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Genma and Soun were fighting the hangover as they sat at the breakfast table. They had enjoyed themselves last night, but all good things must come to an end. Watching them from the other side of the table, Nodoka smiled faintly and shook her head. Her husband would never change, it appeared. She turned to her side, to see only Kasumi had woken up yet. The eldest Tendo sister had a secret for always being the first up, and to get everything ready for the family. The others were still sleeping. Akane in her room, while Mouse and Ryoga shared the Dojo. Those boys had been at odds many times since they met, but now they seemed like the best of friends. Nabiki was not a morning person, so it wasn't a surprise that she hadn't woken up yet. She wondered if her son would be still asleep. *Most probably not.* She thought with a smile. She could almost be sure that he was training with his wife right now, improving his skills as a fighter. Now that an encounter with the amazons could mean death, it was necessary.
Genma groaned as another wave of dizziness attacked him. "I'm never drinking again." He stated in a whisper. Of course, everyone else knew that would take effect for the following two hours, then he would forget about the promise. The bald martial artist wasn't feeling at all well, but either way, he was the first to feel three strong presences approaching. Getting serious, he said. "I think we are getting company." That did it. Soun got out of his pain as well, and the three adults assumed protective stances for the room. It was the easiest way to enter the house.
Not five seconds had gone by, when Happosai appeared in the room. "I see you can feel it too." He whispered as he took a defensive position as well. They didn't know what to expect, but would be ready. Everyone that had met Cologne knew to be cautions around her.
There was no real need. "Son?" Nodoka asked as she saw Ranma, Kima and Taro jump over the wall. She let her stance drop as she could tell the presences she felt were inside now. "It is awfully early for you to finish your training." She stated, looking at the clock. Soun and Genma sat back down, cursing the young Saotome for making them suffer from vertigo. Happosai noticed the faces of the trio, and expectantly waited. Almost fearful.
Ranma didn't acknowledge the words. He looked over the room, and noticed there were people missing. He turned to Kasumi, who hadn't moved an inch from her place at the table, and asked of her. "Kasumi, could you please wake everybody up and tell them to meet me at the dojo?"
Kasumi smiled and said. "Ryoga and Mouse spent the night there."
Kima remained serious as she said. "Then wake Nabiki and Akane. This concerns everybody." And with that, the three turned and headed for the Dojo.
Genma turned to his wife, and they exchanged a glance that said. 'What is going on here?'
Happosai noticed as Kasumi left the room, and said to the other adults. "We should go to the dojo." He exited the room, and so did everybody else.
As they entered the dojo, they encountered the sight of Ranma and Kima quietly talking to each other, very serious. Taro was assuring Ryoga and Mouse that he wasn't here to fight them. Of course, the fact that he called them Pig-boy and Duck-boy didn't help his argument.
Happosai walked to a corner of the building, and remained silent. Genma, Soun and Nodoka walked to Ranma, and his mother asked. "What is this all about, my son?"
Ranma turned to her and said. "Let's wait for the others to arrive. I don't want to repeat myself." With that said, he continued talking in Chinese to Kima. Nodoka was angry for the dismissal, but something in the body language of her son told her to squash the thought. This seemed to be serious.
Five minutes later, the three sisters entered the dojo. "This better be good, Saotome. Or you are seriously paying." Grumbled Nabiki, never the morning person.
Kima nodded to Ranma, who walked to the center of the dojo. "Don't worry, Nabiki. I assure you this is important." Sure that he got everybody's attention, he began. "I called you all here to make several announcements. Taro, here." He motioned for the man. "Has brought some news from China. It seems like Cologne returned to the village." Before anyone could express their happiness at that, he continued. "She somehow managed to deal a truce with the Musk. Mount Phoenix is under siege, and has been for several weeks."
This news were a bucket of cold water for the group. They hadn't expected for Cologne to take such measures. Ranma motioned for Kima, who stood by his side and took his hand. The winged woman spoke with a tone of command that only years of being an officer could develop. "We leave to China today. And we want you to stay here and take care of each other. Cologne might expect for us to go, and have some amazons here as well." She turned to Taro and Mouse. "You are welcome to come, but it's your choice." Both nodded, already determined on seeing this through.
Akane protested right away. "Then what have we been training for? You can't expect us to let you leave to the danger alone." Ryoga stood behind her, supporting her point of view.
Ranma shook his head. "Are you willing to kill in cold blood?" This stopped Akane's bravado. "That is what we are gonna do. Not because we want to, but because we are forced to." And it could be seen that Ranma still was reluctant to kill, but would not hesitate if it meant saving the lives of innocents or friends. He smiled faintly. "Besides, you haven't trained for nothing. You have an obligation." He pointed at Nabiki and Kasumi. "You have to protect those who can't fight the amazons. Don't forget she doesn't like you all that much."
Nodoka nodded, and said. "I understand, son. But you can't expect for me to stay here while you go to enemy ground. You are my blood."
Genma patted Ranma on the back, easing the mood, and said. "Son, you're not getting rid of your old man. I have to make sure you don't slack off on your training." This brought a smile to the son's lips. They both knew that it had been the other way around since Ranma returned. Genma hadn't been in better shape since he trained under the master. He was quite possibly stronger now than then.
Kima was about to protest, but Happosai said. "I guess the parties have been chosen." Everyone turned to the old lecher. When he was his usual self, he was a real pain, but when this serious... "Have you planned what to do?"
Kima nodded. "Yes, but it is best that only the ones that are going know." She counted each one. "Ranma, Taro, Mouse, Nodoka, Genma-san and myself." She turned to the lecher. "Are you coming as well?"
Happosai shook his head. "Not yet. I'll meet you there, but not until I take care of some things here in Japan." Ranma nodded to him, respecting his decision.
Nabiki, who had been silently listening to everything, asked. "When are you leaving?"
Kima turned to everyone, and answered a little sadly. "Today. We can't afford to lose any more time." She looked apologetic. "I'm sorry for leaving like this after all you've done for us. But my people needs me."
Soun, in a rare moment of serious understanding, nodded and said. "You don't need to explain yourself. We understand how you feel." He asked, already knowing the answer. "Will we ever see you again?"
Ranma sighed. "I wish I knew." Strengthening his resolve, he said. "In the case you don't, I wanna say something." Everyone remained silent for him to continue. "Thank you." That was it. Two words that expressed his feelings for the people that had given him his first real home.
Genma walked to Soun. "Old friend. May our paths cross again. Even if they don't, know that I consider you a brother." He extended his right hand.
Soun took the offered hand in a crushing shake. "Saotome, thank you for bringing life to this old man." They hugged each other, tears in the eyes of both. Friends who knew they might never see each other again. But neither had any regrets. They had people to protect, people they cared about more than themselves.
Kasumi stood straight in front of Nodoka Saotome. Both women knew each other, and knew there were no words that could express what they had to say. They remained silent, and simply fell into a hug. Thanking the other for making life richer.
Ryoga approached Ranma, not really knowing what to say. Even though they had become friends, maybe they always were, they still were very competitive and hard on each other. He smiled grimly as he said. "Beware, Ranma. I haven't paid you back for the Hell I lived through." Ranma chuckled at that. He knew Ryoga wouldn't kill him, not ever, but they still enjoyed fighting each other. They had been rivals since they met, and they would probably be until one of them died. "Take care." Ryoga said seriously.
Ranma answered sarcastically. "Man! You sound as if I'm about to die. Don't worry, I wouldn't give the satisfaction to other than you." His grin changed to an evil one. "Not that you could, anyway."
Ryoga smiled the same way. "We'll see." He extended his hand. "Take care."
With complete sincerity, Ranma shacked his enemy's hand. "You too."
Scenes like these repeated themselves for more than an hour. Two families that were once to be joined. Two families that would probably never see each other again. They could all hope, and would. As the morning progressed, so did the last breakfast where everyone was present. There was nothing but silence, not an uncomfortable one, but silence nonetheless. Kasumi and Nodoka had prepared the food, and it was their peak in culinary results.
There was only one problem, though. As all good things, it came to an end. Final good byes and farewells were said, and people parted not knowing what to expect for their future.
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As the group walked to the Saotome grounds for the last time, three groups formed. On the lead were Genma and Nodoka Saotome. A married couple that had been through a lot, but love still held them together. "I'm gonna miss them." Said Genma, a sad tone to his voice.
Nodoka understood just too well. "As I will, dearest. But you know we have to stand next to our son and his wife." She had grown to love Kima over the little time of knowing her. She was just such a perfect match for her son.
Genma smiled ruefully. "Funny how things turned out. I took Ranma on that training trip to turn him in a man among men." Nodoka winced at the memory. Forgiven didn't mean forgotten. Genma didn't notice as he continued. "But now it is my son that teaches me to be a man. I wouldn't have taken this decision before he returned."
Nodoka had to agree with that. She loved Genma, but she could still see his flaws. The man had been a coward most of his life. But something in him changed since Ranma left to find the cure to his curse. Genma started to mature, albeit too late. His acceptance of Kima was the last step, and now her husband was the same brave martial artist in and out of the dojo. His training traits had transferred to his everyday life. She hugged him tighter as she said. "The important thing is that you take it now. I knew you would support your son."
Genma smiled at her, this time with love in his eyes. "I couldn't do it without you by my side. I finally know what went wrong in that training trip." Nodoka looked at him with curiosity all over her face. The bald martial artist grinned. "I should have brought you along." This earned him a kiss from his wife. A woman he thought would never forgive him for his mistakes.
Ranma was happy as he saw his parents. His heart leapt in joy at the sight of them being happy together, again. The strain between them had been something almost tangible, and quite uncomfortable. Kima followed Ranma's gaze, and smiled. She didn't have her parents anymore, but she felt at home with Nodoka and Genma-san. As if they were her adoptive parents. In a way they were, but it felt like something more. She took Ranma's hand in hers, and they didn't have to exchange a word. They rarely spoke a lot, at least to each other. Their feelings were clear, so no need to fumble with words to express them.
The ones having a conversation were Taro and Mouse. "Since when did you become Ranma's friend?" Asked the amazon more curious than cautious. It had been clear the day before that Taro had no ill intentions, though his asshole attitude hadn't changed one bit.
The older man thought for a while, then spoke. "It would seem like years ago. I found fem-boy when he and Kima were training, and though I didn't join them, we had an understanding." He snarled. "He though he could beat me, and though I was very strong, I couldn't prove him wrong. I trained under some weird master, and returned to challenge him again and again. After I learned everything from that old geezer, the fights started to end in draws. None of us could win."
Mouse listened without showing his surprise. He had seen what Ranma was capable of. If Taro was his equal...
Taro smiled teasingly and said. "Don't take me wrong, duck-boy. I'm his equal in hand to hand."
Mouse caught on fast. "But with special techniques..."
Taro nodded. "I'm crazy, but not that crazy. You have no idea what that monster is capable of." Mouse worriedly turned to Ranma. He had seen the warrior fight full out, but never employing the special techniques Taro referred to. His gaze turned to Kima, and Taro answered the unspoken question. "She's as much of a monster as fem-boy. I don't know who is the strongest. They both have strong and weak spots, and would never go all out on the other."
Mouse lifted an eyebrow. This had an interesting effect, because his eyes remained unfocused. It was as if he was blind, since he 'saw' better without his sight. "You know an awful lot about them."
Taro nodded. "We got cured of our curses together."
Mouse let his surprise be hidden. *Now this is interesting. Taro no longer turns into that monster. I wonder what's this cure they talk about. They never once mentioned what it was all about.* He didn't care about his curse, though. He had found it incredibly effective for his most important skill, surprise. Being unpredictable and having your foe on edge as to what you would do worked perfectly for him. His duck form was very useful, since he could fly and hide small weapons in his wings. The master of hidden weapons remembered something and asked. "Taro, what are you to Mount Phoenix?"
The guy wasn't surprised by the question, but either way took his time to answer. "I think you should know something about your amazons." He saw Mouse flinch at the remark, but didn't care. *Better if you know the whole truth.* With anger in his voice, he continued. "My village was attacked by them. Nearly everyone died, butchered by the blade of a female. It was then that the unexpected happened. The winged people, the people of Mount Phoenix, arrived and chased the amazons off." Taking a deep breath, he signaled to the couple in front of him. "I had just returned with Kima and fem-boy from getting the cure when we found out. When I asked Saffron why he had saved my people, he didn't know what to say. His words simply were 'Because I had to.' None of my family survived the attack. In fact only a dozen or so survived. They were scared and didn't know what to do. Ranma convinced Saffron to take them in." Mouse noticed this was the first time Taro called Ranma by his name.
Mouse waited in silence for his companion to continue. When that didn't happen, he said. "I feel for you, Taro. I know what it feels like to lose someone you love." He was convinced that Shampoo was lost to him. He could feel it, that the soul of the person he had come to idolize was corrupted beyond hope. How he hated Cologne for doing it! Turning back to the conversation, he said. "I can't apologize for what my people did to you. But I will fight them alongside you. Use my arm as an instrument of revenge."
Taro smirked. "You're starting to sound like that idiot with the stick." Mouse understood he was referring to Kuno, and laughed a little. "Anyway, I guess we both have reasons to fight. I just don't want you not trusting me. That would be the most dangerous thing we could do in the field. Doubt each other."
Mouse nodded. They would indeed have to trust each other. Not that he wouldn't in other situation. His views of Taro had changed dramatically.
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They all entered the house. Kima and Nodoka quickly arranged everything to have a meeting that would obviously tell them what to do. This wasn't a picnic they were planning. Ranma and Genma checked everywhere for anything out of the ordinary. Taro and Mouse sat and waited for everything to get ready.
As they sat around the table, Kima took a parchment out of her shirt and unrolled it on the table. It was a map of China, and most precisely, of the general area of Jusendo. "Taro, do you know where the Amazon and Musk forces are planted?"
Said man shook his head. "They aren't attacking in an organized manner. In their knowledge of the difference in numbers, they are moving about chaotically. This proves little effective in attacking, but a counterattack is doomed."
Kima nodded. "Are they moving in groups of more than twenty?" She didn't like this. The Phoenix army was very organized and could stand a full-scale attack, but they were ill prepared for guerrilla type combat.
Taro nodded. "Yeah. What I do know, is that they concentrate their main forces in their respective homes. It seems like they don't trust the other enough to leave their children alone." He smiled at this. A divided enemy was much less dangerous than a unified one.
Nodoka asked. "How are we getting to China? Because I don't put it past Cologne to have surveillance on the arriving ships."
Ranma turned to Genma and smiled. "What about it, Oyaji? Feel like swimming again?"
Nodoka in cut their fun. "I don't think all of us are up to that, son."
Ranma kept his smile, if a little smaller. "We are dividing into two groups, mom. You are going by air."
"WHAT?" Asked a shocked Kima. She had expected for them to go all together. They needed to be strong to pass all the dangerous ground.
Ranma answered in a calm voice. "Love, Mount Phoenix needs you. You have to return as quick as possible and organize the troops."
Kima nodded. "But what about you? We can all go together."
Ranma turned to Taro, who nodded for him to continue. "We are heading to Musk Territory." Before Kima protested, he said. "Remember the story I told you about my fight with Herb?" Seeing his wife nod, he continued. "He owes me. I'm not sure if this will work, but I need to try and stop the war without bloodshed."
Kima relented, knowing it was the best course of action. She didn't like it, but would accept her husband's judgement. Genma broke in. "No-chan, I want you to go with Kima."
Nodoka didn't like being parted from her husband, nor did she like being ordered around, but understood Genma's choice. "Husband, if you don't return to me alive..." She let the threat at that, and was rewarded with a smile from Genma.
Taro turned to Mouse, and said. "Duck-boy, you should go with them. You can fly also and that way we are divided in groups of three."
Ranma nodded. "It is best we do it this way. Smaller groups are harder to detect." He flashed a cocky grin. "Besides, we won't be apart for long." Inside his grin, though, could be read something he wasn't completely successful at hiding. Concern. He turned to Nodoka, and said. "Mom, tell Kima to teach you the releaser points. I hope you don't need them, but just in case." She nodded. Ranma stood up, and announced in a determined voice. "We'll leave at sun set. Each group will decide the travel route on it's own. We'll meet at Mount Phoenix."
Mouse and Taro understood the couple's feelings about parting, and announced. "We'll take care of the supplies." And with that they left the Saotome grounds. They didn't ask for anything. They didn't need to.
Kima walked to Ranma, and taking his hand in hers, directed him out of the dining room. Nodoka and Genma were left alone. The man sat, his back to the wall, and said. "What a day, huh? Our son marries a woman we thought of as an enemy, and we are now taking on a crusade to fight for her people." He smiled. "Sounds like something only our family could do."
Nodoka had to smile at that. She couldn't help but remember that their relationship, in their younger years, had been as chaotic as Ranma's life. It seemed like something in the Saotome blood made things that way. She sat next to her husband, embracing him. "I don't want to leave you, husband."
Genma put his arm around Nodoka's shoulders. "No-chan. I don't want to part from you again, but we need to. Ranma's right in what he says about small parties not being detected. And besides, you haven't trained as hard as you used to."
Nodoka blushed a little, but nodded. "You're right. I will resume my training starting tomorrow." She was saddened by the aspect of killing, but knew that it was either kill or be killed. Be killed with all those you love. She just wouldn't let that happen.
Genma became serious and said. "Wife, we should unseal the Saotome Forbidden Techniques."
Nodoka's eyes widened at this. "Are you sure, Genma?"
The man nodded. "We are not playing around anymore. This are warriors we are facing, and warriors we must be to survive." Unlike what others thought, Genma had taught Nodoka his techniques. He had decided that only his heir and wife should have knowledge of them. Nodoka had surprised him even more, when she adapted them to her style of kendo. Genma had never placed much respect on weapons, unless Nodoka was the wielder of that weapon. "I'll finish Ranma's training in them."
Nodoka knew that her son only knew a fraction of the destructive power of the Yamasen Ken, and even less of the Umisen Ken. "Do you want me to teach Kima?" Even is the techniques were dominated by her, she had to respect Genma's desires for them. Seeing him nod, she understood Genma's decision. Nodoka knew the techniques for applications in a weapon. Kima was, no doubt, very skilled and would probably make the same derivations of the techniques, but it would take time. They needed for Ranma and Kima to be ready, and for that they needed someone to train them. She turned to Genma once again, returning from her thoughts. What she saw made her all warm inside. Genma had that look in his eyes, a look that promised she would be walking funny for the following days. No more words were exchanged between them.
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Ranma and Kima started packing their things. They didn't have much, and most of it they would leave here. They needed to travel light. "I'll take most of your things as well. I'm sure flying with carrying my mom will be hard."
Kima stood straight, showing the pride that made her so strong. "I'll handle it, Ranma. Just make sure to wipe Genma into shape before you enter China." She wouldn't admit it openly, but she cared for her father-in-law. He had been a great support once he accepted of their love. She was worried that he wasn't up to a mission of the caliber Ranma was planning.
The man smiled at her and said. "Don't worry. The old man hasn't been in better shape in years. And either way he entered Mount Phoenix." Kima had to accept that, but either way pouted at her husband. It was easy to be herself with him, even feel a little like a young girl. She hadn't had a chance in her life. Ranma returned with equal concern. "Make sure you spar daily with my mom. I want her to be at her best when we arrive."
Kima smiled. "Don't worry. I will." They resumed packing. And they finished in less than five minutes. A huge backpack for Ranma, a small one for Kima. Flying light was very important. They placed their packs next to the door, and stood silently. "How long will it take for you to reach Mount Phoenix?"
Ranma shrugged. "We will need a week to reach the coast. We need to train hard and plan our quest very carefully." He thought for a moment and continued. "Taro knows China very well, so we won't get lost." He turned to her. "I guess a month and that will be it." He didn't sound overly eager to start.
Kima joined her hands in front of her. "We'll only take two days. Three at the most." *If you came with me, you could make it in that time too. You run very fast.* But she placed the though aside. They needed to do things this way.
They remained silent for some more time, just staring into each other's eyes. This wasn't the first separation the couple faced, but that didn't make it any easier. They were facing the prospect of never seeing each other again. Kima stepped forward and tilted her head back. Her lips met Ranma's in a passionate kiss. Very soon, clothes started to leave their bodies, and they lost themselves in the moment. It was desperate, almost pleading the other to survive.
After some time, they didn't know how much, they remained on the floor. Naked and embracing their partner. The passion spent, but the love still there. "We'll be both waiting you." Kima said, taking Ranma's hand.
Ranma's eyes softened and he caressed her belly with his other hand. "I will return to you. I promise." They remained like that for a couple of minutes, and finally stood up and started get dressed. "I promise." He whispered to himself. If Kima heard him, she gave no indication of doing so.
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Mouse and Taro had already bought enough food for the duration of their trips. Or at least enough to survive for a couple of days. They were currently in front of Tofu's clinic. "Are you sure about this?" Asked Taro. He wasn't keen of the idea of letting everyone know of their plans.
Mouse nodded. "We either way need medicine." And with that he knocked.
A few seconds later the door opened, to reveal the good doctor. "Konichiwa Mouse, Taro. What can I do for you." The doctor seemed as if he had slept an entire night, a thing he did not.
Taro didn't like beating around the bush, so he bluntly stated. "We'll explain it to you, but we need it to be in private." Tofu, noticing the seriousness of the matter, nodded and let them in. As soon as they sat down on the receiving room, Taro and Mouse explained everything about the news from China, and their plans to leave today. "And that brings us here. We need medical supplies for the journey."
Tofu nodded. "I see." He left the room and returned after five minutes with two packages. Handing each one to them in person, he smiled and said. "I won't take any more time from you two. I'm sure you have to be back as soon as possible."
Taro was still eyeing the young doctor with caution, wondering why he was being so nice. Mouse didn't have such suspicions, and smiled. "Arigato, Tofu-sensei. Take care of yourself."
Tofu offered them a smile. "Just be sure to stay alive. We would like to have you visit sometime."
Taro, who was still wondering about the intentions of the doctor, said. "Stay in touch with the Tendos. They might need help." Sobering, Tofu turned to Taro and nodded. In that exchanged, both men knew they had serious things to face. Even if the one going to the battleground was the Chinese man, the doctor might be in a more dangerous situation. They didn't know what to expect, or when.
Taro and Mouse left without another word, and Tofu waved at them as they rounded a corner. Now alone, he entered the clinic and sat down. *I will miss them all. Things won't be as exciting without Ranma to attract trouble.*
If only he knew.
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Ukyo was opening her restaurant. It was mid morning, and she was feeling the effects of last night, but she had to earn a living. As she was about to enter, she saw two guys she knew walking down the street. She smiled as she waved. "Hey, Mouse! You're up early." She had expected for him to still be sleeping. She had left the party around two, and it seemed like it would continue till dawn. Her smile disappeared when she noticed the looks Taro and the master of hidden weapons were giving her. "What's wrong?"
Mouse cursed himself for forgetting about Ukyo. She had a right to know about their leaving. As he walked to her, he could feel her uneasiness. She was afraid to find something had happened to her Ranchan. He sighed as he greeted the chef. "Hi, Ukyo. You're very early yourself."
Ukyo had none of it. "Cut the crap, honey. What's new?" She didn't like it when someone tried to cushion a blow. Seeing them this serious meant trouble, and she was ready for it.
Mouse smiled faintly and said. "Always direct, huh?" Turning serious, he continued. "We are leaving for China. All the Saotomes and us."
Ukyo stuttered out. "But I thought Ranchan could stay here six months." Only two had passed.
Taro shook his head. "We are not going because of that. There's trouble."
Ukyo was a very perceptive person, and her eye caught sight of all the supplies they had for the trip. Particularly two packages coming from Tofu's clinic. "The amazons, right?" She didn't have to know the details, it was obvious from their expressions that she had hit the nail. She locked the door and placed the closed sign on. Turning to them, she said. "Let's go. I have to talk to them." Taro and Mouse exchanged a glance, well, Taro exchanged the glance, and they turned to her again.
"I don't think we should interrupt them for a couple of hours." Mouse put in. "They might be separated for a while, and I think they need a private moment alone."
Ukyo understood, and forced down the tears at knowing the woman Ranma had chosen hadn't been her. She had forgiven the man, but it still hurt to see him with other woman. Nodding, mostly to fight back the tears, she said. "Then what are you gonna do?"
Taro knew the chef was probably gonna stick with them anyway, so he said. "What about helping us get some camping gear. I'm sure those idiots don't have tents bigger than the necessary for two people." He smiled as he saw Ukyo glare at him. "Now that's the chef-chick I know." Came the remark.
Ukyo understood Taro had insulted her only to make her forget about her pain. She thanked him for it, inwardly, and said. "Then let's go, we don't have all day." They started walking down the street, each inwardly wondering what would happen in the future.
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It was close to three in the afternoon. Both couples were in the dining room, waiting for Taro and Mouse to return. They were grateful for the privacy they got, and wanted to stop time and enjoy this moment forever. The door was heard, and they turned to see Taro and Mouse had returned, Ukyo in tow.
Taro almost laughed aloud at seeing the couples. They were still quite flustered, and he had to wonder for how long they had been at it. *Oh, well. They're married, after all.* "We'll put everything in the kitchen." He said as he walked past them. Mouse quickly followed.
Ukyo just stood there, looking at the way Ranma held Kima's hand. Almost fearful of letting her go. She had to give it to them, they really loved each other. "Mouse told me you were all leaving." She said, trying to start a conversation.
Nodoka nodded. "Yes, dear. We are." She motioned for the table, and Ukyo took a sit. "It's a good thing you came. We won't have to go and get you." And with that she took a letter from the folds of her kimono. She looked at the letter for some time, and finally gave it to the chef.
Ukyo looked at it. "Not that I want to sound rude but, what is it?"
Genma smiled a little sadly. "It is the papers of this place." He motioned with his hands, pointing at the house. "We decided to give it to you, as a compensation for the yattai."
Nodoka continued. "Contact Nabiki and she will take care of everything."
Ukyo didn't know what to say. "You don't need to do this."
Ranma interrupted her. "We do, Uchan. It doesn't give you back your life, but at least it gives you a fresh start. You can sell the house and aim for a college degree."
"But what about your things." She protested, trying to find something to deny the compensation.
Nodoka smiled. "Soun offered to take our personal belonging and keep them in the attic. As for the furniture, it is all yours to do as you like."
Ukyo smiled faintly. "But what if I want to go with you." Her voice had little conviction.
Kima spoke for the first time. Her voice was firm but friendly. "You have a life to look forward to, Kuonji. We all have our paths to follow."
Ranma then spoke to her, and his voice was soothing. "Uchan, I know you. You have always been strong, and that's why I'm gonna ask something of you." She looked at him, eager to know. Ranma rarely asked for anything. "I want you to keep everyone in Nerima close."
"What for?" She asked frowning.
Nodoka frowned as well, and said. "We don't know what the amazons have in mind for you. The only way you are gonna be strong enough to fight them back is if you are all together."
"Why me?" She asked in a small voice.
Genma placed a hand on her shoulder, a hand that felt more comforting than anything else. His eyes were filled with emotion, something he would never show in his face, as he said. "Because we can trust you to do the right thing." He sighed. "I know you have reasons to hate me, and I don't blame you, but don't do this for us. Do it for yourself." He lifted her face with his big hand. "You have a strong heart, follow it."
Deep inside, Ukyo had always known that she loved the Tendos. She loved Ryoga and Mouse. She even loved the Kunos. They had become her second family. Ranma had introduced them all to her, but they had grown in her heart. She could feel saddened by the fact that Ranma was leaving, but nodded her head. Ukyo Kuonji had been rejected by her own father, but had known a new family. A family that accepted her, even if they had problems between them. Even Kodachi, though she was a pain, had become close to her. "I'll try." She finally said, but this time, her voice had a tone of conviction that surprised her.
Ranma smiled at her. "And Uchan..." She turned to him. "...live. You are given a chance to start all over again. Use it."
"You sound as if you are not coming back." Ukyo protested.
Ranma looked to the table, and Kima placed an arm around him. She looked at Ukyo directly to the eye, and stated in a serious tone of voice. "We might not be coming back."
Deep inside, Ukyo knew they would, but she kept it to herself.
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They were ready. All six stood in the yard, making last minute preparations. Ukyo watched them from the door to her new house. The sun was about to get over the horizon.
"Remember, Mouse. As soon as you get tired, you can rest in Nodoka's arms." Said Kima to the now duck. "She also has a small container with hot water, for emergencies." The duck nodded, and flapped its wings, testing them for the trip. Kima concentrated briefly, and Ukyo help back a gasp of surprise as her wings came forth. Beautiful, with a certain air of dignity. She flexed them, getting used to them since they were looking forward to a long flight.
Ranma walked to his wife, and wordlessly gave her a kiss. It was tender and slow. As they parted not a word was said. Ukyo watched from her place by the door as Nodoka and Genma also shared a kiss, and wondered if she would ever find someone that replaced Ranma in her heart. "Take care." She said, waving.
Six faces turned to her. She giggled at seeing the duck wave with its wing. Neither of them said a word, since it wasn't necessary anymore. Nodoka placed her arms around Kima's shoulders, in a way that she didn't interfered with the wings' motion. The next thing everyone knew; Kima, Mouse and Nodoka were already disappearing over the horizon.
Ranma and Genma sighed and smiled at looking at each other. They understood each other just too well. "The road again, pops. Ya ready to move your fat ass?"
Genma smiled at the game of insults they had with each other. It had been a game for a long time. "Worthless boy. I'll teach you to respect your elders." And with that they both jumped over the wall. Taro shook his head and followed close behind. Ukyo could hear the insults getting lost in the distance, and together with them, the realization that she was about to start over finally hit her.
Closing her fist in determination, she looked west. "I'll do it, Ranchan." Her eyes started to get watery, but this time she didn't stop the tears. Crying wasn't wrong, not when you wanted to be true to yourself.
END PART 6
Author's notes: What about it? The story took a turn where some of the characters are left behind, but are not forgotten. There's a time when we all have to take decisions, and that time has come to the warrior.
This chapter was short, and didn't have action at all. Well, for those of you who want action, and before you flame me, remember the:
"Calm before the storm."
See you in part 7. |
