It was time. Ranma and Nodoka sat in the front row, alone. Flowers, which Kasumi had arranged, now decorated the small box. In front of it was an old picture of Genma, which Soun had dug up, and Nabiki had enlarged. The elder Saotome hadn't wasted time or money on any more recent pictures, but only Ranma noticed. The man portrayed was the one Nodoka and Soun remembered. The three people who actually knew Genma each viewed him differently... Soun saw his friend illuminated by the warm glow of fond remembrances. His friend had been a fun loving companion in training exercises without the Master. Of course it wasn't quite as much fun with the Master... his training methods were rough, his appetite great, and the 'boys', Genma and Soun, ALWAYS got stuck with the bill. Soun would miss Genma, but rejoiced at the prospect that their families would be united when Ranma married one of his daughters. Nodoka saw him in the harsh light of reality. This man had taken the agreement he had forced down her throat as an excuse to make Ranma, in her opinion, a twisted mockery of a 'man amongst men'. She was trying to undo what Genma had done, but her training was far more dangerous to her son than she had thought. Was she helping her son, creating a daughter, or - somehow - doing both? Ranma saw the man as he truly was, encompassing both these views and more. So many of Genma's lessons were full of lies and half-truths. But the Art was true, that was his real legacy to his son. He wondered what his father would think of 'Kikuko' or 'Sailor Io', probably not much. How long would his father say girls were weak after a 'Tempest Flare' blasted him through wall or two? He almost smiled at all he had gained, then remembered the love and guidance he had lost. *** Ranma 1/2 Honor and Love (Yet Another) Ranma/Sailor Moon Crossover Episode 04: Remembrance and Revelation 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. *** After a while, Soun stood and spoke. "I thank you all for coming." He looked down for a moment, trying to find composure under the floor mat. Sniffling a bit, he continued. "Genma was my dearest friend. We trained together for many years under our... master. I am pleased that his widow and son allowed me to honor him today." He bowed at Nodoka and Ranma in turn, receiving a nod of acknowledgement from each. The Tendou patriarch sat, and silence reigned for a few moments. Ranma stood next, speaking as he gave Soun a warm smile. "Thanks, Mr. Tendou." He looked up as his eyes swept the room. "Thanks to all of you for coming here today. Some people might think my pop was a bad guy." He glanced for a moment at his mother before continuing, happily accepting the strength she offered. "Heck, I'll admit that I guess he made a few mistakes, maybe even a lot of 'em. But he was always there for me... till China. Without pop I wouldn't even be here, and I certainly wouldn't be much of a martial artist. I guess the Art is what's left of him, kinda, and I'd like to keep that part of him alive if I can. I already started teachin' a few students." His eyes swept over Haruka, Hotaru, and Ami; finally lingering on Makoto for a few moments. Makoto smiled at her friend for an instant, her face snapping back to a controlled expression more appropriate for the circumstances. Soun noticed that Ranma's eyes seemed to be stuck on the girl he came with. He had to act... now. He hurriedly rose. "And to keep his dreams and Art alive, I've offered to give my dojo to Ranma and whichever of my daughters he chooses as his wife." He quickly sat back down. Nabiki covered her eyes, whispering to her sisters "Is Daddy blind? Why does he have to force this down poor Ranma's throat?" "Father, Father, Father." Kasumi whispered as she shook her head slowly back and forth. Akane thought about Ranma for a moment. He seemed different from the boys at school. Why did she think he'd understand her? Well, she'd overheard him talking to Kasumi... Maybe a boy could be a man after all. Did she really want to hurt her new friend Makoto? But this was a matter of family honor; she hoped Makoto's family would understand. Then again, Akane wanted to choose whom she married, not have it decided for her. The whole situation was just so confusing... Akane had no idea how much more confusing the actual situation was. Kasumi smiled at her little sister. Maybe she had finally found a boy she liked... but what about Makoto? She shuddered for a moment, considering what Sailors Jupiter and Europa might do to settle their differences. All the while Ranma droned on about his father. He wasn't much of a public speaker, so it was to his great relief that he finally ran out of things to say and sat down. Nodoka spoke a few words about a relationship dredged from the depths of memory, already stained by what Genma had done to their... son... daughter. After Nodoka sat, Soun rose to lovingly recount anecdotes about going on the road while training with Genma. Then, there wasn't much more to say. A few minutes of additional silence, then Soun bowed and dismissed the mourners. *** The services over, people reconvened in the Tendou home for a small reception. Ranma was about to enter the house when a call of his name attracted his attention. He turned to see Haruka and Hotaru. Hotaru looked at her new friend with a serious expression. "I'm sorry about what happened to your papa, but MY papa thinks we should get back home." Looking down at Hotaru, Ranma spoke to the small girl. "Hotaru, is there anyone inside you might want to say goodbye to?" Hotaru's face brightened. "Thanks for reminding me, Ranma!" she turned to Haruka, "I need to say goodbye before we leave." "Sure," the blonde replied. Hotaru hurried into the house. Ranma rose to talk to Haruka eye to eye. "Sorry, 'bout the delay, I just thought Hotaru might wanna say bye to some people inside." "No problem! We didn't want to stay all day, but I'm sure Hotaru will be out soon." Ranma's expression changed to a vague smile as he recalled another question he'd been meaning to ask. "So, do you know when Michiru and Hotaru might want to join our morning training session?" Haruka suppressed a snort. "Maybe when YOU come over for your lessons from her, 'Kikuko-chan'." Ranma turned a little red for a moment, then thought back to that wonderful evening. "Maybe we can talk it over Monday... How 'bout at the ice cream parlor?" Haruka laughed for a moment. "Ranma... how do you expect to keep your figure if you hang out at that place? Besides, we're busy Monday night." "Well how 'bout Tuesday? The ice cream really ain't a problem, though. Me and food seem to get along real well." "Tuesday, then!" Hotaru, with Kasumi in tow, emerged from the house carrying a box. She grinned at Haruka. "Papa, Kasumi-chan said I could take a box of cookies home!" "Good, Hotaru-chan." Haruka replied, turning first to Hotaru, then to face Kasumi. "Thanks, Kasumi." Her face betrayed little beyond a bit of gratitude. "You're welcome," Kasumi replied to the tall blonde, then looked down to her new sensei. "I look forward to visiting with you again, Hotaru- chan," she concluded with a smile. Hotaru followed Haruka to the front gate, then turned and waved to Kasumi. "Bye Kasumi!" Kasumi smiled at the little girl. "Goodbye, Hotaru-chan!" "See you at six tomorrow morning, Haruka!" Ranma called out. Closing the gate, the first two guests from Juuban were gone. Kasumi turned to her other guest. "Ranma-kun, please come inside." "Sure Kasumi," he replied, following his hostess into the house. Nabiki crept out of the bushes and back into the residence. She KNEW there was something fishy about this Saotome character, so she had decided to do a little investigative work on her own. Now all she had were more questions, first of which being why did Ranma have a nickname like Kikuko? And since when did guys care about their figure... let alone really HAVE one? Maybe SHE would show up at Ranma's at six tomorrow... *** Back inside, Nabiki and Akane talked to Makoto; Akane spoke first. "So Makoto, how did you first meet Ranma?" Makoto frowned for a moment, as if struggling to remember. "Well, uh... he... sits next to me at school and almost got into a fight his first day. I stopped it before it started, though." Akane was curious now. "Was he upset about something... or just bailing you out of a jam?" Makoto looked angry for a moment, then nervous as she racked her brain for what to say. "Well... uh... some boys were... picking on... him." Nabiki offered a bemused expression. "I hate to say this, Makoto, but you're a lousy liar." Makoto flushed, then began scanning the room for... "Ranma! Come over here please!" Ranma heard his friend's call and hurried over to join the conversation. Nabiki favored Ranma with a bit of a glare, arms crossed. "So, Ranma, what did happen on your first day of school?" She gave a slight jerk in Makoto's direction. "Your friend here says some boys at school were picking on you." Ranma looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, you know how it is..." Nabiki wouldn't let him off that easy. "Sorry, I have no idea 'how it is', Ranma. Tell me, please!" Ranma looked down for a moment to gather his thoughts, when he was interrupted by a finger tapping his back. Turning, he saw Ami. "You really should tell them, you know." Ami whispered. "Tell us what?" Akane demanded. Ranma looked serious. "Nothing! Well, now is not the time to discuss it." Ranma WAS going to get a visitor tomorrow morning, Nabiki decided. She wondered if her sisters might like to come along? It certainly seemed strange that all Ranma's friends were Sailor Senshi! *** Ranma and Nodoka were the last to leave, taking the box back home for the family shrine. Since the crowd had not been very large, cleanup was simple and quick. Nabiki decided to hold a conference with her two sisters in the dojo... Akane looked a little put out. "So, Nabiki, why did you drag us in here?" Kasumi gave the youngest a small frown. "Akane-chan, please be nice to Nabiki." She turned to her other sister. "So, please tell us why you dragged us in here, little sister?" Nabiki looked at her sisters with a slightly conceited expression. After all, she knew something they didn't. "Well, I happened to overhear Ranma and Haruka talking and..." Akane giggled. "Oh, that's a good one, Nabiki! I noticed that you just 'happened' to be hiding out there spying on those two!" Kasumi looked a little disappointed in her sister. "Nabiki, is this true?" Nabiki flushed a little. "Well, uhhh... yeah. But it was worth it. I discovered Ranma has a really weird nickname... Kikuko!" Akane cocked her head as she responded, "You've got to be kidding!" Nabiki had her audience hooked, so she smiled a little; then got ready to reel 'em in. Gossip was such fun! "Well, Haruka called Ranma 'Kikuko-chan' and he turned a little red, as if he was embarrassed about it. But that's not all! I found out that they work out at 6 over at Ranma's. Are any of you interested in a little martial arts instruction?" Kasumi showed a little frown. "Shouldn't we call first?" "Come on, Kasumi! The Saotomes are almost family. Besides, we NEED a bit of instruction, you and I, considering our new 'hobby'." Kasumi looked thoughtful. "It isn't proper not to call first, but it might be fun... just this once." Akane grinned in anticipation. "I'm in!" She wanted to see what kind of martial artist Ranma really was. "Well if we can drag ourselves out of bed and get to the train station by 5:15, it should be no problem to get over to Juuban in time," Nabiki said with confidence. Kasumi looked a bit concerned for a moment, then brightened. "I'll tell father we... have an errand to run tomorrow, so I'll be late with breakfast." *** Later that evening, Nabiki caught Soun before she went to bed. She walked over to her father gathering her thoughts as she approached, then hiding them from sight. "Announcing an engagement like that at a funeral was tasteless, Daddy." Surprise on the man's face at his daughter's accusation quickly was replaced by a far-off look as he shared his vision with his middle daughter. "This is about joining the schools, Nabiki, it was the wish of my old friend! He would have wanted it." A bit of emotion escaped Nabiki's control, disappointment appearing on her face as she slowly shook her head. "Forcing it down Ranma's throat is only going to make him resist it, you know." Nabiki's words brought Soun back to reality, an expression of expectation on his face. "You'll help me with this, won't you Nabiki?" Nabiki was uncertain what to say for a moment, but didn't let her father know it. She closed her eyes to marshal her thoughts, then cast an even gaze at her father. "Perhaps, father. I WILL try... I don't have many friends, but I already consider Kino Makoto... a good friend." His child's admission had clearly pained the father. "But... but... you only met her today! How can you put that girl before your own flesh and blood, Nabiki?" It looked like Soun's floodgates were primed to open when he finished. Nabiki stared straight into her father's eyes. "Just remember this, daddy. Ranma, Makoto, Akane, Kasumi, and myself are people, not property. Never forget that you loved mom, we all did." Her gaze wavered for a millisecond, and then the mask was in place again. "None of us even knows Ranma... Let's make sure we put love first. Then we'll think about honor." "But... Ranma has to love one of you. That's what he's supposed to do, Nabiki." The floodgates finally released their burden as Soun broke down in tears. Nabiki offered him a quick "Goodnight," then hurried up the stairs to bed. Kasumi waited for her sibling at the top of the stairs. With a sad smile she said, "Thanks, little sister. I'm proud of you." Nabiki stopped for a moment, mask still in place. "Thanks, big sister. We're gonna have to stick together on this." Without another word, she went into her room and closed the door. Kasumi blinked as the door shut in her face then retired to her own room. They needed to get up extra-early tomorrow and she needed sleep. This had certainly been the most astonishing day of her nineteen years. With luck, it would be a long while before there was another with as many surprises. She didn't put much stock in that notion, however. Snuggling into bed, the young Senshi of Titan couldn't shake the idea that even more amazing days lay just ahead. *** By the time the three Tendou girls approached the Saotome home, it was 6:05; lessons were already in progress. The younger two were dressed for school. Kasumi wore a typical outfit, consisting of a modest white blouse and a long, dark skirt. All three carried duffel bags in case they needed to change. Nabiki recognized Haruka, Makoto, and Ami from the day before... Surprisingly, Ranma was not practicing with his friends. In his place there was an unfamiliar redhead, who shared her rare hair color with Sailor Io. It was impossible to tell if she was, but... The three girls watched in silence, with Kasumi finally speaking. "Oh, my! Where's Ranma?" The redhead turned to the sound of the voice, her face trying to match her hair. The girl put on a smile for her guests. "Good morning, Kasumi, Nabiki, and Akane. Would you like to train with us?" Akane looked cross. "Where's Ranma, and who the heck are you?" Her eyes narrowed as she continued, "And how do you know our names?" Kikuko looked a little sheepish. "Well... uh... I'm sorta Ranma, you see... Akane-chan. But when I'm like this, call me Kikuko, please." Nabiki had heard enough; it seemed that two and two were struggling mightily to add up to five. "'Sorta Ranma'?" She snorted. "If you're Ranma you seem to be missing about, say... 30 centimeters, around 30 kilos, and black hair!" Though the girl did look enough like him to be his sister. Ami whispered in Kikuko's ear. "You see, Kiku-chan, you should have told them." Kikuko looked a bit upset, then turned to Makoto. "Please see if you can get some hot water inside, Mako-chan." She faced the Tendous, bowing politely. "Could you three come in, please?" It looked like practice was over for today. *** Kikuko was getting to where she could tell the story of Jusenkyo, and what happened there, in her sleep. Ho hum... another amazed audience. The redhead almost smirked at how, well, ordinary her story was becoming... at least among her circle of friends. Then there was the story of her return home, and her mother's unique brand of training. Of how Kikuko came to be, and the fact that she went to school in Ranma's place. Finally it was time for a demonstration. Kikuko rose and loosened the belt on her gi. Accepting a cup of hot water from Makoto, The redhead promptly dumped it on her head, glad that his gi was large enough to accommodate either form. The three Tendous looked on in shock for a few moments, Nabiki finding her voice first. "So, uh... Ranma, you have an interesting problem." "Yeah, I do. I need to get ready for school, can you guys wait a few?" "Yeah, sure... fine." Was all Nabiki could come with. Her sisters were still shocked into silence. Ranma ran up the stairs. Sounds of running, a brief splash, and running again carried down to the living room. An amazingly short time later, a redheaded girl ran down the stairs dressed in a Juuban High School girl's uniform. Akane looked upset. "So... you're just some kind of perverted freak, dressing up and pretending to be a girl!" Kikuko looked downcast. "If that's what you want to call me, go ahead." She searched for what to say under Akane's chair, then looked up. "Akane... when I go to school, I'm a girl!" A hint of sarcasm touched her face, "I hope you know the difference!" Sarcasm vanished as she continued. "So, what's the problem with me wearing my uniform? Besides, don't forget my mom's making me do this!" "Actually, I was thinking about the girl's locker room." Akane spat, not wanting to let this pervert off so easily. Makoto jumped in. "She never looks up in the locker room. She only goes in there because she has to." Kikuko continued; her language shifting to Ranma's as anger overtook her. "Yeah, those hentai-pervert boys would love t' see me undress in their locker room!" She smirked at the youngest Tendou, "You ain't suggestin' I give those perverts a free show, are ya Akane-chan?" Akane hung her head, squeaking out an answer, "Er... no?" Feminine niceties remained banished from Kikuko's speech. "That's what I was fightin' about, ya know. My first day at school, guys were followin' me everywhere, and one of 'em finally asked me my three sizes, and then..." Her face began to redden as she struggled to continue. "I jumped in and kept her from pummeling the jerk!" Makoto added. Nabiki almost smiled. "So that's why boys were picking on you!" "Yeah, and if they ever do again, I'll teach 'em a lesson." Akane nodded knowingly. "Well, at my school, I have to fight my way through perverts every day, just to get into the front door." She gave Kikuko a thin smile. "You're actually lucky, Kikuko!" "You have to fight through boys just to get to school? I guess I am a little lucky, but it still ain't fun for me, let me tell ya! Actually, I wouldn't mind bustin' a few heads! Maybe if it was pounded into their thick skulls, those boys might remember." Akane shook her head. "It doesn't work that way, Kikuko... Ranma." Akane laughed and Kikuko looked a little puzzled. "Kikuko's fine, but friends call me Kiku-chan." "Okay, Kiku-chan." Akane replied, then looked concerned. "That is, if I'm a friend..." "Anyone who has to put up with boys the way you do's a friend a mine, Akane-chan!" Nabiki figured it was time to address the other question on her mind. "So, Kikuko, was that YOU who pulled the disappearing act yesterday?" Kikuko glanced worriedly at the kitchen, then lowered her voice to a whisper. "Now ain't really a good time to talk about this, my mom's in there..." She gestured toward the kitchen. "But yeah, you're right. It was me." Kasumi looked at the clock. "Excuse me, but I think we need to go home now. Goodbye, Kikuko, you've been a charming hostess." Kikuko big-sweated, "Uh... th... thanks Kasumi-san." Akane had to smirk at the redhead's discomfort. Kasumi turned to the kitchen, "Thank you, Mrs. Saotome!" Nodoka turned down the stove and hurried out, disappointed the Tendou girls were leaving. "Won't you girls stay for a little breakfast?" Kasumi bowed slightly, "Thank you, but I think my sisters need to get back in time for school in Nerima." Nodoka returned Kasumi's bow. "Thank you for visiting... Kasumi-chan, Nabiki-chan, and Akane-chan." She said with a smile as she nodded to each of the sisters. After the other guests said their good-byes, Kasumi lead her sisters to the door. "Bye!" Nabiki and Akane said at once as they followed Kasumi out the door. Things proceeded fairly normally from there at the Saotome house. There was a bit of extra food, but Kikuko made short work of it... *** The three cross-town travelers actually got back in time for Akane and Nabiki to have a chance to walk to school. The two girls had plenty of time to talk on the way. Nabiki glanced at her little sister, eager to hear her impressions of the morning's revelations. "So, Akane. What do you think of Ranma now?" Akane looked thoughtful for a few moments before answering. "Well, I have kind of mixed feelings. On one hand, I think that 'Kikuko' could really be a good friend of mine. It'd be nice to have a friend who's good at martial arts. If only..." "She was a girl." Nabiki finished her little sister's sentence with a knowing nod. "Yeah, if only! As a guy, Ranma's kinda cute, but..." She looked down for a moment, then up again. "I don't know. Actually, as a girl, Ranma's really cute too. She's just so confusing." "Uh... Akane, isn't that 'he'?" Akane flushed with embarrassment for a moment. "Yeah, he." "Well, Akane, you're always talking about how... boys... don't understand girls... It looks like Ranma feels the same way about boys as you, Akane." "Yeah, I guess she might. But I have no idea how to feel about him." There wasn't much conversation the rest of the way to school. *** That night, several Shinkansen stops from Tokyo, a boy prepared for bed. At last, his dreams for revenge against those who wronged him were taking shape. When he found them, he would leave Kyoto and move to Tokyo, the better to exact payment from Ranma and his jerk of a father. Those two had taken his life away, and they would suffer in full measure for their crimes against him. As he sat on the edge of the futon, he underwent metamorphosis. A tug at a thick layer of bandages around his chest freed them, then he carefully unwound the bindings. Finally that blessed time each night brought arrived; Kuonji Ukyou was a girl again, but only until tomorrow. In Tokyo, events mirrored those in Kyoto. A little warm water and Saotome Kikuko became Saotome Ranma, feeling the same relief his former friend did. He went to his bed and crawled in, enjoying the warmth of the blankets for a few moments. Soon, he drifted off to untroubled sleep. In Kyoto, Ukyou was drifting to sleep as well, but her dreams would not be undisturbed. *** (END) *** First, my sincere thanks for reading! Thanks also go to my pre-readers: Mike Koos, Chad Walker, Fire, Louis- Philippe Giroux, Bryan Neef, and Andrew Norris. Please let me know what YOU think! Kevin D. Hammel May 6, 1999 ======================================== khammel@mail.geocities.com kevinsff@pacbell.net http://www.geocities.com/~khammel/ff/ ========================================