That evening Kasumi fed the house the excuse of visiting a friend and using Ranma as a bodyguard. Only Nabiki enquired further. "An old friend? Who is this friend?"

Kasumi gave a slight sigh. "You wouldn't remember her, you were too young. Her name is Winry, She live out near Mt Fuji. She makes automail now,"

Soun's Head appeared from behind his paper, "I told you to never mention that stuff in this house!"

Kasumi didn't budge one inch, she was immune from his 'accursed demon head'.

Ranma ate in silence. Akane noticed his change in apparel, "What is with the gloves Ranma?"

Ranma stopped and looked up, "I burnt them in a training accident?"

Nabiki scrunched her nose, "What pray tell were you learning?"

Ranma hung his head, "How to stop a fireball with my hands. Incase You Know Who comes back,"

No one spoke after that. The Phoenix was a bad subject still through the house. Only the clatter of chopsticks from Genma sounded throughout the rest of the meal. Ranma rose from his seat after only one portion and went to bed.

Six in the morning rolled around peacefully and quietly. Kasumi stood by the door as a groggy Ranma came around the corner. "You ready?"

Kasumi nodded, "I just hope your friends don't tag along,"

Ranma bowed his head, "I don't want to hear about them or anything of the events of my life while we are out. Ed and the others will go on the war path. Ok?"

The eldest Tendo nodded, "You don't want them to worry about you, Right?"
Ranma nodded slowly as he lead Kasumi, "Ed showed me how to be better than Genma, to not be a thief and a glutton. Winry treated me and gave me back my life, and wanted nothing in return. They treat me better than ninety nine percent of the people I know."

Kasumi followed and listened intently. Ranma had indeed lead possibly the hardest life she could think of. She often wondered how Ranma had such high morals with Genma as a role model. Day in and day out, Ranma takes abuse and still forgives people. "I see why. Um, what does Ed look like?"

Ranma laughed a bit, "He comes up to my shoulder, long blond hair that is usually braided. Very touchy about two subjects. Never ask how he needed automail, or his… stature. Winry is about your height and blond hair. She is the best automail engineer in the world. This arm keeps up with the chestnut fist. She called this her most advanced set."

Kasumi smiled as Ranma smiled at his own memories. Ranma stretched a bit more a yawned. "Don't yawn Ranma,"

HE looked back with a puzzled look, "Why?"

Kasumi yawned as well, "It's contagious,"

They both laugh as they continued down the street. Ranma's senses went crazy as he pulls Kasumi to the side. The concrete exploded, with a cry of "RANMA, DIE!"

Ranma glared at Ryoga. Many times had his stunts put bystanders in danger, But Kasumi was in the blast zone of the attack. She could have been killed, Ryoga you've gone too far! His mind screamed. He set Kasumi down carefully, "Pardon me one moment Kasumi, I need to teach Ryoga about his attacks and bystanders,"

Ryoga heard that and stopped, Kasumi was there? "Um, Ranma, what are you going to do with that street sign?"

"I'm going to use to slow roast you over an open fire. You crossed the line before but YOU just put KASUMI, the sweetest and most kind woman I ever met in danger by not even checking for innocent people! Ryoga Habiki, your no better than Saffron! Herb at least courteous!"

Ryoga felt shamed by the severe dressing down. Did I truly put Kasumi in danger? "I didn't know, I thought…" Ryoga was cut short by a stop sign to the head.

That is right, you Thought, with what I'll never know. Leave Ryoga, If I catch you again, I'll be having pork fried rice for dinner,"

Ryoga left quickly as Ranma turned back to a Blushing Kasumi. "You Ok? Your blushing,"

Kasumi nodded, "I'm fine, just shocked,"

Ranma sighed, "Welcome to my life, The train is right around the corner. We got a while on the train ride,"

The train ride was a peaceful and quiet ride. Kasumi kept stealing glances at Ranma during the trip. Eventually the train came to a stop. the two departed and Ranma turned to his companion, "You realize that will be a long walk unless I pick you up and run right?"

Kasumi stopped and looked around, "How long?"

"Another hour,"

Kasumi frowned, she was not prepared to walk for so long. She would have worn better shoes. "Ok Ranma, Just go easy on me,"

Ranma smiled softly, "Ok, just remember, I won't let you fall so don't freak on me,"

Kasumi rapped her arms around Ranma's neck and held on for dear life as he lept to the rooftops. She had to admit, She loved the feeling and the rush. Ranma smiled as he told her to hold tight. She saw an open field and a small home in the center of it. Ranma Vaulted from the roof towards the small home. Kasumi caught sight of a wooden sigh as they flew.

ELRIC CUSTOM AUTOMAIL

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