Disclaimer: I don't own ANYTHING! Ranma belongs to Takahasi (man, that sounds demented, huh?)

Chapter Two: The Newcomer

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Kasumi Tendo always awoke with the rising sun. It was a habit she had picked up long ago, and she never rid herself of it, so she was always the first to rise from bed. Kasumi liked to keep the house clean, so before she fired up breakfast, she would make sure the dining room was clear of any leftovers from the night before. After she gathered all the trash into a bag, she carried it out to the front of the dojo.

Today began the same way, until Kasumi opened one of the doors leading out to the street. She dropped the bag in surprise, and her hands flew up to her mouth. "Oh my", she gasped. There, lying face-down and prone on the dirt in front of her, was a body of a man. He was clad in a white T-shirt, brown leather jacket, and blue jeans. A strap, wrapped tightly around his shoulder, was connected to a large black case. "I should call Father and Mr. Saotome." With that, she ran back into the house.

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"Well, he's not dead, just unconsious. With some rest and some food, he'll be just fine." Soun finished his assessment of the young man's condition. Kasumi had come running in flustered, just when he and Genma had began their usual board game. Soun was worried that something may have happened to Kasumi, since she usually kept a very calm composure. He was relieved when it was the stranger and not her that was in trouble. The two fathers had hoisted him up, along with the case, and carried him to the guest room. He was now tucked in snuggly on a spare futon, breathing smoothly. When Nabiki informed Ranma and Akane of the newcomer, they hurried up to see who it was.

"Hey, Akane, that's the guy from yesterday, the sax man!" Ranma was startled when he laid eyes upon the familiar mop of hair, and the rigid face.

"Man from yesterday? Why, whatever do you mean Akane?" Soun had a peculiar look on his face. Is there another man in Akane's life?!

"We went to the music festival yesterday, and we saw this man performing. He was really a great musician. But I wonder what he was doing outside?"

Genma spoke up. "Well, he's asleep now, so we'll start up breakfast, and ask him when he wakes up." Everyone nodded in agreement, and they filed out of the room quietly, letting the man rest in peace.

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The family began their meal as usual. Ranma and Genma were inhaling their meals, wanting to start some training for the weekend. Soun was the first to speak. "Ahem. So, uh, Akane, how was you're little date with Ranma? I'm sure you two shared some intimate moments."

Akane lowered her head, hiding her embarassment, while Ranma choked on a large ball of rice. He whacked his chest a few times, before protesting. "Whoa, whoa! First of all, it was NOT a date! We just went to listen to some music, that's all! Secondly, and more importantly, I would never get intimate with THAT tomboy. She'd probably bite my head off just for considering...."

Whack! A mallet cutoff Ranma's rant. "Well, excuse ME! I guess a pervert like you would only get intimate with a lunatic like Shampoo, am I right?"

"Ooohh, you're pushin' it, peabrain!"

"Peabrain!? Why you inconsiderate...."

"Ahhhh, excuse me?"

A new voice from the top of the stairs halted the vicious exchange. Everyone looked up to see the rescuee making his way down.

"Ahh, and he's up. Wonderful! How do you feel, boy?" Genma beckoned him over to the table. "Come, come, don't be shy. Kasumi here will get you something to eat. I'm sure you're hungry."

Kasumi gave him a sweet smile. "Sure. Just wait a moment." She got up to fetch a meal for their guest.

"Thank you." He shuffled over next to Ranma, and sat down. He hung his head a little, trying not to look at anyone in particular.

"So. What brings you to the dirt in front of our house?" Nabiki gave him an interrogative lokk. "Lemme guess. Money trouble?"

The stranger shook his head. "No."

"Runnin' from the Mafia?"

"No."

"Police?"

"No."

Nabiki became a little miffed. "Well then, at least tell us your name. I'm getting a little tired of the one-word answer."

"Jason Vargas."

Ranma clapped him on the shoulder. "That's right. You're that super performer we saw at the festival yesterday."

The corner of Jason's mouth twitched a bit. "I wouldn't say super."

Akane smiled. "Oh, don't be so modest. You were awesome."

A lopsided grin formed and then quickly disappeared. "No, not awesome. Just experienced."

"Well, whatever you wanna call it, you were it, man. You had every girl there wrapped around your finger. Why, even Akane here was fallin' for ya. I can remember it well. 'Oh, Ranma, he's so handsome he's so wonderful, he's so....'"

Another smack on the head silenced that tirade. "Yeah? Well, you're so stupid, I'm amazed I can even stand it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a workout to do." And with that, Akane got up, and left to don her gi.

Ranma rubbed his head. "Ahh, she's so stubborn." He looked over to Jason. "Hey, do you do martial arts?"

"No, but I do gymnastics."

"That's great! Let's go to the hall, and maybe I'll show ya some moves."

Jason looked up. "Sure." He and Ranma stood up, and left for the dojo, right after Jason gave a small 'Thank You' for the breakfast.

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Stupid Ranma. Punch. Showing me up like that. Roundhouse. In front of the musician, no less. What nerve! She ended her form with a flying kick. She looked to the entrance, to see Ranma and Jason enter the dojo, and begin stretching. Argh. He had to follow me. Well, at least he won't bother me, not with Jason there. She took a breath, and began another form.

Ranma watched Akane carefully. Hmph. Why does she act that way? I kid with her a bit, and she overreacts! I mean, jeez, I'm tryin' to be nice, and she has to throw it in my face! Well, I'll give it another shot, see if she's calmed down. "Hey, Jason, finish warmin' up while I go talk with Akane. I wanna test your reflexes." Jason nodded, and continued, while Ranma made his way over to his fiancee.

"You still mad?" Ranma stood with his arms crossed, watching Akane run through her movements.

She finished her last move, then turned to face Ranma, panting slightly. "Mad? I wasn't mad. I was ANNOYED. Why do you have to embarrass me like that?"

"Why were you embarrassed? It's not like you REALLY said those things."

"I know, but still....."

"Yeah, yeah, you don't wanna look dumb in front of the cute guy."

Akane looked down at her feet, shuffling them a bit. "Shut up. So what if I think he's cute?" She looked up, smiling, hoping to catch Ranma off-guard. "Sides, you're not so bad-looking yourself."

Ranma's face quickly ran through the rainbow, stopping at a nice tomato color. "Wh-Wha??? N-Now, wait up, th-this is about him, not me." Secretly, he was thinking more along the lines of, She thinks I'm cute, she thinks I'm cute, she thinks I'm cute!!!

Akane laughed, then poked him solidly in the abdomen. Being off-balance as he was, he fell over, and glared up at her. "Oooh, that was low blow." She only laughed harder, dissapating what little frustration he had. He picked himself up, and turned away. "Well, I'm gonna work with Jason for a bit, then maybe I'll grace you with my superiority." Akane rolled her eyes, but went back to her practice, no longer annoyed with him.

All the while, Jason had watched, with a knowing eye. The lopsided smile formed again, as he assessed the arguing teens. Hmm. An interesting relationship.

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"All right, here I come!" Ranma launched another flying side kick, and Jason responded by cartwheeling to the side. Ranma landed, and quickly changed direction, lauching into a flip that would bring the heel of his foot on top of Jason's head. Jason rolled underneath the martial artist, then pinwheeled away, putting distance between him and Ranma. But Ranma had already began charging, and threw a vicious right hook at him. Jason hopped up nimbly, and placed did a handstand on Ranma's head. Ranma crossed his arms and swept them over his head. Jason pushed off, rotating slowly, landing his feet back on top of Ranma, then backflipped away, landing on his hands again, before somersaulting away.

"Man, you're quick, Jason. It's pretty hard to hit you. But you haven't studied any sort of actual style, have you?"

He shook his head. "My father was a gymnast as well, and he taught me enough to keep me in shape, and enough to allow me to defend myself in an emergency."

"Well, you handle yourself pretty well. I'm impressed. Now, why don't you take a break, while I go give the tomboy a run for her money?" Jason nodded, and sat down to watch the teens spar.

"I'm gonna get you for that one, Ranma."

"Anytime, Akane."

Akane advanced at a run, throwing various attacks at Ranma, but he only avoided them, occasionally blocking the well-placed ones. Jason watched the exchange with little intrest in the actual fighting. Well, they are definitly falling for each other. It's written all over their faces. But.... they seem to want to hide the fact that they like each other. I wonder why. Maybe they're just embarrassed about it, but if they're living in the same house, then what difference could admitting it make? Something's up here, and I am curious as to what it may be.

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Lunch brought the family, plus one, together at the table. Kasumi brough out a steaming tray of assorted foods, and they glady dug in. There was little talking, save for some bickering from Ranma and Akane, until the meal finished. Then, the questions started.

"So, Jason, what brings you to Japan? If you don't mind my rudeness, you look like a foreigner." Soun was the first to speak.

"Yes, I'm Costa Rican. It's a small country in Central America."

"Ah, so you're Spanish."

"Well, I speak Spanish. Like I said, I'm Costa Rican, which is techincally Latin."

"Oh, I see. So you're a transfer student."

"No. Actually, I'm one year fresh out of high school. I wanted to go to college, but getting the money together was gonna be tough, until I got the chance to join the International Jazz Assosiation."

Nabiki became interested at the word money. "International Jazz Assosiation?"

"Yes. We're a collection of some of the greatest and most famous players of them all. Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderly, Louie Armstrong, and Charles Mingus were members, but they weren't around when we started to send groups overseas. We go around and get gigs at concerts and festivals such as the one you two were at."

"So, you're making money playing around the world, and then you're gonna go to college?"

"No and no. This was my last gig with the IJA. I sent a letter of resignation yesterday. Instead, I've decided to stay here, in Nerima. The local nightclub ring gave me a deal, saying that I could be a permanent employee with them, circulating around the various clubs every weekend. I've got my eye on a few apartments in this area, and I'm just waiting until the whole IJA thing blows over. And I'm not planning on college. It's just too expensive. And besides, my life is music. There's no school that can teach me anything better than experience can."

Genma spoke up. "Well, you're a strong individual, Jason. Living out on your own is a tough job, but it looks like you're going to manage."

Jason looked down. "I sure hope so."

Ranma clapped him on the back. "Aww, you're gonna do fine. In the meantime, you can stay with us. I'm sure we could make room for you. Heck, Pop could bunk with Mr. Tendo, and you could room with me. It would be great to get some snore-free sleep." Ranma dropped his voice a little. "You don't snore, do you?"

"I don't belive so."

Soun stood up happily. "Well, then, that settles it! Jason, consider yourself a temporary member of this family. We'd be happy to keep you here for as long as you need to."

Jason held up his hand in a halting gesture. "Oh, no, there is no way I could impose..."

Akane looked at him. "Oh, come on, it wouldn't be any imposition at all. You'd be the only male bringing in any income, anyways."

The three martial artists retorted, "Hey, we do our part!"

"Yeah, well, running a dojo with no students can't be all that hard..."

"Just you wait, my daughter, we'll get students soon, you just watch..."

"All right, Dad, you're on!"

And as the family continued to argue, Jason only sat back and watched. Family. Such a strange group people. Makes me miss my family. But that's the past. I want to make my future here, where no one knows me. I'm my own person.

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Later that evening, Ranma and Jason were finishing rearranging the room. Not that much work needed to be done. An extra futon with blankets and a pillow were brought out, Genma's small collection of personal items were moved to Soun's room, and Jason's case was brought up to the boys' room. When it arrived, Jason hurredily opened it. The gold and silver alto saxaphone caught the light and sent spots of light around the room. Ranma scooted up to the case, and marveled at the shiny instrument.

"Oooh, it looks even cooler up close. So this is your sax, huh?"

"Yeah, this is her. My life, my passion, my soul. She's beautiful. A vintage Selmer I got from a pawnshop. Man, it was so cheap! Guy didn't even know what it was till I explained it. I replaced the pads, and the cork, greased the springs and the screws, filed out some reeds, about 2 and 1/2 strength, went and found a nice Dukoff mouthpiece..."

Ranma held his hands up. "Whoa, whoa, slow down. I have no idea what you just said."

Jason grinned his lopsided grin. "Ha ha. I just said 'This thing is a godly work of art'."

"Oh."

Jason inspected his piece, while Ranma got ready for a bath. It was then that he realized that he hadn't mentioned his little Jusenkyo curse to Jason. Oh, man. If I do, it'll freak him out. But if I suddenly change one day, then that'll be even worse! Might as well tell him...

"Yo, uh, Jason." Jason turned to look at him. "Uh, I got something important to tell ya. It's, well, I guess you could call it a medical condition. I have this weird reaction to cold water. When it hits me, I kinda, well, umm..."

Before he could finish stammering out his problem, Akane threw open the door to the guys' room, weilding a bucket of cold water. She threw it, and Ranma was too surprised to dodge it. And before Jason's eyes, a pair of large breasts grew onto Ranma's form. Akane growled at him. "And that's what you get for stealing my bathing suit!" It was then that she realized Jason hadn't known about Ranma's curse. "Oh, no! Jason, I, uh....."

"Well, that's not something you see everyday. Man, I'm gonna have to watch out for you, Ranma, my girl."

Both Ranma and Akane's jaws dropped. "W-Wait. You're not..... surprised!? Ranma just changed into a girl! I mean, look at these!" Akane grabbed Ranma's chest, as if to make her point.

"Ya, thanks Akane, you don't have ta rub it in."

Jason only laughed. "Oh, I've heard of it. Jusenkyo, right? I've been to China before, and I've actually witnessed it. Man, that is some weird voodoo stuff, if you ask me."

"You mean.... you don't mind?"

"I don't mind waking up to THOSE every morning, if that's what you mean."

Ranma scrunched her face up. "I hope you don't try anything, buddy. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a hot bath waiting for me." She pushed Akane aside, and strolled down to the bathroom. Akane sat down in the room, still wanting to talk to Jason.

"You really don't find that strange?"

"Of course I do. But it's not like it's unbearable. I mean, no offense, but this whole house is strange."

Akane laughed. "Tell me about it."

Jason smiled, but then turned serious again. "What about you?"

"Huh?"

"Do find it uncomfortable?"

"Well, yeah, a little. I've gotten used to it, but still, its unnerving sometimes. Him and his father..."

"His father too?"

"Well, Mr. Saotome turns into a panda, not a girl, but yeah, him too."

"Interesting."

Akane looked at the young man in front of her in wonder. "Interesting? That's it? Wow. You are one of the most composed people I know."

Jason continued to fiddle with his sax, but his mind wandered elsewhere. "Well..... I've learned that emotions and feelings are too complicated to just express freely. You have to have control. That's why I like to stay quiet. You can't say something stupid if you don't say anything at all."

Akane crossed her arms and nodded. "I agree. That is a lesson you need to teach Ranma."

"Ranma?"

"Yes, please! Oh, he make me so mad sometimes, always blurting out what comes to his mind, not caring about other peoples feelings. He needs to control what he says. Being honest is a virtue, but to be brutally blunt?"

Jason looked up thoughtfully. "You think he is blunt?"

"Yes, of course!"

"Hm. I don't think so. He may talk alot, and he may say many stupid things, but that doesn't make him blunt. In fact, it makes him quite the opposite."

"Huh?"

"He doesn't speak his mind. I've only watched him for a few minutes, and I can see that he doesn't. Instead, he covers up what he is feeling with his talking. He doesn't want his feeling to be out in the open, vulnerable."

"How can you tell?"

Jason grinned again. "How can you not? I mean, look at how he acts around you."

"Yeah, a total jerk."

"And do you know why he acts that way? Because he's very shy about revealing what he really thinks about you, so he covers it up with the opposite of what he is thinking."

"You can't be serious."

"I am. I've seen him look at you, ever so intently. You smile at him, and he breaks down inside. And then what does he say? 'Uncute'"

Akane's cheeks faded to a light pink. "You really think so? I mean, I'm not that cute...." Although, there was that one time, when he said that I'm cute when I smile... This made Akane blush even more.

Jason himself had to look away to hide some redness, but it quickly faded away. "I don't think I have to answer that question. Just go look in the mirror. That smile of yours kills Ranma."

Akane got up slowly, reveling in her new knowledge. Huh. Really? "Thank you very much, Jason. I had no idea..." And with that, Akane went off to her room, to inspect herself in the mirror.

Jason sighed, and closed his case. "Oh, Akane. You're no different then Ranma." He grinned, and spoke softly to himself. "You've got it worse than he does."

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It was getting late, but the night sky was clear and the stars were bright against the moonless expanse of space. The family had gathered on the porch to marvel at the spectacle. Soun and Genma tried to act nonchalant, but they couldn't resist glancing up at the sky. Kasumi was absent-mindedly sweeping the porch, all the while focusing on the sparkle of a select few stars. Ranma, fresh from his bath, was seated on the steps next to Akane. Even Nabiki had desended from her room to see the lovely night sky.

Akane sighed. Wow. It's so pretty. I wish I could just watch this forever. She looked over to Ranma. Did Jason mean what he said? About Ranma and me? I wonder...

Akane scooted closer to Ranma, wrapped her arm around his, and rested her head on his shoulder. She felt him shiver a bit at the sudden contact. "Uhh, Akane? Wh-What are you doing?"

Akane looked up at him, and gave him her sweetest smile. "You don't like it?"

Ranma visibly cracked upon seeing her. Wow. "Well, I, uh..... It just seemed, ya know, a little awkward, but, I guess, you could, ya know, if you really wanted to....." He gave up, and relaxed his nerves. Aww, what'll it hurt? It's not like she hasn't pulled this before. And..... It's not like I don't like it..... In fact..... He leaned his head on hers. I could get used to this, I guess.

As they watched the night sky, a sweet sound began to echo through the town. The rest of the family looked up in confusion, but Ranma and Akane didn't. They knew what that sound was. Jason was perched on the rooftop, paying his tribute to the beauty. A rolling, perfect little melody could be heard for miles. It was soft, smooth, romantic even, but it was so compelling that even the grumpiest of people were calmed by the song.

In a little restaurant, not far from the Tendo residence, a certain, purple-haired Amazon heard the brass cry. How lovely. I wonder who play that. A young man, in the same building, adjusted his glasses. I have not heard such an amazing tune since leaving the village.

In another restaurant, a young chef, armed with a giant spatula, also noticed the music. What is that? Well, whatever it is, I could get used to it. What a lullaby...

In a large, expensive-looking estate, two siblings, usually fighting with each other, stopped their argument when the soothing sounds descended upon them. Like a dove with an olive branch, a beauty like none other arrives from the heavens, thought the boy. Oh, my how wonderful. I wish I could share this with my darling, thought the girl.

On the outskirts of the city, a man clad in yellow and black perked up. What? Such a melody.... I cannot believe my luck. Surly it is a blessing upon me.

Back in the Tendo house, a motherly figure stopped waving her broom. Oh my. He really can play, can't he?

A younger, short-haired girl near her echoed her thoughts. Hmm. That is certainly a talent. A girl could get hooked on him.

Two fathers smiled at each other, as they watched their son and daughter together. Ah, that boy has certainly set the mood, hasn't he?

And on a nameless rooftop, a lonely figure shared his gift with the little town of Nerima. It's all I can do. I play my songs, and people listen. It's all I can do. The music is healthy, calming, soothing. This, I give to people. I can share with them this peace. It's all I can do. But, maybe, one day....... I will have more in my life. He remenisced down to his newfound couple. Ranma and Akane. They have each other. That's good. I..... I have no one. I am alone. But that's all right. One day, maybe, I'll meet someone. After all, it is said that there is a someone for everyone. I just hope that wisdom rings true. In the meantime..... I will play. It's all I can do. But that's all right.

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AN: Ahh, I'm a sucker for romantics. But hey, this has just begun. I'm writing this by ear, and I'm not planning too far ahead, but I think it's really gonna turn out well, the way it's been going. I've had so many ideas, I can't sort them all out. So, I'm writing as fast as I can, before school starts again (Boo Hoo)

Now, let me clarify a few things. First off, why did I pick Costa Rica? Beacaues I'm Costa Rican. PURA VIDA! Secondly, how does Jason know Japanese? Aww, c'mon, it ain't that hard to find a class to teach that stuff. Third, and this is a bit more serious. There is no IJA. It's something I made up, but if there really IS an IJA, I apologize for using the name. And for using all the names of the jazz musicians. Those men, great as they are, were not part of any International group as far as I know. And another thing. I know that it seems a little absurd that a musician expects to live off weekend gigs, but hey, its a Ranma and Akane story. Don't bug me with specifics. Lastly, about Jason. He is an anylytical person, kinda like Nabiki, but not so money-grubbing. Instead, he sees the relationship between R&A, and wants to bring it out. Why? Cause he's a nice guy, and they were nice to him. Golden Rule, remember? Anyways, Jason is gonna be the last piece of the puzzle. He's gonna be the one to really bring Ranma and Akane to light, cause the way things were going, it was never gonna happen.

Oh, one last thing (I promise it's the last thing). I'm trying to make the story go by in a day-by-day progression, but it won't be perfect, so just hang tight.

Ok, Ok, one MORE last thing (So I lied.... Sue me... No, don't really sue me) The song that Jason is playing is called 'Harlem Nocturne'. Give the Kazaa engine a spin, see what you can find. I'm gonna try to give you one song a chapter. (Oh, look at me, I'm such a nice guy)