Well this is it, the last chapter/rewrite. That comes from the original version by Senshi of Valis. After this chapter everything after this point will be more original, maybe….I might start doing a few things from Starting over: Do you want to be friends, you just have to wait and see.
From my understanding, Senshi wanted to do three books. Book One: Truth behind the lie. Book Two (I'm guessing here.): Do you want to be friends, and Book 3: Sorceress of the Clow. Although it's possible that the last two may have been stand alones seeing as how they were written before Book One was.
I don't know and I was hoping some knew how to get a hold of Senshi. Oh well, they're a good read but I didn't like the pairing. If you're wondering about the Uzumaki name, no this will not have Naruto characters in the story, just a few things from the series like jutsus; however the characters themselves will not appear.
Well I think that's it. I like to think everyone who has review the story so far, I'm hoping for more but as long as I get one review I will continue the story. See you at the end for some final notes and what I hope for future chapters. Enjoy.
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Chapter Three
"No don't!" Ranma had called out as she sat up in her little hiding spot. She looked around the dark room, trying to remember why she was there instead of her bed. Then she remembered everything from the day before, and smiled a little as she looked at her gifts. With a grin Ranma quickly left her safe haven and made her way down stairs, she had the prefect idea to repay Kasumi for her kindness.
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"Good morning, Kasumi." Ranma said as Kasumi came down the stairs for the morning. "Oh my!" Kasumi said. "Ranma why are you up so early in the morning?" The eldest Tendo said. Ranma smiled as she walked up to her and hugged her. "I couldn't sleep last night." Ranma said a little tiredly. Kasumi smiled.
"Thank you for the little presents that you got me." Ranma said. Kasumi gave Ranma a hug and said. "It's no problem Ranma." And it wasn't she was able to found them at a good deal at a used book store, the books had some ware but they were in a much better shape than the ones Ranma had before. The DVDs however were new, but it was also at a good price at the same book store.
"Don't worry Ranma; it'll be our little secret." Kasumi said. Then she frowned a little. "I just wish I was able to get you a new TV and DVD player." Ranma eyes bugged out a little. "You….you don't have to Onee-chan." Kasumi smiled and hugged the younger girl. "It's something that I want to do. After all it's my job to make sure all my little sisters are happy." Kasumi told her. "And in some cases, my little brother as well."
Ranma couldn't believe what she was hearing; Kasumi has accepted her as one of her sisters, and in some case a brother as well. There was just something about Kasumi that didn't sit well with Ranma though. Kasumi was a mystery. From the way she talks, to the way she walks. Ranma just couldn't pin point it though.
Like herself Kasumi was hiding something, something that she should know, but it eluded her to no end. She loved Kasumi like the sister she is, but she hardly knows the older teen. Shaking the thoughts from her mind Ranma smiled up at Kasumi. "Was Akane mad that I didn't come home early?" Ranma asked. Kasumi took on a thoughtful look before answering.
"No Akane stayed the night at Yuka's; however she should be back tonight though." Ranma gave a sigh of relief. "Good, I'll be going out again." Ranma told her. "We had this planned for a while, if asked, tell them I decided to go out and do some heavy training." Ranma said. Kasumi nodded. "I assume then you will not be joining us for breakfast?" She asked.
Ranma shook her head. "I would love too, but I can't I have to go so I'll see you tonight." Ranma said as she kissed Kasumi's Hikari and ran out the door. Kasumi smiled as she took a look around the room. Thank you Ranma. She thought, but then a shiver had gone down Kasumi spine. Someone was watching, she turned to the stairs but didn't fine anything there. That was weird. I could have sworn. I must be imaging things again. Kasumi thought.
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Ranma had started running as soon as she was out the door. While jumping from roof top to roof top she couldn't help but wonder if she should go ahead and tell Sayuri some of her secrets. She knew for a fact that some friends do hide stuff from each other. Like the fact that Akane was in other relationship. I should talk to Akane about that though. Ranma thought she haven't told anyone as of yet, I just hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the ass, like the promise I made to Ryouga….Although it was just a normal dog.
Ranma had to really think about that one. No a Promise is a promise, even if Ryouga wasn't there to hear it. Ranma thought. She made good time and had landed just outside the front door. She was happy to find that some of the house lights were turned on in the early morning light. Good I wouldn't be waking anyone up. Ranma thought as she knocked on the door.
The door opened to reveal Sayuri wearing a robe over her Pajamas. Sayuri blinked before she smiled. "Morning Ranma, you're a little early." Sayuri said. Then she had a sad look on her face. "I'm really sorry Ranma, but my mom knows who you are and wants some answers about last night too. I didn't tell her anything, but if you don't talk to her, she might go to your dad."
Ranma paled. She did not want that to happen, but what could she do? Maybe if she lied things could stay hidden. "Maybe I should lie." Ranma sighed. The less she knows the better. She didn't want anyone to get hurt. However something told her that maybe that would be a bad idea, a very bad idea. "Or maybe you should tell me the truth young lady…man…or whoever you are." Sayuri's mom said coming up from behind Sayuri. "And why wouldn't you want your dad to know about this?" Ranma turn pale, the c…ca…cat was out of the bag so to speak, Ranma knew that lying was not going to work, and if Ranma ran off Sayuri's mother would go straight to the Tendos. "It's a long story…" Ranma sighed looking toward the ground.
Sayuri's mother smiled as she placed a hand on Ranma's shoulder. "You can call me Hikari, all of Sayuri's friends do, even Akane." Ranma looked up. "Now why don't you come on in and we can talk over breakfast." Hikari said. She then looked at Sayuri." Yuri-Chan has told me some pretty interesting things about you as of late."
Ranma blinked then she paled. But she promised not to tell anyone. Ranma thought. Hikari looked at the little red head and smiled. "Is it true that you have a curse?" Ranma nodded. "You can tell me a little about it when we eat." She told the young red head. They walked the halls of the house once again Ranma passed by the panting of the red haired woman. Why does she look familiar? Ranma thought.
Ranma followed them into the dining room, but wasn't too sure what she was going to find, but a small table big enough for four, maybe six people wasn't it. On the table was serving platters with French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, biscuits, sausage links, syrup, butter and honey with three place settings.
"Have a seat." Sayuri said as Hikari and Sayuri sat across from each other and Ranma took the last seat at the end of the table between the other two. Seeing Sayuri and Hikari bow their heads Ranma followed shortly after. "Dear lord, thank you for the food we are about to eat, and please guild Ranma on her path, in your name, Amen." Ranma looked up with some confusion in her eyes. Hikari just smiled and patted Ranma's head. "You're a welcome guest, sorry if that made you uncomfortable." She said.
Ranma shook her head. "It's okay, I don't tell people this much, but when I was training with Ken, he told me about the Christian God, I umm have a bible hidden from my father." Ranma told them. Hikari smiled and nodded. "Well then, dig in. And how about that explanation while we eat, like are you a boy cursed to turn into a girl or are you a girl cursed to turn into a boy?"
Ranma sighed; she had gathered some eggs, toast, and some pancakes. She didn't dare touch the sausage though and Sayuri understood why. Unlike Akane who could be clueless sometimes never caught on to what Ranma was trying to tell her, why Ranma just doesn't come out and say it was beyond her. "You have to promise not to tell anyone else about this." Ranma said pouring herself
a glass of orange juice from the pitcher Sayuri handed her before sitting it back down.
"I'm sorry Ranma, but I can't do that until I know what is going on." Hikari said, staring at Ranko making her nervous at the intense inspection. "But I have a feeling that you are much more than you seem. I was talking with Ken before the two of you have shown up." Hikari said. "He was telling me about this cute little girl that he thought of as a daughter, who was so excited to learn from him. And yet you were only supposed to be cursed about what, three, four months ago?"
Ranma sighed as she put her fork down. Sayuri was surprised to hear this. Hikari gave the young red head a small smile. "I know more than you think, although I don't know why you're hiding your true gender." Ranma sighed. It was bound to happen. "Ranma what is mom talking about, you are a boy cursed to turn into a girl, aren't you?" Sayuri asked.
Ranma shook her head. "I was born a girl." She started. "I never meant to hide anything, especially from my friends." Ranma sighed staring at her food. "You see my father wanted a boy to carry on as heir to the Anything Goes Martial arts. So he took me on a training trip cross Asia, and other parts of the world." However something didn't add up.
"He raised me to be a boy, to act more manly." Ranma said with her fists hidden under the table. "I was cursed at the hot springs which is the complete opposite of the one in China." Then in a very quiet voice Ranma said. "If you tell anyone this…I can get in a lot of trouble with my dad." Ranma said. "Ranma, why are you afraid of your dad finding out about this?" Hikari asks, "Does he hurt you?"
Ranma eyes widen and then looked at Sayuri; Sayuri could see the look of betrayal in the red heads eyes. "You Told?" Hikari looked at her daughter with a look of surprise. "You Know?" She asked. "How long have you known about this young lady?" Hikari asked looking at Sayuri demanding to know the answer. "She didn't tell you?" Ranma asked looking back at Hikari. "Ranma, mom." Sayuri said as she looked at the two. "I made a promise and unlike others I tend to keep my promises."
"How long did you know?" Hikari asked. "You might as well tell her, Sayuri." Ranma sighed as she slumped in the chair. "Mom, I'm sorry. I found out yesterday but I promised Ranma that I wouldn't tell anyone." Sayuri said, "Please don't be angry."
"Honey, I'm proud that you kept your promise but under these circumstances you should never keep quiet." Hikari said, "I'm calling the police."
"Wait…Please." Ranma said, "My dad is too dangerous for the police but he won't do anything as long as we are staying at the Tendo's. I just need a little more time; Cologne is helping me with it."
It took a moment for Hikari to figure out who that was, then it clicked. "Is she the old woman who runs the Cat Café?" Ranma nods her head. "Yes, she is an elder of an Amazon village in China and she is helping me with this but if Genma finds out now…I just need a little more time." Ranma begged.
"I will make you a deal, Ranko." Hikari said, "You can come here any time and I would like to see more of you, but if I find out that he hurts you in any way, I will be calling the police. If you don't come here and check in with me I will also call the police but as long as he doesn't do anything I will let it go for now."
Ranma let out a soft sigh. "Thank you." Ranma said. Sayuri took on a thoughtful look. "Ranma, why exactly do you have to pretend to be a boy? If Akane knew the truth then maybe she wouldn't act the way she does toward you." Sayuri said. "Honey, the way Akane acts isn't right to anyone like I said before." Hikari mutters. "That who family needs help. I feel sorry for poor Kasumi. She had to quite High school just to take care of her father and sisters." Hikari said. Ranma couldn't find any argument there although she didn't know about Kasumi's problem; it would explain why Kasumi had a sad look on her face when she thought no one was looking. With a sigh Ranma decided to answer Sayuri question, although she had answered part of it.
"My dad believes women are weak and worthless, they don't deserve to practice the art, so he raised me to act like a man. He knew of the curses and had it planned all along." Ranma said, "I don't know if Soun knows the truth or not, but they made that stupid marriage arrangement a long time ago."
"I see." Hikari sighed, "Well, I won't say anything to anyone for the time being as long as you keep your part of the deal."
"Thank you." Ranma sighed with relief. "Sayuri, did you get that Hikaru costume you wanted for Ranko?" Hikari asked. "Is that your real name?" Sayuri asked. "Sorry, mom, thank you I got it."
"Yeah…Ranma is the name I had to go by ever since I was little but I never forgot that my real name is Ranko." Ranko sighed. "Let's finish our breakfast before it gets any colder." Hikari said getting a couple pancakes for herself.
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"So you are really a girl?" Sayuri asked again after they finished breakfast and headed to her room to get changed for the convention. Ranma was sitting on the edge of her bed dressed just like Hikaru from Magic Knight Rayearth which was something she always wanted to do. "Yeah, I'm sorry I lied to you." Ranma said sadly.
"You didn't have a choice but what should I call you now?" Sayuri asked a little confusion in her voice. "In public you have to call me, Ranma but when we are alone I would like to be called Ranko…it's my real name and it feels so good to have someone finally know the truth." Ranko said admiring the jewel in her glove. "That is if you ever want to hang out with me ever again."
Sayuri sat next to Ranko and wrapped her arms around the red heads shoulders. "Even before I knew you were a girl I wanted to be your friend Ranma…Ranko." Sayuri said, "And just because I find out that you are really a girl doesn't mean that that is going to stop." She told Ranko as she hugged Ranko. "Thanks Sayuri." Ranko said looking up smiling at Sayuri, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Hey, don't cry you'll ruin the makeup." Sayuri said, trying to cheer Ranko up some with a little joke. Ranko just smiled at Sayuri. I'll be right back, Ranko." Sayuri said leaving the room and leaving Ranko alone with her thoughts. She couldn't believe that Sayuri and her mother both accepted Ranko for who she was but would they still accept her if they found out everything?
If she told them though she had no delusions of them sending the police on Genma but would they even really give a damn about her after finding out? She wanted to believe that they would but she still couldn't tell them because she didn't want Genma to kill anyone else.
"Okay, I'm ready." Sayuri said coming back into the room though Ranko didn't recognize her at first with the blue long haired wig and dressed like Umi from the Magic Knights Rayearth manga. "I thought it would be kind of cool if we went with matching costumes." Ranko smiled, she liked that idea, and it would be easier for her to blend in a crowd. "We should probably get going." Ranko said as she stood up. The two made their way to the front door when the two was stopped by Hikari. "You girls ready?" Hikari asked, "I'll give you a lift." Sayuri looked at who nodded. "Sure." Sayuri said. "You know if you two want you can model your outfits for a while this morning." Hikari said, "I have another girl that will be there modeling a Fuu costume and I'll pay you both the same amount I'm paying her."
"Really?" Sayuri asked excitedly. "I don't know." Ranko said a little nervously. The biggest reason she wanted to go the convention to begin with was to see Ken and he already left. The reason she was going today was to try and have a little fun hanging out with her new friend.
"Please, it will be fun." Sayuri said giving her best puppy dog eyes. "I guess so; I guess it could be fun." Ranko said, earning a hug from the excited Umi look alike. She was hoping that she wasn't going to see anyone she knew because a second day of going was actually pushing her luck but she wanted to make her new friend happy.
"Ranko dear, if at any time you feel uncomfortable doing this you can stop." Hikari said smiling a little at Ranko. "Thank you, Hikari." Ranko said. "You know Ranko; I think I changed my mind about you calling me Hikari." Hikari said smiling a little as the two teens separated. "Y-You did?" Ranko asked worried that she may have somehow angered her. "Yes dear, how about calling me Auntie instead?" Hikari asked.
"Really?" Ranko asked excitedly. "Of course sweetie." Hikari said just before Ranko hugged the older woman. "Thank you so much." Ranko said happily. "You are a part of this family now Ranko so if you ever need anything feel free to ask. My door will always be open to you." Hikari said pushing Ranko away gently while holding her shoulders and looking into the young redhead's eyes. "It doesn't matter what it is or when it is."
Ranko didn't know what to say. However there was only one thing that she could say. "Thanks Auntie." Ranko said. "You are welcome dear." Hikari said kissing Ranko's Forehead, "Now come on you two we have to get going or we will be late." The three piled into the van and Hikari started it up while Ranko and Sayuri both sat on the two seats right behind the front seats.
"Buckle up girls." Hikari said. "It feels so strange." Ranko whispered as she buckled her safety belt. "What does?" Hikari asked looking in the rearview mirror at Ranko. "To be treated like this after so long…Like a real girl…" Ranko said hugging herself. "It feels so good to be able to not hide who I am and for people to accept me for who I am." Sayuri placed a hand on Ranko's.
"I wish I talked to you sooner Ranko, I'm so sorry for letting Akane influence me so much over you." Sayuri said, her voice carrying how much she was beating herself up over it as the regret and sadness was unmistakable.
"Sayuri…Please…It isn't your fault, it's my father's." Ranko said taking Sayuri's hand and squeezed it. "Thank you so much for the last two days, for giving me the happiest time in my life for so long." Sayuri looked over at Ranko and gave her a soft smile. "Well, there will be lots more times if I have anything to say about it." Sayuri said with a smile. "If both of us have anything to say about it, Sayuri." Hikari said, "Remember what I said Ranko, you are a part of this family."
"Thanks Auntie, Sayuri." Ranko replied. "You are very welcome dear." Hikari said, "Are you girls ready?" "Yeah mom." Sayuri said as Ranko let go of her hand. "Yes Auntie." Ranko said as Hikari put the vehicle in gear and slowly pulled out of the drive and onto the street, the gates closing behind them. "Auntie…You make all of these costumes?" Ranko asked.
"A lot of them dear, although Sayuri helps out a lot." Hikari said, "My family owns several major hobby and toy stores in Japan that sale anything from toys and models to some of the highest quality costumes for cosplaying. It isn't our biggest ventures but it is one of my sister and my favorites."
"Wow." Ranko said surprised. It sounded a lot bigger than Ranko first thought but then again to have a home like Sayuri's one had to have been making a good deal of money. "Mom is the best costume designer in Japan." Sayuri said. "I'm not really the best, dear. You know your aunts are just as good if not better." Hikari said. "It sounds like you have a large family." Ranko said wistfully.
"We do but I admit some of it is messed up." Hikari said, frowning a little. "I know you met my niece and nephew. While I do love them I can't stand them, they refuse any help anyone tries to give them as they kind of started growing mad after their mother, one of my sisters, passed away.
My brother is working on restoring the family name but after all the crap Kodachi and Tatewaki has done and that insane Hawaiian wannabe it is proving to be a difficult task. I'm glad that all our companies are in my husband's name otherwise they would probably go bankrupt."
"Kuno…You have got to be joking." Ranko said shocked, "You are related to those psychos?" Sayuri sighed while pinching the bridge of her nose. "Sadly." Sayuri said, "But we aren't like them Ranko so please don't worry."
Ranko smiled and shook her head. "I'm not Sayuri; I'm just a little surprised." Ranko said. "We're here girls." Hikari said pulling into the vendor's spaces and parking the van. "Could you girl's help unload some of this stuff?"
"Sure." Ranko said getting out of the van following Sayuri and Hikari to the back. Hikari opened the back of the van and pointed to some smaller boxes. "These aren't really too heavy." Hikari said, "That box though is and we will probably have to get a couple of the guys to help unload it."
"I'll get it." Ranko said pulling the large box out and lifting it easily, "There isn't any use bothering someone else Auntie."
"Wow." Hikari said in awe, "You really are strong."
"Years of training it the art." Ranko said as Hikari moved to help her. "It's okay Auntie, this is nothing." Ranko said. "Are you sure?" Hikari asked a little worried. "I'm sure." Ranko said. "Okay." Hikari said as she grabbed the last couple of boxes and shut the door. "Let's get inside then."
The three walked toward the side entrance when a girl with blonde hair came out dressed like Fuu as Hikari had said there would be. "Great, you're here, we was starting to get a little worried." The Fuu look alike said. "Sorry, my daughter and niece decided that they would like to join you today showing off our Rayearth costumes." Hikari said letting the blonde take one of the boxes she was carrying. "Oh wow, they look great." Fuu said. "Thanks." Sayuri and Ranko said at the same time though Ranko was a little nervous and confused. Why did Hikari refer to Ranko as her niece?
The four of them walked into the building making their way through the small early morning crowd of people setting up for the day. The convention wasn't yet open to the public yet for the day as everyone was setting up and getting ready for business. They quickly arrived at their booth where there were even more people from yesterday.
There were two guys there, one dressed as Cloud Strife and the other as Sephiroth, both characters from Final Fantasy seven. The girls while the same as the previous day also had a few new additions to their group. A few of them making Ranko look in shock, the clothes that they were wearing did little to hide assets that rivaled Ranko's if not outright making hers look small.
There was Tifa from Final Fantasy seven, Ayame from Dead or Alive, Atsuko Natsume from Nuku Nuku, Kei from the Dirty Pair, Felicia from Vampire Savior, Lum from Lum and finally Fuu from Magic Knight Rayearth. Ranko was shocked at the way some of them was dressed, it was something that she couldn't ever fathom wearing herself.
Every movement by the most scantily clad girls threatened to spill their large breasts out for everyone to see. The two guys kept ogling the girls which sickened Ranko and yet memories of how her male body would be reacting made it even worse.
"Ranko…Hey Ranko." Sayuri said shaking Ranko out of her thoughts. "Sorry." Ranko said a little uneasily, a part of her wanting to curl up and cry. She hated feeling this way and it disgusted her knowing exactly what was making the guy's bodies react in the way they did.
The curses usually added a kind of instincts that made the curse forms feel natural so that the victims wouldn't go crazy but with everything that happened to her and the constant changes including hormones made her hate herself all the more.
"Let's check out some of the manga mom brought." Sayuri suggested, obviously trying to get Ranko's mind off whatever was bothering her. "Sure." Ranko said trying to shove the dark thoughts out of her head. The only thing they ever did was hurt and confuses her and she didn't want that. She was here to have fun and she intended to.
She followed Sayuri over to a self-set up in Hikari's area that was already lined with many DVDs and games. Hikari was just opening the box Ranko carried in to reveal it stuffed full of manga which Sayuri started to help put on the shelf. "How did that get in there?" Hikari asked pulling out a strange book. Ranko's attention was drawn to it as she swore she felt a strange power coming from it but that was impossible, it was just a book wasn't it?
"What is it?" Ranko asked softly. "You like it, Ranko?" Sayuri asked as Ranko nodded. "You can have it if you want sweetie. I never got it open because I didn't want to damage the book but maybe you will have better luck." Hikari said. "Thank you Auntie." Ranko said, finally breaking her eyes free from the book and looking up at the elder woman happily.
"Come on Ranko, they are opening the doors." Sayuri said pulling Ranko with her to join Fuu. The next couple of hours went by quickly and while she was extremely nervous at first Ranko quickly loosened up and started having fun, joking and laughing with Sayuri and Fuu as people came by wanting to get pictures taken with them or of them which Ranko relented to after seeing how much fun Sayuri was having doing it and she learned that she did too when she started. It was great meeting all of these new people and seeing the happy looks on their faces.
"I'm sorry honey, but I don't have enough money for that after paying to get in." A woman said to a little girl who was looking longingly at a DVD at the next booth. "They only gave me enough to get in so we can write the story and take a few pics for it. Maybe we can find another one when I get paid."
Ranko felt sorry for the little girl as she finally moved off with the woman who Ranko believed was the girl's mom to the next booth writing down notes as she talked to who she thought was a manga artist. Ranko went to the booth with the DVD the girl wanted and picked it up to look at. It was actually kind of expensive, the price obviously inflated for some reason or another but Ranko pulled out the money she had left that Cologne gave her and gave the money to the man who seemed to have a hateful attitude. If it wasn't for the little girl Ranko would have told the man to shove the DVD somewhere not so nice.
Taking the DVD she followed the woman and little girl and smiled at them when they looked up at her. "Can we help you?" The woman asked a little nervously. "Well you see…There was this contest for…The cutest kid and well you see your daughter won this." Ranko said handing the little girl the DVD then giving the woman what little money she had left. It wasn't much but it should cover lunch for both the woman and girl
"We…I can't take this." The woman said sadly though her eyes looked hungrily at the money. "Yes you can." Ranko said, "Like I said you won a contest." "Thank you." The woman said pulling her camera out. "May I please take a picture of you?"
"Sure, I guess." Ranko said a little nervously. "Thank you, can I please get my daughter in the shot to?" The woman asked. "Sure." Ranko said as she knelt down next to the girl wrapping an arm around her as the woman took their picture. "My name is Yuriko Himura." The woman said offering her hand. "Ranko Uzumaki." Ranko said getting up and taking the woman's hand.
"We have to be going but I hope to see you again sometime." Yuriko said as she took the little girl's hand and walked away. "That was very nice." Sayuri said from behind Ranko startling the redhead. "Don't do that." Ranko gasped clutching her chest while trying to catch her breath from that scare. How the hell did she do that anyways?
"Sorry." Sayuri said giggling, "Still that was a very nice thing to do."
"I kind of…Do that a lot." Ranko said smiling as she looked to where the now happy girl was with her mother taking more pictures. "I like to help people anyway I can."
"That's great, Ranko." Sayuri said. "It is." Hikari said from behind the two girls startling them. Damn it! Auntie is just as sneaky as Sayuri. She handed them each some money which Ranko hesitantly took. "Thank you both for your help this morning, thanks to you my Rayearth costumes was my best sellers. Go have some fun now, I'll meet you tonight Sayuri and Ranko don't forget to come by often."
"Thanks mom." Sayuri said. "I will, Auntie, thank you." Ranko said as Hikari hugged them both then went back to her booth with Ranko watching wistfully. "Your mother is really nice. I wish my mom was still alive…"
"What happened to her, Ranko?" Sayuri asked softly. "She died when I was really little, I can't even remember what she looked like anymore. I wish I had a picture or something of her but…My dad destroyed any pictures that we must have had because I looked through his pack once and there weren't any pictures…At least not any I would want to talk about." Ranko said. "I'm sorry, Ranko." Sayuri said hugging Ranko.
"Sayuri…I don't know if…If this is going to work out." Ranko said sadly pulling away from Sayuri. "I…I don't deserve you as a friend…I really don't deserve anybody." She didn't look at Sayuri when she said that. "What are you talking about, of course you do." Sayuri said.
"You forgot this." Hikari said interrupting the two girls' hushed conversation and handed Ranko the book she had earlier. "Thanks Auntie." Ranko said taking the book carefully and hugging it to her chest. "Is something wrong dear?" Hikari asked a little worried. "No Auntie, I'm okay." Ranko said smiling up at the woman, "We're just going to look around a little."
"Okay honey but remember that I'm always here for you." Hikari said kissing Ranko's forehead. "I will thank you Auntie." Ranko said grabbing Sayuri's hand and dragging the girl into the crowds of people milling around the large convention.
The convention was a blast. The lights the music, the dancing, Sayuri and Ranko had even signed up for the Cosplay chess that was going on as well. Ranko had never had so much fun before; it was all so new to the young red head. The dancing was the most fun she had ever had, even if she had to dance with Sayuri, she still loved it.
Ranko never hear Sayuri's warning though until it was too late and Ranko had bumped into someone else. Someone that both Sayuri and Ranko knew very well. She had bumped into Yuka. "Hey, watch where you are going." Akane demanded angrily seeing what happened. Shit what the hell is Akane doing here?
"Sorry Akane." Sayuri said as Ranko turned away from them ready to run, however as she turned she saw a display of sunglasses Looking at the price Ranko quickly paid the man and put the sunglasses on. "Hi Sayuri." Akane said before she looked at the person Sayuri that was with Sayuri. "Ranma?" She asked. Then she had gotten an angry look on her face. "What are you doing here dressed like that?" She said.
"Umm…Akane I don't believe that's Ranma." Yuka said. "Her hair is longer and I don't think Ranma had crossed dressed since he pretended to be Ryouga's sister." Akane looked at Yuka and then nodded even though that fiasco was still fresh in her mind. "Then who are you?" Ranma titled her head and pretended that she didn't understand the question.
Then she looked at Sayuri hoping that she would back her up. When she didn't see any signs that she knew what Ranma was playing at she started to say something in a different language. "*Dic quod lubet, non volunt scire!*" [Translation: "Say Something please I don't want them to know!" –Kidan]
Sayuri looked at her red headed friend and blinked. Then she turned to Akane and Yuka who are surprised looks on their faces, after all it wasn't every day that you would meet someone who talked in a dead language. "Um hold on a sec my Latin is a little rusty." Sayuri said as she took on a thoughtful look.
"We I guess that proves that you're not Ranma." Akane said. "But who are you?" Sayuri looked at Ranko. Ranko smiled and said, still talking in Latin. "*Ego Ranko Uzumaki, Suus 'nice ad te tandem Akane Tendo.*" [Translation: "I'm Ranko Uzumaki, it's nice to finally meet you Akane Tendo."-Kidan] Akane blinked. "Um I'm sorry but could you say that again in Japanese?" Akane asked.
This was Sayuri's cue to intervene. "Actually she can't." Sayuri said. "Akane, Yuka. I would like you to meet my…cousin, Ranko." She then turned to Ranko and said. "These are my friends that I been telling you about." Ranko nodded. She wasn't sure if Sayuri understood her or not but the message was there. Akane and Yuka had a shock look on their faces.
"You, you finally found her, didn't you?" Akane asked drawing a confused look from Ranko. Sayuri nodded. "Although, she can't speak Japanese yet." Sayuri turned and winked at Ranko. "It's getting late, we should probably get going." Ranko nodded her head. "Bye, see you at school." Ranko smiled and waved at Akane and Yuka before following Sayuri.
"You're just full of surprises aren't you?" Sayuri asked with a smile. "I never knew that you could speak Latin." Ranko shrugged her shoulders. "I was something that I learned when I ran away from Genma once, Took me about two years to learn it while I was in England." Then Ranko took on a sad look. "Of course Genma found me." Ranko crossed her arms over her chest and was shivering a little.
What she didn't tell Sayuri though was that when Genma had found her, he gave her a server beating that had put the girl into the Hospital. Of course Genma lied about what had happen, and told the doctors in perfect English that she had gotten beaten up by a small gang. "Do you think that you could teach me?" Sayuri asked.
Ranko nodded. "Only if you tell me what that cousin business was all about." Ranko said. Sayuri took on a sad look. Ranko blinked and was about to say something when Sayuri placed a hand in Ranko's. "Okay, but not here." She said. "I wasn't lying when I said that it was getting late." Ranko nodded and soon they lift the convention hall after stopping by Sayuri's mother to get their things.
Hikari saw the sad look in Sayuri's eyes and was about to ask what was wrong when Sayuri whispered the problem into Hikari's ear. Hikari nodded. "See you at home dear." She told her daughter and kissed her forehead. Sayuri walked backed to Ranma and soon was on their way.
Xxxxxxxxxx
The two had made their way back to Sayuri's house so that Ranko could change. "No I can't" Ranko said. Sayuri smiled and said. "Yes you can." Ranko shook her head. "If I keep it Genma will find out and rip it to pieces." Sayuri sighed. "Then we'll just have to put it in your room." Sayuri said with a smile.
Ranko gave her a shock look. "I guess mom forgot, but she had a guess room made out for you." Ranko blinked. "Oh, she did that when you were getting ready." Sayuri cleared that up. "She wanted me to tell you that if you ever have any problems, that if the stress ever becomes too much for you, that you are welcome here at any given time, even if it is in the middle of the night."
Ranko smiled and hugged Sayuri. "Thank you." The two then sat on Sayuri's bed, crossed legged from each other. "About twelve years ago, I had this beautiful new born baby cousin name Ranko. She looked just like her mom." Sayuri said. "I was four years old at the time and Auntie had asked me to stay the night."
Sayuri's voice was breaking. "I was in Ranko's room and would often try to help take care of her, even though I was only four." Ranko took Sayuri's hand into hers. "What happened Sayuri?" Ranko asked gentle. Sayuri by now had tears in her eyes. "During the night Auntie was attacked and almost killed by Ranko's father."
Ranko sucked in some air. "Then he went for Ranko, I was with her as we hide in the closet, however Ranko was crying at the time." Tears started to fall a little faster now. Ranko was about to stop her when Sayuri continued. "He found us quickly and punched me in the head." Sayuri said. "He took Ranko, and when the police finally caught up to them, he…He caused an explosion in the building that they were in Killing, several people, some Police offices, himself and…and little Ranko." Ranko was at Sayuri's side before the last of what she was saying was done.
Ranko held Sayuri as she cried into her shoulders. Ranko didn't know what she was feeling, Sayuri was in so much pain, the guilt of what must have happen that night was still there, and Ranko knew that she still blamed herself. After a while Sayuri was able to claim down enough to continued talking. "I didn't want to tell you." Ranko nodded she understood.
"I didn't want you to think that I was being nice to you because, well after mom found out who you were, she had this idea that you could be our Ranko." Ranko gave her a confused look. "That's impossible Sayuri." Ranko said. "I'm sixteen, not twelve." Sayuri nodded. Ranko hugged Sayuri a little closer.
"Ranko…I didn't want you to think that we were only nice to you because of that. I wanted to be your friend before I found out your real name and I still want you to be my friend now. I…I just didn't want you to think that we were just trying to replace her with you and…I'm sorry Ranko."
"It's okay." Ranko said smiling a little, "I understand. I can only image how you must still feel after that night." Sayuri hugged Ranko a little tighter. Ranko had her answer; Sayuri still to this day blames herself for protecting her little cousin. Ranko held Sayuri as she cried herself to sleep, and here Ranko thought that her life was messed up.
I wonder if her aunt is still alive, I can only image what it would be like to lose your child after only knowing her for a few days. Ranko thought as she laid Sayuri down on her bed and gentle covered her up while unconsciously placing a hand on her stomach. I better call Kasumi and tell her that I'm not going to be home tonight. Ranko thought. Sayuri needs a friend right now, best to be there for her when she wakes up.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Ranko made her way back to Sayuri's room after calling the Tendos; Ranko sat down at the desk looking over the Book that Hikari had given her. She studied the lock and was wondering if she should try to pick it, when suddenly her hands started to glow the book had unlocked and she gently opened the cover and stared at a deck of large cards lying inside the pages where a space for them was cut out of the pages.
Ranko picked up the top card and was about to read the name out loud when something told her to stop. Blinking Ranko didn't understand what was going on. That was when Ranko suddenly started to glow. Some type of seal had devolved under her feet and the wind had started to pick up even though she was in-doors.
On the bed Sayuri had started to wake up, when she turned to look at Ranko, she couldn't stop herself from calling out Ranko's name. "Ranko!" The wind suddenly died down and a Ranko fell to her knees panting for breath the card still in her hands glowing. That was when Ranko heard a voice. Ranko Uzumaki, I have judge you worthy of the cards, however know that you while I judge you pure, you have many trails ahead of you, for you are now a Card Captor.
"What the hell was that!?" Ranko cried out. Sayuri knelt next to her and placed a hand on Ranko's shoulder. "Ranko, are you okay?" Ranko blinked and looked at the Burnette. "I should be asking you that." Ranko told her. Sayuri smiled and looked at the card in Ranko's hand. "Wow, that's a pretty card." Sayuri said.
Ranko nodded. Ranko placed the card back into the book. Then she looked at Sayuri. "Something just happen and I want some answers." Ranko said in anger. Sayuri took a step back. "All I did was open the damn book looked at a card and suddenly I'm covered in a magical spell array." Then Ranko blinked. "What the hell is a Spell array?" Ranko asked. She was starting to go into a panic attack when a voice called out.
"A spell array is something that usually appears when a spell is being used." The two girls turned and stared. Flying before them was a yellow plush like toy with small white wings. "Sayuri, did we enter the Twilight Zone by mistake?" Ranko asked. Sayuri shook her head no. "Okay, then did we somehow eat Akane's cooking." Ranko asked once more. Again Sayuri shook her head. "Okay, then You too see a flying, talking yellow Beanie Baby?" Sayuri nodded, she still hasn't found her voice. "Okay fly boy, who are you?"
"I'm Keroberos but in this fork you can just call me Kero." Kero said. "I'm the guardian of the Clow cards." Ranko looked down at the cards in the book. Kero looked at the cards and blinked, somehow there was one missing. "Hey Red, did you read any of the cards names?" Kero asked Ranko who shook her head.
"There's a card missing." Ranko blinked. "But I didn't touch the cards only the first one." Ranko said in a soft voice. "Then there was this magical spell array, and then a voice called out saying that I was a Card Captor." Ranko said. Sayuri looked at Ranko. "I…I can't be a Card Captor, I have so much going on right now it's not even funny." Besides, the voice said I was pure. That's a laugh.
"Ranko?" Sayuri called out to her friend. Kero looked at Ranko and shook his head. "I hate to say this but with a card missing you don't really have a choice." Ranko lowered her head, her hair covering her eyes. I guess Trash like me really don't have any choices to make after all. Sayuri touch her arm and Ranko jerked away, but didn't say anything.
"I can't, trash like me shouldn't even touch these cards." Ranko said in a soft neutral voice. "I can't do it." Kero placed a hand on Ranko's arm. "Ranko, the card that is missing could end up hurting a lot of people without meaning to." He told her in a soft voice. "I need someone as powerful as you to help me get the card back. I need someone to protect them."
Ranko looked up with tears in her eyes. Protect them? I can't even protect myself. "I can't do it, how many times to I have to tell you?" Ranko said her voice rising. "How can I protect them, when I can't even protect myself!?" Ranko got up and was about to run out of the room, however that plan fell short as Sayuri tackled Ranko to the floor before she even made it have way to the door.
"No don't get off me!" Ranko scream trying to get Sayuri off of her. "Please no more!" Sayuri stopped, and looked at Ranko. "I'm not going to hurt you Ranko, but what's wrong?" She asked. Ranma stopped and slowly sat up and turned to look at Sayuri. I can't tell her, not yet. "I'm sorry Sayuri, I can't tell you just yet."
Ranko turned to Kero. "So what's your story anyways?" Ranko asked. Kero turned to her and blinked. "Nothing special, I'm just a Guardian of the Clow Cards." Ranko blinked. "Then if you're the guardian then how was I able to open the book?" Kero sweat-dropped. "Well…You see…I've been in there for a long time and I was getting really tired so…I kind of took a nap." Kero said scratching the back of his head nervously.
"Great, all this because you were slacking off." Sayuri said a little angrily. "Hey, it's not like that." Kero snapped. "Please don't argue." Ranko sighed, "Kero, what do I have to do?" The Stuff toy guardian looked at the young red haired teen and blinked. "Are you sure about this Ranko?" Ranko nodded her head softly. "First you have to make a contract with the book and get the Key of Clow." Kero explained, "Just follow my lead."
"Okay…" Ranko said unsure of what to expect. "Oh Book of Clow, this girl Ranko wishes to contract with you to gain the Key to capture the cards." Kero said then waved at Ranko.
"Please, oh Book of Clow, grant me your powers to protect people." Ranko said as the circle of light appeared again, a gentle breeze tracing its perimeter before closing in tighter causing Ranko's clothes and hair to flutter around. Ranko instinctually reached her hand out as a little bird headed key appeared above it spinning around. Ranko closed her hands around it as it elongated in a pinkish bird headed staff. The wind died down as the circle of light faded away.
"Great job, Ranko." Kero said happily while the redhead looked at the staff in awe. "It's beautiful…And I can feel the power coursing through it…Through me." Ranko whispered without taking her gaze off the staff. "Oh well, Ranko." Sayuri said in surprise, "I guess this makes you a magical girl."
"No…I can't…If he finds out…" Ranko said shaking her head furiously. "Relax Ranko, I'll help you. I'll supply the costumes and even tape it for prosperity." Sayuri said a little excited, "I'll be your sidekick, and it'll be fun Ranko." Ranko looked at Sayuri and blinked, Sayuri just brushed some hair back behind her ear and smile.
"I don't know…" Ranko said worriedly as she stared at Sayuri unsure what to think. Sayuri had tried to comfort her and was now volunteering to put her life at risk helping catch these so called cards and wasn't even demanding anything in exchange. She wasn't trying to marry or kill her and was only asking to be friends. She wasn't sure at first but Ranko was beginning to realize that it was real, Sayuri wanted to be her friend.
Ranko smiled at the girl happy to finally have one who had no ulterior motives, someone who treated her as if she was truly worth something. A large part of her still believed that she was everything that her father had beat into her head for so long but Sayuri was giving her a reason to start having a little doubt in her father's words.
"I won't let you do this by yourself, Ranko." Sayuri said hugging the redhead, "Friends help each other and we are friends, right."
"Y…Yeah, thanks Sayuri." Ranko said smiling.
To Be Continued….
Okay so before you people start raising hell for what I did near the end let me explain first. I wanted to do something different to separate this story from the original version, and from Card Captor Sakura. So here's my idea. At any given point Kero will inform Ranko that a card has disappeared from the Card Deck.
Ranko's mission is find the card and to recapture the card. Now as you have read the voice has called out saying that the cards were already Ranko that much is true, however the cards are going to test their new master. Now what does this mean for the Card Captor crew? You just have to wait and see.
I also changed the name of Sayuri's mother to Hikari, because I thought Ranko needed a little light in her darken world. I also thought it would be fun to change a few things as well, as a little back story for Sayuri's cousin. Rather Ranko is or not is going to be up to me, I'm not really sure if Senshi was going to go that route though.
Well until next time. See ya.
Kidan Out.