RANMA 1/2 V
A fan-fic written by Force Vector based on the
characters and situations created by Rumiko Takahashi.
----------------------------
CHAPTER 4: Romantic Interlude
�� Humming to herself, Nodoka walked through the
shopping district with a lively step.� With the
whereabouts of the patriarchs of the family known and
Ranma off to rescue them, it was only a matter of days
before Nodoka would see Genma and Soun again.� It took
her several sleepless nights to realize that she DID
miss her Papa Panda.
���She wanted the homecoming to be special. � Taking
matters into her hands, she had gone off without
anyone�s knowledge, and spent the day shopping for
special items.� Most of the items in her mental
checklist had already been ordered, she just needed to
visit one more store.
�� Like a stab at the heart, a sense of foreboding hit
her.� Instinctively she rolled to one side as a
violent gust of wind passed where she had been
standing.� A concessionaire cart that was in its path
was cleaved in half. � The attendant - thankfully -
not present.
�� Nodoka picked herself up and dashed into a small
grocery store.� Seeing another exit, she altered her
flight in mid step and exited the store moments before
it exploded in a cloud of thick grey dust and
pulverized goods.
�� As she ran, Nodoka unwrapped the cloth that bound
the family sword.� Sensing the menacing presence
approaching, she dodged down an alley.� Another
explosion rocked the area behind her.� She smiled
grimly.� *All speed and strength, no maneuverability.*
�� Tucking the wrapping into her kimono, Nodoka heard
her pursuer�s flight through the alley.� The sound of
crates, cans, and other trash demolished in its path
competed with walls breaking and buckling out.� Nodoka
started to worry.� *It�s large.*
�� Reaching the end of the alley she ducked to the
right and unsheathed the Katana.� Several bystanders
shouted in surprise. � She tucked the scabbard into
her obi and assumed a two-handed overhead stance.
�� Feeling the rush of displaced air, Nodoka slashed
down with all her might.� She felt the Katana bite, a
deep inhuman scream filled the air.� The Katana was
yanked out of her grasp as her victim continued its
flight.� Twirling in the air, the Katana landed tip
first in a fountain.
�� Dodging the screaming, panicking bystanders, Nodoka
rushed to the fountain.� Climbing into it, she again
felt the displaced air. � Flattening herself in the
water, she felt the fountain shake.� Several chunks of
the fountain�s decoration tumbled into the water.
�� She gave a silent three count before standing up. �
Wading to the Katana, she grasped the hilt with both
hands and pulled.
�� *Oh no.*� The Katana did not budge. � Nodoka tried
again, but the Katana remained stuck.� She heard the
creature bellow and knew that it was one of triumph.
�� She stood proudly by the family�s Katana and closed
her eyes.� *Happousai was wrong, Saffron did split his
forces.* � She felt the leading edge of the displaced
air.� She composed herself, accepting her fate
calmly.� In her minds eye a quick succession of
images.� *Goodbye Genma, Ranma, Lanko.� Goodbye
grandchild.� I�ll never get to watch you grow�
���A splash sounded near her, someone picked her up.
*What?* �Moving rapidly sideways, she felt the
creature pass scant inches where she had stood.� The
creature shouted in surprise as it smashed into the
fountain, splashing water all over.
�� Only when she had felt contact with the ground did
she open her eyes.� Into the stern visage of a
handsome dark haired young man. � There was concern in
his eyes as he gently lowered her.� Collapsing into a
kneeling position, she saw the man pull out a large
handgun.� He wore a full military uniform.
�� Crouched in front of her, the man spent several
seconds scanning the area, gun at ready.� Nodoka saw
that the back of his tunic had been shredded.
�� Seeing no threats, the man holstered his gun and
secured the holster�s flap.� Turning around to
regarded Nodoka, one side of his mouth quirked upward.
�� "Are you alright, mother?"
�� Nodoka smiled and patted his cheek fondly. � "I�m
fine now, Ryu."
�� Ryu Kumon stood and helped Nodoka to her feet.
�� "Shall we see what kind of creature attacked you?"
�� Nodoka nodded.
�� Reaching the demolished fountain, they were
surprised that a young man lay among the rubble.�
Although unconscious, his face was contorted in pain.�
The intricately designed, Chinese-style shirt he wore
was soaked in blood.� Thickest at a wicked looking
gash on his side.
�� A broken water pipe had fountained and covered the
area with hot water.� It effectively curtained off the
three.
�� Having handcuffed the young man, Ryu started to
bandage the wound.� Nodoka frowned, something about
his look...
�� "Taro Pansuto."
�� "Pardon?"
�� Nodoka gestured with her chin.� "The man you�re
administering to.� I recall my husband and son talking
about him. � He suffers from a curse similar to
Ranma�s, but instead of a young girl, he turns into a
winged ox-monster."
�� "Is he dangerous?"
�� Nodoka searched her memory.� "Last time they
fought, he was looking for the source of power that
would make him rule�"
�� "I see."� Ryu�s eyes hardened. � Unlocking his
holster�s flap, Ryu tried to pull out his handgun.�
Nodoka gently placed her hands on his arm, stopping
the motion.
�� "That�s murder, Ryu."� Nodoka projected her most
disapproving gaze.
�� "If I do not, he will most likely try to kill you
again."
�� Nodoka nodded sadly.� "I know, but we cannot stoop
to their level."
�� "We?� Their?"
�� She sighed.� "Long story."
�� "I have the time."
�� The insistent wail of police sirens was getting
steadily louder.
�� "We mustn�t be caught here."
�� "Agreed."� Ryu effortlessly pulled out the imbedded
Katana and handed it to Nodoka.� Sheathing it, she
brought out its wrapping and covered it up.
�� "What about Pansuto?"
�� "Unless I carry you and him both in a fireman�s
lift, we�ll have to leave him behind.� Do I have
permission to carry you in that manner?"
�� Nodoka nodded.
�� Ryu pulled out another handcuff and cuffed
Pansuto�s leg.� "Precautionary measure."� Ryu
explained unnecessarily.
�� With Nodoka�s help, Pansuto was draped on Ryu�s
left shoulder.
�� Without a word, Ryu crouched and Nodoka folded
herself onto his right shoulder.
�� Adjusting his grip on the two, Ryu crouched lower
and explosively kicked off.� The pavement under his
feet cracked as he hurtled through the curtain of
water.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� "And in the local news, an interesting event
happened at the Nerima shopping district this
afternoon."� The TV screen showed areas of the
district cloaked in blue plastic-like cloth.� "From
what we have gathered through various eyewitness�
accounts, it seems that an unauthorized movie
production had been held."
�� The screen showed a geeky bespectacled youth, mouth
full of braces.� "It was like, totally awesome.� The
beast monster had realistically moving wings and
tentacles and sounded so lifelike.� Not only that, it
could fly."� He was now bobbing his head rapidly.�
"That�s the best animatronic creature I�ve seen to
date.� I�d love to learn how it was done."
�� It cut to a bald man in his forties wearing dark
shades.� "When I espied the beautiful lady running out
the alley, the first thing that came to my mind was
�What would make a middle-aged woman run like that?�.�
The more I watched her actions I marveled at how, uh,
�youthful� her motions were.� Even the way she held
the sword, and swung it� She didn�t move like someone
of my age.� Obviously a stuntwoman. � Even with that
special make-up to make her look older, she was one
heck of a looker."
�� "What made you look at the alley in the first
place?"� The off-camera reporter asked.
�� The man laughed.� "You couldn�t ignore it,
considering the loud noises coming out of it."
�� A jump to a bespectacled middle-aged lady clutching
a bag of groceries. "She had the right mix of fear and
determination on her face. � If I�m not mistaken, I
think she�s one of those dramatic actresses that had
dropped out of the limelight and is now trying to
stage a comeback."
�� "Why dramatic actress?"
�� The lady pushed up her glasses, carefully framing
her response.� "Her complexion, it was smooth and
blemish free, and the subtlety of the emotions she was
projecting."
�� Two giggling teenagers were next.� The longhaired
redhead spoke first; her Japanese had an accent.� "Oh
gods, the guy was a dream.� Sort of like a mix of a
young Mel Gibson and�"
�� "Are you crazy?� Mel Gibson?" � Her light-blue
haired companion interrupted.� "I think he looked more
like�"
�� Quick shift to a man in his early twenties. �
"Desert Eagle, unmistakable."
�� "What makes you so sure."
�� "I�ve handled them before.� I�m a research-field
reporter for �Rate Of Fire�, a new gun magazine."� He
turned around to show the logo on his leather bomber
jacket. "I must tell you though, the way he held that
gun was wrong, he would have broken his wrists or
dislocated his shoulder."� The cameraman moved back as
the �expert� showed Ryu�s wrong stance and the correct
stance.� He even cupped his wallet as if it was a gun.
�� Cutting back to the studio, the anchorman eyes were
crinkled in amusement.� "Most of the major movie
producers have denied responsibility.� Police believe
it was one of those fly-by-night underground
operations."
�� "They promise to have a list of perpetrators by the
end of the week."� He concluded.
�� Ryu muted the TV.
�� "It seems we have covered our trail quite well, o
young dramatic actress."
�� "Indeed we have� Mel."� Nodoka couldn�t help but
giggle.
�� Giving a facetious smile, Ryu drank his tea and
picked up the next piece of the Desert Eagle that
needed drying.� Nodoka was doing the same with the
Katana.� They sat in the Saotome�s dining room. � Both
wore a simple kimono.� Lying near the table, the
unconscious form of Pansuto, his upper body swathed in
bandage.
�� From time to time Nodoka looked up from her work to
study Ryu Kumon.� Not much had changed about him. His
hair was as unruly as ever, especially without the
bandanna, although the sides and the back had been
neatly trimmed. � The look of focused determination
was currently trained at the part at hand, he had aged
well and looked even more handsome than before.� He
did move with less wasted motion, most likely a
consequence of the added military training,
considering the uniform he wore.� He was also quieter,
as if he was constantly masking his presence. �
Whenever Nodoka got immersed in her work she would
give a little start whenever she looked up and saw
Ryu.
�� Ryu finished his weapon�s inspection ahead of
Nodoka.� Making sure the chamber was empty and the
safety engaged, he left it on the table, pointed at
Pansuto�s general direction.� His holster was
currently drying out with the rest of his uniform.
�� Drinking more of the tea, Ryu silently regarded
Nodoka.� He had to admit that the years had been kind
to her.� Only if you stood close would you see the
fine worry and laugh lines.� She still held herself
gracefully and her motions were �youthful� as the man
in the TV had said. � From what he had felt when he
held her, she had not let her body go to fat. �He was
pleased with the decision to get re-acquainted with
his �mother�.
�� Only when she had re-sheathed the blade and wrapped
it in new cloth did he speak.
�� "I am impressed by the way you handled yourself
back there."
�� Nodoka arched her eyebrow.� "At what part?� When I
lost the Katana?"
�� Another voice joined the conversation.� "Don�t
denigrate yourself.� Your friend is correct, you
handled yourself admirably."
��� Pansuto struggled to sit up.� "That tea smells
good.� May I have some?"
�� Flipping a cup over, Nodoka filled it halfway and
put it near Pansuto.
�� Nodding his thanks, Pansuto drained it.� He let out
a drawn out satisfied sigh, like a man long deprived
of a good drink.
�� Without asking, Nodoka refilled his cup.
�� "Let�s take what you just did as an example.� You
both are having tea and yet a third cup was close by.�
Even the way you filled my cup, it�s enough that I can
handle it even in my current state."� He lifted his
cuffed hands as emphasis, "It shows that you think
several steps ahead.� You don�t react to a situation,
you create a situation where others react to you."
�� �Mother� and �son� looked at each other, then at
Pansuto.� Nodoka broke the silence.
�� "I must admit, a rational discourse from one of
Saffron�s allies was the last thing I would expect."
�� "Lackey, not ally."
�� "Is there a difference?"
�� "I don�t think Saffron has any allies."
�� "As for my being friendly and all, I have you to
thank for that."
�� "Oh."
�� "Has anyone ever told you that you wield a mean
blade?"
�� "My husband and son feared it once� then again it
was all Genma�s fault to begin with."� She patted the
cloth wrapped Katana beside her.
�� Pansuto sat up straight and swelled his chest.�
"Most men would quail at the sight of my beast form.�
I have a shout that would paralyze even the hardiest
of warriors.� I can and have destroyed buildings with
my strength alone.� I move like the wind and I easily
shrug off most attacks, even modern-day weaponry."�
The last part was directed to Ryu.
�� He deflated slightly. "Before today, only four had
ever bested me.� Three of them related to you, Mrs.
Saotome.� One indirectly, the other two much closer.
Although you have the honor of being the fifth, in the
scheme of things, you are only the second to face me
single-handedly."
�� "If it wasn�t for Ryu here, you wouldn�t be giving
me such high regard.� I�d be dead."
�� "And I with you."
�� "Oh?"
�� "The blow you struck was fatal.� It broke Saffron�s
hold over me."
�� "Then why did you still try to attack me?"
�� "You hurt me badly.� I thought no better than that
of a beast.� The animal in me demanded I get even."�
Pansuto smiled in admiration, "Again you turned the
situation to your advantage."
�� "My advantage?"
�� "Whether you were aware of it or not, you placed
yourself in such a way that even if I had killed you,
I wouldn�t have been able to avoid the fountain.�
Unconscious, I�d have bled to death."
�� Nodoka considered what Pansuto had said. � Turning
to Ryu for a second opinion, she expected him to be
stifling a yawn. �Surprisingly he seemed to have
followed their entire conversation.
�� "Considering the traditions of Bushido, even
Miyamoto Musashi would have approved of your tactic.�
Turning defeat into victory even in death is not an
easy feat.� After all, you only have one shot at it."
�� "Kumon Ryu, are you making fun of me?"
�� Ryu merely quirked his mouth.
�� The ringing of the phone thwarted whatever response
Nodoka was planning.� She excused herself to answer
it.
�� The two men took the time to size each other up.
�� "So, Pansuto Taro, what now?"
�� "I was wondering when you�d post that question."
�� "I can not keep you handcuffed forever and mother
will not let me put a bullet in your head."
�� "Mother?"
�� "You do not see the family resemblance?"
�� "The most obvious answer is too dishonorable to
even contemplate.� Saotome Nodoka is an honorable
woman."
�� "Yes, she is."
�� "Talking about me behind my back?"
�� Ryu answered with a question.� "Who called?"
�� Nodoka surreptitiously watched Pansuto. � "Akane.�
She was worried that I hadn�t showed up at their place
yet."� Pansuto showed no reaction.
�� "I hope you did not tell her about Pansuto."
�� "No, I said I met an old colleague and got to
chatting."
�� "That sounds right.� Old women do tend to get
wrapped up in their conversation that the time flies
by."
�� She tapped him on the head with end of the wrapped
Katana. � "Who�re you calling �old�?"
�� Ryu reply was a grin.� Nodoka sat down, a frown
directed at him.
�� "So, what were you talking about?"
�� "Pansuto does not believe that I am your son."
�� "Good for him."
�� "That hurts, mother."
�� She addressed Pansuto, pointedly ignoring Ryu. �
"Just like everything else that has happened to this
family, an explanation is rather lengthy."
�� "Okay, let�s get back to the here and now. � What
are you to do with me."
�� "You did say you are no longer under Saffron�s
spell, but�"
�� "�how can you be so sure?" � Pansuto finished.�
"This could all be an act and I�d strike when your
defenses are down."
�� "You could keep me manacled," he offered, "that
would keep me in check, �til I get hit by cold water�"
�� Nodoka frowned.� "Wouldn�t your wounds re-open if
you switch forms?"
�� "Hmmm.� That thought never occurred to me."� He
shifted his gaze to Ryu.� "By the way, you did a fine
job patching me up."
�� "Are you thanking me?"
�� "No, not really."
�� "Figures."� Ryu brightened, "I have an idea.� I
could put you under military arrest and you can
recuperate in the base�s gaol."
�� "Military arrest?� On what charge?"
�� "Breach of Japanese airspace by a hostile entity."
�� "Japanese airspace?"
�� "You flew in, correct?"
�� Silence hung in the air.� Slowly, all three broke
down in mirth.
�� Having placed the necessary calls, Ryu returned to
the dining room.
�� "All set.� A military police Humvee will arrive
shortly."
�� "Wouldn�t that put your career in jeopardy, Ryu?"
�� "Both the base commander and MP�s commander owed me
a favor, mother.� You tend to accumulate a lot of
those when you are part of INTERNAL AFFAIRS - ARMED
FORCES."
�� "Ah, that explains your uniform.� If I remember
right, the last time we met you also wore military
style clothes."
�� "The military does not mind civilians wearing camo
pants, military harness or combat boots.� What they DO
mind is a civilian wearing the current uniform style
with all the requisite patches.� THAT is considered
illegal."
�� Ryu brought his tunic up to the light and examined
the shredded back.
�� "Good thing I asked the MPs to bring my clothes
from the hotel.� Else I would end up sharing the brig
with Pansuto."
�� Pansuto pulled himself away from what he was
watching and quipped.� "Feel free to join me anytime."
�� "Thank you, but no."� Judging the tunic as a lost
cause, Ryu had removed the various patches sewn on
it.� Nodoka couldn�t remember when he had done that.
�� Pansuto grinned and turned back to watching the
anime on TV.
�� "So what brings you back to Nerima?"
�� "I finally convinced my boss at IA that I needed a
vacation.� I feared that my fighting skills were
atrophying, the last time I had a good workout was
with your son, years ago.� I had hoped to spend a few
weeks sparring with Ranma."
�� "Have you taught anyone THE technique?" � There was
no mistaking what technique Nodoka was referring to.
�� "No.� I promised your son that I would never ever
use it or teach it to others."� He smiled at some
personal recollection, "That was the one stipulation I
demanded from my boss, he knew about my abilities and
was hoping to put it to good use.� He took his revenge
by keeping me up to my ears in work.
�� "Sounds like a nice guy."
�� "Actually, he is.� He has a finely honed sense of
honor and fairness.� He would never take unfair
advantage of other persons with the knowledge he
posses and expects the rest of his personnel to do the
same."
�� "That answers my next question.� I had feared you
would turn into another Nabiki."
�� Ryu flashed a knowing smile.� "You should see what
we have on her.� She�s polarized our analysts."
�� "Not above spying on your own people?"
�� "Standard operating procedure, mother. � The
military�s job is to protect Japan from damaging
influences, both external and internal.� Our job is to
make sure that they stay honest."
�� "So, who watches the watcher."
�� "Mother."
�� "I�m sorry, Ryu, I couldn�t resist."
�� "I could tell you," an introspective look, "but
then I would have to kill you."
�� "Touch�."
�� Nodoka changed subjects.� "When was the last time
you had a vacation."
�� "I have not had any ever since I joined IA."
�� "Which was when?"
�� "Seven years and two months ago."
�� "It�s amazing that you haven�t burned out yet."
�� "The work is never dull."
�� "It�s just making YOU dull." � Pansuto added.
�� Nodoka and Ryu countered at the same time. � "Go
watch your anime, Pansuto."
�� The phone rang once, then once more after a thirty
second pause.
�� Ryu stood up. "Time to go Pansuto."
�� "Good timing.� The next show hasn�t started yet. I
think I�d be grouchy if I had to leave halfway."
�� "Is it THAT interesting?"
�� "Some of the action sequences are ridiculous, but
overall they show several interesting techniques."
�� "Whatever you say, Pansuto."� Ryu picked up his
semi-dry clothes and stepped out of the room.
�� Pansuto looked at Nodoka in surprise. � "Isn�t he
supposed to escort me or something?"
�� Nodoka shrugged.
�� Ryu returned dressed in his uniform, the kimono
draped on his shoulder, an assault rifle held at
ready.� Two MPs flanked him.� Both were not the
stereotypical burly soldier.� Without a word the two
helped Pansuto stand up.� The deadly grace in their
coordinated movement showed that they have had
experience dealing with �dangerous� people.
���"I don�t know whether to be insulted or honored."
�� Ryu shrugged.� "You understand my precaution."
�� "I�d do the same thing if I was in your shoes."
�� While Pansuto was still facing Nodoka, he executed
a deep bow.
�� "This is most likely the last time we will see each
other, Mrs. Saotome.� My humblest apologies and my
heartfelt thanks."
�� Nodoka bowed back.� "Take care, Pansuto."
�� Ryu escorted the three to the waiting Humvee. � He
handed the assault rifle to the driver and accepted a
duffel bag.
�� Not waiting to see the Humvee leave, Ryu headed
back to the Saotome household.
�� "Mother, I�m home."
�� Nodoka was on her way to the kitchen, she carried
the used teapot and cups in a tray.
�� "Oh, Ryu.� I thought you�d be going with them."
�� "I am supposed to be on vacation.� If I step into
that base, my boss will most likely cancel my leave
and hand me an assignment that needed to be done
yesterday."
�� Nodoka looked thoughtful.� "How long do you intend
to stay?"
�� "Not less than two weeks."
�� "Do you have a girlfriend?"
�� "Mother!"
�� "Fianc�?"
�� Ryu shook his head.
�� Nodoka regarded Ryu.
�� "Mother?"
�� "Wait here, were eating out."� She stepped into the
kitchen.
�� Ryu passed the time looking through several
well-thumbed teen magazines.
�� "I see you found Lanko�s cache."
�� Ryu looked up and smiled at the sight he beheld.
�Nodoka had changed her kimono into one with more
intricate looking designs. �She had also added a touch
of make-up and had done her hair or rather let a bit
of it down.� Even the cloth wrapped around the Katana
was more elaborate.
�� Ryu stood up and picked up his duffel bag. �"I
think I will need to change into something that would
complement your look."
�� "I insist."� Forestalling any arguments she might
have raised.
�� Nodoka showed him where the bathroom was.
�� Returning to the living room, she put away Lanko�s
magazines and straightened out the already tidy room.
�� A soft cough announced Ryu�s presence.
�� Turning around, it was Nodoka�s turn to smile. �
Ryu decided to wear his full dress uniform.� His hair
had been slicked back and Nodoka approved of the
cologne she detected.� From the white gloves to the
polished knee-high leather riding boots, Ryu looked
the officer and gentleman.
�� "Something�s missing." Nodoka walked around him,
frowning slightly.
�� She snapped her fingers.� "Of course. �Wait here."�
Nodoka dashed upstairs.
�� Ryu checked his uniform and found nothing amiss.
�� Heading down the stairs, in her excitement, Nodoka
nearly tripped.
�� Ryu helped steady her.
�� She handed him her Katana.� "Here, put this on."
�� He saw that the scabbard had a belt loop affixed to
it.
�� Threading it to his belt, Ryu was surprised that
having the Katana on felt right.
�� "NOW you look the part of a Japanese officer."
�� Ryu bowed grandly.� Nodoka giggled.
�� Offering his arm, Ryu grinned.� "Shall we, o young
dramatic actress?"
�� She took the proffered arm and matched the grin. �
"By all means, Mel."
�� Reaching the front door, Nodoka picked up a long,
plainly wrapped object propped near the door.
�� Ryu raised his eyebrow but refrained from
commenting.
�� The two walked down the street arm in arm, enjoying
the envious glances given them.
�� "Tell me, Ryu. Do you like okonomiyaki?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Early evening was always a slow moment.� The school
kids had all gone home and the dinner crowd hadn�t
arrived yet.� Ukyo used the slack time to tidy up her
restaurant.
�� The door to the restaurant opened.� Ukyo turned
from the table she was working on and greeted warmly.
"Good Evening! Welcome to Uc�"
�� The military officer who entered was stunningly
handsome.� He looked like he had stepped out of a
historical movie, the uniform accentuating his broad
shoulders and slim waist.� Doffing his cap with a
flourish, he smiled at her and headed towards the
corner table.� He moved with a graceful fluidity that
remained looking masculine.� Arriving at the table,
the samurai sword he carried was already unlaced.� He
propped it on the corner.
�� "�chan�s."� Ukyo finished, belatedly realizing she
had been staring.� Casting about, she saw that they
were the only ones in the restaurant.
�� Self-consciously straightening her uniform, Ukyo
wished there was a mirror nearby.� Mentally shrugging,
she picked up a menu and headed towards him.
�� "Hi there sailor.� New in town?" � She leaned over
�just so� as she handed him the menu.� Wha� am I
doin?� I don�t even know the guy.
�� "Wrong branch, miss�?"� He didn�t take the bait.�
Instead of looking at her cleavage, the officer
studied her face.
�� "Ukyo.� Kuonji Ukyo, General." Whatta gentleman�
and whatta handsome voice.
�� "Actually I am just a Lieutenant Colonel, Miss
Kuonji."
�� Ukyo straightened, shaking her head briefly. �
"Just Ukyo, General."
�� "Very well� Ukyo.� I am Kumon Ryu."� Standing up,
he stuck out a gloved hand.
�� She took the offered hand.� "Hi Ryu. How�re ya?"*�
Before she could shake it, Ryu deftly turned up the
back of her hand and in one smooth motion, bowed and
raised her hand so that his lips briefly grazed it.
�� "A pleasure to meet you, Ukyo."� His smile dreamily
charming.
�� Realizing that her hand was still resting on his,
she snatched it back and cupped it with her other
hand.� The back of the �kissed� hand still tingled
where his lips brushed it.
�� Ryu instantly looked contrite.� "Forgive me.� I
meant no offense."
�� Ukyo laughed to cover her embarrassment.� "No, it�s
okay.� I just� well, I� uh, have seen it in movies�
but� but never expected it in real life."
�� "Never?"
�� She shook her head not trusting herself to speak. �
His disarming smile was having an effect on her.
�� "I am rather surprised.� A beautiful woman like
you�"
�� "I� I� Wha� would ya like ta order?"� She finished
in a rush. *Oh, that�s really good, girl.*
�� Sitting down, Ryu gave the menu a cursory glance. �
He handed it back to her and held her eyes.� "What
would YOU recommend?"
�� Ukyo blinked rapidly.� "The Ran-chan Special�s the
best�"� Realization struck.� "I�m sorry, that�s no
longer available."� She bowed to hide her blush.
�� "Just my luck.� What would be the next best?"
�� Straightening from her bow, she flashed a crooked
smile.� "My mistake.� I think I still can make a Ran-�
chan Special."
�� "Please, do not inconvenience yourself in my
behalf."
�� "No, that�s perfectly alright."
�� "You are sure it is not a bother."
�� "Sure I�m sure."
�� "Very well.� I would like to have two orders
please."
�� "Two?"� A cold feeling grew at the pit of her
stomach.
�� "I await my companion, she said she would be a bit
late."� He looked at his watch and frowned slightly.
�� "Of� course, she would be late." � She didn�t know
why she suddenly felt horrible. *You shouldn�t be
surprised girl.� All the good ones are already taken.
�� "Hello� Ukyo?� Miss Kuonji?� Are you alright?"� Ryu
started to rise.
�� Ukyo snapped out of the funk that was threatening
to take control.� Waving at him to resume his seat,
she laughed once again.� She stopped when it started
to sound hysterical.� "Sorry about tha�� Two Ran-chan
Specials, right?"
�� Ryu nodded.
�� She flashed him what she hoped was a carefree smile
and headed to the griddle.� Running a mental checklist
of the ingredients needed, she blanked her mind of
other thoughts.
�� Ryu picked up the crumpled menu.� With a raised
eyebrow, he placed it on the seat beside him.
��� Losing herself to the creation of the most
demanding okonomiyaki she�s invented, Ukyo did not
hear the restaurant door open.
�� "My, that smells good, Ukyo-chan." � A feminine
voice complimented.
�� Brows knotting in irritation, Ukyo was ready to
give the newcomer a piece of her mind.� Looking up,
the words died in her throat. � Standing by the
counter was Nodoka Saotome.� She was dressed in a
beautifully elaborate kimono and was carrying a
wrapped object whose dimensions looked suspiciously
familiar.
�� Nodoka was smiling at her.� Ukyo wondered what the
occasion was that she would be all made up.
�� "Mrs. Saotome!� How're ya?"
�� "I�m fine Ukyo-chan.� I believe you forgot this the
last time you visited."� She handed over the object
she was carrying.
�� Ukyo accepted the wrapped object and leaned it
against one of the nearby posts.
�� "You�re not going to look at it?"
�� She resumed working on the okonomiyaki. � "It�s my
fighting spatula, ain�t it?"
�� "Well, yes.� Akane asked me to return it."
�� Ukyo concentrated on the okonomiyaki at hand.
�� Nodoka lowered her voice.� "She told me what
happened."
�� The okonomiyaki was ruined.� Still edible, it just
wasn�t fit to be presented to a customer.� "She had na
right ta tell."
�� "Don�t be so harsh on her, Ukyo-chan. �She�s just
concerned about you."
�� Ukyo finished the ruined okonomiyaki and put it to
one side.� She began preparing another one.
�� "If it�s alright with you, I would like to share
something I had experienced in my youth."
�� "I don� wanna sound rude, Mrs. Saotome, but I have
a customer ta attend to."
�� "Oh?"� Nodoka looked around.
�� Ukyo glanced at the corner table and saw that the
officer, Ryu Kumon, wasn�t there. *Wha� the-?!*�She
felt relieved when she spotted the samurai sword still
propped on the corner.� It gave proof that she hadn�t
dreamt it all.
�� She looked back at Nodoka.� Her even gaze waiting
patiently.� Ukyo sighed.� "Have a seat Mrs. Saotome.�
Would ya like some okonomiyaki?"
�� "Thank you Ukyo-chan.� Something not to heavy
please."
�� Running on automatic, Ukyo prepared one of
Konatsu�s famous SD-okonomiyaki.� "Does what ya have
ta tell have any relevance?"
�� "I�d like you to be the judge of that."
�� Ukyo took out a pitcher of fruit juice and poured
some for Nodoka.� She nodded in thanks.
�� "If it wasn�t for your special relationship with my
son, would you have actually shown any interest in him
if you had met at sixteen?"
�� "It�s hard ta think in the theoretical when Ranma�s
involved."
� "Please try."
�� Ukyo closed her eyes.� "If I�d just met him� ah
think� I�d hate his guts."� Her eyes flew open, not
believing her own conclusion.
�� "Thank you for your candor."� Nodoka took a sip of
the fruit juice.� "When I was sixteen, I had this
friend� her name was Megane.� Just like me, she was
also from a Samurai family.� We were the best of
friends� no, let me correct that� we were more like
sisters."
�� "Together we would be a force to be reckoned with.�
Whatever we got involved in, we always ended up
victorious.� During the times that we were pitted
against each other, we�d give it our heart and soul
but would never ever try to take it out personally.�
Our love was strong and we wanted only happiness for
the other."
�� "That is until HE came along�"
�� From the way she was narrating it, Ukyo knew that
Mrs. Saotome was entrusting her with something of her
past not commonly known.� Ukyo patiently watched as
Nodoka consumed part of the mini-okonomiyaki and took
another sip of the juice.
�� "He was from a respectable family.� He was
intelligent but never acted the superior.� He had the
gift of tact and was honest to all he dealt with.� He
always forgave us for whatever shenanigans we had
pulled on him.� Compassionate and patient, he would
always be there when we needed a shoulder to cry on or
someone to open our heart.� He always encouraged us to
not only talk about our dreams but to strive for
them.� He was so different from the other boys."
�� "The clincher was that although he was three years
our senior, he didn�t have a girlfriend.� For us girls
at the time, he was the catch of the century.�
Naturally my parents arranged my marriage with him.
�Consider our surprise when we found out that Megane�s
family had also done the same thing."
�� "His family on the other hand found the situation
amusing.� Perhaps because they were not bound by the
traditions our family held, they let him decide his
fate.� To make it fair, he declared he would marry the
person who would make him fall in love with her.�
Arranged marriage or not.� His one stipulation was
that underhanded tactics would not be looked upon
favorably."
�� "That was perhaps the most exciting and most
heart-aching period of my life.� Megane and I were no
longer in friendly competition. � We both wanted him
and did everything in our power to make him love one
of us.� Sure, there were other girls that competed for
his heart, but they were no match to what Megane and I
could put to bear."
�� She finished the rest of the okonomiyaki. �Ukyo saw
that the officer was back at his table.� Preparing the
ingredients for his order, she was now more interested
in Mrs. Saotome�s past.� She gestured that Mrs.
Saotome should continue.
�� Nodoka looked at Ryu and gave him a small smile. �
Ryu nodded imperceptibly.� Ukyo, busy with the
Ran-chan special, didn�t notice the exchange.
�� "Then his best friend came along. � Overbearingly
superior, tactless, would lie if it gave him an
advantage, insensitive.� Very much his opposite.�
Through him we found out why the man we wanted never
had a girlfriend.� He was exceedingly shy when it came
to courtship."
�� "We tried double dating, in the hopes that the
other might like his best friend.� We even shifted our
efforts to his best friend believing he would get
jealous� that was one of our bigger mistakes."
�� "In the end it was Megane who found the secret to
his heart.� Megane and I, with the help of our parents
had wined and dined him. �She saw that he was
uncomfortable in such situations, so she took the
initiative and asked him frankly what he enjoyed
most.� Using what he told her as a guide, she prepared
lunch on her own and took him out to a simple picnic.�
On a bright sunny day, at a quiet hillside, under a
shady tree, they ate his favorite food, read poetry
and talked�"
��� Ukyo felt concerned when Nodoka�s pause stretched
uncomfortably long.� "Mrs. Saotome?"� She absently
noted that she was working on the second Ran-chan
special.
�� "I� I never forgave her." � Nodoka�s eyes were
unfocused.
�� "Megane?"
�� Nodoka nodded sadly, still looking into her past.
�� Ukyo projected optimism.� "There�s still time."
�� "I wish there was, she passed away many years ago."
�� "Ah�m sorry."
�� "Up to this day, I still don�t know what I was
thinking when I did it."� Her voice sounded far away.
�� "Did what, Mrs. Saotome?"� A cold stab of fear ran
through Ukyo.� *Please don�t say ya killed your best
friend.*
�� "In my grief over having lost Soun to Megane, I
announced I would marry his best friend� Genma."� She
blinked her eyes a couple of times and focused on
Ukyo.
�� Ukyo was still trying to come to grips with what
Nodoka had said last.
�� "Mrs. Saotome, ah never reali�"
�� "It�s time to stop pining away at Ranma. � He will
always consider you his best friend but nothing more.�
In a way you knew that already,"� She gestured to the
wrapped fighting spatula, "Just don�t disappear from
his life, he would be hurt terribly."
�� "Wha about me?� Mah hurt, mah wants."
�� "Accept what has happened and move on, you have
your whole life ahead of you, Ukyo-chan.� Don�t waste
it over a shattered dream.� You�ll never truly forget
the pain, but in time it won�t hurt as much.� If
you�re lucky, you might find a source of happiness
that would make the pain seem inconsequential."
�� Ukyo had heard that line before and was steeling
her heart for the next part.
�� "What you have with Ranma is a good thing, your
relationship with him is special.� Do you remember the
ruckus he made when he chose you as his �best man�."
�� She didn�t expect the change in subject, Ukyo
smiled at the memory. "Yeah."
�� "My son could have chosen any of the males to be
his �best man�, several were deserving of the title,
but instead he chose you - a girl.� Not because of
your habit of hiding your true gender or the fact that
Ranma could be a girl, but because YOU meant something
to him.� You reminded him of the youth he never truly
experienced.� Due to their constant travels, Ranma
never made many friends. � You�re a tie to the past
that was constant, a happy moment in a life full of
trials and tribulations.� I don�t think you�re aware
of this, but you share something with Ranma that not
even Akane could ever have.� Rejoice in that
knowledge. � Ranma will always save Akane first, but
he expects you to be close by when it�s over, for he
has faith in your ability as a fighter, and as a
friend."
��� "Ah guess ah was so wrapped up in the fianc� race�
ah never stopped ta think wha� Ranma really meant ta
me, or wha� I meant ta him."� Tears were starting to
collect.� "But why are ya telling me this only now,
Mrs. Saotome?� Ain�t eleven years a long time ta
wait?"
�� "Forgive me, Ukyo.� I had thought you had come to
that conclusion early on.� I�m not trying to shift the
blame elsewhere but whenever you were around, you
seemed so full of life, so happy and carefree.� Can
you really blame us if we came to the wrong
conclusion?"
�� Ukyo dried her unshed tears.� "Ah shoulda been an
actress."
�� Nodoka smiled mock-ruefully.� "It could have been
worse, you might have married the next available man."
�� Ukyo had to smile.� "Ah don�t think Konatsu
counts.� He really does think of himself as a girl."
�� "What about Kurenai Tsuabasa?"
�� The look Ukyo gave said it all - �Are you
kidding?�.
�� Seeing that the second Ran-chan Special was
finished, Ukyo put both okonomiyaki on a tray.�
"Excuse me, Mrs. Saotome, ah have a customer to deal
with."
�� "May I join you?"
�� Ukyo couldn�t see why she wanted to come along, but
didn�t object.
�� "Was Genma really tha bratty as a youth?"
�� "I don�t hear you referring to him in the polite
form."� Her grin showed she wasn�t serious.
�� Ukyo wasn�t able to respond, they had reached the
corner table.
�� Ryu Kumon had stood up.� He went over to Nodoka and
kissed her on the cheek.
�� "I take it you were able to show Ukyo the error of
her ways, mother?"
�� Thankfully, the okonomiyaki was already on the
table by the time Ryu's words registered on Ukyo.�
"Mother?!"
�� "Ukyo, I would like you to meet my son, Ranma."
�� Ukyo felt light-headed.� She gripped the back of a
chair.� "Wha�?� But he said his name�s Kumon Ryu."
�� Ryu indicated that they should all sit down. �
"That is correct.� My name IS Kumon Ryu.� Sometime in
the past I had deceived �mother� into thinking that I
was her son, Ranma."
�� Seeing that Ryu would not sit until she did, Ukyo
sat down, facing him.� Squirming under his gaze, she
turned to address Nodoka. � "Tha was the time when
Ran-chan and Genma was still afraid you�d make them
commit Seppuku?"
���"Correct." Hmm� Is Ryu�s habit of speaking rubbing
off on me?� Nodoka smiled in amusement.
�� "So, he really ain�t your son?
�� "Technically� no, and yet I feel a certain kinship
to him.� He has a certain roguish charm that reminds
me of Ranma.� A more refined Ranma truth to tell, but
only by a little bit."
�� "Mother!"
�� Nodoka leaned over to Ukyo and whispered, "He
hasn�t have a girlfriend yet, you know."
�� Ukyo regarded Nodoka.� She whispered back. �
"You�re playin cupid..."
�� "Do you disapprove?"
�� She took a quick glance at Ryu.� *There IS a
certain Ranma-ish appeal to him.*� "No� not really."
�� Nodoka patted Ukyo�s knee.� "Go get him,
Ukyo-chan."
�� Ukyo turned back to Ryu. � "Ryu�?"� The name
sounded different now, no longer just the name of a
customer, but of something more - a hint of a future.
�� "Ryu?� When ya said that ya were awaiting your
companion�?"� Her heart was suddenly beating loudly.�
She couldn�t understand why she felt anxious.
�� "I was referring to Mrs. Saotome."
�� The heavy weight pressing down on her vanished. He
had only confirmed her suspicion and yet it meant a
whole lot more.� She wanted to laugh, to cry for joy,
to shout out to the world� decorum demanded she
didn�t. � Beaming, she hadn�t felt this good in a long
time.
�� Ryu was fascinated by the subtle play of emotions
on Ukyo�s face.
�� Realizing she must have looked like a fool, she
again bowed her head to cover the blush developing.
�� "Would you care to join me?"
�� "But these okonomiyaki are for ya and Mrs.
Saotome."
�� "Nonsense, dear.� I had one earlier, remember?�
Besides, there�s always the �ruined� one."� She stood
up.� "I�ll leave you two alone."
�� "But� but, wha� about my customers."
�� "Aside from Ryu?"� Nodoka headed to the griddle and
put an apron on.� She started familiarizing herself
with the layout.
�� Ukyo was surprised to see that Nodoka looked like
she rightly belonged in the restaurant.
�� Hearing an amused chuckle from Ryu, she gave him a
questioning look.
�� "She did it again.� Planning several steps ahead,
just like her earlier encounter with Pansuto."
�� "Wha�!� She met Pansuto?!"
�� "Earlier this afternoon."
�� "It wouldn�t have happened in the shopping district
now, would it?"
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� "Thank you for your patronage!� Do come again!"�
Nodoka and Ukyo sang out to the last of the
customers.� Ryu brought in the various banners and
secured the door.
�� Nodoka sat down on the nearest chair and sighed. �
"Never thought running a restaurant could be so
tiring."
�� Draping the tunic of his dress uniform on the back
of a chair, Ryu walked over to Nodoka and started to
massage her shoulders.� After a while, Nodoka was
making happy noises.
�� Ukyo felt a twinge jealous.� She started to clean
the griddle.� "It�s usually a bit more unruly than
this, Mrs. Saotome.� Ah think Ryu�s presence made most
of the men behave."
�� "I am not surprised.� Being served by two beautiful
ladies would make any man�s day."
�� "Hmmm.� Never saw it tha� way. � Ah just wish
they�d stop their ridiculous proposals."
�� "If I am not mistaken it is usually the newcomers
that make that mistake."
�� "How�d ya know?"
�� "I was observing them when they thought I was not
looking.� The regular customers are relaxed when you
chat with them.� The newcomers tend to tense up.�
Based on what mother has told me about your companion,
if I am not mistaken, he� er, she would usually be the
one to deal with the new customers."
�� Ukyo looked thoughtful.� "Now tha� ya mentioned
it�"
�� Satisfied with the massage, Nodoka picked up a
broom and started sweeping, Ryu headed to the tables
to straighten them.� "Speaking of Konatsu, where is
she?"
�� Ukyo paused ever so slightly in her cleaning. �
"She�s out on an errand."
�� From the farthest tables, Ryu called out. �
"Tailing Ranma�s company?"
�� Ukyo sighed.� "Can�t really hide anything from ya,
can I?"
�� "There are many things that I do not know about
you, Kuonji Ukyo.� If you would allow me, I would like
to learn more."
�� "Just bring protection, Ryu."� Nodoka teased.
�� "Mother!� That is the last thing I would think of."
�� "Oh?� So you�re saying you don�t find her
attractive."
�� "I DO find her attractive�" � Ukyo�s laughter
interrupted his protestations.
�� "Son, do you always speak in such a precise
manner.� Flustering you doesn�t work."
�� "My work demands that I refrain from contracting
words or statements, or rather, my boss disapproves of
such.� Off on a tangent. I do believe that that is
the first time you have ever called me �son�, mother."
�� "Considering the circumstances, I believe it�s
justified."
�� "Which is?"
�� "I�m now watching you go from being a boy to that
of a man."
�� "Thank you, mother.� I�ll try not to disappoint
you."
�� "Don�t you dare disappoint me, or it�s Seppuku for
you."
�� His face turned ashen.� "Are you serious, mother?"
�� Nodoka shook her head sadly.� "Not even shock�"
�� Ukyo went into another fit of laughter.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
�� Mother and �son� bade Ukyo "goodnight".
�� Heading to the door, Ukyo called out to them. �The
two looked back in inquiry.
�� "Ah� I�d originally planned ta follow Ranma� but
something told me tha� ah should remain here."� She
took in a deep breath.� "For once, ah�m glad ah
listened and stayed behind."
�� Ryu walked back to Ukyo and took her hands into
his, "I am equally heartened you had decided to stay.�
Else I would never had met you."
�� Ukyo smiled.� Ryu was still holding her hands,
gazing at her.� "Is there something else, Ryu?"� Her
heart started to beat rapidly.
�� "May� May I visit you tomorrow?"
�� Ukyo nodded happily, "Wear sometin' casual?"
�� Ryu nodded back, "I will."� Releasing her hands, he
ran back to Nodoka.� He waved once before they walked
away.
�� Lowering her arm, Ukyo leaned on the doorjamb. �
She sighed dreamily.
�� Entering her restaurant, she stood by the griddle
and looked around, taking in the sight with a fresh
perspective.� Hugging herself, she headed upstairs,
impatient to fall asleep.
----------------------------------------------------
POST SCRIPT:
** Yet another word play that only works in English.
- Blah, blah, blah, blah. By this time you know the
drill about why I spell certain names a certain way.
-�When full names are uttered, I follow the Japanese
system of mentioning the family name first then the
given name.� If it is part of the narrative I switch
to the western system of given name first then family
name.
-�If Ryu Kumon, Pansuto Taro and Nodoka Saotome acted
out of character, it�s because I hadn�t researched
about them before writing this chapter (that and the
fact that I didn�t have any Internet connection at the
time). A little knowledge IS a dangerous thing.
-�Following my decision to modify Ukyo�s speech
pattern in chapters 1 & 2, this chapter also reflects
those changes.� Most of the changes are minor at best.
-�Writing like a madman, thanks to the generous
encouragement from a new acquaintance, Chapter 4 was
completed four days (!) after chapter 3.� Talk about
making up for the delay, not that you guys (and gals)
would know, since Chapters 1 to 7 are posted on a
daily basis.
-�Just like the previous chapters, running updates and
modifications were done from time to time.
-�My brother claims that the name of Soun's wife is
KIMIKO since he has seen several writers use that
name.� If anyone has information whether this is true
or not, please e-mail me (see below). �Domo Arigatou.
- For those who have just encountered this chapter,
the previous chapter can be found either in the FFML
archive or at http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-1.htm
(or rv-2.htm - see below on how to get the other
chapters)
- Succeeding chapters can be found at
http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-5.htm (for Chapter
5). Replacing the number will give the appropriate
chapter (ex: rv-6.htm is Chapter 6, etc.)
- As always, please send all C&C privately to either
fvector@yahoo.com or fvector@usa.net
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