RANMA 1/2 THE NEXT GENERATION HENTAI RPG - 14: start

> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RtNGHrpg2/

Compilation by St Fan


[GAME START]

Morning at Ucchan's

Capskye

Shiro yawned as he fixed his shirt and walked downstairs to the 
restaurant portion of the Ucchan's building.  Looking around, he called 
out: "Mom!  You in at the moment?"  Taking a moment to stop and just 
look at the interior of the store, he felt himself wondering what the 
place had looked like back when his mother first opened it.


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō was busy making breakfast for her family as well as preparing 
batter for future orders when others came to her restaurant.  It was 
strange that Karin had not come home yet, and she promised herself to 
ask her son if he had seen his sister.  Ukyō called back to him.  "I'm 
here, Shiro, hope you're hungry" she said as she brought him his 
breakfast.


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Capskye

Shiro inhaled deeply the smell of his mother's cooking, which he always 
found exquisite.  "Mmmm... I am now.  Hey mom, do you know if Dad or the 
twins ever dropped by yesterday?  I wasn't in the entire time, but I 
figured they might stop by and say hello.  As for Dad, he was hopefully 
going to be making it for their birthday, but you know how he gets."


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō sadly shook her head.  "The twins never came.  I even made them a 
birthday okonomiyaki; maybe I can see them today and give it to them." 
she said as she put breakfast on the table and gestured him to sit and 
eat.  It was true, she knew how Ryōga was, and knowing him, he was 
probably lost in the mountains, somewhere.  And last she heard Karin 
went to find him, which reminded her of her question for Shiro.

"Shiro, have you seen Karin?  She might be able to answer your question, 
she told me she was going to look for him, but that's the last I heard 
from her and that was days ago."


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Capskye

Shiro had begun eating at that point, listening to his mother.  He 
stopped when she made her inquiry.  "Karin?  No, I don't recall running 
into her.  She's out tracking Dad?  Hmmmm, I suppose I could always try 
to go look for her."


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō smiled.  "Would you do that," she asked, "and tell me if she's 
okay?" she added.  Then a better idea hit: "Or better yet, we could both 
go." she replied; she was worried for her.  It was not like Karin to not 
call or anything.  Of course Ukyō was sensible about it, and knew 
Tōfū-sensei would have called if Karin showed up at his clinic.  "We can 
go right after breakfast," she said.  Since her customers were few, all 
she had to do was put up a closed sign.


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Capskye

Shiro nodded and gobbled down the rest of his meal in a rather quick and 
singular chomp.  He didn't usually do that, as his mother used to scold 
him for it, but since this seemed important his Hibiki blood kicked in 
and he was starting to act without much thought.  "You got it, Mom.  
Should we check the Dojo, since that's usually where all the trouble 
starts?"


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded.  "Yeah, that's a good idea... maybe someone had seen her." 
she said, sounding hopeful.  Indeed Ukyō usually would have scolded him, 
but understood why he ate quickly, so she refrained.  The other reason 
was that she finished her portion almost as quickly as her son, thinking 
he must be concerned and that she should calm him a bit.  "Don't worry, 
Shiro," she said in an assuring tone, "I'm sure she is alright." she 
added, believing that if Karin was hurt they be the first to know, or so 
she hoped... Her daughter was just, lost... no need to worry, right?  
NOT!!  She hoped the twins would have been more alike; who would have 
guess they be so different....


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Capskye

Shiro nodded, cleaning up the dishes.  He wasn't particularly worried 
about his siblings, since they all had the same propensity as him for 
being able to take care of themselves, but he was concerned that they 
might all have gotten lost somewhere out there.  They were all decent 
people, they just never seemed to be able to function well in society 
when travel was involved.  Shiro often wondered how he'd managed to 
avoid this fate, but the thought never lasted long.  Looking over to his 
mother, he nodded.  "Okay, I'm ready to go whenever you are."


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded after putting the dishes away then put up the "closed" sign 
on her restaurant then replied to her only son "I'm ready to go."  She 
smiled as they left the restaurant together.  Ukyō never knew how he 
escaped the curse all the other children of Ryōga seemed to possess.  
True, Karin was not as bad as some, but she seemed to get worse as she 
got older.  The good thing was at least she knew how to read a map.  
Ukyō made sure of that.


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Capskye

Shiro nodded and stepped out of the restaurant and turned to wait for 
his mother to keep up.  "Let's get going.  Hopefully we can find all of 
them."  With that, he started off in the direction of the Saotome-
Tendō Dōjō.


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Karin Kitsune

After locking up Ukyō followed her son.  "I'm right behind you, Shiro.  
I hope Karin is there; if she isn't though, where should we look next?  
The beach?" Ukyō asked as she ran to keep up with him.


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Capskye

Shiro, for all his intelligence, never kept very good tabs on his 
siblings.  This caused him to look over in curious confusion as the ran 
along.  "The beach?  Why would we want to go check the beach?"


Re: Morning at Ucchan's

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō looked to him.  "With Ryōga it is a possibility... they could be 
there, right?"  Ukyō felt that if they found Ryōga, they find Karin.  "I 
mean as far as we know they could be with Shampoo, or something."  It 
was even possible they were on their way home.  It was a good thing Ukyō 
left a note in case Karin or someone did come to her restaurant, telling 
them where she was.

"I'm just stating, Shiro, we should leave no place un-searched."  After 
being married to the Lost Boy, she knew he could be anywhere and Karin 
would search everywhere.  It never occurred to her that Karin found 
Ryōga right away but then again, her daughter had always amazed her.


Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

It worried Yoiko; when Daiji set her mind to do something, there really 
was no stopping her.  It worried Yoiko because this time, she really 
didn't feel like supporting Daiji on the issue.  Still, she had to; 
Yoiko always backed her sister up, just like Daiji always backed her up.  
It was a twin sisters' thing.

"It's all about the game and how you play it, all about control and if 
you can take it."

Daiji grumbled, submerged in the water to the chin.

Last night when she had come home, carrying SuckSuck-chan with her, it 
was an angry and depressed Daiji she had found waiting for her.

Hiro was alive.

Yoiko had been shocked; overwhelmed.  Hiro was alive and he was home!
Big brother was home... Daiji however had not been happy.

Hiro had never called, never sent a postcard or anything... and now, all 
of a sudden he had shown up as if coming back from the dead.  He had 
forgotten all about them; Daiji had explained to Yoiko.

Yoiko didn't wanna believe that, but Daiji persisted that was the case, 
what other reason could there be?  Yoiko hadn't been able to provide any 
answers for her little sister and she had to admit that she had to give 
some credit to her sister's explanation.  But this was wrong... she 
didn't wanna hurt Hiro.

"But he might get hurt, Daiji!"

Daiji favored her with sulking look.  "Well, that's kinda the whole idea 
isn't it?  Letting us all believe he was dead... time he learns what it 
feels like!"

Yoiko grimaced, crossing her arms over her bosom.  "I don't like 
this..." she told Daiji.

Sitting up in the water, Daiji leaned forward.  "Yeah... well your plans 
always were better... are you in or not?"

Closing her eyes, Yoiko blew out her cheeks.  There really was no 
alternative... it was time to play the game.

"I'm in."


Re: Time to Play the Game!

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

There was a shrill, feminine cry coming from out of the bathroom, soon 
followed by a frantic call.

"YOIKO!"

A girl of about eleven, wearing pajamas, suddenly rushed into the 
bathroom, pulling at something in her hair.  Ai-chan, daughter of Ranma 
and Akane, was trying to un-pry some squid-like being from her red hair, 
worn in bunches.

"Yoiko!  Your pet doesn't want to let go of my hair!  Get it off!" she 
desperately asked of her older sister, frantically waving around.

Indeed, a happy-looking SuckSuck-chan was clinging to the girl's hair, 
with both tentacles and mouth.

"Oneechan!  Stop running, I'm going to help you!" called another voice.  
Yuh, their brown-haired brother, rushed into the bathroom... to stop 
dead on his tracks when he saw the twins in the furo.

Blushing, he mumbled "Hu... sorry...."


Re: Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

A big sweatdrop appearing at the back of her head, not so strange 
considering she was submerged in scalding water, Yoiko had her eyes 
closed in an attempt to hide her eyes from the sight.

Daiji, on the other hand reacted differently as she suddenly stood up in 
the water, completely revealing her nude form to Yuh and Ai.  Hot water 
sticking to Daiji's skin was making it glisten, and her accusing finger 
was pointed in Yuh's direction.

"Yuh!  Ai!  If you wanna join the bath you can't do it with your clothes 
on!"


Re: Time to Play the Game!

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Yuh blinked behind the hand he used to cover his eyes.  Unable to 
resist, he peeked between his fingers, only to find his older sister 
standing in the bath in full view.  Blushing fiercely, he covered his 
eyes again.  It was true the younger children often bathed together, but 
the boy had thought that, now that the twins were fourteen, they would 
have more valued their privacies.

Ai continued to struggle with the clingy baby-demon.  "I don't want to 
take a bath, I just want you to help me get that leech-thing off of my 
hair... HEY!"

Apparently bored of the game, SuckSuck-chan suddenly used Ai's head as a 
springboard to launch himself toward his mistress in the bathtub...

... or at least, who he thought to be his mistress... it was easy to 
confuse the twins at a glance, even with his own heightened senses.  So, 
the cute squiddy landed on Daiji and wrapped some tentacles around her 
in a greeting embrace.

Ai-chan simply lay on the floor, her eyes a pair of twirling spirals.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

Her eyes intent on her little brother Yuh, and her thoughts elsewhere, 
Daiji was taken by surprise when SuckSuck-chan suddenly attached itself 
to her face.

Several suction-cups suddenly sticking to her face, the little creature 
did an Oscar-award-winning impression of a facehugger.

"Gaaaah!!"

Daiji screamed as she found herself suddenly staring into the creature's 
babylike eyes.  Daiji wasn't one of those girls that got scared by slimy 
creatures and stuff, but suddenly having something stick to her face she 
reacted instinctively.

"Get it off!  Get it off!"

Yoiko sweatdropped again.

Flailing her arms wildly much like her younger sister Ai had done 
earlier, Daiji wavered back and forth before tripping over the edge of 
the furo and falling out.

Luckily her fall was cushioned by her little brother, who got 
practically smothered in her bosom.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Since Yuh was covering his eyes, he couldn't avoid Daiji when she fell 
atop him, and they ended sprawled on the hard floor of the bathroom.

When the young boy actually opened his eyes, it was to discover that 
indeed, big sister Daiji had filled up a little lately, and if she 
wasn't in the rank of their older sisters, she certainly wasn't flat-
chested.

Yuh, of course, had the typical reaction of a young Japanese boy... he 
fainted with a trickle of blood seeping from his nose.

"Keeeee?" SuckSuck-chan idly inquired, now standing atop Daiji's head 
like some sort of phallic-shaped hat.  He seemed to be pondering what 
his mistress was doing with the little boy, and if they wanted his help 
to "play".


Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

It was a brief hike over to the Tendō-Saotome Dojo, though everyone 
still called it the Tendō Dōjō.  As they arrived, Shiro looked over to 
his mother.  "You want to knock or shall I?"


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō thought a moment, then replied.  "Why don't we both knock?" she 
said, remembering how often Ranma and Akane had fought in the past it 
might be best this way.  If no one answered then she'd resort to 
checking to see if the door was open.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

Shiro nodded sharply, and he rapped upon the front door steadily and 
with some volume.  He wondered absently to himself just what chaos would 
greet him and his mother this time.  One of the things he'd always 
believed was that if you really needed something to do, just visit the 
Tendō Dōjō.  The family and all its branches seemed to live interesting 
lives... just like those interesting times the Chinese wished on people.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Not long after they knocked, Akane opened the door and greeted the 
mother and son.

"Ohayō, Ukyō-chan, Shiro-kun.  Come in, please, don't stay on the porch.  
What owe me your visit?  If you're looking for Ranma, he's not here, he 
left on training trip yesterday without warning...."


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō smiled a bit it faded when she heard she missed Ranma.  'Oh well I 
guess I can see him when he gets back.' she thought then after she 
entered with her son she finally replied to the Tendō hospitality.  
"Thanks Akane, but that's not the only reason why we are here." Ukyō 
replied.  "I was wondering if you seen Ryōga lately or my daughter 
Karin?" she asked, coming straight to the point


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

Shiro nodded softly, letting the older folks discuss business for the 
moment while he stood in the entryway area, glancing this way and that.  
He wondered which people in his age were actually around.  A training 
trip eh?  He hadn't been on one of those since he went off to spend time 
wandering with his father.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane smiled, but shook her head negatively.  "No, I hadn't seen Karin 
nor Ryōga in some time.  Actually, we had really hoped Ryōga-kun would 
show up yesterday, since it was the twins' birthday.  I think they were 
a bit disappointed."

This reminded Akane of Ranma's gift to Yoiko and Daiji: a pair of cell 
phones, with Ryōga's number prominent in the memory, so that they could 
talk to him.

"Did you try to call Ryōga-kun on his cell phone?  Or is it once again 
flashing the 'not covered by network' message?"


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō laughed.  "I have tried a few times, and I got that message often, 
but I guess we are both used to it.  I did finally got it ringing 
yesterday to remind him of the birthday of the twins, but he didn't 
answer.  I guess the battery is dead or he turned it off, but my bet is 
on the battery."

The words reminded her of the present.  She handed Akane a package she 
brought from the restaurant.  "Anyway speaking of their birthday, here.  
I guess you can say this is from both of us..." she said with almost a 
regretful sigh that she had to cover Ryōga.  But she still liked him and 
she didn't want the kids to be upset with their father.  It wasn't his 
fault though; he had tried to improve on getting lost.

"Akane, tell the twins I'm sorry for Ryōga.  Alright, you know since I 
did get a ring that should mean he is in town somewhere... maybe he 
still trying to find this place so he can, if anything, wish the twins a 
belated birthday." she offered hopefully.  "If so, maybe Karin is still 
with him." she added.  "Would it be OK if we wait a bit he might show 
up."


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

Shiro scratched his head, a bit puzzled.  None of his family members 
were here, and it seemed that a fair number of the other major players 
of his generation were absent as well.  Feeling a bit lost on what to do 
next, Shiro looked to his mother, figuring that she'd come up with 
something.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

Eyes scanning the room for the offending little creature, Daiji let out 
a sigh of relief when she didn't find it.  The thing had taken her by 
surprise, but she wasn't going to allow it a repeat performance... no 
sir!

Sitting up and thereby straddling her little brother's chest, she looked 
down at him with a confused expression.

"... nuuu Yuh!  He's gone all Papa on us." she whined.

Daiji's dad, strange as it might sound, seemed to have an allergy or 
something because sometimes without any explanation blood would suddenly 
flow from his nose.

Watching her pet perch on top of her young sister's head, Yoiko stepped 
out of the water as well.  SuckSuck-chan was such a baby!  It just 
wanted to play, poop and eat... still she couldn't blame it....  
Spotting her twin trying to rouse their brother awake, Yoiko picked up 
SuckSuck-chan and held it above Yuh's face.

"Nnmm?  SuckSuck?" Yoiko asked, referring to the trickle of blood that 
came out of her brother's nose.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

The weird little pet either understood Yoiko's wish, or just liked the 
taste of blood, because he stuck his sucker-like mouth on Yuh's nose 
whithout much prodding.  Licking his face clean, its tentacles lazily 
circled around Yuh's head, but also reached Daiji's near-by nude body.

Ai got back to her senses before her brother, and pushed herself up on 
one arm.  Rubbing her head, she glanced at her siblings... and her eyes 
bugged out.

"What... what are you doing to Yuh, you two?" she gasped.

The boy chose this moment to open his eyes... to find his face smothered 
by some sort of not-cooked-enough calamari!  He naturally panicked, and 
started to thrash about.

"WHAAAA... YOIKO!" Ai screeched.  "DON'T LET THIS THING SUCK YUH'S 
BRAIN!"


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

"Of course you can wait here, U-chan; you're always welcome."

Akane let Ukyō and Shiro enter the house, leading the way.

"And you can give your gift and your message to the twins yourself.  
They are in the bath right now, but they shouldn't be long to come 
out...."

That's when the shrill voice of a young girl reached them, coming from 
the general direction of the bathroom.

> "WHAAAA... YOIKO!  DON'T LET THIS THING SUCK YUH'S BRAIN!"

Akane sweatdropped.  "Yes... they should come out... any time now..." 
she nervously mumbled, wondering what was going on, again.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded then smiled to Shiro, hoping she was right and Ryōga was 
coming here.  He was never prompt but he eventually did make it to where 
he was going if he set his mind to it.  Maybe another call....

> That's when the shrill voice of a young girl reached them, coming from  
> the general direction of the bathroom.

> > "WHAAAA... YOIKO!  DON'T LET THIS THING SUCK YUH'S BRAIN!"

Ukyō got diverted from the phone by the yell but nodded to Akane's 
words, as she queerly looked to the bathroom.

"That's OK... I think I'll try Ryōga cell phone again, maybe I will get 
lucky." she said, but her mind was not on calling Ryōga.  Like Akane, 
she wondered what was going on in the bathroom.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

> > "WHAAAA... YOIKO!  DON'T LET THIS THING SUCK YUH'S BRAIN!"

When Shiro heard the cry from the bathroom as he was standing around, he 
sweatdropped and looked in the direction of the bathroom.  Obviously the 
twins were here, and in some sort of trouble again.

He looked to his mother and Akane-san.  "Ahhhh... should I go check on 
the twins?  Sounds like they may need a bit of help."


Re: Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

Only thing Daiji had been wearing was a concerned expression, so when 
SuckSuck-chan decided to try and establish contact with her again, it 
was a direct skin-to-skin contact.  Safe to say, a squid wrapping its 
tentacles around your body was a new experience to Daiji.  Had it only 
been two days earlier Daiji would probably have reacted pretty much the 
same way Yoiko had when she first started playing with the little 
squiddy... but unlike her older twin sister, Daiji had been witness to 
what a couple of tentacles could do.

"No-uuh!  I don't want anything stuck in there!" Daiji suddenly cried 
out as she managed to pry loose SuckSuck-chan, by sheer strength of 
will.  Dodging behind Yoiko, Daiji was shaking a finger at the little 
pet.  "You go play with Yuh instead!  He's the one with a pee-pee!"

Frowning, Yoiko pulled down a towel from the hanger and wrapped it 
around her body.  What was it now?  Hunching down next to Yuh, Yoiko 
scooped up her pet again, holding two of its little tentacles as if 
waving with them to her little brother.

"You should be nicer to your little sister, Yuh!" Yoiko admonished her 
brother as she forced the pet into his face again.

"Don't you wanna play with me?" Yoiko chirped, in what obviously was 
meant to be the little squid's voice.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Yuh was a little green on the edges, and when Yoiko tried to push her 
pet again in his face, he frantically backpedaled out of range.

SuckSuck-chan, though, was no longer so much interested in Yuh that he 
was in Daiji.  Looking at her with his big, expressive eyes, he let a 
plaintive, whimpering sound.  He didn't struggle against Yoiko's grasp, 
but lowered his head-body and looked rather sad.

Meanwhile, Ai stood up and stepped between her brother Yuh and Yoiko.  
"What's the big idea, trying to push this thing in his face?  Were you 
trying to smother him, Oneechan?"


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane, although looking a bit worried, gestured to Shiro to stay here.  
The screams from the bathroom had died down, replaced by more normal-
level conversation between siblings.

"Well, I don't think the twins would want several people barging while 
they are taking their bath.  That would startle them.  I'll go check, 
please wait here."


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

After Akane left to check on things, Ukyō waited to give the twins their 
birthday gift.  While she waited, she decided to give Ryōga another ring 
and see if he responded.  Ukyō tried the cell to call Ryōga and got an 
answer.  'Finally, he did something right' she thought.

A conversation ensued, but most of her end was just filled with 
questions like how he was and other concerning questions.  The most 
important one was if Karin was with him.  Her expression said it all.  
She then listened as he talked and she said stuff like "fine, fine, 
dunno", then a bit of nodding.  Finally, she said "I know, Sugar, don't 
worry about it.  I'll say my gift is from both of us, but when can you 
see them?" she asked, and there was a long silence.  Then, she shouted, 
exasperated, "Look, I didn't ask where you were!!"  Then more silence as 
he replied to that, and she said "Oh, I didn't know."  Her face was 
somewhat red.  "Well, ask for help, okay, and get here soon.  Akane said 
the twins would really like to see you."  More silence, then she said 
"hold on a sec...."  She then looked to Shiro.  "Would you like to say 
hi to your father?"


Re: Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

Daiji's response to the creatures whimpering was to whimper herself.  
Her eyes becoming all big and watery, her lower lip was starting to 
tremble.  Whether this was a calculated response to what the creature 
did or if it was a natural reaction, it did have a certain effect... it 
had an effect on Yoiko.

Yoiko and Daiji were twins and even more so than many other twins they 
often mirrored each other.  This was especially true when they were in 
the near vicinity of each other.

"Don't be like thaaat!" Yoiko and Daiji chorused in a whiny voice, 
Yoiko's own eyes starting to water as well.

"Why is it always like this..." Yoiko continued.

"... Trying to be nice and everyone gets angry with me... I...? --why am 
I crying?"

Toweling her tears away, Yoiko turned around only to find her twin in an 
emotional pitiful state.

"Aww man!" Yoiko whined.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Yuh, still very embarrassed, couldn't hide his blush.  But he was also 
quite distraught by Yoiko and Daiji's emotional states.

"Please, Oneechan, don't cry.  I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to barge in and 
frighten your pet and all and... please don't cry..." he pleaded, his 
own eyes welling up with tears too.

"Oh, for the love of..." muttered Ai, arms crossed and making an annoyed 
pout.  "I thought you were supposed to be older and more mature now." 
she said to Yoiko and Daiji.  "Listen, I don't have anything again 
your... pet..." she explained, trying to hide her disgust for the 
critter that tried to graze on her hair, "but don't expect everybody to 
be thrilled at the idea of having them pushed in their face.  I know you 
like creepy things like snakes and the like, but not everybody like them 
here!"

Before Ai could continue ranting, the door opened and Akane peeked in.

"What's the matter, children?  We could hear you yelling from the rest 
of the house.  What's up with Yuh, he's all red?  Why didn't you wait 
for your sisters to finish their bath, Ai?  And Yoiko-chan... did you 
try to take your bath with your new pet?"


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

Shiro was still a bit concerned about his sisters, but since Akane was 
looking into it he figured she could handle whatever trouble there was.  
That's when his mom held out the phone and mentioned his father.  
Snapping out of it, he nodded and took the phone.  "Hey dad."  He 
listened, then let out a sigh.  "Did it again, eh?  I swear, I'm not 
sure I shoulda come back home and left you to fend for yourself."  He 
flinched as his father admonished him.  "I'm not saying THAT Dad, just 
you know how you get when you don't have me guiding you."  Another 
pause.  "Okay, okay, I'll trust you."  He sighed.  "I love you too, 
Dad."

He handed the phone back to Ukyō, smiling a bit.  "Here ya go.  Seems 
he's okay."


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

> "Hey dad." He listened,

"Hi son" Ryōga replied, laughing nervously as he rubbed the back of his 
head.  He was glad his family could not see him right now.

> Shiro then let out a sigh.  "Did it again, eh?"

"Yeah," Ryōga admitted, "I'm stuck in Tokyo, but I'm heading your way... 
I think."

Shiro then continued.
> "I swear, I'm not sure I shoulda come back home and left you to 
> fend for yourself."  He flinched as his father admonished him.  
> "I'm not saying THAT Dad, just you know how you get when you  
> don't have me guiding you."

"Yeah, yeah, trust me, son, I will be there." Ryōga said.

> "Okay, okay, I'll trust you."

Ryōga told Shiro he sent them his love and Shiro sighed.
> "I love you too Dad."
>
> He handed the phone back to Ukyō, smiling a bit.  "Here ya go.  
> Seems he's okay."

Ukyō nodded. "And good news is he is heading here or is trying -- I hope 
he told you." she said.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

Shiro nodded to his mother.  "I got that impression.  It'll be nice to 
see him.  Let's just hope we can round up Satori.  It's been quite a 
while since everyone's been in one place at the same time."


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded to that.  "Any idea where Satori might be, Shiro?" she asked 
him.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

Shiro shrugged softly, shaking his head.  "Your guess is as good as 
mine, Mom.  I guess we'll have to track her down and drag her back 
before Dad gets home.  Of course, then we have to hope the twins don't 
wander off again."


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded.  "True, but I'm sure Ranma can handle the other twins.  
They are in her custody, after all" Ukyō said.  "As for Satori, well she 
did alright though it's been so long since I've seen her.  But like the 
twins the child is Ranma's responsibility... still, I do my best to let 
all them know I'm not an evil stepmother." she replies with a hint of 
distant sadness.  Yet, it was better than the alternative.  An image of 
all Ryōga children following the Lost Boy and getting lost themselves 
and staving entered her mind, with loyal Shiro at his father's side 
trying to direct him home....


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Capskye

Shiro smiled a bit and put a hand on his mother's shoulder.  "You're 
right.  I shouldn't worry so much.  Thing will work out just fine.  We 
should just go track down Satori.  Someone must've seen her recently."


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded.  "I still want to give the twins their present, but I guess 
I can leave it in the fridge with a note so it doesn't spoil." Ukyō 
commented.  She went to the Kitchen to put her okonomiyaki for the twins 
in the fridge.  Then, after finding the paper and a pen she wrote a 
couple of notes, both saying the same thing.

NOTE READS: Akane and all concerned, sorry we could not stay.  We are 
going to hunt down Satori and bring her (?) to the dojo.  The food is in 
the fridge and I hope the twins enjoy it.  Oh, and Ryōga said he will 
shows up.  If he homes while we are gone, please keep the idiot here.  
Thanks.

Signed: a grateful Ukyō

Ukyō then put one on the fridge, easy to see, then put the other near 
the bathroom and hoped Akane saw one of them.  "Okay, Shiro, I guess I'm 
ready now." Ukyō said with a bit of reluctance in her voice.  Then she 
smiled reassuringly to him.  Besides, they still had to find Karin and 
Ukyō had no idea where her daughter would be.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

Sucking on one of her pet's tentacles, Yoiko was giving her little 
sister a sulky look as she listened to her lecturing her.  Yoiko and 
Daiji might have been older than Ai and Yuh, but that didn't mean they 
were more mature.

The problem as it were (if you were to ask Yoiko and Daiji) did not lie 
with them, but rather at their older siblings' feet.  Shitagi and Hiro, 
Satori and Shiro, hell, even Kimiko... they had all grown up.  Those 
guys simply weren't fun anymore -- they didn't wanna play like they used 
to!

Yesterday, Daiji and Yoiko had become fourteen, and they were not happy 
about it.  As a teenager, one minute you were being treated if you were 
a grownup, only to be treated like a little kid the next.  Yeah, being 
fourteen only meant that people had the same expectation on you that 
they had on a grownup, but none of the trust.

As expected, with a tentacle in her mouth Yoiko had no thoughts of 
speaking, but Daiji had.

"Snakes aren't creepy!" she lamented in her increasingly more whiny 
voice.  The more Yoiko sulked, the worse Daiji's speech became.

"Snakes are warm and fuzzy yah know?  Don't yah remember Mister Crawly?" 
she continued, referring to a six meter long python that the twins had 
one day brought home from one of their many "trips".  Were Mister Crawly 
was now was anyone's guess, Daiji however had a sneaking suspicion that 
his disappearance had something to do with a certain old lady who's name 
started with Akane and finished with "Sucks".

"Y'know, he always loved hugging and stuff... he seemed especially fond 
of Kimi--"

"Hmm 'kanmme" Yoiko piped up with a mouth full of tentacle, effectively 
cutting short what Daiji was talking about.  Daiji frowned at Akane then 
turned around and headed towards the door that lead out of the bathroom.

"Whatever... I'm leaving."

Opening the door, Daiji stepped out of the bathroom and barely avoided 
the cleaning utensils that fell out of the broom closet.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

While writing the notes it had crossed her mind to ask Akane where 
Satori might be.  As she was setting down the second note she paused and 
went to the bathroom door to speak, holding her son in place by raising 
her hand in a "wait a moment" gesture.  "Akane?" she questioned, hoping 
to get the woman's attention.  "Hum... I don't mean to bother you, but 
would you happen to know where Satori is?" she said, then looked to her 
son a moment, giving him the "it's worth a shot" look while waiting 
Akane to answer.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane was momentarily distracted by Ukyō's question, and looked away 
from inside the bathroom.

"Satori-chan?  Well, she said she planned going to the beach this 
morning.  The usual spot, I think, so that if her siblings felt like it, 
they should join with her later.  I think Inoma-chan too planned to get 
there...."


Re: Time to Play the Game!

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane's attention was then brought back to the bathroom by a crashing 
ruckus.  Peering in, she saw Daiji managed to mistake the absolutely-
impossible-to-confuse door of the broom closet with the bathroom 
entrance.

Akane rolled her eyes, but didn't comment about it.  She knew the twins 
were just as hopeless as their father, and it was a waste of time 
pointing to them their mistakes.  They just got mad or depressed about 
it.

Still, it was somehow a good thing the Hibiki girl didn't find the way 
out, considering her state of undress.  "Okay... were you planning to 
leave the bathroom without clothes, Daiji-chan?" Akane asked as nicely 
as possible.

She handled Daiji her clothes; since it wasn't a school day it was her 
favorite set of shorts and T-shirts.  She didn't offer her help, knowing 
full well the twins didn't like being babied, and only accepted each 
other's help in getting clothed.

"And you, Yoiko, have you finished?  I'm sure Ai-chan and Yuh-chan can't 
wait to take a bath too."

Yuh, the boy still with a bit of blush, shook his head.  "Uh, no momma, 
there's no hurry...."

But Ai, with her usual annoyed pout, retorted "Are you kidding?  You got 
squid slime all over your face...."  Then, her hands went to her pink 
hair.  "Eeek!  *I* have squid slime in my hair!  Icky, Icky, Icky!"

Now impatient to get washed, Ai started to shed her pajamas too.

Akane frowned slightly.  "Yoiko-chan, remember what I said about your 
pet?  You can keep it only if you take good care of it and it doesn't 
provoke any fuss or cause dirtiness.  You should have let it in the 
swimming-pool anyway, I'm sure it's happier in water.  And...."

Before Akane could say she thought it was unhygienic to suck on a little 
squiddy's tentacle, SuckSuck-chan turned his head-body toward her, 
blinked and suddenly jumped of Yoiko's arms, to land in Akane's.

The pregnant woman was momentarily surprised, but then she looked into 
the tiny monster's big, expressive yes, and he responded to the gaze 
with his trademark "smile".  Akane melted quickly, revealing why she 
didn't object much yesterday to Yoiko's adoptee.

"Oooh... you're soooo cuuuuute!" she cooed, rubbing her cheek against 
the delighted SuckSuck-chan, and cradling him in her arms like a baby.


Re: Shiro and Ukyō hit the dojo

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded, then looked to Shiro with hope in her gaze.  After Akane 
left them alone, she said to him "Maybe Karin is there too."  She then 
issued her thanks to Akane and told the girl they would be back later 
after checking the beach for them.  But all she heard was talk of 
someone leaving without clothes and "Oooh... you're soooo cuuuuute!" 
after a surprising sound from Akane.  Ukyō did not like the mental 
picture she had and added "Akane-san, I put the present for the twins in 
the fridge, and I'm sorry I was late in delivering it.  Tell them Dad 
and Ukyō wish them the happiest of birthdays."  She then left the 
bathroom door and went to Shiro.  "We better go, we can come back later 
when she isn't so busy." she told her son in soft whispers.


Re: Time to Play the Game!

Byooki Desu

Accepting a set of black shorts and a white T-shirt from Akane, Daiji 
didn't even offer her a simple thank you.  She didn't like Akane, and 
there was probably nothing Akane could do about that.

Yoiko didn't like Akane either, but at least she was civil... well most 
of the time anyways... today was one of those days.  Positively beaming, 
the small redhead balled up her hands under her chin.

"She's a really good baby!" Yoiko chirped, the information she provided 
being dual in nature.

Meanwhile, Daiji was just finishing putting on her bra when she decided 
she had had enough of Akane for now.  She could finish changing in her 
room!

Picking up her clothes, Daiji actually managed to find the correct door 
this time as she opened it and pranced out.


Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Byooki Desu

Stopping in her tracks just outside of the bathroom, Daiji gave Shiro 
and Ukyō a dark look.  Shiro was looking his usual stupid self and so 
was Ukyō.  Daiji didn't hate Ukyō like she did Akane, but she didn't 
really like her either.

"What you looking at, moron?" she bit out, flicking her knuckles over 
her big brothers forehead.  Standing there, clad only in her underwear, 
she wasn't the least bit self-conscious.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō had been talking to Shiro when Daiji interrupted her.  "That's no 
way to talk, young lady." U-chan told the girl.  "And it is not polite 
to interrupt." Ukyō added as she stood between the girl and her son, who 
had more manners than Daiji could dream to have at that moment.  She 
took the punch that was meant to intimidate Shiro into a battle of brawn 
which she hoped her son would wisely ignore.

Ukyō knew she did not have to stay.  She was just waiting on Shiro to 
agree and Akane to acknowledge her announcement about the present and 
about heading to the beach when the rude, newly-turned fourteen-years-
old spoke harshly, making her half regret bringing them a present.

This day seemed to just get worse, and Ukyō sighed her frustration out 
in an inaudible exhale, trying her exercises she learned when Shiro and 
Karin went through the terrible twos.  Ukyō stood there, hands on hips 
and let Daiji continue to her room since it seemed that was where the 
Hibiki spawn was headed.  Ukyō suspected the rudeness was caused to 
something that happened in the bathroom.  It was either that or Daiji 
needed a serious nap or something.  Ukyō could only hope Daiji was in 
better spirits when they came back, but now she was wondering if she 
should even bother.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Byooki Desu

Daiji hadn't really hit her brother as much as just rapping her knuckles 
over his forehead to check if his head was empty.  She hadn't planned on 
staying long but when Ukyō spoke, the small girl got her unwanted 
attention.  Instead of responding to the reprimands Ukyō had given her, 
Daiji simply tilted her head to the side for five seconds, a hand 
resting on her hip.

Suddenly brightening up, she started poking the chief in the stomach.

"Are you pregnant again? huh? huh?" she asked, knowing fully well that 
Ukyō wasn't pregnant -- Ukyō was just starting to get fat.

Ukyō was such a lonely person, only boy who had ever shown any interest 
in her was Daiji's dad, and Daiji was certain it was because he had felt 
pity on the woman.  Ukyō could be so clingy... why did she come over 
here all the time anyways?  Didn't she know that nobody wanted her here?  
That nobody liked her!


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō huffed her denial to the child, then inwardly grinned like Nabiki 
did around money.  "So what if I am?" she said to the rude hell-spawned 
child with distinction.  The child's opinion was neither wanted nor 
desired.  She tried to hide her tears of hurt; she would not show them 
to her or Shiro.  No, instead Ukyō changed her tone to anger as she 
changed the subject.

"Your 'present' for you and your twin is in the fridge, but I see I 
wasted my time in bringing you a gift." she replied gruffly as her eyes 
were shaded by her unshed tears.  Ukyō only came to see if anyone knew 
of where everyone was, not to get treated badly by Daiji.  If it was not 
for Akane's hospitality and knowing better that she was welcomed here, 
she would have never come.  She was glad Akane was so helpful and kind, 
two things Daiji would never be.  At least now she had a rough idea of 
what happened.  Karin must have came over and followed Satori to the 
beach, it was as simple as that, and as soon as Shiro said he was ready 
to go she would leave.  She'd make a note to never do any favors for the 
rude Daiji, and also made a note to tell Ryōga of how badly she was 
treated and take back the invitation.  Ukyō had asked him to come and he 
agreed to be here, and if this was her thanks for it, well then there 
would be no more from her and Shiro, and hopefully Ryōga.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Byooki Desu

"Wasted?  Hell no!  I'll eat it" Daiji told the woman, squinting her 
eyes in irritation as she saw Ukyō's eyes start becoming moist.  Shiro's 
crazy mother was going to pretend she was crying!

This was indeed a problem.  For all his faults, Shiro seemed to love his 
mother, something Daiji could relate to.  So she had no illusions that 
he wouldn't become upset if he saw his mother's fake tears... if he saw 
her fake tears that is!

"But first I wanna play!" she laughed as she grabbed her brother's hand 
and started to drag him away in a random direction.  At first she had 
planned on planting his mother's spatula in his face, but coming to her 
senses she realized that he might not have been very happy about that 
either.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Capskye

Shiro had been lost in his own thoughts, something even he would admit 
to being guilty of far too often, when things began to happen around 
him.  He heard his mother talking, along with Akane, and then Daiji was 
there.  He felt the odd flick to his forehead, and found himself 
concentrating on the sharp sensation left behind.

Shortly after that, Mom and Daiji started arguing again, but Shiro was 
still more interested in the stinging sensation left behind from Daiji's 
style of "playing".  Then everything snapped back as Daiji declared she 
wanted to play and started dragging him off.  "Whoa!  Whoa!  Dai-chan!  
Where you taking me?"


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Meanwhile, in the anteroom of the bath, Akane had kept babying 
SuckSuck-chan, while she urged Yoiko to put on her clothes.  They 
somehow heard the arguing between Ukyō and Daiji, Akane didn't pay it 
much mind.  It often happened around the twins, anyway.

Ai-chan had already disrobed in preparation for the bath.  She was now 
almost forcefully stripping her brother Yuh in order to drag him to the 
furo room too.  The boy was still blushing madly; both were still young 
enough to not care bathing at the same time, but still Yuh had been 
flustered by Daiji and Yoiko's bashfulness, and now he was feeling self-
conscious as his bossy sister insisted on getting him naked.

That's when Daiji-chan entered back into the bathroom... dragging a 
disconcerted Shiro with her.

Akane turned head and blinked.  In her arms, SuckSuck-chan "smiled" and 
waved a tentacle as if to say hello.

Ai stared at the boy that just intruded, paled, before turning a deep 
crimson.  Then the pink-haired girl started to scream, throwing clothes 
at Shiro's face to obstruct his vision.

"HEEEEE!!!  Cousin Shiro, look away, look away, look away!"


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Capskye

Shiro had still been protesting about being dragged along when he found 
himself in the bathroom with a lot of naked people.  His face went a 
little red, but nobody got to see it thanks to the clothes that collided 
with his face accompanied by loud screams.  Shiro turned his head away 
for the moment, calling out "I'm sorry!  I didn't mean to intrude!  
Dai-chan, what's the big idea!?"  He seemed to have missed the little 
thing in Akane's arms.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Byooki Desu

Yeah, what was the big deal bringing Shiro into the bathroom?!  That was 
the wrong brother, damn it!  Fixing her eyes on her little sister Daiji, 
Yoiko gave her twin a questioning look.

Noticing Yoiko's intent stare, Daiji shrugged her shoulders.  How the 
hell was she supposed to know how they had ended up in here!

Rolling her eyes as she saw Daiji's mute reply, Yoiko decided to become 
a little more vocal.

"What yah doin' with him!?"

"I'm gonna play with him!"

Daiji grinned and soon Yoiko joined her.  Twins were like that, 
sometimes it seemed almost as if they could read each other's mind; but 
with Daiji and Yoiko it was even worse.  Sometimes, with just a few 
words or a look, both seemed to know exactly what the other one was 
thinking.  It was a scary sight indeed when you saw the two, sometimes 
diabolical sisters, work as one entity....  As Ai's angry yells died 
down, both of Shiro's sisters rounded on him as if in sync.  Balling 
their hands under their chins, the two redheads stared with big watering 
eyes at their big brother.

"Pleease big brother!  Won't you play with us?" they pleaded in chorus.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Yoiko and Daiji's full-out doe-eyed cute-attack could have a devastating 
effect on any male; they knew it.  Unfortunately, their efforts were a 
bit disturbed when a stool and a bucket went flying from inside the furo 
room, and...

*bong!* *bong!*

... bounced on the backs of Daiji and Yoiko's heads, respectively.

"You can play with your brother however you want... JUST OUT OF HERE!"  
After this yelling (and demonstration of throwing accuracy), the fuming 
Ai closed the door separating the anteroom from the bathroom, having 
dragged Yuh inside with her.

"Ai-chan, this is not nice..." scolded Akane, Yoiko's pet still in her 
arms.  She then looked at the twins, who were rubbing the back of their 
heads.  "Though she's right; we should let them take their bath in 
peace.  Put on some clothes, girls, and then you'll have your brother 
all for yourselves."


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Karin Kitsune

While all this was going on, Ukyō regained her composure, silently 
thanking the girl for not letting her son see her weep over something so 
silly.  She then used their "playtime" in the furo room to sit down and 
relax, knowing Ryōga was coming over.  She knew she couldn't leave; 
besides she did not want to go not without Shiro.  He promised he would 
help her and honor, though now commonplace, still had some meaning for 
the chef.  Thus she really had no reason to leave, so she decided 
instead to catch some Z's.  That is till she heard the shouting and 
watched the door, wondering if the evil twins would want to join.  Good 
Kami, she hoped not.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Capskye

Shiro had been planning on making some sort of protest, still trying 
very hard not to look at the other naked people in here, but as his 
mother wandered off he found his one avenue of escape cut off.  His head 
drooping in sad resignation, he spoke up softly.  "Well, I guess, but 
can we move this outside the bathroom?  We're bothering people in here."


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Byooki Desu

Rubbing at the back of their heads, where a lump would have appeared on 
anyone else, Daiji and Yoiko decided their mother must have really 
started stepping up Ai's training.

"Gotta play more with Ai later..." Daiji mumbled and Yoiko concurred.

"Yeah... and I know just right special technique we could teach her!"

Daiji and Yoiko, although they sure could improve their normal martial 
art skills a lot, always tried to learn special techniques... and they 
constantly tried to share it with their younger siblings.  One time the 
twins had almost burnt down the house when they had thought they could 
teach a four-years-old the "Chestnut over Open Fire" technique.  The 
fact that they themselves didn't know the technique either had only been 
viewed as a minor inconvenience by the two redheads.

Sharing a grin, Daiji and Yoiko were about to drag their big brother out 
with them when they finally noticed Akane's exasperated look.

"...Riiight... clothes!"

Yoiko bopped herself on the head, then threw her towel in her brother's 
face before she started getting dressed.  Daiji only gave her brother 
another look before following suit.

If Shiro was one to peek at his sisters, he would notice that when 
working together the twins could be remarkably effective at times; it 
almost looked like they were dancing.  T-shirts and socks, shorts and 
underwear... and before you knew it, they were finished.

One was wearing a red flower-patterned top and a pair of red shorts.  On 
her arms she was wearing a set of black bracers, and her hair was set in 
two pigtails.  This girl wasn't wearing any socks at all.  The other 
directionally-challenged twin didn't have her hair in braids, but let it 
flow freely, something neither of the two girls ever seemed to do.  A 
white top and black shorts, this redhead was wearing a set of socks that 
reached above her knees.

As different as their apparel were, there was no way Shiro would be able 
to say which one was which....


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Capskye

Shiro finally extracted his face from the towel and looked to the two 
now-dressed twins.  They'd pulled stunts like this before, and Shiro 
usually played along.  He wasn't quite as dense as he often made himself 
out to be, but it was in his nature to play the fool for the girls if 
only to give them some entertainment in their otherwise rough and 
chaotic lives.

Looking to one of them, he spoke up: "Okay Dai.  Let's head out."  He 
looked around for Ukyō, wondering if she'd gone far.  "Mom?"


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō smiled.  "Over here, Shiro." she replied, coming out in the open.  
"No sign yet of your father yet." she informed him.  "Perhaps he is 
waiting outside for us." Ukyō added, though why he did not come in could 
be anyone's guess.  Perhaps the eternal Lost Boy felt bad for 
temporarily forgetting the birthday of his two mischievous angels.  Or 
it could just be he was not there yet.  'Lost on the way, no doubt.' was 
the sparse thought in the chef's mind before remembering what was said 
before Shiro was dragged away.  "I fetched your gifts while I waited 
your return." she told the twins.  Not that the scamps probably would 
appreciate it, but she felt they deserved something from her and Ryōga.  
And since she could not deliver their dad at this pristine moment, she 
made due with what she had.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane walked out of the bathroom, still holding SuckSuck-chan in her 
arms, and keeping a watchful eye on the twins so that they didn't wander 
away.

"Thank you so much, U-chan." she said, acknowledging the chef's efforts 
to be nice to the twins, despite their infrequent cold response to the 
Kuonji woman.  Ranma's wife fully understood the young girls to be 
resentful of them, for what they perceived as separating their parents, 
Ranma-chan and Ryōga.  But Akane and Ukyō always did their best to 
shower the twins with affection, hoping they'd grow of their childish 
hostility and warm up to them.

"Daiji-chan, Yoiko-chan, say your thanks to Ukyō for bringing you your 
father's gifts for your birthday."


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Byooki Desu

Yoiko was about to tell Shiro that she wasn't Daiji when Akane made 
herself known again.  Frowning, Yoiko and her sister Daiji turned in 
unison towards Ukyō and bowed their heads.

"Thank you, Aunt Ukyō." the twin girls droned; even though they sounded 
sweet and happy, something about how they said thank you sounded 
insincere.

Yoiko didn't dislike Ukyō as much as Daiji did, but then again Daiji 
seemed to in her mind make out almost everyone as her worst enemy.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Karin Kitsune

"You're welcome." Ukyō replied with a thank you glance to Akane.  Though 
the twins' dislike did not excuse their actions, and she probably would 
have preferred they be more sincere about it.  But one takes what one 
gets; years in Nerima had taught her that much.  She then asked Shiro if 
he was ready to go or if he wanted to stay.  What she left unsaid but 
not un-thought, was whether he wanted to endure their torture... no more 
over, would she?


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Capskye

Shiro smiled a bit to himself, knowing that things had always been 
difficult between the twins and his mother.  Noticing Ukyō's gaze in his 
direction, he looked to her.  "Mother, would it be okay if I entertained 
the girls a bit before we run off again?"


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō smiled at her son and nodded, then turned to Akane.  She knew the 
Tendō girl would have no objections, and truthfully neither did she.  
Ukyō would have asked to join but knew the twins did not care for her 
much.  "I'll wait for you." she added finally.  After all she really 
could not leave....

Meanwhile, outside, Ryōga debated on entering the Dōjō.  Part of him 
wanted to be with his family, another part was uncertain on the 
reception he would receive indecision kept him in the yard near the 
Tendō's door.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane smiled, nodding too in agreement with Ukyō.  If the twins wanted 
to have their big brother to themselves, so be it.  He was mature enough 
to watch over them and prevent any (well... most) of the mishaps they 
could manage.

"It's alright, kids.  Shiro-kun, would you help Daiji-chan and 
Yoiko-chan to find their room?" she asked, knowing full well that the 
reverse was unlikely.

Stepping closer to Ukyō, she invited the okonomiyaki chef to follow her 
to the garden.  "Let's chat a bit while the children are having fun.  It 
was certainly a hectic birthday yesterday.  I've plenty to tell you.  
Just look at what Yoiko-chan brought home last evening...."

With the last part, she showed off the weird critter in her arms.  The 
strange squid-like pet was holding around Akane's neck with his 
tentacles while she was carrying it like a baby between her round belly 
and breasts.  SuckSuck-chan "smiled" again (more with his expressive 
eyes than his sucker-mouth) and waved a thin tentacle in a "hello" 
gesture.


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō waited till the youngest Tendō woman was done talking to the twins, 
and approached her.  Before she left she told her son she would be with 
Akane, and to come for her when he was done with his "game".  
(*shudders*)

Ukyō smiled to Akane as she spoke to her.  "I can imagine it was." the 
chef replied, not really wanting to imagine the fiasco.  As they walked 
to the garden, she looked to the pet squid and waved back with an unsure 
expression, then asked "What's its name?"


Re: Daiji confronts Shiro and "aunty" Ukyō.

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

"Yoiko-chan had called it 'SuckSuck-chan', I think.  Fitting, no?" Akane 
commented with a bright smile.

"I had wanted to enforce the 'no pet' rule for a while, but it just 
looked so cute.  Oh, I know it's unlikely Yoiko or Daiji would take much 
care of it, with them being lost and all so often.  Though if it could 
teach them a bit of responsibility...."

As they walked in the garden, Akane was heading toward the large 
swimming pool that replaced the old koi pond several years ago.  It was 
currently covered by a dome of glass panels to keep it clean.

"I'm just not sure of what kind of squid this is... never thought one 
would be so cute, or so affectionate.  It seems to last a long time out 
of the water... though I bet it probably prefer being immersed.  It 
spent the night in the swimming pool already.  I'm going to put it back 
in for the time being."


Re: Outside with Ukyō [ Tag: Ukyō, Akane, Etc.]

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded.  "Hai, it does fit." she said, looking to the squid as 
Akane continued to talk, nodding frequently.  To the cute remark, this 
of course coming from a woman that held Ryōga to her bosom in the form 
of P-chan, she was glad Akane was thinking on lifting the no pet rule.  
Maybe her and p-chan would visit more while he was wet.

As Akane got to talking about the pool, drawing close to it with every 
step and Akane mentioned teaching the twins responsibility, Ukyō thought 
'one could only hope' but offered another nod.  "I hope it does..." she 
replied, admitting her thoughts.  Relief washed over her somewhat as she 
noticed the little mites did not follow them.


Re: Outside with Ukyō [ Tag: Ukyō, Akane, Etc.]

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane somehow heard Ukyō's doubts through the tone of her voice.  
Opening the glass panel, she pursued the discussion.

"I know the twins are a handful, U-chan... and they're not giving you 
much slack.  But think about it, they're the same with me, and they live 
here... at least when they're not lost.  But I'm sure they'll grow up 
and understand better Ranma's position with time.  It's a really bad 
time for them, with puberty striking and this kind of things...."

While talking, Akane tried to nudge the little pet into getting a swim, 
but it was still clinging to her, cooing cutely.  "Come on, S-chan, go 
in, the water is nice and fresh...."


Re: Outside with Ukyō.  [Tag: Ukyō, Akane, Etc.]

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō nodded to Akane.  "I know they're having a hard time with things... 
and I guess taking it out on us is their only way to deal with it." she 
added, smiling, feeling not so alone in the twins' tyranny.

The pure are soiled, and the soiled are purified.  What is good is evil, 
and what is evil is good.  To live is to die, and to die is to live.  We 
all walk in the gray where the light touches the dark, two sides of the 
same coin.  One cannot live without the other.

As the chef returned her attention to Akane an S-chan, she noticed the 
li'l squid was reluctant about going in the pool.  "What's wrong?  
Doesn't he want to go in?" she asked as she watched the new "pet" hold 
on to Akane.  "You know maybe we should go in with him, he probably 
don't like being alone." she suggested.


Re: Outside with Ukyō [ Tag: Ukyō, Akane, Etc.]

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane's shoulders slumped a little.  "Great idea, U-chan.  Did you 
forget I'm still not that good with swimming?" she said in a slightly 
weary tone.

It was one of the few things that still railed Akane.  Over the years, 
she had gotten better at cooking, better at handling relationships, 
better at controlling her anger...

... but she still swam like a hammer.  Even having a swimming pool at 
hand to train often hasn't been enough to finally learn.

"Especially with my belly.  I wouldn't try it.  And the water is 
probably cold."

Finally, Akane managed to get the clingy pet's tentacles let go of her.  
SuckSuck-chan slipped in the water while making cute cooing sounds... 
though it was hard to determine if he was happy or disappointed.

Turning around, Akane whipped her hands together.  "Alright.  Now, 
U-chan, let me tell you about a birthday that will be remembered for 
ages..." the wife began.

Before she could start her story, though, several tentacles rose out of 
the water behind her, seemingly elongating, wiggling menacingly in 
Akane's back.

Suddenly lashing out, they grasped the pregnant woman by her legs and 
arms, and pulled her backward in the pool.

"ACK!"


Re: Ryōga Enters the Dojo.  [Tag: Anyone]

Karin Kitsune

Outside the front gate, Ryōga finally got the nerve to go in the gate 
and headed to the dojo.  The directional dysfunction he suffered seemed 
to never weaken, but often he got lucky.

Today was one of those days.  He made it to the house unnoticed by the 
two women (Akane and Ukyō) who were in their conversations, and for the 
sake of the no-pet rule he somehow managed to keep his curse under 
control for once.

He hoped he would not get chewed out too badly for being late, though 
whatever he got he probably more than deserved.  As he entered the 
lively place, his mind was flooded with memories of the past; long days 
gone by, but were they ever forgotten?  No, not really; the dense Lost 
Boy just tucked it away in what was left of his mentality.  Finally, 
after inhaling appreciatively of the familiar smells, he entered the 
foyer and stood at the bottom of the stairs, wondering if he should 
announce his arrival or not.


Re: Outside with Ukyō [ Tag: Ukyō, Akane, Etc.]

Karin Kitsune

> "Great idea, U-chan.  Did you forget I'm still not that good  
> with swimming?" she said in a slightly weary tone.

"Oops... sorry, Akane, I did, forgive me." the chef answered.  Then she 
suggested.  "You could soak your feet, at lest make him feel more at 
ease and I'll swim with him a bit." Ukyō said.

> "Especially with my belly.  I wouldn't try it.  And the water is
> probably cold."

'Splashing in the water is not too bad, really.' Ukyō thought.  
"Alright, Akane I won't force you." Ukyō said.

> Finally, Akane managed to get the clingy pet's tentacles let go of 
> her.  SuckSuck-chan slipped in the water while making cute cooing 
> sounds... though it was hard to determine if he was happy or  
> disappointed.

> Turning around, Akane whipped her hands together.  "Alright.  Now, 
> U-chan, let me tell you about a birthday that will be remembered for 
> ages..." the wife began.  Before she could start her story, though,  
> several tentacles rose out of the water behind her, seemingly  
> elongating, wiggling menacingly in Akane's back.  Suddenly lashing 
out,  
> they grasped the pregnant woman by her legs and arms, and pulled her  
> backward in the pool.

"That sounds great... " the chef began, not realizing she had stopped 
paying attention to the squid and Akane before the *SPLASH!*

> "ACK!"

Hearing the splash made horror flash across Ukyō's face.  She yelled out 
for Akane, then leapt in to save her.  This of course distracted the 
Lost Boy from his thoughts, and he came running and was faced with a 
dilemma.  On one hand he could beat Ukyō and save his precious Akane, 
but on the other hand if he did he break her "pet" rule.

Oh, the decisions one makes for love.


Re: Outside with Ukyō [ Tag: Ukyō, Akane, Etc.]

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

Akane was frantically waving her arms and making bubbles while sinking 
to the bottom of the pool.  This seemed to somewhat surprise the little 
squid-like pet, who certainly never intended any harm, and probably just 
wanted to "play".

Seeing Ukyō determinedly swimming toward them, SuckSuck-chan again 
"smiled".  Dragging Akane with him in his tentacles (which certainly 
looked MUCH longer than when he'd be held in Akane's arms), he pushed 
the pregnant woman directly in Ukyō's arms.  Akane had the normal reflex 
of drowning people -- that is to cling to her savior and squeeze with 
dangerous strength.


Re: Outside with Ukyō [Tag: Ukyō, Akane, Etc.] IC

Karin Kitsune

Ukyō felt a bit of air leave her as she felt Akane' tight grip.  Still, 
she was not lost on what she had to do, and furiously kicked them both 
to the surface.

Ryōga, who had just shown up not long ago, mentally rooted and gave 
moral support... as he silently cheered Ukyō, his one-time wife on...

Ukyō finally made it to the surface, where she took in much needed air.  
She swam as best she could with her arms under Akane's entrapment, 
toward the side where the Lost Boy waited to help them out, with a smile 
and an extended hand, which Ukyō would had grabbed if she could.

"Akane, are you alright?" she asked with a bit of a sputter.


Re: Outside with Ukyō [Ukyō, Akane, Ryōga]

St Fan, Kami of Writer's Block

"KOFF!!  COUGH!!  SPLURT!!  ERK!!"

"Alright" may not be the best term to describe Akane, but she certainly 
was conscious, coughing violently and sputtering water.  She had, 
unfortunately, lots of experience with drowning (well, near-drowning)... 
not that it ever done her much good.

Still, she wasn't a dead weight and was helping Ukyō keeping her afloat 
by kicking her legs.  That way, they laboriously but determinedly moved 
toward the side where Ryōga waited, until he could reach them.

Behind them, the head-body of SuckSuck-chan emerged, and he watched the 
trio with his large, kawaii eyes.  The tip of two tentacles poked the 
surface, and twiddled together.  It was awfully cute and expressive; he 
looked for all account like a child that has done a stupid prank and was 
embarrassed by it.  The round eyes were tearing up, too, as if he was 
sad that nobody wanted to stay in the water to play....


Re: Outside with Ukyō [Ukyō, S-chan -- Akane, Ryōga]

Karin Kitsune

Ryōga wrapped a nearby towel around Akane.  He chewed out his ex-wife's 
carelessness, which resulted in her throwing back various harsh words, 
but the "fight" (such as it was between them) did not last long.  He had 
other pressing maters, one namely being to take Akane to the house to 
get her a change of clothes, which he did, leaving the tempered chef to 
cool off in the pool with S-chan.  Ukyō, once alone, turned to the 
"pet", but before she could retaliate with words to tell the creature 
off, the cutesy act made the frustrated chef expel a breath.  As she 
released it, in frustration or relief, she found she felt better.

"It's okay, S-chan." she said in her normal kind tone.  "I know you did 
not mean it, but Akane-chan can't swim like you and I can...."  
'Truthfully, the lead weight dropped to the bottom like a ton of bricks' 
she thought.  "So, no more pulling her into the water, okay?" she said 
as if speaking to a small child.  "While we wait for them to return, I 
will swim with you, will you like that?" she asked.  Then she held up a 
finger, like she often did to the twins when she wanted a word with 
them, and had done for a while with her own children (though both were 
getting too old for it).  "Just promise me not to pull me under, 
alright?  I might be able to swim, but I'm not a squid like you, and I 
need air like Akane."


[TO BE CONTINUED IN THREE SEPARATE THREADS]