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 46
Tuesday, February 23rd. The Saotome Residence, 5:00 AM.
The three residents of the manor could not help but notice that Kodachi seemed oddly muted that morning, and blushed a bit as she looked at them. Ranko and Akane shared a horrified look, as they both came to the same conclusion.
Kodachi had definitely heard them last night.
Ukyo sighed as she looked from the bright red couple and over at Kodachi as she walked over and engaged the Kuno in light conversation to try and ease everyone back into a more normal state. Well, as normal as was possible in this household at least.
ILd ask if you slept okay, Sugar, but I can already guess the answer to that." Ukyo said with a grin as she cast a quick glance at the pair that seemed like they wanted to sink into the floor before she smiled over at them and winked before she turned back to Kodachi and continued in a quieter voice. "They really didn't mean to keep you up. And, last night they were far worse than normal."
Kodachi laughed that trademark laugh of hers and smiled. "It wasn't that bad, honestly. Hardly noticeable. I am just not used to sleeping in another house." She said as the couple exchanged yet another look as they once again had the same thought pass through their heads.
They had been very loud, and Kodachi had decided to be gracious.
Ukyo led Kodachi towards the back entrance so they could start their morning run before breakfast as they left Akane and Ranko to collect themselves a bit.
"They really didn't mean to keep you up, Sugar." Ukyo said as they put on their running shoes.
"I assure you, they are not really the cause of my lack of sleep, just the catalyst of it." Kodachi said, then glanced at where the couple would be coming from before she looked at Ukyo. "Shall we start? And… You wouldn't mind if I talk a little while we run, would you?"
Ukyo smiled and nodded as she finished tying her hair back in its usual ponytail. "Of course not, sugar. You are one of us now, and we take care of each other. I will happily let you talk about what's been on your mind."
Kodachi smiled awkwardly and started the morning run with Ukyo at her side. They ran quietly for a little while before Kodachi started to speak. "I was wanting to know.. Since you are of rather… common birth.." Kodachi started to say, but stopped when Ukyo laughed.
"Sugar, you really need to work on how you speak to people when you have a favor to ask. Something to keep in mind. Now, what were you wanting to ask?" Ukyo said with a wink.
Kodachi blushed a little and nodded sheepishly. "I shall try to keep that in mind. Okay… Since you are one of my few acquaintances that isn't of… Higher society… I was wanting to know how you go about pursuing the people you are interested in."
Ukyo chuckled as she glanced aside. "Well, that's somewhat better, at least. Well, for starters maybe if you didn't act like a cat playing with a mouse around him, that would help. Gosunkugi is a bit skittish around you, after all."
Kodachi paled a bit. "I…" Kodachi laughed and sighed. "I am not used to doing things in any other way."
Ukyo nodded. "So, how do you handle things like this among the elite?"
"Dalliances all come down to one of three things, dear. Pleasure, power or profit. There really is nothing else. Some will say otherwise, but they are either fools or lying to themselves." Kodachi answered bluntly.
Ukyo sighed and looked at Kodachi. "And that's the world that Akane and I will be entering." Ukyo smiled and nodded to herself. "Okay, I'd say at first you really need him to get used to you, and see if you two can even be around each other without bad things happening. And if he can't be around you, you might have to just let go and back off. I know, not what you want to hear, sugar, but it's the truth. Now, that said, we can have you both over at the same time if you promise not to do...well.. what you usually do."
Kodachi blew out a breath and nodded. "This is a mess I have put myself in. I just… I seem to think of him more often than I expected."
Ukyo nodded as they ran along, and glanced back at the other pair where Akane moved along beside Ranko. "Well, from what I have seen he is about the only person besides us that well… Doesn't treat you like a sex object. And that includes yourself, sugar. I'm sure Akane has told you this already, but it's something you need to work on."
Kodachi laughed as they continued their run and nodded. "I am working on it, but it's not easy to change your very nature."
"If you want something different, you need to be different. You need to believe in yourself and do what you need to do, not just what feels good." Ukyo said as they continued their run with Kodachi keeping a thoughtful silence.
Ranko and Akane paced along behind Ukyo and Kodachi and watched the two of them talk. "Do you think Ukyo will be able to help her?" Ranko asked Akane as she pushed herself along next to her fiancee.
Akane smiled and nodded as she glanced down at the lovely redhead next to her. "Ukyo has a talent for helping people. I think that Kodachi has the answers already, she just needs to accept them" Akane said with a smile.
Ranko nodded and smiled up at her partner as they made the circuit themselves. Only time would tell what would happen, but no matter what, they would face it together. All of them, extended family included.
After they had returned to the manor and had a chance to clean up, Ukyo waved to the pair as she went to get ready for work as Ranko accompanied Akane back to their room so that the Raven haired woman could do the same.
While they were getting ready for their day, each of them received a text from Nabiki. It simply read. "All arrangements made. You owe me for this."
Akane and Ranko shared a look and smiled. "Did Nabiki send you the same message I just got?" Akane asked.
"You mean about how incredible your sister is? They are going to be overjoyed when Nabiki tells them! I can't wait to have a cute little niece or nephew to spoil!" Ranko said happily.
Akane laughed fondly and leaned over to kiss Ranko before she finished getting ready for work.
Ranko bit her lip and looked up as she finished dressing herself. "Akane? You're not upset, are you?"
Akane stopped to look down. "Upset about what, dear heart?"
"That… We can't get married?" Ranko said quietly.
"What do I care about what their stupid laws say? You are my wife,as I am yours as far as anyone that matters will say." Akane said with a happy smile on her face.
The pair finished getting ready,and made their way out to the waiting car. Shiro would drop Akane and Ukyo off on the way to take Ranko to her appointments, and then pick them up later.
Ukyo had looked at the message, then checked to make sure the coast was clear before she danced around the suite she shared with Ranma in glee. The message served a dual purpose to her. Not only had Nabiki arranged the venue for her and Ranma to get married, she had made arrangements for the other big event, as well.
Now all that was left was to get the last details ironed out, and figure out how they would get everyone that could attend to the venue site.
Oh, and make sure that there were no mirrors.
Ukyo typed out a quick reply to Nabiki while she calmed herself down and changed into her work clothes. She had to be careful not to give away the surprise while they made the last arrangements.
But maybe a little squeal of joy was not out of line.
Shiro smiled politely to Akane when she thanked him for driving her to work, and then spent another minute saying goodbye to her fiancee. No matter how many times he said that he was simply doing his job, she insisted on thanking him. It was something that he had started to get used to, but he would never tell Miss Tendo that. It would not be proper, after all. He looked into the mirror to meet his lady's eyes and at her nod, he drove out of the parking lot and onto the road again. They had seen Miss Kuonji off first, as had become customary for the partner of the missing Saotome heir. Now, it was time for Ranko to make her rounds, and oversee the legacy that had been left to Ranma and her. Over the years, he had come to appreciate just how lucky that their little family were in service to the Saotomes. Soshi and Chika oversaw the manor, and lived a comfortable life. Shiro had a job that was just exciting enough for him, while stable enough for him to contemplate one day settling down himself, and raising the next generation of retainers to the Saotome's. There really was little more that he could want in life, if he was being honest with himself.
Shiro pulled into the cemetery, and helped the lady of the house into her chair and pushed her to the gravesite before he stepped back to stand at a respectful distance while she talked to Ranma's parents, and her own. As far as Shiro was concerned, the Saotomes of this world were the only real family that Mistress Ranko had ever really had. He wished that she could have met them, to see what her birth parents could have been like, if they hadn't been insane.
Once Mistress Ranko had finished with her visit, Shiro drove her to the dojo, and waited outside. It was peaceful, oddly enough. The sounds that drifted from inside filled him with a gentle warmth, the proof of the legacy that belonged to the family that he served and looked over. He had more than a passing familiarity with the style, of course. Part of his job was to protect those that were in his charge, after all. But mostly that involved some of the best driver training that money and reputation could get access to.
Shiro was pulled from his thoughts by the arrival of the massive martial artist, Ryoga Hibiki. They exchanged a look before Ryouga walked over and leaned against the wall behind Shiro as he made sure that the car looked perfect for his Mistresses return.
"When will you take the test for your next belt, Shiro?" Ryouga said as he watched the driver at work.
"I am quite satisfied with my accomplishments, Master Hibiki. As long as I can be of service to the Saotome's, that is enough for me." Shiro said as he glanced back at Ryouga.
Ryouga laughed and smiled. "I like that about you, Shiro. That said, I want a chance to really spar with you again sometime. Maybe next time you bring the Ranko or Ranma? If you are unsure, ask them. I am sure that they would like to see how well you have learned from the family's legacy."
Shiro paused and then nodded. "I will bring it up with my Lady when she returns from her visit with Master Kase."
Ryouga laughed and nodded before he slapped the smaller man on the back. "Good! Good!" He said before he settled back to watch Shiro at work for a bit longer. Shiro, for his part, mostly ignored the martial arts master while he attended to his duties and waited for the appointed time when his Lady would exit the dojo.
As he wheeled her back and helped her into the car, Shiro paused and then decided to broach the subject once he had started to drive them. "Lady Saotome? If I may ask a question of you?"
Ranko looked up and met the eyes of the loyal retainer. "Of course, Shiro. Ask me anything."
"You are most generous, My Lady. Master Hibiki wishes to know when I shall test for my next belt, and for a chance to spar with me. Would My Lady approve of that?" Shiro asked as he drove towards the next stop on their itinerary.
"Of course, Shiro. I would love to see just how far you have come, and to let you spar with others. I know that Soshi has made sure that you are kept in practice, but it's always a good idea to expand your training base. I do wish that you would come practice with us."
Shiro shook his head slightly. "I thank you for your kind words and permission, My Lady. I fear that I can not join you and your guests in your training, it would be highly improper."
Ranko smiled and sighed. "I figured that would be your response, Shiro. Well, let's get the next bit of business done so that we can be ready to pick up the others when they are finished."
"Of course, My Lady." Shiro said seriously while inside he was filled to the brim with joy for having such a caring and loving family to serve.
As the trio settled in to converse for a little bit while they waited for Kodachi's return each set eyed the other with a knowing little look. When Kodachi did make her appearance, she looked around the room once and broke out into her trademark laughter.
"Oh my, it would seem that something has interested and amused all of you. I do have to wonder whatever it could be?" Kodachi said before she took her usual seat.
All three of the others looked at each other, and then at Kodachi. "I have no idea what you could mean." They all said at almost the same time, then shared speculative looks at the others. After a moment, Kodachi laughed and stood up to stretch in a way that would make a cat envious.
"So, shall we get to our training before dinner, then?" Kodachi asked with a smile on her face.
Ranko laughed and nodded as she let Akane move behind her to push her along. "You must have something up your sleeve, Kodachi. I haven't seen you this eager for training before."
Kodachi smiled a mischievous little smile. "Perhaps because I have made some progress of my own."
Akane laughed and stretched. 'Well then, this should be fun!"