Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I do not claim any rights to any of the characters or concepts created or owned by Viz Video or Rumiko Takahashi. This is just the work of one fan to the others. The only characters or concepts that i claim are the ones I created or introduced. That said, I bring you:

Broken Mirrors.

Chapter 5

Monday, June 15th, 7:00 AM. The Toho Center for Physical Rehabilitation.

Ranma nods to the everfaithful Shiro as he makes his way on his own towards the door of the facility, his cane the only concession he makes towards his condition. His expertly tailored suit shows the care and wealth that comes with his station, as does the deferenetial manner of those that he passes. He stops at the desk, the receptionist smiling politely and nodding.

"Miss Kunoji will be with you presently, Mr. Saotome. It will be just a moment, please." She says in that perfectly polite manner that one would expect of such a facility. She smiles at him, an honest expression before she turns to greet the next client.

As expected, when Ranma turns to look towards the doors to the inner part of the facility, he sees his trainer walking out of the door, her athletic form clad in her usual shorts and top, her hair in a tight bun. "Hello, sugar. Prompt as always. I'm going to be pushing you a bit today, so lets start when you are ready, ok?" She gives him a friendly little smile, offering her arm as she always does, even if she knows that he will refuse it.

He chuckles a bit, a brief crack forming in his facade of impenetrable alloofness for just a second. "I am ready when you are, sensei." He says politely, bowing just the right amount as he walks slowly past her, politely refusing to acknowledge her arm. Hardly surprising to any of those present. He makes his slow but steady way to the changing rooms, changing into his work out outfit as he gives his battered body a careful once over, a bit of resent and that dark spot of inadequacy sparking for a moment in his heart of hearts before he grips his cane and makes his way out to the main facility, the smiling face of Ukyo greeting him, making him feel a bit more relaxed about all of this. About the pair of tickets and the formally worded invitation in the pocket of his suit.

The next three hours are draining, the day starting off light enough, a lap around the indoor track to warm him up and start to stretch him out. Then, a session on the weights, under the ever careful eye of Ukyo. Following that, a break and a massage from the professionals that worked there. After that, a half hour of callisthenics and stretches, followed by his laps in the pool to finish off his day of training. Always, Ukyo is right there, providing guidance and assistance. Helping curb his tendency to push himself too far, and encouraging him when he falters.

As his time with her draws to a close, and he stands before her once more dressed in his formal suit with his cane in hand, he reaches into his inner pockey, hesitating for a moment. It's not often that he shows this hesitancy, that he second guesses himself like this. Perhaps, he thinks, this is not for the best. What if she says no? What if it ruins the excellent working relationship they have. Then, he remembers the gentle teasing and words of encouragement of the ever persistent Mrs. Watanabe and steels his resolve once more, pulling the envelope with the tickets and the carefully worded invitation. He looks at the invitation, at Ukyo's smiling face and sighs. His shoulders relax a bit, as she gives her a hesitant half smile. "Ms. Kunoji….Ukyo. I would be honored if you would attend the kabuki review at the Tokyo Center for the Performing Arts on saturday with me. That is, if you are free? If you are not, I can understand. And if this weekend would not work, I think that I can arrange it for two weeks from now…" He is cut off by a gentle hand laid on his arm, raising his eyes to meet hers.

"I'm not really supposed to meet up with our clients outside of work, sugar." She starts, then seeing his eyes shift, that from starting to form she shakes her head "But, I would like to. I will talk to my supervisor, and let you know in the next day or two. I will definitely know by Wednesday, when I get to see you again. Mr. Saotome, I just want to say, I am honored. Not just by your offer, but by the hard work you have done. It fills my heart with joy to see someone who is truly worthy of another chance making so much progress." She rests her hand on his for a moment, smiling warmly at him. "Try not to overdo it, ok? I plan on working you hard on Wendesday, Sugar." She steps back, starting to walk away, then stopping to look back at him. "And I'm going to do my best, for you. I...Think I would like to go." With that said, she walks back into the inner part of the facility.

Ranma straightens his back, walking with a sense of pride out towards the car, not letting his worry or the pain he feels show. Once again, the unbreakable stone of his appearance pushes those around him away, like waves breaking on a cliff.

The rest of his day proceeds as always, a visit to his family's graves, paying his respects to those that have come before and the future that has been entrusted onto him and his sister by virtue of the legacy that they both carry.

Next, as usual, is the dojo. The solid presence of Ryoga is missing from the place. A quiet inquiry reveals that he is home with a sick Akari and Sakura, tending to his family. Ranma sends off a carefully worded message wishing them a quick recovery, and insuring the mountain of a man that he could take whatever time was needed to take care of his wife and daughter.

Ranma meets with Master Kase, each bowing respectfully to the other. Ranma had previously changed into his gi, determined to push himself a bit more today. They face each other, and start to gently move through one of the two person katas of the Style, each moving together in that intricate dance that Ranma can only truly glimps the edge of now. But, he holds himself as the lucky one. His sister has lost far more than he, and from what he knows, was probably the greater master of the Art. They move from form to form for a while, before stepping back and bowing to each other. No words are spoken, no obvious gestures made, the only communication needed was the forms and flow of the Art.

The two sit, Ranma with some difficulty but the Master knows better than to offer assistance unless it is asked for. The two men sit and sip at the tea that has been provided by one of the disciples, a quiet, companionable silence settling for a bit before Ranma breaks the silence.

"Thank you for the time you spared for me today, Master. It is a honor, to work with you. I only wish that I was able to spar with you, to show my true appreciation for the lifetime of dedication you have given us all." He bows slowly, showing respect to the man who will ensure that their legacy continues on.

Master Kase shakes his head. "It is you who honors me, Saotome-san. If it was not for your father, and you, I would not be where I am now. I would probably still be a lost man, without a clear vision of my future. I would never have found the Art, and certainly would not have the honor of teaching the next generation of practitioners." he sips at his tea, looking at Ranma. "If I may, I would like to have you sit for an evaluation on Friday. We have a promising young student who is working on achieving her black belt, and I think it would encourage her greatly to have the family head oversee her trials." He smiles that knowing smile of his. "I think she might even impress you, Saotome-san."

Ranma ponders that for just a moment, then nods. "It would be an honor. Thank you, Master Kase. I will attend." He says then rises with the aid of his cane, bowing once again. "I wish you a good day, Master." At the seated bow from Master Kase, Ranma makes his slow way back to the car. He settles back into the seat heavily, the pain and exhaustion of the day covering him like a heavy blanket.

The buzzing of his phone breaks his contemplations, as he lifts it to his ear to answer the call from a phone he doesn't recognize. "This is Saotome, how may I help you?" he asks, then hears the voice of Ukyo on the other end. For some reason, the fatigue seems to slip from him.

"Hello, sugar. I hope you don't mind that I called you? I just wanted to give you the answer personally." Ukyo says in that voice that the stoic man has become so familiar with.

"And what is your answer, Ms. Kunoji?" He asks, not noticing the tension in his shoulders, the nervous little jitter that runs down his fram.

"I would love to go with you, on one condition." She says, the smile evident in her voice.

"And what condition would that be, if I may ask?" he says as he relaxes just a tad.

"You have to use my name. If I am going with you outside of work, then you have to use my name." Ukyo says, the soft swallow, the slightly nervous tone giving her away.

"Very well…. Ukyo. But if that is the case, then I insist you do the same." he says, not realizing he is leaning forward just a bit.

"Ok. Then..Ranma..I would be honored to see the theatre with you on Saturday. I imagine we can make the arrangements on either Wednesday or Friday...If that is convenient for you?" she asks, once again he can hear the smile in her voice.

"I think that will work. Thank you, Ukyo." He says, chuckling when she says goodbye sounding a bit awkward, so unusual for the reserved, self confident young woman.

He settles back into his seat, unaware of the smile on his face.