbowed him and he opened the box and showed Ranko the jewellery.
Ranko's objection never made it past her lips as Namiko started right off. "Look at Kasumi's ears. You know 'she' has pierced ears but 'he' doesn't."
The implication was immediate and she rubbed her ear as she continued to gaze at the box. She lifted her eyes to Kasumi and smiled.
"I bought these for you yesterday. When I saw them I knew they were for you. Like the phoenix you are never defeated, you rise again stronger and more determined than ever." Kasumi stopped talking as Ranko showed her appreciation.
After a few minutes Namiko spoke up. "If you want to wear them you are going to have to stop kissing long enough for me to put them in." Ranko pulled away from Kasumi who stood there with a bemused look on his face. "He'll be there for a while, lets get these in."
Namiko laid a towel over her shoulder and not giving Ranko time to think about what was happening quickly ran the needle in, out and the first earring in before her rapid healing could close the small puncture. The second earring went in just as fast and she cleaned her earlobes gently with alcohol to remove the few drops of blood on them.
Ranko walked to the mirror and clasped the necklace around her neck. She was still leery of wearing jewellery but with the look in Kasumi's eyes, that concern melted away.
Maeda-san's voice reminding them of the time brought them out of the room. Ranko was holding Kasumi's hand and glowing gently. He shook his head and smiled, Kasumi was just as besotted with Ranko as she was with him. He held the door as they exited and a passing shower swept over and was gone before any could reach for an umbrella. Yes, he thought, their wedding would have to be held indoors, it wouldn't matter to them but the guest might prefer not to get wet.
Dinner was light, at least for them and he noticed that Ranko had further slowed down her intake. He knew she was really making an effort to conform to acceptable standards. Even eating as slow as she had she had finished before everyone. Maeda-san took a last bite and wiped his mouth.
Ranko was starting to fidget a little, glancing at the dance floor with older couples enjoying dance music from a bygone era. Maeda-san smiled, he was not up to date with the modern dances but he remembered this one. His late wife's mother had enjoyed it and he had danced it with her more than a few times. Ranko was mesmerized watching them and moving in place as if dancing in her mind.
Rising he approached Ranko. With a courtly bow from his youth he addressed her formally and requested the pleasure of her company for the dance. Ranko coloured and taking the proffered hand rose. Namiko and Kasumi watched as they stepped onto the dance floor and moved together seamlessly as if they had been dancing this way forever. Two more dances followed before Maeda-san escorted her off the floor and back to the table. She thanked him demurely and reached her hands out to Kasumi as another dance started. This one was not as old and Kasumi fumbled for only a moment as he shifted from the thought of being led to leading. Dance followed dance with older dances being interspaced at regular intervals.
Maeda-san was amazed that several of his friends were here also and their party grew. Their wives were talking when another older dance started and Cho, Namiko and Ranko found themselves on the dance floor with new partners. They came back to the table delighted to find that their boyfriends had been grilled unmercifully to the vast amusement of Maeda-san who had adroitly diverted their attempts to match him with some of their friends.
When the night ended, much too soon for Ranko's taste, she was still floating on air. Dancing, dancing was so much fun, she didn't realise how tired she was until she yawned unexpectedly. A soft glow still encompassed her as she made her way to her room and bed.
Sunday morning the only one not groaning about the early hour of practice was Ranko. Kasumi and Ranko were wearing their new gi which she appreciated quickly. The speed training she had started them on was paying off although it was not up to the Amaguriken level yet.
Although she allowed Namiko and Kasumi to land occasional strikes that did not apply to Maeda-san, any strike was earned and they had a furious ten minute spar. Tai chi followed and they began to get ready for their day.
Namiko and Kasumi found learning the 'Soul of Ice' taxing but they were progressing. When Keiko arrived study time was decreed, much to their relief. Kyoshi and Haru arrived soon after with Cho to find Keiko and Ranko deep in a discussion on mathematics and Akino and Shinji huddled with Kasumi talking medicine.
Ranko and Cho broke from the group to prepare lunch and Kasumi and Namiko gradually drifting in. Lunch was boisterous and even Maeda-san joined in, recounting the dance. Cho suggested that an establishment that featured ball room dancing owned by an eccentric English expatriate would be of interest and Namiko decided to check it out.
Lunch over and cleaned up they went back to study. Keiko and Ranko were soon called over for a strategy session. Haru and Keiko were drafted to bring Ranko up to where she needed for her computer class. Everyone else including Ranko's group would quiz Kasumi on various topics. Kasumi and Ranko needed to work on their English and Namiko pointed out that they could do that on the work crew and with each other. Ranko had an impressive vocabulary stored in her head but had trouble with syntax and Kasumi had the basics she just needed more practice.
Before they headed back togiveRanko what she needed for computers she mentioned an herbal salve for sore muscles. She had used it on a few occasions and not knowing the name of the plant had to describe it. That led to having to work with Shinji on taxonomy and botany so she could identify plants properly.
Keiko commenting on her earrings and necklace brought the session to an end as groups shifted and reformed. Akino remarked on the unusual detailing and subject noting that it was not hammered gold but appeared to be carved. She sketched it, the earrings and the box they were in to see if she could find out more about it. Ranko was very reluctant about taking them off and simply sat still until she was done.
Study ended as it had the last time with Ranko and Keiko curled up sleeping a physics book lying between them. Keiko merely mumbled as Shinji lifted her and took her to the car. And Ranko never really woke as Namiko helped her to her room and got her ready for bed.
Teaching the 'Soul of Ice' had brought Ranko to the realization that she had a problem. When she woke it was earlier than usual and as she let her awareness expand she realised that only Maeda-san was up. She made her way to the kitchen and prepared tea just as he came in and they sat quietly drinking their tea.
Putting his cup down Maeda-san studied her. "Ranko, you're troubled this morning. Talking about your problems may bring them into to focus and allow you to deal with them or the person you talk to may be able to present a different perspective or path that will lead to the same goal."
Ranko was quiet for few minutes gathering her thoughts and courage. "I have had the fear since Josenkyo that I would cease being 'me'. Now that fear has come true. What is worse is that I would not go back to the 'me' that was even if I could. The problem is that I don't know who the 'me' now is. Ever since beating Master Happosai I have had trouble finding my centre. He named me Grand Master, in both forms, but I don't know how to be what he named me. I was brought up to be a man among men, Ineither look nor act like a man now. Outside of the art I find that almost everything I was taught was a lie. The 'me' that I was, that 'me' was based on lies." She sipped some tea. "I'm afraid that if I go back to being male that the old me will return and I'm afraid of the thought of staying female the rest of my life. No matter my opponent, I have never given up but now my opponent is myself. How do I fight myself and win when winning means that I must defeat myself and lose."
"The answer is both simple and complex, you win by not fighting yourself. You are still you. Your opponent is not yourself but the untrue concepts that you have been taught and the way you view yourself and others. Despite Genma's teachings you have developed a degree of honour, of right and wrong, that is far above anyone I have ever met. You surmount obstacles that most would not attempt. By viewing yourself as an opponent you create the problem. You are an intricate puzzle whose pieces are as yet not joined and like a puzzle it can not become complete if you throw parts of it away. You are not two people, you are two parts of one person and you must bring those parts together to make yourself whole." He poured himself some tea. "When there is something that can not be changed then you accept it and move on. If at some point you acquire the means to change it, you must re-examine it to be sure that it does in fact need to be changed."
The smell of food brought Ranko out of her contemplations. The problem was not solved but it was more defined. From working with Keiko she had learned a problem defined is half solved.
Morning training was rearranged slightly as Ranko shifted Sergeant Taiki to an intermediate class with Kasumi and Namiko. He was not advancing as fast as the rest, he was very good but did not have the intuitive learning that would advance him much further. Ranko explained to him that he was an excellent instructor to bring students to an acceptable level and that he would continue to learn.
Apprehension turned to relief on Sergeant Taiki's face, he had worked hard to reach his position and was worried that he would fail. Ranko's solution assured him of his position without suffering loss of face. Unintentionally she had gained a staunch supporter as well as a competent instructor.
Everyone on the work crew quickly assented to helping Kasumi and Ranko improve their English. With the change in language the inconsistencies in their speech was finally brought to notice and they explained that they had been raised as the opposite sex. While the group still taught them English they also decided a crash course in proper speech was necessary.
Normally the crew worked together but by unspoken decree the men grabbed Kasumi and the women Ranko. The work was just adjusted accordingly.
Kasumi escaped relatively unscathed, being accustomed to social interplay. Her training under Ranko and Namiko's friends had brought her to the point that only practice was needed, practice that was gleefully provided.
Ranko discovered that there was much more to be learned and the women on the crew were not shy about instructing her. By the end of the day Namiko could barely hold her laughter in check. Ranko had inadvertently admitted newness of her monthlies and when a few comments by the others had drawn black stares they took great delight in filling her in. Her incredulous stares and the looks she gave Namiko for confirmation had galvanised them.
Namiko wished she had thought of it. Things she had not even thought to discuss with Ranko, came up and were verified by the other girls. Every time Ranko thought it was over another topic was raised. By the end of the day she was laughing with them and no longer blushing continuously.
The evening meal was spectacular for it quietness and the random blushes. Kasumi and Ranko could not look at each other without blushing. Maeda-san was mystified until Namiko explained what had happened that day. Normalcy only returned when he and Ranko left to meet with the police instructors later.
The next day the work grouping rotated depending on the job needing to be done. Often enough it would be Kasumi and a few of the other men or Ranko and a few of the women and their instruction continued. Two of the women were unabashedly a couple and the third day they talked with her quietly a few times. Ranko knew same sex couples existed but that was all. Although embarrassed about the subject Ranko asked questions and had them answered.
That night a very embarrassed Namiko answered some of the questions Ranko had to the extent she could. She realised that with their curse it was important. That morning Mai had delivered the waterproof soap that Ranko had asked for and Namiko decided to talk to Ranko's new friends and get to know them better.
Friday was the last full work day for the crews. Saturday would see most getting new books and making last minute schedule changes. Thanks to the addition of Ranko and her ki manipulation their crew had not only finished all their assigned jobs but several others that other crews had been unable to do.
Saturday was by Ranko's measure a definite A-plus on the grade scale. After viewing another film on kittens Dr. Kino produced one only whose eyes had just opened a few days before. Kasumi was ready to bolt, Ranko just sat and stared as the kitten made its way to her lap and curled up. She hesitantly reached a hand down and touched it and began to stroke it as she had seen the doctor do. The kitten began to purr and Ranko, to everyone's surprise, did too. Delight was written across her face as she held and stroked the kitten and it was only with reluctance that she returned it to the doctor.
Kasumi rewarded her with a triple scoop of chocolate ice-cream as they left the doctors. A commotion down the street caught their attention as a man shoved two ladies to the ground, grabbed their purses and ran. Ranko shoved her ice-cream into hidden weapons space and set off in pursuit. It was a very short chase. The local police officer reached the ladies about the same time and Kasumi informed him of where the purse snatcher was. Ranko had both handbags up high and the man was face down on the pavement. A not so gentle tap with the toe of her shoe was administered anytime he moved and he soon decided not moving was the best thing he could do.
Profuse thanks had Ranko blushing as she handed the purses to their owners and the officer added his thanks to theirs. Kasumi laughed when Ranko mentioned she wouldn't be as gentle next time and the man visibly flinched. She correctly surmised that he would find a new town after the police finished with him.
They stopped by a used bookstore to see if a book Kasumi had requested was in and Ranko was mesmerised by section on the occult and unusual. When they left it was with a large collection of books. Kasumi was astounded, Ranko had speed read most of the books putting them back with a disgusted look. A few she had set aside. Several were in Chinese and one in English, very old English, only a few of the ones she kept were on magic. The others were on obscure healing techniques and pressure points, one written in Chinese had brought a bright blush to her face and Kasumi was determined to try to read it.
Recounting their adventure over a late lunch, Ranko remembered about the ice-cream reached in to remove its remains. To every ones surprise it was still frozen and Ranko happily finished it off.
Jiro had the day off and Namiko decided on a movie, dinner from street vendors and then dancing. Namiko had just the thing for Ranko. Keiko had a skirt that her father decided she was too young to wear, Ranko wasn't. Black, tight and mid-thigh with thigh high black boots it fit ranko like a glove, acrimson bolero top completed the outfit. Ranko blushed when she saw herself in it and again when Namiko ask what Kasumi would think of it.
Namiko wore black satin pants, crimson top and black high heels. The two had fun applying make up with her giving Ranko tips. Jiro arrived with the requested items and he and Kasumi were dressed in tight jeans and black silk shirts. Maeda-san smiled at the expressions on the faces of the two young men, gave Namiko and Ranko a quick hug and sent them on their way.
A movie had just opened and they were able to get seats for the four o'clock showing. They made it with just in time to get seats. While Ranko gave her attention to the movie Kasumi split his between the movie and Ranko. He knew from watching her face what washappening on screen. With expressions on her face that plainly said 'I can do that', 'no way that would work' to 'if I changed this a little' he followed the movie.
Hilarity was the order of the day as they ambled toward a dance hall that drew a lot of American servicemen and had the security to keep trouble to a minimum. Ranko's ability to get extra portions without asking caused great mirth. From listening to Akane, Kasumi had been under the impression that she did it deliberately and vamped the vendors. Such was not the case. The smile she gave the vendors after serving her was almost a guarantee that whoever followed would get extra.
The stops were frequent and Ranko learned to ignore the appreciative looks and comments she and Namiko received. The first two times Namiko had to restrain her from delivering an 'Akane' greeting to them.
Two drunks had the misfortune to decide to feel their bottoms. The offending fingers were quickly placed out of joint, sobering the drunks quickly. This was followed by Jiro and Kasumi lifting them energetically against a wall which finished sobering them up. The officer who saw the disturbance was very understanding and the drunks were very happy for his presence.
Kasumi and Jiro quickly learned that if they wanted to sit a dance out that was perfectly acceptable to the other gentlemen. One became too familiar with Namiko and she slapped him and explained to Ranko that was as far as she was to go also. If it was something serious enough for more than a slap security would take care of it. After two more gentlemen were reminded that they were indeed expected to act like gentlemen the message was grasped by the others.
Jiro and Kasumi were asked to dance by a few young ladies and when not dancing found themselves the centre of attention of young men who were quite envious of their dates. Even Ranko had her fill of dancing that night and learned some new dances. The slow dances that were interspaced with the others were reserved for Kasumi and he was never too tired for them.
Home was welcome after the press of the bodies at the club. Jiro had to report at noon for duty so he dropped them off and enjoyed a few minutes alone with Namiko before leaving. Following Namiko's suggestion Ranko heated some Sake. When Namiko came in she used some of the heated water on Kasumi, and soon they were laughing at her recounting of watching Ranko during the movie.
Ranko sniffed "I am taking a bath. Besides needing a soak I stink."
Namiko handed her one of the new bars of soap. "Use this and we'll use hot water." She began herding two brightly blushing but unresisting bodies toward the furo.
Namiko laughed as they undressed looking everywhere but at each other. Under her gentle prodding they settled down and went back to talking about the movie.
"Well I could do that!" Ranko protested. They had watched a Chinese film with miraculous stunts, from running up a wall to running across the tops of bamboo plants. "I don't need wires to do it either." She was out of the tub and running around the inside of the room before they knew what she was going to do. Three times around the room and flourishing landing later they began to clap and she bowed before realisation hit her that she wasn't wearing even a towel. Blushing brightly she re-entered the water quickly.
"If the directors saw your moves they would have you in the movies, imagine what they could save on stuntmen." Kasumi laughed as Ranko slowly lost the blush.
"If they saw you run like that they would probably pay top price" Namiko quipped. Ranko's blush returned full force as the implication of the quip sank in, accompanied by their renewed laughter.
They laughed with Kasumi about some of the come-on's used by the girls at the club and some of the men they had danced with. When Ranko started to sag Namiko helped Kasumi dry and dress her then they dressed for bed themselves. With Namiko opening doors they made it to Ranko's to put her to bed before the sake hit them too.
Not intending to spend the night, the door had been left open. Maeda-san closed it gently when he woke the next morning with smile after seeing the jumble of bodies on the bed.
Maeda-san and Namiko were about to go out of their mind. "Settle down Ranko. Kasumi, the house did not get dirty in the last half hour. Ranko your school clothes are alright. RANKO! KASUMI! COURTYARD, NOW!" Namiko broke down in laughter as her father bellowed out the last. "Daughter perhaps you will show me how well you have learned your new moves." Namiko flinched, OK, maybe laughing hadn't been that good an idea.
Namiko smiled at Ranko. "These are yours aren't they." Kasumi laughed as soon as she saw what Namiko had done and then felt a sudden draft herself. Namiko realised quickly she should have started with Kasumi but it was now a three way free for all of take it back and you'll pay for that.
When Maeda-san came out a few minutes later combat was fast and furious. Teaching others and practicing during the day had paid off and they were approaching Ranma's old level of skill. They had not reached where his strength or endurance levels had been but were way above his old level of ki control.
Had Maeda-san not been training with them he would not have been able to follow the action. The laughter belied the ferociousness of the combat, when he concentrated on the objects in Ranko's hand the reason for the laughter was made clear. A slight nudge and sudden draft alerted him that he had entered game. "Hey!"
"If you want them back get them." Namiko held them up and the battle was on. Teams shifted with each passing moment, your ally for one goal quickly changed sides when the object was retrieved and another taken. An hour later the four were exhausted and trying to recover from laughing so hard. Ranko was in Maeda-sans lap and the others were sprawled near where they had been dropped from the tickling spree that the combat had finally degenerated to.
Ranko had discovered she had taught them well, too well maybe. Without using truly offensive moves, she had quickly found herself at their mercy as they began a concerted attack on her. "That was fun." It was a new experience for her. She had experienced tickling the night of the sleep over, but not the go for broke virtually no holds barred that she had just experienced.
Maeda-san couldn't remember the last time he had had so much fun either. It had been years since he and his daughter roughhoused and he realised that he had missed it. That evening for the first time in a long time he tucked his daughter into bed and kissed her good night, quickly followed by doing the same for Ranko.