(Opening Music Begins)

(Opening Credits begin)

"The Lament"

Opening Theme to

With Wings to Carry Them

When she looks into the sky,
She sees the dreams of things undone,
When she looks into my eyes,
I can see what has just begun.

To travel under distant sun,
To lands far and near,
I would travel them all for you,
All just to have you here.

I see the sunset one more time,
Going down over one more town,
I am alone as I think of you,
And I shed a tear as the sun goes down.

I only wish for this journey to end,
That I may go home,
To see my love just once again,
And to never again be alone,
I only wish for this journey to end,

That we would be home,
So I can see my love once again,
And know that I am not alone.

(Instrumental Section)

I only wish for this journey to end,
That I may go home,
To see my love just once again,
And to never again be alone,
I only wish for this journey to end,
That we would be home,
So I can see my love just once again,
And know that I am not alone.

(Fade)

(Opening Credits fade)

(Title fade in)

Act 3; Home Sweet Home Part 1

And they were off.

Nodoka wiped at her eyes. It was all coming together like some fantastic dream. Her son must have been the man she had always wished he was to instill this kind of support from such a varied group of people. So what if half were engaged to him and the other half wanted him dead.

Akane had tears in her eyes as she hugged Nodoka. She didn’t know how long they’d be gone. Certainly not more than eight more months. It was all that Ranma had left. Nodoka didn’t want to think about it. Even though Genma was with them, the defacto leader of the group had been Akane, who didn’t seem quite thrilled with the idea, but accepted it anyway. Two nights ago, she and Nodoka had stayed awake far longer than they should, recounting all of the strange adventures that seemed to follow Ranma. Finally, Nodoka was able to coax Akane into speaking about her near suicide.

It wasn’t easy. It should never be easy. But it was necessary.

Another wail behind her told Nodoka that perhaps they should get Soun home before the port authority said something. Nodoka hadn’t been too sure about Ryouga being so eager to go with them. He wouldn’t be denied however, and Akane had given her approval, so Nodoka hadn’t said anything aloud. Nako was another story. Nodoka didn’t want him to leave Japan, where perhaps, he could get injured on this little escapade. After what he told Nodoka about his experience with Ranma, he couldn’t be denied either.

Back in the van, Nodoka noticed that Soun had passed out from his tears. She thought that he was anemic perhaps. He seemed to have such a frail constitution when it came to emotions. Nodoka just didn’t know sometimes. She also had no idea where Nabiki came up with this van either. Just another way that the Tendo women held everything together. She looked at the passenger seat at Kasumi. She had been the one to hold things together emotionally when Soun and Akane couldn’t.

Sukido had beaten Kasumi pretty badly when he was possessed. She came back from that and was a fine example to the rest that life will go on, even without Ranma. Now, she never gave up on the idea of bringing him back, but she tried to prepare everyone for the possibility that he might not. Even now, weeks later, it was hard for Kasumi to be alone in the same room with Sukido. Nodoka knew that it bothered Kasumi that she feared him and to his credit, Sukido left her alone to work it out for herself. Tofu had also been a wonder in her recovery. And Nodoka suspected that there was a little more there than patient / doctor.

"What was Akane like before she met my Ranma?" Nodoka asked Kasumi.

Nabiki had her headphones on, but Nodoka suspected she would be listening anyway. Soun was out and Sukido really wasn’t paying any attention.

"She was a real brute," She said, then seeing Nodoka’s reaction, "I know, but those were her words. She was just unsure of herself and her place in the world. I had the house and father to take care of, Nabiki had the family finances. Akane didn’t have anything except the dojo."

"But that’s as important, if not more than, the family-" Nodoka began.

"I know, but you have to remember, with the family and the finances, change can be seen almost daily. Any changes that occur in the dojo occur over years, and Akane was so young when all this happened. She was just coming of age when Ranma arrived and she didn’t know how to handle it," Kasumi finished.

"What do you think of Akane now?" Nodoka asked her.

Kasumi thought for a minute.

"We were probably at another crossroads. Their relationship was getting nowhere and was turning stagnant. Something had to have happened, or it would have gone completely sour. And while I didn’t want THIS to happen, something had to," Kasumi said cautiously.

"Yes, complacency is the destroyer of life," Nodoka said.

Kasumi nodded. Behind them, Nabiki considered it and nodded. She looked to Sukido, who returned her look with a goofy smile and nodded as well. Soun began to snore.

The sight never failed to impress her. The newly expanded and remodeled Tendo-Saotome Dojo was certainly an impressive sight as they drove in to the garage area. Sukido insisted that some people would require more than a train line to the dojo if it were to be successful. Soun was very hesitant about the addition until Tatewaki reminded him that his brother was extremely successful at what he does. Soun agreed and Sukido kept the renovations in line with the original design plan of the house. Kasumi loved her new kitchen. She was so happy that she simply passed out.

Nabiki had her own office, if only temporary until she moved to America with Sukido. That little bit of news didn’t set well with Soun either, but Nabiki simply wouldn’t listen. Kasumi sighed inwardly at the thought. Nabiki had always been the independent keeper of the family. Kasumi supposed that she could do that whether she went to America or another planet.

There were simpler, plainer quarters for those students who lived too far away to make commute a viable option. It was not only a suggestion from Nabiki, but also from Happosai, who was oft times too wary of Sukido. Kasumi sighed again. Poor Sukido. He had done so much to make up for something that Kasumi thought he had no control over. As she understood it, it was the demon that controlled him during that time. Later she and the others got to meet the real Sukido Kuno, the Kuno that Kasumi always thought was there.

Akane was another matter. She fell into a deep depression after the incident. Kasumi knew that she snuck bottles of alcohol into her room after everyone had gone to bed. Kasumi had often gotten up early and cleaned them up from her room before Soun or the others got up. They didn’t need any more reason to worry about her. After a certain night when Kasumi was away, she had come home to find Sukido gone, and Nabiki and Akane already asleep. This was odd because Sukido and Nabiki were always late nighters.

Akane seemed reborn the next morning. She was still depressed, but she seemed to have steel behind her actions. Kasumi had watched her in the dojo that morning. Akane seemed more focused and alert than she had been in years.

It was that day that Cologne and Happosai delivered their message that Ranma might not be dead. Kasumi didn’t know what to make of all this talk about souls, but it brought together everyone who had suffered and it rallied their actions to a common goal. It was later, when Tofu-chan came over, that the diagnosis was confirmed. Ranma’s soul had taken a little trip. Nabiki began to collect information, the dojo began to be rebuilt, Akane began to train in earnest, they all began to happen.

Happosai threw himself into Akane’s training with a passion, one that rivaled even his vaunted panty collection. She had asked him why he was doing this. Happosai almost seemed reluctant to say anything, but finally muttered something about never losing a student. Kasumi realized that Happosai needed a purpose, even at his age. His purpose had been to train Genma and Soun, and later Ranma. When Ranma died, his purpose was in jeopardy. So he helped in designing the new dojo as well as a special obstacle / battle course that could complement the training. It was all so complex. Kasumi sighed again.

Kodachi was away. Nabiki and Sukido relaxed into the new livingroom and began to snuggle. There were some things that even Kasumi couldn’t stomach. Nodoka joined Kasumi in the kitchen and began to work on dinner. Something light. Soup? An excellent idea. Cooking was always something that Kasumi enjoyed doing alone. Akane concentrated and focused her thoughts around first her martial arts, then around Ranma. Nabiki focused first around money, then around Sukido and money, though not in that order. Kasumi focused around cooking.

The doorbell rang. Kasumi was startled. That was another new addition that she couldn’t get used to.

She wiped her hands and went to the front door. It was Tofu-chan. Okay, maybe she focused around him too. Tofu joined Kasumi and Nodoka in the kitchen and joined in the conversation, but kept wisely out of the way. Soon, dinner was ready and Tofu went to find the others while Nabiki, Sukido and Nodoka arranged things.

Opening the door to the dojo, Tofu could make out the shape of a man standing in the ready position. It was Tatewaki.

So many thoughts swirled through his head at once. Tatewaki thought that practicing would be a good way of removing the obstacles to his focus.

He was wrong. It only seemed to bring more issues into his head.

Tatewaki felt terrible. Perhaps it was a cold. It felt like disgrace. Cold edged and lethal, like the blade of a finely honed weapon. And just as deadly in the long run. After all the trouble and hardship he went through to finally face up to the fact that his red-haired goddess was actually that wretch Saoto-no, he couldn’t even finish it now. Sukido was a demon. Even without the actual demon inside him, he was always the one to get the girls. He was the one who got the scholarships to go to an American school, away from the family, away from Father.

Tatewaki shook his head and readjusted his stance. Concentrate on the position. Concentration is the key.

Certainly Sukido wasn’t the only thing on his mind. Tatewaki could handle him. No, there were other things. Akane Tendo in some part. His dream of two long years taken...no, he wasn’t going to blame Ranma again, the therapist told him it wouldn’t get him anywhere. He was right. Akane had chosen Ranma over him and Tatewaki just couldn’t handle that. Not right now at least.

Then there was Nabiki Tendo. She and Tatewaki had developed a love-hate relationship over the years...They’d love to hate each other. From selling the photos, to everything else, he must have spent millions of yen. He didn’t mind, because he knew that, if only in a round about way, he was helping Akane. Lately, she had come to him for advice on all manners of things. Academic, emotional, theoretical, never financial however, but it didn’t matter. Then he swallowed his pride and dared to ask her to the athlete’s dinner. Somehow he thought he might make something of it. He was proven wrong again. He didn’t blame Nabiki with everything else happening, but there was still a part of him that regretted.

He wished he had done something sooner.

He switched into the next position. Stiff muscles strained to try and dictate his actions, but he would hear none of it. Years of this kind of training taught him how to work mind and body as one and as separate units.

Cologne. It was the face that sent him into a rage that almost equaled what he used to feel towards Saotome. It was rare that this kind of hate came to him anymore. With Saotome, much of the passion that he once felt died as well. It was almost amusing to have a normal conversation with Akane if nothing else than for the expressions of curiosity. But Cologne, he would not deal with. She took him out of a fight without even hearing his side of the story. Such was a true crime committed against him. Akane tried to protect the old bag by explaining about the chi energy. He then found out about the Ranma’s soul. He wanted to help in the search, but Akane wanted him to stay at the dojo and to protect it since Sukido was still unable to do much more than walk. He agreed to keep the homefront while Akane searched to bring back her hus-

He swallowed hard against the bile that rose in his throat. Husband. He bit down on the thought. He attended the wedding ceremony that united Saotome with Tendo. Part of his heart died that day.

The path of the true warrior is fraught with inharmonious destinies. And it looked like he was heading for another one. He opened his eyes and turned his head. It was Dr.Tofu. He returned his gaze toward the garden.

"Did all pass without record at the airport?" He asked, somewhat surprising himself with his noncommittal tone.

"Akane’s fine," Tofu said smugly, "How are you?"

"I am well," Tatewaki said, lowering his bokken, "If that is what you’re asking. I am the proud samurai that I chose to be. What whilst thou make of me?"

"Nothing more, nothing less...than a man," Tofu said, "Dinner is ready."

"Was my sister involved in the preparation?" He asked, turning ever so slightly.

"No, Kasumi and Nodoka prepared the meal. Tatewaki, there’s something that I must ask you," Tofu said, the early smirk disappearing.

"Yes, Doctor?"

"What happens to the man inside when the warrior outside has nothing left for which to fight?"

He asked, stepping back into the hallway.

In the short time that he was in the Tendo household, he found that Tofu had that annoying quality about him. Like that gaijin movie about the force. At least he wasn’t green.

The sun set through the new dining area. It was so much different from the old dining room. Nodoka couldn’t quite get used to the curved table, but since it was a present from the Emperor to Sukido, they couldn’t refuse it. It was very pretty anyway.

The meal progressed without incident and after Ranma died, much of the distractions in a meal had gone as well. The meal seemed, she didn’t know the appropriate terminology for it, bland now.

"Tatewaki?" She asked of the young samurai, "Where’s Kodachi?"

"She is with Father. She feels," He said, he then turned slightly to Nabiki, "...unwelcome here."

This didn’t go by Nodoka. Something was wrong and about the last thing this family needed was another fight on its hands. She waited for Nabiki to say something scathing and the fighting to start, but Nabiki just looked into her food and continued to eat in silence.

Well, Nodoka thought, Better bland than tense.

The moonlight sparkled from the heavens on that night. Just like the night that my dear brother returned home and said that my Ranma-sama was...no, she still couldn’t believe it. She had seen his body. It was still warm to the touch, even now, almost two months after the incident. Kept alive and yet dead to everyone. She hadn’t told anyone, but late at night, she crept out and kissed him goodnight at least twice a week. That was generally how long she could stomach living there. Here. In this...house. It smelled of new money. Worse yet, it was Kuno money.

Tears streamed down her face as she looked out into the courtyard. The structure across the way was the one thing that even she would have paid for. It was the shrine. Ranma was there. She wiped at her tears. Ranma-sama would have never wanted to see her cry. She would be strong for him. She wanted to go and search for his soul in Europe, but that old ghoul Cologne had prevented her. Instead, Spatula girl went and now she was going to find his soul instead of Kodachi. Even that Chinese bimbo Shampoo had gotten into the action and taken her duck-boy with her to America.

Akane was getting stronger by the day. She was almost as strong in martial arts as Kodachi herself. Not quite though, but Kodachi had been out of practice for quite a while since she’d been attending college. The University frowned on that kind of fighting.

There was a knock at the door.

She didn’t say to enter, but the door opened anyway. That kind of rudeness would require a lashing at the Kuno mansion, but here, it was almost common practice. Barbarians. She could tell from the pattern of breath that it was Nabiki Tendo. For some odd reason, she always sounded short of breath these days. Perhaps it was because of Sukido. She stood there waiting for Kodachi to say something. She probably noticed the sobs. Kodachi silently cursed herself for this moment of weakness in remembrance. Kodachi sat down on the bed and spoke Nabiki’s thoughts to her.

"I can’t tell you what’s wrong," She said, biting on her open aggression, "You might charge me."

"I guess I can give it free this time," Nabiki said.

"You’ve become very generous since shacking up with my brother," She replied sarcastically, then she sobered, "Do you know how Tatewaki thinks of you and Sukido?"

"I know he thinks he’s lost me. He never had me," Nabiki said.

"Didn’t he?"

"Why don’t you change rooms with one of us Kodachi?" Nabiki said, trying desperately to change the subject, "Sitting here facing Ranma’s tomb all day must get depressing."

"It’s life pain. A pain that keeps me alive," Kodachi said, turning back to the window.

"Whatever. Listen...Nodoka, Kasumi and I are going shopping tommorrow. You want to come?" Nabiki asked cautiously.

"No, I don’t like you that much," Kodachi said quietly.

A cold chill ran up the base of Nabiki’s spine. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that Ranma had such an anxiety attack everytime he was around Kodachi. She sighed once at the mistake of asking and turned to go. Nabiki thought that, maybe in vain, she could get Kodachi to come out of her shell anymore than she could get Akane to come out. She had been wrong. Kodachi was in another world, not another shell.

Nabiki closed the door gently and walked back towards the room she now shared with Sukido. Nabiki thought that her father was just deluding himself with the reality that all of his girls were grown.

He was already in bed and reading. Some gaijin novel about a cockroach. She didn’t understand his taste in literature. The truth was, he was still having problems getting around. Many of his bones had been broken during the incident and while he’d been able to use his chi ability to heal over half of those, the areas healed were still quite tender.

She climbed into bed next to him and nuzzled his ear. After a minute or so, he stopped reading.

"You need to tell me something, I take it?"

"Just need to ask you about Kodachi..."

"What about her?"

"Well, I just came back from her room and she still doesn’t want to come out and interact with the rest of us," Nabiki said, running a finger along the cast on his arm.

"I think my sister’s just jealous," Sukido said, bookmarking his place, "She never really got along with any of us. But right now, she’s probably more lucid than Tatewaki."

"What do you mean?" Nabiki asked, concerned.

"Nabiki, when you and the others went against me that last time, what were you supposed-"

"The athlete’s ball. My God, is he still...Over that?" Nabiki asked incredulously.

"Nabiki, if you have to ask how single minded either of my siblings are, then you don’t really know them," He said, putting his book on the nightstand.

"Another thing that is bothering him is the fact that Cologne took him out of the fight. That’s not something that you can fix, of course, but it still hurts him. I know that he hates her and is not too fond of you right now either. Just keep clear of both of them, please?" He explained.

"I-I’m sorry," Nabiki said, flustered.

She was really not sure how to take all this aggression. Sukido stayed so calm through this, but it really scared her. She was no martial artist. Sukido shook his head.

"Nabiki, I’m not the one you should apologize to," He said, stroking her chin lightly.

She curled up beside him and they just held each other. Taking small comfort in each other as the night wore on.

The sun had risen and breakfast had gone by. Kodachi came to her room overlooking Ranma’s tomb and took up her position. She had gone early in the morning and got breakfast elsewhere. She didn’t dislike Kasumi’s cooking, but she couldn’t eat at the same table as that money-grubbing wench.

The day wore on and like a bad movie, nothing exciting happened. It was that way all throughout Nerima since the incident. It seemed like Ranma himself was the uncaused cause of everything weird that had ever happened.

In short, she was bored.

She rifled through the clothes that she kept at the house. She would be spending lengths of time away from the mansion and without Sasuke, things could get hectic. She paused, a skirt in her hands. Sasuke. It was the first time she had consciously thought of the little ninja. Right now, Sasuke was undergoing rehab in a little hospital in Hokkaido for an addiction to painkillers. Where he had picked it up at, she had no idea.

She slid a dress aside and gasped. She didn’t think she still had that. She reached in to the closet and pulled out her old leotard. Putting it up against her, she realized with a scowl that she’d have to get a new one. She caught herself and smiled. That’s what she would do. She would join her brother in what he had been doing almost non-stop since the incident...Train. Get back into the form she used to have. She wasn’t really flabby, but her fighting shape was a couple of years out of practice. There just wasn’t much time to train in college.

She left that morning and went to her old favorite store. Finding a leotard, or two, would take some time, but she thought it would be worth it.

It fit like a glove. She forgot how little it left to the imagination. She had cultivated modesty while away at college and felt the blood rise to her cheeks. The new one held the kind of conservative daring that seemed to typify the teen crowd these days.

Well, they had nerve. Just whom did they think they were marketing to anyway?

...

...

She DID look good in it though...

Kodachi returned to the house undetected. She could have announced herself, as was custom, but the room had been set aside for her and she would make use of it. She changed into one of her new leotards and took a few items with her to the obstacle course. She had a pin and two of her ribbons, she couldn’t find anything else in such short notice, but that was no matter. She was badly in need of practice anyway and these would do just fine.

Kodachi jumped to the first level of the course and began to work herself backward into the bar area. It was the slow part that was designed for the warm-up. It worked all right. She tossed a ribbon and wrapped it around one of the upper bars and began to pull herself to the higher levels. She soon fell into the designed rhythm of the course and quickly lost track of herself.

Pulling herself up to the last platform, Kodachi fell against the pole supporting the platform, exhausted. She was really out of shape. Either that or this course was much harder than it appeared. Since that miniature panty raider Happosai designed this course, she thought it was probably a little of both. She couldn’t deny his mastery, as much as she wanted to deny him. She wiped her brow and sat there, admiring the golden reds and oranges in the distant sunset. There were noises. The occasional dog barking, the constant flute playing that seemed to pervade these nights nowadays, but something else.

Kodachi got up and walked to the edge of the platform facing the dojo. It was Tendo-san. He and Tofu-san were sparring. Well, this was something that she had never seen before. She knew that Ranma had sometimes sparred with Tofu, but no one else ever really wanted to. She wondered why?

Thrust, spin, sweep, jump, hit, hit, counter.

All done with the grace that even rivaled Ranma. Kodachi had to admit to herself that Tofu really knew how to move the human body. She smiled. He was handsome too. And smart, a doctor after all. His technique was something she’d not seen before that old ghoul Cologne had come to Nerima after Ranma. Kodachi guessed that it was probably a Shiao Lin variant. The fluidity matched that style, but some of the moves were almost, well, improvised. Tendo-san looked as though he was doing everything in his power to keep from losing, but in the end landed flat on his back. It was a remarkable performance and Kodachi found that she had stood up on the platform and was quite ready to clap. She sat down again and hoped no one had seen her.

Helping Tendo-san to his feet, they faced each other and bowed. It was all very fair and sportsmanlike, and therefore quite foreign to Kodachi. Even her brother, the paragon of athletes was not above whacking his opponent on his bean when he wasn’t looking. In the Kuno family, it was almost required.

Tofu took a deep breath and headed towards the course. Kodachi began to panic. What if he saw me here? What if he thought I was spying on him?

Paranoia in full gear, Kodachi sprang from her perch and bounded back down to the easier section of the course. She could most likely outrun him here. She raised herself onto one of the higher platforms overlooking the lower elevations, but couldn’t see him. Was he hiding? A wave of fear hit her, not like any she’d felt in a long time. What if he knew? What was she going to do?

What if...? What if...? What if...?

She threw herself forward and up towards one of the highest platforms to try and get a complete view of the course. The outside lights came on a few minutes later, giving the whole course an incandescent, alien glow. Some of the areas of the course were designed for night fighting and therefore had neon architecture built into the framework. She saw a shadow. Was that him?

Kodachi peered gently over the ledge. Nothing but darkness.

A hand grasped her shoulder and Kodachi spun herself around. Her mind was an absolute wall of fear as she whipped the ribbon past her head. Whatever had touched her would now pay...

But it wasn’t there. Kodachi lost her balance and tumbled through the course. She tried to angle herself away from the more dangerous posts, but quickly saw one rushing towards her head. She closed her eyes, but nothing came.

She felt the ground hit beneath her with a thud. But she wasn’t ON the ground. Someone had caught her. She cautiously opened her eyes. It was Tofu. Straining against the urge to scream, nothing escaped her lips. Tofu smiled and raised an eyebrow.

"Don’t worry, I’ve got you," He said, "I’m sorry if I startled you Kodachi, but chasing you around the course has been most enjoyable and healthy. It was a great workout, thank you."

Kodachi only nodded in amazement as this odd man put her to her feet. He waved goodbye and walked slowly back to the house. The smell of dinner came floating out on the late summer breeze. Kodachi forsaked dinner again and returned to her room. She bathed and prepared for bed. Tonight, she didn’t think it would be so bad to sleep here. She sat down in front of the mirror and began to brush out her hair. She had cut it since moving to college, the shorter hair just easier to manage in the hectic student life.

Some of the boys at school had always been trying to attract her attention, but none of them ever measured up to her Ranma-sama. Then again, no one did. He was unique.

But perhaps there was more out there than just Ranma.

She stopped brushing in mid-stroke. Kodachi looked out the window toward Ranma’s tomb. She had never dared think that before. More than her Ranma-sama? Impossible. But tonight, she thought she witnessed something that could be said for experience. She had literally been swept off of her feet, and that just did not happen to a lady of the house of Kuno.

Kodachi’s indignation flared as she thought more on it. Who did he think he was, sneaking up on a helpless woman such as she? Him, a lowly doctor. And yet...he was handsome. And strong, oh yes. He was also intelligent. He was a doctor after all.

Kodachi sighed. She really felt helpless in this kind of situation.

There was a knock.

The door opened, it was Nodoka.

"Can we talk?" She asked.

Kodachi nodded slowly.

"You are a part of this family you know," Nodoka said, sitting on the edge of the bed closest to Kodachi.

"Yes, I know, I just don’t find the pleasure here that I once did..." Kodachi trailed off.

She turned back to the mirror and tried to hide her tears in brushing her hair. It didn’t work.

"I know, you miss Ranma," Nodoka said, then seeing her reaction, "We all do. But he’s married to Akane now. You’ve got to move on."

Kodachi flared at this. How dare she? How dare she try and dictate her actions? Kodachi caught herself. This was Ranma’s mother. Of course she would do what she thought was right, even if it might not be.

"Have you ever truly loved?" Kodachi asked, trying to assay her true emotions.

Nodoka was taken aback, but she figured that that was where the conversation would probably lead. Nodoka knew that unless she got truthful, then Kodachi would probably never leave her son alone, dead or alive.

"I thought, perhaps, Ranma would be the proof of that," Nodoka said.

Kodachi shook her head.

"I am no more product of love than my dear brother. Perhaps the love shared between Tatewaki and myself is rough and caustic at times, but it is much more than he or I ever received at home," Kodachi said softly.

"Do you want to talk about your home?" Nodoka asked.

Kodachi shook her head again.

"There’s more pain there than I’d rather recall," Kodachi said, then turning to her mirror again, "Please leave me to my pain. It may be one of the few things I have left."

Nodoka didn’t want to leave her like this, but what other choice was she left with? Kodachi wouldn’t open up about her family life...At least, not yet. Perhaps she would just have to try later. Bringing her back out was perhaps the next great leap in joining the two families. At least Tatewaki was training in the sunshine and out in the open where the rest of the family could interact with him. Kodachi had walled herself into the room, keeping lonely vigil over Ranma ever since the shrine was built.

Nodoka stopped at the door and began to ask something, but saw that Kodachi was lost in thought again. She dropped it and turned to go.

"Nodoka," Kodachi asked, startling the matron, "Is it ever worth fighting for something?"

"Of course," Nodoka said, smiling, "Once you find something worth fighting for, then a purpose can implant itself in your life, guiding your actions. Helping you when you get down and keeping you grounded and humble. Ranma always did this well. At least, that’s what Nabiki and Kasumi always told me. Is there anything else you’d like to know?"

"No...Oh. And Nodoka?" Kodachi asked, "Thank you."

Nodoka smiled at the sad girl. Still a girl, not the woman that Nodoka had assumed college would make her. But then, she was just as bad. All those years hiding behind the mask of ignorance. It had taken her a while to come to grips that her husband became a panda and her son was also her daughter...at least, for a while.

Nodoka slowly closed the door.

Kasumi looked up from the table in surprise.

"Oh good, I’m glad you decided to join us Kodachi," Kasumi said, placing a pot of soup on the table.

Kodachi kneeled next to her brother and accepted the bowl of rice from Tatewaki. She stopped. Looking up, she noticed that breakfast had stopped and all eyes, except for Tatewaki, were on her.

"Is it not proper for me to join in breakfast once in a while?" She asked.

"You haven’t in the past, so they are unsure," Tatewaki said.

Nodoka smiled and picked up the teapot to pour for Kodachi. Kodachi accepted it, if somewhat surprised.

"Your brother is right about that," Nodoka said, "But we’re all very glad you joined us."

The breakfast went along smoothly. Nabiki and Sukido went off to the local gym to rehabilitate his leg. Kasumi and Nodoka cleaned up the meal and Kasumi began to sweep off the patio.

"Tatewaki?" Kodachi asked of her brother, "Can we talk?"

"Spar with me," He said, appraising his sister.

Kodachi sighed and reluctantly joined him in the dojo after changing.

Tatewaki bowed and brought his bokken to bear. Kodachi had brought her hoop, which she thought would be best for blocking her brother's attacks, while allowing her to speak to him. He began to attack and she defended. Kodachi could immediately tell that her brother was not really thinking about what he was doing. She even got in a few good hits, which focused him back to reality.

"What is it you wished of me?" He asked.

Kodachi ducked low and swung the hoop close, which he blocked.

"I may have...emotion for Dr.Tofu," She said, immediately regretting saying it.

He stopped and stepped back. He looked down, somewhat confused. Kodachi stood and walked to her brother.

"He...already..." Tatewaki stumbled over his words.

"I know," Kodachi said, nodding, "And I don’t know what to do about it."

"I really don’t see what the problem is," Tatewaki said finally, "He can date with you both."

"I have a problem with two timing, brother dear," Kodachi smirked.

"He doesn’t," A voice said from the doorway.

"He never has," Another voice said next to the first.

It was Sukido and Nabiki respectively. They had come from the gym

"Call it what you will but I never heard either of them complain too loudly," Tatewaki said.

"No, they just knocked you out," Nabiki said, helping Sukido to his seat.

Sukido looked as though the workout put him through some serious pain, but then the old adage is about gain and pain and their relationships. Kodachi smiled. She felt the workout the she performed yesterday and was going to try to slow down some. It almost felt like she pulled something in her abdomen.

"So what are you two discussing?" Sukido asked.

Tatewaki looked back at his sister who just shrugged. Nabiki wondered at this but said nothing.

"She is...enamored of a certain gentleman," Tatewaki said tentatively.

"Wonderful!" Sukido said, sitting up, "Who’s the lucky man?"

"He’s-"

"He’s someone I met at school," Kodachi quickly cut off her brother.

Again they exchanged glances but Nabiki couldn’t read it.

"So he’s college educated?" Sukido asked.

"Oh, very much so-oof!" Tatewaki was cut short by a hoop to his middle.

Nabiki glanced back at Sukido, who just shrugged and turned back to his siblings. Kodachi had her brother in a headlock and was enjoying watching Tatewaki turn a lovely shade of red.

"It’s a wonder you haven’t tried capturing him yet," Sukido said, looking up at the ceiling.

An interesting thing happened then, that Sukido and Tatewaki would have both seen, if they had bothered to look, or rather, if they could. Nabiki saw the conflict roll across Kodachi’s face as she tried to decide what to do or say. Finally she just dropped Tatewaki and pulled Sukido to his feet.

"What do you mean by that crack?" Kodachi shouted.

As Sukido stammered, Nabiki was caught in a wave of nostalgia that flowed through her. Hearing the sounds of conflict and shouting reminded her so much of the way Ranma and Akane never left the eardrums of those near them silent. Nabiki also quickly stifled a short sob that was threatening to release itself. She turned her head and noticed that Kasumi had wandered in and was standing in the doorway. She smiled a knowing smile at her younger sister and walked over to Nabiki. She began to say something, but stopped as Sukido was thrown onto the bench as Kodachi stormed off. Kasumi rushed to him to make sure his bandages were all still relatively intact. Tatewaki was still out.

"I was just coming to see if you and Sukido had any preferences toward dinner tonight," Kasumi said, straightening the remainder of the bandages.

Sukido tried to mentally pull himself together and was not entirely successful.

"I really hadn’t given it much thought actually," Nabiki said, having regained her composure.

Kasumi looked up at her and shook her head, sighing.

"Nabiki...If you are going to be a good wife for Sukido, then you have to learn how to prepare and cook a decent meal. And no, the last time didn’t count because Sukido did the cooking for you," Kasumi explained, "Sukido, can you make it around by yourself? Nabiki and I have to plan."

"I think...I’ll make it up to bed and pass out again, thanks anyway. Just come and get me when dinner is ready okay?" He asked.

"Of course," Kasumi said, as she tilted her head and smiled.

"Why do you have to pick out the most complex dishes for a beginner to fix?" Nabiki asked of her sister, looking through the pantry.

"They just look complex, really. Once you get the hang of it, its no big deal," Kasumi replied.

Nabiki just humphed and continued to rummage. There was a long pause, then Nabiki could hear the big questions start to come out of her sister. Akane used to be that way too, especially when asking for money.

"Nabiki. I think that it might do well for both of you if you take Kodachi along to help."

Nabiki stopped rummaging and turned to look at her sister. Kasumi looked serious. But she couldn’t be, not about taking Kodachi...shopping?

"Don’t give me that look," Kasumi said, the smile eerily disappearing from her face.

Nabiki blushed and looked down. She hadn’t realized her cover had slipped so badly. She silently cursed herself for letting something so basic slip. She turned back to Kasumi, who still had a not-smiling-anymore face on.

"Onee-chan," Nabiki began, not being able to look at her, "Kodachi may be a part of this family, but she hasn’t made any effort to become part of the family either. I think we shouldn’t try to force something like this on her, especially since...well, the past between her and Ranma-"

"I already spoke with her about this and she agreed that the two of you needed to talk."

Nabiki’s cover slipped again as her heart dropped.

"You...what?"

"She talked to me about it Nabiki," A voice said from the doorway.

"Yes, and this will do you both a world of good," Kasumi said, the smile returning to her face.

Nabiki just had to chew on it. Kasumi had outflanked her. Nabiki sighed and slumped where she stood. She laughed slightly and looked back at her older sister. The smile on Kasumi’s face wasn’t only warm, but also cunning. Nabiki mouthed the words "I’ll get you for this" to her, to which Kasumi just continued to smile and tilt her head.

Nabiki didn’t mind the market anymore. She wouldn’t ever spend as much time down here as Kasumi, but she wasn’t averse to the kind of shopping she was doing now. Nabiki looked down the line of baskets she was in front of and shook her head. She wouldn’t mind shopping so long as it wasn’t with Kodachi.

Nabiki had to amend her decision some. The prejudice that she felt against Kodachi was because of the things she always did to try and get Ranma or to try and either hurt or get Akane out of the way. Nabiki realized that she might be jealous. This gave her slight pause.

Jealous? Why?

She knew why. Kodachi was doing the things that she always thought were too underhanded, even for her. The pictures? Okay, so Nabiki could be just as dirty sometimes, but those were pictures...They didn’t really hurt anyone. But then, Kodachi tried that picture trick herself one time. Nabiki told herself that she never tried to poison either Akane or Ranma. No answer to that. Why would she? Because maybe she wasn’t jealous of Kodachi. Then...who...?

The answer came to her slowly, as she looked over the endive.

"Miss? Are you all right?" The merchant in front of her asked.

Bringing herself around, she realized that a tear had escaped from her eye. She cursed her slip again. She’d been doing that too much lately. Probably Sukido’s fault. She’d have to "punish" him somehow when she got home. She smiled as she wiped the tear from her eye and looked up at the merchant.

"No, thank you. How much?" She asked.

"450."

"For how much?"

"One bundle."

"A fair price. Sold," Nabiki said, handing over the yen.

"Do we have everything we need?" Kodachi snapped from Nabiki’s right.

Nabiki pulled out her list and tried to ignore Kodachi’s attitude. She nodded and both turned to leave. The walk home was tense. Nabiki tried to think of something neutral that she could discuss, but her knowledge of small talk failed her.

"Can I ask you something?" Kodachi finally asked.

"S-Sure," Nabiki said softly, out of shock.

"When you met my brother, Sukido, what was your first reaction?"

"Well, I first thought that, while he was very cute, the financial prospects of tagging along with a Kuno are quite...intriguing," Nabiki said, after some thought.

"But there was no...?"

The middle Tendo daughter stopped and looked at the youngest Kuno sibling. What was she getting at?

"Fireworks?" Kodachi finished quietly.

Nabiki burst into laughter.

"Kodachi, there usually isn’t fireworks between two people who are truly compatible. They are usually too close in personality to know it. They end up driving each other crazy," Nabiki said, laughing.

Kodachi looked to the ground and blushed, which made Nabiki stop laughing.

"Wait a minute," Nabiki began, "What are you asking? Have you found someone THAT special? Is it that guy you and Tatewaki were talking about earlier? What-"

"Yes, yes and yes!" Kodachi broke in, "Nabiki Tendo, what I need to talk with you about have so far eluded both of my brothers. They are imbeciles in their own ways. What can you give me in regards to...Oh, how can I say it..."

"Pointers?"

"Yes, pointers," Kodachi said, smiling.

Nabiki raised an eyebrow at Kodachi. The smile seemed forced and was very much in contrast to the nervousness that Nabiki knew she felt. Nabiki took a breath and began.

"Okay. First off, have you ever liked anyone before...Aside from Ranma."

"No."

"Okay, next, who is it that you like now?" Nabiki asked.

"I can’t tell you."

"Well, if you can’t tell me, then I can’t help," Nabiki sat on the nearest bench, "You see, I can get information about your new beau and help with any little tidbit that might help."

Kodachi shook her head.

"I can’t tell you because I want to do this by myself," Kodachi said, seating herself next to Nabiki, "You see, I haven’t been grieving in that room above Ranma’s tomb. I have been thinking...And considering...And-grieving. I’ve been thinking about all the things that I had done wrong through the years to try and get Ranma. I’ve realized that I can live like that anymore-"

Nabiki began to say something, but Kodachi put her hand on Nabiki’s shoulder.

"Please, this is very hard for me, so let me finish," Kodachi said, "I’ve been considering moving on in my search for the perfect man, but I also realized that my standards were set far too high because of Ranma. That’s my own fault, but just when I thought about lowering myself, a man comes along who quite literally swept me off my feet."

A blush rose to her cheeks at the remembrance. Nabiki watched her with fascination. She’d seen Ukyou like this over Ranma, but she’d never seen anything like this in Kodachi. No one had, as far as she knew, except for poor Sasuke perhaps.

"So, that’s why I can’t tell you who he is, because I don’t want to make the same mistakes in moving too quickly for him," Kodachi said, "Plus there’s another problem."

"There’s another woman."

Kodachi blushed again and looked down.

"I seem to have that problem," She stammered.

"Is he rich?" Nabiki asked.

Kodachi stopped and thought about it.

"No, I don’t think so. Not really."

"Then it’s pretty simple," Nabiki said, smiling the first genuine smile she could record for Kodachi, "There’s an old adage that goes something like ‘The quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’. I’ve found that actually, it’s through his pants."

Kodachi looked wide eyed at the prospect that somewhat even shocked her.

"No, not that," Nabiki said, waving a hand at her, "Well, not always like that. What I mean is through his wallet. If he’s not rich, then there must be something he needs. Normally, I wouldn’t give this advice as people wouldn’t be able to follow up on it, but since you’re a Kuno, you can. Get him what he needs. It’s the quickest way to get him to notice you. After that, you’re on your own."

Kodachi thought on this as they both got up and walked quietly back to the house.

Kasumi awoke the next day and stretched in the morning sun. It always felt wonderful this time of day. The world was beginning again and she was-

Kasumi stopped as she heard some clanging about downstairs. It was slowly moving towards the kitchen area. The dojo was beyond, with Tofu-chan’s clinic to the other side of that. It sounded like it was moving towards the clinic. Then it stopped. Kasumi waited for it to start up again, but it remained silent. How odd.

She gathered her unmentionables together and headed for the bathroom. The water had the smooth, subtle warmth that was so prominent in the late summer weather. Kasumi looked out the window as she settled into the hot bath. The weather would quickly turn to the changing colors and crispness that characterized the fall in Nerima. Kasumi loved the trees as they changed for the varied greens of spring and summer, to the browns and reds and golds of fall. It was always so pretty.

Kasumi turned in the bath and rested her head on her folded arms. Ranma had been...gone for about four months now. Since early June. She wanted to feel bad for Akane for her loss, but Kasumi was embarrassed and ashamed that the only thoughts that came about were for herself. When she first met Ranma, the only things she had been interested in were taking care of the family and Ranma and his father were nothing more than a joyous, but added burden. They were more than welcome, especially with Akane engaged to Ranma, but it was hard enough for the family as it was.

She got to know Ranma. She got to know Genma. She learned to not like Genma for his actions. He was a good man, of sorts. And he meant well. But the road to someplace very, very bad is paved with good intentions. And Genma seemed to be a road worker. Ranma, on the other hand, seemed to be very much a creature of fate. Nearly everything that had ever happened to him was either caused by fate or Genma. So Kasumi could never fault him for that. Ranma truly tried, but he lacked the social graces that would have been taught to him by his mother. Being so long on the road did nothing for this...Kasumi sighed and rose from the bath. Time to get the day started.

"Kasumi?" Tofu said from the doorway of the kitchen.

Kasumi jumped as she had not heard him. Not many people could hear him when he didn’t want to be heard. Even Ranma.

"Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you, but did you move a pair of permanent beds into my clinic last night?" He asked.

Kasumi placed the spoon back into the soup and shook her head.

"Hmm, that’s truly odd," He continued, "Someone did. I’m not complaining, they’re both extremely nice and must have cost a lot of money. I just want to thank whoever it was."

"I’m sorry Tofu-chan, I don’t know," Kasumi said.

She noticed the blush begin to rise on him at the use of the familiar. Kasumi smiled. He was even cuter when it happened.

"I-I’ll go ask the others," Tofu stammered, as he left.

Kasumi walked into Tofu’s office with a tray for his afternoon tea. Her father was there as well, she was glad that she thought to bring extra cups.

"Oh, Kasumi, come in and listen to this. It’s wonderful news," Soun said.

"Yes Kasumi. I found out who brought these beds in here. Apparently, it was Kodachi. She came by a little after the office opened and told me, she wants me to help her with her biology homework," He said.

"Oh my," Kasumi said, overcome by all this, "But why would she-?"

"I wondered that myself. She said that since we were all family, she’d try and help any way she could. She also asked me if there were anything else I might want, so I gave her a small list of herbs. She should be back anytime now," Tofu said.

"Yes, it certainly is a turnaround for the best. Perhaps this is a good omen," Soun said.

Kodachi landed in the yard beyond the clinic a moment later.

"Ah, you’re back. Were you able to find everything?" Tofu asked.

"Hai, Tofu-sam...Uh, Tofu-san," Kodachi said.

"I certainly hope this means that you’ll be at dinner again tonight Kodachi," Kasumi said.

Kodachi looked at the eldest Tendo daughter as if she’d suddenly grown horns and started to prance around. She recovered herself and waved Kasumi off.

"No, I need to train...And I was hoping that Tofu-san could join me," She said.

"No thank you Kodachi, it was kind of you to ask though," Tofu said, taking some herbs containers down and beginning to work on his table.

Kodachi slumped her shoulders and walked back out towards the course. Kasumi looked around. Soun had left, probably to get ready for dinner. Tofu-chan was working on his herbs, which he probably would work on for the rest of the night. Kodachi looked so sad. Perhaps it was because of the boyfriend that Nabiki was telling her about earlier.

Kasumi realized that Kodachi really didn’t have much in the way of social skills either and perhaps that is the reason she identified with Ranma the way she did. They were two sides of some coin. And idea flashed quickly through her head, not stopping for directions on the way out again. Kasumi walked into the yard after Kodachi.

"Kodachi, can we talk?" Kasumi asked.

"About?" The gymnast said, not taking her eyes from the sunset.

Kasumi looked at the sunset. It was one that reminded her why she chose to stay in Nerima rather than follow her longing to go to college and finish her education.

"When you want to follow your heart, you sometimes have to look at how that will affect the ones you love," Kasumi began.

Kodachi turned to her, a disdainful look on her face. Kasumi continued, oblivious.

"I know now that you really want to be an active member of this family, and that’s good, I’m glad. But you have to remember that you have to take it slowly in all that you do," Kasumi said.

"But if you love someone, shouldn’t you try and get their attention quickly, then work on them afterwards?" Kodachi ventured.

Kasumi laughed slightly.

"You sound like you’ve been talking with Nabiki. Let me just remind you that for the longest time, she didn’t even have a boyfriend. Just be nice to him. He’ll see how lovely you can be and he’ll want you to be that nice to him, so the attention will come on it’s own," Kasumi said, clueless.

Kodachi realized, slowly, that Kasumi had no idea who Kodachi was talking about. Time to push a little.

"What if the man has another woman?" Kodachi asked, cautiously.

Kasumi thought on this a while, then turned to her.

"Do you love him?"

"Yes, I think so," Kodachi answered.

"Does he love you?"

"Well," Kodachi thought before she answered, "I know that, at least, he cares."

"Then the kindness you show should outshine whatever the other woman can provide," Kasumi said, resolutely.

A smile slowly spread across Kodachi’s face. This might work. She looked back up to Kasumi, who just tilted her head and smiled. She still had no clue.

"Thank you Kasumi, thank you," Kodachi said, springing off to the roof.

"Strange girl," Kasumi said, looking after.

Tofu adjusted his glasses and tried not to look too surprised. He had come to the dojo that day so he could run the course early and perhaps be able to get in a few items that he needed to catalogue. Things didn’t look like they were going to get done at this rate.

Kodachi looked back at him and smiled an unusually warm smile. Tofu smiled back uneasily. It was almost spooky. She set his tea down and walked briskly back into the kitchen.

At this time of morning, the sun showing through the doorway glittered off the water in the pond. Tofu lost himself, trying not to think about the...well, about Kodachi, in the other room. He remembered the first time he saw Kasumi. He remembered the first time he saw Kasumi as more than just a friend. He never thought, even for an instant, that he’d ever actually have a chance to marry her. He was only a few years older than she, but he had gone into practice in Nerima for no more of a reason than he liked the atmosphere. Kasumi only made his decision to stay that much better.

There was a noise in the kitchen that brought his attention back around. Kodachi was fixing breakfast.

She had very nearly met him at the door to his office that morning. He tried to beg off her cooking, having remembered the times he helped Ranma recover from the poisons, but she insisted. Almost as if she knew what he was thinking, she promised to make it without the poisons. He had to relent.

A line of sweat formed suddenly on his forehead, though the morning was slightly breezy and cool. He wondered silently what Kodachi was up to, but scolded himself immediately for doubting her. He knew that she sat all day in her room in the house, doing nothing but staring at Ranma’s tomb, crying. She had great pain that Tofu wished she would somehow release. He would even spar with her if that would make her feel better. He doubted it would.

"Oh, Doctor Tofu," Kasumi chimed from behind him, "Good morning."

Tofu turned.

And his glasses promptly fogged over. He shook his head and removed his glasses for cleaning. It was Kasumi. She smiled and tilted her head. Taking a seat next to Tofu, she smoothed the folds in her dress and noticed that someone had already fixed his tea. Her brow ruffled ever so slightly at this, but quickly smoothed again as Tofu put his glasses back on.

"Kasumi. You look lovely this morning-" Tofu began.

"Uh, I don’t mean to pry, but who’s in the kitchen?" Kasumi asked.

"Kodachi."

Kasumi almost put a hand to her mouth in surprise at that point. Realizing how that would look, she kept herself under control and just breathed in sharply.

"It’s okay Kasumi, she promised not to use any poisons in the dishes."

"Perhaps I can help?" Kasumi asked.

"Not necessary Kasumi-san. I’ve got everything under control," Kodachi said, walking into the room with a tray.

She placed the tray in front of Tofu and sat herself down to his right and waited. To her credit, Tofu thought that it looked quite good, though noodles weren’t his usual morning fare. He brought the noodles to his mouth and chewed.

Kasumi watched him carefully. She had read enough about poison to know some of the signs. He seemed to enjoy it. Tofu finished and looked back down into his bowl. A look of confusion passed over his face.

"It’s...good."

Kodachi smiled and raced back into the kitchen. She began to bring multiple bowls out and began to set the table for the morning meal. Kasumi made her way into the kitchen, but Kodachi shooed her out, proclaiming that she had it covered. Kasumi resumed her seat next to Tofu, who was still looking into his bowl. Kasumi blushed slightly. She didn’t know any other way to put it. She felt naked without her apron.

The family made it’s way down. First Soun, who didn’t know whether he could trust Kodachi’s cooking any more than his youngest daughter’s. Then Nodoka, who had a concerned look, but seemed to set it aside. Finally Tatewaki. At the sight of his sister preparing breakfast, Tatewaki excused himself and began to leave the table. Kasumi jumped at the snapping sound as a ribbon whipped out from the kitchen and wrapped itself around Tatewaki’s neck, dragging him back to the table. Kodachi laughed softly and gently scolded her brother for trying to leave without breakfast. Tatewaki was visibly nervous on his sister’s apparent change in attitude.

Lunch was equally good, the nap that Soun let himself take wasn’t drug induced was proof of that. At least, after Nabiki put a mirror under his nose.

Kodachi was pleased with her work, but beginning to wonder if it had any effect. After she cleaned the dishes, she moved on the sweep the floor and lost herself in her thoughts.

What if this didn’t work? What would she do then? She didn’t know. Making things that didn’t cause paralysis or pain were new to her. She had to actually make sure that the ingredients were correct and fresh. She had to make sure they were prepared correctly. These type of things had never bothered her before. They took time and effort. If it didn’t work, what would the effort be for? So what if something wasn’t cooked properly? So long as it knocked the intended victim out...Then what’s the problem? She couldn’t do that now.

Ichi-ni-Ichi-ni. Back and forth. Back and forth. The strokes of the broom kept stiff time in her mind.

She had tried bribes and presents. She had tried kindness. She couldn’t try fighting. It hadn’t worked with Ranma, there’s no reason it would work with Tofu. She stopped sweeping and thought for a moment. Not with Tofu...but maybe...

Nah.

Ichi-ni-Ichi-ni. Back and forth. Back and forth.

Maybe she just had to work at this a little longer. She smiled slightly. Perhaps that was it...But he still stayed, for the most part, around Kasumi. Her smile vanished and the darkness crept forward again. Kodachi shook her head. She wasn’t going to cry, not now.

Ichi-ni-Ich-

"At least it wasn’t poisoned."

That brought Kodachi up short. Poison? It sounded like Tatewaki.

Kodachi came back to herself and found that she had swept her way down the hall to the dojo. She could tell that her brother was in the dojo sparring with Tofu. Neither seemed to notice that she was there, so she stopped sweeping and set herself against the near wall, trying to keep to the shadows. She cursed herself silently for not keeping up on her training. In her prime, she could have walked into the dojo and not have been noticed.

Tatewaki swung his bokken in an arc and brought it down, missing Tofu as he shifted his weight.

"C’mon Kuno-san, even you have to admit that breakfast was pretty good," Tofu said.

Kodachi felt the blood rush to her cheeks. Tofu had liked her food. He thought it was good. It had an effect all ready. Kodachi calmed herself and listened more.

Tatewaki seemed to chew on what Tofu had said a bit.

"Yes, that I will admit that breakfast was good."

Kodachi held her breath. Tatewaki? Her own brother liked her food?

"I prefer Tendo Kasumi’s food better, though."

The bottom fell out. She would have to deal with her DEAR brother later.

"Well, she’s just not used to being nice. Give her a chance, maybe even she’ll take over some of Kasumi’s work. Kasumi does do everything you know," Tofu said, continuing to avoid the attack.

Her fingers tightened around the broom. A small tear rolled down her cheek.

So, Tofu only thinks that I am trying to be like Kasumi...

Aren’t you?

Kodachi shook her head. She would not let the voices come back. They had left her alone since she had gone away to college and she was thankful for it.

Well? Aren’t you just trying to be Kasumi?

No. I am myself and...and...

"Kodachi?" A soft voice said behind her.

She jumped slightly, but didn’t turn around.

"Yes?"

"Are you all right? I thought-" Nodoka began.

"I’m sorry, Saotome-san, I’ll finish up here." Kodachi said, returning to her broom.

Nodoka placed a hand on her shoulder and gently turned the girl around.

"I would like to get a cup of coffee," The elder Saotome said gently, "And I think you do too."

Kodachi began to beg off, but her heart wasn’t in it. She lowered her eyes and nodded slightly.

"Good."

"There you go, ma’am," The young girl said brightly.

Kodachi thought she looked too cute for her own good. Someone she would have probably attacked earlier. The other her. The her that changed after Ranma died.

Did you REALLY change?

Shut up.

This girl was odd not for the way she looked, but for the fact that she acted like a cat. Good thing Ranma wasn’t here. She drooped into her seat more. He wouldn’t be anywhere now.

But you said he was still alive...

Kodachi lifted a hand to her temple and mentally dispelled the voices. She would not deal with them in her everyday life, she would not let them come back to deal with now.

The red-haired cat girl bowed and bounded off to the kitchen.

"I like this place," Nodoka said, sipping her coffee, "It reminds me of home."

Kodachi looked questioningly, but let it drop. She lifted to cup to her lips and blew the steam from the hot liquid. It was good coffee. She knew that Nodoka had brought her out for a specific reason. She also probably knew about her activities towards Tofu.

"You seem tense," Nodoka said, folding her hands in front of her, "I don’t mean to pry, but is there something you’d like to talk about?"

Kodachi remained silent. Nodoka put her cup down and added some sugar from the dispenser on the table.

"I know that you’ve been trying to change yourself in the past few days. While I encourage change, I wonder what your motives are," Nodoka continued, "Are you doing this for a...relationship?"

She was done. Kodachi knew that Nodoka had figured out the whole mess. She couldn’t hide it anymore. Tears began to well in her eyes as the heartache spread from under her frilly apron. She wiped a tear that had escaped. She also silently cursed herself for the lack of control. Maybe being around her college friends had changed her more than she thought...She felt a gentle hand placed on her arm. It was Nodoka, smiling in a motherly way that Kodachi felt like she’d never seen before.

"It’s all right dear," Nodoka said softly, "You can tell me about it. Who’s the lucky man?"

What?!?!

"Huh?" Was all that Kodachi could spill out.

"Well-I assumed it was a man. I’m sorry if-"

"No. It’s okay. Yes, it is a man," Kodachi quickly said, "Yes and I don’t know what to do."

"Oh good. I hoped it was something this simple."

What a break! Talk about simple. She didn’t have a clue! Kodachi wiped her eyes and gathered her shattered thoughts back together. Nodoka had no clue that it was Tofu that she was after. Kodachi formed a quick plan to poke at the ideas that Nodoka might have on the subject. It hadn’t worked with Nabiki or that meddling and oh-so-dense Kasumi, but Nodoka had been married for twenty plus years now and might have a different view.

"You would love him," Kodachi began, "He’s kind and gentle and strong. College educated. But also shy and that’s what is bothering me. Because of the problems I had with Ranma, I don’t want to make the same mistake again with him."

Nodoka nodded, satisfied in the thought that the conversation was actually helping Kodachi.

"I was trying different things that I thought would perhaps be of interest to him," Kodachi continued cautiously, "I just try so hard, but it doesn’t seemed to have worked."

Nodoka shook her head and seemed to set herself.

"I do believe that is the reason that none of these things worked," Nodoka smiled at her reaction, "I know it sounds odd, but hear me out. Have you tried being yourself? I can tell from your expression that you want to say yes, but then you have doubts about that. Let me tell you a little story."

"Long ago, really when I was your age, a young man came to my town by the name of Genma. He was a smooth talker and something of a scoundrel, but I could also see that something bothered him, like the weight of the world suddenly hoist on his shoulders," Nodoka said, "I didn’t know until much later that it was the fact that it was the day after he and Soun buried Happosai alive."

Kodachi was confused at this point as she had seen the old pervert alive not three days ago. Nodoka read the confusion and answered her.

"They didn’t really bury him. It was more like they stuffed him in a cave and shoved a boulder in front of the entrance," Nodoka said, "Anyway, I shortly began to fall in love with Genma. My family was not wealthy, not by any stretch of the imagination, but we were well off. I could only see the future that was offered by Genma. I couldn’t even begin to see what was ahead. My father, though, saw through Genma like rice paper."

"He thought that Genma was only interested in my families money, so he made a challenge. Genma would go and train until my nineteenth birthday, when he would return and challenge a representative of my family in combat. If Genma wins, then I would get to marry him and we would inherit my families’ money. If the champion would win, then Genma would move on and forget about my family."

"Genma won?!" Kodachi exclaimed, amazed.

"Oh don’t sound so surprised Kodachi. I was the champion of my family," Nodoka laughed lightly.

"I didn’t realize you were a martial artist," Kodachi said, gaining something like respect for the elder Saotome.

If his mother and father were both martial artists, then the chances that Ranma grew up the way he did heightened greatly.

"Well, not a great one, like Genma or Ranma," Nodoka said modestly, "Or even a good one, like Kasumi. No, I was trained from my eighteenth to nineteenth birthday to use the katana well enough to scare him off. Needless to say, once he got into the fight, it was easy enough for him to disarm me and win...Not that I minded much."

Kasumi? A good martial artist? Since when?

"Why were you the champion then, rather than someone else?" Kodachi asked.

Nodoka smiled and sipped more of her coffee.

"I wanted to make him love me like I loved him. The way I thought to do this was to defeat him in battle. The more I trained, the more I realized that I couldn’t beat him without many years training," Nodoka continued, "But by then it was too late. I couldn’t give up or else he would win by default. I hadn’t realized that, just by trying to defeat him, I had captured his heart. Oh no Kodachi, I’m sorry, I can’t explain it better than that, it’s not much more than an emotion."

"Is that when you two got married?"

"Yes," Nodoka sighed, "The whole battle ran to almost sunset of that day. Both of us were exhausted, but happy. Well, perhaps I shouldn’t refer to it as a battle since it was little more than he taking about ten minutes to disarm me then ten hours trying to find me."

" ‘The Saotome Final Attack’?"

Nodoka giggled slightly.

"It really worked," Nodoka laughed, "It was finally when I fell out of a tree on top of him that he was able to catch me. We had a good laugh over it."

"I’m sorry Nodoka, but I still don’t-"

"Be yourself." Nodoka said.

Kodachi waited for the rest.

"That’s it?"

"That’s it."

"I tried that with Ranma and look where-"

"I have to ask you something," Nodoka asked, leaning forward, "If you tried being yourself, then did he really like you for who you were? Be yourself and if he likes you for who you are, then nothing you change will ever be better."

Kodachi sat back in her seat and thought for a moment on this. Did Ranma ever like her for who she was?

Did Ranma ever like you?

She swallowed a drink of coffee and shook her head slightly. Nodoka took it that Kodachi still had doubts.

"Kodachi, if you change something in yourself, yes you may change some of your bad qualities to something he likes. But in the process, you’ll invariably destroy some qualities that he does like," Nodoka said softly.

Kodachi looked up at this.

Of course.

It was so easy...All she had to do was-

"Be myself..."

"But did she really take it to heart?" Nabiki asked.

Nodoka just shrugged her shoulders. She had no better clue than when she asked Tatewaki about it. He simply shook his head and sighed, without answering.

"Where is Kodachi, this morning?" Kasumi asked from the other end of the table.

"Here, Tendo Kasumi. As soon as breakfast is over, would you all please gather in the dojo. I have something to say to all of you," Kodachi said from the doorway.

Everyone nodded in turn. Before Nodoka could ask her what it was about, Kodachi turned quickly and left.

Kodachi had, quite literally, gathered everyone together. Nodoka looked around the dojo. Soun looked like he was going to cry. Tofu and Kasumi were there to help him in case he did. Nabiki was talking into her new cell phone. Sukido was seated to her left and Tatewaki was conversing with him quietly.

"Ahem." Kodachi cleared her throat to the dojo ahead of them.

The general reaction was a sharp breath on seeing her. She was dressed in a black velvet leotard that had a gold stripe woven across her lower abdomen, stretching around her. She was idlely twirling a red ribbon and had a dangerous, but familiar look on her face. Nabiki had not noticed her. Kodachi changed this by whipping her ribbon forward and wrapping it around the phone.

The phone flew from Nabiki’s hand to Kodachi’s in one fluid motion. She gently placed the phone to her ear.

"She’ll call you back," Kodachi told the person on the other line.

Kodachi hung up the phone, folded the cover over and flipped it back at Nabiki, who gave her a very cold stare.

"Now that I have your undivided attention," Kodachi began, "Something has come to my attention. I am getting no younger and my efforts for companionship have been less than...successful. This I need to change for the future."

She stopped twirling her ribbon and bowed her head. A strange silence blew through the dojo. Kodachi held a hand to her face. Wet? Tears. She laughed slightly to herself.

"I have held my emotions in check for too long," Kodachi said, not looking up from her hand.

She brought her head up sharply and looked to Tofu.

"Tofu-san. I love you. But I know that you have a...problem keeping you from fulfilling your dreams. I am here to relieve you of that problem," Kodachi said coldly.

"Kodachi," Tofu thought he might be able to diffuse the situation, "If you need to fight me to release some of your frustration, then I’ll fight-"

"No. Tofu-san, I am here to challenge the one obstacle between myself and your love..."

My God, Nodoka thought, She couldn’t mean-

"I am here for you Tendo Kasumi."

(Ending music begins)

(End credits fade in)

"Can’t Stop Me"

Ending Theme for

With Wings to Carry Them

You left me on that day,
Gone but not forgotten,
Nothing but for me to say,
I love you...

Now I search the land,
For the parts of your soul,
To once again have your hand,
To be mine forever!

Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop me in this fight)
Just Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop when I know I’m right)
No Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop this love tonight)
(Single voice): You can’t stop me.

You know I won’t give up on you,
Until you’re whole again,
To the end I’ll see this through,
For my love for you.

Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop me in this fight)
Just Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop when I know I’m right)
No Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop this love tonight)
Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop me in this fight)
Just Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop when I know I’m right)
No Can’t Stop Me
(Can’t stop this love tonight)
(Single voice): You can’t stop me.

(Music ends)

(End credits fade)