kunoichi@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au (Caroline Ann Seawright) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ranma nibun no ichi - 9 - H is for Hinako [Lemon] All characters portrayed in this fanfic are copyright of Rumiko Takahashi and Shogakukan Inc, etc, etc, etc. ___________________________________________________________________________ [Fuurinkan High] The morning air was crisp in Nerima. The cold, winter wind stung the faces of the students as the trudged wearily to school, huddled up in their warm coats. There was a certain colour to the dark clouds, a suggestion that soon small, cold flakes of powdery snow would drift to the ground. Meeting in small groups as they headed for the school building, the students of Fuurinkan High chatted softly about the rumours that they had heard. With each word, the air puffed up into small steam from their breath. They did not stop walking as they talked, but scurried on towards the warmth of the school. A new teacher would be coming. The images of a demon sprang to the minds of the shivering students - images of a demon with flames issuing from his mouth, burning students as they ran in terror from his wrath. Images that caused the students to walk a little faster, their actions a little more nervous. As they walked, they wondered what they had done to deserve such a horrible fate. [Kunou-kouchou's Office] High above the freezing students, a strange looking structure sat on top of the school building, near the clock tower. It seemed to be made of coconut wood and thatching - a small Hawaiian style house. A ladder led up to the front door, as the house was built high up, four coconut trees serving as stilts. Inside the darkened room, a man danced around, playing the ukulele. His skin was darkly tanned, striking for this time of the year. He also wore a large pair of sunglasses, for some strange reason. His outfit consisted of a rather loud Hawaiian t-shirt, long white shorts, thongs and a lei. Even stranger was what he had on his head - a miniature coconut tree seemed to grow in his dark hair! A maniacal grin stuck to his face manner as he began speaking in a very un-Japanese manner - English words popping up here and there in the most unlikely places. "All right, MISS Ninomiya! This is 1st Year F student, Ranma Saotome," Kunou-kouchou pressed a button in the darkened room, and a projection screen lit up with the image of Ranma, pulling a face at the camera, "The WORST STUDENT in this school. YOU have come here because of the skill YOU have in handling these aggressive students. The only duty YOU have is... To control Ranma Saotome!" With that, the lights popped on, and the principal stood, his arm flung out, pointing to a teddy-bear. He sighed, "That was the forty fifth REHEARSAL. MISS Ninomiya is late..." [Outside] A pretty, young girl, obviously too young to attend the high school, walked into the school grounds, looking a little confused and lost. This did not detract from her prettiness, and in fact seemed to heighten her cuteness. She was clothed in a long, dark dress, mostly obscured by a long, cream cardigan. She carried a satchel in one hand as she gazed around the yard. A few whispers of 'transfer student' could be heard as groups of students stopped to look at her. Putting on a brave face, the girl walked up to two of the students who were walking past. "Hi, guys!" The two boys smiled at her in a friendly manner. "Yeah, what would you like?" asked one of them. A distant, "I'm late!" cut through the cold morning air, but the three paid little attention to the sound. "Excuse me, but where is the Principal's Office...?" the girl asked, giving the boys a smile filled with innocence, befitting her age. With a reverberating noise, Ranma leapt off the top of the school gate and down towards the school grounds, just as the gate began to swing shut. "I'm safe!" he cried with relief as he landed ... landing on the girl's head with a *thump* ..... [The Fuurinkan High Library, Night] Hinako woke with a start, her dream shattered as a pile of books thumped down next to her head, which had been lying on the desk. "Wha'?" She half expected Ranma to be there after leaping off of her head, onto the ground. All she saw was Gosunkugi, holding half a pile of books ... the other half had been spilled onto the table next to her. "Oh, I'm sorry, Hinako-san!" Gosunkugi quickly placed the rest of the books down, already moving to pick up the ones he dropped, "Sorry to keep you waiting, too ... it has been a very hectic day." Hinako blinked a little and gave a yawn. She didn't care too much about propriety, because right now, she had the mind and body of a young girl. She just nodded, yawning again, "It's okay, Gosunkugi-chan. I was dreaming of the first time I came to this school! Ranma was such a horrid boy, don't you think?" The young man nodded placidly. He remembered how Ranma had come into his life and ruined it, too. But he'd gotten used to it by the time Ranma and Akane were actually ready to be married. By the final year of high school, he had even started to get over Akane... though it was hard not to stare at his photos of her, all the time ... especially the very sexy ones of Akane doing her gymnastics in the school leotard, doing those forms on the beam...... he felt himself start to blush, just remembering what he used to do sometimes, late at night, while looking at those photos. He then remembered where he was and when. He quickly composed himself and looked at Hinako. She chattered away over nothing in particular, not even having noticed his small lapse of attention. He gave a soft sigh. She was often like this... But he did prefer her in her adult form, even though she tended to treat him a little badly... He was used to his lot in life... At least she paid attention to him... the only woman that ever did! Although he didn't think that Hinako had been overly impressed by the proof that he worked magic these days, he had won some respect in the eyes of the adult teacher. But he had also won some respect from Cologne. He gave a dreamy smile, As chibi-Hinako chattered about her day, Gosunkugi mechanically piled up all the books, and picked them up, still thinking of Cologne... and, now, Hinako again. The two of them started wandering out of the library, Gosunkugi managing to lock it behind him, even with his arms full. He'd done it enough times. His mind, though, had turned to other matters. The pretty young Cologne, even with the demeanour of an old woman... And on the adult Hinako, even with the way she seemed to look down at him. He did not know which he wanted ... but he knew that neither of them would want him. The two wandered through the school grounds, the lamplight from the street being the only thing to guide their path. Dark clouds blocked out the stars and the moon... only small pools of light guided the two as Gosunkugi walked chibi-Hinako home. [Nekohanten] Mousse brought in the little curtain from the front door, then locked the door behind him. He gave a yawn as he headed back towards the kitchen. It had been a rather tiring day - the place had been packed out for some reason. Maybe it was because Ucchan's had been closed today for Ryouga and Ukyou to take their baby for a short holiday to visit Ukyou's father. If that was the reason, the Nekohanten would be packed for the rest of the week, too. Shampoo sat quietly in the back room, her eyes fixed on the television. Cologne idly looked at the screen, though she did not seem, to Mousse, to be very interested in the show. Mousse gave a wry smile - it was rather hard for him to adjust to having the old woman back... especially since she looked like a young woman! Cologne's hair was once again black, falling in long cascades of smooth, silky tresses down her back. She held it back from her face with a white hair-band that offset her large, brown eyes. She had even took to wearing some of the tight, mini Chinese dresses that was the current fashion of the young Joketsuzoku women... but now Cologne had the figure to go with those dresses. If only her style of speech changed, as well as her domineering attitude, he would almost believe that she was nothing more than a friend of Shampoo's, visiting for a while. But she liked to order him around, when she could get away with it. And she still acted like she was an elder... it was very disconcerting. At least she'd managed to adjust and call him "muko-dono" rather than giving Ranma that title - the title of husband. And she seemed quite stable, too. It was quite a remarkable change! "Mousse, you've closed up the shop properly, yes?" Cologne asked, looking at him, as if he couldn't even do that. They all spoke in Chinese together, when alone. After all, what was the point in speaking a foreign language when there was no one else around? He grimaced but nodded his head, "Of course I have. If you don't believe me, go check it yourself." Shampoo gave a little frown, "Mousse, there is no need to speak so roughly to hiibaa-chan." The rebuke was very small and mild, but it irked Mousse that Cologne seemed to have regained at least some control over her great grand-daughter, again. He'd gotten used to life without Cologne; a life close to perfect contentment. Life was interesting with Cologne back, at any rate. However much she annoyed him, Mousse didn't think about trying to make her leave... but thinking about ways to stop Cologne's influence over Shampoo was another matter. He gave a slight nod to Shampoo, hardly acknowledging what she had said. He turned to the door, "I'm going to bed now, Shampoo. Are you coming?" With a quick glance at Cologne, Shampoo stood up. "I should go, too. We must get up early in the morning again. Goodnight, hiibaa-chan." With her eyebrow arched at the two, Cologne nodded her head, "Goodnight, child. Just remember to be up early for tomorrow. We will have a lot of customers to keep us busy all day." Cologne's eyes went back to the television screen, but Mousse had an eerie feeling that she was studying them as they headed for their bedroom. [A Small Town] A short, old man, carrying a bag about the same size as himself, ran over the roof tops, jumping along as he went, looking behind him for signs of pursuit. A kerchief, tied around his head with a little knot tying it up under his nose, was a vain attempt to hide who he was... but it did nothing to hide the fact that he was a thief. Pretty spry for his age, he leapt from roof to roof... not noticing what was ahead of him. A rather small boy, with a cute round face and strange eyes sat on a roof, doodling with a calligraphy brush almost as big as he was. He was writing the word 'baka' on the roof, only managing to splash a little ink on himself as he wrote. On his cheeks were little swirls as if he'd painted them on his face, himself. The boy, concentrating deeply on his work, didn't see the old man, speeding over the roof-tops, straight towards him. With a crash, the man smashed straight into the boy, violently flicking the brush up into the air as the bag burst open, scattering its contents in all directions! Both the unconscious boy and the old man lay still, a rain of pastel and white panties floating down around them, and splashes of ink falling from the sky, like gentle rain, covering them. [Nekohanten] Antique Chinese screen, depicting many beautiful views of the Bayankara mountain range, gave the interior of the Nekohanten a traditional Chinese feel. The screens, along the wall, complemented the wooden walls and the rice-paper windows. It was small, but cosy, with only one counter set at the back of the room. Smells of various, mouth-watering foods wafted in to the cafe from the kitchen, behind the counter. The little Chinese cafe was packed. Shampoo, running around serving all of the customers, wore a cheerful grin that belied her tiredness. Mousse, too, was run off of his feet. Cologne, as normal, was in the kitchen cooking up the Chinese dishes and yelling orders. Customers sat, laughing and talking at their tables as they ate or awaited their meals. The atmosphere was quite cheerful seeing that not a single building in Nerima had been destroyed by a martial artist in a whole week! Most of the customers were celebrating the monumentous event with warmed up sake and ramen. Ranma, holding Miyabi's hand as she toddled in beside him, walked into the Nekohanten. A very cute little girl, she had short, glossy blue-black hair and wide, innocent eyes that looked at the world with wonderment. She wore a cute set of cream-coloured overalls. A carefully sewn image of a kettle and bucket decorated the toddler's outfit. Akane followed in, carrying Masao tenderly in her arms. The baby boy slept quietly, for a change. Wrapped in a blanket, only his tiny little hands, and the delicate features of his face could be seen. His eyes were closed, and his hands twitched, every so often, as if to grasp something as he dreamed his baby dreams. Amazingly, Miyabi wasn't trying to get Akane's attention away from her brother. Instead, she tugged at Ranma's hand, trying to hurry him inside; she wanted to see aunt Shampoo and uncle Mousse! (And get the free BBQ pork buns that Shampoo always made for her.) Although being overworked, Shampoo spotted the family as they walked in the Nekohanten. "Aiya! Ranma, your table is here!" The Amazon pointed to the last free table, and then gestured to Mousse, who quickly added another chair and table setting. As Akane and Ranma took their seats, Miyabi ran up and hugged Mousse's legs, then Shampoo's. She had an amazing trust in everyone, and charmed almost everyone into loving her back. The only person she had any problem with was her brother. She couldn't stand it when he was the one to get attention. But right now, "Unca Mousse" and "Aunty Shampoo" were busy talking to her and giving her free tidbits of food and all the attention that she could ever desire. Cologne stood alone in the kitchen, busy cooking the multiple meals. She knew that there was quite a bit of distrust from the Saotome family towards her, and she realised that she had earned it. It had been a year since she'd come back, but it would take quite some time yet before everyone would accept her back into the community. The little chime on the door drew Shampoo away from Miyabi, leaving Mousse to seat her with her family, and take their orders. "Irasshaimase!" She smiled in welcome at Gosunkugi and chibi-Hinako as the two entered. Yes, it really was busy with Ucchan's closed. "So sorry, but there are no tables left. You mind sharing, no?" Gosunkugi gave a shrug of acquiescence and Shampoo looked at Ranma, a questioning look on her face. He glanced at Akane, shrugging his shoulders. Akane smiled at Shampoo with a nod. Shampoo gave Mousse a commanding look. With a half sigh, he went and set up two more places at the Saotome family's table. Once everyone was seated, Miyabi and Hinako happily doodling on the place mats, Shampoo went off to serve the other customers, leaving Mousse to deliver the food to the various tables (with only a few minor mix ups. The potted plant was eventually put back in place, and the correct bowl of wonton soup was given to the customer.) "Haven't seen you in ages, Gosunkugi. What've you been up to?" Ranma managed to ask between mouthfuls of noodles, "Still doing that magic?" He gave a half shrug, "Yes, and still working at the school library." "Ah, so that's why you hang out with Hinako all the time." The little girl looked up at Ranma sharply, "I'm still 'Hinako-sensei' to you, Ranma!" "Hinako-sensei," he amended, and Akane gave him an approving nod. Gosunkugi was thankful for the exchange between the two. It wasn't really something he was comfortable in talking about... especially not to Ranma. He went quietly back to eating his food, drifting into obscurity. He just sat and watched as he ate, feeling more comfortable with the others all ignoring him. It was a strange talent that he'd been given by birth - it was lonely, but it was comfortable, too. Through school, he'd always been ignored. He'd wondered why for so long... it was only since he'd started training himself in magic that he'd learned that this, too, could be controlled. And right now was a good time to use it... He settled back, watching Hinako talking and eating and laughing with the others. After a time, Gosunkugi started to frown. A strange sound reverberated through the room, coming from the open slide door of the Nekohanten. He looked around, noting that no one else had noticed it yet. Whatever it was, it was getting louder. "What's that sound?" he asked quietly, the effect on the others lost on him as he looked around again. Ranma and Akane both started slightly, and a look passed between them - how could they not have remembered that he was there? Then they, too, heard the rumbling sound. And sounds of yelling. As it became louder and clearer, both Ranma and Akane realised what it was. A group of angry women, chasing after a pervert. It was a peculiar sound that wasn't easily forgotten. Especially to Ranma, who'd been trampled under the crowds of women on numerous occasions. Before the realisation had fully struck them, the doors of the Nekohanten burst open, and two small, dark blurs sped into the room, and zoomed into the nearest wall, where they stopped with a *squish*. With surprise, Ranma and Hinako jumped up at the intrusion. Gosunkugi, along with the rest of the clientele, followed soon after, cries of shock on their lips. The two figures were quite small, both dressed in dark clothing. And both had a kerchief over their heads, tied under their nose in the traditional manner of a thief. But there was no disguising who they were. Happousai and Rakkyousai. Brothers in perversion, if not by blood! They peeled off the wall and gently floated to the ground. Suddenly, the two jumped back up again, Happi holding a giant bag. Out of the opening, a few silken panties could be seen, nestled deeply in the giant bag. "Oi, jiji, what you doing here?!" Ranma asked, glaring at the old man, and ignoring his friend - the old man with the giant calligraphy set. True, they were equally annoying, but that was HAPPOUSAI back! How much did he remember of what happened? Ranma had to find out. The little old man looked up at Ranma, little recognition on his face. He snatched the bag to his chest, holding his treasures protectively, "You're not getting my silky darlings!" The other old man stood near Happi, "If you want it, you'll have to get by both of us, Ranma! And this time turning into a girl won't help you - we know THAT trick already!" He brandished his brush like a weapon. Happousai blinked and tugged at Rakkyousai's sleeve, "That's Ranma?" [Flashback] The pair had chatted after their accidental 'meeting' (after gaining consciousness). Once Lucky had found out that his old friend had forgotten almost everything, he realised that there was a way to pay back the young, insolent Ranma for what he'd done in the past! So Lucky told Happousai all about the boy - a man, now, but Rakkyousai had not seen Ranma in a long time. He told Happi all he remembered of Ranma, putting a rather bad spin on everything ... Happousai had pulled out a sheet of paper while they conversed, and had suddenly lost interest as he stared worshipfully at the paper. Wondering what could be on it, Lucky took a peek. A butterfly on the paper... made of Lucky's own, special ink. It could only be Ranma's breast prints! The two made a pact to find Ranma and punish him, a vow made over that paper, the only thing that they both held dear. [End flackback] The other old man nodded slowly, pulling out that piece of paper. The two gazed at it as if it was a holy object. "Ranma's breast marks..." Ranma snorted, "Get real, old man. You think that I'd do THAT for you two?! You're just disgusting perverts the both of you. That's a tanuki statue's breast print!" Rather than deflating him, it seemed to anger Happousai. "How dare you! We've been worshiping that print since I can remember! For taking away an old man's only happiness, I'll teach you a lesson!" He made a sudden, agile leap for Ranma, the bag above his head to smack it down onto the younger man... "Happou-go-juu-en-satsu!" came a voice from behind Ranma, and a beam of light slashed passed Ranma towards the old man... and struck Rakkyousai dead on as Happousai sailed over the blast, singeing a foot! Hinako's power drain sucked up energy, changing her into her adult form, stretching her dress over her now voluptuous and sexy form. "Delinquents don't stand a chance," Hinako said, her voice deep, husky and very sexy. She looked down at the two as she swept back her long, dark hair with a hand... and stopped. There was something wrong. Rakkyousai wasn't on the floor, devoid of all of his fighting ki. He was shaken, but it looked as if he'd blocked the blast with his brush and the paper he was holding. It just wasn't right... she'd drawn energy! Before she could think further, Ranma had bound into the fray and was on Happi and Lucky before they could even think about defending themselves. Ranma had gotten _good_ since either of them last remembered him. He shook them, holding each by the scruff of their necks, and looked over at the kitchen window. "What do you want me to do with these two perverts?" Cologne, Shampoo and Mousse had been watching the show. "Hrmph. Throw out trash," Shampoo managed, and turned her nose up at the two dirty old men, then went back into the kitchen. As the two landed out onto the road, the herd of enraged, panty-less women reached the Nekohanten. "Aaaah! There they are!!" "Give me back my lingerie!!" "Take that you pervert!!" "And that!!!" Ranma took his seat, and everyone in the Nekohanten went back to dining as if nothing had happened, while the sound of two perverts receiving divine retribution filled the air. [Later] Finally, the group managed to finish their meal, and sat back talking. Hinako, still in adult form, had been rather quiet... almost seeming to be in a pensive mood. "What's wrong, sensei?" Akane asked eventually, looking as a slight frown creased Hinako's forehead. Akane didn't think that she'd ever seen her old high-school teacher in a mood like this. Hinako's eyes focused for a moment on Akane, then drifted back to the table top. It took a moment before she answered. When she spoke, her voice was a shade more husky than normal, "I'm not sure, Akane..." She leaned back in her chair slightly, and her eyes slid up to look over Ranma and then Gosunkugi. There seemed to be a slight sheen of sweat on her face. And, now that Akane looked more closely, she seemed to be a little flushed, too. Ranma, looking at Hinako, too, frowned, "Well... sensei. Maybe you should go get some sleep, it might be a fever or something." He looked over at Akane, then at their children. If it was a fever, he didn't want Masao or Miyabi to catch it! "I think it's time that Miyabi was put to bed, so..." Concerned, Akane said, "Hai, you should sleep sensei. Ne, Hikaru, would you please make sure that sensei gets home and to bed..?" She was a little worried about her children, herself. Although they'd already had colds and fevers, she still didn't want to go through it again. Maybe it was too late, but she had to get them home and to bed, anyway. Gosunkugi nodded and moved to let the Saotome family leave. They said their farewells, as Ranma squeezed past Hinako and Gosunkugi, Masao fast asleep in his arms. Akane took her daughter by the hand, and dropped some yen on the table as she passed. Miyabi toddled after her mother, covering a sleepy yawn with her other, little hand. Hinako, meanwhile, was looking even a little more unwell. "Hinako-san, I think we should go now..." Taking a thousand yen note from his wallet, Gosunkugi placed it with the rest of the money on the table. He stood up, and leaned over to help the ill teacher up. As he did so, Cologne slid up behind them, ready to collect the money and wipe down the table. She frowned as she looked at Hinako's condition, and stopped the young man with a light touch on his shoulder. "May I be of some assistance?" She motioned towards Hinako. Without waiting for him to reply, Cologne sat down opposite the teacher. The Chinese woman asked Hinako a series of questions, seemingly unrelated to her health, as she reached over the table to touch various tsubo and read ki levels. As she studied the teacher, she frowned slightly, her eyes narrowing as she thought. She couldn't recall anything quite like this before, but she'd heard various tales and legends, as well as a more recent story ... maybe only about ten years ago... "Sucking up energy for a person's own use was usually alright. People could change energy into usable forms of ki before releasing the power in various ways - anything from ki blasts to healing ki," Cologne's grandmother had taught her. Cologne looked over at the girl. Cologne frowned as she thought, Cologne's eyes widened and she stopped the examination. "This is no good. Not very good at all... Hinako-sensei seems to have drawn into herself an evil, destructive power! She's filled with Happi and Lucky's hentai ki!!!" "H..hentai?" Gosunkugi gulped and stared at Hinako, who, by now, was beyond listening to the conversation - her eyes were glazed over, her skin turning a deep pink. A light sheen of sweat was slowly dripping down her forehead as she seemed to struggle for breath. "Yes. I'm afraid that the ki will take hold of her and she'll run riot. Who knows what she'll do, but we must assume the worst. She's in no state to be left alone, and I don't think that it's the best idea to let her too close to people until her ki is released. Remember, this isn't Hinako - she is now a by-product of Happousai's lust." Being Cologne's customer, and since she'd asked if she could help, Cologne was obligated to follow through with her offer until Hinako was back to normal. Her honour bound her to look after the girl, even if it meant keeping her away from every man in Nerima. But there was something between Gosunkugi and Hinako, though Cologne wasn't really sure what. He obviously liked the girl, and Hinako was friendly towards him. She couldn't keep Gosunkugi away from Hinako all of the time ... she could only hope that he wouldn't try to take advantage of the sick teacher. "I believe that the best way to cure her... the fastest way, too... is to take her to Jyuusenkyou and dip her into the Spring of Drowned Saint. That should wipe away any lust from her body and return her to her original state," and underneath her breath, she muttered in Chinese, "I hope." Gosunkugi started, "China? But she's got classes! How can she..." He trailed off as he looked at Hinako. The sight of her in such obvious distress upset him. He sighed, "I'll arrange a substitute for her..." "We leave tomorrow morning. I shall try a few ki drainage techniques over night, but I'm not sure if they will work... So, I shall be preparing for a trip to China. I guess you can come, but Hinako will be sleeping here tonight. Just be here at sunrise, or we leave without you." Without saying another word, Cologne stood up, helped up the teacher, and led her off through the kitchen. Gosunkugi stared after the two young women, a stunned look on his face. [Morning] Cologne and a very young Hinako headed up the Nerima road with Gosunkugi trailing behind, carrying a rather heavy backpack - obviously loaded with all of their travel gear. Gosunkugi chatted quietly with Cologne, the woman relating the failure of the various techniques that they'd tried. Each time Cologne had attempted to drain Hinako's ki, she herself could feel the horrible hentai energy trying to soak into her. "I'd need both Happi and Lucky here to divert the ki back into them. I have not seen hide nor hair of them since the girls beat them up." She sighed - the drainage techniques were not safe at all. "Without them, you'll have not just one hentai girl running around, but two, terrorising Nerima! I do not want that happening, especially since one of those two would be me! The best that I could do was to help her return to her child state." Gosunkugi nodded, staggering under the load. He looked over at chibi-Hinako as she happily went along. "Ne, look what I have!" squealed Hinako as she bounced along the road in a cute little girlish way, waving a piece of paper in the air, "Butterfly!" Glancing at the paper, Cologne snorted, "That's not a butterfly. That's what got you into the trouble in the first place - that breast print that that stupid Happousai lusts after." She turned back to walk along, and suddenly stopped in shock. Two hands were squeezing her breasts from behind! "Waiwai! Maybe it's your breast prints, because they're too small to be mine, when I'm grown up!" Little Hinako let go and danced ahead, "I'm just so sexy that everyone would love to have a print of my breasts! I'm just too sexy!" She skipped off, giggling as she patted various guys rears and even flipping up women's skirts. "Yaaaa!" "Kyaaaaaaaaa!" "Pervert!" "Hey! What you doing?!?!" "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!" Both Gosunkugi and Cologne stared after her, their mouths hanging open. "Kami-sama, she's an even worse version of a child Happousai!" [Tendou-ke, Nerima] Akane hummed as she hung out the washing. Miyabi played happily by her feet, acting out some kempo moves that her father had taught her recently. Smiling at her daughter, Akane could see just how proud the little girl was of her accomplishments. She wouldn't let Ranma train Miyabi seriously yet, but she was happy to see how their daughter loved martial arts. Masao was inside, sleeping. Nodoka was looking after him for a while, so that Akane had a little free time with Miyabi. The little girl was still jealous of her brother, but she was getting used to him ... especially now that Masao could crawl - Miyabi found that she could play with him! The sounds of Ranma practicing came from the doujou. All in all, it was a quiet day. Shading her eyes, Akane looked up into the bright, summer sky. Gosunkugi, Hinako and Cologne were leaving for China. She'd heard that they'd planned to go to Jyusenkyou, of all places! Akane thought hotly. Akane sighed and turned back to the washing line and her chores. As she worked, a smile spread across her lips, [Mid Ocean] Hinako-ko slept soundly on the deck, lying on a beach towel. She was wearing a bathing suit, looking very cute and innocent. But what a terror she had been while she had been awake! Even worse than a child who'd just found out the differences between men and women, plying its parents with questions of a nature that they'd rather not answer! But Hinako had been a hundred times worse than any child! Gosunkugi dozed next to her, the sun slightly colouring his unusually pale features. He still had the family trait of dark smudges under his eyes, but the light seemed to lessen them. In face, he actually looked like a normal guy. All of his creepiness and strangeness had disappeared while he slept. Cologne gave a sigh and wondered what she'd do. The adult Hinako was pretty easy to deal with, compared to the child! Throwing a bucket of water over the woman did the trick - but the child!! Cologne's daughter, her grand- daughter and even Shampoo had never been this bad, even put together! At least when they got to the mainland, there wouldn't be anyone to worry about... just themselves... [Tendou-ke, evening] Clad only in a towel, Akane flipped the bathroom door sign around to show that the room was occupied. After shutting the door behind her, she walked through the changing room area, leaving her night clothing in the basket by the washing machine. Entering the bathroom, she found Ranma by the bath, a towel wrapped around his waist. The dampness clinging to his body showed that he'd just finished his bath and was about to leave. "Baka, you didn't flip over the sign again," Akane said, a hand on her hip, "What if someone walked in?" "What, like you did on me that first time we met?" Ranma smirked at her, "And you _were_ looking at me." "Hentai!" Akane avoided the subject, "But it's still different when a girl sees a boy." She threw some soap at him for good measure, which he easily dodged. It bounced off of the bath and skidded to a halt in the middle of the white tiled floor. Ranma just smiled, ignoring her 'attack', "Speaking of hentai, did you hear about Hinako-sensei?" "Yes, it's very strange ... she's obviously better, though... and none of the children have caught her illness, thank goodness." Ranma nodded and frowned thoughtfully, "I wonder what's gotten into her, though." Akane shrugged and stepped passed him to pick up the soap. It scooted out of her hands, and shot out over the floor. Ranma watched as she bent down to pick it up again, eyeing the hem of the towel as she bent over. As he admired her long legs and cute rear, he felt a sudden need sweep over him, and his body reacted to her in the normal way. He stepped up behind her as she stood back up, holding the soap in triumph. The soap fell to the ground as she stared up into his eyes... The couple met in a passionate kiss, her arms wrapping around his neck as he pulled off her towel, dropping it in a fluffy pile at her feet. Akane rubbed her body against him as they kissed with a fiery passion, her fingers stroking his hair and pigtail. Ranma pulled off his own towel and threw it to the floor. He caressed his wife's sides for a moment before starting to grind his hips against hers. Pulling back from their kisses, her stared into her eyes for a moment, then with a small smile, he dipped his head as he said, "You have such beautiful breasts." As she whispered, "Oh, Ranma," she felt his head move down and his lips find her hardened nipples. Suckling, Ranma listened to Akane's moans of pleasure coming closer as she bent forwards to nibble at his ear. A shiver ran through his body, and a groan escaped his lips. Switching to her other nipple, Ranma felt Akane's shudder, and her arms tighten around him. Too soon for Akane, he stopped and ran a finger lightly across her jaw... He looked into her eyes, a need shining there. "Would you? Just a little...?" he asked softly, and his fingers traced down to rest on her shoulder. Giving a small nod and a smile, Akane knelt down before her husband, and let him guide her face down to his manhood. She wrapped her warm lips around his erect length, and her hands moved to caress his buttocks. Ranma groaned with pleasure at the warm wetness that surrounded him in such an intimate way, and his eyes watched as she started to bob her head. He felt so wonderful as she took him as far as she could into her mouth and bob back and forwards again ... but he wanted something else. With effort, he pulled back and out of her sweet mouth. Guiding her back to her feet, he felt her hand lightly stroke his length, and he knew that he'd go crazy without making love to her. That light shining in her eyes showed her need for him, much more clearly than words. As they kissed again, Ranma picked her up in his strong arms. She held on to him tightly, her breasts pressing against his chest. She wrapped her legs around him pressing her whole self against him. He could feel her wetness against his groin, the tip of his manhood pressing against her pubic hair. Carrying her, he opened the bathroom door and went into the change rooms, her light body feeling wonderfully soft in his arms. He glanced quickly around the room - the washing machine was the exact height that he required. He placed her down on the top of the machine, where she let go of his hot, damp body. Leaning back, her legs parted wide for him, she looked up at him through her lashes, giving him a sultry gaze. Trembling slightly, Ranma slipped a finger between her petals and parted her womanhood. He looked at her open flower before him for a moment before he pushed himself a little way into her. With a slight thrust of his hips, he parted her, driving his hardness deep into her tight opening. They both groaned with the feelings of pleasure, Akane's hands holding tightly onto the edges of the washing machine as she arched up to meet him. Akane's eyes watched her husband's face, knowing that her own mirrored his ecstasy. Their eyes met, and they held each other's gaze as they moved together in a passionate dance of lust and need. Over and over again their bodies met, the washing machine thumping rhythmically against the wall to their coupling. The intensity of their love making grew stronger as the two moved with their grinding, hot bodies. Nothing mattered any more to them, other than the feelings that flooded their minds. They were one; a trembling, passionate whole, needing release yet savouring each and every sexual, wonderful sensation that their motions gave them. It seemed forever to the couple as Ranma filled Akane with his asoko, again and again, deep into her accepting, hot and wet womanhood. He felt her tightness gripping him as he entered her again and again, feeling her flex around him the deeper he pushed. To Akane, Ranma's thrusts brought a deep pleasure racing through her body, one that was almost too powerful for her to handle. Akane's fingertips gripped the washing machine's edges even tighter as she struggled to hold on, lost in their passion. Her eyes, half closed, watched Ranma's face through her long lashes. His face showed a mixture of pleasure and pain as he fought to hold back... his hips pounding harder against hers as he drove himself deeper into her body. Akane's own face was flushed a deep pink and her lips formed his name as she moved against him, needing him to fill her. Then she let go, and felt herself fall over the edge... pure pleasure filled her, and she quivered with release. Ranma felt her inside walls spasming around his hard member. His hands gripped her hips and pulled her hard to him as she orgasmed... deep inside her, his manhood swelled to release his seed. He held her tightly to him as he came. "Nnngh! Akane..." The pair were locked together for a timeless moment, till the after glow spread through both of their bodies, making them relax and seem to float on a wave of delicious contentment. Slowly, Ranma leaned against her, relaxing. Akane's arms slipped around him and they held each other, panting softly. With a loving kiss on his cheek, Akane whispered, "I think it's time for a bath now... let's clean up and relax." Weak kneed, Ranma sighed regretfully, realising how uncomfortable she must be, on the washing machine, and slowly pulled out of her. She moaned softly as he slid out of her still sensitive opening, and shivered. Ranma gave her a soft kiss, and helped her up. They headed back into the bathroom to wash each other, and then to bathe. As they held each other, in the bath, Akane rested her head on Ranma's shoulder. She smiled, "I wonder if Gosunkugi and Hinako-sensei are having as much fun as us." Kissing her hair, Ranma whispered, "Knowing Gosunkugi, I doubt that very much." [Near Jyuusenkyou, China] "Gosunkugi-chan!! Do a Mr. Elephant for me!! I wanna see a Mr. Elephant!" Hinako tugged at the man's sleeve as she squealed. He had a very hard time not blushing. All he could do was walk, head down, trying to ignore her. It was even more difficult to do so while Cologne was laughing at him. he thought to himself as he trudged on. Suddenly a very burly man.... make that 'woman'... blocked his path. She was twice his height and width, and dressed in Amazon warrior style Chinese silks. She had the biggest muscles he'd ever seen! A jumble of strange sounds poured from her lips as she slid her sword out of its scabbard. More almost lyrical sounds followed, if lyrical in a harsh way, and the large woman glared at the party. Cologne spoke back in the same language, moving to stand in front of the party. The big Amazon narrowed her eyes, spoke a garbled screech of sounds, then called out. Turning back to the other two, Cologne shook her head slowly, "It seems that my actions towards the younger ones in Nerima are still held against me. She won't listen to me about what happened, and won't trust either of you, as you're both with me. I'm going to have to fight." She stood tall, chin raised, glaring at the Amazon, and waited. Before too long, the forest surrounding them filled, one by one with Joketsuzoku women. They were all armed, and all of them glared at Cologne. One stepped forward. She looked quite pretty, her long dark hair swept back into a pony tail. Her whole manner and bearing said that she was the leader of these women. She sized up the three in the middle, then addressed Cologne in Japanese. "What are you doing here? You have been stripped of your title and cast out of this place. You know the penalty for returning after such a disgrace! You lower our honour by just being here. Prepare to fight me, dishonourable one!" Without giving Cologne a chance to respond, the leader rushed at her, a Chinese war cry bursting from her lips. Cologne wasted no breath. Coming up from a crouched combat stance, she struck at the woman, at the last moment, with a lightning-fast kick. She impaled her foot in the leader's stomach, sending her crashing back down to the ground! The downed woman growled up at the ex-Amazon, unfazed. She pushed up onto her feet and prepared to launch herself at Cologne again. As she did so, she cried out in Chinese, and the other Amazons sprang into action, heading for the party with weapons drawn. Suddenly one warrior woman screamed and dropped her weapon. Then another. And another. And another. It seemed that almost every girl was clutching at her chest, a look of shock on each face. The Gosunkugi saw what was happening. Two small blurs bounced from breast to breast, and cries of "Sweeto! Let me hug you! Oh, and you! And you!" could be heard. Happousai and Rakkyousai! For the first time in his life, Gosunkugi was glad to see them. The Amazons had now stopped their attack, and were in an all-out chase to catch the two hentai. Hinako-ko searched her pockets for a moment, then her small voice called out, "Ooh! Those two bad men must be punished! Happou-go-juu-en-satsu!" A strong beam of light zapped out from the 50 yen coin, and into the crowd. Only Gosunkugi and Cologne realised their danger and ducked out of the way in time. Hinako spun around, quickly draining the fighting ki of the Amazons and the two hentai. As she spun, each and every one fell to her power, and Hinako began to change. She grew taller, her body rounding out into a sexy figure, her dress stretching tightly over her form, almost to the point of bursting it. When she put the coin away, she slid a hand along her inside thigh, and licked her lips slowly. "Such children. They will never beat me." She tossed her head and walked down the path. Cologne frowned, but followed on after her. "I wonder what those two were after? They wouldn't follow us to China without a reason, would they?" "Maybe they're after the print that Hinako has?" Gosunkugi suggested. "Maybe..." After a few moments, the two caught up with Hinako. She leaned against a tree, her hands sliding up and down her sides and hips. A soft moaning sound escaped her lips, and every so often a hand moved to caress her own breast or slide down between her thighs. before stopping to stroke her sides again. Her eyes opened a slit and she looked at the other two. "Hurry... I can't go on..." She moaned softly and arched her back, trying her best not to touch herself, "Please get... the water..." Cologne's jaw tightened. They were so close! She couldn't send Gosunkugi to get the water - he didn't know where it was. She couldn't protect Hinako! Gosunkugi would have to. She looked at him for a moment - whatever happened would either break the poor boy's friendship with Hinako, or... but maybe he was strong enough. There was nothing else she could do, now. "I'll go get the water. Gosunkugi, look after her..." With that, she turned and ran off toward Jyusenkyou. As soon as Cologne left, Hinako sank to the ground and groaned, both of her hands running up and down her inner thighs. She reached the hem of her dress, and started to lift it up over her hips, but she look up at the man with large, dark eyes. "I'm sorry... Gosu-chan... I need... Iie, no, please... please go away. I..." She ran her trembling hands back down her thighs, an obvious struggle showing clearly in her pretty face. "Hinako-san, I can't leave you ... what if someone comes and hurts you?" He looked down the trail where Cologne had disappeared, hoping that she would suddenly come back. Him? Protect someone? Not even his magic could protect them. He could hardly remember the Shinto spells, let alone try to perform them. The girl shivered even more violently as a soft moan escaped her lips as she began to lose the fight with herself. "Please... please leave me, I just can't let you see me like...." her voice trailed off as her fingers slid slowly towards the hem of her skirt again... Gosunkugi could hardly help but stare at her, her thighs pressed tightly together, her trembling form as she struggled to ... do what? He stared at her and he realised what she was going to do. A sudden rush of blood raced to his head, and he felt a small drop of blood drip out of his nose. "Gosu-chan..." She looked up at him, a shyness wrestling with a need and lust in her eyes, "I need you." She whispered the last so softly that he almost couldn't hear it. With an enticing slowness, she fingered her dress before reaching down and lifting it ... her smooth motions became more urgent as she started to yank the dress up, her body wriggling with desire. Gosunkugi's eyes nearly popped out of his skull as he saw her small, lacy panties. He almost fainted when Hinako's dress was tugged over her head and her full, rounded breasts popped into view. The discarded dress fell to the ground, and she reached down to start wriggling out of her panties, "Oh, Gosu-chan ... I can't... oh, I could only do this with you." Her voice was a series of gasps as the passion held her in a strong, binding grip... controlling her. Gosunkugi's eyes almost popped out of his head as his blood rushed to his manhood. "H-hinako-san!" Watching as she kicked off her panties and reached between her legs to her most private place, Gosunkugi sank to his knees in wonder and more than a little shame. This was the first ever woman he'd seen naked, in the flesh. She seemed perfect to him, even the way she moved to touch herself... every so often her slim fingers darting away to grip her thighs to stop herself. Gosunkugi gulped, his mouth dry. She was still struggling with herself, her eyes showing some fear behind the lust as she tried to avoid looking at him. The worst part for Gosunkugi was that whenever she arched up, trying to drag her hands away from herself, her pretty pink petals were displayed to him in all their glory. She was so... so beautiful! "Oh, help me! I... I can't do it myself..." Hinako's breath came in gasps as she writhed on the thick grass, under the tree. Her body glinted with sweat in the sunlight that streamed through the trees. A hand moved to cross over her breasts, the other between her legs as she looked at him. Her innocence and her desperation so plainly visible to Gosunkugi. "M.... make love to me." "I can't!" He was in turmoil inside, desperately needing her, wanting to obey her, and wanting to protect her from wolves like himself. He was no better than anyone - he'd just take advantage of her! With a cry she moaned, "Please!" The sound of her pleading was just too much for him. Gosunkugi whispered, "Please forgive me, Hinako-san." as he stripped down, out of his pants. He crawled over the grass to her. He felt guilty, so very guilty, but he couldn't help himself. As he neared her, she reared up her hips and her scent washed over him. Just one taste of a woman... he leaned down and his fingertip lightly ran over her pretty pinkness. His mouth soon followed and he tasted his first woman. He opened his mouth and let his tongue dart over her slit, her honey, so silky against his mouth, coated his tongue. Hinako was so sensitive, her body so in need, that she cried out, pushing herself up to him for more. She'd never felt like this before, never. Her whole life, she'd been like a child, never adult long enough for any of this type of pleasure. A hoarse whisper came out of her mouth, "Please, Hikaru-chan." Intoxicated by her scent and taste, Gosunkugi lost all sense of himself, and could only obey her. His hands slid to his underpants and he pulled them off... his hard manhood finally escaping from its confines. He looked down at her, so open and needful of him... and then he moved down to her. Not really knowing what to do, he stared down at her, a little helpless. She was so pretty, her long dark hair spread out in a fan, over the grass... Her soft breasts rising and falling as she waited for him, trying so hard to stay still. He paused too long, and her hips raised to push up against his, showing her want. Gosunkugi breathed in slowly, then looked down. He guided himself, hesitantly, to her opening. As he looked into her face, he started to push past those pink petals, to find his way inside her ... She was so tight. Gosunkugi pushed his hips down towards hers, but her virgin walls held on to him. Pushing down a little more, he looked into her face as she gave a moan. There was a look ... a frightened look in her eyes. He'd assumed, long ago, that such a wonderful woman would have been knowing in the arts of love, as it were. That look changed his mind. He didn't really know what it was like to make love to a woman, but it was that look... she was a virgin, just like him. He backed off a little, and looked down at her. The look disappeared, replaced by pleading and wanting. He couldn't resist. Hinako shivered as she felt his manhood probing to get through, into her body. Her inner walls were stretching, the wetness helping to open her up to him. But ... it hurt. Every time he prodded inside her, she opened up just a little more ... the pain was like an ache where his seemingly giant length parted her. She shivered and gave a soft moan, needing him even more than she cared about that feeling. "Hurry ... Hikaru-chan," she groaned, "Just ... just push. Hard." Already slightly inside her, Gosunkugi bit his lip... and thrust. Hinako's eyes opened wide as he broke her virgin barrier, pushing her inner walls wide to accommodate him. She stifled a cry of pain, leaning herself up to him instead. "Don't stop," she shuddered and her arms wrapped around his waist, to pull him on top of her, "Hikaru-chan, don't ever stop." The two started to move, their bodies joining. Hinako's pain was soon forgotten in the pleasure as they moved in the grass. Hinako had long ago been hovering at the edge of orgasm, her body out of control with all the crazy hormones that the ki had caused to change. She was ready almost as soon as the two had begun... Gosunkugi held her tightly, knowing that there way no way that he could hold on any longer. A real woman! This was so different from anything else he'd ever felt before... And so incredible that he knew that he wouldn't last. But the way he felt... the way she felt ... neither could do anything else but bring themselves right to the edge... And Gosunkugi came, his warm seed spreading out through her body. Her own response was as powerful as his, and both of their bodies shuddered with release in each other's arms. Both giving themselves to each other, riding in the waves of pleasure together. Too soon, drained by all she'd experienced during the last few days, Hinako fell into a sound sleep... Gosunkugi lay in her arms and fought off sleep. He was tired, but as he looked at her, he suddenly was weighed down by guilt. She looked so pure and sweet as she slept. So... innocent. And he'd just taken her, sullied her. Let his body control him. That wasn't right... he'd known about her state, yet he'd still done it ... He fixed his clothing, whispering, "Kami-sama, I'm the most worthless man alive." He hated himself. That was a pretty normal state of affairs for the young man, but he'd never felt his own hatred so much before. With trembling hands, he reached into his back pack and pulled out a blanket. Gently, her covered the naked woman. He turned away, feeling too guilty to even look at her, and started gathering sticks to build a small fire. She'd need warmth and maybe some tea... and he hoped that Hinako would forgive him, one day. As the fire crackled cheerfully, as if to mock his dark feelings, the young man watched as a zephyr played around the flowers in the clearing. A strong, chilling gust sent a shiver through him, and the petals of the pretty, delicate flowers were scattered to the winds. His only friend .... and he'd ruined it. [Near By] Gosunkugi's sleepy mind seemed to create the illusion of two sets of eyes peering through the bushes at him. Drowsy, filled with guilt, he thought them to be the eyes that glared at him, seeing his dirtiness at what he'd done to the poor Hinako. He ignored them, glancing down at the sleeping Hinako, curled up under her blanket. But the eyes were real. "They've got the print, I'm sure of it." Happousai whispered softly, "I've seen the girl with it. Now looks like a good time to get it back." Rakkyousai nodded in agreement, "And a good time to teach her a lesson for helping Ranma in a fight." Happousai nodded, "And when we get the print, we can go back and prove to that Ranma that it IS his breast prints, like you said! I'll glomp onto her chest while you stop the boy! Let's go!" The two agilely leaped out of the bushes towards the pair, but a dark shape suddenly dropped from the trees in front of them. Happi and Lucky both pulled up sharply, the thing... no, it was a man - a tall, bishonen-looking Chinese man stood in their path. His dark hair curled in slight ringlets near his ears, giving him a slightly pretty-boy look, as did his gold earring. He had an elegant build, with smooth muscles and a deep chest. His wide shoulders spoke of power and strength. He wore dragon-scale armour for a top, and matching bracers around his wrists. Long white pants, tied off at the ankles, covered his muscular legs. The only odd thing about his outfit was the pair of pantyhose, tied around his waist. Gosunkugi's eyes widened as his sluggish mind tried to struggle with the images it saw before it. A snarl marred his features. "Happousai! Old man, give me a new name or I'll beat you to death!" Happousai blinked up at the man, "Pardon? Why, what is your name? And why should I give you one?" The old man was still under the influence of the forgetfulness potion. He had no idea who the younger man was, but the words seemed to enrage the man. Happousai, and the unlucky Rakkyousai, were both picked up and shaken, "You know who I am! You were the one who gave me my horrible name!! By the customs of my people, only you can rename me!! GIVE ME A NEW NAME, OR I WILL KILL YOU AND YOUR FRIEND!! I WILL NO LONGER TOLERATE BEING NAMED PANSUTO TAROU!!" A this, Happi and Lucky both broke into laughs. "Being named after panty hose?!" Happi managed between giggles, "What a name!" With a growl, Tarou threw them both to the ground. He pulled a bucket of water from nowhere, and dumped the contents over himself. The man changed... no longer a man, he was a gigantic creature - a terrible mix of animals. He looked somewhat like a minotaur, but multiple tentacles protruded from his back. His tail was like a serpent, but the most amazing thing was his giant wings. Gosunkugi, now wide awake with shock, stared at the creature, who had so suddenly appeared before him. It snorted and pounced on its tormenters, smashing them both with its large fists. The two went flying into a tree narrowly missing Gosunkugi's head. He yelped as the monster's tentacles reached out and grabbed the pair of hentai, smacking them together, soundly. A hollow thunk reverberated around the clearing, and the two went silent. The minotaur gave a low growl and spread his mighty wings, and with a leap into the air he took off. As the down draft from the monster's wings shot sparks from the camp fire into the air, Gosunkugi shivered in terror, staring up at the great monster. Above the clearing, as Gosunkugi watched with large, scared eyes, the monster threw Happi and Lucky as hard as it could, off into the distance. The pair dwindled to a little dot in the distance before disappearing completely... Seemingly satisfied, Tarou landed in the clearing. Taking the kettle that had been set to boil for Gosunkugi's tea, Tarou poured in on himself, turning him back into a rather wet and naked man. Picking up the remains of his pants, Tarou put them on, then turned to Gosunkugi. "What is up with you and the girl there? Why was the pervert chasing you?" Gosunkugi just stared up at Tarou. He was so nervous that he could hardly think, let alone speak. He stared up at the Chinese man, his mouth working soundlessly. Tarou's face became threatening as he glared down at the cowering man. "Tell me what you've got to do with the old man!" "I..I...I!" was all that Gosunkugi managed to whimper. The taller man bent down and grabbed Gosunkugi by the collar of his shirt, and picked him up, shaking him slightly. "Tell me, you little coward!" Tarou said in a low growl. "H..hai! I'll tell!" Tarou sneered and dropped him back on the ground. Shivering with relief, Gosunkugi gave a small sigh, that was almost a sob. He stared intently at the ground and started to relate the story, sketchily, in a shaky voice. Tarou sat by the fire, a thoughtful look coming over his features as he listened to Gosunkugi's tale. He stared into the dancing flames of the camp fire, and he started to speak, as if to himself. "My life was ruined, all because of that old pervert, and that accursed name he gave me at my birth. I've never had a girl friend before, either, all because of him..." Tarou's gaze turned into a glare, a frown crossing his features. "Every time I've met a girl who likes me, she's asked my name. How can I tell her, when she'll just laugh at me? Everyone does. Feh. The only girl who I've said more than two sentences to is a stupid girl called Rouge. And that's because we fight. She hates me and I hate her. I didn't really care about that Akane, girl, either - but she was Ranma's, anyway. I've never even had something like that friendship with you and the sleeping teacher there." As his voice started to raise, he turned to Gosunkugi and glared over at him, making him jump as Tarou noticed him at last, "At least you have that!" Gosunkugi lowered his eyes with shame, "Not any more." "Huh?" "She's sure to hate me now," Gosunkugi sighed. He needed to get this off his chest before the guilt tore him apart. Tarou really didn't care one way or another about what he'd done, so why not talk to the stranger? "We are very much alike, when it comes to girls," he continued, "but it's not a name that drives girls away. It's just me." Tarou looked speculatively over at Hinako, and shrugged, "You said that she was the one asking you, so you'll just have to wait and see, won't you? But what about that Cologne woman?" "She's off to get the Spring of Drowned Saint water to help restore sensei back to normal." "That spring? I know where that's supposed to be. Right next to the Spring of Drowned Twins. The woman might be able to get Happousai to remember what evil he did to me, and to get him to give me a new name! She knows him from old times, does she not?" Gosunkugi just nodded his head, "I guess so." "Well, you look after your teacher, and I will head to Jyusenkyou. I'll save some of that water for the old bastard when I see him, too. Then he's SURE to give me a new name!" Tarou laughed maniacally, and with a flick of the wrist, threw a bucket of cold water over himself. Tarou-minotaur flew off into the sky, leaving Gosunkugi alone to his thoughts with the sleeping, satiated Hinako. [Near Jyusenkyou] Tarou flew through the air towards Jyusenkyou. Looking down, her watched a number of villagers dragging a woman with a jar away from the springs. She was struggling, but to no avail as one of the most ugly and strongest women that he'd ever seen held the woman in an inescapable grip. He turned back to the lakes, no longer giving the villagers any thought. The Jyusenkyou Guide was nowhere to be seen. He flew down for a landing by the pools of cursed water. He'd definitely lost his bearings. The struggling woman with the jar caught his eye again. He gave a frown, and wondered if he should help. he thought sourly. He went to turn back to the pools when his sharp eyes caught the kanji on the jar. Shananniichuan - The Spring of Drowned Saint. He gave a snort, and started to take off. From the air, he'd follow those women. When they got to wherever they were going, he'd take the jar and go find Happousai. He looked at the captured woman from afar. Long dark hair... an obviously pretty body and face, even from that distance. Maybe he'd rescue her from her fate, too... [Flashback] Cologne had been kneeling by the pond, filling her jar when the villagers pounced. She could have fought them off and got away, but she didn't want to take the risk of spilling the water, just yet. They'd knocked out the Jyusenkyou Guide, and even though she was sure to find the right spring, she just didn't want to take the chance. Another woman, one of the healers of the clan, had been present. "Cologne, though you are dishonoured, the elders have decided to give you a chance to explain yourself." The clan leader had snorted in disgust, slamming her sword back into its scabbard. Most of the warriors were hot headed, but she was obviously the worst of the lot. The healer ignored the warrior, and looked to Cologne for her answer. Slowly, Cologne nodded - the elders had wisdom where the clan leader was brash and headstrong. This is the only reason that stopped Cologne from putting up a fight, and getting back to the others with the spring water. She let the warriors had dragged her back to the village, where the remaining elders studied her. Some she knew from many years ago... some who'd grown into the positions... and some familiar faces were gone. An interview with Cologne had ensued, and she'd been allowed to tell her side of the story. Cologne explained of her madness, of the little she remembered of her time of forgetfulness... and of her final cure. She admitted her guilt, and did not excuse herself of her attacks on the Nerima people at the wedding, nor of the way she tried to trap and murder the Saotome family, and their friends. The Amazonian elders had listened without speaking, letting her tale unfold. When she had concluded, Cologne had thrown herself on the mercy of the elders of the village. It was her right to be tried by them, now that she was in the village. The old women had talked among themselves, letting Cologne wait and wonder. But Cologne was sure that the reply would be to her advantage. There was no other reason why she didn't leave, if she didn't believe it to be so. The pronouncement finally came. Cologne would become the servant of the clan leader for a moon, where she would have to do menial chores for not only the leader, but for the whole clan. After that, if Cologne performed her job with honour, she would be restored to her former position as a lady of the Joketsuzoku, and elder. Humility. That's what Cologne needed to learn. [End Flashback] Cologne looked out of the window of the beautiful, old Chinese style house that she was locked in. She remembered this place from so long ago, back when she was living in the village. It had been crafted so long ago, back when her late husband had been alive. He'd been a wonderful carpenter, and had done most of the work on the houses in the village. Traditionally, the women were the ones who planned the houses, and the men did the back- breaking work of building them. So, the ancient Amazon architectural style had been preserved through the years. This was one of the houses that he had built from scratch. Cologne smiled to herself and went to sit down on the polished wooden floor. The woodwork was so fine, and so carefully and lovingly preserved over the years. The deep grain of the wood came through clearly, even through the small marks and scratches here and there. She looked to the door, which opened on to the village square. Two bulky woman warriors stood guard. It was good to be back in the village again, even under such circumstances. But the longer the elders were working over terms with the rest of the clan, Cologne started to chafe at how long the meeting was taking. She narrowed her eyes slightly, and shook her head slowly. If the meeting did not finish soon, she would have to break her way out and get the jar of water to Hinako. A nagging worry was at the back of her mind... she was not sure if she should have left Gosunkugi alone with the teacher ... But there was no use worrying now. Suddenly, a rumbling sound from the roof above Cologne's head broke the silence. A powerful wind blew through the open windows, and the guards out side had turned around and were staring up in horror at something. The rumbling grew louder, and the ceiling started to crack... the cracks spread and grew larger, and pieces of wood started to rain down inside the room, around Cologne. With a graceful leap, Cologne pushed herself back away from the center of the room, and took cover by the wall. With a sudden *CRACK*, the roof was smashed in, and a giant, furred arm reached in. It made a wild swing around the room, searching... and finally grabbed Cologne by the waist. She didn't dignify screaming, but looked up through the roof to the creature who owned the arm with wide eyes. She was lifted up into the air, only just managing to grab hold of the jar of cursed water as she was roughly yanked up into mid-air! An image went through her mind of the precious jar tumbling to the ground where it smashed ... the water, splashing out in droplets like a rainbow, finally spreading out over the wooden floor and dissipating, lost forever. She clutched the jar to her breasts, and turned to glare up at the monster, more angry than anything at how she had almost lost the water. she thought to herself, Tarou didn't see her glare. Not even bothering to look at the woman he held, Tarou beat his strong wings, sending the wind and clouds swirling away behind the two, and he headed to the camp... [Clearing] Cologne beat Tarou over the head with the empty jar, "Never do that again, boy!" It was peculiar, the long, dark-haired beauty calling the taller, older looking Tarou a 'boy'. Gosunkugi would have found it funny if he hadn't felt so guilty about what he'd done to Hinako. Especially now that Cologne was back. The weight of guilt crushed his heart... The teacher sat quietly, leaning against a tree, looking up at the blue sky. She'd been like that since she woke up. Gosunkugi turned away from her, his eyes downcast. He'd remembered how she had woken up, an extremely embarrassed look on her face. She'd turned away, clutching the blanket to herself and pulled her clothing under the blanket with her. Gosunkugi had turned away in shame and embarrassment while she dressed herself under the blanket. He felt her eyes on him, boring into him from her spot by the fire. Silent tears had traced their way down his face as he stood, never daring to turn around... until Tarou and Cologne landed between the two of them. The pair had had a fight over the water. Cologne was ready to toss it over Hinako then and there, and Tarou had grabbed onto the bottom of the jar. The tug of war that resulted had both of them glaring at each other, both getting angrier and angrier. Then Tarou had tried to trip Cologne and steal the jar away. His foot spun out at her so fast that she only just managed to dodge .... pulling the jar out of both of their grips, it span out of control through the air and landed in the soft grass, on it's side. The cursed water spilled out of the jar, draining away as everyone looked on in horror. Brought back into the present at Tarou's yelling, Gosunkugi started and looked sullenly at the two. Tarou growled at Cologne, then snorted, "If that's how you repay me for saving you, I'm going!" Cologne rolled her eyes, and folded her arms under her breasts, "Go, boy. You are about as useless as that Ranma used to be. Go on, fly off and beat up Happousai again, or whatever it is that you do. I'm going to go back to the village." She turned to Gosunkugi and Hinako. Kneeling down beside Hinako, Cologne started another check up, testing Hinako's ki levels, her tsubo points and asking various questions, which Hinako answered with a nod or a shake of her head. Gosunkugi shriveled inside - she'd not said a word since she had woken. "Well, you seem perfectly alright now. Although, for _some_ reason," Cologne turned an accusing gaze on Gosunkugi. He quailed. Without taking her eye from the young man, she continued, "her hormones are in a total mess. It will take her body time to slow down and adjust, so until then, she won't be turning into a child. It will probably take a day or two, at the most." She placed her hand on the earth for a moment, silently taking a ki reading of the grass by her feet. Her eyebrows rose. Her thoughts turned back to Hinako and Gosunkugi, She'd go back. She'd work her way back as a valued member of her clan, again. Cologne sighed to herself, Cologne felt an emptiness opening in her heart, remembering the destruction of the house. It hadn't been her house ... but her husband had put his heart into his work ... there was that much less of him for her to remember him by... something else missing of him. She turned to look back up the path, towards the village. She couldn't speak his name. She could not even think his name ... speaking his name might bring his ghost to haunt the village... She held the feelings deep inside her heart, and looked at the two she came to China with. Tarou, ignored, stomped off, into the forest. "You two must make your way home, yourselves. I've got ... a debt to pay at my village." She hoped that somewhere along the way, whatever had passed between them would be worked out. Love was a funny thing ... so taciturn. Love and hate ... there was a thin line between the two. Gosunkugi nodded his assent. She took one last look at the two ... then turned and walked, till she disappeared between the trees. [Forest] Gosunkugi and the still adult Hinako walked in silence. Both thinking their own thoughts, too wrapped up in their own minds to do more than walk. Hours had passed, but Gosunkugi didn't feel worthy to even say a word to her. So he walked on, carrying the packs. An even heavier weight was on his mind... Finally Hinako spoke. "Hikaru?" "H...hai?" Gosunkugi's heart beat faster, scared to death of what she'd say. He knew that the closest thing that he'd ever had to friendship was gone ... he'd thrown it away, just for a few moments of lust! He berated himself over and over in his mind, hating himself. "I've been thinking ...." The words made the Shintoist dread even more. Her voice was so ... hollow to his ears. "... and I'm not sure what really to say. I..." She paused to search for the words. A small frown creased her smooth forehead as she continued, "I... Hikaru, I wish things had been different, my first time. I guess I can't blame you for it ... but I am angry. Just let me work this all through. I need time to think." Gosunkugi's world crumbled even more. "I've never had many thoughts as an adult before, Hikaru. Not like this. I now realised that have always been just a child in my thoughts and in my actions, not just my body." She turned to reguard him for a moment, noticing how he failed to meet her gaze. His eyes focused on the ground, where they stayed. Shame burned on his face, "I know that this changes things between us - a lot." She took a deep breath and let it out, feeling a calmness settle on her. "I've been hurt, inside... but I guess that I've hurt you, too. All those times that I'd just used you for dinner or to walk me home, with not even a word of thanks," she sighed softly and turned to stare at the ground. "I've searched my heart, and ... well, everything between us has always been wrong." Gosunkugi stumbled slightly. It was all he could do to keep walking. He felt so empty, he just wanted to lay down and die. "It will take a while before things are properly worked out between us... I mean, that ... in the forest ... it felt wonderful..... but I just couldn't stop my body. I was expecting something to happen like that ...... but it's ... It's not your fault, it's that dirty old man's fault," Hinako took another deep breath and whispered, "Hikaru, to start with... I'd like to say that I'm sorry for how I've treated you." Gosunkugi mumbled something incoherently, his feelings so badly shaken about that he could hardly tell up from down any more. She stopped still, and he almost ran into her, so suddenly did she stop. Closing her eyes, she hugged herself tightly and whispered, "And Hikaru, I forgive you." Gosunkugi's eyes rolled back and he fainted, the contents of the packs scattering all over the place as he hit the ground. She sighed and looked down at the unconscious man at her feet. She shook her head slowly, "I'm still angry at you, Hikaru-chan ... but that will pass, one day soon ... Maybe then we can at least be friends again." Kneeling down, she gently brushed Gosunkugi's hair back from his eyes. A small smile crossed her lips... "And if we can work it out, maybe, one day we can be more than just friends........." --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ranma nibun no ichi - H is for Hinako [Epilogue] --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [Nerima] As Gosunkugi and Hinako traveled, in Japan a phone rang. "Moshi, moshi?" Akane answered the telephone, "Oh, hi Kasumi-oneechan! How are you?" As Akane listened, her eyes grew wider, and her mouth dropped open. "H...hontou ni, Oneechan?" As her sister replied, Akane broke into smiles, "Congratulations, oneechan! That's wonderful!!" "Oi, Akane, what is it?" Ranma called over. The rest of the family watched Akane's grin and she seemed to be bursting with energy, all of a sudden. They were all very, very curious as to what was going on. Nodoka, Genma and Souun were all looking at Akane, all poking their head out of the door. Akane finished off her conversation with her sister, "Hai, please come over for dinner, oneechan! Tonight will be alright? ... Hai, that will be fine! Please, take care and we'll see you and Toufuu-sensei then, ne?" Slowly, Akane put down the phone and turned to the rest, who were now out in the hallway, not even pretending to be 'just walking by' the door. "Kasumi-oneechan and Toufuu-sensei are going to have a baby!" And pandemonium broke out. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please, give C&C on my fanfic. It would be helpful! (Ie. spelling, grammar, etc etc etc) Thanks to Azatlan, Chris Jones, Anonymous Reviewer "JS" (he's too shy to have his name in a lemon fanfic!!), Jim Lazar, Redneck Gaijin, Bill Seney and Alex Neilson for their C&C for the story so far, especially to Alex who typed most of this story up for me! Ja, mata! Kunoichi@AnimeMUCK Kunoichi@AnimeMUSH Lum@RanmaMUCK Akane@KawaiiMUCK Ukyou@Furtoonia Kodachi@FictionMUCK Caroline@RealLife http://www.ecr.mu.oz.au/~caseawr