Ranma and his twin sister Sakura, share in the curse that befalls Ranma and his father. The relationship between siblings is tested as Ranma and Sakura learn more about each other despite being twins. Can the schools be united under one banner when the Saotomes are in the equation?
I do not own Ranma ½, this is the sole property of Rumiko Takahashi
Author's Note: Here I will include any answers to the questions and reviews I receive. Please review, they can give me ideas.
Chapter Thirteen: Curses, Are They Always Unlucky?
"What the hell? Where did that guy put my bag? How the hell am I supposed to get my clothes back?" sighed Ryoga looking at the closed gate of the fruit store he had been splashed at the previous day.
"This has been a terrible few days in this freaking town. Damn near got killed by Ranma in China. Almost got neutered here in freaking Japan. Just yesterday, I was nearly cooked by a very beautiful girl. The water would have revealed a little more than she needed to be seeing of me." Thought Ryoga.
As Ryoga stood in front of the closed gate he failed to notice that the store was closed for the day. He stood there banging on the gate lightly, wishing he could get inside of the place and get his clothes back.
A few people watched as the crazy kid banged on the gate every few moments. Some of the passersby looked at the sign as they passed as well as their watches. Shaking their heads, they watched as the poor kid kept softly pounding on the gate.
"Ranma, so help me. I will find you if it's the last thing I do." Sneered Ryoga pounding the gate again.
"Hey Ryoga, what's up with those clothes?" laughed Ranma and Sakura as they sped passed him.
Ryoga spun around quickly, but didn't see Ranma. A few moments later he saw the beautiful girl that had nearly cooked him the night before. She was running past him with another girl he had seen at the school.
"I could have sworn I just heard Ranma." Thought Ryoga looking at the gate again.
"I am going to kill you Ranma and Sakura if it's the last thing I do!" screamed Akane.
"Akane, don't you think there has been enough violence in the last couple of days? Asked Sayuri.
"Oh no! That level of violence hasn't been reached yet. Once I add those two to the list then it'll be time for the violence to stop." Mentioned Akane easily keeping pace with her adversaries.
Ryoga turned quickly and started running after the girl and her friend. He abruptly stopped and looked down at himself. "I really need to change clothes. I cannot be seen looking like this!" Screamed Ryoga.
Hearing the screaming, Sayuri turned as she ran, and saw the kid from yesterday. She immediately started snickering as she saw what he was wearing. "I think my mother has a dress just like that one." Thought Sayuri as she continued following her best friend.
********** Shanghai, China **********
"I going to find her, and I going to kill her. Ruin celebration feast. That bitch dead meat when I find." Thought the girl with purple hair.
"I wonder how long it take to Japan. I need find before couple of weeks. If no find, grandma will definitely find me. I mad at red-haired food stealing bitch. Xian Pu find and show her why I greatest fighter in village." Xian Pu fumed.
Xian Pu thought more evilly as each minute passed. Some noticed the beautiful girl talking to herself but left her alone. Xian Pu absentmindedly found a seat on the boat and sat down erratically thinking of the many ways she was going to hurt the red-haired girl.
"All aboard, next destination Seoul, Korea." Blared the speakers.
Xian Pu pulled out her ticket and noted the destination "Tokyo."
"I beat you badly, and then I kill you." Again, thought Xian Pu as the boat turned north and eastward towards Korea.
********** Back in Nerima **********
"Sakura, do you think giving Akane this ability with us was a good or a bad idea?" asked Ranma vaulting the fence at the Tendo home.
"I'll let you know in about ten minutes if it was." Stated Sakura running to the back and pointing at the shed in the back of the house. "Don't think anything, she can hear us now." Whispered Sakura opening the shed, turning, and pulling Ranma inside.
Akane and Sayuri both saw them vault the fence. Akane turned to Sayuri and placed her finger over her lips. Sayuri nodded understanding what Akane wanted.
A moment later Akane entered the yard with her mallet out and looked around for the two soon to be dead Saotomes. "I really have to watch where she pulls that mallet. That thing is massive."
Not wanting to make a sound, she tapped Akane and pointed at the mallet, she coyly smiled but turned and looked from the house to the yard.
Again, she was tapped by Sayuri, Akane turned and nearly knocked her over as she was really close to her. "Are you thinking right now? Asked Sayuri.
"Yes I am, whyyyyyyyyyyyyy" Whispered Akane as realization dawned on her. "They can hear me now, can't they?" Asked Akane.
Sayuri just rolled her eyes and nodded her head. "I wonder if this is going to be permanent, or just last for a little while. I guess we'll soon find out." Thought Sayuri as she watched the yard and Akane.
"Sakura how long are we going to be cooped up in here? You know she'll eventually find us this is her home." Sakura turned and glared at Ranma.
"She won't find us yet she will possibly kill us, if you would just shut it and let me think."
"I thought that was something we couldn't do since she could hear us now." Remarked Ranma.
Sakura blanched for a few seconds and again glared at her brother. "You know what I mean." Whispered Sakura.
"I was just making su-jump!" screamed Ranma. Sakura instantly jumped out of the open door of the shed and missed getting creamed by the mallet again. "She is getting quicker." Thought Ranma.
"Apparently not quick enough since I missed. You will eventually come into the house and I'll take you both out there. Pay attention Saotomes, I will get you before the night is out." Screamed Akane.
Sakura and Ranma vaulted onto the fence and towards the outside of the property. They landed and looked around quickly to see if Akane was coming. A few seconds passed without anything happening.
Ranma jumped back onto the fence and saw Akane walking into the house and was curious as to where Sayuri was.
"I am a dead girl." Entered Ranma's mind a second later. He turned and saw Sayuri hugging Sakura from behind.
"I don't believe you're dead yet, just caught for the moment and not by Akane, she went inside. Your girlfriend is the one that caught you."
Sakura quickly turned in her arms and glared at her. "Why are you angry. I didn't rat you out. Come to think of it though, she is my best friend and I should never keep secrets from her."
Sakura pulled her into a hug and quickly kissed her, shutting her up. "I was just surprised. I wasn't expecting someone to catch me from behind."
"She also nearly peed her pants, just so you know." Added Ranma.
Sakura broke the kiss and tried turning towards Ranma. She never turned because Sayuri pulled her head back around and kissed her back.
"Consider this one time a freebie, next time I might have to let her catch you even though I know I would miss you if she did." Whispered Sayuri for only Sakura to hear.
Sakura quickly nodded her head. "Ranma, did she come back out yet?
"Nope, I haven't seen her since you two started making out." Sakura rolled her eyes again.
"Ignore him, care to walk me home, once I clear this with Akane?" Asked Sayuri releasing Sakura.
"Sure, I would love that since I won't get killed going to your place. Ranma try not to get maimed while I am gone." Added Sakura.
"Sure thing, sis."
Sakura watched as Sayuri vaulted the fence as quietly as they could. She then watched as she walked inside the Tendo home. About ten minutes later she walked back out of the house.
Ranma from his vantage point on the fence watched as she walked to the gate and exited the property. Sakura was standing on the other side of the gate and saw her coming.
"She promised me she would not kill either of you tonight but that you should apologize for what you had said to her. Otherwise, you die at dusk, as she put it." Mentioned Sayuri taking Sakura's hand.
"Apologize for what. All we said was that we unleased a monster with blue hair. What the hell was wrong with that? It's not like I cursed her or something." Screamed Ranma.
Hearing him screaming, Sakura turned from Sayuri and stopped short since Akane was standing behind Ranma. She noticed her mallet was not in sight though. "Ranma, turn around." Gulped Sakura.
"Why do you-." Asked Ranma.
"Because I am standing here." Thought Akane.
Ranma instantly jumped from the fence to the floor outside the Tendo home and then back onto the fence when he realized she was on the floor and not on the fence. "You might end up giving me a heart attack, Akane."
"I said I'd get you I didn't say how I was going to get you. A heart attack is better than what I had in mind." Thought Akane smiling.
"I can only wonder what you might have had on your mind." Stated Ranma.
"Do you still feel calling me a monster in blue hair a good thing?" Asked Akane walking closer to Ranma.
"Um, huh, well, er." Ranma began looking for Sakura.
"She is walking Sayuri home. Your backup just abandoned you. So please Mr. fiancé, do you feel that calling your fiancé a monster in blue hair puts you in a good light with me?" Akane asked again getting closer and vaulting onto the fence next to Ranma.
Ranma seeing he was without help just dropped to the ground and apologized to Akane for calling her a monster. Akane followed suit and jumped down as well. "What about me having blue hair?" Prodded Akane closing the distance between her and Ranma.
"I can't apologize for that because you do have blue hair." Mentioned Ranma quickly stepping back.
"I'll let that one go since I do have blue hair, but next time, I will flatten you. Now come inside we have a Q&A session I just planned for us."
Ranma instantly gulped and thought to himself, and accidentally to Sakura and Akane. "What the hell have I done to deserve this."
Instantly a couple of answers came from different sources. "Well, you and pop got cursed in a freaking spring, dumbass." Came the response from Sakura.
"You allowed me to join in the mind hearing you and your sister share. For that I truly thank you." Thought Akane reaching over and hugging Ranma briefly.
"Now come on." Gestured Akane as she took Ranma's hand and lead him into the house by way of the dojo.
Ranma gulped and thought again, "I feel like I am being led to the gallows."
"There isn't one nearby, I'll ask daddy to have one built since you want one so badly." Thought Akane smiling evilly.
Ranma fumed as Akane laughed as he sulked. In his mind he heard laughter as well from his sister who was safely out of range. A moment later they were both inside the dojo and Akane released his hand and went to get some pillows.
"I did like it when she was holding my hand." Ranma quickly jumped back when he realized he thought that. He looked at Akane. She was placing a pillow down onto the floor and casually looked at Ranma and smiled.
"Am I going to be an only child, Ranma after that comment?" Mentally heard Ranma.
Before he could answer, he heard Akane's response in his head. "No, you'll have to inherit our stuff after we're dead and if our kids don't want it. Then you can have it."
Ranma watched as Akane laughed even louder, but thankfully not for Sakura to hear. "Ranma, would you please join me? I have been waiting for this moment since I met you guys a few months ago. You have no idea how happy you have made me feel today. Despite the jokes you and your sister have been saying about me." Concluded Akane sitting and patting the pillow that she had placed beside her.
Ranma looked from the pillow to Akane and back to the pillow. He walked slowly and waited to see what she would do as he came closer. She placed her right hand in her lap and extended her left for Ranma to take.
He was not sure if he was to help her up or what. "Just place your hand in mine and ease yourself down, stupid." Said Akane. Ranma placed his hand into hers and eased himself into place.
"I am wondering why you said that out loud, you know Sakura and I can hear you now." Remarked Ranma.
"I know, but she doesn't have to know everything you are doing does she?" asked Akane still smiling.
"Um, she is my twin sister. She'll find out eventually." Mumbled Ranma.
"We'll see if we can change that from happening. Now please lay back for me." Akane mentioned as she laid back onto the dojo floor and watched Ranma.
He eased himself back and watched Akane the whole time. "Why is she still smiling?" Thought Ranma.
"She is going to kill you. You just don't know it yet." Thought Sakura.
Akane just shook her head and mouthed, "Ignore her." Before speaking up, "I am glad you could join me Ranma, shall we begin?"
Ranma got more comfortable as he mumbled, "Ok."
He was thoroughly surprised when Akane placed her head onto his chest and after taking a deep breath turned and looked him in the eyes as she listened to his breathing and heartbeat.
Ranma was about to think something to himself and remembered that Sakura was also on the line so instead he whispered it out loud. "Akane, I think you're acting strange."
"Am I? Is this a good or bad kind of strange?" Asked Akane batting her eyes and smiling at him.
"Um, from where we're lying, I would have to say, weird kind of strange."
"Strange, yes, but not unpleasant, right?
Ranma watched as Akane slightly changed her position and placed her ear against his chest and her hand onto his that was resting on his stomach.
"No, definitely not unpleasant." Stated Ranma taking a deep breath.
Akane hearing him breathing deeply smiled even more.
********** Sayuri's House **********
"Ranma hasn't responded when I told him that Akane was going to kill him, he just didn't know it yet." Repeated Sakura out loud for Sayuri's benefit.
"Sakura, can I ask you a question?
Not expecting this, she nodded her head and waited.
"Could you please lay off Ranma, He is your twin and he is just as resourceful as you are. You don't have to treat him like he's an idiot, okay?"
Sakura wasn't sure what to say about this. She just waited again to see what Sayuri would either say or do.
"Do you love him?" Asked Sayuri releasing her hand as they approached the front steps to her house.
"Um," Was all she could say.
"Okay, let me try an easier question. What do you feel for your brother?" asked Sayuri unlocking and then opening the door.
"Sayuri, yes I love my brother and as well as my asshole father."
"That's a good place to begin. As for me, I love my mother, my best friend and my new transexual gender shifting love interest and her equally confused brother." Smiled Sayuri beckoning her inside.
Sakura stared at her as she wondered about what she had said.
"No, your ears didn't deceive you she actually said love, get it. She loves you and by extension me." Intoned Ranma.
"I am glad to be a part of the conversation. Let her know that I love her as well." Added Akane.
Sakura fumed. Sayuri noticed and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Apparently Ranma and Akane both send their love to you as well. Somehow, I have just become Western Union all of a sudden."
"Well, when I join you in the thought hearing, you won't have to relay such messages since I'll hear them myself." Stated Sayuri placing her keys and schoolbag onto the table and reaching back and untying her hair.
"Are you sure you want to be a part of this chaos; we bring to your little town?" Asked Sakura as she watched Sayuri shaking her hair out.
"First, this is not exactly a small town, and yes having a little chaos in my life is not a bad thing. I mean just yesterday; I tried bathing a little pig and nearly got killed since he didn't seem to like getting in the bath. I still have the bump to prove it." Gestured Sayuri parting her hair and showing the raised contusion to Sakura.
Sakura reached forward and placed a kiss onto her head. "Ouch" Smiled Sayuri.
"Sorry, I was just kissing it better."
"Okay, I wasn't expecting you to actually kiss my head. I liked it though. Thank you." Smiled Sayuri rubbing her head.
"You are most welcome." Sakura added rubbing her own head.
"By the way I was just informed that I will not be inheriting my brothers stuff until after their kids decide whether they want their stuff when they're dead." Relayed Sakura.
********* Elsewhere in Nerima **********
Ryoga walked around the store to the alley behind the food market. He saw that there were a couple of windows that led into the store that no one could see from the street. He reached up and managed to open the window and climbed into the store.
He was surprised when he was now swimming in the sink. "Who the hell puts a sink full of cold water under a freaking window." Thought the highly peeved pig.
Heaving himself from the sink he walks over to his bag which had been placed near the door. He walked into the bag and rubbed himself on a towel he had in the bag. "How am I going to turn human again, I can't reach the hot water in the freaking sink." Fumed Ryoga.
As he walked around the back of the storeroom he leaned against the bottom of the sink. He noticed that the pipe he was leaning against was hot. "This seems to lead to the hot water. This is going to hurt a little but I have always been known for having strong jaws and teeth." Thought Ryoga.
About ten minutes later a more suitably dressed but damp Ryoga jumped out of the window and calmly looked around.
"He should be able to replace that pipe. Thankfully I turned off the water so the place wouldn't be flooded when he opens the store."
Seeing no one he hefted his bag and umbrella and walked from the alley back onto the street.
"Now I know I heard Ranma and Sakura. I also saw that girl that almost cooked me yesterday." Thought Ryoga as he was looking up and down the street.
"I wish I could remember which way they had gone. They are so lucky they were able to avoid me today, but soon Ranma, I'll have my revenge."
********** Back in the Tendo Dojo **********
"Do you think Sayuri got the message?" asked Ranma.
Akane shrugged her shoulder but remained in position on top of his chest. "Are you ready for the Q&A Ranma?"
"You mean the third degree, don't you?" asked Ranma.
He instantly regretted the question since he peered down to Akane and noticed she was looking at him. He didn't see her having an angry look just a sad one.
Confused he was about to think something when Akane thumped his chest and made a motion with her hand pointing to her head, and shaking it.
"Ranma, if I wanted to interrogate you, do you think I'd use this method and have it here at my house so full of witnesses?
"I am not sure what you want to know Akane, I'll try to answer as best I can."
"Thank you. I am not angry, but disappointed that you think so little of me." Grudgingly smiled Akane.
Taken aback, he instantly tried to sit up but Akane would not allow him to rise up since she hadn't moved from his chest.
"Stay boy." Stated Akane pushing back down.
Ranma immediately bristled. "Did you just give me a command like a dog?" Asked Ranma.
"Yes I did, but as you can tell I am not laughing." Akane mentioned taking another deep breath and settling in against his chest.
A few moments later Ranma also took a deep breath and relaxed.
"Now we can begin, you do not have to answer any question I ask. You can also ask me anything. I am your fiancé and I will do my best to be as accommodating as I want you to be towards me." Mentioned Akane looking up at Ranma as he watched her.
"One last thing, try not to think anything, speak out loud since this conversation is no one else's business but ours. Do you understand me Ranma, this is a conversation between fiancés?"
Ranma instantly nodded his head.
A few quiet moments passed between them before Akane started speaking. "How do you feel about your curse?"
"I really didn't like it at first. I have since gotten used to it. It kind of makes things between Sakura and me a little better since I can relate to things I didn't understand before, but do now."
"Are you talking about female issues or just the gender changing part?" Asked Akane examining Ranma as he spoke.
"Both, I can see how the problems most girls have to deal with each month can be a pain in the ass. I can also see how people are always checking you out since women's bodies are so appealing to look at."
Akane smiled even more as he continued.
"I have obviously seen myself and my sister nude, but I am not looking at her sexually, she is just my sister. Nothing more." Concluded Ranma.
"During the gymnastics match, when I undressed in front of you were you then?" asked Akane batting her eyes again.
"No, I was pissed since you felt like I was still a guy when at the time I was most assuredly a girl that had just beaten Kodachi in a rhythmic gymnastics match." Answered Ranma.
Akane nodded her head. "Yes, I am sorry I felt that way. I had only met you a few days before and was not yet comfortable with you. I am now, as you can tell." Akane emphasized by hugging him as they were reclined.
"My turn." Began Ranma.
Akane took another deep breath and waited for Ranma's questions to her.
"Do you actually like me, or is this just because our fathers being idiots placed us together to unite the schools?"
Akane's answer came quickly. "At first I didn't like what my father had done. I am sure you remember that I let him know we need to get to know each other before such an arrangement could be considered official."
Akane paused and watched as Ranma hung on to her every word. "As of right now, I can officially say that you are just the type of person I would want to have as my fiancé. You are brave, caring and not the least bit lecherous like those boys Kuno had me battling each day before you had arrived and entered my life."
Ranma in turn smiled as Akane poured her heart out to him. "Now in front of our fathers, I am not happy about this situation and will fight them tooth and nail on it. In private, I am glad you entered my life and I would be happy to spend the rest of my life earning your love and respect as you do the same with me. Understand Ranma?"
Not expecting this turn of event, he looked from the ceiling to Akane and saw she was looking at him in a different way and was smiling very sincerely.
"Are you saying what I think you are saying?" Asked Ranma.
"Yes, I am Ranma. In private I am glad to have you as my fiancé, but when others are around, I may act differently just to keep them of their guard."
Akane emphasized by reaching up and placing her hand behind his head and pulled him in for a more passionate kiss than he had received when Nabiki forced her to show her affection for him.
Ranma enjoyed the kiss and reached around her and pulled her close as the kiss deepened. "Ranma, please do not think this to your sister. She's not to know about this relationship until we decide to tell her about it. Am I understood?" asked Akane breaking the kiss.
Ranma, not missing a beat nodded as he held her tightly as they continued making out. "I'll ask more questions when we're done."
Akane nodded as they continued.
********** Sayuri's House **********
"Okay now that we have gotten this business out of the way. Want to join me on the couch, or are you in a hurry to get back to the Tendo place? Asked Sayuri sitting on the couch and patting the cushion next to her.
Sakura seeing this quickly placed her own school bag down and walked over and sat next to Sayuri.
Sayuri leaned back and watched as Sakura did the same. Once reclined she quickly placed her head in Sakura's lap and picked her legs up and placed them onto the couch.
Sakura watched as Sayuri got more comfortable. "You planned on getting more comfortable weren't you?" asked Sakura.
Sayuri nodded, "I need to get as many chances as I can get to be close to you. You don't mind do you?" asked Sayuri.
Sakura nodded her head and continued reclining with the equally beautiful young woman in her lap. "I am the luckiest girl in the world to have someone like you that cares for me no matter what my gender is at the moment."
"Oh, I definitely care what your gender is at the moment. Since you're a girl, I won't have something poking me in the face as I am in your lap." Smiled Sayuri looking up at Sakura.
Sakura blushed majorly as Sayuri made her statement. "Would you like me to change that, since you seem to like Teyo more than you like me?" Asked Sakura leaning forward getting ready to stand up.
"That won't be necessary, I stated earlier that I love my best friend Akane, and my new transexual gender swapping love interest, and her confused brother. That means I also love you silly." Finished Sayuri kissing Sakura's thigh before snuggling in more closely and hugging her.
"I would also love for you to be Teyo, but at the moment I am just as happy to be here with Sakura. I missed you when Akane hurt you with her mallet. I really wish she wouldn't overreact sometimes." Sayuri mentioned.
"Me too, that really hurt. I hope she is not trying to kill my brother since I abandoned him to walk you home." Sakura thought and mentioned softly.
Sakura nearly jumped and dislodged Sayuri when Ranma piped in, "I am still alive and no, she is not trying to kill me." Thought Ranma.
"He apologized for the both of you, so you're okay with me for now. Okay Sakura, we'll see you when you return. Bye for now" Thought Akane.
Sayuri feeling the movement, looked up and saw that Sakura was either thinking or being thought to. She waited for Sakura to give her an update.
"Apparently apologizing was a good idea. I still have a brother." Smiled Sakura.
"Good to know that you and Ranma have been forgiven." Smiled Sakura as she snuggled into Sakura's lap reaching around her legs and hugging them.
Thinking to herself, and accidentally to both Ranma and Akane, "I am so glad we came here. Things are so much better now that we are here."
********** Tendo House **********
Both Akane and Ranma smiled as they listened to Sakura's lament about their situation and how she feels about it. "Should we say something or just leave her alone?" Asked Ranma.
"Leave her alone, let her believe you nor I were paying attention when she thought it. Okay?" Ranma shook his head and placed his head onto Akane's as they continued laying on the dojo floor.
"Do you agree with Sakura that coming here was a good thing? Asked Akane angling her head upward to look at Ranma.
"Um, I have not really thought about it." Began Ranma.
"Just be honest, you don't have to agree with your sister, you have your own mind, just tell me what you are feeling." Akane stated.
"If you had asked me a few months ago. I would have said no." Said Ranma.
"What about now?" asked Akane as she rubbed her hand under his shirt and massaged his chest.
"Now, I am enjoying what you're doing." Smiled Ranma.
Akane smiled as she continued rubbing his chest.
"As for being here, I am glad we, meaning my father, sister and I are no longer travelling. I like being somewhere more stable." Ended Ranma.
"I like having you here as well, You have made my life a bit more interesting. I like it." Akane mentioned as she hugged Ranma closer to her.
"Since we're being honest with each other. Can I rub your chest like you're rubbing mine.?" Asked Ranma blushing.
"Remember what I said about you not being lecherous, is this because I accepted you as my fiancé? Asked Akane.
"Um, the best answer I can produce is all's fair in love and war. You and I are not at war, and you did say you like me."
"Well since I did give you the green light to like me, I will let that comment slide. Oh, and to answer your question, I'll let you know." Smiled Akane.
As she looked down so Ranma wouldn't see her blushing, she noticed Ranma was definitely excited despite her not seeing his face. She continued rubbing his chest as she snuggled into his embrace.
********** Kuno Residence **********
Kodachi Kuno sat in her room watching her fireplace lost in thought. A sudden beep startled her, she looked to her nightstand and noticed that the intercom was beeping.
Walking over she calmly pressed the button. "What can I do for you Tatewaki?"
"I was just wondering if you were going to be joining me for dinner. You have been in a mood for quite some time. I have been thinking, are—"
"I can see how that would be a problem. No brother I am fine just not hungry at the moment. Enjoy dinner, I will join you another time." Concluded Kodachi.
"Okay, have a good evening sister." Added Tatewaki.
"You as well brother."
As she ended the call, she looked towards her trunk beside her bed. Opening it, she retrieved her collection of preserved black roses. Thinking she thought back to a certain someone she hadn't seen in some time.
"I am curious as to what Mayuka Saotome has been up to these last few weeks since our match when she cheated." Thought Kodachi placing a couple of the roses on her desk.
"I am still hurt by that wicked turn of events that lead to my supposed loss. I may need to pay another visit to the Tendo home when she decides to come for a visit." Thought Kodachi opening a small hidden compartment in her desk. She removed a couple of small ampules. She knew them very well. The green was sleeping gas used to put her adversaries to sleep for a little while. The other was pink. This was her favorite, paralyzing gas, to prevent her enemies or interests from being able to evade her as she had her way with them.
"Yes, when she visits I will have my revenge, that red-headed bitch is mine and will soon learn that Kuno's are not someone else's plaything. We are in charge, no one else." Evilly thought Kodachi placing the small spray of roses beside her lamp.
Satisfied, she stood, walked to her closet, and removed her dress leaving it on the floor. "Sasuke will be in to clean the room as I bathe. No matter, I have other fish to fry." She then acquired her robe and nightgown. Moments later, she entered her bathroom and started her bath.
A few minutes passed before Sasuke entered the room and began to tidy the room up. He picked up her discarded clothing and placed them into the hamper that was a few feet away.
"All she had to do was take a couple of steps from the closet and placed her dirty clothes inside. Such spoiled people." Thought Sasuke.
"I only put up with this because they pay me extremely well and I am content to work for the Kuno's." He again thought to himself.
Before he exited the room he noticed the roses on the desk and the usual ampules Kodachi usually deploys when sending them to either an enemy or prospective love interest next to them.
"I wonder to whom she'll be delivering them. Maybe she'll have me deliver them like last time. We'll see what she has in mind."
Seeing that the room was now in order, hearing Kodachi still in the bath, he quietly made his leave and closed her door behind him.
********** Tendo House **********
"Are you enjoying the question-and-answer session we're having Ranma?"
While they had been talking he had been looking mostly at the ceiling. "Yes, I am. Are you?" Asked Ranma.
"Very much so." Began Akane.
"I am glad we are able to have this time to get to really know each other better. I know we'll probably have to end this soon, but we can always ask more whenever we are alone." Stated Akane, easing herself up from Ranma's chest.
Ranma watched as she sat up but her hand was still against his bare chest, since he had taken off his shirt as they had been talking.
"Am I going to get an answer to my earlier question?" Ranma asked eyeing Akane as she removed her hand from off of him.
Coyly smiling she looked at Ranma, she then moved closer to him, "What exactly are you asking to do Ranma, hmm?"
Looking at her. His expression became very sheepish. Akane kept her eyes on him as he fidgeted.
"As your fiancé I would like to reciprocate the loving attention you gave to me."
"The Q&A session is over for now you can have your chance during the next session if I feel that you deserve it. Is that okay Ranma?"
Ranma visibly sulked but reached over and pulled her into a quick kiss before releasing her. As they stepped away from each other they heard Kasumi calling, "Dinner is ready, please wash up Akane and Ranma."
"Thanks for the gift of thought hearing Ranma."
"You are welcome, thanks for the pleasant conversation we were able to have. It was the first time we could have such a conversation. I am looking forward to more like it." Added Ranma.
"Me too." Smiled Akane as they walked into the house and up to the bathroom to wash up before dinner.
********** Sayuri's House **********
Sayuri watched intently as Sakura looked to the ceiling and then back at her again. "Were you thinking just now?"
"I was just thinking that coming here was a good thing, I am glad the family settled down here. I know we're with the Tendo's but a home is a home."
Sayuri smiled, "I can agree, you and your family settling here is a good thing."
"I am wondering what Ranma and Akane are doing. Probably doing their best to not kill each other." Said Sakura.
"I got Akane to promise not to harm you or your brother. Akane keeps her word since I ask for her to do that as a favor to me." Mentioned Sayuri.
"Good to know you have influence with Akane. I am not sure she likes me anymore since she can now hear our thoughts."
"I am pretty sure she likes both you and Ranma. I mean in such a short period of time you have helped her with the boys at school, the match against Kodachi and now hearing your thoughts." Sighed Sayuri.
Sakura looked back at the ceiling.
"In my eyes you and Ranma seem to have done a lot better since you arrived. Akane can only see that as a boon instead of a detriment.
They spent a little while together just enjoying the company. "I really have to get home for dinner. I know Kasumi would have something ready in just a bit."
Sayuri reluctantly raised from her position laying on Sakura. She then stretched and stood and reached down and helped Sakura up from the couch kissing her in the process.
Both girls smiled as she walked Sakura to the door and handed her the schoolbag she had placed their earlier.
"Next time, we come here earlier and spend more time together Okay?" Asked Sayuri.
"You got it, Next time more quality time with your transexual gender swapping love interest." Smiled Sakura.
Sayuri watched as a few moments later Sakura was slowly jogging back in the direction of the Tendo home to get some dinner.
Next time, I should have mentioned that I can make dinner and she could have remained here. I have the space and my mother would not mind." Coyly smiled Sayuri blushing.
********** Central District, Nerima Japan **********
Ryoga looked from the directions he had been reading to the house in front of him. Reading the sign above the front gate he read the words "Tendo Dojo, Anything Goes School of Martial Arts".
Thinking to himself, "I believe this is the place the directions had been sending me to. It's a good thing I found this place on my first try. Now I have all day to deal with Ranma."
A few seconds later, "Dinner is ready, please wash up Akane and Ranma." was heard from inside the house.
"I have reason to believe it is a lot later than I expected. I need to buy a watch, so I can know what time it is." Thought Ryoga.
Opening the gate, he hefted his bag and calmly walked to the front door. He knocked and placed his bag at his feet while he listened to the shuffling on the other side.
A moment later the door opened and Kasumi was standing there drying her hands and smiling. "Hello, Welcome to the Tendo Home, How can I help you?" Asked Kasumi as she bowed.
Returning the bow, Ryoga said, "Hello, my name is Ryoga Hibiki, I am here to see Ranma Saotome if he is available."
Kasumi smiled and beckoned Ryoga into the foyer. He promptly removed his shoes and left them by the front door. Bowing again he waited as Kasumi retreated into the back of the house and called for Ranma.
Ranma looked up from the table where Akane, Genma, Soun and he were eating the delicious food Kasumi had prepared for them when Kasumi called to him.
"There is a young man named Hibiki, Ryoga wanting to speak to you." Ranma finished his mouthful and slowly stood and looked from Kasumi and then to Akane.
"Why is Ryoga here? I had no idea he'd be able to find this place." He thought as he walked to the front of the house. Akane hearing his thoughts also stood and accompanied him to the front.
Just as he started walking to the front to meet Ryoga, the front door opened. Sakura entered and looked straight at Ryoga before thinking to Akane and Ranma, "How did he find the place without assistance, his sense of direction sucks."
"I know, I was wondering the same thing." Added Ranma.
"Ranma, Sakura what do you mean his sense of direction, He was at the school a couple of days ago and here he is now. He found both places, am I missing something?"
"Yes!" came the reply from both Ranma and Sakura.
Akane watched as Ranma stopped as he was in front of Ryoga. Sakura placed her schoolbag onto the floor, and took off her shoes before standing next to Ranma and watched Ryoga.
Before Ryoga could say a word, Sakura held up her hand and motioned to Ryoga. "This is not our home, you had better not start any freaking trouble. Do you understand me?"
Ryoga nodded his head and placed his umbrella and backpack next to his shoes and placed his hands behind his back as Sakura and Ranma waited.
Before anyone could speak, Kasumi returned to the foyer. "Have you had dinner Ryoga? I had just finished preparing dinner, there is more than enough if you would like to join us." She asked with a smile.
"Yes ma'am, dinner would be great. Thank you for the invitation." Bowed Ryoga.
Sakura, Ranma and Akane waited and watched as Ryoga bowed and agreed to the invitation for dinner.
"I hope this turns out good, last thing I need is to mess things up with the Tendo's." Thought Ranma.
Sakura and Akane shook their heads in agreement. "Nabiki would never let me be if something happened." Added Akane.
The Saotomes shook their heads as well.
********** Earlier in Incheon South Korea **********
"Now entering the port of Incheon, South Korea. Ferry departing for Sapporo, Japan will be leaving in 20 minutes at 1420."
Xian Pu rummaged through her bag and pulled out her tickets. She set the already used ticket stub aside and looked at the other two she had. One was a train ticket from Sapporo to Tokyo, the other was the ferry ticket taking her from Incheon to Sapporo.
She picked up her carry-on which was a medium sized duffle bag and lifted it onto her shoulders and proceeded to disembark and make her way to the ferry.
"I should be in Tokyo by dinner time. I'll find someplace to rest for a bit before I pay the red-headed bitch a visit." Growled Xian Pu.
********** Later in the Afternoon Back in Nerima, Japan **********
Still smiling Kasumi stepped aside and beckoned for Ryoga to enter the house proper. "The bathroom is upstairs and there is a smaller washroom located on the other side of the stairs." Kasumi indicated pointing to the hallway beside the stairs.
Bowing again he walked into the washroom and turned on the hot water. Waiting for steam, he quickly washed up while Akane, Sakura and Ranma watched as he then dried his hands.
Walking out of the washroom he stopped short and noticed that he had an audience. "What?"
Sakura and Ranma didn't say a thing. Akane took the lead, "This way to the dining room." Pointing as she walked towards the back of the house.
"Do you have as bad a feeling and I do, sis, Akane?"
Without turning around Akane and Sakura answered him. "I also have a bad feeling about this. Hopefully nothing happens that causes us trouble." Added Sayuri.
Akane said, "I am sure he'll be on his best behavior, otherwise Kasumi will probably kick his ass if he did something stupid."
At that, both the Saotomes agreed.
********** Port of Sapporo, Northern Japan, Island of Hokkaido **********
"Port of Sapporo, ten minutes to the port of Sapporo." Blared the loudspeaker. Xian Pu gathered her belongings, stood, and waited for the ship to make port before disembarking and looking around for the train station for the final leg of her trip.
"I am so glad to be off damn ship. I would have jumped and swam. It so slow." Griped Xian Pu as she made her way out of the seaport and saw the shuttle to the train station.