Suzu: Hello Again! So here we are, with chapter number 5!

Antwone: FINALLY! That took you long enough to write!

Suzu: I'm sorry! I 'm sorry! I've told you this already!

Antwone: -turns back-

Suzu: -sighs- Geez... Well anyways, let us not ruin your fun of reading...

Antwone: Humph!

Suzu: -Sighs again- ... So we'll discuss this while you enjoy!

Chapter 5

A truth revealed?

In surprise and in shock you both automatically sprung out of the hot tubs, grasping your towels closer and looking down upon the red head that jsut fell into the water. You gasp as the figure emerges from the water. -It can't be possible!- you think, -This is impossible!- you continue. As inreal as it might seem, the scene before you eyes is true. That red head girl who you had met before and who had fell into the water came out as someone else. Someone completly different. Although someone known to you. It was...

"Ranma!" Cries Kimiko.

You can't help but understand you're friends' cry, it was too much.

"But... But how?" she continues "Where did the girl go to? Or... No... No, it can't be possible! It can't be true! Yuki!" She turns around to face you.

As astonished as she is, you understand what she's trying to tell you. He might be one of those rare people who have been gifted -or cursed- by the special waters. You don't know what to answer, and just stare mouth open at your best friend. She knows you're both thinking the same thing. But somehow you both don't want to face such truth.

"Ranma!"

Suddenly the scene changes its appearance, as the blue haired girl suddenly and unexpectively jumps into the water to hug Ranma.

"Hey!" You yell.

Kimiko stares at you, stuck by your reaction. -What... Why did I act like that? Why did I say anything?- your mind wonders too far as you blush for the unmeant cry. The blue haired girl didn't even flinch when she heard you, she ignored it and kept on hugging Ranma. However, this last one was as surprised as Kimiko to see such reaction. He stopped fighting back to try and free himself by the girl's grasp and simply stared at you. You instantly flushed crimson and quickly grabbed your kimono to rush out of the indoor hot springs. Ignoring Kimiko's call, you run towards your room.

Once inside, you hurry to dry yourself and change into a pair of brown pants and a simple forest green shirt; leaving the kimono you had prepared aside. You hear footsteps -already?- you think -I have to hurry-. Once ready you quickly untangle your hair, and tie it into a ponytail. -Hurry, hurry, hurry- you tell yourself, trying to force yourself to go as fast as possible. You jump out the window at the right moment; for when you touch the grass ground you hear familiar voices call out your name. You speed for the forest in front of you and when you attained it, you gave your back to a tree and the dojo, to slide down and sit on the ground. People hastidly searching for you, calling out your name and looking everywhere came to your ears. But you did not move. You made no sound. For there was no need to. Kimiko quickly understood and got everyone to go back inside. Knowing she was expecting you to come back soon, gave you a reason to take more time off. There were just too many things on your mind.

Once you were sure you couldn't hear anyone near, you got up and began to walk deeper into the forest. What was going on? What was happening? You knew you had to ask the group all about this thing and how Ranma appeared and how the red head disspeared... You only hoped Kimiko would restrain her curiosity enough to wait for you to be there. While you walked you couldn't help but wonder if you might have felt something, or maybe he truely was, but you quickly got rid of those thoughts. Kimiko would laugh her head off, if she found out that you were even considering it. -It's not like I did, or that I mind her knowing... It's just that... Well... I don't know how to react and since I don't even know myself what's going on, I can't say anything. I know her all too well... She'll annoy me if I say anything- With that you let out a sigh.

The night became thicker, and although your eyes were very perceptive to the faintest of lights making you see like a cat in the dark, you still wondered if you should turn back.

"I wonder how long I've been gone..." You say outloud.

"About two hours." Answers a voice.

You jump into a tree and stand as still as possible watching for any movement close to you. Your heart beats louder than usual but you force it to calm down. Breaking the silence, the voice appears again, making you slightly jump again.

"You know; hiding up there won't do you much. I already know where you are. Why don't you come down?"

The voice seemed familiar yet... different. It wasn't very reassuring as it mixed too many things at once.

"If I should come down, then I should know who I should face. Show yourself and I will reconsider coming down." You say.

Just to make sure the voice truely knew where you were, you climb a little higher into the tree and go near to one of the edges of a branch.

"You don't give out the idea that you're coming down by climbing higher. However, being at the edge of a branch can make it easier for someone to push you off of it."

How does it know? This isn't possible!- You think. Frantically you search around trying to see where the person could be to see you in such details. Suddenly, you feel a hand grasp your shoulder and as you quickly catch the hand to make the person fly underneath you, it's actions are quicker and planned. It makes your trick backfire on you; as you both hit the ground and he pins you, back to the ground. As you fight to try to try and free yourself, you're mind wonders as you realize he had always been in the tree, behind you. -How could I have been distracted in that way? How could I have no looked behind me? I'm becoming less careful, and that's not good!- You think to yourself.

"As long as I hold you like I do now, you're not going anywhere."

The voice, now closer, seemed even more familiar. As you stop fighting but still stay tensed, ready to attact at any moment, you look up to your capturer. The bright light of a full crystal moon shone upon his face.

"Ranma!" You say, as surprised as you can be.

He simply smiles at your surprise. Unwilingly you blush feircely, and try to push him off you. He keeps smiling and his grip grows tighter around your wrists. Pushing on your abbs your able to lift yourself slightly front the ground. -His weight and force is stronger than I imagined. Damn- You think. In a moment, he pushes you back to the ground.

"You have more strength that I would have given you."

"Funny," You answer "I would've said the same thing about you."

You grin as you still try to fight him off.

"Are you going to stop fighting or do I have to make you?" He asks

"Make me." You answer, somewhat slightly growling

His movements are quick and you obviously did not think he'd do such a thing. For the moment you answer, he lowers his head and delicately brushes his lips against yours. Eyes wide open and completely surprised you push him off and start to run towards the dojo. His grip had loosened and you took that moment to your advantage. -How... How could he? How dare he! I... I... Argh!- You think as you hurry your step even faster. -My first kiss! And it had to be... to be... Him!- You shiver as you reach the dojo. You realize a little too late and you slam against the front door; falling on your behind.

"Ouch..." You say, getting up and rubbing your sore bum.

The door is opened and you see Kimiko, Akane and Nabiki all looking at you.

"Where have you been?" asks Kimiko

"Are you alright?" Asks Akane

"What a fall." Says Nabiki with a slight grin.

All these questions at once make it impossible for you to answer to all. You're finally taken inside and sat at the table.

As the dinner procedes, questions, jokes, laughter and fun fills the room. Everyone is having a great time. However you can't help but think about what just happened. As a slight blush appears on your face, Kimiko asks what happened and how you're feeling. You stare at your bowl and answer after a pause that you're fine but still hurt from the fall. She laughs and continues on telling jokes, making everyone laugh.

As dinner finishes, everyone retires to their own cuarters; as do you and Kimiko. You say your goodnights and wonder to the end of the hall and enter your room. You close the door behind you and plop yourself on the bed, facing the ceiling. You're still thinking about the whole day and how you're going to bring up the subject of the disspearance of the rea head, when you hear the door open.

"Go away" You answer to whoever was about to say something.

Ignoring you're words, they enter the room and come closer to the bed.

"What do you want Kimiko?" You say

"I'm jsut worried about your attitude today. You've been acting very strange; especially since you got back from your walk."

"Well, You saw how I slamed into the door, I think it's a good enough reason to be in a foul mood."

"No. There's something else. Something else is bothering you Yuki." Kimiko says worriedly

"Well..."

Your words wander off as you quickly think of what to say. -I can't tell her the truth... it's too risky... And nothing happened. I was probably dreaming. That's all... But was I? Oh Fudge, I hope I was...-

"I don't know how we're going to ask them about the whole scene that happened today." you finally say

"I agree, I don't know either."

Seemingly conformed with what you said you let out a silent sigh of releif. She bought it. -Good.- You think. As the evening continued you drew tired as did Kimiko. She finally let you fall asleep and without even changing you simply fall exhausted on you bed.

Morning quickly came; too quickly to your taste. You got up and a yawn acompanied your stretch. -I'd better change and go get Kimiko... She's probably still in bed...- You wonder off towards the mirror, and you look at your sleepy face in it.

"Wait a second!" You say outloud.

You weren't wearing this last night. At least... You don't remember having changed... -Strange... It was probably Kimiko... Such a thoughtful mother... lol- You let out a chuckle and quickly change into some summery kimono.

Waking Kimiko was the typical affair and breakfeast wasn't much different... Although you didn't see Ranma anywhere. After a morning of shopping with the girls you came back for lunch. Today you had decided that you would make lunch, and Kimiko would make dinner. Your specialty was not to be revealed; even if people asked. One eveyone was at the table you served each and every one. You sat down to begin your own meal but was interupted by someone coming through the front door.

"Late as usual. If you don't start coming on time you won't have any! Especially today, Yuki and Kimiko are cooking!" Says Akane.

Ranma simply came to the table but when he heard your names he looked at you. You quickly grabbed another bowl and served him, avoiding his glance.

"Yuki made lunch. And she said that this is just the first course!" Said Soun, sounding all happy.

You gave him his bowl and sat back at your place. Straightened your back and began eating as if nothing were different... Except for that pink color founded on your cheeks.No one noticed to your glee, however you did your best not to look at Ranma. It was just too awkward. You didn't know what was going on in his mind; and you knew even less what was going through yours. Then you elbow your friend to begin.

"Um... I don't know how to bring this up so we're just going to ask straight out..."

"We wanted to know, out of curiosity and of surprise, how or where did the red head girl dissapear to at the hot springs." You complete her sentence. "Oh, and who that blue haired girl is."

They all silence and begin to look at each other, as if wondering if they should tell you or not.You both feel the tension rising as Kimiko decides to break the silence.

"But if you don't wish for us to know, there is no point in telling us otherwise. We wish to know the whole truth or none at all."

She always had that kind of attitude. It was always all or nothing with her. And that's probably why you understood each other. You would never admit to being the same, although you knew it to be true.

"Very well." Began Genma. "A few years back, my son and I were walking in the mountains. We were on a trip to train Ranma in his skills and discipline..."

"You mean we had to train you!" Answers back Ranma.

Fighting went on for a moment, so You all moved to the living room to leave Genma and Ranma fighting outside. Akane, who seemed to know Ranma best, continued.

"As they were saying, on a trip to the mountains they had planned to stay there for a while; for training reasons. However one evening they decided to take a break in the hot springs. Little did they know that the springs as some near by were the Cursed Springs, and that they had just cursed themselves..."

"You mean both Ranma and his father are cursed?" Asked Kimiko.

"Yes. Genma was cursed by the waters of the panda. As for Ranma, he's cursed by the waters of the girl. Both, when touched by cold water transform into this form and when touched by hot water they become themselves again."

You tried not to, but you both glanced at each other the moment she had said so. You knew it. You're almost sure no one had seen you... No... No one did... However you already knew what it implyied.

"They spent some time in this tiny village. It was very small from what they said, so small that it didn't even appear on any map. However the village was close to the springs." She continued " Some say that the people had lived there for so long that the springs didn't affect them anymore. Most children were born with those changing powers. I think it's great... Although it does have certain disadvantages."

"Wow." You say.

"That's defenetly something!" Kimiko continues.

Suddenly this tiny little thing comes flying past you all to smash in the nearest wall.

"P-Chan!" Shouts Akane, as she runs towards it.

"Cute pig?" Asks Kimiko questionatly

She quickly comes back with a tiny black pig, having a yellow bandana around his neck.

"Kawaii!" You say

"Ranma you fool! Stop hitting P-Chan will you?" yells Akane through the door.

The night ended with Akane yelling at Ranma for a while, then taking her cute pig to her bedroom, Nabiki helping out her elder sister to clean up the kitchen and the table even if she didn't really like it; Soun and Genma taking off to the garden to talk... Or at least that's what you guessed and then Kimiko and you retiring to your rooms. As you bid a goodnight's rest to Kimiko she reminds you of something you had forgotten.

"Don't forget the Sakura Festival is coming soon!"

"Sakura Festival?"

"Yes! Don't you remember? Every year every where in Japan around this time of year they celebrate the Sakura festival! Every woman takes the day off to prepare temselves. They dress into the most beautiful kimono they completly adore and put on makeup. Men do the same and dress into their traditional wear for the evening. It takes place when the sun has set, and at that time by groups of age the woman stand on a stage holding a fan that covers their face but not their eyes. The men that stand below must chose a woman and spend all evening with her, no matter who she is. It's also a great time for our best thefts, remember?" She says as she winks at you.

You grin adn reply "Yeah, I do. I never really liked it... maybe since I always got stuck with the old rich guys that were horrible and stunk of alchool..."

Kimiko laughs and adds "Well... Maybe this year will be different... For both of us!"

With that she goes into her room and closes the door. You knew it would probably end up the same as every other year... -Wait!-

"Kimiko!" you call

She opens her door "Yes?"

"We have to go back to that kimono store! They probably finished or found your kimono!"

"That's right! I had completly forgotten!"

"Well well... Kimiko forgetting now! Has she found some pretty boy?" You tease

"Did not!"

And with a blush on her face and a slamed door you close your own door with a slight giggle. You began changing and once you were in your shorts and spagetti tank top, you let yourself drop on the bed.

"What a day..."

"Too much of a day if you ask me."

Started you spring up and in a crouched position find where the voice came from. The window you let open for the day. On the windowsill to be exact.

"You again!" you say

Ranma giggles as he jumps down and gives you a look that makes you come out of your crouched position but none the less off guard.

"I thought you'd gone to bed."

"Looks like I didn't, did I now?" He replies

"Looks not."

He slowly walks around your room, hands grabbed behind his back.

"What do you want Ranma?"

"Nothing much... I just felt like passing by and saying hello."

"At almost 10 o'clock at night! Now that I find interesting!"

You finally sit down on your bed and cross your arms, resting your bakc on the wall. Unexpectidly he bounces at the mere sight of your guard drawn down to appear few inches from you. His face was so close to yours that you could feel his breath. -My heart is beating. Why is it beating so loud? It's not like I haven't been in this situation before...- You had always liked to frighten your victims when you worked alone... It provided a sense of power of your behaf and it was always to your profit.

"What do you want?" You say again, dryly.

"This."

And with that, he let a second kiss fall on your lips as a breeze before he jumped out the window and dissapeared. Furious you got up and ran to the window.

"Ranma! You pervert! You'll pay for that!" And with that you close the screen to the window shut.