Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love
(Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover
Episode 07: Old... Friends
By Kevin D. Hammel
Ranma 1/2 is property of Rumiko Takahashi. Publication Rights are held
by Viz in The US and Shogakukan in Japan. Sailor Moon is property of
Naoko Takeuchi. Publication rights held by Kodansha Ltd. in Japan and
Mixx Entertainment in the US. My purpose is to honor these creators
and their works. No infringement intended.
***
The sound of her parents in the living room was like an alarm clock to
Hotaru. She still felt tired, but wanted to be sure Mama and Papa
heard all about her wonderful day with big sister Kasumi. With a yawn,
she shrugged out of her pajamas and put on a skirt and blouse.
"Kasumi, how's Hotaru-chan doing?" a concerned Michiru asked,
wordlessly seconded by Haruka.
Kasumi added a gentle smile as she replied. "She's fine. I checked her
just a few minutes ago and she was sleeping soundly."
"Do you think she's sick?" Haruka asked.
"Oh, no. I checked her temperature, and it was normal. I just think
she over-exerted herself."
The hesitant creak of a door announced Hotaru. All three turned to see
the brightly smiling girl. "I feel much better, especially since
Kasumi-san was able to take care of me, Papa and Mama!" The girl
happily announced.
Kasumi glanced at her watch, then bowed to offer a quick apology.
"Excuse me please, the meal I cooked is ready to be served." She
looked down at Hotaru, to speak to the girl personally. "Are you
hungry Hotaru-chan?"
"Sure, Kasumi-san. After resting all day, I' really really hungry."
Hotaru quietly replied.
"Good, Hotaru-chan, I'm glad you're better." Michiru responded with a
pleased expression as Kasumi withdrew to the kitchen. She turned to
Haruka, "What do you think, Dear? Should we talk to her about what we
discussed?"
Haruka paused a moment to look thoughtful before responding. "Let's
wail 'til dinner. That's always a good time to talk things over."
The phone rang. "Excuse me!" Michiru said, as she walked over to pick
it up. "Hello" She answered, wondering whom it was. "Oh, hello
Makoto." She replied with an indifferent look, which became a look of
surprise as she continued to listen. "She asked to see NEPTUNE?" As
she listened further, surprise gave way to understanding. "Certainly.
We're just about to eat dinner right now, but yes, I agree it would
better to bring her here." She finally she concluded by saying, "Same
to you. Goodbye, Makoto."
Michiru hung up the phone and turned to Hotaru. "Hotaru, that was
Makoto. It seems that Ranma's friend from China is asking about Sailor
Neptune."
Hotaru couldn't help but smile. "That's cool, Michiru-mamma. So is
Ranma bringing her over here? Maybe you'll get a Senshi too." She
looked over at Kasumi, who was putting dinner in serving bowls. "I
wonder if your Senshi will be as nice as mine."
"I hope so, Hotaru-chan." Michiru replied, her eyes telling of her
understated excitement.
"Dinner's ready." Kasumi announced after the conversation was
concluded.
The meal was nearly over before Michiru decided to direct the
conversation the way her family wanted. "So, Kasumi, your sisters are
nearly grown. Do you have any plans for YOUR future?"
Kasumi stared at a small clump of rice pinned between her chopsticks.
Since her mother's death, she had been likewise trapped. Forced to
become a mother at nine, so her sisters could grow up. But... none of
them had really turned out the way they could have. Akane gave in to
her anger, to cope with her loss. It seemed like Nabiki had become
largely self-centered. No... that wasn't right. Kasumi knew the
household finances and recognized her sister's contribution. And
Kasumi herself...
Had taken her mother's place. Food was cooked, housekeeping chores
lovingly performed, but none of them had turned out like they would
have if Mother hadn't... Her chopsticks clattered to the plate. "Oh,
I'm sorry. I... was thinking about my past."
Michiru looked a bit concerned. "Kasumi, I understand. Your life was
all planned and quite fulfilling, after a fashion. You gave up what
you were, what you could have been... for your family. Like a mother
is supposed to do, at least by tradition. In our household however,
Haruka and I share the burden."
"What about me, Michiru-mamma? I help with the dishes... sometimes."
Hotaru asked, not wanting to be excluded from the family.
"But, Michiru-san. Akane-chan was only five." Kasumi protested.
Michiru nodded, then continued, "And now she's sixteen, almost a grown
woman. Ready to stand on her own. You should be proud." A glance at
Kasumi showed she was.
"But, Michiru-san, none of us children turned out the way we should
have if mother had..." She couldn't go on, eyes speaking of the pain
her voice could not.
"You did a fine job of helping your sisters grow up, Kasumi. I
couldn't imagine doing what you've done when I was nine. Be proud of
all you've done. But also, don't forget that you have a life to live.
Maybe it's time to let go of your mother's life, to trade it for your
own."
"But, what about father?" She asked. Did her face show concern for his
well-being or fear of changing the familiar?
Michiru decided Kasumi's expression was a little of both, as she
considered her response. "Kasumi, no buts. Please. It's time for you
to chase your dreams, like your sisters have. It's your time at last."
Again she defended her father... or was it use him for an excuse to
escape change? "But... Excuse me, Father still needs..."
"What does your dad need, Kasumi? He's a grown man, and can look after
himself. Don't try to hide behind your old man, it's time for you to
be Kasumi not... Keiko?" Haruka asked, not certain she remembered the
name of Soun's wife.
"Yes, Keiko." Assertiveness made a visit to Kasumi's face as she
continued. "I'll think about what you have said tonight. I will try to
find a way to... finally let go. I promise."
"Thanks, Auntie Kasumi!" a smiling Hotaru added.
"Sure, Hotaru-chan." Kasumi replied with an expression of her own
happiness.
***
Two girls walked home alone from school. There was none of the
excitement that usually flowed around them. No young men offering
entreaties for dates... or to beat them up for dates, no new business
opportunities either. In fact, no one was around, because school had
gotten out a while ago, except for these two girls.
"Detention, I've NEVER have gotten dentition before, Big Sister. I
mean, why did it happen to me?" Akane asked with a sour expression.
"Because, sis, we HAD to go to Juuban this morning." Nabiki replied
with a grim smile.
"HAD to go? We only went because YOU dragged Kasumi and me out of bed
this morning. If we hadn't gone..." It looked like a storm was in
Tendou Akane's forecast.
Nabiki stopped, and actually ALMOST looked angry. "Akane, WHAT would
have happened if we didn't go? Would Ranma or Makoto be alive? What
about Callisto or Ami-chan... would they have made it? And poor Mrs.
Saotome... Akane, PLEASE think before you open your big mouth!"
Akane stopped and blinked a few times. She turned to her sister, torn
over how to respond. So she answered with a yell, "My big mouth! Why
Nabiki... I'll..."
Nabiki couldn't be right, could she? No, and even if she was, Akane
would never admit it. Akane's right foot crashed down as she prepared
stomp off in anger. She was NOT going to admit Nabiki might... just
might... be right!
"Akane!" Nabiki shouted.
Akane froze in her tracks. Nabiki was not one to shout at her. She
turned to see... tears marring her sister's face.
"Akane, this isn't a game anymore. You can't be 'Little Miss Spoiled
Brat Martial Artist' right now. Storming off won't fix ANYTHING, and
people might... will die because of it." Nabiki said with the chilling
certainty she usually reserved for business transactions.
"And who are you to talk, Nabiki? All you care about is yourself, and
your money." Akane tossed back.
"Our money, Akane-chan. Daddy doesn't take in nearly enough to support
the dojo... I have to keep things moving."
"That's not all you do. You seem to spend a lot on clothes, and manga,
and..." Akane fired back.
"You're right. I don't JUST use my money to help the family out... BUT
if a little money will balance the books, I always seem to find some."
Nabiki replied.
Akane pondered her sister's words. Maybe Nabiki DID do more than she
gave her credit for. Coming to a conclusion, Akane dusted off some
words she hadn't used in a while as she continued. "I'm sorry Nabiki."
She offered, looking genuinely apologetic.
Nabiki's face was full of gratitude as she responded. "Thanks, Akane.
This is more than you, or me, or Kasumi. I never thought I'd be able
to do what I've done, both in changing my outlook a little, and on the
battlefield. But I have, and I NEED to keep doing it, because it's
important."
"But how can we help if all the rest of them live in Juuban?" Akane
asked, looking genuinely puzzled.
"And how can Kasumi help Hotaru and her friends when she lives in
Nerima? We've got to find some way of moving there."
"But... what about Daddy?" Akane asked, concerned for her father's
welfare.
"I think things can be worked out, if we all work together. In fact,
I'll try to set up the paperwork for the two of us to transfer." Her
face became playful as she continued, "But what will you do without
Kunou-baby and your fan club, Little Sister?"
Suddenly, Akane saw that there were a whole lot of benefits to moving
to another district. "I don't know, Big Sister" She replied with mock
concern. "But I'm sure I'll think of something."
Nabiki returned to her businesswoman guise, thrusting a hand out to
her sister. "So, Akane, are you in?"
Akane took the hand, and shook. "Sure, Big Sister."
**
Kikuko lead her retinue to Michiru and Haruka's house. Following the
redheaded schoolgirl were Makoto, Kikuko's Amazon friend Shampoo, and
Shampoo's great-grandmother Cologne. Makoto and Michiru had decided
that this would probably be a better place to introduce Shampoo to
Sailor Neptune than in a public ice-cream parlor. On the way over,
Kikuko and Makoto had been careful about mentioning any names, save
Sailor Neptune. It was better to let Michiru, Haruka, and Hotaru
decide how much to tell Ranma's friends.
"Okay, here it is!" Kikuko said at last. Turning, she hurried up to
the door and rang the bell. There wasn't any response. Kikuko knocked.
"It's me, Kikuko! I brought my friend Shampoo to meet you!"
A confused melange of light poured from under the door. Kikuko turned
to Makoto, who nodded and winked. Then Kikuko answered with an
affirmative shake of her own head.
Sailor Neptune opened the door, seeing Kikuko and Makoto. Behind her
two friends were two people she didn't recognize... a girl about
Kikuko's age, and an elderly woman. "Hello, I am Sailor Neptune." She
said with a polite bow.
The crone hopped to the door using her staff with speed that surprised
Neptune. "Pleased to meet you. I am Elder Cologne of the Joketsuzoku
Amazons."
The girl chimed in next, "Shampoo also Amazon, hello. Sailor Neptune
have pen? Sailor Neptune know cats?"
Kikuko shuddered at the mention of her nemeses.
Neptune studied the gaijin girl who might be HER Senshi. She could see
anticipation and... fear on Shampoo's face. Anticipation was easy to
understand, but fear? "Come in, please?" The Senshi said as she
stepped back from the doorway to admit her visitors.
"Thank you, Sailor Neptune." Cologne offered, as the party entered the
house.
Soon, everyone was clustered around the table in the living room and
introductions were made. Shampoo was surprised to see four Sailor
Senshi, Sailor Neptune, as well as Uranus, Saturn, and Titan. It
seemed that Sailor Titan was a Senshi of one of Saturn's moons. Just
like Triton would be of Neptune's.
"So, Shampoo, what do you know about me?" Sailor Neptune asked to
start the conversation.
"Shampoo dream. See Moon Spirit Triton. Triton tell Shampoo get pen
from Sailor Neptune. Shampoo get pen now?" She asked, unable to keep
the keen anticipation she felt out of her eyes.
Neptune held out the pen to the girl. If she WAS Sailor Triton, she
would know what to do.
Shampoo looked in awe at the beautiful device, which was a deep
magenta, almost purple. She closed her eyes, and held it in both
hands. "At last." She lowered her voice in reverence. "Shanna become
Sailor Senshi."
Who's Shanna? became the question on most minds in the room.
Standing, the young Amazon raised the pen in her right hand, speaking
her transformation phrase "Triton Lumina Power. Make up!" After the
magenta light show died down, Sailor Triton stood there, looking down
at herself. She couldn't keep tears away. Facing Neptune, she smiled
in heartfelt gratitude. "Thank you, Sailor Neptune. You give Sha...
Sailor Triton great great gift. You make Shanna dream come true after
one thousand year."
"Shanna's dream? Who is Shanna?" Neptune asked, genuinely concerned.
"Bring cats, Shampoo... Shanna... Sailor Triton tell."
"Cats?" Neptune asked her new Senshi.
"Artemis... and Luna." Triton said, going from smile to frown in the
space of a simple declaration. "Shampoo have another life. Long long
ago. Shampoo old name Shanna." She turned to Kikuko. "Shampoo know
Ranma not like cats. Ranma go before cats come here."
Kikuko smiled. "Thanks, Shampoo. I'll go soon, but." She looked at
Makoto as she continued. "I need to show you my secret too." In an
instant, her own henshin pen was in her hand. In just a few seconds
more, Sailors Io and Jupiter joined the gathering.
Shampoo hugged Kikuko. "Ranma Sailor Senshi too! Shampoo very very
very happy."
Cologne didn't know WHAT to make of this. A BOY could actually become
a Sailor Senshi? Of course, 'Kikuko', as Ranma seemed to be called in
his cursed form, was a girl... sometimes.
Io struggled to escape from Triton's vice-like grip. "Yeah, Shampoo.
I'm Sailor Io. Will ya let go, please?"
Shampoo complied with her friend's wish, content to smile at Ranma.
A thought popped into Jupiter's head. "Uranus, why don't you see if
you can get Sailor Venus and Sailor Moon to bring their cats? Io and I
will go home now, okay?"
"That good Idea, Sailor... Triton-not-know-name." Shampoo remarked.
"The name's Jupiter. No, not just Jupiter... SAILOR Jupiter." Jupiter
said, looking down at the shorter neo Senshi. She was very glad Triton
was Neptune's problem.
After reverse transformations, Makoto and Kikuko left.
***
"So Kikuko, who's Shampoo?" Makoto asked her friend.
"Well, after my dad died, I was a mess. There was a village of Amazons
near the springs. They helped me get better. Cologne let me stay with
her at her house, while she fixed up all the travel stuff. Shampoo's
her great-granddaughter, and she became my friend while I was there.
"She seems a LOT more than a friend." Makoto asked accusingly.
"But that's all she is. Honest, Mako-chan." Kikuko said defensively.
"You mean she's not your girlfriend, Kikuko?" Makoto asked, with an
accusing glare.
Kikuko didn't even notice the accusation as she simply explained the
situation. "Well, she's a girl and she's my friend..."
Makoto thought for a while before responding. "Okay, let me say it
another way. You mean you're not her boyfriend?"
Kikuko's face showed her disbelief at Makoto's question. "Well, that's
impossible. When I heard that the village was run by girls, I decided
maybe I should stay be a girl for a while. Shampoo doesn't even KNOW
I'm a guy. 'Sides she's already got a husband and a guy who chases
after her!"
Makoto's face was a depiction of jealousy as she commented. "A husband
and a guy who chases after her? Well, she is cute."
Conversation was interrupted by a figure that dropped from a rooftop
in front of them. The unknown assailant held a... spatula? He appeared
to be a boy, and his stance showed that he knew how to use the
seemingly ludicrous weapon. "Saotome Kikuko, is it?" He asked while
glaring at the redhead.
Kikuko assumed a casual stance as she answered. "Yep."
Makoto stared down at the newcomer. "And I'm Kino Makoto."
"I'm not attacking you guys, I'm just lookin' for some info. But I
WILL defend myself." The young man said as he assumed a combat stance.
Both Makoto and Kikuko's jaws dropped as they saw the sign of one of
Jupiter's moons on the youth's forehead.
"M... Mako-chan. Do ya see?" Kikuko asked in shock.
"Sure do, Kiku-chan." She whispered. "But he's a... a... boy..." She
continued as her voice trained off. Makoto turned to address the boy,
"Okay. Maybe we do have some information for you. But first, how 'bout
you providing some for me, Like your name. Heck, you already know our
names..."
"I am an angel of vengeance, seeking to punish the Saotome clan for
wrecking my life." He shouted, thrusting the spatula Kikuko's
direction for emphasis as he spoke.
"Well, I never saw 'Angel of Vengeance' in the phone book. What's your
real name?" Kikuko asked in a rock steady voice, totally unfazed by
the boy's display.
"Why should I tell YOU? You're a Saotome, and you live at their house,
so you are my enemy!" The boy shouted as he lunged at Kikuko, who
dodged.
The battle continued for several minutes, the boy would strike at
Kikuko, then she would dodge each attack.
"Please... this... ain't... doin'... nothin'." Kikuko said between
dodges.
Makoto had seen enough. "Stop!" She shouted, causing both combatants
to pause and look. Makoto looked at the boy. " I saw a mark on you
head, the mark of one of Jupiter's moons..."
"What do you know about that?" He asked.
"This..." Makoto said as she presented a henshin pen to the winded
youth. "I guess you must be Sailor Ganymede. But... How does a boy
become a Sailor Senshi?"
Kikuko swallowed.
"Someday, I'll have my revenge on you, I swear!" Kikuko's assailant
screamed as he grabbed the pen from Makoto's hand, leapt to the roof
of a nearby building, and was gone.
"So, I guess you found Sailor Ganymede, Mako-chan. Hope he doesn't
KILL me."
Makoto swallowed before responding, "So do I. But there has NEVER been
a BOY Sailor Senshi!" She looked thoughtful for a few moments; "At
least I don't THINK there was..."
***
Sailor Moon had met Venus on the way to Michiru's house. They dropped
into a alley and hopped a fence to enter the back way.
Hearing a knock on the back door, Sailor Neptune went to answer it.
She opened to door to see Sailor Moon, who was carrying Luna, and
Sailor Venus, who was carrying Artemis. "Come in, there is someone who
wants to meet you."
"Okay!" A beaming Sailor Moon replied. "I always like to meet new
friends!"
"Thanks, Neptune." Sailor Venus replied.
Sailor Triton turned to see the two cats. Upon seeing them, Triton's
eyes glazed over...
And she remembered. Remembered all the feelings she had back then for
Artemis and Luna. They had grown up together, and were great friends
as kittens and young adults. Because the three of them were the only
representatives of their kind in the Kingdom, they stuck together. A
smile crossed the Amazon's face as she recalled all the wonderful
times they had together growing up.
Then one day...
Shanna looked at the Palace with keen anticipation. Her prolonged
visit to Earth had resulted in forging an alliance with the Niichieju.
They had even offered her membership in their tribe but she had
declined, knowing her heart was back here serving her queen. And being
with Artemis.
As she padded down the corridors, acknowledging each greeting she
received with a nod of her head, she thought that, maybe Artemis would
FINALLY make up his mind... and decide on her. As she came upon the
Advisor's quarters, she heard a high pitched voice, and turned the
corner to see Artemis and Luna playing with a kitten. All three of
them turned to face her... All three of them were marked as she was.
Artemis HAD decided.
"No..." Shanna whispered, and her vision became blurry.
"Shanna, how nice to see you!" Luna said as she came forward, happy to
see her best friend. "Arteries and I finally... Shanna, what's wrong?"
"And to think, I had actually thought..." the purple and white cat
managed to get out before she turned and ran as fast as her four legs
would carry her from the building.
"Shanna! Wait!" She heard far behind her, as she abandoned her feline
form, perhaps for the last time. Clad in the pink silk Amazon garb she
had grown to love, she fled from her old life, and ran toward her
future.
But now, Luna was back. Ready to torment her again... "Luna..." She
whispered in a voice dripping venom.
"What?" Luna asked, as she leapt out of Sailor Moon's arms to land
lightly on the floor. She looked up at Sailor Triton as she continued.
"You're one of the Neo Senshi, aren't you? How do you know me?"
"Luna remember... Shanna?" Sailor Triton hissed.
"Shanna... Shanna..." The name rolled off her tongue easily. It was a
name she recognized, but couldn't place.
"Sailor Triton help..." The latest Neo Senshi replied. After storing
her henshin pen, she began to shrink. In moments, all that remained of
her was a lump amidst her Sailor fuku, which dematerialized to reveal
a white cat with lavender markings, most prominent of which was the
crescent moon on her forehead. "Now Luna remember?" The cat asked, and
then lunged with claws unsheathed.
Artemis watched the two cats square off, the sight tickling a memory
long since forgotten. "Shanna! Luna! Control yourselves!" It was
tough... on the two females that he was the only male of their species
on Earth. Not that he minded, except when one of them got hurt. But
then he remembered making a decision in the past, and what had
happened because of it.
Shanna hissed at her rival. Uttering a cat's yowling cry as she swiped
at Luna with a paw, which just missed. A quick move of her head and
one paw flipped the black cat over in a feline martial arts throw.
Shanna turned to jump at her opponent.
The attack jolted Cologne into action. Making a quick mental
calculation of the appropriate pressure points on a cat's body, she
took advantage of Shampoo's preoccupation with Luna to touch all the
required locations in a fraction of a second.
Halted in mid-leap, Shanna collapsed to the floor.
"Shampoo..." Cologne whispered, wondering she had lost her great-
granddaughter to the ghost of an Amazon legend. Cologne did something
she had not done in nearly a century, as she wept for a loved one.
"Oh, my Shampoo, what happened to you? Why you?"
But she knew why.
Shanna's time had come again.
Shanna... no... Shampoo, heard her Great Grandmother weep for her.
What had happened? She wondered as she took her most recent human
form, that of Sailor Triton. She took the seemingly fragile Amazon
elder in her arms. "Great-grandmother. Shampoo back. Shanna part of
Shampoo. Shanna not all Shampoo is, only little part, only old part."
Looking down, Shampoo gazed at Luna. "Shampoo sorry, Luna. One
thousand year too long, Shanna go crazy. Shampoo very sorry. Shampoo
want Luna friend, Artemis friend. Shampoo have husband now, no want
Artemis."
"I... understand Shampoo, and I accept your apology." Luna replied.
"And, I'm proud of you, proud that one of us finally became a Sailor
Senshi."
Shampoo offered a smiling, tearful reply. "Thank you."
Cologne pushed herself out of Shampoo's grasp to offer her
perspective. "I'm proud of you two, Shampoo. Just remember, no matter
what form you take, you will ALWAYS be an Amazon."
"Yes, great-grandmother, Shampoo remember."
***
Makoto looked at her reflection in the mirror. A shopping expedition
had netted a green silk shirt with wooden fasteners. It was a good
match for the red ones Ranma liked. A pair of black women's jeans
stood in for the black pants Ranma usually wore. She looked... just
right. The jeans added a nice feminine touch. Maybe she would take
Kikuko shopping for a pair sometime.
As she continued to examine her reflection in the mirror, Makoto began
to look beyond her outfit. Concern crossed her features, and then
deepened. Did she really want this?
Ranma DID resemble the man of her dreams. He was strong, brave... and
a Sailor Senshi. Her dreams NEVER had a woman in them, so how did
Kikuko fit in?
She knew how happy Haruka and Michiru were, and what good parents they
were for Hotaru. But... That wasn't her dream of a relationship.
But yet... She could see advantages to having Ranma as a boyfriend...
but as a girlfriend?
Was she ready to have a girlfriend? Kikuko wasn't really a girl. No,
she was a girl AND a boy. Just a month or two ago, Ranma had been just
a boy, so HE was much more boy than girl. But... No buts. Kikuko was a
friend from that first day Makoto saw her at school, she was one of
the Neo Senshi of Jupiter's moons, and Kikuko was Ranma.
Anyway, there would be NO secrets between them about their alternate
guises. No discussion about whether it was proper for a woman to be a
warrior. And Ranma would be able to share all the joy and pain being a
Sailor Senshi entailed at her side, as a girl. But that also meant
that Ranma understood... or would understand... girls.
A lot of the boys she had chased after had no clue. And her life had
been all planned, before. With Ranma, everything would change. Maybe,
just maybe, Makoto could see a future before her that was more than
running a bakery or a flower shop. Perhaps she COULD see herself with
a part-time girl as a boyfriend.
Resolve was written on her face as she checked her hair. Giving
herself a final once-over in the mirror, Makoto smoothed out her shirt
and headed for the door.
***
Nodoka watched Makoto walk up to the house, then hurried down to
answer the door as the bell rang. Opening the door, woman offered girl
a warm smile. "Good morning, Makoto! Have you come to visit Kikuko?"
she asked, hearing her daughter's soft footfalls behind her.
"Well..." Makoto said as she considered what to say. "Actually, I came
to see if Ranma might like to spend the day with me."
Nodoka's smile became a more thoughtful expression. "Come in please,
Miss Kino." She said at last.
"Hi, Mako-chan!" Kikuko enthused, "Why didja..."
"Kikuko, please try to be a bit more polite," Nodoka reminded her
daughter.
"Uh... do you wanna... want to do something today?" The redhead asked
her friend, a glance at her mother emphasizing the 'to' as she spoke.
Makoto smiled for her classmate, "Well, I was wondering if you might
like to uh... spend the day with me, Ranma." She replied, emphasizing
her friend's name.
Kikuko looked at her mother, expectation vying with a little fear on
her face.
Nodoka considered the proposal. It would be harder to conceal Ranma's
secret if he went outside. It was certain that benefits to her son far
outweighed any possible pain he might suffer. Her smile returned as
she looked, first to her daughter then Makoto. "Certainly. I'm sure
Ranma would enjoy spending the day with you, Makoto-chan."
"Okay!" Kikuko shouted, then bolted up the stairs. Suddenly, she
stopped, nearly falling as her momentum wanted to keep her moving. She
thought for a few moments. She... HE was going to be a guy for a whole
day, and spend it with a GIRL. But girls were... strong, a lot
stranger than pop had said, especially Mako-chan.
Thinking about her, Kikuko began to flush slightly. Makoto was a girl
and Ranma would be a boy, today. Girls distracted men from the art...
Not really. Makoto was a strong fighter, and had a lot of potential to
excel in the School. Haruka was even better. Heck, even Ami was a
really good fighter. And she was so smart, the Senshi of Mercury
seemed to get better every lesson. In fact, during their training
sessions there were a whole bunch of girls, all focused on training.
There were no distractions, just commitment. His dad knew a lot about
the Art but maybe... not much about girls. Neither did she, but she
WAS learning, thanks to mom.
And there was a lot more she had to learn from them. She was a Sailor
Senshi now, she had to battle... Things she never even dreamed of,
even in her nightmares. And these girls knew how to fight them...
better than she did.
She wondered, for just a moment, what her dad would have thought of
her. A single tear fell as she remembered him. She quickly brushed it
aside. She had her mom now. A warm bed waited every night. Good food
to eat every day, and FRIENDS...
"Kiku-chan, are you okay?" Makoto called her to her friend, who stood
in silent contemplation. It was easy to see the flush, too. Maybe
Ranma felt like she did, but just didn't realize it. Makoto smiled;
maybe she could make this work after all.
***
Ranma looked at Makoto who walked along beside him. "So... whatcha
wanna do today, Mako-chan? This place is your home, so you're gonna
need to think about that!"
Makoto looked thoughtful. This wasn't how a date was supposed to work,
but Ranma wasn't a normal date, anyway. "Uh... Let's go to the Tokyo
Tower. There's a great view from up there!"
"Okay, let's go." Ranma replied with little enthusiasm.
Makoto frowned. Kikuko was full of energy, she KNEW Ranma was too. How
could she get Ranma to open up when he was a guy?
***
Only a few minutes after her child had left with his friend, Nodoka
noticed four visitors walking up to the door. It was the Tendou
family. Why were THEY here? She put on a smile; she had already become
fond of Soun's daughters, after all. In a few moments, she had opened
the door to greet her guests.
"Good morning!" Nodoka announced with a bow.
"Good morning, Mrs. Saotome." Soun responded. "I'm sorry for coming on
such short notice, but my daughters have a proposal for you."
Nodoka looked thoughtful for a moment, then decided she would be happy
to hear them out. "Of course. Come in, please."
Soun looked concerned, "Where is Ranma?"
Nodoka studied the face of Genma's friend. Tendou Soun did a poor job
of hiding his emotions. It was obvious that he expected Ranma to be
there.
"Tendou-san, my son is out for the day with... friends." Nodoka
replied at last, almost in apology.
As the four guests arrayed themselves around the living room table,
Nodoka put some tea on and fetched some monju from the refrigerator.
She carefully arrayed the treats on a plate. Nodoka focussed on them
for a few moments, trying to understand WHY the Tendous would visit
her.
"Excuse me, please, Mrs. Saotome. Do you need any help?" a soft voice
inquired, rousing her from her musings.
"What?" Nodoka whispered. "Oh, Kasumi-chan. Of course you can help."
Nodoka said as she handed the plate to the oldest Tendou daughter.
"Please take these out to your sisters and father. I'll be along in a
moment."
"Of course... auntie." Kasumi replied, happy to help in whatever way
she could.
<Auntie?> Nodoka thought as a happier expression came to her. "Thank
you, Kasumi." she said at last, then turned to pour the tea for her
guests.
Soun struggled with what to say, the blurted out, "Mrs. Saotome, My
daughters want to move to Juuban, so they can transfer to your
excellent High School."
Nodoka looked at them in puzzlement, "Excuse me, Tendou-san? Your
three children want to move to my house with me and my son?"
"Yeah, that's it." Nabiki stated, "There are some unique uh...
opportunities in Juuban that Akane, Kasumi, and I would like to
investigate."
Nodoka turned to the head of the Tendou clan. "Tendou-san, could I
speak to your daughters alone?"
"What could you want to tell them you couldn't tell me, Saotome?"
"Girl stuff, Daddy..." She turned to Nodoka, "Right, Mrs. S?"
"But, I am your father. I need to know what you intend to do and WHY
you wish to move out." Soun protested.
"Please, father." Kasumi implored, then looked down for a moment.
Realizing the importance of the situation, she looked up again,
straight at her father.
Soun's stern expression softened as he saw Kasumi's conviction. He
trusted his eldest almost as much as he had Keiko. The reason must
have been VERY important. "Very well, I'll be in the front yard." he
stated, then went out the door.
Soun left the house, curious what his children wanted to discuss
Nodoka. Well, no matter what it was, it seemed that the scheme borne
from his daughters' odd request might work out after all. With all
four of them living under the same roof, the union of the families and
Schools was assured. Smiling as he leaned on the gate, he watched the
traffic pass by.
Nodoka moved back a little, so she could look at all three girls at
once. "So, why do you girls REALLY want to move to Juuban?"
As Nodoka expected, Nabiki spoke first. "Mrs. Saotome, I assure you it
is just so we can train with... uh... Ranma."
"Nabiki-chan, we need to tell Mrs. Saotome." Kasumi added.
Nodoka raised her hand, then nodded as she replied, "I see. And to
think I thought it was to train as Sailor Senshi."
All three girls couldn't conceal their shock, Akane recovering first.
" I suppose Ranma told you!" she spat.
"No, Akane. I have just learned to be... observant." Nodoka replied
with an unreadable expression.
Kasumi looked contrite as she spoke up. "I'm sorry for not telling you
the truth Mrs. Saotome. I meant no disrespect. In fact we haven't even
told our own father."
"Good," Nodoka replied. "If Soun is anything like my Genma was, he
wouldn't allow the three of you out of the house if he knew the
truth."
Nabiki ALMOST smiled as she picked up Nodoka's train of thought, "So
WE decided to get ourselves out of the house. That way, we could train
as Senshi and be in the thick of the action."
"Big talk for a businesswoman-to-be, Big Sister. How are you gonna
make any money so far from your profit sources?" Akane chided as she
elbowed her elder sibling.
Nabiki might have flinched for a moment before she responded. "You're
partially right, I'm going to be cutting off a lot of my profits when
I move to Juuban... But I've diversified. I have lots of investments
in stocks, you know. So, cash flow will slow down a little, but only
'til I set up shop here. Besides I NEED to train if I'm ever going to
amount to much in combat."
Akane was struck by the determination in her sister's face. She
couldn't help but smile. It wasn't the smirk Sailor Europa used when
she taunted Charon, but a warm smile, full of encouragement, and
respect. "Good, Nabiki. I'll help you."
Determination flowed to something more serious on the middle
daughter's face. "Akane, I'm flattered you want to help me, but I need
to learn to do more than beat people up, punch holes in walls, and
break bricks."
"Why... you! I'm a martial artist! I'll show you!" Akane replied,
agitation increasing with each syllable.
Nabiki smirked in triumph, "By doing what, Akane? Beating me up? You
just proved my point. When does Daddy break bricks, except as a
demonstration? Does he punch holes in the wall?" Her expression
softened as she continued, "Akane-chan, all of us need to learn from
each other. You know Father's school, Ranma knows his father's. The
Planetary Senshi can teach us what they know about using magic with
the Art. We've all got to work together."
"Yes. If we all work together, maybe I'll get to do more with my life
than keep house..." Kasumi flushed for a few moments before
continuing. "Oh, dear. I shouldn't have said that."
Nodoka looked at the three girls. Contrite Kasumi, confident Nabiki,
and expectant Akane seemed to study her every change in expression.
Each of them looked to Nodoka with hope that her own dreams would be
realized. At last Ranma's mother spoke. "I should level with you three
too, and don't tell your father any of this. My son is spending the
day with Kino Makoto, and I'm glad he is."
Akane looked disappointed and a little angry as she protested, "But,
we were promised to your family!"
Nodoka looked at Akane with motherly compassion, "I understand, Akane-
chan. But Ranma needs to find his own place in the world. My husband
did a lot to hurt my son in the years he was gone from my side. Now,
I'm a mother again, and I want my Ranma to be happy."
Nabiki smirked at her sister, "Besides, Akane. I thought you hated
boys. But then, maybe this interest is because Ranma's part girl!"
"Nabiki! Why, I'll..." Akane said as she rose from her seat.
"Please be nice. We are guests." Kasumi stated in a firm, quiet voice.
Akane reddened then whispered, "Sorry," as she sank back into her
seat.
"Akane-chan, it's all right. Let's let things go for a while,
alright?" Nodoka asked. "But on the matter of you girls coming to stay
with us... If your father approves, I will not stand in the way. I
think the three of you need some freedom to find YOUR own way, too."
"I like the sound of that!" Nabiki replied with an enthusiastic shake
of her head.
"But what about father?" Kasumi asked in her quiet voice, a small
frown marring her normally cheerful expression.
"Maybe I could look after him... Provided you girls, and Ranma can
look after MY..." A smile came to Nodoka as she realized her error,
then corrected herself. "The home of my son and myself... OUR home."
She narrowed her gaze to fall on Kasumi. "Will you make sure the
children don't get into trouble Kasumi?"
Kasumi replied, with a surprisingly serious expression. "Of course,
Mrs. Saotome. I will make certain they behave themselves."
"Very well, then. Would one of you please fetch your father?"
***
"Well, I paid for both of us to take the elevator up here... I'm out
of money... Except my bus fare." Makoto stated, showing her... date an
empty coin purse to emphasize the point.
"But I didn't know we had to spend money just to walk around Juuban...
'sides I don't got any extra 'cept bus fare either..." Ranma replied
with a shrug.
"Excuse me," A short, redheaded girl with a long pigtail said. "I
heard you two talking, and... I thought I'd pay for you guys to look
through one of the telescopes," she said with a smile and a slight
flush.
Makoto and Ranma did a double-take at the cute redhead, who continued
to smile as she dropped a few coins into the machine, then motioned
for the two to have a look.
Ranma and Makoto juggled moving the telescope, taking a look, and
watching the strange red headed girl. After a short while they forgot
about their benefactor, content to swap viewing opportunities until
the telescope shut down with a click.
By then, the mysterious girl was gone.
After both of them looked around for a few minutes, Ranma shrugged,
and Makoto looked puzzled before commenting. "Say, Ranma... Do you
have a sister?"
"Nah, at least I don't think so..." Ranma replied.
They jointly surveyed the observation deck one more time. After
trading a final shrug, the pair took an elevator down.
***
On the way back to the Saotome home, Ranma and Makoto walked side by
side, each stealing an occasional glance at his or her companion.
Makoto slowly stuck an arm out, almost touching Ranma. The boy looked
at the arm and stopped. Makoto walked a few more steps, then turned to
see a dumbfounded Ranma. "Sorry..." She said, trying to hide her hurt
behind contrition.
For perhaps the first time in his life, Ranma understood another's
feelings. He could, somehow, sense that he had hurt his best friend.
"M... Mako-chan..." He stammered.
Makoto just looked at him, trying to keep her emotions to herself. The
day had gone better than she had hoped; Ranma had smiled and even
laughed more than once. She had hoped that... somehow, Ranma felt like
her. Maybe she was wrong.
Ranma tried to collect his thoughts. All his friend wanted was for him
to hold her hand. It wasn't that hard, was it? After all, she was his
best friend, right?
But she was a girl and he was a guy. If he held her hand it might MEAN
something... That they were more than friends.
Ranma walked slowly toward his friend. Each step was careful and
deliberate as he tiptoed through the minefield that had separated him
from girls in the past. When he finally reached Makoto, he hesitantly
lifted his arm to touch her hand. Her soft skin tickled his
fingertips, a sensation far more pleasant than he had expected.
Looking into Makoto's eyes, Ranma saw her sadness melt away.
Slowly and gently, out of fear alone instead of any romantic
tenderness, he wrapped his own fingers around hers. Ranma could only
gaze in wonder as Makoto's face was transformed by the most beautiful
and warm smile he had ever seen.
"Thanks, Ranma." She whispered.
"It's okay, Mako-chan." Heck making a girl happy was a lot easier than
he thought. And somehow, it made him feel good too. He was still
puzzled as to why it would affect him, however. "Let's go home." Ranma
said at last.
"Sure!" Makoto replied, pleased with her progress. She decided not to
push things any further, for now.
Ranma looked at Makoto for a moment as they walked. If she was happy,
why did she look like she was ready to cry? Girls, he would never...
He would try to understand them.
Hand in hand the two walked home. Maybe it WOULD work out, Makoto
thought. Maybe...
Nodoka watched the two children walk down the street past her house,
holding hands. With her help, Ranma was well on his way to becoming a
man, that was clear.
But how did 'Kikuko' fit into all of this, now? Was 'she' on the road
to becoming a woman? Nodoka never wanted a daughter, had she? The
training had succeeded to this point, but at what cost to her son?
Of course, Ranma was also one of the Sailor Senshi, who protected the
tenth district AND the world. That fact argued FOR Kikuko's continued
existence. And cold water would keep her a part of his life, so proper
behavior when he was a girl was important, wasn't it?
Nodoka sighed as her son and his friend disappeared as they walked
down the street, past where her eyes could follow. What could she do?
What her heart told her to. She had gotten Ranma this far; there was
no turning back.
***
Umino waited for Naru-chan under the tree where they usually shared
lunch. She seemed distracted last week. Something had happened, but
Naru didn't want to discuss it. Strange, there hadn't been secrets
between them, until now. He would have to get her to talk about it,
which is why he had brought some extra-special shrimp for her today;
hoping good food would loosen her tongue.
He turned as he heard a commotion behind him. A creature had appeared
and was threatening a group of students. The he saw her, Naru-chan
running as fast as she could from the battle. She stopped behind a
building, and looked around to see if anyone could see her. Umino
ducked behind the tree when her gaze threatened to detect him.
As he peeked out from behind the tree again, he saw her raise her arm
into the air and say something, which he couldn't make out over the
commotion. In an incredible display of lights and magic, Naru, HIS
Naru became a Sailor Senshi and raced off after it. So, he raced off
after her, carrying the box of shrimp he had bought.
As he got as little closer, he was able to study Sailor Naru more
closely. She wore orange boots and a short orange skirt, with a big
green bow in front. So, she wasn't one of the regular Sailor Senshi.
That meant that she was one of the NEW Sailors he had heard rumors of.
Maybe that was why Naru-chan had become a lot less talkative. With an
almost audible click, everything fell into place.
He stood to watch the battle. Sailor Naru-chan spun like a ballerina
then fired her 'Meteor Swarm' attack at the creature. Another of the
new Sailors used her fiery 'Tempest Flare' in concert with Naru-chan.
A bell on a bicycle announced a third Senshi as a girl wearing a dark
magenta Sailor Fuku leaped off the bike and into battle.
He heard a battle cry from the side, as two more Sailor Senshi raced
to the scene. With a cry of "World Shaking", Sailor Uranus combined
her attack with Neptune's "Deep Submerge" to finally dispatch the
beast.
It was with sadness that Umino watched Sailor Naru-chan her teammates
into an empty classroom.
A clearly sad Sailor Naru left the room, and found another to enter.
Naru-chan came out just a short while later. What could a beautiful
Sailor Senshi see in simple Umino? <More than you think.> a small
voice told him.
***
A woman with deep blue hair waited on her throne for a report. A
frightened, bespectacled woman tentatively entered the throne room,
bowing low before Lady Azurite. The newcomer's white hair shone with
youth.
"What news do you bring from your experiment, scientist?" the Ruler
asked, contempt dripping from the sentence's final world.
"All is proceeding according to plan. The two Planetary Senshi who
fought the creature showed the expected degradation in power levels."
The woman proudly replied.
"Excellent, Halite. And the Neo Senshi?" Azurite asked, already
fearing the answer.
"Their power comes from a different source, my Lady." The scientist
said as she bowed deeply, both out of respect for her superior and
fear at looking at Azurite's face after her revelation. The woman
allowed herself a smile as she continued, "But... their transformation
magic comes from the same source, and is certain to be decaying at the
same rate."
"Good." Azurite spat. "If those new brats can't become Sailor Senshi,
who CARES if they can still attack us in Senshi guise?"
"Indeed, Lady. In the case of the Planetary Senshi, we take the Gun
AND the bullets. For the Neo Senshi, merely the gun." She found the
courage to look up as she continued, "But for us, the result is the
same. In a short while, they shall not stand in our way."
"Indeed, you have done well. So well, I shall make the success of this
operation your PERSONAL responsibility. Succeed, and this world shall
be your playground. Fail..." Complete silence provided all the answer
either woman needed. Azurite continued. "In either case, I am well
amused. That is all." The ruler said as she waved her servant off.
"Th... thank you, my Lady." Halite responded, using all her self-
control to keep from showing any emotion until she THOUGHT she was out
of Azurite's presence.
***
Mineralogical tidbit: Halite (NaCl) has many common names for its
various forms. The foremost of which is... table salt.
Monju: Sweet bean paste snacks, sort of like doughnuts.
Niichieju: The Chinese term for the Amazons.
The concept of Shanna came from Chad Walker cswvna@hotmail.com, used
with permission.
All previous reports of sighting a 'Sailor Black Rose' in this story
have been proven groundless, as I tossed out that plotline when a
plotline *I* found uncomfortably similar came up in Gregg Sharp's
"Featherbrite's Tale".
Another plotline suggested by Kenjiko2@aol.com AKA Robert Haynie *was*
started in this episode.
Thanks to my pre-readers, Mike Koos, Fire, Richard Beaubien, Kenko,
and Andrew Norris.
Thanks for reading, let me know what YOU think!
Kevin D. Hammel
December 27, 1999
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khammel@anime.sobhrach.com
kevinsff@pacbell.net
http://www.anime.sobhrach.com/~khammel/
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