=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Part Four-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= (The morning is crisp and new, after a cleansing storm has scrubbed the world clean. Birds chirp joyfully, the sun shines brightly and the world certainly seems at peace. It is Sunday, as time reckons, and the temperature starts to shoot up. Not many cars roam the streets as people take to their bikes and their feet, to save on gasoline. The overall pace of the day seems to be a laissez-faire package deal, a slow and relaxing change from the punishing pace that school and work demands. As always, Kasumi and Nodoka are up at the crack of dawn, preparing the breakfast. P-Chan, who returned sometime during the night, snuggles closer in Akane's arms. Nabiki wakes up, savoring her dream of money raining from Heaven. Soun and Genma wake up, savoring their common dream of "disposing" of Happosai and dumping him in the deepest pits of Hell. Happosai is still asleep, clutching a pair of panties. Akane, Ranma and Ranma-chan go for their morning run.) Akane: P-Chan came back, Ranma! Isn't he a good little boy? Ranma: Yes, isn't he? (for once, P-Chan does not make faces at him) Ranma-chan: (running in one spot, her hair and bosom bouncing lightly) You said it! Let's go! (The threesome run around the neighborhood, with Ranma and Ranma-chan leaping over houses and running on fences. Akane sheds her inhibition against overt displays of her martial arts skill and she joins the other two in their little game of leaping over houses) Ranma: So, you've finally decided to join us! Akane: Such a fine day musn't be wasted, y'know! Ranma-chan: Watch this, you guys! (She crouches and leaps high into the air, eclipsing the morning sun for a brief moment, and she lands on one foot on the top of a tall telephone pole. Ranma-chan proceeds to jump from pole-top to pole-top with grace and ease. Ranma follows his female-counterpart's lead and he starts leaping from telephone pole to pole. Akane just shakes her head and follows suit - on the ground for there were enough people out to make her think twice about calling attention to herself. The three of them finish their run and head back to the Tendo residence.) Akane: Well, nothing like a good exercise in the morning to get one going! Ranma: You said it! Ranma-chan: Hey, that's MY line! Ranma: Same thing, no? (The trio set a good pace and upon their return they are soaked with sweat. As Akane and Ranma-chan talk animatedly, Ranma tries to avoid looking at their chests, because sweat tends to make their light cutoff shirts cling to their breasts, but to no avail. Luckily for him the two girls seem not to notice his gaze, continuing their conversation. Akane goes to take a shower and Ranma and Ranma-chan turn to each other.) Ranma: Well, let's have a little martial arts practice before a shower and breakfast! Ranma-chan: Alright!! Let's go! (The two leap high into the air, exchanging punches and kicks above the carp pond. The fierce grins on the two of them show their obvious enthusiasm for their art. Genma looks on with pride at his son and his daughter fighting. The two land and duke it out on the ground.) Ranma: (ducking a swing) You're no slacker, that's for sure! (snaps out a sidekick aimed at Ranma-chan's ribs.) Ranma-chan: (deflecting the kick and replying with one of her own) Same with you! (Ranma catches her leg and twists it, hoping to throw Ranma-chan to the ground, but Ranma-chan quickly twirls in the air and snaps the other leg out at his head. Ranma drops her leg and somersaults out of range while Ranma-chan easily flips back onto her feet.) (As Akane watches the both Ranmas fight, she suddenly realizes that she could never hope to win in a fight situation with either Ranma. So why was she so good at beating the crap out of them both? Why don't they ever hit her back?) (Ranma-chan runs in and unleashes a flying roundhouse kick aimed at Ranma's head. Ranma ducks the kick and replies with an uppercut punch directed at Ranma-chan's solar plexus. Ranma-chan catches and holds his fist in two hands, and using her weight and momentum, she twists on her way back to the ground and sends Ranma into a throw. Ranma flips in the air and Ranma-chan launches a flying kick at him. Ranma twists aside at the last moment and sends a chop to her exposed neck. Ranma-chan blocks the blow and the two land on the ground, facing each other, barely winded. Then they begin to fight some more, with the same results, for more than half an hour. Eventually they call it a draw.) Genma: The two of them are evenly matched, Tendo. Soun: So it is. Akane: Wow, I've never really seen such fighting skill in some time... Nodoka: Well, I think a girl should not be fighting as savagely as Ranko is. A girl should be more refined, more subtle. (She looks strangely at Ranma-chan for a long moment as she cools off under a garden hose. Dripping wet, her shirt hanging loosely about her slim shoulders, Ranma-chan shoots the stream of water at Ranma - who cringes at first, then, realizing his mistake, roars in mock outrage at the unexpected attack. He launches himself at Ranma-chan and the two grapple on the ground for the hose. Ranma-chan's shirt slips loose a little more but Ranma seems not to notice. Genma and Soun start to sweat a little and Akane's eyes narrow dangerously. Ranma rips the hose away from Ranma-chan's grip and sprays her with an unrelenting stream of cold water. Ranma-chan squeals with laughter and holds her hands up in mock surrender. Ranma turns the water off and grins at his female counterpart, who smiles back. Nodoka says not a word and she starts to dish out the rice. Ranma and Ranma-chan take their showers, at different times, and head downstairs. Ranma is dressed in a cutoff shirt and shorts while Ranma-chan is wearing her pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt with the words "Wet-N- Wild" printed diagonally on the front in lettering resembling spouts of water. Even Akane had to grin at Ranma-chan's choice of clothing. The two families eat their breakfast and the teenagers congregate to discuss plans for the afternoon.) Ranma: So, what are we doin' today? Nabiki: Well, it's a nice, hot day... (her voice trails off, suggesting...) Akane: I know, we can go to the beach! Ranma-chan: The beach? That's a great idea! Ranma: Yeah, let's go! (gets up and runs to his room) Akane: (to Ranma-chan) Ranko, do you know where you can find Ryoga? Ranma-chan: Ryoga? Why, Akane? Akane: Well, if we're going to have fun, why don't we bring Ryoga along too? He's my friend even if he isn't yours. Ranma-chan: I didn't say that! (glances quickly at P-Chan in Akane's arms) Well, if I can _find_ him, then I guess it is okay, IF he wants to go. (After a moment's hesitation, P-Chan leaps out of Akane's arms and trots away, grunting contentedly.) Akane: Now, don't you go too far again, P-Chan! (P-Chan gives a non-committal grunt) Akane: Maybe I should get a collar and a leash for him... P-Chan: (whirls around, eyes wide) BUU-KIII!? Ranma-chan: Maybe not. He's not some kind of stupid dog. He's a smart one, that pig. He just has a bad sense of direction. Akane: I prefer to call it `adventuring spirit', Ranko! I guess you're quite right. I don't think I could bear to put a collar on him, not after what Azusa did. P-Chan: Kweew! (he wipes a sweat drop from his forehead) Ranma-chan: (to Akane) I'll go get my change of clothing, then I'll go find Ryoga, okay? Akane: Sure, Ranko. I'll just help Kasumi with the dishes and I'll get ready after. Nabiki: Okay, I'll meet you guys at the beach, then. I'll save you a spot, heh heh heh. (Ranma-chan follows P-Chan upstairs to the bathroom. P-Chan leaps into a tub of hot water and Ryoga emerges from the tub - just as Ranma-chan walks in.) Ryoga: AAAAAHH!!! Ranma, what are you doing in here? (sinks lower into the tub and pinches his nose.) Ranma-chan: For pity's sake, I'm a guy, not a girl. Well, there are two ways to look at it... Ryoga: (still pinching his nose) You're a girl right ndow, so will you please turn around while you're in here?! Ranma-chan: Oh, alright! (she turns around) Anyways, I just wanted you to know what you're getting into if you follow us to the beach. Ryoga: (quickly drying off) I'll just borrow Shampoo's anti-curse soap again. Ranma-chan: You mean that useless thing? It just wears off after a while. (she feels the urge to turn around and look at Ryoga) Ryoga: How long do you suppose I'm going to swim in the water, Ranma? (pulls on his normal clothing, which just happened to be in the clothes hamper) Okay, you can turn around now. Ranma-chan: (Turning around. Looks at Ryoga and sighs, somewhat disappointed.) Y'know, if you ask Shampoo to lend you the soap, she'll definitely ask for a reason why. Ryoga: What do you mean? Ranma-chan: One way or another, she'll find out that we're all goin' to the beach, then she'll want to come too. Ryoga: So? Ranma-chan: Let's just say that catfight won't describe what will happen if you put Akane near Shampoo. Ryoga: So? Is it my fault that they fight?! I'm blameless for anything relating to that! Ranma-chan: (hand on face, eyes shut) Tell you what. I'll simply invite Shampoo along and I'll ask for an extra bar of that soap. Okay? (She leads Ryoga out of the bathroom and tells him to go join Akane at the bottom of the stairs. She watches him to make sure that he finds his way downstairs and then she goes to get her swimsuit. Ranma comes out of his room just as she reached for the doorknob.) Ranma: Gettin' ready? I am! (he holds up a borrowed swimsuit from Akane) Ranma-chan: (tries not to laugh) Uh, Ranma? Ranma: Yeah? Ranma-chan: What's that in your hand? Ranma: A pair of... aww, jeez!! Ranma-chan: Forgot, again? Ranma: Shuddup, you. (Ranma-chan giggles) (He heads back into the room, followed by Ranma-chan. She grabs her swimsuit and Ranma grabs a pair of men's swimming trunks. They both head downstairs to meet up with Akane, who was putting dishes away.) Ranma-chan: Uhm... Akane? Akane: Yes? (she is holding a metal frying pan cover.) Ranma-chan: We gotta stop by Nekohanten before we go to the beach. (*Crunch* The cover crumples like paper beneath Akane's grip, her fingers making indentations in the tempered steel.) Akane: What for, RanKO? (she smiles sweetly, and she puts the piece of modern artwork in the cupboard.) Ranma-chan: (under her breath) Jeez. Why'd I hafta be the one to tell her, of all people? (to Akane) I have to see her. To get something. Akane: WHO are you talking about, RanKO? (She starts to reach for a porcelain plate while still looking at Ranma- chan, but Kasumi surreptitiously moves the dish rack out of her little sister's grasping fingers and places a wet dishcloth in Akane's hands. Akane seems not to notice as she wrung the dishcloth tighter, and tighter, as if she were strangling some imagined enemy, and streams of water flowed from the tortured dishcloth. Kasumi smiled and readied another wet dishcloth.) Ranma-chan: Y'know, Shampoo. Akane: Why?! She'd only cause trouble! Ranma-chan: (finally getting fed up with Akane's attitude) Jeez, Akane! What's wrong with bringing another person along? Don't you ever think about her feelings for once? Don't you think she gets sick of being alone and working in that restaurant? I'm sure that ghoul can handle the store by herself for one day. (Akane looks strangely at Ranma-chan for a moment, then she steps out the kitchen, grabs her bag, and heads out the door. Kasumi smiles as she picked up the five dishcloths that Akane had wrung bone-dry. Ranma, Ranma- chan and Ryoga follow in her wake and soon the foursome are heading in the direction of Nekohanten. They reach Nekohanten in a matter of minutes. There are no lines of people outside the restaurant and a quick glance at its interior seemed to indicate that there were no customers inside.) Akane: I'll wait outside while you go in and ask her, but I'm sure she'll be too busy to get off work. Ranma-chan: Too busy...? (looks at the restaurant) Alright. Ranma: I'll go in too... (starts to head in.) Akane: (she grabs his pigtail. Ryoga puts his hand through a nearby wall) No you don't! Ranma can do it all by herself, can't she!? Ranma-chan: S-sure, Akane. (She pushes aside the billowing curtains that comprise of the store's door, and she steps into the richly-scented atmosphere that is Nekohanten. The delicious aroma of cooking ramen and steaming pork buns wafted from the kitchen and into Ranma-chan's nostrils, making her salivate. It was as it was seen from the outside - there were no customers at this time of the day and the only person seen in the entire restaurant is Shampoo, who is half- heartedly wiping a table. She turns around at the sound of Ranma-chan's footsteps.) Shampoo: Girl-type Ranma. (she plops into a nearby chair and indicates that Ranma-chan take a seat too.) Ranma-chan: Thanks, Shampoo. Shampoo: Oh, Ranma. Shampoo SO bored. (she rests her arm on the table and puts her chin on her palm.) Ranma-chan : Why's that? Shampoo: Shampoo have to work in here, but is no customers. Shampoo have nothing to do. (Shampoo absent-mindedly twirls a bowl by the rim on the tip of her index finger of her other hand as she spoke.) Ranma-chan: Look, if I get your great-great grandmother to let you off work for the day, will you do me a favor? Shampoo: Is true, Ranma?! You can get Shampoo have fun? (she flips the bowl onto the table and she perks up, eyes wide) Ranma-chan: Trust me! I'm sure she'll agree! That withered old mummy ought to know better than to... (Ranma-chan suddenly threw her hand up - just in time to catch a well- aimed chopstick that had shot out of the kitchen.) (Voice from the kitchen): Who are you calling a withered old mummy?! (Cologne comes hopping out of the kitchen on her stick with a takeout bag of hot dumplings in one hand.) Shampoo: Great-great grandmother, can Shampoo go out? Cologne: There isn't much business on a Sunday anyway, and I'd rather stay inside and rest these old bones a bit. Why not let my great-great- granddaughter go out for a bit of fun in the sun? Shampoo: Is true, great-great-grandmother? Cologne: Yes, child. And take these dumplings with you. (tosses the bag to Shampoo) I have a feeling that you might be going to the beach. (she looks pointedly at Ranma-chan's swimsuit hanging over her forearm.) See you kids later. (she hops into the back of the kitchen) Shampoo: Beach, Ranma? Who go beach with you? Ranma-chan: Umm...er...! Shampoo: Shampoo no really care. Ranma-chan: (thinking to herself) Oh, really? Shampoo: Shampoo go get swimsuit and anti-curse soap. Wait here, Ranma! Ranma-chan: Okay, but bring two bars of that soap! Shampoo: Why? Ranma-chan: One for Ryoga, okay? Think of this as a favor for me. Shampoo: O-kay. Shampoo be back! (With a noticeable bounce in her steps, she runs upstairs. Ranma-chan hears a splash of water and the furious quacking of a duck, followed by what sounds like a minor struggle between the duck and Shampoo, who keeps scolding the duck to `hold still so Shampoo can tie stupid duck up'. After the minor altercation, Shampoo returns with her swimsuit and two bars of soap. She tosses one to Ranma-chan and the two head outside the restaurant. As Shampoo exits the restaurant, she and Akane meet eye to eye in a searing confrontation that scorches the humid atmosphere with its sheer intensity.) Shampoo: Hai-yaah! Tom-boy girl! Akane: Rrrrrgh...! (puts her hand through a nearby wall, making a hole next to Ryoga's) Ranma: Um, you guys? Let's go before Nabiki loses her spot on the beach! Ranma-chan: Somehow that makes me want to laugh, but something prevents me from doing it. Shampoo: Okay, ai ren! We go! (tosses her rival a sneer and clings onto Ranma's arm.) Ranma-chan: (grabbing hold of Akane and Ryoga's hands with her own) Let's go, already! (Ranma-chan surreptitiously slips Ryoga the anti-curse soap as she places her hand in Ryoga's. The fivesome make good time, regardless of the seething enmity brewing between Akane and Shampoo, and they soon reach the beach. The group separates as they reach the changing rooms. Ranma and Ryoga head off to the men's section while Ranma-chan, Akane and Shampoo go to change.) Ranma-chan: Wow, so this is what it feels like to _use_ the women's change room... Akane: And you're not already familiar with it...? Ranma-chan: That was only because I wanted to find that Nannichuan under that girls' locker room! And Mom forced me to go bra shopping. Now that I'm in girl-form, and I'm using it because I want to... Akane: Oh, well. I suppose you can't go change in the men's section, though you can if you want to... Ranma-chan: And have the lot of them drooling over me?! No, thanks but I'd rather have a shower with WATER, not drool. Akane: I'm just kidding! Can't you take a joke? (she walks into the shower area) Shampoo: (fanning Akane's smoldering ember of hatred) Akane make joke too much. Akane: (smoldering ember fanned by comment, grows in intensity) Shut up, you mindless, sex-crazed, half-cat bimbo! Shampoo: (eyes light up with inner fires) Akane built like brick, thigh too thick, hair is cowlick!! Ranma-chan: Hey, hey! No fighting, you guys! (sotto voice) People are _watching_! Akane: (looking at Ranma-chan) Hey, you're the one who started calling me those names, not to mention starting this whole fiasco by bringing HER along, so why don't you...! (Shampoo strips naked in front of Akane and Ranma-chan, showing off her tremendously well-proportioned curves with a knowing sneer on her face directed at Akane, before she starts to wash herself under the shower hose with the anti-curse soap. Akane glowers at Ranma-chan, who recoils at the amount of venom in that gaze, so unlike Akane.) Akane: Wasn't it a such a good idea to bring her along, Ranma. Ranma-chan: Aw, Akane. Give me and her a break, willya? (She strips off her clothing and starts to shower, and Akane does the same. Akane steals quick glances at both Ranma-chan's body and Shampoo's body, comparing their figures with hers, their breast sizes with her own. Ranma- chan doesn't seem to notice as she tilts her face upwards in the stream of cool water, letting the cleansing liquid flow down her face, over her breasts and down her body, little rivulets of pure water running over her backside and between her legs, to snake their way down her shapely calves and onto the ceramic floor. Her perfect skin glowed with a healthy sheen and she let out a small sigh of pleasure. Akane snorted and went back to showering her body.) (Ranma-chan, sensing that Akane was finally not paying any attention to her, opens her eyes and looks around the shower area. The sight of naked females doesn't even elicit a twinge of pleasure in her body. She remembered the time when she, Mr. Tendo and her dad went off to search for the Happodaikirin scroll, and she was forced to infiltrate a girls-only hot spring in order to lay hands on the scroll. How she was intimidated, yet sexually excited, by the sight of nude female bathers, even though she was in girl-form at that time! She turned the shower hose off and she went off to get changed into her swimsuit.) (Shampoo finished rubbing the anti-curse soap into every inch of her body and she began to rinse herself off. Oh, how nice the cool water feels on her human form! She let the cool, cleansing water run through her flowing, lavender hair. With a quick motion, she risked a glance behind her. Then she thought back to her insult at Akane's figure and inwardly winced. If only her Japanese were as good as her Chinese, she'd REALLY call Akane a thing or two...) (Outside the men's change room, Ranma and Ryoga wait impatiently for the three female members of their troupe to emerge from the women's room.) Ryoga: What's keeping them so long? Ranma: Don't ask me, I'm not a girl. Well, not a girl anymore, that is! (whacks his chest in pride) Ryoga: So, how's it like not being cursed anymore...? Ranma: Feels great!! Now I can take all the cold showers I want without having to dunk myself in hot water to change back into a guy! Now I don't have Kuno running after me, except to challenge me. Hey, it's PA-RA-DISE for me, man! Ryoga: You don't know what you're lucky to have until you lose it, eh? Do you think it'd be a good idea to use that Nullifier...on me? Ranma: (leans forward) Hey, man. Ryoga: What? Ranma: (whispers) Would you like to be stuck as a pig for the rest of your life? Ryoga: No way! I'd rather die first! Ranma: Then don't use the Nullifier, ever. Y'see, the girl Ranma is really me in a different body, you know that right? Anyway, her... I mean... HIS personality is going through some major changes because of her female body. He was starting to act more and more like his female body, but you weren't here to see it, though. Ryoga: Then why hasn't your personality changed? Ranma: Because I was a guy from before and my personality suits me just fine the way I am. Now, because the girl Ranma doesn't have a much of a male side to balance out, his, um, personality is sorta going to his girl's side, y'know what I mean? Just think. What if another Ryoga was created, but he was stuck as P-Chan. He'd feel like hell when he's not around Akane but... Ryoga: ...I would turn into a pig in mind, too. Imagine what that would mean for your dad, or Shampoo, or Mousse...! Ranma: Exactly. Oh, here they come. Took them long enough. (Ranma-chan saunters out in her outrageously sexy Body Glove swimsuit, followed by Shampoo in a two piece bikini and a stony-faced Akane in a striped swimsuit. Ryoga gapes at Ranma-chan's incredible beauty, enhanced tenfold by the sexy swimsuit. Ranma sweats a little as he looks at Ranma- chan, who poses a little for the benefit of males in the immediate vicinity; last night's little caper was still swimming around in his thoughts. He looks at Akane, who gives him a stare that could obliterate him, if looks could kill.) Ranma: (fidgets) Uh... what's wrong, Akane? Akane: Nothing. Let's go find Nabiki, OKAY?. (she leaves her sentence off with a flat tone, indicating that she doesn't want to talk about it, not yet.) Ranma-chan: Hey, you guys! I think I see Nabiki over there! (she points off in the distance, where Nabiki could be seen waving to all of them.) (The fivesome plop down on the beach towels that Nabiki got off someone, and they begin to enjoy the warming rays of the sun while listening to nearby CD players, belonging to other people, positioned strategically around their beach spot. When Ranma commented about how lucky they were to be so close to other peoples' CD players, saving them from the trouble of bringing their own, Nabiki only smiled and sipped at her iced tea, implying that luck had nothing to do with it. The day passes slowly, much to their relief and delight, and the activity on the beach increases as the sun moves closer and closer to its zenith in the cloudless sky.) Ranma : (opening his eyes) I'm goin' for an ice cream. Coming, Akane? Akane: Mmmmph. Zzzzznx*~...Die, Shampoo... (an unopened pop can somehow found its way into her hands and she crushed it into an unrecognizable ball with one hand, its contents exploding outwards and seeping into the sand, disappearing in seconds.) Shampoo: Zzzzzzz. Mmm, Akane, wo yao... (fist pounds deep into the ground, spraying sand on a sleeping Ryoga) ......zzz (tosses and turns on her beach towel) Nabiki: (holding a tape recorder in each hand, each recorder under Akane and Shampoo's nose, respectively) Shhh, Ranma. This would be quite something, wouldn't you say? Ranma: Yeah. Sure, Nabiki. Coming, err... Ranko? Ranko? (The spot where his female counterpart was lying on is empty. Ranma shrugs his shoulders and strolls over to the ice cream stand. As he digs in his pocket for money, he ducked under the canvas flap and stopped, directing his full attention to fishing out 100 yen for an ice-cream cone.) (Male voice): Wow! You sure can finish a banana split quickly, y'know that? (Another male voice): That's... um... amazing! Want another one? (Ranma-chan's voice): Sure, guys! Another one! (Ranma looked up in surprise and sees Ranma-chan sitting at a table and surrounded by admiring boys. His friends, including Hiroshi, seemed to be putting the moves on Ranma-chan. Suddenly all thoughts of an ice-cream cone flew out of his mind as he silently ghosted closer to the table.) Ranma-chan: Wow, thanks guys! How much was it? (Guy #1): 300 yen! But for you, it's free! (Guy #2): Let me buy you another one when you finish that one, okay? (Guy #3): No, let me! Ranma-chan: Whoa, slow down, guys! Heh, heh! (she devours her banana split with gusto) Hiroshi: Ranko? Ranma-chan: Hmm? Hiroshi: Will you... umm... that is... are you... (visions of swimming beside `Ranko' float through his head.) Ranma-chan: (still thinking of Hiroshi as a normal friend) Doing anything later tonight? No. Why? (starts on the second dish) Hiroshi: (quick to seize any opportunity) Want-to-go-out-to-the-movies- tonight? I'll-pay-of-course! After-that-we-can-try-out-that-new-restaurant, you-know-the-really-high-class-one! (sweats heavily as he waits for Ranma- chan to respond) Ranma-chan: The movies? Sure. And a restaurant? Well... alright. Say, what happened to fast food joints? Oh, I don't care. You just pay my way and I'll tag along. (noisily resumes eating her ice-cream) Hiroshi: You mean... you'll go with me? Yippeee!! (Guy #2): Lucky guy. (Guy #1): I'll say. Ranma: (sliding up beside Ranma-chan) Hey, Ranko. Ranma-chan: Ranma! Have a seat! (points with one arm to an empty seat) (Guy #3): No, that's my seat! (Ranma merely stares at him, eyes flashing, until the boy backed down. Ranma took his seat and leaned in close to Ranma-chan.) Ranma: Aren't you overdoing it, Ranko? Ranma-chan: Hey, how can I pass up free food, free treats and free movie tickets? These guys must really want to get on my good side! I was never this popular...! Ranma: That's not the only side they want to be on... you just be real careful, okay? Believe it or not, you are the catch of the beach. See, even the girls are whispering something bad about you. (Ranma-chan turns her head and sees a group of whispering girls sitting at a table. Every now and then, a girl would turn around and spy upon Ranma- chan. Quite a few of them also spied on Ranma, much to Ranma-chan's amusement and Ranma's embarrassment. The two Ranmas make a strange contrast sitting side by side. They look familiar, with basic facial features and their pigtails, but the similarity ends there. Where Ranma's muscular upper body seemed to perfectly compliment his chiseled features, Ranma-chan's firm breasts, rounded hips and slender arms matched her delicate face.) Ranma-chan: Seems like I'm not the only catch of the beach. Ranma: (reddens) Well, y'know it's about time girls started noticing my good looks! Ranma-chan: What are you talking about? What about Akane, Shampoo, Ukyo and Kodachi? And don't forget me! Ranma: What is that supposed to mean? (thinking about a certain nighttime incident almost shared with Ranma-chan) Ranma-chan: I already knew how good I looked when we were half and half, and since I'm a girl now, I count, don't I? Well anyway, I'm `hot stuff' now? Ranma: Yup. Ranma-chan: (thinks for a moment, spoon in her mouth) Makes me feel great, that does! Ranma: What?! Ranma-chan: Ha ha ha! Gotcha, you dolt! (Guy #2): Hey, buddy! Let us have a chance too, you know! (Guy #1): Yeah, don't hog her all to yourself! Ranma: H-hog h-her? Whaddaya mean? Ranma-chan: (suddenly angry) Yeah, whaddaya mean?! Hiroshi: It's true, Ranma. I mean, you already have Akane, Shampoo, Ukyo... and even that Kodachi. What do you need ANOTHER girl for, anyway? At least let us have Ranko! Ranma-chan: Look, you! I pick my friends, not other people, so don't tell me how to run my own life! And I'm not anybody else's! Hiroshi: Umm... sorry? (visions of his date with Ranma-chan going out the window) Ranma-chan: S'okay. Well, seeya at seven tonight, okay? At the movies? Hiroshi: Yeah, sure!! (As Hiroshi is immediately mobbed by the crowd of boys, Ranma-chan stands up, grabs hold of Ranma's arm and leads him back to their beach spot.) Ranma: Let's wake the others up and go for a swim. Ranma-chan: Good idea. (Ranma-chan lets go of Ranma's arm before going to wake Akane. Ranma rouses Shampoo and Ryoga, and all except Nabiki go for a refreshing swim in the ocean. Ranma, Ranma-chan and Akane dive in without hesitation, followed by a more cautious Shampoo and an even more cautious Ryoga. The foursome spend the rest of the day alternating between frolicking among the waves and eating ice-cream. The seemingly everlasting day finally begins to wane and people begin packing for the return journey. As Nabiki cashes in on the pawned beach towels and miscellaneous apparel, Akane, Ranma, Ranma-chan and Ryoga head to the showers. Then, cleansed of the salty water, all six head back to their respective homes, Shampoo giving Ranma a not-unexpected hug [and giving Akane an icy glare] before walking into Nekohanten. Ryoga, being at the back of the bunch, gets himself lost in short order. The rest of the troupe reach the Tendo Dojo after a while.) Soun: So, how was the trip to the beach? Nabiki: One thousand yen, one thousand five hundred yen...... great, Daddy! Two thousand... Ranma: Yeah, I'm sure you thought it was great, Nabiki. Nabiki: What are you talking about, my dear Ranma? Akane: Hey! Nabiki : Sorry. Just the way I talk, that's all. You don't have to be so jealous of me, Akane. Ranma: Yeah, lighten up, Akane. Akane: Shut up, Ranma. (She glares at Ranma, but Ranma was already starting up the stairs) Soun: So, how did daddy's little girl enjoy herself, hmm? Akane: I sure enjoyed myself, except for one little detail. Ranma-chan: _Give_ me a break, willya? Soun: What is it, Ranma? Ranma-chan: (sotto voice) Shhhh! What if my mom hears?! Soun: No fear of that. She's gone to visit her friends in some town outside of Tokyo. She won't be back for a week, at least. Ranma: (from halfway up the stairs) Did my dad go with her? Soun: No, he went back home, he said. He'll be back sometime next week, I suppose. I guess that I will have to survive without a worthy shogi opponent until he gets back, eh? Ranma-chan: Come to think of it, we haven't been back home ONCE! Ranma: Oh, yeeaah...! I've completely forgotten about home! Ranma-chan: Let's go home tomorrow! Tomorrow's a school holiday, right? Akane: That's right! And it's a Monday, too. Ranma-chan: Want to come along, Akane? It'll be something to do. I mean, it'll be fun to show you around my....our house and our old neighborhood. Akane: Can I, really? Ranma: Who's stopping you? Ranma-chan: I wonder if any of our old friends recognize us now? Ranma: Me, probably. I'm sorry to say but they certainly won't know who you are. Ranma-chan: That's okay, I guess. Can't really blame any of our old friends for not knowing who I really am. (Kasumi walks out of the kitchen at that moment) Kasumi: Come on! Dinner is ready! Ranma: Alright! Food!! (thumps down the stairs and runs to the table) Akane: Wait, I've got to put my stuff in my room, and look for P-Chan. P-chan! P-chan, where are you?! (walks up to her room) Ranma-chan: Me too. I'll be back down. (she checks the time. It is almost five o'clock.) Akane, wait for me! (thumps up the stairs) Akane: Yeah? Ranma-chan: C'mon, let's go in your room. I don't wanna talk about it in the hallways. Akane: Okay. Help look for P-Chan, will you? P-Chan! (After a few minutes of calling, P-Chan walks out of the bathroom and Akane picks him up, cuddling and cooing to her beloved pet pig. Then the two girls head into the room and Ranma-chan shuts the door behind her.) Akane : Isn't P-Chan such a dear, Ranma? My little baby always returns to me! (pats P-Chan and cuddles him. P-Chan just shrugs at Ranma-chan and gives a contented grunt) Akane: Well, what is it, Ranma? (starts putting her beach stuff away) Ranma-chan: First of all, sorry to have invited Shampoo along. I had no idea that she was going to be so mean to you. (crosses fingers out of Akane's sight. ) Akane: Don't be. I've never liked that little tart anyway. (she starts changing into clean clothing in front of Ranma-chan, pulling off her clothing one piece at a time. P-chan watches her, fascinated. Out of habit, Ranma-chan whacks P-chan one upside the head, and P-chan automatically sank his teeth into Ranma-chan's arm, eyes still glued on Akane. Ranma-chan pulls P-chan off her arm and mashes him into the floor.) Ranma-chan: So, you forgive me then? Akane: Of course. Ranma-chan: Gee, how come you didn't forgive me as fast when I was half and half? Akane: That's because you were a jerk back then. Besides, it's always easier for me to forgive a girl than a guy and it's no different for you. Ranma-chan: I... I see. (Akane pulls on a pair of shorts and tucks her shirt into them. She picks her dirty clothing up and tosses them into a basket filled with other dirty clothing, à la basketball style. Ranma-chan remains silent, mulling over Akane's words.) Akane: Ranma? Ranma-chan: What? Akane: How does it feel like to be a guy in a girl's body? Now, I mean. Ranma-chan: Why do you ask? (Akane picks up a flattened P-Chan, who squeals and drapes himself over Akane's arm. Akane smiles and pats him on the head.) Akane: When you were in the girls' shower room you showed no hesitation in showering together with real girls. Then I noticed you were looking about at all the girls who were showering, Shampoo and me included. (eyes Ranma- chan) (Ranma-chan blushes furiously. P-Chan's ears perk up and his eyes go wide in surprise.) Akane: And when you looked at our bodies, you showed some disappointment, or something. Tell me, Ranma. I'm worried. Ranma-chan: (teasingly) Worried that your breasts aren't firm enough? Shame on you! Akane: What?!? (she holds her hand out, as if waiting for something to appear in it... something distinctly mallet-like in shape) Ranma-chan: Hey, take it easy! I was just kidding, that's all. Akane: Hmph! Ranma-chan: Anyway, why would I be worried over my body when I'm with girls? I mean, I've got everything they have so why should I be so concerned about standing out? Akane: So _that's_ why you were so disappointed when you snuck some peeks at us. Ranma-chan: Not really. To tell you the truth, I was disappointed because I felt nothing. Akane: Felt... nothing? Ranma-chan: Not even excitement. I was hoping against all hope that I would feel, y'know, attracted to them, but I didn't. And if I don't feel anything looking at their bodies...... Akane: In other words, if it's not one thing, it's probably the other? Ranma-chan: Yes. (Ranma-chan sinks to her knees and she puts both hands on her lap. Akane does the same too, involuntarily dropping P-Chan onto the carpeted floor.) Akane: Well, anyway, what was it you wanted to see me about that was so important that we couldn't talk about it in the hallways? Ranma-chan: Well...... I need you to do a big favor for me. Akane: Go on. Ranma-chan: (small voice) Can you lend me one of your dresses, and shoes? Akane: Speak up, I can't hear you. Ranma-chan: I said, can you lend me a dress, and matching shoes? Akane: Why do you need a dress and matching shoes for? If you're going out tonight, all you need to wear is what you normally dress in. Girls don't have to get all dressed up and look nice just so they can enjoy themselves downtown! Ranma-chan: No, no, no! It's not that! Akane: (as if she didn't hear her) You two would look pretty strange if only the one of you is dressed up really nice... Ranma-chan: Hey, hold on a minute! Who do you think I'm going out with? Akane: Why, Ranma of course... unless it's someone else? If it's Ukyo, or even HER, you still don't have to dress up nicely... Ranma-chan: No, it's a guy from our class! Akane: Huh?! (Ranma-chan scoops up P-Chan and begins to pet him too. Normally P-Chan wouldn't tolerate any other set of hands other than Akane, but Ranma-chan did it with such easy familiarity and with such grace that the little black pig didn't object.) Akane: Well? Ranma-chan: Well what? Akane: Spit it out! Who is it? Ranma-chan: Jeez, it's only Hiroshi. Akane: And where are you going? Ranma-chan: Well, we're going to the movies... then we're going to some fancy restaurant. That's why I need the dress. I'd really stand out in my normal clothing. Akane: Hook, line and sinker. He got you, Ranma. Ranma-chan: Hook, line and what? What are you talking about, Akane? (She unconsciously hugs P-Chan to her chest, an Akane-like gesture, and turns her upper torso from side to side, eyes downcast to the little black pig snuggled on her bosom. The little pig's eyes go wide with astonishment and it tries to turn around to look at Ranma-chan but its position and her hands prevent that. Ranma-chan gently shushes the piglet.) Akane: Hey, isn't he your black-haired friend? Ranma-chan: No, that's Kazaki. Hiroshi's the one with brown hair and freckles. (pauses for a moment) Well? Akane: Well what? Ranma-chan: What about that `hook, line and sinker' thing you were saying a minute ago!? Akane: Oh, that. What I mean is that he's got you strung along on a date. Ranma-chan: (thinking real fast) DATE?! (drops P-Chan on the floor) What date?! _He_ offered to pay for the whole thing, you know! Akane: Sounds like a date to me, that does. If it weren't for the `fancy restaurant' bit I'd say it was just a `hang-out' occasion. That's why you need the dress and shoes, right? Ranma-chan: For the restaurant, yeah. Akane: Who in the world would dress up just so they can hang out with a friend? What kind of a casual friend would take a member of the opposite sex to dinner in a high-class place? And what about your other friends? Why aren't they along for the ride? (there is a pause as both girls appear to sit and think for a bit, Ranma- chan fidgeting uneasily and making a show of pretending to mull over Akane's words. P-Chan moves back to Akane and crawls on to her lap. The two can hear Ranma talking to Nabiki - with an uncharacteristic pleading note in his voice. Nabiki says something, and in short order the rustling of paper, or notes of money, can be heard. Ranma-chan's attention turns back to Akane.) Ranma-chan: (sighs) I guess I was so used to hanging out with the guys that I didn't stop to think. Come to think about it, Hiroshi was talking rather Fast......! Akane: Who's going to pick up the tab? Ranma-chan: He is. Akane: That settles it, then. A guy usually pays for whatever the girl eats, or drinks. (Akane picks up P-Chan and tucks the pig into her arms.) Ranma-chan: Really? I... didn't know that. Akane: I thought you, of all people, would have known that. Ranma-chan: I've... never really dated anybody before. Not because I liked them, or nothing. Akane: What?! Ranma-chan: That was when I was a guy half the time! Akane: Oh. That's... um... good to hear, Ranma. Ranma-chan: I don't suppose the girl's allowed to back out of it now? (smiles, already knowing the answer) Akane: Oh, no! A deal's a deal and if you stand him up, you get a bad rep, Ranma. Unless the boy's a nerd like Gosunkugi. Anyway, If you stand Hiroshi up, not only will you get a bad rep but Hiroshi be REALLY heartbroken. Ranma-chan: Well, anyways, do you have a dress to spare? I mean, I only have a pair of jean shorts and a T-shirt, hardly stuff to be goin' to that fancy restaurant in. Akane: I'll be happy to! Let's go eat and then we can decide on what dress you can wear. Ranma-chan: I don't think I'll eat as much as I usually do. I'm gonna make Hiroshi pay for everything I'm gonna eat at that restaurant! He'll be sorry to have ever taken me out on a date. I'll show him...! (after dinner the two girls spend a full half-hour going through Akane's wardrobe, picking and choosing carefully. All throughout the impromptu fashion display, P-Chan sat riveted to the spot as Ranma-chan tries on dress after dress. In the end, Ranma-chan is outfitted in a red silk dress, cut low over the bosom. A matching pair of high-heeled shoes completes the effect - stunning, yet not overly flashy or extravagant. Ranma-chan walks out of Akane's bedroom and stands at the top of the stairs.) Ranma-chan: Oh, Raaannmmaaaa! Come and have a look! Ranma: What is it... yow! Is that you, Ranma?! Ranma-chan: Yup! (twirls around) So how d'ya like it? Ranma: It looks great! Ranma-chan: Really? (gives Ranma the puppy-dog eyes and puts her hands under her chin) You're not just saying that so you won't hurt my feelings? Akane: (thinks) If he makes fun of it, he's the one who's gonna get hurt! That dress cost me a bundle! Ranma: No, really! It does look good on you, especially around the... the... err... chest. Ranma-chan: I know! (thumps a hand on her `chest', making her firm breasts jiggle) Ranma: And around the... um... Ranma-chan: Butt? Ranma: Er, yeah! You know, it hugs the curves! Just don't go doin' any high kicks wearing that thing or it'll rip in two. Ranma-chan: Don't worry, I won't! What makes you think I'm gonna kick somebody in this getup? Ranma: You and I know Hiroshi. You know how desperate he gets sometimes for a date... and...... Ranma-chan: If he tries to kiss me, I'll give it to him right on the kisser! (holds up a fist) Akane: That says a lot about the types of people you hang out with, Ranma. Ranma: Aww, Hiroshi's a nice guy. Akane: We'll see about that when he goes out with her. Sometimes, when faced with a tough decision, any coward could become dangerous, if you know what I mean. Ranma-chan: If you're trying to say that Hiroshi thinks he's got me as his girlfriend, then he's got it all wrong. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. Well, seeya! (She runs out and leaps high into the air, disappearing over houses in a flash of red. Minutes later she lands a safe distance away from the meeting place and casts about, looking for a mirror. Exasperated, she simply rips a blind corner mirror from its sturdy steel post and rams it into the concrete wall. With meticulous care, Ranma-chan checks her hair and her dress, making sure that nothing is out of place and everything is perfectly arranged. Finally satisfied she strolled down the street and turned the corner. The movie theatre was filled with people from all over Nerima Ward, waiting in line. Her eyes scanned the area until she found Hiroshi. He was wearing a nice dress shirt and fresh-pressed cotton pants with a stylishly slick leather belt. His face glistened with sweat at the upcoming date with `Ranko', caught between feelings of fear and emotions of excitement. He risked a glance at his watch and resumed his nervous pacing. Finally deciding that Hiroshi had sweated enough, Ranma-chan stepped into the open and walked towards him.) Ranma-chan: (thinking) Heh heh heh. Free movie tickets, free food, here I come!! Hiroshi: R-Ranko! Hello there! Ranma-chan: (grinning inwardly) Glad to see you so early, 'Roshi. Hiroshi: (starts at hearing his nickname) 'Roshi? Ranma-chan: (thinking) Damn! I forgot about that! I used to call him 'Roshi when I was half and half. (speaking) It is your nickname, isn't it? Hiroshi: Who told you that? Ranma-chan: Oh, a friend of mine... Hiroshi: W-Well... I don't mind if you call me 'Roshi. Guess it's easier. Well, anyway, here are the tickets for the movies. (Then, almost as if someone had removed blinders from his eyes, Hiroshi noticed the full beauty and sex-appeal of Ranma-chan in her red silk dress and her hair ornaments. He stared at her in rapt fascination for long moments, his brain refusing to believe that the red-haired beauty before him was his date. HIS date and no one else's. Ranma-chan folded her hands in front of her and looked wonderingly at Hiroshi's awe-struck face.) Ranma-chan: Is something wrong, Hiroshi? (she glances down to see if her dress was slipping loose.) Hiroshi: Huh? Oh, oh... no. Nothing at all! (Meanwhile, hidden in the bushes...) Kazaki: Whoa! Is that Ranko?! I can't believe that she is Akane's cousin! Guy #1: Quiet! Don't let them know that we're spyin' on them! Guy #2: She's so cute! Look at that... that... chest! And her curves, and those long legs! Oh I wish that I was a dress right now! Guy #1: Yeah, a red silk dress. Kazaki: Hey. Hey, you guys! They're goin' in... hand in hand! (Ranma-chan held Hiroshi's trembling hand and she led them into the theatre. Hiroshi could be seen mechanically handing the tickets to the ticket bearer and the two disappear into the building.) Ranma-chan: So... (looks at her ticket) ...aisle 5, eh? Hey, what kinda movie's called `Jurassic Park' anyway? (the two get into the movie room and find a place in the middle. The movie starts and soon everybody was mesmerized by the incredible special effects. Everybody but Hiroshi. Even as Ranma-chan sat and watched the film, Hiroshi tried his best to get in closer to her, to put his arm around her and draw her close. She notices his attempts immediately. And starts to wonder if she should... but it has to be subtle, something he cannot immediately perceive as a too-forward attempt... Thinking quickly, she waited for a particularly gruesome scene to manifest itself. It came quickly but Ranma-chan expected it. When the T-rex attacked the man on the toilet, Ranma-chan let out a squeal of terror and threw herself into Hiroshi. Hiroshi, after a moment's hesitation at this unexpected turn of events, places one trembling arm around her.) Ranma-chan: (summoning up her best fearful-voice) Is-is it... over yet? Oh Hiroshi, I was so _scared_! Hiroshi: D-don't worry, Ranko! It's just a movie. Just r-relax, okay? Ranma-chan: O-okay. (she snuggled in closer to Hiroshi, noticing to her surprise that he wore an expensive cologne that she had never known him to wear when she was half guy, half girl. It smelt so... invitingly fresh and clean. His dress shirt also didn't feel like cheap material either; Hiroshi was definitely looking his best. Suddenly, an irrational-seeming feeling swept through her body; she didn't want to let go of Hiroshi. All she wanted to do was to keep holding him. In fact, now that she thought about it, why in the world had she even thrown herself on Hiroshi? Why does she want to keep holding him? With a supreme effort she slowly pulled herself back together and slowly pushed herself away from Hiroshi. What was happening to her? The movie ended and as everybody filed out of the movie room she took a good look at him. A new and stylish haircut made him seem more handsome than with his normal hairstyle. Black leather shoes proclaimed their expensiveness at her as clear and as loud as a trumpet.) Ranma-chan: Hiroshi, you really are looking great tonight! Hiroshi: R-really? Thanks! (He held out his arm and pointed at his sleeve) Hiroshi: See? Genuine Italian made! Ranma-chan: Did you... did you buy it? (looks his shirt all over) Hiroshi: Yeah! It cost me 8 000 yen! Ranma-chan: 8 000 yen!? Hiroshi: (as if he didn't hear her) I bought the shoes, too. Cost me 6 000 yen for the pair and it was on sale, too! The pants I already had, so that didn't cost anything. Not for today, at least. Ranma-chan: (counting in her head) That's already 14 000 yen, so far! Hiroshi : It's a lot... but it's worth it. Don't worry about me, Ranko. You're just here to enjoy. Shall we go to the restaurant? Ranma-chan: Yeah, sure. Why not. (As she walks with Hiroshi, Ranma-chan begins to revise her whole outlook on her date with Hiroshi. The amount of money that Hiroshi spent this evening must have been more than half of what Hiroshi had in his bank. Hiroshi has no job and the only money he ever gets is from his parents, who send him just enough to get by in Tokyo. A disastrous possibility arises in her mind. What if Hiroshi had used all of his parent's money and borrowed some off his friends just so he could look good on his first date? And Ranma-chan didn't know if she wanted to go out with him again. So all his efforts would be for nothing. The only purpose that they served was to give him and her a good time downtown for one night, and that would probably be it. Then Hiroshi would be spending the rest of the week, or more, eating poorly, and sleeping poorly, thinking about all the money that he has to repay. Perhaps he would become bitter and resentful because he had blown all that cash on a one-time date with a girl who guzzled his wallet for her own ends. , she thought. Ranma-chan's thoughts snapped back to reality when Hiroshi pointed out the restaurant they were going to eat in, "Sushi Gardens".) Hiroshi: Well, here we are! (There was a long lineup of people that extended from the reception desk to the beautifully arranged garden, complete with a miniature waterfall that emptied into a pond of crystal-clear water, graced with a miniature island in the middle of the pond. A well-tended willow tree, with its branches trailing in the water's current, and a peach-blossom tree, faced each other from both sides of the waterfall. The fallen leaves from the peach-blossom tree fluttered slowly onto the stream where they alighted on the surface of the water and were swept off the ledge of the waterfall and gathered in the pond. Graceful carp swam in the pure waters, leaping out of the pond every once in a while, as if to take flight on the cool night breezes. Softly glowing lanterns fashioned from decorated rice paper hung from poles set in the earth and surrounded by carefully raked circles of pure white pebbles. Lush, green grass clipped to a uniform height blanketed much of the garden. Little hedges of brightly colored flowers sprinkled the landscape, except for a kidney shaped area where pure white pebbles were scattered and precisely raked in concentric circles around moss-covered boulders. It had all the marks of the work of a master in Zen garden arrangement.) Ranma-chan: Isn't it going to be a long wait, Hiroshi? Hiroshi: No, no! I've had seats reserved for the two of us! Ranma-chan: You what?! Hiroshi: I called ahead and asked them to hold a table for two. They said that a non-refundable deposit of 5 000 yen was needed, so I paid it. Seems as if it wasn't wasted. Ranma-chan: Wow, you really go for broke, don't you? Hiroshi: Hmm? Did you say something, Ranko? Ranma-chan: No. It's nothing. Really. Hiroshi: Okay, if you say so. C'mon, let's go inside! (The crowd parted for the both of them, out of good manners but mostly because of the uncanny way their clothing and manner seem to complement each other. They seemed `made for each other', in a subtle yet tangible way. The receptionist allowed them inside and a waiter showed them to their spot.) Ranma-chan: Wow, the carpet really feels quite nice! (rubs her bare feet as she followed the waiter) Waiter: Of course, ma'am. Only the best will do for our customers. Hiroshi: You can say that again! (If the exterior of the restaurant was any indicator of how well-decorated the inside was, it was quite an understatement. Rice-paper lanterns hung from the wood ceiling in strategic spots, lighting the travel paths. Expensive-looking engravings and paintings grace the each of the four walls of the moderately sized restaurant. The subtle hint of fried salmon steak in pepper oil mingled with the aroma of sizzling steak topped with chopped garlic and the tantalizing smell of tempura in soy sauce. A well stocked bar was set in right angles to a corner. The atmosphere seemed so mellow, and smooth. Ranma-chan felt as if she could relax and let all her troubles vanish. Somehow the place kept her in the middle area between alertness and sleep, in a perpetual dreamworld as it may be. The waiter opened a sliding door to a booth and the two of them entered. After leaving two menus, the waiter encouraged them to look through and select what they wanted before he slid the door shut and quietly slipped away. The booth was no less impressive than the interior. A wood table was set in the middle and two comfortable-looking cushions awaited them on either side of the table. A water-color painting of a lush forest and a mist-enshrouded mountain range hung directly on the wall directly opposite the sliding door.) Hiroshi: Well, what do you think of this place so far? Ranma-chan: It's almost like a palace, or something! Hiroshi: Ha ha ha! You don't say. Ranma-chan: (she folds her hands on her lap and looks at him) Hiroshi, I don't know what to say. You've really been generous tonight. Hiroshi: Think nothing of it! Just enjoy, that's all! Ha ha! (puts his hand behind his head) Ranma-chan: I mean, I don't want to impose on you or anything but you have enough money to see us through tonight, right? Hiroshi: Of course, of course! Dig in, and eat! N-nothing's too good for you. Ranma-chan: Yeah, okay. (she looks carefully at Hiroshi and she could almost hear the gears whirring and turning in his head. As his eyes traveled down the menu, his expression changed from nervousness to outright terror, then he quickly recovered himself and glanced over at her. She smiled and looked back at the menu. With the prices increasing drastically from top to bottom, Ranma-chan could see why Hiroshi had that look on his face. Covering her face with the menu, she sighed and scanned the menu again. Minutes passed and still there was not a peep from either of them. Ranma-chan peeked over her menu and saw Hiroshi looking over at her. Hiroshi cleared his throat and looked over his menu, for the fifteenth or sixteenth time.) Ranma-chan: (thinking) He's waiting for me to order so he can see how much money he could afford to spend on himself. Oh, lord. (out loud) I think I'll take the shrimp dinner. (it happened to be the cheapest item on the dinner list. It was also the least filling but Ranma-chan didn't care. She was watching Hiroshi's pocketbook as closely as he did.) Hiroshi: Very well, I'll also have the shrimp dinner. (the two waited until the waiter returned and placed their order. The waiter left.) Hiroshi: Are you enjoying yourself, Ranko? Ranma-chan: Very much, Hiroshi. Thank you. Hiroshi: And what did you think of the movie? Ranma-chan: I thought it was great, except for that part... anyway it was a good movie to go to. Hiroshi: Aww, you don't have to be scared of that part. I mean, it's just a movie after all. Ranma-chan: It was just... just so unexpected when he got attacked. I'm afraid I went a little too far when I... grabbed you. Hiroshi: Heh. Don't worry about it! (the two don't say much as they sit and wait for their dinners to arrive. Hiroshi didn't have the courage to look Ranma-chan in the eye, preferring to twiddle his chopsticks on the table. Ranma-chan, on the other hand, lost herself in a fascinated examination of Hiroshi's face. What was this that was coming over her all of a sudden? Her cheeks flushed with warmth when Hiroshi glanced at her looking at him, and she turned her gaze to the painting on the wall. However she hardly gave the artwork any thought, so involved was she on trying to decipher the signals that her body was starting to send to her.) Hiroshi: I was wondering, Ranko... Ranma-chan: Yes? Hiroshi: Umm...do you have a family? Ranma-chan: (turning her attention back to him) I was an only child. My father died when he... err... fell into a spring a long time ago. And drowned. she thought) Hiroshi: Do you still have a mother? Ranma-chan: (scowling) What kind of a question is that!? Hiroshi: Hey, hey! I'm sorry! I didn't know that she passed away, too. Ranma-chan: (realizing her mistake) That's okay, Hiroshi. I wasn't angry at you. I was angry at something else...... Hiroshi: Are you sure? You really looked mad the moment I asked you. Ranma-chan: (pushing away the memory) Don't worry, 'Roshi! You've been quite a gentleman tonight... how could I be mad at you? Hiroshi: Pheww... (After that, the two of them sit and wait some more. Ranma-chan occupied herself in smoothing out the creases in her dress while Hiroshi spent his time sneaking glances at Ranma-chan. Then, after five fruitless minutes of voyeurism, Hiroshi decided that it was time to ask THE question.) Hiroshi: (gathering all his courage) You know... I was thinking... Ranma-chan: Yeah? (she smooths out her bust. Hiroshi stops short of asking his question, attention fixed on her hands and her breasts. Ranma-chan didn't even look up) Ranma-chan: About what, Hiroshi? Hiroshi: Well... I don't want to seem too forward or pushy... you know. (twiddles his thumbs) Ranma-chan: Being forward or pushy is definitely not you, 'Roshi. It's okay. Go on. Hiroshi: (his flagging courage bolstered by her words) Umm... I do like being around with you, Ranko. And I w-was wondering if... if you... also feel the same way... too? Ranma-chan: (head shoots up to look at Hiroshi) ! (Ranma-chan is silent for long moments, looking down at the table and trying hard to stem the rising tide of jumbled and mixed emotions seething from her heart. Without a doubt, her body called out to Hiroshi in so many subtle ways that it seemed impossible to count them. She found that her face reddened slightly whenever she looked at him. Under the soft padding of the dress, she could feel her nipples hardening and threatening to push their way through the silk. Her breathing became labored and sweat beaded on her forehead. This and many other things she noticed, and she thought little of them. It was how she felt about him that counted and she didn't even know the answer to that! Or perhaps she did but refused to admit it to herself... Hiroshi's look on his face told her that he thought he had bungled, and committed an unpardonable sin.) Hiroshi: Forget about what I said. I'm an idiot to bring up things like that. Ranma-chan: Hey... Hiroshi: Sorry 'bout me being so inconsiderate. I didn't stop to think about how you would react to that question. Ranma-chan: Hey, it's okay. Hiroshi: I... it's okay? But... Ranma-chan: Yes. (looks up and smiles at him) I like being with you too, Hiroshi. It's just... (tries to find the words) ...it's just... (she remembers all the male-type emotions and feelings that she once had, for a single moment, before all of it fades into oblivion and a parade of foreign emotions and feelings fill the void in her heart, turning her mind and body to unfamiliar, yet familiar ways. She remembered what her male half said about clinging onto being a guy, even if her body is that of a female, but now the words seem hollow and empty, devoid of meaning and reason where they once rang with the conviction of truth. How could she deny what she felt for Hiroshi? How could she deny the rush of strangely- pleasurable sensations through her feminine body? The face of her male half flickered briefly through her mind, speaking those same words over and over again. She saw her hand lash out, like an angered viper, and connect on his cheek, spinning the face away into the darkness of her mind. She denied all that he had said about `fighting back' because she cannot put off the inevitable any longer!! Then a new face replaced Ranma's. The kindly face of her mother emerged from the turmoil that is her thoughts and gazed at her, not speaking but her expression was full of love. Then the image shattered and her mother's face fell away in little fragments. She held herself and wept, for she felt as if all that her male half said about `never having a mother' had come to pass this very moment, bearing down on her with all the crushing truth that her self-denial had held back - until now.) Hiroshi: Wh-what's wrong, Ranko? Why are you crying? Ranma-chan: Huh? Oh... (wipes her tears but they keep coming). Nuthig, 'Roshi. (blows her nose into her napkin noisily.) Nothing. (Hiroshi gets up and walks over to where Ranma-chan is, sensing that he was needed at this point. He put an arm around her and spoke words of comfort, all the while not knowing what had made her cry in the first place.) Hiroshi: It's okay. Let it all out now. Everything will be just fine, I'm sure. Ranma-chan: C-can I hold you, Hiroshi? Please... just for a moment. Hiroshi: O-okay, if you want to. (Ranma-chan tentatively wrapped her arms around Hiroshi and felt better, and more secure. Even though her chest was pressing quite close to Hiroshi, he didn't notice, so intent was he on comforting Ranma-chan. She cried for what seemed an eternity, about nothing and everything at once, the stream of tears seeming to last forever. Then, as if a floodgate had been shut again, her weeping stopped. Still, she held Hiroshi tight, reluctant to leave the bastion of peace and serenity she had found in Hiroshi. She knew, for a fact, that the balance in the fight between the nearly nonexistent shreds of her male personality and the overpowering influence of her female body had shifted, though she didn't know whether it was for the better or for the worse. She unclenched her fingers and slid away from Hiroshi, hands on her lap. Hiroshi, sensing that her crying fit had stopped, got up and returned to his seat. His face still had confusion written all over it.) Hiroshi: Ranko? Ranma-chan: Yes? Hiroshi: What... was all that about? Did I do something wrong? (The sliding door opens and the waiter places the two dinners on the table and withdraws, quickly, efficiently.) Ranma-chan: C'mon. Let's eat, okay? Wouldn't want this to go to waste. Hiroshi: Okay. (The two eat in silence, mechanically munching on their tempura shrimp, tasting the effort put into the cooking yet not fully enjoying.) Ranma-chan: This shrimp tempura (holds up a shrimp) ...it's good. Hiroshi: Spared no expense. (In short order the shrimp dinner is consumed and Hiroshi pays the bill. They walk for a bit when they leave the restaurant proper, staying close to the street lamps.) Hiroshi: Well... (glances at his watch) It's already 11 o'clock. Getting pretty late. Do you want me to walk you home? (Ranma-chan nods, not saying anything. Hiroshi puts an arm around her and they begin their walk to the Tendo Dojo. The cool night air blew in short gusts, ruffling their clothing and stirring up the fallen leaves from the ginko trees that line the street. A car passes by with a whoosh, loud music playing. Crickets chirp and serenade the summer night, playing a small but essential role in the orchestra of the night. Without any incident the two reach the Tendo Dojo and Ranma-chan turns to look at Hiroshi.) Ranma-chan: Thank you, Hiroshi, for a wonderful night. Hiroshi: Oh, it's no problem. Really. Ranma-chan: Sorry about that, back in the restaurant. I don't know why it came over me like that. Sorry for making such a mess... (bows to Hiroshi in apology) Hiroshi: I should be the one who should be apologizing. I brought up the question, remember? Ranma-chan: Yes, but you didn't know about me. It wasn't your fault, so don't blame yourself. Hiroshi: Are you sure you're all right, now? Ranma-chan: Yes. I'm fine. Don't worry about me, Hiroshi. Hiroshi: (stands silent for a bit) Well, I've got to be going. See you later, Ranko. (he turns around and starts to walk away, slump-shouldered.) Ranma-chan: Wait, Hiroshi! (walks towards him) Hiroshi: (stops and turns around) Hmm? Huh? (Ranma-chan placed her hands on either side of his face and drew him close. Hesitating a bit, she kissed him, a soft joining of her lips to his, her eyes shining with promise, and tears. She broke the kiss. With that, she turned around, opened the door and stepped inside. She leaned out and waved to Hiroshi, who waved back, then she shut the door. Hiroshi stood there for a long moment, touching his lips with his fingers, then he turned around and walked home, his mind a confused swirl, but with his shoulders held high and a bounce in his step.) (Ranma-chan stepped quietly into the landing area and removed her shoes. Holding them in one hand, she opened the door with the other and stepped inside. She could hear the TV in the living room, and Ranma and Akane laughing. She heard Soun's questioning voice, the clink of coins, and what sounded like Kasumi on the phone. Her mind a confused jumble over tonight's date, she walked upstairs to Akane's room. Without further ado she pulled her dress off and hung it back in Akane's closet. She placed the shoes back in the box and walked out into the hallway in her underwear. Fortunately nobody was in the hallway so she grabbed a pair of boxer shorts and a shirt, and put them on. Still in a dazed state, she walked down the stairs and stepped into the living room.) Kasumi: Welcome home, Ranma! Ranma: Hey, you're back! And about time too, remember the show we used to watch all the time? Well, they're showing reruns! Akane: It's great!! That guy is so funny! Nabiki: And I'm taping it even as we speak. Ranma-chan: Uh-huh. Akane: So, how did it go? Ranma-chan: How did what go? Akane: You know, the... (looks at Ranma-chan) Hey, your eyes... they're bloodshot! Have you been crying? Ranma: CRYING?!! (turns around, TV forgotten) What in the world did Hiroshi do to you?! Soun: Did this Hiroshi do something terrible to you, Ranma? Kasumi: Oh my. What did Hiroshi do? Nabiki: Not surprising. That dress you wore is enough to make any guy... Akane: Nabiki!! Ranma: Tell me, Ranma! If Hiroshi did anything bad to you...! Ranma-chan: No. In fact, he was a perfect gentleman. Akane: So what is it, then? Ranma-chan: I don't wanna talk about it right now. Happosai's voice: (from the next room) Hey, keep it down, willya?! How am I supposed to meditate with all that yammer and jabber going on?! Kids these days...! Ranma: I'm sure he's meditating...with his panty and brassiere collection! Nabiki: No doubt. Ranma-chan: *sigh* (Ranma-chan walks over to the spot in between Ranma and Akane, and falls to a sitting position. She watched the program with disinterest, without a hint of the smile that used to come so often when she watched the show. Ranma looked over at her, and he was worried. Akane slid up close to Ranma-chan, warned Ranma away with a glare, and put her arm around her. She tried to coax an answer out of Ranma-chan in a soft voice but Ranma- chan just shook her head slowly, still lost in a sea of memories. Excusing herself and Ranma-chan, she stood up and guided Ranma-chan up to her room. Once inside, she locked the door and sat Ranma-chan down on her bed. Ranma-chan grabbed a pillow and held it close to herself, her brooding so tangible that Akane could almost grasp it. Akane sat down beside Ranma- chan.) Akane: Are you sure you're all right, Ranma? Ranma-chan: Yes. Sure. I'm fine. Akane: If Hiroshi really did anything to you, don't hesitate to tell me. Keeping it in is much worse than letting it out now. Ranma-chan: I'm telling you, he... (stops short as Akane held up a hand) (Akane stood up, tip-toed to the door and wrenched it open. Ranma, who had been pressing his ear close to the door, fell in.) Akane: Hey! This is between me and her, so butt out!! (she waited until Ranma left the area before closing the door and turning back to Ranma-chan, who didn't even seem to have noticed Ranma's eavesdropping.) Akane: Honestly! And what were you saying, Ranma? (sits back beside Ranma-chan) Ranma-chan: He didn't do anything to me, Akane, believe me. Like I said, he was the perfect gentleman all throughout tonight's date. Akane: (seeing that she had to start at the beginning) Okay, tell me about the date. (Ranma-chan related the movie's plot and story with little enthusiasm. She told Akane how she threw herself into Hiroshi's arms. She told Akane about the new clothing that Hiroshi bought and the prices of every item. She described the restaurant and Akane was awestruck by the sheer beauty of the place, even from a word-only description.) Ranma-chan: ...then we ate our shrimp dinners and he walked me home. That's all. Akane: Sounds like nothing to cry about. Ranma-chan: Really? Akane: I expected you to make him pay through the nose for the food you were going to stuff yourself with! Ranma-chan: (stomach growling) Well, I changed my mind. Akane: Why did you change your mind? I've never known you to pass up free food when it offers itself. Ranma-chan: I just didn't want to. Akane: You're lying. Ranma-chan: What makes you think that? Akane: You don't often back down and give way to anybody, Ranma. You're too determined for that kind of behavior. Ranma-chan: ............ Akane : And besides, when it's free food, I'd say eat as much as you...... Ranma-chan: HE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY!! OKAY?!! (Stunned by Ranma-chan's outburst, Akane tries to fathom the meaning of it. Ranma-chan sounded like she was more angry at herself than at her. Suddenly Akane realized that there was more than meets the eye to tonight's date. She sits closer to Ranma-chan and puts an arm around her.) Akane: C'mon, Ranma. Tell me why you were crying. Ranma-chan: Well....(looks at Akane's worry-stricken face) all right. I didn't tell you this before but I had a fight with Ranma and I slapped him. Akane: You what!? And what does that have to do with this? Ranma-chan: Bear with me. He said that I wouldn't have a mom if I let my female side take over. He said to fight it with all my might. At that time, it sounded so simple and straightforward but it's not. (pauses for a long moment) Akane: Go on. Ranma-chan : I knew he was right but I got angry when he said that my mom wouldn't be my mom if I lost my battle with myself by letting my female body take over, which was exactly what I was doing. So I slapped him but he forgave me immediately. When I went on the date with Hiroshi, and when I threw myself into his arms, I felt as if I didn't want to let him go. I wanted to stay there and keep holding him forever. Then, while waiting for our food in the restaurant, he made some small talk and asked me a question, nervously. Now, up to this point, I've steadily been attracted to him. My tits stood out and I got all hot and bothered right here (points between her legs). I blushed whenever I looked at him and I lost track of all time studying his face. I really did enjoy being with him. I wanted nothing more than to sit there with him and let the time flow by. But even though I enjoyed his company, I didn't realize it on a conscious level. It took that simple question for me to realize what my body and subconscious had been telling me. Akane: (thinking) Oh, no. Not THAT question! Ranma-chan: When he asked me that question I suddenly remembered all the feelings and emotions I once had when I was a guy. Then they disappeared and these (thumps her chest) feelings flooded in. I remembered what Ranma said before. I... I saw my mom face in my mind, then I lost it. Then I realized that... it was over. Akane: What is over? What? Ranma-chan: (hand over heart) The fight between what I had been and what I am now was finished. I just know it. It's gone... I can't feel it anymore. You know what, Akane? I kissed Hiroshi. I kissed him... because, lord help me, I think that... I'm really... attracted to him... (she starts to cry and crushes the pillow in her arms, letting her tears flow out freely. Akane gently pulls the pillow out of her arms and beckons to Ranma-chan, arms open and inviting. Ranma-chan threw herself into Akane's arms and held her, crying and letting all her tears pour out with all her worries. Akane held her tight and patted her comfortingly, whispering soft, soothing words into her ear. Ranma-chan sobbed, chest heaving, but Akane kept holding her tight, not relinquishing her grip on this girl who was so like Ranma, yet so unlike him. Strange it seems how strength and fragility could co-exist together. On an impulse, Akane brought her face close to Ranma-chan's.) Akane: It's okay, Ranma. Say, Ranma? Ranma-chan: W-what? (still crying) Akane: Tell me if anything feels wrong or disgusting, okay? Ranma-chan: What are you gonna do? (Akane brought her lips close to Ranma-chan's, meaning to kiss her on the lips. Ranma-chan responds out of a morbid curiosity, accepting the kiss, but she breaks contact after a short while.) Ranma-chan: I... I didn't like that at all. I felt... like you said. Disgusted. It was sick. Akane: You didn't feel right? You felt like you were going to throw up? (When Ranma-chan nodded, Akane pulled her into her arms and hugged her tight. As Ranma-chan started to weep again, so did Akane. So, it was all over. `Ranma' is gone from her. There is a knock on the door but neither answered it. The door opens and Ranma steps in.) Ranma: Uh, is everything all right? You two were awfully quiet in here so Kasumi sent me to check on you guys. Akane: Everything is fine, Ranma. It's all over, now. (Ranma-chan starts on a new crying fit) There, there. Just let it all out now, Ran...ma. Just let it all out and you'll feel better after... Ranma: Umm...what's all over? Akane: Go away. Ranma: Why should I? Shouldn't I be worried about myself? Akane: Just go away, leave her alone. (she pulls a mallet from behind her back and eyes Ranma's head with interest) Ranma-chan: No...no. It's okay. (turns to face Ranma, eyes red and cheeks wet) I-I'm a girl now, Ranma. Ranma: I knew that already!! Just tell me what...... oh no. Oh no. You don't mean to say that...... Ranma-chan: Y-yes. The male-side of me is gone. Oh..(cries some more on Akane's shoulder) Ranma: (walks over to Ranma-chan and places an arm around her) C'mon, it can't be all that bad now, can it? And how do we know for sure that your male-side is gone? Ranma-chan: ............ Ranma: Oh, c'mon. What's with the long face? If Hiroshi, correction, if _any_ guy laid a hand on me while I was in female form, I wouldn't hesitate to... (tightens his hold on her) Ranma-chan: Could you not do that? Please? Ranma: Do what? (genuinely confused) Akane: Get your arm off her, Ranma. Can't you see that you're making her nervous and intimidated? Ranma: (removes his arm) I... I see. Well, good night, you two. (He walks out and shuts the door behind him. Akane and Ranma-chan sit in silence for a long moment.) Akane: Y'know, I think he was sort of hurt when you said that to him. Ranma-chan: (her tears had stopped flowing) I'm sorry that I said that but the feel of his arm around me was strange. I didn't like it and I'm avoiding everything I don't like until I get things sorted out. Akane: Good idea. Are you feeling better now, Ranma? Ranma-chan: Yeah, I guess so. I don't feel as bad as I did a few minutes ago. Akane: Well, why don't you get some sleep then? I'm going to bed in a few minutes anyway. Ranma-chan: Okay. Thanks Akane, for... for... y'know. Akane: Anytime, Ranma. Good night. Ranma-chan: No, really. Thanks. (she leans over and gives Akane a hug. Akane responds in kind, hugging her back.) Ranma-chan: Good night, Akane. (she leaves the room and walks into her bedroom) (Ranma-chan changes into her PJs and lies down on her futon, thinking about all that had happened tonight. Ranma was lying on his side, facing away from Ranma-chan, seemingly oblivious to Ranma-chan's presence. Ranma-chan moved closer to Ranma.) Ranma-chan: Ranma? Are you awake? Ranma: (sulky) Yeah. Ranma-chan: I'm sorry to have said that. It's just that I felt kinda strange when you put your arm around me. I know you meant well but...... Ranma: But you still didn't like it, right? (Ranma-chan gets up and kneels behind Ranma's prone body. She puts both hands on his left arm.) Ranma-chan: I was hoping that you weren't really angry at me but I guess I was wrong. I'm really, really sorry for having said what I said. I didn't mean to push you away when you were looking to cheer me up. Ranma: Hmph. Ranma-chan: (shaking his arm slightly) C'mon, Ranma. I said I was sorry already... Ranma: (turning around to face Ranma-chan) Y'know, I can never resist requests made by cute girls while they are hanging all over me. Ranma-chan: (pulls her hands back, cheeks flushed) You were tricking me!! Ranma: No, I really was kinda angry but now that you've apologized, I can forgive you. Now, let's go to sleep. We've got a big day ahead of us. Ranma-chan: Yeah, like showing Akane around our home, for one thing. Ranma: It'll be great. Good night. Ranma-chan: Good night. (Ranma flops over, so that his back is facing Ranma-chan. He starts to wonder if there really is a cure for the Nullifier......) (Ranma falls asleep in short order but Ranma-chan couldn't. She kept thinking of Hiroshi, the date and what happened to herself. And as if her thoughts weren't already occupied, Ranma was right next her. He had a funny smell that tingled and excited her senses. And his snores could wake the dead. After a fruitless half hour of tossing, turning and cursing, Ranma-chan got up and headed to Akane's room with her pillow. The Tendo household was dark and silent; only the constant tick-tock of a grandfather clock could be heard she thought. A little frightened, she hurried down the hallway until she reached Akane's room. Soundlessly she opened the door and got in her room, closing the door behind her. She padded over and got on the bed with Akane, who was sleeping face-up.) Ranma-chan: Akane...! Akane: Whuh? Whozzat? (not completely awake) Ranma-chan: Akane, can I sleep with you? (clutches pillow in arms, kneeling on bed) Akane: Shure... shure. (falls back into slumber and begins to snore a little) Ranma-chan: (thinking) She's almost as bad as Ranma! Oh well. Can't be helped. (Ranma-chan plumps her pillow beside Akane's and lies down beside Akane. Sleep came easily and stole over her quickly. The crickets seemed to chirp a lullaby that is both soothing and magical at once. The cool night wind blew the curtains aside and washed over her prone form, cooling her body and ruffling the mobile hanging from Akane's ceiling. Papers rustled and the soft hoot of an owl mixed with the tinkle of a wind chime. A million million stars dotted the velvet sky of the night, pinpoints of light against the darkened heavens. The crescent moon cast its soft radiance down upon the sleeping world as everything settles down and quiets, to await the new day.) -=-=-=-=--=-=-End Part Four-=-=-==-=-=- Lemme know what you think of this, k? And did you catch the... pun, for lack of a better term? It was referring to the movie and a certain conversation between Dr. Hammond and Ellie.